章 55: Chapter 55: In the Ward
Dumbledore's rhetoric is not always convincing, especially to most Slytherin students. They are more likely to believe that Draco is the heir to the Slytherin legacy, even though it was recently discovered that he may not be eligible.
The fear of being infected by Ron's petrification has also subsided, as the students are aware of the long-standing tensions between the Malfoy and Weasley families. It would be better for them not to use this as an opportunity for revenge.
As for why the matter of Draco's expulsion was suppressed, it's easy to explain. Draco has a powerful father who may have reached a compromise with Dumbledore.
In comparison to Harry's mistakes and a high score last semester, the other students at the school have treated Draco much better. Some even consider him a tragic hero, as he had the opportunity to restore the "pure-blood" supremacy at the school, but was interrupted by the unpopular "mudblood" and DADA professor. This made the students feel sorry for Draco.
The current situation is strange because Draco, who was supposed to be a sinner at the school, has become rather popular. A sixth-grade senior even said, "I believe that Slytherin's descendants will not disappoint us next time," when visiting him. A graduating senior also comforted him by saying, "Compared to the House Cup, I think it's more important to follow the will of the founder of our House. Don't worry about it."
Lucius also visited Draco, though his face showed no anger. Draco noticed, however, that his hair had turned white. Students of the same grade or lower grades also show awe toward Malfoy. He receives fruit baskets and sweets every day, as well as pink love letters confessing affection.
Draco can only sigh with emotion at the conspiracy theories surrounding the love between two teenagers. While there may be hidden agendas at play, he is surprised by the direction of the student's thoughts.
Perhaps this is also why Dumbledore is unpopular at House – the students would rather see him as a negative character.
At other colleges, many discuss Draco's behavior as a serious mistake, whether through private rumors or Dumbledore's official decree. To students outside of Slytherin, it seems that Malfoy made a grave error.
"I'm considering setting up an organization too," Draco jokingly tells himself. His popularity in Slytherin is strong, making him feel that he could easily gather many followers by simply raising his arm. This has led to the development of many Little Death Eater-like groups, similar to other popular fan clubs.
After a few more days, the Mandela grass finally matures. When Ron learns that the true perpetrator was Draco, he immediately tries to attack Draco, but Harry and his two older brothers hold him back. Mrs. Pomfrey, who is responsible for caring for Ron, also comes to visit.
"I was almost killed by him!" Ron growls, pointing to Draco, who is quietly reading a book.
"Ron, calm down," Harry tries to soothe him. "He's received the punishment he deserves, and they won't be able to participate in this year's House Cup."
"Calm down, Ron," his two older brothers say.
"I'm sorry, but I'm actually a victim too," Draco closes the book and apologizes sincerely, but this only angers Ron more. He has no outlet for his anger.
"The principal will expel you next time," Ron can only say in the end.
"Then I'll have the opportunity to transfer," Malfoy says lightly. "At least Durmstrang might welcome me, or maybe..." He glances at Ron and continues, "Some people shouldn't have let money transfer them to this school. Did you find the last car?"
Ron's eyes turn red again at this, and he tries to stand up from the bed to fight with Draco but is held down once more.
In the end, this dispute is not resolved.
"Think about something happy, Ron," Harry tries to distract Ron. "You'll be happy when you see the hourglass representing Slytherin's score. And Hermione won a special contribution award – our House directly added two hundred points! This year's House has to be ours."
"Right, Hermione! How is she doing?" Ron thinks of Hermione and asks Harry.
"She didn't get any serious injuries – much better than yours – and was discharged a few days ago. She should be eating in the restaurant now," Harry points in the direction of the restaurant.
"Oh, I'm feeling hungry now," Ron remembers that he hasn't eaten in a while. The hunger caused by his fasting makes him crave food more and more.
"Then let's go," Harry's tone can't help but lighten up at the sight of Ron recovering. Their two friends are now safe, which is more important than anything.
"Okay," Ron isn't held down this time, but when he actually gets out of bed, he finds that his legs are a little numb and stiff. Harry notices and immediately catches him, and then the two limp to the restaurant.
"What are you doing?" Pansy holds out her hands and stops the Weasley brothers from approaching Malfoy's bed.
"Why, are you going to avenge your brother?" Draco, who has been reading a book, looks up at the Weasley brothers.
"We always feel like something is off," George says first.
"We don't care whether what the principal said is true or false – he must have his reasons – but we won't take advantage of others, especially the Malfoy family," Fred glances at George and tells him to be quiet. He then says, "We won't do anything to avenge Ron," before leaving a package and leaving the ward.
"Don't open it," Pansy looks at the package and asks Malfoy to give it to her. "It must be a prank by their brother to avenge Ron. Let me throw it away," she says.
"It's a pair of wonderful people," Draco claps his hands, apparently surprised by this. This should be the money that the Weasley brothers earned from the shouting letter business. It's a significant sum, and Malfoy guesses that they may have guessed that he was responsible for treating Ron.
"What do they mean? Is there a conflict between the brothers, and they hired you to kill Ron? It's surprising that their family, which seems poor and bitter, is actually quite rich," Pansy looks suspiciously at the shiny coins.
Once again, Draco is defeated by Pansy's ability to fill in the details, and he lets her play freely, but he seems disappointed.
"By the way, when you told them that you wanted them to do business, was it with the shouting letter, right?" She reveals a dream-like expression. "You're clearly controlled by the diary, how could you act unfavorably towards the Basilisk again?" She pauses and says, "If it's rumored to be an act of your own, it would be even more incomprehensible." She stares at Draco deliberately. Clearly, the details of this matter are quite unreasonable.
"The spell of forgetting everything is really useful. I understand Lockhart somewhat," Draco touches his chin, obviously thinking about how to deal with someone's question.
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