After leaving those parting words, Lucius Malfoy took Dobby and left Hogwarts.
He neither warned Draco to be cautious nor passed judgment on his actions, as though whatever Draco chose to do had no bearing on him.
That demand for an explanation—why Draco had risked himself so recklessly—seemed to have been made only for the sake of Draco's mother.
But Draco, his mind still occupied with Voldemort, failed to notice the fleeting glance his father cast his way. Hermione, however—clever and perceptive as she was—caught the cold glimmer in Lucius' eyes and sensed something beneath it.
That same look of superiority, Hermione had seen before on the faces of certain Slytherins: a kind of pride that seemed bred into their very bones. It left her feeling unsettled.
And so, through the rest of the Christmas holidays, Hermione never once sought Draco out again.
Perhaps, until Draco realized the problem for himself, the proud and sensitive Hermione would never take the first step to face him...
This year's Christmas was much the same as any other, but what shocked the young witches and wizards was how much had transpired at Hogwarts during the short break.
The Chamber of Secrets discovered, a Basilisk attacking students, and a hero who had ended it all.
It wasn't until they returned that they realized just how much they had missed...
"Heroes really are something... hmph!"
The sound of that mocking hum beside him made Draco glance helplessly at Pansy, who was puffing out her cheeks.
That "hero," of course, was him—the one who had supposedly defeated the Basilisk and rescued Weasley from the Chamber of Secrets.
Ever since Pansy had heard of his deeds over the holidays, she had been treating him this way. Her sulking exasperated and amused Draco in equal measure, and he could only curl his lip at the so-called "truth."
Him, save Weasley?
Only if Voldemort had truly returned...
Still, it was no surprise Pansy was angry with him. Once she'd heard what a Basilisk really was, she understood that the title of "hero" came only at the risk of one's life.
But Pansy valued seeing Draco safe and whole far more than any empty glory.
"It wasn't nearly as dangerous as you think. With the right preparation, a Basilisk is simple enough to deal with."
In truth, Draco hadn't even lifted a hand. The one who struck was Norberta.
All he had done was exchange words with Voldemort's Horcrux...
"Yes, very simple indeed! After all, you're the great hero who solved the Chamber of Secrets with the adorable know-it-all.
A mere Basilisk could never stop you two. Truly, what a moving love story."
Pansy jabbed a finger at his nose, her wide eyes blazing as she glared at him. Draco, completely overwhelmed by her presence, could only twitch his lips into a strained smile.
What on earth was "moving" about any of it?
Beside them, Goyle and Crabbe hunched their shoulders, trying to shrink out of sight.
Because compared to Draco—who had supposedly slain the Basilisk—they found Pansy far more terrifying at that moment...
...
It was just as in the story Pansy had heard.
Parts of the truth about what had happened in the Chamber of Secrets were buried—especially anything concerning the diary and the existence of that mysterious figure.
This was not only an agreement between Dumbledore and the school board but also an order from the Ministry of Magic. They had no intention of letting a single dark magic item throw the British wizarding world into chaos.
Even if that item had been Voldemort's Horcrux.
In fact, from that day forward, Draco and every wizard present had been placed under a gag order. The one thing they were forbidden to speak of was anything related to Voldemort.
And so, in the official story, the Basilisk became the culprit—not the diary, and certainly not the Dark Lord's Horcrux...
When the mandrakes matured, Percy and even Peeves—once revived from petrification—confirmed it had indeed been the Basilisk that attacked them. That testimony sealed Draco's reputation as the one who had defeated the monster.
With the exception of a few skeptical Gryffindors, students from every other house began to admire the platinum-haired prince with his air of nobility.
Especially the younger witches...
"He's not just Slytherin's prince anymore, is he? Hmph, 'platinum prince' my—ow!"
Noticing the giggling glances cast toward Draco by nearby girls, Pansy muttered bitterly, feeling as though her treasure was being eyed by rivals. The next instant, however, she received a sharp hand chop from her childhood friend.
"Watch your mouth."
"Draco, you're always bullying me."
Though Draco's words sounded harsh, Pansy couldn't help but feel her mood lighten under that familiar gesture. A small, smug spark lit her eyes, as if she were a victorious little creature flicking its tail in triumph.
Watching from behind, Goyle and the others had to avert their eyes, though deep down they knew—this was exactly what their boss lady was like...
Draco, unaware that his growing fame was stirring Pansy's jealousy, tilted his head toward her, noting just how close she stood.
"How's the investigation?"
"The investigation... Oh, I have to admit, your guess was right. That person's power really is growing stronger. But... what does that prove?"
"When was this information gathered?"
"Let me think... about three days ago."
At the shift into serious matters, Pansy's demeanor sharpened, and her report drew a frown from Draco.
Unaware of what Draco had truly faced in the Chamber, Pansy couldn't understand the weight darkening his expression.
"If it was three days ago, then the diary was already destroyed."
Clearly, destroying that Horcrux had not killed Voldemort. Worse, it was just as clear—
It was not the only Horcrux.
And yet, Horcruxes were the most forbidden, the darkest of all magic.
So Voldemort had created more than one?
"What's wrong? You look pale."
At her worried tone, Draco forced down the unease roiling in his chest and shook his head slightly, offering no answer.
He kept silent not only because it was still only his suspicion, but because the thought itself was terrifying.
Horcruxes... more than one?
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on P@treon.
[Upto 50 chapters ahead for now]
[email protected]/BlurryDream