Ambushed

Eli had no idea when Draco returned to the dormitory. He only knew that when he came back from the washroom, Draco was already sitting alone on the edge of the bed, seemingly lost in thought.

When he saw Eli come in, Draco merely looked up at him before lowering his head again, as if deliberately avoiding him.

Eli did not speak to him. There was really nothing to say in this situation.

He had no way to advise Draco on what choice to make, because the decision Draco faced was one that even a seasoned old wizard with a wealth of life experience could not make without hesitation or regret.

Eli remained fairly optimistic, and his optimism came from Draco's current struggle.

At least Draco was struggling. If he had truly taken their side without mercy, or joined them without the slightest hesitation, then he would no longer be his true self.

He did cherish his friends, and he was worried about his family as well.

The best thing to do now was simply to keep both sides calm and wait for the right opportunity, creating an environment that could properly guide this lost little lamb toward the right choice. After that, they could think about giving him a good beating.

At Gryffindor Tower, Harry and Ron had very different expressions when they returned to the dormitory.

Ron looked furious. He might have been able to understand the predicament Draco was facing, but he was still angry. He simply could not stand being betrayed by a good friend.

He did not go so far as to direct his anger at Astoria. His unfriendly questioning during the day had only been because he had lost his temper.

Harry, meanwhile, looked worried. He kept his head down while Ron cursed and