The corridor leading to the Hospital Wing was unusually quiet, broken only by the tap of Zhang Xiao's and Malfoy's footsteps.
"Zhang, how did things turn out like this?" Malfoy felt as though his brain could no longer keep up. He simply could not understand why Snape had suddenly supported him without reservation.
Still, he was secretly relieved that his suspension from the competition had been lifted.
Zhang Xiao abruptly stopped walking. After a moment's silence, he decided not to tell Malfoy the grim truth about just how much pressure he would have to bear from the moment he drew his wand.
From his parents, from society, and from every other direction...
Little Ma probably had yet to understand how earth-shattering his actions had been, as the sole heir of the Malfoy family, once a standard-bearer for the Extreme Pure-bloods.
"Thank goodness Mum and Dad are in China now. They're really happy there. And thank goodness I have Dumbledore and you. With you around, I believe that rotten, backward attitude in the Wizarding World will definitely change.
"Otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to make up my mind."
Zhang Xiao looked in surprise at Malfoy, who was still chattering away. The young master's face was pale, his fear and worry plain to see.
So he had known all along. He was afraid too; he had simply chosen to face his fear. That was all.
Zhang Xiao suddenly thought again of those two close friends, Gryffindor and Slytherin-Gryffindor would never have befriended a coward.
The Little Celestial Master suddenly smiled. He patted Malfoy's shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze.
"Draco, be yourself. I'll be right beside you."
"Hermione! Hermione!"
Harry and Ron suddenly came rushing over. They sat beside Hermione, panting, and cautiously glanced up at Madam Pince,