Draco frowned, and only after a long moment did he speak, his emotions mixed.
"Father left in a hurry and hasn't written home yet, so I don't really know either. I think he must have gone to carry out some secret mission for the Chief.
"Although I'm very proud, Mum's... Mum's worried about Dad's safety. After all, our relationship with the United States is so delicate right now."
Harry had spent quite some time in the United States and knew how chaotic things were there. He quickly put an arm around Draco's shoulders to comfort him.
"Don't worry. The Chief's people are all battle-hardened veterans. They'll definitely keep your father safe."
"Yeah."
As they chatted, they drew close to the Castle gates. Suddenly, they saw Hermione come out with several wizards escorting her and hurry toward Hogsmeade.
Hermione had become quite a conspicuous figure herself. Anyone well informed knew that Shawn valued this little witch highly, so during this sensitive period, she needed guards to ensure her safety whenever she entered or left Hogwarts.
Harry and Draco exchanged a glance and hurried after her. Once they caught up, they asked,
"Hey, Hermione, it's so late. Why are you still going to Hogsmeade?"
Seeing who it was, Hermione did not explain her own business. Instead, she teased them first.
"I just saw Professor Snape looking everywhere for you two. How do you still have time to wander around?"
Harry's and Draco's faces fell, but they were still curious about why Hermione was leaving school so late.
Harry rubbed his hands together and spoke with a show of indifference.
"Never mind that for now. At worst, we'll have to process another two buckets of slugs. Are you leaving school because you've got some urgent mission?
"Come on, tell us. Don't worry, Draco