Dumbledore stared at Draco.
Finally, Dumbledore slowly spoke, "I understand."
He sighed softly as he spoke.
" Mr. Malfoy. Abraxas Malfoy... is a cautious wizard. He must have had his reasons for making such a decision."
This sentence.
This is a superficial endorsement of Draco's "manuscript destruction" narrative.
Furthermore, it subtly defined the act of "destroying items involving secrets and dangers".
"The manuscript has been destroyed; its existence is confined to Mr. Malfoy's memory and... limited practice."
Dumbledore's gaze sharpened instantly.
His tone also became slightly more serious.
"But that doesn't change the fact that you used magic illegally, caused a disturbance, and initially tried to cover up the truth with lies, Mr. Malfoy."
"The rules of Hogwarts are the cornerstone of the castle's smooth operation and must be obeyed by every teacher and student."
"A spell whose effects are unknown, whose principles are unique, and whose origin is untraceable, should not be used arbitrarily within the castle without evaluation and permission, no matter how good its initial intention may be."
After speaking with Draco, Dumbledore slowly turned to Professor McGonagall beside him.
" Minerva, according to Hogwarts ' school rules, the specific punishment for the disciplinary violation should be determined by you."
"But considering that Mr. Malfoy is a first-time offender, and that his magic is... objectively..."
Dumbledore deliberately slowed his speech when he said "objectively," as if he was carefully choosing his words.
" Mr. Malfoy objectively... prevented Peeves from causing even greater destruction; perhaps the severity of his punishment should be reconsidered."
These words
It acknowledges the positive results of Draco's actions.
However, they did not entirely agree with his flawed explanation.
He did not forgive his transgression in using magic, and his judgment was just right.
Professor McGonagall remained tense, her expression still stern, but she still nodded solemnly.
"Of course, Albus. Unauthorized use of magic in the corridor, instigating a large-scale student riot, and attempting to deceive the professor with lies—all three offenses are serious. Gryffindor, deduct fifty points."
As she spoke, her sharp gaze swept over Draco.
"And, solitary confinement. I will personally arrange the specifics and duration of the confinement later."
Fifty points!
These three words resounded like thunder in everyone's ears.
Harry and Ron both gasped simultaneously, their faces filled with shock.
Hermione also showed a heartbroken expression.
Even though deep down she felt Draco deserved what he got.
But the points deducted were still Gryffindor points, how could she not feel bad?
Only Draco remained calm and expressionless.
He simply nodded slightly and said, "Yes, Professor."
"As for the magic itself..."
Dumbledore's gaze swept over Professor Flitwick was already unable to contain his curiosity.
Finally, the gaze returned to Draco.
But the words were spoken to Professor Flitwick.
He said to Professor Flitwick:
" Filius, I need you, in your capacity as Professor of Charms at Hogwarts, to conduct a... private assessment and record of Mr. Malfoy."
Dumbledore emphasized the word "in private," his gaze carrying a deeper meaning.
Then he added, "The focus of the assessment is not on restoring the manuscript that no longer exists."
"After all, the deceased are gone, the tradition has been broken, and forcing it is pointless."
"The focus should be on assessing the magic itself, the potential risks to the caster, the actual range of its impact on its target, and whether it might produce uncontrollable consequences during its use."
"Until the assessment is completed and its absolute safety is confirmed, Mr. Malfoy shall not use this magic again within the grounds of Hogwarts Castle."
Dumbledore then warned Draco.
"Unless facing an extremely urgent situation with no other options."
"This is something you must strictly adhere to, Mr. Malfoy."
Private assessment.
This undoubtedly gave Draco and Professor Flitwick a relatively relaxed space.
The results of the evaluation may not be made public in their entirety.
Upon hearing this, Draco respectfully replied, "I understand, Headmaster. I will fully cooperate with Professor Flitwick's evaluation and strictly abide by your prohibition."
Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction, seemingly approving of Draco's humble attitude.
He then turned his gaze to Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing to the side, his expression softening.
"As for you, Miss Granger, your vigilance and adherence to school rules are commendable."
Then he changed the subject:
"However, in the absence of conclusive evidence, publicly accusing a classmate of using Dark Magic requires greater caution."
This statement was clearly meant to be a reminder to Hermione.
Then he thanked Ron and Harry:
" Mr Potter, Mr. Weasley, you are direct witnesses to this incident. Thank you for your truthful account."
Dumbledore's gaze swept over the four of them, and he concluded, "This matter ends here."
"I don't want to hear any exaggerated or distorted rumors about this matter within Hogwarts Castle."
"You can go back now."
Dumbledore's warning also signaled the end of the matter.
"Yes, Principal."
Hermione wanted to argue that Draco's story was still full of doubts.
But as the words reached his lips, he looked into Dumbledore's all-knowing eyes.
In the end, I swallowed it back.
" Severus," Dumbledore finally turned his gaze to Professor Snape, who had been standing silently in the shadows.
"Thank you for being there and providing an objective account of this event. If there are no further questions..."
Before he could finish speaking, Snape's black robes twitched slightly.
He raised his head and said slowly, "I believe that it is necessary for Madam Pomfrey to conduct a thorough and detailed examination of Mr. Malfoy's... 'special constitution' and his claim of 'being prone to attracting unclean things'."
Snape's gaze was fixed on Draco, his eyes filled with undisguised suspicion.
He said, "After all, a student who 'attracts' ghosts, or even worse, inside Hogwarts Castle."
"His condition also warrants close attention from the school. It concerns... the safety of all Hogwarts students."
These words, seemingly made for the safety of all students, are in fact a veiled attack on their very hearts.
Snape clearly didn't fully believe Draco's explanation about his "special constitution."
He merely wanted to use Madam Pomfrey's examination to explore Draco's hidden secrets from another angle.
"A reasonable suggestion. Well then, Mr. Malfoy, you will also need to go to the Hospital Wing later so that Madam Pomfrey you a full check-up."
Dumbledore.
His face showed no emotion whatsoever, as if he had expected it all along.
"Now, Minerva, please take Mr. Malfoy to arrange the confinement matters. Everyone else, you may leave."