Dumbledore stared at the unusually clear Magic Mirror, feeling quite puzzled.
The child was standing there doing nothing, yet the mirror automatically switched to a mode that allowed others to see him.
Ron, unable to contain his own doubts any longer, immediately voiced the question on behalf of everyone:
"Wait a minute, is this magic mirror broken? How can it let us see everything in your heart?"
Draco casually tossed out an utterly absurd statement. "I'm good friends with the Magic Mirror, and it listens to me."
Hermione was both annoyed and amused, her cheeks still flushed, but she couldn't help but give him a light glare.
This person, even now, is still spouting nonsense. He clearly did something unknown to others, but he insists on making it sound so childish.
Dumbledore paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.
In all his years, this was the first time he had ever heard of someone calling the Mirror of Erised a friend.
This child is both clever and good at pretending. He clearly has ulterior motives, but he insists on using such naive words to deceive people.
However, Dumbledore didn't elaborate, only saying:
"I see. Mr. Malfoy is truly remarkable; even the Magic Mirror is willing to befriend you."
Draco replied without the slightest hint of embarrassment, "Of course."
Harry then blinked slightly, suppressing a smile.
He knew Draco always had secrets, but the reason was so far-fetched that it was impossible to believe it, yet impossible to expose it.
Ron immediately gave him a "Do you think I'm stupid?" look, his lips twitching as he said:
"The magic mirror listens to you? Why don't you mention that it even drinks tea with you? That's ridiculous!"
Draco glanced at Ron, whose face was full of defiance, and said in a slightly provocative tone:
" Ron, if you don't believe me, you can come over here. I'll have the magic mirror reflect your deepest desires perfectly."
Upon hearing this, Ron immediately shrank back.
He kept saying the Magic Mirror was broken, but if you actually asked him to stand there and publicly reveal his secret desire to be Quidditch star, to be better than his brother, and to be praised by everyone, he would never dare to do it.
Ron scratched his head, his eyes darting around, and stubbornly said, "Who, who wants to look in this mirror! I don't care! I just think this mirror is weird!"
Hermione watched helplessly, wanting to laugh at the same time, and gently shook her head.
Ron's pride and fear of appearing weak were practically written all over his face.
Harry gently nudged Ron's arm.
He knew Ron all too well. He was usually so loud and boisterous, but when it came to revealing his deepest vanity and desires to everyone, it was more painful than being punished by doing homework.
Draco saw through his timidity at a glance and teased, "What's wrong? Scared now? You were quite the talker just now."
Ron's face flushed red, and he stiffened his neck and shouted:
"It's not that I'm afraid! I just... I just don't want to look at that broken mirror!"
Seeing Ron shrinking back and refusing to come forward, Draco smirked and turned to look at Dumbledore beside him.
"It seems someone is too scared. Professor, why don't you give it a try?"
Upon hearing this, Hermione, Harry, and Ron all fell silent and looked at Dumbledore.
Everyone is curious about what this seemingly omniscient and all-knowing old principal truly desires deep down.
Dumbledore moment, then burst into loud laughter.
He slowly walked forward, but did not stand in the center of the mirror.
He simply shook his head slightly, a hint of melancholy in his eyes, his tone as calm as a deep pool:
"I don't need that, kid."
He gazed at the softly glowing magic mirror, as if looking into memories from a very, very long time ago, a faint trace of nostalgia flickering in his eyes:
"The longing in my heart has long since sunk deep into the past. If it were to be brought to light, it would only make you young people feel heartbroken."
Draco didn't press the matter further, but simply nodded slightly.
"I understand, Professor."
Draco knew Dumbledore than for his sister.
This was his regret; otherwise, he wouldn't have touched the Resurrection Stone on the ring, even though it was part of his plan...
But now that he has Draco, Dumbledore no longer needs that kind of... plan.
Hermione, standing beside Draco, nodded slightly, her eyes filled with respect.
She could also sense that the principal harbored a tender yet sorrowful past, one he was unwilling to easily reveal to others.
Harry quieted down too.
Ron also stopped being so loud and boisterous.
Although he didn't understand the profound principles, he could tell that the professor's reluctance to take the photo wasn't due to fear, but rather to unwillingness.
Dumbledore and said in a gentle voice, "Alright, it's getting late, we should head back."
No one said anything more, and they turned around one by one.
Harry walked in the middle, feeling less gloomy, while Ron was still a little shaken.
Hermione walked beside Draco, occasionally glancing at him furtively, her cheeks still slightly flushed.
Draco walked at the back, glancing back at the Mirror of Erised, which stood silently.
He slightly curled the corners of his lips and followed the others out of the classroom.
As they walked out of the classroom, Ron's excitement returned, and he couldn't help but ask:
What did you do during your holiday?
Hermione replied casually, "What else can I do at home while studying?"
Ron curled his lip and retorted, "Only someone like you can spend all your time surrounded by books."
Then he turned to Draco: "And what about you?"
Draco casually replied, "Studying at home."
Ron immediately rolled his eyes, and Harry, standing to the side, clearly didn't believe it either.
Ron scoffed, "With your personality, you think you can just sit at home peacefully? I don't believe it. You dare say you didn't secretly go to see Hermione?"
Draco replied calmly, "No."
"No?" Ron pressed, "Then why did you ask Hermione's address before?"
Draco replied nonchalantly, "I'm going to play with her."
Ron was speechless for a moment, unsure how to respond.
Hermione said helplessly, "Stop teasing him. Actually, we're studying together during the holidays."
Ron was startled, his voice rising several decibels:
"Huh? They... they all went to meet the parents?"
Hermione's cheeks flushed. She wanted to say something in her defense, but didn't know where to begin. In the end, she just gave Ron a light glare.
Ron, intrigued, pressed on, "Tell me quickly, did Hermione's father look stern, like he wanted to eat you alive?"
Draco gently shook his head. "No. We got along very well, and I even had a drink with her father."
Ron still didn't believe it, waving his hand and saying, "I don't believe it! Unless you two haven't revealed your relationship and are just ordinary classmates."
Draco smiled faintly. "They not only knew, but they also entrusted Hermione to me."
Ron immediately became agitated, his face full of resentment:
"Why should I entrust Hermione to you?!"