The carriage slowly entered Malfoy Manor, passed through the lush courtyard, and came to a steady stop before the main house.
As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Lucius said flatly, his face largely expressionless, "Draco, come with me."
His words were brief, yet carried unquestionable authority.
Draco stirred inwardly. Knowing this must concern today's competition, he gathered himself and silently followed Lucius toward the study.
Narcissa followed close behind, a measure of scrutiny hidden beneath her calm gaze. Clearly, she too had instructions for him.
The study lay deep within the main house, quiet and secluded. They pushed the door open and entered, and the heavy wooden door slowly closed behind them.
With a soft click, the lock engaged on its own, shutting out all the noise of the outside world.
The furnishings were elegant and dignified. Dark wooden bookshelves were filled with ancient books and magical tomes, while sunlight streamed through the carved windows, scattering patches of light and shadow across the floor.
Lucius walked straight behind the desk and sat down, folding his hands on its surface and tapping his fingers lightly against it.
His gray-blue eyes, so like Draco's own, now held an icy sharpness as they scrutinized him.
This was somewhat different from the situation at dinner that day, so Draco was not particularly nervous.
For a moment, the room was silent except for the tapping of Lucius's fingers on the desk.
Once Narcissa had entered, he finally spoke. "Your attendance alone was worth one hundred points."
He began with approval, yet there was not a trace of warmth in it.
"By attending today, you did more than accept Pansy's invitation. You reaffirmed the stability of the alliance between the Malfoy and Parkinson families to the Parkinson family and every pure-blood family present. That was the only important task you accomplished today. You protected the family's fundamental interests. That was acceptable."
After a brief pause, Lucius changed tack, his judgment turning stern. "Your performance in the competition earned zero points."
Those few words showed no mercy.
"You were distracted throughout, your posture was languid, and your eyes wandered. You did not take the competition seriously at all. Such behavior exposed your lack of the patience needed to put on a performance during low-level social duties, and revealed your lack of focus.
"Draco, remember that you are the heir to the Malfoy family. Even if you privately disdain these trivial matters, outwardly you should display an impeccable sense of control, holding everything in your grasp, rather than looking so bored and indolent and losing the bearing of a Malfoy."
As he spoke, his fingers tapped a little faster against the desk, and his gaze grew sharper. "Your handling of matters after the competition barely passed."
He then brought up Draco's assessment of Pansy that day and his farewells to the parents.
"You knew to use precise terms such as 'linear control' and 'expected results' to establish the boundary between you and Pansy without stepping over it. That clarity of mind was commendable enough."
"'See you at Hogwarts' was also appropriate. It maintained a surface friendship without leaving any unnecessary promises, avoiding trouble down the line."
"But that is merely the foundation, Draco. You could have done better-been more elegant, more composed, left room in your words, and made yourself harder to read, thereby securing more initiative instead of merely settling for avoiding mistakes."
Lucius leaned forward slightly and spoke with the expectations and admonition of the head of the family. "Today, you played the part of an adequate, but by no means outstanding, Malfoy heir."
"You upheld the minimum standard of the family's interests, but added nothing to its glory."
"Remember, in any social setting, you yourself are the Malfoy family's most powerful silent weapon."
"Every careless moment, every lapse, weakens that weapon's deterrent power and gives those who covet what we have or seek to challenge us ideas they should never entertain."
"I hope you will remember today's lesson. Once you reach Hogwarts, learn to wield this weapon better. Preserve the glory of the Malfoys, and above all, make it flourish."
When Lucius finished, Narcissa stepped forward and stood beside the desk. Her gentle tone carried the same gravity. "Your father is right, son. You maintained basic courtesy and propriety throughout today's social occasion. That was good. You did not disgrace the Malfoy family."
"But remember, true strength never lies in making no mistakes. It lies in using your presence and abilities to make mistakes hesitate to approach you."
"Your laxness during today's competition and your flat responses afterward may seem inconsequential to you, but they will give some people unwarranted ideas. They may think you can be pushed around, or that there is an opening to exploit. For our Malfoy family, that means potential trouble."
As he listened to his parents take turns lecturing him, Draco grumbled inwardly.
This is exhausting. It was only a little competition, yet everything I do and every word I say has to be controlled so strictly. I can't relax for even a moment. Can't this young master have a little peace and freedom?
Grumble though he might, Draco had not yet reached the point of laying his cards on the table with his parents, so he could only obediently accept their instruction.
Draco straightened his back and bowed slightly, setting out the lessons and insights he had gained that day one by one. "I understand, Father. In terms of 'results,' my performance today barely met the standard. I upheld our family's alliance with the Parkinson family and avoided unnecessary trouble. But in terms of 'process' and 'bearing,' I did indeed fall short of a Malfoy's standards. I was too lax and lacked a sense of control."
"I will remember your teachings. My very presence is a display of the Malfoy family. Every gesture and every word represents the family's dignity and deterrent power."
"Once I am at Hogwarts, I will never again allow such laxness to give anyone room to misjudge me. I will certainly display the bearing and control expected of a Malfoy."
Draco then turned to Narcissa. "Mother, I have also thought carefully about your words."
"Proper words and conduct are weapons for protecting oneself and deterring others. Appropriate distance is the art of maintaining relationships and holding the initiative."
"Although my response to Pansy today clearly established boundaries, it was too blunt and direct, lacking composure and room to maneuver."
"At Hogwarts, I will learn to wield the weapon of 'propriety' better. Through the appropriate bearing and distance, I will select the right people and matters and actively control the situation, rather than passively waiting for trouble to approach."
As Lucius listened to Draco's response, some of the coldness gradually faded from his eyes. He nodded slowly, evidently reasonably satisfied with Draco's understanding.
Narcissa also gave a gratified smile and reached out to pat Draco gently on the shoulder. "Remember what you said today, son.
"One day, the glory of the Malfoy family will be placed in your hands. Only by remaining clearheaded and meticulous at all times will you be able to shoulder that responsibility."
Draco nodded firmly and said respectfully, "Father, Mother, I have taken today's admonitions to heart. I certainly will not disappoint either of you. If there is nothing else, I will return to my room."
Lucius and Narcissa exchanged a glance and both gave their permission.
With their permission, Draco bowed, turned, and headed out of the study.
The instant he pushed open the door, he could not help grumbling inwardly again.
I'd better attend as few of these pure-blood family social events as possible from now on. Not only do I have to keep a proper mask on my face at all times and watch every word and action,
I also have to face such a harsh lecture afterward. Who could stand being wound this tight!
Still, at least I gained something today.