Professor McGonagall was incredibly astute; how could she not see through Hermione's little scheme and Professor Babbling's reaction?
His stern gaze swept back and forth between Hermione and Draco's faces, finally settling on Draco, his brow furrowed.
Draco received a look from Professor McGonagall that said, "Explain yourself!", a subtle gesture from Hermione implying that he should confess soon, and Professor Babbling's amused laughter...
He sighed helplessly in his heart, but quickly put on an expression of sincere remorse and deep reflection.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout... all of you are absolutely right."
"This was entirely my fault. I acted impulsively, disregarded school rules, and dragged Miss Granger into danger as well."
He had a proper attitude and readily admitted his mistake.
"I was overly worried about Potter's safety and overestimated my own abilities, thinking that with some... uh, extra magical skills I had learned, I could handle it."
"But looking back now, I'm really scared."
"If it weren't for a bit of luck, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
"I am willing to accept the school rules and regulations and promise never to make a similar mistake again. Please forgive me, professors, and I am also sorry for the trouble I have caused Miss Granger." He then gave Hermione a guilty look.
This profound self-examination is beyond reproach.
Professor McGonagall's stern expression softened slightly, but remained serious. "It's good that you've recognized your mistake, Mr. Malfoy."
"Courage is important, but recklessness is never advisable."
"The outcome was good, but the process should not be encouraged. As for disciplinary action... we will discuss it according to school regulations! Now, you both need to rest."
Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout nodded in agreement. Since the main culprit had shown remorse and the accomplice had been coerced, they couldn't bear to reprimand him further. They simply added a few more words of caution, telling him not to do it again.
After disciplining the two audacious high achievers, the professors turned their attention to Harry, the main victim in this incident.
As the professors turned to walk toward Harry, Draco subtly tugged at Hermione's sleeve.
Then he leaned close to her ear and said, "Now's the time to slip away!"
Hermione nodded, letting Draco take her hand. The two quietly retreated to the edge of the crowd, then turned and quickly slipped up the Marble Staircase leading upstairs.
Just as they turned to leave, Harry, who was forcing a stiff smile at the crowd, seemed to sense something. His gaze pierced through the gaps in the crowd and caught the sight of Draco and Hermione disappearing hand in hand around the corner of the stairs.
That silhouette looked so natural, so... in sync.
It was as if they had simply completed a task, and then naturally withdrew together, returning to their own peaceful world.
Harry was in despair.
He wanted to slip away, but it was clearly impossible!
Seventh Floor, near the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower
The two climbed to the Seventh Floor in one go, away from the hustle and bustle.
The portrait of the Fat Lady seemed to have also received the news, and was excitedly discussing something with Sir Cadogan beside her.
Hermione started walking towards the lounge, but Draco stopped her and pointed to the empty corridor on the other side.
"Don't go in," Draco shook his head. "If we go in now, we'll just be stared at like monkeys in a zoo."
" Lavender and Parvati's screams, Ron's endless questions, and Neville and the others' curious stares... Can you handle it? You'd be bothered until dawn."
Hermione shuddered at the thought of it.
She wholeheartedly agreed, but hesitated. "But... if we don't go back, they'll definitely still be worried..."
"Don't worry," Draco gestured towards the downstairs area with his chin.
"Once Harry is settled in, Headmaster Dumbledore will definitely have the heads of the houses inform everyone of the latest situation."
That makes a lot of sense.
Hermione nodded, but then a more practical question, one that made her cheeks burn, popped into her head.
I glanced at the empty corridor, then at the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room so close by.
Hermione lowered her voice unconsciously. "Then... then if we don't go home tonight... tomorrow morning, when they find out we haven't returned to the dorm, they'll definitely, definitely start thinking all sorts of things!"
" Lavender and Parvati's mouths... I... I don't want to be ridiculed to death first thing tomorrow morning!"
Thinking about this, Hermione would rather go back now and be questioned, because at least those questions would be about serious matters.
But staying out all night... especially staying out all night with Draco... that completely changes the nature of the situation!
Tomorrow, all sorts of ambiguous jokes and blush-inducing speculations will surely circulate at Hogwarts!
Just thinking about it made Hermione's cheeks burn.
"So, you'd rather go back now and be surrounded by them asking all sorts of questions until your throat is dry..."
"Would I rather be looked at with those suggestive eyes tomorrow morning and teased about not coming home all night?"
"We've been teased about this for three years already," Draco continued with a sly grin, "The bed in the Room of Requirement is big and soft, and it's absolutely quiet, plus I'll prepare loving meals for you... Isn't that better than going back and getting a headache from all the noise?"
What a big, soft bed... coupled with Draco's teasing look, made Hermione's face turn even redder.
But the scales in his heart tipped completely towards the former, in contrast to the quiet rest he described and the annoyance he felt.
yes,
Being teased a few times is better than being bombarded with jokes all night.
Moreover, she was truly exhausted and felt like she was about to fall apart.
The magic power was also nearly depleted.
What I urgently need now is an absolutely quiet and comfortable environment.
As for her reputation... her relationship with Draco was common knowledge. While staying out all night was a bit outrageous, Draco was right, they hadn't done anything wrong...
"Well, okay then," Hermione finally conceded quietly.
But she didn't forget to emphasize, "You have to come with me tomorrow morning to explain to Lavender and the others that we were just too tired and fell asleep in the empty classroom!"
"Of course, I promise!" Draco's eyes gleamed with laughter as he took her hand. "Come on, my know-it-all, let me take you to our secret base to recharge."
The two arrived at the familiar tapestry. Draco silently wished for a comfortable room where they could rest and recover. After walking back and forth three times, a smooth wooden door appeared. He pushed it open and led Hermione inside.
The room was as thoughtfully furnished as ever.
Hermione relaxed as she stepped into the room.
However, before she could fully relax, she felt an arm wrap around her waist from behind, and then, her body felt light, and the world spun around her...
By the time she realized what was happening, Draco had already easily picked her up and carried her to the bedside, where he gently placed her face down on the soft mattress.
"Hey? Draco, what are you doing?!"
Caught off guard, Hermione struggled to turn over.
Draco, however, had already sat down on the edge of the bed, one hand firmly resting on her lower back, the other...