Due to the unexpected events last night, fewer students came to the Great Hall for breakfast today than usual, and the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.
Many people still looked tired.
Draco and Hermione were among the first students to arrive at the Great Hall, as both had rested well and were full of energy.
They sat side by side at a relatively quiet spot at the long table.
Hermione poured herself a glass of orange juice and, as usual, handed Draco a croissant, which he ate regularly. Draco then spread a thick layer of butter and jam on the toast.
Just as Hermione took a bite of toast, a serious-looking figure appeared silently behind them.
Good morning, Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger.
"Cough! Cough cough!" Hermione was caught off guard and choked from the sudden sound. She quickly covered her mouth, her face turning red, and turned her head in alarm.
Good morning, Professor McGonagall!
Draco, on the other hand, was much calmer. He elegantly set down his knife, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, and then turned to Professor McGonagall, giving her a composed nod. "Good morning, Professor."
"Would you like some toast? Or milk? The toast the House-elf baked today is perfect."
Looking at Draco, who seemed to have only gone for a walk the night before, Professor McGonagall's brow twitched. She didn't bring up the topic of food, but instead spoke in a businesslike tone in a low voice:
"I need to discuss your staying out all night with you. Please come to my office after dinner."
Hermione's heart leaped into her throat, but Draco calmly replied, "Of course, Professor!"
Having received a reply, Professor McGonagall turned and left.
After the meal,
The two arrived at Professor McGonagall's office as agreed.
Professor McGonagall, seated behind her desk, scanned the two of them.
"First," Professor McGonagall said, "I must reiterate that your unauthorized actions last night, your disregard for curfew, and your failure to return to your dorms are serious violations of school rules."
"As a professor, I have to deal with this."
Hermione lowered her head, her hands nervously twisting together, while Draco stood ramrod straight, his expression calm, awaiting the verdict.
" Draco Malfoy," Professor McGonagall's gaze fell upon him, "Given that you were the primary instigator of this action, and that you consistently... have a unique style of doing things."
"Twenty points deducted from Gryffindor. Additionally, three weeks of solitary confinement, every Saturday evening, in the Trophy Room, responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of all trophies, shields, and souvenirs."
"Seriously, Professor?" Draco said helplessly, "You didn't deduct points yesterday, and I thought you were finally taking pity on us and were going to let us off the hook because of our hard work. I didn't expect you to wait until today to settle scores."
Hermione, who was listening nearby, had the same thought.
Yesterday in the Entrance Hall,
Although Professor McGonagall reprimanded them, she did not deduct any points as punishment, and at that time she still held a sliver of hope.
Seeing Draco's pained expression, a barely perceptible smile flashed across Professor McGonagall's serious face.
But he quickly regained his serious demeanor and explained:
"The reason we didn't deal with it immediately yesterday was because you had just gone through... an intense battle and rescue, and you both need to recover physically and mentally. I didn't want to add any more stress to you or attract unnecessary attention in that situation."
"But that doesn't mean your behavior can be tolerated."
School rules must be upheld.
Draco nodded and muttered, "Alright, I'm already quite familiar with cleaning the Trophy Room anyway."
Professor McGonagall pretended not to hear his muttering and turned to Hermione: "As for you, Miss Granger..." Hermione immediately straightened her back, ready to accept her share of punishment.
"Although you were... involved to some extent," Professor McGonagall gave Draco a meaningful look.
"However, he failed to effectively dissuade his companion and also participated in the violation; Gryffindor loses 10 points."
"Given your good attitude in admitting your mistake and your excellent usual behavior, you'll be spared solitary confinement this time, but this is a one-time exception!"
Hermione paused for a moment, then a relieved expression appeared on her face. "Thank you, Professor! I will remember it!"
Draco immediately protested, "Professor, this isn't fair! I'm the one who got solitary confinement, and we both got our points deducted, so why am I the only one being punished?"
"The degree of punishment is up to the professor, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Moreover, I think this arrangement is reasonable; you need more time... to reflect on your leadership and impulsiveness."
Draco pursed his lips and remained silent, which was taken as acceptance.
Seeing this, Professor McGonagall brought up another matter:
"Furthermore, regarding your failure to return to your respective common rooms last night, to avoid unnecessary speculation, I have explained to the Gryffindor students that you returned to the Malfoy Manor to report Harry's attack to Mr. Malfoy and assist with the follow-up matters."
"You can continue using this approach."
Draco's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood Professor McGonagall's meaning. "So, we can announce to the outside world that we didn't go back to school last night because we went to my house to get reinforcements?"
Hermione's face also showed a happy expression.
That's a great reason!
This both explained why he didn't come home that night and avoided Lavender and the others!
"Yes," Professor McGonagall nodded.
"This will explain where you went, and it will also prevent other students from paying too much attention to your specific whereabouts last night. But remember, this is a one-time thing; there will be no next time. I don't want to hear any more reports of you violating curfew!"
"Understood, Professor!" they both said in unison.
This time, I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
"Alright, you can go back now. Mr. Malfoy, remember your confinement begins this Saturday."
The two walked out of Professor McGonagall's office, exchanged a smile, and both felt much more relaxed. At least, the most troublesome issue—explaining why they hadn't come home all night—had been perfectly resolved.
When they returned to the Great Hall, it was already full of students, and the buzzing conversation was several times louder than before; clearly, everyone was discussing what had happened the night before.
Upon seeing Draco and Hermione appear, many eyes immediately turned to them, especially those at the Gryffindor table.
"Hey! Draco! Hermione! Over here!"
Lavender stood up and waved vigorously, attracting the attention of his friends, whose eyes were filled with curiosity and concern.
As soon as the two sat down at the Gryffindor table, Lavender couldn't wait to ask, " Hermione! Draco! Where did you two go yesterday?"
"Yeah, yeah! Last night must have been thrilling, right? Did you see the dark wizard? How did you rescue Harry?"
Draco, following the script given by Professor McGonagall, replied calmly, "Nothing special."
"After Harry was attacked, I felt I needed Laodeng's help, so I took Hermione back to the Malfoy Manor."
"Then I told my father what happened, and he contacted some... reliable people at the Ministry of Magic, devised a plan, and together we rescued Harry."
He attributed the credit to the Malfoy family and reliable people in the Ministry of Magic, downplaying his own and Hermione's individual roles.
"Yes, it was mainly Mr. Malfoy who made the best arrangements. We only provided clues," Hermione chimed in.
This explanation sounds reasonable.
This aligns with everyone's perception of the Malfoy family's power and also explains why they were able to rescue Harry so quickly.
Although somewhat disappointed at not hearing more details about the hero's adventures, Lavender and Parvati accepted it.
Ron scratched his head. "Oh, I see... Your dad's pretty good." Neville said, "It's good that you're safe."
Just as everyone was digesting this explanation,
A flock of owls flew into the Great Hall like a dark cloud, bringing with them the latest issue of the Daily Prophet.