He recalled the recent deluge of news about Lucius Malfoy in the Daily Prophet, and the reports about power, reform, and purges.
Even if he hated these unruly students, he didn't dare to really offend the Minister for Magic's only son, especially since the latter seemed to have reminded him.
After holding it in for a long time, Filch only managed a muffled, unwilling grumble from his throat. He picked up the oil lamp and retreated into the shadows by the door, no longer uttering a sound, but staring intently at Draco's movements.
Over the next few hours, Draco displayed astonishing proficiency in his solitary confinement duties; he moved with lightning speed.
The trophies, shields, and souvenirs, which had been covered in a thin layer of dust, became Winky in his hands, almost like mirrors. Hermione helped by handing him tools and tidying up, and he was extremely efficient.
When the last Quidditch Cup was polished so brightly that it reflected Filch's gloomy old face, Draco casually tossed the used chamois cloth and polishing bottle toward Filch by the door.
"Here, inspect it, Mr. Filch. It's guaranteed to be shinier than Mrs. Norris's hair."
Filch caught it in a flurry of activity.
He carefully examined the trophies under the oil lamp, and then meticulously wiped the edges with his finger; they were indeed spotless.
He couldn't find a reason to cause trouble, so he could only snort resentfully, "Fine, get lost! Don't let me catch you again!"
Draco nonchalantly took Hermione's hand and left the Trophy Room without looking back, leaving Filch and his threateningly purring cat behind.
As final exams approach,
Most students finally shifted their attention away from Harry's kidnapping adventure and into their intense review.
Harry finally understood what Draco meant by sharing the firepower.
However, an even more intense media storm is relentlessly battering Hogwarts through the Daily Prophet, and at its center remains the Malfoy family.
The recent news is absolutely explosive!
For example, the headline on the front page:
Repentance and Rebirth! Minister Lucius Malfoy publicly admits to being controlled by the Imperius Curse and vows to atone for his sins through action!
The report details how Lucius, during a crucial Wizengamot hearing, tearfully confessed that during Voldemort's first rise to power, he was under the long-term control of the Unforgivable Curses and the Imperius Curse, and was unable to control himself, committing numerous wrongdoings.
After the war, he actively cooperated with the Ministry of Magic's investigation, voluntarily handed over all the Dark Magic items inherited from his family, and unconditionally provided a large amount of archival information about the Death Eaters network and its modus operandi, making a significant contribution to eliminating the remaining Death Eaters.
At the same time, he announced that the Malfoy family would donate an unprecedented amount of wealth to establish the St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries and Illnesses Expansion Fund, the Hogwarts Teaching Facilities and Scholarship Fund, and the Muggle-born Wizards Post-War Reconstruction and Aid Fund, in order to gain the understanding of the magical community through concrete actions and to be labeled as atoners rather than former Death Eaters.
Most Gryffindor thought the Imperius Curse was a hoax! But... donating so much money and helping Muggle-born wizard... that's something real.
Neville whispered in support, "Anyway, it's always good to be able to help St. Mungo's's and Hogwarts."
"My God! Such a huge donation! Just how rich Malfoy family?!" Lavender's focus was on the money.
"A very shrewd crisis management strategy, using money and a coerced excuse to whitewash the situation while simultaneously establishing a charitable image."
Olivia continued her rational analysis, "However, if those funds can actually be implemented, it wouldn't be a bad thing."
" Hogwarts Scholarship? Can we apply? If only we could get a new broom..."
Seamus and Dean were focused on their own interests.
"Of course," Draco replied.
"But that depends on the selection criteria later on."
"That's great!" Seamus and Dean exclaimed excitedly.
"Atonement is a good thing, and I hope those funds can really help those in need." Hannah was inclined to think positively.
" The Wrackspurt seem quite interested in the smell of Galleon, circling around this article," Luna said.
"It's better to do something than not to do it at all."
Ginny also has a positive attitude towards this.
Hermione, meanwhile, was carefully reading the details of the Muggle-born Wizard Aid Fund, lost in thought.
Slytherin's students looked on with disdain, believing that Lucius was betraying tradition and bowing to the Mudblood, while others secretly admired his skill and decisiveness in not only protecting his family during the storm but also rising to a higher position.
Many others remained silent and observed.
Ravenclaw students mostly discussed the pros and cons and social impact, generally believing that the Malfoy family's transformation was a necessary adaptation to the new situation, but they had reservations about its sincerity.
Then, even more explosive news broke. "Minister Malfoy pushes for equality! Publicly supports equal rights for Half-blood and Muggle-born wizards, and calls for the abolition of outdated bloodline clauses!"
In a public speech, Lucius
They declared with conviction that the power of magic exists within every wizard, regardless of bloodline, and that the future of wizarding society lies in uniting all talented wizards, regardless of their origins.
He formally submitted a bill calling for the repeal of several outdated legal provisions that clearly discriminated against non- Pure-blood wizard, and for the promotion of a merit-based hiring system within the Ministry of Magic.
He even used his future daughter-in-law as an example!
"Behold my son, Draco Malfoy, and the life partner he has chosen, Hermione Miss Granger, a brilliant, brave, and upright witch who has proven that good qualities and great abilities can transcend the boundaries of birth."
"Our Malfoy family welcomes and respects this choice. It represents the direction the wizarding world should take, valuing talent and character rather than narrow-minded bloodlines."
This time, the students' reaction was even more outrageous.
Gryffindor House erupted in cheers!
Lavender and Parvati screamed and pounced on Hermione: " Hermione! Did you hear that?! The future daughter-in-law!" Their cheeks were flushed with excitement, as if they had been accepted.
" Merlin! Lucius Malfoy has acknowledged you in the newspapers! Official confirmation! That's more powerful than a hundred engagement rings! You're now the minister's chosen daughter-in-law!"
Hermione's face instantly turned as red as a ripe tomato; she wished she could bury her head in the bowl of cereal in front of her.
"No, stop! That was just... just an example! Just political propaganda!" She blushed again, but deep down, this public acknowledgment brought her a sense of relief.
Ron choked on a mouthful of Pumpkin Juice, coughed for a while, and then said with a strange expression, "'Future daughter-in-law'... Well, at least your in-laws seem to be on your side, Hermione."
"It still sounds a bit strange..."
Neville nodded with a simple, honest smile.