Harry was somewhat surprised by Lucius's boldness and directness. He whispered to Hermione, "The fact that he said that in front of the entire Wizarding World... at least... his attitude is clear."
Olivia nodded in agreement. "A very clever strategy, using family role models to influence social attitudes. This can be much more effective than a dry, uninformed speech."
"Wow! Hermione, you're a celebrity now! The Minister's daughter-in-law!" Seamus and Dean chimed in.
"That's wonderful, Hermione! This shows that Mr. Malfoy truly approves of you!" Hannah was genuinely happy for Hermione.
" Hermione's Wrackspurt seems to have turned golden; they 'Winky and beautiful." Luna can't live without the Wrackspurt.
Ginny smiled back at Hermione Hermione.
Looking at the photo of Lucius giving a speech in the newspaper, and then at Hermione, who was surrounded by her friends,
A look of envy flashed across Cho Chang's eyes.
To receive such unreserved and open support from such a powerful family, and even to be used as a positive example of political reform...
This is something many witches dream of, especially when the other party is someone like Lucius.
The response from other colleges was even more enthusiastic.
There was even greater internal controversy within Slytherin.
However, many people have also begun to re-examine the relationship between Draco and Hermione, and the future of the theory of bloodline.
The eaglets debated the effectiveness and potential risks of this family role model marketing, while Hufflepuff's little badger thought it was a great thing and was happy for Hermione.
The series of bombshell news left everyone feeling a sense of unreality: the Malfoy family, once the epitome of Pure-blood Supremacy supremacy, was now leading the charge in shattering the banner of bloodline supremacy and so openly supporting Muggle-born wizards? The world seemed to be changing a little too fast!
On the last day of the semester, at the End-of-Year Feast.
The Great Hall was decorated in Gryffindor's gold and red because Gryffindor had won the House Cup again.
But the atmosphere changed when Dumbledore announced the winner of the House Cup and began awarding points for special contributions.
"... Finally, in recognition of Mr. Draco Malfoy's outstanding and discreet contributions to resolving the long-standing magical threats plaguing Hogwarts, and his timely and effective coordination of off-campus assistance in the recent incident involving student safety," Dumbledore's gaze swept over Draco, "His indelible efforts for the safety and stability of Hogwarts... therefore, I add one hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor House."
One hundred and fifty points?!
" Merlin's beard!"
"It's Malfoy again!"
"The reason for this bonus sounds amazing!"
A deafening roar of cheers and applause erupted from the Gryffindor table; the bonus points this time were simply outrageous.
This directly widened the score gap in the House Cup to a level that other academies could only dream of. The little lions stood up excitedly, their eyes searching around for their hero.
However, when they looked toward Draco's usual spot, they found it empty, with only a half-eaten pudding left on the plate.
While Dumbledore speaking, Draco quickly grabbed Hermione's hand and, taking advantage of the moment when everyone's attention was drawn to the high score and cheers erupted, slipped out through the side door, completely ignoring the noise and searching eyes behind him.
They ran away again!
Some Gryffindor students pointed at the empty seats and laughed.
"I'm used to it! Malfoy- style exit!"
"They're probably afraid we'll throw them up in celebration!"
"He's lucky he ran fast!"
Students from other houses smiled knowingly; after all these years, everyone had become accustomed to Draco's style of disappearing without a trace, keeping a low profile.
Some people even think that
This is actually cooler than standing on a stage and receiving cheers.
The exam results were released the following day.
Unsurprisingly, Hermione once again topped the class with straight A's, while Draco remained in second place, a position that has remained unchanged for years.
Most of my friends also achieved good results.
At least they all passed.
Ron looked at his barely passing Transfiguration and decent Defence Against Dark Magic, puffed out his chest, and said confidently, "See! I told you I could do it! I passed Transfiguration too!"
"Come on, Ron. If it weren't for Professor McGonagall's kindness, you'd be finished long ago with your skillful techniques."
A Hufflepuff student nearby chimed in:
"That's true. I spent most of my study time on Potions, and I almost failed Transfiguration. I can only Professor McGonagall for being lenient."
"Exactly! Passing the Transfiguration is a victory!"
" Merlin bless you, the professors are all good people..."
Many people nodded in agreement.
The agony of final exam week is still fresh in my memory.
"Well, at least I did well on my Defence Against Dark Magic test! Professor Lupin even praised my mastery of the Shield Charm!"
Ron was still being stubborn.
"That's because you got hit by Peeves's stinky eggs the most times, that's how you got used to it!" Seamus added with a grin.
This caused everyone to burst into laughter.
A joyful atmosphere filled the Great Hall.
The heavy pressure of exams has been temporarily relieved, and the upcoming long summer vacation and the uncertain yet seemingly brighter future have brought a relaxed smile to everyone's face.
An owl brought letters from home, and the students discussed their holiday plans and exchanged home addresses to make it easier to write letters.
Draco and Hermione didn't join the lively discussion. They sat side by side by the window, looking out at the sunlit playground and the shimmering Black Lake in the distance. The Hogwarts Express was leaving tomorrow, taking them home and into a magical era that they themselves would help change.
"What are your plans for summer vacation?" Draco asked, his fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of Hermione's curly hair.
"We might have to stay at the Malfoy Manor for a few days?" Hermione blushed slightly, but her expression remained completely calm.
"My uncle mentioned some specific rules for the Muggle-born Wizard Aid Fund in his letter and wanted me to take a look, and... Aunt Narcissa invited me to try on her new dress."
"Looks like my position as the minister's son is in jeopardy at home," Draco lamented. "My parents only have eyes for their clever and capable future daughter-in-law now."
"Serves you right! Who told you to come looking for me!"
Hermione tilted her head back triumphantly, her eyes crinkling with laughter, sunlight dancing on her curly hair through the stained glass.
Seeing her smug, coquettish appearance, Draco's lips curled into a wicked smile. "So, according to you, I deserved to be bullied by you... Then next time, I'll go find someone else."
"For example... discussing Arithmancy with Parvati? Or, asking Lavender to help me choose the color of my tie for the Yule Ball? They certainly won't say I 'deserved it'."
Hermione's smile froze for a moment, then she glared at him angrily, trying to find a trace of a joke in his eyes.
But Draco's expression remained serious, even suggesting he was considering the matter carefully.
"You—you dare!" Hermione raised her voice.
His voice was filled with possessiveness.
But as soon as she said it, seeing the increasingly triumphant smile in Draco's eyes, she knew she had been tricked again.