"The specific details were never mentioned by your great-grandfather, nor even by your grandfather." Lucius lightly tapped his fingers on the table, and a house-elf immediately approached to refill his tea. "Part of the reason is the goblins' involvement, so the Malfoy family promised to try not to mention Cassandra."
"The Malfoys are afraid of these goblins?" Draco looked at his father, incredulous.
"No, Draco," Lucius said gently. "If the goblin had not shown sufficient sincerity, how could the Malfoy family have agreed to such a request? Besides, your grandfather told me that the Malfoy family's agreement with the goblin was supposedly only a convenient gesture. The real reason was that Cassandra stole a family relic—the Treasure of Merlin—and your great-grandfather, in his fury, removed her from the Malfoy family genealogy."
"Why?" asked Draco, intrigued. "Why would she do that? And where is she now?"
"I don't know. I've only heard that she was constantly distracted at that time, grumbling about that cursed man every day… After that, she disappeared." Lucius picked up his teacup. "But your great-grandfather left a will before he died, saying that if we ever found Cassandra, we should bring her back to the Malfoy family… Ha, how is that even possible? So many years have passed; perhaps she is already dead."
"Maybe she's still alive? Otherwise, why would my great-grandfather have said that?" Draco asked hesitantly, feeling that Cassandra might still be alive.
"Because Cassandra was his most beloved little sister," said Lucius. "People can never truly accept the loss of a loved one."
Draco nodded in understanding.
"Tell me about your classmates," Lucius said casually. "No need to mention the Slytherins; tell me about that boy, Pompeo, who defeated the Dark Lord."
Hearing this, Draco began recounting how he met Harry.
When he mentioned calling Hermione a "Mudblood" on the train, both Lucius and Narcissa's expressions darkened.
"Perhaps you really should be more careful with those around you, Draco," Lucius said softly. "It is true that we do not like Muggle-borns, but a well-mannered person would not say such things to someone's face. It would bring shame to our entire family."
"Yes, Father," Draco quickly apologized. "I was wrong."
He then spoke about Harry's spellcasting skills, especially his spectacular duel with Miss Farley.
"Gemma Farley?" Lucius nodded thoughtfully. "She is an excellent young witch; her spellwork is unmatched, even among adults. So you're saying that Harry Potter, a first-year student, managed to defeat her in a duel?"
"Yes, Father." Draco straightened up under his father's gaze. "I witnessed the duel myself. Before that, Potter had already defeated Marcus Flint and several of his friends."
Lucius remained silent for a moment, reflecting. He exchanged a glance with his wife and then said to Draco: "I understand. Perhaps you should try to get closer to Potter rather than remaining hostile. If you keep your eyes open, you may see that Miss Farley is already in contact with him."
"But Father," Draco frowned, "Potter has the Weasleys and… Muggles… on his side."
"Draco?" Lucius raised an eyebrow, speaking in a firm tone. "What did I just say?"
"Yes, Father," Draco replied quickly. "The Malfoy family prioritizes profit above all."
Lucius's brow relaxed, seeing that his son understood the message, and he added:
"At the same time, the family comes first."
…
After Harry and Ron arrived at the Granger household, they received a warm welcome from everyone.
Mr. Granger was also very diplomatic; even with the two children, he did not display adult arrogance, and his words and gestures were gentle, like a soft breeze.
Harry and Ron ate until they were full at dinner, especially Ron, who, after a few moments of restraint, completely let himself go, slouching in his chair and humming softly.
"Who wants more pudding?" Mrs. Granger asked, carrying a bowl to the table.
"Unless I loosen my belt, dear," Mr. Granger said apathetically, leaning back in his chair.
"Mine is already loosened," replied Harry, also leaning back.
It was not easy to find such delicious food in England.
"I managed when the caramelized potatoes with roasted lamb chops arrived," Ron said weakly, raising his belt and praising, "Mrs. Granger's cooking is really excellent, far better than my mother's…"
"Well, gentlemen," Mrs. Granger said reluctantly, placing the pudding on the table, "why don't you go to the sitting room? I'll take care of everything here."
"You mean, get up?" asked Mr. Granger, looking up.
"I don't think I can stand," said Harry, trying to shift his weight, but to no avail.
"I haven't loosened my belt," Ron said simply.
"Men…" Hermione looked at the three and shook her head, exasperated.
Under the warm hospitality and invitation of the Granger family, Ron and Harry had no choice but to stay at their house.
"In any case, even if you leave, you'll return to the castle, won't you?" said Mr. Granger.
The television was on, and Ron watched it with great interest; it was the first time he had ever seen anything like it.
"These are truly turbulent times…" Mr. Granger remarked, watching the news. "I think I should go to the bank, borrow some rubles, and then exchange them for pounds. What do you think, dear?"
The last sentence was directed at Mrs. Granger.
"You decide." Mrs. Granger leaned over and kissed Mr. Granger on the cheek.
"Then it's decided." Mr. Granger turned to Harry and Ron: "Gentlemen, I'll be going to the bank tomorrow. I can give you a ride to the… Leaky Cauldron. Would you like to come with me?"
"Yes, Mr. Granger, thank you," said Harry.
He then asked Hermione, "Hermione, do you want to come with me?"
"I won't," she said, shrugging. "I still need to organize the Christmas presents at home. Oh, and I also need to prepare gifts for the professors. I wonder if the owls can manage it?"
Hearing this, Harry remembered too. Yes, what should he give the professors?
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