"Going."
Malfoy was silent for a moment. Finally squeezed out those words.
He'd been watching upstairs for ages—Lockhart and Harry's photo session. Heart full of resentment. Why does Scarhead become the center of attention everywhere?
And he, the noble Draco Malfoy, could only serve as backdrop.
Now Hermione's words gave him a chance to appear on stage. Ultimately couldn't resist the temptation.
Watching Malfoy eagerly run off to photograph with Lockhart, Hermione shrugged.
"See? People are just that complicated."
I think YOU'RE the truly complicated one! Everyone silently thought in unison.
After taking many photos, Malfoy returned as the center of attention. Face couldn't hide his joy. Even Harry suddenly looked much more tolerable.
Coming before Harry and others, struggled for ages. Finally decided to say thanks—when a cane blocked his chest.
"Draco, be friendly." A cold voice came from behind.
A pale-faced man stood behind Malfoy. Arrogantly looking down at Harry.
Lucius Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy: ???
I was being pretty friendly just now. Dad, you're the one who looks truly unfriendly right now!
Shoving his son aside, Lucius stared at Harry for a moment before extending his hand.
"Lucius Malfoy."
Harry instinctively shook hands, but Lucius yanked him close.
Looking at Harry's lightning scar, Lucius sneered. "Because of this scar, you became a legend. Just like the wizard who left you this scar—also a legend."
Everyone present was furious at Lucius's subtle provocation.
However, he hadn't attacked or said anything overtly hostile. For a moment, they didn't know what to do—just glared angrily.
"Hey hey hey!"
Hermione suddenly jumped up. "Mr. Malfoy, what did you just say? Can you repeat that?"
Lucius looked at Hermione. Eyes narrowed slightly. "This must be Miss Granger."
Hermione curtsied elegantly.
Seeing such standard wizarding etiquette, Lucius was somewhat surprised. Paused before continuing, "Draco told me about you..."
Draco's eyes widened. Nearly cried out.
I didn't, I haven't, don't make things up!
But Lucius didn't notice Draco's reaction. Continued on his own, "Heard your parents are both... Muggles."
Expression full of implication. Practically saying that word publicly.
Draco was going numb.
Don't do this!
You'll leave later—I still have to spend months with her!
Father screwed me!
Seemingly to maintain the family's elegant image, Lucius didn't speak crudely in public.
But Hermione had no intention of stopping. Continued pressing, "You haven't answered the question. What was that about legends? We didn't hear clearly."
Lucius frowned. Didn't know why Hermione insisted on this. But still said flatly, "Mr. Potter's scar is a legend. The person who left him this scar is equally a legend..."
Hermione went "AH!" Face changed at light speed. All previous elegance vanished.
"Everyone heard that!"
She conjured a small notebook. While rapidly recording something, muttered to herself, "Mr. Malfoy said those who created terror, triggered war, killed countless innocent wizards—are all good people... Their leader is even more of a legend..."
Huh?
Wait!
Lucius suddenly realized something. Eyes widened. Just about to defend himself—immediately interrupted by Hermione.
"Heard you claimed at the Ministry you were under the Imperius Curse, controlled, which is why you served him—not your true intention."
"Now the curse has been lifted for many years. Yet you still call him a legend... I now reasonably suspect Mr. Malfoy voluntarily joined back then. Hope the Ministry reopens your case for review... If facts are confirmed, recommend Azkaban life sentence."
"You..." Seeing cold gazes around him, Lucius finally couldn't maintain his arrogance. "That's not what I meant. Don't twist my words!"
"Wow, didn't expect someone who slipped through the net to appear here."
Lockhart, like a cat smelling fish, suddenly darted out.
"Looks like even they love my books. Hidden for so many years, yet risked capture to appear at my signing."
"Unfortunately, I, Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin Third Class recipient, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, am irreconcilable with wrongdoing. Can't show favoritism just because you're my fan! Watch me handle this!"
Lockhart looked righteous. Directly making accusations.
His mouth was grinning. Didn't expect to catch such a huge topic. Truly windfall from heaven.
Hermione nudged Mr. Weasley. The latter understood. Said, "Looks like the verdict back then indeed had problems. I'll submit an application immediately. With so many witnesses, enough to launch a new investigation."
Lucius's face twitched. Glared hatefully at Hermione. Shouted, "Let's go!"
Led Draco away without looking back.
"Pity, no evidence for now. Let this person escape. But everyone rest assured—sooner or later justice will come."
Lockhart still performed vigorously. Raised both hands. Endured reporters' attention.
"Let this guy profit instead." Ron looked at Lockhart. Face full of displeasure.
That approach is truly something... Harry and Arthur looked at Hermione. Thought inwardly.
Hermione ignored their thoughts. Looked at a black-covered diary that had somehow appeared in Ginny's book pile. Expression flickered.
A certain diary—and more.
Due to certain circumstances, when it was given, the information received was limited. The full nature wasn't disclosed.
Due to the Ministry's recent actions, the family suffered repeatedly. At wit's end, suddenly remembered this item. A plan was born.
Namely—secretly give it to a Hogwarts student.
First, could open something long-sealed. Cause problems.
Second, could make someone take the blame for mismanagement. Remove them from position.
And the student chosen—was Ginny Weasley.
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