Chapter 84
The sun was sinking toward the horizon.
Golden afterglow spilled across every corner of Hogwarts, washing the ancient castle in warm amber light. From time to time, valiant owls glided across the darkening sky, while pitch-black bats darted silently through the air.
Night was about to claim the school.
Draco stepped out of the classroom and rested his hands against the cold stone railing, gazing into the distance. Seeing how quickly darkness was falling, he could only give a helpless smile.
I should at least eat something.
The delicacies Narcissa had prepared could sustain him through the night, but no matter how exquisite the desserts were, they could never replace a proper meal.
He walked along a familiar path. The last rays of sunlight stretched stubbornly across the grounds, guiding his way—otherwise, he would have already cast Lumos. Leaves and flowers on either side of the lawn swayed gently in the breeze, producing a soft rustling sound. Paired with the distant chirping of unseen insects, the air carried the quiet serenity of autumn.
The windows of Hogwarts glowed pale yellow, illuminating the ancient, weathered stone.
Usually, Draco was racing against time. Now that he had missed dinner, he found himself enjoying a rare moment of peace. He strolled unhurriedly, appreciating the scenery.
Ever since his transmigration, the future had loomed over him like the Sword of Damocles. He could not afford even a moment of carelessness.
"…Pansy?"
Draco noticed a familiar figure standing beneath a tree not far ahead. He stopped in surprise and greeted her. He distinctly remembered telling her he would meet her in the Great Hall later. A faint headache surfaced—he was clearly in the wrong and had no idea how to explain himself.
"I took too much food by accident," Pansy said quietly, not looking at him. She turned her face toward the fading sunset, her voice soft. "Here."
Draco reached out and accepted it.
"Thank you."
The food was still warm.
There was no reproach. No complaint. Only concern.
That unexpected gentleness caught him off guard—and warmed something in his chest. He silently congratulated himself on his excellent educational guidance.
They walked together toward the lakeside, wandering without purpose. By the time they stopped, the sky had fully darkened. The cool, damp night wind stirred the lake's surface, sending ripples spreading outward.
Is this… a date?
Pansy's heart raced. Her cheeks flushed as her thoughts ran wild, though the darkness hid her expression.
She remembered why she had come.
Turning to Draco, she spoke seriously. "Draco, I need your help with something."
"Tell me," he replied lightly. "What did you take a fancy to?"
He wondered again why Pansy had changed so much over the past few days. So that's it—she needs something.
Pure-blood families were rarely short on money, and they spoiled their children generously. Still, extravagance had limits. If she had exhausted her allowance, it would make sense for her to come to him.
But the sight of her flushed face made Draco realize he had misunderstood.
He quickly added, "I was joking. Don't take it seriously."
"Hmph." Pansy turned her head away, annoyed.
He still treats me like a child.
Then I'll just have to mature faster, she encouraged herself.
Turning back, she said firmly, "I want to learn the Guardian Charm. The one you used to drive away the Dementors."
Draco staggered.
He nearly fell straight into the lake.
Pansy gasped and instinctively reached for her wand, but Draco managed to steady himself just in time.
"What did you say?" he asked, staring at her as though he'd misheard.
"You heard me," Pansy replied, meeting his gaze. "I'm serious."
Draco studied her for a long moment.
If nothing unexpected happened, he alone would be enough to deal with the Dementors. Teaching her the Guardian Charm might be unnecessary.
But—
There's no harm in knowing more.
More importantly, she had truly changed.
The future would only grow more dangerous. He couldn't always be there to protect her.
"…Alright," Draco said at last. "Let's go."
He took her slender hand and led her onto another path.
"Where are we going?" Pansy asked, unease creeping into her voice.
"A great wizard once said that practice is the only standard for testing truth," Draco replied casually, glancing at her. "What do you think?"
Her face drained of color.
"…We're going to see the Dementors?"
"With me around, they won't hurt you," Draco said lightly. "Think of me as an oversized light bulb."
The analogy earned a reluctant smile from her, easing the tension.
He had never trusted Dumbledore's assurances or the Ministry's so-called restrictions on Dementors. Promises worked only on rational beings—those capable of weighing consequences.
These creatures knew only hunger.
Still, they were intelligent enough to choose their battles. Betrayal and submission to strength were not traits of mindless beasts.
A cold, murderous presence swept over them.
They had reached the castle gates.
Beyond the boundary, hundreds of Dementors drifted in the darkness. To them, the students inside Hogwarts were a feast waiting to be devoured.
The night wind howled, stirring their cloaks. Featureless faces turned toward the pair. Where mouths should have been, there were only gaping voids—holes meant to drain happiness and souls alike.
Their senses locked on instantly.
Food.
Groups of Dementors floated closer, stopping just short of the boundary line. Rules restrained them—for now. There was far too much prey within the castle to risk everything for two morsels.
Fresh food… or spoiled prisoners.
The choice was obvious.