After purchasing all the necessary supplies for school, Draco's daily life remained fairly unchanged, with the exception of practicing spells.
Crabbe and Goyle served as willing test subjects, allowing Draco to use them as "human sandbags" to practice his spells.
Before obtaining his own magic wand, Draco could only study the theory of magic and occasionally use old wands at home to practice. Now that he had his own wand, he was eager to put it to use.
Who else would Draco practice his spells on if not his loyal followers, Crabbe and Goyle?
"I'm not sure if I'll be able to get my hands on Snape's 'Advanced Potion Making' book right now," Draco said as he looked at the two unconscious boys lying on the floor, feeling a bit disappointed. He was more interested in learning advanced spells like the fuchsia, as he had already mastered most standard spells.
The only ones he was missing were the more advanced or forbidden spells. He knew that he could not use the unforgivable curses and had to content himself with becoming more proficient in the spells he had already learned.
"I can't wait," Draco said, his excitement for learning at Hogwarts growing. He knew that while he may not necessarily learn anything new in the classroom, the school itself had much to offer. Hogwarts, being one of the oldest wizarding schools, had a vast collection of books that Draco was eager to access. Many things in the world, such as rare magic materials and out-of-print witchcraft books, cannot be bought with money alone and are invaluable to those who seek them.
Wealth is useless without social standing to match it. Lucius understands this concept well. After Voldemort's defeat, he worked to improve his reputation and expand his network in the upper wizarding world, with some initial success.
However, he still has a long way to go before he can reach the level of prestige and influence held by Dumbledore, the most respected person in the wizarding world. In the original book, Lucius ultimately fails in his endeavors and is easily taken down.
"Don't try to play dumb, I know you're awake," Draco said suddenly.
The two boys groggily climbed to their feet, looking unhappy. No one enjoys the feeling of being hit by magic. While Crabbe and Goyle may not be the brightest, they are not completely clueless.
"Go home," Draco said unexpectedly, ending their practice session. "I think you should also go home and start getting ready for school. It's not long until the term starts. That's all for today."
Crabbe and Goyle quickly took their leave, with Crabbe almost tripping in his haste to escape.
Draco couldn't help but find their behavior amusing. 'Am I really that terrible?'
In the eyes of Crabbe and Goyle, perhaps he is. Despite the fact that Draco's father was a major influence in the past, after spending several years with him, both his ordinary behavior and magical abilities have been more than enough to win the loyalty and respect of the two boys.
While they may not be the most intelligent, their natural instinct to seek benefits and avoid harm has led them to follow Draco obediently.
Even if Draco had asked them to continue practicing just now, they might have reluctantly agreed, but deep down they would rather not be subjected to more spells.
"This is just too easy," Draco said, shaking his head. "Fighting against sandbags isn't helpful in improving my combat skills. Wizarding duels are too unpredictable. I need real opponents to practice against." Proficiency and combat experience are completely different things.
At that moment, Draco heard the hooting of an owl from behind him.
The owl owned by the Malfoy family is an eagle owl, which is the largest, heaviest, and most robust owl species in Europe. It has wide wings and a pair of beautiful orange eyes that give it a regal appearance. This fits with the Malfoy family's self-proclaimed sense of nobility.
"Look, it's the latest issue of 'Singing the Opposition'," Draco said as he reached out and took the magazine delivered by the owl. He had to admit that the articles in this magazine were quite interesting, as long as he didn't dig too deep.
Reading this magazine was one of Draco's rare leisure activities. In this world, computers and mobile phones are still in their primitive form, and even if they do develop later, they will be regulated by the Muggle-Born Registration Commission.
After reading the latest issue of "Singing the Opposition," Draco became a bit sleepy and yawned.
"Baby, come here," Narcissa's voice called from outside the door.
Draco placed the book on the shelf and left the room to see his mother. When he entered the living room, he was surprised by the large pile of luggage that Narcissa had prepared for him. In addition to the necessary books and clothes, there were many other items included.
"Mother, I don't think I need all these things," Draco said as he opened a box filled with snacks of his own taste.
"I don't think you'll be used to the food at school," Narcissa replied.
"Mother, I believe that as the heir to the Malfoy family, I can overcome this challenge," Draco said, not wanting to appear rude by refusing his mother's gifts too outright. While he was sure that Hogwarts provided its own food and he would be able to adapt to it even if he wasn't used to it, he felt that his mother was being too excessive with all the extra items.
"Okay," Narcissa said, looking a bit disappointed.
"Uh, maybe it would be better if the owl could bring some of these things to me every once in a while," Draco said, trying to compromise.
"I knew you wouldn't let all of my efforts go to waste," Narcissa said, her mood brightening again. She kissed Draco on the forehead once more.
"You really do spoil me," Draco sighed. "But being spoiled is better than being mistreated."
"Oh, why didn't your little girlfriend come to visit you at home?" Narcissa asked suddenly.
"Uh, I wanted to..." Draco was at a loss for words.
"Are you bullying her again?" Narcissa asked sternly.
Before Draco could respond, Narcissa continued, "When your father pursued me, it was..." She then went on to tell Draco the story of how Lucius courted her, although she likely left out some of the more fictionalized details.
After listening to his mother's story, Draco couldn't help but smile at the thought of his father having such a romantic past. It was hard to imagine that this was the same man he knew.
"Cough, I think it's not just me who needs to get ready for school, mother," Draco explained.
"Oh, you are the same age, I almost forgot. It will definitely be a college by now, right?" Narcissa asked.
"I think so," Draco replied.
"I'm sure that, besides the Weasleys, there are few purebloods who are willing to attend a different college," Narcissa said with a smile.
"Oh, it's getting late," Narcissa said, looking up at the clock.
"Baby, I think you should go to bed. We can sort out the rest of your things tomorrow," Narcissa suggested.
"Okay, mother," Draco nodded and headed back to his room.