Professor McGonagall gripped her wand, standing protectively in front of Cro and Hermione. The Grangers rushed over, immediately checking the two children for injuries. Everything that had just happened had nearly scared them to death—it was magic, after all, and who knows what kind of powers it held.
Both Cro and Hermione felt a warm sensation in their hearts as they cooperated with the Grangers' inspection, especially Cro. This was the first time in ten years that he had experienced such familial care, which made him even more determined to repay the Grangers in the future.
Yes, he thought, I'll give them lots of grandkids to look after when I marry Hermione!
"Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius. Did Lucius teach you to command house-elves to attack people?" Professor McGonagall said, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Do you even realize what you've done? This kind of behaviour could land you in Azkaban, Malfoy. Do you understand?"
Malfoy paled at her words, and Dobby began trembling in fear as well. While Malfoy might just get a scolding, Dobby's fate would likely be far worse. They both wanted to plead, but McGonagall had already walked past them, turning instead to greet the blonde girl standing nearby.
"By Merlin's beard, it's wonderful to see you here! When I wrote your acceptance letter, I wasn't sure if you'd attend Hogwarts, but I was thrilled to receive your reply confirming you'd join us."
"Cassandra Vole!"
Hearing McGonagall's words, Cro, who was still brushing wood chips off himself with Hermione's help, froze.
Cassandra Vole?
Is she really from this era?
He quickly turned to look, spotting the girl standing beside McGonagall. She was wearing a green gown, with emerald-green eyes and a small black beauty mark beneath her eye. Her golden curls framed her face, which was adorned with a smile, yet her entire demeanour radiated an inherent pride.
This pride wasn't like Malfoy's, based on his family status. It was a natural confidence, much like Hermione's intellectual aura. It didn't repel people; on the contrary, it made her even more attractive.
At that moment, Cassandra turned her gaze toward Cro as well. Their eyes met, and Cro gave a polite nod, but Cassandra merely chuckled softly, not responding, and turned back to her conversation with McGonagall.
"Am I prettier, or is she prettier?" Hermione asked, crossing her arms. She looked between Cro and Cassandra, feeling a mix of anger and sadness.
She had been helping him brush off wood chips, yet he was staring at someone else. That feeling of being ignored brought back memories of being ostracized by her peers, making her heart race with anxiety. She feared that once Cro met Cassandra, he wouldn't want to be her friend anymore. Tightening her grip on Cro's sleeve, Hermione stubbornly looked up at him.
[Detected: Intense feeling of grievance!]
[Reward: Golden Treasure Chest!]
Cro was both amused and exasperated. How upset did she have to be for it to trigger a golden chest? Wasn't this like an early childhood love triangle? No way! No to infantalized romance!
"I was just curious after hearing McGonagall mention her name. I don't even know who she is. As for who looks better..." Cro leaned down and whispered something in Hermione's ear.
Cassandra, who had been secretly paying attention to them, perked up her ears but couldn't hear a thing. Despite her pride, she had been eager to know Cro's answer the moment Hermione asked him that question. Who was prettier—her or Hermione?
Whatever Cro whispered made Hermione's cheeks flush red, and a small, uncontrollable smile appeared on her face.
"You're so bad! Who's your... I'm not talking to you anymore!" Hermione huffed shyly before turning and running toward the cat shelter.
Seeing Hermione's reaction only made Cassandra more curious. She couldn't ask Cro directly, though, so she pretended to continue her conversation with McGonagall as if nothing had happened.
[Detected: Intense feeling of curiosity!]
[Reward: Golden Treasure Chest!]
Cro chuckled. He had known Cassandra would be curious, which was why he had whispered to Hermione on purpose. He hadn't expected this proud girl to have such a strong curiosity—strong enough to give him a golden treasure chest!
It looked like there was yet another precious girl to add to his growing "treasure girl" group. Things were really looking up!
Meanwhile, in a luxurious manor...
BANG!
Lucius Malfoy slammed his hand down on the table, making both Draco and Dobby tremble in fear.
"What did you just say? You ordered a house-elf to attack a Muggle... in front of Professor McGonagall? How have I raised you? Did I teach you to command house-elves to harm Muggles, especially in front of McGonagall?" Lucius roared, his anger echoing through the manor. The house-elves working nearby flinched at the sound.
"Dobby, what were you thinking? Even if Draco didn't recognize her, surely you did. Why did you let him do something like that?"
Lucius's fury reverberated throughout the mansion, and Dobby's large ears drooped as he shrunk in fear. His small, scarred hands gripped his broom tightly.
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T/N:
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