At this point, the Hogwarts Express had already departed.
The compartment remained silent, with the three of them sitting quietly. Cro and Hermione were engrossed in their books, occasionally whispering to each other, almost as if Cassandra didn't exist.
For someone like Cassandra, who had always been the center of attention, this was a novel and bitter experience. She tried to speak up several times but found herself at a loss for words. All she could do was glare at Cro, frustration simmering within her.
Does he have no sense of gentlemanly manners? Does he not realize I'm sitting right here? He's as clueless as a troll! she fumed.
[Detecting intense anger!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
Cro couldn't help but smile as he glanced at the angry Cassandra. Wow, these treasure chests… are just too easy to farm!
Given Cassandra's prideful nature, it wasn't difficult to push her buttons. By creating a situation where she felt inferior in something she prided herself on, treasure chests practically poured in. And the higher her frustration, the better the quality of the rewards!
Suddenly, there was a loud bang as the compartment door was flung open.
"You two! I've been looking all over for you!" came an angry voice.
Draco Malfoy, flanked by his ever-present lackeys Crabbe and Goyle, stormed in. He had been searching for an empty compartment, as well as keeping an eye out for Cro and Hermione. The grudge from their last encounter still burned hot in his memory.
The moment Draco laid eyes on them, his rage surged, and he barged in without a second thought, glaring at the two familiar figures.
Cro looked up lazily. "Oh, if it isn't young Master Malfoy. Did you spot an unruly owl somewhere and rush in to uphold justice?"
He glanced around the compartment. "You've come to the wrong place, though. There are only three of us here, and there haven't been any extra bodies since we boarded."
Both Hermione and Cassandra blinked, momentarily confused by Cro's comment. But soon, they couldn't help but burst into laughter, catching on to the joke. Hermione shot Cro a playful, scolding look.
Draco and his goons exchanged bewildered glances. They didn't get the joke but knew that Cro was undoubtedly mocking them. Malfoy's already bubbling anger rose to a boiling point. His hands clenched into fists, his eyes bloodshot with fury.
[Detecting intense anger!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
...
[Detecting intense joy!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
[Detecting…]
...
A string of notifications filled Cro's mind, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. Even the way he looked at Draco now carried a hint of approval.
What a generous fortune-bringer, he thought. Draco just gifted me three golden chests and two silver ones. With him around, how could I not become invincible?
"Enough with the nonsense!" Draco snapped. "Do you think you can cross me and get away with it? Professor McGonagall won't always be around to protect you!"
With that, he pulled out his wand, glaring at Cro. Seeing their leader draw his wand, Crabbe and Goyle hesitated for a moment before following suit, each producing their own wands. The tips of their wands began to glow faintly as magic surged through them.
Cro quickly stopped Hermione from reaching for her own wand and then shot a meaningful glance at Cassandra.
"Oh, so the young Master Malfoy plans to wreak havoc on the Hogwarts Express? Is this how you intend to show off the prestige of the Malfoy family?" Cro asked, shaking his head in mock pity.
"What a shame. The noble Malfoy family, pure-blood wizards, and here you are, rather than preparing for the entrance exam, getting ready to fight on the train."
He paused, eyes widening in mock surprise. "Don't tell me you didn't know about the entrance exam? Your family didn't mention it? My word, and you call yourselves pure-bloods?"
Draco and his goons froze, exchanging uncertain looks. The confidence drained from their faces.
"Quit talking rubbish! We've never heard of any entrance exam! If you're scared, beg for mercy now, and maybe we'll spare you, for Merlin's sake!" Draco blustered, though his voice wavered.
"The entrance exam is an unwritten rule," Cassandra interjected coolly, shooting Cro a smug glance as if expecting gratitude. "If your parents didn't mention it, that's just part of the test—to see if you have the ability to be a worthy heir."
Cro, pulling a confused Hermione closer, gave Cassandra a small smile. She responded by turning her head away haughtily, like a victorious peacock, though the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.
[Detecting intense joy!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
...
[Detecting intense frustration!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
...
[Detecting intense panic!]
[Reward: Golden Chest!]
...
---------------------
T/N:
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