Chapter 11 The Eve Before Dawn
Moonlight streamed through the tall windows onto the stone floor of the ancient walkway.
The naughty wind came from the other side of the mountain, and when it passed by the person, it hooked its head mischievously. The black wizard hat that covered the person tightly was pulled out, and a few strands of short platinum hair were pulled out and rested on the edge of the dark green hat brim.
Beyond the hideous statues, the faint scent of ink from ancient books, mixed with the freshness brought by the night breeze outside the window, filled Draco's nostrils.
A large desk occupied the center of the room, scattered across it were various magical items, including quills, inkwells, and a heavy parchment book.
The pages of the book were slightly open, and the high-backed chair behind the desk, which should have been occupied, was hanging empty.
Draco adjusted his clothes slightly and sat calmly on the burgundy single sofa opposite Dumbledore.
"Young Mr. Malfoy, I'm surprised by the gift you brought. But you should know that in such a situation, your sudden help and friendliness force me to be cautious." Dumbledore's tone was gentle and firm, but his eyes revealed deep insight.
Draco nodded slightly, his tone cautious and polite: "Dear Headmaster, I understand your concerns. Because in the current situation, the Malfoy family is also deeply involved. In response to this, the ancient Malfoy family has to make changes. And I am different from my father. I am also very tempted by the growing demand for Muggles in the wizarding world."
He observed Dumbledore's reaction obscurely and continued, "The Ravenclaw crown is just a small token of appreciation from the students, but the Malfoy family is always willing to show the utmost sincerity to their friends."
Draco tapped his fingers lightly on the table beside him and pushed the tightly wrapped envelope in front of him towards Dumbledore.
"Of course, Headmaster Dumbledore could also take a look at Malfoy's sincerity first."
Dumbledore did not take the envelope. He raised his eyes and his sharp gaze fell calmly on the other person's face.
In the fireplace, the embers flickered gently, emitting a faint orange-red glow that intertwined with the moonlight, adding a bit of warmth to the room.
Draco met Dumbledore's sharp gaze, remaining calm and confident on the surface, but his fingers unconsciously clenched.
"Principal Dumbledore, I fully understand your caution. But please believe that the Malfoy family's decision this time was made after careful consideration." Draco's tone was cautious and polite, but there was a hint of fear and resentment in his words.
"Now, the Death Eater leader has returned, and his ambition for conquest and expansion still burns brightly after all these years.
What’s even more terrifying is that after experiencing failure, he has become even more arrogant and self-indulgent than he was many years ago.
He didn't care that his blatant atrocities against Muggles would make the wizarding world more difficult, nor did he care whether his subordinates, who were arbitrarily punished by him, would still support him. He just wanted to vent his pain without restraint.
He trampled on Malfoy's dignity at will and easily destroyed the happiness of others. Such a person is simply a madman.
And Malfoy will not let go of anyone who tramples on their dignity." Draco's voice was low and sad, as if he was recalling some painful past, and his face turned red with anger.
Dumbledore narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing profound wisdom and insight. His tone remained gentle yet firm, "Mr. Malfoy, I deeply sympathize with your situation, but the Malfoy family's past stance compels me to consider this carefully."
Draco discerned the slight softening in Dumbledore's tone and adjusted his words accordingly. "Headmaster, Malfoy has already made his choice. His predecessors at the time might have had no choice but to follow that path. But now, we have seen a different path. I believe Malfoy will soon see his own light."
Dumbledore was silent for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if pondering Draco's proposal. "Young Mr. Malfoy, I see your sincerity. But this is a heavy decision, and I need time to consider it."
Draco's pupils shrank slightly, and surprise and confidence flickered in his eyes.
"I understand your concerns, Mr. Headmaster. Malfoy's promise remains valid until the final moment arrives."
But he quickly regained control of his expression, nodded slightly, and stood up politely. "I await your good news. If there's anything you need from me, please let me know."
"Then please Draco, after you go out, call Harry for me."
Dumbledore looked up, smiled, and said goodbye to Draco. He watched him leave the office before turning around and picking up the envelope Draco had just handed him.
"Yes, sir." Draco pulled his hood up again and walked out of the light scent of ink.
"Harry, perhaps crows shouldn't have had the delusion of living under the same blue sky with doves from the beginning."
Draco stood at the window on the top floor of the tower, looking at the brightly lit Hogsmeade village in the distance, a helpless bitter smile on his decadent face.
The night was as dark as ink, and Draco stood there quietly, his back to the moon and facing him.
The evening breeze lifted his hair, and his pale face looked even purer and more transparent under the silver moonlight, like a piece of white porcelain that followed the army from the Far East, beautiful but fragile.
He looked a little lonely, with his back slightly hunched and his hands hanging limply at his sides.
His slightly raised eyes were filled with loss and frustration, and he bit his rosy, crystal-clear lips, as if trying hard to suppress the surging emotions in his heart.
He was watching me, expecting me.
Harry stepped closer to him, a storm swirling beneath his bright eyes, reaching its peak when Draco took that small step forward and reached out to grab his sleeve.
The broken wood fragments fell onto the sea along with the rain, and the shaky ship was finally broken into pieces.
His body stiffened slightly, and a look of discomfort appeared on his face.
Draco saw Harry's weak resistance, and the sadness in his eyes instantly became somewhat real.
"I really tried my best, Harry. Even if a crow dyes its feathers white, it is still not a white dove. Now he is not only rejected from the pigeon loft, but also loses the right to return to the crow's nest. He will end up with nothing.
Whether in dreams or reality, I'm tired of being controlled by others. Sadly, I don't even dare to retaliate. My biggest wish is to escape and hide. This is me!
His voice was full of bitterness and self-mockery, a slight self-deprecation that came out of his mouth so easily.
His shoulders slumped slightly, and his entire body exuded an air of frustration.
It's like a peacock that was driven out of the peacock garden in the pouring rain, lonely and sad.
Harry's heart felt like it was pricked by a needle, not painful but extremely itchy.
"How could the crow be left with nothing? Hadn't he already built his own peacock garden with straw from the pigeon coop and stones from the crow's nest?"
Harry reached out a hand and gently placed it on Draco's shoulder, giving him strength.
"Have you always known what you should do and persevered in achieving it? The persistence in wanting to take the top spot in your grade from Hermione, the stubborn determination to win the Quidditch title from me.
For you, persistence and hard work are exactly what you are best at, right? "
Draco looked at Harry's sincere eyes, his heart trembled slightly, and he chuckled softly, a rare sunny dawn in many days.
"I will, Potter."
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