Chapter 303 Extra: Draco's Summer Vacation
Draco Malfoy sat in the spacious and luxurious study of Malfoy Manor.
His fingertips slid across the carved gold patterns on the tabletop, his eyes fixed on the parchment spread out in front of him, his brows furrowed.
There was a subtle scent of cedar floating in the air.
This is the usual smell of the manor, with a cold and noble air, light yet distant.
He should have gotten used to the silence.
From childhood to adulthood, he could completely relax in this familiar environment, without having to be the proud heir of the Malfoy family in the eyes of his father and outsiders.
But since returning home, his mental state has been tense.
Even this familiar silence was unbearable to him, not only because Harry's chatter and Amanta's theories were missing, but also because...
The Dark Mark often attacks at night, and the burning pain is particularly intense in the dead of night.
Even though he tried hard to suppress and ignore the pain.
But sometimes the pain came suddenly and he had to curl up in bed, covering himself with the quilt, and pounding the mattress angrily, but gritting his teeth to prevent himself from making any sound.
He couldn't let his mother know, and he couldn't let his father know...
He understood that his father was increasingly leaning against Voldemort.
But at least on the surface, the Malfoy family has not clearly chosen sides and has always remained neutral.
Fortunately, he had hidden the Gaunt coat of arms, otherwise if his father handed over the Gaunt coat of arms, or if the Death Eaters secretly searched for it in Malfoy Manor.
He didn't dare to imagine what the consequences would be.
My father has always been smooth-talking. He believes he can maneuver in the center of the storm, please both sides, and find a path that is most suitable for the development of the Malfoy family.
However, he didn't know that his former allies no longer trusted him.
They stopped threatening with words and reached out directly to Narcissa Malfoy.
A few days ago, an uninvited guest visited Malfoy Manor.
Draco still can't forget his mother's expression that day -
Her face was pale and her eyes were filled with anger, but she had to pretend to be calm and comfort Lucius.
And his father, for the first time, showed real anger and strengthened the security of the manor, even dispatching some wizards to patrol day and night.
But so what?
His Dark Mark still burned.
He was threatened and endured the torture alone, but he didn't dare tell the truth to anyone.
On the desk, the letter Hedwig brought had been unfolded, and a familiar handwriting came into view.
"Draco:
Finally we're at the Dursleys'. To be honest, coming back here is like falling from heaven to hell."
"Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia still hate me, and Dudley is still as dumb as a pig, but at least - at least I have a little storage bag from Amanta, full of food."
"By the way, how are you doing lately? Malfoy Manor should be very comfortable, right? Are you living like a noble every day?"
"See you next Monday. We must meet."
—Harry
Draco stared at the letter, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"Living like an aristocrat?"
Harry, do you know what the pain of aristocracy is? I am tortured by the Dark Mark and cannot sleep at night, but you think I enjoy tea leisurely every day?
Draco snorted coldly, picked up the quill, and quickly replied:
"Harry:
It's time to stop fantasizing about Malfoy Manor."
"It's true that this place is much more upscale than the shabby house at the Dursleys, but do you think I'm going to lie on the velvet sofa and drink tea all day?
"What a joke."
"By the way, I enjoyed Amanta's potion before you did. I used her hair potion these days, and my hair is smoother than before."
"Your situation is still so pathetic. It's really pitiful."
"But, see you next Monday."
—Draco Malfoy
With a smug smile on his face, he folded the letter and tied it around Hedwig's leg.
"Send it back to your master, quickly."
He whispered a warning, and the owl flapped its wings and quickly flew out the window.
His fingers trembled slightly as he opened Amanta's letter.
My heartbeat quickened inexplicably.
The quill rested on the parchment for a long time.
He didn't understand why he was so nervous, and even felt a sense of anticipation.
Damn it, what am I doing?
He slammed his hand on the table and cursed under his breath: "Damn it, why should I be nervous?"
He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and read the contents of the letter carefully.
She asked about his recent situation, mentioned her studies and potion business, and there was a little concern between the lines, but she did not reveal too much emotion.
Draco frowned, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
Is it just so bland?
Wouldn't she miss him?
Won't you worry about him?
He suddenly had the urge to let Amanta know his condition, but when the words came to his lips, he restrained himself.
She is so smart, she will definitely notice something, he can't let her worry.
He finally sat up straight, picked up his pen again, and wrote a letter:
"Amanta:
I have received your letter. I have to compliment you. Your writing is still good. At least it is not as nagging as Harry's. "
"Malfoy Manor has been very peaceful recently...nothing extraneous has happened."
Of course, my life is as comfortable as ever - just playing wizard chess with my father when he is free, occasionally riding a broom around the manor, or like now, lying leisurely on the velvet sofa and drinking black tea. "
"It's such a shame you and Harry didn't come."
"By the way, I'm planning to go to the jewelry store in Diagon Alley soon. I heard that they have a new batch of pretty good jewelry. Do you have any particular style you like?"
"If you have any, tell me and I can bring it back to you."
"By the way, my hair is smoother than before—"
"Of course, it's not because of your potion, it's because I'm naturally beautiful."
"See you next week."
—Draco Malfoy
After finishing the letter, Draco closed the pen and rubbed his brow.
During the night, the Dark Mark began to ache again.
He lifted his sleeve and looked at the black mark on his arm, a sneer in his eyes.
No matter how smart his father was, he still failed to notice the changes in himself.
Maybe this is a good thing.
As long as he didn't hand over the Gaunt coat of arms, as long as he could continue to endure the pain, those people would have no way to do anything to him.
He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and his breathing became heavier.
Tonight is probably going to be another difficult night.