Wizards are, in truth, quite skilled at living well and enjoying life.
Most things can be solved with a simple charm.
These tents, which looked no different from Muggle ones on the outside, had also been enchanted by wizards from the Ministry of Magic...
Perhaps it was a touch of wizardly humor—or a misstep in trying to imitate Muggles—but each tent had its own distinctive flair. Some had chimneys, others had pull ropes for visitors, and a few even had weather vanes.
It was clear that the tents near Draco's had all been magically enhanced. And when Hermione stepped inside Draco's tent, it became undeniable that magic had indeed been used. Though the tent looked small from the outside, the space within made it hard to believe they hadn't stepped into an entirely different place...
"This... you used an Undetectable Extension Charm on this tent?!"
Hermione, who had entered with Draco, stared wide-eyed at the sight before her.
There wasn't just a bathroom for washing up—there was even a kitchen for cooking. It was enough to make her wonder if she'd walked into the wrong tent.
Her surprise was understandable. The charm was tightly regulated by the Ministry of Magic, forbidden for private or casual use, and their own tent hadn't been enchanted this way.
Although Hermione knew about the charm, she had never actually experienced it firsthand, which explained her shock.
Ginny Weasley, who had followed them inside, showed little curiosity or surprise. Hermione, having never been to the Weasley home, didn't know that the Weasleys had also used the Undetectable Extension Charm illegally. That was why Ginny didn't find this impressive at all...
The Undetectable Extension Charm.
A high-level piece of magic. In theory, a wizard skilled enough could fit a hundred adult wizards into a space no larger than a single bathroom stall.
Because of its potential to breach the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, the Ministry placed strict restrictions on the use of this spell.
Draco, however, was no stranger to it. Beneath his bed was a magical trunk enchanted with the same charm—a trunk that had once held a dragon.
In fact, using the Undetectable Extension Charm for private purposes was illegal.
Aside from school trunks or the tent currently arranged by the Ministry for Draco's use, it was nearly impossible to come across such a spell...
...
After Hermione finished looking around Draco's tent, she finally remembered why she had come inside in the first place.
She glanced hesitantly at Ginny, who had followed her in, and blinked apologetically. "Um, Ginny... could you wait outside for a bit? I'll be quick."
"...Alright, I got it."
Though she'd half-expected that answer, hearing it still left Ginny feeling a little gloomy.
Considering the tent belonged to Draco Malfoy, she decided not to argue and insist on staying. Before leaving, however, she shot Draco a warning look as he quietly began to brew tea.
Once Ginny reluctantly stepped out, only Draco and Hermione were left inside...
"Would you like a cup?"
"Sure! Wait—if it's Gurdyroot tea, then no thanks."
"Relax, it's just plain black tea."
Draco had assumed that since Hermione had sent Ginny away and picked this moment to come in, she must have something urgent or important to say.
But instead, she sat down almost immediately and began to enjoy the tea he'd brewed himself.
If Ginny, standing outside in the cold wind, knew about this, she'd probably be furious—or maybe even cry.
Seeing Hermione in no rush to speak, Draco didn't push her. Instead, curiosity got the better of him.
"I'm surprised you came. Did Potter and the others invite you?"
"No, of course not. Actually, Ginny invited me."
Hermione looked a little nervous, as if worried Draco might misunderstand. Setting her cup down, she quickly explained the reason she was there.
What she didn't mention was that ever since that day, Harry Potter and the others had started to distance themselves from her. If not for Ginny, they probably wouldn't have invited her at all.
But that was something Hermione chose not to say.
"Alright then, let's hear it. What did you find out?"
Draco put down his cup and got to the point, curious about what she wanted to tell him.
At that, Hermione's expression became conflicted.
"I know it's not really my place, but I'm worried."
"Worried?"
"You probably don't know this yet, but Harry seems to have a godfather."
"You mean... Potter's godfather?"
"Yes, and he showed up only recently."
"Oh? Isn't that a good thing? What's there to worry about?"
Draco knew something about Harry Potter's background.
Both his parents were dead, and the aunt and uncle who'd raised him had never treated him kindly.
It was fair to say that Harry hadn't had an easy childhood—otherwise, Goyle and Crabbe wouldn't have used it as a favorite topic for mockery.
So if a caring godfather had appeared, it should have been a good thing...
But a godfather?
When had that happened?
"Harry's been in a much better mood lately, and I'm really glad he has a godfather," Hermione continued. "But he's been hiding something. He hasn't told me who his godfather is, and honestly... it seems like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are helping him keep it secret."
Though Hermione hadn't meant to pry, the situation felt off enough to trouble her.
Still, even if it was odd, was it really something to worry about?
Draco's gaze made her add, softly, "I think Harry's godfather might be influencing him."
"Influencing?"
"Yes. Harry's told me a lot lately—about Death Eaters, about that man, and even... about your family, Draco. He said your family once served that man. From what I can tell, his godfather seems to have a deep hatred for your family."
Draco froze for a moment, meeting Hermione's anxious eyes.
Then he understood.
The person Hermione was truly worried about—was him.