Hermione, of course, had no way of knowing what really happened that day. Draco was certainly not foolish enough to admit it himself, and for reasons unknown, Pansy showed no intention of telling anyone either.
But being inexperienced, Pansy still let a few things slip...
When Draco wasn't around, she would merely zone out or smile to herself like an idiot. But the moment Draco appeared, her face would turn bright red and she wouldn't dare look at him at all. That timid, bullied expression made Hermione's eyelids twitch every time she saw it.
Hermione couldn't make sense of it in the slightest.
She would never have imagined that if Draco were the one helping Pansy choose robes, he would pick the perfect one without fail, the most flattering and the most comfortable fit.
Well… for someone who could rank first in the year, an exceptional memory was practically a requirement for Draco.
...
Astoria noticed Pansy's change as well.
But convinced she already held the upper hand, she didn't feel nearly as unsettled as Hermione did. Of course, that was also because Pansy hadn't shown any hostility toward her...
Just as the atmosphere began to feel oddly tense, Goyle and Crabbe entered the hall with newspapers in hand, their excited expressions immediately drawing attention.
In fact, the reason Pansy and the rest were all present was because of Draco's instructions. After all, something rather significant had happened in the wizarding world recently.
"Take a look at this: [A wizard who's been deceived, desperately trying to attract attention, and convinced he's some tragic hero]. Quite an entertaining piece."
As Goyle read aloud, everyone's gaze shifted to the newspaper spread across the table. Splashed across the front page of The Daily Prophet was Harry Potter's furious face.
Honestly, no one there had expected that even outside Hogwarts, the Chosen One would still dominate wizarding gossip. Once again, that famous savior had landed on the front page.
But still…
"What is this?"
"Is this about Harry Potter?"
"Obviously. That's the Chosen One we know."
"That reporter again?"
After reading the article, everyone, Draco included, wore strange expressions.
"This is The Daily Prophet?"
"If I'd only read this article, I would've thought it was some newly launched entertainment magazine…"
Putting aside the actual content, one thing was certain. After this report, Harry Potter's notoriety would definitely reach new heights.
Even if it was in a decidedly negative direction.
"If the photo weren't clearly Harry Potter, some wizards might think the person described here was our own great Dark Lord, freshly resurrected," Draco remarked, resting his chin on his hand as he delivered a joke that wasn't particularly funny.
Probably only Draco could joke so casually about Voldemort, whose name most wizards didn't even dare speak.
Unsure how to respond to him, Pansy tapped The Daily Prophet on the table, curiosity plain on her face.
"So what's really going on?"
"Isn't it obvious?" someone replied. "The Ministry is making its move."
"Making its move?"
"Sounds like you already knew something, Draco. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gathered us all here."
Pansy looked straight at Draco, direct and impatient.
"Come on. Did Potter mess something up again?"
Though she tugged at his arm, clearly eager for answers, Draco didn't respond right away. Instead, he silently turned his gaze to Hermione, wanting to see how much she had figured out.
Catching the encouragement in his eyes, Hermione lifted her chin proudly.
"You want to hear what I think? I suppose I could tell you…"
"Oh, please, Granger. If you know, just say it already!"
Pansy, utterly fed up with Hermione's smug expression, cut her off without hesitation.
Meanwhile, the sharp-minded Astoria spoke up first.
"I think I get it. They're trying to turn Potter into someone no one believes. And I'm quite certain the Minister of Magic is the one pulling the strings behind this article."
Astoria's thoughts moved quickly, immediately grasping the scheme hidden beneath the surface. This wasn't just a piece meant to provoke a few laughs.
It was an attempt to reshape public opinion, to change how everyone saw Harry Potter.
"You mean… the Minister of Magic?"
"Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Unless something unexpected happens, I imagine the wizards who've already read this report are starting to believe that the so-called Chosen One is nothing more than a foolish, ordinary boy who's been toyed with by Dumbledore."
Hermione's follow-up only reinforced Astoria's conclusion.
"I think the Minister must have realized that Potter was no longer someone he could win over, so he simply gave up on him."
Just as Hermione and Astoria had pointed out, there was a deeper scheme hidden behind this report. Its purpose was to destroy Harry Potter's influence within the wizarding world.
"Because he's connected to Dumbledore?"
As the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore could very easily influence every aspect of Harry Potter's life, both directly and indirectly. His thoughts, his environment, even the friends around him might all have been the result of Dumbledore's careful yet seemingly natural arrangements.
Thinking of this, Draco couldn't help but feel a trace of sympathy for the Chosen One. He narrowed his eyes.
'Compared to being a helpless pawn, it's better to become the one who moves the pieces…'
As the thought settled in his mind, Draco's expression grew increasingly severe. The surging magic around him was strong enough that Pansy and the others immediately turned to look.
"Draco?"
"…I'm fine."
Just as Pansy was checking on him, Hermione, who had been frowning beside them, spoke hesitantly.
"Um… Draco, there's something that's been bothering me. Why would the Ministry suddenly report on Potter at a time like this? It feels strange."
"Oh?"
Hermione's keen insight surprised Draco. This matter could be considered a secret among secrets. Even within the Ministry, very few people were aware of it.
If it hadn't been for Lockhart, Draco himself wouldn't have known that this incident had even taken place.
It was precisely because of this hidden secret that Draco had gathered everyone here.
After all, if it were nothing more than a lighthearted, entertainment-driven article, there would have been no reason for him to take it so seriously.