Hogwarts' Golden Glory

Just as Draco finished speaking, a rustling sound suddenly came from behind him.

He turned around abruptly, only to find that Gabrielle had somehow already been standing on the other side of the fountain.

He was holding a whole bunch of strange and unusual little gadgets in his arms.

A glowing crystal ball, a fairy tale book with automatic page turning, and even a small firework sprite in a glass bottle that keeps changing colors.

She blinked her bright blue eyes.

With a slightly embarrassed smile, she said, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I... I just went to get some things."

Draco was stunned.

He had assumed Gabrielle had run away because of his harsh reply, but he never expected that she had gone to prepare these things.

"These are...?" His tone softened unconsciously.

Gabrielle jogged over and shoved everything she was carrying into Draco's hands.

"These are all things I find fun! Especially this children's book, the stories come to life on their own, it's perfect for reading at night!"

Draco looked down at the book in his hand with its gold-embossed cover, "French Magical Fairy Tales".

The spine of the book is wrapped with magical patterns that resemble silver threads.

With a gentle touch, the pages open automatically, revealing a three-dimensional illusion—fairies dancing, unicorns running through the forest, and even a fire-breathing dragon circling the edges of the pages.

"……Thanks."

He spoke dryly, trying to maintain his Malfoy-like arrogance, but the tips of his ears were slightly red.

Gabrielle's smile widened: "Those stories about dark magic you just told were actually quite interesting! Although my sister said they were all 'dangerous things,' I think... you told them much more interestingly than the books."

Draco's expression shifted subtly.

From childhood to adulthood, those around him either feared the power of the Malfoy family or loathed his arrogance; very few people would genuinely praise him for "speaking well."

Kane stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "It seems our little Draco has finally met someone who appreciates him."

Draco glared at him, but Gabrielle had already tugged at his sleeve with great interest: "Tomorrow I can take you to the magic garden behind the manor! The flowers there sing, and there are butterflies that change color!"

Draco opened his mouth as if to refuse, but in the end he only snorted softly: "...Whatever."

Madame de la Cour arranged guest rooms for them; the rooms were spacious and comfortable, with views of a moonlit rose garden outside the windows.

Draco sat in an armchair by the window, flipping through the fairy tale book Gabrielle had given him.

The story in the book continues to unfold automatically, with the little knight battling a fire-breathing dragon in exaggerated and comical movements.

He stared at it for a while, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

A soft knock came at the door, and Gabrielle's voice came through the crack: "Draco? Are you asleep?"

Draco closed the book, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "...No."

The door was pushed open a crack, and Gabrielle poked half her head in.

Holding a steaming cup of cocoa in her hand: "My mom says drinking this before bed will help me sleep better."

Draco stared at the cup of cocoa, remaining silent for a few seconds.

In the end, she reached out and took it, saying, "...Thank you."

Gabrielle didn't leave immediately, but tilted her head to look at him: "Are you really willing to go to the garden with me tomorrow?"

Draco took a sip of cocoa, the sweet aroma spreading across his tongue.

He had originally intended to give a casual, perfunctory reply, but looking at her expectant eyes, he somehow found himself nodding as if possessed: "...Mm."

Gabrielle's eyes lit up instantly, as if they were filled with stars: "It's a deal! I'll come wake you up tomorrow morning!"

After saying that, she ran off lightly, her footsteps fading into the distance down the corridor.

Draco stared at the cup in his hand for a long while, then muttered under his breath, "...troublesome brat."

But there was not a trace of impatience in his tone.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the sheer curtains.

Draco was awakened by a soft knock on the door.

"Draco! Wake up!" Gabrielle's voice was full of energy.

Draco frowned as he opened his eyes and found that it was still early outside the window, and the morning dew had not yet dissipated.

He tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but Gabrielle was already counting down outside the door: "I'll count to three, and if you don't answer, I'll let my cat, the raccoon, jump in and scratch you!"

"...You dare." Draco gritted his teeth and sat up.

"three!"

The door was pushed open, and Gabrielle stood in the doorway with a grin, indeed holding the snow-white tabby cat in her arms.

Draco stared at her, only to find that she was wearing a light blue dress today.

A small, glowing flower was pinned to her hair, making her look exceptionally lively.

"Hurry! My sister and brother Kane are already waiting for us!"

Draco rubbed his temples and resignedly got up.

After breakfast, Hibiscus led them to the magic garden at the back of the manor.

The sight in the garden made Draco's eyes widen slightly.

The roses here are not ordinary roses; their petals change color with the sunlight, from pale gold to deep red, and then to deep blue, as if they have been cast with a permanent color-changing spell.

"These are Veela roses," Fleur explained with a smile, "that can only grow under the magical nourishment of our family."

Kane reached out and gently touched a rose that was turning from blue to purple.

"very beautiful."

Furong glanced at him, her smile deepening: "If you like, you can take a few back to England."

Kane raised an eyebrow: "The Malfoy Manor greenhouses might need some new additions to their collection."

Draco stood to the side, intending to say something disparaging.

But Gabrielle grabbed her arm: "Look! The magic butterflies are here!"

A flock of shimmering silver butterflies flew in from the depths of the garden.

Their wings are covered with intricate magical patterns, leaving brief streaks of light wherever they fly.

Gabrielle reached out her hand, and a butterfly landed lightly on her fingertip.

Draco stared at the butterfly and instinctively reached out his hand as well.

The butterfly hesitated for a moment, then finally fluttered its wings and gently landed in his palm.

Gabrielle's eyes widened in surprise: "Wow! It likes you!"

Draco paused for a moment, then gave a soft snort: "...Not bad taste."

But the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

In the afternoon, they arrived at the Magic Lake on the edge of the manor.

The lake water was crystal clear, with a faint blue glow on the surface.

Occasionally, a few small silver fish leap out of the water, splashing up tiny droplets.

Hibiscus conjured a picnic blanket, and Kane sat down beside it.

Holding a glass of chilled lemonade, he unusually refrained from discussing magic, simply gazing quietly at the lake.

Draco sat cross-legged on the blanket.

Gabrielle was excitedly showing him the "dancing candy" her sister had brought from Beauxbatons.

A magical dessert that makes you want to waltz after you eat it.

"Do you dare to try?" Gabrielle looked at him provocatively.

Draco scoffed, "You think such a simple trick can stump me?"

He picked up a candy and popped it into his mouth.

Three seconds later, his body stood up uncontrollably.

Her arm was raised gracefully, as if inviting a dance partner.

Gabrielle laughed so hard she almost fell over.

Kane raised an eyebrow as he watched his younger brother being forced to perform the female steps, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

"The Malfoys' elegance is indeed well-deserved." Fleur smiled lightly.

Draco gritted his teeth as he was forced to spin around: "Gabrielle Delacour...you just wait!"

But his anger didn't last long.

Because Gabrielle soon ate a candy too and jumped up with him.

The two of them awkwardly twirled around the lake, the sunlight shining on them and casting two cheerful shadows.

Kane watched this scene, gently shaking his head, but his gaze softened considerably.

Perhaps, occasional moments like these are not bad.