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Chapter 23
When we got back to Hogwarts, we chatted for a while, then went to our living rooms to pack our things. We had to be on the Hogwarts Express tomorrow morning to get back to London. Of course, I didn't really want to leave school for the holidays, because it wasn't every day that I got the chance to spend my time surrounded by books in the library, but I couldn't help but go home. I'd promised Flora that I'd be back for Christmas vacation, and promises are meant to be kept. Besides, I'll have a couple days off when I go back to school. So it's not all bad if you look at it that way. After all, I've missed my family a lot in a few months.
Thanks to magic, it didn't take long to pack, only about five minutes. My neighbors, on the other hand, had a hard time. Instead of learning even the most basic spells to make life easier, they spent the first half of the school year doing nothing but dicking around. So, after unsuccessful attempts to neatly arrange everything in the suitcases, they stupidly threw everything inside, and then, not without effort, locked them... oh, they'll be in trouble at home for such a thing....
At last all the stirring in the room was over, the light went out, and the boys settled down in their beds. The darkness and silence instantly made us drowsy, so that our consciousness slowly but surely sank into the land of dreams....
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- Ehhh, you are too weak... too young... don't waste all your time on knowledge... don't chase power... spend your youth happily....
***
*♪ Ding-Ding-Ding-Ding ♪
*♪ Ding-ding-ding-ding ♪
My eyes flew open abruptly and my hand automatically went up and turned off the alarm clock. Except my thoughts were focused on something else. A voice, male, old... I thought I heard something in the dream, but unfortunately, as soon as I opened my eyes, it was gone, leaving a vague echo. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember anything. Therefore, I decided to put away unnecessary thoughts, and then quickly washed up and went to the Great Hall for breakfast, after which my way would be to the station, the chests are not necessary to carry.
An hour later, our train was on its way back to London, but this time, instead of the Weasley brothers and Angelina, my roommates shared a compartment with me. There wasn't much to talk to them about. I wasn't interested in the rumors that were going around the school, or the Quidditch discussions, so I pulled out my spell book and started perusing it until the train was at the London station....
- Draco! - As soon as I got off the train, Flora flew into my carcass, knocking all the air out of my lungs as usual.
- Flora! How many times have I told you not to jump on me like that, it hurts... heh heh heh....
- I'm sorry. I just missed you so much I couldn't resist hugging you! - She made a pitiful face that made it impossible to get mad at her.
- Mm, I missed you too. - I gently patted her on the head.
- Flora, is it just me, or have you grown up? You'll outgrow me soon enough!
- Heh-heh-heh, you've grown too, brother!
- Ahem, I realize you miss each other, but can you at least pretend to notice us? - My father's voice suddenly sounded from outside, with a distinct note of displeasure and some jealousy in it.
- Dad, Mom. I missed you too! - I instantly hugged my parents, except when it was my mom's turn she clutched me tighter and wouldn't let go.
- Draco! Son! I missed you so much, and more. We all missed you so much, and Flora, there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't complain about your absence. My goodness, how you've grown up in that time, matured and become even more beautiful....
- Narcissa, don't forget we're still at the train station, it's not nice to behave like this in public. Let's go home and then you can babysit him as you like. - My father said a little unhappily, seeing the passers-by casting glances in our direction.
- Um, don't stop me from spending time with my son Lucius. You know very well how much I missed him! - My mother gave my father a stern and displeased look, which caused him to hesitate and then step back a few steps. I felt a little sorry for him, so I decided to do my part to smooth things over.
- Dad's right, Mom, we're at the train station and it's winter outside. So I'm a little cold, it'd be nice to get home soon.
- Oh, that's right! I forgot all about that because of the charms on my clothes! Let's go to the fireplace soon, back with the help of Flying Powder!
Our house was connected to the "fireplace network", so we could quickly travel through it to the right place. And so, after waiting in line for about five minutes, we were successfully in the living room of our house.
- Haa, it feels good to be home. I see you've already decorated the house and the tree for Christmas.
- Sorry dear, Flora was very bored, so to cheer her up in any way, we had to do it without you.
- That's all right, Mom, I'm not offended. The important thing is that your little sister's happy. - I gave Flora another pat on the head, who was clinging to me like a koala to a eucalyptus tree.
- Draco, tell me about Hogwarts! You must have had an incredible time there!
- Children, let's have dinner first, because Draco must have gotten hungry on the way. And then you can talk until morning. - Lucius interjected, causing us to rethink our plans.
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- So Draco, I heard a rumor that you got into a fight with someone at school. Is it just a rumor or is it true? - My father asked during dinner, and my mother and Flora were so surprised by my father's words that they immediately perked up their ears.
- It's true. A certain Gryffindor boy has been slinging mud at me and our family. So I had to teach him a lesson. I'm sure he'll remember the lesson for a long time and won't talk nonsense again.
- Hmm, you did the right thing. No one slanders our family. If it weren't for you, I would have gotten involved. And it wouldn't have pleased the whole family.
- Brother, what spell did you use? Was it powerful? - The curious Flora was immediately interested.
- It was the Depulso spell, and yes, it was quite powerful....
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