Unlike last year, Draco's parents weren't waiting at the platform this time, which surprised him since he hadn't received any word in advance.
If it had been his father, always stern and carrying himself with aristocratic dignity, Draco wouldn't have found it strange.
But his mother—who had always doted on him—was absent too, and that could only mean something had happened that he didn't know about. After being dragged into so many incidents this year, the thought made Draco uneasy.
Only when the Malfoy family's House-elf appeared did Draco finally set aside his worries.
"Young Master, because the master is entertaining an important guest, Nait has come to fetch you."
Compared to Dobby, the eccentric outlier among House-elves, Nait seemed far more subdued. At least, Draco had never once heard Dobby refer to his master with such formality.
Yet Nait's pride was impossible to miss, as though being entrusted with welcoming Draco was an honor of the highest order.
His sudden arrival caused quite a stir—not just because of the spectacle of apparition that drew gasps from the young wizards nearby, but because of his very identity as a House-elf.
After all, House-elves almost never appeared openly before wizards unless it was a truly serious matter, or they were carrying out a direct order from their master.
In fact, while most Hogwarts students knew that House-elves lived within the castle, few outside a certain House ever actually laid eyes on them.
So whether they had never seen one before, or only knew of them by reputation, everyone's attention was instantly drawn to him—curious, and puzzled.
And it must be said, compared to Dobby, Nait's clothing and appearance were far more presentable, more befitting the Malfoy family's name. Perhaps that was exactly why Nait had been sent rather than Dobby.
Pansy, standing nearby, of course recognized him at once.
"Important guest?"
"Yes, Miss Parkinson."
"In that case, we'll part ways here. Don't forget to write me, Draco."
With her usual queenly air in front of others, Pansy tilted her chin and, after reminding Draco once, turned with Goyle and Crabbe toward the Parkinsons, who were watching them.
As a pure-blood aristocrat herself, Pansy knew the phrase "important guest" was not used lightly. It could only mean someone of great significance to the Malfoy family.
Draco drew his gaze back from Pansy and looked down at the House-elf, whose eager eyes were fixed on him.
He couldn't help but wonder who this guest might be...
...
Traveling by Floo powder and then in a Thestral-drawn carriage, Draco soon arrived safely at Malfoy Manor.
But the moment he stepped through the door, before he could even grow wary, someone hiding just inside swept him up into a tight embrace.
It was clear they had been waiting for him to return.
"My little dragon is finally back. Good heavens, you've grown so tall—and even more handsome than before!"
"..."
The embarrassing nickname and the familiar voice immediately told Draco who had ambushed him.
The sweet smell of freshly baked biscuits clinging to her made it even clearer what his dinner would look like tonight.
Just as he was about to speak, Narcissa Malfoy, who had been all smiles a moment ago, began fussing over him with worried eyes.
"I've heard everything from Lucius. That old fool Dumbledore actually let a Basilisk appear at Hogwarts! Lucius ought to have dragged him down from the headmaster's chair for that."
"..."
Listening to his mother curse, Draco was speechless but also warmed. He knew her sharp words came only from worry. Otherwise she would never speak so bluntly about a wizard held in such high esteem.
And from what she said, he also understood why his father had shown up at Hogwarts.
"Sorry for making you worry."
Draco gently hugged his still-indignant mother, murmuring with a softer expression than he showed anyone else.
Even the domineering Draco revealed his vulnerable side before his closest family. If anyone in the world could sway his decisions, Narcissa Malfoy was certainly one of them.
His reaction left Narcissa momentarily startled, then smiling with delight.
"My little dragon has even learned how to be sweet."
"..."
"I'm glad, but tonight you'll need to be on your very best behavior. Lucius has invited them over."
"Them?"
Draco raised a brow in confusion as she smoothed out his robes.
"Oh, about that, you'll have to ask Lucius yourself. I think you'll be quite pleased."
Her playful wink only deepened his curiosity—and his confusion—about who these visitors were.
"I know you're happy Draco's back, Narcissa, but don't forget—we have guests."
At that moment, Lucius Malfoy appeared, as serious and elegant as always. Though his tone carried a trace of helplessness, it was also tinged with indulgence.
Following the sound of his voice, Draco noticed a middle-aged wizard standing at his father's side. The man looked frail.
Yes—frail, as though weakened by grave illness or perhaps under a curse.
Yet even so, the noble and formidable aura around him could not be concealed.
Powerful yet fragile—the strange contrast made Draco study him more closely. But soon his gaze shifted to a small witch half-hiding behind the man.
She wasn't very old, and she was peeking out at him with timid, expectant eyes. When Draco's gaze met hers, she gave him a shy, sweet smile.
"Draco, this is Greengrass, and his young daughter, Astoria Greengrass."
The middle-aged wizard's kindly, almost approving gaze, paired with the dimples on Astoria's pretty face, left Draco murmuring in confusion.
Greengrass... one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight pure-blood families.