No one knew what had happened that day in the study at the top floor, nor what Draco had seen inside.
The only thing known was that after that day, Lucius Malfoy began spending much more time away from home. Narcissa, already prepared for such a change, accepted it calmly.
It was also after that day that Draco set his books aside, picked up his wand, and began spending nearly all his time in the underground training room of Malfoy Manor.
As for accompanying Astoria to Diagon Alley—Draco seemed to have pushed that completely out of his mind...
...
The underground training room.
Normally, underage wizards were forbidden to perform magic outside school. Most believed this rule existed to protect young witches and wizards.
But that restriction didn't apply to the old pure-blood families. With private chambers warded to hide their traces, they could practice freely, undetected by the Ministry of Magic.
Naturally, the Malfoys also had such a room.
"Draco, you have to stop! This is too dangerous!"
"Hah... Don't worry, nothing happened before, right?"
"Who's to say that wasn't just luck? I've never heard of any method like this to increase magical power!"
Draco lay trembling, unable to move. Pansy crouched nearby, clutching a potion bottle, her small face twisted in both anger and worry.
This scene had played out once before, last year—but she had never imagined this was Draco's way of strengthening himself. Such a reckless, self-destructive method was unheard of.
Worse still, this time Draco seemed determined to push through with it, unlike before when he had still held some hesitation. Pansy couldn't stop him...
Frustrated, she knelt down at his side, gently lifting his head and pressing the bottle to his lips. Her tender movements completely contradicted the scolding in her voice.
Draco swallowed the cool potion with difficulty. His hoarse voice broke the silence, as though trying to distract her.
"How many times has it been now?"
"The second... maybe third. Anyway, if you don't stop this madness, don't blame me when I tell—"
"Pansy. Trust me."
"..."
Draco lay with his head in her lap, forcing a weak smile, his gaze firm and unyielding. That look alone made Pansy's throat tighten as she shut her eyes in frustration.
Those words, that gaze—how was she supposed to stay angry when he looked at her like that?
Why did this bastard get away with everything...
...
Of course, Pansy was at Malfoy Manor because of Draco.
He had shared his secret with her—that exhausting his magic could somehow raise his magical limits. He needed her help to attempt it safely.
In truth, if not for the risk of something going wrong midway, Draco might have tried this dangerous method entirely on his own.
And judging from the results, the increase in magic wasn't mere coincidence. After several attempts, it really did work... though the effect was clearly weakening now. Which made sense—if such growth could go on without limit, it would be terrifying.
Draco, resting with eyes closed, suddenly felt fingers tugging lightly at his hair. He didn't need to open his eyes to know who it was—Pansy had done this before.
It was only in these moments that Pansy ever dared to "bully" him.
Yet, looking at their posture, perhaps it was Draco who was enjoying it more.
After shifting slightly so Draco could rest more comfortably, Pansy finally let out the question that had weighed on her for so long.
Though it seemed masochistic, part of her couldn't help but feel envious...
"Tell me, what's really going on?"
"Mm?"
"Forget your reckless stunts for now—what is this method of yours? Don't tell me it's some kind of taboo dark magic?!"
Born into a family with deep wizarding roots, Pansy knew well enough how magical exhaustion normally worked. It never had these kinds of "side effects." If anything, pushing past one's limit should cause severe and irreversible damage.
That was why she hadn't dared to try it herself. And Draco had been very clear in forbidding her.
But with Draco, it was different—and that worried her, even as it confused her.
"Dark magic? Of course not. Have you ever heard of anything like this?"
"That's exactly why I'm worried! Because it already goes beyond the scope of dark magic..."
"That's why I haven't told anyone else."
By "anyone else," he meant even his parents. Pansy didn't know if that should make her feel trusted or furious.
"More importantly, I don't know the reason myself. Maybe... my body's just a little different?"
"Different? In what way—wait, don't move! Rest a little longer."
As Draco tried to sit up, Pansy pressed him firmly back down by the forehead, her tone annoyed but firm.
Too drained to resist, Draco only shrugged, settling back against her thighs. Truth be told, he didn't mind her softness at all.
"So, are you planning to keep trying this?"
"No. The effect's already weakened. For the next few days, I just need to get control of this sudden surge in magic."
"Good. I don't ever want to see you like that again."
Her voice softened to a whisper. Draco didn't reply. The room fell into silence.
Draco rested with his eyes closed.
Pansy let him use her lap as a pillow.
Watching his breathing settle into an even rhythm, her face flushed slightly red. Her heartbeat sounded far too loud in the quiet of the chamber.
Feeling lightheaded, Pansy shook her head quickly, unconsciously licking at the corner of her lips.
She hadn't had Butterbeer at breakfast that morning, yet just now—she could swear she felt a little drunk.