Since the Dementors had only appeared briefly, by the time Draco and the others reached the Hogwarts station, it became clear that aside from Harry Potter and Ron Weasley—who both looked a bit dazed—everyone else seemed far more composed.
That was why the first-years kept casting strange glances toward Harry, likely worrying whether their Chosen One might suddenly drop dead.
In truth, Dementors were terrifying and difficult to deal with, but unless they appeared in overwhelming numbers or unleashed their full power, their influence on wizards was rarely strong enough to cause fainting.
More accurately, the true danger of Dementors lay in the mental damage they inflicted, and in the Dementor's Kiss—the dreadful act capable of turning a wizard into a living corpse....
After Draco and the others entered Hogwarts, they were greeted by the annual Sorting Ceremony.
Upon stepping into the Great Hall, everyone could see the professors already seated at the staff table. What caught their attention most, however, was the Defence Against the Dark Arts position—once again occupied by a new face.
Because of what had happened on the train, Draco glanced curiously in that direction. That single glance made him notice something strange about his godfather.
"What's wrong? Who's upset him?"
Even from a distance, Draco could sense that Snape's expression was unusually grim. The oppressive aura and seething hostility radiating from him were so intense that Draco could feel it clearly from where he stood.
It made him suspect that Snape might pull out his wand at any moment and unleash one of his proud Dark Arts spells...
...
Absorbed by Snape's odd reaction, Draco failed to notice the looks from the surrounding students.
Hostility.
That came from the male wizards of every house except Slytherin.
Heat.
That was the burning gaze of every enthusiastic girl present.
Unknowingly, in just two short years, Draco's every word and action had already begun to influence the young witches and wizards of Hogwarts.
From his seat at the head table, Dumbledore adjusted his half-moon spectacles, the glint on the lenses concealing the expression in his eyes....
Now that Draco was a third-year, it was easy to see that he had grown taller. The fine features inherited from his parents had lost the boyish softness of youth.
His mature aura, paired with his striking good looks, made Draco as alluring as a glass of aged wine. Combined with his background and talent, he had become the prince charming in the eyes of many girls.
Unless something unexpected happened, this year would almost certainly bring a few bold upperclassmen confessions.
As the saying goes, a woman dresses up for the one she admires. Having long acknowledged her feelings, Pansy paid great attention to her appearance and demeanor. Her naturally good looks, enhanced by careful effort, made her stand out among the girls without appearing overdone.
At the very least, walking beside Draco, they made a picture-perfect pair....
But at this moment, Pansy was anything but pleased. Her lovely face had turned icy cold.
As she swept her gaze over the eager upperclassmen, she ground her teeth.
"Draco wouldn't give you the time of day!"
Goyle and Crabbe, walking a few steps behind them, exchanged nervous glances and quietly slowed their pace. Having plenty of experience, they knew better than to provoke her right now.
Fortunately, the walk wasn't long. Soon, they reached the Slytherin table and took their seats, prompting the disappointed stares around them to finally fade away....
...
After the Sorting Ceremony ended, Pansy leaned close to Draco's ear and whispered.
"Did you notice?"
"Mhm."
Draco's infuriatingly indifferent response made Pansy puff out her cheeks in irritation, her heart burning with frustration at the thought of others coveting what she considered hers.
But when she saw the completely unconcerned look on his face, she could only sigh and mutter in exasperation, "Didn't you see those eyes practically trying to eat you alive? Don't blame me later for not warning you if something happens!"
Her jealous grumbling made Draco pause. He turned to glance at Pansy, who sat beside him with her head slightly bowed, idly fiddling with her fingers.
No one knew what Draco intended to say—or had the chance to see the expression in his eyes—before Dumbledore's voice rang out from the platform.
"Welcome!"
The candlelight gleamed off his beard, and with the help of a Sonorus Charm, every word carried clearly across the Great Hall to all the young witches and wizards.
"Welcome to Hogwarts for a new school year. I have a few words for you all, and one matter in particular is quite serious. I think it's best to make it clear before this feast leaves you all too drowsy to listen…"
The sudden gravity in Dumbledore's tone pressed heavily on the students. Even the mischievous Weasley twins refrained from any pranks under that solemn atmosphere.
"I'm sure you've all noticed—they searched the Hogwarts Express. The Dementors from Azkaban are here under orders from the Ministry of Magic to apprehend an escaped prisoner."
At this, Dumbledore cast a subtle glance in the direction of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.
"They are stationed at every entrance to the school grounds. I must make this absolutely clear: no one is permitted to leave the school without authorization."
He paused briefly before continuing, his expression grave.
"The Dementors cannot be deceived by tricks or disguises—not even by an Invisibility Cloak. They do not understand pleas or excuses. Therefore, I warn each and every one of you—do not give them any chance to harm you!"
The Great Hall, which moments ago had been filled with the excitement of the Sorting Ceremony, fell into complete silence.
Only when Dumbledore began introducing the two new professors did the familiar liveliness gradually return.
It was then that Draco noticed Snape's expression twisting into a barely concealed grimace as his gaze fell upon the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
It was a look of indescribable loathing...
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on P@treon.
[Upto 50 chapters ahead for now]
[email protected]/BlurryDream