Within the wizarding world, the status of House-elves had long been deeply entrenched.
No wizard would ever consider a House-elf a friend, and House-elves themselves never believed they were worthy of such treatment from wizards.
If Hermione had been there, she likely wouldn't have found Draco's kindness toward House-elves strange or unbelievable. But for witches like Pansy, who were born and raised in wizarding families, it was a completely different matter.
It was deeply shocking.
Equality.
That was something that simply could not exist for House-elves. This wasn't just because of historical baggage, but because the entire wizarding world, wizards and House-elves alike, had long since grown used to things being this way.
Let alone the idea of a wizard being friends with a House-elf.
Perhaps a beggar and a wealthy man could become friends, but between a wizard and a House-elf, such a thing was considered utterly impossible.
And yet, something so absurd had appeared in Draco Malfoy, the next heir of the Malfoy family. This was no small matter.
If other wizards found out, it might not lead to serious trouble, but it would certainly become fodder for ridicule throughout the wizarding world.
Not wanting Draco to turn into a laughingstock, it was only natural that Pansy would warn him so seriously.
Seeing Draco merely nod without responding directly, Pansy let out an annoyed snort.
"Are you even listening to me?"
"Mm. I'll think about it. Besides, it's not like I'm so bored that I'd go telling everyone about this, right?"
"You really have to think it through. And I'll help you keep it secret, okay? You'll all do the same, right!"
Having been convinced almost instantly, Pansy finally relaxed, then turned and glared at Goyle and Crabbe, who were still standing there looking stunned.
"We won't say anything!"
"Yeah, boss! There's no way we'd sell out Draco."
Feeling unfairly suspected, Goyle and Crabbe immediately jumped in to defend themselves, swearing they had no such intention.
"Stop scaring them. To me, this is nothing more than a small matter."
"Hmph. You're amazing. You might not take it seriously, but I do. That's allowed, isn't it?"
Perhaps because Hermione wasn't around, Pansy grew even bolder about claiming the space beside Draco.
And sure enough…
Feeling like she'd worried for nothing, Pansy skipped forward and hugged Draco's free arm, immediately starting to cling to him sweetly.
Meanwhile, Astoria, who had just been force-fed a generous dose of affection, watched Draco with a thoughtful, probing look.
After all, many of Draco's actions over the years had been unconventional.
He didn't take pride in being a pure-blood wizard, read Muggle books, and even associated closely with Muggle-borns. Now he was befriending House-elves, who were viewed as little more than slaves in the wizarding world.
Even Astoria, who hadn't been indoctrinated with pure-blood ideology, felt her worldview shaken.
Unlike Pansy, she didn't immediately speak up. Astoria had a strong feeling that Draco hadn't acted without considering the consequences and the cost.
There were probably other factors at play as well.
…
Carrying their own unspoken thoughts, Draco and the others stepped into the vast manor together.
Its scale and design were in no way inferior to the original estate, more than enough to show the Malfoy family's deep foundations and the frightening strength they kept hidden.
Though the place was unfamiliar, the moment Draco set foot inside, he felt a faint sense of familiarity. Of course, that might also have had something to do with the voices drifting in from the hall.
After all, only where family is can truly be called home.
In any case, before they even reached the hall, Draco could already hear his mother's muttering from afar.
"I should have gone myself. What if something happens?"
"Don't worry. Nait can take good care of Draco and the others. They might even be outside right now."
"How can I not worry? What you're doing now… if the other side were to use Draco—"
"That's enough. Don't say things like that here."
"Hmph! Then don't you dare eat the biscuits I baked specially!"
"......"
The words that followed were clearly meant to calm Lucius Malfoy, who looked like he was about to get dizzy from Narcissa pacing back and forth. Unfortunately, the attempt at reassurance had failed, and he had instead become the target of her irritation.
What puzzled Draco was what exactly she meant by "what you're doing now."
More importantly, where were the Parkinsons, the Greengrasses, and the Goyle and Crabbe families?
From the sound of it, their families didn't seem to be here.
As Nait stepped aside, Draco, full of questions, pushed the door open and walked in first.
"I'm back—ugh!"
Before he could finish speaking, Draco was suddenly pulled into an embrace. If he hadn't known who it was, he might have already drawn his wand in reflex.
"Darling! How have things been at school? Have you lost weight again? Let me have a good look at you."
"......"
Held tightly in Narcissa's arms, Draco could only let out a helpless smile. He could clearly hear suppressed laughter coming from behind him.
Who would have thought that the Slytherin Prince of Hogwarts, the one privately known as the Flame King, would have moments like this where he was completely powerless?
Seeing this "heartwarming" scene, Pansy and the others finally relaxed a little, their worries easing for the moment.
As if sensing what they were thinking, Draco shot a sideways glance.
The effect was immediate.
Goyle and Crabbe, who had been laughing at his misfortune, stiffened as if struck by lightning. Their smiles vanished at once, backs straightening and expressions turning solemn, just like when they were being trained in the Room of Requirement.
The fear of their instructor had clearly seeped into their bones.
That warning glance, however, didn't seem to work nearly as well on Pansy and Astoria. Instead, the light laughter at their lips only grew louder.
Hearing the laughter and noticing Draco's awkward expression, Narcissa, at least mindful enough to spare her son some dignity, quickly released him and turned her gaze toward the now-grown Pansy and Astoria.
"Good evening, Madam."
"Good evening, Madam."
Well trained in noble etiquette, the two girls lifted the sides of their robes and curtsied the moment Narcissa looked their way.
"Well now aren't these our adorable Pansy and beautiful Astoria? You've both grown so much"
Narcissa rested a hand against her cheek, her girlish gesture and tone prompting Draco, finally freed, and Lucius, seated at the head of the table, to exchange a look before sighing in unison.
Compared to the slightly awkward understanding shared by the Malfoy father and son, Pansy and Astoria's cheeks flushed red under Narcissa's half-smiling, teasing gaze.