Henry didn't press for further details, though Daphne and Pansy were clearly keen to learn more.
"What else did Mr. Fudge ask?" they asked in unison.
Draco shook his head. "That was all. My father merely mentioned it in passing, nothing more."
He paused before continuing. "However, he did say that Fudge has mentioned you quite frequently of late, in various contexts."
"In various contexts?" Henry crossed his legs, his interest sharpening.
"Yes," Draco confirmed with a nod. "My father attended a Ministry of Magic meeting, and afterward, people were discussing you when Fudge interjected. He mentioned you again at some cocktail party as well."
Henry leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting toward the scenery rushing past the window. He understood the significance immediately.
Fudge's repeated public mentions weren't casual attention; they represented deliberate groundwork for something larger.
If Fudge eventually approached him publicly or invited him to participate in certain activities, no one would find the gesture surprising.
They had already heard Fudge reference him repeatedly. This was a classic strategy, gradual preparation, like slowly heating water around an unsuspecting frog.
"Your Highness?" Daphne's soft voice drew him back.
Henry turned to face her, noting how her beautiful eyes reflected genuine concern.
"Are you alright?" she asked gently.
"I'm fine," Henry smiled reassuringly. "I'm simply considering what Mr. Fudge intends to do. Politicians never speak without purpose."
As dusk descended, Pansy and Daphne began discussing the clothes and accessories they had purchased during their holiday, their animated voices filling the compartment. Draco had reclined in his seat with his eyes closed, either sleeping or resting.
Crabbe and Goyle had remained asleep since boarding, their rhythmic snores rising and falling like heavy bellows.
The peaceful simplicity of their contentment struck Henry. Living without such political considerations would certainly be less complicated.
As the train began its approach to Hogsmeade, Daphne finally voiced the question clearly occupying her thoughts.
"Your Highness," she said, "what were you thinking about earlier? Were you considering Fudge's intentions?"
Henry smiled slightly without attempting to deny it. "Yes. I'm trying to determine what he's planning."
"What do you think his plan is?" Pansy asked with obvious curiosity.
"To win me over," Henry replied, "or more precisely, to make it appear that he's won me over."
Pansy's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's the difference?"
"A significant one," Henry said. "If he genuinely wins me over, I would need to declare something publicly. But if he makes it appear he's won me over, I needn't say anything, others will simply assume it to be true."
Pansy and Daphne exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting to one of clear distaste.
"How terribly insidious," Daphne muttered.
Henry laughed. "That's politics."
"I never wish to become involved in politics in my entire life," Daphne said, visibly shivering. "Simply contemplating it is frightening."
Pansy nodded vigorously in agreement, while Crabbe and Goyle wore expressions of complete bewilderment, as though they hadn't yet fully awakened.
For them, discussing politics held far less appeal than speculating about what decent meals Hogwarts might serve that evening.
"I'm not opposed to it," Draco said with a knowing smile. "As the heir to the Malfoy family, I cannot escape political involvement. Your Highness, what's your perspective?"
Henry rose and donned his coat thoughtfully. "Then let me ask you all: what is politics?"
The three exchanged uncertain glances, clearly recognizing the word but unable to articulate its precise meaning.
"Since you cannot answer, allow me to provide an example," Henry said with a smile. "Consider this scenario: you and Daphne wish to dine somewhere. Daphne prefers French cuisine, while you prefer Italian food. The process of negotiating and reaching agreement about where to eat, that is politics."
Crabbe looked thoroughly confused. "About... food?" he asked hesitantly, only to receive a sharp punch from Draco for his obtuseness.
"Actually, you needn't demonize political science," Henry continued thoughtfully. "In my view, political science resembles Defense Against the Dark Arts in certain respects. People devise numerous methods to harm one another, yet political science doesn't concern itself with causing harm. Rather, it addresses the fundamental question of how people can coexist peacefully."
Pansy's expression became contemplative at this comparison. "Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
Daphne showed genuine interest in the concept, while Draco's eyes lit with enthusiasm. Conversing with His Highness was genuinely educational.
The train began slowing noticeably, and darkness deepened beyond the windows. In the distance, the lights of Hogwarts Castle glowed clearly against the hillside.
"So," Draco began slowly, working through the logic, "politics is similar to Defense Against the Dark Arts, you must determine how to counter your opponent before they act?"
"You could express it that way," Henry acknowledged with a nod, "though it's not entirely accurate. Politics differs in that you know someone will make a move, but you cannot predict what that move will be, when it will occur, or how powerful it will prove. Therefore, what you truly need isn't simply to wait and counter, but to position yourself where you can respond effectively to whatever they attempt."
Draco's brow furrowed as he struggled to absorb this more complex concept.
Pansy whispered beside him. "That sounds exhausting."
Daphne nodded in complete agreement.
"It truly is exhausting," Henry acknowledged with a smile. "So avoid it if you possibly can. If you cannot avoid it, then develop a strategy to manage it."
"Can you avoid it now?" Daphne asked with evident worry.
"Of course not, Daphne," Henry replied gently. "I was born into a position destined for public prominence. Certain complications that you can easily sidestep are things I must inevitably face."
Daphne's expression grew troubled, her lips pressing together as she struggled to find appropriate words before ultimately remaining silent.
When they disembarked, the platform teemed with students; many had apparently chosen to remain at school through the late January break. The night wind cut cold, causing people to shiver as they moved along the steep path toward the castle.
Henry walked with Draco beside him, Pansy and Daphne following behind, while Crabbe and Goyle trailed further back.
"Your Highness," Draco suddenly lowered his voice, "when you said political science resembles Defense Against the Dark Arts, did you mean we must learn to protect ourselves?"
Henry glanced at him. "Essentially, yes. But political science doesn't involve protecting yourself through spellwork. Rather, it requires using your intellect."
Draco's eyes brightened with understanding as he nodded thoughtfully. "Then... if someone wished to harm you, how would you use your intellect to defend yourself?"
Henry smiled. "First, ask yourself this: why would they wish to harm you?"
Draco paused, then asked hesitantly. "Because... because I'm blocking them somehow?"
"Yes," Henry confirmed. "Then consider what specifically you're blocking. Are you obstructing their advancement, or are you preventing something they desire? Once you understand that, you'll recognize how to respond."
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Early chapters: [email protected]/palevolt100