Chapter 120: Reply to the Letters

The Malfoys soon received the letter.

Although they were somewhat displeased with their son's classmate repeatedly and discourteously sending letters to them, their concern for Draco's situation at school compelled them to open it.

What greeted them was Pansy Parkinson's full-blown complaint—a letter packed with grievances about Draco's obsession with a Muggle-born witch's invention: a game console.

According to the letter, the game console was allegedly cursed with dark magic by the witch named Jane Yu, causing Draco to behave improperly, skip classes, and even insult Pansy when she tried to reason with him.

For Draco's physical and mental well-being, Pansy hoped the Malfoys would take action promptly and persuade the professors to punish the instigator.

This made Lucius and Narcissa frown deeply.

No parent enjoys hearing criticism of their child from outsiders; it only feels like an affront.

What's more, the letter didn't come from a respected professor or head of house but from one of their son's classmates, which only made them angrier.

"What's wrong with the Parkinson girl?" Narcissa immediately picked up on the implications within the letter. If the previous letter about the Hippogriff could be interpreted as concern for Draco, this one reeked of ulterior motives, as if the Parkinsons were trying to manipulate the Malfoys into acting on their behalf.

"I smell the stench of someone trying to use the Malfoys as a stepping stone," Lucius said coldly. "Perhaps Mr. Parkinson should learn how to discipline his daughter."

Without hesitation, he penned a warning letter to Mr. Parkinson, advising him to refrain from meddling in other families' affairs.

Returning to the matter at hand, however, the couple remained worried about their son's situation at school.

With lingering doubts, Lucius wrote to his old friend Severus Snape, inquiring about what exactly was happening with his beloved son.

To his surprise, the reply came back swiftly, and the envelope was as thick as a book.

The couple sat together to open it—

Only to find three full sheets of parchment filled with Snape's biting sarcasm and caustic remarks.

The letter emphasized in great detail how young Mr. Malfoy was neglecting his studies, obsessing over the game console, and constantly distracted by non-academic pursuits. It also mentioned how Draco had repeatedly used the game console as an excuse to pester Jane Yu, a potions prodigy and outstanding student, during Potions class, disrupting her ability to focus. Snape assured them that he had already confiscated Draco's "tools of mischief" and separated their seats, so there was no need for further concern.

At this point, Lucius raised an eyebrow.

While it was reassuring to confirm that Draco wasn't under any dark magic, he couldn't shake a sense of unease.

His wife, however, smiled thoughtfully.

"Perhaps we should add an extra chair for Christmas this year."

Lucius looked at his wife in confusion.

Something felt off.

He decided he needed to investigate this young witch named Jane Yu further. After all, Dumbledore had become her guardian, and now she was somehow entangled with his son—there had to be more to the story.

He resolved to contact his old professor, former Slytherin Head of House Horace Slughorn, who he had heard had recently returned to Hogwarts to teach.

Slughorn's reply arrived even faster than Snape's.

The couple found themselves reading a full sheet of parchment brimming with praise. Slughorn extolled Jane Yu as a two-time recipient of the Special Contribution Award, a rare genius in Potions and Charms, and the creator of the game console—a brilliant alchemical invention that brought joy to others and fostered camaraderie among students. The accolades poured forth as if Slughorn were trying to outdo himself; the Malfoys had never seen him praise a young witch this highly.

If they hadn't known Dumbledore was her guardian, they might have believed Slughorn was her family.

"Perhaps this is why Dumbledore decided to invest in her," Lucius concluded. With endorsements from two consecutive Slytherin Heads of House, he was now convinced of Jane Yu's capabilities.

Narcissa appeared even more satisfied. She urged her husband to send an invitation, hoping to host Jane Yu at Malfoy Manor soon.

Lucius, however, remained hesitant. His recent confrontation with Dumbledore over the diary incident still lingered in his mind.

But his hesitation was swept away a few days later.

Old Mr. Greengrass paid a visit to Malfoy Manor.

"Let me tell you, Dumbledore has only been her guardian for a few months," Mr. Greengrass said, addressing Lucius's doubts. "It's clear he sees her potential and wants to groom a representative within Slytherin."

He went on to advise Lucius on the importance of diversifying investments:

"There's no reason we shouldn't do the same. Having an additional ally can only benefit us."

Lucius suddenly saw things in a new light. When he learned that Daphne was Jane Yu's roommate, he felt even more reassured.

"Daphne has learned a great deal from her," Mr. Greengrass said proudly. "Her grades have improved, and she's become braver. I never thought she'd have the courage to stand up to Parkinson!"

He laughed heartily, delighted by his daughter's newfound growth.

At long last, his child had shown some backbone. From being bullied out of her dormitory to standing up and fighting back, she had come a long way.

He had already written to Daphne, praising her for doing the Greengrass name proud.

Of course, he added, it would have been even better if she had fought elegantly with her wand instead of rolling around on the ground like a Muggle.

The Malfoys happily saw Mr. Greengrass off.

But before they could send their invitation to Jane Yu, Draco's letter arrived first.

The contents were straightforward: he asked them for extra Galleons to support his "school life."

According to him, the game console was a tool that trained mental acuity and magical power, making it perfect for him. Though expensive, it was wildly popular, with nearly every student owning one. He couldn't afford to be without it.

Lucius felt something stir deep within his Malfoy blood.

Expensive? Addictive? Widely popular?

Nearly every student had one after just a few months?

It sounded highly profitable... with astonishing sales...

This young witch Jane Yu seemed to have quite the business acumen...

Perhaps a pleasant collaboration could be arranged...

...

Draco quickly received a reply along with an ample amount of pocket money.

The letter contained warm greetings and a lengthy reminder not to neglect his studies for the sake of entertainment. At the very end, however, two small lines stood out:

[Your father is quite interested in the game console and hopes you can send one home.]

[Also: Please pass along our regards to Miss Yu and invite her to spend Christmas at Malfoy Manor.]

Draco leapt into the air with excitement.

He knew his father would love the game console too!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

With his confiscated console replaced, he finally had the funds to buy a new one!

Cheerfully, he handed the invitation to Jane Yu and placed an order for two of the latest models.

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