Chapter 140: A Visit to the Manor (Part 1)

When Draco informed his parents that Jane Yu had agreed to visit their home, it didn't take long for him to receive a reply.

The letter was filled with detailed questions about Jane's preferences: what she liked to eat, play, use, and talk about... It covered an entire sheet of parchment.

Draco was baffled.

For the past thirteen years, such questions had always been about him. Yet, this letter didn't mention him even once!

Still puzzled, Draco quickly penned a reply. After all, this was Jane's first visit to the manor!

Meanwhile, at the other end of the school, the moment Dumbledore heard the words "Malfoy Manor" come out of Jane's mouth, he shuddered so violently that he dropped his candy.

At that moment, he would rather have heard her mention Aberforth, Newt, or the Flamel couple than the surname "Malfoy."

No matter how he tried to dissuade her and keep her at school, Jane threatened to leave altogether if he insisted. Left with no choice, he reluctantly gave in.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, he stood there, forlorn in the wind, suddenly feeling like an empty-nest parent.

Even though the child was only leaving for a few days.

It had to be said, this guardian seemed to be suffering from a condition known as separation anxiety.

Far away at Malfoy Manor, Lucius and Narcissa were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the two children.

Every corner of the manor had been scrubbed spotless by the house-elves. The white peacocks had been held down for thorough grooming, their feathers gleaming with radiant hues. The garden's hedges had been trimmed to perfection, with not a single stray branch sticking out.

Narcissa was particularly eager.

At 6 a.m., she woke her husband, who had only slept for two hours, and lined up no fewer than ten new tailored outfits on the rack.

Lucius was bewildered, yawning in confusion.

He felt like a mannequin in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, sleepily changing from one outfit to another under his wife's direction.

Finally, five minutes before the train was due to arrive, the couple finished preparing themselves and Apparated to the station.

Narcissa's long blonde hair cascaded down her back as she surveyed the scene with her head held high. Observing the attire of the other parents, her naturally proud Black family demeanor gave way to a hint of anxiety.

For once, she questioned her and her husband's attire. All the other parents were dressed casually, looking approachable and friendly.

Would their overly formal attire frighten the young girl?

But there was no time to return and change now.

She glanced at her husband. His expression was as composed as ever, his hand adorned with a large ring, his sleek blonde hair falling smoothly over his shoulders, and his left hand resting on his snake-headed cane.

Normally, this proud demeanor exuded elegance and authority. But considering they were about to meet a child, it suddenly seemed inappropriate.

Narcissa decided the problem lay with the accessories. She snatched Lucius's snake-headed cane away, fearing it might intimidate the child.

Faced with his wife's actions, Lucius looked puzzled. She quickly explained, "The train is about to arrive."

Lucius clenched his now-empty hand, feeling a bit at a loss without his familiar cane. But he quickly composed himself, adjusting his posture and expression.

Because Jane Yu and Draco had appeared before them.

...

Jane had already planned her goals for this trip—

First, she could make Dumbledore anxious and frustrated about her interactions with the Slytherins. Over time, this might push him to the brink of sending her away.

Second, she could discuss the matter of the Hippogriff with Lucius. Perhaps she could achieve both justice for the Hippogriff and some personal gain.

Lastly, the invitation letter had subtly mentioned discussing a potential partnership regarding video game consoles. Maybe she could make a good profit in Galleons.

No matter how she looked at it, this visit was a win-win situation.

But as she stepped out of the train carriage, she was momentarily stunned by the couple's attire—

Narcissa was dressed in an elegant black evening gown, its intricate layers adorned with vintage patterns, exuding sophistication and luxury. Lucius wore a matching suit, with silver buttons running from his waist to his collar.

Compared to the other parents in their casual wizarding robes, the two stood out like sore thumbs.

It was as if this wasn't a train station platform but a high-fashion runway.

Was this the signature Malfoy style? Jane wondered.

Though puzzled by their attire, Jane decided it was only polite to compliment them as a guest.

After all, they seemed to be dressed to impress.

Narcissa was visibly delighted by the praise. Her exquisite gown and well-maintained beauty had been acknowledged, which pleased her greatly.

She also felt a wave of relief.

This child had a keen eye, she thought. Jane immediately recognized the effort they had put into their appearance, giving Narcissa a sense of validation. Her earlier anxiety about their attire melted away.

When Lucius received the latest model of a video game console as a gift, he was equally pleased. He couldn't wait to discuss potential collaborations with Jane.

The three of them chatted happily, leaving Draco feeling utterly bewildered.

He felt increasingly sidelined.

The moment he got off the train, he had rushed excitedly toward his parents, ready to introduce Jane.

But he was gently pushed aside.

His mother ruffled his hair absentmindedly, pulling him to the side as she smiled warmly at Jane.

Draco felt something was off.

Wasn't he supposed to be the most cherished one here?

Had his school antics been exposed?

Feeling aggrieved and confused, he looked to his father, only to find that Lucius gave him a brief glance before focusing all his attention on welcoming Jane.

The three of them quickly struck up a lively conversation, seemingly forgetting they were still at the station and needed to return to the manor.

When it was time to Apparate home, his parents nearly forgot about his existence!

But this was just the beginning.

During dinner, Jane and his parents engaged in animated discussions, ranging from Charms to Potions, from a hundred ways to make money to the magical world's financial and currency systems. They even delved into the commercial landscape of video game consoles and drafted agreements on the spot.

Draco sat there, dumbfounded, unable to get a word in edgewise.

To his horror, his parents were beaming, looking as though they were about to swear lifelong friendship with Jane.

A vague sense of crisis began to take root in his heart.

Was he about to lose his place in this family?

Was he no longer his parents' favorite child?

~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~

"9 amazing fanfics available on my Patreon.

Support for 350 + advance chapters:

patreon.com/DarkGolds"