Chapter 232
"Kid, your taste is really unique. You actually rejected that beautiful champion from Beauxbatons. Don't tell me you prefer someone younger? Tsk."
Alastor Moody smacked his lips, his magical eye fixed on Draco Malfoy.
"If I'd known, I would've reminded you. If we had one more of our people among the four champions, it would help the plan. The so-called 'Savior's' best friend seems quite infatuated with Miss Delacour. That could've been useful."
They stood inside Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts office, speaking in low voices—matters that could never be exposed.
Malfoy walked casually past the desk, picking up a small Sneakoscope-like device and idly turning it in his fingers.
"Another one?" he sneered. "Do you think people are that easy to manipulate?"
Moody chuckled harshly.
"Women? A few tricks are enough. Sweet-talk them, promise them things… they'll do anything. And Veela-blooded girls value promises—loyal to a fault. That Beauxbatons champion has Veela blood. She would've been perfect."
He clicked his tongue.
"Too late now. You rejected her without hesitation—and even mocked her. Not very gentlemanly."
Then his magical eye spun.
"Oh right—I found something in Severus Snape's potion stores. Looks like an aphrodisiac. Want me to 'borrow' it again? Might still salvage things."
"No need."
Malfoy's voice turned cold.
"I hate being controlled. And do you think Albus Dumbledore and Olympe Maxime are fools? They'd notice."
Inside, he was relieved he had refused earlier. Moody's methods would have caused unpredictable consequences.
Moody shrugged.
"Fine."
He shifted topics, grinning unpleasantly.
"What about your new partner? That girl—she's odd. Doesn't suit you at all. I remember you shared a compartment with her on the train. Planned this from the start?"
"It's just a coincidence."
That, at least, was true.
Malfoy paused, then added deliberately, "Her father edits a magazine."
Moody's expression changed instantly. His magical eye rolled upward, exposing too much white.
"Useless," he said dismissively. "Propaganda only matters after the Dark Lord returns. And no one does that better than your father."
He coughed twice, abruptly ending the conversation.
"That's enough. Leave before it looks suspicious."
"Yes, Professor Moody. Thank you for your guidance."
Malfoy raised his voice deliberately as he exited.
---
The corridor outside was long and dimly lit.
As he walked, a small figure approached, almost bouncing toward him through the shadows.
Malfoy raised his wand.
"Lumos."
Light spilled across the corridor.
Polished suits of armor stood on either side, and beside one of them stood Luna Lovegood.
She wore a black robe, her usual cork necklace and radish earrings in place. Her wand was tucked behind her ear, and she held a bright yellow corn cob in one hand.
"What a coincidence, Miss Lovegood," Malfoy said. "Why are you here?"
Luna tilted her head.
"Are you here to talk to the knights too?"
Malfoy frowned slightly.
"I don't think so," she continued, pointing at a suit of armor. "They must be lonely. Standing here day after day, guarding Hogwarts. Don't they deserve someone to talk to?"
She raised her hand and gave the armor a perfectly formal salute.
For a brief moment, Malfoy thought he saw the helmet dip slightly in return.
Silence followed.
Malfoy tried to think of something to say—but found nothing that matched her strange perspective.
Then suddenly, Luna's eyes lit up.
"Oh! I remembered something interesting. It might help you. Come with me."
Before he could respond, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him along.
They moved quickly—up staircases, down corridors, turning through unfamiliar passages. Her pale hair fluttered as she ran, carrying a faint, clean scent.
Finally, they stopped before a door.
No handle. No keyhole.
Just smooth, aged wood with an eagle-shaped bronze knocker.
Malfoy immediately recognized it.
The entrance to Ravenclaw common room.