The final exam results were out, which meant this term was truly coming to an end.
In the Slytherin common room, the fireplace by the wall had stopped working for a long time, because the summer break was approaching and the weather was getting hot.
Crabbe and Goyle were clumsily complimenting Draco because his grades were first in the entire year, but clearly, he himself was not enjoying it.
"Crabbe, Goyle, alright, you can stop now." Draco lowered his hands, making a gesture for them to stop.
"Such exams have no meaning at all, and you don't need to spend time complimenting me."
He paused, then looked at Goyle and said, "Your grades were likely because our Head of House went easy on you; you won't have such good luck next time."
Goyle could only timidly agree, though heaven knew whether he understood what Draco meant.
"What's the use of being first if the House Cup is gone anyway?" Pansy, who was nearby, said in a strange tone, clearly still brooding over the lost House Cup.
"Uh, look on the bright side. Even if my first place could add twenty points, Dumbledore could easily find some excuse to give others more," Draco comforted her.
"Cunning old man."
"Alright, stop dwelling on these things. You should be planning how to enjoy the coming holiday now." Draco chose to change the subject.
"Isn't that something you should be considering?" Pansy asked with a look of surprise.
"It's over." Draco felt he had chosen the wrong topic, but he could only say, "Uh… this holiday I need to do a lot of practical work, both in magic and in life."
He shrugged and continued, "You know, my father is always very strict with me. Next school yea,r I'm going to sponsor some brooms for the team, so perhaps I should get a part-time job this holiday to prove something, right?" These were, of course, his fabrications, but they sounded quite reasonable.
"Then we won't be able to see each other for the whole holiday?" Pansy seemed shaken but still pressed on.
"Of course not. Adults have break times, let alone a child labourer like me, right?" Draco shook his head decisively to deny it, though he thought to himself, "But I might not necessarily give myself a break."
"Alright then." Pansy nodded reluctantly. "Remember to bring me a gift," she whispered.
"Of course." Draco agreed readily.
The next day, the students all boarded the train home. Their luggage was packed, and notices were handed to every student warning them not to use magic during the holiday.
Draco sat in a regular carriage with others. A great man from his past life once said, "We come from the masses and must return to the masses." Personally, he did not enjoy being lonely, so it was better to have a lively journey home.
The trio was just a few seats away.
"You must come to our house to play this summer holiday," Ron said. "Both of you come — I'll send an owl to invite you."
"Thanks," Harry said. "I really need something to look forward to."
"That family of relatives of yours is just too much." Ron appeared somewhat indignant.
"Actually, I've already gotten used to it, and I might even have a good time this holiday, right?" Harry said.
"How come? Did they turn over a new leaf?" Ron asked.
"I really think the logic of our Muggle society is very suitable for you, Ron." Hermione, who had been silent, spoke up. "Harry, you definitely didn't tell them that students cannot use magic outside of school, did you?"
"That way, your cousin won't dare to bully you. This is a brilliant idea." Ron cheered. Then he turned to Hermione and said, "Please relax, our House first-place student."
At that moment,t he saw Hermione holding a magazine — Transfiguration Today.
"I really can't imagine you studying on the way home. What does it matter if there are a few hairs on some snuffboxes? Anyway, no matter how perfect someone becomes, it's not their House Cup, right? Harry." He turned his head to Harry again.
"Ron, keep it do,n," Harry whispered.
Hermione closed the book and looked up at Ron. "The House Cup is a collective honour, and I won't give up what I can strive for as an individual. We were able to gain so many points because of others' help."
"Alright, alright, the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, and even that annoying old bat, they all helped us. But they are the Headmaster and teachers, they can't give points to their own House because of it. It's not like some Slytherin helped us, haha." Ron felt he had made a joke and began laughing first.
Hermione's eyes dimmed. She ignored Ron and lowered her head to continue reading.
"Oh, Ron, sometimes I have to say you could try to talk a little less," Harry reminded him.
"I think so too." Ron covered his mouth, feeling he had said something wrong again, though he did not know where he had gone wrong.
As for Draco, he and Pansy and his friends (lackeys?) began playing cards to pass the empty travel time.
However, it did not seem very interesting. After all, a game where one can always win should not be very fun to play. If they had been gambling, Crabbe and Goyle would probably have lost even their underwear by now.
"I finally understand why you always keep away from those two; it's really boring," Pansy said while playing the King of Hearts, clearly disdaining the two lackeys.
"I think we can change to another game." Draco snapped his fingers, and the cards on the table disappeared, replaced by a pile of small rectangular blocks made of some unknown material.
"What is this?" Pansy asked.
"A game from a mysterious Eastern country. I think the rules should be relatively simple," Draco said.
"Eastern again. You really seem to like the culture over there. Even the stories you told before were from there, and now you've brought out this game." Pansy's tone was a little sour, and Draco keenly sensed something wrong in her tone.
The following words made him realise that someone was getting jealous again.
"So, is it because Ravenclaw is from the East that you're interested in her? Was the hero saving the beauty last time planned long ago? I know you two must have a lot in common." Pansy continued.
Draco could only sigh. "Never underestimate a woman's ability to make associations." He helplessly continued, "Now let's just pass the time. The rules are…"
It must be said that there is a reason why this game has endured for centuries. Before long, even Crabbe and Goyle were playing happily. Pansy's attention was no longer on jealousy, but shifted to the small rectangular tiles.
"This game of yours isn't fun at all." After losing several rounds in a row, Pansy puffed out her cheeks.
"When they kept losing, you said it was boring. When they had good luck, you say it isn't fun." Draco felt a headache coming on.
"So you must help me in the next round." Pansy threatened fiercely.
And so, very soon, the scene on the table turned into a one-sided massacre again.
"I won again!" Pansy excitedly pushed over the tiles in front of her, only to suddenly find they had vanished.
"My dear Pansy, although I might be interrupting your fun, I want to say that we have arrived at the station." Draco clapped his hands, shifting everyone's attention to him, and they realised the train had stopped.
"Alright." Pansy pouted and reluctantly accepted reality, clearly not yet having recovered from her sweeping victory.
"Alright, next time we meet, I'll bring you something even more fun," Draco said, affectionately ruffling Pansy's hair.
"Let go." Pansy hurriedly swatted his hand away, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Afterwards, Draco helped Pansy carry her luggage and got off the train. Although he did not say it aloud, he could tell from the way she looked at him that she was reluctant to part. But I'm really busy this holiday, Draco thought.
After getting off the train, Draco saw Lucius and Narcissa on the platform waving at him.
"Pansy, I haven't seen you for a year, and you've grown quite a bit," Narcissa said warmly.
"He treats me very well," Pansy replied shyly.
"Of course — being a gentleman is hereditary," Lucius added.
"Would you like to come to our house as a guest first, little Pansy?" Narcissa invited.
"No, thank you. My father has also come to pick me up." Pansy pointed across the platform.
After polite farewells, they departed with their families.
After another dizzying swirl of Floo travel, the Malfoy family stepped out of the fireplace.
Looking at the familiar layout of the house and the luxurious carpet under his feet, Draco knew he was home.
Which also meant his holiday plan had officially begun.
"The primary task is naturally you," Draco murmured to himself, squeezing the small bottle in his pocket.
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