The Transfiguration office was located on the seventh floor of Gryffindor Tower, and that was exactly where Draco was headed.
The room was filled with books and had a simple, no-nonsense style—very much in line with Minerva McGonagall’s personality. On the desk were several Quidditch-related decorations, subtly revealing her deep enthusiasm for the sport. It also explained why she placed such high value on Harry Potter’s talent.
At the moment, Professor McGonagall, as stern-faced as always, was scribbling notes on a piece of parchment. The irritation in her eyes was almost tangible...
Just then, there was a knock at the door. If she remembered correctly, this would be the second visitor today.
...
Knock, knock, knock.
Draco didn’t hesitate as he reached out and rapped on the door of the Transfiguration office.
“Come in.”
As the voice faded, the wooden door slowly opened—and to McGonagall’s surprise, the student standing there wasn’t the one she expected.
“My dear Gr—Mr. Malfoy?”
The strict Gryffindor Head of House initially frowned at the familiar face of Hermione returning again, but when she saw Draco, her hand froze mid-stroke, and her quill paused in confusion.
It was rare to see a Slytherin student show up here.
“Professor McGonagall.”
“Hmm... Is there something you two need?”
Though McGonagall wasn’t the gossiping type, even she couldn’t help but glance curiously at the unlikely pair standing before her.
“I believe Hermione Granger has already explained to you the situation with the Philosopher’s Stone... and that person.”
Hermione stared at Draco’s back, dumbfounded. She hadn’t expected him to be so direct. In a way, wasn’t this exactly what they had done before?
Sure enough, McGonagall gave Hermione a sharp glance, clearly surprised she’d shared something so serious with someone else. If she hadn’t trusted Draco, she wouldn’t have gone to him.
Still, after the initial surprise, McGonagall’s face took on a hint of impatience.
“Mr. Malfoy, I don’t know what Miss Granger told you, but rest assured—no one can steal it. The Stone is under heavy protection. There is absolutely no way it could be taken.”
To be fair, she was being very patient with Draco. Had it been any other troublesome student, she probably would’ve thrown them out by now. After a brief explanation, she turned her gaze toward Hermione.
“As for you, Miss Granger, Headmaster Dumbledore will return tomorrow. This matter will be handled soon. For now, I suggest you go enjoy some sunshine rather than meddling in things you shouldn't be involved in.”
“Y-Yes, Professor.”
Hermione understood perfectly—this was a polite way of telling them to leave and not stir things up any further. She was about to turn away when she noticed Draco hadn’t moved at all.
“Draco?”
“This is definitely odd.”
“Huh?”
Draco stepped forward, and Hermione’s eyes widened in surprise, curious what he was about to say.
“The Professor McGonagall I know would never ignore a student asking for help. No matter how far-fetched the story, that’s just not the kind of reaction she’d give—especially when it involves that person.”
In fact, not long ago, McGonagall had believed Harry and the others enough to lie in wait through a freezing night—proof enough of her character as a witch.
She was the type to trust her students wholeheartedly, not brush them off like this.
Taking the initiative—even going herself—that was the Minerva McGonagall they knew. Strict, yes, but warm beneath the surface. That was the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts.
“So, clearly, something’s going on. Or rather... this was part of the professors’ plan all along, wasn’t it?”
Looking at Draco, composed and confident, McGonagall quietly set down her quill.
He wasn’t groveling, nor was he arrogant or presumptuous. And in that moment, McGonagall’s gaze held a flicker of admiration for the Slytherin student standing before her...
“Looks like Hogwarts has gained an exceptional student.”
Only someone like Minerva McGonagall, who treated all four Houses equally, would say something like that. And honestly, it wasn’t hard to see why Draco respected her.
“So, Professor McGonagall... you’re admitting it?”
“Let me think... how many points should I award you, Mr. Slytherin Detective?”
It was a rare sight—McGonagall actually smiling, even showing a glimpse of that dry British humor she usually reserved for private moments.
“Admit what?”
The cryptic exchange left Hermione completely in the dark. She glanced between the two of them, utterly confused.
For the first time, Hermione felt like her intellect might not be up to par. Was she actually... kind of dumb?
And yet, even in the face of McGonagall’s praise, Draco didn’t look smug or pleased. He didn’t even react to the mention of House points.
“Pardon me, but I didn’t come here to expose anything.”
After giving a standard aristocratic bow, Draco casually pushed the still-dazed Hermione in front of him.
“Wha—!?”
Caught off guard, Hermione let out a surprised little squeak.
“I’m here mainly because of this fool—this Miss Granger, who’s so worried about her friends’ safety.”
“I see. Miss Granger has made quite a good friend.”
As she said this, Professor McGonagall pushed her glasses up with a look that was both surprised and vaguely amused...
...
“If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
After leaving Professor McGonagall’s office, Draco gave Hermione, who looked like she wanted to speak but held back, a sideways glance.
“So... is it settled?”
“Who knows?”
“Huh?”
“I’m not Merlin. How could I know the truth about the Philosopher’s Stone? The point was just to let you see that it’s not as dangerous as you think.”
Hermione, sharp as ever, immediately caught on.
“You... you were trying to get information out of Professor McGonagall!?”
“Obviously. The moment I heard what happened when you all went to her, I knew something was off. So I came to confirm my suspicions.”
Hermione stared at Draco’s profile in a daze, and to her surprise, found herself feeling a bit impressed.
“Well, that should put your mind at ease. I still don’t know what the professors are planning, but it looks like your little Chosen One group isn’t in any real danger.”
“Mm... thanks.”
“Did you say something?”
“No! Nothing!”
Hermione lifted her chin like a proud little kitten.
But the look in her eyes as she glanced at Draco—there was something different about it...