Harry walked through the crowd, his steps mechanical and heavy.
Even now, his mind was still occupied by a complex mix of emotions.
Why did he faint?
Why was he the only one so strongly affected by the Dementor?
Even more unsettling, why was he the only one who heard the woman's scream?
Who was that woman?
Harry's heart involuntarily sped up, as if an invisible hand was tightly gripping his chest.
He had a guess in his heart, and he urgently needed someone to confirm his answer.
Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
After only a moment of hesitation, Harry decided to seek help from Sebastian.
After arriving at the floor where Sebastian's office was located, he greeted Ron and quietly slipped out of the line.
The lights on the floor were dim, and Harry's hurried footsteps echoed down the long corridor.
When he arrived at the door of Sebastian's office, Harry adjusted his breathing, trying to calm his thoughts.
It wasn't long before he saw Sebastian and Aunt Mia walking towards the office.
Unexpectedly, Malfoy was following behind them.
Malfoy obviously noticed Harry standing at the door, and at the moment their eyes met, both of them understood the meaning expressed in the other's gaze.
Why are you here too?
"Harry, are you looking for us?" Mia asked with concern, "Are you still feeling unwell? Do you want me to check you again?"
"No, I'm fine," Harry quickly waved his hand in denial, "I just have a question I want to ask Professor Swan."
Oh, like Malfoy, he's here for me too?
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, opened the office door, and motioned for everyone to go inside.
"Let's sit and talk, who wants to go first?" His tone was relaxed, as if this were an ordinary evening tea party.
Mia smiled and poured each child a glass of cola, then temporarily returned to her own office, leaving the space to Sebastian and them.
Harry and Malfoy exchanged glances, each deferring to the other.
"Let Potter go first, my matter isn't that urgent."
"No, let Malfoy go first, my matter is more complicated and can't be explained quickly."
"Alright," Sebastian interrupted with a smile, "No need to defer."
"Draco, your question is about electives, why don't you go first?"
Hearing the Professor speak, Malfoy hesitated and said to Sebastian.
"Professor, my father... he wants me to choose Muggle Studies Class, but I don't really want to take that class."
"Of course, I'm not discriminating against Muggle, nor am I saying this class is bad."
He carefully glanced at Sebastian, afraid of causing misunderstanding.
"It's just that I already have other preferred electives, namely Care of Magical Creatures, and Ancient Runes."
"Besides that, I also need to spend a lot of time practicing spells, so I really don't have the energy to balance this class as well."
"I'm very conflicted right now, and I don't know how to choose."
Sebastian nodded lightly, a thoughtful smile appearing on his face.
I understand, Lucius plans to use Muggle Studies Class to change Draco's perception of Muggle.
This is a precautionary measure, preparing in advance for entry into the Muggle world.
As the sole heir of House of Malfoy, being completely ignorant of the Muggle world won't do.
Draco does need to understand all aspects of the Muggle world.
Since Lucius has boarded his bandwagon, he still needs to help him cultivate his heir properly.
"Draco," Sebastian smiled, "I can understand your father's painstaking efforts; he is paving the way for your future."
Paving the way?
Malfoy frowned slightly, evidently puzzled by his father's arrangement.
Muggle Studies Class?
House of Malfoy had always disdained Muggle, even avoiding them.
But now, his father was telling him to learn Muggle knowledge, which made Malfoy feel a bit incredible, even a little uncomfortable.
Sebastian continued: "Your father Lucius is a very smart man; he has seen the possibility for House of Malfoy to advance further through Swan Alchemy."
"The Wizarding World and the Muggle world appear to be isolated from each other, but in reality, the connection between the two is becoming increasingly close. The technology, ideas, and power of the Muggle world are developing rapidly, and they are likely to have a profound impact on us in the future."
"Your father's idea is very clear; he doesn't want you to be limited to the narrow vision of the Wizarding World; he wants you to open your eyes and see the world."
"He wants House of Malfoy to be stronger, so he has placed his hopes on you."
A hint of confusion flashed in Malfoy's eyes: "Professor, I don't quite understand."
Sebastian smiled and said: "Your father is a shrewd man; he has realized that being confined to the traditional notions of the Wizarding World will hinder the development of House of Malfoy."
"However, for a long time, his personal stance has been extreme pure-bloodism, and once he changes his tune, House of Malfoy will lose a large number of allies."
"So, he has placed his hopes on you. You are still young, and in the future, you can choose a political stance that is more beneficial to House of Malfoy, and bring new allies to the family."
So that's how it is!
Malfoy nodded.
He had never thought that a simple course selection could involve such deep political considerations.
"This is not a simple course selection, Draco," Sebastian continued to explain, "This is your father's long-term plan for the family; he hopes you will have the ability to bridge two worlds."
"To possess this ability, you need to understand everything about the Muggle world as much as possible through Muggle Studies Class."
"Draco," Sebastian said softly, "For House of Malfoy, are you willing to put in more effort and sweat?"
Willing!
Of course, I am!
After listening to Sebastian's analysis, Malfoy felt his blood boil.
It's just taking one more class, it's nothing to it.
He was the heir of House of Malfoy; if he couldn't even endure this much hardship, how could he be qualified to carry the banner of House of Malfoy?
Looking at Malfoy's excited expression, Sebastian smiled slightly: "It seems you've understood. Since that's the case, I'll give you another suggestion."
"Professor, tell me!" Malfoy was full of excitement.
"I remember your wand is hawthorn wood with Unicorn hair, so you will have a bit more talent in healing magic than others."
"You might as well try harder; I suggest you participate in the St. Mungo's Training Class. I believe you will achieve extraordinary accomplishments in healing magic."
"This positive image can bring you higher prestige."
"Professor, thank you for your help, I understand what to do now."
Malfoy stood up, bowed solemnly to Sebastian, and then left Sebastian's office with a proud stride.
He secretly swore in his heart.
The future of House of Malfoy, leave it to me!
...