Chapter 62 - 61: He Finally Got His Moment to Shine

The fir tree Hagrid was dragging was several people tall. It was taking up so much space in the corridor, blocking the path for students, so Hagrid decided to hoist it upright to let everyone pass. He didn't notice he was standing right by the entrance to the dungeon classrooms. As he lifted the tree, it slammed into the ceiling, sending branches and needles crashing down like snowflakes. Malfoy was leading the way, just rounding a corner, with Daphne trailing behind him, unable to see what was happening above. All they heard were three loud shouts of warning. Edward immediately drew his wand, already sensing what was about to happen. But before he could turn the corner, a clear incantation rang out. "Protego!" Faced with the sudden avalanche of branches, Malfoy had a split second of panic. But when he heard Potter and Weasley's voices, everything seemed to slow down. Get hit and let those two laugh at him? No way! The spell sprang from his lips almost instinctively. An invisible shield formed in front of Malfoy, deflecting the falling branches and needles in a flurry. "Oh! Nice Protego, Malfoy! You alright? Really sorry, I didn't see anyone behind me," Hagrid's big head poked through the fir's branches, his voice full of apology. "Your eyes are—" Malfoy started, ready to let loose a string of curses in his embarrassment, but a hand clamped onto his right shoulder. He quickly swallowed the rest, muttering gruffly, "I'm fine. Perfectly fine." As soon as he spoke, the grip on his shoulder vanished, and he let out a relieved breath. Then, Harry and Ron appeared from behind the tree. The two, who'd been ready to mock Malfoy, were shocked to see him unscathed, having just cast a spell to fend off the falling branches. "What spell was that?" Ron asked, trying to hide his surprise. Harry glanced at Edward and Daphne behind Malfoy, suddenly piecing it together. He didn't know the spell, but he was certain Malfoy hadn't learned it on his own—it had to be Edward's doing! "Protego, a fifth-year spell. A few branches? Couldn't possibly hurt me," Malfoy said, tucking his wand away with a smug flourish, his tone dripping with pride. For once, he felt triumphant—especially in front of Potter and Weasley! Updating isn't easy—remember to share at 101 Reading Net! Seeing their stunned faces, Malfoy felt like he was floating, landing on a soft cloud of pure satisfaction. That's right, Potter, eat it! But Harry ignored Malfoy's gloating and looked straight at Edward. "Edward, you taught him that, didn't you?" His voice carried a hint of envy. Malfoy had finally gotten his moment to show off! Harry almost added, Could you teach me too? but stopped himself. It didn't feel right, and saying it would feel like admitting defeat to Malfoy. "I just gave him a pointer. Draco's got some talent for it," Edward said with a smile, keeping it brief. Malfoy's head spun with dizzy glee, like he'd downed a strong sleeping potion. Yes, that's the way to say it, Edward! Keep the praise coming! "Told you. Malfoy had a master teaching him," Ron muttered, then turned to Harry. "Hey, should we ask—" "Not now, Ron!" Harry quickly cut him off, covering his mouth before flashing Edward a friendly smile. "Happy Christmas, Edward, Greengrass, and—er, you." He didn't say Malfoy's name, then hurried off with Ron and Hagrid. "Happy Christmas, Harry, Ron, Hagrid," Edward called after them, heading to the Great Hall for his last Hogwarts dinner before the Christmas holidays. "Such heartwarming camaraderie," Daphne said, her tone devoid of any actual warmth. "Weasley and Potter seemed like they wanted to ask you something." She'd caught Ron's unfinished question. "What could Weasley possibly want to ask? I can guess with my toes—'Edward, can you teach us that spell too?'" Malfoy said, mimicking Ron's voice with exaggerated flair. But when Blaise and Pansy started asking Malfoy what spell he'd used, he dodged the question, changing the subject. Edward knew Ron's question wasn't about the spell, but he had no interest in using his protective charms to pry into Harry and Ron's thoughts. Don't invade people's privacy. If they wanted to ask, they'd come to him later. That'd have to wait until after the Christmas break, though. The next morning, a gaggle of young wizards packed their bags and headed to the platform to board the Hogwarts Express. Edward, Daphne, and Malfoy naturally shared a compartment. Malfoy was grumbling about why the Hogwarts Express couldn't make stops along the way or adjust its route slightly. After all, Malfoy Manor was in Wiltshire, west of London, quite a trek from King's Cross. "Give it a rest, Lord Malfoy. It's not like you're taking a car home. Isn't the Floo Network good enough?" Daphne, reading a book, finally snapped after listening to him whine. Malfoy shut up but couldn't sit still, turning to Edward. "What're we learning after the holidays? Not still practicing Protego, right?" His voice was full of anticipation. Edward had already thought this through. "Disarming Charm or Stunning Spell. Take your pick," he said, closing his Manual of Magical Knighthood. "I'm leaning toward the Disarming Charm." Seeing Malfoy's confused look, Daphne explained without looking up. "Disarming Charm—Expelliarmus. It knocks whatever someone's holding out of their hand, usually a wand for a wizard." "Oh! So if you hit a wizard with it, they're basically defenseless, ready to be taken out?" Malfoy raised a finger, instantly grasping the spell's brilliance. He suddenly remembered that uneven midnight duel when Edward had used it on him. His wand had flown out of his hand like it had a mind of its own. "Spot on. If I were Professor Flitwick, I'd give you both ten points," Edward said with a grin, then clarified, "But losing a wand doesn't mean they're completely helpless." "Skilled wizards can cast wandless magic—like Professor Dumbledore, for sure. And who says a wizard without a wand is defenseless?" Daphne and Malfoy gave him a look that screamed, Not everyone can wield a sword like you, you know. "Alright, folks, I think that's enough chit-chat," Edward said. As the train whistled, the snowy fields outside gave way to slowly retreating houses. King's Cross Station had arrived. The three grabbed their luggage, but before they could fully disembark, raised voices echoed from the platform. Malfoy tilted his head, his face twisting with unease. "That sounds like... my dad?" Edward narrowed his eyes, adding, "And mine." They exchanged a glance, grabbed their bags, and bolted toward the train door.