Chapter 73: 2-1

After the match ended, Ron and Harry looked as if their souls had left their bodies. It had been that spectacular of a game. Even though Harry had experienced her fair share of dangerous plays before—breaking arms or falling off brooms—a match where professionals clashed was simply beyond comparison.

And above all—Krum! Viktor Krum’s Bulgarian team had ultimately lost to Ireland on points, but Krum was the one who caught the Snitch, and his performance was nothing short of heroic. There was a raw, pulsing vitality in the way he pursued the Snitch despite being battered and bloodied. Even Hermione was staring, wide-eyed, Murmuring, "He’s actually quite incredible..." When I glanced at Ron, he was looking even more dazed than she was, so I decided to stop worrying about it.

As for me, even though I was supposed to have watched this match "the first time around," I obviously didn’t remember the specific plays or the final score. It felt entirely fresh. Every time a player got injured, I couldn't help but think of my former wife—who had been a professional player herself—and seeing the same girl (Ginny) clenching her fists beside me made me feel like I was the one taking the hits.

"I still can't believe it. I heard Krum is still a student... He's so cool."

On the way back to the tent, I was supporting Harry, who was still dizzy from the lingering excitement, while Hermione supported Ron. Ginny, completely overwhelmed by the excitement of her twin brothers, had evacuated to her father's side.

"Yeah, right... wait, Ron, how long are you going to stay dazed? Krum isn't a Veela, you know."

"O-Of course I know that!"

Being compared to a magical creature whose charm captivates men, Ron turned bright red and snapped back.

Veela, huh... Ron always did have a particular weakness for them. Even Harry had been a bit entranced, just like any other boy. Or rather... to be honest, so was I. I had let my guard down, thinking that since Veela charms only work on men, they wouldn't affect me in this female body. I was wrong. I ended up getting a cold, lingering stare from Hermione and Ginny, lumped in with the rest of the captivated boys. It’s a misunderstanding, ladies.

Even after reaching the tent, the excited chatter of the crowd continued to swell. After making sure no one was paying attention to me, I quietly slipped out of the tent.

"—Maria, over here."

His voice whispered. The arrogant rich boy of the Malfoy family, who had been watching the game with his family from the Top Box just like the Weasleys, was leaning pretentiously against a tree trunk.

"...You weren't followed?"

"Yeah. But I want to head back soon. If Harry caught me in a place like this..."

"Still the overprotective little brother who can't leave his sister's side, I see."

"He's cute, isn't he?"

Exchanging our usual banter, we slipped into the shadows of the forest together. I thought Draco's blond hair would stand out, but once the light was completely gone, he seemed to blend surprisingly well into the darkness.

"What about you, where is your father?"

"He's entertaining Minister Fudge. Along with my mother."

"I see."

No wonder. Aside from his surprisingly oblivious father, he even managed to slip past the eyes of his doting mother. ...No, her doting on him was a thing of the "past."

"—You know what's coming, right?"

At Draco's 'confirmation', I gave a firm nod. Then, realizing he might not be able to see it in this darkness, I corrected myself aloud.

"Of course, I plan to stay awake and prepare. ...What about you? Um, is Lucius—"

"...I don't know."

Draco's voice was thin and insecure.

"Father is—avoiding me even more than before. That kind of information doesn't circulate around the Manor. Father is probably suppressing it. ...I'm sorry. I was just told to stay by Mother's side."

"Don't apologize. It's not a problem you can do anything about. ...I see."

An awkward silence fell between us. As expected, my words hadn't reached him, had they? Just the warning of a suspicious little girl, after all—

But his love for his family was genuine—at least, that's what I believed when I saw Lucius that day.

"Either way, there's no doubt a surprise attack is coming. I saw some individuals acting suspiciously. ...You can't stop it, can you?"

"Unless you have Mad-Eye's eye, it's impossible. The enemies will be invisible, after all. ...Honestly, my memories around this part are hazy too. After all, it was right after such an exciting match."

Though Draco had cast a Muffliato (soundproofing charm), I kept my voice low just in case. Draco shook his head as if shaking off a nightmare.

"Anyway, for this time at least, Harry's safety is the priority. Death Eaters are an absolute nuisance."

"Wow, you're the one saying that?"

"That's exactly why."

"Spoken from experience, huh."

Just as the tension eased with our light, empty conversation, and I stood up, ready to disperse, a hand was placed—pat—on my shoulder.

"Is the tryst over, Maria?"

"Eek."

Draco, who instantly pointed his wand at the person while still in the pose of lifting the Silencing Charm, completely froze.

"S-Sirius..."

Smiling cheerfully with the light leaking from some tent behind him, Sirius, aided by his handsome face, looked exactly like an angry creature of the night. It looked like he was going to chew us up starting from the head. ...He's incredibly mad.

"Maria... a young lady being out in the dark with a boy of a certain age... I don't quite approve, you know?"

"No, wait, it’s not what it looks like, Sirius! It’s not like that—"

"Now then... ah, young Draco? Who exactly do you think you’re pointing that wand at?"

At a voice filled with hostility completely different from the one directed at me, Draco lowered his wand as if he'd been struck by an electric shock.

"I-I sincerely apologize, Cousin Sirius."

"Wait, Sirius! Don't bully Draco."

Guided by Sirius out of the forest, the wizards, who had completely forgotten about Muggle-Repelling Charms, were still holding their banquet. Even though everywhere was lively and filled with laughter—this spot alone felt like the Ice Age.

"I've been wondering for a while now... what exactly is your relationship with my precious daughter?"

"S-Sirius..."

What do I do? I know this isn't the time to be happy, but... my heart fluttered at the words 'precious daughter'.

"I..."

When I timidly peeked at Draco to see what he was going to say—ah, this is bad, he's completely terrified.

Well, of course he is. Even I, who left all the aristocratic squabbles entirely to Minister for Magic Hermione, understand. To the young Malfoy heir, the eldest son of the main branch of the House of Black—a family even likened to royalty—is a massive ticking time bomb.

But rest assured, Draco. ...This man isn't thinking that deeply. He basically lives on instinct.

"Listen here, Draco... listen closely────As long as my eyes are black, you can't have my daughter!"

"Siiiiriuuuus!"

I threw my hands over my face at Sirius, who was proudly making this embarrassing declaration with a smug look. To begin with, your eyes are grey!

"And another thing! If you want her, you'll have to go through me first! ...Ha! I've always wanted to say that. James is probably crying tears of frustration in heaven right now!"

"Idiot... you're such an idiot..."

"Fathers with daughters all turn into idiots, every single one of them. Do you want me to tell you how absolutely besotted James was with you when you were a baby?"

"I know, so please stop."

I lightly punched Sirius's shoulder, feeling unbearably awkward.

Of course I know perfectly well! I was exceptionally weak to my own precious daughter, Lily, too! How many times did I get scolded by Ginny for giving in to Lily's pleading? When Lily introduced her boyfriend to us, I even said something stupid like, "I'll consider it if you duel me and manage to land even a single scratch!" And then I was instantly sunk by Lily's single comment: "Dad, you're being immature."

"I'm sorry, Draco... I'll take full responsibility and haul him back... I'm really sorry."

When I apologized profusely to the dumbfounded Draco—Draco smiled softly, as if this right here was the greatest happiness in the world.

"...I'm happy for you, Maria."

"────"

Surely, if Sirius wasn't here—he would have called me Harry.

Draco knows just how much 'I'—how much I had wished for a day where I could be silly like this with Sirius.

I feel like I'm going to cry.

"Hmph. For the son of those two, you have a decent face. ...Draco. Narcissa and Lucius were looking for you. Get back quickly. They were worried."

"I am grateful for your concern, Cousin Sirius."

Draco bowed politely and left. Sirius mercilessly ruffled the hair of my speechless self as I watched him go. I understood that this was his way of showing affection, and actually his way of hiding his embarrassment. ...I've come to be able to understand things like that, too. —I'm so happy.

"...Well, I wouldn't be entirely against considering that guy for your husband."

"I told you it's not like that. ...Sirius, you doting fool."

You are alive and smiling. That alone is enough to make me happy.