Redemption | Drarry

006: A Shift In The Air (Edited)

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Hadrian, Neville, and Luna stood in the middle of the hallway as the last students filtered into the Great Hall. The Sorting Ceremony had yet to begin, but the three of them lingered, each lost in their own thoughts.

Neville was still caught up in what he had seen earlier-his expression slightly dazed as he muttered to himself.

Hadrian, on the other hand, had an unreadable look in his eyes. His mind was processing too many things at once, and none of them had anything to do with food.

Luna, as always, remained in her own world. Her gaze followed a certain platinum-haired Slytherin as he disappeared into the crowd. If she was expecting any acknowledgment, she received none. Draco Malfoy hadn't spared her-or anyone-so much as a glance.

Her lips curved into a soft smile.

"Did you see that, Hadrian?" Neville asked, breaking the silence. "Malfoy looked... different."

Hadrian hummed but said nothing.

"His magic felt heavier than before," Neville continued. "Not in a bad way, just... noticeable."

Luna tilted her head. "It's as if the air itself changes when he walks past."

Hadrian smirked at that but didn't comment. Instead, he simply turned and walked toward the Great Hall, the other two falling into step beside him.

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The Sorting proceeded as usual, the first years lined up nervously as the hat called out their houses one by one. Conversations filled the hall, though there was a quiet hum of intrigue surrounding a select few students who had undergone an inheritance.

At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy sat in his usual composed manner, exuding an aura of effortless elegance. If he was aware of the occasional glances sent his way, he did not react. His posture was impeccable, his expression unreadable.

A first-year girl with soft brown hair and bright hazel eyes turned to him, her tone polite but steady.

"Hello," she greeted, offering a small nod.

Draco's gaze flickered toward her, assessing. "Good evening," he responded, his tone neutral.

"My name is Katherine Petras," she introduced herself, gesturing to the boy beside her. "This is my brother, Aaron. You're Draco Malfoy, correct?"

Draco gave a slight nod but said nothing.

"I read about you in the Daily Prophet," Katherine continued. "Your family made a rather significant decision last year. It was all over the news."

There was no arrogance in her words, only mild curiosity.

Draco's expression remained cool. "Yes."

Katherine seemed satisfied with his response and didn't press further. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "That was a Veela inheritance, wasn't it?"

Draco inclined his head slightly.

"What kind?" she asked, her tone still calm, though there was undeniable interest in her eyes.

"Nyxian," he answered simply.

A few heads subtly turned at that. Nyxian Veela were rare, known not for fire or temper but for their enigmatic nature and quiet allure. They did not command attention through force; instead, they drew people in effortlessly, like shadows weaving through candlelight.

Katherine absorbed the information with a thoughtful hum before turning back to her plate, leaving the conversation at that.

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