Chapter 54: Exchange and compromise

Draco opened his eyes and saw the high ceiling. He smelled the fragrance of flowers and realized he was safe. He slowly sat up in bed and saw that he was covered in white linen sheets. Pansy was resting her head on her hands at the foot of the bed, as if she were asleep, with shallow tears in the corners of her eyes.

This warmed Malfoy's heart.

He looked around and saw that the students who were still petrified were lying on beds just like him. There was one more person in the room – Hermione – but she seemed to be in a coma.

"Boy, are you awake? Good morning," Dumbledore's smiling face suddenly appeared before Malfoy's eyes.

"How was the basilisk defeated?" Draco asked directly, not showing the respect he should have for the principal.

Dumbledore didn't seem to care. He shook his beard and spoke quietly to Malfoy. "Of course, when I arrived, it was dying."

"How did you do it, child?" he asked, his blue eyes staring straight at Malfoy. He didn't seem to be using a deceptive mind, as if a generous elder was asking a child sincerely.

"No comment," Draco said.

"Well, everyone should have their own secrets," Dumbledore nodded as if he didn't care.

Dumbledore looked around and then said with a smile, "In a few days, the Mandela grass will be fully mature and everyone will be able to return to their original state. That's really good news."

"Of course," Draco nodded.

"But our hero may not receive the treatment he deserves," Dumbledore looked at Draco again with his sharp blue eyes.

"Hero? Who? Do you mean me?" Draco pretended to be ignorant.

He remembered vaguely explaining things to the principal before he fell into a coma, but he didn't know what Dumbledore had done.

"So, how did you explain it to the outside world?" Draco asked.

"Draco Malfoy in the second grade was controlled by the diary, creating a snake attack, but finally revealed his true intentions at Christmas and was discovered by Professor Lockhart of the Black Magic Defense class. The second-grade female student, Hermione Granger, was also involved in this accident by coincidence," Dumbledore said, glancing at Draco's face and seeing that he didn't seem to care. He continued in his low tone, "After a hard battle, Professor Lockhart used a perfect metamorphosis spell, transformed into a rooster, and defeated the basilisk. However, to protect his students, he was unfortunately hit on the head by the basilisk. It is unknown if there will be any sequelae in the future. After Hermione ran out for help, she fell into a coma due to shock."

"Principal, how can you do this!" an angry female voice came from the hospital bed not far away. Hermione had woken up and had apparently heard everything Dumbledore had just said. She stood up, her small face flushing with anger. "He saved me, it was not Lockhart! This is a slur on Draco!" she exclaimed, unable to accept the fact that someone was being framed.

"Everything is okay," Draco said calmly.

"Okay, we can continue talking," Dumbledore said, trying to smooth over the situation. Hermione lay back down on the bed, still looking upset.

Dumbledore didn't expect the student in front of him to speak out like that. Even if he wanted to stop it, he was too slow to react. He realized that he was getting slower as he got older, and he couldn't help worrying about the future. He needed all the help he could get, and it seemed that the child in front of him, despite being born of so-called pure blood, was not a typical Slytherin in the eyes of ordinary people. He was worthy of cooperation.

"Slytherin scored a minus hundred points for attacking other students in front of the principal," Dumbledore said with a smile, but there was no anger in his tone. It was more like a joke. The old man had to accept this reality. It was better if fewer people knew the truth, and although there was some helplessness, it might be a good thing.

"Is our school's score negative now?" Draco joked.

"There should be double digits," Dumbledore thought for a moment before he spoke slowly. "Even if it was an accidental loss, the fact remains that damage was caused to the students. If it was a deliberate act by the student, they must be expelled, as they were only manipulated by spells such as the soul-taking spell. We will only give a 300% deduction to their school score." Dumbledore stopped and watched his reaction.

"Did I not get expelled? That's really good," Draco clapped his hands and didn't seem to care, as if he was still a little happy at not being taken seriously.

"This is just a small way to help your father out of trouble," Dumbledore said as he adjusted his glasses. "How can I compensate you, child?"

"It's finally time to get to the point," Draco thought. The bamboo sticks delivered to the door must be knocked on, and his plan did require some props. Malfoy readily accepted. He felt the horror of the white wizard in front of him. There is a saying that goes: "A stupid mage is already dead while still an apprentice."

Although this world does not correspond to that world, the truth remains the same. Dumbledore, who has become the most powerful white wizard in the world today, is not only capable but also wise.

Now, Draco and Dumbledore can be said to have an unspoken agreement. Draco has already indicated his position to Dumbledore, and Dumbledore hopes to win him over.

"The body of the Basilisk," Draco said.

"Of course, this can be considered your reward," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Phoenix tears," Draco added.

"No problem. I think Fawkes will cry tears of joy for your bravery," Dumbledore rarely joked.

"Gryffindor's Sword," Draco said as he listed the final item he needed.

"Hmm..." Dumbledore looked deep in contemplation. This request seemed to embarrass him. His brows were raised high and after a while, there was silence. "Your courage is not inferior to any Gryffindor."

"May you always have this kind of courage," Dumbledore said as he adjusted his half-moon-shaped glasses.

"Thank you," Draco sincerely thanked him. He knew that this was Dumbledore's recognition of him and maybe the beginning of their cooperation.