HP: I beat the otome game at Hogwarts

Chapter 184 Suspicion of Blaise

Unlike the other boys who were looking forward to having fun with their partners at the Christmas ball tonight, Draco Malfoy was looking forward to sneaking out of the ball early and then... having a secret time alone with someone else's partner in the garden.

But as it turns out, young Malfoy was completely unfavored by Merlin tonight.

First, she watched without warning as her only roommate and best friend, Blaise Zabini, suddenly asked her crush to dance, though it didn't work out.

Then, dumbfounded, she watched as her beloved ditched everyone and invited the most feared teacher in the entire school, Professor Snape, to dance with her, and he actually succeeded.

Well, Draco was actually quite happy that Lyra hadn't accepted the other boys' invitations, and he didn't really have a problem with her dancing with his respected Dean—although it was visually quite horrifying.

Like all the other students in the room, Draco kept stealing glances at the strange teacher-student pair dancing gracefully on the dance floor.

Looking at Professor Snape's murderous smile, he felt a chill run down his spine. But the dark-haired girl standing opposite Professor Snape seemed completely unaffected, continuing to dance calmly. In that instant, Draco suddenly felt a sense of awe for the girl he liked.

But soon, this vague feeling was overshadowed by other things. Pansy kept pestering Draco to dance, and by the time he got rid of her, the dark-haired girl was no longer on the dance floor.

Looking around, Draco caught sight of Blaise quietly leaving the Great Hall. His heart tightened, and he immediately followed.

The once empty garden has become extremely beautiful after being carefully decorated by the house-elves.

The area is surrounded by rose bushes and shrubs, where groups of colorful fairies chase and play. The ornately decorated winding paths are lined with huge statues and fountains, and there are also many carved benches for people to rest in the corners.

The splashing water of the fountain and the singing of the little fairy mingled together, making it impossible to hear anything in the distance.

Obviously, it would be difficult to find one's target immediately in such a bustling and complex garden.

Draco stood beside a stone unicorn sculpture, watching Blaise look around on the path, searching for something.

He had a premonition that Blaise was looking for someone, and that person was very likely the dark-haired girl he also wanted to find.

"Draco—"

Blaise was quite perceptive and sensed something was amiss behind him. He silently tightened his grip on his wand and turned around, only to find his platinum-level roommate standing quietly not far away, staring at him with a gloomy face.

Blaise immediately realized that Draco was beginning to suspect something, but he didn't show it on his face.

"Have you found Lyra?" Blaise asked preemptively, showing no sign of guilt.

Draco stared intently at Blaise, trying to force out Blaise's hidden thoughts through this oppressive stare, but no matter how you looked at it, the expression on Blaise's face was perfectly natural.

...Could it be that he misunderstood Blaise, and that he wasn't interested in Lyra?

But why would Blaise invite Lyra to dance in public without his permission?

Perhaps Blaise just wanted to help, but it was strange that he came to the garden to look for Lyra. What reason would Blaise have to continue chasing after Lyra after his invitation to dance was rejected?

Brace didn't even try to hide his intention to find Lyra!

But he didn't panic at all after being discovered...

Draco thought he had concealed it well, but in reality, his wavering thoughts were completely exposed by his bewildered expression.

Blaise wasn't worried at all that Draco would discover his feelings for Lyra. As long as he acted openly enough, Draco would eventually waver in his suspicions. After all, Draco hadn't actually seen himself with Lyra.

Moreover, he was fully aware of any suspicions Draco might have.

“I just saw Lyra leave the Great Hall, followed by a Durmstrang boy. Coincidentally, I heard from some Durmstrang girls that this boy always likes to use little dark magic tricks to force girls on them—”

Blaise explained calmly—no, he performed it even more perfectly, his tone tinged with worry—

“I saw you were bothered by Pansy, so I came to the garden to look for them myself,” Blaise calmly suggested. “Draco, I think we should split up and search separately; it’ll be faster that way, in case Lyra isn’t on guard—”

"Thank you, Blaise. I... I'll talk to you later after I find Lyra. See you then."

Draco immediately dismissed his suspicions. He nodded to Blaise, indicating that he was heading north, and then watched Blaise walk away down the path to the south. Draco felt extremely guilty—he had actually suspected his friend of having feelings for Lyra!

Not all boys will like Lyra. No matter how likable Lyra is, she's not Galleon.

Draco reflected on his suspicious behavior and resolved never to make the same mistake again—if he couldn't even trust Blaise, who could he trust?

Right now, the most important thing is to find Leila and ensure her safety.

As for that Durmstrang boy...

Draco Malfoy hardened his heart.

He would naturally let the other party know afterward what the consequences would be for coveting what they shouldn't have coveted.