Speaking of Snape, the newly appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Ever since the Sorting Ceremony ended that day, no one seemed to have seen him appear in the castle even once.
In fact, in several important occasions afterward, most of the responsibility had still been handed over to Minerva McGonagall to preside over.
That familiar sight was actually not all that different from the later years when Dumbledore served as Headmaster.
And just as everyone thought Snape was not at Hogwarts at all, Draco discovered that the truth was nothing of the sort.
Because Draco found on the Marauder's Map that Snape had actually been staying inside Hogwarts the entire time...
...
The Draco Constellation branch.
Inside this magical space created by the Undetectable Extension Charm, rows of completed houses could already be seen standing across the land.
Unlike the last time he had come, when there had only been two or three houses, this visit already revealed the beginnings of a wizarding village.
There seemed to be quite a few people here now. All of it was thanks to Penelope's efforts, as well as the results of those Death Eater professors' reckless behavior.
You could even see Goyle and Crabbe leading others in training, practicing the wizard combat tactics Draco had created himself...
If you looked closely, among those buildings, there was one especially tall structure.
Draco's room was located at the very top of that building.
From here, the view was excellent. The broad rooftop was even large enough for a massive Dragon to land.
In a sense, although this room was not as luxurious or comfortable as the Prefect's room, Draco preferred staying here to think.
After all, here, he did not need to worry about Death Eaters barging in...
...
At that moment, Draco was sipping freshly brewed black tea while examining the Marauder's Map in his hand.
"Other than the Headmaster's Office, the place he stays most often is the tower?"
"This tower... Could it be the place where Dumbledore died?"
Since he had decided to have a proper talk with Snape, Draco's first task was to figure out Snape's movements.
Aside from that, Draco had also noticed something else.
"No matter where he goes, there's always someone beside him?"
"Is he being watched? Or is there another reason?"
Draco stared thoughtfully at the Marauder's Map in his hand, unable to help thinking over the reason.
Since the Dark Lord had already appointed him Headmaster of Hogwarts, why would he still send someone to monitor Snape?
Was it because he did not trust him?
Only today did Draco finally notice this very obvious point of suspicion...
And while Draco was thinking about this question, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
Judging by the footsteps, it should be one of the girls.
The next second.
After knocking, Hermione pushed the door open and came straight in without caring whether Draco agreed or not.
It had to be said that aside from those few girls, there really was no one else bold enough to do that.
Draco looked up and poured a cup of black tea for Hermione after she sat down. "What's wrong? You look worried."
"Draco, are you really going to see Snape?"
"Mm... There are some things I want to ask. Especially now that I've discovered my godfather is being watched, it's even more necessary."
Hermione held the black tea in both hands and looked at Draco worriedly. "But if he's being watched, how are you going to get close to Snape?"
Although she could understand, that did not mean Hermione would stay silent.
After taking a sip of black tea, Draco finally explained his thoughts. "Did you notice? It looks like he's being watched all day, but that isn't actually the case."
"What did you find?"
"Although Snape has other people around him for long periods, whether he's in the Headmaster's Office or eating and drinking, I discovered that when he goes to one particular place, he's alone. Even if he only stays there for a short time."
"He avoids everyone?"
"Exactly. He probably goes when everyone else is asleep."
After a pause, Draco reached out and pinched a lock of Hermione's long hair. Under Hermione's embarrassed and annoyed gaze, he told her the place.
"You would never guess where it is."
"..."
Hermione glanced at the hand around her waist, then silently ground her little white teeth.
"Ahem. That Chamber of Secrets."
"The Chamber of Secrets? You mean..."
"The very Chamber of Secrets you're thinking of. Why do you think Snape chose that place?"
Hermione glared at Draco, who was becoming more and more outrageous, and understood something with her cheeks flushed.
"You're saying... Snape knows you want to see him? That's why he chose a place only a few wizards know about. And since you dealt with the Basilisk, there's no reason you wouldn't know that place."
"That's the only possibility."
"But how could Snape know you have the Marauder's Map... No, I understand. He believes you're capable of finding that out?"
Completely unaware that Draco's hand had already slipped beneath her robe, Hermione spoke her judgment with a surprised expression.
That adorable look with her lips slightly parted.
And the softness beneath his palm.
Draco's gaze deepened slightly, and he chuckled as he leaned closer.
Come to think of it, it had been a long time since they had been this close.
Faced with the approach of the person she loved, Hermione, who was usually so proud and difficult, was left only shy and sweet at this moment...
"You... you're so hot!"
No one could have imagined that in the highest room of the Draco Constellation branch, something was happening that would make one's face flush and heart race...