Narcissa stood up, casting a cold glance at Lucius. Only when Lucius shifted uncomfortably under her gaze did she step forward, shielding him behind her. Bending down slightly, she spoke to Draco:
"Draco, is there something you can't openly discuss with your parents?"
Hearing Narcissa's words, Draco felt a surge of emotion welling up within him, nearly bringing him to tears. As expected, no one understood him better than his mother—this boundless maternal love!
Without hesitation, Draco nodded repeatedly.
Lucius was about to speak, but recalling the icy stare from Narcissa earlier, he held his tongue.
Narcissa nodded slowly, showing understanding. Just as Draco let out a relieved sigh, she suddenly asked:
"Draco, have you joined an organization—one that requires you to conceal your identity?"
Draco was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded in response.
Narcissa continued questioning:
"Are the wizards in this organization exceptionally powerful?"
Recalling the silent spellwork he had witnessed in the Room of Requirement, Draco nodded again without hesitation.
Seeing Draco's response, Narcissa fell silent for a moment before asking:
"Is this organization's influence vast and far-reaching?"
Draco glanced at his parents. He thought about how they had struggled in vain to uncover the truth, while he had obtained it effortlessly with a single message. The Secret Order's power was undeniably formidable. Once more, Draco nodded vigorously.
Narcissa exchanged a look with Lucius, and in that moment, there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between them.
She gently stroked Draco's hair, speaking in a soft voice:
"Alright, I understand now. Our Draco has finally grown up. Remember, you must never reveal your identity to anyone. Even if your father and I ask, if you feel you cannot speak of it, then you don't have to. Do you understand?"
Seeing Narcissa's serious expression, Draco solemnly nodded.
Finally, she said, "Alright, Draco. Your father and I have matters to discuss. Go back to your room for now. And remember, if you ever wish to know something, come ask us directly. Don't eavesdrop on our conversations like you did this time—we both nearly drew our wands!"
With that, she motioned for Draco to leave.
After Draco had left and the study door was shut, Narcissa turned to Lucius and said sharply:
"Are you trying to get our son killed?!"
Lucius was taken aback and was about to protest, but Narcissa cut him off:
"Can't you see? It's obvious—Draco has joined the Alliance! Who knows if they've placed some kind of enchantment on him to prevent leaks? We must be cautious from now on!"
Lucius still looked doubtful. "Do you really think Draco has joined the Alliance?"
Narcissa shot him an exasperated look. "Then tell me, what other organization demands its members conceal their identities, wields immense power, and consists of exceptionally skilled wizards?"
Lucius pondered for a moment before reluctantly shaking his head, conceding her point.
Seeing this, Narcissa patted his shoulder and said gravely:
"Be good to our son. He carries the Malfoy name. The future of our family may well rest on his shoulders."
Meanwhile, back in his room, Draco toyed with his identity token—a Jack of Clubs—while replaying his conversation with Narcissa in his mind.
"So, Mother knows about the Secret Order! That makes sense. An organization this powerful must have a long history. Since she graduated from Hogwarts, it's only natural she's heard the rumors."
"But clearly, she was never able to join. That's why she didn't dare say its name outright. Same goes for Father."
As he fiddled with his identity token, Draco couldn't help but smirk. His own parents had been denied entry, yet he had succeeded in joining. The thought filled him with pride.
Still, despite his excitement, he felt a twinge of regret—who could he share this triumph with?
The next morning, as Draco came down for breakfast, he found both his parents already seated at the dining table, waiting for him.
After exchanging morning greetings, Draco was about to sit when Lucius cleared his throat.
Lucius then spoke: "Draco, now that you're older, I've decided to open a new vault for you at Gringotts. I'll start by depositing a sum of Galleons and granting you shares in several family-owned businesses. From now on, your portion of the profits will be deposited into your vault."
Draco barely contained his excitement, almost jumping up from his seat.
Seeing this, Lucius shot him a stern look before continuing: "Draco, I'm giving you this money so you can learn to use it wisely—to make connections, not for indulgence. Do you understand?"
Draco paused. "Make connections?"
Lucius nodded, his gaze sharp. "Exactly. Your grandfather once said: 'The best investment is in wizards.'"
"With the support of our family's wealth, I expect you to gain more influence among your peers. Do you understand?"
Listening to his father's pointed words, Draco suddenly realized Lucius's true intent—he was to become a patron of the Secret Order!
Whether or not the Order actually needed financial support, Draco himself certainly did. Without hesitation, he nodded firmly.
Satisfied, Lucius continued: "Good. I see you understand my meaning. Coincidentally, Gringotts has recently opened a new branch in Hogsmeade. While not as grand as the one in Diagon Alley, it still offers vault rental services."
"Once the Ministry lifts the lockdown on Hogsmeade, I'll arrange for you to have a vault there. It will make accessing your funds much more convenient."
Hearing this, Draco suddenly found himself eagerly anticipating the new school year.
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON