分卷阅读27（2 / 2）

Potter studied him closely and slowly nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“That’s why I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone about me…volunteering here,” Draco said.

“Yeah, okay, sure.”

“So, are you ready to go? Or do you want to eavesdrop some more?” Draco teased.

Potter pressed his lips together as they walked outside. At least he had the sense to look guilty.

“Is the building under a Concealment Charm?” he asked, looking over his shoulder.

“The whole premises. And they added a Muggle-Repelling Charm.”

“Yeah…Kinda risky, running a magical school in the city, isn’t it?”

Draco shrugged. “There are several others in the countryside, but it would have been a pain in the arse for the families who live here, especially the Muggle-born children, since this isn’t a boarding school. What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing,” Potter said hastily. It was obvious he wanted to comment on the fact that Draco was working with people he had once resented, calling them names and whatnot. “How did you find this place? And how did they let—um…”

“What, let me work with children? You can say it.”

Potter looked uncomfortable but he slowly nodded.

“It’s a long story,” Draco said evasively. He didn’t feel like explaining everything in detail. But he knew he had to tell Potter something. “I guess…I don’t want others to repeat my mistakes.”

Potter halted, frowning at him. “Draco—”

“Let’s not get into that,” Draco said, waving a dismissive hand in the air. “All I’m saying is…children like you or me only know what their parents, um, or guardians taught them until they arrive at Hogwarts. I know from first-hand experience how that can turn into a problem. We can’t eradicate prejudices or idiocy, but we can teach children to be more open-minded.” He tried to appear as nonchalant as possible while Potter kept staring at him. “It’s pretty simple,” Draco continued, mostly to fill the awkward silence. “Basically, Muggle- borns learn about magic before they come to Hogwarts and pure-bloods learn more about Muggles. Most importantly, they do it together.”

“But most Muggle-borns don’t know they have magic. I only found out I’m a wizard when I got my letter from Hogwarts,” Potter said.

“The Ministry has created a special department for that,” Draco explained. “Magic is traceable, even in a child who hasn’t used it yet.”

“So…what, there are Ministry workers running around the country, casting spells on children to see if they’re a wizard or a witch?” Potter asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We’re…working on that,” Draco said.

A flicker of amusement crossed Potter’s face as he finally resumed walking.