Chapter 285: False Memory

    A few minutes earlier, Cyrus closed the diary and brought both Draco and himself out of the memory space.

    "Let''s stop here for today, Draco."

    Draco Malfoy let out a heavy breath, looking utterly exhausted.

    "You''ve made great progress. I think even your father, Lucius, wouldn''t do better than you in Occlumency," Cyrus sincerely praised him.

    "I... I''m better than my father?"

    This seemed to please Draco immensely, his expression a mix of surprise, delight, and disbelief.

    "Much better than Lucius," Cyrus said with a smile. "He only has the advantage of age, but you''re far ahead in terms of skill."

    Perhaps Draco had never imagined himself surpassing his father one day. After all, while he was doted on in the Malfoy family, he actually held little power or authority.

    Lucius had always made every effort to maintain his imposing paternal image.

    He appeared stern and serious, carried himself with a tall and commanding presence, and his actions, in Draco''s eyes, always seemed to involve significant matters. As for Draco, his realm of influence seemed limited to petty squabbles at school with that saintly Potter—pretending to be a Dementor to scare the boy, writing fake love letters to embarrass him, or faking an injury to deal with a mere beast...@@@@

    Now that he thought about it, Draco found his past immaturity and foolishness laughable.

    But now, everything was different!

    Cyrus had said he had surpassed Lucius, and the Dark Lord himself had entrusted him with an incredibly arduous task!

    He trusts me!

    This phrase echoed repeatedly in Draco''s mind. He could still recall how, not long ago, that terrifying Dark Lord had personally sought him out and commanded him to serve in his name.

    Though he was afraid, he was also eager beyond measure.

    —Achieving greatness was the aspiration of every ambitious Slytherin.

    At this moment, Draco lowered his head to accept Cyrus''s praise, but his eyes gleamed with light.

    After the excitement, of course, came tension and fear. Being ordered to act against Cyrus was no simple matter. Fortunately, the Dark Lord himself had altered Draco''s memories, ensuring that Cyrus would not detect any inconsistencies.

    And indeed, the fabricated memory had proven flawless. During the lengthy sessions practicing Occlumency, Cyrus hadn''t noticed anything amiss.

    Of course, Draco hadn''t found a single opportunity to act against Cyrus.

    But today, this might be his last chance.

    "Of course not."

    Cyrus replied with a cold smile.

    "Both Dumbledore and I believe Voldemort will personally participate in the third task. Otherwise, where do you think Beauxbatons'' additional champion came from?"

    "You mean... the Dark Lord?" Draco asked cautiously. "But why would Beauxbatons have anything to do with the Dark Lord?"

    "That''s because the Dark Lord has already taken control of Beauxbatons. Do you think the current Madame Maxime is truly Madame Maxime?" Cyrus explained. "His disguise is indeed impressive. At first, neither Dumbledore nor I noticed anything wrong. But the longer it goes on, the more cracks appear."

    As Cyrus said this, he seemed to glance at Draco, almost intentionally.

    Draco''s mind raced with countless thoughts in that moment.

    Draco wondered if he had already been exposed.

    But regardless, this was both the best and the last opportunity.

    His Occlumency training had been successful, Cyrus wasn''t holding his wand, and if he missed this chance, his mission was likely doomed to fail.

    Gazing at the shimmering surface of the Black Lake under the setting sun, Draco knew it was now or never—he had to take the gamble.

    It''s simple. Just one spell...

    He took a deep breath, repeatedly telling himself it wasn''t hard, trying to steady his trembling hands.

    He doesn''t have his wand. I''ll succeed!

    No matter how skilled he is, without a wand, it''s useless. And I only need to cast one spell...

    No, perhaps I can kill him!

    Draco''s eyes turned fierce.

    Act now, and then escape immediately with the Portkey. This is the Black Lake—Hogwarts'' anti-Apparition enchantments don''t affect this place.

    Draco raised his wand, staring at Cyrus''s back.

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