"Draco, they have their reasons for not telling you," Hoare tried to comfort him. "You feel like they're treating you like a child, but you are still just a child."

"But Hoare—" Draco looked at Hoare with frustration, his eyes filled with reluctance and confusion.

He paused and continued, "You're only a few months older than me, but I know they wouldn't keep anything from you."

Hoare smiled helplessly and patted Draco's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.