The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

1. Return to Hogwarts

Draco blinked—surprised, though he tried desperately to hide it.

"You don't know me," I continued, leaning forward slightly.

"Thank Merlin," he muttered, rolling his eyes.

"I know. Right?" I shot back before he could blink. "Honestly, I feel sorry for Blaise and Pansy. I can't imagine a worse punishment than being stuck as your friend. Even temporarily. If only for your abysmal attitude."

Both Slytherins beside him snapped their attention to me as if I'd just grown another head.

I smiled sweetly at them. "My condolences."

Blaise was the first to break.

He burst into laughter—loud, unrestrained, bending forward with the force of it. "You're alright, Raelyn," he said between breaths, wiping at his eyes. "Brutal. But a good judge of character."

Draco let out a scandalized scoff, clearly offended that Blaise found me amusing.

I rolled my eyes dramatically in response.

Pansy, meanwhile, stared between the two of us as though watching a Quidditch match she hadn't expected to enjoy. Then she turned to me with a small, impressed smile.

And it struck me, faintly, that for the first time in a long while... someone was looking at me not with pity, or discomfort, or grief.

But with interest.

"At least my friends are here," Draco muttered under his breath.

I tilted my head. "Sorry—what was that? Did you finally think of a comeback, or do you need a bit more time?"

His glare snapped toward me, sharp enough to slice parchment. I only smiled, sweet as sugar. "Just let me know when you come up with something smart to say. Or..." I tapped my chin thoughtfully. "Should I say if you come up with something smart to say?"

His jaw ticked. "I wouldn't waste my breath on you," he mumbled.

"There you go again," I sighed dramatically. "Mumbling. Honestly, Malfoy, if you need help constructing an insult, you could just ask. I'm sure we could brainstorm something impressive together."

"Piss off, Diggory!" he snapped, voice suddenly raised as if he'd reached his breaking point.

I grinned wider. "Now why would I do that when I'm having so much fun with you?" I gestured grandly around the compartment. "Truly, you've been the highlight of my morning. Positively charming company."

Blaise was nearly wheezing, Pansy covering her smile with her hand like she couldn't decide whether to laugh or scold him.

"Raelyn, have you always been at this school?" Blaise asked between chuckles.

"Same amount of time as you," I replied.

"Unfortunately," Draco muttered again, louder this time.

I raised an eyebrow. "Remember what I said about the mumbling? Use your full voice, darling, if you want to insult me properly."

Blaise leaned back, shaking his head in amusement. "How am I only meeting you now? Five minutes in, and you're my new hero."

"The worst five minutes of my life," Draco enunciated very clearly this time, stabbing each word into the air like it offended him personally.

I beamed at him. "Good boy!"

Before anyone could blink, I reached out and patted his perfectly styled hair—well, formerly perfectly styled hair. My fingers intentionally mussed it beyond repair.