The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

25. Avoidance, Austen, and a Very Determined Malfoy

I elbowed him.

He wheezed in pain but kept grinning.

Draco's footsteps drew nearer—fast, determined, echoing off the stone like he was tracking prey.

"Hospital Wing—she has to be—she went there first—"

Theo mouthed "wow" at me, eyes sparkling.

I mouthed "shut up" again.

We held our breath as Draco strode directly past the tapestry, so close that the fabric brushed my shoulder. His hair—perfectly tousled from running around the castle—caught the morning light.

A beat.

Then—

He took off again, practically sprinting toward the staircase.

Theo leaned toward the gap in the tapestry, peeking out like he was watching a drama unfold onstage. "He's making a beeline for the Hospital Wing," he whispered, practically vibrating with amusement. "You are terrible, Rae."

"I'm strategic," I whispered back.

"You're terrified."

"That too."

When Draco disappeared from view, we waited another five seconds—just to be safe.

Then another five for my heart to stop trying to punch its way out of my chest.

Finally, I peeled the tapestry aside and stepped out.

The coast was clear.

Theo stretched his arms above his head, looking far too cheerful for someone who had been tackled into hiding. "That was exhilarating. We should do it again."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"You say no, but your survival instincts say yes," he teased.

I ignored him and straightened my robes as we headed down the stairs toward the Great Hall.

By the time we reached the entrance doors, the warmth of morning chatter drifted out. Students were already eating, laughing, complaining about early classes.

Normal.

Safe.

Untangled from blond-haired complications.

I couldn't help it—I smiled.

"I did it," I whispered triumphantly. "I avoided him. I actually avoided him."

Theo raised an eyebrow as he opened the door for me. "Congratulations. You've won the battle."

"The battle?" I frowned.

He grinned wickedly. "But the war? Rae, darling—"

"Don't."

"You have every single class with him today."

I stopped dead in the doorway.

"What?"

Theo smirked. "Double Charms, Double Transfiguration, a shared free period in the library, and—oh yes—Buddy System session before dinner."

I stared at him in betrayal.

He patted my back sympathetically. "It has been an honour knowing you. I will send flowers to your funeral."

"You're not helping."

"Who said I was trying to?"

I groaned and dragged my hands down my face.