The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

25. Avoidance, Austen, and a Very Determined Malfoy

Hermione slid into a seat beside them. "He's right, you know."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh no. Hermione Granger is getting involved."

"Yes, and for good reason," she said calmly. "Draco held the library door open for me this morning. And then asked if I'd seen you."

I blinked. Hermione Granger was not one to exaggerate.

She leaned closer. "Raelyn... he has it bad."

Despite myself, I smiled.

Tiny. Helpless. Dangerous.

"I still feel awful," I said softly. "Sophie might be... Sophie, but she'd still be heartbroken."

Blaise snorted so hard pumpkin juice came out his nose. "Heartbroken? Rae, she's FINE. The noises coming from Adrian Pucey's bed last night tell me she's already over Draco."

Pansy nodded. "Honestly, she moved on before Draco even finished breaking up with her."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I am not interested in being anyone's rebound. And he hurt me. I'm not done being mad."

Theo nodded approvingly. "Good. Stay mad. It suits you."

"Shut up," I muttered, grabbing my last slice of toast and downing the rest of my coffee in one go. "I'm heading to Transfiguration early. I want to read."

Hermione perked up instantly. "What are you reading?"

"Sense & Sensibility this week."

She made a small squeaking noise that was embarrassingly adorable.

"Have you had breakfast?" I asked.

"Yes!"

"Want to have a mini book session before class?"

Her eyes widened. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather talk to a certain blonde boy—?"

"Nope," I said firmly. "Right now I'm far more invested in Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood."

She squealed.

Pansy laughed into her hand. "This is the most Gryffindor-Slytherin crossover event I've ever seen."

Hermione beamed. "I would love to join you. And—if I may—anyone who loves Austen is welcome."

I grinned wickedly and turned toward the Slytherin table.

"Theo! Want to join a book club? We're reading about the Dashwoods!"

He froze mid-bite of toast.

Then grabbed two slices, a sausage, vaulted over an empty chair, jogged toward us and said:

"I am in love with Jane Austen a little and I'm convinced she was a witch and never realised it."

Hermione gasped like she'd found a soulmate.

Pansy whispered, "I ship it."

The three of us—me, Theo, and Hermione—headed out of the Great Hall, books in hand and toast crumbs trailing behind us, on our way to the empty Transfiguration classroom.

Behind us, Blaise called:

"Rae! Draco's going to combust when he realises you've formed a book club without him!"

I waved dismissively.

Let him combust.

For once, I was choosing peace.
Books.
Friends.
Myself.

And Merlin... it felt good.

The Transfiguration classroom was empty, silent, washed in soft morning light streaming through the tall windows. Dust motes drifted lazily in the beams, floating like tiny dancers above polished desks.