If he doesn't hurry up, I'm leaving without him. I swear to Merlin, I will sit with Theodore and his boring arse all the way to Hogsmeade.

You won't.

I absolutely will.

leaning against the compartment door, arms crossed You also said you'd stop dating that Ravenclaw and you lasted three weeks.

sticks her tongue out at him That's different. That was intentional. This is a matter of principle.

murmuring to himself There she is. Ready to interrogate me before the wheels even start turning.

squeezing his arm once Behave.

When have I ever not?

dryly Do you want a list, or shall we count only from this month?

louder, scanning Where's—

Just wondering if Crabbe and Goyle got their own compartment. Last year they sat with the Slytherin first-years by mistake.

joining them, voice low Remember what we discussed. This year changes things. Your marks matter more than ever, and your associations—

I know, Father.

a hard edge in his voice Do you? Because I've seen you get comfortable. Lazy. You're not in a position for comfortable anymore.

I know.

You look like your mum just told you off and your dad made it worse.

Shut up.

So both. Got it.

from inside the compartment Did you see Daphne? She texted me saying she's running late—something about her sister having a meltdown over a hat of all things.

Let me guess. You've already planned the entire ride. One hour of gossip. One hour of homework. One hour of—

grinning And maybe a few drinks if you didn't forget the firewhisky again.

I didn't forget.

raising an eyebrow You brought firewhisky?

I brought two bottles. Don't make a thing of it.