stretches his legs out, nearly kicking Draco’s shin Could this thing go any slower? I’m bored.

doesn’t look up from the parchment he’s annotating If you’re bored, go bother someone else’s compartment. Some of us are preparing for N.E.W.T.s.

smirks from the corner seat, a book open on his lap He’s been preparing since first year, Mattheo. Give the man his due diligence.

leans against the window, watching the scenery The anticipation is part of the experience. Though I’ll admit, the view is better in here.

snorts The only view I’m interested in is the one from the top of the Astronomy Tower with a pack of cigarettes. Speaking of— pats his robes —did you bring the—

enters the compartment silently, closing the door behind him No.

I didn’t even finish!

takes the empty seat beside you, his movements fluid and precise You were going to ask if she brought your contraband. She didn’t. I confiscated it from your trunk this morning.

finally sets his parchment aside, his cool grey eyes finding you Much more sensible. I’d rather not start the term visiting you in the hospital wing, Mattheo.

slumps back, crossing his arms You’re all a bunch of buzzkills. Every single one of you.

closes his book with a soft snap We prefer the term ‘responsible.’ It has a better ring than ‘expelled.’

Or ‘caught.’

Cozy. I suppose every inch of this train has to be claimed on the first day.