Green velvet seats, usually a symbol of pride, felt like the upholstered walls of a cage. Draco Malfoy sat stiffly by the window, his blond hair impeccably styled, his gaze fixed on the rolling hills as if they held the answers to an unspoken question.

Daphne Greengrass sat beside Y/n, her posture perfect, her hands folded calmly in her lap. She was the still point in the room, a quiet anchor in the brewing storm.

The compartment door slid open with a sudden, violent screech. A group of younger Hufflepuff students stood frozen in the corridor, led by a fifth-year whose face was contorted with pure hatred. He stared directly at Draco.

Pansy's laughter died in her throat. Draco's jaw clenched so tight a muscle flickered in his cheek. His right hand twitched, his fingers curling as if to grasp his left forearm before he forced them still on his knee. Mattheo’s charming smile twisted into something cold and cruel.