The star, his moon and their comets

CHAPTER 67 Questioning Statements

As the Hogwarts Express pulled into the station, Draco, Emma, and Harry stepped onto the platform. The holiday break had been a mix of emotions, with revelations, healing, and a newfound determination to face the challenges ahead.

Harry found Ron and Hermione in one of the compartments. They were talking and laughing, their previous conflict apparently resolved. Ron had written a letter to Hermione over the break, apologizing for their argument, and it seemed that she had accepted his apology.

Harry joined them, and they spent the train ride back to Hogwarts catching up on each other's holiday experiences and discussing their expectations for the upcoming term.

As Draco and Emma walked past Ron and Hermione, Emma sighed, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Honestly, Hermione is too good for him. I would've cut him less slack."

Draco, walking alongside her, raised an eyebrow. "What did Weaselbee do this time?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "Just being an ass, as usual."

Draco couldn't help but smirk at her comment. "Well, you've never been one to tolerate that kind of behavior."

Emma smirked back. "Exactly, and I don't think Hermione should either."

They continued down the corridor, their conversation fading as they left Ron and Hermione behind, making their way to their own compartment on the Hogwarts Express.

In their compartment, Emma settled into her seat across from Draco. She looked at him with a concerned expression and asked, "Have you heard from your parents yet?"

After Severus had gone to look for Draco that night, he had found him in his room. Without a second thought he took him and fled. After Draco had been resting, Severus made sure to dissipate the situation and write to Lucius and Narcissa and request that Draco stayed with him for extra Potions lessons. Naturally, and as oblivious as he was, Lucius didn't mind his son staying over to do extra work. Narcissa, however, did know her son's whereabouts had nothing to do with school.

Draco nodded and explained, "Severus wrote to them, but he didn't mention that I stayed with you and your family. He simply told them it would be better if I stayed with him during the break."

Draco sighed and said, "Honestly, I don't care. I'm just glad I had a quiet holiday after everything that happened." The events during the holiday had taken a toll on him, and he was content to have some peace and distance from his parents.

Though Draco had said he didn't care about his parents' reaction, deep down, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness that his mother hadn't reached out. He had always hoped that she might take his side or at least show some concern for his well-being. The absence of her support weighed on him, even if he didn't openly express it.

As Pansy and Theo entered the compartment, Pansy couldn't help but tease, "If it isn't our favorite Slytherin prince." She grinned mischievously, playfully emphasizing the word "favorite."

Theo joined in the teasing with a grin. "And of course, the lovely Emma as well. Did you both have a cozy holiday break?"

Emma chuckled, not one to be easily rattled by their teasing. "Cozy enough, Theo. How about you two?"

Pansy winked and said, "Oh, you know us. Always up to something exciting."

Pansy began to recount her holiday adventures, regaling Emma, Draco, and Theo with stories of grand parties and various social events she had attended with her family. Her tone was filled with pride and a hint of superiority, as she often enjoyed flaunting her pure-blood status and connections.