Unforeseen Bonds || Draco Malfoy

✭5✭

More days passed without any major problems. Pansy shot me glares now and then, and my brother's friends gave me side-eyes, but I managed to ignore them.

This morning, I awoke to Pansy accusing Sylvia of stealing her 'brand new tube top.'

"We wear the same robes every day," I mumbled as I shuffled past her into the bathroom.

"No, not on the weekends! Plus, Hogsmeade is tomorrow, and I need that top to match with my skirt!" Pansy argued, her voice rising.

"Whatever," I muttered, finishing my routine and heading to the dining hall.

When I arrived, I didn't see anyone familiar at the Slytherin table, so I made my way over to the Ravenclaw table, taking a seat next to Cho and Luna. I filled my plate with eggs, bacon, and toast, savouring the aroma. As I dug in, a flock of owls swooped into the busy cafeteria.

Ollie caught my eye, gliding in with two navy blue envelopes and a package. She dropped one envelope on my lap and another onto Miles' empty plate. The silver calligraphy on the parchment from my mother gleamed in the light as I unrolled it.

Nitara Hyde,

Hello, sweetheart. I hope you're having a great start to an amazing new year at Hogwarts! Sorry about the delay; your stepfather is having some difficulties at his job. Speaking of, my interviewer loved me, and I got a new position at the Ministry! Exciting, right? In this envelope is your signed permission slip for Hogsmeade. Hope you enjoy it, as well as this new year filled with excitement and knowledge. I expect you to be reading lots. Have fun and stay safe. Oh, and tell Sylvia I said hello!

Lots of love,

Lilith Hyde Bletchley.

I took out the signed permission slip and glanced over at Miles, who was mimicking my actions, stuffing his paper into his robes before continuing to eat.

Turning my attention to the package, I slowly unravelled the ribbon, revealing a new muggle romance book series.

Mum knows me so well!

I tucked it into my robes and resumed eating.

"First year at Hogsmeade?" Ryder's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Well, good morning to you too. And yes," I chuckled, still focused on my plate.

"Maybe I can take you for your first trip?" He flashed a charming grin.

"Hey! No fair, Tara said she's going with me, Luna, and Sylvia!" Cho protested.

"I can't grab a butterbeer? I can always bring another friend," Ryder replied, sitting down beside me. His gaze flicked to Cedric, who was laughing with his friends.

Cho had always had a crush on Cedric since first year. I never told her about my past with him; only Sylvia and, unfortunately, Pansy knew. I didn't want to complicate things, especially since Cho seemed more invested.

"Fine, but butterbeers only," Cho relented, satisfied.

"So, doll, how are classes treating you?" Ryder leaned in, resting his chin on his hand.

"Snape is piling on the potions homework! We just started learning about common potions, and we're expected to brew a simple one by Monday! The catch? We only learned what they are yesterday!"

"Damn. I always hated Snape's classes, but you should have an advantage since you're a Slytherin," he teased.

"I doubt that would make it any better," I scoffed, finishing my food.