human again / hp.

Chapter 77

The familiar hum of the Hogwarts Express rumbled beneath my feet as I sat in a compartment with Draco, Daphne, and Blaise. Outside the window, the landscape blurred into a mix of green fields and distant hills, signaling the journey back to school. Normally, I'd feel a sense of anticipation, a bittersweet excitement at returning to Hogwarts. This year, however, my thoughts were heavy.

Draco was in a foul mood, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he glared out of the window. It didn't take long for him to start whining.

"I can't believe it," Draco seethed, turning to face us. "Potter gets away with everything. Everything!"

I sighed quietly, trying not to roll my eyes. I should've known that Harry would be the topic of Draco's frustration.

"What's he done now?" Blaise drawled, lounging in his seat with a look of mild interest.

"Escaped charges from the Ministry!" Draco spat, his voice full of indignation. "He conjured a Patronus in front of that Muggle cousin of his. Dementors, apparently. Dementors! As if anyone would believe Potter's ridiculous stories. But, of course, Saint Potter gets away with it because Dumbledore swoops in to save him. Again."

I looked away, pretending to focus on the passing scenery, though my thoughts lingered on Harry. He must have been terrified if Dementors really did attack him. I felt a pang of worry, but I shoved it aside, knowing any defense of Harry would only provoke Draco further.

"Dementors in Little Whinging?" Daphne said, raising an eyebrow. "That's odd."

"Odd?" Draco said, his pale face twisted with disdain. "It's Potter making things up, as usual. And the Ministry's too weak to deal with him properly."

Daphne exchanged a glance with me, her expression unreadable. Before either of us could respond, Draco's tone shifted, a smug grin spreading across his face as he leaned back in his seat.

"Anyway, there's no use dwelling on Potter. I've got far better news." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small badge, holding it up triumphantly. "See this? Prefect. Father says it's about time someone in our family got the recognition they deserve."

Blaise smirked. "Congratulations, Draco. I'm sure you'll make a fair and balanced prefect."

Draco either didn't catch the sarcasm or ignored it entirely. "Of course I will. It's about time someone set some proper standards for Slytherin House."

Daphne nodded politely, offering a quiet, "Well done, Draco."

I stayed silent, my gaze fixed on the badge in his hand. A knot twisted in my stomach. Part of me had hoped—just a little—that I might receive one too. I knew it wasn't likely; I wasn't exactly my father's ideal Malfoy, and my sorting into Gryffindor had always set me apart. Still, the absence of that small, gleaming badge stung.

Draco must have noticed my lack of response because he turned to me with a smirk. "Don't look so glum, Celeste. You didn't really think you'd get one, did you?"

I clenched my jaw, forcing a neutral expression onto my face. "Congratulations, Draco," I said evenly.

He snorted, leaning back with satisfaction. "I'll make sure Slytherin gets the recognition it deserves this year. None of that favoritism Dumbledore shows to Gryffindor."

Daphne nudged my knee gently with hers, a subtle gesture of support. I glanced at her and managed a small, grateful smile.

The rest of the journey passed with Draco boasting about his prefect duties and Blaise occasionally chiming in with dry comments. Daphne tried to steer the conversation to lighter topics, but Draco's mood remained firmly fixed on Potter and his own supposed superiority.