Jaded (Rewritten)

Chapter Five: I Remember

Theo stood and grabbed his beer from the table, draining it in one go before slamming the glass back down. "I better go," he announced.

Draco rose as well, polishing off the last of his own drink. "I'll head out, too."

Blaise shot them an incredulous look over the rim of his bottle but continued sipping in silence. Gregory, however, wasn't as quiet. "Why are you guys leaving? It's still early!" he complained, pouting.

"Long day, Greg," Draco replied, reaching for his coat and shrugging it on. "I need to get some sleep—my shift starts at six in the morning."

"And I've got a date," Theo added with a quick grin. "Need to freshen up a bit."

"You guys are no fun anymore!" Gregory grumbled.

Draco chuckled, leading the way toward the door with Theo close behind. As he stepped outside, the evening air bit through his layers. "Damn, it's cold!" he cursed, pulling his coat tighter.

Theo laughed, patting him solidly on the back. "Starting to show signs of aging, mate!"

"Ass," Draco muttered, jabbing him playfully in the arm. Theo rubbed the spot, his grin widening. "Old as you may be, you still pack a punch, Malfoy."

"Of course I do, you ninny." Draco puffed out his chest, a flicker of his old arrogance returning in jest.

"Oh, almost forgot," Theo said, shaking his head. "The manuscripts you asked me to order from Italy? They were delivered yesterday. I meant to bring them today, but it slipped my mind."

Draco raised a pale brow. "And who's showing signs of aging now?"

Theo rolled his eyes. "Do you want to come by for them today, or should I owl them to your house?"

Draco checked his wristwatch, the wheels turning. "I'll get them now. I've been waiting too long to get my hands on those ancient files," he said, genuine excitement brightening his features.

"Turning into a proper bookworm, you are," Theo smirked.

"Apparate straight, alright?" Theo warned, his tone shifting to a brief moment of genuine concern.

"See you there," Draco replied.

With a loud, sharp crack, Theo vanished.

"Show-off," Draco muttered to the empty air. He tucked his wand securely into his coat pocket and, with a subtle pop, followed him into the night.

༘⋆

"Millie?"

Millicent turned toward the fireplace, her eyes glassy. "Come on in, Pans!" she slurred, the words tripping over her tongue.

Pansy stepped out of the emerald flames and tapped her wand against her silk dress, vanishing the soot with a sharp flick. She moved toward the couch, planting her hands on her waist. "Are you drunk?" she asked, her voice tight with judgment.

Millicent gave a wide, lopsided smile and patted the empty seat beside her. "I'm not drunk! I just had a...a tad of vodka."

Pansy sat down, immediately scrunching her nose. "A tad? You smell like a drunkard in Knockturn Alley!"

Millicent cackled and leaned back, letting her head hit the cushions. Pansy's expression softened into concern. "What happened?"

Millicent answered with a long, low groan.

"Can you speak English? I don't understand groaning," Pansy snapped, her brow arching.

Millicent turned her head slowly, looking at her friend through tangled hair. "He left..."