𝕭𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝕾𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖘 || Fred Weasley

38

Like Cassie had said, she did not see Fred at all for the rest of the semester. She had boarded the Hogwarts Express alone on the first of September. She tried avoiding most of the Slytherins, especially those to who her family was close to. By now, every pure-blooded family must have known she was kicked out. For this, she even did her best to avoid her friends, especially Viola. She wouldn't understand — no one would.

She walked into one carriage and froze seeing Addy inside already. Addy broke the silence first, rushing to hug her. "I'm so sorry! I overheard my parents and wanted to write to you, but things have been a bit hectic ever since... you know, the Tournament. Wait — what are you doing here? This is the prefect's carriage."

Cassie smiled. "I'm Head Girl! Quite surprising isn't it?"

She shook her head. "Not at all! You fit the role for one, trust me."

"Ah, Cassie Malfoy," said a boy in Ravenclaw robes. "Thomas Anderson, Head Boy."

Cassie smiled politely, then turned back to Addy.

"Thomas Anderson, Ravenclaw," she described. "Real smart, half-blood. His mother's a witch, married a muggle-born, but I heard his parents got divorced when he was just a child. That's what Viola says anyway."

Cassie looked back at him, fixing his pin. He had dark hair combed to the left side of his face. He had hazel eyes and few freckles. Cassie didn't understand how she hadn't seen him more often around the school when he was incredibly attractive.

As the train began to move, more prefects came into the carriage. The last to come in was someone she was afraid of bumping into. From the last time she saw him, he had grown a few inches taller. He stared at her for a moment, then sat down beside Pansy Parkinson.

"Right then," said Thomas. "The newly appointed prefects. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil of Ravenclaw; Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott of Hufflepuff; Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger of Gryffindor; and Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson of Slytherin.

"Prefects normally patrol the corridors of Hogwarts just before curfew to catch any stragglers. We take part in the events of Hogwarts — Christmas, and Halloween to name a few — and set up decorations. What I bet some of you will enjoy is the power to take points away." He glanced at Draco and Pansy who smiled. "However, you cannot take points away from your fellow prefects. Malfoy, anything you'd like to add as Head Girl?" He emphasized the title, encouraging her to speak as she was a leader, too.

"Yes. Points — I expect you won't abuse this power," said Cassie. "It was given to you for a reason. Show responsibility and be an example to the younger students. You'll be taking the first years to the dorms after the feast, so make a good impression and encourage those who do not feel welcome — namely Muggle-borns."

They looked at her as if she was another person. She didn't use the terrible slang. Cassie glanced at Draco who gave her a mean expression. She turned away and to the Head Boy to continue.

Even he seemed to be taken aback by what she said. "Your first task will be to patrol the corridors of Hogwarts Express. Make sure things are in order and that everyone is acting appropriately. There is a schedule so check that on your way out. One last thing before you head out: you all will see to it that everyone has got their belongings once at Hogsmeade Station, all right?"

There were murmurs and they got up to their feet. They checked the schedule, then left the carriage. Cassie stayed inside with Addy as their shifts weren't up.

"You okay?" asked Addy. "Where have you been staying all summer?"

"My aunt's, Andromeda," Cassie answered. "You remember her? After I graduate, I'll manage to find a place of my own."