firecracker ???

4-18

"So we're not loyal to the Dark Lord," he said slowly.

Lucius answered without hesitation. "We are loyal to survival and to each other."

Draco nodded once.

Then leaned back in his chair.

"I think I need a drink."

-

The train to London was quieter than it had any right to be.

No fireworks. No sweets trolleys. No Quidditch chants echoing down the corridors. Just the low hum of wheels on track, the occasional laughter from younger students, and a heavy hush that hadn't lifted since the tournament ended.

Harry sat near the back of the train. Alone.

He hadn't been avoiding people. Not really. But when Ron and Hermione wandered off to find a carriage with Ginny and Neville, he hadn't followed. He wanted the quiet. Or maybe he just didn't want to have to say anything more than he already had.

His thoughts wandered—half-formed and restless. He hadn't even bothered with sweets this time. He just sat, hunched over, legs stretched out across the seat opposite him.

The door slid open.

Harry looked up.

And there she was.

Elestara Black.

As always, composed to the point of arrogance. Her tie was still knotted perfectly, her hair tucked behind one ear, not a wrinkle in her uniform. She looked like she could walk into a Ministry gala at any moment without needing a second to prepare.

Their eyes met.

She didn't ask if she could come in.

She just stepped inside and sat down across from him—poised, effortless, silent.

Harry straightened without meaning to. His back hit the cushion, and his knees pulled in. His entire posture changed, like he was waking up again.

Neither of them said anything for a minute.

Then—

"You could've sat with your friends," he said.

"They talk too much."

He raised a brow. "And I don't?"

"You do," she said, eyes glinting, "but you're easier to ignore."

He smirked. "Ouch."

A long beat passed. The train rumbled beneath them, the window beside her slowly blurring with clouds and trees.

Harry leaned back. "So," he said eventually, "we're ignoring each other now?"

"We've been doing that for years."

"No," he said. "You've been ignoring me. I've just been very persistent."

She didn't answer, but her mouth twitched.

He glanced at her sidelong. "How'd I do this year?"

"Persistent. Still annoying."

"But effective?"

Her silence was deliberate. Strategic.

Harry grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

Elestara looked away, gaze following the blur of green outside the window. "Don't get used to it."

"Too late."

Another beat. A deeper one.

And then she said, softly, "You surprised me."

Harry blinked. "When?"