Practice ended few minutes later. Theo and Ron’s little rivalry was at 4-5, Theo in the lead. Apparently, their dynamic was detected by both teams. Blaise, always a genius, started betting pools for who will reach 10 points first.

“Bloody business, I’ve got 15 Galleons and 3 Sickles on Weasley and 17 Galleons on Theo,” Blaise grinned, “I’m gonna get rich.”

“As if you’re not already,” Draco scoffed.

“I’m gonna be economically independent, it’s a whole different thing,” Blaise boasted.

“From starting betting pools, doubt it,” Draco snickered.

The two went back to the changing rooms, already crowded by Slytherin and Gryffindor boys. Draco took off his robes, cleaning off the sweat.

The steam and heat of seven boys in the changing room was getting to him. Whoever thought about inter-house training clearly hasn’t seen the said rooms.

Blaise whistled teasingly, raising his eyebrows, acting interested in Draco’s body. Draco threw his water bottle at the idiot, “Eyes off.”

Familiar voices sounded at the entrance.

“Mate. They’re betting on you and Theo’s dignity,” a familiar voice exclaimed, sending jolts through Draco, “Can’t believe Zabini started a betting pool for it.”

“I’m two Galleons off. Harry, bet three Galleons on me, please?” Weasel responded, a tiny scoff was heard after, along with the sound of the door opening.

Snake started coiling its tail. Oh no. Draco turned his back to the door, yanking on his undershirt hastily. Sweat still clung on his chest. He winced with disgust, still better than whatever will happen.

Draco glanced at Blaise beside him. Mistake. Blaise watched the entrance.

“Nice waist, someone’s staring,”

Draco aimed his gloves at Blaise’s forehead.

“Don’t you wanna known who that someone is?” Blaise chuckled. The idiot was enjoying this too much.

“You?” Draco bit back.

“I have better standards,” Blaise scoffed, earning another smack from Draco. He was running out of objects to throw at his friend. He debated on launching the bench next.

Blaise stopped with his teasing as he changed as well.

“Three Galleons, no more,” Harry said behind them, his voice still ragged from training.

“I love you,” Ron exclaimed. Harry faked gagging and pushed his friend away.

Draco and Blaise went to the Great Hall in time for lunch.

Pansy sat at the Gryffindor table with Hermione. Theo beside them.

“How did he get there so fast?” Blaise contemplated.

“Maybe he thought of a way to apparat in Hogwarts.” The idea seemed unlikely, but possible if it’s Theo.

Draco grabbed a sandwich and rushed to the library. He’s not eating with his friends, because Merlin knows what they will put in his food. He’d forgot about “No feeding suspicious foods” when asking Blaise to take the vow, anything ranging from rainbow powders to Hippogriff liver was possible.

He sneaked the sandwich into the library, finishing the small reading Flitwick had assigned them. NEWTS would be happening, not that he was stressed about it yet.

“No chatting in the library,” Pince’s hushed voice exclaimed as she chastised another pair of gossiping Hufflepuffs. Draco glanced at the clock. Two fifteen.

He better start going. Draco stopped at the hall. He could wait for a few minutes before going in. Just to see if there was a real meeting or just Blaise messing with him.

Two twenty-five. Draco saw Ginny and Hermione going in.

Two twenty-eight. Blaise went in, flashing Draco a grin. Maybe it wasn’t gonna be a trap.

He approached the disappearing door. The door reappeared, warm etchings, and golden lining. Fancy.

Draco pushed open the door. Hogsmeade station. Hogwarts castle just beyond the horizon. Draco turned around. The door already disappeared.

Warm wind brushed his cheeks. The air permeating with the scent of flowers and lake water. He was still in the Room of Requirements. Or one of Blaise’s elaborate pranks.

The Hogwarts Express hooted, as if reminding Draco to go on. Here goes nothing. He thought as he boarded the train.

He slid close the compartment door. The train launched forward. Draco watched as rows of trees and hills appear then disappear outside the window. He glanced at the surroundings. Nothing suspicious yet. Just the train. Just Hogwarts.

Draco’s shoulders relaxed, he stepped forward. He needed to find everybody. He tried at a door. Locked.

With no paths left, Draco edged near the end of the train compartment.

Final door. He slid open. The door bounced with a crack. The raven mess inside whipped his head around. The familiar smile met Draco.

“Seat’s empty.” Harry gestured the place opposite of him.