For Fucks sake
The train horn sounded for the last time, marking the final warning before it would leave. Everyone around me was pushing and jabbing each other in the ribs, scrambling to grab their belongings and disembark. I was alone since Bella had decided to get off early—something about getting into her robes, I presumed.
“Daphne!” someone faintly called behind me. I paid no mind; it was most likely my sister trying to apologize for the nonsense Draco had spouted earlier.
“Daphne!” the voice came again, more insistent this time. I turned around, fully expecting to see Astoria. To my surprise, it was Ronald Weasley. His bright red hair looked like a splat of tomato juice, and I couldn’t help but think: does he even know what a brush is?
“Yeah, what do you want, Ronald?” I asked, annoyed. He was blocking the space between me and my bags, and I desperately needed to get off this train before suffocation became the cause of my death.
After catching his breath from what must have been a sprint to reach me, he finally spoke. “During the Prefects’ meeting, your name was called for attendance. No one knew you’d been selected, and everyone was super confused. I think they put you in by accident. Just wanted to let you know.”
I stared at him blankly. Did he just say I was chosen by accident? Was I really that insignificant in this school?
“Well, thanks for letting me know, I guess,” I replied, my voice flat. “But aren’t Prefect roles only given to fifth years, and they keep them until graduation? There shouldn’t be new selections after that, right?”
“Yeah, that’s what we thought too,” Ronald said. “But Hermione—being the stickler she is—asked, and the Head Boy of Slytherin, Theodore Nott, said there was a slight change in the rules for you this year. Something about special permission from Dumbledore. Anyway, I gotta go. Nice seeing you, Daphne.”
He rushed away from me like I had the plague, and I spotted Harry and Hermione coming into view. Of course, Ron couldn’t be seen hanging out with a Slytherin.
I sighed and grabbed my things, finally making my way off the train. Stepping outside, I saw only two carriages left. I approached the nearest one and opened the curtain, only to find a group of first-years hurriedly devouring their chocolate frogs. Disgusted, I closed the curtain and headed to the next carriage.
Inside, I found none other than Draco Malfoy, accompanied by Blaise, Astoria, Lorenzo, Pansy, and Theo.
“Hi, Daph! Come sit here!” Astoria squealed excitedly.
I glanced back, only to see that the other carriage was no longer an option since it had already started to leave. Reluctantly, I stepped inside. The only available space was a tiny sliver of seat between Lorenzo and Theodore. Squeezing in, I found myself pressed against both of them. Lorenzo seemed slightly uncomfortable, while Theodore maintained his usual stoic expression.
Lorenzo and I had never been more than acquaintances—his scene involved girls throwing themselves at him, and parties day and night, which isn't my usual forte because ego filled boys were never really my type. As for Theodore, we’d never spoken, and I planned to keep it that way, even in this awkward proximity.
“So, Daphne, I heard you got the Prefect slot this year,” Draco drawled, smirking. “Apparently, Miranda Ausbrooms isn’t returning for the term, so you were the backup.”
Draco chuckled as Astoria chimed in, emphasizing the word “backup.” Wow, she was really turning into a total bitch.
Theo broke into the laughter. “She’s not a backup. They’re doing three Prefects this year for extra protection or something. Slytherin gets two because Miranda backed out.” He says with no expression. He didn’t even glance my way as he spoke.
“Still,” Draco sneered, “who’d want loner Daphne on their team?”
I shot back, “I’m sorry, Draco, but were you selected? Didn’t think so.”
“I have bigger things to do this year, Daphne,” he retorted. “I can’t waste time on stupid Prefect duties. That’s a perfect task for someone with a boring, uninteresting life like yours.”
“Okay, Draco, that’s enough,” Astoria interjected, finally silencing him. Wonder what happened to her voice when he started belittling me 15 minutes ago.
The group shifted back into conversation now that the argument had settled.
“So, Daphne,” Lorenzo suddenly said, his tone casual yet pointed, “are you and Sebastian Sallow still shagging each other?”
“What?!” I sputtered, completely taken aback. “Me and him? We were never involved.”
Lorenzo gave me a blank look. “Really? Because he wasn’t saying that on the train. He was bragging about being the first guy in your pants.”
Theo stiffened beside me, and so did I.
“Did someone slip him a love potion or something?” I snapped. “Because he’s fucking disgusting. I’ve never even talked to him.”
“Well, you’re screwed,” Lorenzo said, smirking. “He’s planning to ask you out at the grand feast.”
The carriage stops, and Theo bolts out of it. I never knew he hated me so much that he had to dramatically exit after having to sit next to me for 20 minutes.
Oh well I’m still fucked.