Prefect meetings had always been formal, if not tense. But lately, some students were starting to push limits — especially now that Headmistress McGonagall was letting students propose new inter-house initiatives.

Draco suggested a paired mentoring system between older and younger students. Logical. Structured. Surprisingly un-Malfoy like.

“Oh, how progressive of you, Malfoy,” a Hufflepuff scoffed. “Trying to fix your reputation now that the whole 'your dad is in azkaban' talk has died down?”

A few chuckles followed. Draco’s jaw tightened, silent. Before he could respond, you did.

“That’s enough,” you said sharply. “Respond to the idea, or don’t speak. This is about helping younger students, not dragging up personal histories.”

The laughter stopped. “We’re Prefects. Act like it.” you added, giving everyone a serious stare

As the meeting ended and you packed up, he murmured, just loud enough: “Didn’t know I needed defending.”