Tom’s patience was hanging by a thread. The station buzzed with noise — luggage clattering, owls hooting, steam curling through the air — yet all he could focus on was the fact that you were nowhere in sight.

“She sent a text last night assuring us she wouldn’t be late,” he muttered, checking his pocket watch for what had to be the fifth time. “Yet here we are and she is… where exactly?”

Theo sighed, already pulling out his phone. “Fine, I’ll send her a voice memo before Tom combusts.”

He hit record. “Where are you? The train’s about to leave and Tom is having a meltdown.”

Mattheo leaned over, his voice coming through with a teasing drawl. “That’s an understatement. He’s been timing the minutes since we sat down.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “It’s the first day back, not a royal coronation. Honestly, must you always take this long?”

“Pfft, that’s rich coming from you,” Enzo cut in, smirking. “You checked your reflection in the glass three times on the way here.”

Blaise barked a laugh. “Three? Nah, mate — that was all before we even left his manor. I swear, I’ve never seen Lucius roll his eyes so hard in my life.”

Regulus leaned against the window, sounding unimpressed. “If summer had to end, the least you could do is get here before the train leaves.”

Tom finally snapped, snatching the phone from Theo’s hand. “Give me that blasted device.”

He brought it close to his mouth, voice sharp and commanding. “Listen carefully — train departs in… forty-three seconds. So either hurry up and get here, or remain stranded on the platform like a complete imbecile. Those are your only choices.”

Then his voice drifted slightly from the phone as he added, “And for Salazar’s sake, Draco, either grow a pair and say hi to Hermione or sit back in your seat—”

A pause.

“Because if I see you check yourself out in the window one more time—”

The sound of laughter exploded through the compartment — Theo wheezing, Enzo snorting, Blaise practically doubled over.

Draco groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Whatever.”

Mattheo smirked. “You’re blushing, Malfoy.”

Draco glared. “Shut up, Riddle.”

Somewhere in the distance, the train whistle blew — and all six boys turned toward the platform, silently daring you to make it before Tom lost what little composure he had left.