speed things up a bit and start the practical session in an hour.’ He swept a quick glance around the classroom, though it seemed he did so more out of habit than necessity. ‘Retfield, your team is one short, so Ignis will be joining you,’ the tutor called over his shoulder before leaving.
Draco finally realised why he’d felt he recognised the boy with the blue colours. He must be Scion Retfield’s younger brother. The dragon thought, looking at the face turning towards him. At the same time, it became clear why he’d previously found it so difficult to link the two of them together. Unlike his older brother, this one wore his emotions on his face. Despite the hint of wariness reflected in his green eyes, the boy clenched his jaw tighter so as not to betray his displeasure. Even a faint smile might pass for natural. For some reason, Carter’s instruction didn’t sit well with him, but he didn’t seem openly hostile.
‘How’s it going in Dagos?’ The black-haired boy sitting in front of the dragon turned to him as soon as the door closed behind the instructor. ‘Adam, by the way,’ he added quickly and held out his hand.
Draco instinctively shook his hand, and before he’d had a chance to answer the earlier question, most of the class had gathered around him. It seemed as though everyone was keenly interested in their new classmate, and the sheer number of questions they were asking was enough to make one’s head spin.
‘What are dragons like?’
‘What sort of sword is that?’
‘What sort of magic do you use?’
Surprised and somewhat bewildered, the reptile had no idea what to do. In the meantime, he’d probably said hello to everyone, but he couldn’t remember their names, and in some cases hadn’t even heard them properly amid the general racket.
‘Calm down, will you!’ a voice cut through the clamour. The younger Retfield pushed his way through the crowd and shot a withering glance at the most insistent cadets. ‘At least let him get a word in edgewise; as
