in the crowd, but he spotted a few faces he recognised. ‘How many people are in our team?’ he finally asked, to break the slightly awkward silence.
‘Five, including you.’ That brief reply, in Cedric’s view, must have brought the matter to a close.
‘And the other three?’ the dragon pressed, undeterred. It was obvious that the other boy showed minimal interest in the conversation and was giving just enough answers to avoid saying anything bad about himself.
‘They’ve probably gone to get ready.’
Draco felt like grinding his teeth, but on the other hand, he understood his interlocutor’s attitude to some extent. Cedric had, in a sense, been backed into a corner and forced to deal with a new cadet about whom he knew nothing. That alone might have caused a certain reluctance, but he was rather clumsily concealing the fact that this feeling had other underlying causes as well. For the time being, the dragon would have to be content with having a guide who would at least answer his questions. Briefly and to the point, but better than nothing.
I should look for Aiden. He thought, too late. Waiting for the results, the master’s departure and the business with Fenrir had so absorbed him that he’d completely forgotten about his friend. Fortunately, he remembered which room he should check. They hadn’t discussed meeting up beforehand, but it seemed quite natural.
Meanwhile, Cedric led them to the stairs and began descending them as quickly as possible, paying little attention to the other people using the passageway. Surprisingly, no one even turned to look if they bumped into anyone.
‘Retfield!’ rang out above the heads of the passers-by as they passed the third floor.
Cedric was stunned. The reptile only just managed to notice the boy clenching his fists and, with a sour expression, turning towards the person who had called out to him. The dragon also looked in that direction. Standing in the doorway leading to the third-floor corridor were several people, and in the centre of the group was a stocky lad with chestnut-coloured hair. A smug
