lack of conviction. ‘Anyway, we’ve got classes together!’ he announced with satisfaction. ‘Combat, horsemanship and alchemy. And for the last one, we even have a joint lecture.’
A grunt from behind drew the dragon’s attention even more, and he looked back rather reluctantly. The group had unexpectedly thinned out. Anabel the mouse, her two friends, and one of the lads were missing. It looked as though only Frank and his two lackeys remained.
‘I hadn’t noticed the coat of arms before, for which I apologise profusely,’ said the ringleader of the whole commotion in a surprisingly pleasant tone. ‘Unlike some people, Earl Bleist deserves the utmost respect.’ He added, glaring at Cedric, who was still standing on the stairs with his fists clenched. ‘If I’ve offended you, that wasn’t my intention.’
Draco knew people like Frank all too well, and it wasn’t a familiarity that brought back fond memories. The image of Pirce and his gang flashed before his eyes. Their behaviour and the pain they had caused. He felt a sudden revulsion towards the chubby-cheeked lad himself, or perhaps towards the stance he represented.
‘I can’t imagine a worse slander than insulting a master,’ the dragon almost hissed through clenched teeth. At that very moment, he felt Aidem give his arm a gentle tug. He realised he’d taken a step towards Frank. ‘It’s fortunate that we’re in Solvein and it’s the start of the academic year.’ He backed away slightly, casting a rather disapproving glance at the three of them still standing in the doorway. ‘I hope we’ll meet in the practical combat classes,’ he added as he walked away, heading down the stairs and almost pushing Cedric in front of him. Aiden was hot on their heels, glancing back over his shoulder every few steps.
‘What on earth was that?’ the dragon blurted out when they finally reached the lowest level of the building, although it turned out not to be the ground floor but the underground changing rooms, which Aiden had forgotten to mention earlier. ‘Who on earth was that?’ He was nearly boiling over.
