4

                                    

                                          
Scarlett POV
As the train departure time neared, we exchanged the familiar farewells with our families. Usually, I would join Draco and his followers in a compartment, enduring their company, but today I yearned for solitude. I found an empty compartment and took a seat by the window, contemplating the scenes outside. Parents hugging their children goodbye, placing kisses on their heads whilst wishing them a wonderful year. 
"Hey, this isn't where we normally sit?" Draco questioned as he entered the compartment, his eyebrows raised. I sighed, my gaze fixed on the families outside.
"Yeah, just felt like a change," I replied dismissively, not revealing the turmoil that echoed within. 
"Well I'll stay here with you too then," He muttered, making his way in. 
"Draco please just leave me alone!" I snapped. He froze, clearly shocked by my outburst, I've never raised my voice at him. Usually I was able to hide all emotions for everyone.  He didn't reply, instead he nodded briefly before leaving the compartment, making his way through the now busy train corridor.  
I settled into my seat in the compartment, seeking solace in the quiet before the chaos of another Hogwarts school year. The train was filled with the buzz of excitement, but for me, this year felt different. Home had become an even more estranged place, marked by the aftermath of a violent encounter with my uncle Lucius.
The bruises on my face had faded to a yellowish hue, but the memory of the beating lingered. I had finally been allowed a healer for my broken ribs and split lip after he made a point to show me off, yet the physical healing couldn't erase the emotional scars.
As the train started moving, I lifted my feet onto the seat opposite me and allowed my head to fall back, savoring the peace. I don't know how long I was sat there, just enjoying the tranquility before...
"There you are! We've been searching the whole train for you!" My eyes opened as my head snapped towards the familiar voice – Fred Weasley.
I groaned loudly as he took the seat opposite me, playfully batting my legs down. George followed, taking the seat next to me, and Lee Jordan claimed the seat by Fred. "Weasley please... I don't have the energy to deal with your ridiculous pranks today," I moaned, crossing my arms over my chest and sitting up straight. 
With an exaggerated eye roll, he feigned innocence, "Why would you assume I came to find you to prank you?"
"Give me one time you've ever found me, not to prank me?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. He sat frozen for a moment, clearly wracking his brain.
"Ugh, fine! But I really mean it, I swear," he declared, putting his hands up in surrender. My narrowed eyes made him visibly shudder under my gaze.
"What do you want then, Weasley?" I asked him skeptically.
"Well, Scarlett... I would like to propose a truce with you," he emphasized my name, saying it for the first time.
"Why did you call me that?" I couldn't trust Fred at all. Maybe George. But this was beyond weird for Fred.
He let out a loud groan, throwing his hands in the air, "For heaven's sake, woman! It is your name, is it not? I'm trying to be nice here, but you're being incredibly irritating!" he exclaimed. I couldn't help but smirk; seeing him so flustered and annoyed just made me happy.
"Well, Fred, what does this truce entail?" All three boys smiled at me as I spoke.
"I promise, Scarlett, to stop all pranks as of right now. I promise to stop making rude comments, and I would like to formally apologise for all the crap I've done to you over the years... including turning your hair clip into hundreds of baby spiders...." He rubbed the back of his neck at the last part, remembering one of the most awful pranks I think he has ever pulled on me! I was finding baby spiders for weeks in all my things.