Chapter Text
Fool, Kate thought to herself furiously as she hurried behind Anthony, who was taking seemingly gigantous steps to reach the Prefect’s compartment. Five minutes in his presence and she had been reduced to a dithering ninny, unable to form even the most basic of retorts. What had started off as her maintaining the upper hand upon their initial impression, had quickly transformed into the tables being turned and her being left flabbergasted and unable to form a coherent response.
Kate tried, but failed exceedingly, to prevent herself from throwing daggers at his back by means of her gaze. But truly, the man was every bit as infuriating as she had imagined him to be. And then some.
Her cheeks blazed with embarrassment. This would not stand.
Before she could open her mouth to attempt a second try at a retort, they had made their way to the Prefect’s compartment and Anthony strode in with the confidence of a wizard whose regard was held by all.
Only to be met with an empty compartment.
Kate smirked. While a part of her felt sharply annoyed that the prefects had dispersed upon her hasty exit from the compartment, it did drive a rather poignant point for Mr. Bridgerton.
Anthony turned towards her furiously, as if this was her doing.
Kate raised a sardonic brow, using all her will-power to transform her face into one of disdain rather than triumph.
“Where are the prefects,” he asked accusatorially.
“I imagine they are all exactly where they ought to be, in their own compartments preparing for our arrival into Hogsmeade,” Kate said casually. Oh, but she was having fun cataloging the flurry of emotions that was flying across his face.
Anthony pinched his nose.
“Yes," he exhaled, "but for all of them to be missing the first Prefect’s meeting of term?”
He turned around once again to face the empty compartment, as if he could magically conjure up the missing prefects.
“Well,” Kate drawled, flicking an imaginary speck of lint off her robes, “they didn’t miss the Prefect’s meeting. In fact, the only persons not in attendance were yourself and Simon Hastings.”
Anthony furrowed his brows, looking rather put out. Quickly, that was replaced with a gleam.
“But they haven’t had a chance to be assigned patrol yet,” he remarked, turning his rich brown eyes to hers.
Kate avoided his gaze, for several reasons. “Yes they have,” she murmured.
“Come again?” questioned Anthony, leaning into her.
Kate clear her throat and raised her chin, yet steadfastly avoided his eyes. “Yes they have,” she repeated loudly this time.
Anthony’s expression turned thunderous, “Pray tell, how could they have been assigned patrol when that is a task both Heads must decide upon together each month?”
“Perhaps if you had bothered to show up for our first Prefect’s meeting, rather than accosting an innocent individual-”
“He was not so innocent,” Anthony said under his breath.
Kate continued on as if he hadn’t spoken, “Then I wouldn’t have had to sit through the embarrassment of leading the very first Prefect’s meeting all by myself. Thank Merlin I had already planned patrols in advance, else we would have been named the worst Heads that Hogwarts has ever seen!”
“Hogwash,” said Anthony, rolling his eyes but nevertheless looking slightly chagrined.
His eyes flickered around, before he cleared his throat and softened his face, “I do apologise though, I should have been there for the Prefect’s meeting. It was entirely remiss of me, but I assure you I have every intention of undertaking this role with full responsibility.”
Kate, resolved to believe the very worst of Anthony Bridgerton, felt uneasy with his apology. She looked out of the carriage window, noting that they were shortly arriving into Hogsmeade.
Anthony ducked his head, trying to catch her gaze, “I will be a good Head Boy and partner to you this term. I know we haven’t started off on the right foot, but allow me to make amends. Can we begin again?”
Kate chewed her lip, the personification of Anthony Bridgerton in her head warring with the pleading eyes in front of her. Oh, but she had heard such jaw-dropping stories of Anthony, how could she reconcile the rake and marauder with the seemingly contrite man in front of her?
“On one condition,” she found herself saying, against her best judgement.
“Anything,” Anthony said, stepping towards her and catching her gaze as he ducked his head lower. At his proximity, she breathed in the scent of cedarwood and a hint of tobacco, and tried not to take a step back.
“You will conduct yourself with the responsibility this station requires, not commit any acts of trouble-making, mischief or roguish behaviour this whole year,” Kate said sternly.
Then, deciding that perhaps this situation warranted a slight bit of vulnerability, she admitted, “I need this role more than you do Anthony Bridgerton. You are a pure-blood, your life in the wizarding world is laid out before you. Mine is not. I cannot afford any mistakes, not even the slightest mis-step or strike against my name. Being Head Girl is all I have, if I am to become an Auror. So please, do not make this year difficult for me.”
Anthony watched her with a solemn expression, his eyes a touch more understanding than she would have liked. He opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated for a second, as if an another thought had come to him.
Clearing his throat, he stuck out his hand and said, “On my honour, I will acquit my responsibilities as I am required, and I will try my very best to ensure that nothing I do will ever impact you or affect your good name. You have my word.”
Kate stared at him silently, allowing herself to believe the truth in his words. Then, with a hesitant smile, she placed her hand in his, allowing it to be engulfed in his warm palms, and shook, “Its a deal”.