Chapter 1 -The Hogwarts Express
Chapter 1
“Death eater scum!” “How dare he show his face!” “Deserves to rot in Azkaban…”
Draco Malfoy bit his lip as he felt the Malfoy Mask slip on. How was he foolish enough to think he could simply take his NEWTs and move on? Between the Golden Trio, Potter’s fan club, the painful memories Hogwarts brought, the jeers and taunts, Draco didn’t think he could survive eighth year. All I want is to take my NEWTs and get the hell out of here, Draco thought, because damn, I am sick and tired of being treated like trash. But I deserve it, Draco reminded himself. It’s my fault that so many died, that Dumbledore is dead. I helped the Carrows torture my classmates. I deserve all their hatred. I deserve to be in Azkaban and so much worse. Being rivals with the Saviour didn’t do him any favors either. However, it was a choice between Hogwarts or the Manor; the Manor, in which his mother haunts like a lost soul without his father. The manor, where he saw his own professor get murdered. The manor, where He stayed, tortured, murdered. No, anything is better than having to return Malfoy manor again.
A stinging hex aimed at his ankle sent him stumbling into the Hogwarts Express. Well, there’s no turning back now. Conversations stopped abruptly as the students noticed the tell-tale platinum-blond hair of Draco Malfoy on the train. Sneers and icy glares pricked him like merciless needles. Numbly, he made his way to the back of the train, taunts and curses following him all the way. Thank Merlin for an empty compartment! He quickly stepped in, burying his face in his hands, not noticing the wide Malachite eyes staring at him in shock and confusion.
Harry Potter, hiding from his crazy admirers, as well as giving Ron and Hermione some couple time, didn’t dare breathe as the always ever-so-composed Malfoy broke down in front of him. He almost felt pity for Malfoy.
He must have made some sort of noise, because Malfoy’s head shot up, shock transforming into anger as he snapped “What do you want, Pottah, can’t you tell I do not wish to be disturbed? Don’t you have your adoring fan club to keep you busy? Get out!”
Harry was taken aback “What’s your problem Malfoy?! Besides, I was here first, hiding from those obnoxious second years. Aren’t we a little too old for this petty rivalry?”
Malfoy bit his lip, was Potter offering to be his friend? No definitely not. “I agree. Being enemies with the Chosen One will not do well for my already ruined reputation, I’ll try to be civil, but I don’t think we can ever be friends.”
Draco added the last part mainly to rid himself of the foolish hope. Ever since he was a child, father had told him stories of the famous Harry Potter, urging Draco to befriend Potter. He imagined all the things he would do with Potter; go flying, play chess, trade Chocolate Frog cards... Yet, it was Potter himself who chose the Weasel over him. Draco had to admit, that hurt more than it ought to. At first, he tried denying the feelings. So what if Potter had the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen (except when I look in the mirror of course)? So what if I’m infatuated with the way Potter looks in his quidditch robes? The only reason I keep up the rivalry is because it’s the only way he’ll notice me, plus, Potter is cute when he gets angry and flustered. It’s just been some childish crush that has lasted since first year, Potter would most likely hex me into next year if he found out about my true feelings, thought Draco. Who am I kidding, no one would even consider little Malfoy, the cowardly Death Eater; especially not Golden Boy.
“Malfoy, oi, Malfoy!” Harry said, waving a hand in front of Draco’s face. “You there?”
“Stop flailing around like a lunatic, ever heard of personal space?”
Harry rolled his eyes, “Jeez, I-I was just wondering if you are ok??”
Whatever Draco expected, he certainly had not expected that. He sighed “Don’t pretend you care. I don’t need your pity. ”
With a huff, he took out Advanced Potion Making and began reading, forcing his thoughts away from the boy across from him.
Harry sighed, retreating to Quidditch Times Magazine, however he couldn’t help looking up at the other boy. Harry stared at Draco, from his heart shaped lips, to his sleek blond bangs, his lean body, his long, elegant limbs, everything about him screamed elegance and gracefulness. Why had Harry never noticed the way his eyes, like molten mercury, had such a hard, intense look while concentrated? Why was Harry’s stomach fluttering at the sight of Draco’s slightly furrowed brow, his soft velvety hair. Harry gasped, why am I thinking these thoughts? I know I’m bi, but Draco Malfoy? Seriously? Plus, I’m seeing Cedric, how could I even consider anyone else? Besides, it’s Draco pure blooded freaking Malfoy! My marked enemy since 11 for goodness sake!
Malfoy looked up, raising an eyebrow, “See something you like, Potter?”, as Harry’s tanned cheeks colored a gorgeous shade of rose. “I-I… sorry.” Malfoy said nothing, returning to his book as Harry sighed, drifting off to sleep with the thoughts of Malfoy’s small teasing smirk.
