The shining red engine of the Hogwarts Express sat at Platform 9 3/4 as its passengers scrambled to make sure their belongings were safely stored, and ran through the train finding seats. Nervous first years fidgeted, listening to parents' last minute "be good"s and "send me an owl when you get there"s, while older students talked animatedly with each other, telling of summer holiday adventures. Another school year at Hogwarts was beginning.
Separated from the positive energy that suffused through the Platform, Draco Malfoy sat in an otherwise empty car. His car. Careful not to be seen, he watched the crowds on the Platform, his eyes peeking around the drawn window shade. Looking, but not really seeing, his icy blue eyes lost deep in thought.
Another year at Hogwarts. Another year of misery. For as long as Draco could remember, he had hated Hogwarts. Ever since he was little, he had heard his father talk of Hogwarts, not fondly, but how it had helped mould him into a respectable wizard, and how he expected Draco to live up to the Malfoy name and be the best wizard Hogwarts had produced. And now that he was part of the school, Draco saw problems with Hogwarts that no one else seemed to notice. The headmaster was a bumbling fool and that the teachers were partial to certain students. Some of the classes offered were a total waste of time. An In Depth Look at Muggle History? Draco stared blankly out the window. Granted, there had been a time when he had been excited about the school and all it had to offer. A chance of making his father proud, living up to the expectations, being the best. But then there was that do-gooder Potter and his followers...they had swooped in and taken away his chance at-- Draco paused. At what? Happiness? Achievement. He, who was going to be the star of Quidditch - snatched away by Potter, who had never been on a broom before Hogwarts and who had claimed a spot in the school's history by becoming the youngest and by far the best seeker the school had seen in ages. He was going to set the standards of academic excellence, but instead, Granger had climbed her way to the top of the class. The Weasley's were well known and well liked, and he, a Malfoy, was well known and well feared. His father was a death eater, and he was expected to be one as well.
Who was this person that was supposed to be Draco Malfoy? The Draco Malfoy everyone knew, the proud and nasty pureblood, was that really him? Draco sighed. No. It was a facade, an illusion, built by his own ambitions and fears, strengthened by his father's constant reminders of "maintaining family tradition". Draco stared out the window, his eyes falling on a familiar figure.
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From the Platform, Hermione stood talking to Ginny.
"I can't wait to go back," Ginny said excitedly. "I mean, I know you have O.W.L.S. this year and all, but I love that castle and it's always fun seeing everyone again after the holidays are over..."
Hermione laughed. "Don't worry, Ginny. In a few hours we'll be feasting in the Great Hall. But I know what you mean. I'm excited also."
Suddenly there was a loud commotion from the other end of the Platform. A third year's cat had gotten loose and lay crouched in the shadows, behind some boxes, hissing and spitting as Harry and Ron, trying to be helpful, attempted to catch it.
"Now what has my brother gotten into?" Ginny sighed. "I guess we'll have to help them. Boys. You can't ever leave them alone with anything..." She turned and walked over to where Ron was shouting at Harry to "do something."
As Hermione turned to follow, something caught her eye. "Malfoy?" she thought, frowning. He stared out of the train window, almost hidden from behind the shade. His eyes bored right through her, as if she wasn't there. Still...
"He looks, almost....unhappy?" Hermione wondered.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Ginny, who had stopped when her friend had not followed. Seeing the thoughtful look on her face, she asked, "Hermione, are you ok?"
Startled, Hermione tore her gaze away from Malfoy. "Yeah, I'm coming," she said, running to catch up to her. Glancing back, she saw that Malfoy had disappeared.
Malfoy curious behavior was quickly dispelled from her mind as found herself focusing her energies on freeing Ron and Harry from the scared cat's sharp claws.
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The door to his compartment opened. Draco moved away from the window and found himself staring at a timid looking first year. The first year scanned the empty car, then looked back at Draco, wide eyes asking the question he was too afraid to ask. Draco opened his mouth to say something, when a shrill voice cut through the silence.
"What do you think you're doing? This has been Draco Malfoy's compartment since the beginning, and he does not want the company of a first year."
Pansy. Draco groaned inwardly, wishing he could use the silencing spell to end her annoying prattle. Instead, he gave the wide-eyed first year a stony glare, which sent him scurrying away.
"Draco," Pansy said, her voice sickeningly sweet as she sat down next to him. "How come you didn't answer any of the owls I sent you?"
I've been busy, Pansy," he replied, irritation settling in his voice.
Several seconds of awkward silence filled the air. Pansy stood suddenly.
"Well," she said. Draco could see she was searching for words. "I'm going to find some of the others."
Draco watched as she shut the door a little harder than was necessary, leaving him to himself. Well, he had his compartment on the Hogwarts Express. That was something, wasn't it?
Well, how do you like it? I realize there are some problems with it. I don't know when Hogwarts students take their O.W.L.S. and other exams. Can someone email me with that information? I'll then change this chapter to reflect true information. By the way, the Gryffindor trio is in their 6th year, but that'll be mentioned later on. What do you think about the story so far? Should I continue? I have an idea on where I'm going with this, but I'd like some feedback. Thanks!