Draco didn't want to return to Hogwarts. Why would he? Some of his worst memories originated from there. His mother encouraged him to go, so did his friends, or the ones he had left. He was returning because he had nowhere else to go, his friends and a ticket to a decent job were all sitting there waiting for him.

But at the same time he was determined to return. To prove to everyone he was worth something. He wanted to redeem himself and become something brilliant so no one can ever put him down again and he can rub it in their faces that he wasn't all horrible.

But now standing on Platform 9 3/4, he had some regrets. Standing idly with a heavy trunk and a heavy heart. Memories and nightmare flooded into his mind and he hadn't even reached Hogwarts yet. Looking up and down the platform, with a solumn expression to mask his emotion, he saw all the sneers and disgusted glances people gave him and he had never felt so ashamed and exposed. Feeling naked to the world he looked through the many people to see who he recognised or could have a civil conversation with, not that there were many people he could do that with anymore.

Many faces were new, those ones were filled with happiness and excitement. The older faces Draco recognised, but couldn't place anywhere looked serious and prepared for something that he supposed wouldn't come.

His mother had dropped him off earlier hugging him and telling him that she'd see him during the holidays, though he is thinking he might be seeing her a lot earlier than that. Looking toward the exit he was tempted to leave. After a few minutes of internal conflict, he decided the exit looked like a better option. But as he turned to leave, Potter, coincidentally walked in with the rest of the Weasley clan and Granger. Nice timing, Potter, Draco thought bitterly. Wearing a sneer he turned back to the scarlet train contemplating, again, whether it was worth going on. Deciding that he might as well get on, and get the year over and done with. He needs that job anyway so he can show Potter and the rest he is good enough to function in this society and he isn't just a coward.

Realising there was only two minutes until the Hogwarts Express departed, he heaved his trunk into the train and searched for an appropriate compartment. He was looking for, preferably, an empty compartment or a compartment where no one wanted to kill him. His friends had decided to get there by themselves, wanting to avoid the violent glances and sneers.

Cursing himself for not getting on the train earlier to claim a compartment, he walked to the last compartment, which he thought was empty until he saw a head with piercingly green eyes and black hair around the corner. Sighing, he put his luggage up with the rest and sat next to Harry.

"He-"

"Before you say anything, Potter, I am not getting out and getting another compartment because there are no more compartments. Also it is a childish feud that you and I share is just stupid and I am sure that you can get over that, so sitting with you and your-" he paused gesturing at both Ron and Hermione as if looking for the right word, "-friends, shouldn't be a problem."

Harry looked at Draco stunned. Ron looked as if someone had just slapped him in the face, and Hermione looked at Draco with a sympathetic expression, which Draco hated. He didn't need to be pitied.

"I was just saying 'Hey, Draco'," said Harry looking at Draco.

"Oh," Draco said, feeling slightly sheepish, but not letting it show. "Well, then. Hello Harry."

Everyone in the compartment fell into an awkward silence for a minute before Hermione broke the silence, "So, how are you, Draco?" She asked not being able to look directly at him.

"Terrible, but thanks for asking." Harry snorted in amusement and Draco smirked ever so slightly, before another moment of awkward silence. Draco leant his head on the back of the seat and sighed, closing his eyes.

Draco had no idea how much time had passed when he felt something hit his shoulder. Confused, he opened his eyes and turned his head looking at what was on his shoulder. Blushing profusely Draco coughed to try and cover up his embarrassment. Harry's head had fallen onto Draco's shoulder in his sleep.

"Please don't wake him, Draco," Hermione said softly. "He hasn't been sleeping properly and waking up screaming when he does sleep." Her eyes were slightly glassy as she explained the issue. Though Draco would rather not have any contact with anyone, he could pretend this never happened anyway.

"Don't upset yourself, Hermione he'll be fine." Ron said grabbing her hand and stroking it softly with his thumb. "It is normal for anyone that has been through what Harry has been through to be like that."

"He has shut everyone out though," Hermione protested. "Ginny is wondering whether she should just move and he barely talks to us anymore." Draco thought she sounded more angry than anything else.

"He will be fine, 'Mione," Ron said. "He's tough."

Draco had listened to the whole conversation, they acted as if he were invisible. He didn't mind being invisible, it meant no one hurt you.