[After reading through a bit of this, I've realized a few of my errors. I love to take artistic liberties with my writing, but I neglected to notice that this fic is a bit of a mash-up between the 5th and 6th year. (I know, I know—I'm stupid and evil.)
I've been writing this one on and off while on holiday. I attend a university that keeps me very busy, so I'm not really surprised at my error. Please disregard it, or if you should choose, imagine Umbridge was able to stay another year. Snape is still teaching potions and whatnot.
Also, I love reviews! :3 Would my readers like a say in the plot of this story? They should definitely let me know. That being said, I do not appreciate hate mail; I want constructive comments. Let me know what you like, you all!]
"You understand what we expect of you, Draco?"
He was bloody tired of expectations. He was tired of everyone pointing and prodding at him, of asking favors, of assuring him. He wanted to do no one's bidding, to simply exist. The ivory- haired boy was late for charms now.
As he trudged through the corridors at almost a jogging pace, he turned to face a familiar voice. This voice was devoid of an English accent, deep sounding to belong to a girl, with a hint of gravel storming along the edges.
"Draco!" The girl commanded, her voice ringing through the hallway as if she'd used a spell. He knew her well enough to know she hadn't. She looked as he'd always remembered her: long, brown hair, striking hazel eyes, and pale alabaster skin that still could not compete with his own. The gown of her Ravenclaw robes was open to show her gray and blue Hogwarts robe underneath.
Draco had to work to hide his developing smile. "Oi, Alice, heading to Charms?" He knew of her habit to be late to class. She was heading down the hallway to meet him.
She was almost out of breath by the time she reached him. "Well, someone thinks he knows me well, doesn't he?" Alice smirked as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She always wore it half-up.
Well, almost always. Draco was reminded of the year before when she attended the Yule Ball, all curls and… the white lace that laid across her shoulders and how the hollow of her throat sang from beneath it when she spoke. He was reminded of the silver sparrow pendant that rested against her chest like her skin was the sky. He remembered how she'd given him a hug when her date wasn't looking, and then she said she was so excited to be there. The scent of Jasmine still tickled his nose long after she'd gone off to join some nameless Gryffindor boy.
"I'm tardy as well." Draco announced, pleased to learn he had a class with her. They'd sent plenty of owls over the summer holiday, and he wondered why she hadn't told him so, considering he'd sent his schedule to her almost as soon as he got it. Draco was abruptly disheartened with the thought that nothing in his life could go unspoiled. The masochist inside him wanted to push harder to prove it. "How was your holiday?"
"It was nice to have a break and spend some time with my family." She said, her hazel eyes rising to meet his. He'd always been taller than her. They smiled at him, and his stomach rose as well.
"What class have you got next?" he asked, struggling to string his words together correctly.
"Potions, I think it was, and yourself?" She said with almost no problem. Draco became jealous.
"Same" he answered, frowning as he saw the door to Charms up ahead. "Another class with Flitwick," He scoffed, "It's about time we got a teacher that was tall enough to see over the podium. Better yet, let's just get rid of him-not like he's teaching anything important anyway."
"Draco," Alice said with an almost vicious expression, "That was cruel! I quite enjoy Charms class, by the way. I have to work exceptionally hard to pass!"
"Well, you don't honestly think Hogwarts will prepare you for when the Dark Lord—"
"Listen, if I cannot escape talk of you-know-who anywhere else, allow my hallway conversations to be unspoiled."
Draco flinched this time. "Unspoiled…yeah." He held open the door to charms, and let Alice in first. He was fully aware that Pansy would be furious with him when she saw. Professor Flitwick's lecture paused.
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Adamson, please come join us; take a seat and open your books to page thirteen.
On one side of the classroom sat a silver-haired prince being scolded by his girlfriend, and on the other side, a friendly companion being embraced by an old friend. It was easy to say which of the two was more envious.