Author's Note:
This is my first fanfic, so please do not judge too harshly. This is based of a role-play line, they requested I write fanfic for them. This may or may not be told from two points of view, both Molly and Malcolm. Yes, I am aware that Molly ends up with Arthur Weasley, however, this is again, based off a roleplay. Enjoy and review. ~HarryPotterBandNerd
Malcolm
September First. Malcolm James McGonagall ran through the wall onto Platform 9 3/4 for the very first time. His father set a gentle hand on his shoulder, saying "You ready Mal?" The eleven year-old boy looked up at his father and nodded. He had everything on the school list, although some of it was his older sister, Minerva's before him. Malcolm smiled when the train whistle went off. He turned and smiled up at his parents, his mother squatting and returning the expression. She said "I love you son. Owl us if you need anything," hugging him tight. He nodded and hugged her back, saying "I will Mum." Then he turned, and got on the train, a small redhead girl catching his eye as he did so. Mal waved goodbye from the train window as it pulled away, leaving his parents behind.
Malcolm was a sturdy boy, tall for his age. His brown hair was cut short, there was just enough to fall in his eyes, but not so much that it was a long style cut. His eyes were a crystal ocean blue, hidden behind small rectangular glasses. He was extremely bright, and tended to keep to himself. Due to that and his appearance, he always seemed to be deep in thought. He shared his older siblings' and parents' love for books and knowledge, so he expected to be in Ravenclaw. Mal took a seat in an empty compartment, and waved to his parents as the train pulled out.
He had his nose in a book for about ten minutes, when the door of the compartment slid open. "Mind if I sit in here?" The voice was cautious. Mal looked up to see who was interrupting his reading. That's when he saw her. The girl in the doorway was slightly shorter than him, and a book rested in her hands. Her red hair fell around her face in gentle waves, coming down to be as long as her shoulders. She had freckles, but not too many. Mal blushed slightly when he met her eyes from behind his glasses. Her eyes were a light, gold specked green. In Malcolm's opinion, she was probably the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He wouldn't have the courage to tell her that. Instead of saying what he felt like saying, he just nodded and smiled. "Come on in, uhm.." Mal paused, he didn't know her name. She laughed slightly, sitting down beside him. "I'm Molly," she said, offering to shake his hand.
'Such a beautiful name, to match a pretty girl...' Mal thought. Then, realizing she was offering to shake his hand he reached out and accepted the offer. When she smiled at him the young man furiously turned a deep shade of scarlet, profusely pulling away his hand. "You don't talk much, do you?" Molly inquired, and he mumbled his response, "depends on the day."
After their short exchange of words, things in the compartment were quiet. When they were halfway to Hogwarts, the Conductor came over the intercom. "Alright students, I'm afraid to inform you that we will not be making it to Hogwarts tonight." On that note, the groaning of irritated, confused, and scared passengers could be heard throughout the train. The voice continued, "Due to high water over the tracks, we are making a complete stop here for the night. Enjoy your stay."
Mal saw Molly look at him in surprise. He met her gaze, then looked down shyly. Hours seemed to pass, although it had only been moments, and so he heard her speak. "I never did catch your name." Mal's eyes widen and he bites his lip. He felt an unusual sense of nervousness as he said "McGonagall. Malcolm McGonagall." She smiled at him and he felt his cheeks redden. "You can call me what you like."
Several hours passed, while Molly and Malcolm talked, and laughed. Eventually, they were the only students still awake on the train. He smiled when she suppressed a yawn. "Maybe we should turn in for the night," Mal suggested, watching her yawn again. She bit her lip "We haven't got any pillows though. Or blankets." After thinking for a moment he moved a bit and said, "You can use me for a pillow. I don't mind."
Molly looked at him for a moment, then nodded. He watched as she scooted close to his side and laid her head down, it now rest over his heart. Mal smiled and she curled into his side, yawning again. The boy had no idea why, but he cared about her. He draped his coat over her, and then wrapped one arm around her, and blushed lightly when she relaxed. They sat in silence after that for a long while.
Mal was just starting to doze off when Molly said quietly, "Malcolm?" He jumped in surprise, but relaxed quickly. "Yes," he responded, looking down, to see she was looking up into his face. Knowing she was looking up turned his face a light red. "I feel like I can trust you with anything, even though I just met you." She said that to him quickly, and he hugs her gently in response. "You can," he said while hugging her. A brilliant smile crossed her face and she snuggled closer to his side. "Goodnight Mal," Molly said with a yawn. Mal smiled softly, and kept his arm around his new friend. "Goodnight Molly. Sleep well."
It was seven in the morning when the train started moving again. Malcolm hadn't slept at all, he was too deep in thought. The girl he had met yesterday, Molly, was still asleep, clinging to his side. To an outsider, they would have seemed like a couple. But they weren't. He hoped that maybe someday they would be, Mal wouldn't deny that when asked. His mother would have scolded him for not sleeping, and for letting a girl get so close to him. He didn't really care what she would have done, because they were on the way to Hogwarts, and his mother couldn't scold him without sending a Howler, and his father wouldn't allow it. Mal still hadn't figured out why he liked her. All he knew was he was protective, and as long as he could, he would protect her. That's when Molly screamed.
He was startled when she cried out in her sleep, and he brushed her hair from her face. She looked terrified, of what he did not know, but terrified nonetheless. Molly clung to him and whimpered, so he let instinct take over. He shifted and pulled her up into his lap, hugging her gently. Mal murmured words of comfort slightly awkwardly, having no clue what he is doing. The only reason he had some form of sense to do this was the rare occasion his older sister would cry, he would do this for her. Of course, that was his sister and not a girl that he had a crush on. A few tears slipped down Molly's cheeks, even though she remained asleep. He hugged her to him gently.
When Molly's eyes opened she looked terrified. He bit his lip and started to let go of her, but she shook her head and said softly, "don't. Please don't let go." She sounded terrified, and so Mal nodded, holding her close. "Want to talk about your dream or not," He asked. Molly whimpered and said softly, "they got you... Mum and Dad too," fear in her voice. Mal tilted his head to one side. "Why would it be me? Surely, there's someone else you care about and I thi-" Molly cut him off when she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shirt. "I like you, okay," she said, muffled by his shirt. "A whole lot," she finished. Mal's face quickly turned a bright scarlet as his face got hot.
"We've only known each other for a day," Mal said softly. Molly bit her lip "I know... but you make me feel safe Mal." She looked up at him, and smiled a little. He couldn't help but smile back. He hadn't even the beginning of knowledge as to why he made her feel safe. After all, he was scrawny, and a stereotypical type nerd when it came to looks. All he knew, was this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, that he hoped would last.