With a stab of realisation, I found that I had left my scarf on the train. I swore quietly but flicked my hand in a dismissive motion as my friends shot me questioning stares.
"I've left my scarf in the compartment. You guys keep going and I'll catch you up," I told them before hurrying back up the path, pushing against the thick stream of students. I caught sight of Hermione rolling her eyes at me and urging the hesitating boys towards the carriages.
Fortunately the train was still in the station. I peered through the billowing steam as I jogged along the platform until I spotted the right carriage. I leapt on board and sprinted down the deserted corridor. I found my red and gold scarf sprawled on the floor of our compartment alongside some discarded chocolate frog wrappings. As I reached for the scarf I felt the compartment lurch as the train jolted suddenly into gathering motion. My heart fluttered in panic, I certainly didn't want to go back to London! I grabbed my scarf and sprinted down the aisle, throwi0ng open the door and leapt out onto the quickly disappearing platform. I slammed into something or somebody, I couldn't tell, and landed awkward on my right leg. The burst of pain tore another curse from my lips.
"Watch what you're doing," a voice snarled. My expression darkened as I recognised the voice of Draco Malfoy. Our encounters over the years hadn't been pleasant. I hadn't had much to do with him until I'd become close friends with Harry, Hermione and Ron at the end of third year. But I had come to the conclusion he was a bit of a git. And that was the understatement of the year.
"Malfoy," my icy tone marred by my pained panting. My ankle was throbbing horribly but I was doing my best to ignore it.
"You're the Darcy girl aren't you," He replied dismissively. The platform was deserted. He must have been on prefect duty checking that everyone had cleared out.
"What's it to you," I snarled back. The ground was freezing but I didn't want to get up while he was there in case I fell over again and embarrassed myself further.
"Not much really,"
"Then go bother someone else" I suggested rudely. He sneered at me with brilliant silver eyes.
"And leave you sitting pathetically on the cold ground?" He challenged. I rolled my eyes.
"I am not pathetic!" I retorted.
"Get up Darcy," he ordered. I glared at him stubbornly. "Here," he said, holding out his hand to help me up. I stared at him in surprise. What was he up to? I made a show of allowing myself to be helped out with grudging disdain. As soon as he pulled me up I let go of him. Rather embarrassingly instead of marching off and regaining my dignity, my ankle collapsed with a burst of lancing agony. As I fell Malfoy went to grab me, pulling me clumsily into his chest. I looked up at him, my eyes wide and startled. He smirked down at me. I tried to pull away.
"I can look after myself thank you very much," my tone was too breathless to have its intended effect. His silver eyes seemed amused but his sneer was cold.
"I can see that," I glared at his sarcasm.
"I'm fine," I fought myself free and managed to hobble slowly away. He sighed softly as he followed me. I felt a little flustered. Probably because of the manhandling. Seriously I could look after myself.
"Darcy, stop being ridiculous. You're only going to make that ankle worse," He pointed out as I paused for breath. My responding glare was poisonous. His lips twitched and his eyes glimmered with amusement. What a git! My ankle did hurt. A lot. But it wasn't like I was going to admit that to him.
"My ankle is perfectly fine, thank you very much," I snapped. He grabbed my elbow and wrapped an arm around my waist. For the second time I felt a strange surge of heat streak through my body and I shivered. No doubt due to his clear violation of my person and personal space. I did not need his help, but this time he was too strong to break free.
"There's no need to be a masochist Darcy," He said. I decided to let him help me. I needed it and he was careful in taking most my weight of my foot. I was impressed despite myself but I wasn't about to let him know that. Instead I shot him constant pained expressions at regular intervals. Something told me he was trying not to laugh at me. Which grated more than little on my nerves.
"Why are you helping me?" I blurted out and then silently cursed myself. He smirked at me.
"I couldn't just leave you there pathetically groaning on the cold ground now could I?" He informed me. I eyed him with contempt.
"I was managing quite alright by myself," he rolled his eyes. I decided not to pursue the matter further. We were approaching the carriages now. They hadn't left yet thank goodness. I wouldn't have to hobble all the way to the castle at the mercy of my sworn enemy. I could feel my cheeks start to burn though. What would my friends say if they saw me? What if anyone saw me? This spectacle would certainly spread like wildfire.
"I think I can make it to the carriages myself," I told him. He studied me for a second. His expression was curiously guarded.
"Let me fix that ankle first," He said. He pointed his wand and muttered what I assumed was a spell because instantly my ankle cracked back into place. I swore again and drew in a ragged gulp of air. I glared at him accusingly.
"Why didn't you do that before you dimwit," I asked angrily as I gingerly tested my ankle. The pain was ebbing away as my ankle returned to normal.
"A thank you would suffice," He pointed out smugly. I reflected that I would enjoy nothing better than wiping that smug little smirk off his face.
"Dream on," I responded furiously and strode away to find my friends.
"See you around," He shot after me. I tossed my hair contemptuously.
"You wish," I called back over my shoulder. I didn't look back and he didn't call out again.