Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, places or any other item in this story. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling
This is my first fanfic so go easy on me! It's a story that's been inspired by so many amazing writers here and else where so I really do hope you guys enjoy it. I'll be writing as often as possible.
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It was my sixth year at Hogwarts. The war campaigns against the dark lord lasted for almost a year, and most were eager to return to a world without the chaos of war. School was reinstated quickly, and according to wizard law all wizard and witches were required to finish at least seven years of education. I was one of the few that enjoyed the prospect of regularity and routine that came with school. Amidst the whirlwind of activity I found a secluded compartment, a sanctuary away from the mania that followed the golden trio. After the fall of Voldemort last year, Harry's popularity grew tremendously, as did the status of his two best friends. Hermione was always by Ron's side, and he never strayed far from Harry, keeping them all in the limelight. They didn't mind the attention much, but I did. Sure, I helped during the war and received my fair share of recognition. My photo was taken for the Daily Prophet. I received my own awards for bravery, but I hated it. This year was the first time I was happy to be going back to school. Maybe things could go back to being somewhat normal.
My mind wandered aimlessly as I looked out the window of the train. I didn't know whether to miss the days before the war or to be thankful that it was all over. Sure there were still a few lone Death Eaters on the run, but they were being hunted and captured. Almost all supporters of Voldemort were either dead or in Azkaban. Still, the wizarding world was nearly torn to pieces. Everyone carried scars from the war. I had more than most and each held a terrible memory. The most visible one was the cut that ran down the left side of my face, from temple to cheekbone. Because the dark magic behind the curse that gave me this mark was so strong there was little chance of it ever fading away. It was likely to be a permanent reminder of the most terrible time of my life.
I subconsciously ran my fingers across the wound, still tender to the touch. I remembered the witch who gave me that scar, Bellatrix. She was one of the most vile death eaters, and she was still at large. No one seemed to be able to catch her, although I did send a nasty curse her way on the battlefield. It only wounded her, but it kept her out of the final battle. No one knew where she had fled to, but most were confident that she would merely waste away. Still, there was a part of me that wished for her capture. Maybe it would help me sleep a little easier at night knowing that one of the most notorious Death Eater that desperately wanted me dead was locked up. Maybe some of the nightmares would go away.
I was pulled from my thoughts when the door to the compartment slid open. I tore my eyes away from the window to see who had interrupted my silence and was met by a cloaked figure. The compartment was dark and shadows covered most of his face, but even in the dim light I knew exactly who had entered the small room. Draco Malfoy sat down on the bench opposite of mine. He was a Death Eater turned spy by the end of the war and worked closely with the Order. Although he proved himself out on the battlefield something about him didn't seem right.
"Hello." Malfoy stared at the ground, avoiding eye contact. It was as if he were hiding something. And maybe he was. Midway through his time working with the Order, Malfoy seemed change. Physically he had become stronger, leaner, and even more handsome. But he also became more dangerous. I didn't know what had happened to him, but he was not the same Draco that left school when the war broke out. Something, or someone, had changed him.
"Malfoy." I nodded and turned back towards the window. I didn't particularly want to start up a conversation. My instincts told me to stay away.
"Why are you all alone? Didn't your mother teach you never to travel all by yourself?" The intensity of his voice caught me off guard. I never spoke to him during the war. It was dangerous for us both. But I remember his voice being much more annoying in school. Now it was smooth and sensual, drawing me into a conversation I wanted so desperately to avoid. It took all I had to answer him without stuttering.
"I can take care of myself, Malfoy." I crossed my arms and forced myself to meet his gaze. "I fought along side Harry in the war and stood my own ground. I really don't think there's anyone on the train I can't handle."
My words were strong but my voice faltered. I watched the shadowy figure perk up. I knew it was only Malfoy in front of me, but something about him terrified me. Perhaps it was the way he seemed to react to the weakness in my voice, like a predator reacts to his pray.
"You know, some might say you were alone with the most dangerous person on this train right now." He slid closer until he was directly in front of me. Resting his elbows on his knees, he brought his face into the light, and I noticed for the first time that his features were not human. They were too perfect to be human.
His husky voice was hypnotizing, inviting me closer to him. I hurried to regain control on my thoughts. "I don't think I am." My heart beat wildly as I became more aware of just how small the compartment was, and for a moment I thought Malfoy noticed. "If I remember correctly you were on our side." His skin was smooth and perfect, and his eyes were mesmerizing. It took all I had not to reach out and touch his face, a face that was too flawless to be real.
"Yes well I was a Death Eater before that." Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "Don't you remember, Ginny dear?"
"Ginny? You've never called me Ginny." My mind was racing. Why were his eyes so cold and dark? How had he changed so drastically? And why did my name sound so wonderful coming from his lips?
It felt as if electricity was pumping through my veins. Somewhere my mind was screaming at me to get away. Get as far away as my two legs could carry me. But I couldn't move. The creature in front of me was far too amazing to run from, and the feeling that coursed through my body when he was close to me was mind-blowing. I wanted more.
"Well, I guess I could go back to calling you Weaselette if you like." The tension seemed to shift as he leaned away from me.
"No, it just caught me off guard." I hurried to correct my mistake. I wanted him closer to me. I wanted to feel the exhilarating connection that had threatened to over take me earlier. "I don't mind, Draco"
"So you're warming up to me, are you?" He paused and looked me over. "It would be smart to stay away from me, Ginny bear. I've changed."
"I think you've only changed for the better." My brain screamed for me to leave. To stop talking and get myself to safety. To run to the crowded compartment that my brother and his friends occupied. But my body wouldn't obey. It was as if Draco was a magnet. I was helpless to whatever spell he had cast over me.
"Really?" He stood quickly, too quickly, and placed himself beside me. I slid back against the wall of the compartment, aware of every move he made. He may have held some power over me, but the war had taught me to be quick. I studied the room, gauging how long it would take me to grab my wand, summon a curse, and run. I ran through all the things he might do and how I should respond. However, his next action startled me more than anything I had been anticipating.
"I should warn you of what I am. What I have become. But, for some reason, I can't bring myself to push you away. Not yet at least." He gently brushed a stray hair from across my face and tucked it behind my ear. His hand lingered beside my cheek, as if he felt the same electrifying connection that I did. I wanted to give in, touch his gorgeous face and submit to him. I didn't know exactly what was happening, but I didn't want it to end.
For a second time that day I was pulled from my thoughts as the door slid open. This time it was Professor Snape, another secret agent we had working against Voldemort in the war. His demeanor seemed to falter for a brief second before he squared his shoulders and spoke quickly to Draco. "Draco, come with me."
"Yes, sir." Draco looked at me one last time before he stood and followed Snape out the door. I was left alone once again. I wanted so desperately to enjoy the peace I found before Malfoy had entered the room. I wanted to forget what had just happened, but my mind kept wandering back to those fiercely beautiful eyes. I decided in that moment that I had to figure out who, or what, Draco Malfoy had become.
