Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters or anything that is remotely related to Harry Potter. I also don't own the song "Travelin Soldier". It's a Dixie Chicks song. Don't sue, I have no money.

Info you need to know before you read!

I thought of this story when I was listening to the Dixie Chick's "Travelin Soldier". Don't worry. It's not sad like the song. It was just my inspiration. This story takes place at the very end of Ginny's sixth year/Draco's seventh year. The war against the Dark Lord has been going on for awhile. Draco is joining the fight for the witches and wizards right after the train ride home. He's good. Let's get that straight.

Draco walked down the narrow hall of the train, looking for an empty compartment. Every single one he passed by was occupied by a group of friends, laughing, enjoying the train ride home. That's exactly what he wanted to get away from. He wanted to be by himself and think. He was nearing the end of the train when he noticed that one of the compartments was only taken by one student. He entered, not caring who it was, and sat down across from them. When he looked up he was surprised to see Ginny Weasley sitting across from him.

'What's she doing by herself,' thought Draco. 'She's one of the prettiest girls in sixth year. She should be with someone. A big group of friends laughing. Why is she so sad?'

Draco was pulled out of his thoughts when Ginny spoke to him. "What are you doing here Malfoy?" Her question wasn't meant to be mean, she was just wondering.

"Well Weasley, I just wanted to be alone. All the other compartments are full," answered Draco. "Why are you alone? Shouldn't you be with your little friends having fun?"

"I just wanted to be alone to think too. That's all," said Ginny looking out the window.

A few minutes went by in silence. The two teenagers lost in their own thoughts.

"Are you scared," asked Ginny out of the blue.

"Scared of what," asked Draco back, a smirk on his face.

"Of the war. Are you scared of the war? I assume that you'll fight right. Almost all the seventh years I know are."

Draco sat in silence thinking over the question. "Yeah, I am scared."

"Really?" Ginny looked at him, her eyes searching his for the truth.

"Yeah, who isn't? I know the Dark Lord personally. You know my father had connections with him before his death. I know what he can do. I'm real scared," said Draco looking at Ginny.

"I am too," whispered Ginny, a small tear running down her face. This surprised Draco. He knew Ginny was not one to show she was week. She stood up to Snape on several occasions, daring him to give her detention. This side of Ginny was rarely seen. Draco moved to sit next to Ginny, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, everything's going to be okay," said Draco.

"I tell myself that all the time but the war keeps getting worse. It's been going on for years. When will it end?" Ginny was looking down at her hands trying hard not to cry.

"Almost all of the Death Eater are in prison or dead," said Draco. "There haven't been near as many attacks as there were in the past. I hear that the war might be over soon. There hasn't been an appearance by Voldemort lately. And with Potter fighting almost all auror say that the war should be over soon."

"How much longer do they say the war will be," asked Ginny looking hopefully into Draco's eyes.

"Well, I know some of the fighters are already coming home. That must mean something."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Ginny looking back out the window. The two sat side by side in silence until Ginny once again broke the ice. "So...are you fighting?"

"Yep, I'm leaving after we get to the station," said Draco looking out the window.

"Are you going to miss anyone, anything," asked Ginny.

"No...I don't have anything or anyone to miss," said Draco. He gave a little smirk and added, "I don't think anyone's going to miss me either."

"Don't say that. Why would you say that, it's not like your mean or anything," said Ginny, putting a hand on his arm.

"I was horrible for the past seven years at Hogwarts," said Draco. "Gave your brother and his friends hell. They'll write to their families and lovers. I'll just fight. That's what I'll be there for."

Ginny looked at Draco's hard, unemotional face and felt a sting of pity for him. She always heard about how awful he was. Ron, Hermione, and Harry would talk about how he was a bastard but he never bothered her. She would see him in the hallways and he'd see her. She knew he saw her but he never taunted her.

"I know you probably have a boyfriend and your parents and brothers wouldn't approve of it but do you think I could owl you over the war? To have someone to talk to. I don't have anyone to write to and you're the only person who's even talked to me like a person, like a friend." Draco surprised himself when he said that. He was thinking it and all the sudden it just came out.

'Why did I say that,' thought Draco. 'She's going to think I'm an idiot.'

"Yeah, why not," said Ginny. She looked at Draco and saw his surprise.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah, everyone should have someone to talk to," said Ginny. "Maybe we can even become friends. Just don't sign your name or anything."

"Okay," laughed Draco. "Yeah, it might get a little messy if someone found out you were talking to the big, bad Draco Malfoy."

For the next few hours the two talked about anything and everything. They were surprised to see that they had a lot in common.

"Looks like we're almost at the station," said Draco. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay on the train with Ginny. Leaving would mean leaving the only person who's ever treated him like a person and at least acted like they cared for him. He'd have to go and fight in the war and leave Ginny behind.

'At least I can write to her,' thought Draco.

"So, you're still okay with me writing," asked Draco.

"Of course," said Ginny. "Just remember, no signing and address to the burrow."

"I will." With that the train came to a stop with a jerk. Draco stood and helped Ginny up. He gave her a quick hug.

"I guess I'll talk to you later," said Draco as he opened the compartment door. He was about to step outside when a small hand tugging on his arm stopped him.

"Just be careful Draco," said Ginny. "I'd hate to lose a friend right after I've found him."

"Don't worry," replied Draco. "I'm not going anywhere."

With that Draco walked out of the compartment with his robe billowing behind him. Ginny watched out the window as he walked off the train. He turned back towards the train and saw Ginny watch him. He gave her a smile. Not a grin, not a smirk, but a true smile. She took this to heart knowing that he didn't smile much and gave him the biggest smile she could muster. He turned around and walked with the rest of the crowd. Ginny watched him until she lost him in the sea of humanity.

Ginny exited the train and found her family with one thought running through her head. 'God, please watch over him. Make sure he makes it home.'

All right guys, what'd you think? Was it any good? Please review, it'd mean a lot to me. And if you hate it and want to tell me, be gentle.