~Chapter 1: Beginnings~

It is said that people can change. But is it really possible for someone to do a complete 180 and change for good? I honestly don't know what to believe, whom to trust, or what the future holds. But I guess the great thing about time is, eventually, I will find out.

Now:

It's dark here. I don't understand why the wizarding world is insists on such dim lighting. It brings an added eeriness to the room. As if this isn't hard enough.

I should be grateful for the dimness… considering I will have less difficulty keeping my emotions for being so plainly displayed on my face if it is dark.

I shift uncomfortably in the wooden seat. It's a long, dark mahogany bench. There are many benches in this courtroom. Other wizards and witches have come to observe the trial, as I have. They are filing in beside me, taking care not to take up too much room. I feel as though they are keeping their distance from me. I had heard that rumors were spreading through the ministry of my affiliation with the Malfoys. But I had not expected this… ostracizing.

I clutch at the hem of my skirt. It's a long, dark blue piece, which matches my blazer. I had thought it more appropriate to forgo my robes at this event. I will stand out regardless.

A loud banging reaches my ears as the judge at the end of the room strikes the gavel. He calls for order, and announces that the court will now be in session. My gaze shifts to the entrance. I'm anticipating him. I know they'll bring him now. But the scene that meets my eyes makes my heart burn with a dull ache.

Draco is standing at the entrance of the courtroom, between two aurors. They escort him the center of the room, where large and rather stately chair awaits him. Draco stops in front of the chair, awaiting permission to take his seat.

He's closer to me now. I can observe him clearly. Draco has been through a lot these past few months. Having been held in Askaban Prison, awaiting trial by the Ministry of Magic. It has taken it's toll on his features. He is no longer the boy I knew in school. He seems much older. His eyes are jaded, his hair is longer, and he's established a bit of scruff around his chin. Despite the realization that this boy, in my absence, has transformed into a man. I am not sure exactly what kind of man to believe him to be now. His overall appearance is disheveled, and he exudes….defiance?

The Malfoys have always been a proud family. But Draco is no longer in a position of power. He cannot disrespect the ministry. Not now.

I take in a sharp breath, having not noticed I was holding it previously. I can do nothing for him now.

The judge gives Draco permission to sit down, and he obliges willingly. Then, the proceedings begin, as the Malfoy Family case is presented to the court. Every detail of the happenings during Voldemort's attack, and the Malfoy's involvement, makes my stomach churn. Draco will be punished. But how severely?

And would my testimony help?

Year 1:

My name is Alice Hart and my story begins at Hogwarts, School of Magic and Wizardry. I was ten years old when I first saw Hogwarts Castle. Cho Chang and I were sharing a rowboat, our transportation as first years. Being a shy and not overly confident girl that, I was uneasy about transitioning into my new home. The stonewalls were so massive, and the magic so peculiar that I felt very out of place.

Once my name was called for house sorting by the professors, I proceeded to the front of the room and shakily sat upon the tall stool. My fingers violently quivered from nerves as I placed the sorting hat upon my head and waited for an answer. The hat began to speak to me in low tones, "Hm…Miss Hart. You're a timid little thing, aren't you? You are not simply a mouse of a creature, though. I can see that you are very sociable once you have established trust with another. You are very kind and loyal. Those are very good traits for a Gryffindor. I also see that you are protective of your loved ones. You would do well in Hufflepuff…however; I also see that you are an intelligent girl. You are motivated to learn and take pride in your work." The hat sat in pensive silence for some time before concluding, "I would like to place you in Ravenclaw, Miss Hart. Does this suit you?"

I smiled slightly and nodded my approval. The sorting hat grinned back and raised his voice to the hall, "Ravenclaw!"

Thus began my Hogwarts adventure as a fledgling Ravenclaw.

Adjusting to my new school was a challenge my first year. Because I was afraid of heights, flying lessons with a broom went horribly. I only passed the class because the professor knew I was putting all my efforts into improving. I would never be a Quiditch player- or any such athlete.

Despite my awkwardness, I found sanctuary in the confines of the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey allowed me to observe her and eventually took me on as an apprentice. Much of my free time was spent there or in the library, so my friends always knew where to find me.

My best friend at Hogwarts is, without a doubt, Cho Chang. We are both Ravenclaws and have been roommates for several years. Although Cho has much more confidence, she always knows how to bring out my playful side. We've been together throughout these seven years, and I trust her more than anyone else in my house.

Year 2:

Second year, Cho and I would walk the halls in pairs as Headmaster Dumbledore had suggested. There was talk of the Chamber of Secrets and how no one would be safe on the grounds. I was not allowed to work in the hospital wing much that year due to the tight security. Once in a while one of the Ravenclaw prefects would offer to escort me there and back. I eagerly accepted and continued my studies of the healing arts in choppy increments. I treasured those moments because I never knew when I would be able to return.

Much of the goings on between Harry Potter and the Dark Lord were unknown to me at this time, and I heard little of the Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber being, by it's very name, a secret, was not common gossip in the Ravenclaw common room until well into third year, after Harry and his friends had already defeated the Basilisk.

Had I known of the darkness that loomed within the least traveled halls of Hogwarts, I would have perhaps avoided late nights in the hospital wing and instead focused my attention on defense against the dark arts.

Year 3:

Third year death eaters surrounded Hogwarts. But, as they were outside, they never intervened in my frequent visits to the Hospital Wing. I continued to observe Madame Pomfrey and learned as much as I could about how to brew basic medications. She taught me helpful healing spells, but nothing significantly powerful. Madame Pomfrey did, however, teach me the basic potions for common ailments as students came in for treatment. I was able to mend scratches and bruises at this time, but most major injuries were out of my league. Most of my time in the hospital wing was spent restocking shelves and doing laundry to prepare for new patients.

During one particular quiditch match, Harry Potter was flung from his broom and fell hundreds of feet out of the sky onto the quiditch pitch. Professor Dumbledore magnified his voice, "Madame Pomfrey, we need you on the field!"

I scrambled out of my seat, realizing Madame Pomfrey would want assistance, and ran down the flights of stairs that brought me to ground level. Flinging myself out onto the quiditch pitch lawn, I sprinted toward Harry Potter.

I was the first to reach him, but he was unconscious and in bad shape. Dumbledore hurried to my side with Madame Pomfrey close behind. They examined Harry while I quickly healed a few minor scratches on his face. Dumbledore asked, "Can you help him, Madame Pomfrey?"

Madame nodded, "Potter will be back in good health once we're through with him."

I assisted with his transfer onto a gurney, and used the hover charm to move Harry across the field.

In the hospital wing, I tended to the smaller tasks Harry needed while Madame Pomfrey made the required medicines. Many of Harry's friends came to visit him, but he remained unconscious. This allowed me to build relationships with a few Gryffindors, like Ron Weasley and his siblings, Neville Longbottom, and Hermione Granger. Hermione was my absolute favorite of the group, and we became very good friends over time.

Harry recovered from his fall and life continued in it's normal routine quite uneventfully- except for one small argument, which sparked an all-out war. A clash began that day, between Draco and myself, and it would take me years to understand the true significance of this beginning.

My first problem with Draco Malfoy began as a confrontation in the dining hall. He approached Cho, Hermione, and me as we were dropping Hermione off at the Gryffindor table where Harry and Ron were waiting for her. Draco entered the hall soon after us and immediately spotted Harry, zoning in like a gnat to light. Draco began taunting Harry, which he promptly ignored. Realizing that failed, Draco turned on us girls. More specifically, Draco poked fun at Hermione, "What are you looking at, Mudblood? I see you've made some more pureblood friends to sully with your filthy presence." He spat at Hermione, motioning toward Cho and myself.

Cho spat back, "You have no right to talk to her like she's nothing, you prat! Besides, her marks are far higher than yours, and you know it!"

Draco retaliated coolly, "What do marks matter when you have a whole lineage of great wizards coursing through your veins!"

I spoke up, "Isn't that just based on assumption? I mean, how do you REALLY know there is no muggle in your veins? There could always have been a secret in the bloodline somewhere. Maybe your ancestor had relations with a muggle and didn't tell anyone."

Draco snorted, "And what would you know about that, dirty hair?"

"Excuse me?" I was in shock.

"Your hair can't decide between blonde or brunette. It's playing both sides. That makes it pretty dirty if you ask me. Are you as dirty as your hair, dirty hair?," Draco taunted.

Harry stood up from his seat on the bench, "Leave her be, Malfoy."

Draco grinned, "Does it bother you that I've taken an interest in your girlfriends?"

Cho growled, "How dare you! At least she has the decency to bathe regularly, unlike a certain Slytherin!"

Draco looked amused, "Who? Goyle?"

Cho frowned and Draco smirked, "I suppose I'll go sit with that smelly Slytherin."

Draco turned to leave, but kept looking in my direction. "For the record, I like your dirty hair." He winked before walking away.

I recoiled and blushed as he walked away. Ron rolled his eyes, "Ignore him, Alice. He just wants to get under your skin."

The entire argument had become so elementary. I'd never experienced any sort of bullying in school prior to Draco's comments in the dining commons that day. He left me be the rest of the day, and I hadn't expected the taunts to continue coming in my direction.

Draco continued to confront Harry often throughout the year, but he usually ignored me. Once in a while Draco would tap my right shoulder in the halls and walk to my left quickly so I wouldn't know who had asked for my attention. I figured it out pretty quickly. Draco's blonde head was hard to miss. Whatever Draco wanted to get out of bothering me, I was determined not to let him have it. This meant I adamantly ignored him the rest of the year.

Year 4:

The trouble fourth year didn't start out at Hogwarts. I was invited to see a quiditch tournament with the Weasley family, Hermione, and Harry. We had become close over the past year, and I spent the summer penpal-ing with Hermione.

I met my three new friends at the Weasley's burrow via the floo network. As soon as we were all together, Mr. Weasley prepared us for apparating. We apparated to the tournament site, set up camp, and continued to the stadium. Once in the stands, I watched in absolute amazement as the professional quiditch players dashed across my vision.

Hermione nudged me while I was watching the game. She hissed in my ear, "Look, the Malfoys are here."

I looked down to see Draco Malfoy peering up at me through the transparent stands. He pointed up to me and motioned with his hands back to himself. I had no idea what he was trying to tell me. We weren't friends. There was no way he was just saying "Hello". Then I realized he was indicating my skirt, then pointing to his eyes, and finally pointing upwards. THE ASS COULD SEE UP MY SKIRT.

I blushed a deep shade of red and gave him the most sinister scowl I could muster in my embarrassment. He realized I got the message and chuckled, then turned away to follow his father.

I grumbled, "That stupid git looked up my skirt!"

Ron looked over at me, then down at the see-through floor. "Hm… Not that I like Draco Malfoy, but I do admire his observation skills."

I elbowed Ron in reply and he groaned.

After the game, we returned to the Weasley's tent. Everyone was dancing around playfully in celebration of our team's victory. The boys were jumping around on furniture, hooting and hollering. I was still angry with Draco, and sat with my chin resting in my hands. Fred noticed my gloomy mood and said, " Don't worry, Alice. He'll have to do a lot more than look up your skirt to impregnate you."

This sent the boys into a laughing fit. I just rolled my eyes. Ron continued the conversation, "Can you imagine? Little blonde Malfoy babies crawling about?"

George laughed, "I wonder what house they'll get sorted into. What do you think, Mrs. Malfoy?"

I groaned, "I'm not going to marry the first guy that gets a good look up my skirt, so you can just shut up about it!"

Suddenly a loud crackle and then a boom sounded overhead. Mr. Weasley bolted for the door, "Stay here until I tell you it's safe."

We waited, and Mr. Weasley came back inside, "Everyone, leave your things here. We have to go now! The dark mark is here! Death eaters are coming!"

I grabbed my coat quickly and sprinted out the door after everyone else. Crowds of people were running in panic, and it was difficult to keep up with the rest of my group.

A stranger barreled into me and I flung down to the floor with a thud. The stranger kept going in a panic without concerning himself over my welfare. I called out to the Weasleys, but they were already gone. I was alone in the chaos.

I ran in the direction I thought the Weasleys had gone, but made slow progress due to the crowds. Eventually, the streams of people began running the opposite direction, and froze. I had no idea what they were running from.

Then, I came face to face with a death eater.

The crowds had cleared and I was alone with a murderer. The death eater scanned my frame with his eyes, "Hello, dearie. Come out to play at the wrong time, have we?"

My pulse quickened and I did the only thing I thought could keep me alive.

I ran.

I sprinted in the other direction, hoping the death eater would not follow. But, between my heavy breaths, I could hear his steady footsteps increasing speed behind me.

"You have nowhere to go, girl! Why don't you just give up and let the Dark Lord have you?"

I kept running while thinking of possible spells I could cast to shake him off my trail. I turned my head and pointed my wand while running away, and whispered, "Stupefy!"

But nothing happened. I was so out of breathe that I couldn't even cast a spell! My only option was to keep running. "What's the matter, girlie? Having trouble in your panic?"

The death eater cackled as he ran after me, clearly enjoying the chase.

I ran through a thicket of foliage, and dodged pitched tents. I had to hide! There was no way I could outrun him! Suddenly, I stumbled over some abandoned luggage. I fell to the dirt with a thud. Quivering, I struggled to get back on my feet.

I turned to see that the death eater was 20 feet away from me now. He raised his wand, and I prepared to scream. The death eater began, "Cruci-," but he never finished the cruciatus curse.

Another voice to my left spoke quickly and firmly, "Stupefy!"

The death eater fell to the floor before my eyes. I turned to my left and met the steely gaze of Draco Malfoy. I sucked in a gulp of much needed oxygen, "Malfoy!"

He lowered his wand and made his way toward me. Tears leaked from my eyes and my body continued to shake violently from shock.

I went into a panic once again, suddenly aware of Draco's unusual luck at having been my rescuer. 'Is he WITH THEM?' I shook violently as the tears streamed down my cheeks. 'What the hell is going on?'

Draco made a move to approach me, and I took a step backward, mimicking his movements exactly. He met my gaze steadily, "I'm not going to hurt you, stupid girl! I just saved your life and I-"

I cut him off, "Are you WITH THEM?"

He dropped his gaze from mine, choosing to remain silent.

When he didn't answer, I sucked in a short breath, "Holy shit."

Draco narrowed his eyes, "It's more complicated than that! You don't know-"

"Oh really?" I challenged.

Draco met my accusatory expression with his own ice cold eyes. He scoffed at me, "You know nothing! Don't pretend that you suddenly do!"

I didn't back down from him, just kept my eyes steady as we stood in a stalemate.

I became uncomfortable with his eyes on me, and broke the silence, " How did you find me?

"I saw you running from far off, and followed you."

I nodded curtly, "Thank you."

Draco scoffed at my sparse thankfulness for his good deed: saving my life. He sighed in exasperation, "Where is the Weasley portkey?"

I scowled in confusion, "Why do you need to know?"

"I'm escorting you home, YOUR HIGHNESS."

I set my jaw, lips forming a thin line at his harsh words. I nearly spat out the words, "I don't need any more assistance from you, Malfoy."

Turning on my heels, I began walking in the direction I had come from. Draco made a disgusting grunt of a noise behind me, as if her were making certain I knew he was displeased with my defiance. Before I knew it, he was on my heels. His hand was on my shoulder, spinning me around violently to face him, "Listen here, Hart. Now is not the time to be stubborn! The camp is crawling with death eaters. When I selflessly offer to see you back safely, you better believe I'm not doing it for the pleasure of your company!"

His statement threw me. Was he…concerned?

I set my jaw high, determined not to let him see his words had affected me. "Fine. But don't think I won't curse the hell out of you if you try anything funny."

Draco seemed content with that answer, and we continued walking in the direction I had sought to go before he had suddenly stopped me. We had been walking for about ten minutes in silence, weaving through the deserted camp. Heavy fog rolled over the grass, and the dark mark hung ruthlessly in the sky. Flashes of blue light resounded to our left, and Draco suddenly pushed me forward with urgency, "Go! They're close."

We ran deeper through the camp, sprinting past the wreckage that had once been the place of so much celebration. I barely felt my exhaustion, but knew my energy was quickly draining. I had never been an athlete, and the only thing keeping me going was my adrenaline. Draco seemed to realize I wasn't quick on my feet, and he took to running closely behind me. Every so often he would turn around to make sure no one was following.

I nearly collapsed in a fit of oxygen-deprived huffs when we reached the outer rim of the woods where Mr. Weasley had left the old boot as a Portkey. Stopping to catch my breath quickly, I stumbled through the grass and tree roots to find the boot. I found it quickly, careful not to touch it until I was ready.

Draco was watching me steadily, breathing rapidly to restore regularity after the long sprint. Not knowing what to say, I asked, "What will you do?"

He shrugged, "Return to my father's portkey."

"What about the death eaters?"

Draco didn't meet my gaze, "Don't worry about the death eaters. They won't touch me."

Before this moment, I had always been suspicious that Draco's family was involved with Voldemort, but now I was certain. Death eaters wouldn't bother Draco because they were ordered not to harm him. However, the fact that Draco had gone out of his way to hurt a death eater for my sake confirmed that he might not be completely evil. No matter what he has done in the past, Draco Malfoy saved my life. I have every reason in the world to believe that beneath his tough exterior is someone that I can rely on. He may bury it deeply, but perhaps that is just a defense mechanism…a way of staying alive in the midst of… death eaters. The thought hit me like a wrecking ball.

Draco shifted his attention to the campground bellow where the shrill laugh of Bellatrix Lestrange could be heard. His eyes narrowed as the sound grew closer, "You should go quickly."

Alarmed, I reached for the portkey, ready to apparate. But something stopped me. It was the realization that I was leaving Draco behind. Not 'Malfoy', but Draco. There was more to him than I had realized. His tough exterior was just an act, one he put up to accommodate for the danger of his circumstances. I looked up at Draco then, he hadn't made any attempt to move from his spot. "You aren't like them, are you."

It was a statement, not a question… one I was nearly certain about. In that moment I knew I had judged him too harshly.

Draco smirked but his voice was insistent, "Go, Alice!"

Obliging him, I touched the portkey and apparated to safety.

Upon reaching the Weasley's burrow, they fired questions at me. When they asked me what happened, I said, "I was chased by a death eater until someone saved me."

Hermione's eyebrows furrowed, "Who saved you, Alice?"

I smiled up at her, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

The name that would haunt me, encourage me, save me, break me, leave me, defend me, love me… Draco Malfoy.