The golden trio walked down the Hogwarts Express corridor, ready to start their fourth year at Hogwarts. Hermione's puffy hair bounced up and down as she walked, and Harry's glasses reflected the beautiful gold color of the long carpet that decorated the floor. Ron was more freckly than ever, his hair a flaming red. The three friends chattered with each other, talking about who the next Defense Against the Dark Arts professor might be. As they began a discussion about the houses, they were interrupted by the sudden realization that they hadn't yet picked a compartment. Unfortunately, almost all of the compartments were full. All but one. One compartment at the very back of the train wasn't full. Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked over to the compartment door. Ron pretended to gag. No, it wasn't full… but it wasn't entirely empty. There was one occupant—and that one occupant just happened to be Draco Malfoy. Hermione slid the compartment door open. Malfoy looked confused.

He sneered. ''What are you three doing here?''

''This is the only compartment left.'' Hermione explained, sitting herself down nearest the window, and farthest from Malfoy. Ron walked in after her. Not wanting to sit next to Malfoy, he sat himself by Hermione. Harry hesitated before entering, but he eventually entered the compartment, closed the door, and sat himself down next to Ron. Malfoy rolled his eyes.

''Just invite yourself in, will you?'' He complained, pulling his knees to his chest. He sneered again. ''And don't even dare talk to me, you're too unworthy.''

Hermione looked deeply insulted. She rolled her eyes, a certain kind of irritation could be found in the tone of her voice. ''I'm guessing it's because of my blood type that you say this?'' She carped, crossing her arms. She turned her head and looked out the window. Malfoy looked triumphant.

''No, though you're right; I am also superior to you for that reason—'' He smirked. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked confused.

''Then what?'' Ron asked irritably. Malfoy smirked again. ''Can't tell you—orders from the boss.'' Malfoy conferred—and he gave out a big grin. Ron, Hermione, and Harry exchanged puzzled glances. ''What's that supposed to mean?'' Harry grumbled. But Malfoy merely smirked. But Harry did notice another thing—Malfoy rubbed his left forearm. Harry remembered that Death Eaters, Lord Voldemort's deepest followers, had tattoos burnt into their left forearms… this caused Harry's heart to race. He had to tell Ron and Hermione. Could Malfoy be a death eater?

Throughout the rest of the ride, nobody spoke. Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't feel comfortable talking around Malfoy; and Malfoy certainly didn't feel comfortable talking to them. It was all awkward, through the whole thing, Malfoy twiddled his wand. Ron, Harry, and Hermione occasionally whispered to one another, but it wasn't very often. Harry was stuck thinking about Malfoy—he could very well be a death eater. If Voldemort was back, he would definitely need his followers; and Malfoy's dad was one of them—it all made sense. Malfoy was a death eater! Harry had always suspected he'd become one—but now? Does that mean that Voldemort is back? Harry's heart began throbbing against his chest. He felt himself start to sweat. Malfoy—a death eater.

'' Harry, are you coming or not?'' Ron said, throwing his bag over his shoulder. ''We've made it, we're here!'' He exclaimed to Harry. Harry broke into a weak smile. Harry thought Malfoy seemed to have noticed, because he smirked at Harry over Ron's shoulder. Harry watched as Malfoy gathered his stuff and left the compartment. He watched him walk down the hall and disappear into the distance.

''What was that?'' Harry quizzed as the trio walked out into the crowded Hogwarts Express hallway. As they walked, students all around bumped into each other.

Hermione and Ron exchanged a glance. ''What was what?'' They both said in unison.

''I need to tell you lot something.'' Harry gulped. Ron smiled. ''Tell us, then!'' He demanded.

Before he was able to say anything more, the three friends found themselves at the Hogwarts Express door, and they heard a familiar voice shouting from the distance.

''Firs' yers, firs' years over 'ere!'' Hagrid yelled, holding up a glowing lantern. Harry waved at him, and Hagrid waved back. ''How are ya', Harry?'' He shouted, and Harry grinned. ''Good, Hagrid!'' He yelled back. Hagrid nodded and quickly returned to escorting all the first years into their boats. Harry, Ron, And Hermione shared a carriage with Neville Longbottom and Ginny.

Harry trusted the two, so he told all four of his friends about the strange experience with Malfoy.

''I think he might be a death eater.'' Harry confessed. Both Neville and Ginny exchanged nervous glances. Ginny gave out a weak smile. ''Harry, that's really funny of you—but don't you think that's a big assumption you're making? I mean, that's pretty serious stuff. You shouldn't be jumping to such serious conclusions.'' She tried, but Harry didn't look convinced. In fact, he looked irritated.

Harry didn't only look irritated, he was irritated. Draco Malfoy was a death eater and no one was admitting it! It was obvious—his hate for muggle-borns and his general personality all fit in! Ginny and Neville may have not believed him, but Ron and Hermione surely would!

Hope for Harry was instantly shattered when Hermione thought she'd comment too, though. ''Harry, that's ridiculous! Yes, he's a spoiled, rich, prat… but that doesn't mean he follows You-Know-Who!'' She whispered. Harry looked insulted. ''I swear! I swear, he's a death eater. And I'm going to prove it to you!'' He promised, a fiery look to him. Harry's four friends merely exchanged a look before Neville changed the subject.

''Wonderful weather we're having, eh?'' He said nervously, it was a really dumb thing to say. But nobody seemed to mind; Hermione quickly jumped up and exclaimed, '' Oh yes! I hear it's going to be raining all next week!'' and the group broke into an excited conversation about the weather, which turned into a conversation about how silly umbrellas looked, muggle inventions, galleons, brooms, and finally Quidditch. But Harry wasn't satisfied—he was going to get to the bottom of Draco Malfoy. Not joining in on the bubbly conversation between his friends, Harry sat with his knees to his chest and stared around the carriage. When his eyes landed toward where Ginny and Neville sat, Harry's eyes widened when he saw Ginny rub her left forearm, just how Malfoy had done earlier.