There was a knock on the door and I raced down the steps to answer it before any of the house elves did. As soon as I opened it she smiled at me and came right in. We raced to the back yard and played around the fountain while our parents were discussing business. She was by far the prettiest girl I'd ever seen. Her dark brown hair was always in curls and she nearly always wore it down. Her eyes were the brightest blue I'd ever seen, and her skin was always tan but not too tan. She was perfect even at the age of eight. I loved chasing her around the fountain. She always wore the biggest smile when she was around me. Of course I would never tell her any of this or she would make fun of me for sure. After all she was my best friend.

I finally caught her which was a first for me. She laughed but it was different from her other laughs.

"What's wrong Alanna?"

She sat on the fountain and looked at me with those pretty eyes.

"Draco, I think this is the last time I'll see you."

"Why?" I said feeling my heart break.

"Because my mom wants me at her house permanently."

"I thought your mom always came with you."

"That's my step-mom. I actually live with my real mom in West Palm Beach, Florida."

"Oh so why can't you keep coming with your dad?"

"Because my parents are in a big custody battle and my mom is winning. I'm sorry Draco, I wish I could stay with you. You're my best friend," she said with sad eyes.

I wasn't sure what I was doing. I had seen people do it only a few times but here I was leaning in. Before I could stop myself I kissed her. She seemed surprised but then she hugged me. I heard her parents call but I didn't want her to go. I never wanted her to go. She belonged here with me not in Florida.

"Alanna, please promise me something," I said as she pulled away. "Promise me you won't kiss anyone else."

"I promise I won't if you won't," she said reaching out her pinky. We pinky swore and then got up to go to her parents. I saw tears in her eyes as we walked slowly hand in hand. When we got to her dad he grabbed her hand and stormed out of our front door. Just like that she was gone.

I waited for her to come back but she never did. I don't know why I continued hoping she told me herself she wouldn't come back. Still whenever there was a knock on the door I would race to the door only to be disappointed again.

1ST YEAR ON THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS PLATFORM

I was getting ready to get on the train my mother was making sure I had everything while my father was telling me to be in Slytherin house. That's when I saw her. She was still beautiful like I remembered. Her own mother was making sure she had everything. I saw them kiss goodbye and she got on the train with all of her stuff. Instantly I grabbed my things said bye to my parents and chased after her. My father would be mad but I didn't care. I had to reach her. I got on board and looked around to see if I saw her. I looked in every seat to find her and still found nothing. Finally I saw her sitting alone and gazing out the window.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" I asked with a smile.

She turned her head and smiled brightly at me.

"Draco!" She immediately hugged me. In fact she nearly knocked me over.

I sat next to her and noticed the darkness her eyes seemed to have acquired.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"I've been doing good you?"

I knew she was lying. I don't how I knew but I did. She had never lied to me before and I didn't like it at all that she was lying to me now.

"I've been doing good also," I smiled. If she wasn't going to tell me the truth then why should I? "I thought you were in Florida?"

"I still live there, but Dumbledore came to my house and told my mom to send me to Hogwarts."

"Oh, that's nice. What house are you planning to get into?"

"What?"

"He didn't tell you about the different houses in Hogwarts?"

"No, what's that?"

"Well there are four of them: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. We all get sorted into one of these houses before we actually start school."

"Oh how do they sort us?"

"Well they sort us based on a lot of things. For example if you're cunning and ambitious you'll get put into Slytherin. Bloodline tends to play a part also."

"Oh what house do you think you'll be in?"

"I'm going to be in Slytherin without a doubt. I hope you are too," I said smiling at her.

We talked for about ten minutes when Crabbe and Goyle came in.

"We were looking everywhere for you Malfoy," Goyle said as they sat down opposite of us.

"I thought you were at least smart enough to get on board without my help," I said as I rolled my eyes. I really didn't want them around while I was with Alanna.

"Be nice Draco," I heard her say. "What are your names?" She asked in that pretty American accent of hers.

"I'm Vincent Crabbe and this is Gregory Goyle. You're pretty."

I started to get angry, but her giggle got my attention instead.

"Nice to meet you both. I'm Alanna."

We all talked until it began to get dark. I was staring into space when I felt Alanna on my shoulder. I looked over at her to see her sleeping. I laid her in my lap and stared at her. She was still the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. Her dark long dark lashes fluttered as she dreamed, and a single curl fell in her face. I gently pushed her hair back and felt how soft her skin was. I wanted her in Slytherin so bad I could hardly stand it. I knew if she wasn't things would be hard for both of us. My parents would never accept her even if I would. No matter what happened though I was going to be her friend. I hoped we could be best friends again, or maybe she could even be my girlfriend. I really liked the sound of that.

After about two hours I had to wake her up so she could change into her uniform. After we all changed we sat and talked a bit more until the train finally came to a stop. She got outside and I noticed how her eyes lit up at the sight of the school. I grabbed her hand and we walked toward the boats, leading to Hogwarts, together.

When we got inside, we were told to wait outside the big doors to the Great Hall. That's when I noticed Harry Potter standing next to a red headed boy.

"It's true then, what they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," everyone began to whisper when I said this. "This is Crabbe, Goyle and Alanna. And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." I said introducing myself and my new friends. I heard the red head snort when I said my name. "Think my name's funny do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley. You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there," I said holding out my hand.

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks," I was really angry. He had just made a fool out of me and I was not going to tolerate that. Especially in front of Alanna.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see McGonagall staring at me. I went back to my place next to Alanna who was looking at me as though I were a stranger. I immediately felt guilty for being mean to the Weasley boy.

"We're ready for you. Follow me."

We were led into the Great Hall and stood in the middle of four tables. Everyone was staring at us and I gripped Alanna's hand even tighter than before. Soon enough our names were being called. I noticed Potter and Weasley as they got sorted into Gryffindor. When it was finally my turn I gave a quick smile to Alanna and walked toward the old hat. The hat wasn't on my head for a second before it screamed "Slytherin." It was a great day. There was only one thing that could make it better.

"Alanna Starrystorm"

She seemed terrified as she walked slowly toward the hat. She sat down and we all waited for the hat's decision. It took about a minute when it finally shouted "Slytherin." I couldn't believe how well today had turned out. I had Alanna, I was at Hogwarts, I was in Slytherin, and Alanna was in Slytherin with me. It was perfect.