Chapter 1: Return of A Death Eater

Harry wasn't planning on returning to Hogwarts for his last year, but here he was at Kings Cross Station waiting for the train. He had been planning to leave the Dursley's and start the search for the horcruxes. He had no where to start though. Where had Dumbledore gotten all his information? How had he expected to do all that Dumbledore had done?

The Order had helped, but Harry still had nowhere near enough information to begin. He had wrote to Ron and Hermione explaining. They were together at the Burrow. He looked around wondering when they would arrive, but something else caught his eye. Malfoy. What was he doing here? He didn't even look like the same person anymore. His hair was in a mess, falling into his eyes. His robes hung limply on his thin body, as if he had lost a lot of weight in a short period of time. Pansy was clinging to him. "I've missed you so much, Draco," she cooed. He didn't seem happy to see her though. "Get off," he said disgustedly. He shook her off his arm. His left arm. The sleeve of his robes slid down revealing a large scar that cover the whole lower half of his arm. It was a deep red color with uneven lumps. As soon as Draco realized it had been revealed he quickly shoved the sleeve back down. He suddenly looked up and saw Harry staring. Harry looked away, but Draco wasn't about to let him off that easily.

"Got something to say, Potter?" he drawled. Harry didn't respond. He turned and began to quickly walk away. "What's wrong? Aren't you glad to see me?" Draco called after him. Harry couldn't believe it. After all that he had done, they let Draco come back? He turned and looked Draco in the eye. "Decided to show your ugly face, did you?" Harry asked. "Don't act like you're so much better than me. Doesn't look like you're fighting in the war. No you're back here, off to safe, old Hogwarts," Draco shot back. Harry felt his insides twisting in anger.

Before he could do any thing rash Ron and Hermione appeared at his sides. "Like you have any right to talk. Hiding from your master, are you?" Ron interjected. Draco's face contorted and he reached for his wand, but before he could act the train pulled up. "Let's go," said Hermione. Together the three climbed onto the train, leaving behind the enraged Draco.

It was not long before another familiar face appeared. "Hello," Luna Lovegood greated them in her usual misty tone, "Neville and I have a compartment if you'd like to sit with us." "Yeah, great," Harry responded. He, Ron, and Hermione followed to the back of the train. On the way, Harry looked into a compartment and saw Draco, sitting alone. Malfoy was always surrounded by admiring Slytherins. Why had he now chosen to sit alone? He didn't see Harry looking in at him. His eyes were full of pain. His right hand was resting on the spot where Harry knew the scar was. His eyes were glued to the arm. Did the scar hurt? It must be difficult to remove a Dark Mark. Harry hadn't known it was possible until today. All of a sudden a rush of pity coursed through Harry's veins. He knew how much cursed scars could hurt.

Harry hadn't realized he had stopped walking until Hermione asked, "Harry, what's up?" She looked from Harry to Draco questioningly. "Harry?" She said again. He quickly looked back up at her. "Oh, er...sorry," He mumbled and continued walking.

What had just happened? How had he pitied Draco? He was disgusted in himself, and yet some of the feeling still lingered.