2. Anywhere But Here

Our gaze locked for a moment.

My jaw unhinged but I managed to not to make it obvious. I quickly paid back attention to my book, expecting a snide or disgusted remark; say anything between the lines of "Yuck! A Mudblood" or something and leave me. Was this really him? I He did look a LOT different than what he used to be. He had grown tall, so much that I bet he was taller than Ron. He used to be about my height. I waited for a few seconds for some muttering and another bang from the door as he left

But nothing.

I slowly looked up. He was still here, but putting away his trunk.

Okay, this was really, really weird. Draco Malfoy, who was the Oh-so-wonderful pure blooded Slytherin, who hated my friends, whose father was a Death Eater and who never missed insulting and bullying muggle borns was going to sit with me- who he despised 2nd best after Harry- in a separate compartment together?Where were his cronies? Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Zabini to occupy him, to keep him a separate seat? I wondered as I watched him sit opposite me, looking out of the window.

This was going to turn out worse than I thought. I was definitely NOT going to share a compartment with the foul Malfoy.

I eyed the blonde boy with curiosity. His face was set in a scowl, obviously furious about something. Maybe he had some argument about something with his friends. I mused remembering the conversation I overheard. I stared for a moment at his grey eyes staring at the window. No, now they seemed to have a hint of blue as well. As if, the cloudy sky was clearing up to show blue skies. His white blond hair was over grown and a bit messy than his usual neat and slick way and his skin, if possible, had grown paler. His jaws were set in a more indignant manner. Without a warning his eyes flickered in to mine.

"Got a problem, Granger?" he asked menacingly.

I felt myself flush but did not look away. Even his voice had changed. The whiny voice was no more, only replaced by a smooth one with sort of husky edges. It sounded very… dare I say it, manly. Malfoy was still waiting for a reply.

"As a matter of fact, yes, I do have a problem Malfoy." I said. "Why in the world are you here?"

His eyes narrowed at me. Then he leaned forward, his head looming closer, resting his elbows on his knees.

"I believe that this compartment does not belong solely to you. I have a right to be where ever I please, Granger … so back off." He said.

"Oh wow, when did you start bother about rights?" I scoffed "And come to think of it, when did you start sitting with mudbloods?"

His eyebrows shot up. "I'm quite aware of what you are, so shut it and give me a moment of peace. Go back to your book worm duties." He snapped.

I glared at him. "Ferret." I muttered under my breath and went back to my book.

After about half an hour of silence, the rain was heavy, tapping the windows noisily. I slowly closed my book. A sudden weariness came over me, and before I knew it, I doze off.

My eyes fluttered open.

The train was still moving and I could still hear the rain pouring outside. We apparently hadn't arrived at Hogwarts yet. Then I remembered Malfoy and I looked across me. It was empty. Thank goodness, he was gone. I thought with relief. Then I noticed, his coat was still there. I groaned inwardly. Then a slight weight on my head caught my attention.

Not a second went when I realized that I was actually resting my head on someone's shoulder.

And at the same time I realized that someone was resting their head on mine.

And I also saw that, that someone was reading my book, beside me.

Then did I realize that someone was Malfoy.

I wished to be anywhere but here.

I shut my eyes. What was going on? Did the world turn upside down? First Malfoy sits across me. The next he's next to me and has offered his shoulder for me to sleep on. What next?

He'll be snogging me.

I felt nauseous at the thought of it.

I shifted a bit to give some space between us, pretending to be doing it in my sleep. I felt my head slip off his shoulder little by little. But before it fell, I heard him give a low grunt; he wrapped his slender arm around my shoulder, pulled me closer and placed my head gently back where it was.

Such gentleness ought to be illegal to ferrets like him.

Maybe this wasn't really Malfoy, but someone else in disguise through Polyjuice potion. But this thought was scarier than the previous.

With a mumble, I pretended to wake up. Instantly he pulled away his arm which was around me. He took no notice as I stared at him, who had already finishing half of the 875 paged Muggle fiction which I had begun to read.

"Rise and shine, Granger." Malfoy muttered.

"Huh." I said, smoothing down my bushy hair.

"In time too." He said looking out at the window, as the train slowly halted. Malfoy got up, still his eyes on the book. I just dumbly watched this stranger.

"Mind if I borrow this, Granger?" he asked.

But before I could say anything he said "Thanks"—actually thanked me!—and grabbed his trunk and coat, opened the compartment door and made way through the other sea of kids ready for their new year in Hogwarts. And here I knew, my 6th year was going to be very different than I ever imagined.

I grabbed my trunk and made my way outside, among the excited voices, wondering who the hell had I shared my compartment with.