AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey guys! Sorry it's been a little over a week since i've updated. Classes are starting again soon so it's been pretty hectic. I hope you enjoy the chapter:) Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter.
A knock on the sliding door put the Slytherins' conversation to a halt. Their heads casually turned and their eyes landed on Priscilla.
"Hey Pansy, thanks for the uniform."
Once inside, she felt Draco's heated stare from a mere ten feet away. Could he recognize her? Surely not. She looked nothing like her old self. Pansy wasn't keen enough to notice because her nose was buried so deeply in the latest edition of Witch Weekly magazine, and, well, Blaise didn't notice because like Draco, he too was busy checking her out.
"No problem at all! Here come sit! you can put your old clothes in my bag if you want." Pansy said as she patted the seat next to her.
"That's okay, I'll just shrink it and put it in my purse"
Priscilla's eyes did a quick survey of the compartment and it seemed as though her only option was to sit in-between Draco and Blaise.
'How convenient' Priscilla somewhat sarcastically thought.
Each compartment fit 3 people on each side. On one side sat Blaise and Draco, and on the other sat Theo, Pansy, and one of Pansy's carry on bags. She did not pack light in the slightest.
"You're Pansy's sister, correct? Such a pleasure to meet you." said the Cocoa-skinned Italian hunk, Blaise as he took one of Priscilla's hands in his own and lightly kissed the back of it.
Priscilla had to muster up some of her Gryffindor courage in order to give a smooth and even reply, because Blaise's stare and the feel of his smooth lips on the back of her hand sent delightful shivers down her spine.
"The pleasure is all mine" replied Priscilla, removing her hand from his grasp giving a slight cough and claiming her seat in between him and Draco.
"Where've you been this entire time? Did you attend another school?" asked Draco, genuinely curious.
Priscilla, not wanting to have to explain herself at the moment, quickly thought on her feet and lied very swiftly.
"Pansy and I went to different schools. I went to Beauxbatons and she went to Hogwarts."
"Well, welcome, Priscilla. I'm sure you and I will get along swimmingly."
'Swimmingly? since when does Malfoy do swimmingly?' Priscilla inwardly thought.
She took advantage of how close she was to Draco to truly look at him and admire him for the fine specimen that he was. Malfoy still had his signature aristocratic features, but his face softened a bit since the war, making him more approachable. His eyes, a captivating and deep grey stared right into her and it shot straight through to her core.
'Oh, Godric' Priscilla thought as she inwardly groaned. 'Why is he affecting me like this? it's just casual conversation.' She grew frustrated in more ways than one.
She allowed her eyes to roam further and noticed the slight stubbly shadow adorning his prominent cheekbones and delectable jawline. His usual slicked-back hair didn't look as rigid as it did in their childhood. Instead it looked delightfully tousled, but organized. Draco Malfoy was definitely a sight for sore eyes.
Not knowing what to do with all the sexual tension she was feeling, Priscilla offered what she thought was a polite smile and pulled out her copy of "Hogwarts: A History" the first edition. It was one of the Parkinson's many gifts to her over the summer.
Draco's eyes landed on the book and he gave a light chuckle.
"What is it?" asked Priscilla.
"Nothing. It's just a girl we all used to know would always read that book. That is,if her hand wash't always stuck in the air during class." replied Draco.
This caused the rest of the compartment to chuckle.
"She may have been an insufferable know-it-all bookworm, but…"
"but what?" asked Priscilla rather abruptly out of nervousness. He was on to her and she was sure of it. She just hoped her tone of voice didn't convey any uncertainty.
"You had a crush on her didn't you?" asked Theo, looking at the pair.
"I'm not talking about this with you." said Draco flatly.
"Come on, Mate. You don't have to lie." countered Blaise.
Priscilla made eye contact with Pansy for a moment and she somehow managed to convey her unsettlement through her stare because a moment later Pansy thankfully changed the subject.
The rest of the ride was spent talking about trivial things and making small talk, and then everything settled. Priscilla continued reading "Hogwarts a History" until they reached the castle grounds.
"Good Evening, students, and welcome back to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to also extend a special welcome to all of the previous seventh year students who decided to come back and complete their final year. Now, I know all of you have experienced some sort of loss due to the war, and I would like to thank you all for helping restore this castle. This castle has served as not only a school, but also as a home and refuge for many generations and now we are back and thankfully stronger than ever. Although we are not doing away with the houses altogether this year, we are implementing house unity to try and mend any broken ties you may have and to grow together as a student body and as individual witches and wizards. As usual, the forbidden forest is off limits to everyone. If you have any further questions or concerns please see me in my office."
clapping erupted from the audience, but Headmistress McGonagall was not finished.
" It is with great pleasure that I announce the head boy and head girl for this school year. Both exemplary students will be sharing living quarters together as well as several responsibilities throughout the school year." There was a pause. "This year's head boy and head girl are Draco Malfoy and Priscilla Parkinson. Congratulations to you both. Now, students, you may feast."
In an instant the vacancy of the long and elegant Great Hall tables was replaced with heaping mounds of foods, desserts, drinks, and goblets. The clattering of silverware against plates and the humming of the various student voices filled the air.
Priscilla sat next to Pansy at the Slytherin table, directly across Draco. She noticed him looking at her, but this time it was Draco's turn to offer the polite smile. Priscilla didn't want to admit it, but that smile would be the death of her in a very good way. She was curious as to what this year would hold due to the given circumstances. Whatever happened, she would face it with the Gryffindor courage and confidence that she was born with.
