Disclaimer; same as previous

Chapter 36; Jealousy and nicknames

Amy.

Platform nine and three quarters was alive with people. Amy, after saying her farewells to the Malfoys, made her way through the train, along with Draco, to a compartment that Crabbe and Goyle had saved for them. She greeted them and asked how their summer had gone. Goyle shrugged and looked vacant, as usual. Crabbe just glared at her. What was his problem with her?

Soon after they had settled in, Pansy entered the compartment. She squeezed her way in between Draco and Amy with a wiggle of her ass that was clearly meant for Draco to notice. Amy remained calm. She really did not like this girl. "So Drakie" the other girl began. "How was your summer?" Amy had to choke back a laugh at the nickname, and then another after Draco replied. "It was good Pansy, Amy stayed at the manor as my guest for the summer. We went to the world cup as well as the usual events." Pansy's face was really something to see at that moment. The girl wasn't to be detoured that easily though. Soon enough she had taken control of the conversation and went into agonising detail about her summer. Amy had to leave the compartment. She couldn't take much more of the other girl's bullshit stories. She excused herself to get changed into her school robes early.

When she returned the compartment was empty apart from her rival.

"I know you think you're the dog's bollocks around here," she said, cutting straight to the chase, "but just because the Malfoys took you in and Narcissa has moulded you into her very own little carbon copy means nothing to me. As far as I'm concerned, Draco is mine." Amy stared, incredulous.

"Draco and I are friends, Pansy, nothing more." She said, hating herself and the girl in front of her.
"That's right. And that's all you'll ever be. Though I have no idea why he would ever be friends with you in the first place, or why the Malfoys allow you to stay with them. You are nothing but a snivelling little orphan. I suppose they feel sorry for you." Amy fought very hard not to raise her wand and jinx her. She wouldn't give her rival the satisfaction. It would be just perfect if Pansy ran crying to Draco after Amy cursed her. She didn't know how he would react. Would he take theother girls side? Or hers? Instead, she stared out the window, calming herself. Did he like pansy? She wondered what Pansy had that she didn't have.

Draco.

He couldn't take much more of Pansy's constant monologue. He really thought he would die of boredom. He had to get out of the compartment, maybe go pick a fight with Potter. That would brighten his day.

Pansy had been writing to him all summer. It was clear that she wanted him. He had looked her up and down on the train. She was of average height with short dark hair and piggish features. He knew it wouldn't matter if she was beautiful. She wasn't Amy

Amy

It was dark by the time they reached Hogsmeade Station. The journey had seemed to take a lot longer than usual. Pansy's shrill voice still echoed in her mind as she left the compartment and made her way down the train. Up ahead, she saw the top of Harrys head bobbing along next to Hermione and Ron. A wave of loneliness swept over her. She sniffed and carried on over to the line of carriages, not waiting to see if Draco was following her. The Castle was warm and cosy after the chill outside. Amy settled down at the Slytherin table with a sigh. She was famished.

Looking up at the head table, she couldn't help but notice that there was nobody sitting in the seat reserved for the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher. She thought of her Godfather, Remus Lupin, who had taken the position last year only to quit after it was leaked that he was a werewolf. She missed him terribly. He had sent her a lovely hand-made card for her birthday. She knew that money was tight for him now that he had no job, but she cherished the card as she did the beautiful exotic bird feather quill she received from Sirius and the charm bracelet Draco gave her. Narcissa had presented her with a ridiculously expensive handbag she had no intention of using when not in the woman's presence. Hagrid's cake had been delicious… She wondered then what Harry had gotten.

She caught Snape looking towards her out of the corner of her eye a few times and felt awash with pity for the man who was so obsessed with her mother. Looking over at Pansy, who was all over Draco, she thought she could understand, for once, the feeling of unjust hatred that filled Snape's heart. Soon, Professor McGonagall led the timid-looking first years into the Hall and they were sorted into their individual houses. The feast was amazing, as usual.

The Common Room was as unwelcoming and cold as ever. She made her way to her dorm silently. People watched her pass curiously. She met nobody's eyes in the hopes of avoiding conversation. She kept her gaze firmly on the marble floor. She was met at the foot of the stairs by a pair of expensive shoes. She lifted her gaze to find Blaise Zabini, blocking her path.
"Hi Amy, how was your summer?" he asked, smiling. She smiled back politely.
"It was very good, thanks, and yours?"
"Great!" He leaned forward conspiratorially. "The best part was seeing you every now and again." He was grinning flirtatiously at her now. Amy felt herself blushing. Truth be told, she hadn't really noticed him at any of the social functions. She felt bad for this.

When she didn't say anything, Blaise continued. "So, are you looking forward to the tournament? Gonna put your name down?"
"I don't think I'll be entering," she said, then caught a glimpse of Pansy and Draco, standing near the fire. Pansy had her hand on Draco's arm, feeling his bicep. Anger coiled like a snake in her stomach and she smiled at Blaise, batting her eyelashes.
"What about you?" Blaise puffed his chest out slightly, looking manly.
"Of course." He said. "Do you want to play a game of Wizard's chess? I brought a set from home." He asked, looking hopeful.
"No thanks, Blaise, I'm kind of tired." She replied. His smile never wavered.
"Okay," he said. "Rain check."

Amy froze. Blaise didn't notice. He went back to the others. After a moment, Amy went the rest of the way to her dorm. When she reached her four-poster, she got into bed, fully clothed. She drew the curtains and curled into a ball. She suddenly felt as small and helpless as she had the night of the Quidditch World Cup. This thought brought with it memories of lying in bed next to Draco. She longed to be back there. Without a care. After an hour or two, the rest of the girls, including Pansy, came into the dorm. Amy fell asleep listening to Pansy planning ways to have Draco's full attention.

Kill me now!