I walked off the stage, clutching my stomach. I only just heard the other first-years. I took a seat right at the edge of the table, right where nobody else was sitting. I looked up. Even if my own life was ruined, at least I could watch Potter become a Slytherin, watch him claim my life. As soon as McGonagall called his name, the whole hall went up in whispers, and I felt even queasier. What if he wasn't sorted into Slytherin? What if it was all for naught? The hat went on his head, and I watched intensely like everyone else. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The hat shouted the house. The house that would determine if my mission was complete or not.

Gryffindor.

Harry slid down right next to those redheaded twins. They all started laughing together, like brothers. I looked away. My mission had failed. Neither of us would curry my father's favor.

The party at Gryffindor tower was huge. The twins were dancing around the room, Potter between them, chanting "We got Harry Potter" over and over. I straightened my tie, trying to look as antisocial as possible. However, the twins were on the hunt, and they both marched over to me, Potter still between them.

"How's it going, Dracoooo?" They asked in unison.

They managed to make my name seem like an insult.

"I wish to go to bed and rid myself of the headache that is you two."

"Aw, but the party just started! You're not gonna dance?"

One of them grabbed my arm, and I snatched it away. "I've already damaged my reputation. I don't want to completely shatter it."

"But Harry's been wanting to say something!"

They let go of Potter's arms, and he walked up to me. I started backing away.

"I told you, I'd like to go to bed."

He glared at me. "Ron is not 'the wrong sort'."

"I didn't mean to insult anyone."

"Well, you did."

I kept backing away, but my back hit the wall. I was trapped. Cornered.

"Ron's not here right now, but I can tell you hello from him."

He held up his fist, and slogged me across the face.

My nose was red. Everything was red, with black spots dancing across my vision. I heard cheering in the background, but it was muffled by the ringing in my ears. I slumped to the ground, but someone heaved me back up. This time, there were two punches. Probably the twins. I could feel tears start to spring from my eyes, but willed myself to hold them in. The last thing I wanted was for them to see me cry. I heard shouting. The same someone who was holding me up heaved me over their shoulder, and only once my head was upside-down did I cry.

I lay on the cot with blood on the sheets. Madam Pomfrey dabbed at my nose with something antibacterial that stung.

"You've got one bit of a shiner, Malfoy."

I managed to open my dry mouth enough to mutter, "Call me Draco."

"I can't do that. None of the teachers are allowed to be on a first-name basis with the students."

I sighed. I wanted to be proud of my family, but how could I do that when I would get beat up with the first mention of "Malfoy"?

I heard someone step inside my little curtained safety corner.

"Draco Malfoy?"

I looked over at the person. A girl with frizzy hair, buck teeth, and small eyes looked down at me. She held out a comb.

"The Weasleys aren't very nice. I'm sorry about what they did to you. Neville and I would be happy to be your friends."

"Neville?"

Another person stepped in. The toad boy. He held out his hand, containing the toad he had lost on the train.

"You probably have an owl or snake or something because you're so rich, but Trevor can still cuddle."

He placed the toad on my chest. It croaked. I hesitantly reached my hand up and pet it. Its bumpy skin was dry, yet soothing.

"Thanks."

Neville seemed taken aback. "For what?"

"For letting me pet your toad. Most wiz- most Gryffindors wouldn't trust me with my own Sorting. They still think I'm not one of them."

"Well, I'm a Muggleborn, so I guess we're both discriminated against."

The frizzy girl held out her hand.

"My name's Hermione."

"Draco." I took it.

Just then, Madam Pomfrey came back in with more ointment. "Out! Neville, get that toad out of here! Pets are not allowed in the Medical Ward!"

He took his toad off my chest with a small sigh. "We'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"I'd like that." I smiled. I hadn't smiled genuinely in years.