Chapter 2
However, Harry's satisfaction did not last long. Pretty soon the drawl of one of his least favourite people could be heard floating down the corridor and in through the open compartment door.
'Of course, Father's being heavily relied-upon by Fudge. He's in great demand right now. Says it's the least he can do. After all, that nit of a Minister couldn't even bungle his way out of a paper bag, let alone do anything vaguely competently…'
Malfoy's voice got louder the closer to the door he came. A second later he was leaning against the doorframe, looking directly at Harry and finishing his conversation.
'…Rather like someone else I could name, eh, Potter?'
Harry glanced up from the book he was reading, acknowledged Draco's presence, and then continued with chapter 8.
'Nothing to say, Potter? Cat got your tongue?' Crookshanks seemed to resent the use of his species name in such a derogatory statement and opened one eye. The disgruntled cat looked Malfoy up and down, and must've decided he really wasn't worth it. The lazy animal closed its eye again, and ignored the noise.
Ron and Hermione glared at the Slytherin fifth year and his accomplices, Crabbe and Goyle, who stood on either side of him, like bodyguards.
'I suppose the legendary Harry Potter would rather be a hero with 'nobody' friends, instead of risking being outshone by someone he calls 'amigo',' continued Malfoy, obviously trying to wind Harry up. But Harry really couldn't be bothered and didn't rise to the bait.
'Don't you have to be somewhere?' pondered Harry,' Like, I don't know, sticking a first year's head out the window?'
'You mustn't think very highly of me if you think I would stoop to such a level as the one you're at,' said Draco.
'You're right - I don't think very highly of you,' retorted Harry.
'We got bored with that, anyway. Didn't we, Draco,' said Goyle, who began laughing. He stopped sharply when Malfoy elbowed him in the side.
This display of obvious animosity on Harry's part seemed to be a little much for Draco, who, in a moment, had pulled his wand out and was pointing it at Harry. Harry had, at the same instant leapt from his seat and drawn his 'weapon'. Neither of them backed down, so there they stood - Harry in the compartment and Draco in the corridor-, throwing harsh looks at each other.
This was until a voice from the other end of the carriage made Malfoy turn and look to see the source. Harry hastily shoved his wand back into his robes, so when the speaker arrived they found Draco brandishing his wand against Harry.
'You, boy!' the person said as they approached.
'Yes Professor,' said Draco, acting as innocently as he could, given the circumstances. He looked down and realised he was still holding his wand. Guiltily he hid it behind his back.
'Malfoy?'
'Yes Professor.' Draco seemed thoroughly confused.
'Thought so. Get lost.'
A very baffled look spread across Malfoy's face as the grin slowly dissipated.
'I said go away. Don't make me repeat myself a third time.'
With this, Draco swaggered away, his cronies in tow. He looked at Harry as he turned. Harry could read him like the book he had just dropped - 'You've been saved this time. Just you wait…' Harry didn't care what he would be waiting for - he was too intrigued by the woman standing in the place of Draco. It was the woman they had seen with Fudge on the platform. Her lilac robes were pristine and her mid-brown hair was twisted round into a bun, which was clipped securely in place. Her face seemed full of energy, and yet as if she was older than she appeared.
It took a moment for Harry to realise he was staring. He blinked and quickly took his seat again. She was still standing there, looking at him. He felt his face turn red with embarrassment.
'Would you care to tell me what that was about?' asked the lady.
Hermione took this chance to say how intrinsically nasty Draco is, how he's always up to something and how he can't stand Harry being more popular than he is and better at Quidditch.
'I suppose he can't really help it,' said the woman sympathetically,' It's probably genetic.' The group looked shocked to hear someone blatantly insult the Malfoys. The corners of her mouth curled up into half a smile, and the friends relaxed. Harry had an overwhelming urge to ask 'who are you?' and he could tell by the look on Ron's face that he was thinking the same too, but the both of them were too polite to ask such a blunt question.
It was as if she had read their minds, but didn't want to give them the security of knowing the truth; the lady simply turned to leave and said,
'I suppose I'll be seeing you soon. It won't be long before we reach the school now.' Then she strolled away down the corridor.
