Chapter 6 – Millie's Letter

            "You know, Draco, you really didn't have to see me off at the Hogwarts Express with Cho. You said you was busy with stuff, you should've just stayed at home - being busy with stuff" Millie said, holding Cho's hand while Draco was pushing her trolley. All three of them were on Platform 9 3/4, looking through the clear windows of the Express, trying to find an empty compartment.

            "Is that a hint that you don't want me here?" Draco asked with a sarcastic smile.

            "No! I just didn't want to make you think that I dragged you here with me!" Millie squeaked, shaking her head hastily.

            "Right! There's an empty compartment in there, up you go Millie!" Cho yelled, helping here sister up the steps. "Here… Careful, mind the step….."

            Millie got into the empty compartment while Draco went to put the trunk at the very end of the Express, where all the trunks were kept.

            "Listen, Millie. I want you to have a great time at Hogwarts, OK? Don't let anyone bully you. Concentrate, focus and do your very best, OK? And I want an owl from you every week, is that clear?" Cho said clearly and slowly, with a very worried look on her face. She was holding both of Millie's hands rather tightly than Millie would've liked. "Send me an owl before you get into bed tonight, OK? Tell me about everything. And don't worry; you'll make LOTS of new friends. Take loadsa care of yourself, alright?"

            "Give her a break, Cho! She'll be fine!" Draco said heavily as he stumbled in their compartment.

            "I just care for her! That's all! I'm not worried!" Cho said, although she had a very anxious look on her face.

            Draco sighed and then turned to Millie.

            "Take good care of yourself. Remember the three rules for Hogwarts: Get pissed, get high – OW!"

            Cho had undoubtedly punched Draco rather hard on the arm again.

            The whistle blew from somewhere over the many hurried heads that were squashed into the platform. Cho kissed Millie very hurriedly and was pulled off the Express by Draco's strong grip. They were both still holding hands – Cho's grip was rather stronger than she intended it to be – and were smiling and waving at Millie as the Express began to move. Cho was nearly crying, but held it in defiantly. She blew one last kiss at Millie before the Express picked up speed and disappeared out of the Platform.

            "I'm going to miss her" Cho whispered croakily, the minute the Express was absolutely out of sight.

            "She'll be fine. Trust me" Draco assured her, now with his arm around her.

            Cho looked up and forced a smile.

            "Yeah…Yeah she will be"

            They were both very silent throughout the journey back to Cho's apartment. The minute Cho had barely even opened her front door, she ran to the window, and stared out onto the continuous skies. Draco heaved a sigh and walked over to her and massaged her shoulders.

            "Cho, don't you think you're being a bit obsessive?" he said, quite cautiously, as though Cho was about to pounce on him any second. "Cho, I've told you many, many times before, and she'll be fine!"

            Cho turned around and stared into Draco's sparkling eyes. She could see it in his eyes that he was right. Cho WAS being obsessive and she should quit it before it gets out of control.

            "You're so right, Draco. Sorry, it's just that I really care for her, and if anything – anything – happens to her…." Cho opened and closed her mouth, searching for the right word. She evidently failed and continued to stare at the skies.

            Draco walked slowly towards the sofa, dragging his feet, and slumped down. He was obviously a bit pissed off because all Cho could talk about was Millie. Sure Draco liked Millie, but it was getting way out of hand. Cho had probably sensed that Draco was getting tired of her moaning, because she'd walked gingerly towards the sofa, and placed herself carefully next to Draco. She rested her head on his shoulders and apologized.

            "You don't have to apologize. You only care for her, that's just natural" Draco said. Something in his voice made Cho think that he didn't really mean that at all.

            They continued to rest on the sofa until they both fell asleep. They were woken up hours later when a small and fluffy owl had dropped a pink envelope onto Cho's chest. She grabbed it quickly and tore it open.

Dear Cho (and Draco, if you're there)  Cho read aloud, which then woke Draco up.

            I'm absolutely fine at Hogwarts, there's no need to worry about me OK? It's brilliant here; I didn't know it'll be this big. The moving staircases really freak me out – especially because of what happened to you ages ago, Cho. I run up them as quickly as possible.

            Please write back to me tonight. I need Cocoa to send a letter off to mum and dad tomorrow. I promised them that I would write to them before I write to you! Let's just keep that between us OK?

            Hope you and Draco are fine. Don't worry about me too much!

            Truckloads of love,

            Millie x x x

           

            P.S. I hope you're proud of me, Draco – I'm in Slytherin!!'