(Sorry it took too long to update.)

August

A sleepy Tuesday had arrived and I sat down in the usual compartment.

It was now the day we would be returning to Hogwarts. As much as excited as I was, I took a quick peek into the future for a second. This was my last year, and during so, I'll be turning seventeen, but most importantly, I was getting married. I thought my life was going a little too quick, but this was all our parents' choices.

The train seemed to take longer than it usually had to start; perhaps it was possibly just me. I don't know if I was ready to go back yet, I wanted – needed – to see Draco first.

I was the only one in my compartment and I didn't want anyone else to enter. I closed the door and sat in my seat, looking at the blurred figures of students through the glass. The students were cramming into the passageways; and some even tried to open the door to my compartment. No. I didn't let them in.

It was now 10:58. The train would be on its way to Hogsmeade station in exactly two minutes. I opened my purse and took out some candies and started eating them. I've tried all possible ways to distract my mind from the thought Draco wasn't here yet – reading a book (which I immediately stopped), drawing (I'm not much of an artist); anything.

10:59. I was starting to worry a little bit. The determination to get off the train and onto the platform to look for him was somewhere deep in me, but I couldn't leave. Not now. Not when the train was going to start.

Staring at my engagement ring wouldn't help, either. It was gold with emeralds and diamonds engraved in them; illustrating the colors of the Slytherin house. If this was an engagement ring, I didn't know what to expect for the wedding ring, I thought ironically. It illuminated with beauty with the light that shined through the glass window.

I felt the train move a little, and heard the wheels starting to turn. I pressed my face against the window, hoping to see Draco on the platform. He wasn't there. I opened my door to check if he was just arriving. He wasn't there, either. I sunk back down in my seat, sulking; shoulders high. Maybe he had forgotten and was in another compartment.

I also had to stop my problem of crying easily. I know tears were coming their way, but I stopped them. Draco will come; I had to think positive.

The train started moving slowly, very slowly – I opened my window to see some parents waving goodbye to their kids as their hands stuck out of their windows; carrying their goodbyes and farewells. I couldn't find my mother or father so I remained inside. I looked for Lucius and Narcissa too; but they were also out of sight. Maybe Draco wasn't coming because of what he had told me previously – that he wouldn't be returning. That he would be moving on to bigger and better things.

Just as the train gradually passed the crowds of parents, something caught my eye. I couldn't clearly see because my window was now closed, but I could make something out of it – a tall figure, dark clothes, blonde hair, running and running. Their hand was waving high in the air, as if telling the train to stop.

I had no idea why I was as slow as I was. I opened the window, and looked out. I screamed as loud as I possibly could, but my voice was still drowned out by the sound of the train's engine. The smell of smoke was making me cough; causing me to sound indistinct, but I still gave it a go.

"Draco! Come on!"

I was mesmerized with how fast Draco could run, because by now, he was slightly faster than the train. He was breathing heavily but kept going, and I reached out my hand to let him grab it – I wasn't sure if this was going to work, but I needed Draco now. He ran even more rapidly and reached out his own hand, and grabbed mine. I felt the force wanting to pull me out of the window, but I didn't stop. My feet rose from the ground, but I managed to plant them back down.

"Pans," he said, fatigued. Conscientiously staring at his face made me want to cry... "Let go."

I felt myself weaken. "No…no,"

"Please, Pans." He stared at me with those gray eyes of his. I could see that hope still remained in them.

How could he possibly be so calm?

I nodded my head faintly and as I closed my eyes shut, I let go. The moment his hand was released, he continued sprinting. I peeked my head out and I could see several students were watching; even Daphne. "Drayyy-co!" She squeaked.

Ignoring Daphne's prattling; he gained greatly in speed and turned towards me slightly. At the right moment, he jumped in such a dramatic way and was hanging onto the edge of my window; feet slipping off the side. I lifted him up into the compartment, and we sat there, safe and sound.

I took out a spare towel from my suitcase and wiped his face.

"Draco…what happened? Why weren't you on the platform?"

He gave me that classic smile that couldn't be mimicked. "I wouldn't want you to worry, Pans. Although I didn't agree to it at first, mother needed help with some cleaning. It took longer than I thought it would, and I happened to be late."

"Oh," I peeped and looked down. "What about your things?"

"Oh, that? They'll be sent to me once we arrive at the school, Father already took care of it."

I was probably only half-listening to him now. I rested my feet on my seat, knees bending up, and buried my face into my arms. "I'm sorry I'm like that," my voice was muffled. "I know I worry too much." Taking a deep sigh, my head remained where it was.

I was expecting uncomfortable silence but instead, I felt him stroke my hair. We didn't speak the entire way to Hogsmeade Station; I just sat there and his embraces said all.

I'm glad he didn't forget about me. I wouldn't want my last year at Hogwarts to be spent in such a lonesome way.

Once the train came to a definite stop at Hogsmeade station and we were to be taken inside carriages, unfortunately, Draco and I were put in with Miles and Daphne.

We were completely silent at the beginning. Miles was looking out the window, Daphne was crossing her arms, glaring at me; and giving Draco flirty looks every now and then. Draco just held my hand and remained quiet; I was surprised he didn't want to put up a fight.

Then, conversation started. Miles saved the day, and I was surprised someone finally felt the same way.

"Daphne, is there any reason why you irk Pansy so much?" He said, as if Draco and I weren't even there. I was fine, though – I'd love to see her get humiliated by her own 'boyfriend'.

Daphne gave him that familiar, dubious look. "Excuse me? And why are you asking me this?" She had the most counterfeit voice I had ever seen. If she was trying to be cute and innocent, it wasn't working. Definitely.

I imitated her high-pitched voice. "And why are you so afraid to answer that?" Miles and Draco sniggered, and Daphne was turning red.

"First of all, Pansy, you're the one that's scared of me. You've always been jealous of me. I didn't do anything to you, all of a sudden you stopped hanging with me in our third year-" she began.

"No," Draco snapped. Perfect, Draco probably had the most strength when it came to insulting Daphne. "You were jealous of her. Because she was with me." I liked the way he used 'me' and 'she' together. It made me feel like he really preferred me.

Daphne blushed furiously. She removed the mean, cruel image; in which she replaced with that naive look. "Whatever do you mean, Draco?"

I was absolutely disgusted. Daphne was the most impudent girl I've ever come across. It was time for Draco to go to his original, malicious side. I know it was all for protecting me, so Miles and I just sat there and watched them go.

"You need to stop being such a replica of someone else and trying to impress me with everything. Daphne, you're absolutely getting on my very last nerve on how you always bother Pansy; well, take a look at this." He softly took my hand and flashed the ring at her face. I loved it how he always seemed to win, and left the opponent sulking in regret. "We're engaged, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Daphne was thunderstruck. Instead of confessing to Draco (or me, more importantly); instead of crying – she just crossed her arms even tighter. "Hmph. I don't need to be told by foolish individuals by you." And with that, she left the carriage, opening the door and entering another one.

Draco, Miles and I just stared out the window for a couple of moments. "That has got to be the smartest thing I've ever heard her say," Miles said. We were chatting all the way to Hogwarts, making up jokes about Daphne and enhancing each one so it was meant to be laughed at.

Sorting ceremonies grew boring to me as I uncomfortably sat in my usual seat in the Great Hall. I've seen this occurrence how many times now? Six. And one I was involved in.

My fork spun and spun around my mashed potatoes. Right now I wasn't in the mood to eat or to put it in a better way – I wasn't even in a mood to be awake.

Not wanting to worry him, a slow serene tone would do well.

"Draco, I'm feeling tired. I'm going to turn in for the night, okay?"

He looked at me with a look of fret. He dropped his spoon and fork and rested his palm on my temple. The other he placed on my shoulder.

"You feeling okay, Pans?"

It lightened up every inch of my soul, seeing that there was enough sanity in Draco that any girl would wish for. Merely gazing at those beautiful blonde strands captivated me to the fullest extent. My hand found its destination and settled on his.

"I'm okay, Draco. Really." I arose from my seat and started walking towards the door; remembering to turn around and give him one last wave. I did.

The true reason I was so depressed was that I had completely forgotten what my mother had told me in the summer – the whole prospect of becoming a Death Eater. It was true, my father had gladly accepted the request since it would be a great honor – but my mother contrasted to that. She was worried, and although Draco and Lord Voldemort's would be there, she said it was far too dangerous.

As I walked towards the dungeons, hearing the echo of my footsteps in the abandoned cellar – I felt my eyes watering. I convinced myself, no, no one – nothing – was worth a Parkinsons' tears. I hated it how I cried so easily. Hated it how I'm so tough and yet so frail.

I just wanted to go to sleep, and leave my problems for my dreams, for dreams were the only place I could be anywhere I wanted – anywhere but in this situation – and anything could happen. Miracles were no test.