A gust of wind discomposed Draco's outer garments when he apparated at the train station in Hogsmeade. He straightened his robe and scarf while surveying the area. It had been years since he'd been there; it felt as if it had been another life. There was no point in staying there any longer, however.

It was disappointing that there wasn't transportation waiting to take him to the castle. It wasn't a matter of physically exhausting himself. It was the principle of the matter, but things as they were, he really couldn't just sit there. He was about to trek to the castle when something caught his eye. Across the lake, an owl soared toward him. Draco was mildly curious, as there were not many people who would owl him. Few people knew he'd arrived, and who could possibly have such an important message to pass?

As the owl drew near, he knew it was from Hogwarts. The haggard appearance and thin, worn feathers gave away its origin. He untied the note from its foot once it had landed on the bench beside him. The owl blinked one eye, then the other. It was the very look of inconvenience.

"Go away, silly bird. I have nothing for you."

The bird hooted at him. "You only came from Hogwarts. It's less than a mile away!" he said exasperatedly, gesturing toward the distant castle. With what looked suspiciously like an eye roll, the bird took off.

"A spoiled owl, that one," he muttered to himself. He unsealed the envelope with his wand, and read.

Malfoy,

When Ms. Granger arrives at the station, Hagrid will escort you both.

Moody

Moody annoyed Draco to his limits. There was something unsettling about his eye which always knew the whereabouts and intentions of everyone. He couldn't imagine how Snape dealt with him.

Draco performed a remarkable imitation of the look that graced the visage of the owl he so quickly detested. Reclining on the hard bench, he crossed his ankles and arms. At least it was better then having to trudge through the mire-like terrain around the castle. This small advantage quickly diminished as the time passed.

He pointedly removed his pocket watch from his vest pocket, although no one was watching to take the hint. It was ten in the morning.

"How rude," he scoffed. "I suppose people like her don't think much on punctuality".

How Granger still wasn't there was beyond him. He would have thought she would be spending the night at Hogwarts, eager to set off and find her friends. They were always such chums in school.

"I can't really expect too much from her," he smirked haughtily. "She came from the working class. Her parents were Muggle ingrates who pulled teeth out of people's mouths."

It was apparent she wasn't going to be arriving any time soon, so he adjusted more comfortably into his warm spot on the bench. As the scenery was pleasing enough, he contented himself with breathing the fresh highland air, and watching the leaves blow across the platform as miniature tornadoes.

The wind died down, and the sun began to break through the concealing blanket that had covered the sky since dawn. September days had a habit of being indecisive about their weather. The day may start off dank, and then turn pleasantly sunny. Draco sneered at the sun for showing its face. He didn't care to be back here. He felt as if all his old problems came creeping back to perch atop his shoulder. His old sentiments rushed back as easily as they had taken off.

He was insufferable back then, and his selfish need to fulfill every childish whim was revolting. With age he grew to become patient; he learned the art of delayed gratification. He was almost embarrassed to think of the emotional outbursts Potter and his friends induced; and to think he was now partnered with one and off to rescue the other two.

He kicked the heal of his sturdy, black boots against the pavement. Where was Granger? Had her Gryffindor bravery deserted her? In childhood, school houses meant everything. Once they graduated, however, it was hardly an issue.

So many things followed that route for Draco. All ties to the school were broken- except through the Order.
Suddenly, Draco felt a slight change in wind direction. It was an eerie feeling. Without having to turn around, he knew she had finally arrived. Choosing to move irritatingly slow to make a point, he slowly gathered himself into a stand. He grandiosely smoothed his heavy robes, and raised an eyebrow at the newcomer.

"Ms. Granger," he inclined towards her. He addressed her the same as he would Ms. McGonagall. "How kind of you to finally arrive. After all, what's a small wait when trying to rescue friends?"

Granger knew the intent of those words and began to turn a slight shade of pink. She clenched her jaw defiantly and breezed passed a self-satisfied Draco.

"Good morning Draco," she stated. It wasn't a question, because she didn't care. Having reached the tracks she turned around. "Well, are you just going to stand there?"

"Moody sent word that Hagrid would be escorting us. Surely, you wouldn't want me to go against orders?" Draco held back his sneer, his expressionless face would irk her further. Deep in his abdomen, he was disgusted that a simple matter of tardiness dredged up old bitterness.

Granger's lips tightened ever so slightly. He could tell he had gotten to her. With an air of total disregard, he sat back down, lounging on the bench. He leaned back, his left arm supporting his weight on the bench's armrest.

She turned to look at him. Frustrated with his calm demeanor, she went back to staring across the tracks. After a few moments, she spoke once again.

"We've waited long enough. Obviously, Hagrid has been occupied with some school business and cannot escort us."

Draco inhaled slowly then focused his eyes on her. "What do you suggest then?"

"We walk," she stated impatiently. "Or is that simply too mundane for you?" She tapped her fingers on her arm, impatiently.

"I will remain and wait for Hagrid. I wouldn't want to disobey orders." Draco let his lips turn up slightly. He was really in no rush to start this assignment. Besides, teasing her was quite entertaining.

For a brief moment, Draco saw the immature Granger that once was; determined to be proven right and be foremost of everyone around her. With a huff and a whirl of her cloak, she stepped off the platform and crossed the tracks. Her back was erect. Her need to outdo him was apparent in every step.

Oh my, he thought. This will be interesting.