I knew I was in trouble as I watched Potter's back fade away as he raced down the hall. I didn't tell him that I heard another voice among the mass of screaming girls.

I heard his brother's voice.

"Well, well. Look who we found here, Ickle-Scorpy wants to come out to play." I turned slowly to face the oldest of the Potter clan and grimaced. What frustrated me about this boy wasn't that he teased and me and watched as I get pushed around. It was his face as it happened. He never looked mean, or antagonistic. Instead he faced me with a smile as though it was all just fun and games for him.

This time was no different. His face was relaxed with a smirk and he stood surrounded with his entourage with his arms folded. He raised an eyebrow, obviously waiting for me to react, but I could only stare.

It all reminded me of the stories my father would read to me when I was younger of Greek heroes and villains.

I used to imagine myself in Odysseus' place as he fought the Cyclops or Hercules as he endured the heat of Hades. Up until then I had thought that one day I would overcome the prejudices placed against my family and show the wizarding world what a Malfoy was truly made of, just like those in the ancient stories.

When I found myself once again surrounded by those that obviously wanted to scare me I remembered one thing: Heroes always need something to save.

Heroes need a victim.

"Malfoy?" came a dainty voice from amongst the crowd. I watched, astonished, as it parted down the middle and everyone turned to face the disembodied voice.

Eleanor Day stood staring at nothing in particular with her walking stick in front of her.

"Ellie?" James looked shocked. For a moment I could only stand there in awe as she walked closer. My eyes moved from her nearing figure to Potter's face as he watched as well. He looked almost betrayed. In any other circumstance I might have found it amusing.

"Malfoy what are you doing? You were supposed to meet me in the library over an hour ago…" the small girl said convincingly. I wasn't sure how to respond as everyone's eyes turned on me.

"Uh…ah, well…right. I guess…I was just held up…" I sputtered. I may be many things, but making up good lies was never one of strong points.

"Never mind, let's get going, shall we? I don't have all day and we have a lot to cover." Ellie said as she stood in front of me. Her head was tilted up to look in my direction, but her eyes never really met mine.

"Y-yes…yes of course…" I licked my lips nervously and looked at Potter again, my shoulders straightened a little and I cleared my throat "Potter, Potter's clique, excuse me. It looks like I'll have to reschedule our…moment. It seems I have a prior engagement I should tend to." I nod and turn to Eleanor to offer my arm genially "Shall we?" I ask lightly. Ellie's small hand hooks inside my elbow and she begins to walk away from the crowd. I have no choice but to follow.

Once we're a good deal away, I look around before I turn to look at her with wide eyes. "What was that?!" I whisper harshly, my voice betraying my nervousness. I hear her snort lightly in amusement and she tugs me around a corner before she faces me with a giant smile.

"I'm sorry Malfoy, I'm not sure that's the proper thank you for someone that just saved your behind." She stated in her soft voice. Her face looked smug and she stood with her hip cocked as she waited. I could only roll my eyes.

"…Fine…thank you." I grumbled as I looked away, finding my hands more interesting than anything.

"Thank you…?" she repeated in question.

"Yes, thank you." I growled and looked back up at her. Her unfocused eyes blinked before she shook her head and sighed.

"You're really hopeless, you know? Let's just…pretend to study in case one of James' spies come to check up on us." I watched as she rolled her eyes and turned to push the library door open. I followed her in and sat across from her at one of the study tables.

Today was definitely one of my strangest…