September 2; Hogwarts Express
Astoria Greengrass stumbled onto the Hogwarts Express just moments before its departure. She walked down the red carpeted hallways, peering into compartments occasionally. Her black kitten, Wicca, squirmed in her arms and brandished her claws at Astoria's face in an attempt to break free. Astoria clutched onto her tightly, and then swore rather colourfully when Wicca jumped from her arms and dashed down the hallway into the next car.
"Stupid cat…" Astoria mumbled, before trudging after the four legged nightmare. Her search stopped, however, when she saw Wicca being picked up by a tall, red headed girl.
"Mimi!" Astoria cried, hugging her cat and her friend. Wicca grumbled in annoyance as she was squished between the two giggling girls. "Oh, Merlin, I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too!" Mimi said, and then looked down at the cat in her arms. "What's with the fur ball?"
"Oh, dad got her for me after being made Head Girl. Her name's Wicca, and she likes to bite," said Astoria happily, trying to pry the cat away from her friend.
Mimi held up her red hands, little bite marks ran up and down her tan skin. "Yes, I can tell. The little bugger…"
"Don't worry; it's just her way of showing her love." said Astoria, holding up her own red hands. "Where's Helia?"
"Just in the compartment over there, actually," Mimi said, pointing across the hall.
Astoria walked towards the compartment door and flung it open with a flourish. A small brunette sat quietly in the corner, reading a book. She looked up over the pages, and her delicate face broke out into a wide grin, "Astoria!"
Helia patted the seat next to her, and Astoria and Mimi sat down with a huff, placing the black kitten on the floor to play. Astoria looked over her friends, a content smile placed on her face.
Mimi sat opposite her; she towered over the two girls, a staggering five foot ten. She had flaming red hair that closely resembled a lion's mane. She looked like an Amazonian beauty with her green eyes and golden toned skin, and she had an attitude to match. Both her parents were hippies, and had her at a young age. Her real name was Imogen, but Merlin forbid if anyone ever called her that.
The tiny brunette next to Astoria could not have been more the opposite. She was petite and delicate and soft spoken and absolutely gorgeous. She had a rich Mediterranean background and her parents had named her after the Greek Goddess of the Sun – Helia. Her eyes were liquid gold and were often found scanning the pages of a good book. Despite her appearance, she played a mean game of Quidditch. If Mimi was the lion then Helia was a bird, flighty and free.
Astoria could not have asked for two better friends. They were supportive, and she could tell them anything. This, of course, included everything that had happened over summer break. Especially what had happened at the ball.
"Oh, Merlin, I think you like him," said Helia in her tiny voice never once glancing up from her rather large book.
Before Astoria could tell her how ridiculously absurd the idea was, Mimi did it for her, "Ew, you cannot like that git. He is disgusting and probably has pubic lice courtesy of Pansy the cow."
"Don't worry, I would-"
"Anyways," Mimi interrupted her, matter-of-factly. "He would never like you."
"What?" screeched Astoria. If there was one thing she hated, it was people telling her she wasn't good enough. Helia sat back comfortably and was content with watching the scene unfold.
"It's not that you're not pretty, or whatever," Mimi told her gently. "It's just that you're the epitome of goodness. You got perfect Owls, you're Head Girl, and you skipped First Year all together. You speak three languages, and volunteer during summer break. Your family wasn't involved with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and you're the pride and joy of Ravenclaw to boot. You're a goody two shoes, save for the occasional skinny dip..."
"That was one time!"
"I know, that's my point. You do no wrong, and Malfoy doesn't go for that," Mimi concluded.
Astoria sat dumfounded as Mimi counted off the reasons on her fingers. She was right, Astoria thought solemnly. I am a goody two shoes. She knew she didn't like Draco, but Draco not liking her? Not a chance! By Merlin's pants, I'm going to do it. Draco Malfoy will fall for me. Well, if I have anything to do about it.
Astoria got out of her seat and stalked towards the compartment door. Then, she whipped around, pointing a finger at her two best - excuse me, ex-best friends, "Just you wait and see."
"Where are you going?" asked Helia worriedly, concerned she'd hurt Astoria's feelings.
"I am Head Girl. I have to go do my rounds," Astoria said brightly, experiencing one of her many mood swings.
Just as she opened the compartment, the train gave a jolt and she lurched out into the hallway.
"Watch where you're- Oh, its you," said the voice she had just bumped into.
Well, speak of the devil...
Astoria looked up and smiled, "Why yes, it is me isn't it?"
"I'm leaving now," said Draco, and then he hurried away with Astoria hot on his heels.
The two girls left in the compartment stared at the open door with grins on their faces.
"Ten galleons bets that she gets him before the end of the year," said Helia conversationally, returning to her book.
"No way in hell are they getting together," said Mimi stubbornly, crossing her arms. She squirmed uncomfortably as Wicca jumped off her lap, scurrying into the hallway, and doubt bubbled in her stomach at the thought of the two blonds the cat was headed after.
September 2; Prefect Compartment
Draco rolled his eyes at the girl standing at the front of the room. She was speaking to the group of students sitting in the small compartment, arms moving, aiding her point. She had just been named Head Girl, and it was just Draco's luck that she happened to be clad in the blue colors of Ravenclaw.
Since he had gotten on the train, he hadn't had one moment of peace. Just barely making it on the train, he walked down the hallway only to be hit by Astoria. He turned to run down the corridor, only to find her walking behind him leisurely, and before he could make a nasty comment, he spied the Head Girl badge placed on her chest. Then, he tore his eyes away from her chest and slammed himself down onto the nearest seat, scolding himself for staring at her chest.
Draco zoned out for a time, content with listening to the oddly pleasant buzz of Astoria's voice. He thought about what had happened at the ball. It seemed like a distant memory, she was so different at school, so poised, so prim and proper, so much like Granger. And to think, he had actually considered her fascinating. He certainly didn't find her that now, but then why did the memories bring up such alluring emotions? Fresh emotions, like spring rain. Draco shook his head as if that would rid him of his thoughts, he didn't want to turn soft.
She moved her hands fluidly through the air, painting pictures. Draco sat transfixed, staring unabashedly now. He was certain at this point that she was a Veela, and he made a mental note to ask her about it next time they were alone. This thought threw him into several longwinded fantasies involving Astoria, himself, and an empty broom closet.
"…So, we'll just pick up from here next week. Patrol schedules will be handed out tomorrow!" Astoria finished with grin. The prefects began to lift off their seats, chatting quietly. Draco, on the other hand, stayed in his seat, eyeing the girl, trying to forget his thoughts.
Suddenly, Astoria screamed out, "Oh, wait! One more thing, I received a letter from the Headmistress and she informed me that there will be not two, but fours Heads!"
An excited murmur ran through the group as they waited for the next announcement. Hermione looked like she was about to burst out of her skin, and electric current seemed to course through her body, keeping her on edge.
"She said that she wouldn't want to deprive our former Seventh Years, now Eighth Years, the honor of being a Head," she continued.
"So, without further ado, Head Girl will be Hermione Granger," Astoria announced kindly, handing the girl her badge. Hermione squealed and launched herself at the Weasel, tripping over Draco's foot in the process. She shot him a nasty glare, worthy of a Malfoy.
Draco sneered in disgust. It was so predictable, Granger getting Head Girl. Various students congratulated her, Ron hugged her awkwardly before placed a kiss on her cheek. She whispered something in his ear and he nodded hopefully. Oh, Merlin. She looks like she's going to cry. I bet Weasel makes Head Boy, and then he and Granger can spend some time snogging in a broom closet.
Astoria cleared her throat, a pink flush gave color to her cheeks. She was nervous, realized Draco, but why?
"And Head Boy will be…Draco Malfoy," she said finally, surprise plain in her voice. About twenty Hogwarts students looked over at Draco. Some jaws were dropped, some eyes were bulging, and two screams pierced the silence, "Excuse me?"
Hermione looked faint, and Ron was red in the face, staring at Draco so hard that he could have burned holes into Draco's blond covered head. Astoria looked over at the Slytherin worriedly, her eyes questioning, and a little clouded over, as if she was thinking long and hard.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer," said Draco, his voice icy and dripping with venom. He glared at everyone in the room, locking eyes with every person, and slowly they began to leave the compartment, one by one.
Soon, only Draco and Astoria were left. Perfect. They were both silent; Astoria leaning against the now closed door, eyes closed; and Draco sitting, his face twitching in annoyance.
It was Astoria who spoke, "Here, take your badge." She extended her hand, holding onto the badge as if it were diseased.
"I don't want it. I don't want any of it," said Draco roughly, shoving back Astoria's hands. He got up and began to walk to the compartment door, only to have it blocked by Astoria's outstretched arm.
"I don't think so. You'll take it, you were chosen, you just can't say no," she said firmly, pressing the badge into Draco's chest. Draco shut his eyes, breathing in deeply. He had to make her understand.
He placed his hand over hers on his chest, and Astoria hoped that he couldn't hear her heart flutter in her chest. "I. Can't. Take. It," he said, punctuating every word.
"Why not? If it's because of Hermione, you could patrol with me. You wouldn't have to do a thing with her. Just please, take it," she pleaded.
"Why do you care so much? What if it's not because of Granger, what if it's because of you?"
This time Astoria didn't have a comeback. Her mouth was set in a thin line, and instead of her heart fluttering pleasantly, it dropped heavily into her stomach.
When she didn't speak, Draco took his hand from on top of hers. "They won't want me, not after all that's happened."
"Draco Malfoy feels remorse, how interesting. Stop being a bloody coward and take the stupid badge you git. The past can't be changed," she said bluntly, obviously finding her voice.
Draco stared at her for what seemed like a long time. She looked up at him with glassy eyes, begging him almost. He considered walking away, but then decided against it more for his sake then hers. This would drive him mad, and he had a feeling that she would never give up.
"Fine," Draco spat. "Give me the stupid thing."
Astoria placed it in his hand, exhaling gratefully, "Thank you."
As she watched Draco walk away she heard him mutter something that sounded very much like "why me?" She found herself pondering the same question, only to be distracted by the thought of a pair of steely grey eyes. Astoria decided she had never in her short life seen such sad, almost lifeless eyes.
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