Drinny FF
Chapter 4
We stood at Platform 9, the familiar sight of the scarlet train waiting, its steam swirling lazily into the air. Mum was fussing over my trunk, making sure everything was packed—again. I shifted my weight, pretending to be interested in something off in the distance. I wasn't in the mood for a long, tearful goodbye. Not today.
Molly: Now, Ginny, make sure you write-
Ginny: Mum, I know.
I cut her off quickly, giving her a small smile to soften it. I could already feel the impending hug, and I had no desire to be smothered in front of half the school.
I glanced at the clock on the platform. It was time. The whistle blew, signalling the train would be leaving soon. This was my chance.
Ginny: Well, I better get on.
I grabbed my bag and making a swift move towards the nearest open door. Mum called something after me, but I didn't stop to hear it, too focused on getting on the train without getting caught in her arms.
Once I was on the train, I let out a small sigh of relief. No hugs, no tears. Perfect timing.
As I started walking through the train, though, heads turned and whispers flared up. Then I realized just how quiet it had gotten. As I walked further down the corridor, I could feel the weight of stares. Everyone was watching me. Boys and girls, eyes wide as if they were seeing me for the first time. My hand tightened around the strap of my bag. I knew I looked a bit different. But this? This was... weird.
trying to ignore the stares, I kept my head down, trying to ignore the way people seemed to lean out of their compartments just to get a better look. As I kept walking, my anxiety kept growing. Thinking to have finally seen an empty compartment, I hurriedly enter it and close the door.
Draco: Weaslette?
I froze and turn around faster than I could fly. Realizing it was only Malfoy, I let out a shaky breath and let my head rest against the door, closing my eyes, trying to find back my composure.
Ginny: Jezus, fuck.
I opened my eyes to see Malfoy sitting by the window, staring at me with those sharp, grey eyes that would've made me weak in the knees a year ago. He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. I stood there a few more seconds, dreading to go back out in the lion's den of stares and whispers. I turned around and turned the handle of the door.
Draco: You can stay.
For the second time that day, I turned around with a shocked expression.
Draco: Unless you'd rather go back to being stared at.
Ginny: Um, no, I mean- I'm sorry, are you feeling okay?
Malfoy let out a chuckle, yet, it wasn't with the usual sneer on his face. No, it was an actual, warm smile.
Draco: I'm fine.
Reluctantly, I nodded and took a seat across from him.
The silence that came was deafening. I expected a snide remark to be launched at my head any second, but… it never came. However, I, still unsure what to make of the situation, was grateful for the temporary escape from the overwhelming attention outside.
