𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐞 || 𝐃.𝐌

Chapter 6 - A nightmare before Christmas

*Leaving Hogwarts for Christmas break*

Ivory's POV:

Draco and I were aboard the Hogwarts Express when he mentioned that he had something special planned for our first holiday together. Obviously, I was very excited but also curious. I'm not exactly fond of surprises. That also explains why I kept asking him questions all the time. He answered very strategically, and didn't give me a single hint.

"Even when you look at me with those pretty eyes, I won't say anything, Ivory."

"Please, Draco..."

"You heard me, princess."

I eventually gave up because he was too good at keeping things secret.

This is the first year I won't be spending Christmas at home, and it feels strange not being with my parents. It's been some time since we last spoke, and perhaps that's for the best. I considered bringing Draco to meet them, but I doubt they would have approved of me having a boyfriend. Instead, I told them I would be spending the holiday at a 'friends' house, and to my surprise, they actually approved.

A sweet old lady came to offer us some snacks from her trolley. Draco bought me some chocolate frogs, which he knew were my favorites. Slowly, the castle disappeared into the distance.

As we talked, I noticed Pansy scanning for a seat, and I couldn't help but focus all my attention on her. I silently hoped she wouldn't come our way. Draco had mentioned that he didn't care for her all that much, despite the fact that he often acted like her friend. The reason she manly hates me is because she had the biggest crush on Draco. She was probably heartbroken when she found out we were dating. During class she would always call me names, and overall just be mean toward me.

*Door from train coupon opens*

"Oh god..." I sighed under my breath as Pansy Parkinson stepped inside, eyes sweeping the carriage like a predator searching for prey, or worse, attention.

Behind her was Blaise Zabini, looking far more relaxed, his hands shoved in his pockets as he followed her lead.

Pansy's eyes locked on me almost instantly. Her expression twisted into that familiar look of disdain she seemed to reserve just for my existence. And, of course, the two of them chose the seats directly behind us.

Perfect.

"What's wrong, love?" Draco asked beside me, noticing my shift in posture. His voice was soft with concern, but I could already feel the tension prickling at the back of my neck.

I didn't answer right away, just rolled my eyes and tilted my head slightly toward the pair settling in behind us.

"What about them?" he asked.

"I think she hates me." I murmured under my breath.

Draco let out a small scoff and reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine without hesitation. "Don't be silly, darling. They don't dislike you."

I didn't respond. I didn't need to. Pansy's glares and under-the-breath comments over the past few weeks had made her feelings more than obvious.

"Hey, mate." Blaise greeted as he sat down behind Draco. His tone was casual, even friendly.

Draco offered him a polite nod in return, but I could already feel my mood sinking like a stone. There had to be other empty compartments on this train. Why this one?

A minute passed, then two. I was just starting to hope they'd keep to themselves when Pansy's shrill voice cut through the low hum of train noise like nails on a chalkboard.