Strange Beginnings

Chapter III.II

Draco hadn't tried to approach Y/N for any type of conversation or interaction. He didn't appreciate them making him look like a weak fisted wimp in front of the Slytherin and Gryffindor quidditch teams (and particularly in front of Harry Potter) along with anyone else that happened to be in the court yard that morning. Though Y/N was sure his nose had been healed possibly instantly by madam Pomfrey, he wore the bandage over it for a full week, milking the sympathetic gazes and comforting hordes of girls constantly at his aid. Y/N had wrote home to Mrs. Diggory, retelling the events of that day and how annoying it was to constantly look at the blonde git's face and be reminded they're related. Beth responded with validation for Y/N's troubles but compassion toward the Malfoy boy, reminding them that he is just a product of his father's legacy. She also added her tidbit of parental advice, she couldn't help it, and reminded the young one that violence won't fully solve problems.

Oddly, no professor had approached Y/N about the incident to enforce rules regarding appropriate conduct or disciplinary action. They would find out later that it was because Draco didn't tell the matron how he actually busted his nose. He told it that a bludger had smashed into his face during quidditch practice. However, word traveled quickly from those who witnessed that morning and the students knew what actually happened.

A couple weeks later it was a Saturday and Y/N was headed to the hall for lunch. Along their way before reaching the large doors they saw Hermione Granger walking with a notable bounce in her step. An explanation wasn't far away as Lavender Brown and Parvati and Padma Patil exited the great hall and wished the frizzy haired girl a very happy birthday. She graciously thanked them with a pearly and toothy grin (Y/N wondered how her teeth were so exceptionally white) before disappearing through the doors. As Y/N rounded the open doors and into the entrance they watched as other students nearby Granger would offer their own birthday wishes, all of which she returned to them a smile and gratitude for their thoughtfulness.

At the Slytherin table, Draco and his posse sat a number of seats away from where Y/N placed themselves but they could still make out what the group was talking about. The platinum blonde kid had caught onto the news that it was Hermione Granger's birthday and he scoffed.

"She shouldn't even be here really. The wizarding world isn't meant for filthy mu-" his sentence was cut short as his plate of food found itself in his lap. 

The silver plate clashed loudly against the stone floor when he jumped in surprise, echoing throughout the hall and turning the heads of many students to see the commotion. His cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, sauce and dressing dripping down his shirt and pants onto the floor as he stormed away from the scene, his friends Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind. Y/N discreetly returned their wand to it's sleeve inside their coat pocket. 

Shortly after Draco's exit, Alexander walked into the hall and sat in front of Y/N. They, however, paid him no attention and simply continued eating without a greeting or acknowledgment that he was there. They were still mad at him but they couldn't figure out why they wanted to keep holding onto that anger. Of course they were upset with the idea that he didn't believe they could make the team on their own skill but in the short year and a little they had come to know Cedric's best friend they knew he must have done it with good intent.

With each bite of food Y/N thought of what they could possibly say but their brain worked against them as they recounted the events that led to these feelings. This only served Y/N into deciding that it would be up to Alex to extend the olive branch for the two of them to resolve the issue. They scooted the now clean plate away and stood from the bench, leaving without saying a word to their older housemate.

They walked aimlessly on the path to the library, not particularly wanting to interact with others who were enjoying the ideal weather of mid September. When they reached the entrance few students were inside and out of those who were there, most were enjoying leisurely reads instead of textbooks on potions and transfigurations. Y/N walked back to the sections that had fictional and other unrelated to school topic books, glancing at the bindings for a title that would ensnare their interest. As their eyes followed the rows it stopped at one that sat backwards and halfway to the other side as though someone had pushed it back for safe keeping. Not safe enough apparently.