Falling Star

Return to Hogwarts

Sun is streaming in my large bay window as I open my eyes. On a normal day, I am not a morning person in the slightest; however, today is not a normal day. Today is September 1st, the day everyone returns to Hogwarts to begin a new term. I smile to myself, my body already buzzing with excitement. I had been counting down the days since summer began. Hogwarts was my true home. I could be myself at Hogwarts, not simply a perfect pureblood daughter or respectable Malfoy lady. Immense weight is lifted off my shoulders the moment I step onto the Hogwarts Express each year.

I quickly jump out of bed and hurry to my overfilled closet to select my outfit for the day. After trying on at least 23 outfits, I finally decide on a black pleated skirt and emerald green blouse with a black blazer. I look like a true Slytherin in this outfit, but neither of my parents would let me leave the house in Gryffindor red, even though that IS my house. At least I look nice, and this attire wouldn't cause an argument. Knowing that no one else in the manor is likely awake yet, I take my time getting ready. Once I am finished, I cross the hall to Draco's room.

I knock loudly on his door and announce that I am coming inside. Draco's room is still dark, his heavy curtains drawn. His school trunk is open in the corner, a few articles of clothing and schoolbooks thrown in haphazardly. He appears to still be sleeping, so, as any good sister would, I walk over to the window and throw open the curtains, letting the bright light in. A beam of sunlight washes right over Draco's face.

"Good morning! Time to wake up!" I call.

Draco responds with a groan and tosses a pillow at me.

I gracefully dodge the pillow and make my way to his unpacked trunk.

I pick up a shirt and start folding it. "Honestly, Draco, you're not even packed yet. We leave right after breakfast!"

"I'm aware of that, Mother," he replies, annoyed. "I suppose you've been packed for weeks."

I continue straightening the clothes and books in his trunk. "One week, thank you very much. There's nothing wrong with being prepared you know. Maybe then you wouldn't have to constantly borrow my notes. And quills. And parchment."

"Shut it," he says, launching another pillow at my head. It hits the wall behind me and falls to the floor.

"I'm just saying."

"Why are you even in my room? Get out!"

I stick my tongue out at him, a gesture he returns, and we hear a soft knock at the door. Mother strides in, already perfectly styled for the day.

"Oh there you are, Dahlia," she announces as she sees me. "I was wondering where you were." She looks over at Draco, who still has not gotten out of bed. "Draco, dear, why are you not up? breakfast is almost ready, and we will leave soon after." Her eyes wander to the open trunk. She sighs in motherly exasperation, noticing that it is not nearly full enough for the school year. "Draco Malfoy, why are you not finished packing?" she inquires. I chuckle, which earns me a stern glance from Mother and a withering glare from Draco. I take that as my cue to exit.

"I'll see you both at breakfast. I'm already packed, Mother." I say as I make my way to the door.

At breakfast, Draco still looks to be in a foul mood. He barely touches his food, instead he pushes it around his plate with his fork. Mother and I eat quietly. Father finally breaks the silence with his typical "back to Hogwarts" lecture. I work to keep my face neutral, even though I am dying to roll my eyes and grimace.

"You both know my expectations. Top marks in ALL your classes," Father states with emphasis, looking at Draco as he says this. Let's just say that Draco's score in Care of Magical Creatures last year was less than stellar. Draco nods curtly, keeping his eyes down.