Thicker than Blood (Draco Malfoy love story)

Chapter five: New friends

Phoenix's P.O.V

I sit in the classroom, feeling like I had been hit by a bus. Vampires...

I remember going through my book, learning everything I possibly could so that I would be caught up with the class. But I had purposely skipped that chapter. because all it talked about was how to KILL a vampire.

Once again, an image of my family flashes through my mind. Blood covering them, a silver stake plunged into their chest.

I look up, vaguely aware of someone standing in front of me. I see my reflection in their glasses. I can't help giving a small smile. I have no idea why people think vampires don't have reflections. My mom used to spend hours in front of the mirror, just playing with her hair. When I was younger, I would sit her in front of the mirror and braid her hair. My beautiful, impulsive, wonderful, sweet mom... I feel tears threaten, but manage to hold them in check.

I look up, surprised to find myself walking down an unfamiliar hallway. I'm supported by two kids my age; a boy and a girl, both red-heads.

Off to the side, a boy with black hair and bright green eyes holds my books and laughs. I realize the girl was saying something. I know it's rude to interupt, but...

"Where...am...I?" I ask slowly. my tongue feels like it was submerged in cement. Too heavy, too dry.

They all glance at each other, then the red-heads gently help me lean against the wall. The girl is the first to speak. "You're on the way to the nurses office."

I look at her, smiling at her kind voice. Her eyes held no hint of the fear, repulsion, or accusation I was so used to. Instead, she looked sympathetic.

"Yeah. we were just sitting in there, listening to Snape, and you just clocked out for a spell." Says the red-headed boy.

He sounds shy, unsure of himself. He fidgets around a little, uncomfortable of the attention.

I turn to the girl. Suddenly, I notice her robes. I look at them in confusion. "We aren't the same color." I say quietly, making the question a statement.

She looks confused, so I clarify. "Our robes. Slytherin is green and silver. What house are you from?"

She looks surprised. "We're all Griffindor . I'm Hermione, this is Ron," she points at the red-headed boy. "And that is Harry." she points at the green-eyed boy.

I smile. "I'm Phoenix."

Ron laughs. "Well, we already know that. You're kind of famous around here. Mysterious girl, shows up out of no where. Then we find out you're Dumbledores daughter!" He says excitedly. Even as I feel myself blush at the idea of fame, I can't help smiling at his boyish attitude. He's like a puppy.

"Come on, guys. We're supposed to be going to the nurse." Says Harry. I realize it's the first thing he's said this entire time.

I nod and stand up. I'm a little shaky at first, but I only take a second to get my balance back. I look at Harry.

"Lead the way." I walk in silence, listening to Hermione and Ron bicker. We get to the nurse's office, unsure of what to do.

I sit on the bed as Madam Pomfrey walks in. "Boys, what have I told you about being careful? I think you spend more time in here than in class!" She admonishes, having failed to notice me.

Ron laughs. "Whoa now! We are only escorts this time." He waves a hand towards me.

I blush as she turns around and looks me over. Her eyes soften and she gives me a gentle smile. "Well, well, you must be Phoenix. Dumbledores daughter. He talks about you so much, I feel like I know you already." She says, taking my hand.

I seriously doubt that, seeing as he didn't even know I existed a month ago, but I don't correct her.

"Now, what's wrong, dear?" She asks, her face becoming more serious.

I blush again, embarrassed about the attention. "Nothing. I just zoned out for a few minutes." I say quietly.

Ron snorts. "Try twenty minutes! You wouldn't answer anyone, wouldn't even blink!" He says, intent on making me spontaneously combust from embarrassment.

Madam Pomfrey looks at me. "Is that true?"

I bite my lip. "I guess so. I wasn't really paying attention. It seemed like a minute or two, but they had time to escort me half way here before I snapped out of it." I admit.

"What were you thinking about so hard?" She asks, a hint of concern on her face. I can't resist those motherly eyes, so much like my moms.

"My family..." I whisper. I half hoped she didn't hear me, but the look on her face told me I wasn't that lucky.

I see tears form in her eyes. "Oh, you poor thing." She reaches over and wraps me in a hug. I instinctively freeze, not moving a single muscle until she lets go. There are more tears in her eyes.

I cough, trying to break up the silence. "Well, since I don't have brain damage or anything, do you think I can go back to class?" I ask, faking a cheery voice.

She looks at me for a minute, almost pouting. "I want you to lay down until your next class. Then you can go, if you feel better." I bite my lip and nod.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron start walking out before I remember a spell I practiced at home that I could use to tell Draco what happened.

"Guys, hold up!" They turn around and look at me curiously.

I quickly grab a no-ink needed quill and a piece of parchment and start writing. "Sorry about what happened. Long story. I get to go to my next class, which is Care of Magical Creatures. Wait for me at the dungeon doors, if you want to talk some more. Talk to you later, hopefully, P."

I quickly fold it up and grab my wand. Then I explain how it works to Hermione, who was looking at it curiously. "Just walk into the classroom, with the note held loosely in your hand, and it will subtly float to whoever it's supposed to go to. I'll teach you the spell later, if you want." I offer quietly, not wanting to insult her intelligence.

Instead she smiles, nodding excitedly. They walk off to class, while I lay down. I smile at the thought of seeing Draco again. I watch as my crystal turns a bright gold, with streaks of pink. Happy. Pink is a weak version of red. A watered down version of love and passion. A crush, I guess.

Maybe being in Slytherin won't be so bad after all...