Before The Past

Ch. 30

I sat alone in the Slytherin train cart, once again watching all of the others laugh and get along with one another. It was almost like Deja vu at this point, and the more it happened, the more agonizing it became. It seemed that Draco had already faltered with his promise of being better. His back was facing me and he hadn't said a word to me since we got school supplies together. Even then he didn't say much and kept to himself. 

When the train stopped, I waited until most of the others had gone before I got out. I walked slowly by myself, watching all that went on in front of me. I watched Draco in his perfectly suited tie walk with his friends. I also heard what he said as he walked past Potter. 

"I'm surprised the ministry's still letting you walk around free Potter. Better enjoy it while you can, I expect there's a cell in Azkaban with your name on it." He spat. 

Both of them lunged at each other before Weasley held Potter back. Draco walked off with a wide grin on his face while Granger tried to settle Potter down. I walked past them, hoping I wouldn't be noticed. 

"Aroura, hey!" I heard Potter yell. 

I looked back and tried to put on a smile. He was running towards me while his two friends stayed back. 

"Did you get any of my letters?" He asked. 

"Letters? Harry I told you not to send any, and no I haven't gotten them. My parents probably intercepted them." I answered. 

"Right, sorry. Well how was your summer?" He asked enthusiastically. 

I couldn't look at him without breaking down a little. I knew things he didn't, and they weren't exactly good things. 

"It was alright, how about yours?" I responded. 

"Well, I'm sure you know all about mine." He shrugged. 

"I'm sorry that was a stupid question." I admitted. 

"Oh no, it's fine, really."

"Do you mind if I hitch a ride with you guys?" 

"No not at all, I'm sure the others won't mind." 

I smiled at Potter as we all waited for another carriage. The carriage before use had a bunch of girls including Cho Chang who smiled at Potter as she saw him. He smiled back, but grabbed my hand as he did so. She noticed this gesture and looked away, disappointed. I also noticed it and looked at him concerned. He noticed my unease and drew his hand away, looking down at the ground. 

A new carriage approached and Potter looked at it, surprised. 

"What are they?" He asked. 

"What's what?" Weasley responded. 

At this point we were all confused, looking at what he could possibly be marveling at in front of us. 

"That! Pulling the carriage." Potter exclaimed. 

We looked at the carriage, but there was nothing to be seen. 

"Nothing's pulling the carriage Harry." I said. 

"It's pulling itself like always." Granger added. 

He looked at whatever he was imagining in front of him, while walking cautiously around it. When he got to the side of the carriage, a blonde girl sitting on it spoke. 

"I can see them too. You're just as sane as I am." She said in a whimsical voice. 

We all looked at each other, wondering what in God's name they were talking about. 

When we loaded the carriage, she scooted over and I sat next to her with Harry next to me. I felt slightly uncomfortable that he was next to me, but tried to pay it no mind.