As It Was *Complete*

10. Fuck You

For the last week before school started, Astra didn't leave the house. Instead, she prepared for the house to be empty for a few months. She got rid of all the perishable food, taking it to a shelter, and she covered her furniture with sheets to avoid it getting dust-covered in her absence.

She had received letters. Three or four from Maddi, two from Pansy, one from Blaise and Theo, and even one from Harry. They all lay on her coffee table unopened. She didn't want sympathy. She didn't want to be asked question after question. Especially when she did not know the answer to those questions.

On the morning of September 1st, she had her trunk packed and ready to go. She stepped outside the house and turned to take one last look around before locking it and tucking her wand into her boot under her long skirt. She pulled her backpack over her shoulder and finally Apparated, landing right outside King's Cross station in an alleyway.

She wasted no time in grabbing a trolley and levitating her trunk onto it before someone saw her use her wand and, tucking it back in her boot again, out of sight, she pushed the trolley through the station heading straight for the wall between platforms nine and ten. No matter how many times she did it, she never got used to the tickle that ran through her body as she crossed the barrier. She gave a sad smile as she realised this would be her last 'first day of school.'

She unloaded her trunk and set it with the others being stored in the caboose and headed to the ticket stand, showing her ticket to the conductor. "Thank you, Miss. Enjoy your ride to Hogwarts," he smiled as he tipped his hat to her.

"Thank you very much," she replied, returning the smile. She turned to head towards the front of the train when she bumped into someone, causing her to fall backwards. "Oh, I am so sorry, I -"

"Wasn't watching where you were going?" Came the response. Astra looked up to see it was Draco, who she had hit, knocking both of them to the floor. "Now, why am I not surprised it's you."

She was about to say something smart back when another voice rang out. "Draco, do not just lie there. Help the lady up." It was Draco's mother, Narcissa Malfoy, who was looking down at Astra with a kind smile on her face.

"I would mother, but I assure you, there are no ladies present," Draco scoffed, standing to his feet. However, he still bent down and offered Astra his hand. A hand she completely ignored as she stood up herself.

"My apologies again," Astra said, wiping off her skirt and turning.

"I do apologise for my son." Mrs Malfoy smiled. "I am not sure whether he was trying to insult myself or you by insinuating that there are no ladies present."

"Me," Astra said at the same time that Draco declared "Her" and gestured towards her.

"Either way, he was rude." Mrs Malfoy glared at Draco. "Draco, are you not going to introduce me?"

Draco blushed. "I did! After the battle." She gave him an angry look. "Apologies, Mother, this is -"

"My name is Astra, Mrs Malfoy. Astra McKenna." Astra said, holding out her hand, which Narcissa shook.

"Of course! Why it is lovely to see you again, Astra. What a lovely name. My whole family is named after constellations. Your name is quite fitting." She smiled. "Are you in your seventh year too?"

"Returning to the seventh year, yes," Astra said. "I am in the same year as Draco. A Gryffindor, however."

"Brave, adventurous and loyal," Mrs Malfoy smirked. "These are good qualities to have. Gryffindors do so possess such charming personalities. What was your house slogan?"

"Do what is right," Astra answered.

"Ah yes, of course." She smiled. "I have to admit when I first went to Hogwarts myself, I so wanted to be a Gryffindor."