You step onto the Hogwarts Express, the excitement of the new school year bubbling inside you. You scan the train for an empty compartment, and after a few minutes of searching, you finally find one. You open the door and step inside, only to find that the only other person in the compartment is none other than Draco Malfoy.
He looks up from his book and glares at you. "What do you want?" he sneers.
You're taken aback by his hostility, but you're determined not to let him ruin your first day back at Hogwarts. "I'm just looking for a place to sit," you reply calmly.
He rolls his eyes and goes back to his book, but you can feel his eyes on you as you take a seat across from him. You try to ignore him and pull out a book of your own, but you can't concentrate with him in the room.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, you decide to break the ice. "So, how was your summer?" you ask, trying to sound casual.
He looks up at you, surprise evident on his face. "Why do you care?" he asks, but you can see a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"I don't know, just making conversation," you shrug.
He hesitates for a moment before answering. "It was fine," he says curtly.
You can tell he doesn't want to talk about it, so you decide to drop the subject. You both go back to your books, but this time the silence is more comfortable.
As the train makes its way to Hogwarts, you steal glances at Draco from time to time. You can't help but notice how handsome he is, even when he's scowling. You catch him looking at you a few times too, and you feel a flutter in your stomach.
Before you know it, the train pulls into Hogsmeade station. You gather your things and stand up to leave, but Draco stops you.
"Wait," he says, his voice softer than before. "Do you want to walk to the castle together?"
You're surprised by his sudden change in attitude, but you nod and smile. "Sure."
As you walk together, you chat about your classes and catch up on what's been happening at Hogwarts. You even manage to make him laugh a few times, and you feel a sense of satisfaction that you were able to break through his tough exterior.
As you reach the castle, Draco turns to you. "Thanks for keeping me company," he says, a hint of gratitude in his voice.
You smile at him. "No problem. See you around."
He nods and heads off in the direction of the Slytherin common room, and you walk towards the Gryffindor tower. As you climb the stairs, you can't help but think that maybe there's more to Draco Malfoy than meets the eye.
