His Girl by greenflowerpot

Chapter 3

- NOT MY STORY!! ALL CREDITS TO @greenflowerpot ON A03!!

"Where's your girl, Draco?"

Draco looked up. Theo stood in the door of the train compartment, smirking unkindly. Crabbe and Goyle guffawed at Theo's side.

"She's not allowed to come," Draco said. "So I suppose I'll have to hang out with you idiots instead."

"Who said we'll let you hang out with us?" Theo asked. "If you prefer the company of mudbloods."

Another lesson in power from Draco's father: never tolerate disrespect.

In the next instant, Theo was howling on the ground and clutching his knee. Draco put his wand away. Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other before shuffling over to Draco's side of the compartment.

"You don't let me do anything," Draco said coldly. "I do whatever I want. Now get up."

Theo wiped his nose, sniffling, and took a seat next to Draco.

Friendship among Slytherins was an easy thing. The most powerful would never have any trouble. And Draco intended to have no trouble at all.

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It did not take long for Draco to become the most popular boy of their class. He excelled easily in lessons and was polite and charming to the teachers, proud and domineering among his classmates. Even the older students, well-acquainted with the wealth and power that came with the Malfoy name, deferred to him. The first year boys called him full of himself behind his back but the girls, giggling, called him the Slytherin prince. The nickname took.

True to his word, Draco wrote to Hermione frequently. He could often be found sitting at a table in the Slytherin common room or at a corner in the library, penning long letters to her.

...and you would love the library here. It's got loads of books, even some dangerous ones that I'm sure you'd find a way to get your hands on. The grounds here are nice as well, though no rose gardens like back at the Manor. I'll show you someday. How are things back home? How are your lessons? Classes here are alright, but a bit too easy. I miss you.

Some of Draco's classmates teased him for it in the beginning of the school year. But word spread quickly: the Slytherin prince had a muggleborn pet back home, and he did not have a sense of humor when it came to her. He was soon left to write his letters - and read Hermione's responses - in peace.

Dear Draco,

Your last letter made me laugh! I'm glad you are having so much fun though I think you should be nicer to your classmates. They only meant to poke a little fun at you, you didn't need to jinx their legs. They probably think it terribly odd that you spend so much time writing to a nobody like me. You mustn't be so serious all the time, what if you come back at Christmas and I discover you've forgotten how to laugh?

My lessons are going amazingly well. The tutor says I'm "very gifted"! It is so wonderful being able to learn you know what (thank you, thank you, thank you!), and I'm always asking for extra assignments to do. Home is also nice. I've moved out of our bedroom into my own room now that you're not here. It felt very lonely without you. I miss you lots.

What do you do in between lessons or when you have free time in the evenings? Tell me everything.

Hermione

Although Hermione wrote many letters—often three or more a week—Draco kept each one, rereading them when he did not have new ones to devour.

The months went on and Draco's social standing grew unimpeded. By November it became clear that he was an extraordinarily gifted Quidditch player, and Headmistress Umbridge gave him special permission to play on the Slytherin team as a first year. Hermione had been so excited for him, so proud. The letter he received from her after he told her the news made his heart sing. It was marred by only one note, tucked at the bottom of the letter.