Half-Blood (Draco Malfoy)

A lady in pink throws off my vibe

When we finally get off the train, after some much needed catching up with my friends, something in the air feels different. It is colder than usual this year. Almost as if a light mist is suspended in the air. And even so, stepping off the train into the dark of the evening, with the familiar smell of the woods surrounding Hogwarts, is all I needed to feel at home. 

Harry, Ron, Hermione and I must have been running behind. This isn't totally abnormal for us. Being friends with these three always is interesting. In our second year, Ron and Harry even missed the train and so they took Mr. Weasley's flying car to school. Hermione and I were so worried. Plus, I got to hear about it all year from my sort-of-family. 

By the time we got to the carriages, they were almost gone. There was only one left, with a blonde haired girl on it. But as we approached, I realized something was off with Harry. He was looking directly at the large horse-like creatures that pulled the carriage. None of my friends had ever been able to see them. I knew what they were, so I never spoke up about it. I had witnessed death in our war against Kronos. This was something that I could not share with my friends at school, so I had kept quiet, to protect myself. 

Harry stopped in his tracks. 

"What is it?" Harry asked, in wonder.

"What's what?" Ron asked, completely oblivious.

"That," Harry said, gesturing to the Thestral, "pulling the carriage." 

Hermione and Ron glanced at eachother before Hermione said, "Nothing is pulling the carriage Harry. It's pulling itself like always."

I stay silent watching this interaction. I know it would make Harry feel better if I were to speak up, but I don't know what to say. I can't explain to them why I can see the Thestrals.

We approach the carriage in an awkward, heavy silence. Hermione and Ron probably think Harry is losing it. Just then, a voice speaks up.

"You're not going mad." The blonde haired girl lowers her news paper, "I can see them too, you're just as sane as I am." 

Of course! It's Luna Lovegood. Luna and I met last year during the second task of the Tri Wizard Tournament. All of my friends had mysteriously disappeared- for the task of course, which I had discovered later- but I had found Luna to sit with. She was an odd girl, but very kind. I think she is a Ravenclaw, but don't quote me on that. 

We all climb up, and sit down on the carriage. Just as I was about to introduce Luna, Hermione spoke up. "Everyone this is Loony Love-...." oh no. "Luna Lovegood."

Poor Luna had taken up that nickname, because, well, she was a bit Loony. I hope she didn't get bothered by Hermione saying that. 

"Hello, Lilia." Luna said lightly, with a smile. 

"Hi Luna," I replied smiling at her, "good to see you."

The rest of the ride was a bit awkward. Luna mentioned something about the Nargles. I, of course, knew all about these, after sitting with Luna last year. Although, I could tell everyone else was put off by her energy. Everyone sat very tensely in silence until we arrive at the castle. 

The opening feast is always the greatest. They have just about anything you can imagine, and it's really nice to not have to burn my favorite part of the meal as an offering for my dad. I don't think he minds. He can survive without my burnt food while I am away.

As always, we will begin eating, then Dumbledore will give his opening remarks, and we begin the year. If you couldn't tell by now, I take comfort in the fact that some things stay the same. But of course, as things seem to trend toward changing now, this evening does not go as expected.