The Serpent's Daughter

Chapter 8: Guardians and Secrets

As the Hogwarts Express rattled through the countryside, the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm golden light through the window. Draco Malfoy shifted slightly, feeling the weight of Lily’s head on his shoulder. He glanced down at her, watching her small, peaceful face as she slept, her dark hair spilling over her robe. A faint crease of confusion marred his features. Despite being an only child himself, there was something about Lily that he found captivating.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on it—her strange magic, her determination, or perhaps the way she seemed so different from the other first years he had encountered. She had a quiet strength about her, and even asleep, there was a hint of defiance in her delicate features.

Draco turned his attention back to his Quidditch book, trying to immerse himself in the tales of famous players and matches. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to Lily. He had known her for only a short time, yet she felt like a breath of fresh air, an escape from the rigid expectations that came with being a Malfoy.

“Who would have thought I’d find a friend in a little first year?” he murmured to himself, flipping a page, but the words didn’t stick. Instead, he glanced around the compartment, suddenly feeling a little suffocated. The large boys on the opposite side were munching noisily, and their laughter echoed in the cramped space, reminding him that he was still surrounded by Slytherin’s elite.

Just then, the compartment door slid open with a squeak, and Draco looked up, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Hey, is Lily in here?” a familiar voice asked. It was Percy Weasley, his red hair shining in the dim light of the compartment. The sight of him made Draco’s lips thin in annoyance, but he forced a polite expression on his face.

“She’s sleeping,” Draco replied coolly, trying to gauge Percy’s intentions.

Percy’s expression softened as he walked closer, peering down at Lily. “She looks so peaceful,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. He pulled his own glasses up the bridge of his nose, glancing at Draco with an expression that was half relief and half concern. “You’re not bothering her, are you?”

Draco rolled his eyes, irritation flashing in his blue eyes. “Hardly. She fell asleep on my shoulder. It’s not like I put her there myself.”

Percy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You know who she is, right? You’ve been nice to her?”

“Of course, I’m nice to her,” Draco replied defensively. “She’s... different.”

Percy nodded, and a hint of curiosity sparked in his eyes. “Different how?”

Draco hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “She’s got... presence. Magic, I guess. I mean, did you see her on the platform? She’s not like the other first years. She’s interesting.”

Percy stepped closer, his concern deepening. “Interesting how? You don’t know anything about her. She’s... special.”

“What do you mean by that?” Draco asked, a hint of irritation creeping back into his voice. “Is she some kind of princess or something?”

“Something like that,” Percy replied cryptically. His eyes softened as he looked back at Lily. “She’s been through a lot. Her parents—”

“Her parents?” Draco interrupted, leaning in slightly, intrigued. “What do you know about her parents?”

Percy glanced around the compartment, lowering his voice. “Her mother is—was Lily Potter, and her father... well, he’s someone we don’t talk about. Not here.”

Draco blinked in surprise, the weight of Percy’s words sinking in. “Potter? As in *the* Potter?”

“Yes, and it’s a bit more complicated than that,” Percy said, his brow furrowing with worry. “She’s not like her brother; she’s been isolated for so long. I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Why do you care?” Draco asked, crossing his arms. “You’re a Gryffindor. You’re not supposed to be worrying about a Slytherin.”

“Because she’s Lily,” Percy said firmly, as if that were enough of an explanation. “She deserves to be treated right.”

Draco fell silent, processing the information. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions: curiosity about Lily’s true heritage and annoyance that someone like Percy would have such a vested interest in her well-being.

“I’m not going to hurt her,” Draco said finally, frustration evident in his voice. “She’s my friend. You’re making it sound like I’m some sort of villain.”

“Just make sure it stays that way,” Percy replied, his tone softening. “She’s had enough darkness in her life.”

Draco regarded Percy for a moment, surprised by his intensity. “Fine. I’ll look out for her, but I’m not babysitting. She’s got to learn how to handle herself.”

Percy nodded, seeming satisfied. “That’s fair.” He glanced back at Lily, who was still curled up peacefully. “I should let her sleep. Just... keep an eye on her, okay?”

“Yeah, whatever,” Draco replied, trying to sound indifferent as he waved a hand dismissively. But as Percy turned to leave, Draco found himself saying, “Hey, Weasley.”

Percy paused, looking back.

“Don’t tell anyone I’m nice to her, alright? I have a reputation to uphold.”

Percy chuckled, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. “Your secret’s safe with me, Malfoy. Just... be good to her, alright?”

Draco nodded, his expression serious. “I will.”

Once Percy had left, Draco settled back into his seat, the lingering warmth of their conversation washing over him. He watched as Lily slept, feeling an unexpected sense of protectiveness surge within him.

His mind raced with thoughts about who she was, her parents, and what that meant for their friendship. He found himself wondering how much of her strength came from her lineage and how much of it was simply her.

As the train rattled on toward Hogwarts, Draco allowed himself a moment of vulnerability, admitting to himself that maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to care about this little girl who had somehow woven herself into his life.

With a soft sigh, he reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Lily’s ear, feeling a surge of warmth in his chest. For now, all he could do was watch over her and hope that she’d never have to face the darkness that had haunted her family.