Far Away (Draco Malfoy)

~ 3 ~

The Slytherin common room was... intimidating, to say the least. All dark stone and shadowy corners, with the occasional flicker of green light reflecting off the cold waters of the Black Lake just outside the windows. It felt like stepping into a lair, which, I suppose, it kind of was.

     The other Slytherins milled about, some sprawled on the sleek leather couches, others whispering conspiratorially by the fireplaces. No one paid me much mind as I stood just inside the entrance, trying my best to appear like I belonged.

     Fake it 'til you make it, I thought, straightening my shoulders and lifting my chin.

    "You lost, newbie?" a sharp voice snapped me out of her thoughts. I turned to see a girl leaning casually against the doorway to what I assumed were the dorms. The girl had shoulder-length black hair, streaked with green at the tips, and an eyebrow arched so high it practically screamed, I don't have time for your nonsense.

     "Not lost," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Just... finding my way."

     The girl snorted. "Right. Well, don't stand there like a damn gargoyle. Come on, I'll show you the dorms before you embarrass yourself."

     With that, she turned and strode off, not even bothering to check if I followed. Not wanting to make things worse, I hurried after her.

     "Name's Lila, by the way," the girl said over her shoulder. "You're the one Dumbledore dropped in out of nowhere, right? Sorted into Slytherin? Interesting choice."

     "Uh, yeah, I guess," I mumbled, unsure of how much I should reveal. "And you?"

     "Pureblood royalty," Lila replied sarcastically, throwing open a door to a cozy but still dark and moody dorm room. "Or at least that's what they all think. Me? I don't give a shit about bloodlines or whatever nonsense these snobs are obsessed with."

     The room had two beds, one neatly made with emerald-green sheets and the other bare, presumably mine. A few posters adorned Lila's side— a mix of wizarding bands and what looked like some strange creature with way too many tentacles. A small cauldron sat bubbling in the corner, though the smell was surprisingly pleasant.

     "That's your side," Lila said, flopping onto her own bed. "Keep your junk out of mine, and we'll be fine. Oh, and don't even think about touching my stash of chocolate frogs. Those are sacred."

I let out a small laugh. "Noted. Thanks for showing me around. I wasn't sure what to expect."

     Lila waved a dismissive hand. "Don't get all mushy on me. Just don't do anything stupid, and I'll make sure the rest of these snakes don't eat you alive." She shot me a smirk. "I'm kidding. Mostly."

     "Appreciate it," I said, sitting on my bed and starting to unpack. I could feel Lila's eyes on me, sizing me up.

     "You've got guts, I'll give you that," Lila said after a moment. "Walking in here like you own the place. Draco's already got his knickers in a twist about you. What'd you do to piss him off so fast?"

     I groaned, flopping back onto her bed. "I exist, apparently."

     Lila laughed, a sharp, genuine sound. "Yeah, that'll do it. Don't worry, he'll get over it. Or he won't, and you'll just have to deal. Either way, you've got me now. So, congrats, I guess."

     "Lucky me," I said with a grin, already feeling a little more at ease. If nothing else, I had one ally in this strange, new world. And for now, that was enough.

The room settled into a comfortable quiet, the sound of the lake faintly gurgling through the enchanted window. I unpacked my things, glancing at Lila occasionally, who was now flipping through an old spellbook, her legs still draped lazily over the side of her bed.

     "So..." I began, fiddling with the clasp on my bag. "Is Malfoy always like that? Or is it just me?"

     Lila didn't look up, but a slow smirk tugged at her lips. "You mean a stuck-up, brooding git with a superiority complex? Yeah, that's pretty much his thing."

     I laughed softly. "Doesn't it get exhausting, though? He seems... angry all the time."

     At that, Lila's smirk faltered, and she shut the book with a snap. "Yeah, well, Malfoy's got his reasons. His family's... complicated. Not that I'm making excuses for him, but people like him? They're raised to be angry. It's easier than showing they're scared or hurt."

     I tilted my head, surprised by the sudden insight. "That's... kind of sad."

     Lila shrugged, her tough demeanor slipping just a little. "Maybe. But don't let that fool you— he's still a prat. Just don't let him see he's getting under your skin, yeah? People like him feed on that."

     I nodded, absorbing the advice. "Thanks, Lila. That actually helps."

     Lila rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "Don't mention it, newbie. You're in my dorm now, so I guess I'm stuck with you."

     I grinned, feeling the first real spark of camaraderie since arriving at Hogwarts. "Hey, what year are you, anyway?"

     "Second," Lila replied, leaning back against her pillow. "I've already done the whole 'new kid in Slytherin' thing, so consider me your personal guide. What about you? What classes do you have tomorrow?"

     I fished a schedule out of my bag and handed it to Lila, who scanned it with a sharp eye. "Let's see... Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts. All the basics. Not bad. You've got Snape first thing, though. Good luck with that."

     "Why? Is he strict?" I asked, my stomach flipping nervously. I already knew the answer, having watched the movies and all, but living it is so much different than seeing it. I couldn't be sure everything was the exact same as in the movies.

     "Strict? Snape could make a grown man cry with a single glare," Lila said with a laugh. "But he's brilliant. Just... don't screw up in his class unless you want to be the next cautionary tale."

     "Noted," I muttered, already dreading it.

     Lila tossed the schedule back with a casual flick of her wrist. "Tell you what— I'll walk you to Potions in the morning. Can't have you getting lost on your first day. Plus, it's fun watching the first years panic before class."

     I smiled, feeling an unexpected wave of relief. "Thanks, Lila. Really. I wasn't expecting anyone to, you know... be nice to me here."

     Lila's eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked almost vulnerable. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it," she said, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness. "I don't do this for just anyone."

     I laughed, the tension from the day finally easing. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

     Lila smirked again, but the warmth in her gaze lingered. "Good."

A loud thud echoed from somewhere outside the dorm, interrupting our conversation. It was followed by a burst of laughter and the unmistakable beat of music reverberating through the walls.

     "What the hell was that?" I asked, sitting up.

     Lila, still sprawled on her bed, broke into a mischievous grin. "Oh, you're in for it now, newbie."

     "For what?" I asked, but Lila was already on her feet, her wand lighting up with a quick Lumos.

     "Come on," Lila said, her voice low but dripping with excitement. "You're not gonna want to miss this."

     "What's 'this'?" I asked, reluctantly sliding out of bed and tugging on my slippers.

     "You'll see," Lila said with a wink, yanking the door open.