Second Chances

chapter 2 - Decisions

Harry remembered his last meeting with Malfoy. He had stunned the death eater that was advancing on Malfoy and Ron had punched him. Hard.

His now smirking face from underneath the hood stared him right in the face.

"See you're just as hooded as ever, Malfoy," spat Ron.

Malfoy's smirk dropped and he spun to face his accuser.

"No one was talking to you, you blood traitor," he sneered.

"Rather a blood traitor than a death eater," Hermione snapped, surprising the boys. Hermione had been known for her restraint but it seemed she was done being responsible. Ron grinned at her. Malfoy turned his scowl to her, no doubt calling her filthy names inside his blond haired head.

Harry noticed his hair was more than it had been last year. That was to say, that his had thinned quite a lot last year, due to the amount of stress he was under. His skin, although still pale, had lost the sickish look and his eyes had more a gleam to them. Harry found himself thankful that he was no longer wasting away.

"Why aren't you hanging out with your little minions then Malfoy?" Harry asked, folding his arms. Although his tone hinted at malice he really was just curious.

Malfoy's scowl dropped and he turned to face Harry.

"Unlike mine, their parents are not forcing them to return," he leaned back in his seat taking in the scrawny as ever boy in front of him.

Harry's hair was its ever growing and unruly mess, whilst the robes he donned seemed to fit him better. There were scars covering his hands, from the battles no doubt and the lightning bolt on his forehead had faded from its stunning shade of vivid red to a light, almost pink scar.

"So which poor soul are you making your minions then," Harry questioned, pushing his hair back.

Malfoy's grey gaze met Harry's. They held it for a few moments and then he spoke, "I'm flying solo this year."

This struck Harry as strange, no matter how evil and deceitful Draco had ever been, he had always had a gang around him who worshipped him.

"That's not really your style, is it Malfoy?" Ron spat, "Who's going to pet your hair for you? Who's going to worship you?"

Malfoy gazed cooly at Ron.

"I see, Weasley, that I am the only one here who has grown up. Looks like you still need Granger to do your work for you. That is the only reason she's your girlfriend, right?"

Ron's face turned scarlet and he gritted his teeth. Before Ron could pull his wand on Malfoy, Malfoy stood from his seat and walked briskly out of the compartment.

"What an evil, conniving, disgusting-" but Ron was stopped mid-sentence by Harry.

"Ron, c'mon mate, he's right. You haven't grown up, just ignore him," Harry said softly and looked out the window to the lush, rolling green medows and bright, clear blue skies. Draco had seemed to mature although his use of "blood traitor" said otherwise.

If he had been the same Malfoy he knew last year he would of pulled his wand on Ron no problem but he had stayed calm. He supposed that his family was reaping the consequences of their association with Voldemort last year.

"Where's Ginny?" Hermione asked, breaking the tension.

Ron shrugged at looked expectantly at Harry. With a jolt of guilt he realised he hadn't even contemplated that the whole time he had been in Malfoy's presence. He should have been worried.

"I dunno" Harry mumbled, looking at his feet.

"Did you two fight?" Hermione inquired, her eyes kind in question.

"Not exactly..." Harry trailed off.

"What do you mean? What happened?" Ron said, he however wasn't asking out of concern but curiosity.

"What he means is that Ginny has been distancing herself. Right, Harry?" Hermione stated.

How did she know? Had Ginny confided in her that she was no longer interested in Harry?

"Uh, yeah, but how did you know?" Harry said, his brow furrowed.

Hermione looked at his with pity in her eyes.

"Harry it's a bit obvious. You two are barely alone and when you two are together she's always standing away from you. I don't know what's on her mind but maybe you should talk to her."

Harry frowned. He knew he should ask, really he should, but he just didn't want to. He didn't want to have this big deep conversation with Ginny. Their relationship had always been light and easy going but maybe that was what was wrong with the relationship. He didn't want to be in so deep with her, he didn't want to talk to her about everything on his mind. He wanted it to stay light and fun. Their only deeper discussions had been after the battle when they really appreciated each other. He resolved to talk to Ginny, he didn't know how he wanted it to end, maybe they would break up or maybe their relationship would be stronger than ever but he would never know until he talked to her.

"Listen, we're nearly there, we should change into our robes," Harry said and avoided both Hermione's caring gaze and Ron's inquisitive one.

He didn't know why he didn't want to resolve things and he didn't know why he had stood up for Malfoy after he left, all he knew was that he was going to talk to Ginny and get this over with, once and for all.