The Hufflepuff- A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter 1

"Arista! Arista! Don't forget your owl!" Mom yells out the car window as I throw my trunk into the back of the car.

"I got her!" Ben grabs Loony, and puts his cage in the back seat of the car.

"I don't know why we can't just apparate." I mutter quietly, slamming the car door shut as next to me Ben fidgets in his seat.

"You know it's hard to apparate with a whole bunch of trunks and all." My mother, who has ears like a fox, turns around, and gives me a look.

"I know." I sigh. "It's just a long drive to London."

"Don't worry." Ben says, grinning. "We'll play a game or something. Besides its only twenty minutes."

"I know, but still. Too bad they don't have a small version of Exploding Snap." I giggle.

Ben rolls his eyes. "The car would probably explode."

We laugh at the thought as our dirty, red car turns down the dirt road from my house. Me and Ben look behind our shoulders and out the window as our shabby, but cozy house fades into the distance. I sit back in my seat as we get onto a Muggle bridge.

I must've dozed off because the next thing I know, a hand is shaking me gently and Ben's breath is warm on my ear as he whispers, "Aris, we're here."

I look up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "So soon?"

Ben grins. "Told you it wasn't that long a ride."

He opens the door and steps out. He stretches before extending his hand to me and I take it, smiling. My dad gets a trolley and puts Ben and I's trunks on it. I take Loony's carriage and once Misty and are safely on the trolley, I take Ben's hand, his palm warm against my own. As we walk into the station my heart starts to pound and my palms start to sweat.

Ben looks down at me. "You okay, Arista?"

I nod, shakily.

Ben stops and takes both my hands in his, his grey eyes looking into my brown ones. "Hey," He lifts my chin to look at him. "It's going to be okay. I'll be right by your side the whole time, And just think of all the fun we'll have."

I smile and wrap my arms around his neck in a hug. His arms snake around my waist and he gives me a quick squeeze before letting go. He takes my hand again as we catch up with my parents who are several meters in front of us.

"Well, here it is." My mom stops and turns around, pointing at a wall in the middle of the platform.

"All you have to do is walk right into the wall." My dad says, clapping me on the shoulder.

"Aren't you coming with us?" I ask.

"No, not this time." My mom smiles at us sadly. "We have to go to a Wizengamot trial."

I nod and give my mom a hug as Ben and my dad shake hands. We switch and I'm engulfed by the wonderful smell of my dad's cologne.

"Bye, pumpkin." My dad kisses my forehead.

"Bye, dad." I close my eyes and give him kiss on the cheek before standing next to Ben.

"You ready?" He asks, taking my hand.

I take a deep breath. "Yeah."

We push our carts in front of the wall. I look back at my parents who wave before me and Ben run towards the barrier. I close my eyes, my reflexes expecting an impact with the wall. It doesn't happen, however, and when I open my eyes, I'm surrounded by the enchanting picture of the Hogwarts Express, steam coming out of its funnel. Witches and wizards of all ages are swarming the platforms, trying to get on the train.