Optionless with Draco Malfoy

10. The Hogwarts Express

Juliette

I stood in front of my bed. All of my clothes were laid out on the bed, but nothing was packed. I had one hour, and the Hogwarts Express was going to leave. I fiddled with my wand and hauled out my trunk. I couldn't stop thinking about how different this year's school year was going to be compared to last year.

I sighed then waved my wand,"Pack," all of the clothes and items were neatly folded and placed into my trunk.

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"Wingardium Leviosa," I moved my trunk so it carefully landed by the front door. I walked down the stairs and checked the clock. Just on time.

It was time to head to Platform 9 3/4. Narcissa, my parents, Draco, and I, Apparated to the platform. A new year. Although, this one was going to be different. Everything was different.

"Don't find yourselves into too much trouble. Work as a team," said Narcissa as she kissed her son's forehead. She embraced him with a hug and gave him a box of sweets.

"We'll write to you two, giving you updates if anything new happens, or if we find something out. Stay safe," my mother hugged me and my father joined, wrapping his arms around the both of us.

"Make us proud. You have Severus if you need any help," said Narcissa.

"It is time for us to go, best of luck to the both of you," said my father.

The three adults Apparated out of the platform, back to Malfoy Manor.

Draco turned to me, "You ready?" The simple question had a lot of meaning and held a great significance to me. I was saying goodbye to my old self. I was no longer Juliette Trails. I was Juliette Trails, with a dark mark, following Lord Voldemort's orders. Nothing will ever be simple again. 

"My honest answer is not yet." We walked onto the Hogwarts Express, searching for a compartment. This time, I was walking towards the back of the train. For once, I was sitting with all of the other Slytherins. The cold part of the train.

"Err-I have to go handle this thing... I need to find someone, and I promise it's not Harry, Hermione, or Ron. I'll find you later."

He sighed, wanting to deny, but gave in, "Fine. Just come to the last compartment at the end of the train once you're finished."

I smiled and walked speedily towards the front of the train. Well, not the very front where Hermione, Ron, Harry, and I would sit. After several minutes, I finally found the person I was looking for. His brown hair and freckles were noticeable from anywhere. Seamus Finnigan. He sat with Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, and Ginny.

I stuck my head into the compartment, "Hey," I said flatly and began to awkwardly wave. It was like this built up tension between all of us. Almost as if they knew.

"Juliette," Ginny said. She didn't sound too please to hear from me. "I have to go see... Harry." She excused herself from the compartment. Her shoulder brushed mine. It was like feeling a rush of coldness. Obviously, Ginny was aware of me ditching Dumbledore's Army last year while we fought in the Department of Mysteries, and she was pissed. 

Seamus and I locked eyes and I sighed. Oh, how I wanted to reminisce with him about old times, and wish that I could tell him everything, but I simply can't.

"I've been so worried, are you alright? Why didn't you respond to any of my owls? Did you get my letters? Juliette, what's been going on?" He continued to bombard me with questions. I took in probably my last moment I'd share with him like this. I didn't want to let go of what we had. I desperately hugged him and he did the same back. The smell of his robes gave me comfort and relief.