Paradise || Draco Malfoy ~on hold~

Chapter 3

Somehow I already overslept on the first day of classes since I stayed up late thinking about anything and everything. My mind wouldn't quit worrying about minor details that shouldn't even matter but there I was in the middle of the night with my mind going at full speed.

The light filters into the room, forcing to realize that I only have a few minutes before Transfiguration, so I grab a stack of books on top of my desk and run out of the common room. I earn a few stares at the fact that I'm struggling to carry multiple books but pretend not to notice. 

Anxious thoughts filter through my head as I wonder what my punishment will be for being late on the first day or about how my fellow Ravenclaws will feel after I've lost us house points before we've started earning them.

Thankfully though, I make it to class before Professor McGonagall gets there. A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I look around the room at the students excitedly waiting one of the most respected professors here. 

I notice that Harry sits alone near the backs of the classroom, so I decide to join him when I remind myself of Cedric's words. 

There's something about talking to Harry that makes me feel a bit closer to Cedric. I think Harry offers some type of closure for me, putting my mind at ease despite the awful way he perished. I can sense his underlying guilt of not being able to save Cedric, the same guilt I feel everyday when I think about my mother.

His green eyes flicker up briefly and he smiles through the rest of his emotions swirling in his head behind those eyes.

I remain quiet as we watch the last few late students flood into the room quickly to take their seats. Ron walks in with his prefect badge out and proud, causing Harry's eyes to narrow in envy. I glance curiously at him, "What's the matter?"

Realizing that he's been caught glaring at his best friend, he wipes off any traces of jealousy. He lets out a low, ragged sigh, "I just wish I understood why Dumbledore didn't give it to me." Some anger bubbles to the surface, and I can tell the thought of Dumbledore thinking that Ron is better for the job hurts him. It makes sense considering how close Harry is to the headmaster. 

"There could be a reason for it, you never know. Don't take it out on Ron though because he didn't ask to be prefect." My tone isn't accusatory as I offer some friendly advice to him.

Harry takes in my words before nodding, "You're right, I think I'm just frustrated that something has changed with Dumbledore and I don't know what." It's then that I almost feel lucky, if you would even call it that, that my father changed but let me know why. Sometimes it's better to be hurt by the truth than be kept in the dark. 

His eyes glance at my stack of books on top of the desk, "Expecting a bunch of readings assigned today?"

My cheeks turn to pink as I embarrassingly realize how foolish I look. "I may have overslept and forgot to grab my bag on the way out...I didn't know what I needed, so I grabbed everything."

Harry chuckles as if he wasn't frustrated moments ago, and the mood instantly lifts and for that, I'm grateful. 

Professor McGonagall strides into the room, earning a silenced classroom almost immediately. Those in her class seem to walk to pay attention and learn. She makes her way to the front and surveys the room to see who is in her class. 

"This year, we will be focusing on vanishing spells. Today we will begin with an introduction to what you will be doing with these spells later on..." She trails off and begins lecturing the class.

I try my best to remain engaged, especially since I enjoy the way Professor McGonagall teaches, except I still frazzled from my late start. 

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