The Girl Who Lived (Draco Malfoy x OC)

The Forbidden Forest

March 10th 1996

Spring was washing in slowly like the tide, bringing with it warmth and white sunshine. Draco breathed in fully, enjoying the clear, crisp air. It was perfect for Quidditch practice and the Slytherin's were just thankful that Umbridge were allowing them to train amidst her upheaval of rules. The weather had been just as unpredictable so he was grateful someone up there was looking down on them and granting them sunshine. On some days the new blossoms of spring were bathed in tepid air, on others the wintry wind gusted fiercely - demanding to return. But like the tide, the spring wouldn't stop, pushing on for the Slytherins.

"We nearly have the full team for training," Montague commented happily as he led the team through the castle to the pitch.

"Nearly, who is missing?" Draco frowned.

"Bletchley," Blaise answered. "He lost his grandfather on the weekend and is taking some time off."

"Bloody hell," Warrington sighed. "After all that work getting permission from Umbridge to practice."

"His grandfather died, take it easy, mate," Blaise defended.

"Dunno what the big deal is," Nott shrugged. "He died of natural causes."

"He was pushed off a roof?" Blaise frowned.

"Gravity is natural, no?" Nott perked a brow.

"You two are proof that people can survive without brains," Draco said.

"Oh, piss off, Malfoy," Blaise retorted.

Montague led them under the archway into the courtyards. The wind had lost its bite, becoming ambient, congenial, blowing branches and tousling their hair slightly. Draco tilted his head towards the sky to feel the light heat in the sunlight's kiss. He was in a brilliant mood, nothing could ruin it now for the fifth year. Maybe Umbridge calling off training at the pitch, but that was unlikely. He had the woman wrapped around his pinky. No, absolutely nothing could bother him-

Then his eyes landed on a particular couple across the courtyard. Red chestnut hair messied by a hand behind her head, her face concealed by someone attached to her lips. Draco could have puked. Jack Sloper had his hands all over Potter like a snargaluff plant, slobbering over her face like a parched bulldog. She seemed tiny against his stout frame. Draco wasn't sure if he was uncomfortable, grossed out, possessive or all of the above, but he couldn't stand the sight of it.

"Put it away, Sloper!" He shouted. "Before my breakfast comes up, thanks."

⋄⋄⋄

November 15th 1996

Harper absentmindedly tapped her wand against the wooden desk in Charms while Flitwick taught the class water-making spell theories. It was all background noise while her thoughts were fixated on only one thing today. The blonde Slytherin reclined back in his chair opposite her in the classroom. Blaise and Goyle sat either side of him, the depiction of what they thought was cool. It was unmatched as she observed Malfoy's relaxed stature, one arm draped on the desk as he lazily wrote notes.

He would twirl his feathered quill between his fingers when he concentrated, fingers always moving while his mind was. When he started to seriously consider something, his eyes would narrow just slightly. Now and then he would brush the feather against his chin, tilting his head slightly as he enjoyed the feel. Harper's eyes jetted straight to his long neck. His skin the perfect replication of creamy milk.

Naturally, she scolded herself for noticing these habits and qualities of his, but it was getting impossible. Even when he wasn't in the room, her mind drifted to him. First it was just his eyes, then she was dreaming about the rest of him. The curiosity, the temptation, it was too much, she felt like bursting. Harper had admitted he was attractive and that she was attracted to him.