The Malfoy Mystery

4 • hogwarts, sweet home

4

Finally, it was time to leave for Hogwarts. Draco anxiously paced around the train station, hoping no one would notice him. As soon as no one was around him, Draco smoothly glided towards 9 3/4 and entered an entirely different dimension. Even though wizards and muggles were on peaceful terms, not everything had been exposed to them.

It seems Draco reached the perfect time as the train had just arrived. Only a few students were visible on the platform. Draco picked up his luggage and went onto the train. On his way there, he met with various glares and hateful looks. He went into the corner most compartment in the express. In the middle, he noticed Blaise and Pansy sitting together. Blaise waved at him, whereas Pansy continued to ignore his presence.

A joyful voice disrupted his voice along with his footsteps.

"Hello, mate!"

Draco turned around and witnessed Theo grinning like a delighted kitten.

"Draco, where's Blaise?"

"He's with Pansy, you know, being a bitch."

Theo snorted even though he knew it already. He nudged Draco to move forward to find an empty cabin. Meanwhile, they discussed how they've been. Draco told Theo about his meetups with Dr Wilkins and how helpful the sessions have been.

"Bloody hell!"

The train was nearly empty. Only a few countable students returned. In the seventh year, there were quite a few kids - Draco, Blaise, Theo, Pansy, Luna, Neville, Parvati, Cho, and Hermione. There were also a few others that neither boy could recall. The train was also shortened due to damage. There were only a few compartments left as there weren't many funds left with Hogwarts.

Draco was walking to the compartments when he saw each of them being occupied, and mostly being Gryffindors. Finally, Draco and Theo reached the last cabin of the train. If it was occupied by someone, they would have to stand for the entire journey.

But when Draco saw who was inside the compartment, he shook his head and said, "I'd rather stand the entire journey."

Theo sighed.

He had had this conversation with Draco many times. How can an adult be so adamant? Theo hardly tried to contain his laughter when he saw Draco's soul leaving his eyes. Draco grimaced as Theo's laughter became a little more prominent. He calmed down and patted Draco on his broad shoulders.

"Malfoy, buddy, how long will you be scared of her? It's just Hermione. Her-you-saved-your-ass-from-going-to-Azkaban-Mione. If it wasn't for her, Potter and Weasel would be laughing at our faces outside our cell. Moreover, she wouldn't even care we're here. Her priorities are set up straight!"

"Merlin, why are you so confident?" 

Draco, though not letting his pride admit it, was slightly petrified of Hermione. Regardless of a convincing argument, Draco was against the idea of entering the cabin. Draco seemed determined not to come, so Theo just knocked on the door.