The Boy on the Train (Draco Malfoy x Reader)

Chapter 1: The Girl

(Y/N) POV

I stared blankly at the page in my novel, and the rain cracked against the window in my dorm. It was three days before the Yule Ball, and a heavy thought weighed upon my mind. The whole week, I had avoided pursuing males of my school and their attempts in courting me to the dance. I had a distinct distaste for big gatherings, and this would be no exception, no matter how lavish and elaborate.

I sighed while gently closing my book and rose from my bed to look out my window. I rested my cheek to my hand, slowly flowing away into my thoughts. Rain clouds parted, and I saw a familiar train charging its way through the green countryside.

I sat in my seat, clutching my shaking knees. It was the first time ever truly being away from my family, and my nerves were not easing whatsoever. I pushed my glasses to the side and wiped a stray tear from my cheek and fought the urge to wail. I watched the trees and bushes glide by, and suddenly my cart door opened. I turned my head towards the door, startled and attempting to hide my distress. There in the doorway, stood a girl about my height with voluminous dark gold hair with a confident look.

"Hello", she started, "are these seats taken?" She motioned with her eyes to the vacant areas. Before I could open my mouth to answer, a boy stopped behind her. He looked extremely aggravated at the inconvenience of her figure in the aisle, blocking his passage.

"Well, move it along then, we haven't got all day." He waved her off with his hand and returned it to his pocket.

The girl regarded him with equal contempt. "I am sitting here, thank you very much." She turned her nose up to him and stepped one foot into the cart. "You can find somewhere else to sit if you insist upon having such a rude behavior."

Before she sat down, he made his way in and plopped down onto the seat. He slumped in his seat and crossed his arms, smirking at her disdainful gaze. "Sorry, but I want to stay here, it's closer to the exit after all."

I sat there awkwardly, not knowing how to respond or mediate the exchange. Finally, she flashed me a remorseful look as if to say, 'I'm sorry, he's not a problem I can deal with', and exited the cart. She made her away out of sight and it was silent once more. I brought my sight down from the window of the door to the blunt boy. He sat next to me yet felt so far away (I, being huddled to the cold window, him to the exit). In fact, I don't think he even recognized my presence at all the entire time. It was fine, I preferred it this way even. I turned my attention away from him, and back to the gliding trees.

"Filthy muggle." He whispered to himself. I jerked my head towards him, flustered and in shock. 'He knows?' It took all my power to restrain my hand from making contact with his cheek. As if he could feel my ferocity, he startled to a sitting up position and swiftly turned his head towards me. His face turned a deep crimson, as if being caught in an act.

"How long have you been in here? Don't you know there is no magic allowed outside of Hogwarts? I'll have you thrown out!" He pointed a shaking finger at me with intensity.

'I could beat this blonde-haired brat to a pulp.' I thought as he fumed and rebuked. I calmed the tides of my anger and quaintly replied. "I have been sitting here this entire time, ..." I motioned my hand.

He eyed me up and down, as if to see if I were worth his title. "Draco...Malfoy." He motioned back and I politely smiled. "My name is (Y/N)." He stared a bit longer and shrugged, sinking back into his seat. He stared and picked at his nails. 'Hm, bored.' I assumed. I figured I'd address the elephant in the room.

"Why did you say that to her?" I questioned. His eyes widened, then reverted back to their natural state.

"Are you not familiar with the term?" He watched my reaction, then half-smiled, "Should I educate you?"

"Don't mistake me, I am familiar with the term, but I fail to see how it is appropriate to use." I retorted.

I believe he could tell my temper was flaring, and he was prepared to fan the flames. He sat up and edged closer to me. "Could it be that you are offended?" He raised an eyebrow and waited for my response.

"Of course, I am offended, how could I not be?" I could feel my meek voice rising. Seeing his grin was only making it worse, I was playing into his palms.

"Only ones that get offended are muggles and their muggle brats-" He was cut off when the sound of my hand gracing his face cracked into the air. I was at a standing position, looming over him. Tears streamed down my face and my hand burned. He stared as if he was a deer in headlights. He brought his hand to his already swollen cheek and lightly touched it. Tears pricked the corners of his silver eyes, and he was utterly silent. I don't know how long we stayed like that; it still feels like it continues to this day.

The rolling of a wheels down the aisle snapped us out of our trance, and we heard on the next cart over the trolley woman. Her cheery voice sent me into a frenzied panic.

I wiped my tears and nose, feeling the burn from my sleeve and the cold air. "We have to act normal, or we'll be questioned, or even worse, detention." I paced back and forth in the small space, wiping and repeating. I turned to see Draco picking up his things and retrieving a small napkin from the pouch in his bag. His face was empty and expressionless. He extended the napkin towards me, with his gaze downcast. Curious, I gently retrieved it from him and held it to my chest. Without a second word, look, or thought, he exited the cart and my vision. Looking back, I do believe I was the first to hold Draco Malfoy accountable. I don't think he took it too well.