Her Protector (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter Two

Once we arrived to Hogwarts, I continued my mission of not speaking to him but added avoiding him as well. Even though I'd hide, Draco had somehow become an expert on figuring out where I was. He'd find me in the library, eating chocolate I wasn't supposed to have and reading some muggle books my dad had sent me. And in only the third week of third year, he'd confronted me, not that I was overly surprised. I knew he'd talk to me eventually. He always did.

"Williams," Draco Malfoy calls, stopping me in my tracks.

I don't turn, "What do you want, Malfoy?"

He comes up behind me, and upon realizing I'm not moving, sighs and comes around my back to face me properly. He looks better. He's grown taller, more handsome.

"I wanted to talk to you," he admits. "There's been reports of Sirius Black hanging around Hogsmeade. They say he's going to break into Hogwarts and go after Potter. You're in Gryffindor, you could be in danger," he says seriously, worry in his eyes.

"I'm sure I'll be fine, Malfoy," I mutter, brushing by him.

He grabs my wrist, forcing me to stop, "I'm serious, Williams. I don't want you dying because of some murderous disgrace."

"I'm a disgrace to you," I point out sullenly. "You shouldn't even be talking to me."

"Salazar, Williams, please," Malfoy snaps.

"Fine, Malfoy, say I listen to you. What would I do? Where would I go?" I ask angrily, fed up with him and his games.

"Slytherin dorms," he blurts. "You can stay in my room, I'll have another bed put in! I just want you safe."

I shake my head, "I'd rather die with those that care about me and aren't afraid of what people will think by being friends with me than be safe with someone who refuses to care about me unless I'm in danger. Goodnight, Malfoy. See you in Potions."

With that, I continue on to the Fat Lady's portrait, saying the password and entering without a second thought. He doesn't call after me. Clearly even he knows that I'm done with his games.

But still, he refused to be deferred.

I rush out of my common room, knowing I'm behind everyone else. We're supposed to be going to the Great Hall to spend the night considering Sirius Black has broken into the castle. Tears well in my eyes; Godric, is Harry alright?

I turn the corner at a run, running straight into Draco Malfoy's awaiting arms. I gasp, my hands on his chest. He towers over me by a mere foot, but I know he's only going to grow taller.

"What are you doing here?" I gasp.

"Saving you, as usual," he says clearly. "Come on, before everyone gets worried that we're missing."

"How did you know I wasn't with the others?" I ask as he pulls me along as always.

"I stayed back when I shouldn't have and watched the Gryffindors go in. I heard Granger talking about how she wished she'd stayed back with you. She's worried," he mutters.

"You went looking for me even though Black could be anywhere?" I question, stopping in my tracks.

He stops, having no choice. Turning to face me, he nods, avoiding my gaze. And despite how much I despise him for refusing to be my friend because of his upbringing, I can't help but care for him. I mean, he waited to escort me himself to the Great Hall even though death could be around any corner. I blink, trying to think.