The Space Between The Stars: Draco Malfoy

Year One: Need a Partner?

"Belle, how come you dont have a pet?"
Me and Draco were studying Care of Magical Creatures in the common room. I was talking pretty excitedly about it. It's my favorite subject. Considering how much I loved animals, Draco's question was extremely valid.

"I'm not sure, I guess I'm just more of a dog person than a cat person, and you know they only let you bring a cat a toad or an owl, so..."

"Psssh, those rules are made up. They really dont care, as long as its under 20 pounds and doesn't make a fuss. They only say that because if they didnt, the school would become a zoo. Better to make exceptions than make it a standard. Anyways, Father is getting me a ferret next year."

"Huh. That's interesting." I still didnt really have any intention of getting myself a pet. I dont like asking too much of Priscilla.

Apparently, the rule about first years owning broomsticks was a bit bendable too, seeing as Harry Potter was allowed to become the Gryffindor seeker. I watched them scrimmage against Slytherin, only because Flint and my brothers wanted me to watch. They were furious about Harry being allowed on the team, so now I was doomed to "gain experience" from the stands every single day. One day, a boy in Gryffindor robes came and sat beside me. I ignored him, but it appeared he was in the mood for a conversation.

"That really should be me up there, you know."

I rolled my eyes and turned the page of my Transfiguration textbook. "Is that so?"

"Well, I mean, if they're letting first years on the team, then yes, because I am far better than any Gryffindor keeper-

"Dont be stupid. Oliver Wood is the greatest keeper Hogwarts has ever seen, and that's coming from me, a Slytherin, whose brother is literally a keeper." I pointed over to Jason on the other side of the pitch without even looking up from my book.

Recognition dawned on his face. "So you're the Jacoby girl. From what I hear, you deserve to be on that pitch just as much as I do."

I felt my face get a bit flushed. Flattery normally doesn't make me feel any sort of way, but somehow, flattery coming from someone with an ego as large as his felt different. Rare, almost. I looked over at him and almos stopped breathing. He was undeniably attractive. I regained my composition.

"Maybe I do, but I'm not entitled to anything."

"Except an introduction. My name is Cormac McLaggen."

He extended his hand for a shake. I took it. He held it for an exceptionally long time after, staring at me. He turned my palm over to look at the ring on my right hand, a silver band with a pale green stone set in the center. "Pretty."
"My mum gave it to me."
"I wasn't talking about the ring"

"That is sooooo extremely romantic!" Mia cooed, and Daphne nodded in agreement.

I stabbed a potato wedge with my fork "Really? I feel that he was laying it on a little thick for an eleven year old."

"But he is just so dreamy!" Daphne said wistfully. That, I had to agree with.

Blaise looked annoyed. "You can't be serious. Cormac McLaggen is as daft as they come."

"Forget daft," Draco interjected. "He's a Gryffindork"

"Merlin's beard, you guys, calm down! It's not as if she's planning her wedding!" Theo decided to speak up. "Hell, we're eleven! She's probably not even planning to date him in the near future! She was just filling you in on a conversation!"

(Break in fourth wall: Did y'all nasties read that? I sure hope so.)

Suddenly, a crumpled ball of paper flew across the hall and hit me in the face. I look over to see Cormac smiling at me.
I unfold it and read,

Heard you're quite the chaser. I also heard you have a broomstick. Need a training partner?

I considered the offer. It sounded a hell of a lot more tempting than sitting on the sidelines of Slytherin practice. It would have to be a secret though. My brothers would throw a fit if they knew. I looked up to see Cormac staring at me with those gorgeous eyes of his. I nodded. He smiled.