𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (Draco Malfoy x OC)

𝓣𝓮𝓷

Olive 

My breath catches as I stare up in awe at the gleaming scarlet engine. Platform nine-and-three quarters is bustling with people; students excitedly chattering with their friends after a long summer apart, parents tearing up watching their children embark on another year at Hogwarts.

A tight knot of stress forms in my abdomen as my mind whirls with all the expectations and concerns I have. I remind myself to remain calm, taking deep gulps of air. 

Hermione is talking Tonk's ear off, rapidly murmuring about 'SPEW', her new initiative where she plans to free the house elves of slavery. I chuckle to myself, bewildered that she can't understand that the elves adore working.  

Mrs. Weasley fusses over Ginny and Ron, reminding them to behave themselves and keep Fred and George out of trouble, although even Mrs. Weasley must know that it's a lost cause at this point. The twins and a student I learn to be, Dean Thomas, are happily discussing their new line of nose-bleed nougats. 

Harry stands off in a corner, looking like he's completely lost every ounce of sanity whispering to a black dog, which I know is actually Sirius Black in his animagus form. 

Storing my luggage in the train compartment, I head back to the cluster of people I arrived with. 

I join Harry who now stands alone, "Hello," 

Harry murmurs a greeting back, "I don't understand how Ron could've gotten Prefect!? Hermione, certainly, she's top of every class, but Ron?" He sounds jealous. 

I resist rolling my eyes back, "Shouldn't you be happy for him? He is your closest mate, no?"

Harry shrugs, "Erm, yes. Merlin, I must sound like a prat."

I laugh, "It's fine. Look at it this way, you're the centre of attention in his eyes. It must feel good for him to finally be noticed for once." 

"I didn't ask to be like this," Harry says gloomily, and my body turns cold as his words resonates with me.

"Yeah ... " I pause for a moment, collecting my thoughts, "But in any case, it must be frustrating to live in your shadow."

Harry nods, his head tilting down.

"Besides," I go on, "There are plenty of more important things than collecting broomsticks from first years. Don't you remember what I said earlier ..." 

Harry perks up, a mixture of a smile and pained look crosses his face, "Bloody hell, it'll be difficult. But ... it has to be done. What other way would we ..." His voice drops into a whisper that is barley audible, "have a bleeding chance against Voldemort." 

I nod, a sickening feeling brewing inside me, "Once we're at Hogwarts we can work out the details. Might as well relax while we can," 

My eyes wander to a blond figure in the distance - Malfoy. He stands with his mother who whispers something into his ear. He scoffs and looks down, clearly not enjoying himself. 

His mother squeezes Draco's hand for a moment and gives him a quick hug. He breaks away from her and makes his way to the train. 

Harry follows my gaze, narrowing his eyes, "Malfoy." 

"We should board soon," I mutter, watching as he disappears into the train. 

"Yeah," Harry says, looking at the metal clock that sits on a brass pillar in the middle of the station. 

Mrs. Weasley makes her way over to us, "Olive, darling." She embraces me, catching me off guard. 

I melt into her arms, surprised at her warm touch. I bite the inside of my cheek, not used to be held so kindly. I find myself longing for the embrace as she breaks away, placing her hand gently on my cheek.