𝖘𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖓 - d. malfoy

VI- the hogwarts express

The remaining days of summer faded fast, and finally, it was time to return to Hogwarts.

Arabella stood silent on the platform, watching the crowd bustle about. To her left stood the Weasleys hugging their children goodbye, a black dog wagging its tail beside them. Laughter and loving goodbyes rang out from all around, yet Arabella did not share their happiness.

Every year as she left for school, her mother would send her off with a kiss on her forehead and tell her to make her proud.

I miss you, mom.

Arabella had been coping pretty well, relatively speaking. She distracted herself with the twins' antics more often than not (they had a bet going on how many times she could make Harry blush in a day) and generally just tried to shove any negative emotions to the back of her mind.

Repression is definitely a healthy coping skill. Clearly, no problem there.

"Bella!" A voice broke her out of her trance. Ginny had taken to calling her Bella, which was quickly adopted by the rest of the family. "We're getting on!"

Arabella followed the girl onto the train, stepping away from her ordinary and towards a new start.

Arabella leaned against Hermione as she devoured the novel in her hands, the Gryffindor girl serving as a rather nice pillow.

Arabella had a particular fondness for no-maj authors, finding their works infinitely more interesting than the mediocre novels of the wizarding world. She and Hermione had bonded over this interest over the summer; the book she was currently reading was one that Arabella had recommended.

Hermione nudged her gently, "We're almost there, Ron and I have to go and perform our Prefect duties."

Arabella sat up and stretched, "I guess I should finally go change into my robes." The others had already changed, but Arabella had put it off as long as possible; she wasn't exactly a fan of school uniforms. She followed Ron and Hermione out of the compartment and headed to the bathrooms, promising Harry she'd be right back.

After donning her new uniform, Arabella examined herself in the mirror, frowning at her appearance.

I'm sure a few adjustments wouldn't be against the rules.

Arabella muttered a few quick charms, shortening her skirt by a few inches and tailoring her shirt to fit her better. Satisfied with the changes, she headed back to her compartment.

As she made her way back, she almost collided with someone stepping out of their compartment.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," a familiar voice drawled.

"Draco!" Arabella smiled at the blonde. "How are you doing?"

"Quite well, especially now that I've run into you again." Draco looked her up and down.

Arabella heard someone clear their throat in the compartment Draco had come from.

"Draco darling, aren't you going to introduce us?"

Draco rolled his eyes and reentered, bringing Arabella with him.

Inside the compartment sat two girls and two guys, all rather attractive and quite obviously Slytherins, their ties adorned with green and silver.

"This is Arabella Amour." Draco gestured to the rest of the occupants. "I'll let these heathens introduce themselves."

The owner of the voice from earlier spoke up, a girl with a sleek bob and dangerously sharp-looking nails. "I'm Pansy Parkinson, lovely to meet you."

The other Slytherins followed suit, greeting the girl standing in the doorway. Daphne Greengrass and Millicent Bulstrode sat beside Pansy, with Theo Nott and Blaise Zabini across from them, the latter already flirting with Arabella. Two other boys were introduced as Crabbe and Goyle, the pair staying silent for most of the conversation.

After chatting with everyone for a bit, Arabella suddenly remembered, "Harry!"

Draco turned to her with a look of disgust. "What?"

"I mean I left Harry alone in the compartment!" Arabella shot up and hurried out of the compartment, throwing back a wave as she left.

She arrived back at the compartment just as Ron and Hermione returned.

"Where were you?" Hermione asked as they sat down.

Maybe it's best if I don't tell them I was with Draco.

"Oh nowhere, I just got caught up talking to someone."

Hermione raised an eyebrow but didn't question her any further. The train began slowing down as they approached Hogwarts.

Arabella gaped at the castle coming into view as the carriages approached the school. Something about it made it seem magical, in the non-literal sense of the word.

The carriages stopped, and the four of them got out, Arabella still marveling at the sight before her.

"I think you'll have to go with the first years, Bella." Hermione pointed towards the mass of eleven-year-olds surrounding a huge man. "Hagrid will tell you what to do," she continued.

Hermione gave Arabella a quick hug, "Good luck!"

Arabella headed over to the man, Hagrid, Hermione said, who beamed at her when she came to a stop in front of him.

"Alrigh' there?" Arabella nodded in response. "You'll be coming wit' me to the great hall, you hafta be sorted with the first years." The giant man explained to her.

Great, I have to be surrounded by children for an hour. What a joy.

After rounding up the children, Hagrid made his way into the castle, the first-years following behind like baby ducklings. Arabella took a deep breath and began walking, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Word Count: 895

a/n: What do you think so far? How do you feel about Draco? Let me know!! If you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a vote, it means a lot!