Purebloods and Peppermints

Stressed Out

~Sophia's POV~

Out of all the cruel ways for the universe to punish us, this had to be the worst. Sitting with Malfoy all the way to the castle? In a confined space? With no way to escape? Alright maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but still, this was going to be hell one way or another. Malfoy didn't say a word. He just sat there reading a copy of "Defensive Magical Theory" without a care in the world. 

"Well get in the carriage. I don't have all day to spend with you lot lollygagging about. Someone's got to move these trunks, and blimey if its always me," Mr. Filch said while prompting the three of us to climb in. 

I hesitantly looked at Fred and George. They weren't happy campers either. They both had their arms crossed and jaws clenched. The only difference between the two is that George had his wand in his hand, ready for whatever was to come. 

Malfoy put down his book and smirked. "Relax, Weasel. There will be no need for casting any spells right now. I'll be on my best behavior. Promise," he said while batting his eyelashes sweetly. I could almost smell the sarcasm. 

"I'll believe that when I see it, Malfoy," George returned with a glare. As gentle as George usually is, he can be very intimidating.  

"What? You don't trust me? Oh, I can just feel my heart break into a thousand small pieces," Malfoy said while clutching his chest dramatically. 

"Keep it up and I'll break your-" 

"Didn't you hear me earlier?! Get in the carriage now! I ain't waitin any longer," Mr. Filch commanded, interrupting Fred. 

Fred and George both rolled their eyes and sighed. I look at them both and said "I guess we don't really have a choice." 

As the three of us hesitantly climbed into the carriage. Fred and George walked in first and took the left bench. I waited patiently for Malfoy to move his feet so I could sit next to Fred. Needless to say, he just sat there.

"Could you move your feet please," I asked quietly, careful not to make eye contact.  

"You see, I don't think I will. I'm rather comfortable. You don't want to disturb my comfort, do you? You'll have to find a seat elsewhere," Malfoy sneered. 

The only open seat was right next to him. The thought of even being in a classroom with him gave me anxiety, nevermind being within 12 inches. I don't know how I was going to sit through the entire carriage ride sitting next to Malfoy. Even the thought stresses me out. 

"Here Sophia, you can switch with me," Fred offered. He could tell I was starting to get anxious. 

I gave him a grateful smile and was starting to move when Malfoy opened his obnoxiously rude mouth.

"Absolutely not. Williams might be the scum of Slytherin, but at least she is one. I refuse to sit next to a Gryffindor, especially not one of your standard." 

Some of the things that come out of his mouth are absolutely disgusting. I don't know what Pansy sees in him. They've been on and off since year 3. I mean, she is a raging bitch but still, it's Malfoy. 

Fred clenched his jaw and squinted his eyes. I could tell someone was going to do something they would later regret. 

"Freddie it's okay, really. I'll be fine," I said as I sat down. 

I would 100% scold Fred if he ever got into a fight. Malfoy is different though. Fred has a good many inches on him and he can be rather frightening when he wants to be. However, I'm sure the fight would end with Malfoy saying "wait until my father hears about this." I'm not sure if he actually tells his father anything. Mr. Malfoy doesn't seem like the caring parent type. However, with Arthur and Mr. Malfoy working together at the Ministry, I didn't want to take any chances. 

I sat in my seat very quietly. I expected some snide comment or rude remark, I got nothing. Draco sat silently and just read his book. He still had on all those rings. I don't understand why he wore so many. They've got to be uncomfortable, being on all the time. "Does he sleep in them? " I wondered. Don't be silly. Who sleeps in rings. 

Being so close I couldn't help but receive a little bit of his scent every now and then. I tried keeping to myself but I couldn't help it. He was within a foot of me. It was nature's decision to smell him, not mine. I'm not exactly sure what he smelled like. A combination of things that's for sure. I couldn't really describe it. He almost smelt...expensive? That sounds stupid but I can't describe it any other way. It mixed with the scent of apples.

As if on cue, Malfoy knelt down and reached into his bag. Out he pulled was a green apple. That explains it. Who mixes "expensive" with apples? 

"Williams, I know I'm good-looking, but would you mind keeping your eyes elsewhere," Malfoy said with a smirk. 

It wasn't until he said something that I noticed I was indeed staring right at him. I turned away quickly and immediately felt my cheeks glow red. George tapped my foot with his and gave me a look of wonder. Well "wonder" is the wrong word. More like a "why in the hell are you looking at Malfoy for" look. I gave him a small half-smile that meant "if I knew, I would tell you." 

The rest of the carriage ride was quiet. I kept my eyes to the floor, refusing to look up in case of another staring incident. After about 10 minutes or so, the carriage stopped with a jolt. I looked up to see the most comforting thing I've seen in three months, Hogwarts.