LOVER!

The air was crisp and cold coming off the train. Looking around for Daphne, your cheeks told her everything she needed to know; still red and pronounced, the smile blatantly settled on your face.

“Seems like you’re doing just fine now.” She nudged your arm, her laugh echoing into the forest.

Part of you wanted to wait back by the train to see why Draco was alone, but you continued forward. A force almost pushed you away from the train. Your conscious telling you it was not something you wanted to know.

Daphne wrapped her arm around yours, both of you huddling like penguins on your walk back to the castle. The air was electric with the bustling students, the news that Umbridge was gone along with those damn rules gave students a sense of a fresh start.

“Maybe we could sneak into those Gryffindor parties again eh? Like old times?” You whispered into Daphne's ear sending a shiver down her spine as she laughed.

“Don't even get me started. Something about all those red lights made me ill - and the drinks they used to make I swore they were extra spiked for us.” Daphne whispered back, both of you doubling over at the memories. It felt like everything was alright, the stars aligning back to normalcy.

In your attempt to regain balance, you turned slightly, catching sight of Draco coming off the train in the distance. Alone again, he walked with such vigor, adjusting his suit as he started his way towards the path. You furrowed your eyebrows, wracking your brain on what on earth he was doing. Brushing it off, you continued walking with Daphne, arriving eventually to the castle.

———

Draco got off the train, annoyed yet satisfied that he was able to notice Potter's presence tucked neatly above everyone in the luggage compartment. For a second he relished in the violence, only a small taste of what has to come for the upcoming school year. The adrenaline wore off quickly as he walked away from the train, his eyes fixated on the back of your head.

Even from far behind, he found you easily. The sight of your hair paired with your Slytherin robes were imprinted in his mind, something he thought about frequently. He found peace writing to you secretly over the summers. Even though they were quite dull blurbs that he could share about Malfoy manor, the thrill of writing to someone he admired gave him flutters in his chest.

The past summer was much different, sworn to secrecy between the dark lord and his family, he had no way to write or intertwine your life with his. Part of him dreamed of running away, telling you everything and starting a new life, but the ink forged into his skin now permanently tied him with dark magic. He wasn't sure if you would ever speak to him again if you found out.

Walking towards the castle, Draco kept to himself. He ignored the conversation of other students and any attempts at conversation with him. He walked through students with such intimidating momentum, slowly reducing the distance between you. He watched you from behind, enjoying the sense of protection he had over you. Whether you knew it or not, he wouldn’t let anything happen to you this year, and that was a promise.

———

The great hall enveloped you in warmth, inviting you back to your trusty seat you sat in every year. Settling back into the bench felt like settling back into another life; your school persona and sense of being settling into your skin as the sight of the professors reminded you of what's to come.

Looking around casually, you saw Draco a few seats down at the same seat he always chose year after year. His hand held up his chin, eyes lazily focused down at the plates in front of him. You looked at him for a second, trying to read through the disconnect on his face. He looked deeply troubled, yet not like on the train just an hour ago. He looked more upset, angry almost on the train. Now he seemed in another world, his mind completely elsewhere while his body sat stiff.

You couldn’t help but admire how different he presented himself this year. HIs hair was recently trimmed, softly cascading across his forehead, slightly shorter than he wore it last year. His uniform tailored tightly to his body, not a surprise, but the collared shirt showed a more mature, poised look. As Draco got older you could tell his taste for fashion through his uniform became more intentional; his necktie tight to his neck, always perfectly centered and creased.

At the great hall he was usually annoyingly boisterous with his friends and peers, but today his body language was almost.. normal. He wasn't putting on a show for his friends, bullying or attempting to intimidate the first years. He sat with his shoulders slumped, his posture slightly keeled as he rested his head in his hands. It felt very human.

Looking away, your mind was clouded with him. Schoolgirl fantasies of being able to hold him, make him laugh, lay with him and bring him confomfort. Your daydreaming was brought to a halt as Dumbledore reached the podium, silencing the hall with the raise of his hands. As he spoke, you occasionally looked over at Draco, his eyes still fixated down, ignoring all semblance of conversation. It broke your heart.

The dinner was over quickly. Most students stuffed their faces with food, jumping out of their seats to head out and lounge in their respective common rooms. You sat for a moment longer, noticing Draco doing the same. You gave Daphne a wave to go on without you. Her eyes flickered between Draco and you playfully raising her eyebrows. She smiled and shot you a wink before leaving amongst the other students.

The great hall slowly came to low murmur, only a few students left mingling amongst the professors. You took a deep breath, trying to gain any self confidence for what you were about to do.

Rising from your seat, you made your way towards Draco, sitting next to him without a word. You both sat in silence not acknowledging each other. Your robes cascaded next to his, your legs only inches away. Your heart raced, the smell of his cologne slowly overwhelming your senses.

“First night jitters?” You asked, not looking over at him.

“What do you mean?” Draco mumbled. He shifted in his seat, fixing his posture.

“I don’t know. I suppose I always get the jitters on the first night. Coming back to school, seeing everyone again. Makes me nervous sometimes.” You shrugged your shoulders, looking over at him. “Looks like maybe you feel the first night jitters.” You laughed quietly, hoping to keep the conversation light. You wanted to ask if he was okay, but didn’t want to pry too quickly.

Draco smiled at you, rolling his head around his shoulders cracking his neck. You grimaced slightly at the popping noise but felt more relaxed at him getting comfortable. He leaned his elbows on the table, the wheels in his head turning. He couldn't figure out what to say to you. To be truthful or to lie.

“I suppose you could say that.” He smiled, turning slightly to you. You kept your hands under the table, fiddling with the skin around your nails.

”I think this year will be more important to us than we know.” Draco started, looking out into the great hall aimlessly. He wasn't wrong, but he tried to stay positive around you. He hated to make you anxious, or see you upset.

“Yeah I can feel it in the air.” You say reaching up in front of you, jokingly swaying your hands around.

“The air?” Draco laughed, not believing you whatsoever.

“Yes. The air.” You laughed, keeping your hands in front of you.

“What else does the air say?” Draco sat smiling towards you. You closed your eyes, moving your fingers slightly, pursing your lips as you thought of an answer. You waited dramatically, furrowing your brows.

“Hmmmmm. It says….” You started, your eyes still closed leaning over slightly towards Draco. “It’s gonna be your year.” You opened your eyes, looking at him in your peripherals. He just huffed and rolled his eyes playfully.

“The air doesn’t lie!” You laughed seeing his eyes adverting yours. He shook his head, looking down at his hands, a smile still plastered on his face.

“Yeah well I’m going to hold you to that.” He scooted back from the table, swinging one of his legs over the bench facing you. Your breath hitched at his quick movement, the sight of him straddling the seat made your heart race, his body closer to you than before.

“I'll see you in class tomorrow yeah?” He nodded towards you, waiting for a response.

“Yeah I'll be there.” You mumbled, fighting the blush creeping to your cheeks.

”Good. I'll save you a spot.” He swung his other leg over the bench and stood up. He took a few steps towards the entrance stopping for a moment to look back at you. You smiled, waving at him awkwardly. An inaudible laugh from Draco before he turned and walked out.