Behind Enemy Lines (D.M.)

Chapter Two (Years of Sorcerer's Stone)

It was an eventful academic year to say the least. I was thrown into wizard studies and finally getting to roam the castle as an actual student. Of course, I took Dumbledore's warning and stayed as hidden as possible. Naturally, I found myself gravitating towards the back of every class, the end of every table, and the corners of each room. I was careful not to step in anyone's way and make myself stand out. Letting others take the lead and keeping my hand down in lessons.

As hard as I tried to be a chameleon, a pair of grey eyes always sought me out. Miraculously after that first night in the common room, Draco never approached me. He never once made an effort after that night to follow up our conversation. However, whenever our eyes might, he would hold my glance for a second as if he could see through me. I would count the seconds before looking away- knowing I shouldn't fold to him. I wanted to continue to stare at him longer but I knew better. I would try to hide my blush behind my curtain of hair, looking down at whatever was in front of me to occupy the attention. Whether it was meals, my desk, or a book. In the common room, I found myself escaping in books rather than join the rest of the first year girls in gossip.

Books were an escape. In the Great Hall, I would peer over my book at the Gryffindor table and watch as my brother excitedly chatted with his red haired friend and the first girl that had been called for the sorting hat- Hermione, if I recall correctly. I watched all year as they'd huddle close, looking around their shoulders first before chatting. They must've been scheming. Harry would catch my glimpse and send me a small grin before turning back to his conversation. I covered my smile with my book before turning back to the pages in front of me. It took everything in me not to go sit down with them and interrupt. I just wanted to talk to him and get to ask him a million questions.

Every day, Malfoy scooted closer and closer to the middle of the Slytherin table, even though first years were supposed to stay at the front of the tables. He was quickly climbing in popularity. I even heard the gossip crew call him the "Slytherin Prince" and it took everything in me to hold in my snort. That's ridiculous. Princes are kind and the way he treated people was not kind. Despite my small school girl crush which I was chalking up to hormones and blaming it on not getting to be around boys my age growing up; I noticed how he talked down to people. Like when Poor Neville Longbottom's remembrall was used as a playtoy, even after Neville broke his arm. The way he confidently got on his broom and flew to the roof. Harry was quick to follow, demanding he give it back- the tension between them evident.

"What's the matter Potter, bit beyond your reach?" He taunted in the air. I wanted to reach out and tell Harry not to be stupid. That clearly Draco was just trying to flaunt his peacock feathers. Before I could open my mouth, Hermionie had beaten me to it.

"What an idiot," she mumbled as he flew up after him. We had just had our first flying lesson and were staring at the two. Bumbling idiots. Harry nearly sailed into a window and I clutched my broomstick tighter. He had caught the ball and swerved just in time. As we were cheering, I saw the familiar dark green robes and pursed lips quickly walking up to us. Uh oh. I've seen that look one too many times and the scolding that followed it was never pleasant.

"Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall called. Harry quickly raised his eyebrows at me before turning around. "Come with me." As he stalked off, Draco appeared next to us, acting totally innocent.

"Serves Potter right." I looked up at his scowling face. My stomach flopped. Draco had said our last name with such distaste, like we were bottom feeders. Would he turn that anger towards me if he found out we were related? He briefly looked my way, but I turned before his grey eyes could meet mine. That's how most of the interactions went that whole year- Harry and Draco butting heads. I bit my tongue every time he would talk about Harry in the common room or down at the table.