Chapter Two: Damn That's One Big Train + 

Malfoy… Malfoy… Malfoy… The name echoed in my head, naggingly familiar. + 

“Hey Ron! Have you ever heard of the Malfoys before?” I asked my brother, as we stuffed our belongings into our trunks. Hogwarts loomed closer with every fold of packed cloth. + 

“Don’t you listen to Dad ranting? He complains about them constantly! Snobby, pure-blooded lot, thinking they're better than everyone just because they're rich!” Ron retorted, his voice rising with indignation. “Why do you ask anyway?” + 

“No reason,” I mumbled quickly, hoping to deflect his curiosity. + 

We finished packing and descended for dinner. Tomorrow we’d be on our way to Hogwarts, a swirling mix of excitement and dread bubbling inside me. + 

Another worry gnawed at me. My family despised the Malfoys, and I found myself… acquainted with their son. Damn. + 

--- + 

The platform was a whirlwind of activity. As we approached, a small boy, swallowed by clothes far too large for him, stumbled toward us. He stammered nervously, “Excuse me, c-could you tell me how to—" + 

“How to get onto the platform? Don't worry, dear, this is Ron and Alex’s first time to Hogwarts too!” Mum intervened, gesturing towards us both. + 

“All you do is walk straight through the wall between platforms nine and ten. Best do it with a bit of a run if you’re nervous.” + 

The boy’s face was pale. Merlin, he probably thinks we’re all insane. + 

“Good luck,” Ginny chirped, though her tone was laced with resentment. She wouldn't be joining us at Hogwarts this year. + 

The boy bolted through the wall and vanished. My brother and I followed close behind, bracing ourselves for the unknown. + 

--- + 

We lugged our trunks onto the train and found an empty compartment. I settled in, arranging my luggage. Moments later, a familiar blond head appeared in the doorway. + 

“Hello, Draco! Come sit!” I greeted him, gesturing to the seat across from me. He smiled and joined me, settling into the compartment. + 

“Where’s your brother? I thought you’d be sitting with him,” Draco asked, tilting his head. + 

“I don't know. He went the other direction. We aren't exactly best friends, you know? We just… deal with each other. Then again, I 'just deal' with my entire family,” I said, rolling my eyes for emphasis. + 

“Do you ever get along with your family?” Draco asked, mirroring my frustration. + 

“No, not really. It’s not that I hate them, but they could certainly do better financially. Dad refuses promotions because he's obsessed with Muggles." + 

“That’s awful. I don’t understand why you don't share their beliefs. Weren’t you raised to think Muggles were… good?” + 

“Yeah, but I never agreed with them.” + 

“Strange. My father works at the Ministry, too. He told me you were a Weasley – he complains about your father just as much as my own.” + 

“My dad does the same! I don’t really listen, though. He just whines about work. Why can't he just get the job done and earn some money?” + 

Just then, a woman pushing a trolley laden with sweets passed our compartment. “Anything from the trolley, dears?” + 

“I’m good,” I mumbled, staring down at my hands, a frown pulling at my lips. Draco, however, proceeded to purchase an astonishing amount of candy. A mountain of sweets, enough to bury us both! The lady moved on, leaving Draco gleefully arranging his loot, a Licorice Wand clutched in his hand. + 

“You can take whatever you want, I don’t care,” he offered with a shrug. + 

“Are you sure?” + 

“Positive. There’s no way I could eat this all by myself!” + 

A small smile tugged at my lips. I picked up a Chocolate Frog. If we ever argue, I'll just picture this day and forgive him immediately. I'm selfish, I'll buy my forgiveness. + 

--- + 

Ron’s Perspective + 

I was heading towards the changing room when I spotted Alex. I was about to say hello when I saw Malfoy sitting across from her! What the bloody hell?! + 

I quickly turned away, consumed by the sight. + 

After changing into my school robes, I headed back toward our compartment, hoping to find Alex. I spotted her heading that way as well. + 

“Alex!” I called out, grabbing her arm. + 

“What the—oh, it’s you, Ron.” + 

“Why in the bloody hell were you with Malfoy?!” + 

“Erm… the compartments were full!” + 

I didn’t believe her for a second. + 

“Are you sure? You looked awfully happy talking to him!” + 

“Well, I was—hey! Stop staring at me!” + 

I rolled my eyes and stormed off. I was going to tell Fred and George about this, for sure. + 

--- + 

Alex’s Perspective + 

I returned to Draco, now clad in my school robes. Ron was such a nosy stalker! + 

I hoped he believed my excuse. + 

“Guard the sweets. The train will be stopping soon, and I’m not even dressed yet,” Draco said, rushing out. + 

Guard the sweets. + 

I smiled to myself, imagining myself in armor, wielding a sword, protecting a mountain of candy. + 

Merlin’s beard, I’m more childish than a child. Well, then again, I am a child. + 

Draco returned, and I shared my thoughts with him as the train began to slow. + 

We shoved the remaining sweets into our pockets. We left the compartment and began walking toward the train’s exit. + 

Maybe, just maybe, this year won’t be completely horrible after all. + 