The leisurely days were over, and the start of term was upon them.
"I really can't bear to see our precious darling leave." In front of King's Cross Station, the family of three stood waiting for the train. Narcissa held Draco's hand and wiped away her tears.
"Mother, I think you should be happy. At school, I can make more new friends, can't I?" Draco replied, trying to comfort her.
"Remember not to get close to those Mudbloods," Lucius reminded him upon hearing this.
"Discrimination is a dead end!" Draco could not help sighing inwardly. However, on the surface, he obediently said, "Of course, Father."
"It's time," Draco said, glancing down at his watch.
"Father, Mother, I think I should get on the train," Draco said.
Lucius's face was as pale and expressionless as ever, but one could tell from the way he tightly gripped the luggage trolley that he, too,o was reluctant to part.
Narcissa was even more expressive, giving her son another firm embrace.
"Remember to write to us by owl if anything happens," Narcissa reminded him one last time.
"I know," Draco said, before walking slowly towards the scarlet steam engine.
Thick steam billowed above the chattering crowd, and cats of various colours darted between people's feet. Amid the buzzing voices and the clatter of heavy trunks, owls hooted shrilly, calling to one another.
The first few carriages were already packed with students, some leaning out of the windows to speak to their families, others fooling about in their seats.
After boarding the train, Draco quickly found his compartment, then shook his head as he looked around, muttering to himself, "Privilege really is corrupting."
Clearly, Lucius had used his influence to secure Draco a private compartment that was normally reserved for prefects.
"Honestly, I just want to get a good night's rest before arriving at school." At his request, his two cronies had not followed him; after all, the sound of their snoring would hardly be quiet.
"Let's read something new." Before boarding the train, Draco had bought another copy of Quidditch Through the Ages to pass the time, as he was not yet sleepy.
After reading for a while, it was soon lunchtime. Draco had little appetite for the food brought by the trolley witch.
After eating some sweets, Draco closed his eyes to rest, as there might be many activities that evening.
However, it seemed he would not get his wish.
"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville has lost a toad." A little girl entered the compartment Draco was in, asking as she went. Behind her stood a round-faced little boy who looked rather timid.
The girl had thick, bushy brown hair and large front teeth. Her voice was loud, and her manner somewhat overbearing.
"What is meant to happen will happen." Looking at the girl, Draco sighed inwardly. To be honest, Draco did not wish to have too much interaction with the Golden Trio.
An adult mind would naturally not be as naïve as Draco in the original timeline, nor would it engage in petty provocations. Draco hoped to live and let live, but he was destined to be disappointed.
"Oh, why are you the only one here?" Hermione, having entered the compartment, looked puzzled. Obviously, Draco, being their age, could not be a prefect, yet he still had a private compartment.
"I don't believe that is something you need to know. Perhaps you might introduce yourselves before asking for help. I think that is basic courtesy," Draco replied evenly, deliberately shifting the subject.
"My name is Hermione Granger. You can call me Hermione." She then pointed to the round-faced boy. "This is Neville Longbottom. It's his toad that's missing."
"I've heard my parents mention you, Neville. Your parents are both outstanding Aurors." Lucius and Narcissa might not care about former adversaries, but Draco himself respected them deeply. Not everyone possessed the resolve to sacrifice everything.
"Really?" Neville, who had been staring at the floor, suddenly looked up, his eyes shining. It was the first time he had heard such praise, even if it was about his parents.
"Very wellMr.Mr Longbottom, let us consider where your toad might have gone," Draco said. "Perhaps we could try the Summoning Charm?"
Hermione was about to speak, but Draco continued, "On second thought, I don't suppose you know its precise location, so perhaps we should begin by considering the creature's habits."
Hermione had wanted to ask how a first-year could master such a spell, but she did not get the chance.
"Neville, Hermione, I've finally found you! We've searched several carriages and haven't seen Neville's toad." A voice sounded from outside, interrupting Draco.
"Excellent. The Golden Trio is complete," Draco thought. "So fate insists, does it? It seems the entanglement between us is unavoidable."
Two boys stepped into the compartment, instantly making the spacious space feel cramped. One was Ron, whom Draco had met before. The other was thin, wore glasses, and bore a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Needless to say, it was Harry Potter.
Seeing someone else inside, Harry politely greeted Draco. "Hello. Are you helping to find Neville's toad?" He clearly did not notice Ron's displeased expression.
"I suppose you must be Harry Potter, the boy who defeated the Dark Lord. It's an honour to meet you." Like everyone else, Draco offered a polite greeting.
"I saw you in Madam Malkin's shop," Harry said suddenly, pointing at Draco as if remembering.
"Then we are truly fated to meet again. I believe we could become friends. My name is Draco." He smiled and extended his hand.
Harry was about to shake it when Ron leaned in and whispered, "His parents were Death Eaters. Their whole family is Slytherin — the house You-Know-Who was in. Nearly all dark wizards come from there."
At once, Harry's hand froze in mid-air. Hermione instinctively stepped back. Unlike Harry, who had only heard rumours, Hermione had read enough history to form a far harsher impression of Slytherin.
"That's right," Ron added. "They believe in pure-blood supremacy and hate Muggle-borns most of all. Hermione, I don't think it's safe for you to stay here."
Hermione retreated another step, her face paling. Sometimes, my knowledge was not a blessing.
"Heh." Draco withdrew his hand and said coolly, "It seems I am not welcome. In that case, I would appreciate it if you left. I wish to rest."
Harry looked embarrassed, clearly aware that something had gone wrong, but too awkward to apologise.
"I think when you look at others with fixed prejudice, you may not expect that one day you will be judged in the same way." As they turned to leave, Draco glanced at Hermione.
Hermione pressed her lips together and said nothing.
"Neville, I believe we could become friends. As a token of goodwill, allow me to offer a suggestion. After we disembark, have a latnear the boats. You might find a surprise."
Unlike Ron's hostility or Harry and Hermione's withdrawal, Neville had remained where he stood, offering no reaction.
Harry and the others left the compartment. For most people, the meeting had been an unpleasant interlude.
"It seems some things are inevitable. Is this what they call fate?" Draco murmured, watching them go.
Thump. Ron kicked the corridor wall once they were outside.
Harry and Hermione both looked troubled.
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