Interstellar || Draco Malfoy

5 || First Summer

Just before the start of the school year, Professor McGonagall gathered Desdemona for a trip to Diagon Alley. The young girl trailed behind her professor, avoiding the bustling crowds as best she could. The professor led the girl to a familiar family of redheads, offering the matriarch of the family a pouch full of money and Desdemona's school supply list.

Professor McGonagall left Desdemona in the capable hands of Molly Weasley, knowing full well that the redheaded woman would care for Desdemona as if she were her own. Desdemona smiled softly as the rowdy family of redheads introduced themselves. She tried to keep track of all of their names, but with so many names flying at her, she was bound to forget somebody.

Molly Weasley kept the girl safe as they shopped for her school supplies. Desdemona had been fitted for new robes, selected a few new writing quills, and collected even more books. She'd even managed to sneak off with Harry and Ron into a sweets shop, purchasing them each a bag loaded with sweets.

Desdemona had slowed to a stop outside the quidditch shop, watching in awe as a white broom was placed on display. The color reminded the girl of her owl, and the thought of flying on the beautiful broom made Desdemona long for the funds to purchase the broom.

Since her first ever flying class, Desdemona had fallen in love with the feeling. Madam Hooch often struggled to keep Desdemona's feet on the ground, finding herself sighing as the raven-haired girl darted about on the school brooms. The professor couldn't deny that Desdemona was a gifted flyer, and let the girl fly about during her lessons so long as she was paying attention.

Desdemona sighed as she met back up with the Weasley's. They were located just inside the door at Flourish and Blotts, having a stand-off with Draco Malfoy and his father, Lucius. The pair of blondes looked down at Desdemona, one with a look of recognition, and the other with a much softer look. The Weasley's looked confused at the soft expressions that crossed the Malfoys' features, but decided not to question it as Desdemona brushed past the pair to look at the spines of books beside her.

After a trip to Diagon Alley, Desdemona returned back to her room at the Three Broomsticks, settling into her bed with all of her new school books. She had a particular distaste for the new Defence Against the Dark Arts curriculum, realizing that her new professor was quite the narcissist.

The very next day, Desdemona was greeted bright and early by the transfiguration professor. She'd packed up all her things the night before, ready for the trip to King's Cross station. Professor McGonagall sent Desdemona's things off to the train before offering her arm to the shorter girl. Desdemona grabbed onto her professor's elbow and braced herself for the tugging of apparition.

This time, the professor had apparated to Platform 9 ¾, setting Desdemona beside a cart with her things piled on it. Without so much as a wave, Professor McGonagall aparated away, leaving Desdemona on the platform alone.

The girl sighed, boarding the train and settling into a nearby compartment. She ignored the families on the platform, instead focusing on her caged owl. Lucina longed to be free, flying above the train, but Desdemona refused- scared that Lucina would get lost. She affectionately stroked Lucina's feathers, feeding the owl some treats as she did so. She was too preoccupied with her owl to notice the slamming of the compartment door. Four students piled into the compartment, noisily settling into the seat across from Desdemona.

Pansy Parkinson mustered up her harshest glare, shooting it straight at Desdemona. The two girls shared a room at Hogwarts, and shared an equal distaste for one another. Pansy couldn't wrap her head around the idea that Draco Malfoy would waste his time on someone like Desdemona. Really, Pansy was jealous that Desdemona drew attention to herself without trying.

Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle smiled fondly at Desdemona. The pair hadn't had very many friends, but they considered the quiet girl their friend. Desdemona would have considered them friends, had she known what that entailed. However, she saw the pair of goofy boys as close acquaintances. She would help them with their school work, and they would scare off any Gryffindor's that dared to speak ill of her.

Finally, Draco Malfoy fought a smile as he took in the sight of Desdemona. She looked so at peace, caring for her bird. He constantly found himself drawn to the little things she would do; he was curious as to why she seemed so caught up in her studies, how she seemed so focused on one thing but was perfectly aware of what was going on around her, and how much she cared for what little she had. He was the opposite; he had so many possessions that he hardly cared for anything. He wanted nothing more than to understand who Desdemona Littlesea really was.

"Must you touch that disgusting animal?" Pansy questioned, leaning up against Draco, hoping it would catch his attention.

"Must you always pick a fight with her?" Draco countered, swatting her away from him. Desdemona looked up from her owl, finally realizing that others had joined her in the compartment.

"Must you always defend her?" Pansy pressed, scowling at Desdemona.

"I can defend myself, thank you." Desdemona spoke, sliding the cage door shut. "Not that you care to listen to what I have to say, Parkinson."

"No, I don't care about you, Littlesea." Pansy sneered. "I do, however, care about Draco. So, what kind of spell have you got him under?"

In an instant, Desdemona had her wand out and pointed directly at Pansy. The green-eyed girl had a bored expression across her face, but a dangerous look in her eyes.

"No spell," Desdemona drawled, waving her wand slightly in Pansy's face. "But I could have you under one in a second if you're not careful."

"You're not allowed to do magic outside of school." Pansy stated matter-of-factly, looking slightly afraid of Desdemona and her ability to perform magic.

"Try me." Desdemona shrugged, tucking her wand back into her sleeve. With a smirk sent in Pansy's direction, Desdemona stood up and grabbed her school robes out of her trunk. "However, I suggest you don't. I could take care of myself pretty well without magic... imagine what I'm capable of now."