My fourth year at Hogwarts began. By now I was 14 and my magic skills were getting better every year. I became more and more powerful. An advantage that was of great benefit to me, which I didn't know at the time.
My gaze wandered over the breathtaking scenery that passed the Hogwarts Express as my thoughts deepened; I wonder what would happen this year? I would remember a Triwizard Tournament that Professor Dumbledore had told me about at the end of the last school year. I wondered who would take part? Who would win it all? Was it as dangerous as some rumoured? According to Professor Dumbledore. "Hey Y/N," I heard a familiar voice call my name. Instantly, I turned my gaze from the view of the train window to the direction the voice was coming from and saw none other than Harry Potter standing in front of me. "Harry!" I exclaimed and immediately jumped up to hug him tightly. I had missed him. And not only that- For the entire holidays I had been worrying about how he was doing after the whole thing with his godfather Sirius Black. My great hope was that this coming year would be better for him. Not just for him - for all of us. He returned my hug and grinned slightly. Behind him, I saw a familiar, old redhead and a girl's voice I would recognise anywhere giggled "Harry!". She's going to need some breathing room!" Hermione beamed. Carefully, I broke free of the hug again and fell around Ron's neck first and then my best friend's. I had finally arrived. In the arms of my best friends. Whatever would happen again, we would stand by each other. Even if there were a few things that spoke against it. At that moment, I caught Draco Malfoy's gaze. He looked at me before mumbling something to his entourage Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. There was no question what he whispered back to them. Something like; How can she be friends with Harry Potter? Why is she in Slytherin? She should change her priorities and be on our side. Sentences I had had to endure for several school years, because for him it was a matter of rudeness that a Slytherin like me had been friends with people from Gryffindor. And then especially with his worst enemy, Harry Potter. There were often discussions and arguments between us because of this. But it always came down to the same thing; I stay with the golden trio, and he had to deal with it willy-nilly, after all, he wasn't my father or anyone relevant to me, No. He was just an emotionless, rather arrogant classmate of my house, in my school,
All three looked at me briefly and then took their seats. Just before Malfoy took his seat, however, he turned once more and winked at me. I felt a familiar tingle in my stomach but rolled my eyes to show him that I totally didn't care about his references to last year. A lot more than didn't care...maybe. My attention swung from Draco back to Harry, Ron and Hermione; We talked the entire train ride about our holidays, the upcoming school year, some students as well as professors and more. I loved those moments; friends that became more like family every year. Not having to pretend and just feeling free, no matter what house or family you came from.
But even the most beautiful train journey came to an end at some point. All of us made our way into the great hall, which was beautifully decorated as always. And every year I felt pure happiness rise up inside me as soon as I entered the Great Hall. Hermione took my hand and smiled at me "This year is ours. No matter what!" I nodded in agreement and together we entered. We walked down the aisle and eventually split up. The three of them stayed at their table while I made my way to my table, the Slytherins. As soon as I approached them, I felt many eyes on me and it seemed as if they suddenly started mumbling and exchanging glances whose meaning I could only guess at. After what had happened between me and Malfoy last year, there was always more talk, rumours and conjecture. But I quickly pushed my thoughts aside and walked confidently as I could to my seat, which was exactly opposite Draco's. I didn't give him a stranglehold, however. However, I did not give him a stranglehold. Instead, I felt his on me all the more. Admittedly, he made me nervous. Made my heart race. Made my breath catch. So I manifested a point at the front teacher's desks and did not avert my gaze. As I did so, I put my hands on the desk and folded them together. I could not give in. Couldn't allow myself to. This between us must end. When I felt something cold on my hand, I wanted to flinch, but I didn't. I was quite aware of what was happening. I was well aware of what was happening. His hand on mine. Tenderly. Lovingly. He was trying to awaken my memories. Wanted me to give in. For a few minutes, however, I averted my gaze from my manifested spot and looked down at my hands. Indeed- Malfoy had placed his on mine. She had been ice cold as he stared at me, but I remained stubborn and took my hands off the table again. My attention wandered back to the teacher's desks. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give in to him. Luckily for me, Professor Dumbledore began his usual speech; he talked about this school year, what was coming up and told all the details of the Triwizard Tournament. I could only half-heartedly follow. I still felt a familiar look on my face. A look I usually enjoyed. I enjoyed it every time. Only this time I didn't. Something had been different this time, after everything that had happened. Everything was different and I pulled myself together not to give in. I would never let him have this triumph, never. As hard as he made it for me.
Lost in thought, I made my way around a corner when suddenly everything went dark and quiet. No student was to be seen far and wide. It was creepy, eerie. Unpleasant goose bumps spread over my skin and made me shiver. It was quiet - too quiet. Nothing could be heard, except for muffled footsteps approaching me. I immediately quickened my pace, trying to concentrate on other things around me, when suddenly I felt a cold hand on my arm. My heart pulsed loudly, I wanted to scream but another one covered my mouth. My breathing became heavier, panic overcame me. Even if Hogwarts was one of the safest places, you never knew what was in the corridors. The person turned around and suddenly I was staring into a familiar face. As soon as my hand came away from my mouth again, I called out, "Draco Lucius Malfoy!" He looked at me with glittering eyes, raised an eyebrow and put his hand around my neck to press me against the wall. His rings left an icy chill, as did his hand and the wall that now met my back. He was so close to me that I could detect his breath, which smelled like fresh peppermint as always, and his scent of fresh green apples. By Merlin's beard. How I loved that smell... Just as I was about to say something, he made a sound that told me it was better to stay quiet. And I did. Not a word crossed my lips - I didn't dare. Draco moved his body back a little, his hand remained in place. He eyed me up and down and then looked deep into my eyes. "Did you miss me?" In his voice- mockery. "Save your arrogance, Malfoy," I retorted, putting extra emphasis on his last name. He immediately came close to me again, his warm breath brushing the back of my neck as he whispered in my ear "I wouldn't be so cheeky Y/N if I were you. And if you were honest with both of us, you'd admit that you love my arrogance as much as you love me."
