Blood Oath - Draco x Reader

Chapter 1 - Introduction

The train is too loud.

It always is at the start of term. Voices echoing down narrow corridors, trunks slamming shut, the steady rumble of wheels against the tracks. Someone is laughing too loudly three compartments down and a group of first years keeps running past my door like they've never seen a train before.

I press my shoulder more firmly against the window, watching the countryside blur into streaks of green and gold.

Fifth year.

I should feel older. Wiser. More prepared.

Instead, everything feels exactly the same.

Across from me, my best friend watches the corridor through the slightly open door, one foot propped casually on the seat like he's already decided this whole journey is beneath him.

Theodore Nott looks completely at ease, as if the chaos outside has nothing to do with him. He's been like that since first year. Quiet, observant, never one to chase attention. Most people at Hogwarts don't really know him, despite his name carrying weight in pureblood circles. 

The Nott family has always kept to themselves. Respected, but distant. Careful. The kind of family that watches more than it speaks.

Theo fits that perfectly.

He and I became friends almost by accident in first year. Two people who didn't quite belong anywhere else, ending up in the same spaces, sharing the same silences until those silences became something comfortable. Since then, he's been the only constant that never feels forced.

"Ten galleons says someone cries before we even get to Hogwarts," he says without looking at me.

I glance at him. "Optimistic."

"Realistic."

Before I can reply, the door to our compartment slides open without warning.

I don't even hesitate. "Occupied."

"Obviously."

The voice is unmistakable. 

I close my eyes briefly before looking over.

Draco Malfoy stands in the doorway like he owns the train, like he owns the entire world really. Immaculate as always, silver blonde hair perfectly in place, expression already edged with irritation.

Draco Malfoy has never been subtly about who he is. He doesn't need to be.

The Malfoy name carries its own kind of history. Old money, old alliances, and a reputation that precedes him wherever he goes. Raised with expectations most people can't imagine, he's been taught to value status, control, and appearance above all else.

It shows in everything he does.

Behind him, two of his usual shadows hover, but he barely acknowledges them.

His gaze lands on me.

And sharpens.

"Well," he says, dragging the word out slightly. "If it isn'y my favourite waste of space."

I don't move from my seat. "Funny. I was just thinking the same thing."

Theo lets out a quiet huff of amusement beside me, leaning back further in his seat as if settling in to watch entertainment rather than intervene.

Draco's eyes flick briefly toward him before returning to me. "I see you've brought company."

"Careful," Theo adds lazily, "you might hurt its feelings."

Draco scoffs, stepping inside anyway and sliding the door shut behind him. His friends exchange a look before disappearing down the corridor, either bored or smart enough to know this won't be quick.