𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋:
Somebody who is the reason for your happiness; a soulmate; a forever lover.
Somebody you find yourself thinking about constantly;
you are completely infatuated by them.
𝐄𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄
𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐲𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫
RETURN TO HOGWARTS
✩
"If it isn't my favourite prissy."
As I settled into my familiar compartment on the train, making my way back to Hogwarts, I couldn't help but notice the presence of Draco Malfoy. My eyes lifted from the book I was engrossed in, and there he stood, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe. Clad in an ensemble of sleek black garments, a sophisticated blazer accentuating his well-defined biceps, and his lustrous, pale hair cascading effortlessly over his forehead, he exuded an undeniable aura of confidence. A mischievous smirk danced across his lips, revealing a glimpse of his complex and enigmatic personality.
I rolled my eyes. "I see it's back to business as usual, Malfoy."
Ever since our first year at Hogwarts, Draco and I seemed to be caught in an ongoing feud. It's possible that our rivalry stemmed from our belonging to different houses, as Gryffindors and Slytherins were known to clash. However, despite the tension, I managed to maintain a cordial relationship with his closest companions, Blaise and Pansy.
With Draco, it was a different story. He seemed to relish every opportunity to mock, taunt, and play mind games with me, always looking for ways to get under my skin. In response, I became adept at matching his jabs and returning fire with equal intensity. Our rivalry had become a constant battle of wits and wills, each of us refusing to back down or show weakness. Despite the animosity between us, I couldn't deny the thrill and exhilaration that came with our ongoing feud.
There was something about putting Draco Malfoy in his place, that never seemed to get old.
While at times it became wearisome over the years, it would be unnatural for us to be any other way with each other. Our mutual distaste and hatred is exactly what kept us on our toes.
"Your hair has certainly grown," he observed.
I regarded him with an unusual expression. "Meanwhile, yours seems duller than ever. Have you ever considered using conditioner? It can truly work wonders for restoring shine to one's hair."
Draco scowled, his tone dripping with bitterness. "I'll pass on your advice, Ambrose."
My head leaned against the window as I looked at him.
Over the summer, he had experienced a growth spurt, and his hair had grown slightly longer. It now cascaded onto his forehead just like it did back in our third year-not that I had any fondness for him, but this look suited him much better than when he used to slick all his hair back.
"Very well, if my advice isn't welcome, seek it elsewhere," I remarked with a weary gaze fixed on him. "You could certainly benefit from all the help you can get."
"You're not with your little band of blood-traitors, I see," he remarked casually. Ignoring my comment, Draco cocked his head to the side, mischief glinting in his eyes. He was referring to George and Fred, my closest friends among everyone.
"Have you nothing better to do than worry about my friends and me? Careful, Malfoy, your patheticism is showing," I retorted.
Draco chuckled dryly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "I see you've grown even snippier than you were last year, Ambrose. I'm almost impressed."
I scoffed, returning my attention to my book. "And I see you've grown even more obnoxious. I'm not surprised."
"Ah, Malfoy, always a pleasure," Fred chimed in, entering the compartment and playfully bowing his head at Draco. "Elysia, my love. Good to see you." He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close.
I smiled at him. "You too, although I saw you just a few nights ago."
Back home, I was always surrounded by the Potters and Weasleys due to our parents' close friendships. It was a bustling household with Remus and Sirius as well, and there was never a dull moment. The summer had been enjoyable, and as excited as I was to return to Hogwarts, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness about leaving home.
"Blood-traitor," Draco acknowledged with a distasteful twist to his face. The boys paid no mind to Draco's jeering comments anymore.
George and Ron entered the compartment, completely ignoring Draco's presence.
I glanced at him, letting out a deep sigh. "It's about time you take your leave, Malfoy. We wouldn't want us blood-traitors to further sour your mood."
Fred stifled a quiet snicker beside me.
Scowling at me, Draco rolled his eyes and left our compartment.
"It's been years. I don't know how you still put up with him," Ron shook his head softly, gazing out the window.
I turned to the next page of my book, shrugging. "I hardly seem to notice it anymore."
It's become our normal routine-pointless bickering and squabbling. It's just who we are at this point.
✩
FLASHBACK TO FIRST YEAR
All the first years stood gathered in the chamber of reception in Hogwarts. We had yet to be sorted. I already knew I would be placed in Gryffindor with my friends, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. My parents were both Gryffindor, as were Harry and Ron's parents. Ron's brothers were all in Gryffindor. None of us were worried about our placement. It only made sense for us to be Gryffindor.
Someone cleared their throat causing me to look up. "It's true then. What they were saying on the train. The all-but famous Potter and Ambrose have come to Hogwarts." Standing in front of Harry, Ron and I was another first-year-white-blond hair and a pale, bony face with icy blue eyes.
Mine and Harry's parents were well known throughout the Wizarding World for having defeated the most powerful Dark Wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort during the Wizarding War. The Marauders had successfully destroyed all the Horcruxes and killed Voldemort, bringing the Wizarding World victory in 1981.
Whispers sounded around us as everyone overheard the blonde boy's mention of my and Harry's families.
"It's Harry Potter, isn't it?"
"Elysia, I think her name is."
"Their parents are-well, heroes."
"This is Crabbe and Goyle," the blonde boy continued, nodding his head towards his friends. "And I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." He stepped towards Harry and me, eyeing me up and down.
Ron snickered from beside us.
The blonde boy, Draco Malfoy, snapped his head towards Ron. "Think my names funny, do you?" He scoffed. "No need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe, you must be a Weasley."
My jaw clenched.
He had no right to speak to Ron in such a terrible manner.
Draco looked between Harry and me again. "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are better than others, Potter, Ambrose. You wouldn't want to be making friends with the wrong sort." Draco smirked at me, holding out his hand. "I can help you with that."
I looked down at his hand, Harry watching carefully beside me.
I met Draco's gaze. "I think I can tell the right sort for myself." I ignored his outstretched hand. "I don't need help from someone like you, Malfoy."
Murmurs and 'ohhs' went around the crowd. Harry smiled from beside me.
Draco pulled his hand back, his gaze turning to a glare. His eyes grew darker. "You'll be regretting that, Ambrose. You best hope you're not placed in Slytherin."
I scoffed. "Please. As if I'd be placed with crudes like yourself."
Draco's jaw clenched. "Better than being placed with the prissys in Gryffindork."
✩
It seems ever since our first interaction, Draco and I were destined to be enemies.
"What do we have here?"
We glanced over to see Hermione walk in with Harry. I beamed a wide smile, engulfing her in a bone-crushing hug. "Mione! I've missed you dearly."
Hermione laughed as she squeezed me tightly. "As have I. You lot are looking well. How were your summers then?"
Ron smiled up at Hermione as she sat beside him.
"It was quite alright," Fred answered, nudging me lightly. "Lys here actually won backgammon for the first time."
George snickered. "Only took about-seventeen years."
I rolled my eyes. "It was the awaiting luck I was bound to have sooner or later."
We all laughed and made small talk, catching up with Hermione until we reached Hogsmeade.
It sure as hell felt good to be back.