Friday's Child // Draco Malfoy

11

Juno was disheartened to leave home. The time with her family felt so much more precious when she considered what was on the horizon. She just wanted to bottle up the feeling she'd had throughout the Christmas holiday and carry it around with her at all times; to remind her of the warmth and comfort, to remind her who she was fighting for. The more she thought about joining Luna's organisation, the more apprehensive she became - but she knew everything Luna had said was right, if she didn't learn to properly defend herself with the people she would be fighting alongside, she would hardly have a chance of survival - she just needed to keep herself and her loved ones safe. Still, the thought of joining those she had shared classes with for so many years of her life, but seldom spoke to, was completely daunting - she was anxious to have to meet these people, anxious that she'd have to keep it from Draco, anxious that in the end it would be him she was up against. Again, she had to remind herself of her loyalties, no matter the fondness she had for Draco, she would always follow the light, all she could do was hope to stray him away from the darkness, to convince him he could prosper on the right side. She wholeheartedly believed he had a kind and good soul, he just didn't believe it himself; she wanted to change that.

Luna pulled her sister into an embrace as they boarded the train, kissing her on the cheek with promise to speak to her soon about her first DA meeting, before running off with a fiery haired girl who was undoubtedly a Weasley. 

Alone again, Juno cradled Ladon to her chest with one arm, a book tucked under the other, and she set out to find an empty carriage. On her hunt to find one, she passed by the Slytherin carriage, and impulsively she lifted her eyes, met by the piercing silver gaze she was so familiar with. His eyes softened upon seeing her, his shoulders relaxing, before his attention dropped to the kitten in her arms, and his expression softened even further. He had a book haphazardly opened in the palm of his hands, the cover was blank - she wondered if he'd read the book she'd sent him. In the fleeting moment they saw each other, they'd spoken a thousand words, and they sent each other subtle smiles before Juno went to continue her search for somewhere to sit. That was until she was interrupted; 

"Oh, that's the cutest little kitten I've ever seen," An unfamiliar voice cooed. Much to Juno's surprise, Pansy Parkinson was smiling down at Ladon. "Can I pet him?" She asked, lifting her eyes to meet Juno's. 

"Sure," Juno breathed, shooting a panicked look at Draco as Pansy dipped her head to Ladon's level, scratching his head. Draco shook his head curtly, turning his attention back to his book, clearly fighting to hold back the smirk that threatened to spread across his face. 

"It's Juno, right?" Pansy asked, petting the purring kitten in Juno's arms. She nodded. "I'm Pansy," She smiled. "What's this little guys name?" 

"Erm," Juno coughed uncomfortably, unable to stop the periodic glances she was shooting towards Draco. "Ladon,"

Upon hearing the name, his eyes widened, and he looked up to meet her gaze once more, this time he couldn't help but grin - he just hoped no one was looking. She was definitely not going to hear the end of this for a while.  

"Aw, he's lovely," Pansy continued. 

"He was a rescue," Juno explained, and Pansy's face fell into a frown. 

"Who would abandon something as adorable as this?" Ladon stretched in Juno's arms, nuzzling his head against Pansy's hand. Juno shrugged in response. 

Sat across from Draco and Pansy was Blaise Zabini, Juno had hardly noticed him, too caught up in her interaction with Pansy and her proximity to Draco. Blaise, on the other hand, was very much aware of her presence, and how her presence had affected Malfoy - before he'd seen her he'd been tense, and cold, but now, Blaise couldn't help but clock the way his stature softened and relaxed, he even noted the subtle smiles he tried to hide with a furrowed brow or by lifting up his book. He thought this the perfect opportunity to stir the pot and find out the true nature of the relationship that was seemingly budding between the unlikely opposites.