Over and over, it’s you. | Draco Malfoy

The Hogwarts Express rattled along the tracks, its rhythmic clatter a familiar lullaby. Golden afternoon light slanted through the windows, catching dust motes in lazy spirals. The compartment door stood ajar, revealing a glimpse of the corridor beyond—empty, quiet, waiting.

???

voice drifting from the corridor, low and drawling ...I'm telling you, Potter's bound to do something stupid this year. He always does.

The voice sent a familiar ache through your chest. Draco Malfoy—three compartments down, leaning against the window, tossing a chocolate frog from hand to hand. You'd seen him do it a hundred times. A thousand. The same bored arrogance. The same restless energy.

???

pausing mid-step, gaze landing on you through the corridor window ...Huh.

Grey eyes held yours. The compartment rattled. The moment stretched, thin and fragile as spun sugar.

???

tilting his head, a slow, curious smile curving his mouth Do I know you?

He'd asked that question before. He always asked that question. And somehow, every time, it still cut.