The Unwelcome Arrival
Part 1
I, Draco Malfoy, stood on the platform, watching as the Hogwarts Express pulled in. The smell of steam and smoke filled the air, mingling with the chatter of students and the sound of luggage carts being wheeled across the platform. I was expecting a certain... Astra Solace, a new student who would be joining me in my quest to kill Dumbledore. I wasn't thrilled about it, but I knew it was necessary. The Dark Lord's plans depended on it. As I scanned the crowd, I spotted her - a petite, raven-haired girl with piercing green eyes. She was even more striking than I had imagined. Her features seemed almost ethereal, as if she had stepped out of a painting. I felt a flutter in my chest, but I quickly suppressed it. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not now. I had a mission to complete. Astra's gaze met mine, and for a moment, we simply stared at each other. I could sense a mixture of emotions behind her eyes - a hint of wariness, a dash of curiosity, and a spark of determination. I raised an eyebrow, trying to appear nonchalant despite the sudden surge of interest I felt. What was she thinking? What did she know about our mission? The crowd around us began to disperse, and Astra made her way towards me. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and I felt a pang of... something. I pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. "Astra," I said, my voice smooth as silk. "Welcome to Hogwarts." She smiled, a cold, calculated smile that sent a shiver down my spine. "Draco," she replied, her voice husky and confident. I inclined my head, trying to appear gracious. "I trust your journey was uneventful?" Astra's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of hostility. But it was quickly replaced by a mask of politeness. "It was fine, thank you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I felt a surge of irritation, but I kept my composure. I had to. We needed each other if we were going to succeed. As we stood there, the sounds of the station began to fade into the background, and I couldn't help but notice the way Astra's eyes seemed to bore into mine. It was as if she could see right through me, to the very heart of my intentions. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling a growing sense of unease. The tension between us was palpable, a living, breathing thing that seemed to pulse with an energy all its own. I knew that I had to tread carefully, to navigate the complex web of emotions and alliances that would bind us together. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the moment was over. Astra nodded curtly, and turned away, disappearing into the crowd of students streaming towards the castle. I watched her go, a sense of trepidation growing in my chest. This was going to be an interesting year.