37 Chapter 37: Expectation and new school term.

It's been over a month since Astoria last seen Draco. They would occasionally write at night but that was even becoming less. Astoria observed the abnormality, she first thought Draco might be busy but as time passed, she became more suspicious. She decided to go visit him.

Astoria came to the Malfoy Manor, and she was welcomed by Narcissa. She told she was there to visit Draco, but Narcissa first pulled her to the garden to talk. They talked about family matters, and how she was preparing for school. During which, Narcissa told her to wait as Draco would usually study magic that time of the day. They waited for Draco to come out while discussing make-up, dresses and party decorations. It was a delightful chat.

One house-elf appeared and informed them that Draco was out. Astoria was first shocked to see the state of Draco. He was sitting near a window, holding a book and looking at the trees outside the manor. It looked normal at first but the air surrounding him was cold, dark and heavy. He had dead grey eyes without emotion. This state would only likely be found on dark wizards.

Seeing her, Draco slowly returned to normal from the previous state. He stood up and walked towards her, while doing so his eyes regained life and his face also started showing emotions. "Well, it's a surprise to see you here. Welcome! my Lady.", he slowly took her hand and kissed it. "When did you come? Is our hospitality sufficient…", asked Draco.

"I came around noon, I was chatting with Mrs. Malfoy. It was a nice chat. Anyways, what happened? You nearly gave me a scare." said Astoria, punching at Draco's chest. 

Draco replied, "Sorry, I've been practicing black magic. The scarry look is due to full Occlumency, keeps distracting thoughts and emotions outside. It works".

"Well, you should stop. School's starting and you won't want to show up like that, do you?" said Astoria.

"That's it, I'm nearly done. I will start relaxing soon. I'll even come visit you to buy your first wand." promised Draco. 

Days passed and Draco interacted with her more. He even sent pictures of him playing quidditch with the boys. She also finally received her admission letter from Hogwarts. 

She told him their schedule and Draco joined her family in buying her school supply. She came to Ollivander's to buy her wand. It was made of English Oak wood and Unicorn hair as core, best suited for elemental and nature magic. 

Then it finally came, the day to set off for Hogwarts. She waved goodbye to her parents then followed her sister to a bigger VIP compartment, courtesy of Draco's father. Draco and the boys were already in the compartment. They were finally joined by Pantsy. 

The train started and they travelled merrily talking and laughing, but it suddenly stopped while passing a bridge over a lake. The lights also went out. Draco recalled the news these days and informed the group that Dementors may come checking the train to search for the escaped Sirius black.

Sure enough, the compartment door was opened by a Dementor, and it looked past the faces of the group. Draco and the group were not surprised or bothered due to previous notice and waited for it to pass. But an accident happened on Astoria's turn, as the Dementor started to suck the happiness out of her.

Draco promptly stood in front of Astoria blocking her. He looked coldly at the Dementor and ordered, "There's no Sirius here. Get out." The Dementor was unsatisfied and felt provoked. It looked at Draco and was about to open its mouth, but then it stopped and went away.

Draco checked Astoria's condition and seeing that she was fine, he sat back in his seat. Looking at the upset Astoria, he passed to her a chocolate milkshake from the snack bar and said, "Drink this. Maybe it will help you feel better."

The train continued the journey soon after. The rain came pouring as they near Hogwarts. They finally reached Hogsmeade Village and Astoria had to leave, along with the other first-years. She would have to cross the lake by boat in the pouring rain. Draco even casted some charms to expel the rain and cold on her. The rest of the students rode to Hogwarts on magical chariots.

Hermione returned to school with vigor for the new term. She sat at the Gryffindor table opposite Harry and Ron. She could see Draco, chatting with his friends at the Slytherin table. 

After listening to the welcoming performance by Ravenclaw students, they were waiting for the sorting ceremony to begin, when Draco called Harry, "Potter…Potter… Is it true... that you fainted. You actually fainted." mocking Harry. Theo even acted like fainting in a pathetic way. They laughed at Harry. 

Hermione snorted at that and told Harry to ignore them. She heard Headmaster Dumbledore introduce new teachers; Professor Lupin, whom they met at the train as the teacher for Defence Against the Dark Arts and Hagrid for Care of Magical Creatures. 

The students were also informed that Dementors shall be stationed at Hogwarts to guard against the escaped murderer, Sirius Black. They were also warned of the unforgiving nature of Dementors and not to provoke them. 

Before leaving for their dorms, Hermione even saw Draco chatting and pleasing a newly joined first-year Slytherin girl. 

After reaching her dormitory, Astoria could finally calm down from all the excitement. She quickly wrote a letter to her parents informing them about her sorting into Slytherin House. Only then did she change into her pyjamas and went to sleep.