Worlds Apart - Chapter 3

        Harry slid down the stairs of the train and smiled. /I'm finally home!/ he thought, just as a certain silvery-blonde haired boy caught his eye. /I forgot about him.../

        "Firs' yeasy! Firs' years follow me!" Came the low rumble of Hagrid's voice. Harry grinned as he approached.

        "Hi, Hagrid!" He said cheerfully, completely forgetting about Draco.

        "All righ' there, Harry?" Hagrid asked, his beetle black eyes crinkling into a smile. Harry nodded.

        "Good!" Hagrid said,"Well...I should get back ter the firs' years. See yeh in the castle!"

        "Ok!" Harry said and followed Hermione and Ron to the carriages that awaited them. They quickly stepped into a rather large carriage and sat down, talking excitedly about the year to come.

        "We can still fit three more people in this carriage!" A voice said outside,"You three! If you whould please get inside."

        A couple of seconds later, Draco Malfoy's head popped into the carriage. His eyes ran over Ron and Hermione as a disgusted expression crossed his features, then his eys froze as he saw Harry. Harry noiced the very light tinge of pink across Draco's cheeks as he climed in and sat down, Crabbe and Goyle not far behind.

        It was a relativly quiet ride up to the castle, save the occasional chatter between Ron and Hermione. On more that one occasion did Harry catch Draco looking at him, but hte second Harry would look at him, Draco would look away. Ron and Hermione casted wary looks in Crabbe and Goyle's direction as if the two would suddenly jump up and start beating the hell out of them. As soon as they arrived at the castle, Ron and Hermione quickly got out and ran up the stone steps to the Great Hall.

        "After you." Harry said to Draco. Draco nodded and muttered his thanks as he got out. Harry got out after him and watched the carriage speed off. Turning, he called out to Draco.

        "Malfoy...wait!" he said, and, to his great surprise, Draco stopped and waited.

        "What do you want?" He asked, the blush still apparent on his cheeks.

        "About what we talked about before we left King's Cross..." Draco's blush became darker,"Let's...just forget about it..."

        

        "I can't..." Draco said quietly. Harry looked at him.

        "What?" Harry asked.

        "I can't forget about it. I tried, believe me...but..." he trailed off.

        "...Wellthen...can I ask you something?"

        "I...I guess..."

        "Do...you..."

        "Boys! The sorting is about to begin!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang though the hall. Harry look at Draco and turned to go. The went in and took their seats. Professor McGonagall unrolled a long piece of parchment, and the sorting ceremony began. As soon as the last person was seated, Professor Dumbledor stood up and looked around the hall with a twinkle in his eyes.

        "Ladies and Gentlemen! I have an announcement...For the first time in the history of this school...there will be a house change..." Dumbledor said as the Great Hall buzzed in excitement. Dumbledor raised his hands and the hall was silenced.

        "I am pleased to announce that Draco Malfoy has been moved to Gryffindor House!"