enemies are made
After the feast, I find myself walking through the halls of Hogwarts, taking in the architecture. The castle is impressive, even by my high standards. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Daedalus had a hand in designing this place.
I hear a familiar voice sneering from around the corner. "Honestly, the way that Potter carries himself, you’d think he’s the Chosen One or something."
I peek around the corner and spot a blonde boy—Draco Malfoy—leaning against the wall, flanked by two large, not-so-bright-looking boys.
I step into view. "Oh, sorry, am I interrupting your riveting display of insecurity?"
Draco startles, then sneers. "And who are you supposed to be? One of the new pets Dumbledore dragged in?"
I smile, all teeth. "Annabeth Chase. And you must be Malfoy. The resident expert in whining."
His face turns an impressive shade of red. "You’d do well to respect your betters."
"Oh? I would, if I saw any around here." I tilt my head. "Are we playing some kind of competition for the most fragile ego? Because I’d hate to embarrass you."
Piper appears beside me, smirking. "Oh no, please. Embarrass him."
Nico steps out of the shadows, completely silent, and leans against the wall. "You know, Malfoy, for someone who talks so much, you really don’t say anything worth listening to."
Draco visibly swallows before turning on his heel and stalking off, his minions scrambling to follow.
I smirk at Piper. "I think I like this place."
She grins. "It definitely has its perks."
Nico shrugs. "Eh. It’s growing on me."
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Settling into the Slytherin dorm is... an experience.
The common room is like something out of an old Gothic novel—dark green, silver, and dim lighting that makes it look like some ancient villain’s lair. Nico, naturally, loves it. Piper, on the other hand, just wrinkles her nose.
"I expected it to be a little less... dreary," she mutters.
"What, you don’t like the whole ‘snake pit of the elite’ aesthetic?" I tease.
"I like my rooms to have at least one happy color," Piper replies.
Nico smirks. "Then you’re in the wrong House."
We find our dorm, which is surprisingly spacious. Our trunks are already waiting for us, which is convenient but also a little creepy. Hogwarts efficiency at work, I guess.
I sit on my bed and stretch. "Alright, ground rules. We stick together. We don’t trust easily. And if anyone tries anything, we make sure they regret it."
Piper raises an eyebrow. "You sound like you’re planning a coup."
I shrug. "Slytherin mentality."
Nico chuckles as he throws himself onto his bed. "I think I’m gonna like it here."
Piper flops onto her bed with a groan. "I just want one peaceful night without some magical catastrophe."
I smirk. "You’re in the wrong school for that."
As if on cue, a distant explosion echoes from somewhere upstairs.
Piper groans into her pillow. "Of course."
Nico just grins. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
((I KNOW GIRLS BOYS DORMS ARE SEPERATE BUT I NEED NICOBETH (platonic) PIPABETH (semi-romantic ig?) I NEED THEIR TRIOO