Chapter 14
October 16th, 1943
Hope
“No, you did not!” Taylor exclaims before devolving into a puddle of giggles.
“You should have seen her,” Mary shouts with a huge grin. “Even if Merrythought hadn’t shown up, I swear, Walburga would have been rendered speechless regardless. I knew one of the snakes would eventually compare you to a Goblin or House Elf, but I’m pleasantly surprised to learn you have claws hidden in your robes.”
Rolling my eyes, I return her smile and join in on the laughter. It’s Saturday, the sun is shining, and the weather is unseasonably warm. My friends and I are all snuggled into blankets or wearing jackets, picnicking on the castle grounds. With a basket filled with various snacks we stole from the Great Hall, wonderful company, I’m happily enjoying our relaxation.
“Speaking of your music, you have the playlist ready, right? The Ravenclaw/Gryffindor match is coming up, the Friday after Halloween. Captain loved what you had, but wanted me to make sure you made the changes he asked for. He’s worried that if we lose, the team will struggle with some of the songs,” Anthony says before stuffing a big sandwich into his mouth.
“Yeah, I’m working on it,” I tell him with a smile. “Don’t worry, I took out all the songs focused on ‘win win winning’ no matter what. If you want, I can play it for you when we’re done?”
Pulling me into an almost aggressive side hug, Anthony thanks me while nearly tackling me to the ground. We laugh, but I don’t miss the insecure glance he throws towards Taylor. I nearly roll my eyes, instead I share a little smile with Anthony’s crush.
Taylor knows, the poor boy is too obvious for her to not. With Mary as a friend, it wasn’t long before Taylor was asked her feelings on the matter. Being the intelligent and beautiful witch she is, Taylor told us that she more than likes Anthony, but she’s waiting for him to work up the courage to ask her out.
“So, Edward Bones asked me to the Ball,” Amanda tells us while smiling at her lap. “He brought me a bouquet of flowers he nicked from the greenhouse while I was studying in the Astronomy Tower.”
Squeals and clapping sound from around the circle, and Amanda blushes so hard her face matches her scarf. Mary asks for every detail, Taylor seems like she already knows, and I inquire about if she’ll be seeing him from now on. It feels good to not be talking about my love life, or decidedly lack there of.
Truly, I’m happy that Amanda is ‘going steady’ with her fellow Gryffindor. If he wasn’t a good guy, I know that neither Taylor or Mary would allow him to still walk normally.
“Ms. Mikaelson, might I speak with you for a moment?” I hear, interrupting our conversation.
When I look, I’m met with the very confident Arnold Lestrange. Occasionally, he walks me to class while peppering me with enough compliments to make me sneeze. It isn’t that he’s unattractive, the boy is tall with handsome features, but in ‘the boy next door’ kinda way.
His shaggy brown hair, hazel eyes, and dimpled smile would make most girls swoon. But, I’ve already been with that kind of boy, and, even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could separate the two in my mind. Lestrange would always be compared to Landon, and Lestrange would always be lacking.
An uneasy tension goes through my friends, they still aren’t thrilled that I’m so popular among the Slytherin boys. But, instead of them refusing on my behalf, they look to me for an answer. With a shrug, I stand while untangling myself from the blanket, and give my friends a confident nod.
“Sure,” I tell Lestrange with a sigh.
He leads me to a bench in the courtyard, far enough away from anyone that we don’t have to worry about eavesdroppers. But, we’re still plenty visible, and I wonder if he picked this spot for my ease.
Turning towards me, so our knees touch, Lestrange gives me a big smile, “How are you doing today?”
My polite smile drops and morphs into a skeptical expression. Despite telling each and every Slytherin that tries to cozy up to me that I prefer honesty and cutting to the chase, only Riddle seems to have taken me seriously.
“What do you actually want to ask me?” I ask, my tone curt.
Used to my antics, Lestrange just rolls his eyes. His smile remains unaffected, but I wish I could still surprise a frown out of him. I’m sure that if I tried, I could. But, I really don’t consider him to be worth the effort. Not enough of a reward.
“Same old Mikaelson,” Lestrange mutters before getting to the point. “The Halloween Ball is soon, and I was wondering who might be taking you?”
With a tight smile, I respond, “I’m not going with anyone as of now.”
The knowing grin that stretches across his face is the furthest from endearing, “How is that possible? Surely, you’ve been asked?”
“I haven’t been asked by anyone that I know,” I tell him with a casual shrug. “I’d prefer to be a regular, teenage girl for at least that night. Instead of the curious oddity a stranger would treat me as.”
Which isn’t a lie, but I can guess where this conversation might be going. Plenty of boys outside of my year have asked, but not one of them have been serious. There’s always a group of friends nearby, snickering and attempting to act casual while watching the entire exchange. The worst actors would glance back at the group, gaging their friends reactions to them asking the powerful, new girl to a dance.
It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots. Either word spread that I was looking for a date, or it’s open season on the new girl. Anthony’s betting only spread, but as the more people ask me, the more I don’t want to go at all. Riddle’s advice about boys in our year hasn’t helped, most of them see me as a trophy to be won. Riddle included. I’m in this world to be as normal as possible, and is it so wrong to want to feel that way?
Shifting even closer to me, Lestrange says, “I can respect that, wanting to not stand out for once. But, I could not allow a beautiful witch such as yourself to attend without an escort.
“We will spend the evening dancing, eating, and I assure you that I would never dream of turning you into a spectacle. So, what do you say? Would you like to attend on my arm?”
Smothering my laughter, I don’t bother acting surprised, “Oh, how kind of you to offer. However, I could not live with myself if word of our evening reached your family.
“Imagine the horror, an heir attending a ball with a Half Blood. I couldn’t dream of subjecting you to such a thing, you’re far too sweet to deserve such a fate.”
“That’s not— Ms mikaelson I assure you,” Lestrange stammers, suddenly looking rather uncomfortable. I guess the girls in this era aren’t so keen on calling boys out on their bullshit.
“No worries,” I sigh with a serene smile. “I appreciate the offer, perhaps if your world was different we could have had a lovely evening. But, as the French say, c’est la vie.”
With that, I stand and leave Lestrange open mouthed on the bench. That wasn’t as painful as it could have been, and I find myself actually smiling. At least the interruption didn’t take very long, and now I have more relaxing to do.
I’m sure that I’ll have to deal with more boys wanting to take me to the Ball for any and every reason other than genuinely wanting to go with me. But, as far as problems go, this is nothing.
***********************
October 17th, 1943
Hope
“I need to go to the library, I still need to finish my Charms essay,” Anthony sighs before taking the last bite of his apple.
“You still haven’t finished it?” Mary asks while shaking her head. “Come on Potts, it’s due in a few days. We’re Ravenclaws, we do have a reputation to uphold.”
Rolling my eyes at the two, I ask Anthony, “Shouldn’t you be brainstorming ways to ask Taylor to the ball?”
A fierce blush spreads across his sandy skin, and his gaze is decidedly stuck on the wooden table. Thankfully, the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall is on the other side of the Hufflepuff table, meaning that our conversation is safe, assuming we don’t shout. It also helps that lunch is nearly done, and people have started leaving.
“Yeah, I have a few ideas. Truth be told, I was going to ask Mary which one to pick, sorry Hope. I just want it to be special, a surprise, and telling too many people will make me even more nervous,” he explains with a guilty expression.
Patting his hand with a smile, I tell him, “Anthony, you have nothing to worry about. You and Taylor will be great together, and I have no issue waiting with everyone else for the details. Just promise that I will get to help, one of these days.”
Winking at him, I’m pleased when he relaxes. It would be entirely too hypocritical to get upset with my friends for keeping secrets, given my existence here. Not to mention that I’ll find out soon enough, he only has so long to ask her.
“Will you be alright if I go to the library with him?” Mary asks.
Waving off her question, I bid the two ado before they exit the Great Hall. Without any other pressing plans, I decide to stroll around the castle. Now that I know my way around, there are plenty of paintings and hidden secrets I want to find.
Taking the stairs up, I find myself on the fifth floor. Wandering the halls, I end up wondering where the prefect bathroom is. I’m almost positive it’s on this floor, but I can’t seem to remember which landmark it’s near. Not that I know the password to get in, but it would be nice to know where it is regardless.
My unhurried steps eventually lead me to the Clock Tower balcony, and I can see my breath as I gasp. Knowing that Hogwart’s grounds are beautiful is one thing, but seeing them laid out from up here…it’ll take your breath away. Ignoring the cold, I lean against the railing, and watch the students that seem so small from up here.
“Hope?”
Tensing, I turn to see who the timid voice belongs to. Relief might not be the right word, but I find myself relaxing slightly when I meet Malfoy’s gaze. His tall frame is slouched, his hands in his pockets, and even while being nervous, he’s still handsome.
“What’s up, Malfoy?”
“Aren’t you cold” he asks, coming to lean against the railing next to me.
I simply shrug in answer. Late October in Scotland is far from comfortable, but I’m loath to care. Werewolf heat helps, but I’ll warm up as soon as I’m back in the castle. Worst case scenario, I take a hot shower.
Without a word, Malfoy takes off his outer robe and places it around my shoulders. I’m about to take it off, when I notice his expression. Given the action, I would assume that he’s trying to butter me up or something underhanded. But, he’s frowning at me with the beginnings of irritation. Not the expression one would wear when flirting.
“Thanks, but it’s really not necessary,” I hear myself saying. My shock letting my mouth voice my thought.
Now, Malfoy shrugs, “I’m a gentleman, a lot of what we do is technically unnecessary. At least, assuming that women can, in fact, open doors.”
Despite myself, I chuckle. I suppose he has a point, even if he’ll end up colder than I am in the long run. This time, getting to the point of this interaction isn’t entirely for my benefit.
“So, what’s on your mind? I can’t imagine saving witches from the cold is something you set out to do today.”
His quiet laughter fills the space but I don’t miss when he shivers and clenches his fists, “No, I was looking for you. If you have the time, I’d like to inquire about your music?”
While not terribly surprising, I can’t say I was expecting that response. Looking at him, I debate what I should do. There’s no harm in showing him more music or talking to him about it, but maybe I should take a page out of the Slytherin book. Maybe I can make his curiosity work for me.
“Alright. In exchange, I have a question or two that I’d like answered,” I tell him with a small smile.
Malfoy’s smile falters, looking at me with an awful lot of suspicion. The irony makes me scoff, how can a boy poke and prod me for answers as much as he has only to be cagey when the table is turned.
“I’m not asking for access to your family vault, dude,” I say while handing him back his robes. “I’ll go get my headphones, meet me on the seventh floor, and we can chat.”
He nods but seems confused. I don’t bother to wait for follow up questions, moving swiftly through the halls I make my way into the Ravenclaw tower. Despite knowing about the Pure Blood bullshit, I don’t actually understand it. Nor the finer points of what this world considers ‘high society.’
Being able to reject Lestrange as effectively as I did was nice, but I’m perfectly aware that the Knights of Whatever they call themselves aren’t likely to stop bothering me. They may not have declared me their enemy, but they do want something from me.
The logical answer is my power, but my magic isn’t simply tied to my soul or whatever. Being a trybrid means that a simple wizard can’t exactly transfer my powers to them, they’re tied to my very DNA, my essence. I’d rather know my enemy before they realize that’s what they are, before they realize they can’t steal this from me.
In a matter of moments, I locate my headphones and traverse the moving staircases until I reach my destination. Malfoy is already here, it’s not like he had anything better to do than meet at our rendezvous point.
“Do you know the way?” I ask him.
He startles slightly at my voice, but relaxes when he sees me, “To where, exactly?”
My feet stop in their tracks and I cock my head at his evident confusion. Riddle is the one that showed me where the room is, did he not share that secret with his friends? Not only that, but the Malfoys have been going to this school for how many centuries? If anything, it’s a bit sad that he doesn’t know about the room.
With a small smile, I tell him, “Come on, you’ll see.”
Stopping in front of the troll tapestry, I make sure Malfoy stays in place while I pace back and forth the correct amount of times. Knowing that he doesn’t trust me and that I want answers from him, I give in to the temptation that’s eaten away at me since the last time I was here. Showing him a meaningful place to me might help loosen his lips.
Malfoy looks at me like I have four heads, but that quickly morphs into surprise when the castle rearranges itself. A door forms and I don’t wait for him before bursting through. Everything is the same; the furniture, the fireplace, the books, the antiques, even the smell. Hogwarts perfectly recreated the Salvatore Boarding House living room.
Stepping through the familiar space, I’m almost afraid to touch anything. Lest this proves to be an illusion. Besides the fire crackling and our breathing, my footsteps are the only sound. It feels almost like MG will walk around the corner to tell me about his latest comic book or Dr. Saltzman will stroll through to ask if I want to spar later.
My little day dream is ruined when I see Abraxas Malfoy curiously looking at the space. He doesn’t belong, here he’s barely even a mention in a book. But, that doesn’t stop his white hair from shining, the sweep of his robes as he moves about the room, or the thoughtful ‘hmms’ that escape him.
“This is from your world,” he says. What could have been a question comes out as a statement.
“Yes,” I nearly whisper. “This was my school’s version of a common room, something I haven’t seen in a long, long time.”
Walking over to where I stand near the fire place, Malfoy asks, “How?”
With a sigh, I scan the room that makes my heart ache, “It’s a Hogwart’s secret, called the Room of Requirement. This is what I asked for, but I think it can be nearly anything. For now, it’s somewhere safe we can chat without any unwanted attention.”
Malfoy makes a non-committal sound of understanding, and I move to sit on one of the couches. I can reminisce after he’s gone, for now I have answers to collect.
“So, you want to know about my music?” I prompt.
He sits on the couch opposite me, confidently resting on arm on the back, “And you want to ask me questions about…?”
Rolling my eyes, I realize that the argument of who begins first is simply a waste of time. The likelihood of him going first, feeling like he owes me responses, is very unlikely to happen. If he can play by my rules, I guess I can return the favor.
“As you know, I’m not from here,” I start, waving a hand around the space for emphasis. “But, even if I was, I wouldn’t understand the intricacies of Pure Blood society. I’d greatly appreciate it if you could help me to understand.”
My answer surprises him, but I should have anticipated that he’d think I’m after something much juicier. Little does he know, I’m aware of far more his secrets than even he is.
A touch a guilt spears me as I think about what happens to his descendants, I wonder what Abraxas would say if I told him that his grandson is tasked with killing his Transfiguration Professor as a teenager. I wonder if he would still follow Riddle.
“Why?” his question comes out curt, his confusion too thick to keep up manners.
“For a few reasons, I suppose,” I start, leaning back to settle in. Clearly, this will take some time. “Again, I’m not from here. While I’m not sure what I want to do with my life, I do know that I won’t be able to do anything meaningful without dealing with the rich and powerful. It just so happens that most of that demographic in this world also happen to be Pure Blooded.
“Another reason, is that despite my efforts, you and your friends won’t leave me alone. Don’t worry about my feelings or whatever, I’m perfectly aware that my Half Blood status means I won’t be in the running for an advantageous marriage. But, I’d still like to know the ins and outs so I can at least move through the space, even if I don’t belong.”
For someone trying to seem so unbothered, Malfoy is very tense. I’ve watched him while talking, and humans are only that still when they’re trying to be. Interesting, his tell is the opposite of a reaction.
“Why do you want us to leave you alone so badly?” he asks, his tone a little too tense to be casual.
“Ah, ah, ah,” I tsk with a sly smile. “You want to know about my music. If you want, I suppose you could ask more. Just depends on how much you’re willing to give me in return.”
Rolling his eyes, Malfoy answers with surprising calm, “I can tell you about high society, but that will take some time. I’ve been moving in these circles my entire life, I have no idea how long it will take to explain.”
“Is that your way of saying no, or asking if we can discuss music before getting into such an in depth topic?” I ask through chuckles.
Malfoy smiles at me, and it looks almost genuine, “Seems like someone isn’t as far behind as they might think. But, yes, I would like to discuss your music first.”
My laughter continues, of course everything has to be cryptic. While I don’t wish for this often, I find myself wishing I had my Father’s wealth of experience. Living for over a thousand years and exploring different cultures means that Klaus Mikaelson was very good at talking to almost everyone.
At least, when he put in the effort instead of just threatening people. I’m the one thing that my aunts and uncles want to be, have the one other thing they lost long ago and couldn’t get back even if they wanted it. I’m human, and I’m young. Which occasionally feels more like saying I’m weak and inexperienced, but I digress.
With a wave of my hand, Malfoy gets the hint and continues, “While I’ve only heard what you played in Potions, Tom told me about the songs he heard. I’m curious and want to see what he was talking about.”
We sit in silence for a while as we stare at each other. He doesn’t continue, and I feel a touch a irritation take root. There’s no way that Malfoy considers listening to some songs anywhere near equal to him teaching me about Pure Bloods.
“Don’t bury the lead, Malfoy. What do you really want with my music?” My voice sounds just as annoyed as I feel.
Shifting on the couch, Malfoy looks around uncomfortably, and I find myself continuing, “No one can hear us in here, and I doubt I’m going to really care about your motives. It’s not like studying music from my world will give you anything other than an urge to dance.”
That makes Malfoy burst into laughter, a bit of his trepidation melting away. He’s more handsome this way, when he seems more open. Even with the confident swagger that he so often yields, Abraxas usually seems like plastic. It’s more than a mask he wears, it’s an entire persona that covers him like a hard shell.
He’s still wildly good looking, but it feels cheap. But, now? When I’ve surprised a laugh out of him, Malfoy seems more human, more real. It’s almost nice, but I can’t forget that he’d sit by and watch terrible things happen to me when push comes to shove.
“Fair enough,” he sighs, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Honestly, it’s a little silly. The season hasn’t started yet, but Quidditch practices have been happening all semester. Some of the Ravenclaw Beaters were bragging, telling everyone that they’ll be throwing the best after parties that Hogwarts has ever seen.
“Between that and what Tom shared, I believe they may be right, which I cannot allow. Slytherin is known for having the best parties with the best booze. If you allow some of your music, then we’ll have the best of that as well.”
With wide eyes, I watch him fidget while glancing at me nervously. I think…I think he’s actually telling me the truth. Without warning, I start cackling. Malfoy practically jumps off the couch in surprise, which only makes me laugh harder.
I was so sure that there was some hidden reason, I just assumed that reason was nefarious. But no, just teenage boys not wanting to be shown up. Never would I have guessed that he was so off balance because, what? He’s worried that I’m going to say no due to house loyalty?
“Is…that a no?” he asks.
It takes me a minute to catch my breath, so in the mean time I shake my head. There’s no technical issue with playing my music for them, although there may be a logistical problem.
“No, I’m not saying no,” I tell him around some stray giggles. “However, I have to be around for the music to work. Which, I can already guess will cause some problems.”
Cocking his head to the side, Malfoy appraises me like he’s seeing me in a new light, “You’re not saying no? Can…can I ask why?”
Rolling my eyes, I stand and call out to the room, asking for a drink. On a side table, a bottle of tequila appears with some glasses and limes. Grabbing a nearby letter opener, I slice the limes, pour the tequila into two glasses, garnish them, and walk back. Placing both drinks on the coffee table separating us, I settle back into the couch and take a sip.
“Honestly? I don’t care who throws the best parties; personally, I think the more the merrier. But, if my options are between attending a Ravenclaw after party or a Slytherin one, I’m sure you can figure out where I’ll be,” I tell him with a light chuckle.
Malfoy smiles at me, but then frowns at the drink in front of him. He watches me take another sip before daring to pick the glass up. After sniffing it, he looks to me for confirmation that you do, in fact, put in your mouth before swallowing. A slight nod later, and the very brave Mr. Malfoy takes a sip.
“That’s…that’s different than I was expecting,” he states after licking his lips.
“Well, that’s exceptionally good tequila,” I tell him matter-of-factually. “Apologies for the lack of salt, but my family instilled a great appreciation for quality alcohol in me.”
“Hmmm…So, I understand that after a Slytherin/Ravenclaw match, you’ll be spoken for. However, would you be willing to attend our other after parties? Especially after the Slytherin/Gryffindor one,” he implores before taking another, slightly bigger sip.
Thinning my lips, I look to the side while I think. What if this is a ploy to get me into their literal snake den? More than that, what if Taylor and Amanda are hoping that I DJ for Gryffindor? They haven’t asked, so I suppose I shouldn’t assume. I guess my safety is the only thing that I can truly worry about.
“I…There really isn’t a tactful way for me to ask this, so I’m just going to come out with it. Will I be safe?”
Malfoy laughs, but this time it sounds forced, “Why ever would you not be safe, Hope?”
Giving him a dubious expression, I sit and watch him try to act normally. He does a better job than most people our age would, but I’m rather hard to fool. I know he’s nervous because I can smell him sweating more, can hear his breathing become too even, and just know that he’s too twitchy.
“Listen, I get that you aren’t going to divulge any plans to me. I’m not asking you to, nor am I trying to scare you. What I am asking, is if I DJ for your parties, will I be able to return to my dorm, unscathed and with no interference?” Leaning forward, I make sure my tone is serious.
Malfoy’s hands start shaking and he’s looking at me like I’m a horror film. The blood has completely left his face, making his skin nearly match his hair. But, he nods his affirmation to my question all the same.
If I had to guess, he’s freaked out because he just realized that I know more than I should. But, it couldn’t be helped and I’d know if he was lying. At the end of the day, Riddle has already gleamed more information from me than I’ve ever been willing to give. At least this time when I shared information, I did it by choice.
“Wonderful, so do you want to hear a few songs before my Pure Blood lesson?”