Best Kept Secrets
Acacia sat back in her chair. Her green velvet chair, where the Queen sat. For Acacia was one such Queen.
Slytherin had been a mess when she took control. Bullying, hatred, plots. She ended it all. Well, most of it. Younger years loved her, saw her as an elder sister tying the family back together. Making them better.
Older years despised her, and made her work harder. But she understood. Change did not come easy, nor welcome. And now, a year into her reign, she was seeing some progress. Sixth years smoked less and studied more. Seventh years went out into the world free of Death-eater marks. Her golden age was here.
"My lady," Draco appeared, kissing her hand. He sat on the couch opposite her, teacup in hand. "What do you make of the tournament?"
"It seems like a pissing contest, really." Acacia gracefully rolled her eyes, "People have died, children have died."
"What shall we do about it, my Queen?" Pansy asked.
What Acacia was most proud of, was the change in her friends. Draco no longer tormented first years; Pansy was vocal about her wish for political change. Daphne and Theodore no longer hid their prowess in classes. Blaise was open about his scheming, and Vincent and Greg embraced the gentle giants they were. With her around and in charge, they were free. She had seen similar changes in all her little snakes.
"All those not of age who even think about entering, will be punished accordingly." She sighed, twirling her black hair, "I suppose I should request that all snakes above age should have top grades before they enter."
"Smart," Theo said, placing himself on her chair's arm.
That was when Killian Moore stumbled into groups attention. His deep blonde hair was sticking to his forehead, and his brown eyes were frantic as he all but climbed into Acacia's lap. He was only a second year, and looked like he had seen death. "Acacia." He whispered, hands shaking as he gripped hers. "Acacia."
"Killian," She responded, holding him tightly. "Whatever is the matter?"
She had learned last year that the Moore family had once been powerful seers. And while Killian would never be an Oracle, his dreams would sometimes contain glimpses of the future. He knew before she did that, she would be Queen.
"The tournament. Harry. Danger."
The group shared some looks. Harry James Potter, Acacia's younger twin brother, was a danger magnet, every year there was some trouble he found. Of course, he of all people, would find some way to be in the games. Brilliant.
"Acacia, you need to talk to him." Theo muttered, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You must. You would never forgive yourself."
Killian was helped away by Vincent, given tea, and sat by the fire. Acacia dropped her head into her hands. "We barely speak for a reason, Theo." Harry and Acacia had a nasty habit of fighting, and many thought their bond was beyond repair, even them, most days. But she would never see him harmed. Not willingly.
"You must." Pansy reiterated, her cool, level head had always given sound advice.
"And how would Queenie do that, ay?" Diana Lestrange cackled. The former queen was always bitter, but usually helpful. "The Pride would never let you close to him."
"Pride?" Draco asked. He had never heard that term being used in reference to those silly lions.
"Oh dear," Diana smirked, her eyes full of contempt. Her lithe body inched closer, "It seems I... forgot a lesson."