Viper

September 1st, 1991. 11 years old

I was standing in the mirror looking at the dark circles that were forming under my grey eyes. I looked like I hadn't slept a wink, which is exactly what had happened. I kept tossing and turning and was trying to calm myself down from the thought that in a couple hours I would be at Hogwarts. I had started to grow sweaty and felt my sheets clinging to me. After flipping my pillow ten times and moving my blanket on and off me I decided that sleep was pointless. I also decided to floo call Draco. He did not appreciate it. 

I finally got down from my bed and rushed to the fireplace. My bare feet padding on the cold marble floors. I opened the ceramic pot containing the powder and threw it in. I stuck my head through, my adrenaline numbing the pain from the position I was in. “Dracoooo” 

Suddenly there was a loud noise and something was chucked at the fireplace. I moved my head and flinched as a reaction. “Who is there?” An angry voice spoke. A blonde head peaked out from the side of the room, eyes slanted. “Rosie is that you?”

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Yes Draco it's me. Now get your arse over here before I hex you!” I heard rustling which could only belong to his bedsheets being moved, as he made his way to the floo. He had a very annoyed and angry expression on his face and I could tell he was not having it. “Good morning Sunshine! How did you sleep?” I flashed him a toothy grin in which he did not appreciate and stuck up a vulgar gesture in response.

Judging by the venom in his voice, he was very annoyed.“ Fucking hell Rosie, it is 2 in the morning, we have school tomorrow and you’re floo calling me!  Are you mad?!” 

“Oh well you know I couldn't sleep and needed to talk to someone so I figured, hey why not talk to you?” 

“You are quite literally the most annoying person I have ever met. How do you expect to get up in the morning?” 

I sighed. “Well, getting up in the morning implies actually sleeping. And judging by my nerves, I don't think I'm going to sleep any time soon.” 

He realized there was no winning me and finally sat down in front of the fireplace. He looked at my smiling face and rolled his eyes. “Don't give me that look.” 

I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face. “What look?” 

He rolled his eyes at me and crossed his arms. “That look. The dumb look you get on your face when I don't ignore you.” 

I smiled a sly smile. “I don't know what you're talking about.” 

He leaned his chin onto the palm of his hand and rested his arm on his knee. “What’s keeping you up this time, Rosie?”

This wasn't the first time I had woken Draco up in the middle of the night. When I found myself going through my anxiety episodes I would immediately reach out to Draco. It was the reason we agreed to keep our bedroom fireplace always connected. When one of us got into a fight with our parents and were in desperate need of escape, we would floo to each other’s bedrooms unannounced. Before we figured out our system of floo calls, I'd just floo to his bedroom whenever I'd get an anxiety attack. After nearly being caught several times by our parents, we decided it's much easier to just floo call. 

“I can't sleep, Draco. I keep thinking about Hogwarts. It's going to be the longest I've ever been away from my parents.”

“Lexie, you couldn't wait to get away from your parents. That's all you've talked about all summer! You were practically counting the days until September 1st just because you finally get to be free from them. Why the sudden change of heart?”

I looked into his grey eyes and couldn't help the frown that appeared on my face. “It's not that I had a change of heart, it's the fact that I'm worried my mother will find a way to control me even at school, and I just don't want that to happen.”  

He took a deep breath and paused before speaking. I often had this effect on him. He loved my parents, and my parents adored him. So much so they decided to have a second child in the hopes it would be a boy and it would be just like him. I'm surprised they were not contemplating on naming it Draco, if it ended up being a boy. “Lex, I don't know what to say. I'm sure with the baby on the way your mum will be focused on other things instead of harassing you while you're at Hogwarts.” I caught him extending his hand toward me, to be able to rub my arm like he always did when I needed comforting, but he realized I wasn't physically there and he hesitantly drew his arm back. I flashed him a sad smile. 

I put my head down on my hands. “I don't know Draco, I'm just being overly dramatic. I was just nervous and all.” 

His lips tightened in a line and he looked at me, face blank. “Do you want to just floo over? My parents certainly won't mind you being here, and I can explain to your parents in the morning why you came over.” 

His offer brought a genuine smile to my face but I shook my head in decline. “No it's okay, I don't want to make them angry at the last minute. Thanks though.” 

He met my genuine smile with his. He rubbed his sleepy eyes before stifling a yawn. “Is there anything I can do?”

I pretended to contemplate what I was about to ask him. My smile met my eyes as I delivered my words, “Do you wanna stay up with me?” 

That had been an absolute mistake. I was completely drained beyond describing and I looked like a mess as well. My mother was definitely going to have something to say about the way I looked. I cast a quick drying charm on my hair and started to brush through it. I wasn't in the mood to have my waves on display today so I grabbed my straightening potion and quickly did my hair. When I finished, I put on some light makeup and headed to my closet.

My trunk was already packed and I had to cast an Undetectable Extension Charm because I couldn't decide what other clothes to take with me. So besides my robes, (uniform and dress), I took different denims, skirts, jumpers, and lounge pants. I had also packed some books and chocolate frogs with me as well because I couldn't go until break without them. 

I heard my father’s voice from downstairs. “Alexandria, it's late we need to get going!” He yelled. I made my way downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was standing in Kings Cross between platforms 9 and 10 and staring dumbfoundedly at Draco. “You have to walk through it.” My father said before he grabbed my cart and pushed it casually through, disappearing. 

I looked at Draco again as our parents crossed over casually and Narcissa stopped before entering and looked at both of us. “Come on children, we don't have all day!” And she turned her head and left. 

Draco looked at my hand and I looked at his. I didn't hesitate holding it as I dragged him through. Our eyes closed and we held our breaths preparing for the impact, but none came. We were okay.  “That wasn't so hard now was it?” My father said, giving both me and Draco a short pat on the back.

Our parents looked at our faces and smiled. “Can you believe it, Narcissa? Our children are going to Hogwarts.” My mother said, flashing Narcissa a smile.

Narcissa Malfoy’s eyes filled with joy and contained a hint of some sort of longing. “I know Alyona, I'm beyond thrilled. But I have to say I will miss Draco.” 

My mother came and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. She looked at me with a gaze filled with false love and smiled. “It is going to be pretty lonely without this one causing trouble.”

Lucius and Narcissa said their farewells to Draco separately, and then proceeded to give me a hug and wish me good luck. “If your heart dwells on anything, please feel free to send a letter. We will have it mailed to you.” Lucius spoke. 

I thanked them and then made my way to my parents who had stern looks on their faces. We stared awkwardly at one another before my mother broke the silence. “If you're not sorted into Slytherin, don't bother coming home.” They turned around and walked away through the border. 

I shrugged my shoulders, looking at no one in particular before grabbing my trunk and making my way through the train. I found Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle sitting together and I made my way in. I floated my trunk to the overhead compartment before making my seat. 

“Did you know Harry Potter is on this train?” Crabbe said.

Goyle put down his chocolate frogs and turned to look at him. “What? How? Who told you?” 

Crabbe took a sip of his butterbeer that he had brought with him. The foam was still on his lips as he spoke. “Told me? Saw him with my own eyes I did!”

Draco scoffed as he turned to look at his friends. He rolled his eyes and dismissed what they were saying, and continued to read the Daily Prophet. “And where is this Harry Potter?” Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other and Goyle shrugged his shoulders. Crabbe was trying to silently convince Goyle that he did actually see him and Goyle was in disbelief.

Crabbe and Goyle were like distant cousins to us. We would see them every holiday and would hangout with them on our birthdays. They were not as close to me as Pansy, Blaise, and Theo were because they didn't do the training. They were not considered to be as strong as us, and were rather lacking in the mental department, but our parents had been close and went to Hogwarts together so we were acquainted at a young age. Harry Potter has been a household name for our families. Everyone and their mother knew who he was. He is the reason the Dark Lord is currently in hiding. I'm surprised we weren't warned he would be attending Hogwarts with us.

Eventually Draco got tired of hearing Crabbe’s pleas and got up. “I'm going to see for myself.” Crabbe nudged Goyle and got up to follow Draco. “Lexie, lets go.” 

We got up out of our compartment and went to find him. After trailing down a couple compartments, Crabbe pointed to the window of one. “There! That's him!”

Draco rolled his eyes and opened the door to the compartment. There were three people currently sitting there. One with red hair, I knew a Weasley when I saw one. The other had hair so big her face was covered, and then my eyes landed on a small boy with shaggy hair and glasses. I turned to look at Draco whose mouth was open. “No way. Crabbe, are you sure?” 

Draco stiffened and made his way to inside the compartment, leaving me, Crabbe, and Goyle at the door. “You're the bloke from Madam Malkins.” Draco said. “Harry Potter is it? Im Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.” He extended his hand toward Potter and delivered his best sneer and Harry looked at him with a confused expression on his face. Draco gave Weasley and whoever the other girl was a side glance filled with disgust. The Weasleys were blood traitors. “Don't wanna be making friends with the wrong sort.” 

Harry ignored Draco’s extended hand and looked at Weasley. His friend’s eyes were filled with fury. “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.” And just like that Harry dismissed Draco. That has never happened before. I couldn't believe my eyes. 

Draco brushed off the dismissal and rolled his eyes. He smoothly brought his hand back down to his side. He looked toward Weasley and then said “Blood traitors.” with disgust and venom in his voice. Suddenly, Goyle pushed me and I almost fell onto Draco. 

“OW!” He looked and saw his finger was bleeding. “You're rat bit me!” He said to Weasley. He made his way to Weasley and reached to grab him by his collar. Draco pulled him back by the back of his robes and dragged him out of the train compartment.

 “Don't waste your time on filth.” And with that, Draco dragged Goyle out. Crabbe followed behind, giving everyone in the compartments death glares. I realized I was now standing in the middle of their compartment and hastily made a way to exit.

 I was halfway out the door when suddenly, “Wait!” I turned to see it was Harry who called it. I raised an eyebrow, challenging him. “Yes?”

“You're the girl who was in Madam Malkins with me.” Harry spoke softly.

I turned and squinted my eyes. “So?”

Harry turned to look at the Weasley he had befriended and Weasley just shrugged his shoulders and went back to stuffing his face with sweets. Uncultured. 

His next words took me by surprise. “Why are you hanging out with a bunch of idiots?”

I tried to conceal my shock as I looked at him. “You've got some nerve asking me that question. You're hanging out with a blood traitor.” My eyes then drifted to the girl. “And whatever this is.” She was staring ahead but judging by the way I spoke she lowered her gaze to the hands in her lap. A smile reached my lips as I realized what she was. “Ohh.” I sighed. “She’s a Mudblood.” I rolled my eyes and slammed the compartment door shut behind me. 

I angrily stomped my way back to our compartment. Goyle was now nursing his finger and Crabbe looked as if he was in a serious conversation with Draco. I crashed down onto the seat next to Draco and put my head in his lap. “He talked to me.” 

Draco looked down on my face. “Who talked to you?” 

I looked up into his eyes. “Potter.”

Draco scrunched his face in confusion. “What did he say?”

I took a deep breath and proceeded to close my eyes. “Nothing important.” I started to feel my eyes close, and couldn't help drifting off to sleep. 

I woke up about three hours later. I was still on Draco’s lap and was surprised he didn't move. I sat up hesitantly and immediately yawned, my vision fuzzy. Crabbe took notice of my disheveled state and started to laugh. I shot him a glare and he went back to talking to Goyle. I summoned a book that was sitting in my trunk and started to read. The plot had just begun to be interesting when Draco tapped my shoulder, “We should start changing into our uniforms. We’re about to arrive.” 

Summoning my trunk out to float in front of me, I took out my uniform and put the book back where it belongs. There was an open bathroom compartment nearby, and I came back out with my plain black robes. The Hogwarts uniform was quite cute. A pleated skirt, with a white button up and an optional choice of a jumper. I pulled on my grey socks and slipped my feet back into my Mary Janes. 

When I went back into the compartment, Pansy and Blaise were sitting with Draco. “Oh hello!” I smiled at them. They returned my smile and motioned for me to come sit. As I made my way to sit down, I noticed Theo was missing. “Where's Theo?”

Blaise looked up from the game of Exploding Snap he was playing with Draco and said, “Theo’s changing, he’ll be done shortly.” We spent the next couple minutes watching a very serious game between Draco and Blaise. Each had a referee, Crabbe being Blaise’s, and Goyle being Draco's. 

The train reached  a stop and we were all in a line with the other students waiting to get out. We stood there for about 10 minutes before the path cleared and we got out. Since we were almost the last to exit, due to waiting on Theo, we noticed there was a giant man who was standing waving his hands trying to get first year’s attention. At first sight of him, Draco rolled his eyes and insulted him. “That's Hagrid, the half-breed.” Venom was obvious in his voice, and Pansy rolled her eyes in annoyance at the sight of Hagrid. “He got expelled from Hogwarts when he was in his third year and since he’s Dumbledore’s pet, that old tosser decided to keep him around. Honestly it shocks me how they let such filth in this school. This is the reason my father wanted me to attend Durmstrang.” Judging by the way Draco delivered his little speech, he was not having a good day and was already regretting even being here. 

Hagrid yelled, “First years follow me!” and waved his large arms to show us the way. It was already after dusk and he was holding an oil lamp to light the way. We walked toward a dock where a bunch of little boats were waiting for us. “Alrighty there.” The giant spoke. “Get in groups of 6 and sit down. We will be at Hogwarts shortly.” He directed us and waited until each of us were seated.. I noticed he was last to be seated and chose to sit in the boat where Harry was. Not him too. We haven't even gotten to step inside Hogwarts yet but Harry already seemed to have support from every adult. 

Annoyed by the recent events of today, I rested my elbows on my knees and slowly drifted, drowning out Blaise and Theo’s conversation. The boat ride was beautiful. The night sky was dark, with tiny sparkling specks that were the stars. The moon shone brightly above us and was reflecting in the waters below. Our lanterns were adding a golden glow to the scene and it was absolutely gorgeous. As we approached closer, the mountain in the horizon appeared larger and we were soon in front of a giant castle. It was dark around it, but the moonlight shone onto the castle and the beauty was apparent. The tall towers were lit up and we all couldn't help but gaze with our mouth’s hanging onto the floor. 

I was almost hesitant to get out of the boat because I was truly impressed with the beauty. But I made my way, following the other students and Hagrid. He opened the giant doors and we all stumbled inside. We made our way to the Great Hall where I found myself in even more awe. There were four long tables going across the floor, where students of different houses were already sitting. The professors had their own grand table at the front of the room where each one sat side by side, facing the students. The walls were gold and sparkling, as were the floors. 

I let my eyes fall onto the ceiling. I was awestruck. The ceiling was charmed to look like the night sky. I stopped in my path and was looking up, watching the stars and moon, until suddenly someone bumped into me and I snapped out of it. I made my way to the center of the room not cutting my eyes away from the beautiful ceiling. It was truly impressive. There were also banners draped over the tables. I had heard that they change depending on who wins the house cup. 

We reached the front of the room and were greeted by a tall thin woman. She was wearing green robes and had a black pointy hat. If my assumptions were correct, then she was Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor.  She was standing in front of a man with a long white beard. He was wearing long red robes that were dragging on the floor. He had a pointed nose and wore half moon spectacles. He peered at us from above his glasses as Professor McGonagall greeted us. She was standing in front of a stool and on the stool lay a hat.

McGonagall made her way to the stool and held a scroll of parchment. “Before we can eat, you must be sorted into your houses. There are Gryfindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.” She gestured to the hat on the stool and suddenly he started singing. The Sorting Hat sang a song about the different houses and we waited for him to finish. The students in the hall clapped as he finished. After his introduction, Professor McGonagall unrolled the parchment and called out the first name. “Hermione Granger!” 

The muggle-born girl who I'd met earlier in Harry’s compartment made her way toward the hat. She was muttering to herself like a madman. She was shaking as she hesitantly sat down and the hat was placed on top of her head. The Sorting Hat started mumbling things to himself but eventually made a decision. “Gryffindor!” 

The Gryffindor table started roaring and cheering as she made her way to them. They shook her hand and judging by her posture, she had finally relaxed. I rolled my eyes. “Draco Malfoy!” McGonagall called his name and Draco confidently made his way to the stool. The hat hadn't even touched his head before declaring him a Slytherin. His sorting was rather short compared to Granger’s. The Slytherin table cheered and a couple older boys I recognized got up to shake his hand. Blaise, Theodore, and Pansy were next and were all sorted into Slytherin. McGonagall called out a few Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Gryffindors before getting to Harry. Harry made his way to the stool and also sat down hesitantly. He frantically looked around as the hat was placed on top of his head. The hat started talking but Harry was muttering something. His eyes were closed in fear and worry. 

Suddenly, the hat spoke. “Not Slytherin, eh? Well. Better be GRYFFINDOR!” The Sorting Hat declared. The Slytherin table went silent. Of course he didn't want to be a Slytherin. Little saint needs to be a hero. He wants to go join his blood traitor friends. It infuriates me how they just got sorted into Gryffindor and they're already making their glances and snide remarks about Slytherins. Everyone knows Slytherin’s are better than those lions. 

Suddenly, McGonagall called my name. “Alexandria Rosier!” I made eye contact with Draco before I walked to the stool. I sat down and the hat was placed on top of my head. “Alexandria Rosier.” It said, I  remained quiet as the hat started to mumble to himself. It started to speak aloud. “Daughter of purebloods. Future heir. Slytherin seems to be a good fit for you.” He took a pause before continuing. “But you are brave, and quite smart too. Logic comes naturally to you.” The room was quiet as everyone looked at me. Draco was leaning on the edge of his seat waiting for the verdict. Pansy was staring directly at me with her eyebrows raised, arms crossed, as if daring the hat to put me somewhere that's not Slytherin. “You are cunning and ambitious, these traits will help you succeed in the years to come.” But then I felt a voice in my head and the room went completely silent. 

“Despite the years ahead of you, I believe you will do best in Slytherin. Which is a shame. Considering your bravery and nerve would have made you succeed in Gryffindor. Good luck to you.” His speech stopped and he declared out loud, “SLYTHERIN!” and the Slytherin table erupted in cheers and applause. I made my way to the table and sat next to Pansy, who threw her arms around me. 

“Lexie, you scared us there! We thought you were going to get sorted into Hufflepuff or something!” Pansy said with her over dramatics. After what the Sorting Hat had said, I found myself in a foul mood.

Dumbledore stepped up to the podium and declared in his calm voice, “Let the feast begin!” 

Suddenly, food appeared before us. Whole turkeys and drumsticks, different varieties of salads. Mashed potatoes and gravy. There were meatballs on the table and some fried potato wedges. All this delicious food and my friends didn't hesitate before digging in. I stared at the food in front of me, struggling to bring myself to eat. Blaise took my plate and dumped food on there before nudging me. “Eat, Rosie.” 

I stared again for a couple seconds before hesitantly grabbing my fork and knife and cutting my turkey leg. I ate my dinner in silence, I didn't tell them what the Sorting Hat said.