Viper

September 1st-2nd, 1991. 11 years old.

After the dinner, I made my way down to the dungeons with my group of friends. Me and Pansy were sharing a dorm room with Millicient Bulstrode and Daphne Greengrass. Neatly folded on my bedside table was my Hogwarts sweater with Slytherin colors, a Slytherin scarf with a matching beanie, a tie, and mittens. I picked up the green and silver tie and absentmindedly gazed at it. “Well mum, looks like I'm coming home.” 

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The next morning, I got up around half past 7. It was the first day of classes and we had Charms with Professor Flitwick. I got out of my green four poster bed and made my way to the bathroom. I found that my toiletries had already been organized in the cabinets and shower. I locked the door and quickly undressed. The shower’s water was warm and welcoming as I scrubbed my body from head to toe, trying to rid myself of the stress the Sorting Hat had enticed onto me. The water took away any nerves that I had.

My mind had been racing with what the Sorting Hat had told me. Pansy had noticed a change in my behavior after dinner and I had played it off with telling her I'm tired. Which wasn't exactly a lie, because I had barely slept the night before, but it wasn't the truth either. In all honesty my heart had been racing and I kept glancing at my surroundings, trying to get in touch with them. Blaise had noticed me playing with my food, and after about an hour of an awkward dinner, Dumbledore had announced it was time to go to our dormitories and I found myself saved.
By the time I had gotten out it was 8.I pulled on my robes and exited the bathroom, where I found Pansy sitting on my bed with her legs crossed, looking up at the ceiling. “Finally.” 

My trunk opened at a wave of my wand, and my neatly folded pajamas made their way inside. After closing, locking, and setting it under my bed I finally paid attention to Pansy. “Can you get off my bed?”

She rolled her eyes at me and smacked her tongue. “Can we go eat?” She retorted.

Reaching for her, I grabbed her hand and dragged her off my bed. She stumbled at my strength, (admittedly, I pulled her up too hard,) and we walked down the stairs. When we reached the Great Hall, my eyes landed on Draco and he turned his head to meet my gaze. We walked toward the table and as usual, I took my seat next to Draco. 

Draco poked my arm. “Good morning. How did you sleep?” 

I turned to face him and gave him a close lipped smile. “Okay, I guess. You?” 

He bit into his sausage and replied with a mouthful of food, “Good.” 

I rolled my eyes and softly punched his shoulder before reaching across the table and filling my plate with toast and eggs. The windows were open above the professor’s table when all of a sudden a swarm of owls made their way into the Great Hall. Each owl had something in its beak, whether it was a parcel or an envelope, there was something there. I looked up trying to see if I could spot any familiar ones, and had no luck. But, then two owls came side by side, screeching, their beaks opened and out landed two letters on the table, in front of mine and Draco’s plates. Me and Draco looked up at each other and our silent gazes said enough. 

Pansy, who was sitting in front of me, suggested the letter and said, “Go on. Open it.” 

The owl who delivered my letter was one of the many my family had. Talon was a grey True owl, and was the feisty one of the bunch. He was gifted to me on my second birthday when he was just a baby, and my parents raised him until I was old enough to take care of him. Since I had not been able to say owl, I called him tally, in an attempt to pronounce it. Until I was old enough to name him Talon. He jumped on my shoulder and started pecking my collar, asking for food. I broke off a piece of my toast and held it near his beak. He grabbed it fast and nipped my finger in the process. I tapped his head and returned to staring at the letter in front of me. 

I opened the envelope, and took out the parchment inside. At the corner of the parchment, as I had already expected was the single red rose, with sharp thorns, and written at the bottom of the stem was our surname in cursive letters. It was our family crest. Almost all of our documents had the crest at the top left corner. 

After stalling for far too long to be considered socially acceptable to read a letter, my eyes drifted down to the words. 

Alexandria,

We heard the news that you made it into Slytherin, and congratulations are in order. Your ancestors would be so proud that you are honoring Salazar Slytherin. Enjoy your time at Hogwarts, you only get to have so much time at the school. 

We also request that you must listen to Severus. Listen to him and him only, he will guide you throughout your time there. Do not get into any fights, control that temper of yours. Most importantly, do not let slip what you wouldn't want others to know. 

We expect you back during the Holidays. Christmas will be held at the Malfoy Manor, per usual. The Malfoy’s will bring you with Draco. Enjoy your first term. 

See you soon,

A&A.

The letter my parents had sent had taken me much by surprise. I hadn't even expected acknowledgement. Severus must have told them I made Slytherin, or else they wouldn't have known until I told them. On the bottom of the letter, there was a pack of chocolate frogs attached and I couldn't help but smile. 

“Look, my parents sent me a pack of chocolate frogs!” I told Draco.

Draco looked at me and smiled. “My parents congratulated us on making Slytherin. In the letter they wrote they said they held a celebratory dinner in our honor.” 

I laughed and stroked my owl, who hooted in contentment. 

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We made our way to Professor Flitwick’s classroom and arranged ourselves in the chairs. Me and Crabbe sat next to each other, and Draco and Goyle were sitting at the desk toward my right. Blaise and Theo behind us, and Pansy across the classroom. On our desks there was a long white feather, probably belonging to a Hippogriff. 

“Good morning students! I am Professor Flitwick and I will be your Charms professor. Today we are going to be practicing Levitating Charms.” 

Draco and I turned toward each other and leaned in. He whispered into my ear, “Looks like we’re going to pass this class with an O.” He gave me a wink and leaned back into his chair. Charms like these were what we practiced when we first started our training. Me, Pansy and the others already knew how to successfully perform spells like this. We could even perform them nonverbally, but we were advised to keep this skill hidden. It worked to our advantage.

Professor Flitwick resumed his instructions. “Now, the incantation to this charm is Wingardium Leviosa. The wand movement is a simple swish and flick. Just like this.” He waved his wand in a half circle and then flicked it down gently. He gestured to our wands and asked us to copy his movements. “Very good. Now practice saying the incantation. Ready? Say it with me. Wingardium Leviosa.” We all said simultaneously. “Now, please say it a couple times to make sure your pronunciations are correct. I shall walk by and hear your incantations.” He made his way to each desk letting each student say the incantation. After making his way around the classroom he settled back onto his podium. 

 “By the end of the class, I expect to see each one of you able to successfully levitate your feathers to my desk. If you are unable to do so, your homework will be to practice, you will demonstrate your mastery the following day.”  He clapped his tiny hands together and gave us a smile, “Best of luck.” and turned around to go sit on his chair. 

I felt a finger tapping on my shoulder, suddenly I heard someone go “Pssssst.” I turned around, to see Zabini leaning over his desk. My eyebrows raised, “Yes Zabini?” questioning him. A wide toothy grin spread across his face. “How much do you want to bet you're going to become his favorite student?”

My eyebrows furrowed as I replied, “What are you talking about?”

His grin spread even wider. “Watch this.” A strong spiraling wind blew out from the tip of his wand as he cast the Ventus spell pointing at my feather. I immediately reacted by stopping the feather in mid air and successfully floated it back to me non verbally. As I placed it on my desk, Professor Flitwick got up from his chair.  The students who had been trying to get their feathers to float, stopped what they were doing and turned toward me. My skin burned as the entire class’s attention was on me.

His eyes were wide in surprise as he looked at me. “Miss Rosier! Excellent job!” He smiled as he made his way toward my desk. “Why don't you show everyone your levitating charm?” 

I looked down toward the ground as I peered at him. I nodded my head gently and as I held my wand at the ready, I spoke the incantation. “Wingardium Leviosa.” The white feather floated up into the air slowly above me. I decided to show off a bit, so I got up from my chair, keeping the feather afloat and moved the feather to levitate behind me. I brought it down to where Blaise was seated, and moved it towards his nose. The feather brushed under his nostril, going up to the bridge of his nose, tickling him. His face contorted as it scrunched when he let out a sneeze and the class roared with laughter. Turning back around, I directed my feather to the front of the classroom, setting it down on top of his podium. I lowered my wand and Professor Flitwick started clapping. 

“Excellent job, Miss Rosier. You demonstrated the spell perfectly.” He smiled at me, and I couldn't help my own smile that formed. I folded my skirt under me as I sat down and he stepped closer to my desk and then said something that took me by surprise. “Might I add, your mother was quite excellent at charm work as well.” He added a wink, and returned to the struggling students.

My smile faded away from my face.

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Our following class was Defence Against the Dark Arts, with Snape. This class was going to be held with the Gryffindors and I could already taste the trouble that Potter was going to cause. Luckily unlike every other professor in this school, Snape actually favored the Slytherins over the other houses. 

“Saint Potter is going to be joining us today.” Draco said to Crabbe as they walked side by side.

Snape’s classroom was held near the dungeons, and it smelled like burnt ingredients. The classroom had tall windows and a bunch of shelves with varying herbs bottled in containers. When we reached inside, Snape looked up from the cauldron in front of him and his lips formed a tight line as he nodded his head in greeting. We made our way toward the tables and I made my seat next to Pansy. Professor Snape got up and left, and the Gryffindors walked in. 

We were waiting for a couple minutes when we saw Potter and his friends make their way to the table next to us and sit down. The Muggle-born girl had pulled out her parchment and was muttering to Harry to do the same while Weasley just stared off ahead. 

The door to the classroom swung open and Professor Snape strutted in, his long black robes waving behind him. “There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making…” He continued his speech as he looked every single one of us in the eye. I was quite skilled at potions already, as was Draco. Who was currently watching Snape with admiration, his grey eyes becoming sliver as they expanded in awe.

There was a scratching sound of a quill on parchment and Professor Snape stopped talking and turned his head in the direction of the noise, his eyes landing on Harry Potter. His monotone drawl deep, “Mr. Potter.” 

Harry stopped his scribbling and looked up. “Our newest celebrity.” Potter looked up at him, unsure of what to do. “Tell me what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood.” Harry scrunched his face and looked at him, confusion written all on his face. 

“You don't know?” Snape drawled. Of course he didn't know. How would he know? He grew up with muggles. “Maybe instead of scribbling nonsense, you should actually pay attention, as this will be on your exam.” He put his hands on Harry’s desk and leaned his head down to look him in the eye. “Now you listen very carefully Potter. One of these days you will need this information.” After his threat, he turned around and went back to his cauldron. Harry looked down in embarrassment and folded his hands atop his desk.

I leaned back into my chair and nudged Pansy. A smirk forming on my face. This was going to be a very interesting year. 

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After finishing up in potions, we went back to the Great Hall for lunch. The meals were so extravagant and flavorful. There was something for everyone. My appetite had finally returned and I found myself staring hungrily at the food in front of me. I added a small portion of everything to my plate and didn't hesitate to dig in.

Next to me, Pansy was trying to talk to Theo, who was trying his best not to engage. He had his nose buried in a large tome. Pansy kept trying to get him to pay attention to her and he was successfully ignoring her. When Blaise appeared with Millicent Bulstrode next to him, Pansy finally gave up on Theo and started talking Blaise’s ear off. Though he didn't seem to mind, he was quite talkative. A bit of a loudmouth too, if you ask me.

Our lunch was spent that way. Occasionally me popping in to laugh at the dumb things Crabbe was saying, but it had passed by well. Draco and Blaise had left the table early, Blaise kept nagging Draco telling him he had something urgent to show him, Pansy went to go back to our dorms. When I asked her why she was leaving, she turned to me and said, “Me and brooms don't mix.” And strutted her way out the hall. This left me and Theo, since Crabbe and Goyle decided to follow Draco and Blaise. Theo and I always had a silent agreement. We were never close, but we both regarded each other as family. Even though we would fight a lot. 

Flying lessons were the next part of our schedule. We made our way onto the Quidditch pitch. On the grass there were brooms laid in two rows. As me and Theo were one of the last few to arrive, we noticed that the Gryffindors had taken place on one side, and the Slytherins the other. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a boy holding something in his hand and showing it to Potter. I paid no mind and we walked toward the last two brooms and stood above them.

A woman with short hair walked onto the pitch. She was wearing black Hogwarts robes with the crest on her chest. The collared shirt she was wearing rose up to her neck, her black tie tied neatly on the collar. Her arms and shins were covered in Quidditch gear, and her neck bore a whistle. She raised the whistle to her mouth and she blew into it. A loud squeaking sound was made and she continued her stride toward us. When she finally stood at the head of the two rows, she greeted us.

 “Welcome students. When I blow the whistle, you will stand next to the broom and extend your hand and firmly command it with the words up, like this.” She put her Nimbus 2000 down on the floor and raised her hand above it. “Up.” Her broom flew into her hand. She blew the whistle. 

I repeated her directions and the broom flew up into my hands. The class followed suite and Madam Hooch spoke again. “Now, when I blow my whistle, I want you guys to mount your brooms and kick off the ground, hover, then lean forward and come back down.” Madam Hooch blew her whistle and right before I was about to mount my broom, I turned my head at the sound of a scream, and saw Neville Longbottom up in the air, unable to control his broom.  He was flopping around side to side holding on for his life. “Longbottom! Get down now!” Madam Hooch demanded. Neville continued flopping around in the air, as he forgot how to control the broom. Suddenly, he was so far up in the air that Madam Hooch couldn't yank him down. “Longbottom!” She screamed, “Lean forward and direct your broom down!” 

Her attempts were useless, as Neville soared up into the air and started getting yanked by his broom in different directions. He started spinning as his broom kept flipping him upside down. He was speeding toward a building and the students couldn't help but close their eyes as they felt the impact coming, but Neville was rapidly jerked away and kept being dragged through the air. The broom had directed him toward another building, and there was no escaping fate this time. Madam Hooch was desperately waving her wand trying to get his broom to stop, but it was no use. 

He dove toward us and we all ducked out of the way. Luck was not in his favor today… Neville was pulled up back into the air and much to his dismay, the broom slipped out from under him and he fell onto the spikes of the building, his robes getting caught. His feet were dangling from the building. Shocked from the impact, Neville ceased to move but curiosity took over and Neville looked down to the ground, and noticed the elevation he was at, but this movement only made his situation worse. His robes then ripped and he fell onto the spikes a couple feet down from where he currently was. This only lasted a couple seconds, and his robes teared even more and suddenly there was a giant thud, as Neville fell and hit the ground, hard. 

Madame Hooch pushed through the crowd of students, and was yelling. “Out of my way!” We all moved aside as she rushed to Neville and leaned down to see how he was doing. Neville was moaning in agony and was clutching his arm that broke the fall. She reached her arm down and helped pull him back up to his feet. As they slowly walked toward us, Madam Hooch’s voice was low and warning. “I am going to take Mr Longbottom to the infirmary.” She squinted her eyes, and made sure to look at each and every one of us before saying her next sentence. “If I see a single broom in the air, the one riding it will find themselves out of Hogwarts before they can say Quidditch.” With that, she walked away, holding a moaning Neville who’s face had gone ghostly pale. 

Draco’s eye caught something on the floor and he bent down to pick it up. A smirk formed on his features as he eyed the Remembrall. I tapped his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “That's Longbottoms.” 

He turned around and looked at me. “Does it look like I care?” He made his way toward the crowd of Gryffindors, Crabbe and Goyle walking behind him. One on each side. Draco’s cronies. “Did you see his face? Maybe if the fat lump had given this a squeeze, he would have remembered to fall on his fat arse.” The Slytherins laughed at what he said and Draco continued to play with the Remembrall.

A voice interrupted the laughter, and the field went silent. “Give it here, Malfoy.” The voice that belongs to Harry Potter.

Draco turned back around and looked at him. He squinted his eyes and let out a dry “No.” His eyes then lit up with mischief, as he mounted his broom and flew up into the air. “I think I'll leave it somewhere for him to find.” He soared up to the air and stopped in front of the crowd of students. Harry was practically fuming as Malfoy challenged him. “What's the matter, Potter? Bit beyond your reach?” 

Harry seemed to have enough of the taunting as he stepped onto his broom, and carefully launched himself in the air. “Give it back or I will knock you off your broom!” Potter yelled at Draco.

A grin appeared and spread on Malfoy’s mischievous face. “Fine. Have it your way then.” Malfoy then threw the Remembrall ahead of them, and Potter launched himself after it. Knocking into Draco in the process. 

Potter soared into the air, chasing after the ball. Both Gryffindors and Slytherins alike couldn't help but watch in awe, awaiting to see if he could catch it. Draco had remained up in the air, with an expression of something mixed between shock and anger as he watched Potter chase the Remembrall. 

Potter soared through the air, very much different from the way Neville was dragged through it. He dodged buildings and kept alternating in elevations. Wherever the Remembrall went, Harry was not too far behind. He eventually reached a building, and reached forward. He stumbled a little, but his attempt was successful. The Remembrall was in his hand. 

 Draco had already made his way to the ground and was now standing once again in between Crabbe and Goyle, arms crossed across his chest. Harry soared back down, and the crowd of Gryffindors were cheering loudly as he brought the clear ball back down from the air. They ran toward him and Harry was holding the ball high above his head. The Gryffindors threw themselves at him, all hugging and cheering him on. Throwing compliments left and right, but soon the cheering was put to a stop as a tall woman in green robes approached. Her face was stern as ever, but there was a slight hint of a smile. “Harry Potter.” Professor McGonagall said. “Follow me.” 

The Slytherins started to “ooo” as Harry lowered his head and followed Professor McGonagall.

We had all remained on the field, sitting on the grass. Madam Hooch had not returned yet. “Do you think he’ll get expelled?” Goyle leaned forward and asked.

Theo looked down as he picked the fallen leaves off the ground. “Better him than you.” He turned toward Draco and shot him a glare. “What were you thinking?” 

Draco turned around and looked at Theo’s concerned face and let out a laugh. “My father would have Dumbledore sacked before they could even think about expelling me.” He scoffed.

“As if they’d listen to your father.” 

“My father pays good money to this school. Without his generous paychecks Hogwarts would be so desperate to keep it running, they’d invite muggles to join. Just because your father doesn't have as much power within the community, doesn't mean you need to get all sour, Theodore.” Draco snapped.

Theo turned red in the face. He got up and brushed his robes. “Fuck you, Malfoy.” He turned around to return back to the dungeons when I stood up. 

“Theo,” I said quietly. But he didn't listen, and stormed away. 

Blaise turned to look at Draco and was quite pissed off with his actions. “Not cool, Malfoy.” He turned around and got up to follow Theo, leaving me, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, together.

I fell back onto the grass.“Well Draco, good job.” 

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

After getting through the rest of our classes, it was time for dinner. I was making my way to the hall with Pansy, but spotted Theodore sitting down in one of the corridors. “Go on, I'll join in a few.” I said.

Pansy shrugged and continued walking, and I took a left to go see what was up with Theo. I reached him, and found him sitting in one of the hollow parts of the arches of the corridor. He looked up when he heard the sound of my footsteps, when he realized it was me he looked back down. “Hey…” I muttered softly.

No response. “Can I sit?” I tried, my voice was kind. “Please.” Theo didn't bother to look up, but he moved aside and patted to the empty spot next to him. I ducked my head and sat down. We stared off into the once busy corridor in silence, enjoying each other's presence. Until I broke the silence. “I'm sorry about what Draco said.” 

Theo finally turned to look at me. “It's not your fault, you don't need to apologize for his actions.” 

“He was pissed. He didn't mean it, Theo.” 

Theo looked ahead and started to pick at his hands in his lap. “It doesn't matter if he was pissed, he knows how I feel about my father.” 

Theo did not have a good relationship with his father. Theo’s mother had gotten sick with an incurable disease unknown to wizarding folk. Titus Nott had brought in healers from all across the world in order to help her, but each one just confirmed what the previous one had said. Nott Sr would basically drink his way through his life. He was also one of Voldemort’s followers, and one of the strongest ones too. But due to his alcoholism, he had lost his place in society. The Malfoy’s hid their affiliations well, but unlike them, after a public scandal took place around Theo’s father during the first war, he lost his way with society. People would cower when he would walk into the room, and that was as far as his power amongst wizarding society extended. 

Titus Nott was a difficult man, and nonetheless frightening. He was a sensitive topic for his son, and oftentimes his son would try to not have himself affiliated with his drunk of a father. Draco implying Titus Nott’s downfall was enough to trigger anger from Theo. The slightest mention of his father being weak in society was enough for Theo to shut up and close himself off for hours if not days. He was ashamed. 

I was speechless, as I truly didn't know what to say. Draco had messed up. This wasn't Potter for him to bully, this was his best friend. “Look Theo, he just went bonkers with what happened with Potter and it got to him. It's not worth it to hold a grudge, especially if he didnt mean it.” I tried comforting him and judging by the frown still tainting his face, it wasn't working. 

Theo let out a sigh and I leaned my head on his shoulder. Our legs were touching and we were close enough that I slipped my hand through his. “You must be hungry. You barely ate anything during lunch.” No response. I leaned and kissed his cheek. “Let's go eat.” I took my free hand and ran it through his shaggy brown hair and I could have sworn I saw his lip curve. 

We made our way into the Great Hall, hand in hand. Walking quite slowly and earning the glares of a couple Slytherins and the entire table of Gryffindor. We sat down together next to Pansy who, unlike Draco, didn't pay much attention to mine and Theo’s interlocked hands. Draco scanned Theo’s emotionless face and didn't say anything as he reached for Theo’s goblet and poured pumpkin juice. He raised his glass, waiting for Theo to raise his. A silent peace offering. Theo looked at me and let go of my hand. He reached for his goblet and raised it slightly above his plate, meeting Draco's. They nodded their heads and took sips of their juice, while the rest of us kept eating. 

Our peace was interrupted by Blaise, racing to get to the table. “Did you hear?” He spoke quite loudly.

We looked up from our plates with confused expressions. We waited for Blaise to sit, but he didn't bother as he threw his arms up in the air and announced to our little group, “Harry Potter is the Gryffindor seeker.” 

Draco’s mouth dropped open, and I was afraid if he didn't close it soon, a fly would have found its way inside. He eventually turned his head and glared so hard at the Gryffindor table, that I was sure Potter could feel Draco’s stare burning a hole in the back of his head. “Are you serious?” 

Blaise only nodded and sat down, helping himself to a serving of mashed potatoes and lamb chops. “Found out from Marcus Flint.” 

My eyebrows furrowed. “Flint told you? Who told him?” 

“Overheard Wood telling some Ravenclaw girl.” A muffled response from Blaise, who replied with a mouthful of food.

Draco didn't say anything and only let out a scoff.  His dream was to be a Slytherin seeker. I knew he was thinking about the unfairness of it all, Potter being a first year, and being appointed to Gryffindor’s seeker. His gaze didn't falter as he picked at his green beans, moving them around on his plate as he stared a hole directly into Harry’s skull. 

Another dinner at Hogwarts which had been ruined. This year was not what I had expected.