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Chapter Text

"Cheers!" Said George as he took a big gulp from his beer. It had a fruity taste that he quite liked.

"I can't believe that tomorrow, we'll be back to Hogwarts," sighed his twin brother. Fred had always enjoyed summer while he could take a break from pranking other students and old janitor Filtz and enjoy pranking his own family.

"That's why we came here in the first place," replied George.

"To drink muggle beer in a muggle tavern?"

"I guess so, mate."

The inn was crowded with muggles who were laughing, eating and drinking. It was always like that, but especially on Friday nights and weekends. In a starry night like that one, London looked beautiful, but this place was happy and cheerful in a way that made George somehow always return. The brothers were discussing how annoying Filtz was and how they would most definitely pay him back for all of last year's detentions with their newest pranks when a soft light was cast on the small stage with a seat in the middle. On the stage, climbed a bearded man with a beer in hand, who happened to be the inn's owner.

"Everyone," called the man louder than needed, "please welcome Marianne!"

Upon hearing that, everyone applauded and cheered among themselves. As everyone, the twins waited for that Marianne everyone was talking about. Their curiosity was rewarded once a girl about their age wearing a leather jacket climbed the short flight of stairs.

"For the record, I didn't intend to perform tonight, folks," the young woman said as she took her seat. "I were actually enjoying my beer until old Alec came to my table and you know how persistent he can be," she said jokingly and most of them laughed.

"So what are you going to sing, lass?" Asked a half drunk man in a strong Scottish accent.

"I have time for only one cuz if I'm late again dad will kill me," she joked.

"I'd get started if I were you."

"Alright I'll sing..."

As Marianne scanned the room, her eyes locked with Fred, who averted his gaze, immediately regretting doing so. Marianne smirked.

She turned back to the man and said, "I'll sing whatever those ginger boys in the back want to hear."

At that, everyone turned to the Weasley twins who, truth be told, we're caught by surprise.

"So," a woman from that other table said, "what will it be, lads?"

Fred was smiling nervously as he turned to Marianne. "Do you know any ballads?"

Marianne smiled sincerely yet somewhat sad as she said, "I do."

She was staring at her guitar when the owner's loud voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Then go on lass"

Marianne checked the guitar was tuned before beginning with a soft tune.

"There's a legendary school up in the Highlands... I've heard stories of adventures up there..."

George: "Wait..."

"And they sent letters out to students every summer..."

Fred: "Is she talking about ..."

"Inviting them to feel the magic in the air..."

Both George and Fred turn to each other and at the same time whisper, "Hogwarts?"

"And it's filled up with fantasies and dreams come true..."

"No fucking way, mate," said Fred.

"Once you're there, you'll feel that you've come home...
They say those people are the loveliest you'll ever meet"

As if having heard them, Marianne sang the last words looking straight at Fred.

"Yes, we all love that castle made of stone."

People cheered and clapped as Marianne got ready to leave. Fred and George though were stuck in place, staring at one other, trying to figure out whether or not they'd been right.

It was too random to be a mere coincidence, Fred thought. Not to mention the knowing way with which she'd looked at them.

"Okay people, it's getting late"

"Come on, lass," called the inn's owner.

"You know I must go, old man."

"Are you coming tomorrow?" He asked.

"Good night, Alec," she dismissed him and turned to the door.

"Wait!" George called. The woman turned around, somewhat amused.

"You heard me, Ginger. I must go"

"About that song..." George walked rapidly with Fred following.

"Yes?"

"I haven't heard it before"

"Yes, that's because I wrote it," she noted and turned the doorknob.

"And how do you know about the school?"

Marianne raised one eyebrow.

"I— I mean, is it real?" he clarified

"Umm, I really must go," she repeated, and this time she really did walked through the exit.

She had, though, intrigued the twins and so they followed her. George called once again for her to stop but instead she charged faster, not quite running, but neither was she walking casually. Maybe they'd scared her, George thought. However, they might have not, and that was exactly why they kept following her. She might know something after all.

They both strode quickly towards her, but as they turned the corner and should have been within arm's length, she was gone.

The brothers looked at each other confused. As they were about to teleport back, the inn's owner was at the door, scolding them for leaving without paying.

"Come on, Freddie," George said after paying the man. "We have a long day tomorrow."

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Marianne POV

I closed my eyes and rested my head against my bedroom's door.
Damn. "That was close," I sighed.

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Hello there! I am going to continue this story like this and I hope you enjoy it. I promise you your eyes won't hurt from grammar and punctuation mistakes but they might from the amount of times I'll spell Hogwarts wrong.
Btw, the song I found from a TikTok creator. I suggest you hear it cuz it gives life to the whole song.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNqk4CMe/
Song credit to @miggie_snyder

That's all for now, xoxoxo
Don't forget to vote <3

Chapter Text

"I'm telling you Sirius, she was definitely a witch," Fred repeated frustrated. 

"Well, even if she was, you boys are going back to Hogwarts in a few hours," Sirius replied.

"Don't worry Freddy, we can always sneak out," George winked at his brother, making everyone but their mother chuckle.

"Don't even think about it boys," Molly warned.

"She had a nice voice," Fred pondered while looking nowhere in specific.

"You said that a couple of times Freddy"

"It's a fact," Fred said defensively.

Ginny didn't miss the opportunity to mess with her older brother as she said, "Someone has a new crush..."

"What if she comes to Hogwarts this year?" Harry wondered.

"Don't play with my feelings, Chosen one."

George smiled at that and said loudly, "I bet 30 galleons that Fred won't find her." That boy had never missed a chance when it came to betting.

"Alright Georgie, I bet 30 galleons that I will find her" Well, his twin wasn't very different at that at least.

Remus glanced at the clock once it chimed midnight. "But first," he interrupted, "you must go to bed."

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Marianne POV

Since father didn't want me at dinner with his many guests, I had sat in the long staircase eating a plate of food he had sent upstairs with Kreacher, the house elf.

Even after all these hours, I still can't believe that those gingers from the inn were staying in our house and on their way to hogwarts. And I, would be staying here with dad and uncle Remus who would always tell me to be patient with dad. And I would never get to know either of them. Not even dad's godchild, Harry. He'd told me about him, his parents. He didn't say much about their killer, tho. Voldemort was a subject neither of us wanted to approach, for obvious reasons.

I was lost in my thoughts until I heard uncle Remus saying loud enough for me to hear, "But first you must go to bed."

Crap, they were coming.

I ran back to my room and locked myself inside. I could still hear them if I were quiet enough.

As usual, Kreacher the house elf would enter the room to collect or bring something. That was our signal to reassure dad I were safely locked in my room. That's when he said, "It's getting late guys. You should probably go upstairs"
"Do we get to pick rooms?" Asked Harry, whose voice along with everyone else's I had identified by now.
"Not if I get there first," George replied and soon enough, he was sprinting up the stairs.
The others followed as well. I could hear them, coming up the stairs, when I heard another male voice, Ron's, complaining. "You guys, that's not fair," he ranted. "I'm still eating"
"Ron, the thing is that you'll never stop eating!" Said Ginny.
"WHATEVER"

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Okay folks, we're getting there. Btw I think you're already seeing a love story brewing but I'm not gonna say anything more.

That's all for now, xoxoxo
Don't forget to vote<3

Chapter Text

Marianne pov

As the hours passed, and the house grew quiet, I assumed everyone was asleep and so I descended the staircase to the kitchen to grab a coke. To my surprise, father was there, enjoying a glass of wine with the window that overlooked our quiet street, open. He must have felt my eyes on him as he turned around.

"What are you doing here, at this hour?"

"I only left my room cuz I thought everyone was asleep"

"Go back to your room," he ordered. Father never ordered me around so I thought it rather odd.

"I'll get what I came for first," I said, just as firmly as he had. I wasn't one to be ordered around.

"Don't get on my nerves, kid," he warned.

"Relax, dad," I said as I grabbed a Diet Coke. "I'll just go back to my room and pretend that I don't exist, just like I have always had"

"You sure they won't realize you're here?"

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "Though, it took some time to get used to it, you have nothing to worry about, now, that I've been doing this for several years"

"Good"

As I turned to leave, I wanted so badly to scream at his face. How dared he! After everything I'd done for him. After putting myself in danger just to get him out of Azkaban, after... It didn't matter to him. My sacrifice didn't matter because he didn't even know me that well. It wasn't like he'd ever tried to be included in my life.

I had reached my room and my frustration, my anger towards my dad, my aunt, my god's-damned self was boiling hot inside me. Before I had realized it, I had slammed my door sat.

Shit.

I only realized what I'd done when that brunette spoke.

"What was that?" She asked no one in particular.

"It came from downstairs," replied Ginny.

Fuck

I locked my door and backed away, hoping they would ignore the incident. But when had my wishes been -ever- heard to do so now?

I heard their footsteps tepidly descending the stairs until they reached my floor. They slammed all the doors open until they stopped in front of mine. Someone tried to come in but failed since I'd locked the door.

"Locked," announced Ron.

"Stand aside, Ronald," said Hermione.

By now, everyone was gathered behind my door, wondering what the fuss was all about.

"What's going on here?" father demanded, knowing better than anyone what was behind..

"We heard a noise coming from that room," Harry replied.

"Guys, just ignore it and go to bed," dad casually said. "It's probably old Kreacher."

"Did master called Kreacher?" The house elf asked.

"Oh well," dad laughed nervously.

Despite being able to only hear what was going on, I knew everyone was staring at dad.

"You're not hiding anything in there, are you, Sirius?" Molly said suspiciously.

"That's bullshit," dad said defensively in a way that radiated his guilt.

"Hermione," Molly called. "Go ahead."

The girl's voice was nice and clear as she said, "Alohomora."

I only heard the gasps and the door opening as I had closed my eyes. Once I opened them, they were all indeed staring at me.

"Oh. Merlin's. Beard." Laughed George.

Hermione scanned me from head to toe and then turned to the obviously amused twin to ask, "what's the matter, George?"

"We'll, it looks like Fred just won that bet"

"WHAT?!" Demanded Hermione, glancing once again at me and then at the twins. "Is he telling the truth, Fred?"

"Yes," he said. Our eyes then locked and he was smiling lightly.

"Hey, Ginger," I said with a genuine smile on my own face.

"So, what's she doing here, Sirius?" Molly cut in.

I had been feeling father's eyes piercing holes onto me. As I turned towards him, he knew that telling the truth was inevitable. He sighed in resignation and said in a stern voice, "everyone, this is my daughter. Marianne"

"You have a daughter?" Asked Molly surprised. "And you didn't bother to mention this to any of us?"

"Molly, let's go downstairs," uncle Remus said cautiously. "This is not the place to discuss this"

And then the adults left us getting to know each other while they would discuss a very unexpected and obviously concerning topic; me.

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Ok guys the chapters are going to be a bit longer each time but nothing crazy, don't worry.

That's all for now xoxoxo
Don't forget to vote<3

Chapter Text

After Molly and the other adults went downstairs, us 'kids' were left standing in my room. They exchanged cautious glances amongst themselves and looked at me as I were the impostor and not them. After a moment of awkward silence, I urged them to have a seat and said, "So, what are you guys doing here?"

Ron sighed and explained, "Harry cast the Patronus charm and..."

"And you're not allowed to use magic out of school." I finished his sentence.

George said, "It's a bit more complicated than that."

"I cast the spell in front of my cousin. He's a muggle"

"He's a what?" I frowned in the unknown term.

Harry explained, "He's not a wizard"

"Oh right," I rolled my eyes and explained, "In America we call them no-maj. It stands for not magical."

"So, as we were saying," Ron resumed a bit annoyed, "Harry must deal with the ministry"

I knew first hand how difficult the British ministry could be but I wasn't going to tell them that as it seemed they knew nothing about me. "Good luck, then," I wished Harry sincerely.

"Are you hungry?" Hermione asked.

"Always," said Ron, whose meal had been interrupted. Maybe that's why he seemed to dislike me.

Hermione pushed her lips together in an attempt to not yell at Ron, as it seemed. It must have worked, since she only turned towards Ron slowly and said firmly, "I was talking to Y/n"

"Uumm, just a bit," I replied. Hermione's irritation must have gone away since she turned to me smiling calmly.

"You must be tired too," George said with the whisper of a wicked smile. "We'll go and Fred will bring you some pizza"

Fred seemed to be caught a bit off guard since he turned to his brother, his eyes promising a payback as he said, "of course I will."

"Brilliant," said Harry and got up a bit too eager to leave. In a moment everyone was standing.

"It was very nice meeting you, Y/n" said Ginny with a bright smile.

"You too, Ginny."

The rest of them waved me goodbye and they soon left me alone. Though I knew father wouldn't take, the fact that they, now, knew about me and had met me, lightly, it felt nice meeting people my age and speaking as if nothing was wrong or at least pretending so. As per father, it wasn't my fault they found out. If it were someone's fault, it was his because if he hadn't kept me a secret for so long, 15 years to be exact, or knew how to lie for that matter, none of this would have happened.

I paced back and forth as I contemplated all that was happening. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I hadn't realized I wasn't alone until I heard his voice and stopped dead in my tracks.

"Difficult night, eh?" Fred said and I turned around to see him in the doorway. "I knocked, for your information, twice, but you didn't answer so I needed to check on you," he explained.

I was amused by his concern that I might misunderstand him for coming in when literally a couple of minutes ago the entire house barged in my door and I said nothing.

"It's fine," I said silently. "Please have a seat."

He sat down, opposite me, and rested his back against my closet. He stared at me as if we were about to discuss something important.

"So…" I said, waiting.

"So…" he repeated.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" He looked at me in a confused look for a moment, and then in realization.

"I— I brought you pizza," he stuttered. "Half of it is with pepperoni and the other half is plain tomato and cheese," he explained.

"I'll have a slice from each, please."

"Great. Right," he said. "Good choice."

It was quite funny seeing him like that, stuttering and struggling to serve some already cut pizza slices.

"Here you go."

"Thanks," I said, smiling. "Why are you wearing a scarf in here?"

"Oh uhhh," he looked at himself, "I went outside to bring some wood to light the fireplace and besides... mum always knit us sweaters and scarfs so it's kinda rude not to wear it."

I always liked men who respected women and their mothers too. Honestly, it would be a red flag if he hadn't worn it.

"You can take it off now," I shrugged. "It's warm in here and besides, your mother is not here"

All the while he was taking it off, he was looking at me as if it wasn't just a scarf he was taking off. He folded it too before setting it down, which made me a bit proud of him.

"So... are you coming to Hogwarts too?"

"I wish I did," I sighed. "My father won't let me"

"That's too bad"

Did he seem disappointed?

"I know," I said. "Your school is great"

"So, are you going to school?"

"Yes, I'm actually attending the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Wait," he paused, deep in thought. "Isn't that"

"In North America? Yes. He wants to keep sending me there"

"When are you leaving?" He asked.

"My ticket is for tomorrow in the evening"

"That's too bad," he muttered. "We only just met"

"At least you won those 30 galleons," I joked.

At that, Fred's head snapped towards me. "Hold on. You heard what we were talking about downstairs, didn't you?"

"No, I didn't," I lied.

"You're a terrible liar" Only when I want to, I thought.

We both laughed at that and I kinda blushed to be honest.

"Well... I must go now. I'm expecting to see you soon"

"Bye Ginger."

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My heart melt with that scarf detail. I feel Fred is the kind who would do something like that. Btw we are just now getting started and more exciting chapters are coming.

That's all for now xoxoxo
Don't forget to vote<3

Chapter Text

Father had forbidden it and I knew it well. However, I wasn't going back to my American school where no one liked me. Especially not since I made friends who were going to my dream school where, by the way, I had been accepted.

My luggage was ready and my books had been bought too, as well as everything else I was required to get with me, thanks to my dear friend Jenna who had them delivered to my door without father—or anyone else noticing— and the old inn keeper who had been paying me handsomely these last few months.

I was ready to fly away, quite literally since I would be mounting my broom. I opened the window and breathed in the cool air which made me so confident of my plan and so ready to begin my adventure that I couldn't help myself and smiled brightly. Just as I was about to lift my belongings and leave I was brought back to reality as someone gently knocked on my door.

Now, there are two kinds of people who knock on doors; those who go just knock to inform you of their arrival and upcoming entrance, and those who knock and wait until you tell them to come in. To my surprise, the person who was standing behind my door belonged to the second category.

"Marianne," a familiar voice said. "Are you awake? it's me, Fred."

"Give me a moment!"

"I think I left my scarf in there," he whispered.

I scanned the room and my eyes landed on the neatly folded scarf. "Yeah, it's here. Hold on."

I opened my door the slightest bit, to the point where my hand nearly fit the gap to deliver the scarf which I shoved through the crack of the door.

"Here you go," I said and immediately shut the door.

"Marianne," Fred called calmly. I hurried back to the door but didn't open it.

I simply said, "Yes, Fred?"

I expected him to ask for the leftover pizza but instead he asked, "is everything ok?"

"Yeah. Of course it is."

"Then why did you seem to be in a hurry?"

"I was half naked," I lied.

"Oh really," he chuckled. "You seemed ready for a night out to me."

"What?" Why couldn't he be just cute and naive?! Why did he need to be smart too?!! "No, I just threw this on to open the door."

"How interesting." He muttered. "So you threw on a pair of jeans, a leather jacket and had time to tie those boots in 5 seconds and only to open the door?"

"Ummm..." When did he had time to notice the boots?!

"I'm convinced you're hiding something Marianne, I'm coming in"

"No, don't!"

Fred, of course didn't pay attention to my protest. He barged in and I was dumbfounded. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Kick him out? Hide my books and luggage or maybe conceal my broom? I did nothing and just stood still while he took in my surroundings.

"What are you up to?" The Ginger asked.

"I-I'm just going out like you said," I replied. "You were right.. I was sneaking out."

"And what were you going to need those bags for?" He inquired.

"I was going to sleep over to a friend's house"

"And... is this friend in a book club?" He leaned over my book pile. "I see plenty of books too"

"Well... Actually—

Fred's eyes found mine the moment he figured it out. He seemed both shocked and a bit hurt. "You said you weren't coming"

"No, I said I was not allowed to," I explained.

Suddenly, father came in with Remus, Molly and Madeye Moody behind him, all of them startled. How the fuck did they know?!

"Marianne Black!" Father yelled. "I know what you're thinking, and this is not happening!"

"Sorry dad but I'm going anyways. I don't need your blessing or your help"

"You're not going through that door," he announced and I realized that I indeed wasn't. I couldn't with all of them blocking the doorway.

In one hand, I lifted the books and luggage as I backed away. Father was right 

"Alright dad," I said in resignation. "I promise that I'm not passing that door without your permission."

"That's what I wanted to hear."

Father, Molly, Remus and Moody had turned away to leave. However, Fred's eyes hadn't lost  a single movement of mine. Not even when I teleported my belongings away with a jiggle of my wand, a trick I'd learned from uncle Trevor who would sneak me candy under the dinner table and in my pockets when I was a kid.

I noticed Fred drowning down a chuckle and then his eyes snapped to mine. He silently stepped away so that I could reach my broom from where it was behind him.

I stepped back until I was in the brisk of falling. Just then, I heard Molly's gasp and knew I had to go. I only had time to wink to my only true friend and say, "See you Ginger!"

Father then turned around and would have reached me if I hadn't jumped. Mid-fall, I mounted my broom and flew away, happier and more free than I had ever been.

I hadn't gone far when I heard dad shouting behind me, "Marianne!" As if that would stop me. 

"That girl will be the death of me," was the last thing I heard him say before I was far gone.

Chapter Text

Marianne pov

I realized had never felt more free as I roamed the skies of London. Father would find me sooner or later, I knew that. Especially since he knew where I was heading. But at that moment, I didn't care. I'd been kept away this whole time. Away from family, away from father... And when I found him we were strangers, no wonder he didn't know how to show me affection. He didn't even know me.

I acknowledged why he'd kept me still hidden, it was for everyone's good. Just like they'd hidden Harry in that muggle home. Though, my yearning for freedom wasn't any less. It was a need I had to satisfy. Hell, I had been more trapped in the Black home than I'd been in aunt's Andromeda home.

That night I spent flying with the wind and laughing at the slight chilly caress. It was true freedom and it wouldn't be easy to let go. Suddenly, when I thought I couldn't get any happier, it all stopped. I nearly fell off my broom once I felt the burn. I gripped the broomstick with both of my hands until I gained control. I landed as fast as I could in an alley and examined my left arm. The mark had faded a lot and now looked like a scar. However, just as I had been warned, it would never go completely away. My dark mark burned but it wasn't as persistent as it had been last year when, as father had told me, he who must not be named was reborn. He had summoned me then but he wasn't doing so now. At the moment, it was as if he'd felt my pure happiness and deemed it needed to remind me I wasn't free of him. A couple of minuted later, the burn was gone, replaced by a numbness.

I didn't want to think what that might be implying. Was he warning me? NO, he probably did it so everyone would be aware of his calls or maybe alert? I didn't even dare to think what would happen if at some point he indeed summoned me, what I was going to do then.

I magicked my broom away and wandered in the streets for the rest of the night until I found a spot with good music. I didn't sit in the establishment, but instead found a bench a bit far off where I could enjoy the rhythm from afar. When dawn reached me, I stood up and headed for platform 9 and 3/4.

Later that morning... ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿

Narrator

"Boys, listen to me." Mad-eye Moody said. "The moment you find her, teleport her back home."

"What if she changed her mind?" George offered.

Sirius as an accused murderer on the loose had taken his animal's form. As a dog, he woofed at them twice.

"Sirius just caught her scent," Moody announced.

"But why?" Fred insisted in his brother claim. "What is so bad about her attending Hogwarts?"

"Listen to me kid," Moody leaned closer. "I know that she really wants to, but she can't"

Harry, the chosen one, couldn't bear any longer this pointless and cryptic discussion. "But what's the reason?" He demanded/

"I've heard that the ministry is going to send someone of their own to be your new DADA teacher."

"And Snape gets ghosted again!" Ron laughed at his own joke. Moody cut him a glare that stopped his chuckles.

"Yeah, but that's good, right?" Ginny said. "I mean, if there's an Auror among us, Hogwarts 'll be even safer."

"And while you are safer, Marianne can't walk around with the Noble name of Black."

Moody had a valid point that made them all go silent. If what he claimed was true, then it was for Marianne's best interest to stay at home or go to North America. However, though someone might say that she could come to Hogwarts next year, Harry knew that no year at that school and with Voldemort loose could ever be safe.

"Sirius is, after all, still, considered to be Harry's parent's murderer and I doubt you'd like Marianne to get caught up in all this." That was the last thing Moody had the chance to say before the train whistled.

Marianne pov

All students hurried to get to the train but I couldn't go sit with anyone, let alone being seen. I was certain that father and old Mad-eye moody had made them all look for me. Poor kids. Until I reached Hogwarts, my future at Hogwarts was endangered. And, knowing father must have already caught my perfume, I sprayed some of it to a random lady boarding to platform 11 as it seemed. Good luck finding me now, dad.

I got up the train with my hood on, and walked all the way to the back, where the luggages were stored. I sat down and tried to make myself as comfortable as I could. I slipped my headphones from my pocked and started playing some songs. Soon, the train left and I was admiring the green scenery. It was so beautiful, that only made me wonder how Hogwarts might be.

I'd only seen a few pictured of Harry's and my father from when they were younger and went there. I had also taken with me, in the other pocket of my jacket, a photo from both my parents holding me as an infant. That was the first and last time mother ever held me before she were killed the same night Harry's parents were. We both became orphans that day, but at least my father was alive. That didn't mean I grew up with him either though because he was soon arrested and sent to Azkaban.

Since that day, aunt Andromeda was like a mother to me. The and uncle Ted were the only family I had ever known before I rescued dad. Those years of my early childhood were full of joy and happiness, unlike Harry's. Though I wouldn't call myself the obedient kind of child, I always tried to please her and do as she said in order to show my gratitude for her raising me up in her home. I wasn't always successful but she would always see my effort and repay me in kisses and lots of love. Uncle Ted was also very loving towards me. He was more a father to me than Sirius—though I wouldn't dare say it out loud.

"Marianne?"

Fred's voice tore me away from my thoughts. I turned around only to see him standing a bit startled in the doorway.

"Fred..."

I hadn't noticed when tears had slipped from my eyes and made my cheeks wet, or how tired and sad I was until I, too, heard the crack in my voice.

I saw him contemplate for a moment before he walked my way and opened his arms for me. "Come here," he said calmly and I took the offer gladly.

We stayed like that for a long time, without speaking. It was just us, alone, and the steady sound of the train's machines.

Chapter Text

"Do you feel any better?" Fred asked with his chin still resting on the top of my head and his arms holding me tightly.

"Yes," I said quietly and started to pull away.

We were now sitting opposite to one another and my back was leaning against a brown suitcase. I was embarrassed, to be honest. Emotional breakdowns were never something that used to happen to me. In fact, it has happened only a few times and none of them had it been so unexpected. 

As if Fred could read my thoughts, he asked, "What was all this about?"

The problem was, I didn't know either. I couldn't point out why it happened. It's not like those thoughts aren't constantly ramming through my mind but they had never made me feel as lonely and as broken as now. 

My hand had started fidgeting as my anxiety increased. I looked out of the window and focused on the landscape, how quickly we moved, and the trees kept appearing and disappearing. "It's complicated," I replied simply.

Fred was looking at me, staring, thinking, his lips pressed in a straight line. "I know that we hardly know each other,' he began, "but I'm here for you if you need me."

"Right now, the only thing I need is to get to Hogwarts before Lupin finds me first."

"About that..."

"What?" He was about to tell me what I didn't want to hear. I knew as much by merely looking at him, the look on his face was basically radiating guilt.

"We have orders from your father to teleport you back home."

He was seriously considering it. I supposed that after seeing me in such a state, he would just play dumb around the others. What on earth did father tell them?! 

"No!" I pleaded. "Fred, please don't do this to me, I don't want to go back,"

"Well," Fred's stare made me uncomfortable to the point where I had to look away. He was making me nervous because I was certain he was going to try to convince me or play the victim and say that it's my problem and not his. However, he surprised me in a good way when he said, "I guess that, as a gentleman, I can't take you by force."

"Yes!" I smiled. "You can't do that."

"Then, I guess... You have to stay," he feigned disappointment but then we both burst out laughing. 

I hugged him and I am NOT a hugs type of person but at that moment, I was ecstatic. "Thanks so much, Freddie"

"Under one condition," he stated in all seriousness. 

I waited for the catch. He leaned closer, still serious, and then said, "Don't ever call me Freddie again."

"Okay, Ginger."

The train whistled and as Fred braced himself for the sudden turn, since he knew the route, I on the contrary was caught a bit off guard and stumbled. I was about to fall when he caught me. Once we were again standing and steady, Fred, with a little smile playing on his lips, said, "We're almost there."

"I can't wait to get sorted," I admitted,

"What house do you think you're going to be sorted?" said he as he casually leaned against the window.

"It could be Gryffindor, but most likely Hufflepuff." I'd like to be a Ravenclaw too but I don't think I have the character traits.

"Either way, we're going to stay in touch. Aren't we?"

"Sure." I shrugged. He seemed confused. "I mean, I'd love to but you really don't have to." He had already been too kind.

"It's not an obligation to me," said he, and I raised my eyes. 

"That can't be true," I objected. "I bet you'll have more fun with your friends."

"No, you're way more interesting than they are," he said, and we both laughed. "Not to mention that voice of yours."

I was about to respond when the train brakes sounded and then the train started slowing down until it came to an abrupt stop. This time, I didn't misstep but the one moment I NEARLY lost my balance but steadied myself, I saw him getting ready to catch me. The train stilled and we saw students getting off. We also noticed George, Harry and Ron, looking around the train station, either in search of Fred or me. It was probably both. We quickly ducked under the window.

 "I need to go," the Ginger said. "George is already looking for me"

"Sure"

He stood, but at the last moment turned and said, "Remember; don't tell anyone your family name."

"Alright"

I saw Fred joining his siblings and after a bit of searching for me, they left. There was nearly anyone in the train station, and I realized I'd better get off if I wanted to catch a boat and go to Hogwarts. I was going to stand out with my clothes that were nothing near the school uniform, but it wasn't my fault. If I hadn't been rushed, I'd be disguised and then I'd approach the headmaster and sort matters privately. 

I was walking quickly towards the dock, where thankfully were a few boats left. I was about to get myself on a boat when I heard an oddly familiar voice, his voice, calling my name. I froze.

Chapter Text

Marianne POV

I should have considered what I would do in a time like this—when I run into someone I don't want to. I was stupid to not realize he would be here, studying in Hogwarts. He was dangerous, very dangerous, because he knew better than anyone who I was. Even worse, he knew the things I'd be willing to do in order to succeed in getting what I wanted.

Draco called my name, and I turned around, unable to do otherwise—I had to face him.

"Malfoy."

"What are you doing here?" He looked good—better than I had ever seen him. "I thought you would be in North America"

"I moved," I simply said. "Now this is my school"

"Amazing!" I had never heard him say 'amazing'. I looked at his excitement, confused. "Come with me. I'll introduce you to the important ones," he said as he held out his hand.

I stared at his outstretched hand and then back at him. "No, Draco."

He blinked and stared at me, trying to comprehend what I had just said. As he pulled back his hand and it was pretty clear I had declined his help, he took a step forward and said, "What did you say?"

"I'm not coming with you."

"I don't recall asking you." He grabbed my hand and started dragging me towards the boat, his hold possessive.

"Back off!" I pulled my wrist free and pointed my wand at him.

"You are coming with me," he stated.

"I warn you, back off or-"

"Or what?" He inquired. "Am I going to have Henry's fate?"

I sighed as the venom of what he had implied sank in. "You're such a dick for mentioning this. More so because, you know very well that it was an accident"

"Was it, though?"

"F*ck you Malfoy."

He laughed at that and turned to leave. Without turning, still walking, he called, "See you at the Slytherin common room then."

"You wish "

I supposed he wouldn't even deign to answer me, but he did, as he glanced over his shoulder and said calmly, "As a matter of fact, Marianne, I do"

"Too bad your wish is not coming true"

I could have sworn I saw the ghost of a smile playing at his lips as he spoke for the last time, "Wait and you'll see"

Malfoy left with the last boat, which made me stand on the dock, contemplating how I'd get to the other side. I watched as the last of the Hogwarts students were closing in on their school and knew that my start there wouldn't go smoothly. It hadn't. At last, an idea popped into my head. "Accio broom."

Thankfully, my broom arrived, and I made it to the other side. However, I can't say things went according to plan from there on.

Narrator

At Hogwarts ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿  ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ 

"Good evening, children," said the headmaster, and the students went silent. "Welcome back once more. This year, we have a change in staffing. Please welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, professor Dolores Umbridge."

Dumbledore waved towards a middle-aged lady dressed in pink, something that made her stand out. He was about to resume his speech when she cut in with a little irritating chuckle. It was so high-pitched that it reminded Ron of the time when his brother George almost managed to prank their rat, Scabbers, and the poor animal squeaked and ran away to save itself. However, Scabbers was really a death eater wizard and an animagus.

As the odd lady, Umbridge, stood up, all eyes were on her. She scanned the crowd of students before beginning her, obviously, well-rehearsed speech.

"Thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome, and how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me." She smiled at that in the way a grandma would at a puppy. "I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."

"Definitely," Fred and George laughed in unison. They weren't trying to attract attention, but they weren't trying to be discreet either. In fact, the silence in the room was absolute, and they ended up saying that quite loudly. Many students of the Gryffindor house and others joined them, even professor Flitwick smiled. One sharp look from Dumbledore, though, restored the silence.

"As I was saying," resumed Umbridge, "Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved and prune practices that ought to be prohibited!"

This was an odd speech of welcome, but before students could think more about it, suddenly, the doors of the great hall opened, and Mr. Filch emerged with an apparent look of distress on his face. 

"Headmaster!" He called and approached. Dumbledore descended a few steps, curious at the sudden intrusion. He didn't say a thing, waiting for the caretaker to explain himself. 

"I--I was in the corridors when I found this girl," he pointed behind him, "wandering around."

"Oh god," whispered Remus as he spotted the girl in question. 

Marianne was standing in the doorway, not quite crossing it yet, but she couldn't help it, not when she would be forced to do so either way, but more importantly, because she was here for exactly that. She walked to where the caretaker was, glancing left and right all the while, looking for familiar faces. At some point, she spotted who she was looking for.

"Marianne," breathed Harry, astonished.

Her eyes, however, weren't on the scarred boy, but on another one.  

Hey, Ginger," she said with a smile playing on her face. He smiled too as his brother drowned out the urge to laugh and just patted him on the back, amused. 

Chapter Text

Marianne POV

In all honesty, I didn't expect that turn of events. Of course, I imagined everyone would look at me curiously, wondering who the new student is. Now, however, in the present, they must be wondering who that weirdo intruder is. I wasn't blaming them. It was my stupidity for chatting with Malfoy and thus being awfully late, which made me intrude. Dumbledore was facing me seriously as he asked, "Excuse me, Miss, but could you tell me who you are and what's your business here?”

"I'd be delighted to do so, headmaster, if in turn you would be so kind as to tell the dear Quasimodo here to not touch me.” I was looking at the filthy caretaker. 

"Am I Quasimodo here?!" Filch exclaimed, clearly confused. 

"If you’re not, I’m so sorry for the confusion," I feigned remorse. Ron though saw right through me and burst into a laugh. It was cut short though as Hermione threw him THE glare. I turned to the still confused caretaker. "You see, sir, relatives look alike."

As Fitch gasped at the insult, I could have sworn I saw Dumbledore smiling. The caretaker lifted his arm and was about to punish me for my…my… honesty? I bet he didn’t perceive my comments as such— I wouldn't either if I were him. Dumbledore cut in, and the caretaker stilled as the old headmaster said, "Mr. Filch, she's right."

Filch furrowed his brows and wrinkled his nose as he let me go, and defeated, walked away. 

"Thank you sir," I said as I reached to my pocket. "I’m Marianne and these are my acceptance letters.”

I handed them to him and he took a look. “They are five,” I added, and his eyes snapped at me at some point, a flash of surprise reflecting in them. He checked all five before folding them hastily and addressing to me. “So you are Marianne Bl-"

"Just Marianne," I cut him and he nodded in understanding.

"Very well," said Dumbledore. "Now come along. You should get sorted to your house."

I followed the headmaster and then approached a middle-aged lady who was holding the sorting hat. 

I knew the procedure but I was nervous, and worried. So worried. I wanted so badly to be sorted into Gryffindor, give a reason to father to be proud of me, I thought as I stride towards her. However, I couldn't say I had ever truly felt as a Gryffindor. If I were being truthful, I probably belonged to Hufflepuff.

Once I reached the teacher, I took a deep breath and sat on the wooden stool. Everyone was looking at me, the Gryffindors, the Hufflepuffs, and the Ravenclaws. I didn't even glance to the last table. There was absolutely no way I'd end up there. My personality trait had not once been ambition, so it’s not about the whole prejudice around the house that only "evil" wizards go there. No, that wasn’t the case here. I just didn't belong with them.

“Interesting,” said the old—maybe ancient—hat. “I see you’re hard-working, just and loyal.”

“Please, let it be Gryffindor,” I thought to myself. 

“So you hope for Gryffindor. Let me see…”

My heart has beating rapidly in my chest. So much I felt it ready to rip out of me. My excitement was so great that I was ready to beg for a quick answer. I scanned the students who seemed ready as well for me to be sorted. The golden trio was looking at me intensely and the twins were already smiling at me, as if welcoming at their house before I was even sorted. 

Suddenly, I saw movement in the far right and my eyes snapped towards the direction. I saw Malfoy raising his wand and whispering something that I could under no circumstances hear. When our eyes met, a wicked smile spread on his face. He looked mischievous and I knew I had to stop whatever he was doing. I was ready to call him out, confront him, when the hat spoke. 

“Huffl-“

To everyone's surprise the hat fell silent. It didn't finsish its sentence. It was as if something had made it pause. I saw students turn to each other's and caught the teachers glaring at one another too. No one spoke, though. It was me who broke the silence and said, “Hufflepuff, right?”

The hat didn’t answer, and the professor with the pointy hat turned to Dumbledore. “Headmaster,” she called. “I think there’s something wrong with the hat”

Suddenly, before the headmaster could answer, give a solution, then hat loudly said, “Slytherin!”

“What?!”

“Slytherin!” repeated the hat fiercely—as if possessed. Or enchanted

“That’s insane,” I called, turning to the professors. “I can’t be sorted to-“

“SLYTHERIN” 

I took the annoying hat off my head and tossed it away. I turned to Dumbledore. “Headmaster, it’s obvious something is wrong here.”

“I'm sorry, dear, but it’s pretty obvious that your house is Slytherin,” said Umbridge from the teacher’s table.

I looked at her over my shoulder and said, “I don’t remember addressing you.”

She gasped. “How dare you talk to me like that?!”

“Pretty easily actually.” Students were now giggling. I had made a scene, but quite frankly, I didn't consider it my fault. I was standing up for myself and my future. It was fine with me, I wasn't meant to be a Gryffindor, but the hat had nearly put me in Hufflepuff. I had never heard of the famous hat being wrong or hesitating. Something wasn't right. 

“Your house is Slytherin. End of story”

“Don’t you understand something is wrong with the hat? Even the professor said so before.”

“Yes indeed," she affirmed. 

“You’re not the first nor the last who didn't get sorted to the house they wanted.” Umbridge turned to the other professors. “Are we really going to concern ourselves with a discontent child?”

Dumbledore cut her a glare. “That’s enough,” he said. “Marianne will be sorted into Slytherin until we figure out what happened tonight.”

That was my cue to leave, and I did. I walked to the middle of the Slytherin table, several seats away from Malfoy, who was sitting on the opposite side. I did my best not to look at him, though it wasn’t easy since I could feel his gaze fixated on me for the entirety of the dinner. It wasn’t the only pair of eyes that I could feel, though. Despite the rest of the students and stuff not staring directly at me—at least the majority of them tried not to be that obvious—everyone’s attention was fixated on me. After the events of those last days I wasn’t in the mood for socializing, so I mostly kept to myself during dinner.

Chapter Text

Growing up with my aunt Andromeda and uncle Todd had given me a sense of security. They had always treated me as if I were their true daughter, and made me feel at home. They never hid where Sirius was. It would have most definitely been easier for all three, but they chose not to. I always knew who “dad” was and that he had been imprisoned for something he never did. My aunt was one of a kind; she always told me the truth, no matter how harsh, disgusting, or raw it was. She could have easily blamed Sirius for the deaths of Lilly and James Potter, siding with her sisters. But she didn't. In this perfect life, in this perfect story, there was a crack. There was one thing—the only one she didn’t say, the only thing that she had hidden and lied about, that made everything else a lie. I discovered it by chance after I had left America, and it broke my trust towards her and towards everyone really. My life had shattered in ten seconds. I don’t know to this day what I might do, how I might react if she ever appeared before me again. 

However, one of the most important lessons she taught me was that if I lie, if I hide, or if I run away from something, I'm setting myself up for failure. I would have loved to run away at that moment, as I was heading to the Slytherin common room. I might even ask Hermione to share her bed for the rest of the years to come. But my aunt's voice was loud, louder than my intuition or guild had ever been. Even though she never made me call her "Mum", the voice—her voice—that echoed in my head, was the voice of a mother. I never said it out loud-and didn't intend to any time soon- but she had been the closest thing to a mother I had ever had. Father would be furious for this thought alone. But it was true. And I hated it.

My dearest friend, Draco Lucius Malfoy, didn't forget to update me on the house password. In fact, he sent one of his "bros" to tell me so. Seeing how Malfoy and his other pals were laughing from their seats during that encounter, I was pretty sure the boy he sent, had offered. This conclusion was also drawn from the fact that the chubby boy offered to be my date for the Christmas ball -something similar to the Yule ball- that was due in 3 months. I was uncomfortable and felt rushed for something like that. I rejected him, of course, but that was the only thing I hadn’t considered would occur tonight.

"Pureblood," I said clearly, and the door to the Slytherin common room opened with a creaking sound.

"Welcome home," Draco said, opening a champagne. That boy had always been one for the dramatics. 

"Go to hell Malfoy"

Draco didn't really react to my words. He merely turned around and gave the rest of the Slytherins—his friends included—a look that told them it was about time they left the common room. In less than a minute, they were all out of sight, and Draco had taken out two glasses to pour the champagne. 

As he handed me the one, he said, "You ended up here after all"

"First, you interfere with my sorting ceremony, making a mess, and then you dare to humor me?" I scoffed, taking a sip of my champagne. "You are unbelievable."

I expected him to say something -not apologize (I wasn't insane)- but he stayed silent. As I turned to look at him, he truly seemed happy, maybe proud of his accomplishments.

"Don't be so glad of what you've done,” I said. “My stay here is only temporary. You heard Dumbledore."

"Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t allow you to switch." Draco said. "It is basically illegal to do anything other than what the hat says."

This boy truly frustrates me. "Why did you want me here? You obviously don’t care about me. So, why?"

"Perhaps I miss the old days..." Draco walked slowly around me, his stare never leaving mine. It was almost as if I were the prey and he was the predator. He lifted his hand and grazed my upper arm with his fingertips. His full attention had been drawn to this new task.

"Don’t touch me." He wasn't paying attention to me. 

His gaze snapped to mine, and as he leaned in closer, he asked, "Do you forget this was the dark lord's will?"

”No, I haven’t forgotten,” I replied. ”But he is gone now, so it doesn’t really matter.” I took a defensive step back.

”Are you sure about that? You know, it’s not too late to change your mind about this.”

”It is never going to happen, Draco, and I don’t understand why you want this so badly when you know it is going to complicate matters.” His look told me I hadn’t changed his mind.

”My family doesn’t seem to care, and besides, it wouldn't be such a crime.” A devious smile was playing on his lips now. He was so at ease with this idea that he made me wonder since when it had been on his mind.

“Sirius does care.”

He had been waiting for this remark. I realized this by the way his expression changed. He was really pleased with himself, as he said casually, “since you mentioned it… How’s my uncle?”

“Shut up”

“Why darling? Are you afraid that someone might overhear us?”

“Is everything a joke to you?” I scanned the common room for anyone eavesdropping. “Look,” I took a deep breath, “this kind of conversation can’t happen before others who really think we are cousins. It sounds wrong and weird.”

”Then you—” His eyes snapped to mind in realization “You haven’t told anyone the truth.”

“No,” I said in affirmation. “And don’t you think of uttering a word about this to anyone. I mean it.”

“That’s bold of you, making demands while I have the upper hand here.” He poured himself more champagne. “Imagine what is going to happen if Umbrige finds out what your family name is.” 

I stopped dead in my tracks. I turned around to look at the arrogant blonde behind me. ”Are you blackmailing me?” I could feel my wand in the pocket of my cloak.  

“Of course not,” he said silently. Draco had always had a sense of when he was in danger or had crossed the line. This was why we had kind of managed to get along two years ago. After all, he had seen what I might do if threatened. "But don't mistake my silence for submission to your will. I would'n profit from it anyway." 

The unspoken "yet" lingered between us. Draco certainly wasn't someone who would hand out favours and I damn well knew that once the chance to use such information came up, he would certainly demand something to keep quiet. But this didn't seem to be an issue at the moment. “Where’s my room?” I asked.

“Uhmm… Actually, since we didn’t expect your arrival, you are going to have to share,” he said carefully. “Temporarily of course.”

“What?”

“Surprise!"

“I hope it’s not with that idiotic brunette that was clinging to you during dinner.” That girl seemed to be suffocating.

“No, it’s not with Pansy,” he clarified.

He was getting frustrating. “Out with it, Draco! It’s already late. Tell me with whom I’m sleeping tonight.”

“With me,” he said, and seeing the surprise - kind of - fury -mostly- disapproval -definitely- on my face, he got defensive. “Hey, don’t give me that look. The girls dorms are already too crowded, and Snape thought that since we are cousins, you could sleep over until he figured something out.”

“You’re f*cking kidding me right?l

“Typically, I do but not this time.”

“Oh my wizard god..." This day has been insane.

"Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds," he reassured. "My room connects through a door to another suite so it's not like we're going to sleep in the same bed. Plus, I have a full functioning bathroom so you won't have to use the common one."

"I guess I don't have a saying in this so I guess it's fine." I said. "As long as it's temporary." 

"My thoughts exactly," he grinned and then waved a hand towards the boy's dorm, "This way my lady.

We walked all the way to the end of the corridor, where it became clear that the last rooms were reserved for the finest elite students. Draco stood in front of a black door with an old label that read "Malfoy" and pulled out a complex key - it could be magical, but it was definitely not ordinary- and unlocked the door. I felt much better than I had anticipated once we entered his room. The fact that there were no other boys was highly appreciated, but the accommodations themselves were also astounding. His bed was large enough to accommodate three full-grown men, and every piece of his furniture was dark brown, in accordance with the overall Slytherin aesthetic. They weren't new, but they weren't as old either. It had been his father’s old dorm, I realized.

As I walked around the room, I stopped in front of the bathroom doorway, amazed. “Oh my god! You have a hot tub.”

“You want me to show you how it works?” he raised an eyebrow.

“Please don’t. I haven’t digested my food yet.”

At that moment we both laughed, and the tension was gone. It reminded me of those few times they had visited us in North America, during summer break, behind Lucius’ back. He and I had got along so well and I had been truly happy to have a cousin my age. Things had changed so much since then, I realized. Draco walked over to the far end of the room to open a dark brown door that I realized connected to the room I was staying at. He unlocked it and pulled the key, putting it on the other side so I could lock it if I wanted. I was pretty sure it wouldn't do much if he wanted to come in, but the gesture was polite. Once I walked in the room, I was relieved that there weren't any cobwebs and that it was clean. It definetly wasn't as lavish as Draco's but it was more than decent. Upon noticing the large wardrobes lining two whole walls, I realized that this was meant to be a walk-in wardrobe but it definetly wasn't serving that purpose anymore since it had a double bed. I guess the best is reserved for the elites even if everyone here is paying the same tuition. I didn't mind it though, it was far better that having to share a room or even worse a bed.

The thud from Draco setting down my luggage, caught my attention. "Thank you," I said. 

"Don't even mention it," he shrugged and went back to his own room. About an hour passed during which time I was unpacking and going through my night routine which included showering, brushing my teeth and doing my skincare, of course. I couldn't do any of it in my room. 

I opened the door with my dopp kit and pijamas in hand. “So Blondie…” I began.

”Don’t call me like that,” he furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.

“That’s unusual. Everyone likes my nicknames.”

“Wait, who else has a nickname?” He was intrigued.

“Don’t you worry about it.” I wasn’t going to satisfy his curiosity. "Anyway, where can I leave my toiletries? Do you have any cabinet in the bathroom that I can use?"

"Top on to the left," he said. His tone and look let me know he was thinking something about what I just said. As if reading my mind he asked, "If you're going to stay here temporarily why do you bother unpacking everything?"

"I like it when things are organized and have their own spot. Is there a problem with that?"

"Not at all. I actually feel this way as well about organization," he said in a way he was incinuating we have something in common. So what? Millions of people prefer it when their personal space isn't a total mess. Draco has his eyes fixed on the pages of a book as he said, "the towels are clean if you'd like to take a shower."

I thanked him and went into the bathroom. It took me some time to get ready for bed but it wasn't a ridiculous amount. I left the bathroom wearing my pjs and headed for my room. During that time, I felt his eyes scan me from head to toe. Yes, the shorts I wearing were indeed a bit too short but it wasn't like we were sleeping together. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I kind of rushed towards the door while muttering to Draco that I was going to bed. The moment my hand touched the doorknob I heard him speak. 

"You sure you don't want to stay here tonight?" His mischievous smile and raised eyebrow told me he just said these things to irritate me. It did make me pause and turn to him.

“Just shut up and turn off the light Blondie,” I snapped. "I hope you don't snore or we might have a problem." I closed the door shut. 

"Don't call me that!" He said from the other side of the wall. 

"Night Blondie!"

Chapter Text

I regretted not closing the curtains shut last night. And unfortunately I was sleeping very lightly, making me wake up from 6:30 that morning. As I was told, breakfast started at 7:30 and classes at about 8:20. I had an hour to kill and I could not even leave my room since the only way out would be through Draco’s room. The last thing I wanted was to wake him up and tolerate with his grumpiness.

I decided to just do some self-care and relax. The last thing I needed was to look and feel like shit on my first day. Especially considering that last night I was the talk of the school, at least today I could look decent.

I connected my headphones to my phone and set a timer for 7:30 so I wouldn’t forget myself. I opened the window to let some fresh air in and begun rearranging my wardrobe. Last night I had taken out of my luggage the basics but it was hastily done and there were many more things left in the bags. Thanks to the spacious closet I was able to fit everything in there.

I got dressed in the school uniform but instead of the shirt I wore a fitted white top. I wasn’t going to be dressing like a nun. I had rested well enough the night before that I chose not to put on heavy makeup. I simply put on a tinted sunscreen and some perfume. This routine I would do every single day in my former school until I dropped out to help Sirius. I knew I had plenty to catch up concerning school subjects but I had faith I would manage. It kind of reassured me to be back in a program that didn’t require joining secret cousins with dark wizards and witches.

The knock on my door distracted me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I said, taking out one of my headphones. 

“Morning,” Draco said and then yawned. He seemed to have just woken up. “You’ve already up,” said he, looking around.

“Yeah, I’ve been up for like-“ my alarm then went off “an hour.”

"Stressed?" he asked.

"Yeah, kind of. Especially since last night," I replied honestly. 

Draco approached and laid his hands on my shoulders. "You have nothing to worry about," he reassured me. "You're probably the best in spells here and as I remember you understand basic alchemy so you can't be bad with potions. Plus, you have me, and as much as I don't like them, you have Potter and his friends."

Draco had never talked to me in this way. He had never spoken to reassure me, it wasn't in his character. He would always be the one to offend, mock or degrade me. He'd always behaved as if he was better than everyone. And right then, though I was fully aware that he wasn't, I felt like he really was my cousin or at least a friend. In the little time I knew him, we were expected to be a couple, and for a time acted as if we were, but I had never even thought we might ever be actual friends. As if reading my thought, Draco plastered his mean smile back, stepped backwards and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Oh, don't get emotional now; it's not for you," was the last thing he said before returning to his room. I heard the sound of drawers being pulled so I waited for a minute or two until he was decent. The time was 8:00 once I entered the Great Hall. A few steps in, the whispers begun and I could feel several sets of eyes on my back as I was heading towards my Gryffindor friends. I was pretty sure they would have many questions for me and I was certain that Ron had basically black-listed me. He hated Slytherins and he pretty much only liked people from his house. He was definitely prejudiced about the rest of the houses but most of all mine. Once I reached them, the only ones who seemed to be actually glad to see me were the twins. The golden trio, as many Slytherins referred to them with that term, seemed a bit distressed. 

"Morning Marianne," said the twins in unison. 

"Morning guys," I said smiling. "Fill me in on what prank you pulled last night on the first years."

George filled with excitement as I said that. "Well, it was epic! Fred and I were-"

"Don't you think you need to fill us in on why the fuck you ended up in Slytherin?" Ron interrupted.

"What's been up your ass this morning?" I snapped.

"Excuse me?" Ron practically shouted. "You know, it's really not okay that you've been lying to us about this." There was silence now in the -now full of people- Great hall.

"Ron," Harry warned. 

"I wasn't lying and you know it. The headmaster said it's temporary, something I imagine you know since you were here during my sorting ceremony."

"Unbelievable," he muttered.

"Ronald, we talked about this." Hermione said. Ron just averted his gaze, suddenly very interested in the bewitched ceiling. "We were just curious why it happened at all," She said, her eyes on me. "It hasn't happened before, plus you don't seem like a Slytherin. You're nice."

"What's your guys' problem with Slytherin? You know, the snake might be its symbol, but that doesn't mean Slytherins are literally snakes."

I turned to grab my bag, but to my surprise, Draco was behind me, already holding it. He had a grin plastered on his face and a quick glance made me realize that the rest of the Slytherins had the same grin on their faces as well. They were proud Slytherins and I had just defended their house, our house, even though the night before I had tried hard not to be one of them.

Behind Draco were two boys I hadn't yet meet. "Now that you sound like a true Slytherin, let me introduce you to the other important people you must be acquainted with. This is Theodore Nott," a boy with beautiful light-brown hair nodded to me, "and this is Blaine Zabini."

"It's nice to meet you Marianne," said the black boy on Draco's left with his hand outstretched.

I shook it. "You too Blaise," I said. 

"If you're done here Marianne let's show you where the classes are so you don't get lost."

I didn't even fell like looking back at the Gryffindors, let alone saying goodbye. "Yes, let's go." 

Draco didn't hand me my bag until after we were walking down the corridors and towards the shifting staircases. The two other boys followed along while joking with Malfoy about Harry's face when they approached me. 

"You know, you didn't seem so fond of us last night," said Theodore who was on Draco's right. 

"I wasn't, I replied. "Not sure, I am now but I don't tolerate that kind of behaviour out of the blue."

"I can respect that," said Blaise from my left. "Though I hope you reconsider. Your time with us, even limited could be very fun if you loosened a little bit."

"What's up Zabini, you're already replacing Daphne?" Draco asked. 

"You know I'm not doing that and you also know that Daphne in non - replaceable."

"Is she in our year? " I asked. 

"Yes, she's got hair like Draco and she's kind of popular around here."

We hopped off and once several staircases until Draco pointed to a doorway as we passed.

"To your left is the hospital wing and in down the corridor in the left is the Gryffindor common room. Gryffindors think they have kept it a secret, but everyone knows their password is Caput Draconis."

"Idiots," said Theo as we kept walking. A moment later I did notice the infamous fat lady in the common room door. Sirius will definitely be disappointed to hear that I didn't end up in Slytherin. At least he couldn't barge in here to come and get me since there was still a price on his head. 

"This is the Ravenclaw tower," the blonde pointed to the right. "And down this corridor is Defence against the dark arts classroom, Charms and Divination," he then came to a stop in front of D.A.D.A. classroom and turned around. "Do yourself a favour and don't ever ask a ghost for directions. If you really need assistance ask an elf to fetch you a map to ask a Prefect."

"Thank you so much guys," I looked at them all appreciatively. "The last thing I would want was to get lost in my first day."

"You're welcome Marianne," said Theo. "Blaise and I have been summoned to the Quidditch field."

"See you later then"

"We have a bit until class begins so we might as well go and get the best seats," Draco said, heading to the class  

"The ones in the back?"

"Precisely," he smirked.

Chapter Text

We did sit in the back of the class but not together. After all, I didn't want to give off the wrong impression. I was still upset with what had happened earlier but, I wasn't about to make myself miserable by sitting with Malfoy. For one, we might soon or later not get along that well, and I wouldn't want to be stuck with him for the rest of the year. Plus, I was indeed behind in classes, as Draco reminded me this morning and he would only distract me.

I was minding my own business, waiting for the lesson to begin, when a blonde girl with silver earrings and platinum hair stopped before my desk. "Is this seat taken?" She asked in a thin voice.

"No. But, it's yours if you want it," i replied.

"Splendid." She let her bag on the floor and then turned to me. "I'm Luna."

"I'm Marianne."

"Yeah I know," she said. "By the way, I saw what happened today with your friends."

"Well, I figure it was hard to miss."

"Yes, that's true but, I am not bringing it up to make you uncomfortable," she clarified. "I just thought you should know that your friends seemed to regret what they said."

"I appreciate you telling me, Luna." 

"You're welcome," she beamed.

Just then, I noticed movement from the corner of my eye. It was the golden trio entering the classroom

"Hi Luna," said Harry as he passed.

"Hello Harry," she said smiling.

The three of them settled down but they were looking my way every once in a while. I was pretty sure Luna was right and that they would soon come apologize.

They'd better. 

"Just cause you couldn't get a girl to go out with you, it doesn't mean the rest of us can't," I heard Draco saying to Goyle.

That was the other thing that had  me confused. Why was Draco being so nice to me? I absolutely appreciated him putting on that display to show that I was truly belonging to my house, even if that was not entirely true, but I couldn't figure out why. I did believe what I said but, I wasn't doing such a legendary act for him to get out of his way and help me out. Seeing how he behaved around others —his friends included— it was like he was an entirely different person. And it's not just the incident in the Great Hall. This very morning he had given me a pep talk so that I wouldn't be nervous about my first day.

Just then, Draco ripped a page from Crabber's textbook and started folding it until it took the form of a paper airplane. I bet he would burn int off I told him that it was actually a muggle art called Origami. 

When Draco was satisfied with the result, he aimed upwards, obviously trying to sent it to Neville Longbottom, a shy Gryffindor boy. The paper airplane was flying through the air when it burned to ashes. We all turned around to see who had caused its downfall, only to see that bitch dressed in pink. 

Professor Umbridge had arrived.

"Good morning children,"she said. With a flick of her wand, stacks of books from the back of the class flew our way to distribute the books. "This year, you will be following a carefully structured ministry approved course of defensive magic"

After a quick look to the contents, Hermione raised her hand.

"Yes?""Excuse me professor but there's nothing in here about using defensive spells."

Hermione was right, as I realized myself. There was just theory and theory and theory. No directions as to how to perform a single spell.

"I can't imagine why you would need to use spells," the teacher said with an idiotic smile plastered on her face. "In my classroom we're not going to use magic. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure risk-free way"

"What use is that? If we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk-free," Harry said. He had a point.

"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class," she shrieked. "But, to answer your question Mr. Potter, it is the view of the ministry that a theoretical knowledge would be sufficient to get you through your examinations which after all is what school is all about.

"And how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?"

"There is nothing out there, dear. Who would imagine to attack children like yourself?"

Was she for real?

"Oh, I don't know maybe Lord Voldemort?"

At that, the seemingly polite smile she had plastered on her face this whole time, was wiped away. "Listen to me children," she said. "You have been told that a murderer is loose out there. This Is a Lie"

"It's not a lie I saw him, I fought him."

"Enough! Mr. Potter if you keep lying and spreading misinformation I will have to sent you to detention right away."

Before I knew it, I was standing up, drawing all attention to me, and spoke out. "Why are you trying to silence him? This is Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived and who has fought You-Know-Who like twice— no three times," I said.

"Oh really?" Umbridge let a beat pass and then slowly walked towards me. With every click of her heals a shiver went through me. I was screwed. "It is very interesting how in less that twenty four hours you, young lady manage to once more cause a scene. I am expecting you after class in my office to discuss your opinions."

Her calm expression was far from reassuring. This was worse than detention. So much worse. But again, I couldn't just let Harry be punished for telling the truth. And you decided to paint a pint on your back, I thought. I'm such an idiot some times.

"Now, if you're quite done disrupting my class, sit down. Silence would be much appreciated," she said and then walked back to the board.

The students turned their attention to the front of the class but every once in a while I would notice someone glancing my way. Just then, my eye caught Draco and his disapproving look. He knew I couldn't contain my temper and keep silent.

I sat during the whole lesson silent, doodling over the margins of my book. Once the Brel rung, started to gather my things. Just then Harry approached me. "You didn't have to do this you know," he said.

"I know," I replied. "I just can tolerate certain things and I lash out." 

"I— We're all really sorry about earlier, Marianne," said Ron.

"Honestly Ron that's the last thing on my mind right now. But it's fine. I guess, you had your reasons not to trust me."

"Just for your own sake refrain from crossing her," said Hermione.

"I second that," said Malfoy. The golden trio gave him the side eye. 

"I'll get Snape here as soon as I can. According to the rules, she can't keep you from your classes to "discuss" and detention is usually arranged for the evenings or weekends."

"Thank you Draco, that will be great."

"We gotta go as well so see you later and good luck," said Harry.

"Take this," said Luna, handing me a little yellow rubber ball. "Keep it in you pocket and squish it if you feel like you're about to lash out."

"That's really thoughtful Luna, thank you." 

"Hello? I'm about to save your ass," said Malfoy.

"Well—"

"Tardiness will do you no good," said Hermione. "You're so right," I said. "I gotta go."

Chapter Text

I was never the obedient type of child or student. I always spoke my mind no matter the consequences, because I genuinely believed that by speaking up, I had done the right thing. However, this was one of the few times that I was second-guessing my choices, due to the high risk they put me in. 

Ms.Umbridge, did live up to the expectations I had after hearing Harry's experience with the ministry. And, since last night, I understood she was definitely one of the people around whom I had to try to keep my temper at check. Too late for that, I thought as I stood behind her office's door. 

After taking a deep breath, I knocked her door. "Come in," I heard her say in a—too— thin —even for her— voice. I as I turned the doorknob I heard little bells lightly ringing. I barely opened the door, only enough to let her see me. Unfortunately, this seemed to indeed be a chat and not just a lecture. 

"Oh Marianne there you are," Shaw said, glad (?) "Please come in. You may take a seat in that desk."

Once she said that, I fully entered the room a d pushed the door shut. There was the bell sound again. I granced to the doorknob only to see little bells hanging there. Perfect... No easy way to sneak in I guess...

As I sat down, I scanned the room, my surroundings. The pink was overwhelming. Everywhere there was something pink; pink porcelain plates with cats on them, hanging from the walls, books with leather pink spines on the shelves... Even her wooden table seemed kind of pinkish. Even five year olds have a wider color palette.

Then it was her, professor Umbridge, dressed in pink (of course), staring at me curiously. "I understand we had a rough start but it's important to understand that all we do is for your own good. That's why you're alla attending this school after all," she said. "Also, I need you and certain peers of yours to understand that voicing your own risk assessments is not fit for school."

"But professor, it's not--"

She raised her gloved palm, motioning me to stop talking. "The ministry of magic will not tolerate such behaviour. You are making a big deal out of mere rumours and if this continues, it will be dealt with severe consequences. I assure you."

So, this was it? 

"As I assumed, you didn't take the time to come to your senses," she said with a dissalroving look. With a fling of her wand a quill and a sheet of paper appeared before me. "So, you will be writing some lines for me today."

Silver handle on the quill with needle-like tip. My eyes widened as I realized what this was. I looked at her. "Professor, I have not be given any ink." Hope was brewing within me but it was gone once she answered.

"Don't worry about it. You won't be needing it today."

"What shall I write?" 

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"I should not disrespect my teacher and disrupt the class," she said.

"How many times?" I asked with trembling voice. If Draco doesn't make it I time things would get ugly real fast.

"As many as it needs for the message to sink in." Her reply had me holding back tears. I squished the ball Luna had given me in my pocket. It didn’t actually help me relax or cool down, but flashbacks of my friends —Hermione, Draco, Luna, Harry and Ron— flashed before my eyes. We might were not in the best terms but they had definitely been there for me earlier today and I suppose that they wouldn’t abandon me if I needed them. 

I could do this. I wasn’t going to give this bitch the satisfaction to see me cry. I could cry my eyeballs out when I got back to my room but not here, not now. 

As I took the quill in my hand, I held her stare. I hoped she would tell me to stop. She didn't. "Come on dear, I have a lesson next period," she said casually. I still hesitated. "The sooner you begin, the sooner it will be over." I knew what was going to happen, as well as the fact that she was going to do much worse if I insisted on denying. With her last words in mind, I braced myself and begun writing.  

There was no getting used to that terrible sense. It was as terrible as my first time and I bet it will be just the same in the future. But how did she get ahold of this if she was truly representing the ministry? This was a death eater practice and one of the key part of getting the death mark.

 I had been in many initiations to know exactly what it did. I had used it as well when I got my death mark. This part was brutal but fundamental for the process. 

I remember my hands trembling when my turn had come. Not so much for the pain that I would endure but mostly because I knew that it could never be undone. It wasn't like any other tattoo. This was a dark ritual. Like all before me, I had to trace the symbol on a piece of parchment. The exact lines I drew were being carved on my hand. It was terribly painful. 

Once I was done, I let the quill drop. I remember the sound when the metal part hit the marble floor. I turned to the Dark Lord. His stare was cold when he pointed his wand and healed me. This, the healing,was also part of the ritual. The master had to willingly heal me, the submissive, after I willingly did this to myself as a sign of my devotion. 

The will to do such a thing made it all real and inked the wound with the snake and the scull. After that day, I was officially a part of the Dark side. I was a death eater. 

Right now, in present time, as I was writing that stupid phrase down, it all came crashing back to me. I had done terrible things to prove my devotion to Him in order to prove myself worthy to ultimately free Sirius. I had done all those sacrifices for one person that ended up to not even be my true father. He had insisted I was told that lie for my whole life and...

I remember losing all sense of reality when Draco revealed me the truth. I had felt so alone... It was the day before I had arranged the escape and everything was ready. I didn't know neither what I wanted, nor what was the right thing to do. Obviously, I did save him in the end.

I lifted my eyes once I had written the phrase. The wound was burning on hand but this time, I held my tears. This didn't seem to satisfy her but she couldn't do anything else to punish me. This was already too much and I still couldn't imagine how in the seven circles of hell she thought I would let this slide. She was most definitely going to get what she deserved but that was not now. 

"Isn't it better now that you have been punished for what you did?" she asked. "Now, I believe you have learned your place. Isn't this right?"

"I—" I hesitated. 

Suddenly, the door burst open, bells clinging like crazy, when professor Snape walked in, his cape flowing behind him. 

I was startled and instinctively drop my hand so it would be covered by the long sleeved of my robe. I couldn't discuss what had just happened to me. I was too tense to keep a calm disposition and not burst in tears. The only thing that held me together was the fact that it was over. 

Snape's eyes were full of determination. He glimpsed for a moment towards me and then his eyes snapped to her.

"Professor, how dare you enter like this in my office?!" Umbridge yelled as she stood up. 

"I suppose you have a good reason why you've held this student from her classes," he said composed. 

"I suppose Mr. Malfoy who seemed to have rushed to alert you, has informed you of the incident we had earlier." 

"Yes, he has but I still don't understand the reason she had to miss classes when Saturday detention is exactly for that."

While the two kept arguing, I glimpsed platinum blonde hair behind Snape. Neither of the professors paid any attention to me but I realized Draco was. Cousin or not, he cared. Yes, he wasn't the best but to me, he wasn't the worst either. I had worse problems than his usual snobbish attitude at the moment.

At some point, Draco peeked to the side and our eyes met. By his facial expression alone I knew he was worried. His features relaxed a little when he saw me unharmed. If only he knew...

"And what would you have me do professor? Let such a girl slander the good reputation of our school? I think not. It was necessary to get this over with as quickly as possible."

"So, Marianne is free to go, right?" Asked Draco. 

Three pairs of eyes were now on him. "Yes, I believe Mr. Malfoy has made an excellent point," Snape said. "And, for the future I suggest you refrain from intervening with the school schedule, Professor."

"I'll definitely consider it," she said, her eyes shooting daggers to Snape.  "Marianne dear, you can be on your way." This woman was a lunatic. 

I stood up and stormed outside, taking the steps two at a time, trying to get away as fast as possible. 

"Marianne, wait!" Draco shouted from a few paces behind me. Knowing him, I was certain that he was only going to keep chasing me, so I slowed down to ket him catch up with me. 

"What's up Draco?"

"What's up? Marianne what the hell happened back there? You are pale and look— I have never seen you this bad."

Oh, but he had. 

"Draco I don't want to talk about it," I said, dismissing him. 

"So, what? Fist you want my help but then don't tell me a thing? Like maybe, I dunno,  a thank you?"

I exhaled, halting in the middle of the empty corridor. "Draco, thank you for getting Snape. It's just that I am not— I can't discuss it right now and it's not because I am being snobbish or cryptic. I just can't."

"Shit, Marianne," he said. "She really did fuck you up.”

“I’ll see you later.”

I walked away and kept walking through the halls. Classes were over for this morning and today I only had a Charms class in the evening. In about an hour from now it would be time for lunch, so I had some time to kill. 

I looked left and right. No one was around. I took this opportunity to take a second look at my hand. It was nasty and didn’t seem to be in a very good condition. I was about to cast a healing spell when I heard footsteps behind me. 

“Marianne,” called Snape. 

I whipped around. I thought I was alone but, I must have been mistaken since he was there. Next time, I’d lock myself in a classroom to be sure. 

“Show me,” said he in a demanding tone. 

Severus Snape had been a death eater years ago and seemed to have abandoned the cause but,

Voldemort never encouraged his followers to speak ill of Snape. I had no idea why, tho. 

I did as I was told. I licked the sleeve of my robe and showed him. His breathing faltered from a moment as he beheld that it was not an ordinary wound. Plus, he knew —just like I did— exactly how it was caused. 

“Keep it clean  and I’ll have a healing extract sent with Draco,” said Snape. He turned to leave but then stopped and turned around. “If anything like this happen again let me know.”

“Yes sir,” I said and then each of us was on their way. 

“Ferula,” I muttered with my wand pointing over the wound and then, bandages wrapped around my hand, securing it tightly. It would have to do for now, I suppose. After all, I needed to do something to get my mind off all that what had happened this morning. I had a fight with my friends, defended the Slytherins, got to know some of my house’s elites, got into trouble, made up with the golden trio and then… Well, it was a lot and I was kind of on edge to deal with my shit.

Chapter Text

Marianne POV

"Alright people let's get to the air," shouted a tall boy to first and second years'. His quidditch attire made obvious he was a Gryffindor, something that made me nervous since, at the moment, I wasn't very likeable to those.  

At his command, the kids hovered their hands over the brooms calling "up". Why the hell weren't they just picking them up, I wondered. Anyway, I got mine from a pile of old brooms and approached the older boy.

"Hey! Is this the Quidditch try-outs?" I asked. 

He sighed as he turned around and bossily said,  "Yes, and you're late."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to but I was in detention," I said, earning an amused look from him. 

"Detention at this hour? Do I look like an idiot to you?"

"No, not at all!" I said franticly. "But, I really was in detention. Professor Umbridge, she—"

 His grin dropped. "Wait. You're Marianne?" I nodded.

"Um— I'm Oliver. Oliver Wood," he said, extending his hand for me to shake. "It's nice to meet you, Marianne."

I smiled, relieved. "It's nice to meet you too," I said, shaking his hand. "So, could you make an exception and let my try?"

"Yeah, it's fine since you had a valid reason." He looked at me somewhat concerned. "I have to ask, though... Are you alright? Potter, Weasley and Granger seemed very worried about you."

"Where did you see them?" I asked. 

"Well, earlier in the common room they had a pretty heated discussion with some other Gryffindors about Umbridge. They told us about Harry's trial with the ministry and then about what happened in your Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson." 

I looked down. "So, I'm again the talk of the school," I observed. 

"Yes but don't concern yourself with whatever others say about you. It should only matter what you and your friends say." 

Right... At the moment my friends were probably freaking out about how Malfoy had reacted. Yes, to them, he was my cousin and in that context it was logical that he cared.    

However, everyone else just saw two old friends reconnecting—in the same dorm, room and shared bathroom. Yeah, it didn't look very good. 

"Yeah, you're right. So, should I go find a Chief or something?" I asked.

"You don't because I am a Chief. Gryffindor's," he clarified.

"Okay," I looked around. "But you said Gryffindor, and I'm in Slytherin,"

"Yeah, I know, I'm not an idiot, we've been through this. The new players come to me at first to test their skills and if they're good enough I sent them to their houses' teams" 

"Oh ok," I said. "Sounds good."

"Put on a headgear and let's get started," Oliver said, pointing to a full bag. 

I didn't need to be told twice. I walked over to the bag and found a headgear that didn't stink too much. I put it on and defended to the air. 

This broom wasn't as fast as the one I had purchased years ago in the states but it would do for now. I executed as best as I could all the laps and twist we were told. I did want to join the quidditch team not as much to play in games or win but because I loved the sport. Flying made me feel free naturally. I loved that feeling and it had always been an escape. I was introduced to the game by my aunt and not the school itself as Quidditch is not that popular in the States as Quodpot. 

Aunt Andromeda would take me to Quidditch games and always remind me she had been a chaser herself. Unfortunately, when I joined one of the few Quidditch teams there I was a Beater that actually requires considerable force which I didn't have. But, since that was the only open spot, I had accepted it happily as it allowed me to fly and also be reminded of my British heritage. 

I flew as fast as I could, forgetting my troubles and just living in the moment. When practice was over we all landed and approached Oliver.

"So?" I inquired, panting. How was it?"

"Well, I don't know..." said Oliver as he took off his own headgear.

I looked down, a bit disappointed. 

"Don't get me wrong for asking but, are you sure you're not a pro?" 

I looked up, smiling. "It wasn't my first time on a broom, you know."

"Oh, believe me, it's obvious," he remarked. "Marianne, you can definitely join the quidditch team."

"Really?"

"Yes, and I have a proposal for you," Oliver replied. 

"I'm listening."

"If you want to, I can arrange for you to join the Gryffindor team"

"Wait what? That's possible?"

"Marcus won't be happy about it, that's for sure, but I'm sure I can arrange it if you want to"

Such a possibility hadn't even crossed my mind. Playing in the Gryffindor team? It would be fun, and I would be able to spend more time with Harry and bond with the whole Gryffindor house but I wasn't sure how Slytherin would take it. I would absolutely be considered a traitor. And Malfoy... he would be the one to bully me the most. 

"I'll think about it"

"Alright but you must hurry," Oliver said. "The matches are starting next week."

"Don't worry, I will only need a few days to decide."

"No matter which team you choose, I look forward to seeing you to the field."

"I do too, Oliver," I said. This new opportunity really made my day. "I have to go now," I said, turning to depart.

"Don't be a stranger," he called and I waved goodbye.

∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ ∾ ∿ 

After that pretty intense quidditch practice and all that had happened today,I was not in the mood to be stared at during the entirety of dinner, so I just skipped it. I was completely drained of energy and besides, I needed to actually tend to the wound on my hand. 

Since Draco, just like everyone else, went to the Great Hall for dinner, I had the room all to myself. First thing I did, was of course, to put on my headphones to listen to some music. Then, I turned on some lights I had brought with me to decorate the room. This morning I had adjusted the coloured lightbulbs' chain in a haste so they weren't exactly like I wanted them but it was fine for now. I was very tense. And, how couldn't I after experiencing yet again that excruciating pain. 

Admittedly, I could never have imagined such methods being implemented in Hogwarts. But, Umbridge wasn't like the rest of them. She was supposedly representing the ministry but something didn't sit right with me for some reason. 

I sat down on my beg and carefully lifted my sleeve to reveal the bandage. Oliver hadn't noticed it because along with the headgear he had told me to wear I had also grabbed a pair of gloves, as well as casting a spell to soothe the pain. I didn't want anything to ruin my chances of getting in. And apparently, it had worked. However, after all this time its effect went away and now it did feel pretty bad. 

After unraveling the bandages, I examined my hand. The skin around the cuts had a purple hue and the top of my palm was swollen. I scrunched my nose at the look of it and headed for the bathroom. I flipped on the light switch and let the water run from the sink. I took a deep breath and put my wounded hand under it. Before doing anything to it, it absolutely had to be cleaned. I closed my eyes tightly as it stung, trying to focus on the rhythm of the song. After awhile, when it didn't hurt as much anymore, I closed the water and retrieved my hand. 

"What the hell is that?" 

I staggered back at the unexpected sound of Malfoy's voice. My back hit the wall but he didn't even spared a glance to my face. His eyes were fixed on my hand. 

"M-Malfoy what are you doing here?" I asked. He was supposed to be dining upstairs. 

"Potter and Weasley asked about you—"

"Who? Ron?"

"No, his older brother. One of the twins," he said a bit baffled. "Anyways, I thought you were with them but, apparently not, so I figured you would be here."

I looked at his hand that held on to some pastries. Once he followed my state and realized had had caught my attention, he clarified, "Granger asked me to bring some to you."

"Thanks," I said silently. I didn't want any of them to see this. I truly prefer having them asking a million questions about what had happened but under no circumstances actually see it. It was too late for that though.

"May I have a closer look at it?" He asked and I hesitantly nodded, as I held it out for him. He walked slowly with cool calm written all over his face, as he looked over the cuts. 

"For Merlín's sake," he muttered. "Is that Umbridge's doing?" He asked me. 

"You can't tell anyone Draco. If you do, she will know I spoke up and then she will most definitely harass me in a way I can't even fathom but I bet it will be ten times worse."

"No one orders me around Marianne," he clarified. "But, I promise to not mention anything if you let me treat it."

"Seems like a small price to pay," I said, not really recognizing the Malfoy I was used to at that moment. 

He reached for his wand and pointed it to my wounds. "Episkey," he said in a clear voice. 

The effect was immediate. The swelling went down and the rough cuts started healing. When Draco pulled it away, there was only a little of it left. The words however were still apparent. 

"Why did you stop?" I asked. "It was almost done."

"If I let the spell heal the wound on its own completely it would leave a scar," he explained. "I bet you wouldn't want that. Right?

"Of course, I wouldn't."

"That's what I thought. There's a spell I know that can cover it with an illusion but—“

"I won't use Celare," I said before he could finish. 

Draco paused and looked at me in understanding. I didn't need to tell him how I knew about it because we both were aware of the fact that it was widely popular to death eaters that used it to hide their death marks. I also needn't explain him why I wanted to avoid it. As a dark incantation Celare required a debt in order to work. And that was pain. 

"Don't worry about it, I'll cover it up somehow," I said. "I'm going to my room now." 

Right after I passed him I grabbed one of the slices of cake he had brought and headed for my room. 

"By the way," I said, turning around. "Hermione doesn't know about my love for pastries. Not to mention my obsession with red velvet cake."

The unspoken words hung in the air between us. 

But you do. 

"I guess you're lucky then," he noted. 

"I doubt luck has favored me much lately."

"Goodnight Marianne."

"Goodnight Blondie," I winked at him, closing the door behind me shut."

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Okay guys, what do you think? 

I know it's been forever but bear with me cause even though I have plenty of ideas school has been draining me both of time and energy. 

Hope to be a bit more present for now on. Don't forget to leave kudos and comment if you like this Chapter.

Lots of love, 

Xo your teen author

Chapter Text

When I opened my eyes I saw bright light coming through my window. The silence made me turn to my phone that was still changing. I pressed on the screen to brighten up and gasped once I saw the time.

7:55

I stood up and burst the closet door open. I skimmed through dresses, jeans and sweaters desperately trying to locate the school uniform. And, of course it had to be in between my puffiest sweatshirts, making my life more difficult. 

I got ready the fastest I could and made my way towards the Great hall. Of course, there were plenty of students who run a bit late and would barely have any time to have breakfast. 

As I scurried towards the Great Hall among other students, I made sure to keep the sleeve of my cloak in the fist of my wounded hand to cover the bandage. I had covered it but the last thing I wanted was for someone to insist they had a look -much like Draco had the night before- and then all hell would break loose. 

No, I didn't need that right now. Actually, the only thing I desired at that moment was some omelette and a glass of orange juice. 

Once I passed the doorstep of the dining hall I directed my gaze towards the Slytherin table. What I saw made me freeze on my tracks. 

Oliver and Harry were having a heated argument with Draco, his pals -Theo and Blaise- and the infamous Marcus Flint, the captain of the slytherin quidditch team. Blaise was the first to notice me and when he tapped Draco on the shoulder I knew I wasn't gonna have that omelette or orange juice. 

Draco turned to his friend and I could see Blaise mouthing to him 'she's here'. Next thing I knew was Draco's piercing gaze falling on me. And gosh, he looked furious. He said something to Marcus and then headed towards me. 

Fuck, Fuck, Fuck. 

I turned around and headed for the exit, trying to get away from Draco who no doubt had a very predictable opinion on which team I should join. As I paced quickly down the hall, I could see him following a few meters behind. 

"Marianne," he called. I didn't stop. On the contrary, I sped up and headed for the changing staircases. 

I knew he had also accelerated but didn't realize quite how much until I could hear his shoes' heels closing by. I hopped on a staircase right before it altered direction. I looked back and Draco stood back there practically fuming from annoyance. His gaze, still fixed on me, told me this was far from over. Thankfully though, I had just gained some time. 

I wasn't sure where I was going. I only wanted to get away the fastest I could. I climbed the stairs and ended up in the second floor. I looked around, trying to find the classroom for the Study of Ancient Runes. It was one of my favourites back in Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and, it was an option only for the few students that scored the highest scores in the O.W.Ls. 

I pulled from the pocket of my cloak the schedule I'd been given and my phone. It was 8:10 and my class, that begun apparently later than most classes —at 8:35 instead of 8:20— was in the sixth floor. 

I wasn't going to take the switching stairs again, as it was likely Malfoy could appear at any minute, and plus, I wasn't certain how to get to the sixth floor with them. Instead, I headed for the hallway in order to get there though a different, more stable staircase.

A sound from behind me had me turning around to check that no Slytherin had found me, making me bump to a hard chest. I tuned around, half startled-half embarrassed, only to realize it was George. 

"Whoa Marianne!" he exclaimed, "Are you hiding from anyone or is it just that I am so irresistibly handsome that—

"I am hiding from my housemates," I interrupted him, chuckling. "Malfoy was after me but at the last minute I hoped to—

"The changing stairs? That's a classic," he laughed. "You know, I was actually coming to get you just now."

"Really? How come?"

"Well, Lupin is expecting you to his office," he said. 

Oh, crap. It was a matter of time before my dad's best friend —secret boyfriend in my opinion— and I had a talk. He was probably going to lecture me, as expected, and sent me home, as expected. I had just stared getting used to know the other students and I really didn't want to leave, even after what happened yesterday. 

George, as if reading my thought, said, "It will be fine, don't get stressed. I bet he is just going to tell you 'how irresponsible and irrational it was to come here against your father's wishes.' He gave once the same lecture to Fred and me when we went to the Forbidden Forest to smoke and drink booze. But, in the end he just warned us not to repeat it and made us promise we wouldn't tell our parents he didn't punish us." I was stunned. 

"Wait what?" I asked. "He didn't punish you, even though your parents gave him the green light to do so?"

He nodded. "Lupin is the best and totally is in our side. It's like the opposite of Snape and way cooler and younger than Dumbledore."

I knew he was a great guy but I never thought he was such a nice person. Gosh, if any of my teachers back in America found me smoking and drinking, I would be in detention for at least a month and would lose a ton of house points, something that my classmates never took lightly. I know that, because it happened once. I was being ignored for a month from certain students while my friends were also offended I didn't tell them to join me.

"Okay," I let out a long breath. "Could you show me where's his office?"

"Absolutely," he said. "Just go this way till the end of the hallway and knock on the door to your right."

"Thanks," I exhaled, bracing for what could be one of the most stressing lectures of my life. "Wish me luck?"

"Nah you won't need it," he said, glancing at his watch. "Unless you don't knock on his door in the next minute, 'cause you're going to be late as hell and professor Bathsheda Babbling doesn't tolerate tardiness."

"Right," I agreed before running to Lupin's office and knocking on the door. 

"Come in," he said and once I entered I saw him standing with a book open in his arms. When his eyes fell on me, his smile turned into a frown. 

Damn me and my rebellious decisions. 

He nodded for me to approached and I did so, avoiding eye contact.

"I think there's no reason for me to tell you how irresponsible and selfish was coming here against your father's wish."

If there was one thing I knew very well, it was that it was never a good idea to interrupt adults mid-lecture.

"You have nothing to say?" He asked. 

Well, that was new.

"I don't think that my opinion matters to you since you're sending me home," I said honestly.

" Well... you're both right and you're wrong."

"What?" I inquired bewildered, lifting my gaze.

"I indeed don't care what you think, but I can't send you back," he said, annoyance coating his voice.

"Really?" I asked, feeling pride out of nowhere for my latest decisions.

"Since the sorting ceremony, all the professors will have their eyes pinned on you whenever and wherever they see you," he said. "Even more now in light of last night's events."

"Why what happened last night?" My hands began to sweat, and my legs were achy. 

His gaze softened and under the formal cloak and work attire, he started to resemble more the man I knew. Uncle Remus held my gaze as he approached me. 

"Someone said that you went through a kind of abuse during your time in detention," he explained.

"What? I don't kn—" his look told me to cut the crap. "Which one told you?"

"I won't tell you because what truly matters is whether this is true," he said. "Is it?"

I looked away, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. I don't know what it was happening right now, out of all times. Maybe it was that the person before me was that close to my family, dad. Or, maybe it was the fact that he knew what I had to sacrifice in order to help Sirius. He was one of the few people who truly realized the danger of me being here. Or at least part of it, because nothing comes without a price, including this power, the knowledge of the dark arts. 

"Let me see your arm," he said silently. 

"No, please don't" I said, grasping as much fabric I could in my fist as a way to keep the danger away. As if that ever helped. It was idiotic, really because as I understood from the surprise in his eyes, he didn't know it was on my arm. And, now I had shown him with one it was as well.

He was quick and strong enough to grab it and pull the fabric away. He held it with my palm upwards, which really made the wound sting. He turned my hand around. 

Once he read the words carved on my skin his jaw clenched. His eyes lifted to mine. 

"Promise you won't  tell my dad," I pleaded. 

"You know I can't promise such a thing Marianne," he said, his face and voice giving away his sadness. "He must know."

"Whatever," I said stepping back, drowning my emotions and acting unfazed. "I'm going now." 

I headed for the exit. 

"Actually there's something else," I heard him say. 

"What is it now?" I snapped. 

"You obviously can't keep going on without a surname. People already talk and it really doesn't look very good. The only reason it has gotten this far is because Dumbledore has your back."

"What do you mean?" I said, turning around. 

"Your father has agreed to this and it really is a good solution," he explained. 

"You didn't answer my question," I said. "What has Dumbledore been saying?"

"That you are Marianne Snape. Professor's Snape niece."

"Was that seriously the best thing you could come up with?" I asked. 

"Well it kind of came as a surprise since we weren't expecting you so it really is on you," he remarked. "You're free now, just in time for your lesson of ancient Runes."

I turned to leave but halted. I turned around. "You know my schedule?" I asked. 

He laughed. "You though coming here was going to be fun and simple. It won't be," he clarified. "You are under close supervision— definitely closer than before, so just don't get in any trouble and lay low."

I glared at him. "You heard me," he said. "Off you go Marianne."

I did leave this classroom but many questions rummaged my mind. 

*Which one snitched me? Was it Snape or Draco? Or maybe who was  first, because I know damn well they would both speak about it. One because he was obliged to and the other because he was a prick. 

*Why am I supposed to be Snape's niece? Why not a simple witch or maybe uncle Remus' relative?

*How would Sirius react to hearing I was abused by a teacher less than a week since I arrived? It wasn't like he could come get me or demand he had a word with Umbridge. 

These thought troubled me through hall of the Ancient Runes lesson which thankfully started once I arrived. The professor pretty much spoke just by herself for the entirety of the lesson, which provided me time to think. However, I knew it wouldn't be this easy from now on, and that I had to seriously focus if I were to continue next year. Plus, I was now a Snape. This name both provided security but also expectations. 

Welcome to Hogwarts Marianne Snape! 

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Alrighty babes! 

How is it looking so far? I think you're starting to get the whole vibe and direction of this story. 

DISCLAIMER: Don't root for Draco romantically. There might be a moment of two I the future but I thing it's clear from the title who is the love interest. Also, as you may have realized this is not a fairytale kind of story. It's kinda dark in parts and steamy in others (to be released). Do with that info whatever you want, I don't care. Just refrain from hating cause I'm not up for it and you're just gonna get yourselves blocked. 

Xoxo your teen author