Beginnings
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any associated character, setting, or imagery. No profit is being made from this work.
Author's Notes: This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of 500-word drabbles based on Slytherin characters. This is unbetta'd.
Platform 9 3/4 was bathed in afternoon sunlight as the Hogwarts Express sat upon the tracks. A small, pug-faced girl dressed in black robes stood gazing at it for a moment before turning to the another girl, standing next to her.
"I heard that if you think of the house you want the entire way to the school, you'll get it - no matter what" the first girl told the second in a firm voice.
"That's easy for you to say, Pansy. You're Slytherin through and through. What am I supposed to do, pretend dad doesn't exist?" Looking around and lowering her voice, she whispered "He's a Ravenclaw, Pansy. A Ravenclaw. What am I going to do if I end up with those geeks instead of you?"
Before Pansy could reply, the signal was given that the train was about to leave, and both girls were caught up in the last minute shuffle to board.
They found a compartment and settled in, Pansy gazing out the window quietly, Millicent pouting in the corner. Her teeth working a particularly interesting piece of skin inside her cheek, she didn't notice immediately that the door to their compartment opened, and three boys waltzed in.
"Cousin, what a shock - you're mopping in the corner, again!" Draco Malfoy's voice echoed off the walls, as arrogant as ever.
Millicent opened her eyes with a sigh. "Cousin, how lovely of you to join us – and you brought the pups, as well." She gestured to Crabbe and Goyle, her eyes sparkling. This earned her a nod from the large boys flanking her petite cousin, and she couldn't help but let out a giggle.
"You'll never guess who's aboard, girls – Harry Potter! Of course, that damn Weasley snapped him up before I got a chance to talk to him like father wanted me to, but I'm sure it will be easy to get him away from Weasley before the sorting. He's got to understand the way things work, he's got..."
Pansy interrupted him. "I know, I know – he's got to understand how perfect and wonderful you are, right?"
Draco glared at Pansy. "You'd better watch your tongue, dear. Your mother wouldn't want to give up the Galleons she's already received for your future services to the Malfoy name. My father wouldn't be at all pleased to hear that I've developed a distaste for you."
Pansy sniffed and opened a book, declaring the conversation closed. Draco shrugged and sat down across from her, Crabbe and Goyle sitting on either side. For the remainder of the journey, the compartment was silent, Draco staring at Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle staring at Pansy, and Millicent staring at the passing scenery.
