Pre GoF
Blaise's Story
As eleven year old Blaise Zabini made his way through the crowds to board the Hogwarts express, he did not hug his parents' goodbye, he did not kiss his mother and say he would miss her – he didn't even glance behind him. Now, though one may think this was the haughty, aristocratic, pureblood way of doing things, it was none of these, it was a dismissal, a relief to both parties, Blaise, to be away from his mother, and said mother to be shot of her offspring.
Searching the train for a seat was not an arduous task, as most students were still clinging to parents, and giving tearful farewells. He took the window seat and stared with wonder as other first years refused to let go of their mothers, some, he observed, crying quite openly in the bid to remain with their relatives. Blaise was shocked and somewhat confused at the blatant displays of affection and pondered what could grant such exhibits of love. Love was a myth in Blaise's eyes and all those who believed in it were fools.
The carriage door slid open and Draco Malfoy sat down in the seat opposite him. Blaise gave him the trademark smirk and they briefly discussed any parts of the holidays that the other one had not been there for. They had been friends for as long as Draco could remember, and Blaise thought back to what he could remember their first meeting to be;
*flashback*
"Draco! Draco darling, come and say hello to Blaise."
Four year old Blaise Zabini stood quietly next to his mother as a small blonde figure sped in to the room and jumped up into his mother's arms. "Draco" said his mother, Narcissa, "this is Ms Zabini and her son Blaise, he's come to play with you for the afternoon" she smiled at her son fondly and gently stroked his cheek. Blaise watched this with curiosity, he couldn't, in his wildest dreams, imagine running up to his mother like that, little own her being pleased with him for doing it, and showing some sign of love. Draco, having been set on his feet looked at Blaise with interest, stuck out his little hand and said "Hello, I'm Master Malfoy" his chin went up arrogantly "but you can call me Draco". Blaise grinned at him "and my name is Blaise Zabini" he said as they shook hands.
*end flashback*
Draco and Blaise sat peacefully saying nothing, as they tended do at times such as these, the silence didn't bother them, quite the opposite in fact. As they dwelled in their own thoughts the carriage door slid open again and two older boys entered. "Malfoy" one said and nodded in his direction "and – your friend" he said turning to Blaise, "Blaise Zabini" the eleven year old said smoothly and the two shook hands. "Marcus Flint" said the taller of the two visitors "and that's Adrian Pucey" he said nodding his head at the boy who stood two paces behind him. They had various company throughout the journey including two other first years, that Draco knew named Daphne Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson, Carter Warrington – a third year, a Gryffindor with the gift of the gab, named Angelina Johnson and a couple of nameless third year Ravenclaws. The boys had concluded that it was really of no consequence to learn names of students not from Slytherin house, as the possibility of them ending up in any other house was zero. As the train moved into the platform at Hogsmeade the sky had darkened and the temperature had dropped. So as they left the train they made sure their cloaks were tightly wrapped around themselves. Being first years they regrettably had to travel across to Hogwarts in small boats instead of the warmer and more comfortable, thestral driven carriages. They climbed, with a natural grace, into the boats and were followed in by a gangly sort of boy named Theodore Nott. The young purebloods were not impressed at the sight of Hogwarts castle, whereas many of their new classmates let out audible gasps. The castle was old, grey and not nearly as welcoming as had been expected. Blaise was even less impressed by the waiting around outside the great hall and shot disdainful glares at those who started and jumped when the ghosts appeared. He overheard a bushy haired brunette with slightly too large front teeth prattling on about needing to use spells for an initiation test before being sorted. "Clearly a mudblood" Draco muttered into his ear and Blaise silently agreed.
The great hall doors opened and Professor McGonagall led the, somewhat nervous, first years down the centre aisle, and came to stop in front of the ragged, old sorting hat. As the various names got read out Draco and Blaise exchanged knowing glances at all those sorted into Slytherin and looks of contempt and disgust at all those sorted into Hufflepuff. As Draco's name was called the swaggered up to the chair and the hat barely touched his head before it screamed "Slytherin!" He smirked at Blaise before turning and making his way over to his new house table. As Blaise continued to watch, knowing he'd be last, Millicent Bulstrode, Daphne Greengrass, Adrianne Selwyn and Pansy Parkinson became the new Slytherin girls, whilst Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Draco Malfoy, Sebastian Miller and Theodore Nott became the Slytherin boys. "Zabini Blaise" he recognised his name and advanced to the shabby hat, having had it placed on his head he waited no longer than a second before it screamed out "Slytherin!" he proceeded towards his new table amongst a mixture of cheers and hisses. He sat down next to Draco who squeezed his hand under the table and gave him a true smile. He grinned back broadly and then at all the other Slytherins satisfied smirks. He was home.