"Thirty minutes, dear. Guests will be arriving soon." My mother called out. "Yes, mum." I'm Vivian Coxx. My family is well known in the wizarding world. I'm a 5th year at Hogwarts, Slytherin, of course. I'm a pureblood, as all Slytherins are. I have nothing against other blood types, but I was always taught that my 'type' shouldn't mix with theirs. And, being me, I followed that simple rule.
A word to describe my life is proper. The definition of proper is "suitable and appropriate." That, my dear friends, is exactly what I am. I've been taught to be a lady and a lady is what I am. This includes etiquette, speech, and other education. I'm fluent in about 3 languages: French, Spanish, and English.
Anyhow, my mother is throwing a large party in order to celebrate a new school year. This party involves a large part of the Slytherin household families. Including, The Malfoys, Parkinsons, Bulstrodes, Zambinis, Notts, and many more. It would be the first time all summer that I would get to see them. My best friend, Tiffany Zabini, Blaise's sister is also coming. Now, I know you're probably wondering, 'Are these people associated with the Dark Lord?' This is an answer I can neither confirm nor deny. I once asked my parents this, only to get the response, "A young lady does not stick their nose into matters that aren't hers." After this, I learned to keep my nose out of their business…but back to the subject at hand.
This is a semi formal event and in order to please my mum and dad I have to dress fancily. This means a dress and heels. Personally, I don't like these very much, but it is just part of my lifestyle. I quickly chose a black halter dress, without sleeves, that fell down to just past my ankles, when my heels were on. I examined myself in the mirror; my dark brown hair curled and went to my mid-back. It was in great contrast with my sea green eyes. Some people say that I'm the spitting image of my mother. I disagree, my mother is a beautiful lady, I'm just an average teenage girl. Anyways, I grabbed my diamond earrings and quickly placed them on me before rushing downstairs.
My mother was at the door greeting people. I silently took my place beside her, "You're late…"she hissed through her sickly sweet smile. I placed a gracious smile on my face, "Sorry mum." She shook hands with another person, "We'll discuss this later." This meaning 'You're getting a big lecture, but I'm too busy to do it now.' I nodded and finished greeting our guests. I managed to swerve through the crowd until I found a group of familiar looking teenagers.
I hung out with a few select people, Draco, Pansy (by force), Blaise, Tiffany, and the two goons that constantly followed Draco around. Now, you may seem Draco as a selfish, mean bastard…and that's true, but if you're his friend, pureblood and not on his hit list…he can be kind. Blaise was gentle, in his own way, but he kept a harsh demeanor around fellow classmates. Pansy…was annoying as hell, but I was always forced into situations with her so I have to be civilized toward her. And Tiffany…let's say you don't want to anger her, but around us she was as sweet as a peach. When I was with them I could actually loosen up.
"Hey girl!" I looked to see Tiff beckoning me toward her. I smiled and rushed over, "Hi! Goodness, I haven't seen you guys in ages." Tiffany engulfed me in a bone -crushing hug. Then Blaise and Pansy greeted me by pecking both my cheeks. I smiled at Draco, "Hello, Draco. How was summer?" He grimaced, "Would've been better if that Pothead didn't stick his nose into everything." I frowned and patted his shoulder reassuringly, "I'm sure this school year will be better." He forced a small smirk, "I suppose so," his smirk grew, "after all…we have a chance to make his year hell." We laughed and began small talk. I was pulled aside by Tiffany. "Viv, this is bad." I bit my lip, "What is?" She sighed, "I've heard that Pothead," she sneered, "has a bit of a crush on me." My eyes widened a fraction, "From where? Who? How? Why?" She shrugged, "I dunno!" she whispered exasperated, "And I overheard that Granger girl and Weasel talking about it," she gasped as if she forgot something, "oh! And that Weaselbee likes you!"
I scrunched my nose, "Ugh why?" She sighed, "Oh dear, I guess we've been cursed to this," she was known for being dramatic, "I guess we're just too damn beautiful." I laughed, "Darling, you're beautiful. I'm average. Get that straight, sweetie." She rolled her eyes, knowing she couldn't win this argument. Tiffany was gorgeous; she had silky brownish red hair that went just past her shoulders. It wasn't curls, like mine, but it twisted a bit making her have a bouncy look. She stood about 5'8 just a little taller than me. She had baby blue eyes and a slender build. See, she could be a supermodel! But, really? Weasley? A Weasley has to like me? Out of all things good…. Weasley? I groaned in agitation.
I felt an arm sling our shoulders, "Don't worry girls, I won't let their stupid Gryffindor hands touch you." I smiled up at Draco; he was like a big brother to me. "Thanks, Draco. Just don't get into too much trouble." He laughed quietly and patted my shoulder before heading over to Blaise. Tiffany quickly joined me, "What do you suggest we do?" I grabbed a small glass of wine (A/N: Yeah, yeah. I know they're too young. But in Europe they drink lotsa wine), "Nothing until they approach us." She placed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "Ok. But if you see me talking to one of them and I do this with my hand," she placed her hand behind her back and snapped, "that means come and get me before I kill them. Ok?" I took a sip of my drink and nodded, "Deal."
The party went by without a flaw. It was just another perfect social event. We all planned to meet up in our usual compartment on the train. To say the least, I was extremely excited for school…this meant that I would have to sit through any boring grammar or speech lessons. No more 'cross your legs, Vivian' or 'no loud music or dancing, Vivian, it simply isn't lady like.' All I had to do was sleep until tomorrow…something I could do with ease.
~~FFWD TO NEXT DAY~~
Screech. Screech. I lifted my eyelid to see my clock reading 7 am. I mumbled groggily and pulled myself out of bed. Suddenly a rush of energy pulsed through my body, I quickly remembered that I would be returning to Hogwarts today. I smiled to myself and danced around while throwing together a decent yet comfy outfit. I brushed back my curly hair and did just a touch of makeup. I muttered a quick spell that would levitate my bags downstairs.
"Morning, dear," my mother said briefly looking up from her paper, "ready for school?" I didn't answer, knowing that it was a rhetorical question. My father trotted downstairs, now, my father is not a 'family man' but this didn't mean he didn't love us. "Good morning, darlings." He pecked my mother quickly and gave me a pat on the shoulder. "Delia!" Our short and stumpy little elf. "Yes, master." "Coffee…for me and the misses. And," he looked toward me. "Peppermint tea, please." She nodded quickly and scurried off. I took a seat at the table alongside my parents. My mum ruffled her papers before speaking, "That Potter boy is in the news again." My father sighed agitatedly, "Of course he is. Honestly, the media is going crazy over him. I swear…if he doesn't get finished off soon…" I cleared my throat reminding them I was still here. My dad instantly shut up and went back to his coffee. I hated listening to them bash people, even if I didn't necessarily like them. I guess I mainly hated the fact no one would listen to me. But that was rule number 11; a girl was to be seen…not heard.
After an hour of silence and eating the clock struck 8. I jumped up, "Time to floo to the train station." My mum sighed, "Honestly, Vivian. Don't be jumping about." I mumbled "Sorry," absentmindedly while my father gathered my things. Within a matter of seconds we were at the Hogwarts Express. I smiled and turned to my parents, "Good bye mum, dad." My mom gave me a hug and pecked my cheeks, "Promise to write, darling." I shook my head. My father handed my suitcase, "Be good now, and sweetie," he bent down to my eye level, "that Potter boy is bad news, I want you to owl me the instant he starts something." I agreed and he gave me a small hug and I rushed to my compartment.
Upon arrival, I saw that my friends had made it their before me. They welcomed me happily. Tiffany and Draco made room for in between them. I graciously took my seat. Draco draped his arm over my shoulder, "You ready for the year, Viva?" Only Draco and Tiff were permitted to call me that, but not without complaint. "Viva? Really? I thought we had gotten over these childish nicknames?" He laughed and shrugged. I rolled my eyes in a playful manor. I decided to pass the time I would read. I took out the first book I found, which happened to be my D.A.D.A textbook, being too lazy to find anything else, I settled on that. After a few minutes, I heard Tiffany heave a large sigh. I glanced up to see the source of her aggravation and saw the "Golden Trio" waiting there. Draco looked up and anger flashed in his eyes. All I could think was 'uh-oh.'
Draco jumped to a stand, but before he could make a move I grabbed his arm, "Not right now, Draco." He growled but sat down, "What do you want, Pothead?" He spat, his voice full of venom. The dark haired boy flinched, "Nothing, Malfoy," hate filled his voice, "we'll be leaving in a moment. We've been shoved in here against our own will. Trust me, we wouldn't want to be in a room of Slytherins." He gave an ugly sneer, the red head, Weasley, snickered, while Granger stepped back and forth uneasily. Blaise gritted his teeth, "Just sit somewhere already." By this point I was on the other side of the compartment alone (due to the fact I wanted more space), leaving the only space next to me. Draco quickly noticed this, "Wait!" he half shouted, "Pansy, switch with Viva." Pansy, being the suck up bitch she was, willingly switched. Now, I was in-between Draco and Blaise. I sighed with relief while Potter talked, "What, we aren't good enough for Coxx, but Parkinson can sit with us?" Tiffany spoke for the first time, "Basically." I could see him blush, finally remembering Tiffany's previous conversation with me. I moved the hair out of my eyes and shot a pointed look at Tiff, who nodded and glared at the scarred boy. Blaise stared angrily at the three, "Having fun over their ogling my sister?" Panic spread across his face…obviously he didn't know their relation. He stammered before Weasley cut in, "Why the hell would he be attracted to that thing?" Blaise jumped up but I yanked him down, "Later!" I hissed. Weasley sneered,
"Yes, Zambini. Listen to the short pushover, now." It was my turn to jump up, Draco got there before me. "Says you, Weasley. It comes to my understanding that you two have a crush on my two best friends?" He smirked at their shocked reactions. Tiffany gave a cold laugh, "I'll take that as a yes." Granger opened her mouth to speak against him. My anger got the better of me, "Oh, shut it Granger." The three looked at me in shock. "What? Oh wow, I can speak. Big whoop." Before anyone could retaliate the compartment door swung open and two red heads walked in…the twins. Pansy moaned, "Not more of them!" Tiffany rolled her eyes and Draco let out a loud groan. I sighed, "What now?" They frowned and sat on either side of the golden trio, "There's no room elsewhere," the one on the right said. The glared at each of us. The one on the left groaned, "Who are you? Besides Malfoy and the pug faced one," I snickered knowing he meant Pansy. This earned me a look of disbelief from him and a glare from Pansy. I quickly recomposed myself and responded, "Vivian Coxx and that's Tiffany and Blaise Zambini, pleased to meet you," I managed to force out. Draco rolled his eyes, "It's not pleasant to meet them, Viv." Tiff nudged him, "You know that she's polite." He pouted, "Do you have to be polite to Gryffindors, especially not a mudblood and blood traitors." I groaned crossly, "Draco…please?" He growled but shut up.
The 5 Gryffindor seemed amused, "I see, just listen to your wittle giwlfwend, Malfoy." The left one teased. We looked at each other in disgust, "She's like my sister…" I scrunched up my face, "I believe you have the wrong impression of us." The twins were about to pester us some more but, thankfully, Tiffany cut them off, "Vivian, I believe it's time to get dressed." I nodded, grateful for the opportunity to escape. As soon as we were out of the room, Tiff sighed, "Thank the Lord. I swear I was going to die in there…" Once more, Tiffany was a drama queen. I nodded without saying anything, "What Weasley's were the twins?" We shut the door behind us and began to disrobe ourselves, "They're Fred and George Weasley. The best pranksters in all of Hogwarts. They maybe be Grffindorks…but they're damn funny. Not too bad looking either." I paused for a moment, "I suppose…" I've never really thought about guys too much, I do like them. But I've never really thought of them as boyfriends or husbands or lovers or whatever. However, Tiff was stark raving mad about them.
We finished dressing and made our way back to the compartment. We walked in a very…jumbled scene. Pansy was petrified, the Little Weasley was vomiting slugs, Draco was a ferret, Granger has blue hair, Blaise kept singing off tune, Potter was a sheep, and one of the twins had a beak for a nose. The only survivor was the one that was sitting on the left, and he was bawling with laughter.
Tiffany had her hand clamped over her mouth in shock. I opened and shut my mouth in several attempts to speak. "Are you mad? Do you know how much trouble we'll be in?" Tiffany had to 'run out of the room because she forgot her wand in the changing room.' I was sure that my face had become a cherry color. "What in the name of God drove you to do this?" "It-it wasn't j-just m-m-me." He stated between gasps. I raised my wand right when Professor Snape walked in. "Crap…"
Fred's POV
That had to be the most insane use of magic I had seen in awhile. Spells were shot everywhere…and all of them had avoided me…how nice. By the time a cease-fire was called everyone had some sort of deformity or disorder. I simply couldn't contain myself; I burst into a round of laughter.
"Are you mad? Do you know how much trouble we'll be in?" a shrill voice questioned. I looked up and saw the Coxx and Zambini girls there. The blonde one, Tiffany I think, was in a state of shock her hand was firmly latched to her mouth. Coxx, or Vivian, crossed her arms across her chest, her face set into an angry expression which caused her lower lip to stick out slightly…I sound like a creep noticing this.
Her face was crimson, "What in the name of God drove you to do this?" Her voice was an octave higher with anger. I pleaded my innocence through my fit of laughter. She groaned agitatedly and the blondie rushed out. She lifted her wand to clean the mess up just as Snape walked in. She quickly cleared everything up, "Erm…hello, professor. Have a pleasant break?" Her green eyes hopeful and her mouth plastered into a fake smile. He sneered, "Ms. Coxx, I expected better of you. 3 weeks detention for this." Coxx simply lowered her gaze and nodded, "Sorry professor, don't know what got a hold of me. It won't happen again," her voice dropped to just above a whisper. He gave her a curt nod before leaving.
Malfoy, who was lying on the floor, rose and brushed himself off, "Viva, why'd you take the blame? It was all the Gryffindorks fault." Zambini, the male one, took his seat, "Yea, Viv. What the hell?" She seemed flustered, she swatted the air around her and mumbled, "To avoid further conflict…let's just drop this subject. The trains arriving," she waved her hand, "plus you two need to get dressed. Send in Tiff, while you're at it. Go on, now." Surprisingly, they obeyed and left the compartment. A few seconds later, Zambini, the female one, waltzed in. "So sorry I ditched, Viv," she gave her friend a regret filled smile, "it won't happen again…you know I'm horrid with those things and-" Coxx gave a small smile and responded in a tired tone, "It's fine, Tiff. You've never handled stress well." She smiled grandly at the small brunette, "True. So how much time?" Coxx frowned, "Three weeks." The blondie winced, "Ooh…for these chumps over here?" she pointed over her shoulder. The girl simply nodded, "Sorry, Vee. At least Snapey will go easy on you." Vivian forced a fraud smile that went unnoticed by her friend. Tiffany grinned coyly, "Tell ya what! I'll take our stuff and save a carriage for us. So that we don't have to mix with," she sneered, "unwanted people."
With that she gathered their belongings and pranced out the door. I looked at my friends, who were taking in the scene. Suddenly Hermione opened her mouth to speak, "Sorry, 'bout that. And….thanks." Vivian's head shot up like she was alarmed, "Oh…It's fine, really. Snape will most likely just have me sit around and read or something…not too bad. And," her cheeks tinted pink, "I apologize on my friends behalves. They don't mean to be like that…well they do, but they don't know any other way. We were all just brought up like that…But don't you dare tell them I said any of this." I chuckled a bit under my breath.
We nodded in agreement, she gave a small wave and I watched her retreat to her friends. Ron broke the silence, "Well that was something." George nodded, "Most definitely, that girl, Vivian, right, seems too nice to be a Slytherin." Hermione gazed out the window thoughtfully, "She's awfully good looking," she gave a pained glance at Ron, "no wonder you like her." Ron's face flushed, "I-I just think she's good looking! I don't like her, like her!" My stomach twisted, why? I really didn't know.
Harry laughed, "Well, I like her chivalry. That's for sure." "And her best friend," I coughed. Harry glared daggers at me, "No! Just her best friend's looks. But that's all! I mean…for God's sake…their Slytherin!" I frowned, that's true they were Slytherin. How sad, "True, mate. What good talent wasted." There was a moment of silence to honor our loss. George cleared his throat, "Well, let's get going," he shot a glance at me. I stood, "We'll see you at the castle." The trio skittered off and I turned to my dear twin, "Yes?" George grabbed his bag; "I think we should keep an eye on that Coxx girl." Well, that was a shocker. I twisted my face into a puzzled expression, "May I ask why?" George sighed, "Because, she's being nice to us…that's strange. She's extremely polite for a Slytherin. Maybe we should ask Hermione to do some background work on her…" He was getting pretty worked up over this girl.
I stretched and cracked my back, I saw no urgency in this, "Sure, whatever. Although, I don't see the point." We walked toward the exit of the train, "Fred, it's abnormal behavior. For all we know, she could be a death eater! And did you see the way Malfoy and Zambini were putty in her hands?" This disturbed me…how could that little girl kill people? I was pretty damn sure she couldn't. "Ok, well…don't over work yourself with this. We need to do some serious pranks around here." George laughed and we fluidly transferred into planning our next big prank. Ah, how easy life was…now.