As long I could remember, I had never thought a thing of my own. Since I was young, things had been driven into my head. I was told how to act, who to like, what to think. My own free will was snatched away from me the minute I had entered this miserable world. I was always told to hate them; hate them from the depths of my heart, hate them with all of my soul. I was taught to detest them, to be against them. I was forced to loathe all those associated with them, even to stay away from those who merely breathed the same air as Muggles. When I received my letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there were no congratulations; no "I'm so proud of you." The only thing my father said was, "You will be in Slytherin." It was set in stone. My being in Slytherin wasn't going to be a problem, though. I had accepted what my parents had told me from when I was young, cherishing and honoring the pure blood running through my veins. I was the perfect Slytherin. I was, until I met him. He was the person that taught me to break free of the hold my parents had on me. He was the person who taught me to have my own feelings, my own thoughts. He was the person who taught me to love.
My name is Silas Van der Vord. His was Rabastan Lestrange.
This is my story.
There was a draft in my room.
I could feel the cold air lightly blowing against the back of my legs as I examined my shoes. They were black, sleek and healed. I slipped my small foot into the shoe, admiring how the dark color complimented my pale, creamy skin. I quickly strapped in the other foot and stood up. My green dress fell to the ground after me, trailing behind me as I slipped on my black gloves. I ran my hands over the black corset, smoothing all of the wrinkles, and opened the door to the hallway. I let out a breath, flipped my soft, dark curls over my shoulder, and headed towards the staircase. I placed my gloved hand on the railing, preparing myself to face all of my father's colleagues – I dare call them his friends. Some of the most important pure blooded families were sitting in the living room of my family's manor. I slowly walked down the stairs, my dress falling elegantly behind me, just like I had practiced so many times before. I glanced over the many faces; the men silently sipping their drinks, the women laughing lightly, smiles plastered on their face. As I descended down the stairs, heads were slowly turning towards me. My jade green eyes scanned the guests once more, looking for a familiar face. I spotted my parents, smiling proudly; I saw Sirius Black – if I weren't the subject of every person in the room's gaze, I would have shuddered; and Rodolphus Lestrange, chatting up what I dare call my best friend; Bellatrix Black. As I got to the end of the stairs, I softly called out, "Bella!" so only her wolf ears could hear them. She snapped her head towards me, her jet black hair whipping Rodolphus in the face. I snorted at the look on his face as Bella's chocolate brown eyes glowed with delight upon spotting me. She was in a flattering maroon dress that clung to her ample curves. I made my way over to them, smiling slightly at Rodolphus as a greeting. I turned to Bella.
"Your dress is beautiful, Bella," I gushed, grasping her hands.
"As is yours, Silas." She replied, smirking – the closest thing she could get to a genuine smile. I grinned.
"Are you excited for Hogwarts?" I asked curiously. She took a sip of her wine, scrunching up her nose in an unattractive manner.
"Oh, Silas, always the smart one of the group. The only things I'm looking forward to are the talent, the galas, and the amazing shags I'm going to get this year." She said with a flourish, waving her long fingers. I threw my head back laughing, soon joined by Bella. Rodolphus strut back over to us, hearing the laughing.
"Thinking of the shags you're going to get from me, Bella?" He asked, smirking at the girl.
"Somewhat," She said, waggling her eyebrows. I snorted, thinking about my two best friends. I had met Bella on my eighth birthday, when her and her two sisters had come over to celebrate with me. Narcissa had immediately looked me over, flinging her blonde hair over her shoulder and directing her baby blue eyes ahead of her. Andromeda had smiled warmly at me and then buried her nose in the book she had brought, her long, dark hair shielding her from us. Bellatrix had marched right up to me, placing her slightly chubby arms on her eight-year-old waist.
"I'm Bellatrix." She said, her nose in the air. I giggled.
"That's a mouthful," I said, wise even at young age. "I'm Silas." Bella sneered.
"Just as bad as mine," She declared. "But you could call me Bella." I nodded curtly, grabbing her pudgy hand in my own. I lead her up to my room, pulling out my toys. We'd soon met up again at Hogwarts, and had been best friends ever since. Rodolphus had been a whole different story. We were thirteen, and Bella and I were taunting that mudblood Evans, when Potter and his cronies had faced us off. Well, it was five to two – until Rodolphus stepped out of the shadows and positioned himself in front of us, brandishing his wand. He said some words, shooed the Gryffindor scum, and turned to us. I could just see Bella swoon at the perfect epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. I, being me, wasn't interested in boys, so the boy we now know as Rodolphus Lestrange was officially Bella's. It had felt good having friends for once, friends that my parents approved of. It felt good to be accepted.
I shook myself from my memories as I once more studied the people in the room. My eyes once more fell upon my parents, quietly talking to Damien and Gallelia Malfoy. I continued on, spotting Sirius Black. That filthy blood traitor was no doubt gorgeous, but nonetheless a Gryffindor. I watched as he pulled at his tie, obviously annoyed at having to be here. I rolled my eyes, until I spotted the person behind him. I couldn't see his eyes; they were shielded by light brown hair falling elegantly over the top half of his face. He was wearing dark robes with green seams. I watched as he shook his hair out of his face, revealing eyes so dark I wondered if he took the night, and if he would ever give it back. I shook Bella's arm, pointing at the unknown boy.
"Who's that, Bella?" I asked her quizzically. Something about him intrigued me.
"Ugh, you mean that blood traitor of a cousin?" She asked, clearly disgusted. I rolled my eyes impatiently, shaking her arm again.
"No, no that toe rag, Bella. The guy behind him!" I whined, pointing a gloved finger. Bella strained her neck, her straight falling over her shoulders. She finally spotted him, and got a sly smile on her face. I frowned, asking, "What?" She stuffed her fist in her mouth, uncontrollably giggling.
"That – that – is Rabastan Lestrange, brother of none other than Rodolphus." She said, smirking widely. I could feel my eyes widen. I had known Rodolphus had a brother, but I had never personally met him. Bella sniggered.
"Roddy!" She called to the boy a few feet away. He turned around, facing us once more. He was about to scold her for using the nickname she had forced upon him when Bella looked towards Rabastan again. "Guess who Silas has got her eye on?" Rodolphus looked repulsed.
"Not that miscreant Sirius Black?" He asked urgently, glaring at him with his piercing gaze. I rolled my eyes.
"God, why does everyone think I actually like that blood traitor?" I protested, stomping my foot. This time, Rodolphus joined Bella in sniggering.
"No, Rodolphus, look behind him." Bella said, still staring at Rabastan. Rodolphus finally spotted our guy and smiled wickedly. I was confused at first, and then what he was planning on doing dawned on me.
"Rodolphus Lucas Lestrange, I swear to Merlin, if you even—" I started, but it was too late. Rodolphus had already cupped his hands around his mouth.
"Oi, Rabastan!" He called, summoning his brother. I hid my head in my hands, letting my dark curls fall over my shoulders. As I heard approaching footsteps, I looked up, putting on my most innocent face. Rabastan was making his way over to Rodolphus, a questioning and annoyed look on his face.
"What?" Rabastan asked in a deep yet childish voice. Rodolphus smirked.
"There's someone I'd like you to meet," He said, holding back his laughs. He motioned towards me. "Rabastan, Silas Van der Vord. Silas, Rabastan. Silas is in her Sixth year of Slytherin with us." Rabastan moved his eyes to me, causing me to blush under his gaze. I gave a meek smile, blushing even harder as he took my hand in his and gave it a light kiss.
"Pleasure is mine, Silas." He said suavely, smiling charmingly. I smiled wider, gaining back my composure.
"Welcome to my home." I replied politely. He let go of my hand, grinned at Bella, ruffled Rodolphus's hair and went back to his position by the door.
"He always has to do that," Rodolphus grumbled, fixing his hair. Bella and I laughed, shaking our heads.
"That went quite well," Bella observed, smirking loudly.
"That it did." I confirmed, still staring at Rabastan. The rest of the night went by in a flurry of laughing, talking and eating. As soon as the last guest left, my parents led me into the sitting room for evening tea. As soon as we were all settled with a cup in hand, my father spoke.
"Your O.W.L.s came today," He said solemnly. I sucked in a breath.
"You did very well," My mother said, smiling warmly. I exhaled, smiling widely. I accepted the piece of parchment, scanning over the scores. O's in everything except Divination, the cursed subject. My parents bid goodnight, sending the house elves to take care of our empty cups. As soon as I climbed the steps, I sprinted to my room, shedding my dreadfully uncomfortable dress. I put on a soft t-shirt and some comfortable leggings, climbing into my bed. As I lay in bed, I thought about what the year would bring.
I had a feeling this year would be different.
I was right.