Here's yet another fic! These ideas come to be at the oddest times, *grin*
Well, I hope you like this. So far, it's a one-shot. It's up to you, the readers, whether or not this will become a chaptered fic, or just stay like it is.
PLEASE read and review, tell me if you think this should go on as a chaptered fic. **************************************************************************** ********
Dark Storm
The summer flew by, full of hot, sticky days and nights. However, the atmosphere inside Malfoy Manor was completely different, for it was very cold. The Dark Lord had risen, and as much as the Ministry didn't want to believe it, it was true. Tensions rang high as Death Eaters met and adjourned, and the Apprentices worked towards their goals. Within this manor were the Malfoys and other families who had come for the meetings. And then, of course, there was Liriel and Draco.
"Draco Malfoy, you're going to pay for that!" Liriel yelled, chasing after her cousin. Large tapestries flew by as she raced down the long corridors of Malfoy Manor. She had been trying to work on a piece of artwork for an art class she would be taking in the fall. At Durmstrang, she had learned how to paint pictures so that the subjects would move. Mostly, she did it for fun, but she had read about the class at Hogwarts and had decided that was one that she would take. She had seen Muggle studies, but never, ever, would she stoop low enough to even wish to study Muggles. It was bad enough that Hogwarts had Mudbloods in it. Now she had to put up with her bratty cousin as well. Currently, she was trying to hex him into the next world for coming in and ruining her painting that she had been working on for about a year.
"Expulsum!" she yelled, but her curse missed and she growled. "Damn. Oh, forget being nice." As she skidded around a corner, she saw Draco far ahead of her. "Cunctorgelo!" she yelled, and a flash of dazzling light flashed out of her wand and hit Draco dead on. He froze in mid-run.
She quickly ran over to him and stood in front, her hands on her hips. "Draco Malfoy, exactly what are you trying to prove by ruining my picture?"
His cold gray eyes, a mirror image of hers, glared back at her.
"Finite Incantatem," she said, only removing the spell from his face so he could speak. "Now, answer me."
He sneered. "It was rubbish. Why do you waste your time on those sorts of things?" He looked coolly at her. "You know that you're supposed to be getting ready for the next meeting."
She crossed her arms in front of her, glaring at her cousin. "Just because I actually have a life, Draco, doesn't mean that I have to go ruin it by practicing stuff that I know better than anyone in this manor." She smirked. "You know I know more Dark magic than you, even if you won't admit it."
He just glared at her stonily. "I know all I have to. At least I don't bring dishonor to the name of Malfoy."
She narrowed her gaze, her face darkening. "If anyone brings dishonor to our name, it's you," she spat. She smirked. "Ferret." With that, she spun on her heels, stalking away, leaving Draco frozen in spot and only able to glare at her back.
^^^
Dinner was not pleasant, but, of course, it never was. Her uncle kept talking about what she and Draco were expected to do this year and her aunt was upstairs in bed, sick. Draco and Liriel sat across from each other at the long, oak table. Lucius, of course, sat at the head.
"Tomorrow we will get your things from Diagon Alley," Lucius said coolly, looking at Liriel. Obviously he still wasn't too happy that she had cursed her cousin. "And you are not to bring your Dark Arts books to school. You know those books by heart, anyway, and they'll only make trouble. As it is, the Dark Lord is taking his time, preparing for the war, and the Malfoys cannot be revealed until He wishes. Understood?"
Liriel nodded, stabbing her pork chop with her fork. "Yes, Uncle." Hogwarts is going to be boring. No Dark Arts? What do they teach at that school?
"And you know the grades I expect you to get," Lucius continued. He glared pointedly at Draco, who shrunk back slightly. "After having a Mudblood disgrace our family for four years, I expect a Malfoy to be the top."
"Yes, Father," Draco replied.
"You have already disgraced me," Lucius spat and Draco turned paler than normal. "You know you should have been a Prefect by now, but you aren't. And the Mudblood is." Draco looked down, ashamed. Lucius looked back at Liriel. "You were top of the school at Durmstrang; I expect you to be top of the school at Hogwarts."
"Of course, Uncle," Liriel replied, smirking. "No Mudblood is going to beat me out of the top." She looked at Draco, slight amusement playing across her lips. "Unlike some, who decide to get themselves during into a white ferret."
Draco's face turned red and he gave her an icy glare, but didn't say anything, for he knew that he was already in trouble with his father about that one.
Liriel grinned wickedly and pulled her wand out of the pocket of her black robe, very slowly, so as not to attract attention. Lucius, currently, was informing Draco on exactly what he expected of Draco that year, including a part where he told Draco that he had better get over twenty-five O.W.L.S., to which Draco looked stunned and began making his usual excuses.
Perfect, Liriel thought and whispered, "Randementia," and was rewarded when Draco opened his mouth to say something, and instead all that came out was pure rubbish.
"Giggly monkey legs," he said and then his eyes went wide and he clapped his hands over his mouth.
"What did you say, boy?" his father said sharply, looking at Draco coldly.
"Figgy tree top yodler," was all that came out, despite Draco's attempt to keep his mouth from opening. Liriel bit on her lip, trying to hold back her laughter. Draco saw her shoulder's shaking with silent laughter and glared icily at her. "Rainy tweller froggy hoppers!" If looks could kill, she would be at least twenty feet under.
"What are you talking about, boy?" Lucius demanded.
Draco looked at his father helplessly. "Goggie legs." Although his hands were over his mouth, the nonsense kept coming out. That was a highlight to that spell.
Finally, Draco stood and ran out of the room, his face bright red.
"That boy, he is a disgrace to this family," Lucius growled, looking at the doorway in which Draco had ran out of. "If he doesn't shape up, the Dark Lord is not going to be happy."
Though she was trying to hold back her laughter, a chuckle escaped her lips and Lucius looked at her sharply. "What are you laughing about, girl?"
Liriel grew serious very quickly, making her face impassive. "Nothing, Uncle."
Lucius quirked an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He went back to his dinner. Liriel smiled as she finished off her dinner. That was priceless. The little prat deserved it after treating me as inferior my entire life. The only reason I'm staying here are because my parents are in Azkaban, sent there because of their loyalty to the Dark Lord. Liriel's face hardened with anger. That is not going to happen to me.
^^^
The next morning, Liriel stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the folds of her pitch-black robe. Her silvery blonde hair had been pulled back into a ponytail, exposing her high cheekbone face, aristocratic nose, and intense gray eyes. She was nearly identical in every facial feature to her cousin, except her hair was more silvery, and she had slightly darker skin, but not by much. She smirked at her reflection. Yes, the Malfoy look. I've got that in spades. The looks, the build, the attitude, well, perhaps my attitude is not quite Malfoy. And I do have the advantage of being the Malfoy most knowledgeable in the Dark Arts. That's always a plus. Of course, that's what's going to shove me into the Dark Lord's service. Now, the question is, do I really want to follow Voldemort and then end up in Azkaban just like my parents? Liriel pulled up the sleeve of her robe, looking at the tiny mark on her left forearm in the shape of a serpent. It was barely bigger than her thumbnail, but it was a mark of what she was. A Death Eater Apprentice. She sighed, letting the sleeve of her robe fall back into place. That mark binds me on my path. Though I shouldn't think this, for it would be considered traitorous, I don't really know if being a Death Eater is what I want. I mean, look what happened to my parents. I am not going to let that happen to me! And if being the only Malfoy not to be in the Dark Lord's service, well, so be it! However, I will have to bide my time. I have a few years before I really have to decide, and if I can manage to be a Death Eater and not get thrown into Azkaban, well, there's my place. In the Dark Lord's Inner Circle; where I've been destined to be all my life.
"Liriel, let's go!" she heard her uncle command.
"Coming, Uncle!" she called and, after one last look in the mirror to make sure she was spotless, she flew out the door of her room and down to where Lucius and Draco waited. Draco used Floo powder, since he was the only one that could not Apparate; Liriel had learned how to Apparate in her fourth year at Durmstrang, and she and her uncle appeared in the courtyard outside the Leaky Cauldron. Draco walked into the courtyard from the back door of the Leaky Cauldron, and Lucius tapped the bricks, opening the passageway to Diagon Alley. They stepped through.
It was as if the return of Voldemort had no hindrance on anyone, and it was probably due to the fact that the Ministry kept saying that it was just rumors. Liriel, however, knew much better. She gazed at the shops as they walked down the street, watching as witches and wizards went around their daily business. Groups of Hogwarts students could be seen walking together, or with parents, buying supplies.
"I have to get some refills for my potion kit and my books," Draco said.
Lucius nodded. "Very well. Liriel needs to buy all her supplies and I need to go to Moribunds." He handed Liriel a huge pouch full of galleons. "Take this and purchase your things."
"Yes, Uncle," Liriel said, nodding.
"We'll meet back here in front of Flourish and Blotts," Lucius said and strode down the alley, disappearing into the crowd.
Liriel looked at Draco and glared. "What are you staring at, Draco? Go get your things."
Draco shrugged, smirking. "Don't get lost." He turned and headed down the alley towards the Apothecary.
"Oooh," Liriel growled, her hands clenched into fists. "That prat is going to get it one of these days."
She spotted Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and decided to stop there first. Entering the shop, Liriel was greeted by a short, plump woman with her graying hair pulled back in a bun. The woman, presumably Madam Malkin, smiled. "Welcome, how can I help you?" she asked brightly.
"I need school robes and dress robes," Liriel replied, keeping her face impassive as she was expected to as a Malfoy.
Madam Malkin nodded. "Very well. Come to the back and we'll fit you right up."
Liriel followed Madam Malkin to the back and stepped onto the stool. She began measuring Liriel, putting a black robe on Liriel and making the adjustments. "Are you going to Hogwarts, dear?" Madam Malkin asked as she worked.
"Yes."
"First-year, then?" Madam Malkin asked, looking up at Liriel with a smile.
"No," Liriel replied coolly. "I'm a fifth-year. I'm transferring."
Madam Malkin nodded, continuing her work. "May I ask from where?"
"Durmstrang."
She saw Madam Malkin tense slightly, but said nothing bad. "That's quite a school you come from, my dear," was all Madam Malkin said.
"Do you have a problem with my school?" Liriel asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Oh, oh, no of course not, dear!" Madam Malkin said hurriedly, finishing the adjustments. She took off the black robe. "It's a fine school."
Liriel stared down at her, her face emotionless, but nodded. "Hogwarts will be quite interesting."
Madam Malkin nodded, smiling. After a moment, she said, "Are you, perchance, related to the Malfoys?"
"Yes," Liriel said shortly, putting the Malfoy look on and making it clear she didn't want to pursue the discussion.
Madam Malkin nodded. "What color dress robes are you looking for, dear?"
"Dark blue and silver, if you have it."
"Of course I do," Madam Malkin said, smiling. "You just stay put and I'll bring it straight away." Madam Malkin bustled out and Liriel sighed, twiddling her thumbs in boredom.
A girl with her brown hair in braids, about Liriel's age, walked in at that time, escorted by another witch that worked with Madam Malkin. "Here you go, dear. Just step up, there you go. Now, let's get you fitted." The witch draped a black robe around the girl. "You have grown so fast, Susan. It's no wonder you're back here for another fitting."
"Yes, I suppose I have," the girl named Susan said, smiling.
"Once we fit you up, I'll put your Hufflepuff badge on for you."
"Thank you," Susan said. As the witch fitted her, Susan looked at Liriel, smiling. "Hello. My name is Susan Bones. Are you new?"
"I transferred," Liriel said coolly, not in the mood for a conversation. Susan, however, didn't seem to take the hint.
"Really? Where from? What year are you going to be in?"
"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Liriel said, her voice cold. She narrowed her gaze at the girl. "Shouldn't ask too many questions in times like these."
Susan looked taken aback, but she smiled. "No, I suppose not. You have to forgive my curiosity." Madam Malkin came in at that time and began fitting up Liriel in her blue dress robes.
"You go to Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Susan said, nodding. "I'm in Hufflepuff."
Liriel sneered. "Hufflepuff?" she said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Do you have a problem with my house?" Susan asked, her smile disappearing, a frown replacing it.
"There you are, dear, all finished," Madam Malkin said, smiling.
"Thanks," Liriel said and took off the robe, handing it to Madam Malkin.
"I'll take these up to the front so you can purchase them," Madam Malkin said.
"Thank you," Liriel said and began following Madam Malkin back to the front of the shop. Before she entered the front of the shop, however, she turned back to Susan. "To answer your question, your house is full of pansies and not one of you little Hufflepuffs are going to stand a chance when the Dark Lord comes to Hogwarts. I think the loss of your precious Diggory would have shown that." With that, she spun on her heels and strode away, her Malfoy air surrounding her completely.
"What did I do?" Susan asked quietly, tears coming to her eyes. She stared after the new girl. The girl had reminded her of someone, with her silvery hair, cold gray eyes, and the way she acted . . . Malfoy! That was it! She was just like Malfoy. Especially with that comment about Cedric. Fresh tears sprang to Susan's eyes as she remembered what had happened during the Triwizard tournament last year.
"Oh, don't you mind her," Madam Malkin said as she bustled in. She hugged Susan. "That, my dear, was a Malfoy, and you'd be best not to pay any attention to the remarks that come out of those sorts of people's mouths." Madam Malkin stepped back, smiling warmly. "You are in a fine house, Susan."
Susan nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. "That explains it, then. But I still don't understand why she was so rude."
Madam Malkin gave her a small smile. "Sometimes, people are brought up to act a certain way, and, unfortunately for that young girl, she was brought up as a Malfoy."
^^^
After purchasing her potions supplies at the Apothecary and her books, she sat down outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, enjoying a chocolate ice cream cone. That is, of course, until Draco showed up.
"Ice cream? I thought you would have hexed everyone by now," Draco said snidely, sitting down across from her.
"No one asked your opinion, Draco," she spat, glaring at her cousin, who sat smugly across the table, his arms folded in front of his chest. His Slytherin badge shone boldly by his arm.
"I don't need to be asked. I do as I please."
"Shove off, Draco," she growled.
"No, I think I'll stay here a bit more."
"Then I'm leaving," Liriel said icily and stood, stalking away. She shoved her way through the crowd, ignoring some of the remarks, and headed towards the Quidditch Supplies shop.
^^^
"Did you see her? Is she new?" Harry asked, trying to see through the crowd of people. He craned his neck, looking for the girl that had just shoved past them, but he didn't see her. They had noticed her sitting with Malfoy at Fortescue's earlier.
"Who knows?" Hermione said, hoisting her bag onto her shoulder. "We don't know everyone at Hogwarts. Of course, she could be a first-year."
"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "She looked too old to be a first- year."
"What does it matter?" Ron asked. "She looks unpleasant if you ask me and I don't really care who she is. Besides, she was hanging out with Malfoy. That says enough."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, Ron, I'm sure she's nice once you get to know her."
"I doubt it," Ron said doubtfully, looking at the area where the girl had disappeared through. "She looked like someone I'd rather not talk about."
"You saw it too?" Harry said, looking at Ron.
"What are you two talking about, now?" Hermione asked, looking at them both.
"Didn't that girl remind you a lot of Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Hermione thought about it and then nodded. "Now that you mention it, yes, she did look a bit like Malfoy."
"Brilliant," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "Now we have to put up with two Malfoys."
"Can't get enough of me at school; you have to talk about me even in Diagon Alley?" a cold, drawling voice said.
"Bugger off, Malfoy," Ron spat, glaring at Draco. "You're not wanted here."
"I don't care what you think, Weasel," Draco sneered. He looked at Harry and Hermione. "So, Potty, you buying Weasel's books again?"
"Shove off, Malfoy," Harry said angrily.
"Oh, I'm hurt, really I am," Draco said, putting his hand up to his chest in mock-hurt. He sneered, dropping his hand. "I'm not wasting my time on a Weasel, Potty, and a Mudblood." He spun on his heel and strode off, heading in the same direction the mysterious girl had gone.
"Can't I just hex him?" Ron snarled, his hand in the pocket of his robe.
"Of course not, Ron!" Hermione said, looking at him sharply. "We're in the middle of Diagon Alley."
"So?"
"Ron!"
"What?"
"Calm down."
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then you're no better than he is."
Ron was silent and then reluctantly took his hand out of his robe pocket. "Fine," he muttered.
"Do you still want to go get something to eat at Fortescue's?" Harry asked.
"I lost my appetite," Ron replied sullenly.
"Malfoy does have a way of doing that, doesn't he?" Harry said with a smirk. "Come on."
The trio headed away from the front of the Magical Menagerie and towards Fortescue's.
^^^ Standing in front of the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies, Liriel smiled, looking at the robes and the Firebolt 20, the most recent broomstick. A crowd of admirers stood around her, their faces and hands pressed up against the glass, gazing in awe at the new broomstick.
"Thinking about Quidditch again?" a cold, drawling voice said beside her.
She looked to see her cousin, whose eyes were scanning over the new broomstick. "You know how much I like Quidditch."
"That, I do," Draco said, nodding. "I suppose you'll be trying out for our team, then?"
"Oh, you bet I am."
"What position are you trying for?"
"Chaser; it's what I've played for four years."
"True." Draco looked at her and smirked. "Don't count on making the team, though. We have good players, already."
Liriel rolled her eyes. "I'm trying out, whether you like it or not, and just because you're Captain, doesn't mean you can just not let me on because I'm a girl."
Draco shrugged, looking at her coolly. "I never said anything about not letting you on. I just said you really don't have a chance, so why bother?"
Liriel gave him an icy glare. "We'll see about that."
"Draco, Liriel, let's go," Liriel heard her uncle say behind them. They turned around to face Lucius, who had a parcel in his arms.
"Yes, Uncle," Liriel said and they followed Lucius out of Diagon Alley.
^^^
Boarding the Hogwarts Express, Liriel found an empty compartment and sat down, perfectly content to be by herself. Draco, she knew, was with his friends down the hall, but she could care less about joining him. She may be a Malfoy, but that didn't mean she had to hang out with her cousin.
"Excuse me, but is this compartment taken?"
Liriel looked up to see a girl about 5'4", about the same height as Liriel, standing in the doorway. The girl had long brown hair and matching eyes.
"Go ahead, be my guest," Liriel said, motioning to the empty booths.
"Come on," the girl said, beckoning out in the hall. Two more faces appeared in the door; one with messy hair, startling green eyes, and glasses, and the other with a mop of fire-red hair and pale, freckled skin. The red-head was at least a foot taller than the girl, and the dark-haired boy nearly as tall.
The three students sat down, the dark-haired boy sitting next to her. The red-haired boy looked very annoyed to be sitting in the compartment.
"What's got his knickers in a twist?" Liriel asked, nodding to the red- haired boy.
"Oh, Ron?" the girl said, smiling. "Don't mind him."
"He's just not the conversational type until you get to know him," the dark- haired boy said, giving her a small smile.
Liriel eyed the two suspiciously. "You're being awfully pleasant and you don't even know who I am."
The girl shrugged. "You're new. It's always neat to meet new people." The girl smiled. "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way," the girl introduced. "This is Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley."
"I've heard of you," Liriel smirked, looking at Hermione. "You're the Mudblood that topped Draco in everything."
"Watch what you say," Ron said, his face darkening. So, he speaks, Liriel thought with a smirk. "We saw you hanging out with Malfoy."
Liriel shrugged. "Not that it's really any of your business, but I wasn't hanging out with him. I was actually minding my own business before he came over and bothered me."
"How do you know Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Liriel looked at him, a look of disgust crossing her face. "Unfortunately, he's my cousin."
Three identical startled gasps filled the compartment. "Y- you're a Malfoy?" Ron squeaked. Anger filled his pale features. "Brilliant, bloody brilliant. I'm stuck in a compartment with a Malfoy. I knew it! You two look too much a like."
"You have a problem with me, Weasley? I've heard plenty of things about you," Liriel said icily.
"Whoa, settle down," Harry said, holding up a hand. "Ron, calm down, okay? She may be a Malfoy, but that doesn't mean she is just like her cousin. Look at me; I have Dudley for a cousin, but I'm not at all like him."
Ron just sulked, his arms crossed over his chest. Hermione, however, looked at Liriel with a bit of interest on her face. "What's your name?"
"Liriel."
"Are you a first-year?"
"No, I'm going to be in the fifth year. I transferred."
"From where?" Harry asked.
"Durmstrang."
At this, Ron perked up. "You know Krum then!" Apparently, his love for the famous Quidditch player overcame his unpleasant feelings for Liriel.
Liriel nodded. "I'm friends with him."
"That's bloody brilliant!"
"Oh, no," Hermione sighed, shaking her head. "Here we go again."
"Hermione is happy," Ron said with a slight smirk. "Now she can see her precious Vicky again."
"Shove off, Ron," Hermione said, glaring at Ron. "When will you stop teasing me about that?"
"We know you went to Vicky's over the summer," Ron said. "You can't deny it."
"So, Liriel," Hermione said, ignoring Ron and looking at Liriel, "how was Durmstrang?"
Liriel shrugged. "We learn nearly everything you do, but we do more with the Dark Arts."
"What would a Malfoy be without their Dark magic," Ron grumbled.
Liriel glared at him. "What exactly is your problem with me?"
"You're a Malfoy."
"So?"
"I hate the Malfoys."
"You haven't even got to know me."
"I don't have to."
"Ignore him," Harry said, smiling at Liriel. He shot Ron a pointed look. "His family has never gotten along with the Malfoys."
Liriel nodded. "Well, with his attitude, and the reputation of his family, why should we ever get along?"
"Can't we just forget about the family rivalry and be pleasant?" Hermione asked, looking at them.
"No," Ron said sullenly.
"So, are you being Sorted with the rest of the first-years?" Harry asked, attempting to lighten up the conversation.
"Yes," Liriel said, nodding.
"Why should they have to Sort her?" Ron asked. "We already know she's a Slytherin."
"Ron, if you can't make any pleasant remarks, I suggest that you don't talk. You're going to make an enemy out of someone you barely know," Hermione said reproachfully.
"I don't want to be friends with a Malfoy," came the retort.
Hermione sighed and gave Liriel a small smile. "I'm sorry about that."
"Liriel, what are you doing hanging out with a bunch of Gryffindors?" a cold voice asked. They looked up to see Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle standing in the doorway. Draco looked at Harry, Ron, and Hermione and sneered. Then his eyes moved to Liriel. "Especially these sorts." He shook his head. "You should know better, Liri."
Liriel glared at Draco. "I can make friends with whomever I please, Draco. You're not my father; you can't tell me what to do."
Draco smirked. "I'm sure my father would be very displeased to see you hanging out with Weasel, Potty, and Mudblood. You're tainting our family name."
Liriel stood, facing Draco, her anger building up inside of her. "Shove off, Draco. No one asked you to come in and make your snide comments."
Draco folded his arms, smirking. "No, they didn't. I'm just trying to make sure you don't make a mistake; a fatal mistake if you get my point," he said, looking at her pointedly. His eyes flashed to her left arm and then back at her anger-filled face.
"Get out of here, Draco," she said coldly.
Draco shrugged. "It's your downfall." He looked at his cronies. "Come on." They left, disappearing down the hall.
Liriel, shaking with rage, sat down and looked out the window, trying to calm herself down.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Harry smiling at her. "He gets under all of our skins. He's just a snobby prat. I'm sorry that he's your cousin."
She shrugged off his hand. "I don't want, or need, your sympathy, Wonder Boy," she said coldly and looked back out the window.
^^^
Standing with the batch of first-years, waiting to go into the Great Hall, Liriel stood silently, keeping her Malfoy look on her face, completely impassive. She heard several whispered of, "Malfoy," "Durmstrang," or "Brilliant, another snobby Slytherin," but she just ignored them. She could really care less about what they had to say. Besides, she would be in Slytherin and at least there, she wouldn't have to put up with any half- breeds or Mudbloods.
She straightened her black robe, waiting in complete boredom. "Did you really used to go to Durmstrang?" a voice asked.
Liriel turned to see a girl with short blond hair and an interested look on her face. "How is it that everyone knows where I transferred from?"
The girl shrugged. "The professors were talking about a new transfer student and you seemed to fit the description."
"Oh, really?" Liriel said, quirking an eyebrow. "And what description would that be?"
"You're a Malfoy," the girl said, as if it explained everything.
Liriel gave her an icy glare. "And, what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?"
The girl looked taken aback. "I didn't mean to offend you."
"Well, you did, now leave me alone," Liriel said shortly and turned.
The girl walked away, joining her friends. Liriel heard the name, "Malfoy," and "snobby prat" come up several times, but, as usual, she ignored it. If only her uncle hadn't pulled her out of Durmstrang. She wished that she could go back. At least there, people didn't look down upon you because of your family. And she didn't have to put up with any Mudbloods.
"They are ready for you," a voice said. Liriel looked up to see Professor McGonagall standing in front of the large doors. "Follow me." The huge oak doors swung open and Liriel followed the professor through the Great Hall.
She smiled, looking around at the huge hall. The hall at Durmstrang was miniscule compared to this, and one advantage about coming to Hogwarts was that it was a much larger school and their dorms would be much bigger. I could get used to this. Even if all the people here are prejudiced.
As she walked, she looked over at the Slytherin table, where her cousin sat between his friends. He nudged his friends, nodding to her. They looked in her direction and smiled, nodding. At least I'll belong somewhere, Liriel thought. Even if I do have to put up with my bratty cousin.
As the Sorting Ceremony began, Liriel stifled a yawn as the names went on and on. It was rather boring, but she did notice a few new additions to Slytherin. More Apprentices, Liriel thought with a smile.
Finally, the last of the first-years were Sorted and she stood alone. Professor Dumbledore stood. "We have a new student here at Hogwarts. Her name is Liriel Malfoy, she has transferred from Durmstrang, and she will be a fifth-year." Murmurs of "Malfoy" and "Durmstrang" filled the hall. Professor Dumbledore held up a hand, smiling. "Now, I expect you all to treat her well, for it is always a pleasure to have new students grace our halls. Now, for the Sorting." He sat down and Professor McGonagall motioned for Liriel to step forward.
Liriel did so, sitting down on the stool. She heard someone say not too loudly, "Slytherin, for sure." She ignored this and scanned the tables, spotting the Wonder Trio sitting at the Gryffindor table, and the Hufflepuff girl sitting at her table. Then her vision was blocked as the Sorting Hat was set down on her head, the front drooping over her eyes.
"Ah, another Malfoy," the Sorting Hat said.
"Can you do this quickly?" Liriel said impatiently. "I don't like being the only one sitting up here."
"Hmm, quite impatient now, are we? Well, let's see. Hufflepuff won't do, no; you are much too headstrong for that. Ravenclaw, perhaps, but I don't think you'd fit in there."
"Can you get on with it?"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist. I'm going as fast as I can."
"I'm a Malfoy; isn't that enough for you to decide my house?"
"It is true, you are a Malfoy, but there's something else, deep inside of you. It is making this a difficult decision."
"Well, I went to Durmstrang. What else do you need to know?" Liriel said shortly. This was taking far too long. I feel like a complete idiot sitting up here.
"Hm . . . you are very ambitious, powerful, yet you are not afraid of a challenge. You meet everything head on and never back down. Well . . . I know exactly where to put you."
Slytherin!
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouted and the Great Hall was covered in dead silence. The hat was removed and Liriel saw all the students staring at her, stunned. It was so silent that you could have heard a pin drop. Liriel took a deep breath, put on her impassive Malfoy face, and walked towards the Gryffindor table. The Gryffindors were looking at her with stunned expressions on their faces, as were the Slytherins. Her cousin looked like he was going to fall over in shock any minute. She ignored all the shocked faces and sat down, taking her place at the Gryffindor table.
************************************
Read, review, and tell me if you want more!
Well, I hope you like this. So far, it's a one-shot. It's up to you, the readers, whether or not this will become a chaptered fic, or just stay like it is.
PLEASE read and review, tell me if you think this should go on as a chaptered fic. **************************************************************************** ********
Dark Storm
The summer flew by, full of hot, sticky days and nights. However, the atmosphere inside Malfoy Manor was completely different, for it was very cold. The Dark Lord had risen, and as much as the Ministry didn't want to believe it, it was true. Tensions rang high as Death Eaters met and adjourned, and the Apprentices worked towards their goals. Within this manor were the Malfoys and other families who had come for the meetings. And then, of course, there was Liriel and Draco.
"Draco Malfoy, you're going to pay for that!" Liriel yelled, chasing after her cousin. Large tapestries flew by as she raced down the long corridors of Malfoy Manor. She had been trying to work on a piece of artwork for an art class she would be taking in the fall. At Durmstrang, she had learned how to paint pictures so that the subjects would move. Mostly, she did it for fun, but she had read about the class at Hogwarts and had decided that was one that she would take. She had seen Muggle studies, but never, ever, would she stoop low enough to even wish to study Muggles. It was bad enough that Hogwarts had Mudbloods in it. Now she had to put up with her bratty cousin as well. Currently, she was trying to hex him into the next world for coming in and ruining her painting that she had been working on for about a year.
"Expulsum!" she yelled, but her curse missed and she growled. "Damn. Oh, forget being nice." As she skidded around a corner, she saw Draco far ahead of her. "Cunctorgelo!" she yelled, and a flash of dazzling light flashed out of her wand and hit Draco dead on. He froze in mid-run.
She quickly ran over to him and stood in front, her hands on her hips. "Draco Malfoy, exactly what are you trying to prove by ruining my picture?"
His cold gray eyes, a mirror image of hers, glared back at her.
"Finite Incantatem," she said, only removing the spell from his face so he could speak. "Now, answer me."
He sneered. "It was rubbish. Why do you waste your time on those sorts of things?" He looked coolly at her. "You know that you're supposed to be getting ready for the next meeting."
She crossed her arms in front of her, glaring at her cousin. "Just because I actually have a life, Draco, doesn't mean that I have to go ruin it by practicing stuff that I know better than anyone in this manor." She smirked. "You know I know more Dark magic than you, even if you won't admit it."
He just glared at her stonily. "I know all I have to. At least I don't bring dishonor to the name of Malfoy."
She narrowed her gaze, her face darkening. "If anyone brings dishonor to our name, it's you," she spat. She smirked. "Ferret." With that, she spun on her heels, stalking away, leaving Draco frozen in spot and only able to glare at her back.
^^^
Dinner was not pleasant, but, of course, it never was. Her uncle kept talking about what she and Draco were expected to do this year and her aunt was upstairs in bed, sick. Draco and Liriel sat across from each other at the long, oak table. Lucius, of course, sat at the head.
"Tomorrow we will get your things from Diagon Alley," Lucius said coolly, looking at Liriel. Obviously he still wasn't too happy that she had cursed her cousin. "And you are not to bring your Dark Arts books to school. You know those books by heart, anyway, and they'll only make trouble. As it is, the Dark Lord is taking his time, preparing for the war, and the Malfoys cannot be revealed until He wishes. Understood?"
Liriel nodded, stabbing her pork chop with her fork. "Yes, Uncle." Hogwarts is going to be boring. No Dark Arts? What do they teach at that school?
"And you know the grades I expect you to get," Lucius continued. He glared pointedly at Draco, who shrunk back slightly. "After having a Mudblood disgrace our family for four years, I expect a Malfoy to be the top."
"Yes, Father," Draco replied.
"You have already disgraced me," Lucius spat and Draco turned paler than normal. "You know you should have been a Prefect by now, but you aren't. And the Mudblood is." Draco looked down, ashamed. Lucius looked back at Liriel. "You were top of the school at Durmstrang; I expect you to be top of the school at Hogwarts."
"Of course, Uncle," Liriel replied, smirking. "No Mudblood is going to beat me out of the top." She looked at Draco, slight amusement playing across her lips. "Unlike some, who decide to get themselves during into a white ferret."
Draco's face turned red and he gave her an icy glare, but didn't say anything, for he knew that he was already in trouble with his father about that one.
Liriel grinned wickedly and pulled her wand out of the pocket of her black robe, very slowly, so as not to attract attention. Lucius, currently, was informing Draco on exactly what he expected of Draco that year, including a part where he told Draco that he had better get over twenty-five O.W.L.S., to which Draco looked stunned and began making his usual excuses.
Perfect, Liriel thought and whispered, "Randementia," and was rewarded when Draco opened his mouth to say something, and instead all that came out was pure rubbish.
"Giggly monkey legs," he said and then his eyes went wide and he clapped his hands over his mouth.
"What did you say, boy?" his father said sharply, looking at Draco coldly.
"Figgy tree top yodler," was all that came out, despite Draco's attempt to keep his mouth from opening. Liriel bit on her lip, trying to hold back her laughter. Draco saw her shoulder's shaking with silent laughter and glared icily at her. "Rainy tweller froggy hoppers!" If looks could kill, she would be at least twenty feet under.
"What are you talking about, boy?" Lucius demanded.
Draco looked at his father helplessly. "Goggie legs." Although his hands were over his mouth, the nonsense kept coming out. That was a highlight to that spell.
Finally, Draco stood and ran out of the room, his face bright red.
"That boy, he is a disgrace to this family," Lucius growled, looking at the doorway in which Draco had ran out of. "If he doesn't shape up, the Dark Lord is not going to be happy."
Though she was trying to hold back her laughter, a chuckle escaped her lips and Lucius looked at her sharply. "What are you laughing about, girl?"
Liriel grew serious very quickly, making her face impassive. "Nothing, Uncle."
Lucius quirked an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He went back to his dinner. Liriel smiled as she finished off her dinner. That was priceless. The little prat deserved it after treating me as inferior my entire life. The only reason I'm staying here are because my parents are in Azkaban, sent there because of their loyalty to the Dark Lord. Liriel's face hardened with anger. That is not going to happen to me.
^^^
The next morning, Liriel stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the folds of her pitch-black robe. Her silvery blonde hair had been pulled back into a ponytail, exposing her high cheekbone face, aristocratic nose, and intense gray eyes. She was nearly identical in every facial feature to her cousin, except her hair was more silvery, and she had slightly darker skin, but not by much. She smirked at her reflection. Yes, the Malfoy look. I've got that in spades. The looks, the build, the attitude, well, perhaps my attitude is not quite Malfoy. And I do have the advantage of being the Malfoy most knowledgeable in the Dark Arts. That's always a plus. Of course, that's what's going to shove me into the Dark Lord's service. Now, the question is, do I really want to follow Voldemort and then end up in Azkaban just like my parents? Liriel pulled up the sleeve of her robe, looking at the tiny mark on her left forearm in the shape of a serpent. It was barely bigger than her thumbnail, but it was a mark of what she was. A Death Eater Apprentice. She sighed, letting the sleeve of her robe fall back into place. That mark binds me on my path. Though I shouldn't think this, for it would be considered traitorous, I don't really know if being a Death Eater is what I want. I mean, look what happened to my parents. I am not going to let that happen to me! And if being the only Malfoy not to be in the Dark Lord's service, well, so be it! However, I will have to bide my time. I have a few years before I really have to decide, and if I can manage to be a Death Eater and not get thrown into Azkaban, well, there's my place. In the Dark Lord's Inner Circle; where I've been destined to be all my life.
"Liriel, let's go!" she heard her uncle command.
"Coming, Uncle!" she called and, after one last look in the mirror to make sure she was spotless, she flew out the door of her room and down to where Lucius and Draco waited. Draco used Floo powder, since he was the only one that could not Apparate; Liriel had learned how to Apparate in her fourth year at Durmstrang, and she and her uncle appeared in the courtyard outside the Leaky Cauldron. Draco walked into the courtyard from the back door of the Leaky Cauldron, and Lucius tapped the bricks, opening the passageway to Diagon Alley. They stepped through.
It was as if the return of Voldemort had no hindrance on anyone, and it was probably due to the fact that the Ministry kept saying that it was just rumors. Liriel, however, knew much better. She gazed at the shops as they walked down the street, watching as witches and wizards went around their daily business. Groups of Hogwarts students could be seen walking together, or with parents, buying supplies.
"I have to get some refills for my potion kit and my books," Draco said.
Lucius nodded. "Very well. Liriel needs to buy all her supplies and I need to go to Moribunds." He handed Liriel a huge pouch full of galleons. "Take this and purchase your things."
"Yes, Uncle," Liriel said, nodding.
"We'll meet back here in front of Flourish and Blotts," Lucius said and strode down the alley, disappearing into the crowd.
Liriel looked at Draco and glared. "What are you staring at, Draco? Go get your things."
Draco shrugged, smirking. "Don't get lost." He turned and headed down the alley towards the Apothecary.
"Oooh," Liriel growled, her hands clenched into fists. "That prat is going to get it one of these days."
She spotted Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and decided to stop there first. Entering the shop, Liriel was greeted by a short, plump woman with her graying hair pulled back in a bun. The woman, presumably Madam Malkin, smiled. "Welcome, how can I help you?" she asked brightly.
"I need school robes and dress robes," Liriel replied, keeping her face impassive as she was expected to as a Malfoy.
Madam Malkin nodded. "Very well. Come to the back and we'll fit you right up."
Liriel followed Madam Malkin to the back and stepped onto the stool. She began measuring Liriel, putting a black robe on Liriel and making the adjustments. "Are you going to Hogwarts, dear?" Madam Malkin asked as she worked.
"Yes."
"First-year, then?" Madam Malkin asked, looking up at Liriel with a smile.
"No," Liriel replied coolly. "I'm a fifth-year. I'm transferring."
Madam Malkin nodded, continuing her work. "May I ask from where?"
"Durmstrang."
She saw Madam Malkin tense slightly, but said nothing bad. "That's quite a school you come from, my dear," was all Madam Malkin said.
"Do you have a problem with my school?" Liriel asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Oh, oh, no of course not, dear!" Madam Malkin said hurriedly, finishing the adjustments. She took off the black robe. "It's a fine school."
Liriel stared down at her, her face emotionless, but nodded. "Hogwarts will be quite interesting."
Madam Malkin nodded, smiling. After a moment, she said, "Are you, perchance, related to the Malfoys?"
"Yes," Liriel said shortly, putting the Malfoy look on and making it clear she didn't want to pursue the discussion.
Madam Malkin nodded. "What color dress robes are you looking for, dear?"
"Dark blue and silver, if you have it."
"Of course I do," Madam Malkin said, smiling. "You just stay put and I'll bring it straight away." Madam Malkin bustled out and Liriel sighed, twiddling her thumbs in boredom.
A girl with her brown hair in braids, about Liriel's age, walked in at that time, escorted by another witch that worked with Madam Malkin. "Here you go, dear. Just step up, there you go. Now, let's get you fitted." The witch draped a black robe around the girl. "You have grown so fast, Susan. It's no wonder you're back here for another fitting."
"Yes, I suppose I have," the girl named Susan said, smiling.
"Once we fit you up, I'll put your Hufflepuff badge on for you."
"Thank you," Susan said. As the witch fitted her, Susan looked at Liriel, smiling. "Hello. My name is Susan Bones. Are you new?"
"I transferred," Liriel said coolly, not in the mood for a conversation. Susan, however, didn't seem to take the hint.
"Really? Where from? What year are you going to be in?"
"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Liriel said, her voice cold. She narrowed her gaze at the girl. "Shouldn't ask too many questions in times like these."
Susan looked taken aback, but she smiled. "No, I suppose not. You have to forgive my curiosity." Madam Malkin came in at that time and began fitting up Liriel in her blue dress robes.
"You go to Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Susan said, nodding. "I'm in Hufflepuff."
Liriel sneered. "Hufflepuff?" she said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Do you have a problem with my house?" Susan asked, her smile disappearing, a frown replacing it.
"There you are, dear, all finished," Madam Malkin said, smiling.
"Thanks," Liriel said and took off the robe, handing it to Madam Malkin.
"I'll take these up to the front so you can purchase them," Madam Malkin said.
"Thank you," Liriel said and began following Madam Malkin back to the front of the shop. Before she entered the front of the shop, however, she turned back to Susan. "To answer your question, your house is full of pansies and not one of you little Hufflepuffs are going to stand a chance when the Dark Lord comes to Hogwarts. I think the loss of your precious Diggory would have shown that." With that, she spun on her heels and strode away, her Malfoy air surrounding her completely.
"What did I do?" Susan asked quietly, tears coming to her eyes. She stared after the new girl. The girl had reminded her of someone, with her silvery hair, cold gray eyes, and the way she acted . . . Malfoy! That was it! She was just like Malfoy. Especially with that comment about Cedric. Fresh tears sprang to Susan's eyes as she remembered what had happened during the Triwizard tournament last year.
"Oh, don't you mind her," Madam Malkin said as she bustled in. She hugged Susan. "That, my dear, was a Malfoy, and you'd be best not to pay any attention to the remarks that come out of those sorts of people's mouths." Madam Malkin stepped back, smiling warmly. "You are in a fine house, Susan."
Susan nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. "That explains it, then. But I still don't understand why she was so rude."
Madam Malkin gave her a small smile. "Sometimes, people are brought up to act a certain way, and, unfortunately for that young girl, she was brought up as a Malfoy."
^^^
After purchasing her potions supplies at the Apothecary and her books, she sat down outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, enjoying a chocolate ice cream cone. That is, of course, until Draco showed up.
"Ice cream? I thought you would have hexed everyone by now," Draco said snidely, sitting down across from her.
"No one asked your opinion, Draco," she spat, glaring at her cousin, who sat smugly across the table, his arms folded in front of his chest. His Slytherin badge shone boldly by his arm.
"I don't need to be asked. I do as I please."
"Shove off, Draco," she growled.
"No, I think I'll stay here a bit more."
"Then I'm leaving," Liriel said icily and stood, stalking away. She shoved her way through the crowd, ignoring some of the remarks, and headed towards the Quidditch Supplies shop.
^^^
"Did you see her? Is she new?" Harry asked, trying to see through the crowd of people. He craned his neck, looking for the girl that had just shoved past them, but he didn't see her. They had noticed her sitting with Malfoy at Fortescue's earlier.
"Who knows?" Hermione said, hoisting her bag onto her shoulder. "We don't know everyone at Hogwarts. Of course, she could be a first-year."
"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "She looked too old to be a first- year."
"What does it matter?" Ron asked. "She looks unpleasant if you ask me and I don't really care who she is. Besides, she was hanging out with Malfoy. That says enough."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, Ron, I'm sure she's nice once you get to know her."
"I doubt it," Ron said doubtfully, looking at the area where the girl had disappeared through. "She looked like someone I'd rather not talk about."
"You saw it too?" Harry said, looking at Ron.
"What are you two talking about, now?" Hermione asked, looking at them both.
"Didn't that girl remind you a lot of Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Hermione thought about it and then nodded. "Now that you mention it, yes, she did look a bit like Malfoy."
"Brilliant," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "Now we have to put up with two Malfoys."
"Can't get enough of me at school; you have to talk about me even in Diagon Alley?" a cold, drawling voice said.
"Bugger off, Malfoy," Ron spat, glaring at Draco. "You're not wanted here."
"I don't care what you think, Weasel," Draco sneered. He looked at Harry and Hermione. "So, Potty, you buying Weasel's books again?"
"Shove off, Malfoy," Harry said angrily.
"Oh, I'm hurt, really I am," Draco said, putting his hand up to his chest in mock-hurt. He sneered, dropping his hand. "I'm not wasting my time on a Weasel, Potty, and a Mudblood." He spun on his heel and strode off, heading in the same direction the mysterious girl had gone.
"Can't I just hex him?" Ron snarled, his hand in the pocket of his robe.
"Of course not, Ron!" Hermione said, looking at him sharply. "We're in the middle of Diagon Alley."
"So?"
"Ron!"
"What?"
"Calm down."
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then you're no better than he is."
Ron was silent and then reluctantly took his hand out of his robe pocket. "Fine," he muttered.
"Do you still want to go get something to eat at Fortescue's?" Harry asked.
"I lost my appetite," Ron replied sullenly.
"Malfoy does have a way of doing that, doesn't he?" Harry said with a smirk. "Come on."
The trio headed away from the front of the Magical Menagerie and towards Fortescue's.
^^^ Standing in front of the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies, Liriel smiled, looking at the robes and the Firebolt 20, the most recent broomstick. A crowd of admirers stood around her, their faces and hands pressed up against the glass, gazing in awe at the new broomstick.
"Thinking about Quidditch again?" a cold, drawling voice said beside her.
She looked to see her cousin, whose eyes were scanning over the new broomstick. "You know how much I like Quidditch."
"That, I do," Draco said, nodding. "I suppose you'll be trying out for our team, then?"
"Oh, you bet I am."
"What position are you trying for?"
"Chaser; it's what I've played for four years."
"True." Draco looked at her and smirked. "Don't count on making the team, though. We have good players, already."
Liriel rolled her eyes. "I'm trying out, whether you like it or not, and just because you're Captain, doesn't mean you can just not let me on because I'm a girl."
Draco shrugged, looking at her coolly. "I never said anything about not letting you on. I just said you really don't have a chance, so why bother?"
Liriel gave him an icy glare. "We'll see about that."
"Draco, Liriel, let's go," Liriel heard her uncle say behind them. They turned around to face Lucius, who had a parcel in his arms.
"Yes, Uncle," Liriel said and they followed Lucius out of Diagon Alley.
^^^
Boarding the Hogwarts Express, Liriel found an empty compartment and sat down, perfectly content to be by herself. Draco, she knew, was with his friends down the hall, but she could care less about joining him. She may be a Malfoy, but that didn't mean she had to hang out with her cousin.
"Excuse me, but is this compartment taken?"
Liriel looked up to see a girl about 5'4", about the same height as Liriel, standing in the doorway. The girl had long brown hair and matching eyes.
"Go ahead, be my guest," Liriel said, motioning to the empty booths.
"Come on," the girl said, beckoning out in the hall. Two more faces appeared in the door; one with messy hair, startling green eyes, and glasses, and the other with a mop of fire-red hair and pale, freckled skin. The red-head was at least a foot taller than the girl, and the dark-haired boy nearly as tall.
The three students sat down, the dark-haired boy sitting next to her. The red-haired boy looked very annoyed to be sitting in the compartment.
"What's got his knickers in a twist?" Liriel asked, nodding to the red- haired boy.
"Oh, Ron?" the girl said, smiling. "Don't mind him."
"He's just not the conversational type until you get to know him," the dark- haired boy said, giving her a small smile.
Liriel eyed the two suspiciously. "You're being awfully pleasant and you don't even know who I am."
The girl shrugged. "You're new. It's always neat to meet new people." The girl smiled. "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way," the girl introduced. "This is Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley."
"I've heard of you," Liriel smirked, looking at Hermione. "You're the Mudblood that topped Draco in everything."
"Watch what you say," Ron said, his face darkening. So, he speaks, Liriel thought with a smirk. "We saw you hanging out with Malfoy."
Liriel shrugged. "Not that it's really any of your business, but I wasn't hanging out with him. I was actually minding my own business before he came over and bothered me."
"How do you know Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Liriel looked at him, a look of disgust crossing her face. "Unfortunately, he's my cousin."
Three identical startled gasps filled the compartment. "Y- you're a Malfoy?" Ron squeaked. Anger filled his pale features. "Brilliant, bloody brilliant. I'm stuck in a compartment with a Malfoy. I knew it! You two look too much a like."
"You have a problem with me, Weasley? I've heard plenty of things about you," Liriel said icily.
"Whoa, settle down," Harry said, holding up a hand. "Ron, calm down, okay? She may be a Malfoy, but that doesn't mean she is just like her cousin. Look at me; I have Dudley for a cousin, but I'm not at all like him."
Ron just sulked, his arms crossed over his chest. Hermione, however, looked at Liriel with a bit of interest on her face. "What's your name?"
"Liriel."
"Are you a first-year?"
"No, I'm going to be in the fifth year. I transferred."
"From where?" Harry asked.
"Durmstrang."
At this, Ron perked up. "You know Krum then!" Apparently, his love for the famous Quidditch player overcame his unpleasant feelings for Liriel.
Liriel nodded. "I'm friends with him."
"That's bloody brilliant!"
"Oh, no," Hermione sighed, shaking her head. "Here we go again."
"Hermione is happy," Ron said with a slight smirk. "Now she can see her precious Vicky again."
"Shove off, Ron," Hermione said, glaring at Ron. "When will you stop teasing me about that?"
"We know you went to Vicky's over the summer," Ron said. "You can't deny it."
"So, Liriel," Hermione said, ignoring Ron and looking at Liriel, "how was Durmstrang?"
Liriel shrugged. "We learn nearly everything you do, but we do more with the Dark Arts."
"What would a Malfoy be without their Dark magic," Ron grumbled.
Liriel glared at him. "What exactly is your problem with me?"
"You're a Malfoy."
"So?"
"I hate the Malfoys."
"You haven't even got to know me."
"I don't have to."
"Ignore him," Harry said, smiling at Liriel. He shot Ron a pointed look. "His family has never gotten along with the Malfoys."
Liriel nodded. "Well, with his attitude, and the reputation of his family, why should we ever get along?"
"Can't we just forget about the family rivalry and be pleasant?" Hermione asked, looking at them.
"No," Ron said sullenly.
"So, are you being Sorted with the rest of the first-years?" Harry asked, attempting to lighten up the conversation.
"Yes," Liriel said, nodding.
"Why should they have to Sort her?" Ron asked. "We already know she's a Slytherin."
"Ron, if you can't make any pleasant remarks, I suggest that you don't talk. You're going to make an enemy out of someone you barely know," Hermione said reproachfully.
"I don't want to be friends with a Malfoy," came the retort.
Hermione sighed and gave Liriel a small smile. "I'm sorry about that."
"Liriel, what are you doing hanging out with a bunch of Gryffindors?" a cold voice asked. They looked up to see Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle standing in the doorway. Draco looked at Harry, Ron, and Hermione and sneered. Then his eyes moved to Liriel. "Especially these sorts." He shook his head. "You should know better, Liri."
Liriel glared at Draco. "I can make friends with whomever I please, Draco. You're not my father; you can't tell me what to do."
Draco smirked. "I'm sure my father would be very displeased to see you hanging out with Weasel, Potty, and Mudblood. You're tainting our family name."
Liriel stood, facing Draco, her anger building up inside of her. "Shove off, Draco. No one asked you to come in and make your snide comments."
Draco folded his arms, smirking. "No, they didn't. I'm just trying to make sure you don't make a mistake; a fatal mistake if you get my point," he said, looking at her pointedly. His eyes flashed to her left arm and then back at her anger-filled face.
"Get out of here, Draco," she said coldly.
Draco shrugged. "It's your downfall." He looked at his cronies. "Come on." They left, disappearing down the hall.
Liriel, shaking with rage, sat down and looked out the window, trying to calm herself down.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Harry smiling at her. "He gets under all of our skins. He's just a snobby prat. I'm sorry that he's your cousin."
She shrugged off his hand. "I don't want, or need, your sympathy, Wonder Boy," she said coldly and looked back out the window.
^^^
Standing with the batch of first-years, waiting to go into the Great Hall, Liriel stood silently, keeping her Malfoy look on her face, completely impassive. She heard several whispered of, "Malfoy," "Durmstrang," or "Brilliant, another snobby Slytherin," but she just ignored them. She could really care less about what they had to say. Besides, she would be in Slytherin and at least there, she wouldn't have to put up with any half- breeds or Mudbloods.
She straightened her black robe, waiting in complete boredom. "Did you really used to go to Durmstrang?" a voice asked.
Liriel turned to see a girl with short blond hair and an interested look on her face. "How is it that everyone knows where I transferred from?"
The girl shrugged. "The professors were talking about a new transfer student and you seemed to fit the description."
"Oh, really?" Liriel said, quirking an eyebrow. "And what description would that be?"
"You're a Malfoy," the girl said, as if it explained everything.
Liriel gave her an icy glare. "And, what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?"
The girl looked taken aback. "I didn't mean to offend you."
"Well, you did, now leave me alone," Liriel said shortly and turned.
The girl walked away, joining her friends. Liriel heard the name, "Malfoy," and "snobby prat" come up several times, but, as usual, she ignored it. If only her uncle hadn't pulled her out of Durmstrang. She wished that she could go back. At least there, people didn't look down upon you because of your family. And she didn't have to put up with any Mudbloods.
"They are ready for you," a voice said. Liriel looked up to see Professor McGonagall standing in front of the large doors. "Follow me." The huge oak doors swung open and Liriel followed the professor through the Great Hall.
She smiled, looking around at the huge hall. The hall at Durmstrang was miniscule compared to this, and one advantage about coming to Hogwarts was that it was a much larger school and their dorms would be much bigger. I could get used to this. Even if all the people here are prejudiced.
As she walked, she looked over at the Slytherin table, where her cousin sat between his friends. He nudged his friends, nodding to her. They looked in her direction and smiled, nodding. At least I'll belong somewhere, Liriel thought. Even if I do have to put up with my bratty cousin.
As the Sorting Ceremony began, Liriel stifled a yawn as the names went on and on. It was rather boring, but she did notice a few new additions to Slytherin. More Apprentices, Liriel thought with a smile.
Finally, the last of the first-years were Sorted and she stood alone. Professor Dumbledore stood. "We have a new student here at Hogwarts. Her name is Liriel Malfoy, she has transferred from Durmstrang, and she will be a fifth-year." Murmurs of "Malfoy" and "Durmstrang" filled the hall. Professor Dumbledore held up a hand, smiling. "Now, I expect you all to treat her well, for it is always a pleasure to have new students grace our halls. Now, for the Sorting." He sat down and Professor McGonagall motioned for Liriel to step forward.
Liriel did so, sitting down on the stool. She heard someone say not too loudly, "Slytherin, for sure." She ignored this and scanned the tables, spotting the Wonder Trio sitting at the Gryffindor table, and the Hufflepuff girl sitting at her table. Then her vision was blocked as the Sorting Hat was set down on her head, the front drooping over her eyes.
"Ah, another Malfoy," the Sorting Hat said.
"Can you do this quickly?" Liriel said impatiently. "I don't like being the only one sitting up here."
"Hmm, quite impatient now, are we? Well, let's see. Hufflepuff won't do, no; you are much too headstrong for that. Ravenclaw, perhaps, but I don't think you'd fit in there."
"Can you get on with it?"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist. I'm going as fast as I can."
"I'm a Malfoy; isn't that enough for you to decide my house?"
"It is true, you are a Malfoy, but there's something else, deep inside of you. It is making this a difficult decision."
"Well, I went to Durmstrang. What else do you need to know?" Liriel said shortly. This was taking far too long. I feel like a complete idiot sitting up here.
"Hm . . . you are very ambitious, powerful, yet you are not afraid of a challenge. You meet everything head on and never back down. Well . . . I know exactly where to put you."
Slytherin!
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouted and the Great Hall was covered in dead silence. The hat was removed and Liriel saw all the students staring at her, stunned. It was so silent that you could have heard a pin drop. Liriel took a deep breath, put on her impassive Malfoy face, and walked towards the Gryffindor table. The Gryffindors were looking at her with stunned expressions on their faces, as were the Slytherins. Her cousin looked like he was going to fall over in shock any minute. She ignored all the shocked faces and sat down, taking her place at the Gryffindor table.
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