The first chapter of my first story…is up again! So I hope this edited version is okay, my grammar is known to be faulty…quite often. Can't seem to find a Beta so if anyone is interested or knows of someone else who could be, please PM me.

I do not own Harry Potter, the fabulous J.K. Rowling does – but some characters and plot are mine!

Enjoy :)

Chapter 1: Leaving Home

Smoke billowed from the scarlet red train that lay waiting impatiently to leave the crowded chaos of the station. However, one family managed to evade the mayhem, they stood apart from the crowd with watchful eyes. A girl around the age of eleven turned to glance at an older yet similar looking woman, causing the family's eery trance to break.

"Slytherin here I come!" declared a gleeful looking boy.

"Draco, be careful boy. You have not been raised to succumb to such pettiness," drawled the man and father of the family, "Now leave, both of you."

The young girl glanced at her mother again whilst reaching for a small, paling boy. She grasped his shoulder tightly, her neatly manicured nails digging in painfully, and whispered "I shall write Leo, and Christmas shall be upon us soon." The boy nodded meekly, his eyes filled with worry and pain. The girl ducked her head and placed a kiss upon the boys head. She turned suddenly her platinum blonde hair swaying as she did and she faced her father with fierce eyes. His own were filled with distaste, his nose wrinkling at the show of affection between the siblings.

The girl's mother, finished with grooming her eldest son gripped her daughter with one hand, not wanting to let her go, and stroked her flaxen hair. "Make me proud Eliana Adira Malfoy," she leaned down to kiss the girls head and added in a hushed whisper "you are destined for great things princess of the sky." She proceeded to plant a soft kiss upon her daughter, her hand ghosted down the girls face leaving a cool trail. Draco nudged the girl, he gingerly took her outstretched hand and led her towards the train, [their luggage previously being placed there] finally they reached an open door and he lifted her up after him.

She turned to look at her remaining family once more, her eyes slid from her mother's cool mask to her younger brother, his eyes were frantic and she could see panic rising within him. Eliana raised a dainty hand and blew a delicate kiss to him, his face lit up at the costly yet loving gesture. Her father swiftly grabbed his youngest son and roughly pulled him to his side and away from the station. Draco softly squeezed her hand and she turned from the doorway, allowing her twin to lead her to their richly decorated compartment. As she took her seat, her brother began to pace.

"Pacing is not proper etiquette " Eliana said, watching her brother with beady eyes.

"Blowing kisses is not proper etiquette," he replied snappily "Father will not be happy". He stopped pacing to sit opposite his twin, his eyes locked on to hers sternly.

"Since when did Leo's welfare bother you?" Draco huffed angrily, she started again cooly "I won't argue with you Draco, I had my reasons -"

"Like usual. I suppose I won't get to know these reasons?"

Eliana pursed her lips, gauging her brother's outburst, "The train hasn't even left yet - pull yourself together brother. This outburst will only cause damage." Draco looked away from his twin, hiding his eyes and began to order his mind, dismissing his anger and feelings. Slowly a mask descended on his face, obscuring his thoughts and hiding any emotion. "You are not nearly as practiced at that as you should be brother - perhaps you should've started your pureblood training along with me." Before her twin could reply the compartment door slid open to reveal two very large boys, Eliana's eyes lazily slid to the window and the train jerked forward. The two boys remained at the door waiting to be ordered in, Draco promptly stood and looked levelly at them.

"Crabbe, Goyle. Come in. How have you been?" The two awkwardly lumbered into the compartment and sat on the empty bench. Draco still standing asked "Pansy around?"

The larger of the two replied "Talking to the Greengrass girl and Zabini." At the mention of her friend, Eliana's flickered to the door but shortly returned to the now blurry landscape.

"Hmm, wonder if Zabini will be in Slytherin..." mused Draco, a playing smile on his lips as he sat lazily on the bench next to his sister, "certainly got the brains for Ravenclaw, huh Eliana?"

"Don't say huh Draco" she replied shortly, her eyes still watching the rolling landscape. Draco sighed at her response, hoping for his twin to join in. The twins shared the usual Malfoy traits, pale complexion, high cheek bones, platinum blonder hair and grey eyes. However this is where the similarities ended between the two, Draco slouched whereas Eliana stood tall and appeared to flow gracefully as she moved. The paleness of her skin contrasted her slightly parted plump pink lips that naturally curved upwards and the slight blush that accentuated her high cheek bones. However the most prominent feature was her mercury grey eyes, they shone with a depth most her age did not have, they were framed thickly with curved lashes and dark eyebrows that arched slightly. Her flaxen hair fell in soft curls around her face, finishing off her innocent angelic beauty.

The door opened once again, and a dark haired girl entered the compartment. Draco straightened up and smiled "Pansy, take a seat." He gestured to the empty space between himself and the door, the girl's eyes narrowed slightly at the space, wanting to be sat where Eliana was; but she sat nonetheless. "We were just discussing what house Zabini will end up in, how about Ravenclaw?"

"Pfft! With that mother of his, how could he?" exclaimed the raven haired girl.

"I do suppose you have a point there Pansy, she is somewhat...devious."

"She is a disgrace to pureblood society!" Pansy shrieked in a high pitched tone.

Eliana let out a short, dry laugh and turned her head towards the girl, her cold grey eyes boring into the blue of Pansy's. A perfectly raised eyebrow on Eliana's face dared the other girl to act against her, when she showed no signs of doing so, the eyebrow dropped but her glare strengthened - the girl's eyes dropped from Eliana to the floor. Draco caught his sisters attention and glared warningly at her, Eliana smiled wryly in response.

Crabbe cut into the tension, he began to speak of unimportant matters which Goyle and Pansy, grateful for his intervention, replied to animatedly. Draco threw one more shrewd glance at his sister, then threw himself into the conversation. Shortly, the door slid open and a tall girl with mahogany locks strode in.

"Daphne, looking as lovely as ever!" drawled Draco.

"Draco, must I remind you to focus on chasing quaffles? I'm a taken lady" replied the girl with a wink, she slid in between Goyle's mass and the window. The large boy wriggled uncomfortably away, leaning into the discussion that had coincidentally turned to quidditch. Eliana watched the group for a moment before turning her attention to her friend.

"How was it?" asked Daphne in Italian - a language that Daphne's own mother insisted the two girl's learnt, she wished the girl's to be prepared for many suitors, foreign or native.

"Father was not happy with my behavior, so awful. Yours?" Pansy stared at the two girls and their easy exchange, she herself was not accustomed to it even though it was a common occurrence; Draco was the only person who fully accepted it. Eliana sensing eyes on her, shifted her gaze to Pansy, who swiftly cowered away from the blonde.

"I see you've already had a run in with the poor thing, although I do wish you'd be gentler sister" Daphne chortled softly "That's to be expected, when are our father's ever happy? Speaking of which, he didn't come today...I worry as to why. Astoria enjoyed herself, mother didn't really notice...she was distant today."

"You know your mother's only saving her own skin, my father was watching her."

"I hate her for it" Daphne paused, her eyes narrowed as she looked out the window "He'll ruin me Ana, and Astoria, she's so young..."

"Hush sister. He can try, but we are strong together, and Astoria will be with us next year. We are not alone sister. We survive for each other, because of each other..." Eliana spoke softly, and lifted the mask on her face; her eyes warmed and the corners of her lips turned into a sad smile. "Forza inisieme Daphne."

"Forza insieme" Daphne whispered, her own eyes were filled with gratitude towards her friend. She sat back in her seat contenting herself by gazing out the window. Eliana mirrored her friend's movements, her thoughts lingering on their exchange. The italian phrase forza insieme means strength together, the girls started saying it from a young age, they would say it to the other when they needed to be reminded that they were bonded together for life. Their childhood was different to say the least. The two girls were forced together at the tender age of six, to learn the art of being a pureblood witch. Their father's had pushed for them to begin learning early on, for they had little time for their daughter's - a Malfoy having a daughter was unheard of, whilst the Greengrass family had two daughters and no sons, therefore no eligible heirs.

They were taught by their own mother's, which strengthened the relationship of mother and daughter; this caused the fury of Lucius Malfoy, his response was to have Daphne's paternal grandmother teach them more often. Her methods were harsher and the tasks the girl's were set became more vigorous and challenging. Narcissa Malfoy passed on her knowledge and wisdom of how present themselves yet be more than appearances to the children, which perhaps caused the aged shine in their eyes. Sharing a harsh upbringing the two girls came to have a bond stronger than blood, they knew each other better than they knew themselves. Narcissa showed the girls to love and value their bond and kept it hidden from their father's.

Daphne's grandmother was oblivious to the relationship between the girls, however her mother became aware of it after a particular afternoon of lessons. Yet she pretended to blind to their bond, distancing herself from Daphne and her other daughter Astoria. Daphne noticing her mother's sudden coldness latched on to her sister, showing her the ways Narcissa and Eliana taught her. Eliana mirrored her friend's actions by doing the same with her younger brother Leo, Draco looked up to their father too much to take notice of what his sister tried to show him. Leaving Leo alone at Malfoy Manor with their father made Eliana fill with worry, she had a deep feeling of guilt in the core of her body; at Hogwarts she would not be able to protect her little brother from their father or the society they lived in.

"Stop" Daphne's voice cut through her thoughts "what help is it to think of such things?" The darker girl had sensed the anguished thoughts of her friend. Eliana gave a short nod and instead of looking out the window turned her attention to the people around her. She noted that Blaise Zabini now sat on the other side of Pansy, his eyes were upon her as if he sensed she had been pulled from her reverie; she subtly ignored his gaze and began to read a charms book in her lap.

She proceeded to shut out the world and focus on her book, time seemed to pass quickly and she only paused to eat and look at the empty space of Draco's seat. Blaise had informed her that he had gone to seek out Harry Potter, Daphne's ears pricked up at this and she knew Eliana would be thinking of her childhood infatuation with the Potter's. Eliana had become fascinated by his story and his parents especially, she had at first not understood why they had died for their son, but her own mother told her and showed her their reasons. Eliana understood that day that she would easily put herself in harm's way to protect a loved one and she knew she would even die for someone she loved. Soon her thoughts began to wonder to her family again and she focused her attention on reading about protective charms.

"We'll be there in twenty minutes" stated Draco as the compartments inhabitants began to stand and stretch.

"So robes on!" Pansy shrieked.

"It appears that you do not know it is ungainly to shriek Parkinson" Eliana said coldly "I was under the impression that your pureblood teaching had begun. Perhaps you forgot your lessons on keeping a calm composure." The raven haired girl fidgeted at the words and stared at the floor in embarressment, Blaise had turned his face away in an attempt to hide his smile. Draco was once again glaring at his sister, whilst Crabbe and Goyle stood dumbly.

Daphne smiling to herself cut through the moment "Parkinson I suggest you move, don't want to injure your pretty little head any more do we?" She gestured to the trunk above the other girl's head, and as Pansy shuffled out the way she levitated it down onto the bench.

The group were sat donning their new Hogwarts robes when a voice echoed through the train " We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will taken to school separately." In no time at all the train began lurching and eventually stopped. As Eliana exited the compartment, Draco took her hand and guided her to where to other first year's were gathered.

"Righ' we all 'ere then? Follow me!" a large dark figure led then down a small stretch of road, he halted at the edge of a large lake. "In yer get, four to a boat."

Slowly the children filed into the boats, Draco with his hand still in Eliana's clambered in to an empty boat, he turned to assist his sister. Crabbe and Goyle joined them, climbing in clumsily causing the boat to rock wildly.

"We all in? Righ' then - FORWARD!" shouted the large man. The boats jolted forward at once, disturbing Eliana's careful balance, as she regained it the school came into view. A majestic castle was precariously perched atop a vast cliff and a maze of turrets and towers reached high into the starry sky. The illuminated windows on the castle casted a soft glow, causing some of the castle to contrast the night sky and the non-lit parts to effortlessly fade into the darkness of the night. As the boats drew closer, a murmur of excitement passed through the children similar to a ripple on water.

Heads ducked as the boats slipped through a curtain of ivy into the the heart of the cliff. The boats gently stopped as they reached a harbor, the children then proceeded to climb out onto the rocky floor of the cave. The large man who had introduced himself as Hagrid, led them through a smooth passageway and up a dozen flights of stairs, eventually he came to a still at a vast wooden door; he then raised a hairy fist and knocked three times.

Instantly the door opened to reveal a greying witch in emerald robes who stood tall and firmly. Eliana raised an eyebrow as she saw the stern look upon the dark haired witches face, surely she should we smiling graciously, welcoming them to Hogwarts? Her thoughts were dismissed as the woman spun on her heels and took the group into a magnificent chamber, flaming torches lit the room and several of the group shifted away from them. They must be of muggle origin, Eliana silently thought, unused to this richly magical environment. As quickly as the woman started, she stopped and after a few stumbling moments so did the children.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, I am Professor McGonagall" the woman said, her words rang into the chamber as she explained what the sorting ceremony and the house system to the group. "I suggest you smarten ourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." Her eyes lingered on a small huddle of unkempt boys, but she left without another word; one of the boys shifted nervously trying to flatten his mess of raven hair. Eliana mused silently on his behavior he had no chance of taming his hair, quickly she stopped herself from thinking about the raven haired boy - instead turning to smooth the hair of her twin.

"Its just a hat Draco, no troll, no spells, no test. Just a hat." His tense body relaxed into her soft words.

"I am not nervous sister" he replied shortly, his eyes shifting to watch the others in the group.

Eliana's arms dropped uselessly to her side "I know brother, but it is okay to be nervous or scared and more than okay to show it to your sister."

"Malfoy's don't get scared" Draco's eyes flickered dangerously, but before anymore could be said the group was silenced once more as Professor McGonagall entered the chamber.

"Now form a line and follow me." She eyed the children once more but nonetheless moved swiftly into the Great Hall. Eliana reached for Draco's hand but he snatched it from away from her grasp, he did however fall into step beside her as they entered the hall. Her eyes wondered about the room silently absorbing the view. Candles hovered in the air, lighting four long tables that were laid with splendid golden plates and goblets. Older students sat on the benches, hushing their conversations to scrutinize the first years. At the top of the hall was a raised platform with another long table where the teachers sat, from there they could watch all the comings and goings in the hall. Professor McGonagall led the first years to the steps of the platform, she then took her place next to a rickety stool with a frayed hat. Eliana noticed that the hall was silent and all focus was on the hat, which seemed to twitch under the attention, it then appeared to take a deep breath and began to sing.

Oh,you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your tops hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell brave of heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achive their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And you won't get in a flap!

You're safe in my hands(though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

The hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song, as Professor McGonagall stepped forward the hall quieted again. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted. Abbott, Hannah!" Her voice spoke into the thick silence of the room.

The world began to blur slightly for Eliana as the hat's words rang in her head, you might belong in Gryffindor...or perhaps Slytherin. Over and over she heard the words pounding in her head, she knew she that Malfoy's had to be in Slytherin...yet the pounding matched the beating of her heart, and her heart yearned to be in Gryffindor. Silently Eliana fought for control and quieted her internal unease, she appeared calm as she brought herself together to watch Daphne walk to the cheers on the Slytherin table. More people took their positions under the hat, more tables cheered and Eliana fought more to calm her rising panic.

Eventually Draco's name was called he turned and whispered loudly "See you in Slytherin sister". He then walked proudly to the stool, unaware of his sister's frantic eyes. He was swiftly sorted into Slytherin and it was her own name being called. She took a deep breath and strode elegantly towards the stool, she would not allow herself to look like a fool in front of her peers. As she sat, she kept her head high and trained her eyes on the entrance to the hall, the hat was softly placed upon her golden hair.

"Hmm, another Malfoy" grumbled the hat "But a girl...There is something very different about you, so unlike your brother and your father...". She gripped the aged wood of the stool tightly, her eyes seeking out Daphne's when they found her the girl nodded calmly, as if giving her the will to stay sat on the stool. "You have certainly got Slytherin qualities yet you hide your fire within you, Gryffindor would bring out the best in you."

"No, my father, please no" she managed to stutter, her eyes were still on Daphne's and she looked at the other girls soft smile.

"You have your mother in you child, your heart is telling you Gryffindor. Let your fire show, you are the princess of the sky..." she noticed the room was thick with tension, people were fidgeting as the hat took a deep breath and bellowed "GRYFFINDOR!"

Eliana sat frozen in a state of shock. She was Eliana Adira Malfoy and Malfoy's do not get sorted into Gryffindor. Her eyes fell upon her brother and she watched as an expression of anger began to cloud his face. "I have saved you from your pureblood fate, now live child" the hat whispered softly as it was taken from her head. The hall was silent as she walked to her house table and suddenly a small group on the table began to clap, it gently spread to the whole house, but came to a stop as she took her seat.

Students murmured to each other glancing nervously in her direction, and once again another student was sorted and the hall was filled with a roar of clapping; students were momentarily forgetting the incident. The evening passed in a blur of movement and soon she lay on a richly decorated bed with red and gold drapes - so different to the silver, green and black she was accustomed to. She silently sat up in her bed to watch the glowing fire at the heart of the room, her thoughts were wondering what her sorting would mean for her future. However the girl slept soundly through the night and as the moon broke through the clouds it fell upon her sleeping form, creating an unearthly beauty about her.

So...please leave a review - I want to see what people think of it! Thanks for reading!