A/N: Hi! About two years ago, I started a story called Little Snakes. I loved it, but something kept it from flowing correctly so it was abandoned. Now, I've decided to pick things back up, and the whole story has undergone major edits and changes. Chapters One and Two will have sections that are from the original draft, but both hold massive edits and changes, the most notable, Thalia (my OC) is now Theo's twin, rather than his younger sibling, making her the same age as Draco, Blaise, and obviously, Harry and the rest of the trio and their friends. So I promise, after the first two chapters, the story is 100% new and much improved. So without further ado, I hope you guys enjoy my AU story, Little Snakes!

Chapter One: Beginnings

(London, England 1991)

"I swear to God Thalia if I have to come in there after you…" a disgruntled 11-year-old Theo Nott huffed outside a changing room in Madam Malkin's, waiting on his twin sister.

"Are they supposed to be this long? My knees are itchy," Thalia whined, tugging at her charcoal grey uniform skirt uncomfortably.

"How am I supposed to know? Do I look like I've ever worn a skirt before?" the boy groaned, looking longingly out the window at the ice cream parlor across the street.

"You really don't want me to answer that," the 11-year-old quipped pulling up her green and grey tartan knee socks, flinching at the offensively itchy material. Excited as she was to be leaving for Hogwarts on the first of September, she was thoroughly unenthused with the uniform.

"Oi! Look who's got jokes now? Hurry up, I'd like to leave here before I'm ninety."

"Alright, alright I'm nearly done!" the brunette snapped, tightening her tie and unlocking the door to the changing stall, stepping out, yanking at the back of her skirt, awkwardly. "I think the skirt is too big, surely they don't mean for it to fall mid-calf," she said, rolling her eyes at her brother's vacant stare. "Honestly, just go on. I can meet you at Florean's when I've finished," Thalia huffed, crossing her arms about her chest.

"Really? You'll be okay?" Theo said, his voice hopeful.

"I'm sure I'll be able to survive the fifteen minutes it'll take to fix my skirt and pay. Just go. You're annoying me. We're fraternal twins, not conjoined. Honestly, Theo. I'm fine." she said, holding out her hand where her brother nearly threw the coin purse at her before he clamored out the door like a dog let off its leash.

She went to the mirror, wondering if she was being a bit presumptuous; buying a Slytherin Uniform before she'd been sorted. The girl shook her head and smirked; probably not, considering the last person in her family to not be sorted into Slytherin had been a great-great-great Aunt twice removed about forty years ago. That, and if she somehow wasn't sorted into Slytherin, she wouldn't have to worry about a replacement uniform, because her father would kill her before she ever got the chance to wear it. The girl crinkled her nose and grabbed a roll of green ribbon off the wall. She'd need it to tie up her monstrosity of a hairdo. Wild, unruly dark brown curls that never stayed where she put them, and refused to cooperate no matter what she did with them.

After getting Madam Malkin's guidance on the proper skirt size and paying for her five sets of uniforms, the ebony haired girl found herself walking into Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, groaning internally upon the sight of her brother and his best friend Blaise Zabini having an ice cream eating contest. Idiots.

(London, England September 1st, 1991)

It didn't matter that Thalia Nott had seen her twin brother and their friends rush at the cement wall of the charmed platform ten minutes ago, or that she'd been hearing about this her whole life, or even that she was not a stranger to magic in the slightest. Thalia Nott found it utterly ridiculous to run full force at a giant block of brick with a rolling cart. With that amount of momentum you'd be asking for a concussion upon arrival on the other side, if you asked her. She stood, stunned still staring up at the sign that plainly said "Platform 9 ¾" in red lettering. She swallowed thickly, the neck of her shirt suddenly feeling too tight.

Theo had already run through, effectively abandoning her. She hadn't expected anything less. They were both experiencing freedom for the first time. The twins were finally able to breathe easily, away from the suffocating grip of their father, Theobald Nott. They were both thrilled at the prospect of having a second dwelling for nine months out of the year for at least the next seven years. Aside from a good education, it provided sanctuary from their father with a distinct taste for firewhiskey, and a distinct lack of paternal instinct, and a fondness of a charmed leather strap when they misbehaved. So, it wasn't a surprise to see him go from her over-protective shadow to carefree 11-year-old boy as soon as he saw his friends. That's how he was supposed to be after all.

She wasn't sure how long she stood with her cart in front of the platform; at least twenty minutes, considering the number of trains that had passed her.

The girl politely declined when a rather worried Security Guard asked if she was lost, and ended up frowning, deciding that she was definitely too chicken to run through the platform. No, she'd much rather go to Hogwarts next year anyway, when she was older, wiser, more distinguished.

She pushed her cart over to a bench, sitting and staring into the carrier that held a regal looking white cat. He was a large beast, with almond shaped amber eyes and a pink nose, long silky white fur and with just looking at him, you'd never guess he was a complete moron. The cat had literally run into a door the other day, and when he found he couldn't simply walk through it, the animal backed up and tried again. She'd named him Hatter after the Mad Hatter in her favorite book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. He was just as clumsy, and probably just as mad as the Mad Hatter himself, so it seemed a fitting name.

The cat meowed at the girl, who frowned. "I promise we'll go next year. I just don't think either of us are ready for this kind of commitment. Do you?"

Meow.

"Well I'm glad you have that much self confidence, but not all of us are that self assured," Thalia huffed, turning away from the animal, crossing her legs.

She heard someone clear their throat behind her, to which a crimson flush flooded her cheeks. She tensed, not moving, hoping if she ignored them, they'd go away.

"So, you're speaking to cats now. That's new," a voice she just knew was accompanied by a smirk chortled behind her.

Thalia groaned. Perfect. "Yes, we get it, I'm odd and a little bit crazy. Now could you please go run off and do whatever it is that you do? I'm a little busy here," she said, the frown evident in her tone.

She didn't dare look up when she felt someone sit next to her. "Yes, I can see that," Draco Malfoy said, tugging at one of the girl's ringlets. "You do know the train leaves in forty-five minutes, right?" the blond said, gesturing towards the platform.

"No, that is brand new information. Please tell me more," the girl dead panned, looking up at him with a glare. "I know full well when the train leaves. I just won't be on it."

"While I'm sure dearest Teddy will simply be thrilled with that decision," the boy began sarcastically, "You were gabbing my ear off last weekend and driving me mad with all your packing lists and supply runs you needed to make to be "adequately prepared". What changed?" he asked, still trying to figure out exactly why he cared. There'd always been something about the small curly top that drew him in, and he'd always been confused as to why. The other girls in their group had never influenced him one way or the other, much less caused him to care for them.

"I'mscaredtorunontotheplatformIdon'twannadie," the girl rushed out, squishing her words together.

"Let's try that again, this time in English, Lia," the amused blond said, rolling his eyes at her.

"I'm scared to run at the platform. What stops you on the other side from running into something and getting a concussion?" she asked, feeling about as foolish as she sounded.

"Such a little worry wart," the Malfoy heir said, snickering. "Come on then. I'll run with you. It's honestly not a big deal," he said, bumping shoulders with her. "I'm still alive, aren't I? I ran onto the platform a bit ago." He encouraged, hoping she didn't ask him why he'd come back across, knowing he'd have to admit he'd come looking for her, noticing her absence.

"Yes, but you're not exactly smart enough for there to be a noticeable difference were you to have gotten brain damage," she said, the beginnings of a smile on her face.

"Oh, Thalia, I'm wounded, truly," the boy said, poking her side. "Let's go. We can't be late." He said, pulling her off the bench and dragging her over to the platform.

The petite girl tensed, readying herself for the imminent pain she was surely about to experience. She looked to Draco. "So, we just run?"

The boy nodded. "Yeah. We just run," he said, looking around him anxiously before offering the girl his hand. He may care, but he had a reputation to uphold. He couldn't be seen actually helping her. No, that would be ridiculous.

Thalia grabbed his hand in a vice-like grip as they began jogging, picking up speed. As she neared the wall, she slammed her eyes shut, bracing for impact. When it didn't come and she felt Draco pull her to a stop, the brunette gingerly opened her eyes. "I'm alive?!"

"Of course. It's magic," he said, chuckling.

Draco grabbed the handle of her knapsack, as well as the carrier that held her cat and handed them to her, placing his trunk on top of hers on the luggage cart.

"That's all you need with you. The rest goes in the baggage car. That's what my Mum said." he explained, pushing the cart over to the conductor who was accepting baggage. He continued on, walking over to a large group of boys with Theo near the center. "You should really keep better track of her. I found her on the muggle side of the gate having a panic attack, Nott," Malfoy snapped, shoving Theo's shoulder roughly.

"Excuse me for believing she could accomplish running twenty yards without me," he said, narrowing his gaze at the taller boy. Thalia flushed at the insult, staring down at her shoes, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

"Well maybe you should've checked before you ran off to kiss up to the fourth years!" Draco boomed, pushing his chest out, standing up straight to his full height, a good four inches taller than the older Nott.

"Gods, Malfoy what are you, my father? Lighten up a bit… jeez."

"You both realize I'm right here, don't you?" she asked, and soon realized her question was rhetorical as they'd both been distracted from their argument and taken away by the group, the topic of conversation changing. She shook her head, thoroughly done with the lot of them, at least for a little bit. She decided to venture onto the train early, hoping to find an empty compartment she could claim for herself.

Eventually finding one, she sat her cat carrier on the seat and struggling to reach the storage above them for her bag. After a minute or so of hopeless stretching, she settled for tucking the bag under the seat. Thalia pulled her wand out of her jacket pocket, staring at it. It was still a little daunting. Fourteen inches, made of Hawthorn with a Phoenix Feather Core. She swished it experimentally, and giggled when the door to her cat's cage swung open. The feline stared at her balefully, looking bored. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Well I know it's not all that impressive, but I'm not too skilled yet, am I?" she asked him, looking out the window, and an excited grin on her face.

(Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, September 1st, 1991)

This must be what cows feel like, Thalia mused as she and the other hundred or so first years were herded off the grounds and into the castle, clamoring down a staircase to the entryway before the Great Hall. She spotted her brother and Draco further up ahead, raising an eyebrow as she saw Draco talking to Harry Potter. Interesting.

The castle fit no description she'd ever heard. It was massive and regal, with ornate stonework, which would have seemed daunting and cold, if it weren't for the vines of ivy growing along the walls. The lights were all golden, it seemed, giving the large opposing structure warmth. It exuded security, safety, and contentment. The only proper description, she thought, was the one Mrs. Malfoy had offered her two years ago when she consoled the girl after she'd fled her home when her father was in one of his rages.

"I know it's going to be difficult these next years, Thalia. Just hold on, because Hogwarts is waiting for you. It feels like coming home, when you walk into the castle for the first time. I promise. Hogwarts will be your home, and you know you and your brother are welcome here anytime, yes?"

The dark haired child grinned as they were finally ushered into the Great Hall, staring at the bewitched ceiling, marveling at the floating candles and stars she was finally seeing in person.

"The ceiling is insane." Blaise Zabini whispered in her ear as he shoved a boy aside as he came to stand next to her. Thalia nodded and chuckled, bumping his shoulder with hers. She had grown up right alongside Blaise, Draco and of course Theo, so they were all extremely close.

"So's the half giant at the staff's table." She whispered back, pointing discretely at the mountain of a man sitting next to a small man who had to be at least half goblin he was so short. The pair snickered as the group of first years slid closer together in the front of the Great Hall.

As the new students waited for Professor McGonagall to call their names to be sorted, it was all Thalia could do to keep from projectile vomiting on the marble flooring from nerves. She'd never been good at making friends, and she'd only just realized how truly horrible it would be to end up in any other house except Slytherin. After all, she had only been told of how things worked at Hogwarts in that specific house. She would be way out of her element should she be stuck anywhere else.

Though she supposed The Sorting Hat knew what it was doing, so if she was truly supposed to be somewhere else it couldn't possibly be the end of the world…. Right?

"Thalia Nott!" Minerva McGonagall's regal voice carried out over the Great Hall, and the dark haired child felt a shiver run up her spine. She cursed the fact that her name came first alphabetically, even though Theo was older by twelve minutes. She wasn't used to being called first, of the two siblings.

As she took careful steps towards the stool next to the Gryffindor Head of House, she had to fight back a smile as she saw Draco nod at her from the Slytherin Table, pointing to the spot next to him, a smirk on his face. Theo looked about as nauseous as she did, and Blaise looked irritated. He must have realized this was done alphabetically.

Her friends were idiots, but at least they were decently sweet idiots.

She sat on the stool, and was unable to look at the hundreds of eyes peering right at her. So, with shut eyes, she felt the hat be placed upon her head.

"Your thoughts are quite clear. You'd choose the darkest House for yourself, hmmm?" she heard the deep timbre of the Hat's voice waft over the crowd, effectively silencing everyone.

"N-no.. I-I mean… i-it's just my whole family's been in Slytherin. Darkest house?" the child whispered, her head dipping slightly, confused and slightly embarrassed.

"And a Nott as well? You come from a long line of incredibly intelligent magic, little Nott," the Hat said, but for some reason, that didn't sound like a compliment.

"Er… thank you?" she responded, unsure of what was taking the Hat so long.

"I'm allowed to take my time every now and again, especially with someone as challenging as yourself." the Hat roared, causing the child to flinch. "You're much too…. Cunning for Gryffindor, oh and definitely too witty for Hufflepuff, no that's a much more… relaxed group of youngsters…" the Hat mused, and Thalia had never felt more exposed. The Hat hadn't talked this much with the other students. "I suppose I could toss you in Ravenclaw, you've got the wit for it, indeed… but you're too passionate for that," she felt her shoulders relax. "So yes, I guess you get to carry on the family tradition, Little Nott. SLYTHERIN," The Hat boomed, sending the entire Slytherin table to their feet, roars of applause and shouting carrying through the Great Hall.

Thalia beamed, jumping out of the stool as soon as the Hat left her head, running over to her house's table, grinning as Draco shoved Gregory Goyle out of the way so she could sit next to him, the glass in front of her magically filling with pumpkin juice. As she took a sip, she could have sworn she felt someone tug one of her curls, but when she turned around to look, no one was around her.

She sat at her house's table, and realized she was wrong before. Hogwarts may be her new world, but Slytherin was definitely her new home. Mrs. Malfoy was right. She finally had a home.