AU: MAYBE some of you will recognize me from FictionPress. Yes, I am also chewyy the moofin on there too.
Now, I'm trying my hand at writing FanFiction, because... well. Sometimes, it's better to write about a world that's already been made up for you, and easier too.
Anyway, thanks for reading! And yes. I do have a slightly obsession with Draco Malfoy. :D
Disclaimer: (I forgot to do this.) By the way, I obviously don't own Harry Potter. (Insert phrase about how I wish Draco Malfoy was in my closet.)
Enjoy!
Caging the Prince
Chapter One
Draco Malfoy.
Smart (more or less because of bribery, but he felt that the way it was executed was what made him smart), wealthy (a fact everyone in the wizarding world knew), and most of all, above all else;
Sexy. Duh.
How else would he have the reputation as the Slytherin Prince? What else could explain the hordes of girls who followed his every move, who created fanclubs and drowned him in chocolates every Valentines' Day?
The only girl who didn't fall under his charms was the one he'd least wanted anyway; Hermione Granger, that annoying mudblood who was part of Potty's little group.
Although he did catch her looking his way less hatefully sometimes.
He always made a point to smirk gloriously when he did.
Anyway, the point was, there was no girl who didn't fall under his charms.
Draco's fourth year was blossoming and flourishing, and there was nothing that could bring him down.
Little did he know, across the castle, in Dumbledore's office, a girl sat dully in an armchair, twiddling a silver locket and chain around her neck, reading a book with the Sorting Hat on her head.
That girl would be his downfall.
Tenebrae wondered how on earth she'd ended up there.
A few months ago, the wizarding world had been a place in books, a place to escape. She had no idea that what was happening now.
In the fire before her, a blaze burned with more vigor than usual, thanks to the surplus of paper to burn.
Tenebrae tried to focus on the words before her, trying her best to memorize the words, trying her best to remember them, to seal them inside her mind.
The final page passed, and she closed the book.
"No, no. One more time," she muttered, opening the book again to the very last few pages.
Closing it once more, she turned it over, so the cover faced upwards.
"That is very peculiar indeed," the Sorting Hat muttered.
Tenebrae's fingers traced the outline of the book, and the words she had read so many times before were burned into her mind once again.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Remember that, she told herself, just as she had done with the six previous books, which were now in the fire.
The door to the office opened, and Tenebrae heard footsteps.
That would be Dumbledore and the Potter kid, she was sure.
Now, it was her choice. Throw the book into the fire, or keep it?
The footsteps neared, and she could hear soft voices.
Taking the book, she shoved it into her bag, and right in time too.
"Harry, this is Tenebrae. Tenebrae Lorem."
Tenebrae stood up awkwardly, easily the same height as Harry. Long, wiry black hair cascaded like whispers down to midback. Straight bangs drifted downwards, ending right below her eyes, successfully hiding them from view.
Tenebrae's thin fingers moved them out of the way, gingerly, to look at the boy before her.
She knew what he had been through. She'd read about it.
His green eyes were met with an odd pair. The color of Tenebrae's eyes was pale, a very pale but dark blue, somehow dotted with grey.
With a gentle smile, she held out a hand.
"How do you do, Harry?"
The Sorting Hat smirked at Harry from its place on her head, and as Harry shook her hand and noticed how soft and small it was, he noticed that it was also icy and cold, though she had been in front of a fire for God knows how long.
"I would like you to show Ms Lorem around the school. Make sure she knows her way around, we wouldn't want her getting lost, would we?"
Dumbledore smiled at Tenebrae, and she remarked the little twinkle in the corner of his eyes.
"That would not be good," Tenebrae said softly.
"Professor Dumbledore, could I speak to you for a moment?" Harry said, slightly nervously.
"Of course."
The two of them went over, closer to Dumbledore's desk.
Tenebrae sat back down, waiting.
She went through the previous events in her mind.
A few months ago, Tenebrae had finally gotten around to picking up the Harry Potter books. As many of her friends had told her, they enveloped her and transported her to a completely different world. But this transportation only became more and more real.
In her previous life, her appearance began to change. Previously dark eyes became lighter and lighter everyday, and she began to lose weight drastically as well. Sometimes, Tenebrae felt like she couldn't focus, as if there was something distracting her.
Most of all, she wanted to read those books, every day and every night, non-stop. When Tenebrae had finished the seventh book, as a joke, she pretended to be a witch.
She pretended to cast a spell, trying to lift a book off the table like Hermione lifted the feather.
"Wingardium leviosa!"
She made the movement, not with a makeshift wand, but just with her hands.
And the weird thing was, the book lifted off the table.
At first, Tenebrae was confused. Was she imagining it? What was happening?
Tenebrae started doing more. She scanned and poured over the books, trying to figure out spells and how to do them. She advanced quickly, and it all seemed to come so easily to her.
However, as she continued to practice her magic, she became more and more distant to the world around her. Tenebrae stopped going to school, and her parents no longer checked in as much as they did before. It was as if she was becoming invisible.
And then, one day, as she practiced in her room, she heard a pecking noise at the window.
Going to it, she was surprised to see a rather malevolent owl, furiously tapping outside.
And with it, a letter.
She took the letter from the owl, careful not to get pecked. Turning the parchment over, that seal she'd always seen in movies was there, red and proud. Hastily, she opened the letter, eyes scanning over it so quickly that she missed it all. She calmed herself and began to read slowly, taking in every single word.
Dear Ms Tenebrae Lorem,
The world of Harry Potter is supposed to be fictional. It's only supposed to be real in books, and the spells you are currently casting are not supposed to be fully functional, unless you are a witch or a wizard. But it is real, and you are a witch, Ms Lorem. As to why you did not receive this letter when you were eleven years old, or why your powers have appeared in such ways, these are questions to which I do not have answers. However, I think you would agree that in order to allow these questions to be answered, and for you to continue improving your skills, your attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is essential. I, Albus Dumbledore, will apparate into your room at eight o'clock in the morning, of October 6th. All the supplies required for your year will be present, and everything needed will be provided.
Till then,
Albus Dumbledore.
"This is a joke... right?" Tenebrae whispered to herself. The letter fell to the floor, and she paced her room a few times.
"It's got to be some kind of trick. This is not possible."
But her body seemed to move on its own. She found herself packing clothes and getting her things. She packed everything she could think of, including a few books and other necessary items. When she was done, she stared at the calendar. If this letter was true, the next morning, Professor Dumbledore would apparate into her room, and she'd be swept away into a completely different world.
A world she thought had only existed in her mind and those of the million other kids who'd read the series.
What was going on?
Tenebrae decided to sleep on it, and after clearing her bed of the Harry Potter books, she tucked herself into bed, and tried to convince herself that this was all just a dream.
The next morning, a loud crack had jolted her awake. As she sat up, she rubbed her eyes many times. Before her, an old man with a long white beard and twinkling eyes and a blue robe stared at her.
"What a cozy room," he said, remarking on the many posters on the wall.
"Thanks," Tenebrae said cautiously. "So... you're... Dumbledore?"
"Yes, that I am sure of. And you are Ms Tenebrae Lorem?"
"Yes."
"Well, do you have your things?"
Tenebrae glanced at her suitcase and backpack on the floor.
"Yes."
"Are you ready to depart? You have quite a day ahead of you."
"Nope."
Dumbledore laughed heartily, and before she knew it, she was dressed and standing beside him.
The rest of the day's events passed by like a blur. She got supplies, got robes, and even got a cute black kitten. It was like a dream, but every time she tried to wake herself up (not that she wanted to), nothing happened and things stayed the same.
Everything was exactly the way it had been described in the book, but the movies were fairly accurate as well, in its setting and interpretation. The wondrous castle was huge and daunting, but had a certain warmth to it as well.
"Erm, sir?"
"Yes?" Dumbledore was also just as he was depicted in the books.
"What year is Harry Potter in right now?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Fourth."
"Goblet of Fire..." Tenebrae whispered to herself.
Dumbledore did not question her whispers, but Tenebrae knew that somehow, he knew as well.
For a very long time, the two of them discussed many matters inside the office, but what surprised Tenebrae was that Dumbledore refused to hear about what was to happen. He eyed the seven books, which she had brought along, quite carefully, but refused to touch them as well.
"Ms Lorem, the choice is now yours to make. I am not sure as to why you have been brought into our world, and why now, but I am quite confident that you play a significant role in this. The big picture." Tenebrae gulped. "It is ultimately your choice as to whether you would like to continue the possession of these books, but know now that these are extremely dangerous. If someone like Voldemort was to get their hands on these books, many things could go very wrong. Knowledge is power, but power is corruption, Tenebrae. However, this is a decision that is yours to make."
Tenebrae nodded gravely, completely understanding of the situation, however 'Twilight Zone' it seemed. Somehow, she fell into the rhythm of this world easily.
Dumbledore explained further. "You seem to have been quite ardent in your studies independently, so this is what we shall do. Each teacher will individually go over how much you have learned, and have you catch up with your year. Ironically, you are in the same one as Mr Potter." Another twinkling look from the professor. "I suppose you are already aware of most of the customs of this school, such as the Yule Ball, etcetera. I do hope that you will find yourself comfortable, though you have been thrown into such a different atmosphere so suddenly."
"I adapt quickly, Professor. There's nothing to worry about."
"I see that. It is an admirable trait, indeed."
"But Professor, what about the Housing situation? And when will I be put with the rest of the students?" In truth, Tenebrae was quite eager to meet Harry, Hermione and Ron. She was eager to meet everybody, really, though they had no idea who she was.
"Ahh, yes, the sorting, we shall do in the Great Hall during dinner."
"In front of everyone?" Tenebrae couldn't help but feel slightly daunted.
"Indeed. Have you any objections?"
"Nope," Tenebrae replied.
"Good."
Two weeks went by, and Halloween was was coming closer. Tenebrae also knew it as the date of the announcement of the Triwizard Tournament participants.
Now, she had just met the Chosen One himself, and was soon to be sorted.
"Tenebrae? We're going to the Great Hall now. You'll be sorted soon." But at the same time, Harry glanced at the hat already on her head.
"Go on then," the hat snapped.
Led by Dumbledore, the three made their way to the hall. Tenebrae had quickly become acquainted with the teachers. During their lessons, they saw her as quite an ardent and persevering student. Though they, too, were confused as to why she had appeared so suddenly in the year, they chose not to question. McGonagall already seemed to favor the girl, and her spells and potions had been pulled off so well, that even Snape had to congratulate her one or two times.
However, they knew that this would soon change when she was sorted into a House.
The Sorting Hat stayed on her head, and it was cranky from its uncomfortable placement. Dumbledore had insisted that the Hat consider this girl for a longer amount of time, but the Hat already had his answer.
Oh yes, he did.
All eyes in the Great Hall turned to Tenebrae like predators on the Serengeti, as she walked into the room. Tenebrae could recognize a few faces, and also recognized Hermione's bushy hair, and the Weasley's bright fire-engine red hair.
She smiled, and wondered what house she would be put in.
The whole hall was silent, and the silence was defeaning, but Tenebrae didn't really mind. She was used to it, really.
"Tenebrae Lorem," McGonagall said. It echoed throughout the Great Hall.
The Sorting Hat considered its choices for a few more moments, as she stood on the steps at the long table, where many professors were situated.
"None," it said.
Suddenly, Tenebrae's heart rate began to speed up. Had she heard wrong?
Murmurs and whispers broke out throughout the hall, as many people turned to gossip with each other.
None? How could that be? For all the years at Hogwarts, they had never encountered that problem.
The professors looked at each other in surprise as well, and Dumbledore smiled, as if he had expected exactly that to happen.
"This is Tenebrae. Since the Sorting Hat cannot sort her, she will not have a house. Please treat her nicely." Dumbledore put a hand on her shoulder. "Harry Potter will be the representative for Gryffindor. Each house will elect one person to show Tenebrae around, in their own ways, and she may do what she wants."
Though some of the teachers disliked what he had said, those who had taught her for the brief two weeks knew that she was not one to do something idiotic or foolish. The responsibility entrusted in her was great, but far more great and burdening than any of them had weighed.
Harry came forward and led Tenebrae to where he, Hermione and Ron sat. They were introduced, but she said nothing about the fact that she knew about them already. Many other people from the table came to greet her, to welcome her, and from the next table over, Cho Chang stared at her jealously.
Tenebrae rolled her eyes, but then she saw Cedric Diggory, and wanted to cry yet again, as she had in the end of the fourth book.
But she bit her lip.
She mustn't reveal anything.
She knew, since in all the clichéd stories and fanfiction she had read, anything that tampered with 'history' would affect the future and the outcome greatly.
Tenebrae vowed to herself that she would not affect it so.
But, why was she here?
The trio insisted that she dig in to the food, and that she looked too feeble to even lift a weight (courtesy of Ron, proceeded by a punch from Hermione to him).
When they were done, Dumbledore informed her that she could stay with the Gryffindors, and Hermione led her eagerly. The two boys had already gone ahead, and the two girls chattered.
However, as they drifted out at the back of the herd, Tenebrae felt two eyes on her.
Turning, she caught the gaze of icy eyes, which stared right into her heart.
"Who's that?" she asked absentmindedly, though she already knew who it was.
"Oh, it's just Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. He's bad news, Tenebrae. He's a part of Slytherin." Tenebrae began to unconsciously drown out Hermione's rants about him, for the icy blue eyes interested her much more than they had in the book. Somehow, Tenebrae sensed something more.
Much more.
Suddenly, the boy smirked, and lifted his head.
He was turning on the charm, Tenebrae could sense. At that exact moment, she rolled her eyes, detesting his cocky and arrogant manner. She turned back to Hermione, and asked her about studies and how she would navigate around the school. (Tenebrae had already received her schedule.)
But as they got to the stairs, a cold hand froze itself on her shoulder, and Tenebrae just about screamed, but kept her cool and calm persona.
The two girls whirled around, and Hermione's eyes hardened.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" she said with venom.
"Oh, sod off, mudblood. I just want to talk to this girl, before she gets tainted by your corrupt Golden Trio."
Tenebrae saw the hurt in her eyes, and tried to hurry this process up. However, she knew better than to insult the Slytherin Prince at first meeting.
"Yes?" she said, with a cut and curt tone.
"I'd suggest that you do not make friends with the... wrong people."
"I believe I can make friends with whomever I wish," Tenebrae replied easily. "Now, I'd appreciate if you do not touch me as if we are close friends, for contrary to your popular belief, not every girl melts at your touch."
Sarcastic, a little too much. Tenebrae reprimanded herself lightly, but shrugged it off. What's done is done.
"Feisty, aren't you? That's how I like them."
"Sorry, I don't speak egoistic arrogant pig. Let's go, Hermione."
Her equally cold fingers tore his hand away from her shoulder, and gave an icy glare.
Dealing with people like that was bothersome, but she supposed that it had to be done. The two girls laughed as they climbed the stairs, falling into an easy pace.
"Did you see his face?! That was funny! You're a natural," Hermione praised.
"Haha, thanks!"
At the base of the stairs, a slightly humiliated but more fired up Draco Malfoy stared at the girl who walked away from him.
That mudblood Granger was annoying enough, but now this?
Whatever. He'd catch her staring at him lustfully. And he'd use that.
Cocky, much?
But Draco didn't know how hard it really would be.
R&R.
-chewyy.