Chapter Two ~ Cousins Meet
Shasa Perino
"Michelle! Mail!" Mrs. Brandberg called up the stairs to her only daughter. "Hurry up! It's from a cousin of yours!"
Michelle Alexia Brandberg bounded down the stairs and ran into the kitchen. She couldn't believe her ears when she heard that her cousin was writing to her. She only knew of one cousin, and he was very nice, but he lived in Wales. His name was Paul. She loved hearing from him, even if it was only once or twice a year.
Mrs. Brandberg handed her daughter the letter. "Here you go, honey."
Michelle tore open the envelope like a mad man. She looked down at the signature and her face fell. "Mom-"
"What is it, dear?"
"This letter isn't from Paul."
"Well, then. Who is it from?"
"Some guy named Salazar."
"Oh, yes. He's a very distant cousin of yours, but a cousin none the less."
"Why didn't you tell me about him until now?"
"I didn't think you would ever know him. So, what's the letter say?"
Michelle skimmed over the letter. She was flabbergasted. "It says that he wants to teach me magic at a school that he and three other people formed."
"Let me read the letter." After having the letter being handed back to her, she read it. As she was nearing the end, her face looked exactly like her daughter's.
"So?"
"Why don't you go? It sounds nice enough…" Her mother trailed off.
"I want to stay here and learn magic from you and Daddy!"
"No. Michelle, how many times have I told you that we were looking for a wizard or witch to teach you? We have not the time nor money to teach you. I'm sorry, dear, but you are going to this school whether you like it or not."
Michelle ran upstairs to her room, slammed the door shut, locked it, and flopped down on her bed crying.
"I don't care what Mummy says. I'm not going to have some stranger teach me magic!"
~
The next morning, a silver flash bolted up towards Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When it finally slowed, you could tell that it was a horse. A female rider was in the saddle. She was whispering in the horse's ear.
"It's alright, Moonglow. We're almost there." She looked up at the castle that was looming in the distance. "Just a little bit farther now."
As the horse cantered nearer and nearer to his destination, his rider sighed. "I can't believe I'm going through with this."
When they reached the entrance, a man was waiting for the girl. He said, "Hello, Michelle. Welcome to Hogwarts." His voice sounded dull, without one single hint of excitement.
"Hello, erm," She checked her letter. "Salazar, is it?"
The man's oily voice replied, "I would prefer it if you called me Slytherin."
"Erm, alright. So, uh, what do I do first?"
"We will go inside and wait in the Great Hall. We have three more students coming."
"Who has three more students coming?"
"Tsk, tsk. Too many questions will get you in trouble."
Michelle looked at her feet. "Sorry…"
"Don't be. That's the first rule a witch has got to learn. Never apologize to your enemies."
"I'm so-. I mean I have another question."
Slytherin's voice was beginning to sound like a snake more and more. "Go ahead."
"Well, you said to never apologize to your enemies." Michelle looked up and Slytherin was nodding. "So, are you my enemy?"
Slytherin snorted. "Everyone is your enemy in a wizard's duel. Now let's move. It's getting rather cold out."
"But what shall I do with Moonglow?"
"There's a stable around back. Go tie him up and meet me in the Great Hall."
"But where is the Great Hall?" Michelle turned around, expecting an answer. When she looked, no one was there. "Great. Just great." She walked around the castle and finally found the stable. She got Moonglow settled and made sure he had food and water. She laid her head on his back and began to cry. "I don't want to be here, Moonglow! If that man was my cousin, I'll – ugh!" She continued to cry and talk to her horse for what seemed like an eternity.
~
Suddenly, a hand gripped onto Michelle's shoulder. She screamed.
The owner of the hand spoke. It was Slytherin. "Come now, Michelle. We have to go up to the Great Hall. The other students will be arriving soon."
Michelle wailed, "What other students!?!"
"Come now. I will explain it all when we get to the Great Hall." His face broke into a strange smile – sort of. It looked like he hadn't tried to comfort anyone like this in a long time.
A/N: So, what do you think? I think it's kind of soap opera ish, but that's how I picture Michelle reacting to Slytherin. It's also how I picture Slytherin reacting to her.
I think there will be at least 10 chapters. I'm not sure yet, though. In your reviews, I would appreciate it if you would tell me how many chapters you would like. If you do this, don't forget to actually put a review! =D
One last thing. I would like to thank Ms. Mayday Mayhem for giving me the character of Michelle. Thank you!!
Adios for now.