Chapter Eight:
Green Eyes
"White Pawn to C4."
"Black Pawn to C5."
"I can't believe this." Sylvia huffed while she watched Draco's pawn knock hers off of the table. "And I thought Pai Sho was hard."
"Pai Sho?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Is that some strange muggle game?"
"Yes. I think I only won once, but that's because I was so frustrated that my magic played the game for me," she said.
"Well, you won't be able to cheat your way out of this." He grinned, but she saw his expression fall a little. "Black Pawn to C6."
She examined the spaces and realized that his pawn was in the path of her knight. "White Knight to C6."
Her knight moved down diagonally and sliced his pawn through with its sword.
"Ha! I got one." She pumped her fist in the air.
He rolled his eyes. "Beginner's luck."
Sylvia let out a small yawn. It was the middle of the night, and despite her resistance, she felt exhaustion slowly creep in. However, Draco was riddled with insomnia and had asked her to keep him company. Well, maybe not in those exact words, but she could tell that's what he meant.
Abraxas had passed away only a week ago, and Draco wasn't handling the loss very well. His eyes were red and puffy, and every now and then he'd sniffle. Even as he contemplated his next move, he looked distracted, and although Sylvia didn't care for his grandfather, she felt sorry for Draco.
"Are you nervous, too?" she said.
He glanced at her and mumbled an abrupt. "About what?"
"Hogwarts. We're going to leave in two weeks." She sighed. "There's so many classes, and who knows what the other students will be like. Don't you think all of this is overwhelming?"
He shrugged. "Hardly."
She lowered her head. "But what if I'm no good?"
"Sylvia, magic is your birth right, remember? You'll certainly do better than any mud-blood." He slouched back in his chair and folded his arms. "And you'll be with me. You have nothing to worry about."
"But it could go either way for me. Sure my real dad and the majority of his side were in Slytherin, but my real mom was in Ravenclaw," she said.
Draco snorted. "I doubt you'd get Ravenclaw."
She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"What are you two still doing up at this hour?"
Sylvia and Draco turned to see Narcissa standing in his bedroom doorway.
"We couldn't sleep, Mother," Draco said.
Sylvia stretched her arms and yawned, revealing his fib. Narcissa glanced her son over with a furrowed brow before walking over to them.
"Sylvia, why don't you head back to your room? We're going school shopping tomorrow. Don't want you two oversleeping," Narcissa said.
"Yes, Mrs. Malfoy." Sylvia stood from the table. "Goodnight, Draco. Everything will alright."
Draco looked away from her, his eyes watery.
Sighing, she returned to her room and went to bed.
….
Sylvia had seen Diagon Alley busy before, but nothing like this. The streets and shops were packed to the brim with parents shopping for their children, and it was difficult not to get lost in the crowds. The first stop on the Malfoys' list was Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions.
Narcissa ushered Sylvia and Draco inside. The shop-keeper was nowhere in sight, and Narcissa rang the bell on the front desk. After a few minutes, a plump, middle-aged woman, dressed in pale, orange robes, stepped out of the dressing room.
"Good day, Mrs. Malfoy." The woman smiled.
"Good day, Madam Malkin." Narcissa gestured to Sylvia and Draco. "I'm here to have the little ones fitted for their Hogwarts robes. They'll need three each with the finest material you have."
"Very well." Malkin calculated the order in her books. "That'll be a hundred and twenty galleons."
Narcissa paid the required amount of money before turning her attention to Sylvia and Draco. "I want you two to stay here while your father and I purchase your books and supplies."
"Yes, Mother," Draco said.
"Yes, Mrs. Malfoy," Sylvia said.
Narcissa left the shop, and Malkin guided them to the side of the waiting room.
"Wait here, dears. I will call you once it's your turn." She returned to the dressing room.
Sylvia and Draco took a seat and waited for Malkin to finish with the other children. Soon, a teenaged boy left the dressing room, holding black robes with gold and black embroidery. Behind him was an eleven-year-old girl. Her dark hair only reached her ears, and her face appeared pushed in like a pug's.
The girl glanced to the side, her gaze focusing on Draco, and she stared at him, her brow furrowed. "Let me guess, you're a Malfoy?"
"Draco Malfoy." He gave her a curt nod. "And you are?"
The girl blushed, and she quickly curtsied for him. "I'm Pansy Parkinson. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Parkinson… yes, I remember your family." His tone was nonchalant in spite of her overeagerness. "First year too?"
Pansy nodded. "Yes. Isn't this exciting?"
"Indeed. It's nice to meet you, Pansy." Sylvia smiled and held out her hand. "I'm Sylvia Hexington."
Pansy's enchanted expression instantly went sour, and she looked at Sylvia with a sneer. "Who cares?"
Sylvia dropped her hand at her side. "No need to be rude."
"Like I'd waste my manners on a blood-traitor like you." Pansy scoffed.
"Sylvia is with me, Parkinson," Draco said.
"You two?" Pansy shifted her gaze between them, her face bright red. "But that's impossible. Absolutely scandalous."
It took Sylvia a moment to realize what Pansy was implying before shaking her head. "No, no, not like that."
"I say, Parkinson, have you been living under a rock these past few months? Surely the rumors have spread amongst our families' circles?" Draco rolled his eyes. "My parents took Sylvia in as a member of our household, and do you truly believe the prestigious Malfoy Family would ever accept filth?"
"Why no, I…." Pansy's voice faltered, and she stepped back.
"Then I suggest you do not insult my family again." He frowned. "Sylvia is a pure-blood through and through."
"Forgive me, Malfoy. I did not mean to offend." She narrowed her eyes at Sylvia. "But I'd still keep an eye on her if I were you. Her family's been nothing but trouble for decades."
"Draco has nothing to worry about." Sylvia folded her arms. "Although, I have a feeling you will."
"Pansy–" A woman in elegant, purple robes stood in the shop doorway. "Time to go, love."
"Coming, Mother." Pansy smiled at Draco. "See you in Slytherin, Malfoy."
She gave Sylvia one last dirty look before leaving the shop with her mother.
Sylvia sighed. "So much for making new friends."
"You're family built a bad reputation, but once you turn it around, they'll let up," Draco said.
Malkin exited the dressing room and looked at them. "It's your turn, dears."
Sylvia and Draco followed Malkin and were placed on two pedestals in front of the large mirror. Sylvia counted the minutes until Malkin and her young assistant were done poking her with pins and squeezing her with measuring tape. An hour had passed before she was able to step down with three sets of school robes.
"Just wait outside, dear." Malkin returned her attention to Draco's robes. "And send the next student in, will you please?"
Nodding, Sylvia returned to the waiting room, but she tripped on a snag in the carpet, sending herself and her robes tumbling to the floor.
"Great." Sylvia stood and scrambled to retrieve her robes.
"Here, let me help you."
Sylvia looked up and saw an eleven-year-old boy pick up one of the robes. When he handed it to her, she got a full glimpse of him. He was a little taller than her, but had such a thin frame that his oversized clothes could've fallen straight off. His fair skin contrasted with his messy, dark hair, and behind a pair of taped glasses were the prettiest green eyes she had ever seen.
What are you thinking? You don't even fancy boys yet. She took the robe from him and mumbled a quick, "Thank you. Um, I'm…."
Tongue-tied, Sylvia's gaze dropped to the floor. She wanted to say her name, but it felt like every time she did, she was met with scrutiny and disapproval.
I don't want to be judged for my real family, just me. She looked at the boy. "I'm Sylvia."
The boy nodded, but was hesitant to introduce himself as well. After a few moments, he shook his head and smiled.
"I'm Harry," he said.
"It's nice to meet you, Harry." She smiled. "Are you going to Hogwarts too?"
He nodded.
"Well, I'll see you there." She pointed back at the dressing room. "Madam Malkin said she was ready for you."
"Oh, thank you." Harry headed into the dressing room.
Once he was gone, Sylvia felt her face flush. What's wrong with me? I shouldn't act this silly over a boy, but he was so cute. I hope I can see him again at school.
It was another ten minutes before Draco stepped into the waiting room with his robes in hand. "Have my parents returned?"
She shook her head.
"While we wait, take a look at this." Draco gestured at the window.
Sylvia looked in the direction he was pointing and saw a very large man standing amongst the crowd. He had scraggly hair, and his clothes were worn, with several patches sown in.
"Who is that?" She looked at Draco with a furrowed brow.
"The half-breed giant that tends to the grounds at Hogwarts." His nose scrunched in disgust. "Just look at him. I hope they keep him locked outside, and apparently he's escorting that boy who came in after you. How embarrassing. Couldn't the school have sent someone more civilized?"
Sylvia remained silent and nodded along with his commentary. While the man looked unkempt and a little scary due to his size, she didn't think there was anything wrong with him.
"The boy? You mean Harry?" she said.
"He told you his name?" Receiving a nod, Draco's eyes widened. "You mean he's… that was Potter?"
"I don't know. He never told me his surname, and there could be a ton of Harrys." She bit her lip. Could it really be him? He wasn't what I expected, but appearances can be deceiving.
"He told me that his parents were dead, and he's the right age." Draco smiled. "Come on. Let's ask him."
"Wait." Sylvia placed a hand on his shoulder. "He was reluctant to tell me his name. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know who he is?"
"Why not? He's famous." Draco glanced at the dressing room. "If I were him, I'd want everyone to know."
"But look how he's dressed. Important people like him prefer to lay low in public." She rolled her eyes. "And if I were him, I'd like to shop in peace without strange people bombarding me with awkward questions."
Narcissa entered the shop with a few bags in hand. "Ready, dears?"
"Mother, we met Harry Potter," Draco said.
Narcissa gasped. "Really? Where is he?"
"In the dressing room." He smiled. "May we invite him to join us? He isn't with a proper guardian, just that disgusting grounds keeper."
Lucius stepped inside, his father's walking stick in hand. Sylvia noticed that he had become more reserved since Abraxas' passing, and when he spoke, his tone was low, almost grave.
"Ah, that explains why that bumbling oaf is here." Lucius sneered. "I'm sure you'll have another chance to get acquainted with Potter, Draco, for now, we must leave. We have a schedule to keep."
Draco sighed. "Yes, Father."
The four of them left Madam Malkin's and headed toward Ollivanders Wand Shop. When they stepped inside, the place was much quieter than the other ones. It smelled of wood and parchment, and beyond the desk were shelves upon shelves of boxes.
"If it isn't the Malfoy family." An elderly man appeared at the desk and greeted them with a bright smile. "Welcome back, Lucius. Narcissa. Why it seems like only yesterday when you two received your first wands."
"Yes, Mr. Ollivander. Time certainly flies," Lucius said.
"Now we're here for our son, Draco, and little Sylvia." Narcissa ushered them forward.
Sylvia saw Ollivander's keen eyes glance her over, and he met her gaze before nodding.
"Fourteen inches, Alder, and Unicorn Hair, for your mother, and for your father, thirteen and a quarter inches, Blackthorn, and Dragon Heartstring." He stepped out from behind the desk and approached her. "The former suited for a gentle soul, and the latter, a warrior. I have a feeling, Ms. Hexington, that you'll be an interesting case like Mr. Potter."
"So Potter is in Diagon Alley." Draco looked at Sylvia. "I told you."
He must be. Sylvia gasped. I can't believe I finally met Harry Potter, and I made a complete fool of myself.
Ollivander returned to the desk. "Now, who would like to go first?"
Sylvia tried to beat Draco to the desk, but it was harder to run in her dress.
"Very well, young Mr. Malfoy. Let's have a look at your arm." Ollivander took Draco's right arm and measured up to his elbow. "Ten inches should suite you. Your father and mother both favored Elm, so let's see which core suits you best."
Ollivander walked over to the shelves and retrieved two boxes. He opened the first and presented the wand to Draco.
"Ten inches, Elm, Dragon Heartstring," he said.
Draco waved the wand, but it charged with static, making his slicked-back hair stand on end. Sylvia covered her mouth, stifling her giggles, and he glared at her.
"No, that won't do." Ollivander presented Draco with the second wand. "Ten inches, Elm, and Unicorn Hair."
This time when Draco tried the wand, it responded and caused the nearby table to crack in half.
"Oh my. It appears the Unicorn Hair favors you, but the Elm doesn't. Hmm." Ollivander examined Draco while rubbing his chin. "I think I know what'll do."
Ollivander returned the other two wands to the shelves before retrieving a third.
"Ten inches, Hawthorn, Unicorn Hair," he said.
When Draco took hold of this wand, he smiled as though he knew this was the one. He waved the wand at the box in front of him, and it levitated for a few moments before falling back down.
"I believe we have a winner, young Mr. Malfoy." Ollivander smiled. "And now for you, Ms. Hexington. Your arm please."
Sylvia held out her right arm and waited while Ollivander measured it.
"Eleven and three quarter inches." Ollivander released her arm. "Did you know that wand woods are a reflection of the wielder's personality?"
She shook her head.
"Well, it's true." He gestured to Draco. "Take young Mr. Malfoy here. Hawthorn prefers a wielder of a complex nature."
"Complex?" Draco said.
"Yes, you have very calculating expressions for someone your age." Ollivander returned his attention to Sylvia. "As for you, Ms. Hexington, I'm tempted to try Alder or Blackthorn, but given what I know of your and your family, I believe a different type will be more suitable."
Ollivander retrieved two boxes from the shelves and presented the first one to Sylvia.
"Eleven and three-quarter inches, Ebony, and Unicorn Hair," he said.
Sylvia took the wand and felt it try to respond to her magic, but something was off. She glanced around the shop and spotted a vase full of flowers.
She pointed the wand at the vase. "Water, come to me!"
Nothing happened.
She waved it. "Water, come to me!"
Sylvia tried over and over, but the wand was unresponsive.
"Here. Let's try this one with Dragon Heartstring," Ollivander said.
When Sylvia pointed the second wand at the vase, it exploded and shattered into tiny shards. The water and flowers scattered everywhere, and Sylvia quickly placed the wand back on the desk.
"Sorry," she said.
"It's all right, child. An easy fix." Taking out his own wand, Ollivander reverted the vase back to normal and mended the table Draco had cracked. "It seems the cores are not accepting you, Ms. Hexington. Something about your magic isn't channeling properly through them."
Narcissa stepped forward. "Well, Sylvia's abilities are a bit special. Sylvia, why don't you show Mr. Ollivander the trick you've shown us?"
"Yes, Mrs. Malfoy." Sylvia looked at the vase again. "Water, come to me!"
The water floated from the vase and over to her. She allowed it to hover in front of her face for a few seconds before ordering it to return to the vase. Ollivander watched her with studious eyes and rubbed his chin.
"Curious. Very curious. I figured Ebony would be suitable, for it favors individuals brave enough to remain true to themselves in the face of adversity." He frowned. "But it appears you require a more foreign core. Just a moment."
Ollivander disappeared into the back room, and he was gone for a while before returning with a very dusty box.
"This is from my father's collection. Although I've evolved from the materials he used, he put such hard work into his craftsmanship that I haven't the heart to get rid of them." He looked at the wand with dewy-eyes. "Eleven and three quarter inches, Ebony, Kelpie Hair."
Sylvia raised an eyebrow. "What's a Kelpie?"
"A shape-shifting water-demon. Since you have such a connection to the element of water, this core should better respond to you," Ollivander said.
Taking the wand into her hand, she felt a tingling sensation that soon became warm. Unlike the previous wands, she could sense her magic channel through the core, and like Draco, she smiled, knowing the wand had chosen her.
Sylvia turned her attention to the vase for a final time. "Water, come to me!"
The water obeyed and floated over to her without hesitation. It streamed around her wand, drawn to the magnetic pull of the core.
"It worked! It worked!" Sylvia laughed. "Now, return to the vase!"
However, when Sylvia waved the wand forward, the water jerked backward followed by a loud splash and a high-pitched yelp. Turning around, she saw that the water had struck Draco in the face, and he glared at her, his hair and clothes soaked.
"Sylvia!" He tried to dry himself with his sleeve.
"Oops. Sorry, Draco." She gave an uneasy laugh and looked at Ollivander. "I'll take it."
Sylvia and Draco waited with Narcissa by the door while Lucius paid for their wands. She looked down at her bag, her heart swelling with pride.
I'm finally a true witch. She closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek. I wish my step-parents were here to see this.
