AN: I realize the plot seems to be slow in developing, but there is one. I promise there is. In fact, I swear on my collection of Harry Potter opening-night movie ticket stubs!

Of Pariahs and Opportunist 1

POV Blaise

"I think no other wizard in our history has even come close to matching his accomplishments." Draco says to me in his trademark drawl. "Which is why I told Professor Binns that I'll be doing the history report on the Dark Lord." Draco stops a moment to theatrically wipe some invisible dust off his brand new designer robes (which I must admit, are quite handsome). "and like the mudblood lover he is, he told me I had to pick someone approved by the Ministry. I'm going to inform father of this, of course." Draco stops talking again to smooth out some invisible wrinkles making sure I notice exactly what brand he is wearing.

I stifle a laugh. I want to tell Draco that his robes are enchanted never to wrinkle or become dirty, but I think better of it.

Truthfully, when I saw Draco walk up to me I wanted to duck into an empty classroom. I figured having to eat dinner with him was enough; I didn't need to walk with that oaf to the Great Hall as well. However, I was pleasantly surprised by his topic of conversation. For one thing, it is rather refreshing to hear our little Malfoy talk about something other than Harry Potter. For another, He is absolutely right. Draco should be allowed to do his history paper on Voldemort. He is crazy if he thinks that the professors will allow him to do so, but it is an interesting idea none the less. As far as powerful wizards go, Voldemort was (is?) in the top five. I only wish I had come up with the idea myself. They might have let me do it.

I may not completely agree with the Dark Lord's policy against muggles, but there is much I admire about him. I find muggles annoying enough, but not worth my time to kill. Also, the doctrine that only purebloods may achieve greatness in magic doesn't hold up. You need only to compare Draco Malfoy to Hermione Granger for that. No, Voldemort was definitely wrong when it came to that particular point. But there is still so much to be admired about him.

I mean, he did accomplish something no other wizard ever has. By his own power, he conquered death. Voldemort became immortal. He didn't have to rely on a stone like Nicolas Flamel, only himself. There isn't much I wouldn't give to know how the he did it, including my life. It may seem a little ironic to die while attempting to live forever, but if my life is over in a hundred years or twenty years what dose it matter? If I can't be eternal, what's the point?

Anyway, it doesn't really matter; no one is going to be writing a report on wonders of the dark side under Dumbledore's watchful eye.

"What the fuck is wrong with him?" I follow Draco's gaze; nothing.

"Who is it now?" I ask.

"Hey, Weasely!" Oh, so that's what he was talking about. Ron Weasley was standing in front of the bulletin board wearing only one shoe staring at some poster. I think his left foot is bleeding. "Did we lose our shoe? Are you looking for it in the lost and found because daddy is too poor to afford another one?" Draco's gibes seem to go unnoticed. Strange.

Ron takes his hand and slowly brings it up to rest on the poster. I get a look at his face; it's pale.

Draco gives me a nod, telling me that he is more hungry than malicious right now. We leave Ron and his poster behind.