Operation Create perfect Slytherin girls was underway. Last year, Violet and her four good friends had thought out how they felt things should go. Thanks to Violet who had skillfully written to the Slytherin 6th 7th year Prefects for permission, they were now up an hour early. Violet and her friends were making themselves ready: hair was done, makeup was on, and a full perfect Slytherin girl presentation was on.

It was still early when Violet and the other second years descended into the First year Slytherin room.

"LUMOS," Pansy cried. She had the perfect voice for absolute terror, so she had taken the lead for this.

"Good morning brand new Slytherin ladies. It is our job to make sure that you are up and ready to represent your new house."

There were four other Slytherin girls besides Pansy. Each one went to one of the four beds that had been theirs. Ginny Weasley just happened to be in the bed that Violet Potter was assigned. Violet approached the bed and pulled the sheets off of the bed.

All around the room there were groans as Tracey Davis, Millicent Bulstrode and Daphne Greengrass did the same with their charges. Each was pulled, tickled or tormented in such a way that they were left standing in just nightgowns at the front of their beds.

Pansy like a perfect drill sergeant marched up and down the line of sleepy first years. Violet and the others stood in perfect posture behind her.

"Now, this is what is going to happen. Millicent, Tracey, Daphne, and Violet are going to lead you into the bathroom. We will make sure that you are clean – everywhere. We want you washing your hair correctly and washing every part of your body. Now, go."

So, each girl was pushed into a shower where with careful observation they showered correctly. Ginny had some old handmade soap and shampoo. Violet replaced it with a smooth and sleek shampoo, conditioner and body soap. Ginny tried to suggest that she couldn't take handouts.

"Slytherin House is providing free to all of its ladies the very best beauty products, and not because we are generous," Violet drawled. "We do this because you represent Slytherin."

So, Violet oversaw a proper cleansing of the hair and then an additional Conditioning. Then, Ginny was forced to wash herself with a rose-scented soap. Violet made sure that Ginny carefully washed every nook and crevice of her body. When this was done, she pulled Ginny out for the time in front of the mirror.

With her hair surrounded by a towel, Ginny watched as Violet directed her to lotion her skin – her whole body.

With a whisper Violet said, "We want you to look soft and feminine, but we also want you to be tough as nails."

With lotions over her body, Violet checked her fingernails. "I will have to help you buff and paint them tonight after supper."

Then, Violet pulled the towel off of Ginny's hair. She used a charm to blow dry the hair.

"We have always been directed at Slytherin to dry it naturally, but this little charm will help it along. It is part of your homework from us for the end of the week."

As Ginny's hair dried to the charm, Violet combed through any tangles that were there. Then, she pulled it back and pulled it into a ponytail that was held in with an emerald green Slytherin tie. A head band was placed over the bangs so that her forehead showed and kept a simple clean look.

Then, Violet instructed Ginny to watch as she helped her put on foundation, blush, and eye-shadow. The Slytherin first years and second years would be the only in their years to be wearing makeup. Then, Violet helped Ginny put her school robes on and marched her back in front of a mirror.

Violet stood behind Ginny as she stared at her reflection in wonder.

"Violet," she stuttered out. "It looks amazing."

Violet held her shoulders. "Of course, you are an amazing woman. Part of the purpose of this is to present outward beauty so that you know you have worth on the inside. When you walk out there, you own this place. You are Slytherin. You are one of the very best. Do you understand?"

Ginny looked into the eyes of the strange redheaded Slytherin girl staring back at her.

"I do."

Violet reached around her and embraced her in a strong hug.

"Welcome home, Ginevra."

Violet led Ginny back to the bedroom and then stood at attention behind Pansy who had been overseeing the whole affair.

"We aren't finished, girls –" Pansy said, emphasizing the fact that they were still immature.

"We need to discuss how we carry ourselves. You can have the pretty look, but if you don't carry yourself correctly, you will look ugly. Now, watch Daphne as she walks."

Everyone stared carefully with their eyes as they saw Daphne walk from one side of the room to the other.

"Notice," Pansy continued, "How Daphne keeps her head up, eyes up. Every other person of the houses is beneath you, because you are Slytherin. Walk as if you are part of the reason we have won seven house cups in a row. Walk as if they should respect you."

Again, each of the girls was teamed up with a second year while Pansy drilled out pointers or pointed out mistakes. Violet helped a blonde first year named Vivian Ackerly.

"Don't slouch, Ackerly," Violet drawled at her. "Shoulders back. Right hand needs to wave as you walk. That's it."

After fifteen minutes of practice, Pansy lined them up one last time. "We will be practicing with you throughout the week and as the week goes on, we will be expecting you to do more of the preparation. Now, let's prepare to walk down to the Common room. The Prefects will have instructions for us."

Filing out led by Pansy and then the other Slytherins they marched out downstairs, then they stood before the 5-7th year girl prefects.

"Very good, ladies. This was a good idea. I think a tradition has started." The 7th year Prefect said.

Just then, the 7th year boy Prefect cleared his throat.

"Listen up, everyone. We are going to the Great Hall for Breakfast. Because you are Slytherin, you need to stick together. The other three houses are not gentle to Slytherin, so we need to look smart and watch out. Don't get separated. First years, when breakfast is done one of the Prefects will march you down to get your books and then march you to your first class. We do not want you to be late. Any questions?"

Everyone was probably too afraid for questions. Since there were not any, they all marched out as one large house to breakfast.

Violet's first day back was an adventure. She had just finished breakfast and was preparing to head off to the Common Room to grab her things when Ron Weasley appeared in front of her with Lavender Brown and Seamus Finnigan.

"Potter –" Weasley said with a loud voice. "What did you do to my sister?"

Violet's eyes narrowed slightly at him.

"Do?" She asked.

"Well," Ron stammered. "First, you went and got her into Slytherin. Then, you go and dress her like some high and mighty Pureblood bitch –"

"Excuse me, Mr. Weasley," Daphne interrupted. "I don't believe that is any way to speak about a lady – whatever house she is in."

Ron just glared at her and seemed to think of nastier things to stay when Professor Snape appeared next to them.

"Weasley –" he drawled, his voice dripping with expectation for taking House Points. "I heard you speak ill of your own sister. That is 5 points from Gryffindor."

Ron bit his tongue in the face of Professor Snape. He was clearly intimidated by his tall form in black robes. He glared further at Violet before he turned around and stomped away. Both Finnigan and Brown glared in turn at Violet as they too made their way out.

"Thank you, Professor Snape," Violet said. "I have a feeling poor Ginevra is going to have some problems with her brothers."

"Yes –" he said. "Make sure you speak to the Prefects before they are off. Now off with you all," he added.

Violet and her four friends made their way down back to the Common Room, smirking at the interplay between them and Weasley. When they made it back, Violet approached Marcus Flint, the 7th year who seemed to be waiting for the Slytherin first years to be escorted.

"Could I have a word, please?" She asked smartly.

Flint nodded and led her away to a back room in the Common room.

"What is it, Potter?" He asked.

"I am concerned about Ginevra Weasley," she said carefully. "Her brother was very antagonistic toward me and last night they all glared in her direction during the Feast. I'm afraid the twins and their younger brother will give Ginevra the same treatment that I got at the beginning of last year."

Flint nodded. "I think that is an astute observation, Potter. I will keep a careful eye out for her, and I will tell the other Prefects. Would you make a point of speaking to her about the dangers?"

Violet agreed. Then, she was off to classes.

It turned out that she was right to be concerned. On the way to supper the first years and second years who were being escorted by the 5th year Prefects were attacked by a Weasley Stink bomb. Violet who had learned her lessons last year used a bubble head charm and had performed a shield charm as well. The shield charm wasn't necessary this time since there were no attempts at banishing them.

Just outside of the Great Hall the 5th years Prefects met up with the 7th year Prefects who performed a scourgify on all of them so that they wouldn't stink and then sent them into the Great Hall.

Violet had a feeling that she needed to sit next to Ginny and did so for supper. Each of the 2nd years took her example and adopted a first year for the moment, further explaining things to them. They began to fill their plates with a healthy helping of Shepherd's Pie when Violet peeked up to see Owls coming in.

Then, her bad feeling increased as she saw the Weasley owl she had become acquainted with over the summer making its way to the Slytherin table. She discreetly pointed at it for Ginny, who quickly turned pale. Then, both Violet and Ginny watched in horror as a red envelope dropped from its talons straight at Ginny.

"Oh no –" she gasped.

"Howler –" was whispered all over the room.

Violet gently tapped Ginny's shoulder as she slouched and slowly with trembling hands reached for the letter.

"Better just get this over with," Violet whispered.

Ginny's eyes watched that letter with absolute horror. She didn't seem to have the strength to reach out and open it. It had begun to smoke at the corners. When Ginny did nothing it started to explode. At the last second, Violet cast a sound-deafening charm for her and those around her, but the whole school was still able to hear it.

"… SLYTHERIN! MY ONLY DAUGHTER IS A SLYTHERIN GIRL! I AM SO SHOCKED, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET A HOLD OF YOU! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? COULDN'T YOU TELL THE HAT THAT YOU WANTED GRYFFINDOR? WHAT YOUR FATHER IS GOING TO FEEL WHEN HE HEARS THE NEWS …"

Mrs. Weasley's yells, a hundred times louder than usual. It made the plates and spoons rattle on the table, and echo deafeningly off the stone walls. People throughout the Hall were swiveling around to see who had received the Howler. Ginny was about to sink low but Pansy on her left held her upright, and Violet reached and held Ginny's hand reassuringly.

"… LETTER FROM YOUR BROTHERS LAST NIGHT, I THINK YOUR FATHER WILL DIE OF SHAME. WE DIDN'T BRING YOU UP TO BE ONE OF THOSE WITCHES... JUST BECAUSE VIOLET POTTER HAD TO GO SLYTHERIN DIDN'T MEAN THAT MY DAUGHTER DID TOO …"

Violet was outraged that her name would crop up to this.

"… ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED. YOUR FATHER IS STRESSED OUT ENOUGH BECAUSE OF WORK. IF HE DIES OF A HEARTATTACK IT WILL BE ALL YOUR FAULT. I AM TEMPTED TO BRING YOU STRAIGHT BACK HOME!"

With the rant over, a silence settled over the whole Hall. The red envelope which had been floating in midair, burst into flames and curled into ashes. Ginny looked absolutely stunned, as though a tidal wave had just passed over her. Violet reached her arms around her and carefully whispered in her ear.

"Look straight ahead. Don't say anything. I'm sure you don't feel like eating, but don't do anything. Conceal – don't feel." She whispered in her ear.

Professor Snape approached the table and with a subtle move handed Violet a goblet.

"Tell her to drink this. It will calm her nerves."

Violet led Ginny's shaking hands to drink from the Goblet and in a minute she was slowly breathing again.

Violet continued to rub her back gently. "I'm glad you are here, Ginny. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't talk to you. Now, we can be the best of friends"

Just at that moment, Ron Weasley stomped over. Professor Snape had just about sat back at the Staff Table, he began to turn back as his eyes narrowed at the brother.

"You deserved it," he snapped at his own sister.

Draco along with Crabbe and Goyle stood up to protect the ladies at the table.

Weasley got right into Draco's face. He jabbed Draco hard in the chest as he shouted.

"How could you do that?"

"What did I do, Weasley?" he drawled with a smirk on his face.

"First, you corrupt The-Girl-Who-Lived, and now you corrupt my own sister – that's what! Dark magic is at work with you." Weasley's blue eyes squinted hard at the blonde boy as though if he did this hard enough he could force Draco to spill the truth.

Violet and her friends laughed – but of course Pansy's cackle was loudest of all. Draco held onto Crabbe and Goyle because he appeared to want to fall over from humor.

Violet drawled, "Actually, I cast the spell on your sister, Weasel. I did it on the last day of summer vacation."

Pansy cackled again.

"Your sister has been through enough tonight, Weasley," Violet added. "Besides, if you had half a brain, you would realize that she is in Slytherin because it is where she's meant to be, not because of Dark Magic."

Professor Snape was there again glaring down at Weasley.

"Weasley, if you are done with such ridiculous accusations, you can find your seat before I ask your Head of House to give you detention for disturbing the peace."

Ron seemed to be debating the wisdom of arguing with Professor Snape earlier. He seemed to wonder if Professor McGonagall might actually enforce a detention this year. Discretion finally appeared on his face as he turned around and went back to his feast.

Violet continued to caress Ginny carefully as Professor Snape turned to regard the newest member of his house of snakes.

"Miss Weasley –" he said gently. "For maturity in dealing with a Howler and unfounded accusations without reprisal, I grant fifty points to Slytherin."

Ginny smiled at that suddenly the hero for Slytherin House who had a significant bump in the House points. She carefully ate a few items, but didn't show much hunger. Violet grabbed a few rolls and pocketed them to give Ginny later. Then, she held Ginny close as they walked out of the Hall and back down to the Common Room.

Sadly, for Ginevra Weasley a mother's howler was only the beginning of a full out war declared by the Weasley Twins against Ginny, Violet Potter, and all of Slytherin House. No hour of the day or night was safe and only the Common Room or close to the watchful eye of Madam Pince of the Library was safe from their wrath. Stink bombs – robes changing color – secret thoughts written out in display – hair color change. Nothing violent, yet – but it was cruel and constant. Violet wondered if Mrs. Weasley had opened up the savings to approve all the pranks that the Weasleys seemed to be able to have. Neither Ginny nor Violet ever seemed safe when they were outside the Common Room. Like last year, it was as if the Weasley twins always knew where they were.

The constant assault only seemed to force Violet and Ginny to learn more spells to defend or fight back. It didn't turn Ginny against Violet or the Slytherins for that matter. Ginny as a consequence of her brothers' treatment of her embraced everything. She soon looked like the perfect Slytherin pureblood princess. The more her brothers attacked her the more she embraced it. The more she embraced it the more they fought back.