8: Friends

Grey eyes.

That's the first thing she saw. Deep, light grey eyes staring at her with the curiosity of a small child. In fact, it was a small child. A tiny baby, no more than a year old, coddled up in it's fancy wooden cot. Plush green and blue blankets surrounded the child, who looked up at her with a sweet smile. The baby made grabbing hands at the girl above her, but Madeline made no move to pick the baby up.

It was as if her body wasn't her own. She felt every movement she made, but she had no control over it. Suddenly, it was as if the room had grown dark, the smile wiped off the baby's face. It felt like there was a fog growing around her, suffocating her.

The last thing she saw was a flash of green reflecting from the baby's eyes, followed by a scream.

Madeline woke up with a strangled gasp, sitting up straight in her bed. Sweat dripped from her forehead, her chest heaving. The rest of the girls in her dorm were still asleep, and rightly so. Through the thick window in their dorm, Madeline could tell the sun had yet to rise; the water of the lake retaining its dark muddy colour.

A nightmare, she realised bitterly.

Knowing she wasn't about to fall back to sleep, Madeline began getting ready for the day. She pulled on a green sweater and black straight-legged jeans, combing her hair with a charm as she brushed her teeth with no haste. She knew it was a Sunday, the first task looming ahead with only days to spare, leaving every student in Hogwarts tense with anticipation.

She'd been in Hogwarts for over a month now, the last week or so filled by her attempting to catch up with Herbology. Professor Sprout insisted that she was behind with her classes due to her homeschooling, and had set her up with a multitude of different homework tasks and make-up essays. The majority of her time had been dedicated to catching up, proving she was as bright a witch as any.

Not to mention, Harry would have been completely alone in his preparation for the oncoming tournament had it not been for Madeline's presence. She kept him on track with his own homework, which was a skill Hermione had yet to master herself, and made sure no one bothered him when she was around. Sure, she got plenty of comments from Pansy and her friends, but it seemed that after Malfoy got transformed into a ferret, no one from Slytherin was going to give Harry much grief.

The 'Potter Stinks!' badges were still in circulation, which Madeline happily charmed to show a cartoon white ferret instead, wearing a Slytherin Quidditch jumper and hopping around the badge. She'd even spoken to Cedric to try and get his friends to stop wearing them, which Cedric promised he'd try (and fail) to do.

Madeline walked through the Slytherin common room tiredly, her feet still in cosy green slippers and socks. She yawned as she sunk into the plush leather couch in front of the fireplace, which sprouted flames as soon as she'd sat down.

There were very few paintings hung in the Slytherin dungeon. Some were moving, just waking up at the sound of the fire lighting. Others were simple photographs of the old students that had lived in the same commons. Her and Theo had tried (and failed) to find a photograph of Snape just a few nights prior, each holding a candle up to each painting to see through the darkness better.

Her friendships so far in Hogwarts were… Varied, she'd say. She'd written to her mother about it all a few days before.

Theo and Daphne were easily some of the closest friends she'd ever had. Sure, she didn't exactly reveal much (or anything) about her life in France and her reason to transfer, but the trio just… Worked. Theo was serious and studious, while Daphne was dramatic and loud. Madeline was just Madeline, with a sharp tongue and social skills that could only be born from years of attending social events.

Cedric had become a close friend, too. He knew her stance on blood purity, something she hadn't even brought up to Daphne and Theo yet, in fear that they'd disagree. He was witty enough to keep up with her, but far kinder than she was. Then there was Harry, who's name alone would most definitely send her grandma packing. He needed a friend, and she didn't have much else to do. There were a few more people that Madeline would consider acquaintances, such as Fred, Neville and Tracy, but overall she was quite happy with her Slytherin trio, thank you very much.

Her mother had yet to reply, of course. She was busy with her new job in Beauxbatons, as well as the owls taking longer than she'd like to deliver the notes. Although December was still a short while away, Madeline couldn't wait to see her mother again. The prospect of the Christmas break seemed more inviting as the days went on.

She was startled out of her pondering when an annoyingly familiar voice spoke from behind her.

"What the hell are you doing up?"

Madeline looked over her shoulder and groaned, seeing none other than Draco Malfoy standing by the entrance to the boys dormitories.

"Actually Malfoy, I was hoping to catch you crawling back into the hell-hole you came from."

"Real witty," Malfoy rolled his eyes, sitting on the couch opposite Madeline in silence.

Madeline furrowed her eyebrows at the boy, "What are you doing?"

"Goyle's snoring woke me up," Draco shrugged, "Oh, and I'm waiting for my hell-hole."

Madeline snorted, turning her face away from his as she stared into the fire, "You'd be funny if you weren't such an ass."

"Thank you?"

"You're welcome," Madeline smirked, the two falling into another long stretch of silence.

"Why are you friends with Potter?"

Madeline turned to look at the boy in confusion, "Pardon?"

Draco shrugged, leaning back, "It's not doing you any favours with the rest of the house."

"Because, unlike you guys, I haven't been brainwashed into thinking house rivalries last forever," Madeline answered, "He's really not that bad, and he kind of needs someone on his side with this whole tournament thing."

Draco scoffed, "The one he entered himself in?"

"Oh come on, be logical," Madeline snapped, "The boy has survived death one too many times for him to chance it again with something like this. He didn't put his name in the Goblet."

Draco paused for a few moments, staring at the girl. Madeline eventually turned away, looking back into the fire. It was a while before Draco spoke again.

"So someone really wants him dead, is that what you're saying?"

"I'm saying that someone thought it would be real funny to put him in a very public, famous Wizarding tournament, where he will most certainly face unmeasurable danger," Madeline answered, "And I'm not going to sit around and let him do it alone."

They sat in silence once more. Madeline couldn't tell you how long it had been before the sound of her housemates waking up echoed into the common room. It was only when a set of footsteps made their way down the stone staircase and into the common room did Draco say one final thing;

"You should be careful around those Gryffindors," Draco revealed quietly as he stood up, straightening out his shirt as Crabbe and Goyle made their way into the common room, "They're not the angels you think they are."

And with that, Draco left the common room, his goons trailing behind him.

Madeline furrowed her eyebrows. What the hell did that mean?

Barely an hour later, Madeline found herself walking to the Great Hall for breakfast with Theo and Daphne. Draco's words had stuck with her, much to her displeasure.

House rivalries were normal in Hogwarts, that much was obvious. But from her perspective, it seemed that Slytherin remained the odd ones out. She'd often spotted the other houses intermingling, but very rarely would she see her own house socialising with the other houses. She knew Daphne and Theo both had friends in Ravenclaw, and even Tracy Davis got along with Lavender Brown in Gryffindor surprisingly well. But for the most part, it seemed that Slytherin were kept away from the rest of the school, and Madeline suspected it wasn't by their own design.

And she was going to change that.

So, upon entering the Great Hall, Madeline left her two friends and happily made her way over to the Gryffindor table. Without a word, she sat herself down next to Neville Longbottom, much to his horror.

"B-Bisset?!" Neville asked in confusion as she leant over his plate to grab a steaming cup of coffee. The rest of the house had their eyes fixated on her, "Why are you here?!"

"Can't a dear friend sit with you on this lovely Sunday evening?" Madeline asked, taking a sip of the coffee. Her eyes widened like saucers, "Dear god, why is your coffee so good?"

"What are you doing?"

"No, seriously. I don't know why, but your coffee is so much richer than the one we get on our table."

"Longbottom meant the sudden desire to sit with Gryffindors," Fred Weasley explained amusedly as he sat himself next to the girl, his brother taking the seat opposite him, "Although, I'm not complaining."

"See Neville? We're all friends here," Madeline smiled cheerily, grabbing a slice of buttered toast from the tall pile on her left, "So, how are we all?"

"Never better," Fred replied cheekily, "Right Georgie?"

"Right Freddie!"

Madeline rolled her eyes fondly at the pair. It was common knowledge that the two were inseparable; the comedic relief of Hogwarts, if you may. Even Peeves had competition against the two.

Before she could continue the conversation, however, the sight of Harry Potter rushing into the hall frantically was enough to rattle her out of breakfast. She stood up instantly.

"Sorry guys, duty calls," Madeline winked, taking her mug with her. She missed George giving his brother a pointed look, Fred kicking his shin lightly under the table.

Madeline rushed over to the boy before he could approach the Gryffindor table, grabbing his arm and taking him to one side. "What's wrong?!"

"Dragons," Harry hissed, "The first task; it's dragons!"

"Holy shit," Madeline breathed, glaring as a group of first-years walked past, all sporting matching 'Potter Sucks!' badges, "You're screwed. How'd you find out?"

"Hagrid took me to them last night," Harry explained, "I've already told Hermione. We're going to try finding something in the library to help me."

"Good idea. You're only allowed your wand, right?"

Harry nodded, "But it won't do me much good anyway. Those things take more than one wizard to take down."

"Then you better get hell of a lot stronger overnight," Madeline replied, patting his arm, "Good luck buddy. I'll come up with you guys, if you want."

"Thanks," Harry smiled, "It would help a lot; three heads instead of two."

"Of course," Madeline shrugged, "But, can you tell Cedric about the dragons? It would mean a lot, and would probably earn you some sympathy points with the Badgers."

"Sure," Harry promised, eyes darting behind Madeline, "And hey, it looks like you've made some friends, too."

Madeline furrowed her eyebrows, turning and following Harry's eye line. She felt her heart jump into her throat at the boy coming towards her, almost as if someone had poured a bucket of ice cold water on her.

"Madeline Bisset," Adam Louis grinned, a malicious glint in his eyes, "What a… Surprise, to see you here of all places."

Madeline couldn't form words as the Beauxbatons boy stood in front of her. He'd been at the last ball her grandma had thrown. In fact, she was pretty sure the boy had been one of the worst dancers at the event, and didn't seem very happy when she'd insulted him. Not to mention, his family knew the Bissets extremely well. With everything going on, she'd completely forgotten that he was one of the Beauxbaton visitors.

"I assume your mother sent you here after she realised no one in France would dare be betrothed to you," Adam smiled politely, gesturing to Harry, "But it seems I'm mistaken. Is this your boyfriend?"

"No," Madeline replied sharply, softening a little, "Lovely to see you, Adam, but I've got some studying that really needs to be-"

"As always," Adam sighed dramatically, "The Bisset women always have been entitled."

Madeline felt her cheeks go red, both from rage and embarrassment, "Excuse me?"

"You should know," Adam continued, addressing Harry, "Madeline here has quite a reputation in France, and so does her family."

"Enough, Adam," Madeline hissed.

"I wouldn't expect any less from a family built off of pure-blood prejudice," Adam continued, unscathed, "Did she mention that her mother used to be a-"

"Adam!"

The sharp snap of his name was enough to stop the boy, but it hadn't come from Madeline. Turning around, the boy found himself face-to-face with his school champion, Fleur Delacour. He felt his blood run cold.

"Are you done insulting my friend?" Fleur made sure to stress the final word, hands on her hips and a sharp look on her face. Adam nodded stiffly, giving Madeline and Harry one final nod before returning to his Beauxbatons friends at the Ravenclaw table.

"What an ass," Fleur muttered uncharacteristically, turning to Madeline, "Would you like to sit with me for breakfast?"

Madeline swallowed, her eyes still trained on the retreating form of Adam. She shook her head stiffly, "No thank you. I'm heading to the library with Harry-"

"Actually, I think it might be best for me and Hermione to do this alone," Harry suddenly announced, retreating speedily, "But I'll see you later, yeah?"

"Sure," Madeline answered dejectedly, her friend already halfway out the door.

She wasn't an idiot, she knew what Adam had alluded to. He wanted everyone to think she was just like Malfoy, when in reality, Adam himself was probably far more in favour of the old values than she ever could be. Her family didn't have the best values at heart, but her mother had long since left that life behind her.

For the first time since arriving at Hogwarts, she began to resent her family name.

"Come with me," Fleur asked softly, taking her arm, "Let's eat something."

Fleur had grabbed a plate stacked high with toast and little jam pots, making sure to grab every flavour Hogwarts had to offer. She took Madeline to the outside courtyard, seating themselves on a bench as they wrapped up warm in their robes, the winter chill truly setting in.

They sat with their legs crossed facing each other on either end of the bench, tearing chunks of toast apart and dunking them in the different jams. Although it may not seem like the most glamorous breakfast, it was exactly what they'd done summer after summer when they were younger.

Fleur and Madeline had been friends for a very long time. They would spend many summer days together, their mothers and grandmothers idly strolling the French fields while they played in the gardens. Of course, Fleur had always been the one to hold herself taller, to be the perfect daughter. Madeline followed suit, but between the two, they'd revealed their dreams of something more.

Neither of them wanted to simply be a trophy wife. Fleur longed for the thrill of true love, free from classist pressure or blood purity. Madeline longed for adventure, to break free of whatever mould her grandma tried to force her into. A friendship like theirs was rare to come across.

"So," Fleur began, the two keeping their conversation in French as to prevent the prying ears of Hogwarts students, "Why did you let yourself get riled up by Adam Louis out of all people?"

Madeline sighed, biting into her piece of toast, "No one knows my family here. It's like a fresh start, you know? And then he waltzes in and tries to embarrass me in front of Potter."

"What did you do to him?"

"Insulted his ballroom dancing skills."

Fleur barely contained her laugh, "Whatever you said, you most definitely have a point; he's dreadful."

"The thing is, he also had a point." Madeline sighed, "You've met my family Fleur. Hell, we both know what our grandmothers say when they think we're not listening."

Fleur stiffened, but nodded slightly.

"Let me ask you this," Fleur began softly, "If… If You-Know-Who came back, and your family didn't matter, which side of the war would you be on?"

"The side that is willing to fight him," Madeline replied decisively, "But we both know it wouldn't be up to me."

"Maybe your mother sent you here so you can make your own choices," Fleur pointed out, lowering her voice, "Look; there are rumours going around in France, many more than there are here. People are getting ready for something, and if your mother sent you here, I'm willing to bet she knows about them too."

"What are you getting at?"

"What did your mother say when she told you about Hogwarts?"

Madeline paused, recalling the night of the ball, "She said that we can't trust family to keep us safe."

The two sat in silence. They both knew what it meant; there were dark times coming, and if Eloise Bisset was willing to send away the one person she loved most in this world, it must be serious, and it must be true. And soon, everyone would have to make a choice.

"When the Sorting Hat was trying to sort me, he asked me if I wanted to be great or to be safe," Madeline admitted, Fleur's eyes widening, "I chose to be great."

Fleur smiled at her friend, shaking her head fondly, "Of course you did. So, be great, and everyone else be damned. And if Hogwarts doesn't work out, I'm sure there would be a place for you in Beauxbatons."

Madeline smiled at her old friend. Really, it was a pity they hadn't seen each other very often in the last year. "Thank you Fleur, really."

"Let's just enjoy the time we have while we have it, shall we?" Fleur smiled, pausing, "So, that Slytherin boy you're always around…"

"Who? Theodore?" Madeline asked, gaping at Fleur's coy expression, "You fancy him!"

"He's cute," Fleur shrugged, "And as I said, we may as well enjoy the time we have-"

"Gross, Delacour," Madeline laughed, throwing the crust of her toast to the girl.

The two friends laughed together, and for a few moments, all their troubles were lost. It was only when Fleur bid her goodbye with the excuse of Tournament training did Madeline remember what Harry had told her.

"It's dragons," Madeline had whispered in her ear as they hugged, "The first task is dragons."

A/N: I feel like I've built Madeline's character quite a bit, perhaps it's time to get to the real action?

Please, as always, leave comments/reviews on this story with any feedback at all! Thank you!