Draco Malfoy strolled around Malfoy Manor; he sighed as he recalled the events of his last year at Hogwarts. The Triwizard tournament had really shook him to his core; according to potter - who he did not trust one bit but he always seemed to be right - The Dark Lord had resurfaced and he was afraid what that meant for his family.

Before he knew it, Draco had strolled out of the manor and into the front gardens, admiring the small plants that grew. As heartless as everyone seemed to think he was, Draco only acted on impulse, which was what his father had taught him, and maintained a reputation. His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps he heard from a few metres away from him.

In the distance, he could see a girl about his age; Draco squinted his eyes and observed her long black hair as it faded into blonde highlights; he then moved his gaze to her grey, stormy eyes, and caught a hint of green within them. He stopped admiring her and was about to ask her what she was doing strolling around in his garden when Severus Snape appeared and placed his hands on the young girl's shoulders.

Severus caught Draco before he could go back into the manor and moved the confused looking girl to walk over to him. As he came closer, Draco straightened up and noticed how short she was compared to him. He was at least a head taller than her and she was mumbling something to Severus as they finally reached him.

"Draco," he drawled, "this is my - niece, Ara, she will be attending Hogwarts with you from next year. Ara, this is Draco Malfoy, the boy I was informing you about." His difficulty telling Draco that Ara was his niece did not go unnoticed by him and he was puzzled as to why he struggled; but nevertheless, Draco reached out his hand to shake hers.

"Hello," he greeted, his voice nothing but monotone; however inside he was screaming at how beautiful this girl looked in front of him. He tried to only concentrate on her eyes, but he was gazing at her again. Ara's hand slipped into his and she shook it, mumbling, "hello" back and casting her eyes down. Draco couldn't help but wonder if Ara was some sort of royalty; she definitely looked as if she had royal blood within her veins.

Snape nodded firmly and kept his hands on Ara's shoulders and Draco realised it was for her comfort; the poor girl was nervous to the core, her face paling; she looked ill.

"Call your mother, Draco, and your father. They'll be expecting us." Snape ordered him, putting his arm around Ara now, whispering a spell. She again mumbled something to him, but Draco couldn't hear what it was as he walked off hastily, calling for his parents.

Ara smiled nervously as Narcissa Malfoy engulfed her in a hug and warmth greeted her. She realised that Draco was watching her again, and looked down as Narcissa let her go. Lucius greeted her with a bow and a nod.

"Chin up," he told her, eyeing her with curiosity, "you are of royal blood after all."

Ara sighed internally; she hated being reminded of her heritage and the role she must fulfill. She knew that Lucius cared immensely about blood and he was only not sneering at her simply because of her status; it was higher. She could easily order him around if she'd felt like it, but no - that was not in her nature, unless it was absolutely necessary.

She of course, knew about her nobility. Her mother had been a sea queen; Queen of the Mer-Kingdom, Lumen. It was quite famous among the wizarding world and many knew of Ara Lance, the young Queen who had only taken the throne at the age of three when her mother passed. The kingdom of Lumen was half located on land, and half underwater. Just like her, her mother Clarissa, had been to Hogwarts; only, she had started in her first year and enjoyed it very much so. Hogwarts was where she met her father, whom Ara had only met once. Severus had told her that she would see him again today and finally be connected to him once again. She only had his name: Remus Lupin.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she nodded and snuck a look at Draco, seeing that he was surprised at her heritage. She could also depict the slight respect that Lucius had for her, as a young Queen. Ara would turn sixteen mid September and then she would have full control over the throne. Whilst she was at school and still waiting to turn sixteen, her cousin, Hektor was ruling in her stead. Being twenty-one, he had taken her request and helped her rule.

Ara cleared her throat. "Of course, Lucius. I am still not used to being a young Queen, even after twelve years." She chuckled slightly and stood up, her confidence returning to her. She had been trained as a royal and was ready to show her position to whoever she had to. Both Draco and Lucius had a moment of surprise at her sudden confidence.

"Of course, your Majesty," he drawled, "it will come with time, I suppose..."

Ara stared into his eyes and saw that he was having trouble containing his opinion about her heritage. She was a half breed and he did not know what to think of her.

Severus placed an arm on her shoulder and looked at Draco. "Draco, show Ara to the library while I speak to your parents. I'm sure she'll love it." He told him, and then led Narcissa and Lucius to the meeting room.

Draco's breath stopped as she locked eyes with him and stood there silently. He facepalmed mentally but then highfived himself, again mentally, for being correct about her heritage. He gave her one look and smirked.

"A Queen huh? How interesting," he laughed slightly, "let me show you the library, your highness."

Ara breathed out as she followed him to the library. He was not afraid of her status and she was glad. She smiled.

"What's it like," Draco asked her as they sat down, "being a queen?"

Ara shrugged; she bit her lip. "It gets lonely sometimes," she replied, feeling the book she had chosen, "but I like protecting my people."

Draco hummed and rested his chin on his hand, gazing at her again. "Who are your people exactly?" He questioned, his curiosity burning like fire.

Ara opened her mouth to answer, "well-"

But before she could, Severus's voice echoed in the hallway.

"Come Ara! We must leave. Your father will be waiting."

Ara and Draco immediately got up from their seats and Draco grabbed her arm in a sudden impulse. His action did not look good and fear struck Ara's eyes. Draco tried not to glare, he really did - but fate worked against him.

"Uhm,"

Ara looked back at him and he let go of her arm. He gazed (thought it came out more like a glare) at her as she waited for him to speak, her grey eyes still evident with fear. She was clearly intimidated by the young Malfoy and Draco didn't know what to think.

"I-I'll see you at Hogwarts?" Ara stuttered, wanting to leave. She casted her eyes down to the floor.

"Yes, I suppose you will," he scowled, finally deciding to be the Draco Malfoy everyone at school knew. It wasn't likely she'd be in his house; she was too soft to be a Slytherin.

Severus's voice bellowed again in the hallway and before Ara could reply, or even think of one, she hurried out of the library and gave him small smile; leaving him to his thoughts.

obviously Draco doesn't warm up to people quite easily, and that's just his personality. let's see where this story takes me