Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.


1976

Lena was sure that dark forces were against her today. When it was not Rosier it was Black and she was starting to be out of hiding spots!

Rosier had sat next to her in Potions during the first hour, staring at Alyssa forcing her to go sit elsewhere. Then she had to throw herself in a nearby corridor to avoid Black and his gang and had avoided him only barely at the owlery. She then had jumped into a classroom that was fortunately empty as she heard Rosier' voice when she had wanted to go back to her common room. All of this in one morning! What a nightmare!

Sitting in the Great Hall Sirius was checking the Slytherin' table, thing he usually never did. He was looking for yesterday's girl. If she was a snake she had to be a Pureblood but her face was not familiar. The usual bitterness rose in his throat as he saw his little brother before finally gazing upon her, sitting at the end of her table.

She was always with her blond friend against who she was a stark contrast. Her heavy brown curls clashed heavily against her pale skin accentuated by dark eyebrows above light green eyes. She seemed quite reserved and was listening to her friend talking, her head tilted on the side. Suddenly as if she had felt she was being observed she raised her head and stared back at him unblinking.

She kept staring at him without showing emotion for what felt like an eternity and he felt something move inside him. Then as quickly as an owl swoop on its prey her attention went away.

Her heart beating wildly Lena took a toast. Sirius was observing her. Inspire, expire, he was going to move on. She felt someone sit on the bench on her right, looked and hid an annoyed scowl. Rosier, again and always him! He did not even made the effort to talk to her and kept staring icely at any guy who tried to talk to her, as if she was his property! Just that thought made her blood boil. Her french side probably! She got up calmly and left the Great Hall with Alyssa.

The incident happened at the end of the day. She had just entered the common room and was not planning to stay in it when a little group sitting near the emerald-flamed chimney called her:

"Lena! Come here for a second" The invite came from Narcissa Black, one of the most influential families and member of the 28 like her.

Her heart pounding she went to the group. There were around 10 guys and girls, all perfectly dressed, their eyes calculating and impassive faces focused on her. Did they know for Lily? Just that thought was enough to cover her back with cold sweat but she kept her calm. As impassive as them she nodded at the assembly before focussing on Narcissa.

"Professor Slughorn organises a little party next Friday and the best elements of our house are invited. I know you are the… independent type but I really want you to come."

"The best elements" those with the purest blood thought Lena with bitterness.

"I thank you for the invite but I already see the professor enough in class.

- Unfortunately, Narcissa arranged delicately the folds of her robe, some people think you are... not involved enough with us. In those times it is better to avoid such misunderstandings, don't you think?

- Yes... formulated Lena with difficulty.

- Perfect, you see me delighted… whispered the blonde. We will all gather here at 6pm. A cup of tea?"

Her mouth dry the younger girl declined, nodded to everybody and went to her dormitory. She was going to fall on her bed when Alyssa entered and grabbed her arm with strength. She was going to say something when she noticed the worried look on her face.

"You should be more careful. For now they think you're a clueless antisocial but that will not last". Alyssa' nails dug deep into the tissue of her uniform. "And you do not want them against you Lena. That would be a disaster for you and for your family."

On that she turned around and quickly left the dorm, leaving a stunned Lena in the silent room.


1995

Despite the quantity of homework the 5th years had Hermione still had found time to do some research at the library. She had checked archives, looking for alumni, clubs' registers, any source of information for the girl on the picture.

Her heart pounding she had found articles written by the school' newspapers before it had closed down. The copy was from 1976 called "Pr Slughorn' Halloween Party'.

Several pictures showed young people in party dresses, smiling and toasting. One particular picture had caught her attention: one of 5 or 6 Slytherins. The silver blonde hair of Narcissa Malfoy was easily recognizable and next to her… Hermione 'heart jumped, the brunette from Sirius' picture! Her arm linked to a tall and icy brown-haired guy, she seemed to look at the photographer straight in the eyes before having a small smile that did not reach her eyes.

Quick, Hermione borrowed the copy and ran until the common room to show her find to the boys hoping Harry would be in a better mood.

They were studying at a table in a corner and she got the paper out of her bag and showed them with excitement:

"Look, I found her! Miss Malfoy and Miss Selwyin, accompanied by Mr Rosier… she did not read the names of all the boys and said: "It is her isn"t it?

- Yes it is whispered Harry.

- She was friend with Malfoy's mum? exclaimed Ron.

- Rosier, this name seems familiar said Harry before muffling a shout. He was a Death Eater! I saw him in Dumbledore' Pensine, he was killed by Mad Eyes!"

A heavy silence fell upon them. Far from getting clearer the mystery seemed to get even more thicker. The more Harry tried to solve the puzzle the more it seemed beyond understanding.

With a heavy heart he went back to his essay for McGonagall. How could his parents have been friends with this girl? She was probably a Death Eater thought Harry before hiding the photograph under a heavy book.


I hope you liked this chapter & see you next time!

Thanks to the last Guest who left a review at the last chapter and to those who fav/follow the story!