Updated 9/9/2021: Edited


Muggle Studies

May 1972

Paisley walked through the Slytherin common room. She needed to grab her Herbology book as she had accidentally left it behind. She couldn't help but notice the second years sitting around discussing what could only be electives for the third year since it was all they had to discuss since Easter.

"Nope," Parkinson complained, reaching over and grabbing a pamphlet from everyone else. "No one, and I repeat, no one is taking Muggle Studies." She ordered, and Paisley was confused by the order. Why did Parkinson determine what they were all taking?

She had a feeling that most Slytherins wouldn't take Muggle Studies because it was well Muggle Studies. Still, she had heard that the elder Lestrange brother had taken Muggle Studies. He went around going on about how he wanted to find their weaknesses to exploit them. Still, he quickly learned that it wasn't the case and was stuck taking a subject he didn't wish to because he hadn't picked a third as a backup just in case.

"And pray to tell Alexandria, what are we taking?" Sophie Coopers, a girl who was regularly seen following Parkinson around, questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Please, take whatever you want," Parkinson waved her hand. "I just didn't want you all to face the same shame as Lestrange for misunderstanding what was involved with Muggle Studies."

"Could it be an actual misunderstanding, or was he just too stupid to truly understand what he was being taught," Emilia Anderson responded with a smirk. In contrast, the others let out a laugh.

Parkinson reached up and tapped her chin with one of the pamphlets, her own smirk appearing. "You know, it's highly possible about Lestrange. You alright there, Burke?" Parkinson questioned, noticing Paisley standing there.

Paisley flashed them the naïve smile she had perfected in recent weeks. "I was simply curious about the elective choices and some of your reasons behind them. I think Lestrange had the right motives with Muggle Studies but possibly misunderstood the concepts. If he wants to find their weaknesses, sometimes it's what they are interested in and what could distract them. I heard some Hufflepuffs in Transfiguration the other day talking about these moving pictures with sound. It sounds like they're trendy, and a large crowd appears for them. So, you essentially have a large group of Muggles distracted for whatever reason." Paisley responded, her smile still in place as she regarded the second-year students as they took in the information.

"That's actually a brilliant idea." Avery reached over and snatched one of the Muggle Studies pamphlets from Parkinson. "I think I might try that; it could be helpful in the future."

Parkinson didn't say anything, just stood up and walked over to Paisley before holding her hand out. "Alexandria."

Fuck, Paisley thought to herself. What has she just gotten herself into? "Paisley." It was the only logical thing to do. She couldn't turn this down since Parkinson, no Alexandria, was older. Paisley didn't have enough sway to turn Parkinson down.

Paisley knew she had to be more careful in the future. She knew she was setting someone up with the Muggle Studies bit of information. She didn't actually think it would lead to one of them taking the subject and actually having a valid reason for doing it.

"I have to get to Herbology. Good luck with your choices. I hope you all pick what is best for you," Paisley spoke politely. She gave them the only response that would sound polite, as well as trying to persuade them to pick for their own futures. Not because of some Dark Lord that had been filling the Slytherin common room with whispers.

Paisley was lost in her thoughts as she walked to the Greenhouses for Herbology, going over what she knew of the electives.

Lucas had said he took Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. Saying that, while Ancient Runes could be handy since he wanted to be an Auror, while Care of Magical Creatures seemed like it could be interesting. Some of her relatives had taken Divination and found it somewhat interesting. In contrast, others said it was an easy O, but it also depended on who the Professor was. A couple of her relatives in the Burke family had taken Muggle Studies. Still, she didn't associate with them much while Arithmancy was a subject that not many of her relatives had taken. There were rumours of an Alchemy class that sometimes runs if there is enough demand for the subject.

While she had heard several things about all the electives, she was unsure what she wanted to take in her third year.

"What took you so long?" Maxton whispered when Paisley slipped into her seat for Herbology.

"I put myself into the second years' conversation about electives. I got caught listening, and the only way to save myself was to participate in the conversation," Paisley explained, and Maxton nodded. Paisley leant closer to Maxton, allowing her to whisper so Alecto wouldn't hear her. "I had Parkinson introduce herself to me, giving me permission to call her Alexandria."

Maxton turned and looked at Paisley in shock but didn't say anything. They both just focused on what Professor Sprout was saying about the class.

Alecto turned around and faced Paisley and Maxton once Sprout allowed them to start working. "What caused you to be late?"

"I had to go back for my Herbology book. I ended up joining in on the second years' discussion regarding electives," Paisley explained, and Alecto looked at her for a moment.

"What subjects are they leaning towards?" Alecto questioned instead.

"I didn't stay for all of it. It was more a discussion on the potential benefits of Muggle Studies-"Paisley tried to explain, but Alecto cut her off.

"Potential benefits?" Alecto hissed. "There is no such thing. Apparently, elder Lestrange kept complaining about the class for three years."

"Yes, that was mentioned as well. Then they were talking about how possibly Lestrange may have been too stupid to understand the concepts. I think Avery may be taking the class, or at least inclined to," Paisley responded, but Alecto quickly shook her head.

"It doesn't make sense, and how could the younger Lestrange let them just talk about his brother that way."

Paisley shrugged, looking at her plant for a moment before she trimmed the correct parts. "He didn't seem to be too bothered considering how focused he was on the pamphlet for Ancient Runes. Either he didn't hear the comments, or he is stupid himself and was trying to read the pamphlet."

Maxton snorted at Paisley's comment but didn't say anything, the two of them just catching the other's eye. At the same time, Alecto turned back around on her bench, muttering to herself about the stupidness of Muggle Studies.

"I'm awfully tempted to take Muggle Studies, just to piss her off," Maxton whispered, and Paisley shook her head.

"Don't unless you want them all asking of ways to use what you learn against the muggles," Paisley responded, looking directly at Maxton. All he did was slightly nod his head before focusing on the task ahead.

Paisley found his actions odd but didn't question them. Knowing it wasn't the place to ask him about his activities since it could be something that would cause the other Slytherins to treat Maxton differently. She had no idea what would happen should Alecto overhear since she had taken to muttering about the muggles and their barbaric methods lately.

"Could there really be potential benefits to taking Muggle Studies?" Alecto questioned as soon as they left the Greenhouse.

Paisley looked at the other girl wondering if it was utterly worth having this conversation but left it as it was. "I discussed that maybe knowing what they enjoy would cause a great distraction."

"But they're barbaric animals," Alecto pointed out, and Paisley rolled her eyes.

"You may think that, but they have been pretty genius with some of their inventions, having things that we don't. We also use some of their inventions or tell me you don't take the Ministry cars to the station. I know your father has access to," Paisley made her shot, watching as Alecto's eyes narrowed for a moment before letting out a laugh.

"Nice play Paisley." Alecto gave her a smile, but Paisley wasn't fooled. "I'm going to take a nap instead of attending History of Magic. Can I borrow your notes?" Paisley merely nodded, and Alecto waved her hand before turning and heading towards the Slytherin common room.

"What the hell was that?" Maxton questioned.

"That would be the female tactics of the Families. I was actually surprised she didn't make any snide comments like the ones she has been since Christmas break," Paisley responded. She looked over her shoulder at where the corridor that led to the dungeons broke off from the Entrance Hall. "You know how the families work, rumours of marriage contracts and family deals. She must have heard something my parents are planning."

Paisley hoped that Maxton would drop it. Paisley had no idea what Alecto was making snide comments about when she actually did. She didn't want the other Slytherins to find out how her parents wanted her to marry a Gryffindor. It didn't matter if he was the Black Heir. His actions show that he doesn't care about Slytherins at all.

"Even if you did have a marriage contract in place. I don't understand why she comments about it, considering she will have her own one day. I'm told the early ones are generally the better ones, as it takes the more suitable partners off the market. The families can relax knowing they are making the best possible arrangement for their family," Maxton spoke. His voice was low, so they wouldn't be overheard, and Paisley nodded.

She had heard this; it was the same reasoning her parents used when discussing her potential marriage contract with Sirius. They used the exact same words when trying to convince her grandfather to put the marriage contract in place.

"Every single Pureblood of influence in Slytherin will have their own one day," Paisley added in her own comment about the prospect of an arranged marriage.

"I suppose it's not so bad. I don't have to worry about finding anyone with a fear of shaming my family," Maxton threw out. Paisley stopped for a moment, catching the Gryffindors hanging around the door, waiting till they could enter the room.

"I'm not worried about shaming my family with my choice. I'm worried about what he may do after the marriage has gone through," Paisley responded softly, her mask slipping before she quickly steeled her features.

Her dreams were beginning to worry her. She had a dream that showed she married Sirius, the same one stating she didn't trust Dumbledore for whatever reason. Then there was the other dream showing a much older Sirius in the Black kitchen with Dumbledore and others. They worked for the Ministry and were convinced the Aurors Sirius was in Tibet.

She started walking again, away from Maxton ending the conversation on marriage contracts. She ignored the look Sirius gave her, just walked straight past him, not acknowledge him before she took a seat at her usual table.

She stayed silent as Maxton took his seat beside her.

"Where's Carrow?" Snape questioned when he took a seat in front of her, turning around to look at her.

"Showering," Paisley responded harshly. "Try it sometime." Her comments caused a round of laughter from those around her, the loudest being the four Gryffindor boys. While Maxton had a hand covering his mouth to stop his own laughter from escaping and looking over at those Snape spent time with. Even his own allies were trying to prevent their own laughter from escaping.

"Malfoy is going to lose it when he hears what you said to Snape," Maxton pointed out, and Paisley turned to look at him.

"Oh, you mean like how he would have when I told him that Snape slipped a potion into my pumpkin juice during breakfast last week?" Paisley responded hotly, quickly catching Sirius's odd look as he walked past her, but she didn't say anything.

"You told Malfoy you didn't know who did it," Maxton responded.

"No, I believe I said it didn't need to be handled," Paisley reminded him before leaning closer. "We are Slytherins. We don't always need someone to act out our own revenge. Sometimes it better to hold onto the bargaining chip."

"Why you brilliant little snake," Maxton spoke, a smirk on his face, but Paisley just nodded before she pulled out her things for class.

.

.

.

"So, do I get a thank you?"

Paisley turned her head and found Sirius had spoken, and he had this smirk on his face. He joined her in one of the library's aisles.

Paisley was again looking for charm books, hoping to find something that would allow the two siblings to communicate more efficiently. She feared that if things had gotten worse outside the castle walls, things would also worsen inside. She may have to cease communication with her brother.

"A thank you for what exactly?" Paisley questioned, unsure as to where Sirius could possibly think he deserves a thank you.

"Well, for one, that box of sweets I sent you."

Paisley rolled her eyes before going back to searching for a book. "I didn't even know you had sent that."

The smirk fell from Sirius face for a moment before he stepped closer to Paisley. "I heard what Snape did to you."

"I don't need you to fight my battles," Paisley hissed. "And plus, how do you even know exactly what he did to me. I figured you heard me talking to Maxton about Snape putting a potion in my pumpkin juice, but we don't even know what the potion was. Suppose it wasn't for Flint's severe paranoia, and one of their family secrets is a powerful antidote covering many potions. In that case, it could have been bad." Paisley continued. She was still annoyed that she didn't realise the only reason Snape and Wilkes had come over to sit with them was a cover. It was only Maxton who had realised what was happening and instantly handed over the antidote he always carries because of his family's paranoia.

"He poisoned you," Sirius responded, anger filling his voice.

Paisley's face relaxed before she stepped closer to Sirius. "I don't need you to fight my battles. You were told the same thing I was, Slytherin is full of politics, and the trick Snape pulled was him forgetting his place as a half-blood. Me humiliating him with the shower comment would have put him in his place."

"Paisley, you alright?" Paisley took a step back from Sirius when she heard Maxton's voice.

"Just let me fight my own battles," Paisley hissed to Sirius, and he slightly nodded his head. "I'm fine Maxton, Black was just leaving."

Sirius looked between them but didn't say anything before turning and walking off, and Maxton walked closer to Paisley.

"What did he want?" Maxton questioned, and Paisley was silent for a moment.

"My parents are throwing one of their usual balls during the summer. He was hoping I could convince my parents not to uninvite him," Paisley lied, well sort of. Her parents were throwing a ball, but she had no idea if Sirius wanted to attend or even if he knew about it. "Speaking of which, I might see if my parents can extend an invite to your family." She turned and gave Maxton a smile which he quickly returned.

"Why do you keep looking at Charms books?" Maxton questioned, looking ahead at the books that Paisley was looking at.

"I'm interested in charms. I know we have our owl delivery systems, and there is the spell that turns notes into aeroplanes. I was curious as to if there was a spell that could link different pieces of parchment together. Be the sort of like instant messages between people," Paisley explained. Despite the fact she didn't tell Maxton who she was hoping to keep communicating with, it was all true.

"Sounds interesting," Maxton nodded, looking up at the books as if he could magically pull out the correct one.

Paisley wanted to ask if Maxton knew anything about what happened to Snape. She would hate to walk into the common room and for him to instantly think she was behind whatever it was Sirius did to him. It would just look plain wrong on her part if it seemed like she needed a Gryffindor of all people to fight her battles.

Paisley caught the action of Maxton looking around them before he took a small step closer. "That conversation we had about Muggle Studies the other day."

"What about it?" Paisley was curious about what Maxton wanted to know, but she would urge the conversation from him.

"What did you mean by having them ask about ways to use what I learn against the Muggles?" Maxton questioned, and Paisley knew where this was going.

"I told them that maybe they could the Muggles theatres I think they're called, as a way to distract them, and while I didn't say it, I knew they would take it as a hidden meaning to harm them," Paisley explained. "You've heard Alecto talked about how much she hates them and that they're barbaric animals."

"I know," Maxton responded quietly. "I just thought maybe Muggle Studies would be interesting, is all."

Paisley turned and looked at Maxton, softly placing a hand on his arm. "As long as we're in Slytherin, they wouldn't have accepted you wanting to take Muggle Studies unless your reason was to use it against the Muggles. It would be social suicide."

"I know," Maxton breathed out, and Paisley gave him a sad smile.

"Come on, let's head back to the common room. I'm done with my search for today."

When Paisley and Maxton returned to the Slytherin common room, Paisley was able to see exactly what it was that Sirius had done to Snape, claiming he needed a thank you for it.

Snape was sitting there in the corner, a scowl on his face. While it seemed as though others were snickering at him. His normally black hair is now red and gold to match that of the Gryffindor colours.

She fought back her laugh, sharing a look at Maxton, who merely shook his head.

"I'm assuming the usual perpetrator?" Maxton questioned, and Paisley just shrugged.

"One would assume so."

"I heard you made a humiliating comment towards Snape in class today," Lucius spoke as he stepped in beside Paisley.

"See you late, Paisley," Maxton spoke before he quickly disappeared.

"All I did was suggest maybe he try showering. You know I've heard Maxton say that Snape makes comments about preferring a bath of all things. Honestly, who likes to soak in their own filth," Paisley responded, ignoring the look that Lucius gave her. "Have you found out what that potion would have done to me if it wasn't for Maxton's quick thinking?"

"No, I have not," Lucius responded drily, making Paisley think that maybe he wasn't planning on finding out what it was.

"All I did was remind him of his place, that he is a mere half-blood among the pure," Paisley responded calmly. She knew there was no point raising her voice with Lucius since she had heard from Narcissa that the older students were still cautious around Snape. It seemed like he was hiding his abilities as a wizard and was learning stuff from books that weren't accessible in the library.

"Very well, I will speak with him and remind him of his place, and what we expect of our fellow Slytherins and that doesn't involve humiliating each other. I will make sure he doesn't try and get revenge for your comment towards him," Lucius spoke, and Paisley inclined her head but didn't say anything as Lucius took a few steps from her. "I'm assuming you have no connection to what happened there, though."

Paisley raised an eyebrow. "Surely, I would come up with something a bit more sophisticated than turning his hair red and gold."

"That's what I thought. Good day Paisley," Lucius continued with his path, and Paisley let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding.

She would have killed Sirius if she had been given the blame for what happened to Snape. She didn't need anyone's help with surviving in this house. She had proven she was fully capable of navigating politics. The fact of having a couple of upper-classmen who had given her permission to use their first name. Lucius and Narcissa, she had gotten them relatively quickly because of their familiar connections but others like Alexandria, Evan, and Rodolphus had taken a bit more.

Alexandria had given her permission in front of the other second years while they discussed electives. She had taken to Paisley's ability to look at the other side of things, and Evan was similar. He claimed he liked her ability to think outside the box when it came to the muggles. Technically, he used the term mudblood, which Paisley hated, but she didn't voice that. After she suggested using the muggles interests and how Muggle Studies could help with that. Evan said he had decided to take the class as an elective but did something that the elder Lestrange hadn't. He had picked a third elective just in case.

Rodolphus was different though, she had no idea what she had done to get on his good side, and she thought maybe it was a combination of everything. Paisley knew that Rodolphus was close with both Narcissa and Lucius. He was even set to marry Narcissa's older sister after his graduation. It could also be partly that Rodolphus heard her comments on Muggle studies and decided it was a brilliant idea. As a result, he had gone back over his notes from when he took the class.

She didn't know if she was honest, but she wouldn't question it. Her having the approval of the more influential older students put her in a better light with some of the other students, and it increased her overall acceptance.