My name is Alita.
Alita Vareck.
Who am I?
Just your average Hogwarts student. Slytherin, fourth year. Friends with Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson.
So I suppose in many eyes, that wouldn't make me an average student, would it?
The three words, 'Slytherin', 'friends' and 'Malfoy'.
But that's why I'm here.
To set the record straight.
For years people have been prejudiced against us, 'Salazar Slytherin was evil!' they say. 'All Slytherins are immoral'.
We don't hate the other houses. Sure, we provide constant rivalry for Gryffindor, a house to be constantly found on the rumour mill. And sure we appear cold and detached, arrogant almost.
And I'll admit, some of us are.
But then again, so are some of the others.
It's just one simple fact.
We look after our own.
Why?
Because who else will? It is foolish and naïve to expect people who have been shunned not for who or what they are, but for what house they belong in, to welcome people with open arms. We walk the halls like everyone else only to be glared at because we wear green and silver.
And sure we may deserve it some of the time. But what would you expect? It is survival of the fittest. Some run to their common rooms and cry, while others, like Draco, hold their heads high and shove it right back at them. We must. Life isn't a fairytale for us. Proverbs aren't the case.
Laugh and the world laughs at you, cry and the world laughs harder.
Potter can shun us, talk about us as if we were mere pieces of scum. Why, everyone would give him every right to.
And yet, when it is our turn to loathe them and insult them, we are suddenly the villains.
The rest of the world can see everything in black and white and be forgiven for their naïveté.
Mistakes cannot be forgiven when you wear silver and green.
Though he may have some naïve beliefs, Draco Malfoy is called the Prince of Slytherin for a reason.
He dares to stand up proud while others shun him. He protects, yes protects, the other Slytherins. He didn't need to constantly stand up to Potter and the others. But he does. Because many of us dare not.
But I am not here to give him praise.
He shall be a case study.
Imagine growing up in Malfoy Manor, lush gardens, fancy meals, beautiful quarters. Everyone around adores you, you're brought up to be proud of who you are, yes, proud of your pure blood, of your riches.
Proud of being part of a Slytherin family.
All you want is to live up to the expectations.
Bring pride to the family, become a Slytherin.
Come Hogwarts.
You get your wish.
But wait?
Why is everyone glaring at you?
Of course, because you are a Slytherin.
"Slimy git"
"I wish he'd just drop dead already"
Those words hurt.
But you cannot show it.
Laugh and the world laughs at you, cry and the world laughs harder.
Only because you wear silver and green.