Author's Note : I didn't expect reviews so soon after posting. So, what do
you think so far? I am borrowing Verator and Narm from two very good
friends of mine, Queego and Voice of the Mist. (They have their own stories
to worry about! YOU MUST READ!) They will be helping me with writing this
wherever their characters are involved.
Please be patient with me. This is going somewhere, I promise, but I have
to set up the foundation first, so the first couple of chapters will be
relatively short. Creative criticism is always welcome at any time. Well,
with that said . . . on with the show!
~ Rys ~
Disclaimer : Still don't own anything . . .
Chapter Two
"GAAAHH! I'm late!"
Darlon skidded around the corner hastily stuffing the remnants of a piece of toast into her mouth while managing to balance an enormous book bag over her shoulder. Her hair was disheveled, her teeth unbrushed, and it would have been plain to anyone that she had dressed in a hurry. She was amazed that she managed to grab any breakfast at all.
While Darlon bolted, Kyla clung desperately to her shoulder with her tiny claws, her tail coiled around her owner's neck like a noose.
Darlon cursed herself again and again for sleeping in, especially on the first day.
But some luck managed to stay with her. Her first class of the day was Potions, which just so happened to be near the Slytherin dorms.
Darlon burst through the door a panting mess. All her classmates were staring at her and Pansy's group sniggered. Professor Snape turned to look at his late arrival.
"Ah, miss Fenris," he said silkily. "So kind of you to join us. Take a seat."
She hesitated, confused. "I'm not in trouble?"
He gave her a look. She gulped and slid wordlessly into an empty seat.
Not five minutes later, a black haired boy barreled into the classroom fallowed closely by a tall, gangly red-head.
Snape gave the boys an icy glare. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Both of you will see me after class for your detentions."
Both boys looked outraged.
"Um, Professor?"
Snape turned, his robes swishing dramatically. "Yes miss Fenris?"
"Why don't you let them slide?"
The class suddenly seemed much too quiet.
Uncomfortable with the unwanted attention, Darlon shifted in her seat. "Er, what I mean is; why give them a detention when they were not that much later than me?"
She then became very aware of the astonished looks she was receiving from both sides of the room.
Darlon had the sudden urge to crawl into a hole. Did I say something wrong?
"I think it's very cold day in hell right now," said Ron. "Are you absolutely sure she's in Slytherin?"
"Maybe she got sorted into the wrong house," Harry suggested.
Hermione snorted.
"It could happen . . . I think."
It was lunch time and the Gryffindor table was abuzz with talk about the supposedly nice Slytherin. Most dismissed it as pure rumor until they noticed the strange treatment she was receiving from her own housemates. Besides the occasional flirt, the white-haired girl was being avoided like a leper.
"Its almost as strange as a Malfoy socializing with muggles," Ron commented.
Verator glared at him from further down the table.
Ron continued unaware. "I think she's up to something."
"Maybe there is such a thing as a likeable Slytherin," Hermione said. "After all, we already know there is such a thing as an un-likeable Gryffindor."
Ron blinked. "Who?"
Both Harry and Hermione slapped him upside the head.
Darlon sat in a remote corner of the library, absently flipping through Days of Dragons by Amelia Amellbury. It was old and outdated, but some of the field sketches the witch had made were truly impressive.
Today had not gone as she had hoped. After going over this morning's events in her mind, she still could not find her mistake. Oh well, it didn't seem too bad. This set things back a bit, but it wouldn't change any of her major plans. After all, she did have all year. Three years, as a matter of fact. With a little patience she would eventually find the perfect opportunity.
With that in mind, she hoped to forget her worries in the depths of a good book. Well, the pictures of one anyway.
Turning the page, Darlon's eyes rested on a sketch on a Common North American hatchling. The creature was staring at the artist with curious eyes, while it stood on unsteady legs. She smiled. The author must have had the trust of the mother dragon to get so close.
"What do you mean 'we don't have it'?"
"Keep your voice down!"
Darlon raised her head to see what all the fuss was about. A girl with bushy brown hair was arguing with the librarian. The scene only lasted a few moments more before the girl stormed away from the desk to plop into a chair a few tables away. Face flushed, she whipped out an enormous book from an equally enormous bag and buried her face in it.
Darlon had a short internal debate. Then with a sigh of regret, she closed her book and stood up. She slid into the seat directly across from the girl. "Ah, are you alright?"
"Just fine," the girl said shortly, not bothering to look up. "Now if you don't mind, I'm studying."
Darlon cleared her throat. "No you're not. Number one, it's the first day of class, and two . . . that book is upside-down."
Pink-faced, she silently turned the book around.
"Sorry if I'm intruding, or something."
"I'm sorry," the girl said before Darlon could leave. "Its just been one of those . . . days . . ." She blinked at her, confusion.
I've been getting that look way too much lately, Darlon thought.
A silence had settled over the pair, and the girl kept staring.
Darlon let out a breath. "What? Did someone turn my hair pink?" she asked, somewhat sharper than she had intended.
That seemed to bring her around. "I'm sorry. Its just that . . . that . . ."
"I'm a Slytherin?" Darlon guessed. The girl was wearing a Gryffindor patch.
"Well, yes."
"Is it some kind of unwritten rule to dislike people from other houses? If so, then you might want to inform my fellow newcomers. I thought I saw them in the hallway attached at the lips."
She smiled at that. "Not usually," she admitted. "But . . ."
Exceptions are always made. Darlon wanted to sigh yet again. "I wish they had said something about that in Hogwarts: A History," she muttered. The girls eyes seemed to brighten. "You've actually read that?" she asked eagerly. "Yes," Darlon answered slowly. "Isn't it wonderful?" she said, somewhat starry-eyed. "Very informative," she agreed. "Exactly! That is precisely what I have been trying to tell Ron and Harry for the past six years!" It was Darlon's turn to blink. "Harry? As in Harry Potter?" "Please don't tell me your one of those!" "Excuse me?" "You know, one of those ridiculous fangirls who suddenly become all giggly at the mere mention of someone famous. I sincerely hope you're not. We need more intelligent females around here. Ah, no offense of course." Laughing lightly Darlon held up her hands. "Rest assured. I promise I won't pounce on him or anything. I was just was just a little surprised." Both girls started to go into little fits until they were shushed by the librarian. Suddenly a thought occurred to Darlon. She turned to the other girl and offered her right hand. "I'm Darlon Fenris. Although I think you figured that out by yourself." The girl took her hand. "That's right, I forgot about introductions. I'm Hermione Granger." Darlon gave Hermione a strange look. "Why were you arguing with the librarian?" Hermione's cheeks suddenly had a pink tinge. "Oh, that. A book I saw over the summer caught my eye, but I couldn't afford it. It wasn't exactly a new book so I assumed that the schools library had it." "That's it?" "Of course it is. Why?" Darlon could only shake her head, smiling.
After a week it was clear it was becoming a daily ritual. Every day the two teen girls could be seen together in the library, reading, working, or just enjoying the pleasure of each other's company. Sometimes they would bring their pets to their little gatherings. Kyla, and Hermione's fluffy ginger cat, Crookshanks, got along surprisingly well and made a stranger sight than their owners. During classes, Darlon pretty much kept to herself, never volunteering information unless called upon. On occasion she would glare at Pansy and her band of friends, and at other times she would listen to the professor absently. Hermione asked once about it, but the Slytherin only gave a shrug. "I'm just not an active student," she said simply. That Thursday, Hermione was eating dinner along with the rest of the Gryffindors as usual. She ate in silence, only glancing up to read another passage from her text book. "Hermione?" She turned. Both Harry and Ron were looking at her with concerned expressions. "We're really beginning to worry about you," said Ron. "We know you like to study and all, but this is getting ridiculous." "What are you going on about?" Ron exchanged a pleading look with Harry, signaling him to explain. "What he means is that we never really get the chance to talk with you. You spend most of your free time in the library with that new Slytherin girl, and well . . ." "We think she's put a curse on you," Ron finished. Hermione laughed. "She would never do a thing like that." "How do we know that?" Ron asked. "She's a Slytherin for crying out loud! Come on, we both know that they are all a bunch of slimy gits! How can you tell if she is any different?" "You want proof?" Both boys nodded. "Fine then. Come with me to meet her then." Ron blanched.
Darlon sighed and scratched Kyla's feathery ears. The griffin purred in content, massaging her owner's lap with her front paws. Hermione was late, and she was bored. Classes so far had been alright. The Transfiguration professor was strict but fair, Potions was tedious, and History of Magic was dull. The only two classes Darlon had truly enjoyed were Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Care of Magical Creatures. The Defense professor was the kind of wizard you couldn't help but like, and the Care of Magical Creatures class . . . well there were many good points to that class. Besides, she was more than familiar with large and potentially dangerous magical creatures. Darlon smiled and ran a finger over her blue scale necklace. Movement near the library's main doors caught her attention. Darlon watched curiously as Hermione approached, flanked by two boys. The one on her right was tall and lanky with a mop of fiery hair, while the other was almost as short as Hermione, had a hazardous crown of black hair and wore a pair of round glasses. She faintly recalled them as the two boy's who were late on the first day. Out of habit, she rose to meet them. To keep from being dumped, Kyla scrambled up to Darlon's shoulder. Hermione smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought friends today." "Not at all," she replied. Although the red-head looks about ready to hex me. "Darlon, these are my friends Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." Deciding to keep it formal, she shook their hands. Her eyes unintentionally drifted to Harry's forehead when she shook his. Ron eyed her coldly, and in return she gave him her sweetest, most innocent smile. Harry made an attempt to be polite, returning her greeting with a light smile. The four of them sat down. Silence reined. "Umm, do you play Quidditch?" Harry asked. Ah, small talk. The easiest way to get to know someone. "I did," Darlon replied. "But I haven't really played since I moved here. I was a chaser." "Any good?" She shrugged. "Not particularly. The captain of my old team said I wasn't competitive enough." "Maybe you just need practice." Darlon gave him an unreadable look. "Are you actually encouraging Slytherin to become competition?" "Not like you could fly anyway." "Ron!" Hermione elbowed him hard. Darlon just smiled. "No. He's right. Its been so long that a first year could probably beat me on a broomstick." Ron blinked. "And you admit this?" Darlon leaned forward. "Imagine if you will, if I had said that I was better than both of you. Now picture what would happen if someone told me to prove it. If I decline, then I'm a liar. If I accept then I make a fool of myself in front of whoever is watching. Why would I put myself through that?" Ron still looked suspicious. "What if you really didn't like the person?" Darlon grinned. "Why, I would think a sabotage was in order." "No doubt about it," Ron groaned. "She's a Slytherin."
Author's Note : Too short. Why are my chapter's so short? Wait, I already explained that didn't I? Sorry. Ahem, moving on. Verator and Narm will be making more of an appearance in the next chapter. Several, in fact. And did anyone catch the Pettegrew reference? Anyone? Ah well. To my (few) readers, it will be a little while until my next update due to school, horses, and overall lack of time. In short, expect me in about a week. If I'm lucky, maybe sooner. Happy reading! ~ Rys ~
Disclaimer : Still don't own anything . . .
Chapter Two
"GAAAHH! I'm late!"
Darlon skidded around the corner hastily stuffing the remnants of a piece of toast into her mouth while managing to balance an enormous book bag over her shoulder. Her hair was disheveled, her teeth unbrushed, and it would have been plain to anyone that she had dressed in a hurry. She was amazed that she managed to grab any breakfast at all.
While Darlon bolted, Kyla clung desperately to her shoulder with her tiny claws, her tail coiled around her owner's neck like a noose.
Darlon cursed herself again and again for sleeping in, especially on the first day.
But some luck managed to stay with her. Her first class of the day was Potions, which just so happened to be near the Slytherin dorms.
Darlon burst through the door a panting mess. All her classmates were staring at her and Pansy's group sniggered. Professor Snape turned to look at his late arrival.
"Ah, miss Fenris," he said silkily. "So kind of you to join us. Take a seat."
She hesitated, confused. "I'm not in trouble?"
He gave her a look. She gulped and slid wordlessly into an empty seat.
Not five minutes later, a black haired boy barreled into the classroom fallowed closely by a tall, gangly red-head.
Snape gave the boys an icy glare. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Both of you will see me after class for your detentions."
Both boys looked outraged.
"Um, Professor?"
Snape turned, his robes swishing dramatically. "Yes miss Fenris?"
"Why don't you let them slide?"
The class suddenly seemed much too quiet.
Uncomfortable with the unwanted attention, Darlon shifted in her seat. "Er, what I mean is; why give them a detention when they were not that much later than me?"
She then became very aware of the astonished looks she was receiving from both sides of the room.
Darlon had the sudden urge to crawl into a hole. Did I say something wrong?
"I think it's very cold day in hell right now," said Ron. "Are you absolutely sure she's in Slytherin?"
"Maybe she got sorted into the wrong house," Harry suggested.
Hermione snorted.
"It could happen . . . I think."
It was lunch time and the Gryffindor table was abuzz with talk about the supposedly nice Slytherin. Most dismissed it as pure rumor until they noticed the strange treatment she was receiving from her own housemates. Besides the occasional flirt, the white-haired girl was being avoided like a leper.
"Its almost as strange as a Malfoy socializing with muggles," Ron commented.
Verator glared at him from further down the table.
Ron continued unaware. "I think she's up to something."
"Maybe there is such a thing as a likeable Slytherin," Hermione said. "After all, we already know there is such a thing as an un-likeable Gryffindor."
Ron blinked. "Who?"
Both Harry and Hermione slapped him upside the head.
Darlon sat in a remote corner of the library, absently flipping through Days of Dragons by Amelia Amellbury. It was old and outdated, but some of the field sketches the witch had made were truly impressive.
Today had not gone as she had hoped. After going over this morning's events in her mind, she still could not find her mistake. Oh well, it didn't seem too bad. This set things back a bit, but it wouldn't change any of her major plans. After all, she did have all year. Three years, as a matter of fact. With a little patience she would eventually find the perfect opportunity.
With that in mind, she hoped to forget her worries in the depths of a good book. Well, the pictures of one anyway.
Turning the page, Darlon's eyes rested on a sketch on a Common North American hatchling. The creature was staring at the artist with curious eyes, while it stood on unsteady legs. She smiled. The author must have had the trust of the mother dragon to get so close.
"What do you mean 'we don't have it'?"
"Keep your voice down!"
Darlon raised her head to see what all the fuss was about. A girl with bushy brown hair was arguing with the librarian. The scene only lasted a few moments more before the girl stormed away from the desk to plop into a chair a few tables away. Face flushed, she whipped out an enormous book from an equally enormous bag and buried her face in it.
Darlon had a short internal debate. Then with a sigh of regret, she closed her book and stood up. She slid into the seat directly across from the girl. "Ah, are you alright?"
"Just fine," the girl said shortly, not bothering to look up. "Now if you don't mind, I'm studying."
Darlon cleared her throat. "No you're not. Number one, it's the first day of class, and two . . . that book is upside-down."
Pink-faced, she silently turned the book around.
"Sorry if I'm intruding, or something."
"I'm sorry," the girl said before Darlon could leave. "Its just been one of those . . . days . . ." She blinked at her, confusion.
I've been getting that look way too much lately, Darlon thought.
A silence had settled over the pair, and the girl kept staring.
Darlon let out a breath. "What? Did someone turn my hair pink?" she asked, somewhat sharper than she had intended.
That seemed to bring her around. "I'm sorry. Its just that . . . that . . ."
"I'm a Slytherin?" Darlon guessed. The girl was wearing a Gryffindor patch.
"Well, yes."
"Is it some kind of unwritten rule to dislike people from other houses? If so, then you might want to inform my fellow newcomers. I thought I saw them in the hallway attached at the lips."
She smiled at that. "Not usually," she admitted. "But . . ."
Exceptions are always made. Darlon wanted to sigh yet again. "I wish they had said something about that in Hogwarts: A History," she muttered. The girls eyes seemed to brighten. "You've actually read that?" she asked eagerly. "Yes," Darlon answered slowly. "Isn't it wonderful?" she said, somewhat starry-eyed. "Very informative," she agreed. "Exactly! That is precisely what I have been trying to tell Ron and Harry for the past six years!" It was Darlon's turn to blink. "Harry? As in Harry Potter?" "Please don't tell me your one of those!" "Excuse me?" "You know, one of those ridiculous fangirls who suddenly become all giggly at the mere mention of someone famous. I sincerely hope you're not. We need more intelligent females around here. Ah, no offense of course." Laughing lightly Darlon held up her hands. "Rest assured. I promise I won't pounce on him or anything. I was just was just a little surprised." Both girls started to go into little fits until they were shushed by the librarian. Suddenly a thought occurred to Darlon. She turned to the other girl and offered her right hand. "I'm Darlon Fenris. Although I think you figured that out by yourself." The girl took her hand. "That's right, I forgot about introductions. I'm Hermione Granger." Darlon gave Hermione a strange look. "Why were you arguing with the librarian?" Hermione's cheeks suddenly had a pink tinge. "Oh, that. A book I saw over the summer caught my eye, but I couldn't afford it. It wasn't exactly a new book so I assumed that the schools library had it." "That's it?" "Of course it is. Why?" Darlon could only shake her head, smiling.
After a week it was clear it was becoming a daily ritual. Every day the two teen girls could be seen together in the library, reading, working, or just enjoying the pleasure of each other's company. Sometimes they would bring their pets to their little gatherings. Kyla, and Hermione's fluffy ginger cat, Crookshanks, got along surprisingly well and made a stranger sight than their owners. During classes, Darlon pretty much kept to herself, never volunteering information unless called upon. On occasion she would glare at Pansy and her band of friends, and at other times she would listen to the professor absently. Hermione asked once about it, but the Slytherin only gave a shrug. "I'm just not an active student," she said simply. That Thursday, Hermione was eating dinner along with the rest of the Gryffindors as usual. She ate in silence, only glancing up to read another passage from her text book. "Hermione?" She turned. Both Harry and Ron were looking at her with concerned expressions. "We're really beginning to worry about you," said Ron. "We know you like to study and all, but this is getting ridiculous." "What are you going on about?" Ron exchanged a pleading look with Harry, signaling him to explain. "What he means is that we never really get the chance to talk with you. You spend most of your free time in the library with that new Slytherin girl, and well . . ." "We think she's put a curse on you," Ron finished. Hermione laughed. "She would never do a thing like that." "How do we know that?" Ron asked. "She's a Slytherin for crying out loud! Come on, we both know that they are all a bunch of slimy gits! How can you tell if she is any different?" "You want proof?" Both boys nodded. "Fine then. Come with me to meet her then." Ron blanched.
Darlon sighed and scratched Kyla's feathery ears. The griffin purred in content, massaging her owner's lap with her front paws. Hermione was late, and she was bored. Classes so far had been alright. The Transfiguration professor was strict but fair, Potions was tedious, and History of Magic was dull. The only two classes Darlon had truly enjoyed were Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Care of Magical Creatures. The Defense professor was the kind of wizard you couldn't help but like, and the Care of Magical Creatures class . . . well there were many good points to that class. Besides, she was more than familiar with large and potentially dangerous magical creatures. Darlon smiled and ran a finger over her blue scale necklace. Movement near the library's main doors caught her attention. Darlon watched curiously as Hermione approached, flanked by two boys. The one on her right was tall and lanky with a mop of fiery hair, while the other was almost as short as Hermione, had a hazardous crown of black hair and wore a pair of round glasses. She faintly recalled them as the two boy's who were late on the first day. Out of habit, she rose to meet them. To keep from being dumped, Kyla scrambled up to Darlon's shoulder. Hermione smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought friends today." "Not at all," she replied. Although the red-head looks about ready to hex me. "Darlon, these are my friends Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." Deciding to keep it formal, she shook their hands. Her eyes unintentionally drifted to Harry's forehead when she shook his. Ron eyed her coldly, and in return she gave him her sweetest, most innocent smile. Harry made an attempt to be polite, returning her greeting with a light smile. The four of them sat down. Silence reined. "Umm, do you play Quidditch?" Harry asked. Ah, small talk. The easiest way to get to know someone. "I did," Darlon replied. "But I haven't really played since I moved here. I was a chaser." "Any good?" She shrugged. "Not particularly. The captain of my old team said I wasn't competitive enough." "Maybe you just need practice." Darlon gave him an unreadable look. "Are you actually encouraging Slytherin to become competition?" "Not like you could fly anyway." "Ron!" Hermione elbowed him hard. Darlon just smiled. "No. He's right. Its been so long that a first year could probably beat me on a broomstick." Ron blinked. "And you admit this?" Darlon leaned forward. "Imagine if you will, if I had said that I was better than both of you. Now picture what would happen if someone told me to prove it. If I decline, then I'm a liar. If I accept then I make a fool of myself in front of whoever is watching. Why would I put myself through that?" Ron still looked suspicious. "What if you really didn't like the person?" Darlon grinned. "Why, I would think a sabotage was in order." "No doubt about it," Ron groaned. "She's a Slytherin."
Author's Note : Too short. Why are my chapter's so short? Wait, I already explained that didn't I? Sorry. Ahem, moving on. Verator and Narm will be making more of an appearance in the next chapter. Several, in fact. And did anyone catch the Pettegrew reference? Anyone? Ah well. To my (few) readers, it will be a little while until my next update due to school, horses, and overall lack of time. In short, expect me in about a week. If I'm lucky, maybe sooner. Happy reading! ~ Rys ~