Requested by Nalani (hpff)

Being in Slytherin doesn't necessarily make me a bad person. But everyone seems to think it does. I'm not really a mean person, like my House makes me out to be. Yeah, I'm not exactly weak. I'm headstrong and stubborn…Cunning too, I suppose. That's what got me into Slytherin, isn't it? I've never really felt like I fit in anywhere…I'm still trying to find myself a place.

And my friends? Forget about it. If we were in danger, they'd sooner save their makeup than me. Same with Lucius Malfoy. I dated him for awhile, but broke it off after a few weeks. He just wanted to get some, and I definitely wasn't giving it up to him. Now he's constantly harassing me.

Only Bellatrix knows about my problems with Malfoy…But I hardly talk to her.

Mum and dad think she's perfect. They think I'm some sort of devil-spawn or something. I've always had to live under her shadow…But I guess that's what comes with being the youngest.

Sometimes I wish someone would just listen to me…Listen to what I have to say. I wish there was someone out there who wouldn't judge me by my looks, or my status, what House I'm in, or even if I'm a Pureblood or a Mudblood. I just want someone to know me for being…Well. Me.

"LEAVE ME ALONE, MALFOY!"

"Don't be like that, Narcissa. I just wanted-"

"Yeah, and you're not getting it." I snapped, turning my back to him.

His hand clamped like a vise on my shoulder. "I'm not finished with you yet," Malfoy's voice was low, menacing.

My knees shook. I wasn't going to show Malfoy that I was afraid, so I brushed his hand away. "I think you are." I stated coldly, then walked off.

I retreated to the Slytherin girls' dormitory and yanked the curtains shut around my bed.

"Narcissa?"

"Leave me alone, Bella. I'm not in the mood." I muttered, burying my face in my pillow.

I heard the hangings open. "Cissa…"

Stupid, annoying older sisters. Why couldn't Bellatrix take the hint?

"Go away."

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong, Bella. Just go, all right?"

The mattress creaked a little as she sat on the edge of the bed. "You can't fool me, Cissa. I know when something's wrong with you, and something's definitely wrong. Look at me." she commanded.

I lifted my tear-stained face to her and bit my lip to keep from crying more. "I'm looking at you, happy now? Go."

"Not yet. What happened? Was it Malfoy again?"

"Yeah." I sniffed, brushing the tears away roughly. "Why d'you care?"

"Because," she wrapped her arms around me tightly. "I'm your sister. Why wouldn't I care?"

I didn't have a response for this, so I didn't say anything.

Bellatrix finally let go and began braiding my hair. "Tell me what happened." she said gently, winding long strands of my blonde hair together.

I took a deep breath. "He…I…Oh…I don't want to talk about it…"

Bella nodded. "All right…If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here. Really," she added with a smile.

"Okay," I smiled slowly, bottom lip trembling. "I'll remember that. Thanks."

She hugged me one last time before sliding off of my bed and leaving the common room. "Any time."

Now that I think about it, I do have someone to talk to, someone who'll listen to me. She's been with me all along. Maybe I'm not as alone as I think.