A/N I fixed the first chapter, because it was rather stupid. Still is, but overall…

Arabella admired herself in the mirror. Or rather, she stared at her left arm. Unmarked. Unblemished. Did she have to get the dark mark? She'd never be able to wear anything remotely revealing again. Besides, did she really want to pledge herself to a killer? Sure, he was gaining power again, but what had Harry Potter really done? Erm, other than survive, nothing. And Voldemort? Well, he hadn't exactly benefited her in anyway. Convince her elder brothers that she wasn't a thick idiot that was stupid enough to get herself into compromising positions or engage in horizontal aerobics with any random blokes? Help her out in her classes, which were getting harder and harder? Remove the lurking spot that was threatening to erupt at the tip of her nose? She didn't think so. Nope, he had just made it harder. Everyone immediately assumed that she was an evil conniving bitch that was bent on destroying the world, or at least taking it over. Besides, the whole power struggle seemed bollocks to her, but then again, and she was often reminded, she was hopelessly shallow. This was true. Or at least it appeared to be that way.

For starts, you never got the Mickey beaten out of you, whether verbally or physically, if you were shallow, at least not at Hogwarts. If she seemed smart or conniving, all of the other pupils would immediately assume that you were following your parent's example and becoming a Death Eater. It was absolute rubbish, but there was no sense in arguing with the fear-stricken masses, since argument was another point that would get you ridiculed. And as a self-conscious, self-esteemed deprived Slytherin entering her 5th year, ridiculing was a fate worse than death (or joining the death eaters, same thing).

A rather bedraggled owl smashed into her window, pulling her out of her trance. Errol. Although her parents, the honourable Lord and Lady Hallowell-Turner, would scream at her for communicating with smuggle lovers, Ginny Weasley was one of her best friends. They had met during one of the screaming matches between Ron, Hermione, Harry, Gregory (Goyle), Vincent (I bet you know who he is), and Draco. Draco had said something nasty about Mudbloods, there were a ring of Slytherins and Gryffindor watching, and Bella and Ginny had ended up standing next to each other.

'If they don't shut up soon I'm going to be late for class.' Bella had remarked to herself.

'You'll be late for class. I think Malfoy said something really nasty this time.' Ginny had snapped, confused as why the haughty Slytherin was talking to her.

'When does he not say something nasty?' Bella had asked, and the two had been friends ever since.

Arabella ordered the door shut, and dashed across her over decorated room. It was done up in purples and gold, the colour of nobility. She opened the window, letting Errol in. He own owl, Hestia, glared from her perch.

Hey Arabella,

How's your summer? Mine's been dreadful, absolute rubbish. The Golden Trio's here again, and Ron's been trying to set me up with Harry the whole time. He doesn't understand that I'm going out with Dean. Don't see why not. At least I'm not going out with Malfoy (damn hot, he is. Can your brothers' wrangle and introduction? Kidding, Malfoy would never look twice at me), or someone like that. Did you really snog Pucey? Damn, he's hot, but I could have sworn that you fancied Harry (how could you not).

Anyways, how are your brothers? Lovely Michael, Thomas, and (sigh) Samuel? I know they're Slytherin through and through (although you could give them a run for their money with your plots and manipulations), but they are damn hot!

Remember 2nd year? Well, I have a problem. I know this might be difficult, but could you come to the Burrow for the last month? This is really important. You could pretend that you're going to Emma Zabini's house. I know that she's out of Hogwarts, but would your parents buy it?

Ginny

Arabella blinked. What was Ginny talking about? What could be so important that she was asking the impossible, go spend a bit of the summer with the Weasley? Damn impossible, it was. Unbelievably impossible. There was no way she could.

'Mum? Can I ask a favour?' She yelled out the door.

Okay, please r&r! Please be nice, no flames. Tell me what you think. Should I continue?