TW: Brief mention of abuse

To say classes were going different than expected would be an understatement. While I was incredibly grateful to be able to attend Hogwarts, it was also bittersweet. I had always pictured still talking to Theo and our friends, no matter where I had ended up, but that didn't happen. Theo would give me small smiles, and chat here and there, but only when we were alone. Any time the other Slytherins were around, it was like I didn't exist. I could only imagine what they were saying about me, however I knew it was nothing good. I didn't necessarily blame Theo, but I was a bit disappointed. I was most disappointed with Draco. I knew he idolized his father, and that Lucius and my father were more alike than not, but Draco had always been there. I expected some distance, but he treated me as though I didn't exist. He wouldn't make eye contact with me, and completely avoided me in the halls and classes. While I knew Draco made his own decisions, I also knew how heavily influenced they were by his father. I knew mine wasn't pleased, and I'm sure he spread the word on how disgusted he was with my house placement to all his friends, which meant it was shared how it would be looked down upon to be friends with me. Father had made it extremely clear to me how he felt when sending me a letter. Truthfully, I was just glad it wasn't a howler.

Annaliese,

Word has come around that you have continued to be a disappointment to House Nott by getting yourself sorted into Gryffindor. The disgust I feel having you as a child only continues to grow, especially when I discovered you've become friends with mudbloods and blood traitors. You are not welcome at the manor any more than absolutely necessary. Be sure to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. Stay away from your brother and his friends. I don't want to have two worthless children.

I will find out if you disobey my commands, and there will be consequences.

Lord Tiberius Theodore Nott

While things were different, they weren't all bad. Gryffindor house was a pleasant surprise. It was warm and cozy, and felt like home. Having a wardrobe full of red wasn't something I was expecting either. Growing up in a Slytherin household, green and silver were common. While green always made my green eyes pop, the red did compliment my dark hair and fair skin. I looked exactly like my mother, Celestia Avery-Nott. The Avery family was notorious for their dark black hair, olive skin, and deep green eyes. The Nott family also had darker hair, although it was certainly not black, and light-colored skin with bright blue eyes. Theo was a Nott through and through. Hermione often complimented my hair, which was wavy but nearly as voluminous as her own. She had been my saving grace so far this year. We both didn't have many friends, albeit for different reasons. Hermione was a lot. Her intelligence would be intimidating for lesser people, but it made studying so much easier. I was always rather smart, and judging based off my grades, rather skilled as well. It made working with Hermione a breeze. I could keep up with her big brain and robust studying habits. Mostly because I didn't really have anything else to do. I really felt like a snake in lions clothing. There was a distinct air of mistrust whenever someone had to interact with me. I was still close with Harry, and he and I would talk whenever we had a chance, but anytime Ron was around I tried to make myself scarce. Not because I was afraid of Ron, or was intimidated, but because I knew it would put Harry in a hard spot, and I know how important friendship is to him. Ron didn't care at all, and didn't hide his disdain for me. He would often mumble under his breath snide comments, saying I was a snake, and a blood purest, and how he didn't know how someone like me got sorted into Gryffindor. It annoyed me because no one ever heard him, and no one understood why I couldn't stand him. Neville was also wonderful, but would keep to himself. He was so insecure; he just didn't realize how great he truly was. We would talk in the halls, or during meals, but that was it. It was just Hermione and I, however, that changed on Halloween.

We were in charms, learning Wingardium Leviosa. Hermione and I had been practicing, and would ace the practical application. Hermione had tried to help Ron, as he was slightly off on his pronunciation, and it did not end well. If there was one thing I learned about the Weasley family, it is that they were prideful. Ron especially. Hermione and I were talking quietly leaving class, following behind a group of boys, including Harry and Ron. Unfortunately, we couldn't help but overhear Ron's rebuttal.

"It's Wingardium Levi-O-Sa, not Levio-SA." He mocked, "She's unbearable! Honestly, it's a wonder she has no friends. She had to settle with the Slytherin reject, cause no one else could stand her." The boys laughed, and it hurt to watch Harry grin, even if it looked uncomfortable. I heard Hermione give a little gasp, and a sniffle and watched her run, shoving passed the boys.

"I think she heard you." Was all Harry said.

"Yes, spot on Potter. And you, Weasley, how pathetic of a wizard could you possibly be? You weren't going to get it, and she was HELPING you. Even though you are nothing but nasty to her. You call me evil and twisted, but it is you who is cruel. If I hear you say one more bad thing about Hermione, I'll show you just how much of a snake I can be." I sneered and shoved passed to try and catch up to Hermione.

I found her in this girl's bathroom, crying in one of the stalls. I tried to stay and comfort her, but she was adamant that she wanted to be alone. Even though I thought better of it, I respected her wishes. I figured I would see her at the Halloween feast, but as I sat down and looked around, my heart sunk. I still didn't see her, which meant she was still crying. I could feel anger bubbling up at Ron Weasley, and I wanted to throttle him. Once the feast was over, I was going straight to collect her. I left her alone, and now whether she liked it or not, I was going to be there for her. My thoughts of what to say to her were interrupted when Professor Quirrell came bursting through the door.

"Troll! In the dungeon! There's a troll in the dungeon! Just thought you ought to know." He collapsed. Chaos ensued, and soon we were all being escorted to our common rooms. My thoughts were on Hermione and getting to her as soon as possible, however it seemed I wasn't the only one.

"Ron! We've got to get Hermione! She doesn't know about the troll!" Harry exclaimed.

Before Weasley had a chance to answer, I cut in, "I think he's done enough, Harry. Why doesn't he run back to the common room before he makes things worse."

Ron's face flushed, "Look, I messed up. She makes me crazy, but that doesn't mean I want her to get hurt. Can we just go?"

"The only reason I am agreeing right now is because I don't want anything to happen to Hermione." I said, eyes narrowed.

The three of us ran, trying to get to Hermione as fast as we could. We were almost there when a noise stopped us. To our shared horror, we got there just in time to watch the troll go into the same bathroom Hermione was. Taking off after it, we watched as it swung the large club toward Hermione. Trying to distract it, so Hermione could run to safety, Harry grabbed onto the troll and managed to get himself caught. Hanging upside down, the troll was trying to hit Harry with his club.

"Hermione, the troll is distracted. You need to make a run for it over here. Ron, you need to help her get over safely. I'm going to try and save Harry before he gets clobbered." Using what we learned in class, I was able to stop the club above the troll's head before he could actually hit Harry with it. The club thunked down hard on the troll's head, and he released Harry. As the troll started to fall and pass out, I ran, grabbing Harry's hand and helped him run back out of the way. The troll fell to the ground with a heavy thump, and all was silent except for this mist of dust and dirt.

"Hermione, are you alright?" I ran over to her, making sure she wasn't injured. She shook her head, and as she started to talk, our professors ran in. Surprisingly, Hermione covered for the boys and I, and even more surprisingly we were awarded house points for "sheer dumb luck."

I was sure no one else had that exciting of a first year, but I had no idea what was yet to come. The boys and Hermione and I fell into an odd friendship. I was friends with Harry and Hermione, but I still couldn't stand Ron, and vice versa. Hermione and Harry were just happy to be able to be friends with everyone, which made putting up with Ron worth it. He still whispered rude comments, but not as often. I think mostly because there were always others around. I never would have guessed that by starting this friendship, that the rest of the year would be insane, or that my life would forever change. It truly seemed like Harry had a death wish. After finding out about Fluffy, and questioning Snapes motives, we finally figured out what he was going after. Nicolas Flamel and the Sorcerer's Stone. The worst part of the year was when we had gone to Hagrid's to find out more about the stone, and found the dragon's egg hatching. While that in itself was amazing, Draco snitching on us and getting us in trouble was less so. It was the first time he really did anything negative towards me, and it hurt that the only time he acknowledged me this year was when he was getting us in trouble. Another twinge went through my heart at the thought of our friendship really being over.

Knowing Snape was going to try to get the stone, we talked to McGonagall and tried to alert Dumbledore, only finding out that he wasn't even in the castle. McGonagall dismissed us, but assured us that the stone was safe. Harry being Harry, knowing Dumbledore was out of the school, decided he had to stop Snape from getting the stone. Never the ones to let Harry get into trouble by himself, we all went with him to help. Luckily Fluffy was already charmed to sleep when we got to the room, and Ron, Hermione, and I were all able to slide down the trap door. Harry wasn't as lucky, but thanks to his great reflexes, he was able to dodge Fluffy and get down the trap door before anything bad could happen. Although it was absolutely too close for comfort. Handling the Devil's Snare was much easier, and would have been if only Ron would have shut up and listened. Nevertheless, Hermione saved his arse when he was panicking. Harry, being the youngest seeker in over a century, passed the key test with flying colors. Working together, Hermione and I figured out the potion riddle, and we all went on to what appeared to be a giant chess board. Begrudgingly, I had to admit Ron was a rather talented chess player. He was protecting us all, and trying to win the match. When Ron sacrificed himself, it was horrifying. As much as I wanted to continue with Harry, Hermione needed an extra hand getting Ron to safety. I don't regret helping Ron, but knowing what Harry went through with Quirrell, or rather Voldemort, I couldn't help but wish there was more I could have done for Harry. Luckily Harry ended up being okay, and made it to the final feast of the year in the great hall. I took this opportunity to enjoy being with my friends, because I knew that come tomorrow, I was back on house arrest, and all my shortcomings this year were going to be punished.

Summer After 1st Year

Staring into the mirror, I questioned myself and the choices I made. Was it worth it? Was being different and not the perfect pureblood princess worth the pain I had to go through. I was correct when I thought Father would be punishing me. What I didn't expect was the severity. My Father was careful when administering his punishments. He would never hit where it could be seen. Regardless of his rules, he had no intention of me being seen, and I wasn't allowed any visitors or any mail, so hitting me where it was noticeable suddenly became alright. I don't think even Theo noticed what was going on, mostly because he was never home. He was welcomed at the Malfoys with open arms. Something that I never again would be. The good thing about my house arrest is I was able to practice my magic. I became rather knowledgeable and adept at healing magic, and after working extremely hard, I managed to perfect the glamour charm. I could feel the magic running through my veins getting stronger, and I felt powerful. It didn't matter that I couldn't see my friends, or that my father was beating me. I was better than him, and determined to become as strong and talented as could be, so when the day came to return the favor, or protect my friends, I would be ready.

Start of 2nd Year

To say I was excited for the start of the year would be an understatement. I was so ready to see my friends, and be able to freely walk around without the constant worry of setting father off. He gave me all his usual warnings, and let me know he'll have people looking in on me to make sure my behavior was acceptable. If it wasn't, I would pay for it. Again, I would be staying at the castle for the holidays. I wasn't mad about it though because it was certainly better than going home. I sat with Hermione and Neville again, and caught up on how their summers were. I wasn't going to be disclosing how mine was. I had asked about the distinct lack of Harry and Ron's presence on the train, but no one had heard from them. Worry had settled in my gut. Something felt off. That feeling only got worse when we walked into the school and sat down at the welcoming feast, and they still weren't here. Dumbledore introduced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Lockhart. Hermione gushed about him and all his accomplishments, and how honored she was to learn from him. I had never met the man, but he seemed too full of himself. I suppose if he really did accomplish all he said he did, maybe he had a reason to be full of himself. He was pretty, but not really my type. So, when Hermione was talking about the quizzes in Witch Weekly on what his favorite color was, and what products he used to get his hair so "silky smooth", I tuned her out and began scanning the tables. Theo was in a deep conversation with Draco, which gave me time to observe the boys. Theo had looked well, as usual. I did see him on the way to Kings Cross, but it wasn't for very long and we abruptly separated. He seemed happy, and like Father was leaving him alone. For that, I was happy. He was still my brother, and even if we weren't as close as we used to be, I don't want him to go through any more pain and suffering. Draco also looked well. He had grown taller, but still had his boyish looks, with hair gelled back like his father. I thought it was a bad look, but I no longer mattered. He also seemed happy, but watching him and his interactions with the others at the Slytherin table, he looked like a prat. He also seemed full of himself, and was giving an air of superiority, which was a bit new. He always thought he was special, but this was in almost a cruel way. I was about to turn back to Hermione when I caught Parkinson's gaze. She was smiling wickedly, and whispering to Daphne Greengrass. I guess I found out who Father had watching over me this year. With a sigh, I started listening to Hermione continue to ramble about Lockhart's achievements. It was better than dwelling on the inevitable punishments I would get when I went home. Parkinson was no fan of mine, nor was I one of hers, so I knew she wouldn't be doing me any favors.

Hermione and I walked back to Gryffindor tower together, and settled into the couch in the common room to wait and see if we heard from either of the boys. Before we knew it, they came bustling in, flustered and out of breath, explaining how the wall to platform 9 ¾ closed on them, and they missed the train, so they flew to school in Mr. Weasleys enchanted car. Hearing about the whomping willow, I was rather impressed that they got out alive with no injuries, minus Ron's now broken wand.

School was relatively uneventful, up until Draco got on the quidditch team. Hermione, Ron, and I watched the Gryffindor team walk up to the Slytherin team, and immediately went to see what was going on. The Slytherin team had permission to use the quidditch pitch to train their new seeker. As soon as they parted, and Draco stepped forward, I knew this wasn't going to end well.

"Malfoy?" Harry questioned.

"Yeah, that's right. That's not all that's new this year." Draco gestured to the new brooms the entire team was holding.

"Those are Nimbus 2001's!" Ron exclaimed, not able to contain his astonishment.

"That's right Weasley. Unlike some, my father can afford the best." I rolled my eyes at Draco's comment, because he was so obtuse when it came to how rich the Malfoy's were, and how rare it actually was to be that wealthy.

"Well at least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got on the team by pure talent." My heart sank to my stomach. I know Hermione was sticking up for the Gryffindors, but I knew how hard Draco had trained, and how badly he wanted to play quidditch. So, a slight like that diminishing his efforts, wasn't going to slide without comment.

With a glare, the next words out of Draco's mouth took my breath away. "No one asked for your opinion. You stupid little mudblood." Ron tried to make Draco eat slugs, but with his broken wand, it rebounded and hit him. While Harry and Hermione took Ron away to Hagrid's, I whipped around to Draco.

"Congratulations Draco. You're just as foul and disgusting as your father. Spewing mindless hate, and trying to hurt people. You're despicable. Although I guess I should be thanking you. You're making it very easy for me to want nothing to do with you." I saw his eyebrows raise in surprise, and an emotion that looked like hurt crossed his face. I knew that wasn't right because he wanted nothing to do with me, and there was no reason for him to be hurt by my words anymore. I rolled my eyes and went to Hagrid's hut. I made sure Hermione knew that Draco was completely out of line, and that she had blood just as pure as anyone else's. With the talent she has, anyone with a semblance of a brain would know she wasn't "lesser."

I was horrified that Draco was already sprouting that nonsense, and knew that if Narcissa knew what he said, she would not be happy. She would never find out though, because no one would dare go against Lucius. I thought my disappointment with Draco couldn't get any worse, but that changed the night Harry got out of detention late.