Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter!
An alarm blaring in Draco's ear woke the man up the next day. This wasn't his regular alarm. No, something had breached the wards of the manor.
The wards erected around the grounds would place a nasty hex on anything that crossed into the property. Discouraging any further wanderers. But that was before the Ministry became concerned of muggles discovering our society.
As the muggle population grew and their towns expanded, the Ministry demanded the wards changed. Tired from the reports of panicked muggles running from the Malfoy's woods.
Unfortunately, the new spell wasn't perfect. These alerts weren't uncommon, since they detected anything with a magical aura. Which meant Draco dragged his body into the cool morning air when he felt that electric tingling run across his skin. Even if the sun was just starting to peek above the horizon. If it was up to the young man he'd be in bed for few more hours.
His feet sunk into the mossy ground, due to a light rain shower that night, as he approached the edge of his property. Tracing a complex design with his wand, Draco cast the spell that would allow him to track the creature.
A smoky blue trail appeared a few meters away from Draco. It swirled as if being disturbed by the wind and never rose above his knee.
Draco's eyes followed the signature as it curled and disappeared within the woods.
Draco followed the trail into the woods, his wand held tightly in his fist. The rising sun caused shadows to stretch and twist into nightmarish forms that set the man on edge. The intruder could be anything from a wizard, werewolf, or just a lost crup. Either way it could be dangerous, so Draco kept a close watch on his surroundings.
A resounding crack from the branches in front of Draco, had him jump and his wand arm rose in defense. The woods were silent then besides the sound of Draco soft breathe. His eyes narrow, straining to discern a figure between the branches.
Then, something burst through the leaves with a loud shriek and swooped at Draco. He ducked down avoiding the sharp talons of an ink- black raven. The animal disappeared into the forest, and he watched as the spell shadowed the creature.
Goosebumps formed on his arms when he thought on the stories about the messengers of bad luck, ravens. Seeing one so close to home, especially a magical one, could only mean something unfavorable is around the corner.
Straightening his posture, Draco made his way back to the house. Trying but failing to shake off the ominous feeling that had started growing when he'd seen the raven. He dodged trees and stepped over large roots jutting out from the ground, his paranoia increasing his speed toward the safety of his home.
At the door, Draco glanced back at the woods that now seemed less sinister at this distance. He entered the manor, while shaking his head to clear it, only to find a stripped-down Isabelle.
She ran through the room in only her underwear; yelling and laughing as Mittsy chased behind her, a pair of pants and a shirt in hand. Draco managed to grab the girls when she tried crawling between his legs to escape outside. All thoughts of the raven gone, as he joined Mittsy in wrangling a squirming five-year-old into their clothes.
It was at breakfast when Mittsy came in with an owl perched on her head. In the elf's hands were a stack of three letters that were addressed to Thomas, Jasmine, and Macy.
The envelopes were bound together with a piece of twine and keeping them closed was a red wax seal. That presented a familiar school crest.
Jasmine accepted hers from the elf, then set it aside disinterested. One would think that the letters had kicked a baby animal with the way Macy looked when the letter was handed to her.
And Thomas suggested using his as kindle for the fire, but begrudgingly accepted it at the elf's insistence.
Their reactions to the letters came as a surprise to Draco, who as a kid would be ecstatic to get his letter each year. Unsure how to breach the topic with the uneasy feeling that settled over the table Draco left it alone. Hoping that if it was about something significant, they would come to him.
In the next couple of weeks Mittsy proved to be a godsend to Draco. She was able to get most of the supplies that the three students would need for the upcoming year. But it seemed like every other day one of them remembered something that they had to have for classes.
Like Thomas, who'd conveniently forgotten that his school robes were now a couple of inches too short and only mentioned this to Draco four days before the train ride to Hogwarts. Let's just say that Madam Malkin was not happy about the short notice and he had to give a hefty tip to soothe the ruffled feathers.
It was a whirlwind month that passed by quicker then they'd all expected. Twas the night before the three teenagers were due to leave for Hogwarts and they were wide awake.
A fire was lit in the fireplace casting shadows in a dance across the walls. They all were once more gathered in the living room, it was a peaceful scene no outsider could encroach on their private bubble.
Max and Isabelle were curled up in the sheets, fast asleep. When a minute ago they'd both had been sitting up; Isabelle placing her butterfly hair bands, so tufts of Max's ginger hair jutted out from his head. A hairstyle that the boy still sported; one of the butterflies making an indent in the boy's freckled cheek.
But it was Macy that had done the most work this night. She had already finished Thomas' makeup, who was surprisingly docile during the whole thing. When questioned about his nonchalant attitude he shrugged and claimed he was used to such antics from Macy.
Max wanted his eye shadow done in bright green and blue which Macy was all too happy complying with. Artfully applying the makeup so it resembled scales.
Jasmine tried to refuse a makeover, but Draco told her that if he had to be subject to this so did she. The other girl looked into Draco's darkly outlined eyes, accentuated with a 'smoky' eye shadow. Then, to his painted lips, strawberry red, and gave in. But warned Macy from expecting the same when they were at school.
Currently, the dark-haired girl had her eclectic collection of nail polish scattered across the floor. Her expression focused as she contemplated the small vials in front of her. Isabelle already had her nails done with a polish that allowed the color to change with her mood. Macy had commandeered Draco's hand and was trying to decide which color would fit best on the man's nails.
"I think you all should go to bed, tomorrow the train leaves early." Draco suggested, wary of the late hour.
"Not tired." Jasmine said quickly and with finality while trying to remove her makeup with a wet cloth. The others were quick to back her statement up.
Draco watched as Thomas picked at a loose string on his pajama pants. Macy's eyelids drooped, only a barrage of rapid blinking kept them from closing completely. While, Jasmine took her sweet time removing the makeup on her face. A strange sort of energy surrounded the three when Draco had brought up their trip the next day.
It was like the feeling that had cropped up the morning the Hogwarts' letters had arrived. Trying to find the reason for their mood Draco casually prompted, "Speaking of tomorrow, are you all excited to go back to Hogwarts?"
"Yep! Of course, can't wait!" Macy squeaked out, enthusiasm forced into her tone. Her eyes never leaving her hands, unable to meet another's eyes.
"Real subtle, Macy." Thomas mocked his sister, throwing a pillow at her back.
"Shut up Thomas!" Macy's head whipped around to give her brother a furious glare, a hand lifted brandishing a bottle of nail polish in return. But Jasmine's voice stopped her from going through with the threat.
"I don't want to go back." Jasmine's voice was quiet and hesitant, like she was unsure if she should be sharing this secret. Nonetheless her soft-spoken words were heard by everyone in the room. "I know that sounds stupid, but I don't have many friends. None that I can really talk to at least."
"Jasmine, I don't think anyone can call you stupid. But I know what you mean. Slytherin's aren't exactly popular people in Hogwarts right now and the mood within the house isn't much better. Merlin, it's so stifling to be in the common room." Thomas punctuated his words by throwing himself back, so he was lying flat on the floor arms outstretched. He stared up at the dimly lit ceiling as if it held all the answers to the questions of the universe.
"Nobody likes me." Macy said, but was quick to correct herself, "I mean, when I walk down the halls everyone who's not wearing the same green and silver colors sneers at me and I feel so disgusting. Last year, I had decided to stop wearing my tie, but they still stared at me. I'm constantly scared of being hexed."
Her words ran together as the feelings that had been building inside rushed to get out. She let go of Draco's hand, so she could hug her knees close to her chest for comfort.
"I had no idea that it was that bad for the Slytherins. There have been people bad-mouthing your house, but I thought it was all harmless talk. I'm so sorry, Macy." Jasmine said, sadness and regret coloring her tone.
"You don't need to apologize, Jasmine. If anything, it's the adults who created this system that should apologize." Thomas passionately said, sitting up once more to deliver his speech.
"They want everyone to believe the war is over, but in those halls, it's still raging strong. Every Slytherin is an enemy doesn't matter if the kid's a muggle born or a pure- blood. And it's not only our house being affected. Pure bloods from any house are being targeted and don't get me started on those with death eater ties. Students are being disowned if they are not placed in the 'correct' house. And I'm sick of it, why does it matter? All because a stupid hat decides to place you in a glorified dorm doesn't have anything to do with who a person will be. Only they can decide that! No one seems to care that there is nothing but fear and hatred still at Hogwarts and it needs to be addressed!" Thomas finished his rant, chest heaving and eyes glassy.
A loud silence fell, all eyes on the boy wrestling his feelings down into a more manageable state.
Draco took a deep breath before addressing the room, "The only advice I can give you all, is to never give in. Keep your head held high and wear your house colors proudly. Show them you're not leaving, and that their hatred and prejudice won't win. If there is one thing, I learned during the war is that hatred will never win against determination and-" Draco pinched the bridge of his nose before muttering, "I can't believe I'm going to say this, - love."
Returning his gaze to the three teenagers and gesturing between them, "Look here! Slytherins and Ravenclaws actually sitting down here and talking. Blasphemous! Bridges can be mended between the houses, some just need to be shown this. Jasmine, you now have Macy and Thomas there for you and vice versa. You guys aren't alone."
"That's right Jasmine! If you ever need to talk to someone about anything, other than homework, then I'm your gal." Macy excitedly stated, reaching to grasp the other girl's hand between her own.
"Or if you need someone to buffer your exposure to Macy you can call on me." Thomas said, pushing Macy's head out of the way so he could see Jasmine.
"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" Came Macy's indignant response, as she rubbed the side of her head that he pressed against.
"And I'm only an owl or Floo call away. I'm sure between the two of us, we could come up with some amazing schemes." Draco smirked at her, only half joking.
"I- Thank you, that means a lot to me." Jasmine stuttered. Clearing her throat, Jasmine continued saying, "Obviously, I return the sentiment. If any of you need my help, I've got your backs."
"Aww, everyone bring it in!" Macy proclaimed jumping onto Jasmine, wrapping her arms around the blonde's neck. Thomas and Draco both join the hug with less enthusiasm as Macy.
The three looked much more relieved and relaxed the rest of the night. Macy finally choosing a turquoise polish, announcing that it was the color for Draco. Once his nails were completed to Macy's professional standards, the fire was extinguished, and everyone laid down for their much-needed rest. But before they fell asleep Thomas cheekily quipped, "Who would have thought you'd be so sappy, Draco?"
"Shut up," Draco muttered into a pillow, but his whimsical tone betrayed the smile that was beginning to form.