Chapter 6

...


...

As usual, Malinda was the first to wake up. Her routine was set these days and she barely hesitated to sit up. She stretched, her back and neck cracking softly. Despite the seven hours of sleep, she still felt tired. Drained. Depleted.

It was a new kind of exhaustion. Unless you experienced it, it was hard to describe. Snape said it was normal for wizards and witches to feel this way after expending high levels of magic- That magical folk her age were well accustomed to the sensation. But Malinda was not, because for all her life she'd been a Muggle. She was still learning magic, still testing her limits nightly as she dueled Dumbledore and Snape. So while she woke with a solid night of sleep, she still felt tired.

Malinda quietly crept across the dorm and undressed in the bathroom. With a flick of her wand, the shower came on. Another flick of her wrist placed a silencing charm on the small room. Finally, she stepped under the hot water and sighed. She began to sing, her voice terrible and untalented, but it was a small comfort. She liked to sing in the shower- Especially now, when she missed her smart phone and speakers. There was no music here, at least not the kind she was used to.

She reached for her shampoo, popping open the bottle and turning it over. She squeezed some out onto her palm and-

Wait. Her eyebrows furrowed. Something was wrong with the color.

Snape's training instantly took hold and she held her hand under the water, letting it wash away the shampoo. Carefully, she held the bottle to her nose and inhaled slightly. It smelled a little off. She smelled again and took a few moments to think.

It smelled like earth… It smelled like… Her eyes widened. This was the smell of an Indian purple-ringed earthworm. The very potions ingredient they'd learn just a few days ago could lead to total hair loss.

And she had nearly put it on her head!

Malinda's shock turned to anger. Instantly, she knew it was Pansy, but why? Sure, the girl didn't like her and everyone knew it, but she'd never tried anything like this. Her dislike was limited to snide remarks and backhanded compliments. Then again, she did seem extra pissy lately. Perhaps she'd noticed Malinda's attention on a certain blond Slytherin boy.

Very carefully, Malinda reached out of the shower and grabbed Pansy's own shampoo bottle. Opening it, she weighed it and poured some out. Then, she filled the bottle up with her tainted shampoo until it felt about the same weight. Singing again, she shook the bottle, ensuring both shampoos mixed together. She dried Pansy's shampoo bottle on her towel and returned it to its proper place.

She sang a little louder, looking forward to the day.

As always, Draco already sat at the breakfast table. Malinda skipped into the hall, taking her place from across him.

"Good morning, young sir! How are you this fine day?"

Draco stared at her tiredly. "Why are you so happy?"

"I'm always happy at breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day."

"No," he frowned. "You're extra happy today."

"Am I?" she grinned.

He simply stared.

"Oh alright, I am. How can you tell?"

Draco shrugged, returning to his meal. Malinda filled her plate. She eyed his and placed a spoonful of eggs onto it. They did this every morning. She would make him eat more and he would pretend not to notice or care- but he always finished his plate.

Boys, they were so stupid.

"So, how'd your transfiguration homework go?"

"Fine," he said.

"I struggled, not going to lie," she told him. "I can get the watch to grow into the clock, but the time is always off. It's awfully annoying."

She took a few bites of her oatmeal, thinking over the spell. At this point, she would need to ask Professor McGonagall for help and-

"Are you following through with your spell after the clock forms?"

Malinda was so used to Draco being quiet, she stared. "W-What?"

He scowled. "I said, are you following through? Or do you stop when the clock forms?"

"When it forms. Professor McGonagall said-"

"You have to make the spell last throughout the whole process, else it settles before the time adjusts."

"Oh, damn," she nodded. "I'll try that next time."

Draco nodded back and started on the eggs she placed on his plate. Malinda smiled, "Hey, Draco?"

He looked up.

"Thanks," she told him honestly.

His face darkened. "You would think the witch second highest in the year wouldn't need my help. Guess you really are stupid."

"Jealousy isn't becoming, Draco," Malinda teased.

"I'm not-"

"You used to be second in our year, before I got here. Now you're not even in the top ten. Don't get mad at me, you're the one working on your secret project instead of studying."

Now, his face paled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh huh," she rolled her eyes. "Instead of complaining, come to the library with me. Let's go after this. We do have a free period. Who knows, maybe studying will help your project."

His eyes went cold as he grabbed his bag and stormed away. She sighed, looking at his place. His eggs were only half-eaten. Damn it.

As he left the Great Hall, Alec entered. The tall, half-blood gave the retreating blond a frown. Malinda chewed thoughtfully on her toast, wondering if Draco was off to take his frustration out on a certain illegal vanishing cabinet. Poor bloke, it wouldn't make a difference.

"Morning," Alec greeted.

Malinda was surprised when her fellow Slytherin stopped next to her, taking a seat, instead of going towards his usual spot. "Good morning."

"Why do you even bother?" Alec asked, helping himself to some coffee.

"Sorry?"

His frown deepened. "Why do you bother with Malfoy? He's a prat."

"A bit," she agreed. "But you never know what someone is going through."

He scoffed as he gathered his breakfast. "Yes, I feel so badly for the spoiled, talented, politically-connected heir to one of the richest pureblood families in the country. His life must be terrible."

Malinda gaped. "His dad is in Azkaban-"

"For good reason," Alec's face darkened. "Don't you think? Or are you like the rest of our pureblood peers?"

"Oh, he's absolutely locked up for a good reason," Malinda looked around. She lowered her voice, "Lucius Malfoy is a horrible man who deserves to spend the rest of his miserable days in terror and pain-"

It was his turn to be surprised. She couldn't help but sneak a peek at the Gryffindor table, where Ginny Weasley sat with Hermoine. Malinda hadn't spoken to the redheaded girl before, but she thought back to the Chamber of Secrets book. Lucius had nearly killed an innocent girl. It was impossible to keep the venom out of her voice.

"But that's Lucius, not Draco Malfoy."

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

"That analogy is bullshit. Are you a piece of fruit?" Malinda rolled her eyes. "No and neither is Draco. Just because his dad is a violent criminal, doesn't mean he is. Considering he was raised by one though, he's doing alright."

"You haven't been here for the last six years," Alec challenged. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Even when angry, his handsome features were striking. Seriously, he was probably better looking than even Cedric Diggory had been. "He's made my life hell since day one. You have no idea."

"Oh, I'm sure. He's a bully. A total ass."

Alec again looked surprised. "So why are you trying to be friends with him? For the first time, he's left me alone this year."

"Something is wrong with him," she argued. "He's fading away and no one seems to care."

"There's always been something wrong with him," he murmured. Silence fell between them and the Great Hall began to fill slowly. Malinda played with her toast, thinking.

Suddenly, she asked, "What does your dad do, Alec?"

"What?"

"Your dad," she repeated. "What's his job?"

He hesitated, but replied, "He's a car mechanic."

"Neatl!" Malinda smiled. Her engineering spirit was instantly excited. "Do you guys work on cars together?"

Suspicion crept into his face, "Yes."

"Any type of car in particular?"

"We like to fix up old Volkswagons," Alec said slowly. "He actually owns a shop that specializes in them."

"That's cool. You go to the shop a lot?"

"Basically grew up there."

"Bet the other mechanics were like uncles to you," She paused. "Or aunts, we're not going to make sexist assumptions here."

Alec smiled a bit. "They were, what's your point?"

"Well, while your dad was spending time with you, socializing you with good hard-working people… Draco had a father who hit him with a cane. Instead of people teaching him about cars, he was taught by purebloods who inherited their money and never worked an honest day that they are the best. He watched as everyone he knew beat house elves and treated others like dirt. He was paraded to formal parties with strict rules that when broken, meant being ostracized from the only social group you knew."

"He's had six years here, away from all that, to grow," Alec pointed out.

"Right, here where he literally lives with the same friends he grew up with who have the same deranged views on blood. Oh, let's not forget the fiancée he hates who is super pro-pureblood."

"Look, he could've tried. Just once to have a friendly conversation with me, but has he? No."

Malinda raised an eyebrow, "When did you try to have one with him?"

"What?"

"When did you," she poked him in the chest. "Approach him and try to have a chat? Conversation works both ways, you know."

"I-" Alec faltered.

"That's what I'm doing," she whispered, aware of the table filling up around them. Blaise walked past them, his eyes dancing between her and Alec. While his expression wasn't exactly hostile, he obviously wasn't pleased by her current company. He joined Daphne and the others farther down the table. "I'm trying to have a conversation with him. Think about racists, sexists, bigots… How do you change them? By expanding their small, ignorant world. By humanizing the very people they think less of."

"Do your friends know your political views?" Alec whispered back. "If they did, you'd be in big trouble.."

"I know," she shrugged. "I try to stay neutral and just so you know, I'm not the only one.. For example, I haven't heard Blaise ever say the word Mudblood."

Alec snorted, "He's just as snobby as Malfoy. Worse even with that smirk of his."

"Has he ever insulted you?" She tilted her head. "I've heard Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, and even Daphne shit talk you, but him? Never."

"Well," Alec crossed his arms. "He's not exactly telling them to stop."

"Again, if he goes against the groove he's banished by his family and friends. Best thing for these purebloods with morals to survive is to blend in, say nothing."

"Why Malfoy then? Why not try to change them all?" Alec kept his voice low.

"Hey Selwyn!" Blaise called out. "We got a question for you!"

"Coming!" She responded and stood. She bent over and said, "How do you eat an elephant?"

"How?"

"One bite at a time."

He chuckled, "Now that's a bullshit analogy. Who eats an elephant?"

"People who refer to others as pieces of fruit."

Alec burst out laughing and Malinda grinned. She walked down the table and plopped down next to Daphne. "I've been summoned?"

Her dorm mate gave her an odd look. "Why the bloody hell were you talking with Jones?"

"Debate over the charms assignment. He reckons that European bird species would make for better-"

Daphne held up a hand, "Gross, don't care."

"What's gross is talking to that halfblood," Millicent sneered. "He was sitting quite close to you, Selwyn. Careful, some might say you're mixing with the wrong crowd."

"No darling," Malinda sighed. "What's gross is you haven't used the shower in three days. Careful, you're starting to smell."

Millicent's heavy cheeks flushed, her neck turning red and the coloring flowing up. Her whole face went red and she looked away, no retort ready.

"Anyways, did you have another question for me? Or did I come over here to be attacked for debating academic curiosities with our classmate?" Malinda pouted.

"Have you seen Pansy?" Daphne questioned. "I woke up this morning to her screaming and running out of our room."

"No, she was still asleep when I left."

"Huh," Daphne's forehead furrowed. "I wonder what upset her."

"No idea."

Blaise spoke up, "Pansy is always upset for one reason or another. Anyways, are you attending Slughorn's dinner next week Malinda?"

"I am," she replied. "You?"

"I am. Shall I escort you?"

"Yes, that would be lovely," Malinda nodded.

"Excellent."

...


...

While Malinda was glad to find the real Severus Snape a young, healthy man… She did wish his voice carried the same smooth and deep edge as Alan Rickman. It didn't though and although it wasn't an unpleasant voice, she found it difficult to listen today. He was carrying on about an attack spell that would make your opponent blind for a short time. If he hadn't already taught her the spell two nights ago, she would've listened with more care.

But she still felt so damn tired. Not even two cups of coffee had helped.

Her eyes began to lull and Malinda sat up straight, adjusting her legs in an attempt to move a little. If she had thought late nights at uni were rough- Hogwarts was twice as hard. Maybe Snape was right. She should start taking some daily energy potions.

Or maybe she could find a way to smuggle in some Red Bull. Wait, were Red Bulls even a thing yet? Knowing her luck, they probably weren't even invented yet.

Her eyes were just so heavy. They fell… and stayed closed…

An elbow to her ribcage jolted her awake. Malinda sat upright again, this time blinking dumbly. Damn, she'd actually fallen asleep. She glanced to her side, finding Alec watching her with an amused smile. "Thanks," she murmured.

"I'll zap you with a bolt next time," he whispered.

True to his word, ten minutes later Malinda jumped in her seat when she awoke to a shock at her side. "Shit," she hissed.

Snape paused in his lesson and eyed her coldly. "Since you're struggling to pay attention Ms. Selwyn, perhaps you'd like to help me demonstrate?"

"Uh-"

"Stand up, Ms. Selwyn."

"Oh, you're screwed now," Alec whispered.

Warily, she did as the professor instructed. He flicked his wand and the magic slammed into her face, making her face itch. A moment later, her vision was gone. The sensation was familiar from their practice and she stood calmly, waiting.

"Can you see, Ms. Selywn?"

"Not a damn thing, Professor."

"Please explain to the class how it feels."

"My face itches and my eyes burn a little," she answered.

"Good, I'm sure it will wake you up a little too," he mocked. "Why don't you join me here, at the front of the class."

What was Snape doing? It was one thing to call her out for sleeping, but now he was just trying to embarass her. How did struggling to walk around blindly help her? He was supposed to be her… friend. Well, professor too.

Her cheeks warned but she sidestepped and took a few steps up the aisle. She could see nothing, only a frightening vast blackness. Malinda did her best to walk in a straight line, but someone stuck their foot out and she tripped. She fell forward and threw her arms out, bracing for the ground, but it never came. Hands caught her, holding her steady for a moment before pulling her up.

Crabbe and Goyle's distinct snickers sounded. No doubt Crabbe, sitting by the aisle, had done the deed. Bastard.

Which meant she was currently being held by Draco Malfoy, who sat on the other side of the aisle. "Thanks," she muttered. Her rescuer said nothing.

"You can sit down, Ms. Selwyn. You've demonstrated true blindness excellently," Snape snapped harshly. "Now, the counter spell can be challenging for most. Without sight, wizards are likely to panic and lose their concentration. To remove an opponent's magic from your eyes requires concentration. I don't expect any of you to successfully achieve this today but with practice-"

Malinda withdrew her wand from my sleeve and pointed it to her face. Loudly, she said the counter spell and her vision returned. She blinked a few times and smiled. "I do feel more awake sir, thank you." As gracefully as she could manage, she pulled away from Draco's hold and returned to her desk.

The room was quiet.

"Ten points to Slytherin," was all Professor Snape said. Then he launched into an explanation of the counter spell.

At the end of the class, the students filed out. Malinda remained in her seat, watching as they left. As Crabbe passed she murmured, "I'll find you later" and was pleased to see his chubby face pale slightly. Good, she was glad her threat meant something.

Two months in Slytherin and the snakes were really rubbing off on her.

When the room emptied, Malinda stood. With a wave of her hand, the classroom door slammed shut. "Why the hell did you do that?"

Snape stared calmly back. "You'll need to be more specific."

"Why embarrass me like that?" She accused. "In front of everyone?"

"If you were embarrassed, that is a personal issue. What I did was provide a public demonstration of your advanced magical abilities," Snape's tone was dry. "Dumbledore and I have discussed your plan to pursue a friendship with Draco more aggressively. This was one step forward."

"I don't see how tripping into his arms-"

Snape pinched his nose. "Malinda, what you fail to realize is wizards like Draco don't respond to pestering questions or extra bacon bits at breakfast-"

"Hey-" Malinda took a step forward, feeling her anger rise.

"Purebloods are elite fools who respond to two things. Money and power. With the Selwyn name, your classmates assume you have the first. It's the second that you need to prove. Until now, you have been humble regarding your skills. Your assignments are impressive, but you need to show them what you can do. How do you think great families like Draco's followed Voldemort?"

"Because he showed them power."

"Exactly," Snape sat on the edge of his desk. "You should continue your current methods to befriend Draco. In dark times, a friendly gesture goes a long way. However, he needs to respect you for your abilities. He needs to feel like you have something to offer. He is a Slytherin afterall."

"I-I understand."

"Good, now get out."

"See you later Severus."

"That's Professor Snape now."

"Yeah, yeah," she waved over her shoulder. "Whatever."


Malinda swung by the library after dinner, wanting some quiet time. Studying with the others in the Common Room was nice, but sometimes proved distracting. If she was going to have time both for a lesson with Dumbledore and finishing her essay, distractions were unnecessary.

The usual crowd already grabbed their favorite spots in the library. Bookworms were creatures of habit. Malinda mentally debated a window table upstairs or an aisle seat so she could watch the doors.

She paused though when she saw Hermoine Granger sitting alone. The pretty Gryffindor was bent over, nose in a book, and oblivious to the world. Snape was right, of course, that Slytherins needed to be wooed with power. But she was tired of playing those kinds of games.

Right now, she wanted to sit with one of her favorite book characters. A girl who she loved so much, who inspired her to study hard and get into Oxford, who had been her friend in the roughest of times. Her hero was sitting right there.

"Fuck it," Malinda muttered to herself and approached the table. She hovered, but when Hermoine still didn't look up, Malinda coughed politely.

Hermoine glanced up, her eyes widening slightly. "Uh, yes?"

"Hi," Malinda waved, feeling awkward. "Mind if I join you?"

This clearly caught the other teenage girl by surprise. Still, Hermoine said, "If you'd like."

"Thanks," Malinda sat, feeling Hermoine watching her closely as she pulled her quill, ink and parchment. She stared at her half-written essay. Ugh, she really wasn't in the mood to write.

"Is that Professor Flitwick's assignment?"

"It is," Malinda sighed. "I've already summarized the chapter but need another two inches. Guess I should find another book to provide supporting information. Did you finish it?"

"I did and I'm not helping you."

Malinda blinked, then laughed. "What? Who asked you for help?"

"Why else would you choose to sit here?" Hermoine accused. "I suppose you want the top spot in our year too."

"Actually, I'm happy to stay in second place. Less pressure," Malinda smiled. "Top spot is all yours."

Hermoine didn't respond. Instead she simply watched as Malinda set to work. For the remainder of the hour, the two students sat together in silence. Lion and snake at peace.


...

When Malinda returned to the Common Room, she found Crabbe and Goyle sitting by the fire. They were chatting with Millicent and failed to notice her approach.

Malinda set her bag down and without warning, held her wand out. Wordlessly, she felt magic rise from within and Crabbe was lifted in the air. He shouted in alarm as his large body slammed into the wall. His hands tried to withdraw his wand, but they were pinned back by an invisible force.

"What-" he began to say, but Malinda flicked her wand again. His lips were transfigured into a zipper, which zipped closed loudly. Crabbe panicked, trying to yell but the words were nothing more than muffled noise.

"Listen here you stupid, fat git," Malinda snapped. She had gained everyone's attention now. Students fell silent, games and studying forgotten, to watch. "Your little stunt today was not appreciated."

"Oi-" Goyle stood up, his own wand now raised. "Let him go."

Malinda kept her wand up on Crabbe. She didn't even turn as she used her spare hand to wave towards Goyle. Wandless and silent magic sent him flying backwards until he collapsed against a table, sending a pair of third years to the ground and parchment everywhere.

"As I was saying," Malinda continued, focused on Crabbe's frightened expression. "You will never touch me again. You won't even speak or look at me without my permission. I've tolerated your stupidity for long enough. Keep it to yourself."

"Hey, Mal…" The familiar voice of Daphne spoke up. "I think you've made your point."

"Do you understand me?" Malinda asked Crabbe. When the trapped boy nodded fervently, Malinda smiled. "Good."

She turned, letting the magic release and Crabbe groaned as he slid down the wall. Picking up her bag, Malinda ignored the whispers that began, going to join Daphne, Blaise and Clare Avery across the room. She glanced around as she walked and found Draco sitting alone in a corner armchair. His eyes followed her, a surprised but almost impressed look on his face. She winked and Draco's expression tightened into a well-practiced, cool facade.

Malinda took a seat and stretched. Then she yawned, still feeling tired. She was not looking forward to sneaking out later to meet with Dumbledore.

She noticed Daphne's glare. "What?"

Her friend scowled, "That was overkill."

"No it wasn't," Malinda countered. "Crabbe and Goyle have been testing my limits since the first day of term. They've gotten worse lately with Pansy encouraging them. My patience ran out."

"Well I thought it was bloody brilliant," Blaise said and leaned in. "You didn't tell us your wandless magic was so advanced."

"Tutors and American education," she replied with a shrug.

"I may need to ask my parents for a transfer," Clare snickered. "That was wicked."

Daphne wasn't so amused, but let it go. Instead she asked, "Speaking of Pansy, has anyone seen her today? She missed all our lessons and-"

The entrance to the Common Room opened and a voice screeched, "WHERE IS SHE?!"

For a second time that evening, everyone in the Slytherin Common Room stopped what they were doing. Pansy stood, her face red and her chest heaving with effort. She looked like she had run a marathon. What caught most people's attention though was her short hair, which usually fell past her shoulders but now barely reached her ears.

It was not a very flattering look.

Malinda sighed and muttered, "Looks like my patience is about to run out again."

"Oh Merlin," Blaise shook his head. "What did you do?"

"More like what did she do, actually."

"YOU BITCH!" Pansy screamed as she marched right towards their table. Her wand was out, pointing directly at Malinda, who stood up to meet her.

"You're popular tonight," Clare remarked.

"Here we go," Malinda complained loudly and grabbed her wand.

Daphne stood as well, placing herself in between the two young women. "Wait Pansy, what's going on?"

"She poisoned my shampoo! She made my hair completely fall out! Get out of the way. I'm going to kill the yank and-"

"I will not tolerate being threatened," Malinda warned. "Pansy, this is your chance to walk back on those words. Tell the truth."

"Move!" Pansy tried to push past Daphne, but the blond beauty refused to move. "She did this to me, I know it! Do you have any idea who I am? You'll be expelled Selwyn, I'll make sure of it!"

Daphne looked at Pansy then to Malinda. She let out a deep breath, "Let's go talk up in our room. We'll get this sorted. I'm sure there's been a mistake, Pansy."

"No mistake actually," Malinda said. She paused when she heard a few gasps. Goodness, people were having a show tonight. "When I got in the shower this morning, I realized Pansy had put Indian earthworm into my shampoo. The very ingredient we learned the other day."

"No, I didn't," Pansy snapped. But her voice faltered.

"It's no secret you don't like me," Malinda rolled her eyes. "And let's be honest here, I don't like you either. However, I've been nothing but polite to you despite your constant attempts and failures to bully me. But you crossed a line with the shampoo. I figured you deserved to reap the rewards of your own prank."

"I didn't do it!"

"Here's a tip Pansy. If you're going to try and poison someone, make sure they're not a top potions student. Idiot."

"I didn't poison your shampoo!"

"No?" Malinda tilted her head.

Pansy raised her chin. "No."

"You swear on your family's good and pureblood name?"

"I-I" Pansy licked her lips. "Yes."

"Lovely. Then you should have no problem taking a sip of veritaserum and clearing all this up officially. Wait right here, I'll go get my bottle."

"No!"

"No?"

"I mean…" Pansy panicked. "If I take it, then you have to too!"

"Fine by me. We'll drink it here, in front of everyone, for proof. Don't want false rumors going around."

Pansy became more red, the warmth spreading to her ears and disappearing down her neckline. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to gauge the bluff.

Malinda calmly tucked her wand away and made a grand show of walking towards the staircase. As she climbed the first few steps, Pansy shouted, "Wait!"

Turning slowly, Malinda grinned. "Say you're sorry, admit you poisoned my shampoo, and we'll forget this ever happened."

Silence fell. Slytherins watched in fascination as the self-proclaimed Princess of Slytherin was caught in her own lies. Pansy murmured something.

Malinda clicked her tongue. "What was that? Didn't quite catch it."

"I said," Pansy walked quickly towards the stairs, but her wand was lowered. "That you're right. I did it but I'm not sorry. You are such an ugly, arrogant bitch Selwyn. Tell your family to stay the hell away from here. I'll make sure you're never part of society here."

Pansy slammed her shoulder into Malinda's before disappearing up the stairs. Malinda looked down at the Common Room, feeling like she was holding court at this point, and announced, "Alright, back to your business. The truth has set me free. Hurrah."

A few people laughed. It took a few moments, but people began to resume their conversations and work. Daphne gathered her things and joined Malinda at the foot of the stairs. She put a hand through her long hair and said quietly, "I… I'm sorry Mal. I didn't know Pansy would go that far."

"It's alright," Malinda replied. "My revenge stops here, as long as she stops as well. Last thing I want is to spend time fighting a roommate."

Daphne shook her head, "She's been different this year. Her family is under a lot of pressure, well, all our families are right now, but I didn't realize it was this bad."

"Go up and talk to her," Malinda nodded. "Oh, and make sure she's not destroying my things please."

"I think after what you did tonight, no one is going to mess with you again." Daphne smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

Malinda watched her go. Snape was right yet again. Power made these people listen.