Chapter 2: Encounters inside the Express

I was pretty ecstatic to go back to Hogwarts. I would get back to a place where I can be myself and not pretend just to please people. I really don't have many friends because I looked every inch of the aristocrat that I am. I, however, am very lucky to have found a best friend. Nikki looked beyond my family's wealth and heritage and accepted me for the real me.

"So, how was your trip to Bulgaria last summer?" Nikki asked Ianthé as they entered an empty compartment.

"It was okay, I guess. We were entertained by a Bulgarian pureblood family, the Krums. During dinner, I dumped the entire gravy boat on their son's clothes and ran for my dear life." Ianthé said as she bit on a Licorice Wand.

"And what exactly did your father do?"

Ianthé shrugged, "Nothing really. The shock was too great for him. Mum covered for me and told him I was dizzy and didn't feel well that night. I think he bought Mum's excuse."

"That's why none of the guys approach you in Hogwarts. You are the ice queen from day one!" Nikki joked.

"I am not! And besides, Viktor asked me to be his quill pal despite of what happened. I am not an ice queen!"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the scum of the earth by the name of Draco Malfoy and his troll bodyguards came to our compartment.

"Hello, Ianthé."

"Hello, Draco. What's the reason of your gracing this part of the train this early?"

"I just want to ask you out on the first Hogsmeade weekend."

"Dear, do you think a certain Slytherin girl named Pansy Parkinson would leave me in one piece after that?" Ianthé asked pointedly.

Draco paled, "I…"

"Well, well, well who do we have here?"

At last, my two knights-in-shining-armor with considerably blinding red hair materialized nearby. I looked at them with the word "Help!" written all over my eyes. I waved a Dungbomb at them when Draco turned his back on me. Thank Merlin, on of the twins winked at me.

"I suggest you and your thugs find another compartment to terrorize. If you don't, you might just have a bit of an accident here…"

Draco scowled at the twins, "I didn't realize what kind of scum you fraternize yourself with, Ianthé."

"Nor have I, Draco. By the way, your father is wheedling his way into a business transaction with my father, is he not? Perhaps I write a teeny-tiny letter convincing Father to turn down dear Uncle Lucius?"

The lousy git exited, or more of, ran when I acted to pull a parchment and quill from my bag.

"Thanks, you guys. I'm really thankful you two appeared."

The twins bowed before her, "Glad to be of service, Mademoiselle."

Ianthé handed them a small bag, "Here, my payment. I, however, am still hell bent on taking over your throne this school year."

The twins looked affronted. When will they ever learn? I'm made of strong stuff. The Sorting Hat did not reconsider placing me into Slytherin for nothing.

"Glad doing business with you. I am Fred, by the way," he offered his hand, "And this is George Weasley."

Ianthé took his hand and shook it, "I'm Ianthé and this is my friend Nikki."

"You're not appalled by the fact we're considered filthy blood traitors?"

Like I care about the purity of blood! Of course, I should not trust too many people with my preferences or else my father might find out.

"Just between you guys and the two of us, hell no. But I couldn't afford my father or any of my family members or any of those Slytherin gits find out."

The twins winked at me, "Your secret is safe with us."