Quick A/N: this style is totally different than any of the other chapters. It's all letters. Daphne's letters are italic. Alex's letters are normal. Draco's letters are bold.
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Dear Alex,
Your owl is positively gorgeous! You don't mind if I take him, do you? Don't worry, I'm just kidding.
So how are those clothes working out? That green shirt would match your eyes so well... You really should play them up: they're gorgeous. Though that goes without saying, why else would our Mighty Dragon take such an interest in you?
Don't worry about Draco, he's always been a strange one; fine one minute, dark and mysterious the next. He really isn't all that bad once you get to know him. He just takes some getting used too.
All right, I'll catch you later.
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
Draco helped me pick him out. His name is Tristam.
I've found more clothes than I remember. In fact, I've found quite a few that I said 'no' too, that were there. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you now?
Draco confuses me. It's difficult. I've caught myself numerous times being caught off guard by his attitude changes.
Nice to hear from you,
Alex
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Dear Alex,
That's such a pretty name! Is it French? Draco told me about your dad being French and all that. Just passing comments, nothing incriminating!
Of course I slipped extra clothes in! Why else would I be put in Slytherin?! Though you must admit, they looked fantastic on you. Our favorite Dragon's going to love them. I can't wait to see the look on his face!
Draco confuses everyone. You should see the idiots that follow him around at school. There are these two blundering fools who are forever confused by him. And then there's Pansy... She's a real piece of work. She's always pretending she knows what Draco's talking about, yet she never does. It's not that she's stupid,
it's just Draco is extremely good at going over her head. I just find it all rather amusing.
Ta-ta!
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
Yes it's French. He told you?
I'm beginning to see that. I have no idea where you're going with the conversation about Draco.
They sound like complete blubbering morons. I'd hate to be Draco, having them follow. My life stinks, with my uncle and all...
Alex
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Dear Alex,
Of course he told me! Well, I made him tell me... But that doesn't matter.
I knew you wouldn't. It's a Slytherin thing, darling. As to where I'm going with the conversation, that's for me to know and for you to find out very soon.
They are blubbering morons! More so than you can even imagine. It's ridiculous; they follow poor Draco around like retarded guard dogs. But back to you... What kind of a comment is 'my life stinks'? I mean, I understand being completely devastated the Snape's your Uncle, but still, do you have to be so pessimistic? Or
if you so choose to be angst-ridden, at least elaborate so that I can offer the appropriate sentiments (i.e., Snape sucks, kill him, etc.).
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
What is this "Of course he told me!"? I always thought that Draco sounded...secretive.
Slytherin...sounds slightly fun if you ask me. Very soon?
Draco doesn't seem to need guard dogs though, him being all...muscular and uhh...yeah...
I personally like the sentiments. The man is insufferable. Bubbling cauldrons constantly and the greasy hair, it makes me want to puke!
Alex
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Dear Alex,
When you've known Draco for as long as I have, nothing remains a secret very long. For either party involved...
Oh, Slytherin is fun, in our own sort of way. It's much better than Hufflepuff at the very least. Though being better than the Hufflepuffs really isn't that hard. But you'll need to watch out for the Gryffindors, they're always rubbing their bloody
goodness in our faces. Just because they're supposed to be all loyal and brave (most of them aren't) they think they're better than us. And Ravenclaws... they're just odd.
You're perfectly right, of course: Draco doesn't need any sort of guards, he's beyond capable of protecting himself. Though he might need a bit of help when it
comes to Pansy.
Now don't bother trying to deny you find Draco attractive. Personally, I don't blame you; it's just that I've known him for so long that we would never be
able to have any relationship that wasn't completely platonic.
I could continue with my Snape-sentiments if you like. Snape's never been my favorite teacher, even though he does favor the Slytherins in his own twisted way. I much prefer Professor Sinistra, she teaches Astronomy and in my book there's nothing more fascinating.
Stay far away from our mutual acquaintance the Grease-Ball; maybe that will help your stomach stay in its appropriate place.
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
That's slightly...unsettling.
I've read only a little about Hogwarts and its houses, mind filling me in about them? (What's so odd about Ravenclaw?)
Gryffindors sound like bloody suck ups. I had a friend like that once...she...well, let's just say we aren't friends anymore, if ya catch my drift.
Who is this Pansy you keep mentioning? Is she his girlfriend?
All right...I admit. Draco is...attractive. But that doesn't mean anything, right? Lots of guys can be attractive that are purely friends. Not that I've come across any, but I'm sure Draco can be one of them, am I right?
Sooooo... you've thought of having a--uhh--sensual relationship with Draco before?
Professor Sinistra and Astronomy? Do I apply for classes right now? I never got the memo about anything like that, though with Snape for my uncle, I can't say I'm surprised. What subjects do you recommend? I'm not used to having to pick them out, at my old school they set subjects up for us to do. Not fun at all.
I do however, know lots of different potions now, and have an urge to ask him about a couple now. Cue my hurling.
Alex
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Dear Alex,
Unsettling how? You've never had a friendship like that before? Draco and I've just known each other for most of our lives, so we know when the other is hiding
something or not telling the truth, etc.
Absolutely no problem! Anyway, there's Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor. Slytherin's are known for their cunning and most of them aren't exactly what you'd call friendly. They're all right once you get to know them, but they're not really open-minded individuals. We're also the only sane ones at school, the rest are just plain crazy.
Ravenclaws... they're supposed to be all smart, but they come across as odd. They tend to keep to themselves, which might be a good thing. The only Ravenclaws I know are stuck-up snobs.
Hufflepuffs are complete pushovers. They're all busy with this do-good thing, they're overly-'kind' and they're the biggest bunch of wussies I've ever seen.
And then there are the Gryffindorks. But I've told you about them. If you want entertainment sometime, you should write Draco and ask him about the Gryffs.
That's always an interesting experience. Who knew anyone could turn so many shades of green and red? It's like Christmas in July.
Pansy? I hope you never have to meet her. She's Draco's own personal stalker and a menace to society. She's a Slytherin too... unfortunately. She fancies herself being married to Draco someday. (Commence puking.)
Sure it's possible. Just look at Draco and me! Honey, if you want him as just a friend, you've got your work cut out for you... Although he is a terrific friend. Best mate a girl could ask for.
Actually our mothers suggested it. And then our fathers... probably because Draco's mum told them too. No one messes with Draco's mum. But those conversations usually end when either Draco or I turn green and race to the nearest loo.
Don't worry about classes; they'll probably take care of that stuff when you get Sorted. Do you know if they're doing it privately? I've never seen anyone older than first year get Sorted and I must admit, I'm terribly curious. You'll have to tell me about it.
Try not to die if you end up asking him about anything! I like to keep my friends alive and kicking if at all possible.
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
Well I think it would be unsettling. Not having anything hidden from someone, completely open to them? That's just asking for trouble. I moved around a lot, (I've been everywhere imaginable), so I never really got to make friends.
Slytherin sounds the best. I know the feeling about the tough exteriors.
Hufflepuff...I hope I do NOT go there, if it's as bad as you say.
Ravenclaw, supposedly smart? Boy have I heard that bloody phrase before.
Gryffindor...makes me want to puke. I like Christmas and all, but the two colors always made me change into PINK. And I hate pink, so that's not good.
Stalker? So are they going out in the creepy stalker way? Is she really that bad (Is noting your puking)?
What do you mean, "I've got my work cut out for me?" I can do it, just like you and Draco.
What's Draco's mother like? Oh, so your 'romantic' feelings toward him are nonexistent? I didn't know that. It looks like you're flirting with him when you're merrily teasing him.
Snape mentioned something about me being sorted separately. He's been popping in and out of Hogwarts, since he apparently teaches the Potions Class. I did get him to teach me one potion though (before he realized that we were 'bonding'. all he wanted was to show me that he was superior). It was this potion that was like a perfume. It smelled really good. He said it's distinct to each and every person.
Alex
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Dear Alex,
You get used to it after a while. Neither of us really remembers a time when we weren't together. That's cool, moving around like that. I'd love to travel. Oh! I heard of this country the other day: Zimbabwe or something. Have you been there? I hear it's in Africa.
We Slytherins ARE the best. Sorry, House loyalty took over for a second there.
They're complete pansies! Pardon the pun...
Ravenclaws are more annoying than anything, always acting superior.
Gryffs are even worse than Ravenclaws though. I'll fill you in on the train to school. I assume you're taking the train?
Well, that's what she wishes. Mostly Draco just tries to get her to bugger off. She's worse than I've made her out to be. If that's possible.
If you say so. Just keep in mind that I've known Draco a lot longer than you have and he's already taken a more-than-platonic interest in you (or so it seems to me).
Draco's mum... how does one go about describing someone like Draco's mum? Well, she's quite commanding. She loves Draco to pieces. She's the only one who can actually make Draco's dad shut up. You really have to meet her to get the full affect.
Of course I flirt with him! And most of the time he flirts right back. But it's all harmless. We started it to get Pansy to back off, not that it really works; but over the years it's gotten to be some sort of habit. You should see it when we really get going, we had Graham Montague thinking we were secretly going out for a full three months. But he's thick, so it doesn't really count.
Oh, I've heard of that one before. What'd yours smell like? I'll have to try sometime... but only if you'll teach me. I'm horrid at Potions!
Good luck with your Sorting!
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
That's neat that you have someone like that. It must be such a comfort, having someone to rely on. Yes, I actually passed through there a few years ago, my dad... he had a business meeting).
So how many friends do you have in Slytherin?
I'll be waiting to hear what's so wrong with them. Has anyone been placed in a House by mistake, or is it all carefully planned out? (How do you get Sorted, by the way?)
Sounds like a witch. Literally.
Stop lying!
She sounds...well it seems to me that when she enters a room, it goes quiet. Does Draco's father talk a lot? (Reference to you saying she can shut Mr. Malfoy up).
Sounds fun. A flirting game. First time I've heard that one.
Just you know, personal quirks that I find appealing. You?
Alex
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Dear Alex,
It is nice and Draco can be a really sweet guy when he's in the mood (which isn't exactly often!). No way! You'll have to tell me all about it. Zimbabwe... I'm so jealous of your dad!
A good few. There are people like Pansy and her gang who don't like me at all, because I'm with Draco so much. Then there are the Neutrals, people who aren't really friends with anyone, they just keep to themselves. Well, in Slytherin the Neutrals are... Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, Terence Higgs, and Helen Stuart (she's rather disturbing though, so no one minds).
Draco and I have about a million complaints about the other Houses, you'll hear all of them eventually. There are people who say they've been Sorted wrong, but I don't think that's ever really been a bad Sorting. Basically, they put a Hat on your head. That's about it.
Ugh, Pansy's worse than any adjective imaginable.
I'm not! I really think he's taken an interest in you! You'll see, someone at school's bound to agree with me.
Draco's mum does have a sort of presence. She's very authoritative. No, he doesn't talk terribly much, but he never has anything nice to say when he does open
his mouth either.
It's awfully fun, you should try it! I'd rather like to see what happens if you'd flirt with our favorite tamed Dragon.
Sounds fascinating. I'm not sure what mine would smell like, that's why we'll have to make it!
Toodles!
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
We went there on it's national holiday, April 18. They make beautiful pottery there. ...I wouldn't go so far to envy...
Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, Terence Higgs, and Helen Stuart... sounds interesting. So...Neutrals..… Do you ever hang out with them? (Disturbing???)
Great, now I'm scared I won't get sorted into Slytherin. How awful would that be! You'd all hate me.
Knowing you, I'm sure you have a few in mind. ;)
Oh honestly, like who?
She sounds cool. I guess I'll really have to meet her.
You're not on that again, are you? I'm sure that it wouldn't do anything. However, I do have a feeling you scared him with that comment the other day. You purposely left the "lacy delicates" on top didn't you, cause I swear I heard an intake of breath after you left him standing with the bags.
I'll ask him about them. Right now I've taken a vow of silence. I think her purposely food poisoned me. I've had a bad flu for the last few days, and I've had reoccurring sightings of the food he forced me to eat.
Alex
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Dear Alex,
Sounds wonderful. Anyway, why shouldn't I envy your dad? If he's anything like you, he'd be marvelous.
Interesting is definitely the right word. I honestly can't think of another way to describe them! Of course that's probably because Draco and I just got back from the most amazing Quidditch game I've ever witnessed... but that's beside the point. No, I don't associate myself with them. They're Neutrals after all and I'm part of a different group (and ne'r the twain shall meet!). Stuart's just odd; one minute she's all quiet and the next, she's violent and rather sadistic actually. It's strange; but you need to see her to get the full effect.
Oh, stop your fussing; you're a shoe-in for Slytherin. Besides I wouldn't not like you anymore, you'd have to do something really bad for me to suddenly not like
you.
I have plenty in mind, but that's the problem: half of them I'm not sure I can spell and the other half are vulgar enough to make even Draco blush.
Like this boy in our year, Zacharias Smith (he's a Hufflepuff), is convinced that he should be in Ravenclaw instead. I just think he's nutters.
It'd be easy enough for you to meet her, I'm sure our own Mighty Dragon would be willing to pull a few strings, especially for you!
Again, there's a reason I'm a Slytherin. My life wouldn't be any fun at all if I couldn't get Draco all hot and bothered every once in a while.
Poor you! Fend for yourself from now on. It's the only way to ensure you'll live out the summer! Hmm, who would have thought that I would turn against my own
Head-of-House, eh?
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
It's the other way around. I was like him.
Stuart sounds frightening. I'm not sure if I want to meet them. Well I guess I'll just have to meet these Neutrals. I actually had one owl me. He said he was a friend of Draco's. I'm not sure that "friend" would actually mean "friend" considering you said he's a Neutral. His name was Blaise Zabini. He claimed to be "concerned about Draco's intentions". I think you're all mental.
Like become friends with Pansy? ;)
And he would agree that Draco has taken... "interest"... in me?
Just give up! Okay? There is nothing going on between us. N-o-t-h-i-n-g. Z-i-p. Z-i-l-c-h. N-a-d-a.
Hot and bothered, eh. You enjoy his pain too much.
Eventually I'll make it. Eventually...
Always, Alex
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Dear Alex,
I suppose that's the way it always is. Our parents have, after all, been around longer than we have.
Helen Stuart is definitely one of the stranger people I have ever met, and I spend most of my time with Draco, so that's saying something. Blaise Zabini wrote to you?? HA! All the girls at school are going to be so jealous of you! First you have Draco Malfoy interested in you and now you have BLAISE ZABINI (who's a real hottie, by the way) writing to you! This is going to be one heck of a year. Oh, just to warn you, we ARE all mental. It's just more obvious in some than in others.
Yeah, basically. Then I would be forced to kill you. Or at least beat your brains out and give you some new, better functioning ones.
Not really. He hates the Slytherins. He hates just about everyone though. He's quite disagreeable, but then again, Draco can be the same way.
You mean there's nothing between you two YET. Yet being the key word here.
Well he does the same to me, so it's only fair that I return the favor.
Can you believe that's already August? We'll be on the train together in one month! Just one more month you have to endure.
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
Yeah I guess.
Helen is scarier than Draco, as you said. Sounds... scary.
I don't HAVE Blaise Zabini. He just wrote me. Why are you so obsessed with the opposite sex??? I could figure that you were mental.
You have my permission if that happens. I wouldn't blame you. In fact you have my permission to sick Draco on me (if he's worse than you, though I doubt it.)
He hates everyone...sounds like people I know.
NO! There is nothing going on between us, period. Not in the present, not in the future, and not in the past! I'm NOT interested, nor will I be ever.
Thank goodness it's almost over. Maybe we can get together soon this month and hang out. Talk about school and stuff.
Always, Alex
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Dear Alex,
My logic escapes the best of them... including me.
Scarier than Draco on Valentine's Day (which is quite creepy).
You may not have Blaise Zabini but he will definitely have you as soon as you see him. Oh, I would love to be in your shoes! Blaise Zabini is the most gorgeous Slytherin there is.
I love the opposite sex because it's only natural to love the opposite sex. Though I must admit I have a thing for Italians like Blaise...
Oh good, I'll let him beat your brains out! Mind you, not that he would. Our Darling Dragon is slowly nursing an infatuation, even if he doesn't consciously know it yet.
If by people you mean Snape, I agree whole-heartedly. He hates everyone.
You're only not interested because you haven't seen him in action. It's pretty impressive. I'm the only one who knows how to resist it.
How about we meet at Diagon Alley and go for an ice cream? The shop there is decent.
Luv, Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
That was confusing. (Count on you to do that).
Draco on...Single Awareness Day? Wow...I'm not sure I want to know.
Have me????? He sounds kind of dangerous. I thought you said he was a loner.
You can have him, Daph. Maybe I can put a good word in for ya.
Here we go again...
EXACTLY!
I'm scared to ask...Draco in action?
Tell me where and when. I'm sure I can persuade Snape. It's not like he cares that I'm here. He'd probably be grateful now that I think of it...
Your friend, Alex
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Dear Alex,
I try my hardest.
Yes. He hates the holiday. Girls are all over him the entire day, not a moment of peace!
He is a loner, that's what makes him so mysterious and so, desirable. Let's just say he's had his share of girls.
You would do that for me?! I'm about to start squealing, which probably isn't good, considering my dad's already giving me a look...
What, you know you like to hear it.
As in Draco in full-flirt mode. I'm the only one who can resist. I doubt you would last 10 seconds.
How about... one week from Thursday? That's about a week before we leave on the train. 10 o'clock?
Luv, Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
I doubt you have to try hard.
I hate Single Awareness Day too. Valentines Day is awful.
You really like him, don't you.
It's all lies.
I bet I could last 15! When would Draco be in full-flirt mode?
Sounds great!
Always and Forever, Alex
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Dear Alex,
Not usually, no. There are some people that I have to exert special effort over, but they aren't many.
I don't mind it so much; it is, after all, only one day.
Whatever gave you that idea? Of course I like him. Wait til you see him, you'll like him too.
You keep saying that, honey, but that doesn't make it true!
All right, 15 if you're lucky, but I don't think I've ever seen someone last more than 20.
Can't wait! See you there! (Only 5 more days!)
Luv, Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
I'm not surprised at all. :D
The pink! The hearts! The goo-goo-ga-gas! It drives me BONKERS!
I probably will. But I'll leave him for you ;)
It IS true. I just don't see why you won't realize that!
People being...?
Still looking forward to it! Living here is so awful!
Love, Alex
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Dear Alex,
You being one of them of course.
Ugh, don't mention pink in my presence. Or Draco's either... he's likely to blow up something.
Oh you will. He's a sight to behold. Aww, you're great, Alex.
Like I said, neither of you really know it yet. Draco's less in denial than you are though.
Basically any girl at Hogwarts. The exception being me and one of the Goodie-goodie Gryffindors.
Three more days!
Luv, Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
Of course.
Blow up something. Uggh, pink. My great grandmother once made me where a pink skirt and blouse. Let's just say I had an accident with Spaghetti, and someone misplaced their wand.
I do what I can.
What is that supposed to mean!!??
Goodie-Goodie Gryffindors? Sounds interesting.
I swear, Snape has an issue with personal hygiene. I say this and shudder...
Can't wait!
Love Alex
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Alex,
I hope Snape isn't driving you insane. I don't know if I can deal with another insane girl around me... Just kidding. But really, Daphne is a little woo-hoo sometimes, in case you haven't noticed.
Daphne's over at my house right now; our mothers are hosting yet another party and Daphne "kindly" offered to relieve my boredom. Or that's what she says.
But she's currently laying on my bed, babbling about how you're going to let her have Zabini... Any idea what that's about?
So... you play Quidditch? I'm Seeker for Slytherin (Daphne's filled you in on the Houses right?). Just wondering.
Daphne's looking over my shoulder now, saying that I should stop writing "all this nonsense." She told me to tell you that I'm not normally like this, it's just that I don't normally write to girls that I lik-- Never mind. That's the last time I let Daphne dictate.
Draco
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Dear Draco,
Although Snape is driving me insane, I don't think anyone could go as...how did you put it...woo-hoo as Daphne.
Daphne's that sort of person isn't she? I'm sure she must have twisted your arm. Or just wanted to play her game of fli-- never mind.
The subject of Blaise Zabini came up in some of our last letters. Daphne's gone head over heels for him, and she said I'd fall for him. I told her I'd let her have him, if you know what I mean.
I play all time Chaser and I substitute Keeper. I've tried Beater. I ended up damaging my friend's head. Never tried Seeker (as to the fact I'm probably bloody awful at it).
Daphne is the most extraordinary person I've met. She makes me loose my train of thought, and I've even found myself admitting thoughts to her that I haven't even admitted to myself. Does that make sense?
Yours, Alex
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Dear Alex,
No more pink talk! If it continues I shall be forced to blow something up! (I have a wand and I'm certainly not afraid to use it!)
You're wonderful. By the way, have you gotten a letter from our tamed Dragon? Just wondering!
It means exactly what it sounds like: you're in denial about the whole Dragon situation.
Interesting at first, but they get annoying after a while.
I can already tell this will be an interesting year...
Two more days!
Daphne
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Dear Daphne,
(You can blow up something pink and frilly if you like. I won't mind.)
I just sent him a reply. He said you were really distracting him.
Is that what we're calling this...misunderstanding? The Dragon Situation?
Trust me, I've heard enough to agree.
Why do you say that?
Am absolutely looking forward to it!
Yours, Alex
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Dear Alex,
Neither would I, but Pansy might. Of course, that's just another reason to actually blow the stuff up anyway.
I tend to do that to him. Or so he says.
It's only a misunderstanding on your end of things. From my view, things are perfectly clear.
Good. We wouldn't want you spending too much time with the wrong crowd now would we?
Just because, you've had enough of Snape to last the rest of your life and you've only had him for two months! You've still got to get through the entire school year with him as Slytherin Head.
Tomorrow!
Daphne
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Alex,
It sounds like you've figured Daphne out. She's one of the only people capable of really distracting me. That's why my last letter was so odd. Believe me when I say I'm not normally like that.
Yes, Daphne is rather "into" boys. Though I think you would like Blaise, he's quieter, like you, but he can be very intense at times. I wasn't aware that you had him at all.
It will definitely be nice to have someone else (my age, mind you) to talk Quidditch with.
Daphne does that; she has a way of reading people. Most of the time, she's right about them too.
Draco
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Dear Draco,
It didn't take that long to figure her out. She's rather... strong in her opinions. I believe you, trust me.
Quiet and intense... sounds... perfect. I wasn't aware I "had" him either until she started ranting about it. Personally, I'm fine with staying clear of guys (no offence). Daphne however, can't wait...to get her hands on them. I'm sure you know what I mean.
Can't wait to talk then.
Oh I hope not. However I bet she'll order my favorite ice cream tomorrow (chocolate with brownies and hot chocolate on top) tomorrow. She'll probably peg me as a chocoholic. I rarely eat chocolate though.
Yours, Alex
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Dear Alex,
It usually doesn't. Strong is exactly the right word; she's a very opinionated girl.
Perfect for whom? I hope you don't mean you; no offense, but he doesn't seem to be your type.
I'll see you tomorrow then?
Draco
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Dear Daphne,
I've only worn pink a few times. Once it actually brought my hair out, but it was still... shudder bad.
You do that to everyone.
I'm rolling my eyes right now.
Agreed. However, I won't restrain myself to teasing a hot Gryffindor guy, just so you know. ;)
Not if I can help it. He won't leave me alone! ...Or, he IS leaving me alone...I'm not sure...
However he was eager for me to leave, so I have ''permission'' to go to ice cream with you.
More eager that you will ever know!!!!
Alex
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Dear Alex,
I've only worn pink when my mother has forced me too. Ironically, it seems to be whenever Draco is going to be present. Though normally he and I just laugh about it and then I go and change.
Now you're just not being nice!
Have fun with the eye rolling. But believe me, someday you'll realize that I was right all along and when you and Draco are happily doing whatever it is you'll be doing, you'll think of me and say "I'm so glad Daphne didn't give up on me!" And I will laugh.
There aren't that many "hot" Gryffindor guys... Sure, I suppose Potter's all right, and Thomas is ok (for a Muggle-born), and Wood was decent, but none of them could really be called "hot."
See you this afternoon then?
Daphne
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That's all for this time. Terribly unconventional, wasn't it? Next up is the ice cream shop. Review!