Chapter 4 – The Plan Begins
Here's the next chapter, i hope you like it! Many thanks to TheTimeReturns for betaing!
Disclaimer: Any dialogue you recognise and the sorting hat's song belongs solely to J.K. Rowling and her associates.
Domina tapped her foot impatiently as Severus took his time to exit his chambers.
"Come on Severus, we're going to miss the train!" She shouted through the closed door. Just as she did, the professor appeared through the exit.
"I'm here Miss Malevisio. Remind me again why you insist on getting this blasted train when you're already here?" He asked, rubbing his temples.
"Because the train is where people establish friendships and talk about Hogwarts. If I don't get on the train it'll be even harder for me to fit in. I thought Dumbledore explained this to you last night?"
"He did. Frankly, I was too worn out from the shopping to pay attention to the old man. Nevertheless we must depart if you insist on catching this train." He replied, shutting the door to his quarters. Both walked in silence to the outside perimeter of Hogwarts before he held out his arm for her so they could side-along apparate.
They appeared in a dark alley just outside of Kings Cross Station. Taking a step out of the area they were sucked into the hustle of Muggles and wizards making their way to the station. As they approached the arch they saw the familiar sight of Mrs. Weasley and Ginny disappearing before them.
Severus placed a supportive hand between Domina's shoulder blades and walked them through the arch onto platform 9 3/4. Not needing to worry about her trunk, having left it in Severus' office with her cat, he directed her through the excited wizards towards the Malfoys.
"Lucius, Narcissa." Severus greeted. "I wonder if I can leave Miss Malevisio with you, as I need to help with the preparations. I assure you she will be no hassle."
Narcissa smiled gently but Lucius was the first to speak. "Ah Miss Malevisio, may I call you Domina? So you're the one my wife and son wouldn't shut up about last night? I can see why." He smiled and squeezed Draco's shoulder as his son's pale face tinged with pink. "Of course it's no problem Severus, we were just about to see Draco onto the train ourselves.
"Alright. Well I shall see you shortly Miss Malevisio." Severus replied formally.
"Bye Severus!" She beamed enthusiastically, much to the surprise of the Malfoys.
"Well then Draco, be sure to write as soon as you get there and tell me everything. And don't be messy in your dorm; it's not a good reflection on us. Be sure to try your hardest in all your lessons, I want you to try and be top in everything. You're smart enough to be after all." Domina internally smiled, knowing he'd have to battle with both herself and Hermione.
Draco nodded to his mother as she pulled him into a hug and kissed the top of his head. Pulling out of her embrace he turned to his father who simply said: 'Don't let me down, son.' Before nodding his acknowledgement of Domina and leading his wife away.
"Right then, I guess we should board the train." Draco said to Domina, offering his arm to her.
"Yes, we should." She replied, ignoring the offered arm and making her way to the train. She knew how Draco would operate; she'd seen it with Pansy. If a girl was willing to do what he wanted, when he wanted, he would lose interest. Domina needed to prove she was different and wanted to keep him on his toes, even by doing small things like this.
Draco followed the confident girl with his ego slightly bruised. He wanted everyone to know this girl was his; he met her first, he liked her first, he was hers. Luckily for him, the Italian was waiting for him at the entrance of the train, telling him to hurry up. As he approached her he saw her cradling something in her hands, on closer inspection he realized she had a rather large toad in her hands.
"Please don't tell me that is what you chose to bring with you?" he asked, disgusted.
"No, I'm not an idiot. I saw some dork lose him; don't even think he's realized yet. Thought it would be fun to hide him, problem? "Her onyx eyes dared him to disagree with her. He merely nodded, in awe and followed her as she entered a carriage.
"So, any idea what house you're going to be in?" Draco asked.
Domina replied with a snort. "Slytherin of course, if I have to come to this school I'll refuse to stay anywhere but. Yourself?"
"Slytherin without a doubt. The Malfoys have been in Slytherin for centuries. I'd die If I was put in Hufflepuff, wouldn't you?"
"I'd rather be a squib." Domina hated herself for saying such a thing, knowing how many of them stayed and helped in the Battle of Hogwarts, and how many of them had fallen. She knew she had to stop hating herself for doing this; she knew what she was getting herself into.
Draco laughed heartily at this comment. "What's so funny?" a nasal voice filled the cabin.
"Parkinson, Blaise. Wondered when you two would turn up. Where's Crabbe and Goyle?"
"Sorry mate, some bushy haired mudblood got in our way, asking us about a toad. And they've gone searching for the trolley lady. "Blaise explained. Draco and Domina laughed at the loss of the toad, who was sitting happily on their windowsill.
"Ah, where are my manners," Draco composed himself. "Domina, meet Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini. These two are sure Slytherins, both pureblood of course." Domina nodded to the two whom had now taken seats in their carriage, Pansy by Domina and Blaise by Draco. "Blaise, Pansy, Domina Malevisio. She's Italian; her parents were Shirin and Delphus, I'm sure you've both heard of them."
"I never knew the Malevisios had a kid." Pansy stated, giving Domina a funny look. Domina began reciting her 'life story' about the death eater raid in her home and how she was an orphan until Dumbledore found her.
The cabin was silent as Domina finished her story, Pansy gaped at her in awe, while Blaise looked at her confused.
"Così, si parla italiano, allora?" Asked Blaise (So, you speak Italian then?)
"No, ho appena vissuto in Italia tutta la mia vita e non ha mai imparato una parola!" she replied sarcastically. "Tu sei italiano, allora?"(No, i just lived in italy my whole life and never learnt a word!) (You are Italian then?)
"Sì, la metà. Mio padre era inglese. Morì quando avevo due anni."
(Yes, half. My father was English. He died when i was two.)
"Hello, English people in the room. Live in the land, speak the lingo." Pansy interrupted, annoyed by all the attention Domina was receiving.
"Sorry." The two dark skinned Italians replied in unison.
"So." Draco began, trying to lighten the mood. "Any of you able to do any magic?" Domina smiled, knowing this was her first of many chances to get Draco to notice her power.
"Of course." Domina stated, whipping out her wand. She didn't do anything too extreme, just a few levitation charms and minor transfiguration, but it was enough to impress her future peers.
The rest of the train ride passed quickly, Domina even met herself at one point. Hermione had entered the carriage asking they'd seen Neville's toad, which of course they all denied. Hermione didn't notice the shuffling of the toad under Crabbe's cloak.
As they exited the train, dressed in their uniforms they heard the call of Hagrid's "Firs' years this way!" over the excited chatter of the others. Following the hairy man, Draco, Domina, Pansy and Blaise climbed into the boat that would transport them to the castle.
Draco helped Domina out of the boat before gathering his bodyguards – Crabbe and Goyle – and following the other first years into the castle and up the stairs where Professor McGonagall was waiting to greet them. During the time she gave the introduction, Draco gave Crabbe the nod to release Trevor from his grasp, much to Neville's delight.
As McGonagall proceeded to the hall to check they were ready for the sorting, Draco stepped out in front of the group.
"So it's true, what they were saying on the train; Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."
Domina stepped up behind him. "You weren't thinking of offering your friendship to him were you, Draco? Just because he has a scar on the top of his head doesn't mean he's worthy of us. Besides, he's already associated himself with the wrong sort." She stated, looking at Ron.
Draco forced a laugh. "Of course not, just wanted to see how much Potter adores the limelight he's been getting recently. Not that he'll be getting it for much longer."
"Afraid of losing your fangirls Malfoy?" Harry retorted, glaring at Domina.
McGonagall tapped Domina and Draco on the shoulder, silently telling them to return to the group.
"We're ready for you."
Domina nervously walked with the other first years to the front of the hall, taking in her surroundings as she did so. She smiled as she heard herself in front telling Susan Bones about the bewitched ceiling.
"Now, the hat has a few words, before we sort you. "Professor McGonagall explained.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hat sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set the Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To archive their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're safe in hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
As the Hat finished the hall broke out in applause.
"Ok students; hush now we need to begin the sorting. Now, when I call your name, you will sit on this stool and I will place the hat on your head. The hat will then place you in the house it deems suitable." She unraveled a large scroll and began reading off names.
"Abbott, Hannah" announced Professor McGonagall
"Hufflepuff" The sorting hat shouted after a few seconds of deliberation.
"Brown, Lavender"
"Gryffindor!"
A few more students passed in between, Domina had an enjoyable time subtly whispering the houses just before the hat announced them. The shock on his face was priceless.
"Granger, Hermione"
"Gryffindor." Domina whispered.
"Gryffindor!" The hat yelled.
"Malevisio, Domina"
"Slytherin." She whispered before heading towards the stool.
"Didn't I sort you moments ago, Miss Granger? Oh but now you have so much more knowledge, cunning… and pain. You've suffered so much Miss Granger, are you sure you want to face it all again? It's a nice little plan you have here, who am I to try and mess it up… besides I think you're very much a Slytherin the way you've plotted this all out… Good luck Miss Malevisio." The hat said inside her head.
"Slytherin!" the hat yelled. The Slytherin table applauded loudly, especially the boys. Domina shot Draco an 'I told you so' look before gracefully walking over to the table and taking a seat next to a very eager looking Marcus Flint.
Draco was glad his sorting was quick. He didn't want Marcus drooling over his friend. Malfoys didn't share, and they weren't about to start now. He swaggered over to the table and sat next in between Domina and Marcus, insisting he had to talk about quidditch. A few minutes later Zabini had taken the seat on the other side of Domina and the feast had begun.
Thank you for reading! Please review and let me knw what you thought of this chapter, also i want to introduce a question thing at the end of my chapters so you guys can have some sort of say in the story!
1) Next chapter will be their first year, what scenes would you like included? I.e. flying lesson, halloween etc
2) What should Draco's reaction be to Blaize and Domina becoming friendly?
3) What do you think i've named Domina's cat?
Thanks again! ~MrsMalevisio