Chapter 15: Millicent Bulstrode
Hermione's first month had been the hardest for her, because she tried to find her place in Slytherin. She was hesitant to make friends, worried that she wouldn't be able to live up to their expectations or that they would judge her harshly for her background. That's why Hermione spent most of her time studying in front of the Slytherin common room fireplace. Even if Hermione didn't notice it there seemed to be a few students who were curious about her, students that found it also hard to find their place in Slytherin, for the exact same reasons.
One afternoon, Hermione was sitting in the Slytherin Common Room doing her Potions homework, when one of the third-year Slytherin girls named Millicent Bulstrode approached her. "Hey," she said, her voice deep and gravelly, "What are you doing?"
"Just homework," Hermione replied, feeling a flush of embarrassment. She shifted her weight trying to get more comfortable on the couch.
Millicent snorted, "Yeah, I know. Me too. But I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime. I'm bored."
Hermione looked up, surprised. She hadn't expected anyone to want to hang out with her, especially not someone as intimidating as Millicent Bulstrode, "Uh sure... err- That would be nice."
Millicent nodded and ten slumped down on the couch next to Hermione. "SO what's it like being a first-year? Are the classes hard?"
"I- err- Professor Snape helped me revise the topics I had missed. I just don't like transfiguration much," Hermione said awkwardly.
Millicent snorted, "Yeah, I heard about that too. You are the reason we lost 20 points this early in the year by causing problems at McGonagall's class."
Hermione looked alarmed, "What?"
Millicent shrugged, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I hear you got into it with the Professor herself. She has never been fair to us Slytherins, so you better try to be careful next time. okay?"
"I got lost, and Professor McGonagall just decided that I was lying, it was completely unfair, she didn't punish the Gryffindor first-years for being late but she punished me. First I lost points and then I got detention," Hermione felt like she needed to explain what had happened, "Why didn't anyone tell me she is like that?"
Millicent shrugged again, "She is Gryffindor's head of the house, so I wouldn't expect her to punish her own students. Gryffindors hate us. They think we are all dark, unfriendly, and soon-to-be Death Eaters."
"Professor Snape told me that others think you- we Slytherins are evil. And that OUR house isn't known to have many muggleborns. I read about it in Hogwarts The History too, Slytherin only wanted to teach purebloods so how come I got sorted in Slytherin? My blood status would be enough to have sorted me in any other house," Hermione stated.
"Ah, that would explain why Malfoy took it out on you in your first evening here," Millicent said and noticed Hermione stiffening at the mention of Malfoy. "Relax I don't care about blood purity neither does Blaise. Honestly, half the people here don't even care about the whole pureblood thing. It's just tradition, you know? I know at least one other Slytherin first-year who is also a muggleborn, Nicola Withby I think his name was."
Hermione nodded slowly, feeling a confusing mix of relief and frustration. It was good to know that not everyone in Slytherin was obsessed with her blood status and that she wasn't the only muggleborn in Slytherin. But at the same time, she couldn't forget how Draco Malfoy had treated her on her very first evening. "Thanks," Hermione said.
"Slytherins always look after their own, remember that," Millicent stated and then leaned over to inspect Hermione's essay. "I didn't know Snape assigned you 3 feet long essays?"
"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected, "and he didn't, I just thought I could research a bit."
Millicent raised an eyebrow, "Extra work, huh? You must be a real stickler for grades."
"Well, I do want to make sure I'm doing well," Hermione said, a bit defensively her voice laced with irritation.
"Relax, Granger," Millicent said, unbothered by Hermione's irritation, "I'm just teasing you. I know you are smart. But you should also try to have fun while you are here at Hogwarts. It's not just about classes, you know?"
Hermione considered this for a moment. Millicent had a point - she had been so focused on her studies that she had barely socialized with anyone, "I know, it's just that-"
"I get it. Trust me I do. But you should come to one of the Slytherin parties sometime. It'll be fun, I promise," Millicent said, grinning at the thought.
"But first-years aren't allowed, Professor Snape said that-" Hermione argued but was interrupted by Millicent.
"We could always make you polyjuice potion, Snape wouldn't notice a thing," Millicent said smirking mischievously.
"Isn't that illegal?" Hermione asked unsure of Millicent's idea.
"Yes, but he doesn't have to know. Really, as long as Snape doesn't find out everything we do is just fine," Millicent assured.
"What if something goes wrong? Then Professor Snape will definitely know what we have been up to. And I don't want to get expelled, I can't go back to my parents," Hermione hissed the word 'parents' as if it was something absolutely disgusting and should be avoided at all costs.
Millicent raised an eyebrow. "Hey, calm down. I didn't mean to upset you," she said placatingly. "I didn't know you disliked your parents?"
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She didn't want to speak about her parents. "It's not a big deal," she said calming down, "I just don't want to cause any more trouble than I already have."
Millicent nodded, seeming to understand. "Fair enough. Look, Hermione, may I call you Hermione? Anyways, I know that Slytherin is a bit intense. And I'm not going to pressure you to do anything you don't want to. But I do think you are missing out on some great parties, and it's a chance to let loose and relax for a little bit."
Hermione considered this, feeling torn. She had always been a rule-follower, always careful to do the right thing. But maybe Millicent was right - maybe she needed to let go a bit and embrace the Slytherin spirit. "Okay," she said finally. "I'll come to the party. But no polyjuice potion, okay?"
Millicent grinned, seeming pleased. "Deal. It's going to be awesome, you'll see. And don't worry - I've got your back. If Snape asks why you are there I'll say I invited you."
As Bulstrode had finally decided to stop bothering her, Hermione had finished her essay, she couldn't help but think back to the conversation she had had with Millicent Bulstrode earlier. Had Bulstrode really meant what she said about having her back? Hermione couldn't help but feel a bit paranoid. She had never had anyone who she could trust except maybe Professor Snape and she didn't want to make him disappointed.
Hermione shook her head, trying to dispel her doubts. She knew that she had to start trusting people if she wanted to make friends and fit in at Hogwarts. Which of course didn't mean that Hermione should let her guard down but Millicent, for all her rough edges, had seemed sincere in her offer of friendship. With a resolve to let go of her fears and embrace the Slytherin lifestyle, Hermione closed her potions textbook and went to bed, exhausted from a long day of classes and homework. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement about the upcoming party.
A/n: Okay so I have been thinking, the next chapter is gonna suck. If I remember right it is going to be Halloween soon in the wizarding world... Of course not in the real world don't take me for a fool. Ron is gonna be an asshole with a big A. It is Flitwick's class next and the Halloween feast and the Slytherin party too :DDDDDDDDDD
And a huge thank you to everyone who has sent me reviews and keeps reading this fanfic it means a lot to me.