Le Mora Malefica

by Annie Reyem

Fate despises Horcruxes. They cheated her of one's Fate, but she allowed them. But for a person to make more than one was not allowed. So Fate teams up with her sister Time, and they send a mortal on a quest. As a Mora Malefica, Eleanor Sinclair is more than capable of dealing with a Dark Lord. In this, Ella learns more than knowledge, she learns a love that saves the world.

3. Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize. It's all JKR's. But anything else is mine. There are several passages from the OotP, and they are contained by **

Diagon Alley, August 31, 1995

Ella pushed her way past all the students flooding Diagon Alley. She was so tempted to forcefully clear a path, but that would alert the wrong kind of people of her presence. So she clenched her teeth and kept at it. Her first stop today would be Ollivander's. Her wand was fairly recognizable to anyone who knew their history. Or if they were a pureblood. Luckily, it hadn't come from Ollivander's, so the creepy Seer wouldn't recognize her. In fact, she had placed several complex charms around her person so that Ollivander would see her just as she wished to be portrayed.

She finally arrived, and pushed the door open quickly. The quiet inside the shop was music to her ears. She moved freely and took a deep breath. When she didn't see Ollivander, she moved up to the desk and rung the bell. It echoed for a few moments, and then died off. Ollivander came bustling up to the counter.

"Ah, Miss Sinclair! How nice to see you! I wasn't expecting you here today. It's rather odd for a Fifth year to be getting a new wand." She was mentally frying the meddling old man with her laser vision, but on the outside, she was as sweet and polite as ever.

"Unfortunately, my wand broke on the way over here. I've been without it for only a day, yet I feel naked."

"Of course, tis only natural. Now, I suppose we'll start off with a cherry wand, 11 inches, dragon heartstring." The man waved his wand, bringing the box towards him. Ella nearly rolled her eyes.

"Sir, if I may?" Ollivander seemed confused, and went to hand her the box. She shook her head, and he suddenly understood her.

"A very peculiar way of finding your wand, but I suppose you can try." He seemed dismissive, like he didn't believe it could work. Ella did roll her eyes now, though not where the wandmaker could see.

Pushing up her sleeves, she stretched out her hand. Her magic flowed out from her and began searching the walls and walls of wands. Her own true wand quivered in her pocket, and she had to push it back down. As she knew it would, a box came flying through the air. Ollivander merely looked curious. She carefully opened the box and admired her new wand. It wasn't quite like her ivy one, but it would do nicely as a second wand. She picked it up, and green sparks flew out and formed a rather pretty snake.

"White willow, sturdy, 12 inches, and unicorn hair for its core. Very nice for Charms and Transfiguration. A very nice fit." A slightly confused look took over his face. Ella barely managed to keep from giggling. She didn't doubt this was the first time he'd ever seen the witch choose the wand. It would take him a few days to realize that's exactly what happened. Well, she wasn't worried about it. She quickly paid for the wand and a top of the line wand holster, and left. She slid the wand into the holster as she headed off towards her next destination. The wand would slide into her hand with a flick of the wrist. She thought her new wand was very pretty. The wood was pure white, with two pieces twining up from the handle to form a point. The handle itself was a work of art. Swirls and patterns cascaded all over it. Not only was it pretty, but it provided a nice grip.

She checked the sun in the sky, she still had a few hours before she met with Professor McGonagall for her testing. In the meantime, she would buy her books, her potions kit, and maybe visit the Menagerie.

oooOooo

Three hours later found Ella walking into the Menagerie. She had debated for nearly an hour whether to get a pet or not. An owl or a toad were out of the question, they'd be too scared of her. So it was a cat or kneazle for her. She would decide in the store. She walked through the aisles, amazed at the sheer amount of cats, kneazles, and half-kneazles. She finally just stood in front of the large glass and decided to see which one would come up to her. None of them, apparently. They were all scared of her. She huffed, that would be her luck. As she was leaving, she noticed a cage separated from all the others. She approached it cautiously. The tiny figure inside immediately sprang at her.

What do you want, black one? I'm not scared of you! The tiny thing was hissing at her, and she found it amusing. She took a closer look, and the owner of the store came up to her.

"That's Circe. She's quite the handful, especially as a kitten. We just got her a few days ago. She's half kneazle, half bobcat. It makes for a wild ride." Ella nodded absentmindedly. She liked the little one's pluck. And she was plain pretty. She would be bigger than the average cat when she grew, but smaller than a bobcat. And she was pure white with silver markings. She could practically hear Fate laughing at her. Her familiar would be the complete opposite of her. Ella shrugged mentally.

"I'll take her. I like feisty."

I'll bet you do. Well, I'm gonna claw your face off! You won't eat me if I can help it. You'll regret walking into this building today.

The kitten continued on in this pattern as Ella bought both the kitten, a carrier that was expanded on the inside, a collar that would return Circe to Ella whenever she called, and a bed. Ella hoped the kitten would eventually sleep with her, but wouldn't hold her breath. It seemed she had a ways to go to convince the kitten that Ella wasn't going to eat her.

The owner put on magically enhanced gloves so she could grab the yowling kitten and place her in her new carrier. Circe was not happy. But Ella was. She had about an hour before she had to be at Hogwarts, and she intended on using that time to get used to her new familiar.

Soon enough, the pair arrived inside Ella's rooms. She had avoided using Apparation, as Circe would not find that pleasant. Ella had to stifle many chuckles at the obscenities coming from inside the carrier. They were quite clever. That's why she liked cats.

Ella cast a shield on herself just in case, and quickly opened the carrier. The kitten was a white streak as she zoomed out of the carrier. Circe stopped in the middle of the floor, searching for Ella. Ella stepped out right in front of her and knelt on the ground. The kitten stared at her with amber eyes, neither retreating nor attacking.

"I am not going to eat you, little one." The kitten harrumphed at her, and continued to stare. "I am not a panther in disguise, I promise. I am a human who has the ability to turn into a panther. And this human has no desire for a kneazle dinner.

Half kneazle, thank you very much. Circe seemed to accept Ella's explanation however, and proceeded to lick a paw unconcernedly.

"I'm sorry, your majesty." Circe immediately laid her ears flat on her head and hissed.

You can understand me?! Ella smiled and nodded. She held out her hand to the kitten.

Hmm, I suppose this won't be so bad after all. I could have ended up with a stupid human. And I rather like being called 'your majesty'. You should do that more often. Circe cautiously butted her head against Ella's hand.

"Unlikely, little one. Perhaps once in a great while. Now I'm going to place some spells on you, you're just going to feel a bit odd for a second or two. They're for your protection. Just don't run away." Circe looked at her skeptically, but nodded her tiny head. Ella carefully picked her up and started waving her hand back and forth over the kitten's body. After she was done, she cradled the kitten to her chest and started petting her.

Ooh, keep doing that cat-girl. That feels really lovely. They spent quite a few minutes curled up by the fire, talking to each other. Ella was delighted with her new kitten. The name Circe fit her perfectly too. The kitten's wit alone was enough to turn anyone to a beast. Hyperbolically, of course. Soon, though, Ella had to leave for Hogwarts.

"Circe, I have to go for a bit. Are you okay with staying in this room for a few hours, or would you like me to let you out?" Ella gently put the kitten down on the bed as she began to get ready.

Let me out. I want to catch a mouse or two, I'm hungry. The kitten began sharpening her claws on the wooden bedpost. Ella shook her head, and quickly transformed a piece of string into a scratching post for Circe.

"Please don't destroy everything while I'm gone. If you have to rip something to shreds, do it with a mouse or this post." Ella threw on her new cloak as she admonished her kitten.

No promises. Circe leapt off the bed and headed out the door, her short fluffy tail waving her goodbye. Ella smiled and shook her head. She quickly Floo'd into the Headmaster's office. He was sitting at his desk, waiting for her.

"Punctual, Miss Sinclair. I like that." Dumbledore stood and indicated that she go down the steps leading out of his office. She nodded, and followed him down the stairs.

"I'm sure you'll pass the test with flying colors, so I had McGonagall prepare a list of things you'll need this year. She'll have further instructions for you after you are done." They arrived at McGonagall's office doors, and he waved her in. She nodded back at him, and entered. Her first impression of her Professor was a favorable one. She hadn't been on staff back in the Marauder days, and so Ella hadn't met her. The woman was down to earth, down to business, and Ella liked that. The woman gave her instructions, and then gave her the exam.

It was a fairly thick piece of business. Ella had already decided beforehand that she would do enough to place in Fifth year, and to be brilliant, but not too brilliant. And so she finished it fairly fast, and did not bother to check over her answers. McGonagall was surprised at her speed, and even more surprised at her score.

"You've done very well, Miss Sinclair. Even better than the Headmaster predicted. You will be a welcome addition to Hogwarts. Now, here's your supply list, be sure to get exactly what is on the list. You are allowed one pet: an owl, cat, or toad. You may arrive at the castle as early as you wish tomorrow, since you are so close. The Headmaster has requested that you be here at least an hour before the Sorting. He'll have you Sorted separate from the incoming First years. Your things will be taken up to your room once you have been Sorted." The woman mentioned a few other things, and then Ella was finally free to go.

McGonagall had Filch escort her out of the gates. He was supposed to take her all the way to Hogsmeade, but Ella took pity on the surly man and assured him she was capable of getting there safely by herself. He gave her a grateful glance and started trudging back up the hill. She noted that he seemed to be moving quite stiffly, and made a note to send him some anti-arthritis balm. Sure, he was a git to the students, but anyone would get grumpy dealing with arthritis and having to chase hundreds of students around a giant magical castle.

Ella apparated back to the Three Broomsticks, and went on a search for her kitten. She didn't have to search long, the familiar bond was already forming between her and Circe and pointed her right to the kitten. Ella laughed when she saw Circe gnawing on a rat that was bigger than she was. The kitten's belly was slightly distended, showing Ella that the kitten had gotten her fill and more. Ella carefully picked up her kitten, and then banished the remains and headed for her room. Circe didn't protest, and allowed herself to be carried.

"I thought you were going to hunt for a mouse, not a great big rat." Ella walked into her room.

Mmm, but where's the fun in that? Plus the rat is much tastier. He made a good dinner. Ella placed the white half-kneazle on the bed, and started getting all her stuff ready for Hogwarts. She pulled her shrunken trunk out first and enlarged. She grinned at the old battered thing. It was a family heirloom. No one would think anything of it, except for a Sinclair. When anyone else opened it, they would see the inside of a normal student's trunk. But when she opened it, a staircase opened up with sconces on the side to light her way.

The trunk was her home and her refuge. Ella descended the stairs, ignoring Circe's startled hiss. She entered into a wide foyer. It was brightly lit. There were several rooms off of it. One was her extensive library, containing generations of Sinclair books. Another was her bedroom. Yet another was a kitchen with a never-ending food supply. She also had a potions lab, a dueling room, and a nearly endless Charmed forest so that her Animagus form could run free when she was in a place that didn't allow for such things. And one more led to her office. It was where she kept all her plans written down and sorted. It was cozy, with a fireplace that lent the room warmth. She had placed a large, overstuffed armchair in front of it. And by the window that was charmed to reflect a scene depending on her mood was her desk. Right now her view was of a mountain range.

She had brought her satchel with her, and began to put away many of her new purchases and the things she had kept in there to keep them at hand. She kept only her new student wardrobe and her school supplies back, so she could keep them in her room. Her roommates would be suspicious if she had nothing out, yet things kept popping up.

After she was done, she headed to her bedroom with a gleam in her eyes. Facing an empty wall, she started waving her ivy wand in a series of complicated moves. An annex opened up. She went inside the new room and started adding things. A fireplace with a large rug in front of it, several pillows placed around the room, and a small fountain. Concentrating a bit harder, Ella created a series of platforms, scratching posts, and tunnels around the room at different levels. Circe would definitely be pleased with her very own room. And she could have a run in the forest room anytime her little heart desired.

Smiling, Ella went back up the steps of the trunk to see Circe on the edge staring worriedly down at her. As soon as she got to the top, the fierce kitten jumped on her hissing and yowling.

Don't ignore me again, you stupid human. You walked down those steps without a care to your safety. For all I knew, you were walking into a pit of dogs. Idiot.

Ella laughed as the kitten calmed down. "I'm sorry, Circe. I had a few things to do. But I have a surprise for you."

Does it involve going down there?

"Of course. Are you scared?" The kitten bristled at the thought.

No. Take me down, human.

Ella laughed again, and Circe decided she quite liked her human's laugh. "Perhaps in a bit. I have to meet with my assistant for a while. You can stay here or come with me, your choice."

I'll come with you. Who knows what kind of trouble you'll get into without me.

"Fine then. Come with me. But you can't attack him. In fact, you can't attack anyone that smells like him. I've marked a few people, and they'll smell a bit like me. They have sworn themselves to me, so they are entirely trustworthy." Ella changed into Lady Mora as she spoke.

Circe licked a paw to show how fascinated she was.

If you say so.

"I do. Now, you aren't going to like this part." Circe yowled as Ella apparated them to the townhouse in London. It was in a bit of a nicer neighborhood than the Black's townhouse. Percy was understandably surprised to see a fluffy ball of white attacking the Lady Mora as soon as she apparated into his office. The thing was hissing and yowling and scratching and biting. It didn't look terribly happy with apparition. Eventually Lady Mora soothed the kitten, but it continued to stare balefully up at her human. But the Lady just smiled and said to Percy, "Meet my new familiar, Circe." Seconds later, though she was all business and showing him exactly what she wanted him to do. Percy was grateful, and even more so to see her leave with the kitten. The thing had eventually moved her glare to him. He was sure she had been about to pounce on him the entire time.

Circe's reaction was less extreme the second time they apparated, but she was still unhappy. Ella fixed it by going down into the trunk. Circe's amber eyes were wide open as Ella descended back down the steps. When the kitten realized exactly where she was, she got excited.

A home within a home. You humans aren't all stupid after all. What else is there?

Ella patiently showed the kitten everything, making sure to save the cat room for last. Circe loved the forest and the office. But when she saw the newly made cat room, it stunned her into silence. Ella laughed as Circe eventually sprang into action, climbing all over the room, testing the various pillows, and finally stretching out in front of the fire.

You did this all for me? Amber eyes met grey ones for the first time. Ella nodded. I am most grateful, Ella-cat. I couldn't have asked for a better human. Ella picked up the kitten and rubbed behind her pointed ears.

"Thank you, Circe. I am most happy with you also. I picked you because you weren't scared of me. Well, not much anyway." Circe didn't open her eyes, but gave a warning growl. "Come on, it's time we went to bed."

Carefully, Ella folded her wardrobe and her school supplies in the top part of the trunk. She looked around the room, making sure everything was where it should be. When she was satisfied, she crawled into bed with Circe, who had already fallen asleep. Ella closed her eyes contentedly. She intended on having a good lie-in tomorrow morning.

oooOooo

Ella arrived at Hogwarts exactly an hour before the Sorting. The Headmaster informed her of the proceedings, and what was expected of her. He asked her to stay in an alcove off to the side until he called on her. Ella had kept Circe on her. Not so much because she was scared for the kitten, but rather for whoever the kitten came across. The half-kneazle was already wary of all humans, but the bobcat half made her a menace to all she considered a threat to her human. Which, at this moment, was everyone. So Circe stayed in the satchel. She kept popping her head out to see what was going on. Ella only pushed her back in when the kitten tried to jump out. And so Ella was treated to a running commentary on how unfair she was being. But Ella paid the kitten no mind, she was more focused on watching the students trickle in and the staff. Eventually, everyone was in their seats and Dumbledore began his speech.

oooOooo

Harry looked up from talking to his friends as Dumbledore started his speech. It was the usual about the Forbidden Forest, and curfew and all that. But he really perked up when the Sorting Hat began its song.

**In times of old, when I was new,
AndHogwartsbarely started,
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
"Together we will build and teach"
The four good friends decided.
And never did they dream that they
Might someday be divided.
For were there such friends anywhere
AsSlytherinandGryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Unless it was the second pair
OfHufflepuffandRavenclaw,
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why, I was there, so I can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
SaidSlytherin, "We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry's purest."
SaidRavenclaw, "We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest"
SaidGryffindor, "We'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their name."
SaidHufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot
And treat them just the same."
These differences caused little strife
When first they came to light.
For each of the four founders had
A house in which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance,Slytherin
Took only pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning just like him.
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught byRavenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daringGryffindor.
GoodHufflepuff, she took the rest
and taught them all she knew,
Thus, theHousesand their founders
Maintained friendships firm and true.

SoHogwartsworked in harmony
for several happy years,
but then discord crept among us
feeding on our faults and fears.

TheHousesthat, like pillars four
had once held up our school
now turned upon each other and
divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
must meet an early end.
what with dueling and with fighting
and the clash of friend on friend.
And at last there came a morning
when oldSlytherindeparted
and though the fighting then died out
he left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
were whittled down to three
have theHousesbeen united
as they once were meant to be.

And now the Sorting Hat is here
and you all know the score:
I sort you intoHouses
because that is what I'm for.
But this year I'll go further,
listen closely to my song:
though condemned I am to split you
still I worry that it's wrong,
though I must fulfill my duty
and must quarter every year
still I wonder whether sorting
may not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
the warning history shows,
for ourHogwartsis in danger
from external, deadly foes
and we must unite inside her
or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you...
let the Sorting now begin.**

Hermione was about to fly out of her seat with excitement. Ron asked her what her deal was and she shot him an exasperated look. "Honestly Ron, do you ever pay attention? The Hat has never sung about unity before. I hope people actually paid attention this year." Harry looked around to see everyone's reactions. Only a few Gryff's looked like they had paid attention and were slightly serious. Only a few more Hufflepuffs than Gryffindor. But most of the Ravenclaws and Sytherins seemed to be deep in thought.

Harry shook himself and paid a bit more attention to the Sorting. He clapped when required, and found his attention drifting in between. Finally, all the Firstie's were Sorted and they could get on with the feast. Or so Harry thought.

"I know we are all eager to partake in the Welcome Feast, but I have one or two more matters to address before we do. First, we have a transfer student. Her name is Eleanor Sinclair." The wizard flourished off to the side of the raised platform. A girl walked up the steps and faced the students confidently. A buzz of voices filled the air. Harry vaguely heard Hermione whispering to Ron that "there hasn't been a transfer student since the 70's." But what he was really focused on was the girl. She had slightly curly, slightly wild black hair that cascaded down to her waist, and piercing grey eyes. Harry felt an immediate jolt of attraction, even more so than he'd ever felt with Cho. Even more than that though, was the oddest feeling he knew this girl. Harry shook his head. He'd never seen this girl before.

"She's to be placed in Fifth year. She is more than competent of keeping up with the course work here. Please give her a warm welcome, no matter what House she may be placed in." The Headmaster finished speaking, and the pale girl placed the Sorting Hat on her head. It took a really long time, far longer than even Harry's had taken. Whispers had broken out throughout the Great Hall. Finally, the Hat pronounced loudly, "Better be Slytherin!" Harry felt disappointed the beautiful girl wouldn't be in Gryffindor. Even worse, she was in Slytherin. He shook his head, he wouldn't be talking to this girl, that's for sure. She was beautiful, but so was Astoria Greengrass, and Harry had never considered asking her out.

oooOooo

Hmm, you are a strange one. I've placed you two times already, why do you insist on coming back again and again?

I have my reasons. And you know what House to put me in, so do it already.

Hasty, aren't we? But is that really the best place for you? Again, Ravenclaw would do you very well, considering your thirst for knowledge.

Yes, well, I have other things to focus on right now.

Yes. You have a great deal of loyalty to a certain Boy-Who-Lived. Perhaps Hufflepuff then?

Ella was sure the Hat was taunting her now.

No. And I didn't take you for one that would use ridiculous hyphens.

You wound me. What about Gryffindor? You are displaying a great deal of courage by taking on this quest.

Ella was getting frustrated. Thank goodness this was the last time she ever had to deal with this stupid hat.

No. Now put me into Slytherin.

You should be nicer to me. I could stick you in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff and you wouldn't be able to do a thing.

But you won't. You know how important the Plan is. Unless the song you just sang was a load of-

"Slytherin!" Ella schooled her face so she wouldn't smirk. She carefully took the Hat off and placed it not so carefully on the stool. The Slytherins were clapping gently. There was no need to be raucous like the Gryffindorks, they thought. They could show approval in a more genteel way. Nearly all the purebloods (which was nearly all of Slytherin) recognized her last name, and were respectful. As long as she wasn't faking it, that is. After all, everyone thought the Sinclair's had been wiped out.

Ella made her way to the Sytherin table. Thankfully, the other Fifth years made room for her to sit down. She sat beside Draco Malfoy and Tracy Davis. Astoria Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson were sitting across from her. She knew of all of them.

But the speeches weren't quite done. Dumbledore welcomed Professors Grubbly-Plank and Umbridge, and then was interrupted as he went on. Ella just clenched her fist as a small, toad like woman took the podium.

**"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge simpered, "for those kind words of welcome."

Ella focused on not hexing the woman into next week. She knew what the woman had to say, and it wasn't pretty.

"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" She smiled, revealing very pointed teeth. "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!"

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"

Students exchanged looks at this; some of them were barely concealing grins.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance…"

Ella looked around the Great Hall to see who was actually paying attention to the insipid woman speaking. Hermione Granger was, though she seemed to be the only Gryffindor that was paying attention. No, wait, the Weasley twins were paying attention also, though they made it seem like they weren't. Ella perked up at this realization. Maybe she'd have a chat with those two later. She continued looking around as the woman kept pushing through the stupid speech. Ella made a careful note of all who seemed to understand what the woman was saying.

"Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effective-ness and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be pre-served, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited."**

And then, finally, they could eat. Ella looked around her table. Her house-mates stared back at her. Ella decided to break the ice.

"Please, call me Ella." It was a general statement, but the brown haired girl next to her replied eagerly.

"I'm Tracy Davis! It's nice to meet you!" Ella smiled gently and reached out her hand. Tracy shook it vigorously and proceeded to introduce all the other in their year. "That's Draco Malfoy, on the other side of you-" Ella shook his hand trying to ignore the pain in her heart. He looked just like his father. "Blaise Zabini is beside Draco-" Blaise gave a curt nod, and turned back to her food. "That's Pansy Parkinson with the black hair-" Ella again offered her hand, but Pansy looked down on it. Ella raised an eyebrow. Clearly her pureblood education was severely lacking. Tracy coughed awkwardly, "And the gorgeous blond by her is-"

"Astoria Greengrass. Pleased to meet you. But call me Tori." Bright blue eyes met Ella's confidently, and firmly shook her hand. Ella smiled.

"Yes, yes. And then one other girl, Millicent Bulstrode." Millie followed Pansy's lead and looked down on Ella's offered hand. Tracy coughed again.

"And then that's Crabbe and Goyle over there stuffing their faces." The two boys didn't even look up. "Well, that's everyone, I believe. Anyway, there are three of us to a room. Pansy, Millie, and Blaise share one. That means you, Tori, and I share the other. We are going to have-"

Tracy was rudely cut off by Pansy. "Tracy!" The poor girl immediately stopped talking, and looked at Pansy confused. "I know you're a half-blood and all-" Tracy looked down at her food and bit her lip. "But even you have to know Sinclair is not a pureblood name. Why are you talking to her? What was that stupid Hat thinking?"

Ella watched with interest at the different reactions to Pansy's little speech. Millie looked on in agreement, but she was the only one. Tracy looked up from her food and started shaking her head. But before anyone could say anything, Ella met Pansy's eyes squarely and spoke for herself.

"Do you always speak before you are sure of what you are saying? Not very Slytherin of you." Pansy gasped and opened her mouth to speak, but Ella kept talking. "If you had learned your lessons properly, even in History of Magic, you would know the truth. The Sinclairs are in fact the most prestigious and powerful purebloods in existence. We can trace our roots all the way back to all the Founders, and are the only family able to claim that. It's true that most of my family was slaughtered over a hundred years ago, but not all of us. I may be the only one left, but if you are so concerned with purity, then I have a much purer bloodline than any person sitting here." Ella calmly looked around, willing someone to disagree with her so she could put them in their place too. But no one disagreed. Satisfied, Ella turned to her food, only pausing again to push Circe back in her satchel. Eventually, conversation started again. Tracy, Tori, and Draco all kept up a polite conversation with her.

Ella settled into her seat. All in all, it could have been worse. She chuckled to herself. She had learned the hard way it could always get worse. She stared at a head full of messy black hair across the hall. She was determined to make life get better here, though. It was about time someone made some changes, and Ella was thrilled she'd be the one to do it.

Circe: SEER-see