Ella's POV

Today is only my second day at Hogwarts, but already I love it here! The castle is amazing! So beautiful but so difficult to figure out. After I complained to Blaise about being late to a few of my classes because I got lost and how unsympathetic they were just because I'm not a first year, he made me a magical paper map that has every room in the castle on it. The staircases even move on the map, just like they do in real life! I know it must have been a difficult spell, but Blaise shrugged it off as if it was nothing. He just shoved it in my hands and walked away when I tried to thank him. Blaise has always been like that selfless, but not one to show much of his emotions. We are very different in that regard.

Anyway, back to my first few days. At the opening feast, I was sorted into Slytherin like everyone suspected. The sorting hat immediately saw my sly, sneaky ways and also realized that I would want to be with my brother. The hat was hesitant to place me in Slytherin, however, because he could sense the dark magic in me and was worried about what I could become if I join the "dark side." Of course I know everything that is going on in the wizarding world regarding He-who-must-not-be-named (my mother may be a passive supporter of him and the death eaters, but she fears them enough to refrain from saying his name) but I know very little of how the situation is affecting Hogwarts. I know that Harry Potter goes here, but aside from that I know very little. Mother says that Snape is a death eater technically but that his loyalty is questionable, never the less she trusts him.

So after being sorted eventually into Slytherin, I joined the rest of my house for the feast. Draco sat a few seats down from me and winked at me when I sat down next to Pansy. So far Pansy, Draco, and Blaise are the only Slytherins I know. Some of them seem friendly, but other seem more hostile to me. I'm not worried though, I never had many friends at home and I was always fine. Dumbledore gave his speech about dark forces penetrating these walls, but honestly I have no idea what he was talking about. Draco looked really troubled though. Weird. After dinner I went to my new dormitory in the dungeons- it's so cool down there! I can't wait to explore and cause mischief!

Classes are going well. I really like potions- I always helped Mother with potions so this will be a piece of cake for me. Defense Against the Dark Arts seems challenging, but fun. Ancient Runes is a bit dull but otherwise okay. My teachers are pretty nice in general. Snape was eyeing me suspiciously in Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wonder how much Mother has told him.

Now it is lunch and I am sitting with Pansy. We are chatting about the latest witch fashion. Suddenly Draco came up to us and took a seat next to me.

"Hey, Ella. Pansy"

She merely nodded in response and looked at him with a bored expression.

"Hey, Draco!" I couldn't help but smile.

"A few of us are sneaking out to Hogsmeade tonight to go to The Three Broomsticks. Do you two want to join?" he grinned at us mischievously.

"Do you think that's wise, Draco? You heard what Dumbledore said," Pansy spoke softly.

"I don't give a damn about what he said! Nothing is going to happen. He's just mad with old age. Don't be such a pussy!" Draco said slightly upset for some reason.

"Well, I think it sounds fun!" I smile at him, "I'm so tired of following all the rules. I'm ready to have some fun if you are!"

Wow, I can't believe I am flirting with Draco Malfoy. He's good looking and all, but he seems very complicated. On the other hand, this will drive Blaise crazy! One of my favorite past times.

"Oh I'm definitely ready," he winked at me as he got up from the table and left without another word.

Pansy just looked at me with resignation and sighed.

Tonight should be very interesting!