A/N: Thank you everyone for the comments and story alerts. This chapter is a bit iffy, and took my four tries to write. I think it's because it's kind of the true beginning of the story at Hogwarts. Next chapter will be a lot better, so please bear with me! I hope you enjoy it, & please review. And without further ado, here's Chapter 2 :)
Chapter 2: The Cold
"A small silence came between us, as precise as a picture hanging on the wall."- Jean Stafford
The children of Death Eaters sat together on the Hogwarts Express in an uncomfortable silence.
"I might not come back to Hogwarts next year. With the Dark Lord return, it's won't matter how many NEWTS I get. Loyalty and service will matter more than grades," Draco said arrogantly.
The carriage was cold. The air outside the train seeped into the room, and encased each of the Slytherin's in frigid air. If the air wasn't cold enough, the tension in the air was palpable. They were used to each other, but Dahlia's addition to their group added a new factor that most of the housemates didn't really understand. They were used to Draco and Pansy acting as the leader of the Slytherin's, but Dahlia exuded a type of confidence and power that she couldn't compete with.
"You have to come back next year! I'll miss you too much Drakey-poo." Pansy laced her pale fingers around Draco's arm, and played with his Prefect's badge.
Dahlia smirked at Pansy's desperation. Since they arrived on the train, Pansy made her claim to Draco. "Oh yes Drakey-poo, what would we all do if you didn't return to Hogwarts? I don't think the rest of the Slytherin boys could handle Pansy's clingy-ness," Dahlia snickered. The train ride turned awkwardly quiet as each Slytherin decided which side they would take, and which lead to the most power.
One by one they began laughing, slowly at first. As each moment passed the laughter grew stronger. Pansy shrunk into her seat, releasing Draco's robes. She awkwardly turned to look out of the window, and fiddled with her fingers.
"I need to talk to you privately," Draco mouthed amidst the laughter. Dahlia stood up and took Draco's hand.
Harry Potter heard laughter from the Slytherin carriage, and knew they were up to something. He left the carriage he shared with his friends, and threw on his invisibility cloak. He recognized most of the Slytherin voices except for one. The voice was icy, feminine, and sent chills throughout his body. Harry crept outside of the carriage, continuing to listen to the conversation, until the voices faded out, and Draco and the girl walked out.
Harry scooted back away from the door, and followed them as they walked into another carriage. He could hear the faint sound of a locking spell. To hear their conversation, he pushed his ears closer against the door.
"Draco, it was unwise of you to mention you-know-what with the rest of the Slytherin's. I don't think He would be very happy about it."
Harry breathed deeply; maybe finally he would hear what Draco was up to.
"If I wanted someone to nag me, I would've told Mother. But don't worry, they fear me. They're not going to run to Dumbledore and tell him anything," he smirked.
"And why did you bring me in here? If you need help with your plans, your Slytherin lapdogs would be willing to help out," Dahlia argued.
Draco rubbed his hands through his hair. "I didn't want to argue. I wanted to talk about us." He started staring at the ceiling waiting for her response.
"We've already had this conversation Draco. It's over. Go jump in bed with Parkinson, she seems more than willing."
"I don't want Pansy, Dahlia. I thought I made that quite clear this summer." He grabbed the collar of Dahlia's robes, and kissed her passionately on the lips. Dahlia moved her head around giving him full access to her neck. The feelings of passion distracted her from any logical thought. The Dark Lord taught her that love would make her weak, and to only use it as a weapon.
Dahlia pushed him away. "This can't happen," she groaned, "This isn't supposed to happen. I need to go."
Draco sighed, readjusting his shirt. "Draco Malfoy doesn't get rejected Dahlia. You'll soon realize we're meant to be together. I'll see you when we get to Hogwarts."
He slipped out of the carriage leaving Dahlia in silence. Out in the hallway she could hear his footsteps; accompanied with the sounds of muffled screams and curses. Dahlia opened the door, and a boy with dark brown hair lied on the ground. His appearance was average except for the faint lightning bolt on his forehead.
Dahlia instantly recognized him. He was Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. Since the day she was old enough to talk, the Dark Lord and his followers taught her to curse his name. She always imagined Harry as strong and incredibly powerful if he could defeat her father. From where she stood, he looked weak and childlike. The expression on his face reminded Dahlia of the girls she killed, and she was invigorated by the same feelings of power.
Draco gave a perfect opportunity to start her friendship with Harry. In a textbook move, Dahlia pulled out her wand. "Rennervate. Episkey."
Harry's body jolted upward. The thin, circular glasses fell off of his face. "Who are you?" Harry further peered at her face, a look of confusion covering his face.
"I'm Dahlia Pendergast. And I think you should keep your voice down I did just save you." She crossed her arms, giving Harry her most charming smile.
"S-s-sorry," he stuttered, "I'm Harry, Harry Potter."
Dahlia rolled her eyes dramatically, "Well of course you're Harry Potter, the Prophet been writing articles about you all summer. If I didn't know who you were I must've been locked in a cupboard for my whole life. Now we should get going. The train just stopped a few minutes ago."
Harry laughed nervously. Dahlia noticed him put his hands into his pockets, and fiddle with his wand.
"I never said thanks for saving me, so thanks. I've never seen you before. Are you an Auror guarding Hogwarts," he asked.
Dahlia ignored his question until they exited the train. "I could only dream of becoming an Auror," she lied "But I'm a 6th year transfer."
The wind outside was frigid, and Harry moved closer to Dahlia offering her the robe he wore around his shoulder. "I quite like the cold", she murmured. They walked in silence until they reached the gates of Hogwarts. A thin man with a large hooked nose stood outside the door glaring at Harry.
"Mr. Potter, you're fortunate the school year hasn't started yet, or Gryffindor would lose a large amount of points. Ms. Pendergast, you've delayed the Sorting Ceremony, hurry to the Great Hall if it isn't a trouble," The dark cloaked man sneered. Dahlia recognized the man; it was her father's spy, Severus Snape.
"Of course Professor Snape, I'll be on my way," she apologized facing her professor, "And hopefully I'll see you later Harry. Who knows, maybe I'll be a brave lion." Dahlia strutted away her robe flowing gracefully behind her.
The Great Hall was silent. No one ever entered the Opening Ceremony during the middle of the Sorting, but Dahlia strode confidently as if she was perfectly on time. "Now Ms. Pendergast has finally joined us, let us finally end the Sorting," a tall, old women with a pointed hat announced.
Dahlia sat down on the wobbly wooden stool, and the woman placed a floppy, brown hat on her head. The Hat came to life, and began to speak in her mind.
"Curious. Definitely curious. You are loyal to those who you trust and things you love. Hufflepuff could serve you well."
If you put me in Hufflepuff, I will be the last person you sort
Never mind Hufflepuff, but you are bold. And have thirst for knowledge Ravenclaw could help you there, but you also seek power, and are willing to do anything to get your way.
I don't have all day for you to decide Hat, make your choice now.
"I think it better be Grif-Slytherin," the Hat yelled. Dahlia stepped off of the stool. Harry's eyes followed her to the Slytherin table, and they broke into cheers.
The darkness surrounded Dahlia. She tugged on the edges of her cloak to cover the rest of her body. Harry's robe lay in her hands between her hands. The cool night was a reminder of the calm summer at her home. The edges of the Forbidden Forest called to side of her that wanted to see the place where her father returned.
Dahlia breathed in the calmness and silence of the grounds of Hogwarts, out her she felt free from stress. A sound of cracking twigs brought Dahlia out of her peace. She raised her wand and cast a lighting spell, illuminating the area around her, but she didn't see anyone. The cracking noise continued until is finally got louder as it reached Dahlia. She tightened the grip on her wand, and yelled, "Stupefy!"
"Wait" a familiar voice yelled back.
And a bright ray of white light engulfed them.