"Parkinson, it's time for the Prefects' meeting." The sudden sound of Draco's voice pulled Pansy from her thoughts. Standing up and adjusting her robes, she nodded and followed him.
Together, they left the somewhat cramped compartment, and walked through the narrow corridors of the Hogwarts Express, towards the compartment set aside specifically for the Prefects.
When they arrived, the meeting was already underway. Conversations coming to an abrupt halt as they stepped through the door and everyone in the compartment turned towards them with glares and wary eyes.
"Malfoy, Parkinson," Hermione acknowledged them, giving a curt nod. Draco reciprocated the gesture with equal frostiness. "Granger."
Pansy and Draco took their seats across from Granger and Weasley. Hermione offered a strained smile, which Pansy returned with a tight-lipped, half smile, half sneer, of her own, Weasley scowling in their direction all the while. Ignoring him, Pansy turned her attention to the Head Girl and Head Boy, who had just risen to start the meeting.
Ron, perhaps feeling more confident due to their late arrival, couldn't help but make a disparaging remark. "Ah, Slytherin finally decided to grace us with their presence," he said, his tone riddled with mockery.
"Ron, we're all here for the same purpose," Hermione chided, her expression firm. "Let's keep it civil."
"We'll see how long that lasts," Draco muttered under his breath, earning a sharp glare from Hermione.
The Head Boy, a seventh-year Hufflepuff, cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Now that we're all here, let's get started. As Prefects, we are expected to maintain order and ensure that the rules of Hogwarts are upheld. Our duties include patrolling the corridors during free periods and after curfew, assisting in maintaining decorum during meals, and overseeing students during Hogsmeade visits. I'm sure you all are aware of your ability to deduct points and give detentions. I expect this privilege to be used fairly and sparingly, not out of personal bias or vendettas. Abuse of power will not be tolerated."
His eyes lingered for a moment longer on Draco and Ron, who both wore disgruntled expressions.
The Head Girl, this one ravenclaw, continued while looking around the room. "I think it's important to remember that we're not just rule enforcers. We're also supposed to help younger students, and acting approachable helps those students feel safe coming to you for help with any questions, or problems, they might have."
She picked up a stack of parchment from the table and handed out a piece to each prefect. "This is your patrol schedule. Keep in mind that the Headmaster expects us to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
The meeting continued from there with the discussion of the upcoming year's responsibilities, the rules that needed to be enforced, the special events that needed to be planned, and the overall objectives for each house.
However, the relative calm of the meeting was shattered when Draco, unable to resist taking a jab at his long-time adversary, directed a snide comment towards Weasley.
Ron's face reddened slightly, but before he could respond, Finch-Fletchley, a Hufflepuff Prefect, intervened. "Can we all please try to be civil? We are all here to represent our houses."
Draco snorted, his voice derisive. "If Weasley is the best Gryffindor can muster to represent their house, they must indeed be desperate."
A visible wave of anger flashed across Ron's face, his face turning an alarming shade of red, his hands clenching into fists, primed for a fight "At least I didn't buy my way into being a Prefect, Malfoy," he retorted, venom dripping from every word.
It was at this point that Pansy's – who until this point in the meeting had remained silent – patience snapped. She slammed her hand down on the table, making everyone jump. "That's enough, both of you!" she commanded. Her words reverberated through the silence that followed.
When she started speaking again it was in a voice that brokered no argument. "We're here to understand our roles and responsibilities as prefects, Draco. It wouldn't kill you to take this seriously." Draco scowled at Pansy's reprimand, which prompted a smirk from Weasley. His smirk evaporating when Pansy whirled on him "And you!" she hissed "Who do you think has the responsibility of appointing the Prefects?"
After some time with no response, she raised her voice, making it sharp and commanding, "You will answer me when I ask you a question, Weasley!"
"I don't know," he retorted, matching her tone
"Well, let me enlighten you, then." Pansy said, her voice oozing with sarcasm. "Prefects are chosen by the headmaster and the deputy headmistress. Now, tell me, Weasley, do you really think Professor McGonagall, who is notoriously known as the strictest teacher at hogwarts, and Dumbledore, the so-called 'leader of the Light', are the kind of people to accept bribes?"
The compartment was silent as Ron stammered, trying to come up with an answer, "I… i-didn't… that wasn't wha…"
"In that case," Pansy interrupted, her tone positively frigid and filled with contempt, "perhaps in the future, you should refrain from making baseless, and frankly, ridiculous accusations. I realize this might be a somewhat difficult concept for you to grasp, considering your obvious lack of wealth, but money can't buy everything. After all, no amount of galleons could buy you a more tolerable personality"
With that final, scathing remark, Pansy turned away from the fuming, but thankfully silent redhead, and directed her attention back towards the Head Boy and Head Girl. Her expression had returned to its usual composed state, her unexpected outburst seemingly forgotten. "I suggest we continue with the meeting."
As the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop, Pansy found herself swept up in the chaos that was the arrival at Hogwarts. Students disembarked in droves, many eager to escape the confines of the train after the long journey.
Greeted by the sight of the magnificent castle, glowing warm and inviting against the deepening twilight, a sense of familiarity washed over Pansy.
The Great Hall of Hogwarts was alive with activity. Hundreds of candles floated high above, casting a soft glow on the faces of returning students and staff. At the head table, Headmaster Dumbledore was in animated conversation with Professor McGonagall, their voices lost in the noise.
Pansy slipped into her usual spot at the Slytherin table, greeting her housemates with polite nods and tight smiles.
Just as everyone settled down, Professor McGonagall marched in with a group of nervous-looking first-years.
Pansy found herself only half-listening to the proceedings, the novelty of the event having worn off years ago, the names blending together.
A plain brown-haired brown-eyed girl of average height with an expression of apprehension. "Hufflepuff!"
A stocky blonde boy with blue eyes and bulky rectangular glasses carrying with him an air of arrogance. "Gryffindor!"
A adorable tiny girl with twin fiery pigtails and a bright excited smile on her freckle-covered face. "Slytherin!"
Pansy blinked in surprise as the Great Hall fell silent. Muggleborns were rare in Slytherin, almost unheard of, and seeing one sorted into their house was a surprise to everyone.
Pansy watched the girl walk up and greet the other first-year Slytherin's only to be harshly sent away.
'Poor girl,' Pansy thought as she mechanically clapped with the others.
"Disgusting," Draco drawled from beside her, his lip curled in distaste. "A Mudblood in our house."
The sentiment echoed around them, souring the air. Pansy didn't respond, looking back at the little redhead, now sitting alone at the end of their table, looking hurt and confused, previous excitement nowhere to be seen. Pansy sighed and turned her attention back to the sorting.
Once the sorting was done and everyone had settled, Dumbledore rose from his seat, a hush falling over the hall.
"Welcome," he began, his voice echoing throughout the hall, "to another year at Hogwarts. To our first-years, I extend a warm welcome. To our returning students, welcome back."
"Firstly, I would like to introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge" Dumbledore said, turning his attention to a toad-like woman sitting among the professors. She reminded Pansy of a toad.
Umbridge rose from her seat, a sickly sweet smile on her face. She was wearing an obnoxiously pink outfit that almost hurt to look at and a pink bowl-shaped hat. It was hideous.
The Great Hall filled with polite applause, though many students shared confused looks and whispers.
As Umbridge sat back down, Dumbledore continued "Now, to more mundane matters. The list of items banned from school grounds has been updated by our caretaker, Mr. Filch, and is now available for perusal on his office door. I must also remind you all that the Forbidden Forest is indeed forbidden. And with that…".
He was interrupted by a sharp, high-pitched cough. All eyes turned to the new professor as she stood up again.
Dumbledore hesitated for a moment before turning towards her, a confused expression on his face. "Ah, yes, professor Umbridge" he questioned.
"Thank you, Headmaster," she began, her eyes sweeping over the sea of students. "As Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, I am here to ensure that the Ministry's new educational decree is carried out to its fullest extent. The Ministry, dear students, aims to protect you from certain…misguidances. We only wish for your best interests."
Pansy exchanged a glance with Draco, a feeling of unease settling in her. The Ministry interfering directly in Hogwarts? That was unheard of. Yet, Umbridge stood there, a simpering smile on her face as she continued to spout nonsense about student welfare and protection from dangerous elements.
When she finally finished, Dumbledore applauded, albeit reluctantly, setting off a ripple of claps across the hall. "Thank you, Professor Umbridge, I'm sure the students will… remember that" he said hesitantly. "Now I think the only thing left to say is… dig in!"
With his final words, the tables groaned under the weight of the feast, a spread of every conceivable dish. The sudden switch from tense to celebratory left Pansy feeling strange, but she put it aside as she reached for the roast chicken.
As the feast came to a close, Dumbledore gave a final cheerful announcement, "Prefects will lead the first-years to their dormitories. Goodnight to you all!"
Draco and Pansy stood, their green and silver prefect badges glinting on their chests.
"First years, gather around," Pansy called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. Seven young faces turned and walked towards her, wide-eyed and uncertain.
"Alright," Draco began, his voice authoritative and clear, "follow us. We'll take you to the Slytherin common room. No dawdling."
As they started their journey to the dungeon, questions began spilling from the children. "What's the first class tomorrow?" "My father told me the forbidden forest has werewolves, is that true?" "When is the quidditch tryouts? I'm going to be the new keeper!"
Draco and Pansy answered as best they could, attempting to alleviate some of their nerves. Pansy noticed the redhead hanging back, her eyes nervous and her hands wringing the hem of her robes, looking like she wanted to say something.
Eventually, the girl mustered up the courage to ask, "What's a house-elf?"
Draco's demeanor instantly changed, his response curt and tinged with a harshness that had not been present before, "House-elves are magical beings that serve wizarding families. How could you not know that?" his tone sharp enough to make the girl flinch and pale.
Pansy glanced back at her, noticing how she had shrunk back, eyes fixed on the ground, leaving a small gap between her and the rest of the group.
Arriving at the Slytherin common room, the atmosphere grew tenser. The older Slytherins eyed the newcomers, their harsh gazes lingering on the redhead.
Their hostility was palpable and the poor girl, noticing the looks, seemed to curl in on herself, hugging herself tightly as if to shield herself from the hostility, tears brimming in her previously bright eyes.
Pansy tried to ignore the feeling of guilt and quickly ushered them all to follow, guiding the girls to their dormitories and leaving Draco to show the boys to theirs.
Arriving at the dormitory the first-year girls filed into the room that would be their home for the next seven years. The chamber was spacious, with four-poster beds neatly lined against the stone walls, each dressed with green silk curtains and velvet quilts.
Pansy paused at the entrance, glancing at the group. "This is your dorm," she repeated. "Uniforms, robes, and personal belongings are in your trunks at the foot of your respective beds. Remember, breakfast starts at seven, but you'll probably want to be up earlier to get ready for the day. Classes begin promptly at nine."
Pansy's eyes swept over the first-years, lingering on the redhead a little longer than the rest. The girl looked like a frightened animal, trying hard to hold back tears, her big innocent eyes begging for help. Pansy hesitated, her parents' words battling with the pang of sympathy she felt.
In the end, self-preservation won out, and she simply turned around, not noticing the girl's crestfallen expression. "Goodnight, everyone."
Pansy left the room, leaving the hushed whispers of the first years behind her, feeling like a fraud, prefect badge heavy on her chest.
The common room was quieter now, most of the Slytherins had retreated to their respective dormitories. She passed a few older years still engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes flickering towards her before quickly resuming their talk.
As she entered her own dormitory, she saw the other fifth-year girls busy in their own worlds. Bulstrode was arranging her bed, while Davies and Greengrass sat and talked quietly.
As Pansy got ready for bed, her thoughts wandered back to the red haired girl's teary eyes and she felt another stab of guilt. She shook off the thoughts, reminding herself of her parents' expectations. They didn't allow room for the pity she felt towards the Muggle-born. It was a tough world, she reminded herself as she slipped under her cold sheets, Hogwarts wasn't any different. And with that harsh reminder, she turned on her side and let sleep take over.