Sister of a Snake

1 ϟ The Start

Year 1

"But Mother –"

"No means no, Cassiopeia." Narcissa Malfoy paused in her critical examination of a window display to glance mildly at her daughter, who scowled and turned back to her smirking twin.

"The letter says... let's see," With a flick of his wrist, Draco lifted the parchment he'd been carrying, "– 'An owl OR a cat OR a toad.'" He dropped the list again, feigning a frown. "Nothing about snow leopards, though, Cassiopeia."

"Oh stuff it, Draco," she huffed. She preferred Cass or Cassie – really anything over Cassiopeia.

"Honestly," he continued as they trailed their mother to the next window, "I don't see how you would think an animal like that would be allowed at the school –"

"Well they're letting you in," she shrugged, twirling her hair around her finger. "You can see how I got confused."

Draco scowled and Cassie smirked, their expressions almost identical to the ones the other had made only a few moments ago. Although, if it weren't for the identical expressions, the platinum blond hair and the grey eyes, it might be hard to see that the two were related right away. While Draco's skin was pale and unblemished, Cassie's was a darker shade and spotted with freckles all over. This had been easily chalked up to the "excessive" amount of time she spent outdoors, but whatever the reason, Cassie had never liked that she was unique in this way. Her skin wasn't the only thing that set her apart from them, but it was the most obvious.

Apparently, before Draco could think of a proper insult to toss back at her, their mother entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, the store they had been loitering outside of for a good five minutes.

The bell above the doorway tinkled as they entered the small boutique and waited for service.

"Don't touch that," said Narcissa.

Cassie was reaching out to run her hands over one of the silk looking fabric on the table in front of her. She dropped her hand and stepped back, just as a rather squat witch dressed all in mauve appeared, bustling up to them from between two racks of robes.

"Ah, the Malfoys," she greeted, though the smile she wore didn't reach her eyes. "I trust you've been well, Narcissa?"

Their mother smiled politely in return, "Yes, quite well."

The woman looked to the twins, "Hogwarts, I assume?"

Narcissa nodded, her manicured hand on Draco's right shoulder subtly tightening its grip. He responded immediately, straightening to correct his slouch.

"I'm going up the street to Ollivander's. My husband will be here to collect them in a short while," She shot both her children a look, communicating quite clearly they were to be on their best behavior, before turning to leave.

"Of course. Follow me then, dears."

The siblings exchanged a quick look but followed Madam Malkin to the back of the little shop.

The woman gestured to two footstools, "Ladies first."

"Draco?" Cassie said, copying the movement.

He just rolled his eyes and threw himself onto the first of two compact sofas wedged in the corner. He frowned when he sank deeper than expected into the cushions.

Cassie stepped up onto the closet stool, smirking.

"We should get an owl," Draco said, after a beat of silence.

"We have an owl."

"Ajax doesn't count. We never even get to go near him. I mean an owl for us. At school."