I am a Slytherin

Chapter 6: Bad Transformations

As per usual, everyone was sleeping in late. Weekends were mainly spent relaxing, going for walks with your friends, or studying. In Charlie's case, she would spend the early hours of the morning training with her favourite platinum-blond boy — no matter how rude he could be towards other people, she still adored him.

It was a chilly Saturday morning, which meant it was even colder down in the dungeons where the Slytherin Common Room was. Charlie turned in her bed and sat up straight, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Spencer was still deep asleep on the bed next to hers, so she tried to be as quiet as possible as to not wake her up, or anyone else. Considering the fact that it was perhaps 7 am, Charlie decided to put on her dark blue sweater with a big 'C' on the front (one of the many gifts Mrs Weasley had given her over the years) and a warm pair of sweatpants.

With her glasses on, Charlie was ready to go.

Both Coal and Julieta — the name she had chosen for her kitten — looked up from where they were sleeping to look at their owner, just as she exited the room. 

Much to her surprise, Draco was already waiting in the Common Room. The Malfoy boy was currently sitting on a big armchair, broom in hand and swinging his feet like a little boy; Charlie found it endearing.

"Good morning, blondie," Charlie approached the boy and ruffled his neatly combed hair.

"Watch it!" Draco whined as he adjusted his platinum-blond hair, small pout surfacing on his lips. "Are you ready to go train?"

"Hm," Charlie pursed her lips. "Can we grab something to eat first? I bet Barbin is already up."

"Who's Barbin?" Draco asked as he hopped off the armchair.

The two Slytherins walked out of their Common Room and into the icy-cold dungeons. The frigid air hit Charlie in the face, causing her to shiver.

"She's one of the kitchen elves Hogwarts has working for them. She's really sweet, gives me and the twins cupcakes," Charlie responded.

Draco didn't comment. He wasn't very fond of the Weasley twins — or any Weasley for that matter — but he was aware that Fred and George were very close with Charlie, and he respected that. Not that he would be caught dead saying that, absolutely not.

The two walked together up a few flights of stairs, took a turn to the left, then the right, and then left again. Bloody hell, why was Hogwarts so darn big? There were more than a hundred stairs, Charlie was sure of that, and as much as she hated to admit it, going up these stairs every day sure was a good way to get in shape.

Before they took a turn for the kitchens, Charlie stopped and snapped her head over her shoulder. "Did you hear that?"

Malfoy stopped in his tracks and arched a brow, shaking his head. Charlie shrugged and opened the door to the kitchens. Inside, they were greeted by Barbin, the sweet house elf that Charlie and the Weasley twins had befriended.

"Hi, ma'am! Good morning!" Charlie beamed at the small elf.

"Miss Lupus, it's so good to see you. So early, too!" Barbin smiled, posture submissive but seemingly not scared. "Are you here for an early breakfast? It should be out very soon in the Great Hall."

"Oh, thank you, Barbin! How are you doing today?"

The small elf's eyes teared up a little at the genuine demonstration of care, from a wizard no less! She reached for Charlie's hand and pressed her knuckles to her  wrinkly forehead. "I'm quite well, Miss Lupus, thank you so much for asking Barbin how she feels."

Draco stayed silent the entire time, unsure of what to say. He didn't understand how could Charlie be so friendly towards elves; as far as he knows, they are inferior to wizards and live to serve them. He didn't like seeing his closest friend be so kind to them.