Love In The Midst Of Darkness

C h a p t e r 1 : Transfer to Hogwarts

The Great Hall buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation and the clatter of silverware. Despite the festive atmosphere, my heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a stark contrast to the joyous chatter that filled the room. The sheer grandeur of the hall, with its towering ceilings and flickering candlelight, only amplified my nervous energy. The weight of my father's expectations, the pressure of finally being at Hogwarts, and the overwhelming desire to see him again, all converged in my chest, creating a maelstrom of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Yet, I knew I had to keep it together, to appear confident and composed, even as my palms grew slick with sweat.

A surge of relief washed over me, a wave of pure joy that threatened to drown me. I'd finally be in the same castle as him, the man who haunted my dreams, the man I longed to see again.

I exchanged greetings with the Golden Trio before the Sorting Ceremony began. Harry, however, seemed distant and preoccupied, his usually bright eyes clouded with worry. It was almost painful to see him like this, and a pang of sympathy shot through me.

As expected, the Sorting Hat placed me in Slytherin. My stomach twisted into a tight knot as I saw Draco Malfoy, the boy I desperately wanted to avoid, sitting at the Slytherin table. A wave of frustration washed over me.

"You can go to the table where the Sorting Hat brought you, Miss Michel," Professor McGonagall announced.

"Thank you, Professor," I replied, my eyes darting around the hall, searching for him, the man I'd seen in the Astronomy Tower. My heart pounded with anticipation, a thrilling mix of nervousness and excitement.

"Michel!" Draco's voice, sharp and grating, cut through the din. He beckoned me over, his Slytherin cronies flanking him. I couldn't find him, the man I was looking for, so I reluctantly sat beside Draco.

"What?" I asked, my voice laced with annoyance.

"Oh, Draco's found a new nemesis!" Daphne Greengrass chirped, her voice dripping with amusement. Draco shot her a warning glare. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Leaning close to Draco's ear, I whispered, my voice a low growl, "Don't you dare mess with me, Malfoy! I might just rob you of your popularity. Remember, my father's status is far higher than Uncle Lucius'. Keep your friends away from me, and stay out of my business. Got it?" My words were a threat, a warning, and a promise all rolled into one.

Draco remained silent, merely taking a sip of water and resuming his meal. At least he was a coward. A flicker of satisfaction sparked within me.

"Sorry, guys, but I have a business to attend to," I said, my smile as sharp as a knife. It vanished as I turned my back on them, a sense of relief washing over me as I escaped their presence.

I pulled out the Hogwarts map, my fingers tracing the intricate lines. Professor McGonagall had instructed me to meet with the Head of Slytherin after lunch. I was standing in front of his office, but doubts gnawed at me. Hogwarts was vast, and I struggled to make sense of the map. A wave of frustration washed over me. Maybe I should have asked Hermione for help.

I was about to knock when the door swung open. Taken by surprise, I lost my balance and tumbled into the arms of the person who had opened the door.

Professor Snape's office, with its dark mahogany desk and the scent of old parchment and potions, was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Great Hall. The air hung heavy with his presence, a cold, forbidding aura that seemed to permeate every inch of the room.

"You clumsy girl! Why don't you look where you're going instead of staring at something you don't understand?" His voice, sharp and cutting, was like icy needles, piercing my skin and chilling me to the bone, sending a shiver down my spine. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.