The Serpent and the Spark

Chapter 1

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It was the start of her third year at Hogwarts, and Elena Malfoy stood on Platform 9 ¾, the sharp September air prickling her skin. She glanced over at her younger brother, Draco, who was about to embark on his first year at Hogwarts. Their father, Lucius Malfoy, loomed behind them, his cold eyes surveying the platform with disdain. As usual, his voice was crisp and authoritative.

"Remember who you are," Lucius said, his gaze fixating on Draco. "The Malfoy name carries weight. Don't associate with the wrong sort." Elena knew the drill well. She'd been hearing the same speech since she started at Hogwarts two years ago. The 'wrong sort' were typically anyone who wasn't a pureblood or part of their family's carefully curated social circle. I

t wasn't that Elena minded all the rules of being a Malfoy—after all, she'd been sorted into Slytherin, and she prided herself on her cunning and ambition—but some of the prejudices she'd grown up with were beginning to wear thin.

As the whistle of the Hogwarts Express blew, signaling time to board, Draco shot her a nervous glance. Elena gave him a reassuring smile, pulling him into a quick hug. "Don't worry, Draco. You'll be fine. Just... don't cause too much trouble." With a final nod from their father, the Malfoy siblings boarded the train, Draco heading to the first-year compartments while Elena made her way further down the train. 

She sighed softly as she found an empty compartment, grateful for a moment of solitude. Yet, as soon as she sat down, the door slid open." Well, well, if it isn't a Malfoy," came a voice that was far too mischievous for her taste. Elena looked up to find two identical grinning faces staring back at her—Fred and George Weasley. Her stomach tightened in annoyance, but she kept her expression neutral. Of course, the infamous Weasley twins had to interrupt her peace." George, I didn't know we were in the presence of such nobility," Fred said, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Should we bow?" Elena rolled her eyes. "What do you two want?"" Just saying hello," George said, dropping onto the seat opposite her as though he belonged there. "We heard rumors that the great Elena Malfoy was back for another year of brooding in the dungeons." Fred plopped down next to George, his grin wide. "And we couldn't resist the chance to meet our favorite Slytherin again. Still as charming as ever, I see." Elena crossed her arms. 

She had met the twins in passing during her second year, and though they had never directly bothered her, she had heard countless stories of their pranks. Their blood-traitor status was enough to keep her at a distance, not to mention their Gryffindor ties. But something about their reckless energy intrigued her despite herself." Don't you have anything better to do than pester me?" she asked, her voice cool." Actually, no," Fred said, leaning back comfortably. "You're the most interesting thing we've seen all day." Her silver eyes narrowed, but she bit back a retort. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze to the window. "Leave, or I'll hex you." Fred chuckled. "Oh, I'm terrified." George stood up, nudging his twin. "Come on, Fred. We don't want to get cursed before the first feast." Elena expected Fred to follow, but instead, he lingered a moment longer, his smile softening. "Don't worry, Malfoy. We'll see you around." With a final wink, he followed George out of the compartment, leaving Elena glaring after him. 

She wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or... entertained. Shaking her head, she resolved to push the Weasley's from her mind. She had more important things to focus on this year.

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The first few weeks of the term passed without much incident. Draco seemed to be fitting in well with the other Slytherin's, and Elena was settling back into her studies. But despite her best efforts, her encounters with the Weasley twins became more frequent. It started with Fred bumping into her at Quidditch practice, his teasing remarks turning into friendly banter. Then, she found herself crossing paths with him at odd moments—in the corridors between classes, in the library where she'd retreat for some peace, and even during meals when he'd throw her a mischievous glance from the Gryffindor table. And, much to her irritation, she found herself... noticing him. 

Fred Weasley was nothing like the people her father approved of. He was wild, loud, unashamed of his poor background, and worst of all, a Gryffindor. But there was something about him that made her feel alive in a way she hadn't before. Maybe it was the way he treated her as though she wasn't just a Malfoy. Or maybe it was the way he made her laugh when she least expected it. 

Elena refused to admit that she was drawn to him, but her traitorous heart told a different story. ---

It all came to a head one evening after a particularly tense Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Slytherin had won, but just barely. As Elena walked through the darkened halls toward the dungeons, Fred appeared beside her, his usual grin plastered on his face." Congratulations, Malfoy. You and your team played dirty as always." She scoffed, quickening her pace. "Jealous, Weasley?"" Not at all," Fred replied, keeping up easily. "Though I must admit, it's impressive how you manage to stay so... composed all the time. Ever thought about loosening up?" Elena stopped and turned to face him. "And why would I do that?" Fred shrugged, stepping closer. His smile softened, becoming something more sincere. "Because when you're not hiding behind that icy exterior, you're actually... fun." Her breath caught, and she hated the way her heart skipped. "You don't know anything about me."I'd like to," Fred said quietly. Elena stared at him, unsure whether to push him away or... step closer. She couldn't. He was Fred Weasley, the embodiment of everything her father despised. And yet, standing in that dimly lit corridor, she felt something shift. 

Before she could say anything, though, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall. Both of them turned to see Draco approaching, his face twisting in confusion and then suspicion." Elena?" Draco's voice was sharp. "What are you doing with him?" Fred took a step back, his playful demeanor returning. "Just a friendly chat. No need to get your wand in a knot, Malfoy." Elena gave Draco a tight smile, her heart racing. "Go to the common room, Draco. I'll be right behind you." Draco hesitated, his gaze flicking between his sister and Fred before he finally nodded and disappeared down the corridor. 

Elena turned back to Fred, her expression guarded once more." This can't happen," she said, her voice firm, though her heart ached with the words. "My father—""I know," Fred interrupted, his eyes searching hers. "But it's not about your father. It's about what *you* want." Elena swallowed hard, torn between loyalty to her family and the undeniable pull she felt toward him. "I can't..." Fred's smile was sad but understanding. "I'll be around if you change your mind, Malfoy." And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Elena standing in the dark, her heart more conflicted than ever.