Born to Rule: The Story of the Slytherin Princess (paused)

Chapter 16

"Trouble never comes alone."

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Rumors began to circulate throughout Hogwarts that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley had not attended the ceremony because they had missed the train and crashed the flying car into none other than 'The Whomping Willow.' The news of their escapade was music to Clarissa's ears, and she eagerly shared it with Draco, who found it hard to believe that the boys had been caught by muggles. It was reckless, and if they were not careful, they would expose the wizarding world.

However, their excitement was short-lived when Blaise Zabini interrupted their conversation. According to Snape, the boys would have been expelled if they were in Slytherin, but Dumbledore had intervened, and Professor McGonagall had only given them detentions. Draco and Clarissa were incensed by the news and could not believe that the punishment was so light for nearly exposing the wizarding world.

"What?" Draco exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes bulging. "Only a detention? That's it? This is a bloody joke!"

Clarissa, equally irate, chimed in, "This school is so biased towards Gryffindor students. It's not fair, Draco. It's not fair at all."

The two Slytherins were furious that their classmates had gotten off so lightly. It was yet another example of the school's favoritism towards Gryffindor students. The fact that their identities were almost revealed seemed to have no bearing on their punishment. It was simply unjust.

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As the Hogwarts students gathered for breakfast, Clarissa couldn't help but notice the bright blue sky illusion above them. She smiled as she reached for a piece of toast, hoping that the day ahead would be just as pleasant.

But the calm was quickly interrupted by the arrival of a howler addressed to Ronald Weasley. As Ron hesitantly opened the envelope, the room was filled with a thunderous voice that echoed through the Great Hall.

"RONALD WEASLEY! HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT BLOODY CAR! I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED IF HOGWARTS DECIDED TO EXPEL YOU! YOU'RE LUCKY THAT I AM NOT THERE BEFORE I KILL AND STRANGLE YOU! HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING!

Clarissa felt a shiver run down her spine as she heard the sound of the letter. The voice continued to scold him, reminding him of the danger he and Harry had put themselves in.

"I THOUGHT WE RAISED YOU BETTER THAN THIS, WHEN YOU AND HARRY COULD'VE DIED! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED BY YOU! NOW YOUR FATHER IS RECEIVING AN INQUIRY OF WORK! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! IF YOU DON'T BRING YOUR ACT TOGETHER, WE WILL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!"

As the howler finished its message, it stuck out its tongue and burst into dust and ashes. The Great Hall fell silent, save for the sound of students laughing at Ron's expense.

"Should have thought about that before you actually took the car," Draco taunted.

Harry's defense of his friend was admirable, but the damage had already been done. 

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Clarissa had been dreading her first lesson of the year - Herbology with the Gryffindors. She had hoped to avoid any classes with them, but fate had other plans. As the group arrived at the greenhouse, they were met by Professor Sprout, their Herbology teacher, and Gilderoy Lockhart, who wore a bright, light blue coat and had beautiful, shining blond hair. Professor Sprout, on the other hand, had grey, messy curls and a worn, brownish coat.

 Clarissa couldn't help but roll her eyes at Lockhart's flamboyant and attention-seeking nature as he flaunted his bright, light blue coat and shining blond hair, while Professor Sprout appeared much more humble with her grey, messy curls and worn brown coat.