The Game | D.M

05

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'Questions'

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Aria Zabini

The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement, fellow students catching up with each other as they all caught up on things they missed out over the summer. I honestly was in too much of shock to even notice the icy gaze I felt upon my skin.

I caught the glint of disapproval in his eyes as he muttered a comment about me belonging in Ravenclaw due to my apparent "know-it-all" attitude.

My eyes narrowed, and a smirk played on my lips. With a confident stride, I spoke up, "Draco, it's adorable that you think you know me well enough to decide where I belong. Slytherin chose me, not Ravenclaw. Perhaps you forgot the fact that I'm on the exact same level of blood purity as you."

Draco scoffed, his demeanor exuding arrogance. "Zabini's may have money, but the Malfoy's have tradition. Generations of wizards and witches who have wielded power and influence. Your family may be rich, but it lacks the finesse that comes with true wizarding aristocracy."

I leaned in slightly, "If you didn't know, Malfoy, tradition is admirable, but adaptability is key. The Zabini's may not have the same age-old traditions, but we know how to thrive in the ever-changing world. And finesse? Well, darling, you haven't seen the full extent of the Zabini charm."

Our banter continued, each sentence a calculated move in the game we played. This was obviously more than just a verbal sparring match—it was a clash of two formidable personalities.

"Enough, you two. We're all part of the same house, after all. Let's save our energies for more important matters, like winning the House Cup." Pansy finally spoke,

I reluctantly leaned back, our gazes locked, the unspoken challenge lingering in the air. The Slytherin table returned to a semblance of normalcy, but the echoes of our exchange reverberated through the enchanted space.

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The echoing footsteps of Pansy and I walking resonated through the ancient corridors of Hogwarts as we embarked on a private tour of the castle. Pansy was prefect this year, so she led the way with confidence, recounting tales of secret passages, enchanted staircases, and the storied history of the castle.

Finally, we arrived at the entrance to the Slytherin common room, concealed behind a tapestry adorned with slithering serpents. Pansy turned to me with a mischievous smile.

"The password changes regularly, but it's always tied to something Slytherin-worthy. The current one is 'Ambition Ascendant,'" Pansy whispered, tracing her fingers along the serpentine patterns on the tapestry.

"Ambition Ascendant" I muttered out loud and with a whisper of ancient magic, the entrance to the Slytherin common room swung open.

The room beyond was adorned with emerald and silver, plush couches, and the warmth of an enchanted fireplace. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging as I stepped inside.

Pansy led me to a pair of inviting couches near the fire, and they settled in, continuing our conversation. The flames danced in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the common room as we discussed the upcoming school year.

Mid-conversation, Blaise strolled into the common room, his signature smirk playing on his lips. "What's all the chatter about, ladies? How was the grand tour, Ari?"