Happy House- Theodore Nott Fanfic

Conversations by the fireplace

As Alessia settled into one of the plush armchairs by the fireplace in the Slytherin common room, her friends gathered around, the flickering flames casting a warm glow on their faces. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet there was an underlying tension that none could ignore.

''So, how was everyone's summer?'' Draco asked, breaking the silence as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes meeting Alessia's.

The group exchanged glances, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in the air. One by one, they began to share tales of their summer adventures, each story filled with excitement and laughter. However, when the conversation turned to Alessia, she found herself evading their questions, her responses vague and elusive. 

''Oh, you know, the usual.'' She said, forcing a smiled as she brushed off their inquiries. ''Family gatherings, a bit of travel, nothing out of the ordinary.''

Theo, ever the observant one, narrowed his eyes, sensing that Alessia was hiding something. ''Come on, Alessia.'' He pressed, his voiced tinged with concern. ''You've been awfully quiet. Is everything okay?''

Alessia hesitated, her eyes darting to Jade, who offered a reassuring nod. ''I'm fine, really.'' She said, her voice barely above a whisper. ''Just a lot on my mind, that's all.''

The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Alessia couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping her friends in the dark. 

Eventually, the hour grew late, and the group began to disperse, making their way towards the dormitories. As Alessia climbed the stairs to the girl's dormitory, she felt a sense of unease, unsure of what the new school year would bring. Upon entering the dormitory, she was greeted by the sight of two familiar faces, Pansy and Astoria Greengrass. The realization that she would be sharing a room with them brought a mixture of relief and apprehension.

''Looks like we're roommates.'' Pansy said, offering a polite smile as she made her way to her bed.

Astoria nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. ''It's going to be an interesting year.'' She said, her voiced laced with curiosity.

As Alessia settled into bed, the events of the day replayed in her mind.  Closing her eyes, Alessia drifted off to sleep.

Alessia's peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered as darkness enveloped her mind, pulling her into the depths of a haunting nightmare. The familiar confines of the Slytherin dormitory vanished, replaced by the cold, oppressively atmosphere of a dimly room. 

The air was thick with tension as a figure emerged from the shadow, her features contorted with rage and malice. It was her mother, Camila, consumed by a darkness that Alessia had tried so hard to forget. Without a word, Camila advanced towards Alessia, her eyes cold and devoid of emotion. With each step, the weight of Alessia's fear grew, paralyzing her as memories of past abuses flooded back with terrifying clarity. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls closing in as Alessia struggled to escape. But there was no escape, no respite from the torment that awaited her. Camila's laughter echoed through the darkness, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Alessia's spine. Alessia relived the traumas of her past. The physical and mental anguish she had endured at the hands of her mother played out before her, a relentless onslaught of pain and despair. Alessia's screams filled the air, a haunting melody of anguish and torment that echoed through darkness. The line between reality and nightmare blurred as Alessia struggled to break free from the chains that bound her, her desperate pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears.

And then, as suddenly as it began, the nightmare ended, leaving Alessia gasping for breath, her body drenched in sweat as she clutched the sheets tightly in her trembling hands. After the harrowing nightmare that had shaken her to her core, Alessia's exhaustion finally overcame her fears, and she drifted into a restless slumber once more. The night seemed to pass in a blur, the haunting images fading into the recesses of her mind as sleep claimed her.

As the first rays of dawn began to filter through the curtains, Alessia was roused from her sleep by the gentle prodding of Pansy and Astoria. 

''Come on Alessia, it's time to get ready.'' Pansy's voice echoed in her ears, pulling her back to reality.

Groaning, Alessia slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes as she tried to shake off remnants if the nightmare. ''Alright, alright, I'm up.'' She mumbled, forcing a weary smile as she glanced at her roommates.

The three girls quickly set about preparing for their first day, the excitement and anticipation palpable in the air. Alessia carefully selected her robes, ensuring they were wrinkle-free and neatly pressed, while Pansy and Astoria discussed their class schedules and planned their day ahead. Once dressed, the girls gathered their belongings and made their way down to the common room, joining their fellow Slytherins as they began to descend towards the Great Hall for breakfast. The journey through the corridors of Hogwarts was a familiar yet exhilarating experience, the castle buzzing with the energy of a new school year. As they entered the Great Hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, and Alessia's stomach growled in response.

As Alessia and her friends settled into their seats at the Slytherin table, the Great Hall buzzed with chatter of students.

''So what classes does everyone have today?'' Draco asked, scanning his timetable as he buttered a piece of toast.

''I've got Transfiguration first.'' Enzo replied, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice. ''Followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts.''

Blaise nodded, his eyes lightning up with anticipation. ''I've got potions with the new teacher, Professor Thorne.'' He said, a hint of excitement in his voice. ''I've heard he's quite strict.''

The conversation continued, each student shared their schedule and speculating about opportunities that lay ahead. However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted as a sudden commotion erupted at the Gryffindor table. A large, tawny owl had swooped into the Great Hall, its wings flapping wildly as it circled above the students before descending towards Armania. The young girl looked up in surprise as the owl dropped a letter in front of her, the crimson wax seal bearing the emblem of the Rivero family. Curious eyes watched as Armania hesitantly opened the letter, the silence in the Great Hall palpable as she unfolded the parchment. The moment she did, a chilling scream echoed through the hall, the voices of her parents resonating with anger and disappointment.  ''Armania!'' They screamed, their voice filled with rage. ''How dare you disgrace our family by being sorted into Gryffindor! You are no daughter of ours!'' The hateful words continued, each sentence filled with venom and scorn as her parents unleashed their fury upon her. The Great Hall fell silent, the students and faculty alike stunned into silence by the raw emotion and cruelty of the howler. As Armania sat there, tears streaming down her face, Alessia felt a surge of anger and disbelief.