Persephone Black

Chapter Five: Reconsideration

Persephone had been upset about Snape's attitude; however, she did not let it show, and instead continued to complete the potions he asked for with ease. Snape also seemed to forget about his temporary frustrations. Her other classes were just as smooth. Still not drawing attention to herself in class, her professors had resorted to giving her detailed feedback on tests or homework assignments. Professor McGonagall, who acted quite fond of Persephone, had offered to give her private lessons during her breaks on Thursdays. The pair had spent almost a month working on transfiguration skills during her twenty-minute break, making Persephone easily the most skilled in her class.

Her private lessons with Snape were getting more interesting; however, he no longer asked Persephone if she wanted to talk after their lessons were completed. Pretending as if this did not bother her, she focused solely on the content, continuing to impress Snape with her aptitude for learning curses and jinxes.

Rumors surrounding Draco being the new seeker for Slytherin had begun to spread throughout the school. Persephone knew these whispers were true, but she stayed silent, knowing Draco wanted to keep his position a secret.

Lucius Malfoy had kept up a constant thread with Persephone, writing to her once a week and inquiring about all her classes. The contact with her uncle made her feel content, especially now that he was keeping a more watchful eye on Dobby. He told Persephone that their visit to Azkaban was met with many praises of her work at Hogwarts, which pleased Bellatrix Lestrange. Knowing that her mother was proud of her made Persephone elated. She had never had anything to report to her mother before, other than what she looked like and the number of books she had read. Feeling like she now had accomplishments to share was rewarding.

The only aspect of her life that was still incomplete was that of Severus Snape. He had continued to be rude to the Gryffindor's, not necessarily calling out Ginny Weasley but there were still times when her presence seemed to surprise the Potions Master. It was not until the end of October that Persephone received a response from her aunt regarding this matter.

Aquila was spotted at breakfast time on Halloween, trying to get Persephone's attention by pecking at her fingers and dropping the letter in her porridge.

"I don't know why she hates you so much," Draco snickered.

Wiping off the letter, she jumped with excitement, "it's from auntie! She finally responded."

"That's a thick letter, too. Must have taken her all month to write."

"Oh, stop Draco, you know she's been busy at home."

Tearing open the letter, she began to read:

My Dearest Persephone,

I apologize if this letter is long; however, I find it important that you read the entirety of it. First off, I am so proud of the work you have been producing at Hogwarts. Your uncle and I are thrilled. Unaware to your knowing, we actually received a letter from both Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore about your progress in certain classes. I have also spoken with your uncle about Dobby, and he agreed to keep a more watchful eye on him. There is no need for a disobedient house elf, yet, as you know, our house elves share in our secrets, and right now we cannot risk setting one free.

Furthermore, I am glad Draco and you have been getting along. Things are about to change at Hogwarts, and I want you two to stick together. I cannot say much in this letter in case it falls into the wrong hands, but I need you to remember what I told you before school started this year. I need you to stay safe and stay out of trouble. I know while Severus has been pleased with your lessons, you have not been able to speak with him about private matters. We had him over for dinner last week and I explained the question you posed to him after your first official meeting. While I understand your concern, this was not an appropriate question to ask a professor.