When we entered the Great Hall, I, along with just about everyone, blanched. The normally starry ceiling was now hidden behind a thick cloud of black fog that loomed above the tables. The candles, which had previously been formed with white wax, were now black with green flames rather than orange, casting a haze over the Hall.
Only Slytherin flags hung on the walls, and the other Houses' tables all looked like they'd been beaten with a club, dents and scratches and splinters marring each one. Slytherin's, of course, was pristine, and as I silently approached it, I heard a few of my Housemates snickering about the Great Hall's new appearance. Their giddiness swelled when, through the dark fog, they realized who was standing at the front of the Hall, where Dumbledore had always stood: Severus Snape.
We all sat in silence. I eyed the Carrows standing forebodingly in the corner. I wanted to leave. To run far away from here. Draco sits next to me. I hold onto his hand as if it's my life force. Astoria sits beside me. There's no sign of Lucille or Harper.
A boy looked at me with wide eyes. He quickly whispers to his friend beside him. Murmurs began trailing down the Slytherin table now, bringing noise to the silent Hall. Some looked at me like I was a traitor while others gawked in awe. I only caught a few words. The Heir of Slytherin, Death Eater and Raelyn The Cruel. The last one was new, I had not heard that nickname before. Unfortunately it was true, and it was probably the nicest one they would give me.
Abruptly Pansy stands up and snatches my arm from across the table. "It really is true! She's a Death Eater!" She pulls my arm and showcases it around the table.
"Shut up Parkinson!" Draco stands up and frees my arm from her grasp. He pulls his own sleeve up and reveals his Dark Mark. "Anyone else got a problem?" He looked around daring anyone to speak up, before sitting back down.
Pansy's eyes were wide and her nostrils flared, but she said nothing as the Slytherins all slowly cast their gazes aside and paid us the respect that they thought we should deserve. I hated that I was showing off my Mark like I was some chosen warrior. Death Eaters deserved nothing but death, yet the Slytherins would respect it.
"I knew things would be bad with Snape as headmaster but this..." He looked around at the decorations.
"Not enjoying the Slytherin pride?" I said lightly trying to bring the mood back up.
"We're in the middle of war—"
"Ah, I see. You only enjoy the bullying and pureblood fanatics when everything is not serious."
He gives me a pointed look. "We may be on the winning side now. But the Dark Lord has never liked you or me for that matter, and we've become expendable."
"Well if he gets rid of you, then he'll have to get rid of me too."
Draco's brows shoot up and his lips curve into a smirk I haven't seen since boarding the train. "Are you saying you can't live with me?"
I never get to deny or confirm it because a droning voice echoes through the room. "Silence!"
Everyone, including the Slytherins, became mute and gave their undivided attention toward the front of the Great Hall, where Snape stood, just as Dumbledore once had. The other Professors all sat at the long table behind him, but Alecto and Amycus were standing on either side, both with their murderous eyes and crazed smiles. Snape appeared more imperious than ever, his eyes roving the room with distaste.
"I believe Professor McGonagall told you all to remain quiet," Snape drawled now, his attention settling particularly on the Gryffindor table. Even if Harry wasn't there, he still hated them the most. "Those who aren't stupid are aware that your previous Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore was murdered last June."
