Slytherin secrets.

Making friends?

NOT RELATED TO THE BOOKS OR MOVIES

I felt more isolated than ever, caught in a web of unspoken rules and hidden agendas. As much as I tried to remain vigilant, the walls of solitude began to close in around me. I knew I had to find a way to break free from my loneliness and make connections, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

One afternoon, I decided to join the other Slytherins in the courtyard during lunch. The sun was shining, and the laughter of my housemates echoed around me. I approached a group of girls from my year, including Daphne Greengrass and Millicent Bulstrode, who were seated at a table adorned with an impressive spread of food.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, my voice steady but my heart racing.

Daphne looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Sure, as long as you don't mind our table manners," she said with a teasing smile. "We tend to be a little... competitive."

I smiled back, grateful for her playful demeanor. "I can handle a little competition."

Millicent scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Just don't expect us to go easy on you."

I took a seat, my plate filling with pumpkin pasties and roast chicken. As we ate, I tried to engage them in conversation, asking about their classes and hobbies. They were welcoming enough, sharing snippets of their lives and laughing at each other's jokes.

"So, what's your story, Y/N?" Daphne asked, leaning in with genuine interest. "What brought you to Slytherin?"

I hesitated, aware that my answer could reveal too much. "I just wanted to be part of a house that values ambition," I replied cautiously. "I've always felt like I didn't quite fit in elsewhere." I lied. I always had and always will fit in at Beauxbatons.

Millicent nodded, a glint of understanding in her eyes. "You're not alone. Slytherin isn't for everyone, but if you can handle it, it's worth it."

As the conversation continued, I felt a sense of camaraderie building. They shared stories about their families, their plans for the future, and the challenges of living up to Slytherin's legacy. The more I listened, the more I realized that beneath the bravado, they were just as vulnerable as I was.

But the comfortable atmosphere didn't last. As we laughed over a particularly embarrassing story involving one of the professors, Draco strode over, his presence dominating the space. He leaned against the table, crossing his arms, a smirk playing on his lips.

"What do we have here?" he asked, eyes flicking from me to the girls. "A little party without me?"

Daphne rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You're not missing much, Malfoy."

"Actually, I think I might be," Draco said, his gaze landing on me with an intensity that made my heart race. "Y/N, I hope you're not getting too cozy with these lot. They're not exactly the most trustworthy." Daphne rolled her eyes again at him.

I bristled at his words, feeling the warmth of the budding friendship, I had just begun to forge slip away. "I can take care of myself, thanks," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Draco raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly. "Sure, but just remember, loyalty is everything in Slytherin."

His warning hung in the air, heavy with implication. I felt the girls' gazes shift uncomfortably, and I cursed him silently for ruining the moment. Before I could respond, Draco sauntered away, leaving behind a big tension. 

The incident left a bitter taste in my mouth. I spent the rest of the day replaying Draco's words in my mind. Was he right? Were Daphne and Millicent only putting on a front?

Later that evening, I returned to the common room, feeling more determined than ever to solidify my place within Slytherin. I needed to forge connections—real connections—if I wanted to survive this year.

As I settled into a chair by the fireplace, I noticed Blaise sitting across the room, engrossed in a book. I hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach him.

"Hey, Blaise," I said, my voice breaking through the crackling of the fire.

He looked up, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. "Y/N. What's up?"

I took a seat next to him, a nervous flutter in my stomach. "I wanted to ask if you'd be interested in studying together sometime. I could use some help with Potions."

Blaise raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Studying, huh? You could ask Malfoy. He seems to be doing fine in that subject."

"Yeah, I'd rather not," I said, forcing a laugh. "He's... a little too intense for my taste."

Blaise smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Fair enough. I'll help you out. Just know that Malfoy's not the only one who has his eye on you. You've caught the attention of a few others in the house."

My heart raced at his words, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within me. "What do you mean?"

"Let's just say, not everyone in Slytherin is as welcoming as you might hope," he said, his voice laced with caution. "But I'll help you navigate the waters."

"Thanks," I replied, relief washing over me. "I appreciate it."

As we continued to chat, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe I could carve out a place for myself here, even in the shadow of Draco Malfoy. But deep down, I knew that every friendship in Slytherin came with its own set of risks. I mean I would love to become friends with Blaise but like he said I can't trust anyone so how do I know he's safe to talk to? How do I know if anyone's safe to talk to.