The Slytherin Prince [Draco Malfoy]

Year 1 - Potions

The following day, it was again Slytherin and Gryffindor together in one class. It was their first potions class. Everyone waited patiently with the cauldrons boiling in front of them, their quills by the side.

Eleanor knew what to expect, no who to expect, for she was clear that Severus Snape is the Potions master in Hogwarts. Currently, Leah was seated by her right side and Draco to her left, much to her dismay.

"You don't have to worry Eleanor. Professor Snape is the Head of Slytherin House. He will help us in potions." He claimed confidently. Eleanor frowned at what he said. She didn't wanted that kind of help in the first place.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open loudly, one might suspect the hinge coming off, as Professor Snape entered the classroom.

"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art of potion-making." Professor Snape gave a quick sideway glance at Eleanor. Many Slytherins smiled subtly at Professor Snape as he's known to favor his house as compared to others. As such, they all looked up to their Head of House.

"I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." Snape then noticed Harry scribbling down on his parchment paper. He thought he resembled his father so much. The one person he hated with all his heart.

" Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention..!" Snape raised his voice, glaring at Harry. Hermione nudged him and then he stopped writing.

"Mr. Potter. Our new celebrity." Professor Snape started to throw different questions about potions to Harry, in which he couldn't answer. "Pity.. Clearly, fame isn't everything." He enunciated each word loudly as he looked at Harry with contempt.

Eleanor was honestly confused. She could understand if he didn't had the best temper in teaching but that much disdain for Harry seemed almost weird. How could he hate Harry when they haven't met before?

Naturally, she kept these questions to herself and continued to listen to Snape's lecture. She occasionally looked at him, trying to decipher what happened between Harry and Snape.

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During her free period, Eleanor walked by the shores of the Black Lake alone. She thought of what she wanted. For all her life, she wanted to be independent. She understood that Severus had his own concerns, and she's a hindrance for living under his roof for so long.

After her parents died, her family didn't wanted her. Except for Severus. She was very grateful to him to have raised her. So she wanted to make him proud, as well as her dead parents. She will do her best here in Hogwarts and become a full-fledged witch. It was the best way to repay them.

Eleanor looked out to the lake and felt like swimming. She always had this affinity with water, so she made it a point to come here to swim next time.

She sat down on a flat boulder and studied The Standard Book of Spells. She practiced the spells by mouthing the respective incantations and swished her wand at the same time, using specific wand movements. As she did so, the tip of her wand glowed with faint white light.

Smiling at the book, Eleanor felt performing magic was one of the coolest things on Earth and was intrigued by all sorts of different spells. So she sat there for the rest of the afternoon.

By dinner time, she came over to the Gryffindor table when they were having their revision. Fred and George was further down the row, studying with the third years. Eleanor said hi to them and then sat down with the trio. She had a friendly conversation with them, but Harry seemed displeased with her.

Harry was skeptical of Eleanor, because she was from Slytherin. Birds of the same feather flocked together, right? Harry thought Draco and Eleanor looked close during classes. They must be in the same clique.

"Harry I'm telling you, you must take up the seeker for Gryffindor! How many first years have the chance to play for Quidditch. You'll be the youngest seeker of the century!" Ron exclaimed. He was a little envious of Harry.

"I didn't say I wouldn't play, Ron." Harry said.

"Congratulations then Harry! I'm sure Gryffindor would be happy to have you on the team." Eleanor smiled at him.
"Thanks." Harry replied, trying to force a smile. But it turned out rather sour.

Eleanor could guess the reason behind his change in attitude, so she decided to apologize first. "Harry.. I'm sorry about Draco. And for starters, I don't agree with his views. At all."

The trio looked slightly unconvinced, mostly Harry. She sighed and wondered why she's apologizing for Draco. As she pondered, Neville bunny hopped into the Great Hall with his legs stuck together, and many students started laughing at him.

"It's Malfoy again. He put a Leg Locker spell on Neville!" Seamus, another Gryffindor first year shouted. Eleanor bit her lips, annoyed with Draco's bullying. Harry looked over at her, his hostility towards Eleanor, or perhaps Slytherin as a whole, clearly became worse.

Eleanor read about the counter-curse somewhere before. She raised her wand and said, "Locomotor Vivere". A swooshing sound was made, then Neville was instantly free from the Leg Locker spell. A few people stared at Eleanor, including the trio, surprised that a Slytherin would help a Gryffindor.

"Thanks..." Neville said shyly. Eleanor sighed, then took her stuff and strolled out of the Great Hall. She could feel the hateful gaze at her back, from the Slytherin table. She could almost hear them screaming at her - "Traitor!!"

Maybe it is impossible to befriend the Gryffindors?

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"Severus, you said before about Eleanor Prince. That she's living with you?" Headmaster Dumbledore asked Professor Snape through his half-moon glasses. There was only the two of them inside the Headmaster's Office.

"Yes. And I hope this would be kept within us."
"Ah. I understand. Does Minerva knows too?"
"Yes." Snape answered. He had only told the two of them about Eleanor's situation. It was kind of an unspoken rule between Eleanor and him to keep it silent. Besides, he don't want anyone advertising about their situation to the whole school. It would be an inconvenience to the both of them.

"Her parents died when she was 2. So until she comes of age, she will continue to stay at Spinner's End."
"That is not a problem, Severus." Professor Dumbledore said thoughtfully. This girl reminded him of Harry Potter. Both orphaned at a young age.

He can only hope the best for the two young wizards.