The Other Malfoy {Marauders Era}

The First Feast

     Walking into the Great Hall, Aquila didn't expect the looks everyone gave her. From the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors, it was respect and adoration. From the Slytherins, it was anger and hatred. Word spreads fast around here, Aquila thought as she sat down at the Gryffindor table. James was next to her, and Sirius, Remus, and Peter stared at Aquila.

     "What is it? Why is everyone just staring at me?" Aquila asked after she had had enough of the stares.

     "Everyone's staring at you for the fact that you stood up to Lucius Bloody Malfoy. And not only that, you denied his friendship! You're either really brave or really stupid!" Sirius exclaimed, making Aquila confused as to why people cared.

     "But why? I didn't do anything! And besides, why do you think I'm in Gryffindor?"

     "That's where you're wrong. Lucius is the self-proclaimed King of Slytherin. Nobody crosses him- not even us. So the fact that you, a new student, did is absurd and unheard of. You better watch your back from now on, Aquila." Remus cut in. Great, just great, Aquila thought, my evil future-Father and probably the entire Slytherin house will be out to get me.

     "Aquila, is it?" A voice from behind her said. Aquila turned and saw a red-headed boy who looked a bit like Ron.

     "Yes? Who are you?" The girl asked, and the boy chuckled.

     "Arthur Weasley. I just wanted to say thanks for taking Lucius down a notch. He's been a pain in my arse since we started Hogwarts." Arthur said.

     "Oh, what year are you two?"

     "Fifth. So you won't have to deal with him as long as I did, thankfully." Arthur smiled. Just then, another woman, also a red head, walked up to Arthur and took his hand.

     "Come on Arthur, we need to study for that potions quiz tomorrow." The girl said and dragged Arthur away. He chuckled and waved goodbye. Aquila waved back and smiled. They made a cute couple, she thought as the rest of the Marauders joined the conversation.

     "Aquila! I'm so sorry you had to see that!" A rather frazzled Lily said. "I'm sorry I brought you into that. Now Lucius is going to make your two years with him Hell..." Aquila merely stood there clutching her glass of pumpkin juice tight against her chest, her face void of any emotion.

     Sirius, who had been watching Aquila closely, saw as she tried calming herself down. He was one of the only ones who knew why she was so worried about the fact that Malfoy was after her. Before he knew what he was doing, Sirius put an arm around her and gave a reassuring smile.

     "Don't worry, Aquila. I won't let anything happen to you. And I'm sure James, Peter, and Remus will help too, right guys?" He said, aiming a look at the shocked boys. They quickly jumped out of their stupor and nodded vigorously.

     "Uh, yeah! If Malfoy gets anywhere near you, we'll prank him into oblivion!" James exclaimed enthusiastically.

     "Definitely! We've been planning a prank on him anyway..." Peter added but shrank under the glare that Remus gave him.

      "Thanks, guys," Aquila finally said, and his heart beat faster. Merlin, she may be terrified, but she doesn't show it. She's definitely a Gryffindor, he thought as he squeezed her quickly in a weird side-hug. Aquila shrank into him, finally letting lose the emotions she had tried so hard to hide. Sirius, who looked surprised, led her away from the table, while the others gave a knowing smirk in their direction.

     While Sirius led Aquila away from the Great Hall, she had started to sob. Sirius pulled her into an empty classroom and let her cry it out.