Fifty Shades of Slytherin

CHAPTER 1. The Start of Something New

Being part of a prestigious family did make Stella quite well known around Hogwarts. She had been in a few issues of Witch Weekly, after all. But as she was waiting in line in the Great Hall to be sorted, a lot of people did not know who she was. And the girl wondered whether it felt refreshing or annoying. I mean, even muggle-borns must have heard of her, right? Or did those muggle-borns really have no idea about the Wizarding World at all? Apart from that oblivious fact, it wasn't hard to tell the muggle-borns apart from the purebloods. The muggle-borns looked lost and uncomfortable. Overwhelmed and in great awe of Hogwarts. And, of course, afraid of the Sorting Hat.

Stella wasn't afraid, but she also didn't want to wear a hat that had already been on many heads. The hat was icky, with an annoying voice at that. As it sung its opening song, the students quieted down and Stella could spot a student next to her trembling. It was a young brunette, staring at the people around her instead of the hat. Maybe she should say something to the girl, to just calm her nerves. But then her name was being called by the sorting hat, and she felt all eyes on her. She didn't mind, though. Stella was definitely used to it but in different environments. Like prestigious parties, family gatherings, and posh activities. So she stepped forward, chin held up high and her back straight, a calm smile curling her lips. A heavy and dark feeling surrounded Stella as the head was placed on her head, which started talking immediately. ''Hmm, I have never had a Beaumont before,'' Stella smirked. Obviously not, since her family originated from France. They have all gone to Beauxbatons. Stella was the first in her family to ever attend Hogwarts, but the girl didn't mind. This was yet another chance to prove herself and her family.

And the hat senses that thought. ''So you dó have a desperate need to impress people and your family. You will go the full length to achieve what you want.'' The word 'desperate' rang in Stella's ears. She wasn't desperate. Was she? She simply didn't want to disappoint her parents, but that was not desperation. It was determination. And Stella's determination got confirmed as the hat roared: ''SLYTHERIN!''

Stella's first year went by in a blur. She aced all of her classes, except for muggle studies. For the love of Merlin, she could not figure out what was so exciting and fascinating about Muggles. They were not as powerful as the witches and wizards, so why even bother with the way they live? But alas, it was a class Stella needed to take. She needed to take every class available, to show off how capable she was and how smart. It was really a wish from her parents, really. But when the last period was coming up, Stella had gotten a terrible headache that did not seem to fade. Her friends only seemed to make it worse, as they kept bothering her during her homework. So then she decided it was time to make the library her permanent study spot. But as she sat down on a Thursday afternoon and opened her book of Muggle studies, her headache had grown so much that an agonistic pain spread out to her neck and shoulders as well. Not one to show her weaknesses, it was about time Stella went to the Hospital Wing to get some kind of medicine. Her maid had taught Stella the healing spell Episkey, but it didn't seem to make that much of a difference now.

A weird old smell hit Stella as she stepped into the Hospital Wing. It was rather empty except for a couple of first-years who seemed to be asleep. So the girl walked past them, in search of the mediwitch. The mediwitch was a blonde middle-aged woman with a stern expression which reminded Stella of her mother's expression sometimes. But that was something she could take advantage off... Stella had figured out how to appeal to her mother's good side, surely it would work on the Mediwitch, too. So the blonde put up her most innocent smile and put her hands behind her back. ''Miss, I am terribly sorry to disturb you. But may I have a spare moment of your time? I have this headache, you see...'' And a few minutes later, Stella strolled along the beds again, this time with the medicine in her pocket. But the people that were asleep before, were now wide awake and seemed confused. Her grey eyes scanned the room and fell on a familiar face. So she took a few steps closer to his bed and cleared her throat to get his attention. Now she knew what happened to the boy before her. Poor accident, a bit stupid nonetheless as he had charmed the muscles in his legs away in an attempt to change the colour of his trousers. She witnessed it in Transfiguration class. Typical Gryffindor. ''How are you feeling, Timothy? Have your leg muscles grown back yet?'' He appeared to be surprised when Stella mentioned his name. That she had never spoken to him, did not mean she didn't know her classmates. She always made sure to be aware of her surroundings.

"It's fine. The nurse said I could leave by tomorrow morning", Timothy said and shrugged. "What were you doing here... Stella, right?"

A ravishing smile spread across her lips. ''Very good to hear. Now just make sure not to do it again.'' "Well, I'll try not to", Timothy laughed and smiled at Stella. She tucked the medicine further down in her pocket and stared at Timothy a bit blundly. ''I came here for some medicine. You know, headaches from all the annoying first-years.'' So he did seem to know her as well. Stella knew that this boy was a pureblood, but not from a prestigious family. It was no use to be nice to him, but something about him made her curious. Maybe this would be the first contact that was not arranged by her family. So it would be wise to play nice for now anyway. ''So Timothy, do you need anything? Chocolate frogs, pumpkin juice or maybe some beans?''

"Some Bertie Bott's beans would be nice..." Then he grinned at her and added: "But don't hurry, I'm not 'going' anywhere".