I am a Slytherin

Chapter 4: Full Moons and Mudbloods

It had been a week since the summer break started. Charlie happily stayed in Hogwarts, as per usual, but already had several invitations to stay over at the Weasleys, as well from the Malfoys (mainly from Draco and Narcissa). Charlie decided to visit Draco first, spending there a couple of days before her birthday. The tension in the air had left, and things seemed to be back to normal; perhaps it was because Lucius was not around very often.

"Will you visit again soon?" the young Malfoy looked up at his close friend, his grey eyes glinting with what seemed to be hope.

"I don't know, Draco," muttered Charlie as she shuffled on Draco's bed. "I promised Fred and George I'd visit them as well."

"Is this because of my father? Mother says he's acting strange because of the work in the Ministry, or something like that."

Charlie sighed and ruffled her friend's hair, "I'll pass by in a couple of weeks, okay?"

"You better!" Draco grunted as he fixed his platinum-blond hair. "It's really boring when you're not around."

The older girl offered her dear friend a smile, pulling him in for a hug. Draco let out a small gasp, as he was not expecting the sudden demonstration of affection, but returned the hug nonetheless. The younger boy buried his face on his friend's shoulder, holding her close. Displays of affection were kept indoors, and far away from his father.

On their way to the front door of the manor, a small creature ran into Charlie. The girl looked down and was met with the Malfoys' house-elf, Dobby.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Lupus! Dobby did not see where he was going," the elf kept shaking, smacking himself on the head as some sort of punishment. Charlie reached for his hand to forbid him from hurting himself further, gaining a strange look from Draco.

"It's okay, Dobby. Don't worry about it! Are you alright?" Charlie got down on one knee after releasing the elf's hand.

"Dobby is alright. You're very kind to me, Miss Lupus. Dobby doesn't deserve such nice words."

Draco didn't say a word. He was fully aware Charlie didn't like the fact his family treated their house-elf with little to no dignity, he included, so he refrained from saying anything in front of her. Charlie stood up and straightened her clothes.

"I'll be on my way. See you soon, Draco," the older Slytherin offered her platinum-haired friend a smile. They hugged for a couple of seconds before Charlie left.

A week had passed since Charlie had left the Malfoys. As much as Charlie adored Draco, the tension in his house was heavy; she couldn't stay there for as long as she used to. Normally she would've stayed a week, but even Severus didn't think it would be a good idea. He noticed how down the young girl seemed when she returned to Hogwarts.

It was still early into the summer break, which meant Severus as well as the other professors were still in Hogwarts preparing next year's classes. 

"Hey dad," Charlie walked into Severus' private chambers.

"You're up early," Severus muttered as he glanced over his newspaper. "Did you sleep well?"

Charlie gave him a lopsided smile and set a tray with two bowls with milk and cereal on the desk. Severus offered her the smallest of smiles, setting the newspaper down.

"I did, but I'm packing to go to the Weasley's place later. Thought it'd be nice to eat breakfast together before I go!"

"You really enjoy spending time with those twins, don't you?" Severus inquired, to which Charlie nodded with a happy smile.