Born to Rule: The Story of the Slytherin Princess (paused)

Chapter 9

"The power to make
people fear you is the only
power you need."

 ➳➳➳➳➳┄┄※┄┄➳➳➳➳➳

The winter holidays had come and gone in the blink of an eye, and now it was time for Clarissa to return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As she arrived at King's Cross station with her family, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Her father, a wizard like herself, quickly made sure that the Muggles milling about the station couldn't see them as they approached the barrier that led to platform 9 ¾. Clarissa had always found it amusing that the non-magical people were completely oblivious to the world of magic that lay just beyond their sight.

Unfortunately, Clarissa's best friend Joseph couldn't join her at the station to bid her farewell. He had an important meeting with Mr. Malfoy, and as a result, it was just her mother, Isabella, who saw her off. Clarissa couldn't help but wonder what the meeting could be about since it was so sudden and unexpected.

As they approached the platform, Clarissa and Isabella caught sight of Draco and his mother, Narcissa Malfoy. Despite their cordial greetings, there was an underlying tension between the two women that was difficult to ignore. It was a curious situation, given that their husbands had been the best of friends for years.

"How are you, Narcissa?" Isabella asked politely.

"I'm fine, thank you. And how are you, Joseph, and Clarissa?" Narcissa replied with equal politeness.

"We've been busy, especially Joseph with his work at the Ministry. He just left for a meeting with Lucius, but it was on short notice. Usually, the Ministry is quite organized, but today was chaotic," Isabella explained.

"We've been in the same boat, unfortunately. Lucius has been tied up with the Ministry and his other business endeavors. But that's to be expected in our line of work," Narcissa replied, understanding the plight of a fellow wizarding family.

"Well, we can't do much about that. Clarissa and Draco, why don't you go ahead and board the train so you don't miss it?" Isabella suggested.

Clarissa couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that the two mothers had seemingly forgotten about their own children for a moment. She quickly shook it off and took Draco's hand, eager to board the Hogwarts Express and find a compartment for themselves.

As they searched for a cabinet, Clarissa and Draco quietly strategized their next move against the Golden Trio. The weight of their previous failures hung heavy over them, and the tension between the two was palpable. Finally, they found a secluded spot and began to discuss their plans in earnest.

"Draco, our past attempts have all been in vain. We need a new approach if we're going to succeed in getting rid of the trio," Clarissa said, her tone firm and resolute.

"I know, I know," Draco replied, frustration tingeing his words. "But we can't just give up now. We have to find a way to get them expelled."

Clarissa sighed, "It's not that simple, Draco. Dumbledore always seems to find a way to protect them. We need a better plan."

Draco's brow furrowed as he thought, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of inspiration. "I'll think of something," he said with a hint of desperation in his voice.

Clarissa was skeptical. "That's what you said last time, and look where it got us. Harry Potter is still at Hogwarts."

Draco winced at the reminder of their previous failure. He knew Clarissa was right; their previous schemes had all been poorly executed. But this time, he was determined to succeed. "I promise you, Clarissa. This time, we will be successful."