Love and Power

{1} Return to Hogwarts

"Ahh look! It's Anastasia!" Pansy sang sarcastically. "Didn't think you'd be able to pay for another year because of all the money you dumped last year."

"Pansy you could buy and sell yourself and not even get close to the digits in my bank account," I snapped back, seating myself on a bench in the back of the Slytherin train cabin.

I felt eyes on me.

"Can I help you?" I turned to Goyle across the aisle from me. "Have you not ever seen a proper woman?"

"I-I..." Goyle stuttered, stopped himself and turned his red face to the window. I laughed and went back to minding my own business.

Until he walked in.

"Drakie!" Pansy screeched. "I've missed you! Why haven't you been sending me letters back?!"

"Owl must have lost track of where I live," Draco fibbed. It's alright, Malfoy, I hate her too.

"Crow," Draco scowled my way. "Wasn't expecting to see you back this year considering what happened last year."

"Why don't you keep your nose on your face, Malfoy," I grumbled. "Doesn't look good on you to snoop."

"Ooh, feisty, that one," Draco laughed to Blaise. "It's a wonder they even allow you into Hogwarts."

"Same reason they let you in, Malfoy."

"You couldn't even get close to how superior I am."

"Malfoy I could buy you," I growled. "Watch yourself."

"What? You gonna hex me like you did Weasley last year?"

"I don't plan on getting myself expelled."

"A bitch but a goody two shoes at the same time," He scoffed. "You're a marvel, Anastasia Crow."

"Was that a compliment, Malfoy?" I scoffed, genuinely shocked. "I didn't think you were capable of actually being pleasant."

"I wasn't complimenting you, Crow," Malfoy grumbled, his usually pale cheeks a burning red. "Shut it."

I smirked, finding accomplishment in being able to make him flustered. The feared Draco Malfoy, son of two well known Death Eaters, isn't easily flustered.

Unless it's me who's talking to him. I've always had that effect on him.

"That's expelled again," Pansy replied with a smirk. "You're only back because daddy paid the school to let you back in."

I just ignored Pansy's attempts to bother me.

We soon arrived at Hogwarts. Just as majestic as I had remembered. Though I hated the place currently, I wasn't too against entering for classes once again.

After all, I practically run the school's entire social ladder.

—

"Welcome back, all. I missed all of your bright smiling faces," Dumbledor's voice boomed through the Great Hall. "I'm sure you all had lovely holidays. If that's not the case, I'm hoping that your presence at Hogwarts will make up for your time."

I snickered. "As if."

"Think he's talking to you, Crow," Blais teased. "Bet daddy Crow wasn't happy hearing what you did last year."

"Are you asking to be in Weasley's place?" I sneered. "I'd make it a point not to miss your chest."

"All bark and no bite," Pansy grumbled.

"Avifors," I whispered. With a flick of my wand her fork turned into a bird and flew off into the quiet Great Hall, loud tweets escaping its beak.