Purebloods and Peppermints

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~Sophia POV~

"Malfoy, what do you need?" George said sternly. 

George was almost never angry, except when it came to Malfoy. He knew exactly how to make his head spin. 

"I was looking for an empty compartment, but now that I see this one is accompanied by the scum of Slytherin and her band of idiots, I'll look elsewhere, Weasel. " He replied harshly.

That was a fun little nickname I received over the years. Most Slytherins favor staying in-house when it comes to friends and relationships. I made friends with whomever I pleased, not matter what their house was. This was one of the reasons he and I didn't get along. Haven't since our first year. On our first day of potion class, he spilled aconite fluid on the floor. When Snape was about to confront him, without a second of hesitation he pointed and accused me of spilling it.  Not sure what he was wanting to accomplish. We still got 10 house points deducted from Slytherin.

Fred and George immediately came to my defense and stood up ready to attack him with retorts. Before they could even utter a single syllable, Malfoy threw out a sharp "Oh look, Williams, you've got the biggest disgraces to the Pureblood name sticking up for you. It does make sense though. Being bloodtraitors and all. I guess rats really do travel in packs."

Malfoy really knew how to push my buttons. The quickest way to piss me off is to use any derogatory name towards anyone. My parents spent their entire lives standing up to those who believed in blood status supremacy. It's all shit if you ask me. 

"Don't you have some poor first-year to torture somewhere?" I responded meekly. 

I tried to be just as nasty as him. It didn't always work like that. George and Fred constantly tell me to stand up for myself.  Even Harry tells me I need to speak up and we aren't even that close. Easier said than done. 

"Oh look who's finally talking. You going to tell me off now, are you? Go ahead, I'm waiting," he said while tapping his foot impatiently. 

I felt the heat immediately run to my face. My hands got clamy and my brow became sweaty. I tried to find the words but they wouldn't come out. 

Malfoy snicked to himself. I could see the sparkle as the light from the window hit his rings. "Why did he wear so many? " I thought to myself trying to distract from the fact that I was pretty sure I was melting into my seat. 

I was quickly snapped back to reality when he leaned in close to my face and said "Yeah, that's what I figured. Filthy bloodtraitor." 

With that he left the compartment and my heartbeat went back to normal. Thought for a second it might really burst out of my chest or drop to the floor. Not sure which is worse really. 

"Soph, you have to stand up for yourself," the twins said in complete unison. 

"C'mon, I'm way better than I was last year."

They knew that was a lie. The only difference is that last year I probably would have thrown myself in my trunk at the thought of conflict. This year I only briefly consider it. 

We spent the next hour of the train ride talking about the one glorious day when I finally give Malfoy what he deserves. I remember the punch Hermione gave him third-year. Right in the nose. I would have paid 50 galleons to see it in person. I heard about it from Ron.  

Slowly I became tired and could feel myself drifting off to sleep. The purr of the train was soothing and comforting. My eyelids got heavier and before I knew it, I was asleep. 

________________________________________________________________________________

The Williams Home. Three Months Ago

"No I won't tell you anything."

"We can be very persuasive. Crucio"

"Aghhh, no!!" 

"Martin! No, stop it!!"

"Avada Kedavra!" 

________________________________________________________________________________

I saw the green light and then my eyes shot open. I could feel my heartbeat in my ears. My palms had marks in them from where I was cleaning my fists so hard. I was breathing hard and fast. It felt so real. Just like I was back there again. 

After collecting myself I look at the twins. Both asleep on top of one another. I can't help but laugh quietly at the sight. They're so lucky to be able to rest peacefully. I had nightmares ever since that night. I have one every single time I sleep. Sometimes twice. Just depends on how lucky I am that day. 

I can feel myself start to recall my nightmare again when a prefect knocks on the door telling us that it is time to change into our robes. We are arriving at Hogwarts soon. I shake Fred and George awake and am greeted with a slightly annoyed "Oi, what do that for?"

"C'mon you lazy bums. It's time to get dressed. We're about to be at Hogwarts."

After some persuation they agree to finally get up. I think the threat of me telling everyone that they cuddle in their sleep was the winning ticket. I press my hand against the glass. I start to see the castle peak out from behind the trees. Even including the Burrow, this was the closest thing I had that made me feel like I belonged. I can't handle contain my excitement and whisper to myself "home."