Snivellus

36

Darah ran at the wall between platforms nine and ten, her trolly out in front of her with all her belongings.

Finally she was back. The beautifully painted Hogwarts Express hooted in front of her, taking her breath away.

She walked over to it and loaded her stuff into the storage area then proceeded to look for some friends. She wasn't sure if she was looking for Gryffindors or Slytherins.

'Why, is that a wild Lucie?' Draco had appeared at her side. He was wearing a casual black suit and had his hair floppy.

Darah smiled at him. 'Funny? Feels like I just saw you yesterday.'

'You know, I think you're right!' Draco joked back. 'So you still haven't found the spell?' He gestured to her hair.

'Oh. No.' She sighed. 'I mean, I'm still fine with it. My father isn't, on the other hand.' She laughed.

'I like it.' Draco spoke kindly.

Darah felt warm and fuzzy inside when Draco complemented her. 'I like yours too. Better than the slicked back.' She grinned.

He patted his head. 'Well, what can I say?'

'Hey guys!' Pansy and Millicent appeared by their side. 'Darah, I missed you at the party! Why'd you have to go?'

Darah wracked her brain for excuses. 'Um, my father needed me and I'd forgotten about it.'

'Oh, well you missed the best part.' Millicent grinned at Pansy, who was elbowing her, and back at Darah.
'Pansy told professor Snape her true feelings about him.'

'Shut up!' Pansy pushed her playfully making Millicent crack up laughing.

'It's was pretty good.' Draco shrugged, laughing a little too.

Darah laughed along with them as Pansy and Millicent had a tame fight. She had tried not to think about it much; Snape being at the party. Although she had many questions, what was he discussing with Lucius was the one she really wanted an answer for, and she aimed to get it.

She looked up at Draco, trying to break off the fight between Pansy and Millicent.
'Hey, Draco, can I have a quick word with you?'

He looked at her. 'Sure.'

They made their way to a quieter area.

'This might seem a little... weird. But I'm just going to be straight with you.'

'Ok.' Draco replied nervously.

'Snape and your father. At the party.'

Draco looked at her suspiciously. 'Why do you still care so much about that?'

'No, it's not that it's just... aren't we going to loose points for Slytherin now?' She tried to tell him the truth but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth.

Draco almost spat in her face. 'Jees, Lucie. You worry too much.'

She laughed nervously and embarrassed. 'Well it's not just that.'

Draco gave her a look as if to say go on.

'What were they talking about?'

'How would I know? Why do you want to know? Wait. Are you spying for Potter!' Draco said angrily.

'No, no!' Darah waved her arms. 'I'm just curious... it was strange that's all. I'm nosey.' She put on a fake laugh.

'Yeah well, I dunno what he was there for. All my father said is that him and Snape would be discussing Hogwarts and work stuff so we weren't meant to disturb them.' Draco had an annoyed hint to his voice. He then walked off back to Pansy and Millicent who were now accompanied with Crabbe and Goyle.

***

On the train Darah sat silently in the carriage with Pansy, Draco, Millicent, Crabbe and Goyle who were all playing a card game together.

Pansy looked at Darah who was staring out the window. 'You sure you don't wanna join?'

Darah snapped back to reality. 'Um no. Er- I'm gonna go to the toilet actually. I'll be back soon, might get some food too.' And she got up to leave.

Instead of heading to the toilet she made her way down the train until she came across the compartment with Harry, Ron and Hermione.

She slid open the door, vaguely knocking. They all looked at her joyfully. 'Hey.'

Hermione gestured her to sit next to her.

Darah noticed the man in the corner of the compartment. 'Who's that?'

'Professor R. J Lupin.' Hermione said, gesturing towards his suitcase, above him.

'So he's just sleeping?' Darah eyed him suspiciously.

'Guess so.'

'What does he teach?'

'I don't know. He's new.' Hermione explained.

The carriage shook vigorously and the lights went dim and began to flash, making Darah scream a little and Ron winced, holding his pet rat close to him.

'Why have we stopped?' Harry looked around and at Lupin who had appeared not to have awoken.

A sudden coldness washed over them, Darah felt weak and faint.

A black, ghost-like hand crept slowly into sight, grabbing onto the compartment door. A pitch, black face followed. Empty.

The being slid the door open. Another large rush of cold swept over them. The creature came into full sight, making Darah's skin crawl.

She sat, pinned to her seat. Barely breathing, unable to move. She felt Hermione's quivering hand and uneven breathing next to her.

The creature came into the room. It made a loud breathing noise and everything felt drained and empty. Darah felt weak, she could barely hold herself up. Her eyes flickered and rolled in the back of her head unconsciously.

Then a bright light pushed it back. Darah's vision faded to darkness.