Dead earth crunched under bare feet, as a girl wondered through the maze.
Reds, yellows, and browns painted the canopy. Fingertips drug across the rough, cracked trunk of the nearest oak tree.
Green doe eyes slowly gazed over the dying heartbeat of the world.
Her world, and yet...
she was at peace.
***
I was awoken from my blissful slumber when I heard soft pounding footsteps. I blinked my eyes open to find a hazel pair starring back at me. A soft grin grew on my lips as I lifted the tiny body into my warm embrace. The hairs on the top of his head tickled my nose and cheeks. My soft lips peppering kisses to the face of my little brother.
"RaRa! No no!" He squealed as he used his little hands, and with all his might, tried to remove my lips from his face.
"Alaric! You little monkey!" A soft, yet playful, gasp escaped my throat as he had managed to wiggle himself out of my grasp and went his way giggling on down the hallway. I heard a faint cry from somebody down the hall, and knowingly, shook my head as a smile still made its way to my lips. My hand raked my hair as my senses were suddenly aware of the delicious aromas coming from outside my bedroom. Cold hardwood met my feet as I slipped out of my warm cocoon of ash colored blankets. The bedroom walls matched my sheets whilst all of my décor are white and black accents. My feet led me to my extraordinary walk in closet that's bursting at the seams with up to date fashion. I ran my fingers along each article of clothing trying to decide what I wanted to wear. Eventually I decided to slip on a plain black short sleeve dress with a sweetheart neckline and my lucky golden necklace with a blue diamond set in the center. Our nurse, Mel, startled me from my thoughts with a clearing of her throat.
"Good morning, Miss." Her voice came out quiet and soft like that of a mouse.
"Good morning, Mel. Are the boys giving you a hard time?" I spoke with slight annoyance in my tone. Those boys can't give this poor woman a break.
"Yes Miss, but I'm here because your Mother and Father have sent for you to join them in the dinning room. Breakfast has been served." She avoided my gaze throughout her whole sentence. As she finished, she did a small curtsey to dismiss herself and I gave her a small nod back in her direction.
It was then that I remembered how ridiculous my family was and how much I hated how different we treated our servants. We are normal people like them, but because Father is so harsh, they are forced to be seen and not heard. My eyes fluttered shut as I remembered that today I get to go back to Hogwarts and a sigh of relief escaped my cherry blossom colored lips. I followed the noises still coming from the hallway and decided I should help out whether Father would like it or not. The sight my eyes landed on would've definitely gotten them in trouble. Alaric was running around in his just his trousers, whilst both Declan and Kias were chasing each other up and down the hall. I caught Declan by his arm before he passed by and moved him to stand in front of me. He gave me a glare and attempted to move past me, I predicted this and once again stood in his way.
"Declan, stop this nonsense now before Father hears you." I gave him a well deserved smack against the back of his head.
"Bloody hell, Lara!" He huffed and ran a hand through his chestnut hair which was slightly curly. His hazel eyes held annoyance, yet an understanding of what could happen if he didn't listen to me. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you; we were just having a bit of fun is all." His words were breathless, and sudden realization struck me as I must have knocked some wind out of him and loosened my grip on his arm.
"I know you do. Just make it through breakfast, then once we make it back to Hogwarts you'll no longer be confined by the strict rules of this damn house." My hand ruffled his curls as I moved out of his way. With his back to me I suddenly realized how big he's gotten, well for a 16-year-old anyway. Just past him I gave a nod to Kias, who knew he needed to go wake Thalia. Kias and Thalia are 14-year-old twins. They shared the chestnut hair and hazel eyes like the rest of us, but their personalities were like night and day. Kias was sporty and outgoing, whilst Thalia was more reserved and sort of a book worm. Then there was Alaric, the cutest and most cheeky 2-year-old I have ever met. I used to want to pack him in my trunk with me each year I left for school once he was born, with the fear that he will end up just like our Father, but now as an 17-year-old I know that our staff will make sure he grows up to be just like the rest of us. My thoughts drifted away when I saw a house elf pass me in the hallway.
"Good morning, Miss Lara." I gave her a polite smile.
"Good morning, Zuri." She gave me a big grin.
"I heard you helping with the little ones. Out of all you Isolde children, seeing you grow into the young woman you are today brings me the most joy. I know we're not supposed to have favourites, but I cant help it. You're my favourite child."
"Thank you, Zuri." I gave her a nod before bidding her farewell and headed to the grand staircase. My shoes could be heard clicking against the dark oak flooring that covered the whole house. The mansion was elegant and bright. On my way to the dining room, I was all too aware of the similarities between my mother and majority of the mansion I called home. Her skin was the same as the cream colored walls, her bright blue eyes matched the color of a cloudless summer sky and they still are as bright as the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling in every room. An American copper penny resembled her hair, yet some gray hairs, sinfully, protruded from her head. She is the kindest, most extravagant, and sophisticated woman I know.
"Good morning, Mother." I say whilst giving her a peck on the cheek. I took my place next to her. My eyes darted to the head of the table where the devil reincarnated, also known as my Father, sat with the Daily Prophet held up as a shield against his own family.
"Good Morning, Lara." She looked down at me with a loving smile. "Where are your brothers and sister?"
"They were giving the nurse a bit of a fit, but they should be making their way." I purposely failed to mention my involvement due to the last time I was on his bad side. I heard the papers down the way shuffle and my amber eyes quickly darted to the sound. I held my Father's gaze for fear if I didn't that, I would receive more bruises than last time.
"Miles!" He called for the butler without breaking eye contact. "If the nurse continues to have issues, inform her that she will be fired immediately." Miles, a tall slender man with pointed features, his head was painted ash from stress, bowed slightly and avoided eye contact.
"Yes, Master Isolde." He curtly nodded his head and left the room. My siblings trickled in one by one until Alaric was walked in with Mel. She gently placed him in his high chair and left the room. Breakfast was brought out shortly after, there was an eerie silence as we ate.
"You are going to be a Prefect this year, Lara. I won't have any disgrace or disobedience ruin my good name." Father spoke, his powerful voice breaking the silence.
"Yes, Father." Swallowing my pride and anger, I made my voice as steady as I could.
The hoarseness in his tone was much more distinct than I remember, though he isn't around much anymore. Most likely from all that comes with being one of Voldemort's right hand Death Eaters. He reminded me of the dark decorum that can be found dotted around the house. His face contained hardly any wrinkles except for the deep creases on his forehead and frown lines near his mouth. His hair has a soft silver that borders his face, the rest however is pitch black much like the suites he wears every day. His eyes are a beautiful color of a sunset at dawn, just like that of all of my siblings including myself. Though they are beautiful, the emotion they hold is mostly hatred and anger. Just under his eyes were soft purple and blue bags from the late nights hunting wizards and continuing what The Dark Lord asks of him. My thoughts disappeared and my eyes traveled to where Father stood, leaving the table to go to his study. This was the silent signal that we were dismissed.
"Mother?" Thalia spoke quietly. I helped Alaric out of his chair.
"Yes, my darling?" Mother walked up to her and gently cupped her face with her thin hands.
"Can't I just be home schooled this year? I promise to not be a bother. I'll stay out of Father's way." Her eyes were desperate, though she knew the answer.
"No, my sweet, you will never get the kind of education at home like you will at Hogwarts." Mother gave her a sad smile and left it at that, we knew better than to argue with her.
"Play?" Alaric clapped his hands together as I held him.
"I can't buddy, I have to go." I frowned and pressed my lips to his forehead gently. Mel entered the room and took him from me, I gave him a small wave knowing that was my goodbye; it will be a while until I see him again.
***
I had just placed the final pieces of my clothing into my trunk when I heard a knock at my door. Eyes snapping up at the sound. Making my way to the door as a shiver ran down my spine as a thought popped into my head. What if it was Father coming to punish me? A sigh of relief escaped me when I see who's face is behind it.
"Come in, Thalia." My younger sister smiled and made her way onto my bed next to my trunk. Her blue dress floated around her like a pool of water. Grace is what her name should have been.
"Thanks, sis. I'm sorry that Father brought up the Prefect thing. He can be such an arse." I couldn't control the small laugh that escaped me.
"That is very true." I finished as I locked my trunk.
"Do you think I'll make friends this year?" She looked down at her hands. Thalia adapted the kindheartedness from my mother and thankfully she only received the quietness from my father.
"I think if you put yourself out there, you'll find some friends." Her eyes went wide with fear.
"N-No no I c-can't do that! People c-can be mean and... I'm not brave enough." Taking a seat next to her, I take her hands in mine.
"Thalia, you are going to be just fine. Besides, if you don't make friends you'll always have me." She gave me a small smile and nodded in agreement.
***
We eventually got all packed up and headed to the train where Mother and Miles were the only ones to see us off. The four of us each gave her a peck on the cheek before boarding. I tried to make my way to the last cart, seeing as that's where the Slytherins are, but unfortunately I bumped into someone.
"Sorry!" I exclaimed and raised my eyes to see that I had just bumped into a Gryffindor, but not just any Gryffindor, Hermione Granger herself.
"It's alright." Her tone held hesitance, but her eyes burned with her true emotions. Judgement.
"Hermione, I didn't realize it was you. How was your summer?" I made pleasantries with her, knowing it might be best to try and not step on anymore of her toes.
"Quite uneventful. I spent some time reading. You?" She shifted her weight, clearly uncomfortable.
"I busied myself with nannying my brothers and sister and counting the seconds to get back here."
"I see. Well I'd better go." She gave me a curt nod signaling the end of the conversation, then brushed past me to meet up with her friends. I had always admired her for her smarts and eloquence. Thalia reminded me much of her, though Hermione was much more brave and was able to speak her mind. Finally, I reached my destination, the Slytherin car. I weaved my way past the first years scattered everywhere. The car was loud with talk of the usual, everyone sharing the latest gossip about their summers, couples, or scandals. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see only a flash before I was embraced. I knew it had to be my best friend Felicity, her bright red hair would have given her away in a crowd. You could have easily mistaken her for a Weasly except her striking blue eyes. Her skin was freckled and slightly sun kissed but her frame was that of an hour glass, she could have anybody she wanted, and usually she does.
"Felicity, I don't think she can breathe." Broden, my other best friend, appeared behind her.
"Oh shove off Bee. I haven't seen nor heard from her all summer." She rolled her eyes.
"You just wish it was you she was so happy to see." I gave him a sneer. Broden's cheeks flushed slightly at my comment.
"It's good to see you too, Lara." He gave me a hug. I noticed he was making discreet observations about my appearance. He was the only one who knew of the incidents. I bit my bottom lip, avoided his gaze and gave a small nod. He let go and I gave him a small smile of reassurance.
"Let's grab a seat." Felicity, oblivious to our quiet exchange, grabbed my hand and led us to an empty booth. "So, tell me about your summer! What'd you do?" She sat visibly at the edge of her seat.
"The usual, helped the nurse with my siblings, read, and we went to a ball at the Malfoy Manner."
"Ooh! Tell me more about this ball." Eyes wide she put her head into her hands.
"It was as glamorous as it sounds. It was exciting, even though it was more of a meeting for my parents than anything. I wouldn't say I had a bad time though." I forced myself to keep it vague. Suddenly, everything in the car went black, instinctively I ducked reached for my wand.
"What the hell!" I heard Felicity shout. While everyone was yelling and trying figure out what was going on. Scanned the car looking for what had caused the sudden blackout.
My eyes landed on a certain platinum headed boy who seemed unfazed by the stunt. His silver eyes narrowed, as soon as I had caught their attention, they were whisked away towards anything else but me. The blackness slowly faded and everything was back to normal. The rest of the train ride went uneventful; we all changed into our robes before we reached our final destination. The carriage ride seemed shorter this year, probably due to my excitement to be back at away from home. We were led to the front entrance of the castle where we, for the first time, had to be searched.
"Name?" Professor Flitwick asked looking at his scroll in hand.
"Lara Isolde." I stated as Mr. Filch gave me a once over. The Professor wrote something down and gave me an accepting nod.
Upon entering the castle there was a crashing wave of anxiety washed over me. There hasn't been anything like this before at school, something's happened. We all eventually made our way through the castle to the dinning hall..The light mixed with the starry night sky and bright moon was bewitching. My friends and I made our way to the Slytherin house table.
"So Bee, you gonna get yourself a girlfriend this year?" Felicity nudged him playfully. He snorted at her remark.
"Of course not. You know me gorgeous, I use the 'no strings attached' rule. I'd be disappointing the world by locking this ride down." He gestured to his body with a cheeky smirk plastered to his face. He was in pretty fit shape, and he's also happens to be on the quidditch team. His sandy blonde hair covered his forehead and his emerald green eyes would have any sane woman on their knees.
"Oh shove it. You're really just afraid of commitment." I countered as I pursed my lips.
"Oh.... Psh! Bollocks! That's not the reason..." He knew I was right but tried to recover himself anyhow.
"Poor Harding, has to lie to his friends about the "women" he's bedding." Blaise Zambini, a pretentious prick, called from down the table.
"Fuck off Zambini, you're just jealous because I have more notches in my belt than you do." I looked to Felicity and pretended to gag.
"Yea whatever mate, just don't go getting any diseases." With a wave of his hand, he was no longer interested in their banter.
"What is up with boys having to compare knobs?" Her remark causes her to burst out with laughter.
"Felicity!" I joined her in laughter.
The whole room was light and joyful as we talked amongst ourselves, soon the feast arrived and we engorged ourselves. Soon after, Professor Dumbledore took to the podium to give this years grand speech.
"As you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival here tonight, and you have the right to know why. Once there was a young man, like you sat in this very hall, walked this castles corridors, stepped front right through. Seemed to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle." At this everyone gasped and started to whisper to each other. "Today, of course, he is known all over the world by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute perhaps. Dark forces attempt to penetrate this castles walls. But in the end, the greatest weapon, is you. Just something to think about. Now off to bed. Pip pip." My eyes were still wide though he had already finished his speech.
"Wow... that was..." I started but couldn't comprehend as to what just happened. We started down the corridor though I was almost immediately knocked backwards due to a towering figure in front of me stiff as a rock.
"Move." Was the response I received. He turned around and I instantly regretted running into him. I quickly picked myself up from the floor and grabbed my wand which had fallen out from my hand. His silver eyes met mine only for a second before darting away to something behind me.
"Excuse you." I crossed my arms over. My teeth digging into my bottom lip to try and control my anger. I will not get detention for fighting on the first day.
"You're the one who ran into me, Isolde." Draco's eyes met with mine for another flash before they took their time to look me over, before he shook his head and brushed past me. "I don't have time for this."
"Lara, let's go." Broden gently dragged me towards our dorms.
"Let me go." I struggled against his grip.
"No. You are going to loose us house points and it's the beginning of the year." He eventually let go of my arm as our house made their way towards the dungeons.
"He did give you a good look, did you see it?" Felicity winked at me as I followed her up to the girls dormitory, also known as the snake's pit.
~~~
Hi there! This is my first attempt at a HP story so please ignore any mistakes.
I will try my very best to upload as soon as I can. Please be patient. Please feel free to leave a comment if you enjoy it or if there are things I could improve on.
Thank you for reading!
~A