"Malfoy?" Tracey said loudly.
Nel nodded her head bitterly, arms crossed over her chest as the two made way to the dinning hall for dinner.
"Draco Malfoy?" She repeated in her obnoxiously loud voice. It seemed like his name was the only word she was capable of saying because of the shock.
"Shush!" She elbowed her friend. Throwing a suspicious glance around the corridor hoping nobody else had heard.
"And why- are you doing this again?"
"Because he knows something about my past and I'm pretty sure it's true. Trust me I'd much rather write to his father personally and ask or drug him with some veritaserum but even then the potion doesn't guarantee us any answers."
The two sat down on the table and put their bags aside when Theodore came running into the Great Hall and practically slid in the seat across from them.
"You're going to Hogsmeade with MALFOY?!" He exclaimed. He seemed to be out of breath.
Nel's eyes scanned the room. "Wow, news sure does travel fast 'round here," she shook her head.
"Are you okay?" He asked concerned. "Are you ill? Dying?" He reached over the table and placed a hand on her forehead.
"Just dandy," she grumbled irritated before sticking a potato into her mouth.
"How'd you know?" Tracey arched an eyebrow as she drank her pumpkin juice.
"Malfoy was bragging to the lads back at the dormitory."
Nel rolled her eyes. "Of course," She shook her head. "Those idiots are only fascinated by me because they think I'm related to Salazar Slytherin."
Nel's bored expression fixed across the dinning hall to a very awkward interaction between Lupin and Snape. Nott and Davis blinked at each other exchanging a look.
"But you are-" They said in unison.
"Nope, I'm not," she said more in denial before getting her mouth busy and taking a huge bite out of a bread roll. Being related to Slytherin himself meant being related to You-Know-Who and that... That was not possible. It wasn't something Nel wanted to even think about it.
"But you are-" Tracey insisted. "You're a Parselmouth."
"So?" She retorted irritated. "So's Potter and he's not related to Slytherin as far as we know."
"Yeah, but You-Know-Who gave it to him."
"Well maybe he did something to me to!" She snapped at her two friends. The two inched away from her exchanging a worried look.
"Sorry," She lowered her head and put her utensils down after her outburst. "This... This is why I'm entertaining Malfoy. Maybe the persons who left me at the abbey, maybe they were my parents. It's a big clue." She explained.
Theodore and Tracey had no choice but to agree.
It was then that mail was delivered and her owl, Barberry, came swooping down dropping two letters in front of her. The first was from Professor Lupin, it was written in his perfect loopy handwriting that slanted to the right.
Ms. Saintday,
please meet me at my office after dinner. It is important.
Thank you.
- Professor R. Lupin.
Her friends commented on what could Lupin possibly want with her. She shrugged and regardless met the professor's eyes across the table and nodded.
The second letter was written in a familiar sharp handwriting.
E,
Front of the castle.
Tomorrow.
Noon.
- D
"Ooooh, how mysterious," Tracey joked reading over her shoulder. "I wonder who D could possibly be," she said sarcastically.
Who did he think he was kidding?
She turned to seek Draco's eyes in the Great Hall and when she met them she crumbled the note up with her hand. He simply raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement. The slightest of curves on his lips.
Whatever, she left the dinning hall ready to meet Professor Lupin in his office.
Arriving at Lupin's office she was surprised to find Harry Potter there instead.
"Let me guess," She began. "Lupin cited you as well?" She said closing the door behind her. Swaggering down the steps of the DaDa office and sitting on top of a nearby trunk.
"Is it true you're going to Hogsmeade with Malfoy?" He asked bluntly.
Nel sighed and raised her head back before letting out a loud frustrated groan. Now even the Gryffindor boys new. IT wouldn't be long before Pansy found out and came to murder Nel. Best to be prepared for that.
"It's a long story," She rubbed her tired eyes. "He's holding something over me," she admitted quickly changing the topic. "Why is everyone so intrigued by the fact that we're going to Hogsmeade? It's not even a big deal," she shrugged.
How could anyone not be intrigued by the two of them going to Hogsmeade?
Draco was the unofficial Prince of Slytherin and Nel was the potential sole living descendant of Salazar Slytherin. She was a hostile blood traitor, who kept everyone at arms length and was infamously known for her ill temper and distaste for the Slytherin boys. Specially for Malfoy whom she was usually clashing with on the daily.
"Maybe because you two hate each other? Everybody knows that."
He wasn't wrong.
"Thank you," he added. "For what you did in class the other day, but I can fight my own battles."
She huffed slightly yet said nothing. He shouldn't flatter himself like that. She really hadn't done it for him. Maybe it was best to let him think that.
"Do you recon we're in trouble?" She asked changing the topic. After all Lupin had caught her passing notes in class just the other day.
"No Ms. Saintday, nobody's in trouble. Which considering your reputation, you might find quite surprising," he smiled at her as he opened the door. She turned away from him and made a disgruntled noise in the back of her throat.
"You're probably wondering why I've gathered you two here tonight. I know it's a Friday, so I won't hold you here long," Lupin began making his way across the office.
"Do you remember the lesson we had on Boggarts?" He said to the two.
Both students nodded. How could they forget? It was an awesome class. It was the most fun they had ever had in any class.
"Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That is what makes them so terrifying," he explained.
"Professor, we already know this," Saintday interrupted with an irate look on her face. Could he just get to the point already?
"Patience Ms. Saintday," Lupin paused at the interruption. "I'm afraid you didn't get a chance at the Boggart that day, perhaps you'd like to give it a shot now?"
Nel thought of her worst fears. She eyed a trunk across the room which was violently shaking. Whatever was being kept inside desperately trying to escape. "I think I'll pass," she mumbled.
"The two of you are here since you are particularly susceptible to Dementors all things being considered, Dementors force us to relieve the worst memories of our lives. Our pain becomes their power. Which is why the two of you fainted on the train," Harry turned to look at the teen in surprised. Nel almost looked wounded by Lupin's words. She looked away from both, lowering her eyes.
Her background wasn't something she particularly enjoyed talking about.
"This is very advanced magic. Well beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level," Lupin stated clearly eyeing both of the students carefully.
Why did Lupin want them both to learn how to fight Dementors? Certainly every student was in danger of Sirius Black and of the Dementors that were pursuing them, but why them two specifically? Nel understood his reasoning for brining Harry in, but her? Why would either Sirius Black or Dementors want anything to do with her?
"Very well, the spell I am going to teach you is called the Patronus Charm. Ever heard of it?" He said to both.
Harry shook his head no. Nel nodded yes. Lupin extended his hand for her to elaborate.
"The Patronus Charm is a spell which main but not only use id the primary protection again Dementors and other dark creatures for which there is no defense. There are two types of Patronuses. Corporal and Incorporeal."
"Excellent Ms. Saintday, 10 points Slytherin. Any 6th years amongst your clients?" Lupin teased.
She shot him a look at him butting into her personal business and he chuckled a little at her hostility.
"But that's not quite it. A Patronus is a kind of positive force. For the witch or wizard who can conjure one, the Patronus works something like a shield. The Dementor feeds on it instead of him," Lupin paused as the trunk across the room rattled violently. "But in order for it to work, you must think of a memory. And not just any. This memory needs to be a very happy one. And powerful." His honey eyes darted between the two students before him.
"Think of your happiest memory and come back tomorrow after lunch. We'll begin then."
With that Lupin dismissed them.
"Know what your happiest memory is?" Harry asked as the two returned to their individual house dormitories.
"Yeah," She lied.
She had no idea.
Xxxxx
Nel didn't get much sleep last night. She had spent all night wondering just what her happiest memory was. She hated coming to the realization she didn't have one... At least not a strong one that would ward away a dementor.
All happy memories at Wool's were tainted with the memory of Lucy which in turn made them painful for her. And at Hogwarts... Sure maybe there was the memory of the day she visited Diagon Alley for the first time. Maybe even when she became friends with Tracey and Theodore, and just overall their general shenanigans.
There was one unique memory that was different from the others. It probably wouldn't be enough, but so far it was the best she had.
Xxxxx
It was Christmas even last year, 1992.
Nel had spent the evening celebrating with Harry, Hermione, Ron and his family. They had been nice enough to include her considering both her and Harry always stayed back during the winter break.
The group had been playing with sparklers and throwing snowballs at each other in the courtyard after an early. Overall it had been a fun evening. It was late when they decided to return to the Gryffindor common room, a place where she wasn't allowed. She suspected the party would go on there, but for now she was simply happy to not have been alone.
"Black Mamba," She spoke to the password which allowed her in. It was late, almost midnight by the time she got back. Walking into the emerald and black common room she was surprised to see Malfoy sitting by himself on one of the leather sofas.
It seemed like this holiday the only Slytherins that stayed behind were her, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.
She thought it was odd that he had stayed behind. Yet she didn't question it simply not caring enough but looking at him he looked absolutely miserable. She approached him partly to get a better look at him.
He was hunched over with his head buried in his hands. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up and glared at her.
"Lost something Slugbreath?" He insulted defensively.
She kept her curious eyes on his. His face was swollen and tinted with red. Had he been crying? It was probably the first time he was away from home and alone for Christmas. She wouldn't have been surprised if the brat had really been crying.
"Are you okay?" She ignored the insult.
He looked at her surprised, taken aback by the question. Part of him was expecting her to take it back and boldly mock him.
"What do you care anyways?" He snapped kicking the low table in front of him.
He was most definitely not okay.
"Come," She said to him.
She was so used to his harsh tone and language she simply hummed, shoving her hands in her pockets before walking away back to the entrance of the common room.
He paused not moving an inch. He wasn't certain if she had really been speaking to him or not, but who else could she have meant? His father had asked him to remain at Hogwarts stating home wasn't safe due to the raids the Ministry of Magic was performing. Lucius also had to keep a trustful eye at Hogwarts now that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened.
"Are you coming or not?" She called over her shoulder.
Thinking himself crazy Draco decided to follow her out of the room. Nel lead her down the dungeon's corridor and took several turns in the darkness before stopping before a small door. The door was big enough for a small person to walk through.
"Where are you taking me?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow still wearing an air of superiority around her. "This is where I'm hiding your body..." She said mysteriously.
He gave a step back, certainly not doubting this. "Just kidding!" She laughed before opening it and walking through.
The two entered the kitchen where long tables resembling the Great Hall stretched from one end to the other. Shelves and large pantries were stacked with food and other ingredients against the wall. And just around the door were dozens of small cots with tiny people sleeping on them. But wait- they weren't people, they were house elves.
"You've brought me to the servant's quarters?" Malfoy said wrinkling his nose in disgust. His eyes looked around the room pretentiously as if he had walked into a dumb instead of a kitchen. Nel doubted the boy had ever been inside of a kitchen.
"Shh!!!" She hissed him as a sleeping elf nearby stirred in his sleep. She tilted her head forward and the two advanced further into the kitchen.
She moved around the kitchen with expertise knowing were the bread and all other ingredients were located. Draco watched carefully as she prepared two sandwiches with the most peculiar ingredients turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and-
"Do you like cranberry sauce?" She stopped and whispered to him. He simply shrugged indifferent to it.
He wasn't watching out of intrigued. He was worried that she would attempt to poison him.
The two left the kitchen as quietly and as quickly as they got there. He now followed her upstairs. She held both of the large sandwiches which she had wrapped in paper in her hands.
"Why are you doing this?" He asked as they stood outside the Great Hall. By now he seemed to have forgotten about whatever had been bothering him earlier.
She shrugged carelessly, almost like he had when she had asked him if he liked cranberry sauce or not.
"Why not? It's Christmas Eve, good deeds count extra tonight. And let's be real, I've been pretty bad this year," She smiled a little. "I've got a lot of self-redemption to do."
She was lying and he wasn't biting. She knew what it was like to be alone, specially during Christmas. She knew how painful it could be to be so lonely.
"I don't need your pity," he narrowed his eyes in mistrust. "Fine," She shrugged again and handed him his sandwich with eyes filled with contempt. "Have it your way."
She said before turning away and back in the direction of the Slytherin dormitories.
"No, wait-" He reached for her arm holding her back. The thought of being alone on Christmas was haunting to him. He felt lonely and Crabbe and Goyle weren't always the best company to keep around. Maybe she was being sincere. It was a risk he'd have to take.
Nel opened the door to the Great Hall and stepped in, he followed and marbled at the decorations. In the absolute darkness of the night the massive tree at the end seemed to be glowing with hundreds of golden lights. The night sky was still enchanted to make it seem as if snow was falling down. Yet the stars were still visible above.
"Pretty. Isn't it?"
Without another word Nel took a seat on top of a dining table and unwrapped her sandwich. After a long day of throwing snowballs this was just what the doctor had ordered. He did the same neither saying much. He eyed his sandwich oddly, it actually looked disgusting.
"I'm a terrible cook," She said in between bites. "But I make the best sandwiches," she stated awfully proud of her monstrous creation.
He took a bite out of it hesitantly. He'd never had anything like it.
"This is actually not bad," he said thoughtfully.
"Thanks, it's a leftover sandwich. Leftovers of anything Crabbe and Goyle didn't finish anyways." Both shared a laugh.
Draco's mind still twisted over her reasons for doing this. Nel wasn't the type to believe in any redemptions. At least not from what he'd learned about her in the past two years. She was more stubborn than anyone he knew, wasn't the kind of person to change her mind about things just like that. She must've seen something in him that seemed personal to her.
"I'll never get tired of looking at this tree," She said interrupting his train of thought. "Back at Wool's we get a small one every year. Skinny pitiful thing, with almost no branches. It always tilts to the sides due to the tacky pink ornaments that Wool uses."
"Wool's?" He asked confused.
He noted that her ears turned red from over sharing and she took a large bite out of her sandwich stuffing her mouth so she wouldn't speak any more.
He gathered that was probably the orphanage where she lived.
"Hey, you better not get any funny ideas Saintday," he spoke in that snappy bitter tone he was known for. She looked at him oddly yet thankful he hadn't further pressed about her slip. "This doesn't mean that we're friends got it?" His eyes were glued to the massive tree at the center of the Great Hall.
She couldn't help but smile a little at this, "Wouldn't dream of it Malfoy."
The next morning Nel was surprised to actually find some gifts underneath her tree. It was nothing grand of fancy, regardless she was touched by the gestures. Theodore had gotten her some ink and parchment for the year, something that would be most useful to her in her business affairs. A Quidditch poster from Tracey which she suspected was a gift for her and not for Nel. Regardless she hung it up between their beds to make her friend happy.
She'd knitted some gloves for the two of them. They weren't perfect but she was hoping they'd do just the trick in keeping them warm for the rest of the winter.
She had agreed to meet the Gryffindors for breakfast. Exiting the common room, she was surprised to see Malfoy standing in the common room.
"There you are," he said with his arms crossed over his chest. There seemed to be an annoyed look on his face.
She flashed him a confused look. Had he been waiting for her? Were they actually friends now?
"Crabbe and Goyle left for breakfast already," He uttered as if explaining why he was there standing alone. "They found this outside in the corridor. It has your name on it," he signaled to a large box that had been placed on the low table.
She eyed the box carefully. The gift-wrapping paper was wrapped with precision and bore a rich checkered emerald and black diamond pattern that was tied together by a thick black ribbon. There was a square tag at the top that had Nel Saintday scrawled on it in sharp handwriting.
She looked at the gift completely stunned.
"Thanks for holding it for me," She said awkwardly still being unable to remove her eyes from the gift. She didn't know what was inside, but she had certainly never seen maybe even touched a box that was wrapped so beautifully. "I'll take it back to my room-"
"No-," He said rather quickly. She arched an eyebrow at his odd behaviors. "Open it here," he pulled out his wand. "It could be cursed."
She let out a small laugh. Yeah right. As if somebody would try and curse her. She wasn't Harry Potter of anyone important. However, one could never be too safe. Maybe the Weasley twins had send it to her- or maybe it had been Harry, but she doubted that they would get her something this nice.
"I guess you're right," She said dropping her knees on the carpet and slowly undoing the ribbon and wrapping with care. She didn't want to ruin it. She also wasn't sure if she should keep the wrapping or not.
There was obviously a black box inside. Hesitantly she reached for it and removed it from the table. Curious to what was inside. Wincing and preparing for the worst she opened it. However, nothing happened. No harm was done. Inside was a piece of clothing wrapped in more paper. More layers? Again, she undid it carefully and pulled out a black jumper. It was probably the softest fabric she had ever touched. It almost felt unreal or like how'd she would imagine touching a cloud would feel like.
"This is..." She gasped feeling the texture in between her fingertips.
"It's made from Vicuña, the world's softest fabric. Way better than cashmere," Malfoy said smugly peering over her shoulder. "You can tell?" She marveled at his ability to be able to tell just with his sight.
"It doesn't say who it's from," She said looking under the many wrappings.
"Do you like it?" Malfoy asked in an uninterested tone.
"Do I like it?" She repeated her voice almost breaking. "I've never had anything half as decent as this in my life," she hugged it close to her chest. "I almost feel like it'll melt in my arms," she laughed weakly. "Look! Touch it!" She said moving the fabric close to him beaming. He raised his hand and denied it with a bored look on his features. "I'm almost afraid to wear it. What if I ruin it?"
She rambled anxiously as her mind wondered to who would've taken the time to get her such a thoughtful gift. She was more than touched. She was elated. She could've cried at the gesture if the boy hadn't been there. It was the first time that she had something that was hers and truly hers alone. It hadn't been owned by anyone before, it didn't have any signs of tear or wear. It was hers. It might as well have been made out of cotton or wool and she would've been just as moved by the gesture.
Draco had just in time snatched the card that had her name written on it. He hadn't noticed that the back of it read 'For Draco, Love Mum. Happy Xmas'
That had been a close one.
"Who do you think sent it?" She wondered out loud. "Do you think it was Professor Snape?"
He fought the urge to roll his eyes at her reasoning. Snape? Really?
"Does it matter?" He said irritated.
"I just want to thank them. Maybe give them something nice?" She said concerned before turning her attention back to the box. "It has to be someone that I know... Obviously!"
Malfoy wasn't going to be much help, but maybe Fred and George could help her figure it out. Draco glanced around the room nervously. What would she do if she knew it had been him?
He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even realize she was on her way out of the Common Room sweater I hand.
"I best be off. See you around. Happy Christmas!" She called over her shoulder with a broad smile before exiting the room.
She didn't hear but the boy stood there alone.
"Happy Christmas..." he said more to himself.