Post by Professor Night on Sept 25, 2015 1:39:39 GMT -5
(Note:this is rather long as I ment it to be a book. Also some of the details have been changed for this site. Example: 1)on site Headmistress is Professor Heckman, in the story it's McGongall. 2)on site charms professor is yet to be determined, in the story it's Professor Flitwick.)
The Princess of Slytherin
Eisabella Night
Chapter 1: Journey to Hogwarts
Ella stood in the middle of the Hogwarts Express. It was her first year at Hogwarts and she was looking for her two best friends. They would be with their older brother in the Slytherin cart. As she walked toward the end of the trian she was tapped on the shoulder.
"Um, hi." The boy said, "Do you know where the Slytherin cart is? I'm a first year and I don't know my way around the train."
"Hello," She replied, "I believe it is this way. It's my first year as well. I'm Ella, by the way, Ella Gaunt."
"I'm Damien, Damien Grey."
They continued down to the end of the train, where they found the Slytherins. They sat down across from eachother in aan empty booth.
"I'm almost certain that I will be in Slytherin. How about you?"
"I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be in Slytherin. Hey, do you know if any of the Malfoys are attending Hogwarts with us?"
"Um, I know the two youngest are in our year. They should be around here somewhere." Ella said looking around for her two best friends. "Ah, there they are, sitting with their older brother, Scorpius." She nodded to a group seated in the corner across from them.
"Wanna go sit with them? Maybe we can form our own Slytherin posse."
"I played junior Quidditch with the twins. I'm sure they would feel more comfortable over here. I'll go get them." Ella walked over to Arianna and wispered in her ear. Arianna smiled up at Ella nodding and tapped her bother on the shoulder. The three of them walked over to Damien and Ella introduced them.
"Damien, this is Arianna and Severus Malfoy. This is Damien Grey."
"Happy to make your aquaintence." Damien responded, shaking hands with the twins.
"It's nice to meet you, too." the twins said together.
"So Damien, do you play Quidditch?" Severus asked sitting down next to him as the girls sat across from them.
"Well, I really want to. I'm going to try out for eather the keeper or the seeker position. Ella said you played?"
"Yes, I'm a beater and my sister is a chaser. Ella played seeker on our junior team." Severus informed Damien.
"That's pretty cool. So why aren't first year's allowed to have their own brooms. I heard that Potter guy got his own broom when he was a first year. How unfair is that?!"
"Well, not many first years know how to fly do they." Said Ariana. "I heard that if you do well at your first flying lesson they allow your parents to send you a broom"
"Not trying to brag or anything, but I got flying down on my first family practice. My mom said she'd never seen or heard of anyone getting it so quickly other than me and Potter." Damien snorts at the name.
"Really, like every mom says that. You should see Ella fly." Ariana said, "And slytherins brag, it's kind of your thing."
"Ariana you're embarrassing me. I'm not that good I'll probably not even make the team this year." Ella muttered.
"Ya right, the captain would have to be blind not to let on. I mean you've been training since you were like 5, and your coach was the Viktor Krum." Severus said.
Damien found it kinda hard not to chuckle at their bickering. "C'mon Ella, I bet you're pretty good. Maybe sometime we can have a race."
"Perhaps, I don't really like to race. It dose not display much skill, but speed, there is so much more to flying then that. I do hope we get there soon, I'm staving." Ella said looking out the window.
"Maybe we should change into our robes." Ariana said looking around at the others already in there robes.
"I agree. Its getting dark. We have to be pretty close to the school." Damien pulls a robe from his trunk and throws' over himself. The others did the same and just as Ella placed her wand into her pocket a whistle sounded and the train started to slow.
"Finally we're here!" Ariana exclaimed. Severus rolled his eyes, but Ella just starred out the window, nervous at what the sorting hat would say. As they exit the train Ella's thoughts turned to the Potters. What if they didn't like her because she was related to Voldemort. She was a Pasletoung. Slytherin was where she belonged, but she didn't believe in the inner school hatred.
"You're awfully quiet, are you ok?" Severus asked concerned about Ella.
"I'm fine, I'm just hoping the Potters don't recognize my name."
Damien looks to Ella. "If they do, just don't interact with them. Easy as that. I don't like anything about the Potters. They're probably gonna brag about how their dad took down Voldemort."
"Yes, but you are not related to Voldemort. His mother was my great-great aunt. I don't want enemies, I want friends." Ella explained with a sad look.
"It's all right. We'll defend you." Ariana said. Severus rapped a comforting arm around her.
"I'm sure we can all get along, in the name of Professor Snape." Damien pats her shoulder.
"If anyone gives you a hard time, tell us. We'll take care of things." Ella gave them a sad smile as the joined the other first years head toward the boats. "Maybe they won't even notice after all not many people know that his mother's last name was Gaunt." Severus said with an encouraging smile. Ella just nodded as they round the corner and she saw Hogwarts for the first time. The sight of the castle all lite up gave her hope.
Ariana was the first to climb into the little boat followed by Ella and Severus who still had his arm around her. At last Damien was in and their little group was off across the lake.
"This feels like its taking forever." Damien sighed.
"I know..." Ella got cut off by Ariana yelling "Look it's the giant squid." Everyone looked where she was pointing and saw the giant squid waving at them.
"I read that the giant squid has a history of being friendly to the students, he even saved one first year from drowning." Severus reported.
Hagrid yelled for them to duck their heads as they entered the harbor under the castle.
"Oh my God! This is taking forever. I just wanna get sorted and eat dinner." Complained Damien.
Ariana let out a nervous giggle as Severus said, "Be thankful your a G my brother says its harder when your closer to the end of the alphabet, but at lease he had Potter and Weasley to go after him, what if I'm the last one in line?" "Oh, Severus stop being so dramatic we are only Ms, its not like we're Zs or something." Ariana said to her brother rolling her eyes.
"Oy, you four, move along now." Hagrid shouted over the noise of shuffling feet.
"Come on we don't want to be left behind."said Ella. They walked toward the smooth grass just outside the main entrance. Hagrid knocked on the door and a teacher answered it. Damien starts tapping his toes impatiently. "At least we're finally at the castle. But why do the first years have to be the last ones inside?"
"Tradition, I suspect." Ella said. Her nerves coming back.
They were in the entrance hall and could hear the rest of the school in the great hall. The teacher led them through the center of the hall to stand in a line in front of the staff table facing the students. She placed the stool with the sorting hat on it in front of everyone. A pause of silence rang out before the hat started to sing:
"Welcome to Hogwarts, where we stand together. Try me on and I will tell you, where to find your others.
Perhaps you're a Gryffindor, if you have the heart of a lion, these folks face down their enemies without a fear if dying.
Maybe you're a Ravenclaw, where your knowledge is might. They use calm and logic, to always win the fight.
Or are you a Hufflepuff, where a true heart lies. They are loyal to their friends, and will always fight by their side.
Atlast you might be a Slytherin, where the darker folks tend. They're cunning and sly, and use all means to achieve their ends.
So come sit down, and I'll help you see. In witch house it is, that you ought to be."
Everyone clasped as the hat finished and the professor steped forward. She read their names off a long list.
"Gaunt, Eisabella"
Ella step forward to sit down on the stool.
"Ah," The Sorting Hat wispered in her ear,"Yes, very smart, lots of compassion, even courage. You would make a good Gryffindor."
"No, not Gryffindor," Ella mouned. "I belong in the house of my for-fathers, Slytherin."
"Are you sure you don't really have any of the traits of a Slytherin, I'm sure you would feel much mor at home in Gryffindor."
"No, I love Slytherin." Ella argued.
"Well if you're sure, better be "SLYTHERIN!" The Hat shouted the last word to the whole hall and the Slytherins broke out in applause.
"Thank you." Ella wispered before she ran off to the Slytherin table. She turned and smiled at Severus as she sat down.
"Grey, Damien."
Damien sat on the stool. The hat barely touched his head before it called out, "SLYTHERIN!" Damien sat down across from Ella. After many names the professor finally called
"Malfoy, Ariana"
Ariana stepped forward and sat on the stool. The hat had bailey fell over her eyes when its called out "SLYTHERIN!" Ariana ran over to the table and sat next to Damien.
"Malfoy, Severus"
He walked up to the stool and sat down. The hat seemed to take forever when it finally called out "SLYTHERIN!" Severus ran to the table into Ella's embrace. They sat down together, waiting for the rest of the students to be sorted.
At long last all the students were seated and the Headmistress stood up to give her start of the year speech. The students listened, inpatiently, waiting for the end, and when she said "Time to eat." The students all cheered. Ella, the twins, and Damien raised there pumpkin juice cups and shouted "Slytherifn!"
Chapter 2: Classes
The next morning dawned bright as Ella and Ariana dressed and headed up to the Great Hall for breakfast. Damien and Severus were already there talking about the class schedules being handed out by their head of house, Professer Night. As Ella took hers, she sat down next to Severus. The schedule looked like this:
Flying - Front Lawn w/ Gryfindor Madam Hooch
Potions - Dungeons w/ Gryffindor Professer Night
Charms - Second floor w/ Hufflepuff Professer Flitwick
Herbology - Greenhouse one w/ Ravenclaw Professer Longbottem
Astronomy - Astronomy Tower /All Houses Professer Moon
H.o.M.
History of Magic - First floor w/ Hufflepuff Professer Binns
Transfigur.
Transfiguration - Second floor w/ Ravenclaw Professer Athru
DADA
Defence Against
the Dark Arts - Third floor w/ Gryfindor Professer Obranca
"Oh no, we have all but one class with the Gryfindors." Ella gronded.
"At lest Professer Night teaches Potions, they won't be able to bother us in her class." Severus pointed out.
"Yeah, but Potter will spend all of Defence Against the Dark Arts bragging how her father took down the Dark Lord" Damien huffed.
"Mondays suck, but tomarrow we don't have class with them untill Astronomy and Wednesday we only have Flying with them, Thursday we have Poition agin, but like Severus said, Professer Night won't let them bother us. Friday is the same as tomarrow, but you're not alowed to thalk in Astronomy. At lest that's what Scorpius told me." Ariana rambled on. When she paused to take a breath the others stared to laughting. "What?!" Ariana exclamed.
"It's just, kinda funny, how smart you are." Ella said giggling the whole time. Ariana joined the laughter, knowing her friends were right.
The ate their breakfast then headed down to the dungeons for class. Mosty of the Slytherins were already waiting in a line outside the door. A few minutes later the Gryfindors came down the stairs. The two houses faced off glaring at eachother untill the door opened and Professer Night let them in. Ella went straight to the frount of the class room and took a seat right in frount of the teachers desk. Severus sat beside her, while Ariana and Damien took the seats to their left.
The frount of the cass was mostly Slytherin, while the Gryfindors stayed in the back. Once eveyone was settled Professer Night took attendance, pausing on Ella's name and giving her a smile. She called Severus and Ariana's names together. When she got to Potter's name, she gave a grimmes that made the Slytherins smile. Then she sent them into mixing up a simple potion to cure boiles. Ella and Severus worked perfectly together and were one of the first done. Ariana was having a little difficulty alowing Damien to help, but eventully they finished an acceptable potion. Lily Potter and Hugo Weasley seemed to be having trouble with thier potion. Hugo keep muttering the drections like he didn't understand them and Lily seemed so nerves that she keep droping things. Finally Ella took pitty on them and asked Professer Night if she could go help them. Professor Night glansed at the clock and know they would never finish on their own, so she agreed and Ella approched them.
"Um, the Professor said you could use some help." she said timilly. They both looked up in suprise.
"Um, souldn't you be working on your own potion?" Lily asked looking scared.
"Well... Me and my parnter are already done. You don't have to be afaid. I only want to help."
"Why would a Slytherin want to help us?" Hugo asked.
"Because you look like you could really use the help and I am good at potion. Look, I know you are Gryffindors and the two houses usally don't get along, but all I want to do is help. I mean the Sorting Hat did try to put me in Gryffindor, but in my heart I always knew I beloned in Slytherin. I mean, I am his descendant..." Ella started to trail off looking at her feet.
"Alright, you can help us. My mum always said "Don't pick fights with the Slytherins, try to get along with them." She will like hearing about this."
"Yeah, but if James hears of this he'll never leave us alone." Lily mutter looking down at the table. Hugo snortted "I'd like to see him try, mum would send him a Howler that gives him an half-hour lecter on inter house corporation." Ella smiled "So I can help you! My name is Eisabella Gaunt by the way, but everyone calls me Ella." She stated looking over their potion trying to fine what went wrong, when Lily said "If you're a descendant of Slytherin, then you have to be related to Voldermort." Ella's smile fell and she just staired blankly at the potion. "Yes I'm dinstently related to him," She grimmesed, "He was the son of my grandfather's sister." Ella stated with a note of sadness in her voice, she never liked talking about this if she could help it. Severus saw the tear glisening on Ella's cheek and went to her. he gently wiped it away and asked "Do you wanted me to help as well."
"It's alright Severus," She looked back at Lily and Hugo and told them that they forgot to add the mugwort. As Ella explained how to fix the potion, Severus went back to his seat. When Ella finally finished giving them the drections on fixing the potion she returned to her seat just in time to take down the homework assiment (12in on the uses and properties of Mugwort). When the bell rang she gathered her things and heaed to their next class. Severus followed, but didn't say anything untill they were seated in History of Magic.
"Are you O.K. Ella. What happened in potion?"
"I told them I was a descendant of Slytherin, trying to explain why I'm in Slytherin house, and Lily made the connection..." She knew Severus knew what she was talking about. He reached over and patted her on the back. "Were they mean to you?" Severus asked sadly.
"No, but I HATE having to say I'm related to that monster. I want so bad to tell people no, but I can't lie, he is blood. I just wish he was never born."
"Ella," Severus said carmly, looking her in the eyes. "It is not our blood that defines us, it is our choice." Ell smiled at him and mouthed "Thank you" at him. Then they settled into they seats to listen to Professor Binn's lector.
An hour later they headed to lunch not sure of what the Professor had been talking about. When they took their seats Ariana asked, "So, what was up in Potions? I saw Ella go back to the Gryffindors and then you, Severus?" Ariana looked at her twin brother like he did something wrong.
"Professer Night asked Ella to help them with their potion, I was wondering if she needed my help." Severus explained leaveing out the crying.
"Oh, well I gess they did need it. Who were they anyways?" "Lily Potter and Hugo Weasley." Ella said trying to be noncholant, but failing.
"Where they mean to you, because if they were, I will go over there and teach them to respect their superiors." Ella giggled at the way Damien held himself. "Hold on there superior, they weren't mean to me. Even if they were you are NOT going over there to teach them anything. Jame would have you in detention for the rest of the year, which is baisicly all of it. That is if they don't curse you."
"I'm not scared of Potter or Weasley." Damien said prodly.
"True, but it's not just Potter and Weasley you would be dealing with, it's their older siblings as well." Ariana pointed out.
"They don't scare me." Damien said.
"Dude, they are way bigger then us, and know way mor magic then us." Severus put in.
"Anyways, there are too many teaches in here, you could get expelled for starting a fight." Ariana added before Damien could speak agian.
"This is a pointless conversation!" Ella said, "I don't want any of us to fight with anyone. We need to learn to handly things differtly, and stop assuming the Gryffindors hate us. We all go to the same classes, there is NO reason we all can't be friends."
"Here, here." Agreed the twins.
"Fine," Damien said, "But if they start something I will fight."
Chapter 3: Ella's Battles
After lunch they headed off to Defence Aginst the Dark Arts. They joined the growing crowed outside the door. The Gryffindor wispered, wondering what Professor Obrance would be teaching them today. The Slytherins just huddled quitly in the back. Finally Professor Obrance opened the door and a hush fell over the students.
"Come in and sit in gruops of four please." She instructed. Ella, Damien and the twins took seats in the back of the class room as the other students filed in. When eveyone was settled, Professor Obance took attendance. After she was done she went to the black bord and wrote one word on it.
Voldemort
The class gasped in suprise, and Ella's heart sank. Surly she wasn't teaching first years about him. They were to young for such a topic. She had study her family tree. Read everything she she could about him. Surly that couldn't be tot here, to them.
Whispers filled the room, and Ella exchanged a scare look with Severus. Professor Obrance turned around and brought them back to order.
"Voldermort." They gasped agian. "Who can tell me his birth name?"
A few students timely raised their hands. Professor Obrance didn't seem to see them as she looked staight at Ella.
"Miss Gaunt, surly you know this fact. You are related after all."
The class broke out in loud whispers and turned to stare at Ella. She cleared her throught and answered with a cofedence that said she wouldn't be intimanated, "As many know, it's Tom Marvolo Riddle. He used the letters to spell out his new name I Am Lord Voldmort." The whispers increased, but Professor Obrance didn't seem to notess. Insted she was approching Ella's table.
"Miss Gaunt, tell us the names of Voldermort's mother's name."
"Merope Gaunt, sister to my great-great-grandfather. Desendents of Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Miss Gaunt, can you tell us..."
"Why don't you teach the class yourself rather then pick on me. Yes I know a lot about Voldermort and his life, and yes I am distantly related to him. But I have studdied everyone on my family tree, Why don't you ask me about them, Professor. Not all of us are like that, he is only one extream. For your infomations I also have many reletives who have fought for the right of others. From Muggle-borns to Goblins, I even had a great-cousin that tryed to free the House-elfs in the 15th centry. Why not ask about him." By the end of her speech Ella was breathing heavy and silence rang out in it's wake.
"Miss Gaunt, please come to my desk." Ella did watching as Professor Obrance wrote and sealed a note before handing it to her. "Please take this to Headmistess's office" she said with a sick smile.
Ella took the note and stormed out. She was to the stairs when she realized she didn't know where the Headmistress's office was. Ella didn't want to go back to Obranca so she decided to fine Professor Night and ask her. She was just descending the second staircase when a voice call out to her. "Ella"
It was Professor Night. She was just leaving the teacher's lounge. "Ella why are you not in class?"
"Professor Obranca sent me to the Headmistress's office, only I don't know where it is. I was just on my way to find you."
"Why did Obranca send you out of class?"
"She needed me to deliver this note to Professor McGongall." Professor Night took the note and inspected the seal. "Fine. Follow me." She led Ella upstairs and along many hall. She stopped in frount of a stone gargoyle.
"Password." Wheezed the gargoyle.
"Biscuits." The gargoyle jumped aside to reveal a spiral staircase that was moving slowly upward. Ella c stepped onto the stairs with Professor Night right behind her. The stairs continued upward in tight circles. She was starting to get dizzy when the reached the landing. Professor Night knocked.
"Come in."
Ella swung the door open and revealed a round office with a wide orient desk. As she entered she saw the walls were covered in portraits of past Headmasters and Headmistresses. The biggest portrait sat directly behind the desk. Smiling down at them was Albus Dumbledore, and to his right was a smaller portrait she recognized.
"Professor Snape!" Ella exclaimed. Snape startled in supprise as Dumbledore laughed.
"Ella!" Professor Night scolded.
"Sorry." Ella said blushing. She handed the note to Professor McGongall. McGongall opened it and read. A few moment later she put the note downand addressed Ella.
"Professor Obrance sent you here for disrupting her class. She doesn't say how, but does say she wants you expelled for it. However I would like to hear what happened before deciding on a punishment." Professor McGongall finished.
"She was asking me questions about Voldemort and pointed out that I knew the answers because I'm " related" to him. She assumed, because I'm in Slytherin house, that I'm proud of it. I told her that not all my family members were bad people and it was her job to teach the class not mine. She got mad and sent me here with the note." Ella hoped McGongall understood that she was just frustrated not disrespectful.
"Well, that doesn't sound like something you should be expelled over. However I will have to have a talk with Professor Obrance. Professor Night, why don't you go tend to your classes while I wait for Ople in the teachers lounge. I'll send Ella to you with a note. Ella, why don't you study while you're waiting for my return." McGongall instructed before she and Professor Night left.
Alone, Ella took out her book and started read about mugwort. Before long Ella found her eyes wandering from her book to the portraits behined the desk. Her eyes came to rest on Professor Snape, whom was looking down at her in confusion. They stared at each other for a while before Ella finally spoke.
"Professor Snape," Ella started timidly.
"Yes." Answered Snape.
"Sir, I'm Ella Gaunt. I honestly can't believe I'm talking to you. You are my idol." Ella looked down blushing.
"Why would you idolize me." Snape asked.
"Because of your relationship with Lily. It proves that Slytherins and Gryffindors can be friends." Snape looked confused so Ella decided to explain. "It's all in your biography. That's why I choose to be in Slytherin house, to try to convince others not to hate the Gryffindors. I hope to find some Gryffindors to do the same in their house. " Ella finished cheerfully.
"But how..." Snape started, but Ella cut him off.
"Harry Potter wrote it, with help from Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The introduction states Harry has been inside your memories." Ella explained.
"He wrote..." Said Snape, tears glistening in his eyes. "I thought..." He looked left to Dumbledore.
"I told you he would come to understand." Dumbledore said nodding. "Just like his mother." Snape smiled clearly lost in thought, as Ella went back to studding.
Ella had just finished the conclusion of her mugwort essay when the door opened. McGongall entered with Obrance. She took her seat behind the desk. She motioned for Obrance to take the seat next to Ella. She did so reluctantly.
"Well, I've had an interesting talk with Professor Obrance. I've decided that you both were out of line." McGongall put a hand up to stop Obrance from speaking. "Ople, just because you are a professor, you don't have the right to single out a student. As punishment for you behavior you must both apologize to each other. I expect this not to happen again." McGongall concluded sternly. Ella turned to Obrance, "I'm sorry I spoke out in class. I won't do it again."
"I said both of you Ople." McGongall said sternly. Obrance didn't make eye contact, but focused on a spot above Ella's head. "Sorry." She snapped.
McGongall opened her mouth to scold Obrance, but Ella cut across her. "That's alright Professor. Thank you for trying." Ella smiled kindly at her
, then began to collect her things. McGongall nodded, writing a note to Professor Night. She handed it to Ella before dismissing her.
Ella tucked the note into her bag as she descended the spiral staircase. She was almost to the main staircases, when she stopped in her tracks. James Potter was strutting up the stairs, prefect badge gleaming. When he spotted Ella his eyes light up and a sick smile crossed his face.
"Well, lookie here, a first year wondering the castle by herself." James spotted the Slytherin badge on her robes and grimmest. "You better watch you step, Slytherin." He snared threatenly.
"I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm just on my way to see Professor Night. I don't want to fight. Can you please move so I can continue on my way." Ella asked politely.
"I don't feel like moving, and you are not going anywhere untill you tell me what I want to know." Said James grabbing Ella as she tried to pass. What's your name and where did you come from?" Demanded James.
"My name is Ella Gaunt and I was just at the headmistress's office. Now if you would excuse me I need to give this note to Professor Night." Ella informed him.
"Let me see that." Demanded James grabbing for the note.
"It's just a note telling Professor Night that the conflict between Obrance and me has been resolved. Obrance wanted me expelled for being a Slytherin. The headmistress is still giving her a lector about how to treat students. Would you like to join her?"
"Is that a threat?" James asked going red with anger.
"No, it's a promise. If you start a problem with me, I will report you." Then Ella sighed, "Why can't we all just get along." James snorted.
"A Slytherin wanting to get along." He laughed.
Ella used his destruction to slip by to the stairs where she saw Damiem and the twins climbing the stairs looking for her. As they ran up to meet her as the Potters and the Weasleys emerged from the corridor behind her. Ella turned and waved to Lily and Hugo. She noticed Lily had ink stains on her hands, and Hugo was muttering to himself in frustration.
"Having trouble with your potions essay?" Ella asked Lily, a kind smile on her face.
"Yes," sighed Lily, looking relieved. "It's hopeless, I've read the chapter a dozen times and I still don't understand."
"It's OK. I can help you if you like."
"That would be great." Lily exclaimed, anoring the looks on her brothers faces.
"I'll meet you in the library tomorrow after class."
"That sounds great. We'll be there." Lily agreed.
When they reached the entrance hall the two groups split and the Slytherins followed Ella down to the dungeons.
"So what happened in the Headmistress's office." Arianna asked.
"Professor McGongall read Obrance note, then asked me what happened." Ella shrugged.
"What did you tell her?" Damien asked, excited.
"The truth, that Obrance was singling me out and I defended myself." Ella said with a smile.
"So what did McGongall do?" Severus asked.
"She left to talk to Obrance while I worked on my essay."
"So what is your punishment?" Damien asked.
"Nothing really, McGongall said we were both at fault and made us apologize to each other." Ella laughed.
"Wait, Obrance actually apologized to you?" Arianna asked choking back laughter.
"Not really, she did say sorry, to the wall." Ella told them, letting her laughter die off. The others hung back as Ella approached Professor Night's office. Ella knocked and when Night saw her, she smiled. Ella handed her the note, and Night read it quickly. She gave Ella a quick hug.
"Go on to dinner, you've done well." Night praised, patting Ella on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Professor." Ella said nodding, then turn to rejoin her friends. They headed to the Great Hall and took their seats at the rapidly filling Slytherin table.
Damien glanced over at the Gryffindor table and cot Lily and Hugo glancing over at them.
"Why did Potter want you to help with her essay? Couldn't the Weasley girl help her. I think it's a setup to get you in trouble." Damien suspected.
"What trouble can they cause in the library? Rose is probably busy with her own studies. Hugo said his mother wants us to try to get along. Maybe they can help turn the Gryffindors!" Ella exclaimed.
"What do you mean, turn the Gryffindors." Damien asked.
"Ella thinks that if she can make friends with a couple of Gryffindors then our houses will magically get along." Arianna informed him.
"That's not exactly what I said." Ella corrected. "I said that if I could make friends with a couple Gryffindors then we could work together to promote peace." Damien rolled his eyed, so Ella went on. "If we can become friends then it will prove to the whole school that we are not that different. Maybe then we can get along in peace."
"But we are different that's why we are in different houses." Damien stated.
"True, but we all study the same magic, we just use it differently, that's what makes us individuals." Ellawe explained.
"I agree with Ella, we should prove we can get along." Severus stated.
"Maybe you and Lily can become the next Snily." Arianna teased. Ella laughed at the thought of Severus with Lily. Ella knew that she was the one to hold Severus's heart, just as he held hers. Damien grimised and went back to eating while the others laughed.
After they finished eating they gathered their things and headed to Astronomy. As they climed they ran into the Gryffindors. Ella greeted Lily and ^notesed that she had ink stains on her hands. Hugo was muttering to himself, ink smears on his nose.
"Having trouble with your potions essays?" Ella guessed. "Yes," Lily exclaimed, "Thank Merlin..." James interrupted, "What's it to you little firsty?"
"I wasn't talking to you, I was asking my classmate if she needed help with her homework." Ella stated baily looking at James, and trying to keep her friendly smile in place. James opened his mouth to speak, but his sister intervene. "How about we meet up tomorrow, in the library, James has class during our study." Lily suggested. "That sounds great. Will Hugo be joining us?" Ella asked for show. Hugo looked up and nodded. "Will they be there." Demand James pointing to the twins and Damien. "Of course, they are a part of our study group too." Ella stated. Damien grounded his teeth at being included in this, but held his toung. He want them to appear strong and united.
"What is the hold up." Professer Athru demanded from behind the Gryffindors. James turned with a smile, "Just keeping the peace between the firsti... first years, Professor." James said sweetly.
"More like desterving the peace, you know I believe your mother wouldn't like to hear you are lying to teachers. Now if you are done questioning use, we need to get to class." Ella stated swiping off up the stairs. They just made it.
Chapter 4: New Friends
After a long Astronomy lesson Ella and her friends stumbled down to their common room. Severus stayed up with Ella to explain what happen in Defense Against the Dark Arts and the long essay Professor Obrance set for them. When he finished Ella gave a great yown and bid Severus good night. Ella's eyes felt heavy as she got dresses for bed, she was asleep before her head hit her pillow.
The next morning Ella was shaken awake by Arianna.
"Ella, Ella, get up, the boys are already at breakfast. We're going to be late."
"Alright I'm getting up." Ella fell out of bed and quickly dressed. She and Arianna left to join the boys. In the entrance of the great hall they ran into James.
"Well, if it's not the little Slytherin firsties..." James started, but Ella cut him off.
"Out of our way, James, we just want to eat and get to class."
"Well, well, well. The firsties are running late." James sneared.
"So we are." Ella stated. "Perhaps you should try using manners and step aside for us ladys before we become later." Ella could see Damion getting up and Severus trying to hold him back. She also spotted several older Gryffindors coming to join James. He peeked over his sholder and grinned at his friends, then frowned as he spotted his siblings getting up to join them. Ella spotted them too and smiled.
"Are you going to move or are you really foolish enough to cause a scene in front of the professors?" Ella asked sarcastically. She ducked around James and grabbed Damion by the arm, "Sorry we're late, I had trouble getting out of bed." Ella said louder then needed.
"More like trouble getting in the great hall." Damion snared, he tryed to turn, but Ella helded fast. She returned Lily's friendly wave before joining Severus at their table. Severus handed Ella a goblet of orange juice and a plate of toast with strawberry marmalade.
"Hey, what about me." Arianna exclaimed in fake afence that her brother would tend another before her.
"You can pour your own cornflakes." Severus shrugged handing her the box. Arianna took it while sticking her toung out at him. Damion chuckled at their light teasing forgetting for a moment the fured with the Gryffindors. As soon as the girls finished their breakfast they headed off to charms.
The Princess of Slytherin
Eisabella Night
Chapter 1: Journey to Hogwarts
Ella stood in the middle of the Hogwarts Express. It was her first year at Hogwarts and she was looking for her two best friends. They would be with their older brother in the Slytherin cart. As she walked toward the end of the trian she was tapped on the shoulder.
"Um, hi." The boy said, "Do you know where the Slytherin cart is? I'm a first year and I don't know my way around the train."
"Hello," She replied, "I believe it is this way. It's my first year as well. I'm Ella, by the way, Ella Gaunt."
"I'm Damien, Damien Grey."
They continued down to the end of the train, where they found the Slytherins. They sat down across from eachother in aan empty booth.
"I'm almost certain that I will be in Slytherin. How about you?"
"I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be in Slytherin. Hey, do you know if any of the Malfoys are attending Hogwarts with us?"
"Um, I know the two youngest are in our year. They should be around here somewhere." Ella said looking around for her two best friends. "Ah, there they are, sitting with their older brother, Scorpius." She nodded to a group seated in the corner across from them.
"Wanna go sit with them? Maybe we can form our own Slytherin posse."
"I played junior Quidditch with the twins. I'm sure they would feel more comfortable over here. I'll go get them." Ella walked over to Arianna and wispered in her ear. Arianna smiled up at Ella nodding and tapped her bother on the shoulder. The three of them walked over to Damien and Ella introduced them.
"Damien, this is Arianna and Severus Malfoy. This is Damien Grey."
"Happy to make your aquaintence." Damien responded, shaking hands with the twins.
"It's nice to meet you, too." the twins said together.
"So Damien, do you play Quidditch?" Severus asked sitting down next to him as the girls sat across from them.
"Well, I really want to. I'm going to try out for eather the keeper or the seeker position. Ella said you played?"
"Yes, I'm a beater and my sister is a chaser. Ella played seeker on our junior team." Severus informed Damien.
"That's pretty cool. So why aren't first year's allowed to have their own brooms. I heard that Potter guy got his own broom when he was a first year. How unfair is that?!"
"Well, not many first years know how to fly do they." Said Ariana. "I heard that if you do well at your first flying lesson they allow your parents to send you a broom"
"Not trying to brag or anything, but I got flying down on my first family practice. My mom said she'd never seen or heard of anyone getting it so quickly other than me and Potter." Damien snorts at the name.
"Really, like every mom says that. You should see Ella fly." Ariana said, "And slytherins brag, it's kind of your thing."
"Ariana you're embarrassing me. I'm not that good I'll probably not even make the team this year." Ella muttered.
"Ya right, the captain would have to be blind not to let on. I mean you've been training since you were like 5, and your coach was the Viktor Krum." Severus said.
Damien found it kinda hard not to chuckle at their bickering. "C'mon Ella, I bet you're pretty good. Maybe sometime we can have a race."
"Perhaps, I don't really like to race. It dose not display much skill, but speed, there is so much more to flying then that. I do hope we get there soon, I'm staving." Ella said looking out the window.
"Maybe we should change into our robes." Ariana said looking around at the others already in there robes.
"I agree. Its getting dark. We have to be pretty close to the school." Damien pulls a robe from his trunk and throws' over himself. The others did the same and just as Ella placed her wand into her pocket a whistle sounded and the train started to slow.
"Finally we're here!" Ariana exclaimed. Severus rolled his eyes, but Ella just starred out the window, nervous at what the sorting hat would say. As they exit the train Ella's thoughts turned to the Potters. What if they didn't like her because she was related to Voldemort. She was a Pasletoung. Slytherin was where she belonged, but she didn't believe in the inner school hatred.
"You're awfully quiet, are you ok?" Severus asked concerned about Ella.
"I'm fine, I'm just hoping the Potters don't recognize my name."
Damien looks to Ella. "If they do, just don't interact with them. Easy as that. I don't like anything about the Potters. They're probably gonna brag about how their dad took down Voldemort."
"Yes, but you are not related to Voldemort. His mother was my great-great aunt. I don't want enemies, I want friends." Ella explained with a sad look.
"It's all right. We'll defend you." Ariana said. Severus rapped a comforting arm around her.
"I'm sure we can all get along, in the name of Professor Snape." Damien pats her shoulder.
"If anyone gives you a hard time, tell us. We'll take care of things." Ella gave them a sad smile as the joined the other first years head toward the boats. "Maybe they won't even notice after all not many people know that his mother's last name was Gaunt." Severus said with an encouraging smile. Ella just nodded as they round the corner and she saw Hogwarts for the first time. The sight of the castle all lite up gave her hope.
Ariana was the first to climb into the little boat followed by Ella and Severus who still had his arm around her. At last Damien was in and their little group was off across the lake.
"This feels like its taking forever." Damien sighed.
"I know..." Ella got cut off by Ariana yelling "Look it's the giant squid." Everyone looked where she was pointing and saw the giant squid waving at them.
"I read that the giant squid has a history of being friendly to the students, he even saved one first year from drowning." Severus reported.
Hagrid yelled for them to duck their heads as they entered the harbor under the castle.
"Oh my God! This is taking forever. I just wanna get sorted and eat dinner." Complained Damien.
Ariana let out a nervous giggle as Severus said, "Be thankful your a G my brother says its harder when your closer to the end of the alphabet, but at lease he had Potter and Weasley to go after him, what if I'm the last one in line?" "Oh, Severus stop being so dramatic we are only Ms, its not like we're Zs or something." Ariana said to her brother rolling her eyes.
"Oy, you four, move along now." Hagrid shouted over the noise of shuffling feet.
"Come on we don't want to be left behind."said Ella. They walked toward the smooth grass just outside the main entrance. Hagrid knocked on the door and a teacher answered it. Damien starts tapping his toes impatiently. "At least we're finally at the castle. But why do the first years have to be the last ones inside?"
"Tradition, I suspect." Ella said. Her nerves coming back.
They were in the entrance hall and could hear the rest of the school in the great hall. The teacher led them through the center of the hall to stand in a line in front of the staff table facing the students. She placed the stool with the sorting hat on it in front of everyone. A pause of silence rang out before the hat started to sing:
"Welcome to Hogwarts, where we stand together. Try me on and I will tell you, where to find your others.
Perhaps you're a Gryffindor, if you have the heart of a lion, these folks face down their enemies without a fear if dying.
Maybe you're a Ravenclaw, where your knowledge is might. They use calm and logic, to always win the fight.
Or are you a Hufflepuff, where a true heart lies. They are loyal to their friends, and will always fight by their side.
Atlast you might be a Slytherin, where the darker folks tend. They're cunning and sly, and use all means to achieve their ends.
So come sit down, and I'll help you see. In witch house it is, that you ought to be."
Everyone clasped as the hat finished and the professor steped forward. She read their names off a long list.
"Gaunt, Eisabella"
Ella step forward to sit down on the stool.
"Ah," The Sorting Hat wispered in her ear,"Yes, very smart, lots of compassion, even courage. You would make a good Gryffindor."
"No, not Gryffindor," Ella mouned. "I belong in the house of my for-fathers, Slytherin."
"Are you sure you don't really have any of the traits of a Slytherin, I'm sure you would feel much mor at home in Gryffindor."
"No, I love Slytherin." Ella argued.
"Well if you're sure, better be "SLYTHERIN!" The Hat shouted the last word to the whole hall and the Slytherins broke out in applause.
"Thank you." Ella wispered before she ran off to the Slytherin table. She turned and smiled at Severus as she sat down.
"Grey, Damien."
Damien sat on the stool. The hat barely touched his head before it called out, "SLYTHERIN!" Damien sat down across from Ella. After many names the professor finally called
"Malfoy, Ariana"
Ariana stepped forward and sat on the stool. The hat had bailey fell over her eyes when its called out "SLYTHERIN!" Ariana ran over to the table and sat next to Damien.
"Malfoy, Severus"
He walked up to the stool and sat down. The hat seemed to take forever when it finally called out "SLYTHERIN!" Severus ran to the table into Ella's embrace. They sat down together, waiting for the rest of the students to be sorted.
At long last all the students were seated and the Headmistress stood up to give her start of the year speech. The students listened, inpatiently, waiting for the end, and when she said "Time to eat." The students all cheered. Ella, the twins, and Damien raised there pumpkin juice cups and shouted "Slytherifn!"
Chapter 2: Classes
The next morning dawned bright as Ella and Ariana dressed and headed up to the Great Hall for breakfast. Damien and Severus were already there talking about the class schedules being handed out by their head of house, Professer Night. As Ella took hers, she sat down next to Severus. The schedule looked like this:
Flying - Front Lawn w/ Gryfindor Madam Hooch
Potions - Dungeons w/ Gryffindor Professer Night
Charms - Second floor w/ Hufflepuff Professer Flitwick
Herbology - Greenhouse one w/ Ravenclaw Professer Longbottem
Astronomy - Astronomy Tower /All Houses Professer Moon
H.o.M.
History of Magic - First floor w/ Hufflepuff Professer Binns
Transfigur.
Transfiguration - Second floor w/ Ravenclaw Professer Athru
DADA
Defence Against
the Dark Arts - Third floor w/ Gryfindor Professer Obranca
"Oh no, we have all but one class with the Gryfindors." Ella gronded.
"At lest Professer Night teaches Potions, they won't be able to bother us in her class." Severus pointed out.
"Yeah, but Potter will spend all of Defence Against the Dark Arts bragging how her father took down the Dark Lord" Damien huffed.
"Mondays suck, but tomarrow we don't have class with them untill Astronomy and Wednesday we only have Flying with them, Thursday we have Poition agin, but like Severus said, Professer Night won't let them bother us. Friday is the same as tomarrow, but you're not alowed to thalk in Astronomy. At lest that's what Scorpius told me." Ariana rambled on. When she paused to take a breath the others stared to laughting. "What?!" Ariana exclamed.
"It's just, kinda funny, how smart you are." Ella said giggling the whole time. Ariana joined the laughter, knowing her friends were right.
The ate their breakfast then headed down to the dungeons for class. Mosty of the Slytherins were already waiting in a line outside the door. A few minutes later the Gryfindors came down the stairs. The two houses faced off glaring at eachother untill the door opened and Professer Night let them in. Ella went straight to the frount of the class room and took a seat right in frount of the teachers desk. Severus sat beside her, while Ariana and Damien took the seats to their left.
The frount of the cass was mostly Slytherin, while the Gryfindors stayed in the back. Once eveyone was settled Professer Night took attendance, pausing on Ella's name and giving her a smile. She called Severus and Ariana's names together. When she got to Potter's name, she gave a grimmes that made the Slytherins smile. Then she sent them into mixing up a simple potion to cure boiles. Ella and Severus worked perfectly together and were one of the first done. Ariana was having a little difficulty alowing Damien to help, but eventully they finished an acceptable potion. Lily Potter and Hugo Weasley seemed to be having trouble with thier potion. Hugo keep muttering the drections like he didn't understand them and Lily seemed so nerves that she keep droping things. Finally Ella took pitty on them and asked Professer Night if she could go help them. Professor Night glansed at the clock and know they would never finish on their own, so she agreed and Ella approched them.
"Um, the Professor said you could use some help." she said timilly. They both looked up in suprise.
"Um, souldn't you be working on your own potion?" Lily asked looking scared.
"Well... Me and my parnter are already done. You don't have to be afaid. I only want to help."
"Why would a Slytherin want to help us?" Hugo asked.
"Because you look like you could really use the help and I am good at potion. Look, I know you are Gryffindors and the two houses usally don't get along, but all I want to do is help. I mean the Sorting Hat did try to put me in Gryffindor, but in my heart I always knew I beloned in Slytherin. I mean, I am his descendant..." Ella started to trail off looking at her feet.
"Alright, you can help us. My mum always said "Don't pick fights with the Slytherins, try to get along with them." She will like hearing about this."
"Yeah, but if James hears of this he'll never leave us alone." Lily mutter looking down at the table. Hugo snortted "I'd like to see him try, mum would send him a Howler that gives him an half-hour lecter on inter house corporation." Ella smiled "So I can help you! My name is Eisabella Gaunt by the way, but everyone calls me Ella." She stated looking over their potion trying to fine what went wrong, when Lily said "If you're a descendant of Slytherin, then you have to be related to Voldermort." Ella's smile fell and she just staired blankly at the potion. "Yes I'm dinstently related to him," She grimmesed, "He was the son of my grandfather's sister." Ella stated with a note of sadness in her voice, she never liked talking about this if she could help it. Severus saw the tear glisening on Ella's cheek and went to her. he gently wiped it away and asked "Do you wanted me to help as well."
"It's alright Severus," She looked back at Lily and Hugo and told them that they forgot to add the mugwort. As Ella explained how to fix the potion, Severus went back to his seat. When Ella finally finished giving them the drections on fixing the potion she returned to her seat just in time to take down the homework assiment (12in on the uses and properties of Mugwort). When the bell rang she gathered her things and heaed to their next class. Severus followed, but didn't say anything untill they were seated in History of Magic.
"Are you O.K. Ella. What happened in potion?"
"I told them I was a descendant of Slytherin, trying to explain why I'm in Slytherin house, and Lily made the connection..." She knew Severus knew what she was talking about. He reached over and patted her on the back. "Were they mean to you?" Severus asked sadly.
"No, but I HATE having to say I'm related to that monster. I want so bad to tell people no, but I can't lie, he is blood. I just wish he was never born."
"Ella," Severus said carmly, looking her in the eyes. "It is not our blood that defines us, it is our choice." Ell smiled at him and mouthed "Thank you" at him. Then they settled into they seats to listen to Professor Binn's lector.
An hour later they headed to lunch not sure of what the Professor had been talking about. When they took their seats Ariana asked, "So, what was up in Potions? I saw Ella go back to the Gryffindors and then you, Severus?" Ariana looked at her twin brother like he did something wrong.
"Professer Night asked Ella to help them with their potion, I was wondering if she needed my help." Severus explained leaveing out the crying.
"Oh, well I gess they did need it. Who were they anyways?" "Lily Potter and Hugo Weasley." Ella said trying to be noncholant, but failing.
"Where they mean to you, because if they were, I will go over there and teach them to respect their superiors." Ella giggled at the way Damien held himself. "Hold on there superior, they weren't mean to me. Even if they were you are NOT going over there to teach them anything. Jame would have you in detention for the rest of the year, which is baisicly all of it. That is if they don't curse you."
"I'm not scared of Potter or Weasley." Damien said prodly.
"True, but it's not just Potter and Weasley you would be dealing with, it's their older siblings as well." Ariana pointed out.
"They don't scare me." Damien said.
"Dude, they are way bigger then us, and know way mor magic then us." Severus put in.
"Anyways, there are too many teaches in here, you could get expelled for starting a fight." Ariana added before Damien could speak agian.
"This is a pointless conversation!" Ella said, "I don't want any of us to fight with anyone. We need to learn to handly things differtly, and stop assuming the Gryffindors hate us. We all go to the same classes, there is NO reason we all can't be friends."
"Here, here." Agreed the twins.
"Fine," Damien said, "But if they start something I will fight."
Chapter 3: Ella's Battles
After lunch they headed off to Defence Aginst the Dark Arts. They joined the growing crowed outside the door. The Gryffindor wispered, wondering what Professor Obrance would be teaching them today. The Slytherins just huddled quitly in the back. Finally Professor Obrance opened the door and a hush fell over the students.
"Come in and sit in gruops of four please." She instructed. Ella, Damien and the twins took seats in the back of the class room as the other students filed in. When eveyone was settled, Professor Obance took attendance. After she was done she went to the black bord and wrote one word on it.
Voldemort
The class gasped in suprise, and Ella's heart sank. Surly she wasn't teaching first years about him. They were to young for such a topic. She had study her family tree. Read everything she she could about him. Surly that couldn't be tot here, to them.
Whispers filled the room, and Ella exchanged a scare look with Severus. Professor Obrance turned around and brought them back to order.
"Voldermort." They gasped agian. "Who can tell me his birth name?"
A few students timely raised their hands. Professor Obrance didn't seem to see them as she looked staight at Ella.
"Miss Gaunt, surly you know this fact. You are related after all."
The class broke out in loud whispers and turned to stare at Ella. She cleared her throught and answered with a cofedence that said she wouldn't be intimanated, "As many know, it's Tom Marvolo Riddle. He used the letters to spell out his new name I Am Lord Voldmort." The whispers increased, but Professor Obrance didn't seem to notess. Insted she was approching Ella's table.
"Miss Gaunt, tell us the names of Voldermort's mother's name."
"Merope Gaunt, sister to my great-great-grandfather. Desendents of Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Miss Gaunt, can you tell us..."
"Why don't you teach the class yourself rather then pick on me. Yes I know a lot about Voldermort and his life, and yes I am distantly related to him. But I have studdied everyone on my family tree, Why don't you ask me about them, Professor. Not all of us are like that, he is only one extream. For your infomations I also have many reletives who have fought for the right of others. From Muggle-borns to Goblins, I even had a great-cousin that tryed to free the House-elfs in the 15th centry. Why not ask about him." By the end of her speech Ella was breathing heavy and silence rang out in it's wake.
"Miss Gaunt, please come to my desk." Ella did watching as Professor Obrance wrote and sealed a note before handing it to her. "Please take this to Headmistess's office" she said with a sick smile.
Ella took the note and stormed out. She was to the stairs when she realized she didn't know where the Headmistress's office was. Ella didn't want to go back to Obranca so she decided to fine Professor Night and ask her. She was just descending the second staircase when a voice call out to her. "Ella"
It was Professor Night. She was just leaving the teacher's lounge. "Ella why are you not in class?"
"Professor Obranca sent me to the Headmistress's office, only I don't know where it is. I was just on my way to find you."
"Why did Obranca send you out of class?"
"She needed me to deliver this note to Professor McGongall." Professor Night took the note and inspected the seal. "Fine. Follow me." She led Ella upstairs and along many hall. She stopped in frount of a stone gargoyle.
"Password." Wheezed the gargoyle.
"Biscuits." The gargoyle jumped aside to reveal a spiral staircase that was moving slowly upward. Ella c stepped onto the stairs with Professor Night right behind her. The stairs continued upward in tight circles. She was starting to get dizzy when the reached the landing. Professor Night knocked.
"Come in."
Ella swung the door open and revealed a round office with a wide orient desk. As she entered she saw the walls were covered in portraits of past Headmasters and Headmistresses. The biggest portrait sat directly behind the desk. Smiling down at them was Albus Dumbledore, and to his right was a smaller portrait she recognized.
"Professor Snape!" Ella exclaimed. Snape startled in supprise as Dumbledore laughed.
"Ella!" Professor Night scolded.
"Sorry." Ella said blushing. She handed the note to Professor McGongall. McGongall opened it and read. A few moment later she put the note downand addressed Ella.
"Professor Obrance sent you here for disrupting her class. She doesn't say how, but does say she wants you expelled for it. However I would like to hear what happened before deciding on a punishment." Professor McGongall finished.
"She was asking me questions about Voldemort and pointed out that I knew the answers because I'm " related" to him. She assumed, because I'm in Slytherin house, that I'm proud of it. I told her that not all my family members were bad people and it was her job to teach the class not mine. She got mad and sent me here with the note." Ella hoped McGongall understood that she was just frustrated not disrespectful.
"Well, that doesn't sound like something you should be expelled over. However I will have to have a talk with Professor Obrance. Professor Night, why don't you go tend to your classes while I wait for Ople in the teachers lounge. I'll send Ella to you with a note. Ella, why don't you study while you're waiting for my return." McGongall instructed before she and Professor Night left.
Alone, Ella took out her book and started read about mugwort. Before long Ella found her eyes wandering from her book to the portraits behined the desk. Her eyes came to rest on Professor Snape, whom was looking down at her in confusion. They stared at each other for a while before Ella finally spoke.
"Professor Snape," Ella started timidly.
"Yes." Answered Snape.
"Sir, I'm Ella Gaunt. I honestly can't believe I'm talking to you. You are my idol." Ella looked down blushing.
"Why would you idolize me." Snape asked.
"Because of your relationship with Lily. It proves that Slytherins and Gryffindors can be friends." Snape looked confused so Ella decided to explain. "It's all in your biography. That's why I choose to be in Slytherin house, to try to convince others not to hate the Gryffindors. I hope to find some Gryffindors to do the same in their house. " Ella finished cheerfully.
"But how..." Snape started, but Ella cut him off.
"Harry Potter wrote it, with help from Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The introduction states Harry has been inside your memories." Ella explained.
"He wrote..." Said Snape, tears glistening in his eyes. "I thought..." He looked left to Dumbledore.
"I told you he would come to understand." Dumbledore said nodding. "Just like his mother." Snape smiled clearly lost in thought, as Ella went back to studding.
Ella had just finished the conclusion of her mugwort essay when the door opened. McGongall entered with Obrance. She took her seat behind the desk. She motioned for Obrance to take the seat next to Ella. She did so reluctantly.
"Well, I've had an interesting talk with Professor Obrance. I've decided that you both were out of line." McGongall put a hand up to stop Obrance from speaking. "Ople, just because you are a professor, you don't have the right to single out a student. As punishment for you behavior you must both apologize to each other. I expect this not to happen again." McGongall concluded sternly. Ella turned to Obrance, "I'm sorry I spoke out in class. I won't do it again."
"I said both of you Ople." McGongall said sternly. Obrance didn't make eye contact, but focused on a spot above Ella's head. "Sorry." She snapped.
McGongall opened her mouth to scold Obrance, but Ella cut across her. "That's alright Professor. Thank you for trying." Ella smiled kindly at her
, then began to collect her things. McGongall nodded, writing a note to Professor Night. She handed it to Ella before dismissing her.
Ella tucked the note into her bag as she descended the spiral staircase. She was almost to the main staircases, when she stopped in her tracks. James Potter was strutting up the stairs, prefect badge gleaming. When he spotted Ella his eyes light up and a sick smile crossed his face.
"Well, lookie here, a first year wondering the castle by herself." James spotted the Slytherin badge on her robes and grimmest. "You better watch you step, Slytherin." He snared threatenly.
"I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm just on my way to see Professor Night. I don't want to fight. Can you please move so I can continue on my way." Ella asked politely.
"I don't feel like moving, and you are not going anywhere untill you tell me what I want to know." Said James grabbing Ella as she tried to pass. What's your name and where did you come from?" Demanded James.
"My name is Ella Gaunt and I was just at the headmistress's office. Now if you would excuse me I need to give this note to Professor Night." Ella informed him.
"Let me see that." Demanded James grabbing for the note.
"It's just a note telling Professor Night that the conflict between Obrance and me has been resolved. Obrance wanted me expelled for being a Slytherin. The headmistress is still giving her a lector about how to treat students. Would you like to join her?"
"Is that a threat?" James asked going red with anger.
"No, it's a promise. If you start a problem with me, I will report you." Then Ella sighed, "Why can't we all just get along." James snorted.
"A Slytherin wanting to get along." He laughed.
Ella used his destruction to slip by to the stairs where she saw Damiem and the twins climbing the stairs looking for her. As they ran up to meet her as the Potters and the Weasleys emerged from the corridor behind her. Ella turned and waved to Lily and Hugo. She noticed Lily had ink stains on her hands, and Hugo was muttering to himself in frustration.
"Having trouble with your potions essay?" Ella asked Lily, a kind smile on her face.
"Yes," sighed Lily, looking relieved. "It's hopeless, I've read the chapter a dozen times and I still don't understand."
"It's OK. I can help you if you like."
"That would be great." Lily exclaimed, anoring the looks on her brothers faces.
"I'll meet you in the library tomorrow after class."
"That sounds great. We'll be there." Lily agreed.
When they reached the entrance hall the two groups split and the Slytherins followed Ella down to the dungeons.
"So what happened in the Headmistress's office." Arianna asked.
"Professor McGongall read Obrance note, then asked me what happened." Ella shrugged.
"What did you tell her?" Damien asked, excited.
"The truth, that Obrance was singling me out and I defended myself." Ella said with a smile.
"So what did McGongall do?" Severus asked.
"She left to talk to Obrance while I worked on my essay."
"So what is your punishment?" Damien asked.
"Nothing really, McGongall said we were both at fault and made us apologize to each other." Ella laughed.
"Wait, Obrance actually apologized to you?" Arianna asked choking back laughter.
"Not really, she did say sorry, to the wall." Ella told them, letting her laughter die off. The others hung back as Ella approached Professor Night's office. Ella knocked and when Night saw her, she smiled. Ella handed her the note, and Night read it quickly. She gave Ella a quick hug.
"Go on to dinner, you've done well." Night praised, patting Ella on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Professor." Ella said nodding, then turn to rejoin her friends. They headed to the Great Hall and took their seats at the rapidly filling Slytherin table.
Damien glanced over at the Gryffindor table and cot Lily and Hugo glancing over at them.
"Why did Potter want you to help with her essay? Couldn't the Weasley girl help her. I think it's a setup to get you in trouble." Damien suspected.
"What trouble can they cause in the library? Rose is probably busy with her own studies. Hugo said his mother wants us to try to get along. Maybe they can help turn the Gryffindors!" Ella exclaimed.
"What do you mean, turn the Gryffindors." Damien asked.
"Ella thinks that if she can make friends with a couple of Gryffindors then our houses will magically get along." Arianna informed him.
"That's not exactly what I said." Ella corrected. "I said that if I could make friends with a couple Gryffindors then we could work together to promote peace." Damien rolled his eyed, so Ella went on. "If we can become friends then it will prove to the whole school that we are not that different. Maybe then we can get along in peace."
"But we are different that's why we are in different houses." Damien stated.
"True, but we all study the same magic, we just use it differently, that's what makes us individuals." Ellawe explained.
"I agree with Ella, we should prove we can get along." Severus stated.
"Maybe you and Lily can become the next Snily." Arianna teased. Ella laughed at the thought of Severus with Lily. Ella knew that she was the one to hold Severus's heart, just as he held hers. Damien grimised and went back to eating while the others laughed.
After they finished eating they gathered their things and headed to Astronomy. As they climed they ran into the Gryffindors. Ella greeted Lily and ^notesed that she had ink stains on her hands. Hugo was muttering to himself, ink smears on his nose.
"Having trouble with your potions essays?" Ella guessed. "Yes," Lily exclaimed, "Thank Merlin..." James interrupted, "What's it to you little firsty?"
"I wasn't talking to you, I was asking my classmate if she needed help with her homework." Ella stated baily looking at James, and trying to keep her friendly smile in place. James opened his mouth to speak, but his sister intervene. "How about we meet up tomorrow, in the library, James has class during our study." Lily suggested. "That sounds great. Will Hugo be joining us?" Ella asked for show. Hugo looked up and nodded. "Will they be there." Demand James pointing to the twins and Damien. "Of course, they are a part of our study group too." Ella stated. Damien grounded his teeth at being included in this, but held his toung. He want them to appear strong and united.
"What is the hold up." Professer Athru demanded from behind the Gryffindors. James turned with a smile, "Just keeping the peace between the firsti... first years, Professor." James said sweetly.
"More like desterving the peace, you know I believe your mother wouldn't like to hear you are lying to teachers. Now if you are done questioning use, we need to get to class." Ella stated swiping off up the stairs. They just made it.
Chapter 4: New Friends
After a long Astronomy lesson Ella and her friends stumbled down to their common room. Severus stayed up with Ella to explain what happen in Defense Against the Dark Arts and the long essay Professor Obrance set for them. When he finished Ella gave a great yown and bid Severus good night. Ella's eyes felt heavy as she got dresses for bed, she was asleep before her head hit her pillow.
The next morning Ella was shaken awake by Arianna.
"Ella, Ella, get up, the boys are already at breakfast. We're going to be late."
"Alright I'm getting up." Ella fell out of bed and quickly dressed. She and Arianna left to join the boys. In the entrance of the great hall they ran into James.
"Well, if it's not the little Slytherin firsties..." James started, but Ella cut him off.
"Out of our way, James, we just want to eat and get to class."
"Well, well, well. The firsties are running late." James sneared.
"So we are." Ella stated. "Perhaps you should try using manners and step aside for us ladys before we become later." Ella could see Damion getting up and Severus trying to hold him back. She also spotted several older Gryffindors coming to join James. He peeked over his sholder and grinned at his friends, then frowned as he spotted his siblings getting up to join them. Ella spotted them too and smiled.
"Are you going to move or are you really foolish enough to cause a scene in front of the professors?" Ella asked sarcastically. She ducked around James and grabbed Damion by the arm, "Sorry we're late, I had trouble getting out of bed." Ella said louder then needed.
"More like trouble getting in the great hall." Damion snared, he tryed to turn, but Ella helded fast. She returned Lily's friendly wave before joining Severus at their table. Severus handed Ella a goblet of orange juice and a plate of toast with strawberry marmalade.
"Hey, what about me." Arianna exclaimed in fake afence that her brother would tend another before her.
"You can pour your own cornflakes." Severus shrugged handing her the box. Arianna took it while sticking her toung out at him. Damion chuckled at their light teasing forgetting for a moment the fured with the Gryffindors. As soon as the girls finished their breakfast they headed off to charms.