Not All Slytherins Are Evil (LadyAthene & The Gothic Temptress's 1x1)

It had felt like an eternity but finally, September arrived. With the new month came the time for everyone who attended Hogwarts to return. Needless to say, sixteen year old Pansy Parkinson was very ecstatic to be heading back. Her life back at home was just so goddamn boring! There was no other way to describe it.

Granted, she had definitely been blessed to be on relatively good terms with her parents. That was something that many people didn't have, or so she could guess pretty decently. Still, her life had quickly become boring the second she began to attend Hogwarts. Maybe it was because she now had an easier way to temporarily forget she wasn't a pureblood but rather a mixed-blood. Only one of her parents was magical.

Of course, no one else knew this about her. It'd be absolutely embarrassing for that fact to be discovered by anyone, especially an annoying Gryffindor like Hermione Granger. The thought caused her to shudder slightly.

"It's not going to happen," she murmured, grabbing her brush and running it through her dark locks for the fifth time or so by now. She'd been ready to leave and head for the Hogwarts Express. But something had kept her home. It was starting to irritate her too. Pansy knew she hadn't forgotten anything and yet that was exactly how she felt; like she was about to leave without something as vital as her wand.

"Ugh. You're losing it. Deep breath."

Closing her hazel eyes, Pansy exhaled several times before slowly opening her dark eyes and gazing at her reflection. "There ya go. Much better." She mused, giving the mirror a now very satisfied nod.

Just to be on the safe side though, she began to pat herself down and went through all of her luggage. After triple and even quadruple checking - only to see that yes, everything was in place - she nodded once more.

And with that, she grabbed her belongings and exited her house, uttering little more than a "Bye!" as she left.

A content sigh of relief elicited as she eagerly began to walk towards the station, knowing that soon, she would be on Platform 9 3/4. Moreover, she would be back in the Castle, back to what she had now viewed as her true home and thus where she really belonged. The thoughts of the very promising and upcoming future caused her to grin.

She couldn't pinpoint how. But somewhere deep in Pansy's mind, she knew this year would be different, better even than the others had been. Hopefully her instincts were still correct. They had been for years. With any luck, she hadn't lost her touch with her intuition and following the gut feelings her body often detected.

It was only the first of September, but the pale, overcast morning already seemed suited to deepest autumn. The Wiltshire countryside was molted brown and bronze as the trees changed, their branches already half-bare, and the sun which seemed to grow weaker with each passing day, barely brightened its corner of sky. It was approaching nine o'clock in the morning, but a fine mist still hung in the colder of the narrow lanes.

Against the white sky, the sharp Gothic towers of Malfoy Manor rose like needles.

A solitary figure stood observing outside the imposing iron-wrought gates. The figure was tall and lean with hints of muscles beneath the exquisite robes he donned, evidently a male, and stood with an apprehensive stance. His face was pale and slightly pointed, but it only served to complement his strong bone structure beneath the translucent skin. His champagne coloured hair was slicked back with precision. A large trunk, emblazoned with what appeared as a snake, stood by his side.

A soft pop sounded beside him - though he scarcely showed any reaction - and another figure appeared out of nowhere. This one was tall and slim with a fine sheet of white-blonde hair. She too was dressed expensive robes.

"Draco," She called out in a low, mellifluous voice, "are you ready, my son?"

Draco shifted his icy-blue eyes from the Manor to his mother who approached him with a tentative smile. Her hair, which was always smooth and secured in a neat bun, was now twisted into a hasty plait with tendrils running down her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were red and puffy. Yet she looked at him with adoration and care, seemingly oblivious to her state of callousness.

"Where were you this whole morning, Mother?" Draco said dryly as he picked up his trunk and looped his arm with his mother's.

Narcissa Malfoy was caught off guard by his question and looked down with the knowledge that her son wouldn't appreciate her act of worry. "I had been to Severus' house." She replied quietly. Looking at her son, she was filled with dread. Was it only yesterday when he assigned his doomed task? It felt like ages had passed since. Her only consolation was that she had Severus make that oath, which would compel him to ensure her only child's security.

Draco frowned in suspicion yet he kept his mouth shut. What his mother did in her spare time was none of his business. He had learnt his lesson young. Throwing a last look at the Manor he let Narcissa apparate them both to King's Cross.

The platform was full of excited faces and loud farewells, everyone happy and excited for a new year, new possibilities. But the only thing Draco Malfoy felt was sickening dread; for his impossible task, for the year, for everything that would entail after he climbed that train. Yet he had no other option. Even death would not come to his help easily. A gentle hand stroked his cheek requesting his attention. He looked down at his mother who had tears in her eyes. His heart wrenched painfully but he showed no signs of emotion, his face remained a mask of careless interest.

"Draco dear, if you feel like quitting anytime, please don't hesitate. Come back to me, I shall send you to your cousins in Ameri-" She started, her voice quivering with tension, but Draco stopped her by placing his hand over hers which rested on his pale cheek.

"Mother, you know I can't. We already had this talk and I still stand by my decisions." He spoke firmly, leaving no room for arguments. Narcissa looked like she was about to say something but decided against it and hugged her son, possibly for the last time. Professing her love for him in quiet words, she departed, tears streaming down her cheeks in wild abandon.

Heaving an ancient sigh, Draco levitated his trunk and made his way inside the train searching for an empty compartment. He found one, carefully placed his trunk above and ensconced his tall stature into the chairs. He sat with exceptional posture, with his chin propped upon one hand on the window ledge and the other casually playing with the fine material of his robes. At sixteen, Draco Malfoy resembled a beautiful man. A beautiful yet tortured man.

Pansy most definitely could have just simply Apparated herself. In fact, her legs protested with the teenager walking the entire way there. But she endured through the burning sensation as she repeatedly convinced herself she would live and it wouldn't be so bad. Sure enough, the sixth year Slytherin appeared at King's Cross about five minutes after Draco had arrived which - considering she went on foot - was pretty impressive in itself. Her place had just been located so damn close; it seemed like a bit of a waste to Apparate, especially at the risk of being seen by Muggles. It was one of those things that could happen and that wizarding people had to be weary.

Her hand waved through the air as she looked from side to side, making sure no one was paying attention. A few steps later and she crossed through the barrier that protected Platform 9 3/4. Her grin widened as a sigh of relief passed her parted lips. As Pansy walked on the Hogwarts Express, she took care to watch out for the robe colors, making sure to only look at the green and silver ones or not speak to anyone who wasn't clad in the Slytherin robes.

It had taken a while but she did find one that grabbed her attention. It was near the back - something that shouldn't have amazed Pansy too much. Rather, it was whom was there. But more astounding was the expression upon the male's face. It had definitely been subconscious but she found herself staring, remembering back when they did used to be a couple. Her fist clenched slightly, causing her knuckles to briefly turn white. Yet as her head bowed and she thought on it, Pansy heard herself mentally scold herself.

Somehow, it's your fault you two split up.

Well, that had been what she'd tried to reassure herself for years. It had only been two since their break up but time had felt so much longer. And there had definitely been those days where Pansy actually missed Draco. She would never admit it outloud, though. A combination of her pride and having a feeling that the heir to the Malfoy family wouldn't want to hear such seemingly petty words kept her in line.

He seemed pale, more so than usual. Almost like he had walked upon a gallows rather than in the Hogwarts Express and was patiently awaiting his unavoidable death.

When the possibility that he had already seen her due to the window finally registered, Pansy moved inside as opposed to away like she could - and probably should - have done. The smallest of smiles appeared on her face as she placed her own trunk in the compartment and sat across from her comrade.

"Draco," she finally said, making certain to look but not to the point of outright staring, at his grey eyes, "I hope the summer went well for you."

Even though Pansy was still very irked on how things between them had turned out, her words were at least sincere. It would be something Draco would easily be able to detect and note in her voice and - hopefully - appreciate; the simple but powerful concept of honesty.

"Draco, I hope the summer went well for you."

A soft, familiar voice drifted into the compartment attracting Draco's attention. He inclined his head towards the origin of the greeting and almost smiled. Almost. There, clad in Slytherin robes, sat none other than Pansy Parkinson. Her soft, dark locks fell gently past her shoulders softening her features. Dark eyes gazed at him with sincerity. Some people often said that she was not traditionally beautiful with her button nose, yet her patrician features made up for it. Draco begged to differ. Her nose was the cutest one in the whole of Hogwarts - with those too perfect witches running around - and he thought that she was the most stunning and natural witch he had ever lain his eyes upon (Not that he would say that to anyone).

To think that this beautiful witch was once his was a bittersweet fact. He was glad that he had been her boyfriend yet slightly peeved that they had to end it. Maybe if he asked her....Draco berated himself mentally. There was no way he - Draco Malfoy, the ultimate Playboy - was ever going to try win a girl back. Witches ran after him, begging for a second glance. It would be be huge blow to his reputation was he seen with a girl for more than one time (Even though his time with Pansy was more virtuous then any of his other conquests and he would like to know her more; after all she was his first girlfriend). He was git, but he relished in it.

A small nagging voice also reminded him that it would be best for her to stay away from him this year. It would be...beneficial for both of them. After running his hard gaze all over her shamelessly - and also noting that she had grown quite a bit over the time - he acknowledged her with a curt nod and a "Well enough,". All the time, his features never gave away any of his emotions or thoughts. He had to thank a childhood in a Death Eater household for that.

Pansy easily noticed the silence lingering between them. She should have honestly expected it given they were technically ex-lovers. Clearly though, some selfish part of her had hoped to avoid it somehow and she found herself a bit unnerved by it. Still, Draco wasn't the only stubborn Slytherin here and just as his face hid his true feelings, the same was seen on Pansy. She kept a well-composed, neutral but still kind, expression upon herself. Her hands lowered as she placed them subconsciously upon her lap, finally hearing the simple reply that he had been 'well enough' after a few moments.

Her teeth gripped her lower lip. While his features refused to admit the words weren't true, the slight - but still noticeable - shift of his voice's tone had suggested to Pansy he was leaving quite a bit out. Pansy's first immediate reaction had been to ask what was really been happening. But as she remained silent, she thought ... particularly about last year. They'd both been through quite a bit, including being members of Dolores Umbridge's "Inquisitorial Squad". That alone had been - in its own ways - very draining.

Thinking back on it, the entire ordeal seemed very hypocritical on her behalf. Pansy wouldn't dare admit it out loud but she felt ashamed of ever taking a part in that .... group. Who was she to threaten Muggles? She may not like her heritage but facts were facts. She was one of the few Slytherins that wasn't a pureblood. Even if it wasn't from her parents, she still had a history with Muggles somewhere. It hadn't dawned on her until literally that second, but there was something rather sickening about nearly killing off those who were - yet another thing she would never say to anyone's face - technically her kin of sorts.

So ... maybe everything from last year is just taking its toll?

She would accept that ... for now. There was still the very nagging feeling that something much bigger than mere memories were plaguing Draco. But at least for now, she would give him his space and intervene if and when needed.

"That's good to hear," she finally said after convincing herself that the logical guess made enough sense. It was definitely more than enough to keep her from outright asking for the truth and thus coming off as incredibly nosy. A soft sigh passed Pansy's parted lips as she let her head fall back and gently rest against the back of her seat, tilting it slightly to gaze out the window with Draco, looking at everything and nothing simultaneously it would seem.

There is also just the possibility of the mental toll from another damn war starting up. she mused, knowing that even for herself it was true. She never thought too heavily about it, not usually. Now that there was little else to distract her, however, she remembered that even though many Muggles believed they were living in an era of peace, that was anything but true. If anything, this would be the worst set of trials the entire world, regardless of whether one was a wizard or not, would ever see.

The thought made Pansy grip her lower lip slightly as she closed her eyes, taking yet another breath as she began to gently exhale and attempted to relax herself. After all, thinking too much wouldn't do her any good. So she focused primarily on the here and now along with anything else she should be thinking on.

Draco saw as she nervously teetered while biting her plump lower lip. A light tingle passed through his chest at that yet he managed to keep his face devoid of any emotion. The tension between them was thick enough to be cut with a knife. He could know that she was thinking about something unpleasant by the way the smallest of frowns creased her forehead. He had an odd urge to reach out and smooth it out. Yet he managed to fight it down. This witch always managed to rouse such reactions from him.

"That's good to hear,"

She finally broke the silence before sighing and looking out of the window. Draco observed her silently, taking down all the little differences he saw now. She looked like she had grown ages since the last time he had looked down at her and carelessly told her that they were not going to be a couple anymore. The way her young face had crumbled then after his statement stirred unfamiliar reactions within him now. Draco certainly despised seeing girls cry. Except Granger. He would never get bored of watching the mudblood being thrown off her high horse.

Pansy was surely bothered about something. Her whole posture was tense and she working hard to relax herself. He wondered what was causing her such distress. Probably the same thing that is plaguing you out, he thought cynically. But he was certain that Pansy would not be involved in the Dark Side. He didn't know much about her family - the witch was notoriously private about her life outside Hogwarts - just that they were pureblood. Even his parents did not know much about them. Yet he knew that the Parkinsons' were not linked with Death Eater activities. He had checked it thoroughly when he had joined the ranks.

Maybe it was the upcoming war. His side had been chosen since the day he had let out his first cry. But he wondered which side would Pansy select. He had a silver of doubt that she would go for the Light. Among all the Slytherins, she was the most soft towards the other houses' wimps. Almost like she was torturing them out of obligation rather than fascination. No other person would have agreed to him, but Draco knew it. He had seen how there was little flicker of doubt before her eyes turned cold and she assisted him in bullying low-lives. But he hoped that she would opt out of this whole ordeal...She would be sa - He sighed then. What in Merlin's name was Draco Malfoy doing, thinking about a girl so much? He had long since discarded her. Why the perturbation now?

Just to divert his mind from worrying about Pansy, he initiated a topic: "So...You got the Prefect position this year?" His query was monotone, not even friendly. One would think they both were complete strangers by the coldness he was exuding towards her.

A very similar train of thought was going through Pansy's mind. Why in Merlin's name was she worrying so much about Draco? It would have been easy to blame the fact he had been her first lover as the reason why but ... no. She could feel there was much more than her fretting over an ex. It didn't immediately click in her mind but when it did, her head turned away from the window as she stared at the figure across from her.

There were many things that were kept hidden amongst certain people in Hogwarts or vice versa, whereas facts were easily known. In the case of the Malfoys, there were a few pieces of information that even the youngest witches and wizards knew. No, not the fact they tended to be sorted into Slytherin. A damn toddler could even comprehend that. Rather, they had a history of being with the Death Eaters. Most of the Slytherins did, in fact. Even their own Head of House, Severus Snape, was one; or so the rumors said.

Finally though, she realized what was bothering her.

If this war goes badly enough, you're going to lose everyone ... including Draco.

Pansy couldn't remember the last time she even wanted to cry. But it had definitely been years ago. Now, however, willpower was the only thing keeping her eyes dry. She felt herself swallow softly as her fists subconsciously clenched then shuddered ever so slightly. One could notice it if the time and effort was put into it. Otherwise, it would be easy to miss. With her being across from Draco, however, she knew he would take note of her body's reactions.

Her mouth had opened as she finally mustered the courage to ask something that had been screaming in her head several times over but halted as he brought up she was now a Prefect. Her head nodded as the smallest of smiles crossed her face. "I am, yeah. We'll probably be working together since you got your own title last year."

Hazel orbs continued to look across the way before finally, she turned her head away lest she risked sounding as if she were speaking out of turn. Part of her would have gladly punched or even slapped herself ... and may do so later when she arrived in her dorm. For now though, she resisted the urges and listened to both her heart and inner thoughts continuing to protest over and over again.

This is bullshit! You can't possibly want this, do you?! You, not your family! Even if you don't always act it, you are smart, damnit! So what do you - Draco Malfoy - really want?!

Because quite frankly, Pansy couldn't easily imagine that if he could just decide, it would be to even involve himself with the Death Eaters. It was stupid, suicidal even. And on the off chance he did live somehow, he'd likely end up in Azkaban and that was if he was lucky enough. The thought made Pansy's fists clench again. She hadn't realized a lot of things until now it seemed. One of them was ... she truly hated this war, more so than she had even started to understand. Then and there, she wasn't sure whom to blame exactly; the Dark Lord for reappearing in the first place, whichever of the Malfoys decided they had to be Death Eaters, or herself for failing to notice any of this beforehand.

Poor Pansy was so lost in her thoughts that it wasn't until the scenery began to move past her that she comprehended the Hogwarts Express was finally on the move, beginning to deliver everyone to the castle. Once they stepped foot inside, they would officially be sixth years.

Hopefully the start of term feast will be a good distraction. I definitely need one about now .... and he probably does too.