Slytherin Legacy

The Slytherin Legacy

By A. Bornhorst

Chapter Seven

The Six Days of a Slytherin Christmas

***

Late the next week on a Friday evening, Kate strode into the common room. The Slytherin Quintet was relaxing on the floor, playing cards, and they looked up as she entered.

"Kate, how are you? Are you okay?"

They rushed up to her, their game left on the floor.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Really," Kate wheezed.

"Girls, give her some room. Really," Eve said.

"I'll go get you a chair," said Diedra.

She told some fifth year to get out of his chair, and pulled it up to Kate.

"So, what are you guys playing?"

"Poker."

"I don't know how to play it," Kate said.

"What?! You don't know how to play poker?"

"No... Didn't I just say that?"

"Yeah, but I can't believe that! Poker is like... The game of Slytherins!!! It uses cunning, wit, slyness, and you have to be a good actor..." Diedra said.

"And don't forget a little bit of luck," Blaise added.

"Yeah, that too. Wow, Kate!"

"Okay, so I've been sheltered from gambling. I know how to play chess..."

"If you want to play chess, you should've been in Gryffindor. Forget chess - we are going to teach you poker," Pansy declared.

"Um... Okay."

***

"Damn. Why did we teach her this game?" Pansy moaned.

"It was your idea in the first place," Eve replied.

"She and Blaise are addicted to it... I swear, it's eerie," Diedra said.

"You haven't been hearing what she says in her dreams yet. It's always 'I only need the Queen for the royal flush. Only the Queen,' and it gets quite irritating," Pansy complained.

"Uh oh. There they are."

Blaise and Kate were sitting on a round table, their homework set aside. Kate was shuffling the deck.

"You two. Stop playing this game. How many games have you played today?" Pansy asked.

"Um... An uncountable number?" Kate suggested.

"Funny Kate. Now come on you two. Let's be mature. Poker is addicting. Have you guys even started playing with real money?"

"What a good idea, Pansy," Kate said, and grinned.

Pansy smacked herself on the forehead.

Eve bustled forward, "I have the flyer for the Six Days of Slytherin Christmas!"

"Umm... What's that?" Kate asked.

"My dear, you have plenty to learn about being a Slytherin, don't you?"

"I guess, "Kate sighed, "So are you going to explain this Slytherin Christmas thing to me, or what?"

"Yeah, just let me pull up a seat."

Eve, Pansy, and Diedra pulled up seats.

Eve started, "Between December 14 and December 20 we celebrate Christmas with a different activity every evening... Believe me- it gets a little risqué... But here you go. Read it."

Six Nights of Slytherin Christmas

December 14---Opening Night Dance

December 15---Karaoke Contest

December 16---Poker Tournament

December 17---Reading of Slytherin myths and legends

December 18---Quidditch house game---Reerves vs. Real Team

December 19---End of Six Nights Dance/feast/ and gift exchange

"Hey, girls. What are you looking at?"

Tall, dark, and handsome Eve's brother Will walked past and leaned down.

"Will, go away. It's the Six Nights of Slytherin Christmas."

"Ah. I see. I haven't gotten one of those yet," he said as he smiled.

Blaise and Kate were the only ones not looking up at his dreamy smile. Eve rolled her eyes, but Pansy and Diedra looked as though they were about to swoon.

"Will," said an impatient looking third year girl who they knew to be his girlfriend Uvanda, "Let's go down to the Great Hall and eat. I'm hungry."

"See you girls later."

He strode easily out the door, his arm around Uvanda.

"Wow Eve. Your brother is so hot," Diedra said.

"No he's not. You don't have to live with him. Believe me, he's not as great as all that."

"Sure, Eve."

***

Meanwhile Kate was planning gifts and such for her friends. And then Christmas with the Malfoys was coming, and she was immensely nervous. Eve told her that the Malfoy's were incredibly wealth, more than she could imagine, and they held Christmas balls and major banquets and hundreds of people came.

"They live in a castle in Wiltshire," Eve told her.

"Really?"

"Yeah, we come to some of their Christmas parties too. This will be the first year I come though because my Mom always thought I was too young, but I told them that you were going to be there and they think you're a suitable playmate," Eve said as she rolled her eyes, "But Pansy, Diedra, and Blaise will certainly come. I hate to sound so proper, but in the words of our parents we're high society Slytherins. I know they say no good mage has come out of this house, but everyone who ever has, has been very successful."

"Really?"

"Of course, that's why some people, even if they're not rich, come here because they are determined. They have a dream, a desire which they wish to achieve. That's why every once in a while a mage with muggle parents will somehow end up in Slytherin."

"Do you think I'm half-muggle?"

"You could be... Do you know who your parents are?"

"All I know is that my mum is in Azkaban."

"My Dad almost got sent there, and Diedra's father is there. They were Death Eaters."

"Pansy told me not to pick on Draco, because of that fact. She claims it's hard for them to live with that," Kate said.

"That could be true. It's a very touchy subject around here. People have such mixed opinions about Death Eaters and You-Know-Who. But we're family. Draco would stand up for you if it was let's just say... Harry Potter making fun of you," Eve said as she grinned, "We all would. We'd probably beat the shit out of him. We know you hate him."

"I know. I feel so out of place sometimes."

"Don't feel that way. Please don't. We all love you here. We are your friends. All of us would bend over backwards to help you. Even Draco was worried when you were in the hospital wing for that long time. He was extremely mad that it wasn't Harry who got smacked, but you know we all do care."

"I know you guys do and I never thought you guys didn't. I love Hogwarts. I love it more than any place I've ever been. I get called a mudblood every other day, but those things can't be helped. I just wish I didn't care what anybody thinks. I can't exactly say that I'm not and say, 'My mum's a witch' and then they'll ask me who and where is she at? And I can't exactly say, 'Oh she's in Azkaban'. You see?"

"Yeah, I do see what you mean. No one wants to admit their parents are in Azkaban. Take Bella Lestrange. Her mum and dad are in Azkaban. And everyone knows it. It was a real big deal. Her mother Bellatrix tortured several people. There's also this little legend that she was You-Know-Who's lover. But I don't think that's true at all. It is really hard for her, though. Her brothers are extremely wild, and Bella is probably the only normal one in that family."

A shiver went down Kate's spine.

"I do feel sorry for her."

"You should really talk to her about it, Kate."

"I know she is sort of my cousin," Kate lied, not trusting Eve with her secret.

She was extremely thankful that Eve didn't ask for names. But to be sure, she changed the subject.

"Do you think Lucius will let me have you and the girls sleep over during Christmas?"

"Of course, they have such a huge house. They're probably making a whole set of rooms for you as we speak. Pansy can't wait until we're older because she's positive Draco will have some major parties in that castle and that Lucius won't even care."

"Wow."

"Sometimes I wish my parents were that lenient, but they aren't. They hate the way I dress."

Eve's hand brushed through her red and black streaked hair.

"I don't think it's bad at all."

"I know you don't, and I like it."

***

"...A little bit of blush, and there you go! Beautiful."

"Thanks, Bella."

Kate was wearing a black tank top with a fishnet shirt lent to her by Eve and some black pants leant to her by Diedra. Eve painted her nails black and her sister Bella did her makeup and she put on a spiked collar, borrowed from Eve. She didn't have anything to wear. ("I swear Kate we are going to have to take you shopping during Christmas!") So she borrowed things from Eve, who's apparel intrigued her. She certainly didn't want to wear any of Pansy's pink wear and Blaise's clothes were too small for her and Diedra's too big, as Diedra was tall.

"Kate, you look awesome!" Pansy declared.

"Thanks! I thought I did," she said, not afraid to compliment herself.

Pansy was wearing a pink halter top and her blonde hair was done up into a large bun. She was wearing a jean skirt and huge hoop earrings. She was the Slytherin perception of beautiful and she was glowing.

"I can't wait until Draco sees me like this. He usually sees me in my uniform or shorts and a t-shirt."

"Or nothing," Diedra added, grinning.

"Diedra!"

Kate and Eve laughed.

"Oh, you know he imagines it."

"You have such a dirty mind for a first year," Bella said as she laughed. "Well, I'm going to go finish getting ready. See you later, girls."

"Ah! Here's my camera. Let's take a picture, girls!" Diedra exclaimed.

All five girls put their faces together and Diedra held out her camera and shot it.

"Hope it turns out. I'm not too good at taking pictures of myself."

"It should."

"Are people down there yet?" Kate asked.

"No."

Millicent and Lilith strode in. Millicent was sporting a flowered dress that looked like it belonged to a grandmother and Lilith, who was a bit more fashion savvy, was wearing a red tank top and blue flair jeans with her brown hair in braids. She actually looked kind of pretty.

"Hi guys," she said as she smiled.

"Hey," said Kate.

Lilith looked kind of sad.

"Going to the dance?" Kate asked.

"Of course I am. You?"

"Are you kidding? Yes!"

"Yeah, it's going to be great," Eve said.

Pansy sighed.

"What's eating you?" Diedra asked.

"Nothing, nothing."

She rolled her eyes.

"I swear... and I thought I was the drama queen," Blaise joked.

"You guys just don't get it."

And with that she just walked out in a huff.

"What's with her?" Kate asked a little confused.

"Oh, she just doesn't like it when we come and talk to you guys," Lilith remarked.

"We Slytherins are supposed to be family," Kate said.

Eve, Diedra, and Blaise looked down.

Millicent looked angry, "Of course we are. Then how can you explain why all my underwear was found in the common room this morning? She hates us and it's all because I'm a-a-a mudblood."

Kate stopped. She didn't know this, nor did she expect. Sure, Millicent was a little fat and a little ugly. Her face was covered in pimples and her eyes a watery blue. Her hair you could hardly say was blonde, but more grayish. Kate couldn't see Pansy being so mean to her. Pansy always asked her for help on her homework; Millicent was their first year genius. Kate winced.

"I didn't know that."

"Pansy said you did it."

"I would never..."

"I don't know. Your parents are in Azkaban. Who knows what could come from you!"

Kate turned pale.

"Who the hell told you that?"

"Pansy, of course she doesn't really like you. She told me and this I quote, 'I'll talk to Kate. Her parents are in Azkaban. Something really bad, Draco told me. So you never know what you can expect from her. I guess I just feel sorry for her.' That's what she said."

Kate's hands were clenched in a fist. She stood shaking.

"I don't think I want to go to the dance anymore."

She moved almost zombie-like to her four-poster bed and closed the curtains. Eve could hear her smack her head against the head board.

"Ow," Blaise whispered.

"Get out of here, Millicent. She has never met her parents. She has never had anything against you. That was Pansy. Now get the hell out of her before I-I curse you!" Eve said.

But, before Millicent could answer, she stormed down to the common room, where Pansy was flirting with Draco and the DJ was setting up.

"Pansy Rose Antoinette Parkinson I need to talk to you!" Pansy said, glaring.

"What?"

"How the hell do you know," she looked around and moved closer and whispered to her, "that Kate's mother is in Azkaban, and what exactly gave you the right to tell people?"

"I don't know what you are talking about. Kate's parents are in Azkaban?"

"Don't play innocent with me, Pansy. I've known you all my life. Now tell me, who the hell told you?"

"Draco," Pansy whispered.

"I don't understand how you, Draco, can be such an evil prat sometimes."

"Don't talk to me like that, Eve."

"I can, and I will. I just want you to know, Pansy, I think Kate has real potential as a witch. I don't know how. I don't know who her mother is. I don't know where she got that potential, but many people can sense that she is more powerful than they, and I won't let you destroy her like that. When she found out you said that she looked like she wanted to kill herself. I swear I would be surprised as hell if she ever took you back."

Pansy couldn't look her in the eyes.

"She is such a whiney brat Eve. Everything bad always happens to her."

"And you hate her because of that? If anything you should stand beside her and be a friend to her. I don't feel like giving a moral lesson now. Good night, and enjoy the dance. I will not be there."

She glared at Pansy and Draco and stomped up the steps and slammed the door.

"Can I talk to Kate, alone?"

"Yeah, whatever," the girls muttered and walked out the door.

"I don't want to be here anymore. I can't take it. Everyone hates me."

Eve could hear Kate sobbing into her pillow, "I don't belong here."

Eve gently opened Kate's curtain.

"Kate, Kate, yes, you do. You love it here."

"I can't trust anybody."

"You can trust me, Diedra, and Blaise. We all think you're awesome."

"That's what you said last time, and guess what? Some bitch who I thought was a friend tells everyone my secret. Something I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't even know she knew."

"Forget her, Kate. I think you got smacked hard. Something I learned the hard way too. She blames things on you and for some wacky reason, I still feel I have a need to look out for her. It's like that friend who you can't stand, but can't drop."

"It reminds me of Morgaine in The Mists of Avalon. She hated Gwenhyfar and her Christian ways and thought she was holy, holy, and yet she still felt she needed to help her get with child and the other way around."

"I guess. Forgiveness is key."

"I do not forgive."

"Yes, you can."

"No. I won't. This is betrayal. Gwenhyfar never forgave Morgaine for using that spell to try to get her pregnant, even though it was at her suggestion they use it and Morgaine didn't forgive Viviane easily."

"Stop, Kate. Please forgive her. You don't have to be friends with her. I won't dump you. Neither will Blaise and Diedra."

"I won't forgive, but I will be civil to her."

"See, Pansy uses people like pawns."

"Then why are you friends with her?"

"I explained that to you. Okay?"

Eve was hurt, and she looked angry, but not at Kate.

"I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be the one apologizing. Pansy should. And she will. I'll teach her a lesson."

"Just let her go. I don't care anymore."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. I am always sure. Just, just - I don't know."

They could hear the music coming from downstairs.

"I'm not going to the dance. Wanna play poker?"

Kate put a weak smile on, and said, "Sure."

***

It was a tense day after that. Pansy and Kate wouldn't talk to each other and Kate kept sending Draco death glares. Blaise and Diedra refused to take sides and talked to both Kate and Pansy. Eve stated that she was on Kate's side, but talked to both of them. She tried to have them make up.

"Do you guys want to all sing together at karaoke?"

"NO," Pansy and Kate said in unison, and then glared at each other.

"I'll sing 'You're a Traitor and a Bitch'. How's that, Eve?" Kate would ask in a mock-sweetness.

"Oh, no, Kate we'll have to sing, 'Sorry, Babe, You're a Whiney Complaining Bitch'. Wouldn't that be good?"

"How about this one, 'I'm Sorry'. That would be good," Eve said.

Kate started to walk faster, but turned around.

"I'm sorry? I didn't even do anything, but thanks to Pansy and Draco the whole school knows my mum is in Azkaban. I didn't do anything. It isn't my fault I get whacked in the head with a troll's bat and have nightmares and scream in my sleep. No, it is not!" she shrieked.

"Miss Riddle!"

"P-p-professor Snape?"

"Come with me."

She followed him.

"I swear, Professor, I didn't do anything!"

He didn't answer her. Snape opened the door to his office and told Kate to sit down.

"Would you please explain why you feel the need to shriek through the halls about Azkaban and trolls and nightmares?"

"Sorry, professor."

"That doesn't explain anything."

"Well... You see, it's personal."

"Ah, a personal tragedy. I see."

"Yes, sir."

"Would that happen to have to do with one of your friends? A Miss Parkinson, perhaps?"

Kate squirmed in her seat.

"Yes, sir. How did you know?"

"I've been Head of House for nearly five??? years now. I have expertise in these areas." Revise. This doesn't make sense.

"Well... You see, it started like this. Millicent Bullstrode came in and started getting angry at me, saying I threw her underwear around in the common room," she blushed at having to tell Snape this, but went one, "And she said Pansy hated me and that she knew my Mother was in-in-in..."

She couldn't continue.

"Azkaban?"

She nodded.

"Draco told her and she told everyone. I never wanted anybody to know."

"Yes, that is something most of us want to keep secret, but some of us are unable to. So you're mad at her for that. Betrayal in the Slytherin House is a complicated thing. You're supposed to stick up for your housemates. If there isn't unity in the house how can the house survive? There is no way. But your reason for being upset is very legitimate."

Kate stayed silent.

"I think the best answer to this situation is that neither you nor Miss Parkinson should be able to go to any of the Slytherin Christmas activities until you work this out and please, Miss Riddle, no violence."

He smiled as he said that and Kate returned the smile, but quickly frowned.

"Will you please tell Miss Parkinson that I wish to see her? That is if you have the courage to talk to her."

"I do!"

She walked out of the room. How was she going to survive? She and Pansy would have to stay in their dorm room until they both made up. No activities and she hadn't even been to one yet. Kate walked into the common room.

"Pansy, Snape wants to see you."

"Oh, did you tattle, Riddle?"

Kate rolled her eyes as Pansy got up and left.

"I really hope you guys make up. Our group isn't the same without you guys together, always laughing goofing around. You two are what make the group. We are the Slytherin Quintet. Without you two, we are nothing," Blaise said.

"I don't want to talk about this. Neither Pansy nor I can go to any of the Christmas things until we make up."

"That sucks!" Diedra exclaimed.

"It does. How did the dance go last night?"

"Aw, it was stupid. Draco and Pansy danced together the entire night. It was enough to make me gag," Blaise said.

"Then I'm glad I wasn't there."

***

"Did you guys make up yet?" Eve asked.

"If you're talking about Pansy and me, no."

"Kate, the poker tournament is tonight! You can't miss it," Blaise said.

"I don't care anymore. I just don't care."

"Yes, you do. You just won't admit it."

"Oh, whatever."

"Just try to talk to her, Kate. Okay?" Eve said.

***

For an hour Kate stared at the wall stonily, just as she was doing last night. But then a little paper airplane flew her way.

Kate--

I am sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I just wanted Millicent to do my homework for me and I wanted to make sure she didn't think I was using her or anything. I wanted it to seem all buddy, buddy. I'm so sorry I blamed the whole underwear scene on you.

Pansy

Pansy--

Why did Draco tell you? I don't even know all the details. I can't bear the fact that anybody might know more about me than what I do.

Kate

Kate--

Draco didn't tell me a lot. He just said your mother was in Azkaban. He didn't even mention your father. I do know though, and I didn't tell this to anybody, that your mother is Bellatrix Lestrange.

Pansy

Pansy--

Do a lot of people know what my mother did?

Kate

Kate--

Do they? Of course they do. There's books written about her. She tortured a bunch of people in search of You-Know-Who. She tried to find him with her husband. And some other people. But they were actually thinking of having the dementors suck out her soul. She was the lead in the group and one of You-Know-Who's right hand people.

Pansy

Pansy

What's a dementor?

Kate

"They're these awful things and make you feel all scared and make you feel like you'll never be happy again. I've never been near one, but that's what I've heard," Pansy said as she smiled weakly at Kate.

Kate rushed over to her and gave her a hug.

"Oh, Kate, I am so sorry. I am such a bad person. I don't deserve for you to forgive me."

"Just don't do it again."

"Want to take out the ouija board?" Pansy suggested. "I really don't want to go down there now."

"Okay."

***

"Look who's friends again," Blaise laughed.

"Everything's back to normal. Even Draco looks relieved," Eve remarked.

"Good. I don't like it when Draco's depressed," Pansy said.

"Oh, God, enough with Draco," Diedra said.

"Tonight's Slytherin myths and legends. I can't wait! Maybe there's a prophecy about me somewhere in there," Pansy said.

"Oh yes, sure there is, Pansy," Blaise said.

"It's probably about this beautiful Slytherin who gets married to a dick head named Draco Malfoy and ends up getting fat and ugly," Kate joked.

"Come on you guys we have to hurry to the common room so we get a good seat so we can hear," Eve said.

The girls rushed down to the common room, beat Draco and his gang to the last couch left and the piled on top of each other, giggling and laughing.

"I love it that we're friends again," Kate whispered.

"Me too," Pansy said.

Alymer Lestrange walked out with a big book in his hands.

"We will start with Salazar Slytherin and his life..."

Kate listened to his tale of how Salazar Slytherin, the son of Mordred, son of Morgaine and King Arthur went to his step-uncle's castle and retrieved what was known as The Last Prophecy of Morgaine. Alymer told of the big fight between them and how Salazar's snake finally killed King Uwaine of North Wales. This is how he got the surname of Slytherin. Also of how he wanted only the children of Avalon to be included in Hogwarts, not other people, for he feared that, like Avalon, Hogwarts too would be lost in the mists. He also had a deep rivalry with his twin brother, Augustus Malfoy whom he stole his titles (Duke of Cornwall), but in compensation made him Count Malfoy. Their families hated and loathed eachother for the rest of their days. There was even a prophecy about how they would join together.

Kate couldn't believe Avalon had something to do with Hogwarts. She wanted to hear more, and leaned forward.

"From my blood shall be one

And from one shall come two

And the two shall be abhorrent

Enemies with different ideals

And different desires

Both of the Royal Blood of

Avalon and the Pendragon

The elder shall become the Lord

While the younger shall become

The Power and shall be until

Again there will two one

A descendant of the elder and the

Other a descendent of the younger

Shall unite and the power of

Avalon and the Pendragon

Shall come once more and they will be

Disowned by their kin

But there kin will diminish until again

It will be two and from the two

Shall become the Pretender to

The throne of the Fay

And the other shall be the True

Successor

The True Successor shall be

Born with a mark that will be upon

The True Successor once

She meets the forger and their

Flesh touches

And the tides of Avalon will turn

Pretender must forge it upon

Himself and will not succeed

Unless the True Successor

Helps the Pretender

And then all humanity will

Be destroyed

The blood of Avalon

The blood of Pendragon

Lost eternally."

He paused for effect then continued.

"A lot of people know that afterwards, Lot of Avalon tried to kill his brother Salazar and he then received the name Malfoy. Salazar was Duke of Cornwall and gave his brother the title of Count Malfoy and told him never to speak to him again."

Draco held a smug and proud look on his face.

"Salazar married Arial of Avalon and then when he was in his fifties he met a son of one of the priestesses of Avalon known as Godric Gryffindor and his married sisters, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. Since Avalon had gone into the mists they wanted to start another place of learning for the children of the Goddess and so they did. They founded Hogwarts together. But Salazar wanted to keep things secret and Godric and his sisters wanted everyone to know. He said the same thing that happened to Avalon would happen to Hogwarts, but they kicked him out and Salazar was said to leave a monster in one of the chambers. This is known as the Chamber of Secrets, but that is just myth and folklore. Salazar and Lot hated each other for the rest of their lives."

"And that is what the prophecy is about. How the two houses shall hate each other until they are united and shall produce the first and second heir."

"Do they know who the heirs are?" Kate asked.

"No. They don't."

"But it had to have happened. Everyone knows Lucius Malfoy-"Millicent Bullstrode stopped as Draco glared hard at her.

Noticing the tension Alymer changed the subject.

"Several generations later Salazar had a descendent by the name of Basilia Slytherin. She is not very well known, but her name was tarnished to the point she was the most hated witch in the wizarding world. But only a few know the truth about her. About this time the religion of the Goddess, known in Avalon was lost and Basilia tried to bring it back."

Draco couldn't believe it. Basilia Slytherin! His protector! He looked to his wrist and there was still the mark of the phoenix. He continued to listen intently.

"Many were against her for trying to do it. During this time, girls couldn't go to Hogwarts. Basilia wanted them back and to bring the Goddess back, but many people stood in her way. She killed many of them and continued on, but no one allowed her. Her familiar, a phoenix also helped in these crusades. She was known as a homosexual but-"

Some sniggers rang out, but Alymer continued, "In the end married Baron Cornelius Black on order of her father. She married him and had one son, Nigelus. She continued on her crusade and finally they did allow girls in, but some muggles caught her and burned her at the stake. Most people say she deserved it, but that is not. If not for her girls would not be here at Hogwarts and many people returned to the Goddess, remembering where their roots were from. They also didn't trust her because her blood was of Slytherin, but she created the Cruciatus Curse to torture people who stood in her way. That's why she is perceived as evil."

People hushed up, and Alymer went on to other things, but Kate was feeling tired. She felt heavy too and as if a burden was placed upon her back. She couldn't explain it. Kate glanced at Draco, who seemed to be pondering. She wanted to make a sarcastic comment about how stupid he looked when he was thinking, but couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Hey, guys, I think I'm going to go to bed," she whispered, "I'm not feeling too good."

"Yeah, you don't look too good," Eve said and felt her forehead. "I think you have a slight fever or cold or something."

Kate climbed the steps all the while hearing Avalon and feeling a sense of duty that she wanted off her shoulders.

"Leave me alone," she whispered to this feeling, but it said back to her, "You are the one to redeem our family."

"I don't want to, now."

"But you will soon."

She shook her head, "Wow, I must really have a fever."

And collapsed on her bed and slept deeply.

***

Two days later was the last night of the Slytherin Christmas, and Kate was wearing the Goth outfit that intrigued her so. She smiled at the four gifts she had for her friends. Tonight was the night they were giving them out.

"Kate, will you dance with me?"

It was Crabbe and he had such a hopeful face on that Kate couldn't say no, and agreed to dance with him. Draco bumped into them with Pansy and winked at Crabbe. Two seconds later his hand squeezed her butt.

"God damn you pervert!" she yelled and kicked him in the groin.

"Ow. Ow. Ow," he whimpered.

"You deserved that."

She turned around when Will McNair said, "Hey Kate, dance?"

"Sure, why not. Just get me away from Crabbe."

"Sure."

"Where's Uvanda?"

"Around somewhere. Don't worry she won't accuse me of hitting on a first year, a first year who's my sister's friend... Oh, there she is! See you later, Kate!"

Kate walked and sat down next to Eve.

"Has anyone ever told you your brother was hot?"

"Please don't start."

"I wasn't about to," Kate grinned, "But he's a third year. How would he like a first year like me?"

"Good point."

"Hey! That was uncalled for."

"I know," Kate said as she grinned.

"I'm serious. Even though we're only first years, I think Draco should just ask Pansy out and get it over with. Look at that!"

Pansy's head was on Draco's shoulder and Draco seemed to be whispering the song to her.

"Wow. It's like he's human for once."

Eve laughed, "I swear I'm getting a little tired of this PDA."

"PDA?"

"Public Display of Affection."

"Oh, yeah right," Kate said, feeling embarrassed she didn't know that.

"Tomorrow we're leaving dear old Hogwarts for two weeks. Can you take being away for two weeks?"

"Yeah, I suppose. I don't know what we're all going to do. I know banquets and balls as you've told me."

"They have an awesome pond."

"I know, I've seen pictures. I used to live there when I was two or three."

"Really? It would be awesome. The Malfoys are really rich."

"Yeah, I guess so. That would explain why Draco's so stuck up."

"It's aristocracy, darling," laughed Eve drawing out the "ar" of darling.

Kate laughed.

"Oh, I have gifts for you guys!"

"Me too. Let's get the girls over. PANSY! BLAISE! DIEDRA!" she yelled across the room.

Slowly they broke away from their partners and went over with their gifts. Kate ordered hers a couple weeks ago and she waited anxiously for them to hurry.

"Here you go," she said as she passed them out.

Eve screamed as she opened hers, "HIM! Kate, you are awesome! How did you get it?"

"Narcissa ordered it for me."

For Pansy it was a pad of pink paper with hearts for writing notes and a pen to go with it. Kate got Diedra a make-up bag and Blaise a Led Zepplin CD.

"You are awesome Kate! Love you like a sister!" Blaise said and they all exchanged hugs.

Everyone else was anxious to give their gifts out too.

From Pansy, Kate received a necklace with a diamond "K". Blaise gave her a journal. Diedra claimed she was going to give her a first aid kit, but gave her some make up including black eyeliner and silver eye shadow. Eve gave her a Nirvana CD.

"Kurt Cobain is awesome. I think you will like him too. You can borrow my walkmage any time."

"Thanks Eve."

***

The next day the girls gave each other hugs and blew kisses to each other good bye.

"See you soon at the Malfoy Castle!" they called.

"Owl me!"

"I will!"

And Kate got ready to see her benefactors' home.