Our American Cousin

XV

The Common Room of the Snake

Despite what the general population of Hogwarts may believe, there are very few duels within the Slytherin common room. This does not mean that there is not posturing or manoeuvring for status, but like an old samurai duel, the fight is often over before the first stroke falls, the loser offering up his weapon. So when a first-year pounded on Snape's door crying that there was a fight going on, Snape made it to his house in record time.

The first thing his eyes sought out was who was duelling. That question was quickly answered by who was standing. Every other student in the room had taken cover in proper illegal duel fashion. No one wanted to get hit, but no one wanted to miss what was happening either. The duel was between Draco Malfoy and his once intended Millicent Bulstrode. Snape had just known this was coming. The Bulstrodes still backed Voldemort wholeheartedly and with Draco's defection, the wedding was most certainly off. Not that Draco would have ever allowed it to get past the wedding night. Draco's detest of Millicent and, in fact, most of the Slytherin females had actually started rumours of possible homosexuality. Not that he'd be the first high-class wizard or Malfoy with that particular leaning, but it would not help his already diminished social standing in any way.

"Bulstrode, Malfoy. Lower your wands," Snape snapped at the two seventh-years. Both wands dropped slowly. Millicent took her time because she was still mad. Draco took his time because he wasn't a fool. "Malfoy, with me. The rest of you back to your rooms." Most of the younger students began to scatter, fearing the wrath of their Head of House.

"We're not taking orders from some traitorous spy." A male voice came from behind a couch. The room seemed to suddenly lack oxygen from everyone sucking in their breaths and taking three steps away from Micah Brane. Micah was a fifth-year who had been jockeying from day one for the top slot in the common room. Unfortunately, while he had good second-in-command potential, he had just proven he wasn't smart enough to be in charge, ever. Snape turned slowly to the boy who stood there. Micah attempted to look defiant, but Snape could already see him sweating. With a quick wave of a wand, Micah found himself pinned to the wall, his wand at his feet.

"A traitor?" Snape said so softly it could almost be called gentle. "A spy? Those are harsh words, Mr. Brane. It's a shame you are just a foolish little boy with no concept of the real movement of power in the world." Micah tried to swallow. "I have spent twenty years in this festering dungeon as penance for following a lunatic who knew how to use words. However, my patience is starting to run thin, and no matter what the politics of the world may or may not be, this is still Hogwarts, and I am still your Head of House. If you, or anyone else, Mr. Brane, feel you are not in a position to accept the reality of those facts, then you are welcome to board the Hogwarts Express first thing in the morning. Am I abundantly clear?" There was furious nodding by Micah Brane as well as the rest of the common room. Snape released the spell and watched as the young wizard dropped to the floor with a satisfying thud. "Malfoy." Snape turned and left the common room with Draco following meekly behind.

~

Once in his private rooms, Snape motioned for Draco to sit as he poured each of them a glass of very fine single malt. Snape would normally never have done this with a student, but he knew Draco had been raised in such a way that he would appreciate the drink. He let the boy sip at his drink for a moment, appreciating a taste of luxury that he might not have again for a very long time.

"So what did you do to set her off?" Snape finally asked.

"Set her off shouting or cursing?" Snape just looked at the young blond. "The shouting was over politics. She was preaching to some of the younger students and I ordered her to shut it."

"I see. And when did she start trying to hex you?"

"Oh." Draco looked at his feet and shifted a little. "That was when I told her the wedding was most definitely off."

"Ah. That was not a wise move, Mr. Malfoy."

"I realized that."

"I believe she was rather looking forward to becoming the next Mrs. Malfoy." Draco shivered.

"That woman can't keep her hands to herself. Kept suggesting we practice for our wedding night. I think I'd sooner boff Granger."

"You do know she's probably going to try to kill you."

"Granger?"

"Millicent." Draco nodded.

"I know." Draco put his head in his hands. "Just what I need, another nutcase out to kill me. Potter and I should start a club." Snape chuckled slightly but at the same time knew that with Draco and Potter now having a common enemy, it was a definite bonus for their side.

"Do you want to move out of your rooms or change your schedule?"

"No. I can put up protection charms at night and there are a couple of seventh years from 'traitorous' families who have volunteered to cover my back."

"Yes, it is interesting to see you about without Mr. Crabbe or Mr. Goyle." Draco shrugged.

"I always knew they were basically spies for my father. I just made them useful to myself as well."

"Nonetheless, I'd keep my head down if I were you."

"Duly noted Professor, duly noted."