Hogwarts, Lovegood & Hope

It was 10:55. The Hogwarts Express was fully-steamed and ready to depart. Students were boarding, eager and excited to return for the second term.

As Lucius climbed on board, Nagini made a small movement to follow him, but stopped. Tightly squeezing the book she carried in her hands, she hesitated, wishing to speak. At last, she had to turn back and look up at her uncle, who was ostentatiously waiting on the platform to watch them leave, and she hoarsely whispered, "My wand..."

Abraxas arched an eyebrow. "Yes, what of it?"

Nagini swallowed hard. "I'll need it. All the other students have theirs; I have to be like all the other students..."

"But you're not like the other students, are you, Nagini?" pressed Abraxas sharply.

Lucius stood in the carriage's entranceway, saying nothing.

"Hmn?" pushed Abraxas, enjoying her frustration.

Attempting not to lose her control in front of Abraxas, Nagini bit her lower lip. But then, she couldn't help herself. The vexation was too much. She lost control. She could only give in.

Abraxas had broken her.

Choking up with stifled tears, not wanting to, but feeling forced to by the situation, Nagini pleaded, "I'm a witch!" Seeing the unmoved, sardonic cold greyness only blink silently back at her, she softly begged, "Please. Please, Uncle. I'm a witch... I need my wand."

The cool, steely eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly. "No need for a scene. Your wand is waiting for you already at Hogwarts." Pleased with the confused, distrustful look his niece gave him, Abraxas added, "I met with the Headmaster yesterday and left it in his care. It'll be given to you in due course after your arrival." Abraxas then sniffed. "Interesting little meeting with Dumbledore. He's under the delusion that you'll finish the year, satisfactorily – without incident. I, on the other hand... well, let's just say I've ordered the house-elf to keep the fireplace burning in your lovely boudoir... yes? Nice and cosy for you? What say you, Nagini, less than a fortnight? Less than a week?"

Nagini was unable to respond. Torn between her hatred and fear of Abraxas, she remained silent, staring at a dirt-filled crack on the train's platform. Her face burned in humiliation, and her back still twinged in darting pain from Abraxas' flogging on the evening of the dinner party. Even though she wished to lash out, I'll willingly burn in hell before ever returning to Malfoy Manor! She held her tongue.

"Learning to control yourself, I see. Good. My little exertion to correct your wild ways was not in vain. Wouldn't you agree, Nagini?"

I hate you.

"Don't you agree?" insisted Abraxas, threateningly.

"Yes, Uncle," she lied.

"Look at me!"

Nagini trembled, willing herself to meet his gaze.

With satisfaction, Abraxas saw in her golden eyes more profound fear than her usual vexing pertinacity.

The clock struck eleven.

"Now, get on board."

As Nagini climbed onto the carriage, the sharp tug of Abraxas' walking stick pulled her arm, causing her eyes to flash angrily around at Abraxas.

He was smiling at her. "Don't get expelled, at least until tomorrow evening. I'm treating myself and Qualmsick to an evening of leisure and pleasure." He gave her an odd leer. "Unless you wish to join us sooner than later, make sure you behave yourself."

The mention of Qualmsick's name caused Nagini to wish to spit in Abraxas' face, but instead, on second thought, a flash of apprehension swept across her features, enough to appease Abraxas. He chuckled and released her arm as the train gently reared and then chugged forward and out of the station.

Nagini had turned sharply away only to step on Lucius' boot heel. He huffed, frowning, and ordered, "Follow me." They made their way through the train's corridor, carriage after carriage, until finally arriving near the rear end. From a separate, private compartment, the recognizable voices of Narcissa and Bellatrix were heard, and as they entered, Nagini saw three others: Severus Snape, Rodolphus Lestrange and Guinevere Rockwood.

On the left side, Severus sat quietly by the window with a tatty, untitled book opened in his lap, Narcissa beside him. Rodolphus stood relaxed against a wall, and Bellatrix was excitedly pacing in the tight space, showing off a three-stoned emerald ring on her right hand. Guinevere perkily sat on the right side, her Prefect robes crisply starched and glittering, batting her eyelashes and seeming completely enthralled listening to the Black sisters, except for stealing glances at Rodolphus whenever she could.

Everyone stopped in mid-motion and stared at the two Malfoys as they entered.

Immediately spotting an empty place on the right, Nagini made a beeline for it, only glancing momentarily at Severus seated directly across from her. She tried to sit smoothly without twitching from the smarting jabs of pain caused by the stretching scabs on her back. Unsuccessfully. As her back made contact with the seat's back, she inhaled sharply. She looked up, and Severus caught her eye for a second. Remembering the last time she saw him, she jerked her head down, confused and ashamed.

It seemed years ago since that dream of a dance had happened. Another time. Another person. She now felt lost and stymied by a myriad of obstacles. The dark young wizard's presence befuddled her. She hadn't wanted to accept that he was the same as the others in the compartment. But, he is... Bowing her head, she quietly opened Lucius' used copy of Advanced Potion-Making, wishing to inconspicuously read it and be left alone.

"Thought you weren't going to make it," teased Bellatrix to Lucius. She gave a malicious glance at Nagini. "Either of you."

"Bloody hell," mumbled Lucius, exasperated, and flung himself down to sit beside his fiancée.

Narcissa turned to Guinevere. "Dearest, do you know when Slughorn wishes to meet with all the Prefects? Would you mind asking? Wouldn't want anyone to not be on time."

"Oh, not at all, Cissy," beamed the female, seventh-year Prefect. She daintily rose and gave a smug smile to Rodolphus before mincingly exiting to find her Head of House.

Bellatrix snorted. "Now that that twit is gone, tell us what's wrong, Lucius."

"Nothing is wrong!" He glanced at Nagini whose head was stuck in her book. "Father just had a full agenda this morning."

Rodolphus scoffed incredulously. "He's giving too much attention to Qualmsick." His eyes narrowed. "Too much loyalty."

"My father and Qualmsick go way back. You know that, Rodolphus." Lucius' tone had a defensive edge. "Just as the Dark Lord and my father do. Are you questioning his allegiance?"

"Merely stating an observation," replied Lestrange coolly.

The two Slytherins stared at each other, an unspoken tension pulsing between them. The compartment was deadly still; even Nagini couldn't ignore the strained energy and shot Lucius a side-glance. Going back to her book, she couldn't help but glimpse the apprehensiveness on Narcissa's and Severus' faces. Suddenly, Severus' eyes pierced Nagini's, and she momentarily felt stunned by his intensity. She couldn't look away, but then the moment was interrupted by Guinevere sliding the door open, breathlessly calling to the Malfoy heir. "Lucius! Professor Slughorn would like to see our Head Boy!" Her eyelashes fluttered at the blond wizard indulgently.

Lucius grunted in compliance and stood up, only pausing to smooth his long blond hair into place, preening himself. "Very well." Forcing a smile on his face, he tersely offered, "Shall we?"

With their presence gone, Bellatrix and Rodolphus took a moment and then proceeded to resume a former discussion.

"You can't refuse, Cissy," prodded Bella. "You know you can't." Then, she lashed out, "It's a bloody gift from him, after all! You should be honoured!"

Narcissa haughtily stared at her sister. She considered several things carefully. After a few seconds, she simply stated, "I don't want to wear the same thing as you."

On the verge of a hissy fit, Bellatrix shrieked, "They're not the same! Look, look at it, you stupid, silly..."

"Bella!" Rodolphus cut her off sharply, giving her a knowing look. "Why don't you have a seat beside your dear sister, and allow me to talk to..." He paused and regarded Nagini intently. A complacent smile formed on his thin lips as he sat down beside her. "...the ladies."

Severus watched Rodolphus pull out a small, plush-covered rectangular box from his inner cloak's pocket. Opening it, he drew out a matching, plush ring case, and handed it to Bellatrix to give to Narcissa. Then, he took out a second identical ring case, placing the rectangular one beside him. He turned to Nagini. "Miss Malfoy?"

Nagini couldn't ignore him. Feeling all eyes boring into her, she looked up at the smug, handsome wizard, but shuddered as his cruel, chiselled features only reminded her of the dreadful dinner party two days before and his behaviour towards her.

But nothing can happen now. Here. Narcissa is here, and... She gave a fleeting glance at the tall, black-haired wizard who had held her in his arms, dancing; it had been a moment of rare bliss. And Severus...

Nagini unconsciously touched her thin, white neckerchief she wore under her high collar, and tucked it higher. Reminded that she still bore the marks of her own fingernails on her throat from struggling against Abraxas' Strangling Hex, she wished to cover up all lingering traces, physical and emotional, but Rodolphus' presence and insistent attention was summoning her back to what she wished to forget and feel: what she wished to keep hidden.

There was a peculiar energy about Rodolphus that made Nagini's heart thump in dull dread and her fingers itch to have her wand. She bravely replied, "Yes?"

"You've been chosen," replied Rodolphus wryly, opening the ring case to show her its content. "The Dark Lord has honoured you with a gift." Seeing her eyes widen in aversion, he coaxingly pointed out, "As well as Narcissa. And Bella. Three rings for three exceptional witches." He turned to Narcissa and cocked his head. "Look closely, dearest Narcissa. The Dark Lord has impeccable taste. Each is unique unto itself. Each one was chosen specifically to complement the particular witch."

Rodolphus tried to control his patronising tone to his future sister-in-law and arched an eyebrow. He crooned, "He knows you favour emeralds, Cissy."

Narcissa opened the case and gasped. Two large oval-shaped, gleaming emeralds were elegantly set in a delicate S-shaped, silver design. Amused and satisfied, Rodolphus chuckled, "See how thoughtful the Dark Lord is? And you wished to refuse his generous gift... tsk, tsk, Cissy."

With a smirk, Rodolphus turned back to Nagini. "Shall I?" He smiled artfully and took the next ring out of its case. At first glance, it looked like a mere simple, metallic serpentine design. But on closer inspection, the tiniest gleams glinted from the mercurial metal as if alive and moving.

"Mercurial, like a Metamorphmagus, like you," he commented softly. As Rodolphus reached to take her left hand in order to place the ring on her finger, Nagini clutched her book tightly and whispered, "No!"

Severus had been listening and watching this scene unfold, gritting his teeth. He had gradually closed and put his mother's Dark Spells and Their Properties book aside, and his fingers had found and wrapped themselves around his wand.

Nagini raised her chin a bit and breathed deeply to steady her nerves. Resolutely, she informed, "He's not my Dark Lord. I have nothing to do with him. Nor do I wish to."

Rodolphus' face flushed livid, and Bellatrix shrieked, jumping up. "Listen to her! Listen to the arrogant, little cow! I told you! But you and Lucius didn't want to believe me," accused the outraged witch. Then, she jeered, "And I know why!" She gave a knowing shriek at Severus. "Bet you know why too!"

Irked, Severus glared at Bella, which only caused the heavily-lidded witch to cackle wildly and tease, "Bet you thought I haven't been watching you, Sevy!" Her eyes wide with inspiration, Bellatrix began pacing again in the cramp space, her chest heaving and wand hand jerking spastically.

Rodolphus had leaned back and was rubbing his lips with his finger, contemplating what to do next, trying to control his dark temper. Straining to keep civil, he explained, "The Dark Lord has given us the unwavering impression that you do have something to do with him. You are a Malfoy, aren't you, Nagini? That in itself is enough. Surely, your family's allegiance to him is known to you by now. Stop acting naïve."

"Leave me alone."

Rodolphus inhaled deeply, trying to keep from losing his temper. He pursed his lips shrewdly and attempted to placate her suspicion. "The Dark Lord merely wishes to welcome you to the fold, a pureblood witch with pedigree of such distinction. He has honoured Bella, as well as Narcissa."

Severus saw Nagini eye the ring warily.

Unyielding, she repeated, "No."

Rodolphus snarled in frustration, snapping up to an offensive stance. He whipped out his wand. In reflex, Severus gripped his wand tighter, a hex on the tip of his tongue.

Narcissa suddenly jumped in. Wishing to diffuse the situation, she pointed out, "Nagini, look!" She fluidly placed her emerald-stoned ring on her middle-right finger. Nothing happened. Narcissa smiled broadly in relief. "It's just a ring. Nothing more." Trying to lighten the charged atmosphere, she forced an amused laugh. "Please, Nagini. It's just a piece of jewellery; a lovely piece at that. Quite antiquated."

Narcissa gracefully rose and calmly took the other ring case from Rodolphus, crossing and sitting down beside Nagini. "You're making more of this than need be. See?" She took the ring meant for Nagini and put it on her own finger in demonstration. "Nothing." She wiggled her fingers for emphasis. "Just lovely, and I must admit thoughtful, jewellery." Narcissa, with pleading eyes covered by her forced, broad smile, once more appealed, "Humour us, Nagini. Just try it on for a second." Amiably smiling over at Rodolphus and Bellatrix, Narcissa turned back to Nagini and playfully fussed, "They've gone to all this trouble to bring us both these lovely gifts from a very powerful, very revered wizard. A new leader. A true Dark Lord to guide and protect Wizardkind against the growing tide of Muggles encroaching on our world and our ways." With a light laughter, beseechingly laced, again she entreated, "Please. For me?"

Nagini sensed there was more to Narcissa's words than needed, but felt unbearably uncomfortable having become the reason for a problem among Lucius' inner-circle. Flustered and wishing for them to leave her alone, Nagini knew she had to appease them first.

"Very well. For you." Narcissa took the ring off and gave it to Nagini, who quickly took and placed it on.

A resounding scream issued forth from Nagini.

Narcissa and Bellatrix both had jolted slightly in place, inhaling sharply, as a simultaneous pulse of magic occurred from their rings, but no further reaction followed.

Severus had jumped up, casting an Infinitum spell at the object on Nagini's hand.

It didn't stop the pain that was pulsing through Nagini. As Severus' spell hit her, a forlorn wail came from her lips: the ring had tightened and bitten deeply into her skin. Severus froze, dismayed, unable to think how to help. On the verge of attempting another spell, his impetus was stopped by the softest hissing sound. It came from Nagini; she was whispering incoherently, unintelligibly to herself, as if hissing an incantation. Severus couldn't make out anything concrete and stared at her fixedly. However, her whisperings seemed to help as Severus saw Nagini convulse once sharply, and then the pain slowly ebbed away, leaving her trembling sporadically, and then become still in a fetal position.

Looking around him, he saw that Bellatrix had slid down to the floor cackling with glee; Rodolphus had rushed to help lift her up onto the seat beside Narcissa, who had languidly drifted back to her place, staring dumbstruck at Nagini. Severus peered intensely into Narcissa's eyes, which were wide-open in surprised fear, but she otherwise appeared unharmed. They both shared the same rummy thought: Nagini's a Parselmouth?

As the rings seemed to have affected Nagini the worst, Severus tried to assess how he might remedy the problem. He gazed at her with pity, something he had sworn not to do. I will detach myself from any weaknesses, any feelings for her... But seeing Nagini laid curled up in her corner spot, her eyes scrunched painfully closed, his heart smouldered to relieve her pain somehow. Wholly.

Severus pointed his wand at Rodolphus. "Release her. Now."

Rodolphus eyes glinted, amused, and with a cool leer, he challenged, "Are you deaf? The ring is from the Dark Lord, not I."

"You've added your own special touch, Lestrange."

Not denying it, Rodolphus sneered, "This doesn't concern you, Snape."

"Why would he Charm her ring in that way and not the others?"

"Why indeed?"

As their wand tips simultaneously pointed at each other and sparked in anticipation, the door slid abruptly open. "What the bloody hell is going on?" With wand ready, an irate Lucius took only a second to assess Severus and Rodolphus, and snarled, "Enough, you two! Put your wands away!" Once they both begrudgingly complied, Lucius rushed to Narcissa. "What is it?"

Narcissa's eyes fluttered as she held onto Lucius, encircled in his protective arms, unable to speak.

Warily watching Rodolphus turn to Bellatrix, who'd begun giggling wildly, Severus was left standing near Nagini. Not wishing to touch her unless he had to, he waited for Nagini to compose herself if possible, and was relieved to see her body slowly relaxing and stretching out, released from the intense pain. As she managed to stiffly sit up again, he tentatively sat down beside her. Severus had sworn to himself not to get further involved. Not to feel anything for her. And yet, he couldn't help himself. Through her closed lids and rigid form, he could feel her vitriolic anger and pain; he knew all too well those emotions and the remorseless energy it consumed one with.

In fact, at that very moment, he empathized with her. The fact that Rodolphus was up to something, something dark and secretive with the Dark Lord involving Nagini, infuriated him beyond reason. Knowing that Narcissa and even Rodolphus' own betrothed was also involved didn't soften the myriad of merciless thoughts and hexes running through his mind. They're pureblood witches! Why would Rodolphus curse his own kind? Why would the Dark Lord?

His mind stirred with the creeping realisation that no one was safe and anyone could become a target, regardless of their blood status or allegiance. He inwardly groaned, glaring morbidly at Rodolphus. Severus knew Lestrange too well. One male to another. He knew Rodolphus, in particular, had a perverse, insatiable appetite for all things salacious, all things female. Something unsavoury, unspeakable, is always a given...

Leaning on Lucius' chest, Narcissa whispered, "The rings!"

"Rings? What rings?" demanded Lucius fiercely. Narcissa held her hand up. Upon seeing the foreign object on his fiancée's finger, he snarled, "Take the damn thing off!"

Attempting to pull it off, Narcissa realised, "I can't!"

"None of us can!" shrilled Bellatrix giddily, licking her lips, wiggling her own fingers to show off hers. As she leaned her arched head against Rodolphus' hard mid-torso, Rodolphus stood in a triumphant stance, running his fingers through Bella's wild mantle of hair. Bellatrix further revealed, "Not until each of us has fulfilled a wish of the Dark Lord's!"

Lucius and Narcissa slowly turned to look at Bella. Nagini opened her eyes and stared out the window but was listening to every word being uttered. Severus stared at the gloating Bella with horror.

Impassively, Lucius croaked out, "Bella... you will tell us now what all of this is about!"

Leaping up, Bellatrix cackled wildly and lunged, attaching herself fiercely to Rodolphus' side. She mewled and began petting his broad chest precociously. Turning sharply to face Lucius, she pouted, "Well, it's really only what Cissy and Nagini must do." With a wicked grin, she lashed out, "I've already had the privilege of fulfilling the Dark Lord's wishes!" Looking greedily into Rodolphus' eyes, she whispered vehemently, "As well as my betrothed's!" Bellatrix and Rodolphus' lips met in a ferocious kiss.

The others turned their focus away, waiting for the volatile couple to finish. All except Lucius, who adamantly demanded, "Rodolphus!"

After a few seconds, in a low thick voice, Rodolphus commented, "The Dark Lord's rings – his gifts for our girls." Lucius' forehead furrowed in concern. Rodolphus smirked and informed, "Cissy's will come off the night after her marriage vows, I daresay, in honour of her pristine loyalty to you, dear Lucius. And Nagini's... Well, that's still to be revealed... It is between the Dark Lord and me. Tokens of obedience, let's just say."

"What?" hissed Lucius. The blond wizard blinked hard. Flustered and outraged by his oldest friend's deception, he pressed his fiancée harder to him and glared at Rodolphus. "You gave it to Cissy without even telling me beforehand?"

"Why should I have told you?"

"You tell me everything!" spat Lucius.

"Do I?" replied Rodolphus coolly.

The door slid open and a wild-eyed, sixth-year Slytherin stood in the doorway, his flashing dark-brown eyes quickly darting around. His restive glance flitted between Rodolphus and Bellatrix before finally resting on the heavy-lidded witch fixedly. He said, "Pardon me, but Regulus is asking for you; he says he doesn't feel up to coming here." The nervy youth gave Bellatrix an excited, goofy smile.

"Ah, still feeling peaky, is he, Barty?" Bella sashayed up to the grinning, smitten sixth-year and patted him on a cheek. "And you, young Mr Crouch? Are you still feeling a little peelie-wally?" She whispered in his ear, "Poor little waif, I'll have to come claim him, won't I?"

"He is a bit green about the gills still," agreed the youth, his tongue darting out, licking his lips. "And asks for you repeatedly. He insists it's urgent, before we get to Hogwarts."

Abruptly, Bellatrix's high-pitched laughter rang out, and as she swept in front of and past Barty leaving, Lucius called out, "Take Rodolphus with you!"

Insulted, Rodolphus started, surprised. "What?"

Lucius gripped Narcissa instinctively tighter and gave a fleeting glance at Nagini. Thoroughly peeved, the blond wizard nonetheless mastered his edge and turned to Rodolphus, giving him a neutral stare. "Later this evening...we'll discuss everything that has occurred here. In private. Just you and me." He then gave Rodolphus a tart smile and said brusquely, "Guinevere should be lolling about in the corridor, waiting for you, I suspect... If you're bored and in need of further entertainment."

Rodolphus gave a hard, contemptible look around to them all. "Very well. This evening, Lucius."

After Rodolphus gruffly stalked out, the air lightened and there were glimmerings of faint sunlight breaking through the darkening, wintry sky. The Hogwarts Express rounded a long curve and started slowly descending on its final leg of the journey.

No one spoke. Lucius continued to hold Narcissa in his arms. Stone-faced, staring over her blonde head snuggled on his shoulder, he stared sternly out the windows.

Rising, Severus reached down and picked up Nagini's Advanced Potion-Making book which had fallen and handed it to her. She took it, but didn't look at him. Instead, she turned listlessly and also stared, as her cousin was doing, through the frosted glass.

Severus sat back down, feeling discomfited and defeated. He discreetly noted Lucius and Narcissa and frowned, moving further to the left, giving Nagini plenty of space. He brooded, ruminating again on how he now knew deep in his heart that if it amused the Dark Lord to play around with his favourite chosen pureblood followers, no one was safe from Voldemort's whims.

It provoked him to no end that Rodolphus held a special claim to the Dark Lord's favours. Lestrange would use it to his utmost surly, sordid advantage. And Voldemort would indulge Lestrange. That much was clear.

But Voldemort had also promised to indulge Severus. Gratify my every wish... Lily...

Only the sounds of the train chugging along continued to penetrate the compartment's walls, and Severus mulled over and over in his darkening thoughts on how nothing was sacred. Nothing was safe. No one. A nervous tremble ran through him as he meditated on the Dark Lord knowing his weaknesses. Voldemort knew his deepest, darkest wishes – he knew his deepest yearning was for Lily. But the Dark Lord had cared not; his uncovering of Severus' most intimate wish appeared distasteful, but other than a curt comment about there being other witches more worthy, Voldemort had never alluded to Lily being of any particular further interest. So much that none of Severus' peers had been given access to this information. Voldemort must have his reasons. Or not. A 'Mudblood' must truly be unworthy of him, even his distaste. Unworthy of his cruelty...

Perhaps, this was truly so. Lily was beyond Voldemort's whims. A mere 'Mudblood' of no worth. Perhaps, I need only to worry about those around me. Severus twitched at the thought of Bellatrix and Rodolphus finding out. Looking around at the despondent pureblood witches targeted for who-only-knew-what dubious purpose, he bitterly reflected, Lily would never be safe with me!

Severus and the other passengers were jolted out of their contemplative states by the train coming to a halt. The Hogwarts Express had arrived at its destination.

"We're here!" affirmed Lucius, relieved. He eagerly rose and helped Narcissa to get up and leave. Lucius gave a look to Severus, motioning subtly over at Nagini.

Gathering belongings, Severus austerely waited and allowed Nagini to go ahead of him; he couldn't help but see that Nagini tried to walk smoothly through what were most likely smarting jabs of stretching scabs on her back, as well as the discomfort from the cursed ring she was wearing. Understanding all too well the reason for her stiffened gait, Severus noted to himself, I'll send some soothing balm to her room once she's settled in Slytherin House.

As the four of them slowly exited from the train onto the tiny platform, Lucius and Narcissa were swiftly engulfed by familiar faces, and Severus silently guided Nagini to follow him. They walked idly in the back of Lucius' group, Nagini lagging behind, staring upwards. The sky was darkening, but even so, a golden beam arched in the vortex of the open atmosphere, causing a lingering, glowing light around the wisps of deep-purple clouds brushed across it.

Severus watched Nagini, curious. The light was capturing her features and colouring them with a soft, amber glow. Her wonder-filled orbs, looking intently around and above her, caught his attention. She seemed to crackle with golden energy as she peered around, absorbing the mountainous, rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands. He'd forgotten. She is so lovely... in such an unusual way...

Nagini blinked hard as her eyes adjusted, focusing on the gleaning, fading sunlight and shadows. She breathed in deeply the crisp wintry air and hurried to catch up with Lucius' circle. She saw Severus standing still, his attention caught, staring at another small group of several students, who were rushing by almost at a running pace towards some coaches further on in the woods. He seemed fixated on a witch with flowing red hair and a warm, open smile. The witch didn't notice Severus; she was holding hands with a bespectacled wizard, who was teasingly pulling her along with him.

There was a general hurry and flurry all around from students briskly making their way to the carriages awaiting them. The Slytherin groups casually headed in the same direction, and Nagini followed, not knowing what was in store for her, and at that very moment not caring, suddenly feeling invigorated by the sight and smell of the majestic highland nature around her.

Out of the blue, a loud voice boomed, "Nagini Malfoy!"

She turned and found herself greeted by a giant of a man.

"I'm Hagrid, gamekeeper o' the Hogwarts' grounds. Yeh'll be comin' along with me, separately. Headmaster's orders."

Apprehensive, she asked, "Where to?"

"Oh, ter Hogwarts o' course. But the Headmaster feels yeh should come the way any first-timer should: on a boat! Yeh can follow me."

"She's not going anywhere with you." The haughty comment came from Lucius, nettled. He strode over to beside Nagini and glared at the hairy giant. "She's coming with us!"

"No need ter get yeh dander up, Mr Malfoy. Yeh best be gettin' yerself back ter the castle – all the Prefects need ter gettin' there ahead o' the rest."

"You needn't tell me what I must do, you impertinent..."

"Dumbledore's orders, Mr Malfoy!" The gruff half-giant looked down sternly at the well-groomed, sneering blond wizard and reminded, "Dumbledore is in charge o' Miss Malfoy now she's at Hogwarts. Officially speakin', I'm acting on his orders." Then, Hagrid gave Lucius a 'You-Know-Who' isn't in charge look and informed, "She's ter enter and be Sorted like any firs' year."

"Does she look like she's eleven-years-old, you thick oaf?" snarled Lestrange.

"Yeh watch yer tongue there, Mr Lestrange. Not goin' ter repeat myself again. The Headmaster's given me instructions, and I'm goin' ter do them. You lot, be on yer way ter the castle!"

And with no further ado, Hagrid turned and instructed, "Come along now, Miss Malfoy. This way. Mind yer step there; the bank is a bit slippery."

Perhaps it was the looks on Lucius and Rodolphus faces, or perhaps the sudden encompassing of the rich Highlands overwhelming her, ensnaring her with its beauty and earthy power, but an enlightening energy coursed through Nagini's veins. And giving a brief, relieved glance back, she caught Severus' eye; she smiled at him, then turned and eagerly followed the giant.

Hagrid led her down a steep, narrow path along the embankment to a huge, dark lake. As Nagini's boots sunk into the crunchy earth, she looked around at the mountains, and inhaled deeply, distinguishing the various scents of winter, water, forest and earth. She felt a heaviness lift from her chest. She'd even forgotten about the bewitched ring she was wearing.

"Hope yer not one fer gettin' sick in boats." Hagrid turned to see that the witch had stopped. Her eyes were closed, and she had a gentle smile, breathing deeply.

"Yeh al'right there, Miss Malfoy?"

"Yes, oh yes. There's evergreen in the air and sweet, sweet water..." She saw the odd look on the half-giant's face. "It's been a long time... since I've been in nature. I'm sorry."

"No, that's all right. Just yeh'll have plenty o' time to be outdoors soon enough. Fer now, I must get yeh to the castle on time." He gestured across the great, Black Lake. There, gleaming in the winter sunset on top of a mountain stood Hogwarts.

"Oh... it's beautiful! So different from Durmstrang!"

Hagrid offered her his hand, helping her into the boat. As she sat on the opposite end, she looked around, taking in the wild Highland landscape: the expansive mountains and sky, lake and forests. "It's all breathtakingly beautiful."

By now, Hagrid's wariness of escorting the Malfoy girl had faded away. She had ingratiated the gamekeeper, and he gave her a beaming smile. "Yes, it is, Miss Nagini. It is indeed!"

Hearing her name spoken in such a kind warm manner filled Nagini with a feeling of lightness and warmth she'd not known for a very long time. No, that's not true. Severus... She remembered his touch, dancing...

White and pink gleams of birds flew over them as Hagrid oared them closer and closer to the castle.

She was transfixed on the Forbidden Forest and asked shyly, "I bet there are unicorns and Centaurs dwelling there."

"There is indeed, Miss Malfoy, and a whole heap o' other things!"

They had arrived in the boat house. Nagini felt torpid and dazed, her sensations reeling from the unfettered sense of freedom Hogwarts and its surroundings evoked. She hadn't realized how much she had missed nature, needed it in her life. It's been so long...

Flashing images of hiding, Durmstrang, the cell in the Ministry, Malfoy Manor – they all melted away.

Docking the small boat, Hagrid helped Nagini out and led her up the castle stairs towards the Main Hall. She felt something well up inside her. Hope. A calm peacefulness accompanied it. And with this peace, suddenly, someone's image flashed through her mind: Severus Snape. Perhaps, I can get to know him differently here... In this great castle's walls, anything seems possible...

They continued walking up the stone stairs until they arrived at the Great Hall. A tall stern-faced witch came out and upon seeing them, nodded to Hagrid and informed, "I'll take her from here."

Startled-eyed, Nagini stared at the authoritative witch, not knowing what was happening.

The elder witch matter-of-factly listed out, "Welcome to Hogwarts. I'm Professor McGonagall. I'll be your Transfiguration teacher. You'll be Sorted into your House soon, after the Headmaster's welcome-back greeting. I assume you've been informed of the exact procedure by now, Miss Malfoy?"

"No. No, I haven't. What procedure?"

Minerva sniffed slightly, sizing up this unusual Malfoy in front of her. Oh, my! Perhaps, she's truly a daft one... Seeing the girl seemed to be earnestly befuddled, McGonagall gave an impatient sigh. "Oh, very well then. Briefly, you'll follow me and wait on the side – I'll show you where; the Headmaster will motion when you're to come up, and we'll place the Sorting Hat on you. You'll be placed in your House for the remainder of your schooling here. It's tradition. All students must be subjected to it."

"My House?"

Seeing the blank look on the young witch's face, Minerva explained tersely, "Where you'll be sleeping, studying, spending your free time." Exasperated, McGonagall huffed. "Just follow my cue." She motioned to Nagini to follow her, and they entered through the great double doors. There were hundreds of students and a high-arching ceiling filled with uncountable lit candles. Nagini was overwhelmed by the space and stopped in her tracks. McGonagall saw her awe and apprehension, and mercifully led the girl along the farthest left-side aisle. Even so, through the myriad of faces, Nagini made out Narcissa and Lucius. Somewhere in a wave of haze, she spotted Severus.

As they reached the front, McGonagall motioned for her to stand to the side. Nagini stared at the row of Professors sitting at the High Table. There was a hush in the hall as Dumbledore rose and briefly welcomed the students back to their second term. It seemed only seconds before she heard him announce that he was pleased that Hogwarts was welcoming a new student who needed to be Sorted. Professor McGonagall called out her name and motioned to Nagini to come to the centre and sit on a small stool.

Nagini felt ridiculous, embarrassed. She was in mortal fear to look at anyone and felt she would black out when McGonagall placed a tattered old hat on her head. Minerva whispered, "Wait until it Sorts you, and I'll point you to your House table."

Nagini closed her eyes. She gasped as she heard a soothing voice in her ear speak. Hmm... loyalty runs strong and true. That's interesting. Reckless courage. Very useful. So very determined, clever and very resourceful, I see. Oh, my goodness, such a thirst for knowledge to fill the grey... So, where to put you? Knowledge is power. And your power could be great. No? Well, then, let it be – "Ravenclaw!"

Nagini opened her eyes and saw McGonagall's surprised look, motioning her towards the table second from the left. The hall seemed silent as she stiffly walked over to the table, coloured with blue and bronze scarves. No one cheered. In particular, an older boy with a Ravenclaw Prefect badge on his pristine robes was giving her a nasty stare. As she slowly walked down the long table's row, she softly gasped with thankful relief when she heard the Headmaster's voice continuing on and further announcing the students to commence the start of the second term feast.

Now that she felt a huge hurdle had been leapt, she became conscious again of the pangs in her back and marks on her throat twinging, causing her to walk carefully, awkwardly. From another table dotted with burgundy and gold, a young man whom Nagini thought at first was Regulus Black was snickering and whispering something to his bespectacled mate beside him. There was the same girl with flowing red hair that Severus had been mesmerised by earlier at the train platform. She was smiling kindly at Nagini, even as a shaggy, sandy-haired young wizard whispered something into her ear.

Ignoring them, Nagini focused on the floor in front of her, and she felt her face burning as she realised no one at the Ravenclaw table was making space for her to sit. I'll have to walk to the very end of the hall and hope there'll be a space there. Oh gods... how humiliating...

But just as she passed the middle section, suddenly Nagini's eye caught two very blond wizards. In a flash she thought of Narcissa and Lucius, but knew this pair was very different. The witch had large protuberant eyes and a dreamy expression with a sphinx-like smile. She wore eccentric earrings and necklaces which at second glance, Nagini realised were made from vegetables and fruits and other material she couldn't recognize at that very moment. She had a golden, coarse-spun dress showing through her Ravenclaw robe and wore cream and yellow-plaid stockings with golden boots topped with sunflowers.

The tall, slender wizard beside her seemed to glow even more; he was wearing a fluorescent yellow tunic and matching, loose pyjama-like pants, shining out underneath his robe. The golden, candyfloss-haired wizard stood up to his full height, his long flowing hair unruly falling around his pointed, carved face, giving the impression of wind blowing through it. But his wide, sparkling eyes were kind and his voice warm as he held out his hand and introduced himself. "Xenophilius Lovegood. Seventh-year scribbler and quibbler extraordinaire!" Nagini heard a few random sniggers around the table, but focused on reciprocating the welcoming gesture, shaking his hand.

"And I'm Hibiscus. Hibiscus Hope," said the effervescent witch. "Sixth-year scribbler and spells-experimenter extraordinaire!" Hibiscus gave Xenophilius a knowing smile and they both laughed: lovingly, soulfully.

Their laughter was music to Nagini's ears.

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A/N: Greatest appreciation to betas extraordinaire: blue artemis, star_girl and agnus castus!