"I am begging you. Please give me more details than just that." I told my father with a pleading look on my face.

I even tried pulling out the sad puppy dog eyes. They had always worked any other time I wanted something out of him, why wouldn't they work now?

My father huffed at my begging, resting his head in his hands while his elbows were up on his desk. He tugged on his hair slightly, irritated about the conversation at hand. This had been going on for at least 40 minutes now and I still wasn't giving up. It was obvious that he was beginning to grow tired of it.

"Jules, I can't give you more details." He sighed, looking back up at me. "I don't even have any." I gave him a look of disbelief, not buying that for a second.

"This is all I can say because it's all I know— I have been working with a lot of different people lately that I haven't done much business with in years." He started, taking in a deep breath. "I am in the middle of business with an important.. family. People I have known since my time at Hogwarts many years ago. They are very important to me. They will be very important to you, too." He informed me, leaning back into his seat as he spoke.

"Someone is going to approach you at school soon with some instructions to follow. Probably within the next couple of days if I had to guess. Listen to what they tell you. I don't know much more than that. I am meeting with the family again in a few days to find out more information involving you." He said staring at me with a look in his eyes that read 'just do as I say and stop bickering with me.'

"Okay." I said quietly as I leaned further back into my seat. "But who is approaching me? Shouldn't I know so I can look out for them?"

"Go get ready for bed." He told me, completely ignoring my question. "It's getting late, and I know you have a busy couple of days coming up." My father said as he glanced down at his watch and back up at me, shooing me out of his study so he could get back to his work.

I sighed quiet enough that I didn't think he'd hear it, and lifted myself up from the seat. I started to make my way out of the room, glancing back at him once, before opening the giant door and leaving.

I slowly made my way back towards the grand staircase, in hopes that my father might come out of the room behind me and walk with me. Talk with me. Have a normal conversation.

But it didn't happen, and I found myself at the door to my bedroom within the matter of minutes, and the hallways of the manor remained empty.

I turned the knob of my door and proceeded into my room. This was the only place I could seem to get away in this dreadful house. It was decorated with all of my favorite things, like a sweet escape.

The black walls make my cream colored duvet stand out on my king sized canopy bed in the center of the room. Elegant light pink drapes hanging from the top of the bed to add a dash of my favorite color to the scene. My ivory colored grand piano to the side of the bed matches the bed spread perfectly. The fireplace directly across from my bed, surrounded with a few shelving units that contained all of my favorite books.

My favorite part of all, the chandelier above the giant room. My father had it installed for my 11th birthday after I wouldn't shut up about how I had one of the only rooms in the entire manor without one.

I told you before. Absolutely spoiled.

I made my way over to my black matching bathroom to take a shower. I sat in there for what felt like hours, letting the hot water wash away all of my thoughts.

What could be so hushy-hushy that my father couldn't just tell me himself? Why couldn't he give me something, anything to work with? All I wanted to know was what it was all about. I wanted answers.

However, when did my father hardly talk about anything with me anymore?

I missed him so much. It felt like it had been years since we've had a normal conversation. Without any business being involved. Or what his days were like. Or his life.

I knew that it was too good to be true anymore. Conversations with him were like a lost cause. Things would never go back to how they used to be years ago. I was getting older. My father didn't see me as a child as much anymore.

And it sucks.

I got out of the shower, and wrapped myself up in a soft towel to dry off. I threw on my plush robe to wear around the bathroom while I fixed my hair and brushed my teeth before bed. I made my way back out to my bedroom and changed into a pair of my pajama shorts and a loose t-shirt.

I laid down on my bed, taking a deep breath, and trying my best to clear my mind. I wasn't sure how long I had actually sat there staring at the ceiling above me, but eventually I felt myself drifting off into sleep, the noise of the fireplace crackling slowly fading into nothing.

•

I was standing in a strange hallway that I knew I had never seen before, but at the same time it felt so familiar. Different paintings lined the walls almost like at my house, but they were blurred out, like I wasn't meant to see the images they contained.

The walls were all white marble. Chandeliers lining the ceiling up and down the hall. The floors were a dark black to contrast with the walls. The layout was similar to the one of my manor, but all the colors were completely reversed.

Interesting.

I had not a clue what was going on around me. I had no idea why I was here, wherever this is, or what I was supposed to be doing. I walked down the hallway slowly, looking for answers.

Suddenly, after several minutes of silence, all I could hear were whispers. They were filling my head, almost like I was in some sort of trance. It was pulling me forward towards a set of double doors that resembled my father's study.

I could feel that my breathing was becoming shallow. It had felt like the air was being sucked out of my lungs as I was being propelled towards the door.

Am I dying?

When I finally reached the end of the hallway, my body came to a sudden halt. I looked at the doorknob, wondering if I was supposed to enter or not.

"Don't go in." I heard a voice say. I couldn't make out who it was. It was familiar, but it was muffled out, like something was trying to keep me from knowing who it was.

It wasn't my father. Or mother. Not any of my house elves. Not my friends. But I knew the voice, deep down. I just couldn't put any of the pieces together.

"I'm trying to help you out here. Don't go in." They repeated, annoyance lingering in their voice as I couldn't seem to listen to their request.

The whispering suddenly took over all of my thoughts again, clogging everything I was thinking about. It was almost as if I couldn't see straight. I didn't want to go in. But I needed to go in.

I felt like I had no self control anymore.

Without evening trying to do it myself, my hand reached up for the door knob, pulling the large doors open. Before anything else could happen, a giant serpent lunged at me, red eyes glowing, mouth expanded, fangs ready to dig in.

I couldn't even make a sound as I felt my heart stop. Everything went black.

•

I jolted up with a scream so loud I was sure that the whole manor could hear me. Slight sobs escaping my mouth as I frantically looked around, trying to gain a sense of where I was.

My bedroom. Dimly lit in the warm morning, the sun just barely peaking through the windows. I felt myself let out a deep breath when I finally realized where I was.

These dreams have been happening so frequently lately that nobody even bothered to come and check on me anymore. No one knows what's wrong. I can't even explain the damn dream myself.

I looked at the clock on the mantle above the fireplace. 7:06 a.m. I guess it's about time to start getting ready for my day anyway, so I might as well just get up.

I crawled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, carrying the clothes I had just pulled out of my dresser drawers in my hand.

I threw on a mini skirt with a white button up blouse. It was similar to the same outfits I wore every other day. Always dressed in the dull, yet sharp colors of white and black.

I put on some knee high socks and my favorite pair of shoes, a pair of strap on platforms. Comfortable, but dressy. A cute serpent as the clasp to hold the straps across the top together. I shuddered slightly at the sight.

Don't get me wrong, I am beyond proud to be a Slytherin. My parents are proud I carry on the legacy as well. When they had heard that's where the sorting hat had placed me in my first year without needing to be completely placed on my head, I thought they were going to throw a giant party to celebrate.

Only one other person held the same fate that I did. Although, based off of their families similar history, the two of us getting placed immediately came as a surprise to no one.

I loved the serpent symbol, too. Signifying power, strength, the urge to strike and show how competitive I could be. I used to think of it as my spirit animal in a way, but after the nightmares I've been having recently, it was almost like I couldn't bare the sight.

I don't know what I'll do when I return to school. When I'd have to face the banners flying all through the common room and the castle. Or the robes with the symbol sewn on. Hopefully once I get back into my regular schedule, all returns to normal and I'd be too distracted to think about it.

I left my room and started walking down the staircase, heading towards the dining room for breakfast. The food was already freshly prepared and laid out on the table thanks to Darby, our elf. My parents were no where to be seen, but it didn't come as much of a shock. I sat alone, as usual, to have my meal.

As I was chewing a piece of toast, I saw a slight flash beside me, causing me to look to my right. I didn't notice anything at first, but turned gaze down towards the floor to see Darby standing before me.

Darby bowed her head slightly, "Sorry, Miss. I didn't mean to disturb you. Your parents are out on business. They have left money for you in the foyer by the main door. Darby was told to have you out the door by 8:30." She glanced up at me, afraid to make eye contact for too long.

"Thank you, Darby." I said with a soft smile. I felt bad that she was always so afraid of me, but there was nothing I could do to change it. She had been my father's elf since before I was even born. Fear of me has been instilled in her since the beginning.

I finally registered what she had said after a moment. Have me out the door? My parents were forcing me out of the manor for the afternoon?

What could be so important that I can't even stay at my own house, even if I wanted to?

I sighed as I got up from the dining room table. I made my way to the foyer area and grabbed my purse as well as the bag of money that my father had left for me sitting on the table.

I walked over towards the fireplace in the dining room and grabbed some of the floo powder out of the bag hanging on the wall in front of me. I stepped inside to get a move on.

"To diagon alley." I threw the powder down to the floor.

With that I was surrounded quickly by green flashes all around, until I found myself in my destination. I huffed as I adjusted to my new surroundings. My stomach slightly queasy from the travel I just took.

I looked around and spotted my best friend Aria not too far from where I was standing. I hurried over to her so we could begin our school shopping.

"Ari!" I screamed as I saw that she hadn't noticed me yet, causing her head to whip around in my direction. A huge smile began pulling at the edge of her lips, spreading across her face quickly.

She was ALMOST as gorgeous as I was. Some would think that I only say that because I'm biased. However, I say it because it's the truth.

Her short brown hair falls just to the shoulder, blonde money-making pieces hanging in the front to frame her face. Her chocolate eyes giving her face a mysterious look to it.

"Jules!" She yelled back with the same amount of enthusiasm.

She started running towards me instantly, opening her arms so I could join her in a warm embrace. All you could hear was our giggles throughout the alley, earning a few looks from some strangers that were passing by.

"I've missed you so much, you have no idea! Communicating through owl is never the same as the real thing!" She said as she hugged me tighter.

I pulled away and looked at her, a few giggles still escaping my lips, "I know!" I agreed.

"Well, how have you been? I haven't heard from you in about a week and a half. Have things gotten better since the last time we talked?" She asked as we made our way down the alley to the first shop we needed.

"No." I sighed and rolled my eyes. "It has been awful. I haven't left my house in WEEKS. It's like my parents don't want me doing anything anymore. They keep me at the house with the elves all day, and then barely talk to me when they are actually around. My mother told me last night she believes I'm going to go mad, but can you blame me?" I asked her in annoyance.

"No. Not at all. In fact, I can't believe they don't even take you with them some days, even if it's just for a stupid business trip. I feel like it's a bit inhumane to just leave you there all day long." She said as she flashed a glance at me walking next to her.

"Sometimes I feel like I might be more fortunate to get left at home believe it or not..." I mumbled just loud enough for her to hear, returning the glance in her direction.

As I wasn't looking where I was going, I bumped right into someone who was walking in the opposite direction. Well, I guess I wouldn't say bumped. More like ran right into them. I hit them rather hard with my shoulder, actually.

"Ow!" I heard them shout as I whipped around to see who it was.

"Oh- I'm so sorry I wasn't even paying any attention!" I said quickly as I noticed the person holding their arm in pain. "Are you okay?"

"Jeez, you boney little thing! Next time make sure you watch where the hel-" the voice was shouting, but suddenly stopped as we made eye contact with one another.

I recognized him instantly from school. His piercing grey eyes searching mine for a split second. As soon as he realized it was me that had hurt him he started speaking again.

"Uh, just watch where you're going next time, Brown." He said awkwardly, stopping himself from yelling anymore than he already had. I found my mouth clamping shut, though I didn't ever realize it was ever really hanging open.

He stood up straight and brushed his shoulder off, as if I wrinkled his black button shirt. What was more surprising was that when he was finished fixing his own shirt, he quickly reached over and brushed off my shoulder as well to fix my shirt.

Why the fuck is this boy touching me right now?

I looked at him in confusion, unsure about what was happening. He cleared his throat, nodded at me once, and left with his friends who I also recognized. I never talked to any of them on a normal basis, which made this encounter even stranger.

I looked over at Aria, still confused about what had just happened, and apparently she was too. She looked as though she had just seen a ghost.

No, not even a ghost. More like she had just seen her grandmother naked. Before I could even ask her a question she opened her mouth and shouted:

"What the actual fuck." I shook my head at her reaction, trying not to laugh at her abruptness.

"I have no idea." I replied with the same amount of confusion in my voice.

"Did I see that shit right?" She asked, as her finger directed towards me and where the boy had just stood. She quickly rubbed her eyes, acting like she needed to clear her vision.

"That was Draco fucking Malfoy we're talking about! And he just brushed it off like you didn't even do anything to him? If it were me who just walked right into him like that, I think he would've called his father right then and there on the spot." She said, slightly mocking him in the middle of her sentence. I laughed at her humor before I responded.

"Ari, I have no idea what just happened, that was so bizarre." I shook my head once more, trying to comprehend it.

"You're telling me! Merlin, I don't even think he's treated Pansy Parkinson that nicely throughout the years, and he's somewhat friends with her! He's always a douche! When has he ever been nice to girls? I cannot BELIEVE what my eyes just witnessed!" She continued to ramble wide eyed as we started walking back down the alley.

"Seriously, I'm just as confused as you are." I said as I continued to shake my head at the memory that was replaying in my head like it didn't just happen less than 5 minutes ago.

I've known Draco for years now. Despite us being in the same house, I've hardly ever spoken to him surprisingly. Let alone be his friend. We didn't necessarily NOT get along, just never really got to know each other well enough to actually be considered friends.

We were merely acquaintances. Didn't run around in the same crowd as the other. Had different hobbies, interests, and friends. Our main similarity was our lifestyle, his family's wealth being the only one that compared to my own.

He liked me mainly for two reasons: We were both wealthy, and we were both pureblood. Two things that mean a little too much to his family. However, my mother and father were the exact same way. Many times others in our house at Hogwarts referred to us as the Slytherin prince and princess because of our statuses. I hated it. It wasn't like I asked for the life that I live. I was born into it. I'm sure he felt the same way deep down.

Other than a few 'hellos' here or there, we never so much as had a real conversation before today. Just slight nods at each other in the halls and a few shared glances.

Aria and I continued to shop throughout the course of the day, grabbing different things from a surplus of different stores. Before we knew it, it was time for us to depart to our own homes. We had a big day ahead of us in the morning that we both decided we needed to get ready for: our return to Hogwarts.

Thank goodness it was finally here.

When I had returned home, I quickly made my way up the grand staircase to get to my bedroom. There was only one thing on my mind:

Did today actually happen the way I remember it?

The memory continued to replay in my head over and over as I made my way around the large house. I entered my bedroom and placed the shopping bags on the floor. I entered my walk-in closet and grabbed a trunk to put everything in. I walked back out, placing the large trunk down on the top of my bed.

I waved my wand around a couple of times, allowing my things to fly around and start landing in the open trunk by themselves. As my bags were packing, I walked into my bathroom to start my nightly routine and get ready for bed.

If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that I couldn't wait to be out of this manor and back on that train tomorrow.