Shadows of Slytherin Book 1

Dani

Theo and I made our way to Snape's office the next night. I told Draco I was going to be with Harry and the others to find information about the second task. We walked through the deserted corridors of Hogwarts, careful not to make any noise that could alert Filch. 

As we reached Snape's office, Theo knocked on the door, and we waited in tense silence. Theo looked around, making sure no one followed us or was walking by. After a few moments, we heard some shuffling sounds from inside. The door creaked open, revealing Professor Snape standing in front of us, his eyes fixed on Theo.

"What is the purpose of this, Mr. Nott?" Snape's cold voice broke the silence.

Theo looked at me, and I knew it was my cue to speak. "Can we talk, Professor?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Snape's piercing gaze shifted to me, and for a moment, I felt as if he was trying to read my mind. "Ms. Potter," he said in a low tone. "Surely, you are aware that it's the middle of the night?"

I nodded, keeping my composure. "Yes, Professor. But you know that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."

Snape hesitated for a moment then, he stepped aside, gesturing us to come in. "Very well," he said, his voice barely audible. "Come in, quickly."

Theo placed his hand on my back, gently pushing me forward. I entered Snape's office, feeling a sense of unease as I saw the various potion ingredients, books, and scrolls scattered around the room. Theo followed me in, and Snape shut the door behind us, locking it with a flick of his wand.

"I-"

"Not here." Snape said. "Come with me." 

Snape's abrupt interruption had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease as he led us deeper into his office. Theo and I exchanged a wary glance before following him to a door at the back of the room. With a flick of his wand, Snape opened the door and motioned for us to step through.

As I crossed the threshold, I was startled to find myself in an unfamiliar setting. We were no longer in the familiar halls of Hogwarts, but in a dimly-lit room that resembled a library. Bookshelves lined the walls, and flickering candles and a roaring fireplace provided the only source of light.

Snape gestured towards a set of chairs and commanded us to sit, before disappearing through a nearby doorway. As I sank into the soft cushions, I couldn't help but wonder where exactly we were.

Turning to Theo, I whispered, "Where are we?"

He shook his head, his expression mirroring my own confusion. "I don't know. I've never been here," he murmured back.

As a few minutes passed, a woman gracefully entered the room with her hands clasped together. She had a distinct two-toned hair color, with black strands tied back and the lower half a familiar blonde. Theo quickly rose to his feet and warmly welcomed her, "Mrs. Malfoy." His smile radiated with genuine affection as he hugged her.

Returning the embrace, she asked about Theo's well-being and school, before inquiring about her own son, "How's my son doing?" Theo reassured her that they were all doing well.

As I stood up to join them, Mrs. Malfoy's attention shifted towards me, "You must be Danielle," she said with a welcoming smile. Walking over to me, she extended her hand, "I am Narcissa Malfoy, Draco and Mattheo's mother... well, I took Mattheo in when his mother passed away." Her gracious demeanor put me at ease as I shook her hand.

She continued, "I have heard a lot about you. Both of my boys seem to be very fond of you." I smiled at her, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity.

"I didn't know they talked about me," I admitted, wondering what they had said.