TWISTED [D.M.]

The next morning, the majority of Slytherin had a hangover. Either they stayed in their respective dormitories, or they sought a cure in the Great Hall. Eleanor and her friends fell in the latter.

Theodore had an arm around a sleepy Eleanor while the rest followed behind them. She occasionally heard a complaint or so, usually coming out of Pansy's mouth. Eleanor had gotten used to her off-putting manner and so at this point, it rarely phased her. It took years of practice though. Now, she was one of her closest friends.

Eleanor wrapped her robe closer to her frame as it was a little chilly in the Great Hall. Theo noticed and scooted her closer towards him. She appreciated his warmth.

People probably assumed that her and Theodore Nott were an item but they were simply friends . . . and she didn't really care. It wasn't a terrible rumor, Theo's a great lad.

As they passed the Gryffindor tables, she heard Harry Potter say, "Blimey, the Slytherins really didn't waste any time in throwing a party huh?"

Draco raised an eyebrow at his comment, pausing in front of him, exaggeratedly raising his hands in distress. This made Potter jump in his seat. "Yes, Potter, we had a party. See . . . you would've probably been invited if you weren't such a schizophrenic idiot."

"No, Voldemort, he's back! He's really back! Ah, good thing you told the Ministry, that would've been misfortunate,"

Draco's face contorted into a smug expression. "Oh right, they didn't even believe you. I wonder why."

For that, Goyle and Crabbe patted him on his back, laughing. "Good one, Draco."

Eleanor tried to pretend that she didn't see Hermione holding Harry back from lunging at him.

"You alright, Morgenstern?" Theo nudged her side, his arm falling down to rest around her waist.

"Yeah," She rubbed her eyes. "Just tired. Not looking forward to Potions this morning."

"I figured. You drank a lot last night."

"Yeah, now I just want one of those waffles."

Looking when she wasn't paying attention, Malfoy held a disdainful expression on his face.

Morgenstern and Theo were always too close for his comfort, yet he's never heard of them being more than friends. He had no strong feelings against the close nature of their friendship, but if they were to be dating . . . It might be a different scenario. How would he ever find out if they do? If they were actually an item? He hoped Theo would tell him.

-

Professor Slughorn, an eccentric middle-aged man, was said to be invited by Albus Dumbledore himself to teach Potions that year.

Draco groaned inwardly besides Eleanor as he realized that Snape won't be teaching them.

Although, Eleanor wasn't too fond of Snape, her mother told her that he is one of the adults that she can trust. She assumed that Draco was told the same. He also seemed to get away with most things, under Snape's supervision, of course.

"He seems nice." She shrugged, taking a seat next to him by the back.

Turning around, Pansy took a seat next to Goyle, with a scowl on her face. Of course, she wanted to sit next to Draco.

Eleanor zoned out as Slughorn began to introduce himself and go over the course for the year, very slowly might she add. She never thought he'd finish.

It was a sobering thought that she'd have to keep going to her classes all year long, acting like everything's normal when she's been asked to do a task that will completely change the state of the Wizarding World.