Brave girl, you were made for far more beautiful things. Chaos is only understood when it is loved by the wild, not by the weak.

- Unknown

"Why is Adrian staring at you, Eleanor?" Tracey asked suspiciously at supper. I looked to the side to see Adrian indeed looking my way. When our eyes met, he smiled slightly before averting his gaze. I was still wary about his behaviour, as I could not allow myself to fall for him, but I couldn't help but smile.

I was in a good mood today. I had been able to avoid Malfoy every day except last night, as we were also paired up for Astrology, but since it had been a very theoretical class, he had bothered me minimally. We did have prefect duties in a couple hours and if he was skipping again, I'd make sure he'd regret it.

"Eleanor, I'm pretty sure that's an almost-blush!" Daphne whispered in my ear. I kicked her underneath the table and cleared my throat.

"I don't know why he is staring, ask him yourself", I said.

"Oh I think I know why he's staring at you, honey", Tracy smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Oh please, nothing changed since last year", I scoffed, making sure no one was listening in on our conversation.

"You have changed very much, young lady. Puberty finally hit you", Daphne said, causing Tracey to burst out laughing, almost spitting her pumpkin juice everywhere.

"Merlin, you guys are actual children. Behave yourselves", I hissed, shoving my plate away from me. "Let's just go to the common room, shall we?" I sighed and stood up, averting my eyes.

"What's going on there?" Tracey asked as we walked through the corridor, on our way to the dungeons. I looked towards where Tracey was looking, spotting a Slytherin girl and a Gryffindor. The Slytherin had her wand out.

"I'll go sort it", I sighed, walking up to the two.

"Bet you can't produce a simple spell!" the Slytherin girl chimed. "I can do loads, because I have proper parents who taught me. Not such-"

"Melania, I suggest you do not finish that sentence", I said slowly. I knew this girl. Melania Pritchard, pureblood, but a very nast kind. Could very much be related to Malfoy. A particular type that besmurged the Slytherin name with hate and prejudice.

The girl looked up and widened her eyes as she spotted me.

"Eleanor Selwyn, what are you doing here?" she said, her voice almost a whisper.

"It's none of your business what I am doing. However, as a prefect, what you are doing is my business. So care to explain?" Melania regained her posture, pocketing her wand.

"This mudblood dared to-"

"Pritchard, what did you call her?" She opened her mouth to give a snappy comeback, but quickly shut it again and looked at the ground.

"She was trying to show off. I was just showing her that she's wrong." It took all the willpower I owned not to roll my eyes. She really could be related to the Malfoys. Sure, there was some superiority in being pureblood, but I did not agree with terms such as "mudblood". I couldn't ever imagine dating a muggle, mainly because I didn't really know any, but bashing a kid based on their parents is low and not what Slytherin stands for.

"I suggest you apologize to her, right now." The Gryffindor was simply looking at me like I had two heads. I raised my eyebrows and she quickly stopped staring, but smiled slightly. Sure I was no Gryffindor fan, but Melania's behaviour was unacceptable.

"But, I did nothing-"

"Melania, you apologize right now, or you're going to fall out of my good-graces very quickly."

"I'm sorry Miss Selwyn", Melania said quickly before looking over at the Gryffindor.

"I'm sorry, Natalie." The girl just nodded and ran away quickly.

"One hour of detention for you, and don't ever call someone a mudblood again. We don't stoop so low as to call other witches such foul names. If you think purebloods are superior, I don't care, but then act like a proper pureblood witch. Be respectful and have class. Otherwise you're not worthy either."

"I'm sorry Miss Selwyn", Melania repeated. "But, can you please not give me detention with Umbridge?" she asked. We had only had one class with Umbridge, but it certainly hadn't been enjoyable.

"Snape will most likely decide that, but I'll make sure to mention it." I saw a tiny, grateful smile on her face before I walked back to my friends who had waited for me.

"Well, someone get me a crown so I can crown you ice queen", Daphne applauded as I joined them again. "You're incredibly scary, do you know that?"

"That girl needs to learn how to behave", I scoffed. "She's just started her second year and she's been nothing but trouble."

"What did she do this time?"

"Called this one girl a mudblood." Daphne just shrugged, as she too had quite strict beliefs, but Tracey on the other hand could not stand the nickname. I was the middle-ground of the trio.

"She seemed scared of Umbridge's detentions, though. Does anyone have any intel?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard?" Daphne suddenly whispered as we descended down the staircase. "She has you writing lines with a blood quill. Carves the sentence right into the back of your hand."

"Excuse me? What kind of education is that?" I scoffed.

"Don't worry, she's more kind on Slytherin, but I heard Potter has been going to detention every night since he arrived", Tracey chuckled.

"Serves him right, the show off", Daphne gritted her teeth. She was quite fond of house pride and since Harry had snatched the House Cup away from them every single year for being stupid and reckless, she loathed him.

"You should mention your Potter hate around Malfoy more. Got some common ground to bond over", I chuckled.

We walked into the common room and I debated on taking a nap before patrol. It sure was a very alluring option.

"Eleanor, can you please help me with something?" Adrian asked from the other side of the room.

"What can I possibly help you with, Adrian?" I asked, taking a seat opposite him.

"It's my mum's birthday next month and I'm not sure what to get her", he said. He was buying a gift for his mum's birthday? That was quite sweet.

"Well, what's your mum like?" I asked.

"You know, your average, middle-aged Slytherin witch. Likes reading and drinking tea and fancy clothes." I chuckled, thinking about my own mother. "And she likes gardening, but only roses, not like vegetables or anything."

"Well, get her some enchanted rose seeds. I saw them at Dogweed and Deathcap in Hogsmeade last year and it seemed very interesting. Maybe some jewellery with it."

"That's an excellent idea, actually", Adrian smiled. "I should come to you more often for ideas."

"Is that my only purpose, to serve you with my brilliance?" I joked, inspecting the Wizard's Chess set in front of him.

"I wouldn't dare to suggest that. You've got plenty to offer." It was quiet for a while and I forced myself not to laugh at the sentence. My brain had gone in a whole different direction.

"You play chess?" he asked eventually. I had learned to play chess before I learned how to read or write. My grandfather used to play with me nearly every day. He lived at our manor for the majority of my life, until he passed away two years ago. He was a brilliant man and he had taught me more than any teacher could in a lifetime. He taught me the true meaning of intelligence, ambition and respect. And he taught me how to play a mean game of chess.

"Are you sure your pride can take that, Pucey?" I smirked.

"Oh, are you challenging me, Selwyn? What are we playing for?"

"Hmm, not sure, what do you suggest?" Adrian seemed deep in thought for a while.

"If I win, you have to go on a date with me to Hogsmeade", he said eventually, smiling rather shyly.

"What's with the flirting this year, Pucey?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. I couldn't help but be a little excited at his proposal, as a date with Adrian didn't seem half bad, but I would never actually do it. I didn't do dating and definitely not with someone who was two years older and graduating in a year.

"Ah, is it that obvious?"

"Well, you did just suggest we go on a date."

"You've got a point. Can you honestly blame me, Selwyn? You're a very attractive lady, not to mention a proper and intelligent one."

"You flatter me, Adrian, but you know how I think of such matters." He smiled, a smile which could steal any girl's heart.

"Then I guess you just have to win, don't you?" he smirked. I debated on declining his offer, but I wasn't that much of a kill-joy, and I wasn't going to let him win anyway.

"Okay then, show me what you've got, Pucey." Adrian smiled again and arranged the playing board.

"Black or white?"

"Black."

He gently pushed the board my way and signaled me to begin.

I really liked playing chess. It was exciting, yet calming and it acquired a certain way of thinking that was much more enjoyable than attending classes. It was thinking five steps ahead, literally, which was my favourite place to be.

"Check mate."

We had played for nearly two hours, until I finally managed to lock him down. He was a much better player than I had anticipated. It showed intelligence, which was a rather attractive attribute.

"Well, Selwyn, seems like we're not going on that date after all. You're quite good."

"You were a worthy contestant", I smiled coyly. I was both relieved and bummed that I didn't have to go on a date with him. Sure I would've liked that, but there was no other reason why I should.

"You have to teach me your ways. I thought I was good at chess", he chuckled.

"A master doesn't reveal its secrets, Adrian", I smirked. "But you are. You are good."

"Oi Selwyn, stop flirting and get a move on." I turned around reluctantly to see Malfoy at the other end of the common room. I checked my watch to see that curfew had just begun.

"Oi Malfoy, shut your mouth", I scoffed.

"Well", Adrian laughed. "Have fun with that bloke."

"Impossible", I sighed, standing up. "But thank you. Have a nice night."

I took my time to put my stuff away and change into a warmer sweater. As I came down, Malfoy was still waiting, which was great. Barking dogs don't bite.

"Let's go, shall we?" I said as I passed him, opening the door of the common room.

"Took you long enough", he hissed.

"Well, at least I show up at all. Some others have problems doing so." I could just sense that his eyes rolled to the back of their sockets, accompanied by some inaudible insults. Amusing.

We walked out and I scanned the corridor, which was empty. I debated on suggesting taking a different part of the castle each, but it was not common. Prefects patrol the hallways together, that's the way it is.

"So we're just supposed to walk around the castle all night?" Malfoy asked, pushing open a classroom door.

"Yes, that's what patrol means, Malfoy", I grunt. "And leave the doors shut, will you? Umbridge could be inside one."

"You're scared of the pink toad?" he chuckled.

"No, I am not, Malfoy, but I'd prefer to avoid having conversation with her. But you go ahead if you want. She seems right up your alley."

"Oh and what's that supposed to mean?"

I took a deep breath. I had to stop reacting to him. If I ignored him, life would be so much easier.

"Nothing."

It was quiet for a while as we strolled through the hallways, checking for any students out of bed. Malfoy stayed a good yard behind me at all times, but I felt that he had the urge to break the silence.

"So, Adrian Pucey, first bloke to ever pay attention to you and he's already got you wrapped around his fingers. That's a bit pathetic, don't you think?" he said, causing me to chuckle. First guy to pay attention to me, did he honestly believe that? It was a little arrogant of me maybe, but I knew that it was quite the opposite. I could wrap half Slytherin house around my finger if I wanted to. Unfortunately, it wasn't because I was breathtakingly beautiful or charming, but a good last name in Slytherin did half the work.

"Sure, Malfoy, you're very right", I sighed.

"Well, he's a slimy git anyway, so I guess you got that in common already."

I bit my lip to keep myself from responding to him. I could not give him the satisfaction.

"Oh Merlin, aren't the Gryffindors supposed to patrol another side of the castle?" Malfoy complained. I looked up to see Granger and Weasley walking down the corridor together, softly laughing about something.

"Granger, I was not aware you patrolled the dungeons as well nowadays?" I asked, finally getting her to notice us.

"Selwyn, oh. We were just on our way to the kitchen. Harry had detention with Umbridge and had to miss supper."

"Kitchen? What bloody kitchen does Hogwarts have?" Malfoy remarked stupidly.

"Magic can do a lot, Malfoy, but did you really think all that food just popped up magically?" Ron sniggered, causing Malfoy to shoot him daggers. I had nothing personal against Ron, but he could be so daft sometimes. He just does whatever he wants to do and says whatever comes to his mind.

"Shut it, Weasley", Malfoy spat. Granger noticed the tension and gently pulled Ron along.

"We'll be out of your hair now", she said nervously.

"The kitchens are off limits, Granger, you know that", I said, looking her up and down. I had not yet formed an opinion on her. "I didn't take you as someone to take advantage of prefect duties, nor one to break rules in her first week back."

She didn't say anything for a while and I could see that she was debating with herself.

"You're right, sorry, it won't happen again", she said eventually and walked away.

"No it won't", Malfoy muttered. "Because you won't be prefects for long."

"Oh, give it a rest, Malfoy. Do you need me to remind you that you didn't even show up Monday? Want me to report that too?"

Malfoy narrowed his eyes, shooting daggers my way.

"You should watch your mouth, Selwyn", he said slowly. "Or you're going to get into trouble." I shrugged and walked on.

"Why are you nice to them anyway? You like Gryffindors now?" he asked, following me. He had a lot to say, but when it came down to it, I always seemed to be one step ahead.

"I'm not nice to them specifically. I'm rational. I don't act out of petty or emotion. What good would it do me to report them? They're Weasley and Granger, they get away with anything anyway."

"Well, sparing them doesn't either."

"Of course it does. Granger knows we could have reported them. If we don't, she owes us."

"You're just selfish, that's what you are."

"Yes, that too, but that's something you can relate to, can't you, Malfoy? Seems like we have more in common than you thought." Malfoy huffed, shaking his head.

"You and I have absolutely nothing in common. It's a disgrace to be compared to you", he gritted his teeth. I rolled my eyes, biting my tongue. Why did he have the constant need to insult me?

"Yes, of course Malfoy", I muttered. If all of these patrols were going to be like this, I'd want to resign before the end of the month. Yet, I would never give Malfoy the satisfaction.

"It's an eventful night", I chuckled as I noticed a little Ravenclaw boy sneaking down the hallways.

He noticed us and quickly turned around.

"Petrificus Totalus", Malfoy acted quickly, cursing the kid.

"Jeez, calm down, will you?" I sighed. The boy was frozen in his spot, so we calmly walked over.

"Now, what is a second year Ravenclaw doing in the dungeons, Acherley?" I asked, reversing the curse. He could move again, but looked terrified. He clutched the potions book in his hands tightly.

"You know my name?"

"Well, Hogwarts isn't that big, is it?"

"Ackerley? So a mudblood. That's an extra hour of detention", Malfoy hissed.

"Do not use that word, Malfoy", I clenched my jaw, trying to remain calm.

"I was just, I needed to see my Hufflepuff friend. She-, She forgot her book in Potions and we have a test tomorrow. It's, it's only a little past curfew", he stammered.

"A little is too late. I suggest you get back to your common room really fast before I'll try some different hexes on you", Malfoy threatened the kid. "And three hours of detention."

The kid ran off before I could say anything.

"Merlin, can you calm down?" I said in annoyance. "The kid's scarred for life."

"He's a mudblood, serves him well", Malfoy gritted.

"Stop it with the word, Malfoy!" I yelled now, pulling out my wand and pointing it under his chin. He was getting under my skin and I was letting him.

"Let go of me", he mumbled.

"Not before you learn a thing or two about basic decency!" I said. I reluctantly pulled my wand away and tried to calm my breathing. I could not let him get to me. There were other ways to solve this.

"You know what my grandfather told me once, Malfoy?" I said eventually, much more calm. "He said: If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. And that, Draco Malfoy, is a perfect explanation of why you're a complete and utter arsehole and a disgrace to humankind."

"Oh yeah? And where is your grandpappy now?"

For just a split second, I lost my calm completely, just for a moment. But that moment was enough to put me over the edge as I slapped him hard across the face.

"You take this side of the dungeons and I'll take the other. Stay out of my way", I said and walked off.

I didn't cry, I never did, but that hurt. That felt like a needle being pricked right through my heart. How dare he to disrespect my family like that?

He was going to regret that, but until I had the perfect plan to fulfill my need of revenge, I was going to do what I should have done ever since that git saw the face of the earth. I was going to ignore him. He wasn't worthy of my attention anymore.