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Having to see the girl below her smile, it was as if the depressed feeling that once shrouded her, had never been there, at all. Minerva could remember that she saw the brunette in that particular state, and she wondered on what it was that seemed to be troubling her. Then, there was a saying that said for one to not probe into the private affairs of other people. However, on the other hand, she felt that the other female shouldn't be so...melancholic. Minerva may seem cold, and not come to care about individuals, including those who fall under the Half and Muggle bloodlines, but she is just as sincere, since her apathetic expression just happens to be a clever act, in order to impress her parents, as well as the rest of her family.

She let her smile fade momentarily, once Draco got her attention to take her single carry-on bag, considering the fact that their more-heavier luggage was being transported to the school. Minerva's smile, albeit small this time, came back, while he returned the same gesture, shortly before she noticed her twin's glare towards the brunette. She followed him, but then looked back at the girl with a small apologetic smile. She didn't know exactly with what appeared to be bugging him, but she had a hunch that it had something with the girl she was just interacting with. Minerva could only pray that he won't do anything to put the other teenagers here at risk, especially since their task was only aimed towards someone, who wasn't one of them. They didn't need to be involved, and putting either of them in the way, would make them become suspicious on what the twins were up to. Minerva didn't want to do this, and yet, she and Draco must.

Following her twin off the train, Minerva looked around to see herself in a forest, to which the port was located. The evening light, and he gloomy atmosphere, seemed to almost make everything seem almost peaceful. With the news of the Dark Lord's forces continuing to raid the Muggle and Wizarding worlds, there was a rather unsettling presence in the air, as it has already made residents more alert on what goes on around them. Minerva eventually smiled at Draco, even though it was small this time, and took his hand. From their small talk on the train, she remembered him telling her about the carriages that will be transporting them to the castle.

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Draco looked towards Minerva feeling her grabbing his hand, for a moment he still stared at Ariella for several more moments longer, before his attention went back towards her his expression softening now. As they walked along, he watched the kids from the other houses getting to their own groups. "Follow me." He said towards her as Draco led her towards the other Slytherin members as they got closer he saw the other

As soon as they got to a carriage Draco helped his twin up into the carriage and smiled towards her, as he gently rested a hand on top of hers and leaned back. He knew that they had their task ahead of them for the year, as he started to think what they would have to do right now to pull it off, while not getting caught in the process as well. "We have the dinner once we get there, and then we head to our dormitories after that." Draco told her, as he watched the brunette girl climbing into another carriage with the other Gryffindor's.

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Ever since Draco started to develop signs of possessiveness, Minerva learned that she had to ever be so watchful of him, while around other people, especially around Half-Bloods and Muggles. The last time she was around someone, her twin wouldn't let them take any more steps than necessary, towards her. She remembered the last time he got his message across; during a banquet, by their early teens, another boy, around that age, was taken in by her beauty, and tried to chat her up. It was all friendly, at first, but then, it started to get personal, in a flirty sense. Draco made that perfectly clear, by calling that young man away, and threaten him with things that only god and Minerva knew.

From that point onward, between that time, and now, Draco continued to broadcast that message, by doing things that were considered “immoral”...and it made her worry about him, as well as everybody else. She was devoted to him, but then his own insecurity, can get the better of him, in an emotional sense, having to do anything to "keep" her by his side, as a twin...and, of course, their secret love. These thoughts continued to run its course through Minerva's mind, as she walked with Draco towards a carriage that they had all to themselves. By the time she had managed to sit down, the female Malfoy smiled softly back at him, before having to feel his hand upon one of her own. Listening to what he had to say, Minerva nodded in response, before noticing him look out the window, towards the same brunette girl in the distance.

By this point, she had to be concerned. But then, Minerva remembered that she had only seen her twin threaten other boys, but less so with girls. So, it kind of made her feel slight relief, although the concern still lingered. By the time she felt their transportation start to move, she leaned forward a gently laid her lips upon his own, hoping it would at least calm him down.

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Draco continued to stare down at the girl as soon as the carriage started to move away and out of sight now, he continued to make sure that it was as far away from them as he could. He hated anyone who looked at his twin more than anything even if it was some of her friends, if they got a little to close to her he would make sure that they knew their place. As soon as he felt safe that they wouldn't be seen, then Minerva moved in and pressed her lips up against his own.

He started to relax more now as he started to return the kiss as well gently holding her hand in his and was now visibly more relaxed and calm now as well. And luckily it was also now dark as well so no one would be able to see them kissing, Draco always did make sure that no one would see them at all. After a few moments of kissing, he finally broke away from the kiss and tucked a stray strand of hair away from Minerva's place and gave her a soft smile. "Sorry." He simply said.

Draco knew that he was possessive and it was a bit unhealthy when it came to his sister, but he didn't care he wanted to make sure that she was completely safe as well and no one came to bother her either as well. The ride wasn't that long to the school either so they would be there pretty soon now as well.

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Minerva continued to give her affection towards her twin, in the hope of calming him down. Sure, it may not be the most moral way of doing it, but it was the only way she knew how. Nothing could exactly calm down Draco, with the exception of her very own presence. Whether if it was herself standing next to him, or somewhere in the same area, it was she that could give off the calming effect. From experience, her affection was one of the very few options that she could think off, in order to keep him on his good side. She returned the gesture, as soon as she felt his hand upon her own. She felt the instinct to keep going with her actions, but then decided against it, once she felt the forbidden contact dissipate.

His hand went through her long white-blond hair albeit possessively, and the female Malfoy didn't resist, deny, or object. She softly smiled at his words, and gently brushed her thumb against the side of his lower jaw. "It's okay, Draccy", she called him by the nickname she personally called him. "I'll be with you on this, all the way", as much as she didn't want to go through with what was ahead of them, but it had to be done, if they want to save their family...and each other.

Minerva looked out of their carriage to see the woods, passing by. She remembered that their own family estate was also surrounded by trees, but then, their father wanted to have it refurbished, so it would look more open (despite the fact that they were a rather reclusive family). The first few minutes were thick wood, and the next, came the outline of a giant castle, just beyond the hill. The girl's eyes showed wonder and curiosity within them. "Is that it, there?", the structure seemed to morph nicely with the night sky, with its lights twinkling beautifully in the dark.

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Draco started to calm down now as he saw that there wasn't anyone else now as his shoulders started to relax now as well as his eyes looked out the window of their carriage. Seeing the numerous amounts of trees that surrounded the school, reminded him of their home, he then turned his attention over towards his twin. Feeling her thumb rubbing against his lower jaw as he looked into his sister's eyes a little bit more and smiled. It was the only side of him that she could see while the others who saw him in school was always a scowl or glare he would give them.

Draco then leaned forward and gaze Minerva a loving kiss when she pulled away and looked out the window again seeing that it was Hogwarts as he turned to look at her and nodded. "Yes that's going to be our home for the year." He told her as he ran a hand through her hair, he was glad that she was with him all the way. He would have to make sure that he was ready and prepared to do as well as protect Minerva as well. "It's going to be alright Minnie." Draco said which was his nickname for her.

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Minerva couldn't help but feel mesmerized on the very view before her. The castle was humongous, and the closer they got to the structure, it got even bigger. At the same time, she heard Draco's words, and she felt his hand possessively run through her hair, before feeling his lips make contact with her own, once more. It was his way of saying, that he was going to protect her; look out for her. The darkness seemed to completely envelope them, making it nearly impossible for anyone to notice them making such moves towards each other.

It was only when he pulled away, that she started to grow concerned, especially when she might be able to make friends. Draco was already capable of keeping people at a certain amount of distance from his twin, and so, she didn't want to think on what kind of measures he would take upon their new residents. If Minerva was to reassure him, then he would need to trust her; that nothing would happen to her, and that she was able to handle herself.

Their carriage had pulled up to the entrance of their new home, and a man opened the door to let them out. Around the entrance, there were a group of adults with their wands in-hand, as if they were on-guard. Perhaps extra security, due to the international Death Dealer threats. The very thought had Minerva downcast her eyes for a slight moment, as she thought about the chances and risks on the road to their success. As she had already thought before, they would have to be discreet.

Reaching down to grab her bag, Minerva waited for Draco to step out first, so she would follow after him. They were told that their heavy luggage would arrive in the quarters of their dorms, while they were to go to the dining hall for an evening meal. On the back of her mind, she wondered if she would see the brunette, from earlier on the train, in the same dorm. Would she end up being roommates with her? It became a continuous thought, by the time the twins started to make their way into the castle. "It's beautiful", she breathed out, once she saw the wonders hidden inside.

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Draco looked towards Minerva for a moment when she looked at the Castle that was Hogwarts which would be their home for the next year now, and gave her a soft smile and leaned in and gave her another quick kiss. It was certainly a very magnificent structure as well, a few seconds after their carriage ride, they were finally at their location. As soon as the door opened Draco was the first to step out, as he turned around and gently took his sister's bag from her so that she could get out easily. "It is a nice place." Draco said as soon as Minerva got down he handed back her bag.

"The dining hall isn't that far." Draco said as he offered his hand towards her and started to make his way into the building noticing that some of the teachers had their wands out. Knowing that they would have to be on full alert now and be very careful as well, he continued to follow the others who were going to the dining hall for their dinner.

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It felt as if she was being hypnotized by the very architecture of the castle. The outside was big, but then, it eventually came upon her that the inside was a tad bit bigger. Minerva didn't expect such a view, out of all of the places she had been during her early childhood. As much as she can remembered, being at Pure-Blood School For Girls was nothing, compared to this very space. She even turned one-hundred-and-eighty degrees to get a full view of the main hall, having to see the animated portraits of people around her. It was like being in a historical building, only magical, which only aroused her curiosity of the very art throughout the building. She would have to remember on doing so, later.

Having to notice a group of other teens making their way passed the twins, Minerva didn't hesitate to follow her brother, as she managed to take hold of his hand, and follow his lead towards the dining hall. There was a large door before them, and Minerva silently gasped, when it opened, and she started to take in the sight of the room. Looking up, she took in the sight of the candles hanging in midair. The very ceiling was that of a nightly sky, and the female Malfoy couldn't believe her own eyes, considering that such an illusion was made out of very advanced magic. Minerva continued to follow Draco, to the table where he always sat at, for the past five years. For her to be informed that she was going to be sorted into Slytherin, the very same House that her brother had been a part of, Minerva knew that she was going to have to trail behind him for a while, until she can adjust of getting around on her own.

The food had grabbed her attention the second they got to the table, and the blonde wasn't quite sure on where she should start. 'Where should I begin?', she thought, shortly before she leaned forward to carefully grab a piece of meat before her, and then, some fresh fruit.

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Draco looked towards his sister when she gently grabbed onto his hand and smiled towards her for a moment as they walked down the hallways to the grand dining hall. Seeing the pictures as Minerva looked at them as they moved and waved to the other students as they walked past, he always did feel uncomfortable around them for some reason but he didn't really say anything. As they entered the dining hall, and everyone was starting to file in and started to take their seats. He saw his two friends Crab and Goyle were sitting and sat down next to them.

He started to fix himself a plate of food while looking over towards his sister and gave her a slight smile and motioned for her to grab a plate as he started to fill up his own plate with food. "How are you feeling?" He asked her, and then stopped for a moment seeing the girl from earlier as she sat at the Gryffindor table. He decided to target her whenever he met her somewhere within the halls just to mess around with her.

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Holding onto the plate that her twin had managed to silently gesture towards, Minerva didn't hesitate to start helping herself to the many entrees that were laid out before them: Meats, fruit, stew, as well as countless sweets. It made the female Malfoy wonder on how long it would have taken to serve such an impressive feast. It was very-nearly as big as to how much their own servants would prepare during very important occasions, back home! It was clear there were hundreds to thousands of teenagers in the room, and so, it was sensible as to how much food should be served. Minerva took a sip into some of the stew. It was a new taste, considering that they was a little bit of parsley and garlic in the very substance, which seemed to only induce the flavor of the appetizer. It left Minerva mesmerized!

She was so absorbed inside the waves of culinary wonder, she wasn't aware of Draco taking glances at the brown-haired girl from back on the train. It was only at the last second that she managed to catch him, with his face spelling "contempt" and "resentment" all over. It made her slow down on her eating, to the point where her appetite started to wane. She couldn't visibly comfort him over such a manner, at this time, as such that they were very exposed. "Hey", she whispered to him, having to gently nudge her twin with her arm. "What's been grabbing your attention, Draccy?", okay, it was a very obvious question with a very obvious answer, but she didn't have a choice.

"...Very best of evenings to you, all", a male voice said, having to seemingly resonate throughout the dining hall. Minerva looked up to locate the source of the booming sound, only to find a man, quite elderly, with a long beard behind a podium. This must be the headmaster. "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn, who has agreed to resume his old post as Potions Master. Meanwhile, the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be taken by Professor Snape", Minerva figured that these were announcements, shortly before frowning, once he mentioned about this man named Snape. She remembered that he attended the Death Eater meetings that she and Draco were forced to be a part of, and that it was he who would ensure that their task was successful; a very inhumane task.

"As you know, each and every one of you were searched upon your arrival here tonight, and you have the right to know why. Once, there was a young man and, like you, he sat in this very hall, walked this castle's corridors, slept under its roof. You see, to all the world, his name was Tom Riddle. Today, of course, is known by another name, which is why as I stand, looking out upon you all tonight, I'm reminded of that sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute, dark forces can attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, that greatest weapon...is you. Just something to think about", and Minerva did think about it, having to silently look down at her fingers, before glancing at Draco. "...now off to bed", was the closing statement, and everyone around them, just got up and exiting the room on cue. "Do we have to go through with this?", she whispered to her twin; lingering fear and hesitance in her whimpering voice.

She caught sight of the brunette in the distance...

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Draco sat next to his sister as he started to fill up his plate with all of the food that he could want onto it, the brunette would sit by herself for the most part, and making some small talk with the other Gryffindor classmates. When he felt his sister getting his attention he turned to look at her and smiled slightly. "It's nothing really." He said, as he went back to his dinner, enjoying it when he heard the headmaster's voice his attention turned towards the front of the room. Knowing what they would have to do, he wasn't really happy for what they would have to do but it was what they were told to do.

The brunette was listening intently as well, but looked like she was lonely still as well, as she finished up eating her dinner as well, and then they were all told to go to bed now. Draco got up from his seat and looked down at his sister and smiled slightly as they exited the room and made their way to the dormitories. "Sadly it's what we have to do though." He whispered back.

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Minerva had to wonder whether or not her twin was trying to keep her at bay, so she wouldn't have to get in the way. She had heard brief stories of her brother's misdeeds, at the school; most of them having to be about detention. Her father refused to share the specifics on how he ended up there. When Draco said it was nothing, she felt that, whenever he says that very thing, it seemed a though everything was fine on the surface. It's what was on the inside, that made Minerva worry. He was bothered by something, since he seemed to be giving various people "the eye", the moment they walked into the room. Hopefully, not anything drastic. The last thing she needed was someone to be threatened by him, because of her.

Standing up, the female Malfoy heard his whisper, and it made her frown even more, although she kept herself in check, so to avoid suspicion from certain people. She looked back at the brunette in the distance, having this sudden need to help her, considering that she seemed to be reclusive for a majority of the time they were here. Perhaps, if she could find the opportunity, she could try talking to her. Once they reached the dormitory, it was quite cozy place, kind of like a living room. It was no different than the residence halls back at the Pure-Blood School For Girls, although this was slightly smaller. Not that she was one to complain, unlike certain people back home.

Everyone in their respected houses were divided by gender; boys in one, with the girls in the other. Their stuff were already in their rooms, so Minerva already felt herself getting comfortable for the evening. It wasn't passed curfew yet, so Minerva took some time to try to explore, not knowing that she was being followed. Reaching the courtyard, she took sight of the same brunette from before.