The Minister's Daughter

"I hear by declare Rigby Little the Minister of Magic!"

The audience exploded with applauding, whistling, and hooting. A sixteen year old girl smiled at the man from a table near the front of the room. He smiled at her and blew a kiss.

This girl's life had been unknowingly changed forever because she was no longer a regular sixteen year old girl living the United States. She was Regan Little, Minister of Magic's daughter.

Fudge had been kicked out of the office after some conflicts from the previous year and Rigby Little had been named the new Minister of Magic. He would have to move his family to location in England, causing his daughter, Regan, to transfer to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She would be boarding the Hogwarts Express the following morning, September 1st. Regan Little was an 8th generation pureblood, just about as pure as one can get. There was no doubt as to which house she would be sorted into when she got to Hogwarts, she was a born Slytherin. She, however, did not have the same views and opinions on muggle-borns (or Mudbloods as they were more commonly referred to) and muggles as most Slytherins did. She believed in giving herself a chance to get to know the person before she decided if she did or did not like them.

***

Regan nervously boarded the Hogwarts Express that chilly September morning. She would be starting in a new school with only 2 years left to go where everyone already knew each other and were most likely not looking forward to creating new friends with such a new student.

She searched for an empty compartment or at least one with only a few people who wouldn't mind another person sitting in with them. She opened the door to one near the middle of the train and realized that it was almost full. There were 3 occupants already inside.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," she apologized. She was about to close the compartment door when she heard someone speak to her.

"I don't believe we've met," the boy said, standing up abruptly and extending his hand.

Regan took his hand in hers. He had a very strong grip. She was memorized by his white-blonde hair and steely-blue eyes.

"Regan Little," she said not breaking eye contact.

"Hm... Regan Little, that sounds familiar..." the boy looked down, he was obviously trying to remember where he had heard her name before. "Aha! Regan Little, daughter of Rigby Little, Minister of Magic, am I correct?"

Regan nodded, impressed by how he knew so much about her father. He had only been declared Minister of Magic the night before. Perhaps he had been at the ceremony.

The boy looked into a pair of hazel eyes that just stared back at him. He was extremely impressed that he was making acquaintance with the Minister's daughter, but he was more impressed by the fact that she was one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen. He studied her. The way her chestnut brown hair flowed just to her shoulder, the way she stood there looking at him as if he was the only person alive at that moment, the way her hand felt against his. Instant chemistry.

"I don't suppose you could... spare a seat?" Regan wondered. "It's just that I don't really know anyone here, we just moved here from the States about a week ago."

The boy had already received this information the night before from his father when he was told that she could be marriage material considering her family background.

"Of course," he replied, shaking his head and breaking their eye contact. He motioned to a seat next to him.

Regan sat down and realized the two other people sitting there with much interest in what had just happened. They didn't seem to say anything but they smiled at Regan. This made her a little uneasy.

"Oh, yes, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," the boy started. He leaned over to whisper in her ear, "They don't talk much, just ignore them - they're a little... how can I put this kindly... dumb?" Regan giggled. "Oh, and I'm Draco Malfoy," he said speaking normally again.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Malfoy," she said crossing her legs. "What house are you in? I'm suspecting you aren't a first year."

Draco laughed, "No, I'm no first year. You can definitely tell who's a first year and who's not. For example, a first year would be wandering aimlessly around this train trying to find other first years, as for me, I am a sixth year - a sixth year Slytherin no less."

Regan smiled at the fact that he was a Slytherin. She was hoping to be one herself. "A pureblood then, I'm expecting?"

"A 6th generation pureblood, indeed," Draco said proudly. "I'm also a Prefect," he pointed to his badge.

"Only 6th generation, huh?" Regan asked smiling. She had only knew this boy for a few minutes but something about him told her that she should try to challenge him.

"Oh, and this is coming from you? What are you, a half-blood?"

Regan was taken back by his comment. "I, as a matter of fact, am an 8th generation pureblood - there is no Muggle left in me, thank you very much."

Draco looked shocked. This girl was perfect for him. He could now see why his father had thought so. She was not only a pureblood (an 8th generation pureblood at that), but she was also the Minister's daughter which meant she had to have had some kind of money.

Feeling that the silence in the compartment was getting a bit awkward, Regan spoke up, "So is there anything I should know about this Sorting Ceremony, is it horrifically terrifying?" she asked.

"Well, I suppose it is for some - especially mudbloods who had no idea what magic was until one day they received a magic letter in the mail - but for me, it was no big deal. I knew I would be in Slytherin. My father had always told me so and I am most certain you will us this evening."

Regan sighed a sigh of relief. She didn't know what to expect from Hogwarts. She didn't know much about England, either. She just knew that what they had taught her, magic wise, and in the States was the same as what the students at Hogwarts had also been learning. She just hoped they were at about the same place in their studies. She had remembered stories her father had told her of when he transferred to Mottingow (the American Wizarding school) from Beauxbatons, he had already known much of the material they had covered. She hoped it would be the same for her - at least she'd appear very smart for at least a few weeks.

Regan and Draco continued to talk while Crabbe and Goyle watched and grunted occasionally. Draco suggested she should go get changed into her robes, though he loved the muggle clothes she had been wearing (a knee-length skirt and tank top). She disappeared and came back in a set of clearly brand-new robes that looked stunning on her in Draco's point-of-view. They fit her perfectly and made her face sparkle.

She sat down next to him again. Though she tried to suppress her laughter, a small giggle sneaked out.

"What is it?" Draco asked.

"Nothing, it's just I never imagined I would be going to Hogwarts, meeting a nice, not to mention extremely handsome, fellow," she paused and watched as Draco blushed slightly, "... and no friends except the all-famous Draco Malfoy."

Draco was slightly surprised himself. He had after all met the Minister of Magic's daughter on her first day in a new school and was now sitting with her in a crowded compartment.

"Though I would love to sit and talk with you all day, I think I need at least one girl to hang out with and talk about... well girl stuff. Do you have any suggestions?"

Draco shook his head as he realized she was talking to him. He had been mesmerized by the way her lips moved as she spoke. "Well, er... stay away from Pansy Parkinson. Most of the other girls are pretty nice, I suppose..." he paused thinking of all the girls in the Slytherin house. "There is one you might get along with, her name is Livvy - uh... oh blast! I always forget her last name!"

"Stewart," Crabbe grunted.

Regan was startled by the new voice that rang the compartment.

"Yes! Livvy Stewart, that was it. She is pretty nice... she's from the States, too, you know?"

Another hour passed and they were exiting the train. It was total confusing. First years were lost, seventh years were lingering trying to find their friends and some third and fourth years were already heading toward the horseless carriages.

"Regan Little! Regan Little!" someone called.

Regan searched for the source of the voice and soon saw a boy standing by the first years. He was much taller than them and wore a gold badge on his robes. Regan made her way to him.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Hello, I'm Dylon Matthews, Head Boy here at Hogwarts," he held his hand out to meet hers. "I have been informed that you are transferring here from Mottingow, well I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Little. I am just here to explain the details of your arrival. Since you are not a first year, you will not have to participate in the Sorting Ceremony. You will, however, have to arrive at the castle before the first years so you can be sorted before the ceremony. So I suggest you find yourself a carriage and make haste," he finished.

Regan went to find Draco. She knew she could ride in his carriage. She found him with Crabbe and Goyle. She still didn't quite understand them but trusted Draco's judgment. She explained what Dylon Matthews had just explained to her and they hurried to the castle.

When she entered the Main Hall, she stopped walking. The view was positively breathtaking. The ceiling had been enchanted to look like the night sky and 4 magnificently long tables filled a room the size of a Quidditch Pitch.

"Miss Little I expect?" an elderly woman tapped Regan on the shoulder. "I am Professor McGonagall. I'm very pleased to be meeting you. It is time for your sorting, will you please follow me?"

Regan shot Draco a nervous look and reluctantly followed Professor McGonagall. She was taken to a small room with a single stool. On the stool sat an old, tattered, hat. Professor McGonagall lead her to the stool and placed the hat on her head. She jumped as the hat started to speak.

"Ahh... Minister's daughter? Interesting... interesting... very smart, very brave, very loyal... but my final decision must be... SLYTHERIN!"

Regan sighed. She would be in Slytherin with Malfoy - just as he told her she would. She made her way back to the Great Hall and took a seat at the Slytherin table next to Draco and a pug-faced girl who seemed to by Pansy Parkinson, the one he had warned her about. She sat down and Draco's mouth formed a smile at the exact time Pansy's formed a frown.

"Who's your friend, Draco?" she asked glaring and pouting at the new Slytherin.

"Regan Little, the new Minister's daughter. She has apparently been sorted into Slytherin so get used to it, Puggy," he replied not looking away from Regan.

His smile made her uncomfortable and she started shifting in her seat. There was an awkward silence for a few moments and she was relieved when a blonde-haired girl sat down opposite her and Draco. The girl had soft green eyes and a smile that could make any boy melt.

"Oh, yes, Regan, this is Livvy Stewart. The one I was telling you about," Draco said trying to spark conversation.

"Oh yes, hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Regan Little."

"Hello, as you obviously know, I'm Livvy, what kind of things did Draco tell you about me?"

"He said that you and I would get along perfectly... I'm not sure why but that's what he said. I just transferred from Mottingow in the States and so far my only friend here is Draco."

Libby nodded, "I see... Mottingow is a fine school."

Regan smiled. She didn't know much about Libby but she had a feeling that Draco was right, she and Livvy were going to get along just fine.

The Sorting Ceremony came and passed. Regan's hands were sore from clapping so much. Every time Slytherin received a new student, everyone clapped and cheered and she could tell that Slytherin had gotten the most students out of any of the houses by far. Food suddenly appeared on the table in front of her but she was not very hungry. The excitement of the day had overtaken her and she became tired. Her eyelids grew heavy and she rested her head on her hand. She closed her eyes and tried to shut out the sound.

Draco glanced over and spotted the almost-sleeping figure. He laughed quietly and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Wake up, we're not even in the Common Room yet!" he whispered.

She shot up and her head hit Draco's as she did so. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to.." she apologized.

Draco rubbed his nose where the back of her head had hit. He shook his head forgivingly and wiggled his nose to make sure it wasn't broken. Regan giggled.

"What is so funny? and must you laugh at everything I do?" he asked.

"It's just, you look like a rabbit when you do that... that nose thing. And if you must know, I laugh at everything so you might as well get used to it," she replied popping a grape into her mouth.

Draco smiled, she had just insulted him - or at least he thought she did. Normally, he would not let anyone get away with insulting him but he felt that Regan was different. First of all because she was the Minister's daughter and he feared that if he got into any trouble with her, something bad would happen because of her father's authority, but secondly because he loved the way she laughed and nobody can be mad after they've seen her smile. It was almost enchanting.

After the feast, Draco walked Regan through the dungeons to the Slytherin Common Room. The got to a portrait of an old man. Draco recited the password ("pureblood"), and they entered the green, black, and silver room. The fire was glowing and there were already students settled in the big leather chairs that were placed around it, even though Regan and Draco had left the feast earlier than expected. Draco pointed up a staircase and explained that her dormitory would be just up those stairs.

"Would you care to walk me to my door?" Regan asked, slightly blushing.

Draco was taken back by this request, "Sure..." he smiled.

They walked up the staircase and down the hallway. They stopped at a door labeled with the names: Janie Locke, Livvy Stewart, Jessica Marsh, Pansy Parkinson, and the newly painted name Regan Little.

"Oh bugger, you got in a room with Pansy? I suppose you won't be sleeping much," Draco laughed. Regan punched him playfully in the arm. He pretended to look hurt and rubbed his arm where she had hit him. His act lasted about two seconds before he started smiling again. He couldn't help but smile in her presence.

Regan entered her dormitory and found the room stunning. There were five four-poster beds all with dark green canopies. Apparently, house colors were a thing of pride at Hogwarts, because everywhere she looked in the Common Room, she saw dark green, black, or silver. There was also a plethora of snake prints on select pieces of furniture in the Common Room and dormitories.

She walked to the bed at which her belongings had been places. She moved her hand against the bedding and wondered whether she should stay up and wait for her roommates or just go to sleep now. She decided she would sleep now because she was practically falling asleep as she stood there. She would meet her roommates in the morning. She changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth, and slipped into the bed. She closed the curtains and drifted off to a peaceful sleep.