**A Daughter's Disdain**

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along the tracks, Octavia Snape gazed out the window, her fluffy white hair a stark contrast to her dark, brooding eyes. She had always felt like an outcast among her peers, and it wasn't just her intimidating surname that made her a target for ridicule. Her father's reputation as the Potions master was notorious, and Octavia often found herself bearing the brunt of his acidic tongue and frosty demeanor. Severus Snape, the man who had sired her, was not exactly the most affable of parents. His expectations were high, and his patience was nonexistent. Octavia had grown accustomed to his scathing remarks and withering stares, but that didn't mean she was immune to their sting. She often wondered if her father truly cared for her, or if she was just a reminder of his failed relationships and personal demons. As she sat in her compartment, nursing a cup of tea, Octavia's thoughts drifted to her fifth year at Hogwarts. It had been a tumultuous time, with Voldemort's followers, the Death Eaters, growing bolder and more brazen. Her father's allegiance to the Dark Lord was a constant source of tension, and Octavia had found herself torn between loyalty to her family and her own moral compass. The door to the compartment slid open, and a harried-looking student, Neville Longbottom, poked his head in. "Mind if I join you, Octavia? I'm trying to get away from my siblings. They're driving me mad." Octavia's eyes narrowed, but she nodded curtly, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. Neville plopped down, his freckled face animated as he launched into a tale of his family's latest antics. Octavia listened politely, her reserve slowly giving way to a wry smile. Just then, the train lurched to a stop, and the compartment door swung open once more. This time, it was a boy with messy black hair and bright green eyes who slipped inside. Octavia's heart skipped a beat as their gazes met, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. "Harry Potter," Neville said, by way of introduction. "Octavia, this is—" "—the Chosen One," Octavia finished dryly, her eyes never leaving Harry's face. Harry's smile was warm and disarming, and Octavia felt her defenses crumble beneath its assault. She looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, and busied herself with her tea, trying to compose herself. As the conversation flowed, Octavia found herself stealing glances at Harry, who seemed oblivious to her initial coldness. She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. The compartment door opened again, and Octavia's father, Severus Snape, stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning the occupants with disdain. "Octavia," he drawled, his voice like ice. "I see you're associating with the dregs of Hogwarts. How...enlightening." Octavia's heart sank, and she felt a familiar sense of dread wash over her. Her father's presence was always a harbinger of doom, and she couldn't help but wonder what he wanted. As he slid into the compartment, his eyes locked onto Harry, and Octavia sensed a spark of hostility. "Ah, Potter," Severus sneered. "I might have known you'd be traveling with the likes of Longbottom and...my daughter." The atmosphere in the compartment grew tense, and Octavia felt herself shrinking away from her father's venomous gaze. Harry, however, seemed undaunted, his eyes meeting Severus's with a quiet confidence. As the train continued on its journey, Octavia found herself caught in the midst of a complicated web of relationships. Her father's disdain for Harry was palpable, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her, her family, and the boy who had captured her heart.