So this is new. I don't really know what to say about it other than that it will get kind of dark. Drugs and drug selling is a heavy theme. If you're sensitive to that, or it could potentially trigger you, you may want to look elsewhere.
Alexandra Rosier sat at a corner table in a discreet pub. Padma Patil sat next to her.
"I have the list, Xandra," Padma said, sliding a thin column of paper across the table.
Alexandra let her eyes skim over the paper. "Contact Bones and Goldstein within the next three hours. I want them both on my doorstep within the next twenty-four."
"It will be done, Xandra." A respectful nod, and the woman was gone.
A dark chuckle, and then, almost from out of nowhere, Blaise Zabini stepped forward, sliding next to her.
"Alexandra. You haven't changed a bit."
She regarded him coolly with intelligent blue eyes. "Neither have you, Blaise."
He was arrogant around her, he called her by her full name. Almost nobody these days did that. Her . . . employees addressed her as Xandra, and everyone unfamiliar to her called her Lady Rosier. Alexandra had always viewed full names as being more intimate than nicknames. She hadn't heard her full name in three years, since she'd been a seventh-year at Hogwarts.
"Daphne says the business is good to you," he said conversationally.
"It is. Padma is an efficient right-hand. The products sell well, nobody even attempts to steal from me these days. As of now, I cannot complain."
"And yet, you're still recruiting more to your cause."
A shrug. "There is always room for improvement."
"How very Ravenclaw of you, Alexandra."
"I was Sorted there for a reason."
He eyed her. "Some days, I think you should've been in Slytherin."
She smiled. "I'm glad I wasn't. Do you know how much suspicion Slytherins get? I'd likely never have gotten anywhere."
"Is that why you don't hire Slytherins?"
"No. It's because Ravenclaws are smarter, and Hufflepuffs are more trustworthy and loyal. To be fair, I don't make a habit of hiring Gryffindors, either. Too foolhardy, and one rash decision could blow up the whole Company."
Blaise nodded. And then, "I'm getting married."
A shrug. She already knew that.
"To Tracey Davis," he continued, "D'you remember her from school? Used to follow Pansy around like a lost puppy." Blaise shuddered.
"If you don't want to marry her, I hardly see why you're doing it."
"I don't have much of a choice. Goyle and Pansy have been betrothed since sixth-year, as have Draco and Astoria, and Daphne's promised to some bloke who went to Durmstrang. Merlin knows it's not like I can marry you. Have to marry, and my mother'd have a fit if I didn't marry a pureblood."
"I never thought you cared much about blood, Blaise."
A shrug. "It's a lot easier. Muggle-borns and half-bloods are all 'Come meet the family' and 'my mother will just adore you.' Tracey's parents have known me my whole life."
"You know," she said, "I never understood the blood prejudice, you know. It just never made any logical sense."
"A lot of things don't. Too late now."
She laughed, a cynical laugh. "Yes, it is too late now. For a lot of things."
They sat in silence for a few more moments, two old pureblood friends, considering their lives.
Then, the door opened, bringing with it a gust of wind, and the moment was gone.
"I'm applying for a teaching job," she told him, "D.A.D.A. Head of Ravenclaw as well, Flitwick's retiring."
"Yeah, well, I'll send you a wedding invitation. Tracey's thinking next January."
And the two friends parted ways.
On June 23rd, Alexandra found herself in Dumbledore's office, dressed smartly in black slacks, a gray blouse, and a strand of white pearls.
"So, it has come to my attention you are interested in teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, Alexandra?"
That was another person brave enough to call her by her full name, "I am. Head of Ravenclaw as well."
There was a sad twinkle in his blue eyes. "Alexandra, I must tell you I've been hearing some strange tales about you . . . "
One carefully arched black eyebrow. "Tales about me? I couldn't imagine what they say, Headmaster. Haven't been doing much the past few years."
He looked at her like he didn't quite believe her, like her knew exactly what she'd been up to. He didn't press the issue, though, which told her he was already planning. That concerned her. The last thing she needed was Dumbledore ripping down the Company.
To her immense pleasure, he told her at the end of the hour she was hired, and to arrive on the morning of September 1st, before the students got there.
Later that day, she found Susan Bones and Anthony Goldstein standing before her, in her office in Rosier Manor.
They both bowed respectfully, saying "Lady Rosier," as they were not yet hired with permission to address her as 'Xandra.'
She regarded them. "Tell me why you think you'd be of service to my Company."
Susan spoke first. "I'm very skilled with herbs and plants, both magical and Muggle."
Then Anthony, "I live in Basil Heights, and I can cover a large area of distributing the products in a quick period of time."
She lightly drummed her nails across the oaken top of the desk she sat at. "Very well. See Padma immediately, she is my right-hand and speaks with my voice. She will give you your first assignments. You do anything she says, if you have questions you will ask her. I don't wish to hear from either of you again unless it is to tell me of your success." There was a threatening edge to her voice, warning the consequences if she was displeased.
They both bowed respectfully, before withdrawing.
All in all, the day could be considered a win. She would be placed at Hogwarts, which would serve her plan very well. She had two new employees, both with useful qualities. Even now they were working on assignments from an approved list she had written up for Padma. She was satisfied for the day.
She went back to her personal chambers in the manor. Padma lived in the manor with her, as well as several favoured employees.
In the privacy of her own room, she carefully took out a small plastic baggie filled with glowing purple powder. A magical drug that would let her thoughts sleep for a while.
Yes, a good day indeed for Alexandra Rosier.
A month later, Alexandra found herself in the middle of a lush Irish woodland, clutching an egg tightly to her chest as she Disapparated.
When she got back to the manor, she immediately cried out for Padma. Her right hand came running. Alexandra was exhausted from the energy it took to Apparate that far.
Padma's face had concern written all across it. "Did you retrieve it, Xandra?"
"I did. Padma, take it. Take it downstairs to the incubator. It's precious." She heaved a deep breath, slowly rising to her feet and pressing the large egg into Padma's hands.
"Xandra, you need assistance, you need rest –" Padma began.
"I will. I will go sleep right now if it would ease your concern. Watch the egg closely, Padma, I'll not be forgiving if it is lost, or destroyed."
"Of course, Xandra."
Then she disappeared out of the doorway, and Alexandra heard her yelling at all the employees and servants to clear the East Wing of the Manor until further notice. She smiled, knowing Padma did that so nobody would see their Xandra weakened. That was good, she must not appear weak to them, not even for a moment.
She stumbled into her room, flopping onto the bed. It had been a successful day, at the very least.
What do you think? I already have a basic plotline as far as where this is going. If you like it, I'd love to know. If you don't, at least tell me why (in a respectful manner.) I know most people are wary of OCs, but I needed a character I could bend to my criteria for the main character. Trust me, she'll be far from a Mary Sue by the time we're through here.
I don't know how often this will be updated, but it will be updated. I won't abandon stories, no matter how long it takes. I hope you're willing to stick with me on this little project.
