The Alexander Chronicles Year 6: The Darkness Falls

…

Chapter 1: The O.W.L exam.

Silan was watching his left arm with pride. Voldemort had branded him with dark mark, meaning he had been marked as one of the Dark Lord´s Death Eaters. Silan had of course no intention of being a mindless follower. No Silan had much more ambition then that. If he played his cards, right then he would be the Dark Lord´s hair. After all, he was an heir of Slytherin as well.

"You better not fail him Silan." A female voice said.

Silan looked up at his mother. She was a woman with brown hair, and almost purple eyes. "I will not fail."

"You better not fail me!" Corvidae Ambrosius said.

"I will make you proud mother." Silan answered. "I will kill my cousin."

"And what about your sister?"

"She has sided with the traitor." Silan paused. "I will kill her as well."

Corvidae violently grabbed Silan´s hair. "Good. I knew that I raised you well. Your uncle Turdus will be proud. My half-brother and I always knew that our offspring would serve the Dark Way." Corvidae gave an evil smile. "I guess that I was the most successful. It must be the Morgana blood."

Silan paused, "What are your plans."

Corvidae sneered and slapped Silan. She slapped him so hard that Silan could taste blood. "You know better to ask questions." Silan didn´t respond. Corvidae chuckled, "poor Turdus to have his only child turn away from the cause."

Silan nodded. "So Merula hasn´t sided with our master."

Corvidae nodded, "she is hiding in America. She will die for betraying the Snyde family of course. However, she is of little concern right now. You will mostly get the chance later. I expect you carry out that order."

"I will do my duty mother." Silan said. Merula may had been kind to him, but if she had to die then she had to die.

"I just hope that you isn´t as weak as your father."

"I will bring our family honour."

Corvidae smiled. "Good my son. Now I have a mission for you. I have someone you can kill after you have tortured him to insanity."

This time Silan smiled.

…

Alex was sitting in his room with Blaise. The two of them were joking and having fun. "There is just one thing I wanted to ask." Blaise said. Before Alex could, answer there was flash of lighting. Suddenly Blaise changed; his skin got pale and he looked like an inferi. "Why didn´t you save me?" Alex backed away, but Blaise came closer. "You said that you were my friend, but you still let me die."

"I I am s-sorry." Alex whispered. "It happened so fast."

"Why didn´t you save me?" Blaise said. "You let me die."

"I am sorry."

"Sorry!" A new voice sounded. It was Tracey, she was looking hatefully at Alex. "What can I use that for? You took Blaise away from me. You took our future away."

"I am sorry." Alex whispered again.

"Everyone trusted you." Daphne yelled appearing next to Tracey. "We shouldn't have."

"I am sorry."

"I hate you." Daphne said in her ice cold and hateful voice. It broke Alex´s heart to hear her speak in that way.

"You killed me!" Blaise yelled.

"How many have you killed now?" Alex´s Uncle Adrian said.

"NO" Alex screamed.

…

"Alex wake up." Cyrina said while shacking her son. "It is just a nightmare."

Alex gasped as he sat up. He was panting slightly. "Mum?" Alex was disoriented.

"You were having a nightmare sweetheart. " Cyrina said. "Was it the same?"

Alex nodded, "yeah. I hate this. I thought the mind healer would make it better."

"It will get better with time." Cyrina said. "You have just started with healer Sheppard. You don´t as many nightmares as before right?"

Alex nodded. His mother had been very insisting that he should see a mind healer, so he could talk about everything that had happened. So Alex was seeing a women called Rachel Sheppard. Alex had begun his sessions before he had left Hogwarts last school year.

It helped talking with her, and she had helped Alex understood that Blaise´s death wasn´t his fault. Alex still had nightmares, but it was getting better.

"You are just stressed." Cyrina said. "It will properly get better when you have finish you exams."

Alex nodded again. "Yeah properly." Alex was taking his O.W.L´s along with Draco so they could continue their sixth year at Hogwarts. The only problem was that the Ministry exams would be held tomorrow, so he didn´t that much time to prepare. "I think will try getting some sleep now."

Cyrina smiled, "good idea."

…

Alex was pretty nervous that morning. He had of course studied for his O.W.L exams even when he had been expelled. Still he was so nervous. His future would be decided by his exams results. Alex had given his future a lot thought; and he was pretty sure that he wanted to work as healer. It would be a good job where he could to a lot of good. However if he wanted to be a healer then he had to do very well on his O. so he could take the necessary N.E.W.T.S.

Alex looked at Draco who also looked nervous. Alex tried giving him a small smile. "So do you feel ready?"

"I have no idea. I hope so. I mean it only have been a little over a week, since we got back from Hogwarts."

Alex nodded, "yeah I would have liked some more time as well."

…

The ministry was pretty busy. Voldemort had already made some attacks, and the British wizard community were in the process of electing a new Minister of Magic. Fudge had been forced to resign after it was proven that Voldemort had returned which the Minister had previously denied. Alex didn´t feel remotely sorry for the man. Fudge had spent the last year calling him and Harry liars, because told the truth of Voldemort´s return. Fudge had actually tried to get Alex to help, but he had refused. So now, they had to elect a new Minster.

Alex´s personal favourite was Amelia Bones (Susan Bones´s aunt). Sirius, who now was a part of the Wizengamot, was one of her main supports. Therefore, Amelia had been at Alex´s house quit a few times to discuss campaign strategy with Sirius and Cyrina. Alex had talked with Amelia during those meetings and he liked her. Her politics would be the best to combat Voldemort.

Alex entered the Ministry exam room with Draco. It looked like an ordinary classroom with no windows. There was an instructor at the front of the room, and there were six other witches and wizards already seated, most of them looked like they was the same age as Alex and Draco. The exam they were taking was the O.W.L exam for all those who were home-schooled.

Alex and Draco took their seats in the back. Once everyone was seated, the instructor stood up with a stack of exams. "Good morning people. My name is Professor Tofty," the instructor greeted. "Over the next week you will be taking your O.W.L exams. Today you will have your exams for Transfiguration and Charms. Now, let's begin shall we?" he finished and passed out the Transfiguration exam. "Now, after each written exam, you will have a quick practical portion. " He finished passing out the exams, and made his way back to his desk. "You may begin."

Alex shared a glance with Draco and then began his Transfiguration exam. He had two hours to finish the questions. It was mostly questions about the spells; their incantation, wand movement, effects and uses, and counter spells. Alex took a deep breath and begun writing. Then it was time for the practical part for the exam. Alex had to demonstrate a few transfigurations spells for Professor Tofty. Alex was pretty sure that he did okay.

There was no time to relax, as Alex had to take his Charms exam. The charm exam was pretty much the same as Transfiguration. There was some questions about the different charms and then he had to demonstrate some charms.

Over the next days, Alex took his other exams. On Tuesday he had to translate runes for the Ancient Runes Exam. (There was no practical part of that exam). For the Potions exam, Alex had to answer questions about how to brew select potions and describe their effects. Alex had enjoyed that there was a question about Veritaserum, since he had helped Daphne brew that potion in their second year. The practical was pretty simple; brew a potion. After The potion exam, Alex had to take the Astronomy exam.

The third day only had one exam; Care of Magical Creatures again with a written exam and a practical; where he had to take care of the creatures.

On the fourth day, it was time for the Herbology exam, the History of Magic exam (again only a written exam) and Divination.

Then it was Friday and the last day of the exam. Alex only had to take Healing and Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Alex was pretty glad his last exam was Defence. The written exam had been essay, many of the spells he was questioned about had he thought the D.A about. So he had a good understanding about them. The practical exam was just fun. He had demonstrated a good verity of defensive and offensive spell and hexes to Professor Tofty.

"Very good Mr. Black." The old wizard said. "Now I have heard that you can do the Patronus charm." Alex nodded. "Do you feel up for some bonus points?" Alex smiled and nodded. Alex waved his wand and in the next second; Alex´s eagle patronus flew around in the examination room. Alex smiled, he was very sure that he would get an outstanding in this O.W.L.

…

Finally, Alex was done with his exams. He was exhausted as he left the exam room into a waiting room to wait for Draco to finish his. If Alex had to guess, he had done okay. Hopefully his grades were good enough, so he could take the necessary N.E.W.T.S and become a healer. Alex wished he would get the result right away, but he had to wait. On the bright side, the results would arrive as if he had taken the exam at Hogwarts. Now he could relax and enjoy the whole summer; he could hang with his friends and of course go on a few dates with Daphne. It would had been perfect if there hadn´t been a war going on.

As Alex waited for Draco, he noticed that two aurors approved him. "Alexander Black." One of them said. The man seemed familiar. He was the one of the aurors that had questioned him about his stepfather Daniel Bonteri.

"I see that you remember me." Johan Anderson said.

Alex nodded, "Auror Anderson. What can I do for you?"

Anderson smiled. "You could answer few questions."

"Is this about the Department of Mysteries Battle?" Alex asked, "I thought all that was cleared up."

"It's not about that," Anderson answered. "If you come with us and cooperate, all will be explained." Alex nearly had the instinct to pull out his wand, stun these men, and make of run for it. But what sense would that make? He was just reinstated at Hogwarts. He wouldn't want to be expelled again. Besides, he didn't break any laws since the Ministry Battle. Alex there therefore very surprised when he was cuffed.

"Hey what are you doing?"

"Just come quietly Black." Anderson said as he grabbed Alex´s arm.

Draco entered the waiting area, seeing Alex being led away by aurors with his hands cuffed behind his back. "Draco get my parents!" Alex called after Draco who nodded. Alex was led all the way up to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and placed in an interrogation room. He sat at a table in a dimly lit room. He sat there for an hour, wondering why he was even here. The door opened up, and in came Johan Anderson and Arron Smith, who was Johan Anderson´s partner. Both of them had been questioning Alex after he had attacked his stepfather.

"So why I am here?"

"I think you know." Anderson said.

Alex rolled his eyes, and raised his hands, which were still cuffed. "Is this really necessary?" he asked.

"It's just a precaution," Anderson asked, opening the file on his desk.

"Yeah especially given your history," Smith spoke up. "I mean you have already killed someone."

Alex signed. "It was in self-defence!"

Anderson smiled. "Now Smith. We are not here about that. Have you been at your former stepfather´s house lately?"

"Sorry what?"

"Daniel Bonteri," Anderson said. "You know he was your stepfather. The man that attacked you and your mother."

"Why would I want to see him?" Alex asked.

"To kill him." Anderson said.

"Wait! What? Is he dead?"

"You art surprised"

"That is because I am."

Anderson sighed, "Right. Then answer me this. Who killed him?"

"I have no idea," Alex said. "How was he killed?"

"The Killing Curse. It was casted on both Daniel Bonteri and his wife. They were tortured first. It seemed personal."

"It doesn´t make sense." Alex said. "They were just muggles. Why would they be singled out?"

Anderson smiled, "you tell me. You are the one with a motive."

"I didn´t kill them." Alex defended. "I swear."

"Right. Then you must have an alibi. Where were you Tuesday?"

"Here taking my O.W.L.s exam," Alex said. "Then I was at home resting and getting ready for my exam in Care of Magical Creatures."

"Can someone verify this?"

"Well my examinations like professor Tofty and professor Marchbanks Then there is my parents. Draco Malfoy." Alex paused and thought who had visited them Tuesday night?" Amelia Bones."

Anderson looked at Alex. "You haven´t read the latest addition of the prophet?"

"No," Alex answered hesitantly as he felt worried.

"Amelia Bones was killed in a death eater attack this morning."

"WHAT?" Alex yelled. "No that can´t be."

The two aurors shared a glance, "You-Know-Who was responsible. I guess he didn´t wanted her as the new Minister.

"I think we should place him in a holding cell." Smith suddenly said. "Then he had have some time to think about his crime."

"But I haven´t done anything." Alex exclaimed.

"You hated him through didn´t you?" Smith said.

"But I didn´t wanted him dead!" Alex defended.

"Lies. You wanted him dead. You attacked once. Then you leaned what you needed and returned to finish the job. I know this Black, and I know you deserve to rot in a cell."

The door opened. Another auror entered the room, but Alex was relieved to see that it was Kingsley Shacklebot. "Mr. Black," he greeted, he waved his wand, and the cuffs around Alex´s wrists disappeared. "You're free to go." Alex smiled and stood to his feet.

"Oi, hold on a minute," Smith spoke. "On whose authority? The boy is a killer."

Kingsley slowly turned to Smith. "On my Authority, Mr. Smith," he told the auror, who clenched his teeth and shrank away.

Alex didn't say anything, as he left the room, and walked down the hallways of the Department. When he entered the Auror offices, Cyrina was running up to him with frantic look upon her face.

"Alex!" she screeched running over to him. She hugged and then hold him out as to examine if he was hurt. "Are you alright? Are you okay?"

"Yes mum, I'm alright," Alex answered as Sirius and Draco approached him.

"What did they want?" Sirius concernedly asked.

Alex looked at his mother. "Mum, Daniel was murdered," he told her, "They thought I had something to do with it."

"That's horrible!" Cyrina cried, holding onto her son, "Of course you didn't do it." Alex nodded in agreement. He knew he didn't do it, even if he did hate the man. He wasn't worth his time.

"Are you okay mum?"

Cyrina nodded, but she heated. "Yes. What about you son."

Alex nodded a bit slowly, "yeah I mean I am not happy that he has died, but yeah." Was he sad about Daniel´s death? The man had been terrible. Still he had been the man who had leaned him how to ride a bike and taking him out to eat ice cream. Was Cyrina feeling the same conflicted feelings.

"Right," Sirius said, he sounded a bit annoyed. "There is no point of talking about it here. You should go home. I bet you boys would like to rest a bit."

Alex, Cyrina and Draco began to move and leave, except for Sirius who Alex noticed stayed back to talk with Kingsley. Alex figured Sirius was thanking him for getting Alex out, and they probably also talking about Order stuff.

"Right then boys. Let us go home and pick up Selene, so you can celebrate that you have finished your exams."

"Mum we don´t even know if we passed." Alex said.

"Cyrina smiled, "Well we should still go to eat. Beside you have just turned sixteen in the start of the week. We have to celebrate. Your father won´t be joining us though."

Alex nodded. The order properly had to talk about Amelia's death. "It is about Madam Bones?"

Cyrinia stopped. "You know about that."

Alex nodded, "The aurors mentioned it. What will happen now?"

Cyrina signed, "I honestly don´t know. Amelia would have been good for this country."

Alex nodded as his thoughts drifted on Susan Bones. She was a good person that didn´t deserve all those tragedies that had happened to the Bones family.

...

Chapter end

So new story. I hope you will like it. Please leave a review to let me know what you think.