The Alexander Chronicles Year 6: The Darkness Falls

Chapter 2: Family

As Alex woke up, he felt very relieved despite his nightmares. His exams were over, and now he could relax and enjoy his summer. Alex looked at his calendar and smiled. It was Saturday and he had planned a little date with Daphne.

Alex heard a tiny squawk. He looked up towards an owl perch, seeing two birds; his owl and his Phoenix. Blaze who was awake, staring at him.

Blaze was a gift that Alex had received back in his third year of Hogwarts from his mother, back when his mother was arrested. He was angry then and refused to open her gift. He had forgotten about it until last June, when it decided to hatch. Alex had first wanted to name it after his best friend Blaise, but it didn´t sound right. So it had been Blaze, which sounded close.

Alex stood out of his bed, walking over to the black and purple bird. He proceeded to pet him only to snatch his hand back when the magical bird snapped. There was a small hitch with Blaze the Phoenix. Sometimes, he wasn't friendly with Alex nor did he listen to his owner. Alex didn't understand this. He didn't understand how Blaze was mostly friendly with everyone else in the house. Alex sighed, moving away from the Phoenix, turning to look out the window. He could see a pink and yellow hue in the distance, meaning the sun was rising. He could see the faint light. He was back to his old home in near London, where it was just him and his mother. Now, it was a very full house. His mother was pregnant, Sirius was living with them, and so did Selene and Draco, lastly would Harry soon live there as well.

Alex signed everything was different now. Amelia Bones was dead, and so was Emmeline Vance. Both of them was strong opponents to Voldemort. Then there was Daniel, Alex´s former stepfather. Alex had talked with his mother about his dead, and she had told him that she was sadden as well. They had both cried a bit and made peace with the man.

As there was no point in trying to fall asleep, again Alex left his room. He strode down the hall and into the bathroom. He stood over the sink and looked into the mirror, staring at his gaunt looking face. He looked a lot older; he was taller and looked more adult. His father´s features was becoming more prominent now. He of course still had a lot of his mum in him the brown hair and face structure for one thing. After a quick shower Alex ran his hand though his medium length hair, trying to fix it a bit, so he was ready for his date with Daphne.

There was a knock on the door. Alex turned and opened the door to reveal a tired-looking Selene, his younger cousin who now lived with the Black family. "Are you done?" she asked. "I really have to go." Alex smirked but nodded nonetheless, and the two switched positions. Alex turned, walking downstairs and towards the kitchen. He entered to find his five-month old pregnant mother bustling around.

"What's going on?" Alex asked, making his way towards the coffee pot. "Why are you up so early?" Cyrina had begun working as healer again. However due to her pregnancy and the fact she still where recovering from her stay in Azkaban, she was on leave. "Where is dad?"

"He is out." Cyrina said. "There have been another attack on the muggles. There was giants involved this time. Your father was called on duty in the middle of the night."

Alex nodded as purred himself a cup of coffee. His mother looked a bit worried. "I am sure he will be fine mum."

Cyrina nodded, "I know."

"Mum things are okay right? I mean with you and dad?" Alex knew that his parents originally had spit up before he was born. They had of course decided to give it another chance and that even had talked about before Sirius had been arrested.

"Yeah of course we are." Cyrina said. "So you are have you any special plans with Daphne?"

Alex felt himself blush a tiny bit. "Nothing that special. Daphne has always wanted to see Muggle London so we are eating lunch in the city."

"It sounds nice," Cyrina said. "But I want you to be careful. There is a war going on." Alex nodded and Cyrina smiled. "Otherwise be a perfect gentlemen, just like I have thought you."

Alex standing in the Leaky Cauldron around lunch wanting for Daphne. There was many wanted posters of the different death eaters and pamphlets with information on how to art in the war. There wasn´t many people in the pup but there was few. Therefor it was essay to spot Daphne as she flooed to the pup. "Daphne!" Alex greeted.

As usual, Daphne looked beautiful; her blond hair was lose and she was wearing a simple summer dress. When Daphne saw Alex, she smiled. "Hey." She said as she walked over to Alex and gave him a hug. Alex took a moment to inhale her sweet scent.

"Hey yourself. I missed you."

Daphne smiled. "It hadn´t been that long since we left Hogwarts. It have been little over two weeks?"

"Yeah, but I have been so busy that it felt longer."

"How did your O.W.L exams went by the way?"

Alex shrugged. "I think it went fine. I could answer most of the questions so that is a good sign. So I think I did okay."

"I suppose that neither of us really knows. "

"I bet you ace everything." Alex said.

Daphne blushed, "you are such a flirt."

Alex gave her a quick smile, but then got serious. "Did you hear that I almost got arrested?"

"What?" Daphne exclaimed. "Why? Because of what happened at the Ministry?"

Alex shock his head. "No, it was because of - uh can we walk?" Daphne nodded and the young couple went out to muggle London. "They think I killed my stepfather." Alex said as they had left the pup.

Daphne stopped up. "What are they insane?"

"Yeah" Alex paused and then said. "It is so weird that he is dead. I mean he was a cruel basted, but-"

"He was still a father for six years."

Alex nodded, "yeah. I know that he wasn´t perfect. He was cruel, but I didn´t wanted him to die. In fact, I am somewhat sad about it. He didn´t deserve it. Am I weird?"

Daphne grabbed Alex´s hands and gave him a quick kiss. "No you aren´t. You are just a caring person."

"Thanks." Alex said and looked at Daphne for a few seconds. "So this I actually planed a date."

"Really what?"

Alex gave her another small smile. "I show you."

Daphne didn´t move. "I haven´t given you your birthday kiss. You have turned sixteen last Monday." Alex was surprised as Daphne pulled him into a quick kiss. "I will give you the rest when we are in a more private place though."

Alex just smiled and begun leading Daphne over to a small muggle café. It was a pretty nice place. The young couple found a remote table outside. They enjoyed their lunch while small talking, and Alex trying his best to flirt. For dessert they ordered some tee and a small cake.

"By the way are there any news with your mum and the baby?" Daphne asked as she took a sip of her tea.

"Yeah mum was at a baby check-up yesterday. It is going to be a girl. I going to have a baby sister."

Daphne smiled at Alex´s happy expression. "That is great. I am so happy for you."

Alex paused, "can I tell you something?"

Daphne nodded.

"I am actually pretty nervous about the whole being a big brother thing." Alex admitted

"Why?"

Alex paused; it was hard to explain his thoughts. "It is just well uh well I am just worried that I mess up. I mean I never had a little sister before."

"Well you have, if you count Selene."

"True, but still. This is different. Selene and I are practical the same age, and she is my cousin not sister, although we are close."

Daphne shrugged, "It is nothing to worry about. I mean I have Astoria."

"And wasn´t you worried? I mean when your mother told you that you would be a big sister."

"Not really, but I was three years old when she was born. She is a pain sometimes well most of the time." Daphne added with a small smile. "But it is really great having a sibling. And Astoria is great, and she has defiantly gotten better since she have started fancy Jack Bennett."

Alex smiled a bit, "Still I will be much older than my sister."

"True, you will properly have a different relationship. Still it will be your baby sister. I bet you will be a great brother."

Alex smiled, "I am very excited. I am just a bit worried that is all. However, at the same I can´t wait. I mean to hold her, to teach her pranks," Daphne rolled her eyes at that, "and teach her magic when the time comes. Most of all I look forward to babysit her and help take care of her."

"See fantastic brother." Daphne gave Alex a small smile, leaned in, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I know that you will be great at taking care of children."

Alex blushed, "maybe. But Daphne it is a baby and I am - I am -you know - I don´t want to mess her up. Maybe she is better of-"

"No," Daphne said in a tone that left no room for debate. "She will not be better off without you. You will be a great brother and you are great with children."

Alex nodded. "I suppose it will be great experience to help taking care her. I mean for when I going to raise ours."

Alex blushed even more as he realised what he had said. Daphne blushed as well. "Alex we are just sixteen." She whispered

"I k-know. " Alex shuttered. "I w-wasn´t suggesting a-anything." Alex looked at Daphne feeling very embarrassed. "I mean I wasn´t suggesting that we uh you know uh- I uh. " Daphne gave him a questionable look. "I mean obviously I want to uh I mean n-not now, but uh someday maybe we could uh-"

"Alex I know." Daphne said in a quiet voice.

Alex paused, took a deep breath and then continued. "But eh it would be nice though. I mean in the future to have family with you. I really want that." Alex blushed even more.

Daphne blushed as well. "Alex you are not going to propose or anything? We are too young to consider marriage and children. We are just teenagers."

"I know, and when I propose I will do it in a proper way." Alex gave a shy smile and grabbed Daphne´s hand. She didn´t pull away. "Maybe I am just promising that I will. Someday I will ask you to marry me. Call it a promise that I will propose."

Daphne blushed, "you really mean it?"

Alex nodded and gave another shy smile. "It have always been you. I mean y-you want the same right."

Daphne smiled, "a promise to propose then. I like it. It will be a great future.

Alex smiled as he watched Daphne. She was so beautiful. Daphne leaned in and so did Alex. They were just about to kiss when there was a small cracks followed by loud bang and screams.

"What happened?" Alex said as he got his feet.

"Over there." Daphne pointed at the Thames, "The Bridge collapsed."

Alex could see it now. It was a huge bridge that had collapsed. It was terrible to watch, there were muggles screaming in terror.

"Those monsters," Daphne whispered.

Alex grabbed Daphne´s hand. "We should leave."

"No we have to see if we can help." Daphne said and began running towards the bridge.

Alex signed as he followed her. She was right. However when they got to the side of the Thames; there was already muggle police and Sirius?

As Sirius spotted the two teenagers, he quickly made his way over to them. "What are you two doing here?"

"We having a cup of tea when we head the bridge collapse. We just wanted to see if we could help." Daphne explained.

Sirius signed but nodded, "okay, but the Ministry got this. Look I am not comfortable that you two are running around London right now. I want you to head home right now."

"But dad we could help-"

"I know that you can, but we got this. Please the streets might not be safe. Please head home. No gallivanting,"

Alex and Daphne nodded, and Sirius ran back to the chaos. "Right we should go." Daphne said, but didn´t move as she was looking at the chaotic scene.

Once Alex and Daphne got home to Alex´s place they were surprised to see that their mothers were waiting for them.

"Thanks Merlin that you two are okay." Agatha Greengrass said as she went over to the two and pulled them into a hug. "We feared the worst when we heard about the attack."

"We were safe mum." Daphne said. "We were just at a muggle café."

"We know, "Cyrina said. "Sirius sent a patronus message."

Alex nodded, "dad told us to go home. We went as fast as we could, but Leaky Cauldron wasn´t that close."

Both Agatha and Cyrina nodded. "Still," Cyrina said. "I want you to be more careful when you are out, and we want you to avoid magical places when you are alone."

Alex and Daphne looked at each other for a brief moment they had thought that their mothers would forbid them to go on dates.

The following week, Voldemort continued his attacks and acts of terror. People were getting afraid. There was a small moral boost when the Minister elections was over. The new Minister was Rufus Scrimgeour, who previously had served as Head of the Auror Office. Sirius had some mixed feelings about it. Yet had ultimately decided to show his support and try to get influence on the war tactics. Around the same time the Ministry realised a pamphlet on how you could best protect yourself and family from Death Eater attacks. It was mostly information about creatures like inferi , and their weaknesses. Otherwise it was just small advice some of it, Alex found pretty useful; like the one where you could make sure that a person was who they said they were, and not a Death Eater in disuse.

Alex was laying on his bed in his room relaxing. It was getting late, so he should properly get to bed soon. Harry would arrive tomorrow and he was going to stay with them for the remainder of the summer holidays, so they would properly have some sort of special dinner. Alex looked at his watch only to lean that tomorrow had been today for about an hour. Yeah he should properly go brush his teeth and go to bed. It would be a busy day.

Alex had just left his bathroom when he got face to face with Harry Potter. "Harry?"

"Hey," Harry said. "How are you?"

"Fine." Alex said, "What about you?"

"I'm alright, considering there's a war out there," Harry spoke. "Which is something we should talk about."

"You are here pretty early." Alex commented, changing the subject.

"Yeah, Dumbledore wanted me to help recruit a new professor."

Alex gave a lazy smile, "yeah so did Slughorn say yes?"

Harry looked surprised. "How did you know?"

"My mum and dad told me." Alex said. "Mum said that he have a special talent for picking out students that end up getting influence." Harry nodded in understanding.

"Yes Dumbledore said the same." Harry admitted, "and yes he will be coming back to teach at Hogwarts."

"So I assume that we will be getting a new Potions Master," Alex said, throwing Harry off guard.

"Wait, he is not going to teach Defence?" He asked.

"Of course not," Alex replied, turning to Harry. "He was a potions Professor."

"So then who is?"

"Snape, obviously," Alex said and gave Harry a teasing smile. "So good luck getting a passing grade now."

"Great," Harry sighed, as he ran a hand through his messy hair.

"Anyway it is pretty late so."

Harry yawned, "Yeah I am pretty tired as well."

"So good night then." Alex said.

"I didn't get a chance to thank you," Harry suddenly said. "You know, for meeting us at the Ministry."

"I didn't do it for you," Alex answered and looked at the green-eyed boy. "I thought my father was in trouble. I did it for him. I would have gone whether or not you were there."

"I know," Harry said. "But still. You trusted what I said. So thanks anyway."

Alex sighed. "You're welcome. Now go to sleep, Potter." He heard Harry laugh. Alex smirked to himself. "We can talk later."

Alex took a few good hours of sleep, but still woke up early. However, his parents, and Selene were already sitting in the kitchen when Alex entered. "Morning." Alex said as he sat beside Selene.

"Good Morning son." Sirius greeted.

"Is Harry still sleeping?" Alex asked.

"Wait I thought that he would arrive today?" Selene asked, "When did he come."

"Around one o´clock." Cyrina said, "Professor Dumbledore came with him."

Selene just nodded as she continued to eat her breakfast. 15 minutes later Draco joined them and then an half hour later a very tried Harry entered the kitchen. "Good Morning Harry." Sirius greeted, as he went over to give Harry a big hug. "I missed you kiddo."

"Hey Sirius," Harry said as he returned the hug. Alex smiled a bit, and it surprised him. A year ago, he would have been so jealous. Now he was just happy for his god brother. Maybe he was really just older and more mature.

Cyrina also gave Harry a brief hug before he got a plate from the family house elf Lux.

"So did you sleep well?" Selene asked. Harry nodded but gave Selene a puzzled look. "Uh that is right we never have been properly introduced. My name is Selene Ambrosius, I am Alex´s cousin."

"It is nice to meet you." Harry looked at Draco, "Uh you as well Malfoy."

"Thanks Potter." Draco said before taking a bite of his toast.

Harry paused as he looked at Alex and Draco. "I have been thinking about something. Uh what will you do about your O.W.L exams?"

"We have taken them." Alex said. "It wasn´t that long after we got back from Hogwarts."

"So did it go well?"

Alex shrugged. "I don´t know. We will give my results when you get yours."

"So today." Harry said."

"What?" Malfoy said. "Potter are you saying that the O.W.L results are coming today?"

Harry nodded, "Dumbledore told me that they should arrive today."

Draco immediately pushed is plate away. "I am not hungry anymore."

"I am sure you all have done fine." Sirius said looking at the three boys.

Alex wasn´t really reassured by his father´s words.

"What happens if we fail?" Harry asked the room at large.

"You have discuss your options with your Head of House." Cyrina answered. "However that rarely happens. There is a lot of different carries you can take."

Alex shared a worried glance with Harry and Draco. Alex had done his best, and he was defiantly sure that he had passed his O.W.L. However if he wanted to be a healer then he needed N.E.W.T level potions, and that required an Outstanding grade in his O.W.L exam. Alex wasn´t sure that he had gotten that high a grade. Alex looked out the window and saw three owls approving. "Maybe it is them"" Alex said and pointed.

The three O.W.L students got quit as they each got a letter. Alex looked at it. Hogwarts symbol was on it. Alex took a deep breath and opened it. He could feel his heart beating in nervous as he took the yellowish parchment out and read it.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVELS

PASS GRADES

OUTSTANDING (O)

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS (E)

ACCEPTABLE (A)

FAIL GRADES

POOR (P)

DREADFUL (D)

TROLL (T)

Alexander Alphard Black has achieved

Astronomy E

Ancient Runes O

Charms O

Defence Against the Dark Arts O

Divination E

Healing O

Herbology O

History of Magic E

Potions O

Transfiguration O

Care of Magical Creatures O

Alex did a double take. There was nothing but E and O. It had to some kind mistake. There was no way he could get those kinds of grades. Yet it was his name that was on the paper.

"Alex what is wrong?" Cyrina asked. Alex looked up at his mother. She looked worried. "Are you disappointed?" Alex shocked his head and wordlessly handed his mother his O.W.L grades. "Alex that is-" Cyrina paused then pulled Alex on his feet and gave him a big hug. "That is amazing son. Uh I am so proud of you." Cyrina gave Alex a kiss on the cheek and looked at him "eleven O.W.L.s and top grades."

Alex smiled as he watched his mother give Sirius Alex´s grades. Sirius looked stunned for a second, but then smiled. "That is really impressive."

"So I take it you are satisfied." Draco said. Alex nodded and watched Harry and then Draco being hugged by his parents. The three boys then swapped their results with each other; Alex was impressed by his friends' results. Draco had few A, and a lot of E and two O in Potions and Transfiguration. Harry had of course gotten an O in defence, and had only failed Divination and History.

"Wow it is really amazing Alex." Harry said.

Alex felt a bit embarrassed at all the praise he was getting. "Well I uh-"

"Well then it is just the N.E.W.T.s" Draco said and making Alex throw a piece bread at him. "What?"

"We have literally just gotten our O.W.L.s , don´t start on the N.E.W.T.s already." Everyone even Draco laughed.

A few hours later Alex got a huge surprise; a surprise birthday party. They had of course celebrated his birthday by eating the Friday that Alex had finished his exam. Cyrina had wanted to do something on the day, but Alex and Draco´s had started that day. Alex had thought it would be the dinner. He had gotten his presents on the day and then a family dinner, just like he always did with his mum. This was much bigger all of his friends was here; Daphne, Astoria, Tracey, Erik, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Susan, Ron (who still were in a wheelchair, because of his injuries in the Ministry battle), Ginny, Fred, George, Mellissa and surpassingly Jack. There was of course many adults Remus, Tonks and her parents, Molly Weasley, and Mad-Eye.

"Well I haven´t gotten the chance of celebrate a birthday in two years." Cyrina had said when Alex had gotten over his surprise. He had been at his room when Sirius had asked him to down in the living room. When he had entered, everyone had yelled surprise and jumped from their hiding place. "So you deserve a big party."

Alex smiled at his mum "thanks." He muttered as he saw Daphne approved.

"You should also say it to Daphne. I couldn´t have done it without her."

Daphne had a satisfied smile on her face. "Uh I didn´t do much. I just helped write to the gang." Daphne grabbed his hand.

Alex smiled shyly, "thanks."

Cyrina smiled again, "right I leave you two alone. But Alex remember that you have other guests."

Alex nodded, but his eyes was on Daphne. "So this was a surprise."

Daphne just smiled and gave Alex a quick kiss. "You are welcome. And congratulations about your O.W.L´s"

"Thanks, what about you?"

"I did okay," Daphne said with a small smile.

Alex looked at his girlfriend and laid his hands her arms. "I bet you did more than that."

Daphne smiled even more. "I got an E in Defence, and then nothing but O´s."

"That is amazing Daph." Alex said kissing her on the lips. "I am so proud of you."

Daphne looked pretty satisfied. "Thanks." She said before grabbing Alex´s hand. "Now come on, we have to mingle with your guests."

The party was great and Alex talked with all of his friends. Susan was of course still very upset at aunt´s death, but she had her parents and older brother. Alex was surprised that she also talked a lot with Erik both here at party, but during this summer. However when Alex had asked the Ravenclaw if he had admitted his feelings for the Hufflepuff he had blushed and said no. Alex who now had a feeling that Susan indeed liked Erik as well had reminded him of the advice he gave last year. Jack was also pretty happy and excited to start his second year.

Alex also got a chance to chat with the Weasley twins and Mellissa. Fred and George had started their joke shop. Fred was still dating Mellissa, who also were helping the twins with the legal work there of owning a company.

It was pretty great. Everyone had fun and talked with each other. It didn´t matter if they were or had been; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. They just had fun, and it was great.

Chapter end