AN- I do not own Harry Potter
Alexandria groaned as the painting atop her bed screamed it's order for her to get up. Waving her hand she flailed it all around anything to make the noise go away.
"Stop, stop! Please!" she begged covering her hand with her eyes, the sunshine from outside invading her view and hurting her tired eyes. After her encounter with the Headmaster yesterday and Severus, she had gone to her sleeping quarters overlooking the fact that she was in Gryffindor and promptly went to sleep.
Slipping her feet into the cosy slippers that were at the bottom of her bed, she threw a dark glare at the now satisfied painting. "You know it's not particularly hard to take a painting down." She threatened.
"Yes but most paintings are not as helpful as me." The huge figure of the painting spoke.
Grumbling, Alexandria threw her pillow at the painting ignoring the squeak of indignation. Drawn hazel eyes looked back at her in the mirror, the sparse sleep she had managed to catch, had not really improved her physical appearance. Sighing she twisted her hair into a simple bun, allowing small tendrils to sneak out and proceeded to brush her teeth.
She had managed to escape doing anything the other day, but she had to go to lessons today seeing as it was the start of the academic year. If anything Alexandria felt like just skipping and going back to France.
Slipping her clothes on she looked at the time on her watch. 8:30. Great she thought, they wanted to make her lose whatever semblance of sanity she had by waking her up at this ungodly hour.
The walk to the Great Hall, took a long time as Alexandria's robes swept the floor. She walked quickly to her destination ignoring the looks she was receiving from the other students. The Great Hall was moderately filled with students, the late breakfasters quickly grabbing a piece of toast and hurrying to catch up with their friends.
Spotting the Gryffindor table, Alexandria stalked over, oblivious to the glares she was getting from the other end of the table.
Leisurely taking her time, she lathered her toast with jam taking a bite out of it. Her timetable was slipped onto the table by her plate. Looking up she spotted a boy about the same age as her, his lightly coloured brown hair and warm blue eyes, instantly warming her to him.
"You dropped this in the hall," he told her. "I tried calling for you, but I guess you were eager for your breakfast." He said winking cheekily.
Smiling Alexandria took the timetable from him, so far he was the first decent guy she had met other then Severus, but even then that was pushing it. "Well thank you.." She paused, realising she didn't know his name.
"Name's Remus, Remus Lupin."He said suavely clicking his fingers along with his name. Laughing Alexandria shook his hand.
"Nice James Bond reference." She chuckled. Surprised Remus looked down at her. "I wasn't expecting you to get that, not many people do."
"Not many people have awesome taste in movies." Laughing he let go of her hand, and parked his bottom on the bench.
"You know I have a feeling this is the beginning of an amazing friendship." He told her wistfully holding his heart. He was an utter goofball Alexandria thought as she looked down at the other side of the table, catching the glares coming her way.
"Although I think a friendship is about to end, judging from the way Spectacle douche and the other one are looking at us." Remus quickly stopped his laughter at that, and his eyes travelled down the table. James and Sirius were indeed sporting hell glares directed his way, he could see them mouthing traitor to him.
"Hold on what did you call them?!" He asked.
Alexandria looked back at him with a confused expression. "Spectacle douche and the other one." She said. Remus's laughter bounced off the walls of the Great Hall as he banged his fists on the table.
"Haha Spectacle douche." Wheezing he tried to recover his breath, by now everyone was looking over at the pair, everyone including the Slytherin table. One Slytherin in particular. Severus's eyes bored into the back of Alexandria's head. So she had already succumbed to Gryffindor ways, he was foolish enough to think that she had some semblance of intelligence in her. Obviously he was wrong if she was associating with one of Potter's friends.
"It's that witch again." The boy next to Severus spoke. Severus's lips curled in distaste as he watched all of the Slytherin's avert their attention towards Mulciber. With spike brown hair, and beady brown eyes, he was what you would call the last resort on a Yule ball night.
"Anything else of relevance to add Mulciber." Severus drawled, his voice annoying Mulciber to no end.
"No need to be all prissy Snape, I saw you getting comfortable with her yesterday."
Severus's eyes pinned onto the brown ones of Mulciber. "I would watch my step if I were you Mulciber, if any other irrelevant information comes out, someone might be forced to cut it off." He whispered his threat hanging in the air. With that he went out of the Great Hall, it was time for lessons anyway, he would be much better off preparing for Potions then listening to the pretentious drabble from Slytherin's. With one last glance at the Gryffindor table he walked out disgust written clearly on his features.
Standing up at the Head table, the Headmaster shouted for everyone to be getting to their lessons.
"What have you got first?" Remus questioned, leaning over her shoulder to look at the timetable.
"Ah Potions, same here." Shaking her head, Alexandria stood up from the table, following the sea of students that were exiting the Great Hall.
"So who teaches Potions." She shouted from her hustled position with the rest of the students.
"Well you'll see when you get there." Was the enthusiastic reply from Remus. Finally they were out of the Great Hall and heading towards the dungeons, it seemed as though they were sharing this lesson with the Slytherins, judging from the green rimmed robes heading there as well.
As soon as she entered the Potions classroom she was sure this was probably going to be one of those lessons which would end in catastrophe. Quickly taking a seat next to Remus near the back of the classroom she waited while the rest of the students filed in.
She hadn't met her other Gryffindor classmates yet, as she hadn't gone to the common room yesterday. But judging from Remus's kind attitude, obviously excluding Potter she was hoping to at least make few enemies.
The loud offensive voice of Potter drifted into the classroom, as he shouted for someone named Evans to wait up for him, this was closely followed by Sirius and another short pudgy boy with a distrustful look about his eyes. Next to him another girl followed with flowing black hair, and blue eyes that seemed to look right through you.
"The one next to James is Lilly, he's been begging for her to go out with him since first year and hes sort of got there, then there's Peter." He whispered pointing towards the short pudgy boy that was now looking at the classroom for somewhere decent to sit. "And lastly that's Emily Mortimer, she's been with us since first year as well."
Remus's monologue was shortly interrupted by the Potions master coming in, he was a short balding man that wore expensive robes, and he had a pile of books in his arms with a rather distinct shout as he called everyone to order.
"Now as you all know I'm Professor Slughorn, and you will be doing your final NEWT year here," He paused here as he wrote instructions on the board. "I expect nothing but outstanding work from all of you, so to start of this year we will be doing a project." At that the whole class groaned, eliciting a chuckle from Slughorn.
"I know this is short notice so you will be doing it in pairs." The gloom from the previous sentence was lifted, as everyone shot each other happy looks communicating who was going with whom.
"Ah before you all devise who you are going to be spending the next month with; I suggest you listen up closely." Puling out one of he books from under his arms, Slughorn coughed to regain the attention of the class.
"These are your partners and I expect every pair to cross over with another pair so they can compare notes. Now when I read your names stand at the back of the classroom" The shocked looks from the students did nothing to stop Slughorns tirade as he began to read out the pairs.
"First Enklehorn and Burberry." The named students stood up and moved to the back of the classroom, a shy looking Ravenclaw and a rather vicious Slytherin. Alexandria guessed this was Enklehorn; god knows having that name would incite anyone to be moody she whispered to Remus who replied with a covered snort of his own.
"Potter and Eustacia." James groaned as he looked at the eager Ravenclaw who was batting her eyelashes at him, Sirius slapped him on his back with a cheeky bark of, "Work it James."
Oblivious to all this Slughorn continued to work his way down the list, many groans and cheers could be heard, as people were paired with people they liked and those who they really didn't like. It was nearing the end of the list and only six people were left.
Looking around Slughorn, sighed tapping his finger against the book. Evans, Black, Mortimer, Snape, Mulciber, Lupin, Lazarus and Pettigrew were left.
"Mulciber with Pettigrew." Peter squeaked at that, Mulciber wasn't exactly the kindest of Slytherin's and the malicious smirk on his face wasn't exactly helping.
"Lupin and Mortimer." Remus and Emily smiled at each other at that, at least they weren't giving horrible partners.
"Evans and Black." Judging by the annoyed look on her face, Alexandria guessed she wasn't the biggest fan of Black. But if those two were partnered that left her with.
"Lazarus and Snape." Slughorn finished snapping his book shut, Alexandria looked towards Snape to see him scowling at the board. Not exactly the best choice yourself she thought to herself.
"Now I expect you to hand in these assignments, one month from today, you will be expected to hand in a collaborated essay on the properties of the Lumineer stone and a potion that aides you in invisibility with the stone included." When there were no questions asked Slughorn quickly told everyone to join their partners and begin making preparations.
Waving a tearful goodbye to her, Remus moved to the other side of the room where his partner sat, Alexandria groaned as she approached Severus across from them were Black and Evans. She shot a tentative smile at Evans, seeing as she had no altercations with her. She received a kind albeit wary smile back. Don't blame her she thought.
"I suggest you stop ogling and get the ingredients for us." Severus hissed at her from the table, he had set up the cauldron and the water with the heat churned up. Embarrassed she quickly went to get the ingredients she could see Sirius smirking from his vantage point. Grabbing the jars with the various labels on them she meandered her way back to the table.
"Aw don't be like that Snape, she can't help but look." Sirius barked giving her a predatory wink. Coughing Alexandria slammed the ingredients back on the table.
"You wish Black." The ingredients were slowly being added methodically by Severus, his black eyes fixed on the potion and slowly swirling the contents around.
"Anything I can do Severus." She asked tapping her fingers on the table.
"Yes stop that incessant tapping and be quiet." He snarled breaking his concentration to glare at her.
"Easy there tiger anymore sparks from those eyes and you're gonna set me on fire." Theatrically clutching her chest she fell into the stool, annoying Severus to no end and making Evans chuckle at the display, even Sirius managed to grin a little.
"Not much to set on fire there though Lazarus." Sirius managed to say looking her up and down. Oh no he didn't Alexandria thought this boy was just asking for it.
"Right that's it Black, you've crossed the line you fleabag." She spluttered knocking her stool off and gaining the attention of Slughorn.
"Anything the matter there Miss Lazarus." Slughorn shouted from his desk. The whole class was looking at them now James shooting Sirius a curious look.
"Oh nothing the matter sir," she said sweetly. "Just that Sirius here was begging me to give him information on the Lumineer stone, you can understand my hesitation to not allow him sir." Sirius threw her a hasty glare, as the class broke out into suppressed laughter.
"Well Mr Black, I would have thought you would be above that." Slughorn said shaking his head as though disappointed, the colour on Sirius's face increased at an alarming rate as the suppressed laughter turned into full blown howls.
The rest of the lesson passed without incident, as everybody stuck to their potions with the occasional sparks coming from cauldrons, and the odd splatter of potion war between Alexandria and Sirius's tables.
"The library tomorrow at 7." Severus told her as they were exiting the classroom before quickly turning on his heel to go to his next lesson.
-Alexandria could say with full certainty that History of Magic was the most boring lesson she had ever had to endure. The fact that the Professor was a ghost would have been intriguing had he actually had something of import to say, sitting next to a Ravenclaw who was busy scribbling notes she had been forced to bide her time by watching the silly antics of Potter and Black.
It was halfway through the lesson when she had seen what looked like a massive glob of bogey flying her way, ducking under the table to avoid it, the poor victim had been the poor Ravenclaw sitting next to her. Her whole face was wrapped around the sticky substance.
Alexandria felt sorry for the poor girl as she watched her look about confused as to who had done this, the class didn't exactly help as they stared openly at her humility. Suddenly Alexandria got a wicked idea.
Smiling she whipped out her wand and scourgifyed the girl who shot her a relieved look. "Hey would you mind doing something?" Alexandria whispered to her, the girl looked back confused she didn't know how she could be of any help.
"Yeah," She agreed, with that Alexandria crawled under the desk while Binns had his body to the board.
"When I mouth scream would you mind screaming." Nodding the girl looked at her curiously as she slipped between the tables going quickly to the one Sirius was seated at. So far nobody had seen her as she was sticking to the sides of the table, but if she wanted to pull this off she would have to do this quickly.
Popping up on Sirius's table she flashed him a quick grin, before wrapping his arms tightly around her neck, startled he tried to move out of her grip but she had wrapped them too tightly for him to manoeuvre out. Mouthing quickly to the Ravenclaw she waited until she heard the scream and gained Binns attention.
"Professor, help! Help! I don't know what he's doing," Spluttering she faked trying to get out of his grip holding on tighter to Sirius's arms.
"Mr Black!" The ghost had stopped reciting from his book and was now looking furiously towards the two students.
The whole class were looking shocked towards the two, Remus clocking on before hand was stifling laughter with his hand. Alexandria mentally congratulated herself on a job well done, bet he wasn't expecting that, two can play at that game was her wicked thought.
"What is the meaning of this Mr Black, 50 points from Gryffindor and detention with Mr Filch at 7 today!" The translucent figure of Professor Binns choked out still shocked at what he had witnessed.
"But professor I didn't do anything, she came out of no-!" Sirius's short defence was blocked out by Binns hand. "My final decision Mr Black, detention and I expect you to apologise to Miss Lavellus." Alexandria overlooked his forgetfulness as she stood up and waited for Black to apologise.
"Aren't you going to apologise Sirius." She coddled milking every second she could. "Anything will do, just say sorry, after all what you did was atrocious." Sirius looked around incredulously, at the fact that Binns actually believed the complete bull that was coming out of her mouth. Turning around he looked at James who had, dare he say it an impressed look on his face!
"I'm waiting dear Severus." She cooed, "Well Mr Black the whole class is waiting." Binns called from the front, most of the Ravenclaws who had realised what was going on where looking at Alexandria with a definitely respectful look on her face.
"Sorry." Sirius mumbled forcing the words out. Nodding Binns continued his lecture, that short apology would suffice for now. The frothing at Sirius's mouth was just one indication of his anger, the other Alexandria would soon find out.
-During the course of the day she had managed to make friends with several people and impress her Charms, Transfiguration and Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher. All in all things weren't looking too bad for Alexandria as she headed up to the Gryffindor Common room with Remus, Emily and Lily in tow. Peter had gone off to nurse Sirius's wounds with him.
"That was awesome Alexandria" Lily said nudging her with her elbow, "I don't think I've ever seen Sirius lost for words ever before." At that all of them broke into laughter, a lot could be said for Sirius but quiet wasn't a term that would naturally ne associated with him.
They had walked up the winding staircase to the Gryffindor common room; all of them quiet tired and filled out from lunch. "I just can't wait for how he's going to retaliate." Alexandria hummed as Remus uttered the password to the Fat Lady.
Lavishly spreading his hands he bowed as the portrait opened and ushered Alexandria in. Stepping inside she let a small gasp escape her, the interior of the common room was presented in red and gold colours, the walls covered with people's favourite quidditch teams and little tables were scattered all around, a massive couch was situated in front of the fireplace giving it an overall homely feeling.
Remus, Lily and Emily all looked at her with the same look of amusement. "It will wear off after you spend ages in here." Emily said smiling at the wondrous look on her face.
Laughing Alexandria jumped on the couch in front of the fireplace, most of the Gryffindors had trickled up to their dorms to sleep off the meal and to have private chats, there were only a select few that were still there excluding the three with her.
Closing her eyes she let the warm fire warm her up, sensing the three sit down on either side of her.
"You know now would be a good time, to warn you that the common room can get pretty rowdy at times." Remus advised getting out his potions book.
"Oh Remus, dear sweet Remus," The theatrical tone to her voice making Remus roll his eyes. "Must you ruin this perfect moment by getting out that dreadful homework." She admonished him waving her hands around like a lunatic. Lily and Emily exchanged a look with Remus before nodding their hands.
"Erm, not to burst your bubble Alexandria, but you sounded a lot like Sirius there." Lily whispered cringing and hiding behind Emily as she waited for the tirade to begin.
Alexandria's eyes comically blinked twice before she let out an anguished cry. "Please! Don't! My poor heart can't take it, you have done me a grievous misdeed." She shouted causing the other Gryffindors to look around with befuddled looks in their eyes.
"Not Black anyone but Black," She cried dramatically. "There there," Remus told her patting her arm sadly. "I think you might have a few more days before the change really begins." His wise serious voice, broke through Alexandria's facade and she started laughing along with the others as she realised the ridiculousness of the situation.
The Gryffindor portrait soon opened after that admitting Peter Pettigrew into the common room.
"Hey Peter." Remus said waving him over. Peter took quick strides in their general direction, his hands wringing together as he nervously looked at Alexandria.
"Is there something wrong?" Emily asked, noticing how agitated Peter was, shaking his head he continued to look at Alexandria.
"Peter" Lily called waving her arms in front of his face. "Peter" she said trying again.
Closing his eyes Peter wringed his hands again. "Sirius challenged you to a duel." He blurted out, the confession causing him to sink into the chair.
"What?!" Remus, Emily and Lily all shouted in unison. To say they were shocked would be an understatement.
"Name the place and date Peter." Puffing her chest Alexandria had a gleam in her eye. If they had a duel that would solve all their problems and she would knock Black off his high horse once and for all.
"Prongs says you have to choose a second." Peter disclosed ignoring the looks of disbelief on the faces of the other three.
"I choose Remus." Shooting him a quick look she begged him with her eyes to accept. Sighing Remus grudgingly nodded his head. He already knew he was going to regret this.
"What time Peter?"
"7 at night tomorrow in the clearing behind Hagrid's house." All this information was said in a quick rush and Alexandria could feel the adrenaline running through her veins. She would make sure she won this duel.
"I'm gonna catch some shut eye guys don't worry about me, I'll make sure I have Black on his knees before the end of the duel." She stated proudly. With that she rushed up the stairs acknowledging the shout of "to the right last one on the left" from Lily. She had to be well rested if she wanted to really prove her worth.
The four poster beds in the room practically screamed for her to take them, seeing the bed whre there didn't seem to be any belongings near it, Alexandria quickly got out of her clothes and put on her pyjamas jumping onto the bed.
Tomorrow would definitely be an eventful day to say the least.
Back in the common room, the four Gryffindors were busy biting their nails. It was obviously more then a harmless prank now. They all doubted that they would both go easy on each other, well all except Peter who was looking forward to the wand action tomorrow.
"Do you think they would really go through with it?" Lily asked breaking the silence. Emily and Remus both looked at the entrance to the common room. Both boys had not even come back yet, he doubted anything would stop Sirius when pride was at stake.
"I don't know but we have to try to not get caught." Emily said reminding them of the consequences, should the teachers find out they were having an unchaperoned duel.
"You two try to convince Alexandria to not duel, Peter and I will try to talk Sirius out of it." They all sighed knowing that nothing short of murder would stop them from not going along with that duel. Even though they had known Alexandria for the span of one day, they realised that she was stubborn to a fault a true Gryffindor through and through albeit a mightily sneaky one.
"Just try guys, I don't know about you but I don't want to be stitching up wounds." With that Remus grabbed Peter and ambled up towards the boys dormitories.
Tomorrow would indeed prove to be an interesting day.
-AN- There you go Chapter 3 hope you enjoyed it. Would really love to hear some feedback about what you liked and what you didnt like don't be afraid to type! Reviews would be much appreciated :) From a slightly tired but pleased Author. –Fatz