Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and I don't own the Marauders. I do, however, own Alexis.
Chapter 4
First Impressions
The 1st of September. For every magical child in Great Britain it meant the start of the school year. It meant a trip to King's Cross station and from there a trip on the scarlet steam engine named the Hogwarts Express to Hogwarts from Platform 9¾ at 11 am sharp.
Alexis Keen was standing on King's Cross station admiring the architecture. It was 10:30 am and she had half an hour to get through the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10 and board Hogwarts Express. The ceiling covering the station was tall and made of glass and there were lots of people (mostly muggles) walking and either searching for their train or waiting for friends or family to arrive since it served as a major intercity and commuter rail hub for Muggles going to North London or Yorkshire and the North East and Scotland.
Alexis pushed her trolley towards the Barrier. She and Professor Dumbledore had decided that she will travel with the other students on Hogwarts Express. Alexis was thrilled. For one, she'd always wanted to travel with Hogwarts Express and she could meet people from her year and hopefully not feel awkward as the 'new girl'. As she reached the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10 she looked around her to make sure no muggles were watching (her disappearing between the barrier would be highly suspicious at best) and, running lightly, pushed the trolley through it.
Over the entry to the platform there was a wrought iron archway bearing the words Platform Nine and Three Quarters. A sign was hanging, reading: Hogwarts Express, eleven o'clock. The big steaming machine that was the Hogwarts Express was standing proudly on the rails. It was magnificent. There were students saying goodbye to their parents, different animals were voicing their displeasure of being separated from their owners. She felt someone push her forward nearly making her fall, but a hand steadied her.
"I apologize. I wasn't looking where I was going." – Said a smooth light voice.
As Alexis looked up she met a pair of light brown eyes sprayed with gold specks. The face of the boy was pale, his hair was light brown hair and his facial expression spoke of a calm and good-natured person and his eyes spoke of a lot of knowledge.
"Don't worry. No harm done." – She said while smiling.
"Hey, MOONY." – They both looked in the direction of the shout and saw two black haired guys waving in their direction.
"Excuse me." – He said while nodding at her and shaking his head, headed towards the guys. She stood there for a second watching as both guys hugged the one she met and headed toward the train. Looking at her wrist-watch and seeing she had 20 more minutes she walked calmly toward the train. She didn't have problems getting her luggage on the train since she had cast a Light-Weight Charm on her trunk while still at Hogwarts. Walking along the corridor she found an empty compartment and went inside. Getting her luggage at the rack above her she pulled out a book out of her bag and, getting comfortable, started reading. It was, after all, a long ride. She learned from Professor McGonagall that the train arrived at Hogwarts in the early evening.
Remus Lupin was walking toward the Barrier to Platform 9 ¾ along his parents. As they reached the Barrier he bid his parents goodbye and crossed. Just as he was emerging on the other side he felt himself colliding with someone. His hands shot out to steady himself and the person he collided with. Looking at them he saw a mane of long black hair and a slender frame. She was wearing a pair of dark jeans, blue checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up, along with white and blue tennis shoes.
"I apologize. I wasn't looking where I was going." – Remus said. As she looked up at him he was met by a pair of blue eyes, peach-colored skin and red lips. She was really pretty, he had to admit.
"Don't worry. No harm done." – She replayed with a smile. Her voice was gentle. He didn't remember seeing her before but he was not one to look at every girl. Then again he thought a girl like her would be popular. Maybe she was new? That would be unusual since magic schools rarely got transferred students, if ever... He'd have to ask Sirius about her. If anyone would know about a pretty girl it would be Sirius. And speaking of the devil…
"Hey, MOONY." – Remus turned toward the source of the shout and saw two of his three best friends: Sirius Black and James Potter. Smiling lightly and shaking his head he nodded at the girl and headed toward his friends. When he reached them he was tackled into a bear hug by both of them.
"I would have heard you without shouting, Sirius. There was no need for the whole station to hear you." – Said Remus.
"Where would be the fun in that.. Attention is the word, Moony. A-tten-tion." – Said the guy, his gray eyes filled with joy and mischief. His black hair was falling gracefully over his eyes and was a little longer than most boys'.
"Yeah, Remus. We're The Marauders – we live for attention. We're not gonna stay in the shadows. The spotlight is ours." – Said the other boy with his hands in the air and bowing as if to an invisible crowd. Remus laughed at his friends' antics.
"Come on; let's go find Peter and board the train." – Said the still laughing Remus.
"Yeah, where is he, anyway? I swear this boy has no sense of direction."
With that the boys went in search for their friend.
"How can you get lost in a train, Wormtail? And end up in the Slytherin part of it?" – Asked Sirius as he and the rest of the Marauders were walking along the corridor of the train. He, James and Remus had just saved their friend from the 'slimy Slytherins' as Sirius liked to refer to them. Peter had, somehow, managed to 'get lost' while searching for his friends and ended up near the Slytherin compartment. Needless to say they hadn't reacted well to this 'intrusion' and decided to play around with Peter. When the rest of the Marauders found him he had been suspended upside down. The boys were quick to get him down and after a verbal spar with the Slytherins, the four Gryffindors went in search of an empty compartment.
"Oh, come on, there has to be one." – Whined Sirius as they passed another full compartment. They were near the end of the train and yet haven't found one empty one. There were some, like the one holding the red-headed and fiery tempered love interest of James Potter – Lily Evans, but the moment she saw him, she flicked her wand and the compartment door closed and locked. James' face fell and he tried to get Lily's attention through the glass by shouting for 'Evans to let him in and go out with him, already' but she had her head turned and was blatantly ignoring him.
They were almost at the end of the train when they came across a compartment which held only one person – the girl Remus had bumped into before. He opened the door and walked in.
"Hey, we meet again." – He said with a smile. – "Do you mind if me and my friends sit here since all the other compartments are full?"
She looked up from her book and gave a small nod.
"Yes, of course."
The other three boys were looking at the girl with curiosity and then they looked at their friend with question in their eyes.
"Well, well, Moony, you didn't tell us you had a girlfriend. You should never hide something like that from us. We won't tease you. Much." – Said Sirius as he put his luggage at the rack and laughed.
"Sirius, stop it." – Remus turned toward the girl. – "I apologize for my friend's behavior."
It was obvious the girl was not at all impressed with Sirius' antics. She looked ay Remus again and smiled.
"I'm Alexis Kenn. It's pleasure to meet you." – She said as she got up and nodded but did not extend her arm.
"Remus Lupin." – Said Remus. – "The boy with the glasses is James Potter." – James gave a smile and a wave. – "The blond boy is Peter Pettigrew." – Peter just stared at her. – "And this is…"
"Sirius Black at your service." – Sirius gave one of his most charming smiles as he gently took her hand. The contact was for a mere second but Alexis stiffened and tore her hand out of Sirius' own. Images flashed before her eyes. A dark and gloomy room, young men with longish black hair, probably Sirius, shouting, the slam of a door… 'What happened' – thought Alexis as a light headache started forming behind her eyes.
The boys looked at her startled. She tried to give them a reassuring smile. She berated herself for not being concentrated enough to stop the flow of memories. If she wanted to fit in incidents like this one mustn't occur.
"You OK?" – Asked James.
"Yes, don't worry."
"So tell me, pretty lady," – Continued Sirius trying to ignore the incident as he sat next to Alexis. Remus sat next to Sirius and James and Peter sat opposite them. – "You're new, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. I'll be in sixth year. Gryffindor. "
"Us, too. I guess we'll see lots of each other, then. How about you letb me show you around the castle. I'm sure we can have a good time." – Sirius smirked and then put his arm around her shoulders.
"Don't you thing you're coming on too strong. Does this tactic actually work on girls or are you trying endlessly, praying it gave any result?" – Asked Alexis, a small smirk adoring her face.
The other three boys laughed while Sirius looked bewildered. Alexis took his hand off her shoulders, careful not to touch him directly, and looked at the boy next to her. He was easily 6'3" and had longish black hair and storm gray eyes. He was roguishly handsome; his eyes were dancing with mischief. His jaw was defined and his cheekbones were a little higher than normal boys but that gave his face a definite aristocratic look. When he had smiled at her he showed perfectly white teeth. All in all he was gorgeous. The problem was he obviously knew it. And that made him quite arrogant.
"You'll have to excuse our friend here. He thinks he's irresistible to the ladies. Poor fella actually believes it." – Said James shaking his head in mock pity. He and the other two boys laughed. Alexis chuckled.
"Hey, I am irresistible to the female population." – Exclaimed Sirius.
"See, what did I tell you? He actually believes it."
"Just because you've been pinning over that Evans for millenniums now and she doesn't give you the time of the day..,"
"Leave her out of this."
And with that the two friends started their bickering.
Remus looked at the girl. She had lot interest in his friend' bickering and has gone back to her book. He took this time to study her. She appeared cheerful and easy-going but he could see how her shoulders slumped every time she appeared to be lost in thought and her eyes turned guarded. He himself could see that because he was the same around people who didn't know of his 'fury little problem' as James liked to refer to it. So what was bothering her?
"What are you reading?" – Asked Remus, now sitting next to her, seeing as Sirius had James in a headlock.
"Oh, I'm just rereading 'Fantastic beast and where to find them'." – Alexis replayed smiling sheepishly.
"Are you taking Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Well, I want to, but that depends on the other classes in my curriculum.'
"Do you know what other subjects you want?"
"I was hoping to take Charms, Potions, DADA and Transfiguration."
"Aren't those the preferred subject for an Auror?" – Remus knew most of those who pursued a career Dark Wizard Catchers chose those subjects, seeing as they were most useful for them.
"Yes, there are. That's what I'm aiming for."
By now the two struggling boys were also listening in on the conversation.
"So you wanna be an Auror?" – Asked James again.
"I thing we established that already."
"You need high marks on you OWLs to get into NEWT level of those subjects."
"Except for Potions. If you're from a famous family Slughorn will adore you."
"Well, I'm not from a famous family, but I did get Outstanding in those four subject, and Ancient Runes too. So I'll probably be taking those. I've been considering COMC, too, but I might be overestimating myself."
"You got Os on all of these?" - Asked Peter, looking at her in awe.
"That's really good." – Remarked Remus making Alexis flush. She could not, for the life of her, take compliments without blushing.
"Yeah only Remus here beat you. He took 9 OWls with Os and one with E."
"It was nothing" – Murmured Remus.
"But it is. I only had 6 Os and 3 Es. Your result is amazing."
"Well, then you'll be seeing a lot of us since we're taking these classes too."
She turned to look at James as he said that. He was as tall as Sirius with black hair that stuck up in the back, but somehow managed to not look ridicules. His hazel eyes were looking at her from behind thin-rimmed glasses, which suited him better than most. He had an open face and his eyes showed his mischievous side. Alexis found herself wondering who these boys were. They just burst into her compartment, one of them made a move on her. She still wondered about what she saw – she was almost certain the man she saw must be related to Sirius. But then why would he be shouting like that? She decided not to give it much thought. She would judge them on their present, not their past.
"You're trying for Aurors, too?" – She was glad she met someone who shared her dream. More then that they didn't mind that she, a girl, wanted to be an Auror.
"Not trying. We're going to be. For sure." – Exclaimed James as Sirius and he bumped fists.
"So, anyway, why would a pretty lady like you want to be an Auror? It's a pretty serious profession."
"Are you implying I'm not serious?"
"No, you're not. I am." – Grinned Sirius as the other boys grunted. That joke again…
"Drop it, mate. This is getting old. And it's not getting you anywhere." – James commented as Alexis rolled her eyes.
"Oh, she'll give into me. She's just playing hard to get."
"Sure I am." – Said Alexis sarcastically. – "You know, maybe if you dropped the arrogance level a couple notches it would actually work."
"So you think I'm so hot I need some cooling down." – Sirius smirked while towering over her seat.
"Yeah, maybe I'll push you into the Black Lake."
"Just say when Alexis and I'll give you a hand." – James laughed as Sirius tackled him again.
"You traitor. I'll show you." - And with that the boys began their mock-fight again.
"Are they always like that?" – She asked Remus.
"Yes, most of the time. But they're best friend. Nothing can get them apart."
"Yes, I can see that."
Just then the trolley with the food arrived and all arguing was postponed in favor of the food. Alexis bought some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Alexis got some nice ones like chocolate, sour cherry, milk and pumpkin juice, but also spinach, glue and fennel. She laughed as James got one that tasted like soap and when tears appeared in Sirius' eyes as he ate a hot pepper flavored one. After the initial rejection Sirius seemed to have given up on trying to get her to go out with him as he hadn't said (or done) anything in a while but he made it clear he hadn't when they were playing Exploding Snap and he leaned to her whispering in her ear:
"Come on, baby. Go out with me."
She looked straight at him as she replayed.
"Do you really get it so rarely that you want it so badly?"
The three boys in the compartment burst out in laughter again as Sirius' face scrunched. She obviously stuck a nerve.
"Like hell. You're not the only girl out there." – He said with anger evident in his voice.
"And this is why I'll keep saying no – you way to arrogant and self-centered. The universe does not revolve around you."
"Ask any of the girls I've went out with and…"
"…and dumped. Way to make an impression."
"Why you…"
"Now now, you two. Stop that and concentrate on the game." – Remus, the mediator he was, tried to calm them down but just then his cards exploded. At his bewildered looked all occupants of the compartment started laughing and Remus soon joined then. 'All in all', Alexis thought to herself, 'an entertaining ride'.
As the ride continued Alexis found she liked the company of the boys. Their lively attitudes and cheerfulness made her forget her own problems, if just for a moment. She knew that deep down her grief had not disappeared, but for some reason it eased a bit. Enough, in fact, to put a smile back on her face. She knew Professor Dumbledore had been worried about her – she had concentrated on her studies, drowning in essays and books in an attempt to ease the grief. And here are those boys that helped her with such ease, not even realizing what they've done. Then again, they were a threat to her, too. She noticed that she got too comfortable around them. A couple of times when they played cards she almost touched Remus and hardly had the time to withdraw her hand, covering it up as her changing her mind on what card to play. If she wasn't careful, not only she, but those around her as well could very well be in danger.
Just as it was getting dark they decided to change into their robes. The boys gave her privacy (although Sirius did not forget to offer her his help), and as she changed and then they, they felt the train slow down and stop at Hogsmeade Station. As they got off the train, Alexis and The Marauders headed towards the carriages. As she neared them she stopped dead in her tracks. The creatures standing harnessed to the carriage were… words escaped her. There were two of them. They resembled winged-horses with skeleton like appearance. They were pawing the ground and, well if a horse could do that, they were huffing. As if they were impatient to go.
"What are they?" – Asked Alexis, her voice a little breathless.
"What are who?" – Asked James as he looked at her curious.
"Those things pulling the carriages?"
"There's nothing pulling the carriages, Alexis." – Said Remus with concern in his voice.
"But I can see them. They're right there." – Exclaimed Alexis, exasperated.
"You sure you drank all the potions the mediwitch prescribed you?" – Asked Sirius with a smirk on his face, but he obviously wondered if she was sane, too.
"Don't let your lack of knowledge make the girl question her sanity, Black." – Said a voice from behind them and as they turned they saw a beautiful red-headed girl standing there.
"Evans, you've finally realized your love for me and now we're gonna ride the carriages together as we look on the magnificent castle and ki…"
"In your dreams, Potter. There're just no more carriages left so I have to ride with you." – As they got on Alexis found herself sitting next to the new girl.
"I'm Alexis Kenn, by the way. I'm please to meet your acquaintance." – She just felt like she should speak more sophistically when with this girl.
"I'm Lily Evans. It's a pleasure to meet you, too." – She said as she smiled at her.
"You… um…can you see them, too?" – Asked Alexis the question that was vexing her.
"No, but I know what they are. I heard from other classmates that they've seen them, too, so I did a little research. They're called thestrals. They're not featured in 'Fantastic Beasts and where to find them' but information can be found about them in the library." - Lily explained.
"Why can she see them and not us, then? Why is she so special?" – Asked Sirius, unaware of the uneasiness that settled in Lily's stomach.
"Well, they…they can only be seen by people who have…"
"Who have?" – Asked Alexis curious, but with a definite sense of dread.
"Who've seen…death" – finished Lily, looking anywhere but at the stunned Alexis.
That last statement by Lily made all further conversation in the carriage impossible and contributed to an awkward silence.
"Those who have seen death" rang in Alexis' ears. Her eyes stung from the tears that threatened to fall but she held strong. As she looked through the window again she saw the blackness of the creature harnessed in the carriage and could only compare it to the darkness in the hole in her heart.
Walking up toward the Great Hall the mood of the group was a little lighter. As they had gotten out of the carriages and Lily had hurried to her friends James had made another, surprisingly, unsuccessful attempt to get her to go out with him. As they watched the red-head stroll to the doors of the Great Hall Sirius kept teasing his friend about his 'fruitless relationship'.
The group answered the Hall laughing again and headed toward the Gryffindor table.
"By the way, Alexis, when did you get sorted?" – Asked Remus as he sat down opposite her with Peter next to him and Sirius and James next to her. James' seat was 'accidentally' located just two seats from Lily's.
"When I came to talk to Professor Dumbledore about my acceptance. It was decided I would be sorted in his office then, rather then with the first years."
"Oh. Okay then."
Just then the door to the Grand Hall opened and in went Professor McGonagall followed by the frightened first years. They were all looking in wonder at the ceiling of the Great Hall and the flying candles providing the light. Alexis could not blame them. Even though she's already had her fair share of meals in the Hall, she still marveled at how beautiful it was. The night was clear and the crescent moon and the stars were shining brightly.
As the hat sang it's song and the first years were sorted Alexis took her time to look around at the other houses. When her eyes landed on the one person in particular, her whole body went rigid. The boy looked a year older then her with long blond hair and prominent, aristocratic-like features. She has not met him, or so she thought, but there was something strangely familiar about him. Something she did not trust. His cold stare as he watched the Sorting made chills run down her spine. She had learned to listen to her gut feelings and right now they're telling her he was trouble.
"Hey, who is he?" – Asked Alexis the boys as she looked at him.
They followed her gaze and she saw their expression turn grim.
"Lucius Malfoy. Slimy Slytherin. You do not need to associate with the likes of him." – Answered Sirius with malice in his voice.
"I would advice her on not associating with the likes of you." – Chimed in Lily Evans. She had obviously heard their conversation.
"Just 'cause you are all 'friendly' with Snivelly doesn't mean all of us have to fall so low."
"Now look here, Black…"
"May I have your attention please?" – Asked the Headmaster as he rose from his seat. – "I have a few words to say to you. Fidelis, paratus, gelamen. Enjoy the meal."
And with that the gold plates were filled with food and the goblets were filled with pumpkin juice. There was roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup. As everyone started eating the ghosts entered the Hall, too. Chatter and laughter filled the room. As everyone filled themselves with food (especially Sirius and James), the Headmaster stood up again.
"Well, now that we've eaten, on to the announcements! First, as I'm sure you have noticed, we have a new student. She was sorted into Gryffindor. Her name's Alexis Keen and she'll be joining the ranks of our sixth years. I hope you all give her a warm welcome. Now, just a reminder to all students, there is to be no magic used in-between classes or in the corridors. Just like the name says, the Forbidden Forest is forbidden. The complete list of items banned from school can be found on Mr. Filch's office. Now off to bed you go."
After going out of the Great Hall and saying the password ("Fortis Basium") to the painting of the Fat Lady, Alexis left The Marauders on the common room after bidding them Good Night (she suspected they were planning a Welcome Back prank), and headed up to the girl's dormitories. Getting into her night gown she collapsed on her bed. She put a Silencing Charm and an Alarm-Clock Charm to wake her up at 6.00am. As she closed her eyes she felt all of the days' cheerfulness disappear. She tried to not let it affect her but the events of the prior month were too much. She knew she had to be strong; for her parents, for her new friends, for her own mind to be at rest. But even though she knew this, again the last thing she saw before she let darkness swallow her was the green light that robbed her of her parents…
Okay, I know that Lucius Malfoy is 6 years older then The Marauders and must be 22 when they are 16, but for the sake of the story, imagine he's 17.
The password is in Latin, if anyone is interested in the meaning.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
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