A/N: I really hope you enjoy this chapter. I tried to make it a little different like I said about last time, and I hope you like it/ it works. If you do or you don't, please review and tell me! I want to make this story as good as I can with your feedback. Thanks for reading:)
Amy xx
Alexia POV
Alexia stormed away from him, feeling her cheeks still flushed with rage and embarrassment, as thoughts tumbled through her mind. How dare he? How dare he bring up that stupid kiss. Just the fact that he could brag about it in front of all his friends showed how little respect he had for girls feelings. Or for any feelings, she muttered to herself. The narcissistic, cocky asshole. Who did he think he was anyway? Talking about all these girls he'd been with, throwing them in her face. It made her want to punch something. No, it made her want to punch him. That night had been a mistake, thats all it was. Just a stupid, drunken mistake.
Alexia slowed, allowing her scrambling friends to finally catch up with her.
"Way to go girl!" Grinned Mary. "I felt that slap. Did it feel good?" Alexia nodded silently, but she was bluffing. She didn't feel good about it at all. Hitting out hadn't given her any satisfaction or release, and hadn't relieved her of the torrent of feelings, (which consisted of mainly anger,) burning in her chest.
In fact, the slap made her feel, if possible, worse. It reminded her of her father, and anything to do with that slimy rat made nausea rise up inside her stomach. She couldn't be like him... could she? Was it possible that the very dirty blood running through her veins, the blood that belonged to him, was now tainted permanently? She couldnt bare that thought; it made her want to scream with frustration.
Alexia's parents were both muggles. Her father had dumped both Alexia and her mum when she was only two years old- but every couple of years he'd be back with his gentlemanly ways and charming smile. And every time, even though she'd vowed to Alexia it wouldn't happen, her mother would fall for the same trap- helplessly engulfed in those electric blue eyes which Alexia had inherited, and despised. It was always exactly the same.
Her parents would spend a couple of happy months together before he would start to drink again. Eventually his temper and addiction would get worse and worse, and would drain all the money, (which was already sparse), and soon there'd be none left for anything- including her fathers drink. That was the worst part- when he'd get really angry.
For countless nights, Alexia had hid in her tiny bedroom, covering her ears as she listened to them scream at each other. Her mum always seemed to be covered in bruises and cuts around that time, until eventually she'd kick him out, or he'd leave. And then she'd whisper to Alexia softly, in her sweetest voice, promising that the big bad man who haunted her nightmares would never return.
But he always cane back in the end.
Alexia grimaced, remembering the last tine she'd seen her handsome father. It was the summer before she came to Hogwarts, which was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She was pretty sure it would be the last time she'd see him, since things had occurred differently this turn round. Her mum had let it go on a little longer than usual, too tired or just too fed up to fight back. And so, Alexia had stepped in. She was a scrawny, eleven-year old girl, with straggly black hair and eyes that seemed to big for her pale face. But, small though she was, she stood up against her father, hiding her sobbing mother from view. He'd screamed at her to move, but she'd refused, a fiery resilience entering her eyes, and so, he'd sruck out with the broken bottle in his hand, cutting Alexia's face, snd leaving a scar which she would eventually learn to cover with her long, black hair.
Her mother had been outraged, and her dad had scarpered, his eyes wide as he realised he'd crossed a line. That time, perhaps for the first time, when her mother promised her softly, Alexia had actually believed her.
And now, she'd hurt someone intentionally for the first time. Yes, that person was Sirius Black- the most annoying person on the planet, but still.
"Are you okay, Alexia?" Asked Lily, her big green eyes filled with worry. She was perhaps Alexia's closest friend out if the group, though they were all like sisters, and Alexia smiled.
"Yeah, its just... you know how it is with James- thats what it feels like for me with Sirius. I cant stand him." At the mention of James's name, Lily's eyes became filled with the dangerous glint that only a mention of him could cause.
"I get it Al. I can't believe Potter. Did you see how he just stood there laughing as Sirius said all that stuff? He's such a brat." Alexia sighed.
"No, I don't mind James. We always get along at quidditch- even though he can be a cocky git. Its just Sirius's grin- its so irritating! He always manages to worm his way under my skin." Alice gave her a comforting squeeze- though she had to stand on her tip-toes to make up for her height.
"And all that stuff about you kissing, that was so uncalled for." Added Marlene, a frown marring her usually pretty face. "I cant believe Sirius said that- he's usually so charming."
"And Remus didn't even step in." Added Lily. "Which was surprising." The girls muttered in agreement, nodding.
"That Harry kid looked like he wanted to, though-" Mary said, blushing slightly.
"Wanting to and actually doing so are two very different things though, Mary." Said Alexia, biting her lip. "Come on, lets get to class." The girls followed her lead as they began to walk down the corridor.
"What do you think of Harry then?" Alice asked them all, curiously.
"He seems nice." Lily said. "But I don't know why he hangs out with the Marauders." She paused. "Then again, I don't know why Remus does either." At the mention of Remus's name, Lily noticed the small blush that filled Marlene's cheeks, and exchanged a knowing smile with Alexia.
"I think Harry's dreamy." Commented Mary, her eyes clouding oves. The girls laughed, and she scowled, annoyed. "What?"
"Mary, you think they're all dreamy- including Peter." Reminded Alexia with a smirk.
"I only said Peter's cute!" Argued Mary, irritated. "But I personally think Harry's the dreamiest if them all." They smiled at her foolishness; Mary was always pining over someone.
"I think he's cute." Said Alice, "but he's got this kind of dark look in his eye. He sometimes reminds me of..." She paused, biting her lip, and threw a furtive glance at Lily. "Snape." There was an awkward pause while Lily frowned.
"No. Snape's... Snape. Harry's nothing like him." Her voice was firm and stubborn, and Alice nodded, knowing it was a sore subject. Ever since the scene last year, where he had called Lily a mudblood, she had referred to him as Snivellus, or Snape. Never Severus as she'd used to. The girls could see she hated Snape- maybe even more so than Potter- but there was still hurt in her eyes from the loss of such a close friend. It was obvious, in some ways, she missed him.
"I agree with Lily." Said Marlene, quietly. She was perhaps the quietest in the group, and sometimes Lily could see she was overshadowed by Alice's bubbliness, Mary's flirting, and herself and Alexia's tempers- so she tried to include her as best she could. "Harry's not like Snape." She continued. "Yes, he's sometimes quiet, like Severus, but he's kind too. You can just tell."
The girls nodded. They'd all seen the way Harry had acted around the Marauders- not cockily, the way some would at being adopted by the most good-looking group of the school. No, he'd just seemed happy to be there- content to stand back and watch as they did their thing.
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
Throughout Charms, History of Magic and Astronomy, Alexia's mind was stuck on the argument with Sirius. Not on the words that had been passed between the two of them, but on that slap, and the expression on his face as she'd stormed away. Lily could see something was bothering her, but she didn't push it- knowing that would only force Alexia to block her out more. After five years, she knew the girl pretty well, and she'd open up if she wanted to.
Lily was the only girl in the group to know about Alexia's no good Father. It had all come out one teary night in their third year, and perhaps it was that trust and secret that bonded them closer. Lily had been so kind, as usual, and had always been there for her ever since- like her own personal carer. Alexia loved all her other friends dearly, but she didn't see the need to talk about her childhood anymore. It was behind her, and she wanted to keep it that way. Dredging it all up would just be painful for everyone involved.
So, that was why she was in a bad mood in potions, and had taken it out on poor Mary. It had started out fine, but eventually the potion had turned purple and started spitting out strange fluffs of steam, and Mary didn't stir it the right amount of times, and Alexia's hair was starting to stick up in a crazy way from the heat. But she would have been fine with all that, if she hadn't glanced over towards him and seen that irritating smirk on his face, and his dark hair perfectly groomed as usual. That really made her snap. So she and Mary ended up letting their tempers get the better of them, and avoided eye contact as they sulked.
Her mood lightened considerably, however, as she saw James flick his wand at an unsuspecting Sirius- turning his hair the colour of sick. Sirius turned to see her grinning and frowned at the laughing boy next to him, before James handed him a mirror, (Alexia had no idea why he carried one round with him- it was the size of a book), and she watched happily as Sirius's face turned an angry shade of red as he saw himself.
Later, as the girls walked back to the common room, they laughed about Sirius's hair. "I just wish it was permanent." Moaned Mary, her earlier feud with Alexis forgotten.
"As do I, as do I." Agreed Alice, giggling. "But, did anyone else see Lily getting cozy with Mr Chalk?" Alice wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, and Lily blushed.
"That was not what it was like at all. Harry was so kind and sweet. And," she glared at Alice. "We were talking about his girlfriend actually. He could smell her in the potion- it was the cutest thing." Marlene smiled.
"I think if Harry and Lily were a thing, James would actually murder someone- or himself." Lily rolled her eyes.
"All that 'I love Lily' stuff is crap. He asks me out every week- he's only in it for the chase."
"I don't know, Lils." Replied Alexia, warily. "The way he looks at you-"
"Is probably him just acting the part. He finds it funny. He finds me funny. You know he loves to wind me up- thats how his stupid mind works." They dropped the subject.
"So, Harrys got a girlfriend then?" Asked Mary sulkily.
"Yeah." Replied Lily. "He even said he loved her- and the way he talked about her... I think he must mean it." Mary scowled, but then her eyes lit up.
"But she's far away, in... Sweden, right?"
"Thats where Remus said he went to school." Said Alice, smiling. They all had a soft spot for sweet Remus, Marlene most if all. "Though I've never heard of it."
"Well then, maybe he'll get over her." Grinned Mary. Lily laughed, a pretty sound. Alexia had always felt a tinge of jealousy when she heard the laugh of her best friend. Lily's was like a pretty bell- hers was like a hysterical psycopath.
"So, what are you gonna do with the liquid luck?" Asked Alexia, the giros had all squealed with excitement, when they'd been shown the glass vial. Lily frowned.
"Well I cant use it in any competitions or tests, and I wouldn't want to use it if it meant someone would do something they usually shouldn't; that would feel like I was bending their will-" Alexia rolled her eyes at Lily's niceness.
"You've gotta use it for something. Thats why it's yours."
"Im sure she'll figure out something." Smiled Marlene. "This is Lily Evans we're talking about." The girls smiled and Lily rolled her eyes fondly.
Sirius POV
"I just had the best idea." Exclaimed James. Sirius raised his eyebrows. They were crowded around their usual spot by the fire; Remus had just got back from the library with Frank Longbottom, the 7th year Gryffindor keeper, and Wormtail had gone to see Mcgonogall about his failing classes. For some reason, Sirius got the impression that Harry didn't like Peter, but he didn't want to bring it up. That would be an awkward conversation.
"Whats the idea?" Asked Remus, not looking up from his book. From the tone of his voice, you could tell he didn't think it would be 'the best' idea at all.
"I was thinking of asking Lily out..." James started. Harry and Frank laughed whilst Sirius groaned. Not again- the poor kid was getting desperate.
"What?" Pouted James in a whiny voice.. Sirius sighed.
"If you want the girl- you gotta show you're manly, make her jealous. Go out and find a cute chick; half the girls in this school would kill to date you, Prongs. Then Lily-pad will want you."
"Thats my nickname for her." Frowned James. Sirius held up his hands in mock surrender.
"Sorry, Prongs. Seems like you've got the jealousy bug. He teased and James rolled his eyes.
"Just listen to the rest if the plan. I was thinking... What if I use Harry's liquid luck? He knows how much I like Lily." Sirius rolled his eyes. As if that would happen. Who in their right mind would give it up?
"Harry's got liquid luck?! Awesome." Smiled Frank. At 6 ft 6, he was taller than the rest of them, but his round face and lopsided smile made up for it. He laughed cheerfully. "But I'm pretty sure he'll want to hold onto it. I know I would." Moony nodded in agreement.
"Harry is never going to agree to that." He stated. "And you have no right to make him." They looked over at the brooding boy, who was sat in the floor, resting against the sofa. It was strange that he didn't just sit on the sofa, and for a moment Sirius was reminded of James- it was something he'd always done- either sprawled on a sofa or the floor. But then the thought was gone, as Harry spoke quietly.
"You can have the potion." He said, nonchalantly, making James's eyes open wide with shock. He obviously hadn't actually expected Harry to oblige, either. "But," continued Harry. "You've got to promise you won't use it on Lily."
"Why?" Frowned James.
"You can't just change someones opinion using a potion. Its not right. I don't mind you using it on something else, but I wont stand here and watch someone agree to something against their will." Harry's voice was hard, and as he spoke the words a strange shiver ran down his spine, like they'd made him remember something he didn't want to. There was a thick silence, before James spoke. He eyed Harry.
"You're right, Harry. You keep it." They stared at eachother for a moment, before Harry nodded, going back to picking at the old rug beneath him.
Just at that moment, the portrait swung open and Lily, Alexia, Alice, Marlene and Mary entered, all laughing about something. Alexia always looked so carefree when she was with her friends, Sirius noted. That's how she'd acted when she kissed him that night. He sighed, remembering how good it had been, how real it had felt- and then he thought back to that morning. Everything he'd said to her. He felt guilty, but he wasn't going to apologise. He had a reputation to maintain, and she had insulted his hair- one of his best features. He shook his head, (one of his more doggish habits), and cleared his mind of its scrambling thoughts.
When Alice saw Frank, she ran over and kissed him on the lips, grinning.
"Get a room." Said Sirius and Alexia sarcastically, and, realising they'd just spoken in sync, glared at each other with malice. Lily laughed to break the awkward silence which prevailed.
"What were you guys talking about?" She asked, directing her question at Remus and ignoring the remaining Marauders. Frank and Alice weren't paying attention since they were more than a little busy. But, surprisingly, Remus squirmed a little under her gaze.
"We, er, we were..." He stuttered. Thankfully, Harry came to his rescue.
"We were talking about potions." He said smoothly. "These lot are extremely jealous of us." He added with a grin, making Lily smile.
"I bet they are." She laughed. Alexia and Sirius were still glaring, so Lily decided it would be best if they left. "We're gonna go upstairs. See you around Remus, Harry." And the four girls left. A moment later, Alice released Frank with a grin and scarpered after them, like an drugged up Pixie who had just had a hit. Frank smiled fondly after her.
James punched Sirius.
"Alexia's a cool girl. You've gotta get on with her sometime. Plus she's a great Chaser." Sirius pulled a face.
"I'll be civil to her at training, but that girl... She really..." He trailed off, lost for words, and didn't notice Harry's amused smile.
They chatted for a long time, until eventually Frank went up to bed. He smiled at Harry before he left. "Nice meeting you Harry." He said. Harry smiled back, but Sirius thought they're was a sort if reserved sadness in that smile- or maybe he was seeing things.
"You too, Frank. Night."
"G'night." Said the boy, before leaving to his dormitory.
Soon after, Wormtail returned, panting. "Sorry it... Took so long. McGonogall... Went on and... On". In his hand he held a crumpled piece of paper.
"Sit down, Wormtail." Grinned James. Peter obliged, and once his breathing was normal, handed the paper to Harry.
"McGonogall told me to give this to you, Harry." Harry nodded curtly and took the slip, before scanning it quickly and stuffing it in his pocket.
"Whats it about?" Asked James, curiously.
"Ive got to see Dumbledore tomorrow night. He wants to talk to me about settling in."
"No he doesn't." Contradicted Peter with a frown. "I already read it. It said 'the headmaster wishes to talk about your situation'. Whatever that means." There was a tense pause as Harry's head snapped up and he glared at the boy, anger pulsing in his eyes. Sirius was surprised to see that his hands had curled into tight fists, and his veins were straining in his arms. He looked furious. Then, all of a sudden, the anger drained out if him, and the fire in his eyes shut off, replaced by a steely look.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't read my private mail, Wormtail." He snarled, before turning and storming up to his room. Sirius looked at James, who's eyes were equally as wide as his own.
"What was that about?" He muttered.
"I don't know." Said Remus. "But he's definitely hiding something."