The Slytherin's were horrified when they learnt Alex was friends with Gryffindors. Some even stopped talking to her. She tried not to care what people thought of her she liked Harry, Hermione and Ron she even liked some of the other Gryffindors but it was difficult for her to stand up for them and often found herself laughing along with their comments just so they would like her. She felt guilty when she did but she didn't see Hermione that much so she thought nothing would go wrong.

Hermione's first lesson with the Russo's was with the spell "Wingardium Leviosa". They were in Ms McGonagall's room she had allowed them to practice there for the time being, until they found a better room. Justin managed to get the spell first try. Hermione was impressed but when she complemented him she went a deep shade of red. She also taught him some other spells (including "Alohomora") while the other Russo's were struggling with the one. They stood trying to lift pillows for a while when they heard the door opening and in walked in Draco Malfoy.

"Hello ladies." In he swaggered with Crabbe and Goyle with a smile on his face, "What are we doing here then?" Justin instinctively moved in front of Hermione and Max in front of Alex. "Learning some spells are we? Why are you trying to learn from a, mudblood when you could learn so much more from me?" Draco had moved towards Alex and was stood face-to-face with her. Crabbe and Goyle were close behind. Harry and Ron also moved in front of Hermione but it was Justin who said "Do not call her that, Malfoy."

His head snapped round to look at Justin. "Standing up for her? Bit below you isn't it? Come train with me and you will become more powerful than you can be with her." As soon as he uttered the last word five spells flew at Malfoy at the same time throwing him against the floor and throwing his wand away, making him grow long teeth, making him throw up slugs and a beard grew on his face. He picked himself up and they ran out shouting, "I'll get you for this!" and ran into the direction of the hospital wing.

A smile grew on Hermione's face. "You didn't have to do that. You will be in so much trouble." She was talking to all of them but was looking at Justin. "He shouldn't have called you that." He had been watching the door but turned to Hermione, without a smile but he looked sympathetic and worried. They both went a shade of red. Max laughed.

At breakfast the next week a owl came for each of the Russo's. Three letters came for all three Russo's, they were the same letter:

Dear children,

I'm glad you are enjoying your first term in Hogwarts and you are making a lot of new friends although, Alex there better not be any boys. We are ok but your Grandfather is ill in hospital, he has lung cancer. I'm sorry this news comes at a bad time. Hope you are well,

Mom and Dad.

All three fell silent. Although Alex had another letter to open.

Russo- I mean Alex,

Hey I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to you at your party I wasn't told about it until most of the way through. When Zeke said "Hey why weren't you at the party?" I was like what? And he was like yeah. I wanted you to meet my sister she is at college she's pretty cool. We're pretty close and I missed her so I wanted you to meet her. But I didn't miss her as much as I miss you. I was wondering if you were still my girlfriend cos you blanked me when I saw you. This is really weird I would have texted you but your parents told me to write you a letter. I hope your OK and enjoying your new school.

Moriarty - I mean Dean.

She sat on her seat and felt tears choking her throat as she read the letter a second time.


Please comment! Hope you enjoyed!