I, London Man, did NOT write this story. This was written by Early-Frosts. I am just hosting it because EF was going to cancel their account. EF allowed me to have them on my site so people can read or reread them if they wanted.
I did NOT steal this story. Also, I want to thank Early-Frosts for letting my host their stories.
Chapter 9: Eight: The Birthday
Family Matters
Disclaimer: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer and all related materials belong to their respective owners. This is non-profit fanfiction.
Warning: This story contains slash.
Chapter Eight – The Birthday
The library on the New England Academy of Magic campus was, in Alexander's opinion, magnificent. He wasn't the kind of person who was typically impressed by buildings, but there were some days when he was simply amazed at the idea of the collective knowledge of so many centuries being stored in a single place.
He had devoted a significant portion of the previous week to researching different branches of magic, searching for just the right one to help him with his current problem. Alexander had finally found what he was looking for a few hours earlier that day, but had to put things on hold to go help set up a room for the weighing of the wands ceremony.
Right now, he was just glad that he didn't have to actually do anything for the ceremony beyond setting the room up; only the three heads, New England's two deputy heads, the three champions, the wandmaker, and the reporters were going to be present for the weighing. His job was done, so he could devote his energy towards other things.
Aside from the general relief at having his bit of work for the ceremony completed, he was also glad that he wouldn't have to stand at Eric's side while the other boy took part. Although Alex still hung out with Eric and was supporting his efforts to prepare for the First Task, the Cullen boy was very careful to apportion his time equally between Eric and the blond's now-former girlfriend, Marcia. Alex wasn't sure if 'former' was the right description, as his two friends hadn't formally split up and still obviously loved each other. Perhaps a better description was 'couple on the outs.' Either way, he just didn't want to feel obligated to have to find time to spend with Marcia that afternoon; he had other plans.
Putting thoughts of his feuding friends out of his mind, Alexander entered the library. Now knowing what subject he was searching for, the Cullen Wizard considered simply summoning the desired books with his wand. But when he noticed the way the librarian was watching him like a hawk from the moment he entered, he decided to do things the Muggle way: he went to the card catalogue and looked up where to find the needed books.
To his disappointment, there was only one book on Occlumency in the entire library.
After memorizing the card catalogue number for the book he wanted, Alexander went up to the second floor of the library and hunted down the appropriate stack.
When he reached the area that believed the book was stored, he bent over and began to read the numbers etched on the sides of the books one at a time. He quickly found that he'd started looking later in the call numbers than he initially thought and so began to work backwards. The boy was aware of another person searching the books on the top shelf of the same case, but didn't really pay other student much mind.
Alexander finally found the appropriate book—Occlumency: Mind over Magic—and reached for it. His hand touched the book he'd been searching for at the same time that the other person searching in the case reached for it.
The two boys pulled back and looked at one another. To his surprise, Alexander found himself face-to-face with Jonathan Potter.
It was a testament to the curly-haired Wizard's self-control that his eyes didn't immediately dart up to look at the famed lightning bolt scar on Potter's forehead.
Alex and John looked at one another for a long moment, awkwardly trying to find something to say. Both of them were clearly trying to figure out a way to lay claim to the book without coming across as a jerk.
"Umm . . . you're," the green-eyed boy began.
"Yeah, the Boy-Who-Lived," the hazel-eyed boy replied in irritation.
"Actually, I was going to say 'Charles's older brother.'"
Jonathan was genuinely surprised that that was what the other boy had planned on saying, and it showed on his face. "You know Charlie?" He looked at the younger Wizard for a moment, sizing him up and searching his face. His eyes widened slightly in realization after a few seconds. "You're the bloke he was talking about the other day. The one he was waving to the night that the champions were picked. Andrew, right?"
"Alexander," the Cullen corrected.
"Oh, sorry about that," Jonathan said sheepishly. "He's said some really good things about you. What you did that afternoon with his leg was brilliant."
"He told you about that?"
"Eventually," the taller boy answered. "He didn't really seem like he wanted to. Like he thought I'd be upset with him or something. But he did tell me after a bit. And when he did, he told me that you helped him deal with being picked on."
Alex shrugged. "It was no big deal."
"It meant a great deal to him that you took the time to talk to him and patch up his leg. Especially since you didn't really know him, except for sitting at the same table during that first dinner. He went on and on about what a great Wizard you are."
The only mortal Cullen laughed. "I miss that age. When every little bit of magic was still considered really impressive."
The Boy-Who-Lived smiled back. "Absolutely."
There was another moment of semi-tense silence. "So," Alex broke it, drawing the word out a bit. "I see we're both interested in Occlumency."
Jonathan's eyes strayed away from Alex and towards the book for a moment. "It seems so. But it's just a hobby of mine." He added the last bit quickly.
"Same here." Alexander certainly wasn't about to reveal his adoptive brother's power to a total stranger. No one other than Headmaster Justinius and a small handful of people at the Department of Magical Affairs knew that he lived with vampires. And even they didn't know that Edward was a mindreader.
The Gryffindor seemed to debate with himself for a few seconds. "You should take it. I owe you, after all."
"No," Alexander argued, "I'm going to need it for a long time."
"So am I."
"Well . . . We could share it. Trade off by days. Study it one day, hand it off, and practice what you learn on the day that the other has the book."
The Potter Wizard nodded his head, thinking it over. "That might work. But you should take it the first day."
"Actually, I'm playing hooky tomorrow. So you should take it first," the sixteen-year-old said.
"You're playing hooky?" Jonathan asked, smirking and suddenly looking interested.
"Tomorrow is my birthday," Alex explained. "My family always makes it an all-day affair, so I skip classes. I'm actually just about to leave."
"A skip day sounds like a pretty good present," the other boy nodded approvingly.
"So there's no chance of me studying the book for a few days, so it would be pointless for me to take it first."
"If you're sure . . ."
"Absolutely," Alexander assured the Hogwarts student. "You can borrow it from the library and take it for the next two days. Drop it off to me in the Student Government Office on the third floor of the central administrative building at the end of classes the day after tomorrow. We can just trade off there every day. Except for weekends. I don't live on campus, so whoever gets the book Friday afternoon should just keep it until Monday."
"That sounds like it will work to me."
The pair turned and started to head towards the staircase that led down to the first floor. When they reached the top of the stairs, Alexander caught sight of the back of a head of brown hair. He immediately moved backwards and hid in the nearest aisle of shelves.
"Al-" Jonathan started, but he was quickly shushed by the other boy.
"Don't say my name," the Cullen boy snapped. "He might hear."
Potter looked confused and silently moved to where Alexander had hidden himself. "What's going on?"
"My stalker."
Jonathan walked over and looked down the stairs before moving back to Alex's side. "Cedric Diggory?"
"He conveniently shows up everywhere I go. He's at the portkey sight when I show up and when I go home. He bumps into in between classes. He has even started to ask my friends about me."
Jonathan laughed. "I never took Diggory for the stalker type."
"I really don't want to mess with this today," the younger teen said in frustration.
"Alright," the Gryffindor said, "I'm going to help you out, but you can't say a word to anyone."
Before Alex Cullen could ask what Jonathan was doing, the seventeen-year-old reached into his backpack and produced a large, silvery piece of cloth. "It's an invisibility cloak. Put it on."
The bespectacled boy let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you so much," he thanked the Boy-Who-Lived before throwing the cloak on.
Alexander remained Jonathan's invisible and silent shadow as he went down the stairs.
"Hey Cedric," the Hogwarts student greeted the older teen. "What are you doing here?"
Alexander felt a very strong urge to strangle the other teen with the cloak he was wearing.
The Auror-in-training turned to look at the seventh year student. "Not much. Just looking for somebody."
"Anyone I know?"
"Probably not; Alexander Cullen."
"Oh, Alex," Jonathan said. "I saw him just a little while ago."
"Where?" Cedric asked, suddenly perking up.
Jonathan hemmed and hawed for a moment, as though he was having a hard time remembering exactly where he'd seen Alex Cullen. "He was leaving the library as I was going in. I think he said something about grabbing a bite to eat."
"The Dining Hall," Cedric said to himself, as though he'd just solved some great mystery. "Thanks, Jonathan. I owe you one." Without another word, he sped from the room.
Alexander had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing out loud as he saw Cedric all but sprint from the library.
"C'mon," Jonathan Potter said softly to his companion.
Alexander continued to follow Jonathan as he checked the book out and then left the library through its front entrance. The older teen then led him behind a tree so that he could remove the cloak without being seen.
"Thank you," Alexander said sincerely as he returned the cloak. "I really owe you for this."
"Let's just call it even for you helping out Charlie."
"Man, did I get a bargain," Alex laughed for a moment before becoming serious. "That didn't sound right at all. I would have talked-"
"I know," Jonathan assured him, turning the book over in his hand. He then looked up at Alex. "Well, I sent Cedric off to the Dining Hall, so you should have time to portkey home without getting caught."
Alexander smiled. "I should. I guess this is where we part ways, then. Have a good one," he said with a nod of the head before heading off in the direction of the portkey site.
"Hey!" Jonathan called before the other boy could get out of earshot, careful not to use his name in case Cedric was still within earshot. When Alexander turned, he shouted, "Happy birthday!"
Alex smiled at the older Wizard before going home.
The evening of October the first was a quiet one in the Cullen household. The various vampires were all very tight-lipped about what was planned for Alexander's birthday. Although he was curious, the mortal boy was a little bit relieved to have time to work on all of his homework that would be due when he returned to classes the day after his birthday. Although he was no scholar, he preferred having the work done beforehand rather than having to making it up afterwards.
When Alexander woke up on his birthday, he was surprised to find that his alarm clock was flashing '12:00.'
"What?" he asked his otherwise empty room. "Power outage?"
He silently showered, brushed his teeth, and otherwise prepared for the day. He had no idea what was planned, so he opted for comfort over style. Even though he knew it would vex Alice greatly.
As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he was assaulted by seven vampires shouting "Happy birthday!"
His parents and siblings provided Alexander with well wishes. Esme and Carlisle hugged him while Rosalie and Alice kissed his cheeks. When he was released by his parents, Edward gave him a firm hug that lifted him off of his feet. After being put down, Jasper—who usually avoided any and all physical contact with the mortal—gave his hand a shake while Emmett ruffled his hair.
Alexander couldn't keep the goofy grin off of his face as he was passed around by the immortals.
"What time is it?" he asked once thing settled down.
"Just a little bit before noon," Edward answered with a superior smile.
"Noon!" the Wizard exclaimed.
"We might have cut the power off for a minute or two last night so that you'd sleep in," Alex's father informed him. "You deserve a day to relax."
And that was exactly what Alexander got. After a leisurely lunch at home, his family took him to Seattle to see an action movie he'd wanted to see. The movie was followed by an afternoon at a shopping center eating junk food and playing video games in the arcade. The outing was capped off with dinner at Alex's favorite restaurant. The group then returned home for presents and cake.
Alexander liked to play it cool when it came to receiving presents from his family members, but even he knew that he looked like an impatient child as he practically bounced up and down on the couch cushions.
"Alright," Carlisle said once everyone was ready, "who wants to go first?"
Alice's hand shot up in the air. "Ooh, ooh, pick us!" she shouted, referring to both Jasper and herself.
Alex's father laughed before turning to his youngest. "It's your choice."
"Go ahead, Alice," the mortal said with a big smile.
Alice and her mate gave Alexander a set of photo albums. They'd gone through and made copies of all of the photographs the family had ever taken and then organized them into a series albums. The albums tracked the entire history of the Cullen coven. The most pictures, of course, were taken after Alexander had been adopted by the family.
Rosalie went next. She had purchased Alex a number of new clothes. To everyone's surprise, however, the clothes that she gave him were comfortable, rather than the stiff but stylish clothes she tended to go for.
Emmett had purchased a variety of video games for his youngest brother. He swore that he hadn't played any of them, so Alexander would be able to have at least some advantage over the large vampire the first time they played against one another. Alex would play the games first and the experience and skill he would gain should, in theory, help put him on a more even footing with the immortal's advanced reflexes.
Edward's gift was a CD of music he composed for Alexander himself. When the younger boy moved to hug his adoptive brother and show his appreciation, the vampire stopped him.
"You should wait. The disc is only part of the gift," he explained before turning to Carlisle and Esme.
Alexander followed Edward's lead and turned to his parents. Carlisle and Esme looked back and forth at one another before handing Alex a small box that was tied with a bow.
The mortal wasted no time in ripping the bow off and opening the present. Inside the little box sat a set of keys.
"A car? You bought me a car?"
"It is a very traditional sixteenth birthday gift," Carlisle stated as the mortal boy flung himself at his parents in excitement and embraced them in a hug.
"And there is a state-of-the-art sound system installed in it. Courtesy of Edward," Esme told her son.
After releasing his parents, Alex rushed to his brother and gave him a hug as well. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," he whispered up into the bronze-haired vampire's ear.
"Your happiness is all the thanks I ever require, Alexander," Edward whispered back.
"You'll need lessons," Esme said as she watched her youngest son pull back from Edward slightly. "And I don't want you driving by yourself in bad weather. Or at night. Or-"
Carlisle, for perhaps the first time ever, interrupted his wife. "Alex is a very responsible young man. He won't get hurt. He'll have one of us with him until he's learned enough to drive on his own. Right, Alex?"
"Of course," he answered. "But, can I try it out tonight?"
The blond vampire smiled at his son. "Of course."
In all of the excitement over just receiving a car, Alexander had totally forgotten to ask about what type of car he'd be receiving. He was thrilled when he saw that he'd been giving a sporty little hybrid. It was trendy, economical, and safe.
Alexander spent a couple of minutes admiring the gun metal gray car before sitting in the driver's seat. "C'mon, Edward!"
The vampire smiled before sitting in the passenger seat.
The mortal boy did fairly well for his first time driving. He chalked that up to Edward's expert teaching skills. And his quick reflexes in the one or two instances when he'd reached out and taken hold of the wheel in order to prevent Alexander from driving his new car into a tree or a ditch.
After finishing his first driving lesson, Alexander extracted promises from his family members to provide him with many more lessons in the coming days.
At last, they had reached what Emmett referred to as the 'mushy' part of night. The birthday cake—chocolate, of course—was brought out and decorated with sixteen candles. After Alex blew out the candles, not bothering form a proper wish, Esme cut the birthday cake, handed a piece to her 'little prince,' and then gave a short toast.
"Even though we know Alex was born sometime during the summer, we've always celebrated his birthday on this day. Because today is the anniversary of the day that this little one-year-old boy was put into my arms. The anniversary of the first day he looked up at me with these dazzling green eyes and smiled. It was . . . he was perfect."
"Still is!" Alice added jokingly.
Esme smiled before continuing. "Alex, I knew from the first moment that I held you that I loved you. That I loved you more than life itself. That you completed this family. And . . . I just want you know how much I love you, son."
Esme tried to keep talking, but she couldn't find the words to properly express herself. She didn't have to for very long; Alexander put his cake down on the table and hugged his mother as tight as he could.
He knew he was loved, so anything else she might try to say didn't really matter in the long run.
Alexander was reluctant to go to bed that night; he was just so excited at all of the things his family had done for him that day. Fortunately, he didn't have to go to sleep right away. No sooner had Alexander changed clothes than his cell phone went off.
"Hello?"
"Hey Alex!" Jacob Black's voice came from the device.
"Jacob," Alex greeted with a smile in his voice. "Haven't heard from you in a while."
"Sorry, man; I've been busy. But you mentioned before that today was your birthday. So I wanted to call and wish you a happy one. A birthday. I mean . . . ugh, happy birthday, man."
Alexander laughed at the way Jake stuttered his way through the birthday greeting. "Thanks."
"So, what did you get? Anything good?"
"A car," the Wizard answered, feeling a little bit like he was bragging. He hoped that he wasn't coming off like Cirilla.
"No way! That's great, man. Maybe you'll be able to drive back to Forks and visit me sometime."
The green-eyed boy felt a pang of guilt over the continued deception. Jacob still didn't know who Alexander really was or that he actually lived only a few miles away from him. He told himself it was necessary, but it didn't stop the awful feeling he got in his gut every time he had to repeat his lies.
The pair talked for over an hour on the phone before Jacob said that he needed to get to bed. Or rather, that his father was insisting he get off the phone.
After turning his cell phone off, Alexander sat back on his bed and thought about his birthday wish, the one he'd refused to think up when he blew out the candles. He fell asleep wondering what he wanted most in the world and dreamed of amber eyes and messy bronze hair.
