Thank you Yana for commenting :)

It seems like everyone that had read the second chapter, continued to read the next ones, up till chapter 10.

which means they liked my story. Then why don't you review? I'm really sad...


Chapter 11 : Meeting

"Parkinson, Will you kindly shut your mouth?" Alexa growled in annoyance at the cheerful Parkinson, who sat in front of her in Malfoy's lap, blubbering in her high pitched voice, "I'm trying to finish Snape's essay, and since you will probably want to copy my work, it is in your best interest to let me concentrate." Alexa said in a poisonous voice, glaring at her above a pile of dusty books.

Malfoy raised an amused eyebrow at Alexa's outburst; her reactions were always much moderated and this was an odd exception. She saw the thought crossing his mind as a smug smirk appeared on his lips; Malfoy thought she was jealous. Alexa sighed deeply; the sacrifices she made to achieve her goal, let him think so, it served her well. She had a handful of tasks to finished after Snape's exercise, so she delve back into the books, expertly summarizing what he had asked for. To add to the ridiculous amount of homework they were given for the holidays, she also had her private classes with Snape, which demanded much preparation; after she had finished her homework she would go and read advanced Defense against the Dark Arts books, or even better, books regarding dark magic. She had plenty of that in her library at home so she owled her grandparents, asking them to send her a few recommended ones. They were clearly unnerved by her request, and her sudden interest in the Dark Arts but she assured them her interest was purely academic.

The only encouraging thought was meeting Narcissa, if, of course Malfoy had delivered her the message and she decided to come. She took a risky gamble, relying on Narcissa's love to her son and her great worry for his safety. If her message had fallen into the wrong hands, she could be walking straight into a deadly ambush, but what is life without risking, she thought to herself.

On the second day of the Easter vacation she left for a trip to Hogsmeade, quite startled over the fact that she would not be able to study; she was beginning to realize she was slightly obsessive. Alexa never thought she was brilliant or especially talented, but she had an extraordinarily high work ethic and self discipline. She did so well in school because she practically did nothing but study; she did not care for Quidditch, never picked up a hobby, she had no interest in being social and never had a boyfriend. She shrugged that thought; she was doing the best she could to succeed, perfecting her strengths to cover her weaknesses.

She glanced at the clock, it was half passed eleven; she still had time to visit Scrivenshaft's Quill shop, so she fastened her pace and quickly entered the store, looking for new supply. She spotted a marvelous peacock feather quill and snatched it, practically hopping on her way to pay for it. Alexa's family was among the wealthiest families in the wizarding world, nothing compared to the Malfoy's fortune, but enough for her, her children and grandchildren to live luxuriously without working a single day of their lives. Alexa never bragged about it, and she was far from being a squanderer; most of her expenses were on books and supply for her studies.

She left the store and glanced at the clothing shops; she was never into fashion. Alexa always looked sharp, her clothes clean, neatly ironed and tastefully combined. Her style was classic, garments that never went out of style, and she never tried to follow the latest trends simply because she hated drawing attention to herself. Alexa was determent to excel in her studies, but other than that, she preferred to just assimilate in the crowd.

She entered a lingerie store that was heavily crowded with many mothers escorting their daughter in choosing the best fitting underwear. She chose to meet Narcissa here because it was a casual shop Narcissa might visit, it was pretty crowded at this time of the day and mainly because any male Death Eater would rather die by the hands of the Dark Lord himself than walk into a lingerie store. Very few of the Dark Lord's followers were females, and she knew who they were; she highly doubted that filthy Bellatrix was wearing fancy underwear, or wearing underwear at all.

Alexa was looking at a plain pink bra when she heard a soft voice behind her, "Pink is not your color, Alexa. I can guide you in picking something that suits you better."

Alexa smiled brightly and turned around to see Narcissa, her hair perfectly made, dressed like she stepped out of a fashion magazine, and stunningly beautiful. "I would like that, thank you."

"Well," Narcissa drawled, giving Alexa a thoroughly examining look, "What's the occasion? Regular lingerie or maybe… something special?" she inquired with a suggestive smirk.

"There is this guy…" Alexa said dreamingly, playing along, "I think of seducing."

Narcissa laughed softly and said, "Then you're in the wrong section." She took Alexa's hand and led her to a different part of the store, where they held much more daring garments. Narcissa looked thoughtful as she roamed through the many items and Alexa was struck with a sudden realization; maybe there was one more reason way she chose this place. She never had that embarrassing, yet emotionally significant experience of shopping with her mother; when she was thirteen she just went and bought her first bra alone.

"I think I found it." Narcissa declared, holding a crimson laced bra with matching bikini bottom and garters. Alexa felt her face burning with mortification, but she followed Narcissa to the dressing chamber nonetheless. Immediately as they closed the door behind them, Narcissa pulled out her wand, putting a silencing spell on the small cell. "That guy you think of seducing…" she said in a warning voice, "better be my son."

Alexa laughed wholeheartedly, but then turned utterly serious. "Your son is the reason we're here. I'm sure you love him more than anything if you took the risk and met me." Alexa said quietly and Narcissa nodded. "You are obviously aware of the fact that he has a very slim chance to survive this war."

Narcissa sighed heavily, tiredly. "I am. But I'm doing all I can to protect him; he has the best men watching his back."

"That might be true, but clearly it's not enough." Alexa said in a sympathetic voice, "The Dark Lord wishes to punish Lucius, and his using your son to get his revenge." Alexa stated coldly now. "Even if Draco succeeds in whatever he is doing now, The Dark Lord will continue sending him to suicide missions."

Alexa saw Narcissa's bottom lip tremble; it was such a pity to see this strong woman in such distress. "And what else can I do more than pray for him to come back alive every time?" she asked with a shaky voice.

"He can come with me." Alexa said softly, "I've talked to Dumbledore. The only way for me to survive is to join the Order of the Phoenix. They will protect Draco and you as well."

"You're joining them?" Narcissa cried out in shock.

"I want to live." Alexa stated simply. "I don't care for blood status, or power struggles. At least not as much as I care about living. Do you want to live as well?"

"I do." Narcissa said weakly.

"Do you want for Draco to live?" Alexa said firmly.

"More than anything." Narcissa whispered, like a prayer.

"Then take my offer." Alexa said confidently. "When the time is right, an intermediary will contact you. You will be hiding in a safe place, under a Fidelius charm; I'll be your secret keeper." Alexa paused, letting Narcissa digest the information. "Draco and I will join the Order."

Narcissa's eyes glittered with tears but she looked more determined than ever. "And you give me your word, Alexa Augusta Kaiser that you will protect my son by all means?"

Alexa was quiet, feeling the heavy weight of responsibility on her shoulders. "Yes." She stated putting all of her passion in that word. Narcissa smiled at her gently, a spark of hope lit in her eyes.

"Now that you have given your consent, I have to talk Draco into it." Alexa said quite miserably.

"All these years that you were fighting, I remember how he would furiously storm into the house and tell me every little thing you had said or done to him, and call you names I was embarrassed to here coming out of his mouth," Narcissa said with a bitter smile, "Just like his father had taught him, he probably never let you see; but you definitely knew how to drive him to insanity."

Alexa chuckled as she imagined a younger Draco throwing a tantrum in his room. "I'm telling you this because I see you as my daughter and because you can and wish to save Draco. He cared for you deeply even when he was cruel and hateful. He still cares. And if you want to change his mind, make him care for you more. He would do it for you." Narcissa said slowly, struggling with every word she said, "I do feel like I betrayed his trust now." She added, lowering her eyes to the floor, "But if it saves him…"

Alexa was gapping like a fool, and when she realized this she closed her mouth and tried to rid her dumb expression. Blaise was right all that time and she was blind and foolish to miss it; her key to persuading Malfoy. If Narcissa was not present she would probably smack her head.

"He never said anything…" Alexa said slowly, reminiscing, "I would have never guessed."

"Of course he never said anything," Narcissa said with a bitter tone, "He's his father's son. He was heavily influenced by Lucius…" she trailed off, looking a bit disappointed.

"And his lovely aunt Bellatrix," Alexa spat angrily, furrowing her eyebrows.

"She is my sister," Narcissa said in a warning tone, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry," Alexa said quietly, lowering her head in apology.

Narcissa laughed, "You shouldn't be. The same blood runs through our veins, the famous Black family aristocracy, but she is foul." Narcissa said darkly, her graceful features twisted in a loathing expression.

Alexa looked at her attentively, waiting for an explanation. "Maybe I'm just over protective of Draco." Narcissa sighed heavily, "But the way she looks at him…" her expression was furious."She was after Lucius once, but he chose me. And Draco resembles him, in more than just looks… " she remarked in a suppressed anger, clenching her fists.

Alexa looked horrified and disgusted, "She's his aunt!" she uttered, shocked.

"I want him out of this sick environment, Alexa." Narcissa said, almost pleaded.

"I'm going to persuade him." Alexa said confidently and noted to herself, before his sick aunt would have her filthy hands all over him.

"Well then you better try it on," Narcissa smirked at her, handing her the seductive lingerie. Alexa blushed, mortified and Narcissa chuckled, "I'm joking, dear."

They left the dressing room, and exited the shop, each turning to a different direction while both of them had the same goal; to save Draco Malfoy. Alexa almost vomited when picture of Bellatrix seducing Draco popped in her mind. She did not know why, but she felt like she wanted a personal vendetta at that old, creepy vixen; she grew to be pretty possessive herself, without even noticing.