~A-Future-Found~
"Harry." I whispered the next morning. We are standing at the top of the stairs, listening to the cheerful babble float up to us from the kitchen. "I'm scar-"
"I know." Harry cut me off, knowing I would hate myself for saying the full sentence out loud. We exchanged a silently supportive look before slowly heading down the stairs. We are dressed conservatively in jeans and long t-shirts with dark robes thrown carelessly over. Marauder walks silently at my heels. Nyx is curled around Harry's neck, as small and slender as a feather boa. I cradle Hope in my arms, telling myself it is for the comfort.
The truth is, I don't want to risk reaching for my wand when we enter the kitchen.
We pause at the door and I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders and raising my chin. Harry pushes the door open and we carefully walk in. The noise level drops considerably and I have to fight the urge to flinch or lower my chin.
Harry sends me a pulse of encouragement as we walk further into the room, heading to the island. Silently pouring out a bowl of cereal for the both of us, Harry grabs the spoons while I get the orange juice.
I refuse to give a look at the table, feeling their stares burning into us as we slide on to the stools around the outside of the island and begin eating. Harry risks a glance over and I kick his shin. Harry winces and glares at me but I give him a pointed look. He sighs and takes a bite of his cereal.
I eat beside him, drawing him into low conversation about whether or not he thinks the teachers will be the same towards him without the attached image of the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry couldn't help the rueful grin on his face when he pointed out that some of the teachers would have a clue, since we were summoned to this world to fight this Dark Lord for them.
I narrowed my emerald eyes, reluctant to remember that. These past few days have been so refreshingly normal that I had been determined to ignore the true reason we were here.
"You forgot." Harry teased and I snorted into my cereal, tossing my hair.
"Of course I didn't!" I said, the faintest note of outrage in my voice. Harry just gave me a disbelieving look and I rolled my eyes, playfully nudging his shoulder and snickering under my breath.
"H-hey-" Sophie piped up, sounding uncertain and confused. "Don't you guys want to eat with us?" She asked, the faintest bit of hurt in her voice. I held Harry's gaze before a challenging look entered my eyes.
"Don't!" Harry hissed but I ignored him, turning to the group at the table and sweeping a cold glare over James, Lily, Remus and Sirius before looking at Sophie and shooting her a conservative smile.
"We would love to but unfortunately enough, we got the message loud and clear from them yesterday." I said with the slightest bit of venom entering my voice. I caught the guilty look on James's face, the small flinch from Lily and the shame on Remus's face. Sirius shot Phoenix a look before turning to us.
"Phoenix told us what happened and-"
"It's not a problem." I said, a cold glare in my emerald eyes. "We wouldn't want to start another fight around your children." I said and turned my back firmly to them. Harry clenched his jaw but I met his gaze evenly. "It had to be said, they can't continue to call us their children when the occasion suits them. Either we are all their children or those three are and we aren't." I said lowly to Harry, not about to waver in my decision.
"I understand but I really don't like going about it in this way." Harry whispered and I nodded in agreement.
"I know but it had to be done." I said, allowing him to feel my hurt and fear that maybe James and Lily will not choose us.
The rest of breakfast was a quiet affair. When we finished eating, we rose from our seats, did our dishes and then retreated into Harry's room without another word. I could see the hurt looks Jareth, Rachel and Sophie were shooting us but I couldn't bring myself to reassure them. Not this time.
Everything from here depends on what their parents do next.
Harry and I refused to admit it but lying around in his room until it was time to go was agony. We could hear the kids moving around outside the room but none of them ever knocked or tried to come in. When it was finally time to go, the only reason we knew is because we heard the roar of the fireplace as the first person went through the floo.
Shoving my shrunken trunk in my pocket, I followed behind Harry as he headed down stairs. We entered the living room just in time to see Sophie go through with Rae right behind her.
"Thanks for letting us know it was time to go." Harry muttered and I shot him a surprised look. He gave me a hard look in return, ignoring when Sirius took a step forward. Phoenix was already gone, as was Jareth, Lily, James and Remus. "You go next." Harry said. I hesitated, unsure if I should leave him right now. "I'm fine, you go ahead." Harry said softly, gently tugging on my hair before pushing between my shoulder blades.
I grabbed a handful of the green powder, hesitating one last time before flinging it in the fire. The flames roared a vibrant emerald, the heat that was coming from the orange red flames suddenly gone as the magic took hold.
I stepped into the fire, glimpsing Harry facing Sirius with cold, hurt eyes.
"Platform Nine and Three Quarters." I called, tucking my elbows in as I began to whirl around. I was so distracted by trying to focus on Harry's emotions (frustration, hurt, anger, etc.) that I almost missed where I was supposed to come out. Flinging my arms out, I stumbled out of the floo system, almost falling into Jareth.
"You okay, Lisia?" Jareth asked, a sweet, hopeful smile on his face. I almost responded with a smile back before shooting a blank look at Lily and James. Shrugging, I straightened my robes and turned away, fighting to ignore the hurt on Jareth's face.
"Alisia, you don't need to do this-" Lily began, stepping forwards. I cocked an eyebrow, scanning her slowly before smirking darkly and turning away. She narrowed her eyes, that mom instinct rising at my blatant disrespect.
The floo roared to life and Harry stumbled out, leaning onto me as his roiling emotions finally began to settle.
"Let's go." Harry said tensely, straightening and brushing himself off. Sirius stepped out of the flames next, an angry look on his face.
"Harry-" Sirius began and I could feel Harry give an emotional flinch.
"Oh look, a person I don't want to talk to. Let's go, twin." I said to Harry, hooking our arms together and tugging him onto the platform. The steam from the glistening crimson red train flowed around witches and wizards bustling back and forth. Screams and shouts rang out as kids darted around. There was a magical bang and I tensed up, just barely keeping myself from flinching.
Harry rested a hand on the back of my neck, anchoring me. A little more settled, I led the way onto the train, my wand flicked out into my hand as we smoothly ducked and dodged kids, trunks and even a few owls.
Harry and I didn't pause until we found a compartment that was empty, the door still open; showing it was unclaimed.
Throwing himself down, Harry folded his arms, one leg falling off the compartment bench. I smiled softly, turning and flicking my wand, the tip moving in a smooth, complicated warding pattern. It will keep the sound out and alert us if someone attempts to open the door.
I walked over and nudged Harry. He lifted his head and I slid onto the bench, raking his hair back as he settled his head into my lap with a sigh.
"Did you yell?" I asked and Harry shook his head.
"Sirius started talking about how he didn't mean it and he was sorry and all that. I wanted to believe him so badly but I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't my Sirius. He has a son that he loves and given the chance…he's gonna choose his son over me. And I can't bring myself to hate him for that because if he would choose me over his own son, then I would have to hate him a little bit for that and…." Harry groaned, his rapid fire words trailing off.
I hummed in understanding, steadily combing his stubborn wild dark hair back. Harry rambled on about Sirius, intersected with comments about Remus and James. He had a lot of pent up emotions and thoughts that he had been wanting to get out and I felt a moment of guilt for neglecting my twin in favor of our other-siblings.
The train ride passed easily, only broken when the trolly lady came by. As was our custom, we got two of each and shared, tossing candy back and forth and joking. I could see Harry glance to either side occasionally and felt the pangs of longing from his side of the bond.
I could imagine how hard this must be for him, back in a familiar place without his familiar friends. I really didn't know how Harry was going to react when he saw this worlds Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna and Ginny.
A couple of times I zoned out on him and I only stopped when I realized what I was doing. I was sweeping my magic through the train in an effort to find my twins. I felt the magical signature of Draco right outside the door just as the dinging began and sighed. Whoops, he must have felt my magic sweeping through the train and come to investigate.
A knock sounded at the compartment door and I lazily waved my wand, all too comfortable at the moment. The compartment door slid open, revealing Draco, standing tall in his Slytherin robes and flanked by Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Regulus.
"Draco, darling, come on in and have a seat." I called, completely relaxed as I combed Harry's hair back. Draco gave me a reserved smile, stepping into the compartment without acknowledging Blaise and Theodore's confusion. "And you two are?" I questioned lazily, flicking my wand back up my wrist.
They exchanged a subtle glance before bowing politely.
"I am Theodore Nott." Theodore introduced himself first, as custom dictates. The older the family, the sooner the introduction.
"I am Blaise Zabini." Blaise introduced himself. I nodded at him, lazily scanning the two of them. Blaise is tall with warm mocha skin and striking dark purple eyes. His dark hair is cropped close and his features hint at Italian decent. Theodore is averaged height with dark blue eyes and short golden brown hair. All in all, they look the same in this world as my world.
"I am Alisia Dux-Potter and this is my twin, Harry." I said, gently tugging on Harry's hair as a silent command to relax. He softens and shoots me a wry smirk. I roll my eyes, a smile tugging at my mouth as I shake my head.
Harry snickers under his breath, twirling his wand lazily as he closed his eyes.
I glanced up at the four males, my eyes drawn inexplicably towards Regulus. His intense, stormy silver-gray eyes locked on mine and a small smirk tugged at his mouth. I cocked a dark eyebrow at him and Regulus grinned, the unrestrained amusement softening his features in a way that drew me in even more.
Harry shifted on my lap, reaching up to flick my nose without even opening his eyes. I narrowed my eyes and glanced down at him, wrinkling up my nose at him.
"I saw that." Harry said and I grinned, taking a fistful of his shaggy hair and gently shaking his head.
"Nuh uh." I teased and Harry smirked, still not opening his eyes.
"Did too." Harry argued lazily, contentment radiating at me through the bond.
"Liar." I accused without any real heat. Harry chuckled, shaking his head on my lap and settling down. I glanced out the window, the countryside speeding past in a beautiful blaze of color. Draco quietly struck up a conversation with Theodore and Blaise, occasionally volleying a question at Regulus, who answered and then returned to gazing down at his rusty red over black colored wand.
The train ride was a bit odd for me because I was used to Fred and George. We would always be loud and always set off at least five explosions that would startle a few of the ickle firsties passing by. The first time I felt the magical signature of the two of them passing by, I had reflexively snatched up my wand, the tip glowing purple as I prepared to cast the spell to set off the explosion.
I had only just caught myself and the wave of painful longing pulsed through me- until I smothered it, ignoring the concerned look Harry was shooting my way. I stared stubbornly out the window, my sightless gaze only ever seeing the identical gleeful grins that George and Fred would always sport just before a prank.
I stroked my tattoo on my wrist, trailing my fingers wistfully over the three paw prints, remembering a time when the three of us were still together. It has been a long time but because I have been avoiding anything to do with Fred with the one exception of the shop, all of this is hitting me as though it just happened.
I am holding tight to my magic, not wanting to lash out right now.
We were almost at Hogwarts when there was a short dinging noise, causing all conversation to cease in the compartment. I ignored the questioning stares, sitting up in my seat.
"Who is it?" Harry asked and I shot him a blank look, flicking my wand in my palm so I could lock the door.
"No one." I answered, just as the door slid open to reveal Jareth.
"Guys!" He sounded delighted and I fought the automatic urge to wince at the look Harry was leveling my way. "Can we sit with you?" Jareth asked, gesturing at his friends.
"No. Go away." I said curtly and Harry sat up, opening his mouth. Before he could say anything, I flicked my wand, shutting the compartment door and locking it.
"Alisia." Harry said, a note of warning in his voice. I gave him a 'butter wouldn't melt in my mouth' look, blinking innocently.
"Yes, Harry?" I asked and he held my gaze, narrowing his eyes. I cocked a dark eyebrow, settling back into my seat and twirling my wand in my hand. Harry shook his head, sitting back and folding his arms. I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. "Harry." I said, my voice blank. He shot me a hard look but softened when I reached out through the bond. He raked his fingers through his hair, letting out an explosive sigh and allowing himself to slide down, putting his head back in my lap.
I grinned smugly, raking my fingers through his hair. Harry shook his head at me and I settled back, giving a little toss of my head before falling still.
The rest of the train ride was quiet and uneventful. I had half expected to be accosted by the other two Potter children but they never showed. The train slowly pulled to a stop, letting out a piercing whistle. Harry sat up and straightened his robes out while I watched with an amused grin.
"What?" He asked, pausing in his motions.
"Have you forgotten what you are, Harry?" I teased gently, rising from my seat and twitching my fingers as I stepped past him. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see his robes straighten, the creases magically falling away and his tie tightening.
"You are so lazy." Harry grumbled and I laughed lightly, sliding the compartment door open and reaching back, snagging his hand as we began to move through the crowd without another look back at the group of four we had been sharing a compartment with.
I slipped through the crowd, gently tugging Harry after me.
"Are we going to the boats or carriages?" Harry asked and I paused for the briefest of moments for a girl to pass in front of us.
"I say flying car." I teased and Harry grinned fondly.
"That was pretty awesome, wasn't it?" He asked. "I didn't really think so at the time, what with Snape breathing down my neck and all but it was pretty amazing." Harry said and I nodded, squeezing his hand in mine as we continued to move through the crowd.
Once we got out of the train, I led Harry away from the train.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked and I turned to him as we continued to walk towards the Forbidden Forest.
"I am going to let Marauder loose. He needs to hunt, stretch his legs and see if there is anymore regius lupus in the Forest. He knows a way back into the castle through a passageway I showed him long ago so he'll be fine." I said and Harry shrugged.
"Okay, did you let Dumbledore know?" Harry asked and my guilty silence answered him. "Must have slipped your mind, huh?" Harry asked sardonically and I grinned at him, kneeling down and unshrinking my trunk, popping the top open.
Marauder soared out, stretching eagerly.
"Be careful in there and remember, if you need me, howl." I said, resting a gentle hand on his head.
"Of course, Alpha." Marauder growled, panting eagerly, his eyes locked on the Forest.
"Have fun, Marauder." I said softly, backing away from him as he rose to his large paws.
"Always." He answered before taking off. After a few moments of him weaving through the trees, he melted into the shadows and disappeared from our sight.
"You worried for him?" Harry asked and I shrugged, picking up Hope and handing her off to him while I got out Nyx.
"Not really. I know he can take care of himself." I replied, standing up before pausing. "Here, hold Nyx and turn around." I ordered, stepping into the trunk.
"Why?" Harry asked and I rolled my eyes, trotting deeper into my trunk.
"Because I have to get dressed." I called back to him. I headed into the closet, stripping down along the way. I pulled on a pleated black skirt, knee high dark grey socks, black ankle booties, a white button up, a black sweater vest over it and then my plain black tie. I glanced in the mirror, wrinkling my nose at the plain tie, wishing for a moment that it could be green and silver. Shaking my head at myself, I combed my hair back into a high ponytail, removing the temporary glamour that hid my pale purple streaks and gold and silver tips.
Raking my bangs back, I grinned at my reflection, emerald green eyes gleaming back at me. I slipped in silver hoop earrings and slipped on my silver ear cuff. Lastly, I grabbed my plain black robes, shrugging them on and leaving them to hang open.
These robes are the more traditional school robes that fall to my feet but I have tailored them more like my more modern robes so that they hug my figure and the robe sleeves fit closer instead of the older style of wide sleeves. There is also some subtle silver detailing along the seam of the robes that glitters under some shades of light.
As a final touch, I shove my sleeves up to my elbows, add my stack of black cord bracelets and push on a pair of sleek, rectangular framed glasses. My eyes tingle for a moment as I silently remove the sight sharpening spell I created a few years back. My glasses have small runes carved on the sides in silver and enable me to have clear sight, magical sight when I choose and can help me detect any poisons in food.
Nodding at my reflection, I turn on my heel, smiling at the smart snap of robes as I head up the stairs. When I slam the trunk shut, shrink it, tuck it into my pocket and turn to Harry, I pause at the look on his face.
"What?" I ask and he smiles faintly, shaking his head.
"Nothing, it's just good to see you in glasses again." Harry says softly as we begin walking.
"Thank you." I answer, taking Nyx from him and wrapping her around my neck. She shrinks until she is a slender, serpent-like choker and then stills. I smile, reaching up to gently stroke her scales.
"Did Dumbledore ever actually say you could take Nyx and Marauder into the castle?" Harry asked and I shot a challenging look.
"I dare him to try and stop me." I muttered and Harry laughed, slinging an arm over my shoulders as we headed into the castle, following the noise from the Great Hall. Ignoring the automatic stares, Harry and I walked between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, glancing around but never meeting anyone's gazes.
When we passed by the unmistakable form of Ron laughing with Seamus and Dean, Harry's arm around my shoulders tightened. I grinned up at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Really twin? Is killing me in front of this large audience such a good idea?" I teased and Harry rolled his eyes, relaxing his grip.
"Sorry, twin." Harry muttered and I shrugged, flicking my gaze subtly down the Gryffindor table.
"No proble-m." My breathing hitched when I saw Fred and George grinning, copper heads ducked together and mischief written across their faces. I tore my gaze away from them before I did something stupid…like race to them and wrap them in hugs, swearing I'll never let them go. I snort bitterly, imaging how that little scene would go down with the twins.
They would probably play along until they realized I actually meant it, where upon they would wouldn't find the situation so funny.
Harry and I climbed the steps leading up to where the rest of the group of tiny first years was huddled together, watching us with wide eyes.
We took our place at the end of the line, heads ducked together as we strove to ignore everyone in the great hall. The line slowly grew shorter until it was just Sophie and a few other kids. She turned, anxiety clear in her emerald green eyes.
I forced myself to look away, despite the automatic urge to shoot her a playful grin and head toss. I could see her wiggling through the other kids to reach us, stopping right before us.
I looked down at her, hooking my arm in Harry's as I opened my mouth to tell her to scram.
"I yelled at Mum and Dad." Sophie blurted out, her hands clenched her sides. I snapped my jaw shut, a wide grin spreading across my face.
"Alisia! Don't encourage her!" Harry scolded and I shook my head, turning away.
"Sorry!" I choked out, muffling my laughter as I pretended to cough. Sophie gave a little toss of her blonde head, narrowing her emerald eyes.
"Laugh all you want but I don't think it is fair of you guys to be so mean to us." Sophie said seriously and I burst into laughter, leaning into Harry's side and shaking my head.
"Merlin, little butterfly-" I teased and Sophie perked up, a sunny smile spreading across her face at the return of my fond nickname for her. "-you sure know how to sway a girl over to your side, don't you?" I asked playfully and she nodded hesitantly, ducking her head down and peering up at me from under her lashes.
"Um, hmm." She said softly. "Does this mean you aren't mad at us anymore?" Sophie asked softly and I sighed, raking my fingers through my bangs and pulling them off to the side.
"I wasn't mad at you, we were keeping our distance because of-"
"Mum and dad, I know. Now stop being mad at us for what they did." Sophie said stubbornly, crossing her arms and stamping her foot.
I glanced at Harry questioningly and he shrugged, holding up his hands.
"Hey, cutting ourselves off from them was your idea." Harry protested and I rolled my eyes, turning back to Sophie.
"What did you do to your hair?" I asked, twirling her around and undoing the bun, combing my fingers through her hair.
"It was Mum." Sophie said and I shook my head.
"She did a terrible job." I muttered and Harry shot me a warning look.
"I know." Sophie answered promptly and I grinned, snickering under my breath as I pulled some hair lotion out of my robe pocket, sprinkling some on her hair and gently smoothing it in before running a brush through her golden locks until they gleamed. My fingers danced through her golden hair as I wove it into a French braid before tying a light green bow at the end and putting it over her shoulder.
Sophie picked up the braid, looking at the bow.
"Lisia…" Sophie began hesitantly.
"Potter, Sophie!" Professor McGonagall called and Sophie whirled on me, her eyes wide and fearful.
"Don't hate me if I don't go to Slytherin!" Sophie exclaimed and I furrowed my brow.
"What?" I asked, confused. Sophie opened her mouth and paused.
"Potter, Sophie!" McGonagall called, a note of steel entering her voice. I gently tugged on the end of Sophie's braid and pushed gently between her shoulder blades.
"Go on." I said softly and Sophie bit her lip, flinging her arms around my waist, barely giving me time to pat her back before she pulled away and hurried to the stool, trembling the slightest bit as the Hat was lowered to her head.
"What was that?" Harry asked as I leaned against his side. I shrugged, crossing my arms as I watched Sophie. She clenched the stool underneath her, her eyes clamped shut and a desperate look on her face.
"I don't know." I muttered and Harry slung an arm over my shoulders, flicking my ear as he did so. I sighed, leaning further into his side as I watched Sophie. Her mouth was moving and then she bit down on her lip, her eyes opening her and flashing over to me, an apologetic and scared look on her face as the Hat spoke.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hat shouted and Sophie's lower lip quivered as she slid off the stool, handing the Hat over to Professor McGonagall and hurrying off to the yellow and black table, her head hung low.
"I think she was afraid of disappointing you." Harry said lowly and I bit my lower lip, sighing explosively. Two more kids went as I struggled with myself, green eyes distant as I forced myself to decide what I was going to do.
Then it was my turn.
I knew what I had to do.
"Dux-Potter, Alisia." I paused, turning to Harry and opening my mouth before snapping it shut and shaking my head, looking away.
"Lisi-" Harry began but I briskly walked over to the stool, snatching the Hat and twirling it once before setting it elegantly on my head, crossing one knee over the other.
"Well now-"
"I want Hufflepuff."
~Third Person POV~
The Great Hall was rarely silent so the night of the Sorting was not going to be an exception. The students from all four Houses were whispering to each other.
The main topic of interest?
If the Weasley twins were going to set off a prank tonight.
…then two new, unknown students walked through the giant double doors in the middle of the Sorting and a whole new topic was introduced.
Who were they? Why did they look like Potters? Were they transfer students? What the bloody hell was going on?
Harry and Alisia walked between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, his arm flung over her shoulders as they talked to each other, seeming to not notice all of the stares. They were striking when they were together, with their dark hair and gleaming emerald eyes.
There wasn't a single pair of eyes not locked on the duo as they walked between the tables as though it were a familiar path, one taken many times before.
Harry and Alisia moved up the stairs and stood at the end of the line, ignoring everything around them…until little Sophie Potter trotted up to them and a caused a whole new wave of whispering to break out. Sophie may have been blonde but she was unmistakably related to the two newcomers, that much could be seen in the identical green eyes.
Sophie said something heated, causing Alisia to break into laughter, leaning onto her exasperated twin, her emerald eyes gleaming with amusement.
No one knew what was happening and a very jealous Jareth and Rae were fending off questions from their Housemates. Neither of them knew why Harry and Alisia were bothering to talk to the youngest Potter child when they had so very coldly brushed them off earlier in the day.
The three Potters were watched closely as the kids were Sorted and then Sophie went. There was a lot of confusion when the little blonde looked like she was seconds away from a breakdown. Most supposed she would go into Gryffindor with the occasional Ravenclaw or Slytherin thrown in. She went into Hufflepuff, looking so miserable that the Hufflepuffs couldn't help but feel a bit indignant.
Really!
Their House wasn't that bad. The little blonde looked like she was seconds away from melting into tears. Then Alisia was called up and she moved with determination, giving a showy twirl of the Hat before elegantly settling the hat upon her dark curls, the pale purple streaks and gold and silver tips gleaming against her dark hair.
That little twirl and elegant settle was like the perfect mix of Gryffindor and Slytherin so when the Hat shouted out Hufflepuff a few moments later, silence fell in the Great Hall.
"Alisia, what the hell are you doing?" Harry snapped, striding quickly forward. Alisia turned to Harry, an artfully crafted clueless look on her face. Over at the Slytherin table, Draco couldn't help the admiring smirk before shaking his head the slightest bit and replacing his Slytherin mask.
"Being Sorted." She answered, a distinctly teasing air to her as she adjusted his tie and patted his shoulder. "Good luck." She called over her shoulder, sauntering down the stairs and over to the House of Badgers, a confident air to her as she ran a hand down her yellow and black tie, scanning the table until she found Sophie. "Buck up, butterfly." Alisia said brightly, sliding in beside the youngest Potter. "So you didn't get what you wanted-" Alisia began as Sophie stared at her. "-we can't all get what we want-" She said, tossing her high pony tail in a very pointed remark. Sophie flung herself forward, wrapping her arms around Alisia and burying her face in her shoulder.
Alisia seemed startled for a moment before she carefully wrapped her arms around the younger girl and held her.
"Thank you." Sophie whispered quietly and Alisia grinned sharply, a smug look glittering in her eyes.
"Anytime, butterfly." She said as the Hat shouted out Gryffindor. Alisia stood up and put her fingers to her mouth, letting out a piercing whistle for her brother. A light pink blush tinged Harry's cheeks charmingly and he ducked his head, casually flipping her off. Laughing, Alisia blew a cheeky kiss and sat back down as Dumbledore stood up.
"Welcome, my students, to a new year at Hogwarts!" He paused for the polite cheering. "As I am sure you have noticed, we have two new students with us this year. They were previously homeschooled and have decided to take their Seventh Year here with us." Dumbledore proclaimed, irritating Alisia. Really, do the other students need to know so much? "That being said, do not venture into the Forbidden Forest and please- do not give Peeves any more portable swamps." Dumbledore stressed. The Weasley twins grinned, accepting the cheering with gleeful bows.
Alisia's face went blank as she looked at them, locking her emotions towards them away deep in her chest and looking away. She didn't notice Fred shoot a curious look her way, prompting a curious look at him from George.
"Now, I do believe it is time to eat!" Dumbledore said and the Houses cheered as he sat back down, prompting the food to appear on the golden plates. Within moments, Jareth, Rae and Harry had gotten up and slid into the seats around Alisia. Harry was right across from her with Rae beside him and Jareth on the other side of her.
The other students stared, wondering at that. There weren't many students that would so easily cross the invisible House boundaries like that.
"So why'd you ignore us but not Sophie?" Rae shot off, narrowing her cinnamon brown eyes accusingly at Alisia.
"She yelled at Aunt Lily and Uncle James." Alisia said easily and Rae's mouth fell open.
"That's all it would have taken?!" She exclaimed and Alisia laughed, grinning at her younger other-sibling.
"Of course, little lion. Now eat up, you need your strength for tomorrow." Alisia said mock-sternly and Rae rolled her eyes playfully but picked up her fork obediently.
"Don't do it again?" Jareth said quietly and the four of them paused, looking to see what Alisia would say. She glanced up, looking at Harry for help. He shook his head, smirking and she sighed loudly.
"Fine." She teased and they laughed, eating eagerly as Jareth began chattering about his plans for trying out on the quidditch team…again. He wasn't much of a player but he wanted to impress his father with something that he could understand. Successfully managing to tame an Angel's Weave (a highly toxic plant that is not unlike Devil's Snare in looks but far more deadly with venomous thorns and toxic fumes that shot out like a skunk) well, it wasn't as impressive to James Potter as a properly executed Wronski Feint was.
Except- Jareth didn't know anything about Quidditch and pronounced it Wronki Font, prompting Harry and Alisia to go off on a tangent that steadily grew louder in their genuine excitement for the popular wizarding sport.
"Alright! Enough!" Rae exclaimed, shushing the other three. Smiling sheepishly, Harry and Alisia shut up while Sophie giggled into her mashed potatoes.
"Uh…guys?" Jareth said, glancing away. "I see Mum and Dad coming this way." Jareth whispered and Alisia paused in the act of cleaning some mashed potatoes off of Sophie's nose, tensing up and closing off.
"You guys have fun-" Alisia said, swinging her legs off the bench and standing up, smoothing another hand down her tie. "-while I go to sit with Draco for a little while." Alisia finished, smiling at the group before sweeping past James and Lily, not even deigning to look at them as she swept past.
"Alisia-" James began but she didn't pause for him, the clear snub causing him to wince but turn back to the Hufflepuff table. As Alisia stepped past the Gryffindor table, her eyes were drawn to the middle of the table where explosive laughter was coming from.
The familiar sight of George- not her George- laughing made her wish she could say fuck it and join him and Fred. It had been so long since the three of them have been together and her heart throbs for a moment before she buries that emotion once again.
Once he was certain she was heading his way, Draco paused in his conversation, elegantly ascending to his feet and waiting for Alisia to reach him.
"Draco, darling." Alisia smiled, small dimples appearing in her cheeks and startling him for a moment as she reached forward to brush a friendly kiss on his cheek. Draco blinked, a light pink blush dusting across his cheeks as he bowed his head the slightest bit and gestured for the seat across from him. Theodore shifted over and Alisia ran an amusing eye over the familiar sight of Crabbe and Goyle flanking Draco like hulking bodyguards.
"I didn't know you wore glasses." Draco said, ignoring the poisonous glare Pansy is attempting to subtly give.
"I prefer not to wear them outside of my schooling." Alisia said, elegantly shrugging her shoulder and pouring a drink for herself. For the briefest of moments before she drank the pumpkin juice, Alisia wished it could be something stronger….like fire whisky or even muggle bourbon.
She swallowed the juice, her clear emerald eyes giving away none of that desire as she lowered the goblet and set it gently on the table.
"What classes are you going to be taking here?" Draco asked and Alisia grinned, catching him off guard with the unreserved gesture.
"I haven't chosen yet. I plan on waiting until tomorrow when Professor Sna-Pomona hands out the time tables. That way I can see all the classes and choose then." She pronounced, a wicked gleam in her emerald eyes and Draco raised a white-blonde eyebrow.
"Why wait so long?" He asked and she ducked her head the slightest bit, glancing the slightest bit from under her lashes in a way that was almost too innocent.
"Well, I was never spoken to about all of the classes available to me so…" She smirked, straightening and raking her fingers through her curly long bangs. "I figured I would wait until an available time to talk to my new Head of House about the classes." Alisia declared, laughing slightly at the look on Draco's face.
"What classes do you have some idea of what you want to join?" Draco asked curiously and Alisia sighed, leveling him with a wry look.
"Don't you have more interesting supper conversation?" Alisia asked boldly, causing Theodore and Blaise to stiffen on either side of her. Neither of them was used to the relaxed air in which she greeted their friend, leader and ally or the way she danced so easily with her words. That was usually a trait not found in any of the other Houses.
"I do, but I would much rather learn about this topic." Draco said and held Alisia's gaze. He was trying to assert himself in front of his allies and Housemates while at the same time, not having to alienate her. Alisia closed her mouth, scanning him over with narrowed eyes before pausing and nodding, a gleam of approval matching the hum of approval.
"I will tell you three classes I will, without a doubt, be taking and in exchange, you change the topic to something more interesting. Agreed?" Alisia asked smoothly and Draco paused, narrowing silver eyes the slightest bit as he scanned her words for a trap before nodding.
"Agreed." He answered and Alisia smiled in a satisfied way, straightening in her seat and leaning forward.
"Potions, Ancient Runes and DADA." She revealed before sitting back. Draco stared at her for a moment.
"You do know that you don't have to take Potions after you reach your Sixth Year, right?" Draco asked, the faintest note of bewilderment in his voice. While he himself loves Potions, there aren't many others that would put themselves through his godfather's classes if they didn't need to.
"I am well aware of that fact." Alisia sounded smug. "Now, what other topic shall you regale me with?" Alisia sounded far too delighted at his confusion so Draco sat back, making his features blank again.
"Do you play chess?" Draco asked and Alisia paused for a moment in her reaching for a slice of ham. Picking it up, she delicately nibbled on the edge before rolling her eyes brightly.
"I'm more of a quidditch player." She deflected. "What about you?" She asked, arching her eyebrows teasingly.
"I play quidditch and I am the lead Chaser." Draco said, surprising her. She always suspected that Draco only chose the Seeker position in her world because he wanted to compete with her twin and now here is the proof.
"I am lead Chaser as well when I normally play. Unless Harry and I are playing together, then we either choose to be Beaters or compete in the Seeker position." Alisia said, a fond smile slipping onto her face when she mentioned her twin.
"You play quidditch?" Draco asked, sounding surprised. Alisia's smile vanished and she narrowed her eyes at him, a twisted version of a smirk slipping onto her face.
"You have a problem with that?" She purred, looking at him intently, daring him to say something. Her magic curled around her, sparking easily at her fingertips. Draco's eyes widened the slightest bit and he tucked his magic in tighter while Theodore and Blaise struggle to force themselves to not cringe away from her.
After all, Slytherins do not cringe.
"Not at all." Draco said, whetting his lips. "I just wouldn't have pegged you as a quidditch player." Draco said carefully, his silver eyes wary.
"You play quidditch?" Regulus asked, leaning around Daphne Greengrass, his intense, stormy silver-grey eyes interested. Alisia's hard stare softened and her smirk turned into something more natural as she relaxed and nodded her head, hearing no confrontation in the genuine question.
"Chaser." She answered and he grinned.
"I'm a Seeker." Regulus said, his deep, husky voice like sinful dark chocolate in her ears. Alisia had to fight the urge to shiver and cocked her head to the side, slowly trailing her gaze down his muscled body.
"You don't have the build for a Seeker." Alisia remarked, flicking her eyes back up to his. Regulus cocked his head to the side, his dark hair curling slightly on the ends in a ridiculously endearing way.
"You'd be surprised." He replied and Alisia nodded, feeling someone staring at her. She shivered the slightest bit, like she was flicking her shoulders but the feeling didn't go away. Alisia turned, discreetly scanning the great hall under the pretense of searching out Harry and her other-siblings.
There were people looking her way but it was different, curious looks, not like that one, strong look. Flicking her fingers at Harry, Alisia turned back around, sweeping the room one last time.
…it was Phoenix.
His were blank but burned with intensity when she swept her gaze past his. Phoenix was ignoring his friends around him, watching Alisia interact with the two Slytherins with a faint scowl on his face. Then when Alisia turned to look but looked right past him, Phoenix's brawny shoulders rippled as he tensed. His friends noticed but none of them knew about the kiss the day before so were confused by his ire.
Phoenix is usually an easy going guy with charm in spades and always a ready joke. He was so charismatic that he always made friends and they were always loyal to him. He had friends in three of the four Houses but preferred to stay clear of Slytherins. Phoenix is independent, snarky, charming, strong and influential in the school.
He rarely has an occasion where a situation doesn't go his way so he always has that careless, charming grin on his handsome face.
With the one exception of tonight apparently.
Alisia faced forwards again, shrugging off Phoenix's look.
"I have to go now, try not to die without my amazing presence." Alisia teased, rising to her feet and swinging over the wooden bench. Draco scoffed and Alisia grinned, sauntering away. She was tense under her calm and confident exterior as she moved towards the Hufflepuff table.
She had to force herself to smile and not sneer when a few of the Hufflepuffs smiled and waved cheerfully at her. It is going to be hard being back at this school, she can already tell.
Swinging around the table, Alisia walked down, searching for her siblings. When she spotted them laughing, the Weasley twins tucked neatly in the group, Alisia paused, narrowing her eyes and cocking her head to the side. Harry glanced up, an apologetic look on his face as he shrugged.
In a burst of pettiness, Alisia turned and stalked over to the Gryffindor table, searching out Ron and Hermione. The brilliant Gryffindor bookworm was seated a little apart from the rest of the Sixth years, hunched over a book.
Wow.
Wasn't that an odd sight? Harry, Ron and Hermione may have never acknowledged or noticed it but they were rather popular in Gryffindor, often surrounded by other Gryffindors that discreetly tried to catch their attention to no avail. So to see Hermione, clearly an outcast and Ron, clearly not; it startled Alisia.
Harry shot her a warning glance but Alisia didn't hesitate to slide into the seat across from Hermione, waiting for the other girl to look up. It took a few moments but when she did, Hermione's soft brown eyes widened and her cheeks tinged pink.
"Hello." Alisia smiled charmingly, startling Hermione. She glanced around uncertainly, wondering why the new Hufflepuff would bother to reach out to someone in a different House so soon.
"Hi." Hermione answered, her voice quiet but strong. Alisia tilted her head to the side, a knowing look in them that unsettled Hermione. "Why are you sitting with me?" She blurted out, blushing but refusing to take her bold words back.
"Why shouldn't I?" Alisia asked, resting her arm on the table and resting her chin in her cupped palm. She gazed unwaveringly at the brunette, an intensely familiar look in her eyes. It was almost like Alisia knew a big secret about Hermione and she was inwardly seeing if Hermione measured up to it. Hermione shifted in her seat, glancing to the side and her eyes widening as Harry slid smoothly into the seat beside her.
"Hello." Harry smiled charmingly, the warmth in it making Hermione relax the slightest bit. "I'm Harry Potter and this is my sister." Harry said, shooting a narrow glance at Alisia. She blinked innocently at her, tanned face clear of any mischief or manipulation.
Hermione felt unsettled by the other girl for a moment, not knowing why. Alisia seemed like a perfectly nice person but there was just something that Hermione sensed lurking under that beautifully blank mask. The hair on the back of her neck rose and she shifted to the side instinctively, not realizing what she had done until her side touched Harry's.
She squeaked and jumped, distancing herself.
Alisia smiled slowly, that knowing edge back with the barest edge of danger and warning. Hermione's eyes widened and she clutched the edges of her book, staring as Alisia fluidly rose to her feet, the movement screaming elegance and danger.
"I'll leave you two to…get to know each other." Alisia purred before locking her gaze on Harry's. "Try not to get too wild." Alisia said and while the words themselves were perfectly innocent, Hermione got the feeling there was double meaning in the words.
'Try not to forget she isn't the same Hermione.'
Her suspicions were confirmed when Harry's lips thinned but he nodded curtly, warm green eyes suddenly the tiniest bit harder. Satisfied, Alisia nodded back, sliding her gaze over to Hermione's, a guarded edge in them before she turned and walked away, heading over to the Hufflepuff table and sliding in with her other-siblings, minus the Weasley Twins of course.
Hermione stared after her, her heart pounding in her chest with a mix of adrenaline, fear, shock and the tiniest bit of admiration for the way the other girl managed to get her point across without using any expressly threatening words.
"What's your name?" Harry asked and Hermione jumped in her seat, turning to face him shyly.
"I'm Hermione. Hermione Granger." She introduced herself and Harry grinned, holding out his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Hermione. I'm Harry." He said confidently, closing his hand around hers gently and shaking it. "I get the feeling we are going to be good friends." Harry said, grinning broadly. "What book are you reading?" He asked and Hermione launched into a description, a little awed and startled when he accepted her rapid-fire words with fond amusement and none of the disdain and annoyance she was normally given.
From the Hufflepuff table, Alisia struggled to ignore Fred and George, hiding away a little bitter part of her that wondered why Harry got to have his friends but she had to distance herself from the twins. She knew it was her choice but that didn't make it any easier to swallow.
By the time dinner was done, Alisia was withdrawn, choosing to take a leaf from Hermione's example and pulling out the book she found in Flourish and Blotts. The pages drew her in, scrawled notes on every page. They were from different people, she could tell from the way the style of writing tended to change.
Twirling her wand absently in one hand, Alisia drank in the spells, wanting to try a few out but knowing better than to start firing spells in the middle of the Great Hall.
Sophie yawned, leaning into Alisia's side sleepily. Startled, Alisia's hand tightened on her wand before she tucked it back in her holster, slipping the book back in her robes and pulling Sophie onto her lap, cuddling the little blonde close to her chest and gently running a hand up and down her back.
It wasn't long before Sophie went limp, melting into Alisia's form as she fell asleep.
"Alright everyone, follow your Prefects to the dorms and have a good night's sleep!" Dumbledore called as the food disappeared from the golden plates. There was a swelling of noise as everyone got up, streaming out of the great hall and splitting off into different directions.
The Ravenclaw and Gryffindors headed towards the stairs, going up while the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs split off in two different tunnels.
Alisia tucked Sophie closer and waved to Jareth and Rae, reaching through the bond to 'nudge' Harry. When she received a nudge back, Alisia continued behind the other Hufflepuffs through the tunnels and up a bit. They reached a large portrait of three barrels.
"We unlock the barrels with a pattern; listen up because you don't want to get locked out of our common room!" The boy called. "This week's pattern is one-two-three-three-two-one. Everyone got it?" He called before tapping the barrels in the proper order with his wand and stepping back. The portrait swung open, letting everyone through.
Alisia hung back, not wanting anyone to bump into Sophie and wake her up.
Going in last, Alisia looked around curiously.
The common room was large, the walls painted black with chalkboard paint. There were colorful chalk drawings all around the room, some were names and others were just symbols. There were cheerful yellow couches with black and gold pillows angled around the room in a random order. In the center of the room was a large, round table with the Hufflepuff crest glittering gold and black, levitating in the air above it. Comfortable looking chairs surrounded the table.
There were pillows and blankets strewn around the room, creating little nests that the Hufflepuffs could settle down in. There were four fireplaces, set in North, South, East, West pattern because there weren't actually any corners. The room was large and round with gauzy golden curtains closed in front of the charmed windows.
Around the lower half of the room, going all the way around were bookcases filled with books. On top of the bookcases were pictures of Hufflepuff students, awards, Chocolate Frog cards, chess sets and even an old fashioned music record player with a stack of records nearby.
The whole setup was warm, welcoming and cozy. It was like one giant family play/work room. In the North wall, straight across from the portrait hole, there were two doors. One yellow door had BOYS written in black across from it and the other black door had GIRLS written in gold across it.
As she watched, Alisia saw some kids walk across the common room and enter the girls' side. Alisia followed them and opened the door, seeing a long hallway stretch out with the years above the gold and black doors.
The First Years door was right at the front, followed down Second, Third and so on. Opening the door for First years, Alisia paused when the three little girls stopped and looked at her. One of the girls had a mop of curly blonde hair and bright, cheerful brown eyes. The other two girls were Arka Patil and Natalie Goldson, Sophie's two female friends.
"Hello." Alisia said softly, stepping further into the room and nudging the door shut behind her.
"Hi Alisia." Arka whispered, smiling at her. Natalie hung back a little, half hiding behind Arka's shoulder while the unknown little girl watched them from her spot on her bed.
"Hello Arka, Natalie." Alisia whispered. "Which bed hasn't been taken yet?" Alisia asked and Natalie shyly pointed at the bed beside the unknown girls. "Thank you, ladies." Alisia said, smiling at them, walking across the room and flicking her fingers, the black and gold brocade comforter folding back. Alisia gently laid Sophie down and moved to the end of the bed, opening the trunk and pulling out a soft light blue nightgown.
Moving carefully and slowly, Alisia undressed a limp Sophie before pulling the nightgown over her head and laying her gently down on the black pillows. Humming gently, Alisia pulled her comforter up and tucked her in, stroking her hair and turning to leave.
"Wait…" Sophie mumbled and Alisia turned back, carefully unwinding Nyx from her throat and quietly hissing at her to grow larger, making sure the three little girls couldn't hear. They gasped a little when Nyx grew and Alisia laid her down beside Sophie but once the little blonde wrapped her arms around the now-giant snake and settled down, they relaxed.
"Good night, ladies." Alisia whispered, moving for the door.
"Wait!" Natalie blurted out. Arka whirled around, shushing the other girl with a pointed look at where Sophie was slumbering. "Sorry." Natalie mumbled and turned away, her cheeks flushing pink.
"What is it?" Alisia asked softly and Natalie turned back around.
"C-could you please tuck me in?" Natalie asked shyly, twisting her fingers around. "I-it's just- I've never been away from home all night before." She mumbled, glancing up from under her long brown lashes, light grey eyes solemn and huge in her ivory skin. Alisia hesitated and the other two girls exchanged glances.
"Us too?" The unknown girl asked and Alisia straightened, nodding and moving towards Natalie's bed.
"Sure." Alisia said softly as Natalie hopped into her bed with a smile. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Alisia gently began tucking the sheets around Natalie.
"Can you please sing something?" Natalie asked eagerly. "Please?" She begged and Alisia nodded.
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Alisia sang softly, the gentle words and soft tune making Natalie's eyes slowly start drifting shut. Arka yawned and caught herself, shaking her head to wake herself up. Gently smoothing back Natalie's hair, Alisia flicked her wand, transfiguring a quill from her pocket into a little badger. She tucked it in beside Natalie so the little girl could have something to cuddle with.
'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
Moving over to Arka's bed, Alisia continued to sing, pulling back the brocade comforter so Arka could climb under, cuddling her small teddy bear to her chest as she listened to the song. Arka was watching Alisia with a wistful look in her beautiful honey-amber eyes that were slowly drifting closed.
All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Arka's eyes fluttered shut and she curled on her side as Alisia tucked her comforter around her, softly patting her head and moving across the room.
'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
The other little girl smiled up at Alisia from under her comforter and Alisia winked at her, raising her fingers and wiggling them, the lights slowly dimming until they were almost all the way off. Then slowly, little sparkles of light began appearing in shimmering colors of gold, silver, green and purple, forming into shapes of animals that danced around.
Something about you now I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
It didn't take long for the little light show to end and when it did, Alisia looked down to see the little girl completely asleep. All of them looked so sweet and innocent as they were sleeping, not giving a clue of the bouncing balls of energy they could really be.
And me and all of the people with nothing to do and nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
Alisia slowly got up and walked to the door, singing the last part of the song as she reached it and opened it, pausing and glancing around the room once before shutting the door and walking down the hall, still singing the last few lines of the song.
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive