Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
The Hogwarts Express was at it once more, chugging away northward, pulling its precious cargo of magical children to their education. Many of the carriages were full of reunions, greetings, and the like, but the topic of conversation for all was the same: The recent escape of one Sirius Black from Azkaban, the only wizard to ever achieve it.
It was big news, even months after the fact, and all were curious about why he had done it and where the dark wizard would go. Almost all universally agreed that the deranged wizard would hunt down Harry Potter at some point, to enact revenge for his master's demise. At least, that was the popular theory running up and down the train.
But near the end of the train, next to the baggage cart, was one compartment whose inhabitants were not talking about the recent escapee, or how it would affect the coming school year. Only one occupant was sitting within, staring out at the passing countryside, glum, for his summer had not gone how he had hoped.
Alexander Dantes, third-year Ravenclaw and muggle-born, was reflecting on the unpleasant summer he just had. His younger brother David turned eleven just after the holidays began, and the young boy was filled to the brim with excitement. The reason was simple: He believed that he would be receiving a Hogwarts Letter like his older brother Alexander did.
David's birthday came and went, and the little boy reasoned that Hogwarts would send his letter with Alexander's so as to save the owl a trip. He somehow maintained an excited energy throughout the holidays until the third week of August when Alexander's letter arrived, bearing his new book list and a permission slip for his parents to sign.
David eagerly snatched the letters from his hands and read through it, looking for his name and a welcoming message. He found nothing. David flipped the parchment over, reasoning that perhaps they wrote it on the back but found not a single blot of ink. He didn't understand.
Alexander's father Adrian stayed behind that year with David and Jack, while his mother, Cynthia, took him to Diagon Alley for his supplies. When they returned, David gave him such a look of anger and betrayal that it felt like a physical slap to the face. That his younger brother refused to speak to him for the rest of the summer holidays, hurt even more.
How could he explain the truth to his younger brother, Alexander wondered. That the magical world was a beautiful place of impossibilities but filled with so much hatred and scorn for impure blood, their blood. That he would be hated for something he could not control, that he would be treated like dirt by fools?
Alexander didn't know. He also hoped, although he felt an immense amount of guilt for it, that Jack would not receive an invitation to Hogwarts in two years. It would be the height of cruelty to both of his brothers, in two different ways, and he feared it would tear the family apart.
He shivered. Despite the earliness of the day, the sun had somehow vanished, taking with it its warmth. His breath came out in little puffs of fog, and as Alexander looked out the window, he was surprised to see ice forming on the glass. The Hogwarts Express suddenly screeched to a halt, throwing him back in his seat, and the lights cut off.
A darkness seemed to drift outside the window, and as it neared Alexander grew colder. It passed, but the warmth did not return, instead only intensifying. With mounting horror, he realized that whatever was causing this was boarding the train.
Dark shapes seemed to float past the window, and with each one a fresh wave of chill swept over him. Alexander cupped his hands before him and used his wandless magic to create bluebell flames. They flickered feebly in the cold, but their warmth helped Alexander recover a little. His spellcasting seemed to excite one of the dark shapes as it halted before the door, reaching out with one ghastly shaped hand to open it.
A blinding light appeared in the corridor, chasing the dark shape away. The light brought a comforting warmth that chased away the perversive chill, allowing Alexander's handheld flames to warm him up rapidly. He dispelled them a moment later as the overhead lights turned back on and the train began to move.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
It was during the Welcoming Feast that Headmaster Dumbledore told the students what the foul creatures were. Dementors, put in place to guard Hogwarts against Sirius Black. They did not care friend from foe and would attack anyone who exited Hogwarts or Hogsmeade after hours. Alexander was not alone with the phantom shivers at that announcement, and he suddenly felt less eager to visit Hogsmeade this year.
The feast was subdued this year, although not without cause. Still, Alexander ate his fill before leaving, having no desire to stay behind with his housemates, or even to stay with them in Ravenclaw Tower. Outside of meals and classes, he would not associate with them at all, after the events of the last two years.
Which was why Alexander made his way to his secret rooms. He had long since cleared the failed necromantic creations from it, turning it into an excellent study area. There was a pile of cushions he used as bedding, and while lumpy, it was enough to let him sleep. And most importantly of all were the weak wards and spells he cast upon it to hide and protect him from curious eyes.
This last fact was important because when Alexander stepped into his private space, he was surprised to find a small creature using magic to dust. It wore a clean pillowcase and looked quite similar to a goblin, but seemed less threatening overall. It must have been the lack of sharp teeth and cruel eyes.
"Oh! Sir has returned before Mopsy could finish the cleaning! Forgive Mopsy, young sir!" the little creature exclaimed. The name for the creature trickled into Alexander's mind.
"You're a House Elf, right? Mopsy, was it?" Alexander asked. While his heart was racing from surprise, he reasoned he wasn't in danger. Yet.
Mopsy nodded her head like a bobble-head. "Yes, sir! Mopsy be a Hogwarts House Elf. I's be making these rooms clean for sir since sir claimed them!"
Alexander nodded in understanding. "And you haven't told anyone I'm here? You don't have to report to anyone?"
"No, sir! House Elves be keeping silent since we like troublemakers. They always make mischief we can all enjoy!" the House Elf explained.
Alexander digested that. "So you go around cleaning up after wizards? Why were so many rooms filled with old experiments, notes, and things?"
Mopsy shrugged. "Sometimes wizards be asking House Elves to leave things be. We don't mind."
"Right. Well, thank you for cleaning my space for me. I appreciate it," Alexander said. Mopsy bowed low.
"Oh, young sir is too kind. You be calling Mopsy if you need anything!" the strange creature said. It bowed low again before disappearing with a pop.
Alexander looked at the spot in amusement for a moment. "What a strange little creature."
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
AN: Start of Year Three! David and Jack are Alexander's younger brothers in case you've forgotten, they're two years apart.
I have no good way of naming Alexander's rooms. Secret rooms, hidden space, etc. It's just meant to remind you that he isn't sleeping or studying in Ravenclaw Tower with the rest of his year mates.
I hope you've enjoyed Alexander's journey thus far and continue to do so. Thanks for all the support!