Igor R: Hello, and thank you for your review. I'm grateful to hear about the pacing. Don't worry, the paring with Hermione won't be immediate. I like build-ups to relationships and this will be a slow-burn. Alexander is only twelve and is just discovering his attraction to girls.

As they entered November, the weather turned chilly. Every morning, the ground donned their jackets of ice sequins. There was a biting chill in the air that brought a crispness to the leaves, bejewelled with frost, that crunched underfoot. Winter was Alexander's favourite season; wearing jumpers, drinking hot chocolate, and feeling soft snow. Hagrid could be seen from the upstairs windows defrosting broomsticks on the Quidditch field, bundled up in a long moleskin overcoat, rabbit fur gloves, and enormous beaver-skin boots. It made him appear even more like a giant.

When the 19th of November rolled around, Alexander turned twelve years old. It was his first birthday without Grandfather and Eliot, but Alexander didn't allow himself to feel too disheartened. He had his friends with him after all. The rest of the boys in the dormitories sang him happy birthday when he woke up. It was the first time they were all awake before him. Alexander chuckled at Ron's off-tune voice which sounded like a warthog trying to sing.

'I don't think singing is a career to explore, Ron,' he smirked.

Ron narrowed his eyes at him while the rest laughed.

'Yeah, yeah, whatever - shut up, you lot,' scoffed Ron teasingly, then grinned while pointing to a pile near the end of Alexander's bed. 'Come on, mate, get up - you've got presents.'

Alexander felt a jolt of surprise. Feeling much more alert, he shoved the covers off and walked towards the pile.

'Go on, Alex,' encouraged Neville. 'Open them.'

'Yeah, before Ron does it for you,' Dean joked while Seamus snickered.

'Oi!'

Ron's present was a packet of chocolate frogs, Harry's was a collection of wizard sweets. He thanked the two and, to his amusement, Ron's cheeks turned red while Harry scratched the side of his neck and refused to look at him. Neville gave him a book on Herbology which was very useful.

'Thanks, mate,' he grinned. 'This will help me a lot.'

Neville smiled bashfully.

Dean got him a notebook and Seamus, an ink set.

'Thanks, guys, I'm grateful for all of this.'

Fred sent him a single sock and George sent him the other pair. Alexander laughed at the twins' ingenuity. Ron groaned at his brothers' joke and muttered something under his breath.

'At least they didn't give you a present that makes your voice sound like a canary,' said Ron.

Alexander smirked. 'Let me guess, they did that to you?'

Ron scowled and the tips of his ears turned scarlet. 'Yeah, on my tenth birthday. Mind you, mum was furious with them.'

The dormitory rang with playful laughter. Alexander felt his heart swell as he stared at his friends. He couldn't have asked for a better birthday. Most of the other presents were books and sweets from his classmates. He even received a woolly hat and scarf from Nia and Helen. He internally promised to write handwritten thank-you notes to everyone later.

As he entered the common room, Hermione was waiting. She shifted nervously on her feet. She gave him an odd-shaped package that turned out to be perfume. He took the lid off and sprayed the nozzle on the inside of his wrist. The scent was heady and addicting.

He smirked at her. 'Are you trying to say that I smell bad?'

'What? No! I –' She stared at him as he snorted. 'Oh, yes, very funny,' she grumbled half-heartedly.

He smiled gratefully at her. 'But, honestly, thank you. I really appreciate you getting this for me.'

Hermione's cheeks became pinkish. 'It was no trouble. Happy birthday, Alexander.'

'Really, Hermione?' said Ron incredulously as he saw the bottle, 'Perfume?'

'What?' she said in a defensive tone. 'There's nothing wrong with smelling good.'

'Er, but, uh, it's a bit…girly.' He uttered the last word embarrassingly.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. 'There's nothing wrong with smelling good, Ron. Unless you're telling us that you don't smell good?'

Ron flushed. 'No!'

Hermione rolled her eyes. 'You have been very clear. Next time I'll get you a book.'

Alexander swiftly shook his head. 'No thank you. I already have enough of those.' His eyes landed on Ron and with a mirthful tone, he joked, 'you could get some for Ron, though. He needs it more than anyone.'

'Huh? Hey!' Ron yelled.

When the mail arrived in the Great Hall, Apollo brought two letters and two packages. The first two, as expected, were from Eliot wishing him a happy birthday. His gift included a brand-new pack of playing cards and a fiction book.

Ron stared at the pack in bewilderment. He poked a finger at the cover. 'The cards don't move?'

Alexander laughed slightly. 'No, Ron. These are muggle cards. Pictures in the muggle world don't move.'

Ron frowned. 'Muggles are so weird.' He bit into his toast. 'I still can't believe you have to go to your lessons, Alex, on your birthday of all days.'

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ron. 'Of course, Alexander has to go, Ron. None of us can afford to miss any lessons, not with exams coming up in the spring.'

'Hermione, it's only November!'

'And it'll be here before you blink,' she snapped. 'Besides, Alexander values his education, don't you?' She gazed expectantly at him.

Alexander was amused at his friends' interaction. 'Sure.'

Hermione smiled in triumph at Ron who shrugged while finishing the last bits of his toast.

The second letter was from his Grandfather to his astonishment. He hadn't heard from Grandfather Laurent since September. He almost didn't expect Grandfather to send him anything. Ripping the letter open, he was disappointed to see it was a short one:

Dear Alexander,

Happy birthday. You're almost a man now, and so I thought it was only fitting that you wear a man's watch. Look after it well, it's a family heirloom but it has your name on it. Keep working hard and stay out of trouble.

Grandfather.

That was it. No how are you, no how you're doing. Grandfather hadn't asked how school was, who Alexander's friends were, or what he had learnt. Alexander didn't know how to feel about the letter. On the one hand, he was relieved to hear from his Grandfather after months of no communication but also disappointed that Grandfather's words were so brief.

Sighing, he opened the small package and inside was a velvet case. The wristwatch was gold and circular. He turned to the back and, true to Grandfather's word, the watch was engraved in cursive writing with his full name: Alexander Frederick Laurent. It felt cold against his skin as he placed it on his wrist.

'Woah.' Ron looked at it with slight envy. 'That looks wicked.'

Hermione peered curiously at it. 'That looks nice. It suits you.'

Alexander gave a half-smile. 'Thank you.'

Fred and George entered the Hall. Alexander caught their eye and they both winked – so quickly that it barely happened at all. He stared over at the Slytherin table over the rim of his goblet. Malfoy was bragging to those sat around him.

'Father is very generous, of course. He buys me whatever I want.'

Come on. Any second now.

'He promised to buy me a broom, so I'll expect next ye –'

The was a loud flash and white smoke puffed out from where Malfoy was sitting. A sudden silence overtook the Hall. The students swivelled round to see what had happened. Then a roar erupted, one so loud it was impossible to stop. Harry's face was one of shock and amusement. Ron had tears streaming down his face and banged the table with his fists repeatedly. Alexander smirked.

The cause for the laughter sat stunned in his seat as people laughed around him. Even Crabbe and Goyle found it hard to suppress their grins. Because where Draco's Malfoy's robes should have been a deep, emerald green, were now a startling shade of magenta. His platinum blond hair was dyed salmon-pink. Malfoy's face burned red as a tomato, a horrible clash with the pink. He swiftly rose from his seat and rushed out of the Hall, cheeks ablaze.

'That was bloody brilliant!' said Ron, wiping a tear from his eye.

'It was, wasn't it?' grinned Alexander.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. 'Don't tell me it was you. Professor Snape will carry out a witch hunt to find out who did it.'

She was right. Snape had stormed out of the Hall after Malfoy, face thunderous.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. 'Hermione, I was sat here with you the entire time. How could it have been me?'

∞ ϟ 9¾

Draco Malfoy's robes and hair remained pink for the next two weeks. No one – not even the teachers – had been able to figure out how to change it back to the Slytherin green, and so Malfoy was compelled to deal with the change much to his chagrin.

Alexander was worried about Harry, however. For Harry, the Quidditch season had begun, and on Saturday he would be playing in his first match after weeks of training: Gryffindor versus Slytherin. The tensions between the two houses were higher than usual. Harry looked pale and anxious as people approached him while Alexander, Harry, and Ron were walking between classes.

'Good luck, Harry,' a second-year boy called out. 'I know you'll be brilliant.' He grinned and the three friends lost sight of him as the boy disappeared around the corner.

'Well, at least they're supportive,' pointed out Alexander.

'I don't know what's worse,' groaned Harry in a morose tone. 'People telling me that I will be great or that they'd be holding a mattress underneath when I fly.'

'Definitely the first one,' remarked Alexander.

'How do you figure that out?' asked Ron.

'Basically, people won't expect much from you if they think you're going to be shit. That way you can shock them when you do something good.'

Ron nodded. 'Yeah, that's a good point. You see, Harry. Cheer up, it won't be too bad.'

Alexander doubted Harry felt any better.

It was fortunate that Hermione was their friend. She had become more lenient about breaking rules since the mountain troll episode. Alexander was a talented student but he was in no way great at explaining homework or concepts to other people. Hermione helped lessen the burden off Harry's shoulder better than he ever could; she was skilled at articulating. Especially now that Harry had longer and last-minute Quidditch practices that Wood, the Captain, was making him do. Hermione had lent Harry Quidditch Through the Ages so he could learn some helpful tips.

'So, anything interesting?' he asked Harry as they were sat in the common room. Alexander was completing his Astronomy homework with Hermione's help.

'There are quite a few interesting facts,' said Harry without raising his head from the book.

'Oh?'

'Yeah, like did you know, there are seven hundred ways of committing a Quidditch foul and that all of them occurred during a World Cup match in 1473.'

Hermione frowned while Alexander and Ron laughed.

'Also,' continued Harry with a grin, 'referees have been known to vanish and turn up months later in the Sahara Desert.'

'You know, I don't think this book is helping you learn anything about flying,' remarked Alexander wryly.

Ron scoffed. 'Well, 'course you're not going to learn Quidditch skills from a book.'

'Anything about Seekers?'

Harry's grin slowly faded. 'Um, well, I found out that Seekers are usually the smallest and fastest players, and that the most serious Quidditch accidents seem to happen to them.'

Hermione appeared worried. 'You'll be careful, won't you, Harry? Don't risk your life for a Quidditch match.'

'That's just Quidditch, Hermione.' Ron shook his head. 'Seekers have to be small and fast, Harry, because they're expected to chase after the ball.'

'Ron!' Hermione glared. 'Harry could get hurt – don't be so insensitive.'

'Alright, alright, keep your hair on,' grumbled Ron.

'I think it'll be fine, Hermione,' Alexander said as he labelled his star chart. 'A Quidditch match is hardly going to be the end of Harry. Seems a bit embarrassing if the darkest wizard of all time wasn't able to kill him but somehow a Quidditch match does.'

'I don't know how you're being so blasé about this,' sighed Hermione.

'I'm just saying, just have a little faith in Harry's abilities. He isn't the youngest Seeker in a century for no reason.' Alexander addressed Harry, 'you'll be fine.'

Harry smiled genuinely. 'Thanks, Alex.'

'Now, Hermione, what am I supposed to label this one?'

∞ ϟ 9¾

The day before the first Quidditch match the four of them were out in the freezing courtyard during their break, and Hermione had conjured up a bright, blue fire that could be carried around in a jam-jar. Alexander had wanted to learn a tricky spell called the Hot-Air Charm but it was entirely too complicated, particularly the wrist work, for any first-year including him.

'Nice spell work,' grinned Alexander.

Hermione appeared bashful. 'Just something I've been practising.'

They were standing with their backs to the jar to become warm. Hermione's arm was pressed up against his, and Alexander felt the heat rise upon his cheeks. He doubted it had anything to do with the piercing chill nipping at his face.

He glanced around and, right then, Snape crossed the yard. Alexander stared. Snape was limping. Alexander knew there was only one thing in the castle that caused Snape to limp like that and it involved three heads.

He nudged the others in warning who immediately moved closer to block the fire from view; Snape was the type of slimy bastard that would not allow it. Alexander was positive Snape could not decipher anything suspicious in his facial expression, unfortunately, something must have caught Snape's eye. He limped over. He hadn't seen the fire, but he seemed to be looking for a reason to tell them off anyway.

'What's that you've got there, Potter?'

Harry looked uneasy as he presented Quidditch Through the Ages to Snape. 'It's a book, Professor.'

'Library books are not to be taken outside the school,' said Snape. 'Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor.'

'Professor,' Alexander interjected before he could stop himself, 'you must be mistaken. There is no such rule.'

'Do not place yourself in matters that are no concern of yours, Laurent.' Snape's eyes flashed warningly.

'But –'

'Do not presume to know more than a Hogwarts Professor. That's another five points from Gryffindor.'

Alexander gritted his teeth as Snape limped away.

Harry huffed angrily. 'Alex is right. He did just make that rule up.'

'I wonder what's wrong with his leg, though? It can't just be a Potions accident.'

'Dunno, but I hope it's really hurting him,' said Ron in a bitter tone.

'You and I both.'

∞ ϟ 9¾

The Gryffindor common room was incredibly noisy that evening. Harry, Ron, Alexander, and Hermione sat together next to a window. Hermione was checking Harry and Ron's Charms homework for them.

'Come on, Hermione – let us copy one paragraph. Just the one,' pleaded Ron.

Alexander snorted as he proofread his Transfiguration essay. 'You'll have an easier time trying to get Snape to use hair conditioner, Ron.'

Harry snickered.

Hermione's voice was severe. 'No, I will not. How will you learn otherwise?'

Ron slumped in his seat, while Harry rubbed his temple.

'Go on, Harry,' sighed Alexander, placing the parchment down on his lap.

'What?' Harry furrowed his brows.

'I know you're feeling restless right now. Go and ask Snape for the book back if you're so worried about it. I mean, what's the worst that can happen?'

'Give him detention until the end of the year,' proposed Ron unhelpfully.

'You're truly helping here, Ronald.' Alexander rolled his eyes.

Thankfully, Harry took Alexander's suggestion and rose from his seat. 'Yeah, okay, I'm going to ask Snape for the book back.'

'Better you than me,' Hermione and Ron said together.

'What about you, Alex?'

'No thanks. I don't want someone taking my seat on the armchair.'

Harry walked out of the common room. Alex smiled proudly as he finished polishing his essay.

'Hermione, can you check over my essay, please?' he asked.

'Of course.'

'Oh, what?' blurted Ron. 'You won't let Harry and me copy but you'll help Alexander.'

Hermione raised an unimpressed brow. 'Alexander has already completed his work, Ronald, while you have barely started. Besides, he doesn't use my work to copy.'

Ron shook his head. 'What is it with you both calling me Ronald?' he grumbled.

Alexander saw Harry hurry back into the common room, breathless and troubled. He was missing the book as there was no sight of the object in Harry's hand.

'Did you get it?' Ron asked as Harry joined them.

'Harry, what's wrong?' urged Alexander. 'You look worried.'

Harry glanced around then leaned in closer and, in a low whisper, told them what he had seen when he saw Snape.

'You know what this means, right?' Harry finished breathlessly.

'It means that my guess was right,' spoke Alexander. 'He tried to get past that three-headed dog.'

Ron shivered at the mention of the dog. Hermione bit her lip. It was oddly distracting for Alexander but he forced himself to focus on the subject at hand.

'Exactly!' retorted Harry. 'He tried to get past at Halloween! That's where he was going when we saw him — he's after whatever that dog is guarding! And I'd bet my broomstick he let that troll in, to make a diversion!'

Alexander was alarmed. 'Hang on a minute, we shouldn't be making accusations like this. We don't have any evidence that it was Snape who let the troll in.'

'His leg was plenty of evidence for me,' huffed Harry.

Hermione's eyes were wide. 'No — he wouldn't,' she said. 'I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe.'

'Honestly, Hermione, you think all teachers are saints or something,' snapped Ron.

Alexander rolled his eyes. 'She's trying to think about this logically. What's his motive? Why would Snape do it?'

'I don't know, but I'm with Harry. I wouldn't put anything past Snape.'

'Listen, we don't even know what that dog is guarding. Believe me, I'm not going to rule Snape out, but I have a hard time believing it without solid evidence.'

Alexander hoped he was right when he went to bed that night. His mind was buzzing but his last thought, before he drifted off, was the feel off Hermione's arm against his in the courtyard.

∞ ϟ 9¾

The next morning dawned bright and cool. As Alexander entered the Great Hall, the delicious aroma of fried sausages and cooked eggs wafted in the air. The cheerful chatter of the students came from all tables; everyone was looking forward to a good Quidditch match.

Harry was twirling a slice of bacon with his fork. It was the only piece of food on his plate. Alexander frowned as he approached the table. That won't do at all, he thought.

'You've got to eat some breakfast,' said Ron.

'I don't want anything.'

'Just a bit of toast,' wheedled Hermione.

'I'm not hungry.'

Alexander sat across from Harry and without saying anything, he piled four sausages and one egg onto Harry's plate.

'Alexander, I just said I don't want anything,' protested Harry.

'Eat,' demanded Alexander, and poured coffee into his own goblet.

Harry sighed and, albeit reluctantly, took a bite of the sausage.

Alexander nodded, pleased. 'That's the spirit.'

'Harry, you need your strength,' said Seamus. 'Seekers are always the ones who get clobbered by the other team.'

'Way to make him feel better, Finnigan,' smirked Alexander.

'Thanks, Seamus,' said Harry wryly. 'I'll keep that in mind.'

'He's right though, Harry. You'll need your energy to play today.'

Alexander was satisfied when Harry had finished his food. Wood cleared his throat and got up, signalling for the Gryffindor team to change into their uniforms.

'Good luck, Harry,' came a few shouts from across the Hall.

Harry's face was pallid. He took a deep breath and got up.

'You're going to be fine,' promised Alexander.

'Yeah, you're gonna wipe those Slytherins' arse today,' grinned Ron.

'Ronald!' snapped Hermione. She then turned towards Harry. 'You'll be okay, Harry.'

Harry tried to give what seemed like a pitiful attempt at a smile. 'Thanks. I'll see you guys after the match.'

'We'll be cheering for you,' yelled Alexander as Harry walked out of the Hall with the rest of the Gryffindor team.

Cheers and hoots came from the rest. Malfoy and his friends, however, were booing. Malfoy's robes had finally gone back to the normal green.

'Yeah, we'll see who's laughing afterwards, Malfoy,' snarked Ron, glaring at the Slytherin table.

By eleven o'clock the whole school seemed to be out in the stands around the Quidditch pitch. Alexander's binoculars hung around his neck. The Gryffindor first-years sat in their seats which were raised high in the air. Despite the height, it was still difficult to see the blur of Quidditch players.

The excitement in the crowds was high. He saw Nia in the opposite stands and, surprisingly, she was wearing a Slytherin scarf while she stood cheering next to Helen. Nia must have been there to support her best friend's House. Alexander waved at them from the top row and, grinning, they waved back. Ron followed his gaze.

'Why are you waving at those girls?' he asked, brows furrowed.

Alexander shrugged. 'They're my friends.'

Ron shook his head then concentrated on the pitch.

As a surprise for Harry, the first-year Gryffindors had painted a large banner on one of the sheets Scabbers had ruined. It said Potter for President, and Dean, who was good at drawing, had done a large Gryffindor lion underneath. Then Hermione had performed a tricky little charm so that the paint flashed different colours, and Alexander charmed the lion to roar. It was an impressive display of creativity and magic.

'It looks amazing, Dean,' Alexander praised.

Dean flushed and smiled sheepishly. 'Just a quick thing I had to draw up.'

Hermione bit her lip. 'Look, I think it's starting. Madam Hooch has the box out.'

Alexander cheered as the team came out on the pitch. Harry appeared like a huddled hedgehog compared to the other players who towered over him. Ron waved his arms in excitement.

'Woooo! Come on, Harry!'

They brandished the banner and Harry, reading the sign, smiled much more brightly than he did a few seconds ago. The players mounted their brooms, and Alexander felt his heart jump. Madam Hooch gave a loud blast on her silver whistle.

Fifteen brooms rose high into the air. They were off. Alexander laughed as Lee Jordan, the twins' friend, gave out a brilliant commentary.

'And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor — what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too —'

'JORDAN!'

'Sorry, Professor. And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good friend of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve — back to Johnson and — no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle.'

Groans rang around him.

'Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes — Flint flying like an eagle up there — he's going to sc –no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and the Gryffindors take the Quaffle.'

'YES!' shouted Alexander. 'Go on!'

'That's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and — OUCH — that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger — Quaffle is taken by the Slytherins — that's Adrian Pucey speeding off toward the goalposts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger — sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which — nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes — she's really flying — dodges a speeding Bludger — the goalposts are ahead — come on, now, Angelina — Keeper Bletchley dives — misses — GRYFFINDOR SCORE!'

'Get in there!' Gryffindor cheers filled the cold air, with howls and moans from the Slytherins. Hermione had a flush on her face. Ron had screamed so much that it was a wonder he hadn't lost his voice. A brisk voice interrupted them.

'Budge up there, move along.'

A grin tugged Alexander's mouth upwards. 'Hagrid!'

They squeezed together to give Hagrid enough space to join them.

'Bin watchin' from me hut,' said Hagrid, patting a large pair of binoculars around his neck, 'but it isn't the same as bein' in the crowd. No sign of the Snitch yet, eh?'

'Nope,' said Ron. 'Harry hasn't had much to do yet.'

'Kept outta trouble, though, that's somethin',' said Hagrid.

Alexander raised his binoculars and peered skyward. Harry was gliding, squinting about for some sign of the Snitch.

'He's still looking. It can't be easy, looking for a speck of gold that's smaller than a golf ball.'

'A what?' Ron turned to him, confused.

'Never mind – look, we just scored!'

Hagrid fist-pumped and yelled.

'Slytherin in possession," Lee Jordan was saying, 'Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, two Weasleys, and Chaser Bell, and speeds toward the — wait a moment — was that the Snitch?'

A low hush overcame the pitch and Alexander watched with bated breath as Harry sped off like a cannonball. Terrance Higgs, the other Seeker, had also seen it and the two hurtled, neck and neck, towards the snitch.

'How can he see it?' Alexander shook his head. 'I can't even see it through my binoculars.'

He didn't think anyone had heard him. Everyone watched as Harry was close. All the Chasers seemed to have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing as they hung in mid-air to watch. Alexander was at the edge of his seat. Harry was so close, just a tiny bit more speed…

WHAM! A roar of rage echoed from the Gryffindors below; Marcus Flint had blocked Harry on purpose, and Harry's broom spun off course, Harry holding on for dear life.

'Connard!' roared Alexander. 'Comment osez-vous!'

Hermione was too furious to scold him for his language. Most of the other Gryffindors agreed with his sentiments.

'Foul!'

Dean Thomas was yelling, 'Send him off, ref! Red card!'

'What are you talking about, Dean?' said Ron.

'Red card!' said Dean. 'In football, you get shown the red card and you're out of the game!'

'But this isn't football, Dean,' Ron reminded him.

'Dean's right, though,' muttered Alexander angrily. 'He should have some sort of punishment.'

'Dirty – cheating,' mumbled Ron under his breath.

Madam Hooch spoke heatedly to Flint and then ordered a free shot at the goalposts for Gryffindor.

Hagrid agreed. 'They oughta change the rules. Flint coulda knocked Harry outta the air.'

Lee Jordan was finding it difficult not to take sides. 'So, after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating —'

'Jordan!' growled Professor McGonagall.

'I mean, after that open and revolting foul —'

'Jordan, I'm warning you —'

'All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinnet, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue to play, Gryffindor still in possession.'

Then, something unusual happened to Harry. His broom lurched. It appeared like the broom wanted to kick him off. Alexander watched confoundedly as Harry struggled to hold on, Harry's face full of pure panic. The broom was completely out of control; it was zigzagging through the air and making violent swishing motions.

Hermione grabbed his arm. 'What's wrong with Harry?'

'I don't know. Seems like some kind of malfunction,' he remarked, troubled.

A particularly violent wobble nearly unseated Harry, causing Alexander to almost rise off his seat. He was very close to grabbing a school broom and flying towards Harry in case he fell.

Lee was still commentating. 'Slytherin in possession, Flint with the Quaffle — passes Spinnet — passes Bell — hit hard in the face by a Bludger, hope it broke his nose — only joking, Professor — Slytherins score — oh no . . .'

The Slytherins were cheering.

'Dunno what Harry thinks he's doing,' Hagrid mumbled, then stared through his binoculars. 'If I didn' know better, I'd say he'd lost control of his broom – but he can't have.'

'I don't think he's doing this on purpose,' specified Alexander. He ran a hand through his hair. 'It's out of his control somehow.'

People were suddenly noticing Harry's problem all over the stands. Neville whimpered in fear. Harry's broom started to roll over, with him only just managing to hold on. Then the whole crowd gasped. Harry's broom had given a wild jerk and Harry swung off it. He was now dangling from it, holding on with only one hand.

'Did something happen to it when Flint blocked him?' Seamus whispered.

'Can't have,' Hagrid said, his voice shaking. 'Can't nothing interfere with a broomstick except powerful Dark magic — no kid could do that to a Nimbus Two Thousand.'

'We need to do something,' said Alexander to Ron and Hermione, his tone hard. 'I can't sit here and watch Harry plummet to the ground.'

Hermione seized Alexander's binoculars, but instead of looking up at Harry, she started looking frantically at the crowd.

'What are you doing?' asked Ron, grey-faced.

'I knew it,' Hermione gasped, 'Snape — look.'

Hermione was right. Snape was in the middle of the stands opposite them. He had his eyes fixed on Harry and was muttering non-stop under his breath.

'No way,' breathed Alexander.

'He's doing something — jinxing the broom,' said Hermione.

'He's what? We have to stop him.'

'Leave it to me.' Hermione disappeared.

Alexander thrummed his feet against the floor. Harry's broom was vibrating so hard, it was almost impossible for him to hang on much longer. The Weasleys flew up to try and pull Harry safely onto one of their brooms, but it was no good. Every time they got near him, the broom would jump higher still. They dropped lower and circled beneath him, obviously hoping to catch him if he fell.

'Come on, Hermione,' Ron muttered desperately.

Alexander clenched his fists hard enough to draw nails. He glared over to where Snape sat. He wished he could throw a spell across the pitch; sitting like this made him feel useless.

Then he saw it. Snape's cloak had caught on fire. Bright, blue flames flickering and becoming larger. Alexander gave a small burst of relieved laughter. Hermione, you brilliant girl, he thought. It took perhaps thirty seconds for Snape to realize that he was on fire. Hermione's spell seemed to have worked because Harry's broom was now stable and he was able to clamber back on.

'Thank God for that,' Alexander gave a lightened sigh. 'Neville, you can look!' Neville had been sobbing into Hagrid's jacket for the last five minutes.

Harry was speeding toward the ground when he clapped his hand to his mouth.

'What's happening now,' groaned Ron.

'I – I don't know,' said Alexander. 'It looks like he's about to be sick.'

Harry hit the field on all fours – coughed – and peered into his hand in wonder. He was gesturing to the crowd, waving his hand above his head.

'What's he saying, I can't make it out,' said Ron, squinting.

Alexander's eyes widened through his binoculars. 'Ron! We've won! Harry caught the snitch!'

Madam Hooch blew the whistle and the game ended in complete confusion. Flint was furious, however. Alexander could see him spitting words at Madam Hooch, but the latter looked unimpressed. Lee Jordan was happily shouting the results: Gryffindor had won by one hundred and seventy points to sixty. Ron was cheering and Hermione had made her way back to the stands. Alexander welcomed her back with a wide beam.

Later, when they sat in Hagrid's hut, Alexander sipped at his tea.

'It was Snape,' Ron was explaining, 'Hermione, Alexander, and I saw him. He was cursing your broomstick, muttering, he wouldn't take his eyes off you.'

'Rubbish,' said Hagrid. 'Why would Snape do somethin' like that?'

'It's hard to argue with something that happened right in front of your very eyes,' Alexander remarked.

'An' I'm telling yeh, Professor Snape wouldn't do it.'

Harry decided to tell the truth. Alexander glanced at him with surprise.

'I found out something about him,' Harry told Hagrid. 'He tried to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween. It bit him. We think he was trying to steal whatever it's guarding.'

Hagrid dropped the teapot. 'How do you know about Fluffy?'

'Fluffy!'

'Sorry, Fluffy?' blurted Alexander, mouth open. 'Of all the names in the world.'

'Yea', that's his name,' said Hagrid rather defensively. 'He's mine, bought him off a Greek chappie I met in the pub las' year. I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the —'

'The?' Alexander encouraged.

'Yes?' said Harry eagerly.

'Now, don't ask me anymore,' said Hagrid in a gruff voice.

Alexander groaned in disappointment. 'Hagrid,' he moaned.

'You won't get anythin' outta me. That's top-secret, that is.'

'But Snape's trying to steal it.'

'Rubbish,' said Hagrid again. 'Snape's a Hogwarts teacher, he'd do nothin' of the sort.'

'And I thought teachers weren't meant to curse students' broomsticks, but here we are,' Alexander scoffed.

Hagrid shook his head. 'No, yer all getting this mixed up.'

'So why did he just try and kill Harry?' cried Hermione and Alexander nodded in agreement. 'I know a jinx when I see one, Hagrid, I've read all about them! You've got to keep eye contact, and Snape wasn't blinking at all, I saw him!'

'I'm tellin' yeh, yer wrong!' said Hagrid hotly. 'I don' know why Harry's broom acted like that, but Snape wouldn' try an' kill a student! Now, listen to me, all four of yeh — yer meddlin' in things that don' concern yeh. It's dangerous. You forget that dog, an' you forget what it's guardin', that's between Professor Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel —'

Alexander snapped his head up. Now they were talking. Hagrid unintentionally presented them with another clue.

'Aha!' said Harry, 'So there's someone called Nicolas Flamel involved, is there?'

Hagrid looked furious with himself. 'I'm not saying anymore, so don' yer even try.'

Alexander deflated. It was good while it lasted.

Hope this finds you well and safe. Also, my mum tested positive for Covid because she works in a nursery and that clown Boris, the UK Prime Minister, hasn't said anything about them. But thankfully she only has mild symptoms.