Firebrand18: The spell used to knock down the two Slytherins wasn't anything specific really. I just thought of the scene rather than an actual spell. I'm glad you enjoyed the moment as well.

zachariahm: Hello, and thank you for the review. Your 'two cents', as you term it, have been very helpful. I'll definitely take it with me as I write further. Alexander will develop, don't worry. I've started off slow as I want him to find out his own role and importance in the story gradually, especially regarding his family and Grandfather in particular. As for Nia and Helen, you'll certainly be seeing them again in this chapter. Thank you for supporting and reading.

During the next few days, Alexander couldn't forget about his mother's name on the trophies and medals. He was tempted to return and stare at them properly, just to gain any further insight. Surely, there had to be a photograph of his mother or something? But didn't get an opportunity. Once, when he lingered outside, trying to go inside the trophy room, Filch almost caught him. Alexander heard his huffing and puffing coming up from the corridor in time as he was about to unlock the door and scarpered before the caretaker could give him detention. And if it wasn't Filch then it was Mrs Norris, whose glowing eyes pierced him.

Writing to Grandfather was also useless. His grandfather would either give very vague statements that revealed practically nothing or deliberately ignore the subject. Eliot hadn't known his mother when she was alive or had even known Grandfather, so he was out of the question. Alexander was on his own like always.

One option he could think of was to talk to Madam Hooch. He didn't know if she were Quidditch referee during his mother's years at Hogwarts, but it couldn't hurt to find out. The only problem was that she was practically impossible to track down. As the Quidditch Season was fast approaching, she was busier than usual and wouldn't see anyone except the Captains of the teams. Alexander was left with bidding his time and waiting for the window of opportunity to open.

∞ ϟ 9¾

The Autumn season arrived with regal ease. Students were bounded up in hats and scarves. The castle felt the effects: raindrops thundered on the windows while they practised spells or reluctantly listened to Lockhart's daring deeds through one-ear; the lake rose, the flower beds turned into muddy streams, and Hagrid's pumpkins swelled to the size of garden sheds. They towered over Alexander and his friends, with Hagrid beaming proudly at his creation. The Whomping Willow switched to a garland of scarlets and golds that adorned the branches. The beautiful sight from his dormitory window almost made Alexander forget just how vicious that tree could be.

The worst though was Snape, who still breathed down their necks. Neville kept trembling under Snape's disdainfully glare as he messed up multiple mixtures. The hours were long and the chamber chilly as Alexander and Blaise, his partner, shivered while working on their Potions.

Alexander fell under a spate of cold; he woke up one morning with a sniffing, reddish nose with watery eyes. He was sniffing all through his lessons until Snape snapped at him to take care of it.

He wasn't the only one ill, however. Nia, tie loose and shirt untucked, awkwardly leaned against a bed while waiting for Madam Pomfrey to treat her cold. Her hair was shorter, as it bounced on her shoulders, her face was not as podgy as last year, and she was taller by an inch, the same height as Alexander. Her dimples appeared as she gave a tiny half-smile when spotting him. They'd usually wave to each other through corridors or exchange passing words since the start of the year. He was glad to talk to her, albeit briefly, while Madam Pomfrey was attending to a stocky fourth-year boy, who appeared to be gurgling a purple substance.

'You don't know how lucky you have it, Laurent,' said Nia, shaking her head solemnly, 'third-year is an absolute pain. It's doing my head in.'

'I'd take your word for it,' said Alexander, leaning against the hospital bed.

'No, honestly. All the teachers have piled so much homework on us – at this rate, I'll barely be getting any sleep.' Nia appeared relieved to be venting her frustrations. She was breathing through her mouth as her nose sounded blocked.

Alexander raised his eyebrows. 'Even Lockhart?' He'd be surprised if the Professor did set homework. The blond fool simply wanted everyone to listen to his heroic deeds and almost certainly wouldn't notice if someone did complete homework.

'No, thankfully,' concedes Nia then scowls. 'But I'm not sure that's a good thing – I mean, he is completely incompetent. I've learnt nothing this year, which is really saying something because it's not like Quirrell won any awards in that department.'

Alexander perked up. Someone else also thought Lockhart was an idiot. So he wasn't completely biased. If only Hermione was here to listen to this. What he would give to see her face.

'I take it you don't like him as well,' he grinned.

'Course I don't, why would I?' scoffed Nia, her husky voice nasally high pitched. 'Lockhart may be a great hero in the wizarding world but he's proven to be a lousy teacher.'

'Yeah, I wonder why Dumbledore hired him?'

Nia paused then spoke. 'Apparently, the position is cursed.' She caught his gaze with her obsidian eyes, 'that's my theory anyway.'

Alexander frowned and sniffed before asking in a raspy voice, 'What makes you think that?'

Nia glanced at the gurgling boy on the bed, rubbing the tips of her fingers together, which Alexander knew enough now to be a sign of her nerves. She seemed hesitant to speak.

'Well, no Defence Professor has lasted for more than a year at Hogwarts: you know what happened with Quirrell, and in my first year we had Professor Kardin, whose family relocated somewhere else, so she left. There was someone else the year before that who suddenly left the job. There's been several teachers actually, and so I thought the job may be cursed, you know?'

Alexander wondered if it was true. It sounded like something of a stretch. 'Well, I hope it's true,' he finally settled on, and Nia turned to him questioningly, 'at least then we'd be rid of Lockhart.'

Nia snickered softly, nodding, 'Don't let Helen hear you say that – she'd go mental. Or most of the girls really.'

'No,' he breathed out in a tone of incredulity, 'don't tell me she likes him also.'

'Yeah, she's crazy about that absolute prick, can't think why though,' scoffed Nia, mouth pressed in a thin line, 'won't allow one word to be said against him.'

He scowled. Great, another person to add to the numerous list of people obsessed with that obnoxious man. It was already maddening enough that Hermione was fascinated for some unknown reason. At least Nia saw some sense.

'Wait, also?' she raised an eyebrow, 'Granger too, right? I thought so.'

'I can't think why,' he muttered lowly, shaking his head, 'I don't get what's so special about him.'

Nia eyed him, shrugging in a manner that signalled, 'me too.' The fourth-year boy that lay on one of the beds had finally stopped gurgling and Madam Pomfrey was checking over him.

'How's Helen, by the way?' he asked after a few seconds as Madam Pomfrey disappeared into her office.

'She's fine. Don't get to see her much though,' answered Nia, crossing her arms across her chest, the silver rings glinting from the light coming in from in the curved windows. 'We don't have the same classes as we took different subjects, and Hufflepuff isn't with Slytherin most of the time,' she revealed after his inquiring gaze.

'Oh . . .' Alexander noticed that Nia had a slight frown. She would never divulge what she was truly thinking and he didn't want to push her too hard. 'What, uh, subjects did you two take?'

Whatever cryptic emotion Nia previously had disappeared like a puff of smoke, and she donned her usual relaxed face. 'I picked Divination and Arithmancy,' she said. 'It's interesting, though Trelawny is a pain to deal with.'

'The last one sounds like numbers,' said Alexander with a grimace, 'and I was never good at maths in school. What did Helen pick?'

'Er, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and some extra course with Madam Pomfrey.'

'I thought you could only take two?' asked Alexander confusedly.

'You can, but you can also take more, though not many people do. I didn't but Helen did. She's very ambitious in case you couldn't tell – wants to be a Healer.' Nia somewhat smiled, one side of her mouth curved upwards as if she didn't want to overtly show her fondness.

Madam Pomfrey finally approached the two with a large jug containing a Pepperup Potion. 'Here you go, Mr Laurent, Miss Jennings – drink up now, if you please.'

Her Pepperup Potion worked instantly, though it left Alexander smoking at the ears for several hours afterwards. He felt miles better now that his nose was unclogged and he didn't have a little aching headache.

'You know, you should sit with us,' proposed Nia, as they were walking down the corridor of the Wing, the door resonating shut with an echoing thud behind them. 'Me and Helen, I mean, for the Halloween feast. We could chat more if you want?'

'Really?' queried Alexander, blinking in surprise.

Nia turned to stare at him. 'Yeah, it's just that Helen's gonna be preoccupied with others as well, and . . . I, er, thought it'd be nice to have my own friend there so I don't get bored.'

'They aren't your friends too?' he asked curiously.

'Not really, Helen's the only one I truly talk to, as in more than just a passing acknowledgement.' She paused, rubbing her fingers. 'And you now as well, I suppose. But you don't have to if you don't want to,' she hastily retreated. 'You'll probably want to sit with Potter and the others.'

'No, no, I'll be happy to sit with you guys.' He smiled, teeth on full display.

'Okay, good.' Nia relaxed, deflating her shoulders. They stopped at the end of the passage. 'Well, I'll see you at Halloween then, Laurent.'

'See you,' waved Alexander, then hummed a popular song he heard on the wizarding radio at the Burrow as he made his way to his next lesson.

At that moment, Ginny Weasley came round the corner and almost bumped into him. She peered up with a startled, almost distracted face.

'Oh, hey, Ginny,' he greeted warmly.

Ginny mumbled her own hello in a raspy voice that indicated she had a sore throat. She pushed past him, eyes downcast, before he could say anything else, and made her way down the same corridor that led to the Hospital Wing. Alexander shrugged then strolled to Transfiguration. He'd never understand girls or their actions.

∞ ϟ 9¾

Alexander watched from the corner of his eye, half-amused, as he scribbled down the common ingredients to a Swelling Solution. Hermione and Ron were bickering as usual in the common room, though the other Gryffindors ignored them.

It was a quiet afternoon. Inky black rain lashed at the windows, but inside the joyful babble of students laughing or talking struck the room. The firelight glowed and crackled over the squashy armchairs where some sat reading.

The three second-years were lounging, catching up on homework whilst Harry was at Quidditch practice, which in Alexander's opinion had been happening far too often. Harry looked drained each time like he was going to collapse at any second. Wood was worse than a military commander at times.

'Hermione, lay off,' groaned Ron in a peevish tone, 'So what? It's not that big a deal.'

'Not that big a deal – Ronald, I'd think you'd —'

The portrait door swung open at that moment. Harry stumbled in with a mindless, disconcerted demeanour as if a Ghost had scared him. His entrance caused Ron and Hermione to halt their squabbling as Harry approached, gazing distractedly at the other reclining students.

'Hey, Harry,' Alexander looked up with a half-smile, 'How was training?'

'It was fine – listen I've got to tell you something.'

Alexander raised a curious eyebrow. Harry only seemed restless and fidgety like this when something was bothering him, and it never signalled anything good. The other three exchanged fleeting glances then waited for Harry to continue.

'Nearly Headless Nick invited me to some sort of deathday party on Halloween.'

Alexander blinked. That was it? 'A deathday party. Really?'

Harry nodded. Hermione was brimming with interest, eyes gleaming. Alexander was extremely familiar with that look. Ron, however, looked less than pleased, and it was a sentiment Alexander shared perfectly. Why would anyone want to attend a deathday party? And miss out on the Halloween feast at that?

Before any of them could say anything, Harry realised he was making a mess all over the common room floor. Those closest to him were throwing dirty looks and a scowling sixth-year girl was seconds away from confronting Harry.

'Hang on, let me get changed first then I'll tell you,' muttered Harry in a low tone, then left for the dormitory. He left splatters of mud and dirty water in his wake, which people closest carped their disgust at. The same sixth-year girl waved her wand, causing the mess to vanish.

'Well I'm not going,' Alexander declared. 'I'm not missing out on the Halloween feast for another year.' Once Alexander had made his mind up, nothing could make him change it . . . well perhaps only his grandfather could.

'Right with there you, mate,' nodded Ron, his homework and quill lay forgotten. Alexander noticed that Ron's scrawl hadn't even filled a quarter of the parchment despite the large handwriting.

'We can't leave Harry alone,' argued Hermione. 'Besides, you didn't miss out last year, Alex.'

'We ate in the common room – it's hardly the same thing as experiencing it in the Hall.' Alexander's tone was dry, and he took a second to throw her a pointed look. 'And it's not as if I agreed to go. Nick asked Harry, not me.'

Hermione opened her mouth to contend, a displeased expression etched on her face, but was interrupted when Harry finally came and joined them again, donning simple jeans and a t-shirt.

'A deathday party?' hissed Hermione keenly. 'I bet there aren't many living people who can say they've been to one of those – it'll be fascinating!'

Ron scoffed. 'Not bloody likely. Strange more like. Why would you want to go?'

'Why wouldn't you?' rebutted Hermione sharply, 'And I thought you, Alexander, would take the opportunity to go and learn about this.'

'Learn?' spluttered Ron, outraged, 'on Halloween?' But Hermione ignored this as her brown eyes pierced Alexander's.

'Well, sorry for not wanting to be in a room surrounded by dead people.' Alexander crossed his arms. 'Why would anyone want to celebrate the day they died, anyway?'

'Sounds dead depressing to me,' grumbled Ron, staring grumpily at his unfinished homework, which would most likely continue to be uncompleted for another day.

'Also, why did you even agree in the first place, Harry?'

'I felt bad,' admitted Harry, 'he helped me get out of trouble with Filch and it would have been rude not to.' Harry's voice hesitated for a tad second when he said Filch's name.

'You still could have said no. It's not a crime.' Alexander's voice was exasperated.

'Well, I'm going if you and Ron aren't,' announced Hermione, and Harry sighed in relief, grateful that at least one of them was accompanying him.

'Suit yourself.' Alexander placed his quill down as he wrote down the last word, then flexed his hands.

Hermione's face fell slightly when it appeared that he wouldn't be changing his mind anytime soon, looking almost disappointed as she sighed. 'I was so hoping we could all go together – but never mind, Harry and I will go instead.'

'I, uh, can't go anyway even if I wanted to,' said Alexander in a tiny apologetic tone after Hermione's admittance.

'What do you mean?' asked Harry.

'I'm going with some friends to the feast – they already invited me and I promised, so I can't come.'

Ron swiftly turned to him, exclaiming, 'Wait, what? You never mentioned any friends before. I don't want to sit on my own now.'

'You won't be, you can still sit with me.'

'Er, no thanks,' said Ron, slouching disappointedly in his chair. 'It won't be the same. Looks like I'll go to the deathday party after all.'

'Oh, honestly, it won't be that bad,' huffed Hermione, 'in fact, I'm rather looking forward to it really.'

'Course you are,' mumbled Ron, out of earshot.

A series of audible cries of awe and shock caught Alexander's attention to Fred and George. A knot of people surrounded a table a few metres, gawping at a brilliant orange, fire-dwelling lizard. Fred had shown the animal to Alexander earlier, claiming that he had somehow "rescued" it from a Care of Magical Creatures class – something which Alexander found hard to believe seeing as Fred winked and smirked as he said it. Alexander shook his head. Looks like Professor Kettleburn would be searching for a missing fire lizard.

'What in the world . . .' stated Hermione, leaning her head up to stare at the commotion with pursed lips.

Alexander grinned and leaned forwards to get a clearer view. 'This I have to see.'

George clutched a Filibuster firework and was about to feed it to a salamander. He and Fred were smirking broadly. The salamander suddenly whizzed into the air, emitting loud sparks and bangs as it whirled wildly around the room. People ducked and yelled, some in shock, others in fear. Tangerine stars blasted from the salamander's mouth with explosions. Alexander broke out laughing along with Harry and Ron, hitting a palm on the armrest repeatedly.

'Fred! George!' bellowed Percy, white with fury as his glasses nearly fell off the edge of his nose.

'Watch out!' called Alexander.

'Cheers,' saluted Fred and George happily, as they spotted the redhead Prefect. The twins quickly made their getaway as Percy pushed through the crowd, but they were long gone through the portrait door, leaving Percy fuming at the mouth.

∞ ϟ 9¾

Halloween arrived and Harry and Ron became sullener than ever. As for Alexander, he was eagerly anticipating the magnificent feast. It felt like he was experiencing it for the first time, and truthfully it probably was seeing as last year he was too preoccupied with a troll.

The Great Hall was spectacularly decorated with live bats; Hagrid's vast pumpkins had been carved into lanterns; Alexander overheard from Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil about a rumour that Dumbledore had booked a troupe of dancing skeletons for the entertainment. The two girls had stopped mid-sentence after they noticed that he'd been listening then bounced away, giggling in a way that made him stare after them in confusion.

Ron and Harry tried hard to ignore the excitement of the other students who could talk of little else but the evening.

'It's not too late to back out now, right?' asked Harry desperately.

'No, I don't think so,' said Ron hopefully, 'let's just ditch the party and join the feast. Nick'll never miss us anyway.'

But Hermione wasn't going to let the two boys wriggle their way out of it. 'A promise is a promise,' she reminded them bossily. 'You said you'd go to the deathday party.'

'And one must always keep promises,' smirked Alexander, jutting his head up haughtily, causing Harry to scowl at him.

At seven o'clock, Alexander faced Harry, Ron, and Hermione by the entrance of the Hall. Ron was staring longingly at those entering.

'I still think you ought to come with us,' sighed Hermione, glancing at her watch, 'you'll miss out on so much.'

'Not a chance,' said Alexander, shoving his hands into his pockets and shaking his head, 'You guys enjoy yourselves though. I'm sure it'll be, er, interesting . . .'

'Cheeky git,' muttered Ron half-heartedly in an envious tone.

Alexander bid them goodbye. Hermione turned to give him one last glance before the three disappeared towards the dungeons.

Alexander entered the packed Great Hall, which was glittering invitingly with gold plates and candles. Live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling, some swooped over the tables in low black clouds, flickering the candles in the pumpkins. He gazed around in wonder, mouth open, feeling like a first-year receiving his glimpse of the Great Hall all over again. People laughed cheerfully, and a babble filled the Hall. He easily noticed Nia on the Hufflepuff table, her golden robes set contrastingly with Helen's green ones next to her.

'Hey, Laurent, you made it,' said Nia, tone one of surprise. 'I didn't think you'd come.'

She and Helen were both waiting for the food to appear. The Hufflepuff table included one or two people from Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, and it seemed that Helen was the only Slytherin. Malfoy, of course, would rather drop dead than be seen at any other table than Slytherin. Alexander noticed that the blond ferret had his bodyguards beside him and was sneering smugly around him. Alexander took some satisfaction that apart from his little group of second-year Slytherins, no other Slytherin was paying the ferret much attention.

'I always keep my promises,' he said, sitting opposite the other two on the bench.

'Alex,' beamed Helen with a broad smile that reached her eyes, 'Ni told me you'd be joining us. I do hope we get mashed potatoes, it's to die for.' Helen's champagne blonde hair glowed even more with the addition of the candles. It looked like she had combed her glossy hair for hours for it to become that straight.

Alexander jerked his head nervously as her honey-coloured eyes met his, and miniature flutters erupted in his stomach. 'Hello. It's nice to, um, see you.'

'And you. You have to tell us what you've been doing. Oh, look, I think Professor Dumbledore's about to speak.'

The noise settled to a hush as the Headmaster rose to his feet, and the students whirled around in anticipation. Dumbledore upon seeing the eager gazes smiled, eyes twinkling, 'All I have to say is Happy Halloween and let the feast . . . begin.'

It was instantaneous; the banquet surfaced on the dishes and wafted incredibly appetising aromas. He couldn't believe he missed this last year. Alexander started piling various foods onto his plate, feeling suddenly ravenous. The peppermint humbugs were available and so he took three.

Nia gave him a strange look as he popped one into his mouth. 'You actually like those? I've never seen anyone eat them.' Her tone was a tad bit disgusted.

He paused, swallowing, and noticed her appalled expression at the peppermint humbugs. 'I do, yeah. What's wrong with them?' He sounded almost defensive.

'You're weirder than I thought you'd be, Laurent,' said Nia, shaking her head in disbelief. 'Seek immediate help, please.'

'Don't take her too seriously, Alex,' laughed Helen after seeing the look on his face, 'she just hates peppermint with an extreme passion.'

Nia shrugged, grimacing. 'They're the worst flavour. Hey, Laurent, try the pie. It's the best thing here, I promise you.' She had her large slice and was cutting up a piece, meanwhile, Helen was taking her own dainty bites.

'Laurent?' A voice broke Alexander mid-chew and he noticed a familiar group sat near them as well. 'What are doing here? I thought you'd be sitting with Potter and the other two.'

Ernie Macmillan was peering at him demandingly behind his mop of hair. Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, and a few others he'd seen around the castle sat with them as well.

Alexander stared at him but before he could speak Helen rose an eyebrow and said in a firm tone, 'There's no crime in Alexander being here, Ernie. He's perfectly welcome.'

Ernie flushed at the attention and grandly straightened his back, trying to make himself look taller. 'Yes, of course, he's welcome. I was simply just surprised to see him here without Potter,' he defended. 'I didn't mean any offence, Laurent.'

Alexander dismissively waved a hand. 'It's all right.' He was a little startled to realise that people were so astonished to see him without Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Surely, they didn't think they weren't his only friends at Hogwarts?

'I invited him, Macmillan – do you have a problem with it?' retorted Nia, and Ernie shook his head.

'Guys, I'll be right back,' said Helen, standing up from her seat and waving to a Slytherin third-year girl.

Helen gravitates towards many different friends from several Houses and year groups so often that it wasn't an unusual sight for her to be walking between tables. Even the teachers didn't bat an eyelash, though Snape did narrow his eyes on her.

Hannah Abbot hesitated for a second then asked, her stare inquisitive, 'Where is Harry Potter right now? I thought he'd be here as well, and he's not on the Gryffindor table with all the others.'

The Hufflepuffs raised their gaze from their food to him. Alexander chewed slowly. He didn't want to reveal too much about where the other three had gone. The last thing he wanted was to be the causer of rumours spreading about Harry attending a deathday party. Even mediocre situations with Harry had a way of blowing out of proportion, and the next thing they'd hear is that Harry had somehow duelled a ghost at a party and won.

'He's meeting someone right now,' said Alexander vaguely over his sip of pumpkin juice. 'I'm not sure who, so don't ask.'

None of the Hufflepuffs looked satisfied but none of them was brave enough to voice their disappointment and so let it go.

'Oh, Alexander, before I forget to ask,' started Susan Bones shyly, tone uncertain, 'are you interested in joining our Gobstones Club?'

'Uh, Gobstones Club?' He frowned in confusion. He knew what Gobstones was by watching Seamus and Neville play it at times in the courtyard but it was his first time hearing about any focused sort of club.

'Yes, please do join us,' smiled Hannah Abbot amiably, 'we've got extra places available, and we'd love to have you there. Don't worry we're a friendly bunch.'

'It's basically like marbles for Wizards,' explained Nia briskly, assuming that he didn't know. So far, she'd let the others led the conversation, only observing with a casual gaze.

'No, I know what it is,' he replied quickly. 'It's just I've never heard about there being a club for it.'

'Yes, it's not the most mainstream thing students hear about but it's all good fun, I promise,' persuaded Hannah Abbot. She eyed him curiously. 'You know, there are other clubs you should check out as well. It depends what you're in to – there's one for Art, Charms, Duelling, Astronomy.'

Alexander grimaced. 'Yeah, I don't think Astronomy is the one for me.' His interest was piqued, however. 'Duelling?'

Hannah's smile grew wider at his attention. 'Oh, absolutely. It's unofficial but if you want to be a part of the Duelling Club talk to Maurice Campbell if you're interested. He's that fifth-year in Ravenclaw.'

'Oh, him. Yeah, thanks, I will,' nodded Alexander gratefully, briefly recalling the short and stocky Ravenclaw. 'And I, uh, would like to join your Gobstones Club if you'll have me?'

Susan and Hannah beamed brightly. 'Great, I'll put your name down for our team. Thank you, Alexander.'

Alexander was feeling much more at ease than during the beginning. Hufflepuffs certainly had a talent for accepting others as he was comfortable chatting about his classes and interests with them. It seemed that Susan was a tad brasher than shy-spoken Hannah. Nia said the occasional sentence but seemed much more contented to eat and listen.

'Hey, you're Alexander Laurent, yes? I've seen you around the castle sometimes.' The speaker was a tall skinny blond boy with an upturned nose. Alexander had typically heard his loud voice resonate in the Hall, and they didn't have many classes together.

'Yes, I am. Er, sorry but who are you?'

'Zacharias Smith.'

He didn't seem offended about Alexander not knowing his name, though Alexander himself felt a tad bit embarrassed. He didn't know those in his year group let alone other students, despite it being the second year at Hogwarts. He did need to socialise more often.

Zacharias Smith continued, 'What really happened with Quirrell last year? You know, don't you, you were there? We've only heard bits of it. And is true you flew a flying car to Hogwarts?' His insistent and boisterous voice had caused the second-year Hufflepuffs to halt their eating and stare rather curiously at Alexander with eager faces.

'Uh, nothing happened, believe me,' he replied uncomfortably, playing with a part of the crust of his pie. 'I don't remember parts of it. But I did come in a flying car.'

He didn't think it'd go down well with any of them if he said the real truth and mentioned that he and Harry saw Voldemort's ugly, twisted face on the back of Quirrell's head. They'd also have a hard time believing the obstacles under the trapdoor – it'd sound something straight out of an action film. He wouldn't even believe it if he hadn't been there to see for himself.

'Yeah, I thought so with the car – maybe next year I'll come in a flying carriage instead,' shrugged Zacharias breezily, and Alexander hopes that this would be the end of the conversation were dashed. 'But you must have some memory? I think we've got the right to know exactly what happened that day seeing as we all knew Quirrell too.'

The other Hufflepuffs appeared awkward, and Nia wasn't looking pleased as she narrowed her gaze on the boy. Alexander clenched his hand under the table; Zacharias Smith's invasive questions had brought up a lot of unpleasant recollections, one of which was Voldemort's face on the back of Quirrell's, mentioning his grandfather's name. He still remembered the aching of his chest at times.

'Okay, that's enough,' interjected Nia strongly. 'He said he didn't remember, Smith.'

Alexander breathed an inaudible sigh of relief. Zacharias Smith opened his mouth to protest but one glance at Nia's face and her rings, which probably appeared threatening under the candles, made him nod with slight reluctance.

Helen chose to come back at that moment, her cheeks tinted red in joy. 'So, how're your classes, Alexander? Feeling the pressure?' she teased, and the flutters grew stronger.

'It's okay,' he felt his voice crack embarrassingly, conscious of her eyes on him. He couldn't help but imagine how he'd fare if it were just him and Helen alone in the Hall, without the other students. He suddenly felt hot under his collar, and he cleared his throat. 'I mean, it's definitely harder than last year.'

'And it'll only get worse, believe me,' remarked Nia, a faint hint of relief on her features now that Helen was back. 'Decided on what you're going to take during next year, yet?'

'Honestly, no. I haven't thought about it.'

'Ah, I was in the same boat as you last year, Laurent. I just chose on the last day really.'

Helen shook her head. 'That's not good, Ni. Those choices affect your future. I'd hate to think you chose something that doesn't have any effect on what you want to be.'

'Yeah, well, we're not as ambitious as you are, Len,' said Nia wryly, rolling her eyes. 'And I don't know what I want to be. I still have ages to decide.'

Helen leaned forwards, placing her arm on the table. 'Just remember to choose carefully. Don't do something you'll regret.'

'Uh, thanks,' said Alexander, a tiny bit overwhelmed with the advice.

Deciding for courses for next year hadn't even crossed his mind until Helen mentioned it. He didn't want to be a Healer, like her. And there was working for the ministry. But he didn't fancy doing Grandfather's job every day for the rest of his life. Meeting and chatting to high-ranking ministers, learning different languages, and attending events didn't appeal to him in the slightest.

The food changed to puddings and desserts. Mountains of cakes, sweets, ice cream and other tantalising dishes appeared. Numerous first-years a couple of seats down exclaimed their shock and awe, with high-pitched 'woahs' and 'wows'. Nia laughed and Alexander snickered at their wide-eyed expressions while Helen threw them both a pointed glance.

'Don't laugh, especially you, Ni, you were like that as well, I clearly remember.'

At that moment, there was a large bang at the front of the Hall. Alexander swivelled around, eyebrows raised. Lockhart, in disgustingly orange and black robes, stood in front of them all with a wide smile, arms outstretched outwards like he was waiting for applause. Professor McGonagall had her lips pursed while Snape's expression looked like he could make a corpse shudder in their grave.

'Can you all hear me?' beamed Lockhart, his curls coiled to perfection, not one strand of hair out of place. 'Now, as I'm sure you've all heard, the Headmaster has kindly allowed this exciting entertainment for your viewing this Halloween night. Headmaster, I'll give you the honours this time around.'

Professor Dumbledore had waved his hand and black smoke brewed forth from the floor. Nia and Alexander locked gazes simultaneously and shared a mental groan of displeasure.

'Witness, boys and girls,' boomed Lockhart sombrely, 'the terror of the dancing skeletons.'

He flourished a hand and stepped to the side. From inside the smoke, a trio of skeletons emerged. A couple of first-year Muggleborns let out a scream. Their limbs suddenly began to twist in odd ways that alarmed and amused people. Lockhart waved his wand this time with a pleased grin, and raucous, manic laughter and music of crashing cymbals and drums spewed, causing the trio to spiral, bend, and loop. Some were laughing excitedly at the display, others staring in shock and fear, hands pressed to their ears to tune out the sounds.

The skeletons then flew upwards into the air then descended onto the students. More began to scream as the trio touched hair or bodies. Alexander saw Dean and Seamus duck from the Gryffindor table, laughing as one tried to get them. Seamus jumped from his seat to grab one but the Skeleton quickly evaded him. They flew towards the Hufflepuff table, and Alexander was lucky to avoid the first one but not the second. When the cold bones grazed his body, he felt a sudden jolt and his hair rose into sharp spikes. His hand flew up to flatten his jet-black hair, which he had combed this morning, but it wouldn't stay down.

'No, Alex, keep still,' laughed Helen, whipping out her wand and after waving it, his hair went back to its usual state.

He smiled gratefully at her. 'Thanks.'

The skeletons had finally finished on the long tables and were travelling to the teachers' table. Yet, instead of targeting the other Professors, the trio made a beeline for Lockhart, who froze in horror. Alexander clapped vigorously, mouth stretched wide in an enormous grin. Gasps and laughter burst forth as Lockhart tried to avoid it, running behind the teachers' table but the skeletons followed after. He shrieked unattractively, dropping his wand, and tripped onto the floor as the trio dived on him. Dumbledore was quick to wave his hand again and the figures came to a halt, stiffened then collapsed into the ground as black smoke.

'Ah, yes, thank you, Headmaster,' flustered Lockhart, patting down his curls as he stumbled to his feet, 'I could have very easily stopped them, but chose instead to show the students the entertaining display.' He turned to them with a smirk, flourishing his orange cape behind him.

Alexander rubbed a hand over his temple. How much longer were they going to deal with him? He'd never wished for the curse Nia mentioned to be true so badly.

'Where's my wand – ah, yes, thank you, Mr Filch.' Lockhart paused for dramatic effect. 'I hope all enjoyed that little performance, boys and girls, and remember if you want more to see displays of terror, with the added charm and feats of bravery from yours truly – '

Helen giggled and Nia flashed her a look of disbelief. Snape had never worn an expression so sour.

' – check out Voyages with Vampires or Gadding with Ghouls. Why not both? Order a copy and get it delivered in two days to earn a signature from me.' He flashed a sickening smirk with a wink and Alexander swore he heard collective dreamy sighs echo.

'Happy Halloween!' bellowed Lockhart, and the Hall erupted in cheers and claps.

'That was amazing!' squealed Helen, gaze fixed at the teacher's table where Lockhart was waving at the applause, 'Did you see that?'

'We all did – he didn't do anything really,' said Nia drily. 'Just flailed around when the skeletons tried to get him.'

It was the first time that Alexander had seen Helen truly scowl at Nia. 'Can you try to be more appreciative of his efforts? Isn't it the thought that counts? It was considerate of him to think of making Halloween better for us.'

Nia threw a short glance at Alexander that stated, 'told you so.'

'She's right,' voiced a curly-haired Hufflepuff boy, who Alexander recognised to be Justin Finch-Fletchley. 'Lockhart is clearly something. I say it was rather an entertaining sight. Very well done. Better than the Halloween feast last year.'

The other Hufflepuffs were also nodding their agreement. 'It was fantastic to finish off Halloween with,' raved Hannah Abbot. 'Spectacular! Completely wondrous!' supported Zacharias Smith.

Alexander mentally sighed. Well, Hufflepuffs had to have flaws, after all, he thought miserably. It seemed like he and Nia were the only ones who saw him as the incompetent idiot he was.

The feast had come to an end. Alexander was looking forward to throwing himself onto his soft sheets. He wondered how Harry, Ron, and Hermione had fared at the deathday party. Didn't they say they'd come during pudding? There had been no sign of them. He was too full and drowsy to consider it properly. He'll see them tomorrow morning anyway, so he'll find out then.

The school filled out of the doors and made their way towards their dormitories. Alexander had tuned out the rumble of students, which sounded like distant thunder. The rest of the Hufflepuffs had fallen behind. Most were still enthusing about Lockhart's skeleton show. The crowd in front had suddenly stopped and there seemed to be no sign of movement.

'What's going on?' demanded Zacharias Smith.

Alexander wondered the same thing. The hold-up was beginning to irritate him. He drove his way through, pushing elbows to get to the front. As he edged nearer, Alexander felt large trickles of water beneath his shoes. It was coming from up ahead. Someone probably flooded the bathroom.

When he reached the front, people were transfixed on Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who faced the crowd in a horrified manner. There was a tense silence. Hermione spotted him and began shaking her head rapidly while throwing panicked glances at Harry, who was staring at the crowd with a bemused, wide-eyed stare. Alexander frowned, unsure of what she was trying to say.

People gasped beside him, and a few clutched their throats with a hand.

His gaze travelled to something shining on the wall ahead. He squinted. Words had been smeared on the wall between two windows, shimmering in some strange ink that he didn't want to think too deeply about.

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.

ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.

Alexander quickly felt wide awake, his stomach giving an unpleasant lurch. The Heir of what? Whoever it was, they didn't signal anything good. He examined closer; a dark shadow was hanging beneath the writing, cloaked away from the light cast by flaming torches. Bile rose in his throat, and he paled considerably. Because the grisly scene showed Mrs Norris to be hanging by her tail, dangerously stiff.

His blue eyes locked onto Hermione's brown ones again; she had a pleading, panicked expression on her face. His heart dropped to his stomach and was able to take a step forwards.

Someone shoved his arm as they stood next to him, breaking the connection. The blond ferret turned to grin feverishly at Alexander with cold eyes, his face flushed.

'Enemies of the Heir, beware! You'll be next, Mudbloods!' proclaimed Malfoy, addressing the crowd. As he uttered the last word, he ensured Alexander was watching to stare directly at Hermione.

Alexander lunged.

I apologise for how long this has taken me. I've been completely overwhelmed with job applications and all that crap. Fortunately, I've got a telephone interview for an entry-level job, so I'm hoping that goes well.

Anyway, thank you for reading and supporting me, and I'd love to know your thoughts and ideas.