November 20, 2014

"I swear Alexa, there must be something wrong with you if you're this awake this early," Daphne grumbled.

Alexa chuckled, "It's not that early." It was only seven. She had time for a nice, scorching shower before breakfast. She waited until Daphne was ready, chatting amiably. By nine they descended the stairs.

Daphne went on ahead to breakfast, but Alexa remained perched on the couch, keeping an eye on the boys dormitory. She was waiting for Blaise and Theo, her leg bouncing anxiously. It wasn't that fighting between the three of them was unusual. In fact, it was rather a constant thing. But rarely did Blaise and Theo both team up against her. And she was worried. More worried than they would ever know.

They appeared together, talking amongst themselves. They glanced at her and Theo's expression shifted to become softer. Blaise pursed his lips, but they walked towards her all the same.

"Hey," she greeted, rising as they reached her.

"Alexa," Blaise greeted her.

"Goodmorning," Theo added, glancing at Blaise. Theo was always more forgiving. Blaise was clearly still upset about yesterday.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, as the three of them left the common room, "I know you're just trying to look out for me."

"I don't know why, considering you're so hell bent on dying!" Blaise sniffed.

Alexa huffed, "I'm not hell bent on dying, it's just a hazard for everybody right now." She shook her head. "Blaise," she switched to Italian, which they both spoke, "I'm doing what I have to, we all are."

"I just want you to be careful! You're taking risks you don't have to!" He seemed to be growing more annoyed, and so was she.

"I know that. But just because you're willing to be complacent doesn't mean I am. Besides, You know what I am. You don't think if anyone finds out I won't be prosecuted the same as the muggle borns? I'm a magical creature, as you like to forget."

"So don't expose yourself!" He grabbed her arm. There was no one else in the hallway now, just the three of them. "Stay safe!"

"Blaise this isn't something I'm going to argue about.," she fixed him with her golden eyes, staring into his oak ones.

Blaise groaned, pulling her into a tight hug that seemed to surprise them both.

"If you die, I'm going to kill you," he grumbled. His voice was thick.

"I would expect nothing less," she chuckled.

Theo was watching the two of them with a very intense expression, trying to follow along as best he could.

"I hate it when you two do that," he grumbled.

She chuckled, "Are we okay?" She asked, switching back to English.

Blaise nodded, albeit grumpily.

"Yes," Theo agreed, his eyes lingering on her.

She nodded, and they continued on their way.

Snape was standing when they got there, glaring around like an overgrown bat, peering down from the staff table. He seemed to be eyeing the Slytherins in particular. Alexa took the empty space next to Draco, with Blaise and Theo sitting to her left.

"Quiet." His voice rang out, and suddenly you could hear a pin drop.

"Today we are having a very special guest."

Blank faces stared up at him. Alexa surveyed the other teachers. Most were looking down at their plates, some were missing. McGonagall was glaring at Snape with so much fire she was surprised he wasn't burning.

"The Dark Lord is coming to inspect the school."

Gasps were heard across the room. Draco, when positively green. She nudged him, and he glanced at her, before exhaling and relaxing his shoulders.

"He will be here at noon. Classes are canceled for today in preparation of his arrival. At exactly eleven thirty you will all be lined up in your common room by year. Your head of house will come to collect you. That is all."

He sat back down.

Alexa turned to Blaise, "Merda."

"I know what that one means," Theo piped up.

She snorted, and grabbed a piece of toast.

"Meet you in the common room later," she said, rising. Blaise pursed his lips but said nothing. She got to the end of the hall, and was about to drop into the shadows but-

"Miss di Angelo?" a tiny voice called. She turned around, two Hufflepuffs were walking towards her. One she recognized as Miranda Cartwright from herbology. Miranda was a seventh year. But the other, a tiny boy with curly brown hair and freckles on his tan nose, looked like he was barely old enough to be a first year.

"Hi…?" she looked between the two of them.

"Miss di Angelo," the little boy repeated, tears building in his eyes.

Alexa crouched down so they were at the same level, "What's wrong?" Tears began to bubble from his dark eyes, and he seemed unable to speak.

"This is Archie Spigget," Miranda explained, putting a hand on his shoulders, "His sister has gone missing-her name is Amanda. We don't know where she is or could have gone and…" she trailed off as a sob broke out of Archie's lips, "We're worried. The Carrows interrogated Archie this morning. They were asking about his family and his sister and other things. I don't think he's safe."

Alexa nodded, "Hey Archie," she said, turning back to the boy, "I'm going to take you to some friends of mine who will keep you safe while I find your sister. Is that okay?" He nodded silently, wiping his face on his sleeve.

"I'll take care of him," she said to Miranda. Miranda nodded.

"You'll be safe with her Archie," she said kindly, ruffling the boy's hair. He nodded, and together the two of them set off down the corridor.

They were silent. Archie was still crying and Alexa wasn't the best at comforting people. They made it to the seventh floor and she walked back and forth three times. The boy gasped as the door appeared, and she opened it, revealing the expanse that was the Room of Requirement.

"Back again?" Zachariah sneered at her, but the nasty expression on his face fell away when he saw Archie's tear stained face.

"Archie, what's wrong?" He demanded, stepping forward and grasping the first year's shoulders.

The boy's lips quivered, and a loud wail erupted from him. He threw his arms around Zachariah, clinging tightly and burying his face in the older wizard's robes.

"His older sister is missing," Alexa supplied.

Zachariah's face went white, "Amanda or Shelby?" He demanded.

"Amanda. I didn't know there was another."

He swallowed hard, "Shelby graduated last year. She's my girlfriend."

That would explain why Archie was so quick to latch on.

"I'm keeping an eye out. But there's something else," she glanced at Archie and thought better of speaking, "Where's Neville?" she asked. This was the most pleasant Zachariah had ever been to her. Especially since it was announced to the other rebels that she was a demigod.

"The Hog's Head. He's talking to Aberforth about getting the latest group out. Alexa, please find her," his voice was soft and pleading. This is why she couldn't stop. Who else could do what she did?

"I'll get her back," she assured him. It would take time though. Time she wasn't sure if she had before the Dark Lord arrived. "Don't let anyone leave the room."

"What's going on?" Ginny walked over.

"Come on Archie, let's go sit down," Zachariah looked between the two girls and led the younger boy away.

"He's coming. At noon."

Ginny's eyes grew wide, "Oh shite."

"I'm going to go get Neville," she said, "Keep everyone inside." Ginny nodded, and she spun and vanished, appearing in the back room of the Hogshead.

"MERLIN!" Aberforth shouted, leaping back and almost stabbing her with a broom.

"Sorry!" She raised her hands to show she wasn't a threat, "I need to talk to Neville-"

"He's out front, I'm just gettin 'im a pint. Next time come through the door for Hecate's sake. You're going to give me a ruddy heart attack."

"Sorry sir," she ducked around him, and around the counter.

"Alexa," Neville greeted her in surprise, "What are you-"

"He's coming to the castle," she cut him off.

"You-Know-Who is coming ?" Neville demanded, lurching to his feet.

"At noon."

"Shite," he cursed. "Aberforth!" he half ran to the back room, Alexa hot on his heels.

"What is it boy?" Aberforth asked crossly.

"You-Know-Who is coming to the castle. We may need to have you on standby in case we need to evacuate."

Aberforth scowled, "Bloody bastard. Alright, I'll figure something out. Get back to the castle and handle the others."

Neville nodded and Alexa offered her hand to him.

"It'll be faster," she said, at his hesitation.

He signed, "I don't know how you stand it." But he grabbed her hand and they were gone.

"Alright!" Neville yelled, "Everyone gather 'round." People emerged from every corner of the room, with Ginny and Luna coming to stand beside Alexa and Neville.

"I don't want anyone to panic," Neville began, which, in Alexa's opinion, was a sure fire way to start panic, "But I need everyone to pack. Voldemort is coming to the castle, and we might need to evacuate."

"We've already started," Ginny filled in.

"Alright, good," he said, "I want you to break into groups. Luna, Ginny, can you handle that? I need everyone who can apparate paired with a group of younger students. Alexa?"

Alexa met his eyes.

"I need you to be ready to get us out. Can you do that?" He asked.

She nodded, "I can get us all at least a hundred miles away-but the minute we stop I'll be unconscious, and out for a while. So we'll have to plan around that."

Neville nodded, "Alright, let's move!" he yelled. The crowd dispersed.

"Neville," she called.

He turned, "Yeah?"

"There's a girl missing. A third year Hufflepuff, Amanda Spigget. Her brother Archie was questioned. He's here now, I left him with Smith. I'm trying to find her."

His face went dark, "Merlin," he rubbed his hand over his face, "Good luck. Be safe." She nodded, touched by his concern, and vanished into the shadows. She reappeared on her bed, and checked her watch. It was only ten. She had an hour and a half before she had to be in the common room. She crossed her legs, and closed her eyes.

Lights lit up around her. In her mind's eye she sorted through the ones she knew. Those were eliminated. She then eliminated everyone over the age of 14. Starting at the top of the tallest tower, Alexa looked for any soul that seemed out of place. It was grueling, slow work. There was nothing in any of the towers. Nothing on the top floor. Or the floor after. Or the floor after that. Sweat was beading on her forehead, she had to find Amanda. She knew she was running out of time.

"Alexa?" a voice called. Her concentration cracked and the lights vanished. Exhaling deeply and forcing herself not to take her annoyance out on Daphne, who had been the one to speak, she opened her eyes.

"What's up?" she asked, straightening her tie.

"It's time," the other girl was fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.

"Ah," Alexa glanced at her watch. It was 11:25. She stood up, yawning, and made her way to the door, "Let's go." Daphne trailed on behind her.

Blaise and Theodore were waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase. And, much to her surprise, it seemed as if Draco was as well. He wasn't standing quite with Blaise and Theo, but he was staring at the girl's stairs and when his eyes met hers he nodded at her.

"What were you doing?" Blaise hissed in Italian as they came to stand next to each other in line.

"There's a girl missing," she whispered back.

He fell silent. Theodore stood on her left as they lined up, and Draco on her right. She wasn't entirely sure when he had appeared by her side, but she didn't protest.

Slughorn appeared, a parchment in his hand. He took roll. The only person missing was Tracey Davis.

Silently they filed out of the common room, one year after another. No one spoke as they wound through the once safe corridors of the castle. No one spoke as they walked through the great oak doors that had welcomed them to magic what felt like an eternity ago. As they stood under the stormy sky that was the ceiling Alexa found herself looking around and examining each face she saw. They were all more pinched than she remembered. Their eyes were a bit more shifty, they didn't seem to be able to sit still. Their hands would twitch to their pockets at the slightest noise.

Any of them could be gone any day now. And they all knew it.

It reminded her of all the worst things about camp.

Slughorn had them line up in the very front, in front of the Ravenclaws, then Hufflepuffs, then Gryffindors. The head table was to her left, and the rest of the tables were absent. She checked her watch. 11:50. The teachers filed in after them, lining up in front of the head table adjacent to their students. She could see McGonagall's fists clenched from where she stood. Snape swooped in then, like the overgrown bat he was, and made his way to the center of the staff. Not once did he spare a glance for the students it was his supposed duty to protect.

"I expect everyone to be on their best behavior," he declared, "Any foolishness will be punished severely," he crooned the word, as if he was anticipating it already.

"Bastard," Alexa breathed. Draco gave her an alarmed look and Theodore stomped on her foot. She did not react to either of these things. She did, however, wish she had brought her dagger.

And then the great oak door opened once more.

It was twelve o'clock on the dot. At least the Dark Lord was punctual.

Voldemort strode in front of the Slytherins flanked by Death Eaters in heavy silver masks. His skin as white as a kleenex and his beady red eyes were gleaming. His nostrils were nothing but slits sitting in the middle of his otherwise flat, snake like face. He made her flesh crawl. But she just stood tall and tense. Shoulders back, chin up, arms at her side. She stood at attention. Like the good little soldier she was trained to be.

"Good afternoon," he called out. She shivered, his voice was high, clear, and cold. His eyes slowly crawled over each and every student standing in front of him, lingering on the Slytherins longer than any of them really liked.

"So few of you remain," he marveled, beginning to slowly saunter up and down the rows of students, "So few of you who are truly worthy." Alexa stared straight ahead, unblinking.

"And yet, so many of your former peers have escaped the punishment they deserve...I'm sure you all know about the..." he paused, "Unfortunate escape of the mudbloods."

You're damn right they escaped, Alexa thought violently.

"Even more unfortunately," he sighed, standing by the teachers once more, "It seems there are still some among you who question the nobility and morality of my cause." A third Death Eater emerged from the doors, dragging a writhing young girl with him. She was screaming, her eye black, her close torn, and her yellow and black tie hanging limply from her shoulders.

"Her sister is a traitor," he announced to the assembly, "Someone who is foolish enough to believe-foolish enough to dare-to oppose my mighty cause." Amanda Spigget was thrown to the feet of the Dark Lord.

"A demonstration," he continued, turning to face the Slytherins, "Of how one ought to treat filth." He stared at them, his eyes roving over every face. His eyes locked with hers for the briefest of moments and she did not flinch away. He pulled out his wand. Alexa was struggling to keep her breath even. Her hands clenched into fists and her wand was so tempting in her pocket. Draco looked sideways at her, the fear and repulsion evident on his face.

"Don't do anything," he breathed. Alexa made no response. Plan. She needed a plan. She needed a plan right now.

"CRUCIO!" Voldemort yelled. The girl let out a blood curdling scream as she writhed on the floor, her eyes rolling back in her head. There was no time for a plan. Her mind went blank and a roaring filled her ears.

After an agonizing second, the spell was broken. Voldemort's chest was heaving as he grinned, "You see?" He prodded the twitching girl with the toe of his boot, "Nothing more than animals." He raised his wand once more, "Avada-"

"CRUCIO!" Alexa, screamed, as she lunged forward, faster than possible, her wand directed at the evil wizard. All of the hatred she felt, all of the misery and suffering and pain, it shuddered through her, funneling through her wand tip with such force that it nearly knocked her over. The Dark Lord fell, a desperate scream of horror bursting from his lips. He spasmed on the cold stone, his back arching as he lost control.

"Scalpere Carne!" Snape snarled behind her.

The spell cut off as blinding pain slashed through her back. A warm wetness overwhelmed her. Something began pouring, oozing from her back. She staggered, seeing rose, his wand gripped white knuckled in his hand. He tsked. An infuriating sound. She raised her wand, but one of the Carrows was faster.

"Crucio!" She could see Draco's pale face as she fell. The pain was overwhelming. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't see. The world was shaking and every nerve was on fire. Was that her screaming? She couldn't tell.

And then it stopped.

"What's your name?" Voldemort was standing over her, looking down with curiosity.

"Go to the crows," she spat a vile mixture of blood and saliva at his feet.

And then the pain hit again, and she screamed. Tears were dripping down her face despite how much she tried to quell them.

"Alessandra di Angelo, my lord," Snape answered for her. She was losing blood. She needed to get out. The third year was unconscious. She needed to get to her. It didn't matter what happened to Alexa. But she had to save Amanda.

Alexa pushed herself to her knees, panting heavily.

"She's strong," Voldemort commented, "A pity she's so disloyal. She would have made a valuable asset."

"I hope," she spat, "I'm there when they bury your corpse."

Voldemort sighed, flicking his wand. She heard her ribs crack and she screamed as she was thrown across the room. Her head slammed on the stones and for a moment she stayed down. But she was closer to the girl now. If she could just make it a little bit farther. She was still bleeding. She could see it splattered where she had hit the ground, and smeared all across where she had been.

"Alecto, if you would?" He turned his back to her.

"Crucio!" She wanted it to end, God she just wanted it to be over. The scream that tore from her was barely human. Her hands curved into claws as she thrashed, every nerve burning, every atom of her being exploding. She wished she was dead.

But it stopped, and she was far from dead. She pushed herself. Onto her forearms and knees. Onto her palms and knees. Her breaths were coming in hard gasps and her arms trembled underneath her. She had to do this. By the gods she was going to do this. She looked up. She didn't know what she expected to see. But she looked up and she looked from face to face. She looked at her friends. Theodore Nott was white and misty eyed, but his expression was blank. Pansy Parkinson was smirking. Blaise Zabini was green, he had his eyes clenched shut. And Draco was staring at her with a look of utter horror. But he didn't dare act. And then she looked at Snape, and Snape looked back. And she couldn't read his expression but it unsettled her. The Carrows were both grinning. Wildly and madly grinning. Voldemort turned back around, and was looking at her the way one would a lab experiment. His eyes met hers and he tilted his head sideways. Something was pushing at her occlumency shields. But he couldn't breach them.

She chuckled. And then it evolved, degrading into a mad cackle that the Wicked Witch of the West would be proud of.

"I'm Alessandra, daughter of Pluto, child of Rome." she spat, "And my father is getting tired of waiting for you," and then with the last bit of strength she had, she threw herself at the young girl grabbing a fist full of her jumper as they were both swallowed by shadows.