Alexa stood in a long, dark chamber of grey stone. They were rough hewn, medieval. They reminded her of Hogwarts, but moisture dripped around her, a deafening sound in the otherwise perfect stillness. There were columns on either side of her, on which torches hung. It was the only source of light in the room, they were underground she was sure, she could sense it. As she stepped forwards the weight of her long skirts kept her from moving quickly, and she felt stuck, like something was trying to drag her away from whatever sat just beyond the light, just beyond what she could see. She pushed forward, regardless, and suddenly out of nowhere, a great stone face loomed over her. The face was at least twenty feet tall, and that of an old man. It was a stern face, it was a face without fear. His great beard and long hair stretched out along the stone, and his mouth gaped open. She stood, frozen in fear, unable to move. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears, she could feel her hands shaking. But she couldn't scream. She could only watch in horror as two bright yellow eyes appeared from the darkness of the gaping maw, and a beastly snake emerged. It slithered endlessly it seemed, emerald green and hissing. It opened it's mouth and she saw fangs as big as her forearm, dripping with venom. The monster curled behind her, blocking her escape. It went around the room, until it's head sat next to that of the old man, and it stopped and stared at her. It's tail still sat on the other side of the man's face, making a complete loop. She was trapped. From the mouth of the face came a man dressed in robes unlike those she had ever seen outside of a history book. They were black, fading to dark green, and trimmed in silver. Around his neck he war a heavy silver locket, and on his hand was a ring with a heavy dark stone. But it was his face that finally broke her silence and made her cry out. His hair was chestnut, his eyes were dark, staring at her in fascination as he walked closer. His skin was snow white, and his face was handsome. There was cruelty in his smile as he raised his wand and-

September 1, 1942

Alexa woke in a cold sweat, gasping for air. It had just been a dream. There was no chamber with Tom Riddle waiting at the end for her. She wiped a strand of damp hair from her forehead, and forced herself to sit up. She hadn't had nightmares like that since her time in the Room of Requirement. She pushed herself out of bed, ignoring the room she was in, and ignoring the papers scattered on the quilt and the floor. She had fallen asleep reading about Tom Riddle. That was probably why she had the dream. Hopefully nothing more sinister was happening.

As she showered and dressed she contemplated her plan. There was anxiety building inside her, like a snake coiled round her chest. It made it hard to breath. She looked at herself in the mirror in the corner of the room. Green dress, still long sleeved-she always cast a glamour over her tattoos (and now the back of her hand as well) but even so she liked the added security of sleeves. It was sightly more youthful in the cut. Her hair was down, dark and curling down to her waist, in an effort to make her features less severe. She would have to pass as a fifteen year old. Nearly three years older and battle weary, there was a leanness to her face that she couldn't alter, but with her hair framing it differently she thought she was passable. Once she had her uniform on it would be better.

Today was the day after all. She packed her room with a wave of her wand, all the files and yearbooks and supplies she had brought from the future going in her locket, along with her old clothes. In her trunk she packed her uniforms, her textbooks, her 40s costumes. Looking at it she felt a pang of nostalgia. How many times had she packed it, bouncing with excitement at another year of magic? For the first time ever, she dreaded going to Hogwarts.

Her most recent letter from Dumbledore was the last thing she put away. He had pulled a favor for her. Tom Riddle had become a prefect this year, and Dumbledore was putting him in charge of her so to speak. He would be waiting for her at the train station to make sure she managed. Her life was going to consist of a lot of playing dumb, she feared. She'd probably have to pretend to get lost in the castle a few times for good measure. She wondered how Riddle felt about his task, and if he would simply ditch her the first chance he got. At least it gave her an excuse to latch on to him.

She closed her eyes, gripping the bed post for support and trying to pretend her heart wasn't trying to beat out of her chest. She could do this. She had come all this way, she had damn well do it. Do it for them, she reminded herself. For Neville and Blaise and Draco and so many others.

She checked her wristwatch. It was 10:15 AM. She was set to meet Tom Riddle at 10:30 AM, and the train left at precisely 11 AM. She rolled her neck, grabbed her trunk, which she had charmed to have wheels, and rocked back into the shadows. Less than a minute later she emerged, not worrying about the surrounding muggles, for she knew the mist would hide her. If only wizards realized that. Of course, then they would have to acknowledge that they were nowhere near as subtle or sneaky as they thought. She rolled her trunk to Platform 9 ¾, hands steady and eyes sharp. She stood next to the platform entrance, looking around and somewhat relieved that she had beaten him there.

"Are you Alessandra di Angelo?" a voice called in a pristine and polished accent. She flinched and looked up from her thoughts.

Tom Riddle stood there in front of her, thick chestnut hair curling around his pale face. His eyes were dark and penetrating under immaculately arching eyebrows. His nose was straight, not too sharp or too rounded, his cheeks were high, and his lips a balanced full. Exactly like the picture, but so unlike the future.

She forced herself to smile, "Yes, I am, it's just Alexa though. You must be Tom Riddle," she offered her hand and he shook it cordially, a polite smile on his face.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I hope you'll enjoy your time at our school." He was charming, not overbearing but not cold. The accent, which she knew was not his own, was flawless. He was dressed nicely, far nicer than his station. He must have saved for the clothes. They were passably muggle but adding a cloak over it, nobody would suspect that he wasn't a wizard. It was the same technique she employed, as soon as she realized the Slytherins weren't fond of anyone who wasn't from their aristocracy.

"Thank you, you as well. I'm excited to be here," she replied just as smoothly.

"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing, "Ladies first," he said coyly.

She nodded, slipping through the barrier. He followed close behind with his own trunk.

She looked around, warmth in her chest. The platform was bustling with families, from the eldest grandmother to the tiniest tot. Children swarmed about, chattering excitedly, rushing to hug friends. The sun was brightly shining, the Hogwarts Express gleamed, and everything seemed rosy. She watched a cluster of second years jump together, one girl's pigtails bouncing more than she thought possible. Her breath caught in her throat. She used to wear her hair like that, and gods she remembered coming back to school for her second year and running to Blaise and Theo, throwing her arms around them-

"Are you alright?" Riddle asked.

"Hm?" she jumped, startled to find him far too close. "Yes, sorry. It's just new." She laughed, "I feel a bit like they do I guess," she nodded towards some first years who were looking around in wonder at their surroundings, gasping excitedly to their parents.

He seemed satisfied with her answer, "Wait until you see the castle," there seemed to be genuine excitement in his voice, "This is nothing compared to that."

She grinned, "I can't wait." She wished he wouldn't stand so close.

"Tom," a drawling voice called. They both turned to find a boy their age, with short-cropped white-blond hair and a pale pinched face strolling towards them. She recognized him from the yearbook she had. And even if she hadn't, he certainly resembled his grandson enough that she could easily guess.

"Abraxas," Riddle replied, the two boys shook hands, and Alexa stood to the side waiting to be introduced.

"How was your summer?" Abraxas asked with a careless air. She studied Riddle's face closely. It was a mask of courtesy, but there was a slight twist in his lips that hinted at distaste. Abraxas was clearly too self obsessed to notice.

"Dull, as usual," Riddle chuckled, "This is Alexa di Angelo," he gestured to her and she stepped forward, offering the blond boy her hand, "She's a transfer student. She's been sorted into Slytherin."

"Pleasure to meet you," she said, smiling and shaking his hand.

"Abraxas Malfoy," he looked slightly more interested in her, "You're from America?" he asked.

"Yes, from California, on the West Coast." That's where camp was anyways.

"Really? How charming," Abraxas said, "The muggles there are quite queer."

She chuckled, "I suppose so."

"I'll see you in the usual compartment," Riddle interjected.

Abraxas nodded, and waved a hand as he departed. The casual dismissal of Abraxas surprised her. Riddle held more social power than she had anticipated. The Slytherins in her day were all about rank, and it was clear that Riddle ranked higher than Abraxas. She could never imagine anyone dismissing Draco like that.

"Malfoy is an old Pureblood name, isn't it?" she asked.

Riddle sighed, "Indeed it is." But that's all he said on the topic. "Shall we?" he asked, nodding towards the train.

She nodded, and the two boarded. Their trunks went to the luggage rack, and he led her down the train. Suddenly a door slammed open and a giggling girl, still looking over her shoulder back into the compartment, walked into her with a great deal of force. The two stumbled and fell onto the ground in a heap.

"Oh gosh! I'm so sorry!" The girl yelped, hauling Alexa to her feet. She was red, something remarkable giving the darkness of her skin, and her hair was pulled back in a series of twists with a headband. And most surprising of all, she had a New York accent.

"No worries!" Alexa said, not able to help the smile on her face, she at least wasn't the only one not from England.

"Hey! You're American too, where are you from-also I am really sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." She was giving Alexa an intense look that left the older girl a bit perturbed, but she ignored it.

"San Francisco, I just transferred to Hogwarts. What about you? I'm Alexa di Angelo, by the way." She offered her hand.

"New York City," the girl's eyes on her face seemed to be examining her deeply, "I'm Adeline Reynolds, it's nice to meet you, do you have a house yet?" Adeline spoke fast and Alexa liked her immediately.

"Slytherin," Alexa replied, "I was sorted over the summer."

"Gotcha," Adeline said, "I'm in Gryffindor. We'll probably have classes together," she smiled brightly.

"I hope so!" she said, "But we're blocking the corridor, I had better get going, it was so nice to meet you!" Riddle was starting to look a bit impatient, and there were people trying to slide behind her.

"You too!" Adeline chirped, and went on her way.

"I had forgotten we had another American student," Riddle commented as she fell into step beside him once more, "Are you alright?" he added.

"Oh, I'm fine," she said, shrugging, "No harm, no foul."

"There's Abraxas," he was suddenly no longer paying attention to her. He slid the door open, stepping in and apparently expecting her to follow.

She did, and ended up sitting down opposite Riddle next to a boy with immaculately styled black hair, electrically blue eyes, and a crooked smile.

"I don't think we've met before," he said, before Riddle could even introduce her, "I'm Alphard Black." Black. Black was the name of the not so criminal criminal Sirius, Harry's godfather. And Bellatrix. And Draco's mother Narcissa. She would have to check the book of pureblood families she had, but she didn't think he was anybody's father.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Alexa di Angelo," she shook his hand.

"I told you we had a new American," Abraxas rolled his eyes, "The fool thought I was making it up."

Alphard turned to Abraxas, eyes sparkling, "You didn't tell me she was this pretty, which really is the first thing you should have mentioned." She liked Alphard.

Abraxas scoffed, and Riddle was eyeing Alphard with barely restrained distaste.

"Pardon them," Riddle said, giving Abraxas a swift look, "Sometimes they forget their manners."

"And sometimes," Alphard leaned into her conspiratorially, "Riddle isn't a huge stick in the mud." Alphard didn't seem to care about Riddle's apparent power over the others.

Alexa laughed, covering her mouth to stifle her giggles. It wouldn't do to offend him. Riddle pursed his lips and arched a brow, but remained silent.

"But," she said, "He's been extremely kind in helping me."

Alphard nodded, sighing, "I guess I'll give him a pass then."

"Thank you Tom," she said, giving him a smile, "I really do appreciate it."

He smiled in return, and it seemed almost sincere. She couldn't tell if she was just projecting onto him because she was so suspicious. She really didn't know him. She knew everything about him, but he himself was still a mystery.

"You're welcome," he replied.

"Have you been sorted yet?" Abraxas drawled.

"Yes, into Slytherin," she asserted.

"Oh good, it's really the only house worth being in," he looked out the window as he spoke.

Alphard rolled his eyes, "Don't listen to him, he's just pretentious because his whole family has been in Slytherin. Every house has its merits. Slytherin just has the most." He winked. It was a shame Riddle didn't seem to like him. He reminded her of Blaise. All of a sudden the train began to move with a great jerk.

"Finally," Abraxas rolled his eyes, "I thought we'd never get going."

Riddle didn't comment, but he looked out the window past Abraxas. She could just catch the edge of his expression. Of the excitement and yearning. She couldn't help the tiny bit of happiness that welled in her chest. It might be different than she knew, but Hogwarts was her home no matter what the year was.

Riddle pulled out a book, some history of transfiguration or other. Alphard and Abraxas chatted amiably with each other, and Alexa was left to look out the window. So far, so good. With any luck this would be her quietest ride on the Hogwarts Express. No Death Eaters, no Dementors, no Fred and George, no dramatic reenactments of Blaise's mother.

The compartment door was knocked on, and Riddle slid it open.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" The witch who stood in the entryway was not too much older than Alexa, with a shock of red hair and a shock of red lipstick.

Alphard grinned suddenly, looking at Alexa, "Have you ever had Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans?" he asked. Alexa inwardly shrank.

"No," she lied, "They aren't carried in America." Oh gods she had had them before. Within the first twenty minutes of knowing Blaise he had convinced her to eat a whole handful.

"Excellent, I'll have a box of those and-no Abraxas put your money away this is my treat, we have a new Slytherin, I'm buying for the compartment. Riddle, you like licorice right? And Alexa, you look like a ginger newt gal if I ever saw one." he gave Alexa a sly grin, and went on to order way more sweets than she was convinced they could eat. The much younger trolley lady handed the candy over with a cheerful musing about how sick they were all going to be, and went on her merry way.

"I do not," Alexa said solemnly, "Like the sound of every flavor."

"You shouldn't," Riddle scoffed.

"Too scared?" Alphard said, opening the box and shaking it at her.

She sighed, "I don't trust you, Mr. Black," she said, taking the box, "But I do not turn away from a challenge." Accio Cherry, she thought as she reached in. A single red bean zipped into her fingers, and she grinned, popping it into her mouth. "Cherry!" she exclaimed. Being over age had its benefits.

Alphard groaned, "Damn. Alright, Abraxas your turn." He held it out to the blond.

"This is undignified," he sniffed, but took a bean anyways, promptly scrunching up his face. "Earwax," he said, ripping open a chocolate frog and putting it in his mouth before it could hop away, "But I got Newt Scamander," He shrugged, holding up the card.

"And now you Riddle," he held the box out and Alexa half expected him to murder Alphard right there.

But he just sighed in a long suffering sort of way and took a nondescript looking green candy. And gagged, his face screwing up so comically Alexa snickered right along with Alphard.

"Boogey," he coughed.

"And now it's your turn," Alexa turned to Alphard, "Or are you chicken?"
"I," Alphard said, pulling out a handful, "Am Alphard of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. How dare you question my honor!" And he threw the whole handful back.

The regret that immediately passed over his face was truly something to behold, but he chewed resolutely, his face twisting. With great exaggeration he swallowed, and then waved a hand. "Pumpkin Pasty!" He gasped.

"Idiot," Abraxas laughed, and passed one over. Alphard shoved it in his mouth, slumping back against the seat.

"Who let me do that?" he asked bewildered.

"I didn't realize you needed supervision," Riddle's tone was icy but his face was amused.

"I'm impressed you didn't hurl," Alexa giggled. She nibbled on a liquorice wand, "Glad I missed out on that."

"I don't know how you didn't get something nasty on the first try," Riddle said, delicately picking up a cauldron cake, "I wasn't even convinced there were nice flavors."

"Beginners luck," she shrugged. They all nibbled at the candy Alphard had amassed, and Riddle turned back to his book and the other two chatted about nothing. She exhaled, leaning back in her seat. The train ride was barely half over. All Riddle had done so far was be charming and read.

"Hey! Verona just walked by!" Alphard exclaimed suddenly. Abraxas flushed red.

"Don't you dare!" he hissed.

Alphard gave a grin and leapt over Alexa, taking off after whoever Verona was, with Abraxas hot on his heels.

"Well that was exciting," Alexa murmured, sliding over to take Alphard's window seat.

"Eventually it just becomes annoying," Riddle said, not looking up from his book. She sighed, it was getting dark out. And Riddle was surprisingly boring. It was hard to picture him as the darkest wizard of all time. She was almost disappointed.

And then suddenly there was a booming, deafening crash and the train came to a sudden hauls.

I'm a flash Alexa was on her feet, her wand raised in her hand as she faced the compartment door. So much for her quiet trip. She couldn't recall anything having happened when she checked the records. Immediately her mind flicked to Grindelwald but she brushed it off.

Riddle had flinched terribly when the bang sounded, and he could hear his suddenly ragged breath behind her. She glanced at him, and realized he was ashen and his hands, clenched into tight fists in his lap, were shaking.

"Are you alright?" she said, not looking back. Her voice was finally one she recognized, far from the light and almost flirty tone she had been using before. It was hard and strong with authority and admittedly a crisis was when she felt most like herself.

"Fine," was all he said.

"We're sorry for the delay, we will be pausing shortly for repairs. Our journey will begin as soon as possible, thank you." A smooth voice said over an intercom. Alexa exhaled, lowering her wand. She did not put it away as she sat back down across from Riddle. She didn't like that the train was stopped. She didn't like it at all. Riddle seemed to have gained his composer. She couldn't quite figure out what about the stop and crash that had set him off.

"Hopefully they get that fixed quickly," she said, her fingers drumming her wand. Riddle made a noise of agreement.

"Has this ever happened before?" The train had never stopped for such innocuous reasons in her time. She was trying to make conversation, while also scanning the outside of the train for life. There was nobody unexpected, just people, the crew she was assuming, walking around to where she supposed the engine was.

Riddle cleared his throat, "No," he rose, "But it is time for the prefects meeting, so I'm afraid I must leave you. I'll find you again on the platform?" He asked, pausing at the door.

She nodded, smiling, "Sounds good." He gave her a tight sort of expression that she was sure was meant to be kind and then left, the sliding door clicking shut behind him.

"Thank gods," she breathed, slouching down in her chair. There was still only the repairment outside, and nobody else for miles in any direction, including up. She didn't like that they were sitting just out in the open, perfectly defenseless. Her leg bounced up and down rhythmically, and she was anxious to be moving again. She might as well change. She slipped from the compartment, making her way through the hallway that was interspersed with whispering students. She knew exactly where the bathroom was, of course, and as she pulled her uniform from the locket and began to put it on with mechanical precision she couldn't help but smile. She had never thought she would wear it again. She had, she supposed, been cheated out of her last year of school. This would definitely make up for that and then some. She tucked the clothes she had been wearing away and made her way back down the corridor. And of course, because her luck would be reliable to the end, a tall skinny boy bumped into her and nearly sent her to the ground yet again.

"I'm so sorry!" He gasped. He was absurdly tall, very thin, with a shock of dark hair, and more freckles on his pale skin than she could even begin to count.

"You're fine," Alexa said, smoothing her skirt, "Don't worry about it," she flashed him a smile.

"I wasn't looking where I was going, and my ni-" he stopped, looking at her, "I mean, my toad ran off. I-I don't think I've ever seen you before." He held out his hand, "I'm Victor Scamander," he shook her hand rapidly, "And I'm so, so sorry." He talked fast, really babbling, and she wasn't even going to question why he was chasing after something that definitely wasn't a toad.

"Alexa di Angelo," she replied, "I'm just transferring in from America, that's probably why you've never seen me."

"Oh, I'm glad!" He paused, "Not that you're transferring, I mean," he shook his head, "It's wonderful that you are, Hogwarts is lovely, but if you had been in my classes for years it would have been awkward that I had just introduced myself to you."

Alexa laughed, "A bit yeah." Just then, the train started moving, much to her relief.

"Oh! They got it fixed-"

"Will the owner of the niffler please come to the front of the train, will the owner of the niffler please come to the front of the train."

Victor groaned, "I knew I felt something moving in my trunk, the blasted thing always tries to sneak where it shouldn't. It was nice to meet you," he smiled, "I need to see a man about a niffler." And with that he bustled off, and Alexa was left standing there quite amused. Scamander, the name sounded so familiar. Newt Scamander! Abraxas got his chocolate frog card, he wrote one of their textbooks. Victor must be related. It would probably explain the niffler.

The rest of the ride was mostly quiet. Alphard and Abraxas returned eventually, the latter of the two red faced and looking supremely annoyed. They chatted and the three of them nibbled through a good portion of the candy. She didn't see Riddle until the carriages were in sight, although Alphard and Abraxas walked with her. He was talking to two hulking boys that reminded her of Crabbe and Goyle far more than she liked. He dismissed them with a nod, and they went on their way. He raised a hand in greeting when Alexa approached, and the thestrals pulling the carriage both turned to look at her. Riddle glanced at them, pursed his lips, but said nothing. The thestrals, however, were not pleased with the lack of attention she was giving them, and just as Abraxas was climbing in they turned and snorted at her, one of them nuzzling into her hair and flipping it up. Abraxas cried out, and fell in a heap at the bottom of the carriage.

"Okay," she giggled, scratching it's bony snout, "Are you happy now?" Thestrals, as far as she knew, were the only animals who liked her. She thought they were cute in a sort of punk way.

"You can see them?" Riddle asked curiously, standing a short distance away.

"Yeah," she said, running her hand along its flank. It quivered it's leathery wings, shaking it's head much like any normal horse would do. She could not remember a time when she could not see them. Perhaps, because of her father, she had always been able to see them, or perhaps she had seen her mother die when she was a child. She could not remember.

"So can I," Riddle's response was quiet, and his eyes were suddenly somewhere far away. And then he shook his head, "They're going to leave soon." She followed him into the carriage, sitting next to him. It was still far too close to him for her liking. He was far more normal than she had expected. Nothing seemed off about him. The only indication was how tightly he seemed to control the Slytherin house. Perhaps except for Alphard, but he might only tolerate Alphards 'misbehavior' because of how high ranking the Blacks were at this time. There must be more of them somewhere. Maybe they were more under his control. She would have to wait to find out. She was about to say something when the castle came into view, and her breath caught in her throat.

Gods it was whole.

It was beautiful, all the windows lit up like Christmas lights, it's towers and parapets majestic even from this distance. She felt like a first year again. She was home. She was always home at Hogwarts.

"I told you it was beautiful," Riddle said, looking at the castle as well. His face mirrored hers in it's adoration.

"I'm not ready for the homework," Abraxas complained.

Alphard snorted, "You just copy off me anyways." Abraxas swatted him, rolling his eyes.

"It's amazing," she agreed, looking at Riddle.

"How are you already sorted if you've never been here before?" Alphard asked.

"Headmaster Dippet brought the sorting hat to the Leaky Cauldron,," she answered.

"The Leaky Cauldron? Why were you staying there?" Abraxas's nose was wrinkled as he spoke. Alphard and Riddle gave Abraxas a reproachful look, complete with a hard elbow from the former. Abraxas looked quite befuddled at the treatment he had just received.

"I didn't have anywhere else to stay-my parents passed. That's why I'm here." Was all Alexa said. Abraxas turned pink.

"Sorry," he muttered.

Alexa shrugged, turning back to the castle. She could feel Riddle's eyes boring into her, but she ignored it. They reached the castle in short time, dismounting with a final pat of the thestral.

They were shepherded through the entryway, and into the Great Hall. Even after all this time, it took her breath away. The sky was perfectly clear, and the stars twinkling above her. The candles gave everything a warm, rosy glow. But looking around it was like looking at her own memories through somebody else's glasses, the place was familiar, but in the sea of faces she recognized no one.

"This is our table," Alphard said, guiding her to the Slytherin table. She sat between him and Riddle, and there was a flurry of introductions from those around her. Apparently the news of a new student had traveled quickly through the train. There were several more Blacks, Walburga, Cygnus, and Orion. There was an Eleanor Parkinson, whose face was just as pug-like as Pansy. The two hulking boys were, as it turned out, Crabbe and Goyle, but both were charming and intelligent it seemed, much unlike their modern counterparts. They were still built like rugby players though. There were more than she could ever hope to remember and they lasted all the way through the sorting which featured even more names she recognized. It was the strangest sense of deja vu she had ever experienced. Dippet's speech was far more dull than any of Dumbledore's had ever been, as it involved no warnings of imminent death nor the word "blubber."

But the feast was as incredible as always, and observing the people around her it was easy to pick out a pecking order. Riddle was top dog in his year, and indeed it seemed for the year below him. Any younger and the kids didn't really seem to be aware of his existence. Any higher and there were older boys from older families who ruled the roost. Among the girls, Amelia Greengrass seemed to be in charge, although she was quite lovely, and not at all unpleasant.

As they left the Great Hall, Amelia was the one who came up to her.

"Hi," she said, "You're Alexa right?"

Alexa smiled, "Yes, I think we were introduced early, you're Amelia Greengrass?"

"That's right," the girl's smile was infectious, "I'm the female prefect for our year, and I just wanted to let you know that we're so happy you're here and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!"

Amelia's status, it seemed, was not from anything aside from being the group's mother.

"Thank you so much," Alexa sincerely responded, "Everyone has been so kind, I feel very welcomed."

"I'm glad!" Amelia said, "Let me know what your class schedule is when you get it, and I'll try to see if there's anybody with the same one, so you don't get lost. The castle can be pretty confusing. Also! Make sure you don't forget the password, or else you won't be able to get into the common room. It's a bit of a harsh tradition, but it's forbidden for another student to help you in, so you have to remember." Amelia kept talking, giving Alexa a surprisingly solid history lesson of Hogwarts and the Slytherin house the whole way to the dungeon.

They stepped into the common room together, and Alexa couldn't help but feel safe. Of course, then Riddle had to come over and ruin it, interrupting Amelia's pleasant chatter.

"I see you've met our other prefect," he said cooly.

Amelia's gaze hardened, "Riddle," she greeted. The tension rose in the air around them. Alexa had to admit, she only liked Amelia more.

"Are you settled, Alexa?" Riddle asked, turning to her.

"Yes, thank you for your help," she replied.

Riddle nodded, a small smile on his lips, "It was my pleasure." He gave Amelia a curt look, "We have another meeting on Saturday to discuss patrol schedules," he informed her.

"Yes," she said dryly, "I was at the meeting today, I'm aware."

"Goodnight," he said, once more turning to Alexa. And then he turned and went down the stairs to the boys' dormitory.

"He's a right tosser," Amelia snorted, "Pretentious as they come."

Alexa chuckled, following her to the girls' dormitory, "I wouldn't have guessed," her tone was dry.

Amelia giggled, "Have you met all the girls in our year?" she asked, as they entered into the fifth year's room.

"Everyone!" she yelled. The room of at least twenty girls turned to look at her. Alexa was taken aback. There were fewer than half that number in her own time. She supposed, grimly thinking, that many of these girl's children would be killed in the wizarding wars to come.

"This is Alexa di Angelo, she's our new student, and I expect all of you to make her feel welcome." Alexa stood unflinching under the scrutiny of the group, as Amelia introduced them all in turn. Walburga she recognized, as well as Parkinson, and then there were twins with the surname Crabbe, and most surprisingly, a Zabini who looked startlingly like Blaise. There were many more, and she was sure she would come to learn their names in time. But for now, she was admittedly exhausted, and everyone was getting ready for bed, and she was more than inclined to join them.

Her bed was between Amelia's and Effie Crabbe, and in this strange Hogwarts that seemed more peaceful than she had ever known, she slept soundly.