Chapter 2


As they got off the train, Dean, Neville and Seamus came walking up to them. "Hey everyone. Who's this?" Seamus asked, pointing at Alex.

"Hi, I'm Alex Reese. Just starting here this year. Nice to meet you." Seamus and Neville both looked at each other, then back to her.

"But, you're supposed to be dead." Dean looked confused and said nothing. Alex just shook her head.

"I have no idea why everyone thinks that."

"Well, not everyone. Malfoy didn't seem shocked that you are alive." Hermione pointed out.

"Yeah that's true." Harry said as they all started to walk to the carriages.

Alex followed and climbed in with Harry, Ron and Hermione. None of them spoke as they rode towards the castle. They got out and Alex bumped into someone as she headed to the doors.

"Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry about that." The boy she bumped into turned and looked at her, then smiled.

"Not to worry. I'm Kagato, an exchange student from America. It's my first time here. And you are?" He said as he held out his hand to her. She blushed slightly and shook his hand. She had never seen anyone quite like him. He was tall, long dark hair and a very handsome face.

"Alex Reese. Nice to meet you. It's my first time here as well. Guess we'll be sorted together then."

"But, you're British, and hardly a first year. How come it's your first time here?" Kagato asked as they made their way inside, Ron sulking behind them.

"Oh, my grandmother was teaching me at home until she died. My Aunt decided to send me." When the reached the entrance hall, Professor McGonagall came over to them.

"Kagato? Alexandria Reese? Please, follow me." Alex waved to Harry, Ron and Hermione and went with the professor and Kagato. "Now, you two will be sorted first, since you are both older and it's your first time here. Now don't be nervous, and Miss Reese, it is nice to finally meet the daughter of two of my most gifted students." McGonagall smiled a rare smile and lead them to where the first years were.
She waited with the other new students and paced a little. Kagato smiled at her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Calm down, it won't be that bad." He winked and Professor McGonagall lead them into the Great Hall, the stool and sorting hat were already waiting for them. It sang it's song and everyone cheered.

"Now when I call you, please come up and put on the sorting hat. Alexandria Reese." She swallowed hard and quiet whispering could be heard around the Hall. She walked up, sat down and the professor placed the hat on her head. It slid over her eyes.

"Hmmm, a Reese? Haven't seen one of you come here in quite some time, yes. Where to put you? Hmmm, Hufflepuff would be quite suited for you, yes, but, wait, wait; no I know just where to put you." The hat raised his voice and said "Gryffindor!!!!" She sighed and hopped off the stool, making her way quickly over to Harry, Hermione and Ron.

"See, no worries." Ron smiled as Alex sat down next to him.

"Kagato?" Professor McGonagall now called him up. Kagato walked up and sat on the stool, putting the hat on, he seemed to be having a chat with it.

Alex watched as the hat shouted, "Gryffindor." Kagato came down and took a seat at the Gryffindor table.

As soon as the sorting was done, Professor Dumbledore stood up to address the students.

"A new year, with new students. A time for new beginnings. I wish to welcome all of you, and give a special welcome to our American exchange student, Kagato, as well as to a student who most thought died with her parents. Alexandria Reese. I do trust that all of you will help them adjust to their new surroundings. Now, let the feast begin."

He clapped his hands and food appeared all along the tables. As she filled up her plate, someone tapped her on the shoulder. Alex turned to a dark haired girl with steel blue eyes.

"Hello, I'm Blackcat, just wanted to welcome you and Kagato to Gryffindor. And if you need anything, Lei and I will help as best as we can" Blackcat motioned to a blonde haired girl with a prefect's badge who smiled.

"Yes, I'm Lei, and not like most prefects. I love to joke around. Let me know if you need help with anything." Alex smiled.

"Thank you. I'm sure I am going to need a lot of help." Alex smiled. Kagato nodded to both Backcat and Lei.

"Thanks. I'll come to you guys if I need anything." They ate and talked about what they did over the summer. The talk quickly turned to Alex.

"Alex? Hi, Lee Jordan. How did you survive the attack on your parents? I mean, you're supposed to be dead." Lee asked as he reached across the table and took a roll. Seamus and Neville nodded. Kagato and the twins looked confused. Lavender and Parvati leaned in to hear better.

"Yeah, how?" Parvati said.

She shrugged. "Simple. I wasn't even there. I'm totally lost as to why everyone was told I was dead."

Hermione spoke up. "Well, how did they keep it a secret for so long? You would have been spotted in Diagon Alley at the very least."

Alex shook her head. "I've never been there. My Aunt went and got all of my supplies. And all of my friends have been muggles. I guess I should have wondered why I was never shown places in the wizarding world."

Blackcat sighed. "There must be some reason they wanted your being alive kept a secret. Very strange."

Lei nodded in agreement and talk returned to summer fun and what chance Gryffindor had for the Quidditch cup this year.

Professor Dumbledore stood as the feast came to an end. "Now that we have had our fill, I do believe it's time for sleep. Goodnight everyone." Everyone stood and started to leave the Hall. Alex followed Harry out into the entrance hall and started up the stairs when someone grabbed her by the arm, pulling her backwards.

"What the? Oh, what do you want now?" Alex was face to face with Malfoy.

"I want to tell you how sorry I am you were not put into Slytherin. But, some things can be overlooked." Malfoy grinned as Harry came up and shoved him.

"Leave her alone Malfoy."

"My, aren't we over protective Potter?"

"Just leave her alone."

"Yeah Malfoy. Go slither on to the dungeons, where you belong." Ron had joined Harry and was glaring at Malfoy.

"Hmm, guess we'll have to talk later Reese. Good night." Malfoy smiled, turned and disappeared into the sea of students.

"Talk? Not a bloody chance in hell." Alex mumbled as she started up the stairs again. "Thanks Harry, Ron. Although I can take care of myself, thanks." Harry and Ron both nodded and walked behind her. Kagato came up and walked next to her.

"What was that all about?"

"Honestly? I have no idea." She didn't say another word as they walked to the Gryffindor tower.
Lei, who was leading the first years, stopped at the Fat Lady. "Password?"

"Hybiron Blueback" the Fat Lady bowed and swung open. Alex, Kagato, Harry and Ron followed in behind the first years. Alex stopped just inside the common room and looked around in awe.

"Pretty nice, isn't it?" Ron whispered into Alex's ear. She nodded, and then a thought hit her.

"Umm, I have no idea where I am sleeping."

"Well, since you are a fifth year, I suppose you'll be in with the other fifth year girls and me." Hermione said as she brushed past Alex and Ron. "Goodnight everyone." Hermione vanished up the stairs.

"She doesn't like me."

"Nah, she's just tired Alex. Hermione is a bit, touchy, when she's tired." Harry was now on Alex's other side. The common room was emptying as most students went up to bed. Harry, Alex and Ron started up the stairs and stopped at the door for the girl's dorms.

"Oh, ok. Well, I should get some sleep. See you in the morning."

"Goodnight Alex." Harry and Ron both said together as she closed the door behind her.

"This year is gonna be so much better than last year." Ron said as he and Harry headed for their own dorm. Harry had to laugh at Ron.

"You like her, don't you?"

"Why do you say that?" Ron said, a bit of annoyance in his voice.

"Because, you haven't taken you eyes off her since we first saw her." Harry said as he climbed into his bed.

"Well, maybe I do, so don't go trying to impress her. I would like to have first shot, if you don't mind." Ron had gotten into bed as well. Harry drew his hangings around his bed, still laughing.

"What ever you say Ron, but I get the feeling if you go after her that way, she'll slap you. Goodnight." Harry fell asleep, before his head even hit his pillow.