As she timidly stepped out onto the platform that would take her to her new school, helping her start a new life, she wondered, why am I doing this? She thought about the life she left, one of security and love. Why trade it all for this?
As a silent tear cascaded lightly down her cheek she blamed herself for all the problems in her life. She was the reason her father turned and her mother died. She was the cause of all the problems in her life. She couldn't blame anyone but herself. As she stumbled blindly onto the scarlet colored train, she blinked back tears of sorrow.
She walked all the way back to the last compartment which was empty and sat down brooding over her past. When the tears started to come she angrily pushed them away. About halfway through the ride to the castle the door opened and three friends fell into the compartment…
"Draco Malfoy," Alexa shouted surprising even herself, "What are you doing here?!"
The tall, blonde-haired boy turned around with a confused look on his face only to replace it with a smile when he recognized his old friend. He smiled, "Alexa what are you doing?"
Alexa pretended to be hurt, "What? No hug for an old friend?" With that, she threw her arms around the boy hugging him tightly. When she pulled away she realized that he wasn't alone. Standing in the doorway of the compartment were two sturdily built boys with their mouths hanging open.
Alexa looked to Malfoy with a quizzical look on her face. "Oh," grinned Malfoy slyly, "these two lugs here are Crabbe and Goyle- they're um…my friends."
"I see," replied Alexa as she sat down in one of the plush seats of the compartment, "I didn't know you went to Hogwarts. I always thought your father would send you to Durmstrang or some school like that."
Draco's smile faded slightly as he sat down beside her, "my father was going to send me to Durmstrang but my mother didn't want me so far away from home."
Alexa nodded approvingly, "That's cool." She looked up to see Crabbe and Goyle still standing by the door. She smiled. "You guys can come in and sit down if you like." The two boys quickly sat down on the seats across from Alexa and Malfoy.
"So," began Malfoy ignoring the dim duo, "What brings you to Hogwarts?" Alexa was about to answer him when she was cut short by another trio bursting through the door…
"Give it back Malfoy," cried a red haired boy with freckles, "Or I will be forced to hurt you."
Alexa glanced at Malfoy and then at the boy and his two friends. The one, a girl with bushy brown hair was glaring sharply at Draco as well as the other, a tall and handsome boy with riveting green eyes.
Alexa stood up and sandwiched herself in between Draco and the angry red head, "Hi," she said shoving out her hand, "may I help you," she asked smiling sweetly. Totally taken aback by her kindness, the boy lowered his wand and shook Alexa's hand, all the while staring at her bewildered.
"Who are you," he asked curiously, "and why are you hanging around with Malfoy?"
Alexa laughed and answered, "My name is Alexa and I'm new. Draco and I are old friends and we were just catching up when we were so rudely interrupted. He's been in here the whole time talking to me so I can assure you that he didn't take whatever it is you are looking for."
Draco smirked inwardly surprised at how easily Alexa had lied. The strange group just stood in the middle of the small room, daring each other to say something. Finally the boy with the green eyes broke the silence, "Alright then we will be going. Come on Ron, Hermione. Nice to meet you Alexa, see you soon."
As they left, Malfoy turned his attention back to Alexa, "Thanks for covering for me."
With a wave of her hand Alexa sat back down, "No problem. What of theirs did you take anyway?"
Malfoy gave her a grin and pulled out a small black diary with a golden clasp. "It's belongs to that mudblood girl Granger," he explained as he easily broke the lock and opened the diary, "now where should I begin?"
As he began to read Alexa felt uncomfortable. She didn't want to start of the school year with any enemies. "Draco," she began cautiously, "Don't."
Malfoy stopped reading and looked up, "What?" "Give me the diary so I can give it back," Alexa answered flatly, "It's obviously personal and you were wrong in taking it." Before Malfoy could protest, Alexa snatched the diary out of his hands and went to find the girl in hopes of reconciliation.
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione settled back into their own compartment on the train, their talk turned to the new girl, Alexa.
"She's a real fox," said Ron blushing furiously, "she seemed nice enough too."
Harry agreed but didn't say so. He could still see her in his mind. The seductive smile with the deep cocoa brown skin and dark almond shaped eyes. She was very pretty.
"Why was she hanging out with Malfoy," exclaimed Hermione, waking Harry from his daydream, "of all people Malfoy!" As Hermione went on and on about how mean and stupid Malfoy was Harry thought hard. Why was it the three of them resented him so much? They were always fighting with him, and getting into trouble over and over yet they continued on with it year after year. It seemed so pointless to Harry but he didn't dare try to explain that to Ron or Hermione. Sure, Malfoy wasn't the nicest person but he could be easily ignored.
As Harry began to ponder this thought, the door to the compartment swung open and there stood Alexa. She looked uncomfortable and spoke quickly, "Here take your diary back," she thrust the small book into Hermione's hands, "I'm sorry Malfoy took it. He's not usually such a jerk."
Ron looked at her dumbfounded, "Not always such a jerk! He's just an inconsiderate bastard if you ask me!"
Hermione stood up from her seat, "Now Ron let's not get all worked up," she look at Alexa and gave a little smile, "thank you for bringing my book back I truly appreciate it. Would you like to join us for a little while?"
Alexa looked at Harry warily and against her better judgment she accepted, "Sure thanks." She sat down and everyone properly introduced themselves. As the train rambled on Alexa entertained Ron, Harry, and Hermione with stories of her childhood and they excited her by telling her all about Hogwarts. Alexa felt extremely comfortable around the group and hardly realized it when the train came to a stop. She felt bad that she had left Malfoy alone in the compartment with just Crabbe and Goyle to socialize with but at the same time was glad that she had made some new friends.
When Alexa reached the grey stone steps of Hogwarts she stood for a moment to revel at how magnificent the castle really was. Even though Harry and the others had gushed over how wonderful it was she hadn't imagined it to be like what she saw before her eyes. The castle was huge with high towers that seem to sweep the sky. There were torches on the outside of the wall each one lit and brightly shining.
As Alexa was still standing looking up at the castle she realized she had lost Hermione. On the ride over in the horseless carriages she and Hermione had gotten into a carriage by themselves while the boys went to chat with a few friends. They had talked about lots of things on the way over mostly Alexa and where she grew up. She had felt bad lying to Hermione but no one could know the truth. Not any one.
As she looked around at he crowds of people hoping to find Hermione, Ron, or Harry, a hand slyly slide around her waist. She turned around to face who she knew was Draco and couldn't help but smile. "Miss me," he asked, "or were you having fun being nice?"
Alexa removed Draco's hand from her waist and grabbed his hand, "No as a matter of fact I didn't miss you," she laughed, "Hermione is quite nice. Why don't you like her?" As the two descended up the stairway with Crabbe and Goyle in tow Draco went into a full fledged explanation about why he couldn't associate with people not of pure blood and how she should have known that because of who her father was.
As they ascended the top of the stairs Alexa began to feel faint. As she walked into the doorway of the enormous castle she felt as though she were floating and without warning fainted.
As Hermione walked up the cold stone steps she looked around for Alexa and didn't see her. She assumed she had found Ron and Harry and kept walking. As she neared the top she stopped at a crowd of people gathered around someone. She pushed her way to the front of the crowd and saw Alexa, unconscious, in a heap on the floor and Malfoy trying to help her up.
She rushed over to help Malfoy, who pushed her aside in disgust, "Granger I'm sure she doesn't want your filthy hands touching her." The crowd around them laughed loudly causing tears to well up in her eyes. She stood up and exited the circle walking into the castle.
When she had entered the castle she saw Harry and Ron waiting for her to the entrance to the Great Hall. She ran over to them and told them what she had encountered at the entrance the castle. As the three ran back to see if Alexa was all right they saw Hagrid carrying Alexa towards the infirmary with Malfoy following. Realizing there was nothing they could do, they headed to the Great Hall for the feast.
When Alexa came to, she was lying on a stiff bed in what she presumed to be the infirmary. She sat up and looked around. Seeing no one, she went to get up when a plump, mother-like woman marched into the room.
"Are we feeling better my dear," she asked sweetly.
"Yes," replied Alexa, "What exactly happened?"
The nurse looked over at her and smiled, "When Hagrid brought you in he said that you had fainted outside the castle. I think you were just a little dehydrated. If you feel better I can take you back down to the Great Hall so you can join the rest of your house."
Alexa looked at the nurse confused, "What house?" The nurse stopped bustling about and stared at Alexa, "You know you're in one of the four house of Hogwarts right? Oh dear you must have hit your head."
Suddenly Alexa realized her mistake. "I'm new this year so I guess I haven't got a house yet," she said.
The nurse calmed down considerably, "Oh okay that explains it all then. Come on now. Since you are feeling better I had probably take you down to the Great Hall."
Gratefully, Alexa jumped off the bed and followed the nurse down a series of hallways and stairs. When she entered the hall, she felt as though all eyes were on her. Most were. The nurse led her up to the front of the room where the headmaster, Dumbledore, and the teachers were seated.
"Ahh," said Dumbledore as Alexa approached, "Ms. Williams. Are we feeling any better?"
Embarrassed, Alexa looked at the floor, "Yes thank you," she mumbled as shuffled her feet on the stone floor.
"I believe that you need to be sorted," questioned Dumbledore with a smile.
"Umm… yes I do," answered Alexa her voice barely a whisper. "Right then," replied Dumbledore. He stood up and tapped on the side of his glass which plunged the hall into absolute silence. "As some of you may already know," began Dumbledore, "we have a new student among us. Her name is Alexa Williams. She is going to be placed in fifth year but she does not yet know her house. If you would please turn your attention to the front of the room while she is sorted."
He looked at Alexa and motioned for her to go and sit on a stool dead center in the front of everyone. She looked around the room as she sat down and saw Malfoy smiling at her. As hard as she tried, she couldn't bring herself to smile back. When she had sat down, a kindly looking woman came up and placed an old pointed hat on her head. Alexa practically jumped off the stool when hat began to talk to her…
As the hat began to talk to her Alexa's heart started to thump inside of her chest. The hat was singing to her but she didn't know that only she could her it.
Ohh poor little girl with so many secrets
Wants to soar and fly above the sky like an eaglet.
She has a dark past,
And she will be the last
She will bring
The Dark King
But she has a choice
She just needs to use her voice
Where should I place her?
Slytherin or Gryffindor
Hupplepuff or Ravenclaw
I can't debate anymore…
Just as Alexa felt like running out of the hall and leaving Hogwarts forever, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" Loud cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table and she saw Hermione beckoning her to an empty seat beside her.
Alexa looked questioningly at Dumbledore who nodded in approval. She jumped off of the stool and hurried over to sit by Hermione. The hall had returned to its noisy state and Hermione introduced Alexa to a few more people.
By the time dinner was over Alexa was happy and full. She walked up to the Gryffindor common room with Harry, Ron, and Hermione laughing all the way. When they entered the common room, the four friends plopped down on the couches and just sat there. Alexa broke the silence with a question, "Why don't you guys and Draco get along?"
The trio went into a tidal wave of explanations and Alexa was shocked by the things that they told her. She told them how when they were growing up he was the nicest guy and that she couldn't imagine him being mean. However, their stories had to have some merit to them Alexa just couldn't see Draco as being such an asshole. Afterwards, they boys went up to their dorms as did Alexa and Hermione. Alexa found that her things had been brought up and placed by a four poster bed next to Hermione's. There were four other girls in the room for fifth years but Alexa and Hermione chatted to themselves excitedly as they got ready for bed. About an hour later, Alexa laid her head down on the soft pillow and fell asleep instantly.
Alexa woke up to Hermione shaking her. "Alexa wake up," the always punctual girl exclaimed, "You already missed breakfast and now you are going to be late!"
Alexa sat up groggily and blinked her eyes, "What time is it," she asked not caring if she was late or not.
"Never mind that," snapped Hermione, "Take a shower and get dressed while I go and get our schedules."
"Alright already," groaned Alexa as she got out of bed. Hermione had already left the room so Alexa had to fend for herself to find the showers. Within ten minutes she was rejuvenated and dressed. She went down to the common room to wait for Hermione who was just on her way to come and yell at her some more. "All ready," said Alexa with a smile, "How do I look?"
She spun around a couple times to add flair. She was wearing boot cut jeans and a black cable knit sweater with a pair of gym shoes. She looked good but she was so out of dress code.
"Well," began Hermione, "We usually wear robes with our house name and coat of arms on them."
Alexa looked confused, "Robes," she asked, "I haven't got any. What am I supposed to do?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know this will have to do for now. Hurry up before we're late. Our schedules are mostly the same and our first class is potions. The professor of that class is not the nicest so we had better hurry." With that, the two girls took of running in the direction of the dungeons.
Luckily when Alexa and Hermione arrived the professor was not there. As they walked into the classroom they saw that there were various empty seats but none next to one another. With a glance and a smile, Alexa slid into the seat next to Draco and Hermione sat down next to Ron.
Draco turned to face Alexa, "Sleep well," he asked with a smile on his face.
"Like the dead," replied Alexa and they both laughed. Even though Alexa hadn't seen Draco in years, she decided to ask him about his relationship with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Draco," she began slowly, "Last night I was talking to Harry and well…," she paused and looked deep into his eyes, "Why are you so mean to Harry and his friends? It's not like you to go around calling people names and hexing them."
Draco stared hard into Alexa's eyes before answering, "I have no other choice."
Alexa wouldn't take that for an answer but before she could reply, the door to the dungeon burst open and a tall man with dark hair rushed in.
"Alright," he began, "As all of you," his eyes suddenly found Alexa's, "Most of you know I am Professor Snape and this is your potions class. We will start this class off by passing out our books." With a wave of his hands books appeared on everyone's table, one for each of the people sitting there. Wasting no time, Professor Snape went on, "If you will turn to page forty-five in your books you will see a formula for a withering potion and its antidote. I would like you and whomever you are sitting next to to work on this potion and the antidote. It will be tested by each group at the end of class. The person you are sitting next to will be the person you shall work with until the end of exams."
"Oh no," cried Harry who was sitting next to a portly boy who looked awfully nervous. Snape smiled at Harry mischievously, "I trust you brought your materials now get to work."
Alexa looked at Draco, "I haven't brought anything with me."
Draco smirked, "I noticed. Here's the plan. I will mix the potion while you read it to me and get out the ingredients."
Alexa nodded in agreement, "Okay but Draco? Where do I get the ingredients?"
Draco pointed over his shoulder, "There." Alexa looked to the corner of the dungeon where Snape was handing out various ingredients in jars and bottles.
She walked over there and was about to ask what she needed when Snape addressed her, "Ms Williams?"
She was so taken aback by the fact that Snape even talked to her and it took her a while to find her voice, "Yes professor?"
"Ms. Williams would you please explain to me why you are not in dress code and why you have not brought the proper supplies to my class," even though Snape's voice was soft and even Alexa cringed.
"I don't have any supplies or robes sir," she answered timidly.
Snape frowned then his eyebrows relaxed, "Alright," he replied curtly while shoving a punch of small vials into her hands, "But you had better be prepared by next week."
Alexa was so grateful that she wasn't punished that she practically ran back to her table, almost knocking over Draco in the process. "Sorry," she muttered as she set the stuff down on the table.
Draco looked up from the book, "It's okay but we had better get started." The rest of the class went by rather uneventful besides the last part when the spells had to be tested. Alexa and Draco's was the only one that worked exactly the way it was supposed to and Snape had them try it over and over again.
Hermione and Ron's however, wasn't looking too good. Every time they put a drop of the potion of Ron's arm it would inflate instead of wither. Even worse, was Harry and his partners. Harry's partner, Neville Longbottom, had somehow managed to inflate himself to the size of a hot air balloon and float up to the high ceilings of the dungeon. Snape let the class out early while he and Harry tried to get Neville down. Alexa and Draco cleaned up their mess and Alexa said bye to Draco and ran to catch up with Ron and Hermione.
"Hey guys," she said brightly.
"Hi Alexa," replied Ron cheerily but no answer came from Hermione. Instead, she picked up her pace and raced down the hallway ahead of them.
"What's with her," Alexa asked, "Did I do something wrong?"
Ron pondered this for a second before replying, "Yes and no," he started, "You see Hermione has always been top of the class and has always gotten everything right on the first try so not getting the potion right is what's bugging her."
Without anymore from Ron Alexa immediately understood, "I get it. She didn't get it right and on top of that Draco and I did and on the first try."
Ron looked at Alexa thoughtfully, "Yeah that sounds about right. Boy is it weird to hear you call Malfoy by his first name."
The two kept up a lively conversation as they walked to their next class which happened to be Charms. All the while Alexa was thinking about how she was going to get to Harry and warn him before it was too late. It should have been simple enough but Draco complicated things considerably.