Chapter 4

Remus watched as Alias was sorted into Gryffindor. He was aware the whole table was clapping except for him, but he didn't really care. He was running the words that Alias said over and over in his head, trying to make sense of them. Ex-communicated? From what? A secret coven maybe? She could be in league with Voldemort…. He quickly dismissed all those thoughts; none of them seemed to be likely. Death Eaters couldn't be ex-communicated, they were just killed. Alias didn't seem the type to be in a coven…. But why was she so hateful then? The mysterious Alias took a seat at the far end of the table, separated from everyone, of course. Remus shook his head and ate his food.

*~*~*~*~*~

For the next few weeks anyone who saw the new transfer student only saw her reading and angry. Many times she would throw a book down in frustration in the middle of class, cursing, and then settle down, glaring at the board. Many questioned her behavior but either didn't get an answer or were struck with fear by just looking into her eyes. Remus, James and Sirius hadn't talked to her since the day on the train. Remus was observing her and James and Sirius were just a little busy getting in trouble, as usual.

Alias was on her way to the library lost in her thoughts, when she ran into something hard, yet a little soft. Falling, she caught herself barely in time, by doing a back flip. Unfortunately she dropped all her stuff in his process. She looked up at who she ran into, it was none other than Remus Lupin. Alias gave him her most powerful death glare, which was pretty threatening. Remus however, didn't seem the least bit phased.

"You should watch where you're going." He said a slight tone of amusement in his voice. If possible, Alias's glare increased. Remus looked at her scattered books on the floor. Being polite, as always, he picked her stuff up, looking over some of it in the process. What he saw was very odd; many notes were scribbled down on many pieces of paper.

This could possibly be branch 17, but there are some major differences…

                                                18

Not 18 either, no chilimangis here

Remus's eyes scanned over another picture of a dragon. And many pictures of trees with writing in a language he didn't know. Alias quickly came over and grabbed her stuff, still glaring at him and continued her path to the library. Remus however, quickly caught up.

"Why are you so cruel?" he questioned

"Because."  She stated simply

"Because why?"

"Because you humans are nothing but cruel." She said and quickened her step into the library, leaving Remus behind, highly confused.

~~~~Later that night~~~~~

Remus had just finished explaining about Alias, and Sirius had an eyebrow raised.

"Well she sure is an odd one eh?" he commented. James however looked thoughtful.

"What did she say about us again?" he asked

"She said, 'you humans are nothing but cruel.'"

"Why would she say that? Unless, she's….not human?"

"Don't be ridiculous James!" said Remus

"Well it could be true!" Remus rolled his eyes

"Be serious James, the statistics of other life living in what the muggles call space are possible, however, their settlement on earth is highly un-likely." Everyone in the room twitched at the explanation.

"Moony, you read way too many books." Commented Sirius. Remus smiled and shrugged.

"I'm going to keep trying with her. You know how I love mysteries."

~~~ One week later ~~~

Alias shuffled through all her notes in the great hall at dinner time. Sighing, she threw ½ of them over her shoulder. They caught fire, and were ashes before they hit the ground.

"Jade honey, where are you?" she laid her head down on the table, fighting tears.

"Who's Jade?" asked Remus, taking the seat next to her.

"No one. Leave me be" She said, gathering her things, preparing to stand up. Remus put his hand on her shoulder, hoping to stop her. He was surprised when her robes were freezing cold.

"Don't. Touch. Me." She hissed and walked away. Remus was quick to follow, unfortunately for Alias.

"Are you ill or something?" he questioned. Alias didn't answer. "I'm not your enemy Alias."

"Everyone is an enemy. Trust no one." She said as if it had been drilled into her mind for many, many years. Remus looked at her quizzically. Maybe she was abused as a child. I wonder if she comes from a muggle family…. Digging in his pockets, Remus pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to her.

"What is this?" she asked looking thoroughly confused

"My birthday is tomorrow, me and a few of my friends are heading over to James's house. You're invited." With that, he walked away.

Alias looked down at the invitation, wondering why any one would invite her with her behavior here. She stuffed it in her pocket and went looking for a present.

~~~ The next day ~~~

Remus looked back at James's house in appreciation. He was very lucky to have as good as friends as he had. It was ok that Alias didn't come. It had been a great night, and he was happy with just about everything right now. It would even be fine if the world ended, right then, at that moment. It had been one of the best days of his life. He laughed, for no reason at all, and at no one in particular, just for the fun of it. He laughed at why he was laughing; he didn't care how mad he sounded to anyone else. It was just…funny.

"And people think I'm mental." Commented a voice from behind him

~~~~~~

A/N: Hmm I didn't like this chapter that much, but o well :-P R/R if you wish…and thank you Dark Angel!!!

~key