Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter books, everything from them is J.K. Rowling's brilliant work, not mine. I did create Alix and the plot however.

Author's Note – There are over a zillion fan-fics on fanfic.net. I haven't had the time to read all of them yet. So if there is similarities between other fics and my story, it is coincidental.

Sorry it's been so long! My life has been hectic! The stable where I work at has moved, I'm moving, and high school starts on Monday. Plus I've had the worst writer's block EVER!!! I stumbled across this kick ass website. It's ww.writing.com and it's awesome. Sorry to my beta who hasn't answered me back, but I really wanted to get this chapter up. This might be it for a while because I need to sort out everything in my life first.

The Keystone

Suspicions

"Miss Sharrp, you have about fifteen seconds before three o'clock. Either decide you don't want to be late or go hover elsewhere. "

The softly spoken words cut like a knife. Cheeks burning, Alix lowered her hand. Professor Snape walked back to his desk and she hesitantly followed him into his office. The door slammed shut, causing her to jump. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room.

"Sit down. Today, we will start with Transfiguration. Assuming you have read through your books, tell me what you've learned."

He sat at a highly polished oak desk, scribbling on a piece of parchment.

"The chairs don't bite, Miss Sharrp. Sit."

Alix seated herself in one of the hard wooden chair and nervously cleared her throat.

"Transfiguration is the art of changing one object into another. It is dangerous and complex but one of the most useful pieces of magic there is. It is possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa. Some Transfiguration spells alter a part of something-"

"Example please."

The scratching of his quill paused, but he didn't look up.

"Er, switching spells."

"You've read all the way to the fourth year book?"

His voice was cold and incredulous. This time he did look up from the parchment and stared at her with narrowed eyes.

" Explain cross-species switches."

"Cross-species switches…er…You use cross-species switches when you want to transform one animal into another. It is easier to do the spell when the animals similar names or appearances."

And so the lesson went, him quizzing her from transfiguration to potions and she answering nervously. Each time her response was correct, he would frown and draw his brows in suspicion.

"Monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant."

"That is enough. We will meet again at the same time tomorrow. I also expect an essay about what we discussed today. Two rolls."

Snape picked his quill up and turned back to the parchment. Alix quietly left the room. After she was gone, Snape made a fire in the hearth and threw in a handful of powder from a jar on his mantle.

"Albus, we need to talk."

A head popped up in the flames.

"You called, Severus? How was the lesson with Miss Sharrp?"

Albus Dumbledore smiled merrily at him and he scowled.

"It went well. Too well."

He explained how she had known all the answers, answers that not many of the fourth years would know. Dumbledore nodded and looked thoughtful.

"I suppose I might as well tell you my suspicions. Stand back, Severus, I'm coming through."

Dumbledore appeared seconds later, stepping into Snape's office.

"Good evening."

Alix pressed her ear closer to the door, but couldn't hear anything. Realizing Dumbledore had probably put a charm around the room to keep eavesdroppers from listening, she began to walk to dinner. Her stomach growled, heartily agreeing with the idea.

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