Chapter Five
First Day
It felt as though Alexia had just laid her head down when suddenly Parvati pulled open the hangings on her bed. The light was so bright that Alexia first thought she was dreaming, but Parvati soon had nearly dragged Alexia from the bed. She stood up and rubbed her eyes. It was way too early to be up. She yawned as she got dressed and her, Parvati and Lorelei headed down for breakfast.
They sat down at the Hufflepuff table and Alexia yawned again.
"Someone didn't get enough sleep," mumbled Lorelei.
Alexia glanced at Lorelei.
"I'm not usually up until noon," she said, yawning again.
Alexia slowly nibbled on some toast and they began to talk. Soon slips of parchment were being handed down the table towards them, and Parvati smiled when she got hers.
"Oy! Schedules!" she cried.
Alexia sat up and looked at the piece of parchment, and rubbed her eyes again.
On Mondays they had Charms with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Slytherin, a break for lunch, then Herbology and Defense against the Dark Arts with Gryffindor.
Tuesdays they had Transfigurations and Charms with Ravenclaw, a break for lunch, then History of Magic, and then Herbology.
Wednesday they had potions first thing with Slytherin, transfigurations, lunch, charms, and then history of Magic. They also had Astronomy Class every Wednesday at midnight, just Hufflepuffs.
Thursday they started off with Defense against the Dark Arts, Potions, lunch, Transfigurations and last was charms.
Friday was Transfigurations, Defense against the Dark Arts, lunch and then double Potions until class was dismissed.
After they compared class schedules, Alexia noticed Linnea, Piper and a rather handsome looking boy sitting at the Gryffindor table. Linnea and Piper smiled and waved and Linnea walked over.
"Morning Lex!" she said excitedly.
"Yup, it is morning," said Alexia, "How was your night?"
"Bloody amazing!" said Linnea.
"How was yours?" asked Piper.
"Tiring," yawned Alexia, "Felt like I didn't sleep one wink last night."
"That's rotten luck," said Linnea, "What class do you have first thing?"
Alexia looked at her schedule again.
"Charms," she said, "With Slytherin."
A very upset look crossed Alexia face.
"That's gotta suck," said Piper.
"We have flying lessons after class today," she said, "Course we're with Slytherin."
Linnea glanced over to see Ashlee, Hades and Jemima studying their schedules. Linnea rolled her eyes and looked back at Alexia, but her gaze was focused on the boy at the Gryffindor table.
"Who is he?" she asked.
"Chris Moody," said Piper, "Second year, he's really very nice."
"I've heard about him," said Lorelei, "Oh he's dreamy!"
Alexia laughed and suddenly there was a very loud noise coming from above them.
"Mail's here," said Parvati and the hall suddenly filled with owls, all carrying packages and letters.
A very large brown owl landed in front of Alexia and hooted at her.
"What?" she asked, looking at the bird.
She noticed that on the owls leg was a letter with her name on it. She pulled it off, the owl took a bit of a nibble at Alexia's sausage and then took off. She opened the letter and found a very familiar scrawl on it.
Dear Lex,
Oy! How are you? I'm just fine, and I must say that the house is rather boring without you around to terrorize the place.and I mean that very seriously. Life at the house is very boring without you. Grandma isn't getting you out of trouble, the neighbors aren't complaining about the noise, and Dad's not stressing out every two seconds when you don't show up on time.it's very lonely without you here.
So how's school? Hufflepuff is probably the same as it's always been.cheerful and very loud. Greatest years of my life were spent in that tower. Ah, good times.
I suppose you've already met Dumbledore, Dad sent him an owl right after we got home from seeing you off. Dad wanted to make sure you knew someone you could talk to no matter what.
So what house did Linnea get sorted into? Have you made any new friends? Do you like the classes? Have you seen Quidditch yet? There is so much stuff you have to experience at Hogwarts, Lex!
By the way, this is my owl, Grim. He's always running around delivering mail for me, just give him some food when he delivers a message or pet him a few times and he'll be happy and leave.
Write me as soon as you can, I want to know how you are doing. Say hi to Dumbledore for me.
You Brother,
Gavin
Alexia couldn't help but smile as she folded the letter up. Parvati looked at her.
"Who's that from?" she asked curiously.
"My brother," said Alexia, "Just checking on me."
"Aw how sweet," said Linnea, making her lovey dovey voice.
"Oh shove off!" laughed Alexia, "He's my brother, I can't help it if he's cool like that."
The bell started to ring and they headed off to their first class, Charms with Ravenclaw. Lorelei and Alexia grabbed their things and headed to Professor Flitwick's classroom. He was a tiny little wizard who stood on piles of books to see the class. It was very amusing to hear him talk about things, because when he got over excited, he might topple over and land on the floor, the pile of books above him. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff sat on separate sides of the room, so Alexia amused herself by making faces at Hari. They only stopped when Breena nudged Hari hard in the ribs and frowned at Alexia.
Next they had History of Magic with Slytherin. Professor Binns and decided to retire and now the teacher was now a very thin woman with short gray hair and sharp gray eyes, Professor Virginia Melatka, who seemed to have a very nasty temper for first years, in fact that was the first thing she told them.
"I will not tolerate any antics in this class," she hissed.
Professor Melatka had placed Alexia right in front of Ashlee, next to Lorelei, and behind Hades. Ashlee kept smirking at Jemima, who sat beside her, and laughing, and Alexia had a feeling it was directed towards her.
They finally they got to go to lunch and Alexia sighed as they sat down at the table. Parvati and her began to eat and Alexia cursed Melatka.
"If that damn woman doesn't watch her step one of us students is going to curse her," said Alexia.
Parvati laughed.
"And I supposed you'll be the one to do it," she said.
"Why not?" asked Alexia, "If my family is as powerful as everyone says I don't see why I can't."
Parvati rolled her eyes, but there was a little truth to what she had said.
They talked about their classes and Alexia met several other Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.
But before she knew it her and the other First years were walking out to the green houses for Herbology. They reached the greenhouse and found that almost everyone was there, but no one was going in.
"What's the problem?" Alexia asked, moving towards Piper and Linnea, who were at the edge of the crowd.
"Something happened in the greenhouse," said Linnea, "Lesson was canceled."
"Plants apparently got out of control," said Piper, who was standing beside Linnea, "So we have a free period."
They began to wander around the grounds of Hogwarts, and found a very large man trudging up the hill to the castle.
"That's Hagrid," whispered Lorelei into Alexia's ear, "Grounds keeper and the Care of Magical Creatures teacher."
"Mornin'." He said walking up to them, "Firs' years?"
They all nodded and he smiled.
"Enjoyin' yer firs' day back?" he asked.
"Very much," said Alexia.
"You must be Lorelei Adien," he said, pointing to Lorelei.
"Yeah," she said, "How'd ya know?"
"Had yer brother a while back. Ya look exactly like 'im," he said, "The rest of ya.I'm not sure."
They introduced themselves and Hagrid told them it they ever needed anything to feel free to come and talk to him.
They spent the rest of the class in the Great Hall, talking and finishing up some early homework. After the bell rang, Alexia and Linnea headed to Defense against the Dark Arts. Their teacher was a beautiful tall woman with long blond hair, pale white skin, and blue eyes.
"'Ello class," she said, "I am your professor, Ms. Fleur Delacour, and zis class is Defense against za Dark arts."
Despite her slight accent Delacour was very nice and rather cool. She told them that this would be her last year teaching, so she wanted to go out with a bang.
The next few days grew increasingly interesting as Alexia got her first peak at all of her new classes.
First thing the next morning they made their way to the Transfiguration, which was taught by Professor McGonagall. The class passed very quickly and they were soon leaving. Breena and Hari talked to Alexia and she shoved one last book into her bag, and it split open.
"Damn it," she muttered to herself, reaching for the books.
As she struggled to push the books into her split bag, a Ravenclaw boy started to help. He was about 5' 8" with dirty brown hair and blue eyes and a lot of freckles. He also wore glasses and he smiled at Alexia.
"Here," he said, handing her two of her books.
Alexia blushed slightly and took the books in her arms and McGonagall walked over.
"Is there something wrong, Ms. Malfoy?" asked McGonagall.
"Yes, erm." she stammered, "My bag ripped."
McGonagall waved her wand and the rip instantly disappeared. Alexia held the last two books in her arms.
"Thank you, professor," she said, smiling.
"No trouble, dear," said McGonagall, "Now run along."
They left the classroom and the boy still followed them.
"Hey, wait up!" he called after them.
They stopped and turned around.
"What is it Dan?" asked Breena.
"Who's the new girl?" he asked, slightly out of breath from running.
"Me?" squeaked Alexia.
"Yeah," said the boy.
"Oh," said Hari, a sarcastic tone to her voice, "This is Madame Alexia Malfoy, the first."
Alexia hit Hari in the arm.
"I'm Alexia," Alexia said politely, "Alexia Malfoy."
"Nice ta meet cha," said the boy, "I'm Daniel, Daniel Hatter."
"Nice to meet ya Dan," said Alexia.
Dan grinned and excused himself. They walked towards the main staircase and Hari and Breena giggled incessantly.
"What?" asked Alexia, turning and stopping them, "What's so funny?"
"He likes you," said Hari, grinning.
"Who?" asked Alexia.
"Dan!" blurted Breena; "We've seen him like that before, well, I have. I went to primary school with him and he gets polite and funny around girls he likes."
"You're imagining things," muttered Alexia, "We need to get to charms."
The day was pretty uneventful but Alexia was enjoying it non-the-less.
Wednesday was the day that got off to a bumpy start. First class was the one she hadn't had before, the one she was dreading.
"Potions," said Venefica as they headed down into the dungeons.
Alexia rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Will this never end?" moaned Alexia.
"Snape's a nightmare," said Parvati.
"Alex told me he's so bias it's not even funny," said Lorelei, "I'm not looking forward to this class."
"And we're with Slytherin," chimed in Venefica, who rolled her eyes.
"Perfect," sighed Alexia, "This'll be more fun than getting teeth pulled."
They entered the cold dungeons and enter the largest room, where there were only a few small windows and several desks and two chairs at each. In the front was a rather large desk at which sat a very tall, thin man, with long greasy black hair.
"I am Professor Severus Snape," he said, "And this is Potions."
Ashlee and Hades sat at the table behind Venefica and Alexia, and Hades kept jabbing Alexia in the back with a stick that had been on the desk. Alexia tried to ignore it, but she couldn't focus.
"This is by far the most difficult of all the classes at this school," he said, "You will pay attention or you will fail."
The words had hardly left his mouth when Hades jabbed Alexia again and she spun around. "What the bloody hell is your problem!" screeched Alexia.
The entire class filled with silence and Alexia went red. A very innocent look crossed Hades pale face as Snape swept over towards them.
"Is there a problem, Ms. Malfoy?" asked Snape.
Alexia lowered her head and shook it.
"No sir," she said.
"Good," he said, "A point from Hufflepuff to keep you in line, and be sure it doesn't happen again."
Alexia sat there and the lesson continued. They were to make a disappearing potion that would be tested at the end of the class. Alexia and Venefica worked on theirs and finally got it perfect. Alexia looked at the book again and skimmed the directions.
"It says we need to put it in flasks or something so that it won't go bad," said Alexia.
They filled a small flask and disposed of the rest and at the end of the class Snape tested it on several small rats. Venefica handed Snape their flask and he fed it to the rat. It disappeared, while none of the others had, but after a few seconds reappeared. Snape shook his head.
"Very awful work, von Lehn and Malfoy, but I suppose a C will do," he said scribbling it down in his notes.
After class Alexia stormed down the hall.
"Can you believe the nerve of that slimy haired git!" she exclaimed, "Telling us ours was miserable while the others didn't even disappear. I mean Ashlee's keeled over and she still got a perfect score."
"Well that's because I'm not you, Malfoy," snapped a voice.
She turned and saw Ashlee standing there with Hades next to her.
"Better watch it, Malfoy," hissed Hades, "Or you'll end up in a spot of trouble."
"Don't threaten me Hades!" yelled Alexia.
Ashlee reached for her wand, but just then a Prefect walked by. Ashlee moved towards Alexia, and hissed her ear.
"You just watch yourself," she hissed, "Or you'll regret it."
Ashlee walked by and Hades pushed Alexia out of the way, sending her books flying across the dungeon floor.
"Who do they think they are?" asked Alexia, gathering her books.
"They're just doing it because they know it gets to you," said Lorelei, "Just don't show that it's getting to you."
"Easier said than done," muttered Alexia, standing up.
Parvati and Venefica were going to go to the Library so Alexia and Lorelei decided to go to the common room. As they trudged up the chairs, they saw Breena, Hari and another Ravenclaw walking towards them.
"Hey Lex!" said Hari, grinning.
"Hey Bree, Hari," said Alexia smiling, "Who your friend?"
"Oh," said Breena, looking at the girl next to her, "This Alaina."
Alexia shook her hand but the girl ran off very quickly.
"So what are you two up to?" asked Hari, looking at Alexia and Lorelei.
"We're going to the Hufflepuff tower," said Alexia, "Why?"
"Wanna go wander around the grounds?" asked Hari.
Alexia nodded but Lorelei shook her head.
"I got loads of work to do," said Lorelei.
"Alright," said Alexia, "I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall in fifteen minutes?"
"Fifteen minutes," said Breena, as they walked away.
Alexia walked up to the common room and parted with Lorelei who had to go talk to Professor McGonagall. Alexia kept going and on the way she ran into Linnea, who was walking all alone.
"Hey!" yelled Alexia, "What's up chickie?"
Linnea smiled.
"Nothing," she said, "How about you?"
"Getting ready to go wander the grounds," said Alexia, "You?"
"Nothing," she said, "Just going to the common room."
"Wanna come?" asked Alexia.
Linnea nodded.
Alexia quickly dumped her stuff in the common room and her and Linnea dashed down to the entrance hall. Hari and Breena were talking very quickly when they walked over to them.
"Ready?" asked Breena.
Alexia nodded.
"Linnea's coming with," she said, "That okay?"
They both nodded and they set off out onto the grounds. It was a beautiful fall day, and there were a lot of students who were out enjoying themselves. They found a nice patch of grass near the lake and sat down. Alexia looked up at the sky, and could feel the sun warming her cold pale skin. She could hear Breena telling the others about her classes, but Alexia was listening. She was watching the clouds drift dreamily across the sky.
"Alexia." Echoed a voice in the back of her head.
She smiled and kept watching the sky. The world seemed to swirl around her.
"Alexia!" the voice said a little more forcefully.
Alexia shook herself mentally and sat up. She turned and saw Breena, Hari and Linnea were staring at her. She grinned.
"Sorry about that." she muttered, "What were you saying?"
"I was just saying how much fun flying lessons will be," said Hari.
"We'll have to go watch Quidditch!" said Breena.
They kept talking and soon they were heading back up to the school for dinner. Alexia had never been happier, but for some reason, she felt very empty.
The next day after classes, Alexia, Parvati, Breena and Hari headed down to the flying lesson area. Breena and Parvati seemed very excited, but Hari and Alexia were a little apprehensive about the whole thing. They walked into the flying area and Madame Hooch lined them up.
"Welcome first years," she said, "This is your first flying lesson. Now stick your right hand over your broom and say 'up'."
Alexia turned to Parvati and shrugged. She did so, and the old broom jumped up to her hand. Alexia gripped it and watched as the others tried to get theirs to come up to the right height. After about fifteen minutes, the whole class had their broom up.
"Alright," said Hooch, "Now, please mount your broom, and when I blow my whistle, kick off, hover, than return to the ground."
They mounted their brooms and Madame Hooch sounded her whistle. Breena and Parvati seemed to be having no problem, but Hari seemed very nervous.
After that Madame Hooch allowed them to fly around the field for a few minutes, and Alexia had never had a better feeling. The fact that she was soaring over the ground, free like a bird, she loved it.
That night at dinner Alexia talked to Lorelei and Venefica about flying. They had all had it the previous day, but not been as successful at flying as they had. Alexia and Natalea Garren, a third year who was the Quidditch Captain and seeker talked about Quidditch all night in the common room. Alexia had read over Quidditch through the Ages several times before she finally drifted asleep, dreaming of playing the fascinating game.
First Day
It felt as though Alexia had just laid her head down when suddenly Parvati pulled open the hangings on her bed. The light was so bright that Alexia first thought she was dreaming, but Parvati soon had nearly dragged Alexia from the bed. She stood up and rubbed her eyes. It was way too early to be up. She yawned as she got dressed and her, Parvati and Lorelei headed down for breakfast.
They sat down at the Hufflepuff table and Alexia yawned again.
"Someone didn't get enough sleep," mumbled Lorelei.
Alexia glanced at Lorelei.
"I'm not usually up until noon," she said, yawning again.
Alexia slowly nibbled on some toast and they began to talk. Soon slips of parchment were being handed down the table towards them, and Parvati smiled when she got hers.
"Oy! Schedules!" she cried.
Alexia sat up and looked at the piece of parchment, and rubbed her eyes again.
On Mondays they had Charms with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Slytherin, a break for lunch, then Herbology and Defense against the Dark Arts with Gryffindor.
Tuesdays they had Transfigurations and Charms with Ravenclaw, a break for lunch, then History of Magic, and then Herbology.
Wednesday they had potions first thing with Slytherin, transfigurations, lunch, charms, and then history of Magic. They also had Astronomy Class every Wednesday at midnight, just Hufflepuffs.
Thursday they started off with Defense against the Dark Arts, Potions, lunch, Transfigurations and last was charms.
Friday was Transfigurations, Defense against the Dark Arts, lunch and then double Potions until class was dismissed.
After they compared class schedules, Alexia noticed Linnea, Piper and a rather handsome looking boy sitting at the Gryffindor table. Linnea and Piper smiled and waved and Linnea walked over.
"Morning Lex!" she said excitedly.
"Yup, it is morning," said Alexia, "How was your night?"
"Bloody amazing!" said Linnea.
"How was yours?" asked Piper.
"Tiring," yawned Alexia, "Felt like I didn't sleep one wink last night."
"That's rotten luck," said Linnea, "What class do you have first thing?"
Alexia looked at her schedule again.
"Charms," she said, "With Slytherin."
A very upset look crossed Alexia face.
"That's gotta suck," said Piper.
"We have flying lessons after class today," she said, "Course we're with Slytherin."
Linnea glanced over to see Ashlee, Hades and Jemima studying their schedules. Linnea rolled her eyes and looked back at Alexia, but her gaze was focused on the boy at the Gryffindor table.
"Who is he?" she asked.
"Chris Moody," said Piper, "Second year, he's really very nice."
"I've heard about him," said Lorelei, "Oh he's dreamy!"
Alexia laughed and suddenly there was a very loud noise coming from above them.
"Mail's here," said Parvati and the hall suddenly filled with owls, all carrying packages and letters.
A very large brown owl landed in front of Alexia and hooted at her.
"What?" she asked, looking at the bird.
She noticed that on the owls leg was a letter with her name on it. She pulled it off, the owl took a bit of a nibble at Alexia's sausage and then took off. She opened the letter and found a very familiar scrawl on it.
Dear Lex,
Oy! How are you? I'm just fine, and I must say that the house is rather boring without you around to terrorize the place.and I mean that very seriously. Life at the house is very boring without you. Grandma isn't getting you out of trouble, the neighbors aren't complaining about the noise, and Dad's not stressing out every two seconds when you don't show up on time.it's very lonely without you here.
So how's school? Hufflepuff is probably the same as it's always been.cheerful and very loud. Greatest years of my life were spent in that tower. Ah, good times.
I suppose you've already met Dumbledore, Dad sent him an owl right after we got home from seeing you off. Dad wanted to make sure you knew someone you could talk to no matter what.
So what house did Linnea get sorted into? Have you made any new friends? Do you like the classes? Have you seen Quidditch yet? There is so much stuff you have to experience at Hogwarts, Lex!
By the way, this is my owl, Grim. He's always running around delivering mail for me, just give him some food when he delivers a message or pet him a few times and he'll be happy and leave.
Write me as soon as you can, I want to know how you are doing. Say hi to Dumbledore for me.
You Brother,
Gavin
Alexia couldn't help but smile as she folded the letter up. Parvati looked at her.
"Who's that from?" she asked curiously.
"My brother," said Alexia, "Just checking on me."
"Aw how sweet," said Linnea, making her lovey dovey voice.
"Oh shove off!" laughed Alexia, "He's my brother, I can't help it if he's cool like that."
The bell started to ring and they headed off to their first class, Charms with Ravenclaw. Lorelei and Alexia grabbed their things and headed to Professor Flitwick's classroom. He was a tiny little wizard who stood on piles of books to see the class. It was very amusing to hear him talk about things, because when he got over excited, he might topple over and land on the floor, the pile of books above him. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff sat on separate sides of the room, so Alexia amused herself by making faces at Hari. They only stopped when Breena nudged Hari hard in the ribs and frowned at Alexia.
Next they had History of Magic with Slytherin. Professor Binns and decided to retire and now the teacher was now a very thin woman with short gray hair and sharp gray eyes, Professor Virginia Melatka, who seemed to have a very nasty temper for first years, in fact that was the first thing she told them.
"I will not tolerate any antics in this class," she hissed.
Professor Melatka had placed Alexia right in front of Ashlee, next to Lorelei, and behind Hades. Ashlee kept smirking at Jemima, who sat beside her, and laughing, and Alexia had a feeling it was directed towards her.
They finally they got to go to lunch and Alexia sighed as they sat down at the table. Parvati and her began to eat and Alexia cursed Melatka.
"If that damn woman doesn't watch her step one of us students is going to curse her," said Alexia.
Parvati laughed.
"And I supposed you'll be the one to do it," she said.
"Why not?" asked Alexia, "If my family is as powerful as everyone says I don't see why I can't."
Parvati rolled her eyes, but there was a little truth to what she had said.
They talked about their classes and Alexia met several other Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.
But before she knew it her and the other First years were walking out to the green houses for Herbology. They reached the greenhouse and found that almost everyone was there, but no one was going in.
"What's the problem?" Alexia asked, moving towards Piper and Linnea, who were at the edge of the crowd.
"Something happened in the greenhouse," said Linnea, "Lesson was canceled."
"Plants apparently got out of control," said Piper, who was standing beside Linnea, "So we have a free period."
They began to wander around the grounds of Hogwarts, and found a very large man trudging up the hill to the castle.
"That's Hagrid," whispered Lorelei into Alexia's ear, "Grounds keeper and the Care of Magical Creatures teacher."
"Mornin'." He said walking up to them, "Firs' years?"
They all nodded and he smiled.
"Enjoyin' yer firs' day back?" he asked.
"Very much," said Alexia.
"You must be Lorelei Adien," he said, pointing to Lorelei.
"Yeah," she said, "How'd ya know?"
"Had yer brother a while back. Ya look exactly like 'im," he said, "The rest of ya.I'm not sure."
They introduced themselves and Hagrid told them it they ever needed anything to feel free to come and talk to him.
They spent the rest of the class in the Great Hall, talking and finishing up some early homework. After the bell rang, Alexia and Linnea headed to Defense against the Dark Arts. Their teacher was a beautiful tall woman with long blond hair, pale white skin, and blue eyes.
"'Ello class," she said, "I am your professor, Ms. Fleur Delacour, and zis class is Defense against za Dark arts."
Despite her slight accent Delacour was very nice and rather cool. She told them that this would be her last year teaching, so she wanted to go out with a bang.
The next few days grew increasingly interesting as Alexia got her first peak at all of her new classes.
First thing the next morning they made their way to the Transfiguration, which was taught by Professor McGonagall. The class passed very quickly and they were soon leaving. Breena and Hari talked to Alexia and she shoved one last book into her bag, and it split open.
"Damn it," she muttered to herself, reaching for the books.
As she struggled to push the books into her split bag, a Ravenclaw boy started to help. He was about 5' 8" with dirty brown hair and blue eyes and a lot of freckles. He also wore glasses and he smiled at Alexia.
"Here," he said, handing her two of her books.
Alexia blushed slightly and took the books in her arms and McGonagall walked over.
"Is there something wrong, Ms. Malfoy?" asked McGonagall.
"Yes, erm." she stammered, "My bag ripped."
McGonagall waved her wand and the rip instantly disappeared. Alexia held the last two books in her arms.
"Thank you, professor," she said, smiling.
"No trouble, dear," said McGonagall, "Now run along."
They left the classroom and the boy still followed them.
"Hey, wait up!" he called after them.
They stopped and turned around.
"What is it Dan?" asked Breena.
"Who's the new girl?" he asked, slightly out of breath from running.
"Me?" squeaked Alexia.
"Yeah," said the boy.
"Oh," said Hari, a sarcastic tone to her voice, "This is Madame Alexia Malfoy, the first."
Alexia hit Hari in the arm.
"I'm Alexia," Alexia said politely, "Alexia Malfoy."
"Nice ta meet cha," said the boy, "I'm Daniel, Daniel Hatter."
"Nice to meet ya Dan," said Alexia.
Dan grinned and excused himself. They walked towards the main staircase and Hari and Breena giggled incessantly.
"What?" asked Alexia, turning and stopping them, "What's so funny?"
"He likes you," said Hari, grinning.
"Who?" asked Alexia.
"Dan!" blurted Breena; "We've seen him like that before, well, I have. I went to primary school with him and he gets polite and funny around girls he likes."
"You're imagining things," muttered Alexia, "We need to get to charms."
The day was pretty uneventful but Alexia was enjoying it non-the-less.
Wednesday was the day that got off to a bumpy start. First class was the one she hadn't had before, the one she was dreading.
"Potions," said Venefica as they headed down into the dungeons.
Alexia rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Will this never end?" moaned Alexia.
"Snape's a nightmare," said Parvati.
"Alex told me he's so bias it's not even funny," said Lorelei, "I'm not looking forward to this class."
"And we're with Slytherin," chimed in Venefica, who rolled her eyes.
"Perfect," sighed Alexia, "This'll be more fun than getting teeth pulled."
They entered the cold dungeons and enter the largest room, where there were only a few small windows and several desks and two chairs at each. In the front was a rather large desk at which sat a very tall, thin man, with long greasy black hair.
"I am Professor Severus Snape," he said, "And this is Potions."
Ashlee and Hades sat at the table behind Venefica and Alexia, and Hades kept jabbing Alexia in the back with a stick that had been on the desk. Alexia tried to ignore it, but she couldn't focus.
"This is by far the most difficult of all the classes at this school," he said, "You will pay attention or you will fail."
The words had hardly left his mouth when Hades jabbed Alexia again and she spun around. "What the bloody hell is your problem!" screeched Alexia.
The entire class filled with silence and Alexia went red. A very innocent look crossed Hades pale face as Snape swept over towards them.
"Is there a problem, Ms. Malfoy?" asked Snape.
Alexia lowered her head and shook it.
"No sir," she said.
"Good," he said, "A point from Hufflepuff to keep you in line, and be sure it doesn't happen again."
Alexia sat there and the lesson continued. They were to make a disappearing potion that would be tested at the end of the class. Alexia and Venefica worked on theirs and finally got it perfect. Alexia looked at the book again and skimmed the directions.
"It says we need to put it in flasks or something so that it won't go bad," said Alexia.
They filled a small flask and disposed of the rest and at the end of the class Snape tested it on several small rats. Venefica handed Snape their flask and he fed it to the rat. It disappeared, while none of the others had, but after a few seconds reappeared. Snape shook his head.
"Very awful work, von Lehn and Malfoy, but I suppose a C will do," he said scribbling it down in his notes.
After class Alexia stormed down the hall.
"Can you believe the nerve of that slimy haired git!" she exclaimed, "Telling us ours was miserable while the others didn't even disappear. I mean Ashlee's keeled over and she still got a perfect score."
"Well that's because I'm not you, Malfoy," snapped a voice.
She turned and saw Ashlee standing there with Hades next to her.
"Better watch it, Malfoy," hissed Hades, "Or you'll end up in a spot of trouble."
"Don't threaten me Hades!" yelled Alexia.
Ashlee reached for her wand, but just then a Prefect walked by. Ashlee moved towards Alexia, and hissed her ear.
"You just watch yourself," she hissed, "Or you'll regret it."
Ashlee walked by and Hades pushed Alexia out of the way, sending her books flying across the dungeon floor.
"Who do they think they are?" asked Alexia, gathering her books.
"They're just doing it because they know it gets to you," said Lorelei, "Just don't show that it's getting to you."
"Easier said than done," muttered Alexia, standing up.
Parvati and Venefica were going to go to the Library so Alexia and Lorelei decided to go to the common room. As they trudged up the chairs, they saw Breena, Hari and another Ravenclaw walking towards them.
"Hey Lex!" said Hari, grinning.
"Hey Bree, Hari," said Alexia smiling, "Who your friend?"
"Oh," said Breena, looking at the girl next to her, "This Alaina."
Alexia shook her hand but the girl ran off very quickly.
"So what are you two up to?" asked Hari, looking at Alexia and Lorelei.
"We're going to the Hufflepuff tower," said Alexia, "Why?"
"Wanna go wander around the grounds?" asked Hari.
Alexia nodded but Lorelei shook her head.
"I got loads of work to do," said Lorelei.
"Alright," said Alexia, "I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall in fifteen minutes?"
"Fifteen minutes," said Breena, as they walked away.
Alexia walked up to the common room and parted with Lorelei who had to go talk to Professor McGonagall. Alexia kept going and on the way she ran into Linnea, who was walking all alone.
"Hey!" yelled Alexia, "What's up chickie?"
Linnea smiled.
"Nothing," she said, "How about you?"
"Getting ready to go wander the grounds," said Alexia, "You?"
"Nothing," she said, "Just going to the common room."
"Wanna come?" asked Alexia.
Linnea nodded.
Alexia quickly dumped her stuff in the common room and her and Linnea dashed down to the entrance hall. Hari and Breena were talking very quickly when they walked over to them.
"Ready?" asked Breena.
Alexia nodded.
"Linnea's coming with," she said, "That okay?"
They both nodded and they set off out onto the grounds. It was a beautiful fall day, and there were a lot of students who were out enjoying themselves. They found a nice patch of grass near the lake and sat down. Alexia looked up at the sky, and could feel the sun warming her cold pale skin. She could hear Breena telling the others about her classes, but Alexia was listening. She was watching the clouds drift dreamily across the sky.
"Alexia." Echoed a voice in the back of her head.
She smiled and kept watching the sky. The world seemed to swirl around her.
"Alexia!" the voice said a little more forcefully.
Alexia shook herself mentally and sat up. She turned and saw Breena, Hari and Linnea were staring at her. She grinned.
"Sorry about that." she muttered, "What were you saying?"
"I was just saying how much fun flying lessons will be," said Hari.
"We'll have to go watch Quidditch!" said Breena.
They kept talking and soon they were heading back up to the school for dinner. Alexia had never been happier, but for some reason, she felt very empty.
The next day after classes, Alexia, Parvati, Breena and Hari headed down to the flying lesson area. Breena and Parvati seemed very excited, but Hari and Alexia were a little apprehensive about the whole thing. They walked into the flying area and Madame Hooch lined them up.
"Welcome first years," she said, "This is your first flying lesson. Now stick your right hand over your broom and say 'up'."
Alexia turned to Parvati and shrugged. She did so, and the old broom jumped up to her hand. Alexia gripped it and watched as the others tried to get theirs to come up to the right height. After about fifteen minutes, the whole class had their broom up.
"Alright," said Hooch, "Now, please mount your broom, and when I blow my whistle, kick off, hover, than return to the ground."
They mounted their brooms and Madame Hooch sounded her whistle. Breena and Parvati seemed to be having no problem, but Hari seemed very nervous.
After that Madame Hooch allowed them to fly around the field for a few minutes, and Alexia had never had a better feeling. The fact that she was soaring over the ground, free like a bird, she loved it.
That night at dinner Alexia talked to Lorelei and Venefica about flying. They had all had it the previous day, but not been as successful at flying as they had. Alexia and Natalea Garren, a third year who was the Quidditch Captain and seeker talked about Quidditch all night in the common room. Alexia had read over Quidditch through the Ages several times before she finally drifted asleep, dreaming of playing the fascinating game.