Chapter Nine
Away From Home for the Holidays
The week before Christmas flew by and before Alexia knew it, Parvati, Venefica and Verity were packing up and getting ready to head home. Alexia had told her Father she was staying behind to patch things up with Linnea, but he had promised he would try and stop by to visit her.
Lorelei was the only other 1st year Hufflepuff staying behind, so they figured they would have the common room to themselves.
The day that everyone left Lorelei and Alexia made their way down to the Great Hall, talking quietly about what they were going to do.
"It'll seem so empty around here with everyone gone," said Lorelei, as they sat down.
They began to eat and soon Venefica and Parvati came by to say their farewells.
"Don't get into too much trouble without me," said Venefica, smiling.
"You're so lucky," said Lorelei, "I wish I could go home."
Lorelei's family had gone away to visit her brother, Alex, and she had gotten left behind because she had to stay in school.
Alexia was grateful that Lorelei was staying, though, otherwise she would've been alone in the Hufflepuff common room.
Parvati and Venefica hugged Lorelei and Alexia, smiled and then left the Great Hall. They saw other students walking out, Piper among them. She stopped by Alexia and smiled.
"See ya in a two weeks," she said, hugging Alexia and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget about Linnea."
"I know," Alexia muttered, "Have a good time at home."
Alexia sat back down and then looked around. Pretty much everyone had left. Most of the Slytherins were gone and the Ravenclaws were still filing out. Alexia's face dropped as she noticed two of them. She stood from her seat and bolted.
"Breena! Hari!" she yelled.
They turned around and Alexia looked blankly at them.
"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" asked Alexia.
Breena looked down sheepishly.
"I dunno, I didn't really know for sure until last night," she said, "I'm sorry, Lex, I just need to get out of here."
A group of Slytherin girls walked by and Ashlee glared at them.
"I'd sure hate to be staying here for Christmas," she said loudly, "It'd make me feel like my family didn't love me or something."
Hari narrowed her eyes at Ashlee and Breena rolled her eyes.
"Forget her," said Breena, "She doesn't even have parents."
"Breena!" Alexia gasped.
"Well she doesn't," said Breena angrily, "Why should she be able to pick on people about things she doesn't even have?"
Hari shook her head and Alexia looked at her.
"So why are you going home?" Alexia asked.
"I'm not," said Hari.
"You're.not?" asked Alexia.
"I told Mum and Dad that I preferred to stay here anyway," Hari explained, "They kept saying I should come see them but I told em that I didn't want to."
Alexia smiled and she walked out with Breena and Hari to the carriages to see Breena off. They hoisted Breena's things into the carriage and Breena climbed in, smiling at them.
"Don't have too much fun, ya hear me?" she said smiling.
"We will!" yelled Hari smiling.
The carriages started to pull away and Alexia smiled.
"See ya Breena!" she yelled and the carriages disappeared.
Alexia and Hari returned to the castle, Alexia feeling rather empty. Hari and her parted in the entrance hall and Alexia made her way not to the common room but instead headed up the stairs to Dumbledore's office.
He had said she could feel free to stop by anytime she wanted or needed to talk and this was one of those times. Alexia knocked softly on the door and heard a voice inside echo 'come in' so she pushed the door open.
Alexia had been here before, but was too freaked out about her enlarged face to really care much what the office looked like. She looked in amazement at the pure beauty and elegance of the large room. She looked at all the books on their shelves and saw the sorting hat setting on one of the highest shelves. She looked at the desk and saw Dumbledore standing there, smiling at her.
"Hello, Alexia," he said smiling at her.
"Hi Professor," she said, grinning.
Dumbledore stood from behind his desk and moved towards her.
"Is there something that I can do for you?" he asked kindly looking at her.
She shrugged and she sat in a chair and Dumbledore sat nearby.
"It's just.it feels weird not being with my family for Christmas.yet, it was my idea to stay here," said Alexia, struggling to string the words together.
"You wish to return home?" asked Dumbledore.
Alexia looked up at him. He was watching her with interest, and she suddenly felt empty.
"I don't know," she said, "I'm scared to leave."
Dumbledore nodded and Alexia twiddled with her thumbs. She felt embarrassed to be talking to freely to Dumbledore. She looked up and then back down, concentrating on the floor.
"You are afraid that your family will see a lot of change in you?" asked Dumbledore.
Alexia looked up. He smiled at her and she slowly nodded.
"My dear Alexia, change is very normal in people your age. You are at probably the point in your life when if happens the most," he said.
"I guess." said Alexia, looking down, "But I'm just afraid I'll be a different person when I go home.and no one will recognize me."
Dumbledore nodded and took out a large chocolate bar. He offered her a very large piece and she nibbled at it slowly.
"You see, Alexia," said Dumbledore, "People may at first be surprised at home much you have matured in such a short time, but in reality they enjoy watching you develop and grow from the person you were as a child."
Alexia nodded and Dumbledore smiled.
"I have been watching your progress in classes over the last few months, Alexia, and I am pleased to say that you are doing very well," he said.
She looked up at him and grinned.
"Really? I mean I thought I knew some of the stuff," she said, "But I didn't think I was doing very well."
"You are doing wonderfully, Alexia," he said, "Even in potions."
He winked at her and she smiled.
"And your Father has informed me that he is probably going to stop by during Christmas," he continued.
"Oh yeah," said Alexia, "He said he'd try."
Dumbledore rose from his desk and surveyed Alexia.
"You are his youngest child," said Dumbledore, "Of course he'll stop by for Christmas."
Alexia stood up and looked at Dumbledore. She had an urge to hug him, but stopped herself and instead smiled.
"Thank you, Professor," she said, "I feel better now."
Dumbledore set his hand on her shoulder.
"No trouble at all," he said, "Anytime you need to talk, I'm here."
Alexia smiled and exited the office, thinking about what Dumbledore had said.
She had reached the library and wasn't watching where she was going when all of a suddenly she ran right into someone. There was a yell and the dull thud of several falling books. Alexia stood up and looked down to see Linnea lying on the floor. Alexia froze for a moment as Linnea glared at her. She started to pick up her books and when Alexia tried to help, Linnea pushed her hand away.
"I don't need your help," snarled Linnea.
Alexia stopped.
"Sorry," she said, "I didn't see you."
"Oh, I see," said Linnea, "Not good enough to see someone in Gryffindor, hm?"
"You know that's not." started Alexia but Linnea broke in again.
"You know, maybe if you didn't let your ego get so out of control maybe you'd have more friends," snapped Linnea, turning and walking away.
"Linnea, damn it wait!" yelled Alexia as she ran after Linnea.
She followed her until she reached the portrait to the Gryffindor common room. Linnea then turned and glared at Alexia.
"Leave me alone, I don't want to talk to you," she said shortly.
"Linnea, shut the hell up for one bloody second and listen to me!" snapped Alexia.
Linnea stopped. She looked at Alexia and frowned.
"You've got a minute," Linnea muttered.
"I'm sorry," blurted Alexia, "I didn't mean to make such a big deal out of Quidditch and the match and all that, you just upset me.I didn't mean it."
Linnea turned towards the portrait and walked inside. Alexia tried to follow but it snapped shut.
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Forget it." muttered Alexia, storming off.
She made it back to the Hufflepuff common room where Lorelei was sitting in a chair, reading a book. Alexia stormed by, heading to the dormitory. Lorelei looked up and watched her.
"Lex?" she asked, hearing the pounding of feet up the stairs, "Lex, hey! What's wrong?"
Lorelei dropped her book and ran up the stairs.
Alexia threw her cloak onto the floor and laid face down on her bed. Lorelei entered the room and gave her sort of a cautious glance.
"Lex.?" she said timidly.
Suddenly Alexia started screaming into her pillow. Lorelei jumped backwards and stood their until five minutes later Alexia sat up and looked at her.
"What happened?" Lorelei whispered.
"Linnea, stupid little." but she couldn't finish her sentence.
She was so angry that the words just froze inside of her. She was breathing fast, could hear her pulse in her temples and shook her head.
"I tried to apologize to her," muttered Alexia, looking down, "But she won't listen."
Her voice cracked and tears started to seep into the corners of her eyes. She looked up at Lorelei, who just stood there, shocked to see her crying.
"What were you fighting about?" asked Lorelei.
"Something stupid," said Alexia shortly, "Something about Quidditch.I don't know, but I said I was sorry and she just stormed off."
Lorelei nodded and moved to her trunk. She pulled out some chocolate frogs and threw one to her. She opened it and found Mad-Eye Moody on it. She tucked the card in her pocket and looked down as she bit the frog's head off.
"Maybe Linnea just wants to be alone," suggested Lorelei, trying to look on the bright side, "It's probably not you, she just wants to be alone."
Alexia nodded. She had tried to make things up, she had tried.but it wasn't her fault Linnea was being stubborn, she'd just have to wait this out.
The next week flew by. Alexia and Lorelei were having a lot of fun considering they spent most of the time in the common room. Since there were few others around, they invited Hari in and they all talked together while playing wizard chess, something that Hari and Lorelei were good at, but Alexia sucked.
Before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve, and as they sat in the common room, Alexia pulled a present out from underneath her chair.
"Hey, Lorelei?" she asked.
Lorelei looked and Alexia handed her the present. Lorelei looked up and then back down at the present.
"You didn't." she started.
"Just open it," Alexia said.
Lorelei nodded and opened the package. Inside was an oak frame and on the inside was a picture of the two of them from a Quidditch match earlier that year. Lorelei looked at it and then up at Alexia, who was smiling.
"It's beautiful," said Lorelei, hugging her, "Thank you."
"I didn't have much money this year, so I got the same thing for everyone." Said Alexia shyly.
"Well it's wonderful," said Lorelei, smiling again, "Thank you."
Alexia smiled as Lorelei picked up a package next to her chair.
"It just arrived today, so I didn't have time wrap it," she explained, handing Alexia the rather heavy package.
"What is it?" asked Alexia.
Lorelei smiled.
"Just open it," she urged.
Alexia ripped away the paper and found a large, leather bound book, with gold writing on the front, Fantastic Quidditch Teams of Europe. Alexia grinned and flipped through the pages. It was full of team names, the plays, and all sorts of information about the teams.
"Wow," whispered Alexia, looking up at Lorelei, "This is great."
Alexia flipped through the pages and noticed that there were more teams out there than she could have ever imagined.
That night they retreated to the dorm room about 12:00 midnight, but Alexia found it very hard to sleep. She lay there for hours just thinking. Her Father said he was going to try and come see her tomorrow, but would he actually come? Dumbledore had said he most definitely would, but how sure could Dumbledore be? How could he know what her Father was going to do?
Before she knew it she was waking up the next morning, to the sound of Lorelei opening her presents. She pushed open the hangings of her bed and looked at Lorelei. She was already sitting in a pile of candy, robes and many other things.
"Happy Christmas!" said Lorelei brightly.
Alexia shook herself.
"Happy Christmas," she muttered sleepily, looking to the foot of her bed.
She had a pile of presents, smaller than Lorelei's but still she was happy. She noticed one on the top that had her name and Hogwarts on it. Her face lit up.
"It came," she said happily, grabbing the present.
"What's that?" asked Lorelei, eating some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
"Linnea's gift," said Alexia happily, tossing it onto the bed.
"Oh," said Lorelei, opening another box.
Alexia sat down and started on hers. From Gavin she got a crystal statue of a fox which he had made and looked very beautiful. Her aunt, Melissa, had sent her a large box full of goodies from chocolate frogs to dungbombs, telling her not to inform her Father that she had sent them. Breena and Hari had given her a watch unlike one she had ever seen before and she stared at it for a while.
It had four hands on it; each engraved with the name of one of her family members including her own. The one with her name had a picture of her, yawning and rubbing her eyes that pointed at 'school'. The other three were Brent, Gavin and Ruby, each at a different place. Gavin's was pointed at 'work', Ruby's was pointed at 'home' and her Father's was pointed at 'traveling'. Alexia smiled when she saw her Father's was pointed at traveling. Maybe he was on his way.
She opened the letter that was enclosed with the watch.
Happy Christmas Lex,
I had the idea that since you missed your family to get this for you, so you can know where they are when you're not around. Hari and I figured it'd be a good gift for you. I hope you like it.
Hope you guys have been having fun (not too much) at school while we're all gone. I'll see ya in a week or so.
Breena
Alexia smiled and kept looking at the watch. It was so pretty and so different to look at.
"Oh!" said Lorelei, seeing the watch, "Wow, who sent you that?"
"Hari and Breena," said Alexia softly.
"It's beautiful," said Lorelei, "I've never seen on like that before.it's amazing."
They finished opening their presents and Alexia was a little upset to find that she didn't even receive a card from her Father.
"I'm sure there's a good reason," said Lorelei, reassuringly as they headed down to lunch in the Great Hall.
"Yeah right," Alexia spat bitterly, "What, he fell off a roof somewhere?"
Lorelei shrugged and they entered the Great Hall and saw that they only have one table. Dumbledore was seated at the far end, as well as Professor McGonagall and Snape. There were also three Gryffindor students, including Linnea, who was sitting silently near McGonagall. Hari sat alone and waved when they entered.
"Hey!" she called out.
Alexia smiled and ran forward. She handed Hari her present and she smiled.
"Did you get mine?" she asked.
Alexia nodded.
"It's wonderful," she said, smiling as Hari's eyes lit up.
"Oh, I knew you'd love it!" gasped Hari, "C'mon let's sit down."
They sat across from Hades and Fe; both were forced to stay behind for the holiday. Fe was whispered quickly to Hades, whose lips curled into an evil smile.
"I don't trust them," whispered Lorelei.
"They won't do anything in front of Dumbledore," hissed Hari.
Alexia nodded and Dumbledore smiled at her. She grinned back and looked at Linnea, who was starring blankly at her plate. She doubted if her parents had sent her any presents for Christmas, and she felt awful.
"I'll be back," said Alexia, standing and leaving her seat.
She pulled Linnea's present out of her robes and looked at her.
"Here," she said, reaching Linnea and handing her the package.
"What's this?" asked Linnea.
"Just open it," said Alexia.
Linnea did so and it revealed a box that had a chessboard and the bold words "Wizard Chess" written on it. Linnea looked up in shock.
"Oh wow," she muttered, looking up, "Lex.I'm."
"It's okay," Alexia said, smiling, "I understand why you were mad."
Linnea stood up and hugged her. Tears started to trickle down her face and Linnea sighed.
"I got you something too," said Linnea.
Alexia opened it to find a book that had "Which Broom is right for you?" scrawled on the front. She smiled.
"Thanks, Linnea," she said.
Linnea came and sat with her and the others and they ate the wonderful Christmas meal. Afterwards they sat there talking for a while, until Dumbledore walked up to Alexia.
"Could I see you for a moment." He said, smiling.
Alexia nodded and they left the Great Hall.
They stopped just outside the Great Hall and Dumbledore looked at her.
"I have something for you," he said softly.
She looked up and blinked at him.
"What?" she asked.
"Just follow me," said Dumbledore, as he continued to walk.
As they walked thoughts filled her head. Maybe he was going to tell her she was going to be expelled.her stomach flipped into a horrible knot and then relaxed. Dumbledore would ever do that; she had quite good grades. Maybe he had something to give her.her heart sank.but he was the headmaster of the school, he wouldn't just give her a random present.
She kept thinking and then all of a sudden a thought flashed into her mind. Her Father, he had said he was going to try and stop by school over Christmas. Her Father was in Dumbledore's office, waiting for her, right now!
She grinned and they reached Dumbledore's door and he pushed it open. They walked inside and she looked around excitedly, but found no one else except for them inside his office. Her face dropped and she felt her heart crashing into pieces.
"Now, Alexia," said Dumbledore, walking over his desk, "You're probably wondering why you're here."
She nodded slowly, trying not to look so downcast.
"Well, I received an owl this morning from your father." started Dumbledore.
She looked up quickly; maybe there was still hope.
"He wanted me to inform you that his work has kept him from visiting," Dumbledore finished.
Alexia's face dropped again. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes again.
"He did, however, send a package along," said Dumbledore, picking something large off the floor behind his desk.
He set it in front of Alexia and she looked up. No matter what it was, she would have rather had her Father there for Christmas with her instead.
Dumbledore smiled and she unwrapped the present to reveal a long, thin, brown box. She lifted the top and found a Comet 700 lying in the box. She had no reaction. She simply looked at the broom, gave a feeble smile, and then replaced the top. She looked down at the floor and sighed.
"Alexia?" asked Dumbledore.
She wasn't listening. She glanced at the watch on her wrist and noticed the hand with 'Brent' engraved on it was still pointed at traveling.
"Alexia?" repeated Dumbledore.
She looked up, a few tears staining her cheeks.
"I know it's upsetting to not see your Father on Christmas," said Dumbledore, "But he said he would make it up to you."
She scowled at Dumbledore.
"How?" she spat bitterly.
"I'm not sure," said Dumbledore, "But your Father is true to his word, and he was very sorry he couldn't make it today."
"So work's more important than me now?" she snarled.
Dumbledore looked at her over his hands.
"I understand why you're mad," said Dumbledore.
"No you don't!" snapped Alexia, "He was never truly there for me.he just pretended to be."
She looked back down at the ground and Dumbledore set a piece of parchment on the broom.
"You may leave," said Dumbledore, but the tone of his voice seemed to be telling her to leave other than suggesting.
She snatched the package and the parchment and took off to the Hufflepuff common room. She pulled herself through the portrait and then straight up to the dorm room. She threw the box on the bed and then sat down on her trunk, sobbing into her robes.
She looked through her fingers and at the still sealed parchment lying on the floor at her feet. She looked at it and noticed it was addressed to her, not Dumbledore, and hadn't been opened. She carefully opened it and read it.
Dearest Alexia,
I'm so sorry I couldn't have come to Hogwarts for Christmas to be with you. I tried my hardest to get out of work, but very pressing investigations have been keeping me away. I'm very upset and you, Gavin, and I will all be spending Christmas apart this year.
I hope school is going well, and you've made loads of new friends. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished and I hope you learn loads more. You have the strong blood of a Malfoy in you, my child, and you will make us proud.
I do hope you get a chance to fly the broom soon. They said is a very good broom for a beater (a possession Dumbledore tells me you are very good at).
Enjoy the rest of your year and please write often.
All My Love,
Dad
She smiled slightly and read it again. She touched the broom and suddenly felt all the hatred leaving her. She folded the letter up and put it in her trunk and headed down to the common room, where Lorelei challenged her to a game of chess.
Alexia was starting to like chess less and less. While Lorelei was easily able to tell the pieces what to do, Alexia's seemed reluctant to listen to her commands. By the end Alexia had only taken three of Lorelei's pawns, but Lorelei had ended up winning.
After several hours they grew boards and began to talk about their lives at home more. Around 1 AM, Lorelei dozed off to sleep and Alexia levitated her to the dorm room, and finally climbed into her bed. She watched the ceiling and then looked at the picture of her family on the bedside table and smiled. She definitely didn't like Christmas away from home.
Away From Home for the Holidays
The week before Christmas flew by and before Alexia knew it, Parvati, Venefica and Verity were packing up and getting ready to head home. Alexia had told her Father she was staying behind to patch things up with Linnea, but he had promised he would try and stop by to visit her.
Lorelei was the only other 1st year Hufflepuff staying behind, so they figured they would have the common room to themselves.
The day that everyone left Lorelei and Alexia made their way down to the Great Hall, talking quietly about what they were going to do.
"It'll seem so empty around here with everyone gone," said Lorelei, as they sat down.
They began to eat and soon Venefica and Parvati came by to say their farewells.
"Don't get into too much trouble without me," said Venefica, smiling.
"You're so lucky," said Lorelei, "I wish I could go home."
Lorelei's family had gone away to visit her brother, Alex, and she had gotten left behind because she had to stay in school.
Alexia was grateful that Lorelei was staying, though, otherwise she would've been alone in the Hufflepuff common room.
Parvati and Venefica hugged Lorelei and Alexia, smiled and then left the Great Hall. They saw other students walking out, Piper among them. She stopped by Alexia and smiled.
"See ya in a two weeks," she said, hugging Alexia and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget about Linnea."
"I know," Alexia muttered, "Have a good time at home."
Alexia sat back down and then looked around. Pretty much everyone had left. Most of the Slytherins were gone and the Ravenclaws were still filing out. Alexia's face dropped as she noticed two of them. She stood from her seat and bolted.
"Breena! Hari!" she yelled.
They turned around and Alexia looked blankly at them.
"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" asked Alexia.
Breena looked down sheepishly.
"I dunno, I didn't really know for sure until last night," she said, "I'm sorry, Lex, I just need to get out of here."
A group of Slytherin girls walked by and Ashlee glared at them.
"I'd sure hate to be staying here for Christmas," she said loudly, "It'd make me feel like my family didn't love me or something."
Hari narrowed her eyes at Ashlee and Breena rolled her eyes.
"Forget her," said Breena, "She doesn't even have parents."
"Breena!" Alexia gasped.
"Well she doesn't," said Breena angrily, "Why should she be able to pick on people about things she doesn't even have?"
Hari shook her head and Alexia looked at her.
"So why are you going home?" Alexia asked.
"I'm not," said Hari.
"You're.not?" asked Alexia.
"I told Mum and Dad that I preferred to stay here anyway," Hari explained, "They kept saying I should come see them but I told em that I didn't want to."
Alexia smiled and she walked out with Breena and Hari to the carriages to see Breena off. They hoisted Breena's things into the carriage and Breena climbed in, smiling at them.
"Don't have too much fun, ya hear me?" she said smiling.
"We will!" yelled Hari smiling.
The carriages started to pull away and Alexia smiled.
"See ya Breena!" she yelled and the carriages disappeared.
Alexia and Hari returned to the castle, Alexia feeling rather empty. Hari and her parted in the entrance hall and Alexia made her way not to the common room but instead headed up the stairs to Dumbledore's office.
He had said she could feel free to stop by anytime she wanted or needed to talk and this was one of those times. Alexia knocked softly on the door and heard a voice inside echo 'come in' so she pushed the door open.
Alexia had been here before, but was too freaked out about her enlarged face to really care much what the office looked like. She looked in amazement at the pure beauty and elegance of the large room. She looked at all the books on their shelves and saw the sorting hat setting on one of the highest shelves. She looked at the desk and saw Dumbledore standing there, smiling at her.
"Hello, Alexia," he said smiling at her.
"Hi Professor," she said, grinning.
Dumbledore stood from behind his desk and moved towards her.
"Is there something that I can do for you?" he asked kindly looking at her.
She shrugged and she sat in a chair and Dumbledore sat nearby.
"It's just.it feels weird not being with my family for Christmas.yet, it was my idea to stay here," said Alexia, struggling to string the words together.
"You wish to return home?" asked Dumbledore.
Alexia looked up at him. He was watching her with interest, and she suddenly felt empty.
"I don't know," she said, "I'm scared to leave."
Dumbledore nodded and Alexia twiddled with her thumbs. She felt embarrassed to be talking to freely to Dumbledore. She looked up and then back down, concentrating on the floor.
"You are afraid that your family will see a lot of change in you?" asked Dumbledore.
Alexia looked up. He smiled at her and she slowly nodded.
"My dear Alexia, change is very normal in people your age. You are at probably the point in your life when if happens the most," he said.
"I guess." said Alexia, looking down, "But I'm just afraid I'll be a different person when I go home.and no one will recognize me."
Dumbledore nodded and took out a large chocolate bar. He offered her a very large piece and she nibbled at it slowly.
"You see, Alexia," said Dumbledore, "People may at first be surprised at home much you have matured in such a short time, but in reality they enjoy watching you develop and grow from the person you were as a child."
Alexia nodded and Dumbledore smiled.
"I have been watching your progress in classes over the last few months, Alexia, and I am pleased to say that you are doing very well," he said.
She looked up at him and grinned.
"Really? I mean I thought I knew some of the stuff," she said, "But I didn't think I was doing very well."
"You are doing wonderfully, Alexia," he said, "Even in potions."
He winked at her and she smiled.
"And your Father has informed me that he is probably going to stop by during Christmas," he continued.
"Oh yeah," said Alexia, "He said he'd try."
Dumbledore rose from his desk and surveyed Alexia.
"You are his youngest child," said Dumbledore, "Of course he'll stop by for Christmas."
Alexia stood up and looked at Dumbledore. She had an urge to hug him, but stopped herself and instead smiled.
"Thank you, Professor," she said, "I feel better now."
Dumbledore set his hand on her shoulder.
"No trouble at all," he said, "Anytime you need to talk, I'm here."
Alexia smiled and exited the office, thinking about what Dumbledore had said.
She had reached the library and wasn't watching where she was going when all of a suddenly she ran right into someone. There was a yell and the dull thud of several falling books. Alexia stood up and looked down to see Linnea lying on the floor. Alexia froze for a moment as Linnea glared at her. She started to pick up her books and when Alexia tried to help, Linnea pushed her hand away.
"I don't need your help," snarled Linnea.
Alexia stopped.
"Sorry," she said, "I didn't see you."
"Oh, I see," said Linnea, "Not good enough to see someone in Gryffindor, hm?"
"You know that's not." started Alexia but Linnea broke in again.
"You know, maybe if you didn't let your ego get so out of control maybe you'd have more friends," snapped Linnea, turning and walking away.
"Linnea, damn it wait!" yelled Alexia as she ran after Linnea.
She followed her until she reached the portrait to the Gryffindor common room. Linnea then turned and glared at Alexia.
"Leave me alone, I don't want to talk to you," she said shortly.
"Linnea, shut the hell up for one bloody second and listen to me!" snapped Alexia.
Linnea stopped. She looked at Alexia and frowned.
"You've got a minute," Linnea muttered.
"I'm sorry," blurted Alexia, "I didn't mean to make such a big deal out of Quidditch and the match and all that, you just upset me.I didn't mean it."
Linnea turned towards the portrait and walked inside. Alexia tried to follow but it snapped shut.
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Forget it." muttered Alexia, storming off.
She made it back to the Hufflepuff common room where Lorelei was sitting in a chair, reading a book. Alexia stormed by, heading to the dormitory. Lorelei looked up and watched her.
"Lex?" she asked, hearing the pounding of feet up the stairs, "Lex, hey! What's wrong?"
Lorelei dropped her book and ran up the stairs.
Alexia threw her cloak onto the floor and laid face down on her bed. Lorelei entered the room and gave her sort of a cautious glance.
"Lex.?" she said timidly.
Suddenly Alexia started screaming into her pillow. Lorelei jumped backwards and stood their until five minutes later Alexia sat up and looked at her.
"What happened?" Lorelei whispered.
"Linnea, stupid little." but she couldn't finish her sentence.
She was so angry that the words just froze inside of her. She was breathing fast, could hear her pulse in her temples and shook her head.
"I tried to apologize to her," muttered Alexia, looking down, "But she won't listen."
Her voice cracked and tears started to seep into the corners of her eyes. She looked up at Lorelei, who just stood there, shocked to see her crying.
"What were you fighting about?" asked Lorelei.
"Something stupid," said Alexia shortly, "Something about Quidditch.I don't know, but I said I was sorry and she just stormed off."
Lorelei nodded and moved to her trunk. She pulled out some chocolate frogs and threw one to her. She opened it and found Mad-Eye Moody on it. She tucked the card in her pocket and looked down as she bit the frog's head off.
"Maybe Linnea just wants to be alone," suggested Lorelei, trying to look on the bright side, "It's probably not you, she just wants to be alone."
Alexia nodded. She had tried to make things up, she had tried.but it wasn't her fault Linnea was being stubborn, she'd just have to wait this out.
The next week flew by. Alexia and Lorelei were having a lot of fun considering they spent most of the time in the common room. Since there were few others around, they invited Hari in and they all talked together while playing wizard chess, something that Hari and Lorelei were good at, but Alexia sucked.
Before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve, and as they sat in the common room, Alexia pulled a present out from underneath her chair.
"Hey, Lorelei?" she asked.
Lorelei looked and Alexia handed her the present. Lorelei looked up and then back down at the present.
"You didn't." she started.
"Just open it," Alexia said.
Lorelei nodded and opened the package. Inside was an oak frame and on the inside was a picture of the two of them from a Quidditch match earlier that year. Lorelei looked at it and then up at Alexia, who was smiling.
"It's beautiful," said Lorelei, hugging her, "Thank you."
"I didn't have much money this year, so I got the same thing for everyone." Said Alexia shyly.
"Well it's wonderful," said Lorelei, smiling again, "Thank you."
Alexia smiled as Lorelei picked up a package next to her chair.
"It just arrived today, so I didn't have time wrap it," she explained, handing Alexia the rather heavy package.
"What is it?" asked Alexia.
Lorelei smiled.
"Just open it," she urged.
Alexia ripped away the paper and found a large, leather bound book, with gold writing on the front, Fantastic Quidditch Teams of Europe. Alexia grinned and flipped through the pages. It was full of team names, the plays, and all sorts of information about the teams.
"Wow," whispered Alexia, looking up at Lorelei, "This is great."
Alexia flipped through the pages and noticed that there were more teams out there than she could have ever imagined.
That night they retreated to the dorm room about 12:00 midnight, but Alexia found it very hard to sleep. She lay there for hours just thinking. Her Father said he was going to try and come see her tomorrow, but would he actually come? Dumbledore had said he most definitely would, but how sure could Dumbledore be? How could he know what her Father was going to do?
Before she knew it she was waking up the next morning, to the sound of Lorelei opening her presents. She pushed open the hangings of her bed and looked at Lorelei. She was already sitting in a pile of candy, robes and many other things.
"Happy Christmas!" said Lorelei brightly.
Alexia shook herself.
"Happy Christmas," she muttered sleepily, looking to the foot of her bed.
She had a pile of presents, smaller than Lorelei's but still she was happy. She noticed one on the top that had her name and Hogwarts on it. Her face lit up.
"It came," she said happily, grabbing the present.
"What's that?" asked Lorelei, eating some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
"Linnea's gift," said Alexia happily, tossing it onto the bed.
"Oh," said Lorelei, opening another box.
Alexia sat down and started on hers. From Gavin she got a crystal statue of a fox which he had made and looked very beautiful. Her aunt, Melissa, had sent her a large box full of goodies from chocolate frogs to dungbombs, telling her not to inform her Father that she had sent them. Breena and Hari had given her a watch unlike one she had ever seen before and she stared at it for a while.
It had four hands on it; each engraved with the name of one of her family members including her own. The one with her name had a picture of her, yawning and rubbing her eyes that pointed at 'school'. The other three were Brent, Gavin and Ruby, each at a different place. Gavin's was pointed at 'work', Ruby's was pointed at 'home' and her Father's was pointed at 'traveling'. Alexia smiled when she saw her Father's was pointed at traveling. Maybe he was on his way.
She opened the letter that was enclosed with the watch.
Happy Christmas Lex,
I had the idea that since you missed your family to get this for you, so you can know where they are when you're not around. Hari and I figured it'd be a good gift for you. I hope you like it.
Hope you guys have been having fun (not too much) at school while we're all gone. I'll see ya in a week or so.
Breena
Alexia smiled and kept looking at the watch. It was so pretty and so different to look at.
"Oh!" said Lorelei, seeing the watch, "Wow, who sent you that?"
"Hari and Breena," said Alexia softly.
"It's beautiful," said Lorelei, "I've never seen on like that before.it's amazing."
They finished opening their presents and Alexia was a little upset to find that she didn't even receive a card from her Father.
"I'm sure there's a good reason," said Lorelei, reassuringly as they headed down to lunch in the Great Hall.
"Yeah right," Alexia spat bitterly, "What, he fell off a roof somewhere?"
Lorelei shrugged and they entered the Great Hall and saw that they only have one table. Dumbledore was seated at the far end, as well as Professor McGonagall and Snape. There were also three Gryffindor students, including Linnea, who was sitting silently near McGonagall. Hari sat alone and waved when they entered.
"Hey!" she called out.
Alexia smiled and ran forward. She handed Hari her present and she smiled.
"Did you get mine?" she asked.
Alexia nodded.
"It's wonderful," she said, smiling as Hari's eyes lit up.
"Oh, I knew you'd love it!" gasped Hari, "C'mon let's sit down."
They sat across from Hades and Fe; both were forced to stay behind for the holiday. Fe was whispered quickly to Hades, whose lips curled into an evil smile.
"I don't trust them," whispered Lorelei.
"They won't do anything in front of Dumbledore," hissed Hari.
Alexia nodded and Dumbledore smiled at her. She grinned back and looked at Linnea, who was starring blankly at her plate. She doubted if her parents had sent her any presents for Christmas, and she felt awful.
"I'll be back," said Alexia, standing and leaving her seat.
She pulled Linnea's present out of her robes and looked at her.
"Here," she said, reaching Linnea and handing her the package.
"What's this?" asked Linnea.
"Just open it," said Alexia.
Linnea did so and it revealed a box that had a chessboard and the bold words "Wizard Chess" written on it. Linnea looked up in shock.
"Oh wow," she muttered, looking up, "Lex.I'm."
"It's okay," Alexia said, smiling, "I understand why you were mad."
Linnea stood up and hugged her. Tears started to trickle down her face and Linnea sighed.
"I got you something too," said Linnea.
Alexia opened it to find a book that had "Which Broom is right for you?" scrawled on the front. She smiled.
"Thanks, Linnea," she said.
Linnea came and sat with her and the others and they ate the wonderful Christmas meal. Afterwards they sat there talking for a while, until Dumbledore walked up to Alexia.
"Could I see you for a moment." He said, smiling.
Alexia nodded and they left the Great Hall.
They stopped just outside the Great Hall and Dumbledore looked at her.
"I have something for you," he said softly.
She looked up and blinked at him.
"What?" she asked.
"Just follow me," said Dumbledore, as he continued to walk.
As they walked thoughts filled her head. Maybe he was going to tell her she was going to be expelled.her stomach flipped into a horrible knot and then relaxed. Dumbledore would ever do that; she had quite good grades. Maybe he had something to give her.her heart sank.but he was the headmaster of the school, he wouldn't just give her a random present.
She kept thinking and then all of a sudden a thought flashed into her mind. Her Father, he had said he was going to try and stop by school over Christmas. Her Father was in Dumbledore's office, waiting for her, right now!
She grinned and they reached Dumbledore's door and he pushed it open. They walked inside and she looked around excitedly, but found no one else except for them inside his office. Her face dropped and she felt her heart crashing into pieces.
"Now, Alexia," said Dumbledore, walking over his desk, "You're probably wondering why you're here."
She nodded slowly, trying not to look so downcast.
"Well, I received an owl this morning from your father." started Dumbledore.
She looked up quickly; maybe there was still hope.
"He wanted me to inform you that his work has kept him from visiting," Dumbledore finished.
Alexia's face dropped again. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes again.
"He did, however, send a package along," said Dumbledore, picking something large off the floor behind his desk.
He set it in front of Alexia and she looked up. No matter what it was, she would have rather had her Father there for Christmas with her instead.
Dumbledore smiled and she unwrapped the present to reveal a long, thin, brown box. She lifted the top and found a Comet 700 lying in the box. She had no reaction. She simply looked at the broom, gave a feeble smile, and then replaced the top. She looked down at the floor and sighed.
"Alexia?" asked Dumbledore.
She wasn't listening. She glanced at the watch on her wrist and noticed the hand with 'Brent' engraved on it was still pointed at traveling.
"Alexia?" repeated Dumbledore.
She looked up, a few tears staining her cheeks.
"I know it's upsetting to not see your Father on Christmas," said Dumbledore, "But he said he would make it up to you."
She scowled at Dumbledore.
"How?" she spat bitterly.
"I'm not sure," said Dumbledore, "But your Father is true to his word, and he was very sorry he couldn't make it today."
"So work's more important than me now?" she snarled.
Dumbledore looked at her over his hands.
"I understand why you're mad," said Dumbledore.
"No you don't!" snapped Alexia, "He was never truly there for me.he just pretended to be."
She looked back down at the ground and Dumbledore set a piece of parchment on the broom.
"You may leave," said Dumbledore, but the tone of his voice seemed to be telling her to leave other than suggesting.
She snatched the package and the parchment and took off to the Hufflepuff common room. She pulled herself through the portrait and then straight up to the dorm room. She threw the box on the bed and then sat down on her trunk, sobbing into her robes.
She looked through her fingers and at the still sealed parchment lying on the floor at her feet. She looked at it and noticed it was addressed to her, not Dumbledore, and hadn't been opened. She carefully opened it and read it.
Dearest Alexia,
I'm so sorry I couldn't have come to Hogwarts for Christmas to be with you. I tried my hardest to get out of work, but very pressing investigations have been keeping me away. I'm very upset and you, Gavin, and I will all be spending Christmas apart this year.
I hope school is going well, and you've made loads of new friends. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished and I hope you learn loads more. You have the strong blood of a Malfoy in you, my child, and you will make us proud.
I do hope you get a chance to fly the broom soon. They said is a very good broom for a beater (a possession Dumbledore tells me you are very good at).
Enjoy the rest of your year and please write often.
All My Love,
Dad
She smiled slightly and read it again. She touched the broom and suddenly felt all the hatred leaving her. She folded the letter up and put it in her trunk and headed down to the common room, where Lorelei challenged her to a game of chess.
Alexia was starting to like chess less and less. While Lorelei was easily able to tell the pieces what to do, Alexia's seemed reluctant to listen to her commands. By the end Alexia had only taken three of Lorelei's pawns, but Lorelei had ended up winning.
After several hours they grew boards and began to talk about their lives at home more. Around 1 AM, Lorelei dozed off to sleep and Alexia levitated her to the dorm room, and finally climbed into her bed. She watched the ceiling and then looked at the picture of her family on the bedside table and smiled. She definitely didn't like Christmas away from home.