It was his third year at Hogwarts, and he didn't know whether to be happy
or angry at getting back on the scarlet steam engine for another year. He
hated home, hated his parents, but he especially hated not really knowing
where he belonged.
Severus had a group of friends at school, but he wasn't sure if he was really part of the group. He had always felt he was outside the gates, just looking in. He was tall and spry with long, black hair that was slightly uncared for. He wasn't ugly, but he wasn't very attractive in the strictest sense either. Not like James Potter, anyway.
He was put into Slytherin of course, just like his father and mother had been. But he didn't know if he really belonged there either. He was a fair student in all of his classes and could have been better if he cared enough to try a little harder. Magic was easy for him and he would do well in whatever field he chose to be in, and he would probably end up with the Dark Lord in the end. Just as they all expected him to do. But he would never say that out loud, not even to his closest friend Lucius Malfoy.
The train whistle sounded, signaling to the other students that the train would depart in no less than five minutes time. Severus lugged his trunk onto the train and found his usual compartment, already occupied by Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.
They were engrossed in a conversation about hexes and the best one to use on the glorious foursome, Potter, Lupin, Black and Pettigrew.
"Who knew Black would be in Gryffindor?" Malfoy sneered.
Severus rolled his eyes, "Honestly, you think you'd be full to bursting with this same old conversation, Malfoy."
"What's with you, Snape? I thought you hated Potter and Black."
"I do, but I'm sick to death of talking about the should haves. I'm going to have a nap on this seat. Wake me when we get there." He closed his eyes and tried to blot out the mundane conversation that started right back up. Please let this year be different. I think I will die if this continues, he thought.
As the scarlet train was winding its way through the countryside, Alexandra, in the form of an eleven-year-old girl, was slipping through the gates at Hogwarts. She was wearing a gray skirt and white blouse, her white-blonde hair hung in soft curls just past her bottom. In all respects, this girl was the epitome of beautiful, her eyes shocking blue and her features flawless. She was Italian for the moment, speaking English in a very thick accent. When people heard her talk, they said her voice reminded them of caramel or chocolate, slightly deep, smooth, and rich.
She marched up the castle stairs and found the location of Dumbledor's office, in front of the gargoyle. She blinked soundlessly and the gargoyle revealed it's secret. Alex rode the stairs to the top and knocked on the mahogany door.
"Come in," called a slightly surprised voice. Alex walked in and was greeted by Dumbledor's gentle smile. "I wasn't expecting any visitors. Goodness, I haven't slept through start of term, have I?"
Alex gave an appreciative laugh. "My name is Alexandra Blackbird and I want to join Hogwarts." She sat down in a chair opposite him and placed her hands on the table. "I'm sure you can tell right away that I'm not just any normal girl. I am not a witch, but my destiny lies in this school and with your cooperation."
His blue eyes twinkled and he sat back, regarding her for a moment. "I can see that you aren't a normal girl. But if you aren't a witch, why would you fit in here? Magic is essential."
Alex laughed, "I never said I couldn't do magic." She pointed her finger at a goblet on his desk and it levitated. "I don't need a wand to do things. I may not be able to make the wand perform the magic, but I can make it look like it's the wand. Do you see what I mean?"
"Clarify what you mean by your destiny lies in this school and with my cooperation." He sounded more serious, and maybe a little impressed.
"I see things, the future and such. I know I am meant to be here, but it must look as if I'm a student here, just like everyone else. You know, human. I need you to keep up the guise with me. None of the other teachers must know."
Dumbledor scratched his beard and frowned. It was a very uncharacteristic look for him. He stared into her eyes for another moment before answering. "What are you, if you aren't human?"
"You wouldn't understand if I tried to explain it, sir. Just know that I am much older than you and I have powers that rival those of even say, Voldemort."
At that Dumbledor frowned even deeper. "Are you a danger as he is?"
Alex laughed heartily. "I am well above such mortal things as good and evil. Voldemort is nothing more than a ripple in the giant river of life. There are so many things beyond your comprehension, but soon you will understand them all. For now I must simply ask that you agree with me and let me attend your school. I will abide by every rule and play my part to the fullest."
"May I ask who your destiny involves?"
Alex thought about it for a moment. "Many, but mostly Severus Snape and Harry Potter."
"You mean James Potter," he corrected.
Alex shook her head, "No, I mean Harry Potter. But you will understand years from now."
"What do you want with Severus Snape?"
Alex shrugged, "Is that a yes, sir?"
He nodded slightly and stood up. He rummaged around and finally pulled out a piece of parchment. Tapping it with his wand, he added the name Alexandra Blackbird to the list. "It is official. You are a student of Hogwarts, but you need robes and books and a wand to get by as a normal girl here."
"Done and done, sir. Now I must get to the train so I can arrive with everyone else."
"How..." he said but before he could finish, she was gone.
Alex appeared in a secluded corner of the Hogwarts Express, clothed in Hogwarts robes and accompanied by a trunk full of clothes, a wand and books. She swept past other compartments until she found the one occupied by Severus. He was alone for the moment, so she took the opportunity to knock and enter.
He looked up, glaring at her but his thoughts were loud and clear. My God. "What do you want, first year," he sneered.
Alex shrugged and dazzled him with her brilliant smile. "Wondering if I could ride in this compartment."
"Absolutely," came a smooth, drawling voice from behind her.
She turned and faced Malfoy. "Ah, you riding in here too?"
He nodded and beckoned her to sit. "Lucius Malfoy," he said extending a hand to her.
"Alexandra Blackbird," she said and shook his hand. "Who are you," she asked Severus.
"That's Snape...uh Severus Snape," Malfoy answered for him. "So, do you know what house you're to be in?"
She shook her head. "Not a clue. I see you occupy Slytherin?"
He nodded. "What about your family? What houses have they been in?"
"I don't quite know that. I have no family that I've met. I was found as an infant with only a name of my own. Any of you heard of the Blackbirds?"
Lucius shook his head, his eyes moving back and forth. "I know of a man just like you. His name was...Tom Riddle."
Severus choked on his words for a moment. "I don't quite...th-think she's quite like Tom Riddle, Malfoy."
"You never know really Snape. She could very well be just like him."
Alex sniggered to herself, knowing exactly what they meant and knowing exactly how insignificant it all was. She turned to Lucius, determined to make him angry. "Who ever he is, I'm sure he couldn't hold a candle to my power."
"He wouldn't be too happy hearing that from a potential mudblood," Malfoy sneered.
Alex laughed and winked slyly at Snape. "Who knows, maybe someday he'll be kissing my feet." She stood up and stretched. "Forgive me gents, but I fancy a walk. Being stuck in this compartment, cramped from all the ego stealing the space has made my back ache." She blew a small kiss to Snape and closed the compartment behind her. She stood back from the door and listened to Lucius rant for a moment before moving on.
While walking quickly down the aisle, she accidentally smacked into Sirius Black. She let herself fall backwards so he would help her up. This was yet another part of the plan and Sirius was the perfect person to run into first.
"I'm so sorry, first year," he said with a laugh. He extended his hand and helped her up. "Where were you headed," he asked eyeing her face.
She shrugged, "Not really sure. I guess I was heading away from Lucius Malfoy and his friend. I don't think they liked me much. Actually Malfoy would probably curse me if he sees me again."
Sirius glared towards the back of the train. "I knew they were bad, but to pick on a houseless first year is disgusting!" He pulled his wand out. "I'll be right back."
Alex grabbed his arm, "Don't go back there. Let them talk their talk. Can I sit in your compartment? I'm feeling a little lost around here. What year are you anyway?"
"Third, and so are all my friends. Not too far off from you then, am I?"
Alex laughed, "I suppose not."
Black led the way to a compartment in the middle of the train. Before he opened the door he extended his hand. "I'm Sirius Black, by the way."
She took his hand lightly. "I'm Alexandra Blackbird." She followed him into the compartment where James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew were playing exploding snap. They looked up sharply as Sirius entered with a new guest.
"This is my new little apprentice, Blackbird. Hopefully she's our newest Gryffindor member." He shoved her into the middle of the room.
James nodded a hello, but Remus couldn't take his eyes off of her. He scooted over to make room for her to sit. This was again, part of the plan, so Alex sat quietly, glancing at him obviously, out of the corner of her eye.
"So," Lupin said with a grin he couldn't suppress, "do you think you will really be in Gryffindor?"
"I suppose it might be so. We shall see, shant we?"
Alex rode the boat with the rest of the first years across the great lake and into the castle. She was carted to the front of the Great Hall and placed under the sorting hat.
"This makes no sense," the sorting hat said into her ear. "You are not meant for here, and yet you are. You are part of a magic so much greater than this. You have your reasons, I can sense that. You must choose your own house. Where do you belong?"
I know you can hear their thoughts, she said in her mind to the hat. There are two that love me and both are part of my destiny. I know that the Slytherin is the bigger part, but I do not think Slytherin is the place for me. I suppose I will choose Ravenclaw, to keep even.
"Ravenclaw!" the hat shouted.
Alex hopped off the stool and made her way to the Ravenclaw table. She looked over at Dumbledor who gave her a serene smile. She saw that he was proud of her, not seeking glory with Gryffindor, not seeking power within Slytherin. He would soon see just how insignificant his world of magic was, though he would never truly be part of her world.
The feast was amazing, even by her standards, but Alex was in no mood to befriend anyone. She was meant to do something, and she would concentrate on the small group of mortals that mattered to her.
And so life continued at Hogwarts. Alex did well in her studies and snuck conversations with Snape and the trio whenever they met in the halls. Severus, on the other hand had a very interesting year. For he had never had a crush on a single other student before he met Alex, and she was only eleven.
He followed her around, hoping she wouldn't notice, and she didn't seem to. Malfoy, on the other hand, noticed and had a field day. "Ooh, there goes your would be girlfriend," he would sneer every time she passed them in the halls.
"She's in Ravenclaw," he said to Snape one night over dinner. "Even if she is beautiful, for a first year, she probably isn't even pure blood."
"She doesn't even know what kind of blood she has," he retorted angrily.
"Exactly, she doesn't. If she was pureblood, she'd probably be in Slytherin."
"But she's a genius, of course she's in Ravenclaw."
Lucius leaned in close to Severus. "Listen closely Snape, because you're treading on thin ice. I remember what she said about the Dark Lord, and if you want to be on the winning side, you won't associate with those who challenge his power."
Snape threw down his fork and stormed out of the great hall. He found himself standing outside on the stairs, looking up at the nearly full moon, wondering exactly why a boy of only thirteen should be burdened with such a choice as picking the winning side of life.
"You're not wrong, you know," came a soft voice from behind him. He turned sharply and came face to face with Alexandra. "But it's never as simple as the right side and wrong side of life. Things exist on a level of consciousness so much higher than right and wrong."
"How do you know?"
"I just do," she answered simply. "I, just like most things in this world, am much more complicated than I seem. I'm not just an eleven-year- old girl studying to become a witch. For now, though, that's what I'm doing. And I can't say that I don't enjoy the company."
"I know you mean Lupin," he said in a sardonic tone.
She smiled serenely. "Yes, Lupin, he's sweet enough, and part of my destiny, just as you are."
He swallowed hard and glared at her. "Your destiny? Don't take me for a fool, Blackbird, and don't toy with me."
Alex approached him slowly and took his hands into hers. "I know things about the future, Severus. I see my future as well as the future of those around us, should I choose to look. I know that you will love me, and I will love you. I know that you will reject me and I know tragedy will strike. In the end, it will be you and I, Severus, and things will change, but it will all work out in the end."
Snape was struck dumb by this confession. He felt Alex's warm hands gripping his tightly, but he didn't know what to say or do about it. "So," he said finally in a very subdued tone, "where does Lupin fit in?"
She shrugged and released his grip. "He will save me when I need you the most." There was a touch of bitterness and disappointment in her voice. "And you will forgive me for feeling angry at things yet to come. I must be going, it's late and I have homework." She turned to walk away.
"Wait," he called after her. She stopped and looked back, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know I can love you, I can feel it here," he said, his fist to his chest. "But I don't know what I'm to do with myself. You're only eleven, and we're...children. I'm too young for this responsibility and intensity."
She smiled wistfully, "I know, and I have to come to terms with that. You'll have to forgive me for not speaking to you for the rest of this year, but I need some time to cope with what's yet to come." She walked back to him for a moment and took his hand again. "Funny thing, Lupin will always love me, always stay loyal to me and never waver in his conviction. But I choose you. Funny."
The year passed quietly. Lord Voldemort was gaining power, slowly but surely. The other students, ones who bothered to notice such things, saw Dumbledor become increasingly uneasy. He often stayed away from meals and took sabbaticals more often. Alex knew the time was coming for Severus to choose, and the time was coming for her to love.
Sadly, the year ended and she boarded the train accompanied by Lupin, Black and Potter, Pettigrew trailing behind. Alex was quiet, watching the scenery pass by, thinking of all the things that were to come with somewhat of indifference.
Suddenly, night was falling, and she and Lupin were alone. He was dying to talk to her, so she let him open up.
"I really like you, Alex," he said softly. "And I have a secret to tell you." He rested his head on her shoulder.
"I know your secret, Remus. I know what you are and I don't care. You don't scare me, and you aren't less human. In fact, you're one of the most beautiful humans i've ever met."
He sighed deeply. "Why is it that you know so much, Alex? You're just a kid, younger than I am."
"I have a secret too, Remus. I can't tell you what it is just yet, but you'll know soon enough. Just know that you are important to me, and accept that I am sorry for what is to come."
He looked at her for a moment, frowning but said nothing. Alex caught a glimpse of Severus peeking in on them. She caught the radiating jealousy emanating from him, but he left as quickly as he appeared.
The train finally reached the station a while later. Alex left before everyone else, grabbing her trunk and stepping onto the platform. Standing by a beam was a very tall, dark haired man with a slightly malicious grin on his face.
"Cute look," he said in Italian. He grabbed her arm and started to pull her away, "Let's get this over with. I don't want to be here for your little show, I have better things to do with my time."
"Like trying to kill us all," she spat back in Italian. "It's never going to work Victor. You're going to live until the end of time and be lonely and miserable and you'll have me to thank. I'll never be sorry either, I hope you know that." Alex knew Lupin and Snape were watching her very closely, trying to understand the words she spoke. Otherwise she would not have provoked Victor. "I remember when you were a beautiful person, now all that's left is a hollow husk of a would be man lost in his own mind, and you disgust me."
Victor lost his temper, spun her in front of him and backhanded her so hard she was flung backwards and her mouth was bleeding in the corner. "You filthy girl with your little games! I will kill you, I can promise that much," he spat in English for the other students to hear.
Severus meant to take out his wand, but Lupin was quicker. He knocked past Snape and rushed foreword. "How..." but his words died in the air. In the blink of an eye, Alex and Victor were gone.
A short, malicious laugh came from behind Severus. It was Malfoy who was lugging his trunk behind him. "Fancy that, she gets some sense beat in to her at home. I suppose we should give some thanks for the small joys in life, eh Snape?"
Lupin rounded on them and held his wand out, "How dare you," he whispered angrily.
Sirius and James were suddenly at his back, their wands out as well. "Got something to say Snivellius," Black spat.
Severus looked into Remus' eyes, both of them sharing the same worried look behind the bitter anger. He shook his head and stormed off, away from Malfoy and the others. He had no idea where to find her, no idea how to save her. He could only hope against hope that she would be on the train for the start of the next term.
Severus had a group of friends at school, but he wasn't sure if he was really part of the group. He had always felt he was outside the gates, just looking in. He was tall and spry with long, black hair that was slightly uncared for. He wasn't ugly, but he wasn't very attractive in the strictest sense either. Not like James Potter, anyway.
He was put into Slytherin of course, just like his father and mother had been. But he didn't know if he really belonged there either. He was a fair student in all of his classes and could have been better if he cared enough to try a little harder. Magic was easy for him and he would do well in whatever field he chose to be in, and he would probably end up with the Dark Lord in the end. Just as they all expected him to do. But he would never say that out loud, not even to his closest friend Lucius Malfoy.
The train whistle sounded, signaling to the other students that the train would depart in no less than five minutes time. Severus lugged his trunk onto the train and found his usual compartment, already occupied by Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.
They were engrossed in a conversation about hexes and the best one to use on the glorious foursome, Potter, Lupin, Black and Pettigrew.
"Who knew Black would be in Gryffindor?" Malfoy sneered.
Severus rolled his eyes, "Honestly, you think you'd be full to bursting with this same old conversation, Malfoy."
"What's with you, Snape? I thought you hated Potter and Black."
"I do, but I'm sick to death of talking about the should haves. I'm going to have a nap on this seat. Wake me when we get there." He closed his eyes and tried to blot out the mundane conversation that started right back up. Please let this year be different. I think I will die if this continues, he thought.
As the scarlet train was winding its way through the countryside, Alexandra, in the form of an eleven-year-old girl, was slipping through the gates at Hogwarts. She was wearing a gray skirt and white blouse, her white-blonde hair hung in soft curls just past her bottom. In all respects, this girl was the epitome of beautiful, her eyes shocking blue and her features flawless. She was Italian for the moment, speaking English in a very thick accent. When people heard her talk, they said her voice reminded them of caramel or chocolate, slightly deep, smooth, and rich.
She marched up the castle stairs and found the location of Dumbledor's office, in front of the gargoyle. She blinked soundlessly and the gargoyle revealed it's secret. Alex rode the stairs to the top and knocked on the mahogany door.
"Come in," called a slightly surprised voice. Alex walked in and was greeted by Dumbledor's gentle smile. "I wasn't expecting any visitors. Goodness, I haven't slept through start of term, have I?"
Alex gave an appreciative laugh. "My name is Alexandra Blackbird and I want to join Hogwarts." She sat down in a chair opposite him and placed her hands on the table. "I'm sure you can tell right away that I'm not just any normal girl. I am not a witch, but my destiny lies in this school and with your cooperation."
His blue eyes twinkled and he sat back, regarding her for a moment. "I can see that you aren't a normal girl. But if you aren't a witch, why would you fit in here? Magic is essential."
Alex laughed, "I never said I couldn't do magic." She pointed her finger at a goblet on his desk and it levitated. "I don't need a wand to do things. I may not be able to make the wand perform the magic, but I can make it look like it's the wand. Do you see what I mean?"
"Clarify what you mean by your destiny lies in this school and with my cooperation." He sounded more serious, and maybe a little impressed.
"I see things, the future and such. I know I am meant to be here, but it must look as if I'm a student here, just like everyone else. You know, human. I need you to keep up the guise with me. None of the other teachers must know."
Dumbledor scratched his beard and frowned. It was a very uncharacteristic look for him. He stared into her eyes for another moment before answering. "What are you, if you aren't human?"
"You wouldn't understand if I tried to explain it, sir. Just know that I am much older than you and I have powers that rival those of even say, Voldemort."
At that Dumbledor frowned even deeper. "Are you a danger as he is?"
Alex laughed heartily. "I am well above such mortal things as good and evil. Voldemort is nothing more than a ripple in the giant river of life. There are so many things beyond your comprehension, but soon you will understand them all. For now I must simply ask that you agree with me and let me attend your school. I will abide by every rule and play my part to the fullest."
"May I ask who your destiny involves?"
Alex thought about it for a moment. "Many, but mostly Severus Snape and Harry Potter."
"You mean James Potter," he corrected.
Alex shook her head, "No, I mean Harry Potter. But you will understand years from now."
"What do you want with Severus Snape?"
Alex shrugged, "Is that a yes, sir?"
He nodded slightly and stood up. He rummaged around and finally pulled out a piece of parchment. Tapping it with his wand, he added the name Alexandra Blackbird to the list. "It is official. You are a student of Hogwarts, but you need robes and books and a wand to get by as a normal girl here."
"Done and done, sir. Now I must get to the train so I can arrive with everyone else."
"How..." he said but before he could finish, she was gone.
Alex appeared in a secluded corner of the Hogwarts Express, clothed in Hogwarts robes and accompanied by a trunk full of clothes, a wand and books. She swept past other compartments until she found the one occupied by Severus. He was alone for the moment, so she took the opportunity to knock and enter.
He looked up, glaring at her but his thoughts were loud and clear. My God. "What do you want, first year," he sneered.
Alex shrugged and dazzled him with her brilliant smile. "Wondering if I could ride in this compartment."
"Absolutely," came a smooth, drawling voice from behind her.
She turned and faced Malfoy. "Ah, you riding in here too?"
He nodded and beckoned her to sit. "Lucius Malfoy," he said extending a hand to her.
"Alexandra Blackbird," she said and shook his hand. "Who are you," she asked Severus.
"That's Snape...uh Severus Snape," Malfoy answered for him. "So, do you know what house you're to be in?"
She shook her head. "Not a clue. I see you occupy Slytherin?"
He nodded. "What about your family? What houses have they been in?"
"I don't quite know that. I have no family that I've met. I was found as an infant with only a name of my own. Any of you heard of the Blackbirds?"
Lucius shook his head, his eyes moving back and forth. "I know of a man just like you. His name was...Tom Riddle."
Severus choked on his words for a moment. "I don't quite...th-think she's quite like Tom Riddle, Malfoy."
"You never know really Snape. She could very well be just like him."
Alex sniggered to herself, knowing exactly what they meant and knowing exactly how insignificant it all was. She turned to Lucius, determined to make him angry. "Who ever he is, I'm sure he couldn't hold a candle to my power."
"He wouldn't be too happy hearing that from a potential mudblood," Malfoy sneered.
Alex laughed and winked slyly at Snape. "Who knows, maybe someday he'll be kissing my feet." She stood up and stretched. "Forgive me gents, but I fancy a walk. Being stuck in this compartment, cramped from all the ego stealing the space has made my back ache." She blew a small kiss to Snape and closed the compartment behind her. She stood back from the door and listened to Lucius rant for a moment before moving on.
While walking quickly down the aisle, she accidentally smacked into Sirius Black. She let herself fall backwards so he would help her up. This was yet another part of the plan and Sirius was the perfect person to run into first.
"I'm so sorry, first year," he said with a laugh. He extended his hand and helped her up. "Where were you headed," he asked eyeing her face.
She shrugged, "Not really sure. I guess I was heading away from Lucius Malfoy and his friend. I don't think they liked me much. Actually Malfoy would probably curse me if he sees me again."
Sirius glared towards the back of the train. "I knew they were bad, but to pick on a houseless first year is disgusting!" He pulled his wand out. "I'll be right back."
Alex grabbed his arm, "Don't go back there. Let them talk their talk. Can I sit in your compartment? I'm feeling a little lost around here. What year are you anyway?"
"Third, and so are all my friends. Not too far off from you then, am I?"
Alex laughed, "I suppose not."
Black led the way to a compartment in the middle of the train. Before he opened the door he extended his hand. "I'm Sirius Black, by the way."
She took his hand lightly. "I'm Alexandra Blackbird." She followed him into the compartment where James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew were playing exploding snap. They looked up sharply as Sirius entered with a new guest.
"This is my new little apprentice, Blackbird. Hopefully she's our newest Gryffindor member." He shoved her into the middle of the room.
James nodded a hello, but Remus couldn't take his eyes off of her. He scooted over to make room for her to sit. This was again, part of the plan, so Alex sat quietly, glancing at him obviously, out of the corner of her eye.
"So," Lupin said with a grin he couldn't suppress, "do you think you will really be in Gryffindor?"
"I suppose it might be so. We shall see, shant we?"
Alex rode the boat with the rest of the first years across the great lake and into the castle. She was carted to the front of the Great Hall and placed under the sorting hat.
"This makes no sense," the sorting hat said into her ear. "You are not meant for here, and yet you are. You are part of a magic so much greater than this. You have your reasons, I can sense that. You must choose your own house. Where do you belong?"
I know you can hear their thoughts, she said in her mind to the hat. There are two that love me and both are part of my destiny. I know that the Slytherin is the bigger part, but I do not think Slytherin is the place for me. I suppose I will choose Ravenclaw, to keep even.
"Ravenclaw!" the hat shouted.
Alex hopped off the stool and made her way to the Ravenclaw table. She looked over at Dumbledor who gave her a serene smile. She saw that he was proud of her, not seeking glory with Gryffindor, not seeking power within Slytherin. He would soon see just how insignificant his world of magic was, though he would never truly be part of her world.
The feast was amazing, even by her standards, but Alex was in no mood to befriend anyone. She was meant to do something, and she would concentrate on the small group of mortals that mattered to her.
And so life continued at Hogwarts. Alex did well in her studies and snuck conversations with Snape and the trio whenever they met in the halls. Severus, on the other hand had a very interesting year. For he had never had a crush on a single other student before he met Alex, and she was only eleven.
He followed her around, hoping she wouldn't notice, and she didn't seem to. Malfoy, on the other hand, noticed and had a field day. "Ooh, there goes your would be girlfriend," he would sneer every time she passed them in the halls.
"She's in Ravenclaw," he said to Snape one night over dinner. "Even if she is beautiful, for a first year, she probably isn't even pure blood."
"She doesn't even know what kind of blood she has," he retorted angrily.
"Exactly, she doesn't. If she was pureblood, she'd probably be in Slytherin."
"But she's a genius, of course she's in Ravenclaw."
Lucius leaned in close to Severus. "Listen closely Snape, because you're treading on thin ice. I remember what she said about the Dark Lord, and if you want to be on the winning side, you won't associate with those who challenge his power."
Snape threw down his fork and stormed out of the great hall. He found himself standing outside on the stairs, looking up at the nearly full moon, wondering exactly why a boy of only thirteen should be burdened with such a choice as picking the winning side of life.
"You're not wrong, you know," came a soft voice from behind him. He turned sharply and came face to face with Alexandra. "But it's never as simple as the right side and wrong side of life. Things exist on a level of consciousness so much higher than right and wrong."
"How do you know?"
"I just do," she answered simply. "I, just like most things in this world, am much more complicated than I seem. I'm not just an eleven-year- old girl studying to become a witch. For now, though, that's what I'm doing. And I can't say that I don't enjoy the company."
"I know you mean Lupin," he said in a sardonic tone.
She smiled serenely. "Yes, Lupin, he's sweet enough, and part of my destiny, just as you are."
He swallowed hard and glared at her. "Your destiny? Don't take me for a fool, Blackbird, and don't toy with me."
Alex approached him slowly and took his hands into hers. "I know things about the future, Severus. I see my future as well as the future of those around us, should I choose to look. I know that you will love me, and I will love you. I know that you will reject me and I know tragedy will strike. In the end, it will be you and I, Severus, and things will change, but it will all work out in the end."
Snape was struck dumb by this confession. He felt Alex's warm hands gripping his tightly, but he didn't know what to say or do about it. "So," he said finally in a very subdued tone, "where does Lupin fit in?"
She shrugged and released his grip. "He will save me when I need you the most." There was a touch of bitterness and disappointment in her voice. "And you will forgive me for feeling angry at things yet to come. I must be going, it's late and I have homework." She turned to walk away.
"Wait," he called after her. She stopped and looked back, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know I can love you, I can feel it here," he said, his fist to his chest. "But I don't know what I'm to do with myself. You're only eleven, and we're...children. I'm too young for this responsibility and intensity."
She smiled wistfully, "I know, and I have to come to terms with that. You'll have to forgive me for not speaking to you for the rest of this year, but I need some time to cope with what's yet to come." She walked back to him for a moment and took his hand again. "Funny thing, Lupin will always love me, always stay loyal to me and never waver in his conviction. But I choose you. Funny."
The year passed quietly. Lord Voldemort was gaining power, slowly but surely. The other students, ones who bothered to notice such things, saw Dumbledor become increasingly uneasy. He often stayed away from meals and took sabbaticals more often. Alex knew the time was coming for Severus to choose, and the time was coming for her to love.
Sadly, the year ended and she boarded the train accompanied by Lupin, Black and Potter, Pettigrew trailing behind. Alex was quiet, watching the scenery pass by, thinking of all the things that were to come with somewhat of indifference.
Suddenly, night was falling, and she and Lupin were alone. He was dying to talk to her, so she let him open up.
"I really like you, Alex," he said softly. "And I have a secret to tell you." He rested his head on her shoulder.
"I know your secret, Remus. I know what you are and I don't care. You don't scare me, and you aren't less human. In fact, you're one of the most beautiful humans i've ever met."
He sighed deeply. "Why is it that you know so much, Alex? You're just a kid, younger than I am."
"I have a secret too, Remus. I can't tell you what it is just yet, but you'll know soon enough. Just know that you are important to me, and accept that I am sorry for what is to come."
He looked at her for a moment, frowning but said nothing. Alex caught a glimpse of Severus peeking in on them. She caught the radiating jealousy emanating from him, but he left as quickly as he appeared.
The train finally reached the station a while later. Alex left before everyone else, grabbing her trunk and stepping onto the platform. Standing by a beam was a very tall, dark haired man with a slightly malicious grin on his face.
"Cute look," he said in Italian. He grabbed her arm and started to pull her away, "Let's get this over with. I don't want to be here for your little show, I have better things to do with my time."
"Like trying to kill us all," she spat back in Italian. "It's never going to work Victor. You're going to live until the end of time and be lonely and miserable and you'll have me to thank. I'll never be sorry either, I hope you know that." Alex knew Lupin and Snape were watching her very closely, trying to understand the words she spoke. Otherwise she would not have provoked Victor. "I remember when you were a beautiful person, now all that's left is a hollow husk of a would be man lost in his own mind, and you disgust me."
Victor lost his temper, spun her in front of him and backhanded her so hard she was flung backwards and her mouth was bleeding in the corner. "You filthy girl with your little games! I will kill you, I can promise that much," he spat in English for the other students to hear.
Severus meant to take out his wand, but Lupin was quicker. He knocked past Snape and rushed foreword. "How..." but his words died in the air. In the blink of an eye, Alex and Victor were gone.
A short, malicious laugh came from behind Severus. It was Malfoy who was lugging his trunk behind him. "Fancy that, she gets some sense beat in to her at home. I suppose we should give some thanks for the small joys in life, eh Snape?"
Lupin rounded on them and held his wand out, "How dare you," he whispered angrily.
Sirius and James were suddenly at his back, their wands out as well. "Got something to say Snivellius," Black spat.
Severus looked into Remus' eyes, both of them sharing the same worried look behind the bitter anger. He shook his head and stormed off, away from Malfoy and the others. He had no idea where to find her, no idea how to save her. He could only hope against hope that she would be on the train for the start of the next term.