The next morning in the Great Hall Ali spotted Harry and walked over to him. It was pretty earlier and not many people had showed up yet, so she sat down next to him. He swallowed his toast and smiled "Good morning!" He looked her over. She was dressed in her school robes with the Slytherin crest and a green striped tie. "Well, at least the colors work for you." he said staring into her dark green eyes.
"Morning Guy!" Ron said as he sat down and started stuffing his face with food. "That's disgusting Ron!" Hermione scowled and took a seat also. "How was your night in the dungeon?" she asked Ali. "I hear Malfoy's being a git already?"
"Yeah, but I'll be fine. It's not that bad. I kind of like dark places. It's really cold down there, and that's awesome! It's like... winter all the time! My room mates aren't too bad, ugly as all, but not too bad." They all laughed and then Ali felt a tap on her shoulder.
She turned around and saw Lauren smiling at her. "Hey Lauren!"
"Hey! I remembered you saying something about playing an instrument, didn't you?"
"Yeah, Clarinet and Piano. Why?"
"Well, back home I play bass clarinet, but here there's a band filled with all sorts of strange instruments. I started playing a different one here in first year. However, we could use someone to play Piano. Don't worry, it's normal. If you want to come then there will be a meeting in here next Monday. Please join! I've got to go, see you all later!" she said and ran off to the Ravenclaw table.
"I guess I better get going too." Ali sighed and looked at the Slytherin table.
"Hey, Ali," Harry grabbed her arm before she could leave. "How about we hang out after classes today? Meet me by the lake?"
"Sure!" Ali grinned widely. "See you there!"
With her sprits lifted a lot higher she made her way to the Slytherin table. She sat with Pansy and Millicent. They seemed to actually be nice to her; after all she was a Slytherin and a pureblood. She ate some toast but passed on the pumpkin juice. What were these British people thinking drinking that crap?
A swooping sound came from overhead. Ali looked up and saw hundreds of owls flying around and dropping packages. It was a very beautiful sight; until she noticed Angel wasn't back yet. "It'll take awhile." she reassured herself. An owl dropped her class schedule in front of her and she was happy to see that she had Double Transfiguration with Gryffindor first thing.
When she was done eating she ran over to Harry and they walked to class together. Unfortunately, their nice time together was ruined by Draco Malfoy. "Hey Scar Head, I need a minute with your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend." Harry blushed.
"Of course not, no one would want to be with The Boy Who Cried Voldemort. Anyway, MacVerrich I need a word."
He pulled Ali down the hall way before she or Harry could say anything. When he finally stopped around the corner he let go of her. "Please, call me Ali, and what do you want?" Draco looked at her with a pretty evil glare.
"What did I tell you about hanging out with people like Potter?"
"What did I tell you about me not caring."
"Ugh, that's besides the point. What I really wanted to say is that Professor Snape says that I have to be kind to you. He said that you're probably going to need some help around school and since I'm a prefect and head of Slytherin I need to help you if you need it."
"Well, you've already said you would. Is that all? I'm going to be late to class."
"Oh stop worrying, Slytherins never get in trouble."
"Doubt that."
"Anyway, he and I had a conversation about your classes."
"And I wasn't invited? I think I should have a say in my own schedule."
"He was going to call you down, but I told him you looked busy writing something."
"Oh, thanks."
"As I was saying, he says your record is very extraordinary. He wants you to be in N.E.W.T classes, if you can handle them. You've never taken our tests, and so you won't know what to expect. However, I've told him that I'll be willing to help any time you need it. So, with that said, do you think you can handle it?"
"I can handle anything that's thrown my way."
"Good, then look at your classes again. Good day."
Ali pulled out the parchment with her schedule on it. Almost everything had been changed. She was placed in N.E.W.T potions, defense against the dark arts, herbology, ancient runes, history of magic, charms, arithmancy, and astronomy. That was a lot to handle, but she could do it. She turned and saw Draco making his way back to Transfigurations.
"Draco, wait up!" she said as she ran after him. He kept walking. When she caught up to him she grabbed his arm and stopped him. "Why'd you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Why are you being nice all of a sudden, after last night?"
"Look, you're a Slytherin. You're a pureblood. It's not your fault you grew up with Muggles."
"Well it's not Muggle born students faults they were born with Muggle parents."
"In your opinion. Now will you please let go, I've got to get to class. Not all of us have a photographical memory after all."
"How'd you know I have one?" she asked as they continued down the hall.
"I told you. I was talking to Snape. Would you leave me alone. Don't think we're going to be all buddy, buddy now just because I've said I'll help you out. You're still friends with Potty, the Weasel, and that mud blood."
Draco hurried ahead of her before she could slap him again. Ali shook her head and walked into the classroom. She found a seat up front between Harry and Hermione. She took some notes and then McGonagall assigned them a spell to practice.
"I don't want to do it!" Ali complained to Harry. She looked down at the white mouse in front of her. It was just too cute to turn into a lantern.
"Come on, Ali! You're going to fail doing nothing like that." Harry told her. She finally started practicing the spell when Harry asked, "So, what did Malfoy want?" she explained to him and then he said, "Ali, it doesn't seem like a good idea. You shouldn't get rapped up with Malfoy. Even Snap can't be trusted."
"Harry, how many times do I have to tell you?" Hermione broke in. "If Professor Dumbledore trusts Snape-"
"Yea, yea. I get it Hermione, doesn't mean I believe it though!"
When class was over Ali and Hermione said goodbye to Harry and Ron. They made their way to N.E.W.T potions. Draco walked past them with Blaise Zambini very angrily and nearly knocked Hermione over. He yelled over his shoulder "Watch it MudBlood!"
"Oh, one of these days!" Hermione mumbled.
Ali couldn't help but just think how cute Draco looked when he ran; even if he was the biggest jerk ever! He really did think he owned the whole school. Okay, so he was probably rich enough to, but it didn't mean he did!
Class started and Ali began brewing her Invisibility potion. Professor Snape walked up to her and summoned a stool. He sat down and watched her add her ingredients. "Very good Ms. MacVerrich. Very good indeed. Tell me, how is it that you are already doing this more perfectly than most of the students I've had in my teaching career and this is your first ever potion?"
Ali blushed. It was her first potion, but she didn't see what was so hard about it. Chop up a few roots, let it brew, make sure it's the right color. "I don't know, sir." Snape stood up and walked around the class. Ali watched as Snape went over to Draco. He bent over and sniffed Draco's potion. "Very good, Mr. Malfoy. It's very strong. I see you've practiced over the summer."
"Yes, sir!" Draco sad with a big grin. Hermione started cursing under her breathe at the disgusting show. Ali could tell Draco liked to show off. Hermione's potion looked perfect. "Guess Snape plays favorites." Ali thought. She'd just have to try harder than Draco Malfoy.
That day at lunch Ali sat with Pansy and Millicent again. She ate silently as the two talked.
"Did you hear Potter and Weasley last class?"
"Yeah, how pathetic?!"
"They actually think they're clever or something."
"And did you hear Ron going on and on about Hermione like Potter actually cared?"
"It's obvious his mind was somewhere else."
"Hum... I wonder where."
The girls started giggling and looked at Ali. "What?" she said. "You know, gossip isn't good for you. I'm out of here." she got up and started towards the Gryffindor table. Someone caught her arm and spun her around.
"What the hell do you want Malfoy?"
"Malfoy is it now?"
"Fine, Draco, let me go."
"Oh, but I thought we were friends." Crabbe and Goyle chuckled behind him.
"Friends? Friends! Friends don't tell you what to do and who to see."
"They do in the real world. Look, you're a witch. Get over your silly Muggle fantasy world and realize who you are. You are going to ruin the Slytherin reputation!"
"Didn't you ever stop to think that maybe that's just what I wanted?" she pulled her self free from Draco and proceeded to visit Harry.
"Hey!" she exclaimed when she saw the Golden Trio. "Ali!" Harry chocked on his food and blushed. It was obvious he had been talking about her. "It's so good to see you."
"Harry, I saw you this morning."
"But still! Sit down, please!"
-Oh, how cute he is when he's nervous.- she found herself thinking.
"So, Hermione you said these two are in our Defense Against the Dark Arts class too, right?"
"Yes, who knows how in the world Ron managed it, probably only because Remus is so found of us, but Harry's excelent in that class." Hermione said.
"Well, you'd have to be to save the world a million times."
Harry turned an even more brilliant shade of red. Ron stifled a laugh. They friends left lunch together for Defense Against the Dark Arts. They settled in at the front of the classroom and waited for Professor Lupin to show up.
"Good afternoon class!" Lupin said cheerfully as he made his way to his desk. He stopped short and turned towards Ali. "Ah, I heard you were a bright one. And you look just like your mother." Ali gasped.
"Y-you k-knew my mother?"
"We were in the same year here at Hogwarts. She and Sirius became pretty close. They were second cousins after all. I was at your parents wedding, we and the rest of my friends. Your father included, Harry."
Harry looked up at him confused, "You've never mentioned this before Remus... I mean Professor."
"Well, I wasn't that close to them. Anyway, today we'll be studying French Fairies. If you'll all gather around..."
The class was extremely fun and everyone groaned when the bell rang. "You lot, can I speak to you." Lupin called out to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ali. "I couldn't say it in front of the class, but look here." he pulled out a photograph. "Harry, I believe Moody has showed this to you before?"
"Yes." Harry said, confused again.
"Well," Lupin tapped the picture with his wand and it moved along showing members of the Order. "These, are Ali's parents."
Ali's jaw dropped. She'd never seen her parents, at least not since she was a baby, and she couldn't remember that. Lupin was right, she looked just like her mother. They both had black hair and dark green eyes. Her father also had black hair, but his face looked nothing like hers. He had blue eyes that were hidden behind black glasses not unlike Harry's.
"I didn't know they were in the Order." Hermione said. "I've heard many stories, none about them."
"They only joined about a week before this picture was taken. They both died the same day, both by Voldemort himself, two days later."
"But why?!" Ali sobbed.
"Ali, dear, I'm sorry to say this, but your mother was targeted. Voldemort didn't usually do killings himself unless it was important. Your mother refused to join the Death Eaters when she became of age, and as a Slytherin it was her duty. Of course, things have changed now. You won't be asked to be one, as long as you stay away from that crowd." he finished firmly.
Ali held back tears. Her mother was killed for trying to change the way Slytherins were seen. She reassured herself that this wouldn't happen to her, but she knew what the Order of the Phoenix was, and she knew how Harry's parents died. She knew about the dark mark. She knew of Voldemort's powers. Ali knew she was scared.
"Scared..." she thought. That's why she wasn't placed in Gryffindor. She mentally slapped herself and then turned to Harry. "Are we still going to go to the lake?" he smiled suddenly and grabbed her hand. They waved goodbye to the others and made their way through the school.
They crossed the rolling hills of green grass on the school grounds and found their way to the lake. Harry sat under a large maple tree and patted the ground for Ali to sit next to him. "This is my favorite spot. My father used to hang out here. I guess it makes me feel close to him." Ali made her way towards him and leaned against the tree.
She slid down the trunk and came to a stop next to Harry. "When will it stop Harry?"
"What do you mean?"
"Voldemort..."
"Oh."
"I know I don't know a whole lot about the Wizarding world yet, and I don't know the terror that people have had to suffer, but I've still lost a lot. I've lost my parents, my God parents, my identity..."
"I promise you, Ali, I'm trying my hardest."
"To do what?"
"To stop him."
"Well surly it's not your fault Harry. I don't expect you to feel like you need to finish him off."
"But I do... I'm the only one who can kill him. Other wise, he'll kill me. It's a long story..."
"I have all the time in the world."
Harry told her about the prophecy, and she listened in horror. How could anyone expect him to do this? He was still practically a boy. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned on him for a few moments of silence. She looked up at his tear glossed green eyes and hugged him tighter. "Be strong Harry." she whispered too low for him to hear. It was more like a prayer than anything.
"Oh what a wonderful sight." Draco said sarcastically. "Pothead and the new girl all snuggly tight."
Harry stood up and forced his tears inward. "What are you doing here Malfoy."
"Last time I checked, students were free to walk around the grounds this time of day." Draco smirked. Harry grabbed Ali's hand and led her away from the Slytherin. They walked to the other side of the Lake where they sat talking about happier things until it was time for dinner.
They walked together to the Gryffindor table and Ali sat down. Ron looked at her strangely and said "Are you staying?" Ali sighed and looked at the Slytherin table. "Screw them. I need a break." Harry laughed and threw an arm around her.
Later that night Ali sat in front of the fire in the Slytherin common room, reading. Someone sat down beside her, but she didn't bother to see who it was. Soon they spoke to her. "So, are you and Potter dating now?"
She lowered her book and turned to her left. Draco was sitting in a chair near her looking at her apologetically. "What do you want, I'm kind of busy here."
"Answer me."
"No, not officially."
"Good, then there's time to save you."
"Save me? You want to save me from the nicest, sweetest person I've ever met?"
"Exactly."
"Oh you are so repulsive. Please leave me alone."
Pansy walked in just then with Angel on her shoulder. "I found her trying to get into the dungeons. Feisty little bugger she is." Angel flew over to Ali and peaked her compassionately, then rested on the arm of the couch. Ali opened the letter for Shannon.
Dear Ali,
THIS IS SO AMAZING! I totally believe you! This is SO cool! I can't wait to see all the cool new stuff you're going to learn. Oh my gosh! And this Harry guy better be good to you! Or I'm going to take a plane over there and pull his heart out! Hehe! Just looking out for you.
Lauren sounds cool too! Don't worry, I know that no one could replace me, because I'm the only one who can do the Mr. Egg Man face! Don't worry about everyone here, I'm just going to tell them that you've gone off to some fancy private school overseas. Just make sure you write to them so they don't feel abandoned!
I'm not sure how things work where you are, but if possible call me sometime! I've got to hear details about everything! Tell me if that Draco continues to bother you, and tell me how things go with Harry! I'm going to miss you so much! I hope to see you this winter break! You can show me your wand and all of that cool stuff!
Lylas,
Shannon -
"Morning Guy!" Ron said as he sat down and started stuffing his face with food. "That's disgusting Ron!" Hermione scowled and took a seat also. "How was your night in the dungeon?" she asked Ali. "I hear Malfoy's being a git already?"
"Yeah, but I'll be fine. It's not that bad. I kind of like dark places. It's really cold down there, and that's awesome! It's like... winter all the time! My room mates aren't too bad, ugly as all, but not too bad." They all laughed and then Ali felt a tap on her shoulder.
She turned around and saw Lauren smiling at her. "Hey Lauren!"
"Hey! I remembered you saying something about playing an instrument, didn't you?"
"Yeah, Clarinet and Piano. Why?"
"Well, back home I play bass clarinet, but here there's a band filled with all sorts of strange instruments. I started playing a different one here in first year. However, we could use someone to play Piano. Don't worry, it's normal. If you want to come then there will be a meeting in here next Monday. Please join! I've got to go, see you all later!" she said and ran off to the Ravenclaw table.
"I guess I better get going too." Ali sighed and looked at the Slytherin table.
"Hey, Ali," Harry grabbed her arm before she could leave. "How about we hang out after classes today? Meet me by the lake?"
"Sure!" Ali grinned widely. "See you there!"
With her sprits lifted a lot higher she made her way to the Slytherin table. She sat with Pansy and Millicent. They seemed to actually be nice to her; after all she was a Slytherin and a pureblood. She ate some toast but passed on the pumpkin juice. What were these British people thinking drinking that crap?
A swooping sound came from overhead. Ali looked up and saw hundreds of owls flying around and dropping packages. It was a very beautiful sight; until she noticed Angel wasn't back yet. "It'll take awhile." she reassured herself. An owl dropped her class schedule in front of her and she was happy to see that she had Double Transfiguration with Gryffindor first thing.
When she was done eating she ran over to Harry and they walked to class together. Unfortunately, their nice time together was ruined by Draco Malfoy. "Hey Scar Head, I need a minute with your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend." Harry blushed.
"Of course not, no one would want to be with The Boy Who Cried Voldemort. Anyway, MacVerrich I need a word."
He pulled Ali down the hall way before she or Harry could say anything. When he finally stopped around the corner he let go of her. "Please, call me Ali, and what do you want?" Draco looked at her with a pretty evil glare.
"What did I tell you about hanging out with people like Potter?"
"What did I tell you about me not caring."
"Ugh, that's besides the point. What I really wanted to say is that Professor Snape says that I have to be kind to you. He said that you're probably going to need some help around school and since I'm a prefect and head of Slytherin I need to help you if you need it."
"Well, you've already said you would. Is that all? I'm going to be late to class."
"Oh stop worrying, Slytherins never get in trouble."
"Doubt that."
"Anyway, he and I had a conversation about your classes."
"And I wasn't invited? I think I should have a say in my own schedule."
"He was going to call you down, but I told him you looked busy writing something."
"Oh, thanks."
"As I was saying, he says your record is very extraordinary. He wants you to be in N.E.W.T classes, if you can handle them. You've never taken our tests, and so you won't know what to expect. However, I've told him that I'll be willing to help any time you need it. So, with that said, do you think you can handle it?"
"I can handle anything that's thrown my way."
"Good, then look at your classes again. Good day."
Ali pulled out the parchment with her schedule on it. Almost everything had been changed. She was placed in N.E.W.T potions, defense against the dark arts, herbology, ancient runes, history of magic, charms, arithmancy, and astronomy. That was a lot to handle, but she could do it. She turned and saw Draco making his way back to Transfigurations.
"Draco, wait up!" she said as she ran after him. He kept walking. When she caught up to him she grabbed his arm and stopped him. "Why'd you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Why are you being nice all of a sudden, after last night?"
"Look, you're a Slytherin. You're a pureblood. It's not your fault you grew up with Muggles."
"Well it's not Muggle born students faults they were born with Muggle parents."
"In your opinion. Now will you please let go, I've got to get to class. Not all of us have a photographical memory after all."
"How'd you know I have one?" she asked as they continued down the hall.
"I told you. I was talking to Snape. Would you leave me alone. Don't think we're going to be all buddy, buddy now just because I've said I'll help you out. You're still friends with Potty, the Weasel, and that mud blood."
Draco hurried ahead of her before she could slap him again. Ali shook her head and walked into the classroom. She found a seat up front between Harry and Hermione. She took some notes and then McGonagall assigned them a spell to practice.
"I don't want to do it!" Ali complained to Harry. She looked down at the white mouse in front of her. It was just too cute to turn into a lantern.
"Come on, Ali! You're going to fail doing nothing like that." Harry told her. She finally started practicing the spell when Harry asked, "So, what did Malfoy want?" she explained to him and then he said, "Ali, it doesn't seem like a good idea. You shouldn't get rapped up with Malfoy. Even Snap can't be trusted."
"Harry, how many times do I have to tell you?" Hermione broke in. "If Professor Dumbledore trusts Snape-"
"Yea, yea. I get it Hermione, doesn't mean I believe it though!"
When class was over Ali and Hermione said goodbye to Harry and Ron. They made their way to N.E.W.T potions. Draco walked past them with Blaise Zambini very angrily and nearly knocked Hermione over. He yelled over his shoulder "Watch it MudBlood!"
"Oh, one of these days!" Hermione mumbled.
Ali couldn't help but just think how cute Draco looked when he ran; even if he was the biggest jerk ever! He really did think he owned the whole school. Okay, so he was probably rich enough to, but it didn't mean he did!
Class started and Ali began brewing her Invisibility potion. Professor Snape walked up to her and summoned a stool. He sat down and watched her add her ingredients. "Very good Ms. MacVerrich. Very good indeed. Tell me, how is it that you are already doing this more perfectly than most of the students I've had in my teaching career and this is your first ever potion?"
Ali blushed. It was her first potion, but she didn't see what was so hard about it. Chop up a few roots, let it brew, make sure it's the right color. "I don't know, sir." Snape stood up and walked around the class. Ali watched as Snape went over to Draco. He bent over and sniffed Draco's potion. "Very good, Mr. Malfoy. It's very strong. I see you've practiced over the summer."
"Yes, sir!" Draco sad with a big grin. Hermione started cursing under her breathe at the disgusting show. Ali could tell Draco liked to show off. Hermione's potion looked perfect. "Guess Snape plays favorites." Ali thought. She'd just have to try harder than Draco Malfoy.
That day at lunch Ali sat with Pansy and Millicent again. She ate silently as the two talked.
"Did you hear Potter and Weasley last class?"
"Yeah, how pathetic?!"
"They actually think they're clever or something."
"And did you hear Ron going on and on about Hermione like Potter actually cared?"
"It's obvious his mind was somewhere else."
"Hum... I wonder where."
The girls started giggling and looked at Ali. "What?" she said. "You know, gossip isn't good for you. I'm out of here." she got up and started towards the Gryffindor table. Someone caught her arm and spun her around.
"What the hell do you want Malfoy?"
"Malfoy is it now?"
"Fine, Draco, let me go."
"Oh, but I thought we were friends." Crabbe and Goyle chuckled behind him.
"Friends? Friends! Friends don't tell you what to do and who to see."
"They do in the real world. Look, you're a witch. Get over your silly Muggle fantasy world and realize who you are. You are going to ruin the Slytherin reputation!"
"Didn't you ever stop to think that maybe that's just what I wanted?" she pulled her self free from Draco and proceeded to visit Harry.
"Hey!" she exclaimed when she saw the Golden Trio. "Ali!" Harry chocked on his food and blushed. It was obvious he had been talking about her. "It's so good to see you."
"Harry, I saw you this morning."
"But still! Sit down, please!"
-Oh, how cute he is when he's nervous.- she found herself thinking.
"So, Hermione you said these two are in our Defense Against the Dark Arts class too, right?"
"Yes, who knows how in the world Ron managed it, probably only because Remus is so found of us, but Harry's excelent in that class." Hermione said.
"Well, you'd have to be to save the world a million times."
Harry turned an even more brilliant shade of red. Ron stifled a laugh. They friends left lunch together for Defense Against the Dark Arts. They settled in at the front of the classroom and waited for Professor Lupin to show up.
"Good afternoon class!" Lupin said cheerfully as he made his way to his desk. He stopped short and turned towards Ali. "Ah, I heard you were a bright one. And you look just like your mother." Ali gasped.
"Y-you k-knew my mother?"
"We were in the same year here at Hogwarts. She and Sirius became pretty close. They were second cousins after all. I was at your parents wedding, we and the rest of my friends. Your father included, Harry."
Harry looked up at him confused, "You've never mentioned this before Remus... I mean Professor."
"Well, I wasn't that close to them. Anyway, today we'll be studying French Fairies. If you'll all gather around..."
The class was extremely fun and everyone groaned when the bell rang. "You lot, can I speak to you." Lupin called out to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ali. "I couldn't say it in front of the class, but look here." he pulled out a photograph. "Harry, I believe Moody has showed this to you before?"
"Yes." Harry said, confused again.
"Well," Lupin tapped the picture with his wand and it moved along showing members of the Order. "These, are Ali's parents."
Ali's jaw dropped. She'd never seen her parents, at least not since she was a baby, and she couldn't remember that. Lupin was right, she looked just like her mother. They both had black hair and dark green eyes. Her father also had black hair, but his face looked nothing like hers. He had blue eyes that were hidden behind black glasses not unlike Harry's.
"I didn't know they were in the Order." Hermione said. "I've heard many stories, none about them."
"They only joined about a week before this picture was taken. They both died the same day, both by Voldemort himself, two days later."
"But why?!" Ali sobbed.
"Ali, dear, I'm sorry to say this, but your mother was targeted. Voldemort didn't usually do killings himself unless it was important. Your mother refused to join the Death Eaters when she became of age, and as a Slytherin it was her duty. Of course, things have changed now. You won't be asked to be one, as long as you stay away from that crowd." he finished firmly.
Ali held back tears. Her mother was killed for trying to change the way Slytherins were seen. She reassured herself that this wouldn't happen to her, but she knew what the Order of the Phoenix was, and she knew how Harry's parents died. She knew about the dark mark. She knew of Voldemort's powers. Ali knew she was scared.
"Scared..." she thought. That's why she wasn't placed in Gryffindor. She mentally slapped herself and then turned to Harry. "Are we still going to go to the lake?" he smiled suddenly and grabbed her hand. They waved goodbye to the others and made their way through the school.
They crossed the rolling hills of green grass on the school grounds and found their way to the lake. Harry sat under a large maple tree and patted the ground for Ali to sit next to him. "This is my favorite spot. My father used to hang out here. I guess it makes me feel close to him." Ali made her way towards him and leaned against the tree.
She slid down the trunk and came to a stop next to Harry. "When will it stop Harry?"
"What do you mean?"
"Voldemort..."
"Oh."
"I know I don't know a whole lot about the Wizarding world yet, and I don't know the terror that people have had to suffer, but I've still lost a lot. I've lost my parents, my God parents, my identity..."
"I promise you, Ali, I'm trying my hardest."
"To do what?"
"To stop him."
"Well surly it's not your fault Harry. I don't expect you to feel like you need to finish him off."
"But I do... I'm the only one who can kill him. Other wise, he'll kill me. It's a long story..."
"I have all the time in the world."
Harry told her about the prophecy, and she listened in horror. How could anyone expect him to do this? He was still practically a boy. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned on him for a few moments of silence. She looked up at his tear glossed green eyes and hugged him tighter. "Be strong Harry." she whispered too low for him to hear. It was more like a prayer than anything.
"Oh what a wonderful sight." Draco said sarcastically. "Pothead and the new girl all snuggly tight."
Harry stood up and forced his tears inward. "What are you doing here Malfoy."
"Last time I checked, students were free to walk around the grounds this time of day." Draco smirked. Harry grabbed Ali's hand and led her away from the Slytherin. They walked to the other side of the Lake where they sat talking about happier things until it was time for dinner.
They walked together to the Gryffindor table and Ali sat down. Ron looked at her strangely and said "Are you staying?" Ali sighed and looked at the Slytherin table. "Screw them. I need a break." Harry laughed and threw an arm around her.
Later that night Ali sat in front of the fire in the Slytherin common room, reading. Someone sat down beside her, but she didn't bother to see who it was. Soon they spoke to her. "So, are you and Potter dating now?"
She lowered her book and turned to her left. Draco was sitting in a chair near her looking at her apologetically. "What do you want, I'm kind of busy here."
"Answer me."
"No, not officially."
"Good, then there's time to save you."
"Save me? You want to save me from the nicest, sweetest person I've ever met?"
"Exactly."
"Oh you are so repulsive. Please leave me alone."
Pansy walked in just then with Angel on her shoulder. "I found her trying to get into the dungeons. Feisty little bugger she is." Angel flew over to Ali and peaked her compassionately, then rested on the arm of the couch. Ali opened the letter for Shannon.
Dear Ali,
THIS IS SO AMAZING! I totally believe you! This is SO cool! I can't wait to see all the cool new stuff you're going to learn. Oh my gosh! And this Harry guy better be good to you! Or I'm going to take a plane over there and pull his heart out! Hehe! Just looking out for you.
Lauren sounds cool too! Don't worry, I know that no one could replace me, because I'm the only one who can do the Mr. Egg Man face! Don't worry about everyone here, I'm just going to tell them that you've gone off to some fancy private school overseas. Just make sure you write to them so they don't feel abandoned!
I'm not sure how things work where you are, but if possible call me sometime! I've got to hear details about everything! Tell me if that Draco continues to bother you, and tell me how things go with Harry! I'm going to miss you so much! I hope to see you this winter break! You can show me your wand and all of that cool stuff!
Lylas,
Shannon -