CHAPTER 7

The portrait swung to the side, revealing a large room with big fluffy couches draped in blue and silver blankets. Ignoring the warmth of the roaring fire, Alex flew up the stairs and straight into her dormitory.

She dropped her bags carelessly, and flung herself on the bed. She giggled to herself: her flushed cheeks and wide smile proving her giddiness. Ripping her diary from her bag she wrote:

"Mrs. Alexia Potter. Alex Grant-Potter. Mrs. Harry Potter."

Doodling happily, she drifted off into her own world oblivious to the stomping footsteps coming her way.

"Alex Grant!" Padma Patil burst into the door.

"Yes." Alex bolted upright.

"Is it true?" She barked.

"Is what true?"

"The news about you and Harry!" She roared.

"What news?" Alex asked, clueless.

Padma sat on her bed in attempt the control her anger.

"Are you or are you not dating Harry Potter?"

"What business is it of yours?" Alex asked angrily.

Clearly annoyed, Padma snatched the dairy that lay open before her.

"Alex Grant-Potter. Sounds interesting."

"We've spent years in the same dormitory and this is the first time you've ever made any attempt to talk to me. Why the sudden change?" Alex demanded.

"You're dating Harry." Padma said lazily.

"So? What does that have to do with anything?"

"You're dating one of the most famous people that exist in the wizarding world. And that makes you popular too. People will actually know who you are now. Wouldn't be surprised if you show up in the Daily Prophet tomorrow."

"I don't want to be popular and I don't want people knowing who I am."

"Such a same to hear my best friend say something like that."

"Best friend?"

"Like I said, you're somebody now."

Disgusted, Alex stood to leave. She walked out of the room, Padma's words echoed in her mind. Once she entered the corridor, she saw another one of her dorm mates, Mandy Brocklehurst. Mandy was tall and thin. She had beautiful curly brown hair that barely reached her shoulders. She also had an amazing smile and warm hazel eyes.

Mandy had done Alex's hair for the Yule ball in their fourth year and she'd always try to fancy Alexia up with a touch of make up or hairspray. Not to mention that they did their homework together on a regular basis.

"Hey Mandy." Alex smiled.

"Hi!" Mandy waved as she shot over to Alexia's side, "Is it true? Are you dating Harry Potter?"

"Um, yes." Alex said.

Mandy made some sort of a girlie squeal as she embraced Alex.

"That's wonderful! He's so incredibly gorgeous! I'm so happy for you! Is he a good kisser?" She asked.

"Mandy!"

"Don't tell me you haven't kissed him yet." A disappointed frown spread across Mandy's face.

"I have."

"And? How was it?"

"Absolutely perfect."

"Are you with him because you want to be or because you can be?" Mandy asked, her eyes wide.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I want to be with him! I really like him." Alex confessed.

"Parvati won't be too happy about it. Just a warning, Padma will be up your ass: you're dating her sister's crush." Mandy said, her hand floating to her hip.

"Your warning is a tad bit late." Alex rolled her eyes, "Anyway, how are things going between you Seamus?"

"Not well at all." Mandy said miserably.

"What's wrong?"

For the first time in her life, Alex was prying into other people's business and for the first time, she actually cared about Mandy. Maybe she had had a friend all along.

"We got into another bloody fight about something I can't even

remember and I broke up with him on the spot." Mandy's eyes watered and her face went pale, "I miss him more than anything."

"Have you tried apologizing?"

"No, I can't! He won't stay in the same room as me long enough for me to say 'hi'!"

"Then maybe he isn't worth your time." Alex declared.

"I love him." Mandy said biting her lip as fought to keep tears from her eyes.

"Have you told him that?"

"No."

"Come with me!" Alex said as she grabbed Mandy's arm and yanked her across the common room.

"Where are we going?"

"Trust me!" Alexia laughed.