Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter or any of J.K.'s respective
Characters…Iwish….
Symbols: ''thoughts ""regular speech
Chapter Two: Preparations and a New Year.
At a quarter to ten am, Harry woke up and looked around, Ron was still asleep on the bed a few yards away from him, snoring a little less than usual 'Guess he has changed'. Fred was asleep on the floor, snuggling up to a nearby throw pillow with nothing covering his awkward fetal position except a thin blanket. His comforter had been stolen by George, who had fallen asleep in the only lounger's couch covered up with two comforters, snuggling and drooling on a pillow. Harry chuckled at the sight and wished he had a camera to capture the embarrassing moment. He jumped out of bed and threw on a grey hoodie and pulled a pair of grey sweatpants over his boxers. He looked at a mirror which ratted out his battered, sleep-deprived state. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand and matting out his crazy hair with another, he headed towards the door and pulled it open. Pausing before closing it, he stuck his head through the halfway-closed doorway, shouted
"WAKE UP! RISE AND SHINE! Oh, look, the girls are here!" and ran off down the stairs to escape the angered groans and shouts of things like "HARRY!" or "The girls aren't here! HARRY!"
Laughing, Harry sat at the breakfast table to see the surface covered with mounds of pancakes, buttered toast, steaming hot chocolate and other breakfast tidings. He saw Hermione looking at him questioningly, only to go back to writing in a notepad and occasionally biting out of a buttered piece of toast. Ginny was in the kitchen helping Mrs. Weasley with making more breakfast, seeing as in a few more minutes, the rest of the red-headed hunger-starved family would be down. He sat down with Hermione, who was clad in a black hoodie, red plaid pajama bottoms and black shoe-sleepers, and chatted about the new school year coming up in two days. They talked and spent the rest of the afternoon with Ron, George and Fred, while Ginny went school-supply shopping with Mrs. Weasley.
Meanwhile, at Maylignius Wizarding Academy for especially talented and gifted wizards and witches…
A girl of Asian inherited appearance with the height of 5'7", looked around her black and white-styled dorm room and then back to her white-line embroidered window. The window previewed a snow-covered field and then a white flying creature appeared, clearly headed for her window. She opened it and the white owl flew through, landing on her neatly made-up bed. She picked up the first rolled parchment it dropped and read it
Dear Heiress Lexington,
We are sorry to inform you that you are to be removed from Maylignius Wizarding Academy, for talented wizards and witches, at once. For protection purposes from He-who-shall-not-be-named and his followers, it seems that they are now aware of your whereabouts. We are, however, pleased to inform you that we have found a more secured substitute of a school. You are to be leaving for Hogwarts, a public wizarding school, escorted at ALL times to your destination, on September 1st:
King's Cross Train Station, Platform Nine and Three Quarters 11 AM
Your ticket and a note to the speaking staff member are enclosed in this envelope as well. Please be aware that your identity must not be pursued, therefore, you are to cover your face and make no note of greeting anyone familiar and unfamiliar. Inform the nearest attending staff member of your state. After your arrival, the Headmaster shall announce your arrival. Any further questions, please attach to the delivering owl.
Good Luck! And have a Great Year!
Signed,
Cornelius Fudge, Minister of the Magical Ministry
Grageli Mcgonamory, Director of Wizarding Academies
Ellinea Periculous, Directress of Wizard/Magic Protection Program
She sighed at the expected news, 'Great, another move to a whole new life with a whole bunch of new lies' and shook out her ticket and a rolled-up note. She unrolled the next letter.
Dear our beloved Alison,
Hello, sweetheart. Your father and I hope you are doing well and that you have received news of moving to Hogwarts. Now, I know, you don't want to move and not to a "public" school. But I'm afraid it of out of our hands, I hope you make the best of the new situation and try to distance yourself from unknown others. As you know, Draco Malfoy attends that school and as well as Blaise Zambini. So there is hope of reuniting with old friends who you've known since you were in diapers! Well, your father says to cheer up and that he'll, in these exact words, "try to get you out of the forsaken school, nothing can get much worse for his daddy's girl and yet, here it comes". As you can tell, we're all a little bit emotional and angered by your new living requirements. Please do try to make the best of it and enjoy your new school year! Remember to distance yourself from unsafe ones.
The Best of our Love,
Ryan Andre & Alicia Lynn Lexington
Dad and Mum
Alison smiled at the heartwarming letter and wrote in response.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I have been informed of the situation in the letter from the Ministry. I promise to try and do well in hiding my identity from others until the welcoming speech at Hogwarts and try my best in the novice studies. Along with this letter is my Report Letter, I have excelled in all my advanced studies and will remain studious at Hogwarts. I will be leaving to school on September 1st and meet with the Hogwarts Express. I should get packing! I send my love to both of you.
Lots of Love,
Alison Lexington
With that done, Alison sent the owl on its way and went straight to packing her things.
She chose a white veil to cover her face for Hogwarts, and had a lot to do for the night and next morning.
On September 1st, the day of the start of the new term, Harry struggled with his extremely heavy cart, stacked with his trunk, a backpack and his owl. Hermione had just entered Platform nine and three-quarters followed by Ron. They made their way towards the train.
"Ugh, dammit, Hermione! Why do you have to bring so many things? And stack them on MY cart!" Ron whined to Hermione, struggling to drag her luggage down the packed hallway, looking for an empty compartment.
"Well, it's not my fault YOU took all our school-shopping time looking for new dress robes, otherwise I would have been able to get a bigger trunk!" Hermione shouted back, dragging her heavy backpack.
"WHAT! YOU'RE blaming ME! Why you-
"Alright! You two have done nothing but bloody bicker the entire way here and it's getting frustrating to put up with. Just stop for a few minutes until we get to an empty compartment!" Harry shouted to the two. They immediately shut up and continued looking for an empty sitting area. Harry, who was too busy shouting at the two, had bumped into a white face-veil covered seventh year, who had spotted and was about to enter an empty compartment just as Harry did.
"Oops, sorry about that." Harry said back quickly, pausing to look at the figure. She was dressed in tight, faded dark blue jeans, layered tank tops of white and pink, white short gloves, black DC skater-shoes and a black track jacket . An unusual thing about her was what she wore over her face, she had on a pink cap with a small white veil, covering everything above her chin. She smiled back graciously and paused to indicate who the compartment belonged to. She was carrying nothing except a black-pink striped handbag.
Harry, being the gentleman, said "Why don't we share it? It's big enough for all four of us" indicating to a stunned Hermione and flabbergasted Ron.
A courteous nod was her reply and Harry let her go in first. She waited while two men dressed in black trench-coats, sunglasses and emotionless expressions entered first. The two men set her trunk, three black extra suitcases, a black backpack and a caged black sleek owl on top of the seating area shelves and exited the compartment leaving her behind with a shocked Harry, an even more stunned Hermione and a very flabbergasted Ron in the hallway. She gave another courteous nod and walked in to sit down in the back-left seat by the window. Harry, Hermione and Ron walked in and set their luggage on their own shelves and sat down. An awkward silence filled the air until the train started to move. It was then that Hermione broke the quiet.
"So, my name is Hermione Granger and these two silent goofs are Harry Potter (points to Harry) and Ronald Weasley (points to Ron)" Hermione chirped warmly to the silent figure.
"Hi, I transferred here, I've been instructed not to speak with anyone besides the Hogwarts staff, so you can only imagine my torment. My name is Alison" She said, tucking her ankles and remaining her straight graceful posture and folded hands.
"Oh. Well, I guess I can't ask why." Hermione replied.
"You'll find out soon, at the dinner."
"Great. So, Alison, what year are you in?"
"I'm entering Seventh year. Are you?"
"Yeah, so are Harry and Ron."
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were completely dumbfounded to the conversation. They just looked at each other with questioning glances.
"Harry? Ron? Are you two ok? You've been awfully quiet since we sat down." Hermione inquired with concern. The conversation between Alison and Hermione had ended and Ron and Harry were still staring in space. Alison was looking out the window.
Alison's P.O.V.
'Well, at least I'm not blurting out secrets, just my name. Why are those two (guys) staring into space? It's seriously starting to scare the wits out of me. Well, that Hermione girl seems really nice and welcoming. It wouldn't hurt to make a new friend. I wonder where Draco and Blaise are at. Hopefully, I can see them before I have to get to my new quarters. Oh, right. The letter that the headmaster sent. I can't believe I haven't got a chance to read it. Well, here goes'
She pulled out a sealed letter from her slightly–overstuffed backpack and carefully opened it.
Dear Alison Lexington,
I, Albus Dumbledore, am pleased to make your acquaintance as soon as you arrive at Hogwarts. First off, you may know well that you are to try not to befriend unfamiliar others until after the welcoming ceremony. Secondly, I understand it will be hard to stay with your studies as you have been in Private Academies for wizards of quite higher standards and knowledge than what my school may be able to present to you. But with that said, you are to remain focused on your whereabouts, as you are here for protection from Lord Voldemort. Last of my concerns, I am very pleased to present to you that you are Hogwarts Head Girl for your seventh year. Seeing as you may be able to benefit from our cultures and your IQ level. Your Head Girl badge is enclosed along with this letter. Your duties are to work together with the Head Boy, unknown at the moment, patrol the corridors after curfew, plan events for this year and stand your position as Role Model for the Prefects and fellow students. Good Luck and I look forward to meeting you at the welcoming dinner where you shall be re-sorted.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts.
Alison put the letter aside and shook out the contents. A Gold badge fell out; she picked it up and looks over the letters: Lexington, Head Girl. Gryffindor House
She put the badge in her pocket and took out her robes, a missing house pattern and colors of silky black was engaged on her cloak.
Regular P.O.V.
"I'm going to change into my robes. Is there anywhere on the train to change?" Alison asked, completely clueless of the fact that the Hogwarts Express wasn't like the other fancy trains she stayed on.
"Um, no. Actually, the only place to change is in your compartment…so, Harry, Ron? Do you two mind?" Hermione replied and asked.
"Yea, sure. Let's go, Ron" Harry said quickly and left the compartment, followed by Ron.
"Hey, mate! Wait up!" Ron shouted out to Harry who appeared to be rushing off ahead. Finally, Ron caught up and stopped Harry in his spot. "What's wrong? You've been acting all wonky lately. Ever since you bumped into Alicia, you've been all quiet and that's not normal, well, not as usual." Ron implied.
"Alison, her name's Alison, I don't know, Ron. She's just so…so familiar, but it's like she's dangerous to me…I honestly have no idea who she is. She's so mysterious, y'know? She's wearing a white veil, so no one can recognize her and she has gloves on!" Harry burst out, "And she's so distant and polite, she would absolutely stand out in a normal teenage crowd! It's as if she has been locked away in private academies and brought up by grace, manners and all that other stuff exceptionally rich folks do to their teenagers. She's-I don't know, Ron. I honestly have absolutely no idea."
"Well, mate, I wager that we might have to wait to find out who she is" Ron tries to calm his friend down, "Just, stop acting all wonky, like she's going to pull a dagger out and stab you! Merlin, act a little normal, that's all me and Hermione are asking right now."
"Fine, let's get back, they should be done by now"
Harry and Ron trudged back and knocked. The door opened and Hermione smiled at them before heading out, knowing the boys needed to change as well. The two stepped in to see Alison packing up her backpack and dropping it on her seat. She took her Head badge, stood up in a graced and straight posture and walked out of the compartment.
After Ron and Harry were done changing, Alison stepped in and sat down lightly on her seat, sitting the same way as she did before. Hermione followed in after her and spent the rest of the trip talking to Harry and Ron, while Alison sat staring out the window, her eyes looking past the snowy lake, the hills and the slightly frozen grasslands. Winter, it seemed, has started early. Soon, they arrived at Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione walked out, leaving behind Harry and Alison, she made the first move to pick up her handbag and walked out, Harry followed. Since Ron and Hermione had left early, they were forced to take a carriage ahead of Harry and Alison, meaning they were one of the last ones to leave. They sat in a carriage in the awkward silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other, all the while; Alison stared out at the snow-covered fields, as if in deep thought. Harry again wondered what she was thinking of; hoping that the welcome dinner would soon explain everything. The carriage came to a halt and they stepped out, Alison walked poised and with grace ahead of Harry, while he hurriedly walked through the heavy snow.
After settling in the Gryffindor Table, Alison was nowhere to be seen.
"I wonder where Alison went. Harry?" Hermione wondered out loud.
"Huh? Oh, I think she disappeared after we walked into the great hall. She just kind of walked off towards Dumbledore, I think" Harry replied, glancing around the house tables and over various students.
Just then the sorting ceremony started. Half an hour later, Dumbledore stepped up from the High Table and spoke in a booming voice.
"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Now, the banquet shall have to be delayed for a few announcements beforehand. As you know, the Forbidden Forrest is as usual, forbidden. Any student caught lurking about it without permission may result in a detention or points lost from their house. This year, we have a new Defense against the dark arts professor. Please welcome Professor Geneva Amylisis (ai-mee-lee-si-ous),"
A medium-height brown-haired woman, in black robes and short black gloves, stood up just as gracefully as Alison had. She gave a courteous nod as everyone welcomed her with cheers and sat back down. The headmaster continues…
"Our Head boy this year is, Harry Potter of Gryffindor and our Head girl, brings me to my last concern…we have two guests arriving from a Private Wizarding Academy for especially talented and gifted wizards and witches, Maylignius. One has been introduced, Professor Amylisis, she is the defense against dark arts at Maylignius as well as here. She has transferred here under important instructions of protecting our new transfer student. Now, everyone, I want you all to welcome her as much as you would to any other transfer student, with the exception that we have only transferred students once before. Please welcome Alison Lexington." Dumbledore paused and stepped aside to reveal someone who just apparated behind him.
The figure Harry, Ron and Hermione met earlier on the train, was a petite Asian with black flowing hair and bronze/blonde highlights, which rested just below her shoulders. She was dressed in black school robes of no house color, black short gloves with a silver threaded "A" on each and black skater shoes, which she must've switched with the pair she had on before, a pair of silver star-dangle earrings, a black with stars thin choker, and a silver double dangle necklace. She had on eyeliner, light shiny lip gloss and shimmer light black eye shadow. Everyone gawked at the slender figure and their thoughts wandered from the appearance to the world-renown name, Lexington.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, which brought the emotionless thoughtful students back to his attention. "Now, you all may know the infamous tale of the latest Lexington family, of Voldemort and the almost sealed fate of Ms. Lexington and her family, but that does not give you reason to mistreat, judge or do anything that is already unacceptable of Hogwarts Guidelines. To conclude, do NOT assume the facts of our transfer student and think differently of her." Dumbledore said the last sentence in a loud booming voice, only to change back to his calm settled voice, "Now, we have not sorted Ms. Lexington into a house, so if you please."
Before Alison, a tall stool and the sorting hat appeared. She took the hat off the stool, sat down and placed it on top of her head. She shut her eyes…
Inside her head, she could hear an old voice,
'Ah, I can see bravery and slick. Deceit, hmmm… well, courage. Lots of it.'
Alison worried that the hat might be able to see her most painful memories along with the darkest things she had done.
'Ah, do not worry, my child. I will not use the advantage of reading through your private memories. Well, I can see plenty of dark. Most definitely not Hufflepuff. Your wit, cunning and intelligence are beyond Ravenclaw. It seems best to fit you in Slytherin… but wait, your courage reminds me of… Gryffindor. Oh, this is tough...'
Meanwhile, the whispers within the house tables…
"What is taking so long?" Ron wondered aloud.
"This is the longest it's taken since Harry." Hermione answered.
"It has?" Harry asked, confused.
"Yeah, well… this is frustrating!" Ron yelled loud enough for the other house tables to hear. He immediately turned to see if the High Table of Professors heard, luckily no.
Back to the Sorting Hat.
"Gryffindor!" The hat shouted out, causing small gasps and the Gryffindor Table broke out in applause and cheers.
Alison's school robes immediately changed to Gryffindor colors, Red and Gold threaded along her tie and thinly along her sleeve cuffs once she sat down at the table.
"Well, it seems that we have concluded all of my business, well, in that case," Dumbledore snapped his fingers and food appeared before the hungry students.
Everyone settled in and started to eagerly eat. Alison neatly piled her plate with a small portion of corn, mashed potato with gravy and a chicken leg, which she neatly cut into edible sizes. Everyone near enough in her table gawked at her and her neatness. She ignored their stares and ate quietly. Just then…
Ok, I'm sorry for the stupid cliffhanger! I just needed to end the chapter soon. Well, thanx to my reviwers! For, well, reviewing! Well, hope you like this chapter! Pleaz review for me! I need all the support! Well, that's all, I guess. I changed the rating (genre).
A.