Chapter 12

Harry, Ron and Hermione played several games of exploding snap before it was finally time to head to the Great Hall. Harry and Ron didn't look at each other and Hermione had long given up trying to get them to talk. They entered the Great Hall to find one table, pretty much they way they had found it the Christmas they stayed in the castle in their third year. The thing that surprised them, however, was the sight of Alex sitting at the table….and Malfoy. He had seated himself across from her, Crabbe and Goyle on either side of him. Both Harry and Ron muttered under their breath and Hermione nudged both of them forward. They sat down next to Alex, who looked relieved to see them, Harry on one side of her, Ron on the other. Dumbledore smiled at all of them.

"Again, since our numbers as so few this Christmas, I thought it best that we eat together at one table. That being said, enjoy this wonderful meal."

They began eating and talking a little, but not too much, as Malfoy was listening. He remained oddly quiet. Harry guessed it was because there were teachers sitting so close to them. Once dinner was over, the four of them got up and headed out into the Entrance Hall, where Alex began telling them what they had done so far to break the link between her and Cat, unaware Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle had followed them out.

"Dumbledore had Madam Pomfrey try several spells and potions, but they can't break the link. And it doesn't work in reverse, so Cat has to stay unconscious for me to be, well, normal."

"Nothing worked? Not even 'finite incantatum' ?" Hermione asked, a shocked look on her face. Alex shook her head and was about to say something when Malfoy had walked past them, blocking their way up the stairs.

"Where have you been Alexandria? I've been worried about you."

"Shove off Malfoy."

Harry had stepped in front of her while Ron stay close behind her. Hermione even glared at him.

"I don't believe I was talking to you Potty."

"Go away Malfoy. I suspect you know more about where I've been then I would. So go slink back to the dungeons."

Alex had moved in front of Harry, and before Malfoy could say anything, he suddenly moved out of their way.

"I just wanted to welcome you back, and wish you Happy Christmas. We'll talk later."

They all turned to watch him walk down the stairs. Standing at the doors to the Great Hall was Professor Lupin, which explained Malfoy's leaving. Once out of sight, Lupin walked over to them, grinning.

"That little scene reminds me so much of they way we used to behave when we were here."

He was clearly remembering something about his own time as a student.

"Well, off with the lot of you. I'm sure you have better things to do than stand around here. Good night."

Lupin bowed his head a little and set off. Harry, now grinning himself, started up the stairs, the rest of them following. They didn't talk until they were inside the common room and sitting in front of the fire.

"I wish there was a way to break that link…and find out who set it up to begin with."

Hermione said as she began flipping through spell books. Ron was looking out the window, Alex was looking at the floor, her arms wrapped around her legs and Harry was watching the fire. Harry let out a slow breath and shook his head, he was still looking into the grate.

"Hermione, we know who, we just need to find out how and why. There's still something missing here. I know there is more to this…just don't know what." Harry turned from the fire to look at Alex. He could scarcely fathom what this must be doing to her. And as if feeling his eyes upon her, Alex looked up at him.

" I just wish none of this had happened. I wish I was back at my old school, that I had never come here in the first place."

She swallowed hard and looked down at her knees, clearly fighting away tears. Harry sighed and heard Ron snort a little. He turned towards Ron, the look on his face said that he felt otherwise. Silently Harry agreed. He liked Alex and didn't want to think about what life would be like if she hadn't come to Hogwarts.

"Don't talk like that. We'll figure it out. No worries."

Alex muffled a sniffle and Harry tried to smile at her, but the mood in the room was definitely gloomy. He searched around his mind for a change of subject, but nothing came to him. They needed to do something. He then had an idea.

"Maybe we should go outside? Go and see Hagrid…or have a snowball fight?"

Ron grinned and nodded.

"Yeah, something to take our minds off all of this. A snowball fight sounds like an excellent idea Harry."

Hermione tutted and shut the spell book.

"I don't think going outside is a good idea."

She looked over at Alex. Harry knew what she was thinking.

"Hermione, if we stay near of the front doors, it should be ok."

"Oh, all right. Let me go get my cloak. Alex…do you want me to get yours?"

Alex nodded slowly, but it was almost like she wasn't even listening. Hermione glanced at Harry before she went upstairs, Ron following behind her to get his own cloak.

"I'll be right back Alex."

Harry got up to go get his cloak, looking over his shoulder once and sighed. He had once thought his life was messed up. He guessed the old saying was true…'there's always someone who has it worse off than you do.' Shaking his head, he left Alex in the common room alone.