Chapter 7

"Who is she?" Alex asked as Severus and she were getting into bed that night. The day had been spent in a reflexive, even pensive silence.

"What?"

"Who is she? Mrs. Carmen Dash?" Alex repeated herself, climbing into her side of the bed.

"Just an old friend of the family." He said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Uh huh…" Alex nodded, pretending to believe him.

"What about Anita? How long has it been since you've seen each other?"

"Probably around twenty years now."

"Has it really been that long?"

"Yes, last I saw her was after graduation."

Flashback

"I'm going to go finish packing my things." Alex said, her arm was throbbing from where the Dark Mark had been burned into her skin. Her eyes were red, on the way back to the school she began to cry. By the time they got to the front gates of Hogwarts she was sobbing.

Alex refused to cry at the camp or infront of Voldemort, the only person who ever saw her cry was Severus. They finally made it back to the school, Alex had collected herself and Severus was feeling guilty.

"Alright… uh… let me know if you need any help. I have a message to give to Malfoy." He whispered to her.

"Okay… don't tell anyone I cried…"

"I won't."

"Cause then I'd have to hurt you."

"Wouldn't dream of it." He gave her a quick kiss, and then both went on their own ways. Alex finished packing, shrunk her trunk and went to find Severus.

"Alex." Came a voice from behind her as soon as she got out into the hallway. "Alex!"

"What?" Alex turned quickly. "Oh, sorry Anita."

"What's wrong? Are the rumors true?"

"Rumors? What rumors?"

"About Severus… about how he's joined… you-know-who." Anita whispered, a horrified look on her face.

"Who told you that?"

"Remus' friends were saying it… it's not true is it?"

"It's true." Alex uttered.

"Oh Alex." Anita sighed, showing sympathy for her sister's lost. She grabbed Alex's arm to consol her. Alex let out a hiss of pain as the burnt skin stung her arm. "Alex?" Anita asked with concerned eyes, she pulled up the sleeve of her sister's cloak to reveal a freshly singed Dark Mark.

"Anita, wait…"

"YOU JOINED THEM? ALEXANDRA!" Anita shouted at her. "It was for him wasn't it? You did this for some boy?"

"Keep your voice down! You don't understand so why not mind your own business for a change!"

"Mind my own business? Fine, it's your life you're throwing away. Besides, what do I know? I'm just a silly Gryffindor right? A mere sixth year." Anita's eyes had filled with tears and began to spill over. "I hope he was worth it."

"Goodbye Anita." Alex said, turning and walking away. She moved quickly through the hallways, looking for Severus.

"Miss Grant." Alex stopped dead in her tracks.

"Professor Dumbledore, hello."

"You've graduated, it's Albus now." He said, giving her a sad smile, some how he already knew.

"Right… Albus." She said awkwardly, trying to avoid making eye contact.

"In such a rush to leave us already Miss Grant?"

"I was just looking for Severus."

"With your trunk in your pocket?" Alex gave a guilty shrug and looked down. "Alexandra, I know that we are living in confusing times and choices have to be made. Just remember that I will always be here is you and Severus ever need help."

"Thank you Albus." Alex said, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.

"There is no shame in tears." Dumbledore said, looking sadly at Alex. "Anything at all." He said, letting his hand slowly wave over her covered forearm, easing the throbbing pain.

"Thank you." Alex repeated, finally looking up at him.

"Good luck dear." He said and walked away.

"Alex, there you are." Severus said, coming around the corner. "Ready to go?"

"Yes… let's go."

End Flashback

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