Disclaimer: Don't own it, unfortunately…..
Thanks Mak for being such an awesome beta
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Chapter Seventeen
End of Term
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The day finally arrived that Alex was free. Free from the evil medi-witch, and free from sitting in a bed all day. Wednesday was the happiest day of his life.
He practically ran out of the hospital wing, well as fast as he could with a sensitive hip. The rest of the students were still in afternoon classes, so Alex didn't have much to do. It didn't matter though; he was out, walking around, and very happy about it.
Alex was walking around the second floor when he came across the headmaster, who was rounding the corner. "Good afternoon, headmaster."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Barneo. I see Poppy released you," Albus said cheerfully to his student.
"Finally!" he said sighing happily.
"I assume you aren't busy," at the shake of Alex's head he continued, "Would you care to join me for a snack?"
"Sure!" They walked to Albus's office and settled on the couch. Winky popped in and left them some sandwiches on the coffee table.
They had been chatting for a while when Albus asked, "Are you enjoying Hogwarts so far?" before taking a bite of his cucumber sandwich.
"I am actually. I wasn't too thrilled at first, but I do like it here. The accents make me laugh."
Albus chuckled, "Yes, well we certainly enjoy your accent as well."
"I don't have an accent." Alex chewed on a bit of his ham sandwich, "Well, I don't think I do."
"I can assure you, Mr. Barneo, you certainly do have an accent," came a silky, baritone reply from the door.
Alex smiled and laughed at his professor, who was leaning on the door frame. "It's not nice to listen in on other people's conversations, Professor."
Albus laughed out loud and motioned for Severus to join them. He pushed off the frame and sat down, grabbing a sandwich, "So are you allowed to be out of the hospital wing or is this another escape?" Severus asked with a smirk.
Albus turned to Alex and gave him a questioning look. "I don't think I know what you are talking about," Alex said, avoiding the headmaster's gaze.
"Hmmm, so that was someone else I had tea and biscuits with the other night."
"Yep."
By this time Albus couldn't help but laugh heartily. He loved that there was someone else in the world who could handle Severus's sarcasm. If they weren't already scheduled to go to New York together Albus would have to meddle, which he might do anyways. He had refrained from meddling for a while and was in need of a good meddling.
"Severus, how were your classes today?" Albus asked interrupting Severus's glare that he had aimed at Alex.
Severus went on about how incredibly stupid the first year were. Alex couldn't help but smile as he watched his professor passionately rip his fellow classmates to shreds. It was very entertaining. Harry was right; he was very snarky when in the mood.
Fawkes fluttered over to Alex and landed on his lap. Alex rubbed the phoenix's head, looking at him closely. He had seen pictures of phoenixes but that was the closest he had ever gotten to one. Until now. Alex rubbed his head and talked quietly to him as the headmaster and potions professor talked amongst themselves.
Alex knew the bird could understand everything he was saying. It was an odd feeling, knowing a bird could understand everything he was saying. Alex stopped talking when Fawkes leaned forward, inches from his face. Suddenly, Fawkes playfully bit Alex's nose. To say he was shocked was an understatement; he retracted quickly, holding his nose. Alex glared at the bird, who just cocked his head questioningly.
"Why'd you do that?" he said rubbing his nose.
He heard a chuckle and turned to its source, training his glare onto the headmaster. "He likes you," was the headmaster's simple reply.
"Yeah, he likes me enough to bite me. Thanks."
"Shouldn't you be doing homework instead of talking to a bloody bird," Severus chipped in.
"No."
"Well you certainly are behind in potions," Severus said, all businesslike.
"I can make it up tonight during our session tonight, right?" Alex hoped his professor would let him make the potions tonight; he certainly wasn't too behind, but, if he could knock out potions he would be closer to getting back on track.
"Very well, I wouldn't want to waste anymore time."
Huffing, Alex replied, "I wasn't aware that I was wasting your time, professor."
"Boys," Albus said smiling at Severus's glare, "there is no need to start an argument. Severus don't lie, you know Alex is a help."
Hating the fact that he was being chastised by the headmaster, he stood up suddenly, "Same time as always, Mr. Barneo." Severus stalked out of the office, robes billowing.
Shaking his head, Alex commented, "Such a cheerful man."
XXX
As soon as Alex entered the Potions classroom that night he was put to work. Professor Snape had him brew three fifth year potions at once. It wasn't too difficult for Alex; he organized everything before he got down to work.
Severus knew the boy wouldn't have too much trouble brewing the potions. Alex had talent. Severus busied himself with reading over some second year essays. His quill scratched constantly over the parchment, only pausing to dip the quill for more ink.
Alex worked constantly over the next three hours, barely resting for more than five minutes. He wanted to hex his professor but didn't think he could talk his way out of expulsion. So, he settled for some choice words, spoken only in his head.
Once he finished bottling two of the potions he sat down heavily in front of the third cauldron, waiting for it to finish simmering. He was having trouble keeping his eyes open, jerking awake when he felt he was falling asleep.
Severus was watching him, trying not to laugh. He found it rather funny when Alex would jerk back to reality. He knew the boy was worn out but he wanted to test him to see if he could handle it. Alex was barely handling it, but at least he tried.
Severus practically pushed Alex out of the classroom. The boy had the ability to make him mad and then make him feel proud the next minute. When he got back from New York, he was going to maim Albus Dumbledore. Well, might as well start planning his demise now, Severus thought. It was either that or grade first year essays.
Ablus's demise it was.
XXX
The following week was filled with classes and studying for end of them exams. Alex and Hermione only saw each other during class and when they were studying. They helped each other out, both having their own strengths in different subjects.
They had briefly discussed where they were going for the winter holidays one afternoon during a lull in studying. Hermione told him she was going to London, to Harry's godfather's place. She told him about her summer there and all the cleaning they had done to make it habitable.
"I don't envy you," Alex said laughing.
Hermione playfully punched him in the shoulder. "Git."
"Git, that's a funny word. I love the Britishisms."
Rolling her eyes Hermione replied, "Of course you do." They sat in silence for a few minutes before Hermione continued. "Do you think you will be able to handle Professor Snape for the break?"
"Yeah, I'm sure it will be fine. It's not like he's going to deduct points from me." At Hermione's pointed look he expanded his thoughts, "At least I don't think he will."
Hermione gave him an indulgent smile, "Hopefully he won't threaten you with points."
"How can he? We aren't in school and we will be an ocean away from Hogwarts. I don't think the points counter will hear him from America."
"I was just joking with you; I really don't think he would take points."
XXX
The following Monday, the students went to their first exam with trepidation. Tituba and Gryffindor had Transfiguration as their first exam. It was a lot more difficult than they all thought it was going to be. They were very glad to be finished with it; their brains feeling like mush.
The rest of the week went the same way as their first exam. They felt emotionally and intellectually drained. Even Hermione was glad to be finished with her end of term exams.
As the students were loading into the carriages to go to the Hogwarts Express Hermione and Alex stood on the steps leading into the schools. Alex pulled Hermione to him and gave her a kiss. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. Write me."
"I'll try. It might take a while for you to get a reply by owl. It's a long trip."
"Alright, well, have a happy Christmas." Hermione kissed him again and she walked down the steps.
"Have a merry Christmas," Alex called to her as she entered a carriage.
Alex entered the Great Hall and sat down between Michael and Allie. "So, when do you guys have to leave?" he questioned his friends.
"We leave tonight by a portkey. It will take us to the city. Our parents are supposed to meet us there," Allie answered.
"When are you going to be at the lake house?" Michael questioned Alex.
"Professor Snape said we would leave Sunday evening sometime. I'll give you a call when I get settled in. You are going to be around right?"
"Yeah, I'll be around. We are going to have Christmas at the lake. I don't know if we are going to come into the city for New Years, just depends." Michael took a slice of cake and finished it in three bites.
"Disgusting," Allie commented. Michael smiled in response.
"You'll be around for New Years right, Allie?"
"Yeah, I'll be there. We should plan something. It's always fun to have a party at your place. You've got the room."
"Alright, I'll see if I can convince Professor Snape to let me have people over. If not we can just go to Times Square and deal with the people there."
"Convince him," Allie said simply.
"Yes, ma'am."
XXX
Alex met his professor in the Great Hall; his trunk was shrunk down in his pocket. "I'm ready professor."
"Good," Severus replied. He was still in his teaching robes and looked a less than happy to be going.
"Do you know where to apparate us, sir?" Alex really didn't want to upset his professor any more than he already looked.
"Yes, I do."
Albus and Minerva had come down to bid them farewell. "You two have a good time. Severus, do try to enjoy yourself," Albus said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Sneering, but not really meaning it, he replied, "Of course."
Minerva put a hand on Alex's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, he won't be too snarky, will you Severus?"
Alex smiled and looked at his professor to gauge his reaction. "Of course not, Minerva."
"Good," she said for him to hear. She whispered to Alex, "He's not so bad when he's away from Hogwarts. Have a good time, dearie."
"Thanks Professor," he said to Professor McGonagall. To them both he said, "have a good Christmas."
"You too Mr. Barneo," Albus replied. "Have a good time Severus."
"Hmmm," was Severus's only reply. He put his hand on Alex's shoulder and led him out the castle. When they reached the boundaries Severus put his hand on Alex's shoulder and apparated them to New York.
