November 1992

The next few months passed rather peacefully.

Apart from Colin Creevey getting petrified, nothing much happened of interest. There were no real developments or new suspects. Alex thought that, perhaps, she might be wrong thinking they would solve the mystery of the chamber by the end of the year.

Right now, Alexandra was writing a letter back to Narcissa Malfoy in response to her invitation for the Christmas ball.

Dear Mrs. Malfoy,

Thank you for extending the invitation, I shall be delighted to accept this year. I will be arriving at Malfoy Manor around noon, 18th December.

I hope that would be sufficient time to prepare for the festivities.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Evans.

Alex sealed the note and attached it to a Hogwarts owl, Harry was oddly possessive of Hedwig. As is usual, Mr. Malfoy wouldn't be attending due to business reasons and Alex couldn't be happier.

Narcissa Malfoy didn't mind if she ran around the manor tracking in mud, post-quidditch game. Well, as long as a house elf tracked closely behind.

She wondered who'd be attending, the paparrazi was a must and so were all the notable member of the sacred 28.

Pansy, Millicent, Theo, Blaise, Daphne, listed Alex. Maybe Mrs. Greengrass will let Astoria attend.

Truth be told, the girl was a bit of a brat, always causing an uproar. Well, she was the youngest of two, it was only to be expected.

Let's hope she won't set the curtains on fire again.

18th December 1992

"D'you really have to go?" whined Harry, still half asleep. "I'm sure McGonagall wouldn't mind you staying."

Alexandra shook her head, laughing. Ginny didn't seem like she wanted to let go of her hand. Even Ron looked like he wasn't happy to see her go.

"It's only a couple of weeks!" she laughed. "Don't look like the world's going to end, it'll be nice having the castle empty for a bit,"

"But you must stay," whimpered Ginny, "The castle'll be empty, but lonely."

"Ginny, you have four brothers at Hogwarts, I'm sure you'll be just fine." she slowly wrenched her hand from her vice-like grip and gave her a hug. "Oi! Don't wet my jumper will you?"

Hermione huffed from the train, she intended to go back to visit her parents for Christmas. Wrapped in heavy robes and muggle jackets, she looked like that muggle snow creature Harry and her had intended to craft last year.

How time had flown. Was that really a year ago?

The train whistle and Alex quickly climbed on, just in time. She waved to the gryffindors until the castle was out of sight.

"Well, here's to having a peaceful Christmas," said Hermione, pulling a heavy tome out of her bag.

"Speak for yourself! I've got to go to the annual Pureblood Christmas ball and I'm not even pureblooded!"

Hermione scoffed, "You might as well be, considering you've been with the Malfoy's forever."

"Actually, I only really stayed with them for three years. The rest was a rotating visit."

"Really?"

"Yes, ages four to seven. Is that Travels with Trolls?"

The bushy haired brunnette had the decency to blush, "It's an interesting read!" She thought for a moment.

"By the way, did you finish reading my copy of 'To kill a mockingbird'?"

"Does it matter?"

"I'll take it as a no then. Figures. Don't worry, I'm not in a hurry to have it back."

Alexandra rolled her eyes and looked out the window, seeing snow peacefully fall down the flat fields, the lakes frozen over. The trees had long shed their leaves and the frost looked delicate and spidery, extending across the window.

The compartment door slid open, "Care to join us?"

Alexandra nodded and took the offered hand, waving goodbye to Hermione.

The two of them walked over the train in awkward silence.

"How-"

"I-"

"You first," Draco offered.

"I wasn't expecting an invitation to the ball this year, I thought I'd be staying at Hogwarts,"

"I asked mother to send one," said Draco sheepishly, "It was however, up to you to accept."

He asked his mother?

"Your turn now," Alex reminded.

"How's the Chamber of Secrets thing faring for you Gryffindors?"

"You don't have anything to do with it, do you?" she said sharply.

Draco looked angry, "Why do you always assume the worst! Obviously not! In fact, most of Slytherin's been worried about the stupid myth!"

"It's not a myth! And why would you be worried, the only people being attacked are stupid, useless cats and Gryffindor students-"

"There you are!" shouted a shrill voice.

Pansy.

"I've been looking everywhere for the two of you, I thought you might've fallen off the train!"

She paused looking between the two of them.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No-"

"Yes-"

"No." repeated Alexandra firmly, "However, I was wondering where you lot have been sitting."

Pansy let out a shrill laugh, grabbing her hand and running down to the very first compartment.

"We're spread out, almost all of us are going home this year," she explained, "None of our parents want us alone at Hogwarts after that first-year boy. We've got girls in the first cabin and boys in the second."

And so Alexandra sat with the girls, and enjoyed the meaningless chatter.

24th December 1992

The weeks spent at Malfoy manor were busy.

Busy indeed.

Between picking flowers and running errands, Mrs. Malfoy was never at home. Which meant that the children had the manor to themselves, often running around and playing little games of find the peacocks or hide and seek, on brooms.

And maybe, just maybe, Alexandra might've used a locator spell. Eh, who'd catch her?

After a day of such tiresome activities, she hurried back to her room, her off-white daytime robes sweaty.

OOTD:

"Too afraid I'll win again?" Draco mocked.

"I'm the one who's won the past three rounds!" she laughed panting.

"Sheer dumb luck."

Alexandra opened the door, laughing and bidding Draco goodbye as he entered his room opposite hers.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" said an elegant voice from atop her bed.

"Mrs. Malfoy?"

Narcissa was turning the pages of an inconspicuous photo album, one Colin Creevey had given her as an early Christmas present.

"You're a Gryffindor." she stated putting the book down. Alexandra saw her posing in her robes, beside her brother, Alex had signed that one.

Alexandra's eyes widened.

"I can explain-" she started.

"Hush," she let out a little laugh, "So you are his sister after all."

"I know you're upset, please don't throw me out," Alex begged, wringing the edges of her robes nervously, eyes starting to tear up.

"Upset? No darling, I'm merely... surprised," she paused, "However, you were always good at keeping secrets. I should've known something was amiss when you didn't write to me after the sorting," she patted the bed, gesturing for Alex to come sit.

Alex sat down, eyes stinging painfully. While she was looking at her, Alex felt like she was talking about someone else.

"Alexandra, you are practically one of us in all but blood and name. It'll take a lot more than a silly hat for me to throw you out. You're staying. Although we might want to hide this from Lucius." she winked. "Nonetheless, I came up here to deliver you your robes for the ball. It was mine when I was a girl. Well, my sister's first."

Narcissa pointed towards a set of red robes, hanging from behind the door.

"It's beautiful," said Alexandra standing up, eyes twinkling. "Although I can't imagine Bellatrix ever wearing red and gold."

Narcissa smiled wistfully and stroked her fluffy red hair, "That's because it wasn't her dress."

25th December 1992

Both Narcissa and Alexandra had agreed that the dress was too ill-fitting to wear at the Christmas ball, so with the help of Madame Escoffier (a private seamstress) they transformed the dress overnight.

Madame Escoffier reduced the trail, making it easier to move and altered the measurements to fit Alexandra, shortening the sleeves and the hem so it didn't look borrowed or worst of all, cheap.

The dress was perfect.

"MISS ALEXANDRA EVANS!"

Alex took a deep breath in, relaxing her hands as the giant doors opened.

Chin up. Neck long. Polite nods.

She heard the flash of cameras and the buzz of noisy reporters,

"MISS EVANS WHY THE NAME CHANGE-"

"WHAT WAS IT LIKE MEETING VOLDEMORT?"

Ah yes, she'd manage to mainly evade the reporters and the camera after turning eleven, but she couldn't hide forever.

'No comment please," she smiled as Narcissa ushered her away from the crowd of reporters.

"Don't worry darling, the reporters have been confined to the stairs," she murmured, heels clicking on the floor. She ran her elegant fingers across the headdress.

"This is lovely dear, the house elves did a wonderful job."

"Mmhm, it's a replica from that picture of my mum."

"From her graduation ball? Yes, it's very lovely." she agreed.

"I felt it fair, considering I was wearing something of yours,"

Narcissa nodded and let go of her hand as they entered the main ballroom. It was like she'd stepped into a grander version of the Great Hall. The chandeliers were candle lit, casting a golden hue over the room. For some reason, this eased her nervousness, reminding her of the Gryffindor common room, only far more opulent. Everyone was wearing Christmas colours, but it didn't seem off-putting, only varied. Alex noticed some of the families wearing their house colours. Not a bad way to show unity.

The noise hushed immediately when the hostess entered. It never ceased to surprise Alexandra how much power one could have over a crowd.

Everyone bowed or curtseyed politely as the pair made their way through to the center of the room.

"Welcome to the annual Pureblood Christmas ball. I am extremely grateful for the chance to be your hostess this festive season."

This was different to the past few times Mrs. Malfoy had given the speech.

"Here's to a prosperous Christmas and a delightful new year with our families."

Short and sweet. Nice. Narcissa nodded and the guests lined up, eager to thank their hostess for such a delightful event.

This was Alexandra's cue to go and chat with the rest of the children.

Funnily enough she didn't have to go too far to do that.

"EVANS!" shrieked a high pitched voice.

"You're wearing full length robes," commented Pansy looking her up and down. "Does that mean your monthlies have...?"

Alexandra nodded, cheeks reddening. Pansy let out an undignified squeal.

"Mine haven't yet, I'm just waiting to drop my hems. Knee length robes are a bit too breezy for winter, warming charms or no." she pouted, linking arms with the redhead as they strolled aimlessly through the room.

About a quarter of an hour later, the orchestra started playing. Pansy quickly dropped her hand and ran to ask her mother whether she could participate.

"Fine, as long as you can find a suitable boy."

She ran back to Alex, confirming Mrs. Parkinson's approval.

"Your parents are already looking for proposals?" whispered Alex as they made their way to the music.

Pansy shrugged her shoulders, "They need to start early, my papa is hardly as rich as the Malfoys and I don't have to looks to grab some wealthy nobleman from... France or somewhere exotic."

"Pans, you're twelve!"

Since when was France exotic?

"Just because you look special and stand out doesn't mean we all do," she hissed, "-I've heard people call me pug-faced,"

"Pansy, that's not tru-"

But she'd already run off to find Blaise.

"Care to dance?" asked a voice from behind her.

Alex startled, nearly tripping over Draco as her foot got caught in her dress.

"I suppose your mother put you up to this?" she smiled, "Probably didn't want me spending the entire ball talking and not dancing."

"Actually, she didn't." He took her hand before pausing, "You do want to dance, right?"

"Yes, of course," she rolled her eyes, letting him lead her closer to the orchestra. "You couldn't have picked anywhere louder?" she half-shouted as they relaxed into a slow waltz.

"Yeah, this really isn't ideal," he said covering his ears, "WHERE DO WE GO?" he yelled.

Alexandra looked around at the busy ballroom, suddenly getting an idea.

"Come on," she said grabbing his hand, and running towards the edge of the ball.

"Alex?" she heard him call, voice fading away.

"Oh shush, I've got an idea." She ran to one of the windows circling the ball and slowly undid the latch, stepping into the terrace, which was empty.

"Err-" came a deeper, more masculine voice, and Alex turned around to find she was not holding Draco's hand, but the hand of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.

Alex gasped, and heard Draco snickering behind the minister.

That little shit.

"Minister Fudge! I- uh- that is- I-"

The Minister wheezed, one hand on his heart, the other one on his knee.

Alex shot Draco a horrified look, who was now howling with peals of laughter.

"Apologies for any disruption to the party, err, I hope you're enjoying the ball?" she tried tentatively.

"Yes child," he wheezed, "Merlin's beard! You're Alexandra Evans, Harry Potter's sister!"

Alexandra did not like the sound of that, Harry Potter's sister? Excuse him, she was ALEXANDRA EVANS not Harry's sister!

Well if it helped her salvage her dignity...

"Indeed Minister Fudge, thank you for attending the party?"

The Minister nodded politely, more than a little confused, and made his way back inside the ballroom.

Alex slapped a hand to her forehead and groaned. Draco started laughing once more.

"You managed to drag the minister? THE MINISTER OF MAGIC? Of all the people really..."

"Shut up you prick, why didn't you tell me?!"

"It was funny, you know, maybe it isn't saint Potter who'll end up destroying the world. You'll manage it, dragging one important politician out each ball."

He ducked a well-aimed shoe.

Alexandra glared at him, did she just throw a shoe?

"Accio Shoe. Now," she started, fastening her shoe once more, "Do you want to dance or laugh? Say what you want about the execution of my plan but it does work. The music's fine here."

"Does both dancing and laughing work?"

"You know the food'll finish if we keep standing out here?" Draco sighed, looking at the finishing plates.

"Do you think when we're older we'll be happy about the people we were?"

"What?"

"I think we're changing. Everything's so uncertain. Do you think he'll be back?"

"Why? I mean, what's the worst thing that can happen? You're with us,"

"Draco, I don't want to have to pick a side."

"Which one would you pick?"

"I don't know."

26th December 1992

Why was there so much light?

Why was there so much noise?

Why was Draco jumping on her bed?

"WAKE UP WE'VE GOT PRESENTS!"

"Draco, is the sun even out yet?" Alexandra groaned pulling a pillow over her head. Draco stopped jumping to look out the window.

"Nope!" he ripped the pillow off her face. "Mother says I can't open mine till we're both down and eat breakfast so HURRY!"

Alex knew she wasn't going to get any more sleep, so she slowly rolled out of bed.

"How are you already dressed?" she muttered, yawning.

"HURRY UP," shouted Draco, opening her closet and throwing some random clothes at her. After successfully defiling her closet, he sat down expectantly on top of her bed.

"Um, do you mind?"

"Huh?"

"I need... to change?"

"Oh." his ears turned red, "I'll... wait outside."

Alex nodded awkwardly, looking at what Draco had thrown out her closet.

Not bad, she thought. Long as we don't have to go out anywhere.

Alexandra headed out the door, where Draco immediately starting racing down the stairs. With that speed, it's no surprise he made seeker.

The gifts were neatly piled under the tree and Draco lunged towards them when Mrs. Malfoy decided to make an appearance.

"Nice to see the two of you are awake," she smiled, looking at her impatient son "Shall we head down to breakfast? Your father's sent word he'll be arriving in two days time."

"But mother," he whined.

"No no, none of that. You know the rules darling, no presents before breakfast."

Was it really a surprise breakfast only lasted ten minutes?

"DONE!" announced Draco, running out of his seat towards the giant tree.

Narcissa sighed motioning for Alex to go join him in opening the presents.

There were nine total, which was lesser than she was used to, but she knew that she'd get the rest belatedly once she went back to Hogwarts.

So there was a vial of Felix Felicis from Professor Snape, some odd socks from Professor Dumbledore and...

Who was that from?

"Something wrong?" asked Narcissa who was sitting by the fire.

"I don't know who this ones from," admitted Alex.

"GIVE IT HERE," demanded Draco, "MIGHT BE FOR ME!"

"IT'S ADDRESSED TO ME YOU PRAT!"

"Children, calm down, I already have a headache I don't need another one. Pass it here."

Alex reluctantly passed the little parcel to Narcissa, who turned it around looking for a label. She let out a little gasp and nearly dropped the gift.

"What's wrong?" asked Alex nervously.

"I didn't- How- We've- Alexandra do you know a Tonks?"

Mrs. Malfoy looked awfully pale.

"OH! It's from Dora! I used to see her at Hogwarts, she's a metamorphagus, I saw her through her fourth year till graduation. She must be at auror training! I wonder what it is,"

Alex took the gift back, carefully tearing the wrapping paper.

"This is strange."

"It's a set of pens." said Mrs. Malfoy, running her fingers over the 'pens'.

"A what?"

"Muggle artifact. Better not let Lucius see that. It's easier to write with, however, Hogwarts is strict on the Quill and Parchment rule."

How did Mrs. Malfoy know about muggle writing artifacts?

"I don't think you'll be needing those if they're not allowed," remarked Draco.

"Wait there's a note."

'Hiya little witch,

How's Hogwarts? News is the defense position is still cursed. Shame. I don't know where you are right now, so I'm hoping the owl finds you.

If not... I'll deal with that problem when I have to.

Whatever you want to do in life; DON'T BECOME AN AUROR. It's brutal, I swear I haven't gotten more than three hours of sleep this past week and I would kill for some toast (JUST KIDDING).

Anyways, you probably don't know what a pen is. A pen is basically the superior muggle version of a quill. You write with the pointy bit and you don't need to keep dipping in ink!

Whatever you wizards say, pens are definitely better than quills.

Write me back if and when you can! I'm sure your owl'll find me.

P.s If you unscrew the lid and tap it with your wand with the incantation 'Revelio' it'll turn into a set of knives! Also, they've got a secret compartment.

P.P.S If you know wandless magic, you don't even need your wand for the transformation. And yes knives are a morbid gift for Christmas, but they're practical! And really neat. Just look at the engravings! I think they're something in ancient runes. I wouldn't know. I took care of magical creatures and muggle studies.

Tonks '

"Isn't that sweet," said Mrs. Malfoy, sipping some tea and rubbing her temples. "Now that you're done with all your presents, shall we start preparing for the New year's eve party at the Greengrass'?"

Draco paled, "Er, I think I need to um... HOMEWORK!"

He bolted faster than you could say 'liar'.

Alex sighed internally, this was going to be a long festive season.

A/N: Maybe, just maybe it's a bit bridgerton inspired-