Alice:
Two days had passed since the event. Malfoy was released from the hospital wing as of today, but he had not yet showed his face outside of it. Hagrid had told me that Lucius would go to court and demand that they executed Buckbeak. That's when I'd had enough. I decided to show Malfoy what he had done. All day I had been thinking about how I could do that and then my mind came up with an idea. It was already 9 pm and most of the students had returned to their rooms by now.
I'd spentthe whole day outside and practiced my Patronus. Now that it was dark, I entered the school building and walked to the hospital room. I quietly opened the door and sneaked up to Draco's bed. He was asleep and was placed comfortably on his back. I cast a muffiliato, and then shook his shoulder. Slowly he opened his eyes and sat up. It took a few seconds until he realized that I was standing next to his bed. He opened his mouth to say something, but I didn't give him the time.
''Calm down Malfoy, I'm not here to hurt you. I want you to come with me. I need to show you something. Get up. Moreover, I know that your arm is healed, so you can come with me without any problems.'' I whispered. He folded his arms and just looked at me angrily.
,,I'm not going anywhere with you. Did insanity finally reach you too?''
''Look Malfoy ... either we do it the easy way or I'll carry you.'' That seemed to persuade him because he stood up and gave me the sign to walk. I didn't want to risk that someone might see us, or that he would run away, so I lifted him up on my back. His protests were cut short by the fact, that he hid his face from the wind. Only in the outskirts of the forbidden forest, I stopped and let him down.
''You kidnapped me! Just wait till my father hears about this!'', He sounded angry but the fact that he was shivering with cold made him less threatening. Somehow, I felt bad ... if he would get sick now, that would clearly be my fault. I took off my coat and threw it at him. He caught it and then looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
''Put it on or get sick, I don't care but do not let my coat fall to the ground.'' I turned around, started to walk and heard a rustling of clothes behind me. When I glanced back, I had to smile, because he had put on my coat and looked at me in a very offended way. We reached the clearing, I stopped, and Malfoy did the same. He wanted to say something, when I raised my Hand to silence him and then lightly whistled. Buckbeak came out of the trees. Malfoy took a step back, scared. I could feel that he wanted to run.
''I would not do that this forest is more dangerous than Buckbeak.'' That made him stop. Iwalked towards Buckbeak, and then held out my hand. Buckbeak inclined his head in my hand and shrieked happily.
''I broughtsomeone. '' Buckbeaks look crossed Malfoy's and both remained standing still as if frozen. After a while, Malfoy looked up at me.
''Why am I here..?'' He asked cautiously.
''I willtell you but now I want you to come to me.'' I said seriously. He looked at me as if I had said that the earth was a square.
''Are you crazy? This filthy thing tried to kill me!''
''Yes, but just because you have offended it! I know that sounds strange, but please trust me...'', and again there was a long silence. He was probably thinking about all his options, which weren't many. And then he actually stepped closer. However, that didn't please Buckbeak because he straightened up completely, and spread his wings.
''Buckbeak stop. Hey, look at me. Look at me Buckbeak! '' I said sternly and turned his attention to me. '' He will not hurt you. I'm here to take care of both of you. I'll show him how wonderful you really are, but you have to do what I tell you. Agreed?'' He nodded his head and put himself back to a normal stance. ''You can come now. Once you're two steps away I want you to bow down.'' I said curtly.
''And whywould I do that?!'' he asked angrily.
''Out of respect. You love to be respected and if you want to be respected by him, you also have to respect him.'', Apparently that got trough to him , because he slowly bowed and waited until something happened. Buckbeak seemed pleased because he also bowed to Malfoy.
''Thanks,Buckbeak.'' I whispered to him. Both stood up again and looked at each other.
''Are you ready to fly? '' I asked Malfoy cheerfully. I climbed on Buckbeak and led him to Malfoy. However, he did not look happy. ''Don't be afraid, he has already accepted you so get on ... or are you too scared?'' Malfoy gave me a murderous look that might have scared a mouse. Buckbeak stood before him. I leaned slightly to one side, holding my hand to Malfoy, so that he could climb. He hesitated briefly, then took my hand and climbed up behind me.
''I am not afraid of anyone. Remember that.'' I just grinned and tugged lightly on Buckbeaks feathers to get him moving. Buckbeak ran a few feet and then took off. He quickly gained height and soon we flew over the forest and the lake. At the beginning Malfoy was very tense, he had his arms around me, so as to not fall down but then he calmed down and even began to relax. After 10 minutes of flying Buckbeak slowly went back down to the clearing, where he then finally landed. Malfoy climbed down and without asking him, he helped me down.
''Thank you.'' I said, surprised. When I was down, I said goodbye to Buckbeak. Then Malfoy and I walked back towards Hogwarts.
''You still have to answer my question. Why did you do that? Why did you bring me here?'' He came to a halt, which made me stop too. I turned to him and smiled sadly.
''I guess I wanted to show you that he is not a monster, no matter what you thought at first. Here almost nothing is as it seems. You should also have the opportunity to get to know Buckbeak before the verdict.'' Malfoys look lit up with betrayal.
''The verdict... I am not going to apologize for it, if that's what you want.'' He said. I rolled my eyes and walked back to him.
''No, what I want is for you to stop being an asshole to people and animals, just cause you don't understand them, Malfoy.''
There was silence between us.
''Draco... I want you to call me Draco, Alice.'' I was totally surprised and yet very happy. I just didn't quite know why.
''But... there's something else. About tonight, it's just... if someone finds out about this then we will both get into a lot of trouble. And the same goes with the incident last year. I haven't told anyone and I guess neither did you or Potter but I have to be sure, that no one will ever know of this.'' Draco said seriously. I gave him a little smile and whipped out my wand.
''Fidelius.'', The spell I had cast, wrapped itself around us.
''Now no one is going to know. So, where should I bring you?'' I asked.
''I don't need to be carried like a child.'' He was frowning.
''I guess you don't. Let's walk then.'' The walk to the entrance of the dungeons was quiet, as we were not supposed to be walking around at this hour.
''Thank you, for keeping me company, this evening.'' I said with a slightly sarcastic voice. He threw me a look, that should have been menacing but I just couldn't take it seriously so I laughed lightly and then I could swear that I saw a slight smile on his face. He actually looked good with a smile. I pushed that thought away and said goodbye before I went back to my room.
Mary:
A somewhat confused Malfoy entered the common room. I was sitting with Blaise, Theo and the Greengrass-sisters by the fireplace and looked surprised when Malfoy walked in our direction. He sat down beside me and stared into the fire.
''So you've been dismissed?'' Blaise asked him in a cool tone.
The blond nodded but continued to quietly look into the fire. I didn't impose myself, instead I leaned against Blaise and closed my eyes. I would have thought that Malfoy would make a huge scene about his arm, but it seemed like this wouldn't happen.
''Why so thoughtful?'' Blaise voice became softer. Perhaps the two could be friends again?
''Hm ... Oh just like that. I'm off to sleep.'' Opening my eyes again I saw how he trotted up the stairs.
''Didn't he seem a bit weird? '' I shrugged and closed my eyes again.
''Why don't you go to sleep if you're so tired?'' Blaise whispered in my ear.
''You are more convenient. '' I muttered, smiling. He laughed.
''Then you can stay.'' He smirked. Putting my head back on his shoulder, I answered Theo's question from before.
''Madame Pomfrey probably gave him something for the pain, and that's why he's so weird.''
''Hmm, could be possible.'' He grumbled
''I don't know but it seemed to me as if something unexpected happened and has confused him. '' Astoria interjected.
''Come on, let it be. It's just Malfoy. '' Blaise said and thus put an end to this issue.
''We're going to sleep. Are you coming too, Mary? '' Astoria asked. I opened up my eyes again and saw how she stood up. She was looking at me in a weird way.
Her look meant nothing good, so I got up and went after the twins. We were barely in the dormitory when they turned around and looked at me with a reprimanding look. I was too tired to know what that was supposed to mean. That's why I asked,
''What?!''
''You and Blaise? ''
''What about me and Blaise?''
'' Out of nowhere you've leaned against him?!'' Astoria exclaimed.
''Yes and? I was tired. That's not a crime! '' I said annoyed and threw myself on the bed.
''Yes, but did you need to do it in front of Theo?''
I sighed annoyed, ''What does this have to do with him? ''
''Have you not seen his eyes? '' Eh, what did she mean?
''What? Why?''
''Oh Mary ... '', the girls groaned in despair. What was it this time? ''He loves you. Can't you see?!'' Daphne added when she saw my puzzled expression. Not this again.
''There's nothing to see! He doesn't love me... I knew if he would!''
Now I was getting desperate. Why did the two insist that Theo loved me? It wasn't like that. Why should he? I mean, he comes from a rich pureblood family and I was a Muggleborn. Well if we left Voldemort aside. So, I had really nothing to offer. So why should Theo love me?
''Please give me a reason why he should be in love with me?'' I asked the two.
Again, they sighed, and Daphne answered.
''You have a good heart and you're a nice person. Who would not love you? ''
A little taken aback, I looked at her open-mouthed.
The only thing I could answer: ''Of course!'' They both shook their heads and also flopped on their beds.
''He's just a damn good friend, ok? Let's leave it at that.'' With these words, I turned away and drifted to the land of dreams.
Alice:
''Hurry children, we have to go and do not forget the authorizations! Without an authorization you can't come.'' I rolled my eyes and went to my aunt.
For five minutes now she had repeated these few sentences. Although it was snowing, I wasn't cold thanks to my natural, cool temperature.
'' Aunty could you please sign my authorization?'' I asked with a false smile. I actually didn't want to go but Minerva hadn't agreed to let me stay here. She signed the paper and handed it back to me.
''Professor McGonagall! Professor McGonagall! Could you sign my authorization?'' Harry came running and stopped beside me.
''I'm sorry Potter, but only your legal guardian can do that.'' She explained.
''I know, but I thought that you might also be able to do it because you are my headteacher. '' He explained.
''I'm sorry Potter.'' She said sadly. He turned around and walked away again.
''Well done.'' I said sarcastically. Before she could answer I was already gone to Ron and Hermione. Yes, it was not her fault, but I just found it unfair, because who was responsible for Harry if not her?
During the whole trip I stayed with my friends and now we stood at the Grid that separated the forest from the Shrieking Shack.
''Would you like to go closer?'' Hermione asked suddenly.
''No, thanks.'' Ron said quickly.
''Those are just fairy tales Ron, don't be afraid.'' I smiled to comfort him.
''Well well,are you looking for your dream house, Mudblood and Weaselby?'' We turned around and spotted Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Mary.
''Shut up Malfoy.'' Mary and Ron said in unison. Draco turned to Mary and looked at her in surprise.
''Forget it. That was a mistake, you screwed up. Does one of you know where Nott is?'' Mary asked. The two other unnecessary Slytherins shook their heads.
''Heis in the library.'' I said. Now all looked at me as if I was some animal in a zoo.
''Thank you,Alice.'' Mary smiled at me and threw Draco a dirty look, when she passed by him. When Mary was gone Draco looked back at me.
''Why do you know that?'' He asked, puzzled and annoyed.
''Should I not?'' I asked him, rolling my eyes. He briefly looked at me, totally confused.
''No, you shouldn't! And you still haven't answered me!'' He now said with a loud voice.
''And why not? '' I asked now also slightly annoyed. He opened his mouth and closed it again.
''Why are you here again? '' Ron asked with a mocking smile now.
''Shut it Weaselby!'' Draco was angry at Ron when he suddenly got a snowball in his face. And it didn't stop at just one snowball, because after a few seconds all the Slytherins had been driven away by a storm of them.
''Harry!'' Hermione called, laughing. Harry took off his invisibility cloak and then laughed until he got a snowball in the face.
''What the...?'', He turned to me and looked at me questioningly. I had the next snowball already in my hand and threw it at him.
''It's easy to defeat guys like them, but do you think that you can defeat me, too?'' I asked with a wicked smile.
It took only a few seconds until he had picked up snow and formed it into a ball. After a few minutes we had divided into two groups. Me and Ron against Harry and Hermione. The loser had to do the Homework of the winners for the following week.
Mary:
Annoyed I followed the path to the library. I gave him a chance and this time good for nothing of Malfoy screwed up on the highest level! I really thought something good would be in him ... Mary you're just too naive, I scolded myself inwardly. Why did I even think so much about him? I would wait and see, what Theo would say. Because at some point, they had been friends. I hurried and a few minutes later I was standing outside the doors of the library. I saw Theo sit in one of the cosy reading chairs and walked resolutely through the door. The librarian looked at me warningly. I ignored her and let myself fall on the opposite chair. Theo closed his book and looked at me smiling, but when he saw my expression his changed.
''What's going on Mary?'' He asked me.
''Argh... Malfoy. I thought he would change sometime or show me his good side!'' I exclaimed.
''Please Miss Riddle. This is a library. Be a little quieter!'', Reminded me Miss Pince. I looked at her apologetically and turned back to Theo. He looked a little taken aback.
''Wait a second. What exactly happened? '' He asked, looking at me intently. I smiled slightly. I had known that he would listen to me.
''Malfoy came to me today and asked me if I would go to Hogsmeade with him. I thought, why not? Everyone deserves a chance. Well, he had his chance and he thoroughly screwed up.''
''What did he do?'' He asked with an unfathomable undertone.
''Once again he threw dirty insults around him.'' I sighed annoyed.
''Oh, let him. He will never change. You've tried it, now occupy yourself with other things.'' He told me.
''Yes, you are right. But to me he was different. Not like... Malfoy.''
''He's only playing. In truth, he's surely preparing something. Mary, he has offended you in the worst possible way! Doesn't it seem weird to you that he's suddenly treating you so nice?'' I thought about his words. It was true, it was pretty suspicious.
''Yes you are right. I won't behave so carelessly again when he is near me.''
''Good.'' He said, and oddly enough, a smile spread across his face.
Alice:
After the snowball fight, that I had won, we went back to Hogwarts. I had separated from the others and was still wandering a bit through the school when I realized that I was being followed. In an empty hallway I stopped and turned around. Something was wrong here. I looked around but saw no one, and yet I was not stupid enough to believe that it was all in my head.
''Hey Alice.'', startled I turned around and looked straight into Theo's eyes. I was so concentrated on that person that I had totally overlooked Theo.
''You totally scared me.'' I said and calmed down.
''That's still possible?'' He asked with a playful smile, that did not quite reach his eyes.
''If it's you then yes, but whatever. I know you Theo, something bothers you, or you would not be like that.'' I said.
''And how am I?'' He asked, surprised.
''You don't control your shoulders. You partly let them hang. You kind of avoid eye contact and you're playing with your hands. And you're doing it since the 'Hey Alice.' So what's going on? Do I need to chase away a big bad dog again?'' I asked with a grin.
When we were little Theo and I had built a treehouse together. One day when I was on my way to get there, Theo came crying to meet me and told me that a huge beast blocked the way. We ran there together and when I discovered that the giant monster was the stupid dog of the neighbours, Theo got a blow to the head, from me. Theo smiled at the memory, but quickly became serious again.
''It's about Mary.'' Mary huh?
''We shouldn't talk here.'' Although the feeling of being followed, was gone, I still did not feel safe. Was there a place where a Gryffindor and a Slytherin could talk without being overheard? While thinking, I was slightly pacing around.
Suddenly I saw a door that I had never seen before. It felt like I knew this school by heart. There shouldn't be a door here. But Theo did not know that and just went in. I decided to solve the mystery of the door a bit later and entered the room behind Theo. In the room was an already lighted oven, a fluffy carpet, a few bookcases and two red armchairs. I closed the door behind me and pushed myself into the room.
I sat down in a chair and looked expectantly at Theo. He took a deep breath and sat down.
''Is there anything wrong with me?''
Okay, I didn't expect that.
''What do you mean?'' I asked curious and surprised.
''Am I ugly? Or extremely stupid? Is something else wrong with me?'' He asked, now in a desperate tone. I was very surprised by his sudden outburst. I looked him up from his head, with his tousled dark blond hair, his pretty grey eyes, down to his feet.
Even as a child he had been sweet but now he was kinda handsome. Although he was a little scared sometimes and he didn't always think everything through, but I was pretty sure that at least, he was definitely smarter than Draco.
''No, you surely aren't stupid. You are handsome, and I have no idea what is wrong with you, but if I remember it correctly you- '' Theo had thrown a pillow at me. I had caught it with ease and began to laugh.
''If I'm so great, then why are the girls I like never in love with me too?'' He asked.
''You mean Mary, right?''
''Not only. Yes, currently I clearly mean Mary but with you it was the same thing.'' he said desperately.
''You know that at that time it wasn't due to you. I've always been unromantic. I do not understand why everyone always makes such a drama about love. And Mary... Mary is indeed blind without knowing it. It's not you. Mary simply does not see that you two would be perfect together.'' I told him. ''I'm going to talk to her, but now I have to go.'' I promised him.
I got up and hugged him goodbye. Shortly before I left the room, I heard him say: ''One day a guy will come and knock you off your feet. Just wait and see Tepes!''
I winked at him, smiled and then heard him laugh. Still smiling I left and walked down the hall, but the smile quickly disappeared when I heard a commotion in front of the Gryffindor common room. I hurried up to get there and then stopped behind Seamus.
''What is going on here?'' I asked him. He turned to me with a slightly troubled expression.
''Sirius Black is in Hogwarts. Dumbledore said that we all had to go to the Great Hall. He and the other teachers are freaking out.'' He said quickly. Black was here... so that feeling from before might have been him… I had to act as fast as possible. I wanted to meet this man. I would take action this evening.
Mary:
As Professor Snape drove us out of our rooms with a grim look, I already thought that something was wrong. I ran forward to Snape and pulled up beside him.
''What's going on Professor?'' His eyes pierced me.
''Sirius Black sneaks around here somewhere in the castle, so the whole school will be sleeping in the Great Hall.'' He replied reluctantly.
Black was here?! Ok ... Wait a minute, if Alice knew that too ... I quickened my pace and came just in time to see how she crept out of the Great Hall. Without thinking, I went after her. I knew Alice would want to search for the Azkaban escapee. She was incredibly fast.
''Hurry up Mary.'' Her voice rang out suddenly and she turned around. I sighed, glad that she slowed down for me.
''I can't be as fast as you.'' I said somewhat breathlessly. ''And anyway why do you insist to chase an Azkaban inmate?'' I asked.
''I've got somethings I need to clarify.'' She said.
''What things?'' She waved me off. Hm. We weren't close enough that she would have told me that. There lacked the confidence. We walked in silence for a while. Me with a pounding and nervous heart.
''Calm down. In an emergency, we can deal with him.'' She said reassuringly. Mh. Well of course it was easy for her but I highly doubted that her statement was true. I could see that her hand, that wasn't holding her Wand was slightly shaking. SO she wasn't sure either. I decided not to comment on it.
''Mary what exactly do you think of Theo?'' She asked me out of the blue.
''Why are you asking me that?''
''Because the sky is blue, so what do you think of him?''
''Eh... I like him a lot. He always listens to me and is always there for me. Almost like a brother.'' Alice sighed deeply and rolled her eyes.
''What?'' I asked perplexed.
''You're so naive.'' She said, shaking her head, with closed eyes.
''Why? ''
''You really need some help with this kind of thing, Mary. '' She said further, thus ignoring my question.
''Huh?'' Now I didn't understand anything anymore. What did she mean?
''We will talk tomorrow. Come we're going back to the hall. We probably won't find him anymore tonight. '' With those words she turned around and sneaked back towards the great hall.
