The Beginning of the End

Disclaimer: I'm not J.K Rowling.

Allie descended the staircase of the Girls' dorms into the belly of the beast. With everyone staring at least she had taken time to cast a hair-curling spell, and apply a little bit of makeup. She held in her hands her guitar, her only lifeline to the 'real' world. Really, the only thing convincing her that everything around her was real and not some reaction to shellfish. Everyone seemed to stop and stare even harder (If that was possible) as she confidently strode into the sitting area, and sat next to Alicia on the couch. She started by showing the girls a few warm ups her first music teacher, , taught her. The girls, as well as the boys were amazed at such a simple action. She caught eye contact with the boy who had previously winked at her, and she further inspected him while playing her favorite chord. He had well managed blonde hair, which was currently mussed up and falling into his face. She was debating on whether or not he could be a Malfoy when Riddle walked into the room; apparently back from his rounds as Prefect. He walked towards the group of awe struck teenagers, and took a seat now opposite of Allie. She blushed under his gaze.

At the end of her practice session, he spoke. "Miss Alastrina what an unparalleled delight to see you twice in the same night. I see you are entertaining my housemates, I wonder if would play us something as a testament to your musical genius." Everyone shifted their stare from Riddle to Allie and looked just as surprised as her that he was communicating at all.

A challenge. I have to knock his socks off, come off as brooding and mysterious. Maybe a little needy and hurt too. " That is a honor I dream not of," she said sarcastically, playing along with his charade of formalities," but if you don't think me too presumptuous, I will indulge your request."

Tom replied by a languid nod of his head.

Crap, crap, crap. Definitely a lovey song. Has to be angsty too. Madonna of course, but I only met Tom once before, I don't want to scare him away. All of her songs come off as stalkish and fangirly… Ah ha! Perfect song. Thanks Madonna.

She began to strum while visibly straining to remember the words. She sang:

"Haven't we met, you're some kind of beautiful stranger.

You could be good for me,

I've had the taste for danger.

If I'm smart then I'll run away,

But I'm not so I'll guess I'll stay.

Heaven forbid, I'll take my chance

On a beautiful stranger.

Da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-dum beautiful stranger.

Da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-dum beautiful stranger.

I looked into your eyes,

And my world came tumbling down.

You're the devil in disguise,

And that's why I'm singing this song to you."

As she finished her last quavering note, and looked up to see the room had stopped moving, and everyone was hanging onto her every movement.

The white-blonde boy was the first to break the silence. "Bloody hell."

Alastrina giggled, blushing at the boy's appreciation. She had to admit, she was pretty good at performing because it came naturally. She went to sit by the boy, and introduced herself.

"Hi, my name is Alastrina Adonia." She purposefully left out her last name, the rest would find out soon enough who she was.

The boy took her hand and placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles. "Your middle name suits you- 'beautiful'. My name is Abraxas Malfoy, pleased to meet you."

YES! A malfoy. The gods must truly love me. ", charmed. Now, unfortunately I must bid you goodnight." She bowed her slightly, and hugged all of her new found friends. She stopped in front of Tom. "You see tom I would hug you, but I get the feeling if I were to show you any sign of affection, feed you after midnight, accidentally get water on you, or bring you out into the daylight, you might just burst into flames and melt. So, on that thought, goodnight." She bowed slightly. Ha, suck it.

And then he did the most unbelievable, ghastly thing she could imagine him doing.

He laughed. A low, throaty chuckle. A scary sound, almost like wind blowing through a barren cemetery. She felt her eyes grow big, as she took in the shocked faces of her fellow housemates.

Tom was the only one who dared to speak. "Oh, Alastrina I dare say you don't share your father's views on humor. Goodnight." He bid her goodnight with a slight inclination of his head.

Oh god, he knows Dumbledore is my dad. Sneaky little prat. I'll have to be a little more careful with my secret keepers next time. Or maybe, he's just stealthy and very resourceful. Regardless, better keep a close watch. She settled into her bed that night with a grin on her face. She realized something right there, lying in her bed. This was the beginning of the end. Tom Marvalo Riddle was the end of life, as she knew it.

The last conscious thought she had that night before she succumbed to sleep's embrace was that she had to win this fight of good vs. evil. Because evil was stupid.

Yeaaaaaaah! Song was "Beautiful Stranger," By Madonna. First of many songs… This is a songfic after all! Next chapter is going to be… interesting, new sexy character. And I'm not quite sure what I want to do with young, sexy Filch…. Anywho, I'll put up quite a few chapters when I get some time.

XOXO

-Ella Mentry