Promises, promises

Disclaimer: I'm not J.K Rowling.

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The morning passed by uneventfully for Allie, until her dad stopped her just as she was filling her mouth with oatmeal.

"No, no, no missy, we're going to see the headmaster before breakfast."

Albus led her out of the great hall that was barren, save four other early risers (All from Ravenclaw), through another impossible maze of staircases and into a smaller room where all the faculty members where. A man with a tall pointed hat sat at the end of the table. He wore whimsical, brightly colored robes, and a dreamy smile. He reminded Allie of her dad later in life, from the movies. Her throat tightened involuntarily when she thought of his last years. The man in front of them was talking to a motherly, plump witch and was oblivious to Albus and his daughter.

The witch spoke louder than their previously hushed whisper. "Armando, I think you have company." She must have been the healer because she gathered a armful of potions and bounce away, uncharacteristically.

The elder wizard look overly enthusiastic. "Albus, what a delight. And who might this radiant young witch be?"

Albus smiled, a genuine smile. "This is the new student I was telling you about. She also happens to be my daughter, Alastrina Adonia Dumbledore. I was hoping you might introduce her at breakfast, as I took the liberty of sorting her into her house. She is the newest addition to Slytherin."

Dippet turned to Allie. "Well, I would be delighted to do introduce you but first me and your father have some pressing business to tend to. I trust you can find your way back to the great hall?"

Allie was hesitant. "Actually, I'm not exactly sure-"

A husky voice from behind her saved her. "You know, pardon me gentleman I was just about to walk down to the Great Hall for breakfast, and I would be honored to accompany Miss Dumbledore."

She turned to the origin of the voice, and what she saw stopped her train of thought. A young man, around her age, that was wearing a mix of muggle and wizarding clothes smiled at her. He had muscles from obvious manual labor, his hair was skillfully messy, and his eyes were a chocolate hue she didn't know existed. She had to literally close her eyes to stop from gawking. .God. This guy looks like Ryan Reynolds. I don't remember him from the movies or the books. I think I'd remember THAT!

Dippet looked appreciative, but Albus was wary. After all, who would send their newfound, hormonal teenage daughter with the incarnation of sex appeal? Dippet saw his hesitation. "Oh dear me, I can't believe I forgot to introduce you to our new caretaker's apprentice. Albus, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Argus Filch. This strapping young lad is of relation to my Uncle-" This seemed to abate Albus as he smiled a farewell and strolled alongside the headmaster.

It's Filch. Eww, Eww, Eww. But, he's so hot…. But he's filch! She remembered him in the movies. Time had not been nice to him, but his current state of being was dreamy. She turned to introduce herself, to find he was closer than she had expected. A lot closer.

The object of her attention spoke. "I hope you don't mind me escorting you, Miss Alastrina."

She laughed. "Why would I?"

He had the humility to look ashamed. "Well, I thought you would have heard by nowm gossip is prevalent in your housemates' agenda. I'm not really even a wizard." He mumbled the last part, ashamed.

She remembered his 'Little problem'. "Oh yeah, you're a squib. So, do you like being caretaker?" She tried starting a little conversation as they were walking down the halls.

He looked surprised. "How did you know I'm a squib?" He looked like he was about to cry, but he still looked adorable.

Crap! Can I be a seer? No, best just play it off. She decided to fake injury. "Why Mr. Filch, you simply reek of squib-liness." Joking, she gave him her best imitation of a pureblood bigot, her nose turned up.

He looked crestfallen, obviously not seeing the humor. "I hate myself for being a dirty, filthy, squi-"

Allie reacted fast, cupping his cheek that was hot with embarrassment. "No, don't say that Argus. Don't you dare ever count yourself out; there is nothing wrong with you for being non-magical. Magic is a burden; hell, I'd give you mine if I could get some of those sweet muscles you have from doing everything manually." That sounded a lot less creepy in my head.

He blushed even deeper realizing his hand was over hers on his face. "Did you just say that I have sweet muscles from doing everything manually?"

Realizing they had been standing in front of the Great Hall, and had started to attract an audience she dropped her hand. " Err, yeah I did. Well, it's the truth. It sounded better in my head. Well, are we going to breakfast or are we going to stand around all day and talk about your sexy body- okay, I'm just going to stop."

He was obviously flattered. "Well, milady let us charge the front." He offered her his arm. She took it, and they walked like that into the Great Hall. They were greeted with hungry stares from entire school. Girls from every house of different years were sizing up Argus, and Boys from every house, as well as some of the teachers, were openly ogling Allie. Eww, gross, she thought. She worried about having to go and sit with her housemates. "So, I guess you're going to sit at the teacher's table."

He smiled, slightly turning his head. "Actually, if you'll have me, I wouldn't mind sitting with you seeing as this is our first day. On second thought, everyone is killing me with their eyes because I'm hogging the most beautiful girl in the room all to myself, so with that said-" He turned to walk to the long, dark table designated for teachers, when Allie grabbed his hand and steered them towards the Slytherin table.

She smiled at his shocked expression. As they sat, she whispered into his ear, "How 'bout we give them something to talk about?" He made a sound close to a giggle, but turned it into a cough. They ate in silence until the group of girls she met last night surrounded them; Alicia on her left while Argus was on her right.

She sneakily whispered into Allie's ear, "Alastrina Adonia Dumbledore, how dare you. Captivate three of Hogwart's most eligible bachelors, why don't you? Say, would you mind introducing me to this fine piece of-"

Allie interrupted her, "Three? I am afraid I have no idea what you're talking about."

Alicia sniggered. "Oh come on, you have this dream boat next to you hanging onto your every word, last night you had Abraxas smitten, and don't even get me started on Tom-"

Allie thought that would be a good place to interrupt her friend's girlish gossip. "Please ladies, allow me to introduce you to my newfound companion, Argus, Gus if you will. Gus, is an apprentice here at Hogwart's, and he is-"

Lillian interrupted. "Dreamy." She said, not realizing everyone had heard her. She blushed a red that was brighter than that notorious Weasly hair that sat on her head.

Allie decided to spare her. "Yes, that he is. So, what class do we have first ladies?" She tried steering the conversation from her eye-catching comrade.

A snide voice spoke up. "We have Ancient Runes first Alastrina, seeing as you and I were the only sixth years brave enough to take it. And I was unaware of another new Slytherin, I regret to say I have not yet been introduced to this dreamy character in front of me." Tom was uncharacteristically cold, obviously jealous of the attention Argus was getting.

Argus stood, grabbed Tom's hand in an iron grip, and stiffly shook it. "The name's Argus mate, now who the hell are you?"

"My name is Tom. Tom Riddle." Tom spat at him. The two boys' were engaged in a fight to the death with their eyes, Chocolate brown to dark- grey. Hmm, funny I always thought Tom's eyes were black, but they were an iron like grey in the right light. Kind of hot. Wait… what?

She decided to defuse the situation. "You know Tom, your eyes aren't black like I thought they were, they're a dark steely grey, very captivating by the way."

Everyone turned to stare at me, Tom not meeting anyone's eyes with a slight blush and a look of indifference, Argus with a look of bewilderment, Alicia with a knowing smirk, and all the rest of the girls with a look of acceptance whilst nodding their heads. A voice of authority stole everyone's attention away, including the students from other houses that had been watching the slight altercation take place at the snake table.

"Students, I have wonderful news to share with you all. Since last nights feast, we've acquired three new additions to our school. Firstly, a bright young lady. Where is she now… oh, there you are dear. Please stand up. Let me introduce you to Miss Alastrina Dumbledore, daughter to our very own Transfiguration teacher. She was sorted into Slytherin, and will make a fine addition." She got loud whoops from boys in Gryffindor. Dippet shushed them, and she sat back down. "Next, we have acquired an apprentice for our beloved caretaker who will be retiring this year. Where are you Argus?" Now, Argus had to stand to be examined under the whole hall's inspection. "There you are, sitting with Miss Dumbledore, I see you have taken to each other, brilliant. And, lastly we have decided to add a class called Muggle studies. After you're done with your breakfast you may see the sign-up sheet in the main foyer if you wish to take said class. We have just confirmed the teacher of this subject to be a bright young lad who has graciously agreed to take a year off of playing professional quidditch to try his hand at teacher. I give you, Professor Henry Fenwick. Professor Fenwick graduated a proud Gryffindor from our very own ranks a few years ago; subsequently some of you older kids might recognize him. "

A tall, brooding man, possibly three to four years older than Allie, stood up. He was seated next to Allie's dad. From afar, she could just make out angular features, and a chiseled jaw. … Definitely going to take that class. She was just about to pile on even more food onto her plate, when it disappeared. She was mad, and looked up to see who would dare to touch her food when she locked eyes with her dad at the teacher's table. He beckoned her, and gestured to her plate next to him. And next to… Professor Fenwick. Oh god, Professor McDreamy is sitting next to my dad. Regardless, she took the long walk up to where her dad was perched, but to get to her destination she had to maneuver around the Gryffindor table. A tall, roguish, rugged boy stood up and claimed her hand.

Kissing her knuckles, he introduced himself. "Why hello there beautiful, my name is Charlus Potter."

She smiled, finally placing his face. Messy hair, languid smile, and easygoing demeanor. This guy was definitely harry potter's grandpa. She grabbed him around the waist and hugged him, finally recognizing someone, a sort of confidant. She grew up rooting for the golden trio, and now holding someone that was such a symbol of them made her so happy she wanted to cry.

Charlus enthusiastically hugged her back, grinning at the jealous faces around him sardonically. "You're an enthusiastic one, ain't you love?" He smirked down at her, and she knew that James Potter would inherit that cocky grin.

She realized her actions were a little out of place. "Sorry about that, you remind me of someone I fell in love with growing up. I'll see you around Charlus." She smiled at him, her first real smile in a long time. She was reminded of the reason she was here in the first place. To stop the destruction that was sure to wreck innocent people like Charlus's lives. He would lose a son, and countless friends. She promised she would not spend all of her time with the 'slimy snakes', and would come and visit the Gryffindor common room, and with that he let her out of his embrace. She was aware of all the stares she was receiving, and of all the gossiping around her. She sat next to her father.

Albus, like the rest of the hall, had seen the whole exchange. "Have you met Mr. Potter before dear?" He looked amused.

Well, way to start rumors about yourself on your first day. "Actually daddy, Charlus and I had a correspondence of sorts at my old school but we've only met today." Allie said loudly, sweetly trying to save face.

Albus nodded knowingly. "Well, I called you up here to ask a favor. Professor Fenwick here is teaching the Muggle Studies class. I have complete faith in him to take to his position swimmingly, but he just voiced a concern with some of the subject material. I was hoping being raised by muggles you might have a better grasp on the subject and could possibly meet with him at the beginning of every week to go over his lessons plan and clear up whatever confusion there may be. Starting tonight, you will have said meeting in his office, assuming you are agreeable."

Allie beamed at her dad. "Of course, no problem dad."

Albus reached over to Allie's left side and tapped on Professor Fenwick's shoulder, bringing him out of a fervent fight with a loose string on his finely tailored trousers. He looked up and for the first time she met the teacher head on. His jawbone was his most prominent feature, until she saw his eyes. Ice blue, his eye's looked unreal. Smooth, alabaster skin with a rosy tint unlike tom's clashed with dark, spiky, chaotic hair that made him look like a rebel. She immediately thought James Dean, but even he didn't do the professor justice.

He was the first to introduce himself. "Henry Fenwick pleased to meet you." With a nod of his beautiful head, Allie was left with muddled thoughts.

She recovered, but clumsily. "Alastrina Dumbledore pleased to meet you Professor McDr- Fenwick, f-fenwick. Pleased to meet you." Please let that have just been part of my imagination, me almost calling him McDreamy. She gave up trying to make an excuse, and settled into a slump eating her oatmeal for the second time that day.

Fenwick broke the uncomfortable silence. "So, Alastrina, do you have a nickname. Sorry, but your name is a bit of a mouth full for a lazy bloke like myself." He smiled, causing her to drool into her oatmeal.

She coughed, choking on her cereal. "Actually, my muggle family called me Allie. I suppose if it's not to casual, you could use it."

He smiled, a dazzling smile. "Allie… it's brilliant," he said testing the nickname out, "So, Allie will you be taking my class?"

She looked unsure. "Well, I was going to, but…" She looked out into the crowd of students. Group after group of girls were flocking to the foyer, for the sign up sheet, she assumed. "…I really don't care to study with a bunch of your fan girls, Professor."

Fenwick looked a little confused, until she pointed out the assemblage of girls from each of the houses. He looked desperate. "Go sign up, please Allie, before my roster fills. Don't leave me with them. Especially that little red head, in my seventh year she tried feeding me a love potion in a box of chocolates and she keeps looking at me like I'm something to eat for breakfast."

Albus budded in. "I took the liberty of putting her on your roster and she is on the very top, Henry. I assumed she would be interested in the class." He said with a shrug.

Fenwick spoke before Allie could protest. "Excellent, if you wait in your common room around ten, I'll come to collect you so we can have that meeting in my office."

Allie couldn't help but nod, helpless. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Err, rock and an incredibly gorgeous hard place. There were worse places she could be in, she supposed. As soon as she walked out of the Hall she was assaulted by questions from girls, some she didn't even know.

"What's he like-"

"What is his favorite color-"

"Did he ask you out-"

"Do you like him-"

Allie's senses were reeling, and her head was killing her. "WHAT the bloody hell are you bints talking about?" She was a little louder than she had meant to be.

"Professor Fenwick, of course." The speaker of that confession was unknown, but the group of girls all nodded, agreeing. Everyone had saw the quiet conversation they had, the whispered jokes, and the laughs. They had taken them out of context.

Allie had had enough today, and this was pushing her over the edge. "I will not gossip, like you lot. So, if you want your answers, go ask him. I want no more of his fan club." She stormed off towards her first class, when someone quietly fell into step beside her. She looked sideways to see tom, gravely looking ahead of him. He was walking her to class. She smiled, and when he turned to look at her for the second time, he was blinded by her loving smile. He looked like he wanted to return it but instead nodded his head, and turned his head back to his front with a serene look on his face.

Allie quietly made a promise to him, speaking more to herself. "You know Tommy boy, one day I'll teach you how to smile."

Whoooop, whoop! Success, Fenwick…huh? I hope he's to everyone's' liking. Personally, I imagine him to look like a Jonathan Rhys-Meyers… look him up (DREAM BOAT! ) So, one or two more chapters till next song, next chapter is kinda a bridge I guess… Anywho, keep reading and I'll keep writing.

XOXO

-Ella Mentry