Author's Note: Alex's school life from day one to Christmas break (which I made three weeks long for all intense and purposes.) Things are really starting to get good in this chapter. Review and feedback appreciated. Enjoy this chapter, probably won't post more for a while.
Chapter Three
The next morning Alex woke up when she heard Hermione getting up. She got dressed and headed down for breakfast with Hermione, Ron and Harry. When they got their schedules the trio was downhearted to see that they had double Potions with Slytherin first thing this morning, Alex however, was thrilled about it. They finished breakfast and started heading down to the Dungeons.
When they got down to the Dungeons, Professor Snape was there and proceeded to split the group up, leaving the trio as they were but pairing Alex with Draco. Hermione was about to protest when Alex stopped her.
"Don't worry about it; I'll make fun of him for you. It'll be okay, think of it this way; I'm just taking one for the team." She whispered to her friends.
Hermione led her to the table that Draco was sitting and then returned to her own seat. Alex's heart was beating so fast she almost missed what potion Snape instructed them to make, they were supposed to be making a Shrinking Solution. She couldn't help but feel giddy around Draco; she blamed it on the possibility of being intoxicated on his fragrance.
After roughly twenty minutes into the lesson, Alex placed her hand lightly onto Draco's to keep him from adding the ingredient in his hand.
"Don't touch me, you -" Draco exclaimed as he pulled his hand out from under hers, "what makes you think you've got the right?"
Alex turned to face him, her face flushed. "I was just going to tell you that you're putting in the wrong ingredient. By all means though," she waved her hand, "sabotage your potion if you want."
"What do you mean? I'm putting in Boomslang skins, that's the next part."
She smiled and laughed softly, "No Draco, there isn't any Boomslang in this. The next part is one rat spleen."
"How can you tell the difference? You're blind."
Sighing, she responded simply by holding the Boomslang in one hand and a rat spleen in the other. "Smell them."
"What? You want me to -"
"Just smell the damn things Draco." She shook her head at his impertinence.
Draco leaned forward and smelled the two objects; he pulled back and made a small "hmm" noise. "I guess you really can smell the difference between the two. Listen, I'm not very good at this but I'm -" he lowered his voice to a barely audible whisper, "sorry."
She smiled as they continued working on their potion. Meanwhile, on the other end of the room, Harry, Ron and Hermione were watching the two. Harry and Ron thought she was convincing Malfoy to put the wrong ingredient into his potion, so they let it go while they tried to hurry up to finish their potions. Hermione however, was a bit more suspicious, but would wait until she could get Alex alone to talk to her about it.
The lesson ended quicker than Alex wanted it to, but she was glad that she got to talk to Draco, even if it was pointing out his mistakes. She reached down to pick up her book bag, but Draco had already had it. He handed it over to her while he secretly and quickly slipped a piece of parchment into her hand.
She blushed and mumbled a quick "thank you" while shoving the paper into her pocket before Hermione got to her. She stood up and took the arm that Hermione offered to her. She tried hiding the smile on her face but it was next to near impossible to do. She walked arm in arm with Hermione out of the classroom.
"I have to go to the girl's room Alex; don't you need to go too?" Hermione slightly urged.
Alex nodded, "Er… yeah. Excuse us boys. We'll meet up with you in Transfiguration."
Harry and Ron just mumbled as Alex and Hermione walked to the nearest girl's bathroom. They were quiet on the way but as soon as they got inside, Hermione couldn't help herself.
"Alex, what were you and Malfoy talking about in Potions?" Hermione exhaled heavily as if a weight was lifted off of her chest.
"I was just correcting him on ingredients. He was about to put Boomslang skin in the potion instead of a rat spleen." Blush began to creep up her face again, "And then he gave me a piece of parchment while he was handing me my bag."
"He didn't? What's it say?"
"I don't know what it says; I haven't gotten a chance to read it." She pulled the paper out of her pocket and unfolded it. "I can't feel anything, it's not in Braille."
"I'll read it for you." Hermione took the note, "It simply reads: Thanks for helping me with my potion. Feel free to sit with me again in Potions. Malfoy." She handed Alex back the note as she pulled out her own quill and some parchment.
"What are you writing Hermione?"
"Just the book and spell name I had to use while writing to you. I'm sure Malfoy will find it useful. So, do you like him?"
Alex told Hermione all about that day at Ollivander's, how he smells to her, how his voice sounds and how this is the first time she's felt this way about anyone.
"I know all too well how that feels. I get jittery too around -"
"Harry?" Alex offered.
"How did you know?"
"I'm blind, not dumb. I hear how you say his name, how your breathing sounds when you talk to him and a number of other signs that just about anyone could notice if they tried hard enough. Is it going to be an issue that I like Draco?" She liked the way his name sounded rolling off of her tongue.
"I don't mind as long as he stays in check. He's got a bad habit of calling me dirty names, but it doesn't bother me much anymore. It may not sit well with Harry and Ron at first, but they'll get over it eventually. Promise you won't tell Harry that I like him?" Hermione pleaded.
"I swear, but you should tell him and we should really get to class now."
They both were giggling as they walked briskly. They entered McGonagall's classroom just a little after the bell. Hermione led Alex to their seats. Neither one really paying all that much attention to class, but it was a good thing that Alex had her quill or else they probably would never know what the lesson was about.
Class ended fairly swiftly with minimum amounts of homework. Alex and Hermione excused themselves to go to the Owlery so that Alex could send a letter to her family about her first day so far. They agreed to meet up with Harry and Ron in the Great Hall for lunch immediately after they were done.
The two of them were chatting casually on their way to the Owlery, hardly paying attention to anyone. It wasn't until they heard Malfoy's voice up ahead that they were even a bit concerned. They continued a bit and hid, eavesdropping on the conversation.
"I've told you already Pansy; I'm not interested in dating you." Draco firmly stated.
"But Draco, we're meant for each other, I -" Pansy pleaded.
"Not interested!" Draco snapped before Pansy could tell him she loved him for what seemed like the hundredth time today.
"You seemed to be interested in that blind Gryffindor girl… what was her name? Alex or something like that…" Pansy pried, pushing Draco's buttons.
Alex gripped Hermione's hand tightly, not sure she wanted to hear his response to the accusation. Hermione gently patted her hand, trying to be reassuring but it didn't seem to be working.
"Pansy, she was helping me with my potion. That's all it was, now if you don't mind, I've got some things to send off." He started walking away.
Alex and Hermione stayed hidden until Hermione saw Pansy walk past them. She then continued to lead Alex up to the Owlery; even though Alex wasn't sure she wanted to go anymore.
"Come on Alex, cheer up. He didn't say that he hated you, he just wanted to get rid of Pansy… trust me she's really annoying."
"I guess, alright, let's get this done with… and I really do want to send a quick note to my parents, but I'll do that tomorrow." Alex tried to smile even though she was put off a bit by Draco's brashness.
As they walked into the Owlery, she heard Draco stop what he was doing. She was frightened of how he would react towards her.
"I… er… I was just about to send an owl." Draco stammered like a child with his hand caught in the cookie jar.
"I'm not stopping you, I just wanted to give you a note back, to respond to the one you gave me." She held out the note that Hermione wrote, only then realizing that Hermione wasn't standing next to her anymore.
"Oh," Draco cautiously took the note and opened it, "what's this about?" He sounded genuinely confused.
She smiled, "It's a book name and a spell that transforms regular writing into Braille. That way if you decided you wanted to write me again, you could use this spell so I could read the note on my own. Without having to have somebody else read it to me." She would have to thank Hermione for this note.
He chuckled nervously, "So who read the last note to you then?"
"Hermione Granger."
He fell silent for a while, "I guess I'll really have to learn this spell then, just in case I need it, that is."
They stood there quietly for some time. She wasn't sure how long it was but just as she was about to say something, she felt Draco closer to her with him placing a soft kiss on her cheek and a small box in her hands.
"See you later Alex." He whispered breathily in her ear.
"Yeah." She mumbled faintly.
She heard him walk outside and heard Hermione walk up to her. She felt herself being shaken out of her daze.
"Alex? Are you alright? What happened? I went to go keep watch in case Pansy came looking for Malfoy, I figured I would give you two some alone time. Alex?" Hermione sounded concerned.
"I handed him the note… told him to learn the spell or else you'd have to read me his notes… he agreed to learn it… then he kissed my cheek and handed me this." Alex held out the small box so Hermione could see it.
"Open it! It's a gift."
"I'm afraid to open it."
"Oh seriously Alex… do you want me to open it for you?"
Alex nodded and held the box out further so Hermione could take it. She was breathing slowly as Hermione opened the box. She heard her gasp and immediately thought it was something bad.
"Hermione? What is it? Is it something horrible?" Alex felt like she was going to hyperventilate.
Hermione exhaled, "No Alex… it's something beautiful. It's a silver chain with a moonstone crescent moon on it and it also has a small silver tag type thing on it. The tag says: I'll give you the moon for that look in your eyes." Hermione clasped the necklace on Alex, "That's actually really sweet coming from him."
They started walking back to the castle when Alex stopped.
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"Can you take me to Dumbledore?"
"Yes. Why?"
"I need to ask him about something."
"Alright, did you want to go now?"
"Please."
"Okay, come on."
Hermione didn't pry any further as to why she needed to talk to Dumbledore, but she could probably have made an educated guess. They walked into the castle and into the Great Hall to grab a bit of food just as lunch was ending. After they finished eating, they explained to Harry and Ron that they were going to see Dumbledore during the free period.
The two of them found Professor McGonagall walking on the way towards Professor Dumbledore's office.
"Professor? We were wondering if you knew the password for Professor Dumbledore's office, Alex needs to speak to him about something." Hermione inquired.
"I cannot just give you the password, but I will accompany the two of you there on my way to my next class." Professor McGonagall replied as she started walking off towards the headmaster's office.
Suddenly they stopped and McGonagall muttered something that Alex didn't pay attention to. Hermione walked her inside and up to the actual office. Hermione offered to wait outside of the door so that way Alex could speak in private to Dumbledore.
Alex waited until Dumbledore acknowledged her presence when he came down a set of stairs.
"Please sit Miss Draven." Alex sat at the invitation. "What brings you to my office at this time of day?" He spoke softly in a voice that resonated with authority.
"Professor… I was wondering if you knew if the nurse or St. Mungo's or something could help me get my sight back. I know it's a lot to ask for on the first day, but… I'm tired of being in the dark." She felt like she wanted to cry.
"Madam Pomfrey cannot do it, not with as many students that attend the school. St. Mungo's on the other hand should be able to do something. I was actually on my way there today, let me ask while I'm there and I will let you know what they say when I get back. Does that sound like a plan?"
"Yes sir. Thank you." She responded as she stood up and headed for the door.
"By the way Miss Draven, that's a very nice necklace you have there. You're decision to have your eyes fixed wouldn't have anything to do with the person who gave that to you, would it?"
Alex smiled, "He's a factor Professor, but not my entire reasoning. It's especially hard to see the light like this and I really do hate the dark."
She opened the door and found Hermione waiting for her. The two of them then walked down to the greenhouses for their Herbology lesson with Hufflepuff. When they were in the classroom, Professor Sprout allowed Alex to sit the lesson out and to just take notes about it. She sat close to the other students with her quill taking notes.
She however, was completely bored. She began fidgeting and playing with the necklace that Draco gave her, trying her best not to blush when she thought about him kissing her cheek. She hoped Dumbledore would be able to find a way to get her help. It would make things a lot easier.
The class was over and she packed up her things, ready to go to Charms next. She walked with the entire Golden Trio to class, talking about random things. They got into the classroom and the lesson started about five minutes after they sat down.
It was halfway through the class when the door opened. Alex recognized that scent. It was Draco Malfoy and she had no idea why he was there. She heard him walk over to Professor Flitwick. There was a rapid exchange of words, and then Professor Flitwick cleared his throat.
"Ah, Miss Draven, it seems that Professor Dumbledore needs to see you in his office. Mister Malfoy was sent to escort you there and you might as well take your things, I'm sure you'll be there for the rest of the lesson." Flitwick announced.
She packed up all her things and stood up. She reached out her hand and Draco took it in his, leading her out the door. Once out the door, she allowed herself to smile and even blush a tiny bit.
"So why you?" She asked him casually.
"Professor McGonagall sent me to Dumbledore's office for being a public disturbance during class. When I got there, Dumbledore gave me a lecture then sent me with a note to get you." Draco affirmed.
"Ah."
"So why are you being called to his office? Did you cause trouble? And only on the first day of school too." He joked with her.
"Well if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black, Mister Public Disturbance." She giggled and playfully pushed his shoulder. "No, it's not for trouble, I had to ask him a question for my mum and he needed time to get the answer. That's why I'm going back now."
"By the way, that necklace looks very nice on you." He smiled and squeezed her hand gently.
She blushed and squeezed his hand back, "Thank you for it also. I forgot to say that to you earlier today."
They stopped in front of Dumbledore's office. Draco kissed her cheek softly again before muttering the password.
"I'll wait for you out here." He whispered to her and then he kissed her on the lips this time.
She blushed and walked up the stairs by herself. She was really hoping now that Dumbledore had good news for her. When she entered the office, Dumbledore was there to lend a hand to the chairs. She sat down and waited for him to speak.
"Well, the nurses at St. Mungo's can do it, it isn't cheap, it isn't easy and it can't be done unless you have a least a week to spare. I've already offered them for the payment if you're willing to go through with this. It's up to you whether or not it gets done. They would expect you during Christmas break, all I need to do, is send them an owl with your answer." Dumbledore explained.
"I want to do this Professor. I want to know what colors look like, what my parents look like, my brother, my friends and… everyone else." She smiled, "And I especially want to know what I look like."
She heard Dumbledore writing something, and then she heard an owl. She smiled even more knowing that not only did she not have long to wait, but that she would be able to see what the important people in her life looked like.
"Miss Draven, I've sent your response. Make sure you let your parents know where you'll be during Christmas vacation and I'll send them an owl with the permission form since you're still under aged. You may return to your class, go to your dormitory or head to the Great Hall. The choice is yours." He simply stated as he walked her back to the door.
"Thank you Professor." She called back as she walked down the stairs to meet up with Draco.
When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she could smell Draco there, waiting for her like he said he would. She smiled as he reached out and took her hand.
"What's with the grin? Something good happen?" He asked, not sure if she would actually answer.
"I'm grinning because I'm happy. I'm happy for a multitude of reasons, good news from Dumbledore and being here with you." She blushed lightly.
He squeezed her hand and kissed her lightly on the lips. "So where to now? The Great Hall or back to your class?"
Her smile turned into a small frown when the bell to let out the classes rang. She wasn't sure she wanted to leave him, but she knew they couldn't stay like this around other, at least not yet.
"I guess head me towards my class so Hermione can take me back to our dorms. I'm sorry we didn't get more time together."
"It's alright. Are you going home for Christmas break?"
"No, I'm not going home for break."
He squeezed her hand and walked her until Hermione found them. Hermione took her other hand and looked at Draco.
"Thank you Malfoy for taking care of her, but we need to go put our stuff up in our dorm before supper. You should do the same. Kiss her quick before anyone comes around." Hermione giggled.
Draco took her advice and kissed Alex one more time before letting her hand go. She wasn't quite sure she wanted to be away from him, but it was inevitable right now while she was so vulnerable.
She and Hermione went and put their stuff up in the dorms and headed down for supper. She stayed serene and peaceful during their meal, only adding to the conversation if she was directly asked something. The rest of the night went smoothly and rapidly. She left with Hermione to head to bed.
The time flew until it was the day before Christmas break. Harry, Ron and Hermione were all staying at school. Alex was sitting outside with the trio when Professor McGonagall showed up.
"I've come to collect you Miss Draven. Dumbledore says it's urgent and he also wants me to let you others know that Miss Draven is going for a consultation at St. Mungo's and she'll be fine. He'll also allow you three access by Floo powder to see her if you want. Come on now Miss Draven." McGonagall took Alex's hand and led her to Dumbledore's.