Chapter Six- Everything
Ministry Cautions Wizards and Witches
Upon the return of He Who Must Not Be Named the Ministry of Magic has released an informative guide on how to take precautions during your everyday life. We have been asked to print a copy in the Daily Prophet although you may pick up a copy of your own in Hogsmead or at The Ministry of Magic.
TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY
Before allowing someone into your home always make sure the person is not being impersonated. To do this, ask them a question that only that person would be able to answer for you. Some examples are 'What Grade did you receive on your Transfiguration O.W.L?' or 'Where did you first meet your wife?'. But do not ask questions that could be easily figured out. Some examples are 'What is your favorite color?' or 'How old are you?'. These questions are too vague and can be worked around.
If you feel that a family member, a neighbor or a friend is under the Imperious curse please notify the Ministry immediately. These people could cause harm to themselves or others if not dealt with promptly.
Be careful about who you trust important information with. No one is to be trusted anymore. Anyone you know, a friend or even a family member, may be working for He Who Must Not Be Named. They may even be under the Imperious curse and you may not realize this. So, be extra cautious when sharing information.
When outside the home or work make sure to travel in groups. Numbers create a safer environment if an attack should occur. Under- aged wizards and witches, however, should not be left alone in any circumstance.
Please inform the Ministry if a Muggle appears to be under the influence of Dark Magic. This is for your own as well as the Muggle's safety. Aurors can look into the cause and alert the neighborhood of possible attacks.
A curfew is mandatory. The breaking of the curfew will result in severe consequences. No wizard or witch shall be allowed out of the house past Midnight unless granted special permission and they can not leave again until six that morning.
This is for your safety and we recommend you follow all of these precautions.
Sincerely, Minister for Magic
Rufus Scrimgeour
Aliana threw down her copy of the Prophet. "This," she pointed towards her paper. "Is a bunch of lies. If anyone was in real danger these precautions wouldn't help a bit. If the Dark Lord really wanted you dead I'm sure he could get past you asking him what colour pants he wore when you first met him."
"Well, I suppose. But if it makes people feel safer I guess it's worth it," Elizabeth replied reaching for some toast.
"I mean the curfew makes sense, and the whole not leaving your kids alone and going in pairs-"
Aliana interrupted Rayna "Do you really think that two people compared to one is gonna make much of a difference when your fighting the most powerful wizard in the world. I mean the Ministry should be telling people to run for their lives if they see him. They should be telling people the truth about what happened at the Ministry last year. They, along with Potter and his followers, have hidden as many details as they can afford. I mean if we knew where You Know Who was standing, how powerful he is, then we may actually stand a chance against him. But we know nothing more than we did before, except that it is certain that he is back. The Ministry is doing a real horrid job right now if you ask me."
The other three girls as well as the other few Ravenclaw's that overheard her speech fell silent. What Aliana had just revealed had shocked them. Very few people went against the Ministry. But luckily her next response was cut across by the signal to move to first class.
--
Finding that her "outburst" at breakfast had caused some tension Aliana decided to work on her homework in the library that evening. She didn't understand her friends' fear of the Ministry. It was almost like if they said something against it they would be put in Azkaban. Of course, both Rayna and Elizabeth's parents worked at the Ministry but that shouldn't stop them from seeing the truth. Maybe, they thought they were safe but Aliana knew they were dead wrong. Being at Hogwarts right now was dangerous. But that danger could be controlled, these students could be kept safe. All they needed to know was the truth. But could they handle the truth?
Lost in thought Aliana once again ran right into someone. "I am so sorry," she blurted out reaching to help pick up books scattered around the corridor. "You'd be amazed at how many times I've ran into someone this year."
"That's okay, really," a familiar voice reassured. "I'm Hermione Granger by the way."
Aliana took her outstretched hand. "I'm Aliana Moxley. I think we have defense together."
"Ya, I think we do."
"So are off to the library?" Aliana asked.
"Unfortunately I am. They have been loading us with so much homework but I think it's much easier to concentrate in here."
The two girls took a seat next to each other. "Ya I suppose. It's much quieter in here."
Both girls grabbed books and parchment setting off on another few hours of homework. Aliana found the library a nice escape from the common room where she was constantly interrupted by something exploding or the hindrance of chatter. She immersed herself in her studies finding herself back into a world where she could find interest in everything and anything. In France she was a top student, but that was mainly because she loved to learn. Although that didn't impress many people she consistently studied and earned herself honorable marks. The library, a safe haven, brought her back into that mentality.
"I think I'm almost done," Hermione groaned. "I mean I love to read but this is an overload."
"Oh I know. I could read for hours about almost anything but once you turn it into an essay it seems to ruin the purpose of learning. I would love to learn for the sake of learning and not have to worry about my marks, for once."
"You know what?" Hermione suddenly blurted.
"What…?"
"I think I love you," Hermione's voice was extremely serious. But just before Aliana bolted out of there she started to laugh.
"Oh, thank Merlin. You're just joking. I swear I was about to run out of here claiming I was going to die," Aliana choked out through her laughter.
Madam Pince, however, found none of this funny and sent the girls a warning glare. This quieted them slightly.
"So why were you saying you loved me?"
"Because I have honestly never met anyone before who wanted to learn for the sake of learning. I swear that you are my soul mate."
Giggling Aliana shrugged, "Well I hate to break it to you but… I'm just not that interested in you. Maybe if you cut your hair and deepened your voice. You know, if you grew some balls. Then it might work out. But I am afraid that is nearly impossible."
"You know you're nothing like I thought you'd be like."
"Why, what did you think I would be like?" Aliana was worried now. She couldn't afford another reason for people to stare at her funny in the halls. "Did someone say something?"
"You know, I think that I said too much." Hermione was shaking her head now; she seemed to be denying something herself. "I should go; I mean it was really nice meeting you but…"
"But what?" Aliana's arms crossed defensively over her chest. "Hermione you just sat here and talked to me like a friend for three hours. But what?"
"I… I don't know. It's just… I, really shouldn't." she was stuttering now and looked as though she couldn't think straight. "I'm sorry." Hermione grabbed her books and started towards the door but was stopped. Aliana had grabbed her wrist.
"Can you please tell me? I swear that I will answer any questions, you have. I… look Hermione; I don't have many friends here. I'm not really the type of person that makes friends too easily but now that we are pretty close I'd like to keep it that way. If you can just tell me what's up…"
"Okay," she conceded with a sigh. "I'll tell you, but you must promise that you won't blame me, okay?"
"I promise," Aliana replied leading her over to their table.
"So, I'll start by telling you what I know." Hermione took another deep breath. "Ron, my friend Ron Weasley, told Harry and I on the train that… He told us that his father spoke with some of the officials at the Ministry that summer. They were, well worried," another pause allowed Hermione's face to take on a frightening expression. "They heard about another Death Eater. That he would be getting a high position in the Ministry. They said that he was in good with Fudge and was friendly with Lucius Malfoy. Both of them had good relations with the Minister, and well they also said that the man had a daughter. They were talking about your family." Hermione's face rested on Aliana's.
She was shocked. All along her father liked to present himself as though he was a Death Eater and it had finally gotten him in trouble. It had also gotten her in trouble.
Hermione's voice broke the silence. "You're not mad, are you?"
"No, Hermione. I'm not mad, at you. Just at my father."
"But…why?" Hermione's face expressed her desperation for answers.
"He's not a Death Eater,"
"Well that's a relief."
"Ya, I suppose." Aliana took a second to collect her thoughts. "My father always pretended to be a Death Eater. He always associates with them. Looks like it finally got him into trouble."
"So, why didn't he just join then?"
"None of us really favor the Dark Lord. We only connect with his followers for security reasons, or so my father says. But I don't see how it keeps us much safer."
"Wow, Harry and Ron are gonna be surprised. They had me convinced that you were a dark witch. Harry was even trying to warn Dumbledore about you, but he wouldn't believe any of it. I told him we should always trust Dumbledore. He always seems to know the truth."
"I hope not," Aliana let the words slip out of her mouth.
"Why," Hermione's face was suddenly backed to the offensive.
"That would be just plain creepy then," Aliana caught herself. "I mean can you imagine some of the things he would know about us. Would you like him to know what colour underwear your wearing everyday? Or how you were checking out the guys' ass that just walked past?"
"Good point," Hermione smiled again and the two girls broke into a fit of giggles.
With another stern look from Madam Pince both of the girls quickly shut up until realization dawned on Aliana.
"So, Harry actually had a reason to hate me. I figured he could read my mind or something."
"And why would he hate you if he could read your mind?"
"Oh, there's some pretty nasty stuff running through there," Aliana joked but became serious again. "Actually, just before I saw him for the first time I was thinking about how he adores all of the attention he gets. I honestly can't stand the groupies constantly following him around."
"Neither can he," Hermione smiled. "You two seem to have a lot in common actually."
"Wonderful," Aliana rolled her eyes as her words dripped with sarcasm.
--
Walking down the corridor towards the dungeon Draco heard a familiar ring of laughter. The sweet notes of it encasing him in pure bliss drew his attention closer. The library, the charming hum was flowing out from the library. With his attention already in its grasp the sugary laughter coaxed his body towards the alcove.
Peeking in, he saw her. His sweet Aliana was producing the infectious laughter. She always managed to grab his attention; the simplest thing could catch his eye. A flick of her hair, a crease in her forehead, her sitting with Granger. His eyes had finally wandered to the girl seated across from Aliana. Her bushy hair was a dead give away.
"Stupid Mudblood," Draco muttered under his breath.
She had seemed so perfect and yet here was her flaw. Mingling with the Gryffindor's wasn't the worst she could do but it must be stopped. It must be stopped immediately. His wonderful Aliana would stay his. She needed to be his because he couldn't stay away from her. She was everything he wanted. She was everything…
A/N: So, Chapter Six is done. I loved writing this one because who doesn't love a surprise visit from one of The Golden Trio. I know I probably didn't capture Hermione's character too well but I tried. And of course we had too add in a little more Draco. I love this possessive side of him that I am portraying because it's truly unique to him. I think he would act like this for sure because of his tendency to keep with what he knows. I would love to know what you think about where Draco's character is going and the chapter in general. Once again, comments and criticism anyone?