Chapter 2: Train Rides, New School and Sorting
Alex walked up and down the corridor of the train, looking for a spot to sit. All of the compartments were filled to the max. As hard as he might have tried, Alex couldn't help but smile to himself. This was gonna be an interesting year to say the least. One of the things he loved most about who and what he was, was the enhanced hearing. Even with all the whispers, he could hear the talks as if he was standing right next to the person.
"Alex, come sit with us if you want." A voice said from behind him. Alex turned around to find Hermione standing in the door way of the compartment her, Ron, and Harry were sharing.
"Sure. Thanks a bunch. Everywhere else is pretty full and I not really big on huge crowds either." Alex replied as he entered the compartment.
Harry moved closer to the window to let Alex sit down on the seat. "Enjoying yourself so far?" Harry asked.
"Oh yeah. Barrels and barrels of monkeys of fun." Alex said laughing, as the three teenagers looked at him curiously. "What? Don't tell me you have never heard that expression before. I was trying to be sarcastic is all. Actually, truth be told, I am really excited about being here."
"So Alex, tell us about yourself. Why are you coming to Hogwarts now? Where did you go to school before coming here? What is it like where your from? Does your girlfriend have a problem with you being so far away?" Hermione asked all in one breath.
Alex threw his head back and let out a bark of a laugh. "Slow down there Granger, one question at a time please. There are some things about myself that I can not tell you but I will tell you what I can, so please understand that. Consider it for not only my safety but your safelty as well. First of all, I was raised in the States after my mom and stepdad were killed. I was in fact born in Jolly Ol London." Alex said laughing and with a British accent.
"Second, I was transferred here from Salem Academy in upstate Masachusetts. I got into some trouble there and had to leave. Seems like no one there likes a good prank. Third, all depends on what part of America you are in. I mean, one place can be absolutly beautiful and breathe-taking, then you go a few hundred miles if that and be in a total dump. All depends really on where you are at. Stone Creek in upstate New York, where I live, I think is the most beautiful place ever. Hundreds of acres of wooden land, a massive three-story mansion, all the freedom I could want or need. Yep, I honestly believe Stone Creek is the best." Alex said to the trio sitting before him, hanging onto his words. "Before I answer your next question Miss Granger, Ron I do believe your sister is on her way to our compartment."
"What? How can you know that? She five compartments down." Ron asked questionably.
Before Alex could answer, the door to the compartment opened and Ginny Weasley stepped in and sat down next to Hermione.
"Bloody hell!" Ron and Harry both exclaimed at the same time.
"Ok mate, how did you do that?" Ron asked Alex.
Alex laid his head on the back of his seat, grinning ear to ear, "Cann't say but comes with the package."
Hermione and Ginny laughed at the shocked and confused look on the best friends faces. "Awwww, what wrong boys, afraid of a little competition from the new guy?" Ginny asked them.
Alex shook his head and sat back up in his seat, "so back to your questions Granger. I do believe I owe you one more answer. That answer being I don't know. I don't have a girlfriend at this moment. You know," Alex said standing up, "I have no no clue as to why I don't have a girlfriend. I mean come on, look at me. What girl wouldn't want to fall for this." Alex held his arms out and slowly turned around. "Almost six foot tall, devilish good looks, blonde hair, emerald green eyes, and a body of pure massive muscle. I have the body of a God." Alex added laughingly.
"Muscle? What muscle? All I see is a guy who thinks he is top shit and his arse don't stink." Ginny retorted. "Besides, cann't see anything through clothes. Clothes are decieving. They only make you look bigger than you really are."
With a wicked grin on his face, Alex challenged her with his response, "You wanna see the proof for yourself then? I will. I will show you I not making it up"
"I dare you!" Ginny responded back, with a sly grin on her face as well, while her brother, Harry and Hermione all sat back watching the banter between the two.
"Ron, Harry, the two of you might want to turn away. This might get to be too much for the two of you. Hermione, you by all means may watch." Alex said as he started to remove his new robes and placing them neatly on the seat in which he was just sitting in. Standing directly in front of Ginny, Alex untucked and unbuttoned his long sleeve white dress shirt, revealing a white wife-beater tank top underneath. After placing the shirt with his robes, Alex turned and stepped in front of Ginny again.
"Pure muscle." he whipsered in to her ear as he leaned forwards.
"Oh my." Hermione gasped.
"Well Miss Weasley, did my clothes lie about my build?" Alex asked her as he straightened back up.
"Umm, umm. Well no, I guess not." She said in a quiet voice. "How?"
"How? I work out alot. I do a lot of running and lifting weights. I know alot of guys get this way by use of drugs and other muscle enhancemants but not I. I do things the old fashioned way, working out. I get more pleasure out of running and hitting the punching bag more than anything." he told her as she stood before him, wanting to touch his very much chiseled body but not sure if it was safe.
Noticing the look in Ginny's eyes, he took a small step towards her and whispered into her ear so she was the only one who could hear, "Go ahead, I won't bite. Touch, feel, grope, I don't care. Get your feel."
Ginny ran her fingers down his arms, feeling his muscles twitch at her touch. As she go to his left arm, she stopped and withdrew her hand. There, running across his left shoulder and all down the left side of his body, was a massive scar. Ginny just stood there staring at the ugle massive scar until her brother's voice brought her out of her trance she found herself in.
"OYE! PUT YOUR CLOTHES BACK ON IN FRONT OF MY SISTER!"
"Easy Ron, I was just proving your sister wrong is all. No harm, no foul mate." Alex said as he put his shirt and robes back on.
"Alex, what happened to you left arm, It looks pretty bad." Harry asked him after he retook his seat.
"Got that when I was about 2 1/2 years old." Alex told him and the others. "It was an attack on me and my family that only I survived. I was rescued by a family friend and taken to Jason, the guy you guys met at the station. He took me in and cared for me. He become like my step-dad after it all happened. I try not to talk about it very much because it brings back the nightmares from that night.
"Oh Alex, I am so sorry. It must be hard on you with that kind of reminder all the time. We won't bring it up again if you like." Hermione said with tears in her eyes.
"So, how long till we get to the school, because I am starving." Alex asked, trying to change the subject.
"It shouldn't be much longer." Ginny told him as he turned his gaze out the window. "So tell us about your school you came from. What is it like there?
"Well, it like any other school I guess. Salem has been the only school I have ever been to. Ever since I was about four or five, I could do stuff that no one else in my family could do. Then when I was about six or seven, I get this weird letter in the mail saying that I was accepted to this private school that specialized in kids with my type of ablilties. I was going there up until mid last year. Me and a good friend of mine got into some trouble and instead of giving us a warning, we both got kicked out. Jason, or Jay as I call him, wasn't too happy about it because then he had to keep me home. He didn't have the slightest idea what to do with me. Jay got ahold of Remus and explained to him what was going on, then the next thing I know, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Mooney, and the Salem Headmaster are all at Stonecastle having a meeting about my schooling." Alex told them, omitting the fact that his biological father was at the meeting as well.
That is one secret I will take to the damn grave. I don't want anyone to know that I am related to him. It gonna be tough having to see him every day now at Hogwarts, but I will deal with it. He just better not get in my way or TRY and be a father to me now cause I will so knock him off that high horse he has been sitting on. Alex thought to himself as he thought back to the meeting and the true reason why Jason didn't want him to go to Hogwarts.
Jason, god bless him, tried to talk Dumbledore out of it but he could understand why Dumbledore wanted both brothers together. The war in Britain was heating up now that the Dark Lord had made his return last year and Dumbledore knew Harry's life was about to be cut short. He just didn't know when. He wanted the brothers to meet an dget to know each other before that happened. Dumbledore also wanted Alex to try and get to know his father as well. Not gonna happen if I have anything to do with it.
"The school it self is huge. Hard to discribe how big it is." Alex added.
"What kind of spells and charms did they teach you?" asked Herimone.
"Umm, your basic spells and charms I suppose. Blocking and attacking spells for combat, apperance changing spells to change your looks so no one will recognize you. All sorts of spells." Alex said.
"They teach you how to change your appearance?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. Here watch." Alex answered back. Alex raised his bare hand, thought of the look he wanted and passed his hand across his face starting at the top of his head to the middle of his chest. As his hand passed over his face, his hair grew out to his shoulder, changed from blonde to jet black, his clean shaven face now sporting a goatee and mustache. "The only thing I cann't change is my scars. I have tried believe me."
"That was bloody wicked!" Ron exclaimed. "Never knew someone who could do that that well and not mess up. And with no wand. HEY! Where's your wand at?"
"My what?" Alex asked.
"Your wand Alex. Where is your wand." Herminone repeated. She pulled out her wand and showed Alex her wand. "You need a wand to perform spells and charms. Everyone has to have one at Hogwarts."
"WOW! You performed wandless magic. Not many people can do that much less have strong enough magical powers to do it. It takes alot of strength." Ginny added.
"Wait a minute. You mean to tell me that you guys are dependant on a twig? You were never taught to use your powers without a crutch? This is sad, really sad." Alex said. "We were and have been taught since the day we get to Salem, how to control our powers and do our stuff crutch free. We were also taught that using a "wand" as you guys call them, was a sign of weakness and that you are not confident enough to put enough strength into your work."
Alex waved his hand in front of his face again and changed his appearance back to the short messed up blonde cut and clean shaven face.
"That is really amazing Alex. Really it is." Hermione told him.
"What were the houses like?" Ron asked again.
"The houses?" Alex asked puzzled.
"You know, your house that seperates you from the others. Hogwarts has four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. All four houses were named after the four founders of the school. We're all in Gryffindor and our house colors is marron and gold. The three of us, minus Hermione, play on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. You do know what Quidditch is, right?" Ginny replied.
"Quidditch? You guys have quidditch here too! AWESOME!" Alex exclaimed. "Finally something that both schools have in common. I think I would have been lost if there wasn't gonna be a team for me to play on. Jay and the rest of my family would always come to the school to watch me play. Been playing for the three years and went undefeated all three years. Salem also won the Regional title for the past two years as well."
"Whoa mate. That is really impressive." Harry said. "I've been the Gryffindor Seeker for the past five years now, Ginny has been one of our chasers since last year, and Ron just started last year as well as Keeper. What position do you play?"
"Umm, well, I was Seeker as well. I could have went for being a chaser or a beater, but since no one else tried for seeker, I took it. I don't care really what position I play as long as I can fly and feel the wind rushing past me. That all I want." Alex told Harry when he saw the terrified look on his brothers face when he told him he played seeker.
He's afraid I'm gonna take his spot on the team. I would never do that to him. I've heard of his flying skills from the Tri-Wizard Tournament last year when he took on that dragon. That why I said I would play any other spot just os he can have his seeker position. Besides this way, I can keep an eye on him that way and not having to worry about looking for the snitch. Alex thought to himself.
As the train rolled on, Alex got to know the four friends a little more and he shared a little bit more information about Salem Academy. The more they all talked, the faster time went by before the next thing they realized was the train was slowing down. The five teenagers had already changed into their school robes and were eagerly awaiting for the train to come to a complete stop.
Alex helped load the girl's trunks onto the platform and headed to the carriages to up to the castle. Alex sat near the carriage door, scanning the dark for unwanted visitors. He had to smile to himself when he picked up a familiar scent and he knew then that his first night at Hogwarts was indeed gonna be interesting.
As the group approached the castle doors, the Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick was there to meet Alex at the door. "Sorry to break up this happy band of friends, but Mr. Staggs I am to take you to the Headmaster's office as soon as you arrived. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you before the feast begins."
"Uhh, sure. I'll see you guys in a few then." Alex told the group. "Lead the way Professor."
Alex turned and followed the short professor into the school and down the corridor. "So how come you get to be my escort tonight, instead of the Headmaster himself?"
"Professor Dumbledore is still in a brief staff meeting and he asked me to bring you to him since Professor McGonagall is taking care of the the first years. And of course I have already heard about you and wanted to see just how harmless or not so harmless you were. I must say, for a young one, you are quite tame and calm. It must take a great deal of restrant to hold back your anger and your hunger. I applaude you for that Mr. Staggs." Professor Flitwick told him.
"Aww shucks, professor, all it takes is the right training and the proper raising. If you let someone like me just run free and do as they want, then yeah you get the monsters everyone thinks we are. But there are those of us who are good and wouldn't harm that proverbial fly. I was indeed raised and trained right. Jason and Mooney saw to that." Alex said, trying to hide the redness that he felt growing. He always turned red when ever someone paid him a compliment and he didn't know why.
"Ahhh yes, here we are." Flitwick said as they arrived at the gargoyle statue that hid the way to the Headmaster's office. "Full Moon."
The gargoyle sprang to life and moved to the side to allow Alex access to the spiral marble stairs leading upward. "Just step onto the stairs and they will do the rest. Knock before you enter and I shall see you at the feast Mr. Staggs." Flitwick said as he walked away.
When the stairs stopped moving, Alex found himself infront of a beautiful oak and maple door. Alex raised his hand to knock only to have the door open before him and he could hear the Headmaster's voice telling him to enter.
Alex pushed the door open and entered the office. There in the office was the Headmaster himself, Albus Dumbledore, Potions Master Severus Snape, Order member Remus Lupin, Grounds Keeper Rubeus Hagrid, and Pack Alpha Jason Madden, along with Pack Financal Advisor Anthony Shock. Standing off in the corner, was Hogwarts Caretaker Argus Filch. He was holding what looked to be a mangy looking cat and his eyes never left Alex as he walked into the office.
There were other staff members present but Alex had his eyes set on his father. Don't EVEN try anything with me this year old man, because I will make you regret it. Alex thought as he watched his father stiffen up and glare at him, knowing damn well his father read his mind.
"Professor Dumbledore! What a pleasure seeing you again." Alex said as he strolled over to shake the professor's hand.
"Ah yes, young Mr. Staggs. 'Tis indeed a great honor seeing and having you here at Hogwarts. I do hope your train ride here wasn't too harsh on you." Dumbledoare said with a smile.
"Yeah the ride here was good. I had the pleasure of sitting with Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley and of course Harry." Alex told the group around him. "But no worries sir, he doesn't know who I am but a transfer student from Salem Academy. I understand the importance of him not knowing who I am right now. I do hope sir that in time, I will be able to tell him. We both have been robbed of so much. And because of that, I will do everything in my powers to protect and keep him safe."
Everyone in the office gave Alex a nod of the head, understanding that he knows what is at stake. Everyone but Severus. Severus stood back with his eyes locked on the young man before him. In the past 14 1/2 years, he never once thought he would see him standing before him. He thought that after Lily and James were killed and the boys were seperated, he would never have to deal with him again when he was sent to live in America. The "friends" of Lily and James that took him in, adopted him and changed his last name. He had only saw Troy and Colleen Staggs from a distance. How was he to know that Voldemort had him followed and the Staggs family put on watch.
And then there was Fenrir Greyback and his followers showing up and killing everyone. The last he had known or heard, Alex had lost his life to the attack. How was he to know that Dumbledore had sent James' best friend Lupin, to America on daily visits to check on the boy. How was he to know that it was Lupin who saved Alex from death by taking him to Jason. How was he to know that Jason was able to save him and was now raising him as his own son.
At least, Severus thought he doesn't look like me. The only thing about him was his eyes. He, like Harry, had Lily's eyes.
Lily
Oh sweet Lily
He missed her so much. She was the only one who understood him. She was the only one who was ever nice to him. She was the only one he would ever love. He was deep in thoughts of Lily when Dumbledore brought him out of it by speaking to Alex once again.
"Seeing as you know and understand your being here, I don't see why this meeting should take longer than it has already has. Let's get you sorted into your house so you can join your classmates for dinner."
"With all due respect sir, I would like to be 'sorted' in front of the entire school with the others." Alex said to Dumbledore as he was reaching for the sorting hat. "I don't want special treatment while I am here except for the arrangement that has already been agreed too."
Alex's arms were folded across his chest and his feet were shoulders width apart. The stance that Jason and Tony knew as Alex's I-mean-business-and-he-not-backing-down. They both had seen this stance many times, many times the stance aimed at them.
With a huge grin on his face, Dumbledore threw his head back and laughed. "Alex my dear boy, if that is your wish then so be it. We will sort you with the rest of the first years. Remus if you will, please show our guests to the Great Hall for sorting and dinner. Severus, a quick word please."
Remus lead the group down the stairs and down the corridor to the Great Hall. They talked for a few, going over Alex's plan one last time before he was on his own. As they neared the Great Hall, Dalton, Teri and Nic joined them.
"Damn it Jay! I thought you guys were ALL leaving. You could have left to go back to the states as soon as I got on the train. Seeing you and Tony in Dumbledore's office was one thing, but come on, I am a big boy now. I can take care of myself now. I don't need you to hold my hand everytime I change schools. I not Dalton." Alex said, while shooting a smirking grin towards his pack brother.
"Easy Alex, Dumbledore asked them to stay for a few days to make sure you got settled in ok." Remus said as they slowed their walk. "Here, in here for the Great Hall. Stand here at the back of the hall until your name is called Alex."
They followed a terrified group of first year students into the Hall. Wow, now I know why they call this the Great Hall. This place is huge. Slex thought as he took his place beside Jason.
Through the back doors, Alex saw Dumbledore and Severus enter and take their place at the staff table. To his left, Professor Flitwick came in carrying a stool and the sorting hat on top of it. One by one, everyone watched as each first year had the hat placed on their head and sorted into their house. As the last first year was taking his seat at the Ravenclaw table, Dumbledore stood up and spoke to the school.
"Congratulations to all of you first years. Before we start our feast, we have one more sorting to do. This year, we have the pleasure of having a transfer student with us. He comes to us from the Salem Academy in the America. Please welcome students, Alexander James Staggs."
Ales took a deep breath and walked towards the staff table where Dumbledore awaited him with the hat in hand.
"Welcome Alex. If you please, have a seat on the stool and place the hat on your head."
"If it alright with you Headmaster, I would prefer to stand." Alex said.
Dumbledore threw his head back once again and laughed. He handed Alex the hat and took his seat at the staff table. He leaned back in his chair and smile. He knew this was gonna be one sorting Hogwarts and the hat wouldn't forget any time soon.
Alex knelt down in front of the school and staff and on one knee, he placed the hat on his head.
"Well ,well, well." A voice said. "A conflicting mind we have. A mind of great power and control but yet a mind of caring passion. You want to do great, I see. But you are a fighter and a protector as well. Your young heart is filled with love but is also filled with a driving anger that will surely be your downfall. Ah yes, your father's ouse you will do great in. To learn those ways you have to prove your worth. Yes your father's house I see in."
Alex yanked the hat off his head and turned it around to where he could see where the brim opened up into it's mouth. "Now listen here you raggety piece of shit, I am here on a mission. I can not and WILL not be able to my job if I am in my father's house." Alex growled at the hat to where only the hat could hear. He held the hat so close that anyone watching would have thought him to be smelling or eating the hat. "I warn you now hat, DON'T put me in my "father's" house. I am nothing like that son-of-a-bitch and I am ten times better than him. You got that!"
Giving the hat one more low growl, he placed the hat back on his head. "Place me right or you will never sort again." Alex told it warningly.
The old sorting hat laughed as it continued with it's sorting. "Well you do indeed speak your mind and you want to stand for what is right. Yes. Yes. YES! Your mother's house would indeed benefit from your strengths. So let it be known: GRYFFINDOR!"
Alex turned his gaze to the Gryffindor table to where his brother sat with his friends. With a noticeable nod, Alex stood, removed the hat, tossed it over his right shoulder, and marched his way to his new house and his new house mates.
Towards the back of the Hall, Alex could see the ear to ear grin on Jason's face. His two brothers were trying in vain to hold back the laugh that was trying so hard to break free. His pack family knew exactly what had been said. With a nod towards Jason and the pack, Alex turned his attention to the massive pile of food that appeared in front of him. Jason and the others slipped out the Hall to give Alex the space he was gonna need to be able to do his job. Tonight was all Alex. Time to let the young wolf shine.