Disclaimer: If I wrote Harry Potter I wouldn't have killed one of the wonder twins; and if I wrote these songs what would I be doing here? lol
'Italics'- thoughts
'Bold'- singing
'Bold/italicized'- just the song that goes to the chapter, if any.
'((Bold and in double parentheses))'- Singing with Siren abilities, with only one set of parentheses its talking with the ability.
Author's notes: Sorry it took so long but its 51 pages of Misery Business goodness, so enjoy and I will try my damnest to get the next one out. I've had bad drama and it drains me of inspiration, so again I'm sorry. Enjoy!
Three Weeks before Christmas, Potter Residence
James trumped down the stairs ruffling his hair, he was woken up two minutes ago from his mother yelling up stairs letting them know breakfast was ready. James surveyed the table; there was waffles, toast, bacon, eggs, and strawberries. He walked forward taking a plate and was about to help himself to the food when his mother poked his shoulder with a spatula, "Try and leave some for your brother and sister this time James."
He just smirked at her, "I'll try mum."
"Don't' give me that look, your father gives me that look when I tell him not to do something and he does anyway…" Ginny said sticking her son with another look before turning around, magically making the dishes wash themselves before grabbing a few slices of toast, some strawberries, and a waffle for herself.
"So when are you going to give Ashley her gift today?" Ginny asked her son after he tucked in across from her with a plate full that put hers to shame.
"Oh, I was thinking about lunch time but I'll send her a letter double checking." James said glancing quickly at his mother before digging into his pile of waffles.
Just then Al came stumbling down the stairs rubbing his eye, "Mornin' what's for breakfast?"
"Fried Goblin head's, what do ya think bludger-head?" James said throwing his brother a look and Al threw right back at him.
An hour later James came back down stairs fully dressed and he grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled out a letter, strapped it to Hedwig (the second), and set her on her way. James looked down and straightened his shirt, "Nervous?"
James head snapped up as his father entered the room smiling that annoying knowing smile. James chuckled, "Uh, a little I think…I just don't know if she's like it."
Harry laughed at the son who was so much like him, "I'm sure she'll love it; I use to double think myself when I was young, your mother and your aunt always scolded me for worrying too much." Harry smiled remembering the younger days.
"Easy for you to say, you're out of the dating game now…" James said smirking at his dad as his dad huffed and poured a cup of coffee.
No sooner than they could carry on the conversation Hedwig had returned with a letter. James gave her a treat and opened the letter.
Dear James,
Would you mind coming over around 3pm instead? I've got to clean the house a bit and don't think I'll be done by lunch time. Let me know if it's a problem, if not I'll see you at 3.
Yours, Ashley
"Well I have a bit longer to get my nerves down," He shot his dad and look and Harry just laughed at him. "She said to go over at 3."
[===]- -[===]
James stepped out of the green glowing fire place and looked around, "Ashley?"
"I'm up stairs James, I'm just finishing up putting laundry away, you can come on up. I'm in my room; second door on the left." Ashley shouted down the hall. So James obediently made his way up stairs.
James spoke as made it to threshold of her bedroom door, "Happy Birthday, I didn't get you much but I hope you like…it…"
When James looked up the bedroom had a dull glow from the sunlight trying to beat through the drapes over the window, and Ashley was standing at the end of her bed…in lacy blue knickers and matching bra. James shamelessly took in her figure and she just smiled as he did.
When he finally made his way back up to her face he was still at a loss, "…Hey, umm…"
"You said you had a present for me?" She said in a casual and sexy tone. He dumbly held out the little long box and shuffled forward.
"Here," James blushed furiously looking around the room.
She twined her fingers with his and leaned up kissing him on the cheek, "Thanks." She unwrapped the box and looked up at James with a questioning look; his cheeks and neck were still bright red. She slowly opened the box to reveal simple silver necklace. "James its gorgeous. Would you clasp it for me?" She said pulling the chain out and turning around. James hesitantly took the ends of the chain and waited for her to lift her hair before clasping it. His fingers lingered on the skin of her neck and she quickly leaned back into him.
She turned and connected her lips with his; he let out a low groan. Ashley could feel his hands hesitating over his hips so she glided her hands down to his and pressed them against her skin, and this time she sighed. She curled her arms around his neck as his hands glided over her back.
"Your parents…" James managed to form as he tried to get his breathing under control.
"Out taking care of a case right now, they won't be back for a few hours." Ashley said seeking his lips once more.
This time the kiss grew more heated and Ashley took a step back towards her bed, James staggered with her. But when her legs bumped the bed James pulled back breathing heavy.
"Is this…how far…Oh Merlin." James formed incoherently.
She chuckled as she looked up at him through her lashes, "Yes I'm sure love." She slowly leaned back on the bed and James followed her catching his weight, hovering above her body. As he continued to snog her she wiggled her legs out from under him and curled them around his waist. He lifted himself off of her and was about to move her to the head of the bed and take full control, but as soon as he let her up she pulled him to the head of the bed and straddled the him. After contemplating it James decided to let her do as she wished, so if she wanted to stop she could, but when she cupped him through his trousers he knew she didn't plan on stopping; and he let out a raspy groan.
…. ….
It was 5:30pm when James walked out of his fire place, shirt a bit ruffled and his hair still a bit of a sweaty mess. He was in a dazed state when someone threw a game card at him, "Wha?"
"Hey mate, geez your finally back, we were about to call Ashley's to make sure nothing happened to ya. But by the looks of it, she thoroughly snogged you." Al said laughing and looking at his hand again before looking at his sister across from him. "Three fives and two Jack's."
"Three Queen's and two ten's." Lily said proudly gathering the colorful pile of candy in the middle of the table. She smirked at her oldest brother but he was still dazed off in space, "James…you okay? Did she break-up with you?"
James shook his head and looked over at his siblings who were staring at him, "What, no. It's fine, just a bit tired I guess." He quickly made his exit to his room before they asked anymore questions.
… …
"Where's James?" Ginny asked looking to the stairs and just as she was about to shout Al spoke up.
"He said he wasn't feeling too good, Ashley tried cooking for her birthday and it didn't agree with him. So I don't think he'll be down for supper." Al said shrugging. Lily shot him a look from across the table and he gave her a 'leave it alone look'.
Little did either of them know that said boy wasn't even in the house. He needed to talk with someone he felt safe with, someone who would never turn him away; he needed to talk to Rose. Also knowing they usually ate earlier then his family did, he hopped on his broom and quickly flew to his Aunt's house, which was right next to his. He left his broom in the wash room then entered the kitchen, "Hey Aunt Hermione, is Rose around?"
"Sure, she's up stairs. Shouldn't you be eating now?" Hermione said looking at the clock.
"Not hungry." James mumbled out before dashing up stairs. Hermione instantly knew something was wrong, the Potter boy's were always hungry.
James knocked on Rose's bedroom door, "Hey you in got a minute?" He didn't wait for an answer as he stepped in and closed and locked the door.
"Sure, what's wrong?" Rose asked closing her book noticed James's pained face.
"I need to talk to you about something and you have to swear you'll never mention this to anybody. This is never spoken of again." James said sitting next to her on the bed looking her dead in the eyes.
Rose turned to him, "Of course, you have my word."
James looked down and ran his hands through his hair back and forth a few times and Rose waited patiently, "I think…I messed up…"
"Messed what up?" Rose asked waiting patiently.
James stood up and began to pace ruffling his hair some more. "Today is Ashley's birthday, so I went over to give her a present…"
"Oh god, you didn't tell her about Alexis's Christmas Ball did you?" Rose said standing.
"No, worse…" James looked back down at his feet and paced even faster, once again ruffling his hair.
Rose reached up and grabbed his hand, "You're going to go bald if you keep doing that."
"I slept with her." James said abruptly.
Rose froze in shock, "Alexis?"
"No, Ashley! She said she was finishing up some laundry when I got there and she said I could come up, so I did and I found her at the end of her bed standing in her knickers." James said in a stressed tone before he crashed down on Rose's bed. "I just…I don't know what happened, I got swept up. I just didn't…" He let out a heavy breath, "I fucked up."
Rose was still frozen in place at hearing this, a bit red in the face now but she hadn't moved. She figured he would tell her first when this happened but it was only beginning of fifth year, and he's only been dating Ashley for a few months. 'Well at least he has the decency so not gloat about it.' She had always feared her cousin's head would inflate when he finally…had it off with a lady. So however bizarre the situation was she was mildly proud of him.
James looked up at her since she hadn't moved. She immediately went to sit next to him, "Well, this is sudden…" As soon as she finished James pinned her with a fearsome glare. "Oh god, sorry! I'm sorry James." He just shook his head and looked back down at his feet. "Okay well, if she was ready and you were…I guess there's nothing wrong with it…you did ask her right?" Rose said now pinning James with a look.
"Of course, well…I said it kind of gumbled 'cuz I couldn't really focus…" Rose rolled her eyes in disgust, "But she said that she was sure!" James said trying to recover.
Rose gave James a look that he couldn't place, like she was thinking of something else as she spoke. "Well, like I said then, if you were both sure and ready, its fine James. I know since this shocked me your head must be spinning right now. But you're a good guy, if it wasn't right you would have stopped it, right?"
"That's just the thing! I don't know if it was right, it just happened and I didn't stop it, sure she said it was okay but…I wasn't sure I was…ready." James said looking heartbrokenly crestfallen and it tore Rose's heart to see him this way.
"Well then tell her that, tell her that you want to take it slow from here on in. You don't want to barrel through, and if she pushes it with you she has me to deal with. Okay?" Rose said rubbing his back and leaning forward so he would look at her.
"You think she'll understand?"
"I should hope so or else I'll have completely lost faith in our generation, and if not she still has me to deal with." She gave him a wink and he returned a small smile.
"Okay, I'll write to her tonight. Thanks Rose." James gave her a bone crushing hug and she returned it.
"Not a problem, you know I'm here for you anytime you need me." Rose said pulling back.
"Yea," James stood and looked around her room, "Well see you tomorrow, probably." He smiled at her because they both knew they would in fact see each other sometime tomorrow.
She stood as well, "See you tomorrow James."
With that she watched as he left the room and tromped down stairs, as she watched him as he left; he looked a bit lighter but she could tell this was a rather large dump in the road for him. It was then she decided that she no longer liked Ashley and that if she ever crossed the line again she would indeed have someone to deal with.
Hermione was still in the kitchen when James reentered, "Is everything okay James?"
"Yeah, just had a homework question is all." James focused on slipping on his shoes; his aunt could always read him; and his father, like a book.
"You sure? You know you can't get in trouble for anything you bring to me." She said giving him an honest look and he met her gaze.
"Yeah, just a homework question." He did his damnest to not betray anything.
"Okay, see you tomorrow." She gave him a soft smile and he quickly grabbed his broom and was off.
Hermione watched out the window to make sure he got back to his room safely and when he did she turned around, "Rose, come here please!"
Rose silently made her way down stairs closing her book when she reached the kitchen. "Yes Mom?"
"Is everything alright with James, he looked stressed about something." Hermione asked studying her daughters features; hers were a bit harder to decipher than any of the boys. Hermione surmised that Rose learned to control her reactions from watching Hermione do so whenever she and Ron got into it; Rose learned fast and that made her very proud.
"No, just a homework question." Rose said plainly.
Hermione quirked an eyebrow at this, had they rehearsed this?
"James said the same thing…"
"And why would he say any different mother?" Rose said smirking at her mother, proud that she and James had said the same thing.
"Oh alright, you know if he's ever in trouble-"
"To come to you…yes Mother I know. But really it's nothing of great importance, just a question." The look on Rose's face made Hermione almost believe it, almost. But she knew her daughter too well and decided to let it go, if she did have a problem she always came to her anyway. Hermione then had a sad thought, that Rose hadn't come to her with a real problem in a while…
"Okay. So what shall we have for dessert?" Hermione said walking over and opening the refrigerator door.
Rose joined her in appraising their inventory. "Mmmm, that Strawberry Cheese Cake looks delicious." Rose said sneaking a glance at her mother. Hermione just smile slyly before grabbing the cake box and placing it on the island.
Potter House
James came bombing down the stairs just as his family was finishing up, "Hey mind if I fix myself a plate?"
Ginny shook her head, "Not at all, you feeling better love?" Not even waiting for his answer she walked forward and placed the back of her hand on his forehead.
"Yeah, I'm fine mum. Just wasn't feeling quite up to par earlier." James said sneaking a glance at his brother who gave him small nod of the head. So James busied himself and fix a plate, well there was originally a plate under the mound of food James accumulated. His family remained at the table and they talked of random things, school matters and family alike. Harry even shared some Ministry stories but then moved on to storied from his time at Hogwarts, after receiving a forbidding look from Ginny.
New Year's Eve: Malfoy ManorAlexis POV
I slipped my white dress over my head and waved my wand magically tightening it to my body because come on let's face it when you have magic zippers are obsolete. My hair was up in an exotic knot and I had on with silver eye liner and soft pink lip stick.
"You ready yet?" Scorpio questioned from my door way in his tux and green tie, making him look like dad's mini-me. But for some reason he also wore white gloves…he's odd sometimes but it didn't look bad on him so I'd give him that.
I look down at the train of me dress and see the evening sky fading into view on it; I smile and look up at my little brother, "Yes I am, how do I look?" I said spinning and stopping facing him again.
"Gorgeous, come on lets go." He said annoyed but I could tell he meant it, in his own brotherly way.
"Alright, let's go greet the guests." I looped my arm in his and let him lead me down stairs into the ball room where everyone gathered for our family ball.
We entered the ball room and I quickly scan the crowd to find my Father, he was talking to Mr. and Mrs. Zambini. 'At least I'll start off the evening without getting eye goggled by someone I don't know'. I thought as Scorpio and I cut through the crowd to Father. It was tradition that we'd spend most of the night accompanying Dad as he greeted everyone personally and talked business with some. It was also tradition for their sons…and a few daughters…to check me out, thoroughly.
"Ah, hello sweetheart," Dad said when we reached him, "You look stunning." He whispered in my ear as he kissed me on the cheek. "Scorpio, you're looking sharp." Dad said giving him a little smile noticing that Scorpio copied his wardrobe. Scorpio hid his smile and just gave a smirk in return, but in his eyes he was beaming.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Zambini, it's good to see you again." I said turning to the couple and nodding my head politely.
"Hello Alexis, it's good to see you too, you keep growing more beautiful each year." Mrs. Zambini said offering me one of her glowing smiles. I just nodded and said 'thank you', "Troy isn't giving you too much trouble in school is he? Now where did that boy go?" She said as she peered around for him.
I kept a straight face as her son crept up behind her and tapped her shoulder before sidestepping to her other side. "I'm right here mother." She glared at him as he extended his hand to me, "And no I'm not giving her trouble, although we get into trouble quite commonly." He said giving me a hidden smile and his mother gave me an expectant smile, she's always secretly hoped we would date but I decided a long time ago that it wasn't going to happen.
"Well people shouldn't open their mouths about things they don't know." I said smugly. We, well Father and I, Scorpio decided to go ask some girl to dance, stayed there talking with the Zambini's for what I could only guess was half an hour before dad bide them farewell and we moved on.
"Now remember, be pleasant sweetheart." Dad whispered into my ear as we walked along the outside of the dance floor.
"I'll do my best Father." I said smirking and he squeezed me tightly to his side with his arm, "Okay, I'll be pleasant! Now stop that before they think we have a loving Father-daughter relationship." I said smiling and glancing at him from the corner of my eye and he just chuckled.
"Yes, heaven forbid." He said just before we reached Mr. and Mrs. Goyle. "Hello Goyle, how've you been?" My dad said politely shaking hands with Mr. Goyle.
Mr. Goyle chuckled, "Since two weeks ago when we ran into each other in Diagon Ally, not to bad Draco, not too bad. And yourself?"
Dad actually cracked a real smile which was rare but these two go way back from what dads' told me, "Just fine mate."
"Diagon Ally? Wouldn't be shopping for me would you?" I said giving a sickly sweet smile and curling around his arm.
"Like you deserve it…" Dad said scowling down at me and I laughed at him.
"Hello Alexis how are you?" Asked Mrs. Goyle.
"Just fine," I said uncurling myself from Father, "Enjoying the Winter Break for all it's worth, and yourself?"
"Oh just fine, you remember Thomas." She said motioning to her son he was four years younger than I was so there was no way it was happening, but I think she hoped maybe it would. (No imprinting for me thanks...)
"Yeah," I said reaching forward and ruffling his hair, making it clear he was too young for me, "You got taller since last I saw you. How's school going?"
He blushed, "Good, I'm passing all my classes." Mr. and Mrs. Goyle put him in a very expensive private wizard school, dad refused to send me to the same school. He said I was tough enough to handle going to school with the same pureblood rejects he did.
"That's good," I say kindly back. I remain silent as dad talks business with Mr. Goyle, waiting to move on to the next guest.
"There you are I was beginning to wonder if you'd even made it down." Casandra said coming up from behind me and looking over my dress, "You look gorgeous." She gave me one of her hugs that I loved so much and I hugged her back.
"Thank you, the train came out wonderfully I think. And you don't look bad yourself." I said admiring her own white dress.
"Yes, where did you get the train done, its magnificent." Mrs. Goyle piped up.
"Oh, Father got it done as a Christmas present to me, though I don't know where he got it done…" I gave him a questioning look out of the corner of my eye; he noticed but continued to carry on with his conversation with Goyle.
Casandra gave him a crossed look, "He said he would never tell me either because he knows I'd get it done to all of mine…and believe me I tried very hard to get it out of him." She finished with a disappointed look on her face and Father just winked at her.
Shortly after that we left the Goyle's and began to walk to the next guests. "When am I able to take her to see my mother? She's dying to see her grandchildren again, and to hear Alexis sing." Casandra asked curling her arm with Fathers and I looked at him expectantly wanting to go see my grandmother as well. Even if she wasn't my real grandmother she accepted my as one of her own, and she really was a lovely woman.
"Soon," Father replied calmly.
"Draco, how soon?" Casandra said in a whiney voice playing into his game, I just rolled my eyes. For such a hard-ass sometimes you'd be surprised how mushy my dad can be.
"Let's get through two more couples then you can take her, but only for a little bit." He said giving me a look and taking my arm and looping it with his free one.
Mom and I hugged his arms and leaned up to plant a kiss on both of his cheeks, "Thank you!" We both chorused before giggling like school girls, well mom giggled like one at least. So I waited patiently as Father talked with our next guest and mother talked with the wife, and I got checked out profusely by their two sons; who tried to make small talk and ask me to dance but I just ignored them and gave them petty excuses. A few minutes later Father cast me a look to see how I was doing and he saw the pissed expression on my face and decided to finish up and move on to the next one.
As we smiled and said good bye Father leaned down to my ear, "I thought I said to be pleasant or you not wanting to see your grandmother that bad?"
I whip my head around, "I'm sorry but after the fourth year of being eye goggled by everyone's sons and a few daughters mind you, its gets kind of annoying." Casandra comes up on my other side and hugs me to her while rubbing my other arm trying to calm me.
"I know but at least try, that was our third guest. Look I know your friends are coming so if you do well with the guests I bring you along to I will let you go earlier so you can socialize with them. Deal?" Father said starting out annoyed but ending in his calm tone like normal.
"Deal, but only if you come with me to greet my friends when they arrive…" I said shooting him a smirk as he grimaced.
Casandra chuckled from beside me, "You've taught her well Draco."
Dad glared at me from the corner of his eye as we approached the next guest, "Fine." He grumbled out before greeting the guest, and I greeted the wife and daughter with a smile. And thankfully she didn't turn out to be one of those daughters, but I would have sucked it up anyway. Had to give a little to get a little right?
Dad made Mom and I suffer through three more guests, but I knew better than to complain or he'd make me stay with him the rest of the night. "Okay, Draco we're going to go see the grandmother's, because now I would like to hear Alexis sing."
"My mother is with yours?" Dad asked truly curious.
"Yes, she joined my mother just before I left to find Alexis."
"I'll join you in a bit." He said briskly before leaning in to kiss my forehead and leave to greet the next guest. He knew better to keep me from Grandma Malfoy, so blew down his office door last time he said he was too busy to take me to see her. And even though we just got back from Grandma Malfoy's last week he didn't want to chase the chandelier blowing up; and dad really did care for grandma, more so than I did for mine.
Speaking of Grandma Malfoy, "Lexi, dear! There you are! How dare Draco keep you so long." She said hugging me tightly to her.
I laughed and smiled brightly at her, "Hi Grandma Malfoy, I missed you too."
"Alexis." I looked to the right as my name was called in a thick Irish accent, it was Grandma Cassie. I smiled brightly at her and closed the gap between us in quick paces. "Look at you, grown up and so beautiful." She whispered into my ear and took my face in her hands when I pulled away.
"You saw me last year Grandma Cassie, I haven't changed that much." I said still beaming at her. In my mind she was just as amazing as Casandra, they both embraced; not just accepted me into their family and that's usually a rare thing when dealing with Sirens, and they both loved me for who I was not what I could do or what my Father had.
"I know, but you just look more, mature this year." She said looking me up and down, "Do a spin for me dear."
I did as I was told and Grandma Malfoy squealed and took my hand, "Oh, he did get your train fixed. He went back and forth with if he was going to do it or not. I'm glad he did, it suits you so well."
"Yes that is quite beautiful, how did he do that?" Grandma Cassie asked stepping around behind me and studying the train of my dress.
"Got it done specially by a woman in Italy, her name escapes me at the moment…" Grandma Malfoy said squinting her eyes trying to remember.
"If you do happen to remember the name, please owl it to me. I'm absolutely in love with it." Mom said crossing her arms.
"Oh, where did Scorpio get off to?" Grandma Cassie asked scanning the dance floor.
I found him off to the side speaking quietly with a young girl, making her giggle and blush with his comments. "Practicing his Malfoy charm," I say nodding my head towards him. Mom scuffs and both Grandmas' just look away from the scene with a look of 'oh' on their faces, quite amusing really. Scorpio caught me staring and gives me an annoyed look and I curl my pointer finger a few times to tell him to get over her here.
A few minutes later he huffed his way over to us. "What…"
"Don't you think you should spend time with Grandma while she's here?" I asked raising my eyebrow to him.
He looked between his two grandmothers and then asks me quietly, "…which one?" I just give him a small smirk and he gives up sliding his hands into his pockets.
"So are you going to be singing for us tonight Alexis?" Grandma Cassie asked and Grandma Malfoy looked at me expectantly.
"Of course," I said smiling.
"Good, good well let's hear ya then lass." She said ushering me to the front where the floor was raised and I sang every year.
The dance music slowed and then became muted as I stood on the stage and when I thought of the right song to start off the evening I flicked my hand towards the flute and piano and it began to play the song I wanted.
(Fields of Gold-Celtic Woman)
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold
I sang with my eyes closed enjoying the song as I sang, feeling everybody's gaze turn towards me.
So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold
I slowly opened my eyes and began to sing a bit louder. The rest of the room was silent as some of the couples had resumed dancing.
Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in fields of gold
Oh, we lie in fields of gold
My Grandmothers and Mom were smiling proudly as they watched me.
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We will walk in fields of gold
We'll walk in fields of gold
A few other students Miss Sophie had taught came up and filled in my chorus parts for me.
Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
Among the fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold
Oh, we walked in fields of gold...
Everyone appalled as I finished and I curtsied. Miss Sophie then came up one stage and rearranged the chorus a bit as I remained where I was. She flicked her wand to the instruments and several propped up and began playing and the chorus tuned in shortly after, and then I started.
(Caledonia-Celtic Woman)
I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
I saw Dad come to stand next to Casandra as she smiled brightly at me when I began to sing one of her personal favorite songs, it was one of mine too.
I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I've come from
That's the reason why I seem
So far away today
Flashes started going off in the front row, The Prophet capitalized during my private performances, always greedy for attention; more so than me…sometimes.
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the fellas and left them crying (I winked to the crowd and the laughed.)
Stolen dreams, yes, there's no denying
I have traveled hard, sometimes with conscience flying
Somewhere with the wind
I took notice then that Scorpio had stopped dancing with the girl he was talking with earlier to listen to me as well causing me to smile; he was a good little brother.
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames have cooled, don't get any higher
They've withered, now they've gone (The candles in the room grew dim.)
But I'm steady thinking, my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When hands have shaken, the kisses float
Then I will disappear
The candles grew bright and every one applauded.
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
I finished the song quietly and flawlessly. Mom ran up the stairs and grabbed me in a hug praising me about do well in the song as I just smiled brightly at her.
As I pulled myself out of her 'hug' I looked past her to Grandma Cassie, "I have a song I'd like to sing for you, I heard it during the last Celtic Woman concert and thought it was perfect for you."
"Oh! Go on, go on!" She said smiling uncontrollably.
I waited patiently as the bag pipe played its part and when it finally came for my part to start the candles dimmed and a few started to hover around me illuminating me in the darkened room.
The Wealey's and Potter's enter
The room was dark and a bag pipe was playing somewhere. "I wonder what is going on…" Hermione voiced aloud and then when we heard her voice we to turned our heads following the crowd to Alexis. She was illuminated on the raised stage in a shimmering white dress that made her look beyond gorgeous.
(The New Ground/Isle of Hope Isle of Tears- Celtic Woman)
On The First Day On January,
Eighteen Ninety-Two,
They Opened Ellis Island And They Let
The People Through.
And The First To Cross The Treshold
Of That Isle Of Hope And Tears,
Was Annie Moore From Ireland
Who Was All Of Fifteen Years.
"She's amazing…an amazing singer I mean." Rose said listening to Alexis's enchanting voice.
James leaned over, "You've heard her sing before."
"I know but not like this, this is so different from Hogwarts chorus."
That was it for that conversation when they grew quite again listening and watching the Malfoy girl perform for the crowd.
Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears,
Isle Of Freedom, Isle Of Fears,
But It's Not The Isle You Left Behind.
That Isle Of Hunger, Isle Of Pain,
Isle You'll Never See Again
But The Isle Of Home Is Always On Your Mind.
I noticed my Grandmother had tears forming in her eyes and I smiled sweetly at her, I didn't figure she'd cry this early into the performance.
In A Little Bag She Carried
All Her Past And History,
And Her Dreams For The Future
In The Land Of Liberty.
And Courage Is The Passport
When Your Old World Disappears
But There's No Future In The Past
When You're Fifteen Years
This time a few members on stage joined in as I sang the chorus.
Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears,
Isle Of Freedom, Isle Of Fears,
But It's Not The Isle You Left Behind.
That Isle Of Hunger, Isle Of Pain,
Isle You'll Never See Again
But The Isle Of Home Is Always On Your Mind.
I walked out to my Grandmother and took her hand as I sang, and she continued to cry.
When They Closed Down Ellis Island
In Nineteen Fourty-Three,
Seventeen Million People
Had Come There For Sanctuary.
And In Springtime When I Came Here
And I Stepped Onto It's Piers,
I Thought Of How It Must Have Been
When You're Fifteen Years.
Then the members and I sang the chorus louder, and you could feel the room swell in energy from everyone.
Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears,
Isle Of Freedom, Isle Of Fears,
But It's Not The Isle You Left Behind.
That Isle Of Hunger, Isle Of Pain,
Isle You'll Never See Again
But The Isle Of Home Is Always On Your Mind.
But The Isle Of Home Is Always On Your Mind…
Grandma Cassie gathered me up into a huge hug as the crowd applauded and let out a few whistles. "I take it you liked it then?" I said with a heart warmed smile on my face, it was always good to see her happy from just me singing to her.
"Oh, you sweet little lass you, I loved it, it was beautiful!" She said blotting her eyes.
"You ready to sing one with your mom?" Casandra asked drawing my attention smiling at me.
"I'd be insulted if you didn't!" I said looping my arm with her and we skipped up on stage, it was tradition for us to sing together and it really got everybody moving when we did. The piano and spoons began to play and we looked at each other and jumped right in.
(At the Celli- Celtic Woman)
Tonight we're going to meet some lads
Us girls are dressed up gaily
We'll all be dancing 'til the dawn
We're going to the ceili
We took up the edges of your dresses and began to sway from side to side.
The lads they come from miles around
From Ennis and Kilmaley
To show us all their fancy steps
We're going to the ceili
We did a few quick tap-dance steps smiling broadly at the crowd.
They're planning tunes on everything
From pipes to ukulele
It sounds so good you can't sit down
We're dancing at the ceili
I sang the first part, it fit better with me…
All the boys we loved so well
So handsome young and charming
They're in New York and Boston now
They should be home here farming
My own true love has sailed away
To be an endless rover
'Cos times are tough and he must leave
To start a new life over
Mom then stepped in.
He writes me letters every week
To say how much he's slaving
And he promises that he'll be back
Before the hay needs saving
But it's hard to love somebody
That you're not in touch with daily
So I'm looking for somebody new
Tonight down at the ceili
Mom and I sang together, and Father grew a bit grumpy as I did. He hated suggestive lyrics. ;)
The winter nights are long and hard
And time goes by so slowly
I wish my true lover he was here
And in his arms I'd roll
He'd whisper tender words of love to me
And kiss my lips so sweetly
And quickly I'd surrender to his manly charms completely
Then I led again.
He writes me letters every week
To say how much he's slaving
And he promises that he'll be back
Before the hay needs saving
But it's hard to love somebody
That you're not in touch with daily
So I'm looking for somebody new
Tonight down at the ceili
Mom and I smiled broadly at each other as we sang.
So I'm looking for somebody new
Tonight down at the ceili
Then I took over again stepping in front of Mom.
I hope I meet someone tonight
Who'll make my heart beat fast
A handsome man with laughing eyes
Who smiles as he walks past
And when they play an old-time waltz
He'll twirl me round the floor
And promise me that I will be
His girl forever more
His girl forever more
His girl forever more
Who'll promise me that I will be
His girl forever more
Mom jumped in front of me jumping lightly in her steps.
I'm somewhat in a bother
That is really quite alarming
I have two lads pursuing me
And each of them is charming
One of them is dark and poor
One fair with lots of money
I don't know which one to choose
The flower of the honey
We both sang again.
What on earth am I to do
It's driving me half crazy
Tonight I'll make my mind up
When I see them at the ceili
Mom took lead to finish her part of the song.
To be a poor man's wife
Will be a life of washing dishes
While a rich man's wife will surely have
Great luxury and riches
In comfort how I know
It wouldn't be too hard to wallow
And being poor is not much fun
On which one should I follow
I joined her once again.
What on earth am I to do
It's driving me half crazy
Tonight I'll make my mind up
When I see them at the ceili
I sang.
I've been lucky I've found a lad
Who's handsome and a neighbour
And me, I've met a decent man
Whose friendship I will savour
Then Mom sang.
And me I made my choice as well
And in no way was it easy
But I'd rather have a man for love
Than be a rich man's lady
Mom started off and I joined in.
And that is how the story ends
May true love never fail me
We got ourselves three men tonight
And we met them at the ceili
The chorus chanted with us at the end and we even got people in the crowd to join in. After the finished the room was rowdy with applause.
As I laughed I leaned into her, "Nil Se'n La next?"
She gave me a devilish look, "Perfect!" She flicked her hand at the drums and they began and a dull chorus picked up after them, and then Mom and I.
Chuaigh mé isteach i dteach aréir
is d'iarr mé cairde ar mhnaoi an leanna.
Is é dúirt sí liom "Ní bhfaighidh tú deor.
Buail an bóthar is gabh abhaile
I was so busy singing with Mom I didn't notice the Weasley and Potter group make their way up towards the front of the room.
I came by a house last night
And told the woman I am staying
I said to her:
"The moon is bright and my fiddles tuned for playing"
A girl jump up on the stage for the crowd played a fierce violin, I had performed with her before and she was indeed a very talented girl.
Tell me that the night is long
Tell me that the moon is glowing
Fill my glass, I'll sing a song
And will start the music flowing
Mom and I began to dance around in step, we always had a blast when performing these songs.
Never mind the rising light
There's no sign of day or dawning
In my heart it's still the night
And we'll stay here till the morning
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Even though more than half of the people here didn't understand Gaelic it was still a beautiful language to listen to and they seemed to be enjoying it none the less, and who wouldn't it is a beautiful language.
It's not day nor yet awhile
I can see the starlight shining
Níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
I began working the crowd getting them bouncing around to the tune, and that's what Hugo ran up to me, I let out a chuckle before lifting him and placing him on my hip and sending a wink to the large family before me. Then I skipped back over and join my Mom again.
Fill the glasses one more time
And never heed the empty bottle
Turn the water into wine
And turn the party up full throttle
I stilled swayed in step with Mom, even with the added weight, and Hugo was smiling from ear to ear.
Don't go out into the cold
Where the wind and rain are blowing
For the fire is flamming gold
And in here the music's flowing
I put Hugo down and let him dance next to me, he watched my feet for a few steps as he stumbled over his own before he picked up the step and pace, then he moved with mom and I; even though his steps weren't perfect. Mom gave him an impressed look and continued to perform.
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Tell me that the night is long
Tell me that the moon is gleaming
Fill my glass, I'll sing a song
And we'll keep the music streaming
Until all the songs are sung
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh
Mom and I finished with smiles on our faces and Hugo bounced up and down happy that he 'preformed' with us. I picked him up and hugged him again and placed a kiss on his cheek, and like usual his cheeks grew pink. The guests were loud in their applause this time, Mom and I curtsied and slowly left the stage.
"Oh you two, I've never seen a more magnificent pair on stage." Grandma Malfoy said smiling brightly at me. "I'm counting down the days until I go to your own personal concert Alexis." She sent me a wink and I just smirked.
"And who might this handsome young lad be?" Grandma Cassie said looking down at young Hugo.
"This is Hugo Weasley," I said looking down to him, then a voice came from behind me.
"And I'd be his mother Hermione Weasley," Hermione said as her group approached pinning Hugo with a warning look before shifting to Casandra, "That was spectacular, don't be offended by this Casandra but I had no idea you could sing like that."
"Oh no worries, not many people do know until they see it. I'm glad you made it Hermione. This is my mother Cassandra, with two s's," She said putting an arm behind her mother, "And this is Mrs. Malfoy." She said motioning to my other Grandmother.
Grandma Cassie spoke first, since there was a slight tension between Grandma Malfoy and the others. "You can call me Cassie, or Grandma Cassie I don't really mind which lass."
Hermione shook her hand, "You're form Ireland." She said noticing the accent.
"Yes love, they lived up by us before moving down here."
"Ah,"
I looped my arm around Grandma Malfoy and looked up at her with questioning eyes wondering if she'd make an effort or remain silent. She curled her arm around me and returned my gaze, but seconds later her gaze softened. "I've heard promising things about you Mrs. Hermione." She said looking over at the younger witch. It was easy to see Hermione shocked expression; Ron stepped up and held her to his side protectively. "I know I am in no grounds to ask but I heard that Alexis has grown quite close to your daughter," She looked briefly at Rose before carrying on, "But I'd like to ask if I were able to present myself differently so no cold feeling taint their relationship."
Hermione stood gob-smacked for a while, Mrs. Malfoy basically just asked if she could be forgiven and given a second chance. A voice in Hermione's head was hard bent against it but if she had the courage to ask Hermione for forgiveness then Hermione could also extend a tentative friendly hand. "Yes of course," Ron stared at her like she had grow two more heads, I also noticed his grip on her hip tighten, "Draco never spoke such a request, it's strictly business with him." She said throwing him a humorous glance but he was looking off in the crowd, "But I could tell he was different now, I think having his own children did that for him." She gave him a kind smile and Dad slowly dragged his eyes back to her, not betraying anything in his features. But by the look on Hermione's face, she could read him just as well as I could.
I was surprised to see my grandmother crack a smile as she extended her hand to the younger witch, and Hermione reciprocated. "Just don't offer my any tours of the house soon…" Hermione said with a wink and I heard the breath escape my Grandmother as she looked at the ground shamefully. But when she looked back up she looked right into Hermione's eyes and gave a soft faint smile.
Hermione then went on to introduce the rest of her family, Rose and Hugo were happy to meet my family, Ron just grunted and kept his arm around Hermione's waist. Then Harry picked up where Hermione left off, introducing his family; Ginny nodded and smiled kindly when he introduced her. She was…funny, she kept looking at Grandmother then averting her eyes everywhere else, then her eyes would be drawn back again, but Grandma never shifted or batted an eye. Then in one instant Ginny glanced at me and I saw the hard protective look in her eyes that was very well camouflaged by her pristine blue eyes, and then she looked away again. She was uncomfortable…that much I could read.
We stood around talking for a few more minutes, well most of us, before dad gently tugged on my arm, I stepped aside with him as he smoothed his hair down. "Okay, now that I was here to greet your friends can we go greet a few more guests?"
I squinted my eyes in confusion. "I thought the deal was I behave and 'be pleasant' to the guests earlier and then you greet my guests, I remember no 'after they arrive' business."
"Well then, that's even better. Come on I have a few more important people I want to see." Father said scanning the ball room for said guests.
When I didn't answer he looked back to me, "I would like to visit with my guests…"
"And I mine; we have to make compromises love."
"Oh come on, it's the middle of Winter Break, I'm sure you get to see your guests more often than I get to see mine during break."
"You spend all year with them." He said giving me a pointed look.
I didn't see an end to this one, so blatantly I wasn't going to win because dad would eventually pull out his Dad card and I'd have to go anyway. So I huffed and turned around, "Hey guys, sorry but I have to go with Dad for a bit, more guests to greet." I said with a sickly sweet smile on my face and Rose gave me a sympathetic look. She had worn a deep red dress that looked absolutely stunning on her, which I let her know of and she rolled her eyes at.
"Alright, see you later then." Rose said as they gave little waves to me.
James was standing closest to me, he hadn't spoken too much so far but he gave a little bow of the head and mumbled "See ya," As I brushed past him.
I turned and placed my hand on his shoulder and leaned up to his ear, "You clean up good Seeker." He cracked a smile as I turned and followed Father into the crowd to our next lucky guest.
Almost a full hour later I was standing with Father talking with a Mr. Codhaggin; if I had heard correctly, who's his son was continuously trying to make a move on me. After his fourth attempt I simply stopped replying to him, but he took it as no deterrence the git had tried several times to take my hand but every time I would slip it away.
Then the guy did something that about pushed me over the edge, he leaned in to where I could smell his over-used cologne and whispered into my ear, "Why don't we take our conversation into one of your Father's private studies, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we borrowed it for a while…" Then I felt one hand take my wrist and his other slide across my back…my bare skinned back since the dress dipped so low. I was beginning to hate this dress.
"Alexis, there you are, I was beginning to think you'd Fluued away." James's voice called from behind me. Then I felt cologne-guy's hand get pushed from my back to be replaced with another, James's.
The Codhaggin boy gave James a crossed look while I tugged my wrist free and swung my arm around James's back, glad to be out of the filths grasp. "And who are you?" He asked in a snide voice.
"James Potter, perhaps you've heard of me." James said in a smart-ass tone, "I've been assigned her un-official escort for this evening, to keep some people from miss reading her signals, or to make them crystal clear, which even is needed." James finished planting the young man with a stony stare.
"I think she's a big girl and can take care of herself mate, so why don't you go save some other unattainable girl." The foul smelling boy said stepping to James, at this point I could see Father watching them out of the corner of his eye.
James didn't bat and eye, "I think you should step-off mate before this 'unattainable girl' has to see a very 'unattractive' display of physical dominance; and like you said she's a big girl, if she wanted me to leave she'd tell me. You're the one not taking the hints."
Here I was standing between two guys, completely gob-smacked by what James had just said and the only thing I could think of was that James's "unattractive display of physical dominance sounded very attractive indeed." When James smirked I realized I had just said that out loud…o well. I felt my cheeks glow as I stepped closer to James and coiled my arms around his closed to me.
The boy looked between James and me before storming off to his table and taking a seat between two other women. "His Father's mistresses," I jumped when I heard Dad's voice being whispered into my other ear. "He said his wife was out socializing with others." He looked past me to James and stared at him for a few seconds before nodding to him, "Thanks but I can take it from here." James simply nodded and took half a step back.
"Dad, come on it's been almost…" I searched for a clock and found the one at the front, "An hour! Come on let me enjoy time with my guests too." It annoyed me that we had been greeting his guests for so long and I would take this matter to Grandma Malfoy if I had to, this was ridiculous.
Just then "The Coast of Galicia" by Celtic Woman, (again I know I'm bad…but I saw them live and it renewed my love for them! ^_^ And they were FRICKIN AMAZING! Okay back to the story…) began to play Dad pulled me away from James and took me to the dance floor and we easily began to move in step, spinning in circles, and taking turns stepping towards and away from each other. I began laughing at our fast pace, when I discovered this song for the first time I had to coax him for hours before he would dance with me. Then when there was a lull in the song Mom cut in; out of nowhere, and I turned found James and grabbed his hands.
"Ah, I don't know this dance." James said taking a step back so I stepped to him.
"It's okay; it's not too hard to learn." I said not giving him a chance to back out.
I began to move my feet staring straight ahead as James was focused on trying to read my movements and not step on my feet. As the song changed again so did my step and James glanced up briefly at me annoyed, before refocusing on my feet.
I chuckled, "I have a blocking charm on my feet you won't step on them."
"Really?" He asked amazed.
"Yes, sorry I trust you but not that much." Then the pace picked up and I began spinning us and switching our hands faster. James started to smile at the speed we were racing at and how he was actually keeping in step. Then the pace picked up even more and I continued to move us faster, now he was openly laughing causing me to laugh as well.
When the song finally stopped everyone applauded and James leaned into me, "What song was that, it was crazy." He said with a smile still planted on his face.
"The Coast of Galicia by Mairead from the group Celtic Woman, she's a very talented violinist. It's one of my favorites." I say smiling. Then a slow piano song started playing and the candles dimmed, James and I stared at each other.
I felt a tap on my shoulder but I didn't even look to see who it was, "May I have this dance?"
"Sorry, but I just asked her and she accepted." James said sliding one hand onto my bare back as he took my other hand and I stepped to him coiling my other arm around his neck smiling softly, once again happy that I chose this dress. We danced slow spinning in a circle and swaying gently, and he wasn't tense at all; finally. I untangle my fingers from his and drape my other hand around his neck and his other one came to rest on my back too.
As we continued to sway I somehow found us moving back toward the front, but all I really cared about was that his head was next to mine and he was still completely relaxed. I sighed softly and tucked my head under his and closed my eyes as I continued to rock with him.
I wasn't sure how many minutes had passed before I spoke nor did I care, "I like you when you're like this…" I softly mumbled into his chest and he felt every syllable.
"What, all to yourself?" He chuckled.
"Mmm, don't tempt me." I said pulling back and looking up at him, his eyes almost looked forest green in this light. He just chuckled as I began to skim my finger through the hair on his neck, then a little voice chimed in the back of my head that he was dating Ashley, oh how I wanted to burn that little voice right at that moment. James must have felt my change because I saw something in his face change to, like he himself just remembered he had a girlfriend too. We continued to slowly sway for a few more minutes before someone started tapping on a glass with a piece of cutlery, when I looked it was Father.
"Hello, I would like to welcome you all to the Malfoy New Year's Ball and thank you all for coming and joining us in ringing in the New Year."
I tuned out his speech that he gave every year, granted he changed a few words, but basically it was the same. I began to stare at a candle on the wall when I felt a pressure on my hip I looked down and notice James had not released his grasp on me yet, maybe he had broken up with Ashley during the break…
Half way through Dad's speech I started to hear this odd screeching noise, at first it was faint so I thought it was just me hearing it but it continued to grow louder. I felt James shift next to me, his grip tightened slightly, and others around us began to stir as well. Finally Father paused and the whole room grew quiet, there was nothing but silence of anticipation.
Then something black and large crashed through the bay windows, Father had to move quickly to side step whatever had crashed through. No sooner than father had righted himself, all of the candle flames in the room changed from golden yellow to violet purple. Then the screeching picked up again, and that's when I recognized it.
I reached down and raised my dress slightly as I quickly jogged up the stairs to that raised floor in front. I turned and saw a large black bird, "Bernard! What's gotten into you?" I shouted over his screeches. But he continued standing at a ready stance facing where he just crashed in from.
"Bernard, sweetie listen to me," I said quieter as I reached him. I placed my hand on his beak and my other came to cup his jaw, "Hey, what's the matter? What's wrong?"" He had finally quieted down but his stance was solid. Then he let out this bone chilling, purr…
"Sorry for the late arrival…I seemed to have misplaced, my…invite." A cool voice spoke slowly.
I knew that voice…that was the same voice I held on so tightly too…
"…Hello…little sister."
I slowly turned not removing my hands from Bernard. I trailed my eyes down the floor to a pair of dress shoes, then I slowly scanned up the body until I reached his face, that was so much like my own. His facial features hadn't changed; they still looked very similar to mine, and his golden curly hair was the same too, and his Caribbean blue eyes.
"…Leo." I let out breathlessly and he smiled his golden smile at me.
"Hello Alexis, I've missed you." He took a step towards me, but so did Bernard as he let out one of his paint-peeling screeches again; clearly telling my brother to keep his distance.
"Alexis." He extended his hand to me.
Like a magnet I was drawn to him, I took slow smooth steps towards him leaving Bernard behind me. When I reached him I took my hand and kissed it before he hugged me. "Leo…what…your really here."
"Yes, 'Lexi. I've missed you so much little sister." He still had a smile planted on his face and his loving look melted away any thought I had, almost.
"You left, remember?" I said steeling my features slightly.
He looked shameful as he looked down, "I know…but I had to, to become stronger. I'm going to make Voldemort look like a child."
'Voldemort?...What's gotten into you Brother?' I shook my head, "Why would you try and be better than that monster? He tore the Wizarding World apart, he was a menace."
"He was drowning in his own power; he didn't understand how to control it." Leo said shaking his head as a dark look took over his eyes.
I took a step back but his hands quickly gripped my sides to keep me from backing away. "It doesn't change that you left, I was just a kid Leo, and I thought everything of you!" I was angry now not only did the brother who left finally come back but he tells me it was to become stronger than Voldemort! Can't people just let him be DEAD?
"I know Alexis, I'm sorry. That's why I came back, so we could be together again and catch up on everything I've missed. Come with me Alexis…" This time he took half a step back and released me while extending his hand again.
Looking into that face that I loved so much…I slowly raised my hand to meet his, and his smile grew.
"Alexis, NO! You promised you wouldn't leave me!"
My hand froze as I turned my head quickly to find Scorpio, he had a terrible pleading look in his eyes; my heart shattered as I realized that I had in fact almost did what I promised I would never do. My hand fell to my side again and I shook my head, "No Leo…you left me, I'm not going to do that to my younger brother." I turned and walked down to Scorpio and he took my head. "I'm sorry Scorpio…" He just squeezed my hand.
I felt a hand on my shoulder then another hand came out and struck Scorpio sending him to the floor knocking over other people standing behind him. I look and it's Leo again. My face skews in anger but before I can say anything my face is between his hands and words are flowing from his mouth.
(("If I could just see you, everything will be alright.
If I'd see you, the darkness will turn to light.
And I will walk on water, and you will catch me if I fall,
And I will get lost into your eyes, and everything will be alright.
And everything will be alright."))
I felt myself growing weak as the words left his mouth and my head leaded into his hands. I closed my eyes flashes of my childhood began to fly through my mind when he use to sing to me. I was so entranced that I didn't notice more figures slip into the room. He never let me join in back then…but I began singing anyway, I knew his song by heart.
"I know you didn't, bring me out ((here to drown.
So why am I 10 feet under and upside down?
Barely surviving has become my purpose,))"
Leo gently shook his head whispering "Just listen 'Lexi…"and placing his thumb on my lips silencing me, and I listened. I could feel the pins holding my hair in place begin to fall out, Leo was somehow doing it, and I just stood there dazed as he did.
"((Cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface.
If I could just see you, everything will be alright.
If I see you, the storminess will turn to light.))"
My body grew more heavy as I continued to let his words seep into me. I faintly registered Scorpio softly calling my name, but it was quickly pushed to the back of my mind as I felt my older brothers breath hit my face with his words echoing so deep within me.
"((And I will walk on water, and you will catch me if I fall.
And I will get lost into your eyes, and everything will be alright.))"
"GET HER AWAYFROM HIM!" My Father's voice resonated through the room and my eyes snapped open. Leo was glaring into the crowd.
"Stupify!"
A green blast hit him right in the shoulder and he flipped back from the blast. James next to me in seconds and my hand was in his. "Come on." He whispered as he slowly lead us back against the crowd, his wand not leaving my brother.
Leo stood and glared at James with a dangerous glint in his eye. Then in a blur Leo was standing in front of James, holding him by the throat, dangling him in the air.
"James!" I threw my arms on Leo's, "Stop, put him down!"
"You fancy my sister Potter? …Think you're going to be a hero?" Leo said slowly turning James's face from one side to the other and James continued to glare down at him.
"(Put. Him. Down!)" I shouted using my powers not caring, just wanting him to listen to me for once.
Leo's gaze dropped from James and slowly made its way to me; as if he couldn't believe I just told him that. He stared at me for a few seconds before his eyes snapped back to James, and then he put him down…by chucking James into the crowd.
As I turned to run after him Leo grabbed my arm and spun me back around, "Sister…" then he began to sing again and slowly my body began to melt again.
"((If I could just see you, everything will be alright.
If I see you, the storminess will turn to light.))"
"CONFRINGO!"
It looked like my brother was just hit with a fireball as he was thrown back from me. My hair stirred from the heat of the spell.I looked back and saw Rose standing over James as he slowly began to right himself. She was furious, and scared, but she looked immoveable as she stood next to her cousin.
As Leo stood and dusted the flames off of him a scream erupted from the back of the room, followed by others. Hidden in the screams were words, 'Vampire', 'their Vampires'. As people scattered from the back of the room I could see a man hunched over a motionless body on the floor, and he had blood trailing from his chin to the collar of his shirt.
"Unmannered ingrates…" I heard my brother mumble from behind me. More screams erupted as more vampires began to indulge themselves.
Beams of sunlight also began fanning through the room causing the vampires to turn to dust or flee before it could reach them, it was complete chaos…
"Alexis, come with me, please…" Leo held out his hand again, his eyes pleading with me to take his hand. I shook my head and took a step back and a hand took mine, it was Scorpio he gave me a small smile before looking up at Leo.
"She's my sister now." Scorpio said in a brave voice unmoving and a wand came up from my other side.
"Don't touch her again." James said in a dark tone.
Leo chuckled, "As if you could stop me…"Just as he rushed towards James someone apprated in front of him.
"Don't. Ever. Touch. My Son, again…Lumos!" Ginny's wand released such a beam of light you'd think Horus himself had granted her his power. Leo threw his arm up and grit his teeth throwing me another look before he became a blur again. Ginny stormed up the stairs and faced the window that had been smashed earlier and raised her wand again, pausing briefly to look my brother dead in the eye before casting lumos again.
"You all okay?" Hermione and Casandra asked coming to us.
Rose nodded and looked over to James, "Yeah I think were okay."
I wasn't…I felt like I had just run a triathlon; my body was completely drained, and quickly became tired. "Actually, I don't feel so hot…" My vision went black and I felt my body fall.
[====]- -[====]
Third person
"Alexis!" Scorpio shouted as he tried to catch his sister's body as she dropped before his eyes. "Mom!"
Cassandra knelt next to her daughter-in-law searching Alexis's features for a sign of what was wrong with her.
"Check her neck." Hermione said breathlessly emerging from the panicked crowd.
Casandra's heart stopped but she leaned over checking Alexis's neck, and nothing no bite marks. She looked back at Hermione and shook her head as she took Alexis's hand, at a loss of what to do. There was a screech as Bernard took off into the night to help the group of wizards that was scattering the intruders. Draco turned away from the broken window and made his way to his daughter, he felt his chest tighten when he saw her laying there motionless.
Both his Mother and Casandra's had gathered around staring down at Alexis with watery eyes. He kneeled down and felt her fore head with one hand and her pulse with his other, there was still one thank Merlin. Draco ran through options of what to do next and when he decided he met Casandra's, she was crying as well. "Take her up to her room and let her rest, she's okay right now. I'm going to stay down here and finish this." He leaned over and kissed her before standing and exiting through the broken window where Harry was waiting, he never thought he'd be thankful to have Harry Potter in his house but tonight he could not ignore that his crew had really helped.
Casandra flexed her hands a few times before looking over to James, "James would you mind carrying her? I don't think my magic is steady enough to levitate her."
"Of course," James answered imminently and knelt by Alexis and looped one arm under she shoulders and the other under the thighs.
He followed Casandra wordlessly through the house; down the hall and up the stairs, and almost to the end of another hall. The whole time James kept Alexis's head carefully rested against his chest.
"Here, this is her room." Casandra said pushing open a door and leading him inside. "Rest her on the bed please, Suzanne, lights please." She said without pausing for the elf to appear and the lights magically lit revealing Suzanne standing before her Mistress.
James leaned down and placed Alexis on the bed as Casandra and the House Elf exchanged words. Her head lulled away from him and she get out a soft grunt, James pushed some hair that fell in her face out of the way, but she still didn't stir.
"James, would you mind staying here with her? I'm going to go back down stairs and help." Casandra asked looking as lost as James was by the whole situation.
At first James was at a lost so he shook his head to clear the thoughts, "Yea sure, whatever you need."
"I need you to stay with her." Casandra said before giving him a look saying 'don't make me regret this'. She then moved over to the bed and placed a kiss on Alexis's forehead and left.
James stood there unsure of what to do, he finally decided to pull over a plushy chair and sit by her. He shrugged off his jacket and tie trying to get more comfortable as he leaned back into the chair just watching Alexis's sleeping form.
…
Alexis POV
I turned to roll over on the soft surface I was not laying on but as soon as I did my whole side ached in protest and I let out a loud groan before falling back on my back.
"Alexis?"
I cracked my eyes open and saw a dark hair figure leaning over me and it called my name again. I blinked trying to clear up my vision and when it finally did I saw James. Before I could ask him what he was doing in my room I immediately remembered what happen; Leo came back, and threw James and Scorpio around in the process.
I reached up and buried my hair in my loose hair, "Are you okay?"
He chuckled, "Am I? You're the one who black out." He placed a hand on my forehead, "How are you feeling?"
I slowly sat up which cause me to become aware of a pounding headache, even the word pounding was an understatement for this thing. Then I felt all my muscles groan in protest again, "Uhhh, horrible. My head feeling like it being dug out by a goblin and my whole body is tired, like I expended all my energy." I slumped back against the headboard and closed my eyes willing the pain to stop.
I felt James push hair out of my face and I leaned my head into his hand and opened my eyes and he was staring at me intensely. His other hand crept forward and took mine, lacing our fingers together. "You had us all pretty worried when you collapsed." He said softly.
"Yeah… Where are Father, Scorpio, and Mom?" I asked taking a survey around my room.
"Their down stairs securing the house and yard; your Mum asked me to stay with you." He said blushing a bit.
I nodded my head and my eyes suddenly felt tired again, "I'm so tired, every muscle in my body is."
"Here lay back down," James said slipping his arms under me and sliding me back down my bed, "He didn't cast any spells on you or anything did he?" He said giving me a worried look.
"No, he just sang to me…" I paused thinking about it, 'Why did I feel so exhausted then?'
I don't know what compelled me, all I know is I felt secure in his arms. I reach out and took his hand and he looked me in the eyes again, "Lay down with me, please."
James blushed furiously as I did, "I just…feel secure…" I let out a breath and turned my head away, slackening my grip on his hand, 'this is ridiculous…I shouldn't feel this weak.'
When I felt his hand leave mine I closed my eyes and took deep breaths to hold off the tears, Merlin this was pathetic here I was crying for some unknown reason; how my Mother would laugh. Then I felt the bed next to me shift I opened my eyes and saw James giving me a reassuring smile. He wiped a tear from my face as he slid closer to me.
When he laid back he took my hand but I untangled mine from his and he just stared at me as I rolled on my side to lie against him. My shoulder tucked under his as his arm slid behind me to keep me against to him, my right arm curled under his arm the only part visible were my fingers that were gently clutching his shoulder that I was resting my head on, and my left arm stretched out across his chest lightly gripping the fabric. I felt him release a breath and relax, but for some reason tears were still leaking from my eyes. He didn't say a word as his other hand traced lazy paths across mine, slowly lulling me back into sleep. But before he could I picked my head up and raised my hand to turn his face towards me. Then I leaned forward and formed my lips to his letting my eyes close as I did. His hand increased its pressure on my back and I broke the kiss for a second before leaning back in for another, slightly deeper kiss, and he complied.
A few second later I broke from his lips again and let my head fall next to his and I snuggled tighter to his body. He looked back to the ceiling and began stroking my back and right before I closed my eyes to fall back into sleep I leaned forward and placed another kiss on his neck. Then I went back into darkness.
Author Note: P.S. the song that Leo sang was Strom by Lifehouse. Just wanted to give the credit. ^_^