Author's Note: I know, I know! This is the part where I say that I own nothing except Alex and the changes in plot that her presence creates and then I go and cry myself to sleep. Ya happy?
Chapter 17 Surprises Aren't Always Good
Alex woke up the next day and realized it was Christmas morning. Rubbing her eyes, scenes from last night flitted across her mind and she shuddered. It was Christmas for Merlin's sake; her mind should be full of happiness and not about how horrible her date had been. Leaping out of bed, Alex quickly awoke the others as Maggie screamed curses because she had gotten back later than the others. The girls ignored her as they brought their gifts into the common room so as not to disturb Maggie's "beauty rest".
"Trust me, she needs a lot more rest than she's getting now to make a difference," said Alex as they set up their gifts, the other girls sniggering.
From Hermione, Alex got a book of useful advanced level potions. She thanked Hermione over and over because, "The one's Snape gives us are hard, but not in any way useful.".
Ron gave Alex a pack of Droobuls Best Bubble Gum and a Quick-Quotes Quill to use "during History of Magic. It takes notes for you so you can sleep!" which made Alex very happy. Hermione glared at the gift with such distaste that Alex quickly set it aside and picked up the next package.
Harry gave her a pocket model of a Firebolt that actually flew. He also wrote a card with tips to deal with people staring and whispering about you, some of which were quite amusing and had her laughing for some time.
Hagrid gave Alex a Swiss Army knife, though he told her in the letter he didn't know who that was but that he heard they were a good make. She smiled as she and Hermione talked about it animatedly while the other girls kept wanting to know why a girl would want one of those.
Erin gave Alex two Hershey bars and a pair of lightning bolt earrings saying, "It'll match your scar!". Alex quickly put them in, much to the amusement of her friends.
Uncle Monty sent her pictures of their house during a terrible snow storm they had a few weeks ago. The picture had Uncle Monty standing by the front door with snow up to his waist. He also gave her stationary and fancy quills with different color inks with the note, "Now you don't have an excuse to not write often." Alex smiled sheepishly as she looked over the gift. She felt bad that she hadn't written to her guardian as often as she knew he wanted and vowed to make it up to him.
Alex saved the last three for last. She undid the wrapping of Draco's gift and saw a black box. She opened it and gasped. It was a beautiful stainless steel watch with a mother of pearl face and crystals were the numbers should have been. Alex had an old digital watch that was on the verge of falling off because she wore it so much. Alex quickly put her new watch on and smiled as it glimmered in the firelight.
She then picked up the second gift and saw there was a card. The handwriting was unfamiliar as she read the note to herself.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you. Merry Christmas Alex!
Lovingly yours forever,
Your secret admirer
Alex read the letter a few times and smiled, rolling her eyes. Her father must have sent this as a joke. She opened the present and saw a beautiful silver charm bracelet. All the charms were either a heart with a keyhole or a key. There was another note inside and Alex read this one too.
For the one who has the key to my heart, I hope to one day have yours.
"Who's that from, Alex?" Hermione asked as Alex attempted to put the bracelet on by herself.
"I'm…I'm not sure," said Alex finally getting the clasp on.
Lavender took the card and read it. She burst into a fit of giggles and handed it to Parvati. Parvati started giggling too and Hermione snatched the letter from them. She read it as well and smiled at Alex.
"That's so sweet!" Hermione said, "Any idea who he could be?"
"That's just it," said Alex, "It could be any of those guys who were stalking me before the Yule Ball."
"I don't think they were this poetic, or this romantic," said Parvati dreamily.
Alex shrugged and finally opened the last gift. It was from her father. She opened a small box and there was a key inside. She took the key out and looked it over.
Suddenly, footsteps came down the stairs and Harry appeared holding a key similar to Alex's.
"You got one too?" he asked, "Come on, my letter said we need to see Hagrid."
Alex quickly threw on a pair of sweatpants and a sweater (her new annual Weasley sweater to be exact), and followed Harry out into the snow. Ron and Hermione went with them, though they were still not speaking to each other. Alex knocked on Hagrid's door and he opened it. His eyes were puffy and he looked like he hadn't slept at all. But when he saw the four Gryffindors, he smiled and came outside.
"Right now," he said joyfully, "Alex an' Harry are ta cover their eyes, no peekin' now."
Alex and Harry tightly shut their eyes and allowed Hagrid to lead them to an unknown location. They had only taken a few steps when they stopped.
"Open."
Alex opened her eyes and let out a shout of delight. There were two motorcycles leaning against the side of the shed. They were identical in every way, both were jet-black with the same handlebars and engine. Slowly, Alex walked over to one and touched the seat. She pulled out her key, put it in the ignition, and turned it on. The engine roared to life and Alex grinned.
"Dad," she whispered as she put one leg over the motorcycle, "You've really outdone yourself." She looked the bike over and felt a pang in her chest. Alex knew she would have to write to her father later and tell him everything. She couldn't even imagine how angry he'd be and she really didn't want to hear an "I told you so". She felt bad enough as it was.
"Oh, almost forgot," said Hagrid, ripping Alex from her thoughts as he ran back inside. While he was in his hut, Alex turned to Harry.
"Hagrid doesn't look so good," she said over the engines, "Is he okay?"
"Madame Maxime got all offended when he said she was part giant," said Harry.
"But, how could she not be?" said Hermione with a laugh, "She's as tall as some of the trees in the forest!"
"Did you know Hagrid's part giant too?" said Ron.
"Well of course he had to have some giant blood in him, Ron," Hermione snapped, "I mean, he's twice the size of a normal man for Merlin's sake!"
Just then, Hagrid appeared with two helmets and he handed them to Alex and Harry.
"Sirius told me to tell yeh that yeh have ta wear them while yer flyin'," Hagrid said, "Plus, it'll make yeh look mysterious."
Alex laughed and put the helmet on. Hagrid showed Alex how to work the accelerator and break so soon, she was flying around the castle. It was beautiful to see Hogwarts during winter from outside a window, but from the air it was breathtaking. She looked over and saw Harry pulling up next to her. She gave him a wave and took off as fast as the bike could go, Harry laughing and following her. Finally, she landed the motorcycle and pulled her helmet off, grinning ear to ear.
"Who's next?" she asked.
Alex took Hermione while Harry took Ron. Hermione was petrified the entire time, muttering to herself, "Don't look down…Merlin don't let me fall!" until they were safely on the ground. Afterwards, they had tea with Hagrid and went back to the castle. They never mentioned knowing about Madame Maxime and him being part giants, not wanting to either offend Hagrid or explain how they found out. Harry told Alex later that he and Ron had been walking through the gardens and had "accidentally" overheard their conversation while hiding in the bushes.
When they reached their common room, Alex told the others she wanted to write to her father and that she would join them in a little bit. Hermione looked at her sympathetically and Alex managed a small half smile as she climbed up to her dormitory. Once she was settled in her bed with her new stationary and quills, Alex thought for a moment before she started writing.
Dear Orion,
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed the food parcel I sent you as well as the pictures I drew of Hogwarts. Did you like the one of the Whomping Willow? I thought you'd find that one particularly interesting, what with your history with it and all. Thank you so much for the motorcycle! I took it out for a ride this morning with Hermione and it was absolutely amazing! Well, I don't think Hermione thought it was. All of my gifts this year were lovely, especially this stationary and quill I'm using now. Uncle Monty got it for me, can you tell he wants me to write more often?
Now I know you're anxious for me to tell you about last night.
Alex paused and tickled her chin with the feather quill. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she thought of what to say. There really was no way of sugar-coating what happened, although she had already decided not to mention that Draco helped her. Her father would never approve of her friendship with Draco, not even if Draco saved her life a thousand times. Finally, she took a deep breath and continued her letter.
I managed to have a fun time with my friends. Hermione looked beautiful, thanks to the beauty book you sent me, and both Harry and Ron looked like strapping young men. There was a bit of drama with Ron and Hermione though, so I don't think they had as much fun as they could have. I don't really know what happened with them because I was dealing with my own drama.
You were right, Dad. Nick was a complete bastard, and I hope you will pardon my French but that is the only word I can use to describe him. He was rude to my friends, very controlling and jealous, and I learned that there is a very dark side of him that he never showed me before. He has a sister that he hits around in order to keep her "in line" and I saw him hit her right in front of me. I know I should have done something, but I was too shocked to even think straight. Everything I had thought was turned on its side and I was so confused that I barely noticed that we went back to the dance. I think he knew I wasn't myself and he took advantage of that.
He led me away from the Great Hall down a hallway. Before we got too far, I came to my senses and told him I wanted to go back. He laughed and became more forceful as he tried to drag me into a closet. I fought and managed to knock him out. By the time I got back, the dance was over and I went to bed.
Now I want to assure you that nothing happened. He didn't hurt me and there aren't even bruises from where he grabbed me. I am completely fine and unharmed, honestly. Mentally and emotionally I'm fine as well. I only have Arithmancy with the guy and I am confident I can handle myself. I won't go looking for trouble and will always have a friend around, just in case. Please don't worry, I'm perfectly fine.
Give Buckbeak my Christmas wishes and I am sure you will want me to do the same with my friends. I love you very much and have a Merry Christmas!
With lots of love and holiday wishes,
Alex
She reread the letter many times before sighing and putting it in an envelope. Rising to her feet, Alex opened her window and mentally called out to her owl. Monty swooped onto her shoulder and nuzzled her chin.
"Merry Christmas, Alex," said the ebony owl.
"Merry Christmas, buddy. Can you take this to Dad for me? It's rather important," Alex said. Her owl nodded and left without another word. As she watched him go, Alex ran a hand through her long black hair and shook her head to clear her thoughts before she went downstairs to join her friends.
They spent the rest of the day hanging out with Fred, George, and Lee Jordan trading Chocolate Frog cards and playing Exploding Snap. Ron had brought down both boxes of his Christmas fudge, one being his mother's and the other Alex's, and the twins loved Alex's.
"I got M&M's and a chocolate pudding bean," said George triumphantly as his twin spat his back out.
"Alex," said Lee as he munched on his piece, "Where did you get this stuff? We could use it to prank Filch, sending him a box of homemade fudge only to have him find it had all the bad flavors of beans in it."
"A little shop off the main road," said Alex, hoping all this would give Mrs. Hinkins more business, "I'll show you next time we go."
Unfortunately, all their days off couldn't be spent relaxing. Alex's lessons with Snape were still set for Thursdays and the teachers had given a lot of homework. The common room was crowded because people had stayed for the holidays because of the Yule Ball.
On the last Thursday before the holidays were finished, Alex went down to the freezing dungeons. Pulling her Weasley sweater over her cold hands, she opened the door without knocking, which she always did because Snape never said to knock. However, today he had company, Igor Karkaroff. The Durmstrang Headmaster was showing Snape something on his arm that Alex only got a glimpse of before he pulled his sleeve over it swiftly. It was some type of black tattoo, but Alex couldn't tell of what.
"Sorry," said Alex quickly, "I'll just wait out-"
"No need," said Karkaroff, "I'm leaving. Good evening Snape."
He left the room swiftly and shut the door behind him with a loud banging noise. Snape rounded on Alex, his eyes angry.
"Why didn't you knock before you entered?" he snapped, "What did you see?"
"I never knock when I come to your lessons," said Alex defensively, "And I didn't see anything at all, I swear."
"Very well," he snarled, "Your lessons are cancelled for today but Mr. Malfoy is waiting to work on a new potion with you." He paused and looked at Alex intently, a strange glow in his eyes, "I haven't said anything, but I noticed your, shall we say, "close friendship" with Mr. Malfoy. I would like to warn you to discontinue it now while it is still young. He may not have told you, but I know his family would not approve of the behavior of their son."
"Is there anything wrong with being friends, Professor?" Alex asked icily.
"There is when your Houses are at such odds with each other," said Snape, "I also know for a fact your father would not approve of the friendship either."
"Well, thanks for the advice," said Alex as she reached the door, "I will be sure to take everything in to consideration."
He knew, and she knew that he knew, that what he said had no affect on her at all. She left the office and went to the classroom to find Draco waiting for her. She pulled out her Christmas gift from Hermione and showed it to him, grinning widely.
"This is really nice," he said with mild interest as he skimmed the pages, "How about we try to make Skel-O-Grow?"
"Sure, Harry had to use that when Lockhart removed all the bones in his arm. Lockhart really screwed things up, didn't he?" said Alex, laughing at the memory of their worst Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to date. Draco merely nodded and went to grab the ingredients, leaving Alex looking confused.
They began working on the potion, though it was much quieter and more serious than Alex liked. She began to wonder if Snape talked to Draco about them being friends. Had his parents threatened to take him out of school if he kept talking to her? She wouldn't have been surprised. The Malfoy's were extreme when it came to people's backgrounds. Finally, they finished all they could do and they cleaned up in silence. As Draco reached across to grab a vial, Alex noticed he was wearing the watch she gave him for Christmas. She smiled and casually rolled up her sleeves to reveal her watch too.
"I like your watch," she said with a smile, "Where did you get it?"
"Pansy gave it to me actually," he said, looking down at it, "It's all real gold."
"Oh," said Alex quietly, stung by his words. She felt like her stomach had been ripped out. Of course he'd wear the real thing; he was used to that sort of stuff. He probably didn't even look at her gold-plated and went straight for the 14 or 18 karat gold watch. "It looks nice. I'll see you tomorrow then? It says to add the next set of ingredients in twenty-four hours."
"Actually, I can't be here tomorrow," said Draco, "I promised Pansy I'd spend the day with her. Can you do it?"
"Sure," said Alex with a sigh and sarcastically muttered under her breath, "I'd love to, Draco! Because I've got nothing better to do than sit down here alone with all the homework I have."
"What was that?"
"Nothing," said Alex innocently, as she raised her hand in good-bye, "Nothing at all."
"Wait a minute," he said and Alex stopped, "Is that the watch I gave you for Christmas?"
"Yeah," said Alex. She wanted to say something nasty about it, just to get back at him, but found no words. It was the perfect gift.
"It looks nice," he said and left. That was it, no good-bye, no "see you soon!", nothing.
Alex went back to the common room in a very sad mood. She should have known this wouldn't have lasted, that he would eventually realize how hard it would be to keep a friendship with her and still be cool in the eyes of his Slytherin cronies. Why did it bother her so much? He was just some Slytherin anyway.
Because he's not "just some Slytherin", she thought forlornly as she walked up the stairs, He acts like a jerk to keep his father and so-called friends happy. But deep down, beneath all that swagger and arrogance, he's a really good person. I saw it when we were together without anyone watching or judging us. It's upsetting to see him go back to his old ways.
Finally, she reached the common room and automatically said the password, not noticing when the Fat Lady asked if the dress she was wearing worked with her skin tone. Alex found her bag, pulled out her mother's diary and curled up in a chair, her mind too wild for her to do anything else. However, she found she couldn't even read but just stare into the leaping flames of the fire and allow her mind to wander. Her emotions ranged from extreme anger to extreme sadness.
"ALEX!" her three friends shouted together.
"What?" Alex asked, snapping out of her thoughts and brought back to the hard reality.
"We've been trying to talk to you since you came in," said Ron. He and Hermione seemed to have made up because they were sitting next to each other and neither of them was physically harmed.
"Oh, sorry guys," said Alex, "What's up?"
"I think we should be asking the same thing to you," said Harry, "You've been in a daze since you've arrived."
"What happened down there?" Hermione asked concernedly, "Did Snape do anything to you?"
"No, not Snape for once," said Alex bitterly, "But you were right Hermione, some people just never change."
She got up, took her bag, and left the common room. The boys looked at Hermione, who looked as though a light bulb had just come on.
"Oh dear," was all she could say, leaving the boys more confused than ever.
Author's Note: Uh oh, what's up with Draco? A little tension between the two of them, very interesting indeed… ;)
I wanted to give you all a head's up about the next couple of days. This story has 25 chapters in total and I am leaving for a week this Friday. Obviously I won't be able to post the entire story by Friday because even though it's completed, I'd rather spread out the chapters so you all aren't overwhelmed with stuff. Although, I'm sure some of you wouldn't mind reading the rest of the book now. Hehe! So here's what I'm going to do: I'm posting one chapter today and two tomorrow. Hooray! If I get a chance, I'll try to post on Friday but don't get your hopes up. When I get back from my trip, I promise to post whatever the next chapter is as soon as I can. Hopefully you all won't be too angry with me for leaving you all for so long without an update. But look on the bright side, at least it's not three weeks like before! :P
There's only one reviewer that I couldn't reply to, so here's my response!
Are you calling me crazy?: First of all…OMG, you went to Harry Potter World! How was it? What was your favorite thing there (if you can narrow it down at all)? I personally loved the castle ride and the dueling dragons ride, but all of it was just incredible. I never got to try the Butterbeer because the line was, like…over an hour, but I'm glad you liked it! Thank you so much for your review and I'm so glad that you liked the last chapter! Hopefully you enjoyed this one too. :D
Thank you to my amazing fans out there. All of you are just incredible and you're support means the world to me. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! :D