CenturionEon: Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it! And no worries about the late reply.

thed0n: Thank you so much! Not to worry, I have no plans to abandon this series. And that is such a high compliment, I'm honoured. Best wishes to you too!


The train eventually came to a stop at the station with a loud screech. Alexander felt relieved. He wanted to get out of the tight, stuffy compartment and felt safer with the cold breeze on his face. It seemed the other students thought the same because there was a scramble to get outside; owls hooted while cats meowed, and feet scuffled.

Outside was freezing, and Alexander wrapped his cloak tighter with a slight shiver. Rain was driving down in icy sheets. Hagrid's familiar voice came from a distance, shouting for the first years.

Alexander was struck by a pressing thought. He stood uncertainly as other students went past him, grumbling about the cold or chattering their teeth. They looked confident enough in their brisk movements while Alexander stuck out like a sore thumb. He was horribly aware that he didn't know how to get to the castle. Last year he came in a flying car and a boat before that. He couldn't spot anyone from his year. Should he just follow the others?

A gentle brush came from behind him as Helen stepped off the train and locked one arm into his. He turned his head to meet her grinning gaze.

"Come on," she laughed lightly. "I thought you looked a bit lost."

Helen locked her other arm into Nia's and pushed her closer to her side. Nia rolled her eyes fondly but didn't protest.

Alexander flushed at being caught. "Thanks."

Helen dragged them along with the others; they trod across a rough mud track to where dozens of stagecoaches awaited. The three grabbed a nearby one and sat down just as the coach set off, bumping and swaying. The inside was warmer but there was a faint, unpleasant scent of mould.

Nia scrunched up her face. "Urgh," she groaned. "I forgot how awful it smelled. I don't think they ever clean it."

"Gross," said Alexander, his stomach clenching.

He didn't breathe properly for the rest of the journey. He felt the pangs of hunger eat away at him. Helen caught his eye and secretly smiled. A thrill shot through him at how close she was to him in an enclosed space.

They arrived at the gate and a dull coldness shot through him. Alexander peered out of the window and saw two towering, hooded Dementors standing guard on stone columns. The feeling wasn't as intense as before when he was staring straight at it. Yet, still...

He cringed and sank far back from the window, turning his head to the side. Those were some nasty creatures and he hoped they wouldn't be a common occurrence.

At last, the carriage swayed to a halt. Nia hurried out first, claiming she couldn't stand the smell anymore. Alexander followed and turned to offer a hand to Helen.

"Thank you, Alex," she smiled.

"You're welcome."

They went through the large oak doors and followed the other students towards the Great Hall. Nia and Helen broke off for their respective tables.

"We'll see you later," said Helen, placing a lingering hand on his shoulder before turning to leave.

Nia saluted with two fingers, her silver rings on display. Alexander quickly stifled his smile in case anyone saw it, his shoulder tingling. Ron sat there alone and waved happily when he spotted him.

"Where's Harry and Hermione?" asked Alexander in confusion. "Weren't they just with you?"

"McGonagall asked for them but she said they weren't in trouble," Ron shrugged.

They were hushed before Alexander could get more information from Ron. The sorting was beginning.

"Can this go any faster?" whispered Ron with a soft groan. "I'm starving."

Alexander agreed, feeling his stomach rumble softly. He flushed as the boy opposite raised his eyebrow with a smirk at the sound.

There weren't many first years this year, making the process faster. Gryffindor received one person – a girl named Romilda Vane. Alexander noticed that she was the only one who didn't look nervous and grinned confidently as she made her way over, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

Alexander recognised Sully when his name was called and clapped for him when the hat yelled "Hufflepuff!"

"Do you know him?" asked Ron, leaning in.

Alexander nodded. "Yeah, he's Helen's brother. You met him in Diagon Alley, remember?"

"Oh, right, yeah, I forgot about that." Ron stared at him. "Hey, Alex, do you, er, fancy her?" His question came out bluntly in true Ron-fashion.

Alexander looked ahead and shrugged non-committedly. He felt his cheeks heat up. While anticipating an onslaught of mockery, Alexander saw Ron frowning as he looked over at the Slytherin table.

Ron hummed in thought. "I think she likes you too, mate," he said after a while. "She was looking right at you before."

"What?" Alexander snapped his head around swiftly but was disappointed to see Helen's gaze directed elsewhere.

Flitwick carried the stool and hat out of the hall, when Alexander spotted Harry and Hermione, both looking completely different; Hermione was beaming to the tips of her ears while Harry's jaw was clenched in frustration.

"What was all that about?" Ron muttered to Harry as they took their seats.

Harry opened his mouth to explain, but the headmaster stood up to speak, and he was hushed by Hermione.

"Welcome!" announced Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard.

Alexander focused his attention on the front. He learnt that the Dementors were going to be staying for a while and a deep dread settled in his heart. He'd have to deal with those creatures all year most likely. On a happier note, however, it seemed that Hagrid had been appointed to Care of Magical Creatures Professor. Alexander joined in the rest of the whooping and cheering, a grin stretched across his face.

After a long and delicious feast, the time for bed had come. The second Alexander reached his four-poster bed he threw himself under the covers and fell into a dreamless sleep.

∞ ϟ 9¾

The next morning Alexander received his timetable from the twins. With a roll of his eyes, Fred claimed that McGonagall had them doing it in exchange for not getting a week's detention. Alexander grabbed a seat next to Hermione, who examined her timetable with an intense focus.

"Ooh, good, we're starting some new subjects today," she said happily, picking up her book from the table to read.

Alexander grinned. "Look," he motioned. "I have a free period this morning."

"Lucky you," grumbled Ron with an envious scowl. "We've got Divination at nine o'clock this morning." He shook his head with a sigh as he stared up at Alexander. "I think you're the only Gryffindor not taking Divination. Everyone in our year is doing it."

"It's not for me," shrugged Alexander, spreading butter across his toast.

Just then, Hagrid entered the Hall with an excited expression on his face. He grinned broadly at them and headed off to the staff table, swinging a dead polecat in his hand.

"Wonder what he's been getting ready?" said Ron, a note of anxiety in his voice.

"I don't know," admitted Alexander with a bit of his lip, "but it can't be good. He'll probably have us petting dragons or something for our first class. I like Hagrid but you know what he's like."

"That's my brother's, Charlie's, idea of a dream class," Ron snorted in amusement.

"Hagrid will be a great teacher," defended Harry with a disapproving frown at them.

Alexander's gaze sharpened when he noticed Helen walk in, her uniform pristine and her hair pulled into an elegant ponytail. She scanned the Hall and waved with a brightening expression at Alexander as she spotted him. He smiled back but he mostly felt like a fool. Ron snorted, a light smirk at the corner of his mouth.

"Shut up," muttered Alexander under his breath, his face heating up. He glanced over at Hermione then frowned as he noticed something. "Um, Hermione?"

"Yes?" she answered coolly without looking up.

He pointed at her paper. "Your timetable is wrong."

She caught his eye before looking away. There was certain steel in those brown eyes. "No, it's not. I assure you, it's correct."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. It was clear as day to him. Why was she denying it? "No," he said slowly. "It definitely is. You have multiple subjects at the same time. It's humanly not possible."

Hermione sharply inhaled and turned to glare at him. Alexander blinked, taken aback.

"Oh, what do you care anyway?" she snapped lightly. "You can go make googly eyes at Helen Fawley. I already said it was correct."

What? Alexander was speechless. Did he do something? Harry shrugged in response, looking clueless himself. Hermione huffed and slid back around.

"Why are you having a go at Alex for?" questioned Ron confusedly. "He's right. I know you're good, Hermione, but no one's that good. How're you supposed to be in three classes at once?"

"Don't be silly," said Hermione shortly. "Of course, I won't be in three classes at once."

"But —"

"Oh, Ron, what's it to you if my timetable's a bit full?" Hermione snapped. "I told you, I've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."

Alexander exhaled slowly. There was a look of irritation on Hermione's face. Right then. He got up from his seat. Hermione looked up and it looked like she was about to say something but merely turned back to her book. Alexander's heart sank in disappointment. He waved goodbye to his friends as they went off to their first lessons and went to sit with Fred and George for a bit.

The twins welcomed him and leaned in to tell him an idea for a prank they were planning on Snape. Alexander was half-listening. Across the hall, Helen laughed with a group of friends, her hair glowing. Fred and George stopped to share a glance, a glint of mischief in their eyes. Alexander bit the inside of his cheek.

"So, not as slick as you think you are, Alex," said Fred, giving a sly wink. "Nothing gets past us, remember that."

Alexander groaned inwardly. This was all he needed.

"Yeah, if I were you, Alexi-boy, I'd hurry up and make my move," informed George. "She's very popular around the school."

Fred sighed. "I tried flirting with her once but she shut me down. Shame really. She could've had me as her boyfriend – there never would be a dull moment. Ah, well, that's her loss."

George snickered, addressing Alexander. "It was quite a blow to his ego as well."

Fred rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Not even. Anyway, I wouldn't have pegged you being interested in Helen Fawley."

"What?" Alexander frowned.

"Yeah, Forge and I was betting on your liking Granger instead." George shook his head in mock sadness. "Devastating really."

"What?" Alexander's mouth opened and his heart jumped. "Why would you think that?" he demanded, aware that his voice had risen.

"Ah, you haven't noticed the way she looks at you?" George grinned. "You know, sometimes you sound as thick as Ronikins sometimes."

Alexander squinted his eyes and crossed his arms. "Hermione and I are just friends and we always will be. I like her but not in that way – in a like-like way I mean, okay? I don't."

His face burned and he was aware of how flustered he sounded. Troublesome twins. He glared as they sniggered. He huffed and rose from his seat to study in the library for his free period. He ignored Fred and George's teasing behind him with a deep scowl. Some first years nervously avoided eye contact with him along his way.

He and Hermione. Huh? He blew air from his nose. Honestly. He never heard anything so ridiculous. Boys and girls can be friends – it wasn't a foreign concept. Hermione was the bestest friend he had right now.

Potions were the furthest thing on Alexander's mind as he tried to read through his book. His mind was a fog of relentless thoughts, mostly filled with Helen. He blamed the twins for it but he didn't want Helen to be unavailable. To lose her to another guy when he hasn't even had her in the first place.

Alexander frowned. Wait. Perhaps 'had' was the wrong word to use. Eliot taught him that a girl is not something you have like a mere toy. Still, the point was that he liked Helen and wanted to kiss her and take her on dates. And another guy asking her out would make sure that never happened.

Then that settled it. He nodded firmly. He was going to ask her out to Hogsmeade. He's heard and seen older boys do it with their girlfriends. But maybe he'll do it later on – when she wasn't constantly surrounded by a crowd of girls. They could visit a teashop again. Just the two of them. His palms felt sweaty just thinking about it.

By the end of the period, Alexander had only managed to read one page. He made his way over to Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall told them about Animagi – very interesting – and it seemed that Alexander was the only one who clapped when the Professor turned into a tabby cat (the allure of it still hadn't vanished).

Alexander glanced around the room in surprise. Curiosity bloomed within him as he realised that everyone looked so pale and fear-stricken. What on earth happened? He tried to catch Hermione's eye from beside him – so she could give him a hint – but she didn't turn her head in his direction. Alexander tried not to feel too disheartened. It probably wasn't personal.

"Really, what has got into you all today?" demanded Professor McGonagall, staring around at them all. "Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class – thank you for that Mr Laurent." She curtly nodded at Alexander.

Everybody's heads turned toward Harry again, but nobody spoke. Alexander rose an eyebrow, just as curious as the Professor. Then Hermione raised her hand. "Please, Professor, we've just had our first Divination class, and we were reading the tea leaves, and —"

"Ah, of course," said Professor McGonagall, suddenly frowning. "There is no need to say anymore, Miss Granger. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?"

Everyone stared at her.

"Me," said Harry, finally.

Alexander rolled his eyes, with a short snort of ironic amusement. That was nothing new. It seemed consistent for Harry to be dying each year. A few members sitting close to him, however, shot him some looks at his reaction.

"I see," said Professor McGonagall, fixing Harry with her beady eyes. "Then you should know, Potter, that Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favourite way of greeting a new class." She stopped then said, "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."

This seemed to have some effect on the class as they relaxed and let out laughs of relief.

When the Transfiguration class had finished, they joined the crowd thundering towards the Great Hall for lunch.

"Ron, cheer up," said Hermione, pushing a dish of stew toward him. "You heard what Professor McGonagall said."

Ron spooned stew onto his plate and picked up his fork but didn't start. Alexander furrowed his brows. He'd never seen Ron neglect his food like this.

"I never took any of you for the superstitious type," frowned Alexander, thinking the whole thing as dramatic. "I wouldn't pay any attention to it if I were you, Harry. The Professor probably did that for shock effect anyway. Just to get a rise out of the class – and you were the poor bugger she picked on. Not like that's new."

"Death omens aren't something to be forgotten, Alex," said Ron solemnly, shaking his head before he turned to Harry. "Harry," he said, in a low, serious voice, "You haven't seen a great black dog anywhere, have you?"

"Yeah, I have," admitted Harry in slight discomfort. "I saw one the night I left the Dursleys'."

Ron let his fork fall with a clatter. Alexander paused for a second, looking up from his bowl. That did seem strange.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Alexander's face. "Oh, would you get a grip? It was probably a stray."

Alexander shrugged sheepishly. All this talk was starting to make him superstitious. Jumping at the thought of a mere dog. Thank Merlin for Hermione and her logical brain. Ron didn't look as if he agreed.

"Hermione, if Harry's seen a Grim, that's – that's bad," he argued. "My – my uncle Bilius saw one and – and he died twenty-four hours later!"

"Coincidence," replied Hermione airily, pouring herself some pumpkin juice. "Besides, I think Divination seems very woolly," she said, searching for her page. "A lot of guesswork, if you ask me."

"There was nothing woolly about the Grim in that cup!" spluttered Ron hotly. "Professor Trelawney said you didn't have the right aura! You just don't like being bad at something for a change!"

Alexander cringed. That hadn't been the right thing to say apparently. Hermione slammed her Arithmancy book down on the table so hard that bits of meat and carrot flew everywhere.

"If being good at Divination means I have to pretend to see death omens in a lump of tea leaves, I'm not sure I'll be studying it much longer! Alexander did a good job not taking that class. That lesson was absolute rubbish compared with my Arithmancy class!" She snatched up her bag and stalked away.

Alexander would have gone after her but he didn't know if she was still angry with him from before. He decided the best thing to do was let her simmer down.

Ron frowned after her. "What's she talking about? She hasn't been to an Arithmancy class yet."

Harry shrugged. Alexander snapped his gaze onto Ron. "She hasn't?" he asked.

"No, she's been with me and Harry the whole time in Divination. I can't see how she would have gone to Arithmancy. Do you think she's lying or something?"

"Maybe. . ." he hummed.

Ron accepted this and focused back on his food. Alexander, however, wasn't as compliant. Something was up with her – he had a gut feeling, which never lies – and he vowed to talk to her and get to the bottom of it. Harry and Ron might not look into it much but in Alexander's opinion, it was possible to be in two classes at once. Especially at Hogwarts. He just didn't know how, but it had something to do with what she discussed with McGonagall yesterday evening.

∞ ϟ 9¾

Alexander's next lesson was Care of Magical Creatures. The sky was a clear, pale grey, and the grass was springy and damp underfoot. Alexander discovered that while she was talking to him, her voice was stiff and her words short.

They went down the sloping lawns to Hagrid's hut on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Alexander felt wary after seeing the familiar sight of Malfoy and his two gorillas. Anything with those three wouldn't end up well.

Helen had mentioned how much she loved taking this class. But that had been when Professor Kettleburn was still teaching. This was new territory for Alexander. He gave a friendly nod at Blaise, who lifted a finger in recognition.

Hagrid looked eager for them to start. They found themselves outside a kind of paddock. There was nothing in there. This didn't seem promising.

"Everyone gather 'round the fence here!" Hagrid called. "That's it – make sure yeh can see – now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books —"

"How?" interrupted the cold, drawling voice of Malfoy.

"Eh?" said Hagrid, appearing confused.

"How do we open our books?" Malfoy repeated.

Alexander hated to admit it but the ferret had a point. It had been a struggle. His book had been taped shut; he could barely open it without being snipped at. As much as Alexander liked Hagrid, he wasn't impressed so far.

"Hasn' – hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?" questioned Hagrid, looking crestfallen. The class all shook their heads. "Yeh've got ter stroke 'em," said Hagrid, sounding as though this was the most obvious thing in the world.

Alexander glanced down at his book curiously and slowly grazed a finger along the spine. It was instant; the book shivered, then fell open and lay quiet. He shook his head in exasperation.

"Oh, how silly we've all been!" Malfoy sneered. "We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!"

Alexander rolled his eyes. The ferret never knew when to keep his mouth shut.

"Righ' then," said Hagrid, who seemed to have lost his thread, "so – so yeh've got yer books an'. . . an'. . . now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Yeah. So I'll go an' get 'em. Hang on…" He strode away from them into the forest and out of sight.

Alexander leaned back his head and closed his eyes, tuning out the voice of Malfoy. A soft nudge came next to him and he saw Hermione looking at him with a questioning gaze. He smiled. Before he could say anything, Lavender Brown's squeal distracted the class.

Towards the opposite side of the paddock trotted dozens of unusual creatures. Alexander's mouth dropped in awe. He could only describe them with one word: majestic. They certainly looked the part as well. Everyone drew back slightly as Hagrid reached them and tethered the creatures to the fence.

"Hippogriffs!" Hagrid roared happily, waving a hand at them. "Beau'iful, aren' they?"

They sort of were in a way, even more so up close. Alexander had never seen creatures like this before. Its coat gleamed in different colours from stormy grey and bronze to inky black.

"So," said Hagrid, rubbing his hands together and beaming around, "if yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer. . ."

Alexander had a strange desire to pet it despite the length of its talons. He shuffled closer gradually – he didn't have a death wish after all – and felt Hermione grip his shirt from behind. She looked worried by biting her bottom lip but didn't stop him. She held on as the four of them approach cautiously.

"Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is, they're proud," informed Hagrid. "Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do. Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move. It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt."

Alexander listened attentively.

"Right — who wants ter go first?" Hagrid finally asked.

Most of the class backed farther away in answer. Alexander inhaled deeply, nerves fluttering inside his stomach as he eyed the fierce creatures, but still, put his hand up.

"Um, I can do it," he said, deciding to take a risk.

Harry had the same idea as well. There was an intake of breath from the class. Ron looked at them like they were insane. They climbed over the paddock fence. Hagrid beamed, praising them.

"Easy now," said Hagrid quietly. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink. Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much."

Alexander stared straight at his Hippogriff, hardly daring to blink. He could thank his grandfather for that, constantly looking him in the eye. The Hippogriff eyed him with one eye. Hagrid instructed them to bow. He bowed with his neck fully exposed, his chin digging into his upper chest. He glanced up, surprised when he saw the Hippogriff bowing as well, its front knees sunk forwards. Alexander grinned, feeling lightheaded from how tense he felt previously.

"Good job, Alex," grinned Hagrid. His smile quickly fell as he landed his gaze on Harry and he suddenly sounded worried. "Ah, right – back away, now, Harry, easy does it —"

Alexander's hand travelled to his pocket and he gripped his wand tight in case Harry became food for the Hippogriff. But after a short second, the other Hippogriff also sunk into an unmistakable bow.

"Right — yeh can both pet them! Go on!"

Alexander moved forwards, gaze focused entirely in front of him and reached out a hand. The Hippogriff closed its eyes and made a soft noise.

Hagrid mentioned riding the creatures, but Alexander felt like he'd reached his limit. He refused firmly and walked out of the paddock. Riding a wild creature was something he was not ready for. He was content with petting it not endangering his life. Harry, true to his nature, rode the Hippogriff, causing Hagrid to become ecstatic.

When he reached his friends, he heard Hermione sigh quietly in relief. She grabbed his hand and softly squeezed it before letting go. Alexander secretly smiled to himself. She wasn't mad at him anymore and that was better than petting any Hippogriff.

Suddenly, Malfoy let out a high-pitched scream – one full of genuine fear. Alexander turned around to see Hagrid wrestling Harry's Hippogriff back into his collar as he strained to get at Malfoy, who lay curled in the grass, blood blossoming over his robes.

"I'm dying!" Malfoy yelled. "I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!"

"Yer not dyin'!" said Hagrid, who had gone very white. "Someone help me — gotta get him outta here —"

Alexander scowled, shaking his head. Everyone had heard Malfoy insult the Hippogriff before, and Alexander didn't feel all that sorry for him. He got what was coming for him. Ron stared with wide eyes.

Hermione ran to hold open the gate as Hagrid lifted Malfoy easily. Hagrid ran with him, up the slope toward the castle. Very shaken, the Care of Magical Creatures class followed at a walk. They proceeded upstairs to Gryffindor Tower.

"You think he'll be all right?" asked Hermione nervously.

"Course he will. Madam Pomfrey can mend cuts in about a second," reassured Harry.

"That was a really bad thing to happen in Hagrid's first class, though, wasn't it?" said Ron, looking at Alexander with a worried expression.

"It's not good," admitted Alexander slowly. "It doesn't reflect well on Hagrid, to be honest."

Ron sighed in misery. "Trust Malfoy to mess things up for him."

"Hagrid should have let him bleed there," snorted Alexander. "No one would miss that ferret. What was he thinking insulting a Hippogriff like that?"

Hermione turned to him with a slight frown. "That's a cruel thing to say, Alex."

"Oh, and like Malfoy isn't," he countered but with a half-hearted tone.

Okay, so he did feel a tiny, tiny bit bad. He might have been exaggerating before. Malfoy's father would care a great deal if his son was injured. A sinking feeling in his gut appeared. Lucius Malfoy was absolutely going to find out, that was for sure if his son had anything to say about it. This was going to turn out horrible for Hagrid.

∞ ϟ 9¾

After a short and restless dinner full of thoughts, Alexander was coming back from the library after completing his essay. In his view, up ahead the corridor, came the flash of champagne blonde hair.

Alexander stared. She looked out of the ordinary. Her clothes were soaking wet and her hair was drenched as if she'd gone swimming fully clothed.

"Isn't it a bit late to be outside," he said, catching her attention as she peered up with a startled expression.

"Oh, Alex. It's just you. Hello." She smiled and waved.

"You'll catch a cold like that." He motioned to her clothes.

"Oh." She blinked and looked down then flushed red. "Oh, yeah, sorry about looking like a mess," she apologised in an embarrassed tone, smoothing down her hair.

Alexander shrugged. "I think you look fine. Wait, hang on." He pulled out his wand and muttered, "Exaresco." Helen's wet appearance disappeared, and she looked as dry as if she'd put them on.

"Thank you, Alexander. I left my wand in the dormitory."

He eyed her in curiosity. "What were you doing outside anyway? You can barely see a thing out there." He motioned to a nearby window. "You do realise Sirius Black is still missing, right?"

Alexander was reminded of Harry and hoped that his friend was in the common room like he said he was going to be during dinner.

"Oh, I was just sitting by the dock at the Great Lake. I wanted to see the Giant Squid but it sprayed water all over me, and so now here we are." She chuckled awkwardly.

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I like animals." Her eyes softened to a gleam. "But it's sweet that you were worried."

Alexander sighed. "Just. . . be careful. I don't want my friends to be in any serious trouble."

Helen crossed her arms as she teased, peering up at him behind her eyelashes, "Does that mean I'm your friend then?"

Alexander felt surprised. "Of course you are."

She beamed. "So, how were your lessons today?" Helen asked.

Alexander explained the fiasco during Care of Magical Creatures. Helen shook her head gravely when he'd finished.

Helen furrowed her brows in thought. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised. Draco's a troubled boy and very hard to tolerate."

Alexander snorted. "A spoiled ferret is more fitting to describe him. I'm more worried about Hagrid."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," reassured Helen.

There was silence. Alexander's mind raced. He felt his legs tremble and took a deep breath in, steeling his nerves and building his courage. It was now or never.

"Um, Helen, I wanted to ask you if you would, uh – " he began, looking visibly nervous and stumbling over his words. Why was this so hard? "Do you maybe want to go Hogsmeade sometime? With me. Together."

"Oh. . ." A clear sign of surprise appeared on Helen's face. She blinked, her lips parted.

He rushed ahead to explain himself. "You know I thought you could show me around seeing as I've never been and – and you're already familiar with it. It could be fun but it's also fine if you don't want to go too."

If only his grandfather saw him now. He'd be very disappointed with how awkward Alexander looked and sounded, far from the confident demeanour he was expected to have constantly. But Alexander didn't want to think about his grandfather right this minute. Not when Helen was biting her lip in a way that caused his mind to go numb.

"I'd love to go," said Helen, putting a hand on his shoulder and breaking off his speech. "It's a date then." She giggled and walked away, throwing a goodbye wave.

Alexander stood staring after her for a second before an uncontrollable smile appeared on his face. He felt like he was walking on a light and bouncy cloud.

Yet, when he arrived in the common room, his mood blackened. He didn't see the trio anywhere. A frown appeared just as soon. It was dark, where could they be? Black could be out there, waiting for Harry especially.

He paced for a few seconds before deciding to go out and look for them. Grandfather had entrusted Harry's safety to him after all, even if he hadn't mentioned it directly. He walked through the corridors, listening closely to any distant footsteps, wishing desperately he had Harry's Cloak with him. He encountered no one, thankfully.

Outside his breath was misty. Alexander sucked in the bitter night air and set along the dark path. There was only one likely option for them to be, Hagrid's hut.

After a while, Alexander became aware of an odd prickling sensation at the back of his neck. He gripped his wand tighter, his blue eyes darting all around him. It didn't help much, however, as even the grass looked almost black in the twilight. He could make nothing out, just shapes in the distance. The Forbidden Forest gradually came up ahead.

Alexander stopped in his tracks. His breathing quickened and his eyes narrowed. There was something. . .

A faint rustling was heard from nearby. He shook his head. Never mind. It was probably a Dementor. He swiftly shone his light around him but there was nothing. Just the bushes swaying under the force of the wind.

He was being crazy. There's nothing there. So why does he feel an icy fear in his veins? And why does he have a horrible feeling that he's being watched? Someone or thing was out there. His heart rate increased.

Come on now. Just a quick few steps and he'd be at Hagrid's in no time. Alexander hurriedly paced along the grounds, his muscles tensed, hardly daring to look behind him.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps came. Multiple footsteps. Dementors didn't have footsteps. A spell lay at the edge of his tongue, ready to be hurled across. They were approaching nearer and nearer. . .

Alexander jumped and so did the footsteps. Ron yelled in surprise, his voice echoing in the night.

"Alexander! You scared us," said a breathless Hermione, clutching her chest.

"Me?" Alexander said, incredulous, his hands on his knees as he bent over in relief. "You all almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Alexander!" yelled Hagrid, not at all looking pleased to see him. "What d'yeh think you're doing? Don' yer know it's dangerous out here?"

"I was looking for them," defended Alexander. "They weren't in the common room, so I got worried."

Hagrid scowled, not accepting his excuse. "Well, yer supposed to stay inside next time. And none of yer are ter go wanderin' around after dark, d'yer hear me?" Hagrid's expression was fierce.

Alexander noticed Harry's face. He didn't seem to care much as if this was all a big inconvenience to him. He had a suspicion that Harry wouldn't be taking Hagrid's advice any time soon.

"C'mon!" Hagrid motioned angrily. "I'm takin' all of yer back up ter school, so yer can join them, Alex."


19th November 1976


You know, if you ask me, I think Lily is slowly starting to tolerate Potter. She's grown soft on him. I caught her looking at him the other day at lunch when he was laughing with Black. 'Course she denied it most vehemently – like I knew she would – but honestly, I think she's only lying to herself. When I tried to question Lily about it, she merely scoffed and thought I was still drunk from all the firewhiskey I drank the night before.

Whatever. Each to their own I suppose.

I myself have kissed Lily before. Potter's face never looked so green before, the poor dear. He looked as if he wanted to curse me for all eternity. I laugh thinking about it now. Truthfully, it didn't mean anyway.

I was practising a script at the time. I wore a wizard's cloak, a velvet waistcoat, and a fake moustache that I couldn't help twirling. I thought I looked great, and rather handsome if I did say so, but others – Sirius mostly – disagreed. But my evil laugh was incomparable. I made an amazing Emeric the Evil. Lily kissed me during part of the part and Potter almost fell out of his armchair, not expecting it. I think the best part was rubbing it in Potter's face so that I got to kiss Lily before him.

Anyway, in other news, the most notable event that happened this week was Prince running into Henry and me snogging behind a tapestry. The way he stuck up his nose at us, acting as if I needed to explain myself to him. Merlin. He is so infuriating and aggravating. He truly is the bane of my exitance, ruining every moment. Not only did I have to spend my evenings with him but I also have to see him every waking day as he was in most of my classes.

Now, Prince and I spend our detention in silence. I can't tell if this is worse than hearing this voice constantly. Why does he have to be so complicated?


Thank you for bearing with me. I know this chapter has been a while and apologies if it feels a little rusty. But we're now finally progressing with our main character.

Also, My life has been quite hectic lately. I finished my last job and am now starting a new one. I'm very excited about this one as I'll be working with law firms.

As always, let me know what you thought.