CenturionEon: Yeah, it's a tough fear to have because it could end up becoming real to him. Love your speculation! Makes my day honestly.

Flame Wolfe: My poor Alex. I felt bad writing it.

JeepJoop711: It's a whole family of tragedies and I feel bad for Alex when he finds out. Thanks so much! Never easy for so many people to witness your biggest fear. Terrifying even.

The next morning Alexander came to his senses. He believed he may have overreacted. What he saw wasn't real, he knew that, of course. It was just a boggart, a shapeshifter meant to get under his skin. Grandfather wasn't truly in the classroom nor was his mother.

It was all in his head. He understood that now.

He was a little annoyed at how much the boggart affected him, how it managed to manipulate him by using his grandfather. And he'd let it.

Worse still, was how everyone witnessed it. Now they were going to think he was insane. A weak little boy who feared his grandfather. He cringed, recalling their bewildered expressions. He couldn't lose focus and control like that again.

Yet, the incident baffled him. He'd come across boggarts before when reading about them. They're supposed to be easy creatures to defend against. Alexander felt confusion grip him. So why did it feel like there was a gaping hole in his chest? Every time he pictured his grandfather's cruel smirk, his words echoing in his mind, the ache in his chest deepened.

Alexander had an early breakfast. He wanted to leave before his friends could ambush him. He could tell from Hermione's determined glint yesterday that she was buzzing to speak to him. She had a talent for poking into things that shouldn't be poked. Alexander both admired and hated her for it. He shoved a few mouthfuls of egg and toast into his mouth and hurried out before any Gryffindor saw him.

The corridors were mostly empty to his relief. It was too early for most people to be awake apart from a few fifth years and seventh years who rose to revise for their exams.

Alexander mindlessly reached inside his pocket and pulled out his mother's lighter, suddenly remembering that he had it. An urge overcame him, and he then found himself staring at the packet of Marlboro thrown on top of his trunk. He'd been looking at it for quite some time before he reached out and grabbed it. Fiddling with the cover, he grabbed one. It was better than nothing.

He shoved away the disapproving voice in his head that was telling him it wasn't a good decision – which sounded remarkably like Eliot.

On his way to the courtyard, while running his fingers along the smooth cigarette, he bumped into a solid figure. Alexander glanced up in surprise.

"Woah, watch it —" said the other person.

A familiar face peered at him in shocked surprise before turning into relief. They quickly shoved a glass bottle into their robes. Alexander had a sneaky suspicion it was Firewhiskey.

"Oh, it's only you, Laurent. Merlin, you gave me a good scare," grinned the other boy.

Alexander narrowed his eyes, wondering where he'd seen the other boy when he realised. It was Sebastian, the fifth year he'd encountered on the train. His light blonde hair was mussed but his robes were tidy as ever.

Sebastian noticed him staring and pressed a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. "Be a good chap and don't tell Flitwick, will you?" he said sheepishly. "Or McGonagall for that matter. I'll never hear the end of it."

Alexander shrugged carelessly. "Sure, if you tell me how you managed to smuggle the bottle into the school," said Alexander with a note of curiosity. "Aren't you meant to be seventeen to even wrap your hands around a Firewhiskey bottle let alone enter a bar serving them?"

"Ah, that's my secret to keep, Laurent," smiled Sebastian, tapping the end of his nose. "As I'm sure you have yours." He looked down at the cigarette Alexander held, a mirthful smirk on his face.

Alexander flushed, placing the roll back into his pocket. "Yeah, well —" he grumbled, "I won't tell if you don't. I'm not a snitch."

Sebastian crossed his arms in amusement. "I never said you were. But don't worry, I won't judge. I should warn you though, Laurent, the courtyard isn't the best place to smoke. Snape or McGonagall can easily run into you and then you'll be in trouble."

Alexander was stumped. He hadn't thought of that. "Oh. . ."

Sebastian grinned and beckoned with two fingers. "Come on. Let me put you out of your misery, I'll take you to a better spot."

Wary but curious, Alexander followed the older boy. Sebastian took him through a bookshelf by the Rear Hall. Alexander glanced up at Sebastian who removed a bookshelf with a smug smile.

His eyes widened the shelves folded in to reveal a secret arcade. Alexander stepped through it and came into a garden. It wasn't very large, but it didn't stop him from being impressed. There was no one in sight. An apple tree stood in the distance and a small bench was underneath it. In the centre stood a tiny waterfall.

"How did you find out about this place?" asked Alexander, peering around in amazement.

"Found out from the Weasley twins after I bribed them with butterbeer." Alexander's respect grew significantly. Sebastian chuckled. "Good, isn't it?"

"It's beautiful, yeah," agreed Alexander. "Who else knows?"

Sebastian furrowed his brows. "Well, me, the Weasley twins – though I'm not sure how exactly those two found out – and one or two seventh years. It's not common knowledge as you'd expect. Just don't tell anyone else."

"Thanks," said Alexander. "And I won't, I promise."

Sebastian nodded but his attention was caught by the cigarettes. "I say, those look quite expensive. How ever did you get them?"

Alexander shrugged. "Found them."

"I was wondering why you're smoking. Aren't you a second year?"

Alexander frowned at him. "Third-year, actually," he replied.

He wasn't willing to divulge the real reason why he was doing it. His secrets were his to keep. It was bad enough that everyone in DADA class saw his pathetic confrontation with the boggart, he didn't need someone else to know.

"But I wanted a break, I guess," he revealed, only telling a half-truth. "From the school and homework." But didn't seem like a good excuse but Sebastian seemed to have accepted it as he nodded.

"I understand. But, just for the record, fifth-year is way more intense," smirked Sebastian. "So, brace yourself."

Alexander took him at his word. While Sebastian spoke, Alexander merely listened to lull his thoughts. He thought the older boy was rather narcissistic and a tad arrogant as he only spoke about himself. But the most unusual thing about Sebastian was the way he was never displeased – he was always smirking and seemed in a constant state of amusement. Even when Alexander hummed monotonously or gave one-word answers.

Using the lighter, Alexander lit the cigarette and inhaled; he instantly coughed as the smoke became caught in his throat. God, that was awful. Laughter came from Sebastian, whose shoulders shook. Alexander glared at him, not liking being the centre of the joke.

"Sorry, Laurent," said Sebastian in between his rumbling chuckles, "But it's your first time smoking, isn't it?"

"So, what if it is?" muttered Alexander, the bitter taste of ash in his throat.

"Take smaller puffs," instructed Sebastian. "And inhale deeply so you get enough."

Alexander tried this and found it to work better. He muttered a small thanks and earned a shrug in response. He could see how people could get addicted to this.

"Ah, I'm a bad influence," grimaced the older boy, shaking his head. "I probably shouldn't be teaching a kid this."

Alexander bristled. "I'm not a kid," he said quickly.

"Yeah, you might be right about that. You've been through a lot, I suppose." Alexander looked away but Sebastian continued. "Word travels fast through Hogwarts and being friends with Harry Potter guarantees being talked about, don't you think?"

Alexander muttered a half-committed agreement.

"But mostly it's because you're a Laurent," informed Sebastian as he took out his bottle, his voice with an undercurrent of admiration. "I mean if you don't mind me saying, but everyone knows your grandfather, Antoine Laurent. I've always wanted to meet him properly if I'm being honest. I'm such an admirer of his work and he's an inspiration to all wizards."

"Oh, is he now? He's not that impressive to tell you the truth," said Alexander wryly. Sebastian continued as if he hadn't heard him.

"Well, next to my father, of course," said Sebastian with a nod. "He and my father worked together at the ministry; did you know that? And they still do."

Alexander hummed, setting his jaw. He wondered when Sebastian would change the subject.

"Oh, never mind, you probably wouldn't know him anyway." Sebastian seemed to have forgotten he was still there. "But ─ my father would be pleased to hear that we're getting along." Sebastian smiled crookedly and took a large swig of the Firewhiskey. "He's always wanted the very best out of me. I try hard to meet that."

Now, this was something Alexander could relate to.

"And that's what matters to me. Don't you agree, Laurent?"

Alexander made a quiet sound but didn't reply. He could feel the sparks of annoyance in his chest at the topic. This was a bad idea. Couldn't Sebastian speak about anything else? He noticed that his cigarette became smaller than his pinkie.

He rose from the bench. "I should be going now," he said, interrupting Sebastian mid-sentence. "My friends will be wondering where I am."

Sebastian blinked. "Oh. . ."

"It was nice meeting you, Sebastian. I'll see you around. Thanks for showing me this place."

Sebastian quickly recovered. "Great speaking with you too, Laurent. We should meet again sometime. I enjoyed your company."

Alexander concluded, as he walked away, that Sebastian was someone who talked quite a lot but was harmless.

"And hey, Laurent," called Sebastian, raising his bottle, "if you ever want a drink, you know who to go to."

Feeling a tad more settled, Alexander checked his watch and noticed that he had a couple of minutes before his first class. He bumped into Professor McGonagall along the way, who peered up from the pile of parchment in her arms when she saw him.

"Ah, Laurent, there you are," she said.

"Yes, Professor?" he said warily, stopping in his tracks. He wasn't sure if he was in trouble. He never knew these days.

"Professor Lupin was just looking for you. Seems he wants to speak with you. Come along now, we're both going the same way - I'll take you there," she motioned, adjusting her spectacles. "You can catch him before your first class."

The boggart popped into his mind. Sighing, Alexander could see no way of this. He wondered whether he could ditch but she was staring sternly at him as if she could read his thoughts.

"Of course, Professor," he replied with a strained smile. Dread settled in his stomach, but he found it hard to argue with her.

Professor McGonagall's nostrils flared, and she eyed him as they made their way. Alexander could tell she smelled smoke on him. The cigarette packet did say it was an intense flavoured one too. She pursed her lips but didn't say anything. He exhaled slowly. He dragged his feet until they reached Lupin's classroom.

"Go on in now, Laurent. Don't dawdle and ensure you're on time for your class," instructed Professor McGonagall, watching as he entered. He nodded and she walked off, disappearing around a corner.

"Professor Lupin," he called, peering around the classroom. The desks were back in their places but there was no sign of the teacher.

"Ah, Alexander," said Lupin with a tired smile, appearing from his office, "There you are. Come in, don't be shy."

Shy wouldn't be how he'd describe it, yet he did as the Professor said.

"Would you like some tea or biscuits?" offered Lupin. Alexander declined. Lupin continued with a cheerful tone. "What would you think about learning Redcaps next? Nasty little goblin creatures, I'd think."

"I suppose," shrugged Alexander, hands crossed behind his back.

"What about Kappas then? It'll be helpful I'd think."

"Sure, yes. Look, Sir, is this really what you called me to ask about?" asked Alexander, in a short tone.

Lupin placed a book down on his desk and then smiled at him, not appearing to have taken offence at his words.

"No, I suppose. I wanted to ask how you're feeling, Alexander, after yesterday," he asked.

"Fine, I guess. Why do you want to know?" Alexander barely trusted Lupin. Sure, he was nice and fun and a good teacher at that, but he didn't know him properly. And after the first two Defence Professors, Alexander felt like he had a right to be wary.

A crease appeared in the middle of Lupin's temple. "I want you to be truthful, Alexander. I am truly sorry for the boggart incident. Perhaps I underestimated how much it would affect you. My mistake, I know. I shouldn't have let you go through with it." Lupin appeared sombre.

"It's okay, Professor. I didn't know either," admitted Alexander, moved maybe by Lupin's tone.

"Yes, well. Most children have tangible fears like bugs, monsters, or spiders," chuckled Lupin before his face morphed into earnestness. "But your fear was much more serious – more mature, I must say. And forgive me for it being shown to the class."

"I-I didn't know that would happen," said Alexander softly after a few seconds of silence. Lupin's eyes focused on him. "I was picturing a thunderstorm because I don't like the noise it makes before it turned into, well. . ."

"Your mother and grandfather?"

"Yes."

Lupin was quiet for a moment. "I did know your mother, Alexander, I must admit. I recognised when she appeared."

Alexander's head snapped up, his heart jumping to his throat. "You did?" he asked quickly. "How?"

"I knew her in a sense," explained Lupin. "We weren't close – she was in the year below me, but we did run into each other sometimes and we chatted. Everyone knew her. She was the daughter of Antoine, how could you not?" Lupin chuckled to himself. "But she was very popular as a result of her bold character, I'd say."

Alexander swallowed then asked, "D-Did ─" His voice cracked embarrassingly. "Did she tell you who my father was then?" It was a question on the back of his mind ever since.

Lupin stared at the floor as if thinking about something. He then looked up and shook his head as he caught Alexander's gaze, his expression apologetic.

"No, Alexander. I'm sorry but she didn't. Amelie wasn't exactly shy about who she was seeing in the course that I knew her, but I don't think she ever told anyone about your father, whoever it was."

"Oh. . . okay." Alexander deflated, disappointment hitting him.

"But about your boggart," said Lupin before clearing his throat. "Have you spoken to your grandfather about it? I believe that talking will help you feel better."

Alexander stood straighter and smoothed out his robes. He checked his watch. "I think I should be going now, Professor. Otherwise, I'll be late for my lesson. Hagrid won't be happy." Of course, Hagrid wouldn't really be bothered about that, but Lupin didn't know about that.

Lupin sighed tiredly. "Yes, I suppose you will be. Just think about what I said, Alexander. Talk to your grandfather. Please."

∞ ϟ 9¾

While leaving another dull Care of Magical Creatures class in learning about Flobberworms, Alexander remembered the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. He felt rather queasy to be going with Helen if he was being honest. He didn't know if it was going to be just them, or if other people were coming too.

Perhaps he should double-check just to be safe. And apologise because of how he'd treated them last time. He grimaced thinking about it.

After leaving his bag in the dorm room, he made his way to the library, hoping he'd run into Helen over there. Thankfully she was there, writing on a piece of parchment, and sat on the table was Nia who had a book open.

Alexander approached slowly and swallowed when Nia saw him and raised an eyebrow.

"I, er ─" He started again. "I'm here to apologise for yesterday. I shouldn't have snapped at you both like that. I had a lot on my mind, and it was a mistake." He glanced at the floor, not willing to see their hateful expressions.

"Thanks, Alex." Helen was the first to speak and she offered a happy smile as he raised his gaze.

Nia eyed him for a few moments, and just when Alexander thought she wasn't going to forgive him, his stomach churning in anticipation, she nodded.

"Alright then, Laurent. Thanks for that," she said. Alexander breathed out a sigh of relief, glad that was over. "Well, don't you want to sit down?" offered Nia, gesturing to the empty seat.

"Oh, er, no. I have Transfiguration soon, but I just wanted to speak to Helen for a moment alone, so. . ." he answered, shifting his gaze to the blonde-haired girl, who blinked in response.

Nia furrowed her brow, her lips downturned before she shrugged. "Up to her," she said then fixed her gaze down at her book.

Helen had stopped writing, appearing surprised but then rose from her chair, taking his arm as they walked to a quiet section. Madam Pince's eyes immediately snapped at the movement, throwing them both dirty looks.

Helen crossed her arms, staring at him eagerly. "Well, what did you want to talk about?"

Alexander already regretted doing this, but he had to know. It was too late to back down now.

"Um, so, the first Hogsmeade trip is coming up. For you and me I mean," he said.

"Yes. . ." Helen smiled before it dropped. "Oh, did you not want to go with me anymore? Do you want to go with your friends, is that it?"

Alexander panicked. "What, no!" he exclaimed. He turned around sheepishly to make sure no one had noticed. "I do want to go with you. I just wanted to make sure we're still going together."

Helen blinked and then beamed. "Oh, yes, I do. Very much so. I'm looking forward to showing you all the great spots. We can get a butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks."

Alexander gave a relieved smile. "I would like that," he answered. "It's just. . ." He was silent before deciding to plough ahead in case he lost his courage. "Are we going as just friends?" he blurted out.

Helen frowned. "Well, we could but I was kind of looking forward to it being a date. I already told Nia about it earlier."

Alexander felt confused. "But why do you want to go on a date with me? I don't understand. I mean you're, like, popular, right? Is this some casual thing for you girls but you just use the word date?"

Helen rolled her eyes. "It's a date because I like you, silly," she replied in an exasperated voice like she couldn't believe how utterly stupid he was being. "I want to go with you."

"Oh, right then. . ." Alexander was left dumbfounded, his head spinning. It took him a second to find words. "So, it is a date then?" he asked again.

Helen laughed. "Yes. Okay, meet me in the courtyard on the day," she instructed.

Alexander grinned. "Great."

"Also, Alex. Shouldn't you be going before Professor McGonagall will have your hide for being late?"

Alexander turned pale. He should get a move on. "Right, thanks. Bye, I'll see you then."

∞ ϟ 9¾

Trouble came when Alexander was reading over his Ancient Runes essay. He didn't even notice until he glanced to the side and jumped when two matching grins appeared on either side of his armchair.

"Merlin, you both gave me a fright," he exclaimed, shaking his head. He immediately felt wary. When the twins had smirks like that, it never entailed anything good.

"So, we've heard from a certain owl," began Fred.

"─ that you're going with Helen Fawley on a date to Hogsmeade," continued George.

"How do you know that?" asked Alexander, surprised. "Never mind, but yes, I guess I am." He sighed as their grins grew larger. He felt a tad embarrassed but proud to be going out with his crush since forever.

Fred clapped a hand on his back, causing him to wince. "Welcome to the big boys' club, Alexi-boy."

"Yeah, congrats on bagging Helen Fawley. She's popular and very fit I must say," said George.

"We're impressed," they chimed.

Alexander smirked, puffing out his chest. It felt good to be praised. And Helen had said she liked him. So, he had certain charms after all.

"But we're worried for you also," said Fred, his voice turning sombre, causing Alexander to frown. "We're worried you going to mess it all up."

"What do you mean?" he asked defensively. "I don't intend to."

"Oh, we know that Alexi-boy," soothed George. "But these things can't be helped. You're young and inexperienced when it comes to matters of the heart. So, it's only a matter of time."

Alexander tapped his fingers on the armchair. He supposed they did have a point. What if he did mess it all up?

"But ─" interrupted Fred loudly. "Lucky for you, you have us two to guide you through it. And we're here to help."

George nodded. "We're here to make sure your first date is a success. You do want her to be your girlfriend, don't you? Of course, you do."

"You see, Alex, girls are a whole different world. If you're too sweet or cringy with her she'll be put off you, which ruins your chances."

"Helen will start losing feelings for you fast and might not even want to be friends afterwards. And, honestly, what a loss that would be because Helen Fawley is not someone you'd want to lose."

Worry gripped him tight. Doubts became creeping in. "What would you suggest then?" he asked, chewing his bottom lip.

Fred smirked slowly. "Girls, Alex, love guys that play hard to get. You see, I'm so close to getting Angelina to go out with me. She can't resist me very soon."

Alexander swallowed as the twins pat his shoulder.

"Trust us," said George. "Take our advice and you'll do well."

December 15th 1976

I'm not sure how it happened but Prince and I have this thing now. We kiss on a daily. I don't want to think too much about it otherwise I'll drive myself insane and nor do I want to question what it means. That's a pandora's box I have no interest in opening.

It's surprising, I know, but Prince is an astonishingly good kisser. He can do this thing with his tongue that sometimes makes me dizzy.

But don't get me wrong. I still loathe him for sure. He's still the most brainless, infuriating and rude boy I've ever met. We ignore each other's presence in the school. I'd simply die if anyone knew I was kissing him. I'd rather grow painful boils.

But we've come to a standstill. It's new and unstable but we're not at each other's throats anymore which is a first.

I can't come to his dorm room because the Slytherins will recognise me. And it's not like I can say I'm there for Henry because it'll get back to Henry, who'll know for definite I wasn't seeing him.

But it feels nice to be in his embrace if I must admit ─ though I'll never say it to his face. His curls feel great to tug on and they're surprisingly silky and smell irresistible. I don't want this to end but I'm afraid our detentions are slowly coming to an end.

On some occasions, I find myself wondering where he'd learn to kiss. He doesn't seem like the type to have a girl wrapped around his arm every other week. Not like his older brother.

I've also found out some tiny facts about him recently. I didn't mean to. It was only to pass the time. I tend to talk when it gets quiet. Not sure why but I dislike long periods of silence. Too awkward and stuffy. It reminds me very much of the atmosphere in the house in London or the Chateau in Paris ─ both of which I share with my father. Huh, maybe that's why. It makes my chest tighten uncontrollably.

I peek at Prince's face when I'm talking. He doesn't seem to mind the chatter and looks as if he's listening. He's started to chime in too.

Apparently, he has a house-elf who is kind to him and kept his hair and clothes neat; his family has been around since the Middle Ages ─ shit that's long; he was born with wrinkled, tiny and nearly translucent feet; his first spell was Incendio; he kissed a girl once his back garden under an old oak tree.

It feels pleasant speaking to him. If only to pass the time. It's comforting to know that he's listening. Someone is. My father never does.

I'm going to put a stop to that right there. That's not a topic I'd like to explore right now.

Don't smoke kids.

A weaker chapter in my opinion but let me know what you thought.