"You'll change inside
When you realize
The world comes to life
And everything's alright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend
By your side
That helps you to find
The beauty of all
When you'll open your heart and
Believe in
The gift of a friend"

- "Gift of a Friend" by Demi Lovato

Chapter 3

Alice stared at the pillar in front of her, which Sirius had just walked through like it was not even there. She thought it was odd that Hogwarts students traveled to school by train, but now she understood how they hid it from the muggles. This was going to be interesting.

"Are you afraid?" Regulus said beside her. Despite the question implying concern, his voice held no emotion.

Alice stiffened. She felt a bit embarrassed that she was caught in her own head, so she said the first thing that came to mind. "No. Are you?"

Regulus rolled his eyes. "Of course not. Do you want me to go first?"

Alice shrugged. "If you want." She was not afraid, but she did enjoy watching kids go through the pillar. She knew Sirius must be waiting for her, though, so as soon as Regulus was through, she gripped her trolley and made a run for it. Seconds later, she emerged on the platform. She looked around for Regulus, but he has already disappeared somewhere.

"Alice, there you are!" Sirius said, waving at her. She smiled and pushed her trolley over to him. "What took you so long?"

"I was just taking in the experience."

"Well, you can do that on the train. My friends are probably already on board. Come on!"

Alice followed him to the train. Once they boarded, started checking all of the compartments. "Your friends?"

Sirius paused his search to look back at her with a grin. "Yeah! I told you about them, remember? Don't worry, you'll love them."

Alice did not know if that was true, but she was willing to give them a chance. If anything, it would be good to start school already knowing a few people. Finally, he found them. He helped her put away her trunk, and then the two of them entered the compartment.

"Hello, mates!" Sirius said cheerfully. Alice saw three boys cast her curious glances.

"Aw, you brought a girl?" said a boy with short, black hair, hazel eyes, and round glasses. "That's not fair." Sirius sat beside him and urged Alice to sit on his other side.

"She's not a girl."

Alice looked offended. ""Excuse me?"

Sirius rolled her eyes. "I mean not the way you're thinking. She's special."

"You say that about every girl," said the dark brown haired, green eyed boy across from me. The last kid, a smaller boy with light brown hair and brown, remained quiet, seeming almost cautious about Alice's presence. She looked at him curiously, and he averted his gaze.

"I mean, she's my friend. No one can touch her."

"Whatever you say," said the boy with glasses. He chuckled softly and shook his head. Then he offered Alice a friendly smile. "Anyway, I'm James Potter. I'm sorry you have to deal with this bloke." Sirius shot him a look, and James elbowed him. "Are you French?"

Alice gave him a small smile in return. "I am Alice Darbonne. And, yes, I am. I am transferring into my second year." She looked at the boy across from James. She sensed he was timid and anxious around new people, so she consciously relaxed her demeanor and softened her voice, wanting to make him feel comfortable. "What is your name?"

The boy relaxed ever so slightly and said in a quiet voice, "Peter. Peter Pettigrew."

"I'm Remus Lupin," said the boy next to him.

Alice immediately brightened. "Wolf!"

Remus recoiled as if struck. "Wh-what?"

Alice grinned at him. "I mean your name. Your surname, Lupin, reminds me of canis lupus, the scientific name for wolf. That's probably why your parents named you 'Remus,' as in 'Romulus and Remus." Remus grew calm at this explanation.

"Who now?" said Sirius.

"Romulus and Remus allegedly founded Rome. They were cast into the river to die, but a wolf found them and raised them as her own. If there is any truth to that story, the wolf was a witch was an animagus. It's a cool story, though. You have a neat name, Remus, like Sirius, named after the dog star. Right, puppy?" She offered Sirius a friendly smile.

"Puppy?" James said with a laugh. "I like it! I think I'll call you that from now on."

Sirius shoved him aside. "No! Only Alice is allowed to call me that."

James ignored him and look at Alice. "You seem to know a lot about names. What about Peter and me?"

Alice paused as she thought about it. "James and Peter are both Biblical names. They were two of Jesus' apostles."

James' smile fell. "Aw, is that all you know? You got anything specific?"

"It's okay if you don't," Peter said softly.

Alice had already started considered her answer. She smiled at James. "The apostle James was a fisherman. He and his brother John were the first apostles called by Jesus. They were also the closest to him, in addition to Peter. James and John were nicknamed the 'sons of thunder' by Jesus for their fiery zeal."

James grinned. "That's pretty cool! What about Peter? He was a favorite too?" He nudged Peter, who looked away bashfully.

"Yes, and he's my favorite too. Peter was a very devoted follower always wanting to do the right thing. However, he was also very human. When Jesus was condemned to die, he feared for his life and therefore denied him three times." At the blank looks, Alice decided to explain the message as it was taught to her. "Essentially, he abandoned his best friend to save himself."

"That's your favorite?" Sirius said with a laugh. "A traitor?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "It wasn't really betrayal."

"But it hurt like one, right?" said Remus.

Alice sighed. It seemed he knew something about the story. "Yes, but that's not what he's remembered for. Peter acted out of weakness, not vice. Regardless, he felt remorse and repented for what he did."

"Jesus forgave him?" Peter said quietly.

Alice gave him a soft smile and nodded. "Yeah, exactly. Peter became a great leader after that. He changed a lot of lives. He even ended up dying for Jesus. He was very brave." Upon hearing this, Peter gave her a tentative smile in return.

"Okay, I suppose he's a good favorite," said Sirius.

"You here that, mate?" James said, grinning at Peter. "You're her favorite."

Peter looked away uncomfortably. "Just my name..." Still, he had a small smile on his face.

"I like that story because it shows the power of redemption," Alice explained. "It doesn't matter what you do in the past as long as you recognize your mistakes and do better in the future. Forgiveness is a great gift."

"Yeah, I can see that," said Sirius, nodding in approval. The others voiced their agreement.

Alice smiled slightly, though she couldn't help her curiosity. It was one thing to mentally agree that forgiveness is good but another to give it after one has been wronged. She wondered how these four would actually react in such a situation. Hopefully, she would never find out.

"You sure have a lot of knowledge," Remus said, sounding impressed.

Alice brightened at the praise. "Oh, yes. I've traveled all over Europe and have read all the classics. I love learning about history, philosophy, and religion. They raise a lot of good questions."

James laughed lightly before slinging an arm around Sirius' shoulders. "Wow, where did you find her?"

"You'll never believe it!" Sirius said with a grin. "My parents invited her and her parents over because she's from a prestigious French pure-blood family."

James' eyes widened in shock. "What? Really? And she's decent?"

"I don't believe pure-bloods are better than anyone else, if that's what you mean," said Alice.

James nodded. "Good. Peter and I are also pure-bloods, but we're not from families like Sirius'. I'm surprised you survived."

"She is brilliant," said Sirius. "You should have seen her. She had everyone fooled."

Alice smiled slightly at the praise. "I'm used to it. If I had let something slip, I probably wouldn't have gotten to know Sirius."

"Good for you," said Remus.

"I'm going to protect her from my family," said James. "You know how they are."

"Very noble of you," said James. He smiled at Alice. "Don't worry, we'll look after you too, Alice. You can trust us."

Remus nodded. "You can hang out with us any time."

Peter nodded and gave her a small smile. "Yes."

Alice felt a wave of relief as she looked around at the boys. "Thanks, all of you. That means a lot to me." It felt nice to know that she would already have friends going into a new school. Perhaps Hogwarts would not be so bad.

Alice had a good time talking to the four boys. The train arrived at Hogwarts by nightfall. She felt excited despite everything. Sirius left his friends and guided her over to a group of students. "I think you're supposed to be with the first years since you're new," he explained. "They always take boats across the Black Lake. It's part of the Hogwarts experience."

Alice nodded. "Okay." As soon as she set her eyes on the lake, however, she froze, her breathing constricted, and she felt fear wrack her body.

Sirius looked at her with a frown. "What's wrong?"

Alice stared at the lake with wide eyes. She could hardly think through her anxiety, but she managed to answer. "The water."

Sirius looked at the lake and then back at her. "The water? Are you afraid of it?"

Alice nodded. She couldn't take her eyes off of the water. "My sister..." She did not realize she would have this reaction to the water. She knew why she couldn't go near the river, but she didn't think it would apply to still water. Then again, who knew what could be lying in its depths, waiting to drag her or someone else in?

"Oh yeah, she died in the water. You don't think you can cross it?"

"I-I'll try." Alice took a deep breath and took a step forward. She instantly froze again. "I don't think I can..."

Sirius gave her a sympathetic look. "It's alright. I'll see what I can do." He looked around until he spotted an adult. Then he ushered her over to them. "Professor McGonagall! Over here!"

The woman walked over to them, not appearing too pleased. "What is it, Mr. Black?"

Sirius placed a hand on Alice's shoulder. "Alice is a transfer student, but she's a second year. Does she have to go with the first years?"

The teacher turned her attention to Alice, and her expression softened ever so slightly. "Alice Darbonne?"

Alice nodded. "That's me?"

"Ah, yes. You are to go with the first years. Please get on a boat."

"I actually think she would be more comfortable with the second years," said Sirius. "I'm taking her with me."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed at him. "Mr. Black, Are you already causing trouble on the first day of school?"

Sirius looked anxiously from Alice to the teacher. "No, no, it's not like that. I just think-"

"She will cross the lake with the first years. End of story." Then McGonagall turned around and walked away.

Sirius looked at Alice in dismay. "I'm sorry, Alice. I tried. Maybe I can go with you."

Alice's eyes widened in horror, and she felt a surge of dread in the pit of her stomach. "No!"

"What is going on?" said Regulus as he wandered over to them, looking from Alice to his brother curiously.

"Alice is supposed to cross the lake with the first years, but she has a phobia of water," Sirius explained. He turned to Alice. "It's very safe. Nothing is going to happen to you."

"Phobias are irrational. Trying to reassure her won't help."

"Then I'll go with her and keep her safe!"

Alice shook her head frantically. "I said no!"

Sirius looked at her with a frown. "Why not? I can protect you."

Regulus looked at Alice carefully. After a moment, he returned his gaze to Sirius. "That won't help. She's more afraid of you dying than herself. She doesn't want to lose someone she cares about."

Sirius' eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know that?"

Regulus looked back at Alice. She felt as surprised as Sirius. She had never told Regulus about her sister, yet he assessed the situation more accurately than Sirius, who did know about the accident. The way he looked at her... it was like he could see into her soul. With a start, she realized he was as perceptive as her. Instead of being unnerved, she found the knowledge comforting. "I can sense it."

"You're right," Alice said softly.

Regulus nodded and then turned to Sirius. "Let me help her. I can take her across. I know what to do."

Sirius hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"Why?" Alice asked quietly. She still felt fear coursing through her veins, but her curiosity about Regulus kept it from overwhelming her. "Why would you help me?"

Regulus looked at her. Like usual, she could read nothing on his face. "You saved me the day we met. Don't think I'm not grateful. I know how to return a favor. This is the least I could do."

Alice appeared unsure. She did not think anything could get her over that water. "How can you help?"

"I'll keep your focus off the water. Just trust me."

Alice looked at Sirius, silently asking if she could trust his brother. Sirius still seemed uncertain, but after a moment, he nodded. "Go with him, Alice."

Alice nodded. Then she took a deep breath and turned to Regulus. "Alright. Let's go."

Regulus nodded. He led her over to a boat that already had two people sitting in the front. She froze when she got close to the water, so he gently took her hand in his. "I want you to forget about the water. Focus on me."

Alice swallowed hard. "I - I'll try."

"Tell me about about Paris."

"Huh?"

Regulus stepped backwards onto the boat without breaking eye contact with her. "That's where you're from, right?" Then he switched to speaking French. "Tell me about your city. And watch your step." Alice glanced down at his words. She managed to make it on the boat before freezing again. She felt a hand gently touch her cheek. "Look at me."

She forced her head up to look at him. He was gazing at her with a surprisingly gentle look that calmed her slightly. She allowed him to help her sit beside him in the boat. He continued to hold her hand. "Paris?"

"Yes. Tell me about Paris. Or France. Whatever you want to talk about. And keep looking at me."

Alice's mind raced to think of a topic. "I like the food."

"What is your favorite food?"

"Uh... I really like crepes..."

"Tell me about those."

Alice continued to focus on Regulus, answering his questions and telling him about her hometown. Her anxiety was still there, but she was distracted enough to not have a panic attack. She was surprised when he helped her stand up and move onto dry land. "It is over?"

Regulus let go of her hand and nodded. "Yes. You made it. Good job."

Alice felt her shoulders sag in relief. She had managed to cross the water. Then it occurred to her how much the boy had helped her, and she felt a surge of emotion. "Thank you, Regulus!" Without thinking about it, she flung her arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug. She felt him flinch in surprise. A moment later, he awkwardly wrapped his arms around him in return. It was almost like he had never been hugged before.

"You're welcome." Regulus paused for several moments and then spoke again. "You can let go now before people start to stare."

"Oh, sorry." Alice noted that he didn't say he didn't like it. He just didn't want people to see. She let go of him and smiled. He regarded her with his typical emotionless expression.

"Follow me," he said, returning to English. "We need to get sorted."

Alice nodded. "Alright."

The two of them gathered with the first years. After several minutes, they were lead inside Hogwarts and entered what was called the Great Hall. Alice looked around with interest. She noticed four tables filled with students and a feast. Sirius had told her the tables were separated by houses. The sorting made her curious. Apparently, a magical talking hat sorted everyone into their houses. She listened as the hat sang a song about the houses. Sirius had already explained it all to her, but she took his words with a grain of salt since he was clearly biased. Then the sorting began.

Regulus was one of the first to be sorted. He didn't even look at Alice as he left her side. She watched him sit on the stool and have the sorting hat placed on his head. It only took the hat a moment to call out, "SLYTHERIN!"

Sirius had told Alice this would happened. She managed to spot him and his friends at what must have been the Gryffindor table. He did not look too pleased as he watched his brother join the Slytherins. Alice nearly jumped when she heard her name called. She turned around and made her way to the stool. She took a deep breath as the sorting hat was put on her head.

Ah, you're from France, are you?

Alice flinched at the sound of the hat's voice in her mind even thought she saw it coming. Yes...

Interesting. You're the first in your family to attend Hogwarts. Now, let's see... Hmm... This is difficult. You have the kindness of a Hufflepuff and the thirst for knowledge of a Ravenclaw. Ah, what's this? Your parents are quite clever and cunning in their work. If you would like to follow them, perhaps you should be in Slytherin.

Alice tensed. If she were in Slytherin, Sirius would not be happy at all. She might get more chances to see Regulus, but, despite his helping her today, she had a feeling he would be hard to get to know regardless of her house. Besides, there was something else... But I want to be brave. Like my sister.

Ah, I see. You value bravery, do you? Then I know where to put you. "GRYFFINDOR!"

Alice smiled as she made her way to the Gryffindor table where everyone was standing and cheering for her. As soon as she got close to him, Sirius grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She was a bit startled but eagerly hugged him back. "Congratulations!" he said once he let her go.

Alice grinned at him. "Thanks!"

"We're going to have so much fun together."

She nodded with a smile. "Yes. I am sure we'll have a great time."

The rest of the evening flew by quickly. Alice enjoyed the feast and talking with Sirius and his friends. Once the meal was over, she joined the first year Gryffindors and followed the prefect, who explained all the rules as he led them to Gryffindor Tower where the common room lay.

Alice was too tired to examine the common room very closely. She was relieved when she made it to her room. The other second year Gryffindors were already they, and they were excited to introduce themselves. Then they all started asking about Sirius:

"How do you know Sirius Black?"

"Are you friends?"

"More than friends?"

Alice held her hands up defensively, feeling bewildered that they were so interested in Sirius. "Hey, slow down. His family hosted my family for a week to help me get acclimated to this country."

"You seem pretty close already," said one girl.

"We just get along..."

"Is your family like his?" said another girl. "Pure-bloods?"

Alice shook her head. "No. I mean, yes, we're pure-bloods, but we're don't believe the stuff Sirius' family does. I believe the same as Sirius." This seemed to satisfy the girls, who al dispersed besides one, a red-headed girl named Lily.

"You're really that close to Sirius?" she asked with an almost guarded expression.

Alice shrugged. "We get along very well, yes. I would like to be closer to him."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Alice frowned. "Why wouldn't it be a good idea? What do you know?"

Lily hesitated. Then she smiled and shook her head. "You know what? Forget about it. I don't want to gossip."

Alice smiled slightly in return. "It would not do much good anyway. I prefer to make judgments about people after I get to know them."

"That's pretty admirable. Just out of curiosity, why do you get along with Sirius so well?"

Alice hesitated, unsure how much she should tell. Something told her Lily was trustworthy, so she decided to be honest. "We're not like other kids. I've experienced a lot of pain in my life, and so has he. We have been there for each other, supporting each other. And we have fun together. Isn't that what friends are for?"

Lily's expression softened into a warm smile. "That is exactly right. If Sirius is a good friend to you, then you should get as close to him as you want."

Alice brightened at her words. She still wondered what the other girl was going to say before, but she figured she would find out everything there is to know about Sirius later. And none of it would matter because she knew he was good for her. "I will. I am sure we will be extremely close forever."