---Flashback---
In the serenity of the Jackson residence, Isadora moved through the rooms, her thoughts consumed by the recent events that had shaken the wizarding world. Sirius Black had escaped Azkaban and everybody was after him.
As Isadora entered the living room, her eyes caught a fleeting glimpse of a large black dog outside the window. An inexplicable connection sparked within her, a sense of familiarity that defied logical explanation. The dog seemed to beckon her, drawing her attention.
"You idiot," Isadora whispers to herself as she mentions the dog to go around the house.
Disbelief and awe painted Isadora's face as she realized the impossible truth. She opened the door, and with a wave of her wand, the curtains closed themselves.
"Sirius... is it really you?" Isadora whispered, her eyes searching his form for any sign of illusion.
The small living room of the Jackson residence became a witness to the miraculous transformation of Sirius Black from his Animagus form to a human. Isadora stood there, a mix of awe and amusement dancing in her eyes, as the large black dog morphed into the dishevelled, albeit free, Sirius.
As the last remnants of the transformation dissipated, Isadora couldn't contain her astonishment. "Merlin's beard, Sirius, that's quite the party trick you've got there."
Sirius, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, offered a cheeky grin. "Always knew how to make an entrance, didn't I? Azkaban doesn't dull my sense of drama."
Isadora couldn't help but chuckle at his comment, relief washing over her. The hug that followed was tight, filled with the weight of years spent apart and the joy of an unexpected reunion.
Once the embrace loosened, Isadora couldn't let Sirius off the hook without a stern word. "Sirius Black, you escaped Azkaban! Do you have any idea how worried we were?!"
Sirius, feigning innocence, responded with a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, come on, Isadora, where's your sense of adventure? Azkaban was getting a bit dull."
Isadora crossed her arms, giving him a mockingly stern look. "Dull? Dull, he says! Breaking out of a high-security wizarding prison just to spice things up a bit, you truly are a wizard of unparalleled brilliance."
Sirius chuckled, appreciating Isadora's playful scolding. "Well, I couldn't let you and the little one have all the excitement, now could I?"
Their banter filled the room, a testament to the enduring camaraderie between them. Isadora, despite her scolding, couldn't hide the genuine joy of having her friend back.
The laughter echoed through the walls of the Jackson residence, a welcome melody that signalled the return of Sirius Black to the warmth of friendship and the unpredictable dance of life.
As Isadora conjured a simple but hearty meal for Sirius, the aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the air, filling the room with a comforting atmosphere. Sirius, savouring the first bites, couldn't help but let curiosity take hold of his inquiries.
Between bites, he asked, "So, how's my favourite niece doing? I've been around Avalon's End for a while, but I've got a feeling she's been up to some mischief."
Isadora chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, Sirius, Mischief is practically her middle name. But she's been doing well, growing into quite the remarkable young witch. In fact, right now, she's helping a friend with some Transfiguration homework. Although I have a feeling this Emily girl just made up that to spend time with Alexia, it's summer after all."
Sirius leaned back chuckling, savouring the information. "I've missed so much, haven't I? But I'm here now, Isadora. And I plan on being part of her life, making up for lost time."
Isadora regarded Sirius with a mixture of understanding and concern. "Sirius, I know you want everything to be in order, but Alexia would be overjoyed to see you. She's been living with the mystery of your absence for too long."
Sirius sighed, his eyes reflecting a deep longing. "I want to see her, Isadora, more than anything. But I need to clear my name first. I won't risk causing any more trouble for her or Harry."
Isadora nodded, acknowledging the weight of Sirius's decision. "I understand your concern, Sirius. We'll find a way to prove your innocence but promise me you'll consider letting her know soon. She deserves to have her family together."
Sirius gave a determined nod. "I promise, Isadora. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right. For Alexia, for Harry, and for myself."
With that, Isadora and Sirius continued their conversation, strategizing about how to clear Sirius's name while ensuring Alexia remained safe and blissfully unaware of the imminent reunion that awaited her.
--- End of Flashback ---
In the chaotic aftermath of the campsite, Ministry officials surrounded Winky, their wands drawn and suspicions high. Mr. Couch, a fervent Ministry member, pointed an accusing finger at the trembling house-elf.
"Caught red-handed, she was! Performing the Dark Mark!" Mr. Couch declared, his face contorted in righteous anger.
Hermione stepped forward, a hint of desperation in her voice, "She couldn't have done it. We can vouch for her innocence!"
Alexia, echoing Hermione's defence, added, "Yeah, there's no way she could have cast the Dark Mark. You've got the wrong elf!"
Despite their protests, Mr. Couch remained sceptical, and the situation escalated. The officials were growing impatient, and the accusations against Winky continued.
Winky clung desperately to her master's robes, her large, tear-filled eyes pleading with Mr. Crouch to reconsider. The old elf begged in a voice that trembled with fear and sorrow, "Master, please! Winky didn't do it! Winky swears!"
Mr. Crouch, however, remained resolute, his face stern and unmoved. He pried Winky's tiny hands from his robes, looking down at her with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "You've shamed me, Winky. A house-elf performing the Dark Mark – it's a disgrace! You're dismissed. Leave my service immediately."
Winky collapsed to the ground, sobbing inconsolably. "No, Master, please! Winky loves her master! Winky didn't mean to bring shame! Please, Master!"
But Mr Crouch turned away, leaving Winky behind in the ruins of the campsite. Hermione and Alexia exchanged somber glances, empathizing with the creature who had been unfairly cast aside.
The Ministry officials, having satisfied their need for punishment, began to disperse, leaving Winky alone in her misery. Hermione took a step forward, a mixture of sympathy and frustration etched on her face.
"We have to do something," Hermione whispered to Alexia, determined to help the unfairly dismissed elf.
Alexia nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on Winky's huddled form. The repercussions of the Quidditch World Cup continued to unfold, and the challenges for the young witches and wizards were far from over.
Winky disappears shortly after the Ministry officials walk away.
Now, with the entire group reunited, they begin their way back to what's left of the tents, getting ready to go back to the Burrow, first thing in the morning.
A week had passed since the chaos of the Quidditch World Cup, yet the atmosphere on the Hogwarts Express was anything but light-hearted. The events at the campsite still lingered in their minds. Harry, who is sitting next to Alexia, takes a deep breath and decides to tell his friends about a dream he had.
As Harry recounted the details of his troubling dream, the atmosphere in the compartment grew tense. Hermione, with her logical mind, furrowed her brows in concern, "Harry, have you considered talking to Professor Dumbledore about your dreams or at least Sirius? They might be able to provide some insight or guidance."
Alexia, ever attuned to the mysteries surrounding them, couldn't help but dwell on the unidentified man in Harry's dream. "We should keep an eye out for any clues or hints. And, Harry, if your scar is hurting, it means something's definitely up."
Ron, on the other hand, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a worried expression crossing his face. "But it was just a dream, wasn't it?"
The Hogwarts Express rumbled along the tracks, the landscape changing. The trio navigated the complexities of their own thoughts, intertwined with the foreboding presence of the Dark Lord.
Following Harry, Alexia was getting ready to tell her friends about the mysterious voice she'd been hearing, but just as she was about to mention it, the same voice told her not to do it. The student shiver she felt made Alexia jump slightly in her seat.
Feeling the chill down her spine, Alexia tried to shake off the eerie sensation. Hermione's concerned inquiry snapped her back to reality, but the voice's warning lingered in her mind. She mustered a faint smile. "Nothing, just a bit jumpy, I guess."
Harry, engrossed in his letter, looked up. "What's got you on edge?"
"Oh, just post-Quidditch World Cup nerves, I suppose," Alexia replied vaguely, avoiding the mention of the mysterious voice. "Tell my uncle I say hi.", Alexia adds when she gets closer to Harry to read the letter, a childish smile on her lips when she read what Harry just wrote.
P.S.: Alexia, who doesn't know the term personal space, says hi.
In the cosy compartment of the Hogwarts Express, the quartet settled into an easy camaraderie. Laughter and banter filled the air as they exchanged stories and reminisced about the summer's adventures.
Alexia, her earlier unease momentarily forgotten, shared tales of her summer workouts and the intriguing books she had delved into. Hermione, as always, contributed her extensive knowledge and recommendations for new reads. Ron chimed in with anecdotes about his family, making light of the chaos at the Burrow.
Harry, still contemplating the strange dream and his scar's persistent ache, listened to his friends' tales, appreciating the familiar warmth of their friendship. The train rumbled along the tracks, carrying them toward another year at Hogwarts, where new challenges and mysteries awaited.
As they laughed and shared, little did they know that the echoes of the Quidditch World Cup chaos and the whispers of foreboding dreams would soon intertwine with their lives at the magical school. The Hogwarts Express hurtled through the countryside, carrying with it the promise of another year filled with magic, friendship, and unforeseen adventures.
In the Great Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Sorting Hat completed its task, placing each new student into their respective houses. Dumbledore, with his long white beard and twinkling blue eyes, stood to address the Hogwarts community.
"Welcome, students, to another magical year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall, and all eyes were on the venerable headmaster. "We are pleased to welcome our new staff member, Professor Alastor Moody."
At the mention of Moody's name, Ron and Alexia exchanged a knowing look, a silent acknowledgement of their shared awareness of Moody's reputation as a skilled Auror. Meanwhile, Harry, still relatively new to the wizarding world, looked curiously at his friends.
"What's an Auror?" he asked, prompting Ron and Alexia to share a brief explanation with him. As Dumbledore continued his speech, the trio listened attentively, their attention momentarily diverted from the mysteries that had unfolded during the summer.
As Dumbledore continued his welcoming speech, he delivered news that rippled through the Great Hall, prompting audible groans from numerous students.
"Furthermore," Dumbledore declared, "due to circumstances I'm about to reveal, we regret to inform you that Quidditch matches will not be held during this semester."
Alexia, who had been eagerly anticipating the chance to showcase her Quidditch skills after a summer of intense training, couldn't help but let out a disappointed whine. She slumped in her seat, pouting at the announcement. Hermione, sitting beside her, couldn't suppress a giggle at Alexia's dramatic reaction, earning herself a playful glare from the disappointed Quidditch enthusiast.
Dumbledore's announcement about the Triwizard Tournament transformed the atmosphere in the Great Hall. Gasps and whispers swept through the student body, particularly among those familiar with the prestigious and ancient competition.
Alexia, while still disappointed about the absence of Quidditch, couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect of the Triwizard Tournament being held at Hogwarts. It was a rare and grand event, showcasing magical prowess and creating a sense of unity among the wizarding schools. Ron, sharing a glance with Alexia, noted her subtle enthusiasm.
Hermione, always eager for knowledge, looked genuinely intrigued by the historical significance of the Triwizard Tournament. As Dumbledore explained the basic rules and details, she absorbed the information with keen interest. Hermione, being Hermione, might already be mentally planning her approach to learning as much as she could about the tournament.Harry, unfamiliar with the tournament, listened intently to Dumbledore's explanations. The notion of magical schools competing in various challenges seemed both exciting and daunting.
As the announcement concluded, the students buzzed with conversations, sharing speculations and wondering about the upcoming Triwizard Tournament over dinner.
Hermione smiles and greets the four girls Alexia shares the dormitory with, as she sits on Alexia's bed, watching her friend unpack. Alexia, surrounded by the chaos of clothes and belongings strewn across her bed, looks up and notices Hermione's presence.
"Hermione, you've already unpacked?" Alexia asks her tone a mix of amusement and surprise.
Hermione chuckles, "Well, yes. I couldn't wait to settle in and start the school year."
As Alexia continues sorting through her belongings, Hermione's eyes wander around the dormitory. The room is filled with the excited chatter of students unpacking and discussing their summers. Hermione, always organized and efficient, appreciates the chance to get settled early.
Hermione raises an eyebrow, a curious smile forming on her lips. "Michael Jackson at Hogwarts? I'm intrigued. How on earth did you manage that?"
Alexia winks mischievously, "Michael Jackson is no muggle, my dear Hermione. You remember how last term I was...", Alexia pauses, getting closer to Hermione to whisper the next part, "How I didn't know who my father was?", Hermione nods and Alexia grins, "Well, I thought for five solid minutes Michael Jackson was my father and that my mother was the actual Billie Jean and- That was ridiculous I know.", She says watching Hermione laughing. "But it made sense to me... For five minutes, of course."
Hermione's eyes widen in surprise. "Wait, Michael Jackson is a wizard?"
Alexia nods, "Believe it or not. My mum told me that, and then I realized how pretty much everybody back in Avalon's End has this little album home. His magical talents are unmatched even in the wizarding world. That's why his music transcends all magical barriers. The man is a true wizard in every sense."
Hermione looks impressed, "The magical world never ceases to amaze me."
Alexia grins, "Right? It's full of surprises. But now you know, and we can enjoy some magical tunes whenever we want."
As the two friends continue unpacking and chatting, the magical world unfolds its secrets around them, setting the stage for a year filled with enchanting discoveries.
The following morning dawned with a crisp, refreshing air that hinted at the approaching winter. In the Great Hall, a familiar quartet of friends—Harry, Hermione, Alexia, and Ron—gathered at the Gryffindor table for their daily breakfast ritual, before their first class of the semester. The enchanted ceiling above depicted a serene sky, belying the magical world that unfolded beneath.
As they settled into their seats, Nearly-Headless Nick materialized, his translucent form drifting gracefully over the table. He showered compliments upon the feast laid out before them, giving due credit to the house-elves who worked tirelessly to ensure the students were well-fed.
Ron and Alexia readily agreed, expressing their appreciation for the delicious spread. Harry, though slightly taken aback by the revelation that elves were responsible for the culinary delights, nodded in acknowledgement. Meanwhile, Hermione's reaction was quite different.
At the mention of house-elves, Hermione's eyes widened, and she dropped her fork in surprise. Her expression transformed into one of offence, a furrow forming on her brow. Alexia, noticing her friend's reaction, leaned in and asked with genuine concern, "What's wrong, Hermione?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment before voicing her displeasure. "I had no idea that elves were the ones preparing our food," she admitted, her tone carrying a mixture of disbelief and indignation. "Do they even get paid for their work?" she questioned, her sense of justice roused.
Nearly-Headless Nick, still hovering nearby, overheard Hermione's inquiry. In response, the ghostly figure shook his partially detached head. "Oh, no, my dear. The house-elves do not seek payment. They find joy and fulfilment in the act of serving and providing for others," he explained, his tone carrying an air of understanding.
Hermione's disapproval deepened, and she glanced around the bustling hall, "But that's not fair," she protested, her concern for the well-being of others evident in her voice. "They deserve to be compensated for their hard work."
Hermione's expression tightens, and she looks genuinely upset. "That's just not right. They should be paid for their work. It's essentially slavery, and it's not fair at all."
Ron and Alexia exchange glances, understanding Hermione's strong stance on issues of fairness and equality. Ron shrugs, "Well, they seem happy enough. I mean, they get to do magic, right?"
Hermione sighs, "It's not about the magic, Ron. It's about treating everyone with respect and giving them fair compensation for their work."
Alexia chimes in, "She's got a point, Ron. Just because they're magical beings doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated fairly. It's a matter of principles."
Harry, observing the conversation, nods in agreement. "I guess it's something we never really thought about before."
Hermione looks determined, "Maybe it's time we start thinking about it. We're wizards and witches, and we should be advocating for fairness and justice in our world."
As Hermione recalls their visit to the kitchen, a moment of realization dawns on her. "Oh, Alex, I didn't realize back then... I mean, when you took me to the kitchen, I thought they were getting paid. I had no idea it was like this."
Alexia offers a reassuring smile, "It's alright, Hermione. For now, you should finish your bre- Yeah, no, don't look at me like that, please."
Harry and Ron chuckle as they see the two girls in front of them. Hermione glared at Alexia, while Alexia had a nervous smile on her face.
"Can't believe Malfoy is scared of her.", Ron muttered making Harry giggle.
"Well, Alexia can be intimidating, she's just got one weakness and that is Hermione."
"You're right mate."
I loved how a lot of people reacted when Alexia thought her father was MJ, lol, it was so funny so I decided to put him here as well, expect more mentions of Michael Jackson in the rest of the saga hahaha.