Almost 4K words, this chapter is gonna be a rollercoaster
Amidst the brisk November air, Alexia strolled across the school grounds, savouring the fleeting moments of solitude (Professor Moody took Harry to his classroom, wanting to give him some advice). The crunching leaves beneath her shoes provided a calming soundtrack as she marvelled at the enchanting atmosphere of Hogwarts. However, her solitary musings were disrupted by the familiar sound of her name being called.
"Alex! Alex!" Hermione's voice rang out, carrying both urgency and relief. Turning towards the source, Alexia spotted Hermione hurrying toward her with a bright smile. The tension from earlier seemed to dissipate as Hermione enveloped Alexia in a warm hug.
"Where have you been all morning? I've been looking for you everywhere!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern.
Alexia chuckled, the softness of Hermione's smile soothing any lingering unease. "Just taking a stroll, enjoying the weather. What's going on?"
Hermione's expression shifted. "Don't act like you didn't disappear all morning! Where have you been?"
Alexia's eyebrows shot up in fake surprise. "I'm actually surprised you noticed my absence."
Hermione hesitated for a moment before frowning. "What do you mean? Of course I would notice if you're not here!"
With a nonchalant shrug, Alexia replied, "It looks like you were rather busy with Victor Krum when I saw you two in the library."
The serene atmosphere clashed with the brewing storm between them. Hermione's features tightened, a subtle edge creeping into her voice. "What business is it of yours, Alex? I can talk to whomever I want."
Alexia, caught off guard by Hermione's defensive stance, tried to maintain a calm demeanour.
"I'm just asking. No need to get defensive."
Hermione's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Defensive? You're the one questioning me about who I talk to. What right do you have to be mad?"
A pause hung in the air as the tension between them escalated. The backdrop of Hogwarts, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to amplify the strain in their friendship.
"You know what, Hermione? Forget I asked. It's none of my business," Alexia stated in her attempt at diffusing the situation.
Hermione, however, wasn't ready to let it go. "No, let's talk about this. You can't just barge in, asking about my conversations."
Alexia sighed, trying to quell the rising tension. "Fine, let's talk. I just thought we could share things. Isn't that what friends do?"
Hermione crossed her arms, her eyes still ablaze with irritation. "Friends don't interrogate each other. I have a right to some privacy."
As the tension between Alexia and Hermione lingered, an unexpected interruption occurred. A group of curious students, drawn by the buzz surrounding Alexia's ancient magic, approached with a barrage of questions.
"Alexia! Is it true you're the holder of the ancient magic?"
"Can you show us some magic right now?"
"What's it like having such a rare and powerful ability?"
Caught off guard by the sudden attention, Alexia shot a glance at Hermione, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Well, Hermione, looks like you're lucky to have your privacy. Mine seems to have taken a vacation."
Hermione, momentarily forgotten in the wake of the eager students, observed the scene with a mix of curiosity and unease. While the attention wasn't directed at her, the strain between her and Alexia lingered beneath the surface. The unexpected intrusion served as a temporary distraction, leaving the two friends in a peculiar limbo, neither fully engaged in the argument nor able to reconcile their differences amid the growing fascination surrounding Alexia's newfound status.
As the swarm of students bombarded Alexia with questions about her ancient magic, she gracefully excused herself from the crowd. Hermione observed her friend's departure, wondering how Alexia would handle the newfound attention.
Amidst the bustling Hogwarts corridors, Hermione's attention was diverted when she noticed Emily approaching Alexia. The two friends disappeared around the corner, leaving Hermione alone with her thoughts. The unresolved tension lingered, making Hermione ponder the nature of Alexia's recent encounters and whether they played a role in the strain between them.
In the bustling school day, secrets, tensions, and newfound revelations swirled through the halls of Hogwarts, each student grappling with their own challenges and mysteries.
In the aftermath of the Daily Prophet's coverage, days passed in a strained atmosphere at Hogwarts. The quartet's friendship, once unbreakable, now faced its severest test. Hermione and Alexia, both too stubborn to extend an olive branch, avoided each other like the plague. Harry, Ron, and Alexia found themselves in an uncomfortable silence, each nursing their own grievances.
The cloud of suspicion hung heavy over Harry as the majority of Hogwarts students believed he had intentionally put his name in the Goblet of Fire. The whispers and stares in the corridors only intensified the pressure on him. Alexia, too, felt the weight of attention as the wielder of the ancient magic, with curious eyes following her every move.
In the hallowed halls of Transfiguration, where the air was charged with the mysteries of magic, Alexia sat beside Harry, attempting to focus on Professor McGonagall's teachings. However, an incessant whispering disrupted the sanctity of the classroom, a persistent voice seeking answers about Alexia's Ancient Magic.
Patient at first, Alexia tried to ignore the prying inquiries, her attention shifting between the lesson and the unwelcome disturbance. But as the persistent whispers persisted, irritation surged through her like a wave, breaking the fragile calm.
Finally reaching her threshold, Alexia couldn't suppress her frustration any longer. With a swift snap, she turned towards the inquisitive girl, her retort laden with annoyance. The words cut through the air, gaining the attention of both Professor McGonagall and her curious classmates.
"Can you focus on your own lessons for once? Ancient Magic is not a sideshow for your entertainment!" Alexia snapped, her tone biting.
The stern gaze of Professor McGonagall fell upon Alexia, a mixture of disappointment and reprimand. "Miss Jackson, detention for your outburst," she declared, her authority unwavering. "Miss Johnson, perhaps taking 10 points from your house will teach you what happens when you don't pay attention in class." Alexia frowns at the injustice, "how this Johnson girl only gets 10 points taken but I get detention."
Caught in the crossfire of frustration and consequence, Alexia sighed, her gaze shifting to Harry beside her. The disruption lingered as a reminder of the challenges that came with being the holder of Ancient Magic, even within the confines of the classroom.
As the Transfiguration class concluded and students began filing out, Professor McGonagall called Alexia aside with a stern yet curious expression. The surprise in Alexia's eyes was met with a hint of amusement from the seasoned professor.
"Miss Jackson, I have an unconventional request for your detention... Quidditch." McGonagall began, her voice carrying a certain gravitas.
Alexia's confusion turned to eagerness. "Quidditch?" she ventured, a hopeful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
To her delight, McGonagall nodded. "Precisely. Gryffindor's star Chaser would be a valuable asset to our Quidditch training sessions. I expect you to use your expertise to help our young students improve their skills."
Alexia's nod of agreement was accompanied by an unexpected burst of excitement. But before her enthusiasm could fully bloom, McGonagall burst her bubble with a surprising twist.
"However," McGonagall continued, her expression shifting, "your duty extends beyond your own enjoyment. Your detention will involve teaching Quidditch to some first years."
The hopeful sparkle in Alexia's eyes dimmed, replaced by a look of mild horror. "Teaching kids? Professor, you know I'm not exactly the best with... kids," she protested, a subtle whine in her voice.
McGonagall's stern demeanour held firm. "Miss Jackson, consider it a lesson in patience and leadership. Besides, you might find it more rewarding than you anticipate... Starting tomorrow before dinner."
With a shared understanding of the chaos that often accompanied meals in the Great Hall, Harry and Alexia decided to seek refuge in the warmth of the Hogwarts kitchen. Sneaking away from the bustling crowd, they wound through the hidden passages until they reached the entrance of the enchanted realm.
As they stepped into the bustling kitchen, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of various magical dishes being prepared. The Hogwarts House Elves, always eager to welcome those who sought solace in their domain, greeted Harry and Alexia with cheerful enthusiasm.
"Dobby!" Alexia exclaimed with a grin, spotting the energetic House Elf among the others.
"Dobby is pleased to see Miss Alexia and Master Harry!" Dobby replied, his large ears perked up with excitement. "Come, come! Dobby has something special for you."
The pair settled into a cosy corner of the kitchen, surrounded by friendly house elves who busied themselves with culinary wizardry. Dobby, adorned in mismatched socks, presented a plate piled high with delectable treats.
"Special treats for special friends!" Dobby declared proudly.
As Harry and Alexia enjoyed the feast, laughter and conversation filled the air. The kitchen became a haven, a sanctuary away from the pressures of the outside world. The House Elves, with their kind gestures and genuine hospitality, made the kitchen feel like a second home for these two young wizards.
In the midst of this magical camaraderie, Harry and Alexia found solace, savouring not only the delightful food but also the cherished moments of friendship within the heart of Hogwarts.
Amidst the laughter and the delightful chaos of the Hogwarts kitchen, Alexia couldn't resist the opportunity to crack a joke, her playful spirit shining through.
"You know," she grinned at Harry, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Hermione would be absolutely furious if she caught us raiding the kitchen like this. Can you imagine the lecture?"
However, as quickly as the words left her lips, a somber realization washed over Alexia. The mention of Hermione served as a stark reminder of the strained friendship, of the unspoken words that hung in the air like a lingering spell. The warmth of the moment gave way to a subtle chill, a reminder of the distance that had grown between them.
Her playful expression faltered, and she cut herself off mid-sentence. The jovial atmosphere dampened as Alexia took a quiet moment, the weight of unspoken grievances settling in the air.
Sensing the subtle shift in the atmosphere, Harry decided to break the tension with an attempt at comfort. "Hey, don't worry too much about it, Alexia. Things with Hermione will get better. It's just a rough patch."
However, rather than easing the mood, Harry's words seemed to add a layer of awkwardness to the air. He fumbled for a moment, searching for the right thing to say.
"Yeah, you know, friendships have their ups and downs, right?" he awkwardly added, his attempt at reassurance falling a bit flat.
Alexia, ever quick-witted, seized the opportunity to inject humour into the moment. She arched an eyebrow playfully and quipped, "Harry, mate, you're a wizard with a broomstick, but I think you might need a bit more practice with words. 'Friendships have their ups and downs'? You sound like a self-help book."
The tension dissolved as Alexia burst into laughter, turning the slightly awkward moment into a lighthearted joke. Harry chuckled, appreciating her ability to turn even the most awkward situations into moments of shared amusement.
Harry, feeling the weight of the unspoken tension, decided to broach the subject directly. "You know, Alexia, maybe you should talk to Hermione. Don't let a little jealousy ruin your friendship."
Alexia, caught off guard by Harry's choice of words, bristled at the implication. "Jealousy? Harry, seriously? I'm not jealous. I just... it's complicated."
Harry, not one to shy away from a bit of sass, responded with a sly grin. "Complicated, huh? Sounds like the tagline of a soap opera Aunt Petunia watches.'"
Alexia couldn't help but roll her eyes at Harry's playful retort. Despite her initial offence, a smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. The tension eased, and a playful banter unfolded, reminding them both that even in misunderstandings, their friendship held the resilience to weather the storm. The Hogwarts kitchen echoed with their laughter, a testament to the enduring magic of camaraderie, even in the face of complexities.
Harry, in a moment of sincerity, continued, "Lexi, I've seen how much you and Hermione care about each other. Maybe it's time to set aside the pride and misunderstandings and really talk. You don't want to let something like this ruin your... Whatever you two have going on."
His words, carrying the weight of wisdom and friendship, resonated with Alexia. Encouraged by Harry's insight, she took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right, Harry. Maybe it's time to clear the air. I'll look for Hermione after dinner, and we'll talk."
A genuine smile played on Harry's lips, and he clapped her on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. Maybe you'll finally put an end to this soap opera of yours."
With newfound determination, Alexia decided to seek out Hermione after dinner, ready to mend the rift that had formed between them. The magic of friendship, resilient and enduring, promised the possibility of healing and understanding in the enchanting halls of Hogwarts.
Just as she promised, after dinner, Harry made his way to the common room while Alexia waited for Hermione to walk out of the Great Hall.
In the sea of students pouring out of the Great Hall after dinner, Alexia patiently waited for Hermione, determined to clear the air between them. As the crowd dispersed, she finally spotted Hermione, walking alongside none other than Victor Krum. A pang of hurt and jealousy twisted in Alexia's chest.
Before she could walk away back to the Gryffindor Common Room, Daphne, wearing a sly smirk, appeared as if on cue. "Well, well, what do we have here? Alexia Jackson, looking positively hot when she's jealous."
Clenching her jaw, Alexia shot a glare at Daphne. The unwelcome commentary fueled the fire of her jealousy, and the hurt simmered beneath the surface. Daphne, revelling in the moment, couldn't resist pushing further.
"Wanna go somewhere else?" Daphne inquired with a knowing smirk, tapping into the heightened emotions swirling around Alexia.
Clouded by jealousy, Alexia, unable to resist the temptation, nodded tersely. The lingering hurt and the presence of a romantic rival had stoked a fire within her, blurring the lines between reason and impulse. The stage was set for a moment of reckoning, where emotions would collide, and the bonds of friendship and rivalry would be put to the test.
The common room bathed in the soft morning light found Harry pacing impatiently, clutching a letter in his hand. As Alexia stumbled into the room, still half-asleep and attempting, unsuccessfully, to tie her tie, Harry wasted no time.
"Where were you last night?" he inquired, his tone edged with impatience.
Alexia, looking at him with a bemused expression, frowned. "Good morning to you too, sunshine. Who knew it was impolite to not say good morning before launching into an interrogation?"
Ignoring her sarcasm, Harry pressed on, a touch of concern in his eyes. "Seriously, Alexia, I was waiting for you. What happened after dinner?"
Still struggling with her tie, Alexia sighed. "Well, let's see... I ran into Hermione, who was conveniently strolling arm-in-arm with Victor Krum. Then Daphne showed up and I may or may have not done something with Daphne."
As Harry shifted the conversation away from the events of the previous night, he extended the letter to Alexia. Her eyes quickly scanned the contents, absorbing the words penned by Sirius Black. A sense of urgency and excitement gripped her as she read.
"Uncle Padfoot is speaking to us on November 22nd. He wants us to be alone in the common room at midnight."
The gravity of the message settled over them, and Harry's eyes met Alexia's, mirroring the anticipation and curiosity that now charged the air. The date held a promise, a clandestine rendezvous with the elusive Sirius Black, and the common room would transform into the stage for a conversation that could unravel mysteries and reshape destinies.
Walking side by side through the Hogwarts corridors, Harry and Alexia couldn't help but notice the curious glances and exchanged whispers from their fellow students and even some enchanted portraits. The air seemed charged with an unspoken tension, leaving Alexia with a frown of confusion.
"What do you think is going on?" she began to ask Harry when, out of nowhere, Daphne abruptly pushed a copy of the Daily Prophet into Alexia's face.
The bold headline declared that the wielder of the Ancient Magic had supposedly found love with Daphne, a revelation that left both Gryffindors stunned.
Daphne, standing beside them, seethed with anger. "This wasn't supposed to happen!"
Confused and taken aback, Alexia snatched the newspaper, her eyes widening as she read the headline. "What in the name of Merlin's beard... I have no idea how this happened. We were alone last night."
"Oh... So when you said you did something with Daphne you meant something TO Daphne.", Harry whispered, gaining a glare from both girls.
"You think Hermione read that?", Alexia asks worriedly, looking between Harry and Daphne.
"HERMIONE?! What about PANSY! Unlike you, I was actually making progress with her."
"I beg your pa- no, you're right."
As if things couldn't go worse, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape approach Harry, Alexia and Daphne, serous looks on both professors faces. Both professors required both girls to follow them to a more private place.
Under the stern gaze of Professors McGonagall and Snape, Alexia, and Daphne were directed to follow them to a more secluded spot. The atmosphere was tense, and the gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air as they navigated the corridors of Hogwarts.
Professors McGonagall and Snape launched into a stern interrogation, their questions probing into the details of the previous night's events. The scandalous front-page coverage in the Daily Prophet had caught the attention of the entire Hogwarts community, and the professors were determined to uncover the truth behind the seemingly compromising situation involving Alexia and Daphne.
The two students found themselves under intense scrutiny, each question digging deeper into the circumstances surrounding the unintentional publicity. Professor McGonagall's stern demeanor and Professor Snape's piercing gaze only heightened the tension. As the interrogation progressed, the weight of the situation became increasingly apparent, leaving Alexia and Daphne to navigate the repercussions of their unexpected notoriety.
In the presence of stern-faced professors, Alexia found herself attempting to explain the perplexing situation. "Professors, come on, plenty of students spend time together. It doesn't mean there's anything romantic going on."
Daphne, standing beside her, couldn't contain her frustration. "I can't believe you just said that, you're such an idiot," she groaned, her annoyance evident.
Alexia, replied with a cocky tone, "That's not what you were saying last n-"
"ALEXIA SHUT UP!"
The professors exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and disapproval.
As Alexia attempted to explain herself, Professor McGonagall's usually stern face contorted into a look of bewildered disgust, as if she had just bitten into a particularly sour lemon drop. Her pursed lips and raised eyebrows reflected a mixture of disbelief and disapproval, creating a comical contrast to her typically composed demeanour.
Meanwhile, Snape's face, which was already accustomed to wearing an expression of perpetual disdain, twisted into an exaggerated sneer that seemed almost comically exaggerated. His hooked nose twitched in apparent distaste, as if the mere mention of the situation had offended his delicate sensibilities.
After the very uncomfortable talk with the professors, both girls received a week of detention.
Starving and eager to indulge in a hearty breakfast, Alexia briskly walked towards the Great Hall. The tantalizing aroma of magical dishes filled the air, heightening her anticipation. However, just as she was about to enter the hall and sate her hunger, a voice cut through the morning bustle.
"Alexia Jackson!"
Turning around, Alexia found herself face to face with a very irate Hermione Granger.
Hermione's eyes blazed with indignation, and her tone carried the weight of frustration. "We need to talk," she declared, the force of her words halting Alexia in her tracks.
As the two friends stepped aside, Hermione launched into a passionate tirade. "I can't believe you got mad at me for talking to Victor Krum, accusing me of jealousy, and then you turn around and do the exact same thing with Daphne! It's hypocritical, Alexia!"
As Hermione's frustration spilled forth, she continued with an assertive tone, "You can't compare our situations, Alexia. I'm just friends with Victor. It's not the same as whatever is going on between you and Daphne. The entire wizarding world doesn't think there's something romantic between Victor and me!"
Alexia, caught in the crossfire of Hermione's justified indignation, tried to find the right words. "Hermione, it's not what you think. Daphne and I are just—"
But Hermione cut her off, her expression unwavering. "I don't care what you and Daphne are or aren't. The point is, you accused me of something you're now doing yourself. It's not fair."
In the heat of the confrontation, Alexia's frustration reached a breaking point.
"Hermione, do you remember that night in the forest? We talked about our feelings, and we agreed that we're better off as friends. But since we've been back at Hogwarts, I've been trying to gather the courage to ask you out. Because, truth be told, I really like you."
Hermione, frozen in the wake of Alexia's unexpected revelation, found herself grappling with a mix of emotions. The corridor, once filled with the echoes of their argument, now held a charged silence as the weight of unspoken feelings hung in the air.
Hermione, still processing the revelation, couldn't contain her renewed anger. "So, what? You've been trying to gather the courage to ask me out, yet you're canoodling with Daphne? That's not the way to get to me, Alexia!"
"Nobody says canoodling. - Right sorry."
The tension between them intensified as the words hung in the air, a clash of feelings and misunderstandings unfolding in the enchanted corridors of Hogwarts.
Hermione's frustration carried a palpable edge, mingled with a raw vulnerability that surfaced in her words. "Alex, it's been incredibly tough for me since we returned to Hogwarts. I've noticed how many students check you out, and now that everyone knows you're the wielder of the Ancient Magic, it feels like everybody wants a piece of you."
The weight of Hermione's admission seemed to echo through the enchanted corridors, laying bare the insecurities that had quietly simmered beneath the surface.
As Hermione poured out her feelings, before Alexia could formulate a response, the voice in her head whispered with an intensity that made her wince in pain. "The book," it urged, the single phrase echoing through her mind.
Caught off guard and visibly affected, Alexia winced, a pained expression crossing her face. Hermione, growing increasingly worried, asked urgently,
"Alexia, what's going on? Are you okay?"
Dismissing Hermione's concern, Alexia is desperate to heed the mysterious voice's guidance taking precedence.
"I'm fine, Hermione."
She insisted, her focus shifting from the emotional conversation to the urgent call within her thoughts.
Alexia, driven by the urgent whisper in her mind, walked away from Hermione, clutching the book Dumbledore had given her. As the mysterious voice specified a number of pages, she winced involuntarily.
Hermione, quick to notice the distress, caught up with her, concern etched across her face.
"Alexia, what's happening? Are you in pain?" Hermione asked, her worry deepening.
Rolling her eyes slightly annoyed by the persistent concern, Alexia insisted, "I'm fine, Hermione. Just a momentary headache, that's all."
Hermione, though still visibly concerned, reluctantly accepted Alexia's assurance, allowing her friend to retreat.