Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and Alexis, Marie and Jenny Black.

I have lived at number four pleasant drive my whole life. I share my back yard with Harry Potter and his abomination of a cousin Dudley Dursley. Although I've never really talked to Harry. We go to the same school but he's a year ahead of me and I'm in Ravenclaw not Gryffindor.
My name is Alexis Elizabeth Black, my twin sister Jenny is a Slytherin and my younger sister Marie is about to start her first year. I'm really worried she's going to end up in Slytherin with Jenny because if she does I know that I'll lose her to Jen. Jenny seems to think that just because we are pureblood we are better than everyone else. She and that prick Malfoy would go good together don't you think?
My mom died when I was 12 and with her my only protection. In a way my father completely disowned me when I was sorted into Ravenclaw. He thought it was bad enough that he had a daughter that didn't act superior to the "Mudbloods," in his words and the muggles. Mom was the only person who stood by me and she was the one thing that kept dad from kicking me out of the house. He probably would have by now if he hadn't promised mom he'd take care of all of their little girls.
So here I was three years later sitting out back in my trainers, black tank top, and khaki shorts, my long brown hait pulled back into a bun to keep it off my neck. It was already very hot summers morningand I was pondering what I was going to do with the rest of my day. As I was thinking I heard a door open and close. I looked up and saw Harry Potter standing in his back yard. I rather timidly stood up and walked over to the gate seperating our yards.
"Hi" I said "I'm Alexis we go to school together."
"No, I don't think we do." Said Harry glumly "I go to..."
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" I finished
"What?!" He said shocked "How do you know about it?"
"Like I said before" I rolled my eyes "I go to school with you. I'm going to be a 5th year Ravenclaw."
"Oh" he said sheepishly turning a light shade of red. Then he went back to sadly looking at the ground.
There was silence for a minute as he stood examining his shoes as if they were extremely interesting. Finally I broke the silence by asking Harry a question.
"Harry, why are you acting so down?"
"It's my birthday and the Dursley’s decided to go out and forget about it again. The thing is I've only received one letter from anyone in our world all summer. I'm worried."
"Um well I'm sorry you haven't heard from anyone. So what are you doing all day? I mean to say if you'd like some company I'd be"
"Yeah!" Said Harry rather excitedly "Company would be great. Right now I'm just going on a walk but maybe later we could do something."
"Oh" I said kind of disappointed which made Harry look up at me from the ground.
"Well actually I was hoping we could hang out like now. I like to walk, so do you do you think I could go with you?"
Harry stood there transfixed by what I'd said or maybe it was how desperate I sounded. The thing was that most of my life I had been shunned by my family. Even though my father allowed me to stay in his house I was desperate for someone who would look at me and accept me for who I was not who I was "supposed" to be, the way my father never had.
"Sure" Harry said "We can hang out all day if you'd like."
"Really?" I said in surprise "Oh thank you!" I jumped the gate and gave him a big hug and surprisingly he hugged me back.

********

"No way you can't be serious" Harry said in disbelief "I mean he's your dad."
"Yeah well what about your uncle? hmmmm?" I stopped my swing. We had walked to a small park about five blocks away. "I know for a fact he doesn't well um..."
"He doesn't like me."
"Yeah" I said quietly. Somehow on the walk here I had started telling Harry about my family and my life at home. He was completely shocked that I was basically in the same situation he was: living in a house where no one wants you.
"I never would have guessed that we could have so much in common. I still can't believe you and Jenny are twins you are nothing alike."
"Other than the fact that we have the same face." I pointed out.
"Yeah well okay but I mean she's like Malfoy only a girl!"
I started laughing. I laughed so hard I lost my balance and fell backwards out of the swing onto the sand. Harry got up to see if I was okay.
"It wasn't that funny" He said
"Yes it was because I've always thought that Jenny and Malfoy were like perfect for each other. Then they could be miserable together forever."
"Harry cracked a smile but held back his laughter. I looked up into his green eyes and they were dancing with his suppressed laughter. He put his hand out to help me up. I took it and he pulled me to my feet.
"Thanks." I said
"No problem" He said smiling down at me (mostly because I only came up to his chin). I turned away because I think I was blushing which didn't surprise me because I wasn't used to being looked at kindly.
"What?" He said confused by my reaction.
"It's nothing, just, your being very nice to me and I'm not used to it. Thank you Harry it means a lot to me."
"I know how you feel." I looked at him quizically. "Well okay I haven't felt like that in a while but still I know what that's like."
"Yeah but you have friends who invite you to their houses and stuff over the summer. I have no one."
Harry sat back down on the swing thinking to himself. "Well now that you mention it I have been invited to my friend Ron's house for the rest of the summer and I'm sure that they wouldn't mind, I mean if you wanted to you know there go with me." He stopped talking and gazed off into space.
"So you're inviting me to go and spend the rest of the summer with you and your friends?"
"Yeah." he said coming back to Earth.
"I'd love to! When are you leaving?"
"Tonight at 10 o'clock Mr. Weasley is picking me up. Why don't we meet in our back yards at 8:30 though just to be safe."
"Okay this is good because my father is taking my sisters out tonight. I wasn't invited, big surprise. I'll just leave them a note sying I'm okay and that I'm staying at a friends for the rest of the summer. Um, I better go now though it's already five and I need to repack my entire trunk and find my owl Satine's cage."
I started to walk back when I heard footsteps behind me. The next thing I knew Harry was walking beside me. I turned my head and giggled as I looked at him.
"Sacred to stay in the big bad park alone?" I teased
"No I just thought you might like someone to walk home with.

*******

“Hello? I’m home is anybody here?� My house was dark when I entered it. I walked into the kitchen and flipped on the light. On the counter I spotted a note it was from Jenny I picked it up and read.

Alexis,
We are going out don’t expect us home until tomorrow night. There is food in the refrigerator and dad left some money hidden under the loose floorboard in his study. Sorry you weren’t here when we left.
Jenny
P.S. I’m not sorry you didn’t come with us though.

I crumpled the note in my fist and swore loudly. The painting of my mother woke up in her frame.
“You shouldn’t say that you know dear.� the painting said (I was the only one she ever talked to anymore). Her expression changed. “What’s the matter baby?�
“Nothing out of the ordinary just Jenny being her normal bitchy self that’s all but that doesn‘t matter I’m going away. My friend Harry has invited me spend the rest of the summer at his friends house with him.� I turned and left the kitchen, my mother’s portrait following me through the other picture frames. I still had to go and pack as well as eat something.
I entered my room which was incredibly messy considering I was usually a very clean person. This would be so much easier if I could use magic I thought. I started to pick up my clothes and fold them. I placed them in neat piles on my bed until I uncovered my trunk. Satine was sitting on my bed post hooting softly. Her amber eyes gazing at me intently.
“Don’t worry,� I said “You’re coming with me.� She flew over to my shoulder and nibbled my ear affectionately. “Well I think that’s everything.� I said to Satine closing the lid of my trunk. “And look girl I even found your cage.� I opened the door and she flew into it.
I heaved my trunk out of my room and into the kitchen thanking goodness that my room was on the ground floor. I walked over to the fridge and pulled out a pumpkin pastry and some butterbeer. I sat down at the table and ate slowly. I still had twenty minutes before I needed to be outback so once I finished my food I wrote a note for my father.

Dear Father,
I have been invited to spend the rest of the summer at a friends house. They will take me to the train station on September first. I will see you either on a break or next summer.
~Alexis~

I left the note right where Jenny’s had been and dragged my trunk outside. Harry was already waiting for me in his yard.
“Want some help with that?� he asked
“Yeah if you don’t mind that’d be great.�
He opened the gate and grabbed one end of the trunk. We lifted it easily to my relief and walked it into his yard. I ran back to the house to fetch Satine in her cage making sure I locked the house on the way out.
“Um, you might want to hide her and your wand for now. You know how my Uncle and Aunt are.�
“Yeah no problem, except where do I put Satine?�
Harry went over to his trunk and pulled out a beautiful silvery cloak. He placed it over top of Satine’s cage causing it to disappear.
“Wow you have a…a…wow I mean those are really rare!�
Harry smiled “So do you want to go inside?�
“Sure.� I said happily.
“Just remember to pretend you are a muggle okay? Oh and if you want to get on my Aunt and Uncle’s good side compliment them.�
“Okay� I said holding back a giggle.
Harry led the way into the house I followed behind him. We entered the kitchen and found Dudley at the table eating what looked like Death by Chocolate Cake. He turned around and looked at us.
“Who’s she?� He said through a mouthful of food.
“I’m Alexis Black. We share backyards. It’s a pleasure to meet you.� I stuck out my hand out to shake his. He slowly and cautiously put his hand out and took mine. A smile broke out across his piggy face. I guess he must of realized there was a girl in his kitchen who’s hand was in his. A this precise moment Mr. and Mrs. Dursley happened to enter the room.
Mr. Dursley stopped and looked at me and then at Dudley who was still holding my hand in his.
“Hello.� He said “Dudley who is this lovely friend of yours?� He pushed right past Harry as Dudley let go of my hand.
“She’s Alexis Black.� Dudley said stupidly
“Black is it? Well then you’re Maurice’s daughter.� I nodded “What’s it he does again?�
“Oh he works in the government.� I said looking around the kitchen and letting them come to rest on Mr. Dursley. “Your house is very beautiful.� I said trying to as Harry had said to compliment to his Aunt and Uncle.
“Thank you� said Mr. Dorsey But it’s really Petunia who should take the credit.�
“Oh well, Mrs. Dursley you’ve done a wonderful job of decorating the house.�
She smiled “Thank you dear. Do you go to school with out Dudders?�
I held back a snort “No I’m afraid I don’t. My father sends me to a Private boarding school.� I smiled to myself then thinking quickly I added “It’s and all girls school run by nun’s so it’s very strict.�
“My is that so? But you do enjoy it there don’t you?� Asked Mrs. Dursley.
“Yes ma’am very much so.�
“I hate to be rude but we are going out� Mr. Dursley interjected. “I’m so sorry please come back again sometime�
“Okay. Bye then have a good night.�
Harry escorted me outside and I went to the gate to make it appear as if I were in fact going home because that big oaf Dudley was standing at the kitchen door staring at Harry and I talking until his mother called him inside. Then I quickly ran over to where my trunk was and dove under the cloak vanishing from sight.
Harry sat on his trunk, neither of us spoke until we heard the Dursley’s car pull away. I threw off the cloak and burst into the fit of giggles that I’d been suppressing while I waiting for the Dursley’s to leave.
“Your Cousin, big oaf.� Was all that I could get out between my giggling and gasps for air.
Harry just kind of chuckled a little but more at my reaction than anything. I punched him playfully
“Hey!� He said as he spun me around. “That’s not nice.�
“Sorry.� I said and hugged him.
Then suddenly there were several loud pops and a strange assortment of witches and wizards were standing around us. I pulled away from Harry blushing.
“Hi Harry!� said a tall red haired boy “Hey J-J-jenny?! Harry why are you with Jenny Black?�
I sighed and shook my head “Honestly George you of all people should be able to tell me apart from my sister by now. I mean seeing as you’re a twin too.�
“Oh� He said realization spreading across his face. “Hi Alexis. Um my bad…�
I looked around the group, I recognized a few of the people. There was George and Fred Weasley, Mad Eye Moody, and professor er well the former professor Remus Lupin.
“Wha…what are you all…Harry what’s going on?�
“Oh yeah sorry I forgot to tell you that there was going to be a guard taking us to the Weasley’s�
I stood there while everyone greeted Harry. Professor Lupin came up to me.
“Hello Alexis, nice to see you again.� He placed a hand on my shoulder. “So you and Harry are friends?� I nodded. “For how long?�
“Honestly? Well only for today sir.�
“Really? The two of you seemed rather close when we arrived.� I turned a very deep shade of crimson. “It’s okay.� He said his eyes gleaming “I approve and I’m sure Harry’s godfather would have too.�
My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. “What?! No, no, no you’ve got it all wrong we’re not I mean I don’t…�
“Calm Down dear. It’s okay I didn’t mean to get you all worked up.�
I sighed relieved that Professor Lupin wasn’t really implying what I thought he was after all. He was just poking fun, well okay it wasn’t very funny. Anyway I stood there pondering who Harry’s godfather might be and why the hell he wasn’t living with him. I mean he must be a wizard too mustn’t he?
“Hey Alexis you there?� I snapped back to reality. George was waving his hand in front of my face.
“Are you okay?� Said Fred
“Huh yeah I’m fine just thinking.�
“What were you thinking� Asked Fred Grinning
“I know what it was.� Said George what was grinning too. They looked at one another and then yelled together.
“Dangerous thoughts eh Alexis!�
Everyone froze a few jaws dropped but I cracked a smile.
“Yes boys that’s exactly it.� I walked up to them and whispered. “Actually those dangerous thoughts were about the two of you. Fancy a shag?�
Now it was time for their jaws to drop.
“Are you serious?� They asked in shock.
“Yeah. Why not?� They kept staring at me. I let them stare a little longer then “Just kidding!� They looked crest fallen “Oh come on you can’t honestly say that you believed me. Omigod! Face palm!� I said as I slapped my forehead.
“Well it’s not like you weren’t convincing.� Said George slyly.
“Oh shut up!� I said as I started a tickle fight with him. Unfortunately he was taller and stronger than me. He got a hold of my wrists and held them up in the air.
“Oy Fred, come help me, we’ve got a like one here!� Fred came over and just before he began to tickle torture me he caught my eye and gave me this look as if to say “Sorry.� Then again maybe that was just my imagination or the light playing a trick on me.
“Ahhh….Stop…Guys…I c-can’t breath!�
“Fred, George, leave her alone. Come on now boys.� Said a man who I assumed was their father. However his voice wasn’t all that convincing. In other words I could tell that he had been laughing moments before.
“Stop messing around. Something’s not right here.� Said Mad Eye. “We have to go.�
“Hey wait in all the commotion I forgot to ask Mr. Weasley something.� Harry looked at the ground as he spoke. (I think he was blushing!) “Er is it okay if Alexis comes with me to stay at your house for the rest of the summer holiday?�
Mr. Weasley smiled “Of course she can. The more the merrier.�
“Thank you Mr. Weasley� Said Harry and I in unison. I giggled and Harry smiled at me.
I was rather confused to be honest I mean first he wouldn’t let go of me when we were hugging, then he blushes while asking Mr. W. if it was okay for me to tag along this summer, and now that smile. Could he…no he couldn’t . Why would he. Oh crap he said something and here I am off in a daze again.
“Huh?! Oh Harry I am so excited!� I said trying to make it seem like I wasn’t off in my own world again.
“Yeah me too. This is going to a lot of fun!�
Damnit! He’s still smiling that smile
“Did anyone hear me before!� Said Mad Eye rather annoyed “We need to go…NOW!�
Everyone turned around to look at Mad Eye, including Harry. Thank God!
“Okay Harry you and Alexis are going to disparate with on of the members of the guard. Just choose someone and hold on tight to their arm.�
Harry walked over to professor Lupin. Damn that’s who I was going to choose. I wasn’t going to go with Mad Eye he still kind of sketches me out. I walked over to a woman with spiky bubble gum pink hair.
“Hello.� I said “Mind if I go with you?�
“Not at all. The name’s Nymphodora Tonks but just call me Tonks ‘kay?�
“Okay Tonks.� She laughed. It was a really nice laugh full of life. “No problem.� I finished.
Mad Eye gave us a harsh look.
“Sorry� I mumbled
“Okay here we go everyone� Said Professor Lupin “Harry, Alexis hold on tight.�
I held on to Tonks’ arm as hard as I could even though I was worried of hurting her. I was more afraid of what might happen if I didn’t hold on tight enough. I had heard of what happened to people who got splinched and decided to close my eyes. It felt as though I was being pulled through a little black tube.
We stopped abruptly, the suddenness startling me. I looked around and saw nothing but darkness. “Lumos� I muttered causing the tip of my wand it light up. My eyes adjusted and I could make out a large oddly shaped building in the distance. A few popping noises around me announced the arrival of the rest of the guard.
“Where are we?� I asked
It was Fred who walked up to me and answered whispering in my ear. “My home and yours for the rest of the summer. Welcome to the Burrow.�
“Ohhhhhhhh…� I said quietly. Was it just me or was Fred being sweet? And Harry? I shook my head. Why were boys so weird 90% of the time? I followed everyone towards the house. Professor Lupin noticed I was lagging behind and waited for me to catch up. He looked at me and then said
“You know I may not be a teacher anymore but I can still tell when something isn’t quite right.�
“It’s nothing.� I insisted “I’m just nervous. I’ve never been very good at meeting people and making friends. My sisters the outgoing ones. Neither of them are afraid of rejection. I’m not like them.�
“That’s right you’re not!� He said sharply “And from what I remember it’s a good thing you aren’t like your twin.� He smiled as I laughed a little.
“I guess you’re right.�
He sighed and I thought I saw a flicker of sadness cross his features “You know my dear you may call me Remus. I’m no longer you teacher after all.�
“But I, er…�
I know you must find it odd but I think you might need someone, well a sort of, well a father figure…I don’t mean to be forward but well I’ve always sort of pictured you as a daughter of sorts to me. Your mother and I were very close.�
“Okay I guess…Remus.� He smiled at me. Things were really starting to get weird. Between Harry and Fred it was bad enough but now Lupin er Remus was acting oddly too. I guess I wasn’t just boys it was all members of the male sex. My thoughts were interrupted when we reached the front door of the house.

End Chap 1

Remus ushered me inside and I was blinded by the sudden brightness of the room and the many red-heads.
“Who’s that?� came a girls voice “Oh my God! Her, you brought her!�
“Yup.� said George amused
“Sure did.� agreed Fred
“Ginny say hello to Alexis.� Harry chimed in
“Wha…Who?� The girl Harry called Ginny stared at me. “But that’s Jenny Black!� She said pointing at me.
“Nope, I’m Alexis Black.� I smiled “It’s okay your brothers Fred and George mistook me for her too. Jenny is my twin but according to a fair amount of people I’m nothing like her.�
Everyone started to talk and mill about. Mrs. Weasley took this opportunity to come over to me and ask if wanted something to eat. I was about to tell her that I’d eaten before I left when my stomach gave a rather loud growl.
“Oh my, my, my, I’ll get you something right away. You look half starved.� She bustled away through the crowd.
Someone came up behind me and covered my eyes “Guess who?� A males voice said in my ear, his lips were so close they brushed my ear sending shivers down my spine. I couldn’t think strait, I knew who it was but I just wasn’t able to say anything.
“Don’t take what mum said to heart you don’t looked starved.� He said when I didn’t respond her asked “Are you okay?�
I nodded because I still couldn’t say anything. I finally got my voice back and said “I’m fine. No thanks to you Fred!� He gave me a hurt look.
“Heh it was pretty mean of me wasn’t it?�
“Um let me think…Yes! You know damn well how sensitive my ears are.
“Yeah I do which makes this that much more enjoyable to do to you.� He paused. “Besides I like leaving you breathless.� He said right in my ear again before walking away. My knees gave out and I fell into the chair behind me. I shivered once more right when Mrs. Weasley came over with a tray full of food for me.
“Are you cold sweetie?� She asked. I decided that she was a very worrisome woman
“No I just had a shiver run down my back.�
“Are you sure?� She asked not believing what I had said
“Yes quite sure Mrs. Weasley. Thank you by the way this food looks wonderful.�
Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded as she muttered something inaudible but I think I heard “Fred� and “right.� Then again maybe not things have been odd today.
I ate the food Mrs. Weasley had made me while talking with the twins and one of their other brothers Ron and Tonks. Ron was younger then the twins but still a year older than me. I found out that Tonks can change her appearance at will. Must be nice to be able do that and in a sense disappear for a while. I’ve heard that Polyjuice potion is extremely hard to make and even harder to keep down. Ron’s not exactly like the twins I mean granted he’s just about as tall and as gangly as them but there is this “je ne sais quoi� about him that sets him apart from the twins and even Ginny.
“It’s getting late.� Announced Mrs. Weasley “I think it’s time everyone went to bed.�
All of us teenagers nodded. I was getting really drowsy now that someone had mentioned bed. Everyone exited except for Remus and Mrs. Weasley, who were talking and myself. I got up to take my tray to the kitchen when Mrs. Weasley stopped me
“I can take care of that dear.� She said as she took the tray. Then to Remus she said “tell her she needs to know!�
“Tell me what?� I asked
“Molly…� Remus said pleadingly “Don’t do this, not tonight. It can wait.�
“Tell me what?� I persisted “Please Remus what is it you have to tell me?�
“Oh for heavens sake Remus tell the girl she has the right to know!�
Remus sighed looking extremely haggard “I know she has the right Molly, but, she just got here and I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to tell her right away. It’s going to be a lot for her to take in.�
I saw a look of pain in the mans eyes. I walked over to him not knowing why I felt such a strong bond growing between the two of us but I did. I reached out and took his hand.
“Mr. Lupin are…are you okay?�
“Yes, I’m better now.� I gave him a puzzled look. “I hadn’t planned on telling you this so soon while you’re still so young and all. Of course that’s mostly because I didn’t expect to see you in person until after you finished school.�
“Yeah I didn’t think I’d see you again after you left teaching at Hogwarts.� I agreed “Sorry um go on.�
Remus cleared his throat “Right, well where to start? Well…I…you know earlier when we talked and I er said I wanted you to think of me as…well as a father figure?� I nodded having no idea as to where he was going with this. “The reason I said that was because…um…because you are my daughter.�
“huh?� I was shocked was this some kind of joke? “What are…you’re not serious are you?�
Both Remus and Mrs. Weasley nodded worried that I might lose it and snap.
“And what about Jenny? We’re twins so that means…�
“Jenny is my daughter too, at least biologically. I’ve always felt a special bond with you especially when you were in my class.� He paused and then as an afterthought added “You were the best of your year but that wasn’t a surprise to me.�
“But, no! I’m a Black, I’m not proud of it but I am!�
Molly now interrupted “Dear haven’t you ever wondered why your father doesn’t dote on you like he does with your sisters?�
“Yes but Jenny she, she , if I’m Remus’ daughter so is she.�
“That’s true she is my daughter too but unlike you she embraced the Black lifestyle. Therefore, your…Mr. Black accepted her. And I know it will hurt for you to hear this but the only reason you’ve been allowed to remain in his house is because your mother, bless her soul, she asked for him to make sure you girls were provided for while in school.�
I almost fell over form shock. Mrs. Weasley steered me into a chair so that I wouldn’t fall over on the ground.
“How can this be?� I said as I began to cry. Remus came over to me and kneeling put his arm around my shoulder, I turned into his embrace feeling somewhat better.
“I know this must be hard to hear darling but think of how hard it was for me not to say anything to you the year I taught at Hogwarts.�
“I-I’m sorry.� I said mumbling through my tears. “I guess it must have been hell.�
“Hell is an understatement� Remus said chuckling a little which made me give a small laugh.
“So what does this mean? Can I move out of my house? Can I, can I move in with you?� I looked hopefully at the man in front of me.
“I suppose so under two conditions, one you talk with Mr. Black about it and two,� He paused and smiled “You call me dad. I’d really like that you know.�
“Sure thing, dad.�
“Well� Came Mrs. Weasley’s voice “I think that’s enough for tonight Alexis sweetie. Go on up to bed now, shoo!�
“Okay night Mrs. Weasley, night dad.� I turned and headed up the stairs and as I ascended them I heard Mrs. Weasley say to my dad “I’m so proud of you Remus and happy that you have one your baby girls back.�
I smiled and went into Ginny’s room to collapse on my bed but I wasn’t really sleepy. Physically and emotionally drained, yes but it had been a long day after all. I lay in bed for a long time mulling over everything that had happened to me today.
“Well� I thought “that’s one question down now I know why Mr. Lupin was acting weird he was my dad. But what about Harry and Fred?� They were still a mystery. “I want to know what their story are. Fred’s should be interesting, they always are.� I rolled over in bed trying to get comfy. I still wasn’t tired but I knew I needed to get some sleep. Closing my eyes I did something I hadn’t in a really long time.
“Thank you God!� I whispered “You helped me find my real dad and people what care about me.� I sighed feeling as if a weight had been lifted from me and fell into a deep sleep.
I was woken up after what seemed like minutes to someone placing their hand over my mouth and shaking me gently.
“Are you awake?� Fred whispered in my ear. My response was to lick the hand that was over my mouth
“That’s gross you know!� He said wiping his hand on his pants.
“I know but it’s payback for being evil and waking me up.�
“I’m sorry but I wanted to show you something.� Even though I couldn’t see Fred I could tell from his tone he was being sincere.
“Okay I’m getting up.� I wriggled out from under my covers. “Burr it’s freezing. That’s weird for a summers morning. What time is it by the way?�
“Um I’m not exactly sure but around like 4:30ish� We walked out of the room and closed the door behind us.
“No Way!� I said as we went down stairs “Couldn’t this wait till later?�
“Nope it would be too late then. C’mon.� He said grabbing two blankets in one hand and my hand in the other. “We have to hurry or we’ll miss it.� Fred dragged me out the door and away from his house. We reached the top of the hill we’d been climbing.
“This is it!� Fred announced proudly as he set out one blanket and motioned for me to sit on it. I walked over and sat on it with him. He wrapped the other blanket around us and then sat still for a moment.
I turned to look at him but he was already staring at me. “So what are we waiting for?� I asked feeling a little awkward because of his staring.
Fred looked towards the horizon and waited till it turned pale blue before answering “The sun.�
I looked at the horizon in awe. The sun had slowly started to creep up over the hills and turn the sky and clouds pink and purple.
“Fred it’s beautiful!� I exclaimed.
“Yeah this is where I come to think about things.� He paused and looked at me again before going on “I’ve been out here a lot tonight. Mum would kill me if she knew.�
I laughed “Really?�
“Yeah but I really needed to think tonight.� He had regained that serious tone again, but this time I could see his expression. His face was stern and yet soft at the same time.
“He looks very handsome like this� I thought but then I realized what I said or rather thought and reprimanded myself. Could I be falling for Fred Weasley? He had always been one of my best friends but then again he had also always had a special place in my heart. A place that well none of my other friends, even George, could fill. It was the same place that my mom and now Remus resided. That’s when it hit me I had a crush on…
“How do you feel about me?� Came Fred’s voice cutting through my thoughts.
“Huh? How do I, well I…Wait why?�
“Because I need to know. That’s what I’ve been thinking about all night, you. And well I’ve concluded that I really like you and to be honest I think I might be falling for you.�
“You, you are?� He nodded and took my hand in his again this time more carefully. Our fingers interlaced with one another. “Fred.� I said, he looked at me nervously.
“Y-yes?� He stuttered. I quickly kissed him then pulling away I said
“I just fell.� He smiled and kissed me just as the sun broke over the horizon in front of us. We broke apart and looked at the amazing sunrise. I snuggled close to Fred’s body and suddenly it seemed like the sun was brighter and the morning warmer. We sat there cuddling (and kissing) for about an hour. The sun was too bright so we pulled the blanket over our heads. I propped myself up on my elbows and looked at Fred.
“What?� he said
“I dunno� I smiled “I guess I just never realized how good looking you are.�
He chuckled “Yeah I knew you couldn’t resist this� he pointed to himself. “I mean look at me.“ He tried to sit up and flex but I playfully pushed him back down. As he fell he took out the elbow that was supporting me and I toppled down on top of him.
“Hey!� I said
“Hey what?� He raised an eyebrow and gave me a pouting look. God he’s cute when he does that. I couldn’t help it I kissed him again. He kissed me back but not only with lust but with passion and dare I say love. His kisses were like a drug and if I wasn’t careful I’d get addicted, fast. Unfortunately I think it might already be too late.
We wrestled on the blanket for five minutes before I was too tired to fight back and got pinned.
“Aha!� Fred said triumphantly “I Win!�
“Really?� That’s what you think!� With the last of my strength I managed to flip Fred so that I was now pinning him.
“Huh well this is a predicament.� he said
I grinned maliciously “And it’s about to get worse!� I started to tickle Fred on his sides. He was even more ticklish than I was. He squirmed beneath me until he was out of breath. I finally stopped and rolled onto my back next to him.
“We should go inside. Mum will get worried if she gets up and we’re missing.�
“Yeah I think my dad might worry too.�
Fred looked at me confused “Y-your dad?�
“Ooooh yeah you don’t know. Well um last night I overheard your mum telling Remus that he needed to tell me something. So I inquired as to what it was and it turns out that what Remus needed to tell me was that he’s my biological father not Mr. Black.�
“No way! Bloody Hell….that’s not your everyday announcement.�
“Yeah but then again neither was yours.�
“Heh, so I’ve never done the ‘everyday’ or ‘normal’ thing.� I smirked and nodded at him.
“Shall we go back to the house?� He asked
“Yeah.� We stood up and each grabbed a blanket, Fred took my free hand and we walked down the hill to the Burrow.

End Chap 2

When we got back to the house we heard Mrs. Weasley before we saw her. We walked into the house and plopped down on the couch.
“Fred Weasley! How dare you sneak out of bed at such an ungodly hour of the morning!� Mrs. Weasley stepped out from behind of the bookshelf. “It’s bad enough that you left the house without permission but to wake up Alexis and take her with you…� Mrs. Weasley didn’t finish her sentence she was looking from Fred to me and then our hands which were still intertwine. A smile crossed her face and she said “Why don’t I make you some breakfast you must be hungry.�
She bustled out of the room and Fred and I each let out a small sigh of relief. Then we looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“That was so close!� Said Fred
“I thought she was going to murder you. That look she gave you made my blood run cold.�
Fred wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. “I’d keep you warm.� He kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and leaned against his chest, I was so comfy that I fell asleep for a few minutes.
“Alexis wake up, breakfast’s ready.�
“Five more minutes!� I whined.
“You need to get up please I can’t feel my arm. It fell asleep shortly after you did, and well you were so cute sleeping I didn’t want to wake you up, at least not until I had to. “
“Oh well that was sweet of you, thanks.� I sat up freeing Fred’s arm. “Better?�
“Yes, and no…� He pulled me close again. We were about to kiss when Mrs. Weasley called from the room that breakfast was getting cold. We stood up and walked into the other room.
When we entered the room there were piles and piles of food, all of which looked delicious.
We sat down and started eating. Slowly people started filing into the kitchen. George came in and almost fell from shock as he looked from Fred to the clock (the one that told time not where the Weasleys were) back to Fred and I.
“You’re awake…but Fred you never get up before nine…it’s only eight!�
“Yeah well I’ve been up since four sleeping beauty!�
“Well since I’m the sleeping beauty this morning� said George with a smirk “Than you’ll be the lowly shop keeper who will be opening the shop today at nine.�
“Wha?� Said Fred upset. “No That’s not my job!�
Mrs. Weasley cut in before things got out of hand “Fred your brother is right. I don’t want any arguments or else.� She turned back to her cooking
“Damn George.� Fred said under his breath. I giggled and he looked at me “Think that’s funny do you? Well what if I had to take you with me?�
“Would you?!� I was suddenly very excited. “I’ve been dying to see you shop but Mr. Black wouldn’t let me.� I stood up and walked over to Mrs. Weasley “Could I go and open the shop with Fred please?�
She smiled at my enthusiasm “Yes dear as long as it’s okay with the boys and you father.�
I hugged her and then the twins.
“I’m going to go ask and get dressed. I’ll be right back.�
I turned a corner on the stairs and ran right into Ron. As I started to fall backwards I grabbed Ron’s shirt to try and steady myself but ended up pulling Ron down with me. We tumbled down four stairs and ended up in a tangled pile on the landing.
“Ron you okay?� I asked in a muffled voice that was caused because me cheek was pressed against the floor despite the fact that I was laying on Ron’s legs
“I think I um broke er…something.� He winced as I tried to get off of him.
“Sorry� I said “And sorry I ran into you like that.�
“It’s okay but what was the bloody rush?�
“Oh� I blushed “I need to find my…� I hesitated not wanting to explain about Lupin being my father again already. “I mean Mr. Lupin. I have a question I need to ask him.�
“Oh well he’s in Charlie’s old room. It’s up the stairs first door on the left.�
“Thanks!� I whipped around and headed back up the stairs again. I reached the door Ron told me about and knocked. There was some movement in the room and then the door opened. Remus was standing there in a worn grey bathrobe. For a moment he looked tired and many years older but then something sparked in his eyes and his face lit up in a smile.
“Good morning my dear.� He said moving forward to hug me.
“Good morning!� I said in a sing song voice I’d used as a little girl. “Sleep well?�
“Best I’ve slept in years.� He replied smiling
“That’s good, I slept well too. I um was wondering if it would be okay for me to go with Fred to open the joke shop this morning. He said he didn’t mind and neither does Mrs. Weasley as long as I have permission from you!� Remus chuckled at my enthusiasm. “So could I please go?�
“Well…� Remus scratched his chin as if contemplating about something that was very important. “I only see one reason you can’t go.�
“What?�
“Well most people don’t wear their pajamas to work, but if you get dressed properly I don’t see why not.�
“Thank you, thank you so much! You‘re an awesome dad!!� I kissed him on the cheek and ran to Ginny’s room to change. I didn’t realize it then but as I was pulling on my jeans I realized that my lips were wet from kissing my dad’s cheek. “Oh my God.� I said as I touched my lips after putting on a shirt. “Was he crying because of me? Because of what I said?�
I pulled on my black sweatshirt. There was no color on it except for one thing that I’d sewn onto it, a broken heart patch placed over my own heart. I looked in the mirror and giggled because the patch was no longer necessary. I went to tear it off but stopped. If I were to tear it off I’d be taking away something that represented my past and even though that past is painful it made me well me. I left the patch there and went downstairs.
Everyone was downstairs eating and or talking by the time I returned. Fred was dressed and glaring at his twin.
I walked over to Fred who abruptly stopped shooting daggers at George with his eyes and returned my smile. “I’m all ready.� I said
“Me too. Shall we?� He said making a great sweeping bow. Then he ushered me over to the fireplace.
Great I thought now I’m going to get sick. I hate traveling be floo powder. Fred interrupted my thoughts by handing me a pinch of green powder. I took it and stepped into the fireplace.
“Diagon Alley� I said and I threw down powder. I was engulfed in a swirl of green flames, I tucked in my elbows and closed my eyes hoping that I wouldn’t get sick this one time. Seconds later I hit the hearth of another fireplace and my legs gave out causing me to fall forward onto the wooden floor of the Leaky Caldron.
“Ouch! Bloody He-� I didn’t get to finish swearing because Fred fell out of the fireplace on me, knocking the wind out of me.
“Are you okay?�
“Yeah, I’d be better if you got off me though.�
“Nah, I’m rather comfy I think I’ll stay here all day.� I pushed Fred off of me and stood up. I tried to give him a hand up but he pulled me dow in his lap instead.
“Mr. Weasley were we not on an outing to open your joke shop? I do not remember seeing snogging anywhere on the itinerary.�
“That’s funny…� He said “I could’ve sworn I penciled it in here somewhere.� He pretended to pull out a piece of paper and read it. “Yes it’s right here.�
“Where?� I said skeptically
“Here.� He said pulling me forward to kiss me quickly, we broke apart and he helped me up. We left the Leaky Cauldron and made are way to the joke shop.
Fred reached into his pocket as we stopped in front of the shp and pulled out a set of three keys. He took the biggest one and unlocked the door, as I stepped inside I looked around in awe.
“You-you made all of this?
Fred chuckled at me. “Yep George and I did it all, created, tested and refined everything.�
“Wow!� I said trying to take it all in “This is really amazing Fred. I mean you and George didn’t even finish your sixth year at Hogwarts and yet most everything in here is far more advanced than magic of that level.�
“Well, er, it was nothing.� I looked at him disbelief on my face “Really.� he insisted
“Now you’re just being modest Fred and it’s kind of scary�
“Okay fine then. It took a lot of brilliant work by my brother and I but mostly by me.�
I just shook my head sometimes Fred could be such a bloody idiot. I think it’s what make him and his brother so funny.
“Time to get down to business and as my honorary assistant for today you need a staff shirt.� Fred ducked into the back room and returned a few minutes later with a Blue t-shirt that said staff on the back and had the name of the joke shop on the front. “Here you go.� he said
I put it on an looked down at myself “seems to fit.� I said
“yes beautifully, er perfectly I mean…�
“So now what?� I said cutting him off before he continued to babble on.
“Oh yes now we need to pull back the blinds and change the sign so that it says open.� As Fred said this he flicked his wand twice and both things happened. “There now we just have to wait for a customer.�

And wait we did incredible as it was no one came in all morning, so Fred and I sat in the office and snogged a bit. In the middle of our snogging there was a pop and George appeared standing in front of us looking a bit pissed.
“You said you were coming to open the shop! Now I see all you wanted to do was sit here and snog Alexis!� George bellowed
“But George we did open the shop.� I said sheepishly “We did open the shop but no one’s come in yet.�
George looked at me in disbelief. “What do you mean?� George said more calmly this time.
Fred wriggled in the chair beneath me nearly causing me to fall off his lap.
“Fred hold still or I’m going to…� *CRASH* Too late. I fell face first onto the floor at the boys feet. “Ow Fred.� He rushed to help me up. “That hurt!� I said rubbing my forehead where it had connected with the floor.
“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry� said Fred as George chuckled at his mishap.
“Shut up George!� Yelled Fred and I at the same time.
“Wow� George said “I guess that whole twin thing works among all twins. Listen I’ll pretend you guys weren’t just sitting here and snogging because Alexis really believes that the store is open. But seriously Fred don’t do that again.�
“Alright George I get you drift okay. It won’t happen again. Gezzzz you sound like mum.�
“We walked out of the office and George put the real open sign up in the window and within seconds people were pouring into the shop. It was non-stop work until about four in the afternoon. George decided to let Fred and I go at four fifteen saying that he could take care of the shop until it closed at five thirty.
Fred and I walked down the street to a small resturant where he insisted on buying me dinner.
“Really it’s more of a late lunch we were so busy working you didn’t get to eat before.�
“But Fred� I started but before I could protest any darther he ushered me into the restaurant.
“Is it just the two of you this evening?� asked the hostess.
“Yes� said Fred
“Okay then, right this way please.�
We were seated in the back at a small table where the lights were dim which gave the place a romantic atmosphere. I smiled to myself and then thinking aloud I said “This is almost like a date.�
Fred looked up at me from his menu and said “This is a date Alexis.�
“Ohhhh� I said “I er said that out loud? I thought I, oops.�
He reached across the table and placed his hand on mine. “It’s okay it was really cute.�
I relaxed and we spent all of dinner just talking and laughing while we ate.
“What time is it?� I asked
“I dunno, hole on, excuse me miss do you have the time?� The waitress checked her watch.
“Of course sir it’s seven O’clock.� She announced briskly and walked away.
“What? Seven? Um are you done?� asked Fred
I look at my empty plate carefully and said “Yup�
“Good ‘cause we need to go.�
“Yup.� I said again.
Fred paid the tab and we left. We walked to the Leaky Cauldron and took floo powder home.


End Chap 3

I woke up the next morning smiling. I think it was because of the dream I’d been having but I couldn’t really remember because all to quickly it was pushed away by thoughts and memories from the past two days.
I pushed down the covers and put my feet on the cold floor.
“Brrrrr� I said to myself “I knew I forgot something.� Resisting the urge to crawl back in bed I walked over to my trunk and pulled out a pair of thick wool socks, summer or not the floor was still ice cold. After having put them on I headed downstairs.
The kitchen was buzzing with activity but upon my entrance the place got even crazier. Four people came at me and caught me in a bone crushing hug.
“Good Morning!� They yelled. Once they had backed away I was able to tell who my attackers were. George, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were all looking at me with an elvish glee in their eyes.
“Morning.� I said “What’s that look for?� But before I got my answer Fred came up and kissed me. There was an up rise of shouts and whoops from the others as our kiss deepened. Finally I broke away as Ginny came over to and explained what was going on.
“You see Harry and Ron didn’t believe George when he said that he found you and Fred snogging at the shop yesterday. Which of course annoyed Fred to no end.�
“I see so you set this up to prove to Harry and Ron that I rather enjoy snogging Fred?� Harry and Ron gaped at me and Ginny simply nodded her head smiling in triumph.
Harry finally found his voice, although it was weak and shaky, and said “So you two are…I mean you’re going out?�
Fred answered first a little testily “Yes, why’s that so hard to believe?�
“Um� said Harry “It’s just, er wow congratulations guys.�
He looked down at the floor and I couldn’t help but think that he was somehow hurt by this information. I didn’t understand why, we were friends he had never said anything to make me think otherwise and I knew that he was friendly with all the Weasleys. Well with the exception of Percy for the time being. Either way I’d have to ask him about it later when we could talk in private. I didn’t want to draw attention to it if it was just me imagination.
After breakfast we all got our quidditch gear out and walked to a grove of trees to play a little game of three on three for the rest of the morning with a soccer ball (Soccer is a muggle sport) and apples from the trees. I’m the keeper for Ravenclaw so it was fun to play with the Weasleys and Harry instead of against them. Harry played chaser on the other team for a while and he was surprisingly good. He even scored on me twice. Once because I let him and the other time because he actually out maneuvered me. By noon we were all really tired so we landed and went in for lunch. Mrs. Weasley was waiting for us at the door when we got back looking very pale.
“Mum what’s wrong?� Ginny asked but Mrs. Weasley didn’t answer. She walked up to Harry and I still looking pale and I stared to get nervous.
“You two need to come with me to Grimauld place right now.� She said her voice shaky. Harry stiffened and his demeanor changed.
“I’m not going there!� He said
“What’s going on Mrs. Weasley?� I asked
“I never want to go there again!�
“Harry please calm down.� Mrs. Weasley said “Remus is going with us Alexis and we’ll explain everything once we get there. Please go get ready both of you.�
I grabbed Harry’s arm and pulled him away before he could protest anymore. We got up the stairs and I rounded on Harry.
“What the Bloody Hell was that about Harry?�
“Like you care!� He spat
“I do care Harry why are you being so weird?�
“This was a mistake� He said “I never should have asked you to come and now there’s this!�
“Please Harry what’s wrong? Why’s this a mistake?�
He just stared at me then stuttered “C-can’t can’t you tell how I, how I feel about you?�
I sighed. Why was it that men always expected you to know how they felt about you? “I thought we were friends Harry. Why are you acting like this? I don’t know what you’re talking about.
He looked wounded and said “ I care about you Alexis. You’re the only person who can eve come close to knowing how I feel. I felt a connection to you the day we met. That was the best birthday I’ve ever had.�
My breath was caught in my chest, tears threatening to fall. I just looked at him until he went on.
“Look Grimauld Place that’s where my godfather lived, that’s why I don’t want to go there.�
That did it I broke down. “I’m so sorry.� I said as I sat down on the floor silent tears rolling down my cheeks. “I didn’t know. I’m, I’m so sorry.�
Harry walked over to me and then did something surprising, he bent down and kissed the tears on my cheeks away. I pulled back worried.
“Harry� I said tentatively “I, you, we, we can’t do this. I’m with Fred remember?�
He put his head down “I know.� He muttered “But It’s so hard not to do something when I see you cry like that. I don’t like seeing people cry. I want to make you smile and laugh the way you did the day we met.�
“Harry you still make me smile and laugh. You just can’t do it that way. C’mon� I said standing up “I need to change and I can’t do it if you’re still here.�
He left and I went and changed into my favorite pair of faded blue jeans and a black tank-top. I slipped into my trainers and went back downstairs and found Mrs. Weasley and my dad waiting. Harry slowly descended the stairs shortly after I did.
“We don’t have permission to use a portkey and since Alexis has never been to Grimauld Place before we are going to have to disparate together.� Said Remus once we were totally ready to go. “Alexis would you like to go with me darling?�
“Sure dad,� I said “That is if Harry doesn’t mind going with Mrs. Weasley.�
“I’m Fine� Harry mumbled and walked over to Mrs. Weasley. Just as we were about to leave I looked over at Harry who was staring intently at me “I’m Sorry.� I mouthed and an instant later my dad and I were gone.
We reappeared moments later on a dark dreary street that was ill lit and cold. Harry and Mrs. Weasley showed up right beside us Harry looking close to tears and Mrs. Weasley looking anxious.
“So you want to tell us what’s going on now?� Said Harry
“Molly do you want to tell them or should I?� Asked my dad. Mrs. Weasley just gave him a look that I thought meant she didn’t feel like it was her place.
“Very well then, Alexis I’m assuming Harry has told you about his godfather Sirius Black.�
“Yes he said that he used to live here before,� I paused and looked at Harry then mumbled “Before he died.� I was scared that those tears, his tears, might fall, and I was scared of what I might do if they did. I looked back at my dad.
“Well, um Sirius is also your godfather Alexis.�
“I beg your pardon?� I said in confusion.
“Yes he’s your godfather too.� It suddenly started to pouring. “Let’s go inside there’s something you and Harry need to see.�

Confused as ever I followed the adults up to one of the houses. Harry walked next to me, I reached out and squeezed his hand. He smiled and squeezed my hand back.
Remus didn’t bother to knock or ring the bell instead he whispered “Alhomora.� and then the lock clicked and the door opened. We all walked inside and it was darker inside than it was out in the rain.
“Now both of you stay calm and follow us.� Mrs. Weasley said softly.
I felt me hand being tugged and realized that Harry was still holding it. We went down the hall and into a room I realized was the kitchen once my eyes adjusted. There was a low fire in the fireplace and a big black lump on the floor by it.
“Hey pads� my dad said walking over to the lump which I realized was a dog.
Harry went ridged “That’s not, it can’t be…possible, can it?�
“Harry what is it? What’s wrong?� I was nervous and he was gripping my hand so tightly that it was starting to hurt. But before he could answer the dog turned into a man. I jumped in surprise grabbing Harry and we stood in awe as the man looked at us.
“Hello Harry and you must be Alexis hello.� As the man stepped forward Harry pulled back taking me with him.
“T-this isn’t funny! Remus what’s going on?� Harry’s voice was shaky. My hand was now numb from Harry’s grasp but it didn’t matter anymore because I was too caught up in what was going on.
“Harry it’s me, Sirius.� He moved towards us again and this time Harry didn’t move back. “And Alexis the last time I saw you, you were in diapers.�
I pulled my hand away from Harry’s and walked up to the man who said he was Sirius. I looked up into his eyes touched his cheek and suddenly I was overwhelmed with emotion. I turned to Harry who had followed close behind me and his tears spilled over as I looked at him. He rushed forward plat me to hug Sirius.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t, I couldn’t, I thought you were, were…�
“Dead?� Sirius suggested
“Yes� Harry said through his tears.
Sirius reached out his arm and motioned for me to come over to him.
“I, I don’t think I should.� I said Quietly.
“You’re my goddaughter aren’t you?� I nodded “Well then you belong here just like Harry.�
“But you’re all Harry’s got. I mean I’ve got my dad.� I said.
Harry looked at me and smiled “He’s right Alexis, please.� I knew his please had a deeper meaning but nonetheless I went and joined their hug.
Mrs. Weasley and my dad smiled at one another. It was still raining outside but in Sirius’ kitchen it was as bright and warm as pure sunshine.


End chap 4

We sat in Sirius’ kitchen for hours talking and laughing and well crying. Harry looked so happy, every time he smiled at me I thought I would melt. I yawned and stretched then checked my watch. My mouth dropped when I saw what time it was.
“Oh my gosh!�
“What is it?� Said My dad and Harry
“The time that’s what. It’s two o’clock in the morning.�
“What?� Mrs. Weasley said jumping up. “I need, we all need to go.�
“Molly it’s late, I’m tired so are the kids and I’m sure Sirius wouldn’t want to be the cause of for lack of better words, sleep deprivation for everyone at your house. Remus said.
Mrs. Weasley nodded
“Molly you’re welcome to stay here with us.�
“No, no I need to go home I’ll have to explain to everyone where Harry and Alexis are.� She hugged Harry and I goodbye and then she was gone.
“Harry why don’t you show Alexis to one of the bedrooms and then head to bed yourself.�
Harry said okay hugged Sirius and my dad. I did the same, followed Harry out of the kitchen and up the stairs. He showed me to a large dark room where there was a canopy bed with deep blue drapes.
“It’s beautiful.� I said as I looked around the room. There was a large silver framed mirror over the bureau that appeared to be made from Black Cherry wood. “I can stay here?� I said spinning around. I tripped over the edge of the rug and fell into Harry.
He smiled down at me “If you’d like to.� His eyes shone as I looked into them, so warm and caring. A second later Harry’s lips met mine in a sweet kiss. I pulled away quickly and covered my face.
“What am I doing?� Tears welled up in my eyes “Harry…� I said almost desperately in a whisper.
“I’m sorry� He said “but I just got caught up in your eyes. They’re beautiful you know.�
I moved away from Harry. I was ashamed, I’d cheated on Fred, something I thought I’d never do. I started to cry, tears spilling out of my eyes and through my fingers. Harry saw and took me by the shoulders and I moved my hands from my face and looked at his.
“Alexis I’m sorry. I was out of line. I just, I care about you so much and when you were there in my arms it felt so right I couldn’t help myself. It was perfect, I felt complete. I hope you can forgive me for what I did and for being so forward.�
He left the room, I watched him cross the hall and go through another door I figured was the bedroom he was staying in. I closed my door wishing in a way that I had pajamas even though my clothes were comfy enough to sleep in.
I lay on the bed my mind too full to sleep. Sirius wasn’t dead, Harry had kissed me, I felt so guilty about that but at the same time I admitted to myself that I did kind of like it. I turned over on my side and sighed long and slow. I knew what I had to do to settle my restless mind.
I got up out of bed and tiptoed to the door, cracked it open and peaked up and down the hall to make sure no one was there. Then once I was positive I was alone I slipped out the door and across the hall and ever so softly knocked on Harry’s door. I heard footsteps and the door opened.
“Hi.� I said
Harry looked surprised “Hi.� he said back
“Can we talk?�
“Sure,� he said as he stepped aside to let me into the room. He closed the door and looked at me “So what do you want to talk about?�
“I accept your apology.�
“What? Oh right. Is that all?�
I shook my head “I have to tell you something, but you have to swear not to tell anyone, especially Fred.�
“Um okay.� Harry said looking rather confused.
“Well,� I shuffled my feet “back before in my room when you, well when we kissed I wasn’t crying only because of what Fred would say.� I took a deep breath “I was also crying because I felt this connection with you that I’ve never felt before. Like how you said you felt one with me.� I said this all very fast thinking that it might make it easier. But I was wrong and it made it harder.
Harry looked at me unsure of whether or not I was being coy “You’re serious?�
“Yes.� I said feeling a pang of guilt stinging like a fresh cut. “I’m being totally one hundred percent honest even though it’s making me feel guilty as Hell.� I went and sat on the edge of the bed. Harry followed and sat down next to me.
“I’m glad you told me the truth and I’m really sorry about making you feel guilty.�
“It’s okay.� I said waving my hand in the air to distract him so he wouldn’t see the tears welling up in my eyes again. “Anyway I better go it’s late.� I stood up to leave by Harry caught my hand. I turned to face him “Don’t look in his eyes� I told myself because I knew now that I was falling for those eyes. I looked down at my feet but Harry put a finger under my chin and raised it. He looked right into my eyes piercing them with his brilliant green gaze. A low fire was burning in his eyes but I knew if I gave in those dying embers might burst into a blaze.
“You know you don’t have to be so strong.� He said as if reading my thoughts
“Yes I do. If I wasn’t strong I never would’ve been able to live with my twin and ‘Dad’ for as long as I did without anyone to care for me.�
“But now you have Sirius and Lupin and the Weasleys,� he paused and then mumbled “and me.�
“Thank you Harry. Thank you for being here for me, it means a lot and I’m sorry that I can’t be here for you the way you want me to be. Do you think we can still be friends?�
“Yeah friends, sure. Well I’ll see you in the morning.� He hugged me
“Goodnight Harry.�
When I woke up it was pitch black but then I remembered that I had shut the curtain of the bed before I fell asleep. I threw them open and was nearly blinded by the dazzling sunlight reflecting off the many mirrors in the room.
I noticed a bag by the door mid-stretch and stopped what I was doing. I hopped out of bed and went over to see what was in the bag. There was a note attached to the bag which I opened and read.

Alexis,
I asked Mrs. Weasley to get a change of clothes together so you would
have something else to wear today. I went and got these from her
earlier this morning. See you when you get downstairs.
Love Dad

I smirked and opened the bag. The smile immediately faded, I dumped the bag out on the bed. “No way.� I said “Ahhhhhh Mrs. Weasley how could you.� Laying on the bed was my white off the shoulder sweater and my red flamenco skirt that stopped three inches short of my knee. When I picked up the skirt another note fell out of the folded material. This one was from Mrs. Weasley.

Alexis,
Your father asked me to get you some clothes for today. I don’t want
to ruin the surprise but he and Sirius made plans with you and Harry for
the day so please don’t be upset by my choice of an outfit for you.
Sincerely Mrs. Weasley

I put down the note “Well I suppose it could’ve been worse.� I said to myself
“That’s the spirit� Said one of the portraits hanging on the wall.
I changed put my dirty clothes in the bag and went downstairs. Sirius and my dad were already in the kitchen dressed and talking over a cup of tea.
“Good morning� I said as I sat down in a chair
“Morning.� They said
“How’d you sleep dear?� Asked my dad
“Fine�
“You mean you actually got some sleep?� Sirius inquired. I nodded “Well you could’ve fooled me , I heard you and Harry talking on my way to bed.�
“So did I� Seconded my dad
I blushed crimson “Yeah we talked for a bit.� Remus smirked at me. “Oh come off it Dad. Please don’t try and imply that there’s more than just friendship between us again.� I was saved from any more prying by Harry as he entered the room. He stopped after a few steps his eyes on me. He looked like he was going to fall over from shock. I got up and steered him into a chair so he wouldn’t fall. After a few moments he regained his ability to talk but he was still staring.
“You l-look beautiful.� He said
I blushed again “Thanks.� I muttered
“See� Remus whispered to Sirius “I told you. The perfect match.� I was too embarrassed to care, Harry had told me that I was beautiful. My heart was soaring and at the same time it was falling like a stone.
Harry shook his head and went to hug his no, our, godfather. I sat back down my face still flushed.
Sirius cleared his throat to get everyone’s, but mostly my, attention. “Remus and I were wondering if you would like to go out to lunch.�
I looked at Harry who shrugged then realized that Sirius had said lunch. I checked my watch and was surprised to see that it was twelve eighteen pm. My stomach growled loudly.
My dad laughed “I guess that means yes then.� He said still chuckling.
“Un huh.� I said “I’m famished.� I caught Harry’s eyes and smiled.

The four of us left the house and walked down the street. We caught a cab into town which was very small and elegant. If you looked at it from far away it resembled one of those little miniature towns people use as Christmas decorations. We stopped in front of a small Italian Restaurant named Franco’s.
“Here Harry you hold this you’re better at handling muggle money.� Sirius said as he handed Harry a wad of cash. Harry got out of the cab and gave me a hand in getting out but before Sirius and Remus exited the cab it pulled away.
“Hey wait!� I said. Harry and I stood there watching the cab disappear around the corner onto the next street. “They planed this. I bet you anything they planed this!�
“Why?� Harry asked
“I don’t know my Dad’s got some notion in his head that there’s more than just friendship between us.�
“Really?� said Harry sounding amused for some reason
“Yes.� I said pushing him playfully “Don’t poke fun.� My stomach growled again.
“Do you still want to get something to eat? I know you’re hungry you can’t hide that fact thanks to your stomach and to be honest I’m hungry too.�
I hesitated, since it was just the two of us did that make it a date? I was dressed like I was going on a date after all. This was bad, I think. “What about the tab?� I asked “I don’t have any money.�
Harry sighed “Sirius handed me money as I got out of the cab remember. You were right there.�
“ Well yeah but…�
“Please.� He said
I couldn’t say no not when he acted like a wounded puppy dog. “Okay fine let’s get something to eat.� I said giving in.
We walked into the restaurant together it was small and cozy definitely a family rin business. The hostess was a tall thin girl with an olive complexion and hair the color of coal.
“A table for two?� she asked with a heavy Italian accent.
“Yes please� answered Harry
She led us to a table with a rose and a candle in the middle of it and then handed each of us a menu once we had seated. “The waitress will be with you shortly.� she said before hurrying off.
I sipped ice water as I looked at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, which was hard cause everything sounded so good.
An older Italian woman came over to the table “Hello� she said “My name is Maria I‘ll be your server today my husband is Franco and I’m filling in for our sick son Nicholas.�
“I’m sorry he’s sick.� I said “I hope he feels better soon.�
“Thank you. Now what can I get you two to drink?�
“Um I’d like a ginger ale please.� I said
Harry looked at me and then at Maria and said “Ginger ale sounds good I’ll have one too.�
“Aren’t you just the cutest couple. I wish my son nick had a girlfriend as sweet and pretty as you. Hold on a minute I want Franco to see how cute you are.� She ran off towards the kitchen (I guess) and a minute later she came rushing back with a big Italian man.
“I’m Franco� He said “My wife insisted that I see this cute couple she was serving.�
“Oh well thank you but…� I looked over at Harry not wanting to be rude.
“You see we’re actually just friends.� Harry finished
“Sure you are.� He said winking “Well I have to go back to the kitchen. My wife will assist you if you need anything.�
“I’ll be right back to take your orders� said Maria following her husband back towards the kitchen and speaking quickly to him in Italian.
“That was…�
“Scary.� Harry finished
“But the seemed nice I guess.�
Maria returned and we ordered. I thought that there might be an awkward silence between Harry and I while we ate but instead we talked and laughed the entire time. I had so much fun by the time finished. Maria took our glasses and plates away and went to the back.
“Harry she forgot to give us the bill.�
“Oh yeah.� We walked up to the counter where Maria was standing “Um you forgot to give us the bill.�
Maria looked at Harry as if he were crazy. “I no forget cause there is no bill. The meal was on the house now go and have a good time.�
“Oh,� I said “Well thank you very much.�
“Yeah Thanks.� Said Harry sounding about as guilty as I felt.
We walked out of the restaurant and turned right up the street. We walked past a flower shop and a bakery. Both places smelled amazing. I inhaled deeply at the same time as Harry and we laughed.
“It smells so good.� I said
“I know but I’m way too full to eat anything else.� Harry replied “But hey I bet Sirius and Remus would like something.�
“Probably but I think I know somewhere else that would be better to find them some treats.� I said giggling to myself.

End Chap 5

When we finally got back to Grimauld Place Sirius and Remus were sitting in the kitchen drinking tea.
Sirius looked up and smiled wryly “Have a good day?� He asked.
“Yeah.� I said throwing a paper bag down on the table in front of him and sitting next to my dad.
“Awe for me?� He asked trying to sound sweet. He opened the bag and started to laugh his bark like laugh. He turned the bag upside down and dumped several dog treats onto the table.
“That’s a thank you from Alexis and I for leaving us in town by ourselves today.�
My dad laughed with Sirius this time. “Okay I guess you’re justified.� Said my dad “But it was completely Sirius’ idea.� He finished while chuckling.
“I’ll just save these for later.� Sirius said putting the dog treats back in the bag.
“They aren’t all yours though. Some are for my dear daddy too.� That wiped the smile off of Remus’ face. He pulled my chair closer to him and hugged me.
“You know miss you’ve only known that I’m your father for a few days and you’re teasing me already.� He said in a mock pouty voice.
“Oh come on.� I said jokingly “You said yourself that we were justified in giving them to Sirius. So naturally some are for you because it’s only polite to share.�
“Yup.� Said Sirius “She’s your daughter alright.�
“Yeah.� Remus said smiling “She is.� There was a silence as my dad smiled at me. I felt awkward and looked from Harry to Sirius for help. Sirius merely smirked at me but Harry came to my rescue.
“So, er what’s for dinner Remus?� Harry asked drawing Remus’ gaze away from me.
“I’m not sure, but why don’t you and Alexis go change into something more comfortable and we‘ll call you when it‘s ready.�
“Okay.� I said.
“Sure thing.� Replied Harry as he pulled out my chair and gave me a hand up.
Harry and I walked down the hall that led to our rooms.
“Thank you� I said
“For what?� Harry said surprised by me sudden appreciation
“For today. I had a lot of fun. It was nice to spend the day with you. We haven’t done that since your birthday.
“Yeah I know.� Said Harry “That makes me kind of well sad, we have so much fun together.�
There was a pause I didn’t know what to say after all what do you say to that. I made a move towards my room but Harry blocked the doorway.
“I need to ask you something.�
“Harry I want to change now could you please move?�
“I will but I need to know something.�
“Okay.� I said with a sigh
Harry straightened up “Okay I need to know exactly how you feel about Fred and� He paused to take a deep breath “how you feel about me.�
“Harry, I-I-I care about both of you very much. You’re both important to me but Harry I can’t, I mean Fred is my boyfriend.�
Harry hung his head “I know he is but that’s only cause he beat me to the punch.�
“Huh?�
“Alexis the morning Fred asked you out I was planning on, I mean, I was going to ask you out after breakfast. That’s why I seemed mad.�
I couldn’t speak, Harry had done it again, he had a way of getting to me. I pushed past him into my room. I closed the door and went and sat on the bed while trying to hold back my tears. I had just finished changing back into my shorts and shirt when there was a knock on my door. “One minute.� I said as I finished brushing back my hair “Okay you can come in.�
Sirius entered the room “Hi.� He said.
“Hi. Do you need something?� I asked
“Oh well Remus asked me to tell you and Harry that we’re going back to the burrow tonight as soon as you two are ready.�
“Ok then I’m ready.�
“Good.� He paused “May I ask you something?�
“Not again.� I mumbled “Yes, what is it?�
“Well I overheard you and Harry before and I, both yours and Harry’s godfather, am worried about the two of you. Harry cares no, loves you, surely you can see that. I can just from the way he looks at you. Remus looked at your mum the same way. And I don’t mean to interfere but I see you looking at Harry that same way.�
“I do?� I said the question out loud even though in my heart I knew he was right.
“Yes. Now here’s my question why don’t you tell him how you feel? I know you’re dating Fred but do you love him or feel for him the way you do for Harry? I know you’re probably scared about hurting Fred but sometimes in life things like that happen.�
“You’re right I don’t want to hurt him. And if I break up with him to date I feel like I betraying him because They are friends after all.�
“I can’t help you there.� Sirius said sadly “But I’m sure if you and Harry talk about the situation and you waited to go out for a while after you and Fred break up, if you do that is, then I think everything will be fine.� He stood to leave and I grabbed my stuff and I followed.
“You know I think you spent to much time with my dad today you’re starting to sound like him too.�
“Really? Well I suppose you could always just grab Harry and make passionate mouth sex to him.�
“What!�
“Just kidding.� He smirked “Lets go.�
“I can’t believe you just said that.�
“Well I did.�
“My dad was right you’ll never grow up.�
“Really is that what he said huh.�
“No haha got you!�
We went downstairs and waited fro Harry to come down so we could go. Once we were all ready we disapparated to the burrow.
We knocked on the front door and heard someone yell “Mum people are here.� It sounded to me like Ron.
“Well let them in.� Mrs. Weasley hollered back.
Sure enough Ron opened the door and fell back like he’d been socked in the stomach. “Harry is t-that really, is that…�
“Sirius Black in the flesh� Said Sirius proudly.
I just rolled my eyes and shook my head at him. “Yeah� I thought “He really does need to grow up a bit.� Ron’s continuing babble brought me back to earth as well as the chill I was now getting. “Ronald!� I said loudly to cut him off. “Will you let us in now?�
“Wha…Oh yeah sorry I just, I can’t, I mean it’s, it’s, it’s…�
“Ron you’re doing it again.� Said Harry
“Right.� Ron said moving aside so we could enter. “Sorry.�
As soon as we were all inside there was an explosion of sound and people rushing at us.
“Sirius? Hey it’s Sirius!� Said George “Fred, Ginny, look it’s him!�
Someone ran into me and knocked me into Harry “You okay?� He asked and I nodded “Lets go sit in the other room until they all clam down.�
“Good idea.� I agreed

Harry and I ducked into the living room and sat down on the couch. I rested my head on Harry’s shoulder “Can we talk?� I asked. Harry moved so he could look at me.
“Sure I guess. What about?�
“How I feel about you.� I said softly. Harry looked at me surprised and unsure but he nodded signaling for me to continue. “Okay well I was talking with Sirius about you earlier and he got me to admit something to myself.�
“Un huh, and?
“And well he helped me realize that I do like Fred but, I’ve fallen in love with you over these past few days.�
Harry however wasn’t looking at me, he was looking over my head. I turned around and saw Fred staring at us with his mouth wide open. He turned and walked away.
“Shit! How much do you think he heard?� I asked
“Dunno.�
“Shit! I’d better go see if he’s okay. I shouldn’t have don’t this now. I should’ve told you in private.�
I was almost out of the room when I felt Harry take my hand and then turn and pull me close to him. “I love you too.� He whispered in my ear. I smile and left to find Fred dreading what he was going to say or not say for that matter. As I rushed into the kitchen I caught a glimpse of Fred going out the door.
I hurried out the door after him “Fred� I called “Fred please wait. I…I can explain!�
Fred spun around and I ran into him. “Explain?� He sputtered “What’s there to explain? For Christ’s sake Alexis you just told Harry that you, you love him! I don‘t really see what there is to explain.�
“Fred please just calm down okay. If you’ll listen to me I’ll tell you everything. I’m sorry that you overheard me. I should’ve talked to you first but you were with Sirius.� I stopped I didn’t want to do this but I had to or it wouldn’t be fair to Fred. He deserved someone who loved him the way that he loved them. I couldn’t really do that now, I don’t think I ever really could.
I took Fred’s arm in silence and led him back towards the house. We sat on the bench outside the door.
“I’m sorry I yelled.� mumbled Fred
“S’okay� I said “Now you have to understand that I never wanted to hurt you. You’ve been my best friend since forever!� Fred gave me a look “Okay for the past two years. Anyway I hope this won’t change the fact that we’re friends.�
Fred cut in “It won’t I promise.�
“I’m glad we’ll still be friends, but now I have to explain everything I guess.�
“No you don’t�
“What?� I asked “Why not?
“Will this make you happy?� Fred asked back “I mean will being with Harry make you happy?� I nodded “Then there’s n-nothing, nothing to explain. All I want for you is to happy Alexis, you are my best friend after all.�
I could tell from his voice that Fred was about to cry. “Do you need to go?�
“Yeah.� He said as he got up and left.
I stayed on the bench thinking and staring at the stars for a while. I wasn’t hungry anymore all I needed right now was the night air to sustain me.
Someone came out the door and into the yard, it was my dad, but he didn’t notice me so I stayed sitting where I was.
I heard him talking quietly at first but my ears adjusted so I could hear him.
“She’s so grown up now. I wish you could see her. She looks more like you every time I see her and I know she misses you as much as I do. I think about what we would’ve been like as a family. I can’t help but envy Harry a little you know, he got Sirius back but no matter how many time I ask for it you’ll never be able to come back to me. But I can’t help but ask one more time my dear. Please if there’s anyway I can see you again, even if it’s just one, please come back to me.�
I was shocked my dad still missed and more importantly loved my mother. I didn’t move as he kicked at a pebble and went back inside, I don’t know how he didn’t see me but he managed to walk right by me without noticing. My mind was racing he, Remus, my father had wanted a real family and life with my mother but couldn’t have it. He had to sit back and watch mum die and his girls be raised by some other man. Jeezzzzz and I thought my luck was bad.
“He has you though.� said a voice in my head.
“Yeah� I thought aloud “he does have me and I;m going to make sure that that’s worthwhile!�

End Chap 6

The next morning I got up extra early and went down to the kitchen. I was planning on making breakfast for my dad but it might nice to make it for everyone.
“Hmmmm…� I said “How many people are here? Let me thin there’s the Weasley’s that’s five plus Harry, Sirius, my dad, and I. Nine people! This is going to be one big breakfast!� I sighed “Oh well it’s good practice anyway.�
I went into the cabinet and found everything I needed from there. Then I went to the fridge and grabbed milk, eggs, and kippers. I worked for an hour or so and finally finished everything without any major disasters! I was relieved that no one came down while I was cooking. It makes me uneasy and I probably would’ve broken or burnt something.
“I must be dreaming!� Exclaimed Mrs. Weasley as she entered the kitchen “You made all of this dear?�
“Yes.� I said tentatively “You aren’t mad are you?�
“Not at all this is, this is wonderful!�
I blushed from embarrassment “It’s no big deal, you’ve done so much for me, everyone has. This is my way of saying thank you and I love you all.�
Mrs. Weasley hugged me and kissed the top of my head. “We love you too dear.�
I really liked having a woman who loved me and held me and just looked out for me again. I was so deep in thought about what it would be like to have a mother again that I didn’t realize that Mrs. Weasley had left to go get everyone up for breakfast. I wasn’t brought back to the real world until Ginny told me how lovely everything looked.
“Thanks.� I replied “Well dig in everyone before it gets cold.�
I sat with my dad at one end of the table and read the newspaper as he ate.
“This tastes very…� He stopped staring intently at the headline I was reading, which said “Witch Found Dead! Suspicious Circumstances!� He wiped his hands and said “May I please see the paper Alexis?� I handed it to him and he scanned the page. “Arthur come here.�
Mr. Weasley came and glanced over my dad’s shoulder. “Oh dear.� He said “Molly I’ve got to go into work now.� And with that he kissed his wife and left.
“Dad what’s the problem? Do you know that women?�
“That woman was Amelia Bones. She’s one of us completely against the Dark Lord. She was your friend Susan’s aunt.�
“Oh.� I said “Poor Susan! I should write her. I wonder if Harry would let me barrow his owl.�
“Speaking of Harry a little birdie told me I was right when I first assumed that you to had feelings for each other.�
“Un huh. So then actually a little doggie told you.� I said slyly
My dad chuckled “You could say that I suppose.� He paused “So I was right then?�
“Yes!� I said exasperatedly “You were right.�
He smiled “I’m glad that you two like each other. You’re a good match trust me. It’s a good thing.�
I was confused as to why it was a “Good Thing� but I didn’t bother asking. I took back the newspaper and read.

WITCH FOUND DEAD! SUSPCIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES!
Amelia Bones was found dead early Saturday morning in her hotel room.
Miss Bones had been visiting Russia on Official Ministry business. There
was no sign of forced entry or a struggle. Miss Bones’ wand wasn’t
recovered from the room and is still missing. The fact that Miss Bones
was murdered in a muggle fashion leads Ministry Officials to believe that
(continued on page 3)

I didn’t finish reading the article. I couldn’t, dying was one thing but muggle murder was another, it was so messy. I wouldn’t be able to stand all the blood it would make my stomach churn. I knew if I read any more I might get nauseous.
“Alexis, Hey Alexis. Come back to planet Earth.� Said Harry
“Huh?!�
“Welcome back to the land of the living.�
“Heh funny you should say that Harry. I was actually thinking about death. Haha ironic.�
“Yeah it’s too bad about Miss Bones.�
“Yeah you can say that again. And poor Susan she was close to her aunt. Susan and I are in school friends. Hey I was wondering if maybe I could barrow your owl to send her a letter.�
“Sure you can barrow Hedwig not a problem.� Harry said solemnly “It’s important to you after all so don’t worry.�
“Thanks. I‘m going to go writ Susan now then I‘ll find you and your owl, I mean Hedwig.� I left to write. I got out some parchment, ink, and a quill and sat thinking about what to write.
Dear Susan,
I’m sorry about your aunt. I just found out what happened from
the paper this morning. I’m writing to see how you’re doing
because I know how difficult it can be to lose someone you love.
I just want you to know I’m here if you ever need someone to
talk to. I’ll see you soon at school.
Your Friend
Alexis Black
P.S. If you want to write back I’m staying at the Weasley’s
house so you can address any letters to the burrow.

I looked at the letter…okay I was actually looking at my signature. I had wanted to sign Alexis Lupin but I was sure that it would confuse Susan so I didn’t. I folded the letter put it in an envelope and addressed it to Susan. Then I went to find Harry who was in the room he and Ron were sharing.
“Done already?� He asked
“Yeah.�
“Okay. Well here’s Hedwig.� A snowy owl was perched on Harry’s shoulder. She obediently stuck out her leg for me to tie the letter to.
“Good Girl!� I said as I stroked her. The owl then flew out the open window. “I love your owl Harry she’s beautiful!�
Harry smiled at me but said nothing. Behind his smile I could tell that Harry was thinking about something.
“Are you okay?� I blurted out
“I don’t know.� Harry said with an unsure tone. “This whole thing with Miss Bones is just weird.� He rubbed his forehead as a look of pain shot across his face and he started to fall over.
“Harry!� I yelled in alarm as I tried to catch him “Oh my gosh Harry are you alright? What’s wrong?�
“My scar.�
“What about, it does it hurt?�
“Yes.� Tears were welling up in his eyes
“Ok stay right here. I’ll be right back with help.� Now I realize half of what I’m asking and or saying isn’t sensible but I’m panicking here.
“I’m not going anywhere. Was all her could manage before another wave of pain hit him.
I ran down the stairs and right into Mr. Weasley.
“Careful.� He said “Wouldn’t want to hurt yourself now would you?�
“Thank goodness Mr. Weasley you’re back. You’ve got to come quick Harry’s in pain! Something to do with his scar.�
“Where is he?!�
“Ron’s room. Please help him!�
Mr. Weasley and I turned and ran to the room. When we got there Harry was sitting on the bed dripping wet with sweat and breathing heavily.
“Harry are you alright?� Asked Mr. Weasley. Harry nodded “What happened?� Harry couldn’t talk yet and he was trying to focus on breathing properly. “Alexis tell me everything it’s very important.�
“Okay.� I said shakily “Harry and I were standing by the window because we just sent Hedwig out with a letter for Susan. Then Harry sort of went quiet like he was thinking about something and the next thing I know he’s in pain. He was rubbing his forehead as it happened.�
“I kind of felt like I was in a trance right before the pain hit.� Said Harry quietly as if it took him a lot out of him to speak.
“Now tell me Harry, think really hard, have you ever felt that way before?� Said Mr. Weasley sounding if possible more worried now.
Harry nodded “Once when I was under the cruciates curse.�
I was terrified. Had someone cursed Harry while we were at the window? If they did then “It would be my fault.� I finished my thought aloud
Harry and Mr. Weasley looked at me
“It’s not your fault.� Harry said defensively
“But I was the reason we were at the window!� I yelled
“Calm down Alexis. Harry’s right it’s not your fault.� Mr. Weasley soothed
“Bloody Hell Alexis. If you hadn’t bee here…� Harry stopped and cleared his throat. “I could’ve very well died.�
“Harry’s right however grim that statement may be. You saved Harry by scarring off whoever cursed him and alarming me of the situation.�
I sat down next to Harry. “I…I guess but.� Harry put a finger to my lips.
“No buts okay? I‘m fine now so don‘t worry about it�
I couldn’t help myself I threw my arms around Harry’s neck “I’m so glad you’re okay!�
Mr. Weasley smiled “Right well Alexis you take care of Harry. I’ll go inform Sirius and Remus of what happened and then write Dumbledore.� He left the room and shut the door behind him.
“You’re positive that you’re okay?� I asked
“Now you’re nagging!� He said in mock annoyance “I promise you I’m perfectly okay now that you’re here with me.� He smiled and I blushed realizing that I hadn’t let go of him after I’d hugged him.
“Sorry.� I said letting go now
“For what?�
“For not letting go after I hugged you. I‘m a real space cadet sometimes.�
“I didn’t mind.� Harry said half grinning but at the same time being half serious
“Oh.� I said suddenly feeling shy which was odd.
“I wouldn’t mind another hug.� Harry said in a if-you-wouldn’t-mind sort of way. I wrapped my arms around him and he wrapped his around me. I didn’t mind that he was sweaty he was okay which was relieving.
“Thank you.� I said
“What for?�
“I’m not really sure. For this I guess and for being okay.�
He hugged me tighter and I was happy to be here in this moment with him. Then he did something that I’ll never forget as long as I live, He told me that he loved me and asked me to be his forever. I agreed.
Harry pulled back with a look of half shock and half joy on his face. Then he kissed me lightly and hugged me again.
I could’ve stayed in that embrace forever but unfortunately Sirius and Remus burst into the room causing me to jump from surprise.
“Harry are you okay?� They asked
“Not again.� He mumbled “Okay so that no one asks me again I am one hundred percent totally A-okay!� Harry finished loudly after building into a crescendo.
Sirius laughed which sounded like a bark to me. “Let me guess she nagged you about how you felt at least a dozen times.�
Harry cracked a smile but said nothing.
“So what if I asked him a few times. I care about Harry a lot.�
Sirius just shook his head. “I’m not going to say a thing.� He said
“Um news flash you just did!� I recanted
“That’s enough the two of you are fighting like children.� Said Remus
“Big surprise.� Harry muttered to my dad who laughed.
“Hey!� I said picking up a pillow and throwing it at him. Harry turned and the pillow caught him square in the face.
“That’s not very nice.� Harry whined jokingly
“I know but who ever said I was nice?�
“Well it sure wasn’t me.� Retorted Sirius
I pretended to pout “Daddy he’s being mean!�
The room went silent for a moment and then everyone burst out laughing. Harry put his arm around me and whispered in my ear. “You know I’m going to have to get you back for that face shot with the pillow right?�
I giggled and rested my head on his shoulder. At that moment the rest of the household came rushing into the room.
“Harry! Harry are you ok?!� Cried Ginny
“We just heard what happened or we would’ve been here sooner mate.� Ron said his voice cracking on the last word.
“Oh my God.� Harry muttered shaking his head. “I’m fine I promise.�
After a whole “Harry are you alright?�, “Harry how are you?� ordeal ensued, because the twins found it funny to aggravate poor Harry, we realized that during the chaos our Hogwarts letters had arrived.
I slowly opened mine as Ron and Harry opened theirs so fast they ripped their letters. For me there was no glamour in getting a letter from the school apparently that was not the same for them. “Boys.� I said under my breath
My letter listed all the books I needed for the upcoming school year. I quickly skimmed the list and calculated approximately how much that everything would cost. I realized that I didn’t have enough money on my person to buy everything which meant I’d have to go to Gringots. “Crap� I thought “That damn cart ride always makes me sick.�
“Oh no!� Said Ron
“What?� I asked but Ron didn’t answer he was staring at something in his lap.
“Ron’s a prefect.� Harry explained
“Oh� I said understanding I’m sor…�something dropped out of my envelope. I picked it up and sighed “Well you’re not the only one Ron.� I said glumly. There in my hand was the shiny prefect badge. Ron smiled a little.
Mrs. Weasley walked over to us to see about our letters and let out a squeak of excitement. We all looked at her as she tried and failed to hide the fact that she’d been the one to make the noise. “Congratulations Alexis!� she exclaimed
“Thanks I guess.�
“Aren’t you excited?� she asked
“I-I guess so. Its just that it‘s a lot of responsibility.�
“Yes it is!� she annunciated the last two words and looking at Ron.
His ears turned red from embarrassment. “I know it is.� he mumbled
“Well Ron why don’t you write Hermione. See if she wants to go to Diagon Alley with us tomorrow and then spend the last few days of summer vacation with here.�
Ron nodded, but I was puzzles so after Mrs. Weasley walked away I asked “Who’s Hermione?�
“I’ll explain while Ron writes.�
“Why do I have to write?� Ron demanded.
“Simple you’re mum told you to invite Hermione not me. Besides it‘s your house after all mate.� Ron took five minutes to find everything he needed to write with and then another twenty minutes writing and complaining.
Meanwhile Harry told me about Hermione and how she helped them on their adventures and occasionally on their homework.
“So she’s kind of a bossy know-it-all?� I inquired
“Basically.� Said Ron as he attempted to roll up his parchment and tie it to the leg of his tiny owl.
“But she’s okay for the most part.� Interjected Harry “She’s gotten better and you know that Ron.�
“Yeah yeah you’re right.� Said Ron waving his hand in the air
“So what are we going to do today Ron� Asked Harry
“I don’t know .�
“Lets go fishing.� I said without realizing it.
“What?� said both boys
“Huh? What’d I say?�
“You said we should go fishing.� said Ron “What’s fishing?�
I laughed at Ron’s question but then realized that he was being serious. “Well fishing is when you try to catch fish on a hook with a worm.�
Ron wrinkled his nose “Sounds hard! Where are they falling from?� Harry and I started to crack up. We laughed so hard that we fell off the bed onto the floor and couldn’t stop. When we finally regained control of ourselves Harry spoke.
“Ron the fish aren’t falling from anywhere they’re in the water. The hook is on a piece of string attached to a pole. You cast the hook into a body of water.�
“And wait for a bite.� I finished
Ron was still confused so we decided to take him fishing at the pond down the road. Lucky for us Mr. Weasley had a couple of old poles in his work shop and we found some worm under some rocks on the way there.
Ron was horrible at it. He was too impatient and kept tangling the line every time he cast. Harry on the other hand was actually really good even though he said it was his first time.
Altogether we caught six nice trout which we kept thinking that Mrs. Weasley might be able make stew for all of us for lunch.
The stew was really good and Mrs. Weasley said that we should go again before dinner that way we could have some fresh fish with breakfast. Harry and I were more than willing to go but Ron just groaned as his owl flew in the window and bounced off his head.�
“Oh it’s a letter back from Hermione.� Ron said “I’ll read it to you if you’d like.�
“That’s okay Ron.� Harry muttered but Ron didn’t hear him and read it anyways.
“Dear Ron, I’d love to stay with you and Harry for the rest of the summer at the Burrow. I’ll arrive early tomorrow morning.� Ron stuttered over the next part. “L-l-love Hermione.� Ron blushed
“Its just a letter Ron.� I said “No need to get excited.�
Ron tried to hide his blush. “Who’s excited? You’re the one jumping at nothing.�
I said nothing. I’d argued enough with Sirius lately to more than cover arguing with anyone else even if I was right.
“So.� Harry said trying to break the silence “Why don’t we go back to the pond and catch dome more fish like your mum asked us to Ron?�
“But…�
Harry and I looked at Ron
“Fine!� He said
The rest of the day went by smoothly, Ron even caught two fish and a stick.
That night before bed Mrs. Weasley knocked on Ginny’s door.
“Come in!� Yelled Ginny from under the covers of her bed.
Mrs. Weasley walked in the room “Alexis may I talk with you for a moment?�
“Sure.� I said
“Privately.� she added looking a Ginny. She grumbled, crawled out of bed and left the room.
“What’d you want to talk about?� I asked politely
“Your father dear. He had to leave while you were out earlier. He’s on business for the Order. He wanted me to tell you not to worry.� I nodded “I also wanted to tell you that, seeing as your dad doesn’t have his own place right now, you’re welcome to come here to see him on any vacation during the school year and next summer as well.�
“Thank you.� I said as I hugged her. “Maybe I’ll come during Christmas break. It depends on what Ron and Harry are doing.�
“And Hermione.� Mrs. Weasley added. “I’m sure the two of you will become fast friends.�
“Thanks.� I smiled thinking about how nice it was to no longer feel invisible all the time. I had real friends now who talked to me outside of school and who wanted to spend quality time with me. They liked me for who I was not who others thought I should be.
After Mrs. Weasley left Ginny came back in and said goodnight as she turned off the light.

The next morning I was woken up by the sound of Ron yelling and another voice I didn’t recognize, I girls voice. “Probably Hermione’s� I thought. Harry had informed me that the two of them fight like cats and dogs. I heard them again through the wall as I dressed.
“Why are you in my room?� Yelled Ron
“To wake you up! Honestly Ronald!� I snorted at the use of Ron’s full name.
“What are you waking me up so early for?�
“Well let me think Ron…Oh yeah! One because your mother asked me to and two because we are going to Diagon Alley.�
“Bloody Hell Hermione it’s only seven fourteen!�
“Which means you should be quiet. You’ve probably woken up everything within in a fifteen mile radius of here.� said Hermione’s voice with a finality that made Ron silent.
I walked out of the room, Ginny was still sleeping, she must be used to this by now, and knocked on Ron’s door.
“Come in.� Said Harry
I walked in. “Hi!� I said
“Out!� said Ron “Both of you out now!�
“Ron.� Harry said in a warning tone as he saw mw clench my fists.
“Make me!� I dared
“Wha?� Said Ron
“You want me out move me out. Physically!�
“Okay.� said Ron sounding sure that this would be easy
“Ron I wouldn’t do…� But Harry was to late. Ron tried to move me by grabbing my wrists and leading me out but I twisted his hands behind his back and knocked out his knees so that he landed with a thud on his butt.
Ron looked around confused almost like he was wondering where he was and how he’d gotten there.
I walked over to Hermione and put out my hand. She took it hesitantly probably thinking was Jenny. “I’m Alexis Black.� I said “Well sort of but not really but anyways you can call me Alexis Lupin.�
“Okay Alexis I’m Hermione Granger.�
“Nice to meet you. I’ve er heard a bit about you from the boys.�
“I’m sure you have� Said Hermione scowling at Ron who was pulling himself up.
“Bloody Hell Harry. I can’t believe you’re dating her she’s scary.�
I stuck out my tongue at him. Harry laughed and said “No she’s perfect� as he came over and hugged me.
“Wait you two are dating?� Asked a rather surprised Hermione.
“Yeah.� I said
“Harry how long have you known her?� Demanded Hermione “And how do you know we can trust her?�
“Hermione calm down! I’ve known her for like a month okay. And I know we can trust her because she’s Remus’ daughter.�
“She’s, you’re professor Lupin’s daughter!� Stammered Hermione.
“Yeah. So?� I said
“But he’s not married, and you have a twin, and, and.�
“Look he and my mom had an affair okay. They were going to get married, my mom was going to leave my, well Mr. Black..�
“Wait as in Sirius?�
“No as in Maurice. Anyways my mom got pregnant with Jenny and I and she didn’t leave Mr. Black because both she and Remus knew that we would be better cared for and provided for if she stayed with Mr. Black.�
Hermione stood quietly for a little while before saying matter-of-factly “Then what you’re telling me is that your mother was a gold digger.�
“NO!� I screamed “And don’t you ever call her that again!!� I took some deep breaths and continued calmly. “My mum loved Mr. Black at first but after Jenny and I were born I guess he became colder towards her.�
“Oh� said Hermione Quietly almost to herself as she sat on Ron’s bed. He was glaring at her then noticed I was glaring at him so he stopped and started to inspect his nails instead.
“My mum actually ended up dying before she ever made the decision to leave Maurice. The police said it was suicide that she’d poisoned her own wine but I don’t believe that she would’ve done that to herself or to me. Mr. Black told me that it was an accident but I mean how are you supposed to tell a twelve year old that her mommy left by choice? That was only nice thing that he ever did for me.�
“I’m sorry Alexis.� Said Hermione “Sometimes I jump to conclusions.�
Harry snorted “Sometimes?� He said jokingly
Hermione smiled innocently then threw a pillow at Harry who in turn threw one at Ron which in turn caused a twenty minute pillow fight to occur. We all hit and got hit by one another. Ron got me in the back of the head and I returned the favor by whipping around and catching him hard in the stomach, which ended up knocking him down and knocking the wind out of him. I lost my balance and bumped into Hermione who fell and landed on Ron. Harry, who’d been hiding behind one of the beds, rushed out and tackled me to the floor with a pillow. We were all laughing and trying to catch our breath when Fred and George came in the room.
“What happened here?� Said George looking at us all sprawled out on the floor on top of one another with a raised eyebrow.
“A pillow fight.� said Ron who suddenly pushed Hermione off of his lap and blushed as red as the shirt I was wearing.
“Un huh.� Said Fred not sounding completely convinced “And that’s why Hermione was sitting on you just now and…� He paused “And Harry is practically startling Alexis!� He turned and left without so much as a “Bye.�
“Damnit!� I thought “I really don’t want to keep hurting him.�
Shortly after Fred stormed out I went back to Ginny’s room to start to gather my things and arrange them in my trunk. In other words I was packing for school. I couldn’t believe that school was starting again if a two days. I refolded some of my clothes and was placing them into my trunk when I felt someone watching me. I slipped my wand out of my trunk and spun around aiming at the door, but there was no one to be seen. I turned back around and continued to pack and again I felt someone watching me. So I turned to look over my shoulder but still no one.
“What’s going on?� I thought then just for the hell of it I pointed my wand over my shoulder and said “Stupify�
Something flew into the wall across the hall from the doorway. I put my wand in my pocket surprised by this and walked over to were the invisible object should be. I stuck out my hand as I crouched down and it bumped into something solid.
“Oh my God!� I said. I felt some kind of fabric and tugged at it. The fabric fell away revealing a pair of legs. I finished pulling back the fabric which turned out to be a cloak and found Fred laying there.
“Oh my goodness! I’m sorry! Are you okay?�
He gave a half smile and tried hoisting himself up but his knees buckled and he fell. “Could be better. You have a mean stunning charm.� He muttered
“What were you doing Fred? Spying on me?�
Fried tried to look anywhere but at me. “I was just watching you pack that’s all.� He said.
“So you were spying on me then.�
“Okay fine I was spying on you! Are you happy now? I’m sorry I just like watching you. You’re very um…never mind I got to go.� He pulled himself up grabbed the cloak and left before I could say anything to stop him.
I went back into Ginny’s room and shut the door. “What am I going to do?� I whispered sinking to the floor.
“Breakfast!� Hollered Mrs. Weasley interrupting my thought. I got back up and went to eat.

End Chap 7

The atmosphere in the kitchen was very tense when I entered. Ron was desperately trying to keep his eyes on his plate but I caught him trying to steal a glance at Hermione who was sitting on the other side of the table. Fred looked like he was trying to murder his sausage which just added to my feeling of guilt. Even Mrs. Weasley seemed on edge for some reason. I sat down between Hermione and Harry and started to fill my plate.
To everyone’s surprise, including my own I ate three helpings. Binge eating was something I did when I was feeling upset or sad or guilty but I guess it’s better than binge drinking. Hermione stopped me as I went to fill my plate a fourth time.
“You’re going to make yourself sick Alexis. You need to stop.� She said
I was too out of it to argue with her so I just nodded my head and put my plate down. I excused myself and went into the living room. I sat down to think some more but someone walked in and sat down beside me. Turning to the right I saw Fred. I started to tell him to go so I could think but he silenced me by putting a finger to my lips and started to talk.
“I have to say this Alexis,� He paused “I’m not trying to make things hard on you. I mean you’re still my best mate and all but…�
“Fred if I’m your best mate you’ve got to stop and think about how I feel too.�
Fred just looked at me confusion on his face and shrugged his shoulders.
I sighed “Fred it’s been killing me knowing that I hurt you. Best mates aren’t supposed to do that but what makes it worse is that you’re acting like you’re the only one who got hurt. Open you’re eyes Fred and you’ll see that that’s not true. Every time I see you staring at me or giving Harry a dirty look it’s like you’re sticking a knife a little deeper into my heart.�
“I-I didn’t know. Alexis I’m, I’m sorry.� Fred said sounding sincere.
“Me too. I never wanted anything bad to happen between us.� I stuck out my hand. “Best mates?� I asked
Fred took me hand “Best mates.� he agreed shaking it.
“Boy are we sure glad that’s over.� Came Ron’s voice from behind the couch. Fred and I turned around and Ron, Harry, Hermione, George, and Sirius all stood up from behind the couch.
“Yeah it’s hard to work with Fred here when he keeps dashing away to spy on you Alexis.� Said George
Fred put his face in his hands and muttered “Leave it to George.�
“So now that all of this has been sorted out why don’t we go to Diagon Alley?� Said Sirius.
Harry looked worriedly at Sirius and said. “But aren’t you still wanted for murder?�
“Nope the ministry captured Wormtail in a raid they performed. So I’m off the hook and fudge nearly ate his hat when he found out Peter was alive.� Sirius said
“Wait!� exclaimed Harry “Does, does this mean,�
“That you can move in with me next summer? Yes you can as a matter of face and so can Alexis.�
I looked up at the sound of my name and stammered out an “I beg your pardon?�
“You have it.� Replied Sirius.
“But I want to move in with Lupin, I mean Remus, I mean my, my dad!�
“I guess he hasn’t told you yet.�
“Obviously since he’s been away. Duh!�
Harry walked over to me and whispered in my ear. “Don’t start another argument okay hun. He’s just like this with people. You’ll get used to it, promise.�
“Thank you Harry.� Said Sirius “Well as I was saying to you Alexis you’re Father and I will be renting a flat together now because neither of us make much money and I’d rather use the black fortune to support the Order.�
“Oh cool I guess.� I muttered
I looked at Harry who seemed excited. “This means that we’ll be living together Alexis!� He exclaimed.
“Oh my gosh it does! Oh my God this is so cool!� I threw my arms around Harry. It was like my life had become some kind of fairy tail dream come true. Well I guess I’d have to deal with Sirius but at least he only joked around. Either way “Fair Trade� I thought.
“Right.� Interrupted Hermione “While the day is still young let’s get to Diagon Alley already.�
Ron snorted and muttered “Bloody impatient girl.� For which I smacked him in the back of the head.
“God Damn!� Ron yelled “Can’t I ever get a bloody break?�
“Nope!� Said Hermione and I in unison.
We walked into the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was already waiting. Everyone lined up and took turns stepping into the fire and disappearing into a swirl of green flames when they shouted “Diagon Alley�.
I landed with a thud in the Alley and walked over Harry and Sirius who were looking at the display in the Quidditch shop window. It was of a beautiful broom called the Firebolt 2.0 which was even more precise and glossy and oh yeah expensive than the original.
“Better keep dreaming boys.� I said
“I could afford it.� Harry scoffed.
“Yeah I guess…if you wanted to empty your entire vault.� I shot back playfully
“Well I’d do it for you at the drop of a hat.�
I blushed. Harry seemed to know exactly what to say or do to get that reaction from me.
“Awe easily flattered Lexi dearest?� teased Sirius
“Shove it Black before I hex you into oblivion.� I spat “And don’t call me Lexi got it!� My eyes flashed silver then returned to their normal shade of blue.
“Oh my I believe I may have struck a nerve.� said Sirius in a serious tone “I’m sorry. I won’t call you Lexi if you don’t want me to I see that it um…I just won’t.�
“Thanks.� I said trying to hide a tear unfortunately Harry saw.
“Hey� He said “What are you crying?�
“It’s nothing.� I lied
“It’s obviously not nothing.� Said Sirius sounding surprisingly concerned.
“It’s um, nothing.� They both gave me a look of disbelief. “Okay fine! It’s just that my mum used to call me Lexi. She was the only person I allowed to call me that.�
“Oh.� Said Harry
“I’m sorry Alexis.� Said Sirius “Really I didn’t mean to.�
“It’s fine you, you just didn’t know.� I paused “So yeah quidditch. I think I need some new gear.�
By the end of the day Hermione and I had dragged the boys into almost every shop. I felt so happy I was having a great day because I had new friends, a boyfriend, and a great new father…okay and an awesome godfather too.
Hermione and I were both carrying a ton of bags. We had definitely bought way more things than was on our school lists. Granted Harry and Ron spent just as much as we did but had less to show for it. Needless to say they weren’t very good at bartering with the salespeople. Then again it might’ve been because Hermione and I flirted with the cashier at the magical miscellaneous gift shop, but it was completely innocent and good natured.
We all had a good day except for when Ron yelled at Harry for snogging me and I hexed him.
“I’m tired.� Said Hermione as she plopped down in one of the kitchen tables at the Burrow.
“Yeah me too.� I said stretching “My feet are killing me. How about you?�
“No not really.� She replied
“Um Alexis you feet probably hurt from Ron dropping that cauldron on them.� Said Harry half laughing. Poor Ron got so embarrassed that his ears turned bright red.
“Yeah that’d probably do it right Ron?� I asked
“Yeah.� Muttered Ron “Sorry about that.�
I just shook my head “I’m going to shower and turn in for the night.�
“Sounds good to me.� agreed Hermione “Night boys.�
“Night Hermione.� said Ron and Harry.
I hugged and kissed Harry. “Goodnight.� I said
“Sleep tight.� He paused and then “I love you Alexis.�
I smiled “I love you too Harry. Night Ron.�
“Night.� He said in a monotone voice.
Hermione and I went upstairs took turns showering and went to sleep.
As I lay in bed somewhere between sleep and consciousness I realized that after tomorrow things would be different. I’d be at school again and I wouldn’t be able to be wit my new friends all the time. I realized that I might become invisible again which scared me because I liked being someone. Someone who stood out and had people to support them and love them. I drifted off into a fretful sleep.

The next morning I woke up and didn’t remember anything that had happened after my shower. I packed my new things in my trunk and changed into clothes before heading downstairs. Breakfast was great as was every meal Mrs. Weasley made. I especially love the way she cooks her ham with the kippers it makes both things taste even better.
“So� Said Ginny as she got up to clear her plate. “Mione, Alexis, boys what’s everyone doing today?�
I looked at Hermione who looked at Harry who looked at Ron who just looked confused.
“What are you looking at me for?� demanded Ron
“Well it’s your house Ronald.� remarked Hermione as if it was, and it was, the most obvious thing in the world.
“Oh right.� Said Ron his face turning slightly red. “Hey wait! It’s Ginny’s house too!!�
“Yes Ron but I asked the question.�
I formed a gun shape with my hand and made a pow noise twice as Harry caught on and said.
“Shot down again mate.�
I felt bad for Ron so I got up, apologized, and gave him a hug which he eventually accepted after being reluctant. Which caused me to tell him in a whisper that if he didn’t hug me back I’d tell Hermione how badly he’d stuttered and blushed while reading the end of her letter.
Once I sat back down we started brainstorming ideas for the day. Sirius walked in while we were throwing out ideas and suggested and orgy. That Idea was met with several objects being thrown at Sirius’ head by Ginny, Hermione, and I as he ran out of the room.
A few minutes later Sirius popped his head back in the room. “Hey I was just kidding so calm down and let me get a sandwich.�
“Fine.� I said “But I think you may have permanently scarred Ron here.�
“Ha ha very funny.� Retorted Sirius.
“Actually I think she’s right.� Said Hermione. Sirius looked at Ron and sure enough he was sitting dumbfounded in his chair.
“Um sorry Ron.� Said Sirius. “I mean I didn’t know that your virgin ears couldn’t handle that kind of a comment.
Ron buried his face in his arms. Hermione pat him the back while telling off Sirius. I watched Ron as Hermione’s hand slowly stopped patting his back and finally just rested on his shoulder. Although I couldn’t see his face I looked on as the tips of Ron’s ears that were poking out from under his hair turned bright red.
“Ha!� I thought “He does like her. I knew it!�
I must have been smiling subconsciously because the next thing I know Sirius is standing next to me whispering in my ear.
“Why are you so happy?�
“Look.� I replied gesturing towards Ron and Hermione.
He smiled “yeah I bet they get married and have at least five kids.�
“Probably.� I agreed
Sirius walked out of the room with his sandwich and Ron sat up causing Hermione’s hand to fall to her side.
“Well.� said Ginny a little impatiently “What are we going to do now.�
“We could go for a fly.� suggested Harry
“Um I-I can’t� stammered Hermione
“Why not?� I asked
“I…er…don’t have a broom.� she said
“We have an extra.� offered Ron
“Yeah.� chimed in Ginny “You can barrow Charlie’s old broom he won’t mind.�
“Um.� Hermione said still seeming reluctant “Oh bloody hell! Guys I can’t fly and well I hate heights!�
No one spoke then Ron got a big smile on his face.
“Hermione,� Said Ron trying to act calm “Does this mean that…� He paused “That I’m better at something than you?�
Hermione sighed “Yes Ronald it does.�
Ron jumped up did a rather odd jig than sat back down.
“Boys� breathed Hermione testily
“If I didn’t know any better Hermione I’d think that that was your favorite thing to say.� Teased Ginny
“Thanks Gin.� Said Hermione quietly
“Well� I said “Now what do we do? I mean I kinda wanted to go for a fly I thought it would be fun.�
“Then go ahead and go. I’ll be fine alone I’ll read or something.� Said Hermione
“No you won’t Mione. I’ll stay with you and keep you company.� In a I’m trying to act mature even though I’m really not kind of voice.
“Really? Awe thanks Ron.� Said Hermione as she hugged him quickly
“Well if you three don’t mind I’m going to go for a fly with Alexis.� Said Ginny who then kicked Harry under the table and gave him a look.
“Yeah I think I’m going to go on a fly with Alexis and Ginny.� Said Harry as he rubbed his swollen shin. He muttered to Ginny under his breath “I think you bruised my bone with that kick.�
The three of us walked out to the broom shed, grabbed our brooms and took off. Ginny did a big loop, like on a rollercoaster, on her broom and smiled at me.
“This ought to be good.� She said excitedly
“Yeah I know.� I agreed.
“Um won’t the kill each other?�
Ginny and I shook our heads. “No Harry they’ll be just fine.� I said
Harry looked at us confused.
“You’ll see.� Said Ginny smirking
We flew over to the forest near the Burrow. We flew in circles for a while then Ginny headed back towards the house and landed on the roof. She waited for a few minutes and the signaled for Harry and I to come over slowly.
Once we were all on the roof we peaked into the backyard. Ron and Hermione were sitting on the bench talking. I nudged Ginny who was on my right.
“Look,� I said “It worked.� I pointed to the par sitting on the garden bench.
“What worked?� Asked Harry
“Ok Harry. Ginny and I came up with plan…�
“Well actually,� said Ginny “It was more of an idea than a plan because we weren’t exactly sure how to execute it.�
“Yes. Quite right.� I agreed “Anyway we had an idea that if we could get Ron and Hermione alone for a long enough period of time…�
“Then they would tell each other how they really feel about one another.�
Harry looked quizzical “Firstly,� He said “Ron and Hermione are just friends and secondly you two are hanging out way to much if you’re finishing one another’s sentences. It’s almost like the twins or a stereo system or something.�
“Firstly,� I retorted “Ron and Hermione ARE more than just friends. See for yourself.�
“And secondly,� Added Ginny “So what if we are hanging out a lot? We are sharing a bedroom right now Harry after all.�
Harry gave us a hurt look which I erased with a kiss. The three of us watched Ron and Hermione talk and as they talked the continued to move closer to one another until they were sitting right up against each other.
Finally right when Ginny and I were about to give up on Ronald he leaned in and kissed Hermione on the lips. She seemed startled and jerked away but just as quickly leaned back in and returned Ron’s kiss.
Harry, Ginny, and I took off on our brooms and flew around so that it would look like we were coming from far away and landed in the front yard.
“So Harry, did that look like they were killing each other?� Demanded Ginny
“No. I just, I mean, I don’t no, I can’t believe it. Hermione and Ron?!�
“Ginny give him a little credit.� I said “Sure he can face the Dark Lord but that still doesn’t mean that he knows anything about the way girls really work.�
“Hey!� said Harry in a hurt tone.
I gave him a Poor baby look which he responded to by pulling me into his arms an whispering “That’s not very nice.�
“The truth hurts love.� I said with a devilish grin
“Ugh you guys make me sick.� Remarked Ginny she pantomimed someone throwing up.
We all went inside the house to get a drink. After a few minutes Ginny finished her drink and put down her glass. “So shall we go interrupt the two out back or let them stay glued to each other at the lips?� she asked.
“Um Ginny that is your brother you’re talking about remember?� I said a little put off
“Yeah and I’ve been waiting for years for him to finally build up the courage to let Mione know how he feels.�
“Face palm!� I said as I slapped my forehead
“What?� Said Ginny innocently.
We walked out back interrupting Ron and Hermione who shot apart to separate ends of the bench. Unfortunately for Ron he used a little to much force and tumbled backwards over the arm of the bench and onto the ground.
“Oh my! Ron are you okay?� Exclaimed Hermione who knelt beside him.
“I’m Fine Mione.� Said Ron “So…er…hi guys! Um Hermione and I were just ah…�
“Snogging!� chimed in Ginny
Ron blushed. I was starting to see that he did that more often than me. “Um yeah that one.� He said turning an even deeper shade of crimson that rivaled his hair.
Harry clapped Ron on the back. “No need to be shy mate.�
“Oh yes Ron listen to Harry he has the whole PDA thing under his belt.� I said sarcastically rolling my eyes.
“Was that a challenge Alexis?�
“Why I believe it was Harry love. And what exactly are you going to do about it?�
Harry stood for a moment as if he was in deep thought and then he walked over to where I was and kissed me hard on the lips. “That’s what I’m going to do Alexis.�
I smiled and licked my lips a little dizzy from the encounter. “So Mione� I said changing the topic. “Are you and Ron a couple?�
“She turned to Ron. “Are we?� she asked
“Yeah I’d l-like that i-i-if you want t-to that is.� Ron looked a little embarrassed.
“I’d like that.� said Hermione
Ron smiled “Well in that case Hermione Granger would you please be my girlfriend?�
“I’d love to be your girlfriend Ronald.�
I didn’t know who was happier the new couple or Ginny who was now dancing in circles. I swear that the dancing thing must run in the family because I’d see both her as well as Ron do it.

End chap 8

The rest of the time at the burrow until we boarded the train following next day was a blur.
I could only focus once we were seated on the train in a compartment.
“Hi I’m Alexis, Harry’s girlfriend, it’s nice to meet you Neville.�
“Nice to meet you too.� Responded the boy sitting across from me. “This is my girlfriend Luna Lovegood.� He said gesturing enthusiastically to the blond girl sitting next to him.
“It’s a pleasure.� I said extending my hand to her.
“Likewise.� She said as she examined my hand rather than shaking it.
We were all having a good time talking an laughing. I played exploding snap with Luna and Neville. Unfortunately none of us were very good at it but we agreed that that wasn’t the point.
Our good time was interrupted as the compartment door slid open rather noisily.
“There you are.� Came the slime coated voice of Draco Malfoy as he stepped through the doorway with his cronies. He walked over to me and I gave him a look of distaste.
“What do you want?� I said sharply
“Now is that any way to talk to your future husband?�
“Husband!� Roared Harry and Ron as they jumped to their feet with clenched fists
“What are you talking about Malfoy? I wouldn’t date you, let alone marry you, if you were the last boy in the whole bloody world. Wizarding and Muggle alike!�
“Maybe not voluntarily but if it’s your father’s will, which it is, then that’s a totally different matter now isn’t it?�
“You’re bluffing.� Said Harry in disbelief
“You wish.� Sneered Malfoy as he pulled out an official looking piece of parchment.
Harry read the paper and turned very pale. He handed me the paper which I then read. The document stated that an agreement had been made in order to settle a debt owed to Mr. L. Malfoy by Mr. M. Black. The debt “father� owed to Mr. Malfoy was to be settled by betrothing his oldest daughter Alexis Olivia Black to Mr. Malfoy’s only son Draco Alexander Malfoy.
I fainted from the shock. When I woke up Draco was gone and my head was resting on Harry’s lap and boy did it hurt.
“He can’t …I won’t…� I muttered
Harry looked at me, his eyes glistening, tears threatening to tumble out of them. I sat up quickly. Maybe a little too quickly cause I got really dizzy.
“I mean he’s not my real father. It’s got to be illegal in some way. Right Hermione?� I looked at her knowing she would agree with me.
“Actually…� I was wrong “It is legal because Maurice is your legal guardian and therefore Lupin will have no say in the matter even though he is your biological father.�
“Then what about my say?� I retorted
“you’re an adolescent, meaning you have no say. Same goes for Malfoy.� Said Hermione
“But that’s not fair!� Said Harry angrily.
“Don’t be mad at me I didn’t make the laws I only know them. The only ways to avoid the marriage are to either run away alone, or elope with Harry. Cause knowing the Malfoy’s they’ll never give up the chance for Draco to be wed to a Pureblood. But I don‘t advise either of those options cause they‘ll just track you down and bring you back.� said Hermione
“So you’re saying she should just marry Malfoy?!� Asked Ron
“No I’m saying wait. Don’t do anything rash right now. I’m sure that if you talked to Professor Dumbledore you’ll come up with a better plan.�
The rest of the trip was quiet, I fell back asleep and was plagued by dreams of life with Draco Malfoy. I woke up then the train jolted to a stop. Satine’s cage tipped over and she started screeching.
“Shhh it’s okay girl. You’re alright.� I cooed trying to calm her while I set her cage upright again. “Oh Shoot!� I said as I realized what I was still wearing.
“What?� said Harry
“I haven’t changed yet. You guys go and I’ll catch up in a few.� Everyone nodded, Harry kissed my cheek, and then they all left.
I pulled open my trunk and fished out my school robes. “So much for keeping my trunk neat this year.� I said to no one. I put my school clothes on, closed my trunk and turned to leave but as I did I ran into someone.
“Oh I’m…not sorry.� I finished realizing who it was.
“Now now is that any way to talk to your future husband?� Drawled Malfoy
“Oh please Malfoy. Give me a bloody break. I’m not going to marry you so piss off.� I tried to push past him without any luck. The boy might be scrawny but he sure was strong.
“Ah so that’s how it’s going to be? Well I guess you need to be taught some manners.�
I stepped back worried about what Malfoy meant by telling me I needed to be taught manners.
Malfoy pushed me onto the seat and proceeded to kiss me rather roughly. Once Malfoy had thoroughly embarrassed and hurt me he stood up.
“You better keep this exchange quiet less you want one something to happen to Potter and your other friends.� He warned “I will send you an owl telling you when your next lesson will be.�
“What?! I don’t think so Malfoy. You’re out of your bloody mind.� I said venomously
“Well then I guess I could have Crabbe and Goyle pay the weasel a visit.�
“Okay fine!� I exclaimed :Just don’t hurt Ron or anyone else.�
Malfoy chuckled. “I’m glad we see eye to eye now.� He said as he left the compartment.
I waited a minute before running out to find a cart up to the castle. By the time I got to the castle I didn’t have much of an appetite, so while everyone else stuffed themselves I merely picked at some chicken and potatoes.
Harry looked over and saw me not eating. He mouthed “What’s wrong?� to me but I just shook my head and smiled. I didn’t want to worry him so I forced myself to eat and try to act normally.
After the feast was through Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny came over to talk and walk part way to my dorm with me.
“So what took you so long on the train?� asked Ron who I noticed was holding Hermione’s hand.
“Oh I couldn’t find my robes� I lied “Then Satine started to act funny, so I couldn’t just leave her.�
Harry put his arm around my waist “Is that why you weren’t eating much? Because you were worried about Satine?�
I nodded. I couldn’t tell them what really happened. I didn’t want them to be hurt emotionally or physically.
We said goodbye and goodnight at the fourth floor and went our separate ways. I made it to my dormitory and went up to the girls dorm. I flopped down on my bed and lay there on my stomach for a few minutes.
I finally changed into my pjs, grey shorts and a pale purple tank top, and got under the covers. I fell asleep almost immediately which was a relief because it didn’t give me time to think. If you did it too much thinking could really hurt.
I woke up really early the next morning and couldn’t fall back asleep so I got up and went to shower in the prefects bathroom. I walked into the bathroom and was awed. I’d never seen anything like it before. Then I was shocked because who should walk into the main bathroom in nothing but a towel around his waist but Draco Malfoy. Malfoy stopped dead like a deer in the headlights of the knight bus but then his usual smirk slithered onto his face.
“Good morning.� He said
I turned to go
“Leaving so soon? Why?�
“I’m leaving to go use the girls showers elsewhere because you’re in here.� I snapped as I headed towards the door, but before I reached it Malfoy grabbed my wrist.
“Firstly don’t ever walk away from me and secondly I was leaving so you don’t have to go.� For a second Malfoy’s hardness vanished and I saw him as simple a boy but just as quickly as it had gone it returned. He dropped my wrist and said that I’d be getting my letter soon telling me when and where to meet him.
He left me standing there in a mess of thoughts. I walked to the door and magically locked it so I wouldn’t have any visitors while I was in the shower.
I decided in the end to take a bath in the giant…well it’s more like a pool…bath tub. Once I finished I dressed, did my hair, put on a little make up, and went back to my dorm to drop off my clothes before I went down to the great hall for breakfast.
In the great hall I got my schedule and looked it over. I had herbology with Hufflepuff the defense against the dark arts and double potions with Slytherin. There was a lunch break then I had arithmacy and transfiguration with Gryffindor and that was it for the day. My classes were the same the next day except I had charms after lunch instead of arithmacy. I put my schedule in my bag and tucked into my breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and sausage.
I had just finished eating when mail arrived. A giant owl swooped down and dropped a letter in my lap. I picked it up with trembling hands and opened it. All it said was

Tonight 8:30 pm the trophy room on the second floor.
Your fiancé
Draco Malfoy

I folded the paper and put it in my bag with a sigh. I didn’t want to go but I knew that I had no real choice in the matter. I know Harry and Ron could manage but I was worried about what might happen to Hermione or Ginny if I said no to Malfoy.
I stood up and went to say good morning to Harry who was still eating breakfast. I snuck up behind him and covered his eyes or rather his glasses.
“Guess who?� I said sweetly
“Hmmmmm….I-I don’t know.� Said Harry
I playfully slapped his shoulder “Being coy with me are you?�
“Yup.� He answered while chuckling “So what’s your first class of the day?�
“Herbology.� I said “It should be fun.�
“Oh yeah plants that can eat you sounds like loads of fun.� Muttered Ron
I threw one of Harry’s home fries at him from across the table.
Harry smiled “So what are your other classes?�
I told Harry what my classes were, stole another home fry this one to eat and left for class.
Once outside of the Great Hall I dragged my feet not really wanting to start the day because once I started it, it would be over all too quickly. Meaning I’d have to meet Malfoy in the trophy room.
As I predicted my day sped by and yet I still amounted a great deal of homework, go figure. At dinner I ate a little and drank a lot in hopes that if I had to pee during my “lesson� I might be able to skip out earlier.
Eight o’clock rolled around and I exited my common room wearing a knee length pleated khaki shirt and a sleeveless red v-neck. I didn’t really want to dress up but I figured Malfoy would be mad if I arrived looking sloppy and I didn’t want anyone to be hurt because of the way I looked.
I walked into the trophy room at 8:27 pm and was confused because Draco Malfoy was sitting at a desk with several large books on it.
“What’s going on?� I asked.
“I’m giving you a lesson on manners Black, now sit down and shut up!� He conjured me a chair but I just looked at it.
“So you’re actually going to like try and teach me dome manners?� I said in mild surprise.
“Yes.� Replied Malfoy indignantly
“But the other day on the train and you kissed me and I just…I thought that’s kinda what you were going to do here.�
“Give me a little bit of a break!� Sneered Malfoy. “You’re here it learn some actual manners just like I said. Now Sit Down!�
I sat at that desk for three hours while Malfoy made me go over the same lesson at least a hundred times..
“One more time.� Malfoy said
I moaned “But Malfoy…�
“Mr. Malfoy. Have you learned nothing?�
“But Mr. Malfoy I already poured the tea forty seven times!�
“Well do it again!� he snapped
“But it’s eleven thirty,� I whined “And I have homework.�
“Enough!� Malfoy said in a deadly tone
“Okay.� I murmured pouring the damn tea. “Can I go now?!�
“There’s one more thing I’d like you to do.�
I sighed “Fine.� I said “What is it?�
Draco waved his wand and slow music started playing. He offered me his hand “May I have this dance?� He asked his coldness melting like snow on a warm spring day.

I nodded and took his outstretched hand hoping that it would be a quick song. Malfoy twirled me around the floor making me feel slightly dizzy but still graceful. The song ended but Draco didn’t let me go, instead he pulled me closer into a tight hung. I could feel his chest and abs through his shirt.
“Damn the boy is built!� I thought. “No!� I scolded myself “Think of Harry. And stop thinking of him as Draco, he‘s Malfoy for Christ sake. But he is kinda cute and damn is his body tone.�
“What are you thinking?� Malfoy asked
“Wha, That’s none of your business.� I said crossly.
“Well it must’ve been something good cause you suddenly hugged me tighter.� He said with a smirk.
“I did n…oh my God I did.� I pulled away and looked at my watch. “I have to go Malfoy.� I stalked out ignoring Malfoy as he called my name.
Once I was out of sight of Malfoy I ran back to my dorm and threw myself on my bed. What was I thinking? There was no bloody way that I was going to let myself show and feeling for Draco Malfoy other than hate.
I pulled my bag out and went down to the common room to do my homework.
I overslept the next morning so I didn’t get to eat before dashing to class. I just barely made it to herbology in time, the bell rang just as I stepped into the greenhouse. We spent the class studying kings foil, a muggle plant that slows poisoning.
I was starving by dinner and so I ate a lot which wasn’t smart because I ended up a stomachache.
After I finished I walked over to the Gryffindor table and hugged Harry.
“Hi honey.� I said “Hoe are you?�
“Better now that you’re her.� he replied grinning
“Me too.� I said sitting next to him, and as I kissed Harry’s cheek I noticed Malfoy watching us and looking rather red in the face.
“Is he jealous?� I thought “No freaking way!�
“Lexi you there?� asked Harry
“Huh? Oh yeah sorry spacey sometimes. What’d you say?�
“I wanted to know if you’d like to go for a walk down by the lake with me.�
“Yeah.� I jumped up. “Sounds like fun to me. Lets go right now!�
Harry stood up and took my hand as he led me out of the hall. I could feel Malfoy’s eyes on me the whole time, knowing that he was probably going to do something very, very stupid.
Harry and I walked lazily along the edge of the lake. The whole time I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. I kept checking over my shoulder and looking around as we walked.
Harry kept chuckling and asking me what I was doing and I would just wave my hand saying that I was looking at the scenery or something like that. I thought I caught glimpses of Malfoy every now and then. After about forty minutes Harry and I stopped walking and sat on the grass.
“Are you okay Alexis?�
I nodded
“Alexis.� He said taking my hand.
“What?� I asked as he stared into my eyes.
“Are you really okay? Something’s bothering you I can tell.�
“Um…well it’s just this whole betrothal thing with Malfoy. He’s a foul loathsome CREATURE!� I finished my sentence with a scream and then I covered my mouth.
Malfoy stepped out from behind a tree. “Is that, is that what you r-really think of me?� He stumbled over his words sounding genuinely hurt.
I was as stunned as Harry and even more so when I realized I had gotten up and walked over to Malfoy.
“Malfoy, no Draco I didn’t mean it. I was just, I, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.�
“Um, what the bloody hell is going on?� roared Harry. “Alexis, Lexi,� He pleaded “What are you and Malfoy, What?…�
“Wait Draco and I?! No Harry� I went to walk to Harry but Malfoy grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him, hold me close.
“Yes Potter!� Malfoy said sneering. “You aren’t the only one who cares for her. I love her too and she’s promised to me!�
I broke free from Malfoy just as Harry hauled off and punched him in the gut. Malfoy toppled over having had the wind knocked out of him. Surprisingly her didn’t even fight back afterwards.
Harry took me by the shoulder, a little roughly, and led me back to the castle. Harry was fuming the whole way back up the lawn.
When we got to the castle instead of heading towards the dorm he led me in a direction I hadn’t been before. We ended up outside the headmaster’s office. Harry was trying to figure out the password but not having any luck.
“Acid pop, Berti Botts, Cockroach Cluster, Lemon Drops. Ahhh I can’t think of any more.� Moaned Harry.
“How about Licorice Lace?� Said a voice from behind us. We turned to see Dumbledore behind us. “But if you’re looking for the Headmaster he’s not in there as you can plainly see.� He finished as he stopped in front of us. “Well what is it you need?�
“We need to talk about Alexis’ bloody betrothal!� Harry said trying to keep his cool. “I don’t want Alexis to marry Malfoy, I want to, to marry her.�
I whipped my head around to look at Harry dumbfounded.
“Harry the only way to break a betrothal is if the groom calls it off.� Said Dumbledore calmly.
Harry was seething “Well that’s not going to work damn it!�
“Harry I understand this can’t be easy to hear…�
“That’s just it, no one understands what it’s like to never be able to keep someone you love close and safe.� Harry said dejectedly and with that he walked away.
I felt my heart tear in two and fall away. Harry was wrong I’d lost my mother and now Harry too to circumstances beyond my control.
Dumbledore looked down his crooked nose at me and smiled. “Don’t worry my dear.� He turned down the hall. “Mr. Malfoy you can come out from behind that statue now.�
Malfoy stepped out from behind a statue and walked over to the Headmaster and I.
“How’s your stomach?� I asked sheepishly not knowing what to say
“I’ll be fine.� He said stiffly “Headmaster I do not wish to break my betrothal with Alexis.�
“Why?� I said distraught
“Because I love you.� He paused and looked at his shoes in a very Un-Malfoy manner before saying “And maybe you’ll learn to love me back.�
I couldn’t speak as I looked at Malfoy and saw pain in his eyes. “Don’t you dare!� I warned myself “Don’t you dare feel bad for him!�
Dumbledore cleared his throat making me jump. “Mr. Malfoy will you please escort Miss Lupin back to her dorm and then return to your own.�
“Yes sir.� replied Malfoy who turned, gently put his hand on the small of my back, and led me down the hall towards my dorm.

End Chap 9

I Walked down the hall smiling. I was wearing a dress of satin and lace, but it wasn’t white, it was a deep emerald green. I walked up to a man standing in black dress robes but I couldn’t tell who it was. I moved to see his face and when he turned to look at me there was only skin stretched over his scull. He wasn’t distinguishable in any way.

I woke with a start drenched in a cold sweat. I looked at my clock, 4 am is what it read.

“Damn� I thought “there’s no way I’m going to be able to get back to sleep now!�
I quietly got out of bed and collected my things and headed for the prefects bathroom.

I stepped into the shower and it burned at first but after a minute I was okay. I stood there for a long time letting the water pour over me and considering what to do. Suicide crosses my mind but I’m way too much of a pansy for that. I decided that I could either run away or stay and face my fate. Remus left my mom he never came back to help her, he wasn’t even at her funeral. But I couldn’t run I wasn’t capable of leaving the people I care about. I didn’t want to make them feel the way I did.

I finally turned the water off after washing. I checked my watch again once I dressed and saw that it was only 5:15 am so I decided to go watch the sun rise by the lake. It took me ten minutes to put my stuff in my dorm and get all the way down to the lake, I guess I was really booking it.

I sat there by the lake watching the sun come up. I shivered cursing myself for not bringing my heavy cloak. I sat in the cold for a while shivering as the sun burned the fog off of the lake. I was ready to give up on watching the sun and go inside because I was getting so cold when someone placed a cloak over my shoulders.

“Thank…you.� I said as Hermione sat down next to me.

“I saw you from the Gryffindor common room. You looked cold.�

“Yeah I was thanks again by the way.� I paused to examine my fingernails “So um, has Harry talked to you at all? Like is he ok?� I asked

“Harry, he um…well he’s been worse…I think. The last time he was this upset was I think when he thought Sirius was dead.�

We sat in silence for a while. I mentally beat myself up over nothing trying to somehow make this my fault.

“Don’t blame yourself, this whole situation is out of your hands. I think that’s why Harry is so upset, because he can’t do anything to change what’s happening or his feelings for you.�

“You know Hermione you could be a psychiatrist or a counselor because you always seem to know just what to say and how to say it.� I commented

“Oh.� Hermione smiled at my compliment “Thank you.�

“You’re welcome. Listen Hermione tell Harry that I’m sorry there’s nothing we can do to stop this…and tell him, tell him I love him.� I finished handing Hermione her cloak back and walking away.

I didn’t know where I was going but I walked anyways. My feet brought me to the room of requirement and when I entered it, the room was full of pictures of times when I was smiling. There was one of me and my mom when I got my letter from Hogwarts, she was so happy she cried. I chose my three favorites and placed them in these beautiful silver frames that were laying on a large oak table. There was the one of my mom and I, one of Harry Ginny and I from when we spied on Ron and Hermione, and one of my dad, Remus and I. I placed them delicately in my bag and headed to my dorm to put them by my bed.

I turned a corner at the top of the stairs and ran into…

“Malfoy?! What are you doing up here?�

“Looking for you.� He said “And call me Draco I don’t like it when you call me Malfoy.�

“Well sorry but I don’t like being forced to marry so I guess we’re even!� I pushed past him hoping to get away but his hand closed around my wrist.

“Wait just a damn minute! You think I like the idea of a forced marriage?�

“As a matter of fact I do!� I spat “You say you love me after all so I mean this way I can’t be with anybody else. You win!� I started to cry letting all the pressure and frustrations I’d been keeping inside to flow out in my tears.

Malfoy pulled me close and petted me on the head. “I’m sorry.� He said “I’m sorry that your feelings are hurt. I’m sorry you don’t feel for me the way I feel for you.� He kissed the top of my head. “I’m just sorry� He sighed and let me go.

“I-I� I didn’t know what to say this was the second time in a twenty-four hour period when I was left speechless and I didn’t like it one bit. “Draco I-it’s not that…� He quieted me with a finger to the lips.

“It’s ok. So it’s hard for you.� He smirked “It’s hard for me too.� he said emphasizing hard. “But you’ll get used to me soon don’t worry love.�

I laughed a little uneasily and walked away to my dorm. I couldn’t be around him or I may start to fall against my better judgment. Despite his arrogance towards most Draco was well charming and polite to me, 98% of the time.

By the time I got to my dorm the sun was completely up. I dropped off my pictures and went downstairs again, this time to eat. I sat at my table alone with my back towards the Gryffindor table. I couldn’t deal with seeing Harry, not yet.

I was only able to eat two pieces of toast and one egg over-easy. Once I ate my food I sipped at my juice waiting for class to start.

I felt someone brush past me and sit down.

“Hello� said a girl with a dreamy look on her face. “How’s Harry?�

“Oh Luna, hi.� I said realizing who it was. “Um I’d rather not talk about it.�

“That’s okay.� said Luna a dreamy tone now in her voice. “I know.�

“You know? What do you mean you know?�

“Harry ran into me last night, quite literally, and we ended up talking for a really long time.�

Jealousy and sadness made my chest tighten painfully. “I’ve got to go.� I said as I stood up and walked briskly out of the hall. Needless to say my legs were starting to hurt from all the extra walking I was doing and it wasn’t even time for class yet. I made my way to herbology and waited some more.

Class wasn’t even in session for five minutes before I was bitten by one of the plants and had to got to the hospital wing.

“Carelessness is unacceptable Miss. Black.� Said Mme. Pomfry.

“Lupin.� I corrected

“Please don’t be smart with me Miss. Lupin.� Said Mme. Pomfry softening.

She applied some potion to the wound an wrapped in in an ace bandage.

“Now I want you to stay here for the next two periods.�

“What? Why?� I whined. “I’m going to get into trouble with my professors.�

“No you won’t be in any trouble. I’ll inform your professors that you’re here with me and will be sent to class later in the day. As for the reason you are staying the potion I used on you can cause some people to have an allergic reaction. Therefore, you must remain here so that I can observe you and that cut to be sure you done have a reaction that could be life threatening if not treated.�

“Okay.� I said feeling defeated. “How long will my arm be injured for?�

Mme. Pomfry contemplated my question before answering. “The cut will probably be healed when you get up tomorrow morning but the area might be sore for up to four days or so.�

I nodded feeling drowsy. I laid back on the bed and fell asleep and while I slept I dreamed.

I was in a small room that I’d never seen before. I looked around and then feeling uncomfortable in my clothing I looked down. I was in a wedding dress, a beautiful dress but a wedding dress nonetheless.

A boys voice woke me up “Are you okay?� he said

I opened my eyes and blinked them into focus. I looked to see who the owner of the voice was even though had a sneaking suspicion that I already knew.

“I’m fine. What do you want?�

“ I Just came to see if you were okay. Bad news travels fast around here.�

“Tell me about it.� I said rolling my eyes. Draco chuckled, yes chuckled, who’d a thought that’d ever happen. It was sort of cute in an un-Dracoish sort of way. I scolded myself for that thought.

He placed a hand on my leg. “Hey.� He said “seriously you need to listen. You could’ve really gotten hurt today.�

I pulled away “And you need to learn to keep your hands to yourself. Seriously.� His gaze hardened slightly “I want you to leave now. Mme. Pomfry says I need to relax.�

“Fine!� He said standing quickly and heading for the door. Draco’d only made it half way to the door before he stopped suddenly and stepped back slowly. “F-father what are you doing here?�

“Hello Draco. I’ve come to visit my future daughter-in-law and when I heard she was here, well I figured I find you both.� Lucius Malfoy said as he walked over the threshold of the hospital wing. “Oh and I brought a friend.� I looked past him to see the man who had made my life a living hell for the last three years.

I shrunk back against the headboard, wondering what it was that he could possibly want. Draco came back over to my side and without thinking I took his hand.

“Don’t worry.� He whispered. “I’m here.�

That struck me as odd but I disregarded it.

“Alexis what did you do to yourself?� Said my former “father� Mr. Black.

“I was bit by a plant in herbology.� I said not looking at him then mumbled “Like you care.�

“Oh but I do care Alexis. You see you are my ticket to freedom.� Said Mr. Black.

“Ticket to freedom? Freedom from what?� I asked.

“From the debt he owes me.� Said Mr. Malfoy. My look must’ve shown my confusion. “Your father.�

“He’s not my father.� I said angrily. Then several things happened at once. Mr. Malfoy slapped me across the face, Draco dropped my hand and grabbed his wand, and meanwhile Mr. Black ran from the room.

“Don’t you ever touch her or hit her again! EVER!� yelled Draco

“You will never speak to me like that again Draco am I understood?� Said Mr. Malfoy enraged.

Mme. Pomfry came over to my bed. “I’m afraid if there’s one more outburst like that then I’m going to have to ask you both to leave.� she said the two men.

Once she walked away Mr. Malfoy continued his explanation. “Now Mr. Black stole glory that was rightfully mine, in a sense. I was the one who convinced Pettigrew to talk, to tell us where the Potters were, but your father overheard us and went to the Dark Lord first. When I found out what he’d done I went after him. I hexed him to within an inch of his life and then as I was about to finish him off he whispered something faint. He promised me my son would have a pureblooded wife so that the Malfoy name could go on untainted.� I sighed well he lied I though “So I let him live but I told him I’d be back to collect what was mine and my son’s. I visited him once but your mother refused to go along with the arrangement and so she had to be removed from the picture. And now here I am and my son has his bride-to-be.�
“You’re a monster.� I said blinking back tears, not wanting to let him see me cry. He had taken my mother from me. He truly was a monster!

“Now is that anyway to speak to your future father-in-law?�

Draco instinctively wrapped a protective are around my shoulders. “I’ll see to it that she’s taken care of. Now don’t you have something more important to do Father?� Said Draco coldly.

“Yes as a matter of fact I do. Draco I will be in touch with you about planning the wedding.�

I went to say something snide to Mr. Malfoy as he turned ho leave but Draco covered my mouth and shook his head. Once his father had gone Draco removed his hands from my face.

“How the hell can you let him walk all over you like that?� I seethed.

“You don’t understand, but then again you wouldn’t.� Draco Muttered.

“What makes you think I wouldn’t understand? My…Mr. Black was or rather is the same way.�

“Why won’t you call him your father?� Draco said looking puzzled.

“I have my reasons.� I Besides it’s none of your business anyways.� At this point in time Mme. Pomfry returned and said I could leave since I was obviously fine. Without hesitation or a backwards glance at Draco I grabbed my bag, wincing because I used my newly healed arm and walked away.

end chap 10

I checked the time when I left and found that it was already noon. I didn’t even notice that my stomach was growling until I reached the entrance hall. I blushed in embarrassment as some seventh year boys gave me an odd look when my stomach gave a particularly loud growl. I lowered my head and ducked into the great hall before any of these boys said anything to me. The instant I stepped into the great hall I settled down because it was far to noisy for anyone to hear my stomach growl. I found a place at my table and sat down. I took a large scoop of shepherd’s pie and mixed in some ketchup to eat.

As I sat there alone eating I couldn’t help but feel people’s eyes on me. News spread like wildfire at Hogwarts so most people probably knew about my engagement but I doubt any of them knew the situation behind it. I finished my food trying desperately not to look around to find half the school staring at me.

As I was about to leave a little 1st or 2nd year wearing Slytherin robes came over to me and handed me a box.

“This is from Draco Malfoy miss. He hopes you like it.� She said before doing a little curtsey and scurrying away.

I opened the box to find a stunning antique engagement ring. It was silver with a large diamond in the middle and several smaller diamonds on either side. I looked up in shock and saw Draco walking towards me.

“I thought you would like it.� He said handing me a note then walking away. I looked from the note to the ring to Draco’s shrinking figure. I couldn’t help but think everything would be perfect if only it had been Harry who had given me the ring.

I sighed and opened the note to read it. I read through it twice in quick succession.

Alexis,

I am sorry about what happened with my father. Please understand I did want to say something and now I’m going to. If you meet me tonight in the room of requirement at 11:30, I will answer any questions you may have.



With all my love and sincerity,

Draco Malfoy


Damn it!
I walked down to dinner once I was done for the day ate quickly and sprinted back to my dorm after. I sat alone in the common room for a while tears pouring down my face. I still loved Harry but part of me thought I might be able to love Draco in time. I was so confused I lost track of time and people started getting back from dinner while I was still in the common room. Dried my tears on my sleeve and went to the girls dorm where I could still be alone. I lay on my bed with the curtains closed, more silent tears streaming down my cheeks. I cursed at my foolishness and chided myself for thinking I could learn to love more than one boy. After a while I just lay there breathing deeply. I dozed off and was just starting to dream when a scream from the common room woke me up. I jumped out of bed grabbed my wand off the night stand and sprinted downstairs. When I reached the common room I saw a big black dog and realized immediately it was Sirius. “Shit!� I thought. I whistled and the dog turned and faced me leaving the fourth year girl he’d been sniffing standing scared on a chair.

“Snuffles what are you doing here?� I asked as I hugged the dog happy to know that someone I loved was here for me.

“Is that y-your dog?� asked the fourth year.

“Yeah.�

“He’s not allowed to be here!�

It was now that I noticed the note tied to Sirius’ tail. I took it off, read it then told the fourth year that I had special permission for Snuffles to visit me.

“C’mon Snuffles we’ll go for a walk.� I lead the way out of the common room and strait to the room of requirement not remembering that my meeting with Draco was supposed to occur there shortly.

Once we were safely inside the room Sirius changed back to his normal state. “Evening.� he said

“Hi.� I said back

There was a moment of silence before Sirius blurted out “So what’s the deal with this whole Draco Malfoy thing?�

“Damn it Sirius!�

“Watch your mouth.� Barked Sirius mocking me for having done so to him over the summer.

“I’ll say whatever I bloody well please. And why do you care about my situation?� I said

“I care because of Harry,� I felt a pang of jealousy “And because I care about you too.� He finished with a softer tone.

So I explained what was going on to Sirius and it wasn’t until the very end that I realized Draco was supposed to be there very soon.

“Sirius you’ve got to change back and hide, Draco’s going to be here any…�

The doorknob started to turn as if on cue but when it opened it wasn’t Draco standing there, framed in the doorway.

“Sirius why’s he here?� I groaned

“Nice to see you too.� Harry said sarcastically

“Tell him how you feel.� urged Sirius whispering in my ear. He gave me a little push forward.

“Okay, um…Harry I’m really sorry about all the pain and sorrow I’ve caused you. I just, Oh Harry, I still love you.� I said as I rushed into his arms. He held me tightly and told me he loved me too and that he’s figure something out. He placed a kiss on my forehead.

I looked at my watch and panicked “You both have to go Draco’s running late. Harry take Sirius with you. Go now!� The two left silently together.

I sat down and waited for Draco to show up. Little did I know that he wouldn’t be coming into the room. He’d overheard Sirius, Harry, and I talking and he decided that he’d rather leave than fight either of the guys. So I sat there waiting until I finally passed out on the couch.

I woke up confused the next morning. I looked at my watch and checked to see if it was still working, it was. I sat up and began to think.

Why didn’t Draco show up? Was this a test to see if I’d listen to him? Or what if something bad happened to him that prevented him from coming?

I began to worry and then gave myself a mental shake. Nothing could happen to him in school, could it? I got up and headed towards the door so I could go back to my dorm to change. As I walked down a corridor I noticed a person in a corner. At first I was going to walk on by but the person twitched and their cloak moved revealing some platinum blond hair. I stopped in my tracks my heart beating a mile a minute. My brain didn’t make the realization that the person in the cloak was too big to be Draco until it was too late. A hand shot out from the cloak and wrapped around my wrist I went to scream but the other hand covered my mouth.

“Don’t scream and I won’t curse you.� Said Mr. Malfoy as he released me.

I turned around fuming “What now?� I said through barred teeth.

He smacked me across the face so hard it echoed down the corridor and I fell back against the wall.

“Let that be a lesson to you, maybe next time your greeting will be more appropriate. You need to remember that I am your superior.�

I kept my head down as I leaned against the wall while he talked, not out of respect but to keep Mr. Malfoy from seeing me cry.

“Now I’ve arranged with the headmaster to take you and Draco to be fitted for your wedding dress and his robes.� He still had my wrist firmly gripped in his hand so there was little I could do but follow him when he started off in the direction I’d been heading. We stopped in front of the entrance of my common room.

Mr. Malfoy looked at me impatiently “Well…� He said

“Well What?�

“Go shower and get changed. I do not wish to be seen in public with someone who has undoubtedly neither ironed their clothes or brushed their hair yet today. I will give you thirty minutes then you best be out here or I will have to make an example of you again.�

I didn’t need to hear Mr. Malfoy twice to know what he meant. If I wasn’t back in half an hour I was going to get hit again.

I gave the password, rushed inside and up to my bed, grabbed new clean clothes and put a charm on them so they would look ironed, then turned to the mirror. Sure enough there was a red hand mark where I’d been slapped. Tears welled up in my eyes again as I muttered an incantation to lessen the mark, now I could barely see it. I jumped in the shower, washed, and got out. While drying off I used a spell Hermione taught me to dry my hair at the same time. I quickly got dressed in a long black skirt and black tank top with a button down shirt. I put on heals and my red velvet cloak and went down to meet Mr. Malfoy.

“I’m back.� I said as I came out of the common room.

“Let me look at you.� Was Mr. Malfoy’s reply. He walked around me looking at my outfit. “I suppose these clothes will suffice. However, once you become a Malfoy you will be held to a higher standard which means you will wear clothes that have been pre-approved by me.�

I said nothing which was hard because inside my head I was screaming profanity at this man. I walked down the corridor on my own, I suppose Mr. Malfoy didn’t feel the need to drag me around anymore. I tried not to make eye contact with anyone on my way to the Entrance Hall.

Mr. Malfoy stopped abruptly and I almost ran into him. Then I saw a figure make a little curtsey to him.

“Why Mr. Malfoy it’s a pleasure to see you again.� came Jenny’s sickly sweet voice. “If you don’t mind my asking whatever brings you here?�

Mr. Malfoy looked back at me then to Jenny again. “Actually your darling sister is the reason I’m here.�

“Oh.� said Jenny not bothering to hide the anger in her voice. “Well I’ve got to go study. Nice seeing you again Mr. Malfoy.�

Jenny walked passed Mr. Malfoy and made a point of elbowing me hard in the rib cage as she went by me.

“Why don’t you just have Draco marry her?�

“Because my son has taken a liking to you and I am going to make sure he gets what he wants now so that later he will give me what I want.�

“That is so, so…I-I can’t believe you!� I stammered because of my anger.

“Shut up or I’m going to have to teach you another lesson.� Mr. Malfoy said his temper reaching a scary height.

We reached the Entrance Hall where Draco was waiting.

“Father.� He said as he lowered his eyes.

“Come along.� Said Mr. Malfoy like he was bored.

As my luck would have it Draco walked beside me on the side I’d been hit. I kept putting my :idea: hand up to my face in a self conscious manner. I didn’t want him to see the mark and know what happened. I tried to figure out a way to get on the other side of Draco so it would be easier to hide the light mark that remained on my face from him.

Draco interrupted my planning with a question I really didn’t want to hear.

“Alexis, who hit you?�

“What? Er no one why?�

“That’s a lie you have a hand mark on your face!� Said Draco

“I got in a fight with Jenny.� I lied

“Come one Alexis do you think I’m that stupid?�

I couldn’t look at him. What was I doing I didn’t lie, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth. What would he do if he knew that it had been his father who had hit me, hit me so hard I went flying into the wall behind me. He would probably freak out.

Draco stopped me and looked me straight in the eyes. “He hit you didn’t he?� Sympathy and rage mixed in his voice. He put his hand on my cheek and stroked it with his fingers.

A tear slipped from my eye as I nodded and Draco wiped it away.

“Don’t cry please. It’ll be okay. I promise I’ll never let him touch you like that again.� Whispered Draco as he took my hand and we started walking again.

We reached the village of Hogsmade and I instinctively turned to head to the robe shop but Draco and Mr. Malfoy stopped instead.

“We are going to Diagon Alley by floo powder.� Announced Mr. Malfoy as he ushered us towards the three broomsticks.

We entered and went straight to the fireplace. Mr. Malfoy pulled a small black drawstring bag from his cloak pocket and opened it. Draco took a pinch of the green powder and threw it into the fire. The fire then turned green and he stepped into it.

“Diagon Alley.� He said in a firm voice and disappeared in a whirl of green flames.

I took a pinch of the floo powder and did the same thing that Draco had. As I spun through the fireplaces I became increasingly nauseous. When my feet hit the floor I was ready to fall over. I stumbled out of the fireplace and almost fell flat on my face and I would’ve too if Draco hadn’t been there to catch me.

There was a loud popping noise and Mr. Malfoy appeared in the room.

“Let’s go.� He said promptly

I tried to stand and walk but almost fell over again.

“Are you okay?� Whispered Draco

“I’m fine.� I said through clenched teeth as I started to walk swaying as I went.

“Fine is a generic answer. You look weak.�

“I don’t do well when traveling by floo powder. The spinning sensation always makes me sick to my stomach.�

“Oh.� Said Draco understanding how I felt. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.�

“It’s not your fault…This is weird.�

“What is?� asked Draco

“The fact that we are having a normal, civilized, conversation instead of fighting. It’s a nice change, I’m tired of having everyone around me upset.�

An emotion crossed Draco’s face but it was too fleeting for me to see what emotion it was. “Yeah a nice change.� He muttered.

I thought the last thing I needed was to be alone again with Draco right now, but I did have so many questions. I struggled with my thoughts though my afternoon classes but finally decided to go. I was dreading the meeting which seemed to make the day go faster than usual again. I was relieved to remember that it was Friday and I could sleep in late the next day because I had no Idea how long Draco was going to keep me for.

End chap 11

Three hours later I was standing in front of a mirror in a white satin dress. The dress shone from the number of pins stuck into it. I was worried that if I breathed to deeply they would all poke me. It had only taken Draco twenty minutes to find his robes, meanwhile I’d looked for two hours until I finally located on Mr. Malfoy approved of. The last hour had been spent making adjustments to the gown and I was getting tired of standing still.

“Okay� Said the seamstress “That’s everything that needs to be changed. Now hold still one more minute while I actually make the changes.� She waved her wand and the dress was hemmed and the extra pins removed. “Well what do you think?�

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.� I said with an enthusiasm I didn’t really feel. True the dress was beautiful but it was part of some plan that was going to ruin my life. My reflection in the mirror couldn’t even begin to show my true self at this point. It showed a girl who looked happy, mature, and level headed but I was so far from any of these thingd at this point that it was hard to recognize myself.

Over the next few weeks I couldn’t eat much so I lost weight. I also stopped replying to Sirius’ and my dad’s letters, became reclusive only leaving my dorm to go to class and get food from the kitchen because I could no longer stand the stares and glares I received when I was in the Great Hall.

One night while I was in the kitchen, getting what little food I was eating, Dumbledore appeared at the door.

“Good evening Miss Lupin.� “P-professor…I…good evening.� I said a little scared that I was going to get in trouble for being in the kitchen.

“How are you Alexis? I never see you anymore.�

“I’m fine.� This was the second time I’d lied about being okay.

Unfortunately Dumbledore, like Draco, saw right through that answer.

“You know isolations isn’t the answer to your problem. If you really love Harry, which I’m sure you do, you’ll fight for him. There’s always a solution to every problem, even problems of the heart. Just remember even though I told you to fight for him it doesn’t necessarily mean physically. If you listen closely your heart will have the answer. But a person’s heart is a hard thing to hear and it takes practice.� Dumbledore finished and left the kitchen.

That night I ate more than I had in days. I went to bed full and for the first time in a while I didn’t cry myself to sleep.

I woke up and got dressed the next morning bracing myself as I walked down to the Great Hall. Surprisingly I didn’t get all the stares and odd looks I’d been anticipating. I walked through the Hall towards my table, found an empty place, and sat down. Breakfast went by without any mishaps. However my eyes kept roaming the hall and either landing on Harry or Draco.

After I ate I walked down to the greenhouses for herbology. This time I avoided being injured and even earned ten house points for answering professor sprouts question correctly. We were working with several herbs that the first years used in some of their potions.

Overall the morning went very well. When lunchtime came around I was famished again probably from not eating well the past few days. When I found a seat I stole a glance at the professors and caught Dumbledore’s eye. He smiled and winked at me apparently pleased that I was back from the shadows. I helped myself to a generous portion of shepherd’s pie and added ketchup to it. Half way through lunch Draco walked up and smiled at me. I smiled back and said hi.

“Do you have a minute?� he asked.

“Yeah, what you need?� I said putting my fork down.

“Um in private.�

“Oh, ok.� I gathered my things and stood up.

Draco and I walked to the lake and sat down under a large oak tree.

We sat in silence for a time, Draco avoiding my eyes by staring at the lake. Finally he sighed and looked at me a mix of feelings on his face. It was weird to see the Draco Malfoy I’d known for years who was always so confident and proud look so full of doubt and unsure of things. In that moment I could read him like one of my books. I could see the scars and hurt from the past and the longing he had to be loved by someone for who he was not who he was supposed to be. He hungered for affection from a person who truly cared but he’d never received it. My heart went out to him, because up until recently I’d felt the same way. Harry, Ron, Hermione, all the rest of the Weasley’s, Sirius and Remus all cared for me.

Draco gave me a half smile and that’s when I saw the tear running down his cheek. I was so shocked that I rubbed my eyes in disbelief, but it was still there. Draco Malfoy was crying. A few more tears slipped from his eyes and rolled down his cheek before he wiped them all away.

“So� he said apparently disoriented.

“Er you wanted to talk.� I said.

“Yes, right. Well I received a letter this morning from my father and it seems that he’s scheduled a day and time for the uh, wedding.� I said nothing. I mean what good would it do anyway right? My silence must’ve made Draco uncomfortable because he cleared his throat and went on. “The wedding is to take place here on Halloween at midnight. The whole school is invited and several of my father’s friend. He said you may invite twenty five guests of your own, you know family or friends who aren’t from our school but no muggles obviously.�

I nodded too choked up to talk. The whole school that included Harry. DAMNIT! Why was this happening? And why wasn’t anyone doing anything to prevent it?

“I have to go.� I said suddenly.

“Oh, ok.� Replied Draco who didn’t seem at all surprised by my reaction.

As I walked away I realized that I was changing back into someone who didn’t fight for their rights. I was changing into someone who drifted through life letting others make choices for them, and I hated myself for it. I had to do something to stop from losing myself in a world of darkness and self loathing. I had to snap out of it if not for my sake then for my friend’s and Harry’s.

I stopped in front of the school entrance. Maybe there was a way to still get out of this mess. I once read about muggle DNA testing and how it could tell you if you were related to someone or not. Perhaps if I got Lupin to take it with me it would prove he was my dad and not Mr. Black, then Mr. Black’s promise wouldn’t be relevant for me. I walked on up to the common room pleased with my solution and started writing Lupin a letter. I had just finished the letter and was about to send it out with Satine when I realized if I didn’t go through with the marriage than my baby sister Marie would have to. The paper fell to the floor and I realized I was back at square one.

I had no choice I had to go through with the wedding. If I didn’t, if I ran away I would be no better than my supposed father. It would prove that I was a coward. No, I had to stay even though everything in me was screaming at me to run.

I calmly destroyed the letter and walked to my first afternoon class. If there was anything wrong, and there sure as hell was, I didn’t show it. I sat through my history of magic class trying desperately not to fall asleep. I took my notes with an enthusiasm that I didn’t actually feel and when class was over I was the first person out the door. My last class of the day was just as uneventful as the others.

Once classes were done for the day I headed up to my dorm to find my calendar. I to see how long until Halloween. I dug through my trunk until I found my calendar. I flipped it open and looked for the date.

“Okay so today is the nineteenth.� I said to no one in-particular. “So that means I have…twelve days.� I sat and absorbed this information. My mind was working in overdrive, there was so much going to do and to have to adjust to. How was that going to happen? It just didn’t seem possible.

The next week went by with the speed of a lightning strike. The thirty-first was on Friday and this feeling of dread was weighing me down. I realized on Monday morning that there were a million things I still wanted to do before marriage that I probably wasn’t going to be able to do ever. I pulled myself out of bed and dressed before heading to breakfast.

As I was walking to the Great Hall Professor Snape stopped me.

“The Headmaster informed me that he is going to announce that your wedding to young Mr. Malfoy is Friday. He also sent me to inform you that he will be presenting the two of you to everyone this morning, like I’m working for a muggle Western Union instead of a school of witchcraft and wizardry.�

I said nothing, I wasn’t sure how to respond to what Professor Snape had said. He continued to stare down his greasy crooked nose at me as if judging me and trying to see into my thoughts. Then I realized he probably was and tried to close my mind to him.

Luckily or maybe unluckily Draco walked up to us and broke Snape’s concentration. Professor Snape repeated the message to Draco this time without his snide comment and left.

“How are you?� Draco asked.

“Fine.� I said a little nastily. I suppose some of the living with Mr. Black had to rub off on me at some point or another in some way, shape, or form.

Draco looked at me but before he could say anything the doors of the Great Hall opened and everyone was staring at us. Dumbledore beckoned us forward. Draco put out his arm and I unwillingly took it. We walked down the hall and stopped in front of the Professor’s table.

Dumbledore came down to stand behind us as we turned to face our classmates, and in his loud voice said “Everyone I have an important announcement t make. As some of you may know young Mr. Malfoy and Miss Black� I turned and clared at the Headmaster when he said this. “Are now engaged and on Friday, Halloween night, there will be wedding uniting these two here at Hogwarts.�

There was an explosion of noise. People talking surprised or yelling their disapproval. The Headmaster silenced them by putting his hand up in the air and then continued on. “All students may attend and the dress code is formal which means ladies must wear dresses and gentlemen dress robes. The ceremony will start at seven and afterwards there will be a reception until the stroke of midnight. Now you best finish you breakfast and be off to class.�

As soon as Dumbledore had finished with his speech I dashed to my house table. I sat with my back to the Gryffindor table because I didn’t want to or have the courage to face any of them, not Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and especially not Harry. Despite my embarrassment I was still able to eat the normal healthy amount of food. I finished quickly and went to class. I felt like a muggle robot without emotions, doing only what the programmer had told it to. I went to class, participated, got good grades, and basically held it together until Thursday right when I was sitting out by the lake wishing for a way out of this mess the same way I had been doing every night for the past week.

I was sitting by the lake wishing on every star when I heard something heading towards me. I didn’t even bother moving maybe whatever it was would just do me a favor and take me out right here. The thing turned out to be a person, who turned out to be Harry.

He sat down next to me without saying a word. We sat there in silence for about ten minutes looking out across the glasslike water. My mind being like “Well this is a familiar scenario.�

Finally Harry cleared his throat and spoke. “H-how are you holding up?�

For a moment I didn’t answer, his question washed over me like a wave. I turned towards him tears shining in my eyes, threatening to fall. “I’ve been worse.� I said with a weak smile.

Harry gave me that look that said “yeah right� and then asked “When?�

I sighed and replied “When my mom died I’d lost the only person who ever cared for me. At least in this case I’m gaining someone who cares.� I paused “Even if it’s not the right person.�

Harry said nothing for another short period of time. I could tell he was thinking because of the expression on his face that was barely visible through the semi-darkness.

“I don’t get it Lexi!� He said suddenly angry.

“Get What?� I said a bit surprised.

“ How your father, how Remus, can’t do anything.�

“Oh, well he could, but if he did then Marie would be stuck marrying Draco. At least he’s nice to me, I’m not sure if he’d be as kind to her. And besides she so much younger than him. I want her to be able to fall in love and be loved back. So that’s why he hasn’t done anything, because I haven’t told him.�

“You haven’t told him?!�

“No.� I said quietly. “I didn’t want him to worry.�

“But surely Dumbledore must’ve told him?�

“I don’t think so Harry. If he had my dad would’ve been here already to try and stop this.�

“Well way to have an answer for everything.�

“Not everything. I couldn’t find an answer to the question ‘How the hell do I get out of this bloody wedding?’.� I said solemnly.

Harry stopped messing with his hair and looked at me. “You know I’d do anything to change this right?� I nodded. “Good, because I-I still love you Alexis. Always will.�

“I know.� I said tears falling from my eyes. “I still love you Harry.� He leaned in to hug me but I kissed him instead. I tried to resist the urge but I couldn’t I missed him dearly. Luckily because Harry and I were kissing neither of us saw someone move in the shadows heading towards the castle.

end of chap 12