Hello all and welcome to Demons at Hogwarts, Year 3. I'm so glad that I actually made it here. I was afraid it wouldn't happen, yet, here we are! Anyway, here's a glimpse into what's going to happen this year: We discover some new abilities within Harry. Alex tells Draco about her secret. We learn two of Alex's deepest fears, ones that haunt her in her dreams. And some relationships are formed and demolished.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Harry Potter or anything related to it or J.K. Rowling. I am not making money from these stories. I DO own Alex, Maria and any other OC's that appear throughout this Fanfiction.
Without further ado, here is Year 3!
Alex stared out at the Manor that loomed before her. Why did she have to go and promise Draco and his mother that she would visit for a time over the summer? This thought had plagued her mind over the weeks that she had spent away from Hogwarts before her trip here. Although she thought that Koenma would have forgotten to dole out a punish, he had not. But now she wished he had given her some other for of punishment. But this was it. "You'll keep your promise to the Malfoy's." Koenma had said.
She shivered in the slight breeze and felt something brush up against her right arm. Looking over and slightly down she saw that it was Hiei. Alex calmed herself, she felt better knowing that he was going to be here with her. He walked ahead of her, slinging her pack over his shoulder. "Come, or we'll be late." She sighed and followed along behind him. Her nerves weren't solely based on Draco and his mother. It was the other parent that worried her; Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy. Last year he had given Ginny Weasley a Dark artifact that had hidden a piece of a younger Voldemort, known as Tom Riddle. Granted, when Alex looked into his mind, she found that he had no idea what it would do, but the fact remained; he had still done it.
Alex watched as Hiei in front of her passed through some kind of barrier. She knew it was a barrier because Hiei seemed to shimmer as he walked through it. He turned to look at her. "Come on. It's just a protection barrier, like those around Hogwarts or even Demon World." She smirked. Hiei was sounding more and more like a wizard with each passing week. She walked through the barrier and it tingled slightly when she passed by it.
They continued their trek up to the manor and stopped in front of the door. Hiei rang a doorbell and they waited. After a few silent moments, the door opened and they were greeted with not one of the Malfoys as Alex thought, but a House elf. As he ushered them in Alex felt a twinge of sympathy, Harry had managed to free Dobby from the grips of the Malfoys, but Alex had not realized that there would be more of them.
This House elf led them through the greeting hall and down a series of corridors. Alex marveled at the grandness of the Manor. It had the medieval era look about it. It had a mixture of stone and marble walls and floors, and wood paneling. It reminded her a bit of the Slytherin common room. There were paintings of Malfoy ancestors who all seemed to stare at her as if they knew she wasn't a Malfoy or even a Slytherin. They arrived in a living room where the Malfoys sat, waiting.
Lucius stood to greet them. "Ah, I see our guests have arrived safely." He spoke smoothly and carefully. But Alex knew that it would have to be her to be the one to speak carefully, for she was in their territory. "Welcome to Malfoy Manor. I hope that you will find all your accommodations to your liking."
Alex bowed her head slightly, but never taking her eyes of his. She knew that it was she he was speaking to, and not Hiei. "Thank you Mr. Malfoy for your gracious hospitality, and welcoming us so grandly into your home." She allowed her eyes to flicker over to Draco, who seemed rather stunned at her politeness. She straightened and saw that Mrs. Malfoy had stepped up to her husband's side. She was a beautiful woman with dark blond hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Alexandria," she had a soft but commanding voice. Alex figured it had come from years of living with Lucius. "Draco has told us so much about you, and I am thrilled to finally get the chance to meet you." Alex smiled.
"Mrs. Malfoy," Alex bowed before her. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you as well, and I thank you for inviting me to be a guest in your lovely home."
"Alex," Draco seemed unwilling to be silent for any longer, she looked at him. He was rather fidgety, as though all the propriety made him uncomfortable. "I want to show you where you're staying while you're here. Come on Hiei." Alex glanced over at Hiei, who seemed to be trying to hide a frown.
"Of course Draco," She turned her attention to the elder Malfoys. "Thank you again." And she followed Hiei and Draco down another hall.
Once they were clear of his parents, Draco flung his arms around Alex's neck, she was surprised at the gesture, but returned it none-the-less. "Hello Draco." She chuckled. Behind Draco she could see Hiei smirking. Draco pulled away. Alex saw that he had grown over the time she hadn't seen him.
"I didn't know that you could be so formal."
"You and your mother invited me into a lion's den. It's the only way I know how to be in situations like this."
Funny, you don't act like this around Koenma. Hiei's voice rang through her head. She glared at him.
"Anyway, this will be your room, Alex," He opened the door of a room that was part way down the hall from the living room and she stifled a gasp of surprise. The room was painted an emerald green, with a four-poster Victorian bed with silver bedding to compliment the walls, there was a medium sized teak desk and large teak dresser on the wall across from the bed. A large bay window was open and looked out onto a beautiful rose garden, through it she would also have a gorgeous view of the sunset. "I'm right across the hall, and Hiei's room is next to you." Hiei set her bag on the bed.
"It's beautiful Draco," She murmured. "Thank you."
Alex and Hiei had been at Malfoy Manor for almost a week and Alex was quite happy. She didn't see much of Lucius Malfoy, which was probably the source of her happiness. Narcissa had made her feel right at home and took the pleasure of showing Alex around the house and naming the ancestors that hung around. But Alex spent most of her time with Hiei and Draco outside where the weather and gardens were equally beautiful.
Hiei spent his time watching Draco and Alex fly around on their brooms.
"The only reason you beat me every time," said Alex one warm afternoon as they sat under the shade of a large oak. "Is because you're good at being a Seeker. I am not, I'm a Chaser. Now if we were trying to score goals, I would kick butt." Draco scoffed.
"Maybe you just let me win."
"I don't just let people win, Malfoy," She always used his last name when she teased him. They sat in serene silence for a few minutes. Then Draco sprang to his feet, Alex giggled. He had been rather jumpy and edging for the past few days. Alex and Hiei were only staying for another day and then they would be going back home. Draco was not overly thrilled about this. "Ants in your pants Draco?" He glared.
"I was going to get us some drinks." She smiled.
"Sound wonderful, we'll be here." With that he departed for the Manor. Hiei, who was in a branch above her, jumped down and sat next to her.
"When are you going to tell him?" Alex groaned and leaned back against the cool back of the tree. She was silent for a moment, and was grateful that Hiei didn't push the question.
"Tonight," She finally replied. "We leave tomorrow, I can't put it off any longer."
"And you're sure you can trust him?" She gave a side glance at Hiei.
"Do you trust him?" She caught a flicker of movement and saw that Draco was making his way back to them. She had seen the way Hiei had been studying the boy for the past week. It unnerved her the way he did it, like a cat stalking it's prey. Of course, after the events in the Chamber of Secrets, he had barely left her side. Alex thought that he felt the absence of her in his heart as much as she did while he was petrified. But she trusted Hiei and his judgment above most others. Just as Draco reached them he spoke.
"I do." She exhaled the breath she had been holding.
"Draco," said Alex, as he handed her a glass of water. "I have a going away surprise for you." He tilted his head in curiosity.
"What is it?" He sat across from her and Hiei retreated back to his branch. "And really, shouldn't it be me giving you some sort of gift?"
"It's- to thank you for your hospitality this last week." She heard Hiei snort from above her. She made a mental note to hit him later. Draco's face brightened.
"Alright," said Draco, his face beaming with excitement. "When and where?" Alex poked his nose.
"It's a surprise silly," Alex took a sip of water. "Hiei will bring you to me when I'm ready." Draco looked ready to pout.
"Fine." said Draco, a frown playing at the corners of his mouth. Alex kept her glass to her mouth. I just hope this doesn't ruin what we have Draco. I may have to wipe your memory if it doesn't go well. And who knows what that'll do to you.
At dusk, Hiei retrieved Draco. He was unsure what was going to happen. He had enjoyed the week with having Alex to himself, without Potter or the Weasleys to interfere. It had been the most fun he had had in years, and actually felt upset that Hiei and Alex were leaving tomorrow. Draco watched Hiei walking ahead of him and wondered what went through his head. He never left Alex's side anymore, which Draco found rather strange.
Draco had no idea what Alex had planned. But he did know that his mother have allowed Alex private use of the rose garden. Alex had enjoyed spending her evenings there, she loved the fireflies that would appear at this time of night. He found it appropriate that she was setting up this surprise at this time.
Hiei and Draco arrived at the white picket fence that led to the garden. Large hedges surrounded the place, with magical lights twinkling in them to compliment the fireflies that floated around. Draco walked past the gate and paused when Hiei didn't follow. He turned to face the shorter boy. Draco noted that Hiei hadn't grown over the summer. "Aren't you coming?"
"I'll be nearby," said Hiei, smirking. "This is between you and Alex, I was told not to interfere. But be warned, Malfoy, I hear anything I don't like and I won't hesitate to use this." He indicated the sword that sat on his hip. Draco gulped, he never really liked the fact that Hiei carried it around. He nodded fiercely and turned back to walk further into the garden.
The roses were in full bloom. There were several different shades of reds, pinks, yellows, and whites. It smelled luscious. In the center of the garden was a stone patio with a gazebo covered with vines, where he saw that a table had been produced with a dinner setting. Candles were enchanted to float around inside the gazebo. Draco suspected his mother had helped with the set up.
Alex was standing near the far end of the table across from him. He felt his heart beat faster and his breath became shallow. She looks gorgeous. He thought. She was wearing a white dress with lace trimming and her hair was pulled into a high ponytail with a white ribbon, Alex wasn't wearing any shoes, but the grass was cool enough for that. Draco saw that her cloak was draped over the back of her chair, it was a deep sapphire blue to complement her eyes, which were almost a clear blue. They weren't that color earlier. He sometimes forgot that she was a Metamorphmagus. She stepped closer to him.
"Hi Draco," said Alex, more shy than he had ever seen her before. "I hope I'm not over doing it?" He shook his head. It's more incredible than I gave her credit for. I guess the Weasley twins haven't completely rubbed off on her. He thought. He couldn't quite produce words to describe to Alex how he felt. She gestured to the other empty seat. "Please sit!" He moved to the seat and sat. Draco saw that the china being used was one that his mother never used except on special occasions. Mother must really like Alex if she let her use this. He saw Alex stop and smile. He narrowed his eyes. It's like she can read my mind sometimes. Her smile got bigger, but she moved to her seat.
Alex snapped her fingers and food appeared on the plates. It didn't look like anything special, steak and potatoes with peas. "I didn't make it," she said. "if that's what you're wondering. It was your house elves. I didn't trust myself enough to use the kitchen. But it's all of my favorite foods. And I can say now that you'll enjoy dessert." The smile never left Alex's face. At least she's enjoying this too. He thought as they started eating.
It was an enjoyable dinner. They conversed about all sorts of subjects from Quidditch to the up coming school year. Draco hadn't expected anything to change. As they finished dessert; Alex's own ice cream sundaes, she started to become more quiet and withdrawn. "What's wrong Alex?" He asked, after he had finished his last bite. She's only this way when something's bothering her. And if I'm lucky she's not upset about anything and won't blow up in my face. He hadn't forgotten the last time she had done that.
She looked up at him, her blue eyes sparkling in the candlelight. The sun was completely set and through the vines in the gazebo, stars and fireflies intermingled in the sky. There was a small, sad smile on her lips. "Draco," her voice was quiet. "Do you trust me?"
The question struck at his heart. Of course I trust her. How can she ask something like that? "Yes, of course. But why-"
She held up a hand. "Please," her voice was stronger now. As if his words had healed whatever was ailing her. "Tell, what is your opinion of demons?"
"What kind of question-"
"Draco," she chided.
He thought for a moment. His parents had told him all about the demons who helped Voldemort rise to power and fight against Dumbledore in the First War. But most wizards hated demons for their betrayal of the light. His parents regarded demons highly. They thought of them as a sort of superior race, and in some aspects they were. But a lot of demons were stupid and not very powerful at all.
"I- I don't know," He finally managed. "I've never met one, so I really can't say."
Her smile grew and wasn't so sad anymore. "Good," said Alex happily. "That's the kind of answer I was hoping for. You're open minded about the idea, but unsure of how you would deal if faced with a demon, am I correct?" Draco nodded, it was all he could do. Alex leaned in and laid a hand on his. Her finger were soft, and her nails were painted a silver color. "What if I told you that someone you knew was a demon? What would you do?" He shook his head.
I don't like where she is going with this. "I- what?" It hit him. Someone he knew? A demon? "Alex, are you trying to tell me something?" His heart pounded in his chest. It was a different feeling than when he had seen Alex earlier. It was nervousness, anxiousness, and probably even some fear. She sighed and stood letting go of his hand.
"Draco Malfoy, what if I told you that I am a demon?" He could feel his eyes widen. She's a demon? But... well, yes, I guess that would explain some things. Like her ability to change form. But- "Draco!" Her voice interrupted his thoughts.
He stared at her. "What? I was thinking." He growled. She chuckled. "Okay, so you say you're a demon, prove it."
She closed her eyes and stood away from the gazebo. "Alright." Right before his eyes, Alex changed. It was a swift transformation, possibly from practice, but he saw her ears shift and move from the sides of her head to the top and change into fox ears. A tail appeared behind her. She bared her teeth and he saw fangs. "This is my true form, Draco. I am a demon. To be more specific, a fox shape shifter." She watched him with careful eyes. Draco stayed silent for a long time. "So?" Apparently she couldn't take the silence for long.
He smiled at her. Draco stood and walked over to her and did something that even was unexpected from himself; he hugged her. "I guess I have no other choice but to believe you." She hugged back. When he pulled away he saw that she had tears in her eyes.
"I was- afraid that you might have been frightened. I wasn't sure what I would have done." Then she laughed. "Hiei's solution was to kill you." Draco blanched. She looked surprised. "Oh, right, I should probably tell you that I'm not the only demon at Hogwarts. Kurama and Hiei are demons too. And Yusuke's a half demon." Draco sank to the ground.
"Oh, bloody-" Hiei appeared behind her. He was smirking.
"Finally, now I don't have to hide any more like a coward." She elbowed him.
"At least he took it well," said Alex, she changed back to a human appearance and knelt beside him. "Draco, you have to promise that you won't tell anyone. Only a few handful of people know. I let you be one of them, but if you say anything, measures will be taken to rectify that." He gazed back at her. She sighed. "Your mind will be wiped."
"Oh." He thought for a moment. "Who else knows?" She glanced at Hiei who nodded.
"Harry, Hermione, all the Weasleys. And all the Professors at Hogwarts." She looked him in the eyes. They seemed to pierce into his soul. "Promise me Draco."
He sighed again. He was so tired. "I promise Alex, by Merlin, I won't tell a soul." She smiled.
"Thank you Draco," She hugged him again, and he took in the warmth her body radiated. It made him more sleepy. "Sleep now Draco. Sleep, it's been a long day."
As his eyelids drooped, he murmured three final words, "Happy Birthday, Alexandria." And he took her words to heart and fell asleep, with Alex's smiling face imprinted into his mind and his dreams.
Alex sat at her desk in her room at the Leaky Cauldron. She was trying to compose a letter to Harry. She hadn't heard from him for a few days and was growing worried. Hiei was out with Kurama in London, while Yusuke and Kazuma were in Diagon Alley showing Yukina, Botan and Kieko around. It was early in the evening. Alex glanced over at the Daily Prophet. On the front page was a large picture of an escapee from Azkaban, Sirius Black. It worried her to know what he was, a murderer and servant of Voldemort and traitor to her mother and Harry's parents.
Alex sighed and set her quill down. The words just weren't coming to her so she got up and went down to the dining area. She looked around for Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, but he was no where to be found. Alex stepped outside for some fresh breath and spotted Harry getting off the Knight Bus. "Harry!" She flung her arms around him.
"Hey Alex," he chuckled. She pulled him back to get a better look at him. He too, like Draco, had grown over the summer.
"I was worried when I didn't get a response to my last letter," said Alex. "But you look all right."
"Yea, I'm fine."
Tom was gathering Harry's trunk. "Come along Mr. Potter, the Minister is waiting for you." Alex swung around.
"The Minister is here?" She looked at Harry. "What did you do?" She hissed at him.
"Nothing," said Harry, waving his arms defensively. "Just- well, I did blow up my aunt."
"Oh, Harry." She turned back to Tom. "I'm going with him." Tom just nodded and led them inside and to a back private room. It was more nicely furnished than the other rooms in the Leaky Cauldron.
Standing behind a desk was a portly man in a bowler hat, this was the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. Hedwig was on a perch near the door. "Hedwig!" Harry went to pet her.
"Very smart owl you have there Mr. Potter, arrived here shortly before you did," said Fudge. Harry and Alex were shoved forward by Tom. "Your aunt has been deflated and her memory wiped, so there's nothing to worry about." He turned to face them. "Oh, well hello there Miss Denton."
"Minster," Alex replied with a respectful nod of her head.
"But I did underage magic," said Harry, obviously confused about this. "Aren't I suppose to be expelled or something?"
"Harry, Harry," tutted Fudge. "We don't send underage wizards to Azkaban for blowing up their aunts. Everything has been fixed and there is nothing to worry about." He repeated. Alex tugged at Harry's shirt sleeve.
Don't push it Harry, let sleeping dogs lie, as they say. Harry nodded at her. He seemed to be used to her talking in his head now.
"You must be tired Harry," said Fudge. "I hear that Miss Denton and her friends have an extra bed available, I'm sure they are willing to put you up for a time?"
"Of course Minister, I would be more than happy too." answered Alex, shifting her way towards the door.
"Excellent, and I would recommend staying inside Diagon Alley. It's dangerous out there." Fudge said, looking at them carefully.
"Yes, Minister, goodnight, sir." Alex pulled Harry out of the room, Hedwig flew behind them and landed on his shoulder. Neither of them spoke until they got to Alex's room. Hedwig landed on on Genevievé's perch. Harry's trunk had already been brought up to the room.
"You'll stay in here with Hiei and I." said Alex, motioning to the bed that didn't have Hiei's or her stuff on it. She sat on her own bed. "I'm glad you're okay Harry. Fudge is right, it's not safe out there."
Harry studied her carefully. "What do you know about Sirius Black?" He asked.
"Nothing much. Just that he's a murderer and former servant of Voldemort." She replied. "Anyways, let's not talk about that." She smiled at him. "So have you heard from Ron or Hermione?"
He nodded. "Yea, Ron said that his family is in Cairo visiting Bill. And Hermione went to the Alps with her parents."
She nodded slowly, and stifled a yawn. "Yes, that's what I heard as well," She looked around. "Hm, Hiei and the others should be back by now." She looked back and caught Harry staring at her. "What?"
His lips formed a rather dark smile, the same that the Weasley twins would get when they were about to initiate a plan of theirs. "How was your week with Malfoy?"
Her eyes narrowed. "How did you hear about that?"
"Yusuke may have mentioned something," He waved his hand as if to wave the thought away. "Don't avoid the question, how was it?"
She sighed, he would not leave her alone until she said something to please his curious mind. But she decided the truth would be easier than a lie.
"It was actually more fun than I thought it would," She said, reaching out to grab a book from her nightstand. "Although it was uncomfortable at first, considering that Lucius Malfoy was there and we don't have the best history with him." She watched as Harry tried to hide a smile. "Mrs. Malfoy, Narcissa, was more polite and more kind than I expected her to be, but it could be from her being conditioned that way." Alex hesitated. She knew that this isn't what Harry really wanted to hear. He wanted to know about Draco. It wasn't so secret to their group of friends that Draco had a crush on her and pined after her like a lovesick puppy. "I- I told Draco," She muttered.
"Told him what?" Harry's hearing was becoming more keen. Alex would have to watch out for that.
"Told him about me... that I'm a demon," She looked into Harry's eyes to see the shock.
"And, how'd he take it?"
Alex smiled. That was the best part for her. "Well, surprisingly. I just hope he keeps his promise not to tell anyone."
"I'm sure he will." This caught Alex by surprise.
"I can't believe you're saying that,"
"When it comes to you," said Harry, with a yawn. "I have to give Malfoy credit. He doesn't back away easily. He's stubborn, and he will probably try and protect you as best he can."
"Which worries me," said Alex, yawning herself. "Anyway, let's get some sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open." So they changed into their pajamas and crawled into bed. "I'm glad you're here Harry. I was worried about you too." She mumbled into her pillow.
"Thanks," Harry mumbled as well. "G'night Alex."
"Night Harry," And they drifted off to sleep.
Alex and Harry spent the next week enjoying each others company. They spent most of their time in Diagon Alley, whiling away their days at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour while receiving free ice cream. They finished the rest of their summer homework assignments and even got some helpful advice from Fortescue himself. Midweek, Harry and Alex with Yusuke and Kazuma passed the Quidditch shop and spotted the new Firebolt.
"It's the fastest broom on the market," sighed Alex, she was dreaming of being a professional Quidditch player someday. "Even faster than the Nibus Two Thousand and Ones. But it costs more than our Gringott's vaults combined, it seems." Harry would catch Alex mooning over the broom on days when she ventured into the Alley on her own.
By the end of the week, everyone had bought all their school supplies for the year and were all packed and ready to go back to Hogwarts in two weeks. By the second week of their time in Diagon Alley, Harry noticed that Alex would disappear in the mornings and wouldn't reappear until later in the night. He got worried, because when he did see her, she looked tired, the dark circles under her eyes grew more and more pronounced.
"Kurama," said Harry on the second Wednesday of their stay. He was picking at his breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron. There were a few other patrons in the room, the other boys were either sleeping or already out somewhere. The red headed boy sat across from his, reading his Charms book. Kurama looked up at him with a curious glance. "Do you know what Alex is doing these days? I haven't seen her in some time and am getting a little worried."
Kurama smiled gently and set his book down. "Alex is just feeling a little anxious," he furrowed his brow, thinking about how to best phrase his words. "She's growing up, Harry. And she's rather moody and, how shall I say, fidgety." Harry tilted his head in confusion. Kurama exhaled. "You will find that Alex has different priorities than we do Harry. There will be some days that she will spend her days wrestling with Yusuke and Kuwabara, and playing pranks with the twins. Then there will be other days when she wants time to herself, and she may worry about," Kurama paused briefly. "girly things, to be blunt. She may grow out of this, but we must let it be. Don't worry about her. She'll come back in her own time." Kurama lifted his book once again. "You will also see that Hermione may act in similar ways as we get older."
Harry sat with his jaw slackened. But before he could pursue what Kurama meant in his little speech, Alex herself walked in. Harry noticed that she didn't look tired or sad, but extremely happy. Harry felt himself cheer up just being in her presence. Kurama set down his book once again. "Though I could be completely wrong," He muttered to Harry. "This is not hormones at work." Alex practically skipped up to the table. She was holding something behind her back.
"Morning boys," Her voice filled with a bubblyness Harry had never heard before. "You won't believe what I just received as a birthday gift!"
Kurama shot a quick glance at Harry and returned his attention to Alex. Alex's birthday was a little over a week ago, and as they both knew, she had spent it at the Malfoy's.
"What?" Harry asked. From behind her back Alex produced a broom. It wasn't any broom though it was-
"A Firebolt!" She nearly squealed with delight. "Can you believe it?"
Kurama stood, a look on his face that Harry didn't recognize ever being on the red head's face. "Alex, who sent it to you?"
She shrugged. "Harry, when get to school, we have to test it out!" Harry smiled, he liked the idea of giving it a try. It was the best broom in the world.
"Don't ignore me Alex," Kurama growled. Harry stared at him. That was a tone Harry had never heard from him. Kurama was normally laid back and logically about his words, but these were harsh and animal like. "Where did the broom come from?"
Alex's eyes narrowed. Harry felt the change in her aura, going from happy to angry in a split second. Perhaps Kurama was wrong again and hormones played some part in her emotions. "Why does it matter to you Kurama?" When his eyes narrowed too, Alex sighed. "I don't know. The note just read, 'Happy Birthday dear Alex, I hope we can be united again soon.' I assumed it was from Draco, but I haven't had a chance to ask him."
Right before Harry's eyes was a black blur and a yelp of surprise from Alex. And once Harry blinked again he saw Hiei standing next to Kurama with the Firebolt in hand. Harry looked around, luckily the other patrons had left the room. "I want this inspected before you fly it Alex," Hiei said, handing the broom to Kurama.
"We'll send it to Koenma," Kurama said, making his way to the front door to mail it off at the Diagon Alley Owlery. "I promise you'll get it back, but only after we know it's safe-"
"You think that Draco would curse my broom!" Harry saw that she looked furious. He was nervous about being in the same room as her, but his legs wouldn't let him move from the spot.
"No," Kurama replied calmly. "But there are others in the world who would try to do you and Harry harm." Kurama gave Harry a sympathetic glance as to say, I'm sorry you had to be involved in this outburst of hers.
"Kurama," Harry spoke up and was angry with himself at how meek his voice sounded. All three heads turned to him. Hiei and Alex looked as if they had forgotten he was even in the room. "What is it that you know that you aren't telling me and Alex?" Surprisingly, Kurama kept calm.
"Nothing that you don't already know," He returned his sharp gaze to Alex. "I'm sorry Alex, but what I do is on Koenma's orders and it's for your safety and Harry's." He then left the Leaky Cauldron.
Alex sat down across from Harry looking utterly defeated. He felt bad, and he knew that there was something that Kurama and the other boys were hiding from him and Alex. He had seen it in the way that Hiei followed Alex around, and how Yusuke and Kuwabara would always be up until Alex came back from her escapades. Kurama was the silent one. Harry saw that he observed and protected from afar. Harry knew that he was being watched by them too. It was Koenma's orders, as Alex had told him only a few nights ago.
Hiei walked past Alex and brushed her shoulder. Something fogged into Harry's mind, voices echoed in his head, and they sounded familiar.
You know that Kurama only wants safety for you and Harry. It sounded like Hiei's voice in his head. But that couldn't be, why would Hiei be in his head?
Yes, but he doesn't have to be so harsh about it. That was Alex's voice. He knew it well from the times he and Alex had spoken telepathically to each other. Koenma doesn't rule our lives in this world.
Harry saw Hiei smirk, and felt it in his mind. We walk the path in the middle, and have to tread carefully in both. You are learning this as you learn about your powers. Don't forget, you are different.
Alex scowled, and Harry saw that she managed to keep her face calm and collected despite the lip flaw. She glanced at Harry, and he suddenly felt guilt eat at his stomach. He wanted to tell them that he could hear what they were talking about, even though he probably shouldn't be able to hear it.
I am not the only one who is different, Hiei. She smiled, and Harry couldn't help but smile back. Make her think that you're just being polite. Act like nothing seems odd. Of course, what is normal anymore? Harry thought to himself as he continued to 'eavesdrop' in on the conversation. Harry is destined for great things. I will guide him to them if I must, and I will protect him at all costs. He is the Boy-Who-Lived, and I? I am his Guardian Demon. Hiei began leaving the room, possibly to rudely awaken Yusuke and Kuwabara.
Do what you please, just don't get killed. I'm not getting paid to clean up the mess.
You're not getting paid at all. And that was the end of the conversation. Or so Harry thought, since there was a slight pause. Then he heard,
You should really teach Harry that it's impolite to eavesdrop on others conversations. And you should learn to shield your mind better, I don't get paid to teach you that either. Harry saw the color drain out of Alex's face. She stood abruptly and turned to him.
"How much did you hear?" She asked Harry. She felt her body tingle as Harry withdrawn from her mind. From the looks of it, he didn't know what he was doing. It's subconscious and possibly unconscious. What else in my mind? What memories can he see?
"Just what you and Hiei were discussing," Harry ducked his head in embarassment. "I didn't mean to." Alex softened her gaze.
"I know Harry. I will talk with Hiei about training you to harness the telepathy," Alex put a finger to her chin and sat back down. "I must have awakened something in you when I first used it on you. Hiei's the best teacher for it," She smiled at him. "Unfortunately, he's taught me everything he can. I will have to look elsewhere for guidance."
Harry looked back up at her. There was a curious sheen to his eyes. "Alex, where have you been going these past few days?" The smile on her face disappeared.
"Uh," She couldn't think up an excuse. Only Hiei knew where she had been going, but that was only because he wanted to make sure she was safe. At least Harry didn't see that memory... If he's seen any. "I really would rather not talk about it. It's a private matter."
"Oh," Alex felt bad sure, but it would be better this way. She knew that the others would find out soon enough, but she wasn't ready for them to know yet. "Right, well. Thank you Alex."
Alex titled her head. "Hm? What for?"
"For protecting me," He smiled. "For being my 'Guardian Demon' as you put it."
She waved it off. "Yea, yea." There was a sharp yell from upstairs and a black blur that went past them out the door. Alex swore she heard maniacal laughing as it went by.
The next morning, Harry woke up to a loud swear followed by, "FRED! GEORGE!" He learned that when the Weasleys arrived that morning and learned that they were at the Leaky Cauldron, the twins had come up stairs and charmed Alex's skin to turn the colors of their House; Gryffindor. How they had done it, Harry didn't know, since they were still underage wizards. What he did know was that Alex's shifting abilities did not counter the effect. She then spent half her morning chasing the twins around the main room of the Leaky Cauldron, swearing at them and demanding that they change her back.
Only with a stern look from Mrs. Weasley and her threatening to take away their privileges of experimenting, did they fix Alex's skin.
"We only wanted to greet you properly, Lexi." said George later when everyone was at a large table eating breakfast. Harry had never heard anyone call her that before, but disregarded it as Ron distracted him by telling him about their trip to Cairo.
"It was amazing Harry!" said Ron, showing him the well worn newspaper article. "The tombs and mummies and such. And with the prize money mum and dad got, I got a new wand." Harry smiled. The Weasleys were always strapped for gold, and he would gladly have given up half his gold in Gringotts for them, but they were a proud pureblood family and would never accept such an offer.
"Now you all have all your school things?" Mrs. Weasley asked them.
"Yes, ma'am," replied Alex. She had Fred in a headlock. "We're all set to leave for school tomorrow."
Kurama came downstairs with Hiei. "Good morning Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley." He said, then turned to Alex. "Koenma received the broomstick and both he and Professor Dumbledore are giving it a complete examination. If everything checks out, you'll have it back before the first match."
Alex completely ignored him. She hadn't spoken to him since he had come pack from the Post. Fred, George and Ron looked at her curiously. "Broomstick? You got a new one?" George asked.
She glared at Kurama, a look that Harry was almost sure would set the red head on fire. "I had a new broom," Her eyes sparkled. "It was a Firebolt!" She sighed. Harry felt a ping of jealousy. But tampered it down again. It had been her birthday gift. He still had a good broom. The Weasleys looked at her in disbelief, then after registering what she had said, their gazes turned to Kurama, who suddenly looked uncomfortable.
"You took away her Firebolt?" gasped Ron.
"What's wrong with you?" said the twins in perfect harmony. Alex looked so proud of them.
"At least I'm not alone in this decision." She smiled smugly at Kurama, and Harry was instantly reminded of Draco Malfoy. I wonder how much contact she's had with him since she left the Manor?
Plenty Harry.
Her voice echoed in his head. She was looking at him with a displeased frown. Last night he had spent some time trying out his new found telepathic abilities and had sneaked into her mind and found that he could see her memories, not just her thoughts. He had seen all that had transpired the night Alex told Malfoy about her secret, before she had been able to kick him out of her head. She had then proceeded to yell at him for several minutes about how rude it was to look in ones mind without permission. She also told Hiei that once term started, he would teach Harry how to control his gift. For the sake of shutting her up, Hiei had agreed to do so.
Alex managed to escape from the twins on the train. They had been following her ever since yesterday trying to find out where she was sneaking off too. She had been planning to visit Draco before they got to the school, but found it impossible with the twins and Lee Jordan following her around. They were being as bad as Hiei. She found what she thought was an empty compartment and entered it.
"Hello Alex," She turned to see Harry, Ron and Hermione sitting there with what looked like a sleeping rag. Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was an older gentleman, in robes that didn't quite seem to fit him properly. She sat next to Harry.
"Hi guys," She glanced around seeing that it was just them, and then returned her gaze to the sleeping man. "Who's this?"
"Professor R. J. Lupin." said Hermione, pointing at his suitcase.
"Our newest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" ventured Alex. They nodded in agreement. There was silence among them for several tense moments. Then Hermione spoke.
"Alex," said Hermione. Alex gave her a suspicious glance. With the way she said her name, the conversation can't end well. "We're worried about you." Alex arched an eyebrow.
"Worried about me?" She repeated. "What for?"
The three of them glanced at each other. "You were disappearing over the break, Alex, and you wouldn't tell anyone about it. Sirius Black is on the prowl, you shouldn't be going off on your own."
Alex sighed. Alex's bang had covered her eyes, and she glanced at them with a bowed head. "Please, don't worry. Hiei's been keeping a close eye on me and goes everywhere I go. If anyone needs to be careful, it's you Harry." She gave a side glance, tilting her head in his direction. If she could, she was going to turn the conversation away from her. "You have developed what is normally a demon ability; I am partly to blame for that. But-" She wasn't able to finish, because the train jerked to a halt. The lights flickered off.
"Ow, Ron that was my foot!" said Hermione.
Ron was leaning towards the window trying to look out it. It was dark, and raining. "There's something moving out there." He murmured.
Alex shuddered and her breathing turned into short quick breaths. It had become extremely cold, extremely fast. The train creaked, and there was murmuring outside their compartment.
To Alex's sharp ears it sounded like low breathing through a rubber tube. She leaned into Harry, something was digging into hers bones, and she couldn't help but be frightened. Harry wrapped one arm around her, and she felt comforted.
A dark figure formed on the compartment window. The door slid open and a rotting hand curled around the door frame and seemed to- peer in? Alex wasn't sure whether it could actually see, for the- thing- was cloaked. It was also- well, Alex wasn't sure what it was. It reeked of death and decay, stinging her nose like the sting of a bee. All the happiness rushed out of her body like a flood, and she wanted to reach for it, like it would never come back again if she didn't try to stop it. As soon as the creature got closer, Harry's grip on her tightened and he fainted.
"Harry!" cried Alex. Alex was terrified of the thing. It felt like death and Alex didn't like death, she was frightened of it.
Before the cloaked figure could get any closer, Lupin stood pulled out his wand and said, "Expecto Patronum!" A silvery light flooded out from the tip of his wand and scared off the creature.
Alex felt as if life was flooding back into her body. She didn't feel unhappy or cold anymore, though she was still absolutely terrified. She reached over to Harry and shook him by the shoulder. "Harry, wake up Harry." said Alex, as the lights flickered back on and the train started moving again. Harry shook his head and his eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" He shielded his eyes from the lights with his hand. Alex helped him sit up. "What were those things?"
"Dementors," answered Lupin, handing him a bit of chocolate from a bar he found in his pocket. "Eat this, it'll help." Alex looked at Lupin.
"What are dementors?" she asked.
"Guards of Azkaban," he said quietly. "Now, I need to go speak with the driver, excuse me." And he left.
Harry looked at them all. "So who screamed?" They all tilted their heads and passed him curious glances. Alex shook her head.
"No one screamed Harry," she shuddered. He must have heard it in his head. Did the dementors cause it? "Though I did feel-" She stopped short. She didn't like the idea of revealing a weakness to anyone, even her friends.
"Like you'd never be happy again?" said Ron. He saved her from having to reveal any more than that. She nodded and shivered. Then a thought hit her like lightening. What of the others? She stood.
"Stay here, and watch Harry," said Alex. And before they could say anything more, Alex left the compartment and bolted down the corridor, looking in each compartment for any sign of Yusuke, Kurama and Kuwabara. She found them in the middle of the train, looking about as haggard as she felt. She slid the door open, forcing her body to calm itself down. "Are you guys alright?" They looked at her and nodded. In the compartment was Ginny, Neville and a couple of Hufflepuffs, she remembered from last year; Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ernie Macmillan. She sighed a breath of relief. "Good. I'm going to look for Hiei and Draco." She turned to leave, but a hand caught her arm. It was cold. She turned back to face Kurama.
"Are you alright?" He asked carefully. She knew that he was still weary of her since he took away her Firebolt. She smiled and touched his hand in a reassuring gesture.
"Yes," replied Alex. "I'm fine. Harry fainted, but he's been taken care of. Now please, may I go?" He released her and she set off further towards the front of the train.
Alex looked in a compartment in the front car of the train and found several Slytherin girls huddled together. Alex recognized them as Pansy Parkinson, Millecent Blustrode and her friend Maria Moorland. In another corner of the compartment was Draco who sat between Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle and across from them was Hiei, next to Hiei sat Blaise Zabini. She slid the door open, sighing in relief to see that they were okay. As soon as the door slid open, a pair of arms found her heck. For a brief moment she thought it was Maria, but she saw that unforgettable blonde hair. She returned the gesture enthusiastically. "It's good to see you're okay Draco," She muttered into his shoulder. She pulled back and looked at the group of girls. "You three alright?" They nodded together, as though they were one three headed being. She smiled.
"Do you know what all that was about?" That was Zabini. She and him had gotten off on the wrong foot at the beginning of her and Draco's friendship, but they had slowly been warming to each other.
"Apparently they were dementors." The girls gasped from their part of the compartment. She felt pressure on her hand, she glanced at Draco, who was grasping her hand for dear life, although his face was brave and proud, his eyes were screaming with fear. She squeezed his hand back.
Nothing, Draco, will happen to you. She said in his mind. She had done this before, so he wouldn't jump every time she or Hiei did so. I promise.
Thanks. She smiled at him. The train screeched and came to a halt. "We must be at the school." She let go of Draco's hand and made her way out of the compartment. "I have to go make sure Harry's okay. See you up at the castle." She waved them goodbye. Finally, now maybe we can get some answers about why the guards of Azkaban are boarding trains.