Alexandra Weasley: Book 5

20

"What do you expect Hermione? He's not exactly the most stable of people." Hermione sighed. They were talking about Sirius and his latest penchant to encourage Harry to be reckless.

"Exactly. But of course, Ron and Harry just think I'm overreacting and trying to ruin their fun."

"Well, Ron and Harry are idiots." Alex said. "But regardless of what he thinks, you know there are risks. You've known from the start. You just have to figure out if the risks are worth it."

"You really won't join?"

"It's a matter of pride. Learning from Harry Potter?" She shook her head and Hermione smiled.

"We still have to find a place big enough." Alex hesitated but spoke up.

"You could use the room." Hermione jerked to look at her.

"But that's your-?"

"It's okay. You need somewhere, and it's hard for me to go there again anyways. The room's there for whoever needs it. And right now, that's you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Alex confirmed and Hermione smiled, giving her a hug.

Hermione met Harry and Ron in the common room that evening, moments before curfew. Ginny was there too.
"I know a place." Hermione told them, capturing their attentions.

"Where? How?"

"I'll show you tomorrow, after history of magic." She said. "It's on the seventh floor."

"Hermione." Ginny called.

"It's okay. She's okay with it." Hermione said. "Got her blessing and everything."

"Got whose blessing?" Ron asked.

"Alex. It's someplace special to her. But she's okay with us using it."

"How long have you known about it?"

"Second year." Hermione admitted. "We've been going there ever since. I think she discovered it first year." Ron looked over at his sister.

"My second year, your third." She said casually.

"Why does she have so many secrets?" Ron asked. "I mean, with the unicorns, and the dragon and just knowing secret hideouts in the school."

"Because Alex operates best keeping things to herself. It's a whole thing. Cedric had an explanation." Hermione smiled before sitting back. "Anyways, I've got to finish my arithmancy work." She turned away from the boys.

Kichiro's birthday fell on the day before Alex's first quidditch match. She spent the night out with him, and was joined by her usual group minus Cedric. She invited Hannah, Charlie, Susan and Megan too this time.

Rani was nervous around the newcomers but seemed to settle once they all found a position and stopped moving around. She curiously trotted over to Alex once she mustered enough courage.
"Hey, little one." Alex cooed.

"I'm just saying, wasted opportunity." Laila said in a sing-song tone. Alex ignored her.

"She's golden. It means she's still young, right?" Hannah whispered.

"Yeah. Turns one in January." Alex reached out for Kichiro who was hardly an arm's length away. "And this one just turned three today."

Once everyone else fell asleep, Alex crept out of her spot and led Kichiro away, to Saphira.
"Hey." Alex said, as the dragon stood up tall to greet them.

You brought your unicorn.

"Yeah. It's his birthday."

You're celebrating it the way you humans celebrate the day of a person's birth?