The Raven's Call

A Not-so-Happy New Year

Friday, January 3rd 1992

I eagerly await the familiar faces of my two friends who went home for Christmas, two gifts under my arms. The second I see them walk in, I bombard them both, holding their presents out to them. "Happy Belated Christmas!" I tell both Hermione and Asteria as I excitedly watch them open their gifts. For Asteria, I gift her a hologram snake lamp, that will slither around her and bring her light for writing or studying during the night and a snake earring, which curled and wrapped around the ear. I also give her the gift from the twins. And for Hermione, I gift The Complete Works of William Shakespeare and The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. "I couldn't decide on which one to get you, so I got both." I say, slightly sheepish. Hermione's face lights up as she pulls me into a hug. "I love it."  She beams. "This is awesome! Thank you so much!" Asteria thanks me and I take a step towards her, my arms outstretched. She takes a step back. "Not a hugger. Got it." I say with a small smile. 

Hermione waves and leaves to find Ron and Harry, as Asteria leans in a little. "Can we go find Alex? I need to tell you guys something." I look at her, a little confused but nod before we journey on to find Alex. I check the Marauder's map to find Alex in Hagrid's Hutt. So on we walk. I knock a melodic knock before entering. "Hi Hagrid." I say with a smile before turning to Alex. "Look who's here." I say in a sing-songy way. "Welcome home." Alex grins, handing over a present to Asteria after Hagrid had let us in. "Would ye two like some tea?" The half giant asks, with a cheery smile. "It's a fresh pot!" I nod to him. "Thanks Hagrid." "OH OH OH OH OH, ASTERIA!" Alex exclaims. "WATCH THIS!" He transforms into his Animagus form without the use of his wand, then back with the smuggest of looks on his face. "Is Hermione back yet? I got her a present too." He asks bashfully. I nod again. "Yes, yes, your little girlfriend is back." Asteria teases, grinning. "How'd you like your present, by the way?" "She's not... I mean.. Shut up!" Alex stammers. "Oh, does young Alexander 'ere 'ave a bit of a crush, does 'e?" Hagrid asks with a large grin. "You all suck." Alex mumbles, sipping his tea. "I don't know why I was excited to see you." I laugh softly, sipping my own tea that Hagrid had poured for me. "You love us." I say with a smirk. "I do. And I hate it." Alex laughs. Asteria clears her throat, getting our attention. "I need to talk to you both, it's urgent." She says tenaciously. "Should we go somewhere more private, or can it be said in front of Hagrid?" Alex asks, his tone more serious, now. "I won't tell a soul." Hagrid promised, his usual smile deflating the tension, if only but a little bit.  "No offence, Hagrid, but I only want this between the three of us." Asteria says, her voice lightening a small bit. "None taken. You three best be off, anyway. But don't be getting yourselves into any trouble now." He says, his gentle nature never failing to warm my heart. 

***

We find ourselves back in the Room of Requirement, perfect for a private conversation. It was set up as just a table and three chairs, for us to sit and chat. Now I wish I had taken that tea in a to-go cup. The three of us take a seat as Asteria lets out a soft sigh. "Some things happened over Christmas break that I need to tell you." She began, her voice shaky. "I don't know if you noticed.. but I no longer have Nova with me. She was on my shoulder when Father apparated us back home. She got spliced.. and.. father struck her with the killing curse." She paused, tears forming in her eyes. "He told me it's what I deserve for associating myself with you both. I'm sure I don't need to repeat the words he used. My consequences are to help him bring back the Dark Lord." My heart skips a beat. This conversation was scaring me, now. "Draco's been trying to become a better brother. He's been there for me since the incident. He said he would leave you both alone because he didn't want to hurt my feelings even more than father has. He even helped me bury her in the garden and gave me some money to buy your presents." I place a hand on her shoulder, consoling her. "I'm sorry for your loss, Asteria." I say, smiling in a way I hope will cheer her up. I then move my hand slowly off her, noticing Alex's discomfort. "S..so.. Does this mean you're going to become a Death Eater..?" Alex finally squeaks out. "Unfortunately, it's not up to me.  My father has already decided that for me, for my sixteenth birthday." Asteria speaks sadly. Alex stands up, resting a hand on the table. "There's always another choice." He mutters, tears streaming down his cheeks. "My father was killed by Death Eaters. I never even got to see the look on his face when I got my letter to Hogwarts. It might feel like you don't have a choice, but there's always something you can do. I just pray you make the right decision." He balls his hands into fists as he begins to walk away. 

"I'm so sorry.." Asteria says softly, her voice genuine. "I had no idea.." Alex stops, not facing us. "It's not something I advertise to the general public, you know." He grunts. "Alex.." I say softly, reaching my hand out to him as he turns to face us again, his eyes red and puffy. "You can't blame her for what happened. She's being forced into this life." I try to reason with him. "We have five years to figure out how to get her out of this!" "I'm sorry.." He mumbles softly, transfiguring into his dog self before climbing back onto his chair and curling into a ball. I can hear him whimper, it breaks my heart. We sit in silence for what feels like hours until Alex jumps off of his chair, waddles over to Asteria and climbs up onto her lap. I watch as she hesitates, but slowly pats him, scratching in behind his ear. I can't help but smile as I watch this interaction, I can feel warm fuzzies inside of me as I realise that things are going to be okay. Alex launches out of Asteria's lap and onto me, licking my face. I giggle as his tongue tickles my face. "Aw, Alex... C'mon man..!" I whimper, writhing around in my chair.