Ambivalent → Hermione Granger [3] ✔

I 10 I Late Night Conversations

~*~

Alexander doesn't think he has seen Professor Dumbledore look so grim and serious. The twinkle in his eyes was absent and his mouth pressed into a thin, white line. Alexander understood how he felt. What was once a state of drowsiness, and as if his limbs were about to topple over, had disappeared and his nerves tingled like they'd been electrified.

He scoured his surroundings, hoping that Sirius Black would be lurking behind a statue or a painting, hiding in the shadows with a feral gaze, waiting for his chance. Alexander's body tensed and his hand drifted to his wand, eyes narrowed. How can he be so careless? Surely a man who escaped Azkaban, a heavily guarded fortress, can break into Hogwarts? It'd be like a simple walk in the park for him, clear-cut and easy. God, he should have been more aware, more awake. He can't afford to mess up, not if it meant Harry's life on the line. Alexander swallowed the lump in his throat and moved to rest on a shell-shocked Harry and stunned Ron and Hermione.

Professor Dumbledore announced soberly that no one was to sleep in their dormitories tonight and instead, they'd be camping in the Great Hall. A large hush and whispers erupted, some looking less than pleased but Alexander didn't mind. Not if it meant being close to his friends, in a way that he could protect them, protect Harry. Others, however, appeared excited at the turn of events. This, Alexander, couldn't comprehend. A murder could have occurred so closely, under their nose.

The Great Hall was packed to the brim that evening with sleeping bags in every space. Alexander grabbed a light blue one and joined his friends in a nearby corner. He positioned himself next to Harry on his right and his wand close to his palm, so all he had to do was grab it. Hermione was on his left while Ron was by Harry's other side, yawning.

A few metres away, Alexander spotted Nia and Helen huddled together closely. Helen's head draped across her shoulder and her fingers drew circles into Nia's palm as they whispered. He watched Nia shuffle closer if that was possible, most likely comforting her.

"Do you think Black's still in the castle?" Hermione whispered anxiously, peeking a look at Percy nearby.

Alexander turned his head. "Probably, who knows," he muttered.

"It's very lucky he picked tonight, you know," said Hermione, biting her lip. "The one night we weren't in the tower." She took a shuddering breath. "I just can't help wondering what if–"

Alexander sighed and rustled around as he lay down. "We shouldn't think about what-ifs and could-have-been. We were lucky."

"But how did he get himself in the castle, do you suppose?" asked Ron, propped up his elbow. "Disguised himself maybe?"

"No," answered Alexander instantly.

"The castle's protected by more than walls," explained Hermione with a roll of her eyes. "There are all sorts of enchantments on it, to stop people entering by stealth. And I'd like to see the disguise that could fool those dementors. They're guarding every single entrance to the grounds."

"Alright," grumbled Ron a bit put out. "It was just an idea."

"I wouldn't fancy him busting in here," mumbled Harry distractedly as he looked at Percy. "Don't think he'd have the nerve to."

"That won't happen," promised Alexander. "Professor Dumbledore's here, remember?" And I won't let it happen.

"The lights are going out now!" Percy shouted in a warning tone over the chatter. "I want everyone in their sleeping bags and no more talking!"

The Hall darkened as the candles snuffed out. Silvery ghosts and the enchanted ceiling were the only light visible. Alexander saw the misty whiteness of his breath waft out in front of him. People slowly drifted off to sleep with a few light snores appearing here and there; the rustling of sleeping bags echoed.