Ambivalent → Hermione Granger [3] ✔

I 19 I Unmasking Truths

~*~

Alexander felt Ron dig his nails into his shirt and swallowed the urge to grimace. There was no time to panic. He had to keep calm if he wanted any chance for them to get out of there alive. His mind raced as he tried to keep his expression devoid of anything that might trigger the unstable man in front of him. It was easier said than done. The sharp, murderous glint in Sirius Black's eye caused a shiver to creep down his spine.

Alexander took a cautious step back, feeling Ron's grip tighten in response. His movements were slow and deliberate, each measured to avoid provoking Black. The room seemed to close in on them, the air thick with tension. Alexander's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to breathe steadily, to maintain an exterior of calm he did not feel.

"Stay back," Alexander said, his voice surprisingly steady despite the fear that coursed through him. He raised his free hand slightly, a gesture meant to appease rather than challenge. "W—We don't want any trouble. You hear me?"

"There's only one thing I want," declared Black, lips curled into a sneer. "And I'm going to make sure I get it. He's here I know it. I won't be fooled again."

Alexander's brow furrowed. His mind instantly leapt to Harry. Black must have come for him. That was the only thing that made sense.

"He isn't here if that's what you mean," he said, his voice firm despite his tremor. "You're sorely mistaken."

Black's eyes narrowed, the sneer deepening on his lips. "I'm not mistaken, boy," he growled. "He's here. I know he is." Black's gaze shifted, and something dark and predatory sparked in his eyes.

Alexander felt Ron's grip tighten even more as he started trembling. He needed to de-escalate the situation before it got worse. "You're not going to get to him," Alexander snapped, taking another cautious step back. "I won't let you."

A flicker of curiosity flashed in Black's eyes as he looked over, studying Alexander, who resisted squirming. "You think you can stop me?" he asked, a dangerous edge to his voice.

"I have to try," Alexander replied, his heart pounding harder. He raised his hand again, trying to project an air of confidence. "If you leave now, no one has to get hurt." The tension in the room grew thicker, and Alexander felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He had to keep Black talking, had to buy more time. "Why are you so desperate to find him?" Alexander asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "What has Harry ever done to you?"

Black's eyes flickered and he seemed hesitant all of a sudden. "Harry?" he frowned. He tilted his head, his gaze becoming almost analytical as he regarded Alexander. He spoke after a few seconds. "You're protecting the wrong person," he said, his tone softer but no less menacing. "You don't even know who you're dealing with."

Alexander's confusion deepened. What was he talking about? "I know exactly who I'm dealing with," he said. "You're Sirius Black. And you're not going to get past me."

Black's lips curled into a cold smile. "You're brave, I'll give you that," he said almost in amusement.

Just then, a creak from the staircase echoed through the tense silence. Black's eyes darted towards the sound, and in a fluid motion, he slipped into the shadows, disappearing from sight. Alexander barely had time to react before Harry and Hermione burst into the room, their faces flushed with worry.

"Alex!" Hermione's voice was a mix of relief and concern. She rushed over to him, her eyes scanning for any sign of injury. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Alexander managed a shaky smile, feeling a warmth spread through him as he settled on her glassy doe-eyes again. It was like finding a single blooming flower in the middle of a barren desert. "I'm fine. Really," he assured her, grateful for her presence. He scanned her form. "Are you—? He frowned, noticing the scratches along her face.