unforeseen [h.p.]

HEART TO HEARTS

Alex could hardly remember how she got back to the castle. She recalled storming out of the Three Broomsticks, overwhelmed with emotion. She didn't wait for her friends. As soon as her professors and the Minister left, she emerged from under the table and bolted.

Sirius Black

You-Know-Who

Traitor

Her mind was a mess of jumbled, racing thoughts.

"Alex, wait!" called a voice somewhere behind her. It was Gemma. "You know my legs are short, wait!"

God-siblings

Murder of the Chamberlains

Alex didn't know what to believe anymore. Sirius Black murdered her family. Sirius Black was Harry's godfather. Harry's parents were Alex's godparents. She and Harry were godsiblings.

She was dumbstruck, a feeling she didn't like or know how to cope with. How could Mark and Amelia not tell her this? They sent her off to Hogwarts practically clueless.

Alex's thoughts were disrupted when she barged right into someone else.

"Pardon me, sorry--"

"Chamberlain?"

Malfoy.

Alex's icy gaze met one similar.

"I thought you weren't allowed to--" he stopped, realization dawning on him. The gleam of confusion in his eyes turned to malicious mirth. "Oh, I see. Illegal trip to Hogsmeade."

"It's none of your business," said Alex lowly. She tried to get around him, but of course he was flanked by his stupid cronies.

"Move out of my way," Alex demanded. She wasn't in the mood. Her was fuse short.

"Why are you heading back? Scared of the dementors, Chamberlain?"

Alex had had just about of enough of this. She reached into her jacket to pull out her wand, but then--

"Draco," came a voice. Gemma had finally caught up with her. Her breathing was heavy after chasing Alex for five minutes. "Leave her alone."

"Or what?"

"I promise, I know more hexes than you," Gemma said, drawing her wand.

Draco considered her for a moment. "Whatever, Douglas, I'm not going to duel you. Come on, boys." He beckoned his brick headed friends and they went around the two girls.

Alex sniffed. "I've never seen you threaten someone who wasn't Blake. . . Thanks."

Gemma laughed. "You're my friend. I'll always defend a friend."

With that, Alex and Gemma trudged their way back to the castle. Alex knew she was just being paranoid, but she swore she could feel someone's stare lingering on her back.

***

Alex spent the next couple of hours packing her trunk for winter holiday. It felt weird, putting away her clothes and keepsakes, knowing that she'd be going back to Devon tomorrow morning. She kept having to remind herself that'd she'd be back for second term.

She was the only one going back for Christmas, besides Gemma and Blake. She wasn't looking forward to how long and quiet the train ride would be without her friends. Nor was she looking forward to confronting Amelia and Mark about keeping secrets, but she was tired of feeling helpless. She wanted to know everything about herself and her past. That information started with her aunt and uncle.