d o v e

s i x

Alex kicked her feet as she sat in a chair, waiting for- but not expecting- Draco's arrival. She had low hopes already, but what she said in potions shot them through the floor. Unless he wasn't paying attention, her mention of strawberry bath soap would have definitely grabbed his attention.

"This is cozy," Draco stated, entering the room. It was mostly empty other than a table, a fireplace and a few armchairs. He took a seat across from her, crossing his legs and resting his arms along those of the chair. Alexandra took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. "I assume you didn't ask me here to play a board game."

"I wanted to tell you why I ran that day," she admitted. "Actually, I thought it would be easier for you to see it. I don't suppose you know Legilimency."

"I do," he admitted, leaning forward curiously.

"Look, then," she encouraged. "It'll save a lot of explaining."

"Right, then," he said, clearing his mind and preparing to perform the skill his aunt had taught him over the summer. He looked at Alexandra as she sat with her eyes closed, not wanting to see his face when he saw her memories. He squinted, focusing intently as he successfully penetrated her mind.

Images swirled through Draco's head of some of Alex's shorter memories. He saw her laughing with her friends, snogging someone he didn't immediately recognize, running around with a young version of himself, and joking around with the Weasley twins.

"I hope to do the Wizarding World some good, sir. Even if it kills me," Alexandra said to a younger looking Dumbledore. She had a smile on her face, but her eyes seemed empty. Suddenly, who Draco recognized as a young Tom Riddle appeared in the picture.

"I'm here to escort the girl to her common room, Professor."

Seconds later, Tom was no longer in the picture, and a paler version of Alex was seen talking to Dumbledore once more.

"Enough with your riddles! I want to go home!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible."

The scene faded to black before Dumbledore appeared once again, this time with Snape.

"She is the perfect pawn, professor," Dumbledore stated, looking at the small child sitting in the window of her home.

"She's just a girl, headmaster," Snape replied.

Draco watched as a blue light flashed towards a young Alexandra, and she cried as she held onto her small white teddy bear. It was the bear he had given her for her sixth birthday.

"I'm sure you understand the effects of this love potion, am I correct?" Snape asked, now standing in his office. Alexandra nodded. "Those conceived under the effects of a love potion-"

"Are unable to love. I'm aware, professor."

"Are you aware that you, Miss River, were conceived under the effects of a love potion?"

"Everyone can love, professor," her small voice rang in an echo. "If you believe in love enough, anything is possible."

The scene fell into black once again as a man's voice echoed through Draco's head.

"There is only one with the power to manipulate love further than the ability of any potion or spell known to witch or wizard if fate so allows. The only one with the true power to tamper with such magic and receive no consequences from the First Fundamental Law, the power to turn even the darkest of hearts lighter with only her touch. Born when the sun welcomes St. Valentine, born to those who know not love, but betrayal-"

The next image Draco knew all too well. He watched himself, reliving all the pain of receiving his dark mark all while wondering how Alexandra had seen it.

The scene changed one final time to Tom Riddle standing in front of Alexandra once again, anger and hurt evident in his eyes.

"You mean nothing to me. Nothing!"

Draco decided he had seen enough, bringing himself back to reality as he opened his eyes to see his friend crying lightly. He frowned.

Although Alexandra felt vulnerable, she also felt relieved. He had seen everything she wanted him to see, all while avoiding the one memory she tried very hard to hide.