Alexandra Weasley

32

That evening, Alexandra sat beside Snuffles, petting him while she waited for Hermione. The younger girl finally snuck into the room.
"I hate that you make me do this. I'm not normally a rule breaker." She pouted. "It's just not in my nature."

"Sorry, but it's the most private place in the school. Well, one of." Alexandra shrugged as Hermione sat beside the door, far away from Snuffles.

"You just want to torture me."

"Scooch over closer." Alexandra said and Hermione glared.

"Absolutely not." Hermione folded her arms in defiance, making Alexandra grin. "So, tell me. What's been going on in the two days you've been out of the hospital wing?"

"A lot."

"How much is a lot?"

"I might not come back to Hogwarts next year."

"What? Why?"

"Dumbledore thinks I'd do better at Mahoutokoro than I would here. He thinks they have more to offer, since they're academically ahead of all other wizarding schools."

"But you can't leave." Hermione said. "I mean Japan is really far away and it's a day school, so unless you have family there, it'll be pretty hard. And your-"

"You're not making any points I haven't already thought about."

"Why would you want to go?"

"You already know the answer to that."

"Because you think it'll be easier to be an outsider there?" Hermione scoffed. "You don't even speak Japanese."

"I could learn. I could learn it alongside my other classes."

"You're serious? Is it that bad, having friends?"

"I might not leave."

"Why would you stay?"

"A few reasons. I'd miss you. I wouldn't be able to prank the twins anymore."

"So you're definitely going to go?"

"I don't know."

"I suppose it's a great opportunity." Hermione said. "And a totally great achievement."

"Is this you being supportive?"

"I suppose if you want to go, I shouldn't be selfish and ask you to stay. And maybe Hogwarts is too small for you. Maybe you'd benefit more in Japan."

"I'd miss you, you know."

"I'd miss you too. I mean, you were the first real friend I made here, even before your brother."

"Right back at you. Anyways, Dumbledore says I don't have to make any real decision until the end of the school year. We're only halfway through."

"Whatever you decide, I'll respect it, and I'll be here whatever you need."

"Thanks, H."

"Will you please tell me who Nicholas Flamel is?"

"Hermione, please stop looking into it. It's a lot more dangerous than you think. Possibly a lot more dangerous than any of the teachers think. Please. It's- just leave it, please."