The silence after I asked my question was almost unbearable, I could clearly see that he wasn’t comfortable answering me. Even Madam Rosmerta noticed the silence, setting our butterbeers down without a word and bustling off to another table with cheerier customers than us. Just as I was about to snatch up the butterbeer and gulp it down out of sheer awkwardness, he told me that he was researching Dark Wizards. Immediately, I stopped playing with the bracelets around my wrist and stared right at him, my curiosity piqued.

Alex took a sip of his drink, so I took a quick one too, but a loud slam on the table made me jump and get some of the butterbeer on my cheek. Embarrassed, I summoned a handkerchief and wiped it off, before replying to him.

“Er, yes. Actually you did surprise me. It’s okay though, at least I didn’t spill on my sweater. Then I would have thrown the rest on you. No, actually. I’m intrigued by what you’re talking about,” I confessed. Biting my lip for the briefest second, my eyes flicked between the books I’d purchased and back to Alex. Did I dare tell him what I was upto?

Aware of my brief silence, my cheeks flushed faintly and I opened my mouth. “I’m actually interested in the Dark Arts myself, but perhaps not for the same reasons. See...I’m interested in magical objects. Wands are the most common type, but I can see potential for SO many types of objects. I’ve researched them for a few years now, not really sure what got me interested to be honest. But there are so many out there. It would be fun to take a tour of the world, and even just to get to see the most famous ones would be an amazing thing. Or so I think, anyway. I’d love to someday be a collector, or a saleswoman of these objects, study them, replicate them, even enchant things myself,” I said, a tone of excitement obvious.

Just then, I realized that I was rambling and staring at Alex with an openness I didn’t usually have with other people. I’d also been talking with my hands, and embarrassedly folded them in my lap. “Er, sorry. I’m rambling,” I pointed out, my face going from slightly flushed to red.

“Er, sorry. I’m rambling.” I smile, raising my glass before taking another drink. I then wave her apology away. “Meh, don’t worry about it, your rambling is far more interesting than any conversation I’ve had in awhile.” I set my glass down, then from the right sleeve of my robes, withdraw my wand. I twirl it between my fingers for just a few moments, gazing at its cyprus shell.

“You know. I want to tour the world one day myself,” I say, as the wand spins between my middle and index finger slowly. “To learn the cultures of other wizards around the world. Maybe to learn more recipes for potions, another little passion of mine. It’s funny, so many people hate on Professor Snape, but none can deny that he sure knows what he’s doing when it comes to potions.”

I gaze at my wand a few more moments before tossing it into the air and catching it neatly at a duel-ready pose. I then slap the thing down on the table, grab my glass and take another drink, a mischievous grin on my face.

“Alright,” I say with a chuckle. “You know magic objects and artifacts quite well it sounds like. Tell me about my wand, what it means. Wandlore is something I never fully understood anyway, I’d love your opinion on the thing. Plus it’d be fun!” I give her a small wink, then sit back, awaiting her words.

As he spoke, I was almost open-mouthed. Generally, when I went on one of my ramble sessions, people just looked at me like I was crazy, even for a highly intellectual person, and walked away. Which is reason two I didn’t have any friends (reason one being that I was just not interested for the most part - just someone around to hurt you).

Listening to his ambitions, I felt a slight smile creep across my face. Alex was, by far, the most interesting person I’d conversed with in a long time. I was definitely looking forward to our duelling sessions, and I wouldn’t entirely be against another chat with him next time we were in Hogsmeade, between the two of us we could carry a fair amount of books back to Hogwarts if we were so inclined.

Watching his fingers twirl his gnarly wand back and forth, I found myself really opening up for the first time in a long time. His view on potions I agreed with, Professor Snape was the best. Besides, potions were technically magical objects, or at least could affect actual objects if applied to them. Or so I’d studied, anyway.

I had just taken a sip of butterbeer when he slapped his wand down on the table and practically ordered me to examine his wand. “Smartass,” I muttered under my breath, reaching out to pick it up anyway. Running my fingers slowly down it’s length, I closed my eyes and focused. I could tell what the wood type was, that was the easy part. Breathing in and out slowly, I clutched the handle and the tip in opposite hands, looking almost as if I was going to break it (I wasn’t).

For the most part there wasn’t a clear indicator when examining a wand. It was more of a deep connection and study of magic that allowed me to be in tune. Not that it would make sense if I tried to explain that to Alex. For almost two minutes, I sat there like that, then I opened my eyes and held it out to him in my hand, a slight shiver running up and down my spine.

“Cypress. Dragon heartstring and doxy wing. This wand is resilient and stubborn, only to be wielded by someone with a strong will. It has extremely dark tendencies, although it can be controlled in the proper hands. I -” I cut myself off, contemplating how to present what I wanted to say. “I’m a little surprised that you’re even in Ravenclaw, if this is your wand. Sorry,” I immediately apologized, giving a little shrug.

I listen to Bridget as she tells me about my wand. I, of course, knew what it was made of, what wizard doesn’t know the makeup of their own wand? But to hear her tell me just what my wand meant. That was something else. I remembered the dark disembodied voice from my dream, “There is much to be done. You are the vessel to usher in a new age, a world where this needn’t happen to anyone else ever again, Alex. You just need to embrace it!” I swallowed hard, gazing at my wand, for the first time wondering if there was more to my dream than a simple nightmare. As she tells me she is a little surprised that I ended up in Ravenclaw, I gingerly pick my wand from the table, staring at it, feeling conflicted. I close my eyes, and I see the skull and serpent. It flashes green, and I let out a startled cry, falling over backwards out of my chair, but still clutching the instrument in my fingers. I blink a few times, then pull the chair upright, staring and hoping nobody saw. Only a few people had turned to face me in this little bar, but Bridget had leapt to her feet, a shocked look on her face.

I try to downplay what just happened, though ironically my wand gives me away--my hands are trembling so hard that I can’t hold it straight.

“It’s...nothing. I just kinda leaned back a little too far and the chair fell over!!” I exclaim, giving an exasperated sigh for good measure. I try my best to chuckle and plaster a smile onto my face, knowing full well it’s as fake as Professor Trelawney’s “divinations” she went on about in class.

The skull….did I really see it when I was surrounded by flames that day? Or was it just a dream? The disturbing part is, I can no longer really remember. I stare at Bridget, part of me wanting her opinion on my dream and part of me so terrified to tell her that I think it would kill me, especially after what she said about my wand. So instead, I laugh again, and shake my head.

“As for you being surprised about my being in Ravenclaw...well, the Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin. It considered it...but it said that my rightful place was among those in Ravenclaw and one day I, and others, would know why.” I shrug, then slip the wand deep into my sleeves once more. “To be honest, sometimes I wonder about that old hat.”

He seemed interested in my analysis of the wand, then picked it up, seeming...almost startled. I was just about to say that I hope I hadn’t offended him, but next thing I knew, he was on the floor. I jumped to my feet, unsure if I should help him up or if he’d be insulted by that. A few other patrons had looked over as well, but Alex got up without any help. A little unsettled, I sat down and listened to him as he tried to brush it off as nothing. Unsuccessfully, I could visibly see his hands trembling.

An eyebrow raised, I watched his face fluctuate between a smile I knew all too well, the “I’m fine leave me alone” smile. When his eyes flicked to me, I held his gaze without flinching, a bit concerned. He seemed focused on something that he’d been through, or was going to do. I couldn’t tell which one.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that he had almost been put in Slytherin. His wand had given me a slight chill when I held it. But he WAS clearly smart, and fit in well in Ravenclaw. I had to laugh at his comment about the Sorting Hat.

“Yes, I know what you mean. That hat is really wise, but he can talk FOREVER. I’ll admit that I like to tune it out when he gives his start of the year speeches, they’re dull as a blank piece of parchment,” I said, but still contemplating his comment about “his rightful place.”
I wondered what that meant.

Drinking the last bit of my butterbeer in one swig. I looked at him. “Look...I’m not going to press you, I don’t exactly know you. But I can tell something is bugging you. I know that when I just need to think, wandering abandoned corridors is the best. One day, I found a room full of mirrors, and just looking at myself, studying, I made some interesting discoveries. Might be something for you to consider.”

Standing, I threw enough money on the table to cover both drinks, whether he liked it or not, and put my coat on. “I’m going to go back to the school to get started on my books…you’re welcome to walk back with me or wander around here for a while. Just going to stop by Honeydukes on the way. Maybe you could use some chocolate - it really does help. That’s not just a myth,” I grinned and picked up my bundle, taking a step before looking to see what he was going to do.

I laugh as she described the sorting hat as “dull as a blank piece of parchment.” I shake my head, and hold up a hand to correct her. “No no, a blank piece of parchment is far more interesting than the sorting hat rambling on and on any day!” I laugh again, probably my first real laugh in 4 years.

My laugh fades just slightly as she says that she can tell something is bothering me. Truth is, there is a large part of me that just wants to open up to her, to tell her what happened. To ask her opinion on things. It’s everything I can do to not just break down right there, to spill everything in my heart. But I just met her, really. How could I do that? I perked up as she mentioned a room full of secret mirrors and hidden discoveries, however.

I am about to reply when she tosses 4 Sickles on the table. My eyes widen in surprise that she would just volunteer to pay for me, but before I can protest the barmaiden scoops it up, looking quite pleased.

“Um. Thanks...I would’ve...I mean I could’ve...thanks. Really,” I stammer, truly grateful and yet wishing I could have afforded to do something in return. I mean truth was I could afford it, but at the same time, that’s two sickles I might need later in the year. Not like I had an inheritance of my own from my parents.

“I’d like to walk back with you,” I answer perhaps a little too quickly at her offer. “It um. Is a long walk. And quite lon--” I break into a purposeful coughing fit to cover that last word I’d almost said, and gave a sheepish grin. “ugh, ever choke on your own slobber? It’s both disgusting and humiliating. Anyway, it’s a boring walk by oneself. I’d love to come with you.”

I turn quickly away, hoping she doesn’t catch the deep red my face decided to turn to at that very moment. I frown a bit, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. “I always thought the whole chocolate thing was a myth; it’s really legit? Well, it gives me an excuse to eat chocolate anyway!” I exclaim, chuckling a bit.

“Don’t mention it,” I said about the drinks. “It’s not -” I cut myself off, turning to look at Alex skeptically. “It’s not my money, so I could really care less. It’s just thrown at me so I’m going to use it for everything I can since I’m expected to be a good girl anyway.” I stood there just outside the bar looking at him for a minute. I hoped it wasn’t bothering him, it was just a habit since I didn’t care. “I could buy the entire town of Hogsmeade and he wouldn’t notice. Which is why I feel no guilt at all for stocking up on a month’s worth of sweets - probably more.”

Turning around, I started the walk over, just listening to him talk. He sounded self-assured but I sensed that something about him was almost...scared? Apprehensive? I wasn’t sure. Not that I’d bring any of this to his attention, I didn’t know him THAT well. Instead, I gave a small laugh as I reached the door of the sweet shop. “Nope, not a myth. It’s not even magical. But I might be cursed for speaking blasphemy if I talk about Muggles.”

I started pushing my way through students, remembering to grab a couple bags as I walked toward the section of candies. I loved gumdrops and chocolate best, filling both bags up right away. I wasn’t prejudiced at all, which is why I haphazardly filled them up right away. With the third bag in hand, I turned around and handed it to Alex.

“Here, fill this up,” I shoved it into his hand and raised an eyebrow, almost skeptical as to whether he’d take it or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t, but I hoped he wouldn’t say no, part of me hoped that. “I’ll be standing by the jawbreakers - I usually get one every time I come in, then break it into smaller pieces.” If he wanted to fill it or not was up to him, I did exactly that, turning and walking over to the huge jar of them on a counter.

“Well,” I say, flashing a half smile towards Bridget, “regardless of how much or little you care about the money, you’re still using it on me when you could be using io….” my voice trails off, and I wink mischievously. “...buy half--or all--of Hogsmeade,” I finish with a chuckle. I listen to her explanation of chocolate, and honestly, it does seem legit--though I do wonder at the lack of magical properties. when it comes to chocolate. It would be fun to break it down, see if there really was something magical about chocolate. I’ve heard of the supposed “cure” for the effects of dementors and it sounds magic to me. Then again, there could be a scientific, rational explanation for it. I am about to mention it as we walk into the sweet shop when she surprises me by thrusting a bag into my hands.

“Here, fill this up!” she tells me, raising an eyebrow. When she tells me she’ll be standing by the jawbreakers, I not, and gaze at the massive assortment of different types of candy in front of me. It’s funny; I never did outgrow my love of sweets. I decide to take her up on her offer, and I stuff the bag half full of Chocolate frogs--several of which I have to hit with the Immobulus spell to get to freaking stay still long enough to pick them up. I fill the rest of the bag with boxes of Every Flavor Jelly Beans--some of my favorite. The adventure of finding out just what flavor you are going to get is irresistable to me.

When finished, I approach the jawbreakers, and give Bridget a nod. “I filled the bag,” I say grinning, genuinely enjoying myself outside of studying magic for the first time in years. “I think I may have overfilled it. Some of the chocolate frogs are hopping out of the top. I might have to enchant the thing so they can’t get out.”

I’d just finished selecting a marbled blue and white jawbreaker when Alex came up to me, his bag overstuffed. I couldn’t help but grin, subconsciously I knew that he would fill it up. “You sure you have enough there? You know you could have used a second bag instead of that one not being able to close, right? Might help the frogs to not knock the boxes of beans out of the bag,” I noted, as one fell to the floor at his feet.

Of course, he probably wouldn’t have grabbed a second one even if I had suggested it, he seemed like he was holding back, just his attitude said that he was used to holding back. I understood that to an extent, although I liked to squander my father’s money because of my hatred for him. But emotionally and socially, sure. I held back all the time.

“If you’re finished, I was going to go check out, I can take your bag if you wanted to wait outside,” I gave a slight nod of my head backward, toward the mass of people at the register. Not that I wanted to go over any more, but I couldn’t just walk out with the sweets, either. When he didn’t make a gesture to leave, my eyebrow raised just a bit, but I led the way into the line. There was easily over a dozen people in front of us, with more filtering through the door than the ones leaving.

I couldn’t wait to get out of there. Looking at Alex, I decided it would be rude to just stand there when we’d end up waiting for a while. “So, Alex, did you have anything you came into Hogsmeade for besides just getting out? I was going to head back to the school after this, but if you needed to go anywhere, I wouldn’t mind going…” I trailed off for a brief second. “I mean, if you even wanted company. If not, no hard feelings, I like alone time too."

“You sure you have enough there? You know you could have used a second bag instead of that one not being able to close, right? Might help the frogs to not knock the boxes of beans out of the bag,” I raise an eyebrow as a package of jelly beans gets thrown to the floor, and have to stifle a laugh. “Well, yeah, you’re probably right. But then again, this is slightly more fun, isn’t it? It never ceases to amaze me just how much trouble these frogs get into before they are eaten.” At her offer to go outside and wait for her, I was immediately dismissive. I wouldn’t leave her to wait alone and bored in such a long line. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to. Besides, she was quite interesting, and to be honest...well, she was good company. At least as good company as she was at dueling.

As we waited, I sort of expected her to be silent--and she managed to surprise me; not in a bad way either. “So, Alex, did you have anything you came into Hogsmeade for besides just getting out? I was going to head back to the school after this, but if you needed to go anywhere, I wouldn’t mind going…” I had to think about that one for a moment. Honestly, I really only came to try and get my mind off that dream…

“Um. Well, actually I didn’t really have a reason to be here,” I say, shrugging my shoulders.

“If you wanted to head back, and just enjoy some of our goods here, I’d be up for it.” I leave off the fact that I don’t really ever have anything to do on off days anyway. I do find myself hoping that she won’t want to just go off on her own when we get back, however. It’d been a long time since I really cared to have friends, or to be around anyone….but there was something about Bridget that I couldn’t quite explain…

I had to smile at the frogs myself, "You know, you're right. They do get in a lot of trouble. They're just like real frogs, just without the abhorrent smell and the slimy skin." There was something I'd hated about frogs. The croaking made me want to scratch my eyes out. I suppose that's why I'd never been fond of the chocolate ones, either. Give me truffles any day and I'd be your best friend (or just take them and ignore you, depending on my mood).

"Well then, how about after this lot," I gestured to the shortening line in front of us, "is done and we get to make an escape, we go back? I have some studying to do anyway." I rolled my eyes briefly at the thought of the three foot-long essays I had to do. "And," I added, "I know a place we can study AND enjoy our sweets. That way Madam Pince won't come rattling down on our heads in the library about it. She can sniff those out from the other side of the castle, no matter how sneaky you are. I'm lucky I haven't been kicked out yet." I snickered at my most recent memory, I'd specifically put a chocolate cauldron on the ground where she would have to step on it in order to chew me out. Of course, I hadn't had any more myself, blaming it on another student that had just left a few minutes ago.

Generally I didn't break rules, but that had been too funny. I hadn't done it since, mostly because I didn't want to get kicked out of the library. I liked to hang about in the restricted section when I was in my "research moods."

Lost in momentary thought, I didn't say anything for a few moments. I was yanked out of memory lane, however, as we finally reached the register. "That will be one galleon, two sickles, and 15 knuts," the man told me. I yanked my money out of my bag and threw two galleons on the counter, telling him to keep the change. He looked briefly surprised before snatching them up and nodding as I stepped away from the counter. I was used to the look of surprise that people gave me when I threw extra money around. But again, I really didn't care. Neither did my father, I was fairly certain that he was glad I was out of his hair.

Stepping outside, I realized it had started to snow again in the brief interlude we were inside. I juggled the bag, trying to get my hat and gloves out of my pocket. Looking at Alex, I thrust the bag at him.

"Mind holding this? I didn't think to get these out before we came outside," I sheepishly admitted. "Just want to put them on for the walk back to the castle."

I smirk as Bridget describes chocolate frogs. While I've never quite had a hatred of frogs (quite honestly, I would sometimes go catch them, just to let them go a few minutes later after I was satisfied taking in their odd, and arguably, ugly beauty), I could relate. They WERE rather slimy. It was sort of like trying to hold onto a giant slug--something we were getting ample practice with in Potions.

"Well then, how about after this lot is done and we get to make an escape, we go back? I have some studying to do anyway. And, I know a place we can study AND enjoy our sweets. That way Madam Pince won't come rattling down on our heads in the library about it. She can sniff those out from the other side of the castle, no matter how sneaky you are. I'm lucky I haven't been kicked out yet." I arch an eyebrow for a moment, wondering what place she could have found. "Well, I say with a smirk and a shake of my head, "You're not wrong. That, she definitely can. I've attempted to sneak chocolate into the library a time or two. Sometimes I've wondered if she has some sort of chocolate-detecting charm surrounding the place..." My voice trails off as I rub my chin contemplatively. It wasn't the first time I suspected such a charm. Perhaps I should attempt a detection spell of some sort one of these days...

"ANYWAY," I say, shaking my head to bring myself back to reality, "Sounds good to me. Maybe you can help me with a few things myself. I'm up for it!" I watch as Bridget all but throws 2 Galleons at the wizard behind the register. I almost laugh at his saucer sized eyes before he nods approvingly, slipping the money away. Stepping outside, I shiver slightly. How was the air so damn cold already? It seemed to have dropped at least 10 degrees since we were inside the shop. I watch in amusement for a moment as Bridget attempts to don her hat and gloves while holding her bags. Just as I'm about to volunteer to help her, she all but thrusts them into my arms.

"Mind holding this? I didn't think to get these out before we came outside. Just want to put them on for the walk back to the castle." I nod, trying to hide the amusement in my eyes and keeping my face smile free. "Yeah sure. Understandable, it sure got cold out all of a sudden." I gaze at the overcast sky, but my mind is turning back to my dream, back to my...studies. I blink the memory of the dreams away--but I know they will return. They always do.

"Thanks," I say, practically throwing the bags into his arms, our hands briefly brushing. His skin feels the opposite of cold, his hands are warm and feel a bit clammy. Donning the hat and gloves, I'm grateful for the warmth. I take my bags out of his hands and start to walk toward the road that leads to the castle.

"What are you complaining about, by the way?" I said, smirking. "I can feel the heat radiating off of your robes! What did you do? Cast a fire charm on them?" I asked, stating the obvious. Although - if he really was feeling sick it would make sense if he was cold, he had looked a bit pale in the bookshop. "It's not a bad idea, really. I just actually enjoy the seasons, so I don't use charms like that. Occasionally I'll sneak one in the summer when I want to be out and it feels like lava is being dispersed in the air."

Thinking for a moment, I glanced over at Alex. He didn't seem like the type that usually hung around with strangers (neither was I). I had to think back on what we'd been talking about before I remembered what had caught his interest earlier.

"You know, if you're really interested in the dark arts and defensive magic, I'll show you something when we get back," I said, gesturing toward the rapidly growing figure of the castle. "I have quite the collection, actually," I admitted. Although, when I said 'quite the collection,' I actually had more than someone might think. Everything I brought back and forth I shrunk, and I had long ago enchanted my storage with undetectable extension charms (as soon as I had learned how to). All my books were stored in a mini-trunk that fit neatly into my big one I took back and forth every school year.

"I do have studying to do," I said, "but usually on days off I do my own research." I bit my lip and gave him a once-over. "If you're very careful and remember that I'll happily strangle you for damages, I'll let you see it." I wasn't kidding about that either, I made sure my tone portrayed that.

I feel a slight tingle in my hands as hers brush against mine. Something that I can honestly say I've never felt before. It is like a thousand pinpricks radiate through my arm into my heart. I blink, taken aback by the sensation, the sudden warmth that seems to overtake me. And then I wonder if Bridget notices and that makes my face feel like it's lit aflame. I wonder if I'm blushing, but I hope that I'm not. What the hell is wrong with me? I ask myself, although if I were deeply honest with myself I'd probably have a good idea.

"What are you complaining about, by the way? I can feel the heat radiating off of your robes! What did you do? Cast a fire charm on them?" I grin at her sarcasm, and turn to her, with a mischievous grin. "Nah, but you seem to have," I say--and then I can feel my face flush, because I'm only half joking with her. So I quickly turn away, focusing on the path ahead as we make our way from Hogsmead back to Hogwarts.

"You know, if you're really interested in the dark arts and defensive magic, I'll show you something when we get back. I have quite the collection, actually. I do have studying to do, but usually on days off I do my own research. If you're very careful and remember that I'll happily strangle you for damages, I'll let you see it." I remain silent for a while after she says this. She really is the only person I've even come remotely close to trusting, after my family died. Who are you kidding, Alex, I think to myself. You know you already trust her. She's someone you could be good friends with. Stop lying to yourself. I close my eyes, wondering if I'm making the right choice. I loved my mother. My father. My sisters. And where are they now? Dead. Burned. With nothing I could do. I vowed that would never happen again. And yet.....and yet.

"Don't worry," I say, a smile crossing my face despite my dark thoughts. I brush a few strands of hair from my eyes, shrugging my shoulders. "After our duel, I know you aren't a woman to be trifled with--or taken lightly." ACTUALLY feeling somewhat better, just with the jest alone, and, if I were to be honest with myself, the company (arguably the biggest reason I was feeling better), I tread forward through the snow. Part of me wants to feel her hand again, the light touch of her fingers upon mine. Seriously, the hell is wrong with me? I wonder again, but I really don't need to answer that question.

We were halfway back to the castle when I lost my footing and fell face-first in the snow, despite my boots. "Nah, but you seem to have, Alex said, referring to his robes. I picked myself up quickly, brushing off the snow and picking up my bags. My face had turned red, but thankfully it was from embarrassment, not just his jest. To be honest, I wasn't sure how to respond that. I hadn't even considered anyone trustworthy enough to be a friend, let alone anything beyond that region.

Instead of acknowledging it, I brushed it off. "Goddamn snowbanks," I said, randomly kicking a stone half-wall and knocking the snow off one of my boots. I listened to him respond to my offer, and had to smirk.

"Well I'm sure you've learned by now that I will kick you through a wall, so I'm not too worried anyway, even if I didn't trust you, which I do," I said. I was surprised to learn that I meant that, too. There was something about Alex that said 'I might be insane but I have a level of respect imbued in myself.'

There was a slightly awkward silence between the two of us as we walked closer and closer to the castle. I wasn't sure what he was thinking about, but I was stuck on his jest. Why, exactly, had he said that? I mean, I knew why people usually did that, but there was absolutely no possible way that could be happening, considering we just started talking to each other. Ugh. I rubbed the side of my head, confused, and finally stepped through into the courtyard of the Castle.

In the snowy yard were a few lingering Professors, talking and keeping an eye out for people trying to sneak into Hogsmeade. The silence lasted through the castle until we got to the Common Room. Then I broke it. "So, Alex...meet you back down here in about 10 minutes? I need to get my things. Then we'll head out," I said. I gave him a nod and a small grin, then headed up the stairs to my dormitory.

Truth be told, I didn't really need 10 minutes, I just needed a bit of time alone. I took off my coat, hat, and gloves, just sitting on the edge of my bed. What an interesting day so far.

I actually laughed as Bridget fell into a snowbank. I don't know why I found this so funny, but I started laughing so hard I was crying. I bent down to help her up, but she was already on her feet by the time I made it to her. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear I saw a slight flushing to her face, and briefly wondered if she were feeling the same things I were. Not that it mattered. Right? Or did it? I couldn't help but laugh as she cursed the snowbanks. If I were to be honest with myself, I could relate. I wasn't exactly the LEAST clumsy person at Hogwarts. Ironically, my worst enemy during dueling was probably myself, as I had a penchant for tripping over air.

"Well I'm sure you've learned by now that I will kick you through a wall, so I'm not too worried anyway, even if I didn't trust you, which I do," I am a bit surprised at her admission to trusting me. I mean, she barely knows me. Then again, I feel the same way towards her. And why should I? I can't quite explain it. For some reason she gives me a sense of peace I have not felt in years. I grin, and snap towards her. "I love your confidence, Bridget. I look forward to training with you!" I give her a wink, then laugh, shaking my head. "Seriously though, you sure know what you are doing."

I tread the rest of the way in silence as we move towards Hogwarts, lost in my own thoughts. My first thoughts are of Bridget, wondering just why I seem to feel the way I do. But then they turn dark. Again. How, exactly, did my parents die? How is it the spell Aguamenttai failed to put out the fire that burned my entire family. What is the voice I hear in the back of my head from time to time? Am I going crazy? I don't know. But I want to find out, and I feel my only chance is through her. Through Bridget. If anyone can help me, she seems to be the one.

But you will only get her killed, like you got your entire family killed. You couldn't save your mother. Your father. Your sisters. Your brother. She will die too, you know. It's just a matter of time. I blink the thoughts away, cursing them, warning them away. No. If anyone can help me discover the truth, she can.

""So, Alex...meet you back down here in about 10 minutes? I need to get my things. Then we'll head out," I nod and offer a smile. "Sure, not like I have any place to be. 10 minutes. I'll be right down.

After procrastinating for seven of the ten minutes, I finally got up with a firm decision to ignore the things going through my head. Taking my new books out of my bag, I shrunk them and put them in my mini-chest. The small wooden chest with black metal trimming wouldn't be the first place you'd think to look for books. But, I loved my magic. With shrinking spells and extension charms, I was able to have easily over 500 magical tomes, most of which I'd bought at a glance.

Setting the chest on my bed for a brief moment, I suddenly felt conscious without an extra layer of padding over my wrists. On my left arm, I put a multitude of bracelets, and on my right I put a wristlet over the sleeve. There. That was much better.



I picked up the chest and tucked it under my left arm, swinging my messenger bag with all my work in it over the right. Headed down the stairs, somehow I was not surprised to see Alex still down there.

"Hey there," I said. "Did you even go upstairs at all?" He was standing in the same general area he had been when I left, he didn't even have his work on him (if he still had any). "I have three foot-long essays to write, so I'll be busy this afternoon. Anyhoo, let's go!" I marched off to the door, listening to the door's attempt to give me a riddle on the way out. I usually only bothered with it on the way in, unless I was in a witty mood. I had, once or twice, stood there for an hour or two and hashed out riddles with the door.

I wasn't sure why Alex hadn't heard of this room before, I wasn't the only student who used it. Someone had just found a couple of empty rooms, blasted out the wall in between, and made it a study room. I loved it. There were two fireplaces, which made for a cozy atmosphere. It was just down the hall from the library for easy access, and the seating was comfortable. I sat down in a comfortable armchair with a table in front of it, motioning for Alex to sit across from me. I set my chest on the table, and put my bag on the seat beside me. I fished out my sweets and popped an entire truffle into my mouth before addressing Alex.

"So, would you like to see my collection?" I asked, a small smile daring to cross my face.

I watch as she strides up the stairs to the female dorms. Deciding there's really nothing I need to do, I simply wait. Meanwhile, my mind wanders. I begin to think about the happenings in the world lately. How You Know Who has returned--along with his Death Eaters. I wondered if this had something to do with Snape becoming our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. And that weird professor Slughorn. He seems vaguely...sketchy.

Bridget's footsteps pull me from my thoughts, as she comes back down. She stares at me for just a moment, before asking me if I'd even went upstairs. Shaking my head, I reply "No, actually, didn't have to go lugging a pirates chest from my room." I follow her as she leads me to a room a stones throw from the library. I blink, a little surprised I've never payed this area much attention. It looks pretty damn comfortable, and more importantly, one can actually eat in it. I watch as Bridget flops down on a seat, and goes for a truffle.

As I take a seat next to Bridget, I hear her ask "So, would you like to see my collection?" I gaze at the mysterious chest sitting on the table. "So is that where you keep all your secrets?" I ask, grinning. I reach into my own bag, pulling out a chocolate frog, hanging onto the thing so it doesn't manage to hop away.

Even though I knew Alex was jesting about this being my secret chest, he wasn't far off. I did have some strange and...dark things in there. But somehow, I didn't think he of all people would turn me in.

"See, that's not far off actually," I said, taking my wand out of my boot (great place to hide it). I held the tip of it up to the lock and drew a small, complicated, series of patterns that would unlock it. I opened the lid and looked at Alex.

"I'm not joking around with the things in here," I said, a serious tone to my voice. "I told you that I was interested in my own...pursuits. You can walk away and tell, if you want." The taunt was mostly because I somehow KNEW he wouldn't tell. But, hopefully it imposed the seriousness of what I was showing him.

I slid over and sat on the arm of his chair, pausing for a moment, suddenly hyper-aware of the proximity I had created. I shook my head at the thought, and moved the chest over in front of the two of us.

Inside, you could see a neatly sectioned compartment, larger than you might think. Books were shrunk to about the size of a thumbnail and stacked in sections on small bookshelves inside of the chest. You could also see small bins of objects I'd collected. Looking down into it, you could tell, just by the 500+ books that I hadn't been messing around. You could also tell that there were...a lot of dark books and objects in it.

In one section of the chest there were a bunch of old scrolls and parchments, along with some newer ones filled with notes and ideas of my own.

I looked at Alex. "So...go ahead and rifle around if you want, here's a magnifying glass so you can see the titles on the books...I'll just be finishing the last bit of my essays."

I slid back to my own chair and pulled out my work and my favorite quill, an eagle feather, setting my inkwell out in front of me. I bent my head over the first of them and scanned it over so I could write the final paragraphs. My mind wasn't fully in it, however. I was wondering what Alex would think.

I feel a slight fluttering in my stomach as Bridget moves close, sitting on the arm of my chair long enough to set the chest in front of us. I watch the intricate patterns she traces in the air with her wand, impressed at both the complexity AND the fact she has obviously memorized the patterns. I am about to say as much, but the inside of the chest catches me by surprise. I stare, wide eyed, at the vast library within, hundreds and hundreds of them. I turn to face her, curious of she had been the one to cast the extension charm. Obviously she had shrank the books, each one no bigger than a stamp. Of course, if she had been the one to enchant the chest...which, I suspect, she was...that was very impressive.

"So...go ahead and rifle around if you want, here's a magnifying glass so you can see the titles on the books...I'll just be finishing the last bit of my essays." Bridget says before I can say anything, handing me the magnifying glass and sliding back to her seat. I actually feel disappointment as she walks away, and then wonder why the hell I care. I look back over at Bridget. "Did you..do this? The charm?!" I ask her, motioning towards the chest. "Because if you did, I'm really impressed. I bet there's not 10 students in all of Hogwarts who could pull that off!"

Taking the magnifying lens, I begin carefully going through the chest, peering at titles. Even I'm not entirely sure what, exactly, I'm looking for. As I peek through, I find some interesting titles. The Way of the Wand: A Complete Guide to Dueling by Windella Celestria. The Complete Guide to Quiddich Broomsticks by Quin LeFranne. The Art of Wandcraft: A Complete Guide to the Subtleties of Wand Making by... Gellert Grindelwald!!! I let out a small gasp at that. I hadn't even known he'd written any books on wand lore!

And then darker titles. Titles where I am sure I may find the answers I need. The Rise of the Dark Arts: A History by Hephastus Meade. Blacker than Black: The Darkest of the Dark Arts by Vildego Hassim. An Immortal Life: The Study of Horcruxes by Delekahn Myru. And then I see another book, one that catches my attention immediately. "The Darkest Flames: A Study of Fiendfyre" by Zed Illeus.

I don't know why that title appeals to me so much, but I carefully withdraw the book, and slip next to Bridget. "Obviously we can't read this here, but...I'm interested in this book here. I'm not sure why, not yet, but...I think I may get some answers. Actually, there's a lot of books of yours I'd be interested in reading..." I let my voice trail off, suddenly aware that once again we are very close to eachother. My mouth suddenly feeling dry, I try to redirect my thoughts elsewhere.