Disclaimer: Do I look like JKR? No? Well, there's your answer, I don't own Harry Potter or his world.

Claimer: Alexandra, plot

Chapter 26: Beginnings

I returned to the Slytherin dormitories, only to be way-laid by Hermione.

"Where have you been? They said something about you going off to grieve and all, but they were lying, I know it! They were worried about something."

Oh no. Sometimes she's too perceptive for her own good.

I couldn't honestly tell her, now could I? That'd be her death warrant and mine.

But I wanted to tell her, tell the world that not every Death Eater had a choice.

That it hurt like hell; still hurt like hell.

That it was just wrong and foolish to believe any different.

"They weren't lying. I was grieving." And that was the truth.

Only the reasons differed.

"I'm so sorry about your parents, Alex."

Wasn't everyone?

"Stupid Ministry." I didn't explain, but she nodded her head in agreement.

And then surprised me by throwing her arms around me to give me a hug.

I returned it, if a bit awkwardly.

"I'll be alright, you know." That is, if the Aurors, the Death Eaters, Voldemort, or my father didn't kill me first.

Strange, but I feared my father more.

"I know. You're strong."

Hah. I'm pathetically weak, but I don't correct her.

My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten all day.

"Hungry? We can go down to the kitchens."

I looked at her more closely. Hermione, suggesting to go and break the rules?

She caught my look of disbelief. "I'm not that rule-conscious, you know. Just appear to be, really."

Yeah, right.

But I nodded, accepting that vague explanation.

Let her lead me to the kitchens, where I made myself a sandwich.

Finishing it rather rapidly.

Now what? It was late—though a few minutes before curfew. I think.

Definitely didn't want to get caught by Filch.

Evil man, that one.

"See you tomorrow in class, alright? I want to avoid Filch as much as possible."

She nodded, headed back to Gryffindor.

Finally, back to my room-mate-proofed bed.

I whispered the password and was surprised to see people still in the common room.

They glared at me; I glared back.

"Andrews!"

I turned, recognizing the voice. "What do you want, Malfoy?" The name spit out with venom.

He raised an eyebrow at my tone, but followed along.

Only, I wasn't playing.

"What were you doing out so late, trying to lose points for Slytherin?"

Oh Malfoy, shut up. I want to go to bed.

"No. Slytherin does that quite well by itself."

He gave me a last glare and a nod.

I smirked, gave them all one final glare, and went to bed.

As I was leaving, I heard a faint whisper, "Does she know how much she looks like Snape when she does that?"

Here ends Dark Secret.

Will be continued in a sequel, when I get around to it.

Yes, I realize that several questions remain unanswered and many things left unresolved. I don't believe that every story truly resolves everything, yet many of the questions will be answered in the sequel.

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For notice on when the sequel is coming out, please see my yahoogroup—addy in my profile.

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