To the Library

~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~

~~~(Location: The Room of Requirement)~~~

~~~(Date: September 3rd, 1991)~~~

~~~(Time: 5:32 PM)~~~

I lay on my back, completely exhausted and sore. While the dummies can't do much on their own, they can overwhelm you in numbers. Now I'm thankful they don't have the ability for any actual spells that would hurt me.

I stand up and make my way toward the exit. That's enough spell and physical training for today. I exit into the hallway and notice no one is around.

It's a bummer Albus couldn't come by to help me train, but in the end, it was beneficial. I could train and test things I didn't want others to know I was doing.

Nothing in terms of dark arts, but things I want to be kept secret for my advantage. If I'm ever fighting for my life, I like that advantage. I walk toward the grand staircase and start thinking about subjects that bother me about magic.

However, they are currently too complicated to train, and I have things to look up in the library. I navigate the staircase and eventually make it to the library. I walk in, and I notice there are very few people here.

Most are 5th and 6th years; the rest don't go below 3rd year. I make my way toward the section of the library that's part of the weakness in the defense for the forbidden section.

I'm glad it's out of view, but I have a problem. Granger is right in the area that I found the weakness to get in. Before I can get out of her eyesight, she spots me. She smiles and waves me over.

It looks like I'm not getting into the forbidden section today. I walk over and sit across from her.

"I have all the assignments that were given out today."

She hands me four papers, and I start reading through them. They're easy work. I take a quill and ink and get to work. I spend less than a minute on each page, and I lift my head now that I'm finished.

I see the look on Granger's face, and before I can ask what's wrong, she starts talking.

"How do you know that your answers are right?!"

The incredulous whisper is just quiet enough for no one to hear.

In a simple explanation, I checked my work.

Fast.

I'm far ahead of anyone in the school, so work like this is trivial. Before she can continue, I watch her face go from shock and surprise to anger. Her anger isn't directed at me, though.

It's to someone behind me. I turn around and see the Greengrass girl has decided to show up. Why it's here, I have no idea. It's like I'm a magnet for trouble or something.

She and Granger are staring at each other, and I don't like the thought of being between them.

"I'm surprised to find you in the library, Alex. You know, since you haven't been in any of your classes today."

Greengrass begins talking to me, but she never breaks eye contact with Granger. I sigh and pull up the chair next to me. She sits down and joins us.

Granger looks at me in frustration and at Greengrass with disapproval. These two can be good friends if they get over whatever's bothering them.

I should speak up and figure out what's wrong with the two.

"You both need to relax. What's the real reason you two are clashing so hard? Cause it sure isn't from being in different houses."

They both lose their glares and relax. Granger is still hesitant due to Greengrass's connection with Malfoy.

"I'm only going to say this once. Until you work out your problems, I'll not be hanging out with either of you."

I stand up and leave, not bothering to watch their reactions.

Not much of an incentive to stop fighting someone, but sometimes the threat of losing a friend can bring an accord between two people. It's saying a lot that I'm friends with Greengrass, given that we're just acquaintances.

I don't want to deal with this drama whenever I'm with one of them. So might as well not be around either of them. I make my way toward the library exit and head for the Gryffindor common rooms. I'll hang out there until it's time for dinner.