Start Of The New Year

{https://www.(p)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n).com/easyread. Head here if you want to read more than what I post on webnovel.}

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

~~~(Location: The Room Of Requirement, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date: January 1st, 1992)~~~

~~~(Time: 7:45 AM)~~~

Everyone has returned to Hogwarts, and classes are starting up today. Albus has been watching me more closely lately. He brought me to his office to discuss what happened with the mirror. I told him everything that I knew.

Which was very little. It's not getting in the way of anything, but I know he's keeping closer tabs on me. The same goes for Minerva. It's been harder for me to get around Hogwarts during the night.

There is no logical explanation as to why the increase in security is happening, especially regarding me. I can understand Harry being watched, but there's nothing special about me.

Sure, I got a good brain, and I use it. I have some talent with magic and a wand. But that's the end of the list.

"Breaking the mirror meant more than I thought it did..."

The silence and solitude of the room of requirement ease me. I don't get interrupted here, and that's something I'm sorely lacking anymore.

My classes will start in about an hour, and I have potions with Snape for my first class. The progress with my spell has improved thanks to the book Albus got me, but I still have a long way to go. I know a single book won't hold the key.

The good news is I'm not deadlocked anymore. So, I've been working on it. Along with other spells in this room.

~~~(POV: Hermione Granger)~~~

~~~(Location: The Grand Hall, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date: January 1st, 1992)~~~

~~~(Time: 8:08 AM)~~~

"McGonagall deducted 10 points from all of us. We wouldn't have gotten in trouble if Alex didn't break the mirror."

Ron is blaming the wrong person here. My eyes turn in the other direction and look down the length of the table. It's breakfast, and everyone is here getting their food. Alex is at the end, eating with absolutely no one.

He's become stigmatized, thanks to his constant antics. He alone has cost Gryffindor almost 100 points, and the older students have been talking about staying up late to make sure he doesn't leave the common room.

Alex doesn't improve the situation with his lack of care for the whole situation. I worry about him. Neville doesn't even sit with him now.

"Don't blame Alex. You're just as responsible for getting in trouble as he is."

They explained the situation to me. It was an exciting tale and one that added more questions. Questions I have about Alex that is.

"Of course, you'd side with him. You've got a thing for him."

My head spins to stare at Ron, and as my gaze digs into him. He shrinks in his seat. Harry has stayed silent through all this. From what I can see, he wants to return to the mirror. I'm betting he's been there every night since.

Seeing his parents like that is as good a reason to go there for him. I'm worried about him too. He's not his usual self.

"Just finish your breakfast."

Ron jumps at the sudden burst of authority in my tone. He follows my instructions, and I look down the table again. This time, Alex is sitting with Greengrass.

They're friends, despite as much as I don't trust her.

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

~~~(Location: Potions Class, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date: January 1st, 1992)~~~

~~~(Time: 9:10 AM)~~~

Snape is in front of the class, explaining what to do with the ingredients. My mind is drifting from the monotony of schoolwork. Things I could do in my sleep. Not literally, but the message is clear.

My partner for today is Neville; we're in the back of the class. From the way he looks at me from time to time, he wants to ask something.

"Come out and say it..."

The words leave my lips as a barely audible whisper, but they're enough for him to hear. He gulps and leans his head down just a little.

"You need to stop getting in trouble with McGonagall... You've cost Gryffindor almost 100 points, and we're only halfway through the year..."

It could be taken as a selfish sentiment, but I don't care about winning the house cup. I don't care about house points. I certainly don't care about doing something to make everyone happy. I have important things to focus on.

"Tell your 'friends' that I have no intention of stopping, and waiting in the common room isn't a solution."

He sighs and goes back to listening to Snape.