NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Hesitation
Alex wasn't nervous about starting school. He was more mature than most kids his age, but even so, Lily's gentle advice warmed him inside. Her kindness was a reminder of why he couldn't bring himself to warn them. How could he possibly tell them about their future? That Voldemort would one day come for them, taking their lives? Even if they believed him, what could they do? They were already his enemies; they must have known the risks.
Professor McGonagall looked up at the darkening sky and stood. "It's getting late, Alex. We should head back. Diagon Alley might be safe, but it's still best not to linger after dark. And you two, James, Lily—be careful as well."
"Yes, Professor," Alex replied, standing up.
Before leaving, he turned to Lily, feeling an urge to say something—anything—that might help. "Mrs. Potter, please be careful. I'm sure your child will make you very proud one day."
He hoped that would be enough. He couldn't change what was coming, but he could at least offer a small warning.
Lily smiled warmly, clearly touched. "Thank you, Alex. You're very sweet."
She reached into her bag and handed him a small object."This is something I made myself. Think of it as a good luck charm," Lily said with a gentle smile. "Take it as a gift to celebrate your acceptance into Hogwarts. And if you ever need anything, or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out."
Alex looked down at the small copper plate she handed him. It was carefully engraved with the image of a doe, every line and detail beautifully crafted. The charm felt warm in his hand, carrying a sense of her kindness and thoughtfulness.
"Thank you, Mrs. Potter. I'll keep it safe," he promised, tucking the charm into his pocket with great care.
After exchanging a few more goodbyes with the Potters, Alex turned to follow Professor McGonagall out of the shop, casting one last look back as he left.
As they left Diagon Alley, they Apparated again. Though it still felt uncomfortable, Alex managed it better this time, shaking off the dizziness. He said goodnight to Professor McGonagall and made his way back to the orphanage.
In his small room, Alex sat on his bed, thinking over everything that had happened. The magical world fascinated him, but he also felt uneasy. Voldemort was still out there, and danger seemed to lurk under everything. He knew he couldn't rely on anyone else for safety—he needed to be able to protect himself.
As he replayed his conversations with Professor McGonagall in his mind, he pieced together what he'd learned:
First, the Ministry of Magic was under strict watch, and young wizards were closely monitored by a spell called the Trace, which detected magic used by underage wizards. Second, the Ministry's detection wasn't perfect in places like Diagon Alley, where there were many wizards. And third, with Dumbledore in charge and the Ministry actively fighting Voldemort, there was some protection in the magical world, at least for now.
But Alex knew that wasn't enough. He needed to get stronger to protect himself. That meant learning magic faster and better than anyone else. He reached into his pocket and took out his wand, admiring its smooth, dark surface.
The ebony wand, now named "Dark Painting," seemed to hum with power in his hand. "It's just you and me now," Alex whispered. "Let's show the magical world what we can do."
The wand sparked with a faint arc of electricity, as if responding to him. Alex felt their bond deepen, the wand becoming like an extension of himself. With his mind set, he lay down, ready to begin his journey tomorrow.
Meanwhile, far away at Hogwarts, the castle lay under the night sky, its towering spires gleaming in the moonlight, a sleeping giant filled with ancient magic.
Professor McGonagall entered Dumbledore's office, where he sat calmly, stroking his phoenix, Fawkes. "Albus, how did the interview go? I'm not too sure about this Divination business. Most fortune-tellers in the magical world are fakes," she said, sounding skeptical.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I'm afraid You'll have to adjust your expectations, Minerva. We'll soon have our very first Divination professor at Hogwarts." He paused, his eyes twinkling, but his tone grew more serious. "It was quite an extraordinary prophecy today."
McGonagall raised an eyebrow, curious but not pushing for details. "I see. Well, I also met with one of our new students today—Alex Wilson. He's Muggle-born, very disciplined and polite, from what I saw."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "Ah, yes, Alex. I've heard good things about him. And how was your encounter with the Potters? Their baby is due at the end of the month. Has the exact date been set?"
"Yes, that's what they said," McGonagall replied. "They even gave Alex a small gift. I could sense some magic in it. Lily's been practicing with alchemy tools, and it seems she's quite skilled." She hesitated before adding, "As for Alex, he's far more independent than I expected. He has more savings than most eleven-year-olds in an orphanage would. I didn't pry, but it's clear he can look after himself."
Dumbledore's gaze drifted into the distance, his expression thoughtful as he murmured, almost to himself. "The Longbottoms' child is due soon as well. Could it possibly be… one of them?"
McGonagall caught the faint words and looked at him, puzzled by his sudden musing. "One of whom, Albus?" she asked, her voice curious but cautious, sensing there might be more to his thoughts.
Dumbledore snapped back to the moment, and quickly waved his hand dismissively, a soft but distant smile on his face. "Oh, nothing, Minerva. You must be tired after today. Get some rest. Tomorrow, we have the Order of the Phoenix meeting in the usual place. There's much to address, especially with the Death Eaters becoming more active."
McGonagall nodded, a slight frown on her face. "Understood, Albus. I'll see you tomorrow."
As she left, Dumbledore stayed seated at his desk, deep in thought.