The Phoenix

Rise and rise again, like the phoenix from the ashes Until lambs become lions. Alexxa Fairbourne - 17 Yrs Old

[anythingbutalbus-blog]

Have you seen Tom anywhere?

"Bloody bastard got loose and took off again." Albus sighed heavily, shaking his head. He would never admit it, but he was a little bit jealous of the ferret’s ability to sneak off unnoticed directly after causing trouble. And, well, if the current state of Albus’s bedding was any indication, Tom had done it again.

[alexxa-avenged]

My guess is he's somewhere in the girl's dormitory. I heard one of the 3rd years complaining about how all her candy gone missing. *She shrugged, flashing him a michevious smirk* You better hope I don't find him in my room, Albus. Or else I'll make a fine fur coat out of him. *She laughed, obviously joking. She didn't actually hate the ferret as much as it seemed, but she knew the damn thing had a knack for getting into trouble.*

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

Xander licked his lips as he stepped closer to her, his eyes to the ground as he wore a devilish smirk. Once the distance grew slim, he raised his head and allowed his eyes to lock with hers, ready to intimidate. "I don’t need your money, Fairbourne. Got plenty saved in Gringotts. What I’d rather see is you, on your knees, begging."

[alexxa-avenged]

*Alexxa crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling that the distance between them was much smaller than she preferred. But even then, she wouldn't back down, especially if it meant ruining his satisfaction. She stood as tall as she could and stared him straight in the eyes.* Right. And what makes you think that would ever happen? 

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[atomicxalice-blog]

"Nope. Actually, we’re not on speaking terms at the moment. We had a fight, and I did something, and now he’s being a bit of a wanker." Alice crossed her arms tightly over her chest and looked down, kicking at a loose stone by her foot rather than making eye contact with her friend.

[alexxa-avenged]

Oh goodness, when isn't he? No matter what it is, I'm sure he'll come around. I mean, you guys are best mates and the poor guy won't survive a week without you. I wouldn't worry too much about it if I were you. *Alexxa offered the girl a comforting smile, hoping to lighten her mood* 

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[atomicxalice-blog]

"No! Don’t say that! I don’t want to think about that!" Alice laughed, carefree. "Be excited. Definitely be excited."

[alexxa-avenged]

Alright, alright, alright. *Alexxa smiled, turning her head to look at her blonde friend* So, it's been a while since we've talked. Anything new? I haven't seen our oh-so-mysterious Potter friend around lately. You wouldn't be keeping him captive now, would you?

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

"Is that so? What a shame. Thought there might’ve been more in you." Xanders tsked softly, eyes narrowing slightly on her in focus. "There’s certainly still time to catch up. Maybe then you’ll actually stand a fighting chance next time. Won’t need daddy’s fame to save your bony arse."

[alexxa-avenged]

*Alexxa scowled at him in response. For a moment there, she thought he would be decent enough to humanely talk to. But of course, she assumed wrong. He was still the same bigoted prat that she had known for so many years, just like the rest of his house.* I bet five galleons that as soon as the war picks up again, you'll high-tail it somewhere safe and out of sight. You may have the skill, Pucey...but that doesn't make up for your lack of a heart.

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

"Still, you survived. That’s admirable. Not everyone is so… fortunate." Xander looked over at her with a small, yet unsettling smile. “The years have certainly made you tough, whether that’s due to putting up with the likes of me or other forces. Perhaps that child will follow in your footsteps. Figuratively of course.”

[alexxa-avenged]

I survived because people care about me...rather, they care for my father instead. It wasn't skill or bravery that saved me, it was pure luck. *She sighed, cracking a brief smile in return.* Anyone could be made tough by putting up with you, Xander. And maybe he will. But then again, I wasn't tormented when I was younger...unlike him.

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[atomicxalice-blog]

"Perfect. I was talking to Dom Weasley last night and mentioned it to her too, so the three of us can have a girls night. We’ve got a little something up our sleeves that we’ll tell you about then." She grinned, as excited as a small child was when presented with candy for this girl time. "That sounds perfect!"

[alexxa-avenged]

Ah! I've needed this for far too long. And it's not like we have many more chances before you all leave me and go off from Hogwarts. *Alexxa quirked her eyebrow in interest* Oh really? I don't know whether to be worried or excited..

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

"Oh, I know that they’re aware, Alexxa, but I highly doubt they understand what they’re going to walk into. I’ve gathered that you can really prepare yourself for the harsh realities of war. Tell me-" Xander paused, dipping his hands into the pockets of his robes and leaning back on his heels “-were you prepared for what happened? Being a target, that’s not something everyone can say.”

[alexxa-avenged]

*Alexxa dropped her gaze down to her hands as the occurrences of last summer flashed through her mind. It had almost been a full semester since she was taken from her family home, but she was still haunted by it during nearly every waking moment. She shook her head.* Nobody in my position could've been prepared for that. Being in the middle of a war is one thing, but...being taken-...t-that's something entirely different.

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

"You know, you’re right." Xander scoffed, shaking his head at the girl and the absurd amount of innocence she still held. “Let’s drown them in rainbows and sunshine. Pat their heads and give them biscuits and tell them ‘everything’s going to be alright.’ And then once they’re nice and fat, backbone completely dissolved from all the sugar and bullshit, we can send them out into the world thinking we did them a service.”

[alexxa-avenged]

They're not dim-witted, you know. They've heard the news and they've seen the papers. They're completely aware of what's going on outside and they understand that once they leave, it'll be an entirely different world out there. *Alexxa stood her ground. Yeah, she probably wasn't going to make much of an indent on his beliefs, but she wasn't about to back down from hers own either.* We're trying to raise moral wizarding citizens and the school does a decent job of that. But it's people like you that turn these kids into blood-hungry animals. Now who would you prefer to be the future of our society?

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[atomicxalice-blog]

Alice’s sigh mingled with Alexxa’s, harmonious and longing. "Oh Merlin, me too. A muggle drink too, not just firewhiskey and butterbeer." She thought for a moment, then grinned. “What do you say we have a girls’ night this weekend? I can get James to sneak in some alcohol and we can be totally ridiculous. We can be drunk kids for a night.”

[alexxa-avenged]

Oi, that sounds wonderful! *She smiled at the thought of the three of them enjoying a few drinks together just like old times. It's been far too long since she's been able to do something like that* This needs to happen. We can even do it in my room! I believe most of the other girls are out for this weekend.

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[atomicxalice-blog]

"Hm, so they did. It was pretty nasty pudding though. I tried a bit. I think the house elves had a little bit too much firewhiskey when they cooked that up." Alice scrutinized the kids below for a moment. "Though, perhaps a little bit of the whiskey made it’s way into their pudding. It would explain quite a bit. Though honestly, sometimes I can’t tell the difference between children and drunk people. They all act the same."

[alexxa-avenged]

Ahh, good thing I'm not a fan of pudding anyway. *Alexxa shrugged and leaned her forearms against the wooden rail* True. But isn't that the great thing about being a kid? You basically have an excuse to act completely ridiculous. I mean, we have to actually drink alcohol to be able to act like that without coming off as insane. *She sighed* I could go for a drink right now.

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

"Yes, because charms and spells will teach them to grow tougher skin." Xander shook his head once more as he pushed himself off his place against the wall, matching her footsteps as she grew closer. “Whether you want to acknowledge it or not there are other dogs, as you put it, out there. Better to start with chihuahuas than rottweilers. Really, I’m doing them a service. Preparation.” 

[alexxa-avenged]

No, but it gives them confidence. Enough confidence to stand up against anything that threatens them. *Alexxa scoffed in disgust. Placing a hand on her hand as she continued in his direction* You...you are one sick person. Do you really think that by traumatizing and humiliating them you'll be preparing them for world outside? You're so very wrong. You have to teach them how to be brave, how to be strong. Not by allowing children to prey upon each other.

[anhopelesswanderer-blog]

[atomicxalice-blog]

What the bloody hell are those first years doing?

[Alice peered over the balcony and stared down a a group of first years in the courtyard below.]

[alexxa-avenged]

Why...it appears that they're dancing! *Alexxa joined the girl at the balcony watching the students with curious eyes.* Hm. They must've served pudding at lunch today.

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

Xander groaned. His eyes rolled in distaste towards her actions; heroism didn’t rest well on his tastebuds. “You’re denying them the chance of a great growing opportunity, Fairbourne. Coddle them any more and they’ll never grow a backbone.”

[alexxa-avenged]

Scarring students for life doesn't give them backbones, Pucey. It ruins them. *Alexxa gently helps the students gathering his things before turning back towards the Slytherin in furious anger* If you really want them to have growing opportunities, why don't you teach them something useful like spells and charms? It doesn't do 'em any good to throw them to the dogs!

[purebloodedpucey-blog]

Xander’s shoulder pressed against the stone wall, the jagged ends digging into his skin as he attention fell towards the crowd. Rowdy today, a gaggle of second years stood in a circle. Their target smack dab in the middle, books on the ground, robe askew, tears on reddened cheeks. “I’ve taught them well.”

[alexxa-avenged]

You've taught children to be monsters. How thoughtful of you. *Alexxa growled and shoved the boy's shoulder as she walked past him towards the crowd* That's it! Beat it, all of you! *She waved her wand threateningly as the crowd dispersed, leaving the first year to gather his things. * You disgust me, Pucey. It's no wonder you're in the house you're in.