Looks are Decieving

Chapter 10

"Well," Michael began. "Fancy seeing you here."

Angelina was not amused, nor was Dominic.

"Michael, do you want me to kill you now or kill you later?" he asked dangerously. Michael swallowed visibly.

"Uh, how about never?" he tried and was immediately awarded with another 'I hate you' glare from his best friend.

Dominic walked forward and yanked the leaves off the other bush. A blond head appeared, followed by two blue eyes.

"Uh, hi Dom," she greeted, standing up and brushing the leaves of her robes in what she hoped was a casual manner.

"Shelley Morgan," Dominic began. "You want to explain why you and your boyfriend were following Angelina and me around dressed as a bush?"

"No?" she tried. Dominic glared at her.

"Oh alright," she said, throwing her hands in the air. "We-"

"Oh no, it was all Shelley's idea. She dragged me into this, I didn't want to, but they forced me," Michael cut in, earning another glare from Michael and a more heated one from Shelley.

"They? Who else is in this?" Angelina suddenly asked. Michael hesitated.

"No one, it was just Shelley," he quickly said. Angelina was not fooled and it didn't really take a genius to work out who else as in it.

"I am gonna kill them," she muttered, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at the two bushes, watching them fidget under her gaze.

There were a few minutes of silence before Michael broke it.

"You know, you two have boring conversations. If it wasn't talking about presents, it was about how your day was. I mean, don't you two have anything interesting to say to each other?" he asked.

"Michael," Dominic started. Michael's eyes darted from one side to the other.

"Er, forget I said that," he told them hurriedly, just remembering that his best friend was now out for his blood.

Before anyone could do anything or even react Michael grabbed Shelley's hand and took off, running for their lives.

"I'm gonna get you two for this!" Dominic shouted as Angelina and he ran after them.

***

The next morning the school was more shaken up then ever from the last attack. The previous day, the news had leaked out of the hospital wing that another girl was found beaten up. She was bloodied and beaten up till she was an inch from death in a dark corridor. She still hadn't woken up and the school was not feeling well themselves. (A/N who would be after one of your students was beaten up in your school?)

Angelina slid into the seat next to Ron, lost in thought. She had no reason why this was happening, but she knew that it was happening because of her.

Why though? She thought, feeling the urge to slam her fist on the table. The fact that she had potions next wasn't improving her moods.

***

Half an hour later Angelina and the trio entered the dungeons to find that only half the class had turned up. Settling herself at her desk, Angelina waited for Snape to show up. She had grown ever so bored when an oddly familiar blond girl sat down next to her. Angelina raised an eyebrow. The girl's robes said that she was in Slytherin, but Angelina did not recognise her.

"And who are you?" Angelina asked, eyebrow still raised.

"Alex," the new girl replied shortly.

"Alex?"

"It's short for Alexandra," the girl said, knowing that Angelina was thinking that Alex was a boy's name.

"Oh, and the reason that you're my potion's partner is because Malfoy suddenly died yesterday?" Angelina asked hopefully, though knowing that she really shouldn't say that since he did save her. The new girl glared at her with eyes that were unnervingly like Draco's.

"No, he didn't die. He is still in the hospital wing, unconscious," she replied icily. Angelina was even more surprised at how alike she sounded like Draco and seemed to know where he was at this very moment.

"Uh, are you like, related to Malfoy?" Angelina asked after a few seconds of silence. Alex glared at her again.

"Yes, I'm his cousin," she said as Snape entered the room. He didn't seem to notice or even care that a new student had taken over Draco's place, even though most of the class was. The whole class was in fact whispering to each other about who the new girl was.

"So that'll make you, uh, Alexandra Malfoy?" Angelina asked hesitantly.

"I don't see what business it is of yours, but if you must know, yes, my last name is Malfoy," Alex answered as she started to cut up the ingredients for the sleeping potion.

"Miss Nadford, ten points from Gryffindor for lazing about in class and leaving Miss Malfoy to do the work," Snape sneered as Angelina glared at his retreating back. Angelina sighed, but pitched in the potion as well, not wanting Snape to take any more points from Gryffindor.

***

After class the trio came up to Angelina.

"So, who's the new girl?" Ron asked. Angelina shrugged.

"She said her name was Alexandra Malfoy," she said in an odd voice. There was something up with Alexandra and Angelina being Angelina, had to find out what it was.

Angelina silently cursed herself for thinking about the new girl when students were getting attacked right, left and centre. To make it worse, it was all her fault.

If I never came, none of this would've happened. I can't let people get hurt because of me, Angelina thought, sinking into a feeling of uttermost depression.

Her friends didn't seem to notice her sudden change of emotion as they were too engrossed in talking about the girl that was just tortured.

"I heard that she's in Ravenclaw," Hermione said in a hushed whisper. Angelina's attention snapped back to her friends' conversation.

"Yeah, I heard that too and also that she is a friend of Michael and Dominic's'," Ron said. Angelina was worried.

"Are you sure?" she asked, a feeling of sickness coming over her.

Ron looked uneasy, realising that Angelina was going out with Dominic and if one of his friends were attacked, then she'd be worried about him.

"Yeah," he dragged out. Angelina turned pale and looked like she was about to run off and look for Dominic when Hermione out a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sure he's fine," Hermione said in a comforting tone. Angelina nodded and tried to return to normal, but she couldn't. She couldn't push the thought out of her mind that the poor girl got tortured because of her relationship with Dominic.

You're just being silly she told herself. Angelina knew that she was trying to convince herself that none of this had anything to do with her.

***

It was dinner time and Angelina was hurrying to the Great Hall. She had just gone to get more scrolls and books for Arithmancy and was now sure she would get it done by that night.

Rounding the corner, Angelina heard familiar voices.

"How come Draco never told us he had a cousin?" Crabbe asked Alexandra stupidly.

"Because he didn't feel like it," Alex bristled.

"But I'm sure he doesn't have any uncles or aunties," Goyle argued.

"You dare question me?" Alexandra asked angrily. Angelina thought for the second time that day how alike Alexandra and Draco were.

Angelina tried to look as dispassionate as possible as she walked past them, trying to be invisible. No such luck for her.

"Angelina!" Alexandra called out, a little too enthusiastic for Angelina's liking. She continued walking, pretending that she hadn't heard Alexandra in the first place.

"Angelina, hi, how are you?" Alexandra asked, catching up to the black-haired girl. Alexandra grabbed her arm and practically dragged Angelina away and out of the hearing range of Crabbe and Goyle who were still looking confused.

"Get your hands off me," Angelina hissed when Alexandra finally stopped. To her surprise Alexandra did. She dropped her arm and looked apologetic.

"What do you think you were doing?" Angelina pressed angrily, facing Alexandra.

Alexandra glared at her before smiling.

"Thanks for helping me," she answered, ignoring Angelina's outburst and her surprise at being thanked. Angelina stared at the new girl. She was shocked beyond words that any Malfoy would say thank you to anyone for anything.

"For what?" she managed to say.

"Oh you know, not screaming at me when I went up to you and pretended that you were my friend."

"Oh."

Angelina and Alexandra looked at each other awkwardly before Angelina spoke.

"Well, see you. I've got to go and have dinner now."

"Yeah, see you."

Angelina turned and was about to walk into the hall when Alexandra's voice asked her something again.

"Hey wait!"

Angelina turned and waited for Alexandra to speak.

If, Angelina thought, Alexandra Malfoy can say thank you, then she mustn't be as mean and stuck-up as Draco Malfoy. She actually seems pretty nice, most of the time.

"I'm kinda new here and I was wondering if you'll, er, help me catch up on what was on this term before I came?" Alexandra asked.

I might as well take advantage of the situation and make Angelina Nadford trust me and be friends with me if I'm stuck like this, Alexandra thought with satisfaction as she waited for Angelina's reaction and answer.

"Er sure, I'd love to," Angelina replied with a smile.

"I'll meet you in the library at eight?" she asked Alexandra. Alexandra nodded and Angelina walked into the hall, throwing another goodbye over her shoulder.

***

That night at eight Angelina entered the library to find that Alexandra was already there and waiting patiently for her.

"Hi," Angelina greeted her as she sat down next to the new girl.

"Hi," Alexandra replied.

For the next hour Angelina helped Alexandra catch the work as she finished off her half of the Arithmancy project.

"What's that?" Alexandra asked curiously, trying to look at the pieces of parchment in front of Angelina.

"Oh, that's the Arithmancy project Malfoy and I have to finish," Angelina explained. Alexandra nodded. "But I somehow don't think he'll be able to finish it since he's in the hospital wing."

Alexandra nodded sadly, then her eyes it up.

"Oh I know. Why don't I do Draco's half for him?" she asked Alexandra. Angelina looked at her in surprise.

"Huh?" she asked. Alexandra smiled and repeated the question. Angelina wasn't sure this was such a good idea.

Alexandra argued as she remembered what Professor Snape said that afternoon.

"Look I know this is hard for you to be like... like this, but unfortunately because you are not sick or physically unwell, you have to continue with your classes and complete all your homework. That includes any projects that needs to be finished or presentations," Snape said sadly as Alexandra groaned.

"But that means I have to tell everybody what happened," she argued.

"You're smart Malfoy. I'm sure you'll think of something," Snape comforted as Alexandra nodded glumly and left his office.

"Alex, are you okay?" Angelina asked, waving a hand in front of Alexandra's eyes, snapping her out of her memories. Alexandra shook her head and smiled reassuringly at the black haired girl.

"Uh, of course, I'm fine. Just thinking."

Angelina nodded.

"Well if you're sure you want to do Malfoy's work for him, then be my guest," Angelina continued. Alexandra beamed at the younger girl.

"Thanks so much," she exclaimed as Angelina raised an eyebrow.

Since when is someone so excited about Arithmancy? Angelina thought, slightly alarmed.

***

It was a Friday night that found Angelina and the trio sitting on the chairs near the fire. Angelina was not in a good mood. She had just had a talk with Dominic and she was panicked when she found her usually laughing and good-natured boyfriend so down. It was true, the girl that had been tortured was a friend of his and he was very worried about her. Angelina was also very worried about him; Dominic had somehow managed to, basically, look like crap in such a short time. Angelina had made plans to spend some time with in the library after dinner tomorrow or maybe a walk by the lake would do.

"Angelina, what do you think? Angelina, are you even listening to me?" Harry asked, waving a hand in front of Angelina's face. Angelina's head snapped up and she looked around guiltily.

"Uh not really," she replied meekly. Harry sighed, but didn't say anything.

"As I was saying, I think Hermione has a crush on someone," Harry continued, ignoring the glares Hermione sent at him.

"What do you think Angelina?" he asked the younger girl. Angelina smiled.

"I think so too," she replied as Hermione's face turned a bright shade of red that matched Ron's hair.

"No I don't," Hermione mumbled as Harry and Angelina laughed. Ron, Angelina noticed, was also looking hopeful.

Before anyone could say anything Ginny walked over and greeted everyone.

"Hey Ginny," Angelina said, patting the place next to her on the chair, inviting her to sit down. Ginny smiled and sat.

"Is it okay if my friend sits here as well?" she asked, mentioning Andreea Connery, her best friend. Andreea smiled shyly as Harry nodded.

"Sure," he replied, moving over to make space for Ginny and Andreea.

"So what were you guys talking about?" Ginny asked, scooting closer to Harry so Andreea could fit.

"Oh just tormenting Hermione about her crush," Angelina said. Ginny and Andreea giggled as Hermione glared at Angelina.

Catching the look, Angelina checked her watch and stood up.

"I need to go to the library," she said to them as she grabbed her bag.

"What's up with you Angelina? You've been going to the library nearly everyday. Are you meeting someone?" Ron asked interestedly. Angelina looked at him in horror.

"Of course not. I'm just studying," she lied quickly, making her way to the portrait hole.

Getting there she stayed just in time to hear Ginny shout something highly amusing.

"Oh for Pete's sake Ron and Hermione. How thick can you two be?! Hermione, you like Ron, Ron you like Hermione. Stop beating around the bush and kiss each or something already. It does get boring watching from the side lines, you two umm and ahh around each other you know!"

The whole common room was now staring at the group near the chair. Angelina counted a total of five seconds before Harry burst out laughing. Chuckling quietly to herself, Angelina went to the library to meet Alexandra.

***

Angelina and Alexandra were in a comfortable silence in the library. Though these two were of opposite houses, they became friends, studying in an isolated corner table that hardly anyone bothered to go to. None of their friends knew about their friendship and personally they preferred it that way. Both can imagine the looks on their friends' faces if they found out.

In the few days Angelina had spent with the new and mysterious girl, she had found that Alexandra was different from her cousin. For one, she was nicer and didn't seem as stuck up as Draco Malfoy was. What surprised her was that no one in the school realised that a cousin of Draco's was going to come to Hogwarts, not even the teachers. Though it was a short time, Angelina had become attached to Alexandra and felt as if she had known her, her whole life. Needless to say Angelina felt close to Alexandra (A/N no this isn't gonna turn into a slash!).

Shooting a suspicious look above her book at Alexandra, Angelina thought over ways to get the blond haired girl to open up to her. As close as they were, Angelina realised that she knew basically nothing about the girl. She knew nothing about Alexandra's parents, about her life before Hogwarts and anything remotely background-ish about her at all.

Before Angelina could say anything Alexandra spoke.

"Why do you hate Draco so?" she asked the black haired girl. Angelina's eyes flashed with surprise.

"Uh, no offence to you or anything," Angelina began nervously, wondering if she should tell Alexandra her true feelings for Draco.

"Oh no, tell me the truth," Alexandra quickly assured her. "Besides it's not like he's here or anything." Angelina nodded and she licked her lips in nervousness.

"I don't hate him exactly, it's just that he's such an obnoxious prat around me," Angelina replied. "Though I admit, there seem to be some good in him."

Alexandra nodded slowly, her face expressionless.

"So you don't want to be friends with him?" Alexandra ventured uncertainly, not sure how Angelina will react.

"Well no, I'll would be friends with him, if he wasn't such a stuck-up, bas- uh, yeah," Angelina finished, remembering that Draco Malfoy's cousin was sitting with her. Alexandra nodded again, a pensive look on her face.

They remained in a comfortable silence until ten minutes before curfew when each of them went back to their respective houses.

***

He had called; she would need to prove her loyalty soon. Very, very soon. She buried her face in her hands and refused to let the tears come. She may have made the mistake, but she won't let him know how much grief and pain he was causing. Raising her head, the girl's eyes were full of determination not to be beaten at the game that she started and let get out of control. Because if she didn't win, the consequences would be unthinkable and lives would be lost.

***

A week after the duelling in DADA, Angelina was waiting for Alexandra to arrive. Her face fell when Draco Malfoy walked in. Staring at him in disbelief Angelina didn't even react to the smirk that spread across the blonds' lips.

"Where's Alex?" Angelina asked finally, getting over the shock of seeing Draco Malfoy walk in, totally healthy and unharmed.

"She left," Draco replied politely. Angelina narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

Why the hell is Malfoy being nice to me? She thought.

*Because he likes you* a tiny voice at the back of her brain told her matter-of-factly. Angelina scowled mentally.

Shut up, she told it. He's probably playing some sick twisted game or something.

*No I think he means it. After all he did kiss you* the same voice told Angelina slyly.

Shut up, Angelina told it sharply before ignoring it completely and facing Draco.

"Why'd she leave and why didn't she tell me? I just saw her yesterday," Angelina mused with a frown. Draco shrugged.

"She said she was only here temporarily anyway," he replied before turning his attention to Snape. Angelina frowned again, not paying attention to the class at all.

"Miss Nadford!" Professor Snape snapped angrily. Angelina raised her head and looked guiltily at the fuming teacher.

"Uh, yeah Professor?" she asked innocently. Snape seemed to consider this a wrong answer and turned angrier.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for not paying attention," he punished before turning to Draco.

"Mr Malfoy, perhaps you would like to enlighten Miss Nadford about the properties of Dasfergen? For she seems to think that she knows everything and can afford to slack off in class," he added, glaring icily at Angelina.

Draco smirked knowingly.

"Dasfergen is a rare flower found in the peaks of the Netherlands. It is used to heal most diseases and is considered a very powerful drug," Draco answered. Angelina restrained herself from smacking him on the head for the smug look he shoot her way and concentrated on the spot just above Snape's head.

"Excellent, ten pointes to Slytherin. Miss Nadford see that you do not lazy off in my class or the punishment will be worse next time," Snape warned menacingly before explaining the potion the ingredient is used it.

***

Angelina was walking by herself along the corridor to the library that night when a familiar voice stopped her.

"Angelina!" Draco called. Angelina froze and turned around, wand ready for any surprise attacks. To her shock Draco was actually smiling at her.

"Hi," he said softly, walking towards her. Angelina was rooted to the spot, wondering what had changed Draco Malfoy into a reasonably nice person to communicate with. Angelina didn't answer, but instead snapped out of her daze.

"What do you want Malfoy?" Angelina spat out, holding her wand between her and Draco.

"I only wanted to be friends," Draco said with a hurt look on his face. Angelina raised an eyebrow.

"When did I say I wanted to be friends with you?" she asked sarcastically.

"Well that night in the library you said to me that if-" Draco suddenly stopped, realising what he had let slip. Angelina had a look of disbelief mixed with shock on her face.

"Oh. My. God," she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at the paling blond. "Oh. My. God."