Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts

Severus Snape frowned with irritation as he noticed one of his best students fast asleep in his class, he glided towards the desk at which Alexander Croxley sat and gave one swat to the backside of his student's head, Alexander shot up, rubbing the back of his head, ready to kill the person who swatted him at the back of the head, the nerve- "..Professor!?-" He was cut off by the smooth voice of the said Professor, "If you have time to sleep in my class, you have time to waltz yourself over to detention Mr. Croxley.." Alexander groaned softly to himself, noticing a fellow Slytherin snickering, he shot a glare at his friend Draco Malfoy who shut up as soon as the green eyes connected with his, "Tch.."


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Harry frowned as the two Slytherin's in the front row shot glares at each other, "That bloke is always getting detention from the old git now isn't he Harry?" Ron nudged his friends shoulder. Hermoine rolled her eyes, "Even if he does, he is one of the top students in Hogwarts, he comes first place for all of his classes." Harry raised an eyebrow, how on earth did he get top grades when he was always in detention, not only that, he had seen the Slytherin enter Snape's office at restricted hours and even leave Hogwarts. "..I think he may have a link to where Sirius Black is hiding." The outrageous assumption had Ron and Hermoine look at him with befoddled looks on their faces, "Harry, why on earth would you think Alex would know where the mad man is hiding?" Hermoine whispered. ".. I-I've seen him with Snape going in and out of the school at strange times, they are always wandering the halls together.." he whispered back. A large smack came down on their desk with a book and the trio nearly jumped out of their chairs, "If you three continuously talk in my class, you can join Mr. Croxley in his detention.." Snape glared down at them before resuming his lesson, the irritation evident as he glided back to the front of the class, mumbling something about some potion, Harry couldn't really focus, he was too busy trying to put the pieces back in his mind.
When the class was dismissed, he took the opportunity to follow Alexander out of class, he noticed him meet up with Draco Malfoy, he couldn't quite catch exactly what they were saying but he saw them exchange a small package and Draco raced off, red in the face, leaving Alexander with a tiny box.
"You can come out now, Harry."


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Alexander smirked to see the look of shock on Harry's face when he said the younger boys name. "It takes a lot more to sneak up on a Slytherin Harry, is there something wrong?"
Harry found his words and shook his head, "What did you do to Draco? He ran off in an awful hurry.." he asked curiously, he hadn't ever seen his rival so flushed in his short time at Hogwarts. Alexander couldn't hold in the laugh that spread into the halls, "Draco? Ah no, I just teased the weirdo a little, he keeps giving me chocolates and stuff, I think I am supposed to give them to someone but he never managed to tell me who it's for, he ends up running away before he tells me her name.." he scratched the back of his head, Alexander was much taller then Harry, having to look down on him, he had light brown hair that fell close to his green eyes, the warming smile he always had was rather odd for a Slytherin to wear, but it was nice to know not all Slytherin's were like Draco Malfoy..
Harry was about to ask something else when the rest of the trio popped up, Ron wore a grumpy frown as he eyed Alexander up and down, "Harry, what are you doing talking to him? He's a Slytherin." Hermoine rolled her eyes and looked to Alexander, "I apologize for him being rude, he never had much manners.." Alexander shrugged and gave a playful wink, "It's quite alright there, nothing like the charming grace of a lady to soften the blow." Ron's face lit up red and he was ready to punch Alexander when Snape put a cold hand on Ron's shoulder. "Mr Weasley, I hope I will not have to deduct points from Gryffindor for violence..." A matching red faced Hermoine shook her head violently and grabbed Ron by his arm, dragging him away with Harry not too far behind.

Snape eyed the trio as they left before dragging his gaze to his student. "They suspect something Severus.." the boy said seriously. Snape breathed, his composure would not be broken by prying brats. "You are afraid?" he questioned his accomplice.
"Tch, I am not afraid of anything." Alexander said pridefully, "Have you our plans for tonight then?" eager to know of their mission. Snape turned on his heel and his robe flared out behind him, "Be prepared Alexander.." and that was all the information he could give Alexander before he left.


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Alexander felt a sting on his chest, Snape was in trouble, he was waiting outside of the Shrieking Shack, they had followed the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermoine when a black dog dragged Ron inside under the weeping willow, Severus had instructed he stay put but the stinging was becoming unbearable, he decided to become prepared and began to shift, his body changing into a lion, darker brown then usual with his characteristic green eyes, he laid down on his paws in wait, he saw Snape and the trio exit with Remus not too far behind, he was scolding the children, but he smelt something wrong, as Snape was scolding the three Remus began to change, he knew the change well, a werewolf, he leaped out of the hiding place of the bushes and charged towards Remus placing himself between Snape and the werewolf, growling loudly, baring his sharp teeth as he did so.

Harry's eyes widened when he saw a lion leap from the bushes and put itself between them and Remus who couldn't seem to comprehend who they where, he gulped. "W-What is it doing?" Ron quivered, keeping his sight on the lion. Hermoine squinted, noting a collar around it's neck. "..It's protecting us?" she gasped as Remus lunged for the lion and the big cat deflected the lunge by raising up and bringing its paws down on Remus, it was a fight of tooth and claw before Remus ran away, with a black dog chasing after it. The lion breathed heavily, watching as Harry was grabbed by Snape before he could run after Sirius.

Alexander eyed the group, he felt pain in his hind leg, Remus and managed to get a slice at his leg, Ron was still quivering when Hermoine approached him. "..You were trying to protect us? What is your name?" she asked curiously, noticing a silver pendant dangling from his collar. "Crox..?" She asked and the lion dipped his head, giving her the answer. Snape looked back at Crox, finally letting go of Harry to check on the lion. "Crox, you need to learn to behave.." he said coldly, noting the injury to his leg. "We will get you to the hospital wing, all of you to make sure you are alright." he insisted, however Hermoine couldn't resist from asking a question, "You know this lion Professor?"


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


The large lion surprised Madame Pompfrey as it limped in behind Severus and the trio, however it was not the first time she had seen it, "Oh Severus, You put that poor familiar through hell again didn't you?" she huffed opening her arms and Crox attempted to trot toward her, surpassing the group until he reached her, nuzzling into her chest as she stroked his mane gently, noticing the blood on his back leg. Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before coming to a stop "I commanded him to stay put, however, he is worse then Potter when it comes to following instructions.."
Harry was completley fascinated with how gentle the lion was and even more so that Snape had such a beautiful and loyal familiar, if anything he would of suspected the horrible man to have a snake or rat. Hermoine's mouth gaped as she heard the exchange of information, "He is a familiar? I thought lion familiars were extremely rare!" Snape eyed the girl, "They are Ms Granger, he was placed under my care by Dumbledore.. he thought we would become a good pair.. I do not find his sense of humour amusing.."
Madame Pompfrey stood and walked away from Crox, mumbling about how Severus was too careless with such a precious creature. Ron was completley silent, still afraid of the big cat, "I-I think we are all fine P-Professor, may we go?" he asked in a small voice. Snape sneered, "You may.." he watched as the trio scrambled out but not without Harry taking one last glance before shutting the door.
"..Crox, you really are a reckless annoyance.." the professor commented, noting the animagi's almost pouting expression. "Don't pull such a face with me, I will not fold over." he snapped. Crox shuffled his heavy lion body over to Snape and flopped down on his side at his Professor's feet, looking up at him with bright green eyes. "...You are something else.." Severus commented, crouching down to pet the lion's muzzle, allowing Crox to lick it in apology.

"Now, what a sight this is, Severus Snape actually being affectionate towards an animal.." Madame Pompfrey couldn't help but smile at the scene, Severus just gave an annoyed grumble as she began to mend his 'familiar' and drop a few potions into the lion's mouth for the pain. "He should be fine, however, I insist he rests for a few days and keep an eye on him, perhaps even take him to a few of your classes to make sure he behaves." the witch insisted. Snape nodded and stood up, Crox imitating him careful not to put too much strain on the leg. "It may just keep a few students in check.." he smirked, exiting the hopsital wing with Crox not too far behind.


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Dumbledore heard a knock at his office door, he furrowed his brows and commanded softly, "Enter Severus." he eyed the door as the black robed Professor entered, closing the door behind him, he was alone as to be expected, he had heard news that Alexander, also known as Crox was injured in a fight with Remus Lupin. "How is Alexander?"

"He is as annoying and energetic as always, as if I expected an injury would settle that boy down.." he sighed, it was his turn to ask a question. "You summoned me Albus?"
"Yes, I did, It seems it is time to introduce Crox to the Dark Lord's followers, I imagine that he would also be a great asset to him." he instructed, noticing Snape's puzzling expression the older wizard began to explain. "A lion is rare as either an animagi form or a familiar, for one of his followers to have one would boost his confidence extremely, it would also mean he could use Crox to do jobs a wizard or witch is not capable of, introduce him to the students, explain to Voldemort's followers he is Hogwart's most prized and trusted familiar." Severus frowned at Albus, "He could be killed headmaster, he is just a boy, as powerful as his magic is, he cannot protect himself if something goes wrong!" he insisted. Dumbledore dismissed Snape by raising his hand, "Without that boy Severus, you will not be able to complete your tasks and Harry will not be able to finish this once and for all, he might be in Slytherin but his undying lotalty to you bests even that of Gryffindor." and with that, he bid Snape farewell and the frustrated Professor stormed out of the office to retire for the evening, it had been a busy one.


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


The class rumbled, Professor Snape hadn't arrived yet so everyone was talking about their own things, a group of girls were talking about who they wanted to date, Draco was wondering where his friend Alex was and Hermoine seemed a bit down, "Do you think Crox is okay Harry?" Harry was snapped out of his thoughts by Hermoine's question, "I am sure he is, it was nothing too serious right Ron?" he nudged the red head, who shook his head, "I don't like that lion.. I hope it was serious!" Hermoine frowned at him and smacked him gently on the arm, "Crox saved us, don't be ungrateful!" Ron was about to respond when the door's swung open and Professor Snape walked in, glaring at the students who silenced with in seconds, not far behind was Crox, his limp was receding but he still had a funny stride, his tail swung proudly behind him as he reached the front of the class and faced the students with Snape. "We will be having a special guest for a few days, this is Crox, a familiar, he has been injured and I have been given instructions to keep a close eye on him.. You all better behave.. he has not had breakfast yet.." majority of the class sunk back in their seats but a small few including Harry and Hermoine were confident that Crox wouldn't do anything to them, his green eyes looked way too friendly and seemed to have a spark of amusement in them.

The rest of the lesson dragged on and was as boring as ever to Harry, he almost couldn't keep himself awake until he saw Crox eye him, the lion tilted his head when their eyes connected, the boy frowned at Crox who rolled on his back and stuck his tongue out seeming as harmless as ever, Harry couldn't help but crack the smallest of smiles at the lion without Snape noticing. Crox rolled back onto his stomach and rested his head on the large pillow Snape had set for him, winking in Harry's direction which caught the boy off gaurd but he smiled again, he almost wanted to stay when they were finally dismissed but he didn't want to face Snape again, when he left, he couldn't help but wonder how a playful and cheery lion ended up with Snape as a master..


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


"Having fun amusing my students I see.." he eyes Crox as the students left, the lion sat up and tilted his head as if he was innocent, however he knew Snape saw him. "I hope you know how to act fierce Crox.. the Dark Lord's followers do not appreciate kittens.." he warned. Crox seemed to straighten up and a fire lit in his eyes as he stood, prepared for his test ahead, he knew if he couldn't prove he was loyal to the Dark Lord, he would be a failure and Harry would be in danger.
"Are you ready Crox?" Snape questioned, Crox dipped his head and in a flash they apparated into the Malfoy's manor where he could see Lucius Malfoy raise an eyebrow at Snape's guest to their meeting. "And who is this Severus?" the pureblood asked, pointing his cane toward's the lion. Snape's eyes dragged from Crox to Lucius, "This is Crox, a familiar Albus had partnered me with, he is one of Hogwart's most trusted and prized familiars.." he explained. Lucius rolled his eyes, "And why on earth did you bring that cat here?!" he shouted, grabbing Snape's wrist causing Crox to growl fiercinly, his eyes becoming menacing. The Professor smoothly took his hand from Lucius, "He is loyal to his master and only his master.. he is intellegant and I believe he could be a good asset.. Potter has taken a likliness to him." Malfoy eyes the lion, a bit on edge from the growling and blood thirsty look in the creatures eyes. ".. When the Dark Lord rises again, I think he might appreciate this little gift Severus.. we may just have a test for him.."

Severus raised an eyebrow and followed Lucius to a large room filled with Death Eaters, Crox not close behind, on the table was a witch who was screaming for her life. "She has been snooping too close to us and she knows too much Severus, put him on her and show the Death Eaters his worth." Crox's ears twitched at the instructions however he did not make a move, he only listened to Severus. The Professor looked at the woman who seemed to beg for mercy, "Crox.." Crox crouched low to the ground eyeing the woman, his tail flicking from side to side, teeth bared, he was waiting, the Death Eaters watched with eagerness, their eyes locked on the lion. "Kill." Snape commanded and that was all it took for Crox to lunge onto the table and race full speed towards the witch, lunging onto her and crushing her throat with his jaws, holding her down with his claws, she screamed until she couldn't breath anymore and her body went limp, Crox took his mouth off her neck and walked slowly across the table back towards Snape, blood dripping from his teeth. "Impressive.." Lucius commented, Bellatrix laughed hysterically, "Oh I like him Severus! What a nice one you have there." she reached to touch him but before she could, Crox had turned swiftly to let out a roar that would strike fear into the hearts of anyone who dared defy the one rule. Bellatrix's eyes widened before she smirked, "There is one thing about Crox.. he does not like others to touch him..That is a rule I hope you will remember.." Snape said silkly before sitting down in his chair. The lion made it to Snape and jumped off the table, laying by Snape's feet and quite content to stay there.

Once Lucius was seated the meeting continued, "We were discussing a way to bring the Dark Lord back to his full power, it was suggested we use Potter's blood." Snape raised an eyebrow, pondering the idea. "You plan to kill him?" Severus questioned Lucius who shook his head, "No we do not, we will allow the Dark Lord the honour of killing him, we will only need a few drops.." Snape nodded, "I see, the plan seems realistic enough to pull off.."


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Crox began to lick his paws as the wizards and witches above him were mumbling about plans he couldn't be bothered to listen to, he had to remain calm and ignore the fact he had killed someone, he had trained so for something like this, however he knew training was nothing compared to the real thing, he swallowed his thoughts and his ears perked when he noticed everyone was getting up, the lion lazily stood along with Snape, he dipped his head to Lucius and the rest of the Death Eaters before they apparated to the Professor's private room at Hogwarts.

As soon as paws hit the ground, Alexander reverted to his wizard self and collapsed, holding a hand over his mouth, tears threatened to escape his eyes but he held them back, he would not cry.. he was not trained to cry. Snape's usual frowning eyes faltered to widen a little and caught Alexander in his arms and watched as the boy tried his best to hold in his tears. "..You did well Alexander." he mumbled. The boy looked back, tears finally breaking free, "I-I killed her.. I killed her Severus.. She looked me in the eyes.. she-" his mouth didn't want to operate anymore because all he could do was gasp and let out cries from the memory that stuck in his mind. Severus hugged him close in an attempt to comfort him, "I know, it is never easy and I will not lie to you and tell you it gets easier because it does not.. This is what we have to do to protect him." his voice was soft and almost nurturing, but it was Severus Snape, it wasn't going to get anymore caring than it was. "...How much longer?" it was a silent question which took Severus off gaurd, he didn't want to lie because he knew Alexander was a strong seventeen year old boy, who would find out the truth sooner or later "..A few more years, it will be over soon." he promised. Alexander nodded and tried to swallow the tears but Snape turned him around and dark eyes stared into bright green ones, "You cannot hold it in Alexander, you will become a bitter man like me, I do not wish for your life to end up like mine, If you must, speak about it with me, letting those feelings out will help hide your guilt from the enemy." Alexander nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat and that night he fell asleep against Severus, tears drying on his cheeks as Snape carried Alexander to a smaller room beside the professors bedroom and set the boy down on the bed that was inside.

Once the boy hit the pillow is face seemed to cringe, night mares were haunting him but he sub-consiously tried to fight them off. "..He wasn't ready.." he whispered softly, going to find a Dreamless sleep potion before he was stopped by a knock at his door. "..Come in." his voice sliced through the caring aura that was present a second ago and created a strong dark aura which would strike fear into most students. "Severus?" Albus asked as he entered, he had a soft smile on his face. "How did he cope?" Severus frowned at the headmaster, "They had him kill an innocent witch." he stated simply. "How did he do then?" Dumbledore asked, not showing any sign of concern that Snape could see. "..He did excellently, however he is not coping too well.." the professor explained, Albus nodded and walked closer to Snape's desk, examining a book, "It is something he will have to deal with unfortunately, Severus." the potions master couldn't help but be a bit shocked by Dumbledore's words, he understood it was Alexander's duty, however, he was only a boy. "..He is but a boy Albu-" he was cut off with a firm look from Dumbledore, "He is a strong boy and is aware of his duty, regardless if he thinks he cannot do this, he must." the headmaster instructed strictly to Severus. "You both promised your lives to me, do you wish to take it back?" he questioned the other knowing what the answer would be. "..No headmaster." Snape confirmed, he didn't know what Alexander could have done to end up in such a mess, he was a young and talented student with a heart of gold and Dumbledore was using it to his advantage. "..What hold do you have on the boy Albus?" the headmaster put down the book and glanced at Alexander's room. "I suppose that is something you will have to ask him yourself.." A scream erupted from Alexander's room and Dumbledore dipped his head before leaving and Severus rushed to give Alexander a Dreamless Sleep potion before he raised suspicion..


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Harry grumbled as he awoke from his slumber, it was time for class and he honestly didn't feel ready for it but he got up anyway, getting dressed and meeting his friends in the common room. "Hey Harry, did you hear the news?" Ron asked curiously, seeming a bit smug. "Uh no? What is it Ron?" the brunette asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermoine inturrupted with a roll of her eyes, "There is rumour going around that Alexander disappeared, but I doubt that, it hasn't even been two days.. however no one has seen him.." she confessed.

Harry thought for a moment, "You don't think Severus did something to him do you?" he asked Hermoine who made a face that showed just how stupid it sounded. Ron seemed to agree with him, "Maybe that lion ate him.. Anyways, holidays are coming up soon so he might pitch up anytime soon.. Say, why do you care mate?" Harry shrugged and kept quiet as they walked to their classes for the day, Alexander was no where to be seen..


Harry Potter: Untold Heros Of Hogwarts


Alexander groaned as he awoke, his head hurt from the tears of last night, he looked at the time and he realized how late he was for school he was about to rush up when Snape looked at him through the doorway, "Do not fuss, there are not classes today Croxley.." Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Eh?" he said rather cluelessly, "You have been given an early holiday, Dumbledore's request, as have I, not too early I suppose since Hogwarts closes in two days."

Alexander blinked, "O-Oh.. Are we staying here again for the holidays?" he asked Snape expecting a yes but his mouth went in an 'o' shape when Snape uttered, "No, we are going to Spinner's End.." the boy grinned, "Oh! That sounds exciting!" he jumped up, his headache seemingly forgotten until it hit him and he fell back down onto the bed, "..Right, excited dance later.." he muttered. Severus rolled his eyes, he was amused at the fact the boy found a simple trip exciting, but he supposed it was all the boy had. "Yes, calm down, you have to rest, you did not seem well last night.. we will be leaving this evening, prepare  your things." he instructed before leaving and Alexander rolled off the bed and stood up, getting ready for the day in some black jeans and a matching coloured dress shirt to top it off, leaving the top button undone, he deicded he looked fine and walked to his dorm to collect some of his stuff he didn't keep in the room besides Snape's.

Alexander wandered down the halls, noting the ringing of the big bell that it was time to change classes, he strolled past Draco and his friends giving a small wink as a greeting. He was focusing on the snow that was starting to fall, he realized he probably should of put on something warmer but he decided Snape could scold him later, he was thrown out of his thoughts when he bumped into Hermoine who was about to drop hell onto him before she registered who he was, "Oh! Alex! I am sorry! I didn't see you!" she exclaimed, Alexander waved his hand and picked up some of the books that dropped on the floor when they colided and handed them back to her, "It's my fault really, I should have been paying attention.." he sent a sheepish smile her way and she blushed, "W-Where are your warm clothes? You're going to freeze to death!" he huffed, taking off her Griffyndor scarf and wraping it around his neck and scurrying off. "..Heh.. Sweet girl." he muttered to himself before resuming the walk to his dorm, silently glad that none of his dormmates were there to see him with a Griffyndor scarf around his neck as he took his stuff and left for Snape's private rooms.