*Your bottle's almost empty, you know this can't go on*

The little town of Hogsmeade was silent the night of July 26, 1976. All the shops were closed and not even stray dogs were wondering in the streets, due to the late time of 1:29. But it's silent and peaceful atmosphere was interrupted exactly as the minute hand turned to 1:30 on the giant clock tower by a loud cracking noise. Two figures standing in the middle of the once empty street seemed to be the cause of the loud noise that had disturbed the quaint town. The tallest of the figures, who seemed to be holding the arm of the shorter of the figures, let go of their companion and reached into their pocket, searching for something. After searching through another pocket, the figure pulled out a dark object before flicking it and muttering something. Seconds later a thick fog seemed to cloak the entire village. The two figures became invisible to the prying eyes in the nearby houses as the fog grew thicker and thicker. Contempt with them now being seemingly invisible, the taller figure once again took their companions' arm and started walking at a brisk pace towards the Three Broomsticks, the other being towed behind the first. They reached their destination in complete silence, neither one of them saying a single word, though both figures could hear the erratic beating of their hearts. Upon reaching the doorstep of the said shop, the taller figure again pulled out a stick like object and pointed it at the door.

"Alohomora"

A flash of bright light was emitted, the door then clicked and swung open. The figures quickly rushed in the little bar, the taller of the two once again pointing the stick like object at the door.

"Colloportus"

The door slammed shut, the lock clicking. Turning back around the figure grabbed the other's arm and lead them to the back of the bar, to a door that was out of view from the general area of the bar. There was a light coming from under the door, alerting the figure that the person that she had arranged to meet was already there and waiting for them. Before opening the door the figure once again waved the stick.

"Protego Totalum"

Satisfied with the charm, the figure opened the door to reveal a sparsely decorated room that was just a bit bigger than a broom closet. There was simply a table with four chairs. There were no windows in the room, it's only source of light was coming from the many candles that were hovering in the room. But what caught the attention of the taller figure the most was the man that was seated in one of the chairs. Pushing the other figure in the room, the figure closed the door before waving the stick yet again.

"Muffliato"

Satisfied with making the room silent to all that would try to listen in, the figure turned around and faced the old man that was sitting.

"It seems as though you do not trust the precautions that I have already taken to secure our conversation tonight, Mrs. Devanto." Said the old man as he folded his hands on the table, glancing at the taller of the figures over his spectacles. The figure in question took off her hood on her cloak to reveal a beautiful face with piercing blue eyes and hair white as snow.

"You know as well as I do that it is hard to trust even your closest friends during this war, Dumbledore." Mrs. Devanto said, as her exhaustion and worry showed on her goddess like face.

"I know quite well Selene, but please why don't the both of you come sit down so we may discuss the problem at hand." He said, motioning with his hand for them to sit in the chairs opposite of himself. Selene and her fellow companion complied with his request and sat in the chairs. He smiled warmly at them before talking once more.

"There, much better. Now how about some Butterbeer? I find that it can sometimes make a conversation much more enjoyable."

"But Dumbledore-"

"Non-sense Selene! I insist on having one and I'm sure that it would do both you and Ms. Devanto good. You both look a bit shaken-up." Dumbledore said, cutting Selene off. He then proceeded to pull out his own wand from inside his robes, flicking it, causing 3 mugs of warm Butterbeer to appear out of thin air. Putting his wand back into his robes, Dumbledore reached for the mug closest to him and took a small sip, encouraging the other two to do the same. They both obliged and in turn, each took a small sip before looking back to the old man who seemed oddly calm in the time of danger.

"Well before we begin, I must insist that you take your hood off Ms. Devanto." The other figure nodded her head before raising her hands to lower her hood. The first thing that Dumbledore noticed was that the young girl had definitely inherited a lot of her mother's blood. She had the same snow white hair as her mother and also the same piercing blue eyes. Though being as beautiful as her mother, the girl had three horrid scars that ran from her lower left cheek, all the way down to her neck.

"Thank you Ms. Devanto, now Selene if you would be as so kind as to explain to me why you sent me an owl at one this morning, asking for an urgent request?"

Selene looked down at the table quietly, before looking up and staring straight into Dumbledore's twinkling eyes.

"Yes, I am truly sorry that this is not the most appropriate time, but I feel that I could wait no longer." She paused, but he nodded for her to continue. She took a deep breath before continuing her tale. "Well as you probably know, we have been living in America for the past three years. Me and Mathew thought that if we moved away from the place where he seemed to be gaining power most that we would be out of danger. That we would be able to let the children outside, without worrying about those death eaters popping up. And then he started using them. About four years ago we learned that he was hunting down Robert because of his 'condition'. Not to mention they found out about his and Anna's blood line." Selene stopped and let out a sob. "Oh Dumbledore! They ransacked our home! They found us all the way in America. I don't know how they did it. We didn't even tell anyone that we were going there! Thankfully we weren't home at the time but when we got back…the house was completely torn apart! So me and Mathew panicked. Mathew and Robert are in Alaska as we speak. I not only came to you in a plea of help but also in a desperate request for Anna." By now tears were flowing freely down Selene's face.

"And what was your request Mrs. Devanto?" he asked, but already knew the answer.

"Please let Anna stay here and finish her schooling at Hogwarts! I know it is a lot to ask but you are the only one who can protect her from Voldemort! Robert having finished his schooling this past year has been great timing, but Anna needs to finish. I will not allow her to not have an education because of that horrid monster!"

"I completely agree Selene. Ms. Anna should be allowed to complete her education. Though I must ask if you plan on staying in London with her."

At the question, Selene looked down ashamed.

"N-no. I need to help Mathew with Robert. You know that his 'condition' is not easy for only one person to deal with. It is both mentally and physically draining for the both of us. And if me and Mathew are not there to help Robert at the same time, then I am afraid that worse things than being caught by Voldemort would happen." She looked up at Albus, silently pleading with her eyes for him to take her precious daughter in.

"Well, I would be more than happy to allow your daughter to attend Hogwarts-" Dumbledore had started but was cut off by Selene.

"Oh! Dumbledore! I will never be able to repay your kindness! Thank you so-"she was going to continue but Dumbledore held up one of his hands to silence her from her joyous ramblings of thank you.

"I am happy to help, but we still have the issue of where Ms. Anna will stay until the new school term starts. As you know, we do not start until the first of September, and neither do we let students stay on school grounds during the summer vacation." Selene dropped her head at this statement, knowing that what Dumbledore had said was very true. Disappointment and fear was clearly radiating off of Selene's demeanor.

"But…"

Her head shot back up quickly as she heard him utter that one word. Dumbledore stared into her teary blue eyes that were filled with hope. He chuckled lightly before continuing.

"Considering the circumstances…I am sure that we will be able to work something out." He paused to let Selene beam with happiness. He turned his knowing gaze to Selene's daughter who had been quiet the entire time. "So, Anna, how old will you be by September first?"

The girl in question looked up surprised that he was talking to her and not her mother. She cleared her throat nervously before answering quietly.

"I just turned 17 in May."

"I see…very good. At Hogwarts you would be considered a seventh year then. Ah, but that does not matter, it all depends on how much schooling you have had. So if you would kindly tell me what your schooling has been like." Dumbledore asked, smiling warmly at the nervous girl. Anna looked at her mom, as if asking if it was okay to tell the old headmaster about her previous schooling. Her mother just simply smiled and nodded for her to continue.

"I spent my first three years learning at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and then when we moved to America I spent the last three years at Salem Witches Institute, sir."

"Ah, I have had the pleasure of meeting Madame Maxine on a couple of occasions, she is a wonderful headmistress indeed, unfortunately I have not had the chance to meet the headmaster of the Salem Witch Institute, though I have heard many great things about him and the school." Anna smiled at Albus. Her headmaster was indeed a great wizard. She would miss attending his class. The institute was very small but Anna liked that. And she enjoyed having her headmaster teach potions.

"And now back to the question of where Anna is going to stay until the next semester starts."

"Well I might be able to get some money from my inheritance and she could stay here somewhere in Hogsmeade."

"Ah! But that will not be necessary my dear Selene. She can stay with our grounds keeper Hagrid. He is nice man who I'm sure will enjoy the company. Plus I'm sure that your mind would rest easier knowing that she would be on school grounds, thus under the best protection that the wizarding world has to offer."

Selene almost jumped out of her seat at hearing what Albus had just said. She was glad that she would not have to worry about her daughter and could focus wholly on helping Mathew hide Robert from Voldemort. She felt guilty of course for leaving her little girl, but she knew it was best for Anna if she did. No matter how much it hurt.

"Well if there are no further questions, I will show you to where you will be staying until term starts." He said standing up. He pulled out his wand and flicked the empty mugs away.

"Umm…Professor?" Anna questioned as Dumbledore and her mother were moving towards the door.

"Yes, Anna" Anna stood there for a few seconds debating her question before she finally looked up into his eyes.

"How did you know that I prefer being called Anna, instead of Annaleasia?"

Albus chuckled. "An old man knows many things."

And with that they all headed out of Hogsmeade and towards the school grounds.

Staying with Hagrid for the remainder of the summer vacation was not as bad as Anna thought it would be. It was quite the opposite actually. Hagrid is what she would call a gentle giant. Literally. Hagrid himself was half-giant. But being half-giant did not mean that he displayed the common giant characteristics. In fact, Hagrid was the kindest person that Anna had met in a long time. Although his 'hut' was rather small, she was more than happy to take residence on his overstuffed couch, although too small for Hagrid to sleep on, was just perfect for her.

Her first couple of weeks with Hagrid did take some getting used to. One of the things that she had to get used to was Fang. Hagrid's new boarhound puppy. Although Hagrid had trained him well, he would still get excited easily and jump all over her. Even for a puppy the dog was enormous already, his head reaching just up to her knee cap. But of course he just seemed big to Anna, who was just barley reaching five feet. Though Hagrid seemed to think that the puppy was one of the smallest things he had ever seen and would regularly pick it up as of it weighed nothing, carrying it everywhere he went. Another thing that took some getting used to was Hagrid's love for animals. Though Anna loved animals too, Hagrid loved slightly different animals. Different animals meaning sharp teeth, long claws, poisonous, and otherwise dangerous creatures. But Hagrid had an enormous heart, meaning that no matter what it was, he took care of it.

Regardless of the threat of danger, Anna also enjoyed going through the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid and Fang. Not only did she learn about the fantastic creatures in the forest but the time in the forest with Hagrid also served as a bonding time. The more time the two spent together only seemed to strengthen their bond. Hagrid quickly became Anna's only friend at Hogwarts so far. Then again, classes hadn't started yet. But reflecting on her past, Anna realized that she never really ever had friends. Granted she did move a couple of times, she did go to each school for more than a year, giving her ample time to become friends with someone. She never made friends; of course she had a few people she could talk to occasionally. But never someone who she really trusted.

In the weeks leading up to the start of term Anna became increasingly nervous about going to a new school once again. She was sitting at Hagrid's table, playing with her hands as she discussed her nervousness with him. Fangs head lay on her lap, her gently stroking behind his ears as he slobbered on her pants.

"Yeh got nothin' ter worry about, Anna. Hogwarts has got some nice folk there! An' yeh be making friends sooner than yeh could say Quidditch." Hagrid thundered as he was making them some tea.

"But I've never really had a friend before Hagrid! Even at my old school, no one really liked me." She said, looking down embarrassed.

"Then them other schools are full o' slimy gits." He said, putting a cup of tea in front of Anna and taking the seat opposite of her. They sat in silence for a bit, each quietly sipping their own tea. Hagrid was the first to break the silence, hating to see the beautiful young girl in sorrow.

"Yeh know what I all way' been wantin'?"

Anna looked up from her cup to stare questioningly at her friend.

"What?"

"I'd fancy meself a dragon" he stated, gazing out the window. Almost as he was daydreaming what it would be like to own a dragon.

Anna gasped, staring wide eyed at Hagrid in disbelief.

"WHY on earth would you want one Hagrid? Their terribly dangerous and they can't be tamed!"

"They aren't a dangerous lot! They're jus' misunderstood." Said Hagrid, defending himself.

"Misunderstood? You're barking mad if you want a dragon Hagrid! It would kill you. They're not nice creatures!"

"Well, that's jus' wizards who don't know how ter deal with em' givin' them bad rep."

"Hagrid…I…don't even know what to say…" she finished lamely, figuring that if he really wanted a dragon then there was no way that she would be able to convince him not to.

"I've always wanted one since I was a young chap!" he said brightly.

"Then why don't you just go get one if you've wanted one for so long?" Anna asked.

"Blimey Anna! Yeh think yeh can jus' go out there and get one?" Hagrid was astounded by her statement.

"Well I don't see why not."

"Their bloody hard ter find! Practically extinct they are!"

"Well if I ever find a dragon egg I'll be sure to give it to you"

Hagrid was going to respond but was cut off by a knock at the door. Hagrid looked at the door in confusion before standing up and shuffling around the table and towards the door. Opening the door, Hagrid was surprised to find Dumbledore on his doorstep waiting patiently.

"Ah Professor! Come in come in." said Hagrid warmly, opening the door wider, as to let the headmaster in.

"Thank you Hagrid. I assume that your vacation is going well Ms. Devanto." Dumbledore had turned his attention to Anna.

"Yes. I am enjoying my time with Hagrid, sir." Anna said, smiling warmly up to Dumbledore.

"Ah! Very good. Hagrid I would be most thankful if I could have a cup of tea, I seem to be on the verge of catching a cold." Said Dumbledore, as he took a seat at the table by Anna.

"O' course Professor!" Hagrid shuffled back to the kitchen to get a cup for Albus. Fang, having abandoned Anna at the sight of the headmaster, was now licking Dumbledore's hands, wanting his attention.

"'Ere yeh go Professor!" said Hagrid, putting a cup of tea down in front of him before resuming his previous seat at the table. Dumbledore said nothing but instead lifted the cup to his mouth before taking a long sip.

"Ah. Thank you Hagrid. Now, to the reason why I'm here." He paused to look at Anna over his half-moon spectacles. "I am here to inform Ms. Anna that the new term will be starting precisely in one week. I am also pleased to tell you that your mother sent your trunk and your owl this morning." Anna had brightened up at the news that her beloved owl was finally here. "Also I would like to explain what is happening with your family at the moment." Dumbledore paused, taking a sip of his tea and letting Anna prepare herself for what she was about to hear. "As of two weeks ago your family has been in hiding, under my request and protection. Where they are I cannot tell you. But know that they are safe and well." Anna opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by Dumbledore. "Yes, your brother is safe as well, and his condition is being looked after. You have nothing to worry about. Just know that communication with your family will have to be very sparse. I am sorry but that is the only way to be sure that they will not be found." Anna nodded in understanding. "Good! Now on to happier news. Now our returning students arrive at the school via train and are then are taken by carriage to the school. Now seeing as you are already on school grounds and have yet to be sorted. We would like you to accompany Hagrid to the train station where he will then take you and the first years to the school via boat. You will then stay with the first years for the sorting." She was confused but nodded in understanding, figuring that Hagrid would be able to explain it to her later.

Dumbledore smiled. He could tell that she was confused but he knew that she would feel more comfortable with asking Hagrid. He stood up before finishing the conversation.

"Well, that is all the news that I have to offer. Now I will have your trunk and owl delivered immediately. And with all of that said I would like to wish you a happy rest of vacation." After he finished speaking, he cast a fleeting glance at Anna before turning back to Hagrid. "The grounds are looking nice this year Hagrid…Well thank you for the tea. It was most delicious, but I must be getting back to the castle. Many things to prepare for." And with that Dumbledore left Hagrid and Anna, making his way back to the castle. The two sat in silence for a moment before Anna's curiosity got the best of her.

"Sorting?" she questioned, looking at Hagrid.

"I keep forgettin' that it'll be yeh firs' year 'ere. But 'ere at Hogwarts they separate the kids by houses. Yeh be sorted inter Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Personally I fancy Gryffindor, I once being one meself." Said Hagrid, obviously glowing with pride at being a Gryffindor.

"But how will they know what house to put me in." Anna was curious as to how they would determine the house she should be in. Though she was quietly hoping that there wasn't a test of any sort.

"Yeh got nothin' ter worry bout. The sorting hat will figure it out for yeh. But yeh got ter have certain qualities for each of em'. Gryffindor's are brave blokes. Hufflepuff is where all them kind ones go. Ravenclaw is for the clever an' Slytherin… well their just a bunch o' nasty prats, yeh way too kind ter end up with the likes of them."

"What's wrong with Slytherin?"

"Their prats who will only like yeh if yeh a 'pure' blood. Prejudiced gits. It seems as though no good witch or wizard has ever came out o' that house."

"Oh"

Hagrid, mouth open from when he was going to respond, was once again cut off by a quiet knock at the door. Closing his mouth, he made his way to the door and opened it. Opening the door, Hagrid looked out and saw Anna's trunk with a cage sitting on top of it, which held a small chestnut owl. Looking out a little further, he saw no one, so he thought it must have been a house elf that brought it out.

"Yeh owl an' trunk are 'ere"

Anna, getting up from the table, looked around the door and saw Hagrid moving the cage off of the trunk and bending down to pick up the trunk. She jumped with glee at finally being reunited with her beloved owl and ran out of the house to pick up his cage.

"Yeh got a mighty fine lookin' owl there"

"Thanks Hagrid, he's a screech owl. His name is Lucca and I don't think he's too happy at me."

Anna was referring to the way that the chestnut owl was glaring at her and snapping at her fingers every time that she tried to pet him. Hagrid looked out from inside, where he had just laid the trunk against the wall. He thought that what he saw was amusing. Anna was sticking her fingers in the cage to pet the owl but each time she got close to him he would try to bite her and back away. Chuckling, he made his way back outside and towards the girl and her owl.

"I think he jus' didn't like the trip he had ter the castle. He jus' wants ter get out o' his cage an' fly." He guessed, looking down at the rather flustered owl who kept puffing out his feathers in an agitated way. Anna gave a sideways glance to Hagrid. She felt rather stupid that she hadn't about that. His solution was so simple too, and logical.

"Hmm, I bet your right. It's probably been a while since he's been able to stretch his wings." She said, opening the door to the bird's cage. Lucca flew out of his cage the second that Anna had undone the latch. Hagrid and Anna watched as the owl shot out of the cage and soared high up into the air, doing multiple spins and turns on its way up. Once he was almost out of sight from the two, he started in on a spectacular dive. Anna was just about to scream and run away as the owl seemed to be dive bombing her at an increasing speed, but he pulled up abruptly before slowing down considerably and landing lightly on her head. Hagrid watched in amusement as Anna blinked owlishly before looking up at her owl who was seated on top of her head and not moving.

"Oy! You bloody creature, get off!" she said, waving her hands at the bird, trying to get him off of her head. Lucca, seeing this as a game, only nipped lightly at her hands as they came close to him. Realizing this, Anna started swatting at the owl, successfully getting the owl to fly off her head. Only to have him chase her, trying to nip at her face, arms, and anywhere else that Lucca could get his beak on. Hagrid boomed with laughter at the sight of Anna running around in circles crying for help as Lucca hooted happily while gently nipping her. After a good fifteen minutes, Anna finally collapsed on the ground, exhausted. Breathing heavily, she looked up and saw Lucca standing in front of her. Upon meeting his eyes, Lucca tilted his head towards her and hooted.

"I think this means that he's forgivin' yeh." Said Hagrid, smiling at the two.

She sighed heavily before answering. "I guess. Though he has a weird way of telling me. I could have done with him simply just letting me pet him again." She said while getting up and letting Lucca fly up onto her shoulder.

Later that evening after Hagrid had made some sort of pasta for dinner, after, the two sat at the table enjoying a cup of late night tea. Although Hagrid's dinner had been…interesting in taste, Anna was enjoying the chocolate frogs that Hagrid had given her quite more. She thought it was interesting to read the back of the collectible cards. So far that night she had gotten Merlin, Circe, Agrippa and Bertie Bott. Hagrid on the other hand was busy staring that the young witch. He was curious as to why he who must not be named was after her and her brother. He was also intrigued about her scar. The scar itself was in the shape of something that must have drugged its way through her skin. It must have been something very powerful to leave a nasty scar such as hers, especially if a healer wasn't able to make it go away. Though the pinkish scar was clearly visible on her pale skin, she did a good job of covering it up with her long waving hair. But Hagrid's curiosity was bubbling too much for him to control and he asked her how she got it.

"What?" Anna looked up surprised at the question Hagrid had just asked.

"I was jus' curious as ter how yeh got that scar." He repeated. Anna lifted her hand to rub her scar as Hagrid mentioned it again.

"I…well…I was playing with a…with one of those fire salamanders when I was young…and he got me with his claw…" She stammered out, not making eye contact with Hagrid, and instead stroking her scar and looking at her Merlin card that was looking at her skeptically. Had she been looking up, she would have seen the skeptic look that Hagrid was also giving her. He knew for a fact that salamanders even fire salamanders didn't leave scars remotely close to hers. But he disregarded that thought as it was obviously hard for the girl to talk about. He decided to just leave that conversation at that.

"Right, well I'm goin' ter bed now"

Anna looked up in time to see the back of Hagrid disappear behind his bedroom door. She sighed, looking down at the table and hoping that he wasn't mad at her for obviously lying to him.