HEYYY EVERYONE! I'm back once again! And to thank you wonderful beings for being so so very very patient with me and as a reward here's the first chapter of my newest book.
Chapter 1
Surprises, Citrine and Another Year
August 1st, 1990
Cloud Cottage - Residence of the Cloud Family
Anna was practically bouncing up and down when she woke up on August 1st. Bright and early she awoke and got ready and packed her trunk as quick and as neatly as she could before dragging the large suitcase down the many stairs to the drawing room, where her mother was sitting waiting for Anna and her things, a large beaming smile on her face. Spirit was following right behind the young witch, being careful not to trip her owner, while Anna hauled the heavy trunk into the living room.
She looked around the room and spotted a man standing by the window, his back facing them. Anna almost dropped her trunk on Spirit, the black feline yeowled and hissed. "Sorry Spi," Anna whispered, looking at her cat apologetically. She pointed to the man and Spirit instantly stopped fussing, instead, she jumped and rested upon Anna's shoulders. The little witch advanced forwards slowly towards the man, she looked to her mother questioningly; her mother simply beamed and nodded enthusiastically.
"Papa?" Anna whispered looking back to the man, who turned around and smiled at Anna, his left eye was black and swollen, his lip was cut badly, and he limped slightly when he walked but other than that it was him! Her father was home! Anna had tears in her eyes, she grabbed Spirit from her shoulders and handed the disappointed feline to her mother. The young witch turned to her father once again and she stifled a sob as she ran to him. "Papa!" She cried and jumped into his arms, he caught her with ease, stunned that she had grown a few inches over the past year. She started crying, mumbling only a few words over and over again, "You're home," she mumbled; her mother set Spirit down and joined in the hug, the Cloud Family reunited once more.
He was petting Anna's hair as he consoled her, "Yes, baby, I'm home," he soothed. "I'm okay, safe and home, at last." She nodded as she sobbed, her mother had started to cry too, Anna's arm reached out and hugged her mother.
The flames from the fire turned green suddenly and Minerva stepped out of the fireplace, dusting the soot from her black and emerald green travelling cloak.
Anna turned her head at the sound of the fire and her eyes flashed violet. "Minnie!" She jumped from her parents' arms and hugged the old witch tightly.
Minerva laughed at Anna's enthusiasm—since it never got old—and hugged her back. "Hello, Anna," she said, a beaming smile on her face. She looked up and saw Mary hugging Charles tightly. Minerva froze and whispered, "Good Godric,)" as she watched the couple cry and celebrate his return.
"Minnie?" Anna spoke up, she looked up into the old witches blue-grey eyes, and Minerva's heart melted at the sight of Anna's stormy blue eyes, a colour they only became when she was upset. "Are we leaving today?" Anna asked with a sniffle, her voice small and her eyes puffy and rimmed red. She'd obviously been crying, Minerva remembered how many times she had seen the little witch cry because she missed her parents the year prior.
Minerva gave Anna a small, sad nod and said, "Sadly, dear, yes. We must leave today." Anna nodded as she accepted the news and she let go of Minnie and ran back to her parents and hugged them tightly.
"I'll miss you guys, promise you'll write more this time. Please," Minerva heard the young witch mumble, she also heard a small meow and looked down to find Spirit rubbing against her legs, she smiled at the cat and swooped down to give her a scratch behind the ear.
"We promise," Her parents said together and Anna seemed to be beaming as she kissed both of her parents on the cheek and was returned to the ground to gather her things.
The little witch returned to Minnie and smiled sadly, the older witch waved her wand over Anna's face and the puffiness from her eyes disappeared, as did the redness. She waved her wand over Anna's trunk and it disappeared, Anna smiled and gave the older witch a knowing look, the older witch smiled and nodded, confirming Anna's unspoken question.
"Come'on Spirit, we're leaving now," Anna said and—as always—the black cat jumped up on Anna's shoulders and rested her paws and eyes. Anna turned and hugged her parents once more, holding her father a little bit longer than she had her mother. "I love you guys, I'll see you soon."
She then turned and joined Minnie in the fireplace, she grabbed Spirit from her shoulders and held on tightly to the older witch, who smiled at Anna's parents then dropped the Floo Powder into the flames, shouting "Hogwarts!" and just like that, the green flames erupted and engulfed the three and they appeared in Minnie's office dusting off their clothes from the soot.
Anna looked at Minnie with excitement and silently squealed. "Where are we going this time Minnie?" She asked she couldn't hold her excitement in any longer as she regarded the older witch in hope.
Minerva simply smiled smugly and shrugged, but gave Anna a knowing look and a small wink, that made Anna squeal with joy.
August 11th, 1990
Paris, France - Eiffel Tower
"Minnie?" Anna asked as the pair walked up the stairs to the top of the Effiel Tower.
The older witch looked at Anna and smiled at the little girl who was wearing the very thing she had bought the young witch in a Muggle Paris store. A pair of yellow ballet flats with two little black bows on the top of each. The moment Anna had seen them, she simply begged to have them and Minerva had instantly bought them for the young girl. She handed Anna the shoes and the little girl hadn't taken them off since.
Anna had never seen Minnie in anything other than her black and emerald green travelling cloak and her pointed hat, but today Minnie was wearing Muggle clothes to blend in. A nice pair of black pants, a red top with gold embroidered detailing, her shoes were—as always—black heels. Spirit was laying across Anna's golden yellow t-shirt clad shoulders. Her black skater skirt threatened to blow upwards with the wind, Anna hurriedly cast a quick Freezing Charm so her skirt wouldn't go up with the wind.
"What is it, Anna dear?" Minerva asked as the pair reached the top of the tower.
Anna stared at the City of Lights in awe and wonder, wishing her friends were here to see the beautiful view, as if someone had read her mind she heard the familiar voice of one of her best mates.
"Tassiyanna!"
Anna turned around and locked eyes with Peter.
"Peter!" Anna ran and hugged him. Spirit—having already known her cue to dismount Anna's shoulders—was currently laying atop Minnie's, the older witch not minding one bit. "What are you doing here?" She asked him as she held the wizard at arms length, her hands resting on his shoulders.
"I was going to ask you the same thing," he said with a smirk. Anna simply pointed behind her and Peter bristled at the sight of McGonagall in Muggle attire, Spirit on her shoulders and without her pointed witches hat. "Blimey! You don't see that every day, McGona—er... I mean Professor McGonagall in Muggle clothing I mean, but enough about that, what are you doing in Paris?"
"When I stay with Minerva, we travel the world; I've been here about 5 times already and about 10 last year before I met you and the rest of the Lot." She said casually as if she were talking about the weather.
Peter opened his mouth to speak but shut it once again when he felt a few small tugs from his Muggle t-shirt. He looked down and found the little girl, her long honey-brown hair in yellow satin ribbon-tied pigtails. "What is it Sum?" He asked raising his eyebrow at the little girl with bright amber eyes.
She said nothing, instead she pointing to Anna and gave him a confused look.
"Oh! This is Anna," he said gesturing to his best friend. "She's my best mate from Hogwarts. Anna," he said, turning to face a very confused; yet amused Anna. "This . . ." he pointed to the little girl in a small yellow sun dress with large black stripes. "is my little sister, Summer."
The little girl smiled at Anna shyly and gave a small wave. Anna smiled and waved back. "Hello Summer, are you going to be going to Hogwarts soon?"
Summer shook her head. "I'm six." She said turning a deep shade of crimson.
"No need to be embarrassed Summer, we were all that age once too, I didn't even know until a month before I turned eleven. I'm Muggle-born, you see." Anna said, absolutely no shame in her tone or in her face, or her bright ocean blue eyes. Summer smiled and walked forward and hugged Anna.
Anna, being the girl she was, hugged her right back.
"Aren't the Slytherins mean to you?" Summer asked, her voice small.
Anna threw her head back slightly and laughed, Peter following suite.
"The Slytherins are scared of her sis," Peter said clutching his side. "Bloody terrified,"
"Why?" Summer asked her voice was small and sweet still in its childhood stage.
Anna turned a deep crimson and leaned down to Summers height. "Let's just say, I got called a bad name, we pulled the biggest prank ever, that led to the entire Slytherin House trying to tear each other apart and sleeping in the corridors because they couldn't find their own House entrance." She whispered in the girl's ear and Summer silently giggled.
Someone cleared their throat from behind the three. Anna turned and found herself face to face with Minnie. "So that's who did that, Anna . . ." Minnie's tone was in a scolding manner, then she smiled brightly at the little witch. "Well done dear." Anna beamed and took a bow making the gang laugh at the little witches theatrics. "Well dear, we have to go now, we need to get back to Hogwarts, say goodbye."
Anna nodded and hugged Peter then Summer. "Write to me," she said to the both before she stood to leave.
"Don't forget Mia's birthday!" Peter called after her.
"I know!" She called back from over her shoulder and the three Apparated to the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, they Apparated once more to the nearest Apparition Point then walked inside a shop with the Floo Network.
oOoOoOo
~ Somewhere in Paris ~
A young, skinny, blonde haired witch appeared from the back of the shop to greet them, giving the pair each a kiss on either cheek before speaking to them in fast French.
"Anna, dear could you translate for me?" Anna nodded and listened to the witch.
"S'il vous plaît, secouer vos manteaux dehors avant d'entrer dans le magasin," Anna nodded and took off her jacket gesturing for Minnie to do the same.
"She wants us to shake our jackets outside before we enter her shop like everyone does Minnie." Anna said as the pair went outside to shake their jackets before returning to the warmth inside the cozy old book shop.
"Could you ask her if we could use her Floo once again?" Minnie asked and Anna nodded.
"Madame?" Anna got her attention then she continued. "On peut tu s'il te plaît utiliser votre Floo?" The blonde witch widened her emerald green eyes and looked between the two.
"Des sorcières?" She asked as she backed up, in a warning French tone, reaching for her pocket.
Anna smiled and nodded in assurance. "Oui, Madame; Poulard pour être exacte de notre placement. Wands won't be necessary, ma'am. We just need to use the Floo to get home."
"Well why dedn't you zay zo!" The blonde squealed and introduced herself. "My name iz Izabelle, avec un "Z", you may call me Izzy."
"It's nice to meet you Izzy, mon nom est Tassiyanna, s'il vous plaît appeler moi, Anna. Ceci est ma maîtresse, Minerva." Anna introduced herself and Minerva, the blonde smiled and ushered the pair to the back.
Spirit following them from behind until Izabelle noticed the feline and swooped down to pick her up.
"Et qui est ceci? Yours?" Izzy asked the pair and they smiled.
Anna nodded and patted her shoulder, the feline jumping from the witches arms to Anna's shoulder. "This is Spirit, elle est ma chatte."
Anna then caught sight of a beautiful citrine jewelled hairpin upon Izabelle's desk, she stared at it in wonder.
"C'est belle, non?" Isabelle asked from behind as Minnie approached the hearty fireplace.
"Oui," Anna breathed. "Son les couleurs de ma Maison à Poulard," Anna explained to the witch that the jewels were her House colour.
Izabelle took the pin from her desk and handed it to Anna. "Tien, garde le." She said to keep it.
"Oh non, madame je peut pas; il regarde ben trop cher." Anna refused.
"J'insiste ma belle, prend les. Peut être elle peut être un cadeau pour une fête?"
"Mia—" Anna breathed.
"Une de tes amies?" Anna nodded and Izzy smiled. "Garde le."
Anna smiled and hugged the blonde witch, whom immediately hugged her back. "Merci."
"De rien, ma belle."
August 13th, 1990
Minerva's Office - Hogwarts
Anna was laying on her stomach in front of the hearty fire, her quill scribbling furiously on a piece of parchment, a few empty Chocolate Frog packs laying around the witch. Spirit was struggling to grab the one she'd accidentally thrown underneath the small sofa.
"Accio." The empty packet flew out from beneath the sofa and into Anna's hand, Spirit gave Anna her full attention; "Don't get it stuck under the sofa again." and the witch threw the empty packet back to her feline, who began to viciously play and smack the packet around the room trying her hardest not to get it stuck beneath the sofa once again.
On the parchment Anna was writing on was a letter to Mia.
Dear Mia,
Happy birthday, I was in Paris a few days ago and I saw this in one of the shops, figured you'd like it, a lot. The lady was really nice and reminded me of those Beauxbatons witches, she probably went there too, spoke fluent French and she was very beautiful, probably part Veela too.
Miss you Mia, see you at Hogwarts. Can't wait to see you.
Love,
Annie
After she cast a quick drying charm on the ink and made sure the ink didn't come back on her finger, she tied the letter to Luna's talon and sent the owl off with instructions to bring it to Mia, the barn owl gave a happy hoot in Anna and Spirit's direction—the little feline meowed in the owl's direction before she returned to toss the empty packet around—Anna smiled and gave a laugh as the beautiful bird flew off.
"Looks like you two are getting along now aren't ya?" Anna said to her feline, Spi looked in her direction and nodded before she abandoned the packet and walked over to her owner for some attention.
Anna pet her feline for a few minutes before she heard the familiar call. "Annie! Could you come here for a minute?" it was Minnie.
"Coming!" the little witch called as she got up from her spot in front of the fire and made her way up to Minnie's office. As the little witch knocked and entered Minnie's office; she quickly ducked when something zoomed over her head and her hair grew even messier, her smile fell and she gave an almost teenage face of 'seriously?'. She looked at the little blue bird with a slight glare before her face softened and she gave a small giggle; she lent out her hand and the little blue bird took rest on her finger. "Is this what you needed a hand with Minnie?" the little witch asked as she turned and gave a small laugh to find the older witch crouched down behind her desk.
"Sometimes, I wish that your bloody exam would behave when she needs a bath." Minnie said sternly as she stood up from behind her desk and flattened her emerald dress. Anna giggled behind her free hand.
"She giving you a hard time?" the little witch asked, Minerva nodded. "You know she doesn't like baths Minnie." Anna added with a laugh before her finger gave a little pat on the top of the little blue bird's head.
"Could you bathe her for me? Please?" Minerva asked giving a breath of relief. Anna laughed and nodded. Minerva left the room to get some work done while Anna gave the little blue jay a bath.
"Accio wand.)" the witch said as her wand flew into the room and into her free hand; she quickly pointed her wand to the little bird. "Immobulus." the little bird froze before she could cause a fuss. Anna then brought her over to a small basin filled with water, she slowly immersed the little bird into the water and gave her a quick bath.
oOoOoOo
~ Sometime Later ~
Minerva's Office
After the bath was over and the little bird was out of the water, Anna ended her charm, the little blue jay hissed, surprisingly, shook and turned into a tiny ball of blue fluff. Anna giggled and waved her wand over the small bird, who returned to normal, her feathers smoothed out and she took flight at the top of a cabinet and remained there, angry with the little witch for giving her a bath.
Minerva gave a small laugh having watched the scene play out.
"She'll be down later," Anna said a little laugh in her voice. "She's mad cause I immobilized her and gave her a bath." Minerva let out a hearty laugh, a sound no one heard very often, not even the other Professors had the power to make her laugh that way.
"I came up to let you know, Professor Snape requires your help in his classroom." Anna smiled and nodded quickly before she dashed out of the room, leaving her wand behind.
Suddenly her wand zoomed out the door, having been summoned by its owner. Minerva chuckled and gave the little blue jay one last look before she returned to work.
oOoOoOo
Potions Classroom - Dungeons
The knocking on his office door was quiet and kind of cute, he knew it was her. She was the only one he knew who knocked on the doors like that. "Come in," he said, loud enough for her to hear and the door opened a moment later. Her hair was even messier than usual, it stuck out at the back of her head and her eyes flashed violet when she smiled at him, like a child—which brought him back to the difficult reality that this wasn't the girl he knew when he attended Hogwarts—.
"Hello Professor," she smiled, her voice still ringing with childhood.
He smiled at her, something that not many students could achieve; she beamed at him and his smile grew. "Anna, I need your help with sorting out the ingredients for the upcoming term." she nodded curtly and took Spirit off her shoulders and let the feline wander around; with the silent warning not to break anything. The feline nodded before she wandered off to do her own thing.
For an hour and a half, the pair worked together to sort out all the needed ingredients for the upcoming terms Potion classes. Spirit was pushing a few sprigs towards the pair. Anna took the sprigs and thanked the feline. Anna examined the sprigs with wonder and slight confusion before she asked him. "Professor?"
"What is it, Annie?" he answered turning to her, he caught sight of the sprigs in her hands.
She held up the sprigs to him. "What do you call these?"
Her Professor smiled as he lent out his hand. "Those are called Aconite or monkshood, it is the main ingredient to brewing Wolfsbane."
"Wolfsbane?" she asked raising a brow, she had picked that up from Minerva, whom could raise an eyebrow like no other; Anna had mastered the art of raising a brow and it was mildly intimidating.
"It is used to help keep a lycanthrope, or werewolf to his usual mental self." he explained.
"So you mean that the wolf inside a lycanthrope's mind doesn't take full control over them? Like the wolf takes the backseat in his mind and the—say—(boy) is in full control?" Snape nodded, pleased with her knowledge of the subject, then he remembered her best friend was a lycanthrope.
He knew it was a long shot, but he asked her anyways. "Would you like me to teach you how to brew it, you know, for your lycanthrope friend?" she nodded immediately.
"Yes, please Professor. I'm one hundred percent sure, that Jamie would appreciate that." Snape smiled down at her before he placed the sprigs upon the table and turned to grab the rest of the ingredients.
When he returned with arms full of ingredients, he noticed that she had set up a cauldron, found the proper book with the proper instructions, and found the already strewed Aconite sprigs that had been hanging and strewing. He put down the ingredients and smiled at her. "Let's get started then," She smiled and raised a brow as though he had forgotten something. "Vixen," she beamed and they started.
August 21st, 1990
Diagon Alley - Quidditch Quality Supplies
"Minnie? While you get my books, can I go to Quidditch Quality Supplies, just to look? I plan on trying out for the Hufflepuff team." her big ocean blue eyes were bright and begging. "Please?" she silently begged as Minerva collected books from the multiple shelves of Flourish and Blotts Bookshop.
The older witch thought for a moment before she gave the little witch a stern look that said everything before she nodded. "But—" she halted the young witch in her tracks. "Behave, Annie. Don't break anything." the young witch nodded curtly before she dashed out of the shop at top speed eager to finally get a good look inside Quidditch Quality Supplies.
The moment the young witch opened the door, she beamed and began to explore almost instantaneously.
There's so much to look at! The little witch thought to herself as she examined the nearest shelf of broom compasses and broom polish for long trips and everyday care. She examined every shelf, isle after isle; she was about to turn a corner to go into the next aisle when she ran into someone and knocked them both over. She was disoriented momentarily when her focus cleared she was looking into the baby blue eyes of Travis Bloodwell. Her face flushed before it turned a bright beet red. "S-sorry," she stammered, he stood up and dusted himself before he swooped down, grabbed her by her arm and helped her to her feet.
"It's all good," he smiled. "Wasn't looking where I was going. Sorry about that," he added, sheepishly—much to the witches surprise.
"You alright there Annie?" a voice asked from behind her, Anna turned to find Al.
"Al!" she exclaimed happily and hugged him. "I'm alright," she said, as he examined her. "Truly." she added as he gave Travis a glare.
He examined her one more time before he gave her a worried look. "You sure?" she laughed lightly and nodded.
"I'm fine, Al." she smiled. "How's your summer going?" she asked, she gasped and covered her mouth the moment the question had been said. "Sorry, Al. I know how you don't like speaking about your so called 'family'."
He let out a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his head. "It's alright Annie, and I'm assuming that your summer was great."
Anna nodded vigorously. "My father's home now," she beamed and Al's mood was immediately lifted at the news, he happily hugged her.
"That's wonderful news!" Al exclaimed, picking up the little witch and spinning her around, making the little witch laugh; her laugh always sounded like someone had spilt a million pennies. Al loved it when she laughed and Travis took a liking to it too.
"ALAIN ALPHARD STORMS!" someone from another end of the shop shrieked. The three of them—as well as everyone else—blocked their ears and watched as one of the windows shatter. The shop manager looked furious when everyone took their hands off their ears. The three of them turned to find Alain's mother at the shop front door looking around furiously—looking for her son.
Al stepped towards her, Travis looked horrified and somewhat impressed by the boy's bravery to approach the thing that had been screeching for him. Al didn't look intimidated, nor did he cower when his mother threw up her hand to strike him, obviously not caring about striking her son in public. Al dodged the blow and took a few cautionary steps back. "Yes? Mother?" he asked innocently.
"I thought I told you to stay with your brother?!" she shouted—surprisingly—no longer screeching.
"Why?" Al asked. "He never let's go of your skirt," and Al was—of course—right. A little head of blonde hair appeared from behind his mother's skirt. He looked identical to Al, but just a bit younger.
She went to strike him again, when someone cleared their throat from behind her, stopping the older witches hand mid-air; it was Minnie. Anna immediately ran to her and clung to her skirt. "I must say, Mrs Storms, it wouldn't be a grand idea to strike a child in public; much less inside a shop and your own son." Minerva spoke up with her stern tone that she mostly used when it came to disciplining Anna. The little witch was glad that the tone Minnie was using wasn't directed at her this time around.
"Minerva," the older witch steamed, Anna's eyes burned a menacing ice blue towards the woman who dare use Minnie's name as if it were an Unforgivable, the little witch was almost growling at the older witch in hatred. "He wandered off without telling me; and he's my son, I can do what I please with him." she told the older witch with no shame. "Al, come." she added as she left the shop.
Al followed her. "See you at school, Anna." he whispered before he left the shop fully, following his excuse for a mother.
oOoOoOo
Herbology Gardens - Greenhouses
Anna found herself entering the far end greenhouse where she found Professor Sprout cooing at some new sort of plant.
"Good afternoon Professor," Anna said after she cleared her throat, to signalise her presence.
Professor Sprout turned around and beamed at the witch. "Anna, dear! What a pleasant surprise! I'm guessing you're here for the girls?" Anna smiled and nodded. "Unfortunately, only Holly is here, Weaver is still on holidays with her friends from home."
"That's alright, do you know where I can find her?" Anna asked and Professor Sprout gave a laugh then pointed to the leg that hung over the side of a very large vine halfway up the greenhouse wall. Anna cupped her hands around her mouth. "Hey Hols! Come'on!" Suddenly, Holly's face appeared and she instantly beamed at Anna.
"Anna!" She cried and jumped down from the vine to hug her best friend, the hug was super tight. "I thought you were still gone, I went to find you earlier, but Peeves told me you were still in Diagon Alley." The red haired witch explained.
"I just got back, actually." Anna justified. "I'm surprised he told the truth for once, he seems rather fond of you Hols." Anna stated as the pair of girls left the greenhouse to play.
"You mean like Snape?" Anna stopped dead in her tracks and laughed out loud.
"Just like that," Anna said, wiping a tear from her eye.
Holly laughed. "You're crying," Anna couldn't speak she merely nodded as she laughed even harder, Holly was crying too.
After the laughter died down the pair of girls found themselves in the Third Floor Corridor, where they kept the Humped-Back One-Eyed Witches Statue. Suddenly, Anna's eyes lit up with mischief. "Wanna go to Honeyduke's?" Holly gasped, her big green eyes wide, she covered her mouth with both of her hands and then Anna realised she'd painted her nails. "Nice colour, by the way." Anna mused, grabbing one of Holly's hands and admiring the lilac polish on her right hand.
"Thanks," Holly blushed. "Weave bought it for me when she snuck into Muggle London a couple weeks ago, I bought her a banana yellow colour and we ended up giving them to one another on the same day."
Anna giggled. "You two really are, identical." Holly giggled at the joke.
"That's our new inside joke." Anna nodded and immediately agreed.
Anna then waved her wand toward the statue. "Dissendium." She whispered and the hump suddenly hinged open much to Holly surprise.
"W-where does this lead?" She stammered as Anna climbed in, and only her chest up was visible when she answered.
"Honeyduke's." She answered with a slight, 'duh' tone in her voice, before her entire body disappeared through the hole. "You coming or not?" Her voice came from inside.
Holly took a deep breath and nodded "Yea, I'm coming."
"Well come'on then, no one else knows about this passage, we'll be back by the time anyone realises we're gone."
Holly nearly landed on Anna when she dropped into the hole. "Sorry," she said and suddenly, the pair were plunged into the dark. "I can't see."
"Where's your wand?" Anna's voice answered in a whisper.
"In my pocket, why?" Holly replied.
"Lumos," Anna whispered and the tip of her wand shone brightly as she began to walk in the opposite direction. "Well come'on then, we need to be quick."
"Coming!" Holly squeaked and chased after Anna, who kept her head low, Holly did the same, following Anna and the light of her wand. They reached an incline where the pair of girls climbed until they reached a landing. "Why'd we stop?" Holly whispered, her normally steady voice shaky with nervousness.
"Nox," Anna replied and once more they were plunged into darkness. Then Anna quietly lifted the slab of stone that hid the entrance and peeked into the basement storage of Honeyduke's Sweetshop; Honeyduke's Cellar. It was empty, except for the footsteps moving about plenty upstairs, but the voices were hushed. Suddenly, Anna closed the slab and relit her wand. "We'll come back tonight when it's closed, I need to Owl the Weasley Twins first. Come'on let's head back." And the pair returned empty handed, for the time being.
oOoOoOo
Hump-Backed One-Eyed Witches Statue
~ That Night ~
The pair of girls returned to the Hump-Backed One-Eyed Witches Statue, only the light of the moon to guide them, because Peeves was nearby and their wands were tucked away safely into their night gowns, hidden. Suddenly, Anna pulled out what looked like some spare bit of parchment. "Annie, this isn't time to get an early start on bloody homework." Holly snapped quietly, Anna shushed her in a sharp shush and retrieved her wand from her pocket.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Anna tapped her wand on the pparchment and the ink appeared, greeting them. "Hello boys," Anna smiled.
"T-this is what you Owled the Twins for?" Holly stammered and Anna shushed her sharply once more and nodded once. "Oh Godric, we're bound to get caught." Holly paced worriedly.
"Not with this," Anna said. "I'll explain while we walk the passage." And with that she opened the passage; Holly went first, then Anna before the passage door closed behind them. The pair lit their wands and while they walked Anna told Holly all about the March Break from the year before when she and Fred had snuck into Honeyduke's and had gotten away safe and sound with loads of candies.
"So that's what you did when we were gone!" Holly exclaimed softly as they climbed the incline to the shop. Anna checked once more and found the shop closed and not a sound or a person in sight. "If we get caught, I'm ditching your ass and getting mine back to Hogwarts." Anna laughed. "What?" Holly added, confused as to why Anna was laughing.
"I said the same thing to Freddie when he first brought me here." Anna replied.
"Identical," they giggled in unison.
They left the slab open for a quick escape and it made Holly feel more at ease, and they disappeared upstairs for some sweets. Anna, of course, went straight for the Sugar Quills; whilst Holly went for the Cauldron Cakes.
By the time, they closed the slab above their heads and made their way back to Hogwarts, their pockets were overflowing with miniature sweets, that they'd shrunk to fit into their pockets.
So that's it, I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1 of the Hazardous Puff
~ T. T. Zoldy