Most of her life she had been training to become an Auror and now she had her chance. If she pulled this job off there was no way she wouldn't become an official Ministry Auror. The job could last years though, that was the only thing holding her back. This job could be a lifetime occupation.
Anna Summers looked up at her boss, Mr. Williamson, and sighed looking very closely at the papers in hand. Harry James Potter. The famous boy who lived. His story was legend and he was honest when all odds were against him. Everyone knew this because he had told the truth about everything since his first. It wasn't until recently that the Ministry believed his stories.
"How long?" Ann asked slowly, hesitating.
"As long as it takes." Mr. Williamson said ascetically.
"Right. So.... I act as a bodyguard for a 16-year-old boy who has fought off Voldemort for his whole life? If you ask me, Potter can take care of himself." Said Ann crossly.
"Dumbledore seems to think so to but he has not forbidden it. The Minister of Magic himself ordered me to find the best Auror in training that we have." Explained Mr. Williamson after flinching.
"So naturally I was first choice. Not likely." Ann stated leaning backward in her chair.
"Because of two things. You are the best we have and you're a bloody American." Mr. Williamson's short temper began to rise with every question.
His mustache twitched as if asking Ann to press him more. Ann smiled setting her feet on his desk. Her face was twisted into questionable expressions.
"What does being American have to do with anything? And since when was I the best we had?" Ann asked lazily.
"Since almost everyone else changed their dreams to a more safe and easy one." Mr. Williamson said. "American or not you have spunk. Besides, you're the only one of the proper age."
"Spunk?" Ann raised a brow.
"Spunk. Energy. Zing. Liveliness. Vigor. Oomph-" Mr. Williamson was interrupted by an enormously petrified Ann.
"Okay just stop right there. I've heard enough." Ann said quickly to shut him up.
"I need your answer. Immediately. You hear me Summers?" Mr. Williamson tried to say calmly, his face beginning to turn red.
"I do. So how long do I get to decide?" Ann asked with a smirk, in the back of her mind she had already decided.
Mr. Williamson's temper began to rise but he closed his eyes and silently counted to ten. It was of course the thing Ann loved most. Testing the point of anger, crossing the line, and making people as angry as she could. She enjoyed it like a favorite hobby. Maybe she researched different ways to set people off. Mr. Williamson picked up a little black box and turned it to face Ann. She stared at the ticking clock piece. There were strange knobs and dials each for something different.
Ann moved forward to touch the buttons and fiddle with the knobs but Mr. Williamson yanked the black box away from her reach. He pressed a few buttons and set it on the desk where it whirred and latched itself to the desk. He pointed to the clock piece.
"Fifteen minutes. I'll be back in fifteen minutes. You better have decided by then." Mr. Williamson said sternly.
"Right..." Ann said leaning back in her chair once more. "You do that."
Mr. Williamson stormed out and slammed the door behind him. Ann looked at the black box; she recognized it but was sure she had never seen it before. She ticked away the minutes, thinking of all the things she could do at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It would be just like her old school. For Americans they began school at a younger age and got out two years earlier than the British did.
Ann had been accepted to Salem Academy for Future Aurors in Boston when she was eight years old. She had recently just gotten out of school when she was fifteen. She was now sixteen with silky light brown hair and the deepest, strangest blue eyes ever seen. They assessed a situation quickly and you could easily see the wheels turning in her mind. She was short for her age, height being about 5 feet 5 inches. She was hoping to grow at least a few more inches before she stopped. She was slim and without a spot or freckle. Her skin was a beautiful tan color not often seen inside of Britain.
Fifteen minutes flew by quickly for Ann but Mr. Williamson was still nowhere to be seen. Ann tapped her feet together multiple times before standing up and looking around. She muttered to herself and headed to the door. Where was he? Why wasn't he around when he said he would be. It wasn't like Mr. Williamson to be late. Then again he was pretty angry with Ann. There was a possibility that he could not bring himself to walk back into his office. Ann opened the door and peered out half expecting Mr. Williamson to pop out in front of her and scare her out of her wits. She walked out entirely and closed the door looking down the hallway. An Unspeakable walked by slowly and glanced at Ann with a smile.
"Hi Ann. What are you doing here on a Saturday?" Matthew Jensen asked.
"Hey Matt. Got a job offer. Should be exciting. I sort of got Mr. Williamson angry and I cant find him anywhere. Have you seen him?" asked Ann anxiously.
"Not at all. I thought he would be in his office. As head of Auror Training and Magical Disasters I should think he would be very busy." Matt said slowly.
"What do you mean busy?" Ann asked.
"Weren't you just talking to him? Haven't you seen the Daily Prophet today? There was an attack on a muggle town by bloody death eaters. It was right near where the Potter boy lives, only a few miles away." Matt said.
"Well he didn't say a thing to me. Only wanted to assign me as Potter's bodyguard." Ann shrugged while thinking about her words. "Protection or whatever."
"Right. Have fun with that and be careful." Matt said turning around but then he stopped and look back at her. "You may want to be more cautious about who you tell your information to Ann. That's not very safe."
"I trust you." Ann said smiling at the eighteen-year-old extremely handsome guy.
"Thanks. Keep in touch." Matt smiled in return as Ann walked to the elevator to get to the main floor.
Ann stopped at the main floor's empty desk. She leaned forward looking under the desk to find a man huddled under it. Ann's eyes widened with fear and confusion. What could have possibly made this man, grown man, hide?
"Hello?" Ann said slowly.
There was no response so Ann shook his arm to get him to move or speak. Nothing happened. She let go of his arm and the minute she did she gasped. The man's arm fell to the ground shifting his weight so his body turned to look at her. Ann backed away. It was the killing-curse no doubt about it. How? Who? This was...impossible. Where was Mr. Williamson? Was he dead just like this man?
Ann stood in awe and horror. She had forgotten what to do, what she was supposed to do. She shouted and hollered but no one heard. She began to panic, terrible thoughts forming in her head. Would she be blamed? Was everyone dead? Why did it look like Matt was the only one left?
Ann raced up the stairs hoping to find Matt before he entered the rooms that were off limits to anyone but an Unspeakable. Her head was pounding painfully and her heart raced with so many emotions. I am supposed to be a professional! Stay calm, Ann thought to herself.
Ann jumped and turned around as she felt a hand grab her shoulder suddenly. She stared into the gray eyes of the balding, fifty year old man. Ann stuttered and tried to speak. Mr. Williamson looked at her strangely.
"What is wrong with you Summers? I went up to my office when I noticed I was late and you weren't there." Explained Mr. Williamson.
"Michael, you are never late. I-I went looking for you. Th-then I found..." Anna stuttered.
"Its Mr. Williamson to you or just Williamson. I am you boss!" Mr. Williamson said starting to go red in the face.
"Listen to me! I went looking for you! I found a man...he's dead." Ann explained.
"Lead the way! Hurry!" Mr. Williamson urged her.
Ann walked as quickly and as calmly as she could toward the front desk of the Ministry. She pointed shakily toward the desk. Mr. Williamson gave her an odd look and crept slowly to it. He looked under and came out with a look of disgust.
"No doubt about this. It was the Avada Kedavra spell. We have an Unforgivable on our hands. Apparate to Tonks' office for me? Find Kingsley as well." Said Mr. Williamson grimly.
Ann nodded and apparated to Tonks' office quickly to find her scratching away on some parchment. Her dark cherry colored hair framing her heart shaped face and ending under her chin. She looked up at Ann's anxious face and leaned back in her seat.
"Mr. Williamson...I came to get you...someone has been murdered. Here in the Ministry." Ann swallowed and tried not to stutter.
"Is this your first...glimpse of...?" Tonks didn't finish, and Ann nodded.
"I need to find Kingsley as well." Ann said trying to change the subject.
She knew what Tonks was thinking. Ann had never seen a person...after the Avada Kedavra spell was used. Never. Why would she become an Auror if she wasn't expecting to see death? Tonks glanced at her for a moment and pulled out her wand.
"Kingsley went out for lunch. The Order's Headquarters I believe. You wont find him. Unless you know where it is..." Tonks voice was just above a whisper.
"I do not know yet. I have yet to meet with Dumbledore about joining. He believes I am to young but now he cannot refuse. I am sure he would feel Potter was in good hands if I were to become a member of the Order." Ann explained unnecessarily.
"Where is the...victim?" Tonks asked avoiding her eye contact.
"Main entrance. I'll take you." Ann said apparating there shortly followed by Tonks.
Many others were congregating around the body. Whispers and hushed voices spoke quickly. Mr. Williamson was talking to the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
"Ah, here she is. Ann, have you decided yet?" Mr. Williamson asked.
A few eyes turned to her and she nodded slowly. She cleared her throat afraid she would not be able to speak.
"I have. I will go, as long as it takes." Ann said with a determined face.
"Right then that's settled. Pack your bags you leave September first with all the other sixth years. Potter will be informed and you can meet him outside the barrier between platforms nine and ten. A Mr. Remus Lupin will be accompanying him. Do not be surprised if they show up In Diagon Alley today. Mr. Lupin does not want the attack near Potter's residence to...give chance to.... others. " Said Mr. Fudge.
"So basically once again they are fearing for Potter's life. Anything I should know about...this...Remus Lupin?" Ann asked quickly returning to her training and her Auror responsibilities.
"He's a werewolf. And the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Mr. Williamson explained.
"Is that...safe?" Ann asked quietly.
"Lupin taught at that school in Potter's third year I believe. Dumbledore trusts him." Mr. Williamson lowered his voice to a whisper. "He's on the Order as well. Dumbledore seems to be bringing in...experienced help. Watch him if you will."
"It does seem so, doesn't it?" Ann looked at the ground her mind wandering aimlessly.
"Anyway, here is the information you need to know. You can stay in Diagon Alley awhile but do not be late for the Hogwarts Express." Mr. Williamson handed her some papers and smiled bleakly. "Good luck."
"You aren't sending me to my death are you, because it sure does seem like it." Ann stated looking at him charily.
"You never know what may come up with Potter." He replied gravely.
Ann left the Ministry Building quickly and headed for Diagon Alley so she could get a room and prepare for Hogwarts.
Waiting in the Leaky Cauldron to get a room Ann pulled out her papers. She shuffled through them until she came to a letter from Hogwarts. Ann pulled it out and looked over it. Signed my Albus Dumbledore himself, Ann had to chuckle.
Anna J. Summers,A list of supplies and information about your assignment is attached. I have arranged to meet you after the Welcoming Feast for your status concerning the Order. You know the password. Be cautious, news of your assignment has fallen to the wrong hands already. I suspect Michael has explained this to you already. Keep a sharp eye out. If by any chance you meet Harry Potter in Diagon Alley show his company, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Moody this letter.
Albus DumbledoreAnn folded up the letter and shoved it into her muggle jeans back pocket. She looked around the old place carefully for anything suspicious. If Voldemort already knew she was to protect Harry Potter he would stop at nothing to keep her from Hogwarts. He knew she would cause trouble. It would be less likely that he could get a hold of Potter if he had someone with him most of the time at Hogwarts. Then what of the summer? Surely Ann would not have to stay with him then. Ann cursed herself for not asking that very question.
The crowded pub was brimming with people and Ann pushed her way toward the person in charge at the time. She was a short, plump lady with stringy gray hair that seemed to be falling out. She smiled at Ann, showing dark jagged teeth with large spaces between each one.
"Excuse me. May I get a room, please?" Ann asked.
"Of course. Of course. Follow me then." The woman hobbled toward some stair and led Ann to a room. "You can put your things here and your room number is 5. See here, on the back of the door. We can discuss your pay when you leave."
Ann forced a nervous smile at the woman. This lady was strange and Ann felt uncomfortable around her. Her Auror instincts did not see her in anyway as a threat. She found herself paranoid, that anyone here could be after Potter.
Ann pushed her bags into the room, shoved the papers into her pocket for safekeeping and headed to Diagon Alley. A few correct taps on the large brick alley wall and she stepped into Diagon Alley. She sighed and looked around. This was a sight worth seeing. She could gather the courage to mention to Mr. Williamson nor the Minister of Magic that she had never set foot passed the first few stores. She never had the time or the interest. But now, now she was filled with child like curiosity.
Ann found herself at a remarkable bookshop full of different tomes. The sun was beginning to set but Ann could not bring herself to leave just yet. She peered through the transom inquisitively then pushed through the door to have a glimpse inside. Tall bookcases lined the walls and formed columns. Stepping into the crowded space she observed a very large, very old book. She found herself standing in front of it looking at the binding. It had two bloody pointed teeth on the top and in the middle had the title. Vampires: The Truth Behind the Darkest of Creatures.
Ann rested a finger on its spine and pulled it out very slowly. The book captivated her and Ann was not much of a reader. She held the book open in front of her and looked it over. Suddenly and voice sounded behind her, making her jump and close the book with sudden surprise.
"What are you looking for?" An old crooked man asked shaking a bony finger at the book.
Ann almost cursed at herself for slipping so much on her Auror training and impulse. She looked down at the enchanting book and decided quickly what she would do. She pulled out a fist full of wizard gold and handed the man the correct amount.
"Be careful. I see a shadow after you." He called after her as she left the store clutching the book tightly.
Ann rolled her eyes and left the store as a hazy rainfall began. She was soon soaked through and hurried to the Leaky Cauldron. A few people ran passed her trying to get out of the rain. She watched them rush away sopping wet and scurrying for a dry spot. But they didn't stop. They ran until they were no longer seen. They didn't stop into a store to stay dry and warm. They kept dashing away.
A shout was heard behind Ann that made her turn slowly around afraid of what she might see. She reminded herself that she was a fully capable Auror, ready for anything. Just not this. Black cloaked and hooded people slowly weaved their way toward her, wands pointed either to the sky or to the ground. A skull with a snake jutting out of the mouth was seen clearly in the dark sky.
Ann had not dealt with more than two Death Eaters at a time. Now there were seven. Seven angry death eaters headed her way. Each Death Eater cursing any witch or wizard they could see. Ann was frozen on the spot. Run, hide or fight? The latter did not sound very inviting but she pulled out her wand slowly and walked towards them with a calm, indomitable face.
One Death Eater pointed a pale finger towards her and laughed. The others followed suit, cackling like mad men. Ann approached them and pointed her wand at the closest Death Eaters. They did not stop their laughing.
"You! Girl! How old are you? Fifteen? Sixteen? Maybe seventeen? You can do nothing to stop us! You are powerless." The pale Death Eater howled.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Ann shouted pointing her wand at a Death Eater.
"Imperio!"
Ann suddenly felt happy and light. Like nothing was wrong. The Death Eaters were...harmless. She tried to control herself. She had been through this training numerous times but it was different with a real Death Eater.
"What is your name? What is your business here?" A Death Eater asked.
Tell them your name.
Tell them why you are here.
Tell them.
Why?
TELL THEM!
"Anna Summers." Her voice sounded different even to herself.
"Anna Summers...." The Death Eaters voice trailed off.
"That's the...the one." Another Death Eater whispered.
"Well...aren't we lucky. We come for entertainment and get our work done in the process." Said a different Death Eater.
Ann suddenly found herself free and her feelings flooded back. Fear. Anger. Confusion. Worry. She pointed her wand.
"What makes you think it'll be so easy?" She asked.
"What makes you think it wont?" Smirked a Death Eater after lowering his hood.
"Well, well, well. Lucius Malfoy. I didn't think you'd ever escape from Azkaban. It's...been...how long...a couple months...the whole summer." Ann scoffed.
"Why...you!" Malfoy pulled out his wand and pointed it at her throat.
"You know I'm not exactly helpless Malfoy. You've had a bit of experience with it haven't you?" Ann aimed her wand at Malfoy's heart.
"What to do, what to do. Stuck aren't you. You wouldn't kill me! You've had no experience. You don't have what it takes." Malfoy spat.
"Don't think I wont." Ann pushed her wand against his chest.
"Admirable Summers. I'm sure you could do better on our side. Much better. The power you could hold. Your position now would put you on one of the Dark Lord's high spots. With you the Dark Lord's most craved death could be easily accomplished. Join us Summers." Malfoy said moving his wand a little away to seem less threatening.
"Oh wow! I've always wanted to be a deceitful murderer." Ann replied sarcastically.
"Then you shall die." Malfoy brought his wand up again pulling on the collar of Ann's shirt.
"You don't get it do you? Voldemort...yes I said Voldemort will stop at nothing to get power. He would never protect you against his benefit. You are his pawns. He doesn't care what happens to any of you, not a single-"Ann was cut off by Malfoy punching her to the ground.
"You! Do not speak his name. You are not worthy. I seem to recall a certain...appointment with your parents. Your father was a squib. Couldn't save himself or his wife. You are nothing! You have no power. No family. You hide behind your sarcasm. In reality you are just a scared little girl. You will die the same way your pathetic family died. Screaming for mercy." Malfoy sneered.
Ann's hand that was clutching the side of her face dropped. She picked her wand up and pointed it at Malfoy just as the other Death Eaters stepped closer and surrounded her.
"It's never intelligent to threaten, hit, and insult an Auror Malfoy! You and your son had better watch your steps."
"Avada-"
"Expelliarmus!"
Malfoy's wand flew from his fingers and onto the street somewhere. The rain darkened the area and Ann began throwing hexes at anything that moved.
"Expelliarmus! Reducto! Stupefy! Impedimenta! Petrificus Totalus! Protego!" Ann shouted again and again until there was no longer any movement.
"Crucio!" Came the voice of Lucius Malfoy.
Ann dropped to her knees, her wand falling to the ground beside her. She screamed with pain and excruciating agony. She wanted to die. She wanted Malfoy to kill her then. The unbearable pain lasted for what seemed hours. Ann would not twitch and roll. She had the training and would not let Malfoy have any kind of satisfaction. Though she was sure her screams were pleasing to him.
"Crucio Maximo!" Malfoy shouted.
Ann's mind was so filled with exploding pain she could just barely comprehend the words he spoke. This terrifying new addition to the curse was meant to kill the victim painfully and slowly. She turned on her back stretching in pain, clawing at the ground, screaming until she thought she no longer could. Hope was lost. Malfoy was a powerful Death Eater. Maybe even to powerful for a sixteen-year-old Auror with only years of in school training. The pain suddenly stopped but slowly gave way to a sharp pricking sensation that felt as if knives were slowly being pushed into her skin. When this stopped she was weak and ached with the pain that was numbing and things began to go black.
Ann forced herself to get up. As quick as she could she rolled, grabbed her wand and pointed it at the figure of Malfoy in the dark. Before he could react she spoke quickly.
"Petrificus Totalus!" She shouted though it came out as a whisper.
Malfoy's limbs snapped together and he fell backward with a small thud. Ann slowly and sorely looked for the other Death Eaters. They were gone. They apparated cowardly. Ann cursed but could stand no longer and dropped to the ground unconscious.
(Hey! This is my first story and I want to make it as close to J.K. Rowling's work as possible. I am currently working on the 3rd chapter and I feel like its beginning to get a little flat. I'll post it soon and hopefully people can tell me what they think about it. I have some really exciting and original ideas for the future chapters!!)