Hi everyone! Here it is! As promised, chapter 7! This one is rather long, but I hope you enjoy it, this is the final chapter of this book! Hope you guys are ready for the Fourth Year, I'm pretty excited myself! I'll try to post the new book in a few days, I haven't started writing it yet. Anyways, enjoy!


Chapter 7
Cold Shoulders, Hexes and Trouble Amongst Friends

May 29th, 1992
Hufflepuff Common Room

A few weeks had passed since the original fight between the Lot, it had led the rest of the group to give Anna the cold shoulder—save for Irys, Amos and James, Irys respected Anna's privacy and, of course, James knew her secret, but it was Amos who shocked her when he took her side rather than stay beside his girlfriend, Holly. He truly was a Hufflepuff, through and through, his Animagus form made anna understand just how much of a Hufflepuff he truly was, it made her appreciate the people who stayed beside her through the thick and thin.

The four Hufflepuff's were currently studying for Care of Magical Creatures, the one class where Anna's grades weren't slipping; the drama with her friends that was causing yet another depression in the little witch was finally taking its toll on her. Her grades were slipping and Minnie was miffed about the fact as to why completely oblivious. She slammed the tomb shut in a loud snap! huffing loudly in frustration as she blew a piece of her blackberry mane from her eyes. "I give up! I can't bloody do this!"

"I'm sure you'll do fine, Hopper. That's what we're here for, we're here to help you." Amos said, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder as she slumped against the sofa. The four were sitting on the floor around the round coffee table in the Common Room.

"Pride's right, Anna." James smiled at her, hugging her from where they sat.

"I need some air, I'll be back later," she said suddenly, standing. She was closed in by Amos and James as they sat on either side of her, she turned and jumped over the couch, tripping at the last second and going down in a heap.

"Hopper!" Irys cried, jumping to her feet. "Are you alright?" Anna stood and laughed.

"I'm fine, Snow. I'll see you guys later." and with that, the portrait hole closed behind her. "Do you guys think she'll be okay?" Irys asked looking down at Amos and James as she sat back down herself.

"She just needs time, Snow. Besides she has us." Amos smiled.

"What do you think Moony? Moony? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, but I have to disagree with you Pride, she's been so upset lately. I hope she doesn't do something rash."

oOoOoOo

Snape's Office

Anna found herself wandering the corridors in a daze until she found herself in the Dungeons standing outside Snape's office. He'll understand, she thought as she knocked softly. There was no reply at first, the doorknob rattled suddenly and it opened. "Vixen! Lovely to see you, come in!" He said cheerfully, since the last time they had spoken since he knew who she truly was, he let her call him Sev, he had missed his best friend so much. Noticing her expression as she entered, he frowned. "What's the matter?" he asked as he closed the door.

"My grades are slipping Sev," she sighed, he seemed shocked at the revelation.

"How come? Are you stressed? You can tell me, I'll make some tea." he turned and waved his wand. "Is it your friends?"

She nodded. "I came here because I knew you'd understand," she said softly as she sat on a velvet green armchair in his office. "I know I let you charm me as to not say anything to my friends, but they've started asking questions and now they're giving me the cold shoulder because I won't tell them, I tried explaining to them that I can't tell them but they took it the wrong way." she sighed. "Only James, Irys and Amos stayed by my side."

He turned to glance at her. "I charmed you to keep you safe. If anyone else found out who you truly were Vix, you could put yourself in danger." he sighed and sat down across from her on another velvet green armchair, pouring her a cup of tea and passing it to her. "I can't lose you again," he added, their eyes meeting.

"I know Sev, but still. I hate being so secretive with them, after everything I've been through with them, they deserve the truth. However, I understand your reasons and I know why you did it. If the information of my situation were to get in the wrong hands—You-Know-Who for an example—I could not only get into a heap of trouble, I'd be in danger." she explained and he nodded as he leant back in his seat, studying her. She took a sip of her tea and nodded in approval before she leant back as well, sighing heavily. "However, as you already know, my parents—"

"I know Vix. Say—you never told me how they died."

"Death Eaters," she whispered, her eyes becoming a stormy grey glinting with tears. He flinched. "I never even said goodbye." her head drooped and his heart sank. No! There's no way! That couple! They couldn't have been her— He thought, his dark eyes wide. "Sev? Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes a golden yellow, which he knew meant concern. They'd stay that colour for the rest of her life when she was concerned. He smiled and nodded. "No you aren't, is there something you aren't telling me?"

"It's nothing, I was just caught off guard. Why would Death Eaters kill your parents?"

"I don't know, all I know is that it was actually (me) they were after, my parents died because I wasn't there." Severus paled at the confession. So she knows, but not everything. He thought as he watched a single tear roll down her cheek.

"Who told you?"

"Minnie," Anna replied automatically, not looking at him. "She wouldn't tell me what happened. She wouldn't even let me see the bodies, the caskets were closed during the funeral. I wish I could've protected them. I know they would've protected me. I-I wish I would've had more time with them..."

Severus saw the tears continue from where he sat and seeing them fall made his heart sink further. "What were they like?" he asked, she looked up at him, confused. "Your parents, what were they like?"

"Oh," she smiled suddenly and it made his entire day brighter. "My mom was such a sweet woman, she loved to bake and draw. My dad was a soldier in the Muggle War, he was gone a lot," she pushed her hair behind her ear and tugged on her earlobe, her flat earring glimmering in the light. "They were real once, Dad picked them up while he was running to catch a helicopter in Afghanistan. Minnie transfigured them into something I could wear, that way he's never far." she lifted her sleeve and showed him her watch. "My Mum sent me this, the first year, she didn't know how I would wake up on time for class so she sent me a watch with an alarm." Finally, she tugged at her Hufflepuff tie where her maple leaf pin glinted in the light. "Dad gave me this as a birthday present, it's from the maple tree in our backyard back home. He brought it with him to keep me close but sent it to me on my birthday because he knew I missed him. I transfigured it myself, the leaf itself never would have survived if I hadn't, it nearly crumbled apart when I found it in my trunk, I put a Preservation Charm on it and then transfigured it so I could wear it."

"When your parents weren't doing that stuff what kind of people were they?" Anna bristled at the question but smiled.

"They loved to spend time with me, they always brought me with them on trips, although they never went far. Mum was so kind and sweet, my Dad was kind of a workaholic but he loved his job before he was deployed into the army."

"Where did he work before?"

Anna went to reply but as she thought about it, she realized something. "I don't know actually, Mama and Papa never really discussed where they worked, all I know is that they both worked together, that's actually how they met. I wish I could've heard that story from them, but there's no one else in my family, it was just me, Mama and Papa for a while since Pépé died."

"Pépé?"

"My grandfather." Severus lifted his head in understanding. "He used to tell the best stories, he's the one who helped me figure out my love of writing." she beamed, Severus chuckled as he smiled at her.


June 8th, 1992
Dungeons - Potions Classroom

"—Alright everyone, remember if the potion is done correctly the potion will turn a lovely shade of purple." Professor Snape said his voice in monotone as he surveyed his class. "For your exam, we will be brewing the Sleeping Draught." a few students flinched, some looked excited, others looked annoyed. Severus noticed Weaver Sprout glaring at the back of Anna's head. "Miss Sprout! Focus!" he snapped, she looked at him suddenly, her green eyes wide. "Now," he continued, clearing his throat. "Everyone to your stations," he patiently waited for the class to obey. "Begin."

By the end of the exam, only a handful of students were successful; Anna was one of those students. Professor Snape smiled at her, causing some students to begin whispering. As Anna packed her things she heard footsteps approach her from behind. She sighed. "Valeria, leave me alone. I'm not in the mood for your—" she turned and was staring into Weaver's emerald eyes.

"You think you're all that, eh?" she spat, taking Anna by surprise. Weaver had been one of the many students who had failed the exam. Anna rolled her eyes and turned her back on the witch, continuing to pack her things, ignoring the witch completely. "Don't turn your back on me! Locomotor Mortis!"

Anna yelped as her legs snapped together, she wobbled momentarily before she undid the hex. She turned suddenly, her wand drawn, her eyes a blood red. "How fucking dare you!" Anna screeched, she looked absolutely murderous. Weaver went cross-eyed to look at the wand that was pointed at her, she never thought Anna would have the courage to draw her wand on a friend; was she ever wrong. If she hadn't been so pissed at the fact that one of her best friend's had hexed her—on purpose—she would've been laughing hysterically.

Weaver only laughed in reply. "You won't do it, I know you too well Anna."

"You think I don't have the courage to stand up to you?" Anna asked, her expression never looking anything less than murderous. "Is that what you're saying?"

"You're too nice, too kind, and, in my opinion, far too sweet. You'll never do it." Weaver taunted as she lowered Anna's wand with her finger, a smirk on her face. She had heard enough.

"Oscausi!" Anna seethed, the hex tumbling off her lips before she could stop it. Weaver's mouth disappeared, as though she never had one. The rest of the Lot stared at Anna, mouths gaped open, eyes wide that she had actually had the courage to hex another.

"What in the name of Salazar is going on in here?!" Professor Snape snapped as he entered the room from his Potion closet, where he kept all of his important ingredients for potions that he hadn't yet introduced to his students, noticing right away that Anna's wand was drawn and still pointed at Weaver; also he noticed right away that Miss Sprout no longer had a mouth.

"Miss Cloud!" a voice boomed from the doorway, Anna flinched as everyone turned to gape at Professor McGonagall, who looked absolutely livid at what she had just witnessed. Oh shit, Mum's gonna kill me, Anna thought as she turned to look at Minnie, she had been caught there was no doubt about that. "Come," Minerva said, her tone was not a good one as the older witch turned before she turned to look at the remaining students. "Go before I dock points." the crowd immediately dispersed, only the Lot remained. "You lot too,"

"But Professor, what about Weaver?" Clover asked. Professor McGonagall looked at the witch in question and sighed, waving her wand as Weaver's mouth reappeared.

"Now go. Anna, come with me." Anna turned to look at James, Amos and Irys as she sighed and followed Minerva out of the class.

oOoOoOo

Minerva's Office

"I'm very disappointed in you," Minerva said as she sat at her desk, she truly did look disappointed, Anna sat in the chair across from her, she knew she'd been caught. "You're lucky I don't expel you right this second—hexing another student, a classmate, not to mention one of your friends! What were you thinking!?" her cold eyes glared at Anna, who was looking as though Minerva were yelling at her with all her might. Oh, she really is mad, Anna thought before she remembered what Weaver had done to her before, the very thought caused her to snap.

"She hexed me first! She used the Leg-Locker Curse on me, Mum. I tried to ignore her, she hexed me when my back was turned! What kind of person hexes their own friend when their back is turned, she did it on purpose!"

"Yet you hexed her back, your curse was a lot worse. I witnessed it myself."

"At least I didn't do it when her back was turned," Anna mumbled as she slumped in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "She practically begged for it, ask anyone who was there, they'll all tell you the same thing; she started it," she added, her eyes shifting to blood red once more in fury.

"I don't give a Godric who started it, Anna!" Minerva snapped, slamming her fists down on the desk causing Anna to jump. "You know better than to hex another student. Why did you let them see that side of you?" Even Minerva herself had (never) seen Anna so livid when she had heard Anna screech when she had entered the class to have a word with Professor Snape she hadn't expected to see Anna curse one of her very best friends.

"She kept telling me I wouldn't do it," Anna started the tears forming in her eyes as she frowned. "That I was too kind, too sweet and too nice. I couldn't stop myself. I know I should've been the bigger person, but there was no way I was going to let one of my "friends" taunt me, hex me and then think she could get away with it. I'm sorry I disappointed you, Minnie. You always told me to stand up for myself towards Slytherins, there was no way I was going to let a Hufflepuff get away with the same thing, I stood up for myself."

"I want you to apologize to her."

"What?!" Anna shouted, jumping to her feet. "No fucking way! I'm not apologizing to her unless she apologizes to me, she hexed me first!"

"Language!" Minerva snapped, pushing her chair back as she stood as well. "I want you to apologize to her, no matter who started it!"

"You aren't my mum," Anna said as she looked at Minerva defiantly before she gasped in realization. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!" Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"Go to your room," she said, calmly. "Now!" she snapped pointing to the spiral staircase that led to the bedrooms upstairs. Anna crossed her arms over her chest and stayed put. "Now Anna!

"Why?" Anna asked defiantly. "I was only defending myself,"

"10 Points from Hufflepuff!"

"Fine!" Anna snapped as she stomped up the stairs loudly. A door slammed upstairs followed by the faint sound of crying. Minerva sighed, her motherly instincts making to follow her but she thought against it, she'd only make it worse at this point. She had no idea that this incident would change Anna.


June 15th, 1992
Hogwarts Grounds - Whomping Willow

"What the hell do you mean you're locking us out?!" Mia snapped, the ends of her hair sparking, she looked absolutely livid.

"I mean I'm locking you out, go back to your dorms," James said as he winced, the full moon was reaching its peak, he had to hurry.

"Moony, hurry you're running out of time," Irys said as she poked her head out of the hole at the foot of the Whomping Willow.

"What the fuck? Why does she get to join you?" Al snapped, growling.

"Amos and Anna are with me too," Irys said, rolling her eyes. "Come'on Moony," she said tugging at his jeans.

"This is not cool Moony," Cedric seethed, his arms crossed.

He sighed. "I'm sorry guys," He turned and dropped into the hole, lingering a moment to press the knot at the base of the tree, the Whomping Willow began swinging violently as though someone had pressed play on a movie.

When the moon reached its peak, James screamed as he transformed. Anna sobbed as the screams echoed through the passage. "I forgot how bad it was, it sounds like he's being—You remembered the potion? Hopper?" Amos asked as the screaming continued, Irys had engulfed Anna in a hug as they both sobbed quietly. The girls separated and Anna nodded.

"Don't worry, I made sure he took it," Anna said as the screaming died down. "Alright, let's go." Anna jumped and transformed as Irys and Amos followed her lead, the three entered the Shack, Moony growled his eyes a liquid gold before he stopped growling when he realized who it was.

Hopper padded her way over to him and nuzzled her face into his neck. I'm here love, he heard her say.

It's getting worse, Hopper. He whimpered as he laid down on the spot, his clothes were in the corner, thrown in a heap.

I know, we heard. She sighed as she laid down next to him. We'll take it easy tonight guys, she added, loud enough for Snow and Pride to hear as the badger was playfully growling and clawing at the armoire that Snow was perched on. They turned their attention to the couple.

Okay, Hopper.
You're right,

Snow flew down from her perch and rested on the back of the armchair that had springs peeking out of the cushion, she landed on the backrest and tucked her head underneath her wing. Pride stopped growling and went to the sofa, turning thrice before laying on the ground, he placed his paws over his eyes. Hopper nuzzled further into Moony's warmth and fell asleep.

Moony surveyed over his friends, covering what he could of Hopper with his tail. It was because of her that he had such understanding friends. Friends that respected him and his condition and accepted him for it regardless. He was thankful for meeting someone like her; for meeting her. He sighed as he watched her sleep, resting his muzzle over his paws as he watched her. Why couldn't you have been my mate? You're bloody perfect. He thought to himself as he watched her body rise and fall in sleep, before long, his eyes closed and he too; fell asleep.


June 19th, 1992
Hogsmeade Station

Anna flung her arms around Jamie's neck. "I'm gonna miss you, promise me you'll write?" He chuckled and nodded.

"I promise, love," he said, chastely kissing her neck as he hugged her back before he pulled away and dipped his hand beneath her chin, sealing his lips to hers. She smiled against his lips and kissed him back. He pressed her body against his and deepened the kiss. When they separated for air, she kissed him softly before she took a step back, looking up at him. "I'll see you soon," he said kissing her forehead as the train blew its whistle as a warning. Anna quickly hugged Irys tightly, before she hugged Amos.

They smiled at her before they ran before the door slammed shut behind them, the train blew a large puff of smoke before it pulled out of the station; leaving Anna all alone as the train disappeared.

She made her way back to the castle, alone. When she entered the Entrance Hall, Spirit jumped on her shoulders mewling for attention. "What's wrong, Mum? Why do you look sad?"

"They're gone," she said. "The train just left, it feels so weird not saying goodbye to everyone else, they didn't even approach me, they just ignored me. Do you think I went too far when I cursed Weaver?" the witch asked as she made her way to the Hufflepuff Common Room.

"You were standing up for yourself, Mum. I do think that curse was a bit much." the feline admitted as the portrait hole opened without the need of a password, she knew only Anna remained. Anna sighed, the scene playing over and over again in her mind.

"Why did I have to turn my back on her? If I hadn't turned my back, she wouldn't have hexed me. If I knew she was planning to hex me, I never would've turned around."


June 24th 1992
Minerva's Office

Dear Amos,

I hope you're doing alright, Minnie's dropping me off in Romania today at the Dragon Sanctuary, I'm spending a few days with Charlie. How's your Mum? Tell her I said hi.

Love,
Anna


Dear Jamie,

I hope you're doing alright, say hi to Lina for me. Minnie's dropping me off in Romania today so send Luna with your reply to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, she knows where to go. I really wish you were here. I miss you guys so much. Spirit and I are doing okay. The corridors are so empty without everyone here, give Lina a hug for me, your mum and dad too.

Loves,
Anna


Dear Irys,

I miss you so much! I hope you're doing okay, I hope you're enjoying the ocean view, it was beautiful last summer. I'm doing okay here. I can't wait to get dropped off in Romania today, Charlie going to teach me how to feed a Peruvian Vipertooth. I visited Harry before you guys left too, he's doing fine. I still can't believe he almost got himself killed and that You-Know-Who was actually inside the school the entire time! I knew something was wrong with Quirrell! I told you so!

Anyways, Minnie and I are leaving soon and I still need to pack.

Loves,
Anna

Anna sighed as she stood, walking over to Luna who was ready and waiting, perched on the window sill. "Irys, James and Amos. You know where to find me," the owl gave a cheery hoot and nipped Anna's hand affectionately before she spread her large wings and took flight out the window.

oOoOoOo

Romania - Romanian Dragon Sanctuary

"There you are! So glad you could make it," Charlie beamed as he pulled Anna in for a hug.

Anna turned to Minnie and hugged her tightly. "Take care of Spi for me Mum. Luna will return to me when James, Amos and Irys reply to my letters." Minerva nodded and kissed the top of her head.

"Have fun and behave."

Anna smiled innocently. "Does this look like a face who would cause trouble?" Minerva gave a huff and Anna laughed. "I'm only joking Mum. I'll be good."

"I'll keep an eye on her, Minerva, don't worry," Charlie said, placing a hand on Anna's shoulder.

"That's what I'm worried about." Anna and Charlie laughed. "Alright, I'm off." Minerva gave Anna a final hug and the flames erupted green, taking Minerva with them.

"I've got a surprise for you," Charlie said the moment the green flames disappeared, he was beaming.

"You got it?!" Anna cried, her eyes twinkling as Charlie nodded happily.

"Come, I'll introduce you to her. She doesn't have a name yet," he said as Anna followed Charlie through the Sanctuary. "Found her a few days ago, I've told the others that I'd let you name her."

"Me?! Really!" she beamed jumping up and down in excitement.

"Do you have a name?" Anna nodded. "What is it?"

"Sirrus," Anna said immediately, she turned looking for Charlie for a moment when he waved her over from a pen. "Oh! She's a baby!" Charlie nodded.

"Found her being traded on the Wizarding Black Market, had to take her with me." Charlie smiled. "What are you going to name her?"

"Sirrus," Anna repeated, assuming Charlie hadn't heard her the first time. "She's beautiful!" Anna added in awe as the baby looked up at her.

"She's quite a handful, but she's rather sweet. Really affectionate." Charlie chuckled as he opened the pen and stepped inside. "Come'on," Anna followed him before he closed the pen gate behind them. Sirrus bounced around in excitement. Charlie laughed as he watched Sirrus bounce joyfully around Anna. "I think she likes you,"

"I like her too, she's beautiful!"

oOoOoOo

~ Evening ~
Charlie's Tent

"I see, did she get in trouble?" Anna shook her head as she sipped her tea.

"She didn't even get detention, Mum gave me detention for a month when term begins again."

"She started it, I don't see how she got away with it."

"Neither do I, it makes me livid to think about it, but I am satisfied she learnt her lesson when I cursed her for hexing me. I cursed her mouth shut, as though she never had one." Anna said calmly, sipping her tea once more. Charlie burst into laughter.

"Remind me not to piss you off," Charlie said. "I can't believe you cursed her mouth shut, that's the best thing I've heard all week. Was it worth it?" Anna nodded.

"Abso-fucking-lutely!"

"I've never been so proud in all my life," he said as they made a toast to Anna's bravery.


June 26th, 1992
Romanian Dragon Sanctuary - Charlie's Tent

Anna was laying on her stomach as she wrote a letter to Minnie. Her quill scratching furiously as she wrote.

Dear Minnie,

I fed Sirrus today! Without magic! No burns, cuts or bruises! I'd say it was a success. Anyways, that's not why I'm writing. I've thought about it and I've decided to apologize to Weaver. Even if she started it, I'm going to listen to you and be the bigger person. Although I don't expect a reply, they didn't even acknowledge me at the station, why would she reply? Anyways, how's Spirit doing? I hope she's behaving, Charlie and I are doing good. I miss you a lot. I also wanted to apologize to you; for what I said.

I didn't mean it, I'm sorry. I swear I'll be good from now on. Anyways, I have to go, Charlie and I are going back to see Sirrus. She's so cute! You'd love her!

Love,
Anna


Well, that's it, everyone! The Final Chapter of Third Year! I hope you all enjoyed it, Fourth Year should be up in a few days with Chapter 1. Remember if you have any questions, feel free to ask.