Anna stared at the ceiling above her, twirling her fingers around her hair absently. She had been awake since five this morning, and had been shooting glances at the clock every five minute since then. It was five-thirty now, and the rest of the girls were making small noises of sleep, still resting comfortably in their beds. She wasn't sure what had woken her so early… perhaps a dream… whatever it was, it had left her feeling agitated. She turned to the clock once again, the time 5:40 stared back at her mockingly. She glared at it, sighing as she swung her legs onto the cold stone floor, shivering slightly at the cold texture against her bare feet. She stood up, padding quietly over to her trunk and pulling out her uniform. She slipped the clothes on quietly, taking her time to button her long shirt sleeves carefully down; concealing her mark from prying eyes. She heard one of the girls make a small cooing noise just as she slipped her last shoe on, and saw the girl move restlessly in her bed. It was almost six now, and the other girls would be awake soon. Anna decided that after last night's encounter it would be best if she was not there when they woke. She grabbed her bag with Snape's assignments and slipped out into the common area. It was deserted, not surprisingly, and Anna moved quickly through the space, heading it's entrance and slipping out into the equally empty hall. She didn't meet anyone as she made her was to a east facing window. She sat down in the weak rays of the rising sun, pulling out her homework and starting to scribble down notes. The school begun to come alive around her, students talking as they rushed past her on their way to breakfast. Nearly an hour later Anna closed her books up with a sigh, she was nearly done the written notes, although she still needed to review the spells before their meeting later that day. Her stomach rumbled loudly, protesting that the work could wait, Anna agreed, pushing her books into her bag and walking down towards the Great Hall. She sat down at the Slytherin table and pulling a bowl of porridge towards herself as she actively avoided looking in the direction of Pansy who was shooting glares in her direction. Someone sat down beside her with a plunk and Anna looked over to see Draco frowning at a piece of paper. He slammed it down on the table, grumbling as he pulled a plate of eggs towards himself.
Anna grabbed at the piece of paper.
"Hey—" Draco said, but she ignored him, looking at the class schedule he had. She hadn't received hers yet…. but she had all the books for the semester in her trunk, so she knew that at some point, she was suppose to attend class.
Her brow scrunched as she looked at the paper.
"Honestly Draco, I don't see what you're so upset about…" She said, handing it back to him.
He sighed, putting it into his jacket pocket.
"It's not the schedule… its—" He waved it off.
"Forget it…" He mumbled.
"What?" She asked.
He looked at her for a second and sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I just…. I never thought I would come back here… after last year and all."
Anna felt her chest tighten. She reached out, laying her hand over his. He looked at her with a stunned expression.
"I know…" She whispered.
"Let's just get through this…" She said. Their eyes locked, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like someone understood her. He leaned towards her, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest… he smelled like cloves and shampoo...
A knock to the back of her head startled her, and she turned around. Pansy glared at her over her shoulder, a sinister smile on her face as she walked away with her friends, Anna could hear them giggling.
Anna felt her blood boil as she stood up, seeing a shade of red as she stalked towards the girl.
"Anna…. Anna!" She heard Draco call after her, but she ignored him.
Someone stopped in front of her, obstructing her view of Pansy. She looked up at the person, furious, and wondering who dared step in her way.
"Move Snape." She hissed at him, trying to dodge past him. He grabbed her arm tightly.
"No, Miss Riddle." He said calmly. Anna looked at him, her eyes narrowing.
"I think it's best if we continue this discussion in my office." He said, his eyes flickering to each side of her. Anna looked around, noticing for the first time the group of students who were staring at her and Snape and felt her cheeks burn with embaressment. She nodded to him mutely and he inclined his head, turning around with a sweeping movement and walking with long strides out of the great hall; Anna trailed him sullenly.
The long walk to Snape's office was taken in silence. Anna took that time to calm herself, focusing on her breath as she ignored the occasional twinges that she felt.
Snape swept into his office, taking a seat. Anna sat across the desk, folding her arms across her chest as she glared at Snape.
He looked at her with a dull stare before speaking.
"Although the dark lord does not wish for me to… discourage your temper, I do have an obligation to keep my students safe."
Anna's eyes narrowed.
He raised an eyebrow, looking at her with scrutiny for a moment before dropping his head to gaze at his desk; he pulled open a drawer, pulling out a sheet of paper and handing it over to her. Anna shot him a look off irritation at having been ignored before looking down at the sheet.
"Your schedule for this term, as approved by your father."
She looked down at the paper, it resembled her former terms… slightly. Although many of her former subjects were now missing, her day was full. Transfiguration had been replaced by Muggle studies, Charms and Care of Magical Creatures by lessons with Snape. Her face soured as she noticed that History of magic was still present, and potions.. though she held her tongue.
Snape cleared his throat, causing Anna's eyes to snap up to him.
"That is all Miss Riddle. I suggest you make your way to Professor Slughorn's classroom now."
Snape turned to the mountain of paperwork on his desk, ending their conversation. Anna folded up the piece of paper, placing it in her robe pocket before heading out the headmaster's door, she made sure to close it with a loud 'thud', letting Snape know that she was still annoyed.
