Another long chapter, but it's full of fluff so I hope you like it. Then again, considering what's coming up next, this fluff will be great to read back when you're left emotionally scarred (hopefully). LOL jk (or am I?)
Anyways - since we've now finished a majority of the story, updates will now be happening twice a week. The tentative schedule states updates will happen on Mondays and Thursdays(give or take a day). So yes. Please review and let me know what you think of my writing, it means the world to me.
Enjoy!
"I don't trust anybody. Not anybody. And the more that I care about someone, the more sure I am they're going to get tired of me and take off." - Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl
Chapter 49 – The Extravagant Exit Plan
The next day, it seemed everyone was starting to take the Inquisitorial Squad seriously. Seriously enough to give them a wide berth in the hallways, yet not serious enough to dispel the looks of absolute loathing and hate. Given the whole fiasco with Umbridge and Dumbledore had taken precedence, some of the students who had been misfortunate enough to be captured were at least fortunate enough to be let out without any serious detention. Still, even that stroke of fortune did very little to quell their hatred of the Inquisitorial Squad.
Ankaa stood in front of the hourglasses that kept track of the house points. It had been quite a while since she had seen Slytherin amass such an extensive lead. Of course, part of it might be the fact that members of the IS were now abusing their power and taking points away.
"Malfoy just docked us all about fifty points," came a furious voice from her left. Ankaa turned to find Harry, Hermione, and Ronald standing with another boy from Hufflepuff.
"And that's my problem… how?"
"You're a member of the Inquisitorial Squad, do something about it!" exclaimed Ronald. When he saw more stones fly upward from the Gryffindor hourglass, he let out a broken whimper.
"Oh, sure yeah, I'll do something about it." Ankaa gave him a smile before looking back to the hourglasses, "Ten points to Slytherin for putting up with you lot."
"This is an abuse of power," remarked Fred, who had come up with his twin and now stood to Ankaa's right. "Montague tried to do us during break."
"What do you mean, 'tried'?" asked Ron quickly.
"He never managed to get the words out," said Fred, "due to the fact that we forced him headfirst into that Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor."
"You WHAT?" Ankaa's outrage reverberated through the hall. She was glad she was not the only one who was shocked, but her outrage was only shared by Hermione, and only to a certain extent.
"You'll get into terrible trouble!" cried the Gryffindor.
"Forget that!" Ankaa rounded on the twins, "Don't you know how dangerous that is!"
"We're not going to get in trouble," said Fred coolly, "Not until Montague reappears, and that could take weeks, I dunno where we sent him."
"Fred, that isn't funny!" Ankaa swatted his arm away from her when he went to put it around her.
"He deserves it," Ronald defended his brother. "That'll show him, trying to take away house points."
Ankaa did not even bother replying. Instead, she kept her eyes on Fred. "It's concerning how blasé you are about this whole thing, for all you know you two might have just killed him."
Fred groaned. "Relax, Ankaa, he's not dead. He's just stuck somewhere in a Vanishing Cabinet. Besides, Ron's right, we were just trying to teach him a lesson."
"Yeah, it's all funny when it's a Slytherin isn't it? It's excusable behaviour when it's against us." Frowning she added, "What if someone had done that to me, Fred? Would you still think it's funny then? After all, they'd just be trying to teach me a lesson."
Everyone exchanged looks, but Ankaa could not tell whether or not Fred was turning red because he felt ashamed or because he was embarrassed that Ankaa was arguing right in front of his friends. Either way, Ankaa did not wait to find out. With a swift turn, she started to walk away, only turning back to shout one thing.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor!"
As it turned out, Graham Montague was not lost for weeks after all. He had turned up the next night in the fourth floor boys washroom, nearly scaring the living daylights out of a first-year boy. Ankaa and Draco had been doing rounds when the poor little Huffllepuff boy had come running up to them, looking as white as a ghost as he huffed and puffed about a boy stuck in the toilets.
"I'll go get Snape," Draco informed her, "you can continue rounds or just get back to the Common Room, it's up to you."
Ankaa decided it was best to just wander the castle. Since Umbridge had become Headmaster, there was a low amount of curfew-offenders out anyway, owing to the risk of punishment. Normally, Ankaa would have retired to the Room of Requirement, or gone to visit Mopsus, but she did not particularly yearn for anyone's company at the time being.
Unfortunately for her, Harry Potter had no qualms disturbing her peace of mind. He seemed shaken, bordering on horrified, as he stumbled into the hallway. His pale face looked especially so as he slowly crossed the windows, seemingly lost in thought. It was only when he was about two feet away from where Ankaa sat did he look up, startled.
"Everything alright?"
"Occlumency lessons with Snape," he explained. When Ankaa shot him a disbelieving look, he sighed. "I looked into Snape's pensieve," he elaborated carefully, "and I… I saw my father. It seemed he was every bit as arrogant as Snape had always said he was." He told her of what he had seen, of how Sirius and James (the primary perpetrators) had bullied Snape until his mother had stepped in.
Ankaa did not say anything. She could just let him think that. She was still beyond enraged by the Gryffindor-nonsense he had pulled in the Quibbler.
"I know," she finally mumbled. "Ceph and I saw our mother's memories."
"Was he just as bad then?"
"He was a teenager," Ankaa answered easily. "What more could you expect from someone like that?"
Harry was silent, a mask of deep concentration on his face. He did not seem consoled, and Ankaa did not know if there was anything she could even say to make him feel at all better. His father had been a bully after all, and so had hers.
"Look, I'm not saying that being a teenager excuses his behaviour, but it certainly is an explanation for it." Ankaa shuffled in her spot. "Sort of the same thing Fred and George do, isn't it? Shoving a student into the Vanishing Cabinet for fun… and then there's your father, bullying Snape for fun."
"That's not—"
"It is the same," Ankaa urged. "You just think it isn't because they're your friends, and that Montague probably deserves it." At some point, Ankaa might have also been that way, considering she gave Blaise a Ton Tongue Toffee to threaten him staying quiet. She had justified that as an act of passion, owing to the need to protect Fred. But it was still bullying.
"Harry, your father… from what I saw in my mother's memories, he was a changed man. Obviously, at some point he had been an arrogant bully, but he changed."
"He picked on Snape just because he existed. That's… and Remus! He had just stood by and let it all happen, even when he was a Prefect. If it wasn't for my mother… at least she was decent." He shook his head angrily and his hands came down to clutch the edge of the seat with great ferocity.
"Your father was decent too." At Harry's pointed look, Ankaa reconsidered. "Later in life," she amended. "And maybe he was a bully, you can't go back and change the fact. In fact, I doubt that Snape is the same person he was in the memory you saw. People change. The father you saw in his memories, I guarantee you that was not the man who had you."
Harry told her of how he had seen his parents in the Mirror Erised during his first year, and he wanted nothing more than to be with them every day since. "Whenever I thought of my father," Harry told her, "it was always with pride—he was an inspiration. But now—now when I think of him I just feel cold and miserable."
"I can understand to an extent," returned Ankaa, softly. "When I saw all my mother's memories of Sirius, I'm sure you can imagine my reaction. It was Ceph who was understanding. He always said that the person you are today, you don't have to be the same tomorrow if you choose to."
Harry speculated on it for a moment before nodding with a resigned sigh. "I know that my father… I owe him my life and the same with my mother. But seeing him like that was just so odd." He took a deep breath before admitting, "Even my mother hated him at first."
Ankaa snorted. "Our parents had a very unconventional way of getting together," she told him. "I'm not sure if you know the story about Sirius and Maya, frankly I'm not sure you even want to know. But in essence, it was sort of the same."
"Really?"
The two sat there for another hour or so, and Ankaa told him bits and pieces of what she had seen when she had seen her mother's memories. He seemed to enjoy hearing about the arguments between the two, remarking that they were often snippy with one another now as well but in a sarcastic and domestic sort of way. At the end, it seemed like Harry was still deep in thought, but Ankaa had exhausted every avenue, and it was clear that there was nothing more she could do to make the boy feel better.
"At the end of the day, Harry, it's your decision," Ankaa told him finally. "You can sit here and think about how your father, in his past, was a bully. Or, you can remember that he was the man that lay down his life for his wife and child. He was a loyal friend and a great father. You just need to decide which part you choose to remember him by."
"Is that what you did with Sirius?"
"Yes," she answered honestly. "It took a while, actually, but Ceph finally brought me around to it. I think I was more blindsided by the paternity revelation, but my mother's memories of Sirius were not too great in the beginning."
"How'd you do it then?"
She told him, albeit reluctantly, of the memory of her family, where Maya first introduced a baby Ankaa to her older brother, and Sirius sat by and smiled with his son. "It's not much but… It changed the way I saw him. They were just kids, no older than you and me. To hold them to their actions today, and to define them solely by those actions, would be unfair, don't you think?"
Harry nodded, but Ankaa could tell his eyes were far away. She got up and bid him goodnight, and wished him a happy Easter. If there was one thing she knew about Harry Potter, it was that once he had made his mind up about something it was very hard to sway his opinion unless he decided on it himself. The last thing Ankaa wanted to do was sit there and coddle him. It would no doubt give him the impression that she had forgiven him. Even as the girl turned the corner and headed down to the Common Room, Ankaa had the feeling that Potter would continue to dwell on the matter, but at least he knew he wasn't alone. Perhaps if Ceph had been around, or if Harry could talk to Sirius, things would have been easier for him, but she could not provide the comfort he was looking for.
"Please don't tell me you're still mad at your boy," Draco muttered when Ankaa settled herself into the seat beside him at the library. Across from him sat Zara Holloway, who was so busy in her notes she did not even glance up at the newcomer.
"I'm not. What makes you think I am?"
"I can tell."
"No he can't," said Zara, neglecting to look up from her notes. "I told him that I had heard you arguing with him about shoving Montague into the Vanishing Cabinet."
Ankaa smirked at Draco. The boy only shook his head, and the table jolted slightly as he tried to kick Zara as inconspicuously as possible, but the girl expertly dodged his kicks and continued working, albeit with a wide smile on her face.
"Why are you here anyway?" Draco asked Ankaa as he shuffled the several scrolls of parchment around him to appear busy. "I thought you had scheduled the Easter Holidays as an actual holiday. I'm surprised to see you studying."
Ankaa shrugged. "I got bored in the Common Room by myself."
"None of your friends around?" Zara asked, looking up for the first time. "You lot certainly are busy, huh? Is Umbridge not even giving you a day of rest from terrorizing the rest of the population?"
Ankaa gave her a deadpan look. "You're hilarious, maybe I should terrorize you." When Zara only smiled jovially, Ankaa continued. "Apparently Umbridge wants the whole lot of incoming packages and letters in the Owlery to be scanned and sent out. And because its Easter, there's a lot."
"I know something that'd make your life easier," said Zara. "Maybe you should stop snooping in people's packages. That always saves me time."
Ankaa gave her the most emotionless face she could muster. "It's a shame your talents in sarcasm are wasted."
Zara only laughed before getting back to work. Draco had paid no mind to the two girls and had continued working. The three of them worked in silence for a few hours, diligently getting through as much content as they could. It was only when the empty seat beside Zara slid back did everyone break their concentration to glance up at the newcomer.
"I wanted to apologize," said Fred, looking only at Ankaa. Though he could feel the amused and incredulous stares from Zara and Draco, respectively, he paid them no mind. "You're right, it wasn't good of us to shove Montague into the Vanishing Cabinet—it was a bit extreme, and we're sorry."
"Where's George?"
"To be fair, when I say 'we', I really mean me because it was mostly my idea. George kind of got half-dragged into it, so he says it's my primary responsibility to apologize."
"So you're testing the waters then?" asked Zara, leaning back in her chair and watching the scene with great amusement. "Trying to see if she'll forgive you, and if she does, then George will be close to the vicinity?"
"Something like that," Fred nodded with a grin. "But really, I just wanted to apologize. You'll notice that George and I also refrained from any pranks during the Holidays so we'd be in your good graces."
"I have a hard time believing you did that solely for my benefit," said Ankaa. While she had wanted to maintain an emotionless façade, Fred's smile slowly wore her down. "I can't help but think that you two have something big planned."
Fred's widening smile was all the proof she needed. "We do," he confirmed unnecessarily. "Little old Harry needs our help with something."
At this, Draco bristled next to her. He muttered something along the lines of "Of course, Potter always needs help," but he did not shed much light on the topic. The three other people on the table merely ignored him and continued.
"That's generous of you," Ankaa told Fred with a smile in return. "And thanks for apologizing. I'm glad you realized."
Fred shrugged. "There's always more ways of exacting revenge, I do see now that I was a little harsh with the man."
"You shoved him down a Vanishing Cabinet," Draco deadpanned, looking at Fred. "He could have died."
"Could've, would've, but didn't."
Draco opened his mouth to say something when the table, along with Draco, suddenly jolted. The boy in question shot a vicious glare at Zara, who only tilted her head to the side and smiled.
"It's rude to question our guests."
"He's not a guest," spat Draco, "He's a temporary hindrance."
"That's inviting," said Fred, leaning back in his chair and narrowing his eyes at Draco. "And here I thought, someone like you would have better table manners. Didn't you grow up going top balls and charity events?"
Ankaa decided to step in before things got out of hand, which knowing such strong and stubborn personalities, was a very real possibility. She packed up her things and got up, gently tugging Fred by the elbow and gesturing for him to stand up.
"You're leaving?"
"Obviously," Zara answered Draco. "That's what happens when you're not nice to your friends' boyfriends. Or significant others in general."
"Yeah," Fred countered over his shoulder, "Listen to your girlfriend, Malfoy!"
"She's not—!"
Ankaa chuckled quietly before taking him more firmly by the elbow and dragging him out. Thankfully, the library was mostly empty. And those who were present were immersed in their notes and did not care for anyone or anything else.
"Where are we going?"
"You're asking me? You're the one who dragged me out of the library." But Fred did not mind. He freed his arm and reached down to take Ankaa's hand in his own, content to simply wander the halls aimlessly.
"Where's George?"
Fred frowned, squeezing Ankaa's hand once. "You're not happy with just me?" he teased. "You move on quick, Rhyther."
Ankaa laughed but returned the gentle squeeze. "I just miss him, that's all." Before Fred could retort, she added, "I've spent a lot of time with you, but I also miss him. He's my friend too, after all."
"Fair, but rude." Fred joked, "Come on then, let's take you to see your mistress."
Ankaa snickered as Fred reluctantly lead the way. Given that it was the holidays, most of the halls were empty. It was nice to be able to walk together like that.
"I feel like we didn't really get to enjoy our time together as much," Fred muttered, leading her up a flight of stairs. "You know, with this whole Umbridge thing."
"Well, yes, but it's not like we won't be seeing each other after this." Ankaa reminded him, "I can Apparate, so next year, all I have to do is sneak down to Honeydukes and apparate from Hogsmeade."
"Yes, but, will you have time?"
"I can make time for you," Ankaa answered immediately. "The question is, will you have time for me? Let's not forget you're an entrepreneur now. Got business on the mind."
Fred grinned. "I've got business on the mind, but that's not the only thing that's on my mind."
Ankaa shoved his shoulder gently, but she could not turn away from him before he saw her flaming red cheeks. Fred did not have to comment on it, his loud, boisterous laugh was enough to convey his sense of accomplishment.
As they rounded the corner, Ankaa saw George placing several little circular objects by the walls. When he heard footsteps, the boy turned to find Ankaa leading the way, red in the face and self-satisfied smile on that of his brother.
George raised a brow in confusion but smiled nonetheless as he offered Ankaa a one-armed hug, carefully holding the little ball away from her.
"What're you doing?"
"Setting up the swamp," George answered. He held up a little pellet labelled 'PORTABLE SWAMP'. "We're creating a diversion to draw Umbridge away from her office. Harry needs to get in there so he can talk to Sirius."
"Harry's trying to talk to Sirius? What for?"
George shrugged. He passed some of the pellets to his brother, who dutifully began placing them along the corridor, trying to keep them out of sight.
"He just said he needed to get into her office," said George. "A bit to the left, Freddie—yeah, that should do it. What're you doing here?"
"She wanted to see you," Fred exhaled, standing up and fixing his shirt. "Imagine, I'm pouring my heart and soul out to this woman and the first words out of her mouth are 'Where is George?'"
George glanced down at Ankaa, who had crossed her arms and was staring unamused at her boyfriend. Fred, who did not mind her stare in the slightest, only gave her a flying kiss before reaching for more of the pellets.
"I'm honoured," George smiled. "And to be honest, I've quite missed you as well. It's a shame I won't get to see you around much more."
Ankaa raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
George faltered slightly, glancing behind the girl to his brother who was looking at him wide eyed. "Ah," George realized, "Fred hasn't told you yet, has he?"
"Told me what?" Ankaa rounded on the other boy, "Have… have you guys finally decided on when you're leaving?"
Fred nodded. He moved to stand beside his brother, and the two of them stared down at her. They glanced at one another apprehensively and George shuffled from one foot to the other in slight unease.
"It's just that, I think it's time," Fred began. "We've grown tired of Umbridge—"
"And we've got a considerable clientele—"
"We thought now was the best time to leave."
"But what about your exams?" Ankaa looked between the brothers, "Don't you want to do those? You're so close to finishing the year!"
George laughed, "It's not like we need our N.E.W.T's to become an Auror or a Healer, Ankaa."
Fred nodded along. "We've got everything we need in here," he said, as he tapped his temple.
Ankaa regarded the two of them for a moment before she sighed. "Well, okay then." It wasn't exactly her decision to make, was it? They had both chosen to go do what they love most and she had no right to interfere.
"You're okay with that?"
"No tantrum about the fact that it's so sudden?"
"No suppressed rage?"
"You're sure?"
Ankaa laughed. "I'm sure," she said. "Besides, it seems you two have made up your mind. And you're right, there's nothing for you to do here, you might as well start becoming the great businessmen you're meant to be."
"It's nice to have this kind of faith in us, right Freddie?" George asked, looking over at his brother, who nodded immediately.
"Yet another believer."
Ankaa gave them a smile. "Yes, well, don't forget I get ten percent of the profits."
Their expressions dropped. The two glanced at each other before shaking their heads. "Don't count on it," they said in unison.
Ankaa relented with a smile. She spent the rest of the day with them, helping them set up the pellets for the swamp and following their every direction to a T. Once they had finished, the three of them simply sat by the windows and talked. Ankaa was glad to have the chance to spend time with both Fred and George. She had missed them, and spending time with them reminded her of much simpler times.
Alas, when they realized how late it was, and the fact that they all had class tomorrow (at least until Fred and George would cause their distraction and magnificent exit from school), they all decided to part ways.
George gave her a hug first, patting her back. "We'll see each other soon, don't worry. You can't get rid of us so easily." He stepped away then, heading to the other end of the hallway, under the guise that he was keeping watch. But both Ankaa and Fred knew he had stepped back to give them some space.
"He's right, you know?"
"That I can't get rid of you so easily?"
"That you'll see us soon," Fred corrected. "Don't think that I've forgotten your vision, Ankaa. And while we decided you'd be nowhere near it for your Death Day, if you decide to go, I still want to know. And so does George."
Ankaa sighed, hoping that he had forgotten that.
"If you don't tell me I'll find out from Sirius, or Maya, or anyone in the Order, but I'd rather it comes from you. I was hoping you'd trust me by now."
"I do," Ankaa answered quickly. "I just wouldn't want to see you getting hurt." Or see you so broken and hurt if I die.
"Someone's got to, don't they?"
"Which is why you can't be there." Ankaa told him, "If it's not me, it'll be someone else and I don't want it to be you or George."
"Ankaa, both of us knew what we signed up for when we were made to be a part of the Order." There was a strange edge to his voice, but nonetheless he continued, "I wouldn't want to see you die either, trust me. But if I'm there, at least I can keep you safe."
"It's better if neither of us is there."
Fred gave her a small smile. "Knowing you, what are the chances of that?"
"Slim, at best."
Fred nodded. He glanced at his brother at the end of the hall before turning back to Ankaa. Fred wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close for a tight hug. Ankaa, too, returned the hug with the same strength, not knowing when she would see him next, and hoping that when she did see him it was under better circumstances than the ones dictated in her vision.
Monday came a lot sooner than Ankaa found herself ready for. She lay on the floor in Divination, looking at the stars on the ceiling as Firenze walked about, telling the class about how to read the future from the stars. Occasionally, he would ask if anyone could see what he was pointing out, but the lack of confirmation hardly seemed to bother him.
Beside Ankaa, Draco was staring just as peacefully at the 'sky'. He had been quite deep in thought, as of late. Since he had returned from the library on Friday, he had been mostly quiet. Ankaa had half a mind to ask him what seemed to be the case, but she did not want to press him. Draco often liked to figure things out for himself before he brought any topic up with her.
Regardless, Ankaa was rather enjoying Divination. Now that the pressure from Trelawney had dissipated, it was far easier to relax and attempt to practice what Firenze was teaching. The grass beneath her fingertips felt so real, and it seemed like she could smell the burning sage clearer than before. Ankaa could hear her steady heartbeat in her ears, she could feel every beat reverberating through her body. And then, she felt her mind pulse. A gentle, wave-like pulse, that alerted her to the fact that something out of the ordinary was taking place.
Ankaa only lay back, keeping her eyes on the starry sky, and let it happen.
It was summer, and the bright blue sky was shining overhead. Ankaa was standing next to Hermione, wearing a dress of deep emerald that contrasted Hermione's deep ruby dress. The two were watching as a crowd of people came in, slowly but steadily occupying the golden chairs that had been laid out for the ceremony. The vision Ankaa stood further inside, chatting quietly with Hermione.
The real Ankaa stood by the entrance, slightly behind an oblivious group of boys. Among them were the Weasley brothers, Fred, George, and Ronald. The fourth was someone she had never seen before, but Ankaa assumed he must have been family if he was ushering people to their seats.
Fred was tugging at his collar, trying to loosen the emerald green tie he had on. He cast one look inside the tent, smiling at what Ankaa could tell was the vision-version of herself.
"When I get married," Fred said, looking back to the guests who were arriving, "I won't be bothering with any of this nonsense. You can all wear what you like, and I'll put a full Body-Bind curse on Mum until it's all over."
"Are you sure?" George asked, watching Ronald lead another person to their seat. "Maybe Ankaa will want something different."
Fred only shrugged, casting one look into the marquee again. While the vision-version of her was enjoying the chat she was having with Remus, the real Ankaa was starting to feel like she would sweat through her school robes.
"If that's what she wants, then we'll do that," Fred said easily.
That one sentence sent her into such a state of panic that immediately the vision began to dissipate and clear. It seemed to change, but not entirely. In the vision, she was still wearing the same clothes, and she was still standing under the marquee. Only, the sun had set, and Bill and Fleur Delacour, whom she had now realized were the ones getting married, were leading a dance on the golden dancefloor.
Ankaa too was standing on the dancefloor, dancing with someone she did not think she would see again. It was Victor Krum, sporting a ridiculous goatee of sorts, but present nonetheless. The real Ankaa was standing far away, by a table next to a rather old woman, who was tutting at almost everything.
"… A symbol of Grindlevald," Krum was telling Ankaa, looking to where a man sat next to Luna Lovegood. Judging by their shared physical characteristics, the man was Luna's father.
"The necklace he's wearing you mean?"
Krum nodded an affirmative. "The man killed many people, and among them vas my grandfather. That is his symbol, I vould recognize it at vunce."
Ankaa glanced at the man in question. It seemed a lot of fuss to create over a simple necklace, but the vision-version of her looked far more concerned. Perhaps there was something about the rune-like symbol that she was failing to understand.
Someone cleared their throat, and Ankaa saw Fred had saddled up to the couple and was now taking over the dance. It seemed that the vision-version of Ankaa did not seem to mind at all. In fact, she gave the man a soft smile before she switched partners and held his hand in a rather slow dance. The real Ankaa, on the other hand, was slightly short of panic. If Bill and Fleur were getting married, it was probably in the near future. If so, it meant that Fred was really sure of what he felt—he had to be if he was talking about marriage.
"You didn't seem like you were enjoying yourself."
Ankaa shook her head. "He was just talking about something serious. I didn't think it was appropriate to bring it up in a celebration."
"Speaking of celebrations," Fred looked at her pointedly. "When do you think we'll get our own?"
The real Ankaa let out a disgruntled squeak. What in Merlin's name was this man talking about? The vision-Ankaa on the other hand, seemed only too comfortable. Every bit as composed as the real-Ankaa wished she was, the vision-version of herself gave the boy a smile.
"You keep asking me, and my answer is still the same."
The school bell rang, jolting her out of her vision and reminding her that she was in fact in class. If Firenze had noticed her little Seer-moment, he refused to comment on it. He did shoot her a look before she left class, and Ankaa could only muster a weak 'See you soon, Professor,' before she was surrounded by students rushing to get to their next class.
It had been a while since her last vision, or at least one she had stumbled upon naturally. Ankaa hoped that this was not the Inner Eye forcing a vision that was to come true anything soon. Ankaa had not even thought about whether or not she loved Fred, the possibility that she did was far too scary to think upon, much less getting married and having a celebration of their own.
When the first sound of the diversion in the east wing alerted her of the beginning of the twins' plan, Ankaa followed the rest of the crowd. She had no wish to be with the Inquisitorial Squad, and to be led on a wild goose chase throughout the hallways as the twins lead Umbridge farther and farther from her office.
It seemed that the action had culminated in the entrance hall once more. Where Professor Trelawney had previously been sacked, the twins now stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at Umbridge. There was a massive crowd around the twins, teachers, ghosts, and students stood with bated breath to watch the interaction. Umbridge was standing on top of the marble staircase, surrounded by members of the Inquisitorial Squad, as well as a pleased looking Filch.
Ankaa could see Montgomery standing a few steps behind Umbridge, holding onto the sleeve of one of the members of the Inquisitorial Squad. There was an expression of pure amusement on his face, and he caught Ankaa's eye, offering her a wink.
"So!" said Umbridge triumphantly, "So… you think it amusing to turn a school corridor into a swamp do you?"
"Pretty amusing, yeah," said Fred, looking back up at her. Though he stood with his back towards Ankaa, the girl could tell he did not display the slightest amount of fear when staring up at the she-devil.
Filch moved closer to the Headmistress. He was clutching a piece of parchment in his hand, waving it around and almost crying with pure happiness. He spoke hoarsely, "I've got the form, Headmistress. I've got the forms and I've got the whips waiting… Oh, let me do it now…"
"Yeah, that's a resounding no from us, thank you," said George, shaking his head as if he was truly sorry to have missed out.
"Can't afford to soil the moneymaker," nodded Fred. Looking back at Umbridge, he continued, "I'd think you could understand but... not with that face."
If Umbridge could have breathed fire like the Hungarian Horntail she was, both Fred and George would have been eviscerated on the spot. Composing herself only slightly, she gazed down at the twins and warned them, "You two are about to learn what happens to wrongdoers in my school."
"You know what?" said Fred. "I don't think we are."
He turned to George then.
"George," said Fred, "I think we've outgrown full-time education."
"Yeah, I've been feeling that way myself," said George lightly.
"Time to test our talents in the real world, d'you reckon?" asked Fred.
"Definitely," said George.
And before anyone could utter a word, the twins raised their wands in unison and said, "Accio Brooms!"
There was a loud crash somewhere in the castle, but it reverberated quite clearly through the silent crowd. There was barely a moment to consider when a set of brooms came hurtling along the corridor towards the waiting twins, complete with the heavy chain and iron peg that Umbridge had used to keep them fastened to the wall.
"We won't be seeing you," Fred told Professor Umbridge, swinging his leg over his broomstick in a practiced and effortless motion.
"Yeah, don't bother to keep in touch," said George, mounting his own. "You're a bit of a damper."
Ankaa could only stand by and watch in pure amazement. There was a deep sense of pride that bubbled in her chest as she watched the two boys she had come to call her best friends. It must have shown on her face, because when Fred turned to look at the crowd that had assembled around them, he gave her a wide, knowing, smile.
"If anyone fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number ninety-three, Diagon Alley—Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes," he announced in a loud voice. "Our new premises!" He reached into his robes, pulling out a shiny silver bracelet and throwing it to Ankaa, who caught it effortlessly. "You, m'dear," he said, "can get anything without charge."
"And for those of you who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat," added George, pointing to Professor Umbridge, "you all get a special discount!"
"STOP THEM!" shrieked Umbridge, but it was too late. Some members of the Inquisitorial Squad stepped forward hesitantly, but Fred and George kicked off the floor. Hovering about fifteen feet above the rest of them they seemed quite out of reach.
Fred looked across the hall, finding Peeves bobbing on his level above the crowd.
"Give her hell from us, Peeves."
And Peeves, who took no other pleasure than by disobeying authority, swept his belled hat from his head and sprang in a gracious salute as Fred and George wheeled about to thunderous applause from the students (and some teachers) below, speeding out of the grand oak doors and into the glorious sunset.
The little silver bracelet that Fred had tossed her way had been a way for him to contact her, as Ankaa had later figured out. When he had first passed it to her, Ankaa had donned the bracelet immediately, not bothering with an explanation. She had marvelled at the silver dragon that held the two ends together, an homage to her Patronus no doubt, even though Fred had yet to see it in person. It was only when Ankaa had stepped into the locker rooms after her match with Hufflepuff that she understood what it truly was.
The bracelet had grown warmer against her skin. Not enough to singe, but enough to alert her that something had happened. On one of the silver wings was the word 'Hogsmeade' and on another, a time. 'April 24th 3 PM'. Ankaa had used the passage leading to Honeydukes' cellar to sneak out to Hogsmeade on that Saturday, carefully letting herself out so no one could see and into the quaint village where she had met up with Fred. The boy promptly took her by the hand and turned, disapparating without a trace.
"Ankaa!" George let out an excited shout when she walked into his shop, Fred following soon after. "Welcome to our humble abode!"
The two gave her a tour of what they had set up already, and Ankaa eagerly helped them with the rest. While the boys were completely adept at setting up their shop, their living quarters upstairs left much to be desired. Their rooms were in disarray, not to mention the fact that neither of them had thought it prudent to invest in proper dishware or cutlery, and decided to simply use disposable plastic plates.
"Come on," Ankaa groaned, pulling Fred along by the arm as she dragged him out of the shop. "George and Verity can finish setting up. In the meanwhile, you and I can go get some things for your apartment."
Fred was not too happy. "I want to help set up the joke shop," he pouted. "Why can't you take Verity with you to go shopping?"
"First of all, it's not my apartment we'd be shopping for. And second, Verity is your assistant, not your girlfriend. It wouldn't really be fair to ask her to do things that aren't associated with her title as an assistant at the shop."
Fred pouted even more, but his mood seemed to lighten when they walked into the first shop. His hand automatically found Ankaa's as the two wandered the aisle. While Ankaa seemed intent on picking out dishware and cutlery that matched, Fred was nodding along with whatever it is she was selecting.
"I don't want it to be too girly, you know," she was telling him. "After all, its going to be yours and George's place. So something more masculine."
Fred shrugged. "I wouldn't mind something feminine." He reached for one of the frilly aprons, "I think this would look really good on me, don't you? I'd look dashing in pink."
It clashed a little with his hair, but Fred was adamant on getting the apron. He had not realized how many things one really needed when living on their own, all things that he had previously taken for granted back at the Burrow. Despite the oddity of it, Fred was glad; the food from the Leaky Cauldron was not meant to sustain.
"This feels weird," Fred remarked suddenly. "I feel like we're shopping for our own apartment."
Ankaa choked on her spit, instantly recalling the vision she had had in Divination. She was sure she would never tell Fred about that vision because she did not really want to talk about anything that had come up in it. In fact, she had wanted to avoid topics of such domesticity and intimacy in general.
"Strangely domestic, huh," said Fred, almost as if he had read her thoughts. "So if we live together, what kind of apartment would you like?"
"I think what's more important is," Ankaa paused, her wide eyes desperately searching for a distraction, "What kind of bed sheets do you think you'd like in your room?"
Fred thought about it. "Anything except white," he said, "I think I'd get those dirty far too quickly."
Ankaa quickly turned to the rows of bedsheets, picking out a nice navy blue one. She tossed it into the basket and waved the basket forward. Without saying anything else, she followed the levitating basket into the next aisle.
"I think I'd like a place with lots of natural light," Fred continued. "The apartment we've got right now is nice, but I think I would've liked more windows."
Ankaa hummed in approval. She would have liked that too. Growing up, the Manor had always had ample natural lighting and lush, maintained gardens for her and Ceph to play in.
"What do you think?"
"I've never thought about it," she answered him honestly, still looking at the levitating basket. "I always just thought of Rhyther Manor as my home."
There was a beat of silence. "That's really nice, and now I feel like an idiot," Fred paused, holding up a panel of curtains, "But I was asking what you think of these curtains for my room?"
Ankaa flushed, but Fred only laughed. He set the curtains aside and wrapped her up in his arms, chuckling jovially at her embarrassment.
"It's alright," he told her. "I'm more interested in you than the curtains anyway."
Ankaa tried to pull away, still too embarrassed but Fred retained his grip on her. He opened his mouth to say something when he was interrupted by someone entering the aisle. It was a little old lady. She was looking through the curtains, smiling to herself as her basket levitated next to her. Upon spotting the two, she gave them a knowing look.
"Your first house together?" she asked them, giving them a knowing smile.
Fred wound his arm around Ankaa's shoulder, pulling her closer to his side. "Yeah," he told the woman. "We're just wondering what drapes would work best."
The lady nodded. "I remember when Richard and I bought our first apartment together," she told them, a faraway look in her eyes. "You two look a little young but…" she trailed off. "Perhaps in times like these…"
It seemed to sober all of them up. Fred gave her an understanding look, his arm tightening ever so slightly around Ankaa's shoulders. The woman gave them a once over, wishing them a good look before she grabbed what she needed and left for the register.
"That was sweet," Fred remarked, watching her go. "I wonder what happened to Richard."
Ankaa wondered too, but she was too busy freaking out about what been happening with her and Fred than to wonder what had happened to Richard.
"So, you've never thought about what you'd do after Hogwarts?" asked Fred casually, taking things from the aisle as they went along. It seemed like he had organized a list of what he needed in his mind, and was easily filling the basket as he went.
"Not really," Ankaa answered him. "I just always thought I'd take up a post at the Ministry and then go from there."
"And what about your social life?"
"Can't exactly plan for that, can you?" She gave him a pointed look. "I didn't think we'd be friends, let alone…"
"Lovers? Romantic partners? Exploding Snap buddies?"
"I'm not sure if the last one is an innuendo."
"It's not," smiled Fred as he deposited a set of forks into the basket. "What about living at Rhyther Manor? You said you'd thought about that."
Ankaa shrugged. "Rhyther Manor was going to be Ceph's responsibility someday. He'd be living in it with his wife and have the next generation of Rhythers. I guess I always thought that I'd marry some rich heir and move into their Manor."
"And what about now?"
Ankaa looked away from the cups she had been examining as an excuse not to look at him directly. He was gazing at her intently, hopeful for an answer yet unsure if he was going to get one. Unfortunately for him, Ankaa did not have an answer.
"I… don't know," she finally admitted quietly. "I'm not even sure I'd have a future, not if Death is out to get me."
It was a heavy statement that put everything into perspective. While their little excursion had been light and domestic, a mere glimpse of a future they might have had together, it was brought into sharp focus with the reminder that they might not even get the opportunity to do all these things in the first place.
"Yeah, I understand." He waved the basket forward. "I think you and I just had very different upbringings. I've always thought about my future, even now when I know times are changing. I've always wanted what my parents have, you know? Stability, love, friendship—a family."
Ankaa could only nod.
"But that just because you were raised different doesn't mean that you don't have the right to those things," he told her, his voice stable and strong. "And you don't have to think about all this right now, I was only just asking cause I thought most people did think about it. I don't want you to be freaking out over this."
"I'm not."
"I can tell when you're lying, remember?" The clerk started pricing the items with a wave of his wand, shrinking them down so they could all fit in one carrying bag. Ankaa and Fred stood by, watching him put everything away. Fred reached down into his pocket, bringing out the black pouch Ankaa had gifted him and pulled out several galleons.
"You're using it for yourself?"
Fred nodded. "George keeps the Gubrathian flame in his bedroom, uses it to light candles and stuff." When Ankaa raised a brow, Fred snickered. "Don't tell him I told you, but he's very big on the whole 'relaxing before bed' thing. Reads a chapter and lights a candle and everything."
"Sounds fun," Ankaa smiled, taking the bag from the clerk as the two of them headed out of the shop.
Fred took the bag from her the moment they stepped outside. He glanced at the watch situated above one of the shops.
"We should get you back to Hogsmeade before Honeydukes closes, otherwise you won't be able to get back in time."
The two walked back hand in hand. Although Ankaa still felt the slightest bit tense concerning their conversation, Fred had returned to his usual self. He was holding her hand, and swinging the bag he had in the other. It seemed as much as he tried to hide it, he was rather excited to decorate his apartment after all.
"Honey, I'm home!" shouted Fred as he led the way into the shop. George and Verity were standing by one of the shelves, with their arms crossed, as they were deep in thought.
"What's wrong?"
George pursed his lips, looking at the shelf. "Verity and I have been trying to decide if the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder belongs on the fourth shelf, or the fifth one."
"Does it make a difference?"
The three of them turned to Ankaa, amazed at her question. It was Verity who pulled her gobsmacked expression together long enough to answer, "Of course it matters!" She gestured to the immaculately placed shelf. "Nothing is here by accident. The Darkness Powder draws the eye towards the rest of the items, enticing the customer to buy more and more."
"Right," Ankaa gave a wary glance to the fourth shelf that was currently housing the Powder. "Because if I'm looking for the Peruvian Powder, I'd also want—is that a love potion? Why have you got love potions in here?"
"Fifth shelf then, Verity," George told the assistant, who nodded frantically in agreement and got to rearranging the shelf. George wrapped an arm around Ankaa's shoulder, ignoring her protests and inquires about the love potion and dragging her away. Fred, who seemed to know exactly where she was going with this, made quick work of himself and disappeared up the stairs into their apartment.
"Fred Weasley, get down here!"
"I'm just setting up the apartment, love," he told her, giving her a cheeky smile before he disappeared.
George snickered but sobered up when he saw Ankaa looking at him. The girl could not maintain her look any longer, and ended up smiling at him.
"Just make sure the love potion isn't anywhere near the Peruvian Powder, will you?" she told him. "I think it'll get more attention if it's at a station by itself."
"Good point," George nodded, pointing at her. "Verity, did you catch that?"
"What was that, Mister Weasley?"
George sighed, feigning exhaustion as he mumbled, "I've got to do everything around here." Giving Ankaa a brilliant grin, he pulled her in for a hug. "Visit more often, won't you? You can always stay in the apartment."
"And get expelled for being out of the grounds, sure, why not."
"What's life without a little adventure?"
"Safe," Ankaa retorted. "But yes, I'll try and visit more often." George bid her a farewell, planting a kiss on her cheek before chasing down Verity, who had just finished reorganizing the shelves.
"Ready to go?"
Ankaa nodded to Fred, and the two of them exited the joke shop. Ankaa bid a quick goodbye to Verity, wishing her good luck in her employment with the twins. The sweet little girl, who Ankaa later learned was a year older than the twins, had offered her a wide smile and a wave. Fred wasted no more time in turning and Disapparating.
"Well, here you are then," Fred said, pointing to Honeydukes that stood behind them. "Don't hesitate if you want to visit us, alright? Our door is always open for you."
"Really? Even when your mother finds out what you two have been up to?"
Fred frowned. "I'm sure she's got the letter by now. I think we'll either get an Howler or a personal visit later tonight," he told her. "Anyway, I'm not worried, especially now that you helped us do the shopping for the apartment. It'll really make our case—show her that we're more than capable of living by ourselves."
"Right, because you were doing so great when I got there."
"It's all about growth, love," he said with a smile. The two were quiet, and Fred trailed his hands down her arms, trying to provide her with some comfort. "Ankaa," he began, "I don't want you to worry too much about what I said, alright? I know you've got more to worry about, but that's why I'm here. I think you're wrong to say that you don't have a future."
"I just meant—"
"I know what you meant," Fred interrupted, "and I think you should know that what you saw… you've got people who love you who are working very hard to make sure that doesn't happen. Your Mum and Dad, and Sirius, me and George... we're all here for you."
"But you can't be sure."
"I can't be sure of my future either, and I'm no Seer. For all we know, I might die tomorrow, or the day after, or in two months or two years. My future is just as fragile, but that doesn't stop me from hoping for something. And that's what I'm trying to tell you." He took a deep breath, trailing his fingers over her own, "Just because you saw it one way, doesn't stop you from dreaming of a better route."
Ankaa narrowed her eyes at him. "What's happened to you, Fred Weasley? How did you suddenly become so full of heavenly wisdom?"
"Must be all the fumes I inhaled while working on the Skiving Snackboxes."
Ankaa chuckled. "Seems to be the only plausible explanation."
Fred smiled, pulling her forward and giving her a quick kiss. As he pulled away, he pressed a little stone into her hand. "Some Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder," he told her. "It'll help you cause a distraction so you can get to the cellar."
Ankaa took it carefully. She turned to leave, hesitating briefly before she turned back and gave the boy one more hug, pressing a chaste kiss to his cheek before she made her way to the establishment, using the powder almost as soon as she stepped through the doors. Soon enough, she was into the cellar and back at Hogwarts, replaying the events of the day in her head until eventually, she dozed off.
The next few weeks flew by far too quickly for Ankaa. One day she had been celebrating her birthday with Fred and George, and the next she was in the middle of her History O.W.L's when Harry Potter was involved in yet another commotion.
It had all been going rather well for Ankaa. She had been idly scribbling an answer on her paper, something about how the Statue of Secrecy was breached in 1749, and what measures were introduced to prevent a recurrence when there had been a loud scraping of a chair. Ankaa had looked up in mild interest that only peaked when she saw that the student standing from his chair was Harry Potter, and he was breathing heavily and sweating up a storm.
The examiner, Professor Tofty, had rushed to him immediately. The man looked concerned, and he was helping Harry stand up and pull him out of the great hall so that the rest of the students could continue writing. Ankaa could not discern what had happened, but when Harry was pulled along past her, she could make out a few broken sentences stumbling from his lips.
"I'm not going… I don't need the hospital wing… I don't want…"
There were a few minutes of silence after the door to the entrance hall closed. The students looked to themselves in confusion, but shrugged it off as exam stress and continued writing. Ankaa met Hermione's eyes, as she had turned to look at the commotion. The girl seemed worried, but a raised eyebrow from Ankaa had her turning back to continue scribbling on her paper.
Although Ankaa turned back to her exam as well, she found that she could not concentrate. In all the exams that they had sat for together, Harry had never shown any nervousness. This obviously was not a cause of examination induced panic. Ankaa's leg bounced in anticipation. She watched the clock at the end of the room, watching the seconds tick by until finally Professor Tofty was collecting their exams and wishing them a good day.
"What do you think happened to him?" Blaise was talking to their friends as they exited the Great Hall.
It was Daphne who replied. "I hope he's alright," she shot a look at the marble staircase. "Must have been something serious if it got Granger and Weasley so worried too." Daphne pointed to the two Gryffindor students, who were currently deep in discussion.
Pansy looked over at them. "Must've just panicked because he didn't know what was happening," she excused. "He and Weasley never pay attention in history. I was surprised he even showed up for the exam."
"He has to, doesn't he?"
Pansy gave Daphne a look. "What's the point of showing up for an exam if you've been asleep through all the classes. Potter and his friend aren't bright enough to begin with so maybe he was trying to save himself the embarrassment."
Blaise rolled his eyes. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but he simply resorted to sharing a look of frustration with Ankaa before rolling his eyes. Pansy continued to walk after him as he lead the way to the common room, and Ankaa could hear her continued speculation of what really had transpired during the examination even when the trio turned and headed down the stairs.
Draco paid her no mind and instead was busy keeping his eyes trained on the staircase, following a certain Ravenclaw girl as she made her way up the staircase with her friends. Beside him, Ankaa turned to look at Zara as well, nodding in acknowledgement when the girl turned and shot a wave her way before disappearing around the corner.
"What's going on?"
Draco shot her a sidelong glance. "Nothing," he answered unconvincingly. "Just wondered how she did, that's all."
"Right," nodded his companion. "Let's stare at all the other students and wonder how they did, shall we?"
Draco seemed like he wanted to say something, but he simply settled for giving her an unamused look before heading to join the rest of the Slytherins. Ankaa glanced upon the marble staircase once more, wondering what exactly had rattled Harry Potter so. There was a nagging feeling to follow up, and Ankaa wanted to follow the Gryffindor students up the grand staircase, but a part of her was consistent in reminding her that she was the one that had been ignoring the Golden Trio for the last few weeks.
"Actually," Ankaa paused in the hallway. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up with you in the common room."
Draco raised a brow. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Where are you going?"
"Just... I need some air. I feel like I've been cooped up and studying for the last couple of weeks. I just want to take a breather."
The boy did not seem at all convinced. He only blinked at her before his eyes narrowed and he decided he was better off not pursuing the matter any further. Ankaa turned away, heading in the opposite direction. She felt like strolling the gardens, sitting under a tree by the lake and enjoying a good book. Although she settled on the ground and pulled out a book, she found that she could not concentrate. Ankaa decided to just sit back and watch the sky, noting as the colours in the sky changed ever so slightly as the minutes ticked by.
It was only when a thundering of steps jolted her out of her peaceful state did Ankaa turn to spot several students heading her way. With a start, she realized that the duo of redheads leading the group were none other than Ronald and Ginny.
"Ankaa!"
It was Ginny who spotted her first. The girl rushed over, quickly reaching down to pull the other one up. "What's going on?" asked Ankaa, casting a wary glance towards Neville and Luna, who stood tersely behind the girl.
"It's Sirius," Ginny informed her quickly, pulling her along and into the Forbidden Forest. "Harry's had a vision! Voldemort's got Sirius in the Department of Mysteries."
Ankaa was gobsmacked. For a good five minutes, there was no thought in her head. She was simply and mindlessly pulled along by the Weasley girl until the group reached a small clearing.
"Well, we can't do anything without wands. Anyway, Harry, how exactly were you planning to get all the way to London?"
"Yeah, we were wondering just that," said Ginny as she pulled aside a low-hanging branch and stepped forward. "And we brought more help!"
"About that..." Ankaa trailed a look from Ginny to Harry. "What exactly is going on? You had a vision?"
Harry quickly recounted how he had seen Sirius behind held hostage by Voldemort, in the Department of Mysteries. Ankaa listened dubiously, her concern for the boy only intensifying when he told her of how they had tried to contact Sirius from Umbridge's fireplace.
"Listen, Harry," Ankaa began uncertainly, "Isn't it possible that you're mistaken? I mean how could he have even got Sirius in the first place, the man's practically under house arrest."
"It doesn't matter!" shouted the other boy. "You don't have to come if you're scared, but I'm not going to let Sirius get hurt."
"Harry it's quite possible that Sirius isn't there in the first place," Ankaa tried to tell him as gently as she could, but even she could hear the frustration lacing her voice. It was like arguing with a child. "I would've seen something like that happen."
"It isn't the first time your visions have failed you, is it?" Harry retorted. "Maybe this one slipped through." He winced as his scare gave another painful prickle. "Sirius is still alive, but we have to get there to help."
"You're being stupid, Harry."
"Ankaa—"
"No, Ginny! It's dangerous, and frankly, too uncertain." She turned back to Harry, "What if he's trying to lure you out?"
"And what if he is? Am I just supposed to let Sirius die?"
Ankaa sighed. She could not see how she could convince him to see that he might be wrong. The tension in her stomach just doubled, and the knot tightened when she looked at the other students around her.
"How is it exactly that we're getting there, Harry?" asked Ronald.
"Well, we'll have to fly, won't we?" said Luna, sounding the most matter-of-fact Ankaa had ever heard her sound.
"Okay," said Harry irritably, rounding on the girl, "first of all, 'we' aren't doing anything if you're including yourself in that, and second of all., Ron's the only one with a broomstick that isn't being guarded by security troll, so—"
"I've got a broom!" said Ginny.
"Yeah, but you're not coming," said Ron angrily.
"Excuse me, but I care what happens to Sirius as much as you do!" said Ginny, her jaw set in a way that reminded Ankaa so much of Fred and George when they were being stubborn and set in their ways.
"You're too—"
"WE were all in the D.A. together," said Neville quietly. "It was all supposed to be about fighting You-Know-Who, wasn't it? And this is the first chance we've had to do something real—or was that all just a game or something?"
Everyone was stunned by his resolve, and even Ankaa had to admit that she was somewhat impressed by how far the quivering boy had come in the last five years.
"So, how are we getting there?"
"Ankaa can Apparate!"
"Nope," answered the girl immediately. "I'm not going anywhere, and I'd suggest you don't either." When Harry glared at her, she cut him off before he could retort at her angrily. "Honestly, Harry, you said it yourself that Kreacher was being suspicious—have you considered that he was just doing that to rile you up and that Sirius might just be at the house?"
"We can't just sit here and wait!"
"And you can't just lead everyone into a trap!" Ankaa's jaw clenched. "I'm sorry that none of your friends can tell you when you're being stupid, but I don't have a problem with that. What exactly makes you think that you can take on Voldemort all by yourself?"
"He won't be alone," Ronald stepped up, giving the Slytherin girl an angry glare. "We'll be there with him! Neville's right, this is what we've been training for."
"You've been training amongst yourselves. Fighting in the real world and against Voldemort is completely different." Ankaa turned to Harry then, her expression softening when she noticed the rage on his features. "Please, Harry, just think about this. It's not just you going to fight him."
Harry did not answer. He was so angry that his eye twitched, and his knuckles turned white from their grip on his wand. It was Hermione who spoke softly.
"What do you propose we do then?"
"Stay here," answered the Slytherin. "Stay here, and I'll head down to Hogsmeade. I can Apparate to the house and see if Sirius is there. And if he isn't Harry, then we can call for the Order. I don't think you should be heading into this on your own."
"By the time you get to Hogsmeade and check, it might be too late!"
"It might be too late already," Ankaa retorted. "You need to understand there's risk either way. I'm just trying to save lives, here."
"How long do you need?" asked Ginny. "How long should we wait?"
"Ten minutes," answered Ankaa.
Harry let out an angry scoff, glaring at her with an intensity Ankaa had not seen before. But she did not back down. Ankaa matched his glare, daring him to challenge her. Harry took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm himself down. Though his rage did not dissipate, he nodded to the girl, giving her the confirmation to go ahead.
Ankaa narrowed her eyes at him, surprised that he had agreed. Not wanting him to change his mind, she quickly turned and ran through the forest and up the steps leading into the castle. It was only when she reached the top of the steps did she hear a light shriek. Ankaa tried her best to quell the thunderous rage that bubbled in her as she watched Harry Potter and his friends astride upon the thestrals, making their way to the Ministry of Magic.
"What. An. Idiot."
LokiIsMyGod12: Ahh, unfortunately, that's it for the DA! I think they got everything in that they could, but it's time to wrap up the OotP!
Raven that flies at night: I knowww their date was ADORABLE - but of course, I'm only saying that because I'm highly biased as the author LOL
NyanCos: Ah yeah, Ceph. I miss him terribly, and I'm really sorry for making you cry. Thanks for reading, and I hope that it continues to be just as emotional and invigorating! Thanks for the review!
Jemstone6259: Thank you so much for all your reviews! It was so much fun tracking your progress as you read through the chapters, and I couldn't wait for you to finish and review each chapter! You brought up a really interesting point actually, one that had completely skipped my mind. Lucius and Narcissa are, in fact, older than Maya and Sirius, and before you had mentioned that I hadn't really considered what the reason behind them delaying to have a child must have meant. I'm still speculating about it now, but I think it's because they were both trying to build a relationship amongst themselves first. I think Narcissa, as strong of a woman she is, had resigned herself to having a husband be chosen for her by her family, but I think she was also insistent that the two come to become good partners and maybe eventually find love (sort of a to her parents, so that she may have a happy life)-and that's why they delayed on having a child. And PLEASE PLEASE keep reviewing because I love your reviews so much they make me laugh so much. Maybe we could convert Ankaa to a vanilla pudding girl to appease you...
mokeybaby: Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this one as well!
brainless19: HERE YOU GO! MORE ANKAA MOMENTS!
Dillie: Thank you! And yeah, sometimes I feel like I just need to add people here and there to make the story flow as naturally as possible. I think it just helps to develop Ankaa's character and story as opposed to just leaving her as a one-dimensional character in this rather three-dimensional world.
Thank you for all of you who have reviewed/favourited/followed the story! It really means a lot, and gives me the inspiration to keep writing. If you'd like, you're always welcome to chat with me in the reviews, or just PM me in general!
Review!