Sorry if this is a bit shorter than last chapter. It seemed the best place to stop.
A week after Harry arrived, Hermione appeared at the Burrow. Everyone had been sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast, when she'd appeared in the fireplace, no doubt she'd travelled by floo powder. Harry had been the first out of his chair to welcome her. He wrapped her in a warm embrace, as had Ginny. The Weasley boys had all given her a quick hug, except for Ron who had patted her on the shoulder.
'How was your holiday, Hermione?' asked Mrs Weasley.
Hermione's tanned face split into a grin.
'Fantastic! We went to Australia. To the tropical bit. It was so beautiful!' Hermione rambled on about rainforests and the magical creatures she'd seen for some time to Mrs Weasley. Harry listened, but was more interested in looking at Hermione. She'd changed over the holidays, indeed she'd changed a lot in the last few years. She'd grown taller, and her body was curvy. Her bushy brown hair had become sleek. It was obvious she'd discovered some charm to keep it under control. All in all, Hermione was absolutely beautiful. She'd always been pretty, but now she was radiant. Harry noticed Ron studying her with surprise as well.
'When are you going to do something about the way you fell, Ron?' Harry whispered in Ron's ear. Ron turned red and shook his head.
'We were going to London today to get our school things.' Ginny spoke up, turning to Hermione.
'Oh good! I really need to refill my potions supply. I'll just put my trunk away and I'll be right with you.' She replied.
Harry jumped up.
'I'll help you with that.' He picked up her trunk for her and then followed her up to Ginny's room which she'd be sharing.
'My goodness, you look different Harry,' smiled Hermione, as Harry shoved the trunk into a corner 'You've grown so much.' She patted his arm appreciatively.
'You too.' He raised his eyebrow suggestively, making Hermione blush.
'Bad.' She swatted at him, but he easily ducked. Laughing, they headed back into the kitchen. Mrs Weasley held out the pot of floo powder and ushered her children into the fire.
'Hurry up. We want to miss the crowds.' The twins jumped in first, followed by Bill, Charlie, Percy, Ron and Ginny. She handed the pot to Harry before she herself left. Hermione grabbed a pinch and stepped into the fire. A moment later, Harry followed her. In no time at all, he stepped out in Diagon Alley with the others. Although it was only Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny who were headed back to Hogwarts that year, the others had needed supplies, and they separated, agreeing to meet back in two hours. Ginny and Hermione pulled the boys in the direction of Madame Malkin's. Both needed school robes, and wanted to get new dress robes. Harry agreed, and decided he'd better get some robes as well. Ron hadn't grown in the past year; he'd done all his growing in fifth year. He settled himself in a chair and waited for the others.
Harry was quickly fitted for new school robes and decided on his new dress robes just as quickly. The girls, however were taking ages. They'd been measured for their school robes fairly quickly, but were now trying on what seemed like every robe in the store. Another girl was in the same position; she had an enormous pile of beautiful robes in her changeroom. She and Hermione began sorting through each other's piles. By this time, Harry had sat himself next to Ron, his bags beside him. He absent mindedly watched Hermione and the other girl sort through the robes. The other girl was extremely pretty. Long black hair, beautiful green eyes – green eyes? Harry looked at her more closely. She was the spitting image of the Princess! She looked up to see Harry staring at her, and blushed. All three girl returned to the change rooms and pulled on the new robes. Excited squeals followed.
'This is IT!' exclaimed Ginny.
'I know what you mean!' answered Hermione. Harry saw a wand poke out from behind the curtains and immediately an extra screen moved to shield them. A rustling of curtains was heard and all three girls exclaimed over each other.
'You just have to get that Ginny. It is definitely you.' Spoke up Hermione.
'I think that looks divine on you.' A voice Harry didn't recognise was talking. He was immediately bewitched by it. It was soft and melodious. The girls had obviously returned to their changerooms, because the screen moved back to its original position. Hermione emerged first, the robes she had tried on were concealed in her arms.
'Wait outside for us. We'll be out in a minute.' She told Harry as Ginny and the other girl emerged. Harry and Ron obediently walked outside.
A few minutes later, all three girls appeared holding bags. Hermione was talking earnestly to the black haired girl.
'Harry, Ron, this is Anastasia Royal. Anastasia, this is Ron Weasley and Harry Potter.' Anastasia smiled warmly at them, but started slightly at Harry's name.
'Pleased to meet you.' He said, extending his hand. She shook hands with him, and he couldn't help but notice how soft and delicate her hand was.
'Anastasia's an exchange student at Hogwarts this year.' Spoke up Ginny.
'Which school are you from?' inquired Ron.
'Oh, I was home schooled,' She replied nervously 'And please, call me Anya. I prefer it.' She smiled again, and her green eyes sparkled.
The five of them decided to go to Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlour for sundaes. Anya insisted paying for her new found friends, and as she pulled coins from her moneybag, Harry noticed a small, delicate ring on her finger. It seemed to have a small engraving of a bird of some kind on it, surrounded by jewels. Harry leant closer for a better look. Anya notcied him and laughed.
'Here, Harry. You're not the first to be fascinated with my ring.' She held out her hand and Harry studied the ring. The engraving was of a phoenix!
'A phoenix.' He said quietly. Anya smiled at him.
'Indeed. You could say they are the "symbol" of my family.' She smiled at him again, and gave him the tiniest of winks. The other three didn't seem to notice.
They soon finished their sundaes and left the parlour, and visited other shops in Diagon Alley to get their supplies for school. Harry let Ron, Hermione and Ginny lead the way, while he lagged behind with Anya.
'I know who you are,' he said quietly to her 'Why don't they?' he motioned to his friends.
'Simple. I have a protective charm around me. I am only recognised by those good hearted people who look for me. You can hardly think my parents would let me wander around London without some kind of protection? Or the Order for that matter.'
'Is it safe for you to be at Hogwarts?' Harry asked.
'Of course. Professor Dumbledore has put many precautionary measures in for my safety. It is only you and he who will know my true identity until the time comes when I must reveal myself.'
Harry wanted to know more, but the others had stopped to wait for them and he and Anya had finally caught up with them. Harry saw the Weasleys waiting for them ahead. Anya shook his hand and the hands of the others.
'I shall see you on the train.' She said. She smiled at them all and walked towards a tall man who could easily pass as her father, but Harry knew as a guard.
'She's nice, isn't she?' said Hermione as they walked towards the Weasleys. Harry nodded.
The last days of the holidays passed in a blur for Harry. All he could think about was Anya. How beautiful she was, how beautiful her voice was. How enchanted he was with her. Ron and Hermione noticed this and teased him mercilessly. Ginny, who had long gotten over her crush on Harry, teased him as well. He responded by hexing them all.
'I wish the ban on underage magic still applied.' Wheezed Ron after being hit by the tickling charm.
'Tough luck Weasley.' Grinned Harry.