Hmm, I've written a bit more than I usually do. Hope you all enjoy this next part. Oh, and Gi, it take me anywhere from half an hour to three days to write a chapter.
The next morning at breakfast, Ron gave Harry a queer look.
'What were you doing last night? You were ages downstairs.'
'I was talking to Anya.' Replied Harry, filling his plate up. Ron raised his eyebrow and coughed, a cough which sounded something like 'bullshit'. Harry punched him on the arm.
'We were. Anyway, I have something to show you after.'
Ron lookes quizzically at Harry, but before he could say anything, Hermione and Anya joined them at the Gryffindor table.
'Morning.' Said Hermione brightly. She held a stack of parchment in her hands.
'What's that?' asked Harry through a mouthful of toast.
'Timetables.' Replied Hermione. She selected several from the stack and then passed them down the table. Harry quickly read through his and groaned.
'Double Potions with the Slytherins and Snape first day back. I suppose I should be used to it by now.'
Anya patted his hand.
'Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure it won't be that bad.' Ron snorted at this.
'Trust me. It is that bad.' He told her.
Before Anya could reply, the morning post arrived. Harry automatically looked up for Hedwig, but didn't see her. Instead, he saw the gold and red plumage of Anya's phoenix. It flew around the Great Hall and then headed for the Gryffindor table, landing on Anya's shoulder.
'Good morning Isobelle.' Anya stroked the phoenix affectionately and took her letter. Isobelle took a crust from Anya's toast and then headed back out the window.
'Ah, letter from home.' Said Anya delightedly, skimming through the letter. She finished reading and shoved it in the pocket of her robe, promising herself a more thorough reading later on.
'Ready for potions?' she said brightly, picking up her bookbag and standing up.
'I suppose. If we must.' Sighed Ron. The others picked up their bags and followed Anya to the dungeons.
The Slytherins were already seated when they arrived.
'Hello Malfoy! How nice to see you again. I just love starting the morning with Potions, don't you?' Anya smiled warmly at Malfoy and sat herself next to Harry. Harry was pleased to see that Malfoy didn't know what to say. His pale face was slightly red as he turned away. Professor Snape entered the room.
'Students,' he said coldy, taking his place at the head of the class 'Today we will be brewing a potion that, if done correctly, will give you the ability to fly.' He droned on for a few minutes longer, giving basic instructions and then set them to work.
'This potion's great fun,' Anya whispered to Harry 'We'll have to make sure we keep some.'
'Miss Royal! Talking in class already,' Snape approached the bench and glared at Anya, who looked up and smiled sweetly at him.
'I was just saying to Mr Potter that it was brilliant of you to select this potion, Professor.' She said smoothly, looking straight into his eyes. Snape stared back, then seemed to compose himself.
'Ah yes, well carry on.' He stammered, leaving them to work. Harry sniggered softly as he chopped ingrediants for the potion.
'You have to teach us how to do that.' Ron whispered urgently. Anya grinned at him and threw her powdered beetle into the simmering cauldron.
Half an hour later, the completed potion was cooling and the Gryffindors were cleaning their workspace. Harry was amused to see Snape yelling at Malfoy; a first in Potions.
'It's the wrong colour Malfoy,' Snape snapped 'Weren't you listening at the start of class? Ten points from Slytherin.'
The Gryffindors suppressed a cheer, while the Slytherins looked at Snape with their mouths hanging open in shock. Anya snorted and ladeled some potion into two goblets. She gave one to Harry and then drank hers. She gave a small shudder and then suddenly, two beautiful white wings sprouted from her back. She extended them, and gave them a small flutter. Harry quickly drank his own potion, as did the other Gryffindors. The Slytherins looked over to see all the Gryffindors sporting fluttering white wings. Malfoy ladeled out a portion of his own potion and then took a swig from his goblet. He shuddered slightly and then turned into a small white chicken. The Gryffindors roared with laughter, and even Snape seemed to be holding back a laugh. Malfoy the Chicken squawked loudly and ran about the dungeon. Crabbe managed to catch him and with Goyle, hurried off to the Hospital wing. Snape checked the time.
'Right, the Gryffindors can leave early and test their wings. The Slytherins will stay until they achieve the correct results. At this, the Gryffindors ran for the door, except for Anya and Harry, who hastily bottled their potion. Having completed this, they followed the other out of the dungeons.
'Come on.' Urged Anya, grabbing Harry's arm as she spread her magnificent wings and took off in the Entrance Hall. Harry followed suit, and they zoomed out the main doors and flew about the grounds with the other Gryffindors. Harry could see Hermione skimming across the surface of the lake, followed closely by Ron. Hermione had a dreamy expression on her face as her trailed a finger across the smooth surface of the lake and then suddenly took off back towards the castle.
Flying wasn't new for Harry; he'd done it plenty of times on his broom. But this was different. He had more power, he felt more freedom than he did on his Firebolt. Anya laughed at the delighted expression on his face.
'You could do this everyday as a bird.' She told him, winking mischieviously before overtaking him and looping back behind him. Harry nodded, but then felt a jolt in his wings.
'Quick,' Anya grabbed his arm 'We have to land, the potion's wearing off, we didn't take much.' They swiftly landed and motioned for the other Gryffindors to do the same. Almost as soon as the last Gryffindor in the air landed, their wings disappeared.
'That was fantastic!' exclaimed Hermione 'I have never had so much fun in my life!'
The other Gryffindors heartily agreed with her and were all exclaiming over the sensation of flying as they headed in for lunch.
'Want to see Hagrid after lunch Harry?' Ron asked as they sat at the Gryffindor table.
'Who's Hagrid?' asked Anya.
'He's the groundsman and keeper of the keys here,' explained Harry. He turned to Ron 'Sure. It will be good to see Hagrid again.'
The four of them quickly ate their lunch and headed for Hagrid's hut. When they arrived, he was outside, watering his pumpkins.
'Hi Hagrid!' called Harry. Hagrid turned around and his beetle black eyes crinkled in a smile.
'Harry! Good tuh see yeh again.'
'Hagrid, this is Anya Royal. She's a new student here.' Hermione pushed her forward slightly.
'Nice tuh meet yeh.' Said Hagrid, shaking Anya's hand.
'The pleasure's all mine.' She replied. At this point, Hagrid's boarhound Fang leapt over to Anya and began licking her hand.
'Hello there,' she said to him 'What have we here?'
'This is Fang.' Said Harry, patting the enormous beast.
'Fancy a cuppa?' asked Hagrid. They nodded and followed him inside the hut.
'Stay away from the rock cakes.' Harry warned Anya as they went inside.
Hagrid set the kettle boiling and, sure enough, produced a tin full of rock cakes.
'Help yehselves.' He said, placing the tin on the table. Harry, Ron and Hermione polietly declined, but Anya grabbed one, despite Harry's warning. She bit into it and chewed hard.
'Mmm,' she closed her eyes as she chewed 'These are heavenly Hagrid. I must have the recipe.'
Hagrid turned a little red beneath his scraggy black whiskers.
Ron snorted a little, but a small yelp signaled that Hermione had kicked him under the table.
'How's Viktor, Hermione?' asked Hagrid, bringing the boiling kettle over to the table.
'Very well thanks Hagrid. We had a marvelous time in Australia.' Beamed Hermione. She proceeded to give Hagrid details of the creatures in Australia, limiting her conversation to the large, dangerous variety.
'There's this type of kangaroo that's nearly nine feet tall and hall enormous fangs. Of course, all the muggles think it's extinct, but we saw one in this wizarding theme park. It looked so vicious, but it had this tiny joey in its pouch, which actually turned out to have fangs as well. You would have loved it, Hagrid.'
Harry coughed. Of course Hagrid would have loved it. He would have probably tried to smuggle one back with him.
They drank their tea, and at some point Ron checked his watch.
'Quick, we've got a lesson in ten minutes. We'd better get going. Thanks for tea Hagrid.'
'S'alright. See yeh's all after. Nice tuh meet yeh, Anya.'
The four of them hurried from Hagrid's hut back to the castle.
'What class next?' asked Anya.
'Well, Ron and I have Divination-' Hermione snorted 'But Hermione's got Ancient Runes, or something.'
'Oh, that means I have Divination too.'
'I don't know why you bother with that rubbish. She's an old fraud.' Spoke up Hermione.
'Yeah, we know. But at least we can catch up on sleep in her classes.' Laughed Ron.
They separated in the entrance hall, with Ron, Harry and Anya hurrying up the many stairs to Professor Trelawney's room. At last they reached it, puffing slightly. The silvery ladder decended and they all climbed up into the heavily perfumed, hot room.
'Welcome back for another year dears,' came Professor Trewlawney's voice 'Of course, I saw you all coming and have been anticipating your arrival. And of course, dear, you must be the new student.' Professor Trelawney turned to Anya and regarded her solemnly.
'Yes Professor. I'm Anya Royal.' Anya smiled sweetly.
The rest of the class filed in and sat on the cushy armchairs and pouffes that were scattered about the room.
'We'll be starting with the orb today.' Professor Trelawney announced solemnly. Harry looked around the room to see Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil wearing identical looks of awe. Ron was looking bored, staring out the window. Harry was surprised to see Anya looking mildly interested. Professor Trelawny produced a crystal ball and placed it on the table in front of Anya.
'Let's see how you do dear.' Anya peered into the ball and waved her hand over it. She moved closer and then gasped.
'What is it dear?' Professor Trelawney asked excitedly 'Tell us what you see.'
'I see Harry being attacked by a rampaging manticore. He's managed to get away, but there's a quintaped. Oh! It got him!' Anya quickly turned to Harry and gave him a quick wink. Professor Trelawney gave a great sigh and patted Anya on the shoulder.
'I'd like to commend your bravery on facing that difficult situation. Many Seers would not give details for fear of frightening the poor person concerned.' Her large eyes turned to Harry and he could see they were filled with tears. He distinctly heard her mutter 'Poor dear' under her breath as she took the orb to Parvati and Lavender.
'A manticore and a quintaped? I'd really better watch out.' Harry whispered to Anya. She suppressed a snort.
'Hermione gave me her background in predicting your death. I thought I'd give her some stuff she'd like.' The lesson continued with Professor Trelawney shooting sympathetic looks in Harry's general direction every five minutes or so. Anya decided to add to her ruse by patting Harry's shoulder every once in a while and moaning about her 'gift'.
'No dear! You mustn't say that! Here, look in the orb again.' Professor Trelawney placed the crystal ball back in front of Anya.
'What do you see?' whispered Professor Trelawney.
'I see a women. She's running from a large creature. Is it a Grim? I'm not sure. It's really misty. Yes! It is a grim. Wait, the woman's turning around. It's, it's.' Anya faltered, and collapsed back into her seat.
'Who dear? Who is the unfortunate woman?' Professor Trelawney's eyes widened even further.
'It was you.' Anya whispered, closing her eyes.
Professor Trelawney gave a little shriek and ended class. Parvati and Lavender stayed to try and calm their teacher, while the other students gratefully headed for their common room.
'That ought to shut that old bird up for awhile.' Anya smirked. Ron and Harry were overcome with laughter.
'I would never have thought of that,' Harry wheezed 'Brilliant! Getting her back at her own game.' They entered through the portrait hole to find Hermione already up to her elbows in work.
'How was Divination?' she asked 'That old bat tell you you're going to die again, Harry?'
'Nope. Anya did. But then she told Professor Trelawney the Grim was after her.' Harry collapsed into an armchair, still laughing.
'I still don't know why you didn't quit Divination. It's absolute rubbish.' Hermione buried her nose in her Ancient Runes translations.
'Runes?' Anya asked, sitting beside Hermione. She picked up some that Hermione was yet to translate.
'This is interesting. It's a short history on the Hogwarts Four.' Anya skimmed the page lightly and then replaced it, not noticing Hermione's surprised looks.
'You can translate runes?' she asked, obviously amazed.
'Sure. My mother taught me. I didn't bother taking the class because I can already translate runes.' Anya rifled through her bag for her Potions homework. Snape had been surprisingly limited and had only asked for a summary on the limitations of the potion they had brewed earlier that day.
'Wonder if Malfoy's still a chicken?' Harry asked to no one in particular.
'Hope so.' Hermione replied 'But Madame Pomfrey probably fixed him in about five minutes.'
'Don't be so sure. I think the effects last for about three days if the potion's not brewed correctly. I'm guessing we won't see Malfoy for a few days.' Anya started scribbling her homework on a piece of parchment.
Harry was busily making up a training roster for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He quickly finished this and then started on a sign for the tryouts the team was holding to find a new chaser. One of the fourth year students that Harry had enlisted the year before had left Hogwarts, leaving the team short. Harry scratched away with his quill and then placed the sign up for everyone to see.
'You need a chaser?' Anya asked, reading the sign.
'Yep. You interested?' Harry asked.
'I might be. I suppose I might try out. I'll have to send Isobelle home for my broom though.' Anya stood up and walked over to the window. She opened it and produced a small whistle from her pocket. When she blew it, it emitted a soft, melodious sound. Almost immediately, her phoenix appeared and flew through the window onto her shoulder. Anya walked back over to the table and set the phoenix on Harry's shoulder while she scribbled out a quick note. She fastened it to the Isobelle's leg and the phoenix took flight.
'What kind of broom do you have?' Harry asked, as he watched Isobelle disappear from view.
'Firebolt 2.' Anya replied 'I played chaser for the local team back home.' Ron looked up excitedly.
'If you make the team, we'll have two Firebolt 2's then. None of the other teams have anyone on Firebolts at all. Old model or new.'
'Who else rides the Firebolt 2?' Anya asked.
'I do.' Replied Harry.
'What position are you?' Anya smiled
'Seeker.'
'Figures. You've just got that seeker look about you.' Anya yawned loudly.
She packed away her potions homework and challenged Ron to a game of chess.
'Good luck. He's impossible to beat.' Harry warned her.
'Is he?' Anya replied, looking at Ron with mild interest. She hurried up to her dormitory to retrieve her battered chessmen. Ron produced his board and they began.
Harry watched with interest as Anya and Ron carefully moved their pieces around the board. Anya had a habit of nervously twisting her long black hair about her fingers as she considered moves, resulting in her knotting sections of her hair. She carefully moved her bishop, causing Ron's queen to pounce.
'Hmm.' Anya's brow was knitted with concentration. The game wore on. The piles of captured pieces mounted on both sides. At last, Ron's king was trying to make a final escape.
'Check.' Said Anya. Ron moved his king.
'Checkmate.' Anya carefully placed her rook in position.
'You beat Ron?' Hermione asked incredulously 'I didn't think anyone could beat Ron.'
'Just rub it in Hermione.' Ron muttered, as he swept his pieces into their box.
Anya reached forward to shake hands with him.
'Good game Ron.'
'You too.'
Later that night as Ron and Harry were getting ready for bed, Ron was still commenting on Anya's prowess at chess.
'Damn she's good.' He said as he crawled into bed.
'You can say that again.' Agreed Harry as he shut his eyes.