Chapter 18- The Burrow
Anaka sat in the Weasly's kitchen with George. He had just given Anaka a tour of the house.
"It looks like a wonderful place." Anaka said smiling.
"Thanks. It's not much but it's enough to live with." George said shrugging.
They listened as the front door slammed. Harry, Ron, and Hermione came down the stairs and sat next to them.
"Mom's home." Ron said sitting down.
Mrs. Weasly rushed into the kitchen with a flushed face. She was carrying bags of groceries and seemed to be in quite a rush. She put the bags on the counter and sighed. Then she turned towards the kids smiling. When she saw Harry, Anaka, and Hermione she beamed.
"You are here already!" she said smiling.
"Thank you for having us Mrs. Weasly." Hermione replied.
"Anytime dear, anytime time." She said unpacking a bag. George cleared his throat. His mother turned around.
"What is it George dear?"
"Well mom, I don't think I've introduced you to Anaka yet."
"I feel like I know you already." She said as Anaka stood up. Mrs. Weasly shook her hand happily.
"Anyone that can control my George here is welcome in my house."
"Mom." George scolded.
"He is a hand full." Anaka teased.
"Why do I bother with you guys? Where's Fred? I feel like blowing something up." George grumbled, walking out of the room.
"George! You and Fred behave!" his mother called after him.
Anaka smiled. I wish I had a big family, she thought as Percy entered the room. Anaka had always wondered what it would feel like to have older or younger brothers and sisters.
"Mother when is father coming home?" Percy asked.
"When he gets here." His mother answered with a wry smile, "Have you said hello to Harry and the others yet? I don't believe you've met Anaka."
Percy looked at the group sitting at the table. His eyes fell on Anaka. She returned his gaze.
"I guess you're Anaka Lupin?" he asked.
"I believe I am." She replied. He frowned and left the room.
"He seems a little uptight." Anaka said.
"He's always like that." Ron said rolling his eyes.
"Don't worry Ana. He'll come around." Mrs. Weasly said putting the food away, "Now if you four will please leave the kitchen I can start dinner."
The group nodded and left the room. They went out the front door and showed Anaka the garden on the side of the house.
"It's lovely." Anaka said.
"Yeah, I just wish all the gnomes would leave." Ron replied. Anaka looked around the yard. She saw two figures working on the lawn a few yards away.
"Is that another brother working with Ginny?" Anaka said with a smile.
"Him?" Ron said pointing a finger at the taller of the pair, " Yeah, that ones Bill. He has to leave in a few days. Want me to introduce you to him?"
"I guess." Anaka answered.
The group walked over to the pair. They were sitting on the grass leaning over something. A small orange ball of fur was in Bill's hands.
"I found this in the garden pulling up some flowers." Bill said showing them the ball of fur. The creature looked at them and with a cry jumped at Anaka.
"Sunfire!" she cried. She caught the young kneazle and hugged him.
"I told you he was Anaka's." Ginny said triumphantly.
"So you did." Bill said smiling. He looked at Anaka.
"I don't think we've met."
"No, we haven't. I'm Anaka."
"I'm Bill."
They shook hands and Bill smiled at Ron.
"Are you going to keep on bringing these girls home?" he asked jokingly. Ginny giggled.
"Of course he is," she teased, "don't you know Ron is quite the ladies man!" Ron turned bright red as they all laughed.
"Sure, laugh!" he said throwing up his hands and stalking inside the house.
"Now we've done it." Harry said.
"He'll get over it." Bill said with a wave of his hand.
Harry and Hermione went after Ron and Anaka sat on the grass with Ginny and Bill.
"Don't you want to see how Ron is?" Ginny asked her. Anaka shrugged.
"I'll only get in the way."
Anaka watched Sunfire pull at the grass.
"That's a very healthy kneazle you've got there." Bill told her.
"Thanks. Hagrid gave him to me for my birthday."
"It's hard to believe you guys are already 15." Bill said with a far away look, "I remember when Ron was born."
They sat there on the grass for a while talking about Hogwarts and everything that has happened.
"When is the game for the House Cup?" Bill asked scratching Sunfire's back.
"I don't know. With everything that's happened I guess it's been canceled. Especially with you-know-who so close by." Anaka said with a sigh.
"I heard about the…uh..duel. I hope your dad is feeling better."
"He's fine." Anaka said with surprise.
"Hey Anaka!" George called.
Anaka turned to see George and Fred with their brooms, a quaffle and two bludgers.
"Want to practice a little?" Fred yelled.
"Sure!" Anaka called back.
"Can I watch Sunfire for you?" Ginny asked anxiously.
"Of course."
"I'll help her." Bill said with a smile.
"Thanks." Anaka said running towards George.
***********************************************************
That night the family had a large dinner. Mr. Weasly met Anaka and seemed very curious about how her father was doing. After dinner, Mr. Weasly showed them all the Muggle artifacts he had.
Anaka couldn't sleep that night no matter how hard she tried. The day had been rather exciting and she always felt strange sleeping in someone else's home. Anaka also had the weirdest feeling that someone was outside. She sighed and quietly got out of bed. Anaka tiptoed past Hermione and Ginny and opened the door. She looked up and down the hall. Seeing all the doors closed, Anaka made her way down the stairs. As she walked towards the door she stepped on something furry. Crookshanks gave a loud cry and scratched Anaka's bare legs hissing.
"It's only me!" Anaka whispered picking Crookshanks up. Once the cat was comforted Anaka headed toward the door. Crookshanks watched Anaka go out the door and started to follow.
"You stay here." Anaka whispered, closing the door.
*************************************************************
Harry woke up to a loud cry and hiss. He sat up and quickly headed for the door, trying not to wake Ron. He walked down the stairs slowly. As he looked around he heard a small purr.
"Crookshanks?" Harry whispered. Crookshanks walked quietly up to Harry.
"What happened?" he asked the cat, knowing he wouldn't get an answer. Crookshanks walked up to the door and started to scratch it.
"Outside huh?" he mumbled opening the door. He quickly shoved the cat inside and closed the door.
Harry scanned the grounds. Eventually, his eyes fell on a figure sitting on the lawn. He approached it quietly. As he got nearer the figure turned its head slightly. Harry stopped.
"Isn't it nice out Potter?" Anaka asked. Harry sighed and sat down next to her.
"It's great." He said slowly, looking at the moon and stars, "Why are you out here?"
She shrugged.
"I couldn't sleep."
Harry waited. He knew there was more to it. Anaka sighed.
"I felt too cramped in there. I needed to get out. I have the strangest feeling in my stomach. Like something's going to happen," she lowered her voice, " I feel like someone's watching us Harry. I know someone's watching."
The hair on Harry's neck stood up and he shivered. He looked around.
"I don't see anyone."
Anaka looked at him.
"They are here."
"Who are they?"
"I don't know. I just have.."
"A feeling." Harry said with a sigh, "Maybe you are just worried about your dad."
"My senses are a lot better then yours since I'm a werewolf," she scolded, "I can almost smell something different in the air."
Harry gave her a skeptical look.
"Fine! Don't believe me! Just keep your eyes open." She said looking back at the sky.
Harry nodded and headed back towards the house. He was just going to open the door when a hand shot out and stopped him. Harry was going to scream when a hand went over his mouth.
"It's me! Anaka. I saw someone go into the house. You can't go in there!"
Harry nodded. He turned to Anaka and narrowed his eyes.
"Don't do that again!" he hissed. Anaka stared at him coldly. Then they crept away from the house. As soon as they got a few feet away they heard five voices scream at once.
*****************************************************
Dumbledore, Remus, and Severus walked quietly around the grounds of Hogwarts.
"Any ideas on how to make this place safer?" Dumbledore asked.
"Why don't you just get some Dementors?" Severus asked.
"Harry and Sirius would never agree to that." Remus pointed out.
"Harry's over that and who cares about Sirius!" Snape growled.
"There has to be a better way." Dumbledore sighed. They had been thinking for three days on how to protect the school. Dumbledore hoped that once Remus arrived they could get more ideas but so far everyone had a flaw to it.
"I don't think we can do anymore tonight." Dumbledore said heading towards the castle.
The other two nodded. They walked in silence. Suddenly, as they reached the doors, they heard voices screaming throughout the castle. They quickly rushed inside.
The professors stood shocked at the sight. Professors were running out of their rooms with wild looks on their faces. Dumbledore stopped Professor Mcgonagoll who was making her way down a hall.
"What happened?" he asked.
McGonagoll stared at him wide-eyed. She was panting and was covered with sweat. She trembled.
"I… I don't know. I woke up and saw a most horrible face! Then I started to scream! A figure approached me and I ran out of my room! All the other professors said the same thing happened to them but it makes no sense. How could we see the same face? How could figures come after us all unless the castle has been stormed?!"
"There was no one outside a minute ago." Severus said.
"What did the face look like?" Remus asked. At this McGonagoll closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to stop the trembles in her body but found she couldn't.
"It had evil red eyes," she said opening her eyes and shaking harder, "and such a pale face…the face smiled and laughed…oh that evil laugh!" she said covering her ears. Then to the surprise of all the professors she started to cry. Dumbledore pulled her into a comforting hug and patted her gently.
"We'll figure this out." He promised.
As they brought her to Madam Pomfry they found that the same thing had happened to almost all the professors. Everyone told the same story and eventually broke into tears. Even Hagrid came in with big tears rolling down his cheeks telling them of the man who attacked him and the face that had laughed at him. Through all the hustle and bustle, Dumbledore took Remus and Severus aside.
"Find out what happened." He told them, "And try to be quick!"
******************************************************
Harry and Anaka burst through the door and ran up the stairs. The sight they saw was horrid.
"Oh Harry!! Ana darling!! You're all right!!" Mrs. Weasly ran to them and hugged them tightly. She sobbed uncontrollable. Mr. Weasly drew her back and hugged her close.
"What happened?" Anaka asked. The door to the adult's room was open. So were Bill's and Percy's. Bill was banging frantically on the twins doors. Percy was trying to open Ginny and Hermione's with no luck.
"They all started screaming at once!" Mrs. Weasly sobbed, "I heard them!! Ginny screamed for me but we can't open the door! We can't get to my poor baby!" she said with despair.
Harry ran to help Bill knock down the twin's door. Anaka ran to Percy as he took out his wand. Crookshanks was scratching at the door furiously, hissing. Anaka grabbed Crookshanks and stood back as Percy mumbled some words. The door flew open and they rushed inside. Hermione and Ginny were sitting up in there beds. They were both drenched with sweat. Ginny was crying and Hermione was gasping for air.
"What happened?" Anaka cried.
"Someone was in the room!" Hermione cried.
"He had the most horrible face!" Ginny said softly.
"Oh my baby!" Mrs. Weasly cried running into the room. She drew Ginny close and hugged her tightly. Seeing Hermione in the same state, Mrs. Weasly hugged her to.
Anaka rushed out of the room to see Bill banging his wand on the door.
"The spell won't open it!" He told her as Anaka approached. Anaka stared at the door with horror. What was happening to George?
"George!!!" Anaka screamed banging on the door and trying the knob, "George are you in there?! Are you ok?"
"Anaka?" came a faint voice.
"George!" Anaka yelled, tears streaming down her face. Suddenly the door was flung open. Anaka tumbled inside, right on top of George.
"George!" Anaka cried hugging him as they sat up, "You gave me such a fright!"
"I'm fine." George said shakily. Bill and Harry rushed into the room. They helped Ron and Fred stand up and asked them what happened. Anaka listened closely.
"That's exactly what Hermione and Ginny said." Anaka said, helping George stand up.
George slowly described the face. Anaka watched Harry's face grow pale.
"What is it Harry?" Anaka asked. Harry shook his head. He steered Anaka out of the room as Mr. and Mrs. Weasly came into the room. He closed the door quietly.
"What is it Harry? What about that face?"
Harry hesitated.
"The face belongs to…to Voldemort." He shuddered.
Anaka stood silent.
"We should talk to Dumbledore when we get back." Anaka replied. Harry nodded.
"I hope tomorrow goes quick." Harry sighed.
Soon the kids were sent back to bed. They all slept silently but the five children slept with the image of that face in their dreams.
Anaka sat in the Weasly's kitchen with George. He had just given Anaka a tour of the house.
"It looks like a wonderful place." Anaka said smiling.
"Thanks. It's not much but it's enough to live with." George said shrugging.
They listened as the front door slammed. Harry, Ron, and Hermione came down the stairs and sat next to them.
"Mom's home." Ron said sitting down.
Mrs. Weasly rushed into the kitchen with a flushed face. She was carrying bags of groceries and seemed to be in quite a rush. She put the bags on the counter and sighed. Then she turned towards the kids smiling. When she saw Harry, Anaka, and Hermione she beamed.
"You are here already!" she said smiling.
"Thank you for having us Mrs. Weasly." Hermione replied.
"Anytime dear, anytime time." She said unpacking a bag. George cleared his throat. His mother turned around.
"What is it George dear?"
"Well mom, I don't think I've introduced you to Anaka yet."
"I feel like I know you already." She said as Anaka stood up. Mrs. Weasly shook her hand happily.
"Anyone that can control my George here is welcome in my house."
"Mom." George scolded.
"He is a hand full." Anaka teased.
"Why do I bother with you guys? Where's Fred? I feel like blowing something up." George grumbled, walking out of the room.
"George! You and Fred behave!" his mother called after him.
Anaka smiled. I wish I had a big family, she thought as Percy entered the room. Anaka had always wondered what it would feel like to have older or younger brothers and sisters.
"Mother when is father coming home?" Percy asked.
"When he gets here." His mother answered with a wry smile, "Have you said hello to Harry and the others yet? I don't believe you've met Anaka."
Percy looked at the group sitting at the table. His eyes fell on Anaka. She returned his gaze.
"I guess you're Anaka Lupin?" he asked.
"I believe I am." She replied. He frowned and left the room.
"He seems a little uptight." Anaka said.
"He's always like that." Ron said rolling his eyes.
"Don't worry Ana. He'll come around." Mrs. Weasly said putting the food away, "Now if you four will please leave the kitchen I can start dinner."
The group nodded and left the room. They went out the front door and showed Anaka the garden on the side of the house.
"It's lovely." Anaka said.
"Yeah, I just wish all the gnomes would leave." Ron replied. Anaka looked around the yard. She saw two figures working on the lawn a few yards away.
"Is that another brother working with Ginny?" Anaka said with a smile.
"Him?" Ron said pointing a finger at the taller of the pair, " Yeah, that ones Bill. He has to leave in a few days. Want me to introduce you to him?"
"I guess." Anaka answered.
The group walked over to the pair. They were sitting on the grass leaning over something. A small orange ball of fur was in Bill's hands.
"I found this in the garden pulling up some flowers." Bill said showing them the ball of fur. The creature looked at them and with a cry jumped at Anaka.
"Sunfire!" she cried. She caught the young kneazle and hugged him.
"I told you he was Anaka's." Ginny said triumphantly.
"So you did." Bill said smiling. He looked at Anaka.
"I don't think we've met."
"No, we haven't. I'm Anaka."
"I'm Bill."
They shook hands and Bill smiled at Ron.
"Are you going to keep on bringing these girls home?" he asked jokingly. Ginny giggled.
"Of course he is," she teased, "don't you know Ron is quite the ladies man!" Ron turned bright red as they all laughed.
"Sure, laugh!" he said throwing up his hands and stalking inside the house.
"Now we've done it." Harry said.
"He'll get over it." Bill said with a wave of his hand.
Harry and Hermione went after Ron and Anaka sat on the grass with Ginny and Bill.
"Don't you want to see how Ron is?" Ginny asked her. Anaka shrugged.
"I'll only get in the way."
Anaka watched Sunfire pull at the grass.
"That's a very healthy kneazle you've got there." Bill told her.
"Thanks. Hagrid gave him to me for my birthday."
"It's hard to believe you guys are already 15." Bill said with a far away look, "I remember when Ron was born."
They sat there on the grass for a while talking about Hogwarts and everything that has happened.
"When is the game for the House Cup?" Bill asked scratching Sunfire's back.
"I don't know. With everything that's happened I guess it's been canceled. Especially with you-know-who so close by." Anaka said with a sigh.
"I heard about the…uh..duel. I hope your dad is feeling better."
"He's fine." Anaka said with surprise.
"Hey Anaka!" George called.
Anaka turned to see George and Fred with their brooms, a quaffle and two bludgers.
"Want to practice a little?" Fred yelled.
"Sure!" Anaka called back.
"Can I watch Sunfire for you?" Ginny asked anxiously.
"Of course."
"I'll help her." Bill said with a smile.
"Thanks." Anaka said running towards George.
***********************************************************
That night the family had a large dinner. Mr. Weasly met Anaka and seemed very curious about how her father was doing. After dinner, Mr. Weasly showed them all the Muggle artifacts he had.
Anaka couldn't sleep that night no matter how hard she tried. The day had been rather exciting and she always felt strange sleeping in someone else's home. Anaka also had the weirdest feeling that someone was outside. She sighed and quietly got out of bed. Anaka tiptoed past Hermione and Ginny and opened the door. She looked up and down the hall. Seeing all the doors closed, Anaka made her way down the stairs. As she walked towards the door she stepped on something furry. Crookshanks gave a loud cry and scratched Anaka's bare legs hissing.
"It's only me!" Anaka whispered picking Crookshanks up. Once the cat was comforted Anaka headed toward the door. Crookshanks watched Anaka go out the door and started to follow.
"You stay here." Anaka whispered, closing the door.
*************************************************************
Harry woke up to a loud cry and hiss. He sat up and quickly headed for the door, trying not to wake Ron. He walked down the stairs slowly. As he looked around he heard a small purr.
"Crookshanks?" Harry whispered. Crookshanks walked quietly up to Harry.
"What happened?" he asked the cat, knowing he wouldn't get an answer. Crookshanks walked up to the door and started to scratch it.
"Outside huh?" he mumbled opening the door. He quickly shoved the cat inside and closed the door.
Harry scanned the grounds. Eventually, his eyes fell on a figure sitting on the lawn. He approached it quietly. As he got nearer the figure turned its head slightly. Harry stopped.
"Isn't it nice out Potter?" Anaka asked. Harry sighed and sat down next to her.
"It's great." He said slowly, looking at the moon and stars, "Why are you out here?"
She shrugged.
"I couldn't sleep."
Harry waited. He knew there was more to it. Anaka sighed.
"I felt too cramped in there. I needed to get out. I have the strangest feeling in my stomach. Like something's going to happen," she lowered her voice, " I feel like someone's watching us Harry. I know someone's watching."
The hair on Harry's neck stood up and he shivered. He looked around.
"I don't see anyone."
Anaka looked at him.
"They are here."
"Who are they?"
"I don't know. I just have.."
"A feeling." Harry said with a sigh, "Maybe you are just worried about your dad."
"My senses are a lot better then yours since I'm a werewolf," she scolded, "I can almost smell something different in the air."
Harry gave her a skeptical look.
"Fine! Don't believe me! Just keep your eyes open." She said looking back at the sky.
Harry nodded and headed back towards the house. He was just going to open the door when a hand shot out and stopped him. Harry was going to scream when a hand went over his mouth.
"It's me! Anaka. I saw someone go into the house. You can't go in there!"
Harry nodded. He turned to Anaka and narrowed his eyes.
"Don't do that again!" he hissed. Anaka stared at him coldly. Then they crept away from the house. As soon as they got a few feet away they heard five voices scream at once.
*****************************************************
Dumbledore, Remus, and Severus walked quietly around the grounds of Hogwarts.
"Any ideas on how to make this place safer?" Dumbledore asked.
"Why don't you just get some Dementors?" Severus asked.
"Harry and Sirius would never agree to that." Remus pointed out.
"Harry's over that and who cares about Sirius!" Snape growled.
"There has to be a better way." Dumbledore sighed. They had been thinking for three days on how to protect the school. Dumbledore hoped that once Remus arrived they could get more ideas but so far everyone had a flaw to it.
"I don't think we can do anymore tonight." Dumbledore said heading towards the castle.
The other two nodded. They walked in silence. Suddenly, as they reached the doors, they heard voices screaming throughout the castle. They quickly rushed inside.
The professors stood shocked at the sight. Professors were running out of their rooms with wild looks on their faces. Dumbledore stopped Professor Mcgonagoll who was making her way down a hall.
"What happened?" he asked.
McGonagoll stared at him wide-eyed. She was panting and was covered with sweat. She trembled.
"I… I don't know. I woke up and saw a most horrible face! Then I started to scream! A figure approached me and I ran out of my room! All the other professors said the same thing happened to them but it makes no sense. How could we see the same face? How could figures come after us all unless the castle has been stormed?!"
"There was no one outside a minute ago." Severus said.
"What did the face look like?" Remus asked. At this McGonagoll closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to stop the trembles in her body but found she couldn't.
"It had evil red eyes," she said opening her eyes and shaking harder, "and such a pale face…the face smiled and laughed…oh that evil laugh!" she said covering her ears. Then to the surprise of all the professors she started to cry. Dumbledore pulled her into a comforting hug and patted her gently.
"We'll figure this out." He promised.
As they brought her to Madam Pomfry they found that the same thing had happened to almost all the professors. Everyone told the same story and eventually broke into tears. Even Hagrid came in with big tears rolling down his cheeks telling them of the man who attacked him and the face that had laughed at him. Through all the hustle and bustle, Dumbledore took Remus and Severus aside.
"Find out what happened." He told them, "And try to be quick!"
******************************************************
Harry and Anaka burst through the door and ran up the stairs. The sight they saw was horrid.
"Oh Harry!! Ana darling!! You're all right!!" Mrs. Weasly ran to them and hugged them tightly. She sobbed uncontrollable. Mr. Weasly drew her back and hugged her close.
"What happened?" Anaka asked. The door to the adult's room was open. So were Bill's and Percy's. Bill was banging frantically on the twins doors. Percy was trying to open Ginny and Hermione's with no luck.
"They all started screaming at once!" Mrs. Weasly sobbed, "I heard them!! Ginny screamed for me but we can't open the door! We can't get to my poor baby!" she said with despair.
Harry ran to help Bill knock down the twin's door. Anaka ran to Percy as he took out his wand. Crookshanks was scratching at the door furiously, hissing. Anaka grabbed Crookshanks and stood back as Percy mumbled some words. The door flew open and they rushed inside. Hermione and Ginny were sitting up in there beds. They were both drenched with sweat. Ginny was crying and Hermione was gasping for air.
"What happened?" Anaka cried.
"Someone was in the room!" Hermione cried.
"He had the most horrible face!" Ginny said softly.
"Oh my baby!" Mrs. Weasly cried running into the room. She drew Ginny close and hugged her tightly. Seeing Hermione in the same state, Mrs. Weasly hugged her to.
Anaka rushed out of the room to see Bill banging his wand on the door.
"The spell won't open it!" He told her as Anaka approached. Anaka stared at the door with horror. What was happening to George?
"George!!!" Anaka screamed banging on the door and trying the knob, "George are you in there?! Are you ok?"
"Anaka?" came a faint voice.
"George!" Anaka yelled, tears streaming down her face. Suddenly the door was flung open. Anaka tumbled inside, right on top of George.
"George!" Anaka cried hugging him as they sat up, "You gave me such a fright!"
"I'm fine." George said shakily. Bill and Harry rushed into the room. They helped Ron and Fred stand up and asked them what happened. Anaka listened closely.
"That's exactly what Hermione and Ginny said." Anaka said, helping George stand up.
George slowly described the face. Anaka watched Harry's face grow pale.
"What is it Harry?" Anaka asked. Harry shook his head. He steered Anaka out of the room as Mr. and Mrs. Weasly came into the room. He closed the door quietly.
"What is it Harry? What about that face?"
Harry hesitated.
"The face belongs to…to Voldemort." He shuddered.
Anaka stood silent.
"We should talk to Dumbledore when we get back." Anaka replied. Harry nodded.
"I hope tomorrow goes quick." Harry sighed.
Soon the kids were sent back to bed. They all slept silently but the five children slept with the image of that face in their dreams.
