Here We Go Around Again
Chapter 7
-Mama?,-Isabel said tentatively when the last student had left the classroom.
Hermione glanced up from organizing her papers and smiled warmly at her.
-Yes, honey?
The fourteen year old fiddled nervously with the strap of her bag-pack and leaned lightly against her mother's desk.
-How did I do?
Hermione blinked, surprised.
-Darling, you did great, I told you so...
-Yeah...,-Isabel looked down.,-I wasn't talking about the spell, though...
The older witch frowned, putting down her quill; she had a feeling of what this was about, but she wanted to make sure.
-What were you talking about then?,-she asked softly.
Isabel bit her lip for a moment, then sighed. Her voice trembled a little.
-How was my first interaction with school? I mean, do you think my behaviour is alright? That they're gonna like me?
Hermione sighed; this was exactly what she had feared. Isabel's self-esteem had always been an issue, though she knew it wasn't entirely her fault; she had been amazing, or so had she and Harry thought that morning after breakfast, but she still had doubts about herself.
Still, his daughter needed reassurance, and so she would give it to her; standing up, Hermione circled the desk and wrapped her arms around the shaking girl, who immediately returned the hug.
-You were wonderful, sweetheart... and they like you already; your father and I are very proud...,-she leaned back, pushing a strand of hair behind Isabel's ear.,-you know, I didn't have nearly as much success at warming up to my new classmates as you have... in fact, during the very first two months nobody liked me, and Harry and Ron actually hated me; I was bossy and annoying-your father wasn't entirely joking last night-and it took a troll nearly killing me for the three of us to become friends. Isabel... I know it's only been a few hours, but you've handled the situation pretty well... I was very surprised at your attitude with your father this morning, because it means you're willing to let go and open up inspite of your difficulty to interact with people, and that shows you're growing up. It hurts, yes, because you are and always will be our little girl, but we're very happy for you. And your performance was outstanding!,-she added.,-Did you think I wouldn't notice how nervous you were? And you managed to overcome that too. Congratulations, honey, and...,-her smile turned mischievous, which was very unusual in her.,-I think I like that boy, Nicholas; he seems to like you. Very cute, too.
-Mom!!!,-Isabel pulled back, blushing heavily and shaking her head in disbelief; Hermione started laughing loudly.,-He's Robin's friend!!!
-Meaning?
-Meaning he's just a friend!
Her mother shrugged dissmissively.
-So what? Your father and I were friends. The best, in fact, and here you are; so much like the two of us it's scary.
That reminded Isabel of something.
-Oh, mom, I forgot to tell you!,-she furrowed her brow concernedly.,-My classmates know about my being an Animagus.
Hermione froze at that.
-What? When? How? Why?
-Transfiguration, Robin, McGonnagall.,-she said, then proceeded to tell her all about it; when she finished, Hermione was looking a little worried.
-Well,-she started.,-I can't tell you to ignore it, but don't make a big deal out of it, either... if they find out, they find out, and it's your decision whether to show them or not, but don't overdo it; you know it drains you a lot. I'll talk to your father about it, okay?
Isabel sighed, and nodded; then she smiled at her mother.
-Thanks, mom...,-her smile was suddenly replaced by a sad look.,-I'm going to miss talking to you like this, you know...
Hermione's face saddened; having spent so much time together during the past years, mother and daughter were very close. Maybe not in the same playful/comraderie way she and Harry were, (he would always spoil his little girl more), but in the sense that they could talk about anything like two friends, and always expect the other to understand.
-I'm going to miss you too, darling...,-she said, and then grinned a little.,-but, oh, who am I kidding? Before being our student, you'll always be our daughter, Isabel, and this doesn't change anything... well, at least not everything... you can still come to me when you need to talk, you know?
Isabel grinned back; nodding, she gave her mother one last hug and a kiss and then ran outside to meet her friends.
***
When she walked outside, Catherine was nowhere to be seen; both Nick and Robin were leaning against the wall, the latter laughing at something while the former complained, but when they saw her they stopped and stepped towards her.
-Hey.,-said Robin, slinging and arm around her shoulder as they began to walk.
Isabel smiled up at him.
-Hey, what were you laughing at?
Her best friend sniggered, and Isabel was surprised to see Nicholas blush.
-Nicholas, here,-began the red head.,-has a crush on aunt Hermione!
Isabel blinked.
-That's not true!,-Nicholas retorted.,-I just said I thought she was very nice and beautiful, and that I could see where Isabel got it fr-
He trailed off, growing considerably pale.
Isabel blushed, smiling shyly at the boy, and then scowled at Robin, who had started laughing uncontrollably.
-Robin, stop that!,-turning back to Nick.,-Where's Cathy?
-Prefect business.,-he said simply, glaring at his freckled friend.,-Weasley, stop laughing!!!
-Yes, weasel, makes you look even worse.,-a voice drawled from ahead.
The trio came to a halt and looked on to find a sneering Anya standing by an armor, surrounded by a group of Slytherins and effectively blocking their way.
Isabel tensed up, and felt the boys on either side of her do the same.
-What do you want, Malfoy?,-spat Robin, tightening his arm around her shoulder.
The blond raised an eyebrow, placing her hands on her hips.
-With you? Nothing, surely; my business is with the little mudblood here.
Isabel felt the anger building up again, but before she could do anything, Nicholas had taken her hand and was glaring at the Slytherin. The young Potter gave him a surprised look.
-Don't call her that.,-he said.,-She's better than any of you in every way!
Anya snorted.
-How so? Nick, darling, I suggest you stop hanging around these people; might spoil you if you do.
Both the boys started forward but Isabel quickly pulled them back, heaving an impatient sigh.
-Anya, what do you want?,-she asked, deeply annoyed.
The young woman's eyes flashed.
-I *want*,-she spat.,-you to stop calling me by my first name. I *want* you to stop thinking yourself so much better because you have famous parents, and I *want* you to stop showing off during classes; it is quite obvious the favoritism your mublood mother has for you and I will *not* stand for that!
Isabel gave her an incredulous look; this girl was nuts, she was. She hadn't even known her for a day and she hated her already.
Pulling the straining teenagers back with a glare, she turned back to face the blond.
-First thing, Malfoy,-she retorted.,-I don't think I'm better than anyone because my parents are famous, and if anyone here tends to place themselves on a pedestal it's you. I didn't ask to perform today in class, and if you didn't notice either, it was a punishment. You don't even know me, so stop judging me! Get over yourself!
Anya's face was contorted with anger; pulling her wand out she quickly shouted a stunning spell, with hopes that, not having had time to pull their own wands out, it would hit Isabel.
But the brunette was beyond that; closing her eyes and concentrating, the girl managed to cast a shielding charm around the three of them one second before the spell hit her. Instead it rebounded and flew back against Anya, sending her back into her group of friends with a cry. Isabel sagged weakly against Nicholas, who grabbed her shoulders and steadied her, not letting go.
The Slytherins were shouting, enraged, and would have done something in retaliation if not for the imposing voice that rang through the hall; they all turned to see Ron, who was standing behind his son and his two friends, looking very serious and angry.
-What's going on here?!
-Dad!
-Professor Weasley!!!
Ron strode in between the students, and knelt down beside the unconscious girl; pulling out his wand, he muttered "Ennervate" and Anya slowly opened her eyes.
Sitting up with a cry, she put on a mortified expression and addressed the flying instructor.
-Professor!!! Potter attacked me with a spell!
The Slytherins were all agreeing with Anya's version.
Isabel couldn't believe it, and apparently, neither could the boys.
-That's not true!!!,-shouted Robin, his face as red as his hair.
Ron stood up, frowning.
-Silence!!!,-he bellowed, glaring, and everyone shut up.,-Ten points from Slytherin, Miss Malfoy, for using magic on the halls.,-Anya started to complain, but Ron cut her off.,-Thirty points for attacking a classmate-you will be serving detention tonight-and ten points for downright lying to a teacher. Now go to lunch!
Tears of anger and shame running from her face, Anya stood up and quickly disappeared around a corner with her friends.
Ron turned to face the surprised trio with a concerned look on his face.
-Are you alright?
Isabel gave his godfather a brilliant smile.
-Never been better...
Ionuin, thanks for reviewing my story! Ohh, I want to read the book, already!!! Sadly, I've no idea when I'm getting it...
kat6528, I wish I were like Isabel, too. Well, I'm not stupid, but really the only thing I have in common with her is that I'm extremely insecure and that I have green eyes...
PhoenixGirl1234567, thanks for reading my stories (though I didn't receive reviews from you for those *pouts*) and putting me on your favorite list. And don't get too used to my updating, ***grins***, when I get back to college there won't be as many. Thankfully for you, I've still got ½ months of vacation and so plenty of time for writing.
Jandl, thanks for the review! I can't stand Anya either, so I hope you like this chapter. ***laughs*** And H/Hr rules!!!