After the game had been finished, with Puddlemere winning 230-80, they sat
around and talked about the happenings of the game for about twenty
minutes, until Hermione brought up the subject of Anneliese's O.W.L.'s.
"I'm not really scared, I'm used to pressure," she had said, obviously in
what she thought was a calm voice, but turned out to be an anxious,
worrying voice. "Will one of you maybe coach me, or something? Like, give
me tips on what'll be on the tests and all."
"I will," Harry volunteered, and she smiled. "When do you want to
practice?"
"Well, anytime, really. Would you mind doing it tonight?"
"Not at all," Harry replied; he didn't care when or where they studied.
"Great!" She said and smiled. "You all can watch the game reviews while we
study."
The others went and sat down on the couch as the discussion of the
Quidditch game started. Anneliese and Harry, however, went to the corner of
the room.
"Okay," she said, while reaching into a drawer and pulling out a medium
sized wand. "Where shall we start?"
"I think we should start with Charms. What was the last charm you learned?"
Harry asked her.
"The summoning charm," she answered.
"Okay, so you're a little behind. You'll have to learn all our charms,
perfect them, and memorize them." He had a lot of work ahead of him.
They worked well into the night after the rest had gone to bed working on
the charms and spells. They got through most of the spells, though she had
trouble with some, so they scheduled to practice again soon. They were all
going to Diagon Alley in the morning, so they decided to call it a night.
Anneliese followed him out of the door, after agreeing to walk him to the
end of the hall.
"You did really well tonight, Anneliese," Harry said when they reached the
end of the hallway.
"Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without you!" she said and smiled.
"Well, goodnight, Anneliese!" he said as he turned to go down the stairs,
but she held him back.
"You can call me Anna," she said, her smile broadening.
He smiled back at her, turned, and made his way through the house, in
better spirits then upon his arrival.
Ron threw a pillow at Harry. "Huh? What?," asked Harry as he awoke. "So, what happened with you and Anneliese last night?" Ron asked him grinning. "Nothing, I just taught her some of the charms and spells we learned last year," he said, yawning. "Did she tell you to call her 'Anna'?" he asked, grinning even broader. "Yeah, but—how did you know that?" he asked suspiciously. "Well," he said, and dropped his voice. "Fred said he came across her diary last week, and—" "He read it, I'm guessing?" Harry cut in. "Obviously. But it said that she only tells people to call her 'Anna' if she really likes them. As in, more than just friends," he said slyly. "He's mad 'cause she hasn't said that to him," he added smirking. Harry didn't say anything. He had been thinking about that since their parting. He hadn't heard anyone else call her 'Anna', not even Lupin or Mindy. He really liked her, and best of all, she liked him. "Come on Romeo, let's get downstairs, Juliet's calling," Ron said, again grinning. Harry couldn't help but let out a slight grin as they made their way through the house to where Anna was calling from. The smell of bacon and eggs met their noses halfway down the stairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was cooking, and she served them toast with marmalade, bacon, and eggs. They took their plates and went down to the den. Anna was sitting next to Hermione and they were arguing about something, which sounded oddly like house-elves. "Hermione, they were raised to clean and make dinner, and they like doing it. They don't want to be free, and when you go parading your spew thing around, they get offended," Anna tried to reason. "S-P-E-W!" she said hotly. "Fine then," she said, "if you go around parading your S.P.E.W. thing around, they will get offended," she said. "Exactly what we've been trying to tell her for the past two years," Ron muttered to Harry before sitting down across from Hermione. Harry sat next to him. "Good morning, Harry, Ron," Anna said, nodding to each of them. She was wearing a light pink cap sleeve top and a black skirt with a pink satin bow around it and silver strap dragon stilettos. Around her neck was a silver fairy necklace that had dark pink wings. When everyone had eaten breakfast, she got up and got her purse and keys. "Is everyone ready?" she asked, checking her watch. "I think so," said Harry, as he, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood up. "Where's Mindy?" asked Hermione. "Oh, she said she's got stuff to do here. I just have to pick up a few things for her," she said. "Remus, we're leaving!" she yelled into the next room where Lupin was. "We'll be back in a little bit!" "Okay, have a good time!" he called back to her. Mrs. Weasley rushed into the den with her purse as everyone was walking over to meet Anna. "Here, you two, I'll give you some galleons to buy your school things," she said quickly to Ron and Ginny. Anna stopped her. "Mrs. Weasley, don't worry, I'll pay for their things." "Oh no, Anneliese, dear, you don't have to do that," she said kindly. "But I insist," she said stubbornly. "And besides, we have to go, it'll take less time if I just gave them money in Diagon Alley." She then opened the door and stepped out before they could argue any further. "Be careful, make sure no one follows you back," growled Moody, as she held the door open for the rest to follow. She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because people do that all the time!" she yelled back sarcastically, as she closed the door behind Harry. He received a sudden shock as he looked around the back yard, seeing as it was now a Quidditch field. There were even three golden goal posts on either side of the field for the keeper to defend. Across the other side was a building Harry guessed to be the garage. "Do you play?" Harry asked Anna, as they all walked across the field to the garage. "Yeah, if I have time," she answered, smiling, the sunlight shining across her face. "What position?" he asked. "Chaser," she answered, stepping carefully up the steps to the door of the garage, of which the others were filing through. Inside was a very expensive-looking car that she led them to. She went over onto the driver's side. The others piled in, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sitting in the back, Harry up in front. Before putting the key into the ignition, she rummaged through the glove department and pulled out a pair of pink sunglasses. She put them on, readjusted her rear-view mirror, turned on her car, and opened the garage door. She backed out, closed the garage door, and set off down the alley. "Are you all buckled in?" she asked them, looking into her mirror. "Yeah, I think so," answered Hermione. "Okay." She turned on the radio. A voice said "You are listening to WIZ 98.7! Here are the Weird Sisters with 'Don't Know Why'!" A slow tune came on. Hermione looked anxious. "Don't you think you should concentrate on driving more than your – er – hair?" she asked, as Anna flipped her hair up and pinned it so it fanned out of her ponytail. She ignored Hermione's comment, but all the same placed her hands on the wheel and paid attention to the road it front of her. They talked for a while, until at last they reached the Leaky Cauldron, which was hidden sneakily among the other muggle shops. "So, we come in here, go out the back, and tap the bricks three up and two across?" she asked them, while walking across the street to the Leaky Cauldron. "Yeah," answered Harry, as they reached the pub and stepped in. Inside it was grungy, dark, and it lingered with the smell of pipe smoke. Anna didn't seem to like it at all. Tom the landlord came and greeted them with his regular toothless smile. Everyone in the pub stopped and stared at the group of them; some with their forks and spoons half-way to their mouths. A forced a smile upon her face, Anna led the way to the back as quick as her high-heeled stilettos would allow. She went out the door to the back alley, as the rest followed.
She took out her wand, went next to the trashcans, and tapped the bricks above. Within seconds, the bricks had fallen back to reveal the wonderful brick street of Diagon Alley. "Whoa," Anna said, taking a step onto the brick. "This is way better than the junky place I had to shop at last year." She went farther down the street looking amazed. Everyone followed after her, grinning. She ripped open her letter and her eyes scanned down the supply list. "Okay, I have to get my uniform, where do I go to get that? Madam Malkin's?" she asked, carefully looking down at the shops in the alley. "Yeah," answered Hermione. "Okay, someone go with Anneliese to show her where she's to get everything," she said, looking around at them all. "Harry, why don't you?" "Sure," Harry said, and Anna smiled. "Great!" She took out her purse and got a few handfuls of silver and gold. She gave two each to Ron and Ginny. She did it as if she were simply handing out pamphlets for Spell back-firing awareness. Ron was looking amazed as he stared at the gold and silver in his hands. "Thanks," they both said to her. "No problem," she said, while zipping up her purse. "Well, shall we meet at the ice cream parlor at around eleven-o'clock?" asked Hermione. They all nodded in agreement and split up to buy their supplies. They went rather slowly down the alley, seeing as Anna was studying all the shop windows with amazement. When they reached Madam Malkin's, Harry opened the door and held it open for Anna. Madam Malkin came over and greeted them. She ushered Anna to the back room to be fit, and told Harry she would only be a minute. He didn't have to wait long until the bell on the door rang, and someone entered the shop. "What are you doing here, Potter?" asked the drawling voice. He didn't even have to see who it was. "I'm escorting Anneliese Black. Showing her around Diagon Alley, Malfoy," he replied, and Draco's eyes suddenly darted around the shop. "Anneliese is here?" He straightened his jacket and slicked back his hair. Anna came back into the room, as Madam Malkin hurried into the back to get Anna's robes. She had been fixing her shirt buttons, then, looking up, she noticed Draco and gave a small scream and hugged him, Draco giving Harry a smirk. "Draco? What are you doing here?" she asked, finally taking her arms from around his neck. "Oh, just picking up my school stuff," he answered coolly. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you for ages!" "Oh, you know. Around," she finished uneasily. "So how are you? It seems like it's been years!" "I'm doing great, how are you?" "I'm okay," she said, again sounding uneasy. "Only okay?" "Well, you know." She hesitated. "It still hurts." "I totally understand. We've all been through tough times, and this is one in particular. With You-Know-Who back and everything, it's not easy." Harry was unsuccessful in stifling a snort, making Draco and Anna look over at him. "So tell me, Anneliese," he looked at Harry in disgust. "What are you doing here with him? I could've showed you around." "Shut up, Draco," she said coolly. "The Order wouldn't have let me go with you. Especially with your Father and all." "Yeah, right." Draco forced a smile back on his face. Madam Malkin came bustling in from the back, with Anna's robes folded neatly in her arms. Anna excused herself and went to pay for them. Draco's forced smile faded away instantly and was replaced with his usual glare as he looked at Harry. "What do you think you're doing?" Malfoy asked as he made sure Anna was out of earshot. "Flirting with my cousin?" Harry's stomach dropped. How could he have been so stupid? He had totally forgotten that Anna was related to the Malfoys. "What is it to you?" Harry asked him, trying his hardest to remain cool. "She's my cousin, so I have some say in who she dates." Draco reduced his tone to a hiss. "If I find you've been hitting on her, or mistreating her, you'll have me to answer to." "Well, then I'll make sure not to," Harry said as seriously as he could. He couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Malfoy actually doing something to him. Anna came back dragging a huge shopping bag and wearing a disgruntled look on her face. "These uniforms are so," she hesitated. "Plain. And I hate the color black! They should make the uniforms more colorful, then I'd be happy to wear them!" "Harry dear, your robes need to be fit," called Madam Malkin from the fitting room behind the counter. "I'll wait out here for you," said Anna. She then turned to Draco and continued talking. Harry went to the fitting room and Madam Malkin began his fitting. He glared as he watched Anna and Malfoy talk to one another. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as they talked while Madam Malkin stuck him with pins. After minutes of standing still, she told him she was done and she would get his order ready. He quickly jumped from the stool and entered the waiting room where Anna and Malfoy stood. "That was quick," said Anna, and she looked over at Draco. "Would you like to come to the ice cream parlor with us? We're meeting Hermione Granger and Ron and Ginny Weasley there." Harry could've kicked her, but he restrained himself. "Ah, no thanks, I've got things to do, people to see," Malfoy said. "Oh, well, okay," she said, though she looked very put-out. "I guess I'll see you around then." "Yeah," replied Malfoy. "It was good to see you." He nodded to Anna before turning around and going out the door. "Here are your robes, Mr. Potter," called Madam Malkin, who was hurrying over to them with a big, bulging bag. She handed it to Harry and ushered them over to the counter where they were to pay. They both gave her three galleons for the orders and left, with the door closing behind them. "Okay, I need all this stuff," Anna said, indicating the list she had gotten from the envelope, as they walked down the alley. Harry then realized that he had never opened his Hogwarts letter, seeing as he had gotten one for the past six years and they all held the same things: a letter about catching the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station at Platform Nine-and 3/4, and a supply list. But as he ripped open the envelope he was surprised to see there was another piece of parchment in it. He assumed it was a notice about something, but he opened it and found that it was a letter addressed to him from Professor McGonagall. It read: Dear Mr. Potter, I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to be captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team for your sixth, and hopefully seventh year at Hogwarts. Obviously, you've been chosen to be Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, after Miss Ginny Weasley's resignation from the team. We are hoping you find this news enjoyable. Yours Sincerely, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress Harry stood there, stunned, as Anneliese read the letter over his shoulder. Him, Gryffindor Quidditch Captain? How could this have happened? "Wow," Anneliese said, as she finished reading the letter, and looked up at Harry. "Congratulations!" ()They continued their shopping and finished at about ten forty-five, just in time to get to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. The others were not yet there, so they were seated by Florean Fortescue, who put them at a table that would seat seven. He then took their order, and they sat talking underneath one of the huge brightly colored umbrellas. They talked of the game they had watched last night, and of Harry getting to be Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. At about five after eleven, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione arrived and took their seats at the table. Florean Fortescue came bustling over with a notepad and quill and took the others' orders. "Did you find everything?" Hermione asked Harry and Anna, and they both nodded. "You'll never guess who we saw at Madam Malkin's," Harry said to them, and Anna sighed. "Malfoy." "What happened? What did he say?" the other three asked them. Anna seemed to become extremely interested in her fingernails. "He said he'd have to make a call to Grimmauld Place if I mistreated Anna," he said, and they all stared at Anna. "How do you know him?" Ginny asked her, horrified. "Well, all pure-blood families are related, aren't they?" she said. "He's my cousin. Well, second cousin, actually." She rummaged through her purse and found a nail filer and began filing her nails. "That doesn't mean you have to like him," said Ginny. "I don't like Percy, but I can't help he's my brother!" she added and they all laughed, save Anna. "Well, see, my mother was a Death Eater, and she was very close to the Malfoys. So when they met up, Draco and I met up. So we basically grew up together." She continued filing her nails, even though they all were staring at her. "I grew up with Percy, but it still doesn't mean I like him," Ginny said, and Anna pursed her lips. "Once you get to know Draco, he's really nice," Anna said, finally looking up from her nail filer. "Okay, he can sometimes be a little rude, but –" "A little rude? Where have you been?" Ron asked rudely, and Anna glared at him. "You don't know him well enough to –" "To what? Know he's a pile of –" "Ron, if you don't shut up soon, you're going to have a time sleeping with no eyelids!" Anna said loudly. "Oh yeah, I'm really scared of you!" "Well, you should be, seeing as my father served thirteen years in Azkaban!" Anna looked furious. Ron was about to retort, when they were interrupted by two girls that looked not much younger than the rest of them. "May we join you?" asked the first girl, who was very pretty, with long dark, curly hair. She had light hazel eyes, with a tan and smooth complexion. The girl next to her was also very pretty, with blonde hair and a lightly tanned complexion. She had the most curious eyes; green, with thin streaks of purple in them. "Please do," Anna said bitterly, and she fixed Ron with an icy stare as the two girls sat in the vacant chairs. "Hi, I'm Melanie Ruetz," said the girl with the dark hair. "And this is my friend Kaylee Gryfinstock." "Hey Mel," Ginny said, as though they were old friends. "Mel and Kaylee are in Gryffindor, we're in the same year," she explained. "How has your guys' summer been so far?" "Oh, it's been fantastic!" Kaylee said. Melanie ordered what she wanted and Kaylee did the same. Ginny, Melanie, and Kaylee began talking about their summers so far. Anna continued her nail filing, much to Ron's disgust. Fifteen minutes later they were on the road heading for Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Anna had cooled down from the argument between herself and Ron, after Hermione had yelled at them both to shut up. They finally got to Grimmauld Place. They got out of the car, went out through the Quidditch field, and went into the house. It looked, and sounded, empty. "Hello?" Anna called as she walked through the door. She went into the kitchen and set the shopping bags down on the counter. "Fred? George? Mindy?" Fred appeared with a pop in the middle of the kitchen. "You rang?" "Where are the others?" Anna asked him. "George is with Mindy, and Mindy's in the drawing room. They're devising a plan for mass destruction. I'm supposed to be helping. The Order had to leave to do something. They wouldn't leave details." There was a call for Fred from a few rooms away. "I'm needed. See you later," he said, and apparated with a pop. They walked into the drawing room, and saw George and Mindy whispering among themselves, Fred looking over their shoulder. Anna made a loud coughing noise, and they quickly hid something in the desk drawer. "What are you doing?" Anna asked, folding her arms. "Um, uh," Mindy stuttered. "Nothing in particular. What are you doing?" "We just got back from Diagon Alley," Anna said, still eyeing them suspiciously. "We were just coming to see what you all are doing." Fred came over and shooed them away. "This is for your own safety," he said, and closed the door in Anna's face. They parted, Anna going to her room, Hermione and Ginny going into theirs, and Harry and Ron into theirs. They weren't sure on what they were going to do until Fred and George apparated into their rooms about fifteen minutes later, carrying a Quidditch ball crate. "You've finished your 'plan', I see," Harry said to them. "Yeah, we just had to fix all the technicalities," Fred said, grinning. "We've finished today's work, so do you want to go play some Quidditch?" "Would we ever say no to playing a game of Quidditch?" asked Harry. "We'll meet you down there in ten minutes!" "Excellent," said Fred and George in unison, and apparated. Five minutes later they were walking out onto the Quidditch field in the blazing sunlight. They saw the others had already mounted their broomsticks and were flying around playing what looked to be tag. Ron and Harry quickly mounted their brooms and shot up into the air, the wind slapping their faces. When they drew level with the others, they all stopped their game and flew slowly towards each other. They quickly explained how they would play. They would all be on one team and would try to throw the quaffle past Ron through the hoop, which Ron would try to block. At this Fred snorted and Ron went red. Anna glared at Fred. "What?" he asked sheepishly. "You haven't seen him play!" "No, but I've heard that he won the Quidditch Cup for his house team, so he must be good." Ron grinned and his ears turned even redder. "Don't give him a big head, Anneliese," Fred said to her, and she scowled as him. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding, don't hurt me!" he said, and jokingly threw his arms over his head to protect himself. "Ha ha," Anna said sarcastically. "You're lucky I don't have my wand, Harry taught me a lot of useful curses!" Just as Fred was about to retort, George cut in. "Let's just get on with the game, shall we? I'll go get to quaffle." He flew toward the crate, which was on the edge of the field, and the rest took their positions. George threw the quaffle to Anna to start, and he went into his position. "Okay, Ron, concentrate, and pretend you're the only one of the field," she said to Ron, when he had flown into position. "Concentrate..." She threw the quaffle toward him, and without missing a beat he blocked it. They clapped, and Anna yelled "Good job!" to him. The redness in his ears returned as he threw the quaffle to George to try. George threw it toward him and he blocked it. Fred threw it, he blocked it. Harry, blocked it. Mindy, blocked it. He nimbly caught every one they threw. A big improvement from last year, thought Harry. Last year he couldn't block even one. Now he can block them every one. It continued for about a half-hour, with Ron catching all but three throws. Everyone but Anna was amazed. "I told you I knew he could," Anna said defiantly, as they stored all the equipment in a broom cupboard on the side of the field. They were halfway up the side walk when Remus emerged from the house. They quickly walked up to him. "About time you all got back," Anna said as she closed the door behind the rest of them. "I thought I might've had to cook, and I wouldn't want anyone getting sick," she said and smiled. "So what's up? Why did you all have to run off?" she asked him. "Business with the Order," he said. "I have someone I want you to meet," Remus said, and Anna's smile quickly vanished.
Ron threw a pillow at Harry. "Huh? What?," asked Harry as he awoke. "So, what happened with you and Anneliese last night?" Ron asked him grinning. "Nothing, I just taught her some of the charms and spells we learned last year," he said, yawning. "Did she tell you to call her 'Anna'?" he asked, grinning even broader. "Yeah, but—how did you know that?" he asked suspiciously. "Well," he said, and dropped his voice. "Fred said he came across her diary last week, and—" "He read it, I'm guessing?" Harry cut in. "Obviously. But it said that she only tells people to call her 'Anna' if she really likes them. As in, more than just friends," he said slyly. "He's mad 'cause she hasn't said that to him," he added smirking. Harry didn't say anything. He had been thinking about that since their parting. He hadn't heard anyone else call her 'Anna', not even Lupin or Mindy. He really liked her, and best of all, she liked him. "Come on Romeo, let's get downstairs, Juliet's calling," Ron said, again grinning. Harry couldn't help but let out a slight grin as they made their way through the house to where Anna was calling from. The smell of bacon and eggs met their noses halfway down the stairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was cooking, and she served them toast with marmalade, bacon, and eggs. They took their plates and went down to the den. Anna was sitting next to Hermione and they were arguing about something, which sounded oddly like house-elves. "Hermione, they were raised to clean and make dinner, and they like doing it. They don't want to be free, and when you go parading your spew thing around, they get offended," Anna tried to reason. "S-P-E-W!" she said hotly. "Fine then," she said, "if you go around parading your S.P.E.W. thing around, they will get offended," she said. "Exactly what we've been trying to tell her for the past two years," Ron muttered to Harry before sitting down across from Hermione. Harry sat next to him. "Good morning, Harry, Ron," Anna said, nodding to each of them. She was wearing a light pink cap sleeve top and a black skirt with a pink satin bow around it and silver strap dragon stilettos. Around her neck was a silver fairy necklace that had dark pink wings. When everyone had eaten breakfast, she got up and got her purse and keys. "Is everyone ready?" she asked, checking her watch. "I think so," said Harry, as he, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood up. "Where's Mindy?" asked Hermione. "Oh, she said she's got stuff to do here. I just have to pick up a few things for her," she said. "Remus, we're leaving!" she yelled into the next room where Lupin was. "We'll be back in a little bit!" "Okay, have a good time!" he called back to her. Mrs. Weasley rushed into the den with her purse as everyone was walking over to meet Anna. "Here, you two, I'll give you some galleons to buy your school things," she said quickly to Ron and Ginny. Anna stopped her. "Mrs. Weasley, don't worry, I'll pay for their things." "Oh no, Anneliese, dear, you don't have to do that," she said kindly. "But I insist," she said stubbornly. "And besides, we have to go, it'll take less time if I just gave them money in Diagon Alley." She then opened the door and stepped out before they could argue any further. "Be careful, make sure no one follows you back," growled Moody, as she held the door open for the rest to follow. She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because people do that all the time!" she yelled back sarcastically, as she closed the door behind Harry. He received a sudden shock as he looked around the back yard, seeing as it was now a Quidditch field. There were even three golden goal posts on either side of the field for the keeper to defend. Across the other side was a building Harry guessed to be the garage. "Do you play?" Harry asked Anna, as they all walked across the field to the garage. "Yeah, if I have time," she answered, smiling, the sunlight shining across her face. "What position?" he asked. "Chaser," she answered, stepping carefully up the steps to the door of the garage, of which the others were filing through. Inside was a very expensive-looking car that she led them to. She went over onto the driver's side. The others piled in, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sitting in the back, Harry up in front. Before putting the key into the ignition, she rummaged through the glove department and pulled out a pair of pink sunglasses. She put them on, readjusted her rear-view mirror, turned on her car, and opened the garage door. She backed out, closed the garage door, and set off down the alley. "Are you all buckled in?" she asked them, looking into her mirror. "Yeah, I think so," answered Hermione. "Okay." She turned on the radio. A voice said "You are listening to WIZ 98.7! Here are the Weird Sisters with 'Don't Know Why'!" A slow tune came on. Hermione looked anxious. "Don't you think you should concentrate on driving more than your – er – hair?" she asked, as Anna flipped her hair up and pinned it so it fanned out of her ponytail. She ignored Hermione's comment, but all the same placed her hands on the wheel and paid attention to the road it front of her. They talked for a while, until at last they reached the Leaky Cauldron, which was hidden sneakily among the other muggle shops. "So, we come in here, go out the back, and tap the bricks three up and two across?" she asked them, while walking across the street to the Leaky Cauldron. "Yeah," answered Harry, as they reached the pub and stepped in. Inside it was grungy, dark, and it lingered with the smell of pipe smoke. Anna didn't seem to like it at all. Tom the landlord came and greeted them with his regular toothless smile. Everyone in the pub stopped and stared at the group of them; some with their forks and spoons half-way to their mouths. A forced a smile upon her face, Anna led the way to the back as quick as her high-heeled stilettos would allow. She went out the door to the back alley, as the rest followed.
She took out her wand, went next to the trashcans, and tapped the bricks above. Within seconds, the bricks had fallen back to reveal the wonderful brick street of Diagon Alley. "Whoa," Anna said, taking a step onto the brick. "This is way better than the junky place I had to shop at last year." She went farther down the street looking amazed. Everyone followed after her, grinning. She ripped open her letter and her eyes scanned down the supply list. "Okay, I have to get my uniform, where do I go to get that? Madam Malkin's?" she asked, carefully looking down at the shops in the alley. "Yeah," answered Hermione. "Okay, someone go with Anneliese to show her where she's to get everything," she said, looking around at them all. "Harry, why don't you?" "Sure," Harry said, and Anna smiled. "Great!" She took out her purse and got a few handfuls of silver and gold. She gave two each to Ron and Ginny. She did it as if she were simply handing out pamphlets for Spell back-firing awareness. Ron was looking amazed as he stared at the gold and silver in his hands. "Thanks," they both said to her. "No problem," she said, while zipping up her purse. "Well, shall we meet at the ice cream parlor at around eleven-o'clock?" asked Hermione. They all nodded in agreement and split up to buy their supplies. They went rather slowly down the alley, seeing as Anna was studying all the shop windows with amazement. When they reached Madam Malkin's, Harry opened the door and held it open for Anna. Madam Malkin came over and greeted them. She ushered Anna to the back room to be fit, and told Harry she would only be a minute. He didn't have to wait long until the bell on the door rang, and someone entered the shop. "What are you doing here, Potter?" asked the drawling voice. He didn't even have to see who it was. "I'm escorting Anneliese Black. Showing her around Diagon Alley, Malfoy," he replied, and Draco's eyes suddenly darted around the shop. "Anneliese is here?" He straightened his jacket and slicked back his hair. Anna came back into the room, as Madam Malkin hurried into the back to get Anna's robes. She had been fixing her shirt buttons, then, looking up, she noticed Draco and gave a small scream and hugged him, Draco giving Harry a smirk. "Draco? What are you doing here?" she asked, finally taking her arms from around his neck. "Oh, just picking up my school stuff," he answered coolly. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you for ages!" "Oh, you know. Around," she finished uneasily. "So how are you? It seems like it's been years!" "I'm doing great, how are you?" "I'm okay," she said, again sounding uneasy. "Only okay?" "Well, you know." She hesitated. "It still hurts." "I totally understand. We've all been through tough times, and this is one in particular. With You-Know-Who back and everything, it's not easy." Harry was unsuccessful in stifling a snort, making Draco and Anna look over at him. "So tell me, Anneliese," he looked at Harry in disgust. "What are you doing here with him? I could've showed you around." "Shut up, Draco," she said coolly. "The Order wouldn't have let me go with you. Especially with your Father and all." "Yeah, right." Draco forced a smile back on his face. Madam Malkin came bustling in from the back, with Anna's robes folded neatly in her arms. Anna excused herself and went to pay for them. Draco's forced smile faded away instantly and was replaced with his usual glare as he looked at Harry. "What do you think you're doing?" Malfoy asked as he made sure Anna was out of earshot. "Flirting with my cousin?" Harry's stomach dropped. How could he have been so stupid? He had totally forgotten that Anna was related to the Malfoys. "What is it to you?" Harry asked him, trying his hardest to remain cool. "She's my cousin, so I have some say in who she dates." Draco reduced his tone to a hiss. "If I find you've been hitting on her, or mistreating her, you'll have me to answer to." "Well, then I'll make sure not to," Harry said as seriously as he could. He couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Malfoy actually doing something to him. Anna came back dragging a huge shopping bag and wearing a disgruntled look on her face. "These uniforms are so," she hesitated. "Plain. And I hate the color black! They should make the uniforms more colorful, then I'd be happy to wear them!" "Harry dear, your robes need to be fit," called Madam Malkin from the fitting room behind the counter. "I'll wait out here for you," said Anna. She then turned to Draco and continued talking. Harry went to the fitting room and Madam Malkin began his fitting. He glared as he watched Anna and Malfoy talk to one another. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as they talked while Madam Malkin stuck him with pins. After minutes of standing still, she told him she was done and she would get his order ready. He quickly jumped from the stool and entered the waiting room where Anna and Malfoy stood. "That was quick," said Anna, and she looked over at Draco. "Would you like to come to the ice cream parlor with us? We're meeting Hermione Granger and Ron and Ginny Weasley there." Harry could've kicked her, but he restrained himself. "Ah, no thanks, I've got things to do, people to see," Malfoy said. "Oh, well, okay," she said, though she looked very put-out. "I guess I'll see you around then." "Yeah," replied Malfoy. "It was good to see you." He nodded to Anna before turning around and going out the door. "Here are your robes, Mr. Potter," called Madam Malkin, who was hurrying over to them with a big, bulging bag. She handed it to Harry and ushered them over to the counter where they were to pay. They both gave her three galleons for the orders and left, with the door closing behind them. "Okay, I need all this stuff," Anna said, indicating the list she had gotten from the envelope, as they walked down the alley. Harry then realized that he had never opened his Hogwarts letter, seeing as he had gotten one for the past six years and they all held the same things: a letter about catching the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station at Platform Nine-and 3/4, and a supply list. But as he ripped open the envelope he was surprised to see there was another piece of parchment in it. He assumed it was a notice about something, but he opened it and found that it was a letter addressed to him from Professor McGonagall. It read: Dear Mr. Potter, I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to be captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team for your sixth, and hopefully seventh year at Hogwarts. Obviously, you've been chosen to be Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, after Miss Ginny Weasley's resignation from the team. We are hoping you find this news enjoyable. Yours Sincerely, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress Harry stood there, stunned, as Anneliese read the letter over his shoulder. Him, Gryffindor Quidditch Captain? How could this have happened? "Wow," Anneliese said, as she finished reading the letter, and looked up at Harry. "Congratulations!" ()They continued their shopping and finished at about ten forty-five, just in time to get to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. The others were not yet there, so they were seated by Florean Fortescue, who put them at a table that would seat seven. He then took their order, and they sat talking underneath one of the huge brightly colored umbrellas. They talked of the game they had watched last night, and of Harry getting to be Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. At about five after eleven, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione arrived and took their seats at the table. Florean Fortescue came bustling over with a notepad and quill and took the others' orders. "Did you find everything?" Hermione asked Harry and Anna, and they both nodded. "You'll never guess who we saw at Madam Malkin's," Harry said to them, and Anna sighed. "Malfoy." "What happened? What did he say?" the other three asked them. Anna seemed to become extremely interested in her fingernails. "He said he'd have to make a call to Grimmauld Place if I mistreated Anna," he said, and they all stared at Anna. "How do you know him?" Ginny asked her, horrified. "Well, all pure-blood families are related, aren't they?" she said. "He's my cousin. Well, second cousin, actually." She rummaged through her purse and found a nail filer and began filing her nails. "That doesn't mean you have to like him," said Ginny. "I don't like Percy, but I can't help he's my brother!" she added and they all laughed, save Anna. "Well, see, my mother was a Death Eater, and she was very close to the Malfoys. So when they met up, Draco and I met up. So we basically grew up together." She continued filing her nails, even though they all were staring at her. "I grew up with Percy, but it still doesn't mean I like him," Ginny said, and Anna pursed her lips. "Once you get to know Draco, he's really nice," Anna said, finally looking up from her nail filer. "Okay, he can sometimes be a little rude, but –" "A little rude? Where have you been?" Ron asked rudely, and Anna glared at him. "You don't know him well enough to –" "To what? Know he's a pile of –" "Ron, if you don't shut up soon, you're going to have a time sleeping with no eyelids!" Anna said loudly. "Oh yeah, I'm really scared of you!" "Well, you should be, seeing as my father served thirteen years in Azkaban!" Anna looked furious. Ron was about to retort, when they were interrupted by two girls that looked not much younger than the rest of them. "May we join you?" asked the first girl, who was very pretty, with long dark, curly hair. She had light hazel eyes, with a tan and smooth complexion. The girl next to her was also very pretty, with blonde hair and a lightly tanned complexion. She had the most curious eyes; green, with thin streaks of purple in them. "Please do," Anna said bitterly, and she fixed Ron with an icy stare as the two girls sat in the vacant chairs. "Hi, I'm Melanie Ruetz," said the girl with the dark hair. "And this is my friend Kaylee Gryfinstock." "Hey Mel," Ginny said, as though they were old friends. "Mel and Kaylee are in Gryffindor, we're in the same year," she explained. "How has your guys' summer been so far?" "Oh, it's been fantastic!" Kaylee said. Melanie ordered what she wanted and Kaylee did the same. Ginny, Melanie, and Kaylee began talking about their summers so far. Anna continued her nail filing, much to Ron's disgust. Fifteen minutes later they were on the road heading for Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Anna had cooled down from the argument between herself and Ron, after Hermione had yelled at them both to shut up. They finally got to Grimmauld Place. They got out of the car, went out through the Quidditch field, and went into the house. It looked, and sounded, empty. "Hello?" Anna called as she walked through the door. She went into the kitchen and set the shopping bags down on the counter. "Fred? George? Mindy?" Fred appeared with a pop in the middle of the kitchen. "You rang?" "Where are the others?" Anna asked him. "George is with Mindy, and Mindy's in the drawing room. They're devising a plan for mass destruction. I'm supposed to be helping. The Order had to leave to do something. They wouldn't leave details." There was a call for Fred from a few rooms away. "I'm needed. See you later," he said, and apparated with a pop. They walked into the drawing room, and saw George and Mindy whispering among themselves, Fred looking over their shoulder. Anna made a loud coughing noise, and they quickly hid something in the desk drawer. "What are you doing?" Anna asked, folding her arms. "Um, uh," Mindy stuttered. "Nothing in particular. What are you doing?" "We just got back from Diagon Alley," Anna said, still eyeing them suspiciously. "We were just coming to see what you all are doing." Fred came over and shooed them away. "This is for your own safety," he said, and closed the door in Anna's face. They parted, Anna going to her room, Hermione and Ginny going into theirs, and Harry and Ron into theirs. They weren't sure on what they were going to do until Fred and George apparated into their rooms about fifteen minutes later, carrying a Quidditch ball crate. "You've finished your 'plan', I see," Harry said to them. "Yeah, we just had to fix all the technicalities," Fred said, grinning. "We've finished today's work, so do you want to go play some Quidditch?" "Would we ever say no to playing a game of Quidditch?" asked Harry. "We'll meet you down there in ten minutes!" "Excellent," said Fred and George in unison, and apparated. Five minutes later they were walking out onto the Quidditch field in the blazing sunlight. They saw the others had already mounted their broomsticks and were flying around playing what looked to be tag. Ron and Harry quickly mounted their brooms and shot up into the air, the wind slapping their faces. When they drew level with the others, they all stopped their game and flew slowly towards each other. They quickly explained how they would play. They would all be on one team and would try to throw the quaffle past Ron through the hoop, which Ron would try to block. At this Fred snorted and Ron went red. Anna glared at Fred. "What?" he asked sheepishly. "You haven't seen him play!" "No, but I've heard that he won the Quidditch Cup for his house team, so he must be good." Ron grinned and his ears turned even redder. "Don't give him a big head, Anneliese," Fred said to her, and she scowled as him. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding, don't hurt me!" he said, and jokingly threw his arms over his head to protect himself. "Ha ha," Anna said sarcastically. "You're lucky I don't have my wand, Harry taught me a lot of useful curses!" Just as Fred was about to retort, George cut in. "Let's just get on with the game, shall we? I'll go get to quaffle." He flew toward the crate, which was on the edge of the field, and the rest took their positions. George threw the quaffle to Anna to start, and he went into his position. "Okay, Ron, concentrate, and pretend you're the only one of the field," she said to Ron, when he had flown into position. "Concentrate..." She threw the quaffle toward him, and without missing a beat he blocked it. They clapped, and Anna yelled "Good job!" to him. The redness in his ears returned as he threw the quaffle to George to try. George threw it toward him and he blocked it. Fred threw it, he blocked it. Harry, blocked it. Mindy, blocked it. He nimbly caught every one they threw. A big improvement from last year, thought Harry. Last year he couldn't block even one. Now he can block them every one. It continued for about a half-hour, with Ron catching all but three throws. Everyone but Anna was amazed. "I told you I knew he could," Anna said defiantly, as they stored all the equipment in a broom cupboard on the side of the field. They were halfway up the side walk when Remus emerged from the house. They quickly walked up to him. "About time you all got back," Anna said as she closed the door behind the rest of them. "I thought I might've had to cook, and I wouldn't want anyone getting sick," she said and smiled. "So what's up? Why did you all have to run off?" she asked him. "Business with the Order," he said. "I have someone I want you to meet," Remus said, and Anna's smile quickly vanished.