Chapter 4
I'm Not Afraid
September 30th, 1993
Hufflepuff Common Room - Fifth Year Girls Dormitory
Anna laid on her four-poster, trying to comprehend the events that had taken place in the past couple of hours. Her tears had long since dried up and she'd spent about an hour with her Potions Professor, conversing over tea. She remembered what he had told her and it calmed her—yet enraged her—, simply knowing that she wasn't alone.
Her eyes widened as she sat bolt upright as realization dawned on her. She'd promised James that she wasn't afraid of him, and for the first time in her life; he'd terrified her. Severus had suggested that she return to her dormitory for the evening, but she took a deep breath and put on her big girl knickers and strode out of the dormitory as quietly as she could.
She was excused from her classes the following day so she could catch up on sleep and help James heal. The pair of them had Prefect duties the following evening, patrolling the corridors. She made her way back to the Room of Requirement to find that the door was gone.
I need the place I created for James and our friends. She thought as she paced back and forth in front of the blank stretch of wall and the door revealed itself. Anna shifted the moment she stepped over the threshold of the safe-room into the virtual Forbidden Forest and was shocked at the sounds and voices she could hear from a distance. The sounds of shrill barking and growling invaded her sensitive hearing.
Calm down, Moony! Does someone mind fucking helping me!? She heard Pads shout, she sounded like she was trying to subdue the werewolf singlehandedly. She most likely was, she was the only one out of the Lot—besides Anna and most likely, Al—, that could get James to calm down; she was also the only one who was big and strong enough to take Moony on without being badly injured. Al was the same, however if he tried to interfere Moony would most likely hurt the black panther form that their rather rebellious friend took. Al and Thomas were both felines, wild felines, but Al was the only one out of the pair of them who was large, while Thomas still looked like a cub, much to his dismay and Weaver's teasing.
Moony! Relax! Snow cried. Hopper could hear her wings flapping madly, she was most likely flying over the fray, trying her best to stay out of the fight while offering words of comfort, since her own form was the smallest out of all of them—save for Thomas. Hopper would kill us if she was here right now!
James! For fuck's sakes, Moony! Relax! We don't want to hurt you! She heard Claws shout over the noise that followed.
There was a shrill bark of pain, that set something off inside the timber wolf.
Pads! Everyone shouted.
What the hell, Moony! She was just trying to help! Claws shouted and the shout stabbed at Hopper's heart. Weaver was injured.
Hopper broke off at a run, running towards the source of the noise, as she ran closer the smell of copper invaded her senses and it made her stomach turn. No . . . She thought before she shook her head to rid her mind of the violent images that appeared behind her eyelids and focused on getting to everyone as quickly as possible.
When she reached them, her blood ran cold at the sight of everyone trying their best to subdue the werewolf, who was snapping his jaws at them in warning. He didn't want to hurt them, but he would if he was provoked far enough, that much was clear when Hopper caught sight of Pads staring up at Moony with wide green eyes that were full of fear, her back paw was injured—if the large pool of blood surrounding her ankle was any indication—, the sight of her sister injured and whimpering softly set something off in the timber wolf.
That's enough! She barked shrilly and everyone froze at the sight of the blackberry-furred timber wolf who stood proud and unafraid in the pale virtual moonlight. Everyone backed away as she approached, the predators bowing their heads in submission and respect now that their Beta had arrived. Moony stared at her, his soft green eyes glistening with tears that had yet to be shed.
You came back, Moony whispered, nuzzling her fur that she immediately responded to in kind. Hopper looked to their friends and they all got the silent message to let the couple speak in private as they all ran off to play with one another. Thorn, however, went immediately to her twin's side.
You okay, Pads? Hopper heard the red panda ask, she turned her head to look since Pads didn't answer, but gave a huff of relief when she saw Pads nodding. Hopper got up and padded her way over to the sisters. Her sisters.
I'm fine, Thorn. Pads finally said as Hopper approached further.
Let me see, Pads. Pads stuck out her back paw, there was a bite mark, which Hopper had suspected, but it wasn't as bad as she had previously thought with the large pool of blood. You'll be fine. I'll heal it myself before the night is out, Madam Pomfrey will ask questions if you go to her. It'll give away the secret that you were here with us. In all, are you alright? Can you stand? Pads nodded and shakily got to her feet before she let out a loud yelp of pain and crashed to the ground once more, whimpering. Hopper frowned. Don't force yourself, Weaver. Get some rest. You don't need to move. Just relax, I'll bring you to the other room myself, relax for now. Pads nodded and rested her snout on her front paws as she tried to get comfortable, Thorn curling into a protective ball at her side.
Hopper turned to Moony, who was staring at Weaver's injured leg with wide green eyes, he looked shameful and guilty. I did that. He whispered, and looked to be having a mental war with himself. Oh Merlin, Pads, I'm so sorry! I could've infected you!
James! That's enough! Hopper barked, clearly over Moony's panic attack—much like Vixen often did to her. At Moony's look of disbelief; she explained further. If you bite an Animagus while they're in their animal form it doesn't transfer, even during the full moon. The pair of wolves walked away from Pads and Thorn to continue their earlier conversation as they sat across from one another, Hopper sighed. I made you a promise, years ago, that I'd always be here for you. I keep my promises, Jamie, you know that.
Don't worry, Moony. I'm fine. Pads spoke up and it sounded like she was smiling.
Moony looked relieved before he turned back to Hopper. Even after what you saw, Merlin, Anna, you looked terrified. I told you . . . Moony hung his head low and his ears tucked back in shame. I'm a monster.
Hopper growled, the sound was not playful in the slightest, it was menacing and it made the fur on the back of his neck stand on end. He had upset his Beta. You are not a monster, James. She composed her temper and gave a small sigh before her bright ocean eyes turned up to gaze at him once more, she seemed to be smiling, which was confirmed when she said, You just have a furry little problem. He huffed in offence, his ears tucking back once more as he scowled at her and she snorted a laugh. Pads was howling with what seemed like laughter.
Shut up, Pads! Moony growled, but still the Animagus laughed. The werewolf turned back to his Beta. After what you saw, Anna, I could've hurt you, if you hadn't shut the door, I just— She nuzzled him once more, closing the gap between them, whenever he was like this she always found it necessary to touch him as much as possible, even in their animals forms. She knew he appreciated the physical contact over the years, even when they were both being completely mental. It was how they made each other feel safe. That was the comfort of their relationship; words were never necessary.
I've told you countless times, love. I love the wolf and the wizard. Her ears tucked back as she huffed indignantly, but sighed as she realized the truth. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been afraid, Merlin, you're right; I was terrified, but I know you'd never hurt me. I'll be with you through thick and thin, in peace and in war, in plenty and in want. I love the wolf and the wizard. Forever and always. Moony nuzzled her neck further at her words. I understand now. She added with a whisper.
I love you too, Anna. All of you. His eyes flashed gold with meaning in his words and Hopper's flashed violet as Vixen smiled in gratitude.
It wasn't her husband, but she knew that Anna—that she, herself—had loved James first, Regulus wasn't in her life for another how many years. She'd promised herself that she'd try to distance herself from Anna and James, but she knew she couldn't. She was Anna and Anna was her.
They were one in the same.
After Moony had finally calmed down, the rest of the Lot rolled around and played with one another for the remainder of the night, only stopping for a few minutes to help Pads to the secluded part of their new place to transform, Hopper joined Pads a moment later on the other side of the barrier, asking the room for a hospital cot and making sure to nudge the door closed before she shifted back into her human form to help Pads onto the cot. Weaver returned to her own human form and Anna examined the bite mark on her leg, it wasn't deep and Anna cast a quick charm to check for infection and was relieved when she found none.
"Good news, it's not deep and there's no signs of any furry little problems heading your way." Anna smiled and Weaver barked a laugh before she winced when her leg spasmed. "I'll get Poppy to bring some extra Pain Potions tomorrow, I'll nick them for you. I want someone to escort you back to the dormitories before dawn. Poppy only expects me to linger, she doesn't know about the rest of you, but other then that, you'll be fine. I can heal it for now, but my medi-kit is still in the dorms." She thought about it for a moment, sighing before her blue eyes lit up. "On second thought, Accio Medi-Kit!" It took only a moment before the medi-kit flew into the barrier room from beyond the corridors of Hogwarts and Anna got to work on healing Weaver's leg.
With her advanced senses, thanks to her lupine form, she could hear and smell James on the other side of the door, he was whimpering, most likely from his worry for the possibility of infecting Pads. "I can hear him too, Hopper." Weaver spoke up and Anna sighed.
She turned her gaze up and met Weaver's eye. "I know, Pads, he's most likely worried that he's infected you. Can you shift?" In reply, Weaver shifted and Anna nodded. "Stay like that until I come back and close the door. I'll go let him know so he can stop worrying." Anna shifted and nudged the door with her snout and it opened. She could hear the low, dangerous growl that rumbled from Moony's chest.
Don't growl at me, Moony. I came to deliver good news. Hopper said as she stepped back into the virtual Forbidden Forest. He stopped growling instantly and cocked his head to the side in silent question. Merlin, she loved it when he did that. He looked so innocent and sweet. She yipped happily and nodded. There's no sign of infection, the wound looked a lot worse than what it really was. Moony looked relieved and Hopper smiled. She'll be fine, love. She just needs some rest, I hope you don't mind that I tend to her on the other side.
Moony gave her a confused, yet guilty look before he let out a low whine and gave her his—bloody best—puppy eyes, the sight made her snort a laugh. Puppy eyes, clever, yet ineffective, she needs my attention, love. We can hear you pacing and whimpering on this side even when the door is closed. Relax, love. You didn't infect her, but I need to keep an eye on her anyways, just in case. Go play with the others. She turned and saw no one playing, they were all relaxing, looking between their Alpha and Beta. She'll be fine, no furry little problems anytime soon for Pads. She announced and everyone looked relieved at the news. She turned back to Moony gesturing with her head to go play and let off some steam. Go do some running for a bit, love. Let off some steam. She stopped him for only a moment longer and whispered in his ear. I'll help with the rest you didn't run off later. He growled low and deep, his eyes flashing gold with excitement.
He took off at top speed and had already cleared a lap around the virtual forest before she had even had the chance to close the door.
September 31st, 1993
Third Floor Corridor
The next evening found Anna and James patrolling the corridors after what had happened the night before, Anna couldn't help but notice that James still looked a bit awkward, even somewhat worried. "Relax, love. I've already told you, she's fine."
"I know but I can't help but worry about her, I mean, I bit her, Hopper." He said, scrubbing a hand down his face before he shoved both of his hands in his robe pockets, looking defeated and at war with himself.
"Stop that!" Anna scolded as she rounded on him, her blue eyes blazing. "I can see the gears spinning, Jamie! You are not a monster!"
James rounded on her, his eyes flashing gold, which should've frightened her, but she was too stubborn to back down from this argument. "I fucking bit her, Anna! I hurt her!" Anna's heart began shining a bright blue and her eyes went wide at the sensation, gasping loudly. Her skin felt like it was on fire.
"What's going on!?" Anna exclaimed as she was slowly lifted from the ground in surprise. "Jamie! What's happening?!"
"I don't know, Anna! How are you doing that?!" He exclaimed, his green eyes wide.
"I don't know! I'm not trying!" She screamed, trying to fight the sensation. "Vixen!?" She screeched. "What the fuck is happening to me?!" The blue glow grew bright before it began to crackle and it shattered and Anna landed on the unfinished stone floor in a heap with a loud thud, knocked unconscious.
"Anna!" James shouted, running to her side, gently cradling her head to his chest. "Hopper! Are you okay?" He gasped softly when her eyes opened to reveal bright violet depths. "Vixen, what happened? Is Anna okay?"
"She's fine, still a little shaken up." Vixen replied, her voice was hoarse. Her eyes flashed blue at a sudden noise that sounded like the quick shuffling of paws running quickly passed at the end of the corridor, about twenty feet from where they now sat. She looked up at James, unsure if he had heard it too; he didn't seem to notice the noise, his green eyes were still focused on her, looking at her with worry. "I don't know what that was, it came out of nowhere, it felt like our body was trying . . . trying . . . trying to rip itself apart." James gasped at the news and gawked at her as though she'd just sprouted another head.
"Is that normal?" James finally asked after a long bout of silence.
"I—" She sighed. "I don't know, Jamie. It sure didn't feel normal." She scrubbed a hand down her face. "I'm going to need to talk to Minerva, Severus and Albus about this." She added, slowly sitting up without swaying and James, seeing this, slowly helped her to her feet. When she didn't sway and could stand on her own, James let her go.
"Can I see her?" James asked, looking at her expectantly. Vixen's eyes went black as she vanished within to check on Anna, finding her still and laying on the ground, breathing heavily, her blue eyes closed. Slowly, Vixen returned and shook her head with a frown. "Why not?" James pouted.
"She's still unconscious, James." Vixen replied, looking defeated as though she wished she could've done more. "If it weren't for me being conscious, our body would still be laying there." She added, gesturing to the spot where they had collapsed. "She just needs time to recover and rest, it was a strain on our magic and our body. Luckily, I have experience with this kind of strain, which is why I'm conscious right now. You'll have to deal with me until she wakes up." James frowned and looked uncertain. "She just needs rest, she's not used to it yet, James. I promise you, she's fine, if she wasn't then I wouldn't be awake, what happens to one of us, happens to all of us."
James furrowed a brow in confusion. "There's only two of you,"
Vixen smiled. "I know, one day, she'll be able to remain conscious, but right now this is just the beginning of this. Do you remember the second time she ever managed to control me?"
"She has been getting quite good at it these days, Vix." James said with a smug grin that made her narrow her violet eyes briefly before she smiled. Finally catching on to what she was saying, James nodded before his eyes went wide and he looked from her heart to her bright violet eyes. "Hang on, that bright light," James said, his mouth a perfect 'o' as he pointed to her heart. "I knew I'd seen it before, she remained conscious for that one." James noted and Vixen nodded thoughtfully.
"That's right, but you also remember how weak we both were, after the fact," James nodded. "She was only able to remain conscious because I used most of my magic to make sure she did. She doesn't realize how much magic I put into making sure she remains conscious or strong for things, it always helps that she and I are connected."
"You really do care for her, don't you?" James said, looking her over as though she were lying.
Vixen smiled affectionately and ruffled his hair. "Of course I do, James, I have to," She said before she added, "No matter how much I want to throttle her sometimes." James laughed.
Suddenly, his smile fell. "How long have you known about . . . well, whatever that was?" James asked, gesturing back to the spot where she collapsed before the pair of them began walking down the corridor again.
"For years," Vixen admitted sadly, her head hanging low, staring at the floor.
James stared at her accusingly, his eyes briefly flashing gold. "Why didn't you warn us about it?"
Vixen sighed in defeat and met his gaze that was now green once more. "I couldn't even if I wanted to, I've already told the pair of you that some things need to be experienced rather then told?"
James sighed, but bobbed his head in understanding at her words as they continued to patrol the corridors. "Will more bad things happen to Anna?" He blurted out and Vixen sighed.
She hesitated before she nodded. "Yes, sadly, more bad things will happen to her in the years to come. Merlin only knows that I want to warn her about all the bad things, but I could be doing more harm then good if I did. That's why Severus spelled us, Anna and I, while she may not know the full reasons why, I do however. There's a lot of things that I wish I could change about the future, but I can't, even in the past I couldn't change much, Merlin only knows I've tried, but it all blew up spectacularly in my fucking face." She growled and James snorted, earning himself a glare from the violet eyed witch.
"Vixen?" James spoke up after a while of walking in silence, checking for students of out bed.
"Hmm?" She replied, turning to watch as he looked behind a tapestry that hung on the wall across from her as she, herself, checked behind a suit of armour. "What is it, James?"
He returned to her side and the pair continued walking. "What were my parents like? You know, back then?"
Vixen stopped in her tracks, clearly caught off-guard by his words before she frowned. "I don't know if I can tell you that Jamie, you know that."
The look he gave her made her frown deepen, his eyes were begging. "Try, please. Everyone who's ever met them says that they're the nicest witch and wizard ever, highly respected. I want to know what they were like when they were younger, who better to ask then the witch who went to school with them."
Vixen sighed. "Well, when I met your parents, I was pretty shocked to even see them in the first place, you truly do look like your father, James, which is why I often mistake you for him." She grinned and ruffled his hair as the pair continued walking. "When I met them, Merlin, those two hated each other."
James gawked at her in surprise. "Really?"
Vixen nodded with a thoughtful smile. "Really. Constantly bickering and snapping at one another. I met them on the boat ride, Regulus and I shared a boat with them since Severus was a year ahead of us. Your mother, Merlin, that witch scared me sometimes, I don't blame her for snapping at me on the boat ride, Merlin, I couldn't help but stare at them since I missed you so much and they resembled you to a T; your father was as kind and sweet as you are, although it's obvious that you get your temper from both of them." She smiled fondly as though a certain memory came to her.
She was trying her best to ignore the sound of silent footsteps following them, they still sounded like paws, everytime the pair of them would stop to check for students, so would the footsteps. It was obvious that James couldn't hear them, which was surprising as his hearing was excellent, if he did hear them, it was possible that he was ignoring them, thinking it was probably Filch's cat or Spirit who was following them.
"What else were they like? What did they like to do?" James asked, eager to know more about his parents.
"I wasn't as close to your mother as Anna and I are now, but Jesse and I, well," she chuckled as another memory played out inside her head. "Let's say the pair of us had a bad habit of running into one another, quite literally." Vixen laughed at the fond memories that flooded her mind of the many times that she and Jesse had collided in a heap in the very corridors that she and James now walked, almost 13 years later. "But if you wish to know something more personal about them, I guess I could divulge you in a secret," she grinned and James beamed. "Your father had a particular love for Muggle roller skates." James gaped at her with wide eyes, but there was excitement flashing behind the shock.
"Really?"
Vixen laughed. "Yes, ran into me my third year in Diagon Alley and ripped my jacket when he grabbed me, the pair of us fell in a heap. I'd just stepped out of Madam Malkin's. Cathy and I were always quite close. I'm glad it was just my jacket he ended up ripping and not my new robes. Merlin only knows I would've throttled him for it, and I think your father knew that too." James laughed and Vixen beamed at the sound.
Suddenly, he frowned. "Am I the only one who hears the other footsteps?" Vixen gave a sigh of relief that told him that, no, he wasn't the only one who heard them.
Vixen listened as they walked although she already knew what they sounded like. "Sounds like an animal actually," she noted aloud before she pulled Anna's wand from her robes. "Lumos." The end of her wand lit up the dimly lit corridor and the pair groaned at the sight of a large black dog following them. "For Merlin's sake, Pads, go back to the dormitory and get some rest before I hex you again."
James cautiously lowered Vixen's wand and she relented, pointing the wand elsewhere. "How long have you been following us?" James asked suspiciously, but before the pair of them could get a word out of the dog, it turned and bolted down the corridor. James went to chase after the dog, but Vixen held him back and the pair of them agreed to scold Weaver in the morning before they continued patrolling the corridors.
What the pair had failed to notice was the dog's eyes as the bear-like black dog watched them from a distance as they retreated down the corridor.
Instead of Weaver's bright green eyes, these eyes were a pale silver, and the dog watched the witch with a mane of blackberry curls. He had listened to their conversation since he had seen a flash of blue light and heard the screaming and watched as the witch, the boy had called Anna, collapse to the ground in a heap. He had followed them, listening intently to their conversation, hoping that they didn't hear him. When he had been spotted, he didn't have the slightest idea as to how the witch knew his old nickname, until they mentioned someone called Weaver.
The dog's silver eyes widened slightly when he heard the pair down the corridor continue to converse. It was only when the boy called the witch "Vixen" once more that his eyes widened dramatically. There was no way it was her, the Vixen he knew was dead, along with her older brother and sister. So why did the boy call her that now?
October 7th, 1993
Paddock of the Care of Magical Creatures Class
Hufflepuff and Slytherin sat outside the paddock of their Care of Magical Creatures class with Hagrid. The half-giant had been so excited to learn that Anna fully planned on taking his class that year, as was the rest of the Lot—save for Mia, Al and Cedric; who all chose either Divination or Arthmancy. "Can an'one tell me what a Bowtruckle is?" Hagrid asked, he looked somewhat depressed ever since his first ever lesson got a student hurt when he had introduced a Hippogriff to his class of third years, the student in question that had been injured had been none other than Draco Malfoy, which Anna couldn't help but be mildly pleased with that fact. Anna grinned and raised her hand cheerfully. Hagrid grinned at her through his tangle of black beard and gestured to her. "Miss Cloud?"
"A Bowtruckle are small magical creatures that are intensely shy towards others, mostly people," Anna said with a cheerful grin as she craned her neck to look at Hagrid from her seat in the soft grass. "They're made of bark and twigs and have two small brown eyes, which make them immensely difficult to spot and they're roughly a maximum of 8 inches in length. About this big to be specific." She gestured with her hands the length and Hagrid smiled, nodding. "They're also known to be fairly proficient at picking locks, sir."
Hagrid beamed at her. "Well done, Miss Cloud, take 10 points fer Hufflepuff." Anna beamed. "I've got some Bowtruckles 'ere for you to examine, be warned, as Miss Cloud said, they are quite shy and their 'ands are a wee bit 'ointy."
Anna and the rest of the class stood up to get a closer look at the Bowtruckles, all of who shied away from the sudden attention with mild panic, which Anna purposefully stood in front of everyone with a warning look. "Not so fast, or you'll scare them." Everyone looked to Hagrid, who nodded in confirmation at her words, looking proud.
Everyone took a more cautious approach, which put the Bowtruckles at ease, one even climbed up Anna's robes and perched on her shoulder before it began climbing her hair, which she felt and giggled before it dangled from her head, holding onto a strand of her hair. "'Et me get that fer you, dear." Hagrid said as he began to move forward, but Anna smiled and held up her hand. The fear of shaking her head and the small creature falling was a horrific thought, well that and the size of Hagrid's hands would surely crush the poor creature if Hagrid wasn't careful enough.
"No need, Professor, I've got it." Hagrid had tears in his eyes when she called him 'Professor' and Anna smiled. She held out her hand and the Bowtruckle let go of her hair, sitting in the palm of her hand. "Hello, little one." She cooed at the creature. "I could imagine why you like my hair so much, it's a right mess, isn't it?" The Bowtruckle nodded and she grinned at the small creature in her palm.
"Ev'yone make a new friend like Miss Cloud has, there in 'er palm. Let 'em come ter you." Hagrid said as he sat down and watched his students each let a Bowtruckle come to them, one was sitting on Valeria's head with glee and Valeria was grinning brightly, letting the creature move to her hand before she sat down in the grass and Anna joined her on the soft grass.
"They're fiercely loyal at protecting their homes when it's threatened, did you know?" Anna asked her friend, laughing when she spotted Thomas trying to untangle a Bowtruckle from Weaver's hair.
"I have to say, I didn't," Valeria said as she cooed at the Bowtruckle in her hand and Anna smiled at the sight.
"I did learn something today, Val." She smirked at her Slytherin friend.
Valeria raised an amused eyebrow as she turned to glance at the Hufflepuff next to her. "What would that be exactly, Cloud?"
"You love magical creatures," Anna said with a sweet smile. "It's fairly obvious with how you're reacting to him." she added, gesturing to the Bowtruckle in Valeria's hand.
Valeria turned and gawked at her. "You know it's gender?" She asked with a raised brow, although she was smiling.
"I know the Bowtruckle," Anna replied, smiling at the creature in her friends hand. "I must say, I'm rather surprised that he went to you first and not me." She glanced up at her Slytherin friend and smirked. "I spend my free time with them." Anna added in a matter-of-fact tone. Her eyes fell to the Bowtruckle in her own hand, who was peering up at her happily and dangling from her finger.
"That explains why you know so much about them." Valeria claimed and Anna beamed without shame.
"Professor Kettleburn used to bring me to see them during the summer, taught me everything I know about every type of magical creature, including dragons. We shared a particular fondness for them."
Valeria was staring at her with wide eyes. "Merlin, really? Dragons? Aren't they dangerous?"
"It depends, the dragons I've met however are quite tame and sweet, one of these days I'll show you photographs, yeah?" Valeria nodded at the request and laughed as Anna placed the Bowtruckle in her hand back on her head, where it happily nuzzled into her hair for warmth.
October 15th, 1993
Minerva's Office
Anna entered Minerva's office with Spirit on her shoulders "Anna! How lovely to see you, dear, how are your classes going?"
Anna grinned and sat across from her adopted mother's desk. "It's been going great Mum, we learned about Bowtruckles this week, Hagrid's been letting us get to know them better." She smiled before it fell and Minerva caught the expression the moment it appeared.
She frowned. "Anna, dear? What's wrong? Is one of your friends picking on you again?" Minerva asked, clear concern in her tone of voice as her gaze softened when she regarded her adopted daughter.
Anna shook her head. "No, it's not that. James and I were patrolling the corridors on the 31st, and we were arguing and something happened to me." Her hand went to her heart as she looked down at her hand. "I don't know what it was, I wanted to ask you, to see if you knew what it was. It'd be nice if Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape could join us for this conversation too. As Vixen would like to hear their opinion on the matter."
Minerva's mouth drew into a hard line as she nodded firmly and she cast a quick Patronus, two separate silver tabby cats appeared and turned to await their orders. Minerva turned to the first tabby cat. "Severus, I have need of you in my office, there is something that must be discussed." The first tabby cat ran off out the open window as Minerva turned to the second. "Albus, we need to discuss something in my office, I'm afraid it's begun." The second tabby cat darted away with the flick of her wand and she turned back to Anna, who's eyes were now violet. Minerva smiled. "Hello, Miss Potter. I was wondering when I'd be seeing you again."
Vixen smiled thoughtfully. "Hello Minerva, lovely to see you again. Now, before you draw your wand on me, again, I assure you Anna is fine, she's watching from up here," she gestured to her head and Minerva nodded curtly with a laugh, clearly remembering how she had drawn her wand of the witch who sat in front of her now. "We need to speak with you about something rather important that knocked Anna unconscious when we were patrolling the corridors with James, I've filled her in on what happened when she was unconscious, but we've had need to discuss the matters with you, I'd prefer if Sev and yes," she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in slight irritation. "Even Albus be here as well, I'd like their take on the matter."
As though she had summoned them, the office door opened and Albus and Severus stepped through, closing the door behind them before their eyes fell on Vixen, who smiled at Severus. "You wished to speak with us, Minerva?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Severus," Minerva sighed and looked to Albus. "I'm afraid she's begun experiencing Corpus De Separatione." She said, gesturing to Vixen who looked mildly frustrated. At the news, Albus lost the twinkle in his eyes for a moment and Severus's mouth gaped open in clear shock at Minerva's words.
"Close your mouth, Sev, you like a fish out of water," Vixen teased and Severus quickly snapped his mouth shut and briefly—but playfully—narrowed his eyes at her, which only made Vixen's grin widen. "You do!" She laughed and winked at him.
"Miss Potter?" Vixen turned to look at Albus and tried her best not to glare at the old wizard. He had lost the twinkle in his blue eyes. "Is what Minerva says, true?"
Vixen bobbed her head solemnly. "Yes, Albus, it is true. Anna has begun experiencing what Minerva called it. What did you call it again, Minnie?" She turned back to Minerva, who was frowning.
"Corpus De Separatione." Minerva said, rather seriously.
"What does that mean, Mum?" Anna asked, looking confused as her blue eyes returned.
"Translate the words, Anna."
Anna thought about it for a moment before she paled and her eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "Body Separation."
Minerva nodded curtly. "That's right. The pair of you were trying to separate into two different forms."
"That's impossible, Minnie!" Anna exclaimed, jumping to her feet, she flicked her wand to a blank stretch of wall in the office. "Speculo! Vixen? Is she telling the truth?"
Vixen's reflection appeared and the violet eyed witch nodded. "Yes, Anna, it's true. We were trying to separate."
"Why the hell didn't you warn me?!" Anna snapped, the ends of her blackberry mane sparking.
"A word of caution to the pair of you," Albus spoke up, looking between Anna's visual form and Vixen's reflection. "What the pair of you were trying to do is extremely dangerous and could have fatal consequences if the pair of you aren't careful enough. You need guidance, however, I advise the pair of you not to try it again, your efforts to separate are futile and very dangerous, you both could rip a hole in time space."
"Albus is right, Vixen." Severus spoke up, looking grim. "As much as it would be amazing to have the pair of you separate; Albus is right, we don't know what could happen if the pair of you succeeded."
"But it's not impossible for the pair of us to separate," Vixen argued.
"Vixen," Minerva spoke up and the pair of witches turned at the sound of her voice. "Albus and Severus are right. Please do not try separating again."
"Fine," Vixen said, rolling her eyes before she sighed heavily. "Fine, we won't do it again."
The trio of adults nodded their heads in satisfaction at her words and Albus and Severus turned to leave before Anna halted them. "What is being done about Bloodwell? I've been waiting patiently for news."
Minerva sighed and Anna turned at the sound of her adopted mother's voice once more. "Severus and I will escort you to the Minstry on November 24th for the hearing. Travis will not be in attendance, so you will not need to see him. Vixen," Minerva turned to look at Vixen's reflection in Anna's charmed mirror. "Please, on the 24th, keep your temper in check, we do not need to explain to the Ministry why Anna is suddenly losing her temper in front of the Wizengamot."
Vixen bobbed her head. "Yes, Minerva. I'll keep my temper in check."
oOoOoOo
Hufflepuff Common Room
Anna stood looking out her window in her dormitory at the new moon that hung high in the sky.
James has to be out of bed by now. James rarely slept on the nights of the new moon. She needed to tell him about what Minerva, Severus and Albus had told her. She scooped up Spirit from her four-poster and quietly made her way passed sleeping roommates, she made her way down the spiral staircase from the girls dormitories and found a silhouette, sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace.
However, the silhouette didn't belong to James; it was female. Anna smiled at the ebony haired witch who was staring at the flames with her knees brought up to her chest. "Hey, Pads. You okay?" She said as she approached the witch, who turned and looked up at the sound of Anna's voice and smiled at her. Her ebony hair was down in soft waves rather than confined in their usual trademark braids.
"Hey, Hopper. Yeah, I'm alright." She said and Anna sat down next to her bonded sister, placing Spirit in her lap.
"Can't sleep?" Anna asked and Weaver shook her head with a sigh.
"Not tonight, I've just been so pent up and stressed out with everything that's been going on. From the Dementors at every bloody entrance to Hardwind giving Mia a hard time in classes."
Anna giggled. "Mia's a big girl, you and I both know that she'll hex him if he tries to hold her hand in class again. Although I will admit that watching her slap him was quite amusing." Weaver let out a laugh and it seemed the laughter had surprised her.
"I know she will, but Merlin, he's been far more insistent than ever now and I don't know how to help." Weaver sighed, leaning her head on Anna's shoulder in defeat, reaching over to scratch the side of Spirit's face. Anna smiled at her best friend before she began giggling. Weaver looked up at the sound. "What's so funny, Hopper?"
"We always joked that you'd been sorted into the wrong house, Pads, but what I see is a true Hufflepuff who is trying her very best to take care of everyone."
"I really do belong in Hufflepuff, don't I?" The ebony haired witch asked, turning her head fully to look at Anna.
"Yes, Weaver. You belong here with us; you always have, while you may have a short temper and be incredibly reckless at times, it's your loyalty and hardworking nature that make you one of us." Anna said with a smile.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the flames dance in the fireplace before the pair heard someone walking around in the boy's dormitories, even without the need for their Animagus hearing.
"What are you doing up anyways, Hopper? I forgot to ask earlier."
"James usually doesn't sleep during the new moon, Pads. I usually stay up with him."
"Is that why the pair of you are always so tired in the morning?"
"Yes," Anna laughed. "Well that, and other reasons." Anna slapped a hand over her own mouth as Weaver burst into laughter. Vixen hadn't interfered with the conversation which meant that Anna had blurted it out all on her own.
"I knew it!" Weaver squealed happily. "I knew the pair of you were shagging!"
"You're one to talk, Pads. You and Tommy have been shagging too." Anna shot back with a laugh, poking Weaver's side so the witch sat up.
"Of course, Thomas and I shagging, but the whole Lot already knew that. When were you going to tell us?" Weaver asked.
"In all truth," Anna sighed. "Never. It kinda slipped out. Oh Merlin, please don't tell the others, I'd never hear the end of it from Mia and Irys if they ever found out."
Weaver laughed. "Alright, you have my word. I swear on my magic." Anna smiled as Weaver tapped her shoulder with her wand and the tip of her wand glowed red for a moment before fading.
Suddenly, Anna caught a sweet scent in the air that made her sigh in content.
Parchment and chocolate. James.
It seemed Weaver could smell it too as she sent Anna a smirk and excused herself. "I'll be off to bed, don't stay up too late." She sent Anna a wink and sauntered off up the stairs to the girls dormitories as James came into view from the boys.
"Was that Pads?" Anna nodded at James's question as he entered the Common Room from the stairs leading to the boys dormitories.
"She couldn't sleep, and I'm guessing, neither can you?" Anna asked and James sighed with a nod.
"Did you talk to McGonagall and Snape about the . . . you know . . ." he pointed to her heart and Anna laughed.
"Mum called it Corpus De Separatione or Body Separation in English." Anna explained.
James joined her on the sofa and Anna removed Spirit from her lap before she tilted her head to the side, her head landing in his lap. "The pair of you were trying to separate?"
Vixen's violet eyes solidified as she nodded. "Yes, Anna and I were trying to separate, but Severus and Albus deemed it dangerous and near impossible." She told him everything about the conversation she had with Severus, Minerva and Albus.
"Blimey, you really need to be careful, Anna. If Snape and Dumbledore are right, you could rip a hole in time space like they said."
"I know, Jamie." Anna sighed. "It scares me even more because neither of us were even trying to separate. Right, Vix?"
Vixen appeared as her violet eyes solidified once more and she nodded solemnly. "She's right, love. We weren't even trying."
"Did you tell Minerva and Snape that?" Vixen and Anna shook their head, ocean blue and violet swirling together as one, both were in control.
"They would've panicked, James." Vixen said with a sigh. "Who knows what they would've done about it—had we told them the truth—, they probably would've locked us up somewhere."
At this, James hugged her tightly, refusing to let go. "I won't let them take you away from me. Either of you." Vixen and Anna held back a sob and hugged James tightly.
I know this chapter is very late, but finally here it is, Chapter 4. I hope everyone is staying safe from the isolation. I'm sorry it took me so long to post this, I've been very stressed out lately with everything going on.
