A/N: Thanks Awabi! You're such a great muse...and...well slave driver. I guess I do need the tough love to get over writer's block.
Welcome Home, Harry Chpt. 4 First Day
Anabell was dreading Monday, not only did classes start but it was the first time she was going to see Harry since the Sorting the night before. As she was collecting herself outside the doors, Anabell was startled when someone put a hand on her shoulder.
Jumping a bit, she turned and found herself face to face with the well-worn brown jacket of her 'uncle' and soon-to-be teacher. After realzing who her attacker was, Anabell flung herself into his arms and gave him the biggest hug she had ever given.
Remus winced as his god-daughter flung herself at him. He was still sore from the full moon the night before and he knew she had to be as well. He hugged her tigthly as his mind flashed back to Halloween three years ago.
Ana saw the pained look in Remus' eyes and began to cry as she too recalled the events of three years past.
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Harry was searching the house frantically looking for Anabell. He knew how curious she was about Werewolves and hoped he would find her before she entered Remus' 'changing' room and got killed by her curiosity.
Running down the hallway, Harry saw Anabell walking towards the end of the hall. Seeing the door shaking violently, Harry screamed "Ana!", dove and tackled her out of the path of the door. As they hit to floor the door shattered open and the Werewolf walked out of the room and stood on top of the door shards breathing heavily and snarling. The kids stilled themselves, controlled their breathing as best they could and held eacher other, pressing tightly into the corner staring wide-eyed at the monster that was their uncle. Unfortunately, the Werewolf was still able to smell the children and turned to face them. They gulped as he stalked towards them licking his lips.
Harry screamed as the wolf lunged at them and Anabell shrieked before the wolf's jaws clamped down on her side and the world went black.
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"Ana? Ana!" Remus called shaking her a bit, trying to get her to wake from her daze.
"Huh? What were you saying? Sorry...space out for a second." Anabell confessed looking up sheepishly at her guardian and teacher.
"Was it about the bite?" Remus asked, gazing down into Anabell's sorrowful eyes.
"Yeah..." She answered with a sigh, hanging her head.
Remus hugged her again. "I'm afraid I can't help you this time. I wish I could take back what I've done."
Moving back out of his embrace, Ana replied, "It was my fault Uncle Remus. I wanted to see...now I'm paying the price for my curiosity."
Sadly, Remus let his niece go and turned away. "Smile for me hun. Just once, look happy to be here." he begged walking through the doors and disappeared into the crowd of students in the Great Hall. Anabell sighed and turned to leave when a voice called out to her.
"Ana there you are! I've been looking for you!"
She turned back and saw Draco moving through the crowd towards her. Smiling, she quickly wiped her eyes with the edge of her sleeve.
"You ok? You look like you've been crying. What did Professor Lupin say to you?" Draco asked concerned for his new friend.
"I was telling him of a dream I had last night...well...I guess it was more of a nightmare than a dream. 'Cause he's my uncle and, well, he's always been able to make me feel better." Anabell explained, embarrassed at being caught crying.
Draco hugged her and said, "If there's ever a time you need to talk, no matter what time it is, you can come to me. I'll always be here for you."
Ana sighed contently and pulled away from Draco. "I'll hold you to that."
Draco grinned. "I hope yo do. Now let's get inside. The Headmaster's about to make his speech. And I'm starving!" Taking Anabell by the hand, he led her to the Slytherin table and sat her in the chair next to his and sat down himself.
Smiling to herself, Anabell knew that she would have fun at Hogwarts and was glad she had met Draco. She looked towards teh Gryffindor table and saw Harry looking back at her. They both smiled at each other and mouthed 'Good luck' to the other. As Dumbledore stood up and began his start of term announcements, Professor McGonagal handed out the class schedules.
Looking over their schedules, Anabell and Draco saw that they had all of their classes together. Ana also noticed that three of her classes were to be with Gryffindor and was excited to get the chance to spend time with Harry, especially in her Uncle's class; Defense Against the Dark Arts.
The bell rang signalling the end of breakfast and the beginning of the first passing period. Ana and Draco gathered their books and headed off towards the Charms classroom. As they walked and chatted about their families, ana realized just how cute Draco really was and smiled softly. 'I'm really gonna like it here.' Draco smiled at her and she nearly melted into a puddle of goo at his feet. 'Scratch that. I'm going to LOVE this.'
They entered the classroom, found seats ;in the back and tood out their quills and books from their bags. Professor flitwick entered the room and cleared his throat. The class quieted down and the lesson began.
