So I had originally planned on starting doing regular updates on Monday's, and you can see how that turned out. I'll try harder next week! As usual, if you recognize it, it isn't mine. I'm just playing with it. ;)
I am so excited because we are finally at the point where we are following Ana in the present tense, not past! There will be so many more details, and nuances to the storyline. I can't wait to get everyone's opinions. Speaking of, I am curious as to whether people like longer chapters, or shorter chapters. Is there a specific word range you'd like per chapter? I'd love to know what you guys think so far!
3rd Year- Nott Manor & Hogwarts
I was surprisingly lucky over the summer. Father was too busy being out of the house to really do any punishment. It was mostly seclusion and starvation. I was only allowed one meal a day, according to Father. Theo was, again, spending his summer at the Malfoy's, so the manor was completely empty save for myself and the house elves. We had multiple elves, but Theo and I shared a childhood elf named Nimsey. Our father's elf was Hoppey, and we didn't often get to see him, but he always helped take care of us, even with Father's brutal treatment. Father also tried to force around Nimsey, but she was Theo and I's, and although Father was Lord Nott, she was loyal to us. She really was my only company, and she continuously tried to break Father's rules, without letting me know. Some days there was suddenly a muffin for breakfast, plus dinner in the evening. For a moment, I thought Father had changed his mind and started to ease up on the punishment, until I saw Nims with bandages around her ears. I knew she was punishing herself for disobeying my father's commands, but she didn't care, and she told me as much when I confronted her.
I was sitting in bed, reading up on spells for school that we were to be learning when Nimsey popped in with water. I noticed her ears were red and bandaged.
"Nims! What happened to your ears? Was there an accident in the kitchens?" I asked alarmed.
Nimsey, never being a good liar, stumbled about, "No Miss. No accident, not in the kitchens. Nimsey did it. Made a mistake in front of the Master. Not for Miss to worry about. Nimsey is fine."
"Nimsey, I know you are lying to me. Please tell me the truth. Why did you punish yourself?"
She sniffed, but straightened her back and looked me in the eyes when she said, "Nimsey does it and will keeps doing it for Miss. Nimsey can take punishment. Master wanted no food for the Miss, but once. Nimsey knows that's not good, and the Miss must have more. So Nimsey brings more."
I gasped, " Nimsey! You're going against Father to bring me more food?" At her nod, I narrowed my eyes, "You listen here Nimsey. You know I don't like to order you about, but I refuse to let you get hurt for me. Father doesn't get to hurt anyone else because of me, do you hear? The extra food and the punishments stop, now. I'll be fine. I can take it, and I'll be going back to Hogwarts soon, and then I can have as much food as I want. You'll be stuck here, and if he finds out, I don't want him to come after you. So please, for Miss, stop bringing food. Just my one meal a day. Promise me, Nimsey."
With tears in her eyes, she reluctantly agreed. While I really was hungry, because the one meal a day was so rich, it was actually hard to eat. I had lost a lot of weight over the summer, and looking in the mirror it would appear that I was sickly. When we left for school, it was the first time I saw Theo, and he looked well! He was still thin, and a bit gangly, but he had grown tall, and looked healthy. I smiled his way when I saw, and his smile dropped off his face fast. We weren't able to talk much, but Father had stepped away for a moment right before leaving for the train station, and Theo took this opportunity to speak.
"Ana, what happened? You look terrible. Your robes are hanging off of you!"
I gave him a small smile, "I'm fine, Theo. Just a punishment for misbehaving through the year. He's hoping I'll learn my lesson. As if."
"How did he even know? He didn't do anything to your mind, right? Because I know you wouldn't tell him outright, and he didn't ask me, I promise!"
"C'mon Theo, you have to know. It's your friends who were spying on me. I don't expect you to do anything, okay? So, you don't need to act clueless. It isn't a good look."
Before he could answer, Father came out of his office and handed us our Hogsmeade permission slips. Theo's was signed, and mine was decidedly not. It looked like Theo wanted to say something, because he actually opened his mouth, but then thought better of it and we quickly exited the manor. As soon as we were at King's Cross, I left them and boarded the train, trying to find a compartment. It wasn't long until I found one that only had one other patron, and decided this was my best bet. He was a shabby looking man, although not terrible to look at, and his trunk said R.J. Lupin. It appeared he was to be our new professor. Soon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione found me and squeezed into the compartment.
"Who's he?" Ron asked.
"Professor R.J. Lupin." Hermione said, reading his trunk like I did.
"She knows everything! How is it that she knows everything?" I shook my head, laughing as Hermione scolded Ron, and Harry set his things down, asking if we thought he was really asleep. When we nodded, Harry proceeded to tell us about the Knight Bus, the newspaper, and the warning Mr. Weasley gave him to stay away from Sirius Black, no matter what he might hear.
"So Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to come after you?" Ron confirmed.
Harry nodded, so I asked, "Why would Mr. Weasley tell you to stay away from him. I mean besides how Voldemort seems to always come around, it isn't like you go looking for trouble. What aren't they telling you?"
Ron was indignant, "Oi! My father wouldn't lie or be sneaky. Just because your family is up to no good doesn't mean everyone's is."
Taking a deep breath, I stood up, "I'm not saying your father is lying just to lie and be deceitful, but you have to admit it is odd, and a bit suspicious. I don't think he means any harm. In fact I can almost guarantee that he's trying to keep everyone safe, but obviously something else has happened that we don't know about. Now, I'm really tired of you always dragging my family into everything. I know you don't like me, and that's fine. So I'll just go for a walk to cool down, because if I don't I'm going to say something that will hurt your feelings. I'll be back in a bit."
With that, I walked out of the compartment and just started roaming the hallway. I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going or who else was out, I was stuck in my thoughts. I kept trying to remember any mention of Sirius Black coming from my father or his friends. They were Death Eaters, no doubt, and if Black was as crazy loyal as they were talking, I figured something would have been said. And what was Mr. Weasley hiding? There had to be a good reason for Harry being warned not to go after Black. Determining whether or not I should ask Nimsey to collect my Pureblood book from the library to research Black, I bumped into a tall figure.
"Oh! I'm so sorry. I was in a bit of a daze and wasn't paying attention to where- Draco?" Looking up now, I could see exactly who it was I bumped into. Giving him a once over, I noticed he really was getting tall. Maybe even taller than Theo, but not nearly as skinny. Draco wasn't thick by any means, but he looked fuller and less childlike than the year before. I was shocked, but relieved, when I realized he didn't have his hair slicked back like Lucius. Finally meeting his eyes, and noticing that he was also giving me a once over, I grimaced. I was going to try and say something first but he beat me to it.
"You look terrible." He sneered, but it wasn't directed to me. "Theo mentioned you looked unwell, but that's being generous. What the bloody hell happened, Ana?"
"Draco, enough is enough. You can't keep doing this. You act like you hate me, but then you think you're entitled to know about my well being. You're not. Not anymore. I'm sorry."
Before he could say anything, we both felt the train start slowing down.
"I know we aren't close to the castle yet." I said, "Why are we slowing down?" The train slammed on its breaks, and the lights flickered and went out. I felt Draco's hand wrap around mine. There was a small compartment near us that no one really used, because it could only fit one, maybe two people, and Draco dragged me into it.
"What do you think you're doing? We should get back to our friends." I whisper yelled at him.
"No time. Obviously something is happening, Ana, use your brain." Draco murmured, annoyed. I glared up at him, as our fronts were pressed together. I felt a sudden coldness spread across my body, chilling me to the bone. I know Draco felt it too, because his eyes widened and he looked at me for confirmation that I felt it as well. There was a distinct feeling of dread and sadness that came next, and without warning, Draco hugged me. This was the first time he hugged me since before first year, and even though I knew it was wrong, and a part of me felt guilty, because I was happy. My best friend was hugging me. I squeezed back, determined to make the most of this situation. Only a moment later, the dread and cold went away. The lights flickered back on, which left me in Draco's arm in the full light of the compartment. We looked at each other for a moment, and I could feel him start to tense up, so reluctantly I lowered my arms from his shoulders until we were just standing there, awkwardly.
"That was weird. We should go, but separately. I'll leave first, and you wait a few minutes and then leave." Draco whispered, his voice sounding strange. Before I could respond, he slipped out of the compartment. The small bubble I hopelessly found myself in burst, and the happiness I felt slipped into anger. How dare he? He was the one to initiate everything. He was the one to ask about my well being. He was the one that held my hand and kept us together instead of going back to our friends, and he was the one to hug me first! Then he has the audacity to look ashamed of being near me, locked in a compartment, when it was HIS idea. I was fuming as I walked back towards my original compartment, and slammed the door open, scaring the residents inside. Harry was laying down on one side, and Ron, Hermione, and R.J. Lupin were on the other.
"Harry, what happened?!" Losing my focus on Draco for now, I looked at my friend in concern.
"What do you mean what happened? Where were you? Awfully suspicious that you leave and then something like this happens." Ron interrupted.
"Oh, honestly Ronald, give it a break! She went for a walk, and probably wasn't anywhere close to our compartment when the train stopped and the lights went out. She isn't an idiot, so she obviously jumped into one closer to her until it was safe." Hermione rolled her eyes. I smiled at her, grateful for her defense.
"C'mon Ron. You saw that thing. How could Ana have anything to do with that?" Even Harry, who looked terrible, asked. "What was that, by the way?"
Lupin was the one to answer that, "That was a dementor, from Azkaban. They must have been searching the train for Sirius Black. Here, eat that. It's alright. It's chocolate. Now that all of you are accounted for, if you'll excuse me I'm going to have a word with the conductor. Please, eat. You'll feel better."
Once Lupin left, Harry said he heard screaming, and asked us what we experienced. We all chimed in with our own experiences. We talked the rest of the way to the castle, and it wasn't until we sat down for the feast that I took in the rest of the student body. It was clear everyone was pretty shaken up, and Dumbledore tried to smooth everything over the best he could. Of course, Draco being Draco had heard that Harry passed out, and tried to give him a rough time. Thankfully, Ron was sat next to Harry and told Draco to shove off. His grey eyes glanced at me, and I glared, offering reassurance to Harry.
For the most part, the year had been going well. Professor Lupin was an excellent teacher, and probably the most competent one we've ever had. I hoped the DADA curse didn't hold true and we'd have him for years to come. Hagrid was the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, and we talked about the kind of teacher he was going to be. Knowledge isn't a problem for him, but he has a habit of not meeting a creature he didn't love, no matter how dangerous. Yet, I understood this better when he introduced us to a hippogriff in class.
It was actually quite an amusing start to the day. Divination was a fun subject. I didn't take it overly serious, but I enjoyed learning about it and it was pretty easy. Of course, Harry would be the one to get the grim, apparently a bad omen. Hermione was annoyed because Divination goes against her very logical, fact-based mind. As we walked to Care of Magical Creatures, she was complaining about the class, and specifically about Professor Trelawney. Walking into the clearing to meet Hagrid before class started, the Gryffindors were pretty excited, however the Slytherin's were not. After snarky comments about opening the Book of Monsters, Draco and some of the other Slytherins were mocking Harry about the Dementor attack.
Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him away. "Come on Harry. He isn't worth it."
While they were walking back to the front of the group, Draco continued to Mock saying, "I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be brave. Potty was so scared he fainted." Scattered laughter could be heard, and Harry's face started to turn red in anger.
Knowing there was no way Draco was actually going to admit where he was, I asked, "Well if you're so tough Malfoy, where were you? You clearly weren't hiding away tucked in a compartment where no one could find you, right?" At his moment of silence, I gave him my best smirk and said, "That's what I thought."
I put my hand on Harry's arm, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Before anyone else could say something, Hagrid reemerged leading a large and imposing creature. Introducing him as Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Hagrid began to explain what kind of creatures hippogriffs were. Extremely intelligent and proud creatures, selective on who they trust. When Hagrid asked for a volunteer, everybody stepped back, except for Harry of course. Hagrid, taking that as him volunteering, walked Harry through how to introduce himself. I held my breath as Harry bowed, and once Buckbeak bowed back, the air filled my lungs once again. It was truly incredible watching the interaction, especially when Hagrid put Harry on Buckbeak to ride. Once they flew back down in the clearing, I grinned, because Harry looked exhilarated. Of course everything was short lived when Draco freaking Malfoy had to step up and act like an idiot. Not following any of the rules and sauntering towards Buckbeak, and insulting him. Honestly, I didn't blame Buckbeak one bit for hitting Draco. Of course Draco being Draco was absolutely dramatic, and claimed he was dying. It was all rather embarrassing to see really. The day only got worse from there, as the word spread Draco was hurt, which made my smart comments to Malfoy a great sin. I spent the rest of my day dodging hexes and jinxes, not only from Slytherins, but also apparently the Draco Malfoy fan club who thought he was just dreamy. It didn't get any better the next day, when he reappeared with a sling on his arm, retelling his story, but adding ridiculous details that didn't even happen. Nothing good was going to come of his complaining, and knowing Lucius like I did, this wasn't going to just go it was time for class, I was actually looking forward to the day when we walked into DADA and the desks were moved. It could only mean one thing, a practical lesson. As Professor Lupin started explaining what we were doing, facing Boggarts, he asked if anyone could tell him what it was. A sinking feeling filled me, because I knew exactly what a boggart was. Having an ancient home meant there were a lot of places for boggarts to hide, so we were always warned what to look out for. When Hermione answered, it shook me out of my reverie, because I didn't see her walk in, and apparently I wasn't the only one. I heard Ron asking Harry about it. This was something I noticed happening frequently. At first I thought I was just imagining things, or being unobservant, but it continued to happen and I knew it wasn't me. I planned on asking Hermione when there was a moment for just us, but that never seemed to happen as Hermione never had a moment to spare.
As Professor Lupin called Neville up, I could see he was nervous, but after Lupin talked him through he took a steadying breath and nodded. Watching Snape come out of the cabinet infuriated me. Neville's greatest fear was a professor at his school, a place where children should be allowed to relax and be themselves. Although looking into the history of Hogwarts, that never seemed to be the case. After Neville transformed Snape's clothes to look like his grandmothers, the class burst into laughter. Professor Lupin gave Neville praise, and then asked everyone else to line up. As Neville walked passed, I gave him an encouraging grin and he smiled back.
Harry let me go in front of him. I laughed, "You know, I think this may be one instance when letting someone go in front of you isn't actually chivalrous."
He grinned and said, "I've no idea what you mean."
One by one each student went up to face their fear. There were snakes, spiders (Ron), clowns, falling, and even Hermione had gone right before me and revealed her greatest fear was failure. I was officially nervous, but not because I was supposed to face my fear. No, I was nervous because I didn't have a clue of what I was going to face. As Hermione went to the back of the class, it was my turn. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward into the path of the boggart. It took a minute before the boggart to take shape, but when it did I didn't have to hold my gasp of shock. Standing before me was myself. Except, taking a closer look, I looked older, and more refined. A proper pureblood, dressed in Slytherin robes. I looked like my dad's perfect prodigy, and when I made eye contact with myself, boggart me started to smirk.
Staring down her nose at me, she started to speak, "Pathetic blood traitor. Father was right about you. Befriending mudbloods and turning your back on our family- our pureblood family. Disgusting. You're no better than our bleeding heart mother. "Then laughing, boggart me said the most chilling thing. "Actually, our mother was quite literally bleeding from her heart, wasn't she? Father should have done the same to you. Allow me to put you in your rightful place. Cruci-" Finally tired of listening to myself, I shook my head and said "Riddikulus!" The boggart started to morph into Theo, dressed in some of my most ridiculous clothes. That got even the Slytherins to laugh a bit. I gave Harry a reassuring smile, and made my way to the back next to Hermione. I refused to look at my brother or Draco, not wanting to see their reactions either way.
Hermione whispered to me, "What was that exactly?"
I sighed, "That was my future if I gave in to my father. If I became the type of pureblood he wants me to be, bigoted and cruel. No worries though, Hermione. That will never come to fruition. Especially after seeing that."
Hermione and I both focused on Harry, as he was standing before the boggart now, it also taking a long time to morph. Thinking of Harry's past, I was actually worried what the boggart might turn into. Surprisingly, it morphed into a dementor, like the one from the train. Professor Lupin jumped in front of Harry, forcing the boggart to change once again, but this time into the night sky on a full moon. I found that odd, but didn't dwell as Professor Lupin dismissed the rest of class.
Unfortunately, the week still got even worse when I realized the first Hogsmeade trip was happening, and I didn't have a signed slip. As it turned out, neither did Harry. As we all went to where the students were leaving, McGonagall reaffirmed only those with signed permission slips were permitted to attend. She gave us a sympathetic look but continued on. As I went to turn to Harry, I was stopped by my brother coming out of nowhere, followed by Draco and Blaise although they stayed a step behind waiting.
"Can I help you Theo?" I asked, confused as to why he was speaking to me in public
"I just wanted to check and make sure you were okay. I know DADA was rough for you, but now you aren't going to Hogsmeade and something has to be wrong."
Draco scoffed, "Please tell me you aren't staying behind so poor Potter isn't all alone? You can do better than him, Ana."
I glared at Draco, and moved my gaze to Theo. "Theo, did you really think our father would actually sign my permission slip? Of course not. I'm not going because I'm not allowed. So thank you for your concern, but it's not needed. Harry and I will be going now."
Grabbing Harry's arm, we walked back into the castle and away from the Slytherin boys. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Harry. "Sorry about that. They only stopped because of me, and you don't deserve Malfoy's snide comments. There's nothing wrong with you, Harry. Just so you know." As awkward as it was, I meant it. While I wasn't really attracted to Harry like that, I could recognize he was cute. I actually loved his messy hair, even though it drove Hermione crazy. It made him fun, and personable, and just Harry.
Although he turned red, he muttered a thank you and we kept walking until we almost, quite literally, ran into Professor Lupin.
"Oh! I didn't expect to see any third years still in the castle. Why aren't you in Hogsmeade? Unless you wanted to hang out uninterrupted." Lupin quizzed with a peculiar look on his face. It was almost as if he was teasing, but happy about it. Although that didn't really make any sense. Harry was spluttering, apparently incapable of forming words. Although slightly embarrassed myself, I cleared my throat and answered.
"Not at all Professor. Sorry for almost running into you. It just so happens that neither Harry nor I were able to get our slips signed, so we aren't permitted to go."
"Ah. Well, I am sorry to hear that. At least you are not alone. Well I'll be off now. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything, either of you."
Harry suddenly asked, "Professor! If you have a moment, would you speak with me?"
"Of course Harry, I have time."
Harry looked at me apologetic, but I waved him off. While he left to speak to Professor Lupin, about merlin knows what, I went back to the common room and found a lovely armchair to sit in, trying to catch up on my list of books and subjects I wanted to learn more about, even though they weren't exactly appropriate for school. I was wrapped up in my studies when Harry came back in and he didn't seem like he wanted to talk. Soon everyone was back from the trip, and talking all about their days while Harry and I just sat and listened until it was time for supper. Most everyone talked about Hogsmeade all through the meal, and walking back to the common rooms. As we were getting closer to the portrait, we all noticed a crowd growing.
"What do you think is going on?"
"Neville probably forgot the password again." Said Ron. Neville, who was behind us, protested.
Ginny came running up to us. "It's the Fat Lady! She's gone!"
Everyone started trying to push forward to get a closer look. The only thing I noticed was the giant scratch marks across the portrait. Soon Dumbledore and Filch came barreling through, and the search for the Fat Lady was on. However, before the ghosts could be deployed, Filch spotted the Lady in a neighboring portrait.
"My dear lady, what happened?" Dumbledore asked.
"Eyes like the Devil he's got and a soul as dark as his name. It's him headmaster, the one they all talk about. He's here somewhere in the castle. Sirius Black!"
At this, all students were sent to the Great Hall to spend the night as the castle was searched. I put my hand on Harry's arm to make sure he was okay, but he just seemed out of it. Everything was very odd after that. No one felt 100% safe, and people still whispered about him in the castle. The only thing that got people talking was in DADA, expecting Professor Lupin, we were shocked to find Snape barging through demanding everyone turn to page 394. It only got more confusing when instead of the planned lesson, Snape decided to teach us about werewolves and demanded a two page essay on how to recognize one. That night, Hermione and I stayed up to work on it, as we haven't had much time to spend together and studying was the perfect excuse. Going through, finding all the facts, and composing our essays wasn't difficult at all. However, while writing I started to think about some of the symptoms of being a werewolf, and my mind kept going to one person. While I didn't want to say anything out loud, because I wasn't sure if I wanted to be right, my curiosity couldn't be stopped.
"Hermione?"
"Hmm?"
"When going through this essay, does anything sound off to you? Or come to mind?"
"How so?" She asked, and stopped writing.
"Well." I hesitated, "Did anything, or anyone, come to mind when you thought of what to look for?"
She sat for a moment, but I could see her rescanning her essay. Her eyes shot to mine. "No. You aren't thinking what I think you're thinking, are you? I've noticed some things are off, and he did get sick around the full moon, but it couldn't be. He is so nice, and would Dumbledore allow it?"
"I think he would. Lupin went to school here, so Dumbledore obviously knew him, and if he liked and trusted him, he'd absolutely allow it. I just, I can't think of anything else it could be. It fits."
"What do we do?"
"Nothing." I said determined. "Professor Lupin may be a werewolf, but that doesn't mean he's not the best DADA professor we've ever had. He hasn't hurt anyone, and he's nice all other times. I think this is something we should keep to ourselves."
"You're right. This isn't really our business. Do you think that's why Snape set the essay?"
"Yes. I think he has a problem with Lupin and what he is, and that was a way for him to speak out against it without going against Dumbledore." Hermione nodded, and we finished up for the night. Laying in bed, I couldn't help but think about the consequences of anyone finding out about Professor Lupin's condition. It wouldn't be good.
Still tired from the night before, I was dragging the next day. While most people were excited about the Quidditch match, I couldn't quite share the excitement. While I went to cheer on the team, I just wasn't as in it. That was until Harry free fell from the sky. Thank Merlin Dumbledore was able to stop him, but that didn't stop the other seeker from catching the snitch, or Harry's broom flying into the whomping willow. Staying beside his bedside, we filled Harry in on what happened when he finally woke. He was in a gloomy mood, and no one really blamed him.
That night, snow covered the ground, and left the student body buzzing with excitement. Everyone else planned on going to Hogsmeade, but again, Harry and I were stuck at the castle. I was lounging in the common room when Harry came and sat down next to me.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade?" He asked.
"I mean, of course, but it's not really an option now is it?"
"I can't believe I didn't think of this the first time, but Ana, I've got the cloak." He said quietly. My eyes brightened.
"Are you serious?" I asked, excited.
"I'm going, but I'd like you to come too!" I of course nodded and went to change. Harry and I met back up, and hid underneath the cloak, hurrying out of the school. We were in the courtyard when I saw Fred and George look at each other, and start making their way to us. Before I could try to warn Harry, we were grabbed and dragged to an alcove, while the twins expressed their praise at Harry sneaking out, but that they had something better.
Ripping the cloak off Harry said, "Really guys? We're just trying to go enjoy the day too."
Apparently the twins didn't realize I was also under the cloak and looked at each other in surprise.
"Well, well, what do we have here Freddie?"
"Well Georgie, it appears our dear Harry wasn't trying to sneak alone. What were you two up to under this cloak, all alone, where no one else could see?" Fred and George waggled their eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes, "Oh honestly you two. How could you not tell I was under there as well? And knock it off!" I said, slapping their arms earning fake outraged looks. "Neither of us have a slip and you know it. Pervs." They cracked up, highly amused, but suddenly got serious when they pulled out a bit of parchment. As they explained, Harry and I looked on in wonder. The map they showed, The Marauders Map, was brilliant.
Giving it to Harry, they left us to explore with a yell, "Be good you two! Don't be getting into any mischief!"
Without being able to help myself, I called after them, "No worries! I think we'll manage." Harry shook his head with a smile, and we slipped back under the cloak and made our way to Hogsmeade using the map. It was, admittedly, much easier. We made our way through the village, trying to find Ron and Hermione. Of course, when we did they were being harassed by Draco and friends. Harry quietly asked me to hide behind a tree, because he had an idea. After I was secure in my spot, I saw a snowball come from nowhere and smack Draco right in the back of the head. Soon, Harry was messing with them all, and caused them to run off. I could hear Hermione yell at Harry while laughing, and knew it was safe to come out from the trees.
"Ana! I didn't know you were here too!" Hermione said while laughing still.
"Well Harry couldn't terrorize the Slytherin's with both of us under the cloak, so I stepped back and let him have fun." I said with a small smile on my face. We decided to walk around the village, with Harry and I hidden, when we all came to a halt. Minister Fudge was getting off of a carriage, with Hagrid and Professor McGonagall greeting him, and walking with Madam Rosmerta into the Three Broomsticks. What really caught our attention was when they mentioned Sirius Black would come to Hogsmeade for Harry. Before I knew what was happening, the cloak was slipped off and Harry snuck into the Three Broomsticks to listen. I stood between Ron and Hermione, very clearly out in the open for anyone to see.
"Now what?" Ron asked.
"We wait." Hermione answered and started to walk to a bench.
"Uh, guys? I can't exactly be out here right now."
"Oh no! Ana I didn't even think. We'll have to hide you." Hermione pointed to a small, deserted alley that no one seemed to even notice. "It is a little ways away, but you'll still be able to see us, and watch for Harry when he comes out."
"Brilliant Hermione. I'm going to blend in with the crowd and walk that way. Once I leave don't watch me. The less attention the better." With a nod, I tried to make myself as unassuming as possible as I merged with the busy crowd. I was about 10 steps away from the alley when I collided with a body, and somebody grasped my arm to keep me upright. Looking up, I saw crystal clear blue eyes that I would recognize anywhere.
"Ana?!" Theo gasped. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you couldn't come?"
I grabbed his arm and brought him over to the alley, trying to stay out of sight and draw less attention. "I snuck out. I just wanted to see the village, but I was trying to hide when I ran into you. Theo, please don't tell anyone. I would get into so much trouble." I pleaded.
He was about to answer when a presence stopped him. Standing there was Draco, and now I really didn't know what was going to happen.
"Gods Ana, you really can't help yourself can you?" Theo sighed. "Of course I'm not going to tell anyone. What kind of big brother would I be? Neither is Malfoy, by the way, but you have to be more careful. You were lucky it was just us."
"Thank you, Theo. I was being careful, but things didn't go exactly as planned. I'm sure I'll be going back to the castle soon so no worries. You guys better get going before any of the other snakes notice. They won't be nearly as understanding. For the record, you are only older by two minutes and 11 seconds." I said with a roll of my eyes. As the boys began to walk away, my breath caught as Draco turned back around. Without realizing what he was doing, I suddenly found myself wrapped up in his Slytherin scarf.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Helping. Be careful." With that, he walked away and left me speechless.
Shaking my head, because I don't think I'll ever be able to truly understand Draco Malfoy, I was left watching Hermione and Ron. Before I knew it, the door to the Three Broomsticks burst open, only no one came out. I watched Hermione jump up and take off after an invisible force, knowing it was Harry. Meeting back with him in the clearing we were at, we gently asked what was going on. When he blurted out that Sirius Black was his parents' friends, and he was the reason they were dead, no one really had the words. Hermione and I walked over to comfort him while he grieved and processed this betrayal. Soon enough, he quieted and in the most severe voice I've ever heard come from him, Harry declared that when he saw Black, he was going to kill him. Sharing a look with Hermione, we didn't say anything and let him feel whatever he needed to; knowing we would always be there for him. We finally made our way back to the castle, and went to our respective dorms. Hermione and I sat in silence until I noticed her staring at me.
"What?" I asked.
"Do you realize you're wearing a Slytherin scarf?"
I could feel my face heat, "I forgot. It's complicated but I ran into Theo and Draco in Hogsmeade. They aren't saying anything!"
With a smirk, she asked, "So, whose scarf is that?" I sent her a deadpanned look and she laughed. Laying back on my bed, I thought of the day's events, and couldn't help the sinking feeling in my stomach. I didn't think the rest of the year was going to be smooth.
Harry had told me that Professor Lupin was going to be teaching him the Patronus charm to ward off the dementors, since they seemed to have an affinity for going after Harry, during the following Hogsmeade breaks. I wanted to learn it as well, but I didn't want to impede on Harry's time with Professor Lupin, especially as he was a connection to Harry's parents. So after the next DADA class, I hung back to speak to Lupin alone.
"Excuse me, Professor. I was wondering if you had a moment to speak with me?"
Looking slightly surprised, Professor Lupin answered, "Of course Miss Nott. What can I help you with?"
"Harry explained that you were helping him learn the Patronus charm, and I was just wondering if perhaps you could teach me as well?"
"Well, if you've talked to Harry and he seems alright with it, by all means you can join us."
"Actually sir, that's the thing. I don't want to learn at the same time as Harry. I was hoping you could spare some extra time one on one?"
"Miss Nott, is there something you don't want to share with Harry?" He looked a little suspicious.
"No sir, not at all. Well, I suppose maybe minor details but nothing alarming. It's mostly because I know you two speak about his parents, and I didn't want to be the reason not as much gets shared to him. I know how much he cherishes learning about them."
It was hard not to catch the surprise on his face, so I continued with, "Sir, I know you were a Gryffindor when you went to Hogwarts, so I also know you know exactly the kind of family I come from. I can understand there being a hesitance or thinking something mustn't be right, but I can tell you I am nothing like my family. In fact, I do everything I can to not be like them. I am not a blood purist, and I don't believe that I am better than anyone else. I can understand that it may seem hard to believe, but I'm asking you to give me a chance. You've never treated me differently before, and I'd love for that to not start now."
"I don't mean to judge, Miss Nott, nor do I believe you have any ill will. However, I can admit to being surprised. There are not too many people who are brave or willing enough to separate themselves from their families."
"I was the first Nott sorted into anything other than Slytherin, and despite my Father's disapproval I wouldn't change a thing. I would hope that would mean something."
Professor Lupin gave me a long look before he began speaking. "I'll help you learn the Patronus, as there may be a situation where Harry needs assistance. I had a friend when I was in school with a very similar background as you, and I know the struggles he faced being the first person in his family sorted into Gryffindor. I won't blame you for the sins of your family."
"Thank you Professor Lupin. That means more than you know."
When I got the first note to meet with Professor Lupin later in the week, I was nervous and excited. Stepping into the classroom, I looked around and noticed Professor Lupin waiting for me.
"Good Evening Miss Nott. Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes sir." I nodded.
"Setting up for you is going to be different than Harry, as your greatest fear isn't a boggart. Now you could attempt to control your fears and influence the boggart, however that is not practical for learning. I can still teach you the incantation, but we won't be able to truly test its power until either a real dementor comes to the castle, or we have a meeting with both you and Harry to use his fear. The first is a very rare and unlikely scenario, so I do believe we will have to go with the latter." I nodded my consent and began listening to Professor Lupin. I learned the wand movements first, and then we began focusing on the memory behind the incantation. Unfortunately, I didn't exactly have the happiest of memories growing up. I had love for my mother, but it was distant and didn't feel strong enough, as there were also many horrific memories with her as well. I thought of Theo, but again the love didn't feel strong enough to rid the more recent feelings. I even thought of my new friends and the love and acceptance I felt from them, but I couldn't quite pin down a specific thought, and I let Professor Lupin know my struggle.
"I'm sorry for the delay, sir, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a strong enough memory."
"Have you tried your friends or family?" He questioned.
Sighing, I decided to fully let him know my struggles, as there wasn't much else to be done, and to avoid awkward follow up questions.
"I tried thinking of my mother and my brother, but almost all memories with them are clouded with anger or sadness. I did try my friends as well, but none of them felt quite as happy as what's needed. It felt more like a gentle rain than the thunderstorm it needed to be, if that makes sense? Comforting and refreshing, rather than powerful."
He took a moment to think before hesitantly asking, "I am making the assumption that, with the lack of mentioning your father, you do not have good memories with him. Is there someone or something from childhood that brought you great joy? Or think of recent times when you were happy. Are there any common factors?"
I couldn't help the scoff that left my mouth at the mention of my father. "My father and I do not see eye to eye at all. If you needed anger or resentment, then I would think of him. The man is abusive and downright evil. I don't think he is capable of happiness himself." I could see Professor Lupin's eyes flash in anger, his mouth was set in a firm line, and his fists clenched. I didn't dwell on why he had such a reaction, because I was thinking of the second set of questions he provided. The most joy in my childhood stemmed from Draco and Narcissa Malfoy, which that in itself was complicated. So then I thought of the times I had been truly happy recently. I thought of when I watched Harry mess with Draco and his friends, Theo and Draco catching me in Hogsmeade and Draco giving me his scarf, which I had yet to return, and how it felt to hug Draco for the first time in years on the Hogwarts Express. That thought made me pause. I remember the pure joy I felt being close to Draco in that moment, feeling his arms around me, the smell of his cologne he insisted on wearing since he was a child, and the feeling of wrapping my arms around his surprisingly strong body. Then I remembered how as soon as we hugged, the cold and dread of the dementors went away. What were the odds the happiness radiating from me that day was the reason they left so fast? Feeling more confident in that thought than anything else, I looked back to Professor Lupin.
"I have a memory to use."
"Very well. I have a potion here that will cause you to feel great sadness. As we are practicing with no dementor, we need to provide you with the same challenges you will face when actually presented with a dementor. The potion will last for half an hour, so whenever you are ready you may cast."
Handing me the potion, I took a steadying breath and drank. Feeling the effects instantaneously, it was hard to concentrate on anything other than the intense sadness and foreboding feeling I was experiencing. To start getting myself on track, I started to think of Draco throughout the years. Draco and I climbing trees, Draco and I going to the lake, sitting outside under the stars and learning about the constellations, and building myself up to the feeling of being in his arms. The last thing I pictured was his grey eyes looking into mine, before I opened my eyes and cast "Expecto Patronum!" It took a moment, but then a bright light burst from my wand, exploding into the room. Staying focused, I watched as the misty light transformed into a dragon. However it wasn't just any dragon, it looked suspiciously like a Hungarian Horntail. Almost in disbelief, I was entranced as I watched the dragon soar around the room, looking great and powerful, before I could feel tug of exhaustion and sadness leak back into the forefront of my mind, snapping my focus and having the dragon disappear. I stumbled a bit, and Professor Lupin helped steady me and directed me to sit on the steps. He handed me a piece of chocolate, and I smiled.
"Chocolate always helps right?" I asked in a daze.
"Always." He smiled. "I have to say Ana, you've rendered me slightly speechless. The number of witches and wizards to successfully cast a corporeal Patronus on their first try is exceedingly rare. I was impressed when Harry got it on his second try. May I ask what your memory was?"
Feeling awkward, I could feel my face turning red, and I tried to explain my thoughts without revealing too much. "I thought of a childhood friend. Honestly, I didn't expect to think of him. I was going through memories of recent times when I was happy, and he was present in all of my memories, but one in particular stood out. It was actually on the way to Hogwarts, when the dementors boarded and were searching the train. I was in a bit of an argument with him when the train slowed and lights went out. We jumped into a compartment to wait out whatever was happening. I could feel the dread and coldness sweep through the door, and my friend hugged me. It reminded me of our younger days and I felt happy. The dementors left only seconds later, and when you were explaining how they feed on negative emotions and pain, I realized my emotions repelled the dementors on the train and figured if it worked then it should work now." I said with a shrug, ending my rambling.
He looked thoughtful before he replied, "That is a strong connection you have with this person. Especially since the Patronus was so powerful. It's not my business, so I won't pry, but connections like that usually happen for a reason. Just something to consider. I think you are ready to try on a boggart, if you'd like?"
Unfortunately, I never got to practice on a boggart, as the rest of the year went to shambles. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I went to visit Hagrid, and he gave us the news that Buckbeak was sentenced to death. After learning that, there was a pit in my stomach that just wouldn't go away, and got worse when Harry had the map taken off of him. He explained that Lupin looked shocked and concerned when Harry said the map wasn't always accurate, and who he saw. I thought that was unusual, and there was definitely more to it, but my thoughts didn't linger, because the day had come that Buckbeak was supposed to be executed. Our group started making our way down to Hagrid's hut, when we came across Draco, Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle laughing and messing around while looking down to watch the execution. Hermione practically sprinted ahead, and Draco noticed.
"Well, well! Come to watch the show?" He asked with a cruel smile and laugh.
Hermione pulled her wand and stuck it to his throat saying, "You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!" Draco had the good sense to look frightened.
"C'mon Hermione. He's not worth it." Ron said. Hermione pulled away, and Draco, trying to save face, scoffed and laughed like he wasn't scared. Hermione, who had just put her wand away, whirled around and punched Draco right in the face. His head snapped back, and he looked on in disbelief, before complaining she broke his nose and running off, his group following behind. Theo looked at me, and I shook my head, disgusted.
"That felt good." Hermione grinned.
"Good? That was brilliant!" We all grinned at that, and made our way to support Hagrid.
In a weird series of events, Ron had gotten Scabbers back, and Hermione demanded an apology as their fighting over Scabbers and Crookshanks got rather heated. A vase shattered out of nowhere, but when we glanced over at it, we noticed Dumbledore, the Minister, and the executioner were headed down. Knowing we weren't supposed to be out this late, and that we'd get in serious trouble, we snuck out of the back of the hut and hid behind the pumpkins. Once the coast was clear, we were making our way back to the castle when Scabbers bit Ron's finger, and jumped out of his hand and ran away. Ron, without thinking, ran after him. Naturally, we ran after Ron and yelled for him to run as he was laying under the whomping willow. To our surprise, he got a look of horror on his face and told us to run, because there was a grim standing right behind us. In a flash, the grim jumped over us, grabbing Ron by his leg and dragging him under the whomping willow. Of course, this woke the giant tree, and the limbs started moving and attacking. After a few bumps and bruises, Harry lost and found his glasses, we were finally under the tree in the tunnel going to find Ron. Following the trail of blood, we found ourselves in the Shrieking Shack, and Ron on the floor with a very big wound on his leg.
"Ron! Are you okay?" Harry asked, rushing over to him.
"It's a trap! It's him. He's an animagus!" Ron yelled, clutching Scabbers and his injured leg.
Hearing the door creak and groan, we all turned around to watch the door closing, revealing Sirius Black. He looked haggard, demented, and downright scary with a crazed look in his eyes. Hermione and I both stepped in front of Harry at the same time.
"If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too." Hermione started.
"And I'd like to see you try." I finished, twirling my wand in hand, preparing to use it.
"No, only one will die tonight." His voice hoarse and scratchy like it hasn't been used.
"Then it'll be you!" Harry yelled and he took off towards Black, grabbing him around his throat and pulling his wand out.
Black started laughing, "Are you going to kill me Harry?"
The door slammed open and Lupin came through shouting, "Expelliarmus!" Harry's wand went flying and I stepped forward to help him up. We watched and Black and Lupin greeted each other as old friends.
"No! I can't believe it. This whole time you've been his friend. I trusted you!" Hermione yelled, but her voice cracked showing how truly emotional she was.
At the boy's confused looks, I answered, "He's a werewolf. It's why he's been missing classes."
Lupin, looking surprised, asked, "How long have you known?"
"Since Professor Snape set the essay." Hermione replied.
"You really are the brightest witch, Hermione. Ana, I can say I am surprised that you knew as well."
"I told you, I'm not like the rest of the Nott's and judge based off of blood or breed." I sneered the last word. "However, I do condemn helping a murderer."
"Did she say Nott?" I heard Black whisper to Lupin, and then louder, "No matter. Enough talking! Let's kill him."
"Wait." Lupin yelled, but Black yelled louder, "I DID MY WAITING. TWELVE YEARS OF IT. IN AZKABAN."
"Very well. Kill him. But at least tell them why. They deserve to know."
"I know why! He betrayed them; my parents." Harry interjected.
How wrong we were though. Of course Snape burst in at the wrong time, and I could see Harry wanting to find out more, so I slid my wand into his waiting hand, and he knocked Snape back, knocking him out. Finding out that the entire thing was a lie, Black never betrayed the Potter's and was framed. Then we found out Ron's rat was actually Peter Pettigrew and he was the one who betrayed the Potters. All our minds reeling, after Black and Lupin forced Pettigrew to turn back to a human, Harry told them no one was killing Pettigrew. They were going to take him back to the castle and let the dementors have him. With Pettigrew's hands tied under Remus' watch, Sirius came over to help Ron and apologize for biting him, as he was aiming for the rat. He was making jokes, and asked to speak to Harry. Ron, Hermione, Lupin and I waited at the entrance of the tunnel, giving godson and godfather a moment to talk. Hermione was fussing over Ron, but I felt sick to my stomach suddenly, and looking into the sky I knew why.
"Professor Lupin." I called to him, and gestured to the night sky, full moon shining bright.
In a matter of seconds, Lupin staggered away and we could see the transformation starting to take effect. Harry and Sirius ran over, and Sirius ran to help Lupin. We watched as the man turned into the beast, and Pettigrew took that moment to wave smugly and transform back into a rat and escape. Sirius transformed into the grim, and tried to distract Lupin and bring him away from us. In horror we watched as the dog got thrown into the woods, and the wolf swiveled to face us. Snape, having decent timing this round, came out of the portrait hole mad, but once he noticed the animal he stood in front to protect us. With a swipe of a massive paw, Snape was knocked aside. Sirius, coming from out of nowhere, bit the wolf and made him give chase, away from us. Harry followed, and watched as Lupin tossed the grim around like a ragdoll. About to kill him, Harry picked up a rock and flung it at the wolf, successfully drawing its attention away from the dog. Lupin and I both started walking towards Harry, one trying to attack and one trying to save, when a howl came from the woods successfully distracting and calling the wolf away. Harry nodded to me to help Snape and Ron with Hermione, and he went after Sirius. It took a while as Hermione was helping to hold Ron up, and I levitated the passed out Snape back into the castle and in the Hospital wing. We waited for Harry to come back, and fill us in on what happened. The dementors showed up, and started to suck the souls out of both he and Sirius, but someone, who Harry swore was his father, used a powerful Patronus and swept the dementors away. When Dumbledore came in, we tried to explain that it wasn't Sirius and he was innocent and framed, but he acted as though there wasn't anything we could do. Suspiciously he turned to Hermione, and said three turns should do the trick and walked out of the wing.
Hermione took an hourglass necklace out from under her shirt, and wrapped the long chain around her, Harry, and I's necks and said, "Sorry Ron, but seeing as how you can't walk." She touched the dial three times, and in a blur of movement we stood in a now empty hospital wing.
"Bloody hell Hermione. Is that a time turner?" I asked.
"It's how I've been getting to all my classes." She briefly filled in Harry, and we were off trying to decide what we were doing at that exact time.
"Going to Hagrid's. Buckbeak was still alive!"
"You heard what Dumbledore said, if we were successful more than one innocent life would be saved." Rushing off, we ran as fast as possible to Hagrid's, where we hid to watch Hermione punch Malfoy in the face. When the Slytherin's ran passed our hiding place, Harry and Hermione went to move forward when I stopped them.
"I have to do something. I'll meet you down at Hagrid's. I promise, I won't be seen. I know." Nodding, Hermione led Harry away, and I hurried to follow Malfoy back into the castle, fuming. It had bothered me how he acted thrilled that an innocent creature was being killed because of his own stupidity, and I forgot how mad I was until I re-watched the altercation. Thoughts running wild, it only took a few seconds for me to catch up and yell, "Oi! Malfoy! A word; now." They all turned away, and I could see Theo's eyebrows raise in surprise, but he looked between Draco and I and took the others away. Draco was still holding his nose.
"Did you see what your friend did to me? She's mental. I don't see how you could even be friends with someone like her."
"Someone like her?"
"A mudblood, Ana. An insufferable one at that." I whipped my wand out, and sent a stinging jinx right to his face. He yelped and moved his hand to cover the newly formed welt on his cheek.
"If I hear you say that one more time, Lucius is going to have to come to the school and pick your beaten and broken body off of the floor himself. Do you hear? I don't know how you've become such an arsehole Draco, but it's unacceptable. Hermione is one of the most capable witches I've ever met, and yet you act like she's less than you. It's ridiculous. Not to mention your attitude with Buckbeak! You were the fool who went up to him, after being expressly told how dangerous it was, and expected a different result than being attacked? That's insanity Draco. And now you're celebrating him being killed? It's sick. You're sick. I don't even want to look at you right now. What happened to you?"
"What happened to me? Really, you want to ask that? I'll tell you Ana! My best friend, the person who I loved most in the world, suddenly became a ghost, and never came around again! Years of waiting to see you again came and went and nothing! Did I really mean that little to you? The only reason I stayed away from what my father was teaching was because of you, and you were gone, so why would I make my life any harder?"
"You really, truly are an idiot Draco. Did you think I wanted to leave you? Do you think I had a choice? My father locked me in my room, beat me, starved me, and kept me in isolation this whole time! After not seeing you for years, I was so damned excited to go to Hogwarts because I thought we could start where we left off, but you took me being sorted into Gryffindor personal, and wouldn't acknowledge me, Draco. I never stopped caring for you! I just can't handle this hot and cold, you care but you don't attitude. I miss you-" I was cut off, but not in a way I expected at all. I didn't notice the change in Draco's eyes when I started talking, becoming softer and then more determined. I didn't notice that during our argument we had gotten extremely close, practically yelling in each other's faces. I also didn't notice that during my rant, Draco used my distraction as an opportunity to press his lips against mine. Gentle at first, causing me to gasp in surprise. This caused Draco to move his hand behind my head, angling me to kiss even harder, more demandingly. I'm pretty sure my brain short circuited, because I kissed him back just as hard. We stood there, snogging for a few moments before Draco pushed me against the wall. I could feel the hard stone against my back, and Draco's hard body against my front, trapping me. I could feel Draco's tongue slip out of his mouth, and tease my lips, asking for entrance. Suddenly filled with the urge to let him in, my eyes flew open and I pushed him away, hard.
"Wha-" He started to ask, but I was already running down the corridor. I had someplace to be, and I couldn't believe I let myself get distracted as I did. Not to mention I just didn't have the time right now to even try and process what had just happened. I slipped into the woods, just as Hermione and Harry were bringing Buckbeak into the woods.
"Ana! There you are. I was getting worried. Are you okay?" Hermione asked.
"Fine. I'm sorry. Let me feed him a ferret so he can build trust with me too please." Now assisting them, we convinced Buckbeak further into the woods, and then sat down to wait. We watched as each person went into the shack, and then came back out. Harry told us that when he and Sirius were talking, Sirius asked him to come and live with him. I could see the hope and happiness in Harry's eyes, and it made me smile. He deserved to be happy. Soon, we watched the night take a turn for the worse, and had to restrain Harry from going after Pettigrew when he escaped. When past Harry ran after Sirius and Lupin, we followed, and when Lupin was about to attack Harry, Hermione howled.
"What are you doing?" Harry whisper-yelled.
"Saving your life!" She said back and howled for a second time, causing the wolf to come racing towards us now.
"I didn't think that through. Run!" Taking off into the woods, with no idea where Buckbeak had gone to, we raced away trying to hide from a bloodthirsty wolf. Huddling together behind a giant tree, we tried to regroup and catch our breath. I knew there was no way we were going to outrun a werewolf, not to mention Harry needed to make sure he and Sirius were saved from the dementors. Not seeing a point in all of us getting attacked, I thought to myself, if I could lure the wolf away from them, in the opposite direction, they would have a chance to run and save Sirius. Remembering that the lock on the quidditch shed was broken, I knew I could summon one of Slytherin's brooms. A nimbus 2001 had a much better chance of getting away from a werewolf than just me running. Knowing what I needed to do, I took my wand out and got Harry and Hermione's attention.
"When I reach the tree line, run the opposite way. Trust me." I mouthed to them, trying not to make any noise. Before they could protest, I summoned the broom and began running as fast as I could away from Harry and Hermione. It didn't take long to hear the footsteps of the wolf behind me, quickly gaining ground. Looking around, I didn't see the broom yet, and I was starting to worry. Glancing back, I could see the bloodthirsty eyes not even 20 feet away, when thank merlin the broom zoomed through the trees. I jumped on, used to riding a broom from when I was a child, I leaned down on the broom and took off as fast as I could. I rode for as long as possible, and as deep in the forest as I could. Deciding it had to be enough time for Harry and Hermione to save Sirius, I tried to think of how to actually escape. He was going to follow me any direction I went, and he wasn't that far behind, even with me on a broom. That only left going up. Steeling myself, I yanked the handle up, thighs clenching on the broom and hoping to Godric I didn't tip all the way off. I was just high enough that I thought I was in the clear when I felt a scrape on my leg, and the broom being pulled down. The wolf had jumped and clawed the broom, and inadvertently my leg, trying to pull me down to the ground, and he was succeeding. Feeling a bit bad because I knew this was Professor Lupin underneath, I slammed my foot as hard as I could into the wolfs face, and used the push to fly straight above the trees. Finally taking a breath of relief, I flew around until I saw Buckbeak flying down off the one tower. Zooming over, I landed just as Harry and Hermione did, with Sirius as well.
"Holy shit. You guys did it! You rescued him." I said with a grin.
Hermione stomped up and hit my arm. "What were you thinking! Why would you do that, Ana? I thought you were dead!"
Trying to lighten the mood, I said, "Please Hermione. Did you really think I was going to let myself get killed? There's still so much I had yet to do to piss off my father. I refuse to give him the satisfaction."
Harry and Hermione looked on in disbelief, but I caught Sirius eye and walked over. Holding out my hand, I introduced myself.
"Pleasure to meet you! I'm Ana, the first ever Nott to be sorted into Gryffindor. A little wolf told me I wasn't the first lion to come from a snake family." I waited to see his reaction.
With a grin, he shook my hand, "Well hello Ana Nott. I think you and I are going to get along just fine." He winked.
Hermione and I stepped away to let Harry and Sirius talk, and we watched as Sirius flew off on Buckbeak into the unknown. The clock started to chime, and we had to race to get back to the hospital wing. We arrived just as Dumbledore walked out, acting as if he had no idea what we were talking about. Going into the hospital wing, Ron looked at the spot we disappeared from, and then back to us walking through the door. Laughing at his confusion, we all settled in and began explaining. Madam Pomfrey was angry that I let my leg go on for so long without being healed, and while it wasn't a terrible injury, I waited so long that it wouldn't flawlessly heal. I had a small claw line trailing behind my ankle to remember the crazy year I just had. Unfortunately, Snape opened his big mouth about Professor Lupin, so he resigned. The DADA curse was alive and well, and it made me question just what in the hell would happen next year.
Summer Before 4th Year
Taking inspiration from Sirius, I began testing my limits more and more at home. I refused to sit by idly and suffer, which I really didn't realize I was doing. I had always planned to fight back and go against my father's wishes, but never actually did once I was home and locked up. Not this summer. I worked with Nimsey, eating three meals a day, continuously studying advanced magic and wizarding history, and used the other rooms in the manor as I pleased. I took up running, as the manor had an outdoor trail, which allowed me to burn off excess energy. I didn't even have to sneak around too much, because Father wasn't home for almost the entire summer. In the back of my mind, it was something I was concerned about, but I wasn't going to take the opportunity for granted. Theo was at Zabini's this summer, so I had full use of the house. Harry, Hermione, and I were all invited to the Quidditch world cup, and as Father was never home, I asked Nimsey if she would apparate me to the Weasley's home, and they would take it from there. I stared into the mirror while getting ready for my trip to the Burrow, when I finally allowed myself to think about what happened with Draco. I have no idea why he kissed me, and I have no idea why I kissed him back. Other than that it felt nice, and Draco was a really great kisser. Draco freaking Malfoy was my first kiss. Shaking my head, I dried my hair into nice waves and finished packing everything I was going to need for the year. With a nod, I called for Nimsey, and in moments I was outside the most unique looking house I had ever seen, but I loved it. It looked homey. Saying goodbye to Nimsey, and thanking her for everything this summer, I walked into the Weasley home for the first time.