Chapter Nine- Murder at Honeydukes

"So tomorrow it's your first Quidditch match," Marcela said as they walked to Transfiguration. "Are you nervous?"

"No," Anne lied. "Not a bit."

Andrew stared at her and shook his head. "It's okay to feel nervous," Andrew said encouragingly. "But you'll be great."

"Where's Chris?" Marcela asked, looking around.

"Avoiding you, I guess," Anne said as they entered the classroom.

"I still can't believe you threw a chair at him," Andrew chuckled. "You're lucky you didn't get expelled."

"He was just trying to explain everything," Anne said as they sat down. "But you didn't let him talk."

Marcela rolled her eyes and said nothing. "Wouldn't it be easier if you two admitted your feelings and stop fighting?" Anne asked.

"I'm dating Ricky," Marcela said in a small voice.

"But you are still in love with Chris," Andrew said. "And before I get submerged in crazy woman talk, I will give you an advice. Be honest with Chris about your feelings."

"I'll think about it," Marcela muttered. Chris entered the classroom, talking animatedly with Bonnie Kenney.

"Since when Chris is such a big hit with girls?" Anne asked Marcela, who just shrugged.

"Are you going to Hogsmade after the match?" Marcela asked.

"I don't know," Anne admitted. "Why?"

Marcela shook her head as Chris sat down next to Anne. "Hi, Marcela," he said in a nervous tone.

Marcela looked at him and their eyes met. Anne felt uncomfortable between them and cleared her throat. Chris grinned and looked away, leaving Marcela blushing deeply.

"Good morning," Ginny Weasley said in a cheerful tone as she entered the classroom. She had been nicer toward the class once she had gotten used to Anne. "Today we will start with a simple transfiguration. Take out your books-"

Marcela handed Anne a bit of parchment and Anne unfolded it. Anne read: I'm telling him tomorrow.

Anne smiled at Marcela, but deep inside, she felt uncomfortable with Marcela's decision.

The next day

"How did Ricky took the news?" Anne asked. She and Marcela were in the dressing rooms, while all the other players discussed tactics.

"Well… He didn't seem to care a lot," Marcela grinned. "I mean, we only lasted like a week, and I'm sure he'll go to my sister for comfort."

"Potter, we need you here," Wayne called in a cold tone. Anne rolled her eyes and Marcela frowned.

"How are things between you two?" Marcela asked in a low tone.

"As awkward and uncomfortable as it gets," Anne said. Marcela left and Anne walked over to the group.

"We were discussing tactics, but it seems you're too busy with your social life," Wayne said bossily.

Everyone stared at Anne, but she was too angry to care. Wayne had been really cold with her since the Halloween Dance disaster, and Anne was sure she didn't deserve it.

The other players started walking out to the field and Anne and Wayne were left alone. "What's your problem? You've been nothing but mean to me this past days!" Anne protested.

"I'm like that with everyone," Wayne said as he picked up his broom. "You're a regular player, and I have to be strict. Now, walk to the field and assume your position."

Anne left the dressing room, her fists clenched and her face red. She walked to the field and flew to her position in front of the goal posts. She watched Professor O'Malley talk to the captains, and everyone assumed their position.

"And it's on!" Stuart Michaels was commenting this time. "Garr has it… passes it to Lewis… Lewis avoided a bludger from Hufflepuff… and Lewis scores!"

The Gryffindors burst into cheers and applause. "Now, Hufflepuff is in possession of the quaffle… McKenzie… Townsend… Lerner... This will be the opportunity for the new Gryffindor Keeper to show her abilities…"

Lerner threw the Quaffle very hard at the goal posts, but Anne was ready. She caught the Quaffle easily, and she was momentarily deafened by the cheers. She smiled as she threw the ball to Lewis and looked over at Wayne.

He was staring at her, but looked away quickly. Anne sighed and continued watching the game.

Later

Gryffindor won the match, thanks to Anne's spectacular saves and the velocity of their new seeker, Fran Keene. Anne was walking with Chris and Marcela, talking about what they might do at Hogsmade now that the stores were re-opened.

"I want to go to Zonko's so bad," Chris said as they crossed the gates. "I want to send a present to my dear stepmother."

"I can go with you," Marcela said, with a significant look at Anne. "Anne has to go to um, Honeydukes."

"We can go there first," Chris said and Marcela rolled her eyes.

"No," Anne said brusquely. "You two go to Zonko's while I get to Honeydukes, and then we will meet at The Three Broomsticks. Andrew told me he and June will be there."

"Sounds okay," Chris shrugged. They arrived to Hogsmade and Anne bid her friends goodbye as she walked over to Honeydukes.

But to her dismay, she discovered Honeydukes was still closed. Anne bit her lip in disappointment, but she had to make time so Marcela could talk to Chris.

She frowned as she saw to the inside of the store. People walked by, muttering about Honeydukes being closed while the other stores were opened.

But Anne realized that a light behind the counter was on. Maybe someone was in there. She tapped hard on the door, but there was no answer. She sighed and kicked the door in frustration. To her surprise, the door opened and she looked around.

No one was coming, and Anne was suddenly full of maliciousness. She would grab some candy and leave the money in the counter. Anne got inside the store and looked around, making her mind about what candy she would take.

She suddenly heard a noise coming from behind the counter and she dropped the candy she was holding. Anne frowned and walked over to the counter, but saw nobody.

Someone moaned and Anne walked around the counter and gasped. A man was lying there, all covered in blood. He was very pale, and his mouth was slightly opened.

"I'll go get some help, sir," Anne said in a hurried tone. "Just wait-"

"Get out," The man breathed. "The ghost…"

"I'll be right back," Anne said and she ran to the door. She tripped and fell hard to floor, and her face hit the floor. Anne felt her nose break and she moaned in pain. She stood up quickly and covered her nose with her hand.

She felt suddenly very cold and turned around. "You… are… NOT WELCOME HERE!" Anne screamed as she saw a grotesque ghost walking over to her, dragging chains.

Anne stepped back, but the ghost grasped her wrist and Anne was surprised that the ghost's hands felt so solid. "YOU WILL DIE TOO!" The ghost barked in its unearthly voice.

Anne screamed as bruises started appearing in her arms and they started bleeding. Anne couldn't move, and she felt blood running down her face. She blinked, and saw nothing but red. She heard someone yelling outside, but she thought she was imagining things.

She felt pain all over her body and she continued screaming. She felt very weak, and everything went black.