She isn't going!

Tom Riddle was frozen to the spot. He knew that name, that place was something to do with…magic… it was Meropes school, she had mentioned it before…before she left. Now that professor was here to take his little girl of to that very same place. No, how could he let that happen, let his daughter become a freak… like her mother.

Anya stared at her father's reaction, read the recognition in his eyes, then the disbelief and finally anger. He knew about Hogwarts, that much was clear but the anger in his eyes clearly said one thing, she wasn't going. Well we'll just see about that, anyway better have the conversation in the sitting room rather than in the hall.

"Um… this way… if you please." She told the man, remembering her manners after all this man was either going to save her, or completely blow her chances of living here, ever. Best to be polite, her father still wore the same expression and her mother looked utterly confused by his face and the awkwardness of the situation.

They walked into the sitting room. Finally after a very awkward silence, which involved Anya and Professor Humphrey sitting in the chairs by the fire, not meeting each others eye, whilst her father pulled himself together.

Tom walked in then clearing his throat and taking a seat, pulling along Mrs. Riddle whom still looked confused if not a little scared. Anya rolled her eyes boy was she in for a shock. "Bet she didn't realize this would happen when she said, I do", Anya thought smugly.

"I see by your expression that you've heard of Hogwarts before, yes?" Professor Humphrey said quietly.

Tom took a deep breath. "Yes, I've heard of it, from my ex wife." He took a very defensive posture and looked more Lord of the Manor than Anya had ever seen him. "And before you say anymore, I'm afraid that Anya will not be going to your…school…she already has a place in the school in the village."

Anya's heart slumped, she knew that was coming, he obviously knew the school was magic, that was forbidden in his house.

"Mr. Riddle, I'm not sure you understand Anya has a certain talent that we look for in students at Hogwarts. She will be able to train and use her power positively and safely there, surely you do not wish to harm her education." Humphrey paused, why were muggles so inconvincible with this. The child Anya was watching both her father and Humphrey with an expectant look on her face; please convince him, she thought desperately, I have to get away from here. Obviously not getting anywhere with her father Humphrey turned to Anya.

"Miss Riddle, what do you say to coming to Hogwarts? It is your choice after all not one can force you... or stop you" he added quickly watching the angry glint in Tom Riddle's eye.

"Will you teach me how to control my power? I mean not that I can't already, I can make flowers change colour and everything…" "STOP" her father bellowed cutting her off, "This is enough, like I said she is not to go, I will not have my daughter going off to become a witch…"

Penelope gasped, were these people insane, what's all this talk of witches and Hogwarts, determined not to be ignored she asked. "What powers does Anya have and what's Hogwarts?"

"Mrs. Riddle, Hogwarts is a school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it is a school for those whom have magical abilities, teaching them to control and improve there skills, Anya has inherited her magical ability from her… mother… I assume, and will be trained as a witch for 7 years." Humphrey said turning to her and confirming in a very proud voice, which demanded nothing but respect for the world of which he spoke.

"She's not going" Tom cried, standing up. Anya ran to him looking him deep in the eye…

"Father, please…. Let me go to Hogwarts… its where I belong, and I need to train my powers, I know you don't like my magic, but it's a part of who I am… please… don't ruin this for me." Anya was on the point of tears, how could he be so cold about this, he can't just wish her power away. Tom saw the pleading in her eyes and was reminded of Merope, that night 10 years ago.

Sighing he looked at his wife, whom seemed to be in shock, to the professor and lastly at his daughter. "Very well…but I want none of this stuff in the house… understood and if anyone asks you're at a boarding school in Wales."

"Good, well that's all sorted Mr. Riddle. Miss Riddle, I'm assuming that you've had your school supplies list and the date of term. If your parents and you would like to accompany me, you will need to pick up your school supplies, in Diagon Alley." Seeing the look of anger on her fathers face, Anya said

"Maybe we should just go…" The professor nodded and took her arm. Anya couldn't believe it, she was going to Hogwarts.

AN: I don't like this chapter all that much, it could have been better. Do you want me to do a Diagon Alley chapter or move straight onto the train ride? Please review…