Chapter Nine

A/N: Thank you to Nimara for reviewing the last chapter.

That evening, in the Gryffindor Common Room, Professor Minerva McGonagall had called a meeting of the first years, along with the fourth years and some of the fifth years, who were most certainly confused as to why this was. No one knew the reason for this meeting having been called, and did not discover this until the door flew open with a gust of wind, their Head of House striding confidently through the doorway with it.

"Right." she began, clapping her hands together in a way that was most unlike her. However, some of the fourth and fifth years, particularly those that had visited the woman for disciplinary purposes over the years, were well aware that this action could only mean one thing. There was something that she wanted them to do, and she was trying to find a way to sweeten the pill. "It has come to our attention that there have been many cases of bullying, with the older students taking advantage of the younger ones."

"And you're blaming this on us... why?" James Potter questioned cheekily. His only immediate response was a sarcastic smirk from his Head of House, before she continued with her explanation.

"That is why I have decided to do something about it." Professor McGonagall continued, disregarding the faces being pulled by Potter and his little gang, just as she had disregarded the boys' comments. "For this term at least, and maybe longer, depending on the progress you make, each fourth or fifth year will be paired with a specific first year, and you will watch out for them, help them, and keep them out of trouble."

It was not missed on any of them that their Head of House's eyes lingered on the group known as the Marauders when she mentioned their last responsibility, and not one fourth year in the room was unaware as to her reasoning for doing this. Over the years, the four Marauders had made it their lives' work to cause as much mischief as possible, and they had never kept it a secret that making trouble was a pastime they heavily enjoyed.

"Now, I realise that this will be a great responsibility..." Minerva was stopped once again as a loud theatrical groan came from the group of fourth years in particular, the Marauders being the loudest by far, of course. She paused, waiting for silence to fall, and once the students began to shift uncomfortably in the quiet, she started to speak once more. "But I do not doubt that you will be able to handle it. That is why I chose you students specifically, because I feel that you will provide the best instruction for the new additions to our House."

"You chose us?" Remus Lupin, another one of the Marauders boys, piped up. He seemed to be more than a little confused at the prospect. "You needed a role filling, a role that involved responsibility... and you chose us?"

"For the majority of you, you have been chosen because I have seen that you are capable of showing these children the right way to go." she informed them, addressing the entirety of the group. This was something that she tried to continue doing during her next phrase, but she found it utterly impossible, given the words she spoke, and her eyes drifted to the four boys. "However, for some of you, it is an opportunity to learn to take responsibility. These first years will be relying on you, and this is your chance to prove that you're mature enough to show them the right way to behave. If they get into trouble, you will held partially responsible. Is that clear?"

"And now I understand why she was looking at us." pitched in Sirius Black, James Potter's right hand man. Minerva found herself worrying a little at this. 'It's a little worrying to hear him say that, given what I'm about to say to him. Still, there's nothing that can be done about it now. I'll just have to hope he grows up a little.'

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Black." she sighed, before retrieving her wand from her side and waving it wordlessly. A piece of parchment fluttered down into her hand, and she fixed it to the notice board of the common room. Gesturing pointedly to the piece of paper, she continued to speak, speeding up a little, as she was aware that her grasp on the interest of her students was quickly slipping away. "This list shows the names of the first years, which have each been matched to a member of the fourth or fifth years. These matches are not negotiable, so there will be no arguing, no swapping, and no shirking of your responsibilities. Now, I want for you to read the list and acquaint yourselves with your partners, and I will be checking to make sure you are working well together."

With those final words, Minerva began to make her way out of the overcrowded room, catching Annie's eye as she moved away. She could not have missed the worry and confusion that filled the small orbs of blue, but she continued on her path nonetheless, knowing that she was unable to stop and comfort the child without giving away their secret. Once she was gone, Annie took a deep breath before she rose to join the others crowding around the list of names.

Being a very small girl, the height of the fourth and fifth years meant that it was almost impossible for the girl to see the list. She could hear the whoops and groans as the various young adults discovered which child they would be mentoring, and after around a minute of trying to push her way to the front, the blonde gave up trying and seated herself down in one of the many armchairs that filled the room. 'After all, judging by the reactions there've been so far, as soon as someone finds out they have me, I'll know.' she reasoned, resting her head back against the padding of the chair. 'In fact, so will the rest of the room, most likely.'

As if someone had overheard her thoughts, an exclamation came from across the room, as a boy's voice, and a familiar one at that, called out her name, laughing about it with his friends. "Anastasia Selwyn? Who the hell is that?"

"That's me, actually." she piped up. True, Annie was quite a timid soul, but she was not so timid that she would allow someone to speak so falsely about her, particularly not one that had already caused so much trouble that day. At the sound of her voice, Sirius Black turned, as did his three best friends, all looking at her with surprise in their gaze.

It took only a couple of seconds for Sirius to conceed to the list, and he approached her, seating himself at her side, his expression nothing short of sheepish. They stayed in silence for a little while longer, as the students began to disperse to their various evening activities, and soon they were the only ones remaining in the common room. The young man raised his head from where it had been directed towards the floor, but when his eyes fell upon Anastasia's face, he started, his eyes widening in something akin to disbelief.

"What?" Annie questioned, aware that this was a little rude, but not truly caring. When he gave her no answer, she asked again. "What is it? What?"

At her repetition of the question, Sirius opened his mouth to speak, but he quickly closed it again, shaking his head so slightly that it was almost imperceptable. The moment had passed when he could have spoken of his thoughts, and so he did not say what he had planned to. But what he did say was the beginning of something changing, the beginning of the world that Annie knew falling apart.

"Nothing." he sighed. "For a moment... I just thought you were someone I used to know."

A/N: Uh oh! Things are changing, and if you want to know how, then please review!