Ira Potestas

Ron slid easily through the platform between platforms nine and ten. Harry followed close behind. The weather was gorgeous, and witches and wizards bustled cheerily about on platform 9 3/4. The colours were dazzlingly bright, and it was nicer than Harry had seen in a long time. His summer holidays on Privet Drive had been less than satisfactory. They were chatting excitedly, when Hermione Granger came into sight. She was a medium height girl, with curly brown hair and kind blue eyes. Her curls seemed to have calmed over the summer, and were now more wavy than bushy.

"Harry! Ron! There you are. Did you have a good summer?" she said, hugging each of them in turn. They grinned. They were both happy to see her.

"Not too bad," said Ron.

"Can't complain," said Harry, although he probably could, he had spent summer with the Dursleys, some of the most unpleasant muggles you could imagine. "What about you?"

"Quite good. My family and I went to Scotland for holiday."

"How'd it go?" Ron asked.

"Besides our car being attacked by a bull, fine. It was lucky that our car was built for crashes, because the bull did some nasty damage."

Harry and Ron laughed, and were still talking happily as they got settled into their seats on the Hogwarts express. Harry bought them a few treats from the trolley, and they sat, happily munching, and babbling on about old stories of Hogwarts and summer holidays. Harry, Ron and Hermione were just beginning their fifth year at Hogwarts. They had been friends since their first year, when they had been eleven years old.

The train ride, at first, was quite pleasant, and Harry had just relaxed comfortably into his seat, head resting against the window, and was about to drift off to sleep, when a familiar laugh sounded. They all groaned. Malfoy.

"Well, well, well. I think we should complain, don't you?" he said, speaking to Crabbe and Goyle who flanked him. "All this garbage, just lying about."

"Hello to you too," said Hermione, rolling her eyes. She was determined not to let Malfoy bother her this year. She turned back to her book, "Advanced Arithmancy, by Mariah Dudgen."

"Look, what do you want, Slytherin? I am going to count to three, and after that, I suggest you run because I have gone all through summer holidays without hitting you once and its starting to grate on my nerves," Ron snarled, who had made no such resolution.

"Temper." Malfoy grinned, and clicked his tongue. "If you remember correctly, I owe you a little something. You hit me with three separate curses last year, on this very train, and I should return the favour."

He drew his wand. Crabbe and Goyle did the same, although Harry doubted they would know which end to point with, they were about the thickest people Harry could imagine, excepting, perhaps, Dudley.

Harry was not seeker because of his looks. He had catlike reflexes, which would have made Clint Eastwood wince. He whipped out his wand.

"Expelliarmus," he cried and Malfoy found his wand blown out of his hand. Ron caught it neatly.

"I'm sorry, does this belong to you?" he taunted. "I was just thinking, since there's so much garbage just lying around, maybe we should clean up a bit, throw a few things away. This old wand is pretty useless. At least," he added nastily, "Useless to all the important, decent wizards on the train." He held Draco's wand between finger and thumb, and inched it towards the open window.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather get one of your big, bad brothers to get me for you, Weasley? You don't want to do anything rash without them to protect you. That's all your good at, cowering behind someone stronger than you. Only a complete hopeless git would spend his time in hiding, like you do."

"Oh, and what are those for, then?" Hermione shot, gesturing towards Crabbe and Goyle. "Decoration?"

They gritted their teeth, and moved menacingly towards Hermione. Malfoy waved a hand, and they stopped.

"What would you know about anything, mudblood?"

"That's it," said Ron, his face red and his patience pushed to it's very limits. "Bye bye, wand!" he said with relish, and dropped the wand.

Draco let out a gasp, and snatched Crabbe's wand from his hand. He shoved Ron out of the way and leaned as far out of the window as he dared, extending his arm as far as it would go.

"Accio Wand," he yelled. After a tense twenty seconds or so, his wand returned, and he caught it. He turned to glare at Ron.

"If you ever try that again, be very afraid for your life. I am not an unreasonable person, but if you come near my wand again, what's left of your life will be very, very unpleasant. I do hope you understood that very well because I'm not going to repeat it," he growled in a low, menacing voice. Then he turned and left, taking Crabbe and Goyle with him.

"Touchy, aren't we, Malfoy.”

************

"Gryffindor!" yelled the sorting Hat. "Kirshten, Harriet" took off the hat and carefully placed it back on the wooden stool, before scuttling to the Gryffindor table amidst waves of cheering and applause. She sat down next to Harry, who smiled at her kindly. She had a look of wonder on her face that Harry recognised from when he was a first year. She timidly returned the smile, and her eyes made the familiar jump to Harry's forehead, where his scar was visible. She gave a very slight, frightened squeak, and looked away. Harry sighed. Just once, it would be nice to not be identified by a mark on his head.

"Lightangle, Mary," called Professor McGonagall.

"Hufflepuff!"

Slowly, McGonagall worked through the list of first year students. The cheers from the students were loud and enthusiastic and lasted from "Appelby, Jonathon" all the way down to "Zaire, Catherine" without tiring. Dumbledore smiled as he stood up to address the Hogwarts students.

"I have a few announcements, before we all bury our faces in the delectable feast. On a sad note, Susan Bones and Tara Bones from Hufflepuff will be leaving our school. The Bones family is moving to Canada. They will be missed, certainly. On a lighter note, we have invited two new fifth year students to fill in the empty spaces. They will be sorted here today."

"New students?" Hermione whispered. "New fifth year students?"

"Lilya Black," called Professor McGonagall. Through the doors of the great hall sauntered a black haired girl with large green eyes. She was quite pretty in a graceful sort of way. She had a faint smile on her face as she looked at the room around her. Raising her eyebrow slightly, she surveyed the other students, who were watching her in mild surprise. She sneered disdainfully. When she saw the sorting hat, she actually laughed out loud. Taking it between finger and thumb, Lilya gingerly placed it on her head. The sorting hat took a long time thinking.

Hmmmm, it was thinking in her ear. Bit of a dreamer, quite a clever one too. Good-natured, if a bit self important. Talented, curious. Its a good mind, girl, hope things turn out well at Hogwarts for you. Well, Well. Perhaps a bit too condescending for your own good. Plenty of talent, no doubt about that. I think...SLYTHERIN!

...It called. Amid the applause, Lylia grinned and headed for the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy had a very strange look on his face as she sat down.

McGonagall cleared her throat. "Aniana Drew," she called.

The second girl's attitude was very different. Eyebrows were raised in her direction as she tossed her wavy red hair that fell down to the small of her back. It was even more hot and fiery than the Weasleys'. She looked absolutely worry free. She was chewing a piece of gum and smiling comically. She looked out into the audience of Hogwarts students and winked. Than she slinked up to the stool, flipped her shower of hair and placed the sorting hat overtop of it. This time the hat took very little time to decide.

An easier one this time, it thought, Courageous, strong willed, fiery sort of person. A bit hotheaded too, if you don't mind my saying so, my dear. Ah, I can see you have a good heart, and are always looking for a new friend. You would do very well in GRYFFINDOR!

...It cried. Aniana laughed at the gales of applause and made a fake, old fashioned bow to the Gryffindor table, amid laughter and more cheering. The Slytherins scowled.

Aniana threw herself down into the seat beside Harriet Kirshten.

"And now, the much awaited feast!" Dumbledore called, and the plates were filled with everything you could possibly want or think of.

Ron was staring at Aniana Drew with a new look in his eyes. He felt inexplicably nervous, even though he usually had no problem talking to new people. He normally wasn't in the least bit shy. He wanted more than anything to talk to her but was terrified to do so.

Seamus, meanwhile, had no such issue. He slapped her on the back jovially.

"Welcome to Gryffindor," he said.

"Thanks," she grinned. She had a strange accent. It was like an American accent, but with a strange lilt that seemed to soften the sharpness of her speech. She pronounced her R's thickly.

"So you're American, then, are you?" asked Seamus

"Canadian," she said "You would be surprised how many people mistake me for American. I just moved here from Canada a few months ago."

"Is it nice there?"

"Well we get *much* colder winters there, but also much hotter summers."

"My brother Charlie's been to Canada," Ron said. He had worked up the courage to speak but not to look into Aniana's eyes as he did so. His eyes were fixed on his plate. "He said he nearly froze solid. He was out finding this Canadian species of dragon that you can't find anywhere else. It was called the gold skinned something. I can't remember..."

"Gold skinned ridgeback?" asked Aniana.

"Yeah."

"Pride of the country. Beautiful beasts."

"Why'd you move to England?" asked Harry.

"Both parents have relatives here and my Mum can find a good job. My Dad too, I suppose, but not such a good one."

"Why is that?"

"Mum's a witch, Dad's a muggle."

"I see."

The conversation continued at a lively pace. Everyone was extremely interested in Aniana, and even Ron contributed, although he was never quite able to look Aniana in the eyes. She was a high spirited girl, but obviously, from her stories, not one to cross. Harry liked her. Especially since she didn't judge him by his scar. She hadn't noticed at all, in fact, or if she did, she did a very good job of hiding it. When he introduced himself, her eyebrows raised briefly, but she made no comment about his reputation or his heritage. Not long after, when their bellies were fit to burst, they were shown to their dormitories and given the password, "Seastreak". Hermione and Ginny showed Aniana up to the girls dormitory. Ron and Harry trudged tiredly up to their own rooms. Harry yawned and stretched, and sat down on his bed.

"What do you think of the new girl?” Harry asked

Ron gave a start, as if he had just been asked an extremely shocking question.

"Oh, I like her. She's nice. Well, not just nice. That makes her seem boring. She's interesting. And exciting and nice. But not only nice, also exciting and interesting.” Ron coughed. Harry burst out laughing.

"God, all you need now is for your pupils to turn into hearts whenever she's around.”

"What's that supposed to mean?” said Ron sharply, although he was already pretty sure of the answer.

"I think you know.”

"Oh sod off,” Ron snapped. Harry chuckled to himself. Ron sat up suddenly.

"And if you mention a word of this to anyone I will pull out your eyeballs and replace them with sticks of dynamite.”

"Alright, alright,” Harry said, and Ron relaxed slightly "Lovebird” Harry added under his breath. Ron gritted his teeth.

**************

"Lilya! God, its been a long time,” Aniana said in her usual laid-back manner. Lylia Black smiled, gently.

"It sure has, Anna. I had no idea that it was going to be you taking up the other space at Hogwarts! Congrats!” Lilya smiled.

"You too.”

"How long has it been?"

"Far too long. Four years, I think." Lilya sighed "When My family came over to Canada for Sabbatical and moved in next to you. I was thrilled when I heard that you had moved to England."

"So was I. I love it here, and, of course, you're here."

Ron goggled at the two. There were no two people more dissimilar than Lilya Black and Aniana Drew that he could think of.

"So how are you doing here? Met any new friends?”

"Yes, actually. His name is Draco Malfoy.”

Ron choked. Lilya glanced at him, then sneered condescendingly and turned back to Aniana.

"Oh, have you met Ron?” said Aniana. Ron shook Lilya's hand gingerly, because Aniana wanted him to, but she had not made a good first impression. He had decided not to like her.

"Aniana? We have potions now,” he said quietly, still unable to meet her eyes. What was wrong with him?

"Alright. I'll have to see you later, Lily.”

"Bye!”

Aniana went with Ron down to the potions classroom. She was rather puzzled about Ron. He seemed a nice enough guy, and he was friendly towards her, but every time she tried to start a conversation, he would be incredibly unresponsive. Aniana liked to know who her friends were and who her enemies were. It was frustrating to have a friendly guy who doesn't want anything to do with you.

Potions. Aniana hated dungeons. Hated them with a passion. Anything underground made her feel stifled. But a class was a class, so she had to go. She walked stiffly into the dungeon to take her seat.

"Good morning, class,” Snape muttered, as he bustled into the classroom. He set his black eyes upon Aniana. She could almost see the cogs working under his slimy hair. The bastard was planning to pick on her because she was a new student.

"Crew, is it?” Snape sneered at her

"Drew, sir. Aniana Drew.”

"I hope your previous teachers have not been coddling you. If so, you will have an extremely difficult time in my class. Tell me, Miss Drew, which member of the adavus family of poisonous plants can be used as an invisibility potion, and how is it made?”

The other students looked nervous. None of them, save Hermione, knew the answer to this question. Snape was just picking on the new student. Then Aniana surprised them all.

She leaned comfortably into her chair. "You know perfectly well that I have no idea.” She sighed. She was a bit afraid of Snape, she had known many people like him before, and all of them were viciously unpleasant. But she had taught herself. Show no weakness. If you do, they will target it. Aniana pretended to stifle a yawn. She was not going to let this creep bother her.

"What did you say, girl?”

"I'm pretty sure you heard me. I am perfectly happy to answer your questions within reason. We don't learn about the adavus plant family until sixth year. Of course I don't know the answer.”

"Ten points from Gryffindor and a detention. Don't talk back to me, Drew.”

Aniana swore inwardly but shrugged. She had made a new enemy. Snape called on her for every single question that class, even when she didn't have her hand up.

Something very strange was beginning to happen. It was very faint, and only Hermione, who was particularly observant noticed. Aniana's eyes were changing. They had a very slight yellow tinge to them. As the class went on, they went even darker, and became a fiery shade of orange. Hermione watched in horror as they darkened to blood red. Aniana suddenly seemed to realise something was wrong and put her head down, shading her eyes to the rest of the class. Her fists were clenched so hard, her knuckles were white, and her nails were biting onto her skin. Without raising her face, Aniana said, "Professor Snape, may I be excused? I have a...headache."

Snape glared at her. "I will have no excuses in my class. I don't believe anything is wrong with you. Turn to page 304 in "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi"."

"Sir-"

"Miss Drew, I have had enough of these disturbances. One more word out of you and I will give you another detention."

Aniana stood up suddenly and left the room.

"Miss Drew, come back here."

"Tell it to my fist, Snape, if you piss me off any more," Aniana yelled back.

"I will be speaking to Professor Dumbledore about this!"

"Fuck you."

There was a long silence.

"Class dismissed," hissed Snape and everyone silently got their books together and left.

"What the hell happened in there?" Seamus Finnigan said when they were out of the classroom.

"Not that I don't thoroughly appreciate everything she did to Snape, but, she went completely ballistic!" Harry added.

"I think she did well. I wish I could do that," Ron muttered.

"Yeah, well, you would," Harry said under his breath, so only Ron could hear him. Ron smacked him playfully in the back of the head.

They didn't see Aniana again until lunch. She sat down and smiled cheerfully at all of them. Her eyes were back to normal.

"Please pass the mashed potatoes," she said, as if nothing had happened.

"Aniana," Ginny said breathlessly, "is what they're saying true?" Ginny hadn't been present at potions.

"Well that depends on what they're saying." Aniana grinned

"About you in potions."

"Oh, that. I was a bit grumpy."

"Grumpy! You told Severus Snape, potions master to Fuck off!" said Parvati in astonishment.

Aniana shrugged. She was enjoying the attention. "I don't like him."

"Well that goes without saying. Nobody likes him. But you don't go around telling people to fuck off, just because you don't like them."

"Thank you, mother.”

"Why not? Works for Malfoy," Ron muttered

"Draco Malfoy?" Aniana asked, suddenly interested.

"Uh, yeah," Ron said. By now, he wasn't even sure what Aniana's eyes looked like, he avoided them so often.

"Lilya was telling me about him. He seems nice."

For a long while, all the Gryffindors could do was stare at her with their mouths open.

"What?" she asked.

"Draco Malfoy, nice?" Harry shuddered. "You can't use both those words in the same sentence. It's unnatural."

"What about "Harry Potter" and "Sex life". You definitely can't use those words in the same sentence," Draco Malfoy drawled as he passed their table.

Harry gestured frantically towards Malfoy. "See!" he spluttered. "That's what I'm talking about!"

"He's a total jerk!" Ginny said, glaring at him.

"Lilya wouldn't date a jerk!" Aniana said indignantly, and then turned white, as she realised she had said something she shouldn't have.

"Who's dating who?" Parvati said, suddenly extremely interested.

"Shut up! I didn't say that!"

"Didn't say what?"

"Shut up!" Aniana turned scarlet.

"If you don't want to talk, why mention it?" Parvati muttered

Next, the Gryffindors had a free period. They all headed up to the common room to work on homework, or, as the case may be, waste time. Parvati arrived first. She screeched. The rest of the Gryffindors rushed up to see what the matter was.

"Oh, dear," whispered Hermione.

The common room was trashed. Tables overturned, walls smashed, everything seemed to have been attacked by a savage bull in a rage. Everyone stared at the wreckage, stunned.

"I'll go get a teacher," Hermione said, before quickly sprinting away.

"What the hell happened to this place?" Harry said, picking up a chunk of solid oak that had been broken from the table. "Who could have done damage like this?"

"It was probably Snape," said Neville. "Because he was mad about Aniana back talking him in potions."

"Don't be daft. Why would Snape wreck the common room when he could just assign a month's detention?" Seamus pointed out.

"Maybe he had a nervous breakdown," Ron said hopefully.

Harry snorted. "Not bloody likely."

"We should go to the library. If we hang around here we might disturb any clues. We don't want to muss up the crime scene," Parvati said.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Excellent suggestion, Watson."

"We should head to the library, though. We can discuss it there," Harry said, and they all ambled up the stairs, talking excitedly.

**************

"Harry, you up for a game of chess? I just got a new board from Hogsmeade. It's one of the new ones, where the pieces have individual fighting styles and personalities."

"I'm not really into chess," Harry said apologetically.

"Hermione?"

"Sorry, Anna."

Aniana sighed. "No one will play with me," she said in a mock-sulky voice. "Lavender, what about you?"

"Chess? Moi? You must be joking."

Aniana set up the pieces on the board. It really was a spectacular set, made of clean, shiny black and white marble. Each face was unique and delicately chiseled. It came with a shiny rosewood case for the pieces and board, lined with velvet. She idly amused herself by ordering the pieces about, to see how they worked. Harry had a sudden idea. His face split into an evil grin.

"Ron, why don't you play chess with Aniana?"

Ron jumped. "Um, uh, well."

"Oh yeah, Ron, of course. You love chess. He's really good, I've never won a game against him," said Hermione, who had no idea about Ron's nervousness around Aniana and was trying to be nice.

"Well, I, um."

"Oh, come on, Ron, It'll be fun. What's the matter, afraid you'll lose?" Aniana said mischievously.

"Alright, you're on," he said, although he sounded a hell of a lot more confident than he felt.

"Well, I think I'll go check out the common room, and see how investigations are going," said Harry. "Wanna come, Herm?"

"Sure," said Hermione.

"Bye," said Ron, but he was looking at Harry with a look that clearly said, "I am going to beat you to death with your own spine."

"Bye," Harry said angelically.

He and Hermione left the library.

"What was that all about?" asked Hermione

"What?"

"Ron gave you his death threat look. He only does that when he's really mad," said Hermione.

Harry snickered. "Well, he has this tiny, little, humongous, gargantuan, obsessive crush on her."

"A tiny, little, humungous, gargantuan, obsessive crush?"

"Only a small one."

"A small, tiny, little, humungous, gargantuan, obsessive crush?"

"Precisely. Except I don't think he knows it yet."

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"Yes."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Remind me again why I hang around you?"

"Because of my rugged good looks?"

"Guess again."

"Because I beat the hell out of Malfoy?"

Hermione rolled her eyes again. "Yeah, that must be it."

The common room was being tidied by a dozen house elves bustling about. Nothing seemed to have been harmed too much, just beaten about a bit. Hermione suggested they go talk to the Fat Lady. She was pacing nervously around in her frame, and twisting her white cotton handkerchief around in her hands.

"Nobody out of the ordinary came by,” she said distractedly. "Whoever it was must have been in Gryffindor"

"Why on earth would a Gryffindor want to trash their own common room?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Search me, dear," said the Fat Lady

Harry gave Hermione a puzzled look. "Well, this investigations going nowhere fast. Wanna head back to the library? See how Ron's doing?"

"Alright. But don't tease Ron, Okay?"

"But I tease, therefore, I am!"

"Just cut it out," said the kindhearted Hermione.

"Alright, alright, I know. I hope he knows I didn't mean anything by that back there. But you can see why I did it. He's not going to get to know her at all if he's always hiding from her."

"Yeah, I understand."

They came to the door of the library. "What d'you want to bet that Ron is hyperventilating right now?" grinned Harry.

"Not one more word, Harry Potter," warned Hermione. But when they opened the doors, not only was Ron not hyperventilating, he seemed to be having a pretty good time. He was laughing and joking with Aniana, who had been laughing so hard her face was turning red. She looked on the verge of hyperventilation herself, from her hysterical laughter...

"Pawn takes knight!" she cried, and the little chess pieces slid over, and had a very interesting and graphic battle scene before the pawn triumphed. Aniana took the knight and placed it back in the box, where instantly it's wounds healed and it looked shiny and inanimate again, all ready for the next game.

"Hah ha, but you didn't see did you? My pawn reached the end of the board and now it's become super pawn, also known as queen. Hand it over." Aniana handed Ron's queen over, chuckling, which he switched for the pawn. "And now, my super pawn, move to B6. Checkmate!"

"OOOOh, dammit," swore Aniana. The remaining chess pieces hopped from their squares and shook each other's hands squeaking "Good Game" in tiny little voices. Ron and Aniana did the same.

"Oh, well. Looks like you put up a good fight, but Ron always wins at chess. He's unbeatable," Hermione said. Ron beamed.

"Don't be so sure. I beat him at two out of three games," Aniana said.

They all looked at Ron, surprised "Its true! she's a whiz!" he said.

"Wow," Harry said. He was genuinely surprised.

"You up for another game?" asked Ron

"Why not." They began to set up the chess pieces.

They played together for another hour or so, until Aniana tired of the game and left to see how the house elves were doing with the cleaning of the common room. Lavender and Neville went as well.

Harry whistled. "Wow, real romantic date, Ron. Wanna get to know a girl, invite her around for chess."

"This was your idea, remember? And it wasn't a date," Ron said absent-mindedly. He put his chin in his hands and stared dreamily off into space.

Hermione was looking sternly at Harry "Remember your promise..."

"Ok, ok," muttered Harry.

Ron hadn't noticed a word of this, and was still staring off into space, sighing. Harry got out some History of Magic homework and Hermione began to read an enormously thick book, entitled "The Lifespan of the Canadian Gold Skinned Ridgeback". She was looking for an idea for a birthday present for Aniana, who's birthday was in a few months. Dragons, and more specifically, the Gold Skinned Ridgeback were Aniana's favourite creature. Harry and Ron had called her crazy, but that was Hermione, always prepared for everything nature could throw at her. After a while, Neville came in. "The common room is okay now, we can go back if we like." So, still chattering like maniacs, the Gryffindors swarmed down to the common room.

********************

Aniana sat quietly on her bed. She was carefully examining a small, black stone, attached to a velvet band. It glistened brightly in the half light, sparkling tantalisingly. In the seemingly infinite, black, deep stone, Aniana could see her own face reflected. Hers, but also distorted, powerful, different. Aniana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She reached behind her head to put the amulet around her neck and fasten the clasp.

"Anna, there you are!" Ginny burst through the doors. In only a few weeks, the two girls had become close friends. "What are you doing?"

Aniana dropped the necklace. "Nothing," she said. "Just thinking."

"Well, we're late for supper. Are you coming?"

Aniana wrapped the amulet in some black velvet and placed it carefully into the drawer in her bedside table. She locked it, and protected the lock with several small spells that she knew. She needed this amulet to be safe.

"Sure." Aniana made a quick stop by the mirror, and brushed her soft, silky hair until it fell around her face in a smooth, red sheen. "Alright, I'm ready. Lets go."

The two walked through the portal and down to the great hall. They looked very much alike. Aniana was the taller, if only by a little. They had similar, angular features and the same shape of eyes. Aniana's hair was a lighter shade of red than Ginny's, and it was slightly curly. Ginny's hair was straight and dark red. Aniana's eyes were sky blue, and Ginny's light green. They even walked somewhat the same way.

In the great hall, everything was buzzing. The story of the Gryffindor common room had gotten around to all the houses. Aniana's adventure with Snape was also being discussed with avid interest. The Slytherins were sneering at the security of the common room, the Gryffindors were outraged, and the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuffs were just bemused. The problem was they didn't have any suspects. Nobody had either the power, or the motives to trash the common room that severely. Aniana and Ginny sat down next to Lavender Brown, Harry and Ron. Hermione wasn't there for some reason.

"Where's Hermione?" asked Ginny

"We don't know," said Harry, worriedly

Ginny was about to enquire some more when Dumbledore stood up and called for attention.

"Every one, I have an announcement," he yelled above the noise. The students slowly quieted. "In one month, because of votes, petitions, and suggestions to the point, there will be a ball held for students in fourth year onward. I know, it is unusual to have a ball this time of year, but at a prefects meeting, it was decided to be an excellent way to help communications between the different Hogwarts houses."

"A dance!" Harry whispered to Ron, horrified.

Ron didn't answer. He was staring at Aniana. Harry rolled his eyes.

"What?" asked Ron, without taking his eyes away from Drew.

"Do you need a bucket?" Harry asked.

"What for?"

"To hold your drool."

Ron looked sharply at him. "Will you shut up?"

Harry laughed to himself, which only made Ron angrier. "Look, you are being totally immature. Just leave me alone! I like the girl, okay? Is that alright with you, mister famous Harry Potter?" Harry had really struck a nerve. He was stunned.

"What's your problem?" he said angrily. "I was just-"

"Just what, Harry? What were you trying to achieve?" Heads were being turned in their direction, as Ron was getting angrier, he was also getting quite a lot louder. Ron stood up suddenly.

Harry stood up too. "You really are pathetic, you know that, Ron? Why can't you bloody well take things without throwing a fit? God, look, I'm outta here. I don't have to take this from you." And he stormed off. Ron sank slowly into his seat, and covered his face with one hand.

"Ron?" said a gentle voice. It was Aniana. "Is something the matter?" She sat down next to him, and patted him on the shoulder.

"What isn't the matter?" Ron pushed his plate away, and looked straight into her eyes "Thanks, Aniana, but I'd rather handle it myself." She didn't push.

"Alright, then," she said. Ron rose, and left the great hall. Aniana sighed, and went to wait at the doors for Lilya. She finished at the Slytherin table and went over to meet her.

"Hey, Anna, can you believe it? A dance! I know who I'm bringing." She waved at Draco Malfoy. He smiled and blew a kiss. Lilya giggled a bit. Aniana was surprised. Lilya was usually so serious. What had come over her?

"Who are you going to ask to the dance?" asked Lilya, once they had left the great hall. Aniana had been about to ask the same question, when Draco Malfoy had waved at her.

"Oh, I'm not sure."

"You could always just wait to be asked. A pretty girl like you has boys lining up to kiss your hand." Aniana hit Lilya's shoulder playfully.

"Do not," she said. But it was true, she got many appreciative glances from boys in the hallways. She disapproved of these. If these boys liked her, they could bloody well talk to her face. She wasn't just a pair of pretty eyes and a long head of hair. She was an interesting, friendly person, and she would not look twice at anyone who took her for less than that.

"There's always Seamus Finnigan," said Aniana thoughtfully. "I like him, I talk to him all the time. He's a sweet guy."

"What about clothes?”

"I think I'll wear that black sweater with silver trim, and that blue skirt that we bought in Hogsmeade."

"You mean you don't have a dress?" Lilya inquired.

"I wasn't expecting to go to a dance," Aniana said reasonably

"I have a few that would fit you. Come along to the Slytherin common room on Wednesday at six o clock. The password's "Bloodstar" But don't tell anyone else."

"Alright then," said Aniana, laughing, and the conversation turned to more serious topics.

Lilya lowered her voice. "Dad sent me a letter yesterday.”

Aniana felt terrible. She had been so busy with classes and other Gryffindors that she had missed a letter from Sirius. Lilya's father was currently on the run from Azkaban. Both Lilya and Aniana were convinced that he was innocent.

"Oh, Lily, I'm sorry. I know how important to you these letters are.”

Lilya waved her hand airily. "Don't worry about it. Dad said to say hi, by the way. I told him about you.”

"Where is he?”

"He wouldn't say. I have the letter here, though, would you like to see?”

Lilya took the letter out of her breast pocket. It was neatly folded, and addressed to "Lilya A. Black, from S. Black.”

Dear Lilya, it read.

How's your year going? I hope that old bastard Snape isn't bothering you too much. Knowing Snape, he'll probably give you a hard time, just because I'm your father. We weren't all that friendly at school.

I'm not going to say where I am right now, just in case, but I'm feeling quite a lot better. They don't speak English here, and its warm and sunny. I've even become a family's "dog” in my animagus form.

I do hope you're working hard in classes, and I expect you to send me a copy of your year end report UNTAMPERED WITH at the end on this year. I don't think there will be a problem, though. You're an intelligent girl.

That Draco Malfoy person you told me about, be careful around him. His father is Lucius Malfoy, and you shouldn't trust him. It is against my better judgement to allow you to continue seeing him at all, but I don't believe that just because I am your father I have the right to govern your life. I won't order you not to hang around this boy, but I will advise you against it. Never trust a Malfoy. I think you should just hang around Aniana. She's a girl you can trust.

Work hard, robin. I miss you.

Sincerely,

Dad

Aniana looked up from the letter. Lilya had tiny tears forming in her eyes, but she hurriedly wiped them away. "That's, um, the whole letter.”

"Oh, Lily, you should be happy. He's doing well now.”

"Oh, I know. But I still miss him. We'd better go up to our dormitories now, Anna."

They said goodnight, and Aniana turned and climbed up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room. Ginny was waiting for her in the girls dormitory.

"Hi, Gin," said Aniana cheerfully. "Have a date for the dance in mind?"

Ginny yawned. "Not really. Your late. You're lucky you weren't caught." She pointed at the clock. It was half an hour past curfew.

"Oops."

Ginny looked at Aniana curiously. "You were hanging around with that Slytherin girl, Black, were you?"

"Yeah. I think you'd really like her, Gin. You two are my best friends, its so frustrating that you two won't meet each other. If you would stop being so stubborn..."

"I don't make friends with Slytherins," Ginny said bluntly. She saw the look on Aniana's face and relented. "I'm sorry, Anna. Its just that I have a lot of bad experience with Slytherins. They generally don't like me because I'm a Weasley."

"She is a bit... haughty, but once you get to know her..."

"Alright, if it means that much to you, I will. But I won't stand for any of this Condescending "Muggle-loving Weasley" nonsense if she starts it."

"Deal," said Aniana. She paused. "What about, "Useless fourth year Gryffindor" nonsense, will you stand for that?"

Ginny threw a pillow at her. "Oh, go to sleep," she laughed.

********************

Ron's evening was not so calm and enjoyable. Harry had found Hermione and told her the entire story from his point of view. Hermione was trying hard not to take sides, but she was a bit cold towards Ron, and he could tell what she thought of the whole affair. He didn't know what made him lash out at Harry like that, but the thought of the things Harry had said still made his blood boil with anger. After they had arrived in the common room, Harry had called him a drab, useless little nothing. Tempers had risen and Ron made a comment about Harry's parents. Even now he regretted it. He had been so angry, he hadn't thought about what he said until afterwards, when it was too late to take it back. Harry had stood there and looked stunned for a few moments. Then his face had hardened.

"You're never going to get her, you know," Harry had said, in a low, dangerous voice. "She'll find someone smarter, handsomer, more interesting and you leave you all alone. If you come near her, she'll laugh in your face."

Ron beat his pillow viciously with his fist. What did he know? He cared too much about Aniana to give up. He respected her, enjoyed talking with her, loved he-

Oh, my god.

*********************

"Terry, hi,” Ginny chirped. The fifth year Ravenclaw smiled and winked at her

"Hello, starling.” Terry Boot had asked Ginny to the dance. It was really quite flattering. He seemed to really like her. He put his arm over her shoulder as they walked down the hall.

"Starling? You have a pet name for me and we haven't gone on our first date yet?”

"What can I say? I love the best.”

Ginny blushed, but she was quite pleased. "You are so sweet.”

He kissed her softly on one cheek. It was only a quick peck, but Ginny had to catch her breath. "Terry-”

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.”

Ginny was unused to all this attention, and she was loving it. She gave him a quick hug before she had to leave for the Gryffindor table. Her cheeks darkened pleasurably when he blew a kiss at her.

Aniana had coaxed Lilya over to the Gryffindor table to meet Ginny. Ginny smiled, and shook Lilya's hand, but with a look of slight distaste. Lilya had the sneer on that she usually saved for Gryffindors. Aniana gritted her teeth. Why did they have to be so closed minded?

"Um, Lilya, how are classes going?" asked Aniana, making an attempt at conversation.

"Not bad. Snape is a real nightmare, lately, though."

"Tell me about it," said Ginny, but only to please Aniana. She would rather not be in the conversation at all.

Okay, Good, thought Aniana. They agree on something. It's a start.

"Poor Sally Frodo from Slytherin accidentally covered her potions partner in erasing potion. They couldn't find her for hours," said Lilya.

"Did Snape take any points off Slytherin?" asked Ginny

"No. He gave her detention."

"Of course," muttered Ginny.

"And what," asked Lilya, "is that supposed to mean?"

"Snape favours Slytherins, of course."

Uh, oh, thought Aniana. Danger.

"Oh, you Gryffindors have an excuse for everything. If you lose the house cup its because," Lilya put on a wimpy, whinging voice, "Snape doesn't like us. He picks on us. Nothing is ever our fault."

"Shut up, Black."

"Hey, hey, hey," said Aniana soothingly "Calm down you two."

"I told you this was a bad idea," said both Ginny and Lilya together.

"Shut up, the both of you!" yelled Aniana. She had lost her temper with the both of them. Her eyes began to glitter hotly. "You won't even give each other a chance. You're just ready to judge them at first sight because of their house."

"Don't yell at me, this wasn't my idea," shrieked Ginny.

"Oh, go play with the rest of the children, Gryffindor," Lilya spat.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" yelled Aniana. Her eyes gleamed darkly. She banged her goblet down on the table and stormed off.

They were silent for a while.

"Did you see her eyes?" ventured Ginny. "They went all... wild and harsh."

"You mean she hasn't told you?"

"Told me what?"

"If she hasn't told you its not my place to," sneered Lilya, with a hint of a smirk on her face. "Maybe you're just untrustworthy."

"Rich coming from a filthy little Slytherin like you."

"Watch it, Weasley," Said Lilya. "You don't have your brothers here to save your neck." She slunk away. "Bitch,” muttered Ginny.

**************

Aniana was settled on a stone bench outside. The weather was just turning colder, and she was shivering a bit. Her heavy cloak was gathered around her, and she was wearing, for some reason, a very dark pair of sunglasses.

Ron was standing quietly behind her. He kept stepping forward and opening his mouth, as if to speak, and then thinking better of it and retreating again. He was looking around nervously. It took a full four minutes of this be fore he managed to work up enough courage to timidly approach her and talk to her.

"Um, hi Aniana?" Ron mumbled.

"Hi Ron," she said distractedly, without looking up.

"I want to talk to you about something..."

"Ron, this really isn't a good time," she said, and every word was tense, as if she was making an extreme effort to get them out.

"It's about the ball." Ron's mind was set. It was now or never. "Its kind of important to me..."

"Go away, Ron," she said bluntly.

"Would you like to-"

"I'm sorry, Ron, but not right now. It would be best if you just went away," Aniana said

"Anna, is something-"

"For gods sake, Ron. Just go."

Ron stared. And stared. Then he turned and walked off without another sound.

*****************

"And she told me to go away, so I left," Ron said hollowly. Hermione listened, openmouthed.

"She can't have meant that, though..."

"Oh, believe me, she did," he replied bitterly.

"It doesn't make any sense, Anna wouldn't do anything that hurtful."

"Well she did," Ron said. He felt as though all his insides had been drained.

"If she did, than she was no good anyway. Would you really want to go to the ball with someone who would do something like that?"

"As long as it was Aniana?" Ron said. "Yes."

Hermione bit her lip. She had never seen Ron like this. She didn't know what to say. "We have Horology next, Ron."

"You go on."

"You aren't coming to class?"

"No."

"Skipping class is an automatic detention."

Ron shrugged. "Don't care."

"Ron, come on. It's not as though she hates you or anything. She was probably just stressed out about something and wanted to be alone," Hermione said, although she thought this was pretty unlikely. "Are you gonna be okay?"

"Oh, probably. I don't know. You go on to class, I don't want to get you detention."

"Are you sure?"

Ron nodded.

"I'll take notes for you."

"Sure. Whatever. Thanks Hermione," Ron said, staring off into space. Hermione patted his shoulder sympathetically before walking slowly off to the next class. Peeves bothered her on the way, pushing a suit of armour down in her path. She had no patience with Peeves. She righted the armour using Wingardium Leviosa and used the tongue tied curse on Peeves. He screeched incoherently and whooshed away. Muttering about Peeves under her breath, Hermione approached the greenhouses. Then she stopped. How dare that bitch do that to Ron. He had probably thought about it for weeks, and once he finally gets up the courage, she sneers and ignores him? Who did she think she was? Hermione balled her hands up into fists and went to look for Aniana. Up in the Gryffindor girls' dormitory, Aniana had a copy of her schedule taped to the wall by her bed. Hermione ran her finger across it. She was going to Care Of Magical Creatures Running as fast as her legs would carry her, Hermione caught up as she was just leaving the castle.

"What's up, Herm?" asked Aniana good-naturedly

"I need to talk to you," hissed Hermione violently

Aniana had been talking with Lilya as they walked to Care of Magical Creatures. Lilya looked sharply at Hermione.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"I need," said Hermione, gripping Aniana painfully on the arm, "to speak with Drew."

Aniana turned to Lilya. "You go on. I think this is important."

Lilya scowled, but continued on her way. Aniana turned to Hermione. She looked concerned "What's the matter?"

"What you did to Ron, is the matter. He feels terrible."

Aniana looked at her feet, ashamed. "It's not so simple, Herm. I really am sorry. It wasn't about him..."

"Damn well better not have been. You treated him like crap!"

"I know, I'm sorry, but..."

"Its not me you need to be apologizing to. It's Ron."

"Look, I acted the way I did because of matters beyond my control. I didn't mean to say the things I did, but I did, you will have to just take my word for it that I didn't mean it."

"Oh, so then its all better now. You could at least take responsibility for it, instead of trying to weasel out of the blame. What on earth would make you...Oh my god."

"What?"

Hermione stared penetratingly into Aniana's deep eyes. "I know what you are."