6
She stood at the cliff's edge, the salty wind blowing around her. She watched as the sun was setting, casting its vivid reflection upon the ocean before before her. The scene changed to a dark, watery cave where she stood with a house elf and a tall, lanky figure, in the middle of the crystal island. A green glow lit up the space between all three of them. The lanky figure backed away, heading towards the water's edge. Almost immediately after his hand touched the water, multiple small creatures, similarly sized to the house elf began to emerge, clawing their way up towards the figure. The figure backed up some, shouting at the elf.
Anna could see the dark clothes begin to be torn apart by the watery creatures as they tried to pull him back into the water with them. She felt her heart quicken, looking around to see creatures getting close from all around them. Annie didn't know why but her legs pushed her towards the figure in torn clothes, grabbing him by the shoulder and the elf by his outstretched hand.
Anna awoke with a jolt, her heart pounding in her ears. She looked around, finding the familiar comfort of her childhood bedroom. Her trunks were packed and set beside her door, waiting for the Hogwarts Express. It was September first of nineteen seventy-four; today would be the day she ventured back to Hogwarts with Frank and Alice for the last time. It was their seventh year, meaning they would be graduating and--if all went as they hoped, going into an Auror program. Anna tried not to think of it as she ensured she had her Quidditch gear packed up.
Alice and Frank had gotten her into playing Quidditch for the school her second year after they played often during holidays. Frank played for Gryffindor, as their Captain and Seeker since his fifth year. Anna was one of the Chasers, having taken Alice's old spot. Alice gave up Quidditch for Gryffindor at the beginning of her sixth year; her duties as prefect and the weight of school were too much to have Quidditch practice and games on top of it. Mother and Father both supported them fully, buying the newest brooms when their previous ones were broken beyond the means of simple repair.
“Anna! Come on, we'll miss the train if we don't leave within the hour!” Frank shouted from somewhere beyond her door. Anna threw herself back into the warm comfort of her bed; how dearly she would miss waking up late or the lack of homework.
“I'll be ready in a few moments!” Anna yelled back as she dragged herself out of bed and towards her wardrobe. She grabbed a black skirt and a blouse from the family’s trip to Italy weeks prior.
Anna boarded the train, sliding past other students to store away her trunk. Once it was away, Anna began her search for a compartment with any of her friends in it. She gave a small smile to some of the second-year Gryffindors she had helped with certain classes when she had time.
“Little Longbottom! There's our shining chaser!” Sirius called as she passed the compartment his friends were sitting in. She turned and gave a grin.
“You said it, Black! Potter can't yell at me for words you said!” Anna teased, giving a playful bow.
“Hey!” James shouted from the compartment, pushing Sirius and standing in the corridor.
“How about you join us, Longbottom? Talk Quidditch with us and plan for our first match,” James pushed his glasses up as he wiggled his brows.
“You only want me there to help you talk to Lily. That's not happening, Potter. The team can talk Quidditch together at dinner or this one thing we have scheduled called practice,” Anna rolled her eyes and turned, continuing her walk for her friends.
Walking past a few more compartments, she noticed Dorcas and Pandora with their Slytherin friends. The door was partially open. Anna walked up to it, seeing Evan, Regulus, and Barty. She knocked before opening the door slightly.
“Sorry to interrupt. Pans, Dors, have either of you seen my brother or Fortescue?” She could feel a glare on her from Regulus’ direction. Anna chose to ignore the feeling, the one-sided anger occurred ever since the one night of their first year when she bumped into him on accident.
The train lurched forward, causing Anna to clench on the door frame as Dorcas held a hand out in case.
“No, I haven't. I'm sorry, Annie,” Pandora apologised, “But Dorcas and I'll come find you later and catch up on each other's summers, yeah?”
“Sounds lovely, see you,” Anna stepped out of the compartment and closed the door back to its original placement. Looking up, Alice was walking towards her.
“Ali! I was looking for you and Frankie!” Anna met Alice partway, embracing the older witch.
“Frank's at the end of this car, I'd love to stay and talk but I have to go meet with the other Prefects. Lily and some of the girls should be a few more compartments down if you want to be with them,” Alice pointed over her shoulder.
“Thank you, Ali. I'll see you later,” Anna stepped aside for Alice to continue her journey towards the front of the train.
Anna approached the compartment with a familiar redhead, blonde, and brunette just as she heard Alice snapping at James. She looked over. James was coming in her direction, either to mess with her or bother Lily like he always did. Remus, Peter, and Sirius were all right behind him. Anna quickly stepped into the compartment and shut the door, locking it.
“Hi everyone, sorry for the abrupt entrance, but I think I just led Potter right to you, Lils,” Anna sat down beside Marlene.
Lily groaned, slouching and dropping her head on Mary's shoulder.
“I'm going to hex his mouth shut for the rest of the train ride if he tries to flirt again,” Lily straightened up, frowning. Anna shot Marlene and Mary a confused look.
“He already tried it when she and I boarded,” Marlene explained.
Anna barely had time to nod before she saw James and Sirius on the other side of the glass door. James tried the door, only to find it locked. The girls snickered as Sirius cast Alohomora on it. James quickly pushed the door open, leaning against the frame.
“Hey Evans,” Lily bolted up, drawing her wand as she approached James.
“Leave before I hex you to speak riddles for the rest of the train ride,” Lily threatened.
“I heard Potions is harder this year, I was wondering if you could help me out, Evans?” James asked, ignoring Lily's threat.
Remus and Peter appeared behind Sirius, Peter murmuring words of encouragement to James like he always did. Remus frowned, sending Anna and Lily apologetic looks.
“Potter, leave her alone. She and I have told you multiple times to bugger off,” Anna stood up, standing between Lily and James.
Both had grown over the summer, James especially. Lily was a few inches taller, but James was at least two heads taller than both girls. James, immediately noticing, ruffled her hair.
“Little Longbottom, you aren't intimidating when you're shorter than her and I,” James teased.
Anna frowned and stomped on James’ foot. James winced and raised his foot.
“Seems you forgot that there's a reason I'm a quick Chaser,” Anna snapped as Lily stepped around her.
“If you so desperately want me, Potter, you have to be nice to my friends, including Anna and Severus,” Lily pushed James back and shut the door in his face before he could say another word.
Anna frowned, watching Remus quietly scolding James. Peter helped push the louder, stubborn two of the group back to wherever they were before. Remus stepped back and gently knocked on the door. Mary nodded for him to open it and come in.
“I'm sorry, Lils. I'll make it up for him when we get to go to Hogsmeade,” Remus apologised.
“Thanks, Remus,” Lily accepted, a soft smile on her face.
“I don't see how either of you can stand playing with him,” Mary shook her head. Marlene and Anna shrugged.
The girls switched to the horseless carriages, letting themselves be dragged through the enchanted forest towards the castle. Anna stared out the window, looking for any creature that inhabited it, as it was a curiousity she had since her first year.
As the carriage rolled along the familiar path, the scenery began to change. The dense trees of the enchanted forest loomed on either side, their gnarled branches reaching out like twisted fingers. The leaves, yet to change into vibrant hues, rustled softly in the breeze. Shadows deepened as the line of carriages ventured further into the forest. The soft glow of lanterns hanging from the horseless carriages cast flickering patterns on the beaten path, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The girls fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in her thoughts as the carriage continued its steady journey.
Slowly, Hogwarts began to peek through the thick canopy of leaves. Tower spires reached high into the shifting sky, contrasting against the indigo and deep blue of the evening sky. Oranges, pinks, and purples blended to meet the Scottish mountains. The last night before their days were filled with classes, homework, and the Marauders causing mischief throughout the castle. Anna looked over at the girls accompanying her. Amazement and longing twinkled in Mary and Lily's eyes just like last school year, while Marlene kept fidgeting with a replica golden snitch.
"Hey, Marls," Anna called softly, the blonde looking up, "We'll do great just like last term."
Marlene nodded, glancing back at the snitch.
"I just can't help that something feeling weird already," Marlene mumbled. Anna didn't respond, slowly nodding in understanding. She hadn't felt anything weird yet, but that didn't mean Anna would invalidate what the witch felt.