Anastasia knew fear. It was something that always accompanied her. Though not in the form most people would think.
She had no fear of the dark and ghosts. Rather, she feared death and isolation. The thought of disappearing from the world as death consumed you scared her. The thought of not having anyone by your side scared her even more.
What happened earlier, was it a dream? Or another vision? Whatever it is, it scared her. It all felt too real and vivid.
The feeling of drowning was painful. Even more so when you couldn't even die. Anastasia felt like she was drowning. No, she was sure of it. The feeling of water filling in her lungs in a painful way was there, yet somehow she couldn't die. All she could do was endure that feeling.
Anastasia clutched her broomstick and cased bag as she thought more about it. She tried to shake off the memory and instead continued walking down the streets of Hogsmeade.
Quite a few people stared at her in worry and curiosity once noticing her clothes. Obviously wondering what a Hogwarts student was doing in Hogsmeade at night. But they soon left her alone once they noticed the permission scroll she was holding along with the case.
Just like the last time, she visited the post office. She was immediately greeted by Athanasius who stood up from his table upon noticing her.
" Ah, Miss Glasswater! It's nice to see you again. You have new letters to give again? ", said Athanasius .
Anastasia politely nodded at him. " Yes. Much more than the last time. ", she said before going through the shelves of boxes. Luckily, due to her experience the last time, she now did her letter placement faster in order to save time.
Every now and then, Athanasius would check up on her to see if she needs help. " I'm quite curious as to why your ' boss ' seems to be sending letters to high ranking noble families though. "
" I also have no idea on what they're talking about. ", Anastasia answered simply.
In just 10 minutes, Anastasia was able to place all the letters to their boxes. She contentedly smiled before walking away.
" Come again! "
The post office's door has already closed by the time Athanasius finished his sentence, not giving anytime for Anastasia to answer. Instead, she waved at him through the window before walking towards her next and last destination.
She was tasked to meet Mr. Lestrange just like the last time. Though this time, at a different location.
Anastasia opened the door to Dervish and Banges, flinching slightly at the coldness of the doorknob. The store was filled with multiple instruments. There weren't many people in the store at this hour, she could count that there were only two people, five if the storekeeper, Anastasia, and Mr. Lestrange are included.
Mr. Lestrange was easy to find. He was in a corner inspecting the small instruments laid on a table. Anastasia then walked over to him. " Mr. Lestrange. Good evening. ", she greeted.
The old man turned around and smiled upon noticing her. " Ah, little girl, it's you again. "
Now that Anastasia could see him better than before, she noticed a few things about him. He had blue eyes, though they almost looked grey. He let out bright energy whenever he smiled. Not literally, just seems like it.
Anastasia handed him the envelope filled with documents. He accept it before inspecting it for a bit. " Hmmm... That kid seems to have gained more Intel than before.... ", he muttered.
Kid? Who? Snape?
" Thank you for delivering this to me, little girl. ", Mr. Lestrange said.
Anastasia nodded politely. " It's nothing, sir. If that's all, I'll be going ahead now. ", just as she was about to walk away, the old man called out to her. " Wait! "
Anastasia paused and looked behind her. Mr. Lestrange seemed to be hesitant. He looked like he had a lot to say but in the end, he decided to keep quiet. " It's nothing. Forgive me for holding you back. You can go ahead now. "
The girl thanked him before flying away on her broom. She flew above Hogsmeade as she searched for any open stores where she could buy a few light snacks. After about 3 minutes, she spotted one.
She carefully landed on the ground and walked inside the shop. There were a lot of baked goods inside. She chose among them and picked out a few before paying to the man behind the counter.
As she was putting the baked goods inside of her cased bag to keep them safe, a customer entered the shop and began making small talks to the shop owner. They both had strange accents. Not like her American accent that she used to speak in before she was homeschooled, but a thick accent.
" Such a waste. You should have enrolled your son at Hogwarts. ", the guy who had just arrived said.
The shop owner sighed. " What can I do? Amani kept persisting to stay in Pulahika and not Hogwarts, eh. "
" Ay, your son has become rebellious! He'll become even more rebellious in Pulahika. Hay, those Pulahika students, always so wild! Never graceful! "
Anastasia walked out after that to avoid looking like she was spying on their conversation. She then made her way back to Hogwarts, but instead of going back to her dorm room, she went to visit the Black Lake.
She sat down by her usual spot and played with the water by swinging her legs back and fourth. She doesn't know what she did to be so lucky with the lake because whenever she visits here, the sirens would always go up. To others, the chance of meeting one is too low.
The sirens stayed quiet. Sometimes, they would play with each other using their tails. But eventually, they were called back by the giant squid. A tentacle was raised up the surface and splashed water onto the sirens, causing them to let out an angry hiss before diving back down.
The giant squid's tentacle stayed. It made funny gestures towards Anastasia that caused her to let out a genuine laugh.
Anastasia eventually decided to go to back to the common rooms once she started feeling drowsy. She still needed to take a shower. So she waved goodbye at the giant squid before leaving.
Upon entering the Gryffindor common room, quite a few students were still awake. Fred, George, and Lee were one of them.
" Ana, you're back. Were you sent on another errand? ", asked Lee.
" Yeah. I also bought some food along the way. Though they're probably cold by now. "
" Sweet. ", George commented, already munching on a bread with Fred by the time Anastasia finished speaking.
[<>]
A few days after the match, Hogwarts returned to normal again. With students not having to worry about missing a match, they were able to focus more on their studies. That meant Hogwarts got quiet in school hours once more. People slept earlier again.
But Anastasia, along with Fred and George, didn't plan on going to sleep just yet. They instead secretly wandered around Hogwarts. Lee had already gone to his room to sleep earlier as he did quite a lot of activities this morning.
The three are current in the middle of looking for hidden rooms in Hogwarts. But they haven't got any luck for the last week.
" Maybe we should split up? ", asked Anastasia.
" That's a great idea. But are you sure you'll be fine on your own? ", said George.
" Of course. I won't wander too far. "
" If you found a hidden entrance, don't enter just yet. Tell us first. You might encounter some trouble in there. ", Fred reminded.
After that, the three split up. Truth to be told, she did know a few hidden rooms in the castle. But she won't tell just yet. They'll be important in the future.
Anastasia was walked outside the castle to look for anything unusual. She found nothing aside from Filch conversing with Hagrid. Hermione, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Draco are also with them. She began to ponder what could possible be happening.
" I'll be back at dawn. ", said Filch. " For what's left of them. " He added menacingly before walking back towards the castle. Anastasia hid behind a tree and let him pass by before walking towards the others who are on their way towards the forest.
" -If my father knew I was doing this, he'd- "
" Hey guys! "
They turned to look at the newcomer who was Anastasia. They had different reactions. Draco looked happy, the golden trio looked confused, and Hagrid looked like he was about to faint from stress.
" Ana, what're yeh doin' here? Don't tell me yeh're on detention along with 'em? ", asked Hagrid.
" Nope! I was just out strolling for some fresh air because I couldn't sleep but then I spotted you all. And did you say detention? "
Draco's face turned red in embarrassment at the mention of detention. Ron snorted at his expression before speaking. " Malfoy tried to put us in trouble by telling Professor McGonagall that we were out during curfew. But he was out as well, which meant he obviously got detention too. "
Draco looked angered.
" Oooohh... Where are you guys going though? "
" To the Forbidden Forest. ", Harry muttered.
Anastasia's plan to accompanied them backfired at that. So this is why the scene felt familiar.
" Oh, um... Well, good luck with that then. I'll be going back now. ", Anastasia said as she turned around. Time to peace out.
But Draco apparently didn't think so. " Wait! Are you just going to leave me? "
Anastasia turned back to them with a confused look. " Wut? "
" Why don't you go with us? It'll be fun! ", Draco's scared and nervous look earlier was changed into an excited one.
Hagrid glared at him. '' That won't do. She'll need ter go back now. "
" Are yours seriously dragging her along with us just because you're scared? ", said Hermione.
Draco ignored them and latched onto Anastasia's arm. " Let's go! "
Well, that removed Anastasia's way out of this. Might as well.
" Alright, whatever. "
Hagrid looked reluctant at that. " Are yeh sure? "
Anastasia nodded at him and gave him a reassuring smile.
I'm going to have sooo many stuffs to tell Fred, George, and Lee!
The six, seven if Fang is included, started to walk towards the forest. Not even far from the forest's entrance, they were already able to find some suspicious activity.
" Look there. ", Hagrid said. The children looked at where he was pointing. " See that stuff shinin' on the ground? Silvery stuff? That's unicorn blood. There's a unicorn in the bin hurt badly by summat. This is the second time in a week. I found one dead last Wednesday. We're gonna try and find the poor thing. We might have ter put it out of its misery. "
" And what if we'll be found by whatever hurt that unicorn? ", asked Draco.
" There's nothin' that lives in the forest that'll hurt yeh if yer with me or Fang. An' keep ter the path. Right, now, we're gonna split inter two parties an' follow the trail in different directions. There's blood all over the place, it must've bin staggerin' around since last night at least . ", said Hagrid.
" Fine. But Ana and Fang will be with me. ", Draco declared.
" All right. But I warn yeh, he's a bloody coward. "
Fang whined in protest.
They were then split into two groups. The first group was Hermione, Neville, and Hagrid. The second one was Draco, Anastasia, Harry, and Fang. And with that, the two groups walked deeper inside the forest, separating from the other group.
The forest was as silent as ever. That what it made it more creepier than how it already looked.
" Wait till' my father hears about this. This is servant's stuff! ", Draco complained.
" If I didn't know better, Draco, I'd say you were scared. Stay close to us, Anastasia. Stop attempting to walk away. ", said Harry.
Anastasia awkwardly walks back beside him. She honestly wanted to explore the area to meet other species.
" I'm not scared, Potter. "
A sudden howling-like sound stopped the three from their tracks. They looked behind them nervously. " Did you two hear that? ", asked Draco.
They shrugged it off and continued to walk onward. Draco continued to mutter bitterly along the way.
" Scared? Who's scared? "
After a few minutes of continuous walking, Fang stopped abruptly and began to growl at something.
" What is it, Fang? ", asked Harry.
The three looked ahead them to find a horrible sight. A presumably dead unicorn was laying unmoving on the ground. Someone, or something covered with a black cloak was sucking it's blood.
Anastasia resisted to gag at the sight.
" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHH! "Draco screamed at the sight before running away with Fang following after him.
" ... ", said Harry.
" ... ", said Anastasia.
Anastasia didn't know how to react. How dare Draco invite Anastasia just to leave her?
The hooded figure then began to crawl over to them. The way it moved reminded them of a snake. It was only then did Anastasia noticed that Harry was in pain.
He staggered backwards before tripping on a tree root, causing him to fall down.
" Harry! " , Anastasia called out.
She stood in front of him in an attempt to shield him from the figure in front of them. She was now instantly regretting her actions. She should have just denied Draco's request!
Suddenly, galloping sounds were heard. What is a horse doing here?
But instead of a horse, what faced them was a centaur. The presence of the cantaur seemed to scare the figure away as it fled. And now, a centaur stood in front of them. It looked to be a male. He had white-blonde hair that reminded Anastasia of her father, and a palomino body. His beautiful piercing eyes were blue like pale sapphires.
Anastasia knew centaurs were big, but she didn't expect them to be this big! Why is her height the size of its leg?!
Instead of fussing over it, she helped the shocked Harry back to his feet.
" Are you two alright? ", the centaur asked.
" Yes - thank you - what was that? ", said Harry while Anastasia nodded silently in amazement, too busy admiring the centaur in front of them.
Instead of answering the question, the centaur examined the two of them. Its eyes scanned Harry up and down before eventually falling to the scar on his forehead. His eyes then moved to the girl. Not even after three seconds of investigating her, his eyes twinkled in fascination.
" You two must leave. The forest isn't safe at the time. Especially for you two. Can you two ride? It'll be easier this way. ", he said. " My name is Firenze. ", he added as he lowered himself to allow the two children to climb into him.
Harry had to tug Anastasia forward to snap her out of her thoughts. Anastasia climbed first before Harry followed her actions.
The sudden sound of galloping interrupted them. Two other centaurs arrived. " Firenze! ", one if them exclaimed. " What are you doing? You have a hum- "
It suddenly paused. It seemed to be loving at them with shock and wariness that Anastasia could only assume was because they spotted Harry's scar.
" Do you realise who they are? The quicker they leave the forest, the better. ", said Firenze.
" What have you been telling them? ", the centaur who spoke earlier growled. Anastasia has no clue if she's dumb for not knowing horses can growl too. " Remember, Firenze, we are sworn not to set ourselves against the heavens. Against them. Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets? "
The other centaur just played with the ground nervously. " I'm sure Firenze thought he was acting for the best. "
The other centaur kicked his legs in return. " For the best?! What is that to do with us? Centaurs are concerned with what has been foretold! It is not our business to run around like donkeys after stray humans in our Forest! These children's fates have already been sealed by the starts! Especially one of them! "
Anastasia felt that Firenze was angered as he reared into his hind legs. Anastasia had to clutch him while Harry had to grab her shoulders in order for them not to fall.
" Do you not see that unicorn? ", said Firenze. " Do you not understand why it was killed? Or have the planets and stars not let you into that secret? I set myself against what is lurking in this forest, Bane, yes, with humans alongside me if I must. ", Firenze immediately turned around after that and ran, leaving the centaurs behind them.
The children had no clue what they were talking about. But they know it's not good.
" Why's Bane so angry? ", Harry asked. " What was that thing you saved us from anyway? "
Firenze didn't answer. But he did slow down and warned them to bow their heads unless they want branches slapping them.
" Anastasia, Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used for? ", Firenze suddenly asked.
" No. "
" Nope. "
" We've only used the horn and tail-hair in potions. ", said Harry.
" That is because slaying a unicorn, is a monstrous thing. Only one who has nothing to loose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. A unicorn's blood will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but it comes with a terrible price. You have slain something so pure and defenseless to save yourself and you will have but a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips. "
The children stared at each other for that.
" But who'd be that desperate? ", asked Harry.
" Mhm. Death is better than living a cursed life. ", Anastasia added.
" Yes. Unless all you need is to stay alive long enough to drink something else- something that will bring you back to full strength and power- something that will mean you can never die. Do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment? "
" The Philosopher's Stone! But.. who? ", asked Harry.
" I think the answer for that is already obvious, Harry. ", said Anastasia.
" You mean- Vol- "
" Harry! Anastasia! Are you two alright? ", it was Hermione running towards them with Hagrid and Draco following after her.
" I'm fine. Harry sure isn't, though. His head was hurting earlier. ", said Anastasia. "
" The unicorn's dead Hagrid. It's in that clearing back there. ", said Harry as he pointed beund them after he has slid off the centaur. Anastasia followed after him.
" This is where I leave. You are safe now. ", said Firenze. " Good luck, Harry Potter. The stars have been read wrong by us before, and I hope that's the case this time. And Anastasia Glasswater, beware of your actions, what happens in the past, present, and future, is up to you now. "
He then turned and made his way back to the dark forest. His reminders are now stamped into Harry and Anastasia's minds.
[<>]
Anastasia went back to the common rooms earlier than her housemates in order to avoid Filch and McGonagall. She was greeted by the twins who were discussing their findings to each other. Upon noticing her arrival, they gestured her to come closer.
" So, ", said George. " Did you find anything? "
Anastasia nodded. " Yes. But, not what I was supposed to find. "
" What's that supposed to mean? ", asked Fred.
" I went to the Forbidden Forest. "
It went silent at that. Thankfully, they were standing in a Common Room's corner, a safe distance from the others so that they can't hear them.
" WHAT?! ", the twins exclaimed.
" Anastasia Glasswater! How did you even end up there?! ", said George.
" You were supposed to go find secret entrances of the castle! Not go on an adventure at the Forbi-! ", said Fred who was cut off by Anastasia dragging them away.
Anastasia had to drag them off somewhere to avoid the already suspicious and curious eyes of their fellow Gryffindors. Once they were in a safe space, she began explaining what happened during her time away, from when she encountered the golden trio with Neville, Draco, and Hagrid, to her encounter with the centaurs. She did remember to leave out her and Harry's conversation with Firenze.
" Anastasia that was wicked but dangerous! ", said Fred. " Who knows what could've happened if the centaurs weren't there? "
" Was it a vampire? Merlin! Was it the Vampire whose blood we used and has now returned for revenge?! "
If Anastasia didn't know who was the cloaked being earlier, she would have thought that too. After all, she has no idea what Lexter had to do in order to aquire vampire blood.
__________
AN : I forgot to say this but this fic is a mix of the movies and the books.