Annie Lestrange

Chapter 8

May 1991
Days flew into weeks, weaved into months, and years! When it was almost Draco's 11th birthday, I was walking through the manor that night and I heard Aunt Cissy and Uncle Lucie having a mild argument on whether to send Draco to Durmstrang or to Hogwarts.

I thought they were arguing on some party plans like how it usually happened every year but turns out this year's a bit different.

I know both schools and I know my mama would want me to be in Durmstrang (for obvious reasons because she doesn't want people to know that she had a daughter for it would be dangerous if Rodolphus found out about my existence) but if Draco went to Hogwarts it means that I have to be in Hogwarts too because it would be easier to have me and Draco in the same school.

With my surprisingly fast learning skills, everyone is also considering enrolling me a year earlier. This means that I will be entering school in the same year with Draco.

"Oh, Annie…" Narcissa smiled sweetly at me when she realized I was standing by the doorway eavesdropping on their conversation.

I was startled when Aunt Cissy caught me but I braced myself and hesitantly asked "Why do you want us to go to Hogwarts so badly?" I asked cautiously, a bit scared that Uncle Lucie would discipline me for eavesdropping but Aunt Cissa gave him a look and he relaxed leaning to a wall, watching us.

"Hmm... Well, Hogwarts is a great school for young talented witches and wizards like you and Draco! It is also closer to our manor so you can come home whenever you want!" Narcissa said thoughtfully.

"But doesn't mama want me to be in Durmstrang? Fewer people will recognize me there…"

"I know darling, but I don't see the harm of you attending Hogwarts as well. I'll talk with your mama and now is way past your bedtime young miss." Narcissa looked at her niece lovingly but a bit sternly.

"Tuck her into bed Cissa I'll be waiting in our bedroom," Lucius said quietly to his wife and kissed her forehead before leaving.

"Alright now let's put you to bed, shall we?" Narcissa held Annie's hand in hers and walked to Annie's bedroom.

"Where's mama?" I asked as I climbed onto my too big personal four-poster bed.

"Well, she's busy just like your uncle Lucius. They both have to work to do." Narcissa smiled.

"How come are you always free and my mama not?"

"Annie…" the older woman sighed and took a moment considering her words.

"Your mama did this because she loved you. She doesn't want you to live off Malfoy's money and she wanted to work by herself in order to provide for you. She works so hard because she loves you, Anne… As for me.. Well you know I have your uncle Lucie to work and gain money for my family" Narcissa caressed the young girl's hair with a faint of sadness in her eyes.

"Why can't I have a father like every other normal kid. You know, like Blaise or Pansy. They seemed happy" I pouted and buried my face into Aunt Cissa’s hair trying to hide the tears that were starting to pool in the corner of my eyes.

"Annie, it's not my place to tell you this but all that I know is that your mama loved you very much and your father is a very selfish person and it angers your mama to live with a person so selfish like your father. You're a very smart girl I believe you understand."

"Will you have a meeting tomorrow?" I sniffled as I lifted my head.

"Yeah after lunch at around 3 pm. Why?"

"I just wanted to have some company. If you guys are having a meeting it means that Pansy is coming and I can play with her" I tried to plaster a smile on my face as Aunt Cissa put me on the bed.