𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐘 - 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫

five | school days

-FIVE-

It was a tiring first day, and Khalida was working hard as to not get into trouble. However, she was put under that impression when McGonagall held her back after Transfiguration class that day. 

"Khalida, was it?" Asked McGonagall, watching the girl's movements carefully. 

"Yes, Professor." The girl nodded, her bronze eyes darting nervously around the room. She felt little wolf ears appear on her, and patted them frantically, till they vanished. "Sorry, erm--that happens sometimes, I--" 

"No problem, dear. Do calm yourself." McGonagall's stern face broke into a smile. "I am aware of your...ability. Your father sent me a letter explaining everything. Is your mother still in touch with the pair of you?" 

"Not at all, Professor." Khalida scowled at the mention of her muggle-born mother, who wasn't in favour of how the girl had turned out. Sensing her discomfort, Lilith sat at the girl's feet, her long tail nestling around Khalida's ankles. 

"Now, he mentioned you are an Animagus, is that correct?" 

Khalida nodded in reply to the question. 

"Do you show any possible signs of inherited lycanthropy?"

The girl thought for a moment and shook her head. 

"Well then, I'll inform Severus that he needn't make any wolfsbane for you as it was originally planned. If you do, however, begin to show any signs, be sure to come straight to me, understand?" 

"Yes Professor."

"Now, run along." McGonagall said, dismissing her. 

--Time Skip--

Later in the day, Khalida was sitting quietly next to Hermione, writing down notes on a spare piece of parchment she had. On her lap, Lilith sat purring, till a loud rustle of feathers jolted her awake. Calming the kneazle down, Khalida asked, "What's that racket?!" Her bronze eyes looking around inquisitively. 

"Mail's here!" Said Ron. 

"I wonder if I've got anything!" Khalida exclaimed, excited. A tawny owl touched down gently on the table, sadly trodding on the butter and Khalida's toast, with a letter tied to its leg. The girl untied the letter carefully, and allowed it to finish her toast before it hooted and flew off. 

"Who's it from, Lia?" Asked Hermione, looking over her friend's shoulder. 

"It's from my dad." Smiled Khalida. The letter read:

My dearest Lida,

     I hope your time at Hogwarts has been enjoyable so far. The house is rather lonely without you, but don't fret, I've got plenty of company visiting every now and then. Have you made any friends? If so, do tell them that they can come over during the holidays. I'll be sending you a little treat soon, so do keep an eye out. Please do not be like Prongs, my love. He was the biggest troublemaker out of the four of us. I, however, was a perfect saint (please don't verify this with McGonagall.) If any start-of-term instructions have been given, obey them as much as you can. Do tell me about the little canine situation, however.
     I must keep this letter a little concise, I'm afraid. Considering the fact that not much has happened here except for the occasional hitches in finances. But, that's nothing you need to worry your little head about. I love you so much, and I eagerly await your reply.

Yours lovingly,
Papa

Khalida looked at the letter, a broad smile on her innocent features, as Hermione asked, "'Little canine situation'? What's that?"