(Author's note: Hello everyone! Just wanted to say thank you for your patience during my hiatus from this story. I've been finding more time to dedicate to writing, and this story is still my baby. I see all the likes and comments and it reminds me that this writing does bring some joy to y'all and that is the most gratifying thing to see. Thank you so much and enjoy this chapter! Shit is gonna hit the fan soon. Very soon.)
"Nope!" Ana exclaimed in an unwavering confidence as she stared back at her three preposterous friends.
"Can't you just let us explain why?" Aeron asked calmly, clasping his hands together as if he were putting together a business proposal.
"There is no explanation in the world that would make me consider helping you three! This is dangerous. Beyond dangerous and while I am good at potions, what you're asking of me is ridiculous."
Ana chastised her friends with such disproval, resembling her mother's protective tone whenever she and Draco acted up.
"It's witless, rash, and illegal might I remind you all," she continued. "Give me one good reason I should help the lot of you become Animagi."
Alex, Aeron and Calista's heads dipped down, some in frustration and some with disparaged looks. They were in the girls' dormitory; Aeron only got past the stairs turning into slides by being brought up on Alex's back. Although she was a strong girl and his weight was no issue, his spindly legs almost had all of them flying back into the common room.
The three of them were standing in front of her, lined up like they were toddlers asking their mother for a second helping of ice cream. In total debt to the one undoubtedly in charge. They were pleading for her to do something beyond the realms of their coursework, signing away their lives if the process were to go south at any point.
Ana's straight and stern brows made her look like an angry headmistress, ready to hear the onslaught of bad ideas made with minimal consideration. An uneasy silence fell over the four of them as she stared at them expectantly.
"Actually, we have some good reasons to want to become Animagi," Callie whispered mostly to herself but loud enough for Ana to hear.
The blonde was surprised it was Callie to break the thick tension that surrounded the room.
"We're scared," she admitted with wide expectant eyes, piercing Ana's icy cold ones.
Callie teetered back and forth on her heels as she stared at the floor beneath her feet. Her intricately braided hair laid just above her shoulders, illuminated by the sun that was now pushing its way through the depths of the Black Lake.
"Scared of what?" Ana questioned, her look of intimidation lessening as she noticed the seriousness of her friend's admission. She patted down the spot on her bed to allow the girl a place to sit, which she accepted happily with a plop.
"Last year was terrifying," she sighed exhaustedly. "You of all people should know how terrifying it was to be attacked when you're least expecting it."
"It was a freak thing," Ana dismissed as she draped a knitted blanket over the two of their laps.
"Maybe for you it was!" Callie's voice raised a pitch, somehow sounding melodic despite it coming out like a shriek.
"Hey, Cal, I-" Ana stuttered, finding herself stumbling over her quick judgement. "I don't mean to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal. But it was a one and done situation. I highly doubt that there will be another basilisk that's ready to attack you."
Callie played with her hair between her fingers, twisting it and curling it until it almost tangled.
Aeron and Alex remained still and quiet, giving Callie the time to collect her thoughts.
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The Girl Who Vanished
FanfictionPART 2 Bibiana Malfoy grew up being exactly who she thought she was supposed to be. Perfect little daughter, perfect little student, perfect little liar. And she was fine with that. But that changes when she discovers the lies everyone has kept fro...
