Changing For The Better: Book 1

Chapter Three: Little Assistant Coach

Hermione sat down between Neville and Harry as dinner was about to be served. She could hear Ron, Fred, and George all bickering about Quidditch teams. The only people she saw as her friends at at Hogwarts were Annie because they shared a room together and Harry because he was always nice to her. There were four beds in the room but for some reason only her and Annie lived in that room. Annie was always very sweet to her, and applauded Hermione for her smarts. She was the only one in Gryffindor that didn't think she was weird because she liked to study. Her and Annie studied everything but Charms and Potions together. One thing Hermione couldn't comprehend about Annie was why she was so secretive about her life and family. Hermione knew that Annie came from a lot of money because she saw the muggle brands that Annie wore. They were the brands that were only sold in stores that Hermione could only dream of walking into and actually being able to afford something in them. But other than that, she didn't know anything, not even her blood status. Was Annie a muggleborn like her? It would explain why she wore so many muggle brands, and understood so much about muggle culture and technology. Annie loved Quidditch, but she also loved music. Hermione knew that because whenever Annie would shower, she would listen to music, and it was always something different. Sometimes it was wizard music, sometimes it was muggle music. She hummed to herself all the time in their Muggle History class together. Hermione looked up and smiled as Annie finally walked in with her Slytherin friend Henry.

"You are late." Fred observed as Annie sat down next to Matthew and Fred, across from Hermione and Harry. "I was studying." Annie lied smoothly, and smiled at Hermione. Hermione beamed. "I got a new book from the library today. It's about the history of the wizarding world." Hermione excitedly told Annie all about the first few pages, which Annie listened to even though she had read the book before with her father before coming to Hogwarts. her father believed that the history of the wizarding world was an appropriate bedtime story since she was five. "It sounds really cool! You should let me borrow it when you finish reading it, Hermione." Annie spoke only when Hermione was completely finished with her long spiel about the book and Dumbledore was about to start the feast. "You don't have to lie to her, we know it sounds boring." Ron sneered. He and Hermione did not appear to get along very well, but Annie was sure they could be friends if they would put their differences aside. "I happen to find learning interesting Ron. Is that a problem?" Annie's tone was not like usual. She usually appeared so prim and proper, like she was always having to watch what she said, but when she said this, it sounded more natural for her, but it almost had a threatening tone. It was as if she had no fears to speak her mind.

Ron paled slightly. "No." He murmured and looked down. "Sorry Annie..." He mumbled again. "I'm not the person you should be apologizing to, love." Annie spoke, her gaze still strong on Ron, who was looking down avoiding her gaze. For a little girl, Annie sure was bloody intimidating. "Anna. Enough." Matthew spoke softly to her. "You will make the poor kid wee himself." He said smiled louder and then looked over to Hermione. Hermione was blushing, unsure of how to take Annie protecting her like that. Annie turned her gaze to Matthew and then smiled softly. "Let's eat!" They both said, Annie returning to her prim and proper tone. Fred and George looked at each other, realizing exactly how protective and scary Annie could appear to be. "Never threaten Henry." Fred thought to himself. If Annie was this protective over someone she had only known for a short period of time, imagine how she would be with her best friend.

As everyone started to eat, the doors opened and a young woman walked through. She was a seventh year head girl for Ravenclaw house who was also one of Hogwarts ambassadors because she could speak multiple languages. She had just arrived back at Hogwarts about midday. "She's so pretty." George mused. No one really knew who she was at Gryffindor because she stuck to strictly Ravenclaw house, but damn she was pretty. She was of average height, with long dark brown hair that was so dark it was almost black. She had sharp emerald colored eyes, and a fair and even tan without a single freckle. Her body the body of a supermodel, fit and thin. She glanced from house to house before resting her eyes on Gryffindor. She started to head right for them. "She's coming over here!" Oliver got slightly too excited as the girl started to walk that way. "Oh Anna you look wonderful!" She praised Annie. Annie smiled. "Thank you Rosa." She stood up and hugged the girl. "They think you are pretty." Annie pointed at George and Oliver.