Sun and Stars *Improved*

Chapter One:The Letters and the Explanation

Nearly ten years had passed since Harry and Annabelle were split up. As Professor Dumbledore had instructed, Remus had refrained from telling Annabelle the truth of who and what she was, even though he disagreed with the decision. However, just as her eleventh birthday crept ever closer, so did the inevitable.

******

Annabelle's POV

My eleventh birthday was almost here, and I was so excited! Uncle Remus told me he had a surprise planned for me, and I was dying to know what it was.

"Good morning, Annabelle," Uncle Remus said, walking into my room. "I know I told you I had a surprise for your birthday, but I'm going to give you part of it today."

He looked about as exhausted as I felt. We were still recovering from the full moon a few days ago.

My uncle handed me a letter. The envelope was thick and heavy, made of yellowish parchement, and there was writing on it, written in emerald-green ink. I looked at Uncle Remus questioningly. I had never, in all my 11 years, received a letter before. Not even on my birthday. Yet here it was, addressed so plainly there could be no mistake. Turning the envelope over, I saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter H.

"Uncle Remus, what-?" I started to ask before he cut me off.

"Open it first. Once you've read it, I'll answer any questions you may have."

Still apprehensive, I pulled out the letter and read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Soc. Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Magwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Miss Potter,

We are pleassed to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerly,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

I set the letter down on the bed beside me and just stared in shock. A thousand questions exploded in my head, but the one that made its way out of my mouth first was: "What does it mean, they await my owl?" followed almost immediately by "This is a joke, right?"

Uncle Remus chuckled. "No, it is not a joke. And owls are how wizards communicate. Owls deliver letters, packages, and newspapers."

I finally looked at him. "But, how can I be a witch?"

"Your parents were wizards. Extraordinary wizards. You are destined for greatness."

"But I still don't understand. How is this possible? Wizards are make-believe. They don't exist!" I said exasperatedly.

"Neither do werewolves," Uncle Remus said. I shot him a glare. He sighed and handed me another letter. "This letter should help answer a few more questions you have."

I opened the letter shakily.

Remus,

I am sure you have heard by now, but as this letter is more for Annabelle, I shall tell you again. Lily and James Potter are dead. They were murdered by Lord Voldemort. I now place Annabelle into your care. I trust you will raise and protect her.

However, I must instruct you not to tell Annabelle anything. She must not learn of this until she turns eleven. You MUST NOT tell her anything of her parents, the true circumstances of their deaths, her role in the wizarding world, what she is, or even her brother. I have my reasons for hiding it from her.

Sincerly,

Professor Dumbeldore

This time, the first question out of my mouth was: "I have a brother?"

"Yes," Uncle Remus sighed. "A twin. His name is Harry."

"How could you not tell me about this?" I was suddenly overcome with rage. "How could you hide this from me for all these years? I deserved to know about this! Does Harry know about this?"

I had been pacing, but now I rounded on Uncle Remus and stared at him accusingly. "No, Harry does not know about this," Uncle Remus said. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to hide this from you, but Dumbledore told me not to tell. He trusts me, and I trust him, so I couldn't betray that trust."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't care! I don't care what this Dumbledore guy did or did not tell you to do. I don't know who he is, nor do I want to know! All I care about is the fact that you knew who I was and where I came from this whole time, and you kept it from me!"

"Annie-" Uncle Remus tried to plead.

"No! Forget it! Just- I'll be back later," I said, grabbing a hoodie and a pair of shoes before walking out the of the room. "Don't wait up!" I shouted over my shoulder as I slammed the front door behind me.

****

It had been dark for several hours by the time I returned home. I hadn't gone far, just to the village and the woods beyond it. I just needed some time to calm down and think, and walking always worked best for me.

"Annie," I heard Uncle Remus say in relief. I only had time to turn around before I was engulfed in a hug. "Oh, Annie, I was so worried. I didn't know where you had gone or if you were okay. I'm so, so sorry, Annie."

I hugged him back and said,"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just needed to think for a while."

Uncle Remus pulled away from me. "Do you forgive me for hiding it from you?"

"Of course. I understand why you did it. Do you forgive me for exploding and running away?" I asked timidly.

"Of course, Annie."

"Great. Now, I want to hear more about this school, and,well, everything," I said excitedly.

Uncle Remus made us some tea and we stayed up for the rest of the night talking.