Minerva's Daughter Annabella

A new year and new heartbreak.

The beginning of the year was as it always was. Excitement filled the air around the students yet there was also a musk as the students knew Voldemort would inevitably return and destroy their lives as they knew it. Slytherin students all became more confident as they were recruited. Bella slightly feared the results of the cocky Slytherin students and the fear filled responses to them. A few Gryffindors had left as parents aimed to protect their children but most knew the reality. The situation left no magic holder as safe. Dumbledore was more serious and there was less laughter from  him which was what really scared the students the most. Bella had spent the remainder of her holiday helping where she could but Bella was so young she didn't know how. "I missed you." Jamal murmured as the food arrived for the students to eat. "I missed you too." Annabella knew her voice was low and hurt but she was scared for her future, her mother. The reality of her mother and her age kicked in during the holiday and Bella would often cry over it. Ginny started talking but Bella was else where as she kept just wanting to be with Isaac but he was with his friends. "Are you listening?" Ginny questioned but Bella shook her head and left. Isaac noticed and followed her out. The two talked a lot about their holiday but Bella left the entire Order meeting side out. Albus had told her to talk to no one at all about it. "So what do you think about the whole Dark Lord thing?" Bella was taken back at first by the question but figured it would come up. "Well he is a man who could hurt a lot of people. People I love. I mean you know." Isaac nodded and sighed but didn't stop there. "Slytherin must be so pleased with themselves." Bella just nodded and they walked still. "What do you feel Bella?" The girl had, had enough of the topic so quickly replied with a "not sure" and left it. When Bella entered her room she was glad Ginny was alone and awake. "I am sorry I just, the holidays and Snape." Bella announced to which Ginny laughed. "I would be a lot worse I promise."

Weeks passed and students studied vigorously. Bella was only fourth year but was so advanced she could do almost all of the N.E.W.T. level work. Her classes were all advanced and she was invited to the 'slug club meal' where the extremely well educated in potions could all be together. Bella walked in with Isaac and nearly had a heart attack when she walked in. Christmas wasn't her favourite time of year but it was time she could spend with her mother. Bella felt immense pride at her abilities but also embarrassment as the Slytherin students picked on her. Never in transfiguration lessons though. The meal went fairly well and Slughorn was as overbearing as always and the students were sick of it but they sucked it up. He really was a Slytherin sometimes but he would never serve the Dark Lord. He was a good man really as some Slytherin students were. The meal was awkward with some students getting drunk and throwing up in random places but something about it told Bella it was a common thing to happen.

Bella was so joyed when the whole event ended. Bella walked to her mother hoping that tonight could be like the old time. Like it used to be before the year had started.

"Mother I want to tell you something." Minerva looked up as she knew by the tone of her daughters voice that Bella was serious. "Well, before Sirius passed he wanted to give me something. You see in the holiday when I went to see him I completed something that you and I started when I was in my second year." Minerva looked terrified but nodded. As this was done Bella smiled and in front of her changed. She was now a cat. Minerva was surprised at fist and just sat there. "A dog helped you become a cat." Minerva mumbled and Bella jumped on top of her mother's desk. Where she transformed again so her legs hung over the edge. "Get off." Bella jumped of laughing and Minerva sighed. "I wish you had told me before. I really enjoy the end process." Bella hugged her mother "you aren't angry? It is all legal." Minerva shook her head and carried on with her paperwork. "Right I have a life to get to." Bella announced and as she left she heard "charming." Which made her laugh as she walked away. Isaac met her with Ellis outside the library to study.