Broken People--A Hufflepuff Story

Chapter VII

                      Anna sat down in her usual spot at Study Hall, away from everyone, and the farthest away from Professor Carmina, a spanish witch who taught Defense Against Dark Arts, and also supervised the students during Study Hall hours. She had a strict rule--nothing but Studying was to be done in those four walls. It was called Study Hall for a reason, but Anna had a habit of doodling or writing bits of poetry, and she didn't want to be caught or called out in front of everyone. 

              She stuck her head in her books. She was so nervous about failing in front of everyone, she tried her hardest to study and get good grades---or marks, as they were called here. She fiddled with the page, and stood the large book on it's end. It towered over her, and she felt like a dwarf compared to this ginormous textbook. Suddenly, something thumped on the other side of Anna's bookish barracade. 

                       "Finally, " Cecily whispered as she peeked around Anna's textbook. "I've been searching for you. Didn't quite see you with that massive book over your head. What's it called, anyway?" 

        Anna blushed. "Herbology of The World: 1,003 Different Specimens and What You Should Know About Them," she whispered. 

             She set the book down, and was startled to see another girl sitting beside Cecily. She was a small girl, but not as small as Anna. She also wore a Ravenclaw uniform, and her complexion was dark, however not as dark as Cecily's. Hispanic, Anna decided. She had large brown eyes, and wavy brown hair to match, and her nature seemed shy, but Anna figured she was the type who could type who could talk your head off in a few seconds, given the chance. 

                           "That sounds amazing. I'll add it to my TBR list. Is that what you are doing for homework?"

       Anna cringed at how loud Cecily spoke. It really wasn't really loud, but it was loud enough to attract attention. Professor Carmina strode over to the threesome, a threatening look on her face. 

    "Must I separate you three?" she warned. "You know the rules. Especially you, Elena."

         Elena ducked her head shyly, but there was a small smile on her face. Anna glanced between the two, and after a moment realized that they must be related. 

            "You needn't worry about us any longer, Professor Carmina. We'll be quiet. Promise."

      Professor Carmina's right eyebrow lifted, but she nodded and strode away. Anna let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Elena put a hand over her mouth, as if to hold in the smile that grew even more now that Professor Carmina had walked away. 

                      "That's my older sister," Elena whispered. "I'm Elena by the way." He face flushed as she spoke, and her voice was soft and hesitant. 

          Anna gave her a small smile. "I...I'm A-An-na." 

     Elena smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, Anna."

      This time, Anna ducked her head shyly. Cecily cleared her throat. She looked nervously toward the door, and Elena followed her gaze. Anna looked too, but she didn't see anything. She looked back at the two girls. Was there something she was missing? She continued to watch, and finally, she saw what she thought the two girls were watching for. 

      A tall girl, probably in her second year, came through the doorway, and scanned the room uncertainly. Her uniform sported the Gryffindor House colors, and they really brought out her rosy complexion and blonde hair. Even from a distance, Anna could make out the girl's vibrant--almost glowing--blue eyes. A few whispers rippled throughout the room, silenced immediately by Professor Carmina sharp "Shhhh!"