Chapter 12

Dumbledore walked with Anastasia to the library. She appreciated having some time to think. She believed Dumbledore would try to help her, but she also knew she couldn't trust him enough to divulge the dark magic she had surrounded herself with by being close to Tom, even if that was technically 53 years ago. As they turned into the library she awoke from her thoughts to realise Dumbledore had stopped in front of a girl returning some books. Anastasia's eyes caught Hermione's.

"Miss Granger, this is Anastasia Marlowe she is new today, could you please accompany her to dinner." Hermione smiled up at him, Anastasia picked up on a sense of amicability between the two.

"Of course Headmaster." Dumbledore turned back to Anastasia.

"We'll talk again." With a faint smile he was gone and she was left with the girl. Hermione quickly finished returning her books to their shelves before approaching Anastasia again.

"So you're new? I knew I didn't recognise you." Hermione stated. Anastasia took a deep breath. She was a good liar and she knew how to go about life undetected, she had done it for years before she met Tom. Her only issue was being fake, she had never been able to pretend to be sweet.

"Yes, sorry about before Miss Granger, I got myself a bit lost and flustered." Hermione released a small giggle.

"Just call me Hermione." Anastasia nodded, confused as to what was so funny. "Let's head to dinner." The pair left the library and as they walked Hermione pointed out different classrooms. Anastasia realised how little had changed and felt relieved, at least there were a few things that seemed the same. When the entered the dining room Anastasia couldn't help but release a low sigh. The ceiling and the layout looked exactly as it always had. She naturally turned her head to the left, a part of her hoping to see Tom's eyes waiting for her.

"Come on, you can come sit with us until you're sorted into your house. Has Dumbledore explained the houses to you?" Anastasia heart felt heavy as she followed the girl, her eyes still desperately searching the Slytherin table.

"Umm... yes, sorry, yes Professor Dumbledore explained the four houses."

The girl stopped and sat down opposite boys. She pushed the boy next to her.

"Move up Seamus, bloody hell make room!" Anastasia was amazed at her tone. Girls never pushed boys, and the Gryffindor girls she knew would never speak with such a harsh tongue. Hermione turned to her and indicated for her to squeeze in. Anastasia slowly lowered herself, incredibly aware of how close the Seamus boy was to her.

"This is Anastasia, today's her first day." Hermione stated towards the boys opposite her.

"Hi I'm Ron." The redheaded boy said with half a chicken leg falling out of his mouth. Anastasia smiled and turned her eyes to the boy next to him. Their eyes clicked and she was taken aback by his stare for a moment.

"I'm Harry." He spoke softly. Anastasia admired his dark hair and pale skin. It reminded her of Tom.

"Hello." She replied quiet enough it could have almost been whisper. Suddenly everyone was introducing themselves, the boy Seamus shook her hand and a boy next to Harry called Dean politely welcomed her to Hogwarts. She smiled genuinely at all their introductions, but she told herself not to bother with friendships for two reasons: one she would hopefully be gone soon, and two once she was sorted into Slytherin they wouldn't want to know her anyway.

As they ate she felt Harry's eyes occasionally peering across at her, she decided to return the glances.

"What did you say your second name was?" Harry asked quietly, trying not to gather too much attention. Anastasia looked at him curiously.

"I didn't, but it's Marlowe. Why?" Harry nodded slowly.

"I only ask because of your hair, I wondered if you were a relation of the Malfoys." Anastasia wasn't sure if he was lying, but either way wanted to change the conversation away from her.

"What's your second name?" Harry immediately looked down at his plate, seemingly not wanting to answer.

"Potter." Anastasia nodded, and returned back to eating her food. After a few moments she looked up to see Harry, Ron and Hermione looking at one another, and then at her.

"What?" She stated bluntly.

"You don't know the name Harry Potter?" Seamus questioned beside her. She looked up at Harry with a confused expression.

"Um, no. It's my first day why would I know-"

"Where have you moved from?" Harry asked. His tone was gentle, but the reaction of the others made her realise she had made some kind of mistake. She thought he must be famous, or maybe had famous parents that they would expect her to know of.

"I've been away for a long time, my family only just moved back." She replied, panic building in her stomach as she desperately tried to come up with a story. She didn't know if she should mention another witching school she knew of, because what if they had been shut down in the past 5 decades. Before more questioning could ensue she was saved by Professor Dumbledore.

"We have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Miss Anastasia Marlowe." Everyone began clapping and Hermione nudged Anastasia to stand up. She quickly smiled down at the Gryffindors before walking towards Dumbledore. She didn't remember being this frightened her first year as she sat down before the whole school. As the hat was placed on her head she tried her best to breathe.

"Anastasia Marlowe is it? Alright, sure... this is easy enough... Slytherin!" Anastasia exhaled deeply, a smile forming on her lips. She looked over to Hermione and saw them clapping before she walked over to the Slytherin table. She was greeted by more unfamiliar faces. As she smiled and shook people's hands she was suddenly met by a pair of crystalline blue eyes with a piercing stare. Her eyes shot up to his hair and she suddenly realised Harry's comment made sense. This must be the Malfoy he was referring to.

"Draco Malfoy." He said sharply, not giving her his hand to shake.

"Anastasia Marlowe." She replied, wary of his stoic expression. Suddenly a boy appeared from behind him.

"Blaise Zabini, welcome to Slytherin." Blaise indicated for Anastasia to sit down next to him, in between him and the Malfoy boy. Anastasia lowered herself, already feeling more comfortable being at her old table. Across from her sat a dark haired girl with a stern expression.

"Marlowe's an odd name. I've never heard of it." The girl stated.

"Pansy, she's just got here maybe you can refrain from being a bitch for one minute." Anastasia turned to look at Blaise in amazement. 'People here are so rude' she thought to herself. "Although I have to admit when I saw you I thought Draco had a pretty sister he hadn't told us about." Blaise smiled. Anastasia felt her cheeks grow slightly warm and she heard Draco snigger next to her. She looked down at the table in front of her, unsure of how to converse in such a manner.