Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to the original wizard J. K. Rowling.

Author's Note: This story may sometimes contradict what has been previously revealed in the original Harry Potter books. I am already aware of this, so please no flames, at least not on that subject. Thank you.

Chapter One

Ariana Skye excitedly opened the letter she had just received. Her parents sat on either side, just as excited as she was, but trying not to show it. Her long brown hair got in the way and she quickly brushed it back, pulling the stiff yellow parchment from inside the letter with her name written on it in emerald green ink. Her hands trembled as she unfolded it and hastily read through it.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Skye,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress

"I got in! Mom, Dad, I got in!" Her parents laughed and hugged her. Both of them had gone to Hogwarts and had hoped their daughter would as well. There had been precious little to look forward to the past year. So far, they had not been directly affected, but word was out the Lord Voldemort was gaining more and more power every day, and more and more followers as well. And not all of them voluntary.

"We'll have to go down to Diagon Alley to get your things next week. We're so happy for you, dear," said her mother. "Why don't you go to bed now."

Ariana practically skipped up to her room in the small loft upstairs, almost hidden by a trap door in the ceiling. Her cat, Alanna, a brown and grey tabby with violet eyes, trailed behind her.

*******

Ariana woke with a start several hours later. She sat up quickly and looked around, wondering what had startled her. She listened intently and then heard it again: a quiet, scraping sound coming from downstairs. What was it? Alanna was awake too and staring out the window, fur standing up and back arched, an eerie hiss rising in her throat.

Ariana got out of bed quietly and went to the door, but before she could reach it a sound like an explosion rocked the house and sent her flying into the back wall, along with her bed, dresser, and trunk. She grabbed Alanna before she hit the back wall and bit down a scream. She heard heavy footsteps across the ruined front of the house and suddenly her parents, yelling something she could not hear. Then she heard a high cruel laugh and a voice that seemed to be magnified a hundred times and seething with evil. She screamed involuntarily, but the sound was completely lost in the screams of her parents. The house shook and teetered on its ruined foundation and threatened to collapse. Tears were running down Ariana's face and pure terror gripped her heart as she gripped Alanna, who was struggling to get free, still hissing and spitting madly.

The foundation gave way and the second story crumpled over, taking Ariana with it, and nothing could be heard but screeching metal, falling bricks and the snapping of wooden posts. Ariana screamed again and rolled, trying to shelter her head and back. Alanna was torn away from her, and several boards ripped from out of the walls and converged, stopping only an inch from her face, plaster and rubble raining down from the ceiling and shingles falling as steadily as rain.

Then it was over, and all she could hear were the laughs of some assorted people on the front lawn. She heard the heavy footsteps exit what was no longer a house, and from a small crack in the boards, she saw a blast of green light that flew up into the sky, etching the Dark Mark over what had formerly been the home of the Skye family. Then everything was silent, apart from the sobbing of a young girl.

Author's Note: I know this is short, but I promise the next one will be longer. PLEASE review and tell me what you think! Constructive criticism IS appreciated. Thank you!