Original characters are use throughout this story.

Recourses : Slytherin common room layout by arien-drakon on Deviantart. Information gathered from Pottermore and HarryPotter-wikia

I do not claim to be an expert on the Harry Potter universe. This is an accolade to JK Rowling and the books she wrote and the world she create that inspired many. Including me.

Synopsis: Two months after the second wizarding war, Hogwarts is once more accepting students. But what happens when one first year Slytherin begins only to discover she is one of only a handful of Slytherins to return. Lorna Borgin had not planned to attend but with pressure from the Ministry of Magic, she's left with no choice. The daily struggles are experienced not only in the classroom but also in the Slytherin common room, were some Slytherin students continue to harbour resentment. In time, Lorna makes odd friendships and discovers growing up alone doesn't mean she enjoys being alone.

.

Book 1

Hogwarts and the Reluctant Return

1.1 Departure from Platform Nine and Three Quarters.

Boris Borgin, of Borgin and Burkes, Knockturn Ally wanted nothing more than to return to his place of business. However, his presence on platform nine and three quarters made the sombre atmosphere one of trepidation to those near him.

Scattered across the platform many families huddled in tight groups. Young children clung to parents, fear evident in their eyes. Students returning to Hogwarts stood quietly, patiently waiting for any sign of the Hogwarts Express. Much like Boris, many arrived early, their expectation the train would arrive; low.

Boris had anticipated no students would return to school after the devastation and destruction of Hogwarts. Yet the letter from Hogwarts arrived and Boris had great reservations regarding it. It had been his intention to ignore the letter. It had always been his plan to educate from home, however the Ministry of Magic had other ideas.

Boris ignored the glances in his direction. There were many who would not know him but his stooped appearance and greasy hair alone made many suspicious of his affiliation with the Death Eaters. They kept a wide berth and Boris fidgeted with the dusty old hat in his hand as extreme discomfort engulfed him. He longed to return to Borgin and Burkes; the family-owned business his grandfather had established and Boris inherited after the death of his father. The sole remaining descendant, Boris took pleasure in his business and the many treasures he had procured over the years. He dreamed of passing the business on to his son one day but circumstances had been vastly different to his expectations.

Boris had married. A small, shallow woman by the name of Polama Wiltshire whose experience and curiosity in dark magic matched his own. They met during the early rise of Lord Voldemort and Polama's regular visits to Borgin and Burkes on the behalf of the Dark Lord. She bored the dark mark, yet at the fall of Lord Voldemort and the sequential arrests of his supporters Boris had offered Polama a place at Borgin and Burkes to ensure the Ministry of Magic didn't suspect her true involvement. She welcomed the offer with the suggestion of their union in marriage and Boris saw no reason to refuse.

Theirs had been a marriage of convenience yet Boris welcomed her company. She had a gift of acquiring the most precious of heirlooms from sellers at prices below their true value. Polama's talent was a treasure to the business. But her death eight years after their marriage came as a shock. A simple mistake, while removing a curse from a bracelet, had killed her. Something Boris had never understood, given Polama's experience and understanding of the dark arts.

Boris became lost without her. He had not realised how much he relied on Polama.

The grinding sound of metal on metal drew their attention as steam billowed over the platform encasing those who waited. As the Hogwarts Express came to a stop, Boris heard a collective sigh from those near him, all now certain Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would be accepting students. Boris had read in the Daily Prophet the hard work gone back into repairing Hogwarts over the summer break. Although numbers where sketchy, Boris had heard over three hundred wizards and witches worked tirelessly to repair Hogwarts ready for the new school term. The Ministry of Magic had insisted the student's return to Hogwarts and the uproar this cause was still being felt. Convinced a great number of students were missing that morning, Boris continued to doubt their presence there.

With a deep sigh, Boris glanced down at his eleven-year-old daughter, Lorna. A miniature image of her mother, Lorna's pale white skin appeared translucent behind the curtain of obsidian waist length hair. Black eyes stared straight ahead, oblivious of their surroundings. The decision to send Lorna to Hogwarts had been hers. Too long Boris kept Lorna hidden from the world afraid to lose the most precious thing to him. The previous two years and his involvement with the Death Eaters left Boris nervous and anxious regarding his daughter's safety. Lorna prove to be as gifted as her mother and Boris had attempted to convince her not to attend Hogwarts. Was it necessary, Boris had asked Lorna. Her determination was something Boris had not expected and reluctantly he agreed to let her go.

Even now, the spiteful glares his way brought an insecurity Boris had never been familiar with. Fear, he understood well, but allowing Lorna to attend Hogwarts created a dread deep within far worse than any threat he'd ever encountered.

The whistle sounded and students who had not yet boarded the Hogwarts Express did so. Many parents gave last minute hugs, some found letting go difficult and the sound of crying travelled from various points along the platform.

From beneath his long dusty black coat, Boris removed his wand - ten inches, walnut with dragon heartstring. A quick glance around confirming he'd drawn no attention, he flicked his wrist and raised Lorna's trunk. He shuffled forward and Lorna followed as they boarded a carriage. Boris entered the first compartment and manoeuvred the truck above the seat. Lorna entered, her black leather satchel clenched in her hands as she looked around. Boris stood to face Lorna as he began to once more pull at the hat in his hands.

"Lorna…" Boris began.

"You'll do fine without me, father. I'll be back at Christmas to help."

Boris stared at his daughter and let out a deep sigh.

"You'll write?" He asked.

"Yes."

Boris bent, placed a hand on his thigh and lowered himself onto his knees. As his eyes met Lorna's, she showed no expression, yet Boris considered it a facade so he would not worry.

"Take care." Boris spoke.

"And you, father."

Boris leaned forward and embraced Lorna and her small body leaned into his, her satchel held firmly in her hands pressed between them. Boris sensed her bravery yet dare not say anything should either change their minds; and so he leaned back, awkwardly stood and left the compartment.

Back on the platform Boris saw the trunk above the seats and the top of Lorna's head where she sat by the window. She made no attempt to peer out on their departure and as the final whistle sounded, the train moved off. Boris watched with a heavy heart as the empty compartments, one after the other, glided past in the carriage his daughter occupied.

.

.

Useless end note: I realised prior to publishing this, having the first chapter in another character's POV might detract from the story. However, after attempting to rewrite chapter 1 in Lorna's POV, I ditched the idea. This might be something I'll look at changing at a later date but for now I'm going to leave it as it is.

Sorry for the dots - this program will not allow me to add gaps between sections. Now I remember why I hate using this site.