I do not own any of the charrys here in this fanfiction that are a part of/mentioned/named or otherwise written into the Harry Potter series but I do own many. The rest belong to J.K.R. may she find end with the series soon. I do pwn Severus tho', may he die by beating the greasy little monkey that he is. Ah well, I love to hate him after all. Isn't that ironic that more people hate him than Voldy-chan? Hehehe...and drool over Malfoy than Harry?

Okay, okay so thats just me. --; Anyway heres the fanfic that has been bothering me to finish for over a year now.

A New Beginning: Chapter One

Danielle Caseker was a lonely girl with recluse habits and a tendency to shy away from loud sounds and general havoc. Her family was well known and respected, generally pureblood as well though not the 'I want to bash you in the head you slimey git' kind, thankfully. The day was a rainy one as she pushed her trunk along the boarding dock in the busy train station. Her aunt Helen was telling her a few last bits of advice and ushering Danielle's younger sister Ariel ahead of her in the process.

"Now remember, a little mischief is fine now and again but I will not hesitate to send a Howler after you if you misbehave. And do stop looking so gloomy dear."

She paused for a moment in her bustle and smiled warmly at Danielle.

"I know you'll love it there Danielle."

Then she was off once more, striding easily through the barrier with Danielle trotting resignedly after her. Helen was a sweet woman and Danielle had always liked her. A mother figure really, to replace the one she should have had. Shaking her head slightly, she mustered a small smile and dropped her trunk off into the baggage area. After that she gave her sister one last hug and a promise to write and write often. The tears glistening in Helen's eyes caused a pang of homesickness to course through her.

"I'll miss you." She whispered, the words whisking away before her own ears heard them. Helen bent forward and kissed her on the cheek then pressed something into her hands.

"Take care Danielle."

The trains whistle echoed throughout the area as fellow students boarded, waving goodbye to their families. Danielle followed them, silently looking for an empty car. She found one near the back and slid in with a sigh. They soon rolled out of the tunnel and were presently surrounded by green feild and the occasional grazing cow.

"As if there are cows in London." She muttered, turning away from the window.

As she turned the door slid open to reveal a small, rather battered looking boy who smiled at her shyly.

"Hey, do you mind..?"

"No, go ahead. Danielle Caseker."

"Remus Lupin."

He carried a large tome with him which he proceeded to open and read. Danielle watched him for a few moments in disbelief then pulled out a book of her own. Remus looked up from the page, surprise momentarily covering his face.

"Beowulf? I thought a muggle wrote that...?"

Danielle blushed, embarressed he had recognized the book at all.

"Yes." Was her barely muttered reply. She was met with a short laugh then...

"What do you think of Wodehouse?"

Danielle looked up in slight surprise then grinned.

"Well if you go for the airy, gushing story, he's alright."

They talked for a long time about books they had read, authors they liked or didn't, and generally had a good time. They also talked about family life. This part of the conversation was definately the most awkward thing either of them had ever talked about. Luckily the food trolley interrupted and they could concentrate on that instead. They each bought a few things off the trolly then read for a bit, picking up their conversation again as night fell at a less embarresing point than family. As the conversation lagged, Danielle took to staring out the window.

"It's so beautiful out tonight."

Remus shivered slightly, turning his back to the view.

"Yeah, I guess."

Danielle hardly noticed as she searched for framiliar constellations. It was then that she caught sight of the castle up ahead. It's turrets reached up into the sky, the shadow looming over the land. Danielle had her own shiver as she turned away from breath frosted glass.

"Almost there."

Remus must have heard the tremble in her voice as he immediatly went on to tell her a humorous story about a run-in with goblins. She was soon laughing helplesly on the floor having fallen off her seat. The train rolled to a stop as she was pulling herself up and they left together, still chatting happily. A great voice called them over ("Firs' years! O'er 'ere!") to a collection of boats while returning students climbed into more appealing carriages. Aunt Helen had told her of the boats as well to be thankful that it wasn't raining.

Danielle ended up in a boat with Remus and three other girls who chatted among themselves and pretty much ignored them. Remus was looking quietly thoughtful himself so she took to watching the moon and lazily trailing her hand in the water. For a moment, she swore she saw something move in the murky water but it was already gone. The boats entered the cave underneath the castle and presently they were standing in front of the great hall doors.

Her stomach seemed to be twisting itself in knots as they waited. They were informed about the proceedings, told to behave, and look their best possible. Danielle nervously brushed at her robes, continually playing with the silver locket that hung around her neck. When asked about this part Helen had only looked at her with a mysterious air and said 'you will see'.

The doors opened and the students filed in as the air mixed with feelings of dread, excitement, and confusion.

//Look, an edit! Also, I would appreciate a brit-picker as I am an overly American highschooler who would like to be a perfectionist but is sorely unable to be so without proper tuteledge.