Chapter 1: Prologue

It was that night that all was lost for me.

In a matter of seconds all I once had was lost. My family. My pride. My self.

Who was I now?

Who have I always been?

I thought I knew. But I guess I didn't.

In a way though, it feels as though a heavy burden has been taken off my shoulders. It feels as if I am in control now. As if nobody can tell me who to be or what to do.

But now I am alone.

I belonged somewhere before. I was a part of something.

But did I want to be a part of it?

Looking back I don't think I did. I certainly don't know. Sometimes it felt as though I was being forced…forced to belong. And if I didn't I would be an outcast.

So I did as I was told, and I belonged.

But look at me now.

I am an outcast.

It isn't my fault though. I never chose this. I never wanted this.

But in a way I'm glad it happened.

In a way I am upset it happened.

I never really know what I feel about this situation. Most likely I never will.

But it doesn't matter, because there is no changing it. Not that I would want to…I think. So I live with it. I deal with it.

Sometimes it brings me down, the fact that I don't belong. The fact that I have nobody to depend on.

But other times it makes me stronger.

"Elladora Black!" it screamed at me.

Oh how I hate that name! Maybe I'll tell everyone that my actual name is Everly, which is my middle name, and is much cooler.

I walked up to the hat timid and afraid. All those eyes staring at me were making my stomach do back flips.

This is pointless! I already knew what house I would be in! Just like the rest of my family, I would be in Slytherin. Just like my three older sisters Bellatrix, Narcissa and Andromeda.

I placed the hat on my head.

Ahhhhh…another member of the Black family, are you?

I sighed.

Hmmmm…well we wouldn't want to break tradition would we?

I knew it! Can't we just get this over with!

So you want to be in the Slytherin House, do you?

Yes…I think.

You think?

Well…

Do I see some rebellion in you? Why I think I do! And wanting to be different? Goodness yes! Tired of your family's ways, are you? Why you certainly are!

Ummmmm…

Well, then I guess you have got to be…

Please no.

"GRYFFINODR!"

I gasped.

I heard a clang come from the far left.

My older sister Bellatrix who was now in her third year had been so shocked she dropped her fork on the floor. She and the other Slytherins were looking at me with utmost disgust and surprise. The Gryffindors on the other hand were clapping politely, but they too looked utterly astonished. For many of them knew that I was of the Black family, and that I was to be a Slytherin for sure.

The only person who seemed to be pleased was Dumbledore. He was clapping loudly, and smiling a strange smile at me. As if he knew all along that I would be in the Gryffindor House.

I finally got up.

I slowly mad my way over to the Gryffindor table, trying to avoid the perplexed stares from the rest of the house, and the death glares coming from the Slytherin table. I walked all the way to the back of the table where there were less people, and I sat down. I closed by eyes and rested my cheek on my hand.

Now you understand…all was lost that night.