Disclaimer: This work of fiction is INSPIRED by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. I have her to thank for creating this wonderful world and allowing me (and all other fanfiction devotees) to play in her world. Serena Castleton-Black is my own creation, as is Malificus Malfoy. Please be aware: this work is A/U, so I've taken a few creative liberties. So those of you who are not keen on writing that deviates from canon, you are forewarned. I hope you'll still read and enjoy the story. Constructive feedback is always welcome!

Rating: R (for some sexual content and violence in later chapters)

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Thunderstruck

Chapter 1: A new arrival

The new semester had just started at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The students had returned and been sorted into their Houses. Classes were due to start in two days, once everyone had a chance to settle in.

Oliver Wood was walking back towards Gryffindor House with some of the House's Quidditch team members and their friends. Harry Potter was there, accompanied by his best friends, Ron and Hermione. Ron's twin brothers – Fred and George, the team's Beaters – were there, too. Everyone was chatting excitedly about everything from last year's Tri-Wizard Tournament to their summer adventures to courses they were taking this semester.

"We're going to have a great team this year," said Wood confidently. "Just like last year, we're going to train longer, harder…"

Ron looked over his shoulder at Harry and made a face, mimicking Wood as he spoke. What he didn't see was Wood come to a sudden standstill. So sudden in fact, that Ron ran smack into him.

"Bloody hell…" Ron began.

"I can't believe it," Wood said in his Scottish accent. "It canna be…"

Walking towards them was Professor McGonagall and a tall woman with black hair that parted on the side and swept over her head. As she walked, it fell partway into her face. She and the Professor seemed to be embroiled in a serious discussion and hadn't noticed the group.

"What's your problem, Wood?" said George. "Never seen a pretty girl before?"

"Open your eyes, you buffoon. She's not just a pretty girl…"

"Bloody hell!" exclaimed Fred. "That's… that's…"

"Serena Castleton-Black, just about the best Chaser to ever play Quidditch. She was in Gryffindor when she was at Hogwart's."

"The best Chaser, come on man," said George. "She was the toughest player!"

"Really?" asked Harry, his interest piqued.

"You've no idea," said Wood, still staring. "She got suspended for part of a season once."

"For what?" asked Hermione. She'd never heard of anyone actually being suspended from Quidditch for that long.

"It was during an inter-school tournament," said Wood. "One of the other team's Beaters pulled a bloody dirty move. Really hurt someone on the Gryffindor Keeper. Serena took the Beater's bat and knocked him right off his broom…"

"She beat the Beater with his own bat," chortled Fred.

"Then they actually got in a fight before the teachers could separate them," finished George.

"Wicked," said Ron.

As McGonagall and Serena approached them, Wood stepped in front of them, blocking the path.

"Can we help you, Wood?" Asked McGonagall . Oliver didn't even look at the Professor and her thin eyebrow went up in an arch.

"You're Serena Castleton-Black," he said.

"Aye, I am."

"I never thought I'd ever get a chance to meet you. This is an honor. Could… could I have your autograph?" He fumbled for a minute with his bag and pulled out a book.

"He's gushing!" Hermione whispered to Harry.

Serena laughed and then realized Wood was serious. "Do you have a pen?" she asked.

One appeared in Wood's hand instantly.

"And who shall I make this out to, laddie?" She had a bit of an Irish accent to her voice.

"Wood… Oliver…"

After he was done, George and Fred handed books, too. She signed their books and then signed Ron and Harry's as well. Hermione offered hers, not because she really wanted Serena's autograph, but more because she felt awkward being the only one who didn't want it.

"If you're all quite finished." McGonagall looked at them with a stern face, but Harry could see the sparkle in her eye. Minerva McGonagall was a staunch Quidditch fan and adored her House team. "Serena, if you're ready?"

"Of course, Professor."

The group watched them walk away, still quite star-struck.

"I wonder what she's doing back here," Ron said.

"I don't care," said Wood with a sigh, "so long as she stays."

That night was the last dinner before classes began. Serena was seated at the head table with the other professors. George, Fred, and Wood had told everyone they saw about meeting Serena, and she was quite the topic of conversation at the tables. No one had heard that Madam Hooch was leaving, but what other reason would there be for Serena to be sitting with the other teachers?

Further down the table, Professor Snape sat, picking at his food and looking sullen.

"Snape looks like he's in a bad mood," said Harry.

"Snape's always in a bad mood," grumbled Ron.

At that moment, Dumbledore stood and tapped his spoon against a glass for silence. "Students. Quiet please!" He paused for a moment and waited for the whispers to die down.

"I wanted," he continued, "to wish all of you well on your courses this year. And I also wanted to introduce everyone to Hogwart's new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher, Professor Castleton-Black."

For a moment, the room was silent and then the students started applauding. Wood was cheering. Serena smiled and raised her hand slightly. Down the table Snape stared hard at his plate and then with visible effort joined the applause.

"Great," said Ron. "Professor Snape's always wanted that position. How many times has he applied?"

"I don't think I can count that high," said Harry. "This means he'll be in a particularly foul mood for Potions class."

After dinner, the students had a bit of time before they were all due back in their dormitories. Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed outside, meaning to visit with Hagrid for a little while. As they came to an intersection in the hall, they heard voices. One was Snape, and he sounded angry.

"I don't know what the Headmaster was thinking, giving the Dark Arts position to someone so young." There was a sneer in his voice.

"Now Severus," said McGonagall , "Albus has his reasons. I believe you'll find Professor Castleton-Black to be quite qualified."

"Indeed. And at her age, where would she have received those qualifications?" he growled.

Snape turned to leave and unexpectedly found himself face to face with Serena. Her arms were folded and her jaw was set in a hard line.

"If you have a question about me, I'd prefer you ask me directly, Professor." Her voice was even, devoid of emotion.

Snape narrowed his eyes. "Very well then, what are your qualifications… Professor?" There was no small amount of sarcasm heaped upon the title.

Serena took a few steps closer to Snape so that she stood only inches away from him. "My qualifications? I was the only person to walk away from Castlebann."

Snape literally took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise. He'd put Castlebann out of his mind a long time ago. Serena pushed past him and with a polite nod to McGonagall, disappeared down the hall.

"Satisfied?" asked McGonagall .

Snape nodded, looking down the hall where Serena had gone. "Yes… yes, Minerva, I am." Harry, Ron and Hermione could hear an odd tone in his voice.

"What's Castlebann?" whispered Ron.

The other two shook their heads. They didn't know, but they would certainly try to find out.

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Well, here's the first chapter. Hope you've enjoyed and that you're intrigued. Please, send some reviews (I know there's not much to review at this point). I have a pretty good idea where this story is going, but I'd also welcome ideas and suggestions. You never know what will inspire a good chapter…