When I was a young girl, I always dreamed I would fall in love with an amazing man who would comfort me when I was feeling melancholy, hold me while we imagined our future together, and eventually make that future a reality. However, as many people know, life never goes according to plan. My girlish daydreams changed the moment I boarded the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when I was just eleven years old, but we shall discuss those events in time.

My name is Charlotte and I grew up in a loving home filled with joy and constant laughter. The main source for my laughter was my older brother, James. James and I always shared a strong bond along with a mutual appreciation for mischievous pranks, which more often than not caused us to end up with a stern scolding from both our mother and father. James taught me all the tricks up his sleeve as the years went by; I was his "marauder in training" until he felt my level of education on mischief was at an appropriate level. I loved my brother with all my heart, although at times he managed to drive me up the wall with his overprotective older brother act. I would give anything to have him defend me against a hormonal Gryffindor admirer or to sit and have a cup of steaming hot tea in his cottage in Godric's Hollow one last time. It has been almost fourteen years since the death of my brother and his beautiful wife Lily. Over the years, I have mulled over the events that led them to their untimely demise at the hand of You-Know-Who or for the brave at heart, Voldemort. I have come to the conclusion that in dark times even the best of friends can turn on one another without blinking an eye, that is until I found out that Sirius Black was innocent after enduring twelve long years in Azkaban.

Before the First War began, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were each other's constant companions, so I in turn also spent an ungodly amount of time with the foursome over the years. For the longest time I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Marauders. What eleven year old wouldn't kill to cause mayhem with Hogwart's most infamous group of pranksters? My first three years at school were bloody fantastic, until the inevitable happened…I became infatuated with my brother's best friend. This little problem would be the bane of my existence from my third to seventh year. I never could pinpoint exactly what it was about Sirius that made my brain turn to mush every time I caught his eye. Maybe it was the way his dark hair would fall across his eyes when he wasn't paying attention or it could have been his infectious laugh that constantly reminded me of his furry black alter ego…

Of course, what strapping sixteen-year-old boy would ever notice his best mate's thirteen-year-old sister? Definitely not Sirius Orion Black, he was always more concerned with Quidditch and his new flavor of the week to think twice about a young girl with a one sided schoolgirl crush. Although he never caught wind of my feelings towards him, the other Marauders and eventually Lily managed to get me to confess my secret, but this is all the past. Now is not the time to dig up embarrassing memories and silly nonsense. Dark times have once again descended upon the Wizarding World and this time I will not allow Voldemort's evil forces take my friends and family from me once again.

June 24, 1995

Charlotte,

I hope this letter reaches you in due time. I must regretfully inform you that Voldemort has indeed returned. Through a horrific turn of events Harry was tricked into witnessing his rebirth by means of extremely old dark magic. Your nephew is currently in my care and is in dire need of rest after tonight's events so rest assured that he is under a tight watch surrounded by his friends and supporters. However, under these circumstances I think it best he deserves a bit of light in the dark days head. I believe it is time for you to return home and help an old phoenix rise from the ashes.

Your truly,

Albus Dumbledore

I must have ran my hand through my slightly untamed mane of dark brown hair over a dozen times through as I reread the words right in front of my eyes. I clutched the quickly scrawled note in my hand as I tried to comprehend the words written on the ivory sheet of parchment. So the rumors were indeed true. He had returned and another war was about to begin. I quickly jotted down a response and then tied my note to the light grey owl, which brought the initial letter.

The phoenix shall rise.

C

Finally, it was time for me to stop running from my past and claim my future. No longer would I sit in the shadows, while my nephew suffered at the hands of fate, I just hope after all these years he can accept why I quietly observed his life from a far under the strict orders of Professor Dumbledore. And maybe, just maybe I could face the other two demons from my past that I have been afraid to overcome for the last thirteen years.

Disclaimer: I own nothing created by the amazing J.K. Rowling. My only original character is Charlotte Potter.

A/N: Hello! My name is Rebecca and this is my first work set within the world of Harry Potter. I have been a long time fan of the series and I am so glad that you took the time to read the short introduction chapter to my story. Please feel free to review and send your thoughts my way! Hope to hear from my new fan fiction readers soon!