Author's Note: The foreign language that will be spoken in this chapter is Xhosa. The only means of translation I could find was Google Translate. I know it's not the greatest, I don't mean to offend anyone, I just use what I got.

Kiery Clemons as Oryena Zenwae

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as James Potter

Karen Gillan as Lily Evans

Rami Malek as Lux Varris

Nathalie Emmanuel as Joy Bilacqua

Ben Barnes as Sirius Black

Emeraude Toubia as Malinda Rumancek

Andrew Garfield as Remus Lupin

Jeremy Dozier as Peter Pettigrew

Beyonce as Ursa Zenwae

Anywho...Onward!

The sound of shuffling caused dark brown eyes to snap to attention. Seeing where the noise came from, the owner of the eyes waved a hand forward, causing to those that were with her to follow. No one dared make a sound as they drew closer, and closer to their target.

When they finally reached the cloth covered table, fifteen-year-old Oryena Zenwae looked at her hunting party before holding a finger to her lips, grinning. And while they tried to muffle their giggles, she ripped the cloth away. "Found you!"

Her best friend and surrogate brother, Lux Varris looked at her with wide eyes before shouting to the children with him. "Run my minions!"

The children squealed with joy before running in different directions. Oryena laughed at their literally scattered behavior before looking at her own group of children. "Soldiers; attack!"

With a roar, her own group of children ran forward. Some tackling Lux to the ground while others chased after their fellow ankle-biters around the room. Oryena laughed as she watched the chaos of childhood, remembering times when she and Lux were children and playing like that with each other and other kids their age.

Oryena and Lux lived and worked at the daycare the former's mother ran in the wizarding village of Hogsmeade. The Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore found the mother and daughter in Egypt not long after they themselves found Lux, hungry and abandoned. Because both children had the potential for magic, he offered them a place to call home, and the rest is now history.

A warm hand on her shoulder cut off her thoughts. Speak of the angel and she shall appear.

Ursa Zenwae had a face that was not easily forgotten. She was a benevolent woman who would go to great lengths for her children, consequences be damned.

"Alright little stars, release Lux."

The children groaned but did as the older woman told them. The fifteen-year-old boy rolled on his back and looked up at his surrogate mother with a lazy grin. "Thank you Mummy Dearest."

Ursa raised an eyebrow. "Oh you think I did that to save you?"

For the first time since her mother entered the room, Oryena noticed that she was carrying a broomstick - the cleaning one, not the type that flies - and deposited it onto Lux's chest. "You still have one more chore to do before you and your sister go to the train station."

Lux whined as he clutched the broom with his hands. "Mummy you are a cruel taskmaster."

Ursa rolled her eyes at the boy's complaints. "A cruel taskmaster who lets you stay under her roof."

Oryena and the young children present giggled as Lux groaned and heaved himself up before making his way out the door to the playroom and to the back of the small building. As the fifteen-year-old shook her head at her surrogate brother's antics, she felt a little body wrap its arms around her leg and looked down to see Mina, one of the many charges of the daycare, looking up at her with big blue eyes. "Please don't go Ryena."

The fifteen-year-old smiled at the young child before kneeling down to give her a hug. "I'm not going anywhere far Mina. I'm just going back to school for the year... that's all."

Ursa moved until she was standing next to her daughter and the young child. "She and Lux will back every Saturday to play with you and all of the other children as well Mina. Now go and get your things, your parents will be arriving soon."

As all the children made their way to the back of the room to gather their things, Ursa looked at her daughter as she stood up. "Unjani? Ngaba uziva ufudumele?"-"How are you? Are you warm?"

Oreyna shook her head. "Hayi, umama. Ukuhamba ngeendiza kwakulungile ukwenzela mna izolo ebusuka."-"No, my mother. The flight was good for me last night."

The two Zenwae women were not fully human. Both in fact, had the ability to turn into dragons. No, they were not animagi. Before they took to the nomadic lifestyle, Ursa and Oryena lived in a colony of such people with the same ability. But why they left, the latter could not completely remember. What she did remember was her father dying, and then suddenly she and her mother were traveling by any means they could find. The people of Hogsmeade were told that Ursa was a squib, and that was that.

Ursa pressed her hand to her daughter's cheek. "All of your things are packed?"

"Yes Mama, and Lux's."

The older dragoness patted Oryena's cheek. "Good girl."

Oryena waited until she and her mother sent off the children with their parents before walking to the back of the small building where Lux was supposed to be sweeping. She found her surrogate brother was indeed doing what he was told, and he looked up when she opened the door. "Time to go?"

The dragoness grinned. "Yeah, the children have left with their parents."

Lux grinned. But moments before he could drop the broom and sprint for his rooms where his uniform and trunk was, Ursa poked her head out from inside and surveyed the back porch with critical eyes.

"Is it satisfactory for you Mummy?"

Ursa looked at her surrogate son and raised an eyebrow. "Keep talking and I'll make you clean this whole house."

He immediately plastered an attempted-innocence look on his face. "Did I say that out loud? I meant to say 'Did I do a good job Mummy?'."

The older woman rolled her eyes. "I don't know if that's better... But I don't have time to nag you. Now hurry up, you'll miss the train!"

Even though Lux and Oryena didn't take the traditional train ride to Hogwarts, they still went to the train station to greet their best friends. Now free from their duties, the two made their ways up to their rooms and changed into their uniforms; Oryena in Gryffindor's scarlet and gold colors, and Lux in Hufflepuff's yellow and black. The surrogate brother and sister pair said goodbye to Ursa before walking to the train station with their trunks in hand.

"So... fifth year."

Oryena sighed. "The students are pickier, the exams are harder..."

Lux's eyes caught a glimpse of the Dailey Prophet. "And the outside world gets uglier."

The dragoness followed her surrogate brother's gaze. Lately, all the paper seemed to be talking about is a figure by the name of Lord Voldemort and his campaign to 'purify' the Wizarding World by getting rid of muggleborn witches and wizards. Seeing as how some people at Hogwarts treated one of her best friends and other students born with muggle parents, it was obvious that Voldemort's ideals appealed greatly to some wizarding families.

Oryena sighed at the headline before taking Lux's free hand in her own and squeezing it comfortingly. The Hufflepuff boy had experienced the reverse of that thought process. Because he showed early signs of magic, his muggle family had abandoned him, and that's why Ursa and Oryena found him.

Even though that was an emotionally scarring moment in Lux's life, Oryena couldn't imagine life without her surrogate brother. She knew it was selfish, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

They talked about a number of things during the walk to the train station. Which classes they'll have, what kind of adventures they would get into with their friends, and thinking up ways that they would be able to sneak out on the full moon... Which was the time that Oryena had absolutely no control over transforming into her dragon form.

When they arrived at the train station Oryena grinned when she saw the train come to a stop. Our timing was perfect.

As students in the age range of eleven to seventeen stepped off the train and into a new school year, the Gryffindor girl stood on her toes to try and catch a glimpse of their friends. And out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lux craning his neck to do the same.

But she knew better.

Since she knew him so well, she knew that he was looking for their redhaired friend in particular.

The dragoness kept her eyes on the crowd as their fellow students continued to pour out from the train. "Can you attempt to be any more obvious Lux?"

Lux gave her a dry look. "Really? You of all people are going to lecture me about being obvious?"

Her best friend/brother smirked. "Have you forgotten one James Potter over the summer?"

Oryena rolled her eyes and tried to ignore the heat in her cheeks at the mention of the fellow Gryffindor. Ever since their first year, James Potter has developed a habit of declaring his quote-unquote 'undying love' for her at any given opportunity. Despite this, however, they were on friendly terms with each other, but the dragoness wouldn't go as far as to say she loved him like he claimed to love her.

At least, she's pretty sure she wouldn't.

"No, I have not forgotten him over the summer. But come on Lux, James is just a huge flirt, nothing more."

This time, it was Lux who rolled his eyes. "No, Black is the flirty man-whore of the Marauders. Potter is the boy who wears his heart on his sleeve."

"Truer words have never been said."

The pair looked away from each other to see their three best friends walking towards them. Lily Evans, Joy Bilacqua, and Malinda Rumancek. Lux and Oryena have known the three girls since their first year, their friendship quickly forming after they met. They've been through thick and thin, and at this point, they were all more siblings than they were friends. Alone, they were powerful. But when they were together, they were unstoppable.

And Oryena would trade her wings any time, any day for her friends.

As the girls enveloped each other in a group hug, Lux sighed happily/dramatically before wrapping his arms around the group. "All my ladies in one place at last!"

"Oi! Save some for the rest of us!"

The group turned to see Sirius Black sauntering towards them. Lux hissed like a cat in the Gryffindor boy's direction and, with his arms still wrapped around the girls, turned his back towards him. "They're all too good for you Black."

"Not to mention off limits."

Oryena craned her head and peeked over her surrogate brother's shoulder to see James Potter walking towards them. His ice blue eyes immediately met hers, and he smiled. "Light of my life."

The dragoness smiled the same way she always smiled at James, the 'I'm humoring you' mixed in with a friendly nature smile. "Hi James."

Next to him, Sirius looked between them with mock indignation. "What am I?! Chopped liver?!"

Oryena laughed before breaking free from the group hug. "Hello Sirius, how was your summer."

He grinned in response. "Absolutely terrible, but thank you for asking Love."

Peter Pettigrew, another Gryffindor boy and another Marauder, smiled shyly at the group. "H-Hello, everyone."

The dragoness smiled kindly. "Hi Peter."

Like always, whenever one or all the Marauders were present, Joy rolled her eyes before breaking away from the group hug as well. "I'll go grab a carriage for us."

She turned on her heel and left without another word. Meanwhile, Oryena watched Malinda and her longtime crush, Remus Lupin, nervously and awkwardly talk with each other.

"And yet another year of their awkwardness."

Oryena quickly turned her head to see that James was now standing next to her. She looked back at the blushing pair before nodding. "Indeed... Why can't they just admit their feelings for each other and be done with it? It would be so much easier for everyone."

James snorted as they began walking to the carriages, with the rest of the Marauders and the rest of Oryena's friends following close behind. "Agreed. But I don't think Moony has enough confidence about that."

"Malinda has so much confidence though. Why hasn't she told Remus that she's practically head over heels for him?"

From behind them, Sirius offered his insight. "She's probably waiting for him to make the first move."

The two Gryffindors looked back at the boy with identical raised eyebrows. To which Sirius shrugged at. "What? That's what a lot of girls do. Trust me, I know."

Oryena and James rolled their eyes between turning away. By that time, the now mass of students had reached the carriages, and it didn't talk long for them to spot Joy standing next to an empty carriage, giving anyone who got too close a death glare that warded them away instantly. Malinda looked away from her conversation with Remus and looked at her friend before raising an eyebrow. To which Joy shrugged at. "I'm not throwing punches at anyone."

The gypsy girl sighed. "No, but you still feel angry."

Joy rolled her eyes. "I'm fine Mal. And I haven't even spoked to anyone."

Malinda opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it and let it drift closed. As Joy climbed into the carriage with Lily and Lux right behind her, Oryena turned to James and the rest of the Marauders. "We'll see you all up at the castle, yes?"

James nodded and grinned. "Of course. Until then my fair lady."

This time, Oryena rolled her eyes playfully as she climbed into the carriage and squeezed next to Lily while Malinda followed behind and sat next to Joy before closing the door behind her. All was silent for a bit until Joy decided to break it first. "I know you're trying to help me control my anger Mal, and looking back at first year me, I really appreciate it. But I don't need an emotional babysitter every second of everyday."

The Ravenclaw Gypsy smiled apologetically. "I know you don't, and I'm sorry for implying that you need one. I really am proud of the progress you made Joy."

Joy smiled and rested her head on Malinda's shoulder. "Couldn't have done it without you Sis."

The latter patted the former cheek. Lux looked between the two before smiling. "Well now that we all like each other again, how was our summers?"

The carriage ride up to the castle was spent trading stories about odd jobs, places traveled, and sisters fought with. Those present in the carriage gave Lily sympathetic looks, but Lux took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. "At least your family still wants you around Lils. I haven't seen my family since I was nine."

The redhead placed her free hand on top of Lux's. "I wish they could see how amazing you are."

Spotting the light blush on both of their faces, Oryena, Malinda, and Joy all shared a knowing look. To them, it was no secret that Lux was head over heels for Lily. And based on the conversation the girls have had at night in the dorms regularly and during sleepovers, Lux's feelings were returned by the Gryffindor Princess.

But did either of them notice or were ready to admit anything?

No.

Quite similar to Malinda and Remus' relationship, both being in the lack thereof category, both Lux and Lily were comfortable talking to each other about anything and everything. Another similarity was the fact that neither couple were together was driving their friends crazy.

When they arrived at the castle, the Ravenclaw and two Gryffindors watched as Lux helped Lily out of the carriage like a gentleman. Which once again made them question why they weren't together yet.

Upon entering the Great Hall, Lux said his goodbyes and went to sit at the Hufflepuff table. Malinda followed his lead and sat with her fellow Ravenclaws after saying goodbye. As the remaining three sat at Gryffindor table, Oryena eyes instantly went up to the enchanted ceiling. Even though this was her fifth year attending Hogwarts, the ceiling never ceased to amaze the young dragoness. Seeing the starry night sky was an actual comfort to her, it made her think of nights spent flying with her mother in dragon form.

She kept stealing glances up at the ceiling until a body sliding into the seat across from her stole her attention away. She looked and saw James grinning at her with his usual grin. "Alright Zenwae?"

Oryena smiled at her fellow Gryffindor. "Always, Potter."

After the rest of the Marauders sat down, Professor McGonagall led the first years through the Great Hall. And of course, Sirius just had to commentate.

"Were we ever that tiny."

Remus rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Yes Sirius, at one point we were all small like that."

Other than the sarcastic commentary, the sorting itself was actually uneventful. The feast of course was fantastic as usual. And after all the plates were cleared away, Professor Dumbledore walked to the podium, and his powerful voice boomed across the Great Hall. "Welcome, welcome, to another year at Hogwarts. Now that we are done with our magnificent feast, I'd like to say a few words before the end of the night."

He went through the usual talk-down of places inside and outside the castle they weren't supposed to go to and things such as that. After which the headmaster's usual jovial nature dimmed. "Now I am sure you have all seen the Dailey Prophet."

In an instant, murmurs broke through the Great Hall. Dumbledore waited for a majority of them to disappear before speaking again. "In times of rising darkness, we must all remain strong. And only need to remember to turn on the light."

Oryena looked at Lily and Joy, and their faces mirrored hers as Dumbledor's words sunk in. Hopefully, rising darkness didn't mean a full scale war. But with how fast Lord Voldemort was gaining followers, that's exactly what they may have on their hands come the end of their Hogwarts years.

"Now off to bed, pip pip."

Oryena smiled at the eccentrics if the Headmaster and stood up with Joy and Lily. But the moment she did, the dragoness was hit with a wave of heat accompanied by dizziness. As she staggered, Joy and Lily immediately caught their friend before she could fall.

"Ryen?!"

"Are you okay?!"

Hearing the panic of the two girls, James' eyes immediately snapped to the trio. "What happened?"

The dragoness shook her head to clear her senses. "I'm fine... I'm fine. I just stood up a little too quickly."

Lily pressed a hand to her cheek. "Oryena you're burning up!"

Oryena tried to wave away her friend. "I'll be fine after sleeping."

The redhead pursed her lips. The dragoness stood a little straighter and was relieved to see the dizziness and heat was gone. "See? As good as new."

Lily sighed. "If you feel like that again, please go see Madam Pomfrey?"

Oryena smiled. "I will, promise."

Letting it go. The three Gryffindors linked arms and headed to the common rooms. Thinking about the dizzy spell she had earlier, Oryena sincerely hoped that she just sat up too quickly.

But in her heart of hearts, she knew it wasn't.

Author's Note: So what do you guys think? And to clarify; Lily, Joy, and Malinda don't know that Oryena is a dragon. That will come sometime later in the story.

Also, did you want to start making predictions now or later?