A/N ~ *Waves frantically* Helloooooooooo! This is my very first fanfic of any kind, and, I know you hear this a lot, but please be kind. I know this is a short first chapter but things really start to get going after this, TRUST ME I've had this idea for months. If there is anything you'd like to add to make it better, anything you notice I was inconsistant with or just any ideas you might have, lemmi know, I'm open! Don't judge the whole story by the first chapter, it does get better...at least that's how I plan it. I do plan on updating regularly cause I have nothing else to do. Hmm... how bout a peek in the story to peek your interest?

A seventeen year old girl with a mysterious background is forced into Hogwarts under the new laws enforced by the Ministry of Magic which state that every eligible witch and wizard must be trained properly. The more she learns, however reluctantly, about magic, the more her housemates and schoolmates learn about her. But one particular wizard's curiosity gets the better of him and unexpectedly eases his way into her trust. In the meantime, Death Eaters and followers of Voldemort are sent to take control of the school in order to keep on eye on those who may rebel. What will come of the world in this time of madness where trust is hard to find and friends are thinned out?

In case you haven't figured out, I kinda cancelled out DH and added my own storyline =D I will not expect a certain amount of reviews before I update, cause I'm just doing this for experience and to clear my head. Hope you enjoy it, if not, well read something else.

Disclaimer: If I really owned these characters, would I be making $100 every 6 months racing on my horse? *cries* Pffft...I only own MY character who shall be introduced next chapter. Shutting up now....

*update* noticed I mixed past tense with present tense and kicked myself in the put..then edited.

An owl hooted in the distance and flashed silhouette against the September harvest moon. The regular hunt of nocturnal animals during the early night was temporarily disrupted by the glow of candles emitted from a great stone castle so ancient it looks as though grown from the prehistoric earth it sits on. The faint sounds of cheers are heard from across the lake and attract the attention from the familiar wildlife. Through the massive window a great witch makes an inspirational speech to the witches and wizards of the future. Through all this happiness, a dark cloud weighs heavy inside the walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and inside the hearts of its students.

"Welcome all, to another year at Hogwarts. And to our first years, we wish you all the best of luck in your first year." Professor McGonagall starts off with a tight smile. "Now, that being said, there are new rules in which you must be informed. Due to recent events in the wizarding world and return of one particular dangerous wizard, I ask that no student is to travel alone at any time, especially after hours. Any sign of suspicious activity is asked to be reported to me or any other professor immediately..."

The innocent and shy ears of the first year clan hangs onto every word of the wise witch, although three students are all too aware of the rules to abide by and why they are expected to follow them. The trio eye each other knowingly and listen intently as one with dark hair leans forward.

"It's getting worse, isn't it?" Harry asks his two closest friends. "Can't you feel it? There's something...off. More so than usual."

Hermione's face brightens into a look of understanding and she nods slowly.

"I know what you mean, Harry. I can't put my finger on it but...who's that?"

Surrounding students at the table turned to look in the direction to which Hermione's eyes searched. Her companions turned around in their seats to follow Hermione's gaze towards the Great Doors and see...nothing. She shakes her head and narrows her eyes in determination.

"There was a black cloaked...never mind. Probably becoming too paranoid and now I'm seeing things."

"Nuh uh, Hermione, you don't 'see' things." Ron raised his eyebrows in worry. "We all know if you've gone bonkers, there's no hope for the rest of us."

Hermione shook her head slowly and rolled her eyes at Ron's comment, thus giving her friends her full attention once more

"No pressure, right?"

Her friends grinned cheekily at her and attempted to pay attention to Professor McGonagall's speech.

"As always, the forbidden forest is named just that for a reason, and very few who venture there ever return. That same ruling goes for the Black Lake; do not disturb the area surrounding as there is a monster of sorts that dwells in its depths and it has not known to be kind. And Mr. Filch, our caretaker here at Hogwarts, would like everyone to know th-"

Professor McGonagall's speech was suddenly cut short by the slamming open of the Great Hall doors followed by a struggled sound emitted from a girl.

"Get your ruddy hands off of me!"

*GASP*....ok not a real big cliffy here, but still. I really hope you liked it and expect an update in the next couple days =D