Disclaimer: Ok now everyone, repeat after me: They are not mine! (Anything recognizable from the Potterverse does not belong to me, I'm just borrowing them, everything else is mine)

Prologue: Ready or Not

Ready or not, here I come,

You can't hide from me, hide and seek.

Run away now, or stay now.

Cos I'll keep searching

Eire. The Green Country. Emerald Isle. A land of myth and magic. It is late summer in the northern half of the world, a very special, important summer; one full of much evil and persecution. With He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named revived and called out into the open and his loyal Death Eaters by his side, fear once again reigns throughout the entire wizarding community, for the Dark Mark is seen often, and the Dark Lord leaves no survivors.

And in the county of Donegal, near the town of Malin Head, bordering the Northern Coast of the island there is a forest, dark, deep, full of mystery and the holder of many secrets. The trees wave softly in the gentle breeze, chill as it is in the predawn air, and just a short distance away, beneath the watchful eyes of those trees there sits a house. Small, white, and quite unmemorable, there is a sense that you would never really notice it if you didn't already know it was there.

And just there, on the back porch, facing the forest, a young woman sits features unidentifiable, silently blending into the shadows of the night. She could almost be mistaken for a statue, if not for the occasional small cloud of vapor which highlights her slight breathing. She stares off into the lightening sky, eyes never wavering from her target, the brightest star in the night sky, still visible, although most of his companions have already disappeared in anticipation of the dawn. Aschere. Canicula. The Dog Star. Sirius.

Her green eyes stare intently, her lips twitching occasionally as if she is mired in a conversation only she can hear. She blinks, her eyes shifting to the dark shadow which has temporarily blocked her line of sight. Moments later the shape becomes clearer and is distinguishable as a small, tawny barn owl. Never moving, the young woman follows the progress of said owl with her eyes. It only takes a moment for the messenger owl to reach her, and she finally moves, holding out her left arm as a perch for the owl to land on. Hooting proudly, the owl holds out his leg to which a rather large bundle of parchment is tied.

After untying the letter, the young woman motions towards a bowl of water and plate of dead rats nearby, all the while making soft, gentle noises of a non-human nature. The tiny owl jumps slightly, tilting its head to the side and blinking its large amber eyes, studying the strange girl who can speak in the language of the owls. Her lips curve into a gentle smile as she reassuringly strokes the owl's soft feathers. The owl hoots his thanks and glides down to the offered plates as the girl breaks the wax seal and unfolds the thick parchments in her hands.

Dear Miss Roman-Saul,

We are pleased to inform you that your transfer has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…

Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross Station, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at Eleven O'clock

A list of books and supplies for next year is enclosed.

Yours Sincerely,

Prof. M. McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress.

The young woman spares only a brief glance at the other sheets of parchment, before folding the stack up and tucking it into the inner pocket of her black cloak. Her eyes travel back to the sky, focusing once again on the star. Her eyes glimmer, reflecting the soft light of that star and a wicked grin settles across her lips.

          "Ready or not Hogwarts, here I come…"