Prologue

May 12, 1960

Susanna di Orcus sat silently in the home of Albus Dumbledore with a small sleeping baby girl in her arms. The child's name was Arella Deirdre d'Athane and she was both the daughter of an old friend of Susanna's as well as her goddaughter. The child descended from an ancient race of people whom the modern witch and wizard descended from. Commonly they were called Guardians but their true name is unknown. They were the children of gods blessed with the purest magic. However, as time passed on their race separated into two classes. The first and highest class was the Lucianes; they were those with the purest and strongest blood. The Nocturne was the second class and while they were called Guardians they were those whose ancestors were made Guardians by the Luciane. Tonight, however, Susanna, a Luciane herself, held in her arms the last descendant of the House of d'Athane, one of the most powerful of the remaining Luciane families. On this night the child's father died at the hands of another Guardian, a Nocturne, whom was following a mysterious and yet powerful wizard.

"Albus I need your help," Susanna said her voice soft. "She has to go into hiding."

"Understandable, as a Luciane the other Guardians will try to use her to their advantage. Not to mention that she may have been the target of the attack," Albus said as he poured tea for himself and Susanna.

"I intend to place her with a Muggle family. However, I wish to have her sent to Hogwarts when she is old enough," Susanna explained as she looked at the child. "Her mother was a witch so she'll no doubt inherit the ability to use a witch's magic."

"Do you think it truly wise to place her with Muggles?" Albus asked.

"Yes…she'll be safest there. I'll place a small binding spell on her that will slow the growth of her Guardian powers," Susanna answered. "This child will be very powerful. She is Phoenix blessed although not the Phoenix's Chosen. She will still be powerful. You can see it Albus, Fawkes has been watching her intently since we arrived."

"Yes I have noticed that," Albus said as he stole a glance at his friend and indeed the magnificent bird was intently and almost protectively watching the small child. "And according to you he is the legendary bird Endsong, one of the two heralds of the Phoenix."

"Fawkes is most certainly Endsong. I told you that when you befriended the bird," Susanna smiled as she too gazed at the bird.

"I will make sure that Arella attends Hogwarts, although I'm sure her wizarding blood has assured that already," Albus said firmly. "I will also ask Fawkes to watch over her as she grows up."

"Something I'm sure the bird will do anyway, right Fawkes?" Susanna said as she turned her gaze back to the baby. Fawkes let out a soft cry in reply. Arella yawned and began to wake at the sound of the bird. The bird lifted itself into the air and then quickly landed near the child. He gave out soft notes in song that made the child open her eyes and giggle as she reached for the bird.

The next morning Susanna took the four month old child to live with two Muggle parents, Edward and Charlotte Danvers.

Chapter One: My friend the Werewolf

July 12, 1966

Years had passed and the once four month old child became a kind hearted six year old child. She had medium brown hair that had faint natural red highlights in it and dark sapphire blue eyes. Her skin was naturally pale and in the summer sun became faintly freckled around her nose. At six years old her adoptive family had just recently moved and the young girl was exploring her new neighborhood. As she walked down the street she saw a large red bird flying overhead. In past years she had seen this bird before but always from afar. Quickly Arella ran after the bird hoping that she might actually get to see the bird up close. The bird led her to the small playground in the neighborhood before disappearing entirely.

"Wait!" Arella called out as she lost sight of the bird. "Please come back!"

"Who are you talking to?" a new soft spoken asked. Arella gasped and turned around to see a boy her age looking at her curiously. He was roughly the same height as Arella and had light brown hair and curious hazel eyes.

"The red bird that I followed here," Arella replied as she looked at the boy.

"Oh…" the boy said softly before he started to walk away.

"Wait! What's your name?" Arella asked as she stopped the boy. He was the first actual person she had met since moving here.

"Um…Remus, Remus Lupin," he replied clearly not use to other children talking to him.

"I'm Arella Danvers I just moved here," Arella said brightly as she smiled at Remus. "Would you like to be friends with me? I don't have any."

"You want to be friends with me?" Remus asked as if she were a little insane.

"Yeah…is there something wrong with that?" Arella asked a little confused. Remus shook his head slowly and said quietly "I guess not…"

"Do you not want to be friends with me?" Arella asked in a small voice and her eyebrows scrunched down in a bit of confusion.

"Friends," Remus said with a happy smile as he held out his hand. Arella took his hand and echoed the word friends. And friends they were.

The two became very close and soon, by accident of course, Arella discovered her friend's condition. She discovered it when she noticed a large cut on Remus's arm. The cut itself looked as though a claw of some kind had cut him. At first he was evasive but under Arella's constant questioning the young boy finally blew up and yelled "I'm a Werewolf!" at her. Afraid that she would abandon him the young boy instead ran home and away from her. Arella left Remus alone for a grand total of twenty-four hours before she went over to his home and asked to see him.

She was greeted by Mr. Lupin who told her that Remus wasn't feeling well and couldn't have visitors.

"Yes sir," Arella said softly as she looked at Mr. Lupin sadly. "Could you please give this to him for me? My mother made extra and told me to bring Remus some since he loves fudge so much." Arella handed Mr. Lupin a small hand wrapped box.

"Of course Arella," Mr. Lupin said with a smile as he took the gift from Arella.

"Good bye Mr. Lupin and please tell Remus I said to feel better," Arella said as she began to leave.

"I will Arella and good-bye," Mr. Lupin said before he closed the door of the house. Mr. Lupin looked at the box happy to see his son have at least one friend. He went to the boy's room and knocked on the door.

"Remus, your friend Arella was here to see you, she left you a present," he said as he opened the door. Remus lay on his bed with a book in his hands. He looked up at his father curiously. Mr. Lupin placed the box on the dresser and said "I'll leave it here for you. Are you feeling any better?"

"A little," Remus replied softly. Mr. Lupin nodded, thinking that maybe he and Arella had gotten into a fight and that was why his son was faking illness. "I'll leave you to rest then," he said before he left the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Once his father was gone Remus got off his bed and went over to his dresser to retrieve the box. Opening it Remus found the fudge and a handwritten note from Arella.

Dear Remus,

I'm sorry I was bothering you. I want you to know that you are my friend no matter what. I don't care that you are a warewolf (I think that is how its spelled). That doesn't change who you are to me. Your my best friend Remus and nothing will ever change that.

I'm not really sure how your being a warewolf changes anything cause your my friend.

Please be my friend forever

Arella Danvers

Remus smiled as he re-read the letter as he munched on the fudge she had also given him. Afterwards every month Arella would bring over fudge for Remus to have after the full moon.

June 1971

Susanna di Orcus and Professor Albus Dumbledore approached the Lupin home with news that young Remus Lupin would be permitted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Mr. Lupin answered the door shocked and afraid at the sight of the Headmaster.

"Professor Dumbledore," Mr. Lupin said as he opened the door further to allow the two guests entrance into his home. "I take it Remus will not be permitted to attend Hogwarts."

"Quite the contrary Mr. Lupin, I have with me his acceptance letter," Albus said with a kind smile. "Perhaps we could discuss the reason for our visit with Remus as well." Mr. Lupin nodded and called for his son to join them in the living room. Remus walked into the living room curious as to why his father wanted him.

"Yeah Dad?" Remus asked.

"Remus this is Professor Albus Dumbledore the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Mr. Lupin explained.

"Hello Remus," Albus said kindly to the eleven year old boy. "This is Professor Susanna di Orcus a teacher at Hogwarts."

"Hello Remus," Susanna said in her soft voice.

"Why are you here?" Remus asked, having the same fears as his father.

"I believe this belongs to you," Albus said as he handed Remus his letter. Silently Remus opened up the letter and silently read it to himself.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Lupin,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclose a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

Remus looked up from the letter shock written all about his face.

"What about…" Mr. Lupin began.

"I am taking precautions to have Remus taken to a secure place for his transformations each full moon. With these precautions in place I believe it is only fair to have Remus attend school," Albus interrupted. "However there is a favor I have to ask of the two of you."

"And that would be?" Mr. Lupin asked.

"You're friends with Miss Arella Danvers am I correct?" Susanna asked, although it sounded more like a statement.

"Yes, she's my best friend," Remus replied.

"Miss Danvers is a witch herself, however she has no knowledge of this," Albus explained. "We would like the two of you to come with us to help explain Hogwarts to her. I believe she will take all of it better knowing that her best friend will also be with her."

Mr. Lupin and Remus agreed to go to the Danvers home to inform the Muggle family that their daughter would be attending Hogwarts.

Edward Danvers was currently mowing his lawn when he saw his daughter's best friend, his father, and older man, and the woman who had given Edward and Charlotte their daughter. Edward turned off the lawn mower as the small group approached the lawn.

"Mr. Lupin a pleasure to see you," Edward said as he greeted Mr. Lupin. "Remus, how are you?"

"I'm fine Mr. Danvers," Remus said quietly.

"Susanna, never thought I'd have the pleasure of seeing you again," Edward said as he turned his gaze to Susanna. Susanna was a tall and intimidating woman with dark hair that seemed to have a dark green tint to it and deep reddish-brown eyes. Her skin was also a deep tan and utterly flawless; in truth the woman seemed eerily perfect.

"We've come to see Arella," Susanna explained. "My friend here is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of a school that would be well suited for Arella."

Edward nodded and said "Arella's in the backyard with Charlotte." He then led the group through the side gate and into the backyard. In the distance you could hear Arella's complaint about having to help with the gardening.

"This is boring," Arella whined. "And it's hot."

"Charlotte, Arella," Edward called out to his wife and daughter. The now eleven year old Arella looked up to see that her father wasn't alone. Charlotte, a petit blonde woman with charming green eyes, stood and the moment she saw Susanna knew something was up.

"Susanna…what brings you here?" Charlotte asked. Arella looked to her mother and then to Remus with a 'what is going on look' on her face. Remus gave her a reassuring smile as he read her look.

"Just business Charlotte," Susanna answered. "My friend here is the Headmaster to a school that Arella was signed up to attend."

"By who," Charlotte asked with a bit of a protective edge to her voice.

"Magic," Albus replied. "You see Arella is a witch."

"Excuse me?" Charlotte asked this time her voice very cold.

"Charlotte I told you on the night I gave you Arella that she was different, magical I believe was the term I used. And she is. Arella's biological father was a wizard and she has inherited his magic," Susanna explained. "Albus is here to explain his school to you. It's a place where she can learn to harness her power safely."

"We should take this inside," Edward said as he shared a look with his wife. The group went to the dining room and everyone took a seat. Once everyone was seated Albus handed Arella a letter. Silently Arella opened the letter and read it to herself.

"So…I'm a witch," Arella said slowly once she finished reading. She looked up at Albus as she said this, her eyes boring into his as if she saw his very soul.

"Yes Miss Danvers you are," Albus replied. Arella didn't say anything for a long moment.

"It explains so much for you doesn't it," Susanna said quietly. "When you have nightmares the room shakes, how you sometimes know what someone will say before they say it, all the strange occurrences that happen around you." Arella brought her gaze to Susanna when the older woman finished but still said nothing. The conversation then turned to Albus explaining about the school with Mr. Lupin adding in something here and there. It was also explained that Remus would also be attending and would be with Arella if she chose to go. During the entire conversation Arella had her eyes locked on Susanna, who in turn was also staring at Arella. It seemed as though the two were having their own private conversation.

"I wish to go," Arella said suddenly when she heard Albus mentioning her going once again. "I'll attend at Hogwarts."

"Are you sure Arella?" Charlotte asked her daughter. Arella turned her gaze away from Susanna and looked to her mother. "Yes Mama I want to go," Arella said firmly.

"A wise decision Arella," Albus said with an approving nod.

"Since you have chosen to go you will need this," Susanna said as she pulled out a small key from around her neck. She handed the key to Arella. "That is the key to your biological father's vault. He and your mother left it for you to use during your schooling."

"Vault?" Edward asked confused.

"She has a vault at Gringotts, a Wizarding bank," Susanna explained. "She, of course, has a larger inheritance left to her by her mother; however, she cannot access it until she is of age."

"If you'd like I could take Arella to buy her school supplies when I take Remus," Mr. Lupin offered, knowing that Edward and Charlotte would have no idea how to get to Diagon Alley.

"I think that might be a wise idea, Edward?" Charlotte said to her husband who nodded in agreement. Plans were then made by all parties and in mid July Mr. Lupin, Remus, and Arella all went to get their supplies from Diagon Alley.

The rest of that summer went by quickly. Both Remus and Arella would spend afternoons together pouring over the schoolbooks they had gotten from Diagon Alley; each of them getting more and more nervous about attending school but both relieved to be going together.

September 1, 1971

Arella pushed the cart that carried her trunk towards platforms nine and ten. Earlier in the summer Mr. Lupin had explained how to get onto the platform so she wouldn't get to lost. Unfortunately her parents could only drop Arella off as they both had work today. In a few minutes Arella found the two platforms. Ahead of her she saw a boy her age with round glasses and dark messy hair being accompanied by his parents. Arella watched silently as they went through the barrier. Seeing them gave Arella a bit more confidence and she quickly went through the barrier alone. The other side took Arella's breath away. A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a large platform packed with people. A sign overhead read Hogwarts Express, ten fifty. Arella pushed her cart forward through the crowds of people. Some of the carriages were already full with students. Arella pressed through the crowd to where she saw an empty compartment. When she finally got there she saw the boy who had gone through the barrier before her with another boy. He was also the same age as Arella herself but he had black hair that was cut to his shoulders and was a bit curly. Both were working to get their trunks into the compartment. Silently Arella pushed her cart to the compartment. The two boys looked up at her as she did so.

"Need help?" the boy with the glasses asked. Arella looked over at him and replied "Probably." The two boys stopped what they were doing and went to her cart. They lifted up her trunk and slid it into the compartment.

"Thank you," Arella said with a smile.

"No problem, I'm James Potter and this is my friend Sirius Black," James said jovially as Sirius smirked.

"Arella Danvers," Arella responded politely. "And again thank you." James nodded and the two then went back to putting Sirius's trunk into the compartment.

"See you around," Arella said before she left them to find herself a seat on the train and hopefully find Remus as she had yet to see her friend. Arella wandered through the train in hopes of finding him but she didn't so instead she just chose an empty compartment and took a seat. A few minutes later the compartment door opened and a red headed girl popped her head in.

"Is anyone sitting here?" she asked politely.

"No, no one's sitting there," Arella replied as she looked up at the girl.

"Oh, do you mind if my friend and I sit with you, everywhere else is full," she said as she opened the door further to reveal her dark haired male friend. His hair was shoulder length and very straight.

"You can sit here," Arella said softly with a small warm smile gracing her face.

"Thank you!" the other girl said happily. "I'm Lily Evans and this is my friend Severus Snape."

"I'm Arella Danvers," Arella replied as she watched the girl and boy take the seats across from her. Lily was obviously red-headed and had stunning green eyes with light colored skin. Severus, however, seemed dark all over with the exception of his pale skin.

"I can't wait until we reach Hogwarts, Severus has been telling me all about it all summer," Lily said excitedly.

"My friend Remus was doing the same for me. Plus I picked up a couple of extra books when I got my school ones and read those during the summer," Arella said just as excited as Lily. Soon the conversation became quite loud with laughter as the two girls talked. Eventually they got Severus to join them in conversation as well.

The rest of the ride to Hogwarts was uneventful, as was the boat ride to the castle itself; although, Arella was stunned to silence at the sight of the massive castle when she first saw. Once inside the castle the first year students were greeted by an intimidating elderly woman named Professor McGonagall, who explained each of the Houses and the expectations of the school. Arella only half listened when Severus said the he'd probably be in Slytherin. Within the group Arella saw her friend Remus standing with three other boys. Two of them were the boys who had helped Arella earlier, James Potter and Sirius Black, while the third was someone that Arella didn't know. Soon the group of first years was led into the Great Hall by Professor McGonagall. Nervous, as well as curious, Arella looked around as she walked with the other first years into the Great Hall. All the older students were watching these new younger students either curiously, wanting to see who was new to the school, or bored, having already done the same walk themselves. Candles danced in the air and the one thing that caught Arella's eye the most was the ceiling. Tonight is showed a clear night sky with hundreds of stars glowing brightly, each twinkling as she passed beneath them. A nudge from Lily, however, tore Arella's gaze from the ceiling and she turned her attention to her new friend. Lily pointed towards Professor McGonagall, who had now stopped and stood by the large podium beside her on a stool sat a worn looking hat. The witch held a piece of parchment that had the names of each of the new students. The Professor then called out the first name on the list.

"Abbott, Michael!"

The boy who had been called walked up to the stool that held the Sorting Hat. Professor McGonagall picked up the hat and the boy sat gingerly onto the stool. Once seated the teacher placed the hat onto the boy's head and a few minutes later the hat called out "Hufflepuff!" After the first person was called forward Arella stopped paying attention to the sorting ceremony and her gaze fell upon the beautiful red bird that sat on the top of a familiar person's chair. The person was of course the headmaster but it was the bird that intrigued Arella. It was the same bird that Arella had often seen flying near her home when she was younger.

'Why would I see the Headmaster's bird at home?' Arella thought as she gazed at the bird that was also looking directly at her as if it understood what she was thinking.

'Why wouldn't you?' a soft and gentle male voice asked in Arella's mind.

'Who are you?' Arella thought with narrowed eyes.

"Endsong…or as I prefer Fawkes," the bird replied. 'And I was watching over you Phoenix Blessed.'

'Why?' Arella asked mentally. 'And how am I talking to you?'

'I wanted to protect you' was the bird's reply. 'We are talking because we are connected. All will become clearer as you grow.'

"Black, Sirius!"

The familiar name broke the conversation Arella and the phoenix was having in secret. Arella watched as the hat was put onto the black haired boy. Within a few minutes the hat called out Gryffindor. The boy hopped off the stool clearly happy about being in Gryffindor as he walked over to his house table.

"Well that was a surprise," Severus muttered offhandedly.

"Why?" Arella asked.

"He's a pureblood and his whole family is big on purity of blood," Severus answered simply.

"Oh…" Arella uttered distractedly. The rest of the B names and C names went by quickly and soon the Professor got to Arella's name.

"Danvers, Arella!"

Nervously Arella walked through the students in front of her, passing by Remus and his other two friends as well, towards the podium and stool. She walked up to the stool and carefully sat on it. Professor McGonagall gently placed the hat upon her head.

"Hmmm….interesting, very interesting, a child of the House of d'Athane….hmmm you would do well in each of the houses. You are loyal and just but too courageous for Hufflepuff. There is wisdom to you and you could fit in nicely with Ravenclaw and you are pure enough for Slytherin. Yes you could do very well there little d'Athane. Hmmm….but your courage, you courage is strong and your kindness matches it," the Hat said into Arella's mind.

"My last name is Danvers, not d'Athane," Arella thought to the Hat.

"It is now but it wasn't always," the hat replied. "Where do you think you belong?"

"I don't know…" Arella replied. "I'll take where ever you put me. I know I'll do fine in any of them. Although I'm not sure I'll like it in Slytherin."

"No…Hmmm….yes I think I shall place you there," the hat said softly before shouting "Gryffindor!"

Arella let out a sigh, thankful she wasn't in Slytherin. Something about the house made her skin crawl. Quickly she got off the stool and went over to the table assigned to the Gryffindor students. The rest of the ceremony passed quickly. Lily was placed in Gryffindor as well as was Remus, James and their other friend Peter Pettigrew. Arella and Lily sat together with two of their new year-mates, Alice McKinnon and Mina Carter. The feast continued, the Headmaster giving a welcoming speech and reminding the students of the rules. Once the feast was over the houses then retreated to their common rooms. The rest of Arella's first year continued to be uneventful. Arella became close to three of her year mates while the other two she kept at arm's length. Darla Rowe and Roslyn Trengrove were both too snobbish for Arella's taste and she only spoke to them when necessary. Arella and Remus both remained friends, however, they each spent more time with their new friends verses each other. It didn't help that Remus and his friends always seemed to be pulling pranks either. The ones that irritated Arella the most were the ones that were against Severus as she had become sort of friends with him because of Lily.

The first four years passed quietly for Arella. She and Remus kept an acquaintance friendship, as Remus was always busy with his new friends and Arella was busy with both her classes and her own new friends. It would be fifth year that our story truly begins.