Annabelle Black, affectionately known as Anna, moved through the crowd at Kings Cross Station, pushing her heavy trolley ahead of her. She looked very different from when she'd been a toddler. Her hair was long and wavy, dark brown with a layer of black underneath; and her eyes were gray. Her skin was pale with a touch of pink to her cheeks, which were still a bit rounded at 11 years old.

She nervously ran through the wall between Platforms 9 and 10 ahead of her mum, almost shocked when she came through on the other side. Even though she expected it, it was still surprising. She quickly moved away from the wall before her mother came through behind her.

Wren Black had straight brown hair, which she'd cut to chin length about 8 years back. She'd aged a bit raising her daughter alone for 8 years as well as working a full time job at the Ministry in the Department of Security, though she was still quite beautiful and was frequently asked out by her coworkers who knew she was single, despite keeping her married name and wedding ring on her finger. She always turned them down. She was frequently busy, but as far as Anna was concerned she was the best mum in the world.

The pair stopped just at the entrance to the train and Wren turned to look down at her daughter. Worry was clear in her green eyes as she brushed Anna's hair from her face.

"Are you sure about this? It's not too late to change your mind. I'd be more than happy to home school you, sweetie." she suggested for the hundredth time.

Anna shook her head. "No, mum, I'm sure. I want to go to Hogwarts, please."

Being an only child, Anna hadn't made many friends in her life. Her mum tried to shield her too much. Hogwarts was her one chance to try and make friends, and maybe even find love when she's older, like her mum said she did.

Wren sighed, a sad smile slipping on her face. "Very well. Just…remember, people may treat you differently when they hear your last name. And some people might say bad things about your dad. And…remember to try and keep your…abilities a secret." she ended in a whisper, leaning closer so her daughter could hear her.

Anna had been born a Metamorphmagus, which meant she had the ability to change her appearance to anything she wanted. Her mum had always been worried about it, because if someone decided to use the Imperius Curse on her, they could make her become anyone they wanted. Their possibilities would be endless. So, Wren figured it'd just be safer to try and keep it secret. Anna didn't change her appearance that much anyway, choosing to keep her natural hair and eye color.

"I'll do my best, mum." Anna promised.

Wren smiled, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "I know. I love you, Anna. Have fun and make sure you write to me and tell me what House you get placed in and tell me everything, okay?"

Anna laughed. "I will, mum. Promise." She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss her mum's cheek before pulling away and getting on the train.

Anna walked down the isle of the train and sat in the first empty compartment she found, which was pretty quick because they were one of the first people to arrive. It was only 10:25; the train wouldn't leave for another 35 minutes.

She sat silently by the window, just staring out at the Platform and watching other students say goodbye to their families. She felt a twinge in her chest as she watched the fathers of every family hug their children. She didn't remember much about her own dad, just vague memories from when she was little, kept alive mostly due to photos around the house. Her mum didn't talk about him much, and Anna had stopped asking about him because she hated the sad look on her mum's face when he was mentioned.

By the time 11:00 rolled around, a few other first year girls had joined Anna in her compartment. They made small talk, but for the most part Anna stayed out of their conversations. They merely talked about what houses they hoped to be in and what their parents and older siblings told them to expect for the year. Anna, personally, wasn't sure which house she'd like to be placed in, as long as it wasn't Slytherin. She doubted she would be placed there anyway, since, according to her mum, her dad had been disowned from the Black family, both for running away to live at a friend's house and for marrying a halfblood. Her mum had been a Ravenclaw when she was in Hogwarts, and her dad a Gryffindor.

During the ride, the others continued to talk. Eventually an older lady came by with a trolley full of candy and Anna bought a couple chocolate frogs to nibble on. After a few hours, the train pulled into a station and everyone began getting off the train. Anna followed the crowd onto the platform, not quite able to see above a group of students at least a head taller than her.

"Firs' years! Firs' years!" a loud voice in a thick, Scottish-like accent shouted above the crowd. Anna followed the group she was surrounded by in the direction of the voice. Her eyes widened in surprise when she found the owner of the voice. He was huge, at least twice the size of the average person, and about three times as wide. He had long, shaggy black hair and a beard that hid most of his face, and was wearing a large fur coat. Anna made sure to stay near the back of the crowd of first years, partially nervous about this enormous man.

When they were sure all the first years were gathered around the large man, who introduced himself as Hagrid, he lead them toward the nearby lake where dozens of small boats were on the shore. Anna followed the girls she'd been sitting with on the train and climbed into one of the boats. The dark lake was almost black under the night sky, but after a while Anna wasn't even paying attention to the water.

Hogwarts castle looked even more amazing than she imagined. With the lit windows, it seemed to glow in front of the night sky. Anna's mouth fell open in amazement. It was simply the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen in her life.

They reached the other end of the lake in about ten minutes, and Hagrid lead them inside the castle to a room where a strict-looking woman in elegant, black robes and a pointed hat was waiting for them.

"Here're the firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid announced to her.

"Thank you, Hagrid." she glanced at him before turning back to the group standing before her. "Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few moments we'll be passing through these doors and you shall join your classmates," she started, gesturing to the large doors behind her, "however, before you can take your seats you must be sorted into one of the different Houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."

A few whispers erupted around the group before they fell silent under Professor McGonagall's stern look.

"While you are here, your House will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year the House with the most points will win the House Cup. Now, follow me into the Great Hall and we shall begin the Sorting Ceremony."

The group followed her through the doors and Anna tried to take deep breaths. Her nerves were catching up with her and her stomach felt sick. She counted to ten in her head, trying to gain control of her emotions. She'd learned over the years that her hair, or even some other features, could change colors if she felt an extreme emotion. Her mum wouldn't be happy if she gave away her Metamorphic abilities the first night at Hogwarts, especially during the Sorting in front of the whole school.

McGonagall approached a stool in front of the Hall. Atop the stool was a ratty-looking, pointed hat with wrinkles and tears. Anna eyed it curiously, and a moment later it began to sing a song about the houses. It was rather entertaining, to be honest. When it finished, the whole room applauded and McGonagall stepped forward with a long piece of parchment and looked at the top of it. She began reading off names, and Anna quickly realized it would be going in Alphabetical order, meaning her name would be coming up very soon. Well, her nervous stomach was back.

Sure enough, her name was the third on the list.

"Black, Annabelle."

Whispers instantly erupted from the Hall and Anna ducked her head as she pushed through the crowd and approached the stool. Professor McGonagall smiled comfortingly at her as Anna slowly climbed onto the stool like the others had done. McGonagall placed the hat on Anna's head, it was so big it covered her eyes, and a voice spoke. Since she hadn't heard it talking earlier, she assumed it was in her head.

'Aah, another Black. I haven't sorted a Black in a few years, though you're quite a bit different from all of them.'

Anna quickly took that as a compliment.

The voice chuckled. 'Yes, I had a feeling you would. Well, it's clear you'd never belong in Slytherin, which I'm sure you also take as a compliment. You don't seem to fit very well in Hufflepuff. You're quite bright, so maybe Ravenclaw, though…I think you may be better off in Gryffindor."

'But I'm not brave.' Anna admitted silently. 'Gryffindor's the House of courage, but I-'

'Yes, I know what Gryffindor stands for, Annabelle. I sing a song about it every year. And not everyone who gets placed in Gryffindor is placed there because of their immense bravery. Many of them need to find their courage, and you are one of them. And what better place to find your courage than in the House of Bravery? That is why I've decided to place you in-'

"Gryffindor!"

Annabelle stared out at the Hall as everyone applauded, though she noticed a small pause beforehand and it wasn't as enthusiastic as the ones before her. Swallowing, Anna took a breath as she hopped down from the stool and approached the Gryffindor table. She tried to ignore the stares and whispers as she passed, people asking how a Black was sorted into anything other than Slytherin.

She sat down at the Gryffindor table, several seats down from the older students with her eyes kept on the tabletop.

The room fell quiet as the next name was called, but Anna didn't pay attention. She was trying not to freak out over people already whispering about her. Suddenly, the seat next to her was no longer empty. She jumped and turned to look up at the boy sitting next to her, her body tensing with nerves. He was at least a few years older than her and had shaggy, red hair, was completely covered in freckles to the point it looked like his skin was tanner than it was, his hands were calloused, and he looked stocky and muscular. His school robes showed a red and gold Gryffindor tie and a Prefects badge of the same colors. However, his friendly blue eyes and easy-going smile eased Anna's nerves.

"I'm Charlie Weasley." he whispered, holding his hand out for her to shake. She took it slowly, giving him a small smile. "They said your name's Annabelle, right?" he checked.

"Yeah." she whispered with a nod.

"Excited to be at Hogwarts?" he asked kindly, glancing at the front before turning his eyes back to her.

Anna nodded with a more relaxed smile. They paused their conversation to applaud when a student was placed in Ravenclaw. "Yeah, I am. I've been looking forward to it for a long time. But I'm kinda nervous, too, I guess." she whispered.

"What's there to be nervous about?" Charlie asked kindly, her brows furrowed a bit.

Anna glanced around the Hall before looking back at him. "Well, my last name seems to have gotten me some unwanted attention." she pointed out.

Charlie shrugged, also glancing around. "Ah, don't let that get to you. Give it a few days and you'll meet some friends in your classes. In most of the Houses, last names don't mean much." he explained quietly with a pointed glance over at the Slytherin table.

Anna nodded as the hat shouted 'Gryffindor' again, causing the Hall to erupt in cheers. She tried not to feel bitter that she didn't get that reception. A black girl with braided hair approached the table and sat closer to the older students than Anna had. People patted her back and leaned over the table to shake her hand.

The sorting lasted a little while. For some people, the hat barely touched their heads and they were sorted, others had the hat on their head for a good ten minutes. When there were only a few first years left, the name 'Weasley, Fred' was called.

Anna glanced at Charlie and noticed a smile on his face. She figured they were related, probably brothers since this other boy had red hair.

The boy was placed in Gryffindor after the hat sat on his head for all of one second. He grinned excitedly and hurried over to their table. Charlie stood up to give him a high five from across the table and people patted his back and shook his hand. Anna gave him a smile, but he seemed to pay more attention to the other students.

The next name was 'Weasley, George', and Anna quickly realized he was identical to Fred, obviously a twin. The hat barely touched his head and he was also placed in Gryffindor. Another round of cheering filled the hall as he quickly joined his twin. George received the same greeting from his brother and other classmates.

When the last student was placed, an older wizard with a long, white beard and blue robes stepped forward to give a speech. This was obviously the famous Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore. The speech was mostly to welcome the first years and explain certain rules as well as when their classes would be starting. After the speech was finished, Dumbledore announced that they could 'dig in'.

An entire feast, enough to feed an army, magically appeared on the tables. Anna's mouth fell open in amazement, the corners tugging up in a smile as she took in all the food.

"Ever seen this much food?" Charlie asked with a grin as he started piling food onto his plate.

"No." she answered honestly. Since it had only been her and her mum for as long as she could remember, her mum usually only made, or ordered, just enough to feed them each meal, occasionally having a plate or two for leftovers. Anna could easily believe the amount of food currently filling the Great Hall was probably more than she'd eaten in her life.

She ate mostly in silence, but she was fine with that. She could hear some of the conversations around the table, mostly from the other first years. Fred and George Weasley seemed to quickly become friends with another boy named Lee Jordon, who was black with dreadlocks. The black girl Anna had noticed earlier, named Angelina, was talking excitedly with a girl named Alicia Spinnet. She also noticed another redhead occasionally leaning over to talk to the twins and Charlie, and she quickly figured out he must be another brother of theirs. The twins seemed to give him a hard time, and he did seem a bit…stuck-up.

Charlie was really the only one to actually talk to Anna. He mostly asked her what classes she was most excited for, where she's from, and explained where some of the classes were and who the Professors were.

After the feast drew to a close, all the first years followed their Prefects to their common rooms. The Gryffindor common room was on the seventh floor after climbing large, stone staircases. Eventually, they came to a portrait of a fat lady in a dress, who asked them for a password. When the Prefect leading them gave it, the portrait swung open. Anna was as amazed as her classmates as they stepped through the square hole in the wall and into a large, circular room decorated in red and gold. There were several armchairs, a few tables, and a large couch. One wall was covered by a huge fireplace, while the other walls were decorated with tapestries. There were two doorways on either side of the room, as well.

"Those doors lead to your dormitories. There's the girls', there's the boys'. I should warn you that the girls' staircase becomes a slide should a boy step on it." the first year boys instantly started whispering and snickering until Charlie bopped one of the twins on the head to make them shut up. "There's no specific bedtime, however for first years through fourth years, curfew to be in the common room is 8:00; for older students it's 9:00. Are there any questions?"

When no one spoke up, Charlie stepped around the group to stand next to his fellow Prefect. "If any of you find that you do have questions later, just look for one of us, or another older student. Your luggage has already been brought in for you and placed in your dormitory, which is on the first floor you come to on your stairs. We'll be around if you need anything."

The group instantly split up, a few people going up their staircases while a few went to sit on the couch. Anna headed up the girls' stairs and entered her dormitory. She quickly found her luggage by the bed closest to the window that overlooked the grounds. She opened her trunk and grabbed her pajamas. With an awkward glance around the room, which a couple of the other girls had entered, she decided to change in the first year girls' bathroom on the same floor.

After doing just that, as well as using the loo and brushing her teeth, she left the bathroom and returned to her bed. She noticed Angelina and Alicia sitting on one of the other beds, their legs crossed and heads bent close together as they whispered excitedly together. When she entered the room, they paused and glanced at her for a moment before returning to their conversation.

Her chest aching, Annabelle climbed into her bed and pulled her blanket up to her chin, rolling on her side so her back faced the other girls. Taking a deep breath, she tried to clear her mind so she could sleep with the hope that tomorrow would be better.

XXX

There's the first chapter. I know it's not very eventful, but this is just the beginning.

Also, I'm going to be cramming about four years into this book, so Anna's first year will take up about the first ten chapters, I'll gloss over her second year in a few chapters, and focus mainly on her third and fourth year, which for reference would be during Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets.

This book, unfortunately, is more of a character-building/background story for Anna. So there's not too much of an actual plot, just some different kinds of conflict throughout the story.

Let me know what you think so far, reviews really help me! I'll be updating at least once a week.