Hey y'all! This is cross posted on AO3, with the same name. I am going to be working on creating a regular updating schedule, hopefully once a week. As always, this world belongs to J.K. and I'm just adding my take on some things. There are some important notes about this story. There will definitely be some dark times, but this is a HEA. There may be some Ron and a bit of Dumbledore bashing, but not too much. The main pairing is Draco/OC, although we'll see a lot of different couples before everyone ends up with their end-game partner. This is definitely AU, and I'm all about saving lives when they deserve it! I would love any feedback, or ideas you'd like to give. I have a pretty solid understand on where this is going to go, but I always take the readers thought and opinions into consideration! I hope you enjoy! :)

Full Summary: Ana Nott never fit in with her family. Despised by her father, and outcast from her friends, she's determined to be different. Be better. Becoming the first ever Nott to be in Gryffindor, she makes her way finding new friends, and getting into impossible situations. However, nothing can stop her past from coming forward and becoming the shadow looming over her head. She follows her new friends into battle, against those she grew up with, and is forced to make impossible decisions. When the battle is over, and the dust settles, who will she turn to? The friends and family she never really forgot, or the new friends who shared her trauma, but maybe never really accepted who she was. Main pairing is Draco/Ana. Endgame of Hermione/Theo and Ginny/Blaise.

TW: Brief mentions of child abuse

It is truly funny how fast life can change. Looking back to when I was a child, I didn't have an easy go of things. I was always the one that did things differently than expected, at least according to my father. My brother, Theodore, is what could be considered the ideal pureblooded child. Followed the rules, most of the time, behaved how he should, and kept in line. He didn't stray in his beliefs, or at least didn't let father know he did. He was, through and through, a Slytherin. Our father was a Death Eater, although at the time we didn't know, which meant we were always around questionable characters. I wasn't stupid, even as a kid. I had a big mouth and wasn't afraid to speak what was on my mind, but with father's friends, I knew to keep my mouth shut. Unfortunately, we were around those nasty men more often than not. My favorite part of childhood had to have been going to see Mothers friend. Yes, she was only allowed one, and her name was Narcissa Malfoy. Father and Mr. Malfoy were friendly, both being a part of the same group, but it was Mother and Narcissa that brought us all together. We would go over to the Malfoy Manor on Saturdays to play with their son, Draco. All pureblood children were meant to congregate together, whether we got along or not, and for me it was mostly not. Saturday mornings were spent just Draco, Theo, and I hanging out while Mother and Narcissa talked. Come the afternoon Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, and Daphne Greengrass would come over, and we were left to our own devices. Theo and Blaise were always very close, for which I was glad Theo had someone to really open up to. Merlin knows he needed it. Daphne and Pansy tended to stick together, but got along with everyone in the group, sans myself. I had Draco. Since we were born, or so our mothers used to say, Draco and I were inseparable. Don't get me wrong, everyone wanted to be friends with Draco. He had some sort of magnetism that just drew people to him, but especially me. I couldn't stand Pansy or Daphne really, but Blaise was okay. When in groups, Blaise would talk to me for a moment and then move along, but Draco? He was all mine. He was with me, always. When the others starting in on me for being different, he was always there to defend me. When I tried to isolate myself, he would come find me. I trusted him with everything in my life, and he to me as well.

Everything changed when we were 7. Theo and I woke up to screaming. Meeting in the hallway outside of our bedrooms, we walked to the end of the hall where there was an alcove. We would hide in there when we could want to watch or listen in on conversations happening on the floor below us. This night would be a night we would both come to regret listening in. Mother and Father were fighting, which wasn't abnormal, but the topic of conversation was. Mother didn't agree with Fathers choice of friends, and refused to let us be around. Said we were in danger and her love for us far outweighed the fear Father instilled in her. That, however, proved to be a fatal mistake on Mothers part. With horror, Theo and I watched our father brutally murder our mother. That night Theo and I wept and mourned the loss of our mother. The next morning Father said our mother was weak and a traitor and wouldn't ever come back. I never realized this was the most defining moment of my childhood. Theo and I were always different, but this was the catalyst for our paths diverging from one another. Theo took Mothers death as the warning it was. He became even more of a perfect child, not that he escaped the abuse my father dealt, but he never crossed any of the lines my father clearly set. He was ruled by his fear and sadness. I, on the other hand, let my sadness turn to anger. I never wanted to be what my father had planned, and I made sure at every turn to disobey his commands. My abuse, while still physical, tended to be different from Theos. I was told how worthless I was, and how he would get rid of me just like he did mother. I was starved, and made to feel every ounce of pain he inflicted. I found myself covering for Theo more and more, because if I could help him from feeling the pain, then I was honoring our mother's memory. My punishments included not being able to go to the Malfoy's anymore either. While I still saw them on occasion, it wasn't anything like it was before. I could feel my relationship with Draco slipping, growing smaller and increasingly unimportant the more time I was forced away. While I still cared and adored Draco, it seemed he took my absence as a personal betrayal. Narcissa would secretly send me treats and well wishes with the elves, but without going against Lucius there wasn't much more she could do. I spent the next few years mainly isolated, only seeing my brother who was sometimes too scared to come visit me. I spent my time reading up on the history of different pureblood families, and very questionable magic noted in a personal journal of a Nott ancestor. When our Hogwarts letters came, the relief I felt was enough to take my breath away. I finally had an escape, and could stay away from home as much as possible. I was determined to make my own way through school, and be whoever I really wanted to be, consequences be damned. That started the first day of school.

Hogwarts Express

Sitting on the Hogwarts express, made to share with my brother and his friends, I was being completely ignored. No one wanted to talk with me because they all knew something had happened. I tried smiling at Draco, but he sneered and looked away, starting a conversation with Blaise. After that, everyone followed his lead and didn't address me. I couldn't stand the tension in the compartment, so I made my leave, no once noticing my absence. As I wandered through the halls of the train, I looked for an empty compartment to sit. I came across a compartment with two boys and a girl. Gathering whatever courage I could, I opened the door. Their eyes swung to me.

Clearing my throat, I said, "Hello there. I was just wondering if there was any room for me to sit in here?"

A girl with absolutely crazy curly hair spoke first. "Hello! I'm only visiting, I have different compartment with another boy, but he's lost his toad so I was helping to find it, when I saw these two attempting magic so I had to stop. My name is Hermione Granger." She smiled toward me.

A redheaded boy, with dirt on his nose spoke next, "I'm Ron Weasley, and I was about to show them a spell my brothers taught me. It'll turn my rat Scabbers yellow!" Ron proceeded to attempt the spell, with nothing happening each time.

Hermione looked rather unimpressed. "Are you sure that's a real spell? Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me. I've learned all our course books by heart, of course."

Ron looked away angrily, and I couldn't help but chime in. "Well, all spells had to be created at one point. Anyone is capable of creating a spell. I'm not saying it is easy by any means, but it is doable. It's all about the intention. That's what makes a good spell." I ended with a smile on my face to show it was meant as friendly.

Ron looked slightly relieved with a small smirk on his face, and Hermione looked like she was about to ask a follow up question when the other boy in the compartment spoke for the first time. He was playing with his already messy black hair when he asked in a quiet voice, "How do you know that? Did you also read about it in a book? I'm Harry, by the way. Harry Potter."

I knew exactly who Harry Potter was. He certainly looked different than what I was expecting for The Boy Who Lived. He was in clothes two sizes two big, and looked a bit grungy. I was surprised that the savior of the wizarding world looked as run down as he did. I figured he would look rather lavish, and I felt a bit bad for him. "No, not a book. Well, yes, I guess I should say you can find that information in a book, but it was something that my mother and I talked about when I was younger. I always enjoyed the idea of new magic and learning what others didn't know. I could always loan you the book if you'd like Harry. Oh! I'm Annalise Nott, but I go by Ana."

Hermione jumped forward, looking eager, "So you grew up with magic! I bet there are a lot of books you know about that I don't. Would you be willing to share with me as well?"

Before I could answer her and say yes, I would love to, Ron jumped in no longer looking happy. "I wouldn't take anything from her, either of you two. She's from a family of snakes, and no one good came from Slytherin house. I bet she hates you two because of your blood, and was planning on planting something in the books to get you."

I could feel the anger bubbling up within me at his accusations. How dare he assume to know who I was just because of my last name? "Excuse me? Who do you think you are talking to me like that? You don't know me at all! Not everyone in Slytherin is a bad person, with all those old, outdated views. You shouldn't judge someone based off of their last name, Weasley. Because I could do the same to you. It wasn't too long ago that the majority of your family were blood supremacists. All it takes is one person to change their minds. Although when you go around spouting hate, why would anyone ever want to change if no one would believe them and treat them horribly? I'm leaving, but Harry and Hermione, I can honestly say I am nothing like my family, and I would never want to hurt anyone just because of something as silly as blood status. If either of you would want a book, I would be more than happy to get it for you."

"Ana, I'm coming with you! You can come sit in my compartment with me. I'd love to learn more!" Hermione got up and starting escorting me to her compartment, which I learned she was sharing with a boy named Neville Longbottom.

I explained to her how blood prejudice worked, and how just because someone was a pureblood, didn't mean they hated half-bloods or muggleborns, saying that Longbottom was a pureblood name. There were many prejudiced people, and unfortunately, she would come across them at Hogwarts, but not to let them get her down. She was as strong and capable as anyone else. Once seated, that conversation led into how even different wands were meant to do different things, but it was ultimately up to the user to make their own decisions on how to use their power.

"I have a 10¾" long, vine wood wand with a dragon heartstring core. Mr. Ollivander said dragon heartstring wands were very powerful, and that vine wood wands tend to have owners who strive for a greater purpose! It was so cool to learn about the different meanings. I've been studying up on them. What is yours?" Hermione had asked. I thought back to when I got my wand.

Diagon Alley

Father didn't want to let me out of the house, but he had no choice. Theo and I had to get our things for Hogwarts, and I finally got to get my wand. It was what I was most excited for. I was forced to go wherever Father and Theo wanted to go, and it was highly suggested I keep quiet if I wanted to keep my wand on me before we left for Hogwarts, so I kept my mouth shut. Finally making our way to Ollivander's, Theo went first. 11.5 inches, Hawthorn, and dragon heartstring. Father was pleased with his result, and took him to the Quidditch supply store, telling me to get my wand and stay there until they came back. I looked to Mr. Ollivander with a meek smile.

"Well, my dear, let's get you sorted out then, hmm. Let me see. Based off of your twins' results, let's start here." Wand after wand I tried, and none felt right. I was starting to worry that I would never find one that fit me, and maybe I really was destined to be a nobody, shoved into a corner and to be forgotten about. That was until Mr. Ollivander appeared with the most peculiar look in his eye, and gingerly handed me a wand. Before I could even wave it about, I could feel the magic course through me, stronger than I had ever felt it before.

With a smile, that was borderline alarming, Mr. Ollivander began to speak, "How very interesting, my dear. You were difficult, very difficult, but there is a wand for everyone. You are unlike your brother in many ways, and it is curious that this is the wand meant for you. 11", cedar wood, and Phoenix as the core. Your wand is unique in its own ways. Cedar wands do not normally have phoenix feathers as their core, usually meshing well with unicorn or dragon heartstring. I've always found that cedar wand owners tend to have perspicacity, perception, and loyalty. Not easy to fool, are you my dear? I would be weary to cross you or your loved ones. You have the potential to be a frightening adversary. Matched with the Phoenix feather, known for possessing a great range of magic, I believe you will come to be a gifted witch. Gifted indeed."

Back to Hogwarts

Hermione calling my name broke me out of my thoughts, "Sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to get lost there. My wand is 11", cedar, and phoenix core."

While Hermione started talking to Neville, and I smiled politely and chimed in when expected, I was lost to my thoughts again. The closer we got to Hogwarts the more worried I became. Changing into my robes, and exiting the train, I wondered where I would go from here. Following Hermione and Neville, I saw Ron and Harry across the way getting into their own boat. I shot the latter a quick smile in hopes Ron didn't completely turn him against me. He smiled back and the weight on my chest lifted, even if only slightly. Following the rest of the first years into the castle, I watched Draco make a fool of himself in front of Harry. Feeling bad, because I knew Draco was never able to express himself well, I was left wanting to do something, but my own relationship with Draco was rocky at best. I kept to myself, anxious to get sorted. As we stood in the great hall, I couldn't help but get a little excited again. This was my chance to prove I was more than my name. With determination, I watched and wait for my turn. Hermione and Neville both got into Gryffindor, and I was happy for them. A bit surprised, as Hermione's love of reading made me think she'd be a Ravenclaw. Of course, Draco was immediately put into Slytherin and looked as proud as could be. Soon, it was my turn. "Nott, Annaliese." Professor McGonagall read aloud. I saw Theo look my way, and thought I caught Draco looking interested, but when I looked again, he seemed bored and to not be paying attention. With a sigh, I made my way up and sat on the stool.

The hat was placed on my head, "Hmm. Hello there. I see here you have quite the drive. You are determined, that much is clear to see. Clever as well, with much ambition and resourcefulness. However, you are severely lacking in self-preservation. Brave to the point of recklessness, especially when it comes to those you care for. You are not lacking in courage or nerve, either. Intelligent and powerful; I can see a great future for you either way you go. There is only one place I see you truly belonging. Better be, GRYFFINDOR!"

I'm sure the surprise was showing on my face. I could see Theo, his face gone white. Hermione and Neville were clapping extra hard along with the other Gryffindors, although I could see the confusion on the faces of those who knew my last name. I saw Ron and Harry whispering back and forth to each other, and I smirked. Happy that Ron Weasley got to eat his words. While making my way to the Gryffindor table, I saw Draco, the tips of his ears pink, which only meant one of two things. He was embarrassed or angry, and judging by the sneer on his face, it was the latter. I knew he felt betrayed, once again, and for the first time the thought came to me. Maybe this really was the end of our friendship. Sitting at the table, I shook all those thoughts out of my head. This was my first year, and I was ready to show who I really was, Gryffindor and all