Hogwarts stood still, as it always had. Cordelia Granger, a seventeen year old, smiled as it was her last year here. So many years here had given her experience in the world ahead. Her sister, Hermione, now a lovely twenty four year old, gave her advice of the year ahead.

"Concentrate on your studies! Mind you, it takes one step out of line and you go down the drain!"

Her voice still rang through Cordelia's mind. It wasn't just this that troubled her, though. The famed killer, Lord Voldemort, had become more active as the Ministry of Magic claimed. Hermione was very involved with keeping the Muggles safe and Cordelia hoped no harm would come to her.

"Treats, dear? We're nearly there, you know!" Came a voice.

The trolley lady who always sold treats to the students on the Hogwarts Express stood in the hall. Her cart was full of lovely goodies. Cordelia bought two cauldron cakes and many bags of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. The woman moved on, heading away from her chamber. The train hissed and a nasal voice could be heard from an intercom.

"Please change to your Hogwarts robes. We are approaching the school."

Already in her robes, Cordelia closed her eyes for a small rest.

"Cordelia? Cordelia Granger?"

A young woman with fiery red hair had stuck her head through the door.

"Molly! Oh, I thought you'd died!" Cordelia exclaimed.

Molly Weasley was a good friend of hers. Her father, Bill Weasley, was the brother of Ron Weasley, Hermione's good friend.

"How was your summer? I'm sorry I didn't write, but we went to Holland. It was splendid!" Molly said.

"Hermione kept me home, but I did have a good time. We moved near your grandparents and I can ride my Nimbus 2001!" Cordelia explained.

They chatted happily until the train came to a steady halt.

"Let's grab a carriage! I'm sure they'll be packed this year!" Molly said breathlessly.

Cordelia followed Molly to a black coach, horseless as always. They took the elder students to the school.

As, the students filed into the Great Hall, Cordelia found other friends. A fellow Gryffindor, Alice Longbottom was to be heard shouting after them, trying to get their attention.

"Cordelia! Molly! Wait—Ah!"

Alice skidded across the floor, bumping into many students. Cordelia was lurched off her feet as Alice hit her. Pain seared up her knees.

"Oh, sorry, Cordie! I slipped…" Alice said apologetically.

"No trouble!" Cordelia exclaimed, letting out a laugh.

"Nice trip, Longbottom!" said a drawling voice.

Luscious Malfoy, famed for having two Death Eaters as relatives, his grandfather, Luscious, and father, Draco Malfoy, sneered at Cordelia and Alice. Death Eaters were what Voldemort's followers called themselves. He himself would probably become one to.

"Oh, lay off Malfoy!" Cordelia cried.

Malfoy's sneer turned to a true smile. It was no secret he had took a liking to her, though she was, what he called Muggle born, a Mudblood.

"Ah, Granger… How's your Mudblood sister? I Heard she's still trying to modify a Muggle's memory after she did an incantation in front of their nose!" Malfoy exclaimed, exchanging laughs with his cronies.

"Go ahead and laugh!" Cordelia retorted and left with her friends.

She didn't even turn when Malfoy called for her again. All she could hope for was an excellent feast.

The teacher's table seemed drained of happiness. Old Professor McGonagall looked grim with her proper chin and even Dumbledore sat in his chair as if it was a funeral.

"Look a bit ill, don't they?" Molly whispered in Cordelia's ear.

Before she could answer, Dumbledore stood up and began to speak.

Just as he opened his mouth, Cordelia had a strange sensation of being watched. She swung her head around towards the window. Small slits of gold glowed from the darkness. Cordelia had to stifle her scream by biting her tongue. Something was out there and it had gotten past Dumbledore's protective spells. What could it be?

Weeks went by and Hogwarts buzzed with life. It all went too fast for Cordelia to grasped. Her mind was set on those glowing eyes, but nothing could explain how a creature could have brought through Dumbledore's charms, unless it was from the forest. 'Yes, it's from the forest'. That's all she could tell herself.