Disclaimer: I do not own, nor claim to own, any characters which are recognisable from the Harry Potter series or any other novel. Please don't sue.

Hi all, this is my first fan-fiction so I hope it's not too bad. Flame me if it is.

Prologue – Departing

Isabel Wenleck sighed as she glanced up and stared out the window at the unusually drab weather outside. It was almost as if even the weather did not want her to leave, willing her to stay inside by the fire or curled up in bed. But, as Isabel glanced back down at her suitcase, she knew that she had no choice in the matter. As her mother had explained to her countless times, going to Hogwarts was "all part of the family tradition". No matter how many times Isabel had pleaded with her mother to let her stay with the elves, they just would not give in. "You'll appreciate this when you're older" her mother had stated with a sharp tone and tight lips, signalling the end of the conversation. Isabel knew that this couldn't be easy for her mother either but frankly, couldn't care less right now. And her father, well don't even get Isabel started on him, he was so off with the fairies (literally) he'd probably forgotten he even had a daughter.

"God," thought Isabel sighing again, "Having an elf for a dad and a witch for a mum really can have its drawbacks sometimes."

"Bella sweetie! Have you finished packing yet?" Isabel's mother cried in a shrill voice, bursting into the room with such theatrics you'd think she was on stage. "The carriage to take you to the train is nearly here, you'd better…" she trailed off and stared at what Isabel had packed for herself. "Uh darling… do u really need all those black clothes? I mean, we are trying to create a good impression here."

Isabel gave her mum a look that basically said 'insult my clothes one more time bitch and I'll rip your heart out through your throat' and kept packing her black clothes. She hated wearing black herself, but she just bought all these depressing clothes in a last ditch effort to convince her mum that she really wouldn't fit in, or try to fit in, anywhere but at home. Waste of money, but still, worth a try.

"Right…well, don't forget that you own coloured clothes too sweetie, that's all that I'm saying. Oh come on, don't give me that look!" her mother exclaimed as Isabel rolled her eyes. "It's for the best darling, really it is. You'll like it there. They have magnificent gardens, with a quidditch pitch, and ghosts and portraits that move and boys!" Isabel's mother really did seem to be getting quite excited about this, talking extremely fast with huge hand movements.

"That's great mum," Isabel smiled, obviously faking excitement, "I hope you'll be very happy there!"

"Oh come on Isabel!" Her mum snapped exasperatedly, "Can't you just try and make the best of something for once!"

Isabel was about to snap back something extremely witty when the horses hooves from the coach we heard on the ground outside.

"Now honey," her mother said softly, composing herself once more and starting to adjust Isabel's outfit, "Try not to make too many enemies ok? I don't want my daughter coming home with bunny ears."

Isabel rolled her eyes and proceeded to walk out of her room and down the long staircase towards the front archway. As she walked whilst trying not to collapse under the weight of her bags she heard someone clearing their throat. She glanced to the side, only to lock eyes with her father who, she was surprised to notice, looked sad and remorseful and not nearly as well as an elf of his age should have. He acknowledged her with a tilt of his head and she walked out into the cloudy weather where an elf was holding the carriage door open for her. She entered the carriage and settled herself down into the plush chairs. As the carriage moved away she glanced out of her window and let her eyes settle on her home which was slowly moving away from her. She wiped the tears away that had sprung suddenly into her eyes and leant her head against the wall of the carriage trying not to think of the life she had just left behind.

So yeah, you can review if you want to. It would be much appreciated! Go on, make my day:)