Chapter 3

Then came the summer that world change both their lives forever. A change that would plunge two children into a world where they would be tested again and again. Proving that they were truly Predators and not Prey to be picked off like sheep to the slaughter.

That was the year they received their Hogwarts letters.

Harry and Alex slipped thru the street shadows on their way back from the exotic book store, it dealt primarily in alternate religions like Wicca. Cassius, a golden cobra they had rescued and who had attached himself to them, was contentedly curled around Alex's shoulders. They were confronted quite suddenly while trying to exit a alley that gave out onto the street. A strangely dressed darkman stepped from the shadow. He looked them over his eyes fell on Harry and he almost snarled the word, "Potter."

Harry's' eyes narrowed at the name. Alex observed this stranger. He was tall with black hair and eyes. His skin was shallow from lack of sun. And he wore black robes. Maybe he was looking for the bookstore. But why did he say Harry's name with such hate? She inhaled.

The smell of herbs and animal parts, of damp dark stone. Her sixth sense tingled. :Wizard…: The Hunter growled as it rose from the depths of her mind prepared to help defend herself in any way possible. "You haven't been getting your letters" he looked at Alex "you either Miss Darkin."

Alex remembered Harry telling her about the letters for them that Dursley's had burned. They had moved Harry into the smallest bedroom shortly after. It had a window. Which meant Alex could come and go as she pleased.

The man sneered and with a snarled, "Here are your letters." Practically threw them at Harry and Alex. Alex opened hers at the same time as Harry trusting the, yet, unnoticed Cassius to watch the strange man.

It read:

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 Ms.Darkin

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

Term begins on September 1. We await you owl by no later then July 31.

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Alex looked at harry and quickly they exchanged letters. His read exactly the same as hers, well except for the name. Harry looked up at the man. "Excuse me sir, but what does it mean they await our owl?"

And before he could answer Alex jumped in with, "And who exactly might you be, Sir?"

The man sneered at them, "I am Professor Severus Snape. And if you accept I will be taking your answer back to Hogwarts."

Harry and Alex exchanged silent glances considering the offer. Finally Harry shrugged and answered, "We accept."

"Wonderful," he said with such sarcasm that it was clear it was everything but wonderful, "I'll be by at sever o'clock sharp to pick you up for your school shopping."

With that he turned on his heel walking away before disappearing with a sharp "pop" of displaced air.