I unfortunately do not own the world of Harry Potter.

I would just like to say a quick thanks to johnso20, indieinnocent, Celeste Belle, Moromu, lioness18, SplodeyYourFridge, XSkylarMalfoyX, Allen Pitt, and Echo1317.

This is my first fan-fic. Hope you like it! (And if you haven't guessed by now, reviews are greatly appreciated!) I've gotten 100+ so far, so thanks! (But that doesn't mean that I want you to stop. LOL) :)

Just so you all know - I am also writing another fan-fic - Mysterious Last Name. I would really appreciate it if you would check it out. Thanks!

Chapter 20:

The Hogwarts Express

After the worst summer she could possibly remember, Ariella was finally making her way onto the Hogwarts Express, glad to be away from Lucius Malfoy at last. She was currently in a compartment, alone, waiting for Draco to come and claim it for himself and his "friends". Cronies or henchmen is more like it, thought Ariella. She heard the door creak open, and looked up to see him standing in the doorway of the compartment. She got up, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and started to get out of his way. As she passed him, however, their eyes making contact, she nodded once, before leaving totally, and heading off to the smaller compartment she had found on her first ride on the train, two years prior. She had still not forgotten his brief spell of...what was it...kindness? that night in the library. As she sat down, her mind wandered back to that night, replaying the events that had taken place.

Why had he let her off with his father? That was the real question. She could still hardly believe it. She knew by now that Draco Malfoy was not a nice person, yet he had shown her...she didn't know what it was, but he had faltered for a moment upon hearing that his father had "dealt" with her already. Surely he didn't know what he was doing to her? Or maybe he did, she didn't know. And it was with these thoughts racing thought her head that Ariella fell into a light sleep.

A while later, Ariella was woken by the sharp jolt of the train stopping. Surely we aren't there yet, she thought, and looking out the window, she was proved right. Suddenly, a cold, chilling feeling swept over her. It was as if all the hope and happiness was drained from her. The door creaked open, and she turned to face a hooded creature, it's skeletal hand opening the door. As it came closer, Ariella saw visions flash in front of her, scenes, accompanied by a voice, a soft, yet strong pleading voice. The last thing she saws was a bright flash of light, and then everything went dark as she fell to the floor of the train, fainting, unconscious.

I know it's a short chapter, but if you want a preview with the response to your review, let me know!

Sorry for the long wait! Hope this chapter makes up for it! :)

Thanks to all who are reading, and liking it. If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please feel free to review/private message me. Also, if you have any ideas at all, or would like to see something happen, let me know, and I'll consider putting them into a chapter. Thanks! ~ Leanora