Chapter 1 Sydney's POV

I couldn't actually believe I was there, in London, looking for the father I never knew. I walked into the 'Leaky Cauldron,' a pub for witches and wizards, and a place to get information. The pub was dark and booming with life. There were witches and wizards talking happily over their drinks and playing wizards pool. I walked up to the bar and took a seat.

"What'll it be?" The bartender asked wiping up the bar.

"One butter beer and some information."

"Well the information is free, but the butter beer'll cost ya." The butter beer appeared in front of me as the bartender continued to speak. "So what kind of information might ya be looking for?"

"I'm looking for a man by the name of Severus Snape, any idea where I can find him?"

"Well he'll be at hogwarts this time of year, the school years already started."

"Thanks. That's all I needed to know." I finished my butter beer, slapped down some money, and went out the back door of the pub. I was standing in an alleyway. I took out my wand and tapped some of the bricks of the wall. All of a sudden the bricks rearranged themselves, creating a doorway that led into a street bustling with my mother when she was on tour, so I knew my way around.

I walked into a little alleyway between two of the shops and appartated to Hogsmead. I had read Hogwarts a History, a gift from my cousin last Christmas, so I knew that you couldn't appartate into the castle grounds. I walked through the village past, 'Honeydukes' and 'The Three Broomsticks' and turned down the path that led to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I gasped when the school came into view. It looked nothing like a school, more like a huge fortress, protecting everything within. I walked up the path, past the big lake and to the front door. I tried the handle and was surprised that it wasn't locked.

I walked into discover that the inside was warm and welcoming, nothing like the outside. I heard the rumble of people talking and dishes rattling. I walked toward the noise and discovered it was coming from behind two huge oak doors.

I pushed them open and stepped into the room only to get hit with the overwhelming feeling that everyone's eyes were on me. The room got silent, I looked around and saw that I was in some huge dining room, with kids in black robes all around me. I looked straight ahead and my eyes connected with the soft eyes of an old man.

I felt a twinge as I looked into those eyes like he could see into my soul. I knew that's where I needed to go so I began that long walk, down the aisle, with all those eyes watching me curiously.