*This is an authors note adding in everything I forgot. So far I have about six characters, not including my two. I cannot stress how many more I do need, so if you want you can make one more major character. I have came to the decision that I do want to add in some of J.K's characters children. Here's the list of Yes.

1. Theodore Lupin 2. Victorie Weasley (Bill and Fleur's daughter)
3. James Potter 4. Albus Potter 5. Hugo Weasley

Any other non-o.c characters you want me to add in there just let me know. I have accepted everyone who has applied so far. They were all just so damn good! Apply more characters please.

With Love,
Left4Love*

A Prologue to a Bright New Year

Natalie and Dominic Malfoy moved through the darkening hallway of the Manor, taking care to stay as far away from the kitchen, and farther away from the house elves. The guests were soon to arrive and both children had to be on their most charming behavior, which meant to stay put, smile handsomely, and to remain spectators. Dominic took enjoyment out of the parties thrown. He believed that conversing with scholars and ministry officials and listening into the many debates and agendas was terrific practice for someday when he will enter his field of choice. Charming them would put him ahead of the rest of the lot when the time came. Perhaps it was a bit much for a twelve year old to think about, but this is a Malfoy we're talking about. Natalie was not particularly thrilled with the dinner parties her father threw. She found the guests to be dull and mundane. In her opinion they asked the most pointless and self explanatory questions. It wasn't just the people that made her tick. She also sat in the firmest and most uncomfortable chair in the dinning hall which left her knots in her back after she got up.

Dominic walked a few paces in front of her. This wasn't surprising because he was tall for his age, and his long legs would make him have long strides. Unlike Natalie, who wasn't considered short by most, but neither was she tall. At points she had to run to keep up with him. She began to gasp for breath.

"Don't pant like that," he said firmly and parental. "It's unattractive."

"I wouldn't have to pant if you just slowed down."

"Natalie, be realistic. We only have three minutes to get to the dinner hall and were not even considered close. We wouldn't have been late if YOU would have been ready on time."

"I'm sorry I have a life outside dressing up, looking pretty, and manipulating washed out retirees to like me," she slowly mumbled under her breath.

"I have more a life than that"

She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow.

"I'm serious!"

"Sure, sure, whatever you say Dom."

"Can we just hurry?" He said as he grabbed his sister's right wrist and lunged forward.

He managed to pull her down the beautiful re-done marble stair case, flew her through the right wing, and then the left one. It was all a blur for her at the time. A blur of colors in which she could barely make out objects. She didn't think at this point. It was a strange sensation for her because usually her head was full of thought.

Dominic on the other hand was preoccupied with one thing and one thing only: making it to dinner on time.

Soon the siblings approached a grand and inquisitive door. It was large, squared. And powerful. Being of rich pine wood and silver made it almost intimidating. Natalie always thought this door was a bit ostentatious. Dominic thought it was everything a door is and was suppose to be.

With that he grabbed the silver sculpted snake handles and opened the door.

The dinning hall was skinny and long, similar to the shape of a rectangle. The ground was made of stone, but it was covered by a magnificent green carpet. The lights were dim. They were only two chandeliers that lit up the room, and a huge fire place which literally took up one wall. The table itself could at least fit twenty people, perhaps more. It was kept usually clean for this room served little use unless it was Christmas or someone's birthday.

"Natalie, Dominic, there you two are. I was beginning to worry if you were going to show up," said their mother embracing them in a hug.

"Ugh, mother what did I tell you about hugs? I'm twelve not two, and twelve year olds don't like hugs." Dominic said roughly.

"Oh, right I forgot." She said quickly then winking at Natalie. Almost to say, "You'll never get sick of my hugs."

"Draco darling, come here." Hermione called to her husband who was already engaged in conversation with a dinner guest.

Hermione Jean Malfoy was almost as beautiful at thirty-four as she was at seventeen. The only wrinkles she was beginning to get were smile lines. Her mane of hair was far from graying, and her brown eyes still sparkling. She was the only one in the room wearing scarlet. I guess she would always be a true Gryffindor even amongst Slytherins.

Draco approached his wife with two glasses of champagne. He proceeded to give her a quick kiss on the lips. I mean what more could they do while their children were right there?

Draco Lucius Malfoy did not retain his youth, like his wife did. He aged to the point where it was appropriate for his age. His wrinkle between his eyebrows began developing when he was seventeen, and was defined at this point, having also a few wrinkles on his forehead. His hairline had begun to recede which made his sharp features even pointier. He still was a handsome bloke even with his hair was graying up in the back a bit. It was hard to notice though because his hair was always such a pale blond, and he had a bit of a goatee. He of course was showing off his Slytherin pride by wearing emerald green and his snake ring on his middle finger.

Draco smiled at his children. He gave his son a formal pat on the back, and he ruffled his daughter's hair. You see Draco, much like Dominic, did not like to be a part of public physical affection unless it's necessary. They both believe it to be a sign of weakness.

He signaled for a tall, broad shouldered, dark skinned man. He had no hair, and he wore a single golden hoop earring. You would think him a bit scary if it weren't for his eyes. They were brown and wise. Some would describe them as handsome, but the children just found them comforting.

"Children, I'd like you to meet a dear friend of mine," said Draco. "This is Kingsley Shacklebolt, ex-Prime Minister of Magic, and your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher."

They looked up at him in awe. Natalie liked him right away. He was a nice change of pace instead of her father's usual friends. Who were just a plain bore to listen to sometimes. Dominic was excited too, but not for the same reason dear little Nattie was. It was apparent that Mr. Shacklebolt was the most important guest of the evening, maybe even the most important guest ever brought to one of these dinners, which meant he would have to pull out all the stops to impress him.

Kingsley didn't smile, he aloud his eyes do all the talking. And his eyes said "very interesting". He proceeded to shake both of the children's hands with a firm, powerful, but not rough grasp.

"You have very attractive children, Mr. Malfoy." He said in a deep cautious voice.

It was true, that the Malfoy children were both attractive individuals. Dominic was tall (an inch shorter than Hermione), lean, and pale. His dark brown hair was clean cut and sharp. His eyes though having dark circles around them were still striking. They were a pale grey, like his fathers, formal, cold, and distant. He looked very similar to Draco, same pointed features, same long nose. He smiled even less than he. Dominic was vain in his appearance but was self-conscious of the acne that started to form around his chin and forehead. He wore square glasses which made him look older than the average twelve year old.

Natalie was of average height, slender, and tan for someone who grew up in England. She had a slight spray of freckles over her nose and checks. Her hair was a dirty blonde and was wild with curls and kinks. She took after Hermione the same way her brother did after Draco. She had her mom's large dark brown eyes and her pretty rosy lips. She sadly also did inherit her mom's buck teeth. Which she was most ashamed of, but that still didn't stop her from smiling. Her smile was large and wide, it was her dad's. No one really knew that though because her dad rarely smiled like that around anyone.

Draco hid it, but he swallowed with pride at the sight of his children being complimented from a man of that much esteem.

He managed to put his arms around both Natalie and Dominic and said. "Yes, If I do say so myself. They got the Malfoy good looks, if you know what I mean. No offense Hermione."

He winked at his wife to let her know that he was only joking.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Charming Draco," she said as she took an elegant sip of champagne. "I will inform you that it wasn't that that won me over."

"Oh, then if it wasn't my charm or my looks what was it? My intelligence?"

"Your money."

He then became silent.

"You see, love, two can play at that game." She said with a smirk.

It was her favorite hobby to outwit her husband. You see, after fifteen years of marriage you need to be entertained, and I'm not talking about the bedroom. Though Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy had little in common they sure did amuse each other. I guess things really didn't change since they were first years.

"They have the good looks of the Malfoy House I do agree with that," Shacklebolt began to speak. "But let's hope they do not inherit the Malfoy Morals."

With a sly smile he walked away and began to converse with other dinner guest.

Natalie began to laugh. Though it was a joke against her family she could always appreciate the humor in everything. Dominic then shot her a look and she became quiet. Apparently her brother did not exhibit the same trait.

"Jackass," Draco said under his breath.

"Come now, dear. He was just making a joke."

"He knows I don't like him much, and to insult my family in my own house in front of me. It's absurd and you know it. I actually would like him escorted out of here."

Hermione grabbed Draco's arm.

"No, I invited him, so he stays. You always get to pick who goes to these little dinner parties. They're a load of shit. Barely anyone here will even look at me or respect me as your wife and it's been over a decade. Can't people just get over it! I invite one friend, and it's not Ron or Harry or even Ginny. And...And...In less then thirty minutes of the party you want to kick him out. Seriously, just wow Draco!" She said with her fists clenched and her voice began to shrill.

She walked off to go find Kingsley.

"Uhhh! Damn woman." He said walking in the other direction.

After they were far from earshot Natalie turned to her brother and said. "Blimey, that was a ton of swearing."

"You better get use to it when you get to Hogwarts."

"Well, since mum and dad seem pretty preoccupied. I'm going to leave."

He grabbed her wrists.

"Whoa, slow down," He said emphasizing the "whoa". "It's your duty as a Malfoy to-"

"-To appear at every dinner party, remain polite and pleasant to every guest no matter how bloody annoying they maybe. Yeah, yeah, I get it, but come on Dom. Do you really want to stay here? Where we can be on an adventure instead. We can maybe I don't know steal food from the kitchens. Or! Or! Go to daddy's secret office. You know the one on the fifth floor. The one he goes to every night for at least an hour."

"How do you know that?"

"I have my ways," Natalie said with a smile.

"I swear you'll be a Slytherin."

"Over my dead body," She said. "Are you coming or not?"

"I think I'll pass."

"Suit yourself Dom-dumb."

She crept slowly towards the door, and with her small hand she opened it. Slowly, carefully, and cautiously which was very uncharacteristic of she, noted Dominic. Creaking open the door slightly she left, but not before giving her brother a quick smile.

Dominic crossed his arms, which he usually did when contemplating a situation. He knew he would get caught, but he also knew he was curious. Curious of what was in his father's office. Why he wouldn't even let his mum in it. He never skipped out of a dinner party, but theirs always a first for everything.

He closed his eyes and sighed.

Against his logic and his reason, Dominic reached for the door and left the dinning hall. He could still see Natalie a bit off in the distance.

'Damnable curiosity, if only she didn't ever mention the office,' Dominic thought to himself as he caught up with his sister.

You see, Dominic was always interested in his father's secret office. Even more so than Natalie, perhaps. He wouldn't show it though. He wouldn't give her the credit of luring him away from where it was safe.

Natalie, being as clever as she was, knew that just him being here meant that she won this battle.

"Hey," Dominic said, but being so out of breath it probably turned into "h-h-h-eeeey".

"Hello." She said trying to hold back her smile.

"Are we going to do this or not?"

She nodded, and he grabbed her hand because for once in his life he was going against his fathers orders. For once in his life he was truly afraid

They headed back up the marble stare cases, and took care that their shoes didn't make the same "clacking" sound it did when they went down it earlier in the evening. They were finally at the fifth floor when he grasped her hand even tighter.

The hallways in the Malfoy manor all looked the same to Natalie and Dominic. Even though they'd both lived in the house roughly over a decade. All the walls were dark and imposing with portraits of all the Malfoys and all the other families related to them (which happened to be a lot). The windows on this floor were few in number were all covered by curtains.

The pair soon came to the doorway. It didn't hold the beauty of the dinning room doorway, but it held the same intimidation.

"I don't think there's anyone here," Dominic said facing the door squeezing his sister's hand so tight his nails began to dug into her skin. "But we must be quick."

Natalie nodded and let go of her brother's hand. She twisted the door handle, and it was...locked. She twisted it harder and faster, to the point which she was nearly shaking the entire door.

"It's no use!" She said frantically as she kept shaking the door, making a pathetic attempt to try to get in.

"Merlin, you're stupid! Here move a side child. Let someone with some real magic skill take over."

He brought out his wand. His most prized possession. It was made of dragon heartstrings, and formed out of pine. Pushing Natalie away, and tapping the door, one, two, then three times.

"Alohamora." He said as a beam of light appeared out of his wand.

Turning he smirked at Natalie. "Magic solves all problems," he said as reached for the handle.

It still was locked!

He began to shake the door as desperately as Nattie did.

"What the fu-

"Flapjacks," She said with a sarcastic glare.

"You see, dear brother not every problem can be solved with magic. I've been watching this room very closely for the past few days. The only way to get in is through a key. There are only two of these keys. One of course is with Dad right now the other one is somewhere around here. It's used by his personal house elf, Pettie."

"How are we expected to find this? I mean the 5th floor is huge and it could take hours."

"Don't worry I already have an idea of where it is."

She came to a flower pot which was about four feet to the right of the door way. She dug her hand in the soil and closed her eyes. Soon she felt something cold and solid. Lifting it out of the soil, they saw it was the key!

"Wait, why didn't you just do that before," Dominic said roughly. "We could have saved a good ten minutes or so."

Natalie just let out a hearty laugh and replied, "Please, you know me too well. You know that I only use logic when it's absolutely necessary. Who knows it could have been unlocked, and wouldn't getting a key be a waste of time if it was unlocked."

"Just get on with it then!"

"Fine, fine, sheesh, bro!"

Twisting the key in and finally pushing it through the hole and opening the door.

The only light in here came from the fireplace, where a blaze of logs settled. It was a large room, with an oval table of polished wood on which stood various glasses, decanters, and a silver smoking stand with a row of pipes.

"Happy now? Can we go?" he whispered.

"Don't be stupid. Have some fun, look around. It's not everyday you get a chance like this."

She sat in one of the many green arm chairs. It was so deep it almost swallowed the eleven year old. She was practically lying down and had to tuck her legs underneath to support herself. She looked up at the wall. More pictures of Malfoys she assumed. The biggest portrait was the one taken earlier of this summer. It contained her father, mother, brother, and grandparents (on her father's side). It was taken outside on the only warm day of the month. You couldn't really tell though. You'd be too busy being utterly confused on how happy the Malfoy family actually managed to look.

"We all do look quiet well there. Don't you agree-"

"Quick hide someone's coming." He said as he literally pushed Natalie towards a spare wardrobe. Threw her in and got in himself.

"What was that all a-"

"Shut up! Didn't you hear me? Someone's coming."

The door flung forward. Footsteps growing louder and louder until they stopped. Natalie put her dark eye to the key hole. The man entering the room was...Kingsley Shacklebolt!

"PST, Dom, look. You won't believe it." She said moving away from the key whole and motioning for Dom to take her place.

He pushed his glasses farther up his nose and he took a look.

"Why is he in here?"

"How should I know? I locked the door when we both went inside."

"Don't worry, he didn't seem like a bad man. I don't necessarily trust him yet, but he doesn't seem like he would do any harm here."

"How stupid can you get? You saw the way he treated Father. I don't like him nor do I trust him."

Kingsley was roaming around the room. Touching every surface. Shooting a nervous glance to the doorway as if he expected someone to walk right through. His hands were fidgety as he reached in his pocket. He pulled out a white powdery substance in a glass vile. Untwisting the cap he poured it into Draco's Brandy!

"Dominic! You have to see this!" She said in a harsh whisper.

"What now?"

He pushed his eye to the key hole.

His jaw dropped.

"What the, what's he trying to do?"

"Stop asking me questions I obviously don't know the answer too."

"He's trying to poison Father!"

"He couldn't be!"

"What else could it be?"

"He could be trying... to sweeten it up for him with sugar?"
Dominic rolled his eyes

"Why didn't you just listen to me when we had the chance? We'd be eating and judging by the way my stomachs growling I'm starving!"

"It's a good thing I didn't," She whispered back. "We wouldn't have seen Shacklebolt put poison in Dad's Brandy. Oh my god he's going to kill him!"

"Calm down, just a second ago you thought it was sugar. Oh sugar, yummy sweets, chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Dear God, I'm...so...hungry."

Dominic's stomach made an obnoxious "Guuu-aaaaaa-aaghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"! It was a mighty roar. Mighty enough for Kingsley to realize that he wasn't alone. His eyes shot up from the brandy. "Gurrr-ahhhhhhhhhh-ahhhhhgggggggggg"! Dominic's stomach made another one.

He mouthed an "I'm sorry" to Natalie. Her eyes were wide with fear as she heard Shacklebolt's loud foot steps edge near the wardrobe. She reached for her brother's hand, closed her eyes, and prayed to any Muggle god or goddess to the save them.

The wardrobe door flew open. Kingsley pulled a bit too hard on the wardrobe and that force made the two Malfoy heirs literally fall out of the closet.

Natalie looked up at the tall dark wizard. The comfort was gone in his eyes, and all that was left was two black gaping holes.

She jumped up as if the fall didn't faze her. Grabbing his robes and curling them through her fingers she began to talk.

"You better be thankful that you'll get out of here with two feet. You'll be lucky if the only job you'll ever get after this is cleaning up after the Azkaban inmates. You have just made the biggest mistake of you life by coming here and trying to poison Draco Malfoy!"

Letting go of his robes and pushing him back with all her strength she ran to the brandy and threw it on the ground. Shacklebolt brought out his wand and with of flick of it he said, "Petrificus Totalus."

She went stiff and fell back with bang.

"Oh, my God, Natalie!" Dominic said as he jumped to her side. "What did you do to her? Did you kill her? Because if you did I swear I'll-

"Don't worry, boy. She will only be knocked out for a few hours."

He looked up, he didn't even know if he was thankful that she convinced him to come or if he was just plain peeved. Perhaps it was a mix of the two.

"Enjoy the rest of your summer, and give your father and mother my regards." He said as he walked out the door.

Dominic thought him to be a mad man. How can he just stroll in here, try to poison his father, hex his sister, and then walk out as if he was walking out of a birthday party. A mad man, and absolute mad man, is going to be his new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

'A brilliant start to the year', he thought bitterly to himself as he held his sisters petrified body.

Brilliant it was indeed.

*That's it! Don't worry dear friends, just because this chapter is up doesn't mean I'm not interested in your character. I still need a load more. Please read, review, and enjoy*