Black & Barebone

Chapter 1

The first thing you need to know before I tell this story is, I never expected to attend Hogwarts. Yes it's where my whole family attended, but given their history, I never thought it was in the cards for me. Not when my last name bore the weight of not only my fathers betrayal, which got his closest friends murdered, but my family's chosen side in the war. So you could say I was more than surprised when I got my letter in the mail. My uncle wasn't, he had always told me not to write it off, that I wouldn't be judged by actions not my own. Not while Dumbledore was headmaster, anyway.

My uncle loved to tell me stories of him and my father in their Hogwarts days. Before his betrayal. He told me about the secret passageways, Hogsmede, the Astronomy tower which is the highest peak at Hogwarts, and of course I can't leave out all the pranks and hexes. Sometimes when he'd tell me a story he'd stop, as if remembering something he'd like to forget. I'll always remember the regret in his eyes and the shame on his face. Of course at the time I didn't know why. There were some stories even he couldn't bring himself to brag about. Like everyone else, he'd done some bloody foolish things in his youth. Things I rather think he never forgave himself for. But I'm getting off topic here, where was I? Oh yes.

"Astoria?" My uncle said, waving the letter that bore the Hogwarts crest in front of my face.

There was undoubtedly a look of shock on my face, because my uncle only laughed, placed the letter in my slowly outstretched hand and said, "Told you so, I believe you owe me a month of chores." And walked away with a smile.

I stared at that letter for what felt like ages, admiring the penmanship, running my fingers over the wax seal. When I was sure it wasn't going to burst open and shout "Got ya!" declaring it was all a cruel joke, I ran up to my room and ripped it open. To my knowledge there had never been a rejection letter sent from Hogwarts, but the anxiety of the possibility shook my spine nonetheless.

"Dear Astoria Black,

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 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva Mcgonagall

Deputy Headmistress

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)"

And just like that the anxiety dissipated and was swiftly replaced by the most excitement I had ever felt. I screamed and danced and jumped up and down. Then, with a big smile that I couldn't wipe from my face if I tried, not that I did, I ran downstairs to my uncle.

"I already sent the owl." He said as I skidded to a halt in the dining room. "You'll need an owl, and of course supplies, we can go to Diagon Alley tomorrow-"

"Today." I replied, too excited to wait.

"September will not come any sooner, we will go tomorrow. Why don't you use some of that energy on chores, you're practically foaming at the mouth." He smiled nodding to my basket of unfolded laundry.

The next day at Diagon Alley was spent getting all the supplies I needed. From my robes to my cauldron and scales. There weren't many other kids getting fitted for robes at Madam Malkins, only three besides myself. Two looked like they could be twins. And another with brown hair who loved nothing more than to talk about how excited she was for the school year. She introduced herself as Lavender, but when the others tried to do the same they were quickly cut off by another rant. The girls shared glances and whispers, they didn't even try to hide what, or rather who, they were talking about, not that Lavender noticed anyway. I was quite relieved when Madam Malkin finished soon after.