A first-generation wizard reluctant to go to Hogwarts, young Mark Smith soon finds his special abilities drawing him into the budding conflict between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Navigating the mysterious secrets and challenging friendships at his new school, Mark hopes that magic will help him search for a cure for his father. Original Character Centric AU story with parallel narratives. Book One. Major divergences begin in Year 2. Eventual romantic pairings may not adhere to canon. Year 1 Complete