CHAPTER ZERO | prologue
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IVANNA BLACK STILL remembered the day Professor Dumbledore showed up on the doorstep. The day he welcomed her and her twin brother Finnian, to Hogwarts. They lived in a small orphanage in London, England almost their entire life. She didn't remember anything from her life before. All she knew was her mother was unknown to anyone and her father was sent to Azkaban, a wizarding prison. Nobody seemed interested in taking her in, her father was disowned and her mother's family was unknown so they took her to a wizarding orphanage. There were only a few kids there alongside her and her brother. Most wizarding children who become orphans have more family to go to. They didn't.

The orphanage wasn't the greatest place, they did piles and piles of chores all day and had to take care of some of the younger kids, there were only two people older than them.

Finnian and Ivanna were cleaning up from dinner together when Miss Derwent came into the kitchen. "Miss and Mr. Black. I have somebody near to see you." She said.

Ivanna glanced over at Finn, they both knew instantly what it was. She stepped aside and a man with a long gray beard walked in. She knew it had to be Albus Dumbledore, the current headmaster of Hogwarts. "Hello Ivanna and Finnian, I am Professor Dumbledore." He introduced as he put his hand out, and they both shook his hand. Nobody really called them Ivanna and Finnian, unless they were in trouble or if it was Miss Derwent. All the kids they ever knew they went by Ivy and Finn. "I have something for both of you." He said, revealing two letters. One titled to Ivanna and the other to Finn.

Ivanna quickly ripped the letter open and began to read it.

Dear Miss 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

She looked over at Finn, who had a smile on his face as he returned the glance. She smiled back at him before looking up at Dumbledore. "How will we even get to Diagon Alley?" She asked.

He nodded "I'm sure some of the older kids here can help." He said, looking at Miss Derwent, who nodded.

She nodded slowly "I don't have any money, neither of us do."

He nodded. "I have some money from what your parents left." He said. "It should be enough for both of your necessities for the upcoming school year."

"Thank you." Finn finally said, Dumbledore nodded and left. Miss Derwent looked down at them.

"Congratulations." She said blankly. "Hurry up and finish cleaning and then get ready for bed."

They both nodded and once she left they met eyes. Just by the expression on both of their faces, they both knew what the other was thinking.

Finally.

"We might finally get some answers," Finn said as if that was the best part. To Ivanna, getting a break from the orphanage was the best part. Finn wanted answers about their father, it's all he ever wanted. The orphanage gave them very little and they knew if they asked they'd get in trouble.

"We will finally get out of this place, at least for some time." She said, he nodded. They both were excited for different reasons, but nonetheless, they were excited.