Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and the world created by JK Rowling. However I did invent the "main" characters in this story and I can claim them as my own.

Children of the Serpent

Chapter 1: Finally Out of Hiding

Little 11 year old Cassie Riddle ran quickly to keep up with her sister, Lynn Riddle, who was eighteen. Lynn was only jogging, but Cassie's legs were so short and so she had to run. Behind them the 16 year old twins, Alexa and Alisa, were skipping along, not caring they could miss the Hogwarts Express. In front of the twins but right behind Cassie, was a troubled looking Jenny Riddle, who was 15 and given the task of attempting to keep 12 year old Amber on the ground. She was so happy she would be hovering above the ground if Jenny wasn't pushing her down. The third eldest child, Darien, was already through the barrier. The 17 year old kept to himself, and rarely spoke to anyone. The eldest Riddle child will be refered to later. He is not required in this part of the story.

These children have endured much, too much, more then any young person should. The burdens placed upon them throughout the years of torture and neglect tear them up inside, but they keep their secrets out of earshot including their last names.

They kept going until they reached the secret gateway. Surprisingly the twins caught up. As they rushed through the barrier, a short figure slunk into the shadows and left to deliver information. No one noticed him, not even the other shadowy figure that sadly leaned on one of the columns and turned back to his/her home in dispair.

Soon the sisters (Darien apparently was somewhere else) were all together in their own compartment.Most of them had blue eyes, like what their father used to have. But Jenny and Amber had brown eyes, possibly like their mother. None of the Riddles ever knew their mother. Not even Lynn.

No one had the exact same hair in the Riddle family. Lynn had pretty, long dark brown hair. Darien, if you must know, had plain brown hair that was a bit above the shoulders. The twins had short black hair. Jenny had black hair too, but hers was beautiful, silky, and long. Amber had light brown hair down the middle of her back. Cassie's was a georgeous silvery blond.

"So, Lynn, my sista," Alexa said. Their accents were now American instead of British because all of them had been hiding and laying low in the US. "Why is a geniously smart 18 year old like yourself goin to Hogwarts?"

"New Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Lynn said casually, but you could see a glimpse of pride in her eyes.

"Wow!" exclaimed Amber in awe."You must be the youngest teacher eva!"

"Told ya she was a genius," Alexa said, grinning.

"Speaking of genius," said Lynn, "we must think of a genius way to lay low during term."

"Changing our last name you mean?" asked Jenny curiously.

"And keeping our powers in check," said Cassie quietly.

The girls looked at each other uncomfortably. From heritage and failed experiments tested upon them by their father, (you should know who that is by now) every Riddle child has a special ability or power.

"Well, anyway, what's our last name this time?" asked Alisa.

"Why don't we just mix up the words in Riddle?" suggested Amber, who loved word jumbles.

"Too easy to figure out," replied Lynn."How about Smith? Really common last name."

"Oh yeah," said Alexa sarcastically, "That worked real well for Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean."

"Will Turner was sooooo hot," said Amber dreamily. Amber was boy crazy. Even though she was 12, she thought many celberties way older than her were cute, hot, sexy, or all of the three.

Jenny rolled her eyes. "How 'bout Vegas?" she suddenly remembered when they once lived in Las Vegas. How she loved the lights, shows, magic shows, and numerous hotels.

All of them thought about it. Lynn spoke first, "Well, since we're gonna be with some wizards and witches who most likely and hopefully haven't been outside of Europe, Vegas sounds like a really cool last name."

"Well, if anyone inquires about it in your classes Lynn," said Alisa.

"Just tell them to shut the hell up and get back to their studies." Alexa finished.

Lynn laughed. "I can't say that to my students. Oh well, Vegas it is."

Soon the witch with the food cart stopped by. Everyone bought their favorite treats and ate heartily. As they were eating, a rude looking boy with sleek blond hair and two gorilla looking sidekicks walked in. Lynn had seen his father at her so-called father's meetings before, a long time ago. It was Draco Malfoy. Jenny almost got up angerly but Alisa pushed her down and whispered, "Easy girl. Punch him later at school."

Draco looked at them all. "I'm Draco Malfoy. Pleased to meet you ladies. Never saw you babes here before. Transfers?"

Except for calling them babes, he seemed to be trying to be polite. Maybe because they haven't gotten on his bad side yet. Lynn relished the moment and said, "We transfered from the US. I'm Professor Vegas and I'll be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Draco nodded. "These your sisters?"

"Yes."

"I hope they get in my house, Slytherin."

"I'd rather drop dead then get in Slytherin," snarled Jenny.

Pretending she didn't hear, Lynn said, "I'll be right back. Got to use the bathroom. Erm, nice meeting you Mr. Malfoy." She hurried out the sliding door before things got nasty. She did not want to punish her own sisters on first day of term.

Draco made sure Lynn was out of earshot. "I'd stuff it if I were you missy. Your mouth could get you into trouble," he snapped at Jenny.

"You stuff it asshole." Jenny snapped back at him. The two cronies cracked their knuckles.

"We meet for 2 minutes and you hate me. That's pretty judgemental," he said simply.

"I know all about your family, pal," she said, "So get out of our faces you worm."

"As you wish," he bowed with fake politeness and left the compartment.

"Ya know," Alisa said to Jenny when Lynn returned, "You were just as bad as him."

"Excuse me?" said Jenny, shocked.

"All he said was stuff it. You called him names."

"Oh, puh-lease Alisa. He was putting on an act. I look into my watcher-globe all the time and I've seen him always-"

"Shut up Jen. People might overhear," Lynn said, looking worried.

Jenny slunk back in her chair and sulked for the rest of the trip.

When they finally arrived at Hogwarts, everyone was in a good mood, even Jenny. This castle would protect them from their father to ever get his slimy hands on them.

They all found a carriage. Darien joined them. The girls were surprised when he just quietly hopped in and then sat there casually as though he was there the whole time.

"Where were you?" Lynn asked her brother.

Darien shrugged and looked out the carriage window.

Cassie, who had been quiet for sometime now, as she always was, decided it wouldn't hurt to see what her brother had been up to. Normally, she didn't like to use her gift that came so naturally to her, (her father made sure it did) but she was very curious of what he always did alone. She entered her brother's mind and searched his mind cautiously. Darien looked straight at her and shoved Cassie out. Darn it, thought Cassie. I get Father's legiments and occlumency powers naturally so Darien decides to go and learn occlumency himself to keep me in check. It's not like I enjoy this power. I'm not going to use it for evil. It makes me feel way too close to father. And why does Darien have to be so secretive?

Cassie pondered and pondered until they reached the grand Hogwarts castle, which was now her safe new home.