Nope, still got 5 more But I have a week off because it's half term I've written the next few chapters already so I will post them soon!

Phew! I had a little technical disaster this morning. My laptop completely crashed and deleted all of my files. I nearly cried. But luckily I listen in my ICT lessons and I managed to recover it and it is now all backed up on a memory stick. Yay. So I hope you like it!

Chapter Forty-Five - The Memories May Fade But The Pain Never Will
Izabella landed in a darkening alleyway, a light summer breeze blowing through her hair. She slowly made her way out into the village and a tear fell down her face.

Across from her was the local pub, lights glowing in the windows and laughter echoing loudly, where she had spent many hours with Lily, James and Sirius. Down the street was the Italian restaurant where Lily and James had announced their engagement. There was the church where they had married and where Harry's christening had taken place. On both occasions Izabella had resorted to magic to get Sirius to wear a suit.

Of course, that was also where the funeral had happened. Izabella had stayed out of sight, covering her face and sitting at the back as she had already returned to the Muggle world and didn't want to answer anybody's prying questions.

Petunia was the only person who saw her, when the service was over. Izabella had stayed by the church until the crowds dispersed and no one was around, then she returned to the graveyard and placed two lilies on the grave, one from her and one from Sirius, who was already locked away in Azkaban. Petunia had watched her from a distance.

“I knew you would be here somewhere.” Petunia had said as she walked over to her. Izabella jumped at the sound of the voice then sighed quietly. Held gently in his aunt's arms, Harry had been sleeping peacefully, unknowing about his future.

“I didn't expect you to come.” Izabella had said. “Especially not with Harry.”
“I only came because someone had to bring the boy.” she said sharply. Izabella smiled and looked at her knowingly, then took Harry out of her arms as Petunia fell onto her sister's grave, sobbing loudly. Izabella cradled Harry in one arm then knelt on the cold ground beside the broken woman, comforting her as she cried.

“I never got to say goodbye.” Petunia said as the sobs subsided and she calmed. She stroked Lily's grave then stood up and faced Izabella. “I never said sorry.”
“She understood. Looking after Harry is the best way to repay her now.” Izabella said gently.

“I can't. He's a freak like her.”
“Petunia! You don't mean that.”
“I do.” she had said firmly. “Why can't you look after him? You're... one of them.”

Izabella had sighed.
“You know why Petunia.” She had leant down and kissed Harry's forehead gently, then handed him back to his aunt. Then she turned her back on the sleeping baby and left quickly.


Izabella blinked, her mind returning to the present and she pulled her gaze away from the graveyard. Instead she turned to look at the rubble that was once the home of the Potter's.

She approached the house slowly, placing her hand on the gate and jumping slightly as a sign appeared, declaring that the house has been left in remembrance of the Potters. Izabella smiled as she read the graffiti upon the sign, sending their well-wishes to Harry and blessings to James and Lily.

She took a steadying breath then continued up the path and into the hallway of the house. She looked down at the floor and the place where James' body had laid. A shiver passed through her body and she pressed on, glancing in the living area at the dusty furniture and the broken ornaments. The kitchen was unrecognisable, nothing like the clean, homely room it used to be.

At the bottom of the stairs, Izabella paused then she carefully made her way up the stairs, creaking with every step.

As she reached the second floor, there was a cold breeze coming from the destroyed roof of what used to be Harry's bedroom. The cot had been blasted away and laid in broken pieces on the floor. Izabella's breathing had become ragged and fast as her mind flashed back, pulling out the memories that she had kept locked away for so long...

Harry sat crying on the floor by Lily's body... Lily's green eyes looked up at Izabella in a pleading way but they were lifeless... Harry's cries echoed through the house as Izabella rocked him in her arms... Sirius arrived.

His face was pale, determined. He picked up Harry and threw him in the air as James used to do, making Harry giggle innocently. With one last embrace, Sirius kissed his godson's head then handed him back to Izabella...

“Sirius where are you going?” Izabella said, standing and grabbing his arm as she bounced Harry in the other. He turned to her and wiped away the tears which streamed down her cheeks.

“I'm going to make things better.” he said in a hoarse voice. She shook her head.
“Don't. Sirius please. Just stay here.”
“My best friend is lying downstairs dead. And it's all because of that rat.” he said darkly as Izabella pulled Harry towards her, shielding his ears from the horrible truth.
“Sirius no!”

But it was too late. He was gone and Izabella wouldn't see him again for fourteen years.


A small cry escaped Izabella's mouth and she collapsed to the floor. Her tears came thick and fast and the sobs were wrenched from her throat. Eventually she sat up and leant against the wall carefully, her crying fading into hiccups. She laughed slightly and shook her head. There was no cloak here. He was testing her. Well, for Lily's sake she would remain a spy and bring Lord Voldemort to his downfall.

She went to stand up, her body stiff when suddenly a bright light illuminated the ruined house. Izabella shielded her eyes against the contrast of the light from the dark night when it spoke in a fast, worried voice.

“Izabella. Harry's in trouble.” said Remus Lupin's voice. “He thinks Voldemort has taken Sirius and has gone to the Ministry to save him. The Order are on their way. We think the Death Eaters will be waiting for him.”

The patronus faded and Izabella was already on her feet, her wand squeezed tightly in her hand. So that was why she was sent here. She shook her head slightly then rushed from the room and down the stairs. She flung open the door and sped out into the night.

As she went to disparate, she spotted two figures in the distance. Their black cloaks flew behind them as they ran towards her. She suddenly understood; it was a trap. Without hesitating, she turned on the spot and left Godric's Hollow behind her.

heya...nice posts...couldn't reply earlier because was having my exams...

Hey Jazz. Please forgive my absenteeisms from your ff of late. I promise I have been reading them as I get notified by email you posted. But that's the thing. I just read them from the email instead of taking the time to come to SS and read. I don't like it when life gets to busy to take care of the things we enjoy doing, as well as the things we need to do. At any rate, I'm nearly caught up now with all the other ff's I read and comment to.
I have been thoroughly enjoying your ff, and it's been keeping me on the edge of my seat. I can't help but worry what will become of Izabelle when she gets to the Ministry of Magic. And I LOVED this; I hope her words haunt him the whole time later when Voldemort keeps him with him, and Lucius isn't able to search for his son, and worries if he's been hurt, or even alive. Well written Jazz. I'll be watching for your next chapter. Keep up the excellent writing.

Aww, I LOVED this chapter! So touching, so many memories. My favourite part was the one with Petunia, it reminded me of the deleted scene 'You didn't just lose a mother that night at Godric's Hollow. I lost a sister.' Ah, why did they cut that?!? Anyway, your chapter does justice to the sisters' relationship

Good luck with the rest of your exams! Good thing you could recover your files, I hate it when computers crash...

Thankyou! It's fine, I've had exams too so I totally understand!

That's fine, as long as you are enjoying it I'm glad! The Ministry part is coming very soon and I hope you like what happens. Thankyou! Yes, hopefully her words will have an effect on him as he should be a better father in my opinion. Thank you Connie!

Thankyou! I loved that deleted scene too! It definitely should of been in the movie! I know, it's so annoying. It keeps restarting every five minutes so I have to type fast And thankyou, I'm glad my exams are almost over and I can look forward to summer!

Next chapter coming up guys!

Chapter Forty-Six - The Truth Will Out
“Come on.” Izabella mumbled, willing the telephone box to go faster. It landed in the Atrium and Izabella pushed open the door and sped across the room, passing the fountain and sliding into the lift, shoving the doors closed behind her and frantically pressing the button for Level Nine.

The lift starting to descend and Izabella paced the small box until the voice announced;
“Level Nine. Department of Mysteries.”

She threw open the door of the lift and ran down the hallway and into the circular room. As the door clicked shut behind her, the room began to spin.
Izabella tried to stay calm as she hurried towards a door and pulled it open. With a sigh of relief, she recognised the room from Dumbledore's instructions at Order meetings. Clocks lined the shelves and there was a glittering light beaming brightly from the surfaces.

She rushed through, ignoring the bright objects around her and continued to the next door. She pulled out her wand, holding it tightly then slowly walked into the room filled with prophecies.

She ran down one of the aisles, her heart pumping loudly then looked up at the numbers on the shelves. She hurried down until she found ninety-seven. She took a deep breath then strode up the aisle, hearing voices as she came closer to the prophecy that Voldemort craved.

“Izabella.” Lucius said, his voice surprised and his face creased in confusion as he spotted her approaching. Harry continued to glare at him and Izabella smiled at his intelligence as the others all turned to look at her, making themselves vulnerable to attack.

Keeping her eyes on the group of Death Eaters, Izabella passed Harry and stood in front of him.
“Lucius.” she said, her voice low and silky. “Well now. Why is it that I was the only one not invited to this little meeting?” she asked questioningly.

Behind her, Neville gasped quietly.
“You're one of them.” he stated accusingly. Izabella laughed quietly, but kept her eyes on Lucius as Harry and the others shifted behind her.

“Well Izabella? Are you one of us?” he asked. For a long moment they looked at each other, then Izabella sighed.
“Of course I'm not Lucius.”

“I told you!” Bellatrix shrieked triumphantly. “I tried to warn the Dark Lord but obviously she had him under some kind of spell!”
Izabella rolled her eyes.
“Or I'm just a good liar.” Izabella suggested.
“Well you had me fooled.” Lucius said quietly, watching Izabella with sad eyes as his shoulders drooped slightly.

Izabella sighed quietly and her face softened.
“Lucius, I didn't-”
“It doesn't matter.”
“I do know where Sirius is and-”
“I know.”

“What?” Izabella said, frowning slightly and dropping her wand as her curiosity grew.
“I have known all along that you were in contact with Sirius Black... That he followed us to the hotel that night and that you have been living with him.”

“How?”
“Kreacher.” Bellatrix interrupted, grinning manically. “He told us all about you. How Black would do anything for you and Potter... And how Potter would do anything for either of his beloved godparents.” she said cackling evilly. Izabella clenched her teeth slightly and sighed.

“Enough Bellatrix.” Lucius said firmly. He turned his gaze to Izabella. “You can still join us Izabella. Choose the right side. Choose me.” he begged.

“Why would she ever choose you?” Harry said, standing by Izabella's side defensively, clutching the prophecy against his chest tightly. Izabella put a protective arm in front of Harry as Lucius laughed.

“You didn't tell him?” he said, arching an eyebrow at Izabella.
“I didn't think it necessary.” Izabella said through clenched teeth. Harry frowned curiously.
“Izabella and I were supposed to get married. She loves me.” Lucius announced.
“Loved.” she corrected firmly. “I chose Sirius. I will always choose him. And now, I'm choosing to save Harry.” she said darkly.

“Now!” Harry shouted suddenly and the teenagers all turned and started trashing the orbs that surrounded them. Understanding, Izabella joined them in breaking the prophecies then ran along the shelves, pushing them ahead of her.

A red flash of light streaked towards Hermione but Izabella deflected it as they reached the doorway. Making sure they were all inside, she pulled the door shut, ignoring Harry's protests and turned to face the Death Eaters which were approaching her. Suddenly Lucius appeared and grabbed Izabella's arm.

“Split into pairs and find them. Be gentle with Potter. Kill the others if you must.” he ordered. The Death Eaters nodded and hurried off in different directions. Keeping a firm hold on Izabella's arm, he dragged her through the room. “You can stay with me. I don't want you helping Potter escape.” he growled. Izabella attempted to pull out of his grip.

“Lucius don't do this. Do you really want me to get killed? Because that is what will happen if you don't let me go.”
“I don't care if you die. Not any more.” he said harshly. Izabella continued to struggle against his grip when he opened a door and pulled her through into another room. Izabella gasped as she spotted Ginny, Ron and Luna fighting with several Death Eaters.

She pulled out her wand to help them but suddenly Lucius turned and pressed her arms against her side tightly, restraining her and glaring down at her with his eyes full of hatred. Izabella watched the battle intently and helpless, gasping as Ron was hit with a spell and Ginny collapsed against a wall, holding her ankle in pain.

“Run! Find the others and get out!” Izabella yelled before Lucius pressed a hand over her mouth and dragged her roughly into another room.

He threw her to the floor and she let out a cry of pain as she smacked down onto a stone floor, her wrist twisting slightly. The room was eerie and cold, filled with tanks swimming with strange creatures. Lucius was pacing the floor in front of her.

“Just let me go Lucius.” she said quietly, looking up at him from the ground. He shook his head forcefully.
“Why couldn't you just marry me? Everything would have been different.”
“Because I didn't want to! I didn't love you.” Izabella yelled, standing up. He turned and swung his arm around, hitting her face hard, causing Izabella to fall against a tank, her head making contact with the glass.

She straightened up and glared at Lucius as blood trickled down the side of her face. He rushed forward.

“I'm sorry.” he mumbled, but Izabella pulled away from him.
“Sirius would never have done that.” she said quietly. Lucius' face tightened and he took her wrist once more, pulling her through the rooms.

Izabella followed him without protesting. The Order would be here soon and she'd be safe. They entered a room and Izabella sighed as she noticed Harry and Neville stood on a dais in front of an ancient archway, the Death Eaters surrounding them triumphantly.

Hey Jazz. This was fantastic! Love your writing. You make it so real. It's going to be hard reading from here on through for a while. I'm sure you'll do great as you always do. I'll be watching for your next chapter.

Thankyou Connie! I know, I hope you all enjoy my twist on things. I'm going to post the next chapter soon as I'm going to my grandma's for a few days and won't be able to update. So I will give you another chapter just before I go

Won't be on for a few days, going to my grandma's in Scotland so will update when I'm back!

Chapter Forty-Seven - Fight or Flight
Lucius dragged Izabella forward as he stepped onto the dais and faced Harry.
“Your time is up Potter. Hand over the prophecy.” Lucius drawled.
“If you let the others go, I'll give it to you.”
Lucius laughed.

“You are not in a position to bargain with us Potter.” Lucius said in a dangerous voice.
“Perhaps you need some persuaion.” Bellatrix said, grinning as she stepped forward and turned her wand on Izabella. Harry shook his head but Izabella turned her gaze on him.

“Don't give it to them-”
“Crucio!” Bellatrix screamed. Izabella shrieked in pain and fell to the floor, her body writhing uncontrollably. Harry stepped forward reaching out for her and the curse was lifted for a moment.

Izabella looked up to shake her head at Harry and he moved away from her unwillingly, his face creased. Once again, Bellatrix pointed her wand at Izabella's shaking body and Izabella bit her lip, attempting to keep in the howl of pain that surged through her beaten body.

“Stop.” Lucius said suddenly, grabbing Izabella's shoulders and pulling her up to a standing position. Izabella's legs were weak and she was shaking, holding onto Lucius' arms for support.

There was the sound of someone entering the room behind her and Izabella smiled as she looked up to see Sirius striding into the room.
“Get your hands off her.” he said darkly as he approached the centre of the room.

“Ah. Sirius Black.” Lucius said, keeping an arm around Izabella as she struggled to stay upright. “I wondered how long it would be until you came to the rescue.” he said raising an eyebrow tauntingly.

“I said, get off her.” Sirius pushed Lucius hard in the chest so that he fell backwards, and he caught Izabella as she swayed on her unsteady feet.
A spell was fired across the room, but it was deflected as a door burst open and Moody, Tonks, Lupin and Kingsley ran into the room. The battle had begun.

Izabella turned so she was back to back with Sirius, fighting against the pain that was surging through her body, and started sending spells at the Death Eaters. Rookwood approached her and she duelled with him, hitting him with a stunning spell in his chest. He fell backwards off the dais as Izabella turned and shot a curse at McNair as he tried to jinx Sirius.

Before she could attack another Death Eater, Sirius turned to her and pulled her into his arms, pressing his lips against hers fiercely. She melted against his chest until Moody limped past and growled at them.

“Can you save that until later?”
Sirius laughed and released her, ramming his shoulder against Dolohov as he tried to attack Harry. As Sirius turned to send a spell at a Death Eater who was approaching from behind him, Dolohov raised his wand. Izabella stepped forward but Harry had already stunned him.

“Nice one!” Sirius called to Harry, dropping down off the dais to talk to him. Izabella rushed over.
“Harry you need to get out of here.” Izabella said, ducking as a spell shot over their heads.
“Get the others and go.” Sirius ordered as he rushed off to duel Lucius.

Izabella pressed a hand against Harry's face and smiled before hurrying off.
She glanced up to see Dumbledore standing magnificently in the doorway, his wand raised and his face angered. She smiled as she knew they were safe now and turned to find herself faced with Lucius as Sirius rushed to fight Bellatrix.

Izabella lifted her wand, blocking a spell Lucius sent at her and sighed.
“I don't want to hurt you.” she said, shielding herself from yet another jinx.
“Too late.” he growled.
“Lucius.” she said in a pleading voice. “Do the right thing.”

He stopped for a moment and watched her, his eyes revealing the conflict inside of him. Izabella stepped forward and held out her hand, willing him to take it.
“Be on the good side for once.” she said quietly.

There was a manic cry from Bellatrix and Izabella and Lucius turned to watch her battle with Sirius.

“No.” Izabella said as she watched a jet of light hit Sirius' chest. His face was full of surprise as he gracefully fell backwards, into the archway and through the veil. Harry cried out from behind Izabella and a smug smile crept across Lucius' face. Izabella was aware of Lupin beside her, restraining Harry but she felt nothing. She felt empty and cold. She stood on the dais, her wand loosely in her hand and her eyes staring at the spot where Sirius had just disappeared, begging for him to return.

“Izabella help him! He can't be gone!” Harry yelled, breaking her sudden deafness. She turned to look at him and blinked slightly. Her body suddenly felt as though it had been plunged into hot water. She felt dizzy and a bubbling anger rose inside of her.

“You can't leave me.” she said quietly. She shook her head in denial and hurried forward.
“Izabella no!” Lupin cried as she ran towards the archway, but his arms were still containing Harry.

The fights surrounding them stopped for a moment as everyone turned to watch Izabella. Lucius stepped forward, his hands grabbing out for her, but it was too late. The shouts of protests were silenced as Izabella jumped into the veil. She breathed out heavily and caught a glimpse of the scene before her; Lupin was still clutching onto Harry who was screaming in denial. Lucius was on his knees, his face distraught. Bellatrix smiled gleefully. Dumbledore smiled serenely and nodded at her encouragingly.

She gasped slightly as she was lifted up, spinning faster and faster, her heart pumping loudly. The air was getting hotter and it was becoming harder to breathe. Suddenly she landed on her hands and knees on solid ground and the air was abruptly chilly around her.

She shivered and stood up, looking around at the forest that surrounded her.

oh my god! she is through the veil! pams....

Hey Jazz. Have a great visit with Grandma. Make some cookies and don't forget to share them when you get back.
Super chapter Jazz! He always knows something nobody else knows.
This puts a whole new spin on everything! Maybe she can find Sirius and bring him by doing a quest for the Master of Death or something like that.
Great post, and I'll be watching for your next post when you get back from Grandma's. Have the best of time.

Wow, the last two chapters are very intense! I'm so curious to see what happens next, I can't believe she's behind the veil now! Too bad Lucius is back to being awful Have fun at your Grandma's.

I know, exciting stuff! Next chapter in a few minutes!

Thankyou I did!

I didn't make any cookies, but she did teach me how to make her special soup!
Thankyou Connie, next chapter very shortly and I hope you all like it. I did try to post yesterday but my Internet wouldn't let me on SnitchSeeker. Did this happen to anyone else out of curiosity?

Chapter Forty-Eight- A Choice
Izabella was stood in a clearing in the middle of a thick forest. The sunlight was weakly streaming through the canopy of leaves and casting an eerie light across the grass. Around the edges of the clearing were flowers and then the trees grew closely together, their leaves dark green and thick. She stumbled across the grass, trying to find a way out of the forest when she spotted a figure leaning against a tree. She squinted her eyes, looking closely then smiled as she recognised the messy hair and the unshaven face.

“Sirius.” she called gently, knowing he would hear.
He turned sharply, sighing slightly as he caught sight of her. Sirius ran towards her quickly, engulfing her in his arms and lifting her up. She laughed softly as she leant against his warm body. His hands moved to her face and she lifted her gaze up to his dark eyes.

“Why did you follow me?” he said quietly.
“I've told you before Sirius. I can't live without you.” she said smiling. He grinned and pulled her face to his as he kissed her. One hand pressed against the bottom of her back as the other moved to her head, locking his fingers through her hair. Izabella wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his as she kissed him deeply.

When at last they released each other, their faces were flushed and they both were smiling irresistibly. Izabella sighed quietly and looked around.

“I wonder where we are.”
“Don't you recognise it?” Sirius asked, laughing slightly. Izabella shook her head and glanced about at the trees. “It's the Forbidden Forest.”
Izabella gasped slightly.
“Of course.” she said smiling as she recognised her surroundings.

Sirius took her hand and they walked in comfortable silence towards the edge of the Forest. They knew the way, as often is the case is dream-like situations, and within minutes they found themselves looking out across the grounds of Hogwarts. The sun was setting across the Lake, casting an orange glow across the magnificent castle and highlighting the leaves of a certain, well-remembered tree by the side of the Lake. Izabella and Sirius stood and watched the sunset, the last rays of the day warming their faces.

“Shall we go to the castle?” Sirius suggested. Izabella nodded enthusiastically and they both grinned as they made their way towards the school. Izabella glanced back at the Lake and stopped, gasping loudly.

“What?” Sirius asked, turning towards her. Izabella couldn't speak and merely lifted her arm, pointing towards the Lake where two figures stood watching them.

For a moment, they both froze then with alarming speed, Sirius and Izabella rushed forward, running towards the figures of James and Lily.

“Wait, wait.” Sirius said, digging his heels into the ground and stopping abruptly. He grabbed Izabella's arm and pulled her towards him, speaking to her but keeping his eyes on his best friend.

“What?” Izabella demanded, looking at him impatiently.
“Are we supposed to go to them?”
“What do you mean Sirius?”
“Maybe we can get out of here...” he suggested quietly.

They looked at each other and in an instance, they knew it to be the truth. Glancing behind them, there was a shimmer at the edge of the forest, a very welcoming movement in the air and as Izabella looked closer she could vaguely see a veil, shifting in the wind to reveal a large grey room.

Izabella sighed and turned back to face Lily and James. James looked young and carefree, his hair messy as usual and his smiling face gleaming at Sirius. Lily's hair surrounded her gentle face like fire and her eyes shone like emeralds.

“We can stay. If it's what you want.” Izabella said quietly, looking up at Sirius. He hesitated for a moment, looking longingly at James then he shook his head firmly and took Izabella's hand.

“We have to go back. Lily would murder us if we didn't go back to help Harry.”
Izabella chuckled and in the distance, a smile crept across Lily's face.

“I guess we'll have to wait a while longer before we can break the rules together again.” Sirius said, grinning at his best friend.
As a wind blew across Hogwarts, the sound of James' laughter filled their ears.

The two couples looked at each other for a while longer then slowly, Izabella and Sirius turned around and walked hand in hand towards the forest. With one last glance behind them, Izabella smiled as Lily's gentle voice reached her ears.

“Thankyou.” she whispered. Izabella smiled then, with Sirius, took a step across the edge of the grassy forest floor. They hovered in the air for a moment then suddenly the ground opened up and swallowed them, the air gushing around them as they fell through a long black hole.

Hey Jazz. Welcome home! I loved your chapter. It's great that Sirius is able to come back. So the reason Lilly and James couldn't come back is because you have to have someone who lives go in right after them when they die to bring them back? I was just curious. I'm so glad also that they all got to see each other, and Lilly and James can still have the reassurance that Harry is being watched over and loved in their place. Great writing Jazz. I'm glad you had a wonderful time with Grandma. Soup is great also, especially when you're not feeling well. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to see Grandma and Grandpa, and walking into their house and smelling her homemade Vegetable Soup. Yummy! Yes! I kept trying to get on all day yesterday and up past midnight. Glad whatever the problem was is fixed now. I'll be watching for your next chapter.

Thankyou! I'm glad you liked it. I know JKR had her reasons but I love Sirius too much to let him die. Yes and although Sirius and Izabella love James and Lily, it has to be the right kind of love. Perhaps Snape could bring Lily back, but I don't think she would leave James?

Yes I live on soup it's yummy! My Grandma makes a lovely tomato one mmm
It was really annoying! I tried all the computers and phones in my house and I couldn't get on at all! So glad it's fixed though. Next chapter soon!

Chapter Forty-Nine - Goodbyes Always Seem Hard
Izabella clung to Sirius as they began to turn, faster and faster yet the air was getting colder and the lights surrounding them were dimming. The room became grey and suddenly they collapsed onto the floor in the Department of Mysteries. A breeze blew from the veil in the archway, then it was still and the room was silent.

Sirius jumped to his feet and turned to help Izabella up. She felt cold and the injuries that had disappeared in the other world were throbbing. The blood from her face had dried in clumps in her hair and her body was aching from where the curses had hit her.

Sirius looked at Izabella and she nodded slightly. They both took a step forward, when a voice made them jump and pull out their wands.

“You were gone a very long time.” Albus Dumbledore said from where he was perching against the edge of the dais. They breathed a sigh of relief and returned their wands to inside of their robes.

“What happened? Is Harry okay?” Izabella asked, rushing forward.
Dumbledore held up a hand and nodded calmly.

“Harry is fine, a little bruised and upset but otherwise okay. He is back at school with the others and I'm told they will all make a perfect recovery.”
Izabella nodded and smiled.

“What happened?” Sirius asked.
“Voldemort revealed himself to the Aurors.”
Izabella gasped and Sirius' eyebrows raised in disbelief.
“Why?”
“Oh he didn't mean to. Harry ran off after Bellatrix, to avenge your deaths, then Voldemort appeared to make another attempt at Harry's life. Unfortunately for Voldemort, I stepped in. The Aurors and the Minister for Magic made an appearance just as he was about to leave.”

Sirius and Izabella listened intently, but Sirius was frowning slightly at Dumbledore's behaviour.
“But you knew we hadn't died. That's why you're here now.”

Dumbledore looked at Sirius over his glasses for a long moment, then sighed wearily and took a seat at the edge of the room.

“I didn't know that you would come back. I was sure that Izabella could find you.” he stopped to smile. “You're very lucky Sirius. Only the truest, purest love could have allowed Izabella to find you on the other side.”

Izabella grinned and looked over at Sirius, but his face was creased and he was staring at Dumbledore.
“But why wouldn't we come back?” Sirius questioned.
“Lily and James were waiting for you weren't they?” he asked softly.

Izabella nodded and Dumbledore smiled gently.
“You have both lost your best friends. I thought the temptation to join them would have been too great.”
“We almost did.” Izabella said quietly.

“But your love for Harry allowed you to come back. And because I know how strong that love is, I hope you will do as I ask now.”
Izabella frowned, Sirius had clenched his jaw.

“Don't let Harry know that you are alive.”

There was a silence in the room until Izabella laughed slightly.
“What? Why would we do that?”
“Because Harry has to think he is alone. He has to believe he has nothing left so that he can sacrifice himself when the time comes.”

Izabella was shaking her head, her fists clenched.
“No. Dumbledore I can't. Harry needs us.”
“He will need you one day. But not now.”
“We have to be there for him!” Izabella demanded. “Sirius, tell him.” she said, turning to him. Sirius was looking at the floor, his dark eyes sad and understanding.

“Dumbledore's right Izabella. We have to leave.” he said quietly.
Izabella looked at him and shook her head in disbelief. Sirius stepped forward and caressed her face in his hands.

“We have to do what is best for Harry. We will come back for him one day, when he truly needs us. He has people around him Izzy, he isn't alone.” he said gently. Izabella looked into his eyes and a tear fell down her pale face. She turned to Dumbledore and nodded slightly and he smiled.

“When the time comes, a message will be sent to you.”
They both nodded then followed Dumbledore out of the cold, grey room, through the rubble of the Time room and into the circular room. They crossed and left the Department of Mysteries behind them as they ascended in the lift and left the Atrium.

London was waking and the early-morning workers were already bustling through the streets.
“I'd suggest somewhere abroad. Somewhere no one will recognise you.” Dumbledore said, casting an eye up and down the road. Sirius nodded and wrapped an arm around Izabella's waist.

“We'll be fine.”
Dumbledore nodded and put a hand on each of their shoulders.
“Stay safe.” he said quietly.
“Look after Harry.” Sirius said and Dumbledore smiled.
“I always do.” he said. With a final nod of goodbye, Dumbledore turned and walked down the street until Izabella called out to him.

“Dumbledore!” she said. He turned and looked at her questioningly. “Tell... tell my brother I love him.”
He nodded and smiled, then in a blink, he had disappeared.

“We need to go.” Sirius mumbled, lowering his face to the floor as people's eyes wandered across their robes and shabby appearance. Izabella nodded and cast a final glance around London as Sirius took her hand.

“I'll see you soon Harry.” she whispered to the warming air. But it would be two years before she would see Harry once again, and everything would have changed.

Hey Jazz. Wow! That was wonderful writing. So! I'm wondering when he will find out they're not dead. He might figure it out when they don't appear to him when he uses the stone as he walks into the Forrest. But then, he would think Dumbledore might be alive too. Hmmmm. See I always wondered why JK didn't have him there with him as he walked into the Forrest with the others, nothing makes sense to me about that. Oh well. Back to the present! This was a great chapter, but it sounds like a perfect ending to your wonderful ff? It's fine with me if there's more.

Thankyou! I wondered that too. Perhaps there is a limit on how many people can be brought back through the Stone? Hmmm.
You're right, it would be a good ending butttt I love Sirius and Izabella and I know exactly how I want their story to end and I want you all to know too, so I am going to do a few more chapters! I think it will be about five more? But I may get carried away and do more!
The next chapter may take a while to be posted as I have only just started working on it and it needs to be perfect! But I will make it a long one to make up for the delay!

Here we go! I really hope you all enjoy it!

Chapter Fifty - Like Old Times... With Exceptions
“Sirius, stop fussing.” Izabella sighed, rolling her eyes. Sirius mumbled incoherently behind her, but Izabella rushed on, hobbling along the dark cramped alleyway. As light became visible and they neared the end, Sirius grabbed Izabella's hand.

“Izzy wait.”
“What?” Izabella demanded.
“Just... Be careful.” he said, his forehead creasing slightly.
“Sirius. It will be fine.” she said, smiling and leaning forward to kiss his lips gently. After one more reassuring smile, Izabella turned, wrapped her coat tightly around herself and slowly pushed open the portrait, stepping into Hogwarts castle.

The room was packed, people were sitting and standing, some pacing across the floor in a nervous manner. Leaning against the opposite wall, his arms folded and his face externally calm, stood Remus Lupin. He glanced over at the sound of the portrait opening and his eyes grew wide. Izabella smiled as he blinked continuously and she felt Sirius chuckle besides her.

“Sirius... Izabella.” he said in a quiet voice, his face pale and his brow furrowed. As he spoke, the rest of the room slowly followed his gaze and turned to look at the newcomers.

The Weasleys were stood close together, Mrs Weasley had a firm hand on Ginny's shoulders. Neville Longbottom stood in the centre of the room, his face bruised and beaten but his stance confident and courageous. Sirius shuffled awkwardly as audible gasps echoed around the room, Izabella caught phrases like 'Black' and 'Azkaban' amongst the students. Lupin stepped forward, his mouth dropping open and his face confused.

“But... the Ministry... the archway.” he babbled.
“We came back through Remus. Don't ask us how, Dumbledore never really explained.” Sirius said, looking at his friend, almost pleadingly. A sound left Lupin's mouth as he looked between them then he laughed and held out his arms, embracing Sirius and laughing.

“You're alive!” he exclaimed. Sirius grinned and Lupin took Izabella into a tight hug.
“We wanted to tell you...” Izabella started, but Lupin had released her and was frowning at her. He raised an eyebrow slightly and she grinned. As she unbuttoned her coat, Lupin laughed and punched Sirius' arm fondly. Izabella removed her coat, revealing the rather large bump that was protuding from her stomach.

“Congratulations!” Lupin said, shaking Sirius' hand and grinning at Izabella. As Lupin moved, the room had a view of Izabella, and the Weasleys, who had been watching the exchange intently, all burst into congratulations. Mrs Weasley and Fleur squealed slightly and hurried forward, their hands fluttering over Izabella's stomach as Mr Weasley and the twins went to shake Sirius' hand. Izabella looked about the room and bit her lip slightly then looked down at Ginny.

“Where is he? Aberforth said...” Izabella said quietly.
“He had to look for something.” she replied.
“Harry's out in the castle?” Izabella said, the pitch of her voice rising in worry.
“He knows what he's doing.” Sirius said gently, placing a comforting hand on her lower back. She nodded slightly and the chatter continued until the door burst open and Harry ran in with Luna Lovegood.

“What's happening?”
“What are we doing?” came voices from around the room as everyone stood up alertly.

“Voldemort's coming. They're protecting the school. We're going to fight.” Harry announced. There was a roar and suddenly everyone rushed for the door, their wands held above their heads. Harry's eyes scanned the room until he froze and his face became deathly white.

Izabella took a step forward, reaching out her arms towards him.
“Harry.” she said gently, her face creased. Harry swallowed loudly and continued to stare at them.
“How are you here?” he asked in a quiet, deep voice.

Sirius stepped forward and looked at Harry intently. The Weasleys and Lupin watched carefully.
“Harry. In the Department of Mysteries... We went somewhere... But when Izabella came through, she brought me back. We both came back.” Sirius explained quietly.

“How?”
“We're not sure. Dumbledore didn't really explain.” Sirius said with a shrug.
“Yeah well Dumbledore isn't here at all now. Thanks to your brother.” Harry spat at Izabella. She bit her lip and looked at the floor.

“Harry...” Sirius started.
“Why did you bother to come back? Go and join Snape. He's already abandoned the school.” he said harshly.
“Don't talk to your godmother like that.” Sirius said firmly. “It was on Dumbledore's orders that we kept out of contact-”
“Dumbledore's dead.”

“We know Harry. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't continue his work.” Sirius said, his voice rising. “Now I understand that you're upset with us, but you're acting like a child. We chose to come back to help you, to protect our best friend's son.”

For a moment, it looked as though Harry was about to retaliate when suddenly his forehead creased and his green eyes softened. Sirius smiled slightly and Harry rushed to him. They embraced, Sirius clenching his eyes shut to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. Izabella smiled as Harry moved to her arms and she engulfed him, kissing the top of his head as a tear fell down her cheek.

“We missed you so much.” she whispered.
Harry looked down and his eyes bulged.
“You're having... You're...”
“Pregnant.” Izabella finished, smiling. Harry looked up at her and beamed.
“Congratulations!” he said turning to hug Sirius once more. He looked to Lupin. “Now Teddy will have a friend to play with.” he smiled.

Izabella looked at Lupin questioningly.
“Me and Tonks had a baby.” he said, smiling widely.
“Congratulations Remus!” Sirius said, patting him on the back. Izabella gasped delightedly.

“Do you have a picture?” Izabella asked. Lupin nodded and pulled out a wallet, inside which was a picture of a chubby baby with bright blue hair and an infectious smile, waving his fists at the camera.

“Takes after his mother then?” Sirius grinned.
“He has your eyes though.” Izabella smiled. “He's beautiful Remus.”
He beamed, then they all turned as raised voices came from the Weasleys.

“Ginny you are going home!” demanded Mrs Weasley.
“I want to fight.” Ginny protested.
“It's not safe Ginny.” Mr Weasley said firmly.
“You all get to stay!”
“Everyone else is of age.”

“How about, Ginny stays here? That way she will know what is going on but she will be safe.” Lupin suggested calmly. Sirius turned to Izabella and she raised an eyebrow.
“Don't even bother to suggest it.” she said firmly.
“I just think, it would be safer for you and the baby-”
“No Sirius.”
He sighed, but dropped the matter.

“Where's Ron and Hermione?” Harry said suddenly.
“They said something about a bathroom.” Ginny said. Harry frowned then suddenly he grasped his forehead, his palm thrust against his scar and his eyes screwed up in pain.

“Harry!” Izabella said, putting a hand on his shoulder. He shook his head slightly.
“I'm fine. Voldemort is here.”

The room became silent and Izabella wrapped her arms around herself and her bump protectively.

“Lets get down to the Great Hall.” Lupin said in a calm voice. Everyone nodded and followed Harry out of the Room of Requirement and down the staircase towards the Hall, where students sat in their nightwear, looking scared and confused.
Occainsonally, Harry would glance over at Sirius and Izabella as if checking they were real.

McGonagall was speaking, until suddenly a cold voice echoed around the Hall, sending shivers up Izabella's spine.

I did a major catching up here I'm so happy Sirius didn't die! The veil story was fantastic, and also the explanation you gave for them not telling Harry they're alive, and how Izabella sends a message to Snape through Dumbledore...very touching And fifty chapters, whoa!

Thankyou! I know! I can't believe it, time has flown. I just want to thank you all for sticking with my story, we're nearly at the end so I hope you have enjoyed it!

Warning; Contains spoilers about second half of Deathly Hallows.

Chapter Fifty-One - The Fight Begins
Izabella stepped closer to Sirius, cowering away from the sound of Voldemort's voice, and he put his arm around her waist gently.

“Give me Harry Potter and no one has to die.” Voldemort bargained. “You have until midnight.”

A silence followed the announcement, until a Slytherin girl stood up and pointed to Harry.

“He's there! Potter's there. Get him!”
In one motion, the whole of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw stood up, turning their backs on Harry and standing like a baricade between him and the Slytherins. Harry flushed slightly, but the smile on his face was grateful.

The Slytherins were escorted out of the castle quickly, followed by the underaged students from the other houses. McGonagall and Kingsley Shacklebolt began dividing up the ones who had stayed to fight. Sirius and Izabella approached them.

“Where shall we go?” Sirius asked her.
“You and Izabella can-” she stopped and blinked several times. “I knew Dumbledore had been hiding something about you two.” She shook her head and smiled briefly before giving them their orders and rushing off.

“Harry where are you going?” Izabella asked as he started to run out of the Hall.
“I have to find something... And Ron and Hermione.” Harry said, turning and leaving. Sirius took her hand and smiled gently.

“He'll be okay. Lets go.” he said as he lead her out into the grounds of Hogwarts. The night was dark and a thick layer of cloud stopped any moonlight from streaking through. The group marched across the grounds to stand just in front of the gates.

“Stay close.” Sirius whispered in her ear, briefly kissing her cheek. She smiled and squeezed his hand, then pulled out her wand and raised it, ready to fight to save her godson.

“It's midnight.” Lupin said quietly. A moment later, the gates of Hogwarts burst open in a flash of light and the fight began. Death Eaters poured into the grounds, attempting to break the line of defence. Izabella flung spells at the masked figures, moving so fast she couldn't tell if any reached their targets. The duels soon spread out and Izabella lost sight of Sirius. She stunned somebody then turned, shoving her hair out of her face, perspiration running down her skin.

The battle continued, but the Death Eaters were advancing, pushing Izabella and the others back into the castle. Izabella dodged a spell and lost her footing, falling against the steps by the Entrance. She cried out in pain, her arm covering her stomach before she reached the ground.

“Izabella!” Sirius yelled, rushing to her and helping her stand. His hands moved across her softly, checking for damage. Then he took her face in his hands and looked at her intently.

“You have to get out of here.”
“Sirius I can't leave you.” she said, grasping his arms tightly. Above his shoulder a masked figure raised his wand, but she reacted quickly, pushing Sirius aside slightly and flinging at spell at the oncoming Death Eater. Then in the distance a figure caught her eye. She froze, then lifted the bottom of her robes and ran towards the lake.

“Izabella come back!” Sirius called, but she was sprinting across the grounds as fast as was possible and he became caught up in a duel.

“Sev!” she yelled, slowing down as she reached him. He turned, frowning at the sound of the voice which he had been craving to hear. Then without a word, his face collapsed and he pulled her close towards him and held her for a long moment.

“I knew it.” he said quietly.
“I wanted to let you know, but Sirius said...”
“I understand.”

There was a pause for a moment before Izabella pulled back slightly out of his arms.
“Why did you do it?” she said quietly as he took her face gently in his hands, brushing the hair off her face.
“You'll understand. Soon.” he said, his voice low and remorseful. He placed a hand on her bump and smiled for the first time in a long time.

“Congratulations.”
“You too, Uncle Sev.” she grinned. His smile faded and he nodded slightly then with a sigh he leant forward and kissed the top of her head.

“You'll be a wonderful mother.” he hesitated for a moment. “Izabella. When this is all over, will you do me a favour?”
She nodded and looked at him questioningly.
“Tell Pot... Harry, about everything. You know, about Lily and me. That I've always loved her.”

“Severus, don't do anything stupid.” she said, her breathing heavy and her forehead creased. He sighed.
“I won't.” he said quietly, embracing her once more then turning sharply. Izabella grabbed his arm.

“Sev don't! Please. You can't leave me.” He put his hands on her shoulders and moved his face close to hers.
“You will never be alone.”
He pressed his lips to her forehead, squeezing his eyes shut.

“I have to go do something. I'll see you soon.” he said quietly. She nodded and squeezed his hand tightly.
“I love you Sev.”
“I love you too Iz.”

Then with a final look at her, her turned and walked off into the darkness, leaving Izabella to stare after him, the worry in her bubbling to the surface.

Izabella was still for a long time, behind her flashes of light were still illuminating the dark sky and cries and shouts could be heard in the distance. She heard someone stumbling behind her, then hands grabbed her arms and spun her round. She looked up at Sirius, her face tear-stained and he sighed.

“Don't run off like that again.” he mumbled, looking relieved.
“I'm sorry.” she whispered.
“Izzy what happened?” he asked, engulfing her in his arms and stroking her hair gently.
“Severus... I saw him.”

Sirius nodded understandingly and squeezed her tightly. He kissed her forehead then held her at arms length.
“We need to go back.”
Izabella looked back at the castle to see the grounds were almost empty. The Death Eaters had invaded Hogwarts. Izabella realised how much time she had wasted and felt guilty, they were getting closer to Harry.

“Lets go.” she mumbled, taking Sirius' hand and running with him back towards the fight. They burst into the destroyed Entrance Hall. The stairs were crumbling, and the floor was covered in emeralds. People were still firing spells, jumping over the lifeless bodies that littered the floor. Izabella raised her wand then froze as, once again, Voldemort's voice echoed through the castle.

“You have fought bravely, but you have sustained many losses. You have one hour to dispose of your dead and treat your injured. I command my forces to retreat immediately.
Harry Potter. You have let your friends die rather than fight me yourself. I shall wait for you in the Forbidden Forest. If you do not appear within the hour, the battle starts again and this time, I will enter the castle and kill everyone that has fought for you. You have one hour.”

A silence followed, before slowly Death Eaters began to leave the castle, making their way towards the Forest. Izabella looked at Sirius with a worried expression.

“We need to find Harry. He can't go into that Forest.”
Sirius nodded slightly and wrapped his arm around her waist, gently leading her into the Great Hall where the dead lay in rows, their families surrounding them.

Izabella spotted the Weasleys and she frowned, hurrying over. Her eyes fell onto the lifeless body of Fred Weasley. She placed a hand over her mouth as she gasped, tears filling her eyes as she watched Mrs Weasley throw herself over her son and sob.

Izabella turned to see Sirius, but he was staring at another body that lay next to Fred's. Following his gaze, Izabella froze, then shook her head.
“No,” she whispered. She fell to her knees beside the body of Remus Lupin, tears streaming down her face. Sirius knelt beside her, crying silently. Shortly after, Hermione and Ron joined the group and Izabella looked up at them.

“Where's Harry?” she asked. Hermione looked back towards the doorway then shrugged. Izabella frowned and stood up, but Sirius grabbed her hand.
“Go and see Madam Pomfrey.”
“Why? Sirius I'm fine, we need to find Harry-”
“No. You need to get checked over.” he said quietly.

She tried to protest, but Sirius was already leading her towards the raised platform where Madam Pomfrey was treating the sick. She sat down and was handed a glass of water before Madam Pomfrey began poking and prodding her, Sirius standing behind her with his hands gripping tightly onto her shoulders. She reached up and held his hand comfortingly as she felt his tears fall onto her and heard his gentle sobs.

Aww, such a touching chapter again, I loved the Severus/Izabella scenes, he would be great as an uncle Since you didn't have the heart to let Sirius die please please please don't kill Snape And I also loved McGonagall's reaction at seeing Sirius and Iz alive