Thank you!

Chapter Thirty-Eight - The Quibbler
The cold snowy weather of January eventually warmed and February came, bringing buckets of rain and lashing wind.

Time was flying, and Izabella was already looking forward to the summer. She was thinking of booking a holiday for her, Sirius and Harry. Somewhere hot, like Spain, and private of course so Sirius wouldn't have to worry about being seen. It would be good for Harry to get away for a while. It was the least he deserved.

The morning was cold as Izabella hurried through the Great Hall and she poured herself a large mug of steaming coffee as soon as she sat down. She started to devour a bowl of hot porridge, nodding at Snape as he sat down beside her.

“Morning,” she said with a smile.
“Good morning.” he replied, looking up as a swarm of owls flew through the windows, bringing the morning post. A large brown owl landed infront of Snape and he untied the newspaper from it's leg, replacing it with a Knut.

“Why do you still buy that?” Izabella asked in a disgusted voice and she spotted a headline about Dumbledore.

Snape rolled his eyes and opened the paper. He lowered the paper suddenly as something caught his eye. Izabella followed his gaze and her forehead creased as she saw the Gryffindor table swamped in owls and letters.

She spotted Harry, Ron and Hermione ripping open the envelopes and throwing bits of parchment around the table.

“What the...?” Izabella said quietly as she watched them. Snape narrowed his eyes and started to stand up.
“I'll deal with this thank you Severus.” said Umbridge shortly as she stood up and strode towards Harry.

Snape returned to his seat and shared a look with Izabella before they turned to watch the exchange. Umbridge snatched something out of Harry's hand then rushed out of the Great Hall, her face furious.

Izabella watched Harry; he seemed triumphant. Suddenly Professor Sprout was by her side.
“I think it may have something to do with this.” she said quietly in her ear, handing her a magazine then waddling back to her seat.

Izabella looked down at the magazine then gasped slightly as Harry looked out at her from the front cover. She ripped open the cover and skimmed to Harry's interview, Snape reading it over her shoulder.

“This is fantastic.” she said chuckling.
Snape frowned and pointed to a piece of text halfway down the page. Izabella leant closer and read it more carefully.
“McNair... Crabbe... Goyle and Lucius Malfoy were all there as Death Eaters.” Izabella mumbled as she read it. She gasped and put a hand over her mouth. “Why Harry?” she moaned to herself quietly.

Snape sighed and gestured for her to follow him. She folded up the magazine and made her way to his office, shutting the door after checking no one was about outside.

“When did Potter do this?” Snape said, sitting down and clenching his jaw. Izabella shrugged.
“I have no idea... Not in school time surely.”
“Hogsmede.” Snape said, comprehension dawning on his face.
“I told you someone should have been with him.” she said rolling her eyes. “Will Lucius get investigated because of this?” she asked, biting her lip.
Snape shook his head, his eyes glazed and his expression thoughtful.

“No. No one at the Ministry will believe Potter just because of an interview... But if Fudge finally realizes that the Dark Lord has returned... Then he might be in trouble.”
Snape turned his head to look at her and she ran a hand through her hair as she collapsed into a chair.

“Come in.” Snape called out as there was a frantic knock on the door. An agitated Draco burst into the room, his forehead creased.
“Professor have you seen it?”
“Of course I have. Come in and sit down.”

Draco shut the door and moved the chair beside Izabella.
“What are we going to do?” he demanded.
“Calm down Draco. Nothing will happen to you father.” Snape said reassuringly.
Draco nodded slightly, then clenched his fists.

“How dare Potter say my father is a Death Eater.”
Izabella stared at him incredulously.
“He is.” she said, frowning at him and shaking her head.
“So are you!” Draco yelled, turning towards her. “But you didn't get mentioned did you? None of you did. Because you have Dumbledore protecting you.”

There was a silence following his outburst and Snape raised his eyebrows at Izabella. She sighed and leant towards Draco.
“Look,” she said in a quiet voice. “Nothing will happen to your father okay? I promise. I won't let anything harm him.” She placed a hand on his arm gently and looked at him with a soft expression. He nodded slightly then narrowed his eyes at her.

“Why do you care about my father so much?” he asked in a calmer voice. Izabella sighed and leant back in her chair.
“He's been a good friend of mine for a long time.”
Draco looked at her, arching an eyebrow slightly and she laughed.

“I'm sorry Draco. I think your father should be the one to tell you.” He nodded slightly and twitched his nose. Izabella smiled fondly as she looked at the image of a young Lucius. With a sigh she stood up.

“You're a good person Draco.” she said quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder for a moment. He smiled slightly. With a nod at her brother, Izabella left the room, leaning against the wall for a moment and taking a steadying breath. Then she sighed and rushed to her classroom to be in time for her first lesson.

Hey Jazz. I promise I've been keeping up, just haven't been able to comment on a timely manner. I'm sorry about that. I love that Snape told her to stick with Sirius. And I agree with what else he told her. And I like that Sirius told Harry to keep an eye on Izabella. It would give Harry something to take his worries off of everything else and make Occlumency Lessons easier on him. I'm sorry to all the people who love Draco, but it is my opinion that her statement is debatable.
Great writing Jazz. Your story is captivating to say the least. I'll be watching for your next.

Don't worry about it. I understand that you may not be able to comment all the time, I am just glad that you are enjoying it!
I think he is a good person, or could be, but he's been affected by the way he has been brought up. He knows what is right, even if he doesn't always do it.
Thank you, I have already written the next two chapters so I will have them up as soon as possible

While reading the beginning of the chapter, with Izabella thinking of the summer,I realized Sirius dies at the end of the school year Now I think I understand the title...Aww, it's gonna end tragically, isn't it?

Maybe... You'll have to wait and see

Hello everyone. My exams start tomorrow (eek) so I may not be able to update as often. I have tried to write as many chapters as possible this weekend, but I will probably only post 1 or two a week. But anyway, here's the next chapter. I hope you like it!

Chapter Thirty-Nine - Caught
Izabella had just returned from patroling the corridors, looking for students out of their common rooms after hours. Completely drained, she collapsed onto her bed and closed her eyes.

Her head was foggy and her eyes would hardly stay open. She pulled herself up and started to yank off her robes when there was a loud knock at the door.

Izabella groaned and lifted her clothes back on, dragging her feet then tugging open the door.

“Yes?” she said wearily. She frowned slightly at Dawlish and Kingsley, confused as to why they were outside her bedroom.
“You need to come with us Miss Prince.” Dawlish said in a serious manner.
Izabella frowned and looked between them both.

“What's happened?” she asked, her voice panicked.
“I'm afraid we can't tell you that. Follow us please.” Dawlish said, turning sharply and heading down the corridor. Kingsley gave her a look for a moment and Izabella rushed after them, feeling wide awake and a squirm in her stomach.

What if they had found Sirius? Would he go back to Azkaban? Or was it something to do with Voldemort... Lucius perhaps?

They stopped outside Dumbledore's office and the gargoyle immediately jumped aside for them. Izabella's breathing had become ragged and quick. She swallowed loudly then followed them up the moving staircase and burst into the circular room.

Dumbledore was sat calmly behind his desk, the Minister of Magic was pacing by the window, Percy Weasley beside him and Umbridge stood, looking triumphant in the middle of the room, holding tightly onto the shoulder of a young student, who had her face buried in her hands.

Izabella looked around and saw Harry by Professor McGonagall. She rushed over to him, placing her hands on his shoulders.

“Are you okay?” she demanded, her forehead creased. He nodded slightly, looking at the floor. Izabella turned to face the room and raised an eyebrow. “What's going on?”
“Seen as you act like the boy's guardian, we thought you would like to be involved in his expulsion.” Umbridge said, smiling like a toad. Izabella narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth but Dumbledore interrupted her.

“Harry will not be getting expelled tonight.” he said in a calm voice. “Unless of course, you can provide sufficient evidence.”
“Yes I can.” Umbridge said jubliantly. “Marietta, tell the Minister what you told me earlier this evening.”

Marietta shook her head forcefully and buried her face in her robes.
“Come on now dear, tell us-” Fudge stopped abruptly as Marietta lowered her hands to reveal the word SNEAK across her face in large boils. She once again covered her face, sobbing into her robes. Umbridge sighed impatiently.

“Miss Edgecombe came to me tonight and told me that an illegal Defence Against the Dark Arts group was having a secret meeting within the school. And if you remember Minister, I sent you a report about Potter holding a meeting some six months ago about starting this very group and it is my theory that these meetings have been happening regularly for six months.”

“Do you have any evidence?” Dumbledore asked politley.
“Well, yes! Miss Edgecombe of course.” Umbridge spluttered.
“Miss Edgecombe only informed you about the meeting that was taking place tonight.”

Izabella was watched the proceedings closely when she felt a draft pass her from the direction of Kingsley. When Umbridge questioned the young girl, asking if the meetings had been happening for six months, Marietta shook her head. Izabella smirked and lowered her gaze to the ground in an attempt to cover her satisfaction.

“No matter. We still have this.” Umbridge declared, pulling out a piece of parchment with a list of names on. Izabella felt Harry tense beside her. Fudge snatched the parchment and read it carefully, his face dropping as he turned to look at Dumbledore.

“Dumbledore's Army?” he whispered. Dumbledore took the list and looked at it for a moment then, amazingly, he smiled.
“Well. You caught me.”
“What?” Fudge frowned.
“It says Dumbledore's Army. Not Potter's. Tonight was our first meeting.”
“So... So you have... Been plotting against me!” Fudge exclaimed.
“Yes.” Dumbledore said cheerfully.

“I came to expel Potter...”
“And instead you get to arrest me. Isn't that wonderful?”
“Weasley! Do you have all of this?” Fudge said, turning to Percy excitedly.
“Yes sir, I have!”
“Excellent. Send an owl to the Daily Prophet straight away!”
Percy nodded and rushed from the room, clinging to his notes. McGonagall and Izabella exchanged a look filled with fear. Harry suddenly understood.

“No Professor! You can't-”
“Harry be quiet.” Dumbledore ordered. Izabella placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.
“Dawlish. Kingsley. Escort Dumbledore to Azkaban where he will wait until his trial.” Fudge said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Dumbledore chuckled.

“Ah, you don't expect me to come quietly do you? And if you try and take me by force I will have to hurt you.” he said, sighing quietly. Dawlish moved his hand to his wand and Dumbledore reacted instantly.

A flash of silver light bounced around the office then there was a cloud of thick smoke and a thud as someone fell to the floor. Izabella grabbed Harry and pulled him down whilst McGonagall jumped at Marietta and pulled her out of harms way. There was a cry then another bang and Izabella looked up to see Dumbledore emerging from the smoke.

“Are you alright?” he asked, everyone nodding in response. The dust cleared and the bodies of the two Aurors, Fudge and Umbridge lay unconscious on the floor. “I had to hex Kingsley or it would of looked suspicious. Thank him for modifying Miss Edgecombe's memory.” he said to McGonagall. She nodded and he turned to Harry.

“Professor-”
“Listen Harry. It is very important for you to continue Occlumency with Professor Snape. Make sure you empty your mind before you sleep and do everything Professor Snape tells you okay?”
Harry nodded slightly and Dumbledore lifted his gaze to Izabella.

“Keep doing what you are doing.” he said, smiling and she nodded. “I'll be back soon, don't worry.”
The bodies began to stir and Fawkes screeched, circling above Dumbledore's head. “Remember to empty your mind Harry.” he said quickly and touched Harry's arm for a breif moment before grabbing the phoenix's tail and disappearing in a flash of fire.

“Where has he gone?” Fudge said, pushing himself up from the floor.
“He can't have disapparated. He must of gone down here.” Umbridge said as she hurried down the stairs, Dawlish and Kingsley following her.
Fudge turned to glare at McGonagall.

“You had better get those two off to bed.” he snapped. McGonagall raised an eyebrow then marched from the room, pushing Marietta in front of her. Izabella squeezed Harry's hand gently and gave him a small smile before he left the room.

“Lucius speaks very highly of you.” Fudge said suddenly, looking at her with a calculating look. Izabella stared at him with a stony face.
“Dumbledore will always be here when someone needs him.” she said quietly. She passed him and quickly ran down the stairs and back into her room. Exhausted, she fell onto her bed, curling up into a ball and she drifted to sleep straight away.

Hey Jazz. Awe wow! Can you imagine how Izabella must have felt when Kingsley and Dawlish came for her at the door?! And all the way to Dumbledore's office she must have been terrified that Sirius was caught. And then how she must have felt to see Harry there and find out what was going on. I felt sorry for her. Very nicely done Jazz. This was one of my favorite parts in JK's books. I loved it when she showed Dumbledore's power and brilliant mind. And he performed his magic effortlessly. Did Harry feel the same there as in her book when Dumbledore touched his hand and made the slightest eye contact with Harry before he left? Well, at any rate, this was a very nice read Jazz. I can't wait to read your next chapter. That's fine Jazz. Take care of yourself, and study hard for those exams so you can do your best. I can be patient for a cause like that.

Thank you Connie! Yes it was one of my favourite parts as well, but I tried to condense it so it wasn't as long as in the books
Yes he did, I was hoping everyone would remember that bit as because it's from Izabella's point of view I couldn't really put it in, so I just mentioned Dumbledore making skin contact.
Thankyou, they'll be over soon and I'll be free! Yayyy

Yay, more Dumbledore awesomeness He's just fantastic! Good luck with your exams, I started today too...

He's great! Thank you. Good luck with yours too!

I don't have an exam today so I was able to edit this chapter last night. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Forty - Memories
The school had sunk into a depression since Dumbledore's disappearance. April was dreary and cold and the castle had become dull and lifeless. Umbridge was instated as Headteacher, much to the displeasure of most pupils and staff, and had sucked all of the fun out of the school.

After one particularly cold and tedious Monday, Izabella hurried through the corridors to the dungeons. She reached her brother's office and pushed open the door. She bent down suddenly, shielding her face, as a glass jar was flung at the wall, right next to the spot her head had just been previously.

“Get out Izabella.” Snape said harshly as he continued to trash his office.
“Severus! Stop.” Izabella yelled, rushing forward and pulling at his wand arm. He slumped onto his knees and leant back against his desk, his head in his heads.

“I knew it. Potter is just as foul as his father.” he mumbled.
Izabella waved her wand at the damage, restoring the jars to the shelves, then bent down in front of her brother and looked at him concerned.

“What happened?” she said gently. His jaw clenched slightly and he nodded towards the Pensieve which was glowing on his desk. Izabella frowned and cast a worried look at her brother, then lowered her head into the memories, tumbling into a sunny day in the Hogwarts grounds.

A young James Potter sat underneath a tree by the lake along with Sirius, Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. Suddenly the boys approached the young, lanky Snape, laughing loudly between themselves and cursed him with their wands.

Izabella watched, then turned as her younger self and Lily came rushing across. She smiled as she watched Sirius wrap his arm around her waist. She had rolled her eyes and pushed him away as James and Lily argued.

Sirius had shook his head at the angry pair, but Izabella watched with a smile on her face. She remembered how funny she found it when they tried to deny their feelings for each other, especially when everyone else around them could see it. Lily was blind to it for years.

“What's the problem?” James had complained. “Izabella curses Snivellus all the time!”
“Don't drag me into this.” Izabella protested.
“He's her brother. That's different! And don't call him that.” Lily said defensively. Izabella rolled her eyes.

“Oh grow up all of you. And Sev, learn to fight back.” she sighed.
“You shouldn't be fighting at all!” Lily said, glaring at Izabella, the prefect badge glinting on her chest.
“I don't need your help you Mudblood.” Snape spat.
There was a silence as they all stared at Snape, Lily attempting to hide her hurt.

“Take that back.” James said, pointing his wand at Snape's chest.
Izabella whipped out her wand and stormed over to her brother.
“If Potter doesn't hex you I will.”

Lily grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, pushing her into Sirius' firm grasp, but Izabella's eyes stayed on her brother, glaring at him fiercely.

“Don't. He's not worth it.” she said, looking at him as though he was dirt.
“I'll make him apologise Evans.” James said valiantly. Lily rolled her eyes.
“I don't need your help Potter.” she said coldly before scowling at Snape once more then flicking her fiery hair and storming off. Izabella sighed and pulled herself out of Sirius' arms.

“I'll see you later.” she said, kissing his cheek briefly. “You have my permission to curse him all you want.” Izabella said, nodding at James then barging past Snape, a disgusted look on her face. She ran off after Lily, and James and Sirius turned their attention to Snape.

Izabella pulled herself out of the memory, landing back on the office floor. She was still for a moment then she swallowed and turned to face her present day brother who was still crouched on the stone floor.

“Did Harry see this?” she asked quietly. Snape nodded.
“I told him he is not having any more private lessons with me.”
“Severus! You can't do that. You know he needs these!”

“You teach him then!”
“I can't Sev. I love that boy like a son, I wouldn't be able to penetrate his mind strong enough for it to teach him anything.”
“Well I can't continue-”

“Oh grow up Severus and get over yourself. Harry won't mention it again.”
“He will. He is the exact same as his father.”
“He isn't Severus. He is just like Lily and you know it. And that is why you hate him.”
“I hate him because he is a Potter.” he said loudly, his eyes blazing.

Snape stood up and started pacing the room. Izabella watched him, her face creased. He looked vulnerable and tired.
“She hardly spoke to me again after that.” he whispered.
“Can you blame her?”

“Why did I say it? If we had still been friends... We could have had something. That should be my son not Potter's!” he said angrily, gesturing wildly at the door.
“Severus don't do this to yourself. You know she had always loved James.”
Snape shook his head in denial.

“She never loved you Sev. Not like that.” Izabella said gently. His head dropped into his hands.
“I love her.” he said, his voice cracking.
“I know Sev. I know.” Izabella said, her voice pained as she rushed over to him. He engulfed her in his arms and hugged her tightly. “You'll always have me.”

Snape nodded then released her.
“She always asked about you. And she never blamed you. Ever.” Izabella took Snape's hand and held it gently. “She did love you. She just wasn't in love with you.”

He nodded, dropping his head slightly and she placed a hand on his shoulder, reaching up to kiss his cheek.

“Will you be okay?” she asked.
“Of course. Go and get some sleep.” He stroked her hair gently and flashed her a weak smile.

Izabella returned the smile then left the room, closing the door gently. As she wandered through the corridors, a small tear trickled down her face. She could never make her brother's pain go away. He had always been there for her, and she couldn't return the favour.

Hey Jazz. Super great chapter! I loved every bit of it. It was great seeing this episode from another point of view. I always imagined Snape, (after Harry left) being exactly like you wrote this. And Izabella shouldn't feel so bad. If she hadn't helped him at all (the way she thinks she didn't) then he wouldn't have been able to muster up that little smile for her, or calm down and start throwing things again after she left. But, she did help him. She's a great sister.
Excellent writing Jazz. I'll be waiting for your next. Take your time though. Study hard.

Thank you Connie! Yeah I wanted to show it from another perspective as well as show Lily and Izabella together to show how close their relationship was. She is a good sister, she just doesn't see it. I don't think she has much self confidence.
Thankyou, only 10 more exams then I'm free!

Chapter Forty-One - Needing Answers
“Harry? Can I have a word please?” Izabella called as the fifth years packed away their books and rushed to the door to head down to the Great Hall for lunch.

She caught the annoyed glance Harry threw at Hermione, but Hermione just looked at Izabella with hope. Her and Ron left the room slowly and Harry turned to face Izabella unwillingly. She moved around the front of her desk and folded her arms.

“Are you okay?” she said gently. He nodded sharply, looking down at the floor. She sighed and walked over to him, sitting on the egde of the table next to him. “You know you can talk to me about anything?”

“I know.” Harry said quietly. She put a hand on his shoulder gently.
“What's bothering you?”
Harry looked up at her, and for a moment he stood with his mouth open then he shook his head and looked down at the floor.

“Is this about what happened with Professor Snape?”
“How did you-”
“He told me.”
Harry mumbled incoherently under his breath and Izabella sighed.

“Look Harry. As much as he tries to hide it, Severus does care about you. He was just a little... annoyed.”
Harry shook his head.
“He was furious.” he said quietly.
“He was embarrassed.” Izabella explained gently. Harry sighed and looked up at Izabella with a concerned expression.

“Did my parents love each other?”
Izabella frowned and laughed slightly.
“Of course they did Harry.”

“But... The way she spoke to him... All they did was argue.”
“Do you love Ron and Hermione?”
“Yes but-”
“Do you have arguments with them sometimes?”
“Yes but-”
“Me and Sirius always have disagreements but we love each other.”
“I know.” Harry said impatiently.

“It's natural Harry. Besides, they were only fifteen and your mother hadn't realised she was in love with James yet.” she said, gazing out of the window and smiling to herself.

“What was my dad like?” Harry asked, his head bent down and staring at his feet as he scuffed them on the floor.
“A bit of a prat for a while.” Izabella said with a chuckle.

Harry sighed and looked down at the floor, his shoulders hunched over slightly. He bent down and picked up his bag, swinging it over his shoulder.

“Thanks Izabella. I'll see you later.” he mumbled.
“Harry.” Izabella called, Harry turning in the doorway and looking back at her impatiently. “I'm always here if you need to talk.” she said gently.
He nodded and smiled weakly then left the classroom.

Izabella sat on the desk, staring at the door he had just left through and biting her lip hard. Something was wrong, but she couldn't work out what.

Eventually, she wandered down to the Great Hall and picked at her lunch absent-mindedly before returning to her final lessons.

As Izabella made her way back to her bedroom at the end of the day, she groaned as there were suddenly screams and shouts coming from the corridors above her. She ran up the stairs quickly, diving through the crowds of students which had started to gather. Izabella reached the fifth floor and stopped suddenly, narrowly avoiding a thick substance that completely covered the whole of the corridor. She looked around at the packed corridor and sighed.

“Crabbe. Goyle. Don't even think about it.” she yelled as the fifth years began to push each other into the gloopy swamp. Izabella noticed Umbridge across the hallway and smiled to herself at the look of horror on her face.

There were more shouts from the Entrance Hall and the crowd turned quickly, Izabella running amongst the students to get to the first floor.

Fred and George Weasley stood in the middle of the Entrance Hall, a large circle of people surrounding them. Umbridge descended the stairway in front of the twins. Izabella pushed forward, the crowd parting and joined Ron and Hermione at the edge of the staircase.

“So,” Umbridge said, her voice echoing across the Hall. “You thought it would be funny to turn the school into a swamp did you?”
“Yeah we did actually.” Fred replied coolly.

Suddenly Harry appeared next to Izabella.
“What's going on?” he whispered in a hushed voice.
Izabella turned to him and frowned slightly, wondering how he could have missed the action and gestured towards Fred and George who were standing looking at Umbridge with confident expressions.

“You know Fred, I think we've outgrown this place.”
“I think you're right George.”
The two boys lifted their wands and suddenly two broomsticks came flying above the heads of students. The twins jumped onto the brooms and waved at the crowd.

“Give her hell from us Peeves!” Fred yelled as they rose in the air and turned to fly out of the open doors.
“Stop them!” Umbridge cried but her voice was drowned out by the overwhelming cries of the students as they all rushed forward to watch Fred and George fly out of Hogwarts grounds.

Izabella turned to watch Umbridge. She was bright red with fury and was practically shaking with rage. Chuckling to herself, Izabella grinned and peeled away from the crowd, returning to her bedroom and shutting her door on the noise of the celebrations in the corridors.

I'm back to catch up, since it's weekend and my next exam is only Tuesday Excellent chapters, I've always wondered what Snape felt after the Penseive scene, and a bit of Snape/Lily always makes my day Thanks!

Hope your exams are going well!
Thankyou, it's my birthday tomorrow so I probably won't be on but I have writen the next chapter and will try to have it updated on Monday sometime!

Chapter Forty-Two - Exams
The year was passing quickly and soon it was June, and it was exam time. Teachers had become stricter and pupils more frantic. Often at lunch time, someone would dive into their bag and pull out a book to check a fact or figure. The fifth and seventh years all resembled ghosts; their faces were pale and almost translucent as they drifted from exam to exam.

As the morning of the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam rose, Izabella hurried to the Great Hall where the students were waiting outside, checking their notes and conferring with each other. Draco Malfoy stood casually by the staircase, away from the others and leaning against the wall in a confident manner.

“You had better do well today Draco. Your father is expected good grades from you. And I'll be the one in trouble if you don't pass.” she said, quietly as she passed him. He smiled slightly and nodded in response. She approached the rest of her class and beamed at them all.

“Good morning everybody.” she said cheerfully. They all mumbled a reply and she chuckled.

“I don't want any of you to worry about this exam. You'll be fine.” Izabella said encouragingly. The students looked up at her and smiled weakly. “Just answer every question and keep your eye on the time.” she said suggested. The examiners appeared and started to arrange the students in alphabetical order.

Izabella placed a hand on Harry's arm and smiled.
“Good luck.” she said quietly. He nodded and smiled then went to join the queue as his name was called. They were all led into the Hall and Izabella took a deep breath, watching her students take their seats before the doors were closed and the exam began.

Izabella rushed back to her classroom where a bunch of disgruntled second years were waiting for her. She ushered them into the room and quickly started her lesson.

After lunch time, she assisted in moving the House tables for the practical exam.

The students waited to be called and Izabella stood by the door, nervously watching their progress during their exams. Harry was called into the Hall and Izabella turned her attention to him, watching him intently. Everything was perfect. Then Professor Tofty leant forward and whispered something to him. Harry grinned then suddenly a silver stag erupted from his wand and sped around the Great Hall. Izabella beamed and turned to watch the other's progress.

As Harry passed her in the doorway, she patted his back and grinned at him.
“Impressive.” she said, as he smiled irresistibly. He beamed appreciatively then hurried off to catch up with Hermione and discuss how their practical exam had gone.

The day was drawing to a close and the examiners soon left. Izabella was joined by Snape to restore the Great Hall back to normal before the evening meal.

“Harry was just fantastic. Every incantation was spot on.” Izabella informed her brother as they waved their wands at the long tables. “Draco didn't do too badly either.”

“You'll have to mention it to Lucius.” Snape said in a bored voice. “Do you know what Potter did the other day?”

Izabella rolled her eyes and turned to her brother with her hands on her hips.
“What now?” she sighed exasperatedly.
“Used Umbridge's fire to speak to Sirius.” he reported, lowering his voice. Izabella gasped and looked around before moving closer to Snape and lowering her voice.

“What?” she demanded furiously.
“Lupin told me. Needed reassurance about his father apparently.” he replied, his lips pursed. Izabella groaned.

“Does anyone know? Is Sirius going to be okay?”
“Yes, no one caught him. This time.”

Izabella sighed and returned back her work of shifting tables, chewing her lip worriedly. The Great Hall was returned to normal and Izabella and Snape made their way through the corridors. They reached Izabella's room and Snape checked the corridors were empty before speaking.

“Have a word with Potter. He could have ruined everything.”
Izabella nodded understandingly and sighed.
“I knew something was wrong. It must have been-”
“Most probably yes.” Snape snapped, clenching his jaw. Izabella nodded slightly then retreated into her bedroom.

“I'll see you later Sev.” she said. He nodded curtly then made his way down the corridor towards the dungeons.

Izabella sat on her bed and gazed out of the window. A smile crept across her face as she thought about Sirius and when she would next see him. It wouldn't be long now.

Haha, doesn't the title hit home?!? Anyway, great chapter, as usual, but the ending makes me so sad at the thought they probably won't see each other...

Yes I thought it was appropiate for this time of year! Thankyou, and you'll just have to see... Don't worry, it's all going to come to a conclusion soon enough!

This chapter contains the 50,000th word!
All of the action begins in the next chapter and all will be revealed!

Chapter Forty-Three - Cowardice
It was late, and Izabella was returning from patrolling the corridors. She was making her way back to her bedroom, looking forward to a long sleep. Exams were almost over and so was the school year. It was almost summer.

Izabella passed a large window and glanced out onto the dark grounds below. There was a flash of light from the direction of Hagrid's cabin and she frowned slightly.

Moving closer to the window and squinting, Izabella leant against the windowsill and peered out. Dark shapes had surrounded Hagrid's cabin and there was a loud shout, following by streams of jets of red light. Izabella gasped and peeled herself away from the window, rushing down the stairs and across the Great Hall.

She raised up the hem of her robes as she hurried across the grounds towards the source of the commotion. Just as she spotted Umbridge amongst the various Aurors shooting spells at Hagrid, she noticed McGonagall striding towards them. Suddenly the Aurors turned on her and five flashes of red light hit her straight in the chest. Hagrid roared in anger but Izabella yelled to get his attention as the spells continued to bounce off his thick skin.

“Hagrid, go!” she screamed. He looked down at her then flung Fang over his shoulder as his cabin suddenly went up in flames.

Feeling the heat from the fire, Izabella dropped to her knees beside the limp body of McGonagall and her shaking hands fumbled at her neck to find a pulse. It was weakly beating beneath her fingertips and Izabella knew she needed to get her to Madam Pomfrey, immediately.

“You will pay for this.” she snarled at Umbridge who was looking flustered and attempting to get the Aurors to go after Hagrid. He had disappeared into the forest and the Aurors were looking about helplessly as Umbridge screamed at them. Umbridge turned to glare at Izabella as she lifted McGonagall in her arms and staggered back to the castle. Snape met her at the doors, his face pale and horrified.

“I saw from my office.” he said, taking some of McGonagall's weight and helping Izabella to carry her up the stairs to the Hospital Wing. Tears had started to fall down Izabella's ash-covered face as she looked at the limp body in her arms. They reached the Hospital Wing and Snape flung open the doors with his wand, taking the whole of McGonagall's body as he laid her down gently in a soft bed and Madam Pomfrey came running out after a little squeal of horror.

Izabella stood anxiously by the bottom of the bed as Madam Pomfrey checked over her carefully. She poured a substance into her mouth gently then looked up at Snape.

“She needs to go to St. Mungo's.” she said quietly. Snape nodded and left straight away to send a message. Izabella rushed to the side of the bed and took McGonagall's hand.

“You'll be alright.” she whispered gently as she knelt down, resting her head on the bed. She snapped her head up suddenly as McGonagall squeezed her hand lightly. Her eyes had opened slightly and she was breathing heavily.

“Look after... Potter.” she whispered in a hoarse voice.
“Of course.” Izabella promised, before McGonagall became unconscious once more, her hand becoming limp in Izabella's.

Izabella bit her lip to hold back the tears and turned as two Healers followed Snape into the room, a stretcher flying in the air in front of them. Izabella stepped back to allow them to lift McGonagall onto the stretcher then they nodded in acknowledgement and rushed out of the Hospital Wing.

Izabella stood by Snape and Madam Pomfrey at the window, watching the Healers carry McGonagall across Hogwarts grounds, disapparating just outside the gates. Once they had gone, Madam Pomfrey sighed a little then returned to her office, shaking her head sadly. Snape looked down at Izabella, a worrying expression deep within his dark eyes.

“She'll be okay.” he said encouragingly. Izabella nodded slightly then headed for the door.
“Goodnight.” she said quietly as she left the Hospital Wing.

She walked through the corridors slowly, her head fuzzy. Everything was about to change in the Wizarding World. She could feel it.

Such a touching chapter! Maybe because Minerva is one of my favourite characters, but mostly due to your excellent writing. I especially love the ending line, so epic and dramatic

Thankyou! So sorry I've been away for so long, I've been quite ill. But I'm well enough to write now and will hopefully have the next chapter up some time later today!

Chapter Forty-Four - Lucius' Message
The news of the attack of Professor McGonagall and Hagrid had travelled quickly and was discussed often the next day by both teachers and students. Umbridge was in a foul mood, and Izabella made sure to avoid her all day; she didn't want to be the next one to be fired.

At lunch time, she went down to the kitchens, tickling the pear in the portrait as Sirius had taught her to when she was in her fifth year, and asked the house elves if they would bring her some lunch in her office. They had nodded graciously and by the time she reached her office, a large selection of food was waiting on her desk. She smiled and sat down, enjoying her lunch in the peace and quiet.

Izabella groaned quietly as there was a knock on the door, and she placed down her pumpkin juice, striding over to the door and yanking it open.

“What?” she demanded.
Lucius lifted his gaze to her face and arched an eyebrow.
“Oh it's you. Come in.” she mumbled, stepping back as he walked into her office, shutting the door behind him. He watched her carefully then took a few steps towards her, holding her chin between his fingers delicately.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly. She nodded and smiled, pulling out of his grasp to move over to her desk. She perched on the edge and folded her arms expectantly.

“How are things?” he asked, taking a seat in front of her.
“Why are you here Lucius?” she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
“I thought I'd come and see you-”
“Lucius.” she sighed, rolling her eyes. He chuckled quietly, then his face became serious.

“He wishes to see you. He has a job for you.”
“Now?” Izabella asked. Lucius nodded and she sighed.
“How long will it take? I don't think Umbridge is going to let me leave that easily.”
“Don't worry. I have asked the Minister and he has informed the Headmistress that you will be absent for a few days.”

Izabella laughed.
“You always did have good contacts.” she said grinning. He smiled and stood up, walking over to her.
“That wasn't why you loved me though.” he said. Izabella laughed softly and looked down. Lucius stood close against her, her body was pressed between his and the table.

“Lucius...” she said, putting her hands on his chest and pushing him backwards weakly. He grabbed her hand and held it tightly. As he looked down at her he frowned slightly, then loosened his grip on her hand, staring at her fingers.

“Where is this ring from?” he asked, looking up from the sapphire ring to gaze at her questioningly.
“It was my mother's.” Izabella lied, pulling her hand away from him and slipping the ring into her pocket. He watched her, his face slightly pained and his jaw clenched.

Izabella sighed and leant over her desk to pick up her wand.
“We need to go.” she said quietly, moving over to the doorway. Lucius paused for a moment then left the office, glancing about the corridors as he waited for her to join him.

Izabella grabbed her cloak and surveyed the room before pulling the door closed behind her and setting off down the staircase with Lucius. As they reached the Entrance Hall, Draco appeared, returning back from his lunch.

“Dad.” he said, his voice surprised as his face lit up.
“Not now Draco.” Lucius said impatiently. Izabella looked over her shoulder at Draco and smiled gently as his shoulders dropped slightly. She rushed after Lucius and glared at him.

“You should pay more attention to your son you know.”
“Don't tell me how to raise my child.” Lucius snapped. Izabella rolled her eyes.
“I'm not, I'm just saying you should listen to him sometimes.” They had reached the gates of Hogwarts and Lucius turned to look at Izabella with a soft expression whilst Izabella glared back at him.

“You would have been a great mother.”
Izabella sighed, shaking her head as she grabbed Lucius' hand.
“Lets go.” she said, turning as she disapparated.

They landed outside of the gates of Malfoy Manor, and Izabella released Lucius' hand. He smiled smugly then lead her through the gates and up the pathway to the house. He pulled out a set of keys from his pocket and opened the door, standing back and holding open the door for her. She smiled graciously and stepped into the house, looking about the quiet hallway.

The door shut with a gentle bang then Izabella felt soft hands on her waist. She sighed quietly as she felt Lucius close behind her, his breath tickling her neck.

“Lucius...” she said quietly, turning in his arms to face him. He looked down into her eyes, his hands locked around her waist. His face lowered slightly towards her.

“Izabella.” The cold voice echoed around the hallway as Izabella and Lucius jumped apart.
“My Lord.” she said, curtseying slightly and lowering her flushed face to the floor. Voldemort descended the staircase slowly, watching both of them closely. He approached Izabella and looked down at her.

“I need you to do something for me.”
She nodded and looked up at him.
“Anything my Lord.” she smiled.
“I want you to go to Godric's Hollow.”
Izabella swallowed loudly and nodded slightly.

“Okay.” she agreed quietly. “What do I need to do?”
“I think I left something there. The night I killed the mudblood and her husband.”
Izabella bit down hard on her lip, her jaw clenched and her eyes empty of emotion.

“What did you leave?” she asked in a forced voice. Voldemort watched her with calculating eyes then swiftly walked around the hallway, stopping by a chair and taking a seat.

“A cloak.” he said simply. Izabella frowned for a moment then nodded slightly.
“Right.” she said, straightening and forcing a smile. “I'll leave now so I can get back to Hogwarts soon-”
“Take your time.” Voldemort said, glancing at Lucius for a moment. A crease appeared on Izabella's forehead for a second but she smoothed her expression and smiled once more.

“Of course, my Lord.” she said, bowing her head and moving to the door.
“I'll walk you to the gate.” Lucius said quietly, holding open the door then following her through. They walked in silence until Izabella melted through the gates and turned to face Lucius sharply.

“What's going on?” she demanded.
“Nothing.” Lucius said, looking at the floor. She sighed and rolled her eyes, turning on her heel and striding off. A hand grabbed her arm and Lucius spun her round to face him.

“Whatever happens, you have to know I love you. Even if you don't feel the same.” he said desperately. Izabella's face softened in concern.
“Just tell me Lucius. I can help you.” she whispered. He shook his head and let go of her.
“I'll see you soon.” he said, smiling weakly. Izabella watched him walk back into the house and sighed quietly.
Then she looked up at the dimming sun, took a deep breath and disapparated.

Oh, I'm glad you're feeling better. Are you done with your exams? Thanks for the update, especially since it's a bit Izabella/Lucius I'm so curious what's going to happen next!