Yeah I'm definitely Team Sirius - serious!!
But I just love the way you're writing Lucius - and I'm an absolute sucker for any romance with the known Harry Potter characters, because I've... been there haha.

Go Sirius
Aww thankyou! I have to admit, I do love writing Lucius - he's so charming. I'm a sucker for any romance whatsoever, apparently I wear my heart on my sleeve!

Chapter Twenty-Two - Summer and Secrets 25th August 1978
August was almost over already. Izabella's time was split between dates with Lucius and spending time with her friends.

Lucius was certain to constantly spoil Izabella, between lavish presents, days out and even cooking her dinner at the Manor, although Izabella suspected he had help from the House Elves.

When she was with her friends, it felt as if nothing had changed. They went to the field where they had spent most of their summers and had picnics and Izabella even joined the boys in games of Quidditch, leaving Lily on the ground reading a book, as the red head preferred.

Izabella tried to keep her worlds apart, which was proving to be difficult when Rita Skeeter was constantly sneaking around. Whenever Lucius took her to a party or even for a walk in the park, a photograph would appear in the Daily Prophet, leading to questions from Lily. As her best friend pestered, Izabella ignored her and usually disapparated, refusing to talk to any of her friends about her relationship with Lucius.

This seemed to suit Sirius just fine, who sulked whenever the Malfoys were brought into conversation.

Her relationship with Sirius appeared to have returned to normal. They teased each other and bickered as they always had, yet he listened to her more now.

They would often be the last ones to leave the field, lying on a blanket long after the others left, looking up at the stars and talking. He would listen as she would complain about Severus being the annoying older brother that he was, or how her mother was always nagging at her and she would listen as Sirius ranted about how James spent too much time with Lily.

Izabella chuckled at the thought that it was his biggest problem, but Sirius had always been lucky that way. He had bought himself a large flat in London with the money his Uncle left him, yet still spent most nights at the Potters as he hated cooking for himself and Mrs Potter was more than happy to let him stay. Izabella was also invited to the Potters rather a lot; Mr Potter had always had a soft spot for her, calling her the daughter he never had.

The first of September was creeping ever closer, causing Izabella to be extremely moody when she wasn't busy and enjoying herself. No wonder her mother and brother had taken to avoiding her. She would avoid herself.
She sighed loudly as the thought came to her and wrapped her arms around herself.

“Are you cold?” Sirius asked, propping himself up on one elbow and looking down at her, his brown hair falling across his face slightly. The sun was beginning to set and they were lying on a red blanket, looking up at the summer sky and the wisps of clouds above them. Izabella turned to face him and shook her head.

“No, I'm fine. I was just thinking.”
“Thinking what?”
“How very jealous I am of your hair. How is it always so shiny?”
Sirius waggled his eyebrows.

“Because I am amazing.” he said seriously. Izabella snorted a laugh and went to sit up, pushing herself up onto her elbows. Suddenly, Sirius dived on her pinning her down beneath him as he sat on her. His hands slid under her t-shirt to tickle her stomach relentlessly.

“Sirius stop!” Izabella demanded as she rolled about beneath him.
“Not until you say 'Sirius is amazing' and then tell me what you were really thinking about.”
“No way!” she protested.

He began toturing her again, her fingertips tickling the bare flesh of her stomach as she squealed loudly.

“Alright fine! Sirius is amazing!” she declared, then shoved him hard. He roared with laughter as he rolled off her and lounged back on the blanket. “You're a idiot.”

“I'm still amazing though.” he grinned.
“Modest as well.” Izabella said sarcastically, sitting up and crossing her legs.

Sirius chuckled then reached out for one of her hands, entwining their fingers as he often did. She didn't protest. They weren't children; holding hands was perfectly acceptable and innocent. What harm could it do?

“So? What were you thinking about?”
“School. How much I don't want to go back.” she sighed.
“Izzy, don't be stupid...” he said gently, tugging her hand so she fell against him. Sirius wrapped his arm around her tightly as her head rested on his shoulder.

“It won't be the same without you and the others. Lily won't be there to tell me to do my homework, I won't be able to beat James at Quidditch then gloat about it for days, Remus won't be able to help me with last minute essays so Lily won't break my neck, Peter... well Peter won't be there to laugh at and you... You won't be there.”

“Glad to know I have a purpose in your life.”
“Shut up Sirius.” Izabella said, hitting his chest lightly as she buried her face against his shoulder. “You won't be there to tell Lily to leave me alone, to tease James for getting beaten by a Slytherin, to threaten to tell Lily that Remus helped with my homework, to bully Peter and... to make me feel better. To hug me and hold my hand... and get me into detention of course.”

She grinned and looked up at him, but Sirius was staring up at the sky.
“Did you listen to a word I just said?” Izabella asked, sitting up and glaring at him.

“Do I really mean that much to you?” he asked quietly. Izabella frowned.
“Of course you do Sirius. You're my best friend.”

“I'm telling Lily.” he teased, finally looking at her. Izabella slapped his arm playfully, but he continued to stare at her.

“What?” she demanded.
“You are my best friend too you know.”
“I'm telling James.” she said, sticking her tongue out at him. Sirius chuckled and stood up, stretching his arms widely.

“I don't think he'd care. He would just sit there and stare at Lily.”
Izabella rolled her eyes.
“She's his wife, he's allowed.”

“He's James Potter! He is not allowed to be all romantic and sickly...” Sirius said, grimacing.
“You could learn something from him Sirius Black.” Izabella laughed as she picked up the blanket, shaking it lightly then folding it.

“Perhaps I could.” Sirius said, smiling slightly as he watched her. “I'll come see you at Hogwarts if you'd like? I could meet you in Honeydukes. Or would you not dare now that you're Head Girl?”

Izabella rolled her eyes.
“You know Sirius, with you not there, I don't think I'm going to get into half as much trouble as I used to.”

“So you won't meet me in Hogsmede?”
“Of course I will. I'm not Lily.” she said with a grin.

Sirius chuckled and approached her, wrapped his arms around her waist and swinging her in a hug. He placed her feet back on the ground and grasped both of her hands, holding them tightly as he rested his forehead against hers.

“When you're not breaking all of the rules, you have all of your Slytherin friends. You won't have time to miss us.” he said, bending down to place a kiss on the tip of her nose. Izabella chuckled.

“My Slytherin friends... Oh gosh!” she gasped suddenly, dropping Sirius' hands and stepping away from him.

“What's wrong?” he frowned.
“I have to go... I'm supposed to be... Be somewhere.”

Sirius clenched his jaw, his face stony.
“Well you had better go then.” he said darkly.
“Sirius, I'm sorry but-”
“Go on Izabella! Go and put on a pretty dress and let Malfoy take you to a Pureblood party.”

“Sirius!”
“Don't keep your darling beloved waiting.” he spat.
“Sirius Black why are-”

But he was gone.

Izabella stared at the spot where he had disappeared for a long time then sighed, picked up the blanket and disapparated to the front steps of Malfoy Manor. After knocking loudly, a house elf opened the door and let Izabella in.

“Good evening Miss. Master Malfoy asked you to wait here, Nobby will just go get him Miss.”
“Thanks Nobby.” Izabella mumbled, leaning against a wall and sighing.

“Izabella!” Lucius called a few moments later as he descended the stairs. He approached her and cupped her face in his hands gently. He leant down and pressed a delicate kiss to her lips.

“I'm sorry, love but I'm going to have to cancel tonight.”
Izabella looked up as her face crumpled.
“Why?” she asked, pouting.
“Just business stuff. Boring meetings.”

“I'll just wait until you're finished.”
“Not tonight, this could take hours and it's already getting late.”

“Lucius...” Izabella moaned, stamping her foot and throwing down the blanket. Lucius chuckled, then he looked down and frowned slightly.

“What on earth are you wearing?”
Izabella looked down and blushed slightly.

“Sorry, I was running late and forgot to change. They're Muggle clothes.”
He raised an eyebrow slightly and she shrugged, tugging on her denim shorts in a vain attempt to make them longer and fiddling with the thin straps of her vest top.

“What have you been doing today?”
“I went for a picnic.”
“With Lily?”

Izabella swallowed loudly and settled for a nod. Above them, at the top of the stairs, somebody cleared their throat. He was wearing long black robes and had an extremely sour expression on his face.

“Your father said hurry up. The meetings about to begin.”
Lucius nodded and the man left, returning to the room just down the hallway which Izabella knew to be Abraxas' private study.

“What's this meeting about?” Izabella asked, folding her arms across her chest.
“Nothing that would interest you darling.” Lucius said with a charming smile.

“It's about whatever it is that you and my brother are hiding from me isn't it?”
“Izabella...” Lucius said with a sigh. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Well, if you won't tell me... I'll find out for myself.” she said and starting towards the staircase with a purposeful walk until Lucius grabbed the top of her arm and pulled her back.

“Izabella I forbid you to go into that room.” he said sternly.
“Why?” she protested, wincing slightly as he kept a firm grip on her upper arm.

“I promise. I will tell you before you go back to school.”
“I go back in a week.” she said quietly. He sighed and let go of her arm, rubbing it gently.

“I know. So, why don't you spend tonight with your friends? Because I don't plan on sharing you in your last week.” he said with a smile. Izabella sighed.
“Fine. But you have a lot of making up to do for cancelling tonight.”

Lucius beamed.
“I'll try my hardest.”

He bent down and picked up the blanket that Izabella had dropped, then leant forward and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Come to the Manor for breakfast tomorrow?” he suggested.
“I'd love to.” Izabella replied with a smile.

She reached up on her toes, pressed her lips to his then turned for the door. She looked back over her shoulder to see him watching her leave, lifting a hand in a wave before he hurried back up the stairs. Izabella bit her lip slightly then disapparated back to Spinner's End.

Haha, are you sure you're not writing me? Nah - perfect Lily!!

Nobby!! I love it haha, made me :rofl:

AAAND I'm starting to feel sorry for Izabella because of Lucius apart from how nice he is to her face, I don't like secret keeping or cancelling things. (But I still loved this chapter!) And I really loved the bit with Sirius <3 the two of them really have a great dynamic.

Eeeeeeeee!! This story is amazing!
But I dread what's coming up

I'm startled by how much I've missed, but I promise to start catching up with everything. I've read the first bit about the ball at the Malfoys and it sounds very promising, I've missed your story

I just couldn't imagine Lily enjoying Quidditch as much as Izabella and the others do.
It took me ages to think of a House Elf name, Nobby popped into my head and I couldn't stop chuckling so I went with that
I know, he is being very silly.
Thankyou! Yeah, Sirius/Izabella is sooooo different from Lucius/Izabella.

Yay you're back!
I'm sorry, you know what I'm like. I got a bit carried away and posted a new chapter every day...
Awww thankyou, it's missed you too
I'll save the next chapter until you've caught up

Yeah, I get the feeling with Lucius/Izabella that there is an age gap, he just seems so much more mature (hehe) and experienced. But Sirius and she have fun!! (I mean, she does with Lucius as I see...)

I've read up to chapter twenty now, and loved it. The almost-kiss was perfect, and the reunion between Izabella and her school friends was lovely. I wish I had more time to read right now Please post another chapter so people wouldn't have to wait after me

Yes definitely. Lucius could give her everything she needs, a home and a family, he would provide stability. And she does love him and has fun with him, but her and Sirius have a more natural relationship. He doesn't need to 'court' her and buy her presents, they're best friends as well.

Thankyou, glad you liked it
I'll post the next chapter soon, you're almost caught up anyway But the next one needs a bit of tweaking, I'm not sure it's right yet... It'll be up as soon as possible though

Chapter Twenty-Three - It's a Love Story 26th August 1978
“I'll see you later Mum!” Izabella called as she raced down the stairs, her light floral dress flowing behind her and swirling around her knees.

“Izabella wait!” Eileen called. “Where are you going?”
“Malfoy Manor. Lucius invited me for breakfast.”
“Izabella, no! Wait, you have to-”

The door slammed. Izabella stepped outside, rolling her eyes at her mother then disapparated.

“Good morning Nobby,” Izabella said cheerfully as the little House Elf let her in. “Is Lucius about?”
“Yes Miss. He and Lord Malfoy are in the dining room, waiting for you.” said the Elf, holding a shaking finger to point towards the oak doorway.

“Thanks Nobby.” Izabella said, frowning at the Elf's nervousness. She approached the doorway, her frown deepening as she heard raised voices coming from behind the doors. She pushed them open and the shouting stopped.

“Ah Miss Prince. How kind of you to join us. Are you not meeting Mr Black today?” Abraxas asked.
“Sirius? Erm, no.” Izabella said warily.

“Take a seat.” he commanded, pointing to the place set out beside him, opposite Lucius. She smiled at him as she sat, but he contined to stare into his glass, swirling the contents with a clenched jaw.

Izabella jumped as a newspaper landed in front of her.
“Page 7.” Abraxas said. Izabella sighed, already growing tedious of the stupid social pages. She picked up the newspaper and flicked through, freezing when she saw what lay before her.

“Oh, crap.” she cursed under her breath.
“Indeed.” Abraxas agreed angrily.

Staring up at her were four moving pictures of her and Sirius from the field the previous day. The first showing them sat across from each other on a blanket, their hands entwined. The second portrayed her leaning against Sirius with his arms wrapped around her and her face buried in his chest.

The third was worse, as Izabella watched Sirius picked her up and spin her around, then place her back on the grass and hold her hands, placing a kiss on her nose. The last was the largest, filling up half a page, and was most definitely the worst. Izabella lay on her back, laughing and smiling widely as Sirius sat atop her, his hands reaching under the fabric of her t-shirt.

“It's not what it looks like.” Izabella said in a small voice, keeping her eyes on the table.
“Oh really? Do tell us what it is then Miss Prince, because it looks like you are trying to make a fool out of my son.”

“I'm not. Sirius is a friend.” she protested, looking up at Abraxas but avoiding Lucius. The elder Malfoy let out a loud, harsh laugh and glared at Izabella.
“So what are his hands doing in that compromising position?”

“He was tickling me. We were just messing around. We've been friends for ages, it didn't mean anything.”

Izabella finally looked towards Lucius who was watching her intently, his expression unreadable. She looked at him with pleading eyes, begging him to understand. At that moment, Eileen burst in.

“Oh Abraxas, I'm so terribly sorry for all of this.” she said, rushing to his side and glaring at Izabella.
“I didn't expect this from your daughter Eileen.” he said coldly. Eileen nodded ferociously.
“I know, I didn't either.”

“Oh shut up Mother.”
“Izabella! You will not speak to me like that.” Eileen said, flushing a deep red.
“You're not involved in this, neither of you. It's between me and Lucius.”

“Lucius is my son-”
“He's my-”
Izabella stopped and looked down at the table, biting her lip slightly.

“Izabella, will you come with me please?” Lucius asked politely, speaking for the first time. Izabella nodded and stood up quickly, darting around the table to follow him into the room that lead to the garden. He shut the doors firmly and took a seat on a large green leather armchair, gesturing for her to sit opposite him. She sat down gracefully on the matching sofa and stared at the floor, afraid to look at him.

“Why didn't you tell me that you spent the day with Black?” he asked quietly.
“Because you didn't ask.” she replied.

“Have you been spending a lot of time with him?”
“I've been with Lily, and you can't be with her without being with James. You can't be with James without being with Sirius so you have to take them all to get one.” she explained.

“Izabella look at me.” he said firmly. She swallowed then lifted her gaze to his face. “Do you love him?”
“No, not in that way. Not anymore.”

“Do you love me?”
“I'm beginning to.” she answered honestly. He watched her for a moment then sighed.

“Izabella, I'm not going to tell you who you can and can't be friends with. Besides, Black knew you first and you've been friends a long time, I can accept that. However I am not comfortable with you letting other men hug you or-”
“I don't-”

“Let me finish. I like you Izabella. Actually, I'm falling in love with you and if it's what you want as well, I'd like to make it official.”
“You want me to be your girlfriend?”

“I'd like you to be my wife but I think it's a bit too soon.”
“Just a bit.” Izabella said with a smile. Lucius chuckled and stood up, extending his hand towards her. She accepted it and allowed him to pull her up and into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled as his lips pressed against hers.

“Lucius? Could we... keep it between us? Just for now.”
He looked down at her and sighed.
“If it's what you wish, then of course.”

Izabella beamed and squeezed her arms around him.
“One more thing. Will you let me know if you are meeting Black?”
“I don't know...”
“Not if there is a lot of you. But if it's just you and him... Please?”

Izabella hesitated, rubbing her forehead and biting her lip gently. Eventually she sighed and nodded.
“Okay. If that's what you want.”

“Thank you.” he said with a smile, pulling her back into his arms.
“Lucius? Do you think we could eat now?” Izabella asked as her stomach growled.

“Whatever you want my love.” he said with a grin. She took his arm and let him lead her back into the dining room and towards her seat.

Finally caught up! I must say this story is even better than your first! I can't decide which pairing I like most And somehow I was sure the day with Sirius would make the headlines...

Please Jazz, give me a day with Sirius too I... I think I'm falling in love with him. I've decided that in the mean time, Izabella can have Lucius

I do love how you make problems like these, but Lucius is still somewhat calm about it, and not a jealous lunatic... for now?

Aw thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it, I was worried it wasn't as well written as the first one so I'm very glad you said that! Same, I love writing Lucius at the moment, Sirius is being annoying. I'm going to hate writing the next few chapters... Poor Lucius With Rita Skeeter I thought it was only a matter of time before she caught Izzy and Sirius together. Provides a little twist for me to use later on.

I do love him, but he is being silly at the moment. I'm team Lucius! For now anyway, until the next chapter...
Indeed. For now. I think this little newspaper fiasco is going to come up again in future chapters. As they say, it will come back to bite Izabella on the bottom. Next chapter as soon as possible, having a bit of a block but I'm working on it!

Chapter Twenty-Four - Revelations 31st August 1978
During Izabella's last week of summer, Lucius stayed true to his word. His attention remained solely on Izabella. The mornings would be spent having breakfast at the Manor, Abraxas having warmed to Izabella once again. Then their days were filled with shopping and eating in top London locations, or trips to the theatre or even just sitting in the gardens of the Manor, absorbing the last of the summer rays.

The morning of Izabella's last day of freedom was bleak. The sun was hiding behind the grey clouds and although it wasn't raining, there was a bitter chill in the breeze.

With a heavy heart, Izabella swung her legs out of bed and began shoving her belongings into her Hogwarts trunk. Her freshly washed uniform was flung ontop of her cauldron, her school books were thrown in, and (after a trip to Severus' bedroom) her basic potion ingrediants were stuffed into a bag and slung into her trunk.

She sighed and looked around her now-bare room, catching sight of a speck in the stormy sky. She opened her window and allowed the large brown owl to land on her desk, taking the note that was attatched to it's leg.

Izabella,
I know you probably have plans, but this is really important.
Please come and see us. I'm at home waiting.
Trust me. Come straight away.
Lily

Izabella frowned and hurried to her wardrobe, grabbing a pair of jeans and a cream blouse, pulling them on as she twirled her hair up into a bobble. She snatched up her coat and raced down the stairs and into the kitchen, grabbing a loaf of bread to feed her growling stomach. There was a tap on the window and Izabella let in another owl, taking the letter before it flew off.

Lily will make you breakfast fatty.
Hurry up. It's important.
Sirius.

Izabella rolled her eyes but couldn't resist the smile that crept across her face at the fact that he knew her so well. She pulled on her coat and headed for the door quickly. If even Sirius thinks something is important, it usually is.

She disapparated straight to Lily and James' front step in Godric's Hollow, knocking once before the door was pulled back. Sirius grinned and leant against the doorframe.

“Good morning.”
“I thought it was important?” Izabella said, raising an eyebrow as she pushed past him.

“Someone hasn't eaten this morning.” he teased. Izabella pulled off her coat and hung it by the door as Sirius wrapped his arms around her waist, squeezing her sides gently.

“Sirius don't.” she said quietly, pushing his hands away from her.
“What's up?” he asked frowning.
“You've already got me into enough trouble.” said Izabella as she made her way into the living room where the other Mauraders were.

She smiled briefly before collapsing onto the sofa and taking a deep sniff of the aromas emerging from the kitchen. Her stomach growled as Sirius plonked down beside her.

“Don't tell me Malfoy was actually upset about those photos?”
“Did you see them Sirius?” Izabella demanded.
“They weren't that bad.” he shrugged.

“No they weren't.” said James. “Apart from the one where you were holding hands. And the kiss one. And the one where you were on top-”
“Alright Prongs. We get it.” Sirius snapped.

“I'm just saying, I'd be upset if it was Lily.”
“Yeah but she's your wife.”

Izabella swallowed loudly and was grateful when Lily entered with a tray full of food. James licked his lips and leant forward but Lily whacked him with a dish cloth.

“Izabella first! You've already eaten.” she said sternly. Izabella grinned at James and piled her plate with bacon, eggs and toast.

“So? Why have you dragged me here?” she asked around a mouthful of egg. The room grew silent and everyone seemed to take up a great interest in the floor. “What's happened?”

Lily took a seat on the other side of Izabella and wrapped an arm around her.
“This isn't easy for us Iz, but Dumbledore said we should tell you...”
“Dumbledore?” Izabella said, her brow furrowing.

“Have you ever heard of Death Eaters?” Remus asked.
“Yeah. It's that pathetic group my brother was in at school. They were all obsessed with the Dark Arts and some crazy wizard.” Izabella said with a roll of her eyes.

“Oh, he's crazy alright. Only now it's not just school kids in his 'pathetic group'.” Sirius said.
“What do you mean?”

“He calls himself Voldemort. He's a PureBlood extremist. Hates all Muggles and Muggleborns. He wants to take over the Wizarding World.”
Izabella snorted and took another bite of bacon.
“Sounds like a bad Muggle movie to me.”

“Izabella be serious.” Lily chided.

Remus handed her a folder of newspaper clippings. She flicked through them, some with moving pictures, others from Muggle newspapers.

“Three people found dead at their home, cause of death not able to be identified... Two Muggleborns disappear... Muggle killed, suspected killing curse... What is all of this?”

“Four dead and two missing. There just the ones we know of.”
“This is all because of this Vold- what ever his name is?”
The five of them nodded solemnly.

“And my brother...?”
“We think so.”

Izabella placed the folder and her plate on the table with shaking hands, her appetite completely erased.

“We also think...” Lily started warily, “that Abraxas and Lucius Malfoy are at the head of the Death Eaters.”
Izabella shook her head defiantly and stood up, wringing her hands together.
“No. He can't be. Abraxas yes, but not him. There's something going on, he was going to tell me today...”

“Probably would of lied to you.” Sirius scoffed.
“Lucius would never lie to me.”

“But he'd kill innocent children just because they were born to Muggles!”
“You don't know him Sirius!”

“I know him better than you do. I grew up with people like him. PureBloods like the Malfoys only care about themselves and their inbred families.”
“Shut up!” she screamed.
“You know it's true Izabella!”

“Both of you calm down.” Lily said, standing beside Izabella with a worried look. The others had also stood, James with a close eye on Sirius and his rising temper.

“Malfoy is using you. You're a Slytherin PureBlood. You're not closely related and you're beautiful. He's using you for an heir, he doesn't love you!”
Somewhere within her registered the compliment he gave her, but the anger bubbling within her stomach was more prominent.

“You're just jealous Sirius. You'll never be like Lucius.”
“Good! I don't want to be.”

“He's itelligent and powerful and spoils me-”
“Well if it's presents you want, go and run off to Malfoy. If you want to be with someone who actually loves you-” he stopped and ran a hand through his hair. “Well. Well, good luck with that.”

Izabella laughed manically.

“No wonder even your own mother couldn't love you.” she said spitefully before storming out of the room, grabbing her coat and slamming the front door.

As she stood on the step, her chest rising and falling rapidly, a single drop of rain landed on the tip of her nose. She wiped it away, looked up at the dark sky and clenched her teeth.

“He had better tell me the truth.” she mumbled, before she disapparated with a loud crack.

Aww no Poor Izabella. But poor Sirius too (a bit). Another great chapter! Hope you break through your block

Ooh, the plot thickens Poor Izabella, she'll be devastated when she finds out the truth about Lucius, and her brother! I think I'll be too sad to read...But I'll read it anyway, my curiosity gets the better of me every time

Thankyou! Yess I have. My friend came round and we watched all of the films and I've got a few ideas for the next chapter I'll get it up as soon as possible

Indeed it does. Awwww It'll be up as soon as possible

Woo, I love watching all the movies in a row

Me too!

Chapter Twenty-Five - Friends Are The Family We Choose 31st August 1978
Izabella raised her fist to bang on the door of the Manor. A shaking house elf opened the door, his eyes widening when he spotted the normally so calm tempered, Izabella. She stormed past the nervous creature and stood in the centre of the Entrance Hall, one hand resting on her hip and a stern expression on her face.

“Lucius!” she yelled.
There was a brief pause before the doors to the dining flew open and Lucius extended his arms towards her.

“There you are. I was worried about you.” Lucius dropped his arms as he caught sight of Izabella's expression and he frowned. “What's happened?”
“I go back to Hogwarts tomorrow. Do you have something to tell me?”
Lucius nodded slightly and shifted nervously.

“Of course. Why don't we take a seat?” he said, turning to lead her away.
“No. Lucius tell me now.”
“Izabella this isn't appropriate.” he said firmly.

Izabella hesitated for a moment then sighed heavily and stomped after Lucius. He lead them into the room beyond the dining room. The rain was still falling, bouncing off the glass doors loudly. Izabella threw herself onto a sofa and raised an eyebrow at Lucius as he paced in front of her.

“This is difficult Izabella, but let me explain everything before you interrupt me.”
Izabella nodded curtly, gesturing for him to continue.

“Being a part of a PureBlood family isn't always easy. Sometimes I have to do what I need to do. There is a wizard, who wishes to return the Wizarding World to it's original glory. Back to the days when wizards were in control, not Muggles.” Lucius paused and stopped in front of her. “There is a group of us that believe in his ways and are willing to follow him.”

“Death Eaters right?” Izabella said, clenching her jaw tightly. Lucius blinked.
“You know about this?”
“Sirius just told me all about it.”

“Sirius Black? I thought I asked you-”
“It wasn't just him. We were at Lily's.” Izabella snapped.

“Well if you already know I don't need to explain anything.”
“I wanted to hear it from you Lucius. I wanted you to admit to killing innocent Muggles.”

A silence filled the room whilst Izabella stared at Lucius, daring him to deny it. He took a deep breath and stepped towards her.

“Izabella. That wasn't me.”
“Who was it then? Severus?”
“No! I'm not sure. I haven't hurt anyone.”
“Yet.”

“Izabella please understand-”
“No Lucius, I can't understand. No one is making you do this! Why are you willing to follow a man who wants to kill all Muggles?”

“It's not... He doesn't...” Lucius stammered. He moved towards her but Izabella stood up and stormed to the other side of the room, leaning against the window frame and watching the water gush down the glass.

“I suppose Muggleborns are your next target? Doesn't Severus understand that means Lily too?” said Izabella quietly. “Or do friends of Death Eaters get special treatment?”

“You're a PureBlood, you're safe. So's Severus.”
“I don't care about that! What about my best friend? What about Remus? I'm sure Voldemort doesn't like Half Breeds either!” she yelled, turning to face him with blazing eyes.

“Do not use that name!” Lucius demanded.
“Why? That's his name isn't it? Lord Voldemort. What makes him so special that you're willing to kill for him?”

The doors suddenly flew open and Abraxas stormed into the room, closely followed by Eileen and Severus.

“What is all the shouting about?” Abraxas asked, his voice calmer than he looked.
“I'm sure you know Abraxas.” Izabella said clenching her teeth.

“Please leave Father. I need to speak with Izabella-”
“We're done Lucius. I never want to speak to you again.”

“Izabella...” Severus said with a sigh.
“Don't you dare!” she screamed, rounding on her brother. “How could you do this? How can you do this to Lily?”

Severus lowered his head, his black hair falling in front of his face like curtains. Eileen tutted, glaring at Izabella firmly with her hands on her hips.

“Stop all of this silly shouting Izabella. Severus doesn't care for the Muggleborn girl any more and neither should you. You won't be seeing her again.”

“I certainly will be. There's no way I'm staying in a house with two Death Eaters. I'll be murdered in my sleep.”

With a last glare at her brother, Izabella flicked her hair over her shoulder and stormed out of the room, ignoring Lucius' attempt to get her attention. She hurried to the front door of the Manor and disapparated back to Godric's Hollow.

Before she had time to knock on the door, it was opened and Sirius stood before her.

“Oh Izzy.” he said quietly as she fell against his chest, his arms wrapping around her tightly. There was a loud, gut-wrenching sound and it took a moment for Izabella to realize it was her sobs.

She buried her face in Sirius' chest, the rain and her tears soaking his shirt as she clung to him. He rubbed her back with his palm, whispering gently in her ear and holding her tightly until Lily appeared behind him.

“Oh Izabella!” she cried, pulling them both inside and out of the rain. She cut in between them and put her arms around her best friend, cloaking her in a mass of red hair.

A few moments later Izabella found herself on the sofa, her head resting on Sirius' chest and her feet tucked up underneath her. His leather jacket was lying on top of her and after a steaming cup of tea and a few warming charms from Lily, the chill from the rain had gone.

“I'm sorry we had to be the ones to tell you Izabella.” Lily said gently as she stroked her leg affectionately from the other end of the sofa.
“Maybe it was better we did. I doubt Malfoy would have told her the truth.” said James with a shrug.

Izabella had been staring at the carpet with dead eyes, her body numb, but at the mention of his name she felt the tears well up in eyes and spill down her pale cheeks.

“Nice one James.” Lily said sarcastically, patting Izabella's hand comfortingly.

Izabella was grateful when Sirius pulled her onto his lap, letting her bury her face in the crook of his neck whilst he shushed her gently and glared at James.

His arms engulfed her as he rocked her gently and she was soon drifting off to sleep to the sound of his heartbeat and the smell of leather, cinnamon and peppermint gum.

This was so tragic, but brilliantly written as always! I hope Iz will feel better soon. Poor Severus, he's still the one I feel most sorry for, though.

Aww, I can't get over this weird feeling I get when James is mentioned... I don't know why! It's the same in the books as well. I don't even know what it is...

But another amazing chapter. I got bad news today and it helped take me away from it, so thanks plenty

Thankyou! Me too, poor Izzy. I feel sorry for him too and all of the others pressured into being Death Eaters. And Izabella was quite harsh to her brother...

Hmmm that is very strange! I wonder why that is?
Thankyou. Awww, sorry to hear that. I hope you're okay!
But I'm glad I could help

Hey Jazz, I'm back and getting caught up. (I still have four more chapters to read yet. My you have been so busy! ) Loved your writing as always. Love the story, and I love how you write it. I'm inclined to agree with Emily; I think Lucius is good to Izabella, (for now anyway)but he is dark, and evil. Too much of a bad influence on her. I'm still for Sirius and Izabella. I have always loved the character of Sirius. But the story is going very nicely. I still love it. Great writing Jazz. I'll try and finish getting caught up tomorrow, and comment again. If nobody posts by then, I'll just edit my comment onto this one.

Thankyou Connie
I got my GCSE results on Thursday so I haven't been in the mood to write a sad chapter but I will try and get it up some time tomorrow! I go away to Turkey for a week on Monday so there won't be any chapters until I get back!