I love all all of my new reviews! You guys are so awesome! I hope you like chapter three, I bring in Hermione as promised!

Disclaimer: I don't think JK will let me own them any time soon.

NEVER TOO LATE

Chapter 3: The Trial

Hermione's hands shook as she focused her eyes on the old rug, that laid in the house of the late Sirius Black. She couldn't processed what Remus had just told her. Her parents are dead? She couldn't process it, it just didn't seem real; like a bad nightmare she would wake up any moment from. Hermione carefully shifted her eyes, and was met with reality; searching the horrified faces of Harry and Ron.

" We're so sorry Hermione." Miss Weasley sniffled from the corner.

Hermione's gaze shifted to her, watching the tears run down her round face. She couldn't take it anymore, feeling the lump in the back of her throat painfully swell. Soon her vision blurred, feeling small droplets run down her cheeks, falling off the edge of her nose.

Within a matter of seconds, she felt Ron's strong arms encircle her; Harry stroking her hand. She gave in to Ron's embrace as she fell into his chest. Hermione quickly buried her hair in the crook of his neck, hoping to hide her tears. Ron's face contorted into sorrow as he quietly stoked her hair; as Harry whispered encouraging words.

" Hermione, there is something else we need to ask you." Remus spoke after a few moments of grief.

" W-what is i-it?" Hermione whispered, looking from Ron's shoulder.

" Do you have a sister? By the name of Persephone Anne Granger?" Remus questioned, his eyes holding a serious concentration.

Hermione stood in shocked silence, how could she have forgotten Persephone? It was true that they despised one another, but it was still her sister; no matter how much she had denied her.

" Y-yes." She stuttered.

All eyes focused on her, wondering how and why she hid such a huge secret. Hermione turned her face from the shocked faces that Harry and Ron held, only greeted with the shocked faces of the Order.

" Is she?" Hermione asked, unable to finish the sentence.

" No, she is alive." Remus reassured her quickly. " Although she is being contained in Azkaban for now."

" Azkaban!?" Hermione asked shocked. " But she's not a witch!"

" That's what we needed to find out from you." Remus replied.

" Tomorrow we have arranged a trial so that she can get out of there as soon as possible. We need to know if your going to attend."

Hermione shook her head in confirmation, as Remus left to go inform the Minister of the information he had just received. The room held a tense silence as all eyes shot questioning looks at Hermione. Seconds ticked by, before Hermione declared she was tired and retired to her quarters. Once she was ready for bed, a knock at the bedroom door brought her out of her revere.

" Come in." She granted, emotionless.

" Hermione?" A voice questioned, to whom she knew to be Harry.

" Yes?"

" We just came to see if you were alright." Ron's voice spoke up, as he pushed her door open.

" I'm fine." She answered with a flat tone, sitting on her bed.

" Dinner's ready, if you want to come down." Ron replied.

" I'm not hungry." Hermione answered, as she looked at them through red, swollen eyes.

" Hermione." Harry said softly, as tears started leak their way down her cheeks.

" Please don't cry." Ron pleaded, as the two sat down next to her.

" Oh, I'm sorry Ron!" She started venomously. " What am I suppose to do when I just found out that my parents are dead, and that my sister is in Azkaban!?"

" TELL ME!?" She screamed at the quiet boys.

" Well you didn't even tell us you had a sister!" Ron yelped, his quick anger starting to rise.

Hermione stood in silence as she let the statement ring in her head; the truth. This brought another wave of tears as she collapsed to floor, sobs tumbling out of her mouth. Harry and Ron instantly moved towards her as they held her and tried to sooth her.

" Do you know that I haven't seen her in almost a year." She whispered, once her tears subsided.

" My sister." She added, at the confused looks the boys wore.

" Why didn't you tell us about her?" Harry questioned smoothly.

" We haven't been on good terms, ever since I was twelve." She answered honestly, with a sigh.

" What happened?" Ron questioned.

" She's the one who changed! It's her fault!" Hermione spat quickly, as if trying to defend herself.

" Alright, we understand." Harry started, trying to subdue her temper. " People change."

Hermione felt her head pound in painful confusion; millions of thoughts swirling around her head. She instinctively put a hand to her head, as she quietly made her way to the bed. She took a deep breath before looking at her two best friends, feeling the guilt of having lied to them all of these years. With another deep breath, she spoke softly.

" I know I've lied to both of you, for a long time," She whispered. " But, could you do something for me?"

" Anything." Ron answered confidently.

" Could you come to Persephone's trial?" She questioned.

Hermione sighed in relief, as she watched the two teenage boys nodded their heads. She quietly thanked them, as she hugged them both tightly. Comfort growing inside of her, as she felt each of their arms wrapping around her; a luxury that Persephone was denied.

Hundred of miles away, Persephone Granger, laid on a stone bed; a thick, old, dusty blanket draped around her. She hid her head over the musty blanket, not daring to look out into the open air. At night, when the guards left, there came, to what she could only describe as ghosts. They swayed to and fro, a misty black sheet covering them, with only a single hole in what could be their face. That hole seemed to suck the life from every living cell as it took a moment to stare at each of the prisoners.

Each time they would sway by her cell, Persephone would feel their stare upon her hidden form. With each stare, she had a momentary feeling of suffocation; as if they could suck the life from her if they would hold it for a moment longer. With that dreadful feeling, she would see images: of the woman she killed falling to her death, of her murdering her, of her mother's dead eyes. Leaving her in horrified silence, dreading their soon return.

The dreadful experience deprived her of much needed sleep. Unable to think clearly, sleep, or even bask in fresh air took a toll on her. After surviving another stare, one of many, she couldn't contain herself anymore. Her body shook with sobs, as she tried desperately to quiet herself. Persephone could feel that her out burst had gathered more and more of the soul sucking ghosts. They scared her even more as she cried harder and harder until she thought that she might burst.

Suffocation came back as more and more gathered. Her oxygen supply soon dissipating as she threw the blanket from her head; gasping for needed air. Persephone was meet with the sight of the horrid creatures gathering in front of her cell, at least twenty, staring at her hungrily. She opened her mouth to scream, but found that as soon as she opened her mouth, she felt weak as if someone was dragging her soul from the depths of her body.

Persephone felt her lungs constrict, as the air stopped flowing into her body. Blackness swirled around her, her vision blurred, dizziness fell around her; her body couldn't take anymore as she fell limp back onto her stone mattress. The black ghosts swaying away in satisfaction, letting the air return to her unconscious form.

" Hermione? Are you ready to go?" Molly Weasley questioned the young teenager.

" Yes, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for letting Ron and Harry come, as well as Mr. Weasley." She thanked her gratefully.

" No problem dear." Molly answered, with one of her famous hugs.

" You just bring her back here as soon as possible."

" Let's hope so Mrs. Weasley." Hermione replied, before bidding everyone farewell with a wave.

Persephone awoke to an unfamiliar pounding sound as she regained her consciousness. At first, she was surprised that she was even alive from what she went through. The annoying banging once again returned as she looked to see it emanating from her cell bars; a guard pounding on it with his nightstick.

" It's time for your trail." He spat.

" Get cleaned up." He mocked with a cackling laugh.

" I bet the dementors kept you company last night didn't they?"

The guard mocked as Persephone pretended not to listen; showing no indication that he had said anything.

' So that's what those things are called.' She thought to herself, with a visible shiver.

Persephone slowly peeled the blanket away from her as her bare feet touched the cold, stone floor. She quietly made her way to the water basin to see another set of clothes next to it. It wasn't any nicer or cleaner, just as the same as she had on. She started to unbutton her shirt, only to see the middle aged guard contently staring at her.

" Excuse me!" She screeched, covering her exposed stomach.

" Your excused." He answered smugly, while running a hand through his greasy hair.

Persephone glared at him heatedly, before throwing a blanket around her; and changing from beneath it. Giving a smirk as the guard turned around defeated. She quickly pulled the two-sizes-too-big shirt over her head, before sliding her feet through black squeaky shoes that the prison provided.

Once dressed, Persephone splashed the cold water across her face and hair, letting it trickle down her neck. She looked at the her reflection in the cracked mirror above her; letting out a gloomy sigh; she was a mess. Her black and blue streaked hair was sticking out from every direction in a tangled mess, her make up smeared, her face pale and unhealthy, with black bags underneath her eyes. She quietly wiped her smeared make up with the hem of her sleep, and pulling her hair into a ponytail with a hair tie, trying to look less like death; although with little achievement.

" Time to go." The guard hissed, roughly putting the chains around her wrists; bruised and battered from the last set.

Persephone followed the guard in front of her as she quietly ignored the catcalls of the disgusting inmates. She followed the man to the outside as other guards surrounded her, wands at the ready. The pushed her into a car as the two guards she recognized from before, Anderson and Snidely, sat across from her.

" Sleep well?" Snidely mocked, while Anderson elbowed him roughly.

" Dementors." She muttered tiredly, turning her attention towards the window.

Snidely's smirk fell as he felt guilty for the insult. Soon the car lifted in the air, as it ascended higher and higher, ready to take the prisoner to the Ministry of Magic. As the car started to climb upwards, the ground shrinking, Persephone had no idea what was going on.

" What's happening!?" She shrieked, grabbing onto Anderson.

" Where flying." Anderson answered, as if it was basic knowledge; although allowed her to hold on to him.

" I c-can see that, but cars don't normally do that!" She squealed, as the flew up into the clouds.

Minutes passed as Persephone hid her face from the window's, thankful for Snidely's silence. As they landed on the ground, the Aurors pulled her along an underground entrance wands pointed at her. Soon she was ushered into a back room, being told that the trail area will be held through great oak doors in front of her.

" Now we will have to administer the Veritaserum." Anderson warned her.

Soon a man came through another doorway, his black robes billowing behind him. Holding an air of confidence yet mystery, that allured her. He had greasy hair, his nose slight crooked, his expression observant yet defensive. Persephone's vision darted from the vile, that contained what seemed a watery clear substance. As the strange man uncorked it, she could see a small layer of mist emanate from the vile.

" Snape." Snidely greeted.

" Hello Snidely." The man named Snape greeted.

Persephone watched silently as Snape observed her with beady eyes, at first glance seemed black; although was a deep brown. Snape caught her stare, and gave a sneer; although seemed surprise when her gaze did not back down. His glare softened as his vision traveled over his disheveled appearance, before returning to their emotionless state.

" Open your mouth, Muggle." He spat.

" My name is Persephone!" She answered, matching his tone.

Something flickered in his dark eyes; as if impressed? As soon as it came, it was gone. Snape ordered her to tilt her head back, as his pale hand held the base of her neck; tilting her head towards him. Persephone watched as his eyes concentrated on the vile as he slowly poured the liquid down her throat. Once a certain amount was administered, he corked the bottle, his hand slowly leaving her neck as it brushed against her skin; sending unexpected shivers.

" What is your name?" His deep voice questioned.

" Persephone Anne Granger." The answered tumbled out, unable to stop it if she wanted to.

" How old are you?" His velvety voiced flowed.

" Fifteen years old." The answer bubbled out.

" Is Hermione Granger your sister?"

" Yes."

With a nod from Snape, two unfamiliar guards led her to the doors; Anderson, Snidely, and Snape following behind her. Persephone was dragged to what seemed to be a metal cage with protruding spikes in her direction; as it was locked with a spell behind her.

Murmurs broke out across the pews as Persephone looked at the men and women dressed in black robes. Some of them wore expressions of disgust, few of sympathy, and the majority of skeptic. Anderson, Snidely, and Snape sitting to the side. As her eyes traveled, she stopped, the third pew on the left; sat Hermione Granger.

As their eyes connected, Persephone felt herself suck in her breath. She watched Hermione's face contort into a mixture of shock and horror at the sight of her sister. Her eyes started to hold unshed tears of anger at the sight of her sister. Wondering how she could just sit there and gawk, while she went through hell. Her eyes traveled to the boys on either side of her; holding the same expression of shock.

" Ah, Miss Persephone Granger, we meet again." The Minister greeted, adjusting his green suite.

" Nice to see you too...Flem, was it?" She asked, sarcastically.

" It's Fudge." He answered heatedly.

Persephone caught a warning glare from Hermione as she merely responded with a wink. She knew she shouldn't be making the Minister mad, but she had been through hell and wanted to let people know exactly how she felt.

" Now, you are here because you were found at the scene of the murder of Mrs. And Mr. Granger. With the dead body of Bellatrix Lestrange." He informed.

" Yeah, I know, I was there." She spat. Sending whispers throughout the room; sending a glance to see an amused expression on Snape's face.

" I will determine if what you told us is the truth." He said roughly, obviously agitated by her remarks.

From then Persephone proceeded to tell what happened from the moment she saw the Dark Mark, to when she had killed Bellatrix, before she was stopped.

" Why did you stab Miss Lestrange." The minister questioned.

" The bitch killed my parents, that's why!" She answered, before she could stop herself.

The room broke out as the men and women let out gasps of outrage and stern words at what she has said. She looked to see a Hermione about to faint and the two boys with their mouth hanging open. She looked to see Anderson trying to calm everyone down, as Snidely openly chuckled, Snape holding a smirk. Persephone couldn't help but feel accomplished as she watched his eyes dance in amusement.

" ORDER! ORDER!" The Minister commanded.

" So you admit that you murdered Bellatrix Lestrange!" He asked triumphantly.

At this Anderson stepped in as Snidely handed him a piece of parchment. He presented himself to the court as he began to argue Persephone's case; in other words, her lawyer. Anderson presented the fact that she was muggle, and was only trying to save her parents; almost winning over the jury. Although the fact that she had killed Bellatrix after she had saw her parents dead parents, hurt her case tremendously. The Minister saying that she was ' a danger the magical and muggle community'.

Anderson then presented a warrant for Bellatrix, dead or alive.

" With the evidence we have seen, and the under the circumstances," An old woman of the jury stated after all was said.

" We have decided Persephone Anne Granger is..."

Persephone held her breath.

" Innocent, in the murder of her parents and committed an act of service, by retrieving a Death Eater."

Persephone smiled as a long breath was let out. She looked up to see Hermione give a relieved sigh as the guards released her from the cage. She smirked as the guards loosened her chains and gave her back her clothes.

" Congratulations, Persephone!" Anderson greeted her with a handshake.

" Thank you." She whispered quietly, shaking with excitement, she was finally free.

" The bathroom is through there, you can get dress." Snidely informed stiffly, although a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

" Thank you Snidely." Persephone thanked him, as she continued her route to the bathroom.

Hermione stood nervously outside the trial room, awaiting her sister's appearance. Harry and Ron talking in hushed whispers, as Mr. Weasley joined the trio. Hermione crossed her arms nervously, this would be the first time they have spoken since Christmas. She had no idea what to expect, and could only guess what she had gone through at Azkaban.

Persephone changed into her clothes as she frowned at her reflection. She found a clean brush, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant at the bottom cabinet; that seemed to have an endless supply. Persephone quickly turned on the sink as she washed her hair; it can be done. Then washed the dirt and grime from her face with proper soap and put on deodorant. Everything seemed in order, except for her blood splatter clothes. With her damp hair brushed into a high ponytail, and the dirt gone from her face; with a smirk, she looked the part of a crazed murderer.

" Fear me!" She joked to the mirror, and realized that probably half of the wizarding population did.

For some strange reason, she like the power of being able to scare those who had killed her parents. From then she decided something, she would get revenge. First, to find her sister and get the meeting out of the way. Persephone wasn't looking forward to talking to the girl who spent her time at one of her friends house while she watched her parents die and was sent to jail.

As Persephone stomped her way down the hall, she smirked evilly as the people looked upon her bloody appearance and quickly moved to the side. Soon she came down to the end of the hall, to see her least favorite person.

" Hermione." She greeted coldly.

Ohhh! Long chapter! YAY! It took me basically all day to type, anyways, hoped you enjoyed it and please REVIEW!! PLEASE PLEASE!!!