A/N: Hey there! Thanks to everyone who's added this story to their alerts! It means a lot! Sorry this chapter took so long to come out...I had problems with my laptop over Christmas, then I had the chance to start writing again only to get stuck doing loads of work! But no worries...its here now! I hope you like it and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: JKR and SM own it all.

BPOV

Chapter 4

The Hogwarts Express pulled into the station at precisely 6:00pm. Students pilled out of their carriages and onto platform 9 ¾ rushing to meet their families. Moon had already disappeared, wondering off to wherever she would spend her summers, not wanting anyone to know where she resided; particularly me. Sally had decided to sit with Cedric and his friends; they had been inseparable for the rest of the year. Warrington had refused to be in the same room as me ever since I performed a Densaugeo curse on him. He was walking around with buck-teeth for weeks before they returned to normal size; he could barely talk to anyone. All this of course led to him and Montague sitting in another carriage; followed by the others. Basically, I was alone in my carriage.

I gathered my belongings and wondered out onto the platform and into the arms of Aunt Cissy.

"Oh my darling girl; I've missed you so much! From now on you will come home at Christmas."

I humored my Aunt, patting her on my back, reassuring her that I would return next Christmas. Looking down as I felt a pair of skinny arms wrap around my waist, I saw an older looking Draco.

"Looks who's grown over the last year!"

Draco laughed lightly, a blush tinting his cheeks. He had grown a few inches taller, his hair had gotten longer; although still nowhere near as long as his fathers, and he had lost some of his baby fat. I pecked him on the cheek before turning to the last person I needed to greet; Uncle Lucius.

"Hello Uncle."

"Bella."

We stood opposite each other, staring down the other. It was just another test. After a few minutes, his signature evil smirk took over his face. He opened his arms out to me, which I entered, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"I've missed having your troublesome ways around the manor."

"I've missed creating trouble."

He pulled back looking at me with doubt all over his face.

"Now I know for a fact you have been causing trouble, Professor Snape had to send me one too many letters explaining your behavior."

"I only did what was necessary to those who disrespected me."

Uncle Lucius' face beamed with pride, but it was soon gone and his normal serious mask was up in place.

"And what about the task you were asked to do?"

"Done."

"How many?"

"3."

"Who?"

"Cedric Diggory, Oliver Wood and Fred Weasly."

"A Weasly you say?"

"Yes Sir."

"When?"

"After I have left Hogwarts."

"The others?"

"One during my fifth year; the other is unknown."

"Very well."

We pulled apart from our secretive stance; Aunt Cissy was looking at me, a pitiful heartbroken expression on her face. She knew the path that I was on and didn't like it. Draco was looking a little sullen; he knew as well as I, that Uncle Lucius preferred me over his son. I was more likely…let's say… to follow in his footsteps more than Draco.

"Let's all go home." Aunt Cissy piped up, walking over to where we stood.

As we prepared to apparate, a figure came running through the fog, calling my name. As the figure came closer, I could make out the distinct figure of Montague.

"Bella!"

I walked slightly away from my family.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Isn't talking to me going against Warrington's wishes?"

He scratched the back of his neck, looking sheepishly at me.

"Look Bella, he's my best friend and all and…"

I held up a hand, preventing him from saying anything further. I stopped talking, looking startled. I had never treated him like this before; as if he was my inferior.

"You've shown me where you allegiance lies."

I turned and left him, returning to my family once again. I gave Montague one last parting look before apparating off of the platform and back to the manor. As the huge familiar manor appeared in front of me, I had a sense of home that I haven't felt all year.

"Feel good to be home?" Aunt Cissy asked, wrapping her arm around my waist.

"Feels…familiar." Cissy looked disappointed with my answer, whereas Lucius looked mildly pleased.

Together, we all walked up the stone steps of the manor; most likely Cissy's idea, to create a dramatic effect of final being home. When the front door was opened, I was greeted with a variety of family friends. Of the Malfoys, not mine. The Crabbe's; The Goyal's; The Carrow's; The Nott's' The Parkinson's and surprisingly, but unfortunately, Greyback.

"Surprise!"

Cissy was beaming in delight next to me; hope and anticipations shining in her eyes; she had planned this and expected me to be thrilled with it.

"You shouldn't have done this Cissy."

"Oh but we wanted to celebrate your first year at Hogwarts!"

I smiled, although it was empty, at Cissy. She couldn't tell the difference. Draco had run over to where Crabbe Jr, Goyal Jr, Pansy and Theodor were standing; far away from Greyback. Cissy had ushered the women into the parlor while Lucius had gathered with his fellow 'co-workers' in the far corner of the room. Greyback stood, body slightly turned away from the rest, eyeing me like the piece of meat I was; in his eyes.

Staring at him with my bored, fearless expression, I turned away from him, walking the large stone steps up to my room. I shoved the large dark wooden door open, finding my room just the way I had left it, with the exception of my belongings had been placed at the end of my bed.

Sighing in relief, I threw myself down on my bed, curling up on the soft duvet. I was blissfully left to my thoughts for all about 20 minutes when there was a loud obnoxious banging on my door. I had no time to answer before the door swung open, revealing Greyback standing in the doorway, arms folded; legs spread wide and a nasty snarl on his ugly face.

"Can I help you?"

I asked, not moving from my space on the bed.

"You certainly can."

He growled, stepping into my room, slamming the door shut behind him. Sauntering across my room, he stopped at the foot of my bed, eyes wide with excitement.

"What do you want Greyback?"

I asked sitting up, facing him.

"You."

In a flash, he was sitting beside me, grabbing a fistful of my hair in his claws, pulling my head back, and exposing my neck. He dragged his nose up the column of my neck, inhaling deeply, before releasing a sound, crossing between a growl and moan.

"You know, Greyback, there is a group of younger children than myself, downstairs. Something I thought might have intrigued you."

He chuckled, his face still firmly pressed against my neck.

"But you are so much more tempting Bella."

"I will take that as a complement Greyback, but do you really think you would get away with this?"

"Mmmm, I don't care. I'm already being hunted. Your dear uncle who's so fond of you thinks I have already left. No one would find out."

He licked the side of my neck, before scraping his sharp teeth along the column preparing himself for a bite.

"Mmm, you're not scared; your heartbeat hasn't changed at all."

"Your right, I'm not afraid of you."

I whipped my wand out of my robes, pressing the tip underneath his chin. Greyback backed off suddenly, hands raised, a frustrated growl erupting from his chest.

"What did you expect Greyback? I am my mother's daughter; or that's what they tell me."

"What are you going to do? You're an underage wizard; you can't use magic."

"My uncle is one of the most highly respected wizards at the Ministry. He can bend people whatever way he wants to. What makes you think that I won't get away with this?"

Greyback simply growled at me once more before lunging towards me.

"Averte Statura."

Greyback want hurtling through the wall behind him, landing in the middle of the hallway surrounded by debris. The mass sound of footsteps hurried up the stairs; Lucius leading the way. They all came to a stop at the foot of the hallway, staring in shock at Greyback who was lead unconscious on the floor.

I stepped out of my room thought the gaping hole. I would have to fix that before the end of the day. Everyone looked my way, as the crumble of the stone beneath my shoes alerted them to my presence.

"What happened here?" Lucius demanded.

"Greyback gave into temptation."

I responded, a sadistic smile on my face. Cissy ran over to my side, cooing and poking at me, checking to see if I was alright, soon followed by the rest of the women. Lucius and the men took hold of Greyback and apparated him out of the house and back to wherever he came from. Draco and the kids stood cowering on the stairs, all holding onto one another. I couldn't help but notice how close Pansy was standing to Draco, her hands clutching hold of his arm.

Once I had completely reassured everyone that I was fine; that Greyback didn't hurt me, the women made their way back down stairs, making hot chocolate for the younger ones. I followed behind them, taking my time, not wanting to subject myself to the pitiful talk of the high society purebloods.

"Bella, can I get you some hot chocolate?"

I looked up, finding myself seated in Cissy's parlor, Mrs Nott standing over me, a mug of something in her hands.

"Can I have a cup of blackcurrant and liquorish tea please?"

Mrs Nott smiled down at me, turning to wink at Cissy.

"Your mother drank the same tea as you when she was your age."

Something inside of me swelled a little in hearing that. The something that I only felt when I was compared to my mother. Mrs Nott handed me a cup of tea; I took a large gulp straight away, the burn feeling nice running down my throat. It was minutes later when Lucius came storming into the parlor, followed by the others. As soon as he spotted me, he rushed to my side, kneeling down so he was eye level, gripping me by my upper arms.

"Bella, are you okay?"

Sighing, I put down my tea on the table to the side of me.

"I am fine." I said loud and clear for everyone to hear; fed up of all the unnecessary attention.

"What happened?"

"Greyback came into my room, intending to bite me; got rather close I might add before I sent a curse at him, flying through my wall; I will fix that by the way."

"What curse did you use?"

"Averte Statura."

Mrs Parkinson piped up from the corner where she was sitting with her daughter.

"They teach those kinds of spells to the first years?"

She said with all kinds of horror and disapproval evident in her voice. Lucius chuckled at the little smirk on my face. Only we knew he had taught me some more advance spells before actually attending. He would always push over the ministry when confronted about it.

"Of course not Piper; Bella just likes to read a lot."

No one seemed to really believe Lucius's answer but would never think to confront him on it. The afternoon past slowly, with everyone keeping a watchful eye on me; the woman slightly concerned I showed no signs of traumatic stress. When they would learn I was bought up to be stronger than most people; I was a Lestange, not a lot of things faze us. Once everyone had gone, I was allowed to leave to go up to my room once more, however, not after being scrutinized by Cissy.

I changed out of my day robes and into my sleep robes, the weight of the day finally settling on me. I had never allowed anyone to see my tiredness; always residing to my room once I felt my eyes grow heavy. I had to do this a number of times at school; especially when I used the dark magic given to me by Lucius. I pulled back the covers of my bed, about to slip into the wondrous abyss when a knock came at my door.

"Come in."

Draco's little head poked around the corner before he shuffled into my room, already dressed in his own sleep robes.

"Everything okay Draco?"

He didn't respond, continuing to shuffle over to where I was standing. When he was close enough, he threw his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder, hugging me tight. I returned his hug, patting him on the back in a comforting manner, sensing his negative mood.

"I really missed you Bella."

He whispered in my ear, the grip on his arms tightening a little.

"I missed you too Draco."

I stroked his blonde hair; he was always such a sweetheart to me although I didn't deserve it. He saw me as a big sister more than a cousin; someone to look up to. When I looked at him, I did see a little brother, but also someone whom I stole his father from. Lucius hardly ever paid attention to Draco nowadays; he spent all his free time teaching me new spells and such.

"I'm glad you kicked Greyback's behind today."

I chuckled lightly, pushing him away slightly, looking at his face.

"Goodnight Draco."

"Night Bella."

I kissed his forehead lightly, like any other good 'big sister' would do, before pushing him in the direction of the door. He sent me one last cheeky smile, the one he only saved for me, before closing my door behind him. I pulled down my covers and slipped into bed, looking up at my enchanted ceiling. It was bewitched to look like the darkest night sky; pitch black with a few purple starts floating around in the sky. Whenever I wasn't tired, I would use my wand to make shooting stars fly across the sky. But tonight I didn't need to do that; sleep took me quickly.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

"You need to try harder Isabella!"

"I am!"

"No you're not!

I leant down and rested my hands on my knees. Lucius and I were currently in the basement continuing with our lessons. I had officially been back home for 4 weeks and Lucius decided to step up my training. We had been practicing Occlumency for the past couple of hours and I was getting exhausted.

"Why am I even doing this? This is too advanced for me."

Lucius lowered his wand, which had been pointing at my head the whole time. He stormed over to where I was bent over, trying to clear the dizziness in my mind.

"Do you still not understand?"

I looked up at him, towering over me, his long blond hair spilling over his shoulders and cold grey eyes glaring at me

"There is so much expected of you Bella. You are the chosen one; it's been prophesised. You don't know the trouble that the dark lord went through for you."

"What do you mean?"

Lucius grabbed my arm pulling me upright, gripping my bicep tightly.

"You're still too young to understand; but one day you will understand. For now, you need to do everything I tell you to." He whispered harshly before releasing my arm and storming back to the other side of the room, holding up his wand to me once more.

"Prepare yourself."

I balanced myself, staring back at Lucius matching his intense gaze. This was just another test to make me stronger.

Put up your wall Bella.

I took a deep breath and raised my wand, matching my opponent's stance.

"I'm ready."

He didn't hesitate to attack.

"Legilimens."

I successfully managed to block the attack, sending it back to Lucius before he blocked it himself. We continued in this manner; Lucius taunting me whenever I would grow tired and he would invade my memories with ease, forcing me to push myself harder. It wasn't until I was moments from collapsing onto the floor, Lucius called us to an end before catching me in his arms as my legs gave out beneath me.

He carried me, barely conscious through the house and into my room, laying me down on the bed and pressing a light kiss to my forehead before retreating, finally leaving me to pass out.

././././././././

"This isn't right Lucius! She's just a child."

"You know why this has to be done Narcissa."

"But can't it wait until she's older?"

"NO! We can't take that chance."

"I know, it just seems so unfair. She's a little girl."

A soft hand swept over my forehead, pushing my wild hair out of my face. A heavy sigh came from somewhere in the room.

"She grown beyond her years Cissy, you can't deny that."

"I'm not. She just deserves the chance to act her own age."

"We knew that was never going to happen, looking at her mother."

"Ah, yes. Bellatrix never did act her age; she was always the child even though she was the oldest. That is the only thing I can think that is different between those two."

I shifted around in my bed, alerting my Aunt and Uncle to my consciousness. I opened my eyes, looking up at Cissy who perched herself on the edge of my bed.

"How are you feeling?"

I stretched and propped myself up against the bed board.

"Still a little tired."

Cissy nodded and called for our house elf, Dobby.

"How may Dobby assist his masters?"

"Isabella is in need of some hot chocolate."

Dobbie made of low bow before popping out of the room, returned minutes later with a cup of steaming dark hot chocolate.

"Here Bella, drink this. It will help you feel better."

The two left the room, leaving me to myself and my hot chocolate. I climbed out of bed, noticing I was now in my sleeping robes and walked across my room to stand in front of the lit fireplace. I gazed at the pictures adoring the mantle; pictures of my mother and father before they were sent to Azkaban and a few pictures of them holding me as a baby. The images moved and smiled up at me before looking down at the happy baby in their arms. It was hard to believe that was me in my mother's arms. For as long as I could remember, I hadn't smiled like that.

I turned away from the pictures and dropped myself onto the plush loveseat in front of the fire, finishing off my hot chocolate. The heat from my drink warmed my body, banishing any extra tiredness I felt. Once I was done I placed my mug to the side and walked to my bathroom. I showered in extreme heat, taking care to scrub the dirt from my body and hair. My mind began to wonder back to what Aunt Cissy was saying earlier. She made it sound if I was weak; just a simple child. But I wasn't. Lucius told me so and that there was a reason for intense training. I would show her that I can be more; that I AM more.

Stepping out of the shower, I dried myself with a large towel prior to walking to my wardrobe and dressing in some plain dark purple robes and dried my hair before exiting my room. I made my way to Lucius' study with a new sense of ambition. Knocking on his door with a vigorous hand, I barged in before being addressed. Lucius looked up, slightly startled by my sudden entrance.

"I ready."

That was all that needed to be said, as a slowly smirking snarl appeared on Lucius' face. Standing, while keeping his eyes firmly locked on mine, he said the three words that made my dark heart race with excitement.

"Let's do this."

.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.

"Isabella, are you ready?"

"Almost."

I sighed looking back at my reflection in the vanity mirror. It was the night before I would be returning to Hogwarts with Draco at my side and we had all been invited to a farewell party thrown by the Parkinson's. So this naturally meant that I had to dress up; play the part of the niece of a high-class pureblood family.

Cissy had dragged me to Diagon Ally, not too long after we had received out invitation, in search for a new dress robe, even though I had many thanks to her consistency in telling me that they were necessary. She pondered for hours in Madam Malkin's before decided that the best option was Twilft & Tatting's.

We came to a compromise on my dress. It ended up being black, which was my choice but with her preferred style. It was a floor length dress which flowed straight down with thick straps, a v-cut neck line and a rather large open back with a thick strap of black material running across my back. Just to add a bit of colour Narcissa insisted on adding a few emerald gems to the dress, causing them to glitter whenever I moved. Cissy had tamed my wild curled into more presentable curls, pinning half of it up. I was left to do my own make up, but told to "doll myself up slightly". I simple gave myself dark eyes with red lips, thinking that I looked presentable enough. I finished everything off with a black choker necklace that Draco had given me one birthday.

Once I had deemed myself ready, with an unenthusiastic sigh, I headed downstairs to find everyone already waiting for me. Cissy helped me into my outer robe, complementing me on how wonderful I looked.

"Your Aunt is right Isabella. You've never looked more stunning." Lucius commented.

"Thank you."

Glanced over to Draco who was dressed immaculately in his black dress robes with a green patterning, I couldn't help but laugh slightly over how Cissy had co-ordinated us to match. Draco approached me, wrapping my arm in the crook of his elbow and leading me out of the house. Together as a family, well Draco and I holding onto Cissy and Lucius, apparated to the Parkinson house. We separated and Cissy pushed Draco and I in front of them, leading the way up the path to front door, where Mr and Mrs Parkinson were ready to greet us.

"Isabella you look absolutely stunning! And Draco; you look so handsome. Pansy will be pleased to see you here." Mrs Parkinson greeted us.

"Thank you Mrs Parkinson, you look lovely also" I responded, smiling through gritted teeth as I took in her over the top purple dress robes. She gushed at me before turning to greet Narcissa and Lucius.

I took the lead and led Draco into the Parkinson's extravagant hall where decorations cover the room. It was so bright and cheerful I was going to throw up and then go blind. I must have made some noise of discomfort as Draco stifled a snigger under his breath. He patted my arm in sympathy.

"You don't have to put up with this for long. Knowing father, he will want to be here for appearances' and then drag mother out kicking and screaming if he has to."

"Well he won't be the only one. He will most defiantly have my help."

"So let's make the most of the time we have here."

Draco took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor and into a waltz. We spun across the floor, spinning more gracefully than most, attracting a good amount of attention. As the melody came to an end, the few close to us applauded. We bowed gracefully, then turning our attention to the refreshments table, where Draco's friends were stood chatting excitedly about starting Hogwarts.

"You go ahead Draco."

"Why don't you come too?"

I smiled gently at my sweet cousin, pushing him in the direction of his friends.

"No thank you."

Draco looked as if he was going to argue but I sent him a look that told him not to go there. Watching him greet his friends, I wondered around the hall, before finally settling in the darkest corner. I gazed at everyone having a good time, knowing that I really didn't fit in with everyone. There was no laughed pouring from my mouth; no dazzling smile upon my lips; no warm inviting stance. I didn't belong here. Looking around I saw Narcissa smiling and chatting away with Mrs Parkinson and Mrs Knot. She looked like she belonged there. To her left, Lucius was stood looking as board as I was. He knew what it was like to be thrust into company in which he didn't want to keep.

As if he knew what I was thinking, Lucius' gaze met mine from across the room. For the first time tonight, a small smile appeared on his face. He beckoned me over.

"Having fun?"

"Just as much as you are."

"Do you think it's time to go?"

"Most defiantly."

We gathered up the family, thanked The Parkinson's and apparated back to the manor for one final night as a 'so called family'.

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

"Now Draco, I want you to do everything that Bella tells you to do. Work hard and learn a lot. I'm going to miss you so much, my baby boy."

Cissy was hanging onto Draco like he was her lifejacket, not wanting to let him go. Lucius was ordering the house elf's to place out baggage on the train, try hard to not look down his nose in distaste at the display of affection between Draco and his mother. I was staring down the platform looking for Moon as we agreed to meet. It wasn't long before I saw her figure walking through the mist. I walked part way to greet her in a light embrace.

"It's so good to see you Bella."

I smiled into her shoulder as she buried her face into my hair.

"You too Moon."

We parted and I led her back over to the Malfoys.

"Aunt, Uncle; this is Moon. She's a very good friend of mine."

Moon bowed her head in respect to the pureblood family.

"It a pleasure to meet you Moon." Cissy beamed at my friend.

"Indeed." Lucius' greet as warmly as ever. I caught his gaze, locking eyes before he glanced over to Moon and back to me, question swimming in his eyes. I nodded my head in a small movement, unnoticed by everyone else. The corners of his mouth turn up slightly as he focused on Moon once more. We continued to make small talk until the train blew its whistle.

"We should get on the train; it will be leaving soon."

Cissy turned back to Draco and pulled him into a suffocating hug. Lucius rolled his eyes and pulled her away from their son. He placed his hands on Draco's shoulders and looked his son right in the eye.

"Make us Malfoy's proud."

Draco's face turned serious and he nodded in reply.

"I will father."

I scoffed slightly at the display in front of me.

"So we are coming home for Christmas and will see you then."

Cissy embraced me and pecked my forehead, while Lucius gave me his trademark nod. Cissy grabbed Draco one more time, placing kisses all over his face.

"Cissy we really must…"

I couldn't finish my sentence as I was rudely interrupted by Sally-Ann came running through the mist.

"Bella, have you heard the news?"

She was half giddy, half serious. It caught my attention.

"What news?"

"He's come to Hogwarts."

"Who?" I said slowly, almost with an angry tone.

"Harry Potter."

A/N: Hehe, when I thought of the ending for this chapter I got so excited! Made me chuckle! It also gives you a nice idea on what the next chapter is going to be based on *cough* the first book *cough* So let me know what you think and it will give me the motovation to write it as quickly as possible!

Lzielkalollypop!