A/N: I'm back. So i think a bit background is required in this story.

Okay, this story is in sixth year. Ministry appointed a DADA teacher in fifth year, not Umbridge though. She was strict but not evil. And she obviously taught them the same way as Umbridge. The mishap at the Ministry happened, not the same way though. And the Ministry-appointed teacher got hurt (I will explain later). But Scrimgeour, the new Minister, still felt the need for a Ministry appointed teacher (let's just say he had a chronic lapse of common sense) and appointed Umbridge. As i already mentioned Umbridge was kicked out with the help of the trio and twins November end. Bellatrix came as a teacher on first day of December.

That's all. On with the chapter.

Chapter 4

"Dark Arts are just an extension of magic into new realms. Only those who are willing to make sacrifices can learn it. And only those with patience and self-preservation can survive the knowledge.

"Fighting Dark Arts is no easy feat. It takes an equally patient and knowledgeable person to counter Dark Arts, not to mention innovative and fast thinker. One must have an idea about the Dark curses to be able to defy them.

"I am here to teach you not only defence against, but also Dark Arts. I don't tolerate any mental fragility and if you think you can not handle the subject, you are requested to leave."

Sixth-year NEWT DADA students listened to Bellatrix attentively. There has been collective gasps at the prospect of being taught Dark arts but no one made a move towards the door.

Noticing the full attention of the class and lack of movement towards the door, Bella flicked her wand and closed the door.

"Alright, since I am here mid-way through the term, the books are not at all of my taste," Bellatrix said as she walked between rows. Hermione sniggered. "So, I have few set of papers for you left on the table to be collected at the end of the class. They have been archived from best books on Dark Arts and shall help you with theory on Dark arts."

Everyone eyed the stack of papers on the table apprehensively. Only Hermione had a look of approval on her face whereas Ron seemed slightly miffed.

"Wands out," she announced, "Today I will test your level and then we will move onto the course in next class. Everyone stand up."

The class grumbled. First day and they were having test but no one dared to complain openly. The next forty-five minutes went in the testing with Bellatrix calling them one-by-one to her table and asking them to perform whatever curses she asked them to.

This gave enough time for Ron to delve into his thoughts … again. Now that Bella was in the same class as Harry, a new fear had found its way to Ron's mind. What if Bella is here to kill or kidnap Harry? On a mission of Voldemort? If anything happens to Harry, he will never be able to survive the guilt. He has to tell him and Hermione. Why had he been such a fool to think Bella is here to keep her promise? He groaned loudly, pulling his hair.

His actions were, luckily, misinterpreted. Neville was having trouble at the table in performing simplest of spells. He seemed too intimidated by Bella. Bella smiled to him, whispering encouraging words to him. Feeling confident, Neville tried and, finally, succeeded in few tries.

The only ones left were Harry, Hermione and Ron. And Ron was hoping to be last. He hadn't sorted out how to behave in her presence … yet.

Bellatrix surprised them by calling all three of them together. As a group they marched to the front of the class and stood alert, wands out.

For the next few minutes, Bellatrix cried various spells and all three of them successfully cast them. Harry was out first, followed by Hermione. But soon, only Ron was left.

Though he was yet to miss a spell, Bellatrix called off the test.

"The class seems good so far," Bellatrix announced, once Ron had taken his test. "You may leave now. We will start in the next class."

Ron hadn't had to think about behaving; his entire concentration had been on spells. Thank Merlin for that! Now all I have to do is spill the beans to Harry and Hermione. And apologise. And tell them why I had been such a stupid git not to tell them before. Then Hermione will suggest me to go to Dumbledore. Then he will ask me why I didn't tell him before and then they will throw me in Azkaban for siding with the enemies. Harry and Hermione will hate me. Mum and dad will also hate me. And Merlin knows what twins will plan!

With all the morbid thoughts running wild in his mind, Ron missed the first nudge in his ribs. But it' was impossible to avoid a sharp pain in his abdomen.

"What?" Ron hissed, rubbing his abdomen.

"Where are you headed to?" Harry asked.

Ron glanced ahead. He was right on-road. No about-to-collide. He stared questioningly at Harry.

"She asked you to stay behind," Hermione whispered.

'Oh' was the only thing Ron could manage. And here he was thinking he was done with this tricky situation.

"See you at lunch," Harry said and in a moment both disappeared.

Ron held back, waving to his friends like a lamb about to get slaughtered. He was feeling like that.

When the class was empty, he turned around to find Bella sitting comfortably in her chair.

"Your work is impressive," Bella said softly. "And your friends are good too. Is it because of you?"

"Hermione's good at everything she does," Ron shrugged, "And Harry's good in this class. I help, but only occasionally."

Bella motioned him to come forward and conjured a chair for him opposite her. Tentatively, he walked over to the chair and took his seat, pushing all his fears aside for the moment.

"You have been avoiding me," Bella said calmly. It was neither a question nor an accusation.

Ron remained silent.

"Feeling guilty?" Bella questioned, "Or scared of me?"

Ron chose to remain silent again.

"And here I thought you will feel happy," Bella said, chuckling. Whatever she found humorous in this evaded Ron's mind.

"You're here to kill Harry," Ron said simply, "aren't you?"

Bella's smile didn't falter. In fact, except for a raised eyebrow, there was no change in her facial expression.

"Ah," Bella said, "I forgot you know my allegiance. And no, I am not here to kill your precious Potter."

"Maybe kidnap him?" Ron questioned, "Or harm him in some way? Why would you be here, otherwise?"

"Is it that difficult to believe that I am here to fulfil my promise to you?" Bella counter-questioned.

"Yes, it is," Ron answered stonily. He wasn't going to let himself be fooled. "I'm sorry I find it little difficult, but Death Eaters aren't the most trusting people."

Bella took a deep breath before resuming the talk. "What will cement your trust in me, Mr. Weasley?"

"You have to have some trust to start with for it to cement, you know," Ron intoned in the same tone.

Bella stared hard at Ron. "You have ways to confirm my truth."

Now, it was Ron's turn to stare at her. "You mean Veritas-" He stopped mid-way as the realisation struck him, as he grasped the undertone to 'you'.

And his eyes widened, his breathing stopped. No, this isn't happening. She doesn't know. It's just a blind guess. Or maybe I am reading between the lines.

"You didn't hold me back to have a chit-chat, Professor," he said frigidly, "Right?"

"Of course not," Bellatrix said easily, as if they really weren't having a chit-chat. "I would need help from you and your friends in the class. I was hoping you would convey and convince --"

"I'll do that," Ron said quickly, standing up and walking towards the door. "Good day, Professor."

Bellatrix wanted the conversation to continue, but she understood the dismissal given and the fact concluded.

Ron wasn't yet ready to share the secret.

A/N: I realised how i end my chapters with a single sentence. Dont you like it? Anyway, read and review.