A/N-Well, here's the next one, hope you guys like it. Kira.

Chapter Ten

The black dog cocked his scruffy head as Harry approached the bench alone. The Boy Who Lived looked around. The street was quiet, but there were enough people within earshot to be cautious. He looked back at the wolfish dog. It offered Harry a panting smile.

"Hello, Siri--I mean, Snuffles." Said Harry softly. Snuffles tilted his head questioningly. Alone?

Harry felt his face grow hot with shame.

"Yeah, I'm alone." He answered. "Ron and Hermione aren't coming.

The dog frowned. Why?

"We…had a bit of row," Harry sighed. Snuffles let out a sympathetic whine and nudged Harry's hand with his nose.

Tell me about it.

"Well…remember that girl I wrote you about?" Harry said slowly, sitting down on the bench. Snuffles gave a low, ominous growl. Harry shook his head. "Turns out I was wrong about her."

The dog straighten up, alert. He tipped his head forward slightly and nodded.

Go on.

Harry let out a long breath. Quietly, he launched into the story of his latest encounter with Bella. The dog listened intently, far more focused than the average canine. Occasionally, someone would pass by and shoot Harry a curious look. But Snuffles would wag its mangy tail, whine, bark, or do something of a doggish nature and the onlooker would continue on his merry way.

"She sort of…cursed me, wandlessly," Harry whispered to his furry companion. Snuffles' eyes widened and his ears slid back. He nuzzled Harry with frantic concern.

"I'm okay," Harry assured the dog, stroking his dark head. Snuffles subsided into a thunderous, protective growl. He let Harry continue. The Boy Who Lived told about the curse as best he could, being sure to recite the words he had heard in his head. Snuffles whimpered uneasily, but made no further movement.

"…And then Ron and Hermione took me back into the pub." Harry finished. He did not yet mention the fight. He was too ashamed.

Snuffles tipped his head to one side, considering what it had been told. He yawned and stretched down into a more comfortable position.

"What do you think?" Harry asked his friend. "She a death eater? Or…" Or like me, he thought. Snuffles and shook his head sharply.

Not sure yet.

Harry nodded. "It's so confusing," he said dully. "I mean, it feels like she's on our side. Or at least, not on Voldermort's…"

The dog sniffed pensively. The pair sat in silence for awhile, lost in thought. Harry's mind began to wander to dark hallways with secretive doors…

His companion sat up suddenly. Harry looked down. The dog was looking at him reproachfully, as though he had just realized Harry had been withholding information. Which, of course, he had.

Snuffles nudged Harry's legs impatiently and jerked his head.

Well then, what about Ron and Hermione?

Harry frowned uncomfortably.

"Well, they were, uh…mad at Bella." He said lamely. His words were ridiculous and he knew it. The dog sneezed and shook its head with disbelief.

Well, duh.

"Thanks," Harry rolled his eyes. "You know I feel awful about it, you don't have to rub it in." The dog glared. He sank to his belly and crossed his front paws with the air of a parent folding its arms at a naughty toddler. He narrowed his yellow eyes and nodded for Harry to continue.

Mhmm. I'm listening.

"I know I was stupid," Harry sighed. Snuffles snorted in agreement. "But they thought Bella was…well, a death eater. Hermione stupefied her, Ron was going off on her…And I just…" Harry found himself at a loss for words. He didn't know how to express the protective feelings he had felt for Bella. All of those years he had spent being bullied by Dudley had given Harry a strong sense of compassion for any fellow underdogs…Especially underdogs with an inexplicable connections to evil.

"It just…wasn't her fault." He explained, a hint of desperation in his voice. "I couldn't let them think it was her fault…She couldn't help it."

Snuffles was not impressed.

"What?" Harry asked as he wriggled under Snuffles' glare . "What was I supposed to do? What would you have done?"

Snuffles raised a dog's equivalent to an eyebrow.

Really? You have to ask?

Harry knew what his godfather would have done. He looked away, ashamed. Sirius would have never fought with his friends the way Harry just had. Friends were closer than kin to Sirius.

"I know." Harry mumbled. "I messed up."

His godfather glanced around. The windy street's traffic was dwindling. He jerked his head over his furry shoulder.

Follow me.

He trotted into a complicated series of alleyways Harry had never noticed before. Harry followed dutifully. Once cloaked in the safety of shadows, Snuffles stood on his hind legs. His matted fur was replaced with flesh as he morphed into his human form. With a bark of laughter, Sirius turned to face his godson.

"So," he said slyly. "Bickering amongst the trio, eh?" Harry's throat tightened. He started to apologize but Sirius shushed him.

"I understand why you stood up for Bella, Harry." He said in his familiar, gruff voice. Relief washed over his godson. "But Ron and Hermione should come before a girl, especially one apt to kill you."

"But she wasn't--!"

"I'm joking, Harry."

"Oh…Right."

"Seriously, though," continued Sirius. "What's this all about? Biting their heads off for trying to help you? You can't blame them for reacting to what they saw. You need them, Harry…" He began to lecture, which was very un-Sirius. Harry listened guiltily, but couldn't help questioning his godfather's speech. After all, trusting friends had hardly gotten Sirius very far in life. The memory of Peter Pettigrew made Harry clench his fists. But he could never compare that rat to Ron and Hermione. They were his best mates, and had been since first year. He shouldn't have expected them to believe his sudden change of heart towards Bella so abruptly.

Bella…

Her thoughts echoed in Harry's head. She was so scared, so guilty. So innocent.

What was he supposed to do?

"…better get back on speaking terms with Ron," Sirius concluded. With a jolt, Harry came back to himself. He had never spaced out on his godfather before. He nodded obediently.

"So, now that we've got that cleared up," Sirius said, smiling. "Tell me about this other girl…"

"How do you know about--?"

"Ha, so there is another girl!" Sirius laughed triumphantly.

The Boy Who Lived was suddenly very interested in his shoes and looked down with dignified curiosity.

………………………………..............................................................................................

Bella felt Luna leading her through the cold. Her mind was racing; her face was red and raw. She pawed at her sticky cheeks with her numb hands. Tears were freezing onto her skin. She sniffled, feeling childish but not really caring. Only when they were thawing in the common room was she fully aware of her surroundings.

"…What happened?" Bella mumbled.

"Well, I was hoping you could tell me that, actually." Luna said seriously. She perched herself on the arm of a chair. "Ron, Hermione and I were really worried, but we took the hint that you and Harry wanted to…er, taaaalk things out." She frowned slightly. "And, if I'm correct, there was a bit moooore than talking. So, we heard you two yelling and…Then it got really quiet. Ron went out to check in on you…When he didn't come back; Hermione and I thought we better see what was going on." She paused, and looked inquisitively at Bella with her large, owlish eyes.

"Um…Well, he accused me of being a death eater." Bella explained. "And then I got so angry…" She closed her eyes.

"Luna," Bella went on carefully. "There's something I've never told you before…"

………………………………..........................................................

The Dark Lord's daughter entered the circular office quietly. She stood, waiting to be noticed. Dumbledore looked up from his desk.

"Bella?"

Bella looked up through a curtain of dark hair. There was no point in lying; there wasn't even a desire to. She met his curious blue eyes with her own serious black ones.

"I made a mistake, Professor." She said calmly. He stood up.

"What mistake?" He asked sharply, walking out from behind his desk.

"Potter." She said simply.

She knew what was happening the second his blue eyes stopped twinkling. The familiar intrusion of her consciousness tickled her skull. She felt Dumbledore penetrating her mind. She let him in, exposed her flaws for him to see. It would be easier than telling him in words, anyway.

She blinked. She was looking up at the domed ceiling of Dumbledore's office, flat on her back on the floor. She felt nauseous from looking up at the shadowy beams above her, but perfectly calm. Pleasantly, she wondered what she was supposed to do now. Sitting up seemed like a good idea.

Bella propped herself up on her elbows and shook her sleepy head.

"I'm sorry, Bella." Dumbledore sighed from behind her. Bella's head lolled backwards over her shoulders. The blankness still filled her head. A childish glee bubbled up within her. It was a delightful feeling; not to feel.

But then she caught sight of Dumbledore, and reality pressed in on her. He was sitting in his high-backed chair behind the ancient desk. His face was darkened with thought.

"Professor?" She asked tentatively.

"I was too powerful, and I penetrated too deep." Dumbledore droned.

"Too deep?"

"I believe that is why you passed out," he explained flatly. His voice was detached, as were his eyes. He stared off into space.

There was a pause.

"I'm sorry, Professor." Bella said firmly.

"Ah," Dumbledore folded his hands. "I should have expected this."

Guilt overwhelmed her. Her eyes burned, but she blinked back her tears.

"I'm sorry," She muttered again. "It was stupid, I know. And I am so sorry…"

"I cannot put all the blame on you." Dumbledore said wearily. "How could I have ever thought you two could co-exist? It should have been obvious to me from the beginning…" His voice died off.

"Am I leaving?" She asked directly.

Dumbledore did not respond immediately.

"Right now, you are to stay in your dormitory." Dumbledore stood and began pacing. "And I ask that you would check in daily, morning and evening. I shall be taking further steps in your protection and separation from Harry." He stopped. "And I hope, Bella," he said gravely, "that you can grasp the reality before you?"

Disappointment made the air thick between them. Bella lowered her eyes humbly.

"Of course, Professor." She said softly. She turned to leave.

"And Bella," He said as an after thought.

"Yes?"

"Thank you." She faced him, her mouth slightly open in puzzlement. Dumbledore went on slowly.

"Thank you for being honest with me. We both know I would have found the information I needed either way, but, I very, very much appreciate your truthfulness."

Bella nodded.

"And," He smiled. "Thank you for not telling Luna all the details. It was a very smart move to admit to your connection to Voldermort without actually giving your identity away. I believe Miss Lovegood has proved her trustworthiness, and letting her in on part of the secret may, in fact, help us in the long run."

Bella smiled back.

"Your welcome, Professor."

………………………………...............................................................................................

Ginny Weasley sat in a pool of weak, early morning sunlight with a book cracked open on her lap. Her long red hair swung down to kiss the pages. The courtyard was relatively unoccupied. A few couples were scattered about, snogging in the shadows. She glanced over at them, rolled her eyes and went back to her book with a smug grin.

"Giiiiiiiiinny!" A dreamy voice chirped. Ginny looked up. Luna was skipping towards her, her blonde curly head cocked to one side.

"Oh, hello, Luna." Ginny said with a smirk.

"Is something funny?" Luna asked, noticing Ginny's grin.

"Erm…" The youngest Weasley looked around embarrassedly, and then said quickly. "My git of a brother made a big fuss in the common room last night. Of course he wouldn't give me any details, so I don't now what on earth he was so peeved about. He just kept going in circles about Harry being attacked by some Ravenclaw girl." A flash of anger lit up Ginny's eyes. But then she snorted and rolled her eyes. "And according to him, I'm 'absolutely forbidden to associate with you.' You were there, weren't you?"

"Oh." Luna paused. "Well, see you later then, Ginny." And she turned away, uncharacteristically abrupt. Ginny's face scrunched up with guilt.

"Wait, Luna," she groaned. "It's not like I'm taking him seriously. I don't care what Ron says. I'll talk to whomever I bloody well please."

"All right then." Luna said agreeably, and Ginny smiled.

"So…" Ginny said carefully, "What happened? Nobody's told me anything…I mean, Harry's okay, right?" Luna blinked her large, spectral eyes.

"I was just wondering if you've seen Bella." She asked pleasantly, ignoring Ginny's questions. "I went to the Owlrey and when I got back she wasn't in the dormitory. I thought she might be out here, she dooooes like the courtyards…"

"Bella?" Ginny asked. "Who's she -- Oh." Her eyes grew wide with realization. "Um, isn't Bella the one who-"

"Yes, that's her." Luna acknowledged in her dreamy voice. "Haven't seen her?"

"No." Ginny said sharply. "And I wouldn't recognize her if I did." Her hand twitched instinctively to her pocket. She felt her wand beneath the black fabric. If Luna noticed, she didn't let on.

Ginny flicked her mane of fiery hair over her shoulder and tried to word her next question as politely as possible.

"She…attacked Harry?"

"No." Luna said vaguely. 'No.'…well, thanks, that clears that up. Ginny thought murderously.

"Look," she said coolly. "No one ever feels like filling me in on these things, but if I have reason to believe some girl hurt Harry, I'm hardly going to be her best mate. And, really, Luna, I don't see how can be either."

For the first time, Ginny saw anger in her daydreamy friend.

"If you believe Ronald," Luna said in a soft, yet cold voice. "Why don't you obey him? You're talking to me, and yet you accuse me of befriending a foe? Bella didn't attack anyone."

Ginny hesitated, and then dropped her hand away from her wand and onto the bench.

"You're right, Luna." She said shamefacedly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I just care about…" Flushing, she fell silent. Luna brightened.

"Its aaaall right." She said kindly. "Harry seems very nice. I feel awful about yesterday, but it wasn't Bella's fault…Well, I'm off to breakfast. Perhaps she's there. I'll let you get back to your studying…"

The mood finally lifted as Ginny grinned a wicked grin.

"Eh, not studying." She replied mischievously.

"What are you reading then?" Luna asked. Ginny held up the book slyly. Luna bent sideways and observed the cover. She smiled distantly.

"Wandless Ways to Enchant a Wizard," Ginny giggled. "And you'll never guess who let me borrow it…"

………………………………................................................................................

Hermione was curled up in a fat armchair when Harry walked into the common room. Her nose and eyes were very red. Most likely from crying, he realized guiltily. Yesterday he'd walked back to the castle alone and gone straight to bed. He was exhausted, and the idea of another row was too much. When he woke up, Ron was already gone. Now he walked over to Hermione quietly so as not to spook her.

"Good morning," he said softly. She looked up at him with watery eyes and extra bushy hair.

"Morning." She squeaked.

"Listen, Hermione," he sighed. "I'm…really sorry, about yesterday. I know you and Ron are just trying to help me. I know you just didn't want me to get hurt. And I, uh…really appreciate it. I mean…" he fumbled for words. "I…well, you know I…"

"Apology accepted." Hermione smiled weakly. "You know you're not very good at it, though."

"Thought that counts," Harry grinned. "Where's Ron?" Hermione's face fell.

"Hmm, I was waiting for you to ask about him," she said worriedly. "He's…a bit put out, still." She plowed on before Harry could respond. "What do you think about Bella, Harry? You don't honestly think…I mean, what are the odds she's really like you? You're, um, situation is so unique…"

Harry had his lie prepared.

"I know." He said earnestly. "I don't know what I was thinking…I was probably just in shock. I mean the possibility of someone being in the same boat as me…But you're right. It's just not probable."

Hermione sighed with relief.

"Oh, thank you for coming round, Harry." She said happily. "Ron and I were so worried you'd go chasing after her…"

"What, and let her drag me to Voldermort?" He laughed. "No. As a matter of fact, I'm going up to see Dumbledore."

"Good," Hermione said encouragingly. "Do you want me to-?"

"No," Harry said quickly. "I-I just want to do it on my own. I don't want you or Ron getting in trouble."

"All right, then." Hermione agreed. She fidgeted suddenly. There was obviously something else on her mind.

"And, Sirius…?" She asked nervously.

"It was smooth," Harry assured her. "He told me off for bickering with you two, though." Hermione smirked.

"Knew there was a reason I liked him," she teased. "Did you tell him about…her?"

"Yeah." The tone in Harry's voice told Hermione the conversation was over, but she couldn't let go that easily.

"What did Sirius…?"

"He wasn't sure about Bella. Said he needed to think about it and keep him posted."

"And in the meantime…?"

"To stay clear of her," Admitted Harry reluctantly. Hermione beamed.

"Excellent. I'll tell R--" She coughed and looked down. Brushing the bangs out of her eyes, she changed the subject. "So, did you talk about Umbridge?"

"Yeah," Harry sighed.

"Did he have any advice?"

"Well, he had quite a vocabulary but not much advice, no." Harry grinned. "Just to keep my head down, the usual." He fidgeted restlessly. His hand flexed itself without his notice. Hermione watched him carefully.

"Well, I'm off to breakfast." Harry said casually. "Oh, and er…could you tell Ron…Er…"

"That you need to work on your apologizing techniques?" Hermione teased. Harry rolled his eyes.

"You know what I mean..." He said awkwardly. Hermione had already dived back into her book. She waved her hand impatiently.

"I know, I know. You're an awful git and you're terribly sorry."

"Oh yeah, thanks, Hermione." The Boy Who Lived rolled his eyes.

A/N-Let me know what you think Thanks for reading, hope to update soon. Kira