A/N:

I have been going back and forth about whether I want to bring Leah into the pack. There aren't many characters who share my name, and I hate that when I finally did see a character named Leah, she was an uber bitch. I was thinking of having her join and be her bitchy self, and then having her imprint on Remus or Sirius. Remus would be my first choice, as they both have a wolf form. If you guys are set on Remus/Tonks, I could have her imprint on Sirius. Or I could just leave her out all together. Let me know what you think!

Also, after a question posed by Fire Bean Flower, I went back and added a paragraph to the previous chapter. It is right before Bella transformed for the wolves and explains how she never told Jake about her animal form, in case you were also wondering.

Thanks for reading! I hope you like this chapter!

Chapter Ten:

The two remaining months of the summer flew by. My friends were doing all they could to keep me from wallowing in misery, and they were doing an excellent job of it. They kept me busy creating new charms for the "Fireworks" performance. Harley had owled Sandy right after they put on their show for me and the wolf pack to see if we could perform the song for the school at the welcome back feast. Sandy obtained permission from Headmaster Deveron, and we wanted to make it spectacular.

We also spent a lot of time studying the requirements of placing the concealment charm on a vampire. It was very complex, with a lot of moving parts. It would be very difficult and magically taxing, but over the course of a few weeks, we could get the charm placed on all the Cullens. If they came back.

I was wary about becoming too optimistic. Everyone else seemed to think I was being a Debbie Downer. The girls had watched the memory and said that the anguish was clear on Edward's face. That it was obvious he didn't want to leave. But he did leave. He's gone. I learned how to place the charm, but I wasn't going to hold my breath on ever seeing Edward again.

The highlight of my summer came when Caelen returned with a response from my dad. I could tell that he was proud of himself for finding Sirius and bringing me something from him. I untied the response from Caelen's leg with shaky fingers, and held my breath as I unrolled the parchment. It read:

I recognize your handwriting from your other letter addressed to our mutual friend. Because of your letter he came to my aid in a potentially life threatening situation. I do not know who you are, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much it means to me to know that there is someone out there who has always believed me incapable of such horrible treachery. It makes me feel less alone, and gives me hope. Perhaps one day I will be able to thank you in person, but for now this will have to do. Thank you. Truly.

I read the note over and over again. Remy had helped him. Because of my letter. I was able to help my dad! Now I was giving him hope. Lifting his spirits. I ran to find my friends and showed them the letter. They were all very happy for me. Sammie mildly chastised me for sending Sirius an owl. She reminded me that I could have gotten Sirius caught.

I tried to look contrite, but I was too happy. I had faith in Caelen. He is a very smart owl. He would know if he was being tracked, and he wouldn't risk it. After memorizing every word, I sent the letter to my vault using the pouch. The letter gave me motivation to look to the future with an optimistic eye.

It is now a week before school starts back, and I'm taking the wolf pack, Skirts, Charlie and Phil to the Quidditch World Cup. I was able to get us great seats, and everyone was beside themselves with anticipation. Eleazar and his mate, Carmen, agreed to protect the reservation so the whole pack could come with us.

The pack had met Eleazar when he came down to test the shields. They were impenetrable to him. No matter how much force he used, he couldn't break through. The wolves were ecstatic. They didn't have to worry about their families sleeping at home while they were out patrolling. The wolves were grateful to him for coming all the way down to La Push to test the shields for them, and they took to him instantly. I think it threw Eleazar for a loop. He thought they'd be hostile, but they were very welcoming.

We spoke about Edward, and Eleazar agreed with the wolves and Skirts that Edward loved me. In fact, he said the Cullens had briefly stayed with them after their hasty exit from Forks. They were all miserable, even Rosalie, which was surprising. Edward wasn't with them. They said he had gone off to drown himself in his misery. Eleazar said that Alice saw him holed up in some dingy attic while he allowed his grief and loss to consume him. Jake looked smug at that. It broke my heart, though. I didn't want Edward to suffer. I must really love him if I'd rather him be happy after leaving me. I decided that if Edward didn't come back to look for me, I was going to find him after I found Peter. I can only rescue one man at a time, and Daddy was first in the queue.

After our discussion about the Cullens, Eleazar asked me about the Quidditch World Cup. The Skirts, Charlie, Phil and I were already going. I had been trying to decide how to ask the wolves, because I knew they'd all want to go. I knew they all couldn't leave the reservation, especially with Victoria sniffing around. How could I ask when someone had to stay behind? That was when Eleazar offered to protect the town with Carmen. He would tell her that the La Push wolves had some business they had to take care of out of town, but that the vampire who was after the Cullens and Edward's mate was still stalking the area, and he'd offered his services. He wouldn't even have to mention magic.

It was very surreal for the wolves to trust their town in the hands of vampires. The Cullens made them see that vampires are capable of humanity, and that if a vampire was willing to suffer through the denial of human blood, they couldn't all be the heartless enemy of Quillette legend. The Cullens had spoken of Eleazar's coven to the wolves before, and that, along with the fact that I'd known Eleazar since I was 13, helped ease the wolves' minds.

It is early morning and everyone has gathered at Charlie's. We are actually portkeying from Edward's meadow. I feel very strange going there, and I don't know how I'll take seeing that place without him. We decided to tell Charlie and Phil that we were all shape shifters so that we won't have to travel at human pace. The wolves will have to run at a regular wolf pace, but we'll still get there faster than if we were traveling on two legs. Charlie and Phil are going to ride a wolf. You should have seen Charlie riding Jacob! The look on his face was priceless as he held onto the giant wolf for dear life. I will definitely have to pensieve this memory for posterity.

Arriving at the meadow wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Without Edward, it's just another meadow. Beautiful, yes, but empty. Just a place. We all began searching for the portkey item left by ministry officials. As we turned out to be the only group meeting in the meadow, it was just the twelve of us gathered around the old tire when I felt the hook at the back of my navel pulling me to our new destination. I was going back to England.

The girls and I smirked down at the men sprawled across the field in which we landed. They all scowled at us as they scrambled to pull themselves into an upright position. We made our way to the officials logging in arrivals. They told us where we could find our campsite, and we tried not to laugh at them. The wolves may have failed a bit in their attempts. These people obviously decided that Muggle Studies didn't have merit. Their attire was quite comical.

While we made our way to the first campground I warned the wolves and muggles that they'd likely be seeing more failed attempts at appearing muggle. I was right. There were ostentatious tents that clearly had fireplaces, as they had chimneys coming out of them. There also men in moo-moos and various ladies' dresses. Apparently this was an acceptable alternative to a wizard's robe. Even I had trouble holding in my giggles at that. We finally made it to a site that had a sign reading "Swan." It was right next to a sign that read "Weezly." The girls and I looked at each other. Could our tent be next to the Weasley's? What if Harry is with them?

"If it's them, let's just act normal." I whispered to the Skirts. Unfortunately I was surrounded by bloody shape shifting wolves.

"If it's who, Bella?" Jake asked.

Damn wolf hearing! "It's nothing, Jake. We're just wondering if the tent next to us is someone famous. I don't want us to make a fool of ourselves if it is. You know, we should just act normal." It wasn't really a lie. Harry Potter is famous. He's also my first friend, and it is widely believed that my father handed his parents over to be murdered. I didn't want to get into that, though.

He seemed appeased at my explanation and dropped it. We then turned to pitching the tent. We weren't supposed to use magic in the open, as there are muggles around. I for one thought it was a lost cause. A lot of wizards don't even realize they're doing something magical. If they haven't been around muggles, there's no way they'll be able to conceal themselves. All you have to do is look around and it is painfully obvious. Nevertheless, I had 6 shape shifting wolves with me that were not supposed to know about magic, so the men put up our tent the muggle way without complaint.

Well, there were no complaints until the tent was erected. Then there were plenty to go around. The tent did look practically haggard on the outside. I told them to stop their bitching and get in already. I went first so that I could witness their faces when they saw the inside. I was met with gasp after gasp. I had spared no expense on this baby.

It is a full blown mansion. There are fifteen bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. There is an indoor swimming pool, and I turned one of the great rooms into a game room that includes pool tables, foosball and a bowling alley. I know how the others are feeling, as my mind was similarly blown the first time I stepped in the thing.

Charlie turned to me, "Bella. How on Earth can you afford something like this?"

I was prepared for the question this time, eager to prove to Harley that I was no amateur. "Well, I always wondered why Sandy didn't want me to know how much money was available in the stipend provided by my scholarship. The girls and I were curious, so we came up with a spell that would help us figure out just how much money was in the vault for my personal use. It turns out, it's a lot. The money I didn't use each year was added to the following year, and I've amassed quite a lot of funds that will only be available to me until I graduate. I decided to spend it all so that I could sell some things and start off my post school life with a bit of gold."

The girls smirked at me, and Harley minutely raised her head in acknowledgment. Ha! Amateur, my ass! I wasn't ready to tell them that Sirius Black is my father and that the money in the vault belongs to me, as Sirius had been on the muggle news in America. Charlie, being a police chief, had undoubtedly heard about him. Now I could tell Charlie and Renee that the girls and I were going to do a bit of travelling before starting our higher education. I could explain where I got the money for the trip, and we could go on our search for Peter without much fuss.

Charlie wasn't as impressed. "That's not very honest, Bella. The money was provided so that you could get the best education possible. You're using the money for something that goes beyond the scope of its purpose."

Damnit! Think fast, Bella. Perhaps I can give him a hint of our fake future plans to ease his conscience. "I don't really see it that way. The girls and I are planning to go travelling for a bit after we graduate from Salem. We're going to explore the world and try to learn new ways to perform magic. As you said, the money was provided to give me the best education possible. Well, the best education doesn't just end when you leave school."

I looked to him hopefully and he seemed to be seeing things my way. "Alright, Bella. I still don't think it is it the most honest use of the money, but if you're using it to continue learning, I guess I can live with that."

I smiled gratefully at him, and gave the group an official tour. We spent the next few hours swimming and enjoying the game room before venturing outside the tent. The space for the "Weezly's" was no longer empty, and there was a group of redheads sitting outside by a fire pit talking to some officials. They were joined by a boy with a shock of black messy hair and a pretty girl with a mane of bushy brown hair.

My heart started beating double time. Harry. It's Harry. I could feel the moisture gathering in my eyes at the sight of him. Merlin, he looks just like Uncle Jamie. Well, except for his eyes. He has his mother's eyes.

One of the officials noticed our group, probably because of the members of the pack. They tend to stand out because of their size. Although you'd think in a world where giants actually exist, six huge man boys would be able to go unnoticed. No such luck.

The man was eying us all skeptically. He approached us and pointed to the Quillettes. "You aren't wizards. Neither are you." Now he pointed to Charlie and Phil. "Why are you here? Who's brought you?"

I stepped forward. "I brought them, sir. This is my father and step-father." I gestured toward Charlie and Phil before turning to the pack. "These are my friends from home. After I explained Quidditch to them they wanted to see a game. What better than the World Cup?"

The man was incensed. He approached me and started screaming (and spitting, as it were) in my face. "You have broken the law! These boys are not your relatives, they should not have been told of magic! I'll have you arrested! You'll be thrown to the Dementors!"

His words were answered by the deep growling of the six wolves that had crowded around me during the man's rant. Jake couldn't handle the threat and started backing away, shaking violently.

I turned to him quickly, but kept my distance. "Jake, it's okay! I'll explain everything; I won't be taken away. You need to calm yourself."

"Barty, the girl is right. Let's listen to her before you go making such serious threats."

"She has broken the cardinal rule, Ludo! Here we are doing everything we can to keep the knowledge of our world from the muggles during this event, and this stupid little girl has just gone and told six young boys! As a member of the Wizengamot, it is within my authority to have her arrested!"

Jake lost it at that and phased into his giant wolf form. Both Barty and Ludo backed away slowly as Jake made his way to me. He placed himself between me and my accuser. Sam smirked. "I believe that is Jake's way of telling you that he'd like to see you try, Mr. …"

Our friend Barty was a big distracted by Jake's giant teeth that were currently bared at him. "Crouch. He's Barty Crouch. I'm Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Games and Magical Sports for the British ministry. It seems there is an explanation to be had, so why don't you join us over here for tea. You don't mind, do you Arthur?" He asked red headed man staring delightedly at Jake.

"Of course not, Ludo. The more the merrier."

I asked Charlie and Phil to wait in the tent, as I was going to have to lie through my teeth and I didn't want them to think that my story was true. They'd freak out before I could finish it. I told them that I was going to be discussing things that couldn't be discussed in front of muggles. They begrudgingly went back to the tent after ordering the pack to protect me.

Mr. Crouch remained a respectable distance from me as I sat down to join the Weasleys. Jake sat back on his haunches, not leaving my side. I tried not to stare at Harry, but it was difficult. I could still picture him at age one riding around on Padfoot with his little baby giggle ringing through the air.

I cleared my throat and turned my attention to Mr. Crouch. I put on my most potent innocent face and started my tale. I would use a mix of fact and fiction to appease the angry git. "You see, Mr. Crouch, the boys here are spirit warriors. They are members of the Quillette tribe in America. Many years ago their village was attacked by vampires." Everyone gasped. Vampires were quite feared in the magical world. "They killed many people, and the spirit warriors turned into wolves that could protect the village and go after the "cold ones" that attacked them."

There were more gasps and many shocked eyes darting around all the members of the pack. "You can kill vampires?" This was asked by the bushy haired witch. At the pack's nod her voice changed into the tone you'd expect to hear in a lecture. "But that's not possible. Vampires are impenetrable to all but the most complex magic. Even then, you can't simply cast a spell on them. You have to use many different forms of magic on them at once. It is very difficult. Their skin is also harder than that of a dragon!" Her pitch started travelling higher throughout her explanation. "A giant wouldn't even be able to rip them apart. The only way a non-vampire can kill them is to use Fiendfyre, and that's very dangerous!"

"They are built to fight vampires, erm…"

"Hermione." She answered.

I smiled in response. Now for the lies. "They are built to fight them, Hermione. I have seen it myself. I was hiking in the woods alone when I was attacked by a vampire." More gasps. Don't worry, I internally smirked. It didn't really happen, and I fully intend for this little story to have a HEA. "I tried to fend her off using magic. I was able to shield myself so she couldn't get to me. I couldn't hold it up indefinitely, though, and I couldn't apparate while my magic was focused on the shield. If I let the shield down she'd get me before I could leave. They're quite fast." Everyone snorted. Yes, I know it's a massive understatement.

"I was desperate, but too afraid to use Fiendfyre. As you stated, Hermione, it is quite dangerous. I know the general theory on it, but the thought of using it practically has never even crossed my mind." I glanced at the girls when I stated this and they all looked stoic. Not even a twitch. Good girls.

"I was trying to think of other ways to get away when the wolves showed up. I watched as they fought the vampire. They actually started toying with her a bit, and it backfired. The russet colored wolf," I looked to Jacob, "was hurt. He let out a cry and backed away while the rest of his pack quickly tore the vampire to shreds. The black wolf," I looked to Sam, "transformed back into a human and lit the dismembered vampire on fire."

Our new British friends were all staring at the pack with undisguised awe. They squirmed, uncomfortable at the scrutiny. The girls were looking at me seriously, but I could see the mirth in their eyes. They were enjoying my story.

"The hurt wolf then transformed back into a human. I realized it was my friend, Jake. Jake has known that I was a witch since I turned 11. Professor Sanderson of the Salem Institute for Witches allowed me to tell him as he is practically my brother." I absentmindedly stroked Jacob's fur. "She performed the concealment charm on him to keep the knowledge safe. Anyway, when I saw it was Jake I ran to him. The vampire had broken a few of his ribs and he was having difficulties breathing. I didn't hesitate, sir. I pulled out my wand and healed him. When the pain left his features and his breathing evened out the rest of the wolves demanded an explanation. They'd just saved my life. I wasn't going to risk their minds with an Obliviate, but I did know how to perform the concealment charm that Jake had received all those years ago. I told them the truth about myself, and then placed the charm. They are not able to share the secret of magic, sir. Even if they were, you can see that they are magical creatures themselves. The secrecy is just as important to them as it is to us."

After hearing my story, Mr. Crouch was noticeably less hostile. "I'm sorry for my reaction Miss…"

"Swan, Sir. Bella Swan."

"Well, Miss Swan. Please forgive my rudeness. I have been having a very difficult time keeping the knowledge of magic away from the muggles who run the campground, and seeing you so cavalier about informing muggles about our world was the last straw. I apologize for my outburst."

"It's fine, sir. I understand that putting on an event of this magnitude must be very trying. I'd probably go off on people, too." I smiled at him.

"Yes well, we better get going. Ludo?"

"Yes, yes. What a wonderful tale, Miss Swan. It was a pleasure to meet you and the pack, but we must take our leave."

After they departed Jacob transformed back into a human. I had figured out how to allow the wolves to transform without losing their clothes. I was actually inspired by my study of banishing the Fiendfyre into non-existence. The fire is there, it's just waiting to be called back into existence. I placed a charm on all the wolves' clothes that would send them into non-existence whenever they phased, and then back in place when the transformed back. They no longer had to worry about showing off their bits when they transformed.

Arthur Weasley then introduced his family, as well as Harry and Hermione. I returned the favor by introducing the Skirts and wolves. We chatted for a few minutes about where we're from, what school we go to and who we want to win the Cup. I was furiously looking for any evidence of Peter while we engaged in pleasantries. I couldn't find any, and I was having a very difficult time being so close to Harry. He used to be my best friend. He was my very first friend, and a connection to my father. Our lives have been met with so much tragedy since we last saw each other. I just wanted to hug him. Tell him I miss him. I decided to take my leave and retreated back to the tent stating I wanted to nap before the game. The rest of our group followed suit and we said our goodbyes.

When we got back to the tent, we saw that Charlie and Phil had made us lunch. I really hope it was more Phil than Charlie. Hmm…it tastes pretty good, so I'd say Phil was the main preparer. After finishing our meals and assuring Charlie and Phil that we worked everything out with the British officials, we decided that a nap wasn't such a bad idea. The game wouldn't start for a few hours and there was no telling how long it would last.

A few hours later we'd all left the tent covered in war paint. Our group was split down gender lines. The boys liked Bulgaria, especially Viktor Krum. The Skirts were going for Ireland. Harley and I were especially excited to see the Ireland chasers. They are some of the best in the world.

When we got to our seats, we were sitting next to a family introduced as the Malfoys. I knew who they were. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, my second cousin. Draco Malfoy, my third cousin. Lucius Malfoy, Death Eater. He had claimed that he was under the Imperius curse, but I call bullshit. The man was a dark wizard. I could see it. So could the other Skirts. They were eying him nervously. I was nervous at the way Narcissa studied me when we were introduced. I was suddenly wishing I had come up with a different name to tell these people. Bella isn't exactly a leap to Isabella.

It was my eyes that intrigued her, though. I could see it. They look just like Sirius'. Just like hers. I tried to act normal, and I must have succeeded. She shook her head and looked away from me, mumbling something under her breath. I turned to Jake after their attention turned back to their own family. "What did she say under her breath?"

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "It was weird. She said, 'Don't be ludicrous, Narcissa. The girl is dead.'"

I sighed in relief at that. Jake shot me a questioning glance, but I shook my head at him. I didn't want to get into that with him. I was very grateful that Regulus had thought to stage my death so the Death Eaters would also assume I was dead. It was one of the memories I'd recovered after the blocking charm faded away. Regulus had drawn some of my blood and magically multiplied it. Then he smeared it around the bed before setting an animal carcass in it and burning it to ash. I shuddered. I'm glad I didn't remember that one until I was older. Talk about nightmares.

Shortly after this exchange the game began. It was an exciting match. The Irish chasers were astounding. They were racking up points so fast, they made the seekers practically irrelevant. It wouldn't matter who caught the snitch. Ireland had this one in the bag! The game ended when Krum caught the snitch, but it didn't matter. Ireland won!

The wolves were transcendent, even though their team lost. They loved Quidditch. I imagine it will be hard to go back to baseball, now. We were celebrating in our tent when we heard explosions. Fireworks!

Running outside we were met with horror. People were screaming and running around. There were no fireworks, just regular old explosions. There were masked men holding the muggle campground workers in the air while torturing them. I grabbed the program from the game out of my back pocket and shoved it in Charlie's hands. "I'm going to turn this into a portkey. You all need to leave. Now."

"We're not leaving without you, Bella." Jake said, while the other wolves and my Skirts nodded in agreement. I groaned in frustration.

"I have to make sure Harry is okay. I can't let anything happen to him." I couldn't leave without knowing he was safe. He might not remember me, but I remember him. He's my friend, my family, and I will protect him.

Sam responded, talking quickly while his body shook, "Bella, it is our job to protect human life. It doesn't matter if we're protecting them from vampires or other humans. They are torturing those people, Bella. We're staying."

"Fine." I turned to Phil and Charlie, who was still holding the program. "Don't argue with me, I don't have time. Grab the program, Phil." He looked like he was going to argue, but at my stern expression he resignedly touched the program. "Portus," and they were off.

I turned to the others, and the wolves were already transformed. I mounted Jake while the others picked a wolf to ride. "You have excellent reflexes, sharp enough to fight a vampire. Don't get hit by any light coming your way. Jake, let's find Harry."

We all went running in different directions and Jake and I eventually found a lone Harry lying on the ground searching for his glasses. "Accio Harry's glasses." His glasses came flying into my hand. "Here you go, Harry, we need to get out of here. Hop on."

"Bella? What's happening? I can't find my wand."

"Oh for Merlin's sake, Harry! Accio Harry's wand." Nothing. "It's not around here, Harry. Look, we'll find it later. The men are getting closer. We need to get away."

Harry finally agreed and hopped on Jacob's back. He grabbed my waist to steady himself as Jacob took off in search of the others. We met up with them in a wooded area, and everything seemed to have calmed down. The tortured muggles were secured to the wolves' backs and the girls were hovered over them trying to heal any wounds. We moved them to the ground to inspect them further. They were suffering from after effects off the Cruciatus, the torture curse. Unfortunately, the Cruciatus curse didn't have a treatment. Their muscles and nerves would have to calm down on their own. There were a few superficial injuries that were self-inflicted from when their bodies thrashed under the curse, but it made the girls feel better to be of some help.

I heard a rustling sound, and the wolves' heads whipped around with their ears perked toward the noise. Suddenly we heard a cry of "Morsmordre!" The spell was followed immediately by a faint pop as the sky filled with the terrible sight of the Dark Mark.

Hermione and Ron ran up to us just as the spell hit the sky and all the girls were frozen in horror. The next thing we knew, we were surrounded by aurors with their wands drawn. Shit.

"Who conjured it?" Came the hysterical cry from our new friend, Mr. Crouch. Another auror stepped forward brandishing a wand.

"This is the wand that cast it, sir."

Harry piped in helpfully, "That's my wand, sir."

I elbowed him and narrowed my eyes, telling him wordlessly to shut up.

"You, you conjured the Dark Mark!" He moved his wand so that it was pointed directly at Harry's chest. Oh. Hell. No. I took a step and planted myself in front of him. No one threatens my family. At this point Arthur Weasley pushed through the aurors to gather up his children.

"Harry Potter conjure the Dark Mark, Barty? Be realistic! There is no way any of these children could conjure the Mark."

I took over for Mr. Weasley. "Sir, please. Mr. Weasley is right. Harry did no such thing. My friends and the wolves went to help the muggles. They were able to get them away from those masked men, and we met them back here. We've been trying to heal them, but it looks like the Cruciatus. Harry told me he couldn't find his wand when I found him, sir. It wasn't him. We heard a rustling noise over there," I pointed, "Just before we heard the incantation and subsequent apparition pop."

Jake transformed back into a human and explained things that I couldn't see. "Sir, my pack and I have improved sight, and we could see the man who conjured that thing in the sky. He was white, moderate height, lean with a pointed face and black hair. He had some sort of creature with him. I'm not sure what it was." He screwed up his face in obvious confusion. "It was only about two feet high, with huge ears and eyes that bugged out of its head."

"House Elf," was the response from every witch and wizard present.

"Very well. Arthur, Miss Swan, you need to get your children and associates out of here so we can investigate and get these muggles sorted out."

"Of course, sir." I responded, but I had a question before we left. "Do you have any idea who those men were?"

"Death Eaters. Probably led by Sirius Black."

The Skirts and I tensed, but I also noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione tense as well. I know my friends and I reacted that way because we were pissed at the accusation. I wonder what the explanation is for Harry's reaction. Could it be that Remy convinced Harry that my father was innocent, and the accusation makes him just as angry as me, or is it because he believes Sirius to be the person who destroyed his life? Until I could answer that question I couldn't risk telling Harry my identity.

My jaw was tensed as I responded, "Fine, sir. We'll just take our leave, then. It was nice meeting you, Harry, Hermione, Weasleys."

I grabbed a small fallen branch and my friends gathered around. "Portus." Within moments we were standing in the woods behind Charlie's house. I didn't notice that Charlie and Phil were there, awaiting our arrival. I didn't even register the fact that the wolves were there. I was so incensed I just started cursing. Creatively. No one standing in those woods would have any questions about my feelings towards one Mr. Barty Crouch.

When the topic of my rant was clearly about to move to Sirius, the Skirts tried to silence me…literally. They placed a silencing spell over me. It just infuriated me further and I cast the finite and continued my rant. "You will not silence me! How dare that piece of shit accuse my father of leading the Death Eater attack? Are they just going to start blaming him for everything now? How convenient it must be to have their own personal scapegoat!" I continued in a mocking voice. "'Oh, no. Someone clogged the toilet in the fifth floor ministry bathroom. It has to have been Sirius Black!' … 'Can you believe that someone went in the kitchen and ate the lunch my wife packed me? It had my name on it and everything!' 'Oh, really? How awful. I bet it was that Sirius Black!'"

My furious pacing came to an abrupt halt when I ran into Charlie. He steadied me before I fell, and I looked up into a set of serious brown eyes. "Your father is Sirius Black? The escaped mass murderer from London? And he's a wizard?"

I bristled. I love Charlie, but calling my father a murderer is a bit of a sore spot. I tore away from his grasp and defended my biological father to my adoptive one. "He is not a murderer!" I yelled. "He was framed!"

"It's true, sir." Nicole interjected. "Bella has believed in Sirius' innocence since she found out he was her father. She has memories of him and his friends, you know. One of them is an animagus, like us. His animal form is a rat. It was Bella's theory that Peter was the real murderer, but that he'd cut off his own finger and changed into his animal form so that he could fake his own death and everyone would think it was Sirius."

"That is very farfetched, Bella. You are trying to redeem an unredeemable man because he is your father."

I was enraged. My magic was swirling around me furiously, begging me to hex Charlie into oblivion. I started chanting in my mind. You will not hex Charlie, you love him. You will not hex Charlie, you love him. You love him. You love him.

Nicole continued when it became clear I was close to losing control of my magic. "Sir, I understand that it is difficult to believe. I had heard of Sirius Black before I knew he was Bella's father, and I was skeptical at first. However, when she explained her theory it was just as viable as the one widely believed. I could see the unwavering belief of Sirius' innocence in Bella's eyes, and I believed it, too. A few months ago we were looking for a reason Sirius would target Hogwarts School, as he'd broken in a few times. He seemed to be after something. We found an article from last summer, just before he escaped, with a picture of a rat sitting on the shoulder of the Ron Weasley boy we met today. Bella recognized his animal form, having seen it before. It was only further confirmed when we saw his front paw was missing a toe."

Sammie stepped forward to help Nicole's explanation. "Sir, I know this is difficult to believe. The thing you have to understand is that the magical world presents different opportunities for both good and evil than the muggle world. If you were investigating a case where Bella was accused of murdering someone, would you take the evidence at face value, or would you look deeper? Would it matter that evidence was circumstantial if it supported your claim, no matter how farfetched?"

Harley nudged Sammie, "You watch way too many Law & Order marathons on your summer breaks."

Sammie smirked. "What can I say? I totally have a thing for Detective Goren."

Harley, Nic and I wrinkled our noses and stated simultaneously, "Ew."

We all broke into giggles at that and I was again very grateful to have the girls in my life. They knew just how to calm me. I turned toward Charlie and saw that he was thinking over everything said. "It's true, Charlie. Sirius is innocent. I know he is. There isn't one single doubt in my mind. I remember him. I know him, his heart. He is a good man who was betrayed in the worst possible way by someone he trusted. Please, Charlie, believe me."

I knew the moment that Charlie relented. His shoulders slumped slightly as the fight left him. I lunged myself at him. "Thank you Charlie! I love you!"

He wasn't too comfortable with the touchy feely emotional stuff, so he patted my back awkwardly and assured me he loved me too. With Charlie coming to my side, the others followed. I'm really glad the girls left out the whole Voldemort/Regulus/Potters portion of the story. I'm not sure how Charlie would have handled ALL the information regarding my past.

The wolves took off and the girls apparated to their houses. I was going to spend this last week before school with Charlie and the wolves. Charlie stopped me as we were walking into the house and eyed me speculatively. "There is no scholarship. The money in the vault belonged to Sirius, and now you."

It wasn't a question, but I nodded anyway. "Good. Now I don't have to feel guilty that you're misusing scholarship funds." He then winked at me. Winked! I just laughed and followed him in the house. It was going to be really hard to say goodbye to them this year.

A/N:

Big thaks to bloody alana, Fire Bean Flower, shellbob, RiTuXa, Termia, vivx-chan, and carj89 for your reviews! I really appreciate them!

So we finally met Harry Potter! The next chapter will take us to Hogwarts where we will see more of the Harry Potter characters.

Please let me know what you think!