AN: Thanks to my beta Danielc. He did a fantastic work to improve this story... again. Yeah, I know, this chapter is overdue... but bear with me. The story will be uploaded till the end ;-)

Chapter 14 – Caring for friends

Since Harry didn't receive the necessary 'O' in potions, he couldn't take this class, not that he cared but Ron had convinced him to meet Hermione at the classroom after lessons was over. He was worried about the Slytherins but couldn't meet her due to the distance between her class and his. So Harry leaned coolly against the wall in the dungeons. He had a free period while Hermione was in Potions and Ron was in muggle-studies. So he had enough time to be there on time.

Some of the students looked curiously at him as they left the classroom but he sent them a vicious glare causing them to keep their distance. It was a well known fact that if you valued your health, you stayed away from Harry. He seemed to only loosen up a bit around Hermione, Ginny, and Ron; or during the pranks. For the most part it was best to keep your distance from him.

Hermione smiled, as she came out and saw him leaning against the wall, "Hi Harry."

He only nodded and pushed away from the wall.

"Well if isn't little Potty! Afraid something would happen to the mudblood?" he sneered.

Harry turned around coolly and smirked when he saw Snape standing behind Malfoy.

"Such foul insults while a teacher is present?" Harry asked with a meaningful glance towards Snape. The potions master only sneered in response.

"Well it seams to me, that the teacher is biased. Another point for the petition to the board of governors." Harry stated coldly.

"Without evidence?" Snape smirked.

"Why? I have the head girl herself as witness and this... accio iris sphere."

A white gleaming sphere sank down from above the door to the potions classroom causing Snape's eyes to widen.

"I warned you once, Professor Snape. The time for idle threats is over. My petition will be sent off tonight." Harry said and Snape's eyes widened again.

"Give that to me!" Malfoy yelled and drew his wand. The Malfoy spawn recognized the Iris sphere for what it was… a recording device for visual and audio.

Harry was faster. He took one step forward and stood beside Malfoy before simply grabbing his wand arm firmly.

"What? You're left handed?" Harry laughed, "And what do we have here? The Dark Mark? That's not a good thing for other people to notice. Its also a bad combination; being left handed and bearing the mark."

Malfoy blanched and yelled at his cronies, "Get him!"

Harry connected his magic with the mark and activated it with the help of his connection to Voldemort.

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle screamed in pain and Malfoy dropped his wand. Even Snape winced from the pain that shot through his mark causing Harry only grinned.

"I told you that it was a bad combination, Malfoy." Harry said and Hermione gaped at him.

"Well, I don't have time for this; we have classes to attend," Harry said in a voice of pure malice before activating the mark again, but this time with more power. The three students passed instantly out due to the vast amount of the pain and Snape went white as a sheet. Harry dropped the connection as Malfoy fell to the ground and joined Hermione, "Shall we?"

She stared at him incredulously, unable to say anything.

"Ah, come on! They did it to themselves! No reason to pity Death Eaters." Then he turned to Snape, "Nice feeling, eh? Bet you get more of that soon enough.

"By the way, I'm going to send in the petition after school. Be ready to get the answer around the end of the week." he said and smirked before he grabbed Hermione's arm and dragged her through the dungeons.

Naturally, Harry was called to the headmaster but this time he didn't give in and he sent the petition on its way.

Dumbledore was, of course, very disappointed; not so much with Harry, because he had a solid reason to act as he did. No, he was angry with Snape for not heading the warning issued to him.

Dumbledore had to use his full power as Headmaster of Hogwarts to keep his potions master from being released from his contract on the spot. The outcome was not what either Snape nor Dumbledore hoped for. Snape was given a warning, his last warning, that if he did anything else, no matter how small of an infraction, he would be dismissed from the school immediately.

Ever since the meeting with the board, Snape steered clear from Harry at all costs. He even went as far as assigning detentions and taking points from Slytherin if they didn't act accordingly.

Malfoy was the only one to dare and test Snape's warning. He made a rather rude comment about a secret love triangle between the 'golden trio.' He lost twenty points from his house and received detention with Filch that night.

The following day, Draco became the number one target for the new marauders. In the morning post he received a cursed letter that turned his skin green and his hair a bright yellow colour. While Harry was not responsible for the curse, he knew who was and it wasn't a surprise that even Flitwick couldn't remove the curse until it had run its course.

Harry stayed emotionally distant from his friends but he did make an effort to at least appear to be mending the fences. He spent most of his time with Ginny and Luna, since Ron and Hermione were often busy with 'other things.' This, of course, caused the rumours of Harry and Ginny's relationship to start again, but no one dared asked any questions directly to Harry himself.

It wasn't long before the first Hogsmeade weekend was upon them. Harry met Ginny at the gates of the school and led her down the road to his house in Hogsmeade. They had made Ron and Hermione go on their own in order to avoid unnecessary questions that could arise if Ron were to find out the identity of his new girlfriend. Harry had written to Bella about the trip a few days ago and she was excited to get the chance to make a woman out of Molly Weasley's youngest child.

Harry and Bella really didn't care who found out about their relationship as Voldemort already wanted her dead and Dumbledore seemed to be acting civil at the moment. If others knew the secret at this stage of the game it wouldn't really matter.

"Harry, where are we?" Ginny asked as he led her to a nice two story house which was a short distance from the main street but still secluded from the other houses nearby.

"This is one of my homes."

"Yours?" she asked and took a good look at the rather elegant house in front of her.

"Of course its mine. I couldn't have my girlfriend staying too far away from me now could I?

"You're naughty," she said and grinned as well, "I don't think I would have been able to keep up with your hormones."

"You're right, however, I'm not dating her because she can keep up with me sexually. You'll understand everything soon enough."

Harry led her to the door and opened it.

Ginny gasped as she felt the tingle of powerful magic running through her body as she walked in the front door. The wards on the house were very strong.

She looked through the small entrance hall for hints about the current occupant but it looked fairly normal, if not a little dark.

"Honey, I'm home!" Harry called.

Ginny looked towards the stairs as she hear fast footfalls heading their way. It wasn't long before a witch clad in black robes flung herself into Harry's arms with a squeal.

"Oh Merlin! Not her!" Ginny gasped and had to sit down because her knees became wobbly.

Bella smirked and separated from Harry but kept his hand in hers.

"Hi, Ginny!" Bella said with a mischievous grin.

"Miss Black." Ginny stammered.

"You don't have to be so formal. I am dating your best friend after all. I think that entitles you to be more relaxed around me. Call me Bella. Shocked?"

"Sure. I mean... Oh wow. I think a lot of things make sense now. Even why Hermione said that I wouldn't be able to match you...I mean, you're beautiful even for an...uhm...older woman... and you are very powerful and you can help Harry.

"I have a question that I have to ask and I'm sorry if it sounds spiteful as that's not my intention."

"Shoot!"

"I can understand why Harry wants to be with you; even it is in a twisted kind of way. But what do you see in him?"

She smiled one of her rare, true smiles, "Look at him, Ginny! Forget his age for once and only concentrate on the actual man. Take a careful look on his eyes!"

Bellatrix watched her eyes become sad before they took on a look of understanding.

Bella continued on, "I'll tell you what I see. I see a man who has matured too fast for his body. I see a man who has already fought in gruesome battles but has prevailed. I see a man, who protected the people dear to him despite the danger for himself. I see a man who conquered his own fears and accepted the burden of his fate. I see a man, who was used as a tool but freed himself of that. I see also a handsome and sexy young man who is well built and also sees me as sexy enough to be with me despite my past. I see also a very powerful and determined young wizard, full of cunning, mischievousness, humour but also hardness and righteous anger. I see also a man, who is full of well guarded emotions, and deep within him, a soaring flame of true love is burning and I know this flame is only burning for me. That is what I see in him, Ginny. Never could any other man give me the feeling that I get if I take one look in his eyes or if I simply hold his hand like I am at the moment. And believe it or not, but we are bonded."

Ginny gasped and looked questioningly at Harry but he only smiled, "She's my soul mate."

Ginny smiled and her eyes became moist. She hurried to him and hugged him fiercely, "I am so happy for you, for both of you. As far as I understand, Bellatrix deserves true love as much as you do."

She separated from him and hesitated, and finally, after a short shove from Harry, she hugged Bellatrix too, but much more lightly than she had Harry.

As she separated from the older woman, she was surprised to see tears in her blue eyes.

When she saw the tears in Bella's eyes, she smiled again, this time a bit more genuinely.

"It's still strange to see you two together; I mean, you could nearly be his mother. But if you forget the age difference, you fit very well together, especially with Harry's new coldness and cruelty. But I understand it's necessary. I hope, when the war is over, that he can help you as you've helped him. You helped him to become a hard warrior, ready for battle with Voldemort. I hope that one day he will be able to help you be able to feel again."

Bella smiled, "He's already done that. We never show it in front of others, but when we're alone, we show each other how we really feel. But on the outside... well, you got it already. Now, I believe we're here to make a woman out of you." Bella said with a grin, "Oh, your mother is going to hate me for this."

Harry created a portkey to take them to Diagon Alley and they all grabbed hold before swirling away.

Three hours later Harry, Ginny, and Bella reappeared in Harry's home.

"Thank you Harry." Ginny said happily.

"Give me those bags!" Harry said laughingly.

He took all of her bags and shrunk them down to a manageable size. He handed them back and she placed the miniaturized bags in her pocket.

"Now, Bella and I bought something for you." Harry said and took a little box out of his pocket. Bella grinned happily and clasped her hands.

Ginny stared at them with an astounded look. She took the box of his hands and opened it with a gasped, "What... Harry! You both have already spent so much money on me today! I can't take this on the top of everything else."

"Sure you can. We have more money than we could use in ten lifetimes. Anyways, it matches your new clothes and you got your ears pierced today too. Give it to me and I'll put it in."

She hesitated but realised that she wouldn't be able to get out of this. She smiled and handed him the little opened box. Harry took the small earring out of it and placed it carefully in her freshly pierced earlobe. Magic took care of the healing so that she didn't have to wear a special antiseptic ear piercing for days. On the silver earring was a special rune of protection.

"What is the rune for? I mean, it looks great but I'm guessing it has something to do with protection." Ginny asked.

"Right in one. Bella and I charmed it a little bit. It has a tracking charm, so we can find you anywhere. So wear it all the time." Harry said and grinned. Ginny smiled happily and hugged them both.

Harry turned around and kissed Bellatrix, "I'm sorry but we promised we would meet Ron and Hermione at the Three Broomsticks."

"I know. Wait! I have to tell you something. I got a letter from Narcissa. She wants to meet Me." she said uncertainly.

Harry thought about it and nodded, "She can meet us both next Saturday at the 'Fey Lounge'. It's more stylish than the Three Broomsticks but it's also here in the village. We'll meet her together. Chances are that she will bring either Lucius or Draco with her, maybe even both."

"She said she wouldn't betray me and turn me in to Voldemort but I think I like the thought of meeting her together with you.

"I'd like to be able to tell her about us though. She is my sister regardless of her husband."

He nodded, "I think we can. We're already on Riddle's hit list and Dumbledore's still being civil toward us, so it doesn't really matter anymore. And last but not least, we're both ready now." Then he grinned, "And I want to see their faces. So we will make it interesting."

She hugged him, "I love you."

"I love you too, Talon. I'll try and come by later tonight."

She nodded and kissed him passionately one last time.

Harry and Ginny walked down the street to the Three Broomsticks.

"You know I was shocked, to say the least." Ginny said, "And I still find it strange, but seeing the two of you together, its obvious that you love each other."

"Thank you. I hope you are over me now." he said sincerely.

"Its not something that can go away overnight. I realize that I don't stand a chance anymore, but it will still take some time."

"I know. Its good that your headed in the right direction though. Are you ready to shock everyone?" he asked grinning as they arrived at the entrance of the Three Broomsticks.

She nodded nervously and straightened her clothes.

He smiled reassuringly and opened the door for her.

She smiled back and entered the pub.

Inside the small dining area, all talking ceased.

Ron and Hermione were sitting at a separated table and chatted happily about their developing relationship and their now, slightly better, friendship to Harry, as the pub suddenly went silent.

Surprised, they both looked at the other patrons and looked in the direction they were looking. Time seemed to stop, as they saw who was entering the pub.

"Bloody Hell!" was all Ron could say, as he saw the woman beside Harry.

It didn't take him very long at all to recognize the smaller figure beside his one time best friend.

She stood tall and confident. She had, knee high black shining dragon hide boots, on which had slight plateau soles. Therefore she was now taller than Hermione. She wore black but transparent sexy tights. She also had a black short mini skirt which ended far above her knees and was made of stretch material. Above that she had diagonally attached a thin silver chain which replaced a belt but it hung loosely above the skirt.

Her blood red stretch top was cut high and tight, leaving her lower abdomen free for the world to see and accentuating her shapely upper body. The blood red stretch top which brought her well formed breasts out. On the top, directly above her breasts was a black Chinese dragon imprinted which was breathing black fire.

The most interesting item of clothing she wore though would have to be her shiny new trench coat. It was made of black dragon hide but cut in muggle style and reached down to her ankles. It made her really cool looking. She had a decent amount of light make up on her face with faintly visible rouge on her cheeks. Adding to that was black mascara and blood red lipstick that matched her top perfectly. And finally she had changed her hair as well.

It was no longer dull and lifeless, but silky and open hanging over her shoulders. She had many coal black strands in her fiery red hair so that it now looked like dark flames.

Harry was normally the centre of attention but with the dark gothic looking women next to him he was almost invisible.

Harry smirked as they moved over to their stunned friends and inwardly congratulated Bella's choice of clothing. He saw that nearly every male student couldn't take their eyes from her as she strode with swaying hips over to the table.

As she sat down, Harry hit Ron with a silencing spell, before he even could mutter a single word.

"You promised to let her go shopping with us and she did. Keep your promise!" Harry said sternly.

Hermione elbowed him and he groaned but nodded. They had a really nice evening and Ginny enjoyed the attention she got while Ron was busy with sending glares at every male in the restaurant.

Two hours later they were back in Hogwarts; sitting in the common room.

"Now I really want to know who your mysterious girlfriend is, Harry. She ruined my baby-sister." Ron groaned.

Ginny was already somewhere talking with a seventh year of Ravenclaw. His name was Michael Andrews. He was as tall as Ron and had short black hair and light blue eyes. He too was wearing mostly dark colours without emitting darkness in the sense of evilness.

"Ron get your head out of your ass. She's no baby anymore. She's a young woman and nearly of age. She is old enough to decide for herself whom she likes and you have nothing to say about it. You may keep an eye on her if you want protect her, but if you even think about interfering, you will regret it! Did I make myself clear?" Harry asked with a voice of steel.

Ron blanched, "But she is my little sister!"

"She is like a sister to me as well, Ron. But you are going to hurt her, if you interfere in her love life." Harry said seriously.

"And Harry isn't the only one who will make you regret your actions, Ronald Weasley!" Hermione added with vigour.

"Fine, so I cant interfere but I can guarantee Mum will not be pleased."

"That is an obstacle that Ginny has to take care of for herself." Harry said.

Ron grinned, "Obstacle. Nice wording, mate. Now, what about your girlfriend? Is she into the same kind of style, and if so, why?"

"Because she's really hot, Ron." came Ginny's voice from behind him. She sat down next to Harry and winked at him.

"Thanks for clearing that up. It explains everything you know." Ron groaned, "Am I the only one who doesn't know who she is?"

"Trust me; there's a reason for that. I was shocked, but you would go crazy." Ginny said and laughed.

"Same for me." Hermione added and snickered.

"I think you might find out soon enough, Ron. Stay calm until then and try to reign in your temper! I would hate to hurt you again because you can't keep you mouth shut and your thoughts to yourself. Ask Ginny or Hermione if they think Im suited for the girlfriend that I have?"

Ron scrutinized him carefully and looked questioningly to Hermione and Ginny. Both regarded him with serious looks.

"He's right. I was shocked to the bone, but I can see that they belong together." Hermione said seriously.

"I was even more shocked than her Ron. But if you do really think about it, you'll see that they are good for each other. And I could see something more. They are radiating pure passion when they are together.. And show it at least. But there is more about both of them. They are true soul-mates."

Hermione gasped and looked questioningly at Harry. He smiled and nodded.

"Congratulations." she whispered.

"Thanks."

Ron looked once again at Harry and his eyes widened, "I think, I know who your girlfriend is."

Harry had a devious glint in his eyes but Hermione and Ginny looked uncertainly at Ron.

"Is it possible that she's far older than you and is already a member of your family... the Black family and she is a dark witch?" Ron asked seriously without any hint of judgement.

Harry smiled, "I knew you could figure it out sooner or later."

"I don't believe it!" Ron bellowed, "How could you go out with her? You're crazy! She is evil! She… I bet she only uses you! You better stay away from that bitch or we won't be friends anymore! And keep her away from my sister!"

You could see the hurt in Harry's eyes as he stood up and left the room without looking back.

"What?" Ron asked disbelievingly, "He chooses her over me?"

"You bloody idiot! If you ever dare say such a thing to them or about them again, I will hex you into oblivion." Ginny bellowed and stormed out after Harry.

Ron fumed and turned to his girlfriend, only to be shocked yet again. She glared at him with pure rage in her eyes. Nobody had seen a similar expression from her ever and a shudder ran down his spine.

"What about the word soul mates did you not understand you bastard? They belong together! They love each other! And you wonder why he chose her over you? Because you're not being a friend to him! You betrayed him along with us. He needs us and now that we're starting to mend the rift between us, you push him away again about something, that you have no say over! I'll tell you what! Stay away from me until you come to your senses Ronald Weasley! I will not talk to you or meet with you again until you have apologized to him AND HER!" Hermione said in an icy voice and stormed off to her dorm, not after Harry.

Jealously added to the rage in the eyes of the red headed teenager and he muttered curses under his breath.

Ginny caught up with Harry quickly since he hadn't gone far. He was leaning against the wall directly outside the Gryffindor Tower trying to calm himself down.

She joined him, "I'm sorry."

"You don't need to be." He said reassuringly, "You accepted my girlfriend and you stood up for me. That's all that matters."

"Thank you. But still, I can't believe his immature behaviour." she fumed.

"I knew it would go badly." Harry sighed, "He is too much of a Gryffindor and he sees everything in back and white. Add his stubbornness and jealously and … well you get the picture."

She nodded.

"I think Hermione's in there giving him a dressing down too."

"Please be there for her. Tell her she shouldn't worry about me and not to endanger her relationship because of me." Harry said seriously.

"But they wouldn't…"

"They would. Trust me. Can you go and talk to Hermione for me please," Harry asked her.

She nodded, "And you? Are you okay?"

"I'm going to go and get my own support," he said with a smile.

She smiled too, "Go and talk to her."

"I'm going. Just talk to Hermione for me." Harry said and left.

She walked back into the common room to see Ron sitting by himself on the couch. She shot him an accusing glare and went after Hermione. She made sure to tell Hermione everything that Harry had wanted her to say but Hermione was adamant that she was doing the right thing,

"I cant be with him if he's going to be so immature Ginny. That's just the way it is."

Ginny sighed and nodded, "I hope it works out, Velvet. I like seeing you together with Ron."

Hermione smiled, "I hope that he comes to his senses too, but judging from his reaction, I'm worried about the reaction of the rest of your family if the truth comes out."

Ginny sighed, "I think my brothers will be okay with it and my father already treats Harry as an adult so that wont matter but mum will be the hardest to make understand. She's just like Ron. She sees everything in black and white, no grey. Not to mention how much hatred she showed towards Bella this summer."

"I hope it doesn't get too bad. I know she loves Harry as a son, but she could act rashly and that would be bad."

"We can only hope. And you? Are you alright?" Ginny asked concerned.

Hermione had moist and red rimmed eyes, but she nodded determinedly.

"If we break up over this then I would rather that it happen now, over this, than over some other stupid issue later on down the road."

Ginny hugged her, "Whatever happens, I will be there for you. I know Harry will too."

AN: Thanks again for all your reviews.