Octavia was cold.

She was sitting in McGonagall's office, alone, covered in a blanket and sipping some hot cocoa. The room wasn't cold, and the summer was quickly approaching; but something in Octavia made her cold.
Octavia trilled her breathing when she heard the adults enter the room. McGonagall, Shacklebolt, Lucius and Potter all crowded in and looked down at Octavia sitting in a chair.
"…I'm ashamed…" Octavia said into her cup.
"Octavia, we don't want to lock you up in Azkaban. You're not evil, just misguided. Now please, tell us why," Kingsley said.
The teenager sighed.
"After we learned more about the horocruxes, I thought I could save my sister. I mean, if anything or anyone went near my sister again… I could take them down. But after we did… my feelings changed. I started feeling dark and saw myself change. It wasn't about protecting Milly anymore… it was about revenge. I started thinking about how much I hated Mum. I was more vocal to that guy at the Hogs Head-"
"Calisto," McGonagall said.
"Yeah," Octavia said, "And eventually I plotted to do exactly what my thoughts said I should…"
"I see," Kingsley said.
"Minister," Lucius said, and cleared his throat before continuing, "Do you really think Azkaban is appropriate for a young lady? The events in the last few weeks were not completely her fault."
Lucius's tone was cool, but not cold. It was like he was genuinely concerned, but trying to be professional.
Kingsley turned and said, "Yes, I understand, Mr. Malfoy. Nor do I believe Octavia's actions were purely her own doings. However, what she did was serious. Serious enough she and her peers took the life of a friend. Something must be done."
"…How are the others…Jean, Carson and Marissa?"
"They were expelled. And I'm afraid regardless of the official punishment; so will you," McGonagall said darkly.
Octavia sniffled hard and tried to keep herself from crying. She was crushed; 100 percent crushed.
"Octavia, I'm going to let you go home and be with your family. I'm afraid it will take a bit of time to calm the papers and get your punishment; but right now I want you to do something now," the Minister said.
"The papers…" Octavia moaned lowly, "And of course; anything, sir."
"I want you now to write a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Bland."
Octavia hadn't thought of Balinda since she died. It was a weird sensation. A girl who was never really her friend, taken by her own hand was haunting her just now. It was eerie.
"We'll give you some time," McGonagall said as she, Lucius, and Kingsley left.
Harry Potter, however, stayed. He was silent until now, and only began to speak when the other adults left.
"You're quite a duelist," Harry said.
"Yeah."
"Nearly got me. Second or two more and I'd be finished."
He leaned on the Headmistress's desk.
"Why are you here?" Octavia asked and looked up into Harry's emerald-colored eyes.
Harry could see tears welling in her grey eyes.
"I want to help you. Octavia, I've battled the dark arts and you're not Voldemort. I can see it in your eyes."
"How do you know!?" Octavia snapped, "How do you know I'm not tainted?"
Harry was quiet for a moment, thinking of what to say, but he finally managed to say, "I know this. You went down the path your father did-"
"My father?" Octavia asked as she used some of the blanket to blot her eyes.
"Yes. See, you're father got in heavy with Voldemort. All your family was. He was going to do something terrible; but he didn't. It wasn't him."
"What did they do?" Octavia asked.
"I don't think it's my place to say…" Harry trailed off but quickly picked up, "The point is: you're family isn't horrible and evil."
"I just wanted to help my sister…"
"Do you know what's the difference between you and Voldemort and every other dark witch or wizard?"
"Hm?"
"Voldemort had no friends or family and he didn't want any. You wanted to protect your family."
"I guess…"
The two sat and listened as Octavia sipped her drink. It was Harry who asked if Octavia wanted him to help her write her letter to Balinda's parents. Harry knew she wanted to ask; but with Slytherin pride and such…

After about 15 minutes Octavia had the first part of her letter. After a few more minutes Harry helped her add more and more until she had a nice sized letter.

"…Mr. Potter?" Octavia asked.
"Yes?"
"Where Grandfather? I want to go home."