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Songs for this chapter:
Isabel's Theme [See Profile]
Isabel & Sirius' Theme [See Profile]
The Sister's Theme [See Profile]
Hogwarts' Hymn - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Soundtrack
Play - Flunk
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.


Minerva had taken care of Barty Crouch Jr, so I stood outside of Dumbledore's office, waiting for my next instruction. Father had taken the real Alastor Moody to the hospital wing to be attended to. I leaned against the wall and ran my hand through my hair. I was a little stressed about the events of the past few hours. Suddenly, Dumbledore's office door swung open, and Dumbledore stepped out slowly.

"Isabel, there is someone in here that would like to see you. But hurry, you haven't got much time," he said. I wondered who Dumbledore was talking about. There were so many possibilities. I slowly walked into Dumbledore's office to see Sirius standing there, his hands in his pockets and a grin on his face. My face lit up as I ran over to him and threw myself into his arms.

"Sirius!" I exclaimed before kissing him softly. It felt a little awkward knowing Dumbledore was watching us, but I just needed Sirius at the moment. Sirius broke the kiss and then pulled me into a hug.

"Are you alright?" He asked. I nodded into his chest.

"I'm okay. A little unsettled, but alright." I closed my eyes as I kept my head on his chest. I didn't want to move. This was the only place I felt comfortable at the moment, in the arms of Sirius.

"Everything will be fine, Isabel, I promise you," Sirius said to me. I nodded on his chest while listening to his heartbeat. It was so soft; so pure.

"Isabel, Sirius, I do not wish to break up this warm moment, except Harry is on his way and it would be quite a shock to the system for him if he were to see you together like this," Dumbledore said, snapping Sirius and I out of our little moment. Dumbledore was right. Harry didn't need another shock. Not now, at least.

"I say we just tell him," Sirius said to me. I shook my head instantly.

"No, Sirius. Later. Not now."

"Fine, fine," he said, stepping back from me so we had some distance between us. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I moved across to the other side of the room as Dumbledore opened the door. A pale Harry then walked in. His eyes were fixed to the floor, and he seemed as if he hadn't slept properly.

"Harry?" Sirius said. Harry's head snapped up, and his eyes met Sirius'. It looked like there was a twinkle in his eye as he saw his Godfather, half smiling at him. Harry walked over to Sirius and hugged him tightly. Sirius was the only family Harry had left, and it was heart warming to see the bond that they had between them. Harry's eyes were then suddenly glued to me.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore just needed some information, that's all," I replied calmly. Harry seemed to brush it off and turned his attention back to Dumbledore and Sirius.

"You won't be needed anymore, Isabel, thank you," Dumbledore said. I nodded, glanced at Sirius, then turned around and left the Headmaster's office. While walking away, I couldn't help but think that I just wanted mine and Sirius' relationship out in the open. Keeping it a secret was killing me. I guess I just wanted people to know that someone cared about Sirius as much as I did.


Later that night, I went to go visit Father. I needed to talk with him about this turn of events. Our family wasn't safe anymore, and we needed a plan to protect each other. I stood up and walked out from my office to be met by worried Minerva. She had a look on her face. That 'something is terribly wrong' look.

"Minerva, if you have bad news, tell me now," I said to her. How could this possibly get any worse?

"Fudge has been to visit Albus. He's denying You-Know-Who is back, and he's saying Potter was lying about everything."

"What?" I was shocked to say the least. These are the points that our leaders should be standing up, not becoming cowards. "This is a joke. He is a joke. I'm telling you from the first time I ever saw him I didn't like him."

"Not many people like him, Isabel. He's paranoid."

"Minerva, this is important. This man is literally controlling our future as a society. With him in charge, we have no hope." Minerva seemed to think about what I had said quite deeply. She looked down at the ground, her lips pursed and her foot tapping. She glanced up at me and sighed.

"There's always hope, Isabel."


A few days passed, and the whole school just seemed blank. It was a shock to the system, but I didn't think that the students would take it this way. Even people that didn't know him felt as if someone had taken away something precious to them. The teachers, however, were different. We were all trying to digest the news that Voldemort had returned. Everyone believed Harry. Why wouldn't we? How could Cedric just turn up dead? I couldn't imagine how Dumbledore and Harry were feeling. I was also a little shaken up from my encounter with Barty Crouch Jr. He just reminded me how utterly disgusting the Death Eaters were. They had no respect for life. It made me shudder just thinking about it.


I was walking through the Clock Tower courtyard when I saw someone out of the corner of my eye. They were on the Covered Bridge, looking out at the scenery. It was Harry. I sighed and walked over to him. He seemed lonely - like no one cared. Harry turned towards me when he heard my footsteps. There was so much confusion and sadness in his eyes. I felt so sorry for him.

"Do you ever think that life could get any tougher?" Harry asked me, turning back to look at the scenery.

"I often do think that it could get tougher, but I'm not you, Harry."

"This is frightening me, Isabel," Harry said, running his hand through his hair.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't frightened, Harry. I think we're all frightened at the prospect of You-Know-Who returning. But, Harry, you're not alone in this." I smiled at Harry, trying to assure him that he'd be alright. Problem was, I didn't know if we were going to be alright myself. I had a feeling that Voldemort returning was going to have a huge effect on the whole Wizarding World. The idea that there was going to be a War was playing over in my mind.

"I know I'm not alone," Harry said, breaking the silence. "I just don't want anyone that I care about to get hurt." Harry's capability to love and care so strongly still surprised me to this day.

"Harry, you don't need to worry about that right now. Just...don't think about it, Harry."

"That's fantastic advice," Harry replied before bursting out laughing. I began to laugh, and soon enough, Harry and I were trying to catch our breath because we had been laughing too much.

"Promise me something, Isabel," Harry said.

"Anything, Harry."

"We'll get through this. We'll get through it all." I smiled at Harry and nodded.

"We'll get through it all."

xxxxx


I entered the Great Hall with my father, and proceeded to the front. Instead of house colours, there were black drapes everywhere. I sat down next to Fleur. Beside her was Gabrielle. They were both as pale as ghosts, most likely still trying to recover from the other day. The hall was silent. So silent you could hear a pin drop. The expression of each and every person in the room told the story. Some were already crying, some just had blank looks on their face. They had lost someone special. Someone close to them. I wasn't as close to Cedric as many of the other teachers and students, but I knew how incredible he was. He was truly unique. The room was soon filled with the sound of loud footsteps, and before we knew it, Albus Dumbledore was standing in front of us all. I felt Fleur reach for my hand. I took her hand and gripped it tightly. I glanced over at my father, who stared straight ahead. Although he didn't want to show it or say it, I knew how he was feeling right now. He was frightened about the future of our world...just like the rest of us.

"Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. Cedric Diggory was as you all know, exceptionally hard working, infinitely fair-minded and most importantly a fierce, fierce friend. Now I think therefore you have the right to know exactly how he died. You see, Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort. The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this, but not to do so I think would be an insult to his memory," Dumbledore said. There were gasps and cries when the Headmaster mentioned You-Know-Who's name. Cedric had been murdered by a cold, disgusting being. I didn't want to think about how Harry was feeling. He would be reliving the memory of Cedric being killed. I closed my eyes, and a tear fell. Dumbledore continued his speech, and I could hear Fleur's tears from beside me. I tightened my grip on her hand.

"Remember, if the time should come, when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory." What is right and what is easy. I knew what I would be choosing. I would be fighting for my freedom. For Fleur's, for Gabrielle's, for Mother's, for Harry's, for Sirius'. I wouldn't be taking the easy way out this way...no matter how frightening the future seemed to me.


It was the day to say goodbye to my sisters. They were to go back to France. I was dreading this day. I had enjoyed my sisters being here with me. I walked to what was seeming like the 'farewell area' and spotted my two sisters, standing there by themselves. Gabrielle tugged on Fleur's coat when she saw me, and started running towards me. I kneeled down and Gabrielle threw her arms around my neck.

"Goodbye, Isabel," Gabrielle said, a tone of sadness in her voice. I broke Gabrielle's hold of me and then took her hands. I smiled at her and tried to keep the tears back. I wanted her to stay so desperately.

"Did you say goodbye to Dobby?" I asked. Gabrielle nodded with a sad smile, becoming teary herself. I wiped a tear from her cheek as she sniffed.

"It won't be long until we see each other soon, I promise. Until then, you have to grow big and strong for me. And I need you to be strong for Mother. Be there for her as much as you can. Can you do that?" I asked. Gabrielle nodded and smiled. I kissed her on the head and stood back up. I turned to Fleur and hugged her tightly. I closed my eyes and took in this feeling. The feeling of warmth, family and love.

"I'm going to miss having you around," I said, reluctantly letting go of her.

"Eet won't be forever," Fleur told me, "besides, you're probably happy to be finally getting rid of me." I laughed at Fleur's little joke and hugged her again.

"Be there for Mother, too. She needs support. And never give your father a chance to hurt you or abuse you. If he does, make sure you send me a letter or apparate to me with Gabrielle. Make sure you keep Gabrielle safe."

"I will, Isabel. Promise. Now, eet seems like someone else wants to speak to you." Fleur pointed over my shoulder, and I turned to see Madame Maxime walking towards me. I contemplated walking off, but I don't think Fleur would be very happy if I did that.

"Professor Snape, may I 'ave a word?" Maxime asked.

"Of course," I replied, nodding, before moving over to the corner with Maxime where we could have some privacy.

"May I first say that I am sorry," Maxime said. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Olympe Maxime, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, was apologising...to me? I breathed in deeply, attempting to keep the smart remark that I had planned as a comeback inside. I was to be mature about this.

"Thank you, Madame Maxime. I appreciate your apology," I said. "I also apologise for the way I acted towards you. It wasn't appropriate and I was acting like a child at times. Sometimes I forget that I'm a teacher and not a student."

"You are young, you have much to learn. I do not hold it against you."

"Thank you. And please keep Gabrielle safe. Fleur can look after herself. I just want to make sure that Gabrielle is properly protected."

"I would never let anything happen to her." Maxime nodded and turned her back to me. She walked away gracefully. Her walk was awkward to watch, because she was so large, yet so elegant in the way she moved. There were calls for the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to say their last goodbyes and head off. Gabrielle and Fleur walked past me quickly, gave me one last hug and made their way to where the rest of the Beauxbatons students were lined up. I wiped a tear and smiled. I would miss them, but I knew I'd see them again soon.


It was hard to believe that this was it. Another year had finished. I was packing up my trunk in my office, trying to keep a clear head. The damage had been done, though. I was nervous and frightened about what was to come next. It was all so confusing. Would I be split up from certain people? Would it be forbidden for me to go and see Sirius? So many questions that might remain unanswered. There was a loud knock at my door, and I jumped. I breathed out slowly, trying to compose myself.

"It's open!" I called out. I turned to see the greasy hair and hooked nose of my father.

"Isabel, are you almost ready to go?" Father asked. I continued packing my trunk, not answering. It was like I didn't really hear his question; or I did hear his question, but my body just didn't want to answer it.

"Isabel." The same thing happened. I just continued packing, however, the packing became more frantic.

"Isabel!" Father's booming voice startled me so much that I dropped a picture frame I was packing and screamed. Father put his arms on my shoulders and turned me to face him.

"Isabel, listen to me, please. You need to calm down," he said. My rapid breathing slowed down while I closed my eyes to calm myself down. I opened my eyes again and looked right into my father's black eyes.

"I'm alright," I whispered.

"No you aren't," Father said. "I understand what's happening. You're terrified. Terrified of the future and what it holds. It's happening to other people, too. They're scared. But I am telling you now, I'm going to protect you, no matter what it takes." I nodded before bursting into tears. My head fell onto my father's chest as he put his arms around me slowly. He held me tight as I cried onto his black robes.

"I'm so scared," I said.

"I'll protect you." Everything then went silent, as if I just blocked out every other sound except my father's heartbeat. Suddenly, we were interrupted by a cough. We turned to see a house elf, standing there, looking up at us curiously.

"Professor Snape?" The house elf said.

"Which one?" I asked, wiping tears with the sleeve of my dress.

"Young Miss Professor Snape," the house elf stated.

"Yes?"

"Headmaster Dumbledore wants to see Professor Snape immediately."


A/N: Hello all. I am so sorry for the late update. I feel quite guilty actually, but it's just been so hectic with Christmas and New Years. And I've had a lot of trouble finishing this chapter.By the way, how was your Christmas and New Years? I hope it was great.

I have a real treat coming up for you over the next few chapters. There will be a lot of Sirius, Tonks will be back, and a few surprises for you too!

Ooh, and we've hit 50 chapters! It seems so surreal that I have written so much in this period of time. There's plenty more to come, though!

Next Chapter (A long sneak peek for you guys!)

"I actually have had the pleasure of meeting Miss. Snape," a voice said from the front of the room. I looked up to see Sirius standing there, grinning at me. My heart slowed down as I breathed out slowly. What this man did to me...it was utterly ridiculous. He walked over to me, took my hand and kissed it.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Miss. Snape," Sirius said. He released my hand, and I felt feint. I looked over at Molly, who was eyeing Sirius, her eyes full of suspicion.