"Are you quite sure you're alright Sirius? You've been in an odd mood ever since you got back from visiting Bella." James said as he helped himself to another chicken leg at dinner.

Sirius nodded his wild black hair falling in front of his grey eyes. "Prongs is right you are acting odder than ever." Peter said raising an eyebrow as he looked at his friend. Sirius grinned at Peter.

"I'm fine will you stop fussing." Sirius said shortly causing James and Peter to shrug their shoulders and return back to eating.

"Okay Miss Black before you go I want to make sure you understand a few things. Firstly under no circumstances are you to take part in the practical side of Defence against the Dark…."

"But that's my favourite!" Bella interrupted chewing her bottom lip and looking up pleadingly at Madame Pomfrey.

"Bella no matter how much you persist and sulk I shan't allow you to take part. If you get hurt there could be serious repercussions for you and your child. I shall speak to Professor Dumbledore myself. Now I would like you to come for a check up every fortnight then we can see how well you're coping and things."

"Madame Pomfrey?" Bella said meekly.

"Yes Bella."

"What about…about the physical symptoms." Bella said a hand going instinctively to her stomach. "Narcissa put a charm on me so it wouldn't show."

"Ah the Reduci Monason charm. Well Bella it's up to you; have you decided what you want to do about the baby? The use of the Reduci Monason charm is pointless if you plan to keep the child, since everyone will sooner or later discover your situation." Poppy said softly.

Bella nodded and nervously toyed with a strand of hair. "I'm not getting rid of my baby. I couldn't do that."

"Well my dear that's your decision. Now go and join the rest of your house and get something to eat." Poppy said softly.

Bellatrix nodded and stood up. "Thank you Madame Pomfrey." She uttered as she left the infirmary.

"What is with you Sirius?" Remus asked collaring Sirius as James and Peter were otherwise engaged in a heated debate over the tactics for the next Quidditch match with Nathaniel McDermott. "I can't talk about it here." Sirius whispered, looking awkwardly around the hall. He looked up, his spirits somewhat brightened as he saw his cousin take a seat at the Slytherin table. Remus followed his glance and sighed. "Sirius, stop looking at her. You're attracting unwanted attention." He whispered urgently, all too aware of the inquisitive and resentful eyes of Lucius Malfoy and Rudolphus Lestrange, which were focused on Sirius. "Fine, fine. She should be eating more than that though." Sirius said having seen the little amount Bellatrix had put onto her plate.

"Sirius you aren't Bella's mother."

"So!" Sirius said indignantly.

"So stop worrying. Madame Pomfrey obviously thinks Bella is well enough to return to school life and I think her judgement is sound." Remus said attempting to pacify his agitated comrade. Sirius muttered some very choice words but settled back to eating his meal.

Bellatrix meanwhile was having somewhat of a more eventful meal with every Slytherin firing questions at her as to why she'd collapsed. Eventually Narcissa sensing her sister's fragile state intervened and stated that everyone should leave Bella be and allow her to get on with her meal. Bellatrix sent a grateful smile to her sister and continued to eat ignoring some of the lower year Slytherin's who continued to pester her.

After the meal had ended the students made their way to their common rooms or to the library if they were particularly studious. "Shall we go to the library?" James said suddenly causing his friends to look at him confusion on their faces.

"James Potter wanting to study! I think the world must be coming to an end!" Peter quipped causing Remus to laugh out loud.

"I think James's eagerness to make our presence known in the library has more to do with a certain red-haired prefect rather than any wish to nurture his mind." Remus said.

"Ahh I forgot all about Miss Evans. Pity she thinks you're a pain in the back teeth!" Sirius said livening up somewhat.

James rolled his eyes. "So what if I like Lily. Are you telling me there's no young lady who's caught your eye?" James said defiantly.

"So what if there is one!" Sirius shot back sticking his tongue out at his friend playfully.

"You two I suggest that if you wish to even get in the library you lower your voices you know what Madame Harper is like." Remus said as they made their way along the corridor.