Thank you for all your reviews lurve2boogie, Whitelight72, lostinsidesaveme, zuska1985 and alix33,they've really helped in motivating me to continue writing this story and planning a sequel about the maraudersseventh year. I hope you like the new title lurv2boogie. Alix33 I didn't say who was the quidditch captain but I work under the assumption it is James, hehe. I think James would be mad about quidditch like Harry and considering there are the extra quidditch matches - family involved ones in this fic- any excuse for a quidditch practice would befun. I don't think James would be like Oliver Wood lol,I think he'd be more laid back and easy going lol so quidditch practice on the last day would be justa fun event. Also Sirius coaxing an owl downadds to thesleepy and quiet atmosphereI was going for in this scene, sorry if it wasn't totally cannon correct. Umm I think that's about it. If I'vemissed a question or you have any about this fiction feel free to ask again.

I hope you like this chapter. Please let me know what you think, thanks, Mulan xxx.

Chapter 9

Ebony's mind went blank. Her thoughts, worries and problems were instantly removed. "But why?" A small voice muttered in the back of her head, as another louder voice told her to stop the waiter in his quest to find Dumbledore.

"No," the small voice said firmly, as Ebony thought desperately of Sirius, Lily and the others.

"Stop him," commanded the louder voice harshly.

Ebony's thoughts became confused. The conflicting voices were becoming louder and more difficult to decipher.

"Stop it," Ebony shouted out, grabbing her head, her eyes watering. The people in the pub looked at her concerned. "Please," said Ebony, whimpering under the screams of the two voices. She leaned heavily against the door frame. The voices seemed to be satisfied, as both stopped immediately.

The waiter again shouted out another destination, "The Three Broomsticks," in the hope of finding Dumbledore. When he looked back to where Ebony had been standing just moments before, she had disappeared.

Ebony was standing outside the now closed door of the Leaky Cauldron, her mind blanker than ever. Bellatrix Lestrange stood beside her.

"Now that wasn't too hard was it?" said Bellatrix in a whisper, taking Ebony's wand out of her pocket and placing it in her own. "We don't need old Dumbledore here do we?" she continued.

Ebony was mentally exhausted. Her eyes flickered as she stood emotionless beside a sneering Bellatrix.

"Right, back down here," a voice said inside Ebony's head. Ebony moved instinctively, following the voice's commands, the quieter reasoning voice that had spoken earlier, not speaking so much as a whisper.

Bellatrix and Ebony headed back down and across the road towards the alleyway where the others were waiting for them.

"Did she put up much of a fight," said Rodolphus Lestrange, sneering at Ebony's mute emotionless form before grinning at his wife's elated face.

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Bellatrix laughed in a callous voice, looking at Ebony and smirking, "Stupid little Mudblood."

"What have you done to her?" Sirius shouted angrily, looking desperately at Ebony.

"Ahh," said Bellatrix, a look of glee on her face. "Now that would be telling, wouldn't it."

"Why you vile, horrible old hag!" shrieked Lily.

"Watch your tongue, or you'll be next," warned Bellatrix, her eyes flashing menacingly. "Your friend is under my control," she said dangerously. "It wouldn't be too hard for me to force her to kill you"

"You've used the Imperious curse on her, haven't you!" yelled Sirius.

"Now aren't we clever," Rodolphus muttered with a sneer.

"You've used an illegal curse on her," shouted Sirius angrily. "You horrible-"

"Ahh, ahh. I wouldn't finish that if I were you," said Bellatrix, the smile vanishing from her face as she pointed her wand at Ebony. Ebony began to do an elaborate tap dance around the group. "Now follow," she said, pointing at Ebony who led the way down to the very bottom of the alley and into a nearby warehouse, still tap dancing.

"In," commanded Bellatrix, as Sirius halted at the door and looked back uncertainly at his friends.

Sirius did as he was told and entered the warehouse followed by James, Lily, Remus and Peter. They stood huddled in a group around Ebony, in the centre of the deserted warehouse.

Bellatrix flicked her wand lazily and Ebony, her mind clearing instantly, crumpled to the floor.

"What the-" she stammered, struggling to her feet. "Where are we?"

Bellatrix, a look of glee etched across her deep set features, forced the group to huddle closer together. James gripped Lily's hand tightly and pulled her behind him. Peter and Ebony stood behind Remus and Sirius. Ebony, realising what was happening, grabbed the back of Sirius' belt, and pulled him backwards out of Bellatrix's reach.

Bellatrix sneered, moving closer, followed by Rodolphus. "Blood traitors, over there," she ordered, pointing to her right. "Mudbloods, over here," she muttered with contempt, pointing to her left.

No one stirred. Bellatrix, her face reddening with anger, looked at Rodolphus and strode forwards towards Sirius and the others, her wand raised. Rodolphus walked around the other side of the group, his wand also raised. Bellatrix muttered something Sirius couldn't hear, but felt the effects immediately.

Sirius, who had grabbed Ebony's hand, to steady himself after being yanked backwards, felt their hands being ripped apart and he was knocked sideways along with James and Peter.

Bellatrix and Rodolphus managed to separate Lily, Ebony and Remus from the others. Bellatrix grinned at Sirius menacingly and forced him, James and Peter away from the others, who were being rounded up by her husband.

"Is that your Mudblood girlfriend then?" Bellatrix jeered, trying to provoke Sirius.

"Shut up," he snapped bitterly, his face flushing pink. Bellatrix scowled. Flicking her wand, she conjured up a metal cage around him, James and Peter, sealing it magically so they couldn't escape.

"How does it feel to be caged like some dumb animal," Bellatrix cackled, watching the bars shrink so that Sirius and the others were forced into crouching position. "Right then, to business," she said, turning to face Lily, Ebony and Remus, who were being forced towards her by Rodolphus. "Now comes the fun."

"Leave them alone," Sirius shouted desperately.

"Now now Sirius. What fun would that be?" she coaxed. "Besides, the Dark Lord shows no mercy to those who betray him."

"We haven't done anything!" he shouted angrily.

"You forget your place," she snapped. "You three," she pointed her wand at James, Sirius and Peter, "Are blood traitors. You have disgraced the name of wizard. And those," she said, sneering at Lily Ebony and Remus "Committed the crime of being born!"

"Why you-" Sirius shouted.

"Crucio!" Bellatrix screamed over his shouts. The spell hit the metal bars and reverberated around the whole cage. James, Sirius and Peter all let out strangled bloodcurdling screams and crumpled to the floor as the curse encircled them.

Bellatrix smirked, lifting it and watching them shake. "Now keep your mouth shut, unless you'd like another dose."

Rodolphus let out a loud booming laugh, still holding back Lily, Ebony and Remus, as he watched the others shake with the after effects of the curse.

"Right, who wants to go first," she muttered, forcing Lily, Ebony and Remus apart.

James, Sirius and Peter watched helplessly from their cage, as the others were lined up in a row facing them, terrified looks etched across their faces. Bellatrix stood behind Ebony, Rodolphus standing behind Lily and Remus.

Silence descended on the room as all held their breath. "Crucio!" Bellatrix cried, pointing her wand at Ebony, who fell to the floor screaming and writhing in agony. She looked down at her, glee and excitement shining in her eyes, a smile stretched across her face.

The connection broke and Ebony lay on the floor shaking violently. "Ahh," sighed Bellatrix, feeling the adrenaline coursing through her veins, "That was good!" She turned and raised her wand at Lily, Rodolphus raising his own at Remus.

"Cru-" Bellatrix began.

Ebony struggled to her feet, still shaking, but looking defiant. "No you don't, you horrible old hag," she shouted, as Lily shrank back terrified. She grabbed a handful of Bellatrix's hair and knocked the wand out of her hand before dragging her backwards, Bellatrix kicking and flailing.

Rodolphus raised his wand, pointing it at Ebony, but before being able to mutter a curse, Remus had jumped on him, flooring him and struggling to gain control of the wand.

"Stupefy!" Rodolphus managed in a smothered voice. Remus collapsed on to the floor beside him.

"Why you foul loathsome toad!" Lily cried, as she clawed at the man's face in a rage, gauging at the flesh.

"Stupefy!" Rodolphus yelled again, hitting Lily square in the chest, causing her to collapse on top of him.

He pushed her off and struggled to his feet, causing the five teenagers' wands he had, to fall out of his robes and shoot across the floor. He ignored them however, instead looking intently at his wife, who was lying on the floor struggling against Ebony, who was sitting on top of her trying to keep Bellatrix's wand out of reach.

James, Sirius and Peter struggled against the bars of the cage, banging against them with all their might, shouting at Rodolphus.

Rodolphus pointed his wand at them and shouted "Crucio!" The shouting and swearing immediately turned to screams and cries, Peter's the most pronounced.

"Stop, please stop," he screamed at the top of his lungs. "I'll do anything, just make it stop!"

"Haha," Rodolphus laughed. "You have no idea of the weapons the Dark Lord possesses, or the power!"

"Stop, please!" Peter shrieked.

"Peter shut up," James and Sirius managed amongst their screams.

Rodolphus lifted the curse. "Had enough?" he laughed cruelly, as Peter lay whimpering on the floor.

Over on the other side of the warehouse, Ebony and Bellatrix were still fighting like Muggles, Bellatrix's wand lying abandoned beside them. Sirius could see Bellatrix had a swollen and bloody nose and the startings of a black eye. Ebony was bleeding from the mouth, but looked defiant.

Bellatrix grabbed a handful of Ebony's hair and yanked hard. "Oww," Ebony cried, her hands fumbling for Bellatrix's own.

"Why you little-" Bellatrix cried angrily, as Ebony's fist collided with her cheekbone. Bellatrix, who was slightly smaller but of a bigger build than Ebony, managed to throw her off.

Lying sprawled out on the floor, Ebony could see her wand, which had fallen out of Bellatrix's pocket, not some ten feet from her. She scrambled towards it, stretching with all her might.

"No you don't," Bellatrix cried, grabbing her ankle and pulling her back.

Rodolphus muttered, "Expelliarmus!" as Ebony struggled desperately against the grip on her leg, her foot colliding with Bellatrix's head. The wand flew across floor away from them. Angry tears stung Ebony's eyes as she scrambled away from Bellatrix and Rodolphus, scouring the floor for another wand.

Bellatrix scrambled to her feet ungainly and, grabbing her wand, advanced towards Ebony, Rodolphus right beside her, wands raised.

"No!" Sirius shouted desperately, as Ebony backed fruitlessly away from them, running out of room and shrinking into the corner, unarmed and alone, fear evident in her beautiful eyes.

Bellatrix wiped the blood away from her nose, her eyes glinting malevolently. She raised her wand and cried, "Crucio!" with her husband.

Ebony let out a gut wrenching, bone chilling, bloodcurdling scream as both Bellatrix and Rodolphus used the curse on her together. James, Sirius, and Peter rose their hands to their ears, trying to block out the screams.

Ebony felt like she was on fire. Every inch of her body burned red-hot, like she was being branded with innumerable pokers. Her mind was filled only with the searing pain. She had felt nothing like it in her entire life. Her body convulsed and she felt an overwhelming urge to vomit, but the pain and convulsions wouldn't let her. Her mind felt like it would explode at any second, and all she could hear were the sounds of her own screams and Bellatrix's cackling laugh. She wanted it to stop with all her might. I want to curl up and die, she thought desperately. Just let me die! But her pleas went unheard. She could feel her strength and resolve slipping away, her will cracking under the immense pressure of the curse. Finally she blacked out.

Where's Dumbledore? Sirius thought desperately. Why can't anyone hear what's happening? We're all going to die, he thought hopelessly. This is it. This is the end!

The screams had died away. Ebony lay motionless on the floor. Bellatrix looked back at Sirius, glee etched across her face. "I hate you," he yelled, angry tears burning in his eyes. On his other side, Sirius could see Lily and Remus stirring. Rodolphus moved towards them, his wand raised as they struggled to their feet.

"Who's next?" said Bellatrix grinning. Lily and Remus looked from Ebony's limp form lying in the corner to Bellatrix's ecstatic face, feeling sick to the stomach.

Remus pushed Lily behind him nervously, as he watched Bellatrix drag Ebony back across the floor to within ten feet of the cage and nudged her head with her foot so that Ebony's face flopped towards Sirius as though she was playing some sadistic psychological game with them all.

"Now which one of you wants to go next?" she said, turning and walking over to Lily and Remus.

Sirius closed his eyes. His body was aching beyond anything he had ever felt. His mind was racing and he felt physically sick. He was afraid if he opened them to see Ebony's limp form in front of him, he would throw up.

Something stirred on the ground. He opened his eyes nervously to find Ebony lying semi-conscious on the floor and was attempting to sit up. Bellatrix also hearing her, turned angrily to find Ebony, shaking violently, but making a desperate bid to get up.

Her face flushed red as she headed back to Ebony muttering, "I can't bloody believe this!"

From behind her, she could hear Rodolphus shouting "Crucio!" and heard the sounds of Lily and Remus' desperate screams. Unflinching, she advanced on Ebony, who closed her eyes, bracing herself.

Bellatrix knocked Ebony off her feet and cackled, "I'll kill you once and for all. Avada Kedav-"

From the other end of the warehouse, a door flew open and an angry-faced Dumbledore swept into the room followed closely by Professor McGonagall.

Bellatrix thrust her wand into the air, conjuring up the Dark Mark, a skull with a snake sticking out of its mouth, before disapparating on the spot.

Ebony lay on the floor unmoving, Lily and Remus lay shaking where they had fallen under the Cruciatus curse, breathing heavily and wincing with pain. James and Sirius sat crouching in their cage, desperately trying to break free, Peter lying next to them, whimpering helplessly.

Dumbledore swept across the room, his robes billowing out behind him, a thunderous look stretched across his old pale face. He waved his wand and the cage entrapping James, Sirius and Peter vanished.

James rushed over to Lily, propping her up beside him and hugging her before pulling Remus up to sitting position. Sirius darted forwards, cradling Ebony in his arms, looking for any sign of life. Angry tears obscured his vision as he desperately checked for a pulse, looking around at the chaos Bellatrix had left behind. Peter remained where he was, shaking violently, tears trickling down his face.

Dumbledore, reaching them, looked around at each of their tortured faces before looking up at the Dark Mark. "You've had your first encounter with Death Eaters I see," he sighed heavily.

Sirius, still holding Ebony in his arms, his hair clinging damp to his face, said, "No, it was my cousin Bellatrix and her husband."

"That may be Sirius, but only a Death Eater knows how to conjure that mark," said Dumbledore, pointing up at the ceiling gravely. It was a mark the Wizarding community had come to fear with the growing power and presence of Lord Voldemort, the wizard Bellatrix had referred to as the Dark Lord.

Sirius stared aghast at the mark and looked down at Ebony. "But that mark means-"
"Death," finished Dumbledore kneeling down beside Sirius and Ebony.

"But-" James began.

"She is not dead," Dumbledore smiled gently. "Bellatrix mustn't have had time to finish performing the spell. Still, even in its incomplete form, it can do a lot of damage."

"Will she-" Sirius began, his voice catching in his throat, as he saw Lily's tear-stricken face.

"Not if we can get her to Madam Pomfrey," said Dumbledore reassuringly. He scooped Ebony up into his arms, his old frail looking appearance hiding his real strength, "I will be back for you momentarily," he said and, Ebony in his arms, disapparated with a pop, leaving the others staring after them.

Dumbledore apparated to the gates of Hogwarts and rushed up to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey stood waiting for them. Laying an unconscious Ebony gently on a bed and leaving her in the care of Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore hurried up to his office and grabbed an old teapot.

Using the Floo powder network, he then traveled back to London, via the Leaky Cauldron and disapparated and appeared in the warehouse where the others were waiting in silence, Professor McGonagall looking anxious and worried.

Dumbledore muttered and tapped the kettle with his wand, which rattled into life.

"Right everyone. Come here please and place your hand on this kettle." James, Sirius, Lily, Remus and Peter did as they were told. "I have made this a portkey," Dumbledore continued. "It will take you back to Hogwarts immediately. I will have to speak to the Minister for Magic before I return, but Professor McGonagall will accompany you." Professor McGonagall, placed her hand on the kettle as Dumbledore counted down the seconds until it worked.

All of a sudden Sirius felt a jerk somewhere behind his navel, as the key transported them back to Hogwarts. He could feel the others bumping about beside him and all too quickly, his feet hit the ground, causing his knees to buckle and he ended up lying flat on the cold stone floor in the middle of the hospital wing.

Struggling to his feet, the hospital wing basked in sunlight, he looked around to find Professor McGonagall pulling a shaking Lily to her feet, James, Remus and Peter were lying on the floor.

"What is it with you lot?" Madam Pomfrey cried exasperated, escorting Sirius and the others to their beds.

"My family," muttered Sirius angrily.

"Excuse me?" said Madam Pomfrey.

"The problem is my family," said Sirius more audibly, as Madam Pomfrey pushed him on to a bed and started examining his shaking form.

"So what has happened?" said Madam Pomfrey preoccupied. "Have you been hurt by spells, potions, what?"

Sirius moved uncomfortably. "They used the...the Cruciatus curse on us. Bellatrix, I mean my cousin used the Imperius curse on Ebony to stop her from reaching Dumbledore and...and she tried to perform the Avada Kedavra curse on her too!"

Professor McGonagall stood shocked, having not seen what had happened, and Madam Pomfrey looked horrified. She immediately began bustling about looking for something.

"Here, eat this," she said, finding what she was looking for. She handed out bars of chocolate.

"That should lift your spirits slightly and-"

Madam Pomfrey was interrupted at that moment as Dumbledore swept into the wing, a frown etched into his face as he looked around at the wincing, pained faces of his students.

"The Minister for magic," he said wearily, "Is coming to Hogwarts shortly to hear what you have to say. I must warn you all, that the Ministry considers this to be a grave incident. The Dark Mark has been seen by several Muggles and members of the wizarding community. Fear of the mark, as you all know, is well established in our community and many fear such an attack so close to the Ministry is a direct attack on its power and authority by Lord Voldemort and his followers."

Sirius closed his eyes, not wanting to hear anymore. It was his fault the attack had happened and so close to the Ministry, not because of some strategic operation to undermine it. It was done to hurt him. Bellatrix was his cousin and a proud member of the Black family, she, knowing full well the trouble he had caused, thought it would be a good idea to teach him a lesson. Her jeering and laughter had made it seem like she was having fun hurting him, rather than finishing off some business. What was he to Lord Voldemort? It was just another showcase of how the Black family dealt with traitors. Yet whilst this was true, a niggling voice in the back of his head reasoned that Bellatrix had indeed made reference to Lord Voldemort many times. Maybe it was planned, he thought, but as quickly as the thought established itself, Sirius shook it off.

He opened his eyes to find Dumbledore looking directly at him through his half moon glasses. He shifted guiltily on the bed trying to avoid his gaze but found everyone was looking at him.

Thankfully at that moment Ebony stirred, shifting all the attention away from him.

Madam Pomfrey spent the next ten minutes bombarding Ebony with questions and potions. Finally satisfied, she and Professor McGonagall left Dumbledore alone with the six teenagers.

"Bellatrix did an appalling thing today," Dumbledore muttered, looking directly at Sirius. "However I think there may be more to it than it first seems."

"What do you mean Professor," said James anxiously.

"It's no secret that you six are exceptionally gifted young witches and wizards. It is especially obvious, given recent events, where your loyalties lie," Dumbledore continued, looking round at them, his eyes lingering on Sirius. "Given the fact that you are all very bright and capable and the fact that your loyalties lie on an opposing side to Lord Voldemort, the incident which occurred today could be more complex than first thought. You have all witnessed the Black family's attitudes to anyone who is not of pure blood lineage, and you have all seen the capabilities of Lord Voldemort and his followers powers. It would seem to suggest that this incident was more than just a family feud.

"I don't understand," said Lily, looking a Dumbledore weakly.

"Lord Voldemort and his followers may see you as a potential threat, especially after what you've all been through this year," he said bluntly. "Your reputations are well established remember, and you will be leaving school next year. As you know, Lord Voldemort has been increasing his power over recent years and he doesn't try to hide his beliefs. He has tortured and killed many people and if he believes you to be a potential threat, then he is more than capable of harming you, especially when you're at your most vulnerable. The chances for anyone hurting you has been clearly shown in recent months, especially in October, Christmas and the New Year."

Sirius looked down into his lap feeling guilty for putting his friends in such a position. Peter looked positively terrified, James, Lily, Ebony and Remus all looked alarmed.

"I have told you this," said Dumbledore, "With a heavy heart for two reasons. Firstly, I feel you need to know and are old enough to know the truth. The future is full of uncertainty and it is not my place to deceive you. Secondly, the Minister will be arriving shortly and will probably tell you a lot of things. I don't want you to be any more alarmed than you have to be."

Well there it is. I hope you liked chapter 9. Please let me know what you think, love Mulan xxx.