Harry woke to the light of the morning sun shining though his bedroom window. He remained lying on his bed for a long time feeling more at peace with the world than he could ever remember. He had stayed up late talking and laughing with Remus and Sirius listening to the humorous banter between the two old friends as they told him stories of the infamous Marauders. As he swung his legs over the side of the bed to start getting ready for the day ahead he wore a smile on his face.
Sirius was nowhere to be found this morning. In between stories of pranks and Harry's parents the three had managed to discuss their plans for the summer and the following school year and Sirius was currently visiting his cousin.
After taking a quick shower Harry got dressed and headed down stairs to join his family for breakfast. My family, he thought as he walked towards the kitchen. It still seemed odd to him after all the years of, well it was in the past and he didn't particularly want to think about it anymore. Shaking the thoughts from his head he sat down at the table sharing morning greetings and a large breakfast with his relatives, no he thought, his family.
Sirius floated invisible near a small café a half dozen blocks from Grimmauld Place. He remembered coming here with Bellatrix when they were younger. The lady that had owned the place at the time had been a witch and the victim of many of Sirius and Bella's pranks.
His first meeting with Bella after he became a ghost had been an encounter at Gringotts. The goblins tended to care very little for wizarding politics and Sirius solicitor, Garnod, had no moral problems with setting up a secret meeting between the ghost of an Azkaban escapee and a known Death Eater. Garnod had wanted to speak with him about his Will but Sirius had put it off in favor of more pressing matters. After a long conversation they had decided to meet here at one of their childhood haunts after Sirius had a chance to talk to Harry.
As he looked up the street he saw a figure approaching in a dark blue cloak. This was what he had been looking for and he immediately floated over to the individual he knew was his cousin and touched her left shoulder sending a shiver through her body. Recognizing the agreed upon sign Bella continued past the café walking several blocks down the street to an abandoned house. After sneaking inside and making sure there was no one else there Bella cast a complex series of privacy charms and Sirius appeared.
"Hello Bella." he said grinning.
Bellatrix gave him a sad smile. "Hi Sirius."
"Hey, I told you not to worry about it, it wasn't your fault remember."
She nodded sadly. "Sorry, it's just that I can remember doing it you know?"
"Well, like I said, I know it wasn't your fault and I don't blame you at all."
"I know." she replied still sounding sad but a bit more accepting. "So, did you get a chance to talk to Harry?"
"Yes, I told him everything I know. He took it about like I expected. I've found out a lot more since the last time we talked Bella, but I don't really think it's my right to tell you anything more than I already have."
Bellatrix took a deep breath before asking the question she'd been worrying about since the last time she saw Sirius. "Will he meet with me?"
"Yes."
With the simple answer she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and smiled. It felt as if a heavy weight she had been carrying since Sirius death had been lifted from her shoulders. She knew meeting with him wasn't forgiveness but it was the first step.
"Can you get away tomorrow morning?" Sirius asked.
Still grinning Bella happily answered. "Yes, that shouldn't be a problem. Where do you want to meet?"
"Meet us at the Leaky Cauldron at 9:00 AM. We'll have a private room under the name Smith."
"Thanks Sirius." she said in a voice filled with excitement. She blushed brightly as she realized she felt and was acting like the girl she used to be before she fell into the dark magics.
Sirius chuckled at her causing her to blush even more. "It's good to see you back Trixi." he said using a name he used to tease her with when they were little. The use of her old nickname caused her to scowl at him but the twitching at the corners of her mouth gave her away and soon they were both laughing. Bella had to admit it felt good to really laugh again. It had been a long time.
The next morning Harry showered and dressed as usual and went downstairs to join his family for breakfast. They enjoyed a meal of omelets and sausages chatting happily. As they finished their food Vernon said his goodbyes and left for work. A few minutes later Remus arrived and was greeted by a glaring Petunia. It took all his years of control to keep from laughing at the sight.
After closing the door her frown changed to a smile and she hugged Remus in greeting. "Good morning Remus. Have you had breakfast?"
"I have, thanks though."
Harry and Dudley entered the hallway from the kitchen a moment later. "Morning Moony." Harry said.
"Good morning Harry, Dudley, is everyone ready?"
Everyone was so they all went upstairs. Entering Harry's bedroom Remus removed four vials of a potion that had the consistency of sludge and placed them on the desk.
"I'll need a couple of hairs from each of you." he said to Petunia and Dudley.
They each quickly handed him two of their hairs and watched curiously as he place them in the potions. He then transfigured the clothes Harry was wearing to be much larger. Petunia was smaller than him so he didn't bother with his own. His transfiguration complete he handed one of the vials to Harry.
"Cheers!" he said with a combination of a smile and a grimace on his face as he thought about what he was going to drink.
Before they had too much time to think about it they downed the potions in one quick gulp. Petunia and Dudley watched in fascination and with a little bit of horror as Harry and Remus bodies began to bubble and shift, slowly changing shape until they were looking across the room at exact copies of themselves.
"Wow." said Dudley in almost a whisper.
"Amazing." Petunia added.
Remus once again pointed his wand at Harry and resized his clothes again to make them fit properly. He then turned his wand on himself and transfigured his into a dress identical to the one Petunia was wearing all the while doing his best to ignore the sniggering coming from Harry.
"Here" Remus said handing Harry one of the remaining vials, "put this in your pocket, it's for the trip back." He then turned to Petunia. "Thanks for helping us out with this remember to stay out of sight today we'll try to be back by dinner time."
"It's no trouble Remus, we're glad to help." she replied smiling.
"Can I get your car keys? We need to be going we only have an hour before this wears off."
Petunia nodded and they followed her into her bedroom where she removed them from her purse and handed them to Remus. As an after thought she also handed her purse to him.
"You need this to complete your ensemble." she said laughing as she did so which earned her a groan from Remus and more sniggers from the two Dudley's standing close by.
With the car keys in hand Remus and Harry left through the front door and climbed in Petunia's car. Moments later they were driving away from number four on their way to the Leaky Cauldron.
Nymphadora Tonks was board out of her mind. She was currently sitting under an invisibility cloak near some bushes in front of Number Four Privet Drive. It was times like this she wondered if she had chosen the right career.
She watched lazily as Vernon once again left the house on his way to work. A few minutes later she was slightly surprised to see Remus arrive. I thought Dumbledore told him to keep his visits to a minimum she thought. Oh well, Harry needs someone to talk to after what happened. Maybe I didn't see him and won't mention it.
A little while later she watched as Petunia and Dudley left in the Dursley's other car. Tonks sighed internally it was going to be another long day of watching nothing.
Harry and Remus were nearing the Leaky Cauldron when the polyjuice potion wore off. After a few seconds of the disgusting feeling of having his body reform to its natural state Harry found himself sitting in oversized garments in the front seat of his uncle's car.
Looking over at Remus Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Hey Moony, you look kind of cute in that dress."
Harry's laughter at the now scowling werewolf was joined by Sirius from the back seat.
"He's right Remy, hey, what are you doing later you sweet thing?" he teased.
Remus growled and pulled his wand quickly transfiguring his clothes back to normal and then pointing it at Harry.
"Hey, whoa there princess." Harry said still laughing and holding up his hands. A moment later a smile was back on Remus face and Sirius was laughing even harder as Harry found himself wearing a frilly pink party dress.
"Ok, it's not funny anymore." Harry said as he looked at himself in horror.
Remus didn't say a word as he pulled up to the curb not far from their destination and parked the car. Sirius continued to howl with laughter as Remus got out of the car and headed toward the wizarding pub.
"Hey!" yelled Harry not daring to step foot outside of the car. He thought briefly of trying to change his clothes back himself but discarded the idea quickly as he realized he didn't really have any idea how to do it, plus he wouldn't dare try while the clothes were still on his body.
"Remus!" he yelled again.
Remus slowly turned around and returned to stand next to Harry's side of the car. "Yes princess?" he asked look at Harry curiously with amusement shining in his eyes.
"Fix it." Harry ground out.
"Now is that any way to talk to someone whose help you need?"
Harry crossed his arms and glared at the marauder. Remus broke down laughing no longer able to contain it. "Ok, ok, keep your panties on sweetheart." Remus discreetly changed Harry's clothes back to their normal appearance and added a couple of glamour charms to hide his identity. Once he was satisfied that Harry would not be recognized they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron with an invisible Sirius floating silently behind.
Upon entering the pub they obtained a private dining room under the name Smith and set about making sure it was secure. After checking for every kind of eavesdropping and spying charm he could think of Remus added several wards of his own. They did not want to be caught meeting with a known Death Eater.
Finishing his work he removed the glamour charms from Harry and was chatting with him when Sirius appeared in front of them. "She's here."
Nodding in understanding Remus drew his wand and moved towards the door. He knew Sirius trusted her enough to setup this meeting with Harry but he wasn't about to let his guard down until he knew for sure. Opening the door he kept his wand trained on the figure wearing the blue cloak as he let her into the room.
Bellatrix was extremely nervous as she entered the room. The first person she noticed was Remus who was standing next to the door with his wand pointing at her heart. "Hello Remus."
"Bella." he replied simply.
There was not an ounce of humor in his voice and she knew right away she would have to earn his trust and that he would protect Harry with his very life. Continuing around the room she saw the smiling ghost of her cousin floating next to the young man she knew to be Harry Potter. Bella was surprised as she looked at him everything had happened so fast that night at the ministry that she hadn't really had a chance. She found him to be exceedingly handsome with the most gorgeous green eyes and for some reason she couldn't explain she had an urge to run her hands through the unruly mop of hair on top of his head. Shaking herself from her thoughts she lowered the hood of her cloak and removed it tossing it on to an empty chair by the door before moving to stand in front of him.
Harry stood as Bellatrix Lestrange entered the small dining room and smiled internally as he noticed Remus protecting him from her. He watched them exchange a quick greeting before her eyes scanned the room finally landing on him. She seemed to stare at him for several long seconds before shaking her head and removing her traveling cloak. After throwing it on a chair next to the door she walked towards him. To say he was shocked at her appearance would be an understatement. Taking a good look as she crossed the room he found her to be quite beautiful. She had long blond hair, blue eyes and perfect skin with curves that most any witch would kill for. It was almost unbelievable to think that she had spent so many years in Azkaban Prison. There was no outward appearance of the torture she had lived through except in her eyes which while hauntingly beautiful revealed a depth of pain he had only seen in his godfathers.
Feeling an ice cold hand on his shoulder he was finally able to shake off the spell he had found himself under and looked up to see Sirius looking back. "Harry, allow me to introduce my cousin, Bellatrix." He then turned to his cousin, "Bellatrix, Harry."
Harry extended his hand and watched as Bellatrix hesitantly returned his grasp. "It's nice to finally meet you Bellatrix." Harry said. He was amazed at how much he liked the feeling of holding her soft hand in his own and felt it ended far too soon as he released her.
Bella couldn't believe he was being so nice. She had expected him to take out his anger over Sirius death on her and was prepared to let him do so. As their hands touched she felt a warm feeling flow through her and was disappointed when it ended. Nock it off Bella she thought to herself once again doing her best to shake off the odd feeling. "Please, just Bella and it's nice to meet you too Harry." she said before taking a deep breath and continuing. "I'm sorry." she then said softly.
"It wasn't your fau…" Harry was stopped by Bella vigorously shaking her head.
"Wait, please, there's something I need to do first." she said.
Harry looked from her to Sirius and noticed a knowing smile on his face as if he expected something like this to happen. Receiving a nod from his godfather he returned his gaze to Bella.
"Ok."
Remus tensed holding his wand tighter but took no action as Bella removed a small knife from within her pocket. After opening the blade she ran it across her palm and blood immediately started flowing from the self inflicted wound. Setting the knife on the table she balled her cut hand into a fist and squeezed. Little drops of blood dripped from her fist to the floor as she spoke her promise.
"I Bellatrix Black do hereby swear a witch's blood oath to Harry Potter. I swear by my magic to always tell him the truth. I swear by my life to never cause him any harm or to allow any harm to come to him through my inaction. I so swear." Finishing her oath Bella stood still looking to Harry for a response.
Harry stood still, stunned at what she had done and not knowing what to do. Several quiet moments went by before Sirius leaned in to Harry and whispered in his ear. "You need to accept or decline her oath. Just say your name and that you accept or decline her oath and her name. You should know that if you decline she will pay the penalties she has offered which in this case would mean she looses her magic and life."
Harry nodded still not believing this was happening. "I Harry Potter accept the witch's blood oath of Bellatrix Black."
A subtle shift to the magic within the room could be felt as the oath was consummated and Bella's wound healed instantly leaving a small scar behind as a reminder. Remus seemed to deflate and smile as he put away his wand no longer having to worry about Harry's safety in her presence the binding magic between them would take care of that now.
The four took seats each sipping on a butter beer that Remus had ordered on there way in as the conversation began.
"You didn't need to do that." Harry said to Bella.
She smiled kindly at his consideration. "Yes I did, if not for you then for me. I'm really sorry about what happened to Sirius Harry."
"I know what happened, it wasn't your fault and you don't need to say anything else about it."
"I know you have, but please let me tell you, I do need to say it." Seeing the understanding and accepting look in his eyes Bella took a deep breath and continued. "I was surprised when Sirius showed up in the Death Chamber to save you, surprised and happy at the same time. I made my way over to him as quickly as possible and we started dueling." A smile appeared on her face as she remembered the duel fondly. "It was fun Harry, the only fun I can remember having had in a long time. Sirius and I were best friends when we were little. We used to torment Narcissa until she'd run away crying to mother. Anyway, we were only using harmless hexes and jinxes on each other when I felt a spell hit me in the back. I felt that feeling of bliss wash over me and suddenly felt the urge to kill Sirius. The voice in my head kept telling me to use the killing curse. It kept saying he was going to kill me and that the Dark Lord commanded that I kill him. I tried my best to fight the curse but couldn't completely throw its effects off. I really tried."
Tears were flowing down her face now as she relived that day. Harry tried to stop her but she shook her head no again. Wiping her eyes she continued. "My spells started getting stronger and darker I knew I had to get him away from me before I lost the fight with the voice but before I could do anything one of my curses hit him across his chest and forced him backwards through the veil. As soon as he was gone the imperious curse fell away and Dumbledore showed up. I was upset and ran from the room. Of course you know what happened after that. I'm so sorry Harry. I was dying inside while we were fighting in the Atrium. I'm sorry for what I said up there too, I wanted so badly to tell you what happened and to tell you I was sorry but I knew the Dark Lord was there so I didn't dare. Harry, the voice I heard, the voice that was telling me what to do in the Death Chamber, it was Dumbledore's voice."
Harry could see the pain clearly written on Bella's face. "It's ok, it wasn't your fault."
Bella looked up with hope in her eyes. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive but if it helps then yes, I forgive you."
Happiness welled up within Bella and she jumped up from her chair and gave Harry a big hug. As he returned the embrace they both thought it felt really good to hold each other and pulled away awkwardly at the thought. As the hug ended Bella returned to her seat.
"Thanks Harry that means a lot to Me." she said wiping the tears from her eyes and still embarrassed about the thoughts she kept having.
"I thought your last name was Lestrange?" Harry finally asked to break the awkward silence that had descended on the room.
A frown appeared on Bella's face. "I went to the goblins and got a divorce from Rodolphus a week ago. I never really liked him anyway, the marriage was arranged and he's the reason I ended up where I am now."
Harry nodded in understanding. "I hate to bring it up, but there is something I've been wondering about ever since Sirius told me what happened at the Ministry and I agreed to meet you."
"You can ask me anything Harry." she replied nervously worried about what he might ask.
"What happened with the Longbottoms?"
Bella became downcast at the memory. "I'm sorry, there was nothing I could do. By the time I arrived they were already insane. I managed to save the boy from being tortured but in doing so it gave the Aurors time to get the drop on us. I tried to explain but no one would listen to the evil Death Eater who had obviously tortured the married Aurors. They didn't even let me talk at the trial."
"What?" said Harry. "I saw a pensive memory of the trial and you raved on and on about the Dark Lord and everything."
Sirius jumped into the conversation at this point. "Whose memory was it that you saw Harry?"
"It was Dumbledore's…" he said realizing what must have happened. "He did it again, didn't he?"
Sirius smiled back sadly nodding his head.
"He modified his memory of the trial just like he did the prophecy and left the cabinet unlocked on purpose and left me alone in his office knowing I would be curious and look. It was just one more thing to get more control over me. Make me hate the Death Eaters even more for what they did to my friend's family so that I would follow him."
Harry thought about it for several more minutes. "But why modify it? It would have worked anyway, why add Bella ranting about the Dark Lord?"
"We may never know for sure Harry," Sirius began, "but if he wanted to spice up the memory for you, turning the one calm and sympathetic Death Eater into a raving psycho would be a good way to go."
Harry had had enough and was extremely angry as he turned to Bella. "I need a favor." he said.
"Anything." she replied happy to be able to help him.
It was with steel and determination in his eyes and his voice that he made his request. "I need you to setup a meeting between me and Voldemort."
-
AN: As always thanks for all of your great reviews! You do a great job keeping me motivated!
I have taken a couple of precautions to allow for the Order watching Harry including Moody as you probably now know. I love a good Harry vs. Dumbledore fic but when I really think about it I don't see Harry being able to outsmart/think Dumbledore so I'm going with a slightly different tack here, don't worry though, what goes around comes around.
No, I do not have this story written already though I do have a very good outline written that I'm working from so that helps a lot. Sometimes everything just seems to flow and I can crank out a good chapter in a few hours, other times it's like pulling teeth to get things the way I need/want them to be or I just can't get in the mood and walk away. The muse did hit and I have rough drafts of the next two though, so they shouldn't be too long.
Hpfan20, Sorry, Blaise isn't in this fic and I've already set the pairing.
Xyvortex, pretty much, though not unnecessarily so and definitely not to the extent I'm playing him up to be in this fic.
Thank you all very much for all of your comments and input. As usual you'll notice I haven't answered everyone's questions or addressed all of the comments. Once again this is because I don't want to answer them, some are right, some are wrong but mostly the answersgive away too much. So, if I've left you and you still want answers just email me. Thanks and keep em coming!