Ok, I'm FINALLY off and running. I've been working on this story for a long time now and I'm sick of waiting for a title to come to me so I'm posting anyway.

Many thanks to those who have read this: the former 'Just Books' ladies and my typist Ica (I write pen and paper you translate into text, many thanks.)

Also to my betas: Wildfire and MysticSong -- I appreciate the ideas, Wildfire. Mystic, you have a far better grasp of the English language than this former English major does. Thanks.

Disclaimer: if you recognize it -- it's not mine. There will probably be references to Buffy and HP among others in here so just Ms. Rowling mentioned in here doesn't quite do it ;-)

Other than my sometimes sick sense of humor, I can't think of any warnings for you. No HBP spoilers for a while, as I've been working on this longer than it's been out.

Ummm... I think that's it. On with the story!

Chapter One: Harry's Return

Harry stumbled up to his room. His heart ached at the thought of the events at the Ministry.

'My fault, my fault,' he muttered. Closing his eyes against the remaining light outside, images of his godfather's fall through the Veil continuously flashed through his mind. He was ready to collapse onto his bed when his aunt screeched from the bottom of the stairs, 'Supper! Get down here now!'

Harry reluctantly staggered downstairs. He stared at the plate in front of him. Even though there was little food in front of him, Harry wasn't sure he could eat all of it and keep it down. Instead, he stared blankly at his proffered meal, remembering.

As the train had pulled away from his ho—Hogwarts, he made a promise to Sirius. Bellatrix would share the same fate in the war as Voldemort.

I don't care who does it. If it is to be me, I will, but Bellatrix will NOT survive this war. That's the least I owe Sirius.

He repeated his vow continuously until he etched it firmly in his mind.

-----

----

---

--

-

Harry tried to remember his vow during the day, but the night was almost impossible. Nightmares plagued him. If he didn't dream of Voldemort, then Sirius' death was re-played in an infinite loop.

Idly, Harry wondered if his summer would have been any better if he had been able to spend it at Hogwarts. Staying near Dumbledore would be awkward, but perhaps he could find out what was going on.

A few days later, as he lay on his bed enjoying the cooler evening air, Harry allowed his thoughts to wander. What were his professors up to this summer? Were Ron and Hermione enjoying their summer? What was going on at the Order Headquarters? Hogwarts?

-----------------

Please Review! Pretty please, the button is there just waiting for a nice click :D