A/N: Hello to all of my readers! I know I start most of my notes out this way but... I am so so so so so so sorry. I haven't been writing lately and I know I kind of left it at a bit of a cliff hanger so I am very apologetic. To show that I have been trying a lot harder, you all get an extremely long chapter, that I hope you will enjoy. As always please read and review. Comments are always appreciated, and I love getting feedback. Well enough of my rambling, enjoy! ~ Piper

I awoke to a tapping on my bedroom window. I looked over to find a owl. It was by far one of the most beautiful creatures I'd ever seen, but I almost immediately forgot about it's beauty the moment I saw the package it was holding. I got out of bed hoping that I wouldn't be as sore as I was the day before, and the truth was I wasn't as sore as I had been, I was even more sore.

"So walking around after being beaten isn't a good idea," I chuckled to myself, limping over to the window. I had shooting pains going up my right leg, and my ribs were hurting a lot even though they were just bruised.

I made it to the window and let the owl in. I smiled wide as I saw the signature on the inside cover. Now Harry would love me. There would be no way for him to be mad enough to hurt me. I wrapped the book back up and wrote who it was to on the outside. I checked my things one more time to make sure I had all of my school things and enough clothing and such for the rest of the holidays. I was so excited to be with Rose and Albus. I just wanted to skip lunch at the Malfoy's. I was dreading it. I had no clue what would be in store for me, but I hoped I could hang out with the adults the whole time. I got walked down the stairs as I winced in pain with every step I took. I would need to get this under control if I was going to hide it all from Albus and Rose. I didn't need them knowing how bad it was. They could help me at school, but the couldn't protect me when I was at home. I was about halfway down the stairs when my brother ran past me, kicking my good leg out from under me, making me fall the rest of the way down the stairs. I got up and rushed as fast as I could into the bathroom to cover up everything I could. I saw that I was getting a pretty good looking black eye and had swelling around my cheek. I covered up the black eye, and put a cold washcloth on my swollen cheek. I stayed in there until the swelling had gone down, but I knew my leg would be even harder to cover up from Rose. Albus and my parents were oblivious enough, but I knew Rose wouldn't miss it at this point. I had hit my knee very hard going down the stairs, so I knew my best bet was a skirt for today.

I left the bathroom and headed into the family room for presents and breakfast. As we ate cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs, we opened up our presents. My mother had gotten me a locket with a picture of her holding me when I was little. I remembered that day well. It was the day I had finally become someone apart from my brother. I had beaten him in a football match, or something like that, and then, the moment we got home he made sure my parents were gone, and he hit me. When my mom got home I told her that I had gotten hurt during the football match, and she pulled me close to comfort me. I don't quite know who took the picture, but I hated that I had a constant reminder of the pain I had endured for these past few years around my neck.

My father had gotten me a wand cleaning kit along with a book of stories that we used to read together when I was younger. They also did not bring back great memories. In fact all I remembered from my story times with my father, was that somehow I would always end up in tears. My brother had actually thought about the things he had gotten me, the only problem was they were more constant reminders of how inadequate I was. Harry had gotten me a size 2 dress, which he knew I would strive to fit myself into even if it wasn't my size, and he had also gotten me a book on how Slytherin house was superior to Gryffindor.

Once all of the presents were opened my mum sent us off to get ready for the day. I walked up the stairs after my brother as to not let anything happen again. I made it safely to my room, and decided to try on the dress. It was a tight fit, but I knew that if I didn't eat much I could fit into it all day. Instead, though, I decided to go with my floor length red and gold maxi skirt, and long sleeved Gryffindor sweater. I needed to cover myself up as much as possible before going out today.

I had my mum apparat my things into the car, and walked out to get into the car. I waited for my family to all get in, and then we headed to the Malfoy's for Christmas lunch. Once we got there we were greeted by Mrs. Malfoy who welcomed us inside and told us that lunch was almost ready, but we had time to hangout with Scorpius for a bit before the whole family was brought together. I avoided eye contact with my brother as I asked where the loo was. As I made my way I stumbled upon the biggest library I had ever seen. I didn't actually have to go to the bathroom, so I figured a library was as good a place as any to hide out from the boys. That is, until they showed up.

"Should've known I'd find the nerd in the library," Scorpius said, bringing me out of my daze, "Where's your brother?"

"Off looking for you I suppose," I answered.

"You better not be giving me sass, or I'll tell your brother on you," he threatened.

"Please Scorpius," I whispered, "Not today, please not today."

I looked up to find his eyes questioning what had happened recently to make me so terrified. I saw compassion, which in that moment was even more disconcerting than the threat.

"Ah there's my nerdy little sister," I heard from behind me.

I gave one more pleading look at Scorpius, and he just simply shook his head at me, as if he were saying not today.

I felt my head jerk back, as Harry pulled on my hair. He grabbed my throat and started to squeeze. "You're not going to eat today, not even at the Weasley's. If you do, I'll know," he said motioning to my locket. I knew there was something fishy about all of this.

I nodded as best as I could, and then was thrown to the ground. I heard Mrs. Malfoy's call for lunch, and slowly followed after my brother and his confusing friend.

The food on the table looked and smelled delicious. I was so sad to be missing out on it, but I knew I would eat later no matter what the consequences would be with my brother. While we were at the table Scorpius looked at me with pity, but the resolved himself to taunting me along with my brother. I told everyone that I was saving room for later, which was true, and that I was still full from our breakfast earlier, which wasn't as true as it could have been. Luckily, I was used to not eating much every day so my stomach didn't reveal me to the table. The conversation was boring, and I just wanted to be with my friends. The moment dinner was over I asked if I could leave to go to the Burrow, and oddly enough my parents said yes. For once something was going well for me.

My mum walked me out to their car, tabbed my things out of the car, and apparated us and my things to the Burrow. Once we were there she hugged me goodbye, and then promised me they would pick me up from the station for the summer holiday. I told her I loved her and watched her apparate back to the Malfoy's.

All of a sudden I was tackled from behind by none other than Rose. She hugged me tightly and I winced in pain, both from the tackle and form the hug.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Rose said excitedly.

"I'm glad I am too, but I need some help getting inside."

"Oh booooys," Rose called out. Instantly Albus, James, Hugo, and Teddy were by our sides, all wearing similar sweaters.

"Yes, Rose?" They asked.

"These are to be taken to my room immediately," she said.

"You heard her men," Teddy commanded, "Immediately!"

The boys grabbed my things and carried them up a bunch of stairs. Rose grabbed my arm, walking me through the front door. I was thrown a package and almost missed it, but caught it before it landed on the ground.

"Mum take a picture!" Rose called out, "It's Isabella's first gift from the Weasley's family."

"And a right first gift it is," Grandmother Molly said, with a curt nod.

I opened the package, and realized that right there in Gryffindor red and gold was an I knitted in a very cozy looking sweater.

"We all get one every year," Rose said, "I hope you like yours because I helped my grandmother this year, and your's was the first one I did alone."

"I love it Rose," I smiled, "Now let me go change into this and some pajama pants so I fit in here."

Rose and I laughed together as we headed up to her room. Once we turned the past the first few bends in the staircase I collapsed. I knew I couldn't go any farther. Rose turned around in horror, and called for Albus and James. I heard rushing up the stairs, and then I felt myself being picked up by strong arms. I was laid down on a bed, and handed a drink of water. Rose helped me sit up slowly so I could sip on the water glass.

"How bad?" She asked me, "And I better get the truth, or so help me..."

"Bad," I interrupted her.

"Can we see?" Albus asked.

"Some, but you guys can't see it all cause I'm not lifting up my shirt for you," I laughed through the tears I felt about to come down. I started by lifting up my skirt for them to see my legs.

"I don't care what else there is," Rose said, "I'm getting my mom, and there is nothing you can say about it."

"Please, Rose…" I began to plead, but then the tears came.

"No, Albus go get my mom," Rose said. "Now!"

Within minutes Albus was back with Hermione, but by then I had already covered myself up.

"Isabella dear?"Hermione asked, seeing my tears, "What's wrong?"

"Mom, please don't ask her questions," Rose said calmly, "She won't answer you. Isabella just needs some help healing right now. You ready Iz? I'll help you through it. Boys out."

The boys left, and my tears just kept falling. I started shaking, and having a panic attack.

"Rose explain."

"Isabella needs help healing a bad leg and other injuries. All we ask is you don't go to anyone outside the family, and that you tell as few people as possible."

Hermione took one look at me and I immediately saw concern in her eyes, "What happened?"

"No questions mom."

"I'll help heal her, but then Isabella has to talk to me."

That was the moment I started to shake uncontrollably. Rose grabbed onto me holding me close. She rocked us back and forth slowly and repeated over and over that everything would be okay. Without hesitation Hermione held onto me as if I were her own child. I felt safe, like no one could hurt me. Then Hermione told Rose to let go and lay me down. They took off my skirt and sweater so that Hermione could see the damage. Rose gasped and grabbed onto her mother. I was covered in shoe prints and bruises shaped like shoe tips. My right leg was definitely broken, and my black eye had turned into a black patch. Hermione had Rose help her as she repaired all of my wounds. Rose came across some faded cuts on my left wrist and upper right arm, but she didn't say anything to her mom about them.

Hermione did what she could, but said that I would need to take it easy for the next couple of days. My cover story was that I had fallen down the stairs at home, which was partly true. Once Hermione had done all that she could she looked me in the eye.

"You don't have to tell me what actually happened, but just know that if you do need people to help you, and we are a very trustworthy family."

"I know Mrs. Weasley."

"Good, now I'll leave you two to talk."