Chapter Fourteen:

The next two months were like a whirlwind. I had told Harry that he could tell Hermione and Ron my true identity, but that was it. I was still wary of the rest of the world knowing the truth. The Skirts and the Golden Trio spent a lot of time flooing to Grimmauld Place to keep my dad company. He even gave me and Harry these two way mirrors that we could use to communicate with him when we were away from Grimmauld. The first time I went to the house I was completely shocked. This is where my dad grew up? The place was...creepy, dark, sinister. It definitely needs a complete overhaul. The worst part of the house was the picture of my grandmother, Walburga. The woman is seriously mental. No wonder my dad ran away from home when he was 16.

There is a permanent sticking charm on her portrait, and it cannot be removed. Dad tries to keep her covered up, but I like to mess with her sometimes. She calls me all sorts of names, of course…blood traitor, shame of my flesh, yadda yadda yadda. One time I put on a nice muggle skirt suit and glasses, then conjured a nice comfy wingback right in front of her portrait. I calmly sat down in front of her with a muggle notepad and pencil. She was screaming hate at me the entire time I was creating our nice cozy space. I even added a house plant and an end table with a nice soothing water fountain.

I was going to give my grandma some therapy. Merlin knows she needs it. I cleared my throat as she glared at me hatefully. "Mrs. Black. I'm so glad you came into to see me today. I can see that you have a lot of anger issues we need to work through. Also, you seem to have the urge to dehumanize others in order to make yourself feel superior. Now, I won't be able to help you unless we figure out what's causing this unhealthy and irrational behavior. Tell me, what was your relationship with your father like?"

"Blood traitor! Shame of my flesh! Disgracing the house of my fathers!"

"Alright, Grandma, we don't have to talk about your father tonight. We will have to discuss it at some point as it's obviously a trigger for you –" She cut me off there to continue her ranting.

"I am not your grandmother! Sirius is not my son! He has not been my son since he was 16!"

I sighed audibly and shook my head in mock concern. "Grandma, this is what I'm talking about." I continued on in an intentionally patronizing tone, like I was talking to a child. "You aren't making any sense. Your irrational anger and hate is clouding your ability to reason. You call me the shame of your flesh in one breath and then tell me you're not my grandmother in the next." I tsked while pretending to write down notes in my muggle notebook. "This is worse than I thought."

She was beyond enraged now, and I was internally snickering. Her words were no longer decipherable, just coming out as angry garbled noise. After finishing up my scribbles, I brought my face back up with an enthusiastic expression of realization. "Grandma! I just thought of something. I think we might have a breakthrough!" I scooted my chair closer to her like we were going to be sharing a great secret. "Do you think you were turned into this insane, bitter shell of a woman because your parents arranged you to marry your cousin? I mean, I'd completely understand. If my father arranged me to marry Draco I'd probably lose all grasp on reality, too."

Ahhh. The look on her face. Priceless. I was gifted with more insults, but it was totally worth it. "Well, I think we made great progress today, Granny! Now, I'm going to cover you back up so you can have some quiet time to reflect on your first session."

After replacing the curtains over her portrait I entered the library located directly behind my wingback. Dad, Remy, the Skirts and the Trio were all laughing uncontrollably. They had cast a charm so they could see through the wall and hear our conversation, but we couldn't see or hear them. You know, like on every muggle cop show where they have the one way mirrors so people can observe interrogations. My dad was smiling widely as he approached me and brought me into a big hug.

We were hugging a lot. Trying to make up for the last thirteen years apart. I felt like I had been given back a piece of my soul. I still didn't feel whole, though. There was a large part of me that is off with Edward. I miss him so much. I have been trying to think of ways to tell my dad that I plan to hunt down my vampire soul mate after graduation. Hell, I just need to get up the courage to tell him that I have a vampire soul mate. I don't think he's going to take the news well. Eh, I'll tell him eventually.

Luckily it will be much easier to find the Cullens than it would be to find Wormtail. I have Eleazar, first off. If he doesn't know where they went, I can look up Carlisle in the medical doctor registration records. Hopefully they don't change their names everywhere they go. If they do we'll just have to figure out a way to alter the tracking spells to find vampires. All I know is that I will find him.

Back at Hogwarts all anyone could talk about was the Yule Ball. Nicole had been talking to a seventh year Ravenclaw named Luke, and she was going with him. The other girls and I had been asked by a few guys, but there wasn't really anyone we wanted to go with. Frankly I'd rather spend the night dancing with my girls than trying to force awkward conversation with a random guy. My heart belongs to Edward, and that wasn't going to change.

Harley, Sammie and I were discussing our decision to just go on our own when we were approached by a firstie. He was visibly nervous to be addressing us. So adorable.

"P-Proffessor Dumbledore w-wishes to s-see you in his office, he l-likes L-lemon Drops." He said it quite fast and then ran off. I was dumbfounded that someone could speak so quickly and stutter at the same time. The boy had talent.

We made our way to Dumbledore's office and stopped in front of the stone gargoyles. "Lemon Drops," Sammie stated. The statues moved out of the way and we walked up the stairs to his office. I was quite shocked when I opened the door to see Sam, Embry, Quil and Paul.

I ran up to each of them and hugged them tightly. "What are you guys doing here?"

Sam spoke for his pack members. "Well, the British Ministry for Magic heard about how we helped some wizards, witches and muggles during that attack at the World Cup, and invited us to the Yule Ball. We are allowed to bring our imprints. Embry, Quil and Paul haven't imprinted, yet, and were wondering if any of you Skirts would go with them."

"Wait Wait Wait! What do you mean Embry, Quil and Paul are the only ones who haven't imprinted? What about Jake?" I was completely shocked! Jake imprinted? Who?

Paul grinned slyly, approaching me. "You'll see her when she comes for the ball. Now, Miss Swan, would you do me the honors of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?" He bowed theatrically and kissed my hand.

I let out an embarrassingly girly giggle and agreed to be his date. He smirked at me. "Good, Edward will so owe me for keeping all those young guys away from his girl."

I let out another laugh and shook my head at him. Embry ended up with Harley and Quil with Sammie. I was actually looking forward to the dance, now. It was going to be awesome to hang out with the pack, and I was so grateful to Eleazar for watching the reservation for them again.

During the remaining weeks leading up to the Yule Ball the Skirts and Hermione spent a lot of time trying to solve Harry's problem with the second task. It was actually Neville who came up with our solution in the end. He asked us what had us so stressed one day and Harley told him how we needed to find some way for Harry to breathe under water for an hour. He suggested gillyweed.

Harley said that she'd thought of gillyweed, but didn't think we'd be able to get any in time. Apparently it was very rare. Neville looked around nervously before leaning in conspiratorially, "I can get some from Professor Snape's private stores."

Huh, who woulda thunk it? Neville Longbottom stealing from the most feared Professor's private stores. I was impressed.

Professor Snape…what can be said about the greasy haired dungeon bat? The man hates me. And I mean HATES me. He took one look in my eyes and I immediately saw the burning hate lighting his up. Dad told me that Snape hated him because they were nemesis in their Hogwarts days. Dumbledore insists that Snape doesn't know I am Isabella Black, but I'm not so sure. The man really hates me. He's worse than Sue Sylvester, and I'm pretty sure she's the devil. Ah well, you can't please everyone.

The Yule Ball was magnificent. The decorations were mind blowing; the teachers really outdid themselves. I was wearing an ice blue gown that made me feel like a fairy tale princess. My dad flooed to our room when we were finished getting ready. His eyes watered as the saw me all dolled up.

He cupped my cheek gently so as to not mess up my makeup. "You are so beautiful, Isabella. You tell your date that if he doesn't treat you well he'll be dealing with Sirius Black. I'm sure that will keep him in line." He smirked at me, and I smiled back. I highly doubt Paul would be afraid of the threat.

"You don't need to worry, Daddy. Paul is just a friend. We have no romantic interest in each other."

"Good. You don't need to be seeing any boys romantically until you're thirty. At the earliest. You know, witches and wizards live a lot longer than muggles, so there's really no hurry. You should take your time."

The girls and I laughed, but he looked serious. Oh if you only knew, Dad. He looked to my friends and extended the warning. "You ladies can tell your dates the warning applies to them as well. I won't have anyone treating my girls poorly."

The girls smiled back at him. Dad had really taken to them. I think he was grateful to them for believing in his innocence and supporting me through his escape and subsequent man hunt.

After saying our goodbyes to my dad, the girls and I made our way down to the Entrance Hall to meet our dates. The first person I looked for when we arrived was Jake. I was dying to know who he'd imprinted upon. It wasn't difficult to find the six gargantuan boys, and we started pushing our way to them. When we finally reached them I called out Jake's name. He turned around and I was more than shocked to see the girl on his arm.

"Sarah?"

"Bella! I can't believe you're a witch! No wonder we got away with all of our nefarious plans so easily!"

I smiled and gave her a hug before looking to Jake. "How did this happen?"

"Well, Sarah came to Charlie's looking for you. She wanted to know why you weren't coming back to Forks High. I was there and as soon as I saw her I was done for."

Sarah was smiling beatifically. "I've always wanted a real family, and now I've finally found the place I belong. Not only did I find my soul mate, but he comes with a whole pack of brothers."

I laughed out loud at that. She wasn't exaggerating. "That dress is amazing. It looks like it was made by a witch. How did you get it?"

"Madame Malkin was one of the people rescued by the pack at the World Cup. She offered to dress us all." Wow, that's really generous. They all looked fantastic.

I made my way to Paul after congratulating Jake and Sarah one last time. We had to be a part of the first dance since I was a champion, so I led Paul over to where Harry and his date Parvati were standing with the others. I received another surprise when I found Hermione on Viktor Krum's arm. I gave her a wink and a smirk. She just blushed and looked away. She's so adorable.

After the obligatory champion duties, I spent my night dancing like a fool and spending time with the pack. My girls really liked Sarah, and welcomed her into our group easily. They had always been impressed with her work in our "Make Lauren Mad" campaign.

After the dance I took the pack and their mates to Grimmauld to meet my dad. Dad was…intimidated. Which was very entertaining as he's usually the intimidator. My Skirts and I explained everything that happened with Peter, and how they had actually captured him last summer, but he'd again escaped in his rat form. After everyone was up to speed, we spent the rest of the night playing cards and having a great time with my dad.

Time passed in a blur after the wolves left. I am now standing on a dock waiting to start the second task. Harry is a nervous wreck beside me. I told him that we are going to stick together. If something goes wrong, I want to be with him.

I heard the whistle blow and quickly cast the bubblehead charm before diving into the lake. Once I was under water I transfigured my legs into a mermaid's tail so I would swim easier. It took a few moments, but Harry finally joined me under water. The gillyweed had given him gills on his neck. They looked kinda freaky. His feet also turned into fins, and his hands become webbed, so he was able to keep up with my swimming.

We made our way through the lake searching for whatever the hell they took from us. We had to fight various unpleasant creatures, but finally came to a clearing where we saw Sandy, Hermione, Ron, Gabrielle, Fleur's sister, and Cho Chang, Cedric's girlfried. They were floating lifelessly attached to ropes that kept them in their place. What. The. Fuck?

I made my way over and immediately sent a severing charm to Sandy's ropes. Harry was cutting Ron's rope when Cedric swam in freeing Cho with a severing charm and swimming off with her. Wow, Ced, aren't you a hero?

Now, I know that they wouldn't really leave the others down here if they weren't recovered by their champions, but I had a hard time just leaving them there. What if something went wrong and they drowned? Magical accidents happen every day, and I'd never forgive myself if I could have prevented it.

Harry seemed to be having the same thoughts as he turned to Hermione to begin cutting her ropes. A mermaid was quickly upon him with her trident. Okay, the merpeople mean business. I looked to my watch and there were only a few minutes left.

Suddenly Viktor swam in to rescue Hermione. He had transfigured his head into that of a shark. He looked really bizarre. Where the hell is Fleur? Harry looked to me in a panic and spoke murkily through the water, "What about Gabrielle? We can't just leave her here." At least that's what I thought he said. I nodded and quickly threw a severing charm at Gabrielle's ropes.

The merpeople didn't waste any time descending on the four of us to retrieve the captive we stole. Harry and I swum for all we were worth. We both pulled Ron in the middle, while he pulled Gabrielle and I pulled Sandy.

We were both firing stunners at our attackers as quickly as possible. I looked over to Harry to see him in a panic. His gills were disappearing. Shit. Well, I'm not just going to let him drown. I pointed my wand at his face and cast the bubblehead over him. He frantically started taking in breaths, but the distraction had allowed the merpeople to gain on their assault.

We began being pulled down so we pushed our charges toward the surface and watched them float away while we were dragged back down. We struggled for a minute or two before Harry threw his arm down pointing it at our attackers and fired a Bombarda. Subtle Harry.

We went flying toward the surface and I quickly cancelled his bubblehead before we flew out of the lake back onto the dock.

The crowd started cheering at our reappearance and I noticed Fleur was emotionally fussing over Gabrielle, and Hermione was embracing Harry. I suddenly found myself in Sandy's arms. "You know, they weren't really going to keep her down there if you didn't bring her back up?" She was smiling down at me with mirth clearly visible in her eyes.

I sighed. "I know, but magical accidents happen every day. I imagine they were in some sort of stasis. What if something went wrong and the charm was reversed? If Gabrielle drowned when I was in a position to save her, I never would have forgiven myself. I want to make Salem proud and win this tournament for the US, but not at the cost of someone's life. What's the point in winning the tournament if you lose yourself in the process?"

Sandy was smiling at me proudly by the end of my speech. She gave me another big hug and muttered in my ear. "You've already made Salem proud, Bella." I blushed a brilliant shade of red and thanked her humbly.

At that moment Dumbledore announced that the judges had made a ruling in the task. They decided that because Harry and I showed great courage and selflessness in our decision to stay and make sure everyone was brought back up, they were going to give us both second place. Karakoff was furious, and I really wanted to stick my tongue out at him. I somehow refrained.

The standing for the second task was Cedric, me and Harry, Viktor and then Fleur. Poor girl. She's not doing so hot.

After all the tournament obligations were met, I set out to find my friends. I was deep in contemplation as to why one of them weren't down there waiting for me to rescue them when I was tackled by Fleur.

"Thank you for rescuing my sister!" She enthused in her French accent.

"You're welcome, Fleur. Nothing is worth someone's life. I never would have left her down there."

She smiled gratefully before making her way to Harry. I imagine he was about to have the same experience as me. I finally spotted the Skirts waiting for me a few yards away, and made my way over.

Sammie was first to congratulate me. "Bella, you did awesome! We all knew you'd never come back up until all the contestants were brought out!"

I laughed at how well they knew me, and repeated what I said to Sandy. Of course me friends agreed. "Hey, why weren't one of you down there? Not that I don't love Sandy, I was just surprised."

Nicole answered for them. "Well, they asked us to do it, but we said we'd only agree if they took us all. We're a package deal, after all. No way were we going to allow them to force us to choose between each other." They were right, of course. We were a package deal, and I loved my sisters evenly.

We were told the last task would be a maze with all kinds of horrific little surprises. I was beginning to realize that the people who ran the tournament were a bunch of sadistic bastards. I'm almost positive they were hoping one of us bit the big one by the end of the third task. I'm sure they were disappointed no one had so much as lost a limb thus far.

The months leading up to the task were very hectic for me and the girls. We had to sit for our NEWTS a few days after the task. These tests would affect the rest of our lives, so we had to be prepared. We told Harry to practice up on his defensive spells since we couldn't really spend much time with him. Hermione agreed to go ahead and read through the fifth through seventh year defense textbooks with Harry so that he would have more ways to protect himself. I also told him we were going to go through the maze together. I was going to make sure Harry walked out of that maze no matter what.

I also concentrated heavily on DADA in my studies. I felt confident about facing the maze, but there were so many unknowns. I promised my dad I'd get us both back safely, and that's exactly what I planned to do. I was sitting for ten NEWTS, though, so I had my work cut out for me.

Harry and I spent the night before the task with my dad, just the three of us. I knew he was worried sick. He was even taking the risk of attending the event as Padfoot. We spent the evening just enjoying each other's company. I made us a nice dinner and we tried to relax as much as possible. When it was time to get back to Hogwarts to rest up for the next day Daddy held me a bit tighter than normal. He didn't want to let me go, and I tried to assure him I'd be fine.

Let me tell you, feeling confident with the idea of the maze and feeling confident standing in front of the actual maze are two very different things. This thing was massive, and it looked scary as hell. Because I'd come in first during the first task I was allowed to enter the maze before Harry. I waited for him at the first turn, and we started making our way through together.

We worked well together, and I was very impressed with Harry's skills. It was obvious he'd been taking this seriously. He must have worked very hard practicing some of the spells he used, as they were well beyond the capabilities of your average fourth year.

At one point we came across Fleur. She was completely freaking out. As Harry and I approached her the wall started swallowing her up. Harry quickly sent up his flare so that the officials would be able to pull her out.

We continued on our way until we ran across Krum. His eyes were glassy and he looked completely out of it. What the hell? Was he Imperused? Who the hell is throwing around Unforgivables? He suddenly raised his wand to attack me when Cedric ran into the back of him. I quickly stunned him and sent up a flare. What the hell is going on here? Something's not right.

I turned around and saw the boys staring off into the distance. I stepped past Harry to get a look and saw the cup. The two boys started running for it, and I quickly caught up. I was a hell of a runner. Suddenly the walls of the maze started moving, and the wind started howling around us. Roots sprung from the ground and started dragging Cedric under.

He started screaming for help and Harry and I turned. We glanced to each other before quickly running back to him. Harry grabbed his hands while I fired a reducto at the roots. They blasted off him and Harry was able to pull Cedric back up. He looked shell shocked. "What is this tournament doing to us? You guys go ahead and take the cup. You earned it."

I looked to Harry and he grinned. "You take it, Harry. Stick it to those bastards who doubted you by winning the damn thing."

"We're going to do it together, Bella. I couldn't have done it without your help. We'll grab it at the same time."

I smirked at him. "Deal, but let's hurry. One of those branches got me right in the face. I don't want this gash on my cheek to scar."

He nodded and we ran over to the cup. "On three. One, Two, Three!"

We both touched the cup at the same time, and I felt the tell tale pull at the back of my navel before Harry and I were twirling in the vortex of a portkey. What the hell is going on?

We landed quickly and stood up to try and figure out what was happening. We were in some old cemetery. I looked to Harry and saw that he was terrified. "We have to get out of here, Bella. Now! Back to the portkey!"

"What's going on Har – Oomph!"

"Bella!" Harry was screaming my name, but I was frozen. Frozen because I was looking up into the bright red eyes of…Victoria? She was pinning me down smiling viciously.

"Funny story, Bella. I have been looking for you ever since you left Forks. Did you honestly think there was anywhere in the world for you to hide? Anyway, I stumbled across that rat, over there, and his Master. They told me that if I would fight with them they'd help me get to you after they finished killing the boy. How nice of you to save them the trouble of capturing you for me. Now for a taste of that blood that seems to have such a strong affect on my kind."

I listened to her speech without moving, completely stunned. Victoria agreed to become a Death Eater so Voldemort would help her get her revenge on Edward? It was all too much for me to take in and I couldn't seem to revive my brain's functioning capabilities until four words broke through my daze… Finished killing the boy…Voldemort is going to kill Harry!

I was finally able to start moving my body, but I reacted a moment too late. Victoria had already bit into my neck when I pointed my wand to her chest and summonsed my fire fiend. The pain was excruciating from the moment her teeth pierced my skin. It was like I had a fire fiend running through my neck, burning me from the inside out. The only thing that kept me sane enough to control my spell were Victoria's four words…Finished killing the boy…If I lost control of the fire I'd summonsed Harry would be killed.

It was through sheer willful determination that I was able to direct the fire that had taken the shape of a dragon. It seemed as though it was just as easy to control my dragon fiend as it was to control regular fire. I was able to have the fire attack her without touching my skin.

She flew up and away from me while my fiery dragon consumed her completely. When she was nothing more than a pile of ash I forced all my focus into gaining 100% control over the cursed fire, and then banished it into nonexistence.

After I finished disposing of the Fiendfyre I could feel the pain waiting to hit me like a freight train. The last think I heard before my mind started slipping was a high pitched hiss. "Let the Mudblood burn. I'll deal with her when I have my body…"

Then my mind returned to my body and I felt the pain again. It was like every nerve ending was exposed and being doused in acid while white hot razor blades were coursing through my veins. The pain was all I could see, all I could feel. There was nothing else but pain. Then I remembered…

Finished killing the boy…No. I could not allow the pain to take over my mind. I had to focus. Harry. I promised my dad I'd bring him back. I would not break my promise.

I was finally able to return my attention to the scene before me just in time to see Voldemort stepping out of a large cauldron. He looked…frightening. His face was completely deformed…inhuman. His features were serpentine. He had no nose, just slits for nostrils, with barely any lips and bright red eyes. Like a vampire. He had no hair at all.

My survival instincts kicked in at the site of the monster before me, and I could feel my magic pulling into my core. It was instinctively trying to protect itself from the venom running through my veins. I could also feel adrenaline mixing with the venom, slowing its progress. Lessening the pain to a point where it was just bearable.

Some time must have passed while my concentration was on the venom and my pain. When my mind rejoined the scene, Voldemort was surrounded by Death Eaters and telling Harry that he was going to kill him in a fair fight. Yeah right.

He released Harry from the mausoleum that had him pinned and told Harry to fight. The scene was very difficult to follow in my pain riddled mind, but somehow the two of them seemed to have ended up in some kind of stalemate, with a giant golden shield surrounded them. I noticed that bastard, Wormtail, standing a few feet from me, well away from the other Death Eaters. I looked back to Harry and saw him talking to Uncle Jamie and Aunt Lily. I couldn't really make out what they were saying when Jamie suddenly looked down on me and started speaking to me directly.

"Bella. When Harry breaks the spell we are going to cover him so he can grab you and summon the portkey. You need to get Wormtail and take him with you. Can you manage it through the pain?"

I tried to smile at him, but I'm not sure I accomplished it. "I can do it Uncle Jamie. I love you."

He smiled sadly at me. "I love you, too, sweetheart. Your Aunt and I have had so much fun watching you grow up. We're so proud of you."

His words gave me the strength to push the pain aside and gain control of my magic. I pointed my wand at Wormtail and silently cast a Silencio followed by a stunner. He noiselessly fell to the ground and I levitated him to me. The golden shield had blocked the other Death Eaters' vision of the two of us, not that it mattered. Their attention was completely fixated on their master. I then cast a modified Incarcerous that would tie Wormtail to me. It disgusted me to no end to have my leg and armed tied to his, but if Harry managed to get us out of here, I was taking this asshole with me.

Uncle Jamie had been watching my progress as he and his wife encouraged their son to be strong and hold up the spell. When he saw that I had completed my task he told Harry to end the spell. Harry dropped his wand and the shield imploded in a golden mist impeding Voldemort's vision. Harry ran to me and grabbed me before summoning the cup.

The three of us were whisked away and landed with a thump in front of the maze. Everyone started cheering, but immediately quieted at the scene. Harry was crying over me while I writhed in pain with a ratman tied to me.

"Bella! Bella! What happened? Are you okay? Please, you can't leave me! You have to be okay!"

Dumbledore quickly assessed the situation and took control. He recast the stunner over Peter to make sure that he wouldn't reawaken and escape as a rat once more. He levitated him in front of the crowd and placed a Sonorus over his voice so he could be heard by the crowd. Several gasps could be heard as people had recognized Peter before Dumbledore had even spoken a word.

"Witches and Wizards! This man is Peter Pettigrew." He held up Peter's left hand showing the missing finger before turning his forearm to the crowd and revealing his dark mark. There were many more gasps heard throughout the stadium. "Peter Pettigrew was the Potter's real secret keeper, not Sirius Black. He was the one who betrayed them, and he was the one who killed those muggles on that street. Sirius had gone to confront him about giving the Potter's location to Voldemort, which is why he was also on the scene. Peter took the opportunity to frame him before escaping in his unregistered animagus form, which is a rat. Last term Sirius broke into Hogwarts after seeing a picture of the Weasley family in the Daily Prophet. If you pull this article, you will see the rat form of Peter Pettigrew sitting atop Ron Weasley's shoulder. He had been hiding as their family rat, Scabbers, for twelve years. So you see, Black was trying to protect Harry, not harm him. He is innocent of all charges."

I was looking up to Dumbledore from where I lay on the ground when I noticed movement at the side of the stadium the moment the speech was finished. My dad was rushing to me, and the look on his face broke my heart. Seeing me in so much pain was killing him, and I didn't know how to tell him what was happening to me. I was afraid it would destroy him.

The stands were completely silent as they watched the notorious Sirius Black run across the grass toward the girl writhing on the ground. "Isabella! Are you okay?" My name seemed to echo loudly in the otherwise silent air, and the stands took a collective gasp as they realized who I was. I couldn't speak, though. The pain was too overwhelming. "Please princess!" He begged. "Please talk to me! What has happened?"

The pain in his voice gave me the strength to reply. "Voldemort." Another gasp. "He's back. And I got bit. By a vampire." Harry had been crying over me then entire time, and now my father was joining him. I was being changed. Into a vampire.

It's never something I wanted. Not even when I was with Edward. As a witch there are lots of things I can do to stay looking as young as I want. Edward and I wouldn't have to look so strange together. I knew that he wanted for me to live out my human life and then follow me into the next realm, wherever it might take us. He never wanted me to share his vampiric fate. I didn't either. As a witch, I had the potential to live up to 200 years. We could have found plenty of happiness in that time, before moving to adventures beyond the veil.

It's not that I didn't like the idea of eternity with Edward. I loved the idea. It's not even that I thought being a vampire was a horrible fate on its own. But magic doesn't survive the change. The venom eats up everything in you that's alive, and magic is life. It lives and breathes. Wizards have changed themselves in the past in their search for immortality, and every one of them regretted it in the end. How were they supposed to live for eternity without their magic?

I felt a pang in my very soul at the thought, and my magic raged within me. It didn't want to die, either. I again felt it pull into my core protectively. I thought about how I could manipulate my magic to create the vampire shield and wondered if it would work during the change. Instead of shielding my person from a vampire, I'd shield my magic from the venom. I imagined a hard shell forming around the magic within me. Protecting it from the corrosive venom. In my mind I pictured the shell to be goblin made. Only taking in that which makes it stronger. Allowing the venom to strengthen my magic without destroying it.

Once I had my magic protected and set the shell around it, it became less difficult to maintain. I could open my eyes and see what was going on around me. It seemed that I had been moved. I was laying in Dumbledore's office and he was trying to speak to me. My father was on his knees next to the couch with one of my hands squeezed between both of his.

"Bella! Bella, can you hear me?"

I moved my eyes from my distraught father to meet Dumbledore's. He was looking at me in concern. "Bella, I don't know what to do with you. You cannot stay around humans. You won't be able to contain your bloodlust for a year at the least. I don't know what to do. I'm so sorry this happened."

I responded with a shaky voice. "Can you apparate me to the wizard community in Anchorage, Alaska?"

"Well, yes, but you can't be around humans, Bella."

"I know. Write a letter addressed to Eleazar. He's a vegetarian vampire who lives in Alaska. He doesn't hunt humans. Only animals. Tell him that I've been bitten and ask him to meet me there. Caelen will be able to find him."

Dumbledore looked relieved and squeezed my other hand. "I've never heard of vampires who don't hunt humans before. I'm so glad that you have an alternative, Bella."

I smiled weakly at him. "I know of 12 such vampires, sir."

I looked over to my father while Dumbledore wrote the letter and called for Caelen. "Bella. I can't lose you. I don't care if you're a vampire. You have to come back to me. I need you, princess. You're my whole world. I can't lose you again." Tears were streaming down both of our cheeks and I absentmindedly wondered if this was the last time I'd ever cry.

I reached my hand to my father's face and stroked his tears away. "I'll get control of the bloodlust, Daddy. I actually…Well, like I said, I know of 12 vegetarian vampires. One of them, Edward…Daddy, I love him. He's my soul mate."

He looked like he was about to interrupt so I continued on quickly. "Listen to me, Daddy. Edward is a good man, and he'll help me get through this transition. He'll make sure I never hurt a human. And he's also the reason I spent most of my time in Forks trying to create a potion for vampires that would cure their bloodlust. I felt like I was right on the edge of a breakthrough when a lot of things happened. I don't want to talk about them right now, though. Point is, once I finish the change I'll be able to concentrate on the potion again. If I can cure the bloodlust I can come back sooner."

He was about to speak again when Dumbledore returned. "Caelen has taken the letter. I assume you have a meeting place away from the town?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, I think we should go on ahead. I told Caelen he didn't have to wait until Eleazar was alone, that it was urgent as you were in need. The bird disappeared in a flash, just like Fawkes. I imagine he'll be arriving at Eleazar's side any moment. By the time your change is complete I'll have the memory charm placed over his coven, and I'll explain everything. You don't need to worry about a thing."

"Thank you, sir."

I was wrapped in my father's arms in the next moment. He was squeezing me tightly, but I didn't feel it. While I was able to manage the pain to an extent, it was still quite overwhelmed all my other senses. "I love you, baby. You come back. You come back to me, okay? And please, keep in touch. Maybe through the wolves. They can floo to Grimmauld."

"Of course, Daddy. I love you so so much. Please tell Harry, my Skirts and Sandy that I love them too. And that I'll be back as soon as I'm safe."

"I'll tell them, sweetheart."

In the next moment Dumbledore pulled me into his grip and apparated us to Alaska. I directed him to the place where I usually meet Eleazar and found him already there. Damn. That was quick.

He approached looking frantic with…Alice? "Bella! Oh my god! What happened to you? Eleazar couldn't tell me, and I can't see your future!" If Alice is here, why isn't Edward?

"Edward?" It was all I could get out before the pain started overwhelming me again.

"He's on his way, Bella. He was in South America trying to track Victoria."

I snorted. That was the wrong move as it made the pain shoot quickly though my body. "Dead. I killed her. She's the one who bit me."

"Oh my God, Bella! Please, tell me what happened!"

"Dumbledore." I never returned to full coherency after uttering the word. I vaguely heard Dumbledore ask Eleazar to picture his house in his mind before I felt us apparate away. I could then hear the voices of the rest of the Cullens, sans Edward. They were in a complete uproar. I heard a two more apparition pops and figured Dumbledore had brought back Eleazar and Alice.

When he returned, Dumbledore started explaining everything that happened, at least the pieces he knew about. I couldn't really focus on what was happening around me, though. The venom was completely consuming me, and it wanted everything. Even the magic safely stored away in my core. Time no longer had meaning. I was just burning alive. Bit by bit. But not my magic. I was keeping it safely hidden away. I could feel the aspects of the venom mixing with my magic. Strengthening it. The goblin metal shell was allowing those components to come in. I could feel it. It made me feel stronger. Strong enough to endure the pain.

There proved to be only one thing that could break through the concentration I had during my change. "Bella?"

I opened my eyes to see the most beautiful sight the world had to offer. "Edward?"

As soon as the words left my lips I felt many things at once. I felt the jagged edges, where my soul had been ripped apart at his absence, heal and become whole. I felt my heart swell with love and relief at seeing his beautiful face. And the pain, I felt it start to recede from the edges of my body.

In fact, I couldn't feel any pain in my toes or fingers. But the pain didn't disappear. No. It just relocated. Right to my heart, which started beating furiously. "Listen to her heart. The change is almost complete. It will just be a few minutes, now." Thanks for the update, Doctor – C.

As the pain got closer to my heart, I felt such an immense burning that I couldn't help but cry out. There is no agony worse than what I am feeling right now. The pain made it right on top of my heart, which finally thumped its last beat. The pain was gone. I breathed out a sigh of relief and released my magic back into my body.

Whoa. It's never felt this powerful before. I doubt if I'd even need a wand. I also still felt alive. It felt…wonderful.

I opened my eyes to see a whole new world. A new fantastic point of view. I could see…everything. Every color in the light spectrum. Every dust mote. The most beautiful face that was ever created. My Edward. I know I promised Jacob I'd make him beg, but I feel like everything happened the way it was supposed to. If Edward hadn't left, I probably wouldn't have gone to Hogwarts and been reunited with my father. I've known why Edward left for a while now. I know he loves me. That's all that matters to me right now. I need him. I love him, and I don't want to waste a single second with him.

"Bella? I know it's disorienting. It's going to be okay. Please, you must know. I love you. I lied to you back in Forks. I've been miserable without you. I never wanted this for you, but it happened anyways. I would understand if you hate me."

"Edward?"

"Yes, Bella?"

"Shut up and kiss me."

A/N:

Big thanks to all my reviewers! You always put a smile on my face!

XxHelixRiderxX, Lara, bloddy alanna, Dreamsb223, Angel JJ, MoreRandomThanYouWouldBelieve, Termia, Sweetie7Smiled, vivx-chan, vmarslovahhh18, rockrose, car89, symmasters, BloodyBleedingRose, Crazy-Sly Angel Cullen, haileydelacour101 and Light 1172!

I love you guys!

Okay, so I ended up skipping quickly through the rest of the TWT to get us to the point at the end. I know you guys were anxious to get the Cullens back, and I didn't want to waste time describing things that are straight out of GOF. I changed a few things, of course, but I tried to keep it pretty brief. I hope no one is disappointed.

I also hope you liked the way that Bella was turned and met back up with Edward. It was actually the original idea I had for a story and everything else kind of built off of it.

Let me know what you think!

Also - I am really horrible at describing people's clothes, so I put a link to Bella's dress in my profile if you care what I imagine it to look like. There is also a link of what I imagine both Sarah's character and her dress to look like. I think she looks a bit like Nessie would. :P

Please Please Please review! Since I didn't make Edward beg, I'll do it for him! Please oh, awesome readers! Please leave me a little note! :)