An Unlikely Meeting Between Two Unlikely Paths

by Gryffindor1045

Natalie Malkae, unknown daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange, comes to Hogwarts for her 6th year. Little did she know that she would fall for Harry Potter and play a vital role in the fight against her birth mother and Lord Voldemort.

27. Telling Ron

Chapter 27-Telling Ron

A/N: Sorry for the long wait! Thanks to all the reviewers for the last chapter! All the reviews really do make my day.

Thanks to my sister for editing this chapter!

"There's Slughorn. Professor!" cried Harry, waving his hands enthusiastically at the round Potions Master who continued walking back to the castle without a glance in their direction.

Natalie hastily grabbed Harry's arm. "Calm down, Harry. He obviously is avoiding you," hissed Natalie, noticing the rather appalled and curious stares they were receiving from the other Hogwarts students outside.

It was the Sunday after Natalie's visit with Kalissa on the Friday evening. She and Harry had decided to spend the afternoon outside and enjoy the unexpected warm and sunny spring weather. Ron and Hermione, to Ron's outright disdain and Hermione's slight annoyance, were supervising first year study sessions for most of the afternoon.

Harry shook his head, still staring after Slughorn as they walked towards the lake. "I don't think he's said a word to me ever since I mentioned the horcruxes."

"I'm sure you will find a way to persuade him," said Natalie assuredly. "Dumbledore clearly thinks so but I somehow find it hard to believe that trying to corner him in front of a whole bunch of Hogwarts students is the most effective way to get him to reveal that memory."

Harry laughed. "It was worth a shot."

Natalie clicked her tongue. "I don't even think it was."

"How exactly do you think I'll be able to get him to talk about that memory, let alone convince him to give it to me?" asked Harry, kicking some dirt in front of them.

Natalie looked at him thoughtfully. "Well first of all, you could try to be a bit more subtle- stop trying to corner him at the end of classes and in the corridor. Maybe, first, attend his Slug parties, engage him in conversation and not talk about horcruxes and generally lull him into a sense of comfort around you. And then tell him how important it is to you that you know about the horcruxes. I imagine playing the sympathy card will resonate with him a bit."

Harry looked at her amazement. "You make it sound so easy. To even 'engage him in conversation' would require that he actually talks to me and does not walk away everytime he sees me approach."

Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "Ok, maybe, you need a bit of luck but stop being so negative."

Harry's eyes immediately widened and a big grin spread across his face. "That's it," enunciated Harry.

Natalie stared at him as if he had lost his mind. "Harry, I don't think I'm following you . Are we still talking about Slughorn?"

Harry grabbed her shoulders, stopping their walk and turning her around to face him.

"Don't you see Natalie?" breathed Harry excitedly. "It's luck I need."

Natalie's eyes also widened in understanding. "Felix Felicis."

"Exactly," said Harry. "I was hoping to use to maybe stop Malfoy at whatever he's planning but this seems like the perfect use for the potion."

Natalie refrained from rolling her eyes at Harry's paranoia about Malfoy. "Alright but there's only a small amount so you need to pick the right time and moment to use that potion," said Natalie carefully.

"Of course," replied Harry jubilantly. "It will probably have to late at night- I'll use the Invisibility cloak. And I'm assuming the Felix Felicis will give me an opportunity to speak to Slughorn alone and somehow get him to talk to me. From there, I'll basically do what you say."

"Sounds like a good plan," assented Natalie. "But remember to use it only for Slughorn," added Natalie firmly, the image of a snotty blonde haired boy appearing in her mind.

Harry rolled his eyes at her. "I know Natalie- getting the memory from Slughorn is more important than stopping Malfoy."

Natalie gave a satisfactorily nod. "It's nice to know you listen to me." She released herself from his hold and they proceeded on their walk down to the lake. Natalie could not help but feel a slight pang of pleasure at the loathsome glares directed her way.

"Not that I still don't think Malfoy's up to something," said Harry stubbornly.

"Harry, I've told you-Kalissa and Minerva believe Dumbledore has full control of the situation. Whatever happened to Ron and Katie likely won't happen again. Personally, I don't think Malfoy was behind those attacks," said Natalie.

"And Kalissa also said that she felt Dumbledore was not being completely honest with her. Call me paranoid but I for one would like to know who exactly was behind the attacks and what Malfoy is doing," stated Harry ardently.

Natalie had relayed all of her conversation with Kalissa, except for the part involving Snape, to Harry, Ron and Hermione on Saturday. They all agreed that it was an overwhelming amount of information to absorb, but were pleased at knowing what really lay behind Lily's protection. Ron and Harry still found the Arithmancy rather dreary but the idea that Lily's own circumstances fabricated such a powerful protection enthralled all of them. Harry especially appeared very relieved and excited about the prospect that if the connection between him and Voldemort were broken, then his protection could be used to rebound the Killing Curse at Voldemort.

Kalissa's suspicions about Dumbledore had stunned Ron and Hermione, but as Natalie expected, Harry confessed that he shared those same suspicions. Natalie surmised that after learning that Dumbledore had neglected to tell him the prophecy for so long, Harry was fully aware of the Headmaster's lack of transparency. And as a consequence, Harry still did not waver in his conviction that Malfoy was planning to carry out a terrible task for Voldemort, maintaining his stance that the Slytherin also was the culprit behind Ron and Katie's attacks.

"I don't like wat Dumbledore's doing," acknowledged Natalie grimly. "But we have to trust his judgment."

Harry sighed. "I suppose but he has been wrong in the past."

"I know," said Natalie quietly, reaching over to squeeze Harry's hand. They continued to hold hands as they reached the Black lake.

Natalie gasped in awe at the sight ahead of her. In the summer, the lake took on a slightly uneasy blackness. While the sunlight washed over the groves of trees and bush around the lake, creating a web of dancing shadows intermingled with little wedges and beams of light, the lake appeared as a dark ink blob on a sheet of paper, interrupting and almost tainting the raw spontaneity of the words around it. And after hearing of the frightening stories of all the creatures that lay below the surface, Natalie had come to view the lake as a cautious reminder of the hidden danger underlining the immense magic of Hogwarts.

However, today, on a spring day, rising from the frigid dryness of winter, the blackness morphed into a chilling yet poignant haze of dark blue. The lake invited the rays of sunlight to bounce off its surface, leaving behind an array of glittering gems. The playful way those sparkling crystals rocked and oscillated across the slightly foreboding lake emanated a warmth and ease that Natalie could not associate with the lake in the summer. Combined with the majestic manner in which the landscape dramatically swept upwards past the masses of trees on the banks of the lake to the vast mountains that imperviously loomed over them, the scene conveyed the magnificent power of Hogwarts intertwined with the familiar warmth she had come to cherish in the school.

"It is beautiful," whispered Harry as he wrapped his arm around her.

Natalie leaned into him. "Yes. For me, this is quite a sight- you must probably see it every spring like this. "

Harry smiled at her as they began to walk along the path encircling the lake. "No, you never get used to it especially if you have to go back to the Dursleys every summer."

"I imagine Privet Drive isn't the most beautiful sight in the world," remarked Natalie, nudging him in the ribs.

Harry clutched his side, feigning hurt. He waved her off. "Nah- all those manicured gardens and box houses just grate my nerves."

"Suburban discomfort," noted Natalie dramatically.

Harry laughed. "That's a funny way of describing it but I suppose it's a just bit too ordinary for someone who goes to Hogwarts."

"I think you mean to say, a bit too normal for you."

"And that too," joked Harry.

Natalie looked around, noticing that most of the student population seemed to be at various positions around the lake. Many were walking along the path, others running around the trees on the bank and playing with what Natalie presumed were Weasley Wizarding wheezes products and a few merely lying down on the small beach below the path, basking in the unusual warmth of an April afternoon.

"People certainly seem to be enjoying themselves," observed Harry.

"Too bad Hermione and Ron are stuck inside," said Natalie.

Harry smirked. "I think they wouldn't mind being with each other."

Natalie laughed. "They're with a bunch of first years, Harry."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Just saying- I mean I would enjoy being with you no matter who was with us."

Natalie blushed. "I think being surrounded by Death Eaters would not qualify as an enjoyable situation. But thank you for the sentimental declaration"

Harry rolled his eyes at her. "So cynical."

Ahead of them, partially obscured by a rose bush, Natalie noticed Dean and Ginny lying in a rather intimate position against a tree. Ginny lay in Dean's arms, facing away from the path, as he nuzzled her neck.

Natalie motioned her head to the couple.

Harry chuckled. "Well they certainly seem to be having a good time."

"She better be glad Ron had to supervise those first years. I rather don't want to imagine his reaction," commented Natalie with a sly grin.

"Neither do I," agreed Harry. "Ginny does have a pretty heated temper.'

"I know from experience," said Natalie acidly as they walked past the couple, unnoticed by either one.

Harry frowned at her harsh tone. "That was only the one time. Now, she and you seem to be getting along."

"Harry, there were a few other times in which she and I exchanged harsh words- you weren't just there to witness them," said Natalie disdainfully.

"Well, Ginny, like Ron, is protective of those she considers friends and I think for those first few months, she-

"Viewed me as a threat," finished Natalie, starting to become annoyed at the defensive tone in Harry's voice.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "I don't think as a threat- I think just because of Kalissa's family history, she was a bit skeptical about you."

Natalie snorted. "Oh come on Harry, that wasn't the only reason she didn't take a liking to me."

Harry released his arm from Natalie so that they were now walking side by side. He narrowed his eyes at her. "What are you saying?"

Natalie sighed. "You must know she has feelings for you."

Harry's face flushed. "Well, er yeah," stammered Harry. "But I think she's gotten past those feelings-you saw her and Dean."

Natalie shook her head. "Just because she's with someone else does not mean she has stopped liking you."

"Anyway, she seems to pay a lot more attention to you than she does to Dean," added Natalie.

"We're friends, Natalie!" exclaimed Harry. "Do you expect her to not pay attention to me?"

"Of course not!" said Natalie evenly. "It's nice that you two have a pretty easygoing relationship but the way she looks at you is not the same way Hermione looks at you."

Harry shook his head at her. " 'The way she looks at me'- you're making it sound like she's obsessed with me."

"Well obsessed would be a rather strong term but I would definitely say that you have er a strong presence in her mind," said Natalie, trying to contain the anger in her voice.

"You're just over exaggerating her feelings," said Harry through gritted teeth.

"No, I'm not," stated Natalie heatedly. "The way she reacted to me when we became friends does suggest strong feelings of jealousy."

"I'm thinking that you're the one who is jealous," said Harry coolly.

"Oh so now I've become the jealous girlfriend," hissed Natalie vehemently

Harry did not retract from her furious glare. "Well, if the shoe fits, then wear it."

Natalie tore her gaze from Harry, trying to calm herself. They proceeded to walk in stony silence. Natalie could almost feel Harry seething, picturing his eyes burning a hole into the ground below them. He started to kick pebbles and dust viciously along the path. Out of the corner eyes, she saw that a small group of second year girls on the beach directly below them had noticed their argument and now had annoyingly smug expressions on their faces. She did not want to have this conversation about Ginny but as Harry continued to defend her, Natalie's apprehension and insecurities about the girl emerged.

Natalie closed her eyes, calming herself. To make Harry understand why she had become so abrupt with him, Natalie would have to be honest about her own feelings and that meant painfully recognizing her jealousy.

Natalie took a deep breath, causing Harry to look toward her. "Yes, Harry, I am jealous," acknowledged Natalie, her face turning a bright red. She still could not look at him and so focused her eyes on a nearby pine tree. It would take all of her willpower to say the next sentence. "You've known her much longer than you've known me and you have to admit, she's a very pretty girl and there's an energy about her that a lot of the boys find fanciable."

Harry reached for her hand, holding it. "Natalie, you shouldn't be," said Harry gently. "I don't see her in that way. You shouldn't put yourself down- I think you're the most beautiful girl in the school."

Natalie's face became even redder though her insides soared in delight. "Thank you Harry," whispered Natalie, gazing into Harry's eyes. "And I'm sorry. I shouldn't be that jealous."

Harry smiled at her. "I suppose I would feel a bit slighted if you weren't jealous," said Harry, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Arrogant git," muttered Natalie in mock disgust as she shoved Harry gently. "Anyway, Harry, I have nothing against your friendship with her. It's just-

" You're convinced she still fancies me," said Harry calmly.

"She does fancy you," said Natalie ardently.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "We'll have to disagree on that one. But in Ginny's defense, she is a very loyal and protective friend, like Ron. I do still think that the reason she did not take a liking to you in the first place was that with the Malkae history, she thought you were a threat. And of course, what happened on the common room on your first night escalated everything."

"We'll have to disagree on that one," repeated Natalie, smirking slightly at Harry.

"Though I agree that she is a great friend to you," said Natalie more seriously.

"Her friendship is important to me," said Harry flatly.

Natalie nodded, not offended by the firm tone to Harry's voice. She never wanted Harry to abandon his friendship with Ginny. She just wanted for him to be aware that the red headed girl may still possess romantic feelings for him.

"You know, it's only in the last two years that she's been pretty comfortable around me. Before, she would panic everytime I looked at her," said Harry thoughtfully.

"Hermione told me about how she was," said Natalie. Given how they argued so easily over Ginny, Natalie felt uneasy about continuing to talk about her.

"You and Hermione talk about those sort of things?" asked Harry in bewilderment.

Natalie laughed. "We are girls, Harry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I suppose there was quite a bit of Lavender bashing in your conversations."

"Of course. I actually quite enjoyed insulting her-it was a good way to release my anger about you at the time," remarked Natalie.

Harry snorted in laughter. "Actually I don't mind Lavender that much."

Natalie raised her eyebrows at him, her hands on her hips.

Harry raised his hands defensively at her. "No need to get jealous."

Natalie shoved him more forcefully, almost causing him to lose his balance and fall onto a tree near the path. A few third year girls watching Harry by the tree quickly darted away. "Whoa Natalie," said Harry, still laughing. "You didn't let me finish."

Natalie smirked at him. "You didn't think I was that strong."

"Actually, given how hard you slap, I wasn't too surprised," noted Harry, his eyes dancing in mirth.

Natalie blushed, remembering her wild fury at him at the time. "Yeah, those slaps were quite hard. I never got to apologize for them- you were being a stubborn arse but there was no need for me to-

"Get so violent?" sniggered Harry.

"Yes," said Natalie grumpily. "Do you have to be so casual about something like that?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "We were both very angry with each other at the time-whatever happened is in the past. What were we talking about anyway?"

"About how you 'don't mind Lavender that much'," answered Natalie sharply

"Oh yes," said Harry. "If she didn't go after Ron, would you and Hermione have anything against her at all?"

Natalie paused to ponder over Harry's words. "Well, my feelings about her wouldn't be as strong but generally, she's not somebody that I would want to get to know better."

"So it was only her crush on Ron that caused your strong grudge against her and not her personality?"

"I think that was implied," replied Natalie irritably. "You're basically saying that you don't mind her as a person."

"Yes," said Harry, smiling. "She can be very annoying but she's no different than Parvati or for that fact, many of the girls in the school."

"I suppose you're right," conceded Natalie. "But why do you feel the need to interrogate me about my grudge against Lavender?"

"To make a point," said Harry bemusedly. "You and Hermione should be less judgmental sometimes."

Natalie snapped her fingers. "We weren't being judgmental about Lavender- the way she paraded around with Ron was disgusting."

"Seeing them snog does make me want to vomit," agreed Harry. "But I don't think Lavender is a cruel, evil git like Malfoy."

"I don't think so either but I still don't like her. And that's not because I'm being too judgmental-it's because of the way she went after Ron," said Natalie ostentatiously.

Harry sighed. "Alright and to clear the air, I find her pretty irritating too."

Natalie laughed. "Harry, you're not making sense."

Harry grinned at her. "With Lavender, I was trying to rile you- I think I did the trick. But I did make a good point along the way- she is not a bad person."

Natalie shook her head at him in disbelief. "After we just argued, why in the world would you want to irritate me?"

"You're pretty cute when you're angry." He reached over to wrap his hand around Natalie's shoulders, pulling her towards him.

Natalie lifted her head to peck him on the lips. "I suppose you wanted that to happen."

"More of that would be nice," said Harry mischievously.

"Do you want the other girls here to start throwing hexes at me?"

"Nah, though that would be pretty exciting to watch," said Harry, laughing into Natalie's hair.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a very enjoyable manner. Natalie and Harry continued to affectionately needle one another, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted and carefree for both knew the more serous subjects could wait till later. With all the schoolwork they had received after their eventful Easter break as well as her meeting with Kalissa, Natalie barely had a chance to spend significant time alone with Harry. She almost forgot how much she enjoyed the more nuanced but equally as romantic moments of their interactions; his intense glances her way when he thought she was not paying him attention, the pleased look that crossed his face when he made her laugh, his embarrassed yet excited expression when she discreetly complimented him and the seemingly playful way in which he held and pulled her towards him although both knew the desires behind those gestures were not so innocent.

"That was quite a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon," said Harry happily as they walked back to the castle.

"I never knew the lake was so big," grumbled Natalie, her feet were becoming sore after they had walked the entire distance around the lake.

"We should have gone for a swim," said Harry, rather too enthusiastically for Natalie's liking.

"And freeze to death. You saw those girls shivering," commented Natalie disdainfully.

"Ah it's not that bad- remember I dove into the lake in February," recalled Harry fondly.

"That was not out of choice," retorted Natalie.

Harry shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "It wasn't that bad."

Natalie's stomach growled, causing her to blush. Harry raised his eyebrows at her.

"Sorry," muttered Natalie. "I didn't have much for lunch. What time is it anyways-has supper started yet?"

His eyes flickered to his watch. His eyes widened slightly at the time before he reached into the pockets of his jeans, trying to find something.

"What are you doing?" asked Natalie suspiciously.

"We have an hour till supper," said Harry absently as he finally managed to pull out a blank sheet of parchment. He tapped the sheet, muttering a barely discernible phrase that caused the blank sheet quickly to transform itself into an elaborately detailed map of the castle.

"Harry! What are you doing with that map?" exclaimed Natalie.

Natalie saw his eyes focus on a moving dot with the label 'Draco Malfoy'. Natalie crossed her hands against her chest. "Harry Potter, do you mean to tell me that throughout this afternoon, you've been obsessing about that ferret?"

Harry winced at the mention of his surname. "Natalie, I just wanted to check where he was."

"And the map just happened to be in your pocket?"

Harry sighed. "I'd brought it with me, thinking I could check what he was up to when we were done."

Natalie was starting to become very irritated with his seemingly dismissive attitude towards their afternoon together. " 'When we were done'? I am so sorry to have wasted your time when you could have been following Draco Malfoy," said Natalie scathingly.

Harry slapped a hand to his forehead. "I sound like a real git, don't I? This afternoon was great- I mean, spending time with you alone is wonderful. To be honest, I only thought of him when I saw the time."

Seeing the pleading expression on his face, Natalie found it very difficult to be annoyed with him. "How does checking the time remind you of him?"

Harry turned his eyes away from her. "Er, well, er I've been using the map to er follow him," stuttered Harry, clearly embarrassed. "And around quarter to five or so, he usually goes to the Room of Requirement- you can tell because when he enters the room, his dot disappears off the map."

"Let me be certain I'm hearing what I'm saying-you've basically monitored him for so long that you have his daily routine memorized," stated Natalie, barely keeping the astonishment out of her voice.

"Well, not exactly memorized- I mean I just know when he's doing something suspicious."

"So could you tell me when he goes to the toilet, how long his showers usually are?" asked Natalie, a huge grin spreading across her face.

Harry's flushed. "I don't look for those type of things and anyway, the map doesn't show the locations of the lavatories."

Natalie continued to smirk at him. "Really? I thought your father and his friends would have been interested to know where all the girls' lavatories were."

Harry scowled at her. "Well, they clearly were not. And can you please stop joking- don't you find it a bit strange that Malfoy spends so much time in the Room of Requirement?"

"You obviously do," said Natalie.

"Natalie!"

Natalie raised her hands to calm him. "Yes, Harry, I do find it a bit suspicious that Malfoy is using the Room of Requirement. It's pretty much clear he is up to something but remember what Kalissa told me-Dumbledore probably knows about Malfoy and you have to trust him to have it under control."

"I trust Dumbledore's judgment," repeated Harry irritably. "But don't you at least want to know what Malfoy is doing?"

"We are not going to wait outside the Room of Requirement and then suddenly ambush him when he comes out," said Natalie firmly, sensing Harry's plan.

Harry looked slightly crestfallen. "When the next attack occurs, I'll make sure to remind you that I was right."

Natalie exhaled loudly. "Harry, first of all, I don't think Malfoy was behind the attacks. Whatever he's doing would have to be far less dangerous. And second of all, Dumbledore probably has a good idea who the culprit or culprits were and has taken sufficient measures to stop them."

"Fine but I have a funny feeling about this," said Harry, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Of course you do," said Natalie pointedly.

"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Harry testily.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "I'm not questioning your instincts Harry but you have to admit that you don't have the most objective and tangible evidence in accusing Malfoy of plotting those attacks."

"You've seen how Malfoy looks, haven't you? And what about Snape's Unbreakable Vow?" argued Harry fiercely.

"Snape's vow may have only been a way for Malfoy's mother to ensure his safety- I don't think she was worried about the danger of the task Malfoy was supposedly assigned but more because Voldemort is not very happy with them and the Aurors won't hesitate in arresting them. And if you were in Malfoy's position, you'd look equally as tired and stressed."

"So now you feel sorry for the git," asked Harry, scowling.

Natalie sighed. Whenever they seemed to talk about Malfoy, they always became caught up in the same contentious argument. "No, I don't Harry. He and his family deserve everything that's happened to them so far."

Harry looked slightly mollified as they reached the castle. Both of them passed through Filch's neurotic scan. Judging by the dismayed expression on the caretaker's face after he could not find any sign of dark magic on them, Natalie briefly wondered whether he would have far greater enjoyment as a guard among all the feelings of misery and forlornness in Azkhaban.

After they had left the grumpy caretaker, Natalie turned to Harry, an annoyed expression on her face. "And Harry, can you please stop biting my head off everytime we talk about Malfoy?"

Harry ran a hand through his hair sheepishly. "Sorry about that Natalie. It's just that I'm so certain he had something to do with those attacks."

Natalie nodded. "You have your feelings about that and I'll respectfully disagree with you," said Natalie resignedly. "But Harry, you can't make it your life's goal to prove he is a Death Eater."

Harry chuckled. "You must know that's not my life goal. What's the Muggle saying- I have bigger fish to catch or something like that?"

"To fry," corrected Natalie, a surge of compassion filling her at Harry's implication. "Oh Harry, you know that you must only go after Voldemort when you're ready and when Dumbledore and you have everything you need to know about defeating him."

Harry smiled at her. " I'm surprised that you forgot to mention Kalissa."

"I'm sure Kalissa will have her say," said Natalie, not bothering to hide the pride in her voice.

"Do you want to go find Ron and Hermione?" posed Harry as they entered the Great Hall.

Natalie nodded. "They'll probably have gone back to the Common room- the study session should be finished by now."

"That reminds me," began Harry, looking tentatively at Natalie.

"Yes?" said Natalie curiously.

Harry's eyes were quickly becoming clouded with distress. "About Ron- when do you-

"Plan to tell him?" said Natalie grimly, her smile also rapidly slipping off her face.

"Yes," said Harry quietly. Between the nervous fiddling with his glasses, the flickering of his eyes around the Hall and his erect posture, Natalie could easily see the guilt tormenting him.

"I should try to tell him as soon as possible," noted Natalie.

Harry moved forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. He concentrated his gaze upon Natalie. "It's your secret to tell. You must tell him when you feel comfortable and not because of myself or Hermione."

Natalie nodded, her heart skipping a few beats. Though she had already resolved to share her identity with Ron, the actual decision to abide by her resolve and tell him held a sharpness of reality that Natalie feared she had yet to fully appreciate. The precipitous nature of this decision along with all the devastating consequences was slowly sinking into Natalie. If Harry needed a month to come to terms with Natalie's identity, how long would Ron, who had an even more lopsided view of the wizarding world, take? Ron would undoubtedly be absolutely furious with his two best friends for concealing such important information. Considering the impact on Harry worried Natalie but her greater concern ultimately lay with Hermione. She and Ron were finally realizing their feelings with one another. Telling Ron would invariably set back their relationship.

Natalie had not noticed Harry guide her into one of the hidden passageways that connected the Great Hall to one of the corridors leading to the Fat Lady's Portrait. He placed a hand on his cheek, startling Natalie.

"Natalie, you seem to be a bit out of it," said Harry softly. "Take some time to think about telling Ron-I'm sorry for bringing it up when we were having such a good time."

Natalie stared at Harry. She remembered the poorly disguised anguish on Harry's face, Hermione's sad and hollow smile and her own terrifying numbness when Ron had asked her about using Kalissa's name. Hesitating and procrastinating in informing Ron would only aggrandize their guilt; Ron's reaction would be equally as angry and disappointed whether it was today or a week or month from today. With that thought, a renewed clarity strengthened Natalie's resolve. It would be best to tell him tonight.

Natalie placed her hand in Harry's other hand, looking determinedly into his eyes. "I should tell Ron sooner than later. And so then why not tonight?"

"Tonight?" asked Harry, startled. "It's not too soon for you?"

Natalie nodded, not tearing her piercing gaze from Harry. "I've thought about it Harry- I've already decided to tell Ron. If I procrastinate, I'm only make us all feel more guilty and Ron's reaction is not going to change because of when I tell him."

Harry squeezed her hand. "You sound pretty confident but you must know Ron's not going to handle it well, especially initially."

Natalie smiled. "From your reaction, I think I know what to expect."

Harry pressed his lips to her forehead. "We should tell Hermione. I think she will agree with you but Ron's not going to be happy with her."

"I know," whispered Natalie. "That's what worries me the most."

"They'll get through it," assured Harry, brushing a few strands of hair off Natalie's forehead. "I also agree that it's better to tell Ron immediately. The longer you know a secret is being kept from you, the angrier you become. "

Natalie dropped her head onto Harry's shoulder, letting him envelop her into a tight hug. Hearing Harry's vote of confidence validated the decision in her mind given his past experiences as the person being deceived.

"Shall we go then?" asked Harry as he pulled back from Natalie.

Natalie nodded. They began to walk along the passageway to the corridor leading to Gryffindor Tower. "Thanks for that Harry. You really know how to cheer me up."

Harry blushed. "I like to think that I know when you're upset."

"Yes you do," said Natalie as she reached out to hold his hand.

"How are you going to ask Hermione?" asked Harry.

"I'll probably make an excuse for her to come with me to our dormitory and then ask whether she agrees that I should tell Ron tonight."

"I'm almost certain she will," stated Harry. "She doesn't like hiding things at all."

"Yesterday when I told her I wanted to tell Ron, she was very supportive and pretty relieved," said Natalie.

Harry turned to her with an unreadable expression on his face. "You know, we've hidden your identity from Ron for about three months. And only on Friday, did it hit all of us that we were lying to our best friend." His voice ascended with each word, finally hardening on the last word as the guilt and self loathing emerged again.

Natalie squeezed his hand, rubbing her thumb against his palm. She also could not believe that all of three them only started feeling that terrible, burdensome guilt less than two days ago. However, Natalie supposed that over the last few months, their minds and emotions had been very distracted so that with other subjects at the front of their minds, the guilt reduced into a barely palpable uneasiness. "It's wrong that we only realized we were lying to Ron on Friday but we can't completely blame ourselves for that. There were so many other things occurring over the past few months- you and I fighting, Ron and Hermione continuing to fight, Ron's poisoning, the incident at Knockturn Alley and not to mention the research the four of us did on your mother's protection and your assignment from Dumbledore about the Horcruxes."

Harry looked slightly appeased. "Still, how could we have not seen this?"

"It is pretty shocking but I plan to tell Ron tonight or very soon, depending upon what Hermione says. So it will be behind the four of us."

They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Harry said the password and they entered the common room, spotting Ron and Hermione relaxing on the settee by the fireplace. Hermione was re-reading an essay while Ron's eyes were, to Natalie's surprise, focused firmly on a book. As she and Harry approached them, Natalie's surprise tempered, noticing that the textbook was a Quidditch book.

Both Ron and Hermione looked up when Harry and Natalie sat in the two opposing armchairs.

"How was your afternoon?" asked Ron with a noticeable smirk on his face.

"Very nice," said Harry in a clipped tone.

"Got in a few snogs?" said Ron, an annoying grin on his face.

Harry threw the cushion on his armchair at Ron who dramatically ducked the cushion, falling on the settee onto Hermione's lap. Both of them immediately separated from one another with equally red expressions.

Harry laughed. "Thank goodness you're not a Chaser. Imagine if that was a Bludger, you'd have fallen off your broom."

"The afternoon was good, I trust," said Hermione, cutting off Ron's sharp retort.

"Yes, the weather was great. How was the study period?" replied Natalie civilly, desperately trying to catch Hermione's eye. Unfortunately, Hermione's reproachful gaze was focused on Ron.

"An absolute waste of time," said Ron, yawning. "Most of them are absolute dunces, if you ask me."

"Ron!" reprimanded Hermione. "How can-

"Hermione," interrupted Natalie rather forcefully. Hermione turned to look indignantly at Natalie. "I was meaning to tell you yesterday but I found a rather interesting Ancient Runes textbook. Do you want to go up to the dormitory to see it?" She finally caught Hermione's eye, silently pleading her to accept the transparent excuse.

"Oh," said Hermione, a suspicious expression on her face. "Well of course, let's go see it."

"Ancient Runes, Arithmancy- one would think that you two dream of those subjects," muttered Ron sardonically, who seemed to be rather spirited.

"I don't say anything about your obsession with Quidditch, do I?" snapped Hermione.

"Yes, you do," corrected Ron, grinning snidely at Hermione.

Before Hermione could engage herself in the argument further, Natalie pulled her away. "We're going to my dormitory and will be back in about fifteen minutes for supper." Harry smiled encouragingly at her.

She and Hermione walked to the staircase leading to their dormitory and headed up the stairs. "Why did Harry smile at you like that?" whispered Hermione curiously. "And do you honestly expect me to believe that you couldn't have brought the book into the common room for both of us to read?"

"Hermione, calm down. I'm going to tell you," said Natalie patiently. They entered their dormitory which was thankfully empty. As Natalie plopped on her bed, she motioned for Hermione to do the same. Natalie then quick a cast Muffliato around them in case either Parvati or Lavender did enter.

"What's this about?" asked Hermione intently, her expression suddenly solemn.

Natalie nodded at Hermione. She took a deep breath before answering Hermione. "Remember when I told you that I wanted to tell Ron about Bellatrix being my mother," started Natalie, watching for Hermione's reaction.

Hermione's eyes widened like saucers. With the girl's intuition, Natalie surmised Hermione already knew what Natalie was going to say.

"Well, Harry and I have thought it over. I've come to the conclusion that the sooner I tell Ron, the better it is for all of us. Ron will react the same way no matter when I tell him but the longer I prolong my decision, the more the guilt will weigh on us. And thinking over everything, there's no reason why I should wait a few days, " explained Natalie, trying to appear as calm as possible even though her insides were squirming.

"Tonight?" breathed Hermione anxiously. Natalie could almost see her stomach take a sharp lurch.

"Yes," answered Natalie quietly.

"And you've thought about the consequences, including Ron's reaction- he will be very angry with all of us," said Hermione, her voice trembling. The words were rushing out of her mouth.

Recognizing the bout of panic, Natalie's heart pounded against her chest. With Ron and Hermione's relationship, she not only wanted but desperately needed Hermione's stamp of approval on her decision to tell Ron. Judging by Hermione's frantic behavior, Hermione had yet to absorb the ramifications of telling Ron; mainly the exposure of Hermione's concealment would strike a possibly devastating blow to the development of their relationship.

"Hermione, if you haven't thought over and accepted Ron's reaction, I won't tell him tonight," said Natalie, gently wrapping her arm around the pale girl next to her.

Hermione appraised Natalie's statement, biting her lower lip. She closed her eyes for a few painstaking long moments and then opened her eyes with a determined expression on her face. "No, Natalie, since Friday, I've wondered many times about how Ron would handle knowing your identity. He will be absolutely furious and hurt but like you said, the guilt is terrible. I can't stare at him in the eye without thinking about it."

As Hermione paused, Natalie gave Hermione a reassuring squeeze. She knew too well how Hermione was feeling. When she and Harry were starting to explore their feelings for one another, the same suffocating guilt throttled her.

Hermione breathed, again staring at Natalie. "However, Natalie, this is your secret and your decision. I agree with the logic but the most important thing is whether right now, you feel you can trust Ron. Speaking for Ron, I can say that he may be the most trustworthy person I know and Harry will probably agree. However, in order for you to feel happy with your decision, you must believe that you can trust Ron."

Natalie smiled at her. "I knew I could count on you for making things simple. On Friday, I don't think I told you but I did think about whether I could trust Ron. Our friendship is only about two months old so there is little familiarity for me to rely upon. However, I know that Ron trusts you and Harry- and because of that trust, I am fully convinced I can place my faith in him," explained Natalie, believing every single word.

Hermione exhaled, a slightly relieved expression crossing her face. "You sound pretty confident. I agree with the decision to tell Ron- I'm not looking forward to the actual act but I want it to be over. I have no idea how this guilt only started to really cut into me on Friday."

Natalie chuckled. "Harry and I had this same conversation. I think so many things have happened in the past few months that after Ron's poisoning, the three of us almost forget about Ron not knowing who I was. I don't blame you at all- you have to remember that until about a month ago, you and Ron weren't talking."

Hermione nodded. "And I suppose after his poisoning, I was so happy that he was alive and that the two of us were on speaking terms. Him knowing your identity became so unimportant. I still should have seen it earlier."

"We all should have," said Natalie solemnly.

Hermione smiled at her."So tonight it is."

"Yes," said Natalie with an air of finality.

"Now?" asked Hermione. "Or after supper?"

"After supper-this might take some time," answered Natalie.

"Where should we tell him?" asked Hermione, frowning. "We're going to need a place that we know we won't be interrupted."

Natalie nodded, anticipating the question. "There's a classroom in the hidden passage that connects the Great Hall to the corridor leading to the Fat Lady. It's almost always empty. We can lock the door, cast a Silencing charm as well."

Hermione raised her eyebrows at her. "Have you and Harry been using that classroom to-

"No!" exclaimed Natalie. At Hermione's skeptical look, Natalie sighed. "A few times- Hermione, don't look at me like that! Anyway, more importantly, I told Harry about Bellatrix in that classroom."

"That sounds like a good location then," said Hermione, still smirking at Natalie.

"Come on Hermione. I can't believe I'm saying this but be serious," said Natalie in frustration.

"Fine, we'll use that classroom," agreed Hermione without the smirk. "We should return to the Common room. I do think we have been here for 15 minutes."

Natalie nodded and reversed the the Muffliato spell. The two of them exited the dormitory.

"You know you can't always use Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as an excuse to talk to me alone. Ron may not catch it but Harry will," noted Hermione amusedly.

Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "I'll promise next time to make my excuse more original."

"I hope you do," assented Hermione, laughing.

When they returned to the Common Room, Harry looked inquisitively at the two of them. Ron also lifted his head from the Quidditch book.

Natalie smiled at Harry who in turn nodded at both of them, shooting Hermione a reassuring smile.

"Ready for supper?" asked Ron, stretching his arms lazily as he placed the textbook in his bag.

"Yes. Let's go," answered Natalie a bit too earnestly.

After Hermione and Ron had dropped off their bags in their dormitories, the four of them exited the Common Room and walked to the Great Hall. Natalie glanced at Harry out of the corner of her eyes, flicking her eyes to motion him to join her as she walked ahead of Ron and Hermione.

Harry picked up his pace so that he was alongside Natalie. "You're telling him then?" said Harry in a hushed voice, looking back to make sure Hermione and Ron could not hear him.

Natalie nodded. "After supper in that classroom on the secret passageway we have used before."

Harry blushed. "Alright- that should be pretty safe. I don't think we've even been-

"Interrupted," finished Natalie dryly. Both she and Harry exchanged slightly embarrassed but amused glances.

"How's Hermione doing?" asked Harry.

"Good. She's nervous about telling Ron but she wants to do it," replied Natalie.

Harry nodded. "We're all nervous. Hopefully I can eat my supper."

Natalie laughed. "With Ron there eating everything, I think it would be hard for us to lose our appetite."

They arrived at the Great Hall, sitting down to eat supper at their customary positions near the end of the Gryffindor table that was close to the staff table. Though the Irish stew prepared by the House Elves looked and was delicious, Natalie barely finished the small helping on her plate. She also noticed that Hermione had eaten even less. And Harry, who often could rival Ron with his appetite, only managed one helping of the stew.

Neither Natalie, Harry or Hermione had much desire for conversation. And the three of them frequently exchanged tense, anxious looks with one another, noticing the very small amount of food each had eaten. Fortunately, Ron was apparently very hungry and his almost mercenary attack on the dishes of Irish stew mostly distracted his attention from the clear uneasiness among the other three.

As Ron appeared to be finished, he glanced at the other three curiously. "You all have been pretty quiet. And none of you ate that much- I honestly didn't think the Irish stew was that bad."

Natalie grimaced at Ron. "It's not the food Ron. We'd like to tell you something important but we have to go to er a more private place," said Natalie very quietly.

Harry and Hermione winced. She could almost feel the tension emanating from them.

Ron, also noting the agitated expressions of his three friends, looked completely taken aback. "Oh er well, let's go then." He stood up abruptly, startling the other three. "You all are very jumpy. It's not anything serious, is it?"

"It's not anything dangerous," answered Natalie, trying to pick her words carefully. "But it's still serious. Let's go."

They all stood up from their seats and left the Great Hall. Natalie led the way to the secret passageway and into the classroom. Natalie and Hermione cast very strong silencing and locking charms and both of them turned to face Ron who stood against the teacher's desk.

"What's this about?" asked Ron sharply, his arms crossed against his chest. Harry, who sat on the desk in front of Ron, shot Natalie a slightly panicked glance.

Natalie smiled reassuringly at Harry. She knew for Harry and Hermione, this would be perhaps the most terrifying conversation they had ever had with their friend.

"We have something to tell you that we've kept for you for some while," said Hermione, her voice trembling.

"No, I have something to tell you," said Natalie firmly, placing her hand on Hermione's arm. She planned to be the one to tell Ron because of the three, she would have the greatest composure in this situation and more importantly, it was her secret.

"What? You're hiding something?" exclaimed Ron, his voice rising. He looked in bewilderment at each of them.

Natalie closed her eyes, taking her time to choose her words before she proceeded. She then opened her eyes and stared directly into Ron's eyes. "Yes, we have. It's my secret."

"Alright," said Ron, the very confused expression not leaving his face. "Can you please tell me then unless you like having me on the edge of my seat?" asked Ron very harshly, looking indignantly at Hermione.

"Ron," cautioned Harry, the expression on his face becoming more somber.

"Ron – please give Natalie some time," said Hermione as forcefully as she could.

Natalie smiled at the courage of her two friends. She knew how difficult it was for them to overcome their anxiety and separate themselves from their guilt.

Ron sighed. "Yes, let's hear this secret or whatever it is."

Natalie nodded. "Ron, remember on Friday when you were confused because I called Kalissa by her first name?"

"Of course," answered Ron. "Harry and Hermione said that was just how you addressed your mother."

"Well they were lying to cover the actual truth," stated Natalie. "The reason I call her Kalissa is because she is my guardian, but not my mother by blood."

Ron glared furiously at Harry and Hermione. "You two didn't tell me –"

"Ron, I know you're angry but can you please hold it off until I'm done," said Natalie authoritively, fixing her eye on him.

Ron sighed, returning his eyes back to Natalie. "Go on."

"My actual mother by blood is Bellatrix Lestrange," said Natalie. "My father –"

"What? Did I hear you correctly?" cried Ron, his eyes bulging. He shook his head fervently, pacing around the three of them. "You seriously must be joking because your mother cannot be that women. What a load of rubbish, Natalie! You honestly shouldn't be fooling around with me!"

"She is and why would I try to lead you on after I told you at supper that we needed to tell you something important?" said Natalie flatly.

Ron, after his frantic pacing, stood only a few inches from her. "You're her child – How is that even possible?" shouted Ron, his ears turning red.

"She had an affair with a Muggle named David Claggerton – my father. She became pregnant, thinking that the father was her husband, Rodolphus Lestrange. After I was born, she realized who I was and then decided to kill my father and left me to burn to death in his burning house. Fortunately, Kalissa saved me and took me in as her child."

"That still does not make any sense," snapped Ron, his hands running through his hair. "Why would Bellatrix Lestrange have an affair with a Muggle? If she killed him after she found out you were his child, why didn't she kill him earlier? And why hasn't she come after you if she tried to kill you as a child?"

Natalie raised her eyebrows at Ron. Of the three, she would have least expected Ron to be the one who asked all the logical questions about her past. She also saw Harry and Hermione looking at her curiously as she had not told them the suspected reason behind Bellatrix's affair with her father.

"Kalissa's explanation for the affair is that Bellatrix was using my father basically for sex – you know the idea of sleeping with a Muggle is considered exotic. Apparently, even fanatical purebloods can't keep in the temptation. As to why she did not kill my father right after they slept together, Kalissa says – and I agree with it – that she either thought him to be relatively harmless or as hard as it may seem, she may have actually felt something for him. Obviously those feelings died once she saw me. And for your last question, she thought I died in the fire and until recently, she had no idea that maybe I did survive. But at that attack on Christmas, she saw me and definitely knows who I am. Fortunately, Voldemort, because her behavior has been reckless, has her under control for the time being. "

Ron breathed heavily, still staring at Natalie in wonder. "You are her daughter then," said Ron quietly as if to confirm the fact to himself.

"Yes," replied Natalie, waiting for the inevitable reaction.

As Natalie expected, once Ron gauged that Natalie's explanation seemed plausible and that Natalie must be telling the truth, he started to gaze at Natalie in a new light as if she had transformed into an unfamiliar and terrifying creature. "You're her daughter – Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter," repeated Ron, absorbing each word.

"The woman who tortured Neville's parents into insanity, who threatened to kill Ginny at the Department of Mysteries and who killed Sirius," said Ron in horror. Natalie could almost visualize the vile and disgusting image of the Bellatrix Lestrange he saw at the Department of Mysteries enter his mind. "And you're her daughter," enunciated Ron, connecting the image in his mind with the one in front of him.

"Yes," reiterated Natalie, knowing that the anger would eventually burst.

"Do you know who that woman is?" hissed Ron, eying her warily.

"Don't look at her like that," said Harry sharply. "She is nothing like that woman – you've known for her about a year and has she ever done anything that would even suggest Bellatrix Lestrange is her mother?"

Natalie smiled gratefully at Harry who had now appeared at her side.

Ron waved his finger furiously at Harry. "It doesn't change the fact that she has the same blood as maybe the second most evil person in the wizarding world. You saw her at the Department of Mysteries Harry."

Hermione now stepped up to confront Ron. "Yes and she's only Natalie's mother by blood – Natalie is nothing like her. Being related to someone by blood should not condemn that person."

"Oh, Natalie, it looks like you have a nice little army to defend you," spat Ron, stepping away from her in disgust. "So how long have you three been keeping this secret from poor ickle Ronniekins?"

Hermione stepped toward Ron, a pleading expression on her face. "Ron, please –"

"How long?" said Ron in a dangerously low voice, cutting off Hermione with a wave of his hand.

"I told them both at the beginning of the year in January. And I know you feel betrayed Ron, but I promised the two of them to not tell anyone – you should be angry at me," said Natalie, though knowing her words were futile.

Ron gave a cruel, cold laugh that unsettled Natalie. "Oh don't worry, I am definitely pissed off with you. But let me make sure my hearing is correct – my two best friends for the past five years decided to not tell me this apparently tiny secret that a person I consider a friend is the daughter of a raving lunatic. Harry and Hermione, man, I really do appreciate the loyalty – I had no idea the last five years meant so much to you."

Harry shook his head at Ron. "Ron, it's terrible that we kept this from you, but this secret is not something that we can –"

"What, Harry?" shouted Ron. "Was I not trustworthy to know this? Was snogging your girlfriend more important than trusting your best mate? Your best mate Harry!"

"Listen, Ron, it wasn't like that. It has nothing to do with how strongly Harry and Hermione value your friendship. I told Harry and Hermione not to tell anyone," said Natalie.

"Shut up!" snarled Ron. "Do you think I honestly care what you said to them? They've known you for eight months and me for almost six years."

"Ron, Natalie's also our best friend," said Harry ardently. Despite his firm tone, his face was paralyzed in stricken terror.

"Oh, so then, she is more important to you. Harry, I guess all those times you came over to my house in the summer, every time I risked my life for you means absolutely bloody nothing."

Harry's shoulders sagged. He stood still, his eyes downcast on the floor, not having the energy to appease Ron. Natalie knew Ron's comment added an even nastier, more stinging side to the guilt for Harry always worried about the peril he had allowed his friends to face.

"Ron, I'm very sorry. It was horrible to keep this from you," cried Hermione, her body shaking. She looked on the verge of tears. "You have to realize Ron, even though you must be absolutely furious, that we had an obligation to keep Natalie's secret because if anybody else knew, it could be very dangerous."

Ron gazed at her amazement. "I really thought that after all the time we spent together in the past two years, you would realize that I really do care for you. But obviously, I'm still the stupid, poor and clumsy red-headed boy who can't handle anything serious."

Natalie gaped at Ron. He had confessed his feelings for Hermione as well as his own insecurities, an emotional release for which she knew Hermione desperately craved. Yet, the pure disappointment driving this outburst rendered those confessions futile, likely burning into Hermione the searing notion that she alone struck the devastating blow to their relationship. Hermione looked absolutely crushed as she too backed away from Ron, the sobs finally breaking through.

Natalie believed that Ron had gone too far. Even though he deserved to be angry at his friends, there was no need for him to mount a relentless attack on their own insecurities, entrenching the guilt and regret that already consumed them.

Ron now was moving slowly towards Harry and Hermione, his teeth gritted. Before he could get any closer, Natalie stepped in front of her friends and walked quickly towards Ron until they were only a few feet apart.

"That's enough," said Natalie, trying to maintain her calm.

"Get the bloody hell away from me! I need to talk to those backstabbing morons I call friends," spat Ron, his eyes piercing into Natalie.

"Don't call them that. You have no idea how much it pained them to keep this from you. Harry is forever grateful to you and your family and I know how strongly Hermione feels for you," said Natalie cuttingly.

"They have a funny way of showing it," sneered Ron.

"You need to calm down. You're saying things that I know you don't mean," said Natalie evenly.

"How would you know anyway? You've only known us for 8 months. GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME! I DON'T WANT PEOPLE LIKE YOU NEAR ME!"

Natalie's temper started to boil. Obviously, nothing she said would appease Ron. "Ron, I think you should leave this classroom before you say anything else that you might regret," said Natalie dispassionately. She motioned her wand to the door, silently reversing the locking spells she had cast.

"I'm not done!" shouted Ron, attempting to sidestep Natalie to get to Harry and Hermione.

Natalie blocked him, hopelessly trying to hold him off. "Saying horrible things to them won't be doing you any good," protested Natalie as she and Ron became entangled.

"Don't hurt her," said Harry, his voice shaking slightly as he immediately rushed over and pushed Natalie and Ron apart.

"I wasn't going to, but it's nice to know you have such a nice opinion of me," snarled Ron. "And you know what, I think your girlfriend is right, I should leave because clearly I'm not wanted here. My own two best mates can't even look me in the eye and say they've lied to me."

Ron viciously kicked a desk in front of him, picked up a chair and hurtled it across the room. Then he almost sprinted to the door.

Before he could open the door, Hermione, who had been in an almost tranced state, stood up and ran to the door, startling all of them. She somehow managed to reach Ron and whisper something to him. A look of surprise flickered across Ron's face before the scorching fury returned. He shook his head at Hermione, then opened the door and slammed it shut as he exited the room.

After the door closed, an extremely morose and awkward silence stretched between the three of them. Each looked away from the two, not wanting to see the expression and stance they expected. The tension had left the room with Ron, but in its place, lay a depressing, almost surreal resignation. Ron's tirade seemed unreal yet the cracked edge in one of the table legs, the broken fragments of the chair at the back of the room and the overwhelming image of his exiting figure crystallized the entire outburst, arousing the sickly and horribly foreboding certainty that as much as they could forecast and prepare for his anger, the unearthing of that fury in reality contained an augmented tension none of them could have imagined.

Natalie managed to pull herself from her shock to look at her two friends. What she saw, though it did not surprise her, struck another crushing blow to her spirits. Hermione stood against the door, her body vibrating with the sobs she could not control. Her entire body was frozen into a crouched and drooped posture as if she did not have the energy to keep standing but did not want to sit down in fear that she might not ever be able to come up. Harry, on the other side of the room by the teacher's desk, merely stood against the desk, his hands crossed against his head, gazing at the chalkboard on the opposite wall. A look of devastating regret tinged with numb shock drowned his face.

Not wanting either of them to immerse themselves further in this horrible sullenness, Natalie cleared her throat. To her relief, Hermione straightened her posture slightly, lifting her head to catch Natalie's eye.

She nodded at Natalie. "I'm going to go back to the dormitory. I feel very tired," said Hermione very shakily as the sobs still broke through her.

Natalie jerked her head to Harry. "Let's all go back together."

Harry also awoke from his reverie as he had now moved to Natalie's side, looking worriedly at both Natalie and Hermione. "That took a lot of energy. We should go back before it gets late," whispered Harry, his voice still trembling.

Hermione nodded, bringing out her wand to silently repair the cracked table leg and broken chair, banishing the chair to its previous spot. She reversed the silencing spells they had cast before all three of them left the room. It was hopefully the last time they would have to use the room for that purpose again.

As they walked along the passageway to the Fat Lady's portrait, Natalie noticed Hermione slowing down. Ron's outburst seemed to have drained all of her energy. Before Hermione could fall behind, Natalie latched onto her arm, holding her as she marched forward. Harry gave her a small smile.

Hermione smiled apologetically at her. "Sorry about that."

Natalie shook her head. "Absolutely no need. We all need a good night's sleep."

After about 5 more minutes of this march, they reached the portrait. Harry muttered the password to the Fat Lady, who shot them a rather perplexed glance, and they entered the Common Room. Not surprisingly, almost immediately after they entered, most of the inhabitants in the Common Room turned their attention to them. Natalie supposed Ron had not been so discreet with his anger.

Hermione released herself from Natalie. "Thank you Natalie. I think I'm going to get changed and just go to sleep," said Hermione under her breath, the wearisome exhaustion not leaving her face. "I'll be fine- I just need the rest," added Hermione in response to Natalie's worried glance.

Natalie nodded. "I'll be coming up a bit later too. I just need to talk to Harry."

"Alright, well good night to the two of you," said Hermione, mustering a small smile. She then left them, turning her head away from all the inquisitive stares, quickly heading up the staircase leading to their dormitories. Natalie noted that Lavender and Parvati were thankfully still in the Common Room though Lavender bore a very smug expression on her face that caused Natalie to have an intense desire for her wand.

Before she could reach into her robes, Harry grabbed Natalie's arm, pulling them over to the nearest set of chairs by the window facing the Forbidden Forest and the Black Lake. Most of the other students resumed their usual conversations as Harry and Natalie sat down though a few of the girls still stared intently at the couple.

"I guess you saw Lavender," noted Natalie sullenly.

"Yes," said Harry. "It wasn't hard to see- you were practically glaring daggers at her."

Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "Pisses me off," said Natalie under her breath.

Harry gave a hollow laugh as he started fiddling with his jumper, his eyes fixated on the window.

"Harry, about Ron, he didn't mean what he said. He is absolutely furious about not being told and those comments just come out like that," said Natalie, trying to sound as reassuring and soothing as she could.

Harry took a few moments to respond as he still gazed out of the window. Finally, he exhaled loudly. "I guess so Natalie but he is right. I did lie to him after everything he's done."

Natalie closed her eyes. Though she had continually warned herself that she would feel very guilty about Ron's reaction because she had obliged Harry and Hermione to not tell him, the preparation did not lessen the stinging and biting torment of that guilt.

She felt Harry's hand close upon her hand. "I'm sorry about what he said about you- even though he has a right to be angry, the way he looked at you is really horrible. And I know I've said it before, I'm really sorry about what I said before to you. I can't imagine you having to deal with my insults after I was the first person you ever told."

Natalie opened her eyes, smiling warmly at Harry. "Oh Harry, I've gotten past that. You really shouldn't be so worried about me. And Ron's comments don't hurt as much since shall I say, I've already had the experience." Seeing Harry's eyes cloud with distress, Natalie added quickly, "Harry, that argument between us is in the past. All it did was strengthen our relationship. I'm more worried about what Ron said to you and Hermione."

Harry sighed. "What he said did hurt but he was right-Hermione and I did betray his trust. He has every right to be hurt, angry, disappointed, frustrated. But if I had to do it over again, I would still keep your secret as would probably Hermione- we also had an obligation to you. It's just such a complex situation."

Natalie smiled at him in pure gratitude. "I've probably said this before but you and Hermione have no idea as to how grateful I am to the two of you for keeping the information to yourselves."

Harry shrugged his shoulders, still looking contemplatively out of the window. "I don't know how to explain it but it was just this gut feeling that telling Ron without your permission would be completely wrong. It was a pretty powerful instinct- Hermione could probably tell you in more logical terms. I guess that feeling also kind of covered the guilt for a while. I don't know about you but after his outburst, the guilt seems to be worse. I don't know if it was what he said or the way he made it clear that we actually did lie to him but it seems absolutely horrible that we only started feeling guilty on Friday."

"I'm pretty sure Hermione also had that same gut feeling," said Natalie with a small smile. "I also feel very bad that none of us noticed what we were hiding for so long-it shouldn't be at the back of my minds. Life has been pretty eventful but that's not a good excuse. However, that's in the past- we can learn from it and move on. From my experience with you, all of those depressing feelings, guilt, hurt, frustration, disappointment, were the worst immediately after I told you so I can't promise you but I expect it won't feel any worse than right now."

" not being so optimistic and reassuring," said Harry, squeezing her hand as he finally looked at her. "I'm sure Ron will need some time to just digest everything."

"Yes," replied Natalie, completely agreeing with Harry.

Harry frowned. "I'm just worried about Hermione. What Ron said to her might have been the worst thing he could say."

Natalie nodded in sadness. "She looked absolutely crushed, far more so than she was after she saw Ron snogging Lavender. They'll need time as well. Hopefully I'm not justifying my own decision but I still think that telling him now will eventually be better for their relationship. It's better to confront these feelings earlier than later."

"Like us," pointed Harry thoughtfully.

"Yes," said Natalie, giving him a small smile.

Harry yawned. "As much as I'd like to continue this wonderfully enlightening conversation, I think I'm going to sleep. Ron will probably be fast asleep or at least pretending to sleep."

"I think I'll be going to sleep too" said Natalie as they both stood up.

Harry nodded. Before they could walk, Harry grabbed Natalie's shoulder as he stared concernedly at Natalie. "Er, Natalie, I know if I was in your position, I'd feel pretty bad because it was my secret. But Natalie, remember that we can't change that and it's much better that he knows as you said before. You did the right thing- what I'm trying to say is basically that don't let the guilt eat you. It's not your fault that she's your mother- it's a burden you have to bear but it's not your fault."

Natalie smiled at him. He really had grown quite a bit since the beginning of the year. He always seemed to understand exactly what was bothering her. "I know," whispered Natalie. "Thank you very much, Harry. I honestly don't know what I would do without you."

"Neither do I," said Harry, with a playful edge to his voice. Natalie nudged him as they walked to the staircases leading to the boys and girls dormitories.

Once they reached the dormitories, Natalie lifted her head to give Harry a quick peck on the lips, not caring that most of the Common room probably had started them once they left their positions by the window. "Good night Harry. You need a good rest," whispered Natalie. Harry smiled at her before he climbed up the staircase to his dormitories.

Natalie quickly walked along the staircase, taking a few quick turns to get to the 6th year dormitory. As she entered, she noticed Hermione lying under the covers in her bed, her head perched on her elbow as her eyes pored disinterestedly over a textbook. Fortunately, Parvati and Lavender had remained in the Commom room, for once showing a small semblance of sensitivity.

Hearing Natalie walk into the room and plop rather loudly onto her head, Hermione lifted her eyes to look at Natalie. "How's Harry?" asked Hermione in concern.

"He's fine- what Ron said hurt him but I think he's optimistic," said Natalie truthfully. "How are you anyway? Ron said some pretty revealing things to you."

Hermione's face became instantly clouded in distress. "Yes, they were pretty surprising. He has every right to feel betrayed and I feel terrible for not telling him. But in the end, Natalie, I'd rather he knows now than much later."

"Yes,' said Natalie quietly. "He'll need some time but I'm certain he'll come through."

Hermione smiled at her. "I have no idea how you managed to stand up to him like that. I appreciate it-Harry and I were too shocked to confront him."

Natalie shrugged her shoulders. "I've been friends with him for much shorter time than you two and though the guilt was pretty bad for me, I guess it wasn't so bad as to numb me as for you and Harry."

Seeing the tired expression on Hermione's face, Natalie frowned. "You should put away the book and go to sleep. Telling Ron was exhausting and we need all the energy we can for this upcoming week."

Hermione gave her a small smile. "I thought reading would distract my mind but I guess even the most complex Ancient Runes topic can't interest me enough."

"Go to sleep," urged Natalie.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You should do the same."

"I will."

Under Natalie's insistent glare, Hermione finally obliged, placing her book on her bedside table. "Happy now?" asked Hermione, as she lay on her pillows.

"Very," said Natalie as she stood up to have a wash before she went to bed.

"Oh Natalie, by the way, I don't know if I told you already but please do not feel guilty about all of this. You had nothing to do with her being your mother. Even though I'm very upset now, I'm happy that you decided to tell him. Just don't blame yourself because neither Harry and I are," stated Hermione, a crisp, emphatic tone returning to her voice.

Natalie laughed. "Harry gave me the same speech, also as we were almost done talking."

"It's not a speech. I'm being serious," said Hermione reproachfully.

Natalie nodded. "I know and thanks. I'm telling myself that too," said Natalie softly before she began to leave. But as she reached the doorway, Natalie suddenly remembered that she had wanted to ask Hermione about something.

"Er Hermione?" asked Natalie tentatively.

"Yes?" answered Hermione lifting her head from the pillows to look curiously at Natalie.

"What was it that you said to Ron if you don't mind me asking?"

Hermione smiled at her. "That is something between me and him," said Hermione cuttingly before she dropped her head to her pillows and made a mock snore.

Natalie shook her head, laughing. "Sweet dreams," said Natalie loudly as she exited the room to go to the bathroom.

Natalie brushed her teeth, enjoyed a soothing, warm shower and returned to the dormitory to see that Hermione lay fast asleep, the drapes around her bed closed. To Natalie's dismay, Parvati and Lavender had joined, both of them preparing for bed. When Natalie entered, both of them immediately turned their heads to stare expectantly at her. Very indignant that they thought she would even try to give them an explanation, Natalie gave both of them a withering glare before she quickly walked to her bed and closed the drapes. No doubt, both of them had conducted a thorough analysis of why Ron seemed so furious.

As Natalie slid under the warm covers of her bed, she did not feel the familiar relaxation disseminate over her body. So many things occupied her mind, most of which surrounded Ron and about his behavior in the upcoming week. She hoped that because Harry and Hermione supported her, Ron would take much less time than Harry to accept her. However, seeing the blazing fury on his face today, she could not help but feel that such anger and resentment could not dissipate over a short period of time.

However, another worry had slowly arisen not to the forefront of her mind, but as a distressing influence that needled and poked at the edges of her thoughts. After viewing the utter disappointment in Ron, her mind made a few intermittent digressions to the secret about Snape and Lily that she concealed. How could she not expect Harry to react in the same way when he eventually found what she was hiding? Since that information directly concerned him, he would be justified in displaying an even greater degree of anger and resentment than Ron did. And what about Hermione who would not pleased either with what she held from Harry? And when she thought of Harry's reaction, her stomach instantly dropped, her insides feeling as if they were rapidly ripped out of her. Yet, she could not tell Harry for like Harry and Hermione said tonight, she had an obligation to Snape to keep his secret.

Natalie let out a breath she did not know she was holding. Her life had certainly become complex this year. Nevertheless, she had to worry about Ron first; how he would handle this information in the next few weeks was most important. She needed a good night's sleep before she could handle any more gloomier, depressing thoughts. Natalie closed her eyes, finally feeling the tiredness creep into her as her thoughts became much hazier and unfocused.

A/N: How did you like Ron's reaction?