The next day was Saturday, so Narcissa had intentionally planned to lie in - but any hope of that was long gone now. Somebody arrived back to the dorms rather noisily, slamming their things around in agitation. It was only when Narcissa had adjusted to the real world once more, she saw who it was. Bellatrix looked wretched, her dark hair falling miserably around her shoulders, her eyes bloodshot and watery. Her pale complexion appeared to be more gaunt than usual, and tears rolled down her cheeks. "Bella?" murmured Narcissa, pushing the covers back from her. Her sister looked at her, as if considering her for some time, before speaking in a distinct manner. "I - I nearly messed up, Cissy," said Bellatrix, sitting next to Narcissa on the bed. "I almost killed Lucius,"
Narcissa gasped.
"Instead of the required target ... The Dark Lord was furious with me ... he threatened to kill me unless I made it up to him. I have to kill somebody - an old family friend infact, tonight. I cannot say who, but what I can say is I ... I feel empty. Unwhole."
"Oh, Bella," said Narcissa, "What have you got yourself into?"
"And after it's done, you and I are required to go home Sunday night."
"Um - why?"

"Mother was not too specific," replied Bellatrix, running her hands through her hair. "I need to go ... sort myself out."
Narcissa stood up, and headed to the showers, suddenly in need of good, warm water to wake her up properly for the day ahead. After that was done, she put on some clothes, brushed her blonde hair, and headed out of the Slytherin quarters. She had agreed to meet Sirius and the others at breakfast, so she quickened her pace. She walked through the open doors leading to the great hall, and spotted them, already halfway through their meal. The great hall was mainly empty; only a few students were eating. Sirius grinned at her as she aopproached. "Cissy, dearest," he gestured to the seat next to him, "you are rather late this morning."

"I didn't know breakfast was scheduled," replied Narcissa grumpily, sitting down next to him without considering Remus. She grabbed some toast and began to pile it on her plate. Sirius watched in amusement, flicking his dark hair out of his eyes, and watching some pretty Gryffindor girls with curiousity. Narcissa coughed pointedly, and he turned back to look at her. "Just kidding," said he, "I've only got eyes for you, dear cousin."
Narcissa wondered whether he was joking or not, so she just smiled. Remus knocked over the salt accidently, and threw it over his right shoulder. And, who did it consequently hit in the eye?
Severus Snape.
"OW! WHAT THE-?" shouted Snape loudly, his hands covering his eyes as he shrank away. He looked demented in his pain - and he pulled his wand out and aimed it at Remus with half an eye open, "CRUCI-"
"Petrificius Totalus!" yelled Narcissa, hitting Snape full blast. He became immobilised; and crashed to the ground, now completely still. Remus looked disgusted, even angry.
"What did you do that for?" Remus shouted at her, picking up his bag and running out of the great hall.
"YOU IDIOT, REMUS LUPIN!" She yelled after him, "HE WAS GOING TO USE AN UNFORGIVEABLE CURSE ON YOU!"

Dumbledore entered the great hall unexpectedly, silencing them all. Narcissa lowered her wand.
"And does what owe the greatest pleasure for all this shouting?" He asked pleasantly, selecting a piece of Narcissa's toast, surveying her above his half-moon glasses.
Narcissa could not even answer him; she was trembling with anger. Dumbledore followed her gaze to Snape, and sighed.
"Finite Incantatem." he murmured, his hand stroking his beard as if dwelling on something. "Severus Snape," he spoke with a dignified authority, his blue eyes flashing. "Am I to believe you attempted to use the Cruciatus curse upon that of Remus Lupin?"
"I- Yes." Snape drew himself to his feet, shuddering slightly.
"And that is an unforgiveable curse, is it not?"
"Yes, but-"
"Severus, I would appriceate it if you would drop by my office around seven this evening?"
Snape went white. "I can't, I'm going somewere - already scheduled, headmaster ..."
"Then unschedule it," replied Dumbledore simply, turning to leave the great hall, his cloak swirling.
Snape looked furious, and sat down at the Slytherin table; his salted eyes forgotten. Narcissa swallowed. What had just happened? Why did Remus storm off? Why, why, why? James and Peter had got up and gone after him, their strides quick and efficent. Sirius noted with some resentment the entire great hall had began to fill up now; he shot them all indignant looks, and put his hand around her waist, and she put her arm around his neck, and together they both walked out, leaving a trail of curiousity behind them.
If only Narcissa, Sirius and Remus knew what was coming next.