This chapter is super long, so you better love it! Not my best, but the ones coming up after this one are! This is more of a filler/introducting the characters chapter, but it's necessary!

CHAPTER THREE

When I am shaken awake by a frazzled Mrs. Weasley, Teddy is still asleep in my arms. "Bella, you need to get ready, dear. We're leaving in thirty minutes for the station."

I yawn. "Do you have something for me to get Teddy dressed in?"

"Yes, yes, here," she says, holding up a light gray sweater, white button up shirt, patchwork pants, and a dark gray herringbone cap. "Now, get going!" She rushes out of the room, and I get up quietly, hoping to let Teddy sleep a tad more.

I hastily pull out my own outfit, a brown leather jacket, white v-neck, jeans, and vintage lace-up boots. While I'm getting dressed, Teddy begins to stir, thankfully relieving me the task of having to wake him up.

I shoulder on my leather jacket, and lace up my boots. Teddy sits up in bed, rubbing his eyes. "Mummy? Mummy!" He sounds frantic. I scoop him up into my arms.

"Hi, baby. Mummy needs to get you dressed."

"Kay. Kay, mummy, kay." I laugh, and lay down his roll-up changing station. I quickly change his diaper, and pull off his pajamas. I get him dressed in record time, and clomp down the stairs with him in my arms. Everybody's already in the kitchen, eating breakfast. I put Teddy in his seat, and get his bib on.

"Where're the trunks?" I ask Mrs. Weasley.

"George brought them to the door," she tells me. I get a yogurt from the fridge for Teddy, which he attacks the moment I set it down.

George laughs, and looks at her pointedly. "Of course I did."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When we get to the station, we quickly head for platform nine and three quarters. George goes first, followed by Ginny. Then I go, with Teddy in my arms, and Harry follows quickly after. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are the last, each of them pushing one of our trolleys. Skeeter squawks in his cage.

Mrs. Weasley pushes my trolley towards me, and George takes all my things off, setting Skeeter's cage on the ground. Mrs. Weasley reaches out for Teddy, who abruptly begins to cry, holding my shirt as tight as he can in his little fists. He shrieks, his face turning red.

"No, no, no. Mummy! Mummy!" Tears fill my eyes, and I hold him tightly against my chest, and kiss his forehead.

"I love you, baby." I pry his hands from my shirt, and reluctantly pass him over to Mrs. Weasley. Teddy's tears spill down his cheeks in torrents, and he reaches out to me from Mrs. Weasley's arms.

"Mummy!" he screams, his face red. A piece of what's left of my heart breaks, staring into his fearful eyes. "No, no! Mummy! Mummy, mummy, mummy! No!"

I rub my eyes, and wipe away my tears.

George wraps his arms around me. "Be good," he mock-scolds, squeezing tightly before dropping his arms, and stepping back. "Write me, alright?" I nod. Teddy cries on.

Harry's next, hugging me tightly. "Try and be happy, okay? And don't forget to write. Every day!" He kisses my hair, and pulls away. I pick up Skeeter's cage, and wave, grabbing my suitcase. Ginny waits for me at the door, and steps on the moment I reach the train.

"C'mon!" she exclaims, clearly excited about returning to Hogwarts.

But I can still hear Teddy crying, can still see his red face. "Mummy!" he shouts, reaching out is arms to me, struggling in Mrs. Weasley's arms. "No, no! Mummy, no!" Tears bud in my eyes again, and I don't even bother to try and stop them as the tumble down my cheeks.

I blow him a kiss, stepping onto the train.

"NO! MUMMY! No, no, n—" The door to the train shuts, but I can still see Teddy through the window, tears still tumbling down his cheeks as he watches the train pull out of the station. I stand there until I can no longer see him, till our only surroundings are the English countryside, no sign of people for miles and miles around.

I sniffle, and look at Ginny. "C'mon," she says, nudging me, and smiling sadly. "Let's go look for Luna."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

We find Luna in no time, sitting with a friendly-looking black-haired girl. Luna smiles largely at us as we enter.

"Bella, Ginny!" she exclaims, jumping up and giving us both hugs. "This is Alice, a transfer from Beauxbatons! Her sister, Rosalie, transferred, too."

"Hi!" Alice exclaims, bouncing in her seat.

I give a half wave, tossing my trunk up on the shelf, and placing Skeeter's cage next to it.

"Rosalie just went to find the candy trolley," Alice tells us, grinning broadly. "She's in her seventh year, and I'm in my sixth."

Ginny smiles at her. "Bella and I are both in our seventh."

"Oh, yes, I know!" Alice jumps in her seat, quite literally. She points to me "You're Bellatrix Potter, legendary sister of Harry Potter." She turns to Ginny. "And you're Ginny Weasley, the sister of Ronald Weasley and the girlfriend of Harry Potter!"

Ginny laughs at her enthusiasm. I climb up and pull a blanket from my trunk, then curl up in my seat, wrapping it tightly around me and shutting my eyes, drifting to sleep.

When I surface again, I can hear everyone talking. About me. "But is she all right?" I hear Alice ask.

"No," Ginny replies. "None of us really are." I hear a shuffling sound. "But," she says, lowering her voice, "despite what everyone's saying, this all has been much more difficult for her than anyone else."

"How so?" another voice chimes in. I assume it belongs to Alice's sister, Rosalie.

"Well—"

I snap open my eyes before she can continue. "Would you mind contenting yourselves by other means? Perhaps begin by refraining to talk about me while I'm sitting right here?" I glare at Ginny for a moment, before standing up. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go round and mingle with the other students."

I step outside into the hall, and slam the door shut. I walk down the halls, tripping multiple times because of the unsteady surfaces, and nearly crash into a tall boy with a mop of blonde hair. His eyes are blue, and send a pang through my heart as I realize they're almost the same shade as the blue rimming around Teddy's.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I exclaim. "I was just—"

"No, it's quite all right." He flashes me a smile, and sticks out his hand for me to shake. "Jasper Whitlock," he says. "Durmstrang transfer."

I grasp his large hand. "Bella Potter."

"Well, of course," he scoffs.

"What year are you?"

"Seventh," he says. "So where were you headed?"

I laugh. "Honestly? Nowhere."

He laughs too, his blue eyes twinkling. My smile abruptly fades, my mind going back to little Teddy.

"Are you all right?" he asks, seeming honestly concerned.

I take a shaky breath. "Yeah." I rub my eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine."

He studies my expression. "You sure?"

"Ye—" I cut myself off. "No. No, I'm not okay. God, but everyone keeps asking me that!" I groan, and slide back down against the wall. Jasper kneels down in front of me, placing large, gentle hands on my knees.

"Hey, it's okay."

"No," I say. "No, it's not!" Tears are budding in my eyes, and I can't believe I've chosen this moment, with an almost stranger, to completely break down. "My parents are dead, my godfather's dead, my godfather's wife's dead, Harry's godfather's dead. Fred is dead!" I start sobbing then, each sob tearing through my chest. "It can't be okaywhen nearly everyone I live for is dead!"

Jasper looks worried, like I might momentarily combust.

I force myself to calm down, and then stare into his eyes. "The thing is," I say, "being a 'Potter' isn't as great as everyone makes it out to be. There's no glory in it, Jasper. It's just death, death, death. And it hurts. God, it really hurts."

We're both quiet for a moment, tears streaming down my cheeks. Then Jasper sighs, and stands up. He holds out a hand for me to take. I do so, silently, and follow him down the hall. He stops before one of the carriages, and pulls open the door. Two other boys are inside, one large and muscular, the other more tall and lanky. The two boys look up at us, surprise written across their faces.

"Look who I found," Jasper exclaims, nudging me. I sniffle, and smile a pathetic little smile through my tear-clouded eyes.

"Hi," I croak out. "I'm Bel—"

"Oh, we know who you are," the muscular boy interrupts, raising his eyebrows suggestively. Jasper kicks him, not subtly. The boy smiles at me, holding out a hand. "I'm Emmett McCarthy."

His large hand swallows mine, and his grin widens.

The other boy looks up at me, holding out at hand. "Edward Mason," he says, his warm hand sending tingles up my arm. Our gazes meet, and I am abruptly stunned by the forest green shade of his eyes. His hair is a golden bronze, his features sharp.

I shake my head clear, reluctantly pulling my hand away. "Are you guys Durmstrang transfers, too?"

"Yeah," Emmett says, a bit of a French accent creeping through. "Tons of us switched this year. The only reason most of us went to Durmstrang was 'cause our parents didn't want us to be at Hogwarts when that was where You-Know-Who was targeting."

"It was stupid, really," Jasper says, sitting down next to Edward. I sit myself down next to Emmett. Jasper wrinkles his nose. "None of us were quite fond of Durmstrang."

"I love Hogwarts," I tell them, because I've really no idea what else to say. "It's really my only home."

We're all quiet then, and I know they must be thinking of why that is.

Emmett clears his throat. "I'm hoping for Gryffindor," he tells us, putting his elbows on his knees. "What about you lot?"

"Gryffindor," Edward says. "Definitely Gryffindor."

"I'm not sure," Jasper adds. "I'd love to be in either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Possibly Hufflepuff."

"Dude," Emmett exclaims. "That's every house but Slytherin!"

Jasper wrinkles his nose again, which, even in my emotional state, I find adorable. "Yes, it is. I don't want to be in Slytherin."

I roll my eyes. "Of course you don't want to be in Slytherin. Only Slytherins want to be in Slytherin. If I were you, I'd just be happy you aren't the only students transferring. It would be horrifying, amidst all the first years. How old are you all?"

"Seventeen," Jasper answers. "We've all been told we will be put in with the seventh years."

I nod. "Yeah, that makes sense." I stand up. "I should get going. I need to get my robes on."

"Oh, well," Jasper says, looking a bit dejected. "Will we see you later?" Jasper calls after me.

"Yeah!"

"Bye, Bella!" Emmett and Edward chorus.

When I get to the carriage, Luna's the only one there.

"They went to get their robes on," she tells me, not looking up from her copy of the Quibbler.

I grab my robes from my luggage. "Okay. I'm going to go get mine on. Be back in a few."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

When I get back, Rosalie, Alice, and Ginny have as well. They're talking animatedly about something, and all smile at me, slightly apologetic, but incredibly sincere. Alice has got this furry gray thing smaller than the palm of my hand in her lap, and Ginny's holding Arnold, her Pigmy Puff. A white cat sits in Rosalie's lap, no larger than those mobile phones Mr. Weasley is always off about. Skeeter sits on Ginny's shoulder, but when i come in, he settles on mine.

He pecks me lightly, just under my ear. "Hey, Skeet."

Ginny pats the seat next to her. I toss my clothes into my trunk and settle down.

"I love your owl!" Alice gushes, her brown eyes conveying her smile even though it's still lingering on her lips. "He's so cute!"

I can't help but grin. I put my finger in front of Skeeter's beak, and he nips it. "I know," I say. "I love his eyes the most." In all honesty, Skeeter is pretty much nothing but eyes. He's about the size of my hand, and each of his each of his eyes is bigger than a quarter.

"I had an owl," Alice tells me, "But our older brother stole her." She rolls her eyes. "So our mum got me Mr. McBunbun."

I snort. "Mr. McBunbun?"

Alice sighs. "Our little brother named him that. Don't blame me." She looks around dramatically, like hoping no one will overhear. "I really named him Thumper," she whispers, holding up the little ball of fur in her hand. Thumper moves around, and makes snuffling noises. Alice puts him down in her lap, and scoops up Rosalie's kitten. "And this is Nelly," she says, rubbing her nose against the little kitten's.

"Give her back!" Rosalie laughs.

We spend the last thirty minutes or so of our time on the train talking. We find out that Alice and Rosalie have three other siblings; two younger brothers, and one older brother. Their family is from America originally, and that they're older brother, Max, is at university there. Their two younger brothers, Sam and Michael, are twins and starting at Hogwarts this year, too. They're eleven.

When the train finally comes to a stop, even I can barely contain my excitement. I mean, it's Hogwarts. And this time, despite the pain in my scar, there's really no reason for me to be worried about anything other than classes, and friends, and N.E.W.T. exams.

Ginny takes my hand when we step off the train, and we lead Alice and Rosalie to the lake, where all the first years are being loaded into boats. Hagrid is standing by the water, and the moment he sees me he's running in my way, and scooping me up into a great hug. "Bella, I missed ye'. How's Harry?"

"He's alright," I tell him.

"Tha's good, I guess."

I laugh. "Don't worry, it is."

"Well, I've gotta help the wee ones across the lake to Sorting, but I'll be seeing ye' later, I hope."

"Of course!" I exclaim, and wave. Alice and Rosalie are climbing into one of the small boats together, and I can't help but laugh. They're a bit too large. Luna's even laughing as we walk to the Thestral-lead carriages that most of everyone can see now, after last year.

When we arrive at Hogwarts, Proffesor McGonagall greets us warmly, directing the overwhelming traffic of students into the Great Hall. Tons of first years are scattered round, all looking a bit flustered. I lay eyes on Jasper, Emmett, and Edward, and wave. Jasper sees me first, and nudges Emmett and Edward, who wave, smiling. I give them thumbs up, before making my way to the Gryffindor table with Ginny, while Luna makes her way over to the Ravenclaw table.

Sorting begins soon after, and Professor McGonagall goes through the list of all the first years. Sam and Michael both get sorted into Gryffindor, and Rose and Alice cheer as loud as they can while their two younger brothers flush bright red.

After the first years have all been sorted, McGonagall exclaims, "Now this year, we have the pleasure of welcoming quite a few Durmstrang and Beaxbatons!" She sounding sincerely happy. She begins calling off names, the first of which is a Haley Abbott, who looks to be in her fifth or fourth year. She is put in Hufflepuff.

Then come a few other girls, all three of which are placed in Slytherin. And, to my disgust, they seem pleased about it.

Next comes Alice, and Ginny and I cheer for her as she takes her seat, placing the old hat on her head. A few moments later, it calls out a loud and surprisingly cheerful "GRYFFINDOR!" at which Ginny and I both go crazy in wolf-whistling and screaming.

Then its Rosalie's turn. Hers takes awhile, and from her expression, it's very clear she and the hat are arguing. But then he calls out "GRYFFINDOR!" and all is well.

An attractive boy by the name of Thomas Gringle is called next, and he is sorted into Ravenclaw. Luna looks pleased.

Then it's Emmett's turn, and his goes rather quickly. "GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouts, and I grin as he comes to sit next to me.

Edward goes next, and he, too, gets placed in Gryffindor. I can't help but feel a tingle of pleasure when he sits down across from me. Then another boy, Kyle Strife, and a girl, Danielle Pansy. Both are put into Hufflepuff. Jasper goes up then, and I cross my fingers anxiously. He throws me a nervous smile, before putting on the hat. Gryffindor, of course. Rose and Alice's little brothers are also sorted into Gryffindor, which sends them into bouts of wolf-whistles. Goodness, our house is getting rather large.

"Now that that's over with," McGonagall says, "I would like to welcome back one of our most prized students, Miss Bellatrix Potter." I flush bright red, but wave half-heartedly to all of the first years—and everyone else—that turns to look at me. "Despite all of her losses, she seems quitedetermined to come back each and every year. I'd also wish to thank all of the students who gave their best last year during the attack once again, and hope you all remember the amazing witches and wizards we lost." She looks around at all of us. Nearly everyone seems to have abruptly saddened, and it's rather depressing. "On that happy note," some of the students actually laugh, "let the feast begin! Have a wonderful evening!"

Platters upon platters of food appear across the tables, and Emmett looks astonished.

Ginny lets out a little shriek. "Yay! We've got all you guys!"

Edward smiles crookedly at her and Emmett chuckles.

"And thank god for that," Jasper laughs. Emmett chortles. Someone's hand falls on my shoulder, and I look up to see Professor McGonagall, her expression worried.

"Do you have a moment, Miss Potter?"

I wipe the corner of my mouth with my napkin, hoping that no one else notices how badly my hand is shaking. "Of course. I'll be right back, guys."

I follow her out of the Great Hall, and into the foyer. "I received a distressing call just moments ago, Bella, dear."

"What is it? Is Harry all ri—"

"It had to do with a certain Theodore Lupin?" she inquires, quirking an eyebrow. "It seems as if Mrs. Weasley is very worried about the young boy's well being. It appears he hasn't been doing quite well with your departure."

"Oh, god." I put a hand to my forehead. "I'm so sorry Professor"—she shoots me a look, and I correct myself—"Minerva! It's just that, when Remus and—" I choke, the words caught in my throat. "After . . . what happened, we took in Teddy and I've been taking care of him . . . and, Minerva, he thinks I'm his mum. I felt so wretched at the train this morning when he cried . . . It was just awful, Minerva. I'm so sorry this had to involve—"

"Bellatrix." She smiles gently. "I've not called you over to reprimand you. I've called you over to inform you of the visiting arrangement the Weasley's and I have acquired, ensuring you will see young Teddy at least twice a week."

Before I can stop myself, I've thrown my arms around Minerva, and, surprisingly enough, she returns the hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Not to worry, Miss Potter. Not to worry."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

After supper, Ginny and I lead the new kids to the Gryffindor common room, while the prefects are dealing with the first years in the Great Hall. The password is Flibbertigibbet. To our surprise, Minerva is standing in the middle of the room, waiting for the arrival of students. I suppose she must have remained to house leader after all.

She gets us situated into new rooms assignments; me, Ginny, Alice, Rosalie, Mandy Brocklehurst, and Natalie McDonald; then Edward, Jasper, Emmett, Seamus, and Dean. We hurry to get changed into pyjamas before heading back down to the common room to meet the guys.

We all sort of disperse when we get down there, me going off with Edward to sit in the chairs in the corner below the window, Rosalie and Emmett sitting on the couch, and Alice, Ginny, and Jasper sitting down at the table.

"What happened with you and Jasper before he brought you to our carriage?" Edward asks me, his green eyes blazing.

"Nothing," I say. God! Why do I have to be so terrible at lying?

"No, obviously something, or you wouldn't be lying right now," he argues.

I sigh, sinking further into my chair. "We just ran into each other. I was upset about something, and he talked to me and took me to your carriage. That's honestly all that happened."

We're both quiet.

"Who's baby was that?" Edward asks finally. "The one who was crying at the station." He must see my shocked expression, because he elaborates. "I saw—out the window. You were—"

I shut my eyes, and rub my forehead. "It was Remus Lupin's son."

"But why—"

I peel my eyes open, and stare at him with as much strength as i can muster. "Remus Lupin and his wife died." He looks guilty now. I sigh, sitting up. "Look. You want be friends with me?"

He nods. "Of course."

"Then you need to learn to deal with the fact that nearly everything you say will make me think of a family member or a friend who died. It doesn't matter what we're talking about—it's always going to come up again."

"I think I can deal with that," he says softly, his green eyes staring into my own.

I sigh, rubbing my temple, and stand up. "I'm going to bed."

He picks up my hand from my side and lightly touches his lips to it, sending shoots of flames up my arm. And, despite the fact it is the most old-fashioned thing he could do, it makes me smile. But then I glance over at Jasper, whose face has flushed red and whose hands are clenched into fists.

This is so not good for me, I think, stumbling up the stairs to my dorm.

Ohhhh! BOYS, BOYS, BOYS! Well, I hope that this extra-long chapter makes up for my pathetic posting tendencies! :D I'll have the next chapter up this week, and THAT IS A PROMISE! You can send me as many angry PMs as you want if I don't!

Who do you want Bella to be with? REVIEW, and let me know! :D The more reviews, the happier I am, the faster I post! (Although I'm beginning to think that's a myth!)

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