Author's Note

Bell singings Sleigh Ride, which doesn't go so well for her after forwards. Bell also has a bad/good/bad day. Bell has family issues and rumors start. There's some interesting Snape and Bell interaction.

Hope you guys enjoy!

***

Chapter 11

It was finally December and Christmas break was only three days away. Hermione finally came down to breakfast.

"I know where we have to look to get more information about Nicolas Flamel. It's in the restricted section of the library." Hermione said.

Everflower showed up with a letter. Everyone passed around a sign-up sheet for those staying at school.

"Are you going home for Christmas break?" I asked opening my letter.

"I'm going home." Hermione answered happily.

"Harry and I are staying here." Ron answered stuffing food in his mouth.

"What about you?" Harry asked.

I shook my head. Great, I'm stuck here with Ron and Harry. Fantastic.

"I'm apparently staying here." I sighed sadly.

"What?" Hermione asked shocked.

"Parents decided to work instead of being with their children." I answered sadly.

I gave the letter back to Everflower and told her to go give it to Andy or Aza. I sighed and got up to head to class, but ended up slapping Draco in the face.

"OMG! Draco, I'm so sorry. I didn't even know that you were there." I said looking a little scared.

"Why are you apologizing to him?" Ron asked.

"Unlike you, I've been raised to respect everyone." I answered a little frustrated.

Hermione noticed that I was going to cry if anything else happened.

"I'm fine Bell." Draco said before continuing on his way.

"Harry don't." Hermione warned.

"I don't understand why you give him respect when he doesn't respect anyone." Harry stated.

"BACK OFF!" I yelled.

I then busted into tears and ran from the Great Hall. I ran all the way to potion class and right into Snape. Snape was shocked and confused.

"I'm sorry." I said between sobs.

"It's all right. Take a seat and cry. No one but me and you are going to be in here." Snape replied. "Well, at least for an hour."

I nodded and took a seat near the corner. Snape went back to preparing for the day. After an hour of crying, I finally wiped my eyes.

"I'm sorry for being such a bother." I said. "I've missed my first class, so I'll be going."

"It wasn't a bother. May I know why you were crying?" Snape asked.

I thought for a moment then nodded. "I've been having a bad morning. I get depression easily, a trait from my birth mother. At least that's what I've been told by relatives. 'My parents' are more concern with work this Christmas instead of me and my siblings. Understand that 'my parents' promised that I would always be able to spend Christmas with them as a family. It's just that this time of year isn't the happiest time for me. Christmas is when I found out about my birth parents. Well, birth mother since no one knows who my father is. Oh, points have probably already been taken because I slapped Draco on accident and yelled at my friends. Sorry, I talk too much."

Snape nodded. "Why did you come here to cry?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. It just felt like I would be safe here."

"I understand. Be on your way." Snape replied.

I headed for the door, but turn back around at the door. "Thank you Professor Snape."

Snape nodded and went back to work. I went to my next class. I went to all my morning classes a little bit moody before heading back to potion class.

"Bell, what's going on with you?" Hermione asked as we walked into class.

"I'll tell you later." I answered taking my seat.

Everyone was talking loud and messing around.

"Just tell me now. Snape isn't here yet." Hermione replied seating down next to me.

"Hermione, the moment I start telling you Snape will walk in and take points away." I stated. "So just leave it be."

"Come on, Bell. Tell us what's going on?" Ron asked.

"I agree with Ron." Harry put in.

"I'll tell you guys later. Please drop it." I answered irritated.

"Sorry, not going to happen." Ron replied.

I was now really irritated. "Fine!"

The room went silent and Snape walked in.

"I get depressed at this time of year, okay? Why? Because it's when I found out about my real parents and this year my aunt and uncle would rather work then keep a simple promise, so back off." I yelled.

The table to my left went up in flames.

"What?" I asked angry.

Hermione pointed past me. I turned to my left and saw the table burning. I groaned and placed my head on the table. Snape put the fire out and looked at me.

"Screw this." I said getting up.

"Excuse me?" Snape asked.

"Take points away, Professor Snape. You're good at that." I answered still angry.

"Miss Rigoletto 30 points will be taken from Gryffindor and you're going straight to the Headmaster." Snape ordered.

I left the classroom and went to straight to the Headmaster's office. I knocked on grandpa Dumbly's door.

"Come in." Grandpa Dumbly called.

I walked in and sat down in front of grandpa Dumbly at his desk.

"Bell, what are you doing here?" Grandpa Dumbly asked.

"I set a table in Snape's classroom on fire without realizing it." I answered glaring past him.

"Hmm…" Grandpa Dumbly said.

I could tell that grandpa Dumbly was thinking. Great. I either get kicked out of school or get a very long lecture. I thought as I patiently waited for grandpa Dumbly to speak.

"Aren't you going to say something?" I asked no longer able to take the silence.

Grandpa Dumbly then proceed to give me a long lecture. I attempted to listen as much as possible.

"…Now, Professor Snape already took points from Gryffindor which means you've got a lot of unhappy House members." Grandpa Dumbly finished.

"I know. Hermione is one of them." I replied.

"Just remember to keep your angry under control. I want no more table or anything else, including people, to be set on fire." Grandpa Dumbly stated. "You may go to your House now. I know that you're staying here for Christmas break."

"You're just going to give me a lecture?" I asked.

"Yes, now get going." Grandpa Dumbly answered.

I nodded, gave grandpa Dumbly a hug, and left. What had happened in potion's class had made its way around to everyone in the school. I was getting looks and whispers from everyone I walked passed. I didn't like it, so I ran to the Gryffindor common room. Once inside Gryffindor Tower and up to my dorm, I collapsed onto my bed and started crying. Everflower jumped on the bed with some letters, dropped them on my back, and put her face next to mine. Everflower began to purr. I laughed a little as I dried my eyes and took the letters off my back. I looked through them and sighed before getting into a sitting position. I then began to read them.

Letter from Daddy Rick:

Andrew told us what happened today.

Kyleena is freaking out and wants to know if you've been expelled.

I doubt you've been expelled, since Rinoa could do the same thing.

Except we, the family, found out at home before she went to school.

Grandpa Dumbly made sure she was at Hogwarts and not some other school.

You remind me so much of your mother, my sister.

I'm sorry for not talking to you about your mother.

It's just that, I broke a promise to her and I can never un-break it.

I'll tell you more about her when I come to see you.

Kyleena and I have to work, but I plan to come and see you the day after Christmas.

I'll be staying longer than a day, but at least you know when I'll be showing up.

Please don't tell Andrew or Aza.

I want to surprise them.

I wanted to surprise you too, but with everything that just happened today I figured you needed to know.

I love you Bell.

Always remember that.

Love,

Richard

I wiped away a few tears from my face then continued to read.

Letter from Andy:

I've told parents what happened.

I hope they don't freak.

Are you leaving?

Who do I have to beat up?

I'm very worried about you.

Everyone is afraid of you.

There's a rumor spreading, fast.

The rumor is that you may be Voldemont's kid or his relative.

I've told everyone that you're not, but I don't think a lot of them believe me.

I got in trouble myself for beating some people who didn't believe me about you.

Sorry, but I don't want you getting hurt.

Please write back or come and see me.

I love you Rig.

Andy

Letter from Aza:

Hey, I heard what happened.

I wish I were there to see it happen.

Was it fun to do??

Anyways, I hope you're still in school.

It'll be pretty boring if you're not here.

Who else am I going to tease and tell my problems to?

:( I hate having to write.

I've got schoolwork to finish… boring.

I love Rig.

Aza

I laughed and shook my head. What am I going to say to that? I don't feel like replying, but I should. Now where did I put that stationary? I thought as I looked around. I was glad that I had left my stationary next to my bed on my nightstand. I grabbed it and proceeded to write letters. Just as I had begun my letter to Aza, an owl came in with another letter and Hermione followed. I looked up, petted the owl, and took the letter.

"I'm sorry for pressing you in potion's class." Hermione said as she sat on her bed.

"It's okay. Just be happy to know that if I had gotten expelled, it would be yours, Harry's, and Ron's fault." I replied.

"Have you been expelled?" Hermione asked scared.

"Not that I know of." I answered smiling.

"I'm glad you're staying." Hermione replied turning my smile with one of hers.

I then open and read the new letter.

Letter from Varian:

I hope you can forgive me.

I'm kidnapping you for the first week of Christmas break.

It's time you learned about your mother, my dearest friend.

There are some things that you're going to need to ask family about.

I'll be kidnapping you morning and bring you back, so that you can sleep.

See you on Saturday.

Varian

Just as I finished reading Varian's letter, another owl showed up. Please be for Hermione. I thought as the owl came over to me. Crap. Another one. Now I really don't want to write replies. I thought taking the letter from the owl. Both owls then left while I turned the letter over.

"Who's this one from?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know. I haven't opened it yet. I'm sort of afraid too." I answered.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"I don't want to read one from Mommy Ky." I answered. "I'm opening it."

I then read the letter while Hermione start on her schoolwork.

Letter from Draco:

Are you okay?

You freaked everyone out.

Just to clarify, I didn't start or spread any of the rumors.

You mention your Christmas plans.

So you're welcome to come and spend Christmas with my parents and me.

I know that's probably not your first thing you want to do.

I just thought you would like to spend Christmas with a family.

Draco

I sighed. "It's from Draco."

"What does he want?" Hermione asked with a laugh.

"He invited me to join him and his family for Christmas." I answered.

"Wow. He's being brave." Hermione replied.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked throwing my pillow at her.

Hermione laughed and threw my pillow back at me. "Well, there are a lot of guys who like you. Are you going to spend Christmas with him?"

"I've got three days to think about it." I answered smiling.

Hermione laughed. "Uh huh. You want to go."

I threw my pillow back at her. "Stop it. We can't tell anyone about this."

"I won't." Hermione replied throwing my pillow back at me.

We both laughed. I went back to writing replies to everyone while Hermione finished her schoolwork. I finished my last letter right as Hermione and I were supposed to be at dinner. I gave my letters to Everflower and off she went. We headed to dinner, where I sat down between Fred and Hermione.

"So we heard about potion class." Fred said.

I groaned. "Is that all people can talk about?"

"Today? Yes!" Fred answered.

I shook my head and ate food. I ignored other tables and a few of my House members.

"Are you okay Bell?" Olie asked placing his hand on my shoulder.

I screamed. "OMG Olie! Are you trying to give me a heart attack??"

"What does omg mean?" Olie asked.

"Are you serious?? I'm surrounded by stupid people." I replied shaking my head.

"It means oh my god." Hermione stated looking up at Olie.

"Ah." Olie replied.

"Thank you Hermione. At least there's someone who understands." I said smiling at Hermione.

"Hey! We resent that!" Fred and George yelled.

I laughed and shrugged. "I'm sorry. I forgot."

"Thanks." Fred and George replied turning away.

"Oh Fred, George, I'm sorry. I'll sing if you forgive me." I said as I bit my bottom lip.

Fred and George looked at each other then they smiled evilly. Oh no. I thought as I waited for one of them to speak.

"Right now?" Fred asked still smiling.

I swallowed. "If that's what it takes, then yes."

"That's what it's going to take." George replied smiling bigger.

What song could I singing?? I thought as I nodded.

"Well?" George said.

"We're waiting." Fred said.

"Do you want a Christmas song?" I asked.

Fred and George looked at each other then nodded. I bit my bottom lip.

"I guess she's not doing it." Fred said turning to George.

George nodded in agreement.

I was now determine and started singing.

"Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing

Ring ting tingle-ing too

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling 'Yoo-hoo'

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up

let's go

Let's look at the show

We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up it's grand

Just holding your hand

We're gliding along with the song

Of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We're snuggled up together like two

Birds of a feather would be

Let's take the road before us

And sing a chorus or two

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray

It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day

We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop

At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing

Ring ting tingle-ing too

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy

When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie

It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives

These wonderful things are the things

We remember all through our lives

Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We're snuggled up together like two

Birds of a feather would be

Let's take the road before us

And sing a chorus or two

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing

Ring ting tingle-ing too

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling 'Yoo-hoo'

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you."

I smiled and stuck my tongue out at Fred and George. Everyone clapped while I brushed. I looked up at Andy, who was shaking his head, and I sighed unhappily. I guess either Daddy Rick or Andy is going to give me a lecture. That's something I don't need right now. I thought as we all finished eating. Everyone headed back to his or her Houses, while Andy pulled me aside by my arm.

"You were told not to do what you just did." Andy said. "How long have you been doing that?"

"I've only sang a few times. I don't understand what's the big deal is." I answered pulling my arm way.

"Dad asked you not to." Andy replied.

"I didn't promise him that I would stop singing. You use to like it, so what changed?" I asked getting upset.

Draco saw Andy and me arguing and watched.

"Promise me that you'll stop." Andy ordered.

"I need a good reason, which you aren't going to give me. So no I won't promise." I replied really upset.

"I can't give you a good reason because I was asked not to tell you." Andy replied.

"You promised that you would never keep things from me. I guess that doesn't matter." I responded about to cry.

I walked away before Andy could respond. The next thing I knew I was running through the halls. I stopped and dropped to the floor crying, when I was not far from Gryffindor Tower.

Draco caught up to me. "Hey."

I looked up. "What do you want Draco?"

"Are you okay?" Draco asked concerned.

"It doesn't matter." I said looking away with tears sliding down my cheeks.

Draco sighed. "Well, you should know that you've got good friends. You can always talk to them."

With that, Draco turned and left. I got up and headed into my House, where I was unhappy to see grandpa Dumbly talking to Harry in the common room. I attempted to hurry pass.

"Bell!" Olie called.

I kept walking towards the stairs. Olie came and grabbed my arm. I turned around to face him.

"You and I need to have a talk." Grandpa Dumbly stated without looking over.

I took my arm away from Olie. "We've got nothing to talk about. All you're going to do is lie to me. For once in you're live, leave me alone. Oh wait; you've been doing that for years. There's no point in stopping now."

I started going up the stairs. Everyone in the common room was stun except grandpa Dumbly, who was angry.

"Bell, come here." Grandpa Dumbly called.

"No!" I yelled down before walking into my dorm.

"Don't make me come up there." Grandpa Dumbly yelled back.

"I dare you!" I angrily yelled down.

Hermione walked into the room. "Bell?"

"What is it Hermione?" I asked grabbing my stationary.

"Go talk to your grandpa." Hermione answered.

"No thanks." I replied.

"Just do it." Hermione said grabbing my stationary and pushing towards the stairs.

"Fine, but I'm only doing this because you asked." I said going down the stairs.

"Thanks!" Hermione called after me.

I rolled my eyes while walking into the common room. "What do you want?"

"You to promise to stop singing." Grandpa Dumbly answered.

"Not promising. Anything else?" I asked leading on the wall next to the stairs.

"Why not?" Grandpa Dumbly asked.

"Because you're not going to give me a good enough reason as to why I've got to stop doing the only thing that connects me to my mother. I love to sing and I'm going to continue to sing." I answered angrily.

"How do you know that you're mother sang?" Grandpa Dumbly asked curious.

"Varian told me when I was five." I answered still angry.

"Oh, well you need to stop singing." Grandpa Dumbly replied.

"My answer is no." I responded. "Have a good evening Headmaster."

I then turned and walked back up the stairs to my dorm. Hermione shook her head when I walked in. I grabbed my stationary and started writing a letter to Daddy Rick.

Letter to Daddy Rick:

Why in seven hells does Andrew get to know the reason for me to not sing??

It's bull shit and unfair.

Andrew and Aza happily get to know whatever they want, while I get lied to.

You have no idea as to how mad I am.

I feel like I should ignore all of you.

I don't even know if Aza knows anything about this.

I've been nothing, but lied to and I'm done with it.

I was excited to have you talk with me about my mother, but now I can't trust you.

Bell

"You shouldn't have been mean." Hermione spoke looking at me.

"Why not? My family has been lying to me for years and I just found out about it." I responded as I started a letter to Andy.

"Did you ever think that maybe they're doing it to protect you?" Hermione asked.

I shrugged, finished Andy's letter, and started on Draco's letter. Hermione sighed.

"Just speak your mind Hermione." I stated not looking up.

"I don't think you want me to." Hermione replied.

I finished Draco's letter and looked up. "Come on Hermione. You're my best friend. You shouldn't need to feel like you can't speak your mind to me."

Hermione nodded. "I just don't think you realize that stuff in your family's past, especially your grandpa's, has an effect on them still. They're just trying to protect you from all the terrible things that happened back then, but at the same time they're also protecting you from all the good that happened. Your family is trying to adjust for you and your cousins. Give them a chance."

I sighed. "I would rather have been terrified then been lied to all these years."

"Understandable, but have you told them that?" Hermione asked.

"They've never asked." I answered.

"Maybe you should tell them that." Hermione said as she started working on her schoolwork.

"Maybe." I replied.

I then started my letter to Aza, while my other roommates came in and out.

Letter to Aza:

Do you know the reason why I'm not supposed to be singing??

I just can't believe that Andrew broke his promise to me.

Grandpa Dumbly tried to get me to promise to stop singing.

Doesn't anyone realize that me singing connects me to my mother???

I love to sing.

So why does our family want me to stop?

I don't understand and no one will tell me the truth.

I hate to say this, but I'm going to look up my mother's classmates.

If family won't tell me what's going, then maybe a member of her class will.

Though most of them are probably deatheaters.

Please tell me what you know about this.

I don't like being lied to.

You know this better than anyone.

You're my best friend.

We grew up together and tell each other everything.

I can't remember a time that I didn't tell you something.

Oh, Daddy Rick is coming the day after Christmas.

I'm not supposed to tell you or Andrew, but I'm not in the mood to be complying.

We can just not tell Andrew, since I'm not very happy with him.

I love you Aza.

Bell

I gave my letters to Everflower then I got off my bed.

"What are you up to?" Hermione asked without looking up.

"I just need to move. I've been sitting in the same position for a while." I answered moving about our dorm room. "Why?"

"Just wondering if you're going to talk to Ron and Harry." Hermione answered looking up at me.

"Why would I talk to them?" I asked putting pajama pants.

"Because they're your friends." Hermione pointed out.

I sighed. "Fine. I'll talk to them if they're up. I just don't know what to say to them."

"You'll be fine." Hermione replied before I walked down the stairs.

I walked into the common room. Harry and Ron were not where to be seen, but Olie was up.

"Hey Olie." I said.

Olie looked at me then looked back at the fire.

"Olie, are you mad at me?" I asked walking over and seating in my chair.

Olie nodded. We were silent for a few minutes. I then got up and head for the stairs.

"I'm sorry Olie." I said before heading up the stairs.

Hermione looked up when I walked in. "Well?"

"They aren't up and Olie won't talk to me." I replied grabbing my pajama shirt.

I put my pajama shirt on and crawled into bed. I turned away from Hermione. Maybe I should just go home. Better yet, I doubt anyone would miss me. I thought then shook my head. I can't think like that. My mother wouldn't want me to think like that. I just need time to adjust. Plus I've got Hermione.

"Bell, is something wrong?" Hermione asked putting her schoolwork away.

"No." I whispered tears threatening to fall.

"Bell, are you all right?" Hermione asked.

I swallowed. "Yes. Goodnight Hermione."

I'm sorry Hermione, but I just can't take anymore of today. I just want this year to end. I thought as silent tears started to fall.

"Goodnight Bell." Hermione replied.

***

Hope you guys understand Bell. She gets more complicated as the story goes along. Sorry about ending of this chapter, but next chapter is full of more good stuff then bad.