Chapter 6

Bella's POV

Saturday came quickly.

Harry and I had announced try-outs later that day in the Common Room. Many had showed up. Ron and Ginny were among them, as well as Emmett and Jasper. The ages varied this year. From scrawny, timid first years to other tall, calm and, to the younger ones, intimidating seventh years many had showed up.

We had decided to divide all the applicants into groups of ten, then ask them to fly once around the pitch.

By doing this, we found out, to no one's surprise, that the first years couldn't even fly. They were the first to be turned away.

The second group was a group of ridiculous, silly, giggling girls, like Romilda Vane. "Leave the pitch if you aren't going to be serious." I'd told them. They left immediately, giggling ridiculously.

Next was a group of Hufflepuffs. Cute.

"If there is anyone else here who's not from Gryffindor," Harry roared, who was seriously annoyed by now. "leave now!"

A couple of Ravenclaws left, as well as more Hufflepuffs, laughing.

The next two hours were filled with many, many complaints and several tantrums.

Together, Harry and I picked out a team.

For the two open Chaser positions, Ginny and a newer, younger girl named Demelza Robins were brilliant.

For the Keeper, Ron was the best—no competition. He saved five out of five.

For the Beaters, Emmett and Jasper were made for the job—mainly because of their vampiric abilities and strengths.

Harry and I were pleased with the resulting team.

After announcing the results and leaving the pitch, I went to talk with Emmett and Jasper.

"Be careful of the Slytherins," I told them. "They will do anything to win. And also, do not use your vampiric speed or strength during practice. You can use it during games—especially against Slytherin."

They nodded. Alice must have seen me wanting to speak with her because she flitted over. "Yes?" she asked.

"And Alice, please, keep a close eye on my cousin, Malfoy, for me. He's up to something. Something bad."

"How bad?" Emmett inquired.

I looked at him gravely. "Death Eater bad."

At that, I walked back to the castle.

I had a grave sense of foreboding. Voldemort was up to something. Malfoy was up to something. I didn't say anything to anyone—not even Harry. He could feel it too.

The entire school seemed quieter than normal—most were scared witless. I wasn't afraid. No, I was calm.

I wasn't afraid of what would happen when Harry and I fought Voldemort. It would happen eventually, so why should I dread it when I know it will happen, no matter what I do?

These days, I talked little. I didn't smile often—much less laugh. When I smiled, it was to comfort another. The younger ones—mainly first and second years—were terrified. Many times had I heard weeping from Dormitories. Each time, I knocked on the door and went in, and comforted the crying child with a kind smile and soothing words. Several times I had come across people grieving for deceased loved ones.

I began to avoid the Cullens and my friends, as well as the other students, keeping either in my Dormitory, a deserted corner of the library, an empty classroom, or the Room of Requirement occasionally.

Meanwhile, I was only seen during classes or during meals.

Dumbledore invited Harry and I to his office several times, showing us memories of Voldemort's past, including one he'd gotten recently from a man named Horace Slughorn.

Love was in the air for seventh years, apparently. Romilda asked me repeatedly if I thought Harry was interested in her. Each time, I told her to go to…erm, the hot place. And no, I don't mean Guatemala. (A/N: LOL. Inside joke. Sorry. See my profile for it. ;-) )

It was painfully obvious to everyone except themselves that Hermione and Ron liked each other. Alice was almost desperate to help their relationship along, but Ginny, Rosalie, and I convinced her otherwise.

Meanwhile, I was avoiding Edward. And I hated it.

Did he notice how my heart skipped a beat when he looked at me? Or how I was always glancing at him in my peripheral vision?

I hoped not.

Eventually, Christmas came around.

I'd gotten a letter from Remus Lupin a few days before McGonagall was going to come around to collect names of those who would be staying at Hogwarts for the holidays.

Bella,

We—members of Fawkes's well-named organization, that is—have arranged for you, Harry, and Hermione to stay at the Burrow for the holidays.

A certain few wizards and witches will all be there at some point, mainly to watch you all. Mrs. and Mr. Weasley said they'd love for you three to be there. Hermione's parents agreed as well. Please share this with them.

As for the Cullens, they will be there as well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley invited all of them to come. Carlisle and Esme agreed it was best to be together with the rest of the organization; Mrs. Weasley says they're growing on her.

The organization's leader also agreed it was best to have you all someplace unknown, in case.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley have invited Tonks and me to visit for Christmas as well. Your cousin said to tell you hello and that she's anxious to see you. She's not too happy these days—being forced to take a break. She's looking forward to seeing you all soon!

We'll all see you soon.

Moony

I smiled as I read it.

I was happy that I'd be with all of my family. The Order of the Phoenix was my family here. And, technically, Tonks was family! She was my favorite cousin--but then again, my only other cousin was Malfoy. Ick. Well…anyways, the Cullens were family too, but that was different.

The Order really felt like my family. I'd grown up knowing them…well, actually, I only glimpsed most of them often enough in my childhood.

Dumbledore was like a kind old grandfather, who was always offering lemon drops. Crazy old man, I thought fondly. McGonagall was like a grandmother.

And, I was suspicious that Dumbledore and McGonagall were actually married. Or at least dating. Something. I had a bet going with Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Ginny was on my side, and Hermione was, too.

Hm…I'd have to ask Alice about them…anyways.

Lupin and Sirius had been like two fun-loving uncles. But now, I only had one 'uncle'. Bellatrix Lestrange had killed Sirius—Harry's godfather—in our fifth year. His own cousin—my blood mother—killed him! His real family—and mine—were screwed up!

Hagrid was also a member.

Lupin and Tonks had gotten married the summer before the beginning of this year. Tonks was now pregnant. She was due in April. That was why she was on a break from work—she was an Auror, my dream job.

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody was one of the toughest people I knew. I had no doubt in my mind that he'd survive this war. Kingsley too.

Later that day, I was mulling over the letter later in the Common Room after dinner, when I saw Edward coming up to me. This won't end well…

A/N: YAY! I FINALLY FINISHED WRITING THE STORY! SO NOW I CAN UPDATE DAILY!! YAY!!! I'm toying with the idea of a sequel, but I'm getting ahead of myself...

You gus have been so patient you get another chapter! Yay for you!