A/N: Hey all, and welcome to this bonus update, due to the significance of the date to HP fans (though I personally don't understand the point of Halloween...)

Today, you'll discover the indenty of that Msytery witch... just hold off the flaming until AFTER you've read the section and the post note...

And before any of you say it again... yes, Draco IS going down... he WILL suffer... 'Bad Guys' in my stories ALWAYS get their just rewards... in the end...

EDIT: Just had a review point out a left over 'Daniel' from my initial draft! (*Doh!*) Fixed.

It was nearly twelve hours later when Hermione began to stir. Yawning, she tried to sit up... and found herself struggling. Lying back for the moment, she tried to put things together in her head.

'We went down to the Great Hall to eat something... God, I've never ate so much at once before! How did I do that? Then what? Oh yea, I was so tired... and lonely... needed to see Harry... came to Hospital Wing... felt really drowsy... laid down...'

Hermione opened her eyes fully, suddenly remembering where she had all but collapsed. Harry lay besides her, eyes still closed as he slept. She had stretched out besides him on the bed, very close to the edge. Across from her she could see Susan had done almost the same thing, her head resting by Harry's. Just beyond her, Hermione could see that the next bed along had been pushed up alongside, and Daphne was sprawled out on it. Susan was partially on both beds. Draped around them all were the lime green sheets that Pomfrey used to give her patients some privacy.

Reassured that she was not being watched, Hermione looked back at Harry... and found her heart melting even as a sappy smile formed on her face. He looked so peaceful asleep, forehead smooth, free of the frown lines that had creased it so much this last year. He breathed deeply and easily, totally relaxed.

She snuggled closer to him, almost burrowing into his side. In reflex his right arm wrapped around her shoulders, drawing her closer, prompting her smile to grow larger and a satisfied croon to emerge from her throat. She was exhausted, the insides of her thighs were sore as hell and there was an ache deep in her bowels, but Hermione felt a warm glow of satisfaction from within that blew away any discomfort. She could easily lie here forever...

A familiar shuffle above her prompted her to look up to see Hedwig sat on the top rim of the headboard, watching over her and Harry. A glance to the foot of the bed confirmed what she suspected after seeing the Snowy Owl: Crookshanks was curled up just beyond both their feet, two gleaming yellow eyes watching her. On the foot of the other bed a Barn Owl was perched, its gaze fixed on Susan. As if sensing her gaze, the head turned to look back at her for a moment before returning to watch the red-head.

"Looking after us, huh?" She half whispered jovially. The smile on her face however slowly dropped as her brain began to engage. Seeing her, Harry's and –she assumed - Susan's familiars had reminded her about the outside world... and how very shortly they would all return to their respective homes, unless she could put her half formed plan into action. Her arms tightened around Harry unconsciously as her thoughts reached the home that awaited Harry back in Surrey. Hermione had never understood why he had to stay with those horrible people, and the headmasters reasons as he had told them to Harry... well! She'd only ever got second hand accounts, but what she'd heard and pieced together from Harry's appearance when he returned from the summer made her blood boil! How could his own relatives treat him with such contempt!

As her mind whirled a certain look came over her face. It was one that those who knew Hermione Granger would recognise: An idea had formed and a new crusade had begun. The determined set of her features warned all to stay out of the way, for Hurricane Granger was coming, and nothing could stop her.

So intent on her thoughts was she that Hermione didn't react at first when Madam Pomfrey slipped through between two of the drapes. A low murmur of conversation came from just beyond them.

"Miss Granger?" Pomfrey had to repeat herself before she responded. As she looked over, the older witch caught a fraction of the look on her face before she smoothed her face. The glimpse sent a shiver running down the matron's spine. "I need you to release Mister Potter so I can examine you both." She looked across to the other two girls, both of whom were still sleeping. She heaved a small sigh. "I'll have to wake them both up too."

"I'll do that Miss." Hermione cut in as she started to disentangle herself from Harry.

Pomfrey looked at the determined young witched, then nodded slowly. "I'll be right back. Just don't wake young Harry." With that mild warning she slipped back out between the drapes.

"Huh. Like I'd do so right now." Hermione muttered to herself as she walked a trifle unsteadily around the end of the bed to reach Susan and Daphne. As she reached for her Hermione could see that Daphne was already stirring.

Blue eyes blinking sleepily, Daphne stretched her arms as she looked up at Hermione. "Hey... what time is it?"

Hermione shook her head. "I'm not sure, but Madam Pomfrey wants us all up for another examination." Hermione rolled her eyes, but Daphne could see that her friends mind was elsewhere. "Could you give Susan a nudge?"

When Pomfrey returned she found all three girls awake - though bleary eyed – sat around the still sleeping form of Harry Potter. Hermione was diving into her bag which rested before her, intent on something.

"Miss Granger, if you will allow me to examine you first, you can work on whatever it is that demands your attention." She looked sharply at the animals that were still around the bed, but got nothing but sharp looks back. Seeing that she would not win this fight, she drew her wand stepped over to stand by Hermione.

For the next few minutes her attention was totally focused on her readings and spell work. When she was done she looked Hermione in the eye.

"You are a very lucky young lady, Miss Granger. It does not appear that your… activities, have set back your recovery by much. However, you are going to have to take things easy for the next month, at least!" She waited until she saw Hermione nod in understanding before she moved on to Susan.

Without bothering to do her shirt up fully, Hermione dived back into her bag and drew out her quill and parchment. Getting comfortable, she frowned as she considered how to ask her parents to help her with her plan...

Down in the Slytherin Common Room Draco sat on what he considered 'his' chair, an ugly scowl on his face. Around him were his 'friends'... the other offspring from Death Eaters or sympathiser families. Each wore a glum, frustrated expression.

"What do we do now Draco?" Nott asked, his tone frustrated. "Ever since you lot got caught..."

"I know!" Draco hissed. "I'm thinking!"

Shifting in his chair Draco looked about the vaulted Common Room, scowling all the while. Macmillan must have blabbed to the rest of his duffer house, and from the Puffs the Hogwarts rumour mill had spread the cause for the sudden, massive deductions to Slytherin House. Their house Points could be counted on one hand, with fingers left over! The Great Hall had been over-boiling with disgust, and all directed at their small space.

What was most galling however was the reaction from the others in their own house! The half dozen older students who were sympathetic – and occasionally participated - now looked at them with disgust for getting caught. The rest of their House seethed with hatred and vindication, icy glares and scowls directed at them. The other boys clearly stated that they were nothing like Draco and his friends, Even those who were known to be believers in the Pureblood cause, such as Zabrini, clearly considered them all to be the lowest forms of life.

The younger witches – their regular 'playthings' – hung together and glared with pure hate, often accompanied by the older ones, who looked at them like they were the scum they scraped off their boots, almost daring them to try and start something.

Draco scowled as he watched as the Second Years – escorted by the Seventh Year Prefect and a pair of Third Year boys – cross the Common Room, all the while sending angry looks at him. Damn that mudblood Granger! Draco was ordained to rule Slytherin House, to do with those within as he saw fit! He was born of a Truly Noble Line, destined to be the Right Hand of the Dark Lord Voldermort himself! And he would have the pleasures and benefits of such a position! His father had enjoyed the same pleasures in his time, though back then he had had to conduct such activities in the privacy of his private room when he made Prefect. It gave Draco a thrill to know that he was following his fathers footsteps.

Of course things had changed since his Fathers time. With the Dark Lord once more in the ascendant, the time had come that he was able to assert his dominance over Slytherin House. While in the past the witches were subservient to the most powerful males in the House, it had been discrete, an unspoken pleasure often the privilege of the Prefects and the Seventh Years. Now those who were Better could exert their power openly, showing just how superior they were. Until lately, even the Sixth Years had to give way to him. And if to do so entailed a public gang-bang of a dissenter in the ranks, all the better!

But now... Granger had ruined everything he'd gained over the last three years! And that traitor Greengrass continued defiance was inspiring the other, younger witches to resist. The last time he tried to have one of the Second Years relieve him, she had not dropped to her knees on demand, but had pulled her wand and threatened him! HIM! How dare some snot-nosed half-blood threaten the future Right Hand of Voldermort! Before he could punish the little brat however, her friends had also pulled their wands, as had at least five other witches before the Seventh Year Prefect had walked over, hands on her hips and glaring at him. Despite the bile in his throat, Draco had been forced to back down.

Full of frustration and anger, he'd determined to find and take Greengrass before night that day. The announcement at diner that night, directing all students to return to their dormitories at once, had been a godsend. Seeing her fleeing, he'd used the general confusion to place a tracking spell on her robes. Once they had all gathered, a quick check had revealed that she had not returned to the Common Room. A few words with Severus and he'd set off with his friends, a evil smirk on his face.

Then Granger had turned up! In moments she had completely taken them all down, and then humiliated him! She was going to pay, oh yes she was! And that buxom bitch puff Bones too, for shoving him aside to reach the traitor!

And as for Greengrass... Severus had let him know about what those three witches had done last night. Giving herself to Potter, of all people! And they'd somehow cured him of the curse Draco had hit him with! Despite the appeal of it, Draco knew that he would not cast that again. It had nearly made him collapse after he cast it. It had taken all his willpower to get to his feet after Potter had sent him flying. Ever since, his magic had been weak, barely working. It had taken four tries before his hair grooming spell worked this morning! Although he would never admit it, he doubted that he could even summon the power right now to make a stunner strong enough to make someone woozy!

Blast Greengrass for taking that book! He'd let her go at first because he knew as a Prefect he could simply use his powers to have her bag searched and 'confiscate' it. But when'd he done so after morning class the next day, she didn't have it! What had the bitch done with it? He'd glossed over the over spells, hunting for the one his father had recommended he look at. Now he could not learn the others, some of which would have been very entertaining!

As he looked about slowly, he remembered something Severus had told him yesterday. McGonagall was pushing for the transfer of Greengrass to her House! Stupid old witch! You can't just change a persons House! It was then he realised something. It was more than likely that McGonagall would speak to Greengrass and Bones in her office about this, so if they waited and watched...

His scowl twisted into a smile as his eyes landed on two witches – one in their year, one in Third – who were stood talking quietly between themselves. An extra way to punish Greengrass came to mind. He considered those who Bones and Granger hung out with, but reluctantly decided it be too difficult to reach them.

"Listen up. Here's what we'll do..."

Amelia Bones stood waiting in the middle of Hogwarts Hospital Wing, her stern gaze fixed on the shrouded corner... within which her favourite niece was getting a check up. When her old friend Minerva McGonagall had called her, asking her to come up to the School, her heart had lodged in her throat from fear. She had always been much closer to Susan than any of her other nieces and nephews, and with Susan living with her ever since her parents died in that terrible fire... She didn't know how she would cope if she had died.

Fortunately, when she'd arrived at the school McGonagall had quickly eased her concerns on that score. But still, there was cause for concern. She had explained the series of events. Harry being cursed, how Susan had joined two other witches in curing him... Amelia was understandably anxious to see her niece.

At last the drapes moved a little, and Susan stepped out. Amelia's long experience with Law enforcement allowed her to see just how weary and tired Susan was, how she walked a little awkwardly. But she could also see that there was something new, a confidence and joy that had not been there since her parents had passed away. She watched as the girl – no young woman – looked back at the enclosed space before facing forwards once more... and meeting her gaze. She froze, eyes wide.

"Susan."

"Aunt Amelia..." Susan's voice caught, her eyes starting to gleam with unshed tears.

Madam Pomfrey leaned out between the drapes. "You can use my office if you wish." She called.

"Thank you." Amelia called back, not taking her eyes off her niece. She understood what the nurse was offering them; privacy.

Half a second after the office door was closed Amelia found her niece hugging her tightly. "Auntie... I..."

"Shhh... it's all right. It's all right." Amelia spoke softly as she gently stroked Susan's long red hair. As she did she felt her own feelings regarding the situation change. She would be ashamed to admit, but her first reaction to McGonagall's news had been anger and indignation. What had her level-headed and law-abiding niece been thinking? As McGonagall had explained further she had felt such thoughts lessen, but it was not till this moment that she let them go. Oh, she was still absolutely livid at Albus-bloodly-Dumbledore for allowing things to escalate to this level, but the man was almost unassailable. He'd been proven right after a whole year of slander; trying to go against him now would be suicide. The man was just too powerful, too connected and had too much support to even allow a hint of wrong-doing to gain a foothold. For the moment however, she'd focus on her niece.

After a couple of minutes she drew back a little and gently pulled her niece over to a sofa along the wall. Sitting down on one end, she directed Susan onto the other so she could look at her face easily. "Why?" She asked gently.

Susan sniffed back some more tears before she answered. "It was the right thing to do Aunt. The curse on Harry..." She shivered. "...It gave me nightmares just thinking about it. We had to do something."

"But why you?" That was the question that was dominating Amelia's mind.

"Hermione. We've become good friends over these last few years. She's a good person. They all are. We... me and Daph'... knew that she'd try to save Harry herself, but that she'd fail. Not even she could save him alone. But if we... participated..." More tears began to form.

Amelia drew her close once more, hugging Susan to herself. A small smile formed as she worked through what she had been told. Susan had been loyal to her friends no matter the cost... a true Hufflepuff.

After a minute she spoke once more. "Do you regret what you did?" She said as she allowed Susan to sit up a bit.

A happy smile formed on Susan's face, her eyes sparkled. "Not one bit. It was... incredible! I've never felt so loved so... fulfilled, before!"

Amelia couldn't stop the smile that twisted her own lips at the joy that filled her Niece. She remembered when she had first enjoyed sex. It had been at a similar age too.

Susan glanced to where the main wing was, prompting a narrowing of Amelia's eyes. There was something else going on here...

"Susan... will there be any... side effects, of this?" She asked with concern, covering a range of thoughts.

Susan whipped her head back to look at her. "No! I mean... I don't think so..." She wrapped her arms around herself. "We did use protection. Hermione loaned us her supplies." She blushed and looked away. "Uh... it's not the right time of the month for me anyway."

"But?" Amelia asked, sensing that there was more.

Susan sighed deeply. "I feel... drawn to them." She half whispered. "I... want to be with them, be close to them. All of them really, but especially Harry and Hermione. I mean... I know how trouble happens around them, Harry in particular."

Amelia chuckled. "He does seem to be a trouble magnet, doesn't he?"

Susan laughed a little too. "It positively seeks him out." She sobered again. "But... I don't know how to explain it... but I feel that those two are important. Staying near them may be dangerous, but... it might also be the safest place to be."

Amelia nodded slowly, understanding her niece's confusion. "Truly great people often have that air around them in troubled times. And we are certainly heading for those." A shiver ran down both their spines. Amelia looked at her niece for a long moment, then made a decision.

"Susan, listen to me." She leaned forwards, conspiratorially. "I strongly doubt Fudge will remain Minister much longer. I also suspect I'd be one of the favourites to replace him, if the Wizengamot can get over its sexist bias. That makes me a target." Susan's face paled, but she remained silent as Amelia continued to speak. "I know what you mean about Harry. There are rumours that he's the one who'll bring down who-kno..." Amelia stopped, gritted her teeth, and forced herself to stop cowering. "Voldermort. He'll be in danger, but I think – no, I know – that if you are behind him, he'll win." She pulled Susan tighter to her.

"I may not live to see his downfall. But I don't want you grieving for me for the rest of your life if I should fall. Live your life, my dear, and stay close to those two. They are truly gifted."

Susan hiccupped. "So... you wouldn't mind if I stayed at Hermione's place for the whole summer?" At her aunt's critical look, she blushed. "Hermione mentioned the idea earlier."

Amelia thought about it before nodded. "No, I don't mind at all. It might be best actually." She sighed. "If I'm right about Fudge, I'm going to have almost no time at home this coming summer, so you'd be alone almost all the time. Besides, it would do you some good to see how Muggles live."

Susan smiled happily before wrapping her arms around Amelia in another hug. "Thanks Aunty."

Amelia smiled warmly as she hugged her niece, tears starting to form in her own eyes.

Eyes snapped open, wide and startled. Where was she? What had happened? The ceiling above her was stained and old, ancient cobwebs clinging to the walls, caked in dust. Slowly she sat up to look around. She was on the floor, the warped wooden boards grimy and dusty. The few items of furniture she could see were old and mouldy. Where ever she was, it was certainly not home.

Just what happened to her? She raked her brain, trying to remember. Her head ached, which didn't help matters any. She started to bring a hand up to her forehead, but the sight of her hand made her freeze in shock. How could that bony, pale thing be her hand? It was little more than skin, bone and tendons!

With mounting dread she looked over herself. The robes she wore were dirty, faded, hanging loose from her frame. What happened to her figure, the fullness of her flesh? What had happened to turn her into this gaunt, shrivelled thing?

A sharp pain in her left arm made her gasp, and she looked down at it. Another gasp escaped her when her eyes alighted on the burnt skin beneath the slashed and blood stained cloth that covered her inner arm just below the elbow. Indeed, she appeared to have minor cuts and large bruises all along and over the arm, with a few larger cuts interspersed in the mix. A vague memory of being thrown against a table with a number of empty bottles and glasses came to her, the glass breaking under her, but she couldn't remember who did it, or why.

Forcing herself to her feet, she staggered towards one of the doors, beyond which she'd seen a bathroom. Like the rest of this place it was dirty and decrepit, but the water in the sink ran. Gritting her teeth she torn away the ruined sleeve before washing the wounds. Black flecks came away as she scrubbed at the burnt area, raw skin revealed. Shooting pains tore up her arm but she kept at it, looking up into the mirror as she did.

The image that looked back almost made her freeze. Was that really her? Her face was drawn, haggard, pale like a ghoul. Her hair was a wild, tangled mess. Folds of loose skin clung to her neck, and her teeth were dark and stained. Even her eyes were not the same, darkened almost to black. 'What have you done to yourself Bella?'

Once she had her arm as clean as she could she felt around her hips, looking for a wand. Once she found it she started casting healing charms over the wounds, anxious eyes focused on her task. At least her magic appeared to be alright. Slowly the burnt area shrank, revealing the slashes that had preceded the burn. As they started to close, she noted that some of the burns remained. After a few more seconds however she froze, the spell ending as her concentration fled.

The burn had spread outwards from a dark tattoo on her arm, jet black against her skin. It was broken and ruined by the cuts, but she could make out what looked like a skull, and the head of a snake below it...

Her blood turned to ice. She knew only one image that contained those elements.

The Dark Mark.

The mark of Voldermort.

'What have I done?'

As if in answer to her question, Bellatrix LeStrange remembered. Everything.

She'd returned home after her Sixth Year at Hogwarts to find that her parents had arranged a marriage between her and Rodolphus LeStrange. It was a politically motivated marriage, but the two LeStrange boys seemed nice enough. Within a week, she was wed.

Her wedding night was her first night at her new families home... and the masks had come off. Her husband had shared her with his brother, and the two of them had brutally taken her over and over. By the morning she'd been in tears, hurting and terrified. Neither brother had shown her any compassion, and had punished her for her weakness.

Day's turned into weeks, and she'd remained their personal toy. They were violent, harsh men, often tying her down and beating her. She had quickly realised that she'd been married to a sadistic monster. Pain was her only constant.

When they returned to Hogwarts, the three of them had moved into married quarters off of the Slytherin Common Room, and while the brutal 'games' had lessened to a degree, they had not stopped. The two were very careful to not leave any marks were others might see them.

Then, early in the first term, there had been a spark of hope. A child! She'd figured that once they knew, they'd stop with their games, stop the beatings, the ravaging of her body.

It had not. She'd pleaded with them, begged, if only for the sake of their child. But the two monsters had only laughed.

Finally, it had happened. They'd gone home for Christmas break, and the two animals had taken her viscously that first night. Terrible pain had ran through her, she had honestly thought she was going to die.

Somehow, she had survived. But the unborn child had not.

The loss had broken her, plunging her into the dark well of madness.

Atrocity after horror after crime ran through her mind. "No, No, NO!" She screamed, desperate for the images to stop. But they continued, a display of all the worst actions a person could do, all seen from the eyes of the perpetrator. She fell to the floor, shrieking in horror and anguish as the last thirty years of her life flashed before her eyes. She curled into a ball, whimpering.

That was how her younger sister Narcissa found her, curled up on the floor, sobbing. "Bella?" She asked softly before tentatively stepping forwards and kneeling by her oldest sister. "Bella?" she asked again, gently laying a hand on her shoulder.

Bellatrix froze for a moment, before bursting in action. Both her arms shot around her sister, drawing her into a bone-crushing hug as her sobs turned into wails of anguish that she buried in Narrcissa's shoulder.

Stunned at first by the sudden action, it was a few seconds before Narcissa resounded, her arms going round her sister... the sister who was considered by all – including herself – psychopathically insane. And was now crying like a child in her arms. "Bella?" She asked again, shocked.

For several long minutes the only sounds were from Bellatrix's sobs, but finally Narcissa felt her move. Then she spoke.

"What have I become 'Cissa?' What am I now?" Bella slowly sat up, but her head remained tipped forwards, her eyes hidden.

Narcissa's eyes were widened in shock. Her voice was no longer harsh; it was softer, more feminine… more like her own. She remembered how she had changed when they returned to Hogwarts after that summer, almost fearful of her husband. And then she'd changed again after Christmas... it had scared her, her older sisters' new attitude. A crazy light had danced in her eyes then, one that terrified anyone caught in them. She'd started the baby talk when she was taunting someone… which was nearly everyone. Her smile had become tinged with sadistic glee, and only ever showed when someone else was in pain.

But this... this was more like the Bella of her early years. Was it just possible that she had returned?

Bella now lifted her head, looking her sister in the eye. Tear tracks ran down her gaunt cheeks, while her eyes were now their original brown colour, the dark madness gone. But they were filled with anguish. "What am I sis?" She sobbed, before her wand came up, pointing towards her own head.

With a speed she didn't know she had, Narcissa grabbed her hand, stopping her from completing the motion. "No Bella! This isn't the way!"

Bella gritted her teeth. "Damn it Cissa, let me go! I can't... I can't live like this! Do you know what I've done?"

Narcissa looked her in the eye. "And what about what I've done?" She asked sharply. Bella froze, her eyes searching.

"I've stood aside and watched as my bastard of a husband twisted and corrupted the government. I've watched him mould the sole son I bore into a darker, crueller version of himself… the son I loved more than anything or anyone. That bastard's taken him from me. I've had more affection from the House Elves than from my own Husband! I've had to support him and keep my mouth shut while he murdered on a whim! Any time I tried to speak up, speak out, he was there, that dammed torture curse on his lips!" Tears were now running down her own cheeks to match her sisters.

"But what can we do, sis?" Bella wailed, all strength fading. "We can't escape... I'm dammed already. You still have a chance."

Narcissa shook her head. "The day after my marriage, I spoke with Sirius. He promised..." She trailed as she saw the look of devastation on her sisters' face.

"Cissa, I killed him! It was my spell that sent him through the Veil of Death! There's nothing he can do!"

Narcissa Malfoy felt a chill run up her spine. Sirius dead? But he'd promised... Her grief threatened to overcome her, but a desperate hope flickered into life, feeble though it was.

"Maybe he set out a will... between his escape and... what happened. You remember how he was with promises. He'd ask the new Lord Black to honour his wishes..."

Bella snorted. "He won't. Draco's the only one who could be the next Lord Black. There's no way that - I'm sorry 'Cissa - little snot's going to honour a 'Blood Traitor's' last request."

Narcissa almost succumbed to grief, but then a stray memory came to her.

"No... there is one other..."

Emma Granger slowly laid the letter down on the kitchen worktop, her eyes glazed over. The letter had been sat on the counter, and at first sight of the green ink used her heart had paused. She'd opened it with extreme trepidation. Outside night was falling, an appropriate metaphor for how she felt. How could this have happened? How could her bright, darling daughter have gotten mixed up with such disreputable types?

A frown creased her forehead as she re-read one section of the letter again. Something didn't make sense here. Hermione had told them about her school life, but both parents knew that she hadn't completely told them everything. But they also knew her well enough that she would not hide stuff from them. If they asked, she would tell.

But the one thing that was blindingly clear through all her letters and discussions was that Harry Potter was very important to her, and there was not a more honest, upright and morally centred person around. He would never be involved in anything like this.

"Hey... what's the matter?" Emma looked up to see her husband Nathan stood in the doorway wrapped up in his dressing gown, a concerned look on his face.

She sighed. "I found this letter when I came through to fix our drinks." She held up the letter. "It's from Hermione's school Headmaster."

Nathan paled slightly before stepping forwards to sit on the other stool by the worktop. "What's happened?" He asked nervously.

"According to the Headmaster, she's..." Emma was interrupted before she could detail the Headmasters claims by the entrance of a snowy owl through the open kitchen window. The sudden appearance caused both adults to jump in surprise, but they both recognised Hedwig from the other times that Hermione had used her to send them letters. After tucking her wings in, Hedwig held out her right leg towards Emma, on which was clearly a tightly wound scroll.

Sharing a confused look with her husband, Emma stood up to take deliver of the letter. Hermione was due to return home the day after tomorrow, so what could be so urgent that it could not wait till then? As she sat down and opened the letter, Emma was aware of Nathan stepping round to stand behind her to read over her shoulder.

'Mum & Dad,

I don't know if the Headmaster has told you anything yet, but something happened the other day. I'm fine, a little sore and tired, but otherwise fine. No worse than I was a couple days ago.

However... Harry recently was cursed by that foul evil little cockroach, and it took drastic measures, on the part of myself and my friends, to cure him. Since then, the four of us have been feeling very close, and I need your help with this matter. Harry's home life is horrible, and I can not stand the thought of him having to go back there this time, even before all this.

Basically, I want to bring Harry, and my other two friends Susan and Daphne, home to stay with us over the holiday.

I feel that it is vital that at the very least Harry escape his relative this summer. The events of the previous week really took their toll on him, and right now he's even more vulnerable.

I know this is a big step, but right now my only concern is Harry's well being – something I no longer think the Headmaster is concerned about. He needs a place where he is welcomed and looked after, not one where he's despised. He needs time to heal, to recover... and to grieve. He won't get that at Privet Drive, nor from the Headmaster.

Please help me here. I just know that I'll be frantic all summer if I don't know what's happening with him... if he's not with me where I can keep an eye on him. He's a wonderful young man, but he has such terrible burdens and relatives. I know you'll like him, as well as Susan and Daphne.

Love,

Hermione.'

For a long moment the two adults looked at the letter, before they looked at each other, concern in their features.

"You think she's..." He trailed off, unwilling to actually say it.

Emma nodded to Nathan's unspoken question. "We should have expected it Nathan. He's the only boy she knows well and likes. Her other friend, Ron... I don't think she actually likes him, just tolerates."

Nathan leaned against the counter, looking at the Headmasters letter. "Did you get the impression that she was asking us to trust her rather than the Headmaster?"

"So you picked that up too?" Emma replied, shifting uneasily. "But if he's lying, what happened? She didn't actually say..."

"Doesn't matter." Nathan cut in. "Between a man I've never met and our daughter, I'll pick her every time." He frowned slightly. "Though... how are we going to accommodate another three teens?"

Emma waved his concern off. "I'll tidy the spare bedroom. It needs doing anyway. Harry can use the futon in the upstairs study." She turned towards where the owl was still sat, looking at her. Was it her imagination, or was she looking at them impatiently? "Right now, I think we should send a reply..."

A/N: He he, yep I couldn't resist having Hermione's mum called 'Emma'. Managed to resist calling her Father 'Daniel'... though there will be a 'Daniel Granger' later... (grins)

Now, as to Bella... I have seen a number of 'Redeem Bellatrix' stories here, and they often use a Family Oath, or some other means to change her Aliegence. But I want to try something rather different.

She is considered insane in every story and in canon. However, me being me - willing to trend in places others are reluctant to - asked the question: WHY is she insane? People aren't born insane (at least, not that level of insanity), so she must have been driven insane. But what could have done that? This back-story is what crawlled out of the dark, murky corners of my mind. Now, I'm NOT a fan of BSDM of anything like that, but it fits so well not only as a means to drive someone insane, but also with the generally nastier DE's in this story (truthfully, they were implied to be just as nasty in Canon, it's just JKR never showed the results or anything) that I used it. I hope that you are willing to let me try this idea out.

And I know that in Canon, the Malfoys were focused on and devoted to each other, above their devotion to Voldie, but I wrote this before I saw that on the Lexion...