DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER.

Evening of 5th August 1969

Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa rushed into Bellatrix's room, laughing as Bellatrix held some photos. Closing the door, they sat on the bed and laughed as they looked at photos of themselves making silly faces.

Andromeda cried out excitedly as Bellatrix laughed, "I want to see it!"

Narcissa laughed as she looked at herself in a photo and grabbed the photos.

Andromeda cried out, "I want to see. Narcissa give them here."

Narcissa laughed and said, "Bella, we've got something that you'll…"

Suddenly, the door burst open and in strode a very enraged looking Cygnus Black shouting, "Give them back now!"

Behind him was Druella Black.

Bellatrix said, "I knew studying Legilimency would be useful. I can see exactly what's going on."

Cygnus angrily shouted, "This is important. Magical purity is getting weaker! We need to ensure that the Black line remains powerful! You (Bellatrix) need to set an example!"

He continued even as Bellatrix ignored him, "You know that Muggles are causing wars and destruction in this world! Their weak-minded blood does not belong with ours!"

Bellatrix spoke, "I will marry a noble man, but right now, especially after I got my auror apprenticeship, and what about all those NEWTs I worked so hard for? Besides, when I do marry, I want it to be my choice. I'll do it my own way. I don't appreciate being pushed around like a Witch Weekly magazine! Mother please,"

Druella cut her off saying, "Be quiet! You are no longer at Hogwarts, Bellatrix. We've left it far too long."

As Bellatrix got up and moved towards the foot of the bed Andromeda started, "I guess I'd better pack in my NEWTs now…"

Druella ordered, "Don't be silly Bell, Andromeda."

Cygnus suddenly moved closer towards Bellatrix declaring, "If you do not comply, there is a very easy way to fix this!" moving his wand to her head. It seemed like he was going to forcibly extract a memory from her but just then, Druella stopped him saying, "Cygnus, she's forgotten enough as it is."

Cygnus then hissed cruelly, "You are a disgrace to our family! You will marry first, and then you will leave this house. Then I will no longer have to deal with you."

Bellatrix went and looked into a mirror nearby set into the wall as Cygnus backed a little, towards the door.

He then shouted at all three girls, "Our family is the Noble and most Ancient House of Black! You will all contribute to carrying on a pure magical bloodline! If you do not obey or agree to our arrangements, you will be banished from this household and stripped of your rights as a member of the Black family! Do you understand?!" With that, he turned around and stormed out of the room. Druella asked sternly, "Are you listening, Bellatrix?"

There was no response.

Bellatrix just stared into the mirror.

Druella then left the room, closing the door behind her as she left.

Bellatrix moved to a cupboard nearby muttering angrily, "He thinks he can take away my memories?!"

Andromeda spoke, "I'm glad you tried to stand up to Mother and Father Bella. I agree with you. But what can we do about it though? I don't want to marry someone I barely know!"

Bellatrix extracted a memory from her head and placed it into the pensive.

That memory had been one with Abhimanyu.

Bellatrix and Abhimanyu were sitting under a tree, on the day before they were to leave Hogwarts after their NEWTs.

Bellatrix spoke, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what are your family's views on marriage?"

Abhimanyu looked at her and said, "Honestly, I don't really give much thought to it, but so far, they seem to be fine with the two of us. I'm absolutely not comfortable with the idea of an arranged marriage, not at all. Luckily, my Ma and Papa understand."

Bellatrix nodded and said, "In my family, marriages are arranged with pureblood wizards, especially the elite ones that are considered to be powerful. A lot of marriages have taken place with families such the Greengrasses, the Lestranges, the Rosiers, the Carrows, and other pureblood families that maintain their blood purity. My mother was a Rosier before she married my father. Some have married by choice though. Do you know Arthur's Mother Cedrella?"

Abhimanyu replied, "I've met her. She's quite nice."

Bellatrix then explained, "She was a Black before marrying Septimus Weasley, Arthur's father. The Weasleys have been considered as blood traitors, so she was disowned for marrying him."

Abhimanyu replied, "This is so ridiculous. No offense. But it seems like women are being…"

He paused for a little while and then said, "You know, things like this happen in India too. In ancient times, women in India were respected, but as time went by men started to become more dominating. Now, things are improving, but still, even today, a lot of women all over the world are being forced to obey what is told to them. Arranged marriage with people they barely know, sometimes with rich but cruel people…"

Bellatrix said, "Even in ancient times, some women were still exploited. In the Ramayana, there's the ten headed monster Ravana. He stole many women including Rama's wife Sita."

Abhimanyu added, "The only reason why Ravana never tried to rape her was because his head would have burst into pieces. But then he told her that if she did not accept him as her husband at the end of one year, he would have her butchered."

"It's so disgusting!" Bellatrix exclaimed.

Abhimanyu said, "Ultimately, that did not happen."

Bellatrix said, "You know, I don't understand how in the Mahabharata, Draupadi had five husbands! I mean, I can't imagine having two, let alone five!"

Abhimanyu asked, "Do you remember we talked about rebirth?"

Bellatrix nodded.

Abhimanyu explained, "Well, you see, in her previous life, Draupadi prayed to Lord Shiva to get a good husband. But when Lord Shiva appeared, she said, 'Please give me a good husband' five times, and finally he said that she will have five good husbands in her next life, so there."

Bellatrix said angrily, "She had five husbands, and yet none of them stood up for her when Karna told Dushasana to strip her naked in front of everyone!"

Abhimanyu said, "That is why, gambling is something to be avoided. Staking anyone else's life, a woman's modesty is absolutely wrong. If Yudhishthira had just said no to the dice game with Shakuni, none of that would have happened. He would not have ended up staking his brothers plus Draupadi."

Bellatrix looked at him and said, "Abhimanyu, promise me one thing."

Abhimanyu asked, "What is it?"

Bellatrix replied, "That you will not gamble at anytime and stake anyone's life."

Abhimanyu replied, "I will never ever fall for gambling. It is the worst vice and it will destroy me if I fall for it. I promise."

Bellatrix then held Abhimanyu's hands and slipped something into them.

Abhimanyu looked and saw that it was a sapphire ring, with the Black family crest.

She said, "I want you to have this to remember me by."

Abhimanyu protested, "But it's your ring. Won't anyone notice?"

Bellatrix smilingly replied, "I have another one. Don't worry. But promise that you will remember me."

Abhimanyu replied, "I will, Bella."

They then pressed their foreheads against each other, and Bellatrix said, "I love you, Abhimanyu Pandey."

Abhimanyu replied, "I love you too, Bellatrix Black."

Bellatrix snapped out of her thoughts as Andromeda suddenly laughed and said, "Bella, there's one picture that Mother and Father don't know about."

Bellatrix turned and asked, "What?"

Andromeda pulled out from her pocket, a picture of Bellatrix pinning Abhimanyu down near the lake and smiling evilly at him as Andromeda and Narcissa tickled him.

Narcissa commented, "Malfoy is not a bad choice."

Andromeda smiled and replied, "Although, he's still rather snobbish, unlike Pandey."

Bellatrix's eyes suddenly widened and she exclaimed, "Pandey! Abhimanyu! I'm supposed to meet him tonight!"

Andromeda said, "Well have a good time then Bella. Give him our love. And oh by the way, I think Rodolphus wants to take us to the Dark Lord tonight."

Bellatrix said, "I once wanted to go to him, but now, I don't feel like I really want to. Rodolphus knows we're not going."

Narcissa warned, "Bella, be careful, we can't have Mother and Father finding out about your best friend. If they do, we'll all be in danger. As it is, the Dark Lord will probably seek us out, especially you."

Bellatrix sighed and said, "We'll figure it all out. Anyway, I'd better get going. He's meeting me in Shaftesbury Avenue. Goodbye."

A little while later…

Abhimanyu stood waiting for his friend near a bus stop in Shaftesbury Avenue, casually looking around.

Just as he turned to look across the street, he heard an evil cackle of laughter.

He turned around in a hurry and found himself looking at straight at Bellatrix, who was looking evilly at him.

Bellatrix whispered in an evil seductive tone, "So, Abhimanyu Pandey, you stand here waiting for me, knowing very well, that I am going to tear you apart with my nails and devour you."

Abhimanyu smilingly replied, "Oh yes. And I have come prepared."

With that, he pulled out a chocolate from his black jacket and held it out to her.

Bellatrix looked at it and said, "Oh, for me? I think you are the chocolate."

And then, she moved forward and clasped his hands in hers.

Abhimanyu smilingly said, "Just for you Bella. Now, where do you want to go for dinner?"

Bellatrix replied, "What about you?"

Abhimanyu asked, "Pizza?"

Bellatrix replied, "Why not? The place had better not be close to Grimmauld Place. We're dead if Mother and Father find out about us now."

Abhimanyu said, "Well, we're both aurors now."

"Auror trainees," Bellatrix corrected him, "and it will be at three years before we officially become aurors."

Abhimanyu sighed and said, "We've both gotten our apprenticeships now. Charles Smethwick is going to be my mentor apparently. What about you?"

Bellatrix replied, "Mine is Galen Campbell. I've met him, he seems nice. What about you?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Charles Sir seems to be rather serious, but motivational all the same. I wonder what I should call him. Professor?"

Bellatrix laughingly said, "Just Sir should be fine. I mean, he's not a professor teaching at Hogwarts is he?"

Abhimanyu said, "You're absolutely right Bella. And by the way, there's a good pizza place that I know of. Come on. Oh by the way, it's still 7:30 pm. Do you want to come for a walk in Soho Square Gardens?"

Bellatrix replied, "Sure, why not. It'll be a bit of relief from all that stress at the Ministry."

With that, they began walking towards their destination.

As they walked, Abhimanyu asked, "Bella, are you alright? You look a little…"

"Upset?" Bellatrix said a little angrily, "Oh yes I am."

Abhimanyu asked, "What happened?"

Bellatrix replied, "It's Father all over again. I told him and Mother that I don't appreciate being pushed around like a witch weekly magazine and Mother told me to be quiet! And that's not the worst part."

Abhimanyu asked, "What was the worst part?"

Bellatrix sighed and said, "Never mind, I shouldn't have…"

Abhimanyu pleaded, "Bella, please tell me, what happened?"

Bellatrix hissed angrily, "He tried to take my memories!"

"What?!" Abhimanyu cried out in horror, "That's cruel! How dare he!"

Bellatrix continued, "I wish he and Mother would stop this, constantly pressurizing us to be proper Blacks and obey their every wish and saying otherwise we'll be banished!"

Abhimanyu said, "How can he say something like that? That is betrayal!"

Bellatrix said, "He's still our father."

Abhimanyu replied, "True."

Soon, they reached the park and strolled around, watching the slowly darkening sky and the trees and plants around.

There were only a few people in the park that evening. The day had been quite rainy and currently, there was only a short amount of time before closing time.

Bellatrix and Abhimanyu walked over to a large tree and stood under its branches.

Bellatrix said, "You know, this is quite beautiful. Isn't it?"

Abhimanyu replied, "This place is beautiful. You are quite beautiful too."

Bellatrix whispered, "You flatter me."

She then asked, "How is Collin doing?"

Abhimanyu replied, "He's doing well. Aunt Elizabeth is taking good care of him. She and Gordon Uncle are thinking of formally adopting him."

Bellatrix said, "You'd better watch out for…"

But before she could complete her sentence, the sky suddenly darkened and there was thunder, accompanied by an eerie sounding wind and a cold chill that resonated throughout the place.

Abhimanyu cried out, "What's happened?"

Bellatrix looked around and cried out, "I think I know what's happening! Dementors! We have to get out of here!"

Abhimanyu looked around, and surely enough, there were some dark, filthy, disgusting looking hooded creatures, about five of them flying towards them.

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix ran from where they were but stopped when they noticed the dementors going for two small boys and their mother nearby.

Abhimanyu cried out, "We have to help them!"

Bellatrix said, "Think of something positive! Remember the patronus charm!"

Abhimanyu had been able to learn the patronus charm in Hogwarts and had been trying to help Bellatrix learn the charm.

He thought of the night when he and Bellatrix had shared their first kiss and cried out, "Expecto Patronum!"

A silver shining eagle shot out of his wand and spread its brilliance around, causing the dementors to shriek and fly off just as one had grabbed a child and another, the mother.

Soon, the dementors were gone.

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix stood there in shock.

And then suddenly, Bellatrix cried out, "Look!"

Abhimanyu looked up in the same direction as Bellatrix and saw something flying through the air, leaving a trail of black smoke behind, approaching the family.

It landed on the ground and the smoke cleared, revealing a figure, cloaked in black.

The children screamed and held on to their mother who held them protectively with one arm, pulled out a wand and yelled, "Don't touch them!"

The figure was joined by another one, and then, there were three of them, all closing in on the children, their wands pointed out towards them, laughing evilly, all of them sounding male. Even as one cast a cutting charm from behind, which grazed the mother's hand and caused her to drop her wand, another one grabbed her and placed his wand on the stomach.

He started to hiss, "Cruc…"

At that moment, Abhimanyu and Bellatrix rushed forwards and cried out, "Stupefy!"

The other two figures spun around, revealing themselves to be wearing silver skull masks.

At that moment, the two stunners struck two of the figures, one of them being the one threatening the mother and they fell.

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix tried to nab the third one, but that person seemed to have some sense.

He grabbed the two figures by their cloaks and it looked like they were going to escape.

Abhimanyu cried out, "Expelliarmus!" which made the figure blast backwards towards a tree. He got to the figure, who tried to attack him with a knife but Abhimanyu's hands latched on to the head before the enemy could strike while Bellatrix attempted to pin down the right hand, the one with the knife.

Abhimanyu managed to pull off the mask, and then, he was horrified by what he saw.

The figure had the same face as him.

Before Abhimanyu could do anything else, the figure freed his right arm, punched Bellatrix, shook off Abhimanyu, ran towards his wand nearby and pointing the wand at Abhimanyu, cried out, "Stupefy!"

Abhimanyu slumped down while the enemy grabbed the two unconscious figures.

Suddenly, two more such figures showed up in front of Bellatrix and grabbed the others before flying off, leaving a trail of black smoke.

Bellatrix who had gotten up rushed over to Abhimanyu and pointing her wand at him, she whispered, "Ennervate."

Abhimanyu's eyes shot open and he sat up crying out, "Bella, are you okay?"

Bellatrix replied, "I'm fine, don't worry about me. That punch though was a hard one."

Abhimanyu whispered, "That guy, he…"

Bellatrix suggested, "I think it's someone using polyjuice potion. Tell me, did you run into Rodolphus or Avril?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yesterday, some hooded guy picked a fight with me and insulted my parents, so I slapped him and it resulted in a fist fight. I remember he grabbed my hair."

Bellatrix hissed, "I'm sure it was Rodolphus!"

Abhimanyu gasped, "Wait, what about the mother and children?"

They went up to them and Bellatrix asked, "Are you alright?"

The mother who had managed to heal the wound somehow cried out, "Oh yes, thank you. I was so afraid that they would harm my children! Thank you so much."

Abhimanyu replied, "Ma'am, you'd better go home. Do you need us to get you there?"

The mother replied, "No, I'm fine. I'll get them home myself. Thank you."

With that, she took the children's hands and apparated away from the place.

Abhimanyu turned to Bellatrix and said, "We have to report this to the ministry."

Bellatrix replied, "Yes, let's go. What are we waiting for?"

They apparated to the Ministry of Magic and found themselves in the atrium running towards a lift to get them to the DMLE level as quickly as possible.

Just as they reached level two and stepped out of the lift, they found themselves facing a man in a black suit with a brown moustache, a little beard on his chin, and brown hair, looking quite arrogant.

The man was flanked by two stern looking men, both in black robes.

And the man sneered, "Mr. Pandey, such a coincidence. I was just about to send these two after you, and you suddenly popped up so willingly in our midst, right where I want you, in front of me."

Abhimanyu asked, "Sir, what is it with me?"

The bigger of the two other men stepped forward and conjuring ropes, he bound Abhimanyu's hands and declared, "Mr. Pandey, I, auror Jackson, hereby arrest you for the murder of two Muggles and attempted torture of three more people, a witch and her two children."

Abhimanyu protested, "This is preposterous. I had nothing to do with it. In fact…"

The man in the suit cut him off hissing, "Shut up you lousy!"

Bellatrix cried out, "No! You can't take him like that! He didn't murder anyone! We just saved three people from…"

"Be quiet Ms. Bellatrix Black!" the man shouted, "Auror Jackson, I'll handle Pandey. Auror Scott, come with me, and bring Pandey with you. We'll put him in a holding cell. Jackson, don't let the girl follow."

"Got it Mr. Leverge," Auror Jackson replied and stood with his arms spread wide, barring Bellatrix from attempting to follow as the other auror and man dressed in a suit, Leverge dragged Abhimanyu behind them.

Hewson Leverge smiled wickedly as he and Scott pulled the Indian boy and soon reached a corridor where there was hardly anyone about.

Scott said, "We're here Pandey. This corridor contains several cells, and you will be staying in one of them."

Hewson ordered, "Scott, give us a little while so that I can have a chat."

They entered a holding cell, a small room which was black in color all over the walls and the floor.

Hewson nodded to Scott, who exited the cell.

Hewson then grabbed Abhimanyu by the hair and holding him below his face hissed, "So, Mr. Pandey, you've been with the wrong people at the wrong places at the wrong times. Let me make myself known to you. My name is Hewson Leverge, and I am going to make sure you pay!"

Abhimanyu asked, "Hewson Leverge? Are you Avril's dad?"

Hewson hissed, "Aha, so you know my daughter. Yes I am her father, and also was the stepfather of that useless loaf of a boy Collin Saunders. He spoke about you. You're pathetic. You've ruined things for my daughter, you stole her best friend, and you are going to pay dearly for this!"

Abhimanyu looked angrily at the other man and said, "This is wrong. You absolutely have no right to arrest and innocent man. Bellatrix and I just saved three people from dementors and some cloaked figures. And by the way, Bellatrix herself acknowledged me as her best friend. More than that, you're nothing but a cruel man who…"

"SILENCE," Hewson yelled in his face.

He then released him a little, and making sure the boy was below his face, he snarled, "Think anyone will believe someone like you, a nigger of a Mudblood?! You're an Indian, aren't you?"

Abhimanyu began, "I'm originally Indian. I…"

"Yes or no?" Hewson cut him off.

Abhimanyu responded, "Yes."

Hewson then continued, "Do you know Hindi?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yeah."

Hewson waited for a moment, then grabbed Abhimanyu by the front of his jacket with both hands, pushed him against the wall, and yelled, "BOL, TU KUTTA HAI! (Say you are a dog.)"

Abhimanyu did not say anything.

Hewson banged Abhimanyu against the wall, causing him to let out a cry of pain and yelled once again, "BOL, TU KUTTA HAI! (Say you are a dog.)"

Abhimanyu looked down, then slowly lifted his head to face Hewson, and with a small smile on his face, said, close to a whisper, "Tu kutta hai. (You are a dog)"

Hewson banged Abhimanyu against the wall again, harder this time and yelled, "HOW DARE YOU, YOU WRETCHED BOY!"

He was about to hit him again, but suddenly, a well built man with slightly dark yellowish brown hair and a thick moustache entered the room and yelled furiously, "STOP! LET HIM GO!"

He went and wrested Abhimanyu from Hewson's grip, then proceeded to hold the young man up as he nearly collapsed.

The newcomer yelled, "Hewson, what shameful behavior is this?! How dare you treat an innocent boy like that!"

Hewson stated, "He has been accused of murder. Mr. Bones, you should stay out of this."

"SHUT UP!" Mr. Bones yelled, "THIS BOY IS A MUGGLEBORN, AND AN INTELLIGENT ONE! HE JUST CAST A PATRONUS CHARM TO SAVE A MOTHER AND HER CHILDREN, MY WIFE AND CHILDREN FOR THAT MATTER!"

Hewson started, "Mr. Bones, there has been a misunderstanding then…"

Mr. Bones yelled, "YOU THINK YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS HEWSON?! THIS BOY AND MS. BLACK SAVED THREE PEOPLE FROM SOME CLOAKED FIGURES THAT HAVE BEEN GOING AROUND AND CAUSING INCIDENTS, BUT YOU HAVE THE GALL TO ACCUSE HIM OF MURDER AND BEAT HIM WITHOUT EVEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED! OR SHOULD I SAY IT'S FOR YOUR OWN SELFISH INTERESTS? IF YOU DARE TO HARM THIS BOY; OF COURSE, WITH SOMEONE AS WEALTHY AS YOU, AND YOUR PUREBLOOD STATUS, THE WIZENGAMOT PROBABLY WON'T TAKE A MUGGLEBORN WIZARD'S WORD FOR IT, BUT THEY WILL TAKE A PUREBLOOD WIZARD'S WORD FOR IT, MY WORD!"

"YOU ARE NOT A PROPER PUREBLOOD!" Hewson yelled.

Mr. Bones hissed, "Get out!"

Hewson looked cruelly at Abhimanyu and exited the cell.

Mr. Bones quickly unbound Abhimanyu's wrists and asked, "Are you alright?"

Abhimanyu said softly, "My head hurts but I'm okay, just a little shaken. Thank you."

Mr. Bones then walked out of the cell, supporting Abhimanyu as he did so.

He let go of Abhimanyu, and luckily, the young man was able to stand straight.

Mr. Bones then said, "Do you know Amelia Bones?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yeah. She's like a little sister to me."

Mr. Bones smiled and said, "I'm her father, Alexander Bones."

"Oh!" Abhimanyu exclaimed in surprise.

Mr. Bones then said, "It's a pleasure to meet you young man."

Abhimanyu replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you too Alexander Uncle."

"Uncle?" Mr. Bones replied, surprised at that, "Well, I guess you can call me that."

He then seriously spoke, "Those three people were my wife and two boys. Thank you for saving them this evening."

Abhimanyu replied, "Bellatrix Black my friend and I did it together."

Alexander said, "I rushed to the ministry thinking that you might be there as you as an auror trainee would have had to report the incident. It was then that I saw Bellatrix Black and she told me everything."

Alexander then escorted Abhimanyu out of the corridor and into an office room near the lift which was well decorated and furnished.

Bellatrix who was there waiting, upon seeing Abhimanyu, rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"Abhimanyu," Bellatrix gasped, as she noticed a bruise on the side of his head, "Are you okay?"

Abhimanyu replied, "I'm shaken but fine."

With that, he hugged her back.

They then pulled out of the hug after which, Alexander cleared his throat and said, "I have no idea of who sent dementors, but anyway, if Hewson dares to try and assault you like that again, I shall see to it that he is arrested."

Bellatrix said, "I'm sure Leverge was the one who sent them."

Alexander sighed and said, "I have a feeling that it was him. Amelia told me all about this new dark wizard called Voldemort. I heard you have spoken with him."

Abhimanyu replied, "I have. I have no idea why, but he wanted me join him."

Alexander suggested, "Perhaps it is power that he cares about more than status. But I'm sure he would have blood adopted you."

Bellatrix said, "Hewson Leverge is Avril's father, and Avril is planning to join the dark lord."

Alexander said, "Hewson and I have had some history with each other. Unfortunately, he himself has a lot of influence in the ministry due to his wealth and position as a pureblood. I have some influence, but as long as Hewson maintains his good reputation, there's no way that he can be sent to Azkaban or something. Of course, if he assaults anyone, which so far, I have not seen him do, he shall be arrested. But he has a lot of influence over Minister Jenkins, especially after the recent pureblood riots."

Abhimanyu spoke, "But you said they'd take your word for it."

Alexander sighed and said, "In this case, because I have proof of having witnessed the assault. But somehow, someone such as Abraxas Malfoy or the other will come to his aid."

Abhimanyu asked, "What about Veritaserum?"

Alexander said, "Somehow, I am going to find a way to stuff it down his throat and get answers out of him. If he is behind the dementors attack, he shall be punished, but just how and when am I going to prove this suspicion is the question."

Bellatrix said, "Please, find a way soon."

Alexander said, "I shall, but I don't think I shall be able to arrest his daughter. So far, she has had no criminal record."

Abhimanyu replied, "She hasn't done anything yet. Who knows, she may suddenly change and back out."

"She won't," Bellatrix replied.

Alexander shrugged his shoulders and cheerfully asked, "So, what were you two planning for tonight?"

Abhimanyu replied, "We were planning to get pizza."

Alexander's eyes widened with surprise and he said, "Oh, that's a coincidence. Our family is having pizza tonight. You both must join us for dinner. Amelia will surely be glad to see you."

Bellatrix smiled and Abhimanyu replied, "Of course we will. Thank you so much Uncle."

"No need to thank me young man," Alexander replied with a twinkle in his eye.

He then led them to the atrium and to a floo fireplace grate where he proceeded to give the two some floo powder and say, "Now, the location is Bones Manor. You two, go ahead first."

Bellatrix went first and dropping her floo powder, she cried out, "Bones Manor."

She spun around in green flames, and then, stepped out into a large sitting room with several chairs and sofas around.

It was quite large, with brown, yellow and white walls, with several paintings and a large window.

She went over the window and looked out to see a beautiful garden, with pine, oak and chestnut trees, several large beautifully maintained flower bushes, and a large swimming pool in a glass enclosure.

Just then, she heard the fireplace flaring up and turned to see Abhimanyu stepping out and moving towards her.

They looked out at the beautiful scene even as Alexander arrived and dusted his coat.

He then cleared his throat, causing the two lovebirds to turn around and said, "You'd better come with me. You have some people to meet."

He led them out of the sitting room and into a hallway with a high ceiling and several paintings across the walls.

He led them down the hallway and through a few passages, up a flight of stairs and then another corridor before they stopped at a wide entrance with double dark oak doors, the entrance to the dining hall, a large room with a long table and several other smaller tables on the sides.

The ceiling was not as high as the ones in the hallways, but it was still quite high, and there was a chandelier in the middle of the room.

There were several people sitting at the long table already.

They stood up and there were cries of, "Good evening Daddy, Father, Uncle, Alexander."

Alexander announced, "Good evening everyone. We have two guests with us today, Bellatrix Black from the most ancient and Noble House of Black, and her good friend Abhimanyu Pandey."

Just then, there came sounds of a scramble and Abhimanyu saw Amelia darting out of the group of people straight towards him.

Amelia rushed towards Abhimanyu and pulled him into a hug crying out, "Abhimanyu, I've missed you!"

Abhimanyu hugged Amelia saying, "Amelia, I've missed you too. How are you? Oh my goodness, you've grown taller!"

Amelia then hugged Bellatrix saying, "It's so good to see you Bella."

And then, Abhimanyu noticed the same woman he and Bellatrix had saved earlier coming towards them. He noticed that her hair was dark brown.

Alexander said, "This is my wife Maya Bones."

Abhimanyu shook Maya's hand and said, "Namaste, nice to meet you, Maya Aunty."

Bellatrix shook her hand saying, "It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Bones."

Maya spoke, "Thank you so much for saving us."

Amelia spoke up, "Abhimanyu, Bellatrix, you saved my mother and two brothers. Thank you."

Just then, the two boys, one with dark brown hair and another one with yellowish brown hair, came over.

Maya said, motioning to the first boy, "This is Edgar, he is ten years old" then the second boy, "and this is Lewis. He is nine years old."

Edgar said, "Thank you for saving us Mr. Pandey and Ms. Black."

Abhimanyu replied, "Just call us Abhimanyu and Bellatrix."

Lewis spoke cutely, "What about Aunt Bellatrix and Uncle Abhimanyu?"

Bellatrix cried out, "NO!"

Abhimanyu laughed and said, "Please, no. We're not so far apart. And plus, if you call Bellatrix Aunty, she might just decided to have you for dinner."

Lewis looked at Bellatrix with wide eyes and asked, "Are you going to eat me?"

Bellatrix playfully glared at him and whispered, "If you call me Aunty, then I will fall upon you and eat you!"

Lewis replied, "You can't eat me. Edgar and Amelia will protect me."

Amelia patted Lewis on the head and said, "Yes, I will protect you, by eating you up myself."

"NO!" Lewis cried out.

Several other people came to shake hands with Abhimanyu and Bellatrix, introducing themselves as members of the Bones family. Alexander had a few brothers who were all married, some of which had children. His parents were quite old and had retired from the ministry already.

After quite a while, the family plus the guests sat down at the long table for dinner. Abhimanyu sat a few seats away from Alexander at the end of one table with his parents. Next to Abhimanyu on his right side was his girlfriend Bellatrix, and on the other side, his little sister in all but blood Amelia.

During Abhimanyu's last year in Hogwarts, Amelia had gotten quite close to him and he had started to see her as his little sister. Amelia had become quite comfortable with him calling her that, and had started to call him her brother in all but blood before the commencement of the final exams.

After a prayer chanted by the entire family, the family began to serve themselves in the same way as it had happened at Slughorn's party, with menus.

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix looked quite excited as they explored the menu, mostly containing pizza options.

Bellatrix and Abhimanyu finally settled for Mediterranean pizzas, and Amelia ordered the same.

As Bellatrix took a bite of her pizza, Lewis who was sitting next to her whispered, "Is Abhimanyu your brother in all but blood? If so, then I have to call him my older brother."

Amelia smilingly replied, "He's been like a brother to me, and yes, he is our brother in all but blood. He has a lot of good qualities in him."

Lewis asked, "But what about Bellatrix?"

Amelia whispered, "She and Abhimanyu are very good friends, but don't tell that to anyone outside the family. Her father will be very angry with her if he finds out."

Lewis asked, "But why? Abhimanyu's not a bad person."

Amelia explained, "Abhimanyu is a Muggleborn wizard. Bellatrix's family except her own sisters does not like Muggleborns."

Lewis said, "But that is not nice."

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix, who were listening to the conversation, chuckled.

Bellatrix stated, "Lewis, you are a very good boy. Now can you keep a secret?"

Lewis said, "I won't tell anyone except Amelia."

Bellatrix said, "Okay. Now here's the secret. I love Abhimanyu."

"Oh," Lewis replied, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Soon, after the family had finished the main course, they had a variety of deserts, and Abhimanyu and Bellatrix both went for chocolate mousse while Amelia went for a treacle tart plus fudge.

After everyone had finished eating, Alexander who was standing called out, "Abhimanyu, can you come over here for a second?"

Abhimanyu came over.

Alexander led him to a room nearby, a meeting room by the looks of it and said in a warning tone, "Be mindful of what you do and where you go. Keep your eyes open. This dark lord could strike at any time. And now, it seems Hewson wants to have you destroyed."

Abhimanyu said, "I know for a fact that Avril wants to join Voldemort. But Collin is different."

"Collin?" Alexander asked.

Abhimanyu then proceeded to explain about what Collin had gone through at the hands of his mother, stepfather and stepsister and how things had ultimately turned out.

Alexander was furious by the time Abhimanyu had finished. He hissed, "Hewson is a cruel monster! If I see him again and he tries to harm anyone, I'll make sure he gets sent to Azkaban! Actually, I'm going to try to get him tried and punished for what he has done! The only problem will be all those purebloods who do want to join Voldemort. Anyway, I'm going to do what I can! I've already tried to speak with the minister, but she is not taking me seriously."

Abhimanyu said, "All the same, thank you, Uncle."

Just then, Bellatrix entered the room.

Alexander looked at her and said, "Bellatrix, no matter what, do not let down your guard."

Bellatrix replied, "I won't."

Alexander smiled and said, "I guess you will want to talk alone for a while."

With that, he exited the room.

As soon as he exited, Bellatrix rushed over to Abhimanyu and pulled him into a kiss.

She whispered, "I was so worried! Hewson wants to kill you! I know it!"

Abhimanyu replied, "We'll get through it. We'll fight together side by side. When Voldemort strikes, I wish that you and I can face him together, show him that he is wrong."

Bellatrix said, "We'll figure it all out. And Abhimanyu, don't forget that ring I gave you."

Abhimanyu held up his right hand and showed the ring, on his right ring finger.

Just then, they heard Amelia's voice calling out, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

They turned around and saw her at the threshold.

Amelia went over to Abhimanyu and Bellatrix and presented them with gold rings with yellow gemstones, both with the Bones family crest engraved into the gemstones.

Amelia said, "Father wants you to have these. He wants you to know that you are both honorary members of this family."

Abhimanyu and Bellatrix slowly took the rings from Amelia and slipped them on to their right index fingers.

Abhimanyu said, "This is an honor."

Amelia said, "You are our family, even if not by blood, and should you need any help, don't hesitate to ask for it."

She then hugged Abhimanyu, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

She of course gave Bellatrix a hug as well.

Later on, when Abhimanyu and Bellatrix walked out of the gated of Bones Manor, Bellatrix said, "It's not going to be easy, but we will figure it all out. But for sure, I am a disgrace to the Black family."

Abhimanyu turned to her and said, "You are not a disgrace to your family. In fact, you are one of the best ones in your family. To rise up and question its principles, stand up for yourself like the strong woman you are; you're probably the first one in your family that's with a Muggleborn. You are absolutely not a disgrace. You are a beautiful, powerful woman, and you will always be my love. I love you for who you are; a wonderful member of the house of Black."

Bellatrix hugged him and said smilingly, "You're the first one to say it to me that way. You're the first Muggleborn that I know of that's dating a Black, me. I love you."

"I love you too." Abhimanyu replied with a smile.