Brief caveat here: there is a scene containing two deaths, two implied attempted rapes, and an extended seen of torture (crucio). So I am rating this chapter "M", and just giving you a heads up if those things bother you. Otherwise, enjoy…(And the song quote at the opening of the chapter is very accurate)

Encounters And Revelations

"Beloved brother enemy, I sing my sword song for you:

A lullaby of obliteration.

So I can wake up with a smile

And bliss in my heart…"

The trip to Diagon Alleys started off well. Astoria, at first angry at Daphne for waking her up so "early on a holiday", had been thrilled to learn of the shopping excursion. Her anger at her sister turned to excitement as she gave Daphne a crushing hug before leaping out of bed to get ready.

Andromeda was again coming to stay with Bellatrix, who was still dealing with the emotional trauma of Azkaban and didn't like being separated from Will for great lengths of time. She of course realized why she couldn't go, and wouldn't have anyway in light of how Daphne felt about her. Although Daphne did say "Good morning" to her at breakfast, shocking Bella and the others. True, that was all Daphne had said to Bellatrix; but still, it was a start, and a significant improvement over outright ignoring Bella. It made both Will and Astoria hopeful.

Around Ten Will and the girls headed out. Flooing to the Leaky Cauldron, Will was pleased to see that Diagon Alley wasn't as crowded as he had feared it would be, considering it was only two days after Christmas. Some of the shops were still closed for the holidays, but most were open. The girls spent an enjoyable couple of hours perusing the shops and making several purchases…between Will and their grandparents, they had a good amount of Christmas money to spend. And Will told them he would splurge on one "expensive" gift for each of them.

Will enjoyed just spending time with his daughters, and seeing the excitement on their faces as they browsed. Instead of one "expensive" gift, they each picked out a few special things that added up to the amount Will had told them they could have: Daphne bought seeds of some exotic plants that Will couldn't even pronounce, and a rare herbology book for Neville, a couple of things for Tracey, and something for her cousin Hannah. Astoria purchased a few little things for Andromeda and Bellatrix, then asked if she could do a little shopping on her own. Will raised his eyebrows at her request, but gave her permission.

"Meet us at the pub by One," he called after her as she hurried off down the street.

Daphne sent a puzzled frown after her sister as she watched Astoria disappear around a corner. "I wonder why she got so mysterious," she mused aloud.

Will shrugged. "Maybe she wants to get you something, and doesn't want you to know."

Promptly at One, Will and Daphne stood across the street from the Leaky Cauldron. "Hey guys!" A voice called. Turning, they saw Astoria waving at them. Accompanying her was Elizabeth, who smiled and offered her own wave.

"Good afternoon, Liz," Will said once the two had joined he and Daphne. "What brings you out today?

"A trip to Gringotts," she replied. "And purchases for the party Saturday. We've had the usual number of acceptance notes and polite declines. The Malfoys, of course, 'politely' declined. The way it was worded, I think Narcissa wrote it. It wasn't bellicose or demeaning enough to have been from Lucius."

Will snorted. "Yes, Narcissa does have a way with words." He glanced across the street then back at Liz. "We're just about to have lunch if you'd like to join us."

Liz smiled. "I'd be delighted." The four headed into the pub. An hour later, after a pleasant lunch, they crossed the street once more. They had agreed to help Liz finish up her shopping for the party. Will said it was the least they could do, considering they would be consuming some of the food themselves.

Just past Three, the group once more found themselves across the street from the Leaky Cauldron. Liz was smiling at something Astoria had said when a hoarse laugh sounded behind them, and a voice barked out, "Well, well, if it isn't two of the infamous Slytherin Seven! This must be my late gift from Father Christmas!"

Both Will and Elizabeth froze for a moment before turning. Approaching them was a group of three people led by none other than Alastor Moody himself. He was accompanied by a rather nervous looking Nymphadora Tonks, and another younger man who was unfamiliar to Will. Moody appeared to be slightly unsteady on his feet as if he'd been drinking. He was smiling, and as he noticed Daphne and Astoria, his smile widened. "You even brought your daughters! I was wondering how I'd get you out of that fortress of an estate of yours, and here you go and deliver yourselves to me! And the Nott bitch being with you is just an added bonus! All of you can go to Azkaban together! Too bad your Deatheater girlfriend isn't here as well, but I'll take what I can get."

A feral grin spread across Will's face. "Have you been drinking, Mr. Moody? Dora, you'd best get him home before he makes an even greater fool of himself and ends up in the morgue at St. Mungos." Both Liz and Will already had their hands in their wands. "I warned you what would happen if you ever threatened my daughters again, old man. And I'm pretty sure you just did."

Tonks grabbed Moody by the arm and tried to turn him in the opposite direction. But he yanked his arm free of her grasp. "Ha! As if I could ever be beaten by the likes of a Deatheater lover like you, Greengrass!" His arm darted inside his jacket, going for his wand. Fast for an old man, he wasn't quite fast enough for Will. Two different spells flew from Will's wands, both of which were in his hands before Moody even laid a finger on his own. They slammed into Moody simultaneously, dropping him to the ground and knocking him back several feet, his wand flying out of his hand.

At this, the young man with Tonks and Moody reached for his wand, but Liz darted over and held her own wand to his throat, hissing, "Don't even try it, youngster!" The man's eyes widened in fear, and he gulped, raising his hands. For her part, Tonks didn't go for her wand. She knew she was no match for Will in a fight. And besides, though she'd never admit it aloud, she felt that Moody deserved this. He had deliberately provoked Will by threatening his daughters—one of which was a strong member of Dumbeledore's Army at Hogwarts—and disobeyed Dumbledore's direct order of not provoking the Greengrasses.

Meanwhile, Daphne had her wand out and pointed at Moody as well, a fierce look of anger on her face. She had some idea of what the old man was capable of, and wanted to cover her father's back just in case Moody had some trick up his sleeve. Astoria's hands were over her mouth and there was a look of fright on her face.

Will pounced on Moody as soon as he hit the ground, putting one of his wands to the old man's throat and pinning the man's wand arm to the ground with his knee. "I should kill you right here…dying on a filthy street would add a touch of poetic irony to the famed and feared Auror Alastor Moody. Yes, a very fitting epitaph: 'Famed Auror dies in the street on Diagon Alley'."

"Do it!" Moody rasped. "Do it, Greengrass! And you'll feel the full might of both the Order of the Phoenix and the DMLE rain down on you!"

Will hissed a laugh. "We'd be back at the estate before they could rouse themselves. And then they would lose their precious little war, because we'd kill so many of their people that your ranks would be severely depleted, and they'd be helpless against the Dark Lord when he starts moving against you."

I knew it!" Moody rasped again. "See Tonks,? I told you the Greengrasses were on you-know-who's side!"

Will grinned. "Afraid to say his name, Moody? I'm not!"

"Because you're one of his followers!"

As the two continued trading insults, Tonks glanced around. There weren't lots of people on the street, but a small group of onlookers had begun gathering to witness the spectacle. When she heard one of the onlookers whisper, "Someone should call the Aurors," she decided to step in.

"Alright, Will, you've proved your point. Now let him up." She reluctantly leveled her wand at Will. "You too, please, Lady Davis."She knew Liz had a fierce reputation as well, but Will was by far the bigger threat if it came to a fight.

Seeing this, Daphne gasped and pivoted so that her wand was pointed at Tonks. Dora noticed Daphne's move out of the corner of her eye but chose to ignore it. She could take Daphne out of the equation if she had to, but she knew that would enrage Will and things would turn very bad very fast if that happened. And de-escalation was what she was trying for. Tonks could only hope Will had calmed down enough to think clearly.

Will glanced at her. "Are you acting in your official capacity as an Auror, Dora?"

She nodded. "Moody was out of line, but you are now as well. Just let him go and there will be no charges pressed…on either end." She shot a hard glance at Moody, who frowned back at her. Will's face softened. She reminded him of both her mother and her aunt—tough when she needed to be, yet kind throughout it all.

He looked back at Moody. "I suppose this will be humiliating enough for you, old man…having a woman save your worthless life." Then he leaned closer and whispered, "But if you ever threaten my family again, I. Will. Kill. You. And no one will be able to stop me." He let go of Moody and stood up, brushing his clothes off. Turning his back on the old man, he walked over to his daughters. He nodded at Daphne. "It's alright, Daughter…put your wand away." Still favoring Tonks with a confused scowl, she lowered her wand and put it back in her robes.

Astoria crushed Will in a vice-like hug, crying softly as Will caressed her head and gently shushed her. Liz let the younger companion of Tonks and Moody go, giving him a slight shove towards Tonks as she did so. She rejoined the Greengrasses as Will gave Tonks a nod and the group moved away across the street and into the pub. Tonks let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, feeling the tension drain out of her. That had been close. She offered Moody a hand as the older man was struggling to regain his feet. He grudgingly accepted it, and when he was standing he glowered at the pub, though the others were long out of sight.

"Sooner or later, Tonks, I'll kill that man, and throw his entire family and all his friends into Azkaban."

Tonks rounded on him in fury. "WILL YOU SHUT UP?!" She yelled. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she asked, "What the hell was that, Moody? You violated Dumbledore's direct orders by deliberately provoking Will into attacking you! Let it go! I swear, if anyone I care about dies because of your blind, unreasoning hatred towards the Greengrasses, I will kill you myself! Now let's get out of here!" Without letting him speak, she grabbed his arm and marched him down the street in the opposite direction, the young man jogging to keep up with her long strides.

From the doorway of the shadowy pub, Severus Snape stood sipping firewhiskey and watching Moody hobble off down the street. His eyes were narrowed at the retreating figures. Having witnessed the entire altercation between Moody and Greengrass, Snape had grown angry at the things Moody said about the Greengrass girls. Snape might envy William Greengrass for being able to stay out of the fighting, and for having a family when he himself had never been able to, but he owed Greengrass for a few times that he had stuck his neck out for Snape when they were students. Besides, William's daughters were two of his snakes, and Snape always looked out for his own. He was going to have words with Dumbledore about Moody.

Downing the rest of his drink in one gulp, Severus left the pub. Aparating back to Hogwarts, he went in search of the headmaster.

(XXX)

Daphne sat on the Davis' sofa four afternoons later, staring across the hallway at the door which led to Mr. Davis' study with a pensive frown on her face. He and Liz were out with Tracey getting a final round of last minute items for the party that was to start in a couple of hours. Astoria sat beside Daphne on the sofa, rubbing her hand in gentle circles on Daphne's back, trying to soothe the anxiety she felt radiating off her sister. The reason for both the anxiety and the fact that Daphne sat frowning at the study door was because, at that very moment, her father was talking to her betrothed within the study, telling Neville that the woman he had blamed all his life for driving his parents insane was now secretly residing at Daphne's own house. And the fact that they had been holed up within the study for over two hours now only added to her stress and anxiety. What could possibly be taking so long?

Would Neville want to remain betrothed to her after this?

The woman who was the topic of conversation between Daphne's father and fiancé had stayed behind at the house, for obvious reasons. Once again, her sister Andromeda had come to stay with her while Daphne, her father, and her sister were at the Davis' house. Andromeda had been invited to the party as well, but due to the fact she was staying with Bellatrix she had politely declined, sending Nymphadora in her place. The Davis' were part of a tiny handful of people who knew that Bellatrix was at the Greengrass home. Besides them, the Tonks family were the only others who knew for certain that she was there. Several others suspected, but most of the wizarding world thought she was still safely locked up in Azkaban.

"It'll be ok, Daph," Astoria murmured, still gently rubbing her sister's back. "Neville is crazy about you, and daddy will make sure he knows you didn't have anything to do with it."

Daphne opened her mouth to reply just as the door to the study opened as well. Neville came out first followed by her father. Will said something to Neville, who nodded and held out his hand. As Will took it and gave it a shake, he glanced into the sitting room and caught Daphne's eye. A small smile formed on his face, and he spoke to Neville once more. Neville's head turned towards her as well, and she saw a look she couldn't quite figure out…it didn't look sad or angry; it was almost blank, or perhaps contemplative.

Her father walked away in the opposite direction whilst Neville approached her. She stood as he did so, Astoria standing along with her. Both girls had their eyes fixed on Neville. Stopping a foot or so away, he stared at her in silence a moment, the odd look still on his face. Neville had arrived a little early at her father's request so that the two could talk, but she had barely spoken to him since he arrived as her father had whisked him away mere moments after he flooed in. They hadn't even been able to have a proper greeting.

The silence dragged on, and the longer it did the more afraid Daphne became. Her heart sank. Neville hated her now and had decided to end their betrothal. Behind her, Astoria laid her hand on Daphne's shoulder . This was it, it was over between her and Neville. She thanked Morgana for Astoria's calming presence, because Daphne knew she would be bawling if not for Astoria's comforting touch. Her baby sister had always been one of her greatest sources of support.

"I love you, Daphne," Neville said, his voice soft, pulling her out of her thoughts.

She blinked at him. "Um, what?" She replied, and felt stupid the moment she'd said it.

Neville smiled and took her hands in his. "I love you, Daphne. And I can't wait until we announce our pre-betrothal betrothal to everyone this evening."

Disbelief mixed with relief flooded through Daphne. "You mean, you still want to be betrothed with me?"

He snorted. "Of course I do!"

Daphne blinked again. "What…what did you and my father talk about, exactly?"

Neville's smile faltered, and he looked down. "He told me about…about her, Daph. About what he did, breaking her out, about her being at your house, everything."

"Did he make you take an oath?"

Neville shook his head. "No, he didn't. He said he had some things to explain to me, that they might be hard for me to hear or to understand, and that he wouldn't make me take a magical oath…he'd leave it up to me what I would do, whether to tell anyone or not." Neville paused and looked away for a moment. Sighing, he turned his eyes to Daphne once more. "Your father is an honorable man, Daphne. And he loves you and your sister a lot.

"He showed me his memories…lots of them, starting back when he was in school. He showed me the real…B-Bellatrix, how she was when they were growing up and while they were at Hogwarts, then how she changed. And…." Neville paused and looked away again, seeming to be overcome with emotion. Daphne reached out and took his hands again. When he turned his eyes back to her, she saw tears standing in them. "He showed me that she hadn't crucioed them. That she'd actually tried to stop it. She feels really guilty about my folks, Daphne. I want to keep hating her, and part of my does. Part of me probably always will, but…seeing her guilt, finding out that she wasn't the one who cursed my parents…I don't know what to think anymore."

Astoria had disappeared once she'd Heard Neville tell Daphne that he loved her, knowing her sister would be alright now. Daphne gave Neville a gentle hug. "There's still a little time before the party starts," she murmured. "Let's go for a walk." The two teenagers went through the kitchen and out into the back garden. Hand in hand they strolled through the paths that wound through the Davis property. It was beautiful in Spring and summer, when the paths were bordered with hundreds of lush flowers and plants. Even now it was beautiful…Elizabeth Davis had a deep love of plants and trees, and an amazing eye for what to plant for different seasons, so that beauty abounded in her gardens year round.

Neville enjoyed the walk, taking in the amazing variety of plants around him with joy. But even more he enjoyed the presence of the beauty who walked beside him. He would glance at her often out of the corner of his eye, marveling in the fact that someone like him—someone that everyone saw as clumsy and not very bright…someone, in fact, that most had assumed was a squib for most of his life—had managed to win the heart of the amazing, talented, intelligent girl now holding his hand and smiling up at him as if he were the only thing in the world.

"I never knew that your dad was a professional dueler, Daph" Neville said. "That's kind of cool, actually."

Daphne turned wide eyes to hi m. "He told you about that?"

A red tinge crept up Neville's face. "Well, er…yeah, he did, but…well, don't get mad or anything, Daph, but…well, Hermione and Ron and Harry were all a little worried when you and I became close, so Hermione did some digging around on your family, and that was one of the things she'd found out." He cringed as his eyes found hers again. "Please don't hate her, Daph."

Daphne smiled and hugged him again. "I don't hate her, Nev. In fact, I'm glad you have friends who care enough to look out for you. True friends are rare these days." Stepping back, Daphne sighed and took his hand again as they resumed their walk. "Father was an amazing duelist. Still is, he just doesn't do it professionally anymore. Mum made him stop after they got engaged because she was afraid he'd get hurt, or worse. Mum might have been an Abbot, but when it came to those she loved, she could get fierce." She glanced at Neville. "Did he tell you why he went into dueling as soon as he graduated from Hogwarts?"

Neville shook his head. "No, but he did tell me that he's…killed a few people in his life. About eight, I think he said."

Daphne nodded. "The reason he took up dueling was because he had so much hate and rage swirling around in him after…after he and Bellatrix were separated that he needed a creative outlet for his anger, or else he would have fallen to the dark. He still struggles with the rage sometimes. His grandmother was a Black, after all, and you know how the Black family is."

A look of pride filled Daphne's eyes. "He lost his first duel, tied in the second, and won all the duels after that."

"Is it true that he can cast two spells simultaneously?"Neville asked, awe filling his voice.

The look of pride in Daphne's eyes increased as she nodded.

"Wow," Neville murmured reverently. "I've heard there's only a tiny handful of wizards in the world who can do that. That's amazing!"

Daphne shrugged. "My grandfather could, too. And father says his grandfather could. Father reckons it must run in the family."

She turned serious, and sighed again. "As for the people he's killed, they had all in one way or another, threatened our family. And father does not take kindly to threats made against our family. He's never just gone out and straight up murdered anyone. My father may be a lot of things, but he's not a murderer. Everyone he's killed has been on the darker side, except for one." Daphne didn't elaborate, and Neville didn't ask her to.

A faraway look came into Neville's eyes. "I don't know if I'll ever truly like her or trust her, Daph," he said. "But, I do trust your father. He showed me memories of what's happened since he broke her out of Azkaban as well. She does seem totally different now, more like she did when she was younger. She doesn't seem crazy anymore; I was surprised at how she seems to like your house elf. And I did see the guilt in her eyes when your father showed me his more recent memories. But it's difficult to do a complete 180 change and accept her after believing all my life that it was her who made my folks the way they are now."

Daphne gave him another nod. "I feel the same, just from a different perspective. When I see the two of them together, and see the deep love shining out of their eyes when they look at one another, my heart lurches a little. It's difficult thinking about another woman taking my mum's place in my father's life. But I want him to be happy again. He's been so very sad since my mother died, and now that Bellatrix is here, he's happy again. I love him too much to hate her. It's just difficult because of my mum."

Daphne was quiet for a moment again. "Tori has warmed up to her more quickly than I can. But Tori doesn't have as many memories of our mum as I do, so it's easier for her to accept Bellatrix. And I know Tori has wanted so badly to have a mother figure in her life again. Andromeda and Tracey's mum have helped, but it's not quite the same."

She blushed. "I was absolutely horrid to both her and father on Christmas after he introduced her to us. So for father's sake, and Tori's, I've decided to tolerate her presence in our family's lives. I understand how you feel about her, Nev, about not knowing if you can ever like her. But maybe we should let her actions guide how we feel…maybe watch and see if she deserves a second chance or not."

There quiet discussion was broken by a voice calling, "Here you two are! I wondered where you two lovebirds had gone off to!"

Turning, they saw a grinning Tracey walking down the path towards them. Reaching the pair, she pulled Daphne into a quick hug. Then she stepped back and winked at Neville. "So, you two ready for the big moment?"

Neville blushed, but shrugged nonchalantly. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. I'm just excited for everyone to know that I'm betrothed to the most beautiful girl in the world!" His blushed deepened and he shot a horrified glance at Tracey. "N-no offense, Tracey, it's just, I mean, well, you know."

Tracey laughed. "Oh shut it, Neville! I'd be angry if you didn't think my best friend was the most beautiful girl in the world!" She smirked. "And speaking of the big moment, by the way, it's after four o'clock."

Daphne's eye grew wide, her mouth dropping open. "IT'S AFTER FOUR ALREADY?!" She shrieked. "Tracey, why didn't you find us sooner?"

Tracey shrugged, still smirking. "Mum said to leave you guys alone for a while, so I did."

Glaring at her friend, Daphne grabbed Neville by the arm. "Come on, Nev! We've got to hurry!" She took off back up the path at a run, dragging poor Neville with her. Tracey laughed again, shaking her head, and followed at a slower pace.

(XXX)

Daphne and Tracey helped each other get ready. Tracey took extra care on Daphne's hair and makeup, grumbling something about Daphne's natural beauty making it too easy. Daphne wasn't a vain girl, by any means, and didn't think she was that beautiful. But she knew many other people thought she was. She just couldn't see it. Besides, the only person she cared about wanting to think she was beautiful was Neville, and he went to great lengths to tell her he thought she was.

Just before Seven, the guests began to arrive. About a hundred people had been invited…the families of the Neutral block of the Wizengamot, of course, as well as several of the more light side leaning families. Even a few of the darker families had been invited, most having turned down the invitations, however.

Neville and Daphne gre4eted Neville's grandmother when she flooed in. "Are you two ready for tonight?" Augusta asked, giving them each an appraisal of their attire and appearance. She was a little more severe with Neville than with Daphne, whom she merely gave a firm nod of approval to whilst fussing over Neville's collar and cuffs and hair and such. "The announcement will be at the start of the party, so pay attention. Now, I must go find your father Daphne. I'll see you both in a bit." She moved off in search of Will, and Neville sighed. "I love Gran to pieces, but sometimes…" He shook his head.

Daphne laughed and squeezed his hand.

"Hey Neville, Daphne!" A voice called. Turning,, they saw Hermione walking towards them, smiling and waving. Harry was following her, looking around at all the guests who were already mingling. Ron followed Harry, also looking around, but with a scowl on his face. He seemed nervous, and Daphne snickered.

As the boys greeted one another and started a discussion about Quditch, at which Hermione rolled her eyes and muttered, "Boys", Daphne pulled her into a hug. Surprised at first, Hermione returned the hug. "What was that for?" Hermione asked when the girls parted.

Daphne smiled at her. "For being such a good friend to Neville. And for accepting me as a friend even though I'm in Slytherin." She leaned closer and lowered her voice. "Neville told me about you doing research on my family when he and I first started having feelings for each other."

Hermione's face turned scarlet. "Oh, Daphne, I—I didn't mean anything by it! It's just that Neville was the first person I ever met when we started at Hogwarts. He's like a brother to me, and I just wanted to make sure…well, you know, Slytherin's reputation and all that. I…I hope you're not mad?" Hermione phrased it like a question.

Daphne took the other girl's hand in her own. "Of course I'm not mad, Hermione," she said with a smile. "I'm glad that Neville has friends like you and Harry and Ron, friends that have his back, looking out for him and wanting the best for him. That warms my heart."

They hugged again, and this time it was Hermione who initiated the hug.

"Hey Hermione," A voice called. The girls stepped apart, turning to see Tracey walking over to them. From the corner of her eye, Hermione noticed Ron's eyes drift over to the Slytherin girl when he heard her name. Gazing at her a moment, he quickly turned back to the conversation with Harry and Neville when he noticed Hermione looking at him.

Tracey then greeted Harry and Ron. Noticing Ron's rather sour demeanor, she laughed, and asked, "What's wrong, Weasley? Afraid of all the snakes around here?"

Ron glowered at her. "I already told you I'm not afraid of snakes, Davis. And not all snakes are bad." He held her gaze a moment before blushing. Looking quickly at Daphne, he said, "I mean, Neville thinks Daphne pretty great, and Neville's a sharp guy, so see? I can admit that not all snakes are bad. Just most of them."

"Well, well, I guess they'll let anyone into society parties these days," a sneering voice called. The group turned to see Theodore Nott approaching a sneer on his face to match his tone of voice. With him were Blaze and a girl that Hermione didn't recognize. Blaize was holding the girl's hand, and Hermione glanced at Tracey. Tracey was glaring at Blaize, her eyes falling to his hand and back to his face. He, too, was smirking.

Beside her, she heard Daphne muttering to Tracey. "Matilda Avery? He threw you over for Matilda Avery? Seriously? And he has the gall to bring her here to your party? I just may curse him myself!" Hermione could almost feel the anger radiating off of Daphne.

"I was thinking the same thing, Nott," Harry replied to the sneering boy as the three Slytherins joined them.

Theo glared ad Harry. "Better watch your mouth, Potter. Things are changing pretty quick." He didn't even acknowledge Ron or Hermione. Instead he leered at Daphne. Bowing, he murmured, "Lady Greengrass," in what he thought was a smooth tone of voice, but which actually sounded more slimy than smooth. He grabbed her hand and planted a kiss on the back of her knuckles.

Shuddering, Daphne yanked her hand out of his grasp. "I am not 'Lady Greengrass', Theo. There is no Lady Greengrass at the moment."

"But you could be Lady Greengrass soon," Theo replied, grinning and wagging his eyebrows up and down. "My father might be able to help you with that."

Neville stepped between Daphne and Theo, glaring at the other boy. "Leave her alone, Nott," he said through gritted teeth. "She's not interested in that sort of thing."

Theo smirked at Neville. "What's wrong, Longbottom? Feeling jealous? And well you should; Daphne could never have feelings for a blood traitor like you."

Hermione, hands curled into fists, said, "Neville isn't a blood traitor, Nott! And Daphne loves him!"

"Who asked you, mudblood?" Theo said, sneering.

"THEODORE!" a voice rang out. "We do not use that word in this house! Now apologize to Hermione!" The teens had been so focused on their argument that none of them had seen Elizabeth approach.

Theo cringed, looking scared, and glanced at Liz. "Yes, Aunt Elizabeth." He turned a sour expression on Hermione. "I'm sorry, Gr—"

Liz cleared her throat loudly, standing behind Theo with her arms crossed, scowling at her nephew.

Theo gulped. "I'm sorry, Hermione." He said her name like it disgusted him. Which it probably did. He turned to Blaize and the Avery girl. "Come on guys." The trio walked off towards the refreshment table. Liz watch them go, still scowling, then sighed and turned to the teens. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were staring open mouthed at her.

"I apologize for my nephew's attitude, Hermione," she said, before smiling and giving the girl a hug. "But I am so glad you three could make it tonight. Hopefully, the evening will end on a happier note than it's started on." She and Daphne exchanged a knowing look, and Daphne could barely keep a grin off her face.

"That was brilliant, Mrs. Davis!" Harry exclaimed. "Thank you for sticking up for Hermione like that."

Liz gave Harry a sad smile. "We all have to do our part at easing the hatred that still divides the magical community." She sighed and shook her head. "But I fear some people will never give up their hatred." She smiled. "Now, I want you all to enjoy yourselves. I'll see you all later." She moved off to greet another group of guests.

"Wow, Tracey. Your mom is an amazing woman." Hermione said.

"But, how is she Theodore Nott's aunt?" Ron asked, looking befuddled…as usual.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "She's a Nott by birth, Ronald. I thought I told you that? Theodore's father is her brother. Her own father wanted her to marry the other Lestrange—Rabastan, I think his name is-but her father died before he could get a marriage contract signed. And Theodore's father was too weak to force her into one with Lestrange, so she ended up being one of the lucky purebloods who was able to marry for love."

"Didn't she kill a couple of Gryffindors?" Harry asked.

"Yeah," Ron put in. "One of them was the brother of my mom's best friend at Hogwarts."

Hermione glanced at Tracey, who looked like she was about ready to cry. Hermione smacked Ron's arm and hissed, "Ronald!" She looked at Harry. "It wasn't Mrs. Davis fault. Those two Gryffindors had ambushed her with intent to harm her, and she was just defending herself."

Before the discussion could continue, there was a distraction. "Well now, this is exactly what I like to see." Dumbledore had arrived unnoticed, and walked over to the teens. With him was Dora, who smiled at the group. "Students from two houses that are 'supposed' to hate each other, getting along and enjoying each other's company." His eyes were twinkling as he spoke. Hermione wondered if he had chosen that moment to speak because he sensed that a subject change was needed.

"I hope to speak with you children again before I leave. For now, regrettably, duty calls. I must mingle with the guests." He twinkled at them once again before he and Dora headed over to greet Elizabeth. Liz smiled and hugged the aged headmaster, and they began chatting amiably.

"Well, that was unexpected," murmured an awestruck Ron. "Didn't expect him to be here."

Tracey nodded. "He makes a brief appearance every year. It's good politics. He's head of the Wizengamot, so he likes to mingle with the Neutrals when he can. Kinda try and keep them from jumping ship to the dark side."

"If I may have everyone's attention, please!" Richard called, clapping his hands. "First of all, I want to welcome you all to our New Year's Eve gathering!" Everyone applauded and a few people even cheered. "I hope you all enjoy yourselves, and that this will be an amazing start to our year!" He turned to a pale looking William who was standing next to him. "Before we begin this year's festivities, Lord Greengrass would like to make an announcement."

Will stepped forward looking extremely uncomfortable. The room had grown quiet save for a bit of excited whispering among some of the older ladies. He coughed and cleared his throat. "I don't want to keep you from the festivities, so I'll make this short, I promise." A couple people chuckled, and the whispering grew. "Madam Longbottom and I would like to inform you all that we signed a marriage contract regarding our offspring just before Christmas. My oldest daughter Daphne, and Augusta's grandson Neville are now betrothed, and are planning on being married once they are of age and out of Hogwarts."

He gestured towards Daphne and Neville, both of whom were blushing furiously. They joined Will in front of the guests. Augusta had appeared at Will's side as well, her imperious gaze sweeping over the assembled guests as if daring any of them to speak against the betrothal.

Neville and Daphne and stood between the two, Augusta making room for them. With Neville beside his grandmother, and Daphne next to her father, Neville took a deep breath and said, "I, Neville Frank Longbottom, heir of the House of Longbottom, do agree to be betrothed to Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass, heiress of the House of Greengrass." the two teens gave each other a chaste kiss (less chaste kissed could come later, when there was no audience as they usually reserved that level of kisses for), then they smiled and raised their joined hands to the crowd of guests, who broke out into applause and cheers. Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling even brighter, was one of the most enthusiastic of the clappers.

Behind him, at the punch bowl, Nymphadora Tonks rolled her eyes and took a huge swig of the punch. "Moody is going to absolutely love this!"

Theodore glared at Daphne, who gave him a triumphant smirk when she noticed his glare. "She was supposed to be mine," he muttered darkly to Blaize. "I was supposed to marry Daphne!"

Blaize patted his shoulder. "They're not married yet, mate. And if you stay true to the Dark Lord, I reckon he'll give Daphne to you as a reward, once that Longbottom idiot is dead."

For their part, Hermione was the only one out of her, Harry, and Ron who wasn't surprised by this turn of events. The two boys looked gobsmacked. Ron fidgeted. "Is it safe for Neville to marry a snake?" He wondered aloud before Hermione smacked his arm.

"Well, I for one am happy," Harry proclaimed. "Daphne is an asset to the DA, and she has been amazing for Neville. His self confidence is through the roof, and he's getting stronger with his magic by the day."

"And I agree with Harry," Hermione said, folding her arms across her chest and glaring at Ron. "You have got to let go of this unreasoning prejudice you have against, Slytherins, Ronald! Honestly, you're as bad as they are with your prejudices!"

"Aww, don't feel too bad, Weasely," Tracey said, patting his shoulder. "They say there's someone for everyone. So I bet there's even a gal for you out there somewhere."

Ron shot her a glare.

After receiving well wishes from most of the guests in attendance, Neville and Daphne rejoined their friends. A few other students from Hogwarts were in attendance, and all the students spent time as a group, laughing and talking and exchange stories of how their holidays were going, and about what they wanted to do when they returned to school. No one mentioned how bad things were getting with Umbridge, as they just wanted to enjoy their last few days of freedom before returning to her dictatorial control.

Just before Midnight, everyone began a countdown. And when the hour struck there were cheers, shouts of "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" and kissing…lots of kissing. Daphne and Neville gave each other a not-so-chaste kiss then. Hermione, blushing, gave Harry a very chaste kiss, and he smile, squeezing her hand.

Ron muttered something.

Tracey's eyes darted unwillingly across the room to where Blaize was standing. When he noticed Tracey's eyes on him, a wicked grin formed on his face, and he pulled Matilda Avery in for a very passionate snogging session, which the girl eagerly returned. When he stopped, his gaze fell back to Tracey, giving her another wicked grin, along with a wink.

Several emotions shot through Tracey: anger, embarrassment, sadness, confusion. And something clicked inside her, as if a switch had been flipped. Her body acting on its own, she reached out and grabbed the first person her hands came to: Ron Weasely. Grasping his arms, she pulled him in and kissed him on the lips. Kissed him vigorously on the lips. Ron's eyes went wide, and for a brief moment he struggled against Tracey's grip. But he didn't struggle very long. His arms found their way to her back, and he returned the kiss with equal vigor.

Their friend's jaws dropped, and all four were struck speechless.

When her mind finally caught up with her body, Tracey broke the kiss and lurched back from Ron. Her eyes were wild and her hands covered her mouth. She stared at Ron for a few brief moments before a sob broke out of her throat. Turning, she ran from the room.

Daphne glared at Blaize and her lips curled back over her teeth. Hands balled into fists, she took a couple strides towards him before Hermione pulled her back. "Let go of me, Hermione," she growled, struggling in Hermione's grasp and still glaring at Blaize. "I am going to curse him to hell and back for this!"

"No, Daphne. Don't ruin your special night." She too glanced at Blaize, who was laughing now. "He's not worth it. Tracey needs you now…revenge on Blaize can wait."

The anger subsided enough for Daphne to think clearly. She sighed. "You're right. Thank you for stopping me, Hermione. I—I probably would have killed him."

She turned to Neville. "I've got to find Tracey, Nev. I'll be right back." Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and turned to go. But before she could, a quiet voice said, "No, Daphne…I'll go."

Once again, complete astonishment covered four faces as they all turned to Ron. He was blushing, rubbing his neck, and looking at the floor. He glanced around at them. "Look, it was me she kissed, and she's probably just embarrassed. I just want to let her know there's no reason to be. I understand. She didn't mean anything by it."

Daphne gave Ron's hand a squeeze, and Harry patted his shoulder. "That's very mature of you, Ronald. I'm impressed." Hermione regarded Ron with an appraising look, which only served to deepen the blush on his face. He hurried from the room, the other four watching him go.

Not being at all familiar with the Davis house, it took Ron a few minutes to find Tracey. He hear her before he saw her, and followed the sound of her sobs down a hallway, and found her sitting on the bottom step of a back staircase.

He cleared his throat, causing her to jump a little. She looked up at him. Even in the dim light Ron could tell her face was splotchy, and her eyes red from crying. She sniffed, and swiped her hand across her eyes a couple times. It took her a few more seconds to gain her composure before she could speak. "I—I'm sorry, Weasley. I—I—I didn't mean t-to do that. I'm not sure what happened, I just…I just lost it. I know you already hate me, and now you p-probably do even more." She paused and sniffed again. She looked up at him again, and her eyes looked so sad and desperate and lost vulnerable that something inside Ron just melted in that moment.

"Don't worry about it, Tracey. The guys a prick. He's not worthy of you if he's willing to just toss aside an amazing girl like you for someone like Matilda Avery."

Tracey looked up at Ron, blinking in disbelief. "Y—you think I'm amazing?" she whispered.

Ron swallowed hard as his heart kept melting towards the Slytherin girl. He wasn't certain what was happening…but he liked it. He reached his hand out. "Yeah, I kinda do. Now let's get back in there and show him that he can't break your spirit."

Tracey continued to stare at Ron, wondering if there was some catch, if he was trying to trick her. But she didn't see anything but honesty in his eyes. She glanced at his hand, and back to his face, before putting her hand in his.

Ron helped her up, and kept hold of her hand as they made their way back to the party. Daphne and Hermione saw Ron and Tracey's joined hands, and sent each other a knowing smile.

Ron kept hold of her hand for the rest of the night, before he Harry and Hermione took their leave of their friends. And when that time came, he leaned in and kissed the back of her hand before finally letting it go. Giving her a lopsided smile, he followed his friends and flooed back to the Burrow.

And in the far corner of the room, Dumbledore stood watching, his eyes twinkling happily.

(XXX)

Dumbledore was looking out the window of his quarters after returning to Hogwarts, gazing at the stars. The night was cold and the sky clear, offering beautiful starry vista for the aged headmaster to enjoy. His thoughts ran back to the announcement at the party, wondering how it might alter the course of the war that was coming. Perhaps this would bring the Greengrass family closer to the Light side. William Greengrass would be a powerful ally if that were to happen.

He sighed, and murmured to himself, "I wonder what this New Year will bring?"

(XXX)

Dumbledore didn't have to wait very long to learn just what the New Year would bring. One morning, a little over two weeks into the year, the front page of the Daily Prophet proclaimed:

"MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN! MINISTRY FEARS BLACK IS 'RALLYING POINT' FOR OLD DEATH EATERS".

The article went on to list the names of the escapees—which, ironically, included Bellatrix-and said that the Ministry believed Sirius Black was behind the breakout, and that he was now their leader. William scoffed and shook his head, knowing full well that Sirius had nothing to do with the breakout. "Fudge is an idiot," he muttered, tossing the paper down on the table as he dug into his breakfast.

Bellatrix was just entering the dining room. "Good morning, Will," she said.

Smiling, he turned and stood, hugging her and placing a kiss on her cheek. Bellatrix sighed and smiled as well. They held each other for a few moments, and Will thought, this is what I've wanted my entire life.

The two sat back down. Lizzy immediately popped into the room and set a plate containing eggs, toast, bacon, and cut up fruit in front of Bella. Lizzy had taken to doting on Bella whenever she could, and had learned all of Bella's favorite foods.

Bellatrix gave the elf a gentle smile. "Thank you, Lizzy. It looks wonderful."

Lizzy bobbed and curtsied several times. "Is much pleasure to serve Mistress Bella! Lizzy is happy you are here with us. Master is ever so much happier now, Mistress Bella!" With that, she curtsied once more and popped out of the room.

Will was delighted to see Bellatrix getting along with Lizzy. Even before their separation, Bella had always shown the typical pureblood disdain for house elves. This was definitely a huge improvement.

Lizzy's words touched Bella. Blushing, she turned to Will and asked, "Are you really happier now, Will?"

He smiled at the love of his life. "Oh yes, indeed, my love. If you doubt it, just ask your sister, or Lizzy, or the girls. Or Elizabeth. They'll tell you."

Bella's blush deepened, and she looked down at her food as she began to eat. She noticed the paper sitting between her chair and Will's and picked it up. Will lurched forward and said, "Bella, I'm not sure you should—" he stopped speaking when Bellatrix gasped as her eyes saw the headline.

She gave the article a quick skim, a look of horror on her face, then she read it more thoroughly. Will remained silent as she read. When she was finished, she turned to Will, the look of horror still in place. "What's happening, Will? What does it mean? Did Sirius really break them out? I always thought Sirius was a goody-goody. Why would he do this?"

Will shook his head. "No, my love. Sirius isn't behind this. Your cousin has actually been here a couple of times since he broke out of Azkaban. Vol…You-know-who is behind this. He came back from wherever he's been hiding since the Potter boy escaped him at the beginning of last summer."

Bellatrix paled and grabbed Will's arm. "That means he'll be looking for me!" Then she gasped and paled even more. "And Rudolphus has escaped now, too! Oh Will, they'll find me! They'll take me back to them!" She started to cry.

Will reached out, gently pulling her onto his lap, and she buried her face against his chest as she continued crying. "Shhhh, my love," he murmured as he stroked her hair. "You are perfectly safe here. There is very powerful magic lying on these lands and on this house. Nothing and no one can enter here without my permission. I promise."

Bellatrix wasn't so certain. She had no desire of ever going back to serve the Dark Lord, but she knew him well enough to know that he would not stop looking for her. And neither would Rodolphus. He'd find her and punish her for her betrayal, both of him and of the Dark Lord. And if he didn't the Dark Lord surely would. Was the Greengraqss magic strong enough to keep the Dark Lord out? She hoped so, but she doubted it.

Will picked the paper up and re-read the headline, as well as the list of escapees. And a grim smile formed on his face. At last, his mind whispered. At last, I can have my revenge, and vengeance for Bella at the same time. Time to track down the Lestrange brothers.

William decided to wait a little while after the breakout from Azkaban before he began his search, even though Dora had reported to her mother, who in turn told Will, that in light of the situation, the 24-hour watch on the Greengrass estate had been dropped. Will knew the escaped Deatheaters, especially the Lestrange brothers, would want to run rampant for a while and 'sow their oats' after being locked up for so long. He also knew that letting them run amuck across the country would work to Voldermort's advantage by creating terror and panic with the public. The thought of waiting sickened Will, and he didn't want to give them too much time to terrorize the innocent. But he also needed to proceed with caution.

On the fifth day following the Deatheaters' escape, Will sent the ravens to scour the countryside and find the whereabouts of the Lestranges. It took the birds only two more days to locate them. Will and Bella were having their afternoon tea when a frightful squawking sounded from the tree just outside the dining room window as a couple dozen ravens descended onto its branches like a black cloud. Will opened the window and two of the birds flew into the room, landing on his shoulders.

Bellatrix laughed at the sight. "You look a bit like Odin, Will, with those birds perched on you like that."

Will smiled. "Be careful, I don't want the old man thinking I'm impersonating him. I'd rather not have any visits from angry Norse gods at the moment."

Then he listened as the ravens squawked their news to him, giving him the current location of the Lestrange brothers. His face turned grim, and he nodded to the ravens. Who then flew back out to join their comrades.

Will sighed and stood. "I need leave for a bit, love. Something has come up unexpectedly that needs taking care of. I shouldn't be gone too long."

Bellatrix stood too. "I want to go with you, Will."

He laughed and kissed her forehead. "On a boring old business trip? No, my darling, stay here. I'll call Andi. I'm sure she won't mind coming over for a bit."

Bella frowned and folded her arms across her chest. "Andi can't be expected to keep babysitting me every time you go somewhere, Will. She's probably sick of my by now."

Will smiled. "No, Bella, she loves you. She understands. I'll call her."

He left soon after Andromeda arrived to stay with her sister. Aparating to the farm house the ravens had told him about, he found nothing but a few dead muggles. Rage gripped his mind as he looked at what the Lestranges had done to the innocent residents of the house. He was able to figure out where the Lestranges were headed next from letters that had been thrown around the room. The residents of the farm house had been relatives of a family of muggle-borns, and the Lestranges were headed there next.

He aparated to the address he'd found on the letters. It was a row house somewhere in London. Going around behind the house, he found a door leading to a cellar. The door had been blown off its hinges. He shook his head, the rage returning in full force as he entered the cellar.

As he ascended the steps from the cellar to the ground floor, he heard screaming, accompanied by cruel laughter. Exiting the kitchen, Will found himself in a hallway with what appeared to be a living room straight ahead of him. The living room was L-shaped, and as he entered his attention was drawn to the far side of the room. The Lestranges were attempting to have their way with what appeared to be a mother and her teenage daughter. Two younger brothers, who appeared to be in full body binds looked on with horrified expressions in their eyes, helpless to stop it, while a man that he assumed was the father lay stunned on the floor.

Rage surged through Will. His lips curled back over his teeth in a silent snarl, and his eyes grew red as the magic flared up inside of him. The two muggle born brothers noticed William's arrival, and their eyes grew wider. Will placed his finger to his lips, indicating for them not to react. The Lestranges were still laughing while the women struggled futilely against them. "Stop fighting and I won't hurt you…too much!" Rodolphus growled, glancing at his brother as the two men laughed again.

Sliding a wand into each of his hands and raising them at the Lestrange brothers, Will said, "Hello again, lads."

Rodolphus and Rabastan let go of the women and spun around, wands at the ready. But they weren't fast enough as Will yelled, "Avada Kedavra!" A green mass of energy shot out of the wand in his left hand, hitting Rabastan squarely in the chest. The man toppled over without a sound. At the same time, Will sent a silent bone breaking curse at Rodolphus, which sliced across both his legs. A sickening crunch fill the room, and Rodolphus screamed in agony, falling to the floor as his legs gave way beneath him.

William crossed the room in two steps and knelt beside the screaming man. Both of Lestrange's femur bones had torn through the skin of his knees. Leaning close to Rodolphus, Will whispered, "Well hello, Rody! It's been a long time."

Rodolphus glared up at him. "You! You bastard, you murdered my brother!"

A feral grin spread across Will's face. "No worries, Rody, you'll be joining him soon enough." Will leaned even closer to Lestrange. "I don't have the time to give you a proper send off, Rody…the kind of send off you deserve," Will hissed. "But still…I can't let you leave without at least a parting gift." Will allowed the rage and hatred surging inside him to mix with his magic. All the pent up anger, all the years of misery came pouring out of him as he yelled, "CRUCIO!"

Rodolphus screamed again as Will kept the curse on him for a full ten seconds before finally stopping it. Leaning close to Lestrange again, Will whispered, "That was for Alice Longbottom…remember her, Rody? Or was she just another victim, another nameless face in the parade of people you've murdered?"

"CRUCIO!" He yelled again, holding the curse for fifteen seconds this time as Rodolphus screamed and thrashed around. Leaning close one more, Will whispered, "And that was for Frank, Alice's husband and one of my best friends! Their son says hello, by the way."

Lowering his face again so that his lips were next to Rodolphus ear, Will whispered, "And this…this is for Bella! CRUCIO!"

Will held the Cruciatus on Lestrange for over half a minute. A maniacal laugh escaped Will's lips as he watched with glee while Rodlophus continued screaming in agony. When it looked like Lestrange might pass out from pain and shock, Will stopped the Cruciatus. Once more he leaned close to Rodolphus. "The killing curse is far too quick and merciful for scum like you, Rody. So I dug around and found something in one of my great-grandfather's old books that I believe will be perfect. Anything you want to say before you die? Beg me for mercy? Ask whatever gods you pray to for forgiveness of your many, manycrimes?"

Rodolphus looked up at Will. Mustering whatever strength he had left, he spit in Will's face. "Go…to…Hell…Greengrass!" He wheezed.

The feral smile returned to William's face. "You first, Lestrange…you first." He leveled his wand at Rodolphus and, not wanting the muggleborns to be able to use the curse, he muttered, "Adolebitque sanguis!"

The breaking of his legs had hurt…the Cruciatus had hurt…but neither of those could even come close to the pain that now enveloped Rodolphus, starting in his chest and radiating out from there until every part of his body felt like it was on fire. The last thing he saw as he left the world was the face of William Greengrass grinning at him.

Once Rodolphus was dead, Will stood, still staring down at the man who had been the source of pain and misery to so many people, not the least William himself. And the woman William loved more than life itself. It had taken the better part of 20 years, but Rodolphus Lestrange was finally dead. A wicked smile spread across Will's face. Vengeance was indeed sweet.

A whimper from the corner of the room a few feet away pulled him out of his reverie. The muggle born family huddled there, watching him with terror in their eyes. Once the Lestranges had been incapacitated, the spells they'd used on the family were lifted as well. Even the father was awake, and trying to shield his wife and children from the madman who had killed the other two madmen.

Will stared back at them a moment. He blinked as his mind returned to the present. "Are you all ok?" Will finally asked. They silently nodded.

"Good. When I leave, contact the Ministry and have them send some Aurors out here to collect these bodies." He reached into his robes and pulled out a small bag filled with galleons. He dropped it onto a small table next to the couch. "That is for any damages these two caused, as well as for any injuries you all might have incurred. When the Aurors get here, be honest and tell them exactly what happened." Will paused a moment, contemplating his statement. "Well, tell them about everything except the money. That is for you, and if you mention it to them they'll confiscate it as 'evidence'."

Will headed out of the room, pausing near the hallway. "I am sorry your evening had to end like this. Good night." He gave them a slight bow before striding down the hallway. Exiting through the kitchen door, he aparated away as soon as he cleared the back porch.

(XXX)

Back at the house, Bellatrix was just entering the sitting room where Andromeda was reading. Bellatrix gasped, and staggered, her hand grasping the back of the couch to catch herself. She gasped again, and put her other hand over her heart.

Andromeda looked up when Bella gasped. Seeing the look on her sister's face, she dropped her book and hurried over to her. She took Bella's arm and helped her sit on the couch. "Bella! What is it? What's wrong?"

Bellatrix took a few deep breaths, frowning in confusion. "I—I'm not sure, Andi," she gasped. "It just felt like a tug, or my heart lurching. I've no idea what—," Then her eyes went wide as realization struck her.

"Bell? Bella!" Andromeda cried, seeing the look on Bella's face and thinking her sister was maybe having a heart attack.

Bellatrix turned and grabbed Andromeda by the shoulders. "Andi! He's dead! Rodolphus is dead! I felt the bond between us collapse! I'm finally free of him!" Bellatrix was grinning at her sister. Then Bella's face fell. "Will," she whispered. "Will killed him. Oh Andi, what have I done?"

"You didn't do anything, Bella," replied Andromeda, grabbing her shoulders. "It was Will's choice, his decision alone."

"I know, but Andi," Bellatrix cried, "He did it for me! So it is my fault to a degree. He killed Rodolphus to set me free, and because of everything that's happened to me since I married that vile man!" She buried her face in her hands. "Oh, I've corrupted Will! I've corrupted the only good thing that's happened to me in my life!"

Andromeda pulled her sister into a hug. "No, Bella," she whispered. "You didn't corrupt him. You've saved him. He did this because he loves you, and wants you to be free."

Bellatrix looked into Andromeda's eyes. "I am free, aren't I? Free of what father did to me."

Andromeda smiled and nodded. "Yes, big sister…you're finally free. Free to follow your own heart."

(XXX)

William had just gotten back home and gone into his study. He was hanging up his cloak when there was a knock at the door.

"It's open," he called. He had his back to the door, but heard it open. He heard a rustle of clothing as someone came in.

"How was your business trip, Will?" There was something in the way that Bellatrix said "business", some subtle inflection of the word, that made Will pause in the act of taking a drink of coffee. Not looking at her he replied, "Very successful."

He sensed Bellatrix come up behind him, so he wasn't surprised when her voice spoke near his ear. "You killed Rodolphus…didn't you Will?"

He gave his head a slight shake and smirked to himself. No point in denying it. "Yes…yes I did." His voice was as cold as an Antarctic winter. "I killed his idiot of a brother as well." He went silent and continued sipping his coffee.

"Why?"

The word, one word, was murmured quietly.

Will shrugged. "Why not? They deserved it. How many people have they killed? They were rotten through and through, irredeemable." He still had his back to her. "Good riddance. I did the world a favor."

"Why, Will?"

He was afraid to say it, for some reason. So he deflected again. "For what the Lestranges did to one of my best friends and his wife. Frank and Alice deserved justice."

"Is that the only reason?" She pressed. Her voice was even closer now, right next to his ear…quieter as well. She sounded vulnerable, and sad. He didn't like it when Bellatrix sounded vulnerable or sad. Her heart was far too precious to him.

Will heaved a defeated sigh and turned to face her. "No…that wasn't the only reason. I did it for you, Bella. I did it for all the things he'd done to you. I did it for what you became when you married him. I did it because I hated that the Bellatrix I'd loved had disappeared, replaced by something she wasn't. I did it because your father died before I could kill him! I did it for all the years of pain you had to endure as his wife! I did it because I love you!"

Tears were streaming down Bellatrix's cheeks in a silent flow. Will's voice had risen the longer he'd talked. His eyes were blazing with wrath as all the pent up anger he'd bottled up for so long came rushing out. But past the anger and wrath, behind the pain, deep in his eyes, Bellatrix saw love burning even brighter than the anger, stronger than the pain. Love for her. Love so undeserved after the countless horrible things she'd done since they'd been apart. At that moment, all the years that had separated them since the day her father sold her to Lestrange seemed to roll away, and standing in front of her once more was the boy she had pretend dueled with at family gatherings when they were children…the young man she had developed a crush on as they started Hogwarts…the man she had fallen in love with not long after that.

Her William.

She grabbed him and pulled herself against him, never wanting to let go. "Thank you," she whispered, still crying. "Thank you for setting me free. I can never pay you back for all you've done for me these last several months. I'm free and whole again, Will! How can I repay you?"

He pulled back a little, but still kept her in his arms. "Marry me," he whispered, his voice catching with emotion. "When this is all over, please be my wife, Bella."

Bellatrix face lit with a beautiful smile while her heart flipped around inside her chest. "I'm yours, Will only yours, now and forever!"

And with that, their lips met. And didn't part for a good lonog while….

(XXX)

A/N: So, yeah, there you go. An over 11K word chapter. :/ Yikes. Anyway, the usual disclaimer, just in case anyone is foolish enough to think that I am Ms. Rowling, or that I'm making money from this. I'm not, to both. Hope whoever reads this enjoyed it. Any comments, review or PM me. Thanks!