Stella Nova

by BrooklynFazenbaker

When the Weasley's took in Sirius Black's daughter on Halloween night, they expected him to return for her in a few days. Instead, they raised her alongside their children. How will a Slytherin "Weasley" change the story? Especially when she's a troublemaker and so close to so many snakes... and how will Sirius react to seeing his daughter again? (I do not own Harry Potter)

3. Chapter 2: The Chamber of Secrets

I do not own Harry Potter.

I saw a few people asking what I meant by Theo and Blaise love. I mean they're besties your honor! Enjoy!

Chapter Two: The Chamber of Secrets

Stella had been right. She spent most of her summer either in her room or in the garden. She tried talking to her mum over and over but received the silent treatment in response. She'd heard her dad and mum arguing a few times over the summer about it but Molly refused to budge on the subject. It was the ring or nothing at all. Stella remained stubborn as well, deciding that she didn't need her mum's attention if it was just going to be negative the entire time.

Instead, Stella wrote to Draco, Blaise, Theodore, and Harry. Blaise had some news that made Stella growl as she read, going straight to her dad to show it to him.

"They're trying to arrange a marriage between you and Draco?" Arthur asked, anger clear on his face.

"That's what Blaise heard. Apparently if things don't work out with Draco, Blaise is supposed to try to win me over. His mum is helping Narcissa," Stella stated, rubbing her face tiredly before looking to her dad. "Also, is there a way you could take me to Gringotts on your next day off? I have to talk to Bloodshire about the accounts and ask if their letters are getting to Harry. He isn't responding to Ron or me and I'm worried someone may be blocking his mail again."

"We'll go Friday when I get off of work," Arthur nodded.

"Thanks, dad," Stella nodded, giving him a hug. "Don't say anything to Malfoy. I don't want them to know that I know. Blaise's mum might figure out where I heard about it from and get in trouble."

"Are you sure?" Arthur asked, still holding Stella tightly.

"Yeah," Stella nodded against his chest, pulling away slowly.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked her, voice soft.

"Why is mum so mad about me accepting my heirship?" Stella asked, feeling small.

"Well, the Black family isn't known for its kindness or light," Arthur sighed. "She just doesn't want you to leave us for them."

"So she's pushing me away to keep me close?" Stella deadpanned. "Brilliant plan."

"She thinks it'll make you leaving hurt less if you do go," Arthur admitted.

"I'm not going anywhere though," Stella complained. "She didn't make me a sweater at Christmas and she called Harry 'dear' at the station."

"She what?" Arthur asked, confused.

"She also sent me howlers every time one of the boys got in trouble as if it were somehow my fault," Stella tacked on and Arthur sighed, rubbing his eyes.

"I'll talk to her," Arthur promised. "Now, go write your friends back."

"Thanks, dad," Stella gave him a sad smile before she went back to the room she shared with Ginny.

She sat at the desk, writing to Blaise and Theo before writing a letter to Harry, hoping this one would reach him. Hopefully Bloodshire would know what was going on. Turns out a house elf was stealing Harry's letters. Griphook had sent a wizard employed by the bank to watch the house and monitor what was happening. The elf was grabbed, handing over all of the letters and sent back to its family with a warning before the wizard knocked on the front door and delivered the letters. Bloodshire wrote to Stella, informing her of the incident and of the bars on Harry's window. Stella told Ron what had happened and saw the angry glint in his eyes and the determination on his face.

Stella woke the next morning to her mum yelling down in the kitchen. She walked down, trying to figure out what was going on while rubbing her eyes. The yelling stopped and Molly's voice softened suddenly.

"I'm very pleased to see you, Harry dear. Would you like some breakfast?"

Stella's eyes looked around the room, finding Harry standing with Ron, George, and Fred, Molly giving Harry a smile before her eyes hardened and landed on Stella.

"And you! How could you let them do this? They could have died!" Molly shouted.

Stella just stared at her mum in confusion for a moment, blinking a few times before turning to Harry and smiling.

"Hi, Harry."

"Hi, Stell," Harry smiled back, moving forward and giving her quick hug.

She lead him to the kitchen table, asking how he'd gotten to the Burrow.

"They drove a flying car and ripped the bars off my window," Harry shrugged, pointing his thumb back at her brothers.

"Of course they did," Stella laughed. "Alright. You, sit. I'm going to get some eggs."

Stella slipped on her shoes by the backdoor before tossing her apron on and walking out the back door. She spent a few minutes collecting as many eggs as possible before going back to the kitchen. She was tall enough to not need a chair anymore to clean the eggs off, something she was thankful for as she washed them and set them on a towel to dry. Molly continued yelling at Ron, George, and Fred as she cooked, her eyes cutting to Stella every so often and mumbling something under her breath.

Instead of defending herself, Stella moved around her mum in the kitchen, helping her cook as she went. Molly's eyes softened as Stella passed her a cup of coffee just how she liked to drink it and took over the sausages for her, giving her a moment to turn fully towards the four boys at the table, slicing a piece of bread and buttering it for Harry. Ginny ran into the room then in a long nightdress, let out a squeak, and ran back out of the room. Stella could hear Ron telling Harry who Ginny was and about her crush in a whispered tone, trying not to attract attention to himself.

"Blimey, I'm tired!" Fred yawned. "I think I'll go to bed and…"

"You will not," snapped mum. "It's your own fault you've been up all night. You're going to de-gnome the garden for me. Stella has enough bite marks on her fingers and it's time you got a few instead."

"Mum," Fred groaned.

"And you too," she said, glaring at Ron and George. "You can go up to bed, dear," she added to Harry. "You didn't ask them to fly that wretched car."

"I'll help Ron. I've never seen a de-gnoming," Harry tried.

"Have you finished your summer assignments, Harry?" Stella asked, sipping her tea.

"Oh, no," Harry shook his head. "My school stuff was all locked up in the cupboard downstairs."

"I'll help you with your homework so you can have it done by the end of the week," Stella stated. "I also have most of our school books for the year thanks to all the older brothers. You can look through them if you'd like?"

"Thanks," Harry smiled brightly.

"Of course," Stella shrugged.

Ron, George, and Fred piled into the backyard and Stella and Harry sat at the table with his summer assignments. Harry breezed through his defense homework rather quickly and Stella made him slow down and told him a few things to add to his essay. He just smirked, thinking of Hermione before doing as Stella said. They went to move to Charms when dad walked in, slumping into his seat as Ron, George, and Fred came into the house.

"What a night," he mumbled, groping for the teapot as they all sat around him. "Nine raids. Nine! And old Mundungas Fletcher tried to put a hex on me when I had my back turned…"

Dad took a gulp of tea and sighed.

"Find anything, Dad?" said Fred eagerly.

"All I got were a few shrinking door keys and a biting kettle," he yawned. "There was some pretty nasty stuff that wasn't in my department, though. Mortlake was taken away for questioning about some extremely old ferrets, but that's the Committee on Experimental Charms, thank goodness."

"Why would anyone bother making door keys shrink?" asked George.

"Just muggle-baiting," dad sighed. "Sell them a key that keeps shrinking to nothing so they can never find it when they need it. Of course, it's very hard to convict anyone because no Muggle would admit their key keeps shrinking. They'll insist they just keep losing it. Bless them, they'll go to any lengths to ignore magic, even if it's staring them in the face. But the things our lot have taken to enchanting, you wouldn't believe…"

"LIKE CARS, FOR INSTANCE?"

Mum had appeared, holding a long poker like a sword. Dad's eyes jerked open. He stared guiltily at mum.

"C- cars, Molly, dear?"

"Yes, Arthur, cars," said mum, her eyes flashing. "Imagine a wizard buying a rusty old car and telling his wife all he wanted to do with it was take it apart to see how it worked, while really he was enchanting it to fly."

Dad blinked.

"Well, dear, I think you'll find that he would be quite within the law to do that, even if.. er… he maybe would have done better to, um, tell his wife the truth. There's a loophole in the law, you'll find. As long as he wasn't intending to fly the car, the fact that the car could fly wouldn't…"

"Arthur Weasley, you made sure there was a loophole when you wrote the law!" mum shouted and Stella had to look away so mum couldn't see her trying not to laugh. Harry caught Stella though and had to bite his lip to keep from laughing as well. "Just so you could carry on tinkering with all the Muggle rubbish in your shed! And for your information, Harry arrived this morning in the car you weren't intending to fly!"

"Harry?" said dad blankly. "Harry who?"

He looked around, saw Harry, and jumped.

"Good lord, is it Harry Potter? Very pleased to meet you. Ron and Stella have told us so much about you…"

"Your sons flew that car to Harry's house and back last night!" shouted mum. "What have you got to say about that, eh?"

"Did you really? Did it go alright? How'd it fly? I, I mean…" dad faltered as sparks flew from mum's eyes, "that was very wrong of you, boys. Very wrong indeed."

"Let's leave them to it," Ron muttered to Harry and Stella as mum swelled like a bullfrog. "Come on. We'll show you the rest of the house."

Harry and Ron slipped out of the kitchen, Stella staying back and collecting the books and the essay that had dried. She found them in Ron's room, smiling as she heard Harry.

"This is the best house I've ever been in."

Mum tried to get Harry to eat fourth helpings at every meal. Dad had Harry sit next to him and explain plugs and postal service, something Stella actually listened in on, wanting to take Muggle Studies in third year. Fred and George included Harry in some of their plans for pranks that year, Stella helping them with a few ideas along the way. She helped Harry get through his homework, true to her word that they got it done within a week, Harry thanking her over and over again, which she just waved off. Ginny tried getting comfortable in Harry's presence, her typically outgoing personality hidden away in front of 'The-Boy-Who-Lived.' He was just Harry to everyone else though, something he seemed to appreciate.

Stella had woken from a nightmare one night, gasping for breath before leaving her room so Ginny couldn't hear her. Harry was in the hall, looking rather tired in one of Charlie's old shirts that Ron had given him to sleep in.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked, concern clear on his face as he went to Stella's side.

Stella moved passed him, going down the stairs and out the front door, taking in gulps of fresh air. She got her breathing under control just as her mum ran outside, Harry standing in the doorway and watching with wide eyes. Stella stood up straight, arms placed on top of her head.

"I'm alright," Stella promised. "Just a nightmare."

"They're back?" mum asked, eyes widening and fingers covering her mouth.

"They started back up after Christmas break," Stella shrugged. "None quite that bad, though."

"We should take you to see the healers again," mum sighed, hands going to her hips.

Stella turned, giving Harry a weak smile.

"I'm alright. Sorry for scaring you."

"I get nightmares, too," Harry admitted. "I get it."

"Do you?" Stella asked, head tilting.

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Got one a few days before I got here that made it hard to breath."

Stella flinched at the thought of Harry having the same issues as her, hoping that he didn't get them as often as she did or as bad. Mum led Stella back into the house, arm around her shoulders as she sat Stella and Harry at the table.

"Some dreamless sleep for both of you," she decided. "I'll be right back."

Mum left and Stella shrank into her seat a bit before looking to Harry.

"Why were you up?" she asked curiously.

"I had a nightmare and decided to walk a bit," Harry shrugged. "Fresh air helps me, too."

"It's why Ginny and I have the room closest to the bottom floor," Stella admitted. "It was Ron's room originally. When I started having my nightmares, mum had us trade rooms so I could get outside faster. She didn't want me to accidentally toss myself out of a window while half-asleep."

Harry nodded, chewing his lip. He opened his mouth a few times, not sure how to word his question.

"Just ask," Stella smirked, seeing his struggle.

"What do you dream about?" Harry asked.

"My father," she admitted. "When I was younger, I dreamt of a man whose face I couldn't see begging for my safety. I always assumed it was him. Recently it's been my father laughing at me like in the article that Narcissa sent me, his voice gone mad in my head."

"I dream of a woman screaming and a flash of green light," Harry told her. "There are others as well, but that's the one I get the most."

"Here it is," Mum said, coming into the room and grabbing two teacups and pouring a small amount of the potion into each cup for them, giving them four hours of peaceful sleep.

Stella drank the potion and moved to the couch in the living room. Harry laid on the opposite couch, the two facing one another as they drifted into a slumber. Molly placed a thin blanket over each of them, brushing black hair from both their faces and placing soft kisses on their heads before heading back to bed.

One sunny morning, about a week after Harry arrived, their Hogwarts letters arrived. Fred looked over Harry's shoulder while George looked over Stella's.

"You've been told to get all Lockart's books, too!" Fred exclaimed. "The new defense teacher must be a fan. Probably a witch."

At this point, Fred caught mum's eye and quickly busied himself with the marmalade.

"That lot won't come cheap," said George, with a quick look at his parents. "Lockart's books are really expensive."

"Well, we'll manage," said mum, but she looked worried. "I expect we'll be able to pick up a lot of Ginny's things secondhand. She can't use Stella's robes unless she goes to Slytherin."

Stella exchanged a smirk with Fred, the two having made a bet on which house Ginny would go in. Honestly, Stella was just surprised that her mum wasn't still angry at Stella for her sorting. Stella stared at the list and thought of her vault, chewing her lip a bit before looking to her dad. He would never go for accepting money from her but she wanted to at least offer.

"Maybe I could help?" Stella offered, voice small as she fidgeted in her seat.

"What do you mean?" mum asked, staring in confusion.

Dad understood though and immediately shook his head. "No, Stella. You need to be saving the money in your vaults."

"There's too much money in there and I want to help my actual family," Stella argued as Mum let out a small gasp of realization. "Please, dad? Just this once? It's so many books."

"We'll think about it," dad sighed, which was code for 'no, but I want the subject dropped without upsetting you.'

She sighed, sinking in her seat and pouting. Mum was chewing her lip a bit, thinking it over when she caught dad's eye. He shook his head and mum deflated a bit before dad sighed.

"Just this once," he stated. "Only because of how many books there are."

"Thank you," Stella smiled brightly, jumping in her seat a bit.

Ron received a letter from Hermione and Stella rolled her eyes as mum and dad agreed to go to Diagon when Hermione and her parents were. Harry, Ron, George, and Fred played Quidditch outside as often as they could get away with, but it wasn't a real quidditch game since they couldn't fly very high and had to use a toy ball rather than actual quidditch balls, just in case a bludger or the snitch got away and flew to the muggle village not far from the burrow.

Wednesday came quickly and it was time to head to Diagon Alley. Stella had slipped Ginny a few galleons so that she could get a gift 'from Stella' for her first year. Fred reminded Stella to get a few extra galleons out to pay up later, to which she simply rolled her eyes. They stood in front of the fireplace and mum grabbed the floo powder.

"Alright, Harry, you first," she smiled.

"Um…" Harry seemed confused.

"Harry's never traveled by floo powder before, mum," Ron stated.

"Oh, sorry dear. Fred will go first to show you."

There was that nickname again and Stella and Arthur both frowned. Stella thought her mum had stopped being mad at her, but she guessed not. Stella shrugged as she listened to her mum and Ron talk at Harry, making him look rather panicked.

"Okay!" Stella raised her voice and mum and Ron both jumped, but Harry looked to her gratefully. "Harry, just take a pinch, step in, and say 'Diagon Alley' really clearly. Keep your elbows in and step out when you see Fred and George. If you say the wrong thing, I'll be right behind you. Just stay wherever you land."

Harry nodded and grabbed a pinch of powder. He tossed it in but coughed on some ash.

"Dia- diagonally."

Stella groaned before grabbing a pinch of floo powder, making a note to get some more as a gift for mum while they were out.

"Dia- diagonally," Stella repeated Harry's words.

She slid into a dark shop, just barely catching herself and staying upright. Harry stared at her with wide eyes. Stella took a look around, finding a large, dimly lit wizard's shop. A glass case nearby held a withered hand on a cushion, a blood-stained pack of cards, and a staring glass eye. Evil-looking masks stared down from the walls, one of which Stella recognized as a Death Eater mask, an assortment of human bones lay upon the counter, and rusty, spiked instruments hung from the ceiling. Stella stared at the Death Eater mask with wide eyes before looking to Harry, who was bruised and covered in soot.

"We need to get out of here," she whispered to him and the two headed towards the door quickly.

Halfway toward the door, they saw two people appear on the other side of the glass, one of which was Draco Malfoy. Harry grabbed Stella's hand, dragging her towards a large black cabinet. They climbed in quickly, leaving a crack open and gripping one another's hand tightly. Seconds later, a bell clanged, and Draco stepped into the shop.

The man who followed could only be Draco's father. He had the same pale, pointed face and blonde hair. Mr. Malfoy crossed the shop, looking lazily at the items on display, and rang a bell on the counter before turning to his son and saying, "Touch nothing, Draco."

Draco, who had reached for the glass eye, said, "I thought you were going to buy me a present."

"I said I would buy you a racing broom," said his father, drumming his fingers on the counter.

"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" said Draco, looking sulky and bad-tempered. "Harry Potter got a Nimbus Two Thousand last year. Special permission from Dumbledore so he could play for Gryffindor. He's not even that good, it's just because he's famous… famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead…" Draco bent down to examine a shelf full of skulls. "Everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his broomstick—"

"You have told me this at least a dozen times already," said Mr. Malfoy, with a quelling look at his son. "And I would remind you that it is not—prudent—to appear less than fond of Harry Potter, not when most of our kind regard him as the hero who made the Dark Lord disappear—ah, Mr. Borgin."

A stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face.

"Mr. Malfoy, what a pleasure to see you again," said Mr. Borgin in a voice as oily as his hair. "Delighted—and young Master Malfoy, too—charmed. How may I be of assistance? I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced—"

"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin, but selling," said Mr. Malfoy.

"Selling?" The smile faded slightly from Mr. Borgin's face.

"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry is conducting more raids," said Mr. Malfoy, taking a roll of parchment from his inside pocket and unraveling it for Mr. Borgin to read. "I have a few—ah—items at home that might embarrass me, if the Ministry were to call…"

Mr. Borgin fixed a pair of pince-nez to his nose and looked down the list.

"The Ministry wouldn't presume to trouble you, sir, surely?"

Mr. Malfoy's lip curled.

"I have not been visited yet. The name Malfoy still commands a certain respect, yet the Ministry grows ever more meddlesome. There are rumors about a new Muggle Protection Act—no doubt that flea-bitten, Muggle-loving fool Arthur Weasley is behind it—"

Stella gripped Harry's hand a bit tighter.

"—and as you see, certain of these poisons might make it appear—"

"I understand, sir, of course," said Mr. Borgin. „Let me see…"

"Can I have that?" interrupted Draco, pointing at the withered hand on its cushion.

"Ah, the Hand of Glory!" said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Mr. Malfoy's list and scurrying over to Draco. "Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son has fine taste, sir."

"I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin," said Mr. Malfoy coldly, and Mr. Borgin said quickly, "No offense, sir, no offense meant—"

"Though if his grades don't pick up," said Mr. Malfoy, more coldly still, "that may indeed be all he is fit for—"

"It's not my fault," retorted Draco. "The teachers all have favorites. Stella's ten times smarter than that Hermione Granger—"

"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam," snapped Mr. Malfoy.

"Ha!" said Harry under his breath, pleased to see Draco looking both abashed and angry as Stella felt a bit of pride for Draco standing up for her when he didn't even know she was around before remembering why he might be doing it. Did that mean Mr. Malfoy didn't know his wife's plans? Did Draco?

"It's the same all over," said Mr. Borgin, in his oily voice. "Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere—"

"Not with me," said Mr. Malfoy, his long nostrils flaring.

"No, sir, nor with me, sir," said Mr. Borgin, with a deep bow.

"In that case, perhaps we can return to my list," said Mr. Malfoy shortly. "I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today—"

They started to haggle. Stella and Harry watched nervously as Draco drew nearer and nearer to their hiding place, examining the objects for sale. Draco paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed—Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date.

Draco turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward… he stretched out his hand for the handle…

"Done," said Mr. Malfoy at the counter. "Come, Draco—"

Harry wiped his forehead on his sleeve as Draco turned away and Stella let out a slow breath that she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

"Good day to you, Mr. Borgin. I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow to pick up the goods."

The moment the door had closed, Mr. Borgin dropped his oily manner.

"Good day yourself, Mister Malfoy, and if the stories are true, you haven't sold me half of what's hidden in your manor…"

Muttering darkly, Mr. Borgin disappeared into a back room. They waited for a minute in case he came back, then, quietly as they could, slipped out of the cabinet, past the glass cases, and out of the shop door. Harry clutched his broken glasses to his face, hand still interlocked with Stella's. She saw a sign, pointing them back towards Diagon Alley and let out a relieved breath before pulling Harry along. He went without argument, trusting Stella not to lead him astray. They found Hagrid just before they reached the alley.

"What are you two doing in Knockturn Alley?" he demanded, brushing soot off of Harry.

"Harry got lost in the floo and I came after him," Stella explained quickly. "We've been separated from my parents."

"Well, let's go find them," Hagrid nodded, pushing the two kids out of the alley and into the bright, bustling street.

Stella could see Gringotts in the distance and let out a relived sigh, heading towards it. Harry kept ahold of her hand and Hagrid walked along with them, telling them about the slug repellent he'd been searching for. Stella let out a groan when she saw Granger on the steps of the bank.

"Harry! Harry! Over here!" Hermione yelled, waving towards them.

Harry looked up and saw Granger standing at the top of the white flight of steps to Gringotts. She ran down to meet them, her bushy brown hair flying behind her.

"What happened to your glasses? Hello, Hagrid—Oh, it's wonderful to see you two again—Are you coming into Gringotts, Harry?"

"As soon as we've found the Weasleys," said Harry, head tilting towards Stella and Granger looked at Stella as if she hadn't noticed the girl was even there until that moment.

"Yeh won't have long ter wait," Hagrid said with a grin.

Stella looked in the direction that Hagrid had motioned; sprinting up the crowded street were Ron, Fred, George, Percy, and Mr. Weasley.

"Stella! Harry," Mr. Weasley panted. "We hoped you'd only gone one grate too far…" He mopped his glistening bald patch. "Molly's frantic—she's coming now—"

"Where did you come out?" Ron asked.

"Knockturn Alley," said Hagrid grimly.

"Excellent." said Fred and George together before pulling Stella away from Harry and to them, asking her tons of questions at once.

"We've never been allowed in," said Ron enviously.

"I should ruddy well think not," growled Hagrid.

Mum now came galloping into view, her handbag swinging wildly in one hand, Ginny just clinging onto the other. "Oh, Harry—oh, my dear Stella—you could have been anywhere—"

Gasping for breath she pulled a large clothes brush out of her bag and began sweeping off the soot Hagrid hadn't managed to beat away. Mr. Weasley took Harry's glasses, gave them a tap of his wand, and returned them, good as new.

"Well, gotta be off," said Hagrid, who was having his hand wrung by Mrs. Weasley ("Knockturn Alley! If you hadn't found them, Hagrid!"). "See yer at Hogwarts!" And he strode away, head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the packed street.

"Oh, I'd love to get Lucius Malfoy for something," Stella heard her dad growl and she turned, seeing him glancing at Stella as he spoke.

"You be careful, Arthur," said mum sharply as they were bowed into the bank by a goblin at the door. "That family's trouble. Don't go biting off more than you can chew."

"So you think I'm not a match for Lucius Malfoy?" said dad, but he was immediately distracted by Hermione's parents.

Bloodshire saw Stella and bowed to her, to which she returned the action. He waved her forward and Stella stepped away, sneaking away after him.

"Heir Black," Bloodshire smirked as they entered his office.

"Mister Bloodshire," Stella smiled kindly. "Thank you for helping Harry."

"Of course, Heir Black," Bloodshire nodded. "We goblins don't take kindly to people blocking our letters from reaching our clients, especially clients so young. It seems another hex has been placed on you blocking any letters about business transactions."

"I'll tell dad," Stella sighed. "What's happened?"

"It seems someone has tried to force you into a marriage contract. I am happy you arrived today. I was going to send a wizard employee to find you and deliver the message by hand before it could be pushed through. Seems some very powerful families want you bound to theirs," Bloodshire explained. "I've stopped the contracts, obviously, as they are not in your best interest. Besides, your head of family would have to sign off and, as he cannot, it would have not made it to the final stages."

"Which families?" Stella asked curiously.

"The Malfoy's, Zabini's, Goyle's, and Longbottom's."

"I'm sorry. Did you say Longbottom?" Stella asked, confused. "As in Neville Longbottom?"

"The matriarch of the family wrote us a letter. She seems to be the only one who actually cares for your well-being rather than your money. She did it when she heard word of the other families doing it and wanted to be sure you knew you had options. Something about her grandson speaking highly of you. This contract was stopped as well, obviously. I have a copy of the letter here for you to read at your leisure. Is there anything you wish to discuss with me at the moment?"

"Does Narcissa Malfoy have access to any Black vaults?" Stella asked. "Or anyone else, for that matter?"

"There is a trust vault set aside for Draco Malfoy, as he is Narcissa Black's son, and she has a trust as well. I can give you the details for it. I have stopped payments into both vaults due to the contracts though. Reasoning it as an attack against the Black heir since they did not have your permission to do so. There are trusts for an Andromeda Tonks, who was a Black until she was disinherited for reason of 'disloyalty to the family values.' I have an address for her here if you wish to reach out to her. She has a daughter who graduated Hogwarts just last year it seems."

"Are you telling me I might have sane family members?" Stella asked with a smirk.

"You may," Bloodshire nodded back. "Here is the letter and address. Do you need anything from your vault?"

"Yes. I need to get money for school books and things," Stella nodded.

"I shall move you and your guests to the front of the cue. Come."

Bloodshire led Stella back out to the Gringotts line, finding the Weasleys and Harry looking around for her. She smiled and waved them out of the line and the group followed Stella and Bloodshire to the goblin-driven carts. They sped along through the bank's underground tunnels, stopping at the Weasley family vault first. Stella felt a bit guilty with the galleon and few sickles inside the vaults, which mum slid into her bag quickly. The Black and Potter vault were beside one another and Stella asked her mum to come with her to gather enough money for the books.

Molly gasped at the sheer amount of coins and Stella couldn't blame her. Mountains upon mountains of gold laid before them and Stella had no clue what to do with any of it. She looked to her mum, leaning into her slightly to bring her out of her trance. Molly nodded and stepped forward, counting the galleons out loud, not that Stella would have minded if her mum had taken more. Stella herself grabbed enough for her potions kit and a bit extra, that way they could have sweets on the train ride and some spending money to slip Fred, George, and Percy during Hogsmeade trips.

She'd have to write to Bloodshire and ask him to put some gold in the Weasley vault once she arrived at school and hope that her mum and dad didn't get upset with her for it. Back on the marble steps, they all separated. Percy muttered vaguely about needing a new quill. Fred and George had spotted their friend Lee, dragging Stella along with them. Mum and Ginny were going to a secondhand robe shop. Dad was insisting on taking the Grangers off to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink.

"We'll meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your school books," said mum, setting off with Ginny. "And not one step down Knockturn Alley!"

"I'll watch them," Stella promised, giving Fred and George a pointed look until they let out annoyed groans.

Stella rolled her eyes, looping her arms in theirs and leading them to Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke shop. They perked up when they realized where Stella was heading, all three boys in higher spirits. She studied the aisles carefully, looking over each item and placing anything she thought would be useful for her plot against Draco and Goyle for the year. Harry, Ron and Hermione appeared at some point, Hermione frowning at most of the items in Stella's basket before moving on with the boys. Fred gave her a questioning look and Stella sighed.

"I'll explain later," she told him. "A few people deserve to have a few pranks pulled on them through the year though."

"Wicked," Fred smiled brightly, mischief in his eyes and tossing a few more things into her basket for her.

"Who pissed you off?" Lee asked, staring into Stella's basket.

"Malfoy and Goyle," Stella shrugged. "Mostly Malfoy."

"In that case, I'm buying you a pack of stink pellets.," Lee smirked, grabbing a pack off the shelf.

Stella paid for the twins baskets and her own, telling them not to expect anything for Christmas even though she still planned to mail order a few fireworks for them. Stella dragged the boys to the potions shop next, buying her year-two potions kit and two fourth-year kits for Fred and George, deciding to buy a new potions book at Flourish and Blotts so that she had clean pages to write notes in to pass to Ginny next year. Ginny had already read through Stella's potion book from the previous year, looking rather excited to have one up in the only class that favored Slytherins.

They reached Flourish and Blotts an hour later, Lee wondering off to find his parents. As they approached the shop, they saw a crowd of mostly witches their mums age. A sign indicating that Gilderoy Lockhart was signing books that day explained the crowd. Stella elbowed people out of her way, Fred and George following close behind her as the pushed to get their school books. They grabbed their spell books as they passed and Stella grabbed a new potions book as well before finding their parents standing with Hermione's, along with all of their siblings, Harry, and Hermione. Gilderoy Lockart was seated at a table, surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzlingly white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue that exactly matched his eyes; his pointed wizard's hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.

A short-irritable-looking man was dancing around taking photographs with a large black camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every blinding flash.

"Out of the way, there," the man snarled at Ron, pushing him a bit and causing Stella to push the man back, knocking him into a random onlooker.

Lockhart looked over at the commotion and his eyes landed on Harry. Stella didn't think she could knock Lockhart over all that easily, but she would try if need be.

"It's can't be Harry Potter?" Lockhart gasped out.

The crowd parted, whispering excitedly as Lockhart dived forward, seizing Harry's arm and trying to drag him forward. Stella grabbed Harry's hand, the only thing she could reach, and pulled him back like a strange game of tug-a-war. Harry went straight to Stella's side, fighting against Lockhart as well before they both ended up getting pulled over.

"Who is this?" Lockhart asked. "A girlfriend, Harry? No matter. Smile, kids. We'll make the front page."

The two tried to slide back over to the redheads but were locked in place by Lockhart.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lockhart said loudly, waving for quiet. "What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time!" When young Harry and his girlfriend stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, they only wanted to buy my autobiography, which I shall be happy to present them with now, free of charge. They had no idea that they would both be leaving with my entire signed collection. Each!" There was applause and Lockhart called for silence again. "Not only that! But they and their schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Darks Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"

"They really are just scrapping the bottom of the barrel for defense professors, aren't they?" Stella grumbled to Harry, causing him to laugh.

The crowd cheered and clapped and the two children were given a large stack of books. They both staggered slightly, releasing one another as they stepped away from Lockhart. Harry dropped his books into Ginny's cauldron while Stella dropped hers into Ron's.

"You have these," Harry told Ginny. "I'll buy my own."

"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" Draco's voice asked and Harry and Stella both turned to face her cousin. "Famous Harry Potter. Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page."

"Stop, Draco," Stella stated, stepping slightly in front of Harry. "That's enough."

"And you, holding the hand of the Gryffindor prince for all to see. What will our housemates think?" Draco demanded. "What will my mother think?"

"Oh, it's you," Ron complained, reaching them. "Bet you're surprised to see Harry here, eh?"

"Not as surprised as I am to see you in a shop, Weasley," retorted Draco. "Or are your parents using my cousins money to fund your school supplies now?"

Harry grabbed Stella as she tried to leap forward at Draco, ready to punch his jaw to shut him up.

"Stella!" dad yelled, reaching them. "What are you doing? It's too crowded in here. Let's go outside."

"Well, well, well. Arthur Weasley."

It was Mr. Malfoy. He stood with his hand on Draco's shoulder, sneering in just the same way as Draco.

"Lucius," said dad, nodding coldly.

"Busy time at the ministry, I hear," said Mr. Malfoy. "All those raids. I hope they're paying you over time?"

He reached into Ginny's cauldron and extracted a very old copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.

"Obviously not," Mr. Malfoy sneered but dad spoke up before he continued.

"Yes, the raids do keep me busy. Not too busy to know of the underhand plans that you and your wife are trying to concoct for my daughter, though."

Dad placed a hand on Stella's shoulder and she stood tall.

"Stella Black," Mr. Malfoy's eyes widened at the sight of her, not having realized she was there. "We had hoped to see you for a bit this summer."

"Yes, I was busy," Stella responded, chin held high. "I was spending time with my brothers and helping my mum in the garden most of the summer. That is, when I wasn't at Gringotts with my dad here speaking with the Black family goblin. Then my friend, Harry here, came to stay with us as well."

Mr. Malfoy looked around at the gathered redheads, eyes snapping to Harry and narrowing at their joined hands, Stella not sure when that had happened. His eyes moved back to dad.

"Using Draco's cousin for her money?" he took the same route that Draco had. "And I thought your family could sink no lower than using a child."

Dad sprang forward then, Ginny's cauldron flying to the side. Mr. Malfoy had been knocked backwards into a bookshelf, dozens of heavy spell books came thundering down on all their heads. Harry covered Stella quickly, pulling her away from the downpour. Fred and George were cheering the fight on, yelling for dad to get Mr. Malfoy as mum yelled for dad to stop. It wasn't until Hagrid had physically separated the two men that the fighting stopped. Dad had a cut on his lip, probably from Mr. Malfoy's cane, and Mr. Malfoy had been hit in the eye, probably by an Encyclopedia of Toadstools in dad's hand, which Stella grabbed and added to her basket to buy as a memento.

"Here, girl!" Mr. Malfoy yelled, tossing Ginny's book back into her cauldron. "It's the best your father can give you."

The Malfoy's swept out of the shop and Stella smiled brightly at her dad.

"Bloody brilliant," she told him and he gave a small laugh and pulled her close, hugging her to him.

"No one messes with my daughter," Arthur whispered to her.

"Yeh should've ignored him, Arthur," said Hagrid. "Rotten ter the core, the whole family, everyone knows that. No Malfoy's worth listenin' ter. Bad blood, that's what it is. Come on now. Let's get out of here."

The assistant looked as though he wanted to stop them leaving, but he barely came up to Hagrid's waist and seemed to think better of it. Stella passed a few galleons over quickly and the assistant seemed less upset as they quickly made their way into the street, the Grangers shaking with fright and mum beside herself with fury.

"A fine example to set for your children. Brawling in public. What Gilderoy Lockhart must've thought…"

"He was pleased," said Fred. "Didn't you hear him as we were leaving? He was asking that bloke from the Prophet if he's be able to work the fight into his repost- said it was all publicity."

"And what was that you said about him trying to do something to Stella?" Mum demanded and all eyes turned to Stella, everyone having curious looks now.

"The Malfoys want the Black money," Stella shrugged. "They tried to sneakily steal it from me but the goblins put a stop to it. I told dad about it and he helped."

Everyone seemed to accept the answer except for Harry, who continued staring at her for a moment. Fred and George just figured that's why Stella had bought the pranks and that Goyle had been in on it somehow. Mum was still upset though so the group was a bit subdued as they headed to the Leaky to return to the Burrow, Stella still under her dad's arm until they separated so Stella could go through the floo, making sure Harry got through first before following after him.

The end of summer vacation came quickly and Stella avoided Harry for as much of it as possible, not wanting to answer his questions about what her dad had really meant. She spent time in Fred and George's room instead, smiling as they included her in their plans for a joke shop. She looked over their list of ideas and she smiled, wanting to help however she could. She wrote Bloodshire about adding money to her parents vault and how to invest in small businesses and how to fund start-up companies. He wrote her a detailed letter for both options and she kept the letters with her ledgers, deciding to find books on how to write business plans to help Fred and George along in the future.

Stella made sure she was packed the night before, looking over at Ginny writing in a journal that mum must have gotten her like she did Stella before her first year. She gave a soft smile, packing Ginny's trunk for her as well, setting out a uniform for Ginny to wear on the train to make things easier for her the next day. She slammed her fist on Fred and George's door and their heads popped out, blocking their room before they saw her, smiled widely, and let her in. Stella sighed at the mess of their room and began moving around it as they went back to whatever experiment they were working on. She packed their trunks, folding clothes and leaving a uniform out for each of them before reminding them that they needed to get some rest so that they woke up in time in the morning.

She avoided Harry and Ron's room like the plague and knew Percy would already be set. She headed down the stairs, joining her mum in the kitchen and letting her know that the twins, Ginny, and Stella were all packed and ready for the next morning before helping with dinner.

"Did you check on Harry and Ron?" mum asked.

"I will after dinner," Stella told her, peeling potatoes. "I wanted to help you with dinner."

Mum gave Stella a soft smile and the two worked side-by-side in silence. It wasn't the same silence that had floated between the two all summer though. It was a compatible silence now compared to the thick, angry silence from before. It brought Stella comfort as the two witches worked together to create a large meal for everyone in the house.

Stella ate her dinner quickly, rushing up to Harry's and Ron's room to make sure Ron's bag was packed. Once she was done, she went to leave the room just for Harry to appear at the door. They both jumped at the sight of one another before Harry gave her a confused look.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked.

"I was making sure Ron's bag was packed. Didn't go through yours though. Felt a bit weird," she admitted.

"And why have you been avoiding me?" Harry asked.

Stella took a deep breath.

"Is it because of what Mr. Malfoy said?" Harry tried again.

"Yeah," she admitted. "I don't wanna talk about it though."

"Okay," Harry nodded. "If you change your mind."

"Thanks, Harry," Stella gave a soft smile. "Need help packing?"

"I already did," Harry scratched the back of his neck.

"Alright," Stella gave a smile and left the room. "See you in the morning."

"See you," Harry nodded, watching her go and face turning red once she was gone.

Stella flopped onto her bed with a sigh, going to sleep early so that she would be rested enough to help in the morning. In the morning, people kept colliding on the stairs, half-dressed with bits of toast in their hands. Dad nearly broke his neck tripping over a stray chicken while carrying Ginny's trunk to the car. Stella saw Ginny's journal on her desk and grabbed it, sticking it in Ginny's satchel before passing it to her.

Stella sat up front between dad and Ginny, mum on the end with the boys all in the backseat, Scabbers in her hands. George had yelled about forgetting his fireworks and Stella had told him they were all in his trunk in the inner most pocket and wrapped in an old sweater, causing him to let out a relieved breath. Fred yelled about his broomstick and Stella told him she'd put his, George's, and Harry's brooms in the trunk the night before. Ginny yelled about her journal, to which Stella grabbed Ginny's satchel, opened it, and showed Ginny that the journal was stuffed safely inside. Mum gave Stella a proud smile as they continued down the road, making it to the platform with forty minutes to spare.

Percy went through first, followed by the twins and Stella. She waited as dad came through, followed by mum and Ginny. Stella walked with Ginny onto the train, the two girls and the twins lugging their trunks onto the train and into compartments. After that, all four hugged their parents quickly before getting back on the train, not even realizing that Harry and Ron weren't off somewhere, putting their trunks on the train. Stella wondered through the train, smiling when she found Luna in her own compartment and opened the door, stepping inside with Ginny right behind her.

"Hi, Luna," Stella smiled brightly and the small blonde bounced up from her seat and hugged Stella tightly before then hugging Ginny.

"Sorry for not visiting this summer," Luna told them. "Father and I were searching for moon frogs on the coast all summer!"

"Did you find them?" Stella asked.

"They evaded us again," Luna sighed in what would be a sadly tone if not for the dreamy look on her face.

"I'm sorry," Stella sighed as the train took off. "Maybe next time."

"I hope so," Luna nodded.

"Did you at least have fun?"

"Oh, tons," Luna smiled to her before looking to Ginny. "Oh. Your head is full of nargles, Gin. Are you alright?"

"Oh, I'm fine," Ginny shrugged. "Stella, tell us how the sorting works!"

"You stand in front of the school and a dingy old hat yells what house you most belong in," Stella told her before launching into her experience and describing the song that the hat sang the year before.

Neville showed up a few minutes later, looking nervous and reminding Stella of the letter his grandmother had written about wanting to be sure Stella knew she had light options she could choose from as well. Stella gave him a smile and waved him in. Neville looked relieved and Stella knew that Neville knew about the contract, probably not on board with it though as he sat beside Ginny.

"Luna, Ginny. This is Neville. He's in Gryffindor with Harry and Ron. He won the last points that pushed Gryffindor to win the house cup last year," Stella explained and Neville blushed something fierce.

"Gryffindor would be a nice house to be in," Luna said before staring out her window and Stella smiled, catching Neville's eye and giving him a nod.

He looked rather relieved and sank in his seat a bit as Ginny began writing in her journal, making herself as small as possible. The trolley came round and Stella and Neville both bought a few snacks, sharing them with the younger girls. Granger showed up halfway through the train ride.

"Have you seen Harry or Ron?" she asked Stella.

"Not since we got on the platform. Why?" Stella asked.

"I can't find them," Granger explained. "I've walked through most of the train except where all the Slytherins are packed together."

"I'll go look," Stella stood and moved pass Granger quickly, moving in the direction Granger pointed.

She looked in every compartment as she went before entering the section where, sure enough, almost every Slytherin had gathered. Blaise and Theo were playing chess in a corner.

"Having a party without me?" Stella smirked at them. "Shameful."

"Stell!" they both yelled, standing and hugging her quickly.

"Where have you been?" Theo asked.

"I was sitting with my sister, Neville and Luna up there when Granger showed up. She told me that she couldn't find Ron and Harry," Stella explained.

"Speaking of Potter, we saw you on the front page with him and Lockhart. Something about you being his girlfriend?" Blaise smirked, following Stella through the train and helping her look into compartments. "Something you want to tell us about."

"Nothing to tell," Stella told him. "Harry isn't my boyfriend. I just saw Lockhart grabbing at him and tried to get him away. Ended up getting pulled along with him instead. Lockhart made an assumption and it got printed."

"Well, alright then. What do you think of Lockhart?" Blaise questioned.

"He seems like an egotistical ass," Theo tossed out.

"Oh, he definitely is," Stella groaned. "I'm not looking forward to his classes at all, but maybe we'll actually get something hands on, unlike with Quirrell last year."

"Yeah, what happened there?" Blaise asked.

"Apparently he tried stealing some stone from the third floor and it killed him when he tried attacking Harry," Stella shrugged, not telling the two the full story but enough that it would keep others from asking questions.

Harry and Ron were nowhere to be found and Percy, Fred, George, Ginny, Luna, and Neville were also looking. They met in the middle, all seeming confused.

"I don't understand where they could be," Ginny shook her head. "They were right behind me and mum."

"We'll let a professor know when we get to the school," Stella assured Ginny. "Let's get back to our compartments for now."

"Care to join us?" Theo asked Stella.

"I'm going to stay with Ginny and Luna for now," Stella told them. "I need to convince at least one of them to argue with the hat to go into Slytherin with us."

"That's likely," Fred snorted.

"Shut it, you," Stella rolled her eyes at him before looking back to Theo and Blaise. "I'll see you soon."

They both nodded and left, going back to the Slytherin section. When the train stopped, Stella told Ginny and Luna to leave their things before leading them to Hagrid, who smiled down at them happily. Stella climbed into a buggy with Fred, George, and Neville, Scabbers still in her hand and sleeping soundly against her chest. Once at the school, Stella ran ahead, finding Snape as quickly as possible helping to heard students in.

"Sir!" she called over the crowd and he looked to her, looking her over as if thinking she was injured.

"What is it, Black?" Snape asked her.

"Harry and Ron weren't on the train, sir, and they aren't here now. I'm not sure what happened. They were behind Ginny and mum to get on the platform but they didn't make it on for some reason," she explained.

"I'll search for them," Snape promised her, sending her inside.

Stella breathed easier now that Snape was searching for her missing brother and friend. Scabbers woke in the confusion and squeaked at her, as if asking why she was so tense. She whispered that Harry and Ron were missing but that a professor was looking for them, holding him to her chest as she sat between Blaise and Theo. The two stared at the rat a bit uneasily but otherwise ignored it. Parkinson on the other hand chose the furthest seat from Stella while still trying to stay close to Draco, who was glaring at Theo and Blaise from across the table.

Stella watched as the first-years were brought it, Luna and Ginny staring around in wonder before both turned their eyes towards the Slytherin table, eyes locking on Stella. Both smiled brightly, waving excitedly before turning to face the hat and McGonagall. The hat began singing and then first years began getting called up. Luna went up before Ginny and the hat thought it over before yelling "RAVENCLAW!" confidently. Stella applauded politely but was a bit put out that Luna had been sent on her own. Ginny was called last and Stella watched as the hat seemed a bit distressed, even so for a hat, before shouting loud and proud, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Stella applauded after letting out a groan, knowing Fred would be all too happy to collect the three galleons from Stella later. Ginny smiled as Fred and George patted her head. She put a bit of food on her plate when it appeared, giving Scabbers a bit of her dinner roll. Snape walked through the hall, seeming rather angry as he strode to the head table, speaking in a hushed tone with McGonagall and Dumbledore before he and McGonagall left together. He caught Stella's eyes as he walked through the hall, giving her a nod that told her that Harry and Ron had been found.

"Oh, thank Merlin," she breathed.

"What's that about?" Theo asked.

"I told Professor Snape that Harry and Ron were missing and he went looking for them. I'm guessing he found them," Stella explained.

"You lost your brother and your boyfriend?" Pansy snickered. "Good going, Black."

Stella set Scabbers on the table and he ran across it, going straight towards Pansy. She shrieked and fell backwards out of her seat and Scabbers ran back to Stella, hoping onto her arm before climbing up her shoulder, hiding behind her black hair. Stella smirked, scratching Scabbers' back a bit before eating a bit of dessert as McGonagall, Snape, and Dumbledore returned, having missed the excitement at the Slytherin table. Stella smiled as she entered the Slytherin common room, waiting beside Blaise and Theo as the first-years were brought in. Snape came in a few minutes later, looking around the room and beginning his speech.

"I am your head of house, Professor Severus Snape. You have been sorted into Slytherin. Most of you know what they truly means but some of you will not understand. The school has preconceived notions of your house. They call us evil and target us. You are to stay in groups of three or more at all times. Do not wonder off on your own under any circumstances. I am sure you can ask a few of your classmates about experiences where they were caught alone. The other houses will see you as an easy target.

"In the halls, you are to carry yourselves with the respect and decorum that our founder would expect from you. You are to behave in classes, not call unwanted attention to yourself, and do not start fights. If you do find yourself in a duel, be sure to finish it. I have decided to start a dueling club in our house, which will be held every Sunday at three in the afternoon. There is a classroom across from the potions lab that we will be using.

"You have defense first thing in the morning with Ravenclaw. Miss Graphite will lead you to your class after breakfast. Do not be late for your classes. If you are, ask a Slytherin for directions and they will help you. Do not ask the Gryffindors, portraits, ghosts, or other students, even if they are related to you, something one of the second-years learned the hard way last year.

"Slytherin is your family now and you will all treat one another as such. Any problems you have with one another remains in this room. It does not follow you into the halls. We need to be seen as united.

"You may ask any of the ghost or portraits that are in this room now if you need assistance. Take a look around and memorize them. If you do not present yourself in the correct manor, you will be receiving detentions with myself, scrubbing cauldrons by hand."

Snape nodded to the first years before looking to the older students, all of them knowing what as expected of them. Snape found Stella and tilted his head towards his office and Stella wondered if he had somehow heard about Scabbers scaring Parkinson already. She followed him out, groaning as she thought she was somehow already in trouble, causing a few others to laugh and the first-years to relax a bit at seeing a student acting so naturally with their rather strict head of house.

Snape opened his office door and revealed Harry and Ron inside, eating a few sandwiches. She let out a relieved breath as she ran over, hugging Ron and then Harry before demanding they tell her what happened. After hearing about the car, Snape seeming rather agitated by the story, they were sent to Gryffindor tower. Scabbers was handed over to Ron and she waved as they left.

"Thank you, sir," she told him, voice soft.

"Now, about that rat," Snape raised a brow.

"What of him?" Stella asked, acting innocent.

"Keep him in check," he told her before holding his hand out.

Stella passed her ring over and Snape set it on his desk. He pulled out his wand, speaking in Latin for several minutes before passing the ring back to Stella. She slipped it back onto her finger and thanked Professor Snape before he dismissed her. She skipped out of his office and the first-years stared at her in amazement. She gave them a smile before going up to her room and getting ready for bed, sticking her tongue out at Pansy when she wasn't looking, causing Tracy and Lily to giggle before they all went to bed.

The next morning, Stella stared in confusion at the howler that had just been dropped in front of her. She opened it and her mum started screaming about how Stella had allowed Harry and Ron to do something so dangerous. She ignored the words, eating her breakfast instead before she heard her mum's voice yelling from the Gryffindor table.

"YOUR FATHER IS FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK AND IT IS ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT! IF YOU STEP ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME! By the way, Ginny darling. Congratulations on getting into Gryffindor. Your father and I are so proud."

The letter tore itself apart as Stella's had before and she rolled her eyes, ignoring the ache in her chest as she continued eating. Snape cleared his throat from behind her and Stella turned offering him a large smile before accepting her schedule and looking over it. Charms with Ravenclaw first thing, followed by History of Magic with Ravenclaw as well. They would have Transfiguration with Hufflepuff after that, leaving Potions with Gryffindor tomorrow and then defense and herbology with Ravenclaw the next day. The only class they had with Gryffindor was Astronomy that year, which took place on Wednesdays.

Stella was dragged to out of the hall by Theo and Blaise as she complained about the lack of classes with her brother before seeing Luna being picked on by a seventh year Gryffindor.

"Leave her alone!" Stella told the Gryffindor, rushing over to defend her friend.

"Or what, little snake? Going to turn a needle into a matchstick at me?" the Gryffindor laughed.

"Or I'll tell Fred and George Weasley that you were bothering their sister's friend," Stella corrected, watching the color drain from the seventh years face before he ran off. "You alright Luna?"

"Yes, thank you," Luna nodded. "I should be getting to my class but I lost my classmates."

"You have defense with the first-year Slytherins," Stella told her. "There go the Slytherins now if you just want to go with them?"

"Thank you," Luna nodded, finding that Zelda Graphite had stopped and waited for Luna when she'd heard Stella's offer.

Zelda gave Stella a nod and left with the Slytherins and Luna, leading them away and explaining about the step on the staircase that liked to trap students, hoping over it so the students knew to avoid it. Stella walked with Blaise and Theo then, talking back and forth a bit as the two boys told Stella all about their summer. Theo stayed with Blaise and his mother a majority of the time, Theo's mum being sick at home and his father watching over her.

Flitwick explained what they would be learning that year, Stella taking a few notes but having already read the charms book a few times. She planned on practicing a few of them during the break before lunch, wanting to master the spells quickly as she had the year before, which she did with Blaise and Theo in the common room.

After lunch, the three were heading to their next class with the other Slytherins when Malfoy's voice raised, causing Stella to roll her eyes.

"Signed photos? You're giving out signed photos, Potter?" Draco raised his voice higher. "Everyone line up! Harry Potter is giving out signed photos!"

"No, I'm not," Harry argued. "Shut up, Malfoy."

"You're just jealous," piped up a first year.

"Jealous?" asked Malfoy, who didn't need to shout anymore. "Of what?" I don't want a foul scar right across my head, thanks. I don't think getting your head cut open makes you that special myself."

"Eat slugs, Malfoy," said Ron angrily.

"Be careful, Weasley," sneered Malfoy. "You don't want to start any trouble…"

"Draco," Stella said, voice light as she raised her brow, staring at him.

He looked back, eyes widening at Stella's soft tone. He sighed before turning and walking away, continuing towards class without a word. Stella smirked to Blaise before smiling to Ron and Harry and moving along. They both stared in confusion, watching the sea of green move along, the show ending.

Two days later, the Slytherin quidditch team was cheering loudly as they received new brooms, Draco smiling in the center of the circle. Stella wandered over, wandering what was going on. Draco smirked and moved to her.

"I've been made seeker and dad bought the team new brooms," Draco told her confused expression.

"Ah," Stella nodded, understanding now.

"Are you mad at me for something?" Draco finally asked.

"No," Stella shook her head. "Why would I be mad at you?"

"I wrote to you over the summer," he said and Stella grew a bit agitated, having not written Draco back after hearing about the marriage contracts. "You are mad about something."

"Mum didn't want me writing you because of how much our dad's don't like each other," Stella told him, bending the truth just slightly. It was a true statement but it wasn't why she'd stopped writing Draco.

"I can't believe she sent you a howler from Weasley and Potter doing something so stupid," Draco shook his head.

"Not the first time," Stella shrugged. "It's fine. I don't really care anymore."

"Still," Draco sighed. "It isn't fair."

"So, seeker?" Stella asked. "I was going to try out next year for the position."

"You could always be a reserve or a chaser," Draco shrugged. "You should still tryout next year."

"I think I will," she nodded. "I need to go study a bit more. Have fun celebrating, cousin."

Draco watched her go, the word 'cousin' ringing in his ears.

On Sunday, the whole of Slytherin gathered in the large room, all looking around in wonder at the room that had been prepared. Snape stood at the head of the room, waiting until everyone had entered to begin.

"As I mentioned on your first night here, Slytherins will be targeted more than other houses. Stella Black, step forward."

Stella held in the groan as she moved forward, Blaise having threatened to push her if she didn't move faster.

"Tell them what happened last year?"

"Do I have to?" she asked, face reddening and sighing when Snape gave her a look before turning to face the others. "On the second day of classes, I wondered off on my own and two fifth year Ravenclaws attacked me. I had a broken nose, a few cracked ribs, and I believe a concussion?"

Snape nodded and Stella continued.

"I also asked my older brother, who is in Gryffindor, how to get to Transfiguration and he had me doing circles on the wrong floor. The Baron, the Slytherin ghost, ended up finding me and leading me to class in time to not be late."

"The favoritism as well."

"Oh, yeah," Stella nodded. "I know a few of you firsties were complaining about receiving less points? That's par for the course, unfortunately. Just answer as many questions as you can correctly and do all of your assignments to the best of your ability. If you need help with an assignment, you can always ask me."

"How long did it take you to figure all of this out?" a first year asked her, still seeming a bit scared.

"This all happened in my first week last year," Stella told them and they all gasped, causing Stella to move closer to them. "Yeah. Just don't let it get to you and don't ever let them see you cry. A good friend taught me that one."

Stella shot a wink at Theo before smiling to the first years. Stella moved back to her spot between her two friends and Snape started up again.

"On Sundays, we will practice whatever spells you learned in classes this week. Prefects will help anyone who is having problems and if any of the prefects are having difficulties, you can come see me any time and I'll help you since you're helping during this time. Break into your years and get started."

Stella walked Parkinson through the disarming spell, something she was having a rather hard time with. She gave Stella an uneasy look before she began listening, nodding along and taking Stella's advice. By the end of the hour, the second years all had three charms spells and two transfiguration charms perfected, Stella having helped all of them since she already had them figured out.

Zelda had wondered over, watching with her hands on her hips for a few moments before walking to Snape and telling him the progress that the second-years had made. He'd wondered over then, forcing the small smile that threatened to appear on his face down as Stella helped someone that he knew she didn't like get a spell down. He nodded his approval before moving over to the first years, all of whom had made their feathers float by now and were laughing.

"Black," Snape called Stella over and she moved to his side quickly. "Help the first years, please. Zabini and Nott can continue helping your classmates."

"Yes, sir," Stella nodded, Blaise and Theo calling their agreeance out as well.

Stella smiled, as she knelled beside the first-years, explaining the spells to them in detail before having them practice for another thirty minutes before they were all dismissed for the day.

Stella knew that Fred would catch up to her eventually, so she took to carrying the three galleons on her for when he did. It was Monday, after hearing about Ron's spell misfiring after Draco had called Hermione that slur, when Fred finally did.

"Alright, little sister?" Fred smirked.

"Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes, pulling the three galleons out of her pocket and passing them over.

"Why are you paying him?" Draco demanded.

"I told him to focus you during quidditch to break you in a bit," Stella lied, causing Blaise and Theo to snicker while Draco gave her a soft glare.

Fred laughed and hugged Stella before running off after Lee and George. Stella, upon seeing all three together, remembered the items hidden away in her trunk and decided now was a better time than any to get started. Stink pellets found their way into Draco's and Goyle's bags, causing both boys to grow more and more paranoid. She stopped as October arrived, a damp chill over the grounds and in the castle. It rained for days on end and Stella convinced Ginny to join herself and Luna to play in the rain during lunch one day. The three laughed as they danced, jumping into puddles and feeling carefree. Luna told Ginny that the nargles had been getting worse but the rain dancing seemed to have helped. All three girls ended up having to take a Pepperup potion the next day to fight off the cold that had tried to come on, Snape giving her a pointed look as he placed it in front of her. Stella couldn't help but laugh at the smoke that poured from her ears for the next few hours.

Halloween night, Stella let some fireworks off, entertaining those at her table during dinner. After the large, joyful feast, they all headed out, only to stop in their tracks.

"Enemies of the Heir, beware! You'll be next, Mudbloods!" Draco yelled and Stella pushed to the front, finding Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing closest to the scene.

Mrs. Norris was hanging from by her tail from a torch bracket, seemingly dead. Filch pushed students out of the way, wanting to see what was going on and Stella immediately felt sorry for him when he saw his beloved pet before his eyes turned on the three Gryffindors.

"You!" he screeched. "You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll…"

"Argus!" Headmaster Dumbledore had arrived and the students had stepped aside to let him through.

He detached Mrs. Norris from the torch and had Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Filtch follow after him, Lockhart offering up his office, probably just so he could be included in whatever discussion was to come. The students were all sent away, Snape giving the Slytherins a pointed look so that they would move along before following with McGonagall.

Stella went straight to the library, getting a copy of Hogwarts: A History before anyone else could. She went to the common room to find the Slytherins all starting to gather together, the first years looking terrified and the eldest students looking determined. Stella sat beside Theo, waiting to hear what was happening with the others. Snape entered the common room half an hour later, looking around and making sure all of his students were present before speaking.

"How many of you know what the Chamber of Secrets is?" he asked and only a few of the older students raised their hands. "There is a legend that Salazar Slytherin created a secret chamber in the castle with a beast that would kill students of a certain parentage but he was forced out of or left the school before he could use it. The legend says that only the Heir of Slytherin could open the chamber and use the beast. Many will think it is one of you if they do not focus on Harry Potter. I want you all to stick together…"

"Why can't we let the beast do what it's meant to do?" Draco questioned, rolling his eyes.

"Not everyone in this room is a pureblood, Malfoy," Snape stated. "You are supposed to treat everyone in your house like family and sprouting off about blood purity when there are half-bloods and muggleborns around is, not only foolish, but dangerous. If someone decides that they believe you to be the heir due to your words and attack you, it will be your own fault.

"As I was saying, I want you all to travel together by year. The younger students will be in the most danger, so I want the older years to try looking after them every chance that you get.

"The headmaster is wanting every copy of Hogwarts: A History from the library so no other houses get any foolish ideas, thank Merlin. If you have a copy, return it to the library or give it to me by tomorrow morning."

Stella hid the book between herself and Theo, who glanced at the book before looking up again, face straight in the process. Snape left then and conversations broke out amongst the house. Stella slowly pulled the book out and began turning through the pages, looking for anything she could find on the Chamber. She stopped when she found it and Theo and Blaise leaned in so she could read it out loud to them while keeping lookout.

"The Chamber of Secrets is a legendary secret room constructed by Salazar Slytherin to house a monster which would finish his "noble work." This noble work would be accomplished when his true heir would open the Chamber and release the monster which lived within to rid the school of non-pureblood students.

"Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor argued back and forth over whether or not to allow Muggle-born students into Hogwarts. Gryffindor won and Slytherin left the school once the Chamber was built, his threat hanging in the air.

"Over the centuries, many great witches and wizards have searched for the Chamber with no success. This leaves the Chamber as a legend, a story Slytherin told the other founds as a way to make them paranoid and a last ditch effort to try keeping Muggle-borns from attending."

"That's it?" Theo asked, seeming a bit let down.

"That's it," she sighed. "I'm going to copy this down and then turn in the book."

Stella did just that, knocking on the door that led to Snape's office and handing the book over when he opened the door. He gave her a nod and she went back to Theo and Blaise, the two rereading the story themselves.

"Do you think we might be able to find anything in any of the books on the shelves?" Stella asked, head tilting towards said books.

"Doubtful," Blaise sighed. "Professor Snape probably removed everything the moment he walked in here. I'm pretty sure I see a few books missing."

"Rude," Stella sighed before standing. "I'm knackered. I'm heading to bed."

The school could talk of nothing else for the next few days and the Slytherins were receiving more glares than normal. Stella made a point to start learning how to strengthen her basic shield spell on Sunday. She's need to ask an older student for help, but Zelda seemed to have taken a liking to Stella and had insisted on watching over the second-years herself. It felt nice, like having another older sibling all of a sudden.

It was the second week of November when Stella overheard Ron talking with Harry and Granger.

"I always knew Salazar Slytherin was a twisted old loony but I never knew he stared all this pure-blood stuff. I wouldn't be in his house if you paid me. Honestly, if the Sorting Hat had tried putting me in Slytherin, I'd've got the train straight home."

"Thanks, Ron," Stella spoke up and he jumped, turning to look at Stella quickly. "Appreciate the honesty."

"Wha- Wait, no. I didn't mean- Well, what I meant to say was…"

Scabbers leapt off of Ron's shoulder and Stella caught him easily, her hand shooting out and catching him midair. Draco stared at her with wide eyes that turned impressed.

"Alright, Black. Good catch," Goyle spoke up and Stella rolled her eyes, placing Scabbers on her shoulder and leaving the Gryffindors behind as she travelled with her house, Zelda sending a glare at Ron as she moved with the younger students towards dinner.

Stella woke early, along with the rest of the Slytherins, on the morning of the first quidditch match. It was Slytherin versus Gryffindor and Draco was nervous under his cocky façade. Stella bumped his arm with hers, giving him a reassuring look before they all left the dungeon together to head to breakfast. Stella looked to the Gryffindors, making sure Harry was eating before taking her seat and looking to Draco, who was simply staring at his empty plate.

"Would you like me to feed you, Draco?" Parkinson asked, trying to flirt.

"Are you going to chew it up and spit it into his mouth like a bird?" Stella asked under her breath, causing Blaise to choke on his juice, Theo having to slap him on the back as he laughed.

"What did you say?" Parkinson asked Stella, glaring at her.

"I said," Stella went to start again when Snape appeared at their table, "that you really should eat something, cousin. You don't want to fly on an empty stomach."

Blaise and Theo hid their smirks by ducking their heads as Draco sighed, grabbing a bit of toast and taking a bite of it. Snape rolled his eyes before walking away, heading to the head table to watch them from afar.

At eleven o'clock, the whole school was in the stands, cheering so loudly that it sounded like thunder as they waited for the game to begin. Stella set off some of the green fireworks when the Slytherins flew out, causing more cheers than normal to be let out. When Gryffindor came out, the Slytherins booed as loud as they possibly could, trying to be louder than the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors, who were all routing for Slytherins loss.

The game began and Stella cheered loudly before seeing a bludger going straight for Harry. He darted out of the way, but the bludger turned and flew towards Harry again before Fred hit it away. Slytherin were leading sixty to zero when it started raining. Fred and George were staying close to Harry as a bludger did not stop going at him. Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the three dived for the ground.

When the timeout ended, Harry flew into the air, flying in all sorts of directions to look for the snitch and escape the bludger. Stella couldn't even focus on the game anymore, too worried about Harry as she kept her eyes glued to him. Draco said something to Harry and Harry stopped, the bludger hitting Harry's arm and Stella swore she heard the crack. He dived at Draco and Draco darted out of the way as Harry took his hand off the broom and reached forward. He hit the muddy ground hard and Stella, who had already started running down the steps, turned to run onto the field instead, not caring as Snape called after her.

"Aha," she heard Harry say as she fell to her knees beside him, passing Stella the snitch. "We've won."

"You won," Stella laughed before Harry passed out.

Stella had never been so scared in her life (and she was raised by Molly Weasley!) than when Harry's eyes closed.

"Harry?" she asked before panic took over. "Harry!"

Lockhart appeared beside her as Harry woke.

"Oh, no, not you," Harry moaned when his eyes caught sight of Lockhart.

"Doesn't know what he's saying," said Lockhart loudly to the anxious Gryffindor team as they pressed in close, Fred pulling Stella to her feet. "Not to worry, Harry. I'm about to fix your arm."

"No!" Harry yelled. "I'll keep it like this, thanks…"

Stella would have laughed if the pain on Harry's face wasn't obvious. A first year raised his camera, ready to take a photo before Stella grabbed his camera, passing it to Fred who held it high in the air so the kid couldn't grab it back.

"Lie back, Harry," Lockhart demanded and Stella turned her attention back to her friend. "It's a simple charm I've used countless times…"

"Why can't I go to the hospital wing?" Harry growled the question out.

"He should really, Professor," Wood spoke up, grinning like a loon. "Great capture, Harry, really spectacular. Your best yet, I'd say."

"Stand back," Lockhart told the students.

"No!" Stella raised her voice and darted forward, grabbing Lockhart's wand. "He said no and you aren't doing a thing he told you not to do."

"Why, give me my wand back, young lady," Lockhart was angry now, standing quickly and facing her.

Fred and George moved in front of Stella quickly, George having just shown up from forcing the bludger into the box with Angelina Johnson's help. Harry looked beyond grateful for the interference and stood slowly, Angelina helping him stand and slowly back away from Lockhart before they were far enough away that they could turn and walk away quickly. Stella tossed Lockhart his wand, not liking the flashy thing in her hand before chasing after them, Fred and George distracting Lockhart until Stella and Harry had cleared the field.

Stella paced in the hospital wing as Madam Pomfrey worked on Harry's arm, Zelda sitting in a chair and waiting for Stella patiently. Harry's arm was healed with a few wand waves and then put in a sling before he was told to take it easy for the next week, as his arm would be sore for a while.

The Gryffindor team, Ron, and Granger ran in as they were starting to leave, all looking for Harry immediately and asking if he was alright. He assured them that he was fine and leaving the hospital wing now. Zelda cleared her throat and Stella nodded before turning to Harry.

"Here you are," she told him, holding out the snitch.

"You keep it," Harry shook his head. "A thanks for stopping Lockhart."

"Anytime," Stella laughed. "Honestly, I fear you would have ended up with no bones at all had he tried anything."

Zelda led Stella back to the dungeons and she immediately went to her room to change out of her muddy clothes, putting on her pajamas and laying down rather than joining everyone for dinner. She held up the snitch, staring at it with a soft smile and a warmth growing in her chest.

Stella went to the library the next morning, sneaking around as she craved a moment alone. She turned down an aisle and stopped in her tracks, staring as Oliver Wood and her brother, Percy, kissed passionately. She backed away, deciding she no longer needed alone time after seeing that. She got back to the common room and sat beside Theo as he read.

"I thought you'd snuck out," Theo commented.

"Just saw my brother, Percy, snogging someone in the library. Came right back here," Stella shrugged.

"Yuck," Blaise commented, looking up from his own book. "Who was he snogging?"

"I'm not saying," she shook her head with a smirk. "I plan to use it against him if I get in trouble."

"That's a girl," Blaise laughed, face falling as Snape swept into the room. "Uh, oh. You may have been caught."

Stella turned, seeing a cross expression on Snape's face. He called for the attention of all of the students and everyone came down from their rooms and into the common room.

"There was another attack last night during dinner," he told them. "A young Gryffindor boy. Did any of you notice someone missing from dinner last night perhaps?"

"Black wasn't at dinner," Parkinson spoke up, a smirk on her face as she looked at Stella.

"Black?" Snape asked, staring at her.

"I decided to take an early night instead after the game," Stella shrugged. "I was in my room. Graphite dropped me off here."

"Graphite?"

"I dropped her off and then went with the group to dinner," Zelda answered.

"Can anyone confirm you were in your room all night?" Snape asked and Stella felt a fear rising in her chest.

"I don't think so, sir. I fell asleep."

"In my office," he told her, moving towards his office and not waiting for her, knowing Stella would follow after him.

Stella was shaking when she sat in her chair, a chair she hadn't been in very often so far that year, mostly due to everyone staying together. Snape stood in front of her, leaning against his desk and looking troubled. Stella gulped, staring up at him.

"I am only going to ask you this once and I want you to be completely honest with me," he told her, voice low and dangerous. "Are you the one attacking the muggle-borns?"

"No, sir," Stella shook her head.

"Do not lie to me…"

"I'm not, sir. I would never."

"Do you mind if I search your belongings?"

"No, sir, I don't mind," she told him.

"Stay here," he told her, sweeping out of the room.

Stella felt as if her heart were beating out of her chest. Her eyes were burning and her throat was aching from trying not to cry. All she'd wanted was a little extra sleep after the game because of the stress from watching Harry have gotten hurt. Now her head of house, who she looked up to, and her housemates, who she had been working so hard to make friends with in the past few weeks, all probably thought she was attacking other students. Snape swept back into the office with her journal throwing it onto his desk as his door slammed shut again, relocking.

"Anything you want to tell me about?" he asked, pointing at her journal.

"No," Stella shook her head, confused; the only thing in her journal were ledger notes and product ideas for the twins… and the information on her criminal father and the quote about the Chamber.

"What is this?" Snape asked, holding up the bit of scrap parchment with the quote on it.

"All of the students are curious about it," Stella shrugged. "I copied down the passage and then turned the book in. Blaise and Theo were with me when I copied it."

"And this?" Snape asked, holding the photo and article clippings with her father.

"I was curious about who he was," Stella said, feeling about two inches tall.

"Or maybe you're more like your father than we all thought," Snape sneered the word. "The Black family is an old and ancient one after all. They could be descendants of Salazar Slytherin somewhere down the line."

"Draco is a Black as well," Stella pointed out. "He's far more likely to be attacking muggleborns than I am."

"Yes, he is the more obvious suspect. Which is why it would be so easy for you to push the blame to him instead of yourself. You, who are so desperate to prove yourself. Maybe you decided to prove yourself to him instead of your adoptive mother who so despises you," Snape hissed, his words coming out sharp and spiked, lodging into Stella's heart.

"No," she immediately tried to argue, tears pricking her eyes again.

"The headmaster will be conducting a full investigation," Snape said. "You are to remain in this room until it is complete."

Snape left again, going out the other door, which locked behind him. Stella felt sick to her stomach. She let out the tears, sobbing into her hands and not knowing what to do. She hadn't done this, wouldn't have hurt someone or an animal, no matter how annoying everyone thought Mrs. Norris was. She wasn't even anywhere near Mrs. Norris's attack until after the fact on Halloween.

Professor Snape's words had hurt as well. She had trusted him and gone to him for help, to ask questions on classes, and to help him grade papers. The man who had just spoken to her was cruel and uncaring, using her insecurities against her in a way such a way that it brought her to a panic attack so severe she didn't know how to cope.

She slid to the floor, leaning against the desk and crying harder and harder until she couldn't breathe. She tried calming down but all that she succeeded in doing was making her sobs silent, choking on the anguished sounds trying to escape her. Black spots filled her vision and her ring gave off of ray of light that was so bright it made the whole room shine before a loud 'POP' rang through the room.

"Stella? Stella, what's wrong? I can feel your emotions. What's happened? Are you alright?" Sirius Black's voice demanded but Stella's mind was shutting down.

She fell to the side, landing on the floor and passing out, Sirius Black's voice echoing in her head, sounding sane as he yelled for her answer. Stella woke in the hospital wing, eyes fluttering open but not able to take anything in. Shadows moved above her and a buzzing filled her ears, but nothing registered in her mind. Sirius Black was singing a lullaby in her head.

"Sleep now, my star, under the night sky. When you wake, they'll be no reason to cry. The moon will watch… over you. And then, My love, I'll join you soon."

Slowly, everything began to take shape. The shadows above her were her brothers and sister, their worried faces staring down at her. The buzzing was their voices, saying her name and trying to get her attention. Stella rubbed her eyes, letting out a groan as she sat up. She knew the hand that helped her get upright was Ron, as he was always the one helped her after an episode. Her eyes fluttered open again and she saw Harry, Blaise, and Theo standing at the end of her bed and Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Pomfrey standing to the side, speaking in hushed tones to one another. As her eyes continued to travel, she saw a Gryffindor boy and a Hufflepuff boy laying in beds, frozen, and the Gryffindor ghost floating close by, neck smoking.

"Can a ghost die twice?" Stella asked, staring at the ghost.

The adults stopped speaking at once, Snape rushing over to Stella's bed.

"Miss Black…" he began but she wasn't having it as she turned to Percy.

"How long have I been here?" she asked him.

"Two weeks," he admitted.

"Two weeks?" she asked, eyes widening before she began scrubbing her face with her hands. "Bloody hell. I'm going to have so much homework."

"You are excused from your homework assignments, Miss Black," McGonagall spoke up, concern clear on her face.

"Hermione is copying all of her notes for you," Ron assured her.

"Plus, you already know all the spells we're learning this year," Blaise reminded her.

"So, potions, then?" Stella asked the two Slytherins.

"You can complete them under my eye after classes," Snape tried but Stella refused to look at him.

"Brilliant," Stella stated, face blank as she spoke before she looked to Madam Pomfrey. "Am I alright? No offense, Madam, but I'm not a fan of hospitals."

"I have potions I want you to take every night before bed, but other than that, you are free to go," Madam Pomfrey stated, pulling a week's worth of potions from her pocket. "Come see me in a week so I can do a quick checkup."

"Yes, madam," Stella nodded and the boys moved away quickly as Ginny placed school robes beside Stella.

A privacy screen went up around the two girls and Ginny helped Stella dress quickly. Stella accepted the brush that Ginny offered and Stella brushed through her hair, glancing in the mirror beside the hospital bed and noticing that her hair was as greasy as Snape's on a daily basis. Ginny had Stella sit in the chair that was beside the bed and braided Stella's hair so it wasn't as noticeable. Once done, the two moved around the screen and the students all left the hospital wing, leaving the adults behind, one whose eyes were sad and ashamed as he watched them go.

"How bad is it?" Stella asked and the Gryffindors looked confused but Theo and Blaise understood what she meant.

"It was pretty bad," Blaise admitted. "Everyone thought it was you until two days ago. Most of your stuff was destroyed. Draco wrote to his mum and everything was replaced. I'm sure that'll cost you something in the future."

"Great," Stella rolled her eyes. "Just what I need. I'm guessing there was an attack two days ago, which would explain the twice dead ghost?"

"Yes," Theo answered. "Everyone is back to thinking it's Potter again."

"Oh, wonderful," Stella sighed, looking over at Harry. "Are you alright?"

"Could be worse," Harry shrugged. "No one destroyed my stuff. We also got to see Snape throw Lockhart across a room in a dueling club."

"And Potter can talk to snakes," Theo tossed out and Stella froze mid-step before bringing her foot back and turning slowly to Harry.

"You can what now?"

"I can talk to snakes," Harry shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "Didn't realize it wasn't common until… well…"

"Until suddenly everyone thought you were the Heir of Slytherin instead of me?" Stella offered.

"What happened?" Ron suddenly asked. "Why did Snape seem scared to talk to you? Also, why aren't you telling me to call him 'Professor'? You always get onto me for that."

"It doesn't matter," Stella sighed. "I know I was just out for two weeks but I am exhausted."

"Let's get some food in you and then get you to your room," Blaise nodded.

"Is everyone in the Great Hall right now?" Stella asked, stopping again.

"Yeah," Fred nodded. "We're going to the kitchens, though."

"Alright," Stella sighed, following after her older brothers, the three leading the way as the others followed behind.

"So, Potter, now that you're the Heir to Slytherin, you can be my friend," Blaise joked.

"What?" Harry asked confused.

"Well, you're interesting now," Blaise shrugged.

"I wasn't interesting before?"

"Do you remember defeating the Dark Lord?"

"No."

"Then, no."

Stella let out a snort of laughter as Fred tickled the pear in the photo and pushed the door open. House elves rushed to help them, passing the plates of sandwiches and flagons of juice. The Gryffindors walked the Slytherins to the dungeons before leaving them on their own.

"Pureblood," Blaise told the portrait and it swung open.

"You have got to be kidding me," Stella scoffed, rolling her eyes.

The three ate their sandwiches before Stella escaped to her room when she heard footsteps approaching. She found new robes and school books sitting on her bed, along with parchment, new quills and inkwells, and trainers. A new trunk and shoulder bag were at the end of her bed and Stella groaned at all of the notes that she'd have to rewrite in her books before putting the clothes away and putting supplies in the emerald green bag. Her journal was sitting on her pillow and Stella knew that it had remained in Snape's office until recently.

Stella changed into the silk nightgown that she didn't know how to feel about before laying in her bed, pulling the curtain closed and rolling over, facing away from the room. The dorm room door opened and Stella could hear the other second-year girls enter the room, Parkinson and Greengrass laughing until they all noticed that her curtain was closed.

"Do you think she's in there?" Lily's voice asked.

"One way to find out," Tracy sighed and Stella closed her eyes, hearing her curtain open and then close again. "She's in there and asleep."

"I'm surprised she came back," Parkinson said to the other girls, voice low as if she didn't want to wake Stella.

"I wouldn't have," Greengrass agreed.

"What do we say to her?" Tracy asked.

"No clue," Lily answered. "Maybe we don't say anything. See if she talks to us."

The girls quieted down within the hour and Stella listened to them all breathing, hoping they were asleep. She sat up slowly and climbed out of her bed. She heard someone take in a sharp breath and knew at least one person was awake but she didn't care. She slipped on a school robe and slippers that were more soft than anything she'd ever owned before. Next, she grabbed her school bag and tossed a uniform into it along with the new trainers and her charms and potions books, not sure what day it was or what class, if any, she had the next morning.

Stella tiptoed out or the room and down to the common room, finding it dark and empty. She knew there was danger in the school, but she didn't really care as she snuck through the halls until she reached Gryffindor tower, finding the snag in her plan suddenly. She stared at the portrait, not sure what to do or say. The Fat Lady stared down at her for a minute before disappearing and Stella lost hope, wondering if she should just go back down to the dungeons before the portrait swung open, revealing a very tired Percy.

He waved Stella in and she let out a sigh of relief as she stepped inside. Stella went straight to Ron's room, tossing her bag onto the floor and climbing into the bed beside him, waking him in the process. He could sleep through everything else but not through Stella crawling into the bed beside him. She drank down a potion before laying down, curling against Ron's chest and sniffling slightly before closing her eyes, feeling safe with her brother.

A gasp woke Stella the next morning and she wanted to glare at whoever had woken her.

"Shut it," Ron whispered but Stella's eyes were already open and she was turning to see who Ron was speaking to.

Neville stared down at Stella in confusion. She gave a shy smile, pulling the blanket higher up on herself and hiding against Ron again.

"We have to get moving," he told her.

"What day is it?" she asked.

"Thursday," he told her.

"I'm skipping potions," she grumbled.

"You've missed enough classes," Ron told her. "Up you get. You smell like hospital and snakes."

"Funny," Stella rolled her eyes. "I'm going to steal Ginny's shower."

"Are you alright?" Ron whispered the question and Stella nodded before giving Harry a wave as she left the room. She passed a few Gryffindors along the way and they stared at her before they began whispering back and forth. Stella walked into the first year dorm, finding the four girls slowly beginning to move around. Ginny ran to Stella when she saw her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"I came to use your shower," Stella told her in a whisper.

"Did you sleep in Ron's room?" Ginny whispered back.

"Yeah and it stank like preteen boys," Stella laughed.

Ginny laughed as well, releasing Stella and pointing towards the dorm bathroom. Stella took her bag with her into the loo and got into the shower, taking her hair out of the braid before grabbing Ginny's shower stuff and using it. She sat under the hot water for a minute before stepping out, dressing quickly in her emerald green school robes, a contrast to the scarlet red that was around her when she walked into the first-year dorm again.

Ginny made Stella sit again and she brushed and rebraided Stella's hair quickly. Stella gave her a thankful smile before leaving the dorm room and coming face-to-face with Hermione, letting out a surprised gasp.

"Hi," Stella breathed out.

"Ron asked me to come check on you," Hermione admitted, seeming a bit awkward.

"Oh. I'm coming down now," Stella nodded and Hermione walked down the stairs beside Stella, the two remaining silent.

Stella saw her brothers all gathered together, Harry and Neville standing with them.

"I made copies of all of our notes for you," Hermione told her as they waited for Ginny to come down. "I'll get them to you after classes."

"Thank you," Stella nodded, still feeling a bit detached from everything.

"Stell?" Ron asked, hand going to her arm.

"I'm okay," she assured him. "Still waking up."

Ron nodded and Harry went to Stella's other side, taking her hand in his. Ginny came down and the group walked together to the Great Hall. People whispered as they all walked by, about Harry being the Heir, about Stella being back. She didn't know what they were saying and she didn't care enough for it to matter in the moment, either. Blaise and Theo were waiting outside the hall and she moved to them once she entered the hall, giving Harry's hand a gentle squeeze before going.

She sat between the two, Draco taking the set across from her, Crabbe and Goyle on each side of him. The boys stayed around Stella all day, as if protecting her like a king on a chess table. If she had to pick which pieces were which, She'd make Draco and Theo knights, Crabbe and Goyle pawns, and Blaise the queen, but only because he was the only one who could probably pull off a gown and heels if asked to.

Snape had tried to hold Stella after class but she had walked right out of his classroom, refusing to speak with him. By the end of the day, a story about Harry and Stella working together as Heir to Slytherin had somehow gotten around and she'd rolled her eyes at the fourth-year Hufflepuff and continued walking, Goyle pushing the Hufflepuff over as they walked by.

Fred and George tried to make light of everything. They went out of their way to march ahead of Harry and Stella every chance they got and shout up and down the corridors.

"Make way for the Heirs of Slytherin! Seriously evil witch and wizard coming through! Rising dark couple walking!"

"It is not a laughing matter," Percy told them coldly.

"Oh, get out of the way, Percy," said Fred. "Stella and Harry are in a hurry."

"Yeah. They're off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged servant," George chortled.

"Oh, don't!" Ginny wailed every time Fred asked Harry loudly who he planned on attacking next or when George pretended to ward Stella off with a large glove of garlic when they met.

The end of the term brought a peace that Stella hadn't known she'd been holding her breathe waiting for. She continued taking the calming draughts before bed every night, which helped with keep her nightmares away. Sirius singing that lullaby over and over at night helped as well. She'd written it down with the other things he'd said to her and taken to humming it throughout the day. Draco had given her a strange look when he'd heard it but said nothing. It was just him, Crabbe, and Goyle left in Slytherin for Christmas, so the four tended to sit by the fire in the common room and play card games. Stella and Draco played chess a few times as well, Draco actually impressed with how well she did against him.

She flew around the pitch on one of the brooms Draco's dad had bought the team, the four tossing a quaffle around before playing a game of two-on-two. Stella got Goyle for her team and no one remembered the score by the end of it, but Stella and Draco both insisted that they had won.

She went up to the Gryffindor common room on Christmas Eve, deciding to stay the night in Ginny's dorm with her. The Weasley's, Harry, and Hermione stayed up late that night, Percy even staying down until well best his bedtime as he kept an eye on his little sisters. They ate sweets and played Exploding Snap before practice dueling. Percy didn't approve of how loud it was or the roughhousing, but he left it alone. Stella wondered how he and Wood were doing.

The next night, Stella walked into the Great Hall and smiled brightly at how pretty it looked. There were frost-covered Christmas trees and thick streamers of holly and mistletoe crisscrossing the ceiling and enchanted snow falling even though the room was warm and dry. Dumbledore led them in a few of his favorite carols, Hagrid booming more and more loudly with every goblet of eggnog he consumed. Percy, who hadn't noticed that Fred had bewitched his prefect badge so it read 'Pinhead' kept asking them all what they were all sniggering at.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron ran off during dessert and Stella shrugged, not wanting to know what trouble they'd be getting into later. Draco took Stella back to the common room once she was done before leaving to go fetch Crabbe and Goyle. She went up to her room to grab the gifts she'd mail ordered for the three boys and headed back down, hearing the end of a conversation.

"-the wizarding prison, Goyle," Draco was saying and Stella froze. "Honestly, if you were any slower, you'd be going backwards. Father says to keep my head down and let the heir get on with it. He says the school needs ridding of all the Mudblood filth, but not to get mixed up in it. Of course, he's got a lot on his plate at the moment. He's trying to get the marriage contract pushed through without Sirius Black's signature and the ministry did a raid on our manor last week, did you know?"

There was a short silence and Stella entered the room, eyes turning to her when she did so. She gave a small smile, trying not to show what she'd overheard.

"I got you all presents," she told the boys. "I hope you like them."

"You didn't have to get us anything, cousin," Draco smirked.

"Of course, I did," Stella shrugged.

"I have your gift upstairs. I'll be right back," Draco told her before running up the stairs.

Stella turned to talk to Crabbe and Goyle but they'd both stood up quickly and ran off. She stared after their retreating forms in confusion, turning when Draco returned.

"Where'd they go?" Draco asked.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "They just ran off right when you left. Did you say something to them or were they feeling alright?"

"Crabbe had a stomach ache," Draco shrugged. "Maybe they went to the hospital wing."

"I hope they're alright," Stella sighed, looking back towards the portrait opening before grabbing Draco's present and passing it to him.

She took what had to be a jewelry box from Draco, opening it quickly. She stared down at the expensive necklace and earrings in the box for a long moment before looking to Draco.

"Technically, it's from mum. It's a Black family heirloom. She said you should have it now," Draco explained.

"It's beautiful," Stella smiled. "Makes my gift look terrible in comparison though."

"I like it," Draco shrugged, staring down at his broom servicing kit and quidditch poster. "It's more personal."

"Well, I don't think I'm ever going to have anywhere to wear this to, so I'm just going to put it upstairs for now. Probably go to bed, as well. Happy Christmas, cousin."

"Happy Christmas," Draco nodded, watching Stella go.

Hermione was in the hospital wing but Harry and Ron refused to tell her why. She made extensive notes in class as Hermione had done for her, passing them to Ron every day to take with Hermione's homework. Snape had finally had enough of Stella avoiding him and had threatened her with detention if she didn't stay after class one day. She had stayed seated as everyone else left, her five bodyguards not wanting to leave her and also having to be threatened with detentions. Once they were gone, Stella stayed staring at her desk as Snape pulled a chair out from one of the desk and set it beside her table, sitting in it and staring at her.

"You wanted me here," she reminded him. "If it's about my assignments, I can brew whenever. I've already written how I'd brew them and turned that in though."

"Those have all been graded and counted towards your grade. You do not need to actually brew the potions. They would be perfect if you did," Snape spoke, deep voice almost soothing her until she remembered his words in November.

"Is there something else, sir?" Stella asked, still not looking at him.

"I would like to look you in the eyes and tell you how sorry I am," he whispered and Stella refused to look up or let her tears fall. "The things I said to you were wrong and uncalled for."

"They were," Stella agreed with a stiff nod.

"I understand your curiosities. If I didn't know anything about my birth parents, I would be curious as well. You father was not a kind or good man, though."

"You say that like you knew him," Stella finally looked up and, upon seeing the look on Snape's face, she gasped. "You did know him."

"I did," Snape admitted. "We were in the same year during our time at Hogwarts."

"Did you know Harry's parents as well?"

"I did."

"So, you knew my mother?"

"I knew of her. I was a Slytherin and they were all Gryffindors. I'm sure you can guess how that went based off of your own experiences," Snape offered and Stella flinched at the thought. "Your father, Sirius Black, was a bully, as was Harry's father. They especially liked to pick on me. My robes were worse than yours used to be when I walked the halls. I had two friends in Gryffindor but they both turned their backs on me. I will not get into detail on what caused it."

Stella stared at Snape, wanting to ask more questions but not knowing what to ask.

"I am sorry, Stella, for the things that I said to you. It will never happen again."

"Okay," Stella nodded.

"Okay?" Snape breathed a sigh of relief.

"I don't forgive you," she told him honestly and he flinched. "I don't trust you. I looked up to you and went to you for sensitive things, and you used it against me. I'm not sure how to forgive you for that to be honest with you."

"I understand," he nodded, seeming to start closing off.

"I'll try," Stella told him, voice soft.

Snape looked at her with what could only be described as hope.

"May I go?" she asked and he nodded.

Stella stood quickly, flinging her bag over her shoulder and rushing from the classroom. The five boys were waiting for her still and they had to run to their next class but they made it just in time, all falling into their seats breathless.

The month went by and February fourteenth arrived. Lockhart was far too happy about it in his lurid pink robes that match the decoration in the hall. He looked even brighter in comparison to the two professors on either side of him. McGonagall and Snape both had sour expressions, as if they'd rather be anywhere else as they sat on either side of him. Stella took a picture with her camera, holding in a laugh as Snape sent a glare that promised death if the picture got out.

Lockhart announced Valentine's being passed around and Stella got a brilliant idea. She paid for musical numbers to be sang to Snape and the twins a few times through the day from secret admirers and went on her way, a sly smirk on her face. The dwarfs were wearing golden wings and carrying harps, looking angry at the world, not that Stella could blame them. She got to laugh so hard that she was bent at the waist when she heard Harry being sang to as a dwarf sat on him to keep him in place.

"His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad. His hair is as dark as a blackboard. I wish he was mine, he's really divine. The hero who conquered the Dark Lord."

The dwarf went to leave before catching sight of Snape and moving to him next.

"Severus Snape. I've got one for you, too. A secret admirer it seems."

"Oh, good Lord," Snape growled. "Not another one."

"Love, love, love, love, love. There's nothing you can do that can't be done. Nothing you can sing that can't be sung. Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game. It's easy.

"Nothing you can make that can't be made. No one you can save that can't be saved. Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time. It's easy.

"All you need is love. All you need is love. All you need is love, love. Love is all you need."

The dwarf had growled the Beatles song out, Snape staring down at the dwarf with murder in his eyes. A few students knew better than to laugh and Stella was not one of them. She had already been laughing hard from Harry's Valentine, but actually getting to see Snape get one of his was too much. She slid down the wall, laughing so hard she had tears leaking from her face.

Snape's eyes snapped to the laughing students, handing out detentions with Filtch until his eyes landed on Stella, who had a real smile on her face for the first time in months. His eyes softened slightly and he walked away, not giving her a punishment as he left.

"Oh, so worth it," Stella sighed, accepting Blaise's hand up.

"You did that?" Blaise asked, eyes wide.

"Fred and George have been getting sang to all day as well," Stella admitted. "They're eating up the attention. They actually pretended to be conducting three of the dwarfs each at once when they all appeared at the same time to sing to them."

"Was that you then?" Ron asked, pointing towards Harry.

"Oh, I have no clue who that was from," Stela admitted.

"I don't think Potter liked your Valentine much!" Draco yelled after Ginny and Stella's face fell.

"Oh, no," she whispered.

Snarling, Ron pulled out his wand, ready to defend his sister. Harry stopped Ron though, pulling him away quickly. Stella watched with pitying eyes as Ginny ran off, hands covering her face and surely crying. She really needed to work on her crush. Stella would have to have a conversation with her about it over the summer.

Stella was not the least bit surprised when she was called into Snape's office after classes. In fact, she skipped in, humming the Beatles tune under her breath as she bounced into her seat. Snape sent her a soft glare.

"Did you have fun? Am I forgiven now?" he asked.

"I think so," she nodded, unable to hide the amusement on her face.

"I should give you detention," he told her, brow raised.

"But you won't because I'm your favorite student?" she asked.

"You are not a complete dunderhead," he offered and dismissed Stella.

She skipped out of the office, still humming the song as she sat beside Theo, jostling him slightly in the process.

"Did you get detention until you graduate?" he asked, not looking up from his book.

"Nope," she smirked.

"How do you keep getting away with things?" Blaise demanded, tossing his book aside to stare at her.

"Because I'm his favorite. Duh," Stella offered before letting out a small laugh.

The second-year students were given the task of choosing what classes they wanted to add on the following year. Stella signed up for Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, and Ancient Runes. She hoped she'd be able to take all of them. She was the probably the only Slytherin signing up for muggle studies, not that she minded. Neville approached her the next day.

"Hi, Stella," he told her and Stella turned giving him a kind smile.

"Hey, Neville. You alright?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to know if I could ask your advice on something," he admitted, eyes darting between the five boys who surrounded her.

Stella shooed the five away, Theo staying by her side anyways while the other four moved a bit down the hall. She rolled her eyes at Theo and turned to Neville.

"I wanted to know which classes you think I should take next year," he admitted, shoulders slumping a bit. "I know you help grade my potions work and you help me with my other classes as well, so I wanted your honest opinion."

"Hmm," Stella thought it over. "Care of Magical Creatures, for sure. It'll help with Herbology. Divination could be just a fun class."

"Thanks," Neville smiled to her before running off.

"You're too nice," Theo told her as they walked back towards the others. "You do know Slytherins have a reputation to uphold, yes?"

"I make my own reputation," Stella shrugged, sneaking a stink pellet into Draco's bag, Theo the only one to notice.

"So you do," he smirked.

The Slytherins were in the stands, cheering for Hufflepuff when the match was cancelled. Stella stared down in confusion as they were instructed to head back to their common rooms. Stella saw Harry and Ron walking off with McGonagall and debated going after them but was pulled along by Theo before she got the chance.

New rules were set in place. Students would be escorted to classes by their teachers and they had to be in their common rooms by six every evening. Schedules were changed so that students in years had all had the same classes. Hermione had been petrified.

"Sir!" Draco called out in potions one day. "Sir, why don't you apply for the headmaster's job?"

"Kiss ass," Stella said under her breath, causing Blaise, Theo, Harry, and Ron to have to hide their laughs.

"Now, now, Malfoy. Professor Dumbledore has only been suspended by the governors. I daresay he'll be back with us soon enough," Snape answered and Stella could just barely hear the annoyance in his voice.

"Yeah, right," Draco continued. "I expect you'd have father's vote, sir, if you wanted to apply for the job. I'll tell father you're the best teacher here, sir."

"Please, sir. I'll tell father, sir," Stella mocked and the boys had to hide their laughs again.

Snape swept around the dungeon, missing Seamus pretending to throw up into his cauldron and causing everyone to have to hide more laughter.

"I'm surprised the mudbloods haven't packed their bags by now," Draco mumbled to Crabbe and Goyle. "Bet you five galleons the next one dies. Shame it wasn't Granger."

The bell rang and Stella was in front of Ron quickly, blocking his path and talking to him in a soothing voice as he described wanting to kill Draco with his bare hands as Harry and Dean Thomas held him back

Snape led them to Herbology next. Which was rather subdued. Sprout had them prune Abyssinian Shrivelfigs. A Hufflepuff spoke quietly to Harry in a corner before Harry hit Ron with his pruning shears, pointing towards some spiders, which Ron looked less than thrilled about, reminding Stella of when Fred turned Ron's stuffed bear into a spider with accidental magic when he was made at Ron for accidentally breaking his toy broom when they were little kids.

Lockhart was somehow still upbeat and Stella was very excited for when they would have a new teacher next year. He beamed and asked why they seemed so sad and Blaise had to grab Stella's arm so she wouldn't throw Magical Me: My Autobiography by Gilderoy Lockart at the man.

"Don't you all realize the danger is passed!" he announced. "The culprit has been taken away."

"Says who?" asked Dean loudly.

"My dear young man, the Minister of Magic wouldn't have taken Hagrid if he hadn't been one hundred percent sure that he was guilty," said Lockhart in the tone of someone explaining that one and one made two.

"Oh, yes he would," said Ron, even more loudly than Dean.

"I flatter myself I know a touch more about his arrest than you do, Mr. Weasley," said Lockhart in a self-satisfied tone.

Harry whispered something to Ron and the two settled, passing a note back and forth for the rest of class. Stella walked behind them, ready to grab the note if they dropped it but no such luck. Stella focused on studying instead, Snape having given them all a heads up that exams would still be taking place, starting on June first. Three days before the first exam, McGonagall made an announcement at breakfast.

"I have good news," she said and the hall erupted in noise.

"Dumbledore's coming back!" several people yelled joyfully.

"You've caught the Heir?" squealed a Ravenclaw.

"Quidditch matches are back on!" roared Wood excitedly and Stella let out a snort of laughter.

When everyone had quieted back down, McGonagall continued. "Professor Sprout has informed me that the mandrakes are ready for cutting at last. Tonight, we will be able to revive those people who have been petrified. I need hardly remind you all that one of them may well be able to tell is who, or what, attacked them. I am hopeful that this dreadful year will end with our catching the culprit."

Cheering was heard around the hall, Stella clapping happily at the news. Draco seemed put out but she didn't really care. They were heading to History of Magic latter that day, being led by Lockhart.

"Mark my words," he said, ushering them around a corner. "The first words out of those poor petrified people's mouths will be 'it was Hagrid.' Frankly, I'm astounded Professor McGonagall thinks all these security measures are necessary."

"I agree, sir," Harry nodded and Stella and Ron both dropped their books in shock.

"Thank you, Harry. I mean, we teachers have quite enough to be getting on with, without walking students to classes and standing guard all night."

"That's right," said Ron, nodding to Harry as if they were sharing some secret. "Why don't you leave us here, sir, we've only got one more corridor to go."

"You know, Weasley, I think I will. I really should go and prepare my next class," Lockhart wondered off and Stella stared after him, hoping he would get eaten by whatever the monster was.

Blaise pulled Stella along, not letting her follow after Harry and Ron as they let everyone else move ahead of them. Stella took a nap in History rather than take notes. She'd get a copy off of a Ravenclaw for Hermione later, having learned how to copy the notes by magic from McGonagall when she explained what she'd been doing after having asked the professor for copy because of how badly her hand had been hurting. McGonagall had seemed close to tears when Stella had spoken before showing her the charm that she wouldn't be learning until the following year.

Stella walked out of History, feeling groggy.

"Your sister is here," Theo spoke up and Stella turned, seeing Ginny standing by herself in the hallway, seeming a bit out of it.

"I'll see you both later," Stella told Blaise and Theo, leaving them without a second thought as she went to Gin. "Ginny? You alright?"

"No," Ginny shook her head. "I need help."

"I'm here," Stella assured her. "What do you need?"

"Come with me," Ginny whispered, taking Stella's hand and pulling her down the hall, away from everyone else.

"Are you alright?" Stella asked Ginny, holding her little sister's hand and not knowing the danger that she was in.

"I need to tell you something," Ginny told her, stopping in a hall.

Stella froze, staring at the wall.

"We need to get a teacher," Stella spoke up, trying to pull Ginny along.

"No," Ginny growled out, grabbing Stella's arm with a strength that Stella didn't know Ginny had.

"Gin?" Stella asked in confusion.

"He needs our help," Ginny stated.

"Who?"

"Tom?"

"Ginny, why are we in Mrytle's bathroom?" Stella asked, confused as they walked into the bathroom, the ghost hiding away in a stall and Stella just barely able to see her peeking at them over a stall.

"He's here," Ginny explained before looking at the sink.

Stella felt more nervous, unease already making her stomach want to turn. Ginny began hissing at the sink and Stella's eyes widened, recognizing the sound from when she'd asked Harry about speaking Parseltongue while studying a few weeks ago. Pieces began falling into place but Stella was too shocked to believe it. Her little sister, her sister who couldn't talk in front of the boy she had a crush on, who got nervous in large crowds, her sister who cried when she accidently stepped on a bee once, was opening the Chamber of Secrets.

Stella took a step back and Ginny's head snapped to her, eyes narrowed. Ginny grabbed Stella again, pulling her forward and giving her no choice but to jump into the tunnel with Ginny. Ginny landed on her feet, as if practiced in landing in the stone room with bones all across the bottom of it. Stella landed on her butt though, hissing as a bone dug into the back of her thigh a bit. Ginny dragged her to her feet and pulled her along.

Stella let out a scream when she saw the snake skin, stumbling backwards a bit. Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled Stella along again. Stella's eyes roamed over the snake skin before moving to the door that Ginny had stopped in front of. She hissed again and the large, round door slid open. Ginny pushed Stella inside and she climbed down a ladder, looking around slowly, a bit in awe.

The Chamber itself is a huge temple-like room with pillars and carved serpents. The towering stone pillars entwined with more serpents, rose to a ceiling lost in darkness, casting long, black shadows through the odd, greenish gloom that filled the place. There was a massive statue of Salazar Slytherin that Stella almost couldn't look away from until Ginny began dragging her forward again.

"Gin, who's Tom?" Stella asked, not remembering a Tom being sorted in Ginny's year.

"My friend," Ginny shrugged hand softening slightly on Stella's arm since she wasn't fighting Ginny any longer.

"Where'd you meet your friend?" Stella tried.

"In my journal."

"In your journal? How did you meet him in your journal?"

"I started writing in it and he wrote back."

"Like, the journal was charmed and connecting to another?" Stella was still confused as they stopped not far from the statue, facing one another now.

"He lives in the journal," Ginny corrected.

"Gin, I'm sorry, but I don't understand," Stella whispered, taking Ginny's hand gently in hers and feeling how cold her sister was. "Here."

Stella took her cloak off, placing it around Ginny's shoulders and rubbing her arms gently. Stella hated the cold but for Ginny she didn't mind braving it for a bit. Ginny stepped forward, arms wrapping around Stella in a hug. She began crying, confusing Stella more as she held her. Ginny never wanted comfort when she cried. She always wanted to be alone. Stella had tried going to her a few times and she'd shake her head and tell Stella to give her a few minutes.

"Gin? Where's Tom?" Stella asked, now wanting to hex the kid, Theo having taught her a new spell just a few days ago.

"He's here," Ginny whispered. "He needs our help. He needs me to help him come back and he needs you to help him get to Harry."

"Get to Harry?" Stella asked, blood running cold as Ginny pulled away.

"Well, you see, I told him. I told him how close you and Harry are. He wanted to meet you. Said you'll help him," Ginny explained. "I won't be here to help after…"

"After what?" Stella's voice was soft but the far away look in Ginny's eyes caused a bit of panic to rise in her, her voice hardening a bit. "After what, Ginny?"

Ginny didn't get to answer though as she collapsed against Stella. Stella yelled as she caught her, catching her so she landed on Stella rather than the stone floor. Ginny wouldn't wake up and Stella began looking around, trying to figure out a way out of the Chamber. She shouldn't have left the class, should have told Blaise and Theo to tell Snape she was going after her sister, literally anything.

Stella set Ginny down carefully before standing and starting to look around. There was water all over the floor and tunnels in every direction. Stella lit the tip of her wand and began exploring the tunnels, searching for a different way out. She couldn't speak Parseltongue like Harry and, apparently, Ginny could. That door was closed. She spent the next three hours searching before hearing a male voice calling out for her. She followed the voice, feeling a bit of relief that maybe someone had finally found her down here before she walked out of one of the tunnels, back into the Chamber to find a handsome seventh year Slytherin that she'd never seen before waiting for her.

"Thank Merlin," Stella sighed, moving forward, grateful to see the green and silver uniform. "Look, I know I shouldn't have gone off with Gin, but she's my sister. Can you yell at me after we get out of here?"

"So, you're the Stella Black that I've heard so much about?" the boy asked and Stella stopped, staring at him in confusion.

"What?" Stella asked confused, looking over his appearance again and noticing how old the uniform seemed to be, seeing the Head Boy badge and knowing that wasn't right, since the Head Boy was a Ravenclaw. "Who are you?"

"My name is Tom," the boy answered and Stella's eyes glanced to Ginny, who was still out cold on the floor. "I'm guessing Ginny has mentioned me?"

"She said that we needed to help you," Stella offered, moving over to Ginny now, kneeling beside her and trying to shake her awake again, feeling how cold she had become. "Crap. Gin, wake up. We need to get you to the hospital wing."

"She won't wake," Tom stated, staring down at the two.

"Why not?" Stella asked, glaring at the boy who did not belong. "What have you done to her?"

"I think we should wait for Harry Potter before I answer your questions. I am told that he'll come for you," Tom shrugged.

"Or I could knock you out and drag Ginny out of here," Stella offered.

"I don't think you'd win," Tom smirked.

"Probably not but I'm willing to give it a go," Stella shrugged, thinking of the few spells that she knew. "Stupefy!"

Tom ducked and Stella began shooting more and more spells before one literally went through him.

"What?" she asked, confused, staring at him with terrified eyes now. "Are you a poltergeist?"

"Not quite," he smirked. "I'm not quite solid yet. Soon though, Ginny will be dead, and I will be whole again."

"Over my dead body," Stella growled out.

"That can be arranged," Tom shrugged before he began hissing.

Stella watched as Salazar Slytherin's mouth opened. She could hear more hissing and grabbed Ginny quickly, trying to drag her away but not being very successful. She was about to Wingardium Leviosa her when she looked into the water, seeing a large, beautiful snake beside Tom, staring down at her with yellow eyes. Everything went black after that.

Stella woke in the hospital wing, feeling rather confused as she looked around slowly. Her entire body felt stiff, like her neck did after sleeping on it wrong all night. She let out a groan and stretched, her limbs popping in the process before she heard movement all around her. Stella opened her eyes, finding her brothers, Ginny, and Harry staring down at her suddenly, all asking her if she was alright and speaking over one another. Stella grabbed Ginny, pulling her close without thought and hugging her tightly. Ginny began crying again, climbing onto the bed beside Stella and holding her tightly.

Stella didn't care that they hadn't won the house cup but she was rather grateful that exams had been cancelled. She was sure she would have passed but still. It made her feel a bit more free knowing she didn't have to actively worry about it. Hermione looked distraught by the news from a few tables over and Stella couldn't help but laugh. Snape put the spells on Stella's rings that night, blocking the lullabies.

"Are you alright?" he asked her.

"A bit sore honestly," Stella shrugged. "I'll be alright though."

"Did Mr. Potter tell you what happened in the Chamber?"

"He did," Stella nodded. "Sir, did you know that Voldemort was Tom?"

"Don't say that name," Snape cut his eyes at Stella rubbing at his arm.

Stella's eyes narrowed on the movement before looking to Snape's eyes again. She raised a brow and he sighed, knowing he'd have to explain himself now.

"I joined the Death Eaters when I was in school. Your uncle and I both did, actually. When the Dark Lord decided to target a muggleborn friend of mine, I turned spy for the Order of the Pheonix, a light group created by Dumbledore to fight against You-Know-Who."

"So, you have the mark?" Stella clarified.

"I do," he nodded, seeming on guard.

"Sir, can I see it?" Stella asked curiously.

"You wish to see it?" he asked, confused.

"I'll understand if you say no. It's a rather personal thing to ask. I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry."

"Do you not hate me?" Snape interrupted her ramblings.

"Hate you? Why would I hate you? You did the right thing in the end," Stella shrugged. "Plus, you've been looking out for me two years now. Be rather stupid to turn on you now for something you did as a teenager. I'm sure I'll do plenty to make people hate me."

Snape pulled Stella into a tight hug and Stella was shocked for a moment before hugging him back. He smelt of sandalwood and dried herbs. It was rather comforting honestly. Snape pulled away slowly, looking a bit awkward as he cleared his throat and looked anywhere but at her.

"I'll see you later, sir," Stella gave him a smile before leaving his office.

She didn't see the soft smile on Snape's face as she left.

Too soon, it was time for the journey home on the Hogwarts Express. Stella, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and Ginny got a compartment to themselves. They made the most of the last few hours in which they were allowed to do magic before the holidays. They played Exploding Snap, set off the very last of Fred and George's Filibuster fireworks, and practiced disarming each other by magic. Harry was getting very good at it. They were almost at King's Cross when Harry turned to Ginny.

"Ginny. What did you see Percy doing that he didn't want you to tell anyone?"

"Oh, that," Ginny giggled and Stella gasped, looking to her little sister.

"Did you catch him, too?" she asked excitedly.

"Where did you see them?" Ginny demanded.

"Library after a game. You?"

"Empty classroom," Ginny shrugged and the others began demanding answers.

The two refused, smiling and laughing to one another and annoying everyone else. The Hogwarts Express slowed and finally stopped. Harry passed a bit of parchment to Hermione, Ron, and Stella.

"This is called a telephone number," he explained to Stella and Ron. "I told your dad how to use a telephone last summer, so he'll know. Call me at the Dursleys', okay? I can't stand another two months with only Dudley to talk to…"

"Your aunt and uncle will be proud, though, won't they?" said Hermione as they got off the train and joined the crowd. "When they hear what you did this year?"

"Proud?" said Harry. "Are you crazy? All those times I could've died and I didn't manage it? They'll be furious."

Stella let out a snort of laughter even though she knew Harry was probably being honest. It seemed humor was his way of coping with having to live with his terrible relatives. A streak of gold flew out of Stella's bag and she and Harry both reached out at the same time, their hands locking together as they caught the snitch at the same time.

"Hey! You still have it!" Harry smiled brightly.

"Of course, I do," Stella laughed, feeling that warmth in her chest again and unsure what it was. "Did you think I'd release it into the wild or something? Let the giant spiders have a go at it?"

"We could always send Ron to retrieve it," Harry joked as the others went through the barrier.

The two laughed before quieting, just staring at one another for a moment before Stella felt herself blushing. They released one another quickly, Stella keeping ahold of the snitch as the two stuttered a bit.

"We should probably head through," Harry nodded towards the exit.

"Yeah," she breathed.

"Ladies first," Harry offered and Stella felt butterflies erupt in her stomach before she stepped through the gateway to the Muggle world with the knowledge that she had a crush on Harry Potter ringing in her head.