Ah, love, Dumbledore's favourite weapon Gotta love Dumbledore, so powerful and omniscient

I know Had to get his favourite explanation in somehow haha

Chapter Thirty-Three - Trust
When Izabella woke, the weak sunlight that was creeping through the curtains was dimming, yet was casting shadows too far across the room for it to be morning sunshine. She sat up, her sore body twinging in protest, and glanced at the clock, shocked to see it was past three in the afternoon.

Izabella swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her head was fuzzy from sleep and her eyes were slightly glued together. She rubbed at them ferociously then stood up, swaying from the rush of blood. Gingerly, she crossed the room and picked up a woolly cardigan, pulling it around her shoulders. She opened the door, her shoulder tender, and slowly made her way downstairs.

“Afternoon,” she said with a weak smile as she walked into the kitchen. Everybody turned and beamed at her as she sat down delicately, her legs wobbling.

“Hello Sleeping Beauty.” Sirius said grinning. “I thought you'd never wake up.”
She smiled and he reached across the table, kissing her cheek gently.
“How are you feeling?” Lupin asked her, his face concerned. Izabella moved her arm slightly as a sharp pain flew through her side and attempted to shift in her seat without looking suspicious.

“I'm fine actually. I don't feel anything.” she lied, with a small shrug. “Thank you Molly.” she said as a large sandwich was placed in front of her.

Mr Weasley caught her eye from across the table and smiled understandingly. She smiled back then lowered her eyes to her food, devouring it quickly as her stomach rumbled.

“Well you've got a few days before you need to go back to Hogwarts, so you can just rest.” said Sirius as he poured her a drink and handed it to her.
Izabella took a sip and hesitated.

“Actually I'm meeting Lucius today.” she said quietly. Sirius froze and looked at her in disbelief.
“You've got to be kidding me?” he said, staring at her. She shook her head and kept her eyes low.
“I want to know if he was involved,” she said simply.

Sirius opened his mouth, his face becoming angry but Lupin intervened quickly.
“Izabella you can't. Then he'll know that you understand about the necklace and most probably tell Voldemort.”
Sirius nodded triumphantly but Izabella just shrugged.
“I need to know.” she said quietly.
“Why?” Sirius asked in a pained voice. Izabella looked at him with pleading eyes.
“Just trust me.” she said quietly, placing her hand on top of his. He looked at her for a moment then sighed and pulled his hand away.

“What happened between you and Malfoy?” Harry asked suspiciously from his seat at the table. Izabella glanced at Sirius then turned back to Harry and smiled elusively.
“Nothing, we were friends in school. Our families were in the same circle and knew each other.” she smiled then stood up, hiding her flinch of pain.

“I love you.” she whispered as she leant down carefully and kissed Sirius' cheek softly. He grunted a reply and she smiled before returning back upstairs. She opened the door to Ron and Harry's bedroom and walked over to the wardrobe.

“Pig.” she called, holding out an Owl Treat until the small bird flew down and landed on her arm. She smiled and stroked him gently as she carried him back to her room. Grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill she perched by her desk and scribbled a note.

I need to see you,
Izabella.

“Take this to Lucius Malfoy please.” she said to the tiny owl as she fastened the note to his leg. He chirped and nipped her finger in reply then she carried him over to the open window and allowed him to soar out.

She watched the bird become a dot in the distance then turned and leant on the windowsill. She chewed her lip nervously, staring at a point on the floor with a blank expression. Izabella kept glancing out of the window, checking if Pig had returned with a reply.

He won't say no. He can't say no, Izabella thought to herself.
She glanced at the window once more then sighed and moved over to the wardrobe. She pulled off her pyjamas then caught sight of herself in the mirror. She gasped and recoiled from her reflection.

Her ribs and the side of her waist were covered in black and purple blotchy patches. Her chest and neck were covered in a burn mark, bruised around the edges where the necklace had choked her. A tear fell down her cheek as she looked at her beaten body and she shuddered slightly.

Turning her back on the mirror she pulled out a simple black dress. She carefully pulled the dress on and checked the mirror. It fitted her well, falling just below her knee. The sleeves were long and the dress covered most of the burn on her chest but she would still need a scarf to cover her neck.

Izabella rushed to the window as the small bird returned, his feathers ruffled and wobbling slightly from the long journey. She stroked him as she pulled the note from his leg.

Meet me at The Dorchester Hotel at five o'clock.
Lucius.

She smiled then turned to the clock. 4 o'clock. She placed the note on the desk then pulled out a black knee-length mac coat and a green scarf. She checked her reflection and that her injuries were all covered up. Satisfied, she picked up Pig and walked down the corridor. She opened the door to Harry's bedroom and placed him inside.

“Thank you Pig.” she said as the bird chirped and flew up to join Hedwig on top of the wardrobe. Izabella continued downstairs and made her way into the kitchen, grabbing her bag from the hallway.

She walked over to the side where the necklace lay on the table. Picking it up with a look of disgust she threw it into her bag then turned to find Sirius standing close behind her.

He looked at her, his mouth clenched shut tightly.
“Sirius please.” she begged.
“Just be quick,” he warned, holding out his arms to her. She smiled and melted against him, shifting so her bruises weren't being touched. “But if you're in pain you shouldn't go.” he said in a concerned voice, moving his hands away from her. She shook her head quickly.

“Nothing hurts.” she lied. Sirius raised his eyebrow but she just smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Just trust me.” she whispered. He nodded and stroked her face gently.
She said goodbye to the room then left Grimauld Place and headed down the street slowly.

Hey Jazz. I'm so nervous for Izabella to meet with Lucius. I'm so glad Remus said; because it was exactly what I thought. And I'm not there to tell her so! Anyway, I'm curious to see how she explains her knowledge of and how to counter attack the curse, and what she's going to tell Lucius what happened to make it attack her. I do have a theory, but I won't say anything. It'll be fun to see if I'm right. Nice work Jazz. I'll be watching for your next post.

Thank you I'll post the next chapter as soon as I can and all will be revealed...

Wow, that's a mean cliff-hanger! I can't wait to see what happens next, please update soon!

I know! I'm just finishing the next chapter so I'll probably have it up very shortly!

Chapter Thirty-Four - Light Will Always Follow The Thunder
The hotel was only a short walking distance from the house, but Izabella was glad that the rain held off. When she walked into the large reception area, the door being held open for her by the concierge, her mouth dropped open slightly at the grandeur of the place.

She glanced around but couldn't spot Lucius so made her way across the marble floor to the front desk, her heels clicking with each step. A young blonde woman smiled up at her from behind the granite surfaced desk.

“Good evening Madam.” she said politely. Izabella smiled.
“I'm looking for a man... He's got blonde hair, quite tall...” she faded off as she realized her description wasn't all that helpful. The woman laughed and stood up, making her way around to the front of the desk.
“You must be Miss Prince.” she said with a smile. “Mr Malfoy is waiting for you in the bar area, I'll show you.”

Izabella raised an eyebrow slightly then followed her into a dimly lit room, mostly filled with men in suits, smoking cigars and drinking whiskey. The furniture was all made of highly polished dark wood and the floor was coated in a thick, luscious carpet. The bar stretched the length of one side and behind it, were rows of shelves filled with bottles and glasses.

Izabella spotted Lucius at the far end of the bar and turned to the young woman with a smile.
“Thank you for you help.” Izabella said graciously. She nodded and smiled, then made her way out of the room leaving Izabella to approach Lucius. She coughed quietly as she reached him and he turned and stood up quickly.

“Izabella.” he smiled and took her hand, making to kiss it, but Izabella yanked it out of his grasp and sat down, slamming her bag onto the bar. Lucius returned to his seat, watching Izabella warily.

“Do you know what this is?” she asked firmly, opening her bag and revealing the glittering necklace.
“It's the necklace the Dark Lord gave you isn't it?” Lucius asked, frowning slightly. Izabella laughed humourlessly.
“Yes. It is the cursed necklace he gave me.” she said bitterly, closing her bag and folding her arms tightly.

“It was cursed?”
“Yes Lucius. As soon as Harry or... anyone involved with Harry made eye contact with me, I wanted to kill them.” she explained, watching his face carefully.
“So? It wouldn't exactly of been a problem if Potter were to die.”
“Obviously, but it might of blown my cover.”

He looked at her for a moment, his face doubtful.
“Does this involve Sirius Black?”
Izabella rolled her eyes and sighed heavily.
“Lucius we have been through this. I don't know where he is.” she said in a tired voice.

He leant forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently but Izabella let out a small cry of pain at his touch.
“What is it?” he asked in a panicked voice. Izabella bit her lip for a moment then took off her coat and threw it over the back on the chair, then she reached up and slowly removed the scarf. Lucius stared at her injuries in horror then looked up at her face.

“Izabella...” he whispered softly.
“Did you know about the necklace?” she asked him, her voice low.
“No! Of course I didn't.” Lucius protested.
“Don't lie to me Lucius!” Izabella turned to see people glancing their way and lowered her voice. “Were you involved?”

“No Izabella!” He took her hand and looked straight into her eyes, his expression pained. “I would never hurt you.”
They looked at each other for a moment then he leant towards her. Their lips brushed together softly before Izabella sighed and sat back, turning to face the bar and replacing the scarf around her neck.

“How did you... get it off?” Lucius asked after a moments pause.
“Dumbledore realised what it was and he and Sev cursed it off... And managed to break three of my ribs in the process.” she added with a sigh. Lucius looked sympathetic and squeezed her leg gently.

“Lucius? Will you do me favour?”
“Anything.” he said immediately, in a quiet voice. Izabella looked up at him.
“Don't tell the Dark Lord I know. I'm going to keep wearing it in front of him. I don't want Severus to get in trouble for taking it off.” Izabella said biting her lip worriedly. Lucius hesitated but then nodded determinedly.

“Of course. I won't tell anyone.”
“Thank you.” she smiled and placed a hand on his cheek gently for a moment. He caught her hand as she went to pull it away and held it tightly.
“Stay for a drink?”
“I don't know... I really should be getting back.”
“Please? Just one.”
“Okay, but only one.” she said with a sigh.

“Well if it gets too late we could always just rent a room...”
She raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed.
“Worth a try,” he said with a grin, chuckling quietly.

Izabella laughed softly and watched him with a small smile on her face as he ordered their drinks. He wasn't a bad person. He just had bad choice in friends.

She smiled then took a sip of her wine.

“So are you looking forward to returning to Hogwarts?” Lucius asked, leaning his elbow on the bar and turning to face her. Izabella shrugged gently and looked into her glass.

“Do you not enjoy it?” he asked in a concerned voice, his forehead crumpling.
“No I do, it's just some of the other teachers infuriate me.” she said, rolling her eyes slightly at the thought of seeing Umbridge again. Lucius laughed quietly.

“Not to mention the students!” Izabella complained. “I never realised before, but no wonder teachers used to hate me. I never stopped talking!”
“They didn't hate you Izabella.” Lucius chuckled. “You were always one of Slughorn's favourite.”
“Only because I was friends with Lily.” she said.

She paused, looking down at the bar and blinking to hold back the tears which threatened to fall.
“You miss her don't you?”
“Of course, she was my best friend.”
“But you understand why she had to die.”

Izabella closed her eyes for a moment then shook her head.
“No I don't.” she whispered.
She looked up at Lucius, her jaw clenched tightly and he sighed quietly.
“She chose to protect to her son-”
“So you wouldn't protect Draco if the Dark Lord was going to kill him?” she demanded.
“Of course I would.”
“But you don't deserve to die.”
“Neither does Draco.”

Izabella paused and looked at him, her forehead creased slightly. His grey eyes looked back at her, his expression soft.
“He's my son. How could I live with myself if I didn't save him? If Lily had stood aside... she'd never of been able to forgive herself.”
Izabella turned away from him.

“I guess you have to have children to understand.” she said bitterly, gulping down the rest of her wine and pulling on her coat, wincing slightly at the twist of her ribs. Lucius watched her, his face pitiful, then held up her coat, helping her to put it on.

“Thank you.” she mumbled. She opened her bag and reached for her purse but Lucius placed a hand on her arm.
“I'll get it.” he said throwing a handful of Muggle money down onto the bar. She smiled up at him gratefully then linked her arm around his as he offered it graciously.

They left the dark bar arm in arm and walked across the marble floor slowly. As they reached the revolving doors, a low rumble echoed across London followed by a bright flash of lightning. Izabella sighed and wrapped her coat around her tightly as they stepped out into the chilly night.

“I'd better go before the rain comes.” Izabella said, looking up at the dark sky then around the busy street. She gasped quietly as she caught sight of the black dog sitting across the street and watching her intently. Lucius followed her gaze and his body tensed. Cursing silently, Izabella stepped in front of him and smiled radiantly.

“Thank you. I had a really wonderful night.” she gushed, putting a hand on his arm. He dragged his eyes away from the dog and smiled down at her.
“Me too. We should do it more often.” he suggested. Izabella smiled and nodded slightly.
“I'd like that.” She reached up and kissed his cheek softly.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her gently. He placed his hands on her waist delicately and he didn't press any of her injuries, unlike Sirius and his clumsy hands. She sighed before pulling away as another spark of light illuminated the sky.

“I need to go.”
“I could walk you home? Where are you staying?” he said innocently.
“Nice try Lucius.” she said shaking her head slightly.

He smiled and she laughed quietly, kissing his cheek once more then turning and heading down the street quickly where she could just make out the outline of a shaggy dog, waiting for her on the street corner. She glanced back at Lucius, but he had gone, so she hurried towards the dog.

“You are in so much trouble.” she mumbled as she reached Sirius. He walked beside her, his tail wagging as he rushed to keep up with her fast pace.
The heavens suddenly opened and the rain began to fall, thick droplets hitting her hard and soaking through her clothes. They reached Grimauld Place and Sirius hurried in, shaking his fur as Izabella stormed into the hallway, her hands on her hips and her expression stern.

Hey Jazz. Although I don't think much of love triangles, you wrote this chapter very nicely. I wish Lucius was out of the picture. But I can't see him being because Izabella didn't give him reason to think she wanted him to leave her alone. In fact he is probably encouraged by their meeting. I also wish Sirius had stayed home. She asked him to trust her, and him following her gives the impression that he doesn't. And although it looks like she is giving into Lucius's attempts at having her, I'm confident that you have a plan and I will anxiously await to read more of it. Great chapter Jazz.
Oh... and this: Poor Sirius. In his defense though, he had just spent the last 13 years in prison and on the run after his escape. He spent so much of his life as a clumsy dog, he will need to remember how to be gentle again.
Great work Jazz. I'll be watching for your next chapter.

nice writing...sirius should know how to keep at one place...he soon will be in trouble!
As if he isnt already!
Siri my boy you are so dead......waiting for more...

For me, it was definitely worth the wait. Great chapter! Sirius coming along in dog-shape was very reckless, I'd be really mad if I were Izabella...

Thank you!
Well, Izabella can be a little foolish at times... And I don't want you to think I'm being too harsh on Sirius, Izabella does love him. He just infuriates her at times Don't worry, I've got it all planned out

Thank you! He is very much in trouble Glad you liked it and hope to see you come back for more!

I thought you'd like this one Sirius is a very reckless person... But we'll just have to wait for Izabella's reaction...

Just a short chapter, hope you like it!

Chapter Thirty-Five- Someone Is Watching Over Me
“Well?” Izabella demanded as the black dog disappeared and morphed into a sheepish looking Sirius. He shrugged slightly and she rolled her eyes. She stormed past him and into the kitchen, peeling off her wet coat and throwing it over the chair.

The kitchen was empty but a fire was dancing in the grate and she moved towards it, wringing out her soaking hair and shuddering as the heat hit her frozen body.

She heard a noise behind her as Sirius walked into the room and she turned to see him leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, his arms folded against his chest.

“Why did you follow me?” she demanded, glaring at Sirius from across the room.
“I just wanted to check you were okay.” he said quietly, looking down at the floor.
“I can take care of myself Sirius.” she snapped.
“I know. But it doesn't stop me from worrying.” he looked up at her and smiled.

Izabella frowned. His face was calm and serene and he was looking at her with a steady gaze. Izabella sighed dramatically and collapsed carefully into the arm chair by the fire.

“So what did he say?” Sirius asked, wandering over from the doorway with his hands deep in his pockets.
“Not a lot.” Izabella mumbled, looking into the fire with a dazed expression.
Sirius sighed and sat across from her in the opposite armchair, watching her expectantly. She looked at him and rolled her eyes.

“He didn't know about the necklace but he won't tell Voldemort that I know. I told him I'm worried Sev will get into trouble for cursing it off.” she said with a sigh. He nodded slightly and watched her closely.
“Quite a short conversation considering you were gone for three hours.”
Izabella turned to look at him, narrowing her eyes.

“You were supposed to trust me Sirius.” she said in a low voice. “You could have ruined everything if Lucius had figured out it was you... Which he probably did.”
“I am not going to apologise for caring about you.”
“You don't care about me Sirius. You only care about yourself.” Izabella said harshly, standing up and turning for the door.

Suddenly Sirius grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him, holding her arms tightly. Izabella winced and struggled to release his grip.
“Sirius you're hurting me.” she complained. His hands moved to her face and he looked at her with a serious expression.
“Izabella. I love you.” he said in a rough voice.

Before she had time to respond, his lips had pressed against hers and he was kissing her passionately. She could feel his body against hers as his soft lips danced with hers. Her injuries were numb and she could only feel his warmth, melting her heart.

Sirius released her, his hands placed gently on her waist and their foreheads resting together. Their breathing was ragged and they looked at each other for a moment.

“I love you too.” Izabella whispered. He smiled and pressed his lips to hers briefly.
“Are you coming to bed?” he asked holding out his hand to her.
“In a minute, I just need a glass of water.” Izabella said with a smile. Sirius beamed at her then left the kitchen.

Izabella watched him leave and was staggered by the love she felt for him. She filled a glass with water then she turned to leave the kitchen and caught sight of a vase of flowers on the table. There was a single lily blooming amongst the roses. Maybe I do have a guardian angel, she thought to herself as a smile crept across her face. In that moment, she realised that she would do anything, for that reckless handsome man. Anything.

Hey Jazz. I knew my confidence in your writing wouldn't get shaken. I knew you knew what you were doing. Great writing. yeah, I was afraid of the same thing. But Izabella recovered very quickly. Anyone would be a little startled at seeing a big dog like that. Sirius may just tuck that memory away as unimportant at the moment. But, I'm afraid he'll get suspicious if he sees him again around her or Harry. I'm anxious to see what excuse she has for not explaining if it ever does happen. Oh wait a minute... He goes to the train with Harry when they go back to school. But still if she isn't with them, then he can't say she knows about him. It's getting touchy, we'll have to wait and see how you write it. I can't wait to see what you have for us.
Great chapter Jazz. I'll be watching for your next.

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Connie!
I'm sure Izabella can come up with something, she always does

Thank you Tali!

Aww, such a romantic chapter

I couldn't help myself, I love a bit of romance

Chapter Thirty-Six - We Never Say Goodbye, Always See You Later
In the days before the return to Hogwarts, Izabella spent her time glued to Sirius' side. They were inseparable and the whole house noticed how in love they seemed. Lupin was often caught watching them with a wide smile on his face. Harry enjoyed spending his time with his godparents and for once, no one wanted to go back to Hogwarts.

Mr Weasley and Izabella were both recovering well from their injuries; although Izabella was still caked in bruises, she was able to move more easily and Sirius didn't have to be as delicate when he was hugging her, which was frequently. Even Kreacher was in a better mood and hardly mumbled insults at all during their stay.

As the morning of their departure rose, Izabella rolled over in bed and sighed. Her head found Sirius' warm body and she nuzzled against his bare chest, smiling. Sirius had woken before her and had been watching her sleep. He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and held her close, his lips brushing against her forehead softly.

“Morning beautiful.” he whispered. Izabella pressed her face against his skin, clenching her eyes closed and refusing to wake up. Sirius chuckled and stroked her arm with his fingertips lightly.

With a loud sigh, Izabella sat up, blinking against the morning light. Sirius grinned as he caught sight of her messy hair which stuck up in knots around her face and Izabella shoved him, almost pushing him off the bed.

“Shut up.” she growled. “You don't look amazing in the morning either.”
Sirius laughed and pulled her towards him, pinning her down beneath him and tickling her furiously.
“Sirius! Don't!” Izabella complained amongst her giggles.

He chuckled and stopped, looking down at her with a smile. She beamed up at him then threw her arms around his neck and pulled his lips onto hers.

There was a crash downstairs and they turned their heads to the door as Mrs Weasley's voice could be heard amongst the screams of Mrs Black.

“We'd better get downstairs.” Izabella said.
Sirius sighed and swung his legs out of the bed, pulling on a t-shirt and changing his pyjama bottoms for a pair of jeans.

Izabella pulled on a set of dark green robes then sat down at the dressing table and brushed through her hair. Tying a band around her hair as she piled it into a bun on the top of her head, she smiled at Sirius in the mirror as he approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He leant down and kissed her neck gently. Izabella turned on her stool and looked down at the floor.

“I'll miss you.” she said quietly. He placed a hand under her chin and lifted her face.
“I'll miss you more.” he said, grinning as she rolled her eyes. She stood up and entwined her arms around him, smiling as she felt his lips on her forehead, her neck and her hair.

They released each other as there was a knock on the door and they turned to smile at Harry.
“Mrs Weasley told me to check you were awake.” Harry said, grinning. “Oh, and have you seen Ron's Potions book? He can't find it anywhere.”
“There was a pile of books in the drawing room yesterday.” Izabella suggested as Sirius waved his wand at her luggage and levitated it down the stairs for her.

She glanced once more around her bedroom, checking she hadn't left anything then shut the door and made her way into the kitchen.

Surprisingly, the house was calm and orderly. There was a pile of trunks and cages by the front door and everyone was sat around the table, helping themselves to toast, as Mrs Weasley sorted through lonely socks and books which had spread across the house since their arrival.

Lupin, Tonks and Mad-Eye arrived and everyone was hurried into goodbyes. Izabella narrowed her eyes slightly as she watched Sirius pull Harry to the side for a moment. He soon lead him back towards the group and patted his back.

“...So if Snape tries anything-”
“Harry will come and see me and I will have a calm discussion with my brother.” Izabella interrupted firmly. Harry grinned and gave Sirius one last hug, smiled at Izabella then followed the rest out of the house to wait for the Knight Bus.

Izabella and Mrs Weasley waved from the top step as they boarded the bus then went back inside the hallway. Mr and Mrs Weasley had their bags packed; they were returning to the Burrow and after hugs for Izabella and handshakes for Sirius they went out onto the top step, thanking Sirius again for his hospitality, then disapparated.

Izabella shut the door and turned to face Sirius, who was leaning against the staircase with a small smile on his face. He held out his arms and Izabella gladly fell into them, snugly fitting against his chest.

“I'll see you soon.” he said, his chin resting on her head. Izabella bit her lip, hiding her face against his shoulder.
“Sirius... I don't want you to come to Hogwarts again.” she said quietly. He held her at arms length and looked down at her with a frown.
“Why not?”
“It isn't safe. Especially after the other night. Lucius has seen you twice now.”
“He might not know it was me.” Sirius mumbled.

Izabella sighed and tilted her head slightly as she looked at him. He rolled his eyes.
“Fine.” he snapped.
Pouting slightly as she looked up at him, Izabella pressed a hand against his cheek.

“I love you.” she said.
He looked at her for a moment then pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.
“I love you too.” he said in her ear.

She smiled then pulled back her head to press her lips against his reverently. Their mouths encased each others for a moment then he yielded her from his grasp and she picked up her trunk, dragging it onto the front step. She looked back at him and smiled then disapparated quickly. Sirius was alone once more.

Izabella hurried up through the gates and into the castle. She went straight to her room and dumped her trunk in the corner then made her way into the Great Hall just before students starting to pour in through the oak front doors.

She took a seat, smiling at Snape and spotting his fleeting expression as he caught sight of the lily pendant around her neck. She relaxed when she laid eyes on Harry and the others taking their place at the Gryffindor table, then yet again became tense as the girlish, high-pitched laughter hit her ears.
It was going to be a long term.

Hey Jazz. I love how you write so real. Nobody looks beautiful or glamorous in the morning except on tv or the movies. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in your chapter. It's wonderful that everyone had a wonderful holiday. Uh oh. What's that about?
Great work Jazz. I'll be watching for your next.

Totally agree, having just woke up myself I am avoiding mirrors. Thank you, I wanted her to be real so she was relatable
Next chapter as soon as possible

My favourite part And I like how you started writing titles for your chapters

Thank you. I've been meaning to do it for a while, I just couldn't think of titles for previous chapters. But they all have titles now!

Sorry about all the short chapters guys, I'll try and give you a long one soon!

Chapter Thirty-Seven - Occlumency
Izabella leant against the open doorway of Snape's office, her eyebrow arched as she looked around the gloomy room. Her first day back had passed quickly and uneventfully, probably due to the fact that she had avoided Umbridge all day, and she had came straight to see her brother once her day had ended.

Snape was sat at his desk, his head bent low over a pile of parchments. Izabella watched him for a moment and smiled, then strode into the room and perched on the edge of a desk in front of her brother.

“No wonder you're always so miserable. This room is depressing.”
Snape rolled his eyes and placed his quill down.
“Do you actually want something Izabella? Or are you just here to annoy me?” he asked, sighing.

“Can't I just come and talk to my own brother nowadays?” she said, folding her arms. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes.
“Fine. I just came to tell you, that if I hear Harry complaining about these lessons, you'll have to answer to me.” she warned.

“I've already had this lecture of your boyfriend.” Snape said in a bored voice.
“I mean it Sev. I worry about him enough. I don't need to be wondering if you're torturing him every Monday night.”
Snape rolled his eyes.
“I treat all my students the same.”
Izabella laughed loudly.
“You can't kid a kidder Sev.” she said shaking her head at him. Snape was sat in his chair, looking at Izabella with a calculating expression.

“What?” she asked self-consciously.
“Why did you meet Lucius?” he asked in a quiet voice.
“I needed to ask him about that necklace.” she said defensively.
“Izabella.” Snape sighed. “He is a Death Eater. You cannot trust him.”
“I can.” she said weakly. “He promised not to tell anyone.”
“Maybe he did, but either way he couldn't hide his thoughts from the Dark Lord.”

Izabella bit her lip and looked at the floor guiltily.
“You don't think Lucius would get in trouble... if he found out?”
Snape looked at her for a long moment then sighed.
“I don't know Izabella.”

She chewed her lip nervously as Snape walked round his desk to stand in front of her.
“Look, you don't want to be getting involved with Lucius Malfoy right now. Just stick with Black. He'll be good to you and look after you.” Snape avoided her eyes, staring intently at the wall as he finished his sentence.

Izabella grinned.
“Did you just compliment Sirius?”
Snape rolled his eyes and raised an eyebrow at her.
“Don't tell him. We'll never be able to deflate that arrogant head of his.”

Izabella chuckled, turning as she heard Harry appear in the doorway, his head hung low and scuffing his feet noisily.
“Evening Harry.” Izabella said cheerfully, making her way over to him.
“Oh. Hi Izabella.” he said, frowning slightly as she placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him to the side of the room.

“What did Sirius say? Yesterday, when you were saying goodbye?”
Harry hesitated, shifting slightly.
“Nothing really. Just have a good term and be careful.”
Izabella waited, tapping her foot slightly against the cold stone floor until he cracked.

“Fine... He asked me to keep an eye on you. He said he was worried and he needed someone watching you at all times.”
Izabella narrowed her eyes, her jaw clenching.

“Harry I do not want you worrying about me okay? You're the most important thing right now.” she said firmly. She looked down into his green eyes and smiled gently.

“I know he's a pain,” she said gesturing her head towards Snape. “But it's really important for you to learn Occlumency Just bite your tongue and do what he says.”
He nodded slightly and she patted him on the back.
“Good luck.”

He smiled weakly and placed his bag on the floor, turning to face Snape apprehensively.
“See you later Sev.” Izabella called, grinning as he pursed his lips. She waved casually as she left the room, shutting the door as they began their private lesson.

Gosh! Snape actually telling Izabella that Sirius is GOOD for her?!? That was precious! Oh, I hope Lucius doesn't get in trouble, I haven't even thought of that...Great chapter, PAMS!