The sun was just about to set when we arrived at Hagid’s hut. “There you two are. I was about ta send the search party out looking fer ya!” Hagrid said, already holding several lanterns in one hand and a very large crossbow in the other. “But since you showed up on time you can help search instead of being searched for.”

This story is set in my world of Lyra Black (first known as Holly Potter) during their 4th year (maybe 5th). While this is set in the future (in reference to where the actual story is) it is not set in stone. This is just one possibility amidst a never ending sea of choices. I just had to get it off my chest to focus on other things.

“Crucio.” The one word whispered softly brought with it pain unlike anything else I've ever felt. My body tightened against its bonds and I tried to scream but all that came out was a muffled moan thanks to the gag firmly in my mouth.

Author's note~

I know it's been a long time since I've posted, and believe me it was not easy to put a pause to Holly's adventures, but I was going through a major depression when I started writing and being wrapped up in a fantasy world wasn't helping my mental health. I am doing really well now, and things have stabilized a lot. But that's enough from me, I know you're all excited to get back to the story.

"Lucius told me that he found you and Draco dueling. I hope he didn't goad you into anything." We had finished lunch and were on the veranda having tea. Draco was back on the Quidditch pitch with his dad dodging bludgers or some such.

"Not at all. Honestly, when he told me that we could use magic here I was more than excited to duel again."

"That's right, you're in the dueling club, aren't you? Quite an achievement for a first year."

If I thought Bones Manor was impressive, it doesn't even compare to Malfoy Manor. After being told what had happened and a lengthy questioning by the healer, Mrs. Bones, and Mr. Scrimgeour about the events of the day and more questions of the Malfoys when they arrived to pick me up we left the Abbott's. Instead of using the floo I was side-along apperated to the front courtyard, no doubt a blatant way to show off the grandeur of the building, which was a complete success. I was playfully scolded by Mrs.

Author's note. I know it's been a while since I've last posted an update, and I'm sorry. Believe me when I say that I would love it if I had more time to focus on writing. If nothing else, I hope I made this chapter wort the wait.

Author's note. I was hoping to have completed this in two chapters, but it looks like there will be one more (at least). This chapter does have several sexual/sex scenes, but I did my best from turning it into smut. I hope you all enjoy reading, and will stick around for the conclusion that hopefully will be forthcoming soon. ;)

There are two things I can say about myself, well there are a lot more than only two, for example I love Star Trek. Not any of the new stuff, when they started going AU, but the first four series and ten movies. I'm getting off topic. I haven't even gotten through the first paragraph and I'm already getting off topic. So what was I saying? Oh yeah, there are two things I can say about myself. First, I love magic and I'm an amateur magician. I'm not talking about spells and potions and mythical creatures, I'm talking about sleight of hand.

Author's note: There is a very pivotal event that will be occurring soon (hopefully in the next few chapters) that has the potential to change a lot of things. I am (kind of) giving you (my readers) a chance to influence how the entire story plays out. Please comment or send me a private message to cast your vote. Will this event turn Holly dark, very dark, or will she remain grey? Originally, this was going to be a dark fic, but things are shaping out very differently than my original ideas. I'm happy either way it goes, so please vote.

"In all my years of teaching I have never seen such havoc caused by a single action. I don't think that a simple detention does justice to the crime." Minerva McGonagall was clearly agitated at the seeming lack of care shown by her colleagues for the event that transpired mere hours ago.

"And what would you suggest then, expulsion?" Filius Flitwick asked. There was a moment of silence as everyone took in the words of the up til that point silent professor.

The weekend passed all too quickly which meant it was back to classes and the normal routine. It was on Wednesday during breakfast that I finally got a reply back from Flourish and Blotts, it seems that, while not a unheard of, it is a rare request that they obtain muggle books but they would be happy to assist me and to expect a list of books and prices within the next two weeks. Without any new ideas on how to get past 'Cerberus' life returned to normal.

"A lot of things don't make sense. You're gonna have to narrow it down." I said.

"Yeah. Like how they got it in there in the first place." chimed Susan.

No. I meant, why are we on the third floor?" Seeing the confused look on Susan's and my face she continued before either of us could say anything. "Shouldn't there be rooms right below us?" We all stared at each other in silence for a moment, before all coming to the same idea. Without a word we all made our way back down the corridor, towards the staircase, and down to the second floor.

When I eventually got my hand back from Susan, I was able to complete my charms assignment rather quickly. Everyone else was either already done with their homework or just finishing up, and with plenty of time before lunch I started reading the book Hermione had handed me earlier, simply titled 'Magizoology: Beasts Native To Greece'. It was a drab, factual book that seemed more concerned with the statute of secrecy than anything that could help me get past it. "Hermione, did you find any books that compare muggle mythology with actual facts?"

I ran down the stairs after the man that might be my dad, but there was no sign of him. I stopped in the middle of the archway at the bottom of the stairs, staring down an empty corridor. The tears that had started after seeing the memories were in full force now and I slumped against the wall and cried. I cried for being taken from my parents, for being lied to, for the life that should have been. 

I couldn't sleep. I kept looking at the pictures I now have of Bellatrix, and the pictures I have of Lily and James. Why do the pictures of Lily and James fill me with anger, while the picture of someone I just found fill me with joy? I can see how I resemble the Potters, but the other me looks like Bellatrix. I decided to go back to the mirror. 'I know the book said it can drive men mad, but I'm not a man. I'm a girl. If it drives women mad as well then the book would have used the word people.' I said to myself, a weak justification I know, but I didn't really care at the moment.

Author's note - I appreciate all of the comments that have been left, they make continuing this story worth it. While chronologically, there is much of the school year left, story wise it's pretty far in. While I still have a few details to work out, I pretty much have the first book plotted out. However, if anyone has ideas or things you would like to see on the future, please comment. (I am trying to keep events as close to cannon as possible, and as realistic to the existing world mechanics as possible though.) Now on to the story cause I know that's what you are here for. :)

Christmas holiday is quickly approaching. Other than that one day holding hands, nothing really changed between Susan and me over the following weeks. There were times that we spent as much time around each other as we could. We even held hands under the table in the library a few times, but there were also times that she seemed to shy away from me. It left me so confused. And I don't know who to talk to about any of it.

The weeks passed by quickly now that we were used to the routine of classes. Draco was no longer actively scowling at me anymore, but we weren't exactly on friendly terms either. I'd almost call it a respectful dislike of each other. And since the incident with Longbottom's remembrall even the Gryffindors have been sociable to me. Susan though has been acting a little strange. It seems like ever since the first dueling club session she's been trying to find reasons to spend time with me.

Author's note: A special thanks to WillowD and RottenTangerine for their support and comments, and to everyone that has left a kudos. Now on to the story.

Dinner was insane. More food than I thought possible filled the tables, from hot dogs to prime steak and everything in between, which was a very good thing since the only food on the train was a sandwich and some snacks, and that was at least five or six hours ago. I should've known there would be dessert, made me wish I saved some room. I still couldn't help but grab a slice of peach pie, but I was unable to finish it. Once the tables were cleared, Professor Dumbledore released us to our house prefects, and the entire student body left for our respective common rooms.

I stood there dumbfounded for a few minutes before I realised that I still had chores to do. I hid my letter and the quill in my secret place in my room, and then started on the dishes. When those we're all dried and put away I headed out to the garden to finish pulling weeds for Aunt Petunia's new flower garden she wants me to plant. It was at that time my only friend came up to me. It's sad that at almost 11 years old my only friend is a small garden snake, but she (at least I think it's a she) has been very cuddly since the first time I found her almost three years ago.