A/N: Hello guys. Thank you for all your patience with me and the slow updates of this story. And thank you for voting this story to be #4 in the #bellatrixlestrange stories here on Wattpad. It's very appreciated, let's me know that this story actually means something.

~ Chapter 17~

"I'm waking up at the start of the end of the world,

But its feeling just like every other morning before,

Now I wonder what my life is going to mean if it's gone,

The cars are moving like a half a mile an hour

And I started staring at the passengers who're waving goodbye

Can you tell me what was ever really special about me all this time?"

- How Far We've Come By Matchbox Twenty

(Last time...)

"Keep practicing everyone. Occlumency is not something one can master immediately. Occlumency is just like any kind of skill, practice makes you better." Tonks wrapped up the session for tonight.

I'm glad. We are a lot more protected than we were before. Hopefully everyone will keep at it. Occlumency might be very important with everything that has been happening. A storm is brewing. We need to be well equipped for when it hits.

(The Great Hall turned OWLs prison)

[Hermione]

I

Was

Bored.

Sure, OWLs are important for the future of every student, but I am not like any normal student. I've had the leisure and access to read my families libraries. I've read and been taught to be ready for anything. And these OWLs are a walk in the park. The test had barely begun, and I had finished. At this point I was just scribbling on the edges of the paper then banishing the marks to start all over again. Time was going slowly, but it seemed even slower with The Over Bridge looking over us with a giant ass swinging pendulum in the front of the Hall.

Goddess please. With all your grace, please help me.

Hm?

There was a noise outside of the hall and The Overlord- I mean- Over Bridge, is going to check it out. Please let it be a decent distraction, I'm gonna lose my mind.

Umbridge opens the door and a spark of light wizzes around her nose and flies past her into the Hall. The little spark explodes, and fireworks are unleashed into the air. And with the explosions, my boredom is up in flames.

Only one, well two, things come to mind. The Weasley twins. Just as I thought this the twins flew in and more fireworks are blown. The Hall is now filled with noise, a vast difference to what it was a few short moments ago.

With a wand wave and a flick of a wrist the tests are in the air and all the teachers and students alike are out Hogwarts's doors to witness two triumphant wizards fly off into the sun. Cheers and clapping fill the air. There are smiles on every person's face, well, most people. I gaze over the crowd and spot Minerva. She was smiling but at the same time looked conflicted. Don't worry love, I'm sure the tests will still be done, eventually. My carefree smile was short lived however, life goes on.

"Hermione, Sirius." I turn around to face the body attached to the hand that was placed on my shoulder. Harry. I understood immediately with out knowing any details. Harry had had another vision. I pull him with me out of the crowd and toward the winding stairs. Quiet was needed. Once we were alone and in a much quieter and calm place, I looked to him for answers.

"Harry, what is it?"

"I.... I was able to block out Voldy, but I decided with might be best to let it through just in case. It was Sirius, they had him and were torturing him. I... I think it was in the department of mysteries. It was that same door I've been seeing in my dreams. Somethings wrong Hermione. We got to do something!" I weighted the options quickly in my head and decided on the best course of action.

"Harry, this could be a trap. If this connection, you have is two ways he might know that you were the one that saved Mr. Weasley. This could be Old Voldy trying to get to you. If this is the case Harry, we need to think more calmly about this first. What can we do to see if Sirius is alright?"

"Um. Try and get in contact with him?"

"Yes. Harry, I think we need to go and talk to McGonagall."

"Ok." Harry and I hurry up the stairs and head toward Minerva's Office.

"Minerva."

"What is it love?"

"Something has happened. Meet me at your quarters."

"I'm coming."

I stopped broadcasting my thoughts and we focused on getting to Minerva's quarters.

(Inside Minerva's quarters)

"So, tell me what has happened." Minerva says as she pours us some tea.

"We need to use your Floo to contact Sirius. Harry had a vision about Sirius being tortured in the Department of Mysteries. We need to make sure this isn't some kind of trap to lure Harry."

"Very well. Umbridge can change all she can in Hogwarts, but this is my quarters. You're safe here. The Floo powder is right above the mantle. Umbridge may think she has all the Floo's monitored but she underestimates me, there are ways to circumvent such things."

Harry moved over to the fireplace and threw some powder into the fire. Kreachers face appeared in the fire.

"The.... Master is not in right now. Leave a message and I will... attempt to repeat it." The little creep said with a snarl. I gently moved Harry out of the way.

"Kreacher, where is your master?" I said. Kreacher made a disgusting face as if fighting with himself.

"You maybe be princess, but you are not mine." Sigh. Loyal beast, isn't he? But to who?

"I'm coming through."

"You can't-!" I cut him off and pushed my way through. Harry and Minerva followed.

"SIRIUSSSS!!!!" I yelled and shortly after I heard a slight crash. Footsteps could be heard running down the stairs.

"What is it?" He asked in a panic. No one answered, Harry just threw himself toward his Godfather for a hug.

"I had a vision that you were being tortured by Voldy."

"As you can see little one, I'm just fine." Sirius said while returning the hug.

"Your... elf told us you were out." I said.

"Is that so?" Sirius let go of Harry and looked about to strike the elf. Kreacher's fell and he was ready for the hit.

I grabbed Sirius' arm before he could. The elf was a piece of work but didn't deserve to be hit. By the way Sirius treated the elf, I'm pretty sure why he had wavering loyalty.

"Sirius. Hitting anything is not how we solve things. Violence is a last resort." I released his arm. Sirius looked into my eyes and seemed to be trying to read me.

"I understand. Perhaps my childhood has had a negative effect on me. I've always hated my house and my parents." Sirius seemed chastised and I decided to leave with Minerva to give Harry some time with him Godfather. I turned to leave but was stopped by something pulling my robe. I looked down and found Kreacher grasping the end of my robe.

"Thank you much.... Miss." Kreacher seemed hesitant but sincere.

"Of course, sir." I said and smiled at the creature that had no doubt been through a lot. Age brings about experience, some not so rewarding.

"...Hermione."

'Yes Sirius?" I said as I turned to look at him.

"Would you like Kreacher? I feel that habit and the past would case to still treat Kreacher badly, would you like to take him?" I looked down to see what the little elf thought. Kreacher's ears were perked up and looking at his current master. I couldn't see his face, but he seemed to be hopeful. I sighed. I can't leave the poor thing.

"Very well. I would be happy to have him." Sirius nodded and waved his wand. I felt something change within me and knew it was the change in ownership. I nodded in return and turned to leave with my Mate in tow as well as the newest edition to my growing family.

"Come dear, let us go." I said. Kreacher nodded eagerly and we returned to Minerva's quarters. Harry would return when he was ready.

(Minerva's quarters)

We stepped through the Floo and I turned to Kreacher.

"You may do what you want little one. If you want to work in the kitchens, go ahead. If you wanna just laze around all day until I call you that's fine as well. I know that elves need to be in service of a master, as is your curse, but you may do whatever you like. Here. Buy yourself whatever, even clothes if you wish." I dug into my robe pocket and gave the elf a galleon. The elf gasped the large coin in his hands and looked at it in awe.

"Miss will let Kreacher buy what it wants?"

"Yes. You are not my slave dear. Do what you will. I will call if I need anything. Or come see me if you need anything." Kreacher placed a shaky hand on my leg in thanks before popping away.

"That was very kind of you love."

"It is not in my nature to be overbearing or a mistress. It will never be so. I want everyone to just be friends of mine, comrades when I need them, or when they need me. They will help me, and I will help them as well, in any way I can that is within my power." I said. I turned to Minerva to see her smiling gently at me. I walked over and wrapped her into my arms.

"I love you Minerva, but I must go. There is still chaos outside of these comfy walls of yours. Better go before I'm missed. Harry will return soon I'm sure. Help him out when he does will you, love?"

"Of course, Mon Gradh." I left reluctantly. Time to see what chaos The Over Bridge has wrought.

(Later... The Common Room)

Voldemort had attacked the ministry. Made an absolute mess of the Department of Ministries. He and his followers ransacked the place, Especially the room of prophesies. He must have been looking for the one about Harry. But too bad one can't read a prophesy that isn't for them. Voldemort revealed himself and the Minister and the ministry were all in a giant tizzy. Seems Voldemort was mad that his little bait didn't work. Too bad so sad. I'm smarter than that, and I will protect my friends with my life.

A storm is certainly brewing and getting worse by the day. With Voldemort completely out of the closet..., Hehe, he will sure make a move, a much bolder move and start reigning havoc all over Europe. We need to prepare ourselves for what is to happen. I have asked Tonks to help and teach the HA more spells and tricks to protect themselves. We need more knowledge of spells. Stunners will not cut it, not anymore. The Death Eaters will not have any mercy and will aim and fight to kill. We need to match the same intent, at least aiming higher than to just stun. We need to defend ourselves and everyone around us. A dark time is surely on the horizon.

The rest of the year was cancelled and to resume the following year. The ministry was evaluating their wards and security and had ordered Hogwarts and its professors to do the same. Umbridge was taken off as Head and Dumbledore was reinstated. At least one thing about the following year will be calm. No UnderBore as a teacher or a over lord. Our HA meetings will continue next school year, after the summer recess. Though the physical HA meetings will not take place every so often I will be sure to use the communication coins to send out a topic or spell that they should look up or start to study. Just because we don't meet doesn't mean to slack off. Reading and just knowing thinks could save your life. Now that I am back home I plan to train with my parents and study with extra effort. It is needed now more than ever. The climax is sure to come, and I, we, need to be ready.

A/N: I'm back with another chapter after a long 7 months. Sorry. A little short but a good place to end a chapter.