At six am the next morning, Harry sprinted towards the Quidditch hoops and saw Draco waiting for him. He placed his hands-on top of his head a few seconds after he ran by them and walked in little circles. His lungs burned and sweat poured down his face. Draco tossed him a towel and a flask of water.

"It's not often that I finish my run before you Potter. Something on your mind?"

"Nothing serious. My new housemates don't trust me and my dorm mates are too curious for their own good."

Harry dropped the towel and half-empty water flask on the ground. He swung his arms back and forth to loosen up his shoulders. Draco snorted and stood up.

"At least you get some form of communication Potter. My fellow Ravenclaws have decided that the best course of action to my presence is just to ignore me. Treat me like I'm not even there."

Harry let his wand drop from his wrist holster and motioned for Draco to stand up. Draco's eyes glinted and he mimicked Harry's proper stance as he stood up. Both wizards bowed to each other and began to sidestep in a certain pattern in a large circle. Draco fired the first stinging hex and Harry dodged.

"You have yet to beat me in this exercise Potter. Sure you want to start this again?"

"Your taunting will make it that much sweeter when I do win Draco."

The wizards stepped faster and faster as both shot barrages of stinging hexes at one another. The point of the exercise was to work on physical conditioning, timing and rhythm. The exercise was a pureblood training exercise that was taught from a very young age and at important gatherings, the exercise was used to showcase a witches or wizard's skill.

"Time!"

Both Harry and Draco stopped moving at the same exact time and stood inches from each other. Harry felt his magic thrumming inside of him and he took several deep breaths so not to lash out at Draco. From the look of things Draco struggled with the same thing and after a long few moments both wizards grinned.

"I think that's the first time I didn't outright wipe the floor with you Potter."

"Either you are having an off morning or I am getting better. I like to think that it is the second."

Draco laughed and Harry clasped Draco's outstretched forearm. The gesture was an ancient handshake of respect back when the Ruling Nine were just formed and Sirius had taught the gesture to both young wizards.

"What do you say we cancel training a few minutes early and we head back up to the castle?"

"Normally I would disagree with you, but it is the first day of lessons and I do not know what to expect."

"Potter, do you realise that you speak so formally even amongst family and friends? I think you took the customs and courtesies lessons from my mum a little too seriously."

Harry didn't respond and walked back up to the castle with his hands clasped behind his head. Draco fell in step and a calm silence settled over the wizards.

An hour later, Harry stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hair just as his dorm mates were waking up. He tossed his towel on his bed and pulled on his white button down over his tank top. A sleepy silence hung over the dorm as the boys woke up and got ready for the day. Harry finished dressing, grabbed his school satchel and walked out of his dorm. He walked down the corridor, passing the dorms and walked up into the Hufflepuff common room. It was something to get used to having to walk up to get further out of the Hufflepuff house instead of down like in Gryffindor tower and Harry added it to the list of differences he kept in his head. Harry surmised that once McGonagall set him up in the Head Boy and Head Girl dorm things would be less stressed and he looked forward to that.

"Harry how can you look so calm and collected so early in the morning? I just woke up half an hour ago, put my face on and…and…you're just a bloody perfect prat, aren't you?"

Harry grinned, chuckled and extended his arm for Susan to take as she and Hannah walked out of the same corridor Harry did. The fact that the boys and girls of Hufflepuff slept in the same section of the Hufflepuff House but on opposite sides of the corridor surprised Harry last night when he found out. Apparently, Professor Sprout was a lot more trusting then Professor McGonagall and the only rule was that if a student had a member of the opposite sex in their room then the door had to remain wide open.

"Well from what little I understand about witches, getting up and getting ready for the day in forty-five minutes isn't a long time at all. Care to walk me to breakfast?"

"Oh, Harry you say such the sweetest things."

Susan linked arms with Harry and fluttered her eyelashes. Harry rolled his eyes and poked the shorter witch in the side of the head. Hannah laughed at Susan's surprise squawk and the three young magicals walked out of the Hufflepuff House and out onto the ground floor of Hogwarts. They crossed the small antechamber into the Entrance Hall and joined the mass of students' walking into the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry caught Draco's attention by raising his hand and his brother-friend walked over with trepidation in his eyes.

"Morning Draco. Glad to see that you can walk after our morning workout and training."

"You work out? And here I thought you used magic to keep such a fine physique there Harry."

Susan smirked and squeezed Harry's arm with her hand. Harry grinned down at his fellow Hufflepuff and looked out over the Great Hall. Most of the students were eating and talking amongst themselves but a fair number stared at Harry, Draco, Susan and Hannah. Harry squeezed Susan's hand and stepped away from the Hufflepuff beauty.

"Go and enjoy breakfast and the morning gossip ladies. Draco and I will see you in lessons after breakfast."

"What? You're not going to eat with us Harry?"

"I have to talk a few matters over with Draco and we can't do that at either of our House tables."

"Just let me grab Blaise and we will join you. See you in in our lesson Hannah."

Before anyone could speak, Susan skipped off to the Slytherin table and entered a conversation with Blaise. Hannah snorted at her friend's actions and walked the rest of the way to the Hufflepuff table. Harry looked at Draco and nodded towards the end of the Ravenclaw table. Both wizards took their usual seats just as the morning mail arrived and Harry thanked Hedwig with a piece of bacon. His faithful companion hooted, nipped his finger and flew off.

"Harry, look at the Daily Prophet article on page four."

Harry picked up the newspaper and turned to the article Draco had mentioned. He read through it once to gather the general idea and then read the article a second time with a fine eye. Susan sat down next to him and Blaise sat down next to her before Harry could speak to Draco.

"Why such the gloomy faces? I leave you two for two minutes and you return to your usual gloom and doom state."

"I apologize Susan, but Draco and I have just read some disturbing news. There was a mass breakout attempt last night at Azkaban and although no prisoners escaped there were fifteen deaths. Four prisoners and eleven guards."

Even Susan's forced attempt at cheer dimmed at Harry's words and she took the newspaper when Harry offered it. Harry watched as she read the article and set the newspaper down.

"Well, some time has passed since the Dark Lord has made the news. If his forces had been successful, it would have made the front page."

"Indeed."

Breakfast was a somber affair after that and Harry worked with Draco to craft a letter to Sirius and Remus. The young wizards asked what they could do to help and what was being done in the Wizengamot and political circles. The warning bell rang and Harry stood up to head to lessons.

Lessons were as Harry expected, academically easy and watered down. One of the first things that Sirius had done when he claimed Harry and Draco as his wards was to dispel the notion that either of them were good students.

"Hogwarts has remained as one of the last institutions that the Minister of Magic and the Wizengamot cannot fully infiltrate or control. Dumbledore, for all his secrets and machinations, has always brilliantly outmaneuvered any political motions or schemes to have his ideologies tested or messed with. As such, Dumbledore has crafted a learning program that he thinks prepares all Hogwarts graduates for their first years in the working world. A bunch of shite if you ask me."

Sirius, Remus and Narcissa had then taken both Harry and Draco to task. The young Heir Apparents were tested in every lesson, ideology and practical application Hogwarts educational program had taught them so far. Sirius was not impressed and as Lord Black he hired several of the best private tutors to bring his young wards up to speed.

"The both of you will pay rapt attention to the tutors and will give everything you have to what they teach you. As prominent lords to be on the Ruling Nine, I will not sit back and let you squander your abilities and talents. Keep a stiff lip, sharp eyes and a controlled hand."

Over the year that he had been privately tutored, Harry flourished and stepped into his own. Every month he was tested and every month he met Sirius's high expectations. Now that he had returned to Hogwarts however, Harry found that he wasn't being as pushed as he was used to. The lessons and theories that the Hogwarts professors were teaching were excellent and well founded, but Harry's mind and body thirsted for more.

"Harry wait up!"

At the sound of Ron's voice Harry stopped walking and stepped aside in the busy corridor. Morning lessons had just ended and most of the student body was headed to the Great Hall for lunch. Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny hurried over to him and formed a half circle for some privacy.

"Hey. What's going on? Is something the matter?"

At his friends' glances towards one another Harry knew exactly what the conversation was going to be about. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had Herbology together and all conversation between the friends had been strained. Ginny hadn't been there, but she had made her opinion and questions known through Ron and Hermione. All of them were wondering what Harry had been up to and why he had been so reclusive since returning to Hogwarts. Weren't they all good friends? Were they still good friends? Harry had answered yes to both questions but stated that talking about such personal matters was not something to be done during their lesson. Ron had spluttered but Hermione calmed him with a stern look and had agreed.

"We want you to sit with us at the Gryffindor table so we can talk. We haven't spoken, really spoken since your seventeenth birthday."

"I agree but I suggest that we speak after lunch. There is a school wide free period because the staff must have their first day meeting and we will have plenty of time to talk then. The Stone Circle perhaps? Excuse me."

Harry broke away from his friends and walked down the corridor to link up with Draco. Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis stood with him and Harry nodded respectfully at both witches. They nodded in return and Harry looked at Draco.

"What's going on?"

"Greengrass has a message she received this morning that her older brother wants passed on to you. Do you mind if they join us for lunch?"

"No, of course not. Certainly will brighten up the looks and atmosphere."

Draco shook his head, Tracey laughed and Daphne raised an eyebrow. Harry grinned and gestured to the Great Hall. He met up with Susan and Blaise and asked for some privacy. Susan looked over Harry's shoulder to where Draco, Daphne and Tracey stood and then back at Harry.

"It's not like that Susan. Come on, play nice. There is a private matter that needs to be discussed."

"Be safe Harry."

"I always am."

Harry stepped away from Susan and gestured to their usual seats to Draco. Draco led the Slytherin witches over and Harry sat down next to Draco. Daphne and Tracey sat down together on the other side of the table and a tense silence settled over the four young magicals. Lunch plates were loaded up and Harry decided to break the silence.

"My friends and I have a custom we like to implement for situations such as these. There are those of us that are much higher in station then others, but our friendships go beyond titles and positions. Many of us call each other by their first names but given that we are all kin of those of the Ruling Nine how about we start with last names?"

Everyone nodded and Harry looked at Daphne. The startling nature of her purple coloured eyes stunned Harry for a second because it had been a while since he had seen them up close. Daphne stared back at him unflinchingly and her mouth formed a straight line.

"As all of you know, my family is under more scrutiny than normal and my elder brother is doing all that he can to maintain our position of power and status. I trust that this matter will stay private and confidential, but my brother has reached his limit. I am asking a favour of you Potter, to speak with Lord Black and entreat upon him to help my family out. There is much that Lord Black can do that my brother cannot because of the social implications."

"What you are asking for Greengrass is-"

Draco fell silent at a raised hand from Harry and he looked at Daphne. The beautiful heiress didn't flinch or back down and Harry returned to his lunch.

"I make no promises Greengrass, but I will ask Lord Black what it is that he can do, if anything."

"That is all that I can ask Potter. Thank you."

Another brief silence settled over the table, but Tracey broke that by leaning forward. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Is there something that you wish to ask Davis?"

"Oh, there is plenty that I want to know Potter. Care to sate my curiosity?"

The heavy innuendo and suggestive tone caused Harry to laugh and he finished eating. Daphne had sighed but looked amused and Draco looked up from his plate.

"I have no doubt that your curiosity is piqued by both mine and Draco's return to the social circles Davis, but I have another pressing matter to attend to. Good luck getting any information out of Draco though."

Harry excused himself, stood up and headed out of the Great Hall.

Harry walked down to the Stone Circle and he fondly remembered the memory of Hermione punching Draco in the face during their third year. He wondered if Draco would recall the event the same way Hermione did and he made a note to ask Draco once this awkward conversation with his friends was over. Ron, Neville, Ginny and Hermione stood inside the enormous stones and stopped talking when Harry stopped in front of them. He sighed, sat down and rested his arms on his drawn-up knees.

"So? Go ahead and say what you have to say and ask what questions you have to ask."

Four of the five magicals shuffled around nervously but Harry didn't speak or say anything else. He closed his eyes as he waited.

"Harry, what happened over the past year? You're not the same boy that left us a year ago, and you seem…different. Colder."

"Are you afraid that Draco and Narcissa Malfoy have been influencing my thoughts and behaviors Hermione? Not only mine but Sirius, Tonks and Remus's as well?"

Harry heard Hermione's sharp intake of breath and Ron's muttering. Part of Harry's lordship training had been communication and the different ways to speak depending on the situation and types of people involved. Sirius had taught Harry how to be more direct and forthright and Narcissa had taught him the fine art of insinuation and double speak. This afternoon it looked like Harry would have to use both and he mentally prepared himself for the task.

"Why are those two snakes even living with you? Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to Azkaban for being a Death Eater! It's not right."

At Ron's angry outburst, Harry opened his eyes and he speared his friend with a cool look. Ron looked down, muttering under again his breath but Neville shook his head.

"Ron, even though Draco and Narcissa are still alive and well, their family name is in tatters. The only reason why Draco is still able to hold his head high is because Sirius, as Lord Black, has absorbed House Malfoy and taken them under the protection of House Black. Legally and socially, it would be suicide to attack either one right now. Then, you have to remember that Remus is acting as Lord Potter and the friendship between Remus and Sirius extends between House Potter and House Black as well."

"Bloody politics. Making a confusing mess out of matters that should be simple."

"Language Ronald."

Harry chuckled at Hermione's reprimand and he wondered if it was just reflex that had her scolding the youngest Weasley boy. The wizard in question looked like a boiling cauldron, his expression as dark as a storm cloud and Harry knew that he would need to use every one of his social graces to have Ron agree and come to terms with the changes in him. Hermione looked nervous, saddened even but curious as well and Harry hoped that Hermione's seemingly neutral state of mind could be swayed to supporting Harry as well. He knew that it would take a lot more than Harry living with Draco and Narcissa Malfoy to have Hermione abandon him but her potential decision weighed far heavier on Harry's shoulders than Ron's. In complete contrast to both of his long-time friends, Neville looked completely at ease and amused.

"What is so amusing Neville?"

The bigger Gryffindor wizard shrugged his shoulders and leant against one of the stone pillars with his arms crossed across his chest.

"Harry, I think you are making this conversation more difficult than you need to. Hermione and Ron are your friends and since you haven't been very communicative over the past year, they want their overdue questions answered."

Harry sighed and nodded his head in agreement with Neville's words. Ginny stepped forward and placed her hands on her hips.

"Why did you let the Sorting Hat place you in Hufflepuff instead of coming back to Gryffindor?"

"Like I told Hermione last night, I asked to be in Gryffindor when I first came to Hogwarts but this time I let the Sorting Hat make the decision. We had a lengthy chat but Hufflepuff is better than no house at all."

Ginny raised an eyebrow at Harry's statement and the other four magicals made noises of confusion as well. Harry closed his eyes again and rested his head back against the stone slab behind him.

"Apparently, I exhibit and possess equal measures of bravery, cunning, intelligence and loyalty. The Sorting Hat didn't know where to put me at first and after a moment of deliberation, I believe it played the eenie-minie-mo game."

Harry opened his eyes and saw that Neville and Hermione chuckled, but Ron and Ginny looked flabbergasted and shocked. He chuckled and looked at Neville.

"You've been awfully quiet and haven't asked me a question yet. What's on your mind Neville?"

"What three of the most noble and ancient houses of the Ruling Nine are up to. The close alliance between House Potter and House Black is something to be cautious of but House Malfoy falls in line as well. One third of the Ruling Nine agreeing on anything and possibly everything is something beyond caution. It's bordering on apprehension and possibly fear."

Harry couldn't help the sly grin that spread across his face and his eyes shone with mischief when he opened them.

"Let's not be dramatic Neville. The current Wizengamot term has barely even begun."

"Ruling Nine? What or who is the Ruling Nine?"

Both Harry and Neville looked at Hermione. The witch raised an eyebrow and looked back at them. Neville looked at Harry and raised his eyebrows. Speaking of the Ruling Nine to outsiders wasn't exactly taboo but the Ruling Nine operated with as much discretion as possible. Neville speaking about the governing body so openly, even though they were amongst friends, would have certainly gotten him a scolding and Harry speared Hermione with a look.

"In time, we might be able to tell you and for now I need all of you to stay quiet. Just know that the Ruling Nine are very powerful people and crossing them would be most unwise."

Hermione looked like she would argue but fell silent with an angry huff. No one spoke for a moment, but Harry kept watching Hermione and she looked up again with a surprised look on her face.

"Harry you're not here at Hogwarts to continue your formal education. You're here to test the political and social waters after a lengthy one year absence."

"I'm glad to see that your mind is as brilliant and scary as ever Hermione."

Someone moved on the outside of the Stone Circle and Harry narrowed his eyes. A moment later Luna Lovegood stepped into the circle and Harry stood up. Luna walked over, smiled serenely at everyone and looked up at Harry. Harry's eyes narrowed as he had a silent conversation with Luna and he looked out at everyone else. Luna subtly elbowed him and smiled widely at the Gryffindors.

"If you will excuse us there is something that Harry and I need to discuss."

"It's all right Ron. Ginny. I can see that there is more to be discussed and I promise that I will make some time for all of you. For now, if you would all excuse Luna and I…"

Harry nodded at his friends and walked out of the Stone Circle with Luna at his side. Once they were a good distance away from the landmark Harry looked down at Luna.

"What's going on? What happened?"

"Nothing too serious Harry. Relax. Breathe."

Harry chuckled but did as Luna directed and felt the tension drain out of him. Luna Lovegood was one of the few people from his life at Hogwarts that Harry had seen on a weekly basis during his year of isolation at Abbottsford. She had been rather persistent that he see her in the letters she sent by owl and after their first meeting, Harry made time to see Luna. Even though she was a year younger than him, Luna held an astounding degree of maturity and experience that far outstripped her age.

"There we are. Now, I intervened in your little discussion because the probability of the conversation turning hostile and nasty was increasing by the minute. Everyone had good intentions but their ability to reconcile who you were one year ago, and who you are now is still poor. Given time the chances might improve but for now limited contact is best."

"Is that your very mysterious and nice way of saying that my friends and I might grow apart?"

Luna chuckled and nodded her head. Harry opened the door to the Entrance Hall and readjusted his satchel's strap on his shoulder. Luna stood on tiptoe and kissed Harry's cheek.

"Goodbye for now Harry Potter."

"Thank you, Luna."

Harry and Luna went their separate ways and Harry pondered his friend's words as he walked to his next lesson.