Disclaimer

I don't own Harry Potter.

If fact, if you get down to it I probably own very little of the ideas being used in this story. But I am not getting paid for them and have hopefully put them together in a new and interesting way.

Enjoy.

Chapter 7

Harry was right about his welcoming committee at the school. He would have preferred to be wrong.

"So you think you can just saunter back here after all the problems you caused?" Snape sneered at him.

"What problems?" Harry shrugged, trying to hold his temper in check. "I'm pretty sure that I didn't do anything new last year and I've only just gotten back. You're the first Slytherin I've even talked to so far so there's nothing for anyone to complain about."

"I was referring to your irresponsible actions during the summer." Snape growled.

"I didn't think that my personal, out of school activities were any business of a school professor. You aren't even my Head of House nor the Headmaster or Deputy Head." Harry pointed out. "What authority do you even have to bring up my personal activities?"

"You arrogant little brat." Snape snarled. "Do you have any idea the problems you've caused everyone?"

"It's not my fault if some idiots have an unhealthy obsession with me." Harry snorted.

Snape was fuming and about to explode.

"You really think this place is the right place for this conversation?" Harry kept going and glanced around. Spotting a Slytherin crest on a passing observer he called out to her. "Hey, does Snape ask you about your summer plans?"

"No." The girl responded automatically then shook her head as if to clear it. "Don't get me involved in your problems."

Harry turned back to Snape. "You don't even bug your own House so leave me alone."

Harry walked off, ignoring Snape shouting at him to come back.

"He's going to take that out on you later." Hermione commented.

"He had no right or authority to do that." Harry replied. "I'm done taking his crap."

"I know, but he is not going to take that sitting down."

"I think that was brilliant." Ron gushed. "You really put him in his place."

"And he's going to be a bigger arse next time." Harry grunted. "He can't have another Potter getting the better of him, childish git."

"Harry!" Hermione scolded.

"Can you honestly say he hasn't been abusing his authority as a Professor to punish me without cause?" Harry replied. "As a Professor he's only marginally better than Quirrell or Lockhart. Can you honestly say he's as good as Sprout, or Flitwick, or McGonagall, or Sinistra?"

"No." Hermione admitted. "He's not."

"I'll even rate Trelawney above him." Harry continued. "Whatever you want to say about her, and you can say a lot, she does actually give an honest attempt at teaching."

Hermione shot him a glare which let him know he'd made his point.

"Come on." Harry caught her arm. "Let's go eat. Snape is not a reason for us to start arguing."

!SB!

Dinner went pretty well and Harry left quickly to talk to Professor McGonagall.

"Professor Dumbledore wants to see you." McGonagall was looking for him as well.

"That probably just to tell me off again, either about taking a holiday or Snape complained about being put in his place." Harry shrugged. "Either way, he can wait. I need to talk to you about my classes. With Professor Slughorn taking Potions now, do I still need an Outstanding OWL to get in?"

"No, just an Exceeds Expectations."

"Good. Can I drop Divination and take Potions then?"

"Of course, and may I say I'm impressed you are taking more interest in your education."

Harry shrugged. "I had some issues to deal with, no thanks to Dumbledore."

McGonagall frowned. "Mr Potter. That attitude…"

"I exactly right for the situation." Harry cut her off. He took a deep breath to continue. "He dumped me into a situation where I was abused and neglected by the very people who were supposed to be looking after me and to make it worse, he knew it."

"Mr Potter. That is quite the accusation."

"He admitted it. Sentencing me to ten hard years. His own words." Harry gave her a hard look. "Still think I should go back?"

"I never thought that was the right place for you, I just wish I hadn't believed in Albus so strongly and checked on you." McGonagall sat and looked decades older all of a sudden. "I apologise, Mr Potter. I am deeply sorry for failing you."

"Thanks." Harry shrugged.

"Now, about your actions over the summer…"

"Are my holiday's subject to teacher approval?" Harry asked. "Do the other students need to ask permission to take a trip?"

"No, but your situation is a little different." McGonagall started.

"If the school has no authority then drop it." Harry ordered.

"Mr Potter."

"No." Harry stared her down unyieldingly.

"Very well." McGonagall recognised that the teen wouldn't budge. "I trust you were careful and safe."

"I was." Harry assured her.

"Good." McGonagall shook her head. "I'll begin adjusting your schedule, it shouldn't be too hard. You should head to the Headmaster's office."

Harry sighed. "Yeah. Wait, my broom?"

"Oh, yes." McGonagall crossed the room and opened a cupboard and pulled the broom out. "Professor Flitwick and myself have both examined it carefully and we're positive it's fine. I hope you will do your best as Seeker this year."

"Ginny's the current Seeker." Harry shrugged. "As long as I get to fly I'm not bothered about the game."

Harry headed out for the next meeting leaving a rather shocked professor behind him.

The darkening corridors were surprisingly still given the castle's population, thought they would now all be in their Common Rooms catching up with all their friends.

Finally he reached the statue guarding the Headmaster's office and watched as it moved aside for him. He climbed the tight spiral of the staircase and tapped on the door.

"Come in."

Harry pushed it open and entered. "You wanted to see me?"

"You took your own sweet time." Snape sneered at him.

"I came with all due haste." Harry resisted the urge to snarl back.

"But you just had to get your broom first."

"Actually I had to discuss my classes with Professor McGonagall and asked about it before I left. She just happened to have it right there."

"A likely story."

"Enough Severus." Dumbledore finally cut in. "Pointless bickering will get us nowhere. Harry, I need to know where you went during the summer when you ran away."

"I don't think my summer plans, when school is out, has anything to do with the school's Headmaster." Harry replied. "And certainly not an unrelated professor."

"Such arrogance." Snape blurted. "Do you see...?"

"Severus." Dumbledore warned. "Harry, this attitude is not helping. You know you have a different circumstance to other students."

"You mean having a bunch of nut-jobs chasing after me? Maybe but that does not strike me as being something for a school to deal with." Harry replied.

"Voldemort is not to be taken so lightly. You know I am not just the Headmaster."

"So what other position do you think gives you the right to dictate what I do in my own time?" Harry asked.

"I am the head of the Order of the Phoenix..."

"An organisation with no official power and which I am not a member of." Harry countered.

"I am also the head of the Wizengamot..."

"So you got that back? Me taking a holiday doesn't seem like a Ministry issue though." Harry paused as a thought occurred. "Though if it is it might explain why the government is so useless. Surely they have more important things to do than monitor kids taking a trip somewhere."

"You are being unnecessarily difficult." Dumbledore scolded.

"And you are just expecting me to obey you for no reason at all." Harry countered. "I'm not a kid you can just order around anymore. You want me to work with you, you have to give me a reason and work with me."

"I am trying to stop Voldemort, is that not a good enough reason?"

"Sure, what have you done so far? How many Death Eaters have you caught?" Harry asked. "Since the Department of Mysteries that is."

"You little brat." Snape interrupted again.

"Severus, please." Dumbledore cut him off again.

"Why is he even here?" Harry jerked his thumb at the increasingly irate professor. "He's not Deputy or my Head of House so... why?"

"Severus has my complete trust."

"That doesn't answer my question." Harry noted.

Dumbledore frowned and changed tact. "You've developed quite a troublesome attitude. This is no time for you to have such a rebellion. It's imperative we all work together right now."

"You say that, but you mean 'do whatever you tell us'." Harry shrugged. "If there's nothing else then I'm heading back to my Common room. I'd just like to know when we'll begin my training."

"Come here Thursday after dinner; we will start then." Dumbledore sighed. "But I hope you will have a better attitude."

"As long as you are serious about helping me beat Riddle, I'll put the work in." Harry walked out.

"Is that it?" Snape scoffed. "All that disrespect and that's it? No punishment or anything?"

"He's at that rebellious stage. Engaging with him will only make matters worse." Dumbledore replied. "He will come around. I've never known him to not do what needed to be done."

"Will he do 'that'?"

"He has too. If he doesn't we've lost."

"So, how will this year play out? Your last…"

!SB!

"Password."

Harry blinked at the very familiar portrait. "Bugger. Hermione never gave it to me. I don't suppose you can get someone from inside?"

"I'll see if there's someone around." The fat lady gave him a tolerant smile as she stepped out of her portrait.

It was barely more than a minute before the portrait opened and Hermione poked her head out. "Hi Harry, I've been waiting for you. Come on."

"I'd have been quicker if you had given me the password already." Harry commented dryly as he stepped passed her.

"Sorry." Hermione looked embarrassed. "But you vanished off after dinner pretty quickly. And you took your time getting here."

"Dumbledore wanted to see me, with Snape." Harry shrugged. "I made it clear that my holiday plans were none of either of their business. Again. For any of his many roles."

"Good." Hermione gave a firm nod. "What are his plans for training you?"

"I don't know yet. Thursday evening, I hope he will tell me then."

"Here's hoping he's honest with you. Finally."

"Me too, but I doubt it. The fossil isn't likely to change."

"Yeah. I know." Hermione looked down. "I really looked up to and admired him when I first got here, not he just seems to be a big disappointment."

"He's certainly nothing we can't surpass together." Harry grinned at her.

Hermione looked back up with an extremely determine look on her face. "You'd better believe it. Get a good night's sleep; tomorrow we start training each other. Even harder than we did during the summer."

"Yeah!" Harry agreed.

!SB!

Harry woke at his usual time and enjoyed the warmth of the bodies surrounding him. With his curtains drawn the girls had used their privacy to snuggle up with him properly. They would be getting hungry soon, he thought, he would have to meet Dobby this morning and ensure they were all fed properly. They'd managed the last week by staying in their true forms, but they didn't like being stuck like that for long periods of time.

He pushed the girls to wake them and get them to shift forms so he could gather them all together and head out to begin his morning training. Ron was snoring loudly; they had caught up with their other year-mates but Harry had turned in early, using a silencing charm to block out the continuing talking and laughter.

Ron had always been a reluctant riser so Harry left him; he could try and catch up tomorrow. He headed down to the Common Room, stretching as he went to get ready for his morning training.

"Morning." Hermione was already ready and waiting for him.

"Morning." Harry greeted them. "Ready?"

"Of course." Hermione smiled.

"I just need to swing by the kitchen first." Harry chuckled. "I'll meet you outside in a couple of minutes."

"It's fine, I'll come with you."

The pair headed out the portrait door and jogged the dark hallways to the kitchen. Hermione tickled the appropriate pear and they walked through the revealed door.

"Harry Potter sir." Dobby shot forward to grab Harry by the leg. "You came to see me."

"Hey Dobby. How have you been?"

"Harry Potter sir wants to know how Dobby has been doing?" The elf gushed. "Dobby is so happy. Dobby couldn't be happier to know how Harry Potter sir cares for Dobby."

"You're my friend, of course I care." Harry told him. "I would like an answer too."

"Dobby has been good. Dobby is happier now Harry Potter sir is back in the castle. The castle is always happier when the students are here."

"That's good." Harry knelt and glanced around to make sure no one else was too close. "Can you do me a favour, and keep it secret from everyone else?"

Dobby's personality shifted. "Dobby will always keep Harry Potter sir's secrets."

"Thanks. I've some friends that I've snuck into the castle with me. Can you ensure they get fed please? If you can get meals for six to my dorm room? When no one else if around. I don't know if they will introduce themselves to you but they might."

"Dobby will ensure Harry Potter sir's friends are well looked after." Dobby promised.

"Thanks." Harry replied gratefully. "I really appreciate it."

"Dobby is always happy to help Harry Potter sir."

"I'll see you later." Harry patted the elf's shoulder.

"Bye Harry Potter sir." Dobby bounced on his toes happily.

!SB!

A very sweaty pair of Gryffindor's that returned to their House to shower and change for breakfast.

"Crazy idea…" Harry commented as they walked up another flight of stairs.

"Yeah?" Hermione looked over at him.

"We bring our uniforms and our books and use the Prefect's bathroom."

Hermione considered it. "Well, that's no worse than watching you and Fleur have sex. And it's not like you haven't seen me naked before. But only if Ron, and probably Ginny, don't join us for our morning workouts."

"Fair enough." Harry nodded. "That might be a little weird."

"And I don't want to give Ron any wrong ideas." Hermione explained. "Besides, you can't play with your girls if they're around."

"That is that too." Harry chuckled. "I think they'd be rather disappointed by that."

"I think they would be a lot more than disappointed." Hermione teased. "We're here. Meet you back in the Common Room in fifteen?"

"Sure."

"Thanks. Sorry you won't have more time with the girls."

"We'll live."

Fifteen minutes later the pair were heading down to the Great Hall. The tsukumogami hadn't managed to be washed by Harry but they had ensured they showered with him and rubbed their naked bodies against his as much as possible given their limited time.

They were now hidden in his bed waiting for Dobby to bring them breakfast. Harry had left the Marauders Map with them so they could get a feel for the layout of the castle and keep an eye on him, just to help them feel better about the distance.

Breakfast was its usual lavish affair and Harry kept a close eye out for McGonagall and the schedules.

"Ah, here she is." Harry got up to get his early and headed over to the Hufflepuff table.

"Morning Susan, do you have a minute?" Harry greeted the friendly girl.

"Harry." Susan blushed. "Uh, sure. How can I help?"

Harry gently led her a short distance from the others at her table so they could talk privately. "I understand you've been getting training to run your family's assets?"

"Of course." Susan was confused. "Why?"

"Can you teach me?" Harry asked then hurried on. "I'm not asking you to tell me anything you don't want, or reveal any secrets, just some basics or general ideas.

"No, it's fine." Susan assured him. "But don't you know this already?"

"No." Harry stated. "I've not been taught anything."

Susan frowned. "That's not right."

"I agree. Can you help correct it?"

"Of course. When do you want to start?"

Harry looked his schedule over. "Well, I'm done by three today…"

!SB!

Potions was the first class for the day and it was remarkably different to any class held by Snape. To start with Slughorn actually engaged with the class without ridiculing anyone. He showed a few potions and had the class guess what each was. The last potion no one got; not surprising given it was an incredibly rare potion – the Luck Potion.

Harry was using his mother's old potion book and the notes in the margin were a shining example of her brilliance; they detailed tips, trick and alternatives to make the process easier and better.

Hermione was a little put out that he wasn't following the same recipe as everyone else and even more put out that his potion ended up being the best in the class; winning him the small vial of Luck potion.

"You should have stuck to the proper recipe." Hermione scolded.

"Well, I'm glad I didn't." Harry countered. "I produced a better potion and I got the prize. Can you imagine what might have happened if someone like Malfoy got it? Besides, you were excited about those notes when you saw them."

Hermione shuddered. "Okay, I'll grant you that. But, still..."

"Come on, we have to get to Transfiguration." Harry cut her off.

Hermione huffed but picked up her pace to keep up with Harry.

Transfiguration didn't go quite so well. Harry performed well enough in class but he had both his own and his mother's books out and was checking to see if his mother had any notes on the day's lesson. Professor McGonagall didn't seem to approve of the two books and took his mother's one.

"See me after class, Mr Potter." McGonagall ordered as she snapped the book closed.

Harry closed his eyes as he silently fumed and could hear sniggers from the Slytherin's in the class.

He approached McGonagall as the class let out and she sat quietly until everyone else had left.

"Do you know why I asked you to stay behind?" McGonagall asked without looking up.

"I honestly haven't got a clue." Harry replied.

McGonagall frowned. "First, I expected better than to have none class books out, and to scribble on the pages is highly disrespectful. I will be informing Madam Pince that you will be cleaning the book before returning it."

"Professor McGonagall." Harry growled. "Firstly that is not a library book; it belongs to me. Secondly, if you had looked, you would have seen it was a Transfiguration text book, which I believe is totally appropriate for a Transfiguration class. Lastly, and by no means least, I didn't write in that book. My mother did, it was her text book. Now, can I have my book back?"

McGonagall blanched and looked at the book more closely. "My apologies. I didn't realise."

"Did you even bother looking? Or did you just assume the worst?" Harry reached over and snatched the book back without bothering to wait for her to return it. "I expect that crap from Snape; I didn't expect it from you. Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

With that Harry stormed out, not giving the stunned professor a chance to recover or respond.

That, coupled with Hermione being in a huff with him, put Harry in a bad mood and when lunch rolled around he grabbed a few things and left the Great Hall, returning to his dorm to spend some time with the tsukumogami.

The comforting presence of the six girls helped him calm down a little for his afternoon class, which fortunately wasn't until an hour after lunch. He swapped his books and let the girls each give him some firm hugs before he headed out to his last class of the day.

He found a seat away from Hermione, still not totally happy with her after the morning, and got focused on the lesson.

This lesson went pretty well at least and Susan tapped his arm as they packed up to leave.

"Are we still on?" The strawberry blonde asked.

"Yeah. I'll meet you in the library in ten minutes?" Harry managed a smile for her.

"Sure." Susan smiled back. "I'll meet you there. We can do our homework as well."

"That sounds good." Harry gave her a nod and headed back to his dorm to get what he needed.

He was a little late getting back to the library and saw Susan setting up at a table.

"Sorry, took a little longer than I thought." Harry apologised as he joined her.

"That's fine. Where do you want to start?" Susan shifted to get comfortable.

"I think the first part is around what's involved in taking the title, and being emancipated. Then we can go on with what to do with it once you've got it and things to look out for."

"Sure." Susan started explaining what she knew.

They were interrupted about an hour later by a pair of hands slapping firmly, but not too loudly, on to the table.

"Can I help you?" Harry looked up at the Slytherin girl.

"Yes. Thanks to your stunt last night I had both Snape and Malfoy giving me unnecessary grief." The girl glared down at him. "I expect you to make it up to me."

"Sorry, I'm still lost." Harry frowned. "What did I do to you?"

"She's the one you asked if to find out if Snape checked up on his own students holiday's." Hermione said from behind the Slytherin. "Her name is Daphne, in case you were wondering. Daphne Greengrass."

"Oh, right." Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure that makes much difference though."

"It doesn't?" Daphne Greengrass asked in a dangerous tone.

"She was on the Inquisition Squad wasn't she?" Harry glanced at Hermione and Susan for confirmation.

Both girls nodded.

"What's that got to do with anything?" Daphne demanded. "I was asked to help a Ministry official. And you were all in an illegal club."

"I would question whether she actually had the right to stop that group, given its main purpose was to help every one pass their DADA exam." Harry shrugged. "Besides, you worked with the Toad; that's enough. Do you mind leaving now?"

"Oh? Is my presence causing you problems?" Daphne looked at the pieces of parchment on the table. "Are their things here you don't want me to see... Hey, those are for the Black family. What are you doing with them?"

Harry quickly swept up the parchments and slid them back into their folder. "Mind your own business. You can leave now."

"But this is more interesting." Daphne sat. "First you actually seem competent at potions and now you have Black family information."

"He cheated." Hermione grumped as she sat next to Harry.

"So my mother had some good ideas, what's wrong with that?"

"You should have stuck to the book."

"Are you really that naive?" Daphne scoffed at the Gryffindor witch.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione glared.

"Do you honestly think that a Potions Master, one whose livelihood is based in the quality of his work, would release his best recipes for anyone to make on their own? Of course not. The recipes are good, but not their best. Their best will be kept for their family alone."

"But…" Hermione stopped.

"If you want to publish all your best ideas instead of profiting off them then fine, but you would be better served to keep them close." Daphne frowned. "Why am I helping you?"

"Who knows?" Susan give the Slytherin a firm look. "Can you leave?"

"I can, but I won't." Daphne place a single finger on the closed file. "How is it you have this?"

"It's none of your business." Harry stated.

"Oh, but it is. I was planning on starting a business after I graduate and I was hoping to get funding from the Black family." Daphne met his eye. "I thought I had to play nice with Malfoy but it seems you are the one holding the cards. This will make things interesting in the Common Room."

"Don't you have your own family to inherit?" Susan pointed out.

"Yes, but that's not for years. Decades hopefully." Daphne replied easily. "This is my way to test myself and it will expand the family portfolio."

"I would point out that this is not a good way to make a good impression." Hermione said.

"I've got two years to correct it." Daphne didn't seem worried. "First I have to get him past the whole Slytherin is Evil thing."

"Oh, I know not all Slytherins are evil, just like not all Gryffindor's are good." Harry pulled the file clear and put it in his bag. "But it's hard to see anyone in your house past Malfoy's obnoxious behaviour."

"I'll give you that." Daphne sighed. "So, what are we studying?"

"We?"

"Like I said, I need to make you like me." Daphne shrugged. "You are too much of a Gryffindor to see the potential profit margin as enough. I can play nice if I have to."

"Wow, shameless aren't you?" Hermione snorted.

"I want to succeed. Success is as much who you know as how good you are at what you're doing."

Hermione didn't look impressed.

Daphne quirked an eyebrow at her. "You've never gone somewhere based on someone's recommendation? Knowing who to go to get permits and licences from, source raw materials; it's all critical to success."

Hermione grimaced but couldn't really counter that.

"What sort of business are you planning?" Harry asked.

Daphne shifted to present herself very professionally. "I plan on building business around breeding exotic animals and harvesting them for potion ingredients. That's why I'm taking Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid might not be the best teacher but he certainly know his exotic creatures."

Harry stared at her before nodding. "Fair enough."

Daphne nodded and pulled her books out. "Well, carry on."

"We'll continue another time." Susan went for her own books. "Hermione, about Transfiguration…"

!SB!

"Harry." Hermione touched his shoulder to get his attention. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry over you using your mother's notes. I think I was just a little jealous that you had them. As much as you deserve so much more of your parents, before we were on equal footing; now you have her helping you."

"You know I'm happy to let you read them too." Harry told her. "But don't get angry at me for doing better than you, that's what the Dursley's did."

Hermione paled. "Oh, Merlin. I'm really sorry. Please beat my scores; if I can't beat you then it's my own fault. Challenge me and I'll do the same for you too. We'll get even better together."

"That sounds more like it." Harry smiled.

Hermione finally relaxed and hugged Harry firmly. Finally things felt right again.

!SB!

"You spent last night trying to convince us that you have nothing to do with Potter, and yet you sat with him in the Library." Malfoy stared at Daphne, trying to be intimidating. "Do you need a lesson on where you belong?"

"Last night I was totally honest, that was my first time talking with Potter." Daphne stated. "Then I found out that he is the one in control of the Black Family assets. You know my business goals. You think I care who I have to be nice too to get the gold?"

Daphne wasn't exactly quiet and several people were now looking at Malfoy.

"Bitch! You'll pay for that!" Malfoy snarled.

"At least I don't have to spread my legs to Potter for the gold. I know that's what you wanted." Daphne sneered.

Malfoy went for his wand but Daphne had anticipated this and hers was already in her hand.

"You really are an idiot." Daphne half taunted, half scolded. "Do you see how perfect this is? Aren't you a Slytherin? I have a reason to be right there next to Potter and he won't question it. I can find out all his secrets, the truth behind all the rumours, everything that he's been through. Don't you get how valuable that information will be? All of Potter's deepest, darkest secrets will lie in the palm of my hand if I just play things right. So stay out of it and let me work; it's going to be hard enough and take long enough as it is without you getting in the way."

Malfoy backed down. "So you are a true Slytherin after all. Find out his secrets then I will destroy him."

Daphne headed up to her dorm, impassive and struggling to resist the urge to roll her eyes.

"Are you really going to help Malfoy destroy Potter?" Tracy Davis had followed her best friend up the stairs to their dorm room.

Daphne shrugged. "Did I ever say I was going to shared what I learnt with Malfoy?"

Tracy grinned. "No, you didn't. So, what was your first impression of the Gryffindor Golden Boy?"

"Favourable." Daphne admitted. "He didn't send me packing just because I'm a Slytherin."

"That is unexpected." Tracy agreed. "Did he say why he picked you last night?"

"He didn't pick 'me'; he picked the first Slytherin he saw." Daphne huffed. "Granger had to tell him it was me he picked, he actually didn't know until I confronted him."

"That's different." Tracy was shocked. "That must be a first for you."

"It is." Daphne admitted. "He certainly wasn't staring at my bits like most other boys."

"A point in his favour."

"Hmm. And he had documents on the Black family finances."

"Which means he must have inherited it." Tracy nodded. "That explains why you told Malfoy that."

"He already knew, he was just pissed that someone found out." Daphne noted. "I bet he's got several ideas to get Potter out of the way and get the title for himself."

"From what I've overheard, the Dark Lord wants Potter for himself." Tracy noted.

"Yes. Malfoy might not want to annoy Him."

"Not that he would be any great loss."

!SB!

Harry and Hermione were getting on much better when they got back to the Common Room.

"Where have you two been?" Ron asked, glancing up from his Quidditch magazine.

"The library." Harry replied.

"Already? It's only the first day." Ron snorted. "Hermione's being a bad influence on you."

"I disagree." Harry replied simply. "Besides, I've a few none-school things I need to learn and I want to pick up some Runes and Arithmancy."

"Mental, the both of you." Ron snorted. "At least you're talking to each other; Transfiguration was painful with you avoiding each other. What happened?"

"I made a mistake and took it out on Harry." Hermione explained. "I've already apologised and we're fine."

"Good, so where were you this morning?"

"Class. I'm taking Potions."

"Why?"

"Because it's better than Divination."

Ron grudgingly admitted that was the case.

"Come on, it's time for dinner." Harry headed for the stairs to his dorm to put his things away.

Ron's eyes lit up eagerly.

!SB!

So that Slytherin bint just sat down and pulled her books out?" Ron actually stopped eating.

Harry was recounting his encounter with Daphne Greengrass in the library. "Yeah."

"I can't believe it. She's a looker, but you can trust any of those snakes."

"I don't trust her." Harry shrugged. "But as long as she's not causing me problems I'm not going to make a fuss. Don't make a big deal if she shows up again. I've enough problems with Snape and Malfoy's crew; I don't need to add people unnecessarily."

"You know she's going to pass everything she learns about you on to You-Know-Who."

"If it's the truth then it'll make a nice change from the usual crap." Harry didn't seem too concerned. "If she tries anything I'll deal with her. Until then, just leave her alone. Let's not make enemies unnecessarily."

"Fine." Ron grumped.

Harry saw an approving look from Hermione as he turned back to his meal.

!SB!

The next day was going to be a challenge. They would have their first DADA lesson with Snape. Ron kept going on about Harry was the best in the class and Snape couldn't do a thing about it but a much more cynical Harry knew Snape would just use this as another opportunity to abuse his position and try to humiliate him.

Harry listened to Snape's opening speech and as the professor began the lesson. He was glad for Fleur's lessons over the summer given Snape's heavy focus on silent casting. Then they were told to pair up and practise the disarming spell.

Hermione ended up with Ron as Daphne snuck in to partner with Harry.

Harry chuckled. "Ladies first."

"Thank you." Daphne replied, her impassive features briefly twisting into a polite approximation of a small smile.

Daphne made a few unsuccessful attempts before Harry gave her a bit of advice. "Firm your grip and loosen your wrist; keep your wand movement's precise. And mean it."

Daphne hesitated and tried Harry's advice and produced a weak burst of magic, so weak that Harry didn't need to even try and block it.

"Thank you." Daphne gave him a nod.

Harry shrugged. "Try it again."

Daphne tried three more times, getting progressively better. She never actually disarmed Harry, he just flicked the spell to the floor.

"Twenty points to Slytherin." Snape nodded to Daphne.

Harry, his back to the professor, just rolled his eyes.

Daphne laughed internally and gave his a small nod. "Your turn."

"Okay. Ready?" Harry checked.

"Of course."

Harry's wand moved faster than she expected and the spell leapt at her. She had no time to react as it struck her hand and tore the wand from her grip, knocking her hand back in the process.

"Oww." Daphne rubbed her sore hand as Harry casually caught her fast moving wand. "That was a bit rough."

"Sorry." Harry tossed her wand back. "Ready?"

Daphne set herself and focused harder, he was much better than she expected. "Ready."

Harry's wand moved again and again she was disarmed, though not as violently this time.

"Damn." Daphne cursed as she caught the returned wand. "I can't react fast enough. Again!"

Harry waited until she was ready and disarmed her again, though she did at least manage to try and deflect the spell this time.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor." Snape spat. "You are supposed to take turns. Twenty more for cheating."

Daphne watched as Harry's body tensed and his knuckles whitened from gripping his want. He closed his eyes and carefully controlled his breathing as Snape stalked off to find a new target.

Finally Harry's eyes snapped open and he focused on her. "Sorry, ready when you are."

Daphne nodded and took her turn.

She fell in step with him after class finished. "He's an arse."

"Huh?" Harry hadn't realised she was there until she spoke.

"Snape. He's an arse." Daphne repeated. "He abuses his position. Don't ask me how he gets away with it. I've a few… theories on what he does for Dumbledore to get away with that crap."

"Oh?"

"We're heading to lunch and I don't want to ruin either of our appetites sharing them."

"That bad?"

"At least."

"Hey, sod off." Ron had just spotted the Slytherin girl talking with Harry.

"Back off Ron. I told you about Daphne already." Harry spoke up.

"She's a snake. You can't trust them." Ron persisted.

"I 'don't' trust her, but as long as she's being civil then so will I." Harry replied. "So do you mind not making trouble where there isn't any?"

Ron glared at Daphne but held his tongue.

"Thank you." Harry gave him a nod.

!SB!

Daphne made a point of working with Harry in Care of Magical Creatures that afternoon and joined him in the library afterwards.

For a short while at least. Hermione stayed at the table but when Susan came in he motioned her to another table and they sand down together to talk.

"What's that all about?" Daphne asked.

"If he wants you to know then I'm sure he will tell you." Hermione didn't look up from her work.

Daphne pouted internally. Externally she was as impassive as always as she glanced over at Hermione's notes. "Oh, that's what you're working on. There is probably a better potion."

"Would you be willing to share the recipe?" Hermione finally looked up.

"I might, if I know what it's for; the best potions are specific to the hide." Daphne leant back a little. "You know I plan on starting a business on breeding and harvesting animals. That is just one of many things I need to know. I've done my research already."

"May I see your research?" Hermione asked. "So I know what ingredients to order."

"You could just tell me what you are planning to harvest."

"But wouldn't that spoil the surprise?"

"I'm not one for surprises."

"Pity. I think you'd like this one."

Daphne sighed. "I'll go get my research. But this had better be worth it."

"I don't think you have any worries there." Hermione gave her a mysterious grin.

"I'm going to hold you to that." Daphne stood. "I'll be back soon."

"Thank you."

When Daphne returned and handed the books and rolls of parchment over Hermione had to resist grabbing them as she thanked the girl again and began hunting through them. "Ah, perfect."

"Oh?" Daphne leant closer to see what Hermione had found.

Hermione shifted the page to keep it hidden. "Sorry, no spoiling the surprise. Do you know all this stuff? How to do it all?"

"Of course, as much as is possible. I've not practised it all; some things are difficult, or impossible, to find to practise on."

"Fair enough." Hermione nodded as she started making notes.

Hermione was still jotting things down when Harry and Susan rejoined them.

"Harry, check this out. Daphne had just what we were looking for," Hermione pointed the notes out to him.

"Really?" Harry looked down where Hermione was pointing. "Oh. This is perfect... Wait... what about that?"

"I was thinking this might be worth trying." Hermione tapped a line in her notes.

"I see. I suppose we could also try..." Harry took the quill and added a few words.

"As a last resort." Hermione agreed. "But it's worth taking a look at."

"So... is that everything?" Harry asked.

"I think so. I'll just write up the lists and owl them, today I should think. We can plan the next step once we have everything."

"Great." Harry grinned and looked up at Daphne. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Uh, sure." Daphne glanced between the pair of Gryffindors. "So, how long have you two been together?'

"Huh?" Hermione frowned. "We've been friends since first year."

"No, I meant dating."

"We aren't. We've never dated. No plans to either, in case you're wondering."

"Really?" Daphne actually looked surprised. "I wonder what that'll do to the betting pool."

"Betting pool?" Harry asked in a deceptively quiet voice.

"What betting pool?" Hermione echoed.

"Some Gryffindor, Finny something, is taking bets on when you two will have sex." Daphne shrugged.

"Finnegan? Seamus Finnegan?" Hermione sought clarification.

"That sounds about right."

"Do you know about this, Susan?" Hermione turned her attention to the Hufflepuff.

Susan turned bright red and tried to shrink under the table. "I put a bet down for around Christmas next year."

Hermione gave the girl a very angry look. "I'll deal with you later."

"I'm sorry." Susan tried to apologise but Hermione was ignoring her.

"Harry, shall we go and visit Seamus?" Hermione asked as she packed her things away.

"Why not." Harry followed suit.

Daphne glanced between the pair and quickly packed up too and nudged Susan to do the same.

"You're going to follow them?" Susan asked as they hurried after the pair of Gryffindors.

"Of course. How often do you get to see something like this?" Daphne was feeling a bit excited.

"I'm just a little worried what they'll do to me." Susan was turning a little pale. "I mean, I made that bet a couple of years ago but I didn't think about just how badly they would take it. Now the most powerful wizard and the smartest witch in the school are on the warpath. And I'm right in the line of fire."

"Poor you." There was no sympathy in the Slytherin girl's voice. "Want some advice?"

"Please."

"Apologise and take your punishment. Then move on." Daphne shrugged. "They don't strike me as being excessively vindictive."

"I hope not." Susan shuddered.

Daphne and Susan had to hurry to keep up with the fast moving pair of Gryffindors. They took paths that the Slytherin girl didn't even know existed until they were suddenly opening the portrait and entering their Common Room. The Slytherin and Hufflepuff had to hurry to catch the door before it closed so they could sneak in as well.

Harry had planned on going for his map but seeing Seamus playing chess with Ron made life so much easier.

"Hello Seamus." Harry planted his wand under the boy's chin.

Seamus was about to demand to know what he was doing when Hermione's wand dug into his temple.

"Seamus Finnegan, please be aware that lying right now is a very bad idea." Hermione commented politely. "It has come to our attention that you are holding betting pool about Harry and myself. About something very personal. Is this correct?"

Seamus gulped as he was caught between Harry's green and Hermione's brown eyes; both filled with anger and directed completely at him.

"Uh... yeah..."

"And where is everything about it?" Hermione's voice was still deceptively sweet.

"In my trunk."

"Accio." Harry pulled his wand from Seamus' chin for a moment and his spell was rewarded by heavy thumping and banging as the trunk responded.

As it finally settle on the floor next to them Harry nodded to it. "Well? Get everything."

Seamus opened his trunk and pulled out a scroll and a bag. "It's all here."

Hermione took them. "Thank you."

"You're taking the money too?"

"Our fee for being the targets of your bet." Hermione snapped. "And you get to tell all these unfortunate people that their money is now gone."

"You can't. They'll kill me." Seamus gasped.

"Not our problem." Hermione snarled. "You should have thought of that before you started this."

"What the hell is going on?" Ron finally managed to get a word in.

"It seems that Seamus decided it would be a good idea to run a betting pool on when Harry and I would have sex." Hermione glared at the Irish boy.

"I think you're overreacting a bit." Seamus put in.

Nobody but Harry saw the punch that dropped the boy to the floor.

"Overreacting?" Hermione snarled as her wand flicked.

Seamus found himself stuck to the wall of the Common Room. Completely naked.

"Overreacting?" Hermione's voice finally rose. "You're lucky I'm not hunting down permanent Impotence Hex."

"I don't think there is one." Seamus gulped.

"Then I guess I'd just have to invent one." Hermione growled back.

She led Harry out of the Common Room and they went in hunt of an empty classroom to work in.

"I can't believe this." Hermione looked over the long list. "There are teachers on this list. McGonagall made a bet for Easter this year."

"Seriously?" Harry looked over her shoulder. "This is ridiculous. Doesn't anyone have anything better to do than speculate about us?"

"Apparently not." Daphne looked over the Gryffindor girl's other shoulder. "Nice punch by the way. I didn't think you could hit like that."

"You didn't?" Harry commented. "Didn't you see Malfoy's face late third year?"

"She did that?" Daphne blinked. "Malfoy said get got it sending a group of fifth year Gryffindors to the hospital wing. I knew he was lying but I didn't expect this."

"No, Hermione did it." Harry corrected. "One punch and a threat and all three of them couldn't run away fast enough."

"Nice work." Daphne complemented. "So, what do you plan of doing about this?"

"Ordinarily I would tell a teacher about it and let them sort it out." Hermione set the list down. "But since most of the teachers are on the list I guess we will just have to do it ourselves."

"Why is it just you and Harry?" Ron pushed in.

"Did you think you had a chance with her?" Daphne snorted at the redhead.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ron glared.

"Well, given how often you two seem to argue I really don't think you would make a good couple. You're too different in all the wrong ways. You'd end up hating each other. Or she'd kill you and make it look like an accident." Daphne shrugged, unconcerned. "But, as for the bet, you'd have to ask Finnegan. I'd go now, it doesn't look like he'll be going anywhere for a while."

Ron glared but stormed off.

Daphne shook her head. "I know he's your friend, but I honestly can't see why."

Susan took a deep breath and stepped forward, cutting off any response Harry or Hermione might have made. "I'm very sorry for my participation in this. My only excuse is I was young and foolish and didn't think about how this would affect you. I can only apologise profusely and stand ready for whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione responded. "Thank you. That is appreciated."

"Might I suggest a good spanking for the naughty little girl and then we can get on to everyone else?" Daphne teased.

"I'm fine with that." Susan stated. "We actually started becoming friends and I really liked that. I don't want a mistake I made a couple of years ago ruin it. So, pick your punishment. Just make sure it's something that puts this mess behind us. I don't want any lingering resentment."

"I'm not sure about something violent." Harry said hesitantly.

"It's not like it's my first time." Susan moved to lean over a desk and presented her behind. "My Aunt's spanked me a couple times, I doubt you'll be as bad as her."

"Robe." Daphne pointed out. "And skirt. No padding allowed."

Susan suddenly turned bright red but she lifted the aforementioned items up over her waist so her white cotton panties were on display.

"That is a nice looking behind." Daphne complemented her in her usual dry tones.

"Thanks." Susan matched her voice exactly. "Now can we get this over with?"

"How many?" Hermione seemed to be going along with this.

"Five each?" Daphne suggested.

"I think that's reasonable." Hermione nodded. "Susan?"

"Sure." Susan nodded as best she could while bent over the desk.

Hermione quickly applied five firm swats to Hufflepuff's left cheek. "Your turn Harry."

"I'm not sure about this." Harry frowned and pulled Hermione a short distance away so he could whisper to her. "What about… you know. Don't I risk becoming like that?"

Hermione hugged him as she realised where he was coming from. "No. There is a difference in acting out of anger and malice. You aren't doing that and the fact that you're thinking, and worried about this is actually reassuring. Just promise me, if I think you are going the wrong way, you'll listen to me when I tell you?"

"I promise." Harry nodded.

"Good."

"If you two are done, can we get this over with so we can go back to being friends?" Susan called out impatiently.

"Though I can understand if you want to look at her panties more." Daphne added.

"I don't think they are that impressive actually." Hermione sniffed. "Harry, just get it over with."

Harry finally relented and spanked Susan's right butt cheek five times and Susan straightened and got her clothes back in order.

"So, all good? We can put this behind us?" Susan grimaced at her unintended words.

"Well, it's behind you at least." Daphne drawled.

"Oh very funny." Susan huffed.

"Yes. Very." Daphne replied. "Would you like a chair to sit on?'

"Shut up." Susan grumped and focused on the pair of Gryffindors. "Well, if that's all sorted, how can I help with the others?"

"I think we can handle it thank you very much." Hermione said primly.

"I'm sure you can, but if you need any help…" Susan repeated her offer.

"I might be persuaded to assist as well, if it's interesting enough." Daphne added.

"We'll keep you in mind." Hermione told them. "But no promises."

"Of course." Daphne inclined her head in acknowledgement. "But if I can be of any assistance... In anything…"