Hiya! Been awhile, hasn't it. Sorry. I had school. Still do. Get over it.
I plan to continue working on this when I can. I really don't know what my plan is for the summer, but my job might make updating more difficult. We'll see.
I hope you enjoy the chapter. Plenty of goodies. There are, and will continue to be discrepancies in this story, as it is beta-less, and I am lazy. Get over it.
Read and Review! Thanks!
Entering the great hall for dinner that night, Harry made his way over to Hermione and sat down. He began to assemble himself a plate of food, but before he could consume it, he was assaulted with questions from his bookish friend. "Harry James Potter, what on earth have you been doing for the past 3 years? I can't believe you. I spent 3 whole years believing you were abysmal at potions, just to see that you can not only brew a successful potion, but you have memorized directions to potions not mentioned in the textbook." Hermione was glaring at Harry, who was unsure how to react.
He figured that his best chance at survival would be quick and easy, the honest, whole truth. "Hermione, um…you know how Siri-Snuffles told me he would keep in touch with me over the summer?" seeing his friend nod, he said "Well, he gave me this mirror that works as a two-way communications device. All I have to do is say his name, and a password, and I can see and talk to him as though he were right in front of me."
Sighing exasperatedly, Hermione said "But that doesn't explain potions earlier." Holding up his hands to slow her down, Harry continued with his story. "Snuffles recommended that I quite messing around in school, and start applying myself more. So, I looked through my books for the year, and when I was finished, I asked Snuffles about getting more books. He responded by sending me a book. When I asked him about it, he told me that it was a master book to the entire Black Family Library, including the family grimoire. He said that normally, I couldn't read it, but since he had adopted me as his son, I could. It contained over 100,000 books, over hundreds of topics."
Hermione looked as though some one had taken Christmas, Halloween, and her birthday, and smashed them together, and then made it a week-long festival. "Harry, you've got to let me read it. There is so much I can learn, I heard the Black Family had quite a bit of knowledge about warding and runes." She was practically begging Harry. He shook his head, saying "I'm sorry Hermione, but you can't read it." Seeing her begin to protest, he added "No, Hermione, you physically cannot read the book. You won't see anything."
She was downtrodden. "However, I can tell you some of the books that are in there, and I'm sure Hogwarts might have them." Harry saw her perk up almost immediately. "Thanks Harry." She said brightly. Grinning, she asked "So, what did Professor Snape want?"
Harry started slightly. "Oh, uh…He uh, he wanted to talk to me about the potions class." He lied. Hermione noticed his bad attempts at covering up what had happened. Narrowing her eyes, she asked "Harry, what did he actually want?" He sighed. "He wanted to talk to me about the way he had acted in class in the past. He also told me a little about his past. I knew that he and my father didn't get along, but apparently he knew my mother for several years." Harry responded. "He also asked me about my home life."
Hermione gasped. She knew that Harry hated talking about his relatives. She didn't know the specifics, but she had worked out that they disliked him very much, and that the feelings were mutual. She didn't have proof or confirmation, but she suspected that they abused her friend in some form or another. "Why?" She asked. He thought about it for a second, and shook his head. "I can't tell you why, but he has offered to help me with my problems. He said he would try and fix my living arrangements, and that he wants me to come and talk with him on Sunday. I think he wants me to talk more about it."
Hermione nodded. "It's a form of counseling. He wants you to discuss what happened so that you fully understand it, and can move on past it. What are you going to do?" Harry looked at her, confused. "I mean with Professor Snape." Harry shrugged. "I don't really know. I'm going to go and meet with him on Sunday, and he said that if I continued to be respectful and put forth effort in his class, than he would treat me as any other student. So, I guess my plan is to continue to do better in the class." He smirked. "You better watch out Hermione. I think that your spot at number one in the year is soon to be mine."
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Oh really? What makes you so confident?" He chuckled, before asking her "Where you paying attention at all in potions today? Unless I'm mistaken, my potion was better than yours." She smiled at him, and turned back to her food, saying "Harry, you're welcome to try to take number one from me. Just don't be disappointed when you fail." He turned back to his food as well, and they ate in relative silence.
Harry was finishing his desert when he noticed Ron angrily making his way towards him. Nudging Hermione, he nodded in the redhead's direction. She looked up, and quickly slid her wand into her hand. Harry waited patiently for Ron to reach him, and when he had, tilted his head, as if to ask what he wanted. Ron shouted "Harry what were you thinking? Sitting with that filthy snake during potions. I know she's got a great pair, but that's not worth sitter next to her. Mate, you coulda been killed! Have you check yourself for curses? I bet Malfoy had her place you under the imperius. Come on; let's get you to Madam Pomfrey." Seeing Harry sitting there, not moving, he said "Let's go Harry. If you won't go, I'll drag you." Suddenly, as though he had discovered the secrets of the universe, he yelled "Of course! She ordered you not to go to Madam Pomfrey. Don't worry mate. I'll take care of you." He drew his wand, saying "I'll just stun you, and then when you wake up, you'll be all better." He began to move, but before he could make a sound, he found himself flying across the aisle, over the Hufflepuff table, and onto the Slytherin table.
Dazed, he looked around, and after noticing where he was, began to panic. He rolled of the table, onto the ground, and got up, looking around. He noticed that most of the members of the house of snakes where glaring at him, and in particularly, one blonde haired Slytherin. He also saw an angry Harry Potter staring at him, wand out, looking as though he wanted Ron to open his mouth again. He did some quick thinking, probably the fastest in his life. Deciding that sitting and waiting for an upset Daphne Greengrass to hex him, or an enraged Harry Potter to decide to banish him into a wall, he did the one thing he figured would save his hide. He ran. Right out of the Great Hall, and he didn't stop until he was safely inside of the Gryffindor common room.
Harry smirked at the sight of his fellow 4th year tearing out of the great hall like Satan was after his hide. He took a seat once more, ignoring the stares of those around him; he looked at Hermione, and said "What? He was being a prick. Plus, no way in hell am I letting him even try and stun me. Best case, I end up disfigured for life." She smiled and shook her head. "Poor Ron."
Harry looked at her. "What?" he said. Still smiling, she said "He's going to miss dinner." She chuckled, and soon Harry was laughing alongside her.
-0-
Draco Malfoy certainly enjoyed the show that had accompanied dinner that evening, but as he made his way down to his head of house's office, he began to wonder what had happened with Potter. He had ditched the weasel, and somehow tricked Daphne into going to that ball with him. And now, it appeared he was going to corrupt Snape as well. He shuddered at the thought of Snape on Potters side. Potions was the one class where he could say, and do, anything he wanted to Potter, and get away with it. It was also the only class where he scraped anything above an acceptable. And that bitch McGonagall had given him a poor on his latest paper. He would show her that it was unwise to anger a Malfoy.
When he arrived at Professor Snape's office, he reached up to knock, but before he could, he heard the man's silky voice call out "Enter." He stepped into the potion master's office, closing the door behind him. At the man's motion, he approached the desk, and sat down.
Snape stared at the boy for a minute, and then leaned back in his chair. "Mr. Malfoy," He began, "I hope you can understand why it is that you are sitting where you are today." Malfoy made to say something, but was cut off by his head of house. "Before you say anything, understand that what you say tonight is off the record, but do keep in mind who you are addressing."
"Professor, it's obvious Potter has you under some sort of spell or potion. He's controlling you. That's why I'm here. Because that jumped-up little half-blood is jealous of my potion making skills, and wanted you to get me in trouble. I urge you to go to Madam Pomfrey for healing." The young Malfoy scion said. He stood up, saying "I won't stand for it. Potter needs to be taught a lesson! Professor, surely you see what I'm saying."
When he saw that Snape hadn't moved, he asked "Professor?" Snape simply gestured towards the chair in front of his desk, and said "Take a seat." When the young man had done so, Snape said "Draco, I can assure you with fullest confidence that Potter is in no way controlling me. I and I alone, control myself. But this is not about Potter, nor me. You are here tonight because you seem incapable of understanding the rules that govern your life. Not just laws, but rules in school, and of society. I really could care less about your spat with Potter, but you must understand that continuing to antagonize the boy could soon become less then beneficial to you."
Seeing the look that the boy was giving him, he pressed on. "Draco, I'm not talking about anything that he may do to you specifically, but the moment he turns seventeen, he becomes the Head of House of one of the most politically powerful, and richest Families in the wizarding world. And once he becomes the head of said family, what do you think he will do with his sudden power and wealth? One would think that he would strike out against those he felt had wronged him. And from the looks of it, you are at the top of his list, and probably hold several of the top spots before anyone else. I urge you to consider my words, Mr. Malfoy, for your actions are leading you down a path you may not want to walk on."
A sudden scoff from the youth in front of him startled the professor, and stopped him. He raised an eyebrow at the noise, and was answered with an arrogant, drawling tone. "Professor, surely you are mistaken. Potter couldn't become the head of a Family; his blood line is so polluted from the filthy mudblood his father married. And even if he did, surely he isn't stupid enough to challenge me, a Malfoy. My name alone could destroy him, not to mention my magic. The Potters might have been great wizards at one point, but as I said, his blood is filthy, and honestly, he can't compare to a pureblood like myself. Even Crabbe or Goyle would be a match for him." Malfoy finished with his nose in the air.
Snape found himself want to slap the young boy in front of him. Regardless of the boys incredibly bigoted and ignorant opinions, the insult he threw towards Lily made the former death eater want to bring out some of his old peer's tricks. Shaking his head, he decided to deal with his anger later. Reigning in his emotions, he said "Regardless, I had to give you detention, else I appear unfavorable to the boy. I have also begun to approach to boy, offering friendship, something you should try. If nothing else, at least an apology."
Malfoy looked at his head of house like he had three heads. "Are you serious professor? Like I would even think about that; lowering myself to that level. And why should I? For that matter, why should you?" Snape sighed, saying "I have already told you. In a few years, he will be one of the most powerful members of our society. Do what you will, but know that I have tried to warn you, Draco. You may leave. Please, from this point on, refrain from trying to hex him in the direct view of a professor."
Malfoy simply nodded, and left, heading back to the Slytherin Dorms. Snape waited until the door closed before sighing again. What he wished for a strong, strong firewhiskey or two right now. 'Wait,' he thought, 'there's nothing saying I can't…' With that thought in mind, he went over to his cabinet, pulled out a bottle and a glass, and poured himself a tall serving. After downing it, and pouring himself another, he replaced the bottle, and took a seat. Deep in thought, he sat, sipping at the drink for over an hour, before realizing the time and going to bed.
As he fell asleep, he couldn't help but fear for his godson. The boy had no sense when it came to the real world. He was too far gone, too enchanted with his father's image. 'It's too late for Draco,' He thought, 'But with Harry, I know that I can be helpful, Dumbledore's plan be dammed!' And with that, he drifted off into the realm of Morpheus.
-0-
That Saturday morning Harry woke with a grin on his face. He quickly made his way to the bathroom, took care of his morning needs, and after dressing in casual clothes, walked down to the great hall for breakfast. One his way down, he went over his plans for the day. From what he had gathered by observing Daphne and making educated guesses, he hypothesized that she enjoyed sweets, and therefore had planned trips to Honeydukes, as well as The Three Broomsticks. He had also been told by Sirius of a shop tucked away in the recesses of the small town, called Schokolade aus Gott, that specialized in fancy chocolates. Sirius had told him that the store was run by an old German wizard, who had, according to Sirius, been a muggle-born son of a chocolate maker in Germany who didn't learn magic traditionally at a school, but instead was taught by his aunt, who was a witch. He has used magic to improve the process of chocolate making his father used, and had made a business out of it, but was forced to relocate during the Second World War, for fear of Grindelwald and his purges.
He thought Daphne would love it.
He entered the great hall, noticing the excitement in the air, and made his way to Hermione, who was sitting near the end of the Gryffindor table. Sliding into the seat next to her, he started to dish up breakfast for himself, while humming a quiet tune. She looked up from the book she had previously had her nose buried in, and turned to look at him. "Harry," She said, "You seem rather chipper this morning. Got a date with a certain blonde?"
He just smirked, and replied "Why Hermione, there is more than one reason to be happy on a Saturday. The freedom from the shackles of classes, the invigoration that is weekend quidditch practice, the gift of sleeping in, the list goes on and on. My Hogsmeade date has something to do with it; I assure you, but not all of it." As he said that, she quirked an eyebrow at him. He tried to stare her down, but relented quickly. "Alright," he said meekly, "She has a lot to do with it."
"I better." A voice behind him said. Smiling, he turned to face the speaker, saying "And Good Morning to you as well, Daphne. I hope you slept well, as today is likely to wear you out." As he spoke, she blushed, but managed to retort. "Please. You couldn't wear me out." Harry, however, rose to the challenge. "Oh? Is that so? Well, Miss Greengrass, do you want to find out?" Daphne couldn't keep up, and dipped her head, the blush on her cheeks spreading to the rest of her face. To avoid looking back up, she quickly took a seat next to him.
"Well Harry, when are we leaving?" She asked after gaining some control of her complexion. He smirked, and said "We can leave anytime now, but first, I want to get some food inside of you. We have a long day ahead of us. Wouldn't want you to tire out too quickly." She smiled, but that smile turned to a frown when she saw what Harry was doing. "Potter, what are you-"
"Say 'Ahh,'" Harry said as he moved a fork full of eggs towards her. She dodged the fork, saying "Potter, stop it! What is wrong with you?" But Harry ignored her, moving the fork back in her direction. "No Daphne, that's not how you say 'Ahh.' Open wide." She glared at him, but allowed him to feed her. After a few bites of egg, she said "Ok, enough Potter. Let's go."
Harry stood, offering his arm, as he said "As the lady wishes." He helped her to her feet, and looped her arm through his. Turning to his friend, he said "I'll see you back in the common room Hermione." She nodded, waving him off, saying "Have fun." He smiled, and turned back to Daphne. "Well," he said, "You heard the woman. We have our orders. Off to have fun we go." He strolled out of the great hall with Daphne on his arm.
They walked down to Hogsmeade, making small talk as they went. As they reached the village, Harry looked at Daphne, and asked "So, any preference as to where we start?" She contemplated it for a moment, and then said "Let's head to Scrivenshaft's first. I need a few things for class."
He nodded, and let her lead him off to the quill shop. Once inside, he was greeted with the sight of rows and rows of feathers, ink jars of all shapes and sizes, with big vats of ink to be loaded into them, and massive rolls of parchment. He walked around, looking at the selections or parchment while Daphne perused the quills. He stopped briefly in front of a roll of Egyptian papyrus and wondered what the difference between it and regular parchment was. Suddenly, as though she had read his mind, a young shop aide had stepped next to Harry. "Looking for some high quality parchment? I admit, being Harry Potter and all, you might need some high quality things now and then, I doubt you need this. Mostly used in legal documents and other important write-ups. Marriage contracts and such. Of course, if you want some, I'd be glad to help you with anything you need." She said brightly. Harry, however, was concerned by the way she said anything. Sirius had joked about his fame and money attracting, as he had put it "The wrong type of the right stuff."
It was only until a week later that Remus had told him the Sirius meant gold-diggers. Regardless of his ignorance early in the summer, he was aware now that the women in front of him would qualify as "Fast food" to Sirius. Get it quick, and be done with it fast. When he really thought about it, Harry understood that his godfather was quite a man-whore. He however, had no intention of copying his dogfather's sexual habits. He was going to find someone and settle down; the girl obviously had no intention of that. He just waved her off, saying "I'm just looking, but thanks." She smiled, and responded "No problem. Look as much as you want." He sighed, and began to look for Daphne, but noticed her glaring at him. Before he could so much as move, she threw open the door to the shop, and stormed out. He ran out after her, and noticed that she was already about 30 feet ahead of him, heading back up to Hogwarts. He ran to catch up to her, and caught up to her just before Honeydukes.
"Daphne!" He shouted "What's wrong?" She turned on him, shoving him in the chest. "Why did you even ask me out on this date if all you were going to do was flirt with slutty shop-hands?" She screamed. "Do you find this funny? Ask the Slytherin to go to Hogsmeade with you because you think that you can do whatever you want because you're Harry Fucking Potter?" Taken aback, Harry was silent for a moment, before he palmed his face. "God I am so stupid." He muttered into his hand. Looking back up at the pretty blonde in front of him, he said "Daphne, I wasn't flirting with her. She was throwing me signs left, right, and center that she was interested, but I was looking for you so that I could get out of there." He took her hand. "Listen, I asked you out because I wanted to spend some time getting to know you. From the few times I've actually talked to you, I still know almost nothing about you."
She looked at him, and nodded. "OK," She said "What now?" He looked around, and pointed to the sweets shop in front of them. "How's your sweet tooth?" He asked. She smiled, and said "Potter, you can't begin to imagine." He chuckled, and then led her into Honeydukes, still holding her hand.
-0-
Back in the castle, Ron raged at the unfairness of his life. Everything had been perfect. He was friends with Harry Potter. He made Hermione do his homework. Hogwarts had enough food to satisfy even him. The only issue was that he had to go to Snape's class.
But now everything was falling apart. Harry was mad at him for something about Hermione or the tournament. He had even apologized to Harry about believing him. But that wasn't enough for Harry Potter. Now Hermione wasn't doing his homework, and he was starting to fail assignments. And Harry had done something to make Snape nice to him, and hadn't even told his best mate about it. At least the food here was still good.
Coming out of his introspection, he looked around his dorm room. He had been forbidden from going to hogsmeade until he turned in all of his homework. He lay back down, resolving to get Hermione to help him later. 'For now' he thought 'I can just get some more sleep.'
-0-
Laughing as he was dragged out of Honeydukes, Harry grudging accepted Daphne's bags stuffed full of sweets. He was told to "Be a good boy and carry all my bags" by a smirking Daphne. He just waved his wand over the bags, and shrunk them, stuffing them in his pockets. Together he and Daphne walked, hand in hand, down to Hog's Head, and ordered butterbeers. They sat down in an open booth near the back, and began to chat. Daphne told him of her family, of her politico father, David, fashion designer mother, Evelyn, and 2nd year Ravenclaw sister, Astoria. Of their home in southern Wales. Of visiting her mother's family in France, from whom they could trace veela heritage, though it was distant. In return, Harry told her of the history of the Potter family, which he had learned from his family grimoire and from Sirius and Remus. They were senators and generals in Rome, advisors to kings in the Germanic kingdoms, and original members and founders of the British ministry of magic. In the days of Arthur they had slain dragons. They had fought morgana at Merlin's right hand. Everywhere there was something happening in wizarding history, there was a Potter attending, likely facilitating. They left the hidden bar after enjoying their drinks and each other's company.
As he walked with Daphne, Harry wondered what would have happened if she hadn't asked him to take her to the ball. 'Probably be scrambling to get a date right about now' He thought to himself. As his mind wandered to the ball, he suddenly had a thought. "Daphne," He said "Do you have a dress for the Ball?" She smiled, and shook her head. "No, not yet. I will be getting my dress some time later. Get me your measurements for me so I can order your robes as well." He looked at her curiously. "Um, I already got dress robes. Why do you need to order me new ones?" Harry asked uncertainly. She looked at him like he had just suggested she give her candy to Crabbe and Goyle. "Because your robes most certainly will not match my dress. And I'll be damned if I show up to the ball not matched with my date." She said as though explaining a fact to a young child. "Come on," She said "I'm hungry, and it's lunchtime. You can get us something at The Three Broomsticks. He chuckled, and said "I guess if the lady insists."
"I do insist." She said smiling.
"Well then, off we go." With that, He began walking towards the pub, Daphne following behind. They entered, and took a seat in a booth. When Madam Rosmerta finally reached them, and asked what they wanted, Harry and Daphne each ordered a butterbeer, and Harry got a slice of Shepard's pie while Daphne got fish and chips. They ate in relative silence, enjoying the food. After they finished, they sat for a few minutes, chatting, before leaving.
They puttered around hogsmeade for the next few hours, before beginning the trek back up to Hogwarts. As they made their way back up to the castle, Harry looked at his companion. They walked in silence all the way to the corridor that split to lead to the dungeons, where they stopped. After a moment of silence, Daphne said "Thank you, Harry. I had a lot of fun today." He smiled, and said "No problem, I enjoyed myself as well." Pulling out her shrunken bags, he said "Here. I believe these belong to you." As she reached out to grab the bags, he leaned in, and kissed her on the cheek, jest at the corner of her mouth. Without waiting for her to do anything, he took of down the corridor that lead to Gryffindor Tower.
She stood in stunned silence for a minute, and the shouted "Potter!"