This chapter is mainly on the Malfoy Ball, I realise now after looking back at the chapter it has only a small amount of plot involved. It mainly is a chapter where interaction between the character takes paramount. I've added a bit of Rose Potter early on just so the story isn't completely focused on Harry. Please review or message me your thoughts, and thanks again for reading.

Disclaimer: I neither own the Harry Potter universe nor the characters they all belong to JK Rowling.

Lily was fed up, James had been grouchy for the last few weeks, they'd been bickering for some time over the Dumbledore incident and how she'd been lured in. Furthermore the lack of Sirius and Remus had prevented him from being able to let off his own steam. God she just wanted a bit of relaxation time with him, she was brought out of her thoughts by a high pitched voice.

"So mum Astoria told me that she got to meet up with one of her friends today, how come I don't spend much time with anybody my age?"

"Well we don't know many people that have a daughter your age sweetie"

"How come Astoria got to meet somebody don't we know everybody the Greengrass's know?"

"No darling we don't always stay in the same social circles,.. I'm sure Micky will play with you if you ask, I'm just a bit busy sweetie to play"

"Micky's rubbish at playing, he always loses on purpose, for some reason he doesn't want to win, it's rubbish! You must know somebody my age mum!"

"Well actually I lied before, we do know many children your age, however we aren't close enough to the families to completely trust them"

"Mrs Greengrass trusted a family!"

"Who was the family Rose?"

"Well her friend was called Helene DuPont, Astoria said she was great, I never meet anybody fun or great, I only ever see Astoria or Wilfred and I don't even see him anymore!"

"Yes well you have your dad and Uncle Sirius to blame for that, so don't complain to me"

"But it's unfair mum, Harry and Lenny got to see Samantha, Neville, Daphne and each other I only ever see one person!"

"That's all very good Rose but I nee.."

"Mum if you don't find me a friend I'm going to tell Samantha about what daddy and uncle Padfoot argued about!"

"How missy do you know about that?"

"I heard you and dad talking"

"It's rude to eavesdrop Rose!" Answered Lily sternly.

"Friend!" Shouted Rose crossing her arms across her body.

"Honey" Responded Lily tiredly.

"Friend!"

"Alright I'll ask around ok honey but I want you to keep what you overheard a secret please, otherwise I will backtrack on finding somebody ok"

Two weeks later Lily was watching a gleeful Rose whom was changing her outfit every five minutes, buzzing around the bedroom her excitement was radiating across the room. Lily just chuckled to herself she couldn't believe a girl could get so excited about visiting some stranger. Of course the Weasleys weren't really strangers since Lily had met Molly and Arthur on numerous occasions but Rose had only met their daughter Ginny once for a brief moment.

An hour or so later they found themselves at the doorway of the Weasley's burrow, on a cold autumn day. Lily had only been to the Weasley's house once, but it was distinctly how she remembered, unorganised and looking as if it was about to fall down, but she loved it really. Rose's reaction was brilliant her mouth still hadn't closed, Lily thought that while the old magical families lived in large manors for hundreds of years, the real reflection of a magical home was really the Weasley's house.

"Honey you might want to close your mouth or you might swallow a fly" laughed Lily and like that Rose snapped her mouth shut, Lily walked up to the door and knocked. There was a loud noise combined with a few more before a chubby middle aged women opened the door with a giant smile on her face, one which could only be returned..

"Good afternoon Molly" smiled Lily.

"Come in, come in, it's lovely to see you Lily, it's been a while, Arthur and I were overjoyed with your suggestion about a play date with the two girls."

"Well I'm just happy to finally get the urchin out of my hair Molly, I can't thank you enough really" replied Lily while ruffling Rose's hair.

"Mum!" Screeched an embarrassed Rose while diverting her head away from her mums hands.

"Oh no need to thank me Lily, I was just happy for Ginevra to finally spend some time with a girl rather than her six brothers. Honestly I forget sometimes that she's a girl!"

"So I'll pick her up after dinner tonight if that's ok Molly?"

"Yes great Lily, that will be perfectly fine"

"Ok honey I'll pick you up later, remember be polite and do try and keep the dirt off your clothes" Lily kissed the top of her head and proceeded out of the front door.

"So Rose, I'm Molly if you need me I'll be in the kitchen most likely, now Ginny is probably up in her bedroom just pop up, you should find it fine, it's on the first floor" and with that Rose began her way up the stairs quickly.

She reached the bedroom and walked into a small light airy bedroom, however the most noteworthy thing in the bedroom was the girl singing wildly while jumping on her bed in only her underwear.

Rose not knowing what to do just stood for a minute waiting until Ginny swivelled around and caught sight of the other girl in her room. Ginny clammed up immediately her face blushing red, quickly rushing off the bed and sticking on an oversized quidditch t shirt.

"Hi I'm Rose Potter, you must be Ginny!" Spoke Rose brightly, not too bothered about the show she'd just seen in front of her.

"Hi"responded the distraught looking Ginny. Rose realising she was still embarrassed decided to start the conversation.

"That's Gwenog Jones right? Captain the Holyhead Harpies, she's a really good player" pointed Ginny to an oversized poster on Ginny's bedroom wall.

"Good player! she's the best in the league" spoke Ginny enthusiastically.

"Yeah she is great… I like your outfit" remarked Rose looking to further the conversation. Ginny immediately flushed again thinking about before. Seeing the flush Rose quickly started "no no not that I mean the quidditch t-shirt!"

"Oh yeah well I do like her a lot" regarded Ginny giggling slightly.

"I liked your pink knickers too" teased Rose, grinning from ear to ear,

"I'm never going to live that down am I"

"Nope but as friendships go, I'd say that's a pretty fun way to start it, right?" laughed Rose. In response Ginny launched herself at Rose all awkwardness vanished as they began play wrestling on the floor.

After a minute they sat up out of breath, "you know I've never seen a house like this before, I mean I've only been in the Blacks, Greengrass's and my houses so hey it might be my house that's different right?" remarked Rose.

"Yeah maybe but us Weasley's have a specialty of being different" shrugged Ginny as she got up and put on some jogging bottoms.

"So..what do you want to do" asked Ginny

"It's just I'm not sure what other girls really like doing, I've only ever really been around my brothers" sighed Ginny.

"Well I've not got much experience either, I like you spend most of my time with my brothers but I do have one girl friend I suppose" Rose had missed Ginny flush when she mentioned her brothers, so when she looked up and saw Ginny blushing, she chalked it up as from what happened before.

"Ginny stop blushing, it's not that embarrassing!"

"Sorry, erm sorry, so what do you do with the other girl?"

"Well I'm not sure we should use Astoria as a good example"

"Why?"

"She's crazy" laughed Rose in so much enthusiasm that she started Ginny off laughing.

"How is she that crazy?"

"Well we either do stuff like braid our hair, or we're really mischievous like pranking people, I know they seem quite different"

"Well I'm surrounded by Fred and George for most of the year, so I'm used to pranking can we try that hair thing" pleaded Ginny.

"Yeah no Problem Gin"

After hours spent up in Ginny's room, plaiting hair, painting nails while listening to music the two kids decided to get something to eat. Rose followed Ginny downstairs, which creaked every time you moved on them.

Once they arrived at the kitchen Rose glimpsed two tall red heads speaking informally to Mrs Weasley. Ginny uncaring about the two new strangers nonchalantly walked in, before loudly expressing her hunger toward her mum.

"Ah little Ginny is hungry is she, I suppose I'll just have to rustle up some of those weeds I found over in Romania for you to have sometime" Ginny scrunching her face up Responded "Charlie you'll never get me to eat that rubbish!" To which the tall and broad red head was about to respond when he glanced up and saw Rose.

"Mum you never said we had another sister, why have you been so secretive!" Rose immediately blushed when the attention of all four was on her.

"Eh eh I'm Rose Potter, nice to meet you" approached the now slightly nervous Rose. Charlie being the warm soul he was disregarded the hand and pulled her up with ease above his head, looking mock intently at her.

"A Potter hmm, not an Weasley, well that's a pity, I suppose your hair is a bit off" he joked and put her back down to the floor gently. The elder of the two approached Rose with his hand out "sorry about my brother he is rather unclothed, being around burly dragons makes him forget how to act around people, I'm Bill Ginny's oldest brother and that over there is Charlie nice to meet you, welcome to the Weasleys"


Today was Halloween, Linfred woke up to an pitter patter against his large window next to his bed. Great the silencing charm on the windows has gone off again. The Ravenclaws were based up in the highest tower of Hogwarts, something that the dormitories took full advantage of. Their beds were raised, each set up against an large window frame, each bed being in its very own alcove. Getting out of bed he stumbled into Terry whom was stuffing an letter into his bag.

"Your up early?" Remarked Lenny.

"Yeah got to send this damn letter off to my mum before she has a hissy fit about not talking with MacDougal more." Sighed Terry.

"MacDougal? you mean Morag?" He was answered by a nod, "why would your mum want you to be hanging out with Morag? she's not particularly interesting."

"Maybe but our family is basically linked with theirs politically, making them family friends I guess"

"Humph I've not seen you talk to her that much, to be frank mate you probably talk to her the least with respect to all the girls in our house"

"Yeah well I can't really explain it but we've grown up around each other nothing really compels me to go over there and talk to her, I already know most things about her, so what's the point."

"I'm guessing your letter says otherwise?" Laughed Lenny.

"Yeah, it goes something like Morag and I sit together all the time in class and at dinner."

"We could sit with her at breakfast today, I'd love to know about your hidden secrets Boot" teased Lenny.

"Ha says an Potter." jeered Boot.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked an surprise Linfred.

"Well mate there is no secret about what happened on that day many years ago, yet nobody knows how and why it happened, accept your family."

"I doubt it's that interesting, mum and dad often dismiss it as an miracle."

"Yeah but I bet they know something about it" said Terry.

"Maybe, but all I know is it means I still have a brother, not much else to say really."

"How come you Potters don't publish the findings of the second magical firm you own?"

"What is this question time with Lenny? I only know of the sleekeasy company but again none of it really effects me at the minute so I'm not to bothered."

"I suppose" answered an disappointed Terry.

"At least answer me this, is it true that Harry is going to the Malfoy ball tonight?"

"Really Terry are you sure you aren't talking with Morag and her gossiping mates" quipped Lenny.

"That's an yes then, how come he's going? you Potters might be guarded on certain subjects, but it's well known you're not to big fans of the Malfoy family"

"Simple he's not going representing us Potters."

"Meaning?"

"He's going with the Greengrass's, I still don't see why he'd want to go though, it'll be mostly middle aged adults talking with maybe some drinking too"

"I imagine Greengrass has a large part to play in it"

"Suppose" answered Lenny indifferently.

"Suppose? That's all your giving me, Merlin don't be too tight lipped or anything, how come you weren't invited your friends with her to right?"

"Yeah because I'm definitely the type of friend she'd take to a ball with her, come on Boot! your supposed to be an Ravenclaw"

"What? you three grew up with each other I though you'd all be close friends"

"Maybe but I'll put it this way, the night of the duel fiasco, who did she turn up to support or more protect?" Lenny was met by silence "Yeah I thought so"

"Well this calls for the new objective for the day"

"Do tell me Boot what that is."

"Make Potter junior more attractive to girls."

"Shut up Boot I'm eleven for Merlin sake, if you don't stop I'll talk to Morag about you"

The two made their way down to the great hall where they found an expectant Daphne Greengrass waiting for them, not looking to impressed. "Hello Daphne" greeted Linfred cheerfully.

"Boot, Potter, I was wondering if you have seen your brother on your travels this morning" Asked an impatient Daphne.

"I didn't know you knew my elder brothers Greengrass" Responded Terry cheekily.

"Boot, your wit isn't very captivating, I suggest working on it if you're going to continue it as a method to engage with others" the response had left the quick witted Ravenclaw in a state of shock, not use to being answered back, Linfred just smiled.

"I have not seen him this morning Daphne, I imagine he's doing something with Hermione or Ron"

"Of course he's hanging out with that bloody clown Weasley" muttered an exasperated Daphne.

"Is there any particular reason you're wanting to see him?" Daphne seemed to consider something for a second before responding.

"I'm sure that you're aware about tonight?"queried Daphne vaguely, she was answered from a nod by Linfred.

"And since you two seemed to be joined at the hip at the moment I'm guessing that he knows to?" gestured Daphne at Boot, another nod was the response.

"Well your brother seems to have forgotten to arrange when he will be picking me up to take me to the ball. Since he hasn't been forthcoming I've made my own plans. Tell him that I will now be getting ready at home with my sister and that I shall meet him at the manor, that will be all."

"Hang on how Daphne is he supposed to get himself to the manor he doesn't know how to get there right?"

"Oh I know"

"You're going to let him work it out by himself?" Asked a smiling Linfred.

"Yes, please pass on the message, and Boot do try and improve your stance, it looks totally ungainly, as always nice to talk to you Linfred" and with that the blonde left.

"Wow!"

"Yep that's Daphne"

Moments later three individuals came lumbering in to the grand hall. All three seemed completely out of breath. "I told you Harry not to start a feud with bloody Peeves" groaned Ron.

"I'll get him to back down eventually Ron, we'll just have to endure him for the next month" smiled an confident Harry. Hermione just stared at the two of them and shook her head,

"That will be the last time I wait for you two in the common room for breakfast", murmured Hermione who then trotted off toward the Gryffindor table with an cumbersome Ron following hungry as always.

"Alright Lenny, Boot"

"Really Harry a feud with Peeves, how do you expect to win that contest exactly?"

"Don't worry younger brother, the much wiser twin knows how to beat Peeves at his own game just you watch and wait"

"Well much wiser brother I'm happy to inform you that Daphne will meet you at the manor, she also told me that you need to find your own way there" smirked Lenny

"What!.. oh well that's great, Just great this is just what I needed even more complications to this evening. Any suggestions Lenny, did she give you a hint where it was"

"I'm afraid not, but I wouldn't worry brother, I'm sure that your wise self will find an way to get to Malfoy Manor"

"She did this on purpose didn't she" groaned Harry.

"I imagine so, I think she might be trying to stop you being so engrossed in the golden trio"

"Golden trio?"

"Seriously Potter, everybody is already calling you that, how have you not heard it."

"Eh?"

"It's referring to you Ron and Hermione, you seem to be pretty engrossed with each other, for the last month or so"

"Maybe" shrugged Harry.

"Anyway, the golden trio have a mission for you tonight Lenny."

"That is?"

"Third floor, the door is locked and is charmed against alohomora, Hermione found an spell that is likely to work, we were wondering if you would mind testing it out?"

"Firstly why the hell are you going anywhere near that door, two why if you're so interested are you asking me to test it out?"

"Simple, school is a bit mundane, Ron and I were curious so we decided to see what was on the other side"

"How did you get Hermione into this"

"Oh that was simple we told her that the door was charmed against alohomora, she took it as a challenge to research a spell that could unlock the door."

"And my second question?"

"Oh that's simple, Dumbledore is taking Hermione as an guest to the ball, according to the Weasley twins it's his night to patrol that area of the school, so with him gone it would be a perfect time to try it"

"Again Harry why would I agree to do this?"

"Well a few weeks ago your mate over there agreed to an duel to liven up the weekend, I was offering the chance for you to do it again"

"I'm still not seeing a reason why I would bother"

"Well you're going to have to anyway"

"Why?"

"I told Susan and Hannah they are already in, you need to meet them this lunch time to organise it, see you later Lenny, Boot"

"What just happened?"


It was lunch time at Hogwarts and Harry was struggling to come up with an way of getting to Malfoy Manor without asking a Slytherin for help. In the end he realised that was the only way he was going to get there.

He entered the library and immediately caught sight of his brother, Boot, Susan and Hannah huddled around a table, great he thought it looks like they're going to find out what's behind that door. He looked around again finally finding the person he was looking for. 'Great he's alone to, Merlin knows how I'm going to approach him though. Daphne did say he was pretty selfish, Hey here goes nothing' Harry strode up to the table which Blaise Zabini was currently at.

"Zabini I'm here to ask for an favour" the boy didn't even look up, instead he continued reading his first year potions textbook. 'Great thought Harry he's a stuck up unhelpful Slytherin'. Losing patience Harry tried again.

"Zabini I would like you to consider what I have to say" Harry gained the same response as before. Argh this is exactly why nobody likes Slytherins.

"Zabini I think that it will be of your interest that you listen to me" Zabini slowly closed his book and looked up at Harry.

"What is it that you're asking for Potter"

"Simply the curtesy or taking me to Malfoy Manor", With that Zabini became far mor interested, Harry could see it in his face.

"And why would a Potter such as yourself want to go anywhere near the Manor, especially with regard to the event that's being held there tonight."

"I have an obligation to uphold" muttered Harry. Before Zabini could speak again Harry determined to get his way interrupted.

"I'll owe you one, a favour, while I won't kill or hurt anybody I'd probably do anything else" Zabini eyes just raised.

"She certainly does have an enormous sway on you it seems" smirked Zabini. "I was going to help you anyway Potter before you mentioned the favour, something I will still be collecting by the way, but I would of helped just to piss off our resident blonde prick"

"Oh right" Responded a puzzled Harry, he thought most of the Slytherins bowed down to Malfoy.

"Meet me by the portkey room at eight don't be late,..oh and Potter I'd advise next time not to offer an favour, especially to an Slytherin" with that Zabini went back to reading his book.


Narcissa was walking around the manor inspecting the ball decorations, making sure nothing was out of place, Merlin she didn't trust those house elves. She was walking down one of the main hallways when she came across one of the many large bookcases.

Her eyes were immediately drawn to three old grimoires. Sweet Morgana she'd told Lucius to hide anything closely dark. She picked up the three books and stormed toward her husbands study. She entered without knocking and her gaze immediately met by one Theodore Nott Sr,

"Hello Theodore, I wasn't aware you were visiting today" queried an inquisitive Narcissa. Theodore remained stone faced simply responding,

"It was not a planned visit Lady Malfoy but I'm afraid there was some pressing matters to attend to, I thought it would be polite not to bring these up tonight at the ball."

"I see, are you done with my husband or should I come back later?"

"No, no lady Malfoy, I was just leaving anyway, I will see you tonight Lucius, Narcissa" After watching the creepy man stalk off, Narcissa brought her attention back to her esteemed husband. She then dropped the three heavy books onto the desk in front of her.

"Lucius I told you to clear anything that resembled dark magic from the west wing, did you do as I requested or were you too bothered talking to Nott in hushed tones about nothing important"

"Darling these are merely old Malfoy books, and don't be conceited Narcissa, while nowadays little happens politically there is still much to do"

"I don't care Lucius, our company tonight will frown upon anything that resembles old or grey magic, now please go and do as I ask"

"Narcissa the Greengrass and Zabini Families are strictly grey families, and since the Boots and Davis turned down our invitation, I wouldn't worry to much about old artefacts."

"Just do it Lucius, I will not ask again"

"As you wish, what time is Draco and his friends turning up this afternoon?"

"Dumbledore has given them the afternoon off, so I expect them at any moment"

"Good I'll be able to take him out to buy an new broom for a few hours or so then"

"You will do nothing of the sort Lucius!"

"Narcissa I haven't seen him in over a month, I think it would only be proper to surprise him with an gift"

"Lucius I don't think you understand the gravity of the events tonight, which you should considering you come from an pureblood family. Simply put your son must look the part and act the part tonight, surely you can see this as an perfect time for him to gain new affiliates."

"Why do you worry yourself darling, can't you see that he has enough close friends through our own ties, the Malfoy name precedes itself"

"Lucius, Blacks never stay still they move forward, and let's be frank the Crabbe and Goyle families offer very little, the Parkinson's are shallow they change their standing when it suits them, and in our current climate the Nott family is frowned upon greatly, so do tell me Lucius how the Malfoy's ties have really helped our sons standing in the future" ranted Narcissa showing her Black flare.

"Narcissa, Draco has already established his seniority among his Slytherin year group, he's been elevated to be in the upper echelons of the house, not to mention I've been told that he is dominant over his fellow year mates from other houses to"

"Did you hear this from Draco?"

"Of course"

"Well I've had the thought of actually looking elsewhere for my information"

"And?"

"According to the ladies Parkinson, Pucey and Bulstrode the Slytherin year group Draco is in is exceptionally weak"

"What do you mean weak?"

"Ok so while I might find Nott senior a creepy old man, he resonates presence something his son does not, he keeps his head low and away from the attention. The two buffoons that are Crabbe and Goyle are thick, Zabini while shrewd has no political desires.

The girls aren't much better Davis and Roper can simply be dismissed, Parkinson's own mother seems to think that she is easily infatuated, Bulstrode is simply a troll and Greengrass seems to be unconcerned with the hierarchy at the moment.

Quite frankly Draco has had no competition for his place in Slytherin, this is not how it works outside of the Hogwarts walls Lucius! he will come up against somebody stronger in the future and he'll be unable to deal well with it, so make sure he is prepared for tonight!"


Sirius was frustrated already, he'd been at the ball for only half an hour and he'd already had enough. The large ballroom which was accommodating the do was stacked full of people that were held in high regard by society.

All Sirius could see was hundreds of pretentious nobodies that just so happened to luckily fall into an group through birth which could only be named the establishment. Sirius under his own definition was indeed one of these people yet he thought himself as different. He doubted the Flints had ever approached somebody outside the four walls around him.

Yet here he was right at the centre of the ridiculous opulence. Almost as trying to distance from the excess he and Samantha had sat at an faraway table for over twenty minutes. He'd reluctantly let Wilfred leave with Narcissa, to introduce him to Arcturus, something Sirius didn't particularly want to endure.

"Why Morgana are we here dad?"

"Know idea Samantha maybe I was bad in my last life I'm not sure how I deserve to be in this situation" lamented Sirius.

"So why don't we just leave?" Asked an disgusted Samantha. Sirius smiled despite being an young Black, dressed in an very expensive gown, looking quite the part of an heiress to an old house, her attitude was anything different, much like himself.

He was brought out of his thoughts by an young looking boy with neatly cropped black hair, dressed smartly in grey robes.

"May I have this dance Miss Black" Asked the boy bowing down to Samantha, sitting on the chair, Sirius snorted, because that's going to happen he thought, that was until he looked back at his daughter and saw a faint blush.

"I don't see why not, I shall join you" and before Sirius could interject the two children had walked toward the dance floor. Sirius suddenly brought out of his frozen made out to go and get his daughter. His arm though was suddenly clasped from the side.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you Sirius" he turned to see the perpetrator and saw the beautiful Annabelle Greengrass holding him.

"That's my little girl out their I'm not going to sit back an.."

"She is twelve Sirius, I can't believe they're going to do anything risqué in the middle of an ballroom, plus I know through my own experience how an twelve year old girl will react to an overprotective dad, it doesn't go well, so I'd stay put"

"Great so I'm now the only one of my family disgusted at this event, Merlin Wilfred just walked off taking it in his stride, Samantha's somehow found friendly face and here I am sitting in the corner alone" lamented Sirius.

"Mother do I have to stay by your side I don't particularly want to here Mr Black moan, while also looking for attention just because he is feeling sorry for himself" Sirius immediately looked down not realising the presence of the Greengrass heiress. She indeed looked very pretty in her light blue ball gown. Sirius knew that she'd be a heartbreaker in the future especially if she turned out like her mother.

"I see that you have brought an princess with you Annabelle" quipped Sirius.

"That I have, unfortunately she will be staying at my side for the duration of the ball since she supposedly can't be trusted to not create a scene according to Blonde ponce that is Lucius Malfoy"

"Well that's rough, you should have done what I did and shipped her onto somebody her own age to take responsibility of little Daphne here"

"What and let an twelve, thirteen year old boy with a dirty mind take advantage of her! Oh! I don't think so Sirius"

"Whaaat? A dirty mind?"

"What you think a young confident boy isn't going to try initiate something, maybe a kiss?" Sirius looked mortified suddenly looking around wildly trying to locate Samantha, when he spotted her he again made to set off when, Annabelle pulled him back.

"Merlin I thought you grew up in an pureblood house, do you let everybody stir you up that easily Sirius, come on I was only teasing" smiled Annabelle.

"I need a drink" bemoaned Sirius and if by magic an glass of champagne appeared in front of him on a tray held by an house elf. "Cheers" and with a pop the elf was gone.

"Mr Black I do in fact have somebody my age that will be accompanying me shortly" grinned Daphne.

"What!" Hissed Annabelle.

"No you can't do that princess, your going to make my godson unbelievably upset miss Greengrass how can you do this to him" teased Sirius.

"I'm sure Harry will be fine with it Mr Black"

"Daphne Laurel Greengrass you tell me this instance whom this boy is or so help me I will send Cyrus overhear to monitor you"

Before Daphne could answer an hush enveloped the ballroom, Sirius looked away from the two opinionated Greengrass's to see what had happened, he followed the eyes of a few people around him to where he was greeted by the sight of his godson walking into the ballroom hands in his pockets, shaggy hair all over the place shirt untucked and slightly dirty shoes. Sirius was blown away maybe it was because he hadn't seen any Potter in over an month or because where he was but he simply couldn't react for a second time tonight.

Unfortunately one Narcissa Malfoy certainly did react. As she strode across the ballroom toward the young boy. "What is the meaning of this?" Spoke Narcissa whom was unable to hide her emotions behind her cool exterior. Harry looked a bit nervous from the blonde stalwart looking down at him, who could blame him to be honest thought Sirius, adults were petrified by an angry Narcissa.

"I said what is the meaning of this Mr Potter, I do not believe you're welcome in this manor, nor do you have an invite to the party"

"Let me handle this darling I'll put the little cretin in his place" the words sprung Sirius out of his trance, he may not be a fan of James right now but he sure as hell was going to back Harry up over Lucius Malfoy. He squeezed past fellow peers "excuse me,… excuse me" once he got to the scene in front of him it was looking remarkably dire, with Lucius having his wand out already in the direction of Harry.

"Lucius my friend Erm please let me deal with this situation" Shouted Sirius coming through the crowd. Sirius's plea was unheard. Once he got near he spoke again but in an undertone So only himself Harry and the two Malfoy's could here,

"It will not look good my friend for you to hex the boy-who-lived in front of many guests, let me take him home"

"He came uninvited, I cannot allow this behaviour toward my family or house"

"He's right Lucius, we don't want this perfectly run evening and your success to be overshadowed by this boy and his presence let Siri take him, please"

"Yes let me take him" jumped in Sirius. Before Lucius could proceed Harry whom had watched and heard the whole conversation decided to intervene.

"I'm afraid Mr Malfoy, Lady Malfoy that my behaviour is anything but proper and that it is your attitude that should be frowned upon. Since I was in fact very much invited to this ball, which I must admit Lady Malfoy has been very well put together, the decorations are perfect. I do hope though that from your whispered conversation that it's not an method of trying to increase your influence on the wizengamot further but merely just to Celebrate the Malfoy name, but I'm sure I'm wrong"

Sirius whom at first was shocked by Harry's speech suddenly couldn't help the smile that spread across his own face. Merlin he couldn't be anymore like James in this moment, the cocky bugger would be so proud.

Slightly off balance Narcissa responded edgily, "how exactly are you invited?"

"Well the Malfoy ball as you already know traditionally followed the pureblood terms of an ball to the letter and since this was announced as an return to the great tradition that is the Malfoy ball then I deemed it to follow the same rules, therefore if I was invited as an date you could not reject nor banish my appearance tonight "

"Who exactly invited you Potter?" snarked an young Draco Malfoy whom had made his way to the front of the crowd.

"That would be me" Shouted Daphne with a smile as she made her way forward through the crowd, to the astonishment of her mother. Sirius again just shook his head, if only Prongs could see this, all the opulence, music, wine, golden decorations, showing off the family History had not come close to gaining the level of attention from the guests that the two children had just made. It seemed this had struck a cord with Lucius as he snapped,

"What the hell do you mean you invited him, you little brat, how dare you disrespect the Malfoy name, I will have you made nothing but an vassal in your future, who even are you?"

"Lucius if you take one more step or say one more word toward my daughter I will personally make sure that every bone in your hand is broken excruciatingly painfully" spoke the broad and tall figure that was Cyrus Greengrass,

"As to your threat Malfoy if I was an hot blooded man I could easily see it as an threat and demand an formal wizarding duel, tell me Lucius what would your chance be in that scenario" Sirius smirked as he watched an anxious looking Lucius Malfoy.

"While this is all very entertaining, and the duel between Mr Greengrass and Malfoy would be fun to watch despite its one sidedness I'd like to dance with my date, so could I proceed Lady Malfoy" slightly dumbstruck Narcissa mumbled "Of course" and with a signal to the band the music began to play again, diffusing the rooms tension, the room was suddenly alive with the sound of chatter and music. The only two that seemed to be dancing however were Harry and Daphne.

"He certainly knows how to put on a show" muttered a still shocked Narcissa whom unlike Lucius that had walked off in a huff had stayed by his side.

"Yeah he has his fathers genes with that regard" sighed Sirius.

"Yeah James Potter certainly knew how to work a crowd,"

"Yeah he still can"

"It's an talent, I love him but Lucius does not have such a gift, I suppose not many can be so smooth with a crowd as well as one on one."

"Please don't remind me Narcissa"

"Oh…, I'm sorry Sirius I was actually referring to myself rather than erm her"

"Hey either one's not particularly an pleasant image to me Cissy"

"Suppose it's no consolation then that your daughter is not at the proceeding end of the Potter charm then" she said while gesturing to the two dancing children.

"Ha I'm not holding my breath Cissy, James could charm a bird out of a tree if he wanted to, he could sweet talk the prim pureblooded girls like yourself, or the tomboyish girls like Marlene, I imagine Harry will be just the same" smiled Sirius sadly.

"Even so you miss him don't you?" sighed Narcissa.

"Everyday"

"Well I want you to continue to follow this new direction for the house of Black, …but Sirius?

"Yeah?"

"If you have the opportunity to also reconnect with James Potter, I think you should. The Sirius I knew would not be sulking in the corner he'd be flirting with every girl he saw against his mothers wishes, so either find a way to get back to that person or find something even better. Because It will help nobody if you're a shadow of your former self" and with that Narcissa was gone.

"Well that went erm alright?" Asked Harry while dancing slowly with Daphne.

"Oh yeah, the whole under the radar thing went really well" giggled Daphne.

"I blame you, if you'd let me bring you here maybe I'd get here on time and slightly hidden" the comment was not received well by Daphne whom just glared at him.

"But hey I reacted smartly in that moment right, just like you've told me to right" grinned Harry, a grin that could only be returned. "I suppose you did Harry but next time I think you should maybe try not to announce me as your date." Before Harry could reply the song increased pace and the two began to glide quickly over the dance floor with Harry, toward the end of the song Harry dipped Daphne holding it for a while before he brought her back up. "And why is that Daph" Asked Harry as the two faces were close together, feeling the breath on one another.

"You! I would like to speak to you boy" Harry slightly taken aback made no movement toward responding to the voice.

"Now!"

"That's why you shouldn't have labelled it as that" smirked Daphne before she walked off gracefully. When he brought his eyes off Daphne he looked toward the voice and saw a stern looking Cyrus Greengrass glaring at him.

"Hello Mr Greengrass"

"Mr Potter please follow me" no wanting to get on the wrong side of the stern man he followed quickly without an argument. Where they arrived at a table that had an brown haired nine year old who looked gleeful at seeing Harry.

"Hello Astoria" smiled Harry

"Hi Harry"

"If you could leave my daughters alone for one minute Mr Potter I would like to talk to you"

"Sorry sir"

"What were your intentions for tonight?"

"Erm, I was merely coming erm to keep erm keep Daphne company sir" Harry wasn't sure what he done wrong really but he wasn't going to risk being cheeky.

"Company?"

"Yes sir, I was erm informed that she'd be attending and she suggested I come to keep me company, so I erm came, is that a problem sir" put in Harry nervously.

"That's it?"

"I'm not sure what you're implying sir but that's why I'm here"

"The dancing?" Asked Cyrus gesturing toward the dance floor. "Well I thought that would be a perfect way to diffuse the tension sir, plus Mrs Greengrass pushes us quite strongly to dance last summer I thought I'd fulfil my duty dance at least once for her" answered Harry honestly. Cyrus was watching the boy carefully seeing no alternative motive, he grunted toward Harry that he could leave, which Harry was extremely grateful for.

Harry immediately caught sight of Sirius and ran toward him, "Padfoot!"

"Pup"

Harry moved around the table and sat right up next to Sirius, reaching over to hug him, "you know you didn't have to help me before"

"Yeah I realise that now pup"

"So are you going to talk to me or are you going to push me off since I'm a Potter" Spoke Harry in a teasing manner, but Sirius detected a hint of hurt from the statement. He looked at Harry and saw an anxious kid waiting upon his answer. Sirius smiled,

"I'd never leave you pup, never, unless you're dealing with Cyrus Greengrass then you can fend for yourself."

"I could take him on!" announced Harry.

"Sure pup, sure, I mean you looked dead confident over there before, definitely were the one in control of that conversation right?" Smirked Sirius.

"He took me by surprise! How was I supposed to know he was going to pull me aside, I didn't have time to plan the conversation!"

"I think that you should of seen it coming pup, I could see it coming a mile off"

"What why?"

"Well when you announce that your date was indeed his daughter and then go off and dance closely with her, I'm sure he could see you as an suitor"

"What!" stuttered Harry "we've already told people it's not like that!"

"I know, just one question pup, for my curiosity, how did you address Cyrus during the conversation?"

"Erm I said sir" Sirius just smiled. "No you don't get to smile like that Padfoot! tell me what your thinking!" Before Sirius could an pleasant voice interrupted, "I hope I'm not interrupting but I thought I'd come and say hello." Asked an average height witch that had dirty blonde hair to the extent it was close to being brown.

"What is it that you want?" Asked Sirius gruffly.

"Just to introduce myself you're friends with my cousin." She replied not off put by the harsh tone Sirius had adopted toward her.

"Which cousin would that be?" Asked an interested Sirius.

"James Potter" Sirius tried to not show any sort of reaction since he knew Harry was watching him carefully, hiding his expression he asked,

"Cousin? I was only aware of one girl two years above us at school that was his cousin, and you sure aren't older than myself"

"Is that a compliment?" She asked coyly. Sirius made no effort to respond, he wasn't in the mood to flirt. Harry seeing his uncles lack of decorum, took over,

"So you're my first cousin once removed?"

"That is the case, may I call you Harry?"

"Yes, what exactly is your name?"

"Madeline Farley, but you can call me Madge if you want", she smiled warmly. Harry had already decided he liked her.

"So how old are you Madge asked an still despondent Sirius" the blunt manner in which he asked and the very nature of the question left Madeline slightly stunned.

"Padfoot have you learnt nothing from mum! You don't ask a lady that question, I'm sure she's just finished school be more polite!" Acclaimed Harry while beaming at the older witch.

"Thank you Harry, I'm a bit older than that but the sentiment was very nice anyway, Lily has got you trained well, it's a shame your uncle isn't quite as well trained."

"He can be alright Madeline, mum just says he doesn't have somebody to stop him from making rude remarks, she also often say under her breath that he gets worse when he hasn't had some for awhile" remarked the brazen eleven year old nonchalantly.

"Does she now" chuckle Madeline mirthfully. "Yeah I think she means that he hasn't had any chocolate frogs because uncle Sirius loves them, right Padfoot?"

"Y..Yeah of course , hey Harry why don't you go and see if you can find Sam she walked off with some boy about an hour ago, it would be good if you could find her for me"

"Sure Padfoot, I don't like Pucey either he likes Samantha" the boy was about to trot off when he stopped and turned around, "you will be nice to miss Madeline won't you Padfoot?" Questioned Harry sternly.

"Promise" Harry quickly walked off after that.

"Well I'd praise you on bringing your godson up to be a polite young man but I suppose he didn't get that from you"

"Madeline is there any particular reason why you have approached me other than because of your cousin, it's just that I'd rather not make small talk"

"You know for the great Sirius Black your charisma is if we are to be frank, shit, no wonder you're not getting much skirt nowadays, ta-ra"

"Never thought I'd see the day that Sirius Black would not bother flirting with an pretty girl"

"To think I thought they had only let snobby purebloods in here and yet now I know they've not been picky enough with their invitation list correctly, since you Mr Warrington are a fraud"

"A fraud you say?"

"Very much believe it or not you were the only Slytherin I trusted, even though your whole life at Hogwarts was an act merely an imitation so that you could avoid scrutiny, yet I still trusted you, probably because I knew you could drink a lot and have a good time but that here nor there So how are you doing Nathan"

"A simple hello would suffice Sirius, no need to talk about the past"

"Past, well that was the last time I saw of you, when you left Hogwarts you completely disappeared, left the country by any chance?"

"Yes and I will not be made to feel guilty from it either, my family stayed safe and complete, our family name and wealth continued to prosper Germany was good for us"

"Hey I didn't say anything" Smirked Sirius with his arms up in the air.

"So how come I haven't seen you at any of these events before. I must go to one of these parties once every month and I've never come across the head of the Black house."

"Unfortunately my cousin Narcissa Malfoy persuaded me to attend her ball, to which while the booze is free the company is crap so all in all I rather think this ball is shit."

"Good to see that cavalier attitude is still there. And Sirius I know who your cousin is, she was in my year at school and we were in the same house"

"Not you too"

"What?" Asked a puzzled Nathan Warrington.

"Sorry doesn't matter, anyway how come you attend these balls every month what do you get out of it exactly?"

"Contracts on a good day, just connections though usually"

"What do the Warrington's exactly do again?"

"Well the firm I run is an law firm, that specialises on cross-species law, such as goblin or centaur, its been rather lucrative after you know who's death due to all the over exuberant liberal practices being put in place"

"I'd recommend him Lord Black, his services are stellar he got me out of an tight squeeze when an illegal breeder of Ashwinders decided to squat on my land without me knowing"

"You have Nott as an client?" Asked an bitter Sirius.

"Business is business Sirius if the case is winnable and ethically sound then we take them on, especially if the hearings offer a great sum at the end of the day" shrugged Warrington.

"Lord Black I do hope there is no animosity between us, of course we can be honest while I may never have put forward my allegiance to the dark lord, I sure as hell did not see reason to fight against or come into conflict with him, which I know is a sticking point to you, but I'm not that bad, really I acted just like Warrington here, accept I didn't leave the country"

Sirius stared at the aged man, life clearly had not been good to him. Sirius knew he was a death eater, James and Remus had come to blows with him during an order mission and yet he'd slipped through the ministry's fingers like usual.

"So could you do me the service of at least hearing me out when I ask for an favour"

Sirius was seething on the inside he couldn't believe this man even had the audacity to speak to him not alone ask for a favour. Yet he did something so un Sirius like it was shocking, he merely just nodded for Nott to continue.

"My son Theodore is the heir to my noble house, he is the only son I have left from the war and through illnesses, yet he is in no shape at all to run it, to be frank he is a wimp"

"What exactly do you want me to do about that Nott?"

"You know of the Potters yes?"

"I know of them yes" replied Sirius stoically.

"There are many rumours, about there old magic but also their continued research. I believe that some old magic maybe able to help my son"

"Nott, I don't want to sound rude but an strengthening potion is rather elementary, as is an confidence inspiring potion" jumped in Warrington

"I'm not looking for an temporary fix Warrington, I'm looking for something that can help establish the Nott family back at the top of our society"

"That maybe so Nott but Potter magic is just that Potter magic, I won't be able to procure any information on what you're looking for, but if you're desperate I can ask Harry to look out for your son"

"The boy what could he possibly be able to do you fool"

"That boy has just undermined the supposed almighty Lucius Malfoy, second only to fudge in the pecking order, further still he did it in front of a whole crowd of people, whom I must add would likely take his side, he is influential already Nott I wouldn't underestimate him, your Lord did that once he dropped him like a sack of potatoes, if you change your mind get in touch through Narcissa, I don't want you contacting me personally"

Harry had absently given up his quest to find Samantha after ten minutes of searching, instead he found Hermione who was strangely talking to Theodore Nott. After waiting for an drop in the conversation Harry spoke,

"Sorry to interrupt Theo, but Hermione would you like to go and have an look around the manor with me I'm guessing they've got some real secrets hidden about., you would be welcome to join to Nott if you're interested."

"I'm not sure I can accept that offer Potter, it would put me in an awkward position with one of my housemates, but you can take Granger, we're done here" the black haired boy walked off in the direction of the other Slytherins.

"What was that about?" Asked an curious Harry.

"Nothing Harry, he was just asking about an book"

"Right ok, well do you want to go sneaking about, I'm sure it will be quite educational Mione"

"Fine I will keep you company, especially since I think Lucius Malfoy is getting suspicious of my heritage, I think Dumbledore left that out"


Back at Hogwarts Lenny felt he was in the wrong uniform, no Ravenclaw goes sneaking about after curfew especially to an place forbidden by the headmaster himself, that's strictly left to them brazen Gryffindors. Lenny though quickly thought to distance himself from the Gryffindors, yes he was different he'd actually planned an set up while sneaking around.

They had noted that Professor Sprout had in fact replaced Dumbledore as the look out. Linfred had arranged an distraction in Hufflepuff, Hannah Abbot and Ernie Macmillan were to feed an plant in the common room an extreme growth potion which would hopefully cause manic to occur in the Hufflepuff common room, which would result in the prefect on duty alerting Sprout, leaving the third floor clear for him, Terry and Susan to try and push through the door.

So far the plan had been successful, Sprout had wandered off to control the plant in the common room and right now the three were outside the third floors exterior door.

"Ready for this?" Asked an nervous Lenny, Merlin how did Harry do this sneaking about on an daily basis, Lenny was sure he was going to have an heart attack.

"Yeah, the spell should work, the doors unlikely to be warded against old magic"

"Well then let's hope Ancient Greek is old enough then" chuckled Lenny trying to hide his nervousness.

"Ánoixe" muttered Lenny, at the same time he moved his wand in an distinctive manner, the door in question clicked open.

"Never in question that my research would be correct"

"It was never in doubt right?" giggled Susan shyly, "I'm sure Lenny had it all well planned out"

"Come on then let's see what's hidden in this corridors other than cobwebs and dust" the three of them silently made their way down the long dark wide corridor. There were numerous doors off to the side, the three slowly checked the first two carefully, only to reveal disused classrooms.

"Lenny if all that's here is classrooms I'm going to murder your brother"

"Shut up Terry what else would you be doing, playing chess with Goldstein?"

"I think we should leave the doors to the side alone and just check that door at the end of the corridor since Professor Sprout will be coming back soon" whispered Susan.

"That sounds good to me Susan, this place is starting to creep me out" replied Lenny. The three started to walk down the long corridor toward the final door."

"So Susan did you finish the last question in defence against the the dark arts?"

"Merlin Lenny! you're such an Gryffindor at heart I mean you can't stand any silence, you always have to talk."

"Hey I can be silent, I just like talking to Susan, it's a nice change compared to your smart arse attitude, Terry"

"Guys! Shush!" Spoke up the Hufflepuff, since they had reached the door. Which was larger and more distinctive than the others. It also looked like it was still in use.

"Right, I'll go in first and if I see that it's clear then I'll signal to you that you can join me"

"Do it for Ravenclaw Lenny" encouraged Terry with an first pump.

"Now look who is the closet Gryffindor, you'll be alright with Terry for a minute right Susan?" Asked Lenny cheekily.

"I'm sure I can survive Lenny" smiled Susan, "be careful" she whispered after him, when Lenny set off toward the door.

Lenny thought it was likely to be charmed again, but he thought there would be no harm in attempting to open it normally. Surprisingly the door jilted open, he pushed the door slowly open, trying to make as little noise as possible. Immediately he was blinded by complete darkness, 'Great Lenny thought, an darkness charm, how the hell was he supposed to discover anything. His thoughts were rewarded with an loud snuffle and then an grumble. 'What the fuck is that' Lenny immediately cast an Lumos charm that revealed a large black three headed dog. The sight completely froze Lenny to the spot, the dog began stirring from the light, Lenny's leg had left him he was rooted to the spot, staring at the large creature beginning to move toward him.

"Lenny are you alright?"

"Lenny? Lenny!" And as quick as that Linfred was pulled from behind out of the room, his last glance at the room though uncovered an ripped part of clothing which Lenny deemed came from an expensive robe.

Before he could blink he was out in the corridor, The door slamming shut behind him brought him out of his reverie. "Bloody hell Lenny if you had stayed in there any longer you could have been killed"

"You're ok Lenny" Asked an more sympathetic Susan, while eyeing Terry angrily.

"Yeah just got a shock, just didn't expect an huge three headed mutt to be in Hogwarts!"

"It's a bit shocking right, I suppose it's Hogwarts, brothers always told me that it can be a bit insane around here I'm sure Dumbledore has an reason for it"

"Auntie is not going to be happy about this" Sighed Susan, Lenny whom had been thinking about his last glance and the robe, suddenly entered the conversation.

"Susan, could you please not tell your auntie"

"Lenny, I tell my auntie most things she would want to here about this" Responded Susan softly.

"Please?" Begged Lenny, not wanting an adult to intervene straight away before he told his dad of the robe he'd seen.

"Ok I'll stay quiet for now Lenny for you" the three then began walking in silence back to their respective common rooms, Linfred in deep thought.

"So what did you see" broached Terry now looking at the Linfred.

"I think somebody has been in there before, I have a feeling they're trying to get something that's in that room"


James arrived home to an empty house, he'd finished late like usual, aurors didn't have particularly set hours but they usually went on long after the normal work hours. He was left mentally and physically drained he'd been doing the same thing for eleven years. Firstly through the order, which constituted as its own job in itself and then continued the same activities for the ministry. Sometimes he thought about just retiring or going for more of a desk job, he could never just philander around like Sirius though. When he collapsed down onto the sofa, and freely looked around, he knew exactly why he didn't stop, the framed photographs of his family happy, healthy and most importantly safe always gave him that motivation to stay with it.

"You know you should really get home earlier" Spoke Lily from out of nowhere as she made her way into the room and straddled James sitting down.

"Oh and whys that?" Whispered James into Lily's ear, just her company had quickly stirred James.

"We have had a free house for the last few hours and haven't took advantage of it" Responded back Lily seductively nibbling at James's ear. Merlin he was already getting hard from Lily's touch and teasing, he was going to ravage her any second.

"Maybe we can make up for it now" murmured James as he began to pull Lily's top over her head. The two began to gently brush their lips against each other, both responding to one another with lust, James's desire enhanced further began to fiddle with her bra. After a couple of seconds, Lily slowly moved her head away laughing softly,

"I thought you'd have got the hang of it by now honey" James just responded with an groan, moving his lips slowly over Lilies exposed nape. Lily reacted like hands in putty, responding with greed, quickly removing her bra craving more of James's touch. The moment was completely ruined however when an distraught looking Remus walked into the sitting room.

"Shit, shit sorry I'll erm," Remus was just stuck to his spot, not finding the ability to move, unable to cast his gaze away.

"Bloody hell Moony, wait the fuck outside!" Responded an annoyed James not really from the lack of privacy but really the untimely interruption.

"R.. sorry I'll wait for you to dress outside r..right.." stumbled Remus out of the room. Lily was in deep flush after her long time school friend had just seen her top half in all her glory.

"Fucking Remus, always stops any fun" fumed James. Lily just glared at him as if the whole scenario was his fault. After putting her bra on and adjusting her top, Lily got up and announced. "I'm going to make some tea, ask Remus please if he wants anything" and with that she scampered out of the room. James got up to open the door, letting Remus back in.

"You should be relieved that I really do love you Remus because Merlin, I don't see you in an month and the time you finally decide to show you go and bloody do it when I've got some alone time with my wife"

"Yeah… sorry about that I'll Erm knock next t..time" stuttered Remus.

"It's alright I think you'll have to apologise to Lily more than me, I reckon she'll be pretty distraught from the whole scenario. Anyway what brings you to our house?"

"I have news that might interest you"

"Should I get Lily" asked James now in a serious mood.

"Well it might not be important but I have a feeling that it probably will be this coming year"

"Alright I think she should be here anyway" to which James then walked off to find Lily coming back a minute later with Lily whom had a tray with coffee and biscuits. Seeing Lily again made Remus mind reflect again back to the incident just before, his face slightly flushed, he struggled to talk normally, to the expectant other adults in the room.

"For fucks sake Moony it's like you've never seen tits before, stop being an idiot and get on with it, time is of the essence not all of us can live a bachelor life style without kids." Spoke James in a meaningful way, which only received a glare from Lily whom had easily understood his reasoning for the quicker conversation.

"Stop being a prat James, this must be serious if Remus came to see us. Now Remus please go on and tell us what you were going to say"

"Right, Erm yes, Well first of all sorry Lily I didn't mean to intrude upon you and I'm sorry for looking, just my animalistic ways I suppose"

"That's fine Remus I won't mention it to Dorcas"

"I don't think she'd be to upset, but anyway to reason why am here. I was in the hogshead and I was mainly there for an swift drink when I noticed quite a distinctive man talking with Hagrid. Of course curious I made my way over just to say hello. As soon as I came over the man quickly left saying his goodbyes."

"According to Hagrid the man was interested in 'fluffy'. Obviously I had know idea what Fluffy was so I inquired further supposedly Hagrid had obtained a Cerberus. Anyway he let slip that this Cerberus is somewhere around Hogwarts, the way he was talking about it freely to me made me think that he thought I already knew about it, which was puzzling."

"What the hell is a Cerberus doing on the grounds of a school, god you'd think that even Hagrid would know not to put a creature like that in close proximity to kids, we need to tell Dumbledore before Hagrid accidentally kills an student" Shouted an outraged Lily.

"Dumbledore no doubt knows" replied James angrily.

"I agree with James, Hagrid has the upmost respect for Dumbledore he would no doubt ask him before homing the Cerberus"

"Why the hell would Dumbledore do that? he bloody lied to us!"

"That's not our only worry, that man you described Moony, seems to be trouble if my intuition is correct. I doubt it's coincidental that he is asking about an Cerberus"

"Is their anything we should do Prongs" Asked an anxious Remus.

"I believe that we should try and keep any eye out for that man again, if you don't mind Moony I'd like for you to check in and around Hogsmeade for the next week or so, if you see him maybe follow him."

"With regard to this secret Cerberus I think Lily and I will have to go and see our shrewd headmaster."

"That we will be doing" Spoke an fuming Lily.

"Right well, erm well it's good to see you guys but I suppose erm I should be off, I don't want to outstay my welcome I'll leave you guys to erm your fun"

"Remus while my breasts I've been told are very nice, they're no reason for you act like a bloody teenager again, stop fumbling over your own words, now go!"

Before Remus could leave however their was an apparition crack and the three adults were welcomed with the sight of an well dressed Sirius Black. Before the three could say anything,

Sirius fires out quickly,

"James, Lily you're going to have to come with me quickly, there has been a bit of an incident!"

"What incident Sirius" Asked Lily

"It involves Harry I'm going to need to apparate you there"

"Where is there exactly Sirius?"

"What James can't trust me now?"

"Stop petty fighting this is not the time for a pissing contest if Harry is in trouble, now let's go"

The two Potters took hold of Sirius and were apparated into the foyer of Malfoy Manor. James quickly detached himself from Sirius and looked around instantly recognising his surroundings from the many auror raids.

"Please tell me Sirius why you have brought us to the Malfoys?"

"Malfoys?" Questioned a surprised Lily.

"If you're patient James you will see soon enough now follow me" the two Potters followed him down the long hall way, and then to the left where they entered through an door to an large study which could pass for an library. In front of them stood three children, looking thoroughly rumpled. One of them they immediately recognised as their son. Behind the kids stood an stoic Lucius and an rather frantic Narcissa.

"What the hell is going on here" Shouted Lily after a period of silence. Lucius sneered, "your spawn Potter decided to grace us with his presence this evening"

"I can see that Malfoy, what I'm asking is why is he in such an awful state right now!" Exclaimed Lily Potter.

"Typical Gryffindor, looking passed such impolite behaviour"

"Malfoy I suggest you answer my wife before I tear you a new one"

"Lovely use of words Potter, if you're patient I will describe what has occurred this evening"

"Get on with it darling" snarked Narcissa, whom wasn't particularly happy with being in the presence of the Potters.

"Fine! Potter it is apparent tonight that your son has inherited your foolhardiness, to the extent he decided to go exploring an unknown magical Manor. He and his mudblood," after seeing the disgusted faces of the three Gryffindors he quickly adjusted, "Sorry muggleborn, have no respect for privacy and were snooping around my house. Now Draco here caught them and of course looked for retribution"

"Go on"

"Unfortunately Draco I must admit was also idiotic considering his retribution needlessly put all three into a state of danger"

"Just tell them what the fuck happened Malfoy!" Interrupted Sirius whom was growing impatient of hearing the same story for the third time.

"They found themselves in the presence of an troll when they were out on the grounds"

"A troll!"

"Malfoy I'm going to fu.."

"Lily please be quiet"

"Sirius I will not shut up, why the fuck would you have an troll on your grounds!" steamed Lily. James sensing that his wife was going into an uncontrollable rage, swiftly interrupted.

"Lily I think it's best if you take Harry back to school, he will need some sleep I imagine after his long day, I'm sure his friend would very much like to go back to school too, I will deal with Malfoy" James's authority was pretty clear, leaving his wife no room for arguing, Lily quickly took Harry and Hermione hands and left.

"Malfoy, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and let you explain why you have an troll on your grounds before I call the aurors."

"Potter, I do not have to explain myself to anybody, in fact it is you whom may need to explain yourself to the aurors"

"Oh and why is that Malfoy" jeered James.

"Well your spawn Potter was the person who actually killed the troll with an piece of magic that well let's say is frowned upon, it certainly wasn't an light spell" addressed Malfoy pausing to let the new information sink in.

"He's a first year, I doubt the spell was particularly dark"

"James, we could not identify what the spell was but it looked like old Potter magic Malfoy unfortunately not lying" muttered Sirius.

"Which Potter leaves you in an right spot. However I will be happy to forget such facts since Mr Potter did indeed save my sons life tonight, doing so I also granted him an favour which he has taken up with me already, so I'd like to call that even for now Potter…, you can leave now"

James was about to argue but stopped when he thought that it was likely the evidence of the troll was already gone, cleaned up by the house elves and three children's memories were inconclusive in court. Sighing he nodded and began toward the door, Sirius followed,

"It's alright Sirius I can find my own way out, I've been here enough"

"Mr Potter, it is improper for an member of the house to not show their guest to the door, so let me accompany you out" Spoke Narcissa efficiently.

"Sure Mrs Malfoy, if that's what you want to do" shrugged James whom continued on his way out. Narcissa quickly caught up and walked by his side to the front door.

"The apparition point is just outside the gates."

"I know Mrs Malfoy" continued James formally.

"James you don't need to be so formal when it is just the two of us"

"Alright" shrugged James.

"James, I'd like you to express my thanks to your son for tonight, if he wasn't there I can't imagine what would of happened to Draco"

"You can express that sentiment to him directly then not through me" dismissed James, whom was now by the front door ready to leave.

"Is there any particular reason why you're directing this sharp mood toward me James?"

"Look I know it's none of my business, but don't manipulate him, he has sound ideals and an good personality do not change him, that's not fair to him, he doesn't deserve that"

"He is free to do what he wants James he is an grown man, but I want you to know that he certainly misses you."

"Is that why you wanted to accompany me to the door because if it is you really didn't need to?"

"I think I preferred you when you were at Hogwarts, goodbye James"

"I'm sure you did, goldie" James winked and left leaving a slightly flustered Narcissa.

So Fluffy has been discovered by both the Potter parents and the kids, while an mysterious robe and man have also been spotted, The Ball hopefully showed some of the animosity between the Potters and Malfoy's at the moment. At the age of eleven, I have to be realistic on how romantic such an occasion for Harry and Daphne would be so i kept that in check for the time being. The next chapter will almost certainly involve the mysterious family and Dumbledore meddling. More Daphne too. Remember please review and suggest what you would like to see more of thanks!