The moment she saw him, Daphne couldn't stop herself. She had jumped out of her seat and clutched him tightly to her, kissing him so hard she may have passed out for lack of air. Once she released him, she began hitting him ferociously.
"OW! What?" Harry asked, rubbing his arms where Daphne had just been beating on him.
"I haven't heard from you since Christmas. Not a letter, a floo call, nothing. I waited as long as I could for you on the platform, and you were nowhere to be seen. I was worried sick" Daphne exclaimed, hitting him again.
"We just made it. Ron was quite slow this morning." Harry's voice went cold at the mention of the redhead. He and Daphne sat down in the cabin with their friends, Daphne curling up close to Harry, happy to be reunited with him again.
"Did you guys have another row?" Hermione asked. She and Daphne had found a cabin with Tracey and Neville. Harry had found them near the rear of the train, and joined them.
"You could call it that. Ron thinks I'm responsible for his dad being attacked."
"Mr. Weasley was attacked?" Hermione gasped.
Harry began the tale from the night he'd had the vision, telling them about all he had seen through the eyes of the snake. He continued, telling them about going to Dumbledore, and the rage without reason, being stunned and waking up to Mrs. Weasley and Sirius arguing.
"I think I agree with Sirius." Tracey said. "They're both just looking out for you in their own way. But I still don't see why Ron's accusing you of anything."
Harry continued his story, explaining his visit to St. Mungo's and how Ron had pretty much jumped on the Cho Chang bandwagon, and accused him of instigating the attack on Mr. Weasley. He went on to tell them about Ron's behavior the rest of the holiday.
"He didn't say those things, did he?" Hermione asked astonished their friend could turn on them like that.
"Ask Ginny, or Fred, or George. They think he's gone mental, over their father getting hurt. But let's face it. Ron's had a problem since before school started. I think he's gone. I don't think he wants to be my friend anymore. He hasn't talked to me once. He avoids me like I'm going to attack him or something. I hate it, but I don't know what to do."
"Oh, Harry." Daphne sympathized, pulling him closer. "I'm so sorry."
"I am too, Harry." Hermione said sadly. "Maybe if I'd just gone out with him, he'd…"
"NO!" Harry sat up suddenly, almost knocking Daphne to the floor. "If this is how he's choosing to be, he doesn't deserve you. You're better off without him."
"And besides, if you and the redhead were together," Tracey added. "You wouldn't be sneaking into broom closets with a very attractive Ravenclaw."
"Tracey!" Hermione screamed, covering her face. "I have to make rounds." She stammered exiting the cabin.
"Tracey, you're so wicked." Daphne chuckled. "You can't do that to her, you know how private she is."
"She wasn't very private on the last train ride." Neville said. "I know more about her love life than anyone should know. It wouldn't have happened if you'd been here, Harry. It's like they forgot I was here."
"You could have left." Tracey offered.
"And gone where?" Neville's question was met with silence.
"So how was everyone's holiday?" Harry asked, trying to change the subject.
"Filled with dire warnings and awkward visits." Daphne sighed. "By the way," She pulled the necklace from around her neck. "This is amazing. Thank you."
"What do you mean by awkward visits?"
"I found out who wrote my parents about us. Malfoy. He's trying to put some claim on me. He sent his father to my father to try and negotiate a marriage contract."
Harry stared at Daphne for a long moment. "Did…did he…" Harry stammered.
"Of course not. Not only do my parents believe I should be the one to choose whom I marry, but that Marriage Contracts are a stupid custom. It's not practiced too much anymore, unless it's for a serious gain, and even then it's really difficult. Most people don't want to be forced together." Daphne explained.
"That little ferret is trying everything to get in your pants." Tracey groaned.
"It isn't only that." Daphne said. "Malfoy also told them they would gain favor, if they got me to deliver Harry."
"Deliver me to where?"
"Not where, who. Malfoy senior." Daphne said. She squeezed his hand a little tighter. "Draco was there. I saw something in his eyes, Harry. A madness. I'm afraid he's going to do something to you."
The rest of the train ride was spent in lazy conversation, with topics ranging from more holidays stories to what the exams might be like. They arrived at Hogsmeade station and took the carriages to the castle. Hermione joined them in the carriage, mentioning that she had run into Ron on the train.
"He was very rude." She huffed. "He said I may as well throw in with the Death Eaters. I think he reckons you're going to turn into some new Dark Lord, Harry."
"What is wrong with him?" Neville asked.
"Besides being wrong about three Slytherins, being overly jealous, a massive inferiority complex, and savagely low self esteem?" Harry asked.
"Are you going to allow him to keep training with us in the DA?" Neville asked.
"It would be wrong to turn him away because he doesn't like me." Harry said plainly. "Besides, if he's so afraid I'm going dark, what better way to watch over me than to keep training."
The carriages stopped in front of the entrance hall, and students began filing into the Great Hall for the welcome back feast. Harry said goodbye to Daphne as houses stayed at their own tables for the big feasts. Harry and Neville joined Ginny, Hermione and the Weasley twins at the Gryffindor table.
"Hey Harry!" Dean Thomas called from down the table. "Have a good holiday?" Harry gave an icy stare at Ron, who was actively ignoring his former friend.
"I've had better." Harry shrugged.
"So when are we having another meeting?" Neville whispered.
"Soon." Harry smiled. "We'll have a bit of a refresher, and then we're going to start Patronuses."
Ginny's eyes lit up. "Oh, I can't wait." She squeaked. Harry and Neville laughed at the red head's obvious excitement.
"I want to learn how to send messages through them." Harry smiled. "I'll ask Sirius later."
"That would be really cool." Neville agreed.
Dinner finished, and students all began heading back to their dormitories. Classes would be starting back up, and Harry was sure that the work load was going to be even heavier. The OWLs were just around the corner, and Harry wanted to do his godfather proud this year.
"Some of you have forgotten what it means to be pure blood." Draco said angrily as he entered the Slytherin common room. Most other students turned to watch the pale blonde as he paced around them all.
"You've gotten soft. Weak. Mixing with mudbloods and traitors and squibs." He sneered at them all. Daphne and Tracey sat with Blaise in a darkened corner. Daphne was clutching Tracey's arm tightly, while Tracey had her hand on Blaise's shoulder.
"I for one am fed up with it. Most of you in here are of the oldest, purest families, and those of you who aren't, at least you know what loyalty is supposed to mean. But there are some who are turning their backs on their heritage." Draco stormed on.
"What do you think will happen when He takes over? Do you honestly think you will be spared? You need to start showing your allegiance NOW!" He pounded his fist on the back of one of the sofas.
"You will show the younger students the right path. You will stop associating with the dregs and you will not tolerate any insults from those who should be groveling before you." He stared at the assembled throng.
"Any who choose to defy this will suffer. Think on it." With one last cold glare around the common room, Malfoy disappeared to his dorm.
"What the hell was that?" Blaise asked, looking to Daphne and Tracey.
"Me thinks Malfoy junior had a little chat with daddy, and daddy was displeased."
"Do you think people will go along with him?" Daphne asked, a little worry in her voice.
"Not at first." Blaise said, looking at his two friends. "But depending on what he does to those he feels are crossing the proverbial line, he may gain more followers than we think. A lot of people in this house are sheep. They follow whoever they think has the most power."
"And right now, it's Malfoy." Tracey said sadly.
"Yeah, but take away his money, he's nothing more than a posturing, pompous arse. If the others could really see that he's no real threat, things would change. People fear the Malfoy name almost as much as Voldemort's." Blaise advised.
"So how do we do that?" Daphne asked.
"I have no idea." Blaise admitted.
Daphne never mentioned Draco's speech to Harry. In fact, nothing of it was spoken outside of Slytherin. But some students noticed subtle changes. The first being the first and second year Slytherins, who had been fairly friendly with other house began keeping to themselves.
When questioned on the odd behavior by the outsider friends and classmates, the Slytherins would shrug it off and change subjects, or in many cases walk away.
The few older Slytherin students who had developed friendships outside their own house hadn't changed. they still associated with everyone they normally did, but dodged any inquiries into the goings on of the house.
"It's just a little odd." Hermione was saying to Neville and Harry on the way to breakfast. "Tracey and Daphne have been very evasive on the matter, and I'm beginning to think there's something going on."
"Hermione, if there was real trouble, they would have told us. If they don't want us to know, then we shouldn't push." Neville said.
"Best we can do is be there when they need us." Harry agreed as they entered the Great Hall.
"Good morning, Hermione. May I join you?" Anthony Goldstein smiled brightly as he met up with the trio.
"Good morning, Anthony." Hermione grinned shyly, as she kissed him in greeting. "I'd love it if you joined us.
They all took a seat at the Gryffindor table and began filling their plates. As Harry was reaching for some toast, he caught sight of Cho Chang glaring at him. He shook his head sadly.
"Anthony?" Harry asked. "How are things in Ravenclaw, with Cho?"
Anthony choked on his juice, spluttered and coughed. He looked over his shoulder at the pretty Asian girl who was eyeing Harry malevolently.
"It's not great. Sort of tyrannical, really. She yells at everyone. I haven't seen her smile all year. Losing Cedric really messed her up, I think."
"I wish I could make her understand, but she won't even talk to me." Harry said glumly.
"She's just looking to place blame, Harry. I mean, how would you feel in her place?"
"I guess maybe I'd be a bit bitter, but she's really gone overboard. Is it true that she's ordered you all to steer clear of me?" Harry wondered.
"She did at the start of term, but no one really listened." Anthony shrugged.
Harry looked back at Cho who was whispering to her curly hair friend. Harry hated that Cho was so angry at him. He knew they'd never be friends, but he also knew all the anger she was clutching onto would eventually destroy her life.
At eight o'clock Harry entered the dungeon classroom to find Snape pulling silvery strands from his temple with his wand, and placing them into a pensieve. Harry cleared his throat to announce his presence. Snape turned to face him, black cloak billowing out as the sallow skinned professor turned to face the young Gryffindor.
"Sit down, Potter." Snape ordered, motioning to a empty chair in front of him. Harry complied and waited patiently. He had spoken with Sirius the night before and his godfather had advised patience in all his dealings with the Potions professor.
"You are here because Professor Dumbledore has asked I teach you Occlumency. Occlumency, Potter, is the art of protecting one's mind from attack. In order to master Occlumency, one must master his own mind. He must master his emotions and organize his thoughts." Snape spoke slowly. He paced slowly in front of Harry.
"Tonight, I shall attack your mind."
"Sir." Harry began. Sirius had also told Harry to show respect, even if Snape didn't deserve it. Sirius had explained that Snape would respond easier if Harry feigned respect and even admiration. Harry had scoffed at it all, but knew that Sirius was probably right.
"Yes, Potter?" Snape stopped.
"Why does Professor Dumbledore think I need this?"
"Your vision of the attack on Arthur Weasley has confirmed a supposition the Headmaster has had about a mental connection between you and the Dark Lord. The Headmaster feels that allowing this connection to remain open would be unwise."
"Voldemort can read my mind?" Harry said aghast at the revelation.
"Do not speak the name." Snape hissed. "The mind is not some book you can just open and peruse at your leisure, Potter. But the Dark Lord can see into your mind and view memories, and hear thoughts. As of now, we believe he is unaware of the connection."
"So that's why I've seen him torture people and felt his emotions." Harry pondered.
"Precisely. What we are here to do is close off the connection before the Dark Lord becomes aware of the connection and exploits it. You must empty your mind of all thought, and control your emotions. Let's begin."
"Yes sir. What do I need to do?"
"I will attack your mind, you must force me out. By any means you can. LEGILLEMENS!"
Harry's head was pounding. Before his eyes flashed a flood of images. The spiders on the ceiling in his cupboard. Running from Dudley and his gang. The Basilisk writhing as Fawkes the phoenix pecked out it's eyes. Ripper the bulldog chasing him up a tree.
"NO!" Harry screamed as he fell forward onto the floor. He was panting heavily and his head was throbbing.
Snape watched the boy raise up and sit back down.
"Who did the dog belong to?" he asked coolly.
"My Aunt Marge." Harry gasped for air.
"You took far to long to push me out of your mind. Do not focus on the memories, Potter. Clear your mind. Again. Legillimens!"
Images again flood his mind's eye. His first visit to Diagon alley, Hagrid giving Dudley a curly pig's tail, his first ride on a broom, staring into the Mirror of Erised and seeing his parents looking back at him.
"ENOUGH!" Harry screamed again as he pitched forward. His knees hurt from the hard landing on the stone floor. His head felt as if it were splitting in two.
"Did you mean to use a stinging hex, Potter?" Snape asked maliciously.
"I didn't do anything. I just didn't want you to see that memory."
"I shouldn't be seeing anything, Potter. You have to clear your giant head."
"I'm trying, but you're not telling me how."
"Anger will not help you. You must control your emotions, or they will only assist the Dark Lord. Once again. LEGILLIMENS!"
More images. More memories speeding by in front of him. Ron's anger at him for getting into the Tri-Wizard Tournament, his terrible time at the Yule Ball, facing the dragon, swimming in the lake, watching Cedric fall in a flash of green light.
"STOP!" Harry screamed. Once again he was on the floor. "I don't know what I'm looking for. I don't know what I'm supposed to be fighting."
Snape was rubbing his wrist again. He stared at Harry for a long time before speaking.
"You are fighting yourself. You cannot hope to fight anyone else in your mind if you cannot empty your mind."
"I'm trying." Harry's frustration getting the better of him. He stood and stared at the greasy haired man for a long moment. He nodded his readiness.
"Legillimens!" Snape said. Again Harry felt it. The pounding in his temples. He saw another flood of memories, but tried to focus on the pounding.
"Oculas Reparo"
"Doris Crockford, I can't believe I'm meeting you"
"Snape's one of the teacher's protectin' the stone."
Harry felt the pounding getting stronger, threatening to split his head in two, but he focused his energy there, trying to push it away.
"It's called a Time-Turner, and I got it from Professor McGonagall on our first day back."
"You're allowed a wand."
"I'll never betray you."
Harry pushed as hard as he could, pushed at the throbbing in his temples and white sparks exploded in front of his eyes. His knees smashed against the stone floor and Harry was panting as if he'd run for miles. His stomach was churning, and was wishing he hadn't had a second helping of pudding.
"What did you do that time?" Snape asked. Harry looked up to see Snape rubbing his wrist again. He could see an angry red welt about the size of a galleon on the sallow skin of Snape's hand.
"I concentrated on the throbbing. I focused on the pain and kept pushing. Did it work?"
"You were able to finally force me out, but it took too long. The Dark Lord would have extracted whatever he pleased by that point. We are finished for this evening. You must empty your mind every night before you go to sleep. I shall know if you have failed to do so. Dismissed." Snape waved Harry off and turned back to his pensieve. Harry walked back to Gryffindor tower, rubbing at his scar which was burning badly. He thought back on some of the memories he'd seen, and one stood out, and connected to another.
Hagrid trying to tell he, Ron and Hermione that Snape was not trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone. How they had been so quick to accuse the judgmental Potions professor.
And then the conversation he'd overheard between Snape and Dumbledore. Snape seemed concerned for him, yet treated him like dirt. Something was odd. Why would Snape be worried about Harry if he hated Harry so much.
Harry's head gave another powerful throb, and he clutched at it. He stopped walking for a moment.
"Harry?" Hermione came around a corner and saw her friend leaning on the wall. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine." Harry said, unsure himself if he would be fine.
"What happened?"
"Occlumency."
"What?" Hermione asked. When Harry seemed to slump a little, the bushy haired girl took pity on her friend. "Come on. Let me help you to the common room. You can explain it to me on the way."