As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys.

All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life.

#

'Mr Malfoy, What can I get for you?' asked Madam Rosmerta.

'Could I trouble you for some coffee, Ma'am?' asked Draco. The politeness of his request caused the barmaid to do a double-take. The reputation of the Malfoy family was one of brutality, curtness and aggressive demands; she nodded and set about pouring the young patron a cup of black coffee.

'Is everything alright?' she asked.

'Have you ever felt that everything you know is wrong and you were happy about it?' Draco asked as he handed over the money for his drink.

'I have had my world turned upside-down a time or two, but usually, it was my own doing, and I can't say I was best pleased about it. What or should I say who happened?' Asked Rosmerta

'Harry Potter happened.'

Madam Rosmerta smiled at Draco and asked 'Does he know how you feel about him?'

'Erm...are we talking about the same thing?' asked Draco apprehensively

'You haven't fallen in love with him then?' she asked.

'Oh, Hell, no! Just because I have blonde hair and like fine clothes does not make me a dandy. Don't get me wrong; I have no problems if other wizards want to do that. In my opinion, the female form is simply poetry in motion.'

'Forgive my assumption, Mr Malfoy, I meant no offence.' Said Rosmerta

Draco waved away her apology 'I am not like my father, there is nothing to forgive. Harry took the blinkers off, and now I'm trying to educate my house to the reality about them.'

'Well best of luck with it Mr Malfoy, you may have your work cut out for you.' she said before moving to serve another customer.

'Tell me about it.' he whispered.

While Draco was attempting to educate his house, Ron was trying to find Hermione.

'If she's not in Scrivenshaft's or Zonko's then she must be in Dervish and Bangs.' He muttered to himself. As he trudged through the village, his mind drifted to the things he would say to persuade her to be his girlfriend. "I'm not poor like Harry is" or "you can always come and stay with us over the summer, Harry has to stay with his relatives" or his personal favourite "we're meant to be, I mean we constantly bicker like a married couple, its fate."; unknown to Ron, his brothers were shadowing him since his outburst this morning at Hannah.

'Well Forge, won-won seems to be a man on a mission.'

'That he does brother mine; that he does. Do you think we should intervene?'

'Ah, A man after my own heart. I was thinking the same thing, perhaps Confundo, Petrificus Totalus and incarcarous?'

'Well Gred, I thought that we could get him to the shrieking shack and then hit him with Obscuro and Confundo followed by Levicorpus and just let him "hang about"'

The twins smiled at each other and set about stalking their younger brother.

#

The twins walked away from the shack with grins on their faces, exacting punishment on the deserving always made them smile.

'How long did you time the charm for Gred?'

'Only an hour, Forge.'

'Is it too much to expect that he'll change his ways, Gred?'

'I think it is Forge, he seems very bitter and almost set in his ways.'

'Excellent! We get to have more fun with little Ronnikins Gred.'

'That we do Forge, that we do.'

The twins wandered around Hogsmeade, occasionally stopping to speak with a friend or to look at something in a shop window. George just happened to look up and see a young blonde girl sitting on a bench alone, while people sitting alone was not an unusual thing, the fact this was the young girl that Neville had stood up for.'

'Fred, I'll be back in a minute' he said to his brother who simply nodded and continued talking to their friends.

'Hi Luna' he asked as he approached the young girl.

'Hello, George Weasley.' Said Luna with an enigmatic smile.

George knew better than to ask how she could tell them apart, 'why are you sitting all alone? George asked.

'I was hoping that I would meet a friend and we could spend some time together.' Said Luna

'Who were you waiting on?' he asked

'No one really, but I was hoping to see Ginny. She's been really down since Harry called in the life debt and I was hoping that I could take her mind off things for a little while.' Explained Luna.

'Well, that's very decent of you Ms Lovegood, especially after the way she's treated you over the last few years.' Said, George

'She was just so set on snatching Harry, and your mum didn't help by buying all those Boy-who-lived books.' Luna was her usual magnanimous self, and this pleased George.

George looked back up the street and made a decision.

'M'lady, how would it be if you graced our motley crew with your presence?' said George with a bow.

'It would be such fun, I think.' Said Luna, she stood and took the offered arm and together they walked back towards Fred and their friends. He knew that none of them would complain as she was a friend of Harry Potter and counted for a lot.

#

The Slytherin table had been debating back and forth for the last ten minutes without any real headway. Pansy decided to move the topic on a bit; 'Since we came back this term, how have you all found the atmosphere at school?'

Higgs opened his mouth to say something derogatory until his brain kicked into action and he realised that things had been entirely different from previous years.

'You know, I don't think that it's ever been as peaceful. In fact, I would go as far as saying that I have enjoyed it this term.' Said, Higgs

This caught Draco's attention, 'Harry and I came to an agreement, and it ended a lot of the animosity between our houses rather.' He said

Bletchley asked 'What was the agreement?'

The smile that Draco gave suggested that he was getting the better end of the deal 'I leave his friends alone, specifically Granger and Longbottom. They are off-limits as is the muggle-born; also the term "Mudblood" is never to be uttered again. If he finds out it has been said, or any of his friends or muggle-born students are targeted, then you will answer to him.'

'You've been ragging on Weasley all year, even in front of him and he has said nothing. What gives?' asked Higgs, who had been listening intently.

'He's fair game. Something has happened to the so-called "Golden Trio" and Weasley is on the outs. I really don't care what has happened, but I'll milk it for everything I can. Oh and Lovegood is also off-limits.' Said Draco.

The table fell into silence again; the rest of his house was pensive while he sat back and watched them. He knew that he had them. Since the beginning of the term, He had been paying attention to the habits of the students; it completely shocked him to find that by and large, the purebloods applied minimal effort into their studies. Of course, there were exceptions to this, such as Chang, Greengrass, and Diggory who were a notable few. While the muggle-born and raised not only put in more effort but were also significantly more magically powerful. Everything that Harry had said was borne out in his research.

#

Ginny Weasley sat alone in the library. Scattered on the table in front of her was screwed up balls of paper. She wanted to write to her mum, but every time she started to write something about Harry and Hermione, she began to glow.

"Mum,

Harry and Hermione are together, and I can't talk about it so you'll have to speak to Ron.

I am happy for them both; they deserve each other.

The headmaster told us that the Tri-wizard Tournament would be held here this year, I think the twins will try and enter. The new Defence teacher is an ex Auror call moody, do you think dad knows him?

Anyway, Talk to Ron, He'll tell you everything you need to know.

Love Gin"

Her fifth attempt to write something was a success, she didn't glow, but she felt that she pointed her mum in the right direction. She found that she had to force her thoughts away from Harry and Hermione, even though he told her in no uncertain terms on the train journey that there could be nothing between them, she held out hope that she would eventually change his mind.

They would always be connected; he was her shining knight who almost died for her. That had to count for something. She believed that he had to feel something for her, or at least she did until Hermione got her claws into him. She noticed that her hands began to glow, but she couldn't help feeling angry about being cheated out of her future by that hussy. How dare she sully her Harry with her muggle wiles!

The magical glow that surrounded her grew to such brilliance that the entire library filled with the light. Madam Pince rushed over to where Ginny was sitting and called out.

'MISS WEASLEY, WHAT, IN THE NAME OF MERLIN, ARE YOU DOING!'

Ginny jumped in her seat, and the glow ended instantly, 'I'm so sorry, Madam Pince, I don't know what came over me.' she protested.

The librarian stood over her with a raised eyebrow and an unimpressed look on her face, she said 'I suggest you pay more attention to what you are doing. This is a Library, not a charms class, if you cannot control yourself, I will be forced to ban you, is that clear?' she demanded.

Ginny simply nodded.

#

The conversation within the recovery room beneath Gringotts flowed easily between the four young friends, while the adults spoke with Ragnok about the ramifications of becoming kin to the nation.

'Director Ragnok, what does kinship with the nation entail?' asked Dan

'It is simple Brother Daniel, within the walls of any Goblin bank across the world, you are considered a Goblin. You will be treated to preferred status; your exchange rate will be half of one per cent; the same as every Goblin. In the non-magical world, the equivalent would be dual nationality.' Explained the chief Goblin.

'And in the eyes of the ministry?' asked Minerva

'The ministry will fall over themselves to pander to your every whim, and they would not dare raise a wand in anger against the nation. The ramifications would be...severe' Ragnok gave a predatory smile that left very little to the imagination.

While the adults spoke, Harry was observing Neville and Hannah. It was clear to him that they had not fully admitted to themselves how they felt for each other. In his previous timeline Hannah and Neville got married after the war, she took over the running of the Cauldron from her uncle Tom and Neville trained with him as a battlemage. While he completed the training, he didn't serve longer than six months.

The horrors of the war did not sit well with Neville, it took the love of Hannah, and his aptitude with plants helped him to heal finally. Everyone was surprised that the Potter Longbottom partnership was so successful during those six months, it was expected that it would be Potter and Weasley would be the dominant team. What they didn't know is that because had Harry never forgiven Ron for abandoning him and Hermione during the hunt, he couldn't trust him or that he specifically asked to be teamed up with Neville.

'Mia, would you mind if I had a couple of moments alone with Neville?' asked Harry

'Sure, love. It'll give me some time to help Hannah used to the Potter madness.' She replied with a smile.

As both girls walked away, Neville rounded on Harry and asked 'What the hell is going on, mate?'

'It's a long story, but to cut it short, I've been chosen by the Goblin gods. But that's not what I wanted to talk with you about.' Said, Harry

'Okay' said Neville uncertainly.

'When will get your head out of your arse and ask that girl to be yours?' asked Harry

The abrupt nature of the question caught the Longbottom heir off guard, 'erm-'

'Listen, mate; you know that both Hermione and I have your back, but it's as plain as the nose on your face that you are gone on her, just as she is for you. Take it from me brother; if you wait too long, you will live to regret it.' Harry said softly to him 'Now tell me about what the half-wit has been doing this morning.'

#

While Harry and Neville were talking, Hannah walked with Hermione and asked 'Is it always like this? Having Harry in your life?'

'There is never a dull moment with Harry around.' laughed Hermione.

'How do you cope with it all?' Asked Hannah.

'You adapt, not because Harry forces any of this on anyone but because of the trust and loyalty he offers his friends, you find yourself wanting to repay that. For example in the first year, even when we were not friends he came looking for me to ensure I was safe' explained Hermione

'He saved you from the troll?'

'He saved me from the troll. He jumped on the back of the troll as it was swinging its club to hit me. He could have been seriously hurt or killed, but that one selfless act sums Harry up completely.' Said Hermione

Hannah considered what she had heard, the troll story was a legend in Hogwarts and now to have the account not only confirmed but explained was mind-blowing.

'Did you know that Harry's mum was Neville's godmother? Harry only found out recently, and he feels so guilty about it.' said Hermione.

Hannah looked at Hermione with surprise.

'Right now he is likely telling Neville to pull his head out of his arse and ask you out before someone else does.' At this Hannah began to protest 'It's ok Hannah, a blind man could see how you feel about each other. Take it from one who knows, grab hold of your wizard and don't ever let go.'

#

The rest of the day passed incident-free, except for the full-scale search by the Auror department for Ron that lasted late into the night. The twins took great pleasure in the fact that their ill-mannered brother was found hanging upside down in the shrieking shack, his clothes streaked with piss. Hanging upside down certainly allows gravity to do its work!

Due to the ritual, Harry and Hermione received express permission to spend Saturday night with the Grangers, so they were unaware that Ron was making bold claims that Harry had not only Jumped him but had kidnapped his new girlfriend.

When they walked into the great hall in time for breakfast, Harry was immediately set upon by Auror Dawlish and two underlings.

'Harry Potter, you are under arrest for assault and abduction.' declared Dawlish very smugly.

The two Aurors had grabbed Harry and pinned him to the floor; a third female Auror had pulled Hermione to one side. Minerva strode into the hall and witnessed the events unfold.

'What is the meaning of this intrusion, John Dawlish?' She demanded

'This is official Auror business Ma'am; I'll thank you not to involve yourself.'

'Professor McGonagall, we have it on good authority that Potter attacked a member of your house yesterday and abducted a minor. Now that he has taken his house ring, he must be treated as an adult' sneered Snape.

'Oh really, and pray tell, who is this figure of authority that you speak of?' she asked

John Dawlish replied 'Mr Ronald Weasley, the boyfriend of the abducted.'

Harry, unmoving on the floor, took a breath and allowed his magic to react to the two Aurors holding him down.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The Aurors were propelled into the air and were left suspended there; Harry stood up and brushed himself down.

Suddenly time returned to normal, everything came into sharp focus, and everyone in the hall was stunned at the show of raw power they were witnessing.

'Not quite the welcome I was expecting.' He said before turning his gaze to Dawlish 'John Dawlish; you dare to put your hands on my person? What authority do you have to accost an Earl of this kingdom without first seeking out the facts?' demanded Harry.

'Hold your tongue, Potter. You are in enough trouble as it is' barked Snape.

Harry smiled and looked at the potions professor, and with wandless and silent magic, he pulled Snape towards him and grabbed him by the robes and pulled him down to his level.

He whispered 'I know your secret, Severus Snape; I know what you told Voldemort and how you begged Albus for protection. Do not cross me, or I will claim my vengeance this day.'

John Dawlish witnessed the unbridled power of the fourteen-year-old Harry Potter and began to panic. 'Mr Potter, we erm we received a notice of complaint from a Mrs M Weasley, stating that you had attacked her son, One Ronald Weasley, and kidnapped his girlfriend, a Ms Hermione Granger.'

'Perhaps in future, Mt Dawlish, you might actually to investigate things further before you jump to conclusions. Rest assured I will be speaking with Director Bones regarding this. Expect to be severely criticised. Professor McGonagall, would you kindly inform Auror Dawlish here of where Hermione and I were all day yesterday?' asked Harry

'At approximately six o'clock yesterday morning, His Grace, The Earl of Monmouth and his partner, Ms Hermione Granger were escorted to Gringotts Bank by Headmaster Dumbledore.

The nature of this meeting will remain private, due to the nature of the meeting it was deemed acceptable that His Grace and Ms Granger would spend the night at her parent's house. They have been on Hogwarts grounds for less than five minutes.' exclaimed Minerva.

Harry looked at the Auror, holding on to Hermione, causing the young woman to squeak and release her hold. Hermione rushed into Harry's arms.

At this moment Ron stood and shouted 'you attacked me and for dead, Potter'

'No, You would have been dead you half-wit.' Said, Harry.

'Actually Ron, We attacked you and left you hanging upside down.' said the twins in unison.

'Why would you do that? I'm your brother' yelled Ron.

'Simple, it's because you're an arsehole' they replied in unison.