A/N: All rights belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros. Also, I make no money off of this, if it wasn't apparent already. This fic is rated mature, because I have no idea what I'm going to end up adding in at a later point, and I don't care to constantly try and update the rating.

BBryant: Thank you for leaving a rather… honest review, but if I may leave some critiques of my own? Firstly, as you say that "the plot isn't anything new or original" fair, I suppose, but all fiction derives points and draws similarities from others. George RR Martin and Robert Jordan both took a lot of inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien, but I don't think anyone would say to them that "the plot isn't anything new, or original." I am not comparing myself to such great writers, but you left the review on the seventh chapter, and I have only used some tropes as a basis. The story does evolve, as all do. Secondly, in regards to dialogue and descriptions; I am aware I need work, that is why I am writing on an open forum. Perhaps, if you have a critique about specifics, you list those, instead of just throwing out insults, such as "it would still be readable if it wasn't for the bashing." Which brings me to my third point; The story is told mostly from Mars' perspective, Harry's friends are not Mars' friends, thus, their negative attributes will be enhanced, as it is an outsider looking in. Finally, if the story is not readable, in your eyes, why are you here throwing insults? If you could point me to your own works, I would be happy to read those for… pointers. TL:DR, If you would like to add constructive criticism, please do so.

Sorry about that, but now that that is out of the way:

Chapter 10: A Much Needed Talk

Mars yawned, putting his fist over his mouth to stifle the sound, as he walked out of his dorm room, climbing the stairs into the Slytherin Common, Theo beside him. "Why did I come back?" he groaned to his friend, glaring at the walls. "These beds are uncomfortable as all hell."

"Because of your schemes," Theo replied, snickering slightly. "Besides, you would miss Daphne and myself."

Mars grunted, unamused. "I could be in the Wizengamot right now, getting work done, or I could have taken a vacation to the Carribeans, or gone backpacking around Greece again, not come to northern, frozen Scotland."

"Well," Theo mused, "we can spend it together, eh?"

Mars glared at him from the corner of his eyes, before smoothing his face over as they entered the Common Room proper. Seeing Draco at the entrance, interrogating Daphne, he nudged Theo and began to walk over. "Cousin," he called out loudly, his voice cutting through the slight hum of the room and causing the Malfoy heir to spin around. "I was unaware that you had something to say to my betrothed," ignoring the whispers beginning to swirl around the common room, Mars pressed on, "I'm sure if you have any questions, I can give you an answer."

Malfoy edged away from Daphne, smiling tightly, "No questions, cousin. I was merely inquiring about Daphne's stay at Black Manor."

Mars' grin turned feral, causing a few younger years to shiver and retreat. "I am sure you were, Heir Malfoy. The Black family had, perhaps, one of our best Yule's yet," glancing to Daphne quickly, he looked back into Malfoy's grey eyes, "I know I did. Less family members this year, which means less complaining."

Malfoy bristled slightly, "What are you saying Black?!"

Mars' feral smile became more wolf like, curling his arm around Daphne and pulling her closer, "That family, cousin, is best when they are the ones that don't believe they are entitled to whatever they want."

"I heard you had Potter at your Yule celebration," An older student called from behind them. Turning around, Mars cocked an eyebrow at Damon Rosier, a seventh year student.

"What of it, Heir Rosier?" he asked, letting his magic begin to uncoil and bleed into the room. As the room began to darken and get colder, he felt Daphne shiver happily beside him. Turning his attention back to Rosier, his voice echoed around the room, the tone as cold as ice, "I was not aware that House Black owed House Rosier any form of allegiance, or an explanation of its actions."

"Potter is the reason our lord fell-" Rosier began to protest, before the magic swirling around the room appeared to glow, a dark grey pulsing from Mars as the room's internal temperature began to freeze over.

"Our lord?" Mars whispered, his voice the only audible sound in the room beside the shallow, panicky breaths from the first years. "I did not serve Lord Voldemort, Rosier, nor would I have. The idea is anathema to the ideals I hold."

"The Dark Lord is the most powerful-" Rosier tried again, before the magic speared across the room, bearing down on the seventh year and bringing him to his knees.

"The most powerful dark wizard in recorded history," Mars replied calmly, as he began to approach the Slytherin student, "was Lord Gellert Grindelwald." Standing before the kneeling Rosier heir, he looked down pittingly, hand reaching out and grabbing his chin. Lifting the chin of the kneeling student, Mars looked piercingly into his eyes, "That monster killed my mother, or did you forget that?" Seeing the eyes widen in panic, Mars let go, turning back and facing the room, "Gellert Grindelwald was a sociopath who I would kill without a moment's hesitation. The implication that Voldemort was stronger, or better, than Grindelwald, is not only laughable, but an insult to my family name."

"Your family was decimated in the last war," Rosier sneered, standing slowly from behind him. "You have no power here."

Mars whirled around, "You are unlucky, Roseir, that today is a weekend. I challenge you to a duel!"

Damon smirked, "Okay Black, I'll accept your challenge."

~tH~

"You don't have to do this," Daphne murmured from beside him, watching as Mars stared across the room with eyes as hard as stone.

"I have no choice, love," Mars murmured, fingers dancing over his wand excitedly. "He insulted my family. If I do not crush him swiftly and immediately, then my strength, our family's strength, will forever be questioned."

"But he's in his seventh year!" Daphne protested, "Who knows what spells he knows!"

"Love, do you remember what happened just before Christmas?" Mars turned to face her, an eyebrow cocked. Smiling slightly as she nodded hesitantly, Mars gently placed a hand on her cheek, "I will be fine, love."

"Hey, Black!" Rosier called, "Hurry up!"

Turning to face Rosier, Mars scowled, "Just because you have no one that cares for you, Rosier, doesn't mean I don't." Approaching the center of the room, Mars held his wand before him, "Well, Rosier? Are you ready?"

Rosier glanced over to Malfoy quickly before nodding, approaching Mars in the center of the ring. Holding his wand up, the two wizards bowed, before turning and walking back to their respective sides. Shrugging off his robes and handing them to Daphne, Mars gave her a small smile, before turning back around and raising his wand. "Stay behind me," he murmured to her, knowing she would trust him and obey.

"Expulso!" Rosier snapped, sending the blue spell hurtling toward the young Lord.

Mars whipped his wand up, a shield raising between the two of them silently. The spell slammed into the shield, a huge ball of fire roaring to life as the spell exploded, sending a wave of force around the room. As the fire cleared, the room gasped as Mars stood, unmoved and unfazed. "That wasn't very nice, now was it?" Mars asked rhetorically. Smiling mockingly, Mars cocked his head to the side, "Do you want to try again?"

Rosier blinked in shock before his mouth turned into a vicious snarl, "Confringo!"

Sensing Daphne had yet to move from behind him, Mars simply raised his wand, catching the fiery orange spell on the tip, and sending it hurtling into a pillar beside him, showering the Black Lord in a fine layer of rock dust. "You know, Roseir," Mars praised, glancing at the crater that was caused by the explosion. "That was decently powerful. I guess you did inherit something from your father, besides his stupidity."

"My father was a hero!" Damon snapped, before throwing another confringo at Mars, who casually cast it aside to the ground beside him, the dust the resulting explosion caused filling the room.

Waving his wand and clearing the air, Mars smiled slightly, "Your father died while trying to fight Alastor Moody in a two on one. Not exactly a smart decision, if you ask me."

"Bombarda Maxima!" Rosier snapped, sending the white spell barreling toward him.

"Avis!" Mars whispered, a bird conjuring between the two of them, taking the spell for the young lord whilst showering him in blood and feathers. As the older years looked on in shock at the spell work, Mars wiped the blood off his face, his smile once again growing predatory. "Normally, Rosier, I would just bury you, but I don't think my Aunt Druella would approve."

"Fight back!" Rosier snapped, firing off a few more blasting curses.

"Protego!" Mars incanted calmly, the shield glowing with power as the blasting hexes slammed into it, the following explosions filling the room with fire and smoke. Pointing his wand where Rosier had cast the spells from, Mars made a quick twisting movement, the incantation leaving his lips at a near whisper, "Expelliarmus!" The red spell flew from the wand, racing along through the smoke with deadly accuracy.

"Protego!" Rosier cried out, the blue shield appearing through the haze.

"Got you," Mars murmured to himself, wand already moving in a blur, "Depulso! Avis! Oppugno! Conjunctivas!" The spells flew from the white aspen wand, the banishing spell sending the smoke from the room, while the birds slammed into Rosier, the physical animations moving through his hastily conjured shield and causing him to stumble, the shield breaking along with his concentration. As the conjunctivitis curse bared down upon him, Rosier's eyes widened in panic as his eyes became inflamed and filled with pain.

"Make it stop!" He cried out, clawing at his eyes. "It burns!"

As another student ran to help him, a stunning spell arced in front of him, slamming into the wall. "The duel is not over, Flint," he snapped, his tone causing the quidditch captain to hesitate. "You will exit the duelling ring unless you wish to participate as his second."

Flint raised his hands in defeat, backpedaling toward the sideline. Mars ignored him, merely pacing forward toward the sobbing Rosier, who was still clawing at his eyes. "Surrender to my conditions, Rosier, and I will tell you how to make this stop."

Rosier turned over to stare him in the eyes, tears streaming down his face. "Whatever you want!" He begged, "Please just make it stop!"

Mars smiled darkly, "Merely pledge yourself to me, to do as I order, to never betray me, and I will tell you." The room gasped at the demand, many looking on with pity at the pain filled Rosier heir. "You needn't worry," Mars crooned softly, many of the oldest students shivering as they remembered Bellatrix having a similar tone when dealing punishment, "none of your actions prior to this will have repercussions."

Rosier nodded hurriedly, staring up into Mars cold grey eyes, "I promise."

Mars crouched down, leveling his wand. "I want an oath, Rosier," he whispered, eyes glowing darkly. "And remember to use Lord Black."

"I, Damon Rosier, do hereby swear on my magic, to serve," Rosier began to gasp out, his eyes beginning to somehow get redder and puffier, "Lord Black in any and every way he sees fit, and to never betray him. So mote it be."

Mars smiled as the heir dropped to the ground, writhing in pain, "Very good, Rosier." Turning to Flint, he gestured for the quidditch captain to step forward, a "Take him to Pomfrey. Tell her he was experimenting with spells and accidentally blinded himself. Tell her you think he needs the oculus potion."

Flint nodded hurriedly, before picking up his friend and hurrying out the door. Turning to face the rest of the assembled snakes, Mars sighed, turning to Theo. "Remind me, Heir Nott, to punish Draco for this later on."

"Me?" Malfoy yelped, "What did I do?"

Mars sighed again, turning and facing the young blonde ponce, "Draco, it's pretty evident that you are the one calling the shots here. Your power may have diminished, but it's clear by the way that Rosier looked to you before the duel he was doing this on your orders."

"How could you possibly know that?" Draco spluttered.

"Because you're not very subtle, Draco, and neither is Rosier. Next time, perhaps try being more tactful and cunning?" Turning to Theo and Daphne, Mars gestured for them to follow.

"Where are we going?" Theo asked once they got in the stairwell.

Mars grunted to himself, before looking over his shoulder, "Breakfast."

~tH~

As he stepped into the great hall, Mars looked up to the head table and groaned, seeing the illustrious Headmaster staring at him expectantly. Looking to Daphne and Theo, he gestured for the two to go on, before moving off on his own to confront the Headmaster. "Sir," Mars bowed as he arrived at the table. "You wished to see me?"

"How would you know that, Black?" Professor Snape asked snidely from the side.

Mars cocked an eyebrow at his head of house before turning back to the Headmaster, "Sir?"

"Yes, my boy," Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling merrily. Standing, he gestured for the door placed into the wall behind the table, "If you would follow me?"

Mars nodded, circling the table and entering the dark hallway, hot on Dumbledore's heels. As they descended down a small flight of steps into a large storage room, Mars couldn't help but frown slightly at the grime surrounding the pair. Raising his wand, he swept it over the room, the incantanction a mere whisper on his lips, "Scourgify!" A wave of magic washed over the room, the dust and crime being scoured from several trinkets and the pieces of furniture scattered around the room. Sitting in one of the recently cleaned chairs and sitting his leg over his knee, Mars looked to the Headmaster, "Shall we get straight to business, sir?"

Dumbledore nodded to himself, turning to face Mars head on, "It seems the Dementors reported sensing Black in the Forbidden Forest somewhere. I would like to inquire if you would not mind poking around the woods with me at some point, try and flush the traitor out?"

Mars hummed quietly, musing over the idea. Shaking his head as he made his decision, Mars' eyes rose to meet the Headmaster's blue ones, "If I do so, Headmaster, I need to make you a request."

"And that would be?" Dumbledore asked, amused.

"I ask that Sirius Black be captured at all costs," Mars stated, standing and beginning to pace. "I believe there was a gross injustice made in regards to my cousin."

"What injustice?" Dumbledore asked gravely, looking to the young Lord.

Mars came to a rest, staring out a window to the large lake in the distance, "It is the belief of the Black family, that Sirius may be innocent, or at least, innocent of being a Death Eater."

"How did your family come to this conclusion?" Dumbledore asked slowly, approaching Mars and joining him in staring out the stained glass window.

Mars hummed again, shaking his head, "It is merely suspicion, Headmaster. It is something he said the night he breached the walls."

"And that would be?" the Headmaster prompted, looking to him sharply.

Mars refused to meet the Headmaster's gaze, eyes continuing to search the dark waters, "He seemed to imply he was disgusted with the family's decision to serve the Dark Lord in the last war."

"And you didn't tell me this prior to now because?" Dumbeldore asked frostily, the normally cheery voice tinged with anger.

Mars looked to the Headmaster, eyes glowing with power, "Because, Headmaster, I wanted to be in a position to bargain before I revealed this. I have instructed the family to begin digging into this case, and I hope to find results soon. As of why I didn't tell you directly, it is because of your position."

"As Headmaster?" Dumbledore questioned, the ice gone from his tone.

Mars shook his head, "As Chief Warlock you are obligated to report said suspicions to the Wizengamot, and we both know the current administration will do anything it can to avoid the Ministry seeming fallible."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding, "I see. You know that the Ministry will refute any claims unless you have hard evidence to combat it, making the process much harder in the future. And if it seems like you are digging through files, then the Ministry will just begin to hide them better."

Mars nodded, turning back to face the lake, "I mention this now because if we do go hunting Sirius, I want to ensure that he won't die in an accident. Just captured."

"Then I find your terms agreeable, Mars," Dumbledore bowed, "I will meet you at sundown at the forest's edge."

As the Headmaster turned to leave, Mars called out to him, halting the aged wizard, "I would prefer if we would remain together tonight, as I do not know the patronus, and the darker spells that could do similar tricks, I do not believe you want me to use."

Dumbledore nodded, "Not on school grounds. Unless you absolutely had to of course."

Mars nodded, "Of course."

As Dumbledore began to turn to leave, hesitantly looking over his shoulder, "Did Harry enjoy this Yule, Mars?"

The Black Lord didn't say anything for a short moment, continuing to stare out the window. As Dumbledore gave up on getting an answer, turning to go, Mars began to speak, drawing the old man's attention, "It seemed like he enjoyed it. He especially seemed to enjoy meeting Pollux, and learning that he was his grandmother's brother."

Dumbledore hesitated, before nodding softly, "Thank you, Mars." As Dumbledore began to ascend the stairs, he caught Mars' whispered reply.

"Of course, Albus."

~tH~

"Harry!" A happy voice called as the black haired Potter finally managed to sit down at the breakfast table, exhausting dulling his senses and reflexes from dealing with Ron and Hermione the night prior. Looking around, Harry blinked in surprise as a missile slammed into his back, mousy brown hair spilling over his shoulder as the girl threw her arms around his neck.

Harry chuckled quietly, looking over his shoulder at the face of Tracey Davis. "Hey Trace," He laughed, turning to face her head on. "How was your holiday?"

Tracey plopped down in the seat next to him, bouncing excitedly in place, "It was wonderful. I went and saw my mom and dad, and I hung out with Daphne's little sister."

Harry beamed at the Slytherin girl, "That's great! I didn't know Daphne had a sister, actually."

"Yeah," Tracey nodded her head quickly, "Astoria just started this year, actually. She has been hanging out with her own friends, mostly, but since Daphne's time has been taken up with Mars as of late, I tend to hang out with her around the dorms." Frowning, the girl looked at Harry, "I'm sorry, here I am talking all about me. How was your holiday?"

Harry frowned, thinking back to the words Mars and he had had before the two of them had left the castle, "It was fine, Tracey." Seeing her frown deepen at the short answer, Harry raised a hand to stall anymore push back from the girl, "I actually need to ask you something."

Tracey nodded hesitantly, her brown hair shimmering beneath the candlelight. "Yes, Harry?"

"Tracey," Harry began slowly, "Why did you first approach me?"

Tracey froze, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. Looking over quickly to the Slytherin table, she shook her head, before raising her dark green eyes to meet Harry's emerald. "At first, because Mars told me to." She admitted quietly, a light shine of tears forming. "He told me to just keep an eye on you, nothing else. I'm sorry I never told you," she murmured, looking away, "I just, I didn't want you to send me away because you thought I was spying on you."

Harry smiled softly, placing his hand on her shoulder. "You told me the truth, Tracey," Looking up in shock, Tracey's eyes went wide as he whispered reassuringly, keeping his voice low enough so the others in the Great Hall couldn't hear. "Mars told me before the holidays. You telling me the truth is all I needed to hear."

Tracey smiled hesitantly at him, though a look of doubt lingered in her eyes. As she opened her mouth to respond, a voice yelled from the door, breaking the relative quiet that resided over the hall. "What is a Slytherin doing at Gryffindor's table?" Ron snapped, eyes all around the hall being drawn toward the red head, before glancing over to see Tracey, and how she and Harry were facing each other. Immediately, whispers filled the hall, as many took note how the two were sitting, the rumor mill beginning to explode.

"Merlin be damned," Harry growled as Ron stalked over, only Tracey hearing the anger beginning to bleed into his voice. "For once, I didn't want rumors to start about me," he muttered, looking to Tracey apologetically, "Sorry about this, but welcome to the world of Harry Potter."

Tracey giggled, "I wonder if this is how the royal family feels?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow before his emerald eyes widened in realizations. "That's right," he murmured slowly, "You're a halfblood like me!"

Tracey giggled again, nodding excitedly, her earlier down mood evaporating, "Yep, I'm the best of both worlds."

"What is she doing here, Harry?" Ron demanded as he stood beside them, glaring down at the duo.

"Well, Ron," Harry began icily, "She was going to be eating breakfast with me. I thought you knew we were friends, the two of us have been hanging out for the past four, five months."

"But what is she doing at our table?" Ron yelled, arms waving frantically as he glared at Tracey. "And I still don't get how you can be friends with a slimy snake!"

Harry stood, putting himself between the two, "Because she's a good person, Ron. Leave her alone."

Ron's eyes narrowed in anger, "Slytherin's don't belong at Gryffindor's table, Harry!"

"She does if I invite her," Harry bit back.

"I'll just go and-" Tracey began, starting to stand before Harry's hand shot out, catching her shoulder reflexively.

"No, Tracey," Harry replied, his tone unusually hard from the normally shy boy. "You don't have to go anywhere."

"I don't want to start trouble," she trailed off, looking away.

"Good," Ron cut in before Harry could reply to the forlorn girl. "Go back to your den."

As Harry was about to yell at Ron, an icy cold voice cut between the duo, "What is going on here?"

Turning to the newcomer, Harry smiled gratefully as Daphne seemed to materialize out of thin air. "Hey Daphne," Harry greeted tightly. "Ron was just leaving, weren't you?" he finished, turning pointedly to the redhead.

"No, I'm not!" Ron yelled, his face beginning to turn red. "You can't be serious about siding with these snakes over me, Harry, we're best friends."

Harry frowned, looking between the girls and Ron. Making up his mind, he turned back to the redhead, his face beginning to etch itself into a snarl. "As a Gryffindor, Ron, I thought we were exposed to express chivalry. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Turning away from him, he smiled apologetically at Tracey, "How about we move further down the table so Ron can have time to cool down?"

Tracey smiled hesitantly up at him, the short girl barely reaching Harry's chest. "I would appreciate that, Harry."

Nodding, he looked to Daphne, "Sorry for inconveniencing you."

Daphne nodded, her face impassive, "Anything else I can help with?"

Harry shook his head, before holding his arm out for Tracey to take. Guiding her away from the fuming redhead, he escorted her down the long table, before placing her at the head, the seat closer to the head table. Walking around, he sat across from her, smiling as their eyes met. "There we go, hopefully we won't have any more interruptions."

Tracey nodded, eyes looking away doubtfully, "I don't want to hurt your friendship with Weasley."

Harry waved his hand dismissively, "You won't. It's Ron's decision, not yours or mine."

Before she could respond, the sudden flapping of wings filled the hall as a large black raven flew into the hall, circling the hall as it prepared to descend from the high vaulted roof, a large package wrapped in its talons. Turning slightly, the black bird began to bank its way to the Gryffindor table, circling slightly before beginning its descent. The heavy flapping of its wings beating against the air caused Harry's hair to ruffle slightly as the bird touched down in front of him. "Harry," The bird croaked out, drawing even more attention from the others in the hall. "Harry."

Harry looked at the beady black eyes and sharp beak warily before reaching his hand out slowly for the package wrapped tightly in its claws. Placing his hand on the package, the bird cocked an eyebrow before releasing the long parasol, hopping onto Harry's shoulder which buckled slightly under the unexpectedly heavy weight. "Harry," it croaked loudly once more before ruffling his hair with its beak.

Slowly remove the bindings on the long box, his eyes widened as he lifted the lid and spotted the broom lying within. Running his hand across the smooth wood, he smiled happily realizing that Aunt Cassiopeia must have finished the sweep and sent it along. "What is that Harry?" the voice of Hermione behind him broke through his train of thought. Frowning slightly, he turned to face her, "My new broom."

"How did you get a new broom?" Hermione demanded, her tone brooking no argument.

"I don't see how that's your concern," Tracey snapped from across the table, drawing the eyes of both Harry and Hermione. "I don't understand how its a big deal he got a new broom. People get new brooms all the time."

"Harry," The raven croaked again, its beady eyes blinking slowly, "Bacon."

Harry laughed quietly, rubbing the raven's neck. "And what is your name?" he asked, green eyes meeting the beady black.

"Name," it croaked, blinking again.

"The broom, Harry?" Hermione demanded, drawing his attention back to his bushy haired friend.

Frowning slightly, Harry put his hand protectively over the package. "It's a Yule gift, Hermione. Someone sent it to me, and I am genuinely grateful for it."

Eyes widening, Hermione's breath hitched slightly, "What if Sirius Black sent it to you?"

Harry shrugged, "What if he did?"

"He could be trying to kill you!" Hermione demanded. "He could have cursed it!"

Harry snorted slightly, "Then I am sure Aunt Cedrella caught it before she sent it along to me."

"Cedrella," The raven barked in agreement, ruffling Harry's hair again. "Harry. Bacon."

Harry laughed quietly, grabbing the treat from a platter and handing it to the bird who scarfed it down quickly. "Bacon."

"Isn't Cedrella Black related to Sirius?" Hermione demanded, crossing her arms. "How do you know she isn't trying to kill you as well?"

"Well," Harry mused sarcastically, "Probably because she was my grandmother's cousin."

"Don't take that tone with me, Harry!" Hermione snapped.

"Hey," Tracey shouted from across the table, drawing both the Gryffindor's eyes. "You don't get to talk to him like that!"

Harry nodded in agreement before turning back around in his seat to face the Slytherin girl. Looking to the large bird, Harry ruffled its feathers. "You can go now. Thank you." The bird ignored him, humming quietly while ruffling its beak through its hair.

"Harry-" Hermione demanded, reaching out to grab the large package before the Raven jumped onto it, feathers puffed up as it's croak turned shrill.

"Bad." It cawed, wings spread out behind it as its razor sharp beak snapped shut threateningly.

Hermione's hand shot back, clutching it to her chest. "Harry!" She snapped, glaring at the green eyed Potter.

"It's not my bird," Harry shrugged helplessly.

"Wrong," the bird croaked, turning to look at him directly.

Before Harry or Hermione could reply, an older voice cut in from the head of the table. "What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall demanded.

"Harry got a broom from Sirius Black, ma'am," Hermione cut it hurriedly, talking over Harry.

McGonagall cocked an eyebrow, turning to Harry, "Really, Mr Potter?"

Harry hesitated before nodding, "That is my best guess ma'am." Turning to Hermione, his eyes narrowed in a glare, "But Aunt Cedrella already looked over it."

"Cedrella Weasley nee Black?" McGonagall asked sharply, drawing Harry's attention back to her.

Harry nodded again, "Yes ma'am. I was with the Black's for the holiday when we got the broom. She inspected it briefly before telling me she was going to do a more thorough check."

McGonagall nodded, "Well, if Cedrella said it was fine, then I am sure it is. She does have experience curse breaking after all."

"But what if she is working with Sirius Black, Professor?" Hermione asked hurriedly.

Professor McGonagall shook her head, "Cedrella, I believe, was kicked out for marrying a Weasley. She is a much lighter witch than most in that family."

"She's actually part of the family again, Professor," Harry began hesitantly, lowering his voice so others couldn't hear. "Mars invited her back this Yule."

"Really?" McGonagall asked shocked. "I wouldn't think the others would approve."

"Mars says the family has spent too long divided," Harry looked around briefly. "He brought Uncle Marius, Aunt Andromeda, and Cedrella back into the family."

"Maybe the Black family is changing," McGonagall mused. Looking at the broom under the raven, she nodded approvingly. "Well, while I wouldn't want to deprive my Seeker of a Firebolt, I will need to take it briefly and look it over, just in case."

"But Professor!" Harry protested, before the glare from his professor cut him off.

"It's just a once over, Potter," She replied stiffly. "You will have it back by the end of the week."

"Yes Professor," Harry nodded, defeated.

As McGonagall reached out to take the broom, the raven turned to face her, wings spread and body low, beady eyes staring up at her defiantly. "Mr Potter?" McGonagall looked to him, "the bird?"

Harry nodded again, turning to face the large raven, "Would you mind letting Professor McGonagall take it?"

The bird looked to him, blinking its beady eyes. "Harry," it croaked, hopping off the package.

"Thank you, Mr Potter," McGonagall smiled softly. "I will get this back to you soon."

As she left, Harry turned and glared at Hermione, "What is your problem?"

"What?" she demanded, "You don't know if it was cursed!"

Harry shook his head, turning back and spotting Tracey glaring at the brunette muggleborn, "I'm sorry, Trace. Do you mind eating with me somewhere else?"

Tracey shook her head, "Wherever you want, Harry."

Standing from the table, Harry looked to the giant raven, "Are you going back to Aunt Cedrella?"

"Harry," the bird croaked, flapping its wings quickly and landing on his shoulder

Looking to Tracey, he held out his other arm. As she looped her own through his arm, he led her out of the hall, Hermione staring in shock at his back.

~tH~

A/N: Please note, I am not bashing Ron and Hermione. They have expressed these characteristics in the books (Ron hating everything Slytherin, and Hermione going to McGonagall about the broom. If anything, it is better that she does it in front of Harry, as opposed to behind his back in PoA). They are two of my favorites from the books, and they, like this story, will grow. Please comment and review.