Part 67

The next morning Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when Ron slammed his hands onto the table in front of him.

"Did you know?" Ron yelled.

"Know what?" Harry asked as he tried to wipe the juice off his shirt.

"About Zabini being a werewolf!" Ron yelled.

"Of course", Harry said and rolled his eyes. "Why?"

"Why!? What do you mean why!? How long have you known!?"

"Since this summer."

"WHAT!?"

"Why are you so upset? I thought you hated him."

"I don't hate him, I despise him. That's bloody different." Ron slumped down in the seat opposite Harry. "Would've been nice to have been told though… it makes much morse sense now."

"What does?"

"Why Professor Taylor-Lupin would side with him and why Zabini looked werewolf things up in the library."

"Was Dorian really his dad?" Seamus asked looking up from his toast.

"Adoptive father", Harry said, not sure how much he should tell them. "When Blaise got bitten his mum disowned him. He had no one. Dorian and Remus took him in."

"Is that why that guy from yesterday hugged Zabini that way after the second task?" Dean asked. "They're part of the same pack right?" Harry nodded. Dean then looked past Harry at the Slytherin table. Zabini was not at the table. However, Nott, Greengrass and Davies sat at the end of it. Dean looked at the other Slytherins and noticed that some of the older students were gradually moving closer and closer to the little group. Malfoy was at the other end of the table and it looked as if he was trying to gather the rest of the Snakes around him.

"I wonder what this will do for the power struggles in Slytherin", Dean said and all eyes were on him. "It's quite obvious that Nott and Malfoy are the two power houses in the Snake Pit… but if Nott openly supports Zabini will that change?"

"I doubt it", Hermione said. "Look." All of them turned to look at the Slytherin table again. Adrian Pucey had dropped down next to Theo, putting an arm around his shoulders with a gentle smile on his face. Theo smiled a tiny smile and Adrian kept talking to him and the others. Soon a few other older Slytherins joined the discussion. The Slytherins were divided… but most of them seemed to stick to Theo's side of the table. Harry smiled a little. Maybe the majority of the Slytherins really were just like the rest of them. Suddenly the doors opened and a first year Slytherin came running in with something. He ran up to Malfoy and handed it to him. Malfoy read it and his face turned red.

"WHAT!?" he screamed. That's when the morning post arrived. Hermione grabbed the newspaper left in front of her and gaped. The headline read:

"Albus Dumbledore the true dark lord."

But underneath it read:

"Aurors raiding Malfoy Manor."

"Listen to this!" Hermione said and read aloud: "Early this morning a raid led by the head of the Magical Law Enforcement division of the Ministry led a raid against Malfoy Manor. In the ensuing battle Lucious Malfoy was arrested after battle with the aurors. He has been taking into custody awaiting a hearing about his part in the kidnapping and attempted murder of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived as well as in rumours of his involvement in the supposed return of He Who Must Not Be Named. Along with Lucious Malfoy many of his associates have been taken into custody as well. Such as Lord Nott, Lord Parkinson, Lord Crabbe and Lord Goyle." She looked up and Harry followed her gaze. Malfoy was reading the newspaper as well, his body trembling. Harry couldn't help but feel a little bad for him. He then looked at Theo and saw nothing but relief on the young man's face.

"Harry", Seamus asked and Harry turned to him. "Is it true? What they write about Dumbledore?" Harry took the newspaper and read the article. It was almost word for word what had happened in the Hospital Wing. When he noticed that the journalist in question was Rita Skeeter he did a double take. He looked up and all eyes were on him. He swallowed.

"Yeah", he said. "It's true."

"Moony threw truth serum in his face?" Fred asked. "Cool!"

"Always knew the man was awesome", George added.

"But", a first year said. "Dumbledore always seemed so nice."

"He was playing us all", Harry grumbled. "We were all just pawns in his little game. He wants power and it appears he will do everything in his power to get it. He's manipulated so many people. I wonder how many has suffered for it…"

"More than we will ever know probably", a voice said behind Harry and he turned and saw Theo standing there with Daphne and Tracey. Harry flew to his feet and embraced Theo who hugged him back.

"How are you doing Theo?" Hermione asked as the little group joined them. "Your father-"

"Serves him right the evil git", Theo replied as he sat down next to Harry. "I hope he gets sent to Azkaban to rot there."

"Did you have any idea he could leave the house?"

"No", Theo said and shook his head. "Someone must have given him a wand. I just… don't know who because he was never allowed visitors. The only people that came by were Aurors."

"Maybe Malfoy Sr. put one of them under the Imperius Curse and had them deliver a wand?" Daphne suggested and Theo shrugged.

"What will happen to you after the term ends?" Harry asked and looked at Theo worriedly. He only got a shrug in reply.

"Theo will come home with me or Tracey", Daphne said calmly. "Mum and dad already loves you and Astoria will be thrilled." She turned to Harry. "McGonagall came to our common room yesterday and informed us that Blaise will not return for the rest of the year. I thought you would have liked to know." Harry felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. He understood of course, but he would miss his boyfriend something awful.

"Before he left Blaise said he'd like us all to write", Theo added. "He also wanted me to tell you Harry that he really wanted to come see you before he left but their pack leader said they had to leave as soon as possible. Jay even appeared in the dorm and helped him get a move on. I think all of them are suffering."

"Remember what Professor Taylor-Lupin said when he taught us about werewolves", Parvati said joining the discussion. "Werewolves are pack animals, they value the pack above all else. I mean… it must be a very tight nit family and they just lost a member. All of the wolves yesterday looked so sad… poor Zabini. This was his first time feeling it wasn't it?"

"Feeling what?" Lavender asked.

"Feelings", Parvati told her friend. "I mean I read in the Prophet that his mother blocked all his emotions so he didn't really grieve for the loss of his father and other stepdads… Dorian must have been the first loss he truly felt."

"I just wish I could be there for him", Harry whispered. Hermione took his hand gently.

"You'll get the chance to this summer", she soothed. "You'll see."

"What about you and Krum Granger", Tracey teased, and all eyes turned to Hermione. Ron left in a huff and the others ignored him. Hermione blushed. She got really flustered and tried to find the right words. Someone chuckled behind them and they turned to see Boris and Krum. Krum was the one chuckling while Boris was outright laughing. Krum leaned down and kissed Hermione on the cheek.

"You are coming to Bulgaria and visit yes?" he asked her. "I look forvard to that."

"I… well… I…" Hermione was so red she matched her tie. Harry smiled a little at that and moved a little to the side to make room for Krum on the bench. Boris plopped down next to Dean and Seamus and the group started talking about Quidditch and football. Turned out Boris actually knew a lot about it. Harry looked around the room. The students from the visiting schools were mixed with students from Hogwarts and some had even fallen in love… at least if all the couples he noticed was anything to go by. The staff table looked rather empty without Snape, Dumbledore, Remus and Dorian. Harry sighed. He would miss Dorian something awful. He knew that they all would. That's when McGonagall got up. All eyes were on her.

"The school is still reeling from the tragic loss of one of its brightest souls", she said. "During the aftermath of his death a secret was revealed that took many by surprise and some by disgust. As you all surely know by now Blaise Zabini from Slytherin house is a werewolf." Murmurs erupted throughout the room. "Silence!" She didn't shout it, merely spoke and the room got quiet at once. "The teachers have been aware of this for some time and so have the housemates in his year. Hogwarts is a school with a place for everyone willing and able to learn. Blaise Zabini has never shown anything that tells us otherwise. He has never let his…" she trailed off. "I was about to say problem but that is not the right word. As Remus and Dorian have shown us being a werewolf is not a problem. In fact it is an opportunity for us all to get to know each other better. I can honestly say that have changed my opinions on werewolf ever since Dorian and Remus stepped through our doors. There are dangerous werewolves, monsters but there are also wolves like Dorian… and Remus… and Zabini. They are not out to harm anyone. They just want to be accepted for who they are. Therefore I ask that next semester those of you who will be returning to Hogwarts try your best to not let prejudice colour your views. And not just on werewolves but on other subjects as well… sexuality, race, blood", here she gave Malfoy and a few other students from various Houses pointed looks. "Class, background, intelligence and so on. We might not love or like everyone at this school but we must all do our best to respect each other. If you dislike someone for something they cannot help or for how they act keep it to yourself. The world doesn't need to know that you are scared of something different. The world doesn't need your slurs or your cruel words. The world doesn't need your truths. The world needs us to be united in the tough times ahead. As you have all read the Ministry is moving against… Lord Voldemort", she went a little grey when she said it. "We in this school must have a united front against him as well. Those who cannot do this… you will find that you are not welcome back. Those who are willing to try will be welcomed back." She turned to Madame Maxime as she was the only other Headmistress there. Karkaroff had fled and Jem had left with the pack. "To our guests I wish to say that we will miss you after you leave later this week. You are all welcome back to visit whenever you want to." Maxime nodded in appreciation and said something in French that Harry figured meant they were all welcomed to her school as well. "And finally…" McGonagall turned to the wall behind the Hufflepuff table appeared a plaque on the wall. The students closest to it could read it but McGonagall read aloud. "In honour of Dorian Ethan Alexander Taylor-Lupin III, you will be missed in these halls." The students cheered, even most of the Slytherins. McGonagall sat down again and patted Sprout on the hand while the other woman wiped a tear from her eye.

As there was no longer a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, they had those lessons free. They used the one on Thursday afternoon to go down and visit Hagrid in his cabin. It was a bright and sunny day; Fang bounded out of the open door as they approached, barking and wagging his tail madly.

"Who's that?" called Hagrid, coming to the door. "Harry!"

He strode out to meet them, pulled Harry into a one-armed hug, ruffled his hair, and said, "Good ter see yeh, mate. Good ter see yeh."

They saw two bucket-size cups and saucers on the wooden table in front of the fireplace when they entered Hagrid's cabin.

"Bin havin' a cuppa with Olympe," Hagrid said. "She's jus' left."

"Who?" Harry asked curiously.

"Madame Maxime, o' course!"

"You two made up, have you?" Neville asked with a grin.

"Dunno what yeh're talkin' about," said Hagrid airily, fetching more cups from the dresser.

When he had made tea and offered around a plate of doughy cookies, he leaned back in his chair and surveyed Harry closely through his beetle-black eyes.

"You all righ'?" he asked gruffly.

"Yeah", Harry replied with a sigh.

"No, yeh're not," said Hagrid. "Course yeh're not. But yeh will be." Then he sighed heavily. "Knew he was goin' ter come back. "Known it fer years. Knew he was out there, bidin' his time. It had ter happen. Well, now it has, an' we'll jus' have ter get on with it. We'll fight.

Migh' be able ter stop him before he gets a good hold." Then he sighed. "Too bad about Dumbledore… Great man, Dumbledore was."

"No he wasn't", Harry told Hagrid and the big man looked at him. "Maybe he was once, but not for a very long time. He's been manipulating people ever since the last war… probably for even longer."

"Perhaps", Hagrid mumbled and then sighed. He then looked out the window. "Won't be the same 'round 'ere now… not with Dumbledore gone… and…" he sighed heavily.

"Dorian?" Hermione asked.

"I'll miss 'im", Hagrid admitted. "Crazy bugger he was but I'll miss him. He was real good to 'ave at yer side… he and Remus were quite the pair. I'll miss them both."

"Professor Taylor-Lupin will come back", Hermione said with conviction. "I am sure of it."

"He's lasted longer than most DADA professors", Hagrid sighed. "But the position 's cursed… maybe that's why…"

"No, Dorian died to protect me and Cedric", Harry cut in. "He died doing what he did best… looking after pups in danger."

"Breath of fresh air 'e was that one", Hagrid sighed. "He'll be missed. But we need to focus on the fighting now… she's got a plan, McGonagall 'as. Got a little job fer me over the summer. Secret, though. I'm not s'pposed ter talk abou' it, no, not even ter you lot. Olympe - Madame Maxime ter you - might be comin' with me. I think she will. Think I got her persuaded."

"Is it to do with Voldemort?" Harry asked and Hagrid flinched at the sound of the name.

"Migh' be," he said evasively. "Now...who'd like ter come an' visit the las' skrewt with me? I was jokin' - jokin'!" he added hastily, seeing the looks on their faces.

It was with a heavy heart that Harry packed his trunk up in the dormitory on the night before his return home. He was dreading the Leaving Feast, which was usually a cause for celebration, when the winner of the Inter-House Championship would be announced.

When he, and his friends entered the Hall, they saw at once that the usual decorations were missing. The Great Hall was normally decorated with the winning House's colours for the Leaving Feast. Tonight, however, there were black drapes on the wall behind the teachers' table. Harry knew instantly that they were there as a mark of respect to Dorian. Professor Karkaroff's chair was empty. Harry wondered, as he sat down with the other Gryffindors, where Karkaroff was now, and whether Voldemort had caught up with him. Madame Maxime was still there. She was sitting next to Hagrid. They were talking quietly together. Further along the table, sitting next to Professor McGonagall, was another empty chair, Snape's one. He had left, McGonagall had said so, but it was still weird to see that chair empty… Then again Harry would not complain about the sneering and cruelty being missing from potions class next year. Just as they sat down McGonagall stood up. The Great Hall, which in any case had been less noisy than it usually was at the Leaving Feast, became very quiet.

"The end," she said, looking around at them all, "of another year. There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight, but I will once again tell you that we lost one of our own this year… to Lord Voldemort's evil. The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so - either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Dorian died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own, is an insult to his memory." Harry threw a quick glance over at the Slytherin table. He saw Draco Malfoy muttering something to Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy had been very quiet and withdrawn ever since the article about the raid at Malfoy Manor had gone into print. Every day another article about Lucious Malfoy's deceitful nature was released and most Slytherins started avoiding Malfoy all together. Only those that Harry knew had Death Eater parents hung around him, Theo being the only exception. Harry cast a quick look at the group sitting at the end of the table. Theo held his arms around both Daphne and Tracey as they fought to keep their tears back. Harry also noticed Adrian Pucey looking rather pale and angry. Hopefully at Voldemort and not anyone else. The lack of Blaise made Harry's heart heavy. He'd written his boyfriend but had only gotten short replies back. He got it though… Blaise was grieving and needed some time. He'd written Remus as well but only got replies from Jay or Jem instead. Jem had left to return to the Circus as well… grieving just as much as Blaise and Remus… and the rest of the pack. Harry sighed and looked down at his plate.

"There is somebody else who must be mentioned in connection with Dorian's death," McGonagall continued. "I am talking, of course, about Harry Potter."

A kind of ripple crossed the Great Hall as a few heads turned in Harry's direction before flicking back to face McGonagall.

"Harry Potter managed to escape Lord Voldemort," she said. "He risked his own life to return Dorian's body to Hogwarts. He showed, in every respect, the sort of bravery that few wizards have ever shown in facing Lord Voldemort, and for this, I honour him."

McGonagall gravely to Harry and raised her goblet towards him. Nearly everyone in the Great Hall followed suit. They murmured his name, and drank to him. But through a gap in the standing figures. Harry saw that Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and some of the other Slytherins had remained defiantly in their seats, their goblets untouched. McGonagall, who after all possessed no magical eye, did not see them. When everyone had once again resumed their seats, she continued:

"The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened - of Lord Voldemort's return - such ties are more important than ever before." She looked from Madame Maxime and Hagrid to Fleur Delacour and her fellow Beauxbatons students, to Viktor Krum and the Durmstrangs at the Slytherin table.

Krum, Harry saw, looked wary, almost frightened, as though he expected her to say something harsh.

"Every guest in this Hall," she said, and her eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, "will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again - in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. It is my belief- and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken - that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. By his hand, a dear friend was taking from our midst. Remember Dorian. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a man who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Dorian Taylor-Lupin."

Harry's trunk was packed; Hedwig was back in her cage on top of it. He, Neville, and Hermione were waiting in the crowded entrance hall with the rest of the fourth years for the carriages that would take them back to Hogsmeade station. It was another beautiful summer's day. He thought of his parents and Sirius and couldn't wait to be in his mother's arms again. He needed his family right now… he needed to feel safe.

"'Arry!"

He looked around. Fleur Delacour was hurrying up the stone steps into the castle. Beyond her, far across the grounds. Harry could see Hagrid helping Madame Maxime to back two of the giant horses into their harness. The Beauxbatons carriage was about to take off.

"We will see each uzzer again, I 'ope," said Fleur as she reached him, holding out her hand. "I am 'oping to get a job 'ere, to improve my Eenglish."

"It's very good already," said Ron in a strangled sort of voice as he had overheard them.

Fleur smiled at him; Hermione scowled.

"Good-bye, 'Arry," said Fleur, turning to go. "It 'az been a pleasure meeting you!"

Harry's spirits couldn't help but lift slightly as he watched Fleur hurry back across the lawns to Madame Maxime, her silvery hair rippling in the sunlight.

"Wonder how the Durmstrang students are getting back," said Ron to Dean and Seamus. "D' you reckon they can steer that ship without Karkaroff?"

"Karkaroff did not steer," said a gruff voice. "He stayed in his cabin and let us do the vork."

Krum had come to say good-bye to Hermione.

"Could I have a vord?", he asked her.

"Oh...yes...all right," said Hermione, looking slightly flustered, and following Krum through the crowd and out of sight.

"You'd better hurry up", Ron called loudly after her. "The carriages will be here in a minute!"

He let Dean and Seamus keep a watch for the carriages, however, and spent the next few minutes craning his neck over the crowd to try and see what Krum and Hermione might be up to. They returned quite soon. Ron stared at Hermione, but her face was quite impassive.

"I liked Dorian," said Krum abruptly to Harry. "He vos alvays polite to me. Alvays. Even though I vos from Durmstrang - with Karkaroff," he added, scowling.

"Have you got a new headmaster yet?" Harry asked. Krum shrugged. He held out his hand as Fleur had done, shook Harry's hand. Then Boris descended on them. Krum blushed a little at his friend's boisterous nature. Harry and the others, except Ron, did not mind at all. Boris gave them all hugs and gave them his address so that they could write each other. Then he turned to Harry.

"Make sure Blaise get it yes?" he asked and Harry nodded. "Good, I'll miss my nev friends. Von't you Viktor?"

"Yes", Krum replied. "Ve'll be thinking of all of you."

"Vhen not hit in head by bludger. Ov!" Krum had swatted him. Boris then turned to Hermione. "See you this summer Herminni!" He gave her a big hug and she blushed. Krum looked a bit miffed but Boris just laughed and ran off before his friend could do something about it. Krum shook his head and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek before running after his friend. Ron looked about ready to explode while Ginny and some of the girls giggled. Harry and Neville sniggered along with Dean and Seamus. Hermione blushed even more, but she did smile.

The weather could not have been more different on the journey back to King's Cross than it had been on their way to Hogwarts the previous September. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky. Harry and Neville had managed to get a compartment to themselves. It didn't take long for Luna to join them and soon, to their surprise, Theo, Daphne and Tracey joined them. Harry's eyes widened a little when he noticed that they all had bruises or scratches here and there.

"Are you guys okay?" he asked worriedly.

"Fine", Daphne said and flipper her hair over her shoulder. "Things just turned a little nasty before we all left."

"Let's just say that Slytherin is a bit unstable at the moment", Theo added.

"Lots of fights, both physical and magical going down", Tracey finished and then she sighed. "I miss Blaise."

"Yeah he'd take Malfoy down faster than that", Theo snapped his fingers.

"Malfoy did this to you?" Neville gaped.

"What? No! He's too chicken. He let some of the upperclassmen do it. Too bad we had most of the seventh years on our side. Plus Adrian has a killer hook. He knocked Flint out with one punch! It was epic! He's been taking lessons from Boris."

"Don't forget Michael Vaisey", Daphne said and smiled. "Never knew he had it in him. He grabbed Malfoy by the back of the neck and shook him until he called off his goons. His best friend Terrance Higgs had his back though."

"Higgs", Harry mused, he remembered the name. "Oh! He used to be your seeker before Malfoy!"

"Yup", Tracey said while pooping on the p. "Might even re-earn the title next year."

"What do you mean?" Neville asked.

"Flint finally graduated", Theo said. "Since Snape isn't around McGonagall named Adrian the new Quidditch Captain… well it's not official yet but she took him aside and told him. Adrian is planning big changes for the team. Such as kicking Malfoy out and begging Blaise to join."

"So watch out for us next year Potter", Daphne said and smirked. "We might be taking you down."

"Looking forward to it", Harry challenged. Then he bit his lip. "Have… any of you heard from Blaise?" they all shook their heads. "Me neither… I guess he just wants to be left alone."

"Can you do us a favour Potter?" Theo asked and Harry nodded. "This summer… be there for him yeah? Blaise is my best friend, but he doesn't want me near him… But I am quite sure he'll want you there. Can you tell him that even though not everyone in his House wants him back next year… his friends do?"

"I promise", Harry said. "He can't hide from me. I know where he lives after all and I have the means to get there… worst case scenario I'll write Jay and he will get me there. Blaise won't be forced to go through this alone."

"Very clever Potter," said Draco Malfoy as he opened the door and glared at everyone inside. Harry noticed that he looked to have some scrapes and bruises, just like the other Slytherins. Crabbe and Goyle were standing behind him. All three of them looked more pleased with themselves, more arrogant and more menacing, than Harry had ever seen them.

"So," said Malfoy slowly, advancing slightly into the compartment and looking slowly around at them, a smirk quivering on his lips. "Your boyfriend revealed his nasty side, but people still love and trust him and you. Big deal." His smirk widened. Crabbe and Goyle leered. "Trying not to think about it, are we? Trying to pretend it hasn't happened?"

"Get out," said Harry, knowing exactly what Malfoy was referring too. He had not been this close to Malfoy since he had watched him muttering to Crabbe and Goyle during McGonagall's speech. He could feel a kind of ringing in his ears. His hand gripped his wand under his robes.

"You've picked the losing side, Potter!" Malfoy spat. "I warned you! I told you you ought to choose your company more carefully, remember? When we met on the train, first day at Hogwarts? I told you not to hang around with riffraff like this!" He jerked his head at Luna and Neville. He did not dare do it to his fellow Slytherin. "Too late now. Potter! They'll be the first to go, now the Dark Lord's back! Mudbloods and Muggle-lovers first! Well - second – that dog was the f-"

It was as though someone had exploded a box of fireworks within the compartment. Blinded by the blaze of the spells that had blasted from every direction, deafened by a series of bangs, Harry blinked and looked down at the floor. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were all lying unconscious in the doorway. He, Neville, Luna and the other Slytherins were on their feet, all six of them having used a different hex. Nor were they the only ones to have done so.

"Thought we'd see what those three were up to," said Fred matter-of-factly, stepping onto Goyle and into the compartment. He had his wand out, and so did George, who was careful to tread on Malfoy as he followed Fred inside.

"Interesting effect," said George, looking down at Crabbe. "Who used the Furnunculus Curse?"

"Me," said Harry.

"Odd," said George lightly. "I used Jelly-Legs. Looks as though those two shouldn't be mixed.

He seems to have sprouted little tentacles all over his face. Well, let's not leave them here, they don't add much to the decor."

Theo, Neville, Harry, and George kicked, rolled, and pushed the unconscious Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle - each of whom looked distinctly the worse for the jumble of jinxes with which they had been hit - out into the corridor, then came back into the compartment and rolled the door shut.

"Exploding Snap, anyone?" said Fred, pulling out a pack of cards.

"As long as you do not try to prank us", Theo mumbled a little unsure. Tracey on the other hand beamed. She snatched the deck and started shuffling.

"Watch out for her", Daphne warned the others. "She cheats."

"Do not!" Tracey objected. "You are just a sore loser."

They were halfway through their fifth game – which Tracey had won four of – when Harry decided to ask the twins a question.

"You going to tell us, then?" he said to George. "Who you were blackmailing?"

"Oh," said George darkly. "That."

"It doesn't matter," said Fred, shaking his head impatiently. "It wasn't anything important. Not now, anyway."

"We've given up," said George, shrugging.

But Harry and Neville kept on asking, and finally, Fred said:

"All right, all right, if you really want to know...it was Ludo Bagman."

"Bagman?" said Harry sharply. "Are you saying he was involved in -"

"Nah," said George gloomily. "Nothing like that. Stupid git. He wouldn't have the brains."

"May I ask if it concerned money?" Daphne asked and put her book down and all eyes were on her.

"Yeah how did you know?" Fred asked.

"Remember that scene we witnessed in Hogsmeade?" she asked her year-mates and they nodded. "Trouble with the goblins and if you have trouble with goblins you have a problem with money. So..." she turned back to Fred and George. "What money troubles did he cause you? May I be so bold as to suggest it is gambling related?"

"She's scary", Fred told George who nodded in agreement.

"But in a good way", George added. Fred turned to Harry and Neville.

"You remember that bet we had with him at the Quidditch World Cup? About how Ireland would win, but Krum would get the Snitch?"

"Yeah," said Harry and Neville slowly.

"Well, the git paid us in leprechaun gold he'd caught from the Irish mascots."

"So?"

"So," said Fred impatiently, "it vanished, didn't it? By next morning, it had gone!"

"Pretty sure it was not an accident", Daphne said.

George laughed very bitterly.

"That's what we thought, at first", he said. "We thought if we just wrote to him, and told him he'd made a mistake, he'd cough up. But nothing doing. Ignored our letter. We kept trying to talk to him about it at Hogwarts, but he was always making some excuse to get away from us."

"In the end, he turned pretty nasty," said Fred. "Told us we were too young to gamble, and he wasn't giving us anything."

"So we asked for our money back," said George glowering.

"He refused I take it", Daphne cut in.

"Right in one," said Fred.

"But that was all your savings!" said Neville.

"Tell me about it," said George. "'Course, we found out what was going on in the end. Lee Jordan's dad had had a bit of trouble getting money off Bagman as well. Turns out he's in big trouble with the goblins. Just like you said", he nodded at Daphne. "Borrowed loads of gold off them."

"A gang of them cornered him in the woods after the World Cup and took all the gold he had, and it still wasn't enough to cover all his debts", Fred added. "They followed him all the way to Hogwarts to keep an eye on him. He's lost everything gambling. Hasn't got two Galleons to rub together. And you know how the idiot tried to pay the goblins back?"

"How?" Harry asked and Daphne sighed.

"He bet on Potter winning didn't he?" she asked impatiently.

"Bet against the goblins", Fred agreed. Then turned to Harry. "Where'd you find her Harry? She's sharp."

"Don't talk about me as if I am not here", Daphne said. "And he did not find me. Blaise and Harry found each other, and Blaise brought us along."

"Bet you like hanging around with Lions", George teased.

"It has its advantages… it is never dull or boring. Though it lacks a bit in the… intelligence department."

"Daphne play nice", Tracey scolded and giggled. She then turned to Fred and George. "She is just icy before you melt her cold exterior. Then she is a right sweetheart."

"Tracey!"

"You are and don't deny it! Now back to Bagman. Tell me more about what the git did!" She looked at Fred and George in adoration. "And especially in how you got him back. I am all ears."

"Looks like you got a fan", Harry teased and the twins grinned. They got up and sat on either side of Tracey, draping their arms around her shoulders and continued their story.

"Well - I did win, didn't I?", Harry asked. "So he can pay you your gold!"

"Nope," said George, shaking his head. "The goblins play as dirty as him. They say you drew with Diggory, and Bagman was betting you'd win outright. So Bagman had to run for it. He did run for it right after the third task."

"So how are we getting back at him?" Tracey asked and looked between them.

"We?" the twins asked.

"Of course, we are friends now right and friends help friends, don't they? I have the resources to find him. Want me to?"

"Oh no, no, no", Theo said. "Tracey no."

"But Theo", she whined.

"No", Theo and Daphne said sharply.

"You are no fun", she huffed and crossed her arms. The rest of the ride went by smoothly and they had a lot of fun. Tracey and the twins had clicked from the get go and Harry was getting a little worried because the ideas the three were coming up with could rival the Marauders. He'd have to send McGonagall a warning… or maybe just Remus so that he could prepare counter measures next school year.

Soon the train arrived at the station and the three Slytherins left first, levitating their trunks behind them. Neville took Luna's hand and they did the same as they left. Fred and George gut their things as well but just as they were about to go Harry called out to them:

"Fred - George - wait a moment", he said. The twins turned. Harry pulled open his trunk and drew out his Triwizard winnings.

"Take it," he said, and he thrust the sack into George's hands.

"What?" said Fred, looking flabbergasted.

"Take it," Harry repeated firmly. "I don't want it."

"You're mental," said George, trying to push it back at Harry.

"No, I'm not," said Harry. "You take it, and get inventing. It's for the joke shop."

"He is mental," Fred said in an almost awed voice.

"Listen," said Harry firmly. "If you don't take it, I'm throwing it down the drain. I don't want it and I don't need it. But I could do with a few laughs. We could all do with a few laughs.

I've got a feeling we're going to need them more than usual before long."

"Harry," said George weakly, weighing the money bag in his hands, "there's got to be a thousand Galleons in here."

"Yeah," said Harry, grinning. "Think how many Canary Creams that is."

The twins stared at him.

"Just don't tell your mum where you got it...although she might not be so keen for you to join the Ministry anymore, come to think of it..."

"Harry," Fred began, but Harry pulled out his wand.

"Look," he said flatly, "take it, or I'll hex you. I know some good ones now. Just do me one favour, okay? Invent something that is as colourful and amusing as Dorian and name it after him." He left the compartment before they could say another word, stepping over Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who were still lying on the floor, covered in hex marks.

Harry hurried off the train and looked around. He heard someone whistle and turned to his right. His face split into a wide grin when he saw his father and Sirius walking towards him. Harry turned to his trunk and grabbed that and Hedwig's case before running to meet his father and godfather. He put Hedwig down and flung his arms around his father. James hugged him close and ruffled his hair gently. Sirius patted his shoulder while looking around, keeping an eye on the crowd.

"You okay Prongslet?" James asked as Harry let go of him. Harry nodded.

"I'm better now", he said. "Have… have you heard anything from Moony?"

"The short answer is yes", Sirius said with a sigh.

"The real answer?"

"It's complicated."

Harry nodded. "Can we go home now?"

"Harry!" he heard called behind him and turned just in time to have Hermione wrap her arms tightly around him.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed as he nearly toppled backwards. James and Sirius laughed loudly at that.

"See you at your birthday?" Hermione asked, her cheeks then got a red tint to them. "I'll write as much as I can from Bulgaria."

"Bulgaria huh?" Sirius teased and smirked wolfishly. "Does this have something to do with a certain Bulgarian Seeker?"

"Shut it Padfoot", James teased. "Let the lady have her secrets."

Hermione blushed even more and Harry sniggered. She slapped his arm.

"Ow!" he exclaimed and then noticed her look at him pointedly. "Oh! Right I'll write. Of course."

"Good", she said. "Say… say hello to Blaise for me if you see him? And to Professor Taylor-Lupin too. Tell them… tell them I miss them?"

"Of course", Harry said and she hugged him again before running back to her parents. Harry noticed Ron and his family across the platform, but turned away when Ron narrowed his eyes at him for some reason. Harry heard some of his other Gryffindor friends cry out to him and he waved at all of them, smiling. Then he turned his head to look for the three Slytherins he had become friendly with. He noticed Tracey with her family, walking away and he grinned when he noticed that she had her arm linked to Theo's. Her father was levitating both of their trunks and Roger Davies, Tracey's older brother, held his arm around his sister's shoulders.

"I told you we'd make sure he never had to go back there", James whispered to Harry when he noticed where Harry as looking.

"Lord Potter?" a voice said behind the group and they turned to meet a group of four people. Harry recognized two of them at once. Daphne and her sister Astoria. The person who had spoken must have been their father. He was rather tall and the air around him reminded him of Sirius. His hair was silver, even though he looked to be just a couple of years older than James and Sirius. His wife had the same pale blonde hair as her daughters and she too was quite tall.

"Mr. Greengrass", James said as they shook hands. "Nice to see you again."

"I just wanted to thank you again for what you did for young Mr. Nott", Mr. Greengrass said. "The Davies family will be good for him."

"It's nothing", James said. "His friends worried about him and we took those worries seriously."

"Quite understandable." The man looked around. "If you ever need help with similar situations just let me know. A neutral front doesn't always mean neutral."

"I'll keep that in mind", James said and the Greengrass family walked off. James shuddered. "Is it just me or did it get colder?"

"That's just Greengrass for you", Sirius sniggered. "I heard his mother was a snow fairy."

"Truly?" Harry asked with big eyes.

"No", James said and slapped Sirius up the head. "There are no such thing. Now come on boys, let's go home." Harry nodded happily and Sirius shrunk his trunk and put it in his pocket and picked up Hedwig and her cage. James wrapped his arm around his son and with a crack they were gone.

TBC