A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

-oOo-

Chapter 14

-oOo-

February 15, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was running as fast as he could. Daphne was just on his heals, with Hermione close behind. Susan and Tracey were trailing. "Wait... for... us," Susan called out.

Harry just pressed on. Something told him it was very important to get to the three Slytherin girls. Daphne was feeling panicked. She had not reached out to Astoria in any way, and Astoria hadn't tried to contact Daphne. The letters that McGonagall had given her were still unopened and Daphne still felt betrayed and hatred for her father.

Even with all that, Astoria was her sister, even if they weren't family.

The halls were empty since it was just past the start of third period.

Harry took stairs two or three at a time, holding the railing to keep himself from falling.

"Harry, slow down just a little," Daphne cried out. He was a whole staircase ahead of anyone now as he rushed for the entry hall and to the dungeons under the main keep.

He skidded to a stop and took the map out. The same names were in the room, as were two others a hall down, obviously keeping an eye open. "Harry, stop for a moment," Daphne ordered.

He cringed as his instinct was to keep running towards the danger and he fought the order.

"Daphne, we don't have time," he growled at her.

"Just wait for a moment. Think," Daphne told him.

"Daphne, we need to get to them," Hermione argued as she pulled up next to Harry.

"Let Tracey and Susan catch up. Do you really think three of us could take on seven of them?" Daphne put to them. "Most of those names are seventh years and their parents are known to support You-Know-Who."

Susan and Tracey huffed into the central stairwell.

"Daphne, I don't think they have long," Harry told her.

"We can't just go charging in there. What do you think will happen to Astoria and the others?"

"Daphne, we can't stay here," Hermione argued. "We either go get a Professor or we get there now."

"Merlin-be-damned Gryffindors!" Daphne cried out. "What if we do something else then just blindly racing in!"

"Like what? We can't sneak in there. There aren't any secret passages or other ways in and out and my cloak will only cover two or three of us," Harry snapped back. He took a step to keep going. His moment to wait was up.

Daphne grabbed his arm. "Harry, you're brilliant!" Daphne exclaimed.

Hermione looked at Daphne oddly. "This is Harry you're talking about?"

He gave Hermione a nasty look.

"No, he is. Dobby," Daphne cried out as Susan and Tracey finally caught up with them, both panting hard.

There was a crack and Dobby popped before them. Today he had the sock with snitches flying around it that Harry had given him fourth year and a burgundy sock on the other foot. Three hats adorned his head and the shirt he had on looked like a childs shirt with a big teddy bear on it. If they weren't rushing to save people Harry might have laughed.

"Mistress Black call Dobby," the elf said with a smile.

"Tell me you didn't," Hermione snapped angrily at them.

"He is under contract, not bound. Dobby, can you apparate us to this room on the map without a sound," Daphne asked, pointing to an empty room past the two guards and very close to the room the girls were in.

Dobby nodded emphatically.

"What contract," Hermione pressed.

"Can we discuss it later? Dobby, I want you to take us there. Once we distract the people in the room, can you get Astoria Greengrass, Amanda Heatherhoc and Trisha Davis out and to McGonagall? Explain what is going on if you need, and then come back for us if it is safe," Daphne asked Dobby.

"Daph, that is genius," he praised his wife. "Everyone, wands out and be quiet."

Hermione looked stunned. "It actually is quite clever."

"Everyone ready?"

Susan and Tracey were still breathing heavily. "I think Susan and Tracey should go find Professor McGonagall," Harry said, afraid they would not be up to this fight.

"That's my sister," Tracey told them.

Daphne gave her friend a sympathetic look. "Trace, we will get her. I think Harry is right on this one."

Tracey's eyes were watery. "Daph, it's Trisha."

"I promise she will be alright," Harry told Tracey.

After a moment, Susan took Tracey's hand. "You three be safe."

Harry nodded. "Dobby," he commanded. They took a hand and a second later they were in a dark and dank room.

"Don't move," Hermione whispered.

"I am telling you to leave her alone," a muffled boy's voice drifted to them.

"This is your last warning, Malfoy. Either back off or you will be joining daddy in Azkaban, or at our Master's feet," an older sounding boy threatened.

"Greengrass is mine," Draco commanded. "And my father is not in Azkaban."

"He will be soon. Our fathers have said Greengrass and Heatherhoc are to be taken, orders from the Dark Lord himself," the other boy said back. The two guards rushed past their room, not even looking in.

"Terrence Dolohov," Daphne whispered. All three knew that name.

"The Dark Lord approved her for me," Draco spat.

There was a small scuffle and then a few spells started to fly. They heard some screams. "No time to wait," Harry told them, stepping out into the corridor. Hermione didn't hesitate to join him. Daphne muttered something else about 'Fecking Gryffindors', or something to that effect.

Harry charged down the hall. Two people were outside, flinging spells into the room that didn't look healthy. Harry swung his wand, not even saying anything, just willing them to slam into the wall as more girl screams came from inside the room.

A wave of power rushed from him, hitting the two tall boys and they flew the five or so feet into the wall, colliding with a solid crunch and collapsing in a heap. "God," Hermione said from besides him.

He threw up a shield as they entered the room. Two bodies were already on the floor. Astoria, Trisha and Amanda were huddled in a corner, screaming as spells hit around them. Draco and Zabini were still standing, but Goyle was on the floor, moving meagerly and curled into a ball. The other body wasn't moving and it was on the side of Dolohov and two others. Harry saw a pool of blood around the body.

When they burst into the room the remaining five Slytherin stopped only for a second. As soon as they saw who it was, they all started to cast spells at Daphne, Hermione and him. Harry reinforced his shield and Daphne and Hermione moved to the side, starting to send stunners and what they could.

"Dobby, now," Harry cried out.

He poured more power into the shield. Right now he wasn't trying to take them down, not with the girls there. He saw the small figure and just as Dobby went to pop away, Dolohov screamed out, "NO!"

Harry didn't hesitate. He swept his wand down, throwing Hermione and Daphne back through the door. He rolled as his shield fell and spells sailed over him. "Lupifors!" A half dozen large wolves came out of the floor, leaving yard wide holes, inches deep as the black wolves snarled.

"Flagellum flamma," he cried out as the wolves launched themselves at the boys. Some of them screamed or cursed, while three of them started to cast at the wolves. A long flaming whip came out of Harry's wand. He spun it around his head and whipped it towards Dolohov.

The boy screamed as it wrapped around his wand hand and Harry pulled. The wand dropped and the boy fell forward. One of the wolves jumped on him and started to attack his arm, making the older boy scream more.

Something brushed Harry's right hip, sending him spinning over. In his battle heightened state, he just rolled over and came up in a crouch, his wand whipping up and a blasting curse leaving it.

A shield stopped a nasty looking purple spell just before it hit him. He didn't see what happened with his hex until another stunner knocked out one of the boys who was fending off a wolf.

Three of the boys were down. Malfoy and Zabini were still up, their wands pointing towards Harry. Only two of the wolves were left. Harry whistled and they came to his side and he got up, his hip in a little bit of pain. Dolohov was moaning as he held his mangled arm and rolled about.

Daphne and Hermione came to his side. Daphne looked to have a bruise on her forehead.

"Drop your wands," Hermione demanded.

"Where did you take my betrothed?" Draco snarled.

"Drop. Your. Wands," Harry said in a voice that dripped danger.

One of the other boys sat up. Harry didn't hesitate to stun them. Draco and Zabini used that to start casting again. They each got a spell or two off before the unmistakable voice of McGonagall came to them. "If anyone casts one more spell you will be expelled and talking to the Aurors!"

Harry stopped, a shield up between them and the Slytherin. "I think they will be talking to the Aurors anyways," their new Defense Teacher told them.

"They kidnapped three girls and we did not cast the first spell," Daphne responded in her ice cold voice.

"So I was told. Everyone will put their wands down. Filius, send a patronus to get Poppy, Pomona and Severus here. Grace, watch these two while Filius and I see to the wounded. Blacks and Granger. Stand outside the door. If you move from there, expulsion will be the least of your concerns," McGonagall warned.

Harry didn't turn from Malfoy or Zabini as he backed out. Once outside the room, he noticed the two he had thrown into a wall were bound with ropes. "Get rid of those wolves," McGonagall called after him.

Harry flicked his wand, "Finite."

The wolves morphed back into a pile of flag stones. He turned to Daphne. "Are you..." his face snapped to the side as her palm slapped him hard.

"You stupid arse, Harry," Daphne yelled before taking his face in both hands, bringing it so he was looking into her eyes. "You could have been killed doing that." The fear in her eyes told him everything he was feeling through their bond. Hermione rubbed her arm.

"Did you have to throw us like that?" Hermione questioned.

He was still feeling a little shocked from the slap, everything he had just done starting to really register. Daphne held his gaze, her hard expression softening as the realization hit him.

"They were trying to kill you and Hermione," he told Daphne. She was going to have a bruise on her face too.

Daphne sighed. "Are you hurt?"

"My hip is sore. Are you alright?"

"Just some sore spots. Hermione?" Daphne asked.

"My arm is a little sore, but I think I'll be okay. Where did you learn to do that, Harry? What spell did you use to knock them into the wall?"

Harry blinked and took a step back. "I don't know," he told her.

Running feet greeted them. He turned to see Snape running towards them. Harry put himself between the girls and the Potion's Master. Snape saw the two in ropes, eyed them with a look he wasn't sure how to interpret and then walked into the room. Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout rushed past them a few moments later.

McGonagall came out of the room. He had never heard their Professor so angry. "You three. My office. Now."

Harry licked his lips. "It was all me, Professor."

"Harry," Daphne hissed at him.

"I don't care, Black. My office. Now."

They walked out of the dungeons and up into the school. Daphne took his hand and Hermione walked on his other side. They walked the length of the castle, many students watching the three of them as McGonagall marched behind them, a stormy look on her face. He was limping slightly by the time they made it, but his adrenaline was still pumping in his body. He was waiting for trouble.

McGonagall's door flung open with force before they reached it and they were shown in. Harry gulped to see an Auror in the room. He was a tall black man Harry had never seen before. Hermione looked relieved.

The door slammed shut behind her. "You are going to sign those affidavits. Shacklebolt will take a copy of your memories and will review them before I decide to throw you out of this castle or just give you detention for the rest of your lives."

"I demand Lord Black to be here," Daphne demanded.

"He is already on his way," Auror Shacklebolt stated. "He authorized me to gather this evidence."

"Is Ms. Greengrass and Davis alright," Daphne asked.

McGonagall's features softened slightly. "They will have no lasting injuries. Now, do this before we have any other discussion."

Daphne let out a breath. They each signed an affidavit stating the memory provided was accurate and unmodified. Hermione and him were shown how to pull a memory, which Shacklebolt did and put them all into a large bowl. "Is that a pensive," Hermione asked, awe coming through her fear.

"It is. Now be quiet. If any of you try to escape or do anything, I will not hesitate to expel you," McGonagall threatened.

They watched as Shacklebolt and McGonagall leaned over the pensive. Their faces vanished into a cloudy mixture. The three of them stood there for a good fifteen minutes as the adults were motionless.

When McGonagall finally came up, her lips were pursed, but she didn't look as angry.

"Why didn't you come get myself before you went down there?"

"I didn't think there was time," Harry told her.

McGonagall let out a breath. "Perhaps not. You should have still come for me or another Professor."

"Why? So you could just send us away like you normally do?" Harry snarked.

"Harry," Hermione admonished.

"It's true. Name one time any Professor came when we asked for help," Harry retorted.

"Mr. Black, that is not true," McGonagall started.

Harry turned on the Professor. He still felt amped up, ready to fight. If he was in trouble, mind as well go all the way. "Isn't it? It was you first year who told us the Philosopher's Stone was safe. I remember spending three days in the hospital that proves you wrong. Last year, no one could get me out of the tournament? No one was able to even prevent me from being entered? Or what about second year? We went to Lockhart to help rescue Ginny and he tried to obliviate us instead. Where were you and all the others all the other times? What about Daphne and I getting ambushed a few weeks ago?"

Shacklebolt came out of the pensive. McGonagall pursed her lips harder and looked troubled as Shacklebolt started to talk, "I don't see any charges here. Mrs. and Mr. Black and Ms. Granger were responding with appropriate force for the situation with the hostages and the spells being cast at them. The only thing I would ask is to get a record of the spells you have cast in the last twenty-four hours. Ms. Granger, I will start with you. Touch your wand to the affidavit."

Before she could the fire in the office flared green. Sirius came out. "Where are they!"

"Sirius, they are right here," McGonagall said to the wild-eyed man.

Sirius rushed over to them. "What happened? Are you hurt? Did you beat their asses?"

Harry chuckled nervously and stopped at the look from their Deputy Headmistress. Sirius came to them looking Daphne's face over. "How bad are you hurt?"

"I think some bruises and bumps," Daphne responded.

"And you two?"

Hermione was holding her arm. "My arm hurts."

"Harry?"

"I'm fine," he told his godfather. His hip was starting to feel painful.

"I feel you are in pain," Daphne told him.

Harry huffed. He was still looking for danger and to protect the girls. "I'll be alright."

Sirius shook his head. "James used to say the same thing. Why aren't they in the hospital wing?"

"I was trying to keep them from going to Azkaban. Please perform the Priori Incantato and then Lord Black can add his mark," McGonagall ordered.

They all looked to Sirius. "Do as Minerva says. How bad is it?"

McGonagall looked concerned. "The other Aurors should be here by now. I think one of the seventh year Slytherin boys is dead. Four others were severely hurt. I have three girls that were kidnapped and had been attempted to portkey them out of Hogwarts and these three saved them."

"Did you kill this boy?" Sirius questioned.

Guilt wracked through Harry. "I don't think so," Harry answered.

"If it is the boy I think it was, he was down before these three entered the room," Shacklebolt said. "Ms. Granger, if you would?"

Hermione stepped up to the paper and once Kingsley touched his wand to hers a series of spells appeared on the sheet. Daphne and Harry did the same.

"We done here, Kingsley? I want to get these three checked out?" Sirius put to the Auror.

"Looks good. I know this type of thing shouldn't happen here, but you should be proud of them" Shacklebolt told him. "I'll let the others know not to bug you. Minerva, you want me to tell Bones you request a detachment?"

"Yes. I don't care what Albus says about this. It is too dangerous out there and now another attack on Hogwarts' grounds," she said looking around. "We may be lucky the Ministry doesn't try to shut us down."

"I think most of these students are safer here. It is getting really bad out there," Sirius countered.

"How bad," Hermione asked.

The three adults looked at them. "Let me get this," Sirius told them.

"I am not letting you wander the halls without an Auror or myself," McGonagall said. "Two of those students had Marks. It is not safe until the Governors allow us to check all students and have the Aurors deal with those that shouldn't be here."

Harry moved to Daphne, who moved to press her back against his chest.

"I would like to get this all back to Bones right away."

McGonagall's expression grew concerned. "Thank you, Kingsley. You can use my fire. Sirius, let me walk you all to the hospital wing."

Harry was starting to feel the bruise on his hip and knees from when he dropped. Daphne was holding his hand. "You alright," he asked Hermione.

She looked dazed. "Yeah," Hermione responded. It was the first real fight she had been in. Daphne's second, counting a few weeks ago.

"Someone really died?" Daphne asked.

"It didn't look good," McGonagall told them.

As they approached the hospital wing, Harry was starting to limp badly. His hip was really starting to hurt as his battle high was finally fading. They were met by four Aurors. "Lord Black," one of them greeted.

Sirius nodded. Entering the wing, Harry stepped before Daphne and Hermione. Lord Greengrass and a woman that looked much like their younger daughter, were next to a bed with Astoria in it. Tracey was there with her parents and Trisha in the next bed over. The third girl was nowhere to be seen. Down the end of the hall was Malfoy and Zabini. Both only had their mothers there.

Tracey saw them and rushed towards them. She didn't hesitate to throw herself at him and give him a hug. "Thank you," she said in a watery voice. The action was almost too much. He took in a hissing breath to steady himself. Tracey moved to Daphne before his wife could say a word and even pulling Hermione in for a hug. Everyone else looked at them. Harry fiddled with his wand. Madam Pomfrey had come out of her office.

"On the beds," she ordered. "Are you hurt?"

"Looks like just bruises and bumps," Sirius told her.

The Matron nodded. "I'll check them over in a few."

Harry made sure Hermione was on the bed closest to the doors in case they needed to leave. He sat on the next bed, Daphne next to him. The three faced each other, not talking.

A tall man with sandy coloured hair came over to them. "Lord Black. My daughters tell me we have your wards to thank for saving our youngest daughter."

"So I have heard too, Mr. Davis."

The man held out his hand. "The House of Davis owes you a great debt."

"Don't thank me, thank them," Sirius said, nodding to the three of them.

Mr. Davis nodded and moved to them. "Please don't get up," the man told them. Harry wasn't sure he would be able too. "Thank you, Scion Black," he said, holding his hand out to Harry.

Harry took it. "That's Mr. Black, Mr. Davis. Is your daughter alright?"

"Trisha is safe because of you lot. I thought, though, you were the named heir," he started before Daphne stood and curtsied to the man.

"I am Heiress Black, Mr. Davis. Mr. Black is my consort."

The man nodded after a few second then took her into a hug. "Thank you. You are always welcome, Daphne. I am glad Tracey is your friend."

Daphne sniffed and hugged the man back. "Thank you, Mr. Davis."

Lord Greengrass was looking at them. Astoria started to get up and he put a hand on her shoulder. "Father, they saved us," Astoria said quietly.

"Your betrothed saved you," the man said. Harry gave the man a hard look as Mr. Davis let Daphne go.

"Mr. Davis, this is Hermione Granger, Ward of Lord Black," she introduced Hermione. "And this is my husband, and consort, Harry Black."

There was a clack of boots. Harry gripped his wand to see a tall woman with long dark hair that had streaks of white. Daphne backed up and Harry stumbled as he tried to get up, going down to the floor hard on his knees. "Harry," Hermione cried out as he fell.

Daphne turned and tried to stop him, falling down with him.

Madam Pomfrey came out of her office. "Why didn't you tell me he was hurt!"

Sirius was standing, looking over the others as Hermione and Daphne helped him into a bed. His hip was shooting shards of pain. "We didn't know he was this bad," Hermione responded as he sat and then lay down. Madam Pomfrey was at his side. Daphne was at his head.

"Don't keep it in for now on," she chastised him.

Madam Pomfrey ran her wand over him. "Did you take a bludgering charm to your hip?"

"Maybe," Harry told her. "I know I got hit by something."

"How bad is it?" Daphne asked, concern lacing her voice.

"It would have been easily healable if he had come right here. The break is now splintering. I'm afraid I may have to vanish the bone and then grow it back with Skele-gro," she told Daphne.

Harry groaned. "I hate that stuff."

"Lord Black," the tall dark hair woman said.

"Narcissa," Sirius responded coldly.

"Draco informed us that Heiress Black, Mr. Black and Ms. Granger helped to save Ms. Greengrass. I would like to thank you for saving his betrothed, and my son," the woman said in her haughty voice. Where Daphne's haughty voice sounded like an act, this woman exuded the superior attitude of her 'blood'.

"This does not forgive anything Draco or your husband did a few weeks ago," Sirius responded.

"Scion Malfoy attacked us today," Daphne spoke up. Harry winced as he shifted.

"Stay still. Can I trust none of you will get into a fight while I go get what I need," the Matron asked. The two Aurors inside the doors were keeping an eye on them all.

"I give my word we will not draw wands first," Sirius told the Matron.

Lady Malfoy looked down on Daphne and him. "Draco thought you were attacking them, not saving Ms. Greengrass and the others," the woman said imperiously. Daphne was sitting ramrod straight and not letting any emotion out on to her face as she looked up at Lady Malfoy.

The matron eyed them before going back to her office. "Thank you. Lady Zabini extends her thank you as well." Lady Malfoy said and nodded before turning back to Draco.

"Thank you, Lady Malfoy. I still expect satisfaction," Daphne coolly stated.

Lady Malfoy nodded. "I have extended a letter of satisfaction to Lord Black. I just wait the reply."

Madam Pomfrey came back with a tray. Harry didn't like the bottle that looked like a skeleton. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to close off the Blacks and administer their treatments."

Lady Malfoy nodded and walked away. A moment later the two beds were surrounded by curtains. "Mrs. Black, if you would take that chair for the moment. I need to vanish all the bone chips and then you will drink what I give you," she informed Harry.

"Can you check Daphne and Hermione first?" Harry asked Madam Pomfrey.

"In a moment. I don't think they are hurt like you."

Daphne sought out his hand.

Hermione was still looking a little dazed. "I tried to get a shield on you before you got hit."

"I'm sure you did excellent, Hermione," Sirius assured her.

-oOo-

February 20, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

News of the attempted kidnapping and death of Roger Turgeon had been in the paper the last few days. Sirius had told them that it was a cutting curse from Zabini that had killed Roger, but since it had been self-defense, because apparently they really were trying to get the girls away from the other Slytherin, he had not been charged. Terence Dolohov, Benjamin Regor and Vance Forager were still in the DMLE holding cells. Goyle had come back yesterday after spending three days in St. Mungos. No word had come of the other four working with Dolohov. Amanda Heatherhoc had been withdrawn by her parents and word was they were leaving the country, or already had. Word of a few other families considering as such, or already gone, were also all over the hall. A third-year Ravenclaw had been seen leaving with his parents yesterday with his trunk hovering before them.

The larger change was that Dumbledore had granted a request from the Davis's to have their daughters switch houses. Gryffindor had gained two more students. Given that they were associated with Harry and Daphne, and word of how they had leveled the seventh years, many were giving Harry and those around him a wide berth if they supported or believed in anything Pureblood. Others were trying to become friendlier with them.

Harry would do what was right, but he was feeling done with this swinging pendulum. If he, or one of his family or friends, really felt strongly for someone, Harry, and even Daphne, was considering them part of their circle. Only Hermione and Tracy, with Neville slowly seeping in, where considered their true inner circle. Ron, Trisha, Romilda and others were close, but Harry didn't consider them family.

Looking around as they ate lunch, he noticed how the castle had an expectant air. Everyone was waiting for the next House to fall.

Walking out of the Great Hall so they could go to Transfiguration, Harry stopped them in the doorway. Just outside the main entrance was Lucius Malfoy with six guards around him.

Dumbledore was standing in the doorway with Snape.

"How long will this take?" Malfoy drolled.

"One of the prefects has been sent to find him in Slytherin House since he was not at lunch," Dumbledore said silently. Some others passed them.

"Just let me in and I will find him."

"I am sorry, Lord Malfoy, but the new rules are no outsider are to be let into the castle unless they submit themselves to a scan. This is by order of the Governors," Dumbledore told him.

"Harry, we should go," Hermione told him. "Class starts in twenty minutes."

Malfoy must have heard them because he turned and snarled at Harry. Harry was hoping the ponces would be next. The daggers the man gave him through his eyes left no doubt that Harry would be killed if they met outside of Hogwarts.

"Let's go, Harry," Daphne said silently.

He extended his arm like Tracey and her were teaching him. Daphne took his arm and he made sure to have Ron, Hermione, Neville and Tracey go before them. Harry wouldn't let them be between Malfoy and him. He felt Daphne didn't like him doing this, putting himself out front, but she didn't stop him either.

Neville and Ron sat behind him. Daphne sat before him with Tracey. In the last few days the two had been thick as thieves. Harry was glad she had Tracey again. Hermione slipped in next to him. "I have more that want to join the D.A.," she said, sounding a little concerned. This was the third request in the last two days.

"I mentioned the idea for a Defence club to Professor Jones and she isn't for the idea," Harry told her. "She may be as good as Professor Lupin but I think she is still reporting to someone at the Ministry."

Hermione pursed her lips. "I don't know if the room can hold anymore and if people are asking me, they are finding out about it somehow. It's not one of us though," she responded.

"How do you know," Harry asked.

"Because we would all know," Hermione answered.

Harry pursed his lips. "I think we should cancel the meeting for tonight until we know. Who asked you?"

"A few seventh-year Hufflepuffs. Two are Scions and one of them is betrothed."

"Who?"

"Tabitha Albright, Peter Packinton and Erick Granville."

"I don't know them. Daphne," Harry tapped her shoulder.

"I think you should meet them first," Daphne told him. "Who is Albright betrothed to?"

"I still find it barbaric," Hermione griped. "Albright is betrothed to Packington. They said they signed the contract two weeks ago to protect their Houses."

Tracey nodded. "That isn't a bad idea. Not even the goblins or Ministry could override a blood bound contract."

"Hermione, as I said before, understand the culture before you judge," Daphne said before Hermione could say anything.

Ron tapped his shoulder. "Yeah, Ron?"

"Can a betrothal contract really protect you like that?"

Tracey looked up at him. "If you are willing to merge your houses or tie the blood to the continuation of the line."

"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.

Daphne was frowning. "Albright is going to be required to produce an heir for each line, possibly multiple, and then you bind the line to their children getting married. Does she like Packington?"

Neville spoke up. "The Albrights and Packingtons are part of Gran's alliance. I know Tabitha and Peter. They went to Gran's Winter Ball as a couple."

"I don't think they were forced," Harry told her. Daphne nodded. "Let's talk with them."

Hermione nodded. "Tonight?"

"Yeah."

McGonagall swept into the room. "No more talking," she ordered. The Professor, like many others, was looking a little worn. "Today we will be reviewing the switching spell, finches into snitches and vanishment for a test on Thursday."

They set up. Rocks and matchboxes were given out to them all. After doing the switch a few times, Harry felt bored. Daphne was doing her required dozen times. On a whim, he pointed his wand at his rock. "Flosifor."

The rock changed into a purple and white daphne. He knew it was cliche with her name, but she hadn't gone a day without wearing her necklace from him since Valentines. "What are you doing?" Hermione whispered.

"Watch."

He timed it just right and where her rock should have come up with her switching spell, the daphnes did instead. Daphne stopped, shocked for a second before a smile came over her face. Tracey looked at the flowers before giving him a look out of the corner of her eye. She looked impressed and pleased with him.

McGonagall came walking over and looked at them for a moment. "Two points, Mr. Black. Very nice transfiguration."

Harry tried to suppress his smile. He felt the love for him through their bond. When McGonagall walked away, Tracey leaned over, "Where do I find someone like that?"

Hermione gave him a smile. "I'm happy you found someone," she told him.