A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Response is still going strong. Thank you so much again. I hope to keep entertaining you.
-oOo-
August 29, 1994
London, England
"This is very impressive, Harry," Andi told him.
Harry looked down at her from the top of one of the Quidditch towers. She was walking in the fields outside the stadium. For as far as he could see, it was rolling fields of grass, flowers and small birds. They were very specific birds. The golden birds moved similar to the snitches that flitted around the stadium.
"When did you add the golden snidges?"
"When I read about them in Quidditch Through the Ages."
She laughed. "I should have known. What happens if I catch one."
"Please don't. I really like you," he warned her.
She rose an eyebrow. "Will they attack me while I am here?"
"Not if you don't bother them."
"And what happens?"
He smiled. "Ashwinders are the least deadly surprise. I laced them with magic to try to overcome the reality perception you have told me about."
"That is an advanced technique. You should be careful. It can sometimes backlash on the creator," Andi told him.
"Snakes won't hurt me," Harry retorted.
She looked up from the fields. They were a good fifty yards apart or more. "What is bothering you today? You are very melancholy."
Harry didn't respond right away. "I can't stop the dreams. Since the attack, I see my mother's death most nights. Andi, I have that locked away. How does it keep coming up?"
She took a step and when her foot landed she was standing next to him as he still looked over the side of the box at where she had been. "You haven't dealt with the trauma of it. You are still at a stage where your internal defenses are rather weak. What you have accomplished is extraordinary for only six months, but sometimes it can take years to fully accept or sort out your feelings for certain events."
Harry nodded.
"Sirius told me that you and Daphne have agreed to a Courtship agreement?"
Harry smiled. "I finally told her I like her."
She smiled as she joined him at the rail. "Good. She is good for you. Susan, Hermione, the others. Having a connection with people that you care for and care for you will help you through many challenges."
Harry smiled for a moment as he thought about the way Daphne had said goodbye to him the other night. Not much was said actually, but it had taken them ten minutes. After a moment, his smile faltered. "Sirius wants me to see Mr. Lupin before I leave today."
"How do you feel about that," she queried.
"Why am I still so angry at him? Sirius and Amelia have told me he tried to find me. Dumbledore really messed with him worse than Sirius," he told her.
She looked out as a breeze washed over the flowers. Harry knew it was part of his anger.
"You want me to tell you what I think or do you want to figure it out on your own?" she put to him.
Harry put his head on his crossed hands. The breeze picked up. Perhaps he should add weather. Rain laced with a little magic would distract anyone in his mind. "I am still just so upset," he admitted.
She leaned her arms on the rail to be closer to him. He felt her mental presence almost as a physical touch. "You have a right to be. What happened to you is not something easily gotten over. In my opinion, I think you are projecting that anger, the sense of being abandoned and the experience of what you have gone through on the first person that you feel could have done something about it."
He turned his head to look at her.
"Am I being unfair to him?"
She gave him a sympathetic smile. "That is something only you can answer. I know Sirius and Amelia have been honest with you about what Remus wants others to know. He blames himself for everything, even though he had no control over what happened with what Dumbledore did to him."
Harry let out a long breath, just thinking for what must have been a few minutes. She just let him work through whatever was in his head. More bubbles came up and vanished back to where they belonged as he worked through his emotions.
"I want the dreams to stop," Harry told her. A very dark bubble came up. Every few seconds a green flash would come out of it.
Her smile turned sad. "I can't begin to understand how you feel about this. I sense there is more involved than just this one memory?"
Harry let out a long breath. "Has Amelia told you why Voldemort went after me?"
When she shook her head, he went on. "There was a prophecy. A child was born as the 'seventh month dies' who had the power to defeat the Dark Lord. This is the moment he marked me." Harry indicated the bubble that kept flashing green every few seconds. "That soul fragment you took out of my head was what made me a child of prophecy. My mother and father were murdered so some insane wanker could live."
He had been silently struggling with this all summer. He had talked about it with Daphne and Hermione and Amelia, even a little bit with Sirius, but he had never admitted how it made him feel.
After a few moments, she responded, "You said the dementors bring up bad memories, but you never told me what. You see when your mother died and when You-Know-Who marked you?"
"And usually for days after. Every time I come across a dementor," he informed her.
"This is a very traumatic experience. I would be surprised if it didn't effect you as much as it does. I will be here to talk and help you, but this is something you have to find a way to comes to terms with. You need to accept the feelings it invokes and find a way to channel them into a constructive path. If you keep trying to bury it every time it comes up, it will just be worse as you get older," she instructed.
He nodded. "Are we done today?"
"Do you want to talk about anything else?"
He shook his head against his arms. A moment later, he sat up on the couch.
"Harry, you are doing extraordinarily well. Don't feel discouraged. It can take years for some people to work through everything in their heads, some times they never do. Until you do, you can't truly control your emotions or mind when you want. You can keep building your defenses, but someone that is at peace with himself can use that to fight off the most invasive legilimens with relative ease," she told him. "If you hold onto it and let it fester, you can still reach the next level, but you risk shutting off all emotions. That is a dangerous route."
Harry nodded. When she opened the door, Sirius was standing across from it, leaning against the wall and arms crossed.
"So, is he completely barking or only barmy?"
Harry rolled his eyes at his godfather. Andi responded. "When compared to you, Harry's the most stable person I know."
Sirius let out a barking laugh. "Compared to me, almost anyone is sane."
"No truer words have ever been said," Andi replied in a dry voice.
Sirius kept laughing. "Alright, pup, time to go before you pick up her acid tongue."
Harry shrugged. "I didn't hear anything that was untrue."
Andi smirked. Sirius shook his head. "That was not the point I was getting at."
"Oh, there was a point?" Harry asked innocently. Andi chuckled and Sirius shook his head with a grin.
"Come on, pup. Andi," he nodded to her.
They walked down the hall and towards the elevator. Harry was looking forward to getting home. He had some things to work through and wanted to meditate. Andi was right. The memory of that night probably kept coming up like this because he always buried it. He didn't want to think about the night his parents were murdered and his life became what it was.
He didn't notice that they walked past the elevators and didn't register where they were until they were outside a set of double doors. Harry blinked and looked around. After a moment, he sighed. "Do I have to see him?"
"I will never force you, but Remus really does feel guilty and sorry. I think it would do you both good," Sirius told him.
This was not the first time Sirius had taken him to these doors after seeing Andi. It was the first time that he looked at them and considered opening them. Knowing what Andi had told him and feeling like he had been a coward up to this point in confronting the man, Harry made the conscious decision to push the doors open.
Behind the doors was a ward with eight beds. Five of them had curtains around them. The other three were empty. Down the end of the ward was a man sitting in a chair, a book in his hands and looking up at them. Harry walked in, stopping a few feet away. His lips were pursed, unsure what to say.
"How are you today, Mr. Potter?"
Harry frowned. He wasn't sure how he felt so he focused on the happiest thing he could. "Daphne and I are in a courtship."
Mr. Lupin gave a happy smile. "So I have heard. Congratulations."
It was a very uneasy silence for a moment. "How are you, Mr. Lupin?"
The man's smile slipped. "I feel better than I have in a very long time, not that that means much."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment before meeting the man's eyes again. "I know that you tried to find me. I also know Dumbledore prevented you from doing anything."
Mr. Lupin's face fell and a haunted look came over his face. "Mr. Potter..."
"You can call me Harry."
The haunted look lessoned. "Harry... I didn't know. I swear to Merlin, I didn't know. If I had, not even what Dumbledore did to me would have prevented me."
Harry nodded.
Sirius stepped up. "Moony, you know that isn't true. Dumbledore had you so cocked up on potions, compulsion and obliviations, there was nothing you could do."
Mr. Lupin... Remus, looked to Sirius. "Padfoot, I betrayed the pack. There is no excuse or forgiveness for that. James was our alpha. As strong as the alpha is, his pack is supposed to back him. Lily was his mate, Harry his pup. You were our beta. I betrayed you all."
Harry felt confused. He had never heard Remus talk this way.
"You didn't betray the pack, Moony. You were tricked and controlled. You fought against it. I have told you I now suspect Dumbledore had you with the werewolf packs to keep you from us," his godfather pressed.
Remus shook his head. "I betrayed you. I betrayed you all."
Harry could see how much the man was hurting. It was the same pain Harry had been projecting on him. Before either of them could argue either way, Harry softly said, "I forgive you."
This had both men stop. Remus looked up to him. The man's down and self-loathing demeanor was on full display.
"I forgive you," Harry said a little more loudly. "It wasn't your fault. Dumbledore did this to all of us."
Sirius put a hand on his shoulder. When none of them said anything for a moment, Sirius said, "The pup is right. You did nothing wrong, Moony."
Remus' eyes took on a new gleam. It was like there was something coming back to life in the man. "I don't deserve forgiveness."
Harry took a deep breath. "I should be the one asking for forgiveness with how I treated you."
Remus shook his head. "You have all the right in the world to be upset with me."
Harry shook his head. "I am upset, but I should not be with you." After a moment, Harry straightened up and held out his hand. "Perhaps we can start over. Hi, I'm Harry Potter. I hear you were good friends with my parents."
Remus looked at his hand for a long moment. He looked at Harry's hand as though he was a drowning man and couldn't believe a lifeline would be thrown to him. It took a long few moments before Remus extended his own hand. "It is nice to meet you, Harry. Remus Lupin. I was once friends with your parents."
Harry shook his hand firmly and put a smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, Remus. Maybe you can tell me something about my parents? Only this mutt seems to really know them."
"Mutt, you little welp," Sirius said affectionately.
"Well, dogs are just a lesser wolf. They really are only good at sniffing their own arse," Remus said in a 'dah, that is obvious' type of tone.
"Oi! I'll let you know I don't sniff my own arse," Sirius replied indignantly.
"You do lick yourself," Remus retorted.
Sirius inflated as though upset, then let out a breath and shrugged. "I'll give you that one."
Harry screwed up his face. "That is so disgusting."
The three of them laughed. There was still a melancholy feel to the group, but Harry was trying to get past his some-what... alright, very... misplaced anger at the man. Harry was starting to realize all his anger should really be focused at Dumbledore. The problem was, the arse was no where to be found.
-oOo-
September 1, 1994
London, England
Harry stepped out of the fireplace. Two Aurors and Sirius were already waiting for him. Harry still looked at the Aurors a little dubiously, but Amelia had assured him they were all trustworthy and would not be under the Imperious curse again. She wouldn't tell him how, though.
Sirius had said it was better he didn't know so that someone outside his guard could not find out. It still didn't mean he wasn't cautious. Someone had tried to eliminate him and Daphne. Three people were dead. Well, two were as good as.
He didn't think he would relax some until they were at the castle. Amelia had told them the wards had been fixed or updated. Albus Dumbledore, or any other uninvited guests, should not be entering the castle either, somewhat helped by a certain Marauder. The last remaining Marauder was expected to rejoin them by Christmas
To ensure everyone would be safer, Aurors would also be posted at the school this year.
Susan stayed close by his side. Hermione followed Susan. She had slept over at Grace Hall last night after her parents had been invited over for dinner. He didn't let out a breath until he saw Daphne step through the fire. She was followed by Tracey, Astoria, Lord and Lady Greengrass and finally two more Aurors. Amelia said there was a risk with them all arriving like this, but safety in numbers would probably be the best right now.
Once Daphne got her bearings, she stepped up to his side and he held out his arm. She slipped her arm in and walked next him. It was a show of their alliance, as much as it was a not so subtle hint that this really cute girl on his side was his girlfriend.
The platform was busy, being about twenty minutes before the Hogwarts Express would leave. Blaise, Millicent and Neville joined them at the last carriage. Tracey was obviously relieved to see Neville, as she moved to his side as quickly as a lady-in-training should and took his arm. They only exchanged a few greetings before getting on the train. With nine of them, it was a little cramped in the carriage, but they all fit.
Ernie stopped by to let them know he and a few other Puffs were two compartments down on the same carriage. "You mind if we go sit with them?" Susan asked him. She had been very worried about Ernie all week. His grandmother was still in the hospital.
"Susan, do what you want. Amelia said there are Aurors on the train and we can help you in just a moment," Harry told her.
She gave him a small smile. Everyone that was at the party two weeks ago were still a little spooked. Susan and Hannah left to go with Ernie, leaving the seven of them more comfortable. "You can go sit with Nott if you want," Daphne told Blaise and Millicent.
"I think we are good here. Besides, Theo and I aren't really talking right now," Blaise replied.
"If Parkinson or Malfoy are there, I don't think it will be safe for me," Millicent replied. Harry had not really gotten her over the summer, only really seeing her in the classes her grandmother and the tutors taught. Blaise, on the other hand, would needle Neville, Ernie and him whenever he could. Harry liked the boy.
"If you need us, you just have to request it," Neville told Blaise and Millicent.
"I understand we are allies," Millicent replied.
"I prefer friends," Neville spoke up.
"We are all in this together. Father and mother are a little concerned, especially about Astoria being three years behind us," Daphne told them.
"She is in the next compartment. We'll keep an eye on her," Harry tried to assure her. Neville was right. They were all friends now, especially after all the training and lessons this summer.
The whistle blew and they all turned to the window to wave to the adults gathered to see them off.
"I'm not sure I ever felt guilty about leaving my parents before," Hermione put to them as she let Crookshanks out of his cage.
"I know. Except for that night, it was fun this summer," Tracey piped up.
For the first time, Harry had to admit he was sad to leave a place he called home. "We are all still together and I plan to run tomorrow morning, so I don't see why we can't still have fun."
Daphne winced. "Only you would find that fun."
Harry grinned. "It keeps me in shape for Quidditch and for the practices. As often as Headmistress McGonagall allows, Sirius is going to meet with us."
Blaise nodded. "I still owe you from our last dueling match," the boy told him.
"Not my fault you don't like a few birds," Harry shrugged.
"An idea you stole from me," Hermione said with a grin.
Tracey and Neville chuckled. "I think he over did it compared to you, Hermione," Neville said. Harry had created dozens of the little finches to distract Blaise the other day.
"I wish my parents would have let me join," the larger girl said.
"You can start running with us tomorrow. I think me, you, Tracey, Blaise and the others should stick closer together. None of us should wander out of Slytherin alone," Daphne stated.
Millicent thought about it for a few. "You don't mind if I tag along?"
"The more the merrier," Harry said with a grin when half the people in the compartment groaned.
Daphne reached for his hand and he happily took it. "Do you know the meaning of masochist?"
"I like working out. Not my fault you all think its torture," Harry replied to her.
Neville shook his head. "Gran didn't realize what the Aurors do. I think she was expecting to see us working out in the weight room last week."
"I like running and the hand-to-hand Madam Bones was teaching us, but not the other workouts," Tracey admitted.
"I'm with Harry. Did you see the way those muggle girls were looking at us at the park?" the dark skin boy across from him said.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Blaise, you do remember that was us?"
The boy gave a rare smile. "You were still looking," he replied smugly.
Hermione 'harrumphed' and Daphne shook her head. "So, the real Blaise comes out finally."
Blaise shrugged. "The fact Potter, Longbottom, Macmillan and Bones are willing to walk at our side in public like that, I think they are finally trustworthy. I hope it stays that way."
"Like I said, friends," Harry replied.
"Don't forget girlfriend," Daphne said, weaving her fingers between his.
"I would never forget that," he said.
Tracey snorted. "Are you two going to be cute like that all year?"
"It's no worse than you. I know you both signed a Courtship agreement too," Daphne said coolly back to her friend.
Tracey beamed while Neville blushed. "You're point being?"
"You both signed Courtship Agreements?" Hermione asked surprised. He had seen Hermione in almost two weeks and didn't want to tell her by owl post.
"Uhm, yeah," he said to her. She just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Congratulations," Millicent said to them.
"Thank you," Daphne said, inclining her head.
"Ms. Davis and myself thank you as well," said Neville.
As the train steamed north, the girls all decided to head to the bathroom a little after the lunch trolley came. Harry was reading a section in their new transfiguration books when the door slid open. The way Neville and Blaise tensed, Harry had his wand in his hand and pointing towards the blonde in the door before Malfoy said the first word.
"Glad to see you still alive," Malfoy commented with scorn.
"Get lost, Malfoy," Harry snarked back at him.
Draco looked at Harry's wand. "You point that wand at me again and I will call an honour duel."
Harry snorted. "Like you did first year? The one you sent Filch in your stead?"
Draco didn't look as pleased. "Not my fault you got the wrong place or time."
"We were there. You were the one that didn't show," Harry commented dryly.
Blaise's placid face looked up to Draco. "You called an honour duel and didn't show? Poor form."
Malfoy looked daggers at Blaise. "Listen you traitor, Father and others have classified you all as Blood Traitors. Do you have any idea what your defection has cost so far?"
"How much has your father spent on this," Neville asked. Harry was impressed there was no stutter.
"None of your business, Longpiddle. You are all Blood traitors. The only good thing out of this is that father is still talking to Greengrass," Malfoy said with an evil grin. "I will also have the House of Black back soon."
Harry got up, standing to his full height. Over the summer he had grown more and was now pushing five-six. Malfoy was a good two or three inches shorter. "You leave Daphne out of this."
Malfoy's snear got wider. "Or what? You don't have the proper blood or status. My father will break this new alliance and he has promised me Greengrass, and her sister."
Blaise grabbed his hand before Harry could hit Malfoy. "Scion Malfoy, I think that might be harder than you and Lord Malfoy may think. Scion Potter and Heiress Greengrass are in a Courtship Agreement. Do you wish to challenge that? I shall stand his second."
Malfoy's eyes widened. "You... you! You are only a half-blood! How dare you try to defile one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight that way."
Harry pulled on his arm, but Blaise wouldn't let go. He was about as strong as Harry. Neville stood behind them. "Last I looked, the Malfoys were only that because of their marriage to the Reynolds two generations back. The Potters are a far older family than the Malfoys. They predate the Sacred Twenty-Eight. If anything, the Greengrasses are getting a boost out of that club."
Malfoy looked livid and his wand came out. "You shut your mouth and take that back! The Malfoy's and the Blacks are part of the original charter members of the Wizengamot."
"And my ancestors were on the Druids Council, before the Wizards council, and then were also founding members of the Wizengamot. What is your point," Harry said, his rage dying a little and pulling on the education he had gotten this year to cool his responce.
Draco glared at him.
"He doesn't have one," Blaise said from besides him. "Now run along and go tell your father you backed down from another duel."
The white skin of Malfoy turned red with anger. Malfoy's wand moved and Harry stuck his own right between the boy's eyes. "Try it," Harry warned.
Draco's eyes looked at the wand and he stepped back when sparks flew out of Harry's wand.
Crabbe and Goyle looked ready for a fight.
"Let's go. Watch your back. Slytherin isn't kind to those that turn their back on their House," Draco sneered. "You will get yours, Potter. Just like your parents."
Blaise pushed Harry's wand down before more sparks shot out of it, making a few spots on the rug to smoke. Harry slammed the door when Draco stalked away. "Bloody fuck," Harry yelled.
Neville looked ready to bite nails. "I swear, if he hurts any of the girls, or you, I will destroy him," Neville swore an oath. After the change in Neville, Harry had a feeling Neville had a good chance of doing such to Malfoy.
Blaise looked troubled as his placid face fell some. "Oh, bloody hell. This was not the way we wanted this to go. Daphne is not going to like this."
Harry felt a pit in his stomach. "The bathrooms are in the same direction Malfoy and his goons went."
All three shared a panicked look and then left the carriage. They met the four girls on the way back. Daphne didn't look pleased, Hermione livid. "If a prefect hadn't been there I would have leveled that cockroach," Hermione was muttering to Tracey.
Daphne met his eyes, gave him a small nod and they escorted the girls back to the cabin, an annoyed looking Crookshanks following Hermione in. "Did they do anything to you," Harry asked the second the door was closed.
"No. He threatened Hermione would be under his foot, like all mud-bloods, and that I would be his," Daphne said, obviously upset.
"We have declared you and Harry are in a Courtship Agreement. He can't touch you without having to answer to Harry," Blaise told her.
"What about Neville and Tracey?" Daphne asked towards Blaise.
"Gran and Lord Davis are going to make a formal announcement in the Daily Prophet tomorrow," Neville said as Tracey moved to his side, grasping his arm.
"We are meeting at six tomorrow in the Great Hall. We are all going to continue the workouts and we will find somewhere to practice," Harry told them all. He was a little surprised when they all nodded, not questioning him or making snide comments like earlier.
"We should let the others know," Tracey spoke up.
"We need a way to communicate to each other. We are in three different common rooms," Hermione said, a thoughtful look already on her face.
Daphne nodded. "We can figure out something," Daphne agreed. She moved in and Harry took her hand.
"Will you four be alright in Slytherin," Harry asked, looking from Millicent to Blaise to Tracey and finally Daphne.
"We have other allies. Draco and his allies wouldn't dare to do anything bad," Daphne said, trying to sound confident.
"You do know who their parents are?" Hermione asked her.
They were stopped brooding on the situation by a knock on the door. Harry turned to see Ron. Surprised, he moved to the door. Ron hadn't written to them all summer, and truthfully Harry had not thought about it.
"Hey, Harry. Hey, Hermione. Everyone else," Ron said. "Can I come in?"
Harry shared a look with the cabin before stepping to the side. "How are you Ron," Hermione asked. All the Slytherin had adopted masked. Neville didn't look as pleased.
"You know. It was a quiet summer. A lot of flying around the orchard. It wasn't the same without you two," he said.
"We were home all summer," Harry commented.
Ron nodded. "Listen, I thought about what you said last year. I did all my homework over the summer and was wondering when you were doing your first study session this year."
The other three Gryffindors all looked surprised. "Are you asking me to 'look' over your work?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
"No. I actually tried to do it. Mum wasn't happy I was towards the bottom of the class last year," he told them.
Ron had been their friend for years, but Harry didn't trust him anymore. Not after he had a family and those that he felt would always back him up. Ron had still been a friend for a long time though.
"We will decide tomorrow once we have our schedules, Mr. Weasley," Daphne told him.
Ron looked at her. Where before he might show anger or disgust at anyone Slytherin, he just nodded. "Thank you. If you want, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati and Lisa Turpin and I are in the next car up. You are all welcome to come and visit," Ron offered.
"Maybe in a little bit. We were in the middle of something," Harry told him.
Ron nodded, a sadness in his eyes. "Sure. See you later."
Ron moved to leave and a prefect in Hufflepuff colours came up. "Oh, excuse me," she said as Ron moved out. "Potter. Greengrass. Our new Potions Professor wanted me to hand these to you. Do you know where Longbottom and Zabini are? I don't know them."
Harry reached for the small envelopes. "Right here," Harry told her.
"Who was that?" Neville asked as she left.
"Gwendolyn Spears. She's the seventh-year Prefect," Hermione said. "I like to know all the prefects," Hermione commented to his questioning look.
Daphne opened the letter and snorted. "Mother heard he might have come out of retirement," she said.
"Who," Blaise asked as he opened his own.
"Horace Slughorn. Mother used to belong to his Slug Club. Father and him never saw eye to eye," she responded.
"Why would he want to see us for tea at three," Neville queried.
Harry shrugged. "You got me."
"Professor Slughorn is a spider. He finds all the top talents or those with connections, pulls them into his Slug Club and then plays the match maker to link the talent with the connections," she said.
"What does he get out of it?" Hermione questioned.
"Power. He gets to claim he was the one who got so-and-so a leg up. In return, he gets small favors or new connections. Father said he has had his hand in many Wizengamot sessions in linking people together for ideas or new and revised laws," she stated. "Mother still meets with him for tea once a year or more."
Harry nodded. "So, someone we should get to know?"
"Brilliant," Neville griped. "Why us?"
Tracey snorted. "Have you looked who is in this compartment? Our new alliance has surprised many and we hold more power than you realize, Neville."
"Tracey is right. Hermione, I would expect you to get an invitation once Slughorn realizes how bright you are," Daphne warned their friend.
"Well, it is close to two. We'll all head up in a little while," he told them.
-oOo-
A little later...
Hogwarts Express, Britain
Harry opened the door for them when they reached the compartment number on the letters. A rotund man with a walrus mustache, balding head and expensive burgundy robes greeted them with a huge smile.
Neville, Roger, Susan, Blaise, herself and Harry had all been invited. It didn't get past any of them that it was the senior heirs of the core of their Alliance.
"Ah, welcome. Welcome," the man said jovially as he stood up, welcoming them into the larger than usual compartment. There was a table attached to the wall and plenty of space for them all to sit. It probably could have fit another three people without crowding. Neville, Susan, Blaise and Roger sat across the table while Harry slid in next to Professor Slughorn with Daphne beside. He should have let her sit first, but he didn't want her sitting next to the man. After making their introductions, the man gave him and Daphne an almost hungry look.
"Ms. Greengrass, how is your mother? She has not published anything new in a few years," the man enquired as he motioned for them all to help themselves to the tea and treats on the table.
"Mother is very well, Professor. I do not think she has been spending as much time in her potions lab. She has obtained several rare plants and others that she has been fostering," Daphne replied. She was not about to give away any family secrets.
"Ah, yes. I noticed there has been an increase in some ingredients. A few some thought extinct," he said significantly. He looked between her and Neville. "No one knows who the supplier is."
"I would not know either," said Daphne.
"The Longbottoms are known for their green thumbs, even more than the Greengrasses and a few others. You wouldn't happen to know where red rabbish vines are coming from?" the man asked casually to Neville.
Neville looked a little abashed. "I have many rare plants collected by my grandfather, sir. I am sure if you would like, my Gran would be willing to talk with you."
Professor Slughorn looked very interested. "Indeed. Perhaps I will drop Regent Longbottom a note. There are certain stores I would like to top off on, or even get my hands on."
"Yes, sir," said Neville.
"Enough about the needs of an old potions master. Mr. Potter and Mr. Davis, am I to understand you are both Quidditch players? Rather skilled from what I hear," the man put to Harry and Roger.
"Potter is a menace in the air, if you want to call that playing Quidditch," Roger stated, a small uptick to the side of his mouth.
"My job is to catch the snitch. Not my fault if your chasers get in my way," Harry quipped back. She wanted to smile at them.
"Oh, ho. Do I sense a rivalry? Even amongst Allies?" the man put to them.
"Once we get on those brooms, Potter is just on a rival team," said Roger. Roger was trying to keep it light and not let the man get too far into any of their real business.
Harry shrugged. She wasn't sure if he understood what Roger was doing or not, but his response had Slughorn laughing. "I'll remember that the next time I almost knock Chang off her broom," Harry said with a smirk.
"As long as Slytherin gets the cup, I'll cheer you both on to knock each other off," Blaise quipped.
"Oi," Harry and Neville said together. The four boys in their year-group had struck up a friendship over the summer.
Susan just laughed. "Hufflepuff just missed it last year against Gryffindor. I believe Slytherin was last?"
Blaise's emotionless face gave Susan an unimpressed look. "If Malfoy had caught the snitch more..."
Daphne, trying to keep the Professor away from what she thought his goal was, added, "Scion Potter is clearly the best Seeker. I think Gryffindor won the cup fair and square."
"You just like collecting the snitches he gives you," Susan teased Daphne.
It didn't matter she still had the first one in her pocket. It almost never left her person. "There is nothing wrong with a gift freely given," she sniffed.
"I still say we need a better Seeker. At least one that can beat Chang and Diggory," Blaise retorted.
Professor Slughorn seemed to be enjoying the back and forth. "I can see you all have some strong opinions. All four Houses of Hogwarts. Very interesting and I am sure entertaining when each of your teams play. I do have to say, Ms. Greengrass, you do seem to favor a Gryffindor over Slytherin in this matter."
Daphne stiffened, giving Susan a hard look for a fraction of a second before responding. At least Susan seemed to realize she shouldn't have said that in current company. "I only think it fair to support someone who is very gifted in the game, sir."
"And the fact that he is your Ally has nothing to do with it?" the man asked a little shrewdly. Daphne knew the man had been a Slytherin and he had just steered the conversation in exactly the direction he wanted.
Harry shifted a little next to her. "We are allies. Scion Potter is extremely talented though. He has earned all the praise and victories he has won."
"Indeed," the man said, giving her and Harry a look. The man then turned to Susan. "Miss Bones, how is your Aunt? I have not talked to her in a few years."
"Auntie is doing well. She has been very busy since becoming the Head of the DMLE a few years ago," Susan replied.
"Yes. I have quite a few former students that now work for her. Aurors, Law Wizards, some Obliviators and Magical Reversal members. I have seen that the Wizengamot has increased the budget and Auror count. If she needs any referrals, I am sure I can help," the man offered.
"I shall pass on your offer, Professor," she replied.
"I noticed that increase occurred with the support of the new Potter-Greengrass Alliance. Are there any other changes that I may offer any advice or contacts with?" the man added.
Daphne was positive now. Professor Slughorn was the same man her mother used to know. Daphne tried to indicate to everyone that she would answer any of these questions. Thus it was a surprise when Harry spoke up.
"Professor Slughorn, if you would like to talk with my Regent or Lord Greengrass, I will send a letter to my Aunt Amelia. I am sure they would like to talk with you and work with other members of the Wizengamot or the other Heads in the Ministry," he replied. "We are all still learning about how everything works at the Ministry and would not know enough to understand if your offer and advise is good or bad for any agenda our alliance may have."
It was the perfect responce. She was impressed at how well he had taken to the lessons this summer, as well as feeling an urge to give him a kiss as a reward.
The man looked impressed as well. "Very well, Mr. Potter. I will await a letter of invitation to talk with your Aunt and Lord Greengrass. Now, help yourselves. Everything here comes from Flanagan's in Cork. One of my old students offered to give us these treats today," Slughorn offered.
As they left the carriage twenty minutes later, Daphne found she had enjoyed herself. The man was a snake, there was no doubt about that, but he knew how to bring people out and talk. He had a few good stories himself. With her thoughts still going, she pulled them all into an empty cabin. She said out loud to the group, "We need to be cautious around Professor Slughorn."
"I didn't mean to upset you. I thought we were all trying to avoid the topic of our alliance," Susan apologized.
"You understood that correctly," Roger said soothingly.
"I am not worried about that. Just wait until you like someone," Daphne said, a grin breaking her mask. Susan looked a little apprehensive.
"I need to write to Gran. She didn't want anyone knowing what I am growing or selling without them going through her," Neville replied.
"You have red rabbish vines," Daphne enquired. Her mother had heard someone was selling dried portions of the exotic plant. Last year a new supply had shown up after almost two decades of nothing. It was a very powerful, and valuable, ingredient used in many healing and transfiguration reversal potions.
Neville rubbed the back of his neck. "I want to claim that an alliance secret. If people knew, Gran and I would be hounded."
"We will not tell your secret," Blaise assured Neville, who nodded back gratefully. Her mother would kill to get a few viable clippings. As it was, the gift Neville had given her family was worth thousands of galleons a year once they could grow enough. Mother had reciprocated with two clippings of her own plants that only the Greengrasses were known to have.
"It is an alliance secret," Harry agreed.
Everyone else nodded.
"So, you think we need to be more cautious around Slughorn," Roger enquired.
"I know we do. Harry did the right thing of passing him off to our parents, but Slughorn will try to work his way in, offering us all stuff that we will find enticing, and in turn, wanting to collect on the favor in the future. Mother has told me about Professor Slughorn. I think we should use him, like he will us, but we need to do it on our own terms," she stated. Seeing how the man easily caught on to what they were saying, Daphne wasn't sure they could do this on their own terms, but it didn't mean she wouldn't try to find a way.
"Bloody hell! Is he dangerous?" Harry asked.
"No, but Daphne is right. My parents have warned be about him too once they found out he would be teaching again," Roger said.
"My mother does not know him. She went to school in Italy, where she grew up," said Blaise.
"Gran does not like him. She says he is a spider that will bite you and leave you to flail if he doesn't have a use for you anymore," Neville told them.
"Perhaps. We just need to be careful," Daphne warned them all.
"I am going to tell Auntie. She didn't have any special talk with Harry and I," Susan said, looking worried.
"Don't worry, Susan. We are in this together. I agree with Daphne. Now, if you will excuse me, I want to get back to my friends," Roger told them.
Blaise and Neville left with Roger. She held back just long enough to take Harry's hand and pull him in. He had a goofy grin she adored on his face after she gave him a small kiss. "What was that for?" he asked.
"For being you. Come on. I'm sure Hermione and Tracey want to hear all about this," Daphne told him, reluctantly letting his hand go. They were trying to act the proper heirs at the moment.
-oOo-
Later that night...
When they walked in the dorm, Harry went for his traditional bed before realizing something was off.
"Can you believe it! I am trying out for the Hogwarts team," Ron said excitedly.
The red head walked right into him as he was talking with Seamus and Dean. They both stumbled and Seamus made some smart-ass comment that had Ron snapping at him.
"Why did you stop?" Ron asked him after a moment.
"Uhm, nothing," he said to his ex-best mate and moved to the bed next to Neville's, on the far side of the room. Everyone picked up on the change and the general happy mood from the announcements at the welcoming feast dropped off.
They all saw the change now. "Right. So I have these new candies that Zonko's is making. Makes you sound like one of a few dozen animals or creatures," Dean said, tossing one to Seamus.
"You didn't give me that mouse one again, did you," Seamus accused his best mate. That got a chuckle out of most of them and the mood brightened a little again, especially once Seamus popped the sweet into his mouth and started to cackle like a hyena.
Harry chuckled and moved to his trunk. "You going to try out too?" he asked towards Seamus and Dean. Ron opened his trunk and picked out what looked like a new Cleaweep Ten and then put a pair of pajamas on his bed.
"Why wouldn't we? A Quidditch tournament between the three major schools in Europe. How wicked is that?" Seamus said, now back to normal. He took out his own pajamas and moved towards the door. "Of course they will name you Seeker."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe. I can't play for Gryffindor if I join the school team. Professor McGonagall was very clear that anyone named Champion would only be Champion, and anyone playing for one team can not play for another."
"If you think playing for Gryffindor is more important, you're barmier than I thought," Seamus told him.
"I think you should go for the Hogwarts' Team," Neville told him.
Harry shrugged. "Sure."
"You think we could all go down to the pitch Saturday and practice?" Ron said hopefully.
"That would be wicked," Dean said excitedly.
"In the afternoon. Neville and I have plans for the morning," Harry agreed. He didn't miss the look from Ron. Harry saw the look that the red head was being left out. Last year jealousy would have run across Ron's face. Now he just looked sad.
"Brilliant. I'm going to take a shower and then get to bed," Seamus told them, walking out the door towards the bathrooms.
They all settled into their bedtime routines. "We are running in the morning?" Neville asked.
"Yeah. Daph said she would take Millicent. I would use the Tracksuit. It might be cold compared to London," Harry replied.
Neville looked a little disgruntled. "I was getting used to the shorts."
Harry chuckled. "You were getting used to looking at Tracey's legs," Harry commented.
Neville got a little bit of a dreamy quality to his face. "Do you blame me?"
"No," Harry said, thinking about his own girlfriend... Daphne and him had decided they would call each other boyfriend and girlfriend.
Neville chuckled this time at the dreamy look on Harry's face.
Ron came up to them. "Did I hear you are going for a run in the morning?"
"We will be running most days," Harry told Ron.
"Can I run with you?"
"Sure. We'll be running with friends from other houses too," Harry told him.
"Sure. What time?" queried Ron.
"We will meet at six-thirty on the practice grounds," Harry replied.
Ron grimaced. The boy barely woke for eight many days to rush to the Great Hall for breakfast. "I will be there."
Neville gave Harry a questioning look when Ron left the dorm to go to the bathroom. Dean was setting up his area with some pictures and putting some stuff in his nightstand.
"Are you friends again with him?" Neville asked.
Harry shrugged. "No clue. He didn't write us at all over the summer."
Neville frowned. "Just be careful."
Harry wasn't sure he would ever trust Ron again, but that didn't mean they couldn't be friendly. Seamus and Dean were getting along with the redhead now, so Ron wasn't without someone.
"Nev," Harry asked after a moment. Neville was setting up his own area and Harry saw a picture of Tracey make it onto his bedside table.
"Yeah?"
"When did Tracey give you that picture?"
"Last week," Neville said, his face flushing a little. Tracey was waving at them and Neville's face grew even redder when it blew a kiss at them. It was so the girl when she didn't have to wear her mask.
"I like it."
Neville looked at the bouncy blonde as she spun around. When Dean looked over, she suddenly stilled, her hair twirling around her shoulders as she looked the proper pureblood Slytherin. Dean nodded his head. "Is that Davis?"
"Yeah," Neville replied.
"I heard you all made a huge disturbance this summer. Are you really dating her?" Dean looked curious. He had never said anything last year about their new study partners.
Neville straightened up. "We are in a Courtship."
Dean's brow rose. "A what? Is that like one of those things I've heard where you have to marry her someday?"
"Maybe," Neville told him. "We do have a Courtship Agreement. Tracey and I have until I turn seventeen to decide if we want to enter into a betrothal contract."
"When is Tracey's birthday," Harry asked.
"March. She'll be seventeen first."
Harry nodded. Daphne and him had to choose by sixteen.
Dean shrugged. "Hey, whatever floats your boat. She is pretty though. You think she could introduce me to Greengrass? It seems people don't care as much now you and Harry are hanging out with the Slytherin."
Harry snapped his head to Dean. "Heiress Greengrass and myself are also in a Courtship Agreement," Harry said in an unfriendly voice.
Dean held his hands out. "I didn't realize. I'll leave her alone," Dean told him. "What do you think about the new Professors?"
Seamus came back into the room as Neville replied. "I am unsure of Slughorn. I hear he is a really good Potions professor, but he asked us to tea and tried to find out stuff about our alliance."
"What alliance," Seamus asked. "Slughorn was the walrus-looking guy, right?"
Harry laughed. "Yea. You have any of those candies to make him sound like one," Harry asked Dean.
Dean smirked. "Let me check."
"What about the new Defence and History Professors. Merlin, they are hot," Seamus commented.
"You do know Professor Davis is Tracey's mother?" Neville asked.
"Tracey? That Slytherin cutey you and Harry were studying with last year?"
"Seamus, leave them alone," Dean warned his friend. They shared a quick look and Seamus shrugged.
"I have nothing against it if they want to hang out with them. I'm just saying that girl is cute and her mum is hot," Seamus replied. "Professor Jones is really cute too."
Neville flushed a little and Harry put a hand on his shoulder. "Professor Jones has just come from the Auror Academy training hit wizards," Harry informed them. "Amelia said she is going to be a hard Professor."
"As long as she wears those tighter robes, I'll do whatever she wants," Seamus told them, throwing his clothes into his trunk and taking out a muggle comic. Like Dean, Seamus had a muggle parent and lived in both worlds.
"I'm worried about Professor Tofty. Gran says his Uncle is in the Department of Magical Education and was one of the testers for the OWL and NEWTS. I think he is going to be harder than McGonagall," Neville told them.
All three of them groaned at Neville. "Brilliant. McGonagall was already brutal," Harry replied. She was an excellent teacher, but often had the hardest and longest homework assignments.
All four of them had long faces when Ron came back in. "What? Someone let one rip?"
Dean and Seamus laughed at Ron and Ron had to block a pillow thrown at him by Seamus. "Wanker," Seamus accused.
They all had a laugh before deciding to turn in. It was nice to know the general camaraderie from the last few years was still there. Harry and Neville climbed into bed after that, since it was just after ten and Neville and him were getting up at six.
-oOo-
A/N: Back to Hogwarts for Fourth-Year.