Chapter Three

Severus nodded to his son before he and Ariel went through the wall leading to Platform 9 3/4, pushing Ariel's trolly in front of him. Harry turned to his mother who was standing there with a slight wobbling lip and a tissue clutched in her hand.

"Alright there mum?" He asked softly.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just...it has all caught up with me I think. It is your last year at Hogwarts! Ariel is starting, you're going to be Courting someone, my babies are all grown up!" She laughed, though it was a little wet.

"Mum, come on, no matter how old I am, and whether I am married and have kids of my own, I will always need you and dad, you'll always be my parents," Harry laughed wrapping his mum in a hug. The tight squeeze that she gave him reminded him of his first journey to Hogwarts when she had squeezed him tightly and assured him that no matter what House he went into her, his dad and Siri and Remi would always love him.

"When did you get so wise?" She smiled tucking his loose hair behind his ear.

"Around the time Ariel got old enough to start lecturing me?" He offered and got the proper laugh he had been hoping for.

"James would have been so, so proud of you Harry, just like your dad and I am," She said softly.

Though they talked about James, and she and his dad had answered any questions he had about his birth father, it was also something that they didn't discuss very often. His mum was completely and utterly in love with his dad, but she would also always love James, and the hurt that she had gone through in losing him had been a scar that would always hurt, the same with Sirius and Remus.

"Thank you, mum," He smiled.

"You remind me so much of him sometimes, especially when it comes to your love life. I am sure that it is a Potter trait,"

"Being romantic?" He grinned.

"No stubbornness, he annoyed me into marrying him just to get him to shut up," She laughed.

"Hey if it works!"

"That is exactly what James said," Sirius laughed causing Harry to spin around wide-eyed to see him and Remus standing behind him.

"What are you guys doing here!" He beamed throwing his arms around the two of them at the same time.

"You really didn't think that we would miss our nephew and niece's last and first trip to Hogwarts did you!" Remus scolded gently, "we wouldn't have missed today for anything,"

"Your mum is right, James would have been so proud of you," Sirius grinned wrapping his arm around Harry's shoulders.

"I just can't believe that time has gone by so quickly," Remus said, his eyes suspiciously bright.

"Oh Merlin, don't you start, I have just managed to calm mum down," Harry laughed.

"Come on, through we go before these two start blubbering all over us," Sirius saved him as Remus and Lily exchanged a watery glance, grabbing Harry's trolly and hurrying through the barrier.

"Come on you two," Harry chuckled taking Remus and his Mum's hand and tugging them through as well.

"Oh wonderful, the mutt has shown up," Severus was saying dryly when they appeared onto the busy platform on the other side, he and Sirius eyeing each other.

"And where else would I be?"

"Preferably anywhere but here,"

"You…"

"Wouldn't think that you two actually like each other now with the way you two bitch at each other," Harry walked between the two of them giving Ariel's trolly a shove further down the platform.

"If I was mum I would be a little worried that it is all sexual tension," Ariel said primly following after her brother, leaving four spluttering adults behind her, two with looks of utmost horror.

"You're too cruel to them," Harry grinned as they stopped by the nearest carriage door.

"I know," Ariel grinned before pouncing on Remus for a hug.

"Look at you, all grown up and going to Hogwarts," Sirius mock sniffed before scooping her up for his own hug.

"Siri, I am hardly grown up!" She laughed wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Nope you are in the delicate bloom of youth, blossoming into a young woman and stepping onto the path of...ooff," He grunted and then turned to glare at Severus who stared back unimpressed.

"Oops?" Severus offered.

"Oops? You hit me!" Sirius whined.

Harry rolled his eyes at Ariel as the two bickered behind them. He stopped in front of a carriage door and grinned at his exasperated mum as she flicked her wand and levitated their trunks and luggage onto the train, their belongings floating into the first free carriage that they found.

Hedwig twittered a little annoyed and Harry knew he would have to let her out for a fly after an hour or two, he reckoned that she would not miss making this journey next year.

"Right here is your lunch," Severus held the shrunk bag up to them.

"Is that...is that…" Ariel and Harry both fought the urge to not drool.

"Of course it is," Severus snorted passing Ariel the bag and tugged her into a tight hug, giving her a goodbye kiss before surrendering her to Lily and scooping his son into his arms, hugging him tightly. Harry squeezed back, feeling a little overwhelmed to realise that this would be the last time his parents saw him off to Hogwarts for his new year.

"Dad,"

"We're a letter away, and we will see you at Christmas, you work hard now, make us proud," Severus said, his voice a little thick with emotion, and his eyes shining when he pulled back to look at Harry, he reached up and with potion stained hands cupped his face gently. His son nodded his dark head before also giving him a goodbye kiss, before laughing as his mum yanked him into a hug that felt as though it was going to break his back.

Sirius and Remus winked at him as they both slipped a couple of sickles into his hands, the same way they had every time they were here to get some sweets from the cart before they too hugged him tightly.

Then he was helping Ariel onto the train and turning to close the door to the carriage as the train let out the warning toot that it was nearly time to leave. There was the normal scramble to get onto the train, and shouts and laughter as people hurried around.

Harry and Ariel turned to look at their little family, sticking their heads out the window to call goodbye to them, and so they could wave once the train was leaving.

"Don't you two worry, I will look after your dad and make sure that he doesn't miss you too much," Sirius called suddenly, grinning wickedly as he waved to them cheerfully, causing both his godchildren to fall about laughing, especially at the expression on Severus' face.

"You bloody will not!" They heard Severus snapping.

"Love you both!" Lily beamed waving, ignoring the two squabbling dark-haired men on either side of her.

"Bye! And good luck!" Remus winked at his double meaning.

"They're so subtle," Harry said to his sister dryly as they leant a little further out the window until their family were too small to see. He reached out and helped her jump down from the ledge she had been standing on to see better.

"Gryffindors," they said together with a grin.

"I am highly offended by the tone with which you just invoked my House," a voice said from behind them in a brilliant imitation of snobby Draco.

"Hey Nev," Harry laughed turning to hug his friend.

"Hey Harry," he hugged back before pulling Ariel into a gentle hug. "And how are you feeling?" he asked concerned.

"A little bit nervous now that I am on the train, but ok," she shrugged.

"Don't worry, if anyone upsets you, we will make sure they don't do it again," Vincent said walking up to them flexing his muscles.

"I think the fact that she is surrounded by us lot, and has a brother who has befriended half of Hogwarts works for her," Draco snorted reaching out to hug Ariel.

"Oh, Draco I have something for you!" Ariel beamed grabbing his hand. "Harry and I went to Primark yesterday!" She explained dragging him away.

"We're in this carriage," Harry said dryly pointing to the door the two had disappeared through.

When they stepped in they found Draco and Ariel chatting excitedly over a few t-shirts and jumpers with the logo of the muggle wizarding story that they both liked.

The others looked slightly alarmed at the rapid talking coming from the two of them, Harry just looked on with fond amusement as he dropped down into a seat.

"So ready for the big one then? NEWT year?" Harry asked.

"Not really," Gregory said softly, a drawn look coming over his face.

"Hey, we will run the research groups like we did for the OWLs, you will be absolutely fine," Harry nudged Gregory and Vincent seeing that the other was also looking a little down.

"Sure Harry," Vincent tried to smile but the worry was clear on his face.

"Leave no man or woman behind remember," Neville grinned.

"Exactly!" Harry nodded. "We will all pass!"

"Thanks," The two of them looked doubtful still, but they were looking a little better about it as well.

"Harry, can you let Hilili out please?" Ariel said over her shoulder.

"Sure," Harry reached up to get the cat down, and Hedwig while he was there, ignoring the laughter of his friends behind him.

Just as he had reached Hilili's cage the door to their carriage suddenly opened. When he turned it was not Luna as he had been expecting, but Theo and a younger boy Harry recognised as Theo's little brother. Blaise and Daphne were standing behind them peering into the carriage.

"Hello," Theo nodded his head formally when nothing was said.

"Hello Theo," Harry jumped down with a pleasant smile and then looked to the young boy at his side who was looking mildly scared. Likely he was not going to be a Slytherin. "You're Titus, yes?"

"Yes, sir," Titus nodded taking his hand shakily.

"No need for that,"

"But you're Headboy, aren't you sir?" Titus blinked.

"How did you…" Harry directed his question at Theo who had clearly heard the news.

"Draco told Blaise," Theo answered the half question, hiding a smile when Harry rolled his eyes.

"Well, there is no need for all that sir nonsense, come on kiddo let's introduce you," Harry gently pulled Titus forward, making all the introductions, but strategically left Ariel for last, "and this is my little sister Ariel, she is going to be starting this year as well,"

"Hello," Ariel gave one of her big bright smiles and waved.

"Hello," Titus nodded.

"What wand did you get?" Ariel asked digging out her own one.

"Thank you," Theo nodded to Harry once the two of them were locked in a discussion of their wands and what it hinted at their talents toward.

"It's no problem,"

"I wanted him to have someone that he knew in his year, and your sister seemed friendly. He is quite shy," Theo's honey brown eyes were a little sad as he looked at his brother, and the part of Harry that he got from his father quickly picked up on why.

The Nott's were known for being one of the more extreme of the purebloods still, Theo's father was exceedingly difficult and unmoving on a lot of the traditions. Looking at Titus and having only just met him Harry knew that there was a good chance that the young boy was going to be in Hufflepuff, something that would not go down well at all with the Slytherin only family. His shy and quiet nature would not have gone down well with Lord Nott either.

"Well, she and the rest of us will look after him and make sure that he settles in well. Come on let's get your things in," Harry flicked his wand to take over the levitation charms on Theo and Titus' trunks and got them settled into place, happily ignoring the looks that Blaise and Daphne were giving him.

The other two Slytherins settled their trunks into place and took seats at the edge of the carriage, seemingly to watch over what was happening within, and making Harry feel more than a little like a bug being watched through a magnifying glass.

It was a little odd, despite being in the same year and house, they had not really spent that much socialising time together, they ran in different groups. And it was showing with the slightly awkward silence in the carriage.

"So, what House are you going to be in do you think?" Ariel asked Titus, and then winced at how quick the young boy turned a little pale.

"I erm I think...erm...I…"

"I would guess Hufflepuff right?" Harry asked, and Titus winced while Theo glared at Harry darkly. "You definitely seem to be a Hufflepuff, I know some really good people from Hufflepuff, I will have to introduce you to them, don't worry I will make sure that they look after you,"

"You know people from Hufflepuff? Aren't you in Slytherin?" Titus frowned.

"I have friends in Hufflepuff, and…accio family album," Harry caught the album that popped out his trunk and dropped down onto the floor next to Titus and Ariel, flicking through the photo album till he found what he wanted.

"That is Aunty Tonks," Ariel pointed to the auror waving brightly in the picture, wearing her Hufflepuff scarf over her Auror robes as a proud Remus beamed from next to her.

"She's a Hufflepuff," Titus blinked. "And an auror?"

"She is awesome!" Ariel enthused.

"She's one of the newest Aurors and she is working with Head Auror Shacklebolt already," Harry nodded.

"But she is in Hufflepuff," Titus frowned and Ariel frowned right back.

"And? Is that a problem? What's wrong with Hufflepuff?"

"Well, they're…"

"I really wouldn't finish that if I were you, she is scary when she gets defensive, besides, have you ever met any Hufflepuffs before?" Harry asked gently nudging Titus with his shoulder.

"Erm...no," Titus shook his head.

"Well, there you go, you can't judge someone by the house, it is silly," Harry shrugged.

"I pretty much thought that Hufflepuffs were pathetic, then Harry decided to befriend half the school and I actually spoke to some Hufflepuffs and realised how wrong I was," Draco said and shrugged when Titus blinked at him, "they get dismissed because they are nice and not overtly ambitious, but that doesn't mean that they aren't talented, skilled, powerful people who go high places,"

"I'm definitely not going to be a Slytherin or Gryffindor, chances are I am going to be Ravenclaw, it doesn't matter that I am not going to be in the same house as Harry because we're not the same person, and I am not the same person as my mum and dad," Ariel smiled gently.

"Everyone has their talents that lie in different places, just because you don't have Slytherin traits and talents doesn't mean that you're any less skilled than Theo, or that where your talents do lie are any less important or impressive," Harry gently nudged Titus' shoulder, and then winked at him, "and if anyone says any differently you tell me and I will give them detention, or will turn the other way while Greg and Vince deal with them,"

Greg and Vince flexed for the younger boy who managed to smile a little, looking happier. Ariel took control of the photo album and showed Titus a few more pictures of their friends and family members from different houses, but Harry stayed where he was hoping that blocking the younger boy from the eyes of the others would give him the time he needed to calm down as his shyness clearly kicked in.

When Harry turned around a little while talking to Draco about the plan for their revision circle he caught honey brown eyes watching him intently, and they didn't look away when he met them, Theo was watching him as though he had not seen him before, and he felt hope flaring in his chest for his plan going forward.

"Would others be welcome to join this revision circle?" Blaise asked breaking their eye contact.

"Of course, the more the merrier, and the more minds the better, the ones who are more talented in the subject normally help lead the revision session so that the ones who are struggling can get their help, and then they get help from others in their weaker area, quid pro quo," Harry smiled.

"I am definitely setting up the same thing for first years," Ariel said. "It is one of the few good ideas Harry had,"

"Just because you're my sister doesn't mean that I am not going to give you a thousand detentions," Harry glared at her.

"You wouldn't," Ariel shrugged, grinning brightly as she shoved her red hair from her eyes.

"You're a brat, it was so nice being an only child, why! Why was I cursed with a sibling!" Harry said dryly.

"Pft you need a sibling to help control mum and dad," Ariel snorted.

"That...is very true," Harry grinned.

"I will definitely sign up to revision circles with you," Titus smiled shyly.

"Yay, two of us already!" Ariel clapped.

"That is more of a revision line than a circle," Draco chuckled.

"I will work on recruiting," Ariel waved him off.

"You are your brother's sister," Neville laughed.

"I will take that as a compliment," Harry said.

"I am taking it more as an insult," Ariel pulled her tongue out at him.

"Brat,"

"Ingrate!"

"I am going to the prefect meeting, I hope your attitude is more respectful when I come back!" Harry mocked glared standing.

"Not likely, have fun!" Ariel waved.

"Not likely, half the prefects are idiots," Harry snorted.

"I could choose to be offended by that Harry Potter-Snape," Hermione Granger chuckled.

"I of course did not mean you, Madame, besides, you're Head Girl," Harry smiled bowing.

"You better not have meant me Potter-Snape!" Draco grunted walked past Harry to link arms with Hermione. "How was your summer? Did you get the book on charming household items that came out in July?" he asked as they walked off.

"See you in a bit," Harry waved his hands rolling his eyes at the others.

"Titus," Harry caught the younger boy's arm as everyone bundled onto the platform in a mass.

"I won't hang around with Ariel if you don't want me to!" Titus squeaked staring up at him with eyes that matched those of Theo.

"Aside from what Ariel would do to me if I tried to dictate to her who should be friends with, I would choose a friend like you for her if I could. That isn't what I was going to say,"

"Oh?" Titus looked at him questioningly as Harry bent a little so they were more eye to eye, moving to rest his hand on the younger boy's shoulder.

"I meant what I said earlier, if anyone says or does anything to you, I want you to come to me right away, doesn't matter how busy you think I am, or how insignificant you think I will find it, you come to me right away. And I am here as well if you need to talk about anything else too," Harry said firmly.

"Thank you," Titus was blushing a little but he smiled at Harry.

"Good, now come on let's get you to Hagrid," Harry used his grip on Titus' shoulder to turn him and walk him a little further down the platform to where Ariel was watching with knowing eyes. He caught her around the shoulders as well and led them to Hagrid's distinct figure.

"Harry! Ariel!" Hagrid boomed happily.

"Hey Hagrid," The siblings smiled and waved at the man.

"This is Titus as well," Harry introduced.

"Hello Titus, welcome to Hogwarts," Hagrid smiled gently at the nervous-looking boy.

"Thank you," Titus squeaked.

"I will look after them, on you go before you miss the carriages," Hagrid patted Harry on the shoulder gently, and still managed to nearly buckle his knees.

"See you in a bit," Harry grinned, hugging Ariel tightly but quickly aware that she was in front of her fellow first years and he had a shining head boy badge on his chest. He patted Titus' shoulder and then jogged to the exit of the station where his friends were holding a carriage for him. He was a little disappointed to realise that Theo had gone in a different carriage, but he focussed on just enjoying the last journey to the castle with his friends.

They were laughing as they hopped out the carriages and jogged towards Professor McGonagall who simply rolled her eyes at them as they hurried past her, but her fond look was definitely there, and as she watched them hurry into the Great Hall she remembered them as little first years, coming from their boat trip looking around wide-eyed. Even back then Harry had been causing a stir standing with Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy. She had no doubt that there would be something impressive for his last year.

She watched amused as Draco smoothed back his hair and strode into the hall with all the airs and graces expected of a Malfoy Heir, while Harry drifted in behind him. Shaking her head she turned as the sound of the first years reached her, and watched with a smile as Ariel Snape towed Titus Knott up the stairs by his sleeve, she had a feeling that the girl would be taking right over from her brother.

"Titus Knott,"

The younger boy made his way up to the stool on legs that looked like he had his knees locked, and Harry felt awful for him, next to him Draco shifted in his seat, clearly sharing his thoughts. The young boy looked over to their table longingly, looking at his brother who dropped his mask to smile encouragingly at him. When his eyes drifted a little further along Harry winked at him and smiled as well as he sat down on the stool and the hat was dropped on his head.

"Hufflepuff," The hat called out and a mumbling started throughout the hall almost right away, particularly at the Slytherin table. Theo narrowed his eyes, his back straightening and ready to defend his brother from some of the nasty comments already being passed around when two noises distracted him.

Ariel Snape was wolf-whistling for his brother and clapping loudly where she was still waiting to be sorted, and her brother was on his feet clapping and whistling almost as loudly for Titus as he hurried over to the Hufflepuff table, making it more than clear that the young boy knew the very popular Headboy. Already the whispers and mutters at the Slytherin table were being cut off, all of them knowing what happened to those that went for those that Harry Potter-Snape took under his wing.

Theo watched as a few of the members of the Hufflepuff table welcomed Titus, patting him on the back and making him comfortable at their centre, and he watched as Hannah Abbott looked over and nodded to Harry who smiled and nodded back before she concentrated on Titus, clearly making sure he was feeling welcome.

The elder Knott watched Harry discretely as he settled down and watched the rest of the sorting, clapping loudly, though not as loudly as he had for Titus, with each sorting. When it came to Ariel being sorted none of them seemed shocked when she was sorted into Ravenclaw, Harry was whistling and clapping for her, even Draco let go of some of his decorum to cheer for her. She was definitely not lacking in confidence as she waved cheerfully at them from the Ravenclaw table.

The meal passed uneventfully, the normal chatter filling the air, though Theo did not join in, thankfully Blaise and Tracy understood and didn't push him, his worry about what his father was going to say about Titus going into Hufflepuff and the reaction that was going to come from it filling him with dread. At least Titus wouldn't be alone with him anymore, he was going to be there with him the whole time, hopefully, he would be able to distract as much of his father's wrath from his little brother as possible. Merlin knew that his mother wouldn't step in, she never had, the two of them were nothing more than trophy pieces for her, a job done, and now she just enjoyed the life that came with being Lady Knott.

Theo made his way over to his brother quickly once the meal was finished and congratulated him, squeezing his shoulder at the miserable look Titus gave him.

"Don't worry, we will look after him," Ernie Mcmillan and Justin Finch-Fletchley said coming over to the brothers.

"Yup, even if we didn't look after all the first years in our House, Harry has told us we're to keep an eye on you and make sure you're settled in," Hannah smiled at Titus.

"He did?" Titus blinked.

"Of course he did, you're my friend!" Ariel had made her way over after Harry had hugged her and congratulated her, needing to head off to perform his Head Boy duties for the first night.

"Thank you," Titus smiled shyly.

"Nonsense, now we're going to have breakfast at the Slytherin table tomorrow with our brothers, and so that we can eat together and you can tell me all about the Hufflepuff dorms and I will tell you about the Ravenclaw ones," Ariel grinned.

"Do I get a choice?" Titus actually laughed.

"Not at all, I shall hunt you down and drag you over, it would be very loud and very embarrassing, you should just give in," Ariel said seriously before grinning widely at him, her dark eyes shining mischievously.

"I am sensible, I will give in," Titus held his hands up.

"Perfect, I will see you at the doors at 08:00!"

"Ariel!" Cho Chang called.

"Oops, better head off, have a good first night," She hugged Titus before jogging off.

"Merlin, she and Harry really are two peas in a pod," Ernie snickered.

"Are you ready Titus?" Hannah smiled gently at the first year.

"Yes, thank you. See you in the morning, Theo," Titus hugged his brother before walking off with Hannah.

"We will look after him, we promise," Justin waved to Theo before he and Ernie walked off, leaving Theo standing there reconsidering what he knew about Harry Potter-snape.

"Theo!" Titus' voice had his older brother looking up from where he had been considering the depth of his coffee to see Titus walking over with Harry, Ariel hanging off of her brother's back looking slightly unconscious.

"She isn't a morning person," Draco explained seeing Theo's expression.

"Is putting it mildly," Harry huffed, settling her into a seat and started piling her plate.

"How was your first night?" Theo asked Titus concerned.

"Ok, everyone is really friendly, and Justin, Ernie and Hannah made sure that I felt comfortable," Titus smiled looking a little better.

"They're good people," Harry smiled.

"They said that you had asked them to keep an eye out for Titus?" Theo asked Harry as Ariel came alive enough to start shovelling food into her mouth at a rate that Theo was slightly alarmed at, Titus sat watching his new friend with mild horror.

"I did, they're pretty good at looking after firsties anyway, but never hurts to make sure," Harry smiled at Titus who smiled shyly back.

"How was last night?" Draco asked Harry.

"Mayhem, honestly, it was like everyone had organised a rave, I found about twenty people sneaking around," Harry rolled his eyes.

"You would have found less if you didn't know all the best ways to sneak around from doing it yourself," Draco snorted.

"Traitor," Harry pulled his tongue at his blond friend.

"Harry, are you setting up the revision groups soon?" Greg asked concerned, already looking stressed, though to most people he would probably just look angry.

"Don't worry I spoke to Hermione last night, and Cho and some of the other prefects, we will start pretty much right away. You're going to do fine," Harry smiled at them.

"We will join you to see how it goes," Blaise hummed as he took a sip of his tea.

"More the merrier," Harry nodded. "And I need to head off, Draco could you…"

"I will make sure that she is functional and off to her first class ok," Draco chuckled glancing at Ariel who didn't look much more functional.

"Have a good first day, remember what I said," Harry patted Titus on the shoulder. "See you guys in class," He waved grabbing a couple more bits of toast and jogged over to where Hermione was doing the same, the two of them hurrying from the Great Hall together to attend to their duties.

"He is taking being Head Boy quite serious," Tracy commented.

"He comes across as a bit of an uncaring idiot, but he has brains and he takes his duties seriously, mum and dad both made sure of that, we never really got given anything just because, we had to earn everything," Ariel muttered into her plate.

"Not to mentioned that he has been looking after the two of them and you," Draco snorted.

"Mum and dad are both academics, they love us and they have always looked after us, but when they are down that rabbit hole they can be a bit useless sometimes," Ariel explained seeing the expressions of the others.

"What did he mean what he told you last night?" Theo asked Titus quietly.

"He said that if I was having any problems, any at all, I was to go to him, no matter how busy I thought he was," Titus explained.

"Hmm," Theo pinched his lips together.

"What?" Titus asked concerned.

"Nothing, make sure you finish your breakfast, it is going to feel like a long day," Theo smiled.

Harry was running through a hundred things in his mind as he hurried down the hallway, ticking off the mental list that he had made over the last month as he went. His duties as Head Boy, setting up the revision circles, courting Theo and the start of his lessons had made a bit of a list, and he had that horrible feeling that he had forgotten something.

"Potter-Snape!" He blinked and turned, a smile already forming at Theo's voice, he blinked however when he saw the annoyed expression on the other's face.

"Is everything ok?" Harry asked concerned once Theo reached him. Thankfully there weren't a lot of people in the hallway, though those that were looked over with interest at the chance of some gossip about their Head Boy and the normally quiet Knot Heir.

"No, it isn't. Do not use my brother just to try and get into my pants, that is the lowest thing possible to get him to trust you just so you can make me another notch on your bedpost because I said no to you!" Theo hissed poking Harry in the chest.

"I am not using Titus to try and get you to sleep with me. I like him, and I want him to feel happy here, I meant everything that I said to him. Yes I want you, and not just for a quick tumble, but I wouldn't use someone else, especially not your brother to get that. No matter what happens between us, even if you absolutely turn my courting down, I like him and he is Ariel's friend and if he needs help with anything I will always be here for him to come to," Harry shrugged calmly.

"I...you...wh...courting?" Theo spluttered.

"Yup, I told you last year I don't just want a one-off with you, I want a relationship, I want to court you," Harry grinned brightly, reaching into his bag and pulling out the rose that he had been carrying with him waiting for the right moment.

Theo reached out automatically for the rose, expression still stunned, when Harry held it out to him and gasped stunned when the rose let out golden sparks as soon as Harry passed it over. The rose dissolved into golden sparks which twined around his wrist and reformed into a delicate gold bracelet with a rose charm that was made of shining rubies. He stared down stunned at the delicate magic work that Harry had managed to create, for him apparently.

"I'm completely serious about this Theo," Harry said seriously, dipping and kissing his slightly flushed cheek before he turned and carried on his way, leaving Theo gawping down at the courting bracelet around his wrist that announced Harry's intentions quite clearly, to him and everyone else in the school.