Behind the Mask Chapter 7
However, Harry soon discovered that his decision would not simply be accepted without argument.
Remus Lupin had been rehired to teach History of Magic after Binns had decided to give up teaching to join the castle ghosts, and he was relentless in trying to persuade Harry to bring the Tonks family into the House of Black.
"He has no right to do that." Daphne was irritated. "It's House business, and none of his."
"It might be his," offered Susan hesitantly. "I've seen him with Tonks several times; if he were to marry her, and she became a Black, his position in society would improve."
"That's terrible!" Hermione was shocked. "Surely Remus wouldn't consider that for a moment!"
Ron looked thoughtful. "He might, Hermione. It was all Dumbledore could do to get him rehired at Hogwarts; he wouldn't have managed, if not for the fact that now everyone realizes Harry was telling the truth."
Hannah agreed with Ron. "The easiest way to improve your status is to marry up. If Professor Lupin married into a noble house, he'd definitely be better off."
"Sirius would want his life to improve," Harry told his friends.
"Then, why didn't he take steps to do that?" Neville demanded. "Didn't you tell me Sirius left you everything he owned? Not the smallest bequest to anyone else!"
"But maybe he hadn't time to do anything for Remus," argued Harry.
"No," Hermione admitted reluctantly. "Sirius spent months in Grimmauld Place and had plenty of time to blood-adopt you, emancipate you, and make you his sole heir. He had time to disown Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Draco."
Harry's mouth went dry. "What are you saying?"
"She's saying," Daphne told him, "...that if your godfather had wanted to provide for Professor Lupin, or take the Tonks family into the House of Black, he could have done so. There was nothing to stop him. But he didn't. Instead he left everything to you."
Harry ran an agitated hand through his hair.
Luna touched his shoulder gently. "Wait, Harry. Wait until you are sure what to do…and don't allow anyone to pressure you into anything."
He managed a smile for her. "Thanks, Luna. I can do that."
Professor Slughorn's party invitations sent all the girls into a flutter.
Hannah demanded to know what color dress robes Neville had so that they could coordinate.
"I don't get it," he said in bewilderment. He stared helplessly at Harry and Ron. "Why must we coordinate?"
"It's a girl thing," Ron shrugged. "I only have the dark blue dress robes from the twins, so Hermione will just have to accept it." Ron had finally found the nerve to ask Hermione for a date, and the pair of them were on the verge of becoming a couple.
Harry suspected Ron had been pushed to make a move by the sight of the shy Neville walking hand-in-hand with Hannah, as well as Daphne's frequent presence at their table in the Great Hall.
They were all sitting in the Gryffindor dorm, getting ready for bed.
"Shouldn't be a problem," Harry told him. "Hermione's favorite color is blue anyway."
"What's Daphne making you wear?" Ron might be tactless, but he wasn't wrong.
"Black silk," confessed Harry.
"Not bad," commented Neville.
Harry shook his head darkly. "She transfigured the lining and the trim into a wine shade to match her dress!"
"It's a girl thing," Ron repeated confidently.
Still, when Harry saw Daphne in the wine-colored dress, he decided it was worth the trouble of matching clothes. She wore her hair half up to display garnet earrings that complemented a delicate necklace, and Harry found he couldn't look at her enough.
She smiled as she took his arm, pleased with his reaction.
Hermione had saved them seats. She and Ron had gradually become used to his relationship with Daphne, and Ron had stopped all references to 'slimy snakes.' Hermione looked very attractive in royal blue, which went well with Ron's robes. Harry couldn't help smirking when he saw that the lapels of Ron's simple navy robes had somehow been colored royal blue- the exact shade of Hermione's dress. So much for Hermione having to accept it!
Hannah had opted for violet, and Susan, who was escorted by a shy Ravenclaw named Anthony Goldstein, wore a coppery shade that flattered her hair.
But Harry had little attention to give anyone, since he spotted Draco Malfoy struggling to get away from Snape.
Slughorn hurried to intervene, but Draco wrenched away from his Head of House and stormed out.
"Malfoy's up to something!" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh Harry! Not this again!" Hermione sounded exasperated.
"Harry's right," Daphne backed him up. "Draco is acting strange. Usually he struts around in Slytherin, but lately he's gone much of the time, and he looks grim. Something's off."
Harry pushed back his chair. "I'm going to take a look."
He turned to Daphne apologetically. "I'll be back soon."
"Don't be silly…I'm coming with you."
Harry whipped out the Marauders' Map, and found Draco and Snape in a quiet corridor near the dungeons.
"Let me help you, Draco," Snape was urging. "You'll never accomplish this on your own!"
"I can and I will! You just want to steal my glory for yourself! Well, I don't need your help, and when the Dark Lord sees what I can do, he'll admit me to the Inner Circle. I'll take my father's place at his side."
Draco turned and ran off.
Harry and Daphne exchanged a long look.
"What is it he hopes to accomplish?" Daphne wondered.
"Whatever it is, I don't want him to succeed."
"I'll see if I can find out anything from Pansy," she promised.
Pansy bragged loudly that Draco had been given an important mission by the Dark Lord; however she didn't seem to know much more.
Meanwhile the days seemed to fly by, and it was nearly time for Christmas break.
"I believe it will be best if you return to the Dursleys," Dumbledore told Harry sternly. "Tonks and Remus will escort you there."
Harry didn't bother to argue.
Instead, he made his own plans.