A/N: Thanks for the support.

The Slytherin Reformation

By Spectre4hire

11: Why Nott?

Has there been a better week in my life?

Harry Potter didn't think so.

The truth was that he really didn't have a lot of shining weeks to compare this week to. His ten years with the Dursleys, their priority had never been to make Harry's weeks good, but miserable.

They were very good at it.

He stomped down on any memories of his relatives that were threatening to bubble up. Harry wasn't going to let them ruin this for him. He remembered what Tracey had told him.

Harry considered one of his holidays spent with the Greengrass family. Those had been enjoyable and were filled with fun times with all of the same friends that had made this last week just as good, but there was one small distinction. In none of those memories was he kissing Daphne Greengrass.

What a week.

Harry looked back at it with a smile that Tracey said made him look like he got hit by the obliviate charm. It wasn't meant as a compliment. He let her teasing slide since she had been so helpful in giving him the push or the kick or the shove, she changed the wording every time she brought it up that he needed in finally asking out Daphne. All you owe me is your lifelong gratitude and service, Tracey had said sweetly that Saturday night after the Hogsmeade trip.

It's been a really good week. He felt a little warmth come to his face when he remembered that kiss they shared behind one of the bookshelves in the library on Wednesday. It was really nice.

There was more to this week then Harry's time spent with Daphne that made this his favorite week. The other main reason why this week had been so great had happened today. It in fact had just happened only an hour or so ago. Slytherin had defeated Ravenclaw in their quidditch match. Tracey had scored more than a handful of goals and Harry had ended the game by catching the snitch to put the exclamation point for their team's victory.

It was a great way to end a great week.

"Harry?" Tracey's voice called out to him. "You in there?" She snapped her fingers.

"Ah, what?" He blinked to see Tracey had finished showering and had changed out of her sweaty Slytherin robes and into clean clothes.

"You have it bad," She giggled, "Come on, I'd hate for you two to be apart any longer." She said dramatically.

"Shut it," Harry smiled despite the teasing. "I caught the snitch, didn't I?" Trying to prove he wasn't that distracted or besotted.

"You did," She agreed.

The two friends left the Slytherin changing room. They were heading back to the castle. Moony was throwing them a party to celebrate their victory. Harry had been patiently waiting for Tracey like the good friend that he was. Her teasing was making him think, he should've just left without her.

"It makes me think if you were picturing the snitch to be Daphne."

Harry groaned. "Yep, I definitely should've gone up to the party without you."

Tracey pouted. "Okay, I'll stop," She held up her hands to placate him. "You'd think since I was the one to push you two together, I'd get some leeway," She grumbled with no venom.

"How does Daphne put up with you?"

"I'm fun to be around," Tracey said as if it was obvious. She ignored Harry's snort, "I'm a good friend."

That was something Harry could easily agree with. "You are."

Tracey smiled. "That's why I'm stopping," she said, "for now."

"This is great fudge, Harry."

To Harry's relief Sirius had loved his gift of fudge made in the shape of Minister Fudge's bowler hat. He wasn't sure what his godfather liked more: the appearance or the taste. He'd guess the taste since Sirius showed no signs of slowing down. The bowler hat was already unrecognizable looking more like a shrinking purple blob.

Harry was pleased to see Sirius looking so happy and healthy. His godfather had attended the game, but he suspected that might not be the only reason for Sirius' good mood. After all, Tracey's mum had happened to come to the game and was now at the party too. She was speaking to Cyrus and Roxanne, Daphne was at their side, but her attention wasn't in the conversation. She smiled when he caught her staring at her.

He smiled back, really liking that feeling she gave him. It was warm and comforting. He didn't know how else to describe it, or to compare it to, really. He looked away when Cyrus caught his daughter looking.

Yep, the one thing threatening this week for being the best week in his life was that he may have forgotten to tell Cyrus and Roxanne that he was dating their daughter. That slip was also the reason why Harry was currently with his godfather. He wasn't hiding, but waiting for the right time to speak to Cyrus and to apologize about not mentioning it sooner. He had seven days to do it, but in his defense, he got distracted a few times. I won't mention that part.

There were other guests at the party, more than Harry was expecting, but he could hang out with them anytime at school. He didn't have that luxury with Sirius.

He saw Theodore and Hermione, together and happy. They were talking to Tracey.

Not talking, he corrected, listening.

They weren't alone in that endeavor, she actually had an impressive sized audience. There were several first and second year Slytherins that Harry had wanted invited. He thought it was a good idea and his friends agreed. What made him especially pleased by it was when those Slytherins then brought some of their friends who were not from their house. It showed him that what they were doing was working. The house divides between Slytherin and the other three houses were disappearing.

Despite the size of the crowd, Harry didn't fail to notice that Tracey's Hufflepuff date from Hogsmeade was here too, Justin. He was standing at her side. His fellow third year Hufflepuffs Susan Bones and Meg Jones were talking with Neville, the latter looking pleased with herself while holding Neville's hand.

In a small group off to the side he spotted another Hufflepuff, Ginny Weasley, who Luna had invited. The second year Ravenclaw was with her as was Astoria. Daphne's sister was starting Hogwarts next year and looked to be soaking in everything the two older girls were saying. The Weasley twins had come with their sister, but they were conversing with Moony. Harry couldn't tell who was enjoying that conversation the most.

"So how long do you plan on cowering here with me?" Sirius drawled in between bites of the fudge.

The fudge I gave him, that should've made Harry unassailable to teasing, but apparently not. Very well.

"Says the man staring at Miss Davis in such a way I'm surprised that part of her dress-"

"Fair enough," Sirius cut in before he could say more, chuckling as he did.

Harry smiled at his small victory and relished it further by helping himself to some of Sirius' fudge. The spoils of war. It was sweet and chocolatey and delicious. He savored the taste of his victory.

"How long have you known the Ravenclaw?" Sirius asked.

"Luna?" Harry was surprised that she was the one picked out by his godfather. "Since last year," he answered, "She's sweet, a little," He paused trying to find the right word to describe his friend, "eccentric," he finished over Sirius' snort, "But in a charming way." Harry had never been bothered by it. He found Luna endearing especially her sincerity even if it was sometimes hard to see through all the strange stuff she'd speak about. "Did she say something to you?"

"Yeah," Sirius didn't sound annoyed at it, but amused.

Harry could understand that. Despite his godfather being rightfully proven innocent it didn't mean he didn't occasionally get heckled or bothered. Most of the time it was from clueless wizards or witches wanting and clamoring to know about his time at Azkaban. They asked it as casually as you would asking about tomorrow's weather. They were morbidly drawn to it and saw it simply as a story for their entertainment.

"She wanted me to play her something."

"What?"

"She thinks I'm Stubby Boardman from the Hobgoblins." Sirius was shaking his head, but smiling. "It took me a few seconds before realizing she was serious." His godfather mercifully didn't draw focus to that pun, "I told her I wasn't, but she wasn't certain. She left talking about something I hadn't heard of," he shrugged, unable to properly describe what he had heard or the sense behind it.

Harry laughed. "I'm glad you didn't."

"You're not alone."

He didn't add to the joke, but instead just watched his godfather eat some more of the fudge before downing another butterbeer. It was nice to see Sirius so relaxed, and enjoying himself. Harry didn't think it would get old anytime soon because his godfather deserved it. He hoped there would be a time when that happiness was able to fully overcome those miserable years of Azkaban. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but that didn't stop him from hoping for it.

"What's this?" Harry saw something green, dangling out of his godfather's chest pocket when he bent down to grab another bottle of butterbeer.

"That's nothing," Sirius tried to push it out of sight, but his hasty and jerky movement actually made it slip out of his pocket and onto the floor allowing Harry to see what it was- a small Slytherin banner.

The sight of the slithering serpent on the green banner caught Harry completely off guard. He hadn't thought his godfather had any Slytherin memorabilia given his understandable loathing for the house. Harry remembered Sirius had told him that he would've liked the Slytherin house that Harry was making. He considered it one of the best compliments Harry had received, but that hadn't made him think or expect to see his godfather caught wearing or being seen with anything Slytherin related.

"It's not mine," Sirius picked it up, "It was my brother's." His tone changed, but his eyes remained on the small banner in his hand.

"Your brother?" Harry had heard very little about Sirius' brother. It wasn't a topic that was discussed.

"Yeah," Sirius stuffed the small banner back into his pants pocket, "Regulus," He answered, "He died during the war." He looked up to meet Harry's inquisitive stare, "I don't think I have to tell you what side he fought and died on."

Oh. Sirius didn't, Harry knew about his godfather's troubled history with his family and of their prejudices. It had been part of the reason why he had hated Slytherin so much when he was a boy and had been so desperate to be sorted into any of the other houses. He became a Gryffindor like Harry's dad and Moony.

"I'm sorry," Harry wasn't sure what else to say.

Sirius didn't look to have heard him. "I went back to my parent's house. I wanted to check on a few things. Moony came with me," He grimaced, "It wasn't a fun trip, but the house is mine now," He didn't sound particularly thrilled about the acquisition.

"Does that mean you're moving out?" Harry hadn't been expecting that. After his trial, Sirius had told him that he was staying with Cyrus and Roxanne. He'd been thrilled and had been looking forward to the winter holiday more than usual and was already thinking about the summer one too.

"Nah," Some levity returned to Sirius' face, "They can't get rid of me that easily." He clapped Harry on the back, "It's like I said I had to look in on a few things." He shook his head, "Its in no condition to move into. I suspect the Chamber of Secrets would feel more roomy than Grimmauld Place."

"It sounds very charming," Harry didn't want to think or picture how Sirius' family's home could be worse than the Chamber of Secrets.

Sirius quickly moved the conversation away from his house and his family. "It was great to see you fly out there, Harry," He smiled proudly, but his eyes were wistful. "You looked so much like James, I thought I was back at Hogwarts with Moony and him." Pettigrew's mention couldn't dampen Sirius' mood, "Watching James and Gryffindor dominate," He looked particularly pleased at his house's triumphs at the expense of the others, "But it was so different too."

"Because I'm not on Gryffindor?" Harry asked, "Or because I'm a seeker and not a chaser?"

"Those were some," Sirius agreed, "I was more thinking about the crowd."

"The crowd?"

"Yeah," Sirius nodded, "I've never been to a game that saw so many students cheering for Slytherin," He sounded impressed. "When I went to school whichever house played Slytherin would then get all the support from the two other houses, but not here," he said, "There were more Slytherin fans in the crowd then Ravenclaw," He let out a soft whistle, "It's amazing, Harry, what you're doing."

Harry was about to defer some of the praise, but his godfather wouldn't let him.

"Look around," he gestured to the room filled with his friends and guests, "I see Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor all here because of you, Harry." He turned back to face him. "You're a leader, and a damn good one," He clapped him on the shoulder, "Bright too, Moony says you're the best in his class out of the whole year, and McGonagall and Flitwick spoke well of you too. Saying you're one of their best students."

Harry tried not to squirm at the praise. He had gotten better at receiving it, but he still had to occasionally fight that instinct that wanted him to deny and dismiss it. "I want to do good."

"You're not doing good," Sirius said, "You're doing great. And I'm proud of you." He was smiling, "And I know your parents are too."

"Thanks," Harry thought back to his meeting with his parents during that brief lull when he was technically dead. He smiled remembering hearing them say as much.

"Don't mention it," Sirius' smile slipped away as he appraised Harry, "If you like I can do what I did to James when his head got too big with praise. A couple of insults and a few pranks and-"

"No thanks," Harry laughed.

That was how Cyrus found them. "What's all this?" He approached them. He was holding a short glass that was partially filled in one hand.

"Sir," Harry stopped laughing. His anxiety made his stomach twist. He found himself standing a bit straighter too.

"Sir?" Cyrus looked bemused, "Harry, you haven't called me that in years."

"Oh yeah," Harry replied, awkwardly. He snuck a glance at Sirius hoping his godfather would bail him out, but to his annoyance Sirius looked amused by it all. Traitor.

"Cyrus, I," Harry began what he thought would be a very decent apology.

"I'm going to stop you there, Harry," He held up his empty hand. "I know what you're going to say."

"You do?"

"Yes, and I think it's great that you and Daphne are dating."

"You do?"

An amused Cyrus nodded. "I do."

Harry felt the tension slowly unravel in his stomach.

"It's actually very convenient," Cyrus said matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean?"

"You and Daphne dating," He answered as if it was obvious. "It makes this whole awkward matter so much easier now."

"What awkward matter?" Harry asked.

"The marriage contract," Cyrus explained, "There's one between you and Daphne."

"WHAT?" This was the first time Harry was hearing of this. His surprised and strangled yelp caused a few of the party guests to turn towards them. Moony even approached to make sure they were all okay.

"What's all this?"

"Cyrus finally told Harry about the marriage contract between him and Daphne," Sirius said casually, as if this was all perfectly normal.

"Ah," Moony replied, "That's good," he sipped his drink, unsurprised by the answer.

"You knew?" Harry tried to find Daphne's face in the crowd, but he couldn't see her anywhere.

"Of course," Moony turned to Sirius, "You didn't tell him?"

"I forgot," he shrugged.

"Understandable," Moony replied.

"A marriage contract," Harry repeated stupidly, how could that be? They were so antiquated. Does Daphne know? Somewhere between panicking and pondering the sound of laughter bled through. It didn't take him long to understand the reason for it.

"There is no marriage contract," The three laughing adults were proof enough to confirm it without saying it. Despite his annoyance he felt his lips twitching at their little prank.

Cyrus gestured to Harry's godfather. "It was Sirius' idea."

Not wanting to be blamed, Sirius pointed at Moony.

Remus was unimpressed. He rolled his eyes, "I need another drink." He left them there.

"It was you." Harry wasn't fooled.

"Maybe," Sirius was grinning, "but you have to admit it was funny."

"No, I don't."

"Not to worry, Harry, as your father's best friend and your godfather, I can vouch that there have been no marriage contracts made in your name or bound by your magic," Sirius clapped Harry's back, "yet."

"Yet?" Harry found his godfather's charm frustratingly contagious at a time like this.

"You never know," Sirius looked quite pleased with himself.

"But seriously, Harry," Cyrus stepped forward, ignoring Sirius' look at that pun. "I'm very happy that you're dating, my daughter."

"You are?"

He smiled, "Yes, she couldn't have picked anyone better."

"Thank you," Harry wasn't sure what else to say to such a compliment.

"Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to find my wife and other daughter."

"Your face," Sirius was chuckling, his eyes glazed as if he was reliving it, "Perfect."

"Yeah, whatever," Harry rolled his eyes.

"Well if you look at that," Sirius commented loudly, "It looks to me like Daphne is all by herself." He nudged him, "What are you waiting for?"

"A new godfather," Harry replied, glancing to see his current one was right that Cyrus had done what he said he would do, collecting Roxanne and Astoria which meant Daphne was now alone. That was when Harry noticed something else. It made him smile.

"Oh, Miss Davis," Harry called over to Tracey's mum, who was also now conveniently by herself. She smiled and approached them. He ignored whatever his godfather was muttering under his breath. "You should really try this fudge that my godfather has." He knew Miss Davis would appreciate good fudge since her homemade fudge was the best that Harry ever had. He didn't wait to get her opinion, he left them together, wondering if maybe it wouldn't just be the fudge she'd appreciate.

"Why do you look so," Theodore paused at trying to figure out the polite way to describe Daphne's appearance when they moved to their spots at the Slytherin table the next morning for breakfast.

"So what?" She challenged him with a glare.

Theo got the hint, "So friendly."

"I think she looks great," Harry sat in front of her. They alternated between sitting together or across from each other. Her dark hair wasn't perfectly combed and her robes looked a little wrinkled, but it really couldn't dent how he saw her.

"He's a keeper, Daph," Tracey elbowed her friend when she sat beside her. "And this is only after a week of actual dating."

"You need to count the months of pining," Theodore pointed out.

"Good point," Tracey happily agreed before snickering.

"He is," Daphne was thankfully agreeing to her friend's earlier point and not Theo's. She showed her appreciation with a smile before turning her attention towards her breakfast, "On why I look so friendly that's because someone kept me up."

That was when Tracey found her orange juice conveniently more fascinating than anything or anyone else at the table.

Thedore observed the girls in front of him, while holding a piece of bacon as if it was a king's scepter. "What did you do, Trace?" He pointed said breakfast food in her direction.

"Nothing," She still was studying her cup with an intensity that no dishware deserved.

Daphne cleared her throat.

"Well," Tracey got the hint or the warning, "It was important." Daphne snorted, "Importantish," she amended.

"It's fine," Daphne took pity on her friend, "It's not like we were discussing what Hermione told us yesterday."

Theodore nearly choked on his piece of bacon. "What do you mean?" The question came out as a sputtering mess.

Daphne looked down at the chewed up specks of bacon on the table with disgust. "Right onto the eggs," She sighed, "Thank you, Nott." The plate of their eggs was now covered with bits of Theodore's half eaten bacon.

"Sorry," He said in between his gulps of juice to try to recover from his near choking ordeal.

Thankfully, the house elves must have heard their concerns since the plate disappeared in an instant and was replaced with a new one. That cheered Daphne up. She hastily grabbed some as if worried Theodore may fire out another round of bacon bits.

"What did Hermione say?" He asked after he thought an appropriate amount of time passed for Daphne to enjoy her breakfast.

"Oh," Daphne feigned to be in deep thought, "I think it was about our Charms homework, actually." She turned to Tracey to confirm it which she did with a nod, smiling widely.

Theodore muttered something that would've definitely cost them house points if they were overheard by one of their professors.

"You kiss Hermione with that mouth?" Tracey teased.

Theodore groaned, but he didn't take it seriously. "Was Tracey asking how to cover that drool she gets right here," He pointed to the corner of his mouth, "When she sees Justin."

Daphne betrayed her closest friend with a chuckle drowning out Tracey's vehement denials.

"Well played, Nott," She begrudgingly admitted a few seconds later, "Truce?"

"Truce, Trace," Theodore replied, "Greengrass?"

"Yes," she agreed, "but only because I don't want any more of my breakfast barfed on."

"Fair enough."

"Harry, you're quiet," Daphne pointed out.

"Yeah," Harry turned to his friends, "I was just wondering if it was too late to get resorted and find some new friends." His joke got them to unite against him which included one of them hurling their toast at him, "It was a joke." He raised his hands before he picked up the bread that had fallen on his lap.

"Tracey would never forgive you if you suited up for a different quidditch team," Daphne said lightly.

Their friend was quick to nod in agreement. "I'd be sent to Madam Pomfrey," She added, "Daphne too, but that would be for a different-" Tracey's joke stopped when her friend poked her side.

"She has nothing to worry about," Harry liked the look he got from her at that.

"Thank Merlin, Theodore can't sit with Hermione during these meals or I'd never eat again," Tracey complained, but judging by how her plate was piled up, she wasn't having any problems so far.

Harry noticed how his friend's eyes had gone over to the Gryffindor table and to a very particular Gryffindor. The bushy hair was hard to miss, she was talking with Neville, but she always made sure to take a seat that would face their table. Harry looked down at his food when she looked their way, he felt like he was interrupting something intimate.

"Do you think we could sit at the other tables?" Theodore didn't hide how much he was interested in a particular answer.

"I'm not sure," Harry answered honestly, "I suppose you could look it up or ask Dumbledore."

Theodore looked to be considering that question with a hopeful look when the post arrived.

Harry was surprised at getting a letter so quickly from Sirius after just seeing him yesterday, but he wasn't about to complain. Still he was smart enough to thank his owl first, offering Hedwig some bacon which she gladly took. She then helped herself to some of his water. She then allowed herself to be petted by him before giving him an affectionate nip and taking off.

He was about to open his letter when he heard the sharp intake of breath. He looked up to see Daphne and Tracey were staring in a mixture of dismay and fear towards Theodore. That was when Harry turned to his friend to see what had arrived for him. He had been so busy with Hedwig he hadn't noticed that Theodore had gotten mail. It wasn't just any kind of mail too. Its reputation preceded it, Harry couldn't believe it. Theo had gotten a Howler.

"Run," Tracey hissed, looking down at the red, smoking envelope with dread.

He grabbed it, trying to crush it between his fingers before he let out a soft yelp as if it scalded him. At that sound, now most of their table realized what Theodore had gotten. The ripple of murmuring from the curious to the frightened were fairly mixed.

He was about to grab it a second time, but it was too late. The letter exploded in an array of bright sparks that caused Harry to see white splotches, and then an all too familiar voice could be heard. It was Mr. Nott.

Of all the Notts who have come before us, I am the one cursed and embarrassed to have the most shameful son. You have sullied our name, our family, our reputation. You are no son of mine. You've risked everything over some-

It disappeared in a puff of smoke. Harry realized that most of the Great Hall was now staring at them. He looked to see the Headmaster's wand discreetly slipping out of view.

Theodore's face was pale. His body was shaking and before any of them could say anything, he jumped up out of his seat and left the hall as fast as he could. Harry saw a bushy blur soon leave from the Gryffindor table to follow.

There was loud conversing from the other tables, but soon their chatter quieted and they went back to their own food and housemates. The Slytherin table was more subdued. The most noticeable reactions were coming from those who had looked on the Howler with disgust and embarrassment for Theo.

"I'll go look for him," Tracey was already out of her seat.

"We'll follow," Harry had no plans on leaving his friend to deal with this alone. Daphne nodded across from him and rose as well. That was when they heard the laughter. Three heads turned to see it was Alexius, their fellow third years, Crabbe and Goyle were with him, guffawing as were a few fourth years, but theirs looked more forced than their friend.

"On second thought," Harry felt his fists clenching at his side, "I'll catch up."

"Me too," Daphne was scowling in the direction of Alexius.

Tracey left without a word, Neville joined her at the entrance and they left the hall together.

Alexius had told Mr. Nott. Harry wasn't sure how he could explain it, but he knew he was right. Theodore's father had to be told, and he couldn't think of another suspect then the fourth year. His fingers twitched as he walked forward, thinking about what spell he'd use on Alexius first. The anger was pulsing within. There was a growing urge to just punch him until he was a bloody mess instead of blasting him.

None of the students they passed stood or tried to stop them. They dropped their heads and averted their gazes, and only turned back when Harry and Daphne passed them. Alexius must have thought they were leaving the hall because he didn't look concerned at their approach. Sadly, Harry would have to launch himself across the table to punch the Slytherin since he was on the opposite side, but he didn't think his wand and a spell were a poor consolation, but as he went for his wand, he was too late.

A loud SMACK echoed across their table, Alexius yelped out in surprise, stumbling backwards and grabbing his face as he did. He lost balance or tripped, Harry wasn't sure which, but he fell on his arse. All eyes were now switching from Alexius on the ground to the person standing above him, Daphne.

"You-" Alexius began, but was interrupted when a pitcher of orange juice was knocked off the table and fell onto his head, drenching the Slytherin who shouted in shock at getting soaked.

Oops, Harry watched with satisfaction, hoping no one heard him mutter the incantation. They'd likely all assume it was tipped over by one of their housemates who had gotten out of their seats to avoid the confrontation. An errant accident and nothing more, he slipped his wand back into its holster carefully, but it didn't seem to matter since everyone's eyes were on either Alexius or Daphne.

"What is the meaning of this?" Professor Snape arrived, draped in black and furious.

None of their housemates were brave enough to be the first to respond to their head of house's icy question.

There was a glowing red imprint in the suspicious shape of a hand forming on Alexius' cheek. "She slapped me!"

"I slipped," Daphne replied, her tone surprisingly even, "Your face just happened to catch me," She dipped her head, "Thank you."

Alexius snorted, "You lying-"

"Enough," Snape hissed, his tone was so cold, Harry was surprised that none of the students nearest their potions professor shivered.

"It was retribution, sir," Harry didn't flinch when Snape's dark eyes turned to him. "Alexius is a bigot," He heard the growing murmurs of approval coming from his table. This was just more evidence that Slytherin was changing. No one was cheering for Alexius. No one was trying to help him. No one was trying to defend him. No one looked insulted for him. They were looking at him differently. They didn't see a martyr, but a relic. He was the old Slytherin, and we're the new.

"Unless, I'm mistaken, Potter," Snape drawled, "Your arms are not long enough to leave such a lasting impression on Mr. Russell's face." He then turned to regard Daphne. "Miss Greengrass, you will be assisting me next weekend. You know the rules against showing house disunity."

"Yes, professor."

Satisfied, Snape nodded, he must have seen Alexius' smirk since he turned to him next, "And Mr. Russell, for your part in this you will be spending every Sunday from now until the end of the next month scrubbing out my cauldrons."

Snape figured it out, Harry hid his own smile at watching Snape hand out his harsh punishment. He hadn't been sure if his Head of House would or even if he did would he do anything about it. He looked across at Daphne to see her eyes were glittering in amusement at this unexpected, but welcomed development.

Alexius' smirk was wiped in an instant. His eyes widened, "Professor, I-"

"We could take this to the Headmaster?" Dumbledore was a threat that Snape didn't often invoke. "The letter already has his interest, I'm sure he'd be more than able to meet with you and discuss its origins."

"No, sir." That deflated Alexius' protest in an instant. He hid his petulant frown by looking down at the floor.

"Miss Greengrass, for breaking my rules, Slytherin will be deducted ten points."

"I understand, sir," Daphne bowed her head.

"And for showing house loyalty to your friends, Slytherin will be rewarded twenty points," Snape finished.

"Thank you," Daphne brightened at realizing she hadn't cost her house ten points, but got them ten.

"Mr. Potter," Snape looked at Harry, as if silently weighing his considerations on what to do with him. "I suggest you see your friend."

Harry nodded, but waited until Snape turned around and went back to the table before he tried his luck with his second charm. He didn't need to look back to know it had worked, Alexius' falling back onto the ground confirmed it for him.

Enchanted shoe laces, he smiled, they'll automatically become a tangled mess as soon as the person tries to stand up, but when they look down they'll see nothing suspicious. The shoelaces will look tied.

He met up with Daphne at the end of the table and took her hand, smiling at her when she met his gaze. "You're one fantastic and terrifying witch," He whispered, feeling suddenly emboldened he then kissed her cheek.

"You're not a bad wizard, yourself." She replied after a pause, she had been surprised by his kiss, but she clearly hadn't mind given her reaction.

They left the hall with Harry wondering how many times it would take Alexius to figure out the charm. it'll be more than two, he thought, hearing Alexius falling down again. I'll have to thank the Twins the next time I see them.

A/N:

I didn't include them finding Theo scene, but it will be touched upon in the next chapter.

In regards to the howler, you know the old piece of advice of writing a letter after you're angry, and sitting on it for a few days to cool off. Well, Mr. Nott clearly disregarded it.

I went back and forth on who I wanted to slap Alexius, Tracey or Daphne. I wrote it both ways, but in the end went with Daphne to show her own growth.

Maybe Alexius got punished too hard without being 'caught,' but Snape has never been a fair professor. He has his favorites and has no problems rewarding them and punishing others. This just happens to be a story where Harry and his friends are the favorites. So for once Harry is benefiting from Snape's biases.

If you like what you read don't forget to review. It would mean a lot. Thanks.

Until next time,

-Spectre4hire