A/N If you get the chance please go to my profile where I will be posting a poll on choosing the sex of the baby. I couldn't decide on my own so I'm asking to see which you as readers would prefer. The next chapter won't be up until sometime next week. I have to pack this weekend since I'm moving again. Thanks for reading and I hope you'll take the time to review and let me know what you think so far.

It didn't take me long to find myself sitting in the Headmaster's office. Not that I had really expected it to with what had happened on New Year's Day, but part of me had hoped it might be over looked since it had occurred outside of the school. That had been quickly shattered when Dumbledore had approached me during the evening feast and asked me to come to his office at the end of the week.

I'd put it off as long as I could, but once my last class had been dismissed for the day I told Neville I'd meet him in the common room later so we could get a jump start on the assignments we had before making my way to the headmaster's office. I hadn't even needed a password this time since as soon as I approached the gargoyle leapt to the side and let me pass.

So now I was just looking around the room waiting for the headmaster to speak. He was currently scribbling something on a piece of parchment on his desk. It took about another two or three minutes before he set his quill, looked like a phoenix feather to me, to the side and then looked up at me.

Instead of the usual warm, grandfatherly smile that so many people had come to acquaint with the man he was looking at me with a much different expression. His eyes were not sparkling; his lips were turned slightly down at the corners and pulled into a thin line. Last year I probably would have ducked my head in shame, embarrassed about how I had acted or what I had done. This year I knew so much more about the true character of the man in front of me and I had no guilt for the damage I might have caused.

"Harry I am most disappointed in you. Your actions this year have been drastically different from those past. And I think we can both agree your attitude has taken a turn for the worst, especially in regards to your friends."

I didn't bother to hide my disbelief at his statement. "Personally headmaster I think I've improved drastically. My grades are through the roof, I've expanded my group of friends, and I've cut off parasites that were leeching off of me." I leaned back and crossed my arms briefly meeting his eyes in challenge before quickly averting them.

He steepled his hands in front of him and leaned his chin on top, an action I had become quite accustomed to seeing. "Tell me Harry. Do you really believe this is better? Your callous disregard for others well-being. The ease with which you can hurt your friends."

I stood up. "Ron is not my friend anymore, neither is Hermione though at least she knows to stay out of things that aren't her business." The anger and loathing I felt for Ron easily showed in my tone.

"Sit down Mr. Potter! I will not have you yelling in my office." There was something extra to Dumbledore's words and although I would have preferred to walk out I slowly retook my seat. If I wanted to be treated like an adult I would have to act the part. I went through some calming exercises quickly in my mind and set myself in a less emotional state.

"Fine, I apologize for the outburst but as I believe I've told you before I'm not friends with either of those two. So if you could refrain from calling them as such in the future it would be appreciated."

"I have to admit Harry I had hoped this was only a temporary disagreement between you and them. Are you sure you've given it your best effort to restore the friendship you've had?" And once again I marveled at how he could slip in and out of character so easy. But something was really nagging me about this whole situation.

"Why are you pushing so hard for this? Since when do headmasters care who a student is and isn't friends with?" And then I remembered something Daphne had said to me on the first night I had met her. "You set me up. My first time on the train, I didn't even think twice about it then, but it just so happens that I run into not only the twins but Ron as well. Ron who is a staunch Gryffindor and whose family supports you. Did you make that happen?"

The headmaster sighed heavily and I knew I'd hit it. Honestly I didn't know how to feel. Knowing that my first 'friend' had been a set up. I felt numb as I listened to his excuse for his actions. "I admit I suggested to the Weasleys it would be a good idea if they were to befriend you. But I had no bad intentions for it Harry I merely wished for you to know friendship, to find a family. Your years before Hogwarts were not the best and I…"

I lost it. This time I stood up so fast I knocked the chair backwards and caused Fawkes to jump up from his perch trilling a few notes in an attempt to calm me. It didn't work and without saying a word I turned and walked to the door. When I tried to open it I found it was locked. A simple unlocking charm didn't work and I found my anger rising even more.

I turned around with my wand out and in doing unconsciously let slip some accidental magic causing the books on the shelves to fly off and many of Dumbledore's trinkets to explode. Papers scattered everywhere, but I didn't care. I spoke in a low even tone. "Open the door. I'm done listening to you spew nonsense at me. My whole life you've manipulated. You knew about the Dursley's. You set up my friendships. You black mailed me with my unborn child. But understand this. From this moment on you will treat me like any other student. No more meddling in my life. Stay the hell away from me. You do what you have to headmaster, but don't think I'm going to leave you unscathed in the end. I'll make sure you regret everything you've ever done to me."

With my wand trained on the headmaster I felt the desire to just let go, and cast everything and anything at him. Thankfully I was rational enough to know I wouldn't last long here. Not yet. I still had to get stronger. Finally he spoke and I heard the door unlock behind me. "You may want to be any other student Harry, but you aren't now and you never will be. You have lived a much different life than anyone else. Gone through hardships that no one else would understand. Had tremendous expectations placed on you. But do not think you can just threaten me or anyone else without punishment. You'll serve detention with Professor McGonagall for the rest of the year. Now you may leave."

I didn't need to be told twice. I pulled the door open and left. I don't think I've ever reached the staircases as fast as that. I was still seething and had only one goal in mind. I needed to destroy something. On my way up to the room of requirement I heard a familiar voice call out for me to wait up. I only slowed slightly.

"Harry wait up mate." Neville called out to me again and I heard him speed up a little bit until he was soon in stride next to me.

"No offense Neville, but I need to vent right now. I'm beyond pissed and not sure I'd be good company." I didn't want to offend my best friend over something that wasn't his fault.

Out of my peripherals I saw Neville shrug. "Well how about I just keep you company then? I don't think you should be alone right now based on how tightly you're gripping that wand."

I didn't look but I relaxed my grip slightly, or that's what I was telling myself. I kept walking not caring if Neville wanted to stay. I just had to get to the room so I could cause some havoc. As we approached the portrait I started walking back and forth right away and nearly slammed the door open when it appeared. I charged into the room and was happy to see six animated wooden dummies. They were just moving in random patterns, and I immediately took to destroying them.

Blasting curses, flame whips, bone breakers, and spells of increasing destructiveness left my wand in a blur. I could see Neville leaning casually against a wall as he watched me hit the dummies over and over. No matter how many times I destroyed them they always reassembled themselves.

Sweat poured downed my face and into my eyes but I didn't care. I just kept going as the salt in the beads stung my eyes. My breath was getting ragged and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up this casting much longer without passing out. Deciding to end it I hit a dummy with a banishing charm to knock him back into another and immediately followed it up with a fire whip that sliced through both and cleaved them at the waist. The other dummies stopped moving and collapsed before melting away into the floor.

As I came down from the adrenaline high I had been on I felt the last of my energy leave me and I collapsed to my knees. I let my body pitch forward and my head came to rest on the solid ground. It'd all been too much. Just too much for one day, for a span of an hour. I'd gone to meet with him expecting to be reprimanded for what I'd done to Ron, but instead I found out so much more about my life. I felt two arms slip under my arms and hoist me up. I tried to open my eyes but the room was spinning so I clamped them shut again.

I felt myself be lowered into a chair and then once again pitched but was stopped from falling out of my chair by a table.

"Harry, you have to open your eyes and drink this. You exhausted yourself and you need to drink this to get some strength back." I felt the smooth lip of a vial pressed to my lips and I managed to open them just enough to have the contents poured into my throat. After a few minutes I felt some energy return to me and my ears heating up.

"Neville why do you have pepper-up potion?" As far as I knew he hadn't taken to bottling the extra of what we made in class like I had.

"I saw you taking some of the potions we were making and thought it was a good idea. I haven't tried in class because I don't know what Snape would say to me, but I made some basic ones over break. By the way you owe me a pepper-up potion now." I heard the humor in his voice at the end and despite everything and still not feeling a whole lot better I laughed.

I picked my head up and opened my eyes for the first time since I had collapsed. It took a minute to get used to the light again, but then I had no problem. "Also Harry I gave you a little extra because you're going to need your energy."

I was confused at first and then I realized with dread that it was Friday night. "She's going to kill me….I have to go Neville, thanks for looking out for me. I don't know what I did to deserve a mate like you but I'll make sure your next birthday present is awesome."

As I hurried out the door and down the corridor I swore I heard him laughing still. And right before I turned the corner I heard a shout. "If she does kill you can I have your bed? I like the one near the window, and if by some miracle she doesn't then you have a lot of questions to answer tonight."

Shaking my head at his antics I quickly started back towards my goal. In about ten minutes I had reached the fourth floor and was in a dead sprint towards the charms room. Once I was about fifteen feet from the door I slowed to try and catch my breath. I stopped in front of the door and was in the process of fixing my robes when it swung open and cracked me right in the face.

"Ow! Bloody hell that hurt!" My hands went up to my face and checked my nose to see if it was bleeding. Thankfully there was nothing and I dropped it once the initial pain subsided.

Looking towards the door I saw an angry looking Daphne with her arms under chest pushing up her tits and distracting me from her face which I should definitely be focusing on given the current situation.

"Well that should be the least of your worries right now. Care to explain why you are thirty minutes late? And stop staring at my chest!" I was grateful to see that her cheeks tinted red at the accusation so she wasn't too mad at me.

Seeing a way out I smiled slyly at her and moved closer so I could wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to me. "I can't help it the way you were holding your arms up just really emphasized that area. And you know I think you're cute when you get mad."

She rolled her eyes and used her hand to gently push me away. "Nice try, but it's going to take more than some words to appease me. Get in here and explain to me what could possibly be more important right now than your very pregnant girlfriend."

I followed her back into the charms room and we settled into our usual spots once I got the room set up. I noticed Daphne was staring at me in a way that said she wanted answers. "Dumbledore."

Amazing how one word could cause her to understand me. "Ah. I take it your meeting didn't go quite so well then."

I snorted. "Not even a little and I might have destroyed part of his office in my attempt to leave when he locked the door. Oh and threatened him if he didn't leave us the hell alone."

Daphne looked at me in disbelief for a second before groaning out loud and putting her face in her hands. "You're such a Gryffindor. I can't believe you lost it like that. What could have possibly happened to make you so mad?"

I was thankfully able to keep myself under control this time as I thought of the memory. "You were right about me meeting the Weasleys in first year. And he knew how I was raised; with my relatives I mean."

"Oh. I'm sorry about the Weasleys. When I said it I didn't…that is…I was just trying to make you see reason I had no idea he would go to such lengths. But you already knew Dumbledore had left you there despite the treatment from your relatives."

She was right I grudgingly admitted. "Yeah. But in the past it was only a second hand account from a woman who thought I was going to kill her and then when I asked him he lied to me. Now though he came right out and said. He didn't even try to apologize or admit his mistake. I lost it, I know and it won't happen again."

Daphne nodded. "Good, we can't have you running around making stupid impulsive decisions. So that's what kept you so long? You were in his office until now?"

I looked sheepishly away knowing I'd been caught the second I did. "Well…not really. I might have wound up in a room destroying things and accidentally exhausted myself. Neville was there to help me and then remind me you were waiting after I nearly passed out." I rubbed the back of my head knowing what was coming.

"Why do I still hang around you? You're going to be a bad influence on our child."

I pouted at her. "I will not! I'll be able to teach him or her a lot of things. Like how to not be a sneaky Slytherin like their mother."

"Enough of this nonsense. I guess you can be forgiven this one time for making me wait, but I'll expect you make it up to me. You know since Valentine's Day will be coming up next month I would suggest you start planning something to wow me now."

"How much wow can we really go for…you'll be almost at the end of the pregnancy by then."

Daphne waved her hand at me. "You're smart dear and I have faith in you. You'll figure something out."

Deciding to change the topic but keeping it towards the front of my mind so I would remember to start looking for ideas. "Alright so let's get started. I know I screwed the time we have together, but we can at least talk about the patronus and if you made any progress. I have thirty minutes before I have to go meet McGonagall for detention."

Daphne stood up and closed her eyes. I watched interested to see how much progress she had made and was surprised when a mist poured out of her wand and began to take shape, but it was too blurry to make out what animal it was. After a few seconds of holding that she let her arm drop and the spell end.

"Wow. That's awesome Daphne! Have you been practicing the entire break?" I was genuinely curious. The only way she could have made so much progress would be if she had practiced non-stop.

"Kind of. I mean I didn't practice a ton, but I also found a new memory to use. That's actually the first time it got that close. I want to try again. I think if I concentrate more I can get it."

So I sat down and watched as she practiced the spell over and over. Each time her patronus became more and more defined and solid. With five minutes to go it happened. I watched with no small amount of pride as a silvery, translucent wolf burst forth from her wand. It didn't last long and dissipated after only a second or two, but she had reached it.

I jumped up in excitement as she ran to me and pulled me into a hug. "I did it! Did you see that? It was a wolf!"

It was ironic that her patronus would be my animagus form, but I suppose I should feel happy that the animal that protects her is so closely related to me. Also I remembered some of the characteristics I had read about the female wolf and could apply them to Daphne.

"You did. So now you've got it down without a dementor. You're going to have to practice more on your own to master it and be able to hold it longer, but for now you've done great. I'll try and find a way for you to practice against a dementor if you'd like since it is vastly different." I had no idea where I would get a boggart, but if I happened across one I would definitely try to trap it for Daphne.

"How do you plan on getting a dementor for me to practice on?" She looked frightened by the thought, but also very perplexed.

"Just leave that to me. Alright I have to run for my detention, but if you want to meet me on the platform outside the transfiguration room later then maybe we could find a way for you to come spend the night again." I didn't know if she'd risk it again, but part of me selfishly missed being able to sleep next to her.

She deliberated for a second before nodding slowly. "Yeah I think, I think I'd like that very much. I'll make my excuses beforehand and then sneak out." I smiled and kissed her lightly before pulling my cloak from my bag and handing it to her.

"Just please be really careful with that." I trusted her but it was also hard to part with something that had belonged to my father.

"Of course. I know this is very valuable. I'll see you soon Harry." And with one last quick kiss we both went our separate ways.

As I entered the Transfiguration classroom I found myself very excited. Now that I had finished with the animagus transformation I had no idea what Professor McGonagall was going to teach me. I imagined it had to be something more advanced, possibly even conjuration.

When I sat in the chair that was already in place in front of her desk I pulled out some parchment and a quill in case I needed to take notes. "Good evening Professor. I hope your day has been good."

She eyed me critically and I had a feeling I was being examined. "I would say my day has been a fair share better than yours Mr. Potter. The headmaster has informed me that you two had a disagreement of sorts and you will now be serving detention with me for the remainder of the year. Care to explain what happened?"

I hesitated. Part of me felt like I could tell my head of house, but a stronger part of me argued I had already told too much and I needed to keep to myself. "I'm sorry ma'am but it was over a personal matter that I just don't want to think about right now."

McGonagall wasn't as hard to read as some of the other professors and when I looked in her eyes I saw a clear sympathy mixed with…understanding? Was it possible she knew what the Dursleys were like? Had Dumbledore told her as well? And suddenly I was finding myself paranoid and wondering just how many people in my life were trying to manipulate me.

I forced myself to use my occlumency, which had improved greatly, to calm. I was getting even more practice with it today than I usually did. McGonagall had shown me no signs of trying to manipulate me. I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt. Hell I'd given Daphne another chance and I knew she tricked me.

"Very well then Mr. Potter I will not push further. So let us begin the next part of your transfiguration study. Do you have any clue as to what we could be moving into now?"

Trying not to sound too hopeful I voiced my suspicions. "Will you be teaching me about conjuration?"

A small smile came across her face and I was instantly excited knowing I had likely guessed correctly. "Indeed Mr. Potter we will be starting conjuration. Normally this is taught next year. However I expect that given your prowess for the art of transfiguration we will be moving quickly through the basics and into the much harder things. For example once one knows the principles and understands what is required it is easy to make a basic chair, but adding detail or making it permanent is much harder."

I watched as she pulled out the book that had been originally presented to me when going over the animagus and flipped to a new chapter, presumably about conjuration. Once she had it opened she passed the book to me and then used her wand to conjure an hourglass timer.

"Since it worked so well last time we will continue the same methods. One hour to memorize as much as you can about conjuration. Once I feel you have grasped enough of the principles and laws governing it we will move into the actual conjuring. Ready…Begin."

My eyes scanned the pages at a rate I didn't think possible. I carefully committed every word to memory. I sorted it as I read which was something I had been practicing lately and was helping me with learning to do multiple things while using occlumency. There were so many rules and laws to conjuration it was crazy. Restriction after restriction lined pages, but then on the very next page it would be countered.

By the time the hour had ended I had read the chapter twice and my eyes were feeling tired. I shut the book and handed it back to McGonagall ready for anything she might question me on.

"Very well let's see how much you recall short term then. What are the governing laws of all transfiguration?"

I didn't even have to use my occlumency to recall this. It was something I actually remembered as it wasn't the first time I had seen it mentioned. "Simple one Professor. All transfiguration is governed by Gamp's Laws of Elemental Transfiguration."

She nodded at me. "Very good and then tell me how do those laws apply to conjuration?"

This time I pretended to think for a moment as I recalled the passages about Gamp's Laws. "There are two of the five laws that apply specifically to conjuration. One of them states that you cannot conjure food; however it can be multiplied if already in existence. The other law says that you cannot conjure metal because metal has an adverse effect of spells. It's part of the reason there is no metal used in wands."

"Again another perfect answer. Care to explain to me how it is that conjuration works? Where does the object you make come from?"

"It's a simple yet complex process. One cannot simply make something from nothing. Conjuration is the art of using our magic to bend and mold molecules that already exist into the object we need or desire. The counter to this is that without runes to bind our magic to the conjurations they will eventually disappear which makes it more efficient for short term usage items. Most people will never learn how to properly bind a conjured item using a runic pattern as it can become complex."

McGonagall gave me a genuine smile. "I marvel at your ability to recall these things Mr. Potter it is truly a special talent. It's almost like you have the book open and are reading directly from it. Allow me to ask you a few more questions and then I will dismiss you as you appear to be quite tired. Next time we will review these questions and if you remember again then we will move into practicing."

I agreed and let the quizzing continue. It went on for another twenty minutes or so before I was dismissed and heading to the staircase to meet Daphne. I stopped just out of sight of the stairs and pulled my map to check and see if Daphne was already there. I was happy to see the dot labeled with her name present. I concentrated on the position that she was in on the map fully intending on making her think I could see her through the cloak.

As I walked up to the platform and the stairs rotated into place for us to ascend I turned my head and stared at where I was guessing Daphne was. "Follow me closely and squeeze my hand at every platform so I know you're still with me."

There was a little gasp but other than that no reaction. It didn't take us long to once again reach the Gryffindor common room and then the dorms. Just like last time she climbed in and I closed the curtains. This time though there was no extra play. We held each other close and I whispered to her as we both fell into a blissful night's sleep.

DUMBLEDORE POV (AFTER HARRY LEAVES)

As the door banged shut I sat down heavy in my chair and just stared at the chaos around me. The books would be easy to right. A few swishes of my wand and I had them flying back to their shelves. I repeated the process for the papers and soon they too had been piled neatly.

I focused on the worst of the problem next. My many instruments that had been destroyed; while some were just mere trinkets the others had served various purposes. Monitoring magic in the school, warning me of possible intruders, and some were even used to monitor Harry Potter.

I decided to not worry about the instruments for the moment. It would take considerable time to repair them as they were impervious to a simple reparo and would have to be recreated from scratch. No I had a much more pressing issue to attend to.

I was losing the battle to keep Harry under my supervision. I had never meant to isolate him so. I had never even meant for him to find out as much as he had.

It pained me to see what I had driven him to do. I knew it was mine own fault for not being forthcoming with him the many times before when he had asked me questions. I had indeed brought this on myself. But that didn't excuse his attitude towards me. I would not allow him to think he could threaten me and walk away unscathed. I had warned him before about crossing me and what information might slip. Perhaps it was time I paid a visit to Poppy and let her know about a certain student's situation.

It would anger Harry as I'm sure he would be suspicious, but he would never be able to confirm it was indeed me who leaked it if I expressly forbid Poppy from telling. Perhaps it might even drive him to come back to me and attempt to argue. I would find a way to ensnare him and force him to talk. We would find a way to talk through these differences in opinion. I was sure that's what this was all about after all. He simply viewed things one way and I another because of my years of experience with similar matters and situations. Harry was only a child and did not have the insight that I did.

What worried me most about his current situation was his undeniably growing power. He had jumped from middle of the class to top in just one summer. It was remarkable and the only thing I could account it to was the change in his aura that I noticed.

Since I had been observing Harry he had always had a smaller darker part to his aura. But it had always been separate, segregated somehow. Since he had returned this year though I noticed the darker aura had spread it seemed. But its intensity had diminished which intrigued me. I had never seen an aura change so drastically before. I had my suspicions as to what had caused it and that worried me greatly. For some time I had suspected Tom might have created Horcruxes. The diary that had been given to Ginny Weasley had confirmed my worst fears. Then I had seen it in Harry. And I had concluded the small dark aura could only be a part of Tom's soul. He had accidentally turned Harry to a horcrux.

It had been a horrid realization for me. Harry was going to have to sacrifice his life for this war to truly end. It was sad to know that one so young and so brave would have to give up his chance at life. However I eventually reasoned that it was for the greater good. The lives of the many were worth one child. It was one of the things that kept me from telling Harry his destiny and the prophecy. I wanted him to enjoy the life he had remaining and not be burdened by this.

Now though I see I might have made an error in my judgment. It appeared that something had happened and the Horcrux in him had started to take over. It was causing him to doubt his one-time friends, the order, and even me. No this just would not do and I would need to find a way to correct this soon before he became lost to the darkness.

A rustling of feathers drew me from my thoughts and I looked to Fawkes who was staring at me. He let out a soft sad trill of notes and I nodded. "I know Fawkes it is sad that such a good boy has been corrupted by Tom. Don't worry I'll find a way to help him; just like I've helped so many others for so long."

HARRY POV

I stretched out as I woke up, enjoying the feel of the tension leaving my body. The empty space next to me drew my attention and I just sighed. It'd been a week and a half since I'd been in the argument with Dumbledore. Since then it'd become commonplace for her to spend the night with me. We'd had some close calls recently when Dean had come into the bathroom while we'd been using the shower, and then another time when Neville had seen my curtain seemingly open itself.

We hadn't been caught yet, but we decided to take a break from it just to be safe. Getting over my disappointment I got out of bed and quickly went through my morning routine. Soon enough I was done and waiting in the common room with a book on conjuration that McGonagall had recommended. It was still early so I was in no rush and wouldn't miss breakfast. After thirty minutes of reading or so Neville came down the stairs.

"Morning Nev. Ready to get some food?"

Neville nodded excitedly. "Absolutely. I'm starving."

I smiled at him as I put my book away and stood up. "Well you seem awfully full of energy for someone who just woke up. What's got you in a good mood today?"

Neville brushed off my question though as we walked down the staircases. "Oh you know it's just been a good year. My grades are up, my grandmother no longer thinks I'm useless, and I have a beautiful girlfriend. Life doesn't get much better at the moment does it?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure I'm buying that. But I'll cut you some slack since you didn't give me a hard time about keeping the room of requirement from you for so long." After I told Neville about the room he'd been surprisingly calm and hadn't held it against me for not sharing. I guess I had just been so used to Ron and Hermione getting mad at me for not sharing every little detail of my life that it was what I expected.

"It's nothing really. And is it so wrong to be happy? Not all of us can wonder around like we have the grim on our back all the time like you."

I pulled a face at that. "I take great offense to that I'll have you know. I do not walk around looking like that."

Neville rolled his eyes as we reached the entrance hall. "Sure you don't mate; as long as Daphne is around I mean. When she's not it looks like someone drowned your favorite puppy."

Suddenly I felt really self-conscious. "Do I really look like that?"

Neville turned and eyed me critically as we stood outside the Great Hall. "No. But it was fun to wind you up. Oh look here comes Hannah. I'll see you inside Harry." And he ducked away from me as I tried to swat his head.

I just laughed and found a free space of the wall to lean against while I waited for Daphne to show up. About five minutes later though Tracey walked out of the corridor leading to the dungeons and made her way towards me. The expression on her face instantly had me on edge. "What's wrong Tracey? Where's Daphne?"

Tracey fidgeted with her robes nervously. "I don't know Harry. Last night she was acting weird. She was having a hard time moving and said she wasn't feeling good. I asked her what was wrong and she said her chest was hurting and that she was getting cramps in her legs. I suggested she go lay down and she did. I figured she'd be better in the morning. Then this morning she didn't get up at her normal time. So I pulled her curtains back to check on her, but she was gone. Harry I don't know where she is. I haven't had a chance to check the hospital wing but…"

I stopped listening and started walking towards the stairs. I knew Daphne was pretty far along by now, but so far the potions she'd been taking had suppressed the symptoms. If they were coming through now we probably didn't have much longer until someone figured it out.

Within no time I was at the large doors to the Hospital Wing and pulling them open. At the far end, closest to the window, was a screened off section. I had no doubt Daphne was behind those curtains and I moved across fully intending to pull them back and make sure she was okay, but a hand on my outstretched arm stopped me.

"And just what do you think you are doing Mr. Potter? I dare say you've been in here enough over the years to know that some people require privacy." Madam Pompfrey stared me down until I let my hand fall back to my side.

"Madam Pompfrey please. I need to see Daphne."

Shock showed on the matron's face. "And how exactly did you know that it was Ms. Greengrass behind this curtain Mr. Potter?"

I shrugged. "Tracey, Daphne's best friend, just found me and told me she was missing, but hadn't been feeling well last night. Daphne's my girlfriend Madam Pompfrey. I just needed to make sure she is okay."

The nurse hmm'ed at me. "Well that certainly changes circumstances tell me Mr. Potter have you noticed anything different about Ms. Greengrass lately?"

I had an idea where this was going. Madam Pompfrey wasn't dumb after all and she'd been doing this a long time. I wasn't foolish enough to believe this was the first pregnancy she'd seen. "You can go ahead and ask me. I know Daphne's pregnant, like very pregnant."

The nurse looked at me for a second before pulling the curtain open a little and stepping through. She gestured for me to follow and once I was through let it fall shut again. "So should I take it that you are the father then Mr. Potter?" I just nodded mutely not sure what to say. "Yes definitely changes everything then. How long have you known?"

I chanced a glance at Daphne who was sleeping peacefully. Judging by the empty goblet next to her bed it wasn't a natural sleep though. "Since the summer. But it happened at the end of last year."

"And did neither of you think to come to me sooner? Pregnancy is not something that should be taken lightly Mr. Potter! There are a lot of things that could go wrong."

I didn't know what to say. "We wanted to handle it…on our own I mean. There were circumstances that made it necessary for us to keep this quiet ma'am. I know she'd been taking potions to suppress the symptoms and using glamours to hide the weight gain."

"That's all well and good but what if something had happened? What if she had become sick? Then what? Not only could the child have been endangered but Ms. Greengrass as well! It is highly irresponsible of you to have kept this from me. And to think I almost didn't believe Albus when he mentioned it to me."

That got my attention. "The headmaster told you Daphne is pregnant?"

"Of course he said he'd noticed it and wanted me to make sure she received proper care and treatment. He even suggested I pull her from classes and let her stay here to take strain off of her. A great suggestion, might I add, after seeing just how far along she is. I had initially dismissed it though when I casually observed Ms. Greengrass eating and couldn't see any signs of pregnancy. I should have known though; the headmaster rarely makes mistakes when his students are involved."

I suppressed the snort of disbelief at that. "So what happens now ma'am? Is everyone going to find out Daphne's pregnant?" I was nervous, especially since she was going to be confined in one area.

"No Mr. Potter it is not my duty to tell why students are in here except to their parents. I've already made the call to them and they asked if she was okay and no more. So it appears that they too had knowledge of this."

"Yes they did. What are you going to tell people if they come to see her? Her friends and housemates are going to stop by eventually."

The matron frowned at me. "I have already thought of this. No one will be allowed past this curtain because I will tell them she is suffering from Dragon Pox."

I was more than a little skeptical. "Dragon Pox is supposed to be pretty dangerous. Also it doesn't really match the symptoms she was showing last night. Are you sure this is going to work?"

"I would appreciate it if you did not question my expertise Mr. Potter. If anyone keeps asking I will simply tell them that it was a quick acting case, and Ms. Greengrass will be staying in my care for treatment of her symptoms. Also it's common for dragon pox victims to stay in care to make sure they don't relapse."

I knew Madam Pompfrey was professional. "Fine, but I'll still want to visit her. Is that going to be possible?"

"Normally not, but given the circumstances I will arrange for an hour each night if that is what you would like."

I wasn't going to push my luck knowing how strict she could be with visiting. "Yes thank you ma'am. I'll just be going now then. I only wanted to see that she was okay." I moved past the matron to lean over and kiss Daphne's forehead, and then I walked out of the curtained area.

My stomach rumbled on the way to charms and I remembered that I had missed breakfast. I cast a tempus but there was no time to head to the kitchens now. I'd just have to wait till lunch. This was a terrible start to the day and I fully intended on blaming Neville for this because of his happy attitude this morning.

When I entered the classroom Professor Flitwick was already at his podium and most of the class was there. What I noticed next though was that Neville was sitting at the back of the room and not at our usual table. Instead Tracey was sitting in Neville's normal seat. I paused momentarily and stared at her as I set my bag down. "What can't I sit with my best friend's boyfriend? I need to learn more about you anyway."

I nodded and sat down still not taking my eyes off her until Professor Flitwick started the roll. Once that was finished he started into the lecture about today's lesson on different aspects of our OWLs and what was most likely to show up. I listened carefully taking some notes, but knowing I'd be able to recall the most important details later kept me from putting a whole lot of effort into them.

Once the lecture was complete we began our revision which meant I was free to pull out my book on advanced charms and look more into something that could help me greatly. I didn't get far though before I found a wand poking me in the ribs.

I sighed. "Yes Tracey how can I help you?"

"Are you getting an attitude with me now? Ooh, you should be very careful Mr. Potter. Daphne is my best friend and I could have a lot of influence on her decisions."

I smiled. "I doubt you could change her opinion about me. Not for lack of trying, but just simply that Daphne has seen me at my worst and my best. She knows who I am. Anyway what did you need help with?"

She pointed at her parchment which was already a bright blue shade. "I don't need help with charms Potter. I'm more than adequate with them, but I do want to know where you rushed off to and if you found Daphne. Is it safe to assume you went to the Hospital Wing?" I nodded at her to indicate it was true. "And what? Was Daphne there is she okay?"

I nodded again. "She was there, but okay is another matter. Apparently she caught dragon pox and Madam Pompfrey forbid me from actually seeing her." Tracey was instantly worried and her face showed it. "Careful there Tracey you wouldn't want people thinking you didn't know how to keep your emotions in check." I casually looked over my shoulder towards the other Slytherins. Most were working or talking in pairs, but Malfoy looked over at us for a second before turning back to his work when he saw we had noticed him.

Tracey lowered her voice and leaned in. "I don't care Potter. That's my best friend and she has something known to be fatal! Of course I'm worried."

I placed my hand on her shoulder to hopefully calm her down a little. "Listen Tracey. Madam Pompfrey said she would be fine, and that Daphne was on her way to recovery. There is nothing to worry about. I promise she's safe. I wouldn't be here if she wasn't."

It worked and Tracey visibly relaxed. "Thank you. I should have known Madam Pompfrey was taking good care of her." And then she looked at me with what could only be understanding. "You really care about Daphne, don't you?"

The question caught me off guard. "Of course I do. Why would I be dating her if I didn't care about her?"

Tracey rolled her eyes. "I know you used to wear glasses Potter, but clearly you aren't blind. She's gorgeous. Do you know how many guys would fake it just to get with her?"

I hadn't thought of that before. It'd honestly never crossed my mind to do something like that to anyone. "I guess. I don't know I've never even thought of that. But yes I really do care for Daphne. A lot."

That seemed to please Tracey and she went back to practicing some of her charms and I turned back to my book to continue reading. A little while later and I had just turned to a page and the Fidelius, but not how to perform it just the history and description since it was technically a charm.

"So do you love her then?"

I choked on my own spit and started coughing. "What?"

"Don't make me spell it out for you. Do you love her?"

I laid my book on the desk and just stared at the words. Did I love Daphne? Hell I knew I cared about her a lot, but was it love? "I…I don't know. Why? Has she said something to you?"

"No not really. I mean she'd mentioned neither of you had ever said it, but she hasn't like been upset about it or anything. I think she respects that you've waited and haven't said it so early, but if I were you I'd figure out how you feel about her and make sure she knows how special she is to you."

I began to wonder when charms turned in a therapy and relationship counseling session. "Yeah maybe you're right. I'll figure it out and once she is better I'll have something planned."

Tracey didn't say anything else and just turned back to her work again. Try as I might for the rest of the class I just wasn't comprehending what I was reading. My thoughts were all situated around Daphne, our soon to be born child, and my feelings for her. When the class ended Neville came up next to my desk and waited for me to pack up. Tracey left and shot me a look which I understood to mean 'don't forget'.

As I stood up leave my stomach rumbled reminding me that I hadn't eaten.

"Come on Nev. I'm starving and there is no way I survive another class with Umbridge if I don't eat lunch."

Almost as soon as we reached the table I dropped my bag and began to pile food onto my plate. How I managed to maintain some semblance of etiquette and manners I don't really know. After about ten minutes of stuffing myself I slowed down and started eating at a much slower pace.

When I looked up from my plate I noticed Hannah had joined us and was sitting next to Neville across from me. "Hi Hannah, how was your morning?"

She finished chewing and swallowed before answering. "It was better than normal. Snape actually didn't berate us today in class. It had some people really on edge though and wondering if he was planning some surprise. We missed you at breakfast this morning. Did you forget to do some homework?"

I put on my best pained expression. "I found out Daphne was very sick. I ran off to the hospital wing to make sure she was okay and got caught up talking to Madam Pompfrey."

Hannah smiled. "That's so sweet of you Harry. I'm sure Daphne must have been so happy that you came to see her. You'd do that for me right Neville?" I snickered because there was definitely an underlying warning in the tone.

Neville coughed a little. "Of course I would come visit you if you were sick. What type of heartless bastard wouldn't visit their girlfriend, especially if she was as pretty as you?"

Hannah leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Good call dear and extra points for finding a way to call me pretty."

I mock clapped and smirked at Neville as he glared at me. The rest of lunch passed in much the same way for me with more good natured teasing.

Way too soon for my liking we found ourselves sitting in the defense classroom and listening to Umbridge prattle on about more ministry sanctioned crap. Apparently there had been three new memorandums or something from the ministry over the holiday. I toned her out as I kept myself entertained by reading my disguised book on magical children.

It had finally hit me how close this was. I was going to be a father soon, and suddenly the panic and doubt was setting into the back of my mind. Could I really be a father? What if I was horrible at it? What if something happened?

I forced myself to silence the doubts though and just continue my reading.

"Hem-hem, Mr. Potter am I boring you?" Umbridge's voice cut across the room and the sickly sweet tone made me want to puke.

"No ma'am of course not." I lied through my teeth trying not to draw any more attention.

"Well then perhaps you can put your book away and pay attention to what I am saying. You will need to know this to be a successful, productive member of the Wizarding community someday."

There was a laugh and I had to do a double take for a second to make sure it wasn't me. But as I turned around it was actually Zabini who had laughed. Once he saw that the eyes of the class were on him he stopped but Umbridge didn't let it go.

"Pray tell Mr. Zabini, what did you find so funny as to interrupt my class?"

It was weird to see Umbridge reprimanding a Slytherin. I marveled at the way Zabini talked himself out of it though. "I apologize Professor. The thought of Potter becoming productive in his life is too hilarious."

Umbridge smiled sweetly and looked back towards me. I could see she had a comment on the tip of her tongue, but she stopped when I stared challengingly at her. I was practically begging the woman to give me something to use against her. We both knew she wouldn't survive a second blunder, and verbally belittling a student in class for no reason wouldn't fly. Well unless your name was Severus Snape that is.

She bit her tongue hard; the look of pain that spread across her face was hilarious. For a day that had gone so poorly so far this was making it better. After that I put my book away and just pretended to listen for the rest of class. When the bell rang I couldn't help but feel like I had been saved.

When I walked out I found Zabini waiting outside the door.

"Potter I just wanted you to know I wasn't serious about what I said in there, but Slytherin preservation you know?" And he did actually sound genuine.

"It's nothing to worry about Zabini. I knew you weren't serious in there. Besides if I let my feelings get hurt over a few words from a Slytherin then I think I'd be in trouble all things considered."

Zabini smirked at me. "You're right of course. And since you brought it up…how is she faring? Tracey told me what happened and I wondered if you knew more than you were letting on."

It was creepy to me how intuitive and observant Zabini could be. "Why would you think I had held something back? Tracey is her best friend I would have nothing to hide from her."

Zabini looked at me and then looked around before speaking. "Meet me in the empty classroom at the end of the hall once you ditch Longbottom."

He walked off and I turned around to see Neville coming out of the classroom with Dean.

"Hey Neville go ahead without me. I actually forgot my book in the classroom and I'm sure Umbridge will try to bait me once I go back in."

Neville frowned and looked towards my full bag. "Are you sure? I don't mind waiting. Plus you might need some back up if things get out of hand."

I subconsciously tugged my bag back partially shielding it with my body. "No it's okay. Trust me I can handle that ministry stooge on my own. Thanks though. I'll catch up with you tonight at dinner."

He didn't say anything and for a second I thought he might insist, but then he frowned and shrugged before walking off. I pretended to be looking in the room and then slowly walked in the entrance and tried to keep myself concealed by the door. I just needed to stay out of sight until Neville got out of the hall.

Thankfully he walked rather quickly, and I ducked back out of the room right before Umbridge looked up from her desk right at where I had been standing. Not wanting to risk getting caught still in the hallway I hurried down the hall and stepped into the classroom.

Zabini was at the front of the small room just staring at the wall. I approached and perched on top of one of the desks waiting for him to speak.

"You asked me why I thought you were withholding something earlier Potter. To put it simply it's because I know you are."

I was suddenly very uneasy with the situation I had found myself in. "I'm not sure what you mean by that Zabini." I was hoping my lack of confidence didn't come through in my voice.

"You do and it's not really worth lying about to me. I've only known for sure for a few days, but I had suspected before break." I was definitely nervous. Had he figured out about Daphne? "Then last night happened and it only made my suspicion that much more solid. So really my only question for you is…how far along is she?"

Suddenly I found everything kind of at a stand-still. How had this all come crashing down in just one day? It went from one person knowing to now another student and the nurse knew. I was going to have to handle this very delicately. "Far. That's why she's in the hospital wing. How'd you figure it out?"

Zabini finally turned around to look at me. "Very well, I guess we can do a one for one question and answer here. I only confirmed it when I snuck up to see Tracey the other night. Yes I know how to get by the protections on the staircase. She went to the bathroom to change and I happened to be looking around. I'm observant. It's how I get most of my useful information. And I noticed Daphne's drawer on her nightstand was open. It was highly unlike her and I didn't want to risk someone else searching through it. I went to close it, but not before I noticed a unique looking teal potion. I didn't recognize it, and truthfully I probably wouldn't have thought much of it except there were at least five visible vials of it. I was concerned she had become addicted to a potion and so I did some research into potions of that color and texture. I assume you know what I found from my searching."

I wanted to curse at the injustice of it. We'd been so careful and had been found out on pure luck by someone in a place they shouldn't have been. Well I knew it was time to find out how bad the damage was. "So who else have you told already?"

He looked at me like I had grown a second head. "Told? I haven't told anyone…yet. But now I get two questions. Was this intentional between you two? If so then why?"

I was relieved to find out he hadn't told anyone yet, but not entirely sure how much I wanted to reveal. "You have to understand this is a delicate situation. I don't know that much about you even. No one else knows this aside from the nurse and the headmaster. Even they don't know why." I waited for him to say something, but when he didn't I continued on. "Yes it was intentional. At least it was intentional for Daphne. I didn't know she had planned it. As for the why…that's not for me to tell."

I was expecting protests at my vague answers but none came. "That's some careful wording Potter. I appreciate how safe you are being with this so I'm not going to pry. However there is a catch. If you don't want me to go speaking about this you're going to need to do something for me."

I was cautious but willing to hear what he wanted so I indicated for him to go on with my hands. "What I want isn't something that will happen right now or anytime soon really. It has more to do with our future and the positions we're in. You're from an older and more well respected house than I am. Therefor you have some additional pull in the Wizengamot and to an extent the ministry, whether you realize it or not. I ask that when the time comes that you put in a word or two in my favor to help propel me through the ranks."

I wasn't sure I was following. "So in exchange for your silence now I put in a good word for you when you need it later?"

"That's it. Pretty simple deal. So are we in agreement?" And he held his hand out for me to shake. I didn't hesitate as I reached out and shook it. "Good I'll be seeing you around Potter. Tell Daphne I said congratulations when you see her." And with that parting shot at me he walked out.

For a while I just sat in the room staring at nothing. I couldn't believe this had happened. The odds of those exact events happening again so that Zabini would figure it out were so slim. It was like the whole world was conspiring against us. When I did finally decide to leave I found myself on a kind of autopilot. I went through the rest of the evening, but was never fully there.

Before I knew it I found myself outside of the hospital wing and opening the door. Madam Pomfrey poked her head out of her office but said nothing after she realized it was me. I took that as an okay and made my way over to the curtains and stepped inside.

I was disappointed to see Daphne was asleep again, but wasn't prepared to leave just yet. So I pulled up the stool and set my bag down. I grabbed Daphne's hand and brought it to my lap where I gently rubbed the back of it with my thumb. I started a little as Daphne sighed and a small smile crept on to her face. But I quickly calmed and smiled down at our hands.

I don't know when I started talking but I felt a weight lift off me the more I talked. I told her about the day and what Tracey had said mostly. Then about how that had made me really think about what I felt for her. How it had confused me. How I thought it would be hard to figure it out, but now that I was sitting here with nothing else to distract me it was even to know what I felt.

"I love you Daphne, and I just wish you were awake so I could say it to you. I don't need you to say it back yet. I understand if you aren't ready. I think it's easier for me to love because I never knew it when I was a child. And so I have craved the feeling of being loved and loving someone else. And whether you know it or not you make me feel loved. And together we're going to show our child love and happiness." It was probably the most honest I'd been with myself in a long time.

I got a surprise when Daphne spoke. "I love you to Harry. And I needed to hear all of that. Being in here now has caused me to think about it all day, and I've been so worried about what if I turn out to be a bad mother and can't handle this."

I recovered quickly from the shock of her being awake and brought the back of her hand to my lips. "I have the same fears Daphne, but I promise you together we will figure this out. It's going to be difficult, but I know we'll overcome it. And you're going to make a wonderful mother." I let her hand fall back to my lap and leaned over and kissed her lightly.

"I really do love you Harry. I meant it when I said it and I hope you don't think I said it just because you did."

"I know you mean it." And then I sighed knowing this next part would be hard to tell. "I don't know how much you heard about the day, but I left something very important out."

Daphne picked up on my change of mood and sat up a little to look at me. "What's wrong?"

I smiled grimly in the low light of the room. "Well it's about your friend Zabini…"