Chapter 8

The nights leading to the Yule Ball had been subdued after the Vampire attack on Harry in Hogsmeade. It had gotten around the school like wildfire that he had held six of them off for so long and had gotten some odd glances from the other champions of the tournament. Fleur Delacour had even approached the young man and told him of her distaste for the creatures, and that it was unfortunate they had not been at Hogsmeade together to take down the Butcher of Paris. Harry agreed with the girl easily that had her fire abilities been there while he kept the shields up it would have been a slaughter. Harry later on even realized that the girl had underhandedly insulted Daphne that she wasn't powerful enough to be with him, and he needed someone with perhaps more magical gifts at his side. Not that Harry bothered to listen to the girl.

It was the night of the Yule Ball however, and Harry was in the head boy quarters for Ravenclaw fixing his hair and looking over some notes for his Animagus transformation. He was easily ready to take the potion when he went home and thought it very possible that he could be ready to be an Animagus in just a few short months if things kept going his way. He knew he was something predatory, because every time he connected with his animal side, he felt more dangerous, and aggressive, but he was unsure just what his animal side was and hoped that the potion would answer his questions.

He looked at his dark blue dress robes that matched his house colors and smiled as the mirror complimented how dashing he looked. Thankfully he also didn't quite have the Potter Family curse and his hair was fairly short and controllable to the point that he was able to spike it with ease and make it look presentable. He definitely looked more like his birth mother tonight with his green eyes in the mirror and was glad that Pernelle was not here to fuss over him tonight no matter how much he truthfully missed the women.

It was however 6:30 and time to go meet his date in the great hall, and get the night started. Going through the common room he gave many of the people he was friendly with smiles, greetings, and compliments as he quickly dismissed himself from the common room to get to his date.

The walk through the castle was pleasant. Lots of happy greetings from happy couples meeting outside of their common rooms or at different areas throughout the castle was spotted as he descended the staircase. It was also noted that the Christmas Decorations by the professors and older students were spectacular, and he greatly admired the beauty of the castle this time of year.

Arriving at the great hall many people were milling about, but thankfully for Harry the champions were all near the entrance to the hall, and with no site of Daphne just yet he greeted his fellow champions, "Mademoiselle Delacour, you look absolutely stunning. Mr. Diggory, Mr. Krum you both look sharp gentleman and your dates lovely."

Cedric was with a pretty girl from Ravenclaw house that Harry only briefly recognized as Cho Chang, while Viktor Krum was with a younger looking girl that Harry recognized from Neville's house and one of his best friends, but her name escaped him. Whoever she was Krum was making a bold statement by taking that young of a student, and if he wasn't mistaken a muggleborn.

Fleur being the first to respond to the youngest champion said, "Monsieur Potter you look dashing as well, where is your date? I thought it would be unbecoming of a Pureblood Heiress in Britain to be late."

Before Harry could retort a soft voice came from behind him, "I don't believe I am late until the first dance begins."

Harry turned around and lost his ability to speak momentarily. Daphne was wearing a dark blue dress with silver jewelry on her wrist and neck along with a beautiful green emerald at the base of her necklace that hung tantalizingly close to her breast line. The dress itself was barely mid-thigh, and hugged Daphne to the bone where it left little to Harry's imagination just how good her physique was, "My lady I am at a loss for words. I am not sure I have a word for how you look tonight." Harry said taking the girls hand and kissing it gently.

Daphne smiled brightly at the boy, "I am glad you approve. You clean up very well yourself, and I am sure I will have to be claiming you throughout the night."

Shaking his head however, "You have no competition tonight my lady. You look breath taking."

Finally drawing a small blush Daphne greeted the champions, "Hello Granger, I did not expect to see you out on the floor with us for the first dance."

Hermione gave the girl a slight smile, "Even on Christmas you can't call me by first name can you Daphne, but yes Viktor asked me to be his date just after the first task, but I didn't want to throw it around for the masses to claw at either of us for his choice."

Viktor put a hand on the girl's hip innocently, "Yes Herm-io-ninny was very kind to me, and vasn't like the other vultures. In fact, I think it vas I who annoyed her in the library for the first few veeks."

The girl blushed, while Harry chuckled, and Daphne grinned at the girl, giving Cedric a chance to speak, "Harry, my father will be here at the champions table with a few other representatives of the Ministry, would you please sit near him, I think he would love to have your ear for a few minutes."

Easily agreeing to the boy's inquiry Harry said, "As long as it's not politics all night, I would hate for my date to get bored with me."

Harry smoothly took the girls hand at that, and she smiled at him and Cedric just laughed, "He is still tactful, and fearful of getting on your bad side, I don't think you have anything to worry about tonight."

Cho was the next to speak asking, "Harry, I guess we have all heard about your skills with a wand on the dueling circuit are you any good at Quidditch?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders at this question, "I am not sure honestly. I have played a few pickup games over the years, and I am a pretty fair flier, but I haven't played any legit matches of Quidditch. I have played chaser with my friends and keeper though for fun in America, so I do enjoy the game. I was even at the Quidditch World Cup."

At this Daphne squeezed his hand, and he looked at her to see that she was giving him a very curious look, but she said nothing as Cho said, "Oh that's too bad. Cedric and I are both seekers for our house teams, and there has been some talk of playing a few pickup games after the second task when it warms up. Thought we would invite you to play with us or keep you in the loop if you were interested."

"Sure, I'd love to play more." Harry said honestly turning to his date, "Do you like to fly Daphne I don't think I have ever asked you?"

Daphne gave the boy a predatory look, "I fly from time to time. Nothing spectacular, besides no females are allowed on the Slytherin Quidditch team as long as our current leadership is in charge."

Cho looked outraged, "I have never heard of that rule."

"It's not a rule of the house just a rule among the Slytherin Captain's. There hasn't been a female Slytherin player in quite some time, perhaps since my mother was in school." Daphne said honestly.

Harry looked at the girl with a suspicious look on his face, "Something tells me you do more than fly from time to time."

Daphne just shrugged and winked at the boy, "I think we will find out in the spring. Please keep me updated too Cho as the pickup games are deciding teams. I don't mind trying out for some fun."

This caused the girls to giggle a little, and Harry smiled at the site. Then the Hogwarts Transfiguration Professor McGonagall came over to the champions, "Are the champions ready to enter the hall? You were all told of course that you must complete the first dance of course after dinner?"

Harry deciding to play a small prank on the old professor he said, "What we have to dance first? No one told me that."

The professor looked at the boy immediately suspicious, "Mr. Potter while I know your father very much enjoyed his pranks in his school days, I assure you that I know every trick in the book thanks to his friends and himself."

Harry looked at the women with a smile, "Is that a challenge I hear professor?"

The woman rolled her eyes, "It's always a challenge to you Potter's dare I say...We are ready for you to enter the hall in just a moment we are just getting the stragglers in and when the doors open you may enter. Potter you lead the way as the youngest champion and the champion in first place."

Acknowledgment came from each of the champions, and the professor walked away. Daphne whispered into his ear quietly, "You merely laughed when I asked if you knew how to dance last time, and I hope you aren't about to embarrass me are you?"

Giving the girl a slight push with his shoulder, "Have I let you down yet? Just try and keep up out there okay?"

This brought out the inner competition in the girl, and she merely huffed at the boy a bit in defeat. When the doors open Harry led the group into the ball to applause. It was something that Harry was fairly used too, but he could tell his date was going with it and glowing at his side. Harry thought to himself that there was no reason the girl shouldn't be confident with the way she looked tonight. She looked every bit the Pureblood Princess.

When they reached the table and took their seats the rest of the hall took theirs, and Dumbledore stood to speak. "I know we are all hungry tonight, so I will make this quick. First, I would like to thank our guest from Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and House Potter for attending this tournament and making the spirit of International Cooperation so beautiful in those so young. I would also like to thank each champion for their bravery, and their sacrifice for entering this tournament by choice or not. Finally, I would like to thank each student who has befriended students from the other schools or perhaps even those who took a chance and brought a student from another school tonight to the ball. Your leadership and bravery are what this tournament is all about. I wish to say much more, but tonight is not the night, so I will only share two more words. Tuck in."

Applause went through the hall briefly as Dumbledore grabbed his menu and then spoke to his plate, "Pork Chops."

As soon as he said this food appeared, and Harry grabbed his menu, and did the same, with the rest of the hall quickly following suit and inviting light chatter to enter the room. Harry happily grabbed his fork and knife and remembered his manners as he began snacking on his baked chicken and watched Daphne nibble at some type of fish she ordered on the menu.

At the table was each of the champions, and their dates, along with each of the respective headmasters, and high mistresses, and then there were several ministry officials, two of which Harry was sitting in front of, Amos Diggory, and Amelia Bones, the second of which he recognized from the papers. There was after all a very scandalous article about her about a year ago about her being a witch's witch.

Once the chatter started at the table however Harry was quickly taken in by Amos Diggory, "So Harry my boy, what do you think of Hogwarts so far?"

Harry finished chewing his food, and spoke cordially, "I love it so far. I wish I had my Godfather here with me more, so he could put a place to some of the stories I have heard, but it's nice being in the place I know my birth parents fell in love. Also, I know my ancestors have walked these halls for centuries so it's a piece of my own history right before my eyes."

Daphne spoke, "You actually aren't the first Potter to compete in a Tri-Wizard Tournament Harry. You had a cousin in the Potter family a few centuries ago to compete. He didn't win, but he did go on to invent the wand holster."

Harry looked at the girl in surprise, "I didn't know you knew much on my family history outside of the basics."

Amelia Bones spoke gently to the boy, "The Potter's have always been a very private family, and anything that may be known about your family and some of their accomplishments is very well publicized as the Potter family has produced many fine witches and wizards. Including several heads of my own department, and two Headmasters, and-"

"A Minister of Magic." Harry said finishing for her, "The Flamel's have been long time friends with the Black and Potter families so I am quite familiar with the history as well. However, I did not know my cousin Fleamont was a Tri-Wizard Champion, he was the one who invented the Auror Grade Wand Holster."

Daphne smiled at the boy, "Before I met you, and thought that I might have a shot at dueling professionally I always aspired to be a Historian for the magical community, and perhaps one day replace Professor Binns. He is after all just a ghost never learning of how the politics of the modern age unfold, and modern events. I think it would do Hogwarts some justice to one day replace the ghost."

Harry raised his glass towards her a bit, "I think you would make a great teacher Daphne."

"I still have a lot to learn from you though in terms of teaching and dueling, so hopefully we will grow together." She said clicking her glass with his and sharing a beautiful smile.

Amelia Bones said, "You too make a lovely couple."

Neither bothered to correct the woman this time and Harry thought if this night kept going their way that they would indeed be a couple by the end of the night. Amos pushed to speak further, "So thoughts of staying in Britain after the tournament?"

Harry shrugged, "Well perhaps. I do enjoy getting a public education a little, but I will admit the classes are not very engaging for the level that my parents prepared me for, so I am unsure. I will probably let the Summer play its course and decide in the fall. I will of course be training all Summer preparing to defend my title on the U17 circuit, and as soon as I turn 16 I will enter the fray on the professional circuit, and see how it goes, so I am unsure honestly. I think I am unsafe here in Britain, but then again being who I am and what I represent to our world whether I like it or not that puts me in and my loved ones in danger constantly."

Amelia Bones eyed him at this, "What do you know of your involvement in the tournament?"

"Nothing other than that someone put my name in. I certainly didn't, and most people didn't even know where I was existing or even if I actually had magic, so I am unsure of what to think. No one has approached me to make me think a fan or a friend has put me in this tournament, which makes me think it definitely has more sinister intentions. After all the first task could have proved to be a very deadly one, and no friend would put their friend up against a Hungarian Horntail."

Amos nodded to this, "Aye that I think we can all agree on. You made a bunch of people very nervous that day, with the dragon threatening to eat you, and the ease that you handled it."

Daphne stepped to Harry's side at this, "Harry is a very powerful young wizard, and to fight for his life he was willing to do anything and perform any magic to get out of it. I am just grateful that his only concern was not killing the dragon when he entered the arena."

Harry squeezed the girl's hand as she defended him, and she only briefly gave him eye contact while Amos chuckled, "Of course. You managed to beat out Witches and Wizards three years your senior so that is quite a feat. I hope you will consider making your home in Britain once again I think the country would be lucky to have you."

Amelia Bones trying to save the two teenagers said, "I am sure he will do great things Amos, now let the boy enjoy his date and mentally prepare for the first dance."

As if on command the deserts came out, and Dumbledore said, "Deserts and then the traditional champions dance. Everyone enjoy the evening and let us prepare for a long night of fun."

With that many people looked excited and the chatter in the hall rose as desert was quickly conquered. Before Harry knew it, Daphne was dragging him by the hand to the dance floor, where Harry put a hand on her hip, and took her other hand. He looked straight into her blue eyes and said, "It's time to dance the night away my lady."

With that the girl smiled and the music began. Harry quickly proved to be a capable dancing partner by taking the lead and gently guided her around the dance floor to the steady music with near flawless execution. Daphne's eyes widened as Harry twirled her across the floor, and easily retook control of the dance and continued moving them around in and out of the way of the other champions.

The dance was a whirlwind, and at the center was Harry and Daphne. Grace, control, and fluidity. If people looked upon them, they would think they had danced many times before, but this being there first dance ever together would shock everyone. Even Harry was surprised at how fluid they were together. He was an experienced dancer and knew that with every new partnership there would be mistakes due to awkwardness, size difference, and knee clashing, but not them they were as close to perfect as it can get.

When the dance ended Harry led the girl's hand to his lips and kissed it gently and then kissed her on the cheek, "You dance well."

Daphne was almost breath taken by Harry's skill however and said, "You were exceptional though."

"It's all in the partnerships my lady." Harry said slowly taking the girl off the dance floor for a quick break.

When they got to the side Harry was about to offer to get her a drink when Hermione came over with Krum, "That was fantastic. You two were great! How long have you been practicing together?"

Daphne smiled at the girl lightly, but clearly slightly confused, "That was actually our first dance together. Believe me I am surprised too. I am a good dancer, but Harry was clearly out of my league."

Harry shook his head, "I disagree. No matter how good of a dancer I am, a dance cannot be executed that well with only one skilled partner."

Krum even offered words, "A partnership requires two. You were both very good. You nearly distracted both Hermione and myself a few times."

The two blushed at this, but took the praise and Harry gave the two quick parting comments as he guided Daphne over to get a quick drink. Before the two knew it however they were back on the floor dancing again, and again, and again.

When the next break came around Daphne was breathless, and her feet were slightly hurting as the dancing had become more upbeat and rowdier. They took a seat at a nearby table and talked quietly, "I am having a lot of fun tonight Harry thank you for inviting me."

Harry patted the girl's hand gently, "Thank you for coming with me. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun outside of a duel."

Daphne rewarded the boys' comment with a bright smile, "Good."

As the night went on Harry and Daphne both exchanged partners a few times as Harry danced with Fleur, and Daphne danced with Harry's housemate and Fleur's date Roger Davies. Harry also danced with Cho Chang, Susan Bones, and Hermione Granger whom was Viktor Krum's date.

The night was starting to wind down and the hall was slowly starting to empty as Harry and Daphne were sharing a drink and light conversation when a new presence took both of their attentions, "Ah Harry Potter. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

Harry turned his shoulder to see Draco Malfoy and a pretty fair skinned girl on his arm. The blonde boy was wearing immaculate dress robes that clearly spoke of his family's wealth and Harry spoke, "Draco Malfoy correct? I have not had the pleasure of meeting anyone from your family since my return to Britain. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Potter. Listen do you think we could have a moment to speak privately." Draco asked calmly.

At this his date asked Daphne if she would come with her to freshen up a bit, and Daphne didn't have much of a choice, but to agree and followed the girl out placing a soft hand on Harry's shoulder as she walked away, "She is beautiful isn't she."

The comment caught Harry by surprise, but he merely nodded, "Yes she is the Lady of the Ball tonight. I was lucky to have her on my arm. Now what is it you wished to speak with me about Heir Malfoy."

Draco straightened up at the use of his proper title, and immediately new the rumors of his Pureblood manners and traditions were not unfounded, "I wish to merely break bread with you as a returning future British Lord from the continent. Our families have both flip flopped sides of the politics from generation to generation, but each time the Malfoy and the Potters were on the same side they seemed to dominate."

Harry nodded his consent to the boy after all it was Charlus Potter and Abe Malfoy that pushed for the stop of Grindelwald at the end of the First Great Wizarding War, "There is no doubt about that and throw in the Longbottom's and I would say our families have performed some pretty major political blockades in the pass. I suppose the question is do we align in this one?"

Malfoy not losing a step smiled, "That is exactly what I wished to find out. You seem to have excellent taste so far. Longbottom is clearly a powerhouse in disguise, and he is your best mate from what I have heard and having Greengrass on your arm tonight certainly paints a good light on you to me as far as the company you keep. Now how about some quick political questions. Where do you stand on Muggleborns?"

Harry shrugged thinking honestly, "I have no problems with them. They definitely have a necessary role to play in our society, and I think if we did a better job educating the ones coming in on our customs here in Britain they would fit in much better. In America they start Muggleborns a year early that way they can get a full year of exposure to magic, and not learn hardly any spells, but all of our history, customs, and traditions. It is a very good idea that the American's have implemented over there at Ilvermony."

Draco reeled at this. He had never heard of such a custom, but indeed this would get rid of most of his problems he has had with Muggleborns in his life if they just weren't so ignorant of their ways, "I will admit you have me at a loss on that side of the topic, but I value your input on it, and would love to research how they implemented such a thing. How about magical creatures? The kinds of near human intelligence."

Half-Breeds was the word Malfoy was avoiding and Harry knew it, "I honestly have my biggest problems with Vampires. I share no love for their kind, because I have never met a kind one. Werewolves have given me many problems, but I also understand on both sides of those two coins that there are some good ones, and some bad ones. I think they need to be watched, and regulated, but still allowed to live as normal lives as their afflictions will allow them and that is the truth. Centaurs' and Giants have proven their distaste of our kind, but I don't think I have solution to that honestly."

Draco nodded very interested in the boy's politics, "Interesting. You have me intrigued. How about magic uses. Of all kinds."

Harry looked the boy in the eye when he said, "You aren't talking to some Gryffindor who was raised to believe the light was run boy Gods Heir Malfoy. There are very little things in the books that I would consider real dark magic. I see all magic as power, and those who are brave enough to pursue it. However, I also believe that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely with or without magic."

"Very interesting. I must admit you are much more than I hoped for." Draco said smiling at the boy.

Harry shrugged, "I have had plenty of time to form my opinions outside of the biased Wizarding Britain, and both my parents are very neutral on political matters which allowed me to form my own opinion."

"I can definitely respect that." Draco said. The two said nothing for a moment then Draco said, "I think we would make good allies Potter. I would love to discuss more politics with you sometime."

This time Harry surprised the boy, "I wish I could say the same Heir Malfoy. However, I know where your family's allegiance lies, and when the next war comes about I see us ending up on different sides. Let me say though that if we can avoid each other on the tides of the battlefield when it's all over, and I become the boy who vanquished we may be allies yet."

Draco looked at the boy strangely, "War? What are you talking about?"

Harry sighed, "Don't be naive Draco. The Dark Lord will return, and I will oppose him openly. Your father and by extension your family will be back to being on your knees at the foot of that monster."

Draco didn't notice that Harry had brought out his wand and placed privacy wards around them subtly and was already getting glances from Neville across the hall who Harry shook his head ever so slightly at him, while Draco said, "You have me at a disadvantage Potter. You seem to know something me nor my father know. The Dark Lord is dead, and you killed him."

Shaking his head Harry said, "Look I know your father was among the attackers at the World Cup. I saw him myself and dueled him. I recognize the wands that the Malfoy Family craft, and my Godfather recognized his dueling style from a mile away, but don't worry we could never prove it in court, or we would've already hauled him in on a dozen charges."

Draco paled at Harry's information, "I can't speak to that night, but I know IF my father had been a part of that it wasn't on the Dark Lords orders. It would've been more of a demonstration or a reminder not a call to arms."

Harry sensed the boy was telling the truth, and it made sense. AT the sign of the Dark Mark all the men had fled like chickens with their heads cut off. Some of what Draco said made sense, "Interesting. I believe you. However, do you deny if the Dark Lord was still out there that your family would join him."

"But he's not." Draco said.

"But what if he was." Harry all but shouted out, "I like you Draco. You have been polite and charismatic through our meeting, and I like to think we have been completely honest with each other so far, so let me give you some words of advice. The Dark Lord known as Voldemort is on the verge of returning and you can do with that information what you will. Your father will have seen some of the signs as well connected as he is. That means round two of the war our families left unfinished could fire back up before we even get out of school. I will oppose the Dark Lord or I will die trying, so my advice to you Draco is to keep your head down, because as long as I am alive there will be someone there fighting him, and if you think I am a powerful wizard now, just wait till you see what I do to my enemies. You can also tell your father that it was I that stopped him and three of his friends that night, and that I send Jugson my regards. Stay neutral and stay out of the upcoming conflicts Heir Malfoy, and just maybe when this war is over I will favor you with an alliance, and we can bring a golden age for our families, but if I ever see the mark on your arm, or your face on the opposite side of a battlefield we will forever be enemies."

At this both boys were standing, and Harry dispelled the privacy wards as their dates approached them. Draco's date was the first to speak of the tension, "Is everything good here boys?"

Harry offered his hand to Draco, "Of course. Heir Malfoy please consider what I said. I would love to work with you in the future if we can keep the terms agreeable."

The blonde-haired boy wanted to glare at him, but he recognized a warning, and even good advice when it was offered so he took the young champions hand, "Of course. Do you mind if I steal your date for a dance?"

Harry accepted easily knowing the two were house mates and asked, "Only if I may borrow yours."

The two gave each other slight bows, and Harry offered his hand to the pretty girl, "What's your name my lady? I am Harry Potter heir to my house."

"Pansy Parkinson, Heir of house Parkinson nice to meet you." The girl offered.

Dancing politely with the girl he asked a few polite questions to keep conversation light. He learned that Draco and herself were dating, even though it was possible that both could have marriage contracts leaning over their heads in the next few years, but they were both willing to have fun over the next few years together and take the chance. She was also fairly intelligent, and good at potions possibly if her talk in the subject was anything to go by.

Harry watched Daphne and Draco throughout the dance as the two kept impassive faces, but Daphne too was stealing glances at Harry, but hers seemed slightly confused, and perhaps even a little worried, but each time an emotion crossed her face it was gone in seconds.

At the end of the dance Harry kissed his partners hand, and wished her goodnight as they switched partners back, while Daphne said, "Can we speak outside for a minute?"

Harry nodded to the girl, and followed her out placing a small hand on her back, however as they were on their way out a boy got in their way, "Daphne may I have a dance?"

The boy was ruggedly handsome Harry supposed. He was clearly a Pureblood by the state of his robes, and his face was neatly trimmed, and he had a good-sized scar running down by his eye. Daphne however looked from Harry to the boy, and she said, "No thank you Theodore. I must speak with my date in private."

Taking her hand now Daphne recoiled and just about slapped the boy, but said, "I said no Theo."

Harry now stepped between the two making the boy let go of her hand, "Look I don't know who you are, but if you make for a grab at my date like that again we are going to have a problem."

In the flash of an eye, both boys had their wands drawn and pointed at each other. Theodore blinked. He had initiated the wand draw, but somehow Potter still had his wand pointed at him first, while he had also moved Daphne safely behind him for the second time.

Daphne hissed, "Have you lost your mind?"

Harry growled, "Good question. Drawing your wand on me shows the intent to duel, do you not who I am?"

The boy for only the briefest of seconds looked worried, but then it steeled over, and Harry grinned recognizing the signs of uncertainty, "I just wanted a dance. It didn't have to come to this."

Harry spoke threateningly, "Had my date wanted to dance with you I would not have had a problem with it. I haven't had any other problems with guys dancing with her, but you are forcing yourself on her, and making a grab like that doesn't really want me to let it happen. Now you definitely aren't dancing with her, and if you value the way your face looks now you will drop your wand, or I will drop you."

They now had the attention of what was left of the hall, and Harry felt a tug at his wand, but he threw up a shield thinking Theo had done something, but when the boy's wand left his hand and flew to the nearby hand of the Headmaster he was sure he just deflected wandless magic, "Mr. Potter if you would kindly lower your wand."

Harry inclined his head and began to lower it as Theo spat, "What only disarmed one of us? How is that fair?"

Dumbledore stood at his full height walking up to the two boys, "Mr. Nott as I see you instigated this problem it is you, I will ask to leave for the night and cool off. No detentions or house points necessarily taken off this is Christmas go get some rest and allow calmer heads to prevail. However, to answer your accusation I attempted to disarm Mr. Potter in the same way I did yourself, he however was ready to block it."

With that the man handed Theo back his wand, and the boy looked stunned that the young man before him had deflected one of his headmasters' spells. He then looked at Daphne with a glare, "This isn't over."

Harry immediately spat back, "You better hope it is. She doesn't need my help to wipe the floor with the likes of you."

Nott growled and took a step forward, but this time Professor Snape interfered, "Nott! Enough, return to your dormitory this minute. Go. NOW!"

The boy now looks terrified and began to scuttle out of the hall. Harry gave a slight nod to the Headmaster and the Potions Master, "We will take our leave as well. Sorry for souring the evening."

With that Harry gently took Daphne's hand again and stormed out of the hall.

(A/N) Alright so I think I am back on track with this story! If you haven't voted on the poll on my profile please do so, and please give me some feedback on how the story is going, and where you might like to see it go! Until next time!