A Different Sort of Bond

Disclaimer: I don't own the Potterverse!

Author's Note: It won't come up in this chapter but I'm sure it will eventually. The goblins in this AU do not consider great works of goblin craft to be only on loan to the humans who commission them. I never liked that bit of Canon and since it was recently brought to my attention I'm officially stating that in this AU sold is sold. Many thanks to Oxnate! Also thank you to everyone who has followed or favorited this story.

Second Author's note: I was dismayed to find this chapter had been cut short when I posted it earlier. It is now the proper length. Also I should have mentioned earlier that the headmaster has not attempted to get the ring yet in this A.U. Instead Harry noticed the locket was a horcrux in the same way he detected the diadem, it made his scar hurt. Dumbledore was informed and thus destroyed the correct locket.

Chapter 13

The next day after breakfast there was a large group awaiting Harry and Daphne in the Entrance Hall. There was Madam Bones and twelve aurors for security, Bill Weasley along with five other curse breakers, thirty goblins with tools to help them render the huge carcass into usable and easily transportable pieces, seven men from the department of dangerous magical creatures, and five reporters from different papers. There were representatives of the two British magical publications, an Irish newspaper, a French newspaper, and an international paper. None of the reporters were Rita Skeeter. That having been a condition under which Harry agreed to have the press there at all. It was Monday so Ron and Hermione had class and couldn't come along and Professor Slughorn was teaching but Tracey and Neville came along. They were curious and had free time so they had asked to tag along.

Harry tried to duck out of meeting the press at first but Daphne whispered in his ear about publicity being good or bad so he pasted on a fake smile and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for coming. I and Daphne shall lead you into the famous Chamber of Secrets created by Salazar Slytherin where you will get to see the remains of the Basilisk I slew with the aid of my friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger and the headmaster's phoenix, Fawkes."

They all followed him through the castle to Myrtle's bathroom. Harry ignored most questions despite Daphne's subtle pokes and whispered prods and the reporters soon learned that questions put to Daphne got better responses. At least they did if polite. If she thought it was an inappropriate or stupid question she did not hesitate to show her opinion. Once they reached the bathroom Harry explained again about Myrtle, "There is a ghost that sometimes haunts the loo here. She was the first victim killed by the monster when it was let out fifty years ago." Myrtle was in residence as they came in and, once over her surprise at the number of people coming into her restroom, she was happy to tell her story. It wouldn't make the front page anywhere but some of them considered it a good human interest story.

Harry opened the sinks with Parseltongue and again widened it and added a ladder. Once in the main chamber, the goblins set up magical lighting and started rendering the corpse of the basilisk while four aurors guarded them. The photographers set up to take pictures of the dead Basilisk and the statue of Salazar Slytherin while the rest of the reporters looked around the main chamber and the curse breakers explored to check for hidden rooms, secret passages, or cursed items.

After the curse breakers returned, Bill went to report to Madam Bones, "We haven't found any passages other than the two you know about. We did find a number of cursed objects in the tunnel accessed through the mouth of the statue. We have them clearly marked. It will take days to be sure of what they are and do but if you want the creature people to check the tunnel for acromantula it's safe as long as they don't touch the marked items."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Director Bones said. She turned to the man in charge of the dangerous creature specialists, "Mr. Renton, please take your men through the mouth of the statue. Anything inanimate that is dangerous has been marked. Please assess the long term danger to the school as well as any immediate danger to the group."

Oscar Renton saluted and went off to gather his men. Once he was gone Amelia Bones turned back to Bill, "If he certifies it as clear then we'll have you and your team go back and document then remove the curses on the items you found."

Bill nodded, "Thank you, Director Bones."

Harry gave a sanitized and fairly short version of his actions in the chamber and managed to avoid mentioning Ginny's name or anything about her being possessed. Daphne briefly spoke about their accident and how it brought them together and allowed romance to blossom between them. She made sure to mention how happy he made her and that he would be spending the winter holidays with her family.

"Isn't this a bit quick, Ms. Greengrass?" one lady reporter asked.

"It might seem so at first glance but we've been connected to each other every minute of the day for just a bit over five weeks," she replied. She leaned down and kissed his cheek then winked at the woman, "Every minute, even the most personal. By this time we know each other better than some married couples."

She saw the woman's eyes widen as she makes the connection, "Oh dear. I hadn't thought it through. I suppose after a month you would either fall in love or try to strangle each other."

Harry chuckled, "And I wouldn't give two bronze knuts for my chances if that happened. Daphne can be far scarier than yonder beastie, I assure you."

Daphne didn't look totally happy with that that but she kept smiling, "Oh dear, I think you give me too much credit."

After the interview they went into an alcove and Harry threw up a privacy spell covered by a notice me not, "Before you ask that was in the way of payback for you continually prodding me to talk to the press and taking the interview when you thought I was not being forthcoming enough. You knew that's not what I wanted but I had to roll with it and I'm less than happy with you."

Daphne colored a bit, "I am sorry about that but making me sound worse than a basilisk in an interview is not a good way to express your anger." She frowned at him, "I'm not happy with you today either but if I did what you just did it would quickly escalate out of control and the only winners would be the scandal rags."

Harry frowned back, "Well I guess I'll agree not to surprise you in public if you'll agree to do the same. But if we agree on something in private we should stick to it in public."

Daphne nodded, "Fine, but I was doing it for your benefit."

Harry nodded and lost his frown, "I realize that but it was a bad surprise and made me feel that you were disregarding my feelings and wishes. That has happened to me too much already and every single bastard that did it said it was for my own good." He starts scowling again, "I'll listen to your opinions but if it's my life we're talking about then I will make the final decision."

She scowled too, "I can see why you say that especially considering your past. However at the moment what affects you affects me. Even when we are physically separated that will be true as long as we are together in any way."

"So you're saying my life isn't my own?" Harry said.

She raised their joined hands, "I'm saying that as long as we are a "we" not just a "me" and a "you" that you can't make any unilateral decisions. Anything you do or decide affects not only me but Hermione and all the other people who are allied to you."

Harry snorted, "I think you mean my friends not allies."

She snorted in return, "Whatever you want to call them! If you get blasted in the paper it affects them. I know you've all experienced already after that Tournament but more seriously your enemies are their enemies." She stopped and sighed, "That's where I'm coming from but I will agree that this sort of argument needs to be done in private and in the future I won't surprise you in public if you'll do the same. I'll even make a magical oath if you need it."

Harry deflated, "I'm sorry. I spent so long trying to throw off the abuse of my aunt and uncle and the manipulations of our dear headmaster that I forget that your life has been derailed too and you aren't as used to it. I'll promise to consider your feelings in the future and I'll swear an oath too if you'd like."

They both pulled their wands and Harry started, "I promise to consider the feelings of and consequences to Daphne Ophelia Greengrass as long as we are attached. Whether that is physically, emotionally, or socially and as long as she does not speak in my name in public without my prior agreement."

Daphne rolled her eyes briefly but made her oath, "I promise not to speak for Harry James Potter in public without his prior agreement as long as he considers the needs, wants, and desires of myself and the likely consequences to me and mine of his actions."

There was a big pulse of magic and Harry sighed, "That will have wiped out both the privacy charm and the notice me not so lets get back out there. I hope they didn't notice we were gone."

"If they did I know how to deal with it," Daphne said. "If that's okay with you?" she added as they headed towards the main group of people.

Harry grinned, "Are you going to tell them I couldn't keep my hands off you?"

Suddenly there was a flash and a reporter they didn't notice said, "I heard that! It's the only thing that could make this story better! Harry Potter sneaks off to snog Greengrass heir while exploring Chamber of Secrets! He admits he can't keep his hands off her for long. Golden!" He ran off grinning before Harry could decide what, if anything, to say.

Daphne giggled and whispered in his ear, "Well I would have stopped him but I can't speak for you remember? Besides that's a cover story people will believe."

He grinned, "Want to make a bet?"

She raised a golden eyebrow, "About what?"

"Which story hits the first page," he said grinning. "The Chamber of Secrets or us kissing in an alcove."

She snorted, "You have a skewed idea of the media…" she started then stopped and looked surprised. "I just realized you'll be on the front page either way. Wow."

"And so will you," he said.

The creature specialists came back with bad news. "We will need help to destroy that nest. It's too big for my squad," said Oscar Renton.

Harry woke up first the next morning. Daphne was cradling him to her substantial breasts and smiling in her sleep. He was about to shake her awake when he remembered her penchant for dragging him into the shower to wake up there and decided on a little payback. He carefully levitated her into the shower. She should sleep through this. He knew he'd slept harder than usual the first few weeks because the phoenix tears were fixing things but even after that she'd gotten him a few times so it should be possible to turn the tables without undue danger of her waking early.

Daphne actually didn't wake up until the charmed washcloth reached a sensitive place. "Ah!" She screamed and reached for a wand and the fact that she couldn't move her right hand freely snapped her out of it. When she opened her eyes she saw Harry grinning at her.

"It looked like so much fun when you did it that I couldn't resist," he said.

She gave him an angry glare, "You do this again and you might die in your sleep, Potter."

Harry snorted, "No sense of humor Daphne? Don't like it when the shoe's on the other foot?"

She scowled, "This is not the way to treat a girlfriend, Potter!"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Oh fine. Talk about your double standards. If I do it it's a horrible fiasco but if you do it it's a giggle?"

"Maybe you are becoming a little too Slytherin, Potter," she replied. "There's a reason I wouldn't date any of them you know."

He sighed, "Okay, I won't do it again. Maybe you'll remember this though and refrain from it yourself."

"It's not the same thing for a woman Potter," she said. "Take my word for it. Especially if she wakes up to the feel of something poking around down there."

Harry winced, "Okay, I can see how that would be bad. I honestly thought you'd wake up once the water hit though. That's what usually wakes me."

"Let's just forget about it," she said, still cross. "Do you think you can conjure a tampon without getting whimsical? It should be the last day of the damn thing so you're off the hook for another month after today."

"Sure, Daphne," he said. He sighed internally wondering if this was what it was usually like having a girlfriend.

Soon they were back in the bedroom and he was using switching spells to dress them with Daphne lending an occasional hand here or there as necessary. As they made their way out of the bedroom Daphne said, "I want to eat in the great hall today. I want to see everyone's reactions and read the paper as soon as it comes."

"Yes dear," Harry said. Neville and Tracey were already dressed and followed them down. All four ate at the Gryffindor table and when the owls dropped copies of the Daily Prophet Harry and Daphne stopped eating to unroll the paper and look at the front page.

"Well we both would have lost if we made that bet, Potter," Daphne said. The front page was neither the Basilisk nor the kiss that was photographed. It was the destruction of the Acromantula nest during the night. The main picture had a spider the size of a VW bus on fire and running toward the reader.

Ron threw the paper down and ran from the room and he was not the only one. There were more than a few screams as well. "I'm glad they got rid of those horrid things," Hermione said. "But I could wish for a bit more more discretion in reporting it."

Harry snorted a laugh, "This is the Daily Prophet, Hermione. They wouldn't know discretion if it bit them in the bum."

"True," she agreed. "Your pose in front of the basilisk did make the paper though. Along with your kiss and what I hope was a misquote."

Daphne smirked, "You mean where he he said he couldn't keep his hands off me?"

"Yes," Hermione replied and Daphne noticed several other girls paying attention.

"Well it's obviously wrong," she said. Then after a short pause added, "He only has one hand left to grope me with!"

Harry went red and hung his head, "I already apologized for that!" He was talking only about the morning's adventure but the listening girls understood something else entirely.

She patted his shoulder with her left hand, "I understand that, Harry and I'm not really mad about it. There's only so much temptation a teenage boy can withstand and after all, I am your girlfriend now."

Hermione looked from one to the other certain that she'd never know exactly what they meant but also certain that it wasn't what it sounded like, "Well Harry, as long as you remember that no means no regardless, I wouldn't worry too much."

"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said. 'At least someone understands me,' he thought.

After breakfast it was back to self study for Harry, Daphne, Tracey, and Neville. Professor McGonagall tested them in all their classes every week on Friday to be sure they were doing the work and they were told to come to her or Flitwick with any questions before then. It was working surprisingly well. They all helped each other and Hermione was often by in the evenings to assist as well. It was more studying than Harry normally did but he couldn't play Quidditch until they were separated and without the practices and strategy meetings he had more free time. Ron had been a rare visitor to the VIP suite so there were fewer games of chess or exploding snap.

All this meant that even with the distractions of the Chamber of Secrets visit they finished their work on time and were left with their weekend free for a Hogsmeade visit. This made it all the more disappointing when Harry and Daphne were stopped on their way out the door and asked to go see the Headmaster in his office.

"Go on, guys," Harry said to the rest. "No reason for you to wait for us."

Hermione sighed but nodded, "Alright, Harry. I hope we'll see you there later. If not, there's always tomorrow."

When they arrived Harry asked, "What did you want to see us about, Headmaster?"

"Harry, a grave thing has occurred," Albus said slowly. "The curse breakers found a horcrux and believe they have destroyed it."

Daphne said, "Sir, they told us they run into those things often enough in the tombs of ancient wizards that all Gringott's curse breakers are taught how to deal with them. That nice brother of Ron's even said he took a refresher course and since he was the one who dealt with it surely we can trust that? The Director would not have brought an incompetent team in any case."

Albus Dumbledore frowned at her as she spoke then turned back to Harry, "These are not your garden variety horcruxes Harry! I believe this was another of those made by Tom Riddle. You and I are the only ones that can safely destroy such things!"

Harry shook his head, "Actually sir, that's incorrect. Daphne has destroyed one by herself and helped destroy a second and she managed it just fine. In fact she came through it better than either of us." He smiled and added, "Of course she didn't have to deal with a basilisk either time so ..." he trailed off at the headmaster's expression.

Dumbledore's eyes widened, "Harry! You've let Miss Greengrass muck about with your scar?"

"Actually it was the Unspeakable who told us about my scar and horcruxes in general," Harry said with a grin. "I just filled her in on a few of my adventures. You know, something to pass the time."

Daphne spoke up, "I was part of the Unspeakable's solution for what was in Harry's scar." She grinned at the old man's expression. "Don't worry though he was able to remove it and destroy it. Harry may have liked my way to destroy one but when I helped the Unspeakable I was in awe of his knowledge. Harry's been even better since it was removed and by my count there are only two left aside from the one running around cursing people."

The headmaster was speechless. How had this happened? Far too many people knew of these things and while he might be able to obliviate the Weasley boy, doing the same to an Unspeakable was out of the question. He sighed, "Do you mind if I cast a few diagnostics? Just to be certain that Harry is indeed fine."

"Well I don't see what you'd find that a medical Unspeakable wouldn't but go ahead," Harry said and made sure his Occlumency barriers were at full strength. Daphne did the same.

After his diagnostics showed Harry was indeed free of the horcrux, Dumbledore frowned in thought. He dismissed the two saying, "I must think on this."

They were happy to leave and hurried to Hogsmeade to catch up with their friends. When they met the others in Rosmerta's pub Hermione asked, "What did the headmaster want?"

"He told us the curse breakers found another horcrux and destroyed it," Harry said. "Although he didn't seem to trust them to do it right."

Daphne nodded, "Yeah, and when he found out I destroyed one and helped with another it practically made his head spin. That's when he dismissed us. I have no idea what he's thinking but I hope its how to find the last two horcruxes."

"Me too," Harry said as their food arrived. After the server had left again he continued, "There's been one from each founder but Gryffindor so far. Do you think he could have gotten one of those too?"

Hermione shook her head, "I doubt it Harry. It's probably a second item from Slytherin. That locket horcrux you found and Dumbledore destroyed in," she paused as the fidelius charm wouldn't let her mention Grimmauld place by name, "that place you spent the summer was taken from Riddle before you defeated him the first time so it makes the most sense that he noticed it missing and assumed it destroyed. Alternately he might just have wanted two from Slytherin just because that was his ancestor."

"Maybe you should check the old Gaunt shack then Harry," Ron said around a mouthful of food.

Daphne looked away disgusted, "I believe your girlfriend once told you to either chew or speak but not both. That is still a good idea. However you had a good idea too. The Gaunts were a family that were also descended from Slytherin Harry. It makes sense that they'd have had an heirloom although I'm not certain that Riddle would have hidden anything there. When we say it was a shack we aren't kidding. It makes the shrieking shack look well kept."

Neville nodded, "Yeah, I've heard stories about them. Mostly cautionary tales about why you shouldn't marry your cousin but a few were about them being parseltongues and descended from Slytherin himself." He grinned at Harry, "Of course I know that being able to speak to snakes doesn't make you dark but those were the tales I heard."

Harry swallowed carefully then spoke, "So we should definitely check there but be very careful. If the shack is that decrepit I'd bet it's cursed seven ways from Sunday." He looked at Ron, "Is Bill supposed to be home for Christmas?"

Ron nodded, "Yeah, he's got engaged to some French bird or other and is bringing her home to meet mum. I guess he figured Christmas is best the time to do it. You know, make sure mum is in a good mood and all."

Daphne started to speak but Hermione beat her to it, "Do you think he'll be willing to help us look?"

Ron shrugged, "Dunno, we can ask though. He's spending three weeks at the Burrow."

Harry turned to Daphne and she answered his question before he asked it, "Yes Potter, we can visit the Burrow during the Solstice season. There should be more than enough time that it shouldn't interfere with any of my parents plans for the holiday. We can even visit on Christmas if you'll agree to be at my home by sunset on the 21st."

Neville whispered to Tracey who nodded. Harry was trying to think about why she'd want to go home a day or two early and why it was important to get there before sunset. Ron finished eating unconcerned and Hermione thought she had the answer.

She asked, "Is that for religious reasons Daphne?"

Daphne nodded smiling, "We are indeed a pagan family Hermione. Not only was I born on the Winter Solstice but we generally do the ancient rituals too." Then she giggled, "But don't worry about Harry. Even if he and I do the ritual this year it will be only La petite mort he gets."

Hermione grinned back, "Well I doubt he'll complain about that!" Then seeing Harry's puzzled look she told him, "Don't worry Harry. You should have no trouble getting permission. I'd imagine Neville and Tracey are going to be there and you should have no trouble with any of the ritual. At least I don't think you have a problem with non christian religions?"

"Of course not," Harry said. Then the light dawned, "Oh, is your family is pagan Daphne?"

She nodded, "Yes Harry, and Tracey's is too. At least on her father's side. Are you coming by for the rites this year Trace?"

"Well probably," Tracey answered. "The family will be meeting Neville for the first time in person that day for lunch but dad already loves him if the correspondence they share is any indication. The fact that he looks like me until June might throw them a bit. They've been told but seeing it might make a difference." She shrugged, "It shouldn't matter much though. We'll meet you at your place for dinner then head out into the fields. I hope Harry does come out with us this year. I'm sure his warming charm is as high powered as the rest of his magic." She shivered briefly, "I don't see why we can't do it in a greenhouse. They're nice and warm even in December."

"Too artificial though," Daphne replied. "Outside under the night sky is best."

"I suppose," Tracey replied. "Anyway that's two months or so in the future. Let's enjoy the rest of today now."