As soon as all classes were over, Draco and Harry were on their way to see Dumbledore. They did not speak to one another, not even crossly. They both wished to know what was bothering Nephthys and her father, as well as the headmaster. The Gargoyle moved aside as they came to it. The stairs carried them up to the office. Dumbledore and Snape set waiting. "Come in, gentlemen, and have a seat." The boys sat down. "You are concerned about Miss Snape." He did not really phrase it as a question.

"Yes," Draco answered for both of them. He looked much like his father with his face set in determination. "We are aware it has something to do with the governors that came to meet with her this morning."

"They want to remove Nephthys from Hogwarts, permanently." Snape did not look at all pleased. "Apparently, they believe she will be a bad influence on the students because of her young age and the freedom and command she has. They did not take into account her ability to do what she was brought here to do. They care only for staying on the good side of Lucius Malfoy." That name held a new malicious tone that had not been there anytime before.

"Do they all feel that way?" Draco frowned.

"Many of them will not state how they truly feel." Dumbledore looked at Draco thoughtfully. "Things could become rough for you as well."

"I don't care about me. I know how to handle the pests that follow me around." He dismissed the other Slytherins with ease. "I want to know what is being done to keep her from being exiled from Hogwarts."

Harry remained silent as he thought about how she must feel. She was finally able to spend time with her father, not traveling all over the world, and now she was getting to know her brother. She was a model assistant to Snape. Replacing her would be hard, if not impossible. Snape would not treat anyone else the way he treated Nephthys. He could very well be cruel to the replacement just out of spite. "They know she is Professor Snape's daughter?"

"No. Lucius has not revealed that, yet. Though, I imagine it is only a matter of time." Harry had a somewhat calculating look on his face as he thought.

"What are you thinking, Potter?" Draco looked to the other boy in earnest.

"The Council of Governors is afraid of Malfoy because of Voldemort." Harry stood and started to pace. "They don't want there families or themselves to suffer for going against him. But, what if we made it clear that, though we would kill no one, we are quite capable of full retaliation. I mean, between the four of us alone, and add in McGonagall and Nephthys. We have a formidable opposition."

"Didn't know you had it in you to think like that, Potter." Draco smirked at Harry. "How do you plan to accomplish this?"

"I assume they want to meet with her again, more of them as well." Harry continued his pacing as he laid his plan out. "I believe, at the moment, all that would need done is physical support. With five us in there to support her, at least, we should give them the impression we do not wish for them to remove her. Then, if that does not work, sly innuendo should. We just intimidate them, hope they don't call our bluff." His eyes, however, held another message as well. He would not be bluffing.

"Hard as it is for me, I like what Potter said." Draco would not be bluffing either.

Severus eyed both of the sixth years. They were both older in mind and spirit than the others in their year. "Do you think it would work, Albus?"

"I don't know, but it would not hurt." He regarded Harry and Draco. "Draco, return to your room and gather your belongings. For the next week or so, you will be staying with Nephthys. Hagrid can work something out for a room of your own near to hers. Harry, keep an eye on her when you are with her. If Lucius has alerted the governors, he did so after he told Voldemort. We all must stay vigilant."

Harry and Draco nodded before leaving the headmaster's office. Severus remained seated. "Do you honestly think this hair-brained idea will…"

"It gives them hope, and I believe it could work." His eyes twinkled. "They are not bluffing. They would both fight for her."

"So will I." Severus looked to the door. He would die for her.

Nephthys walked along the edge of the lake. Once she was far from the castle, she squatted down and trailed her fingers through the surface of the water. Hagrid, having seen her slowly walk to where she was, approached her cautiously. "Miss Nephthys?" She looked up then stood.

"Mr. Hagrid." She nodded to him.

"I didn't mean ta disturb ya. I was wonderin' though, what ya intend fer me ta teach the sixth year students now?" He looked at her openly. She looked so lost, he felt he needed to do something to distract her, cheer her up.

"Well, I have a few ideas. I will drop some material off at your hut before the next class so you may look over it before hand."

Hagrid nodded. "What're ya out 'ere fer? Surprised Malfoy 'r Harry ain't wit' ya."

"They don't know I'm down here. I needed to be alone."

"I'm sorry fer intrudin'. I'll leave ya be." He turned to leave.

"It was no problem, Mr. Hagrid. I will see I get that material for you," she called after him. He waved over his shoulder and left her there. She turned back to the water, watching the surface as it rippled gently. She then looked to the sky. Everything seemed so peaceful. She shook her head. Nothing was that simple. Nothing.

Sighing, she turned and headed back toward the castle. If Hagrid had found her, the others would eventually. She figured she may as well head them off and get it over with. As she entered the castle, Hermione approached her. "Miss Snape?"

"Nephthys, please, Hermione. I'm not teaching right now." She smiled at the other girl. "What may I do for you?"

"I just wished to speak with you." Hermione fell into step with Nephthys. "You seem to be well traveled and experienced. I was wondering if I could ask about what you have learned, what you've seen."

Nephthys nodded. "I see no problem. Come, I'll make some tea." She led Hermione toward her rooms. As they arrived, she saw Draco carrying an armload of stuff inside. "What are you doing?" She crossed her arms and frowned.

"Dumbledore wants me to room with you." He walked inside and disappeared into a small room designated for her to work in, though she had no intentions of actually using it.

"Whatever for? I am perfectly fine now. I do not need you babysitting me." She followed him with a scowl. "Make yourself comfortable, Hermione, while I see to this." She walked over to the door. "Why?"

"I don't know, exactly. I think he may be worried my fellow Slytherins will try to hex me or something." Draco shrugged and set about making his bed.

Nephthys raised a brow. "Menial labor?"

Draco looked up and glared. "Sod off." He went back to what he had been doing. "Bit cramped but he's supposed to have that oaf Hagrid set something up for me later."

"Rubeus Hagrid is no oaf, Draco." Nephthys looked at him coolly.

"If you say so."

"You need to get that opinion of pure bloods and non-pure bloods out of your head. Or, are you planning to take the mark when you come of age?" She looked at him in worry as that thought came to her.

He looked up at her, surprised by that question slightly. "No!" He noted the look in her eyes and moved toward her. "I am not taking the mark no matter what my father wants."

"They could kill you for going against them."

"They could," he agreed. He took her arm and led her over to Hermione. "I'll make some tea."

Hermione was surprised by this seemingly domestic side of Draco, but she said nothing so she would upset neither one of them. Nephthys was also taken of guard by his offer. She watched as he deftly set about boiling water and setting up the tea set. "Draco, I am surprised you know how to… I mean it is a simple task but not one I ever pictured a Malfoy performing."

Draco glanced at his sister. "Sometimes, when you want something done, you have to see to things yourself."

"Meaning you had no mother, or use of the house elves, to do it for you."

"The house elves would, when they had the time. Mother keeps them quite busy." He poured the water over the tea leaves then carried the tray over to where Hermione and Nephthys sat. He sat down beside his sister. "Don't get used to it. I'm not going to wait on you."

She snorts. "Good. I can't stand having someone constantly needing to know what to do and when to do it. I don't have time to have servants." She smiles at them both. "Don't have time for much at this moment. Give me a week or two, may have all the time in the world."

Hermione frowned. "Why is that?" She noted the look on Draco's face and added, "If you don't mind my asking."

"The governors wish to exile me from Hogwarts. They feel I am a bad influence on the student body."

Hermione looks affronted. "It is not your fault you are a child genius. They have no right! You are perfect for this school. You know more than anyone else they could get!"

Draco chuckled. "Well, next time they want to meet with her, so are several of us. Why don't you join us, Mud… Granger?" Nephthys lifted a brow. He was lucky he had corrected himself. He would not insult any guest or friend of hers, and she hoped she could count Hermione as a friend. Hermione was surprised he caught and corrected himself. She eyed him. "Yes, I stopped myself. You would think I had grown a second head or something."

"Well, you are not one to do so, to a mud blood." Hermione frowned at her own use of the word.

Nephthys headed the discussion off before it got started. "Hermione, you wanted to ask me some questions, didn't you?" She sat back and waited for the other girl to start.

Hermione nodded, letting the other drop. "I was curious about what you have seen, experienced."

"Yes, you mentioned that already. Could you perhaps narrow the field?" She smiled at the other girl. Taking a deep breath, she prepared for the long haul. Hermione was a inquisitive person and sought learning in everything. "Where do you want me to start?"

"Egypt." Hermione was enthusiastic. Draco had to admit he was curious himself.