Daphne took a deep breath as the nondescript wall slid open in front of her, the opening to the Slytherin common room was deep in the dungeons a few walls down from their head of house's personal office. She knew that outwardly supporting Harry would cause many scuffles in the snake pit but she was ready. Her father and her had many discussions over the last summer about what to do and the support they could afford to lose since the 'dark side' were starting to get excited, at least if the world cup spectacle was anything to go by. As a high-ranking member of the pure-blood society the Greengrass's had many people who looked to them for support and those that wanted them to stay away. Most members of the house had been Slytherin with an occasional Ravenclaw and the businesses they ventured in as well as strong family magic made them formidable to those that angered them. They had a rich history of trading with the continent and remaining in the neutral side of politics, because of this they had remained a profitable family during the last war remaining in the top 10 richest families in the British Wizarding World. However, Daphne was not considered the "Ice Queen" of Slytherin for her family history. Not only was she an exemplary heiress; she was ruthless, aloof and many boys had fallen at her wand for daring to cross or 'convince' her to give them a try. With her champagne hair, sapphire eyes and slim form her mother had taught her enough hexes to protect herself from certain advances and by third year had frozen a boy's jewels after an attempt of seduction. Most had left her alone after that or at least returned to the proper pureblood way of approaching her father about an alliance first. Her father of course was no help, he loved his wife for all her qualities and wanted nothing else for his girls especially not some idiot who only wanted a trophy.

Stepping into the common room the mask she was used to wearing around people slid into place and stopped most from approaching as she walked towards her dormitory; Malfoy had turned her and stepped forward, he was becoming more insistent this year and had even attempted to corner her on the train. He seemed to be under the impression that they would make the perfect couple, fortunately he was still slightly scared of her after an incident in 2nd year and for the most part left her alone, that memory still made her smile.

"Daphne." She inwardly shivered, she hated the way her name sounded falling from his mouth, he had no right to use it and yet in order to avoid the hassle she didn't complain.

"What is it, Malfoy?"

"Your family have refused an alliance with mine once again, we won't keep offering."

Daphne's eyes narrowed at his arrogant tone and though it was clear he was expecting a response she waited until one was actually required. Malfoy turned a shade pinker than normal and stood straighter.

"You and I could be magnificent together, our ancestry is superb and we would make an excellent match. The combined wealth the Greengrass' and the Malfoy's means we would never mean to work, of course I would continue in Government but you could continue with whatever you desire with full permission. I would like an answer to why your father has now refused our suit for a third time? You won't make a better match, your father is being…well less than intelligent."

At the slight against her father, Daphne decided to throw caution to the wind and put him in his place.

"Malfoy, regardless what you think we would certainly not be magnificent together. For starters, I will be working and your consent has no bearing. Secondly my family is wealthy, the only reason the Malfoy's are in the upper circles is due to the Blacks." Her scathing tone had a deeper flushing spreading over the teenager's cheeks, everyone knew that the marriage of Narcissa Black to Lucius Malfoy had given the family a higher standing and more political sway than any other action. "I could easily make a better match than the likes of you, someone who has been beaten by a muggle-born for the last three years in all exams, someone who insulted a hippogriff, someone who didn't even realise who the heir of Slytherin was?" The flush turned even pinker as Malfoy's spine straightened and the grey eyes narrowed but Daphne didn't let him even start the rant he was clearly gearing up for. "My father is allowing me to make my own choice because he knows I will make the best decision for me not for politics or blood purity but because I know the type of man I want to be with, that will never be you."

"I am a Malfoy! It would be an honour to be one of my fam-"

"No it would not. Being a Greengrass is an honour, being a Malfoy would be a chore at best."

With that final set-down she turned on her heel and left the loud common room to the quieter bedchamber corridors thanking the founder that the dorms only housed two students so she didn't have to put up with the other girls. Upon entering the dorm she was immediately yelled at by her best friend Tracey Davis, whose strawberry blonde curls were piled high for once instead of haphazardly floating around her face.

"For the ball, what do you think?"

"It's different but nice, pull a few bits down to frame your face."

Tracey turned back to the mirror on her dresser and pulled a face.

"I still feel like a child pretending to be their mum you know."

"Well you haven't exactly developed much, but you have a gorgeous face and great figure, just wear something you're proud to be seen in."

"Easy for you Miss already developed, you're going to have no problem getting a date once word gets out."

Emerald eyes flashed across her mind and Daphne's lips twitched before she schooled her expression.

"Hmm yes and we'll see how many want the body or the mind."

Tracey giggled finally turning back to her and pulled her hair from the up-do and flopped onto her bed.

"They're boys, what do you think they'll want."

Daphne rolled her eyes but smiled wearily along with her friend.

"Well probably not how many spells I can shoot off in a minute."

The two laughed, they'd been friends since they could remember their mothers having been in Ravenclaw together. They had been in many scrapes but always close; when Tracey was sorted into Slytherin, Daphne made sure to stand by her when the older years gave her jeering looks about her muggle-born mother. The Davis's had been pure for many generations but were among the neutral families with a lot more tolerance for muggles and their way of life, it had been Tracey who had introduced Daphne to cinema - something she was still amazed about – pizza, bowling and many other muggle things that Daphne found fascinating. In return Daphne had protected her from the pure blooded bullies and used her families reputation to make life a little easier for her in the snake pit.

"You looked a little tense when you first came in, are you okay?"

"Just Malfoy again."

"Oh and what did the precious little prince want this time? Actually, let me guess." Tracey clasped her hands to her chest and batted her eyelashes. "Marriage? By any chance…"

"Right in one, I swear he gets more irritating every time I see him."

"I think that's likely. Anyway where have you been then, dinner is done and your runes class ended ages ago and I'm pretty sure all your homework is caught up on!"

Daphne pulled some books from her bag, kicked off her shoes and settled on her bed; stroking the green coverlet as she pondered the pros of telling her friend. On many occasion she'd thought about revealing all to her friend. While Tracy knew that she respected and talked to Harry or at least Potter, she was unaware of exactly how close or how many conversations they'd had. The strawberry blonde had been there through everything including when Daphne had been called to Snape's office and her younger sister had immediately fallen into her arms in tears. When they'd learnt that it had been Gryffindor Golden boy Potter they had confronted him together having been in disbelief he'd save a snake, Tracey had held a healthy amount of respect for him ever since. However right from the start Malfoy had made it clear how he would treat those who attempted to even be civil to Harry Potter and so the two them along with most of the house acted as though Potter did not exist, speaking in neither offence nor defence of the boy, Tracey especially didn't quite have the courage to have even more pressure put on her. Daphne knew though that given the chance at least half the house would wish to be introduced to Harry Potter and only kept away due to Malfoy senior.

"I was down at the lake." She hedged, still unsure.

"Oh yeah? You see anyone? This time of year must be normal for all those Durmstrung boys, wouldn't you love to see them practicing their swimming."

Daphne rolled her eyes at her friends wiggling eyebrows, since the Eastern school had arrived Tracey was determined to capture one. She grabbed her books and started flicking through Transfiguration thinking she might as well get started on it even though it wasn't due for another week and made her choice.

"No Durmstrung boys, just a put-out scar head."

Silence. She risked a glance at her bubby friend, whose mouth was slightly agape as she stared at her, Daphne could practically see her mind ticking over the previous sentence and analysing it.

"Scar head…Potter…You've BEEN TALKING TO HAMMFFHHH!"

"Shut up woman!"

Daphne hurriedly rose to shut the door as Tracey removed the pillow from her face. She walked closer to Tracey who had started opening and shutting her mouth with a very perplexed expression on her face.

"Yes okay yes, I've been talking to Harry we-"

"Harry! He's Harry now!? Since when has it been Harry!"

"Yes he's Harry now and has been for quite some time."

"Quite some time! But I don't understand, when? How? What?"

Daphne couldn't help but giggle at her friends face because it was so similar to how she first felt when she realised that she enjoyed his company.

Flashback

Daphne had been walking back from the library, the attack on Sir Nicholas and Finch-Fletchley had shaken the school and she'd decided to head back earlier than she wished. Walking around the corner she crashed headlong into the resident saviour. Books had scattered to the ground and instead of sneering and moving on like she'd expected him to, he'd immediately lowered to the floor to grab some and began apologising profusely.

"I'm so sorry I just wasn't paying any attention, are you alright?"

He paused to hand the books back and it seemed to register who he had bumped into.

"Oh hi, Daphne right? We sit next to each other in Charms, I'm really sorry."

"Yes I mean no, I mean it wasn't your fault I wasn't paying any attention and yes we do."

They rose awkwardly and she watched as his hand came to rake through his hair.

"Well sorry again, I was just wandering and just didn't see you."

"It's alright, Potter. I was just heading back from the library, if you'll excuse me."

"Oh well please let me walk you back part of the way?"

Daphne froze and stared at him taken a back. The golden boy wanting to make sure a snake gets back to the pit, what trick did he assume she'd fall for?"

Her back straightened and the mask that had been absent slid back into place.

"Thank you but I'm sure I will be fine, I don't want…your type around me long."

She stepped past him but he turned with her, a solemn face.

"Please? I know purebloods believe their out of harm's way but no one knows what the thing is, I can stop at Snape's office but even if you hate me, I will follow you, it's just not safe."

"Well what about you?"

He grinned.

"I know a shortcut, now please?"

The quiet determination in his voice shook her and she slowly nodded.

"Very well then, but you stop at the corner before Professor Snape's office."

At once a smile broke over his face and he motioned back the way he had come.

Daphne walked past him determined to get it over with silently, but it seemed he had other plans.

"So what do you think of the Charms essay? I thought Flitwik would be a bit easier during all this but 15 inches is more than normal."

"I guess they're trying to keep us occupied."

The conversation carried on with Harry even succeeding to make her smile a few times and she was almost sorry when they reached the dorms.

"How are you getting back?" She finally asked curiously.

He grinned at her.

"Can you keep a secret?"

She raised an eyebrow and stared at him until a chuckle broke through his lips and he motioned for her to follow him a few steps past the corner to a large stone pillar. She watched as he tapped his wand on it and said "Revelare ad leonem." Several slabs of stone slid open to reveal a passageway and staircase with floating candles.

"It leads up to the seventh floor behind the statue." Harry said with a grin. "Pretty cool, huh?"

She'd looked at him and managed a small smile.

"Yeah, pretty cool. See you in charms."

Flashback ends

Daphne smiled at how he had trusted her so soon into their friendship. Such a Gryffindor she thought with a roll of her eyes. It had been one of the first moments in her life that made her realise not everything had to mean something, that everything was a deal. He'd quickly destroyed her defences; it had been refreshing for someone to speak to her without having an ulterior motive. He was always so incredibly genuine that he had been surprised when she second guessed him so often before understanding the reason for it, it was obvious he wasn't the spoilt, stuck up boy that a lot of people assumed him to be. Instead, he was very forthwith and honest, the few snippets he'd revealed about his home life had surprised her even more.

"Its been happening since second year, he's something Trace and yeah it just is okay, I didn't want people to know and its not like we've been besties or anything. "

Tracey still looked gobsmacked.

"Wow, so you guys are … what?"

"Nothing! We're friends Trace, we're not very close. We just talk every now and then and now he just needs to know someone is there, you know."

Tracey eyes so confused now turned sympathetic.

"You're helping him through it. How's he taking it?"

"Badly, but we'll get through it."

"And you believe he's not a cheater?"

Daphne looked her friend straight in the eye and in the most solemn voice said "I would bet my life on it."

Tracey shook her head in amazement, Harry had inspired a trust in her friend that was rarely bestowed on anyone if she didn't think Harry did it then Tracey found herself agreeing.

"Well next time you see the boy wonder let him know there are two snakes supporting him."

Daphne giggled and nodded, relief shining in her eyes. She hadn't thought they would have an argument but hadn't even hoped Harry would have another supporter.

The teachers had been useless so far and Daphne had to stop herself from hexing her head of house at his disparaging remarks of the unexpected champion until Harry had simply not shown up for class, Malfoy had been gleeful in his speeches of cowardice. Daphne could admit to herself that she missed the teens presence in Charms (they had shared a table since 2nd year) though between the Snakes speaking about his likelihood of being killed in the first task and the Lions talking about how much a coward he was, she had to stop herself from hexing both sides of the classroom. Maybe it was time to be a bit more of a powerful presence by his side, she couldn't recall him ever really sticking up for himself. Even when faced with Malfoy it was only when the blonde attacked his friends that Harry retaliated, she'd have to ask him about that. It was definitely time to start standing up, with that thought in mind she pulled a piece of parchment towards her and started to compose a letter to her father to explain what had happened and the repercussions she anticipated. While her father would understand her and no doubt not have anything to say about it, she felt it necessary to report to him as his role in politics could easily be affected.