They moved into the dungeon and Daphne immediately led Harry to the corner she and Tracey usually occupied and while the other snakes raised an eyebrow, not a comment was made, everyone knew snakes stood together when outside the pit. This had been the way for years, inside the common room differences were made clear and fights did occasionally break out but outside they went to each-others defence and put all arguments aside. The Gryffindors on the other hand shook their heads, disgust clear on their faces and talked about how he was becoming a dark lord but Harry merely carried on pulling his potions book out of his bag and looked straight ahead.

"Always knew he'd turn traitor. His parents would be so ashamed of him." Ron's voice carried over from where he was sharing the middle seats with Dean and Seamus. Harry froze, his anger rushing through him and his hands trembled.

"He's an attention whore but once it comes down to it, he always backs away from a fight." Seamus's caused a lot of murmurings and it took everything in him not to react but he knew it just wasn't worth it.

"Your parents loved you very much. They would be ashamed of their old house treating you so." Daphne whispered, observing how his face had whitened slightly and she had to force herself not to reach over and take his hand.

Harry nodded hurriedly and sent a quick smile to show he was alright. He would never have expected the red-head to lash out like that and as he looked over and stared at him, he was liberated to see Ron's eyes drop first and shift away as Neville and even Hermione's glare focused on the boy.

"Today we will be creating the Skele-Gro potion, Madam Pomfrey predicts she will need a lot of it for those who can't learn their place and stay out of trouble." Black eyes settled on Harry and his sneer became more pronounced, Daphne dug her elbow quickly into his side and Harry just about held his tongue though the emerald green fire danced in his eyes as they glanced at her and she remembered the first time she saw it.

Flashback

Their head of house presence in their common room was not unusual, usually Professor Snape wanted to question the older years about any behaviour issue. Therefore when he came through the door and looked around they turned back to their studying of Astrology without a second thought.

"Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis I would like you to accompany me to my office."

The girls had exchanged glances but stood, Snape sometimes asked them to his office to speak of their school progress so although surprising wasn't shocking. What had been shocking had been when he opened the door a blonde-haired missile had launched herself into Daphne and hadn't removed herself, instead Daphne had held her sister closed as she felt Astoria shaking so badly that Daphne was half surprised she was still standing.

"Your sister has gone through a situation; she is physically sound. I thought it would be better for you to see to her comfort and Miss Davis would alleviate curiosity of you being in here alone. There are some calming draughts, dreamless sleep and hot chocolate on the table there, if there is anything more I can do please let me know."

Snape had left to give them some privacy and Astoria clung to her sister with a strength she didn't know she possessed, settling onto the small leather couch the girls had waited for the smaller one's sobs to finish.

"Tori, please tell me what happened." Daphne fairly begged after the girl still clung to her.

"Oh Daphy I was such an idiot, I was walking from the library –"

"Alone, oh Tori we said always travel with others."

"I know I know but it was late I thought I could get back before curfew and didn't want to wait for the older students."

Every snake got told in their first year to always travel with another, Snape warned them that some in the other houses were incredibly prejudiced and it was always better to stay safe. Several times in the past Daphne and Tracey had been cornered by older Gryffindors – the Weasley twins especially enjoyed laying waiting for the stray Slytherin to walk past in order to lob a few dungbombs or colour changing pranks - and it had only been because Peeves or their head of house had come past that they'd got away with minimum pain.

"Anyway, I was walking back and some Ravenclaws came round from outside, they started laughing at me, jeering, calling me names oh Daph it was horrid they said I was death-eater scum only good for being a…a…a whore!"

Daphne squeezed her tightly and waited exchanging cold glances with Tracey who looked just as murderous as she felt.

"They started closing in on me; pressed me up against the wall, I got my wand out but they grabbed it and threw it down the hall, they were pushing me between them until I fell and then the kicking started, they only got three in before they were blasted off their feet." Astoria took a breath and a sip of the hot chocolate that Snape had left for her.

"You did accidental magic?" Questioned Tracey in astonishment, while accidental magic was usual in younger years once someone started using a wand and therefore controlling magic, it took a large burst of emotion for the magic to come through. Astoria shook her head and the girls were gratified to see a small smile appear on her lips.

"Just our residence saviour deciding to save a damsel."

Silence followed Astoria's last statement. She looked up and saw her sisters mouth opening and closing whereas Tracey just stared at her with a slight frown. For the first time in the last hour she felt a bubble of laughter coming from her throat and she squeezed her sister tighter as she savoured the warmth and safety, Daphne cleared her throat as her brain started up again.

"Potter saved you? Potter came round the corner?"

"Yup, he blasted them all the way to the back wall of the corridor, helped me up, did the basic healing charm, and Daph he was so nice about it all, put his robe around me and gave me a hug when I started crying then he brought me here, said I could always come to him if I needed to or just wanted to talk."

"Potter? He knew who you were?"

"He knew I was a snake, was still wearing my uniform etc but he treated me no differently than as if I was his own house and just talked to me about school and kept me occupied."

Daphne and Tracey had looked at each other in surprise, while they were certain Harry didn't hate all Slytherins especially since he'd started to share a desk with Daphne in Charms, it was unusual to think he would come to their aid. Suddenly Daphne had an ugly thought and brought it up slightly hesitantly.

"Tori, did he say anything even somewhat dodgy? You know, maybe about owing him or something?"

"No Daph, I'm telling you he was a perfect gentleman."

They carried on chatting until Astoria had stopped shaking and then returned to the common room, where thankfully her friends distracted her for the rest of the evening while Daphne and Tracey had steadily become more anxious about Harry Potter and what he could want.

The next day they had pulled him aside after Charms and in an extremely unSlytherin move simply demanded from him.

"What do you want?"

"What are you talking about?" He had replied, completely flummoxed over the whole situation though he recognised the two especially the blonde.

"Yesterday, what you did for Astoria, she's my sister, you have to have an angle, so what do you want from her or us? I won't let you hurt her."

His eyes grew dark and both girls suddenly realised how quiet the corridor was and how far away they were from everyone. Everyone knew that the Boy-Who-Lived had strength especially in magic, in DADA he always had the strongest spells and quickly picked up the practical in other lessons too.

"I did what I did because it was the right thing to, three boys against one girl who was a lot younger. She was hurt, crying what else was I going to do, leave her?"

The disbelief in his tone had Daphne reeling back shock predominant on her face. Seeing it Harry straightened, a fire blazed into his eyes and his voice grew so cold and monotone that an imperiod person had more feeling. The two girls took a small step back and Tracey even started to apologise before he spoke.

"I would never have just left her, contrary to opinion I am not evil."

"We didn't mean offense, but well you have to see where we're coming from. Have you even talked to any of us? Do you even know our names? We're not used to something being done for nothing." Tracey had replied as Daphne had been incapable of speaking.

The blaze died to a simmer and his lips twitched into a half grin.

"I suppose that's fair, to answer I've had a few conversations with Slytherins, not acquaintances or friends but got by without spell-fire and as a matter of fact I know you're Daphne and I think you're Tracey?"

The joke did lighten the atmosphere and both girls relaxed as they realised, he truly had no expectations.

"Well, thank you Potter and sorry for accusing you of the worst."

He smiled though it seemed bittersweet and this time Daphne found herself feeling even guiltier as the emerald eyes softened with sadness.

"No worries, there's a lot of that going around."

Flashback ended

That had been during their second year and Daphne still thought about the cold fire when they'd accused him of wanting something and the sadness in him, she had quickly realised how much the schools cold shoulder had hurt him and had made sure to actually speak to him during charms.

"Instructions are where they always are, go."

She shook her head to clear it and refocused on the lesson at Snape's tone and went to gather the ingredients as Harry lit the fire and set out the knives. They worked calmly together, checking in every now and then but mostly focussing on their own thing, without Malfoy and his group throwing things into his potion or trying to distract those he worked with; Harry was pleasantly surprised to realise he could actually complete a potion. It probably helped that he was doing more private study as a result of not being in the classroom and the isolation from his year mates. He'd spent a lot of time reading over his school books and even taken note of some of the common ones he knew would crop over in exams. McGonagall had already attempted to get him to return to the classes but after a discussion which led to extremely loud voices and words like 'disappointment' he had slammed his way out of her office, most of the teachers had avoided him since. He had gone to Snape's class for the reason that Daphne had pleaded he come and he wasn't about to say no to the blond witch but he also took some pleasure in being able to actually do well in the class though he supposed it was quite like cooking, but now as he found himself at ease with the method and he easily remembered the correct number of stirs and timings of everything.

For the last week he had made his new home in a brilliant cubby hole he'd found near the back of the library. A reddish-brown door with a large brass handle he'd finally discovered after using the map which he had explored in detail. Shaking his head in disbelief and wonder at the magic of the castle that had been his home for 3 years he had entered and found himself in a small study like room. With a large fireplace and seating area to the left and to the right a long desk with parchment, quill and ink waiting alongside 3 massive bookshelves, he had thought he had walked in on a teachers study! But after examining the room he realised it was practically unused, he'd found a few books in there that he found extremely interesting as well as an original copy of Hogwarts: A History that he could see Hermione practically sob over before he remembered she wasn't speaking to him…he shook himself quickly, dispelling the memories and focusing on stirring anti-clockwise.

Halfway through the dark shadow of Professor Snape started to glide over the class calling out insults or compliments to his preferred side as he went.

"Longbottom that potion is a perfect example of porridge, get rid of it. Zero for the day."

"Weasley are you such a dunderhead that you are incapable of reading? No? Then read out the third line. It seems you forgot something, get rid of this muck you foolish boy."

"Mr Malfoy, an excellent example 20 points to Slytherin."

"Miss Parkinson you clearly inherited your grandfathers exemplary potion skills, 30 points to Slytherin."

By the end of the lesson Daphne and Harry were confident they had a perfect skele – grow potion and it seemed even Snape couldn't argue with it though he still managed to insult him.

"Well not a complete failure; Potter I expect you to attempt to keep up with your partner despite the lazy attitude and lack of brain cells. Miss Greengrass, I hope that despite being lumbered with his imbecilic attempts you managed to create a potion I may be inclined to pass."

"Yes sir, though I have to say Harry did most of the timings and checking's, I just cut."

Daphne met her head of houses eyes and made sure to channel the Ice Queen persona that she had perfected. Harry allowed a small grin to pass his face but kept it in check as emerald met blue and he caught Tracey's wink as she turned back round before facing the Professor.

"Hmm, well considering Potter's overall attitude and failure in most things I shall only consider your word for it."

There was a knock on the door that had them all turning in surprise. The small blonde hair of Colin Creevey poked through and although he looked terrified, he also spoke loudly and excitedly.

"Hello Professor, sorry to interrupt but I need to take Harry Potter out of the lesson for some Champion business apparently."

Snape fairly growled in response. "No doubt some pathetic excuse for publicity. Get out then Potter."

Packing up his stuff quickly he quickly glanced at Daphne who gave him a smile and said quietly "Keep your temper, don't give any private interviews don't let them manipulate you into seeming happy especially in the photos. You are the Boy-Who-Lived make them know it. Show your Slytherin side." With a nod to show he understood he left quickly, avoiding the feet that reached out to trip him up.

Colin chatted the whole way about how excited he must be and what dangers he was going to face, by the time they made it to the room and Colin was expressing his happiness for a Gryffindor Champion and Harry had had enough.

Stopping outside the room he looked Colin dead in the eye and said. "I am not, nor will I ever be a Hogwarts Champion, I am a champion for myself not for Gryffindor, not for being the Boy-Who-Lived but because I have no other choice than to be one and hopefully make it through alive. I am certainly not Gryffindors Champion." And with that said he moved into the room leaving a shocked Colin behind.

Inside, all of the champions were present with the judges standing around. Also present was Ollivander and a young women in acid green robes with scarlet glasses and curly blonde hair and a slightly older man in casual black robes with a camera. As soon as Harry entered the room went silent with the woman and photographer looking at him like he was a piece of meat, the champions looking down their noses at him before dismissing him and the judges indifferent. Eventually it was Dumbledore who broke the silence, wearing bright orange robes with a violet hem.

"Excellent, now that we have all arrived, we may begin. Champions if you could take a seat there please. You are at the Weighing of the Wands, one at a time you will come forward and present your wand to Mr Ollivander here. He will ensure it is in the correct order and that it can be used properly. After we shall have photos and a small interview with the lovely Rita Skeeter of the Daily Prophet and her associate Norman Poitlyr."

Fleur Delacour went first and after clarifying the core was a hair of Veela, and the main part was flexible and quick he cast several twittering bluebirds into the air she was allowed to go back to her seat where she shot a disdainful and superior look towards Harry who completely ignored it as he was watching Viktor Krum handing his wand – a creation by a German wand maker- to Ollivander who pronounced it strong and sturdy with dragon heartstring, the Englishman had several sparks shoot out before handing it back. Viktor returned to his seat looking as grumpy as when he left it. Cedric was then called up and he went quietly not showing any emotion. Harry had tried to explain his innocence but the older boy hadn't believed him, on the other hand he hadn't contributed to Harry's abuse but hadn't stopped his own house either. Cedric's wand was pronounced passable with a unicorn hair heartstring and several bubbles emitted from it. Harry walked up to the wand maker to hand his precious possession over, being his first major purchase in the wizarding world and one of his precious few belongings he ensured it was at its best.

"Ah Mr Potter, I remember selling this to you. Gone through a bit of a battering since, hmm."

"Yes sir, but I keep it safe and clean it regularly."

"Pheonix feather core, if I remember quickly. Yes, it is quite wonderful."

He waved the wand and light shone brightly from the tip. Cancelling the charm, he handed the wand back to Harry with a thin smile.

"Excellent." Bagman said enthusiastically. "Now for some photo's I think."

As they all listened to the photographer who seemed to be eager to have both Harry and Fleur be present in the middle, Harry put his foot down explaining that the international wizards should be shown in the best light for such an important event. He ensured he stood at the back of all the photos and put a look on his face that he thought emulated Lucius Malfoy quite well however he caused a few raised eyebrows as the champions were asked to stand with their schools banner and he refused.

"Sir, please stand here, the blaze of Gryffindor behind you will make a wonderful shot."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Mr Poitlyr, I refuse to represent Gryffindor or Hogwarts."

The photographer gaped at him and the conversations that the other champions were having with their headteachers ceased immediately.

"What do you mean, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"I mean Headmaster that I refuse to give support to this school. It has not supported me but rather done the complete opposite and I refuse to pretend otherwise."

"But you are a Hogwarts Champion!" Said Bagman looking at him with a desperate tone in his voice. Harry merely glanced at him before refocusing his attention on his Headmaster, keenly aware of Ms Skeeter watching avidly with a notepad and quill in front of her.

"I think not, sir. You see, its impossible for there to simply be another champion for a school otherwise every school would have two therefore there was a mistake. This means I am a champion without a school."

"Harry, my boy you attend Hogwarts, it is your school. I am sure the other judges would agree that you are clearly a champion for Hogwarts." Dumbledore said looking at him with a twinkle.

"I think not, Headmaster Dumbledore. You see I may attend Hogwarts but it is certainly not my school. The people in my year and others have seen to that. I represent the Black and Potter Family and that is all."

There was silence at his announcement and at the lack of voices decided the best thing to do was leave. So he did. Giving himself a mental round of applause as he closed the door behind him.

It took him a few steps out of the room to realise what he'd said.

Bugger, I said Black! Oh that's not good. What if that Skeeter woman does something about this or prints it or whatever!

He felt a bubble of panic rising up before he ruthlessly squashed it down.

I'll tell Sirius and we'll figure it out. He told himself and started towards Moodys classroom with a sigh. He did enjoy it as the old auror kept order and everyone on their toes but the bullying did get on his nerves and even though Daphne's talk had helped he still slightly dreaded seeing everyone and it was that thought that caused him to drag his feet.