"Daph…" They had been slow dancing, arms around each other when Harry spoke. Neville had left them about twelve in order to grab lunch but the two of them had called for Dobby and decided to have an impromptu date.

"Hmm." She had been so comfortable with her eyes closed as her head rested on his shoulder. His arms had slid round her waist and held on loosely but tenderly.

"You did so well with the patronus, it was incredible. You're incredible."

She grinned into his neck and tightened her arms. "You think so?"

She felt him pull back and raised her head to meet his eyes, a smile lighting her face at the care in his eyes.

"I know so, it was one of the most magnificent things I've ever seen."

She had willingly tilted her head back as his lips had pressed against hers and when he'd pulled back she had grasped his hair quickly and yanked him back down with a giggle at the "oomph" that had escaped his lips. The hands that had held her tenderly, tightened and pressed into the small of her back making her body arch into his. The kisses lengthened as, her fingers working down from his hair to along his jaw line and it wasn't long before Harry's arms lifted her to allow her legs to curl around him.

"Sofa. Sit. Now" Daphne gasped and felt them move before being lowered as he sat. They sat for a while, enjoying each-others warmth as they kissed with ease.

"You're so gorgeous, you know that." Harry's whispered, reverent tones made its way from her shoulder - where she was sure he'd left a mark – to her ears and she eased back and her hands leaving their places to settle on his shoulders.

"You make me feel it." She whispered back; leaning her forehead against his, their breath mixing together.

"I want you to always feel it."

"Then I suppose you'll have to stay with me always." The mood lifted as they chuckled and Daphne slid off his lap and cuddled into his side as they both got their pulses under control.

"Harry?"

"Hm?"

"How are you really feeling about things?"

"You mean Hermione?" He sighed putting an arm around her and fiddling with the ends of her hair.

"And the tournament. And the trial. And maybe even Snape and Malfoy?"

Harry lent his head back and felt Daphne's hand start to stroke down his arm from where it rested on her shoulders.

"I think with the tournament, I'm doing the best I can. I've shown that I'm not going to run scared and I've done it in ways that show people what I can do, for those that still hate me for it oh well. For the trial, I'm worried, I am there's no lying about it, I think someone will try something that will show Sirius in a bad light and something to stop his from gaining guardianship over me. Snape and Malfoy…I just…Something needs to be done about their bullying ways. It's not right or fair and I don't know why the Headmaster allows it to go on so much, I don't understand why he constantly gives him the green light without giving us and by that I mean all the students any consideration. As for Hermione, don't get me wrong I'm glad she's finally come to her senses but she was one of my two first friends. The fact that she didn't believe me from the start…it hurts you know. I'm not sure if I can ever get past that to be honest, she was such a huge part of my life she always stood by me and then suddenly all that was wiped away because her jealousy and her need to know everything. "

Daphne sighed and he felt her shift, picking her feet up from the ground and pulling them onto the sofa so that she could move her head further over his chest and look at his face. He rolled his head to be able to catch her eyes.

"I think you're right on all accounts. The tournament is no longer an issue as long as you keep being you and people can…well they can go to hell if they don't believe you. As for the trial, I wouldn't be surprised if Fudge says something due to Malfoy Seniors hand in it and I'm glad Sirius and Allard are taking their protections seriously. As for Snape and mini Malfoy, maybe you're right and its time to fully fight back against them. He still rules the snake pit but maybe its time to stand against him, most only let him get away with it because of his father anyway. And Snape could definitely be removed from his position permanently…"

"We're not killing him, Daph."

Daphne pouted playfully at him with wide blue eyes and he couldn't stop himself from moving to occupy her mouth again. It was several breathless minutes later that led to Daphne laying on her boyfriend as his hands rubbed along her ribs and back, it was just as his hands climbed higher that she pulled away breathing heavily and feeling like her blood was boiling in her veins sitting up to avoid Harry as he reached for her again.

"Baby wait."

Harry immediately pulled back a frown on his forehead as he left his hands on her hips.

"You alright? I didn't push you into anything right?"

"Oh no, Harry you're great and thank you for stopping, its just…well I really want to. Obviously. But I need time. Plus I'm kinda hungry again"

Harry groaned as his girlfriend left his lap and stretched, complete with a cheeky wink and grin in his direction. He stood up too and kissed her quickly before pulling on his jumper from where it had been thrown.

"As for Hermione…" Daphne's voice trailed off as she noticed his shoulders tensing once more.

"Baby, she's honest and straight forward and it's good to know that she knows what she done is wrong. Listen to what Neville said, you don't have to be best friends with her again and you can take as much time as you need to figure out you're feelings for her, okay? Just don't spend too long thinking about her."

Harry rolled his eyes at her as he pulled her close again and leant his head on hers.

"I can't spend time thinking about much, I have this gorgeous girlfriend who invades my every thought."

"Oh smooth."

"I thought so." He gave her a squeeze before letting go an collecting his stuff.

"Seriously though, don't worry too much about Granger, it'll figure itself out you know."

She watched as he nodded in resignation for the complexity of his feelings for the Gryffindor but then it was her turn to frown in confusion as he threw a mischievous smile at her.

"Baby, huh?"

Daphne felt the heat creeping up her neck and over her cheeks as she cleared her throat and made a show of grabbing her school bag to check the books in it earlier where all still there, making sure to bend down with straight legs and hiding the grin as his eyes quickly moved from her form as she turned.

"Do you not like it? I can change it up to sweetie-pie if that's what you prefer?"

"I love it." His quiet tone had her glancing at him and as she noticed the blush on his face as well as the warmth in his eye's she felt her own face softening as they headed out of the room grabbing each-others hand as they left.

"Good, so do I."

They headed down to the Great Hall and settled down to eat at the Slytherin table with Tracey who greeted them warmly and immediately started to chat about the Defence essay Moody had set them.

"Its how to set up security spells now, he spent the first 15 minutes ranting that none of us knew how to complete a simple security ward, kept asking people about their family homes and how protected they were."

"He's paranoid about peoples safety, that's for sure." Daphne commented as she grabbed some carrots.

"I'm telling you he is intense, plus he keeps making remarks about the Death Eaters that didn't let themselves be carted off to Azkaban."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well he was basically saying that once it was obvious the 'Dark Lord' - " she lifted her fingers to use quote marks. "Was gone. Then the Death Eaters should have never not shown faith and instead of pretending to be imperiused, accepted their roles as his followers and gone to Azkaban. He was glaring so hard at Malfoy when he said it too."

Harry thought about what Tracey had said and was about to ask some more questions when another person slid into the seat next to her.

They were used to the quiet bubble that the three – usually four when Neville joined – and not being disturbed so it was a complete silence that enveloped all of them when Theodore Nott slid opposite Harry and settled into the seat next to Tracey, helping himself to some sausages and potatoes.

"Pass the beans, Daphne. And Tracey as for the essay he wants it 16 inches not 12 so add a bit more about the twitching ear curse and the hex deflection for that. Potter, super success on the second task where did you find that underwater spell?

Harry barely glanced up from his plate and his voice reflected nothing but indifference and civility despite the words. Daphne smugly smiled remembering how long it had taken her to get him to use a 'superior' voice.

"I certainly feel no prerequisite to help you in any way, why do you presume I'll inform you."

For a moment Nott's face when blank before his dark eyes glimmered with humour.

"Now that is not an approach one would expect from a lion."

"A snake in lion's clothing perhaps."

At Daphne's remark the fork that was rising to Nott's lips froze for half a second before continuing on.

"Yes, perhaps one of them... I suppose once, embraced a Slytherin side can provide a fresh perspective in such a time where uncertainty is rife. Heir Potter, I would like to have a word with you after dinner and in a more private setting if you wouldn't mind?"

Harry's eyes narrowed at the boy, he was the epitome of a Slytherin. Harry could recall no instance where Theodore had joined in the harassing even in the first few years where immaturity can be blamed. From what he could remember of their classes he was above average but rarely drew attention to himself, and didn't hover around Malfoy so that was a definite positive in his favour. He didn't know much about him personally but there was a quiet strength in his voice that reminded Harry of someone who was tired of being beaten down and struggling to get back up. He glanced at Daphne who gave a single nod and made his decision.

"Very well, Heir Nott. But you'll excuse me if I wish to have some friends present too?"

"I would think less of you if you did not."

Harry raised an eyebrow but returned to his chicken pie.

After the helpings of treacle tart and chocolate pudding had been erased; the four of them stood, Tracey deciding to come along for the 'drama' she was sure to occur and as they left the hall Neville met them there and the five left to almost silence as people took note of another snake with the Boy-Who-Lived. They moved up to the fifth floor and they entered one of the abandoned classrooms where the desks were placed in a horseshoe shape, Harry immediately leant against one of the desks to the left, hands on the desk to keep him propped and crossed one ankle over the other. Daphne sat by his side while Tracey sat opposite swinging her legs cheerfully and Neville remained standing at the base of the horseshoe with hands by his side.

"Now Nott since you have asked for this, why don't you say what you want?"

"First it's Theo and secondly I am going to be completely unslytherin and as muggles say lay all the cards on the table, alright?"

At Harry's cautious nod, the dark haired boy continued bluntly.

"I do not follow Voldemort, I do not wish for his return and I certainly don't want him to. My father is a Death Eater and the past few months he has become increasingly excited. My father and I do not get along. He expects me to follow his cause and align my agenda with his. He believes the pureblood way and believes that the Dark Lord is the one who can bring it about. I believe I have information that can help you but for that I want security, I want to leave my fathers house. I want to fight against the evilness that he has and I want to join you."

Well that was certainly the most Gryffindorish thing he could ever have said…thought Daphne as she considered her housemates words. It wasn't a total surprise; whenever there had been open debates about certain laws being passed, Theo was always one to observe before stating his belief in a roundabout way that rarely revealed his true opinion and covered all the bases. But she wondered, could they trust him. She knew that he wished to remove himself from his father. There were times when Theo had talked about him and a shadow would pass over his face, secrets lurked in his eyes and a sudden stiffness in his voice that couldn't be ignored. Her father had often said that Nott Sr was a ruthless man, more concerned with power than the son his wife had left him with when she had died. Feeling Harry's eyes on her she figured it was up to her to take the lead on this one.

"Theo, I don't doubt that you have differing opinions to your fathers. And I am sure Harry in his usual Gryffindor way will do whatever he can to get you away from him. However I wonder at your motives for going against Voldemort. While I'll admit you have never sided with the likes of Malfoy and his agenda, I cannot recall many incidences when you have gone against them."

"Daphne, I have not said anything due to knowing what would happen to me if I dared go against him." He looked seriously at them all for a moment before sighing and looking away." My father does not hesitate to punish me for what he considers sins." Next to her Harry straightened. "During first year I started to become friendly with Elsie Roymar, she's a Ravenclaw in the year above…Malfoy told his father who told mine and that Christmas he held me under the cruciatious curse for 16 seconds, the number of weeks I'd dared to be friends with a mudblood for." He sneered the slur with enough disdain that it was clear it wasn't what he thought, he slid his hands in his pockets and locked eyes with Harry. "she was smart, brilliant at charms, pretty and a sense of humour but she was a muggleborn and therefore not worthy. I have never agreed that I am above someone due to my blood but that was when I started to consider leaving. I have never believed that you put your name in the goblet, you who always ducked your head at attention it was simply not plausible. I will admit to never defending you, frankly I never cared about you enough to either help or hurt you. This year however you have proven different, you have fought back every step of the way, found a strength – shared by Longbottom - that I admire. I wish to stand with you, to fight by you and to have freedom. I chose life."

The two boys stared at each other, every sentence, every secret that Nott had revealed the stark truth was present in his eyes. And in that moment Harry felt a connection to the teen – a kindred spirit – someone who had been beaten down but hadn't hesitated in getting back up. Someone who knew that life could be different. He glanced to Neville who came forward to stand by his side forming a triangle between the three. Neville who already stood with him as someone who fought for good, someone who's spirit had almost been crushed but who had risen once more. Daphne, who didn't move closer to the three but shared a glance with him that spoke heavily of a future, for them. And Tracey, who had proven herself to stand by a cause, who could be trusted and even now gave a mock salute to him as she moved closer though still apart from the boys.

He held out his hand and the Slytherin grabbed it, shock, relief and determination playing across his face. Neville's hand joined them, connecting the two with his. Magic stirred within them all, urging them on, words flowing from their mouths that they had no control over binding them in place and connecting them to each other.

"I will be honoured to have you stand with me, to fight with me, to have freedom with you and for a life that is good." Harry said, voice quiet but firm.

"I will be honoured to have you stand with me, to fight with me, to have a freedom with you and for a life that is peace." Neville intoned his voice calm but intense.

"I will be honoured to have you stand with me, to fight with me, to have a freedom with you and for a life that is whole." Daphne spoke from her position next to Harry, her voice full of wonder and strength as she lay her hand onto Neville's.

"I will be honoured to have you stand with me, to fight with me, to have a freedom with you and for a life that is strong." Tracey voiced between Neville and Theodore full of concentration and awe as without her permission her body moved to stand with the others and place her hand with theirs.

"Then may magic know that I pledge my strength to your cause, may I be found by your side through everything, may magic judge me honest and true and if at any time I be found unworthy may I be judged."

With each word spoken the air became thicker, heavier, full of tension as magic swept through the room binding the three boys together. Strands of gold and silver coated their skin, weaving and tying together before settling around their joined hands and as soon as they let go, each stumbled as the full weight of judgement lifted from them.

Theodore Nott stood, his face solemn but a glint of joy had sparked into his eyes. He was a boy no more but a man, with his own beliefs along with the power of a trust installed by those around him. He was a man, one with ambition, determined to always succeed and be able to achieve results, more than that he could understand people and work around them. He was a true Slytherin but one with a heart who wished to help.

Tracey Davis stood, her face open and smiling with mischief and marvel shining through her eyes. She was a woman, one who knew when to fight and when to back down but who stood firm. She had compassion, kindness, one who worked hard and spoke freely from her mind. She was a true Hufflepuff no matter the colour of her robes and the cunning edge that gave her the advantage in her house despite being halfblood.

Neville Longbottom stood, his face softened by the grin on his lips yet hardened by strength of his gaze. He was a man with strength and courage, determined to do right and be true. His posture and acceptance showing the leader he would one day be, through the kindness and honour that he placed on himself and others. He was true Gryffindor, though one who used his brain as well as brawn.

Daphne Greengrass stood, blue eyes sparking with curiosity of what had occurred and feeling the warmth of magic spreading through her. She was a woman of intelligence, one who could see beyond the horizon and what was possible with creativity at possibilities endless. She held a figure that could intimidate and inspire others with her learning. She was a true Ravenclaw, and loyal to those she loved.

Harry Potter had been the first who stood and surveyed those that had come into themselves through him. The blaze in his eyes had lowered to a simmer that would never die completely, capturing all who met his gaze. He was a man, a leader, someone that could walk into the room and everyone would listen to. He had knowledge and understanding to complete the goals he had in mind, trust in his friends to have his back and for him to have theirs plus nerve and will power to get him through anything. He pulled them together through power seen only by one other…Merlin himself.

The five of them - unbeknownst to them - had been bound by magic, their full acceptance of one another and the promise echoed in all their words and caused links to start to form and grow between them all.

They left the classroom, going straight to the library, Theo explaining what he knew along the way.

"The World Cup was only the beginning, he was incredibly enthusiastic about the attacks and the dark mark that also appeared after. I went home at Yule and he kept locking himself in the library and having his old acquaintances round. I believe there is someone helping the Dark Lord regain power."

"You're sure?"

"I can't be positive but I know that someone has been asking him for potions ingredients and books, and not just any old ones either. Things that are extremely dark, that not even the ministry really know about, I checked the library after he had left for a meeting and he had been looking at rebirthing rituals."

Harry and Daphne caught eyes, if Harry's dreams were connected there was a strong chance they now had a clearer idea of what was happening.

"I know something is going to happen at your Godfathers trial. The Malfoys invited us to their New Years Ball, I overheard my father talking to his acquaintances about how Black could still be considered breaking the law for his escape from Azkaban, they want to try and slip in some questions about how he did. And on the day of the trial there is going to be a press release…its going to slip in the death of 4 prominent members of pureblood society, your father and godfather were responsible. Fudge still thinks that the sun shines out of Malfoys arse and will do everything possible to bow to his every whim."

They settled into their seats, the back table gleaming from their constant use of it over the last few months and the window sent in a small amount of moonlight. Harry immediately got out a notebook out and started to jot down a draft to send to Sirius and Allard.

"How sure are you of their disruption and how much damage do you think will be done?" He enquired.

"I know my father, the simple fact that he is talking about it is proof enough that he means to go ahead with anything he can to cause destruction. I think the damage that could be done can be enough to stop him from gaining guardianship of the Boy-Who-Lived for certain. I can't be sure but I believe they're coming from the approach of him being a mad, bad Black. They made comments of his family though I can't be sure what kind."

"Alright, first we need to find out what people's positions are. Sirius getting free is my first priority, not even the tournament beats it."

Theo raised an eyebrow but said nothing seeing the purpose in the face of the man he had sworn his life and magic too.

Daphne spoke up knowing the politics of the things better than her boyfriend.

"I will write to my father, he will know more about the neutral side, I doubt that many of them care, the greys are more likely to stand back and see the results rather than get involved they are still more business than fighters. Neville, you should write to your grandmother, she'll know more about the light side and be able to observe more of Dumbledore and the Heads of Department."

"Right, I'll send one tonight. Since I got my wand, we've been exchanging letters more and she's wanted me to start taking a stand as the Longbottom heir she'll probably be overjoyed that I'm starting to ask questions."

"Dumbledore is untrustworthy, I can't be sure of him or his agenda to be honest."

Theo butted in at Harry's last comment, his mask firmly in place though his eyes displayed the shock at the fact the Golden Boy didn't trust the leader of the light.

"I don't understand, I know things aren't great between you too everyone can see it but you don't find him trustworthy?"

"I have issues with decisions he has made regarding me in the past, he has kept too many things from me for me to decide if I can trust him and frankly he enjoys being the master of it all. However, he is the enemy of my enemy and therefore I must have some level of interaction with him to stop the bastard after me. But no, I don't trust him with me."

"Plus you can't say he's been helpful during this time, he could easily have stopped the bullying but instead he stands back and does nothing." Said Tracey, her curls springing around her.

Theo nodded settling back in his chair with a contemplative expression on his face as he ran through various scenarios through his head. "I suppose it could be possible that Dumbledore will try to mess it up further, he could go from the side that Black not only escaped Azkaban – which would mess even the sanest person up - but also got into Hogwarts, not only but he hangs around with a werewolf" He held up his hand at Harry's furious expression. "No I don't believe in those prejudices but you have to admit its something that those wanting to cast doubt on him can do with a dark creature by his side. Then there's the fact he comes from the family of the Blacks, Dumbledore can do a lot of damage while keeping up the appearance of caring for the two of you, society and protecting the innocents etc."

Neville took over, thinking back to the training his grandmother had given him and the many sessions he'd had to attend over the years to get used to the waters of the wizengamont.

"He could quite easily turn the trial around however he wants with a single comment. He does have his own questions to answer for, why didn't he make sure he had a trial or offer him sanctuary etc. It depends if he wants to try and get on your good side after the lack of help with Snape and the tournament and the Dursleys."

Daphne snorted, her feelings on the Dursleys already been discussed between Harry and Neville. She could understand why Dumbledore restricted knowledge on some level but she would never forgive that he was responsible for placing Harry in an environment that had caused him to flinch and doubt himself. She caught Theo's eyes and gave a quick shake to avoid the questions in his gaze. Her Harry had got through it but not without scars. They would be dealt with, she thought viciously.

She shook her head of the dark thoughts and returned her focus to the conversation that turned to Neville who was quickly sketching a letter to his grandmother.

"Theo, do you need somewhere safe? Particularly now, does your father know of your alliances?"

"I have a feeling that several members of my house will have sent their own fathers notifications of what transpired after dinner. He will take that as betrayal, however I do have a safe place do not worry, Harry."

"Very well, however if anything should happen that you do need the extra help, I will always welcome you. "

"Thankyou." The words were heavy in meaning and Harry made sure that emerald green and coffee brown met as he said his words.

"Good. As for your fathers activities concerning any possibility of a returning Dark Lord, we should all make those we feel we can trust aware, although we all have experience with the world I believe that there are some things we need the adults for, even if one of them is slightly moronic and enjoys making puns of his name continuously."

"I agree." Daphne said firmly. " I certainly do not believe we can do this by ourselves and there are some adults that we can trust. My father will also have friends of potions masters that he can question about rebirthing potions etc. Tracey haven't you got an aunt that could help with the ingredients?"

"Sure, my aunt Mel work in the Department of Potions in the Ministry, anything major that people buy has to go through there, like Pheonix tears or Unicorn blood, once we know what to look for I'll ask her to keep an eye out though I have no clue what would go into a rebirth."

"Me neither but if He is trying to come back then we need to do everything to stop him." Neville said fiercely. "Too many lives were lost in the last war and just because it seems impossible it doesn't mean it is, we need to do everything to find out what he could be doing so at least we are prepared."

"So in the spirit of exchanging information I think we need to tell you what we know. Theo I know you have sworn yourself to follow me but I would like that to come from a place of trust. Tracey you haven't heard everything either but I feel now is a good time."

Theo nodded curiously and Tracey leant forward with the most serious expression on her face. Harry proceeded to tell them all about Pettigrew, the night of Halloween and what had occurred last year. Tracey was more excitable than either Daphne or Neville and therefore more questions were asked during the conversation causing Harry to go back and forward and back again.

"Pettigrew is alive? Its completely absurd. Its incredible. Oh I believe you, I have no reason not to especially now but…wow." Theo's mask was broken as he stared at the table in front of him. "Wait Pettigrew? He could be the helped!"

"Its one theory, unfortunately not only do we not have proof but we also don't have anything else to go on so we can't even go to the DMLE."

Theo deflated.

"So we wait for something to happen?"

"Like I said Sirius' trial is the most important thing to me right now, I won't do anything to mess it up. And taking this kind of thing to anyone in authority will just get me branded a trouble maker and attention seeker." Harry said with a shrug.

"Okay, so what do we do?"

"Well I don't know about you but its been awhile since I duelled anyone."

"We can't duel in the castle, the wards alert the teachers to spell fire."

"Clearly you haven't explored all the castle then…"