The heels of dragon leather boots clicked on the cobblestones of Diagon Alley. A long coat swayed in the cold breeze and tangled with blond-black hair. Narcissa had her hands in thick gloves while she walked down the street. It might have become march, but the cold of winter wasn't pulling back yet. She looked straight ahead, keeping her head high. A pureblood lady doesn't gawk at displays and shops windows.

But there was no real reason for her being here. While yes, she would go to her tailor, getting some new spring robe, mostly she had fled the house. That werewolf was at Grimmauld place, talking with Sirius about his estate. Or at least they had started out talking business. When the house was filled with shouting and the sound of hexes and Sirius laughter, Narcissa had known that it was time to leave really. Her cousin was a child, simple as that. He had times when he almost acted like he was supposed to, but in a moment notice all that was destroyed by a childish act or a bad joke. It was infuriating and at the same time, it was adorable. Narcissa knew why her cousin did it. She had seen the haunted look in his eyes more often than not when he thought about the world and all the darkness in it. And she knew Sirius method to deal with those dark thoughts was to take nothing seriously and try to make fun of it. Taking the edge off so to speak. That combined with his efforts to declare himself young and springy, while more and more grey came to his hair made it clear to the former Lady Malfoy what was going on in her cousins head.

Sirius feared getting old. He feared that he had lost too much time already. That he missed out on the prime of his life and would never get it back. So he reverted to his childish behaviour, trying to recapture what was lost. And while Narcissa scoffed at this behaviour, she still understood. So she limited her criticism to public settings.

Which was not to say she didn't get angry when she was caught up in her cousins "pranking". For one, she really got angry. Who wouldn't get angry if water was dropped on them, their skin spelled yellow or her shoes turned invisible and she had to search for nearly an hour until she found them. And that was just some of the looooooooong list of silly ideas her Lord came up with. But she turned angry for a different reason too. As said before, she knew her cousin needed those little pranks to cope. And for a prank to work, the "victim" had to react in some way. To scream, cry or laugh or run. Something. And Narcissa was way too proud to cry or run and she didn't find it funny very much. But her Lord needed these moments, so she gave them to him. Jinxing Sirius afterwards was also a relief for her too.

Narcissa knew she had problems and dark thoughts. Her husband threw her out of the house, her one sister was crazy and her surrogate son was in constant danger. Not speaking of her real son, the boy whom she loved beyond reason and who had rejected her. It still hurt beyond belief, like on the first day, maybe worse. But she didn't want to cry. That was not what a daughter of House Black did. So anger it was. And Sirius was an easy target. It made her even for a few moments forget the pain in her life. And she wondered, sometimes after she cursed Sirius into next week if her cousin did it on purpose. Triggering her so she stopped following those dark thoughts. It was somewhat suspicious that it almost always happened after she had a terrible night and had woken in the middle of it, screaming and crying. Those nights when she dreamed of her drake.

She wasn't proud that she still came out of her room at those nights and her cousin was there, found a black dog in front of the door, ready to give her comfort. She had no idea how he knew. He hadn't been in her room ever and she thought she was silencing her room thoroughly. But still, a nightmare came and this black dog was in front of her door. Even at nights when had slept over at Bones Manor. Luckily, Madam Bones never had seen her in this state. It wouldn't do. But she had her suspicion that Sirius cleared out the way so that would never happen. The only two people seeing her like that were Sirius, and him only in his dog form and Harry.

Narcissa haltered for a moment in her steps when she thought about Harry. The black-haired boy was a strange addition to her life and to this day she was conflicted on multiple layers. For one, her dear ex-husband and her beloved son both loathed the boy with such vigour. And while yes, Lucius hate for someone should be counted as a character endorsement for anyone, she did place stock in her son's opinion. Oh, she knew that Draco was spoiled and she had her part in that behaviour, the blame wasn't to be placed completely on Lucius, despite his many shortcomings. But still, he was HER baby boy and he would always be, damn what disownment meant. And that was one of her conflicts. How could she open her heart to another boy when she had her own son, who should be the only one having this place in her heart. But she couldn't do differently. Harry...Harry was just all the things she hoped for in Draco when she imagined him growing up. Humble, polite, friendly and honest. He was just...Harry was just such a sweet boy. Yes, of course, he had his problems and faults too, what person doesn't? But he cared for others and that made up for so much. The black-haired boy cared for others in the same way that Narcissa cared for her own family. Because when you broke it down to it, Narcissa only cared for her family. First the Blacks, then the Malfoys and now the Blacks again. She thought of herself that this was her one redeeming quality.

There was also the fact that she just saw a child in need. Harry was obviously starved for a family, for someone who would let him in. And no matter what she had been in the past, Narcissa wouldn't let that continue. That might be one of the reasons why she got along with Molly Weasley. Somewhat. No matter how different they were, living completely opposite lives, they were both mothers who couldn't leave a lost child out in the cold. Neither of them. That was something they could agree on.

Narcissa turned the corner and walked on down the road. She didn't really look around or really noticed where she was heading or else she would have noticed that she was followed. A dark-robed person moved closer and closer, following her footsteps while not really drawing any eyes from anybody.

Slowly but steadily over the next few turns and streets, the person closed the gap between the two of them. Finally, there was a moment, when Narcissa walked down an alley that was completely empty. At the last moment, the black and blond-haired woman heard steps coming closer to her, but when the reached down to pull her wand, a strong hand clasped around her thin wrist, holding it in place.

"No, no, no. I don't think so." Whispered a voice into her ear, as she felt a second hand taking her wand from her. Narcissa froze up while cold sweat run down her back. She knew this voice for most of her life and it wasn't a voice she whished to ever hear again. This meant danger for her! But she got her throat working and turned around looking into those familiar violet eyes.

"Sister." She said, trying to keep her voice as calm as she could while all her mind was screaming at her in a complete panic.

Bellatrix smiled, still holding on to her wrist, while she tilted her head to the side. Long black hair was draped over her shoulders like a sea of black ink and her violet eyes were twinkling.

"Cissy! I finally found you, baby sister. Did you hide from dear old Bella?" The older woman threw her arms around her, hugging Narcissa to her chest. The blond was startled by her sudden move and didn't return the hug but Bellatrix didn't seem to notice. She stepped back and Narcissa, like in a nervous tick brought her free hand up to her head, brushing blond hair behind her ear. And while doing so the tip of her thumb was placed over her earring.

Bellatrix didn't notice any of that, still holding Narcissa's other hand in her iron-like grip as she smiled on. "When I got out, I first came to Lucy's house. Wanted to see my Cissy. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that you weren't there."

Blinking slowly and getting back a little of her own personality, Narcissa shook her head. "I divorced him this summer."

Bellatrix reaction surprised her. The dark-haired woman threw her head back and laughed loudly. "Of course you did. Finally. He is a sniffling coward and a weak man. Nothing for a true Black woman."

Then her laugh stopped and she seemed to be thoughtful. "But then again neither of us Black sisters has a strong man. A shame. We once were so feared. Now, look at us. You at least did the right thing, but then again you should have just killed that blond ponce and be done with it. Would have done the Dark Lord a great favour with that. Now, this worm is crawling around the feet of our master."

Narcissa froze again at the mention of the Dark Lord but also because Bellatrix grip around her wrist tightened hurtfully. She knew her sister was unstable.

"But then again, I did it at least. Oh, you should have seen the eyes of my dear husband when I cut his throat. The surprise. He even managed to choke out a why before he dropped." Again the black-haired woman was laughing but now it had an unnerving tone to it. It was a little bit like nails on a blackboard.

"Now what do you say, Cissy? Shall we go, visiting Andromeda? We could get rid of her husband too, then we three Black sisters would finally be rid of our worthless husbands. We can do so much together. Like in old times. What do you say?" And insane grin was shown on her face. Narcissa tried to pull back but her hand was still firmly in Bella's claw.

She stopped struggling, leaned forward. "Bella, you gt to listen to me. Let me go. Please, I am your sister. We are blood. Leave Andy alone she has done nothing to-"

"NOTHING?" Bellatrix angrily slashed her wand at Narcissa who screamed when her face was cut open. "She has done nothing? She soiled our bloodline with filth! She has pushed out a halfbreed bastard, not worthy to like the dirt of our boots and you say she has done nothing? Have you not listened to our Master's words?"

In that moment, Narcissa knew she had come to a point in life where she knew her next words would define her future. She could play along, try to be sneaky and clever. Try to be Slytherin. She could try to get more out of Bellatrix, what she knew, what Voldemort planned all those things. But there was a voice, which sounded like Sirius and Harry. A voice that told her, that sometimes you had to stand up for what is right. Not because it was right or because it was expected, but she knew if she now played along she would never be able to look at herself in the mirror. Also, there was the voice of her father, whispering and she knew what she had to say.

"Master?" Narcissa threw her head back. "He is no master of mine. He never was! I will not bow down to the son of a muggle. I will not prostrate myself before some self-styled Lord. I have my lord. I am Black! You were once too, but you have lost your way. I have lost yourself in the idea of power but sister, you know nothing about power. Family is power! Sanding together as one. Black's stand together and you are no Black. Because Blacks bow down to no one!"

The last one was screamed at her sister. And to her utter surprise, Bellatrix let go of her wrist. She blinked at Narcissa in utter confusion. "He...he is no son of a Muggle!" She spat out at Narcissa, but now it was Narcissa's turn to laugh.

"Of course he is. Why do you think he hides his true name? Is there a V-Voldemort family? An ancient bloodline by this name? No, he made it up, because he couldn't accept that he is Tom Riddle, the son of a muggle and a near damn squib."

Bellatrix eyelid twitched. "You are lying! I don't believe you!"

At that Narcissa smirked at her, looking at her sister, searching her eyes. "Yes, you do."

Bellatrix snarled and switched her wand forward, casting something that would have probably killed Narcissa. Some nasty looking yellow curse flew in her direction and the blond woman squints her eyes shut, waiting for the pain. But it didn't come. When she opened them again, she saw a light blue dome in front of her.

"You shouldn't have come here, Bella." A firm male voice behind her spoke. When she turned her head, she saw Sirius standing there, tall and proud. His expensive robe had been dropped onto the ground a few feet behind him, leaving him only in pants and boots. Narcissa saw tattoos on his chest, rough and grim. The one on his sternum which showed he was an Azkaban convict. The one on his shoulder he got this summer with Harry. And more. Dragons, wolves, muggle motorbikes and more. His upper body was a patchwork of ink. And between those scars. Long lines of white flesh, gnarly patches of pink and more. Sirius didn't look like a Lord of the Wizengamot there. The didn't look like the fun-loving goof that she lived with.

Sirius looked like a warrior.

Walking closer, the man never took his eyes off his opponent. He came to a stop a few feet in front of Narcissa. Raising his wand, he eyed her.

Bellatrix cackled, shaking her hair. "Siri! You here? This is almost a family reunion. How wonderful. You are looking better than the last time I saw you. But that was when you were crawling in your own ficices in that place, so not a big step up after all."

Sirius smirked at her. "Is that so Bella, dear? Well, you still look as crazy as a bag full of cats. So no change there. I liked you better in Azkaban. There the outside matched the inside better."

Bella frowned raising her own wand higher. "Oh no. I know I am beautiful. I am a Black after all. My husband is dead, I am a full Black again."

That gave Sirius a wolfish grin. "Is that so? You were. Bellatrix Black! I, Lord Sirius Orion Black hereby cast you out of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. You take from you, your name and your birthright! You will be nameless. So mote it be!" And from somewhere, three ghost-like ravens flew down landing on Sirius's shoulders. For a moment it was silent as the raven's eyed Bellatrix before crowing in unison and dissolving in silver mist.

Bellatrix stared at the man before squinting her eyes. "You can't do that! I am Bellatrix Bl-" She tried to form the word but her tongue suddenly felt like it was made out of led. "Bellatrix Bl- urrrrgh" Horror streaked across the black-haired woman's face when she couldn't form the family name. She threw Narcissa's wand to the side.

With a snarl, she raised her wand up. "Give it back!" She screamed, darting lightning bolts at her cousin. Sirius spun out of the way, retaliating with a knockback jinx, which she blocked.

"Give it back! Give it back! Give it back, Give it back, Give it BACK!" The woman was yelling, each scream underlined with a new curse. Lights flew at Lord Black and he had trouble dodging and shielding Narcissa at the same time. Curse after curse flew in his direction, as the woman screamed at him. Finally, a cutting curse hit his torso, making Sirius tumble to the ground.

Bellatrix held her wand in his direction. "GIVE ME BACK MY NAME!" She yelled loudly.

Sirius rolled onto his back, grinning at her. "Never!" He said, only to start coughing loudly.

Bellatrix screamed in primaeval anger throwing her wand back. "Avada-"

She was cut short by a knockback jinx that rammed the middle of her chest, knocking her to the ground a few feet away. Narcissa, who had retrieved her wand was now stepping in front of her wounded cousin. Bellatrix stared at her, still on the ground.

"You would fight your own sister?"

Narcissa snarled at her, her eyes certain and firm. She knew she would probably lose but still, she would fight.

"For my family? Without question!"

"SIRIUS!" A yell came down the alley. Narcissa turned her head. Amelia Bones ran in their direction followed by four Aurors. Their crimson robes were in stark contrast to the grey of the walls and the ground. When Narcissa turned her head back, she saw that Bellatrix was gone.

Harry smiled petting white feathers. Hedwig turned her head, looking at him in a calm manner.

"Hey, sorry I don't come here a lot as of late, my friend." Harry said looking around the owlery. About a hundred owls were sitting on different levels, while the floor was filled with owl droppings and the skeletons of small mammals. Between them all, a small black phoenix was darting around, showing off her ink-black feathers, while also being careful not to get too close to the beautiful snow owl that was sitting next to her bonded friend. Dawn knew that while she would never be attacked by Hedwig, the white owl saw herself as superior to her and she had already made acquaintance with her beak once.

"It has been a long few weeks you know? I should have come here more often, I know." Hary said and he meant it. He had neglected Hedwig somewhat, so used to her presence that he forgot that friendship needed work. But, and that was only minor relief, Hedwig wasn't that often in Hogwarts anyway. Given the fact that Harry mostly communicated per mirror these days and Hedwig needed her work out routine, he had asked her to deliver letters for Hermione to her parents, something the white owl did quite a lot these days. Before Hermione had to use one of the school owls and there was a fee. Not that she was poor or anything but daily mail was a strain. Now with Hedwig, everyone was happy to with this. Still, Harry felt bad. He felt like he had replaced Hedwig with Dawn.

"You know, I would never replace you. You and Dawn, you are both important to me. She just isn't...well not as independent as you are you know?" He ticked her side and Hedwig fluttered her wing once. "Yes, I know she can be a handful."

Dawn who always knew when he talked about her, fluttered down and landed on Harry's shoulder. She started rubbing her head against him with a gleeful feeling and he could not not rub her belly. "Enough flying for you? You can go on or wait here, I want to spend a little more time with Hedwig you know?" Dawn eyed him for a moment, before she suddenly tilted her head, flying of, while Harry heard the door of the owlery open. He turned his head and saw Daphne walk in, already raising her arm for Dawn to land on. The chirping of the phoenix was audible through the owlery, followed by a small laugh from Daphne.

Harry liked her laugh. Daphne was so serious that all the little cracks in her shell were things of beauty. He saw what was behind it. Still petting Hedwig, he turned his head, watching the blond Slytherin come over. With his free hand, he vanished the owl droppings and bones from the board next to him, giving her room to sit. The girl stopped next to him and giving him a small curtisie.

"Good Evening Lord P...Harry." She said with a soft and short smile. Harry bowed while still sitting somewhat.

"Hi Daphne. How are you today?" He asked as the girl sat down. Daphne worse her school robes and a green scarf. Dawn was perched in her hands, rubbing her tiny head against her.

"I am good, thank you for asking. And yourself?" Her fingers smoothed some of Dawn's ruffled feathers smooth. While she was a wild one, Dawn seemed to love being groomed by Daphne's fingers.

Harry a year ago would have shrugged, but Narcissa's training and having Dawn almost always on his shoulder had stopped that habit. Instead, he tilted his head slightly to the right. "Oh, I'm well. I came up here because I haven't spent nearly enough time with Hedwig as of late and that is not okay. So I came here just to talk to her and you know. Spend time here."

Daphne gave him a short smile. "That is very thoughtful of you. She is a real beauty. Oh, and you are too of course." Her last words were directed to Dawn, as the phoenix wouldn't share the attention of two people. Daphne tickled her under the small beak.

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, she is a little bit jealous. I think Hedwig still intimidates her." He continued petting Hedwig, smoothing her feathers with his hands. The white owl hooted at him.

"What brings you up here Daph?" The black-haired boy asked after a few moments of silence. He felt weird. Daphne made him nervous and calm at the same time. He loved spending time with her but on the other hand, was very worried he might say something stupid to her.

The blond girl turned her eyes from Dawn to him and gave him a faint smile. "I saw Dawn flying around the owlery and I knew you were up here. So I came here to keep you company."

Harry frowned slightly. "Due to house politics?"

She tilted her head slightly. "Yes." Harry's frown deepened. "But mostly because I enjoy spending time with you, Harry." With a short smile, she underlined her words.

Harry's frown moved away as she said that and he blushed a little. "Really? I enjoy spending time with you too."

Both of them smiled at each other until Dawn thrilled a short moment. Daphne brock the eye contact and she brushed over Dawn's head.

"There is the addition of spending time with Dawn. That makes up for you, Lord Peverell." Her voice dipped into the sarcastic when she said his name.

Harry smirked at her. "Is that so Heiress Greengrass? I always knew you associated with me to get close to her." His tone took the barb out of these words.

"Of course, she is very special." She asked while holding Dawn up to her eye level, looking into her eyes. Dawn stared back, fluttering her wings.

"Yes, she is." Harry said with much love in his voice. Dawn in an instant fluttered from Daphne's hands and landed in his lap. There she blinked up at him, opened her beak and started to sing.

It was a song of love and companionship. It echoed through the owlery and all the ruffling of feathers and hooting around the room quieted down, as owl after owl turned it's head and started staring at the small black bird in their mids that was singing. Dawn's voice had become more powerful since the last time she sang. The sound ebbed from her n waves, while a warm feeling filled both Daphnes and Harry's core. They sat there and listened to the beautiful tunes that were flowing from the small black bird.

Harry looked down onto the board they were sitting on. There was Daphne's hand, pale and slender, perfectly manicured and clean. This was the hand of a true lady, someone who lived and breathed nobility. Come on, you are a Gryffindor, Harry chided himself in his mind. Stretching out his own hand, he placed it over Daphnes.

The blond girl looked up from Dawn and into his eyes. They both stared long into each other. Dark Green into Emerald. After what felt like an eternity, Daphne flipped her hand under his and squeezed it. Harry's heart made a jump and Dawn sang with more vigour. Harry felt like new colours were all in the world. A smile dusted Daphne's lips as she turned her eyes to Dawn again, smiling to herself. Harry also look back, while he felt Daphne's cool hands underneath his own fingers. A smile came to his lips as well, as he watched his familiar hand in hand with Daphne.

Dawn sang for quite some time. After that, her song slowed and Harry felt a tired feeling washing through their bond as Dawn slumped a little in his lap. With care, he lifted his hand from Daphnes and stabilised Dawn as she tiredly thrilled. He lifted her up to his lips and kissed into the black feathers on her back.

"That was wonderful my love." He whispered. He smiled as she cooed at him with a tired voice and he rubbed her back.

Together, Daphne, Harry and Dawn sat there for about half an hour. Harry and Daphne talked about classes, while Dan went to sleep, purring while Harry rubbed her back. Neither of the teens said anything about them holding hands during the song.

They only looked up, when the door of the owlery opened again. They both looked up when shoes clapped on the wooden floorboards. Between the owl stands, they saw long red hair and a freckled face. Harry froze, blinking. He hadn't talked to Ginny since he had returned, stirring clear of her.

The Weasley daughter hadn't noticed the two of them, a letter in hand she made her way over to one of the school owls.

Daphne leaned over. "You should talk to her."

Harry frowned looking back. "You sure? It will be awkward."

Daphne nodded still watching the youngest redhead. "Yes. Or do you want to be this awkward every time you see her? Might be good to clear the air."

Harry looked back at Ginny who was right now tying the letter to the leg of a barn owl. Steeling himself, he nodded.

"You are right. Could you look after Dawn?" Getting a nod, Harry scooped Dawn up and placed her in Daphne's lap, before standing up and walking around the stands.

"Hey, Ginny got a moment?" He asked quietly. His wand raised a silencing charm around them. He trusted the blond Greengrass Heiress but this was private.

The redhead swirled around, surprised. "Harry! What are you doing here?" She asked.

The black-haired boy pointed into the rafters at the white speck that was Hedwig. She had left his side after Dawn had stopped singing. "I came to visit Hedwig."

Ginny's eyes followed his finger and she nodded slowly. "All right." And it was clear that she had no idea what to say.

The boy-who-lived sighed, shaking his head. "Look, Ginny. I know I hurt you and I am sorry. But I want to clear out the air between us."

Ginny frowned crossing her arms. "What is there to clear out? You used me for your fun and then dropped me after you bragged around it."

Harry looked startled. "I didn't brag. Ginny, I would have never done that to you, Skeeter spied on us in Animagus form. She is a beetle."

The girl squinted her eyes at him. "Yeah, Bill told me you said that. Quite convenient isn't it?"

Now Harry frowned as well. "Hey! It is the truth. Ask Ron, he was there, when we found out that Skeeter was spying on us."

The glare in those brown eyes was hurtful. "Of course he will back you up. You are his best friend! I'm just stupid little Ginny, why would he take my side?" Tears were shining in her eyes.

Harry stretched out his hand. "Hey, Gin, you aren't stupid."

Now tears fell don her cheeks. "Then why don't you love ME?" She shouted the last word, looking at him with tearful eyes.

Harry was at a loss of words. "I...I don't know. I just don't. Not because you are a bad person, I just don't feel it. You are like a little sister to me."

He knew of all the things he had said to her, he could see it in her eyes, this was the most hurtful thing he had ever said to Ginny. She swiped her eyes, clearing away the tears.

She snorted. "Little sister, don't make me laugh. You USED me and then you threw me away to get that snake bitch."

"HEY! Leave Daphne out of this, she has nothing to do with that."

Ginny started laughing while more tears fell down from her eyes. "Don't make me laugh. Don't you think I wouldn't see how you would look at her? The way you had that tramp on your arm during the Ball? With her bitch sister? Isn't one girl enough for the mighty Lord Harry Potter?"

Now he was getting angry at her too. "Stop it, Ginny, you are way out of line. I will not stand for you calling either of the Greengrass sisters such despicable names!"

Ginny snarled leaning closer. "Oh, what are you going to do? Hit me? Curse me? Huh, what will it be?"

The black-haired boy gripped his wand closer, harder. He felt red in his mind and he wanted to lash out so bad. But then a fluttering ball of black feathers landed on his shoulder. Dawn swayed, still tired but she spread her wings anyway, making herself big and chirping aggressively in Ginny's direction. Ginny looked at Dawn in surprise and a little bit of fear. She then looked to the side, where Daphne stood a few feet away, outside of the silencing charm. He redhead snarled again.

"My point exactly. Were you snogging up here, where her precious pureblood family wouldn't see their princess defile herself?"

But the anger had bled from Harry and left behind only sadness. He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I thought we could overcome this. Maybe become friends again someday. But I don't think that will happen anymore I guess. I hope you will be happy." And with that, Harry just turned and walked towards the exit of the owlery. He neither saw the glare that Daphne send Ginny nor the way the girl broke down crying. All he knew was that he was done with Ginny Weasley.

Daphne caught up to him, about two floors down. She was ready to murder the red-haired girl. Harry was a sensitive boy, she knew that and she knew she would protect him because he could fight like a lion but protect himself from his friend? He had no idea how to do that. So she would do it for him.

"Are you all right Harry?2 She asked carefully. The boy had taken Dawn from his shoulder, held the Phoenix in his hands while he walked. He nodded slowly, looking over his shoulder at her. "Yeah. We...It didn't go well. I had hoped that we would go back to being friends but I think that doesn't work."

Daphne hummed in agreement. "I think that is quite likely. Miss Weasley seems like the...fierce type."

The black-haired boy snorted. "That is an understatement." They walked down the next corridor side by side.

Daphne started speaking again after a few feet. "You can't make people feel the way you want them to Harry. You offered her a hand, that is all you can do."

Sighing Harry nodded. "Yeah, I know. Andy said the same thing to me. I mean, Mrs Tonks. I just wish I had never gotten together with Ginny, that would have been so much easier."

Daphne hummed again. "But think of it that way. You have no idea how your life would have went if you hadn't. There is nothing to gain from those what-if thoughts. Don't you agree?"

Harry actually laughed. "Mr Nobunaga said something very similar to me a while back. He said-...wait do you hear that?"

Tilting her head to the side, she listened. Yes, she could hear an angry conversation down the corridor. It sounded like Pansy and-

"Hermione!" Harry picked up speed as he jogged towards the angry conversation. When he rounded a corner he saw Hermione standing almost nose to nose with Pansy Parkinson. Hermione had her hand raised, looking like she was fighting hard not to slap the other girl, who smirked and taunted her.

"Come on Granger, come on. Try it. Try and see what happens to inferior people when they lay their hands on-"

"Hermione!" Harry called out again, moving quickly over. Pansy glared at him but stepped away, while Hermione turned looking over at her best friend.

"Harry!" She called out, her hand dropping.

"What is going on here?" He asked as he stepped between the two girls. He wasn't going to hold them both back physically but stepping between them seemed to be the right idea.

"I...She is just so, arrrgh. She spoke ill about my parents. All the way she was getting on my nerves and...just I almost." Hermione cut herself off as she glared at the Slytherin, as she had a smug grin on her face. Hermione looked red-faced and as angry as Harry had ever seen her. Harry frowned, shaking her head. But it was Daphne who spoke first.

"That would have been bad." She walked up, placing herself next to Harry. "For you Pansy." She spoke, with a vicious smirk. Pansy blinked in surprise, frowning.

"What? Why would it. She is just a mudblood." With a snort. Harry bristled but Daphne laied her hand on his upper arm and her eyes spoke more than a thousand words. With a nod, Harry stepped back, letting Daphne have the field.

"Oh, Pansy, Pansy, Pansy. Like always not catching everything but still trying. While yes, you are right, Miss Granger is of muggle blood and therefore shouldn't lay hands on an heiress, you seem to forget that she is also best friends of Lord Peverell AND Heir Black. Do you reeeeeeally think that Most Ancient and Noble House wouldn't place the best friend of its heir under their Patronage? Are you really that stupid or do I need to spell out for you what would have happened if you had tried to drag her in front of a court for 'attacking' you? When you were goating her into a fight? That is what others would call instigating a house feud. I wonder, what your parents would say when they heard that you were causing trouble with TWO Most Ancient and Noble Houses?"

While Daphne spoke calm and friendly, Pansy's face turned first white and then slowly green. She blinked rapidly while the thought of what she should do, who to get out of this. Yes, attacking a noble person while being common was big trouble. But patronage would mitigate that advantage completely. Worse, her parents had told her to lay low this year, as they still tried to figure out a way so she could marry Draco. Therefore angering Lord Black or Lord Greengrass was something she should have taken into account. But Granger had been all alone, a prime target and after being rebuffed by Draco once again, like he didn't care for her at all, it had her wanting to hurt someone. The annoying muggle-born witch would have been perfect. How could she have forgotten that she was probably protected?

"What is going on here?" They turned, seeing Professor Flitwick coming down the corridor. Not looking at the Professor, Daphne stared into Pansy's eyes. "Absolutely nothing. Am I right, Pansy?"

The black-haired girl swallowed and nodded hastily. The short professor came up to them, frowning a little. He knew something was afoot but he had business to attend to, so he turned to the only boy in the corridor, who was holding his black phoenix and watched the whole ordeal with his best friend at his side.

"Lord Peverell, I have to inform you that you were called by Professor McGonagall. There has been an incident with your godfather."

Harry felt his heartbeat fast. What now?

That was the new chapter. It has taken me quite some time writing this but I had serious writers blockade.

Not many AN this time, I am a little in a hurry.

First it is still fun to write Bella. Crazy is wonderful and planting that doubt was something I really wanted. Will she stay with the halfblood or not or what will happen? We will see.

I also wanted to continue the lovestory, because it needs to be. I was also asked for some Hedwig and it is completly right I ignored her too much. She is just a charakter that falls out of my mind. So yeah a little bit of Hedwig love here.

In case you wonder for the reason why Draco didn't drag Hermione in front of Court when she punched him in 3 grad, Lucius acutally said no. He would never confirm that his prime son had been hit by a girl AND mudblood. Without magic! That wouldn't do. So that is why. But I want to ripe up conflict between Pansy and Hermione, so yeah there is that.

Have a good week everybody.