There were no whispers in the forest anymore. The journey back to Hogwarts was shorter than they thought, but it it still seemed to stretch into eternity. The large oak doors opened for them without a creak, and the halls were barren and silent, the students having long gone to bed. Daphne and Harry were a strange pair, even for a magical castle. Their clothes were cut, ragged tears running through them revealing the scratches they had received from the trees.
Daphne followed Harry, noting his knowledge of the castle on the way to Dumbledore's office. He moved efficiently, knowing exactly which corridors to take. Daphne had never been to Dumbledore's office, and it wasn't an experience she was looking forward too. What was a bean-nighe, and why was Potter so afraid of it?
They came to a gargoyle, and Potter spoke.
"Move aside. We have to speak with Dumbledore."
There was a tense pause, and Daphne thought Potter must be crazy. Speaking to a statue, in the middle of the second floor corridor. But, she had seen things tonight that were as of yet unexplained, and it was of little surprise to her when the gargoyle moved and revealed a winding staircase up into the rafters of the castle.
They walked up it wordlessly. At the top was a simple wooden door, and Potter waited beside it.
"And what do two of my finest students wish to see me for at this hour?" a voice on the other side of the door spoke. "Do come in."
The door opened to reveal the headmaster's office, and Daphne's breath was taken away. The room was grand, and imposing. It was modeled in the style of an amphitheatre, and Daphne thought it could've been an old lecture hall. The headmaster's desk stood in the center, clean as could be. There was no decoration, other than a bird perch, upon which stood the most beautiful thing Daphne had ever seen.
A pheonix, resplendent in colors of red and gold stood watching her with its beady eyes.
She saw Potter look around in confusion.
"Sir, what have you done to your office?"
She hadn't even noticed Dumbledore behind the desk, sat in a leather armchair.
Dumbledore chuckled.
"I am experimenting with new designs. I believe Fawkes prefers this one. Pheonixes can be vain creatures, and he thinks that this room is worthy of his presence. Come," said Dumbledore.
He waved his wand, and two armchairs matching the headmaster's appeared on the other side of his desk. Potter nodded, and settled in. He seemed comforted by the headmaster's presence. Daphne followed suit. She sat in the chair, and tried her best not to seem intimidated.
"What brings you to my office, Harry, Miss Greengrass?"
The teens looked at each other. Both didn't know where to start. Dumbledore had caught each of them off-guard, and Daphne thought that might've been his plan all along. The forest seemed farther away.
"We've come from the Forbidden Forest," said Daphne, finding her voice.
Dumbledore looked at them.
"That explains your state of dress," he said. "I assume both of you know the Forbidden Forest is in fact, forbidden."
Potter took a deep breath.
"We saw a bean-nighe in the forest, sir."
Dumbledore's eyes turned hard.
"Fawkes," he said. "Send for Professor Snape."
The pheonix trilled its assent, and vanished in a burst of flames.
"Harry," said Dumbledore. "Are you sure about this?"
"Completely."
Daphne watched as Dumbledore's expression turned grave.
"I trust you," he said. "We will have to expedite our plans. I will not let you die."
"It's not me you should be worrying about," said Potter. "She didn't call my name."
"Then whose did she call?"
Potter looked at her.
"Greengrass's."
Dumbledore turned to her.
"She called your name?"
Daphne flinched under the sudden spotlight.
"No," she said. "She just said 'Greengrass.'"
"So it could be any of your family." said Dumbledore. "That changes things."
Daphne was ashamed of herself. She rallied herself, she had been prepared for these situations. She wouldn't be cowed by the headmaster's authority, not while she still breathed.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't know what's going on right now, and I would very much like to find out. I've traipsed through the Forbidden Forest, been chased by unseen beasts, and heard my family name come from a creature that Potter said is a harbringer of death. Tell me, what does this mean?!"
Dumbledore met her eyes.
"I apologize. Sometimes I forget that not all have the knowledge I've become accustomed too."
"What is a bean-nighe?" she asked.
"A bean-nighe is a dark creature," said Dumbledore. "She is the washerwoman of Scottish folklore, sitting beside lonely streams as she washes the blood out of the clothes of those about to die. I have only met one other who stumbled across a bean-nighe, during the war against Grindelwald. He told me that they had set up camp in a forest, and upon searching for drinking water they came to a stream where they met the bean-nighe. One by one, she called the names of men in their company."
"At their next battle, each of those whose names she called met a violent fate. Beware the bean-nighe, for if she calls your name, it is an omen of your death."
Daphne hung onto his words, drinking them in. At the culmination of his story, she paused. The bean-nighe hadn't called her name specifically. It had called 'Greengrass,' her family name. She knew in her heart what that meant.
"Astoria," she breathed. "She means Astoria."
"It could very well be anyone in your family, Miss Greengrass, but I find myself agreeing with you."
"Professor Snape told me you know of the curse on Astoria?" she asked.
"I do."
"She can't die," said Daphne, throwing caution to the wind. It didn't matter about keeping Dumbledore out of the fold anymore. "I won't let her. Even if it means that I shall go in her place, please, Headmaster, please help me save her!"
"Calm down, Miss Greengrass. It won't do anyone good to get so excited. I won't let one of my charges be led to an early grave. I assure you I will look into the curse, and any methods of saving your sister from this disease. As will Harry," he said.
Potter raised his eyebrows.
"Me?" he said.
"Yes. Your knowledge in curses rivals my own, I am not ashamed to say. You will help Miss Greengrass in this pursuit when I cannot. Think of yourself as acting in my stead."
"I will not work with Greengrass." said Potter.
"Yes, you will." said Dumbledore.
"Sir, she's a bigoted, disgusting, pathetic shade of a human being. I would rather drink basilisk venom than help her."
Daphne's face turned red as he spoke, and she was about to respond before Dumbledore cut her off.
"Then help her sister," said Dumbledore, not refuting any of what Potter said.
"I am not any of those things, Potter! I-"
"Silence, Miss Greengrass." said Dumbledore. "If you defend yourself and the actions Professor Snape has brought to my attention, you will be proving Harry's point."
Daphne sat back, abashed. She looked at Potter, and forced herself to control her indignation.
"I'll pay you." she told him. Potter looked surprised.
"I don't want your money." he said. He turned to Dumbledore. "I don't want to help her, sir."
"Don't make me order you, Harry."
"I won't," he said. "I'll do it."
He looked at Daphne.
"But not for you," he said. "Only because I've met your sister. And from just one conversation, I can tell she's twice the witch you'll ever be. It would be a shame to lose that."
Daphne couldn't find it in herself to disagree with him.
There was a knock at the door.
"Ah, Professor Snape is here. He will escort you both back to the common room." Dumbledore left no room for argument.
Harry slept fitfully. Even though his sleep was dreamless, he felt unrested when he woke the next morning. His sheets were drenched in sweat, and were streaked with dirt and dried blood. He woke before the sun had risen, quite a feat given the night he'd had.
He dragged himself out of bed and into the shower. The scratches stung under the heat of the water, but it was nothing he would need to see Madam Pomfrey about. From what he could tell, they wouldn't even scar.
As the water washed away the crud, Harry envisioned it washing the turmoil of his mind away as well.
He hadn't been as prepared as he'd thought, and it could've cost him. He shouldn't have rushed into the forest without thinking about it. But, he knew that something had wanted him there, and it likely wouldn't have stopped until it got its claws into him. Foolish as he was, he'd managed to escape relatively unscathed.
It wasn't his first brush with death, and it wouldn't be his last.
He didn't know how to classify the bean-nighe. A creature that ensconced with death and divination must be dark, but it hadn't directly harmed him or Greengrass. He'd have to do further research on the subject.
Greengrass.
She'd managed to get his help after all.
He'd have to tell Tracey.
That wouldn't be good.
No matter how close he and Tracey were becoming, he knew that his involvement with Greengrass could throw an obstacle into their friendship, and he couldn't let that happen. But, lying to her about it wasn't an option.
He'd have to tell her before classes started today. They had Potions. Greengrass would probably want to talk about their upcoming plans.
With a sigh, Harry turned the water off. He dried himself off with a towel, and changed into his robes. He waited for Tracey by the entryway to the girls' dormitories, and was unsurprised to see her come down before their classmates. She was an early-riser, much like him.
"Harry," she said with a smile, before noticing his dour look. "What's wrong?"
"What isn't? We're not eating in the Great Hall today, I have to catch you up on the lovely night I had yesterday."
"The party wasn't that loud," she said.
The second they were out of the common room, he pulled them under the cloak and cast a silencing charm around them. He regaled her with the tale of the night before, on their way to the kitchens. Her face quickly turned to horror.
"You were having these dreams, and you didn't tell me?" she asked as he tickled the pear. "And you rushed off into the Forbidden Forest of all places? And Greengrass followed you?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," said Harry. "It just didn't seem important. It's one of those things that make you sound crazy if you vocalize it. Recurring dreams aren't all that uncommon."
The house elves greeted them warmly, pushing them onto stools and laying out various foods on the table before them. Harry continued his story, telling her all about the bean-nighe and their meeting with Dumbledore.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine. It's not the worst thing that's ever happened to me."
"You just came face to face with a literal omen of death." said Tracey.
"At least she wasn't calling for me."
"But now you have to help Greengrass," she said. "That might be a fate worse than death."
Harry laughed.
"Maybe it's a little soon to be joking?"
"I'm not joking."
They both chuckled.
"I was worried," said Harry.
"About what?" Tracey asked.
"What this means for us."
"It doesn't mean anything for us, Harry."
"Good," said Harry.
"I won't be spending any time around Greengrass, though."
"I wouldn't expect you too."
"You'll have to come up with something else for us to do, because I'm not going to lose time with my best friend for that bitch."
"Best friend, eh? Aren't I your only friend?"
"By the law of exclusion, that would make you my best."
"So I'm your best friend, only by the virtue that there's no competition?"
"I believe that is what I said."
Harry smiled.
"I'll take it." he said.
Tracey smiled back, but looked a bit worried.
"I just want to warn you," she said. "Greengrass isn't someone to cross. I've done it many times over the years, and her memory is like an elephant's. She gives as good as she gets, and usually gives more than she gets. If you have to help her, be careful."
"I will be," said Harry.
And the two spent the rest of the time before class eating and talking, as if they didn't have a care in the world.
It was quickly becoming a familiar position. Harry sat, dreading the arrival of his partner. He couldn't believe what Dumbledore had done to him, forcing him to work with someone who'd called his friend a whore and his mother a mudblood. The next time he saw him, Dumbledore was going to get an earful.
He breathed a deep sigh when Greengrass sat on the bench next to him. He had been about fifteen minutes early for class, and she ten.
"Potter," she said.
"Greengrass," he replied.
She looked worse for wear. There were dark bags under her eyes that looked out of place on her refined face. He noticed a gash on her neck, a leftover from their night in the forest. She probably slept about as well as he did.
"You look awful," he said.
She turned her nose, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes.
"You're not radiant, yourself." she said.
"Have you told anyone about what happened?" Harry asked.
"Like anyone would believe me," she said. "And my friends are currently avoiding me."
"Oh," his curiosity was piqued. "Why is that?"
"After our debacle a couple lessons ago, they're waiting until they think it's safe to talk with me again."
"They sound supportive."
She glared at him.
"They're scared of you, and for good reason!"
"I'm glad," said Harry. "They deserve to experience that."
"They don't," said Greengrass. "You almost killed Theo, and grievously injured the rest of them. I understand why they're scared. They don't deserve that."
"Nott used the Cruciatus curse, Greengrass."
Greengrass had no defense, and bowed her head.
"Even ignoring that, they've forced a lot of people to live in fear, you've forced a lot of people to live in fear. You guys have terrorized all the halfbloods in Slytherin, and all the muggleborns in the castle! It's about time you all got your comeuppance!" Harry continued. "I have no sympathy for you or your friends, and they got off lightly, as far as I'm concerned."
"Look, Potter," she said. "It's obvious we won't agree on this, so can we move on?"
Harry was about to retort, but bit his tongue. They'd have to work together, and it wouldn't accomplish anything to spend their time arguing. In fact, it would only prevent them from getting their work done, and lengthen the time he had to spend with her.
"Okay," he said. "I can agree to that."
"Thank you," she said.
A moment of silence overtook them.
"I still don't believe what happened in the forest yesterday," she whispered. "It all seems so surreal."
Greengrass had probably never been in a situation like that before. When Harry looked at her, she had a softness around the edges, a softness acquired from a life of comfort.
"It happened," said Harry.
"I know," said Greengrass. "That still doesn't make it better."
Harry was stunned to feel empathy for her. He understood better than most her words.
"I'll help you save your sister."
She looked at him.
"Thank you," she said. "I won't rest until she's safe."
"That doesn't mean I don't have any conditions," he said. "Dumbledore all but ordered me to help you, and I will, but I refuse to bow down to all your whims."
"I expected nothing less, and I can't imagine anything I wouldn't do for Astoria. The only thing I would like to ask you for is an oath."
"What would that entail?"
"Not telling anyone that we're working together, and not spreading any of what we're working on."
"I have a simple answer for you. No."
The annoyance was back in her eyes.
"Why?" she asked.
"One of my conditions is that you'll have to trust me," he smirked. "And that includes trusting me not to blabber on about this to anyone who will listen."
"The word trust is not in my vocabulary."
"Well, learn it."
"No," she said, her eyes narrowing. "You know what could happen to me if my family found out I was spreading our secrets? If my friends knew that I was working with a halfblood? I would be disowned, and my reputation would be in tatters."
"You'll have to live with that." said Harry. "It might be good for you."
"How would that be good for me? I could lose everything to this."
"Losing all that is better than losing your sister."
She drew in a sharp breath.
"You're right." she said. "I would beg you to reconsider, but if you won't take an oath that is alright."
"Trust me Greengrass," he said. "I don't want word of our connection making it out either. What would the public think of me for dealing with such an unsavory figure?"
He saw her bite her tongue. Her response was cut off by Snape, who began the lesson as he usually did, offering no instruction and directing them to the board. He and Greengrass set to their task, and the next few minutes were wordless as they set up their cauldron and prepared their ingredients.
Harry noticed Greengrass definitely had skill in the subject, something that was to be expected from her time under Madam Pomfrey's tutelage. The matron was an able healer, and wouldn't be out of place with St. Mungo's best. It was reflected in her student.
Still, by the grace of Harry's presence, Greengrass's Potions grade would be taking a nosedive.
"Pass the newt ears, will you?" said Greengrass.
The potion bubbled in approval upon their adding.
Harry would be the first to admit Potions wasn't his favorite subject, but that was more down to the teacher than distaste for the subject. He knew he was a skilled brewer, even if his expertise didn't go beyond healing potions.
The time passed by relatively quickly, and their potion turned out exemplary. As per usual, Snape gave them a much lower grade than they deserved, only this time Greengrass didn't bat an eye at the slight. They had finished early, and the rest of the class was slowly trickling in their own creations.
"When are we going to meet up, Potter?" Greengrass asked.
"Well, there's no time like the present, is there? Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?"
"No, I don't." said Greengrass.
"Meet me just past the common room, deeper into the dungeons. I'll tell you my other conditions, and we can began our research." said Harry. "And Greengrass?"
She looked at him.
"Yes?"
"I will need to learn everything you know about the curse to have any chance of saving Astoria. Wrack your brain. Any detail, no matter how small, I need to know."
"Okay." said Greengrass.
"After class gets out, fifteen minutes. I need to make a stop in the library."
Harry would began by checking out every book that mentioned the bean-nighe.
Daphne did as Potter asked of her. When class let out, the two didn't bother saying good-bye. Theirs was a forced partnership, one neither was happy with. Potter less so than her, but she was finally making progress with the one goal she'd had this year, and for pretty much her entire life.
She was going to save Astoria. She could feel it in her bones.
She made her way past the common room, down the corridor and to the left. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. The last time she'd gone deeper into the dungeons she'd come across a scene of devastation.
But the unease was something she could live with, especially compared to the night before. What happened in the Forbidden Forest would haunt her for the rest of her days, but she supposed it made little difference in the grand scheme of things. She knew that Astoria didn't have much time left, and this only accelerated the need for work to start.
Working with Potter would be difficult, but if he could truly help it would be worth it.
She'd need to be secretive about it, and not let her friends find out. That would be easier said than done. Slytherins were naturally an observant bunch, and she could get away with little, especially living in such close proximity to Pansy. But her friends hadn't really been bothered with her recently, and that might give her some leeway going forward.
Potter was punctual, not fifteen minutes had passed when he turned down the corridor, carrying three books with him. She assumed he would be leading her somewhere, and the thought set her shackles up. She'd been warned about the inclinations of halfbloods and muggleborns, and it wouldn't do to let her guard down.
"Where to?" she asked.
"Follow me." he said.
And he led her into the dungeons. Though it was midday, the dungeons let no light in other than the torches on the walls. The torches grew further and further apart the deeper they went, and Daphne shuddered at some of the tapestries adorning the walls. She was forcibly reminded that Hogwarts was not all magic and whimsy, and there were parts of the castle where no one should venture alone.
But Potter didn't seem to have an issue with it, as she gathered from the assurance in which he moved. When they finally got to their destination, she gasped. This was the Hogwarts dungeon, if the size of it and the torture machines scattered everywhere were anything to go by. The only thing she could think to compare it to was the Great Hall, but this was a terrible grandeur instead of comforting.
In the center of the room there was a table, made of a dark, rotting wood. There were many papers spread across it, and she realized this was probably Potter's study space. She shuddered involuntarily, and looked at Potter wearily. He noticed her glance, and smiled.
"It's beautiful in a dark way, isn't it?" he said.
She could only nod in response.
"First things first," he said. "I'll name the rest of my terms for working with you."
"That is acceptable," Daphne said.
"I don't want to hear you use the term mudblood, or insult me for anything to do with my blood."
That would be easy. She usually had a sharp grasp on her tongue, and thoughts would not hurt him.
"I can do that," she said.
"I'm not expecting you to suddenly reform, and I personally think you're a lost cause, but I'm asking you for common decency."
Her face stretched into a grimace.
"Then I'll ask the same of you. I don't want to be belittled and insulted during the time we spend together. Common decency, Potter."
He chuckled.
"I guess that's fair."
"What else?" Daphne asked.
"I need you to be transparent. If I have questions for you, they're for a reason. Some of it will probably have to do with your family history, and I know that's very personal, but it's also important."
She considered the request. The Greengrasses were a very private family, but with the recent decisions her parents had made, it made it easier for her to answer.
"I'll answer to the best of my ability."
"And finally, I need you to keep my secrets just as I'll keep yours."
She nodded.
"Then let's get to work."
He spread the books on the table. The titles read, The Dark Beings of Scotland, Creatures of Death, and Hogwarts: A History.
"None of these look like they're about curses." Daphne said.
"I think the reason a bean-nighe is a dark creature is because it deals in curses," said Potter "How else could it foretell death unless it places the mark upon you. And we need to find out how much time we have to work with."
"As in, how long the bean-nighe's curse takes to kill?"
"Exactly," said Potter. "We start there."
"Then, why did you check out Hogwarts: A History?"
"I asked Madam Pince for any books that mentioned the bean-nighe. Apparently there's something about them in it."
"Let's save that one for last." said Daphne.
"Alright. You take Dark Beings, and I'll take Creatures."
There was a glimmer of something in his eye when he spoke. Daphne said nothing, and picked up the book.
The Washerwoman at the Ford is a dreadful monster, wicked in her song of death. The husk of a woman who has died in childbirth, doomed to wash the clothes of those about to die until the day in which she would've suffered the same fate. To the muggles, her voice is only heard as a cry of lament. To those possessing the noble gift, they can distinguish a name she calls. If your name is heard, doom is upon you. I have met none who have escaped their destiny, as foretold by the laundress. Usually they go in battle, finding themselves on the wrong end of a wand or sword, though sometimes their deaths are more innocuous. I have heard the tale of a woman who found a bean-nighe on the stream of her property; she promptly cried the name of the woman's father, and upon her return home she found him splayed across the floor, having fallen and hit his head. This creature crosses the barrier between realms, that of the living and that of the dead.
Daphne set the book down, and heaved her breaths. Potter looked at her curiously, but said nothing. It wouldn't do to get this upset. If none had escaped previously, she'd make sure Astoria was the first. The book had said nothing about a time-frame, a fact both good and bad. Astoria was still alive, so that meant the death wasn't instantaneous.
"What does your book say, Potter?"
"Nothing we don't know."
"Mine is the same. Shall we try Hogwarts: A History?"
"Why not?" said Potter.
She opened the book.
"It says here that the last time a bean-nighe was sighted at Hogwarts was in the 1200s," said Daphne. "Sighted by a man named Ignotus Peverell."
"What?" said Potter, leaning over her shoulder.
"Does that mean anything to you?" Daphne asked.
Potter seemed to be considering his words.
"I was related to him," he finally said. "What else does it say?"
"That it predicted the death of his brothers, years in advance."
"That's good," said Potter. "That gives us something to work with."
"It means that we could have time," said Daphne. "But I don't want to trust it completely. We must operate under the assumption that the curse is nigh."
"I agree," said Potter. "But lets call it a day."
"When shall we meet next?"
"A couple of days from now?"
"Okay."
Daphne was led back down the confusing maze of corridors that made up the dungeons. She'd have to memorize the way at somepoint, given that she would probably be spending a lot of time there. It was still early in the afternoon, and she had time before her day would be brought to an end. Perhaps she would confront her absentee friends, but before that she decided to talk to Astoria.
She wouldn't tell her sister everything, especially not about the bean-nighe, but enough to let her know that Daphne was working to break the curse.
She found her in the library, nestled in a nook amongst the shelves. She was buried in a book, and oblivious to her presence.
"Astoria," she said, tapping her shoulder.
Astoria jumped, and looked put-out before realizing it was Daphne. She gave her older sister a large smile.
"Daphne," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to you," Daphne said. "In private."
"Got it," said Astoria, packing up her things. "I was done studying anyways."
"Reading for fun, then?"
"You could say that. Astronomy Tower?"
Daphne nodded.
"What's wrong with you?" Astoria asked. "You look… cheerful."
"I'll tell you all about it," said Daphne, smiling.
The sisters spent the time going to the Astronomy tower keeping house, talking of frivolities and inane things. The stairs that led up the Astronomy Tower left them winded, but only served to up their amusement. When they got to the top, they looked out over the grounds.
"There must be a reason you dragged me all the way up here," said Astoria. "And what is that?"
"I have some great news," said Daphne. "And it has to do with the curse that has plagued our family."
Astoria's expression immediately fell.
"Daph," she said. "What?"
"I'm receiving expert help on finding a way to save you."
Astoria pursed her lips tightly.
"Whose help?"
"I can't tell you that," said Daphne. "It would break the agreement we have in place."
"Daphne," said Astoria. "Why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?" Daphne asked, her voice tilting. "I'm doing it because I want to save you."
"Did you ever think to ask me if I want to be saved?"
Daphne breathed in sharply.
"Astoria," she said. "Don't say things like that."
Astoria glared at her.
"This is my curse, this is my burden to bear. I should get to decide what happens with it, and what happens about it."
"Are you saying you'd like to die, then? You would leave me without a sister?"
"Of course I don't want to die!" said Astoria. "But the healers said I'll be lucky to see out this year, and I don't want the last memories I have of my sister to be of her desperately trying to fight against the inevitable. I just want to enjoy my time with you,"
"And I want to enjoy more time with you!" said Daphne.
"At some point you have to accept it. I am going to die," said Astoria. "And I don't want you to devote your life to saving me when you have your own future to think about too. This is your OWLs year, it could decide what you can and can't do for the rest of your life."
"I'm not just going to give up," said Daphne. "I'd rather have you and be penniless, than be without you and successful. Besides, father is grooming me to take over the family business. It's not like I'll need OWLs to do that."
"But it's expected of you."
"Sometimes I'd like to be able to do something other than what's expected of me."
"I've spent my whole life being shunted around to healers, to shamans, and alchemists. I honestly don't think you have what it takes to break the curse, Daphne, and I wish you would just accept that. I love you, and I only want what's best for you."
"And I want the same for you," Daphne said. "You won't sway me from this goal."
"Well, at least I can say I tried," Astoria huffed. "But giving up on the curse is the first thing I've agreed upon with mother and father for years."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You can't see it?" Astoria asked. "I just want to be at peace, finally."
"What do you mean it's the first thing you've agreed upon in years?"
Astoria looked at her.
"If you can't understand that, I don't know what to tell you. I love you, and no matter how misguided, I thank you for thinking of me."
And Astoria left. Daphne watched her retreating form down the stairs. That wasn't how she expected the conversation to go. She was disappointed in her sister, but also proud. A Greengrass can't bow down, and Daphne would die before she gave up. But Astoria wouldn't bow to her whims either, and Daphne could respect that.
Onto the next thing on the agenda. Finding her friends. Daphne followed Astoria down the tower.
Harry was looking forward to this, not that anyone else would believe it. Umbridge's class was universally loathed, with good reason.
She'd forgotten about the detention she'd given him and Tracey the last time out, but Harry doubted he'd be so lucky this time around.
He shuffled in, with Tracey beside him. She gave him a look that seemed to warn caution, but he would have none of it. This was a class he was going to enjoy, and he was waiting for the right moment to spread his wings.
He could take the heat off Longbottom very easily.
The rest of the students seemed excited, looking between him, Umbridge, and Longbottom. They'd learned that sparks would inevitably fly, and were an eager audience.
"Hem, hem," said Umbridge. "I should like to begin."
Harry noticed there was a hint of excitement around her, and her beady eyes flitted around the room, resting on him and Longbottom. She was expecting confrontation, and had obviously prepared for it.
Who was he to deny her?
But the time wasn't right. She may think she had the upper hand, but Harry wasn't just the unruly student she thought he was. While Dumbledore was still in the castle, Harry had power on his side.
"Today there shall be no readings. Many of you have brought to me concerns about the practical aspects of the OWLs exams, and I have decided that, just this once," her voice was saccharine sweet. "I will be doing a practical demonstration."
This wasn't what the class had been expecting.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom, would you join me at the front?"
Harry looked at Longbottom, who gazed back curiously. Longbottom shrugged, and rose from his seat. Harry followed suit. Tracey met his eyes with a worried gaze.
"Now class, what can you tell me about the Stinging Jinx?"
Realization set in, and the class looked uncomfortable. Nobody answered her question.
"Now, now, don't be worried. We're all friends here." said Umbridge.
Granger hesitantly raised her hand.
"Miss Granger, it seems I have use of you for once." said Umbridge. "Enlighten us,"
"The Stinging Jinx is a lesser dark charm, used to induce pain upon the victim. The result is raised welts and scorches on the skin, as well as uncontrollable swelling if used on the face."
"Very good, Miss Granger," Umbridge smiled. "Mr. Longbottom, roll up your sleeve and place your arm in front of you."
Longbottom did as he was asked, and braced himself for what was coming. Umbridge raised her wand. There was a brief pause, Umbridge savoring the moment.
"Leva carne!"
A white flash of light bounded out of her wand, striking Longbottom's forearm. It snapped when it struck against his bare skin, leaving an angry red mark on his arm. He winced, clutching it to his chest.
The class was set on edge, watching on awestruck. They didn't know how to react to Umbridge so blatantly harming a student.
"Did that hurt, Mr. Longbottom?" Umbridge asked, the bright smile still on her face.
"I think you can do better, Professor." said Longbottom.
Her smile grew wider.
"I believe so as well." she turned to the class. "This spell is standard for fifth year, and will likely be on your OWLs exam, but what I am about to show you is more advanced. A little known fact, but there has been devised a strengthening to the Stinging Jinx. Mr. Potter, if you shall roll up your sleeve?"
Harry knew this spell. It was a nasty piece of magic, although easily countered. It would leave actual cuts on the skin, but nothing a simple healing charm wouldn't fix.
He rolled his sleeve up, revealing the skin on his forearm.
Umbridge paused again, and looked directly into his eyes. He could tell she was taking pleasure in this to the core.
"Nocere carne!" Umbridge sharply jabbed her wand.
This time it was a gray flash, and when it struck Harry's forearm a spiderweb of shallow cuts burst from the impact. It stung badly, but they weren't even deep enough to bleed.
Harry didn't flinch.
The class gasped as the result of the curse became clear. Granger raised her hand, her voice not following its frantic waving. Umbridge ignored her.
Longbottom stood from his seat, apparently having found his courage.
"You're terrible person," he declared.
"Tut, tut," said Umbridge. "Detention, Mr. Longbottom."
"Voldemort has returned, and nothing you can say or do will change that. I can deal with it when you're just focused on me, but I can't let you stand back and hurt other people."
Harry couldn't let Longbottom go on. It was time to make a scene. Before Umbridge could respond, Harry spoke.
"Professor Umbridge?"
She looked shocked that he was speaking.
"What, Mr. Potter?"
"According to our defense text, you're able to cast a defensive spell in the aftermath of a direct attack on your person, correct?"
She brushed his question away.
"Yes, Mr. Potter," she said "Now, Mr. Longb-"
"Perfect," Harry said, drawing his wand and levelling it at Umbridge. "Leva carne!"
The white flash of light burst from his wand, striking Umbridge in the face. It immediately turned red and started swelling disproportionately. Umbridge fell to the floor, screaming in pain. The rest of the class watched mutely as she writhed on the ground.
"I'll take her to Dumbledore," Harry told Longbottom. "She won't be able to get away with using curses on students."
Longbottom could only nod in response.
"Class is dismissed!" said Harry.
"Delores," said Dumbledore. "Is what young Harry says true?"
"I demand his expulsion, Dumbledore!" said Umbridge.
She looked ridiculous, her normally pudgy face swelled to the size of a balloon.
"I've sent for Cornelius. The full weight of the ministry will come down on you!"
Harry found himself in Dumbledore's office, for the second time that week.
"Harry will not be expelled," said Dumbledore. "And that is final. By all rights he was acting well within his capabilities, according to the textbook you've decided to use."
"I'll have you out of here, Dumbledore! Cornelius will oust you from this position you've sequestered yourself in, tonight!"
"I assure you Delores, that will not happen. The ministry has no power over Hogwarts, and your position as a professor here is what will be under threat. Casting dark curses on students, no matter how serious, is unacceptable."
Umbridge looked cowed.
"Ah, Cornelius should be coming through."
Green flames erupted from the fireplace. The Minister for Magic stepped through, a furious expression on his face.
"Dumbledore!" he roared. "What is the meaning of this?"
Dumbledore warmly smiled, the wrinkles on his face crinkling.
"Cornelius, lovely of you to join us. I was just having a chat with Professor Umbridge concerning her conduct with my students."
Fudge was unperturbed.
"I get a message from Delores saying she's been attacked, and you are refusing to expel the perpetrator! Get this boy," he gestured at Harry. "Out of here, and snap his wand!"
It felt like the temperature of the room dropped fifteen degrees as Dumbledore regarded Fudge. The air shimmered with the full force of his magic, and an overbearing weight settled on top of Harry. He was forcibly reminded of Dumbledore's power.
"No," said Dumbledore. "That will not happen."
Fudge was doing his best not to fall to his knees.
"Delores was performing dark curses on students, curses intended to cause pain, casting them for nothing but her own enjoyment. Whilst Harry's behavior wasn't acceptable, at his age I would've done the same thing." Dumbledore continued. "I want Professor Umbridge to relinquish her position immediately."
"Perhaps we could reach an accord," Fudge tittered.
The weight encompassing them vanished.
"What about my position didn't you understand, Cornelius?" Dumbledore asked.
Fudge took a deep breath.
"Delores shall not be stepping down. She is the ministry's liaison with Hogwarts, and an integral part in our future plans here."
"And what plans are those?" said Dumbledore.
Fudge blushed.
"Why, fostering a closer connection between our nation's youth and the government, of course. As well as improving the state of our education system."
"I'm afraid those plans will have to be curtailed. I am drafting her termination letter as we speak."
Umbridge was about to speak, but Fudge reached over and placed a comforting arm on her shoulder.
"That won't do, Dumbledore."
"The Ministry of Magic has overstepped its bounds. It will play no role in governing the foremost magical school in the world."
Fudge was sweating, and Harry was grinning. He met Umbridge's eyes and could see the hate shining through them.
"Dumbledore, you're making a mistake." said Fudge.
"No, I don't think I am."
"If you sack Delores, I will send for the aurors to take this boy away. Attacking a ministry official will land him in Azkaban, and I will personally see to that."
Dumbledore's lips pursed. Harry held his breath.
"And what if, against my better judgement, I allow Professor Umbridge to continue here?"
"She will no longer continue her… enthusiastic demonstrations."
"See to it that she won't." said Dumbledore. "And if you would kindly allow me to get back to business, that would be much appreciated."
The Minister nodded, looking relieved. He stepped back into the fireplace, and shouted for his office, the flames overtaking him.
"Delores," said Dumbledore. "Get out."
Dumbledore's patience had finally ran out.
"What about my face, Headmaster?" she asked.
"It belies your soul. Remove yourself from my office."
Umbridge shuffled out, aware that she was riding her luck. Dumbledore turned to Harry, examining him.
"Harry," he said. "Do you have any idea how many problems you've caused me?"
There was a seething undertone to his voice.
"I'm sorry, sir." said Harry.
It was a turn of events that hurt Harry, but didn't confuse him. He never wanted Dumbledore to be angry at him, but it was his own actions that had landed him here. He had acted rashly by cursing Umbridge.
"Why did you curse her? Had you not reacted so ignorantly, we would've been free of her!"
"I thought I was being clever," said Harry. "It won't happen again."
"Take this as a lesson. Sometimes, wars are won without any bloodshed. And never let your ego take control of you!"
"Yes, sir."
"I'm disappointed in you, Harry."
That stung more than anything else, and Harry winced.
"You are to be my last apprentice. Have I failed to teach you discretion?"
"I was blinded by my goal," Harry said. "And I thought she had presented me an opportunity."
"She did," said Dumbledore. "One that you failed to take. Had you come to me immediately, she would've been out of this castle quicker than you could say quidditch. Alas, now we are in a position in which she will be looking for any opportunity to depose me of my position."
Harry hung his head.
"I've failed you," he said.
Dumbledore reached over, putting his hand under Harry's chin and raising it.
"Luckily for you, I believe in second chances. You will most definitely fail more than once, but it is on you not to give up. Even after this, I believe in you, Harry."
"Thank you." Harry said.
But he didn't feel like he deserved Dumbledore's faith.
"Sir, did you say that I will be your last apprentice?"
"I'm not getting any younger, Harry. You are my last, and greatest apprentice. I am teaching you all there is I know of magic, and I know that you'll expand upon my own knowledge."
Harry sat up in his chair.
"I'm honored."
"You have proven to be worthy."
"Thank you, sir."
Dumbledore reached into his desk, and withdrew an envelope.
"If you would pass this onto Mr. Longbottom, I would be in your debt. You can return to class."
Harry took the envelope, but paused at the door.
"I had one more thing to ask you, Professor."
"Yes?"
"Why did you volunteer my help to Greengrass?"
Dumbledore considered the question.
"For a number of reasons. I believe you are in the unique position to be the best aid for her sister. And, I believe that working with someone who has different values will be good for you."
"She's a racist." said Harry.
"Which brings me to my last reason. There is a capacity within people to change, and my greatest wish is for all my students to find the goodness in themselves. Miss Greengrass has been indoctrinated into her beliefs, and stayed within that bubble for her entire life. Maybe, by exposing her to something different, she will realize the error of her ways."
"So me and her are a pet project?" Harry asked. He knew he should be offended, but he wasn't.
"Of a sorts." said Dumbledore. "Now, get to class. I'll write you a note."
Daphne was astounded. What was Potter thinking? He couldn't help her if he was expelled. The Defense class had been shocking. That Umbridge had had the gall to physically assault students was horrible, and Daphne found herself hating the wretched woman even more. Potter returning fire was misguided, but probably what Umbridge deserved.
She made a resolution to talk with him about it the next chance she got. His enmity with the Defense professor could prove an obstacle to her goals.
Potter shuffled in to Transfiguration, a good thirty minutes late.
"Mr. Potter. Lovely of you to join us." McGonagall sniffed.
"I have a note from the Headmaster, Professor."
"Give it here."
Potter did as asked, and took his seat beside Davis.
"We are practicing the Vanishing Spell. Continue on."
Daphne hadn't had any luck so far. She was disappointed, as transfiguration was usually a branch of magic that she had skill in.
"Evanesco."
She twirled her wand, but the snail remained resolutely on her desk. She huffed in frustration. She couldn't tell where exactly she was going wrong. Her wand movement was precise, her enunciation was perfect, and she could find no fault in what she was envisioning.
Draco was beside her, and he had succeeded in his attempt. He sat watching her, a slight smirk on his face as she struggled. She'd been accepted back into her group of friends after she'd talked to them, but it was evident that it was only because no retribution from Potter was forthcoming.
"Daphne, I know what you're doing wrong," he said.
"Did I ask for your input?" Daphne replied.
How had he done it? This was the most complicated spell they'd attempted all year, and he'd cast it in their first lesson. Her mind was suddenly filled with doubt. Draco hadn't beaten her to a spell in Transfiguration in years. What if she was losing her touch?
"How'd you do it?" she asked.
"Well," he said. "Do you believe you can do it?"
"What do you mean?" she said. "Of course I do."
"If you truly believed you could do it, that snail wouldn't be on the desk." he said. "But maybe I'm just better than you."
The one thing about Draco that infuriated her like no other. He was usually a good friend, but his ego was much too big for her liking. But he'd done it first, and that irked her.
Did she believe she could do it?
Her frustration might be clouding her head. She cleared her mind, focussed on her task. The snail would vanish on her next attempt. She believed in herself. She imagined it disappearing, and waved her wand.
"Evanesco."
The damned thing was still there, only without its shell. She thought she might scream.
"That's better, at least." said Draco.
She didn't bother responding.
"We shall call it a day." said McGonagall. " I want a fourteen inch essay on the uses of this spell, due Monday."
Daphne looked around the room. Granger had done it, which was no surprise. But Potter's snail wasn't on his desk either. How had he done it? He'd showed up late. Was she really this far behind everyone? What was she going to do?
"Come on, Daphne." said Malfoy, following her gaze with disgust. "You'll get it next time."
His words didn't make her feel any better.
They joined their group, and made their way to the library. They'd learned early on that it helped to get McGonagall's essays out of the way first thing, while the lecture was still fresh in their heads. Not that it didn't stop Pansy from complaining about it.
"What did you get on your last essay?" Daphne asked Draco.
"An Acceptable," he shrugged. "I think McGonagall grades me more harshly."
She'd gotten an Outstanding. At least she had that over him. She knew McGonagall was a fair teacher, but leave it to Draco to assume the world was against him.
They all went to their usual spot, a table towards the back that evaded the searching eye of Madam Pince. Theo put up a silencing charm, and they got to work.
"What'd everyone think of that?" Blaise asked.
"I can't believe it's going to be evaluated this year," said Pansy. "I don't know what they expect of us. It's so hard!"
"It's not so bad," said Malfoy. "We have time on our side. It's only just been Halloween."
"Easy for you to say," Pansy pouted.
"Well, what do we have here?" said Theo.
Daphne looked over. A child was approaching them, the trim on her robes green and silver. Daphne couldn't put a name to the face, so she must be a first year. Blaise had dispelled the silencing charm.
"Hi," she said shakily. "I was wondering if you guys could help me with my homework. I can't get down the Levitation Charm."
Daphne opened her mouth to tell her that she would, but Draco was quicker.
"If you can't get down the Levitation Charm, I'm afraid we can't help you." he said. "It's one of the simplest spells there is."
The girl blushed.
"I know, that's why I need help."
"You'll need to learn how to fend for yourself in Slytherin," said Blaise. "And it would be remiss of us to instruct you on how to cast something so easy."
"I just wanted some help," said the girl.
"Don't bother us with your little firstie problems," said Pansy. "It's our OWLs year, we have more important things to be doing than helping you."
"Okay," said the girl. "I'm sorry."
And she walked away with her head hung.
"What are you guys doing?" hissed Daphne. "We could've helped her."
The rest of the group looked at her, confused.
"Why should we help her?" Draco asked. "Pansy is right, she shouldn't be bothering us."
"If she can't get the Levitation Charm down, she probably can't tell one end of her wand from the other." said Theo. "It would've been a lesson in futility." he snickered.
"You guys didn't have to be so mean about it. A 'no" would've been sufficient."
"You're getting soft, Daphne." said Draco. "I don't understand why you're so bothered."
"I think you all should think about your behavior." said Daphne.
She got up and went over to where the girl was sitting. She looked disappointed, and embarrassed.
"Don't mind them," said Daphne. "I'll help you. It goes like this; Wingardium Leviosa."
She'd have to get to the Hospital Wing for her shift later, but she could help people in other areas too.
Tracey did her best not to look surprised as Harry entered the dungeons. She thought for sure he would be in weeks of detention for his spat with Umbridge.
"Welcome," she said. "To my humble abode."
"I knew I was making a mistake when I showed you this place," Harry said.
"If you didn't want me to use it, you shouldn't have shown me it. It's great for escaping all the purebloods breathing down my neck in the common room."
"And now I have a halfblood breathing down mine."
"As if you would have it any other way." Tracey smiled.
He returned it.
"Maybe you're right." he said.
"I've been thinking," he continued. "I want to teach you how to defend yourself. From what I've seen, you fight well, but there's a few things I could show you."
Tracey could hardly believe the words coming out of his mouth. She'd be a fool not to take this opportunity.
"I'd say there's more than a few things you could show me," Tracey said. "I'd love that."
"We might as well make use of this space," said Harry. "We can make it a regular thing too. Whenever we decide to come here, I'll show you a few spells. Eventually, we'll move onto dueling."
Tracey relished the thought of facing Harry. She'd probably never beat him, but it would improve her in spades.
"Great," she said. "Can we start today?"
"I was planning on it," said Harry. "We'll start simple. How's your Expelliarmus?"
Tracey tried not to be offended.
"You mean the spell we all learned in second year? I think it's within my abilities."
Harry smirked.
"We'll see. Hit me with it."
"What?" Tracey said.
"I said, hit me with it."
Tracey stood up, and readied herself. She leveled her wand at Harry, who stood nonchalantly.
"Expelliarmus!" she said.
A scarlet light burst out of the tip of her wand, striking Harry in the chest. It looked like his wand was going to fly out of his hand, but he grasped it at the last second.
"How?" she said, blinking.
"You did better than most," said Harry. "Your aim is good, but your wand movement was off a little bit. It's more like this,"
His movements were precise as he turned his wand in a circle with a sharp jab at the end.
"Expelliarmus."
The jet of scarlet light hit her directly in the chest, knocking her backwards, and her wand flew out of her hand into Harry's outstretched hand.
"Can I have my wand back?" Tracey asked, picking herself off the floor.
Harry tossed it back to her.
A lot of dueling, and by extension, fighting, is just doing the basics well." said Harry. "Though, I'm confident you'll be an expert at the Expelliarmus within the hour."
He walked Tracey through the charm for the better part of an hour, and by the end she was disarming him with ease.
"Let's take a break," said Tracey. "I need some water."
Harry conjured two glasses for them, and Tracey raised her wand. It was time for her to show off a bit as well.
"Aguamenti," she said.
A controlled trickle of water spewed from her wand, filling the glasses.
Harry whistled.
"Someone's been reading ahead." he said, taking a sip.
Tracey flicked her hair over her shoulder.
"What can I say?" she said. "I'm talented."
"That you are," said Harry.
They fell into a companionable silence.
"I've been wondering something, Harry." said Tracey.
"Yeah?" Harry said.
"If your parents died when you were a baby, who raised you?"
He grimaced.
"I raised me."
"What do you mean?"
"I was binned off on my muggle relatives. They didn't like me very much."
Tracey nodded.
"So you stay there during the summers?"
"I've been staying at the Leaky Cauldron during the summers since second year." he continued. "There was an accident."
"What kind of accident?" Tracey asked.
His expression darkened further.
"Accidental magic. I had big incident, and they all died. It's what got Dumbledore to notice me though, so all's turned out for the best."
It seemed there was no love lost for Harry's relatives. Tracey didn't comment on it, and switched the subject.
"Now that you're teaching me magic, do you think you could give me a demonstration on some of the cooler stuff?" she asked.
Harry perked up.
"I could do that. No promises for me teaching you it for awhile, though. What do you want to see?" he said.
Tracey shrugged.
"I don't know. Something powerful."
"Deal."
He got up from his spot, and finished his water.
"What I'm about to show you took me almost a year to cast correctly." he waved his wand. "Expecto Patronum!"
A beautiful white light filled the room, much too warm and pleasant for the dungeon. From his wand emerged a glowing stag, which trotted around the room in a graceful dance. Tracey was enraptured by its beauty, and reached out her hand to touch it when the spell suddenly ceased. She looked over to Harry to see him crumpled on the ground.
"Harry!" she cried, and ran over to his side.
He was unconscious, a weak pulse emanating from his neck. What had happened? Had the strain of the spell got to him? Tracey had to get him to the Hospital Wing.
"Wingardium Leviosa." she levitated him, throwing the cloak over his body.
It wouldn't do for anyone to see him like this. It would be a great strain on her to get him to the Hospital Wing, but she was left with no other options.
It was business as usual for Daphne. She was manning the front desk, working on various potions all the while. Most were on the back burner for now, only needing a few stirs here and there. A few people had filtered in, but they were all easy fixes. The most interesting had been a fourth year Hufflepuff who'd been hit with an Antler-Growing Curse, who'd been prescribed a bone dissolving ointment that Daphne herself had made.
But it was not to last.
The second Davis's face warmed the door Daphne's hackles were up. When she revealed the prone body of Potter hanging in the air behind her, Daphne burst into motion.
"Bring him over here!" she said. "I'll get Madam Pomfrey!"
Davis levitated him onto a bed. Daphne rushed to the backroom, wherein Pomfrey was taking a well-earned break.
"We need you out here!" Daphne said. "Unconscious student!"
Pomfrey rose from her chair, and followed Daphne out of the room. She rolled up her sleeves, and was greeted by Davis with a nod.
"He collapsed while practicing a spell." Davis said.
Pomfrey gasped at the sight of Potter. He looked deathly pale, and droplets of sweat were running down his face. His glasses were askew, and looked like they may have been bent in his fall.
"Oh, Harry," she said. "Daphne, fetch his potions. He should've taken them a couple days ago."
Daphne went to the potions cabinet, grabbing the vials marked Harry Potter. There was some heavy stuff in there. What exactly was Harry ailing from? It looked like Davis was wondering much the same, as her eyes flitted between the vials and Potter's body.
"I'll take over from here," said Pomfrey. "Daphne, take Ms. Davis and get all the pertinent information. I have to know what exactly led to this."
"I want to stay with him," Davis protested.
Madam Pomfrey met her with a stern look.
"You'll only get in the way. You can visit him tomorrow."
"You think he'll need to stay here?"
"It looks like a case of magical exhaustion, which will require monitoring overnight."
Davis looked away, thinking it over.
"Fine. What time will I be able to come?"
"I'll send for you when he wakes up. Daphne, you'll find parchment at the desk. Record the circumstances."
Madam Pomfrey was firm in her dismissal. Davis allowed Daphne to lead her away.]
"I'm not telling you shit," she said once they were out of earshot.
"We'll need to know to better be able to help him," said Daphne. "It would be best if you fell in line."
"I don't trust you with any information regarding Harry, Greengrass." Davis said. "I'm not going to let you use anything against him."
"I wouldn't," said Daphne. "Not when it comes to my job! Do you have any idea how unprofessional it would be for a healer to break confidence? I would get kicked out of my apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey!"
"Still," said Davis. "You've got him working with you now, and I know exactly what type of person you are. I'm not giving you anything."
"Would you rather him not get the best treatment? You saw how many potions he was on, there's obviously something wrong!"
Tracey considered it.
"Fine," she hissed. "But if you use it against him in any way I'll kill you, and they'll never find your body."
"It's in my best interest he's healthy. You'll have to trust me on this."
"I don't, but it won't make any difference."
Daphne got the parchment and a quill.
"What happened?" she asked.
"We were working on our spellwork. We went over the Disarming Charm for around an hour," she seemed hesitant to go on.
"The Disarming Charm?" said Daphne. "That wouldn't do this."
"He showed me the most powerful spell he knows afterwards," said Davis. "He cast the Patronus Charm."
Daphne breathed in sharply. That was well above the NEWTs level. How had he managed it?"
"That's what did it, then?"
"He passed out afterwards." Davis confirmed.
Daphne scribbled the information down on her parchment.
"That will be all, Davis."
"Not yet," said Davis. "If you hurt Harry, the same threat applies."
"Like I said, it's in my best interest he's healthy," Daphne replied coolly.
"I believe you," said Davis. "For as long as he's useful to you."
She turned to leave, but a plan was hatched in Daphne's mind. There was a feeling she didn't tend to associate with herself attached to it. Guilt. Maybe this would cement herself with Potter, too, with no secrets between them.
"Davis, wait!" she said.
Davis stopped.
"What?"
"I told Malfoy that you were speaking ill of his family. I didn't know they were going to use the Cruciatus on you. I'm sorry," she said, not quite believing the words coming out of her mouth.
Davis stiffened. She looked like she was about to turn back, but stopped herself.
"You should be." she said. "Make sure Harry is alright."
A/N: Longest chapter yet. Now comes the usual plea from me for you guys to review and follow. School's starting up again in a couple of days, but I'll still do my best to make time for writing.