A/N - Good morning, hope all is well with everyone. It's cold and rainy in the Midwest, so that makes motivation difficult to find. I just want to stay wrapped up in front of the fire.

Thanks to all reading, enjoy and keep yourselves safe.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Hannah Abbott's parents stood in the observation area. They watched the healer add the waking potion to the fluids keeping their daughter physically alive. The heads of the DMLE, Department of Mysteries, and multiple well-known healers also stood watching as the potion made it's way into the young girl. Based on what the unspeakable thought, it should take a few minutes before the success or failure of the potion would be known. All of the healers subtly checked the time and began the countdown.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

The voice in her head was yelling at her, screaming at her. She'd done what it asked, she didn't know where she was or what happened. Then the suddenly started voice to get quieter until it stopped. Hannah let out a shuddered breath at the silence. It had been so long since she experienced silence, she forgot what it was like.

She remembered everything she did and how the voice directed her actions. Suddenly she opened her eyes when she realized what she did to her friends. As she tried to sit up, she found a tube in her mouth and her arms bound to the bed. Immediately she began to panic.

"Miss Abbott, you are at St. Mungo's. You are safe now." Hannah turned her scared eyes to the person rushing towards her and watched the healer's wand make many quick and distinct movements. Suddenly the tube in her throat was gone. "Welcome back Miss Abbott. I have to check a few things, but then we will get you to the recovery room so your parents can see you." The healer looked to the observation room and as Hannah followed the gaze, she saw her parents hugging. She thought her mum may have been crying.

"Is the voice gone for good?" Hannah's question, quiet in volume, caught the room's attention and told those from the Ministry the girl at least remembered something.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Hermione was pleased it was nearly time to return home from the vacation. She loved it and she would forever remember everything, but the worries discovered early in their trip cast a heavy shadow over the otherwise wonderful time. The four children were told to stay close, but to enjoy the outside until it was nearer to time to return and that was how the foursome found themselves relaxing on the sand. They settled and spent time remembering all the fun they enjoyed.

"I think Hermione had the right idea about locations, summer vacation should only be spent on a warm beach with the ocean lapping at your feet." Harry found their final destination his favorite. The Malfoy family owned islands all over the world, but the one in Caribbean Sea was beyond all expectation. The weather was warm and the sun seemed to always be shining.

Agreeing with the statement, the group tried to soak up as much of the warm rays as they could. It would be summer when they returned to England, but they knew the sun would never be like this. They all thought the sun seemed to be warmer when on a sandy beach. The children also knew their free time would be limited until they returned to Hogwarts as their summer workload would increase when they returned to the stately home in Wiltshire.

"Has anyone asked how this extra work in Charms and Ancient Runes will impact what we learn when we return to the school?" None of the boys thought about it, they were still excited about the idea of warding to have thought about the future. "Boys" Her huff was met with laughter from her friends and a gentle squeeze of her hand by her boyfriend.

While her bracelet represented their status, they hadn't discussed titles or spoken of what they were for the other. The night before Draco and Hermione talked about it and the wizard admitted to being jealous when other wizards flirted with Hermione. The bracelet represented a belief many thought to be outdated and therefore not everyone realized the significance.

To Draco, that fact proved the majority of the wizards believed the beautiful young witch to be available. He also tried, and in his opinion failed, to describe his feelings for her. It was hard for him and it wasn't that he was embarrassed, he always felt somewhat at ease with the girl. He never felt like this for someone.

After stumbling through what he wanted to say, Hermione cocked her head to the side and agreed. "I feel the same, maybe we can define it better later. We have lots to learn yet. But, I want all those witches who look at you to know you aren't available." And just like that Hermione became Draco's girlfriend. Hermione saw it the other way, Draco becoming her boyfriend. But whichever way it went, they became something more defined for the other.

As the lunch hour neared and the children realized they hadn't heard from the adults and began to worry. Their worry only increased when Kitmu and Amico appeared with their lunch. "Yous to eats here." Kitmu recognized the worry in the eyes of the children. The elves looked at each other and Kitmu nodded in resignation. "They still bes talking about the wards. They don't wants to scare you buts you are. I think yous need to hear it from them." The elves left the children with a pop and Kitmu appeared where the head of the Malfoy family still discussed how to fix the problem no one knew existed less than six weeks prior.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Lucius and Regulus continued to monitor the wards at all their properties and were only somewhat appeased. It appeared whoever continued to attempt to break the wards around the Malfoy Wiltshire property never returned to any of the Black family properties. "I wish I knew what they wanted. Did you find anything unusual in the properties accessed?" Reg shook his head.

"No, it was like they were accessed and then they left. The wards don't appear to be changed, maybe it was a test or something." The pair of men spent everyday reviewing the ward access log trying to determine the purpose. "Of course my other worry is how someone did it at all. I understand with Sirius's enchantments still present left a gap, but he's in prison and he should have been the only person able to use the loophole."

"Unless he told someone what the wards were and they were able to figure out a way through. But, I agree it's very worrisome. Luckily the kids took to everything so quickly and came up with their first ones. You have yours as well yes?" Reg lifted the parchment with the Gringotts logo on it. "I contacted Gringotts this morning and the goblins agreed to complete the process here instead of us having to travel there. Hopefully this keeps whoever in the dark until it's too late." The adults waited for the goblins to arrive when Kitmu appeared in the study.

"The children bes very worried. Theys not been allowed to eat alone the entire times. They knows something is wrong." The little elf, who held a great deal of respect for both of wizards in front of him, was loyal to his wizard and witch. Lucius sighed knowing he should have seen it coming and looked to his wife. With a thoughtful look Narcissa stood to leave the room and beckoned Kitmu to follow her.

"Thank you Kitmu, I know you would never do anything like that if it wasn't very important. I think we were hoping they could remain children but it seems the fates have decided otherwise." The pair split at the outside door and the witch continued to the beach.

When Narcissa and the children returned shortly thereafter, they arrived at the same time as the Gringott goblins. In addition to the Malfoy, Black and Potter goblins, the Granger goblin also appeared. As the oldest, Ragnok, the Malfoy goblin, would lead the discussion and looked at the assembled group with a bit of distain. He did not like leaving the safety of the goblin nation lands. As his gaze landed on the Grangers, who were seated away from the wizards, the goblin waved for them to join the discussion. "The muggles will be needed as they are the head of House Granger." That statement caused a fair bit of surprise and questions, but the goblin refused to discuss it any further. "Now the new protective enchantments, are there ones from each of the heirs and the heads of the houses?" Lucius answered with a single nod, he knew his goblin was being a pain on purpose.

The wizards set the documents for three houses on the table in front of the respective goblin. "Are the properties secure now?" Gornack, the Black goblin, groused at the humans.

"The Potter and Black properties are secure. The Malfoy wards are currently under attack at the Wiltshire property. The family elves have been protecting the property since the discovery while we taught the children what they would need to know." The goblins seemed a bit surprised.

"They are protecting the property in what way?" Ragnok's expression showed surprise and wariness, it had been generations since a house elf was used for protection.

"When the Malfoy family arrived, the elves in Wiltshire needed a family to protect them from the muggles who didn't believe in the old ways. The elves swore their fidelity to the Malfoy family in return for our protection. When we identified the attack on the wards the ancient vow came to life again. I'm not sure what they are doing, but it's stymied whoever is working to break the wards."

The goblins found the explanation to suffice, but would look into things a bit more when they returned to the bank. "We will update the Potter enchantments first, and then work on the Black and Malfoy concurrently. As the Malfoy enchantments are under attack, the Black's will be updated than immediately after the Malfoy. We will be fast enough to ensure whoever viewed the Malfoy wards through the Black link will not have time to do anything."

Beben, the Potter goblin, nodded to the young heir. "Young Potter, your first scheme is basic, but with what will be added by your advocates the property will be quite secure until you reach your majority and update to something new." With that comment the goblin stamped the documents with the official Gringotts stamp which shimmered gold for a moment before returning the red ink used by the goblins.

The elves reviewed Black and Malfoy schemes and found them satisfactory. Each of the goblins readied their stamps. Gornack stamped the two parchments with efficiency and as soon as the ink returned to the red ink, Ragnok did the same. "The wards are updated at all properties belonging to the Black, Malfoy and Potter families. Now we need to discuss the Granger wards."

When Ragnok finished, Nagnok stepped forward. "As the Black heir is a Granger by blood, her wards now protect any property belonging to the Granger family. It would be more secure if the head of the Granger home provided warding of his own." The stunned silence held for a few minutes until Jean nodded slowly and looked to her smiling husband.

"We wondered about this. When I was reading the texts, everything focused on the intent of what would be protected and the Runes books discussed how they could be used to enhance the protective enchantment. There was no reference to any level of magic with regard to the runes and after listening to the lectures over the different types of protective enchantment, it seemed, to me and Rich at least, the design aspect is something a squib or muggle could do, if they were knowledgable enough."

Goblins would never admit anything positive about humans, but behind closed doors, goblins were just like any sentient being and they liked to brag. Nagnok had ample bragging rights considering how the other goblins were appraising the muggles in the room. "Rich and I were playing around and did come up with something. We were going to show Lucius and see what he thought once we were home."

Jean placed the sheet of paper on the desk and Nagnok reviewed it quickly. "This is good. It needs to be transcribed on the official form." With a flourish Nagnok pulled a blank one from his satchel and waved the Granger parents forward. "I will assist you in this first one."

While the rest of the family sat stunned the two muggles completed their first ward and were as proud as their goblin. When the stamp turned red, the goblin gave the muggle woman a gnarled smile. The other goblins now knew to not underestimate her.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

After the updating of the wards the family happily returned Wiltshire secure in the knowledge the wards were again defending against attack. Those attempted to access the wards became immediately aware of what happened and left the area very soon thereafter.

"It seems they figured something out. The Black properties have been secured as well. If I had to guess, I'd say the Potter wards were also updated. I wonder how they figured it out." The trio regrouped in a run down cottage on the outskirts of village inhabited only by muggles.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Hermione spent a good portion of the rest of the summer with her parents. The trio were intent on learning as much as possible as their first enchantments were rather simple. Lucius and Regulus spent a bit of time explaining some of the deeper aspects of protective charms and how the combination of multiple runes can increase or decrease the strength of the enchantment. Hermione's take away was simple, complex did not mean better. Research and understanding of runic relationships was the key to powerful wards.

Minerva returned to Hogwarts for a short time to discuss the how the children were handling their studies and get the additional syllabus for advanced charms and runes related to protective enchantments. Minerva believed Hermione's intelligence wasn't a fluke and her parents would pick up the knowledge needed. With that in mind, the elder witch knew the Grangers would grasp the art of designing the enchantments quickly. Especially with the complete coursework and various masters willing to visit and assist as needed.

No one was able to create anything new before it was time to visit Diagon Alley and pick up the supplies the children would need for their next year of school. August quickly moved toward September and with it, the start of a new school year.

After returning home with their new supplies, Hermione settled herself in the library and began to review the books purchased and pulled out the ones related to Arithmancy. She'd not thought much about this elective over the summer since they had been so focused on their normal summer subjects and the added coursework from charms and ancient runes. Now that she had some extra time, she wanted to see what the next year would hold. The introduction of the text was very compelling and Hermione found herself trying to teach herself the basics. It reminded her of muggle math but with magic the answer was predictive. Very intriguing.

Not noticing the time, Hermione didn't realize it was nearing supper until Crooks appeared and batted her foot until she looked up. Smiling at her familiar, Hermione placed a bookmark in the text and set her notes to the side. Crooks began sleeping to his personal room once they returned from vacation. It seemed the animal found more comfort with Hermione's safety at the family home versus the vacation properties. The witch scooped up the animal and left to eat with her parents.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Hermione and the boys settled themselves at a table in the corner of the Malfoy ballroom on the Saturday evening before they left for Hogwarts. Narcissa and Jean again shared hosting duties for their husbands combined birthday party and the event was seemingly a great success. The excellent meal finished and now the adults began their speeches. The children waited for them to finish. It really was the most boring part of these type of things.

"You look exhausted Blaise." Hermione turned to the boy, concerned with how droopy he looked. While trying to straighten up and appear alert, Blaise kicked the table and muttered a low curse. Hermione leaned over and set her hand on his arm. "What's wrong?"

"I had the potions test this afternoon. Luckily I get a few days off before we head up to school, but I might just sleep until we have to board the Express." Hermione helped Blaise with his Transfiguration but knew he went to Draco and Harry for help with Potions.

"Did they say when you'd know how you did?"

"I know Transfiguration, Aurora told me she was excited to have me in the class so it's a good thing you talked me into getting the fourth year books when we were in Diagon. Professor Snape said he'd let me know Monday. As usual, I couldn't tell anything from the conversation. That man is the consummate Slytherin." Blaise leaned back in his chair and Hermione was sure he would fall asleep soon.

Draco watched Hermione speak with Blaise and tried to not react when she touched his arm. Knowing she was his girlfriend and wearing his gift should have been enough, but the boy was finding it difficult to remember those things. It wasn't until the light caught one of the stones that he remembered. Still, he didn't like how she was still touching Blaise.

At that moment his father finished the final speech and Blaise leaned forward, "It's time to open the dancing with mum and dad, Hermione." Draco held out his hand to the girl. Smiling, she stood and took her boyfriend's hand as he led her to the floor.

Hermione smiled brightly at Draco and then toward his parents who both nodded to acknowledge the other pair. Lucius looked to the bandleader and the two couple began to spin across the dance floor in perfect sync. Hermione didn't have much time to practice with Draco this summer but it seemed they both remembered what they'd learned before. As the first song changed to the second, more couples joined the dancing and soon the entire floor filled with spinning wizards and witches.

Once Draco and Hermione left to dance, Harry and Blaise remained at the table and watched everyone else. "He looked so upset when she touched me. I mean, he knows I'm not going to make any advances. I'll talk to him later, but Hermione is going to hex him something fierce if she catches it." Blaise, whose eyes still appeared to be closed, but open just enough to watch the going ons, didn't know what needed to be done to reign in his friend.

"Yeah I know. I may talk to Lucius and ask if he has any advice tomorrow. Hopefully Draco won't make an ass out of himself tonight." Luckily for Draco, Harry's hope came true and while a few of the other younger wizards danced with Hermione, none of their hands wandered beyond proper dancing positions. Draco quickly reclaimed the witch and the pair spent the rest of the evening in the other's company.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Harry and Blaise weren't the only people to notice Draco's actions. In fact, both mothers were settled at a nearby table and kept their children firmly in their line of sight. "I think it's getting worse Jean. I don't know how to tell him what he's doing. When Lucius brings it up he admits to knowing there is a problem, but says he is working on it. If he is, then my son is more obsessed with Hermione than I realized." Jean hummed in agreement.

"Hermione told me about the conversation they had after the tour guide incident. While I do agree that young man was too focused on my daughter, my thirteen year old daughter no less, she was safe with all of us present." Draco treated the girl as if she would flee if given the chance. That made Jean wonder.

"Narcissa, has Draco ever had someone leave him which caused him great distress? He almost acts as if expects Hermione to run at any given moment." Jean watched Narcissa as she began to think about the question. She opened her mouth a couple of times before closing it again. An answer wasn't given that night, but the question would rattle around in Narcissa's head for months to come.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

The last few days of the summer holidays flew by and before the children living on the ancient Malfoy lands knew it, they were being hugged and kissed on platform nine and three quarters. When they initially arrived, Draco, Blaise, and Harry found an empty compartment. With lightening charms on the trunks, they placed all everything into the overhead racks before returning to their family. Draco chuckled as Hermione and Daphne hugged each other and jumped around. His look of confusion, mirrored by the other boys, made the fathers smile.

"It's a girl thing. I can't explain it either. Jean's been teasing about it since before we were married. I've just come to accept when two witches or women see each other for the first time after some separation this type of activity is normal." Everyone continued to watch the two young girls. "Luckily they seem to know men aren't the jumping around type." Lucius chuckled from his position next to Rich with a nod of agreement.

A few minutes later Daphne said hello to the others in the small group. Her parents made their way to the group and hellos were again passed around. Daphne's younger sister, Astoria, standing to the side next to her trunk, remained silent until Jean noticed the paler than normal girl.

"Hi Astoria. Are you excited about Hogwarts?" The young witch would be a first year and only ever heard stories about the castle and school.

"Yes, Mrs Granger I am. Just a little nervous." Jean gave her daughter a pointed look Hermione understood.

"If you don't know anyone else, or don't have a place to sit, you can sit with us." The younger girl tried to hide her eagerness but her quick response gave her away. Hermione smiled to the girl. "It's good to see you as well." Hermione waved her hand and the girl stepped into the circle of third years.

"Thanks Hermione, I don't really know anyone starting this year and I was so nervous about finding a place to sit."

Hermione smirked at the younger and gave her a wink before turning to the boys. "Blaise, would you take her trunk?" With a subtle sigh Blaise moved towards Astoria's luggage and took it by the handle. Harry, already with Daphne's trunk in hand, discussed their summers.

Blaise turned toward the train and it let out a whistle. The sound told everyone it was time to board; with a flurry of hugs and kisses, the group made their way toward the train. Blaise and Harry stored the Greengrass witches' trunks and found a place at the window with their friends.

As the train began to pull away, Blaise waved at the people he now saw as his family. Once the train passed where the family stood waving, Blaise continued to look out the window, at those on the platform, and saw someone he recognized. It was only a flash, but you don't forget your mother.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

The ride to Hogsmeade was normal, friends popped their heads into the compartment to say hello. The children of Malfoy Manor popped their heads into compartments during their walks. All in all it was normal and long. If anyone noticed Blaise was quieter than usual, it wasn't mentioned.

Hermione spent the majority of the ride settled next to Draco and talking with the Greengrass sisters. She found Astoria unlike her sister, but just as likable. Astoria asked a bunch of questions about the classwork and admitted to asking Daphne but wanted to see what others thought. Hermione laughed and said she did much the same thing with Narcissa and Lucius. When Astoria asked about Hermione's charm bracelet, Draco focused a bit more when he heard the younger witch's question.

Draco was surprised when Hermione said her boyfriend gave it to her and she turned to brush her lips over his cheek. While letting out an inhuman squeal, Daphne lunged across the compartment and hugged Hermione. "So it's official now? You are boyfriend/girlfriend now?" Hermione smiled wildly and widely. "And why am I only finding out about this status change now Miss Granger? You were home for quite awhile this summer and we were owling the entire summer."

Hermione had the grace to blush a little. "I wanted to tell you in person. You're my best friend and this is something you don't tell your best friend over owl post. Since you guys had your holiday at the end of the summer it had to be today." Hermione shrugged like it wasn't a big deal but the twinkle in her eye told Daphne how excited the other girl was in telling someone else. "You are the first to know other than this lot and my parents." That was all Daphne needed before diving into questioning Hermione about her vacation and how Draco asked her to be his girlfriend.

The boys were almost numb by the time the trolley lady made her way to them. Daphne, Astoria and Hermione spent the entire ride so far talking about girl stuff. Harry pulled out the latest quidditch magazine and Blaise seemingly dozed off. Draco remained awake with his hand firmly holding Hermione's.

When the train pulled into Hogsmeade the students made their way off the train. Hermione pointed Astoria toward the boats the first years would use while everyone else queued up for a carriage. "I'm going to miss bunking with everyone. It's like the houses were put at the furthest points of the castle just to keep everyone apart." Hermione's comment reminded Draco about the worst part of Hogwarts castle. He would be separated from Hermione except for classes and whatever free time they made. They had their private room and the third year common room, but it seemed like a cruel joke to finally get the girl and then not see her.

The rest of those in the carriage nodded as the large castle came into view. Once it was their turn, the group stepped from the carriage and started to walk toward the entrance.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Hermione and Draco walked ahead of their friends. Draco kept his arm over her shoulder and the pair continued their quiet conversation. Harry held Daphne back, "So I believe I won the bet Miss Greengrass." Harry kept his voice low to make sure those around them didn't hear and get mad. "The official discussion happened over vacation so the middle of summer."

Daphne scrunched her nose at Harry. "Yes, yes, I doubt they've changed anything but titles. What were the stakes again?" Daphne remembered but wanted to see what the Gryffindor would say. Harry chuckled.

"You remember as well I do. If you won, I was to provide a lunch during the Yule hols. But that didn't happen. Since I won, you agreed to cheer for Gryffindor during either the Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw game. I expect banners, posters or some such thing to evidence your support." It had been a debate on what Daphne would do but in the end, because she honestly believed she would win, she agreed to the Quidditch game.

"Fine, fine. Once the schedules are released we can look them over and figure out which is the best option." Harry laughed again and gave the girl an unexpected side hug. When he released her, his arm remained on her shoulder a bit longer than customary. It surprised Daphne when she realized she didn't mind it. It wasn't until they caught up to Draco and Hermione at the doors, that Harry's arm slid off and they got back in on the conversation about houses and Draco's complaints.

"Sometimes I wish we were still at the school in Wiltshire. It was also so much closer and the train ride didn't feel like an eternity. Maybe the Headmistress was serious last year and we only have to sit at our house tables for a few meals." Hermione squeezed Draco's hand as they separated and went to their respective tables.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Headmistress Mathews made her way to the front and stepped in front of the high table. The students, seeing the headmistress make her way toward the front, quieted slowly. Sophie wondered if she'd ever be able to get the students to quiet as quickly as the Potions Master did the year before. Suspecting it was a pretty lofty goal, the witch gave the returning students a bright smile.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts everyone. As with last year, the house tables will only be used for this meal, tomorrow's breakfast in order for timetables to be distributed and at the year end meal. Other than those three times, I want the students to mingle and sit with their friends. Also, as was started last year, we are continuing to have two tracks for each class. Each of you should know what you track you were placed based on your letters. Finally, we discovered the removal of the houses at the temporary school seemed to be quite successful. We are not in a place to currently offer that option at the castle, but it is something the Board and I discussed. I am interested to hear what and how you felt about the housing change last year. Feel free to send me a note, schedule a time to talk or catch me in the halls. Now I believe our first years are waiting. Professor McGonagall?"

When the large doors opened, Hermione saw the group of eleven year olds and their nervous expressions. She put on her most pleasant smile and waved as the new students looked her way. The sorting, now using a specially designed charm, proceeded and eventually all the houses obtained their new students. When the students realized the lack of sorting hat, there were murmurs.

"Thank you Professor McGonagall, welcome to our newest students. Your professors and I are here to teach you how to grow into productive witches and wizards for our society. I have already informed the older students, but for your knowledge as well. The tables as you see them are your house tables, they are the traditional way for students to be segregated based on the assignments you just received. They are used for three meals each year, this meal, the first breakfast which is tomorrow and the end of year meal. All other times the students are allowed to sit with their friends regardless of house affiliation at smaller tables. I know you are all new and don't know many people, take this as a chance to meet others. You also have your housemates. And remember they are here to help you get acclimated to this new world."

Sophie looked at the hundreds of faces and smiled again. "I suspect many of you feel a bit confused with the lack of the sorting hat. At the end of the last school year, the hat spoke its last poem and reflected on finishing the task set at the inception of the school. As Rowena Ravenclaw planned, the hat faded and the magic returned to the Earth. Much as we all will, when our times come. Now, I think that should do for the time being. Enjoy." With a wave of her hand the tables were covered in food. The noise of voices rose quickly and soon the din associated with the Great Hall returned.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Harry nudged Hermione during the meal to get her attention. "Did you notice anything odd with Blaise? He seemed fine this morning but once we were on our way he seemed to, I don't know, just get oddly quiet." Harry may not have been the most observant of the group, but he had a good heart and used it to watch over his friends.

"Yeah I did. I chalked it up to how much work he put into his classes but you're right, he was fine this morning." The pair looked across the hall and saw Draco and Blaise facing them. Draco was quite animated in whatever he was saying the wizard across the table while Blaise looked almost lost. "Something happened, we just have to figure out what it is and help him. He's family."

*TGE*TGE*TGE*

Severus Snape watched the Great Hall with his normal expression of disinterest. In reality he was cataloguing the newest batch of students, watching the returning students for any unexpected changes and generally logging everything going on around him. His individual charges were, as he expected, catching up with their housemates but it seemed the two Gryffindors were focused on the Slytherin table. Severus watched and noted Hermione wasn't looking at her paramour but on the other child who lived in Malfoy Manor.

Blaise Zabini appeared to be completely lost and fearful. It wasn't anything obvious, it was, if anything so subtle only someone who knew the boy well and really looked would see it. Apparently Hermione and Harry noticed something. As dinner ended and the students were sent on their way Severus watched Draco look at his friend with a worried expression. They all noticed something off with their friend.

Once curfew neared, Severus made his way to the entrance of Slytherin and entered to find the common room awash in noise. He stood for only a moment before the entirety of the house stopped and focused on their professor.

"Welcome back, as you see Professor Upthrall is yet to arrive. I will begin and introduce him to our newest housemates when he appears." Severus found tardiness to rank high on his list of annoyances, and Mitchell Upthrall was never on time. The man may be a genius when it came to Ancient Runes, but he needed a bloody watch. Severus's welcome speech never varied but all of his house listened as he reminded his charges of the rules.

Severus, nearly finished when Upthrall finally appeared, drawled, "Welcome professor, students this is Professor Upthrall, he acts as the deputy head of Slytherin House. If you have concerns and cannot find me, Professor Upthrall is available. Now that I've completed the announcements you may return to your previous activities. Remember timetables will be distributed at eight tomorrow, do not be late."

Draco chuckled at the final warning, he didn't think it was solely intended for the students. While he watched everyone begin to scatter he noticed how Severus watched him. No, Severus was watching Blaise. Something was going on if Severus was worried. "Blaise, come with me." Before Draco could talk to his friend Severus called for him and the pair left.

*TGE*TGE*TGE*