Harry Potter and the Agents of Attor

by Chromewe11

Harry's name comes out of the Goblet of Fire but no one could have foreseen that written on that same slip of paper was Draco Malfoy. Resented by their houses and forced to participate in the Triwizard Tournament together, the two once rivals form a grudging alliance in their struggle to survive the trials ahead. Rated MA.

17. Like Nothing Ever Happened

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I own nothing, all characters belong to JK Rowling.

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Chapter 17 - Like Nothing Ever Happened

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Just as Tracey had predicted what was brewing between Harry and Daphne struck her with fear, though not in the way the other girl had imagined.

Harry… Harry… Harry...

Daphne clung to herself while she trembled and shivered alone in the rose garden where he had left her.

The thought of the Dark Lord returning to power and posing any kind of danger Astoria and Tracey nearly was enough to make her afraid alone. The McKinnons, the Potters, the Bones', blood didn't matter to the monster, only subservience.

But it was the sight of Harry walking away from her that was repeating in her mind. The thought of him possibly despising her spreading its poison. Her head was spinning.

What if he never wants to speak to me again? This is all my fault. This isn't what I wanted - I'm sorry - I'm scared. It's all my fault. I don't want this. Harry, without you... She fell into herself more. Old ones, what am I to do?

Rime bled from her anguish. She felt a void in her chest growing larger. She knew she had to stop but couldn't. Fog crept around her from where she stood, the white frost cracked and snapped as it claimed the garden around her. The beetle attempted to escape being frozen but dropped to the ground like a stone. Feeling threatened, the fairies flew from where they perched. They circled above her head chirping at her in an angry swarm of light.

Daphne barely noticed. She had buried her face into her hands, her eyes wide as they peered through the cracks of her fingers. All she could see was red of her gown.

O' All Mother, of the moon, guide me...

Daphne prayed. She steadied her breathing and emptied her thoughts, purging herself of her emotions. It had always been her faith that brought her peace. Eventually, she felt warmth return to her fingers. The tears staining her cheeks had frozen. She felt fortunate that no one had ventured to the garden and discovered her in such a state.

But fear was not something that could keep a strong hold on Daphne, her father made certain of that. She hardened her heart and returned to a calm sense of reason. She had only herself to blame, for interfering in too many ways. But with Harry, she hadn't felt as alone.

Was it wrong of me to want more? She wondered, closing her eyes and stealing a deep breath of cold air.

Of course not. You're only human.

We can wait then. I will wait. Even if he hates me I'll be watching over him.

The fog soon dispersed but ice covered the fresh snow in the garden. With her mind returning, she knelt to the frozen ground and scooped the insect up into her hands.

Pretty little thing aren't you. She gave a weak smile.

It wasn't dead but it was close.

Yes, Astoria would be delighted to have you in her collection.

---

Harry unhinged his jaw and yawned. He had no use for counting days anymore, yet the bells and the singing of carols heard from the village never ceased so he was painfully aware how Yule had come and passed. Now it was just another bitter December night. Even as he lounged by the fireplace the house was too cold. The last of the coals and embers brought him little comfort, the rat truly was useless.

Harry flicked out tongue but all he could taste was damp and mould. The whole house felt like it was slowly dying. Decades of neglect and disrepair had left the rot more prevalent than the dust, all of it burned in his nose.

He missed the Albanian forest, the smell of trees, the feel of the earth, where the food wasn't so scarce. The mice had all been eaten and the rat had warned all his little friends of him long ago. The last thing he could call a proper meal was an old chubby tomcat belonging to the local vicar, that was nearly a fortnight ago and the foolish muggle villagers were still mystified as to where it had disappeared to.

Perhaps he could get used to the taste with a few more felines to snack on, he thought as his stomach groaned. At the same time, there was a distinctive pop that came from outside. Harry lifted his head a little and his eyes blinked open, his master's armchair remained shrouded in a shadow. His wraith form was sensitive to natural light, from either moon or sun, both caused him pain and sapped his strength not even a crack from the window was permitted.

"Wormtail," Their master spoke, "go welcome our old friend." Even with a voice as faint as whispers, he commanded effortlessly.

Pettigrew, who had been standing cowering by the door, gave a low bow and scrambled out of sight.

"Come, Nagini."

Harry stirred from his resting place and slithered his long heavy body along the floor to his master. He draped himself around the old throne-like armchair as the footsteps climbing the stairs grew louder.

He already knew that it was just the other follower. Harry was the favoured one, then there was him with the crucial task at Hogwarts, lastly, there was the rat. Next to worthless, yet he was the only one who presented himself to their master's side even as a shade.

He had been promised that one day that rat would be his to toy with and torment, but not until he had outlived his usefulness. His master had no desire for cowards in his ranks. He hadn't yet decided whether he wanted to eat him or not. Regardless, he would take great pleasure in slowly crushing him, squeezing out his very last breath. Harry snickered to himself, yes it would be most enjoyable.

He felt his master's frail skeletal hand run down his spine.

"Soon."

The door swung open and the servant crossed the room in long powerful strides, stopping only to kneel in front of their master. The cowering rat retreated out of the door, stooping low from his crooked back.

"Report," Voldemort rasped.

"My lord, we are moving along without interference from the ministry and I remain free of suspicion from both Dumbledore and the boy." He kept his head bowed, displaying a crown of straw-coloured hair. "At present, they've both begun preparing the boy to better defend himself, they think we mean only for the tournament to kill the boy. With the greatest threat of the tournament passed the headmaster is content to leave him as bait in a misguided attempt to lure us into the open and make out intentions known."

Harry bared his fangs. He'd not yet even laid eyes on this prophesied boy, but his master despised him, so he despised him too. He could sense his master also feared this boy more than the old man, which made his master cautious.

"Who is teaching him?"

"McGonagall has instructed him and he's sought outside sources, such as the French champion. He shows promise and is advancing but it matters little. Even if he goes beyond his current rate of progress it will be of no significance when he finds himself at the mercy of your full strength."

Voldemort gave a sickening laugh that suddenly stopped dead, "And what of the Malfoy boy? I told you last time to uncover who interfered with the tournament selection."

He only hesitated for a moment. "My lord, I carried out your plan to the smallest detail. Someone else must have made that entry. Karkaroff may be trying to regain favour. It is my theory that Dumbledore-"

"If you do not know yet then I do not care for your theories." Voldemort silenced him mid-sentence. "You have failed me or disobeyed my instruction. Am I to expect your betrayal soon?"

"Never, my lord. I confess I have only failed you in that not all went according to your plan. But I am forever your faithful servant. I will continue my investigation."

Voldemort paused for a long time before he finally spoke again. "Good. Now, I am curious about what can you tell me about this dragon."

"It is gone master, there has been no sign of it since that night. I only know it didn't go back to Gringotts or the Research Bureau nor did it remain in the forest."

Harry felt his Master's frustration spike for a moment before he calmed. Harry knew why he was interested in this creature. Titanodraconis, greater and more intelligent than wyverns, the Viperadraconis. The first known intelligent magical life to walk the earth, their species predated the known world by millions of years. They were not immortal but were intelligent, nigh-invulnerable, extremely powerful, and previously thought to be untameable and insentient.

That had all changed. There was a reason his master chose the Potter boy, it was for the bloodline they shared. Once he returned to his physical form he would no doubt wish to investigate further. A dragon that could converse with the boy was cause for concern but if it was truly gone then that would help his master's mind rest at ease. He could focus on preserving his strength.

"Then proceed as planned," Voldemort said.

"And what am I to do about Lucius' son, Draco?" The servant asked.

"Leave him, only Harry matters. Everything must fall into place, I will allow no more mistakes. Be patient until the time comes. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Go. Unless there is anything else you wish to tell me?"

Harry raised his head and extended his neck to see the man better but his eyes remained fixed on the ground.

"No, my lord. There's nothing else."

---

Boxing Day was meant to be a day of leisure. But at sunrise, while everyone was still recovering from a long and exhausting night, Hermione was rudely woken up. The perpetrator of this rude awakening was of course Crookshanks. The sour-faced orange cat had pounced on her chest. Hermione was jolted awake and had to push him to her lap just so she could breathe, this is when she saw he had something in his mouth. He dropped it promptly and jumped down to shoot back out the door.

What had dropped from his mouth was a slip of parchment. A note was written in Harry's untidy spidery handwriting, telling her to come down for breakfast. Fully conscious she couldn't help but groan as she got up. She checked her mirror to see her thick curls of brown hair had sprung back and sighed regretfully.

Halfway down the stairs, she spotted a shot of his mane of black hair sticking out from his favourite armchair next to the fireplace. Having heard her quiet footsteps he poked his head out to greet her and Crookshanks leapt back down from his lap to brush against her legs.

Harry was wearing his jumper from Mrs Weasley and had surrounded himself with books. Hermione recognised many of the old worn covers and some she didn't. Elementalists of the East, Combating the Deep: A Complete Compendium, Sea Witches and Their Secrets. She tore her eyes away from these titles and back to Harry. He looked tired, extremely tired, his eyes were bloodshot and accompanied by dark heavy bags. He hadn't slept at all.

Hermione bit her lip as she saw him slip the dream diary into his bag. He was on edge, carrying everything in his bag again.

He's had another dream.

"Hungry?" Hermione asked as she tickled behind Crookshank's ear, not wanting to comment on his paranoia.

"Starving," Harry replied with a one-sided smile.

Harry didn't waste any time and began telling her about what he overheard from Snape and Karkaroff the night before.

To her relief he did open up to her but he didn't mention the dream. When they reached the hall and the five tables were set out back to normal. Not even a member of staff was there to watch over them. They took their seats and at once a modest breakfast spread appeared.

"Even so, go get some rest, Harry." She said, not knowing how difficult that could be sometimes.

"I will, later though." He said noncommittally, his scar was still hurting too much to think about sleep.

Along with the dreams he had been having the situation was growing more and more troubling. Hermione could understand why Harry was struggling.

"And Daphne?"

She hoped this question would distract him from the ever more present threat of Voldemort. Instead, his eyes darkened even more.

He didn't tell Hermione how he had walked aimlessly through the castle trying to forget what Daphne's lips had felt like. The sensation still haunted him now. Her cool lips and melting tongue snaking against his. She knew she was going to walk, first, she would do her best to mark herself as deeply into him as possible. She knew he'd not so easily bury what feelings he might have. It was cruel, sadistic, venomous and he hated her for it. Just the thought of her now made him like someone's hand was squeezing at his throat.

When he did finally returned to the Gryffindor dorms, the dream came. He woke up paralyzed in pain - his scar was on fire again. He couldn't sleep after that, there was no way he could. His thoughts cycling through the tournament, Malfoy, the snake, Pettigrew, Snape and Karkaroff wondering where all the pieces fit. He had to resolve he had no time for Daphne Greengrass.

"What about her?" Harry said cooly.

It was too late for him to worm his way out or deny anything, Hermione had already seen the indignant flicker in his eyes. She arched an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Tch. She basically told me having a public relationship isn't worth the danger it'll put her family in one day. She's not wrong I suppose.. but it still hurt. We stopped things there and then. So much for that offer of friendship."

Hermione felt the coldness in his words, a veil of resentment and anger to cover up his disappointment. I don't think it's just friendship either of you wants.

"I'm so sorry, Harry."

"Why?"

"I know you fancied her and rejection can be difficult." She patted him on the shoulder whilst trying not to sound patronising.

This was uncharted territory for both of them. Since she had found herself in such an unfamiliar place with Krum and Ron. She couldn't deny that she was curious to see how things played out.

As for the girl in question, Hermione doubted this was far from over - she was no fool. Save a frosty nature and what appeared to be a superiority complex, Daphne was just about perfect - too perfect even. Harry hadn't so much as given Cho a second glance or Cedric an envious stare since before the quidditch tryouts. And Ginny, at the current rate, it seemed like all she was ever going to be in his eyes was Ron's little sister.

"Was it that obvious to you?" Harry gave her a tired look from underneath his tousled fringe.

"To me, yes." Hermione smiled.

Harry gave a short laugh. "I didn't fully realise - not until last night, then it hit me all at once. Doesn't matter now."

He wasn't being sincere with himself, Harry didn't seem like he believed what he was saying at all. Hermione could only feel sympathy.

"Come on now." She held his gaze, "You can always find solace in Fleur. She's always so 'appy to 'elp." She joked lightly, imitating a french accent laced with a seductive tone.

"Pfft, Come off it - we're just friends." Harry said while trying not to choke in amusement, he lightened up marginally at the mention of Fleur. "And what about you? Krum looked like he was having a good time."

"I hope he did, he's really lovely and was a perfect gentleman." She said, sounding somewhat distant.

"And?"

"The night didn't end so well for us either. Ron decided to drop in on us to accuse Viktor of using me to spy on you when we were saying goodnight."

One minor disruption occurring in the entrance hall had soured her evening tremendously. Viktor had brushed it off quite well. Hermione suspected he didn't fully understand half of what Ron was saying, but he registered Ron's accusing tone he politely excused himself without making a scene.

"Well, that's stupid," Harry said and gave her a look of disbelief.

"Is it?"

"He clearly likes you."

"He's seventeen!" Her protest sounded drowned with defeat.

She was embarrassed to admit that some of what Ron had said had made her doubt herself and Viktor's intentions. She knew it was stupid but the seed of doubt had been planted nonetheless.

Harry shrugged. "That's not that much older than us, two years for you."

"Besides the point, I'm not interested in having a relationship with anyone until after my NEWTS." Hermione began to play with the ends of her bushy hair.

Harry chuckled. "That's so very you."

"And who else would I be?"

Harry chuckled. "After last night how are we supposed to tell anymore?"

"Nothing we haven't done either, but yes, that was a headache. All through dinner I thought I was going mad. Parkinson! You might enjoy seeing Malfoy suffer but I'm glad you didn't stoop that far. I could barely pay attention to what Viktor was saying at times." Hermione made sure not to mention Daphne again.

"And Draco's face when she first came down the stairs, priceless."

"You should have seen yours, you'd have been happier to have seen a dementor and have it kiss you."

They both laughed until an odd silence fell between them. The empty great hall only intensifying the eeriness.

"I'm sorry about Ron." Harry finally said, he felt he needed to.

"It's not your fault."

"I haven't made the situation any easier and now he's been taking it out on you."

"Nonsense, he is just looking for a reason. You'd better not be thinking of retaliation."

"Retaliation?" Harry laughed. "Ah, no I was actually thinking of rebuilding the bridge. If I can get along with Draco making amends with Ron shouldn't be difficult, right?"

Hermione seemed relieved to hear it, so much that her face lit up with pride. Harry assumed that was likely more for what she felt reconciliation was a mature attitude to the problem.

So she smiled while she said nothing. Only, he couldn't tell if this smile was for his benefit or not.

"He'll probably tell me to stuff it anyway."

"If he does at least your consciousness can rest a little easier. The way you fought was ugly, it's been gnawing at you for the last month."

"And you?" Harry ignored her observation especially since it was a little off. It didn't matter how he felt about it, it seemed so insignificant in the grander scheme. It seemed likely to Harry that Ron was better off without him.

"I'll need to think about it. He embarrassed me last night, I'd like to think it came out for concern for you but as nice as that is… He just doesn't handle his emotions well and I'm getting tired of that." Hermione bowed her head shamefully. Her main concern was whether he'd still act possessive over Harry or worse herself.

Harry knew what she was getting at. If Ron began to show a little more maturity there wouldn't be any issues, maybe they could go back to the way things were, all three of them.

"It's fine. Can't say I'm perfect at that either." He muttered.

Thanks to Ginny, Harry understood this had mostly stemmed not from envy of him but jealousy over Hermione. In the beginning, he had arrogantly thought it was about himself, the tournament and his constant engulfing fame. And while they had fatuous conversations about entering the tournament neither were seriously considering it. He hadn't realised where the real issue was and made things worse.

I really am stupid and self-absorbed, I need to be a better friend. To everyone, so much better.

"That's different, Ron's been blowing up a lot the past year. You have an outburst when provoked, given the pressure you're under, it's understandable. In fact, I think you handle yourself pretty well considering."

Hermione was too biased, Harry thought. She and Ron hadn't gotten so bad to the point of a fistfight.

"I nearly broke his nose." Harry grimaced.

"Ron came looking for a fight and got more than he bargained for, you're too hard on yourself. I'm worried it's getting too much."

He could almost taste the bile rising to the back of his throat. Harry looked at her with tired eyes.

"It's starting to feel that way." He said quietly.

Hermione bowed her head saddened and started twisting the ends of her hair again. "And yet you are still thinking about others - about Ron."

Harry didn't feel that way, he felt more like he only thought about himself, everyone else and any given kindness was an afterthought.

"I thought he was doing fine with Nev, Dean and Seamus. Since all me and you do is make him feel miserable. But Ginny talked to me yesterday, she said he was miserable without us too." Harry sighed heavily.

"So that's what has brought this on. She made you promise to fix things and you couldn't bring yourself to say no."

"That's about right." He said and gave a short laugh.

Hermione sighed. "Did you consider that she might be... manipulating you a little?" Her question was posed innocently.

Hermione knew him too well, as always, assuming that he was too kind and it made him easily taken advantage of. Especially with the soft spot he had for the youngest Weasley. But the fact Hermione said this about Ginny and not Daphne was so hysterical to Harry that he erupted with howling laughter. The sound echoed around the hall eerily, chattering back even when he stopped.

Had Greengrass ever manipulated him? Most likely. And if she had, what had she gained from her efforts? Apparently nothing according to their last conversation. In reality, she made it sound like she was losing - losing the safety net of her self made obscurity and the privilege of her blood status.

Thus conscience makes cowards of us all. Harry thought back with a grim smile.

Harry shook his head once he finished his pondering, "Seemed liked she was just concerned for Ron. She said he was getting lonely and hated seeing him like that. Aren't you her friend too?"

Hermione had watched him as his expressions changed rapidly in thought.

"I am, which is why I can say I know her a little better than you do. I'm sure she is concerned, but consider the fact she still -you know-" She gave him a pointed look.

Harry groaned and ran his hands through his hair. "I thought she was over that."

"Not quite. She's given you space and is focusing on finding herself but she is still holding a candle for you. You being close with Ron again naturally means by proxy she will be closer to you too."

"Yeah, I can't see myself welcome back at the Burrow again with things as they are."

He smiled fondly as he recalled his days there over the summer; he and Ginny were always the last stood outside the bathroom in the morning waiting for Hermione to finish. At breakfast, Percy ever on guard against the twins messing with his morning coffee, not knowing they had already snuck about eight or nine gnomes into his briefcase while he was reading his post. And Ron finally appearing at the table after oversleeping only to get assaulted by an excited Pigwidgeon.

Another wave of self-loathing crashed over him like cold water. It had been Ron who first brought him to the burrow, not with an invitation but a rescue. And he had been the one who had fought the hardest against Harry being left prisoner at the Dursleys.

You really are an ungrateful wretch. That small voice in the back of his head jeered at him in the voice of Snape.

"Ginny was ready to play the long game to win you over. Settle in as your friend and in a few years let you become attracted to her naturally. Well, that was the advice I gave her over the summer." Hermione rested on her chin.

Harry grinned, Hermione proved to be quite the diplomat herself, she gave Ginny hope and Harry space. But why did so much seemed to revolve around the whims of the heart? He'd bet Dumbledore would have some wise platitude for its masterful influence on so many. Thanks to his maelstrom of hormones, it had even managed to make him dance to its strings.

"Had enough?" She asked him.

"Yes." He gave her a dull reply, his scar was only aching faintly now. Even though he had left a plate of eggs and bacon half-eaten, food had helped it seemed.

More than enough.

"Good. Now, let me go get washed and dressed while you take at least a short nap. The best way to heal a wounded heart is with work and you've still got a lot to do. I'll help of course, but I'm not letting you leave Gryffindor tower until you've had some semblance of rest. You look like death Harry." She warned with a tone of voice that told him there could be no negotiation.

He grudgingly accepted Hermione's demands, the doors of death had been open trying to coax him inside and had always been unsuccessful. His 'short nap' lasted six hours.

Like this, they returned to a familiar routine for the week that followed. Early awakening to head to the library, then spell practice on the sixth-floor classroom, not returning until late. Harry was even beginning to contemplate sneaking into the restricted section after curfew, something he hadn't done since his first year.

During this time the school saw continuous snow storms but neither of them noticed much from their little corner in the library. Harry was still lagging in Arithmancy and Runes, luckily the novelty of the fresh subjects hadn't worn thin yet so there was hope for him yet. Since the homework they'd been given over the holidays was finished, they would alternate between the two subjects and preparation for the second task. So focused they were they even went as far as dodging the Gryffindor tower New Year's Eve party.

Preparation consisted of learning more offensive magic that would be effective underwater and further study on the aquatic life that called the lake their home. Grindylows and murtlaps he could deal with easily enough already. Tadfoals, though territorial, weren't likely to attack. His other concerns included afancs, half crocodile and half beaver beings, and dobhars which were the hybrid creatures between otters and dogs. This left Kelpies, undine spirits and the merpeople themselves.

He paid especially close attention to what was written on the four water demons; Dobhars, kappas, kelpies and afancs, these creatures were assuredly lethal in their element. All were noted to be sensitive to the presence of humans and some had violent frenzied reactions when exposed to blood.

Not shying away from Scamander's graphic depictions, Harry remained glued to the illustrations. Kappas, the thick limbed and turtle-shelled amphibians were unforgivingly strong and had strong hypnotic capabilities, the deeper the water the stronger the hypnosis. In shallow waters they were better known for wrestling their victims, crushing and breaking their bones before drowning them. Once dead they'd crack open their preys' skulls to consume the brain and ingest the remaining organs and fluids up through the neck. Baby Kappas which were aptly nicknamed nekkers for where they tried to latch onto and feed. Dobhars and Alfancs were not as particular in comparison, these two creatures unfussily ate victims alive or dead with a penchant for entrails, livers especially.

Even lesser demons need to eat. Harry thought with a churn in his stomach.

He was slowly realising why his unedited copy was shelved in the restricted section. He shuddered to think what Scamander went through to collect these observations. Whether they were first or second-hand accounts he didn't know. From there on he felt satisfied in his improved creature knowledge and could begin to make plans for such encounters.

Despite steady progress, Harry couldn't help but feel like they were still missing something. Underwater breathing was one thing but if he was to find what it was he had supposedly lost with a time limit of an hour: That meant needing to traverse the lake in good time, and the depths of Black Lake remained unfathomable to Harry. This ominous feeling remained with him and as the week went on it only got heavier.

In contrast, Draco was felt much better about his own situation since there was much less pressure on his side. While a part of him did want to make a discovery himself so that he could take pride in completing the task on his own merits. The other half was full of self-doubt as to whether he could accomplish this in time. As a result, he didn't oppose relying on a gifted solution if it came down to it.

He hadn't spent as much time studying as extensively as his co-champion. Nor had he been idle. They stuck to their agreement of working on methods separately, an arrangement they were both happy with. Each evening Draco joined them for spell practice, Harry insisted, saying he didn't want to have to save his neck again. Draco knew he was being baited to push himself and even though it pissed him off it worked. He accepted the challenge and trained twice as hard as a result. Each new spell Harry wanted to master Draco would try to learn quicker, this method of competing whilst learning proved to be quite effective. Before any of them knew it December was over and the new year had begun.

On their first day of the new term, Draco was sat in his place on the Slytherin table for breakfast. The ceiling showed the weather that day was grey and frigid, the snowfall hadn't relented at all. The students were beginning to grow tired of the cold and longed for the gentle warm embrace of spring. All did seem normal once more. He was first up and dressed among the fourth year boys, and buttered his toast leisurely as his Daily Prophet dropped in front of him by his owl. His eagle owl shook himself of melted now sending drops of water and feathers at the nearby Ravenclaws.

Theodore and Blaise weren't far behind him. As usual, they sat on the opposite bench.

"Morning Draco. Anything good in the news today?" Theodore asked, leaning over the table for the fruit bowl.

"Not really." Draco said and put down his newspaper.

Theodore frowned. "Strange, I was expecting some sort of expose about the ball by now."

Draco silently agreed. "Nothing yet, not even a column from Skeeter."

"Isn't she banned from school grounds now anyway after that last piece she did on Potter?" Blaise asked, wagging his teaspoon at them.

"That wouldn't stop her. She has a certain talent for getting into places she isn't allowed, she's one of the best."

"Perhaps nothing interesting enough happened." He ignored the smug tone in Draco's voice, subtle as it was, as if he knew something the rest of them didn't.

"I'm sure there were plenty of interesting things happening that we weren't privy too. And if not then she'd easily invent a controversy. Someone paid off the Prophet's chief editor not to run anything." It was a bold declaration but Draco appeared to be very confident.

By almost all accounts it had been a simple uneventful evening, one void of anything but excessive and meaningless pageantry. The worst Skeeter could do was a scathing review of the Weird Sisters' performance and a gossip piece on the Champion's chosen partners. And gossip pieces by Skeeter were the Prophet's biggest moneymaker.

"And who with enough weight and money would do that?" Theo raised his brows at him.

"Or Skeeter is simply pursuing a different story and it has been a slow news day." He doubled back, eyes sparked with ire at Theo.

His suspicions first went towards his father too, Lucius rubbed shoulders and greased palms with anyone of note. The Prophet's editor was a 'close friend' he had leaned on frequently in the past. Draco only managed to get one passed this fact with Skeeter's influence as their top reporter. If he was inclined Lucius would pay substantial gold to keep the Malfoy name out of the paper as he had done before.

"More like it is a slow news week," Theo muttered into his pumpkin juice.

Blaise gave a loud yawn. "What did make the front page today then?"

"A goblin uprising."

"Now that is interesting. You should have led with that." Theo said, rolling his eyes.

Draco slid the paper to him just as Crabbe and Goyle came to sit. They were still only half-dressed and lumbered over like zombies.

"Just fear-mongering rumours. A Gringott magnate was killed and the eastern European ministries are in a shambles with damage control."

Theodore's eyes narrowed as his eyes skimmed through the article. "Wonderful, goblin wars get very bloody and I've always wanted to see just how much."

His words layered thick with sarcasm caused Blaise to snort.

"He was of high rank too and the murder mystery happened on Christmas Eve ... decapitated with his head left on his desk ... no witnesses … they are currently investigating all possibilities." He scanned the article.

"Merry bloody Christmas indeed," Blaise said all too lightly.

"A blood feud then? Must be an internal conflict if they are taking each other's heads. Had to have caused a great insult to someone."

"Hm, so a rival wanted his position, anyone staked their claim yet?"

Draco didn't think that was quite right. "None have taken responsibility yet, surprise surprise. Which means-"

"Should no one claim their kill, I am sure the legality of a feud is void under their much shorter Statute of Limitations. In any case, whatever evidence exists remains insufficient for a formal allegation or arrest to be made. So-"

Blaise's mouth twitched. "So they point their fingers at us wizards instead of themselves. Typical."

"Only vague accusations. It would take a wizard or witch of high calibre to break into a Gringotts high office and kill unseen all without leaving a trace. When dealing with Goblins, however dirty and scheming, thorough is a given."

"And if that was the case they'd never openly admit it. Do they start a conflict with wizards based on hearsay or admit one of their own with literally cutthroats to climb the ladder of success and then suddenly turned craven? I see why the story has gained so much attention." Theo said thoughtfully.

Blaise glanced between the two of them half-amused, only the equally villainous could possess such malignant thoughts. The pair truly were the sons of inner circle death eaters.

"I hope there is an uprising." Goyle spoke softly but he wore a cruel smirk as he reached more food. Neither he or Crabbe had taken any interest in the conversation until this point, preferring to gorge themselves.

"Of course you do," Draco said, reluctant to humour them.

"We'd get to kill goblins if they went for another war."

Crabbe nodded along with a boisterous chortle.

"The only thing you two would be killing is yourselves if you tried."

Theodore and Blaise both laughed at them as they growled back.

"Oi! We're not weak like you. I bet we could kill hundreds of goblins." Crabbe furrowed his brow and crossed his arms.

"Oh yes, Crabbe and Goyle goblin banes to the world. I'd pay a lot of gold to see that. In fact, if you two ever manage to kill a hundred goblins each I will handover my entire family's vault." Draco said venomously.

Theo and Blaise laughed even harder, making heads from the Slytherin table turn. The two large boys' fists swelled and cheeks puffed red. They did not like being treated as a joke in front of the rest of the house - not that had ever stopped Draco before.

"Deal." They said with gritted teeth as if it had been a serious challenge.

"Oh?"

"Maybe we can't do it right now but my dad is gonna' to start teaching me dark arts this summer. He says it's about time, says I'm ready."

Their portion of the table suddenly turned very quiet.

"If you have to be told when you are ready, you are clearly not ready." Theo looked at them with a murderous glare. "The dark arts are serious, more serious than the unforgivables."

"Greg, Vince," Draco addressed them calmly. "You had better keep that information to yourselves if you know what's good for either of you. At the very least leave it in the common room. Your fathers won't be able to teach you anything if you land them Azkaban."

He didn't even know why he felt the need to look out for them in this way, they'd not likely listen and they'd never be grateful. Perhaps there was still some sort of misplaced loyalty there, that or he pitied the pair's brain damage. No one spoke about it but that was the result of their older brothers and cousins in the Goyle and Crabbe families using them as guinea pigs over the years.

"What? Who's gonna' grass on us here?" Crabbe sneered.

Draco sighed, his words were always going to fall on deaf ears.

"The Claws are sat right behind us," Theodore smirked at them. In his heart, there was a small hope they would decide to speak up even louder.

"What they gonna' do read at us?"

Goyle gave an ugly laugh.

"Let's not forget who their head of house is as you dream of gutting and getting gutted by goblins. Flitwick will be the least of your worries, you both already know how Snape deals with those who shame the house. Then see how Selwyn follows through." Draco finally had enough of giving them fair warnings.

Only under threat of two heads of houses and the head girl were the two deflated of defiance.

Snape's wrath was fierce and doubly so if members of his own house brought him enough displeasure to forgo his usual favouritism. None of the other houses knew that if Snape was to punish a Slytherin it was even worse than how he'd punish a member of a different house. And if they displeased Snape then Selwyn would double down and kick them while they were crawling for mercy.

Fear and more fear, that had been what instilled Slytherins' discipline. Draco's expression distorted in a scowl thinking about it. No one wanted to be singled out. If the house turned then behind the common room doors anything could happen. Despite his ostracisation, Draco had gotten off easy thanks to his family name. No one had attempted to seriously intimidate, torment or even curse him.

He looked to Pansy's empty space on the bench. It was only for a month but Draco had found out the hard way, to be isolated was a terrible feeling.

---

For the Gryffindors, Monday's first lesson was Herbology with Hufflepuff. It was a frigid morning, which made the atmosphere in the humid greenhouses even more welcoming, offering sanctuary against the severe winds circling the castle grounds. The glass had fogged up so completely that looking in or out was impossible and a visible haze in the air was thick with the smell of compost and verdure and Harry had to gasp for his breath as he battled through all the lush green flora to reach Professor Sprout.

"Professor, I was hoping I could speak to you in your office for a minute. I've got a couple of questions I thought you might be able to help me with." Harry spoke in his most polite voice.

"Yes dear, is it about your fire-breathing Antirrhinums?"

Seamus had already received some minor burns for not wearing his dragonhide gloves.

"Er no. This was something else - just curiosity actually."

In spite of his redoubled efforts towards the tournament the previous week he had burnt himself out on books by spending almost all his time in the library. When it came to training with Draco it had been a respite. As admirable as his endeavour was, he wasn't like Hermione who could keep at it endlessly and he had already stretched himself thin enough with his current studies.

The night before just as the lights in the dorm went out he had innocuously probed the question to Neville. Though he said he had definitely heard or read about it in passing he didn't know anything comprehensively. He immediately and enthusiastically suggested speaking to Professor Sprout, since she was the resident expert. Harry nodded in agreement, otherwise what was the point in having teachers around?

"Well, come on don't dally, Mr Potter." Professor Sprout waved him into her office.

Sprout's office was connected to the greenhouses through a large glass wall and door. It wasn't so much an office, more like a large wooden shed tacked between the castle and the greenhouses. Her desk was usually buried beneath plant pots resident to strange and exotic flora and the walls were lined with all kinds of implements used for gardening and plant-care.

"Uh, so, gillyweed I'd like to know a bit about it," Harry said as he untangled himself from a creeping vine reaching for his neck.

He silently cursed inside his head, swearing that the entire staff body were all actually a little insane.

"Ah, a dangerous curiosity." Her eyes shone brightly with excitement.

Wow, I am so shocked. Not.

As he swatted more vines away he noticed the herbology Professor bustle around her office looking for something. Coming to an abrupt halt, she stood up straight and in her hands was a large blue orb that looked oddly reminiscent of a fishbowl.

The orb was glass and filled with what he assumed was green-blue water and inside a large seaweed looking form. Professor Sprout heaved in onto her desk for him to inspect closer.

"Gillyweed?" Harry asked, bending forward to give a close inspection.

Professor Sprout nodded. The gillyweed was much larger than he expected. He watched how the large thick wormlike appendages were a lot like tentacles. They moved slowly reaching for him. And there were strange stubs where arms looked like they were missing, presumably from cuttings Sprout had made.

"This is a much more mature specimen as you can see, we keep it especially for harvesting potion ingredients on behalf of Professor Snape."

"So it is a plant then?"

"Both plant and parasite, a rare species and a heavily controlled substance. Its effects can be deadly and permanent should it be mishandled. However, I would like to think I've taught you well enough to be careful when dealing with dangerous plants and to take the necessary precautions so any unhappy accidents can be avoided." Professor Sprout seemed far too jovial when casually brushing on the lethality of some of the plants they studied.

"I think you're about to lose me, professor. This thing can kill?"

"Not intentionally as that is the last thing a parasite wants. Hm, perhaps I should first start with a history lesson. We have just enough time before the end of this period."

"Please," Harry said with a nod.

"Gillyweed officially known by its trinomial name as Marenymorpha and it was first found native to the Mediterranean Sea in the 17th century."

"Mar-A-Nym-Morpha." He repeated slowly to himself and listened closely.

"However, it was the stories from ancient Greek witches and wizards that led to its official discovery. The people of that time were fearful and fond of the ocean giving great reverence to the domain of Poseidon, wrought with sirens, water-nymphs and merpeople. There were certain stories from the muggles of the time that the sea-witches and could only describe as curses given by the sea-dwelling God."

"Stories about gillyweed before they knew what it was?"

"Frequently told tales of fishermen and sailors fallen from their boats during a storm, or young women going missing after a swim in the sea... They would disappear thought to have drowned. Yet, after a time their families and loved ones claimed to see them looking at them with longing from the shores. At one with the water, neither willing nor able to return. They were changed."

Filled with curiosity, Harry's eyes narrowed sharply at the gillyweed.

"What does it change them into?"

Professor Sprout grinned, she was thoroughly enjoying the sight of his curiosity at work. "Creatures closer to water-nymphs than humans. Best I describe its effects for you to understand. The parasite lies dormant in its algae form drifting until it finds a suitable host. It prefers humans. Should its intended begin to drown or simply be very unlucky, it enters through the mouth to be ingested." Sprout patted the fishbowl.
"This is when it begins its real work. The algae is highly reactive to our stomach acids, once that form has quickly dissolved the parasite transfigures the biology of its host. Skin to scales, limbs to fins or tentacles, often webbing along with gills, any manner of morphisms to help its host to survive in its preferred habitat."

"Only humans?"

"Not just humans any warm mammal if it's desperate enough after being dormant for too long, but we are the greatest predator in the animal kingdom and what other land creature willingly delves into the unknown as we do? A fish can be caught, a whale can be hunted but a man embraced by the ocean could be king of all the seas. In someway it intrinsically knows this."

"So it's about survival. And it overwrites our biology completely to change its host permanently?"

"That tends to be exactly what happens and why you must be very careful, even having an exposed cut that gillyweed can enter into would be fatal while inland. The morphisms begin immediately and the parasite won't be able to stop itself and its host from suffocating."

"Like a fish out of water."

"It could take a while but yes precisely like a fish out of water."

"Can you stop the change being permanent then? Only make it temporary?"

"Certainly. Studies found that the original native Mediterranean gillyweed can only survive in saltwater, and that should the parasite die in the process of adjusting its host's biology then it fails and the changes reverse, usually within seconds. The reversal process is described as excruciatingly painful. In recent years, through selective breeding several new species have appeared, where it's adapted and freshwater is no longer fatal."

All too soon the bell tower began to ring signifying the end of first lessons.

"Unfortunately Mr Potter, we will have to stop there since we are out of time."

"Thank you, Professor, you've been a big help." Harry said. He was a little down they had their conversation cut too short.

"Anytime, my dear. Feel free to come by again should you have any further questions."

The bells rang just as Harry wanted to ask whether there was any more inside the castle so he and Hermione could study it. But Harry held himself back.

Snape undoubtedly had some in his private store and was likely to let Draco just waltz in to take some without question. But if Harry wanted a sample then there was no chance unless he used his cloak.

He mused the subject was mostly redundant now, he had gotten what he was after and more. He was a little surprised he had gotten as far as he had with his inquiry. He hadn't mentioned the tournament but Professor Sprout probably had a good idea of what had suddenly made him so interested in Gillyweed.

Harry made his way back down the aisle of the greenhouse as Professor Sprout followed him out and announced the end of class, instructing everyone to pack away.

"Psst Potter,"

Harry heard someone call out to him as he neared his and Hermione's workstation. He turned his head to see Earnie Macmillan leaning out of his row. In previous years he and Earnie had gotten along well, but Harry hadn't forgotten that he was among the students who'd worn one of those stupid badges. He was aware it was only because of Cedric that most of the students outside Slytherin stopped wearing them.

"You need something, Ernie?" Harry asked, trying not to sound too hostile.

"Is it true?" Earnie suspiciously glanced from left to right to make sure no one was listening. It seemed Earnie had not accounted for Justin, Susan and Hannah who were all right next to him.

"Ernie you're going to have to be more specific. Is what true?"

"Did Parkinson really give you a gobbie in the rose garden at the Yule Ball?"

Justin made a motion with his hand and tongue from behind Earnie's back, making Harry blink in surprise.

Is this it? Is this what's up with everyone? They're just obsessed with sex.

"That's news to me. Sorry to disappoint you but that never happened." Harry did his best not to laugh.

He could roughly guess where this rumour had seeped from since Stebbins and Fawcett were Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. They were the only two people other than Karkaroff and Snape to see them there, it could only be them. The story they told must have been passed around and malformed over the week into its current abomination.

"Really? If it was me and Parkinson offered... well, Malfoy obviously saw something in her."

Harry snorted, he could hardly believe Earnie. Regardless, this wasn't a subject he wanted to be involved in and sought a quick exit. Otherwise, the topic would drag on and he desperately wanted to avoid all conversations about the Yule Ball and his apparent partner.

"I do have some standards, thanks. Besides, I doubt she's so easy as to please anyone but Malfoy."

Justin and Earnie both chuckled much to the disgust of Susan and Hannah.

"Later Ernie." He said his goodbyes and walked away.

Harry was still grinning to himself and shaking his head when he got back to Hermione. She gave his bemusement a questioning look to which he could only silently shake his head.

Their next lesson was Care for Magical Creatures with the Slytherins and Harry couldn't deny he'd been dreading it. The two hauled their bags over their shoulders and stepped into the freezing January air.

Since their first break was only short the Gryffindors never bothered hanging around the castle and began the march down to Hagrid's hut. Even when traversing through the trenches Hagrid had dug out of the thick snow covering the grounds this habit stuck.

Passing them on the way down was Hagrid's previous third-year class. From the singed robes and smell of burning, Harry could tell they had been on Skrewt duty. With the intermittent explosions from behind the hut getting louder as they drew closer a heavy feeling of unease fell over them as they expected to share the same fate.

With another sudden bang, Hagrid's door flew open and he stood in his doorway beaming. In his hands were two large buckets filled to the brim with apples, looking red and delicious. The Gryffindors all felt a flicker of hope in their hearts and excitedly began to pester Hagrid on what creatures the lesson would be on today as they waited for the Slytherins.

"What's going on Professor? What are we going to be doing? What are the apples for?" Pavarti questioned relentlessly.

"Got a surprise for yeh." Hagrid remained unusually tight-lipped, though Harry and Hermione could tell he was excited.

When Hagrid did eventually confirm that they would be free from skrewt duty Ron, Dean and Seamus all gave a cheer. It wasn't long after that they spotted the troupe of black and green robed students making their way down from the castle.

Curiously, Hermione snuck a glance at Harry but he had already fixed his gaze on the black lake, pretending he hadn't noticed. He sucked in a deep breath of cold air unconsciously trying to hold his nerve. Even though he wasn't watching he could all but feel her approach.

"Now yeh're all here I'd like to get started, got a bit of a walk this mornin', gonna see something very special." Hagrid's booming voice caught everyone's attention.

"A walk?" Draco repeated, he knew what a walk with Hagrid likely meant.

"Yep, got permission from yer heads of houses we'll be going a little way into the forbidden forest today, jus' round to the side of the lake. Not far but far enough. 'ere are the rules. You're to stay with me at all times, so no wandering about." Hagrid looked at Harry in particular as he said this. At this Fang trotted over to Harry's side.

"Now, if yeh're stupid enough to get yourself lost and separated from the class, you take your wand, point it at the sky and fire red sparks. Stay where yeh are and I'll come collect yeh. Am I understood?"

"Yes professor." The class answered, some less enthusiastically than others.

"Good."

Hagrid signalled them to follow him to the edge of the forest. Harry levitated the apples for him and walked alongside him doing his best to keep up with the groundsman's enormous pace. Fang followed at their heels barking and sniffing at the buckets bobbing along faithfully behind them.

"You're in a good mood today." Harry said casually.

"Am I now?" Hagrid looked down at him, smiling with his black beetle-like eyes.

"I think so. Is there a reason?"

Hagrid scratched his beard nervously. "First day back of the new year, the sun is shining and I've got a great lesson planned for yeh. Tha' not enough?"

"So, things are going well with Madam Maxime?"

"Don' know wha' yeh talkin' abou'."

"Don't you? So that wasn't your hand find its way down her back while you two were dancing?"

The grounds keeper's cheeks began to take on a rosy colour. "Well, s'just tha' I've not met anyone like me before..." He trailed off.

"Like you?" Harry tilted his head, what could they possibly have uncommon other than their size and a possible fondness for equally large creatures?

Hagrid turned his head and lowered his voice. "Y'know - being half giant 'n'all."

"You are? I didn't know that." Harry said rather surprised, suddenly feeling quite ignorant. He had known Hagrid longer than anyone else at school but he hadn't known this about the man he called his friend.

"Wha' yeh never wondered abou' my size? Not even a bit?"

"I just thought you were really tall." Harry shrugged.

Hagrid gave a loud rumbling chuckle but didn't say anything.

"I suppose some people aren't always so accepting?" Harry resisted stealing a glance backwards. In his time at Hogwarts, he couldn't remember anyone talking about giants in a good light. In the history books, he had read giants were described as violent and tribal, with little civility even among their own kind. But despite this Hagrid was the kindest most gentle man he knew by far.

"No, not many." Hagrid shook his head but kept on smiling. "Maxime, she didn' like it when I asked her. Jus' said she had big bones but I know, understandable though. I migh' not be ashamed of what I am, but I'm wise enough not to go shoutin' abou' it either."

"It shouldn't matter if you're half anything. And isn't anyone's business anyway, everyone who knows you-"

Hagrid didn't let him finish. "Yeh're a good lad Harry. Always said you'll be a great wizard, I'll always stand by that."

'A great wizard like Dumbledore' he meant. Normally Harry wouldn't like such a comparison since he wasn't a magical genius. But when Hagrid said it he was moved. To him being a great wizard was achieved by being a good man. That kind of praise was worth it a thousandfold.

Harry was woken up from his thoughts by Fang running ahead and barking more excitedly. They hadn't walked as far as Harry imagined they would.

"Now 'ere we are." Hagrid announced.

The class stopped and Hagrid had Harry put down the apple buckets. They had travelled to what was a rather open glade next to the lake. Not the thick dense part that Harry knew to be wary of, or the clearings of the large taller trees where the dragon pens had been kept. On the bank stood willow trees, still leafless in winter and hanging low over the water. But there were no creatures in the clearing from what they could tell.

"Professor, what are we waiting for?" Lavender asked.

Hagrid merely shushed her. "Jus' wait and see."

Apparently what they were waiting for liked to make an entrance. There was an unnatural calm that closed in around them, the blowing wind paused and the birds sang even louder. All at once the willow trees flushed green, snowdrops sprang up from the ground and the hoarfrost trees all began to take colour.

From the edge of the other side of the glade, Harry spotted white horses moving between the trees. Not horses, Harry realised as he caught the glinting gold horns jutting from their heads. Step by step they tentatively got nearer.

Where they walked Spring came with them. Their bright hooves sank into the snow that now looked so dull and grey compared to their pale white glow. More wild unicorns slowly emerged from the treeline. They were too otherworldly, it felt like Harry was watching them through a dream. From the strange quiet that had immobilised the class, he sensed they felt the same way.

"Now, lads you stay at the back there." Hagrid told them, dragging his students back to reality. "Girls you come to the front and get yourselves some apples."

Harry leant against a tree and watched the class shuffle around, leaving the boys awkwardly congregating on the edge of the clearing and the unicorns slowly stepped further forward. Fang whined too but faithfully sat at Harry's feet staring longingly at the unicorns.

"Bit unfair that ain't it? We've only just got here, s'not like we've done anything wrong." Seamus muttered.

"Yet." Dean snorted as though the outcome was surely inevitable.

Harry's eyes travelled over to the Slytherin boys who now appeared to be uninterested.

"Hagrid's just being cautious. Unicorns are even more sensitive than Hippogriffs, aggression agitates them. Anything deceitful, mean or dirty they can sense that too. Otherwise, they'd quickly leave and we'd be back to the hut nursing skrewts." Harry informed them. Without needing to be told from his bag he pulled out his bestiary and began to sketch while he listened.

Harry was surprised by the lesson's subject. He quickly shot Draco another glance wondering if he too was remembering their encounter in the forest back their first year. A dead unicorn, it's neck ripped open by Quirell, the memory felt like a stab in his chest. As expected Draco's face also displayed a dark expression.

The girls began listening attentively to Hagrid as he instructed them on how to approach the unicorns. However they still felt nervous when Hagrid waved over the first mare of the herd, she cantered towards them with her horned head bobbing and her golden mane flowing behind in lustre.

"Oooh." The group of girls couldn't help a soft collective sigh escape them.

Harry watched as they bounced excitedly in response, all of them except Daphne. Ah. His jaw locked, he had finally faltered.

Even with her back to him, there was no stopping how he noticed the way her stillness clashed against their classmates' excitement. She remained at the back of the group with Tracey in front springing on her heels. Today she was wearing her hair in a neat but pretty braid with a large black ribbon. Behind her back, she was clutching her wrist in a tight grasp. So tight she was likely to cut off her blood circulation.

He forced himself to concentrate on his bestiary, that brief sight of her was all he was going to allow himself. He wanted to look at her, but he didn't want to see her face and he definitely didn't want to look her in the eyes.

When their turn finally came Hermione and Tracey eagerly stepped forward but Daphne didn't move. The rest of the girls had all moved aside and were being approached by the other less trusting unicorns. A foal also came forward and happily jolted around them excited to play. But Daphne stood firmly in place not budging an inch. She simply lingered behind the two like a ghost.

Hermione shot her a curious glance and saw her usual serious expression fixed, her lips pressed to a thin line. Hermione couldn't help but feel slightly amused. She was rigid and behaving very similar to how Harry had at Hagrid's hut.

"Is something the matter?" She asked in a quiet voice.

Daphne's eyes briefly drifted over her. "Astoria is off sick day today, it's on my mind."

"Oh," This wasn't the answer she was expecting unless Daphne saw through her attempt at fishing for thoughts about Harry.

"She'll be fine. Are you sure feeding some unicorns won't make you feel better?" Tracey sent her a large impish smile and gave Hermione an OK sign with her fingers.

"We have two thoroughbreds at the home estate," Daphne said with a huff and folded her arms.

Tracey already aware of this fact ignored the deflection."But look how precious they are! So very precious." She nuzzled her face against the unicorn's nose.

Daphne wasn't going to entertain her any further and shifted her gaze back to the mare thoughtfully.

"This is an excellent lesson." She said out of nowhere, catching Hermione off guard. "To have gathered a whole herd of unicorns and they trust him… Professor Hagrid must have a very pure heart."

Just as Hermione thought she couldn't get any bleaker she felt the chilling melancholy in the air around her causing her to shiver. The unicorn seemed to sense something and huffed suspiciously.

"Nck-nck, don't be mean. Here, I've got you a treat." Tracey rubbed the mare's silky neck and distracted her with the offer of another apple. "See Daph, you've made a little friend too." She said with a large smile.

In her surprise, Daphne took a step back and looked down to see the silver maned foal gazing at her and pawing at the ground nervously. Hermione grinned and in a fluid motion took Daphne's hand and gave her an apple.

There was a brief flash of confusion in her expression. But Daphne nodded resolutely, she crouched down and steadied her trembling hands. She reached out to the young unicorn nudging it's nose into her readily.

Hermione was stunned at the display, it was almost like the foal seemed to be trying to comfort her.

"Sorry, I do really love unicorns… " She said as the foal ate from her palm.

When the lesson was over the unicorns walked the class back to the grounds, standing between them and the forest. Harry couldn't stop himself from watching her be the first to disappear while rest the two houses were reluctant to leave. He felt angry with himself, he hadn't been able to take his eyes off her the entire time. But not once had she met his gaze or acknowledged him. Harry stuffed his bestiary back into his bag in frustration.

"Um- Ginny said you had something to talk to me about." Ron's unsure voice appeared beside him. His arms were folded though that could have just been to guard against the cold.

"Yeah, I guess I did." Harry nodded and beckoned him to walk with him and the two slipped away unnoticed by everyone, everyone but Fang who followed behind Harry.

In his head he couldn't help but laugh a little, Ginny had even done the hardest part for him it seemed.

The two approached the lake's edge beneath the overhanging branches of the bare willow trees and stopped.

"So what did you want?" He seemed to distrust him.

Harry took a deep breath. "I owe you an apology. More than that even." He couldn't help but duck his head when he read Ron's puzzled expression. "I'm sorry I never gave you a proper explanation that I didn't put my name in the goblet."

"I know. I guess I always knew really." Ron frowned and shuffled his feet. "That's not something you'd do, you're not a glory hound and you'd have to have troll brains want to do something that stupid. Haven't ruled out Malfoy though, the git."

Don't ever change Ron. Harry felt his chest feel less tight, breathing was beginning to feel easier.

"And about what I said and did after the first task..." Harry pressed on, "I was out of order acting like that to you. I don't know what happened, I just lost it. I'm sorry."

Ron looked at the shame on Harry's face in shock and his own stomach squirmed inside of him. Harry had snapped on him, it had been scary, but he had caused it. All he could do was place his hand on Harry's shoulder and look him in the eye.

Harry didn't flinch or stiffen, and Ron felt reassured by that.

"I was out of order. I flew off the handle, well off the handle. Didn't mean to - just sort of happened. Suppose - what I'm trying to say is - I owe you an apology too." The words didn't seem as heavy coming from him. Ron wasn't as confident saying them but it rang true all the same.

Harry felt his head protest. "But you were right in a lot of ways. I'm a bit fucked up mate, I just didn't want to hear it. You, me and Hermione we've been through too much together. But you're my best mate I shouldn't have taken that for granted. And for fuck sake please know I'm not with her either." Harry added desperately, with a wince he peaked at Ron through one eye.

Ron sighed as if in his heart he had known this but wasn't sure whether to believe it, but now it had been cleared up he was comforted immensely. "Just a bit fucked up?" He asked with a scratch of his chin.

"I admit I might be the tiniest bit mental but can you really blame me?" Harry said with a shrug, a playful grin creeping at the edge of his mouth.

"Not really I suppose…"

"Are we... good?" Harry asked with uncertainty, for a moment it felt like things hadn't changed at all.

Ron swallowed, "I-I dunno, I think I might still need some time. And er Hermione isn't exactly my biggest fan right now."

Harry nodded. "That's reasonable."

They were interrupted by the sound of clapping.

"Awh how cute."

Harry's head span around, he didn't need to look far either. Crouched like a cat by the lake's edge was Tracey. She was beaming wickedly at them.

"What are you doing?" Harry rubbed his eyes, how she had gotten the drop on him filled him with anxiety. He was supposed to be sharper than that, what if it had been someone else - someone dangerous?

"Spying." She said still grinning maniacally.

A groan escaped Harry, she was either too honest or testing him. How long has she been there?

"Why is her accent so weird? Isn't she in Parkinson's gang?" Ron muttered to him, as expected he was immediately defensive against her. And invading on their moment wasn't going to her any favours for him.

Harry was confused as to how anyone could still think Pansy had a gang formed around her, his eyes had been opened wide. Illusions had dissolved quick and fast around him. Slytherins weren't so simple.

"I'm Tracey, see the red hair? I'm your replacement." Tracey sprang to her feet, brushed down the back of her cloak and gave him a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I'll have Granger swooning at my feet before you even know it."

Ron's ears turned pink. "You're Davis - the Slytherin who left Harry to Parkinson at the Ball!" He pointed out with a veneer of contempt.

"I've yet to hear Harry complain." Tracey began to giggle.

"Yeah cause that went so well."

"Well, I'm not getting replaced, you can sod off."

"No one is getting replaced. Stop winding him up, Tracey. Seriously what are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"I told you I'm spying, honest. Cross my heart and hope to die." She made the crossing motion over her heart with her finger.

"Telling the people you're spying on that you are spying on them doesn't seem like the best way to go about it."

"Who says I'm spying on you anyway?" Tracey winked at him.

"Who else is here?" Harry gestured at the empty woods surrounding them.

Tracey smiled mischievously again and pointed out across the lake. Harry's eyes followed her line of sight. There was someone in the lake swimming.

"Are they mad? Bollocks to that the water has to be bloody... freezing." Ron's voice trailed off towards the end.

"Can't you smell her sweet fragrance on the breeze? See how her silver hair reflects the golden sun? How her radiant skin breaks the water?" Tracey sighed longingly her eyes also briefly glazed over. "A goddess in the flesh don't you agree?"

Harry almost couldn't believe it, but he'd recognise Fleur anywhere.

How was she keeping herself warm, just through a simple warming charm, a natural ability from being veela? His mind jumped. Not only that but he had been very certain that an hour ago the lake had been frozen solid - when had it melted? It could only have been her.

But the delegations weren't exempt from classes. So she was also traunting and on the first day back. But swimming mid-morning was probably the best and safest time if she didn't want to draw too much attention to herself. Harry could already imagine the kind of crowds Fleur in a swimsuit would create.

"Oh no." Ron whimpered to himself and edged further and further back from the bank.

"I nearly forgot, aha! What are you not excited to see the girl of your dreams? Perhaps too excited?" Tracey stepped a little closer to Ron.

"Am I missing something?"

"No."

"Yes!" Tracey interjected. "Weasley attempted to ask Delacour to the ball. I say attempt but it was more like a verbal assault. Did you really not hear? Harry you must live under a rock."

"Uh yeah pretty much. Ginny did mention it. Was it that bad?" Harry gave an amused grin, he was a little curious now.

"Oh, it was humiliating. Can't believe you missed it! He was stood right in front of the great hall shouting at her with tears in his eyes and claimed he was the greatest chess player of our generation."

"Merlin, please just shut up." Ron pleaded as he turned bright red.

"Never." Tracey was practically purring.

Harry was quite certain she meant it, laughter scratched at his throat clawing to get out. But he fought it for Ron's sake.

"So anyway, she gravity jinxes him, Weasley here drops to the floor and she just steps right over him and walks away without a word. Well, she did cast you one last dirty look like you were an insect she just squashed."

"I should go." Ron's face was buried in his hands in shame, Harry patted him on the back reassuringly and let him retreat to the castle.

"You know what she is doing don't you?" Tracey's impish smile faded as Ron's figure vanished through the trees.

Fang looked from Harry to the tree line and ran after him. Harry tried to process whether Tracey had purposefully driven off Ron. If she had done that would be rather impressive.

He nodded as Fleur disappeared, diving beneath the surface of the lake. "Scouting."

There were no restrictions saying how the champions could and couldn't prepare. He couldn't help but feel a little worried for her, even if she was confident enough in herself to proactively go exploring the lake bed. Seeing her again reminded him he still needed to find a boggart for her to practice her patronus with. Hopefully, they could continue sparring if he had the time too.

I should write to Remus and see what he did with the one from last year, maybe it's back in the staff room.

"Just a reminder that the clock is ticking, tick-tock Harry." Tracey winked at him as she began to walk away. "Oh, I'll also be taking over from Daph in runes - just so you know."

Can't wait. Harry thought to himself. He had guessed as much but his mood was no less improved. He wasn't about to be left out in the forest and sped up alongside Tracey.

"You really rattled her, you know." Tracey hummed.

Harry didn't know how to respond. "She tell you?"

"Not at all. It's not like her to not talk to me either. She's cut me down at every turn and locked herself in the club room over the past week. So honestly, I've no idea what has gone on. I figured you two fought or maybe you got too frisky - No she'd probably enjoy it if it was you. Anyhow, like I said, she's rattled. In bed, she just sits and stares at the gift you gave her. " Words began to cascade out of Tracey's mouth.
"And this morning, she had a mini freak out over unicorns. You'd think she set fire to an orphanage with the way she wanted to avoid them. I snapped her out of it the best I could and Granger isn't exactly subtle. I'd understand the whole purity angle but I was clearly fine so it's not like that counts-" She suddenly stopped herself.

Tracey looked to the ground and began shuffling snow with her toe.

Harry didn't quite understand what she was implying. "Why are you telling me this?"

Tracey frowned. "I just thought.. Maybe you could try to say something to her? You've got her feeling bad over something."

Really what am I supposed to say to her exactly?

"I can't do that." Harry said.

Tracey nodded with a pout. "So it was serious. At least can we still be friends?"

Harry gave her an easy smile. "Sure but I still need to get you back for what you did to us at the ball."

"Eh? But I barely did anything."

"You played us."

"I set you up. Big difference, anyway I was doing both of you a favour. A gift of excellent company. A gesture of goodwill since it was Christmas!"

"Goodwill is that all?" Harry had a tough time believing that. Had it been a changing whim or planned since she had asked him that day on the fifth table? That day when Daphne disappeared...

She definitely knows more about that too. I should keep her close.

Tracey shrugged. "I thought you'd be good for each other, opposites attract etcetera."

"What about Parkinson, do you know what people are saying about us? That kind of reputation, and with me, that could be dangerous for her."

How Pansy had come to exist in the grey area between repugnant and pitiful he did not know. If Slytherin purists could be colourful with their language he hated to think how harsh their actions could be. Bullying was bullying even at Hogwarts and abuse was usually half a step behind, just the thought irked Harry.

Tracey scoffed and waved her hand dismissively. "That will 'blow' over in no time. She just has to lay low, stay close under Daph and no one will give her any serious trouble. Starting today, Theo, Blaise and even Malfoy they'll be closing ranks around her."

"Not you though."

"Me being there would only be a thorn."

Harry nodded knowingly. "Which brings you out here with me."

Doing dogs work.

"It's better like this. I don't like them all that much anyway. You're much better, more my speed y'know."

"Thanks, well, you're the nicest dodgiest one of you I've met so far but you're yeah alright."

"Thank you, and such high praise too," She said brightly and grinned with triumph.

"Joining us for lunch today then?" He asked. Somehow they had nearly walked all the way back to the castle grounds.

"Not today, going to check in on Tori. We can hang out later though, good talk, Harry. You might actually might be true to life snake charmer." Tracey winked at him. "If you want my advice I'd tell you to be patient."

Harry shrugged but Tracey wasn't intent in chatting with him any further. The two separated in the entrance hall and she made her way down the dim dungeon stairway once more with a skip in her step. Harry looked at the Gryffindor table and the fifth feeling a little torn.

As she neared the Slytherin common room she controlled herself and slowed down so her steps could barely be heard. She had debated in the back of her mind between going to lunch to join the others or perhaps seclude herself in the club room. In the end, her concern for Astoria outweighed everything else, especially since Daphne's attention was diverted elsewhere.

A few older students were studying in the common room quietly they all gave her dirty looks as she crept by. She tried to not let it bother her.

"Move,"

Tracey nearly jumped out of her skin, from the dormitory stairs right in front of her Astoria appeared. Her blue eyes shone dangerously as she glared forward at something beyond Tracey's figure. Her hair was wet, she wore her nightie and a robe that had been thrown on askew.

Tracey extended her arms blocking her path and catching the girl.

"What's going on? You should be in bed."

"As if. Let me go - I need to jinx someone."

"Who exactly? I can't let you go roaming the castle in this state." Tracey remained calm, she glanced back and saw daggers being cast by the same senior students. "Come on." She insisted.

Astoria huffed but allowed Tracey to lead back to her dorm where she jumped on her bed and held her knees. Tracey was left in the doorway staring at the sight. Not much was out of the ordinary save the broken glass all across the floor.

"What happened?" She asked

"Pansy happened that's what." Astoria gave her a dark look.

"Oookay, humour me a little and elaborate."

"After Professor Snape signed me off this morning I sat in bed, I took my pain relief potions had one of the elves bring me breakfast and read for a while. Half an hour ago I ran a bath and when I returned I found the dorm-like this. The beetle Daphne gave me for Yule is gone."

She knew to which Astoria was referring to, a strange green beetle she found then had kept in a glass jar. She gave it to Astoria to add to her collection.

What remained of that glass jar was now in small pieces. Either Astoria had the sense to leave the scene as she found it or had simply been so upset she went straight on the warpath.

"And why would she have to do something like this?"

"The ball! Daphne and Potter fraternizing - me… and Draco. She is full of envy and anger, it's so obvious."

"Okay, besides that, Pans is in the great hall right now eating lunch with Daph and the others, also she just had Care with us. There is no way it could have been her." Tracey held her chin.

Pansy doesn't have the backbone for flagrant vandalism right now either. Tracey thought suspiciously, something felt wrong.

"Then she had someone do it for her, Iris could easily-"

"Let's put a pin in that okay. Did Nephila not see?"

Astoria rolled her eyes. "She was with me."

"Can you use your sight? Like scrying or- "

"No, I can't."

"You can't? I thought you got it back."

"I did. But I'm a precognitive first, not a psychometrist, it's not the same. I can't even control my visions yet. I haven't even attempted some methods of sagecraft," Astoria looked downcast and ashamed, as if being a twelve-year-old novice was some great crime, that if she was more like her sister she would have all the answers by now.

How inconvenient. Tracey sighed sympathetically.

Seers, empaths and metrics, while Tracey didn't yet fully understand the subtle complexities of such esoteric abilities, the difference in nature between these talents were like sand to grain. Astoria at present was simply an augur, able to receive visions and read omens. Her gifts came naturally, but she had barely taken her first steps in her journey to becoming a fully-fledged seeress. One day Astoria would surely be a mistress of divination capable of peering into the past, present and future at her pleasure. But that didn't come without hard work and study.

"And you didn't have a notion this would happen?"

"No." Astoria could see the doubt in her eyes. "You don't believe me."

"I do, I'm sorry Tori, is it like last time?"

Astoria nodded. "I think- I think this is why I was hurting so much this morning. The fates were trying to warn me but I couldn't hear them."

"You should burn some sage, have some tea brought up too, the good medicinal stuff your Aunt Helena gives us," Tracey said, uncharacteristically serious as she crouched over the broken glass.

She cleared her mind. Slowly she traced her hand above the shards and inspected them carefully for a long time. Through her palm, she sent out a light pulse of magic. Her fingers tingled slightly sensing and reacting to the foreign magic still lingering, but that is all she could accomplish.

Even this could be counted as a form of telepathy. It was something Johanna Greengrass had taught her and Daphne. She called it the Lemurian touch. It had several uses, the most common being healing and recovery but it could also be used in this way.

The way the glass spreads, the force that broke it came from... inside. The beetle did this? An exploding beetle? Is there such a thing? Tracey's eyes widened for a moment.

The reason it was still alive in the first place was that Astoria had yet to identify its species. She didn't rule out the possibility of an attack. It couldn't just be a coincidence. What if Astoria was in the room and she had gotten hurt?

Tracey paled. "I'll go get Daph,"

She turned to leave but Astoria leapt from the bed to grab onto her cloak and pulled her back.

"Don't - please - don't tell Queenie." She pleaded.

"She'd want to know about this Tori."

"This was her gift and I don't want her to worry. It's stupid anyway, forget this even happened."

"She won't be mad with you. Don't you think this is something she'd want to know?"

Astoria's brow furrowed then finally she released her and switched to fiddle with the hem of her sleeve.

"Stay here, we'll be back soon." Reassuringly, Tracey patted her head and gave her a warm smile.

---

For anyone else, at any other time, double arithmancy in the afternoon would sound like hell. But Harry welcomed it, once more able to explore possibilities and the effects numeracy had in all forms of magic. Since he had furthered his reading over the holiday his grasp on the subject was gradually getting stronger. He was now able to start participating in class discussions more and not feel like such an outsider. As a result of their hard work, all through dinner, Hermione wore a very self-satisfied smile.

But what came that evening is what Harry had been looking forward to the most. Quidditch practices were back on after being put on hold during the holidays.

Emma Vanity returned with a fresh appetite for coaching him even harder, especially now there was only him to focus all of her attention on. She brought up new flying exercises and dodging techniques for him to practice, had him doing new weaving drills and discussed professional strategies on effective disruption, blocking and faking. She brought him up on his weakness, of which there were a few, and complimented him on his strengths to the point she made his cheeks blush. Nothing felt better than being back in the air, drills or not icy winds and all.

It wasn't until he was back in the changing rooms that fatigue set in and he realised how tired he was. He sat on a wooden bench half-dressed drenched in sweat, drying his head with a towel, limbs weighing a ton. Even with freezing temperatures, he was sweltering hot nor was he the only one, that's just how intense their first practices had been.

"Feeling alright there, Harry?" Cedric stood over him wearing only a towel, his athletic build glistening as he dripped with shower water.

Harry nodded, he felt great but he didn't have the energy to talk yet.

"Were you planning on heading to the library after this by any chance?"

Harry nodded again, he still had many books he wanted to read. There was still so much he wanted to learn, needed to learn. Maybe he wasn't like Hermione and that was okay, but he could persevere. There was no other option.

Cedric understood, he was aware of how much effort Harry had put into his preparation since Christmas, day in and day out without much respite. He had wanted to help him but evidently, Harry had a good idea about the clue.

"Before you do go, I actually want to show you something. I'm hoping it can help you with the second task."

Cedric had timed his offer well because Harry didn't have the energy to politely refuse. Once the changing rooms cleared and the two had dressed they returned to the castle. Cedric led Harry to the fifth floor; down the corridor and next to one of the statues was an inconspicuous door.

"This is the prefect's bathroom." Cedric announced to him. "Most dorms just have communal showers so this is one of the less well-known benefits of being a prefect. The password is 'Pine-Fresh' it changes each term."

Upon saying the password a click came from the lock and the door creaked open.

"Are you trying to tell me I stink?"

Cedric laughed this off. "No, you told me about the dragons and that was your idea, so I owe you one that's all."

Harry gazed around. The bathroom was what Harry would describe as a roman styled bathhouse, and the bath itself resembling a large swimming pool carved into the floor.

Save the hundred different taps hanging over the edge, it reminded him of the pool Dudley and his class had lessons every Wednesday during primary school. Harry never participated, even though it was compulsory. Vernon threw his weight to make Harry exempt 'for medical reasons'. Harry never disputed this preferring the isolation.

"Relax, take your time to think things over this place might help you more than you realise."

Harry barely noticed Cedric leave him there alone. He sat down, kicked off his shoes and dipped his feet into the warm water. He felt extremely grateful, more than Cedric could know. He might have already learned the clue but Cedric had given him the perfect place to practice his spells in an underwater environment. He could even teach himself to swim without freezing himself to death in the black lake.

Unlucky Fleur.

Harry kicked his feet splashing water around and enjoying the sensation. As he did so the portrait of the mermaid opposite caught his eye. She had been watching him with large curious eyes while combing her beautiful red hair. But when she noticed him notice her, she shied away and with a tiny smile and wave, she dove into her lake.

He could only sigh in envy and watch. If he had a tail like hers he could swim with ease and continuously without expending lots of magical energy, faster than any fish or propulsion spell.

Could I do that? He wondered, the idea creeping on him.

Gillyweed was a no go, the thought made him want to vomit so much he pitied Draco a little. But he couldn't deny being attracted to the idea of changing. His father was an animagus - Sirius too, and not to forget Remus was a werewolf. McGonagall herself had told him could develop a talent for the subject.

He had no illusions as to becoming an animagus in a couple of months. It took the Marauders well over a year. Even if they had to figure it out themselves, it was still a lengthy process that incorporated several branches of magic. Nevermind that being a fish animagus wasn't that appealing, he'd much rather be a bird of some sort.

But what about a one-time transformation?

Human transfiguration was indeed a little complicated, not to mention the different factors of magic and biology involved. Having someone else casting on a person was harmless enough when it was easily reversible. Self transfiguration was trickier because how could someone perform the reversal spell without hands to hold a wand or vocal cords to cast the spell? Spells had to be created with fail-safes in mind.

Harry grew a little excited at the thought. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in some time, a sense of wondrous energy that somehow at some point been overshadowed by everything else. Feeling inspired, he had something perfect in mind already, though he had no idea if a spell existed for it already.

A one time spell.

He was confident it was more than possible if he had the right help. And he already knew exactly who he needed to go to.

---

AN: Happy Halloween!

Mind the lampshades I tried to add a couple. Thought it'd be cool to make Daphne go a little Elsa to start where we left off. Since I'm toying with the ice queen trope I might as well start playing it literally not just mentioning it or alluding to it. Gonna start exploring elemental magic a little bit, it won't be an op power but rather exist as an optional branch of magic to use but I'll try get creative with it - it's not going to be a huge focus. Daph will remain a witchy-witch and Harry will try and master a bit of anything and everything eventually.

So Skeeta escaped and no Daphne had no clue the beetle was her but she will wisen up after this. Tom has questions and Hermione is kinda just there doing Hermione stuff. I may be neglecting her too much, poor Hermione.

And starting to get a proactive Harry finally! We're getting there peeps. This is kinda where I've been wanting to get to with him whereas before he was quite casual and coasting having to deal with bits of melodrama. Harry needs real drive and motivation and I think since in this story he isn't a Ravenclaw/Slytherin intellectual mc, this needs to come back to his fight to survive, his hunger for magic has to come from this need. This is gonna be my whole thing with him, really ingrain that in his past, and in future conflicts, he'll be coming out stronger and start pushing himself to extremes out of necessity.

If you made it this far thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts, I do eventually get round to answering PMs too if you like to chat, I'm gonna try to be a little more involved and actively message more.

Until the next update - Chrome