Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Also, side note, its time for the Hogwarts Express to take those of us lucky enough to have gotten our letters to Hogwarts. So congrats to those off to the wizarding world. And for the rest of us...maybe next year?

Chapter Fifteen

"Right, so where are we meeting your mother?" Harry asked as he and Draco stood in the lobby preparing to leave. It was just after twelve and the two were set to meet Narcissa at a quarter till one.

"This old cafe that I know she loves. Very private and no one will recognize us, so we don't have to be disguised."

The fact that they were leaving the safety of the house without a disguise rankled Harry and had his gut clenching. He didn't like it. It was too exposing. Especially after the news article about him and Astoria, which was still circulating in today's paper. He didn't want any more attention.

"Apparition or floo?" Harry asked, fiddling with his sleeves to keep his nerves from mounting.

"Apparition." Harry just gave a jerky nod. So Draco would be in charge of the apparition. Harry would be putting his life in the blonde's hands with no control over the outcome. Draco could apparate Harry to the middle of nowhere and kill him. Or apparate him to where the last of the remaining free Death Eaters were and leave him at their mercy. He didn't like it. Didn't like it at all.

"Relax, Potter. Remember, I can't kill you. You own me. And if you died now before my freedom was granted I would just be given to whoever killed you. Which wouldn't help me at all. And I am restrained from killing you myself. So relax."

It had been later on the first afternoon when they arrived when someone had questioned him about the death clause he had incorporated. About how upon his death their Wizengamot seats would be given back to their family lines. It had been Theo who had asked him why he had told him that, given the fact that if they were inclined they could kill him and no one would know it. Their word against his dead one. Harry had then explained that Nadrig had told him that those who were owned were physically and legally incapable of killing their owner. The magic binding them to him would refuse to allow them to cause him harm.

Harry just nodded again and took a deep breath. Draco was right. Harry dying did no one in this house any favors. If anything it made their lives worse off. And Slytherins were many things, self-preservation being one of them. "Right. Right," he muttered. "So what does everyone else have planned for today?" he asked glancing at the group who had gathered to watch them leave.

"Library," Theo shrugged. Hermione gave a nod in agreement.

"Tracey and I are going to speak with Shacklebolt about having your press conference after his ceremony. And once that's settled, we will be contacting the news agencies to let them know to cover it," Daphne explained. She still hadn't given him so much as a passing glance since yesterday in the observatory and breakfast had felt rather stiff with her silently next to him. Harry just nodded, hoping that whatever had happened would pass by the time he returned.

"Tinkering," Blaise responded but didn't seem to feel the desire to elaborate on whatever that meant.

"I'll be in my room," Astoria said brightly and Harry didn't bother to ask what she would be doing in there.

"Painting." Pansy held his gaze as if daring him to make further comments about her activities. Daring him to make a fool of himself. Harry held her gaze and fought off the comments on his tongue. Ranging from outright rude -those he had thought up last night in response to her insults the day before- to sickeningly polite.

"Is that so? Think it will be anything good?" Maybe his willpower wasn't as strong as he had once thought. Not when it came to dealing with Pansy Parkinson anyway.

"It's always good," she replied smugly, her eyes brightening at him falling for her dare. She opened her mouth again, most likely to follow it up with an insult but Harry beat her to it.

"Think you can paint over your face this time then?"

Pansy's mouth dropped open and her eyebrows furrowed into a scowling glare. Which to shifted from Harry to Blaise who was covering up with laugh with a cough and to Theo who hadn't been able to stop the snort that had escaped him. Tracey and Hermione rolled their eyes and Daphne fixed him with a disappointed look that Harry didn't hold for long.

"I would, but your face seems to need it the most, Scarhead."

Harry opened his mouth to retort hotly when Astoria jumped up from the couch. "Okay, great chat. You two better be going before you're late. Mrs. Malfoy doesn't do well with lateness, you know that." The young girl shot a knowing look to Draco who nodded at her comment and turned to walk towards the door. Harry glanced from Astoria who was now following Draco to the door and back at Pansy who looked like she wanted to hex him into oblivion.

"Go," Daphne cut in sharply. "Harry." She added in a softer tone but no less sharp, instead it was warning him that if he spoke he had the potential to ruin the very thin and delicate balance that was struggling to form in the house.

Cutting off a frustrated growl before it rose from his throat, Harry spun on his heel and stalked out. When would he ever get to one-up these snakes? He had done so well before Pansy turned it back on him. Merlin, he had a lot of work to do. He would show them that he wasn't some pushover. Just because he wanted peace, didn't mean they could expect him to sit back and do nothing when pushed.

Still fuming, Harry stalked to the front door only to see Draco and Astoria standing awkwardly close to each other. At his approach, Astoria reached out to give Draco's arm a light squeeze. "Tell your mum, hi for me. And good luck, today." The young girl gave the man a faint smile before turning to leave, not before giving Harry a courteous nod as she passed him.

Anger fading to be replaced by confusion at the display that had just occurred, Harry cocked an eyebrow at Draco. "Don't speak," Draco growled. "Let's just get out of here." The blonde yanked the door open and strode out with Harry trailing behind. The walk to the apparition boundary was rushed and silent. The two school rivals unsure of how to interact when completely alone. If this was Hogwarts, years ago Draco would be making a comment about his dead parents or about how he associated with the Weasley and Mudbloods or other rubbish like that. And Harry would retaliate like he always did, like Draco had always been able to get him to do. He would have hexed him or jinxed him or sneered about him being a Slytherin or his rich parents spoiling him.

But now? Those comments seemed lackluster, seemed a waste. There was no point to any of it now. Just childish pettiness. Now, they weren't in Hogwarts. Now they lived in the same house. Hell, now Harry owned Draco. Nothing seemed right anymore. Nothing was familiar. It was rocky ground in which they walked and neither seemed inclined to or know how to cross it.

Wordlessly, Draco stuck out his arm for Harry to grab once they reach the point of apparition. Harry did so, noticing that the blonde had purposefully turned so that Harry had to grab the right arm instead of the left. Gripping the black clothing that Draco always wore just tightly enough to not risk injury during the apparition, Harry gave a nod he was ready but it didn't matter. Draco had already twisted on the spot, sucking Harry into the tight sensation. The pulling and the pushing of his body as they hurtled through space. Landing abruptly, Harry caught himself from stumbling as he took in his surroundings.

It was a dingy alleyway with rats scurrying in the shadows sniffing through the trash littering the pavement. Wrinkling his nose at the smell, Harry turned to address Draco only to notice the man was already striding towards the alley entrance.

"Where are we?" Harry gasped, taking in the sight of the brightly lit street lined with flower bushes and fences. It looked like a postcard.

"Doesn't matter," Draco replied, leading the way down the neatly trimmed sidewalk lining the empty street. Frowning, Harry let the matter drop. Fingering his wand tucked up his sleeve and his head on a constant swivel for any surprises. No surprises occurred and soon the two were standing in front of a corner building with a quaint and frilly sign on the front labeling the establishment the 'Flower Cafe'. Draco paused before opening the door and turned to Harry. "When you're done with your talk, do you mind if I chat with my mother in private as well?" His tone was a forced politeness.

Harry could tell how much it grated on Draco's nerves and patience to be owned by himself and to have to ask permission for everything. But surprisingly, or really unsurprisingly, Draco did so with his head held high. That was the Malfoy way after all. They upheld the old traditions better than anyone. People having ownership over others probably wasn't so uncommon back in the ancient days. And so despite, not approving and disagreeing with all his might, Draco would follow the protocol as was depicted years ago. He would do as he was told, just as he was raised to do: obediently follow. Harry felt a sad twinge for the man, realizing that the blondes whole life had just been following orders. Following his parents. Following the madman. And now, following him, his rival.

"Of course," Harry nodded. It had already been decided that Harry and Narcissa would talk in private about the situation. It was business negotiation that Draco had insisted upon but really couldn't sway. It was his mother's decision in the end. So Draco would stand guard against any unwanted visitors while Harry and Narcissa talked.

Draco looked drastically out of place entering the tiny shop and Harry felt that he didn't blend in any better. It looked like a grandmother's living room. Plush couches were sectioned off in pairs with coffee tables between large and bright windows that encompassed the walls brought in such a great light that it made it almost difficult to look around. Doilies and flower vases were placed on each side table and coffee table. The shop was rather empty except for a group of five old women knitting in one corner and tittering away together as they sipped their teas and the young store worker standing behind the counter and next to a display of pastries and biscuits and a chalkboard sign hanging behind her listing the day's teas and coffees.

The whole place screamed muggle. And Harry had to blink a few moments to adjust to the fact that Draco Malfoy had lead him into a muggle cafe in order to meet with his esteemed mother, because it was a place that the elite pureblood socialite apparently loved. Draco walked with a purpose through the shop, ignoring the shop workers cheery greeting as he moved towards the farthest back corner. It was only then that Harry noticed the pristine blonde woman who sat straight backed on the couch. There was already a pot of tea placed on the coffee table with two tea cups and a platter of pastries. Draco moved to sit next to his mother who engulfed him in a warm hug. Harry hadn't believed the Malfoy's capable of such warmth and affection that was being displayed before him now.

Narcissa broke from her son to move her frail hands over his face and smoothing back his hair. Her eyes soaking in the sight of her child. Numbly, Harry claimed the couch opposite the two and simply stared. He could definitely see the family resemblance that she shared with her two older sisters but he had only seen Andromeda look so kindly upon one person and that was towards Teddy. A moment or so later, the Malfoys seemed to come back into the world and resorted back to their stiff and cold exteriors. It was as if statues had taken their place right before his eyes. Draco placed a brief kiss on his mother's cheek before standing and moving away from the couches.

"Mr. Potter," Narcissa stated, her face guarded and cold, matching her tone perfectly.

"M-Mrs. Malfoy," Harry stuttered in response. He felt his face heat in reaction to his awkwardness. He felt dirty and uncultured sitting before Narcissa, her very presence screaming wealth and royalty.

Harry swallowed hard and his eyes flickered to Draco who sat motionless a couple couches away but his eyes were earnest. The most earnest Harry had ever seen them be. They were begging Harry to not screw this up, to help him. Harry was sure that if he did screw it up Draco would be able to help him and explain the situation better. But Harry became very aware of the fact that if he didn't convince Narcissa himself, then he would never be held to any respect in her eyes. That he would remain nothing but the boy who destroyed her family and life.

"My son says you have a proposition for me." Narcissa's words drew Harry's attention back to her and he tried to focus his mind. "And based on your letter that I received quite a lot has happened to you. So much so that you somehow convinced my Draco to move out and live with you. Pray tell me, why he would do such a thing?"

So taking a deep breath, Harry took a page from the Slytherins he lived with a didn't answer right away. He would have to play this right if he wanted to succeed and who better to test his observed skills on then the Queen of Slytherins herself? Trying to stop his nerves from giving him away, Harry reached from his cup of tea that had already been poured. He briefly wondered if Narcissa had poured it or the girl at the counter.

He brought it to his lips and blew gently. Allowing the silence to settle over the trio. "Yes, I do have a proposition for you," he began, glancing up from his cup to the the woman across from him. He could tell he had her attention and that fact alone pleased him greatly, gave him a feeling of power and control he hadn't felt before. "But I do think that in this situation it is best to provide you with the whole story before I enlighten you."

Narcissa didn't even quirk an eyebrow, instead she reached for her cup and took a dainty sip, barely any noise escaping. "I must say, I do appreciate knowing all aspects before making a decision. So do tell me. How is it you have my son living with you now?" She was rather protective of Draco, Harry noted absently. And considering this whole situation was because Draco wanted to help his mother, Harry could tell where he got the drive from.

"Are you aware, Mrs. Malfoy, that when your husband swore allegiance the Voldemort," for once he revelled in the slight flinch he saw in Narcissa when he said the name, "he also gave over all ownership of your accounts and properties as well?"

"No, I was not aware," Narcissa said tightly.

"Yes, I doubt your husband was either. Are you aware of something known as Right of Conquest?"

"Only from mentions in history," her response was tight and cold. Harry saw her quickly piecing together the information he was slowly drawing out.

"Yes, well, turns out it isn't just in the history books. When I defeated Voldemort, I gained possession of all of his possessions. And seeing as how many followers he had, turns out I've gained quite a lot." Narcissa was silent. A vein pulsed in her neck as her jaw was clenched, her only indication that his news was affecting her at all. Not that Harry expected Narcissa Malfoy to crumble so easily. "I've got quite a big book in fact, detailing all of my new accounts and my new properties. Would you like to see it?"

"Proof is always best when hearing such outlandish tales," she replied. Harry's eyes glinted as he withdrew the book and enlarged it after a quick glance around them that no one was paying them any attention. Enlarged, the book looked ominous and Harry placed it on the table and slid it forward.

Placing her teacup back on its saucer, Narcissa took a delicate hand to the book and flipped it open. Seeing the list of followers whose belongings Harry now owned. She swallowed hard as her blue eyes fell upon her own family names: Black and Malfoy. "Impressive. You must be the wealthiest wizard in all of Britain now," she stated, her voice a forced calm. As she tore her gaze away from the names and sat back in the couch once more. "So is that it then? You informed my son that since you now own all our money and accounts that he must come live with you? I fail to see how such a thing came to be."

"I suggest turning to the last page. I feel as though that will clear things up a little better," Harry suggested instead.

Primly, Narcissa turned back to the book and flipped all the way to the last page. Harry observed her face as she took in the title: Life Ownerships of Tom Riddle Jr. (Lord Voldemort). He watched as her already pale face grew ghostly white and her fingers tighten as they clutched the page.

Understanding left a cold feeling in Narcissa's stomach as she read through the names of children that had been sold into the Dark Lord's service. Her eyes lighted on each of her son's school friends and when they landed on her own child's name, written in a common script under the list of those in service she could have almost cried. Almost. She was Narcissa Malfoy after all and she didn't do such outbursts. It wasn't befitting of someone in her station. No, Narcissa Malfoy hadn't survived two wars and living with a genocidal maniac in her house by merely giving in to her emotions. No, she waited and watched and looked for the way to turn it in her favor. A angry fire erupted in her that pushed aside her despair at the thought of her husband agreeing to hand his child over without her knowledge.

After a few moments struggling to keep her emotions in check, Narcissa finally lifted her steely eyes to lock onto Harry's calculating ones. "You weren't aware that Draco was under the ownership of Voldemort, were you?"

"Of course not," Narcissa seethed, her eyes flaring briefly before she fought it back down. Her aloof, cold mask settling back down. "I am a mother above all other things, Mr. Potter. And as a mother, I never would have agreed to selling my son to anyone, for any reasons."

"Glad to hear it. But I'm sure this explains a bit more as to why your son now lives in my house."

"Yes. But, I must say, I never expected the likes of you to adhere to things such as owning lives." Her eyes cast themselves over him and Harry felt like his very soul was being inspected. Finally Narcissa tilted her head slightly as she reached for her teacup once more. "Maybe the rumors of you being the next Dark Lord have some truth to them?"

Harry gritted his teeth and stopped his words from flowing out by taking a sip from his rapidly cooling tea. "I can assure you I aspire to nothing of the sort. In fact, the reason Draco now lives with me, as well as many of the others who are named in that list, is part of an agreement between myself and them. In five years, I will grant them all their freedom once again and ownership of their accounts and properties."

"In exchange for what?" Narcissa asked, not allowing such foolish hope to rise within her.

"Within those five years, they must create a business or a charity that benefits the wizarding world. If they do that, then they are free. And upon my death their family lines will be given their Wizengamot seats back again."

Narcissa was silent as she processed this. Her son could be free again. The Malfoy line would be under their control again in just five years. And the only catch was that Draco would need to create a business to help the wizarding world, again that would only be seen as a benefit to the Malfoy family name. In five years, with only the positive press of a thriving and helpful business, the Malfoy's would be given the chance to rise again. Realizing that this must have been Harry's aspirations all along, she felt a glimmer of respect bloom for the young man before her.

"A generous offer."

"My wish is to help rebuild the Wizarding Britain for the better. Currently, things are spiraling and it is the perfect chance to raise a newer and better world from its ashes."

"Lofty goals. What makes you think you can succeed?"

"Well, it helps that I now have control over the majority of the Wizengamot so I can influence which laws are passed and which are thrown out. And those who are now under my care are rather well versed in politics and so have been enlisted to help me."

"So on top of creating a business you also expect those you own to advise you in wizarding politics?"

"I can think of very little who would be better suited for the position," Harry admitted.

"Admirable goals and aspirations, I can assure you Mr. Potter, but you have failed to explain your proposition."

"Right. Well, allow me to admit that this was your son's idea, and not mine. He propositioned me to proposition you and I merely agreed, seeing the benefits of the idea." Harry paused, gauging Narcissa's reaction. She seemed interested at least as she sipped on her tea. "Come and live with us."

"Pardon me?" Narcissa gasped, her eyes widening. Pleased at such an honest reaction for once from the woman, Harry pressed forward.

"The Manor in which we are all now living has many rooms left over. And I'm offering you the chance to claim one for yourself. I'm sure living in your current home is rather lonely and the memories aren't the best, so here is a chance to move away from all of that. You can live there temporarily or for the full five years. It is all up to you."

"And what benefit did you see in this offer that made you agree?"

"Well, your son and his friends might be well versed in the wizarding politics but none of them have fully lived it and been witness to it like you have. You could also help advise me on how to proceed when dealing with the Wizengamot and the wizarding society as a whole. So in short, I saw the benefit in your experience."

"Your offer is a tempting, I shall admit to that."

"I'm glad you see it that way."

"Is there anything else that I need to be informed of before making a decision?"

"Yes. When living in this place, there will be no more prejudices. Those are all tossed at the door. Admittedly, this rule is still being tested and pushed. But I standfast in it. You would be a guest and not bound like the others are. You can be asked to leave if this rule is broken," Harry warned. "I don't care for the blood prejudices or the half-breed prejudices. Those are what started this war in the first place and if they are allowed to continue it will only start another. And plus, my friend, Hermione Granger, decided last night that she will be staying at the house for the time being as well. So if you are unable to treat her with the decency and respect she deserves or are unable to hold your tongue in regards to unjust comments then you will be unwelcomed. Is that clear?"

Harry spoke firmly and his eyes were stern. Narcissa felt for a fleeting moment that she was a teenager again being lectured by her parents on how to respectfully uphold the family name. However, her parents words and Harry's now were exact opposites of each other in what she was and wasn't to say and do.

"I believe that is a reasonable request that I can accept," she replied.

"Good. And lastly, your sister, Andromeda." This was not what Narcissa had expected at all. She had been estranged from her sister for decades now by order of her parents. She didn't even know if her sister was still alive up to that moment. "She is grandmother to my godson, Teddy, and a good friend of mine. She has also been offered the chance to live in the manor. She has yet to accept as it was just offered last night. But even if she doesn't, she will be stopping by frequently so that I can spend time with my godson. Will this be a problem?"

A problem to be reacquainted with her sister? Narcissa thought in disbelief. She remembered briefly how distraught her teenage self had been when her mother had blasted Andromeda off the family tree, how upset she had felt when her father ordered off all contact with her beloved sister.

"Does Andy know that I might be living there?"

"Yes, I informed her last night that I would make an offer."

"Did she seem….happy….about that?" Narcissa asked tentatively. It was the first time she had shown nerves the entire encounter.

Harry gazed at her for a moment. "She gave no indication one way or another. A true Slytherin," he remarked. He didn't see a point in lying to the woman but seeing the blonde so touched by the thought of meeting her sister again warmed Harry's heart.

"What will happen to Malfoy Manor?" she finally asked, when she had calmed her nerves at the thought of her sister.

"Don't know. Draco suggested I 'demolish the hellhole', however if you had other suggests I would take that into account."

"No, that sounds like a worthy suggestion. I fear that too much has happened that no coat of paint could ever bring it back to its former glory."

"So is this a 'yes' on the offer to move in?"

Narcissa leveled him with a calculating gaze, her mind weighing the options. She saw no positives for not accepting his offer, expect to remain in that forsaken manor tainted by too many horrors to name all alone. To move would be unexpected, and she could already see the prophet drawing up more scandals but that could be dealt with. And plus, this way she could be close to Draco once again and have the chance at a relationship with her sister once more.

"Yes, I accept your offer." Harry felt elated at her acceptance and warmth flooded through him at succeeding at something. "And allow me to provide my first bit of wizarding society advice?" she continued, giving Harry pause.

"Sure?" he agreed, uncertainly.

"This business with the Daily Prophet," she began. "The rumors that you and young Miss Greengrass are an item…"

"Are complete rubbish, none of them are true," Harry insisted, his face turning hard. "Astoria, Pansy and Blaise took me shopping to better prepare me for my new position. And that picture was taken as we were apparating back home."

Home. It was the first time, Harry had called the Manor his home but he supposed that was what it was. It was home for him and his unusual assortment of guests.

"Well that is certainly good to hear," Narcissa mused. "I'm sure if that weren't the case, my son would be beside himself to learn of that." That statement had been spoken quietly, almost to quietly for Harry to hear. It even had him second guessing what he had heard, because that certainly didn't make any sense. Did it? "Well, what are your plans on dealing with these rumors?"

"I'm not sure really. I mean I've had these rumors countless times before throughout my life. Usually, I've just ignored it."

"Yes, well that can't be your plan of action now. Things are different, far different from when you were in school. Now, you must take action."

Harry found himself nodded in agreement though he was surprised that he was so willing to accept what she said. "But how?"

"I would suggest perusing your list of names in that book once again. I believe you will find the name: Barnabas Cuffe listed there. Now, Mr. Cuffe just so happens to be the current editor-in-chief of the Daily Prophet. And considering your newest acquisition of all properties, holdings, and accounts of those on that list, it would stand to reason that you now have control over the Daily Prophet. Do you not?"

Harry gaped at the woman. Merlin, this was going to be great having her to help him. Already she was providing him with an answer to his problem. His mind was already whirring with this new piece of information as he spoke to her. "You are right. I think I should pay Mr. Cuffe a visit. Thank you for that bit of advice. Now, one more thing before I let your son take over. When do you foresee yourself moving in, Mrs. Malfoy?"

"Please, call me Narcissa." Harry gave a nod to show he would. "I don't see why I can't do so tonight. You do have elves working under you now, don't you? Since they must have come with your properties." Her nonchalant way of speaking of the elves caused Harry to glare to which Narcissa rolled her eyes. "It is a matter of truth, Mr. Potter. You do realize this. Doesn't matter how much you disagree with it. If it bothers you so much, change it." It was a challenge held in her hard blue eyes, daring him to make the changes he had talked passionately about earlier.

"I will change it."

"Wonderful," she replied, her tone bored and her thoughts already moving forward as though her challenge hadn't been there at all. "Well, I will simply request that one of them go to the manor and collect any items that I might need. And sometime this week I will return and determine what to do with the majority of it."

"Alright, sounds good. I'll let you talk with your son now." Harry stood, but not before shrinking his book and stuffing it back in his pocket, and gave her a nod before moving away. Draco was upon him in an instant.

"Well?"

"Your mother is coming to live with us," Harry replied and noted the happiness that took hold in Draco's eyes. It was the happiest Harry had seen anyone in awhile. It made him feel good knowing he had caused that. Stepping aside, Harry watched as Draco rushed to his mother's side and the two began to converse in whispered tones.

He left the two Malfoys in peace and instead began thinking of how to speak with Mr. Cuffe. He wondered how to approach the subject and decided he would ask Daphne, Theo and Draco when they returned home. He would enlist their help in sending off a letter to the man that evening. These rumors and lies would have to stop immediately. And if he had control of the paper, then he could influence what was put in it. He could get the paper to start printing the truth once again, the truth and the actual news that affected the lives of those living in Britain. With the paper on his side, he would have a better chance in the Wizengamot as well.

One side of his lips twitching at the giddiness that was sweeping over him at the prospect of finally being able to enact the changes he had been hoping for, Harry gave a nod to the girl behind the counter who flashed him a smile in return before he collapsed on a nearby couch.

Harry arrived back at Peverell Manor with the Malfoys in tow and began walking forward, allowing Draco to take the reigns in giving his mother a tour. It was only four thirty and so there was still time before dinner. And Harry was on a mission. His first goal was to seek out Daphne and Tracey to get an update on the whole press conference they had taken charge of. Then his next line of business was drafting a letter to Mr. Cuffe.

Light on his feet and moving with purpose, Harry strode through the house and instructed Lopsy who greeted him at the door that they had a new guest and when she came in they should help her gather her things. The elf nodded eagerly and Harry continued moving forward. Striding towards the library where he bet the people he was searching for would be.

Harry could have grinned if his body could remember how to do that at the sight he saw. There in the library, sitting on the sofas and chairs closest to the unlit fireplace sat Theo, Hermione and Daphne, all with their noses buried in a book. At one table sat Astoria with what looked like school books spread in front of her. And at another of the tables with books opened all around them sat Tracey and Gregory, with their heads close together whispering over what they read. Well, Tracey was whispering and Gregory was writing things down. The sight was surprising but Harry didn't bother dwelling on it at the moment. The scene before him was peaceful and calming and armored with the successful day he had just had, Harry felt better than he had in months.

"Welcome back, Harry," Daphne greeted gently. Any former grievances she had for him seemed to be gone. Relieved at that, Harry offered a nod in return. "How did it go?"

"Yeah, where is Draco?" Theo questioned glancing up from his book.

"Draco is currently showing his mother around the premise as she is to be our newest guest here."

"Oh that's great news," Daphne remarked, but while her words seemed sincere and genuine enough there was a flash in her eyes that Harry couldn't place that contradicted the sentiment.

"Yes it is. And I had some business that I wanted to get straightened out before dinner," he continued. By now the others were now giving him their full attention as well. "Any luck with the press conference?"

"Oh yeah. Shacklebolt said that we could hold a press conference an hour after the ceremony," Tracey explained. "So we've already written to the Daily Prophet, The Quibbler, Witch Weekly, anyone that might have any interest that it would be happening. And we've already received responses for six agencies. So it should be a packed house."

"Great. So, I'm going to need help with what to say," Harry began.

"We've already gotten your speaking points written up. They are in your office," Daphne cut in.

"Splendid," Harry remarked in surprise. He could feel the weight being lifted off his shoulders at the help they were providing him. "So, next order of business. While I was speaking with Narcissa, she mentioned something to me." Harry withdrew the book from his pocket and enlarged it. "On this list of names is one Barnabas Cuffe. Any ideas as to who that is?" Harry raised his eyes to search the group and they all returned blank faces back at him. "It just so happens that he is the current Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Prophet." He paused as he let that sink in. He watched as all of them seem to come to the point he was making at different time and they all looked rather wicked with their mischievous glints in their eyes.

"Really?" Astoria asked breathlessly.

"It is," Harry promised her. "So, I was hoping I could request your help Theo and Daphne, since Draco is busy, to write up a letter to Mr. Cuffe in hopes that we can have a sit down to discuss his current employment and the revenue for his business."

"I'd be glad to," Daphne replied with vengeful glee twinkling in her eyes. "No one gets to drag my sisters name through the mud without having to deal with me." Theo stood right behind her in agreement.

"Then let's get to it," Harry said, gesturing for them to lead the way into the office. "Don't worry, Astoria, we'll get this sorted out." The young girl sent him a grateful look before turning her focus back to her school work. Harry caught Hermione's eye as he walked past and saw her look of pride glittering in them.

Pleased beyond reckoning, Harry walked into his office. This was turning into the best day he had experienced in a long time. A little voice couldn't help but niggle in his ear saying that it was only a matter of time before the other shoe dropped and the good fortunes would swing quickly away. And with the press conference and the Ministerial Ceremony both being tomorrow as well as his first appearance in public in weeks, Harry was content to hold tightly to his one good day before tomorrow hit hard.