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!

Here is another chapter for you and it is rather long so I hope you enjoy it. I still need some suggestions on Pansy and Theo and their business. I have ideas but nothing set yet. If anyone is free for me to bounce ideas off of I'd be up for that I think or just give me your thoughts on them.

Also, additionally. Would anyone be up for me writing chapters for other characters view points? I mean it's all third person but it's still focused on Harry. So any interest in reading a chapter or two focused on another character? I think it might help move the story along a bit. But it's up to you guys. :)

Now, this chapter like I said is long. Longest one yet. I also feel like it kind of bounces around a bit but I couldn't find a proper stopping point that wouldn't involve just having two short chapters. So here you are.

Chapter Eighteen

"Big day today," Harry commented blithely, before finishing off his bacon. It had been a week since the Ministerial Ceremony and things were slowly settling down amongst the ragtag group of Peverell Manor residence. And he hadn't been getting as much hate mail either. Everyone was comfortably moved in, Andromeda and Teddy were visiting almost everyday, much to the delight of everyone but especially Narcissa.

"Oh yes, I imagine it will be quite the experience today," Luna agreed readily, munching on a bit of grapefruit. Of everyone, she seemed to be the most relaxed and comfortable with the all of the house guests.

"Experience, yeah, let's go with that," Blaise muttered into his coffee.

"Oh yes," Luna continued. "Seeing the castle will be quite strange, especially after all that's happened in it. But we need to make it a home again. We owe her that much."

The table went silent at that. Not that it was ever overly loud in the mornings. Or at any meal when there wasn't an argument.

Today was the day that the Hogwarts restoration would begin. Harry had to admit he was incredibly nervous as well. He wasn't sure what to expect. What would he feel seeing Hogwarts again? His first real home.

"Of course like all things that are owed by us, it will be hard. Possibly harder than the battle itself," Luna continued.

"I'm sure it will be difficult," Padma agreed, sipping at her tea.

The table settled into silence once again, each lost in their own thoughts. "Well the plan is to leave in about an hour, so get ready and grab whatever is needed. From what Professor McGonagall says we should be having lunch there." No one said anything but his friends all nodded at his words.

Soon the group was shifting nervously just outside the apparition line. Narcissa and Andromeda wouldn't be attending today. They would be watching over Teddy and a few other young children for their friends who would be helping in the rebuilding. The large manor stood behind them, and Harry found himself missing the familiar walls already. Taking a deep breath he glanced at the others, none of them looked eager for the day. In reality, it seemed like they were all preparing to go to war. Maybe they were? Harry pondered morbidly. Dragging a hand through his hair, he sighed. "Well, I suppose we best be going. No point putting off the inevitable."

Silence again but everyone drew their wands and Astoria gripped her sister's arm. With a quick turn the scene disappeared and the tug in his gut pulled him through the crushing darkness only to bring him to the streets of Hogsmeade. Pops of apparition sounded all around him and soon his friends and housemates were standing beside him. Harry took a deep, ragged breath. Hogsmeade looked the same as it always had. Any signs of Death Eater occupation were gone and instead it looked like it had all the years Harry had visited as a student. The only difference now was that most of the shops were locked up. He wondered when the businesses would restart again. Wordlessly the group turned down the well trodden path to the castle. Heart pounding, Harry swallowed hard, forcing his saliva to coat his dry throat. His hands were starting to sweat at the anticipation of seeing the castle. Rubbing his hands subtly down his pant leg, he gripped his wand tighter.

There it was.

The sight took his breath away. Just as it did all those years ago. But just as suddenly the moment was broken. His second glance turned the breathtaking sight bitter. The towers were crumbling and there were more gaping holes then there were walls. And the walls that were visible were scorched and tarnished to the point of not looking recognizable. A wave of sickness washed over him and Harry had to swallow hard and take multiple deep breaths to push the nausea back down.

He didn't think he'd ever be able to forget the sight of his home so destroyed. The lump in his throat hurt him each time he swallowed. Blinking rapidly against the stinging in his eyes, Harry took another ragged breath and his hands dragged through his hair. This was going to be harder than he originally thought. Fists clenched tightly in his pockets, knuckles white around his wand, Harry kept his head up as he strode forward, his limbs tight like coils. He kept imagining an explosion to sound, for Death Eaters to charge from behind a bit of rumble.

Drawing nearer to the grounds, Harry saw a crowd forming. Quite a large crowd too, probably close to a hundred if not more people gathered together. He recognized the majority as students from his various years at Hogwarts but the adults, whom he assumed were mainly parents and more established recent graduates from just before his attendance, were in large numbers too. All of the Hogwarts staff stood facing the crowd and Professor McGonagall stood on a raised platform. Seeing Harry and his crowd arriving, the older woman gave a nod to him. He knew she intended it to be subtle but the movement caught the eyes of a handful who glanced his way who in turn got the attention of the rest of the crowd.

The crowd fell silent. Harry wondered at the image they saw. Eight Slytherins, three Gryffindors, two Ravenclaws and a Hufflepuff all standing in a jumbled group. Surprisingly, he felt heartened to have them all standing behind him and he raised his head a little higher to face the crowd. The Weasleys were easy to spot, the red hair was like a stop light among the sea of browns, blacks, and blondes and they gave him nods of 'hello' in the silence of the masses.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, you and your…..companions...have arrived. Wonderful. Now we can fully begin," Professor McGonagall stated crisply, cutting off any protests before they could begin. Gaining the attention of everyone now, the elderly woman continued. "I want to thank you all for coming. I know it can't have been easy to return here after the travesty that occurred not very long ago. We will be separating into groups, each group will be headed by one of our Professors and will take a different area of the castle.. Now, please listen closely while I call your names."

The woman pulled out the list, adjusted her glasses and before she read she cast her eyes about the crowd to ensure the attention was fully on her. Satisfied, she continued. Harry tried to focus on the names she called out but he only picked up on the names that he immediately recognized. His Slytherins were divided up but mentally he sent out a thanks to his Gryffindor Head of House for at least keeping two of them together in one group and they were paired with someone else from Peverell Manor as well. Draco and Astoria were with Neville and Hannah to work on the Ravenclaw Tower. Pansy and Tracey were put in a group with Padma and Luna to work on Astronomy Tower. Blaise and Theo went with Hermione's group to work on the Entrance Hall. While Daphne and Gregory went with Harry to fix the Great Hall. There were at least ten or twelve other groups formed and sent to different areas but those were the only groups that Harry really paid attention to.

Along with Daphne and Gregory, Harry had a few other familiar faces, including Bill and Fleur, Susan Bones, Cho Chang, Aberforth, three witches and a bloke that Harry didn't recognize, and Alicia Spinnet, and the group was headed by Professor Flitwick. The tiny Professor greeted Harry with a firm handshake and a whisper of approval before turning to the rest of the group and leading them into the rubble. Alicia also came over to greet him quietly and wished him well on his endeavor and congratulations in his new path but before Harry could continue a conversation with his former teammate she had drifted away into the group. The dust coated everything, the enchantment on the ceiling had been broken and revealed the high arching beams covered in holes from spell damage. There were no tables to fill the space and it made the whole room feel incredibly empty, devoid of the hope and spectacle that it had once instilled in him each time he walked through the doors.

Flitwick didn't waste anytime and soon had them quickly practise the spells they would need. It was reminiscent of Charms class to the point that Harry felt a deep pang in his chest and the lump in his throat returned. After the Professor was satisfied in the group's capabilities, they were sent to different places amongst the room.

The wand movement and the murmured words soon became automatic.

After the first day, Harry became numb to it all. No one spoke other than to speak the spells required to heal the hallowed school. To speak anything else would be to break the thin silence that had transcended upon the castle. The silence continued to Peverell Manor. Silence was a fog that clung to every person like a cloak. It was suffocating but Harry was too scared to try to breath against it. Even though it was drowning him slowly and painfully.

By Friday, Harry wasn't sure if anything they were doing was even making a difference. But each day, Professor McGonagall welcomed the group with appreciative words and remarks on the progress being made.

"Starting to sound a bit repetitive don't you think?" Daphne asked, in a voice hardly above a murmur.

"You could say that," he replied. Almost surprised to hear himself speak.

"Think it's making a difference?"

"Not really. But who am I to stop an attempt at hope?"

The blonde fell silent and the two followed after the Charms professor and the rest of the group back into the great hall.

"Now, today, I would like you all to break into pairs. The remainder of this work will require more than one person on each area. Off you go," the Professor instructed. The pairs were rather obvious, Harry thought as he saw everyone match with someone else. Bill and Fleur were obviously together, Cho and Susan went together, Aberforth paired himself with the unknown witch and Alicia grabbed the unknown bloke after a quick glance towards the two available Slytherins, and the other two unknown witches went together.

"Guess it's us?" Harry said glancing at the other two. Daphne had on a frosty mask as she glanced at the others in the room with narrowed eyes.

"Guess so." She promptly turned on her heel and walked to the far end of the room. Gregory appeared more sullen than usual but silently turned to follow his fellow Slytherin.

Being grouped together allowed the opportunity for murmured comments between the three. Well, between Harry and Daphne; Gregory didn't partake much, or at all, but every now and then he would give a grunt in response to their whispered words. But even the quiet comments felt wrong against the harsh silence, so interactions didn't happen often. It happened just often enough to ease the ache of the stillness, the ache of the nothing that was creeping into the holes in their souls. Daphne seemed to understand just when he was feeling the most low and the most wrecked inside for that was when she would typically make a witty remark or a comment on the wandwork. A small anchor thrown to him to draw him back to the land of the living. It wasn't much. But it was enough.

Two more weeks passed in the silence of work and repentance. Guilt of survival weighed heavier and heavier on Harry with each passing day that he stepped foot onto his ruined home. His drinking was becoming worse as a result. It was becoming unbearable to wake up in the mornings to go and help with the rebuilding but it had to be done. It was their cross to bear. They had survived so they had to face the wreckage.

July was upon them and McGonagall had said that today was a day off for everyone after their long weeks of nonstop hard work. And after three weeks, Harry had to admit the school was looking better. In another month it would be suited for reopening, he had no doubts. But that was the future. For now, he would deal with today.

Everyone sat around the table for an attempt at breakfast. The silence was pressing down upon them once again and Harry felt like screaming to rid himself of the oppressive silence. Even Teddy was unusually quiet as he sat in Andromeda's arms. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. Couldn't bring himself to take the gasp of air that his lungs were burning for. Couldn't allow himself to not sink deeper and deeper into his own guilt ridden mind. Growing fidgety, Harry dropped his fork and opened his mouth to let a sound of some kind pass his lips even though he knew it was a fruitless attempt. Luckily his pathetic attempts were interrupted by Jodkey bursting through the doors, tiny hands full of letters.

"Master! Youse all has letters, Master!" All eyes were drawn to the envelopes bearing the familiar Hogwarts seal. The familiarity of the sight was bittersweet. Eyeing the letters curiously, the residents exchanged intrigued glances before all tearing into the letters with varying degrees of elegance. The fourteen teenagers read their letters silently and all seemed to finish around the same time.

"Oh," Padma murmured. "What option are you all going to take?"

"I didn't really get a choice," Astoria retorted dryly, placing her letter down, it contained more pages than the others and so Harry had to guess that it was her full Hogwarts letter for her Sixth Year.

"Option Two for me, can't imagine returning like that," Tracey commented.

"Agreed. The offer is nice but it isn't possible," Neville agreed with Hannah's nod.

"Sadly, I also don't get the choice. It shall be strange though without all of you there," Luna added, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice but even she seemed to have taken a few steps out of her dreams to look contemplative about the letters contents.

"I think it is prudent that those at this table remember that there are some who were not gifted with a letter. And that polite etiquette states they should be to coin the phrase 'brought into the loop'," Narcissa spoke after taking a dainty sip from her tea. Wordlessly, Draco handed his mother his letter while Tracey handed Andromeda hers. The elder women were silent as they read. "Ah, I see now. Quite the opportunity, either way. Rather benevolent of the new Headmistress."

Professor McGonagall was offering students the chance to finish their education due to the last years complications in the education system. Option One was to return as an Eighth Year, attend the school, take the N.E.W.T.s and graduate properly. Option Two was to take the N.E.W.T.s and continue on. Those like Astoria and Luna didn't get the choice and were required to continue their education as before but were expected to take the necessary exams to determine if they would remain in their previous year group or if they would have to repeat a year to make up for their missing lessons.

"Well, you'll both be missed while you're gone but your rooms will still be here," Harry assured them. Did his voice sound as hoarse and raspy from lack of use to everyone else or just to his ears? "Do any of you plan on returning? I can speak with Nadrig about adjusting your contracts to begin after you graduate if you wish to return."

"No," Daphne said softly after exchanging glances with her housemates. "No, I think our time there has passed. The N.E.W.T.s will be enough."

"Hermione?" he asked, turning to face his studious best friend, speaking in low tones just for her ears. "You would probably be Head Girl. You could actually graduate. A year to just study and read."

Her brown eyes raised to meet his and he saw the torment that was passing through them. She loved school. She loved learning. It seemed wrong for her to turn down a chance to complete a year of school. She had always been the academic. However, he could see her hesitation. See the fear of returning as a student instead of just a volunteer. The fear of returning alone. The fear of stepping backwards to the way things were instead of accepting how things had become. Sadly, the bushy-haired witch shook her head.

"No, Harry. I won't return." He felt his heartbreaking for her but he understood. The time for school was over, they were hardened soldiers educated on a battlefield. Too much had happened to think of returning to anything else.

"I'll write to McGonagall our responses. Let me know which exams you plan on enrolling for by the end of the day. Hopefully, she is understanding," Harry sighed.

"I suppose we should start studying then," Padma commented. "The exams will be the end of August. That only leaves us a little over a month."

"We should, sure. But I have a better idea," Blaise stated suddenly. Eyes drawn to him he leaned casually in his chair, his eyes hitting everyone in turn. "I think we need to have some fun."

"Fun?" Pansy snorted. For once, Harry agreed with Pansy. The concept of fun seemed to be eluding him because he was having a hard time picturing participating in anything that he had once considered fun. Fun meant happiness and laughter and smiling, nothing which fit the way he felt and had been feeling for months now.

"Yes, fun. We have been rebuilding and working nonstop for the past three weeks. Tomorrow we will have to return to that on top of having to study for these exams. I say we take this one day off and try to relax and have some fun."

"What do you have in mind?" Neville asked.

"How 'bout a nice game of Quidditch? The field has been built but we haven't had a chance to use it yet. So how about it? We have enough to have a complete set of teams."

"That sounds quite enjoyable," Andromeda agreed, bouncing Teddy in her lap as he mashed eggs on the plate with his hands.

It wasn't an awful idea, Harry mused. He did miss flying. He missed Quidditch, too. When was the last time he had tried to relax that didn't involve drowning himself in alcohol? "Alright. Let's do it. You're right. We need to do something to give our minds a break."

That decided, the group left the room and headed outside. They were all already in casual enough clothes so no one needed to change. Reaching the broomshed, Harry reached in and started handing out the personally owned brooms first. A broom went to each Slytherin, plus Neville and Padma. He himself grabbed the remaining Manor brooms for himself, Hannah, Hermione, and Luna.

"Right, so obviously, Potter and I are the Seekers," Draco began as the group walked out the gate in the back wall towards the pitch. "Blaise is a Keeper, Tracey and Astoria are Chasers, and Greg is a Beater. What are the rest of you?"

"I'll be a Chaser," Daphne volunteered.

"Me too," Padma added.

"I suppose I could throw the ball," Pansy sighed.

"I'll be a Beater," Luna said dreamily.

"I'll be a Beater, too," Neville stated, a glance at Hannah before he continued. "And Hannah will be a Keeper."

"I'll be a Chaser," Theo drawled.

"So, Hermione, I guess that means you'll be a Beater. That work?" Harry asked and the woman gave a nervous nod of her head. "Now, this isn't anything competitive just something friendly and easy. No getting too rough," Harry warned and received nods from everyone.

The teams were divided and everyone took to the air, some with more confidence than others, while Narcissa and Andromeda conjured chairs to watch and a blanket on the ground in front of them for Teddy. Harry's team had Tracey, Theo, Daphne, Hermione, Neville, and Hannah. Draco's had Greg, Luna, Padma, Astoria, Pansy, and Blaise. Hermione and Hannah were not confident flyers, this was obvious from the first take off. Neville flew beside Hannah towards the hoops she would guard. And to Harry's surprise it was Theo that coaxed Hermione onto the broom and into the air. It took about ten minutes of persuasion but soon the two were joining the others. Hermione looked incredibly shaky on her broom but Harry couldn't conceal his pride for her taking to the air and he flew over to speak his words of approval to which she gave a huff and a roll of her eyes but didn't release her death grip on the broom handle.

"How did you get her in the air? Ron and I have been trying for years," Harry commented to Theo as everyone flew into position.

"Wasn't easy," Theo replied wryly. "Took calling upon her Gryffindor bravery and pride, insisting she needs a practical approach to her academics of learning the basics of flight she has gained from books, and promises that she won't get hurt, that I won't let that happen and neither will you or Longbottom. Plus, I assured her that since she isn't you and doens't have your magnet for danger, statistically she will be fine."

"Impressive," Harry whistled. "Thank you though. I appreciate you working with her and getting along with her. Obviously she trusts you to listen to you at all, and that means a lot to me to see her trusting again."

Theo gave a nod and the look in his eye spoke volumes in his understanding of Hermione's condition after the war. Harry wasn't sure how the two had become so understanding of each other but he wasn't going to complain if it helped his friend.

The game soon started after Bobdy released the balls for them. And Harry found himself annoyed that all of Draco's players were decently competent on a broom while his were not. But it was all friendly, nothing competitive or rough, he reminded himself. All friendly. And the fact that he had a rather old broom and Draco's was new and so they weren't evenly matched like they normally were did not grate on his nerves. Not at all. It was all friendly.

The game lasted for three hours. In truth it was really multiple games but it all blended together. Energy and attention focused and adrenaline pumping as he sped through the air, Harry soon lost track of what the score was. Caught up in the moment that he was. He would have to thank Blaise profusely after all this. It was brilliant. Exactly what he needed. He could only hope the others felt the same.

Stumbling while stepping off his broom, Harry felt exhilarated and lighter than he had in weeks. His sweat clung to him and his heart was racing but he felt alive. "Merlins' balls that was brilliant!" he gasped, his limbs weak from the exertion. Glancing at the others he saw similar sweaty looks, fashes flushed and eyes bright. It was incredible to see. No one was smiling or laughing but no one looked like they were crushed by the weights of war.

People were talking now too. The silence had been lifted. Draco, Blaise and Tracey were reliving some of the better points of the game and other professional Quidditch matches they had seen. Neville, Luna and Hannah chatted -well Neville and Luna did and Hannah walked beside listening- about something, Harry could only assume Herbology. Padma spoke with Pansy and Astoria about fashion tips for exercise. Padma had never been overly committed to fashion but her sister had been and so she knew enough and she added her own knowledge about necessary spells for hygiene and athletic prowess. Theo and Hermione walked with Theo encouraging attempts at flying. Harry listened absently and made a note to add his own praise later on. Daphne joined the two scholars shortly and the conversation moved towards the different Charms that went into the game and the equipment and Harry gave up listening. Instead he let the swell of conversation wash over him and feeling as close to peaceful as he could ever remember feeling.

It took him a moment to realize that Greg walked alongside him and once he noticed it, Harry debated how to engage the former bully. He didn't want to scare the man off with mindless chatter but he didn't really want to get too personal. Did he even want to talk to the giant? Why should he? He had only heard the bloke speak twice in over almost two months of close proximity. Merlin, had it almost been two months? He pondered in shock.

"Hey," he said before he could really debate the matter further. "That was some good flying. You worked well with Luna too." Harry kept his eyes straight ahead, watching the back wall and gate come closer but he saw the other man glance at him with narrowed suspicion before a grunt was given in reply. "Have you and Tracey made any more progress with the orphanage? What property did you choose? I never did ask when you returned the book."

Silence. The chatter from the others engulfed him and Harry wasn't sure if he would ever get a response. If he didn't, he supposed he was OK with that. The quiet that the man exuded wasn't unnerving so that was pleasant. And he could always ask Tracey later.

"The Lestrange Manor."

"Brilliant," Harry snorted, a smirk toying with his lips. "Do you two need to go and scout the area to update your plans? How are you going to refurbish it?"

"Yes. Goblins and magic."

Brief and concise, Harry noted. He could respect that, at least he was holding a conversation.

"Alright, just let me know when you want to visit it. I might tag along too. I'll admit I'm curious about how this is all going to go down. Do we contact the Gringotts Goblins or is there another group of them to go through?"

"OK, we'd like that. Gringotts."

"Excellent. I'll write to Nadrig about how to go about contracting them." Greg just gave a grunt and the two fell into comfortable silence again.

Reaching the Manor, everyone departed to shower, to eat lunch and to go about their individual businesses, with Harry's parting instructions to visit him with their exam requests. Settling himself into the chair behind his desk, Harry sighed deeply glancing about his office. Pansy had been true to her word and Daphne's claims. His office looked amazing. Wonderfully organized and well decorated with updated furnishings and warmer colors. He had a new filing system that the witch had created in his honor, dubbed 'The Potter Stupidity Proof' system. He had been charmed to be sure. The artwork that hung on his walls were mainly Luna's and Dean's but to Harry's delight, Pansy had donated two of her pieces as well. And to his surprise, her work had been great. Invoking a bittersweet sadness every time he gazed at it. Luna's had his mind wandering and dreaming, while Dean's had him feeling energized and hopeful. It was intriguing the different emotions that hung on his walls now.

Calling upon Kilky to bring him a sandwich and tea, he settled himself down with a handful of tomes scattering his desk ranging from how to write his own legislation to Wizengamot policies to current legislation from the beginning to now. It was extensive and daunting and Harry felt dread just looking at it. But memories of the war mingled with his promise to Teddy and so he forced himself to study with a vigor he rarely had at Hogwarts.

The first to knock on his office door was Neville and Hannah. Glancing at his watch, Harry blinked in surprise. He had been studying and taking notes for the past three hours. Another two hours and it would be dinner. "Hullo Harry," Neville greeted warmly, his hand wrapped around Hannahs' as the two took their seats.

"Hey. What can I help you with?"

"Just letting you know what N.E.W.T.s. we want to take. I already spoke with Gran about it and she seemed supportive."

"Great," Harry enthused as he searched for a spare bit of parchment. Finding it, he redipped his quill and scratched in Neville and Hannah's names. "What will it be?"

"I'll be taking Herbology, obviously. As well as Charms and Defense. Hannah is wanting to take Charms, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy."

"Sounds good," Harry replied as he scribbled in the requests. "Just out of curiosity. Do you two know what you want to do yet? Not try to rush you off. You're welcome to live here the rest of your lives if you want. Just curious."

Neville chuckled but it was dry and didn't sound right to Harry's ears. "I want to be a Herbologist. Think I might open my own shop for the moment and then possibly follow Professor Sprout and teach."

"You'd be great at that Neville," Harry encouraged and Hannah gave an agreeing nod and Harry saw her squeeze the formerly shy boys' hand.

"Thanks," Neville's cheeks were reddening but after quickly clearing his throat the man pressed onward, " and Hannah isn't sure yet. Her great uncle is Tom at the Leaky and he's been talking of retiring for years and possibly leaving it to Hannah. It's what she always planned on doing at least." Stroking his partner's hand fondly, Neville stared at Hannah with a soft, gentle look in his eyes.

"Well I wish you both the best of luck."

Padma popped in shortly after and after a few quick exchanges Neville and Hannah departed to give more space in the office. "Hello Padma," Harry greeted with a friendly nod. "You here to let me know your exams?"

"Yes I am." Quill poised and ready, Harry gave her a nod to let her know he was ready and she continued. "Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology and Defense."

"Alright, I've got that down. Any thoughts on what you want to do?"

"I'm going to be a Healer. Once I have my N.E.W.T.s I plan on submitting my application for the January apprenticeship term and working in the trauma and spell damage wards."

"Well you certainly have a plan. I have no doubt you'll do well there." Padma dipped her head in acceptance of his praise. "So how are you enjoying yourself here? I mean, you haven't really been able to be here much since we've been rebuilding. But, are you good?"

The scarred woman tilted her head to consider him and Harry refused to fidget under her gaze. "Yes. I'm doing well, thank you. It hasn't been as terrible an adjustment as I anticipated. But I believe that is also due to the fact that our former classmates never took sizeable issue against me since I was a Ravenclaw. But I have settled comfortably. Thank you again for the opportunity to live away from home."

"It's no problem. I'm glad you came, really. And if there is anything you need, just ask. I'll do all I can."

"You always do, Harry," she commented with a polite tip in her lips to indicate a smile. "Now, I've got some exams to study for. If you'll excuse me?" The witch rose and swept out of the room with a purpose and Harry smirked, shaking his head at the academic.

There was a moment's lull after the Ravenclaw, Harry had just begun reading his books once again when there was another knock on his door. "Come in," he called out finishing up his sentence before glancing up. It was Blaise.

"Chosen One, healing your wounds after we creamed you?"

Harry sighed. "I'd hardly call that creaming us. And if you want to get technical my team was at a severe disadvantage considering our brooms haven't been updated in decades."

"A great player shouldn't rely on their equipment to be great, Potter," Blaise quipped sagely, lounging in the chair before his desk.

Snorting, Harry rolled his eyes. "True, but it certainly helps even the odds. Just wait for when my new broom gets here," he warned seriously. "But until that time, what can I do you for?"

"My N.E.W.T.s," he drawled.

"Go for it."

"Charms, Transfiguration, Ancient Runes, Potions, and...erghm...Muggle Studies."

"Muggle Studies?" Harry repeated slowly. His eyes wide as he stared at the man.

"Yes. Muggle fucking Studies. Potter, just write it down would you," he hissed, his dark eyes like a smoldering coal.

"Right then. Muggle fucking Studies. I'm sure McGonagall will appreciate the new title," Harry snickered. Blaise rolled his eyes but said nothing more but he was incredibly tense. "Good luck with all that. So can I ask if you have any ideas on your business?" Harry asked glancing up from writing the list of exams.

Blaise shrugged and looked away, seeming to observe the artwork. Harry waited patiently, knowing the silence wielding tactic well by now. "I have my thoughts."

"I'm glad you do. Care to have specific ones?"

Blaise shot him an unimpressed look, before looking back at the art. "Save the witty remarks for Pansy and Daphne, Potter. But yes, I have specific ones."

Waiting another minute, Harry finally sighed. "You know you have to tell me what your idea is eventually, right? I have to give the final approval, which means I have to know what it is."

"Yes, I'm aware." Harry studied the dark Italian. He appeared rather closed off, more so than usual. Blaise always seemed rather relaxed and jovial, despite the forced air that accompanied it and the dark look in his eyes. Absently, Harry wondered when the man slept. The man still went out each night to the clubs and for shags. And during the days, he had Hogwarts rebuilding to take care of. But the man didn't seem overly exhausted, no more than anyone else in the Manor.

"Can I take a guess and assume it has something to do with the Muggle Studies exam you plan on taking?"

"I would like to take muggle inventions and make them wizard friendly," Blaise responded stiffly, his eyes trained on the artwork on the wall.

Admittedly, Harry had to run the words through his head a couple times before he grasped the concept of what Blaise Zabini was saying. "Make muggle inventions wizard friendly...how? What inventions? Why?"

"Aren't you the inquisitive one," Blaise drawled with an eye roll. But his eyes were now focused on Harry once more. "If you must know, I plan on using magic to make them wizard friendly. As for which ones, I'll decide that in time. But for now I plan on working on those muggle telephones as well as some of the kitchen appliances and the television. I believe you have noticed that I am rather well acquainted with muggles and feel that if more wizards were aware of what those without magic have created and those artifacts are incorporated into our society, then it will help prevent further prejudices. It will make wizards more accepting of muggles in the long run."

Harry stared at the Slytherin before him. "That sounds great. Really. I think the idea is brilliant and ingenious really. Have you started working on anything yet? Would you need a store front? Or an account for the supplies? You should talk to Arthur Weasley, he is a bit of a muggle fanatic. And I believe he has attempted this conversion himself on a few things." Like a Ford Angelica, Harry added to himself.

"I have started tinkering already and I believe I'm close to achieving the telephone concept. I would need a storefront and an account, yes. I am aware of Mr. Weasleys obsession yes. I wouldn't say I go to that extreme. However, if I ever happen to encounter the man in the upcoming future I will make a comment on my business." Harry blinked. Why did Slytherins have to be so roundabout? Could they ever just give a straight answer?

"I'd like to see what you've come up with so far. It kind of reminds me of what my dad and godfather came up with when they were in school. They had mirrors where you just had to say the other names and if the other one was available they could answer the call and they could talk that way. Unfortunately the mirrors are broken," Harry trailed off sadly after he caught the intrigued spark growing in the other mans eyes. "And I don't know how they made them. Hermione might though. She's probably researched that when she worked on our DA communication methods." Blaise gave a nod at this news but didn't say anything. "As for a storefront. I saw in the paper two months ago that Knockturn Alley is open for more shops. The Ministry is trying to cleanse the alley and make it more like Diagon Alley. From what I read the stores are being sold cheap so that should be something you look into. And I'll make some inquiries as well. And for accounts. Well, I'm sure Tracey and Greg told you about their funding. And you'll get the same opportunity. Look through the book to find an account that has its previous owners in Azkaban for life and with no outside family members and it's yours."

Blaise was silent but Harry could see the man thinking things over. "Alright. I'll speak with Granger about possible spells to test out and I'll look over it for an account. Just keep me posted about your contacts for Knockturn." Harry nodded and the man swiftly left without another word.

Harry wrote out this new information out on a piece of parchment he started for his charges businesses and added Blaise's information underneath Tracey and Greg's combined bullets. Then he pulled out his To-Do list and scratched in 'contact Kingsley about Knockturn Alley stores'. Finishing this off, Harry glanced at his watch. He still had an hour before dinner. Nodding to himself he pulled one of his books closer but was interrupted once again by a knock at the door. Draco, Pansy, Greg and Tracey walked in together after Harry acknowledged the knock. Tracey and Pansy took the chairs while Draco and Greg leant against the wall. Harry watched Pansy's eyes drift towards her pieces and noted the flickers of pride in her muddy brown eyes that pleased him.

"I take it you are here to tell me you N.E.W.T choices?" The four nodded. Harry gave them a nod to begin.

"Charms, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes," Pansy declared.

"Charms, Defense, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy. Gregs' will be the same," Tracey declared with a stiff nod from Greg after Harry's glance.

"Potions, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration," Draco stated, arms crossed tightly against him.

"Great. I've got that down. Pansy, Draco, any thoughts on your business's?" Tracey and Greg glanced at each other and vacated the room as Draco moved to take the Tracey's vacant seat.

"Something with Potions," Draco shrugged. Pansy gave a shrug but said nothing.

"What exactly with Potions? What options are there?"

"Honestly, Potter if you want to blend in in our world you really need to be more aware of the jobs there are," Pansy huffed out. Harry ignored her and kept his eyes on Draco, waiting for a response.

"Main ones are be a Potioneer, own an Apothecary, be a Professor, and work at the potions clinic at St. Mungo's," he listed off with a shrug.

"Right, so are you leaning more towards Potioneer or owning an Apothecary?"

"Mainly a Potioneer. I wouldn't mind experimenting on current potions and creating better ones and providing them to St. Mungo's and the like. And creating new potions. Maybe make the Wolfsbane one better and make an equivalent of it for vampires."

"Alright. So do you need a shop for that? Or a workspace or something?"

"A storefront yeah, for the common potions. Sell ingredients too like an Apothecary but not fully one. I'd need a laboratory for experimenting, definitely."

"Alright. Well, obviously you can continue using the one here until we find a better one. And I was telling Blaise earlier, I saw in the Prophet like two months ago that the shops in Knockturn are all up for sale at a super cheap rate in the Ministry's attempt to cleanse it of all the Dark Arts that lingered there. I was going to look into a place for him and I can do the same for you. Anything else you need?"

"Money, obviously."

"Right, well, same deal as Tracey and Greg. Pick an account with its previous owners in Azkaban and no living outside relatives. Blaise is needing to do the same. Anything else?" Draco gave a short jerk of his head.

"No, that will be all. But I heard you were getting a proper broom soon. Think that will help you compete against me, eh?"

"I think our years at Hogwarts proves that I can compete against you, and win. Today you just got lucky."

"Want to test that theory?" he smirked. "I think you'll find I'm much more improved than I was in school."

"You're on," Harry accepted without hesitation, feeling his competitive spirit rising.

"Ugh, boys," Pansy huffed, drawing attention back to herself.

"Something you'd like to add?" Harry asked politely. "Like what you are going to do with your business?"

Pansy glared at him. "No. Because I have no business yet. I have a total of six months. Don't cheat me out of my time, Potter."

"Wouldn't dream of it. You use all the time you need," he agreed in such a placating way that she scowled harder and stomped out of the office.

Draco and Harry settled in an uncomfortable silence at suddenly being left alone together. "So, how are you and your mother settling in?"

"Don't try to be friendly, Potter. It's rather insulting," Draco sneered.

"It's called being polite. There is a difference," Harry spat. "If you find it so insulting to think of friends though, what does that say about yourself?"

"It says I'm not a bleeding heart Gryffindor."

"Better to have a heart that bleeds than no heart at all."

The cold steel that stared at him cut him to the core but Harry remained steadfast in his glare back. He would not back down. Finally the blonde smirked. "Touche, Potter. Touche. I shall see you at dinner." Harry was suddenly left alone in his office completely confused as to what happened but it seemed like he had come out on top in some way so he wasn't going to dwell on it. Updating his To Do list with what needed to be done for Draco, Harry heard a soft knock and watched as Hermione drifted into his room.

"'Mione, hi. That was some impressive flying today," he smirked and she rolled her eyes but her lips twitched in the ghost of a smile.

"Thanks. I would still rather remain on the ground though."

"Of course. But I appreciate you still getting up there though for the sake of even teams." She gave a shrug and Harry observed his best friend. She was still a shell of her former self. Still hunched in on herself; still too quiet to be comforting. But her eyes were alive again. They sparkled more than they were dull and she held her head up more than she did before she moved in. Harry noted the progress and felt his chest relax a smidgen at the sight of the improvements. "Really though, I'm glad you're here. And I hope you're settling in well."

"Oh yes, very much so. And the library is amazing."

"Figured you'd love it. And remember, I have my private library if you ever want to check that one out. But how are you here though, no one is causing you trouble?"

"No," she shook her head and her curls went bouncing at the jerky movement. "No, no one is causing trouble. And Theo, Davis and Greengrass have been rather friendly towards me."

"Great! I'm glad. Which Greengrass?"

"Both."

"Great. So it's Theo, is it?" Harry asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Oh honestly, Harry," Hermione scoffed.

"Just an observation. You always said I was rather oblivious. Just trying to improve," he smirked.

"Of course, anyway, my exams?" she asked with a pointed look, that was incredibly reminiscent of school Hermione that Harry felt a delightfully painful twinge in his chest. Raising his hands in surrender, he grabbed his quill to write down her requests. "Charms, Defense, Herbology, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions."

"Merlin, Hermione. You never do rest when it comes to exams, do you? You do realize we take these exams in less than two months, yes?"

"Yes, Harry. I am aware."

"And you aren't allowed to become the nervous wreck like in school."

"I can't make promises, but I'll try."

"That's all I ask," he snorted. "Any ideas on what you want to do?"

"No, not really."

"Well, what about working at the ministry working for Werewolf and House Elf rights? You were so passionate about that before."

"Yes, I have considered returning to that actually. But I'm not sure right now."

"OK, well maybe once exams are done you might know more."

"Maybe," she agreed with a nod. Another knock on the door sounded and the two looked up as Theo walked in the office.

He gave them each a brief nod. "I can come back later?" he began before Harry cut him off.

"No, you're fine. We were just chatting about N.E.W.T.s and careers. I assume that is why you are here too?" A brief nod as the man took his seat. "So which exams?"

"Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions."

"Alright. Any ideas on your business?"

"Unfortunately, I have no leads to follow for that. But I am working on it."

"Alright, well you still have like four months and Pansy doesn't have her idea either."

"Do not compare my progress to that of Pansy," Theo drawled with a disdainful sniff.

"Oh, right. Just saying you aren't the only one who hasn't made a decision yet. How are you settling in though?"

"Splendidly, Potter. Why it's like the family I never had." Harry huffed and Hermione snorted. Theo gave a sarcastic smirk but said nothing more. His blue eyes glittered though and while he was still horribly pale, he seemed to be getting more color to his features. Another mark of progress, Harry thought disjointedly.

"I'm just checking, no need to be so touchy."

Theo just gave a half-hearted glare before standing and dusting invisible lint off of his arm. "Well, this has been illuminating but I really must be going. Books to read and businesses to plan."

"I'll go with you. I need some help in that area too," Hermione declared, standing as well. "I'll see you at dinner Harry." He gave a nod and his friend and Theo left the room.

Fifteen minutes later, he was another roll of parchment into his notes on legislation when a knock sounded and he looked up to see Daphne walking in.

"Daphne."

"Harry."

The woman moved to take her seat and observed him through her blue-grey eyes with that familiar tilt to her head, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulder with not a hair out of place. He could only imagine how wild his own hair was looking but he pushed that thought aside. "So what N.E.W.T.s will you be taking?"

"Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Muggle Studies, and Transfiguration."

"Alright. I'll send word to McGonagall. You know Blaise is taking the Muggle Studies one too."

"Fascinating," Daphne clipped off, her expression bored. "So what exams are you taking?"

"Me? Probably Defense, Charms, and Transfiguration. Sixth Year I was taking Potions and Herbology too but I never really fancied them much. So I guess I'll just take the those three. No need for the others now that I won't be an Auror."

"Suppose not. Though multiple N.E.W.T.s did always appear rather prestigious. It could give you academic sway in the Wizengamot."

"I guess. But I'll cross that bridge later. Studying for three N.E.W.T.s on top of all this legislation shit will be enough I think. So Muggle Studies?" He asked, leaning forward in his seat, inquisitive and eager for a further explanation.

"Yes."

Really, what else did he expect? He sighed. "So any more thought on your business?"

"Yes."

"Great. What is it?"

"No judgement?"

"Why would I judge you? This doesn't go past us if you chose not to pursue it. But what are your thoughts. I can try and help you."

"I want to start a school."

"A school? What like to go up against Hogwarts?"

"No. Nothing like that. A school for before Hogwarts. I was speaking with Granger and I believe she classified it as a primary school?"

"Yeah, I went to one too."

"Yes, where you learn the basics of things like the muggle subjects."

"Yeah, alright, I'm following. But why? And who would attend? What would be taught?"

"Well I don't have all the details yet. But it would be for magical children obviously but it would include muggleborns as well. I think that if we want to bypass all of this prejudice than starting even earlier than Hogwarts is essential. Allow the muggleborns to be aware of our world sooner rather than thrusting it upon them. It would help the parents as well, I believe. But it would get children interacting and making friends before House loyalties get in the way. I suppose subjects would be things that many purebloods are tutored on as children. Wizarding culture, history, basic magic, and things like that. But also include a muggle culture course for the wizarding children who aren't exposed to that world. Most children have displayed accidental magic by age five or six. So I believe that starting the age from that time to Hogwarts age."

"That's brilliant! I really like that idea. I know it would have helped me and Hermione in adjusting to things. And making friends before House loyalties would be really helpful. I love it. Do it. And you could work with children and be a professor. Two things you always wanted." Harry wasn't sure why he was so enthusiastic on this topic but he really was in full support of her idea. Daphne only indicated her surprise at his approval by a slight widening on her eyes. "So what will you need?" he asked, reigning his enthusiasm back under control.

"Money and property mainly."

"Right, so same deal as Tracey and Greg got. Draco and Blaise also need to look through the book for an account so after dinner you three can look through it. Keep me posted on the idea." She nodded and stood, glancing at his watch he stood also. "Time for dinner. Allow me to escort you?" He asked with an exaggerated bow, holding out his arm for her. She smirked but took it with a pink tint gracing her cheeks.

After dinner, Harry penned a quick note to Professor McGonagall to let her know that none of them but Luna and Astoria would be returning and the list of the exams everyone would need to take. Harry went to bed that night full of firewhiskey and feeling pleased with the days progress but knew that tomorrow would begin the suffering silence once again.