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!

Sorry this took so long to post, everything was just crazy with the holidays. I hope you enjoy it. I'm still open for suggestions on Theo's business, Pansy's too but I have an idea forming for hers. If anyone is up for me bouncing ideas off of them. Let me know!

Chapter Nineteen

"I really like what you've done with the place, Neville?" Harry sighed. The two had been banished to the small house for the morning and afternoon by the women of the house. So Harry was making the most of it.

"Thanks, though I have to give the credit to Hannah. She really has a knack for making things feel like home," Neville commented fondly. "She'll do great things with the Leaky when she takes over. Butterbeer?"

"Sure," he shrugged, walking over to the small kitchen table that was covered with a cream colored doily while Neville grabbed two butterbeers from the fridge. His fellow Gryffindor handed him one while he took a seat at the table. "So how is Hannah?" he asked after a couple sips, observing his former roommate. Neville had stubble growing on his chin that looked like a few days in the making and his hazel eyes were still haunted by the horrors of war but he seemed less tense in his shoulders. More relaxed but with an easy confidence that few posessed. It was the first time that Harry had seen the couple apart since they arrived.

Neville took another swig of his drink before answering. "Better. I think. I can't really tell. Sometimes it seems she is the same as she was before everything. And others she shuts down and can't get out of the memories. I don't know what I can do. But she has more good days than bad, I suppose. Today is a good day, so far."

"Good. I know it's not my place to ask, but what happened to her?"

"It's not my place to say. All I'll say is that the Carrows took a…..liking….to her." Harry had to suppress the shudder that crept up his spine. And his heart felt for Hannah. She had always seemed incredibly nice and kind during the encounters at school. She hadn't deserved any of it. None of them did. Draining his bottle before he could be sucked down, Harry sighed.

"So any thoughts on why we aren't allowed to leave this place?"

"Seriously?" Neville asked amused. Harry shrugged. "Harry, what day is it?"

"Friday?" his brow furrowed, his fingers fiddling with the now empty bottle.

It had taken him a moment to remember the day in all honesty, all the days blurred together with the steady routine of Hogwarts restoration, N.E.W.T. studying and wizarding legislation studying, as well as the wizarding etiquette lessons that Narcissa instructed him in. Today actually marked a change in the pattern. The school was to open in only a month and all the major damages had been repaired. Now it was the minor details that were being dealt with and so only a group of thirty were still attending daily for that. The rest of the restoration crew was only required every couple days.

"And the date?" Neville seemed to be fighting of a chuckle as he pressed on.

"Um….the thirtieth...Oh! Merlins' balls. I completely forgot! Happy Birthday Neville!" Neville gave a wry grin at his realization.

"Thanks. And an early Happy Birthday to you as well. Hannah didn't tell me exactly what was happening, but I'm pretty sure we are being thrown a birthday party."

"Wow, really? That's...wow." The two settled into comfortable silence as they started on their second butterbeers. "How's your gran doing?"

"Good I suppose. Same old self. Keeps wanting to talk about a marriage for Hannah and me. Won't accept the fact that we just aren't ready for that. Hannah isn't ready for that," he added silently.

"But that is something you want though, in the future?"

"Definitely," Neville declared without hesitation and Harry blinked, glancing up into the man's eyes, full of conviction and love. "I love her. Can't imagine being without her. But I will by no means rush her."

"You're a good man, Neville. And I'm happy for you both."

"Thanks, Harry."

The two started talking about the upcoming N.E.W.T.s and the Hogwarts restoration. The change in the rebuilding needed was going to be beneficial, because it provided the younger crowd more chances to study for the exams. Harry had been surprised at how many of his year were actually returning. Ron wasn't and neither were any of those at the Manor but mostly everyone else was. And Harry was happy for them all, he truly was. But everyone was still required to take exams to find the proper year placement for them.

Luna and Astoria had been studying together in attempts to catch up. They would both be returning to the same year. Since Luna had been absent for half of her Sixth Year and trapped in Malfoy Manor, Professor McGonagall had claimed that she wouldn't be able to start her Seventh Year even under normal circumstances. So the two would be in the same year group. Harry was pleased with that. He felt they would need each other. The older teens had all been making use of Harry's large library and grouping up for each subject.

Kingsley had offered himself, Ron, and Neville automatic Auror apprenticeship placements with the appropriate exam results of course but only Ron had accepted. The youngest Weasley siblings had stopped by to study for the exams and to keep Harry and Hermione updated on the rest of the clan. Ginny had only attended two or three times and had only lasted a couple hours, but Ron came at least twice a week and at the start it had only been an hour or two, avoiding the Slytherins, but now he stayed for at least four hours and would stiffly accept the tips of Theo, Tracey, and Daphne. But Harry marked it as a positive nonetheless.

"Master Harry!" Lopsy called out, popping into the small kitchen area.

"Yes Lopsy?" he asked, getting the racing blood under control. Would he ever be able to hear the sound of apparition and not get tense and anxious?

"The Missuses requests you and Mister Neville be wearing these, Master." The tiny elf said holding up two bags that Harry could only assume held robes.

"The Missuses, Lopsy?"

"All the ladies, Master Harry," the elf clarified.

"Oh Merlin," Harry sighed and Neville snorted.

"Guess we don't have much choice do we?" his fellow Gryffindor sighed. "I'm not about to face that lot when they have their mind set on something." Harry glanced at Neville as the man grabbed one of the bags. Neville caught the look and shrugged. "What? I fought Death Eaters not women."

Snorting, Harry said nothing else and grabbed the other bag. "Lopsy, do you know when we can leave this place?"

"Missus Pansy said not till you are got, Master."

"Of course she did. Thank you Lopsy. You can go if you wish." The elf bobbed its head and popped away. "What kind of party are they planning?" Harry gasped looking at the items in the bag.

"No idea," Neville muttered looking in his own bag with an unreadable expression. Wordlessly, the two began dressing. It wasn't robes which had surprised Harry but they were still incredibly expensive, he could tell by how great they felt.

"I wonder what message they want to send with these?" Harry questioned as they changed. "I mean wealthy with a side of casual and a dash of muggle?"

"Probably more eloquent than that but more or less the same," Neville agreed looking very sharp in his jade button up with grey slacks and blazer. He wore them with a casual confidence that when Harry left to hunt Horcruxes he hadn't possessed. Harry's clothes were a dark emerald button up with black slacks and a black tie, but no jacket or blazer. He ran a hand through his hair but he didn't bother trying to make it look presentable. It had never worked in the past. And if Pansy wanted to fuss about it he would simply remind her it was his birthday party and his hair.

"Wonder how much longer we have to wait," Harry commented after another thirty minutes.

"Hopefully not much longer now. It's almost five. I wonder what they actually have planned."

"They didn't even ask us," Harry scoffed, not really upset but feeling like he should protest to some extent to save face.

"I think it's rather nice of them. I mean I've never had a real birthday party myself. Always a nice dinner with gran and other family."

"Yeah, I've never really had a party either. Was usually stuck at the Dursley's on my birthday." Harry thought back over his birthdays. His sixteenth was the only one he had an actual party thrown by the Weasleys but that had been a damper with all the news of disappearances and the growing threat of Voldemort. His eleventh is when interesting things started happening because Hagrid turned up to tell him he was a wizard. His twelfth, he was visited by Dobby and received bars on his window. His thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth birthdays hadn't been anything of note except receiving a few presents owled in from friends. And last year's party had coincided with the wedding and that had marked the beginning of his time on the run, as well as being interrupted by the former Minister to read Dumbledores will. "Yeah, I guess it is nice that they are throwing one," he remarked finally. Though given the benchmark of the others, Harry couldn't help but think something horrible would happen to continue the tradition.

The two only had to wait another hour, in which they were starting their fifth round of Exploding Snap when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Neville called out. The door opened and they saw Astoria, dressed in a soft pink knee length dress.

"We're ready for you now," she said brightly.

"Oh well that's a relief, isn't it, Nev?" Harry remarked as the two followed the sixteen year old out of the house.

"Oh stop, it was supposed to be a surprise. We can't have you wandering about the place seeing everything, could we?"

"She has a point," Neville conceded.

"Eh," Harry shrugged.

"Ok. You two have to close your eyes now," Astoria instructed. The two men gave her a look that stopped that idea on the spot. "No you do. It's supposed to be a surprise so you have to close your eyes to be surprised." Neither seemed keen on the idea and the sixteen year old realized that two war heroes would never agree to willingly going blind. Harry watched the young witch go through a series of calculations in her mind weighing the pros and cons of them being blindfolded. "OK. Listen, all your friends are here to celebrate your birthdays and we want to surprise you with all our decorations. There will be a loud noise when you arrive, so don't go shooting hexes. But we worked hard, dammit, so close your fucking eyes." Astoria stomped her foot and sent them a hateful glare that caused Harry to want to pull his wand in defense if the girl hadn't looked so adorably young doing it.

"Fine," Harry grumbled. His war instincts screaming at him to not put himself at a disadvantage by closing his eyes but knowing that this wasn't war anymore. This was a celebration and he had to be able to move past his paranoia if he wanted to move on. Neville looked incredibly tense but he gave a stony nod but his jaw was tight. "But we aren't closing our eyes until we absolutely have to."

"Deal," the girl agreed easily. "Let's keep going then." Not but a minute later, she turned back to them and insisted they close their eyes now. "It will only be for a couple more feet. Promise."

Gritting his teeth and trying to keep his breathe steady, Harry complied. He felt Astoria slip her tiny hand into his and assumed she did the same with Neville and felt her tug him forward. The next few hours became a blur marked by the unnecessarily loud cheering and shouting that marked their entrance into the inner garden and patio. Harry would be lying if he said he hadn't had to down at least three glasses of champagne before he felt his nerves relax enough to enjoy himself at his own party.

Everyone was there it seemed. His old DA members, his old Quidditch mates, a handful of Order of the Phoenix members, even some Hogwarts Professors. It was incredible and the decorations were amazing. All reds and golds; streamers and lanterns, tables with table settings, everything was thought of it seemed. And Harry glanced at Neville who seemed just as shocked and touched. But his companion was quickly swept up by his girlfriend and lost to the masses. Harry himself was ganged up on by Ron, Hermione, and Ginny and by extension, Ernie, who guided him through all of his guests.

Making his way through DA members and Quidditch teammates who all just seemed to have to give their opinions on his new livings situations and his plans for the Slytherins. Surprisingly, some even seemed to be swaying to his side which he was thrilled to hear. It was mainly his Quidditch mates that were leaning more favorably to his side but even that was just marginally. And mostly because he promised they could all stop by and play on his new field with him and the Slytherin players. Quidditch crossed barriers like nothing else it seemed.

Most of the DA still weren't convinced but they were polite to the Slytherin house members at least. Though Harry saw some had greater difficulty than others. He appreciated the effort though. The crush of people was getting to his nerves though and he had to seek out Andromeda and steal Teddy in order to help keep his nerves calm. The tiny bundle in his arms also helped to distract people from the opinions that they felt necessary to tell him. So it was a win-win situation, until Andromeda swept in and reclaimed her grandson.

"This really is great, Hermione. It means alot to me. Don't think I can thank you enough," he told his friend quietly as Oliver Wood and Lee Jordan walked away to meet up with Angelina, Katie, and Alicia.

"Oh it wasn't me, Harry," Hermione denied pleasantly. "Well, it wasn't my original idea I just helped see it through once the idea was brought to my attention."

"Oh." Harry frowned slightly. "Whose idea was it then?"

"Daphne," she replied as though it was obvious. "She came to me and from then we got Tracey, Padma, Luna, Hannah, Astoria and Pansy on board. The boys didn't really care much one way or the other but we got them to lend their hand on decorating. Under Pansy and Astoria's careful instruction of course."

"Of course," he snorted, watching Ron, Ginny and Ernie returning from the refreshment table.

"Of course, what?" Ron asked, handing Harry a glass of champagne. His sixth? Seventh? He wasn't sure but he didn't say anything as he accepted it and doubted that Ron or Ginny, or Ernie noticed how much champagne he had had so far. If Hermione noticed she said nothing, her eyes only tightening marginally as he brought the glass to his lips.

"That Pansy and Astoria were directing the men of this house on how to decorate for the party," Harry replied.

Ron grunted and Ginny pursed her lips. "The decorations are really well done," Ernie said pleasantly. "If nothing else, those two definitely have taste."

"Yes. They do," Harry agreed, drinking almost all of his glass in one go. Merlin, Ernie made it to hard to not like the bloke.

"Harry has been utilizing that taste for his wardrobe and the inner house decorations as well," Hermione commented. Did he note a tinge of pride in her voice? Harry pondered distractedly.

"Yes, I've noticed your attire is better than it was in school. I was wondering who to thank," Ernie joked and Harry couldn't help but smirk in response while the others guffawed goodnaturedly.

"Who must be thanked?" Tracey asked popping up beside Harry. She skillfully ignored the scathing glare from Ginny and the uncertain glance from Ron and Ernie as she shifted her eyes between Harry and Hermione.

"My new wardrobe," Harry replied, bringing his glass to his lips only to realize it was empty.

"Ah yes, Pansy and Astoria, though Blaise contributed to, of course."

"Of course," Harry conceded pleasantly, looking for a replacement glass.

"So what do you think of the party?" the strawberry blonde asked as Ron, Ginny and Ernie were suddenly called away by who Harry didn't know.

"It's great. Really, Tracey, you guys did a really great job."

"Yeah I know," she sighed with a toss of her freshly curled hair. "But I'm not the one you really want to thank. I'm rubbish at planning parties. Never really got the hang of it."

Hermione rolled her eyes fondly and Harry snorted at that and Tracey flashed a grin at the two. The most genuine grin Harry had seen since the war and it shocked him to see. Hermione also looked far more relaxed than he had ever seen her in years, though that might have been in part to the alcohol. It was nice to see her standing straight, eyes bright and cheeks flushed. She looked alive again. Everyone did, Harry mused glancing at the guests, everyone seemed to have stepped out of their war hardened shells and just live for the night.

"The person you really need to thank is right over there," Tracey pointed through the crowd to identify Daphne standing near one of the trees with fairy lights wrapped around it. Harry watched for a moment as Astoria left her sisters side and went off somewhere. Seeing an opportunity to thank the witch in private, Harry made his way over, leaving Hermione and Tracey to seek out someone else.

"I hear I have you to thank for the party," Harry said in way of greeting when he finally stood beside the blonde. Her hair had been placed in a ponytail on top of her head and the tail was in an elongated spiral all the way down. Her light blue sundress clung to her curves and flared out at her hips. And the heels she wore gave her a few inches so that they were the same height now.

"And where did you hear that?" she responded after a brief glance at him before her eyes went back out onto the guests, many of whom were all dancing in the center courtyard.

"A few little birdies told me," Harry shrugged, following her lead and watching the dancers.

Eyes seeking out his friends he spotted them. Hermione was dancing in a large group with Padma, Parvati, Tracey, Susan, and Alicia Spinnet. Astoria had somehow convinced Draco to dance solely with her and while the older Slytherin seemed to want to make it appear like he wasn't enjoying himself, there was no denying the look of softness he kept sending his dance partner as he twirled her around and she laughed so merrily that it sounded like bells. The first real laugh he had heard in months. Blaise was dancing with two witches at the same time and doing it quite well, Harry noticed, slightly envious. Neville and Hannah were in their own world, dancing closely and lost in each others eyes. Greg and Theo stood with Pansy near the refreshment table, silently watching with hidden longing in their eyes, though they were soon joined by Charlie Weasley, who was still in town thanks to the restoration efforts, and their attentions shifted. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were dancing as well looking lovingly at each other, their faces relaxed of the stress and anguish that had been prevalent for so long. Andromeda and Narcissa talked together, occupying a bench with Teddy between them. Ginny danced rather provocatively with Ernie, and Harry quickly averted his eyes. Percy was there dancing stiffly with a witch he had brought with him. Starting to lose track of the individual faces as his eyes moved towards the center of the large dancing mass, Harry gave up and just turned to face Daphne.

She glanced at him and smirked. "So? Where is this 'thank you', you have been sent to give?"

Playfully rolling his eyes, Harry replied, "Thank you, Daphne. Really I mean it. This party is great and it means a lot to Neville and I that you went about organizing it all. You didn't have to and it was very nice of you."

"See now that wasn't so hard was it?" she teased before turning her eyes back to the dancers, her cheeks looked a little pinker but Harry guessed it was due to the champagne she was drinking and the warmth of the night.

"Suppose not. But it definitely ranks in the top ten," he replied casually, taking a sip of his own drink. He had managed to snag a replacement on his way over to the blonde witch. Daphne snorted but didn't make a comment. Now Harry was sure the alcohol was taking a toll with her. Never had he thought the pristine Slytherin beside him would ever snort in amusement. "Really, though. What made you decide to throw this party for us?"

She shrugged, an indelicate movement that she still managed to pull off with grace. But pointedly kept her eyes on the dance floor. "It was a few things really. I wanted to show my appreciation for everything you have done for myself and my friends these past few months. Saying thanks for the opportunity you've given us, I suppose. And after all of the hardship of this past year and the rebuilding I thought people would want a chance to unwind and relax. It was just by chance that I found out about yours and Neville's birthdays coming up."

"How did you find out?"

"I heard Hermione and Weasley mention it a few weeks ago during our study sessions."

"Well, thank you again. So when is your birthday?" he asked curiously. Pretending not to have heard him, she began examining her nails which had been done up very elegantly. "Don't worry, you don't have to tell me now. I bet I'll figure it out by the end of the night," Harry replied confidently. Already planning on how to bribe Tracey or Astoria if Daphne refused to yield.

"I wouldn't hold your breath," she replied with a smirk.

"Course not, I've got other things to dwell upon," he replied with a lopsided grin that he didn't think his face was capable of forming anymore. The feeling surprised him but upon draining his tenth? Twelfth? Glass of champagne in one swallow he decided that at least for tonight, he wasn't going to think about that. Everyone else was living, so he would to. "Like dancing," he declared so abruptly that Daphne whirled to face him with shock on her face. Her eyes had also been dancing with amusement at their small inside joke but she obviously hadn't expected a following comment. Harry hadn't either but he was going with it. "How about it?" he asked, holding out his hand.

"Um...why?"

"Why not?" Harry asked, his hand going to his hair to nervously run his fingers through it. "Everyone else is dancing. Why can't we? Mind you I'm rubbish at it so you might do better not dancing with me-"

"No, I mean why me?"

Harry blinked and stared at the woman in confusion. He was still in a slight bow with his hand outstretched in a mocking gentlemanly gesture to take her hand but he straightened at her hesitation. "You are the orchestrator of this whole party, you should be allowed to enjoy the results. Besides it's just one dance. Think of it as my way of thanking you since Neville won't peel himself off of his lady long enough to send his thanks." She looked so uncertain that Harry frowned slightly. He hadn't meant to make her uncomfortable. "Are you OK? Do you not like dancing?"

She shook her head at that, her ponytail swinging like a pendulum. "No, I love dancing," she whispered. "I...I just don't know how to do that kind of dancing," she continued, with a nod at the crowd in front of them.

"And I can't do any type of dancing, so we're on an even playing field." She huffed at this and nibbled on her bottom lip. "Come on. It is one dance. And if you make a fool of yourself then I'll be making an even bigger fool of myself so no one will notice. And people are getting too drunk right now to even notice us anyway." She didn't look fully convinced but after another moment or two took his hand.

Her hand was warmer than what he had been expecting and much softer. He couldn't help but think that only a couple months ago she had used this hand to slap him in his office and the thought brought a quiet chuckle to his lips. She eyed him curiously and he shook his head for her to not worry about it. Reaching the crowd, Harry saw that the group of girls who had been dancing had dispersed into partners and the music was changing to a slower tempo. Susan danced with someone he didn't recognize, Tracey had gotten Greg to dance with her, Theo was leading Hermione in a dance and both looked incredibly pink throughout the whole experience. Dean and Seamus danced together. Padma and Parvati danced together and Alicia had left the dance floor.

Turning to face Daphne, Harry froze. He hadn't been lying when he said he didn't know dancing. The Yule Ball had just been a nightmare he strove to forget but it was his only experience. Glancing at the other people around him he tried to follow their lead by placing his hands on Daphne's waist and pulling her close and moving in a shuffling circle while bobbing his head. He felt utterly ridiculous. "What are you doing?" Daphne asked finally, letting loose a giggle.

"Dancing. What are you doing?"

"That is not dancing. You look like an awkward chicken."

"Well, why don't you show me how to do it then."

"Well, I don't know this dancing. But even I can do this better than you. Follow my lead."

She took his hands off her hips and kept them in her hands, took a step away from him to give them some space and then she started pushing and pulling against his hands bringing him closer and farther from her, twirling herself between his arms so her back was to him and his arms were crossed over her and then out again. They continued like that with her pulling him around in circles on the floor, in and out and together and in and out and in and out and together. It was surprisingly easy to follow her steps and Harry soon got the feel for the dance she was creating and immensely enjoyed it. This way he didn't have to worry about stepping on her feet and it felt far more natural than what he saw the other couples doing. If the music changed tempos Daphne adjusted flawlessly to the point that Harry didn't realize the music even changed. He felt freer than he had in months, years maybe. It was incredible.

"Harry!" the slurred shout of his name startled him and he glanced away from Daphne, stopping their dance to glance around. A staggering Romilda Vane stood beside him now, her eyes were turning bloodshot and her hair was a mess of curls that were probably supposed to look attractive but looked like she got electrocuted before she arrived.

"Romilda," he replied cautiously.

"Dance with me, Harry," the woman cooed, pushing Daphne aside and throwing her arms around his neck in one fluid movement for how drunk she was.

"Romilda you're drunk. I think you should really go home now," he said trying to pull her arms off his neck, but her grip was like a vice.

"NO!" she screeched causing everyone near them to stop their dancing to see what was happening. "You can dance with that bitch! So why can't you dance with me!"

Everyone was staring at them now and most seemed confused but were growing anxious. Theo and Hermione stood near each other with Ron standing beside Hermione protectively while also blocking Padma and Parvati slightly. Draco subtly pushed Astoria behind him. While Greg put a hand on Tracey's shoulder. And Charlie Weasley was gripping Pansy's arm to stop her from lunging into action.

"Don't call her that!" he spat out with more venom than he had thought. "You are drunk. Go home."

"What the FUCKING HELL, Harry Potter!" Romilda was reaching volume levels that had him questioning whether she could break glass. "What is wrong with you! You are bewitched! You're imperioused. There is no fucking way you would chose that snake slut over me if you were in your right mind."

He felt his temper flaring and his blood started beating against his ears. Finally breaking the woman's grip around his neck he shoved her arms down and she stumbled at the force. He wasn't sure if it was due to the alcohol and her insanely high heels or because of his shoving though. He gripped his wand but forced himself not to draw it. She was drunk and it wouldn't be right. Besides she hadn't attacked yet.

"It's all your fault, bitch! You manipulative snake! You are tricking and bewitching him! How many times have you had to spread your legs for him to get him to just look at you?" Romilda screamed at Daphne, reaching out to strike the blonde.

Harry grabbed her wrist pulling her to a halt and spinning her to face him. Wand drawn and pressed into her neck. He was seeing red. "Leave Daphne alone. I swear, if you turn on her one more time I will not hold back."

"You aren't in your right mind, Harry. Come with me, I can break her curse on you," she pleaded, dragging her free hand down his chest and pulling on his tie, it was probably meant to be seductive but it made Harry want to shiver in disgust.

"I am in my right mind. You however are not. I didn't choose you in school and I'm not going to choose you now!" he snapped coldly, yanking her hand off of him. It was harsh and a low blow but he didn't care. He was reaching his peak in tolerance with her and he needed her to leave before he did something he couldn't forgive. "Now. Go. Home. And never show your face to me again."

She slapped him hard at that and that helped snap him into a slightly calmer level of angry momentarily before she screamed. "YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MINE!" She then ran in a staggering line out of the circled crowd.

"Anyone else have a problem with the way I'm thinking that they want to bring up? Might as well clear the fucking air now," he yelled at the crowd. Some looked down guiltily and others shook their heads in terror. A couple stepped forward though. Good, he needed a fight, Harry thought gripping his wand tighter, licking his lips in anticipation. It was Susan Bones, Zacharias Smith, and Anthony Goldstein who came forward.

"Harry," Anthony began, eyeing Harry's drawn wand with caution. "I get that you want to help the world move forward, but you're going about it the wrong way mate. You have to trim the tree or the infected branches will infect the tree. They are the infected branches. They are poison and we can't move forward until the poison is gone."

"What makes them poison, Anthony? Why are they the ones that have to be cut out? And if your only reason is because they are Slytherins' or because of what their parents were then don't even bother speaking." Anthony faltered slightly but Zacharias spoke up instead.

"That's only part of it. They are vicious bullies. You weren't there last year. You don't know how evil they are. They used the Unforgivables. They inflicted countless hours of pain on all of us."

"No I wasn't there last year. I was living through my own hell. And they used Unforgivables? Really? It was a fucking war! Most people did on either side. Hell I did too. I used Crucio and Imperius." There was a gasp at his confession. "But who here didn't do something terrible to survive? Who used curses? Who killed? Who lied? Who did whatever they had to in order to still be living now?"

"It's not the same thing!" Anthony protested.

"And why not? Because we were on the winning side?"

"If they had won we would all be dead. We should do them same to them. It's only right to honor those who died," Susan declared harshly.

"That is not the way to honor them!" Harry seethed, his grip was tight on his wand and he was in a fighters crouch, ready to spring into action the moment the spells started flying. "You think Fred would want us to kill a bunch of teenagers in his honor? Or your aunt? Would she be happy that you want to kill innocents in her name? What about Lupin? Or Tonks? Or Lavender? If that's what they would have wanted then you certainly knew them better than I did."

"How dare you speak their names!" Susan screeched aiming her wand at his head. "You have no right!"

"I have every right!"

"You lost it when you started associating with the snakes," she hissed in a remarkable impression of a snake, Harry thought absently. His veins were thumping and his heart was pounding as his adrenaline surged forward. A list of spells were ready on his tongue.

"Stop this!" a woman screamed but Harry didn't notice. And neither did Susan who was glaring at him with a hatred he didn't think the Hufflepuff was capable of. "Put your wands down now!" Neither dropped their wands but suddenly they were yanked from their hands by an 'Expelliarmus'.

Tracey had shouted and she looked furious. Draco stood behind her holding the two wands looking stony and his eyes were guarded. The others Slytherins and residents of the house stood behind Tracey, looking much the same as Draco. "What is the matter with you two?"

"Shut up snake!" Susan yelled.

"No you shut up, Bones," Daphne spat back. 'Ice Queen' that was what Ginny had called her at the beginning of the summer and Harry could see it now. Daphne was hard and her voice cold. "You don't like us? Fine. Hate us. Because you're not making a great case for yourself right now. But don't take it out on Harry. He has done nothing but throw his life away for all of our sakes. And now he is making decisions for himself and you turn your back on him just because you don't like who he talks to? That's fucked up! You don't like us? Fine. Hate us. We're used to it. But don't hate Harry. He doesn't deserve it." Susan huffed but looked away, glaring a hole into the dirt. "Since you obviously despise us and disagree with Harry. Why the hell did you even show up today?"

Susan mumbled something. And Daphne stepped forward until she was face to face with the former Hufflepuff. "No, you just wanted to be in the center of things. You wanted to bask in the glow of celebration. You wanted to enjoy our hospitality but not have to support what goes with it. You disgust me." Harry shivered involuntarily at those words wielded like an ice dagger. "Get out."

The dismissal seemed to have angered Susan because she looked back up and sneered. "Our hospitality? What are you the Lady of this House? Was Romilda right, hm? Have you spread your legs enough to have seduced Harry into a contract?"

"Susan that is enough!" Harry demanded his temper flaring once more, coming up beside Daphne to face Susan. "I will not tolerate your accusations. First, Daphne has the right to dismiss you as a resident of this house, which you are not. Second, she is the hostess of this celebration and that gives her another right. Third, I happen to agree fully with her decision and you need to leave. Now."

Tears welling in her eyes but whether from fury or sadness, Harry didn't know. Nor did he really care either. Susans' face went red and she opened her mouth to protest before promptly shutting and and turning on her heels and fleeing. The second woman to run crying from him in the span of an hour, Harry thought wearily. "You two. You aren't welcome either. Leave," he commanded, pointing at Anthony and Zacharias. The two jumped at the demand and quickly scurried after Susan.

The crowd fell silent and Harry glanced around at the circle that had formed. Licking his lips Harry debated what to say. Should he send them all home or start the party up again. He certainly wasn't in a festive mood anymore. Harry sighed, feeling many years older, "Anyone else have anything to say?"

The eyes of the crowd shifted from Harry to Daphne standing a few feet behind him to the crowd of Peverell Manor residents standing just behind her and stayed silent. "I think, it ez best if we cut zis birthday party short," Fleur said coming forward. All eyes turned to the partial Veela's presence. "It ez getting late after all. And I think we've all 'ad enough celebracions to last uz a while. Oui? Besides, zere will be ozzer parties," she continued pleasantly. Taking their cues people said quick goodbyes and started walking towards the apparition point.

"Rarky, Nobney, Jodkey, Bobdy, and Holby," Harry called out as the last of the guests were disappearing into the darkness. The elves popped in front of him in unison all blinking dotingly up at him. "Can you please follow our guests and make sure they make it to the apparition point safely? And be sure to catch any lingering guests please."

"Yes Master!" they chorused before scampering off into the dark as well.

Sighing Harry dragged his feet back into the large manor. He walked into the main entrance room and saw the rest of the house, minus Narcissa and Daphne, on the colorful chairs and sofas.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Pansy cried out as he came to stand behind one of the empty armchairs.

"I was-"

"No! You need to calm down when you deal with people! You can not just duel with everyone who disagrees with you or whenever you get mad!" Pansy hissed and Harry ran a hand through his hair looking down. Not sure if he wanted an entire bottle of Firewhiskey or his bed more. "We have a dueling room you know. Hold in your temper until you can unleash it in private."

"They started it," Harry muttered childishly. "And they wouldn't stop insulting Daphne. I wasn't just dueling for my sake."

"Of course they were insulting her!" Blaise scoffed. "She is a Slytherin. She is used to insults. We all are. Plus she was dancing with you. And she is living with you. Bitches will be jealous. But you jumping to defend her like the heroic Gryffindor you are is just giving fuel to their claims."

"So what I was supposed to let them insult her right in front of me? At my own house?" Harry huffed. "Last I checked, your Slytherin rules and customs said that as Head of House I'm not supposed to allow that."

"No. But you don't do it in front of a crowd!" Blaise dismissed. "You be discrete. Grab some Ravenclaw smarts and some Slytherin cunning."

"It's true," Neville agreed. "The Head of House never holds such a public dispute."

Harry growled and pulled at his hair. "They are right, Harry," Padma chimed in. "You might have thought defending her like that was best but the rumors will only spread after tonight."

"This is ridiculous! I did the right thing. I defended her. So bloody fucking what if it was in public. Maybe now others won't make the same mistake," Harry defended himself.

"Why were you so quick to defend her Potter?" Draco drawled, reclining in his armchair looking like a prince resting on his throne.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? She was being attacked, I had to protect her," Harry defended, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Really? So you would jump to all our defenses?" Pansy questioned.

"Well, probably not yours. But the rest of you," Harry responded with a smirk.

"Touched, truly, Potter," she huffed in reply.

"Anyway, where is Daphne?" Harry sighed.

"She went to her room," Astoria piped up.

"Right, so I guess I need to go apologize for trying to help her."

"Take her a glass of wine," Luna suggested. "I'm sure she needs it right now." Giving a shrug at the flighty blondes comment, Harry called for Kilky to meet him in front of Daphne's room with two glasses of wine.

"Why two glasses?" asked Astoria, twirling a lock of hair.

"Because I bloody well need one too after all this," Harry shot back as he reached the stairs. "Good night everyone. And thanks for the party. It was really great until it ended," he added, turning back to look at the ragtag group gathered together.

Finally reaching the third floor, Harry walked towards Daphne's door and saw Kilky already waiting with two glasses of dark red wine. "Thank you, Kilky," he murmured. The elf gave a bow and then disappeared. Shifting the two glasses into one hand, with the stems stuffed between his fingers, he knocked on the door. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Astoria slipping into her room but not before she gave him a quick wave and a small smile. And he saw Hermione and Theo reaching their rooms as well. Theo gave him a formal nod but Hermione gave him a small nod and a thumbs up.

He only had to wait a moment before the door was opened to reveal Daphne with her hair down out of its ponytail, her face clear of makeup and wearing an oversized t-shirt reaching her mid-thigh and slippers. She most certainly did not look like a pureblood heiress, but she looked stunning despite it all. "Harry!" she cried out, bringing her hands to the hem of her shirt and pulling it lower. "What are you doing here?" she didn't look at him, keeping her eyes on the door.

Swallowing thickly, he struggled to get words out. "I'm- I'm here to apologize." Her gaze snapped to his, eyes wide in surprise. Bringing his gaze to rest on her forehead because otherwise he wouldn't have the ability to form words, he continued. "I've been told that my attempts to help you have just made it worse for you in the long run. And I brought wine, but it was Luna's suggestion. I can't claim that idea as mine." A small smile twitched at her lips.

"Well, I must give Luna my thanks. Um...if you'll just give me a moment," she said, before quickly shutting the door in his face. Shuffling his feet, Harry stood in front of the shut door, holding the two glasses of wine and listened to movement on the other side of the barrier. Three minutes later and the door swung open. "Come in," Daphne said, stepping aside to allow him in. She now wore a long pink robe and he saw pants covering her legs.

Stepping into her room, his nerves building, he glanced around the space. It was the first time he had been in any bedroom in the manor besides his own. It was smaller than his, in a rich lavender shade for the curtains and bedspread. The bed was made but with books, parchment, ink and quills covering half of it. The small sitting room held a single couch and coffee table with two doors leading to the bathroom and closet. There were a few pictures on the night tables and a few framed portraits on the walls and a vase of flowers that looked like lilies and daffodils stood as the centerpiece of the coffee table.

"Please, come sit," Daphne requested, assuming a spot on the couch. With a jolt, Harry followed her lead and came and sat on the opposite side of the couch, handing her one of the glasses. She took a light sip and hummed her pleasure of the vintage. "It's delicious. Now I really must thank Luna." Harry took a far more generous sip than she did but he agreed with the sentiment. "And I must thank you as well."

"What? No, I'm here to apologize," Harry protested.

"I know," she stopped him, looking into her wine glasses as she continued. "And I'm aware that the others must have gone into you about your behavior. If I were them I would have done the exact same thing. The way you handled everything was not becoming of a rising political leader, nor that of a Head of House, not doing so in public anyway. And the consequences will most definitely cause me more harm than you. But," she stated looking up to meet his eye, "speaking as the beneficiary of those actions, I give you my thanks."

"No problem," he squeaked out, swallowing hard. Why were her eyes so piercing? Was it some spell that she cast on herself? It certainly wasn't normal for eyes to be that enticing. Averting his eyes and clearing his throat to gain control of his thoughts again. "And I'm sorry about the backlash that you will receive but I would do the exact same thing if given the chance. I won't stand for that kind of talk about you Daphne. It's not right and it's not true and you don't deserve it."

"You're sweet, Harry, but I don't deserve your hero acts," she shifted to lean back against the sofa, facing the wall, nibbling her lip before continuing. "They are allowed to hate me. I don't blame them. Nor do I blame them for the accusations."

"It's not right though. Why are you so willing to accept their hate? To not fight back?"

"That's such a Gryffindor response," she scoffed before taking another sip of wine. "I am not a blemishless princess, Harry. They are right. I've done things. Terrible things. And I regret them with every fiber of my being. But they happened and I will bear their harsh thoughts with my head high and with dignity, becuase I don't disagree with their attitudes."

"What the hell happened last year?" Harry sighed, slouching against the couch and taking another gulp of wine.

"That's not a discussion for tonight. Perhaps another time," she replied but judging by her tone Harry guessed that 'another time' meant 'never in your life'. "Besides it's your birthday, as of thirty minutes ago. I'd hate to bring your celebration down even further with talk of the past."

Glancing at his watch, Harry saw that she was right. It was July 31st. His birthday. He was officially eighteen. "Thank you again. I know I thanked you before but really, having a party was nice, no matter how it ended. I'd say it was the best birthday I've ever had."

"I'm sure you're just being kind. You're Harry Potter, a birthday where you got slapped twice and almost entered into a duel can hardly rank high."

"You'd be surprised," Harry muttered, taking another drink. Daphne glanced at him with a questioning look. "That's not a discussion for tonight. Perhaps another time. Besides, I'd hate to bring down this celebration with talk of the past," he quoted back and she rolled her eyes but allowed an amused smirk. "Where did you get the flowers?" he asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

"Your gardens actually. I go out and pick some each week with the help of Bobdy and Holby. They are my favorites," she finished quietly, gazing at the bright colors the flowers brought.

"They are beautiful," Harry agreed, glimpsing Daphne out of the corner of his eye as he looked at the floral display. "I'll have to send my praises to those two."

"Yes, they certainly deserve it," she added, finishing off her wine.

"How is your school coming along?" he asked, suddenly not wanting to be sent off.

Daphne tilted her head as she observed him. "How about I come by your office in the morning and tell you then? It is late and we don't want these unwarranted rumors to get worse, now do we?"

"Unwarranted?" Harry parroted back as Daphne rose from the couch and walked towards the door.

"Of course. No matter what liberties you bestow upon us, you are our owner, Harry. Anything other than friendship would be dishonorable." She opened the door now and turned to face him still sitting frozen on her couch. The open door jolted him and after tossing back the rest of his wine he stood and walked towards the exit.

"Dishonorable, of course. That would never be my intention," Harry spoke slowly. "But friendship would be acceptable and...desired?" he questioned tentatively.

"Very much so," she responded softly, he had reached her now.

"Then as friends, sharing a glass or two of wine in the privacy of their rooms, it would be permissible."

Harry stared at the blonde and watched her face soften and color rise in her pale cheeks. "Yes, that would be permissible." Harry felt a grin on his lips as he stepped into the hallway. "November 20th," she suddenly said.

"Huh?"

"My birthday. November 20th. Goodnight, Harry," she whispered before closing the door on him once again that night.

"Goodnight, Daphne," he whispered back before turning for his own rooms.