A/N: Hello again everyone. Just wanted to start again with the usual thanks for all the support;62 follows,35 favorites,over 2000 views and 16 reviews. Really appreciate it. I also heard through the cyber grapevine that a got a shout out from a Youtuber, and decided that I'd give one myself, so if you're interested I placed the URL at the bottom of this page. So, on to the story; I'd like to apologize for any grammatical errors if they got pass, hopefully I'm improving.

Please Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own nothing in regards to Harry Potter and its franchise.

Chapter 4

Ballad of Albus Dumbledore, Forging Bonds and How Far is Too Far

Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore, was a wizard of outstanding magical strength and talent, had a mind for seeing the bigger picture and carrying out his goals for it; for the whole; for the greater good. After his defeat and imprisonment of his close friend, Gillert Grindewald, he had positions and responsibilities thrust upon him. It was during this time that he had to contend to the rise of Dark Lord Voldermort, or Tom Riddle as he remembered the boy, which had forced him to set aside his plans for the betterment of the wizarding world; and form a resistance against Tom. Though he could fight Tom to a standstill; Tom was slowly, but surly winning the war by the use of fear tactics and guerilla warfare. It was during this inevitable defeat that he heard a prophecy; and had found a weapon to use against Tom, and the reason why he could not defeat him. He was then able to manipulate and set the stage to both identify his weapon and defeat Tom; though many had suffered due this, their sacrifice was for the greater good. Knowing that Tom was not completely gone that night; he isolated his weapon, Harry Potter, with relatives that hated the magical world, away from the wizarding world to both protect him from his fame and to ensure when he arrived at Hogwarts he would be both naïve and malleable. He even had Hagrid escort him because he knew Hagrid wouldn't know what was ideal in telling a new comer about the wizarding, he would sing his praises, ensuring that young Harry idolized him, and also to set the stage for his test of the boy. He did all this to ensure he could mould his weapon in the proper way; all for the greater good of the wizarding world.

His plan had been a success. Even his 'idle' comment to Molly Weasly had seen to her son joining Harry on the train and ensuring his weapon would become a Gryffindor and be instilled with their values and their will to follow a light wizard like him. There was however, both a slight hiccup in the plan and an unexpected occurrence. The hiccup happened in the form of Harry had befriended a muggleborn witch who was gaining knowledge about the wizarding world and could affect how his weapon acted. He had plans if this happened; but so far her willingness to follow authority and Mr. Weasley's personality would curb her from anything detrimental to his weapon. The unexpected occurrence was a muggleborn being sorted into Slytherin. The last time this happened was fifty years ago, in the form of a young Tom Riddle. He wasn't one to believe in coincidences; especially given it was the year his weapon returned to the wizarding world and his bait for Tom, so he would observe the child in case he turned out to be another 'Tom'.

When Tom had set the Troll loose; he had planned to use it as a prerequisite of sorts for his weapon. He wanted to see if young Harry had the natural willingness to face danger, especially when it was someone close to him that was in danger; it would be needed as his weapon when the time came to face Tom. With the use of the Hogwarts wards, he was able to lead the troll to Ms. Granger, and lead his professors in a detour through the dungeon using the premise that was giving to him by 'Professor Quirrell', while he sent Severus to safeguard the stone in case 'Quirrell' decided to act. This would give Harry ample time to reach just before them and a chance to have the boy glorify him when he defeated the troll in front of him.

As he, Minerva, Filius, 'Quirrell' and the recently joining the group, Severus, approached the bathroom; He noted the lack of sounds except painful grunts and moans he assumed was the troll. As he entered before the other professors, he took in the scene of broken stalls, sinks, and a beaten and bloody troll being held down by six large wolves and being surrounded by four students; three of whom he expected to be here, while the fourth as in mid-cast when he entered.

"Deprimo" he heard the fourth cast, and watched as the young student ended the life of the creature.

"My boy…what have you done". He said to the fourth in a grandfatherly tone to show his disappointment. All life should be considered important, and from what he saw, the troll was in no way a threat; killing it was not necessary. As he took in the students, he noticed both Harry and Mr. Weasley were unharmed; Ms. Granger seemed to be sporting cuts and bruises in places, and the Slytherin…Mr. Cunningham he now realized, seemed to be also fine, however he seemed slightly exhausted and shaking, coming down from the adrenaline rush he theorized.

"Taking out a threat to my fellow students, Headmaster" Mr. Cunningham replied.

"The Troll did not have to die, my boy. You had it contained did you not? Surly you could have left it like that and found a professor." He said grandfatherly, eyes twinkling.

"The troll was adamant to harm Hermi- I mean, Ms. Granger, Headmaster. Previous attempts were useless against it and it showed signs of wanting to pursue her; so I had to use a spell to ensure not only her safety, but that of the others and myself." He replied calmly.

"Do you not feel any remorse for taking a life my boy" He asked concerned for the boy.

"I'm too focused on the relief I feel at the moment that Ms. Granger and the others are safe; to feel anything for a dark creature that was moments ago trying to kill one of them…Headmaster." The boy replied bluntly to him.

For him to think so lowly of life, raised many concerns about the child in him. His thoughts however, were cut off by the voice of Minerva saying as she entered fully behind him," Mr. Potter? Mr. Weasley? Ms. Granger? Mr. Cunningham?...Are you all alright? Who did all this?" she pointed towards the wolves that were still on the dead Troll.

"We're fine professor. Ron and I came here to warn Hermione about the troll, but it was already in here. We saw William holding it off while protecting Hermione." Dumbledore heard Harry reply. With a quick glimpse into his mind, he saw everything. He was both impressed and worried about the display of magic and control shown by a first year…it was starting to parallel with one other.

Both he and the other students turned to the aforementioned student and saw him standing by the head of his kill. He had a blank expression on his face; however, he could see that the boy seemed to be glancing occasionally at the Gryffindors. It was too fast for him to trace it back to whom he was watching and he seemed to have a strong natural barrier that stopped him from reading his thoughts. He decided to speak," And what were you and Mr. Cunningham doing alone in the bathroom when the troll arrived Ms. Granger?"

As he browsed the young girls mind as she blushed at his 'accidental' insinuation, he chuckled internally about the hazards of puberty as Ms. Granger's first thoughts were about exactly what they could've done, but she thought back to the memory as he intended. While she hadn't seen when Mr. Cunningham had entered, she had seen the start of the young boy's battle with the troll up to the point in which Harry and Mr. Weasley had shown up and the rest matched with what he had seen before. While it further showed a boy with great magical talent, it also helped alleviate some of his worries as he had moved to protect Ms. Granger, something Tom would never do. He then heard the still blushing girl speak while she looked down," W-we weren't in here t-together Headmaster. I had read about the troll and thought I couldhandle one. If William hadn't shown up and with Harry and Ron's help; I would be dead" she had ended sounding more confident and looking up at him.

"And what, pray tell, were you doing here in the girls bathroom, Mr. Cunningham?" Severus replied with a hint of anger in his voice.

"I had finished my meal when I decided to take a walk before returning to my common room. I had seen Professor Quirrell walking towards the Great Hall and shouting about a Troll being in the dungeon… Professor, your forte is in the Defense Against the Dark Arts, correct? Shouldn't dealing with a Troll be something you would be able of taking care of yourself? Especially since you are teaching us how to deal with such threats" He had replied.

As he watched 'Quirrell' begin to stutter; trying to defend himself as the attention had now turned to him, Dumbledore decided to defend him," The professor was in the right when he chose to alert the entire staff of the danger."

"Shouldn't you have already known of the danger Headmaster? I'm sure given the history and past events that happened over the centuries of Hogwarts, it would've protections against something like this?" William questioned him now.

"Mr. Cunningham, surely you're not implying that we had put the students of Hogwarts in danger?" Minerva said with her Scottish accent thick with indignation.

"Certainly not professor; I'm sure the Cerberus that attacked professor Snape as he looked for the troll is here for our protection, and Hermione must've felt extremely safe fifteen minutes ago." He replied back calmly, without any hint of accusation or sarcasm in his voice. As Minerva went silent, not able to give an answer, Dumbledore realize what was happening. Mr. Cunningham was avoiding their potential questions by diverting their thoughts elsewhere. While he was curious about of his knowledge about third floor, there would be time in the future for them; a time when he was less guarded.

"Be that it may, I will have ask professors Mcgonagall to escort you back to your common rooms, but first Ms. Granger if you would please come closer, I may not be as proficient as Madame Pomfrey, I should be capable of saving you a trip." He said.

After having her healed and all four of them escorted, he delegated the removal of the troll to Filius and Quirrell, and started leading Severus up to his office. When they arrived and were seated; him in his throne like chair and Severus in one of the two wooden chairs in front of his desk, he spoke," Tell me, Severus, what are your thoughts on the young William."

"It galls me to say it, but he is more Slytherin than half of those currently present in the house. He is…adequate in potions, and has a strong occlumency barrier. I'm assuming the other professors sing his praises like they do with the Potter brat." Severus replied.

Dumbledore, choosing to ignore his comments about Harry, continued," You would be correct, given his heritage, He has an amazing degree of control of his magic and a sharp mind. And given what I had gleamed from the minds of young Harry and Ms. Granger, he already has knowledge of magic well beyond his academic level."

"He is known to be friends with that Li girl. Her family is known for their combat prowess; maybe she taught him a few things or from a few older students that he has gained the attention of." Severus replied.

"Have there been any strange occurrences within your house in regards to the boy?" he queried.

"None…though one of note was his ability to turn an ambush around on Draco through sheer dumb luck" came the reply.

Dumbledore peered over his half moon spectacles at Severus and spoke," What if told you that Lord Voldermort was exactly the same, albeit it was more prominent by his third year."

Severus reaction was one of bewilderment," Surly you can't be comparing the muggleborn to the Dark Lord when he was in his school days?"

Dumbledore leaned back and sighed," I made the mistake of not watching a gifted child like Voldermort closely when he walked these halls. I will not make the same mistake again, or worse have another 'Voldermort' in the making operate freely while I deal with the current one when he returns. Just keep an eye on him Severus, find out what you can about him from his everyday life; but focus your efforts on the stone for now. Quirrell seems to have a keen interest in it." With the obvious dismissal, Severus gave him a slight nod, before getting up and leaving the office. However, as he walked down the spiral staircase that led to the Headmaster's office, he failed to notice a serpentine figure leave his shadow and joined one from the many suits of armor that stood proudly in the corridors of Hogwarts.

It was three days after Halloween. While most were using the weekend as a time to relax from the week of classes and studying; Hermione Granger was walking with pure determination, with Harry struggling to keep up behind her, to the place she was certain her query was. Since the troll incident she had tried to talk to William, but he seemed to be distancing himself from not only her, but Harry and Ron also, especially when Hogwarts gossip circuit got on to what happened; and had somehow knew who was the one to kill the Troll. She noticed that while Harry and Ron were praised for their bravery by most of the students; William was given uncertain and wary glances or comments. The unfairness of it all baffled her! Just because he wore green they treated him differently than they did Harry…then again, she was certain they'd expect that sort of thing from him with all those books about him. While William had started avoiding her, Harry, and to some extent Ron, had become a better friend to her; he wasn't entirely interested in learning like she was, but would make the effort to listen when she explained things, or do simple things like wait for her to head down to breakfast together or do his homework with her and Ron…Ron…followed Harry where ever he went at the time. Even now, when she told him she wanted go look for William to speak with him; he had made an excuse to Ron so he wouldn't come and potentially ruin the meeting.

She stepped into the library and walked to a specific corner that held an isolated study table that she had dubbed as 'William's Area', due to how only he seemed to sit there. As she approached with Harry, She saw William and his friend Su Li sitting at the table with books around them, however, they were speaking to a standing Slytherin, Tracey Davis, if she remembers correctly. As she reached the table, she caught the tail end of the conversation.

"-ill let her know to be expecting you later." Tracey said, as she turned around, she noticed Hermione and Harry behind her; with a muttered 'excuse me' and left.

"Hermione…Mr. Potter, what do I owe for the pleasure? Please, have a seat." William spoke addressing her and Harry.

"I wanted to thank you for saving my life, but it's been difficult with you avoiding me." Hermione said accusingly. She noticed Su giving William a look that made him wince slightly.

"Please stop looking at me like that Su, I already said I was sorry; it wasn't like I planned it." William said, shifting slightly away from Su Li.

As Su Li dropped the look, Hermione heard Harry ask," Sorry, but I think Hermione and I are missing something here."

"Su Li was a bit upset when she heard what happened and has shown me her displeasure of me doing so without assistance; specifically hers." William replied, rubbing certain parts of his arms after he said that.

Seeing Harry's bewildered expression, Su Li answered his unasked question softly with a blush spreading across her face," 'Stinging jinx' during training…he squeals…"

Hermione, seeing William's face at the perceived betrayal, giggled before fully processing what was said and asked," Training? Like in the magic you did that night?" she ended excitedly, also getting Harry's interest.

She watched as William once regained focus and spoke giving, her that small smile he always gave her when he explained something to her," Yes. Su Li and I train using spells like the ones I used, among others."

"C-could you possibly teach me? I mean us…That night…I couldn't do anything except watch as you fought…maybe with your help I'll do better next time, and not freeze" She said quietly while looking down.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of Hermione. It's a normal reaction to a situation like the one you were in, and I recall you being the one rescuing me with that gorging spell." He said kindly giving her that smile again, but it dropped slightly," However, I can't teach you or Mr. Potter, until you learn occlumency I'm afraid."

"Occlumency? You mean that thing that Hermione's been reading?" Harry questioned curiously.

"Yes Harry," Hermione answered him then continued speaking to Hermione," But why won't you teach us until then?"

"Some secrets can't be shared unless it is guaranteed that it will stay protected" William answered her.

"…You're speaking about the Headmaster aren't you. You think he won't approve of you teaching us offensive spells" She replied, remembering how Professor Dumbledore reacted to the way William handled the Troll.

"Among other things." He replied cryptically," But I have no problem with you joining us when we research spells that are available to everyone who uses the library." While Hermione was positively beaming at the idea; Harry looked uncertain and spoke up.

"I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join you"

"Your other friend?" Su Li asked softly.

"Yeah, Ron would have a fit if he knew we were studying with a Slytherin" he replied.

"Well I for one had enough of Ron as far as it concerns my friends" Hermione said, sticking her chin up, showing her determination to what she said.

With a small smile at her, William spoke," Then we will be seeing you Wednesday after class, Hermione"

Crestfallen, she looked at him with disappointed and confused eyes while saying," Why not now; you've clearing started"

"It's a bit on the personal side Hermione, and relates to training; specifically my training" he said, looking slightly uncomfortable with the look she was giving him.

"Oh...alright then, I'll finish the book and my barriers as soon as possible. We'll see you in class, let's go Harry." She said getting up with Harry following her.

As William watched her leave until she was out of sight, he turned to Su and stated," You stood her about our training sessions."

Su Li expecting him to want answers; did not look up as she continued writing down notes on Wards and addressed him softly," Your eyes said you wanted her drop asking why you were avoiding her and for her to join us when we o train."

Looking at her curiously he spoke," My eyes?"

"Nothing" Su Li stated.

"It's not very Ravenclaw of you to not explain knowledge you are aware of" he teased as he went back to his own branch of research.

"No…It's very Slytherin of me." She said with a slight smile on her face, as she avoided looking at him.

"Good it's starting to rub off on you. I was worried you'd be a lost cause." He chuckled.

After a long pause in companionable silence, Su Li spoke so softly and hesitantly he almost didn't hear her," D-do you like her? Is that the r-reason why you want her around so badly?"

William frowned deep in thought at that,' Was he so obvious with his desire to want his sister close? Or was it just that Su was more perceptive than he realized. Could he trust her freely with information like this? Or should he get an oath…no…he would test her loyalty with this information. If she was to be this close, knowing what he could do; he might as well bring her into the fold completely. Having decided, he spoke," No, definitely not. I'll tell you why after my meeting with Ms. Greengrass later."

Su Li looked up sharply at that, slightly wide eyed. William smiled at her reaction. Surly he wasn't that guarded when it came to his secrets and goals was he? He chuckled as he watched her blush and then turned back to his notes on healing charms; never again would he watch his family in pain and be helpless to do anything about it.

Down in the dungeons, sitting in a room furnished with items commonly found in a common room, were two Slytherins who were waiting on a third. One was a tall black Itailian, Blaise Zabini, who was currently dressed in clothes similar to the school's uniform and was sitting in a comfortable armchair sipping on a bottle of Butterbeer. The other was a girl with golden blonde hair that reaches between her shoulder blades, lightly tanned skin and brilliant sapphire eyes. She also sat back in an armchair, relaxing both her body and occlumency barriers as she awaited confirmation on her invitation. She did not have to wait long as a girl with brown hair styled in a bob-cut and had glasses on her face, walked in and spoke as she sat herself on one of the arms of the chair that the blonde sat in," He has agreed to come within the hour. I gave him instructions on how to get here like you asked Daph"

"Thanks Trace", Daphne Greengrass addressed her best friend before reaching to the side table and took up the Butterbeers that were resting there; offering one to the girl, then sipping her own.

"No problem, though it looked like he was kinda expecting this." Tracey Davis replied opening her Butterbeer.

They heard Blaise scoff then said," I wouldn't put it pass him to have already known. The question is, are you sure you want to do this Daphne." He finished with a serious look on his face.

Daphne had a visible frown on her face as she thought deeply. Daphne Greengrass was the heiress of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass. This came to the great displeasure of her father, Cyrus Greengrass, who needed an heir to continue his line. When his second attempt for an heir gave birth to her little sister and her mother's insistent that two was enough; he conceded into educating her as his heiress, while he sought out a betrothal for his house. Fortunately, her mother was able to stall such attempts until she was older, and when she could consciously make her own decisions, and wait until her third year in Hogwarts to find a proper match.

This came as both a blessing and a curse for her. Cyrus was a pureblood at heart, and would not stand for a weak heiress; she was trained in Occlumency, politics and the management of her House; and with that, certain liberties was given as the heiress apparent by her father. As she matured well for her age, she was given limited access to the Family's wealth and knowledge, and could speak on the behalf of her family, within informal settings of course. However, with that came her curse; Daphne Greengrass loved power. She as a consummate Slytherin and enjoyed the ability to change things to her favor. She was a passionate young woman, who had goals for her future and that of her family…but all that could be taken away from her. If the betrothal her father wanted went through, she would likely become the consort of some pureblood family; like the Malfoys, and given Draco's stands on females, she would be kept as a trophy alongside Parkinson; just seen and not heard. The Consort Betrothal would be satisfactory for her father, as it would allow her children to keep the Greengrass name alive.

She had an escape however; a betrothal that had the male take her name. She knew that no pureblood heir or their families would even concede this; so she decided to look among the half bloods and muggleborns. While her father was a pureblood, he kept neutral and didn't believe in blood purity, however he was a hard man to please, and would not settle for anything or anyone but the best. She had started to worry when she saw most of the stock that had joined her; many of the halfbloods were from families her father would definitely have nothing to deal with, and while Potter was a viable option, he was sorted into Gryffindor, and given his connection to Weasley, was already securely in Dumbledore's and the light aligner's pocket.

She was beginning to worry that she would either have to look at those in the older years or wait for the next batch, when she had felt the subtle legilimens probe when she entered her first Transfiguration class. The only one in the room at the time was the only muggleborn, to her knowledge, to ever be sorted into Slytherin. To be a natural legilimens spoke wonders of his prowess as a wizard, and it was further proven when he had easily transfigured five matchsticks at once. For someone untrained to accomplish such a feat sent a shiver of delight down her spine at the thought of finding a possible candidate for her plans. She had asked her friend, Blaise, to observe him given he was his roommate; while she used her Family's wealth to get as much information on him. What she found had made her laugh hysterically, much to the confusion and amusement to her best friend Tracey, when they were in their dorm room.

He was the heir to a large muggle conglomerate that dealed with pharmaceuticals and had a somehow gained a monopoly in it within Britian; while it own an almost equally large security company that offered a range of services. While her family was predominately focused within the wizarding world, he was known to keep an eye on the muggle world and its going-ons. To have her candidate have such a company gave her a lot of leverage to bring on the table when she was ready to convince him. However, it was what Blaise had told her at the end of the first week that had her sold as making him her primary target. Blaise had came to her when she was within the room they were currently in, and told her what the muggleborn…no, Mr. Cunningham, had done the night before, word for word. She saw it for what it was…a demonstration. He knew that they were watching him; he knew Blaise was up that night, and he used it to demonstrate his power and his cunning; and it made her shiver in delight at her ability to choose such a candidate.

As she built up her 'Ice Queen' persona and her standing in the house, she had watched as he had created his own, practically overnight from night. It impressed her greatly that a muggleborn had the resilience and cunning to survive so well within Slytherin, and his ability to subtly de-fang Malfoy in a way that had not drawn any attention to himself. What had sealed the deal for her was when she heard about what he had done with the Troll. Though he had lost a bit of standing within the house when it was learnt it was in the defense of a Gryffindor, he had gained more respect out of it, however grudgedly, from his display of strength. It was final; he had wealth, cunning, ambition, power and the will to use it against his enemies, and he was muggleborn. He was everything she knew her father would look for, and he was everything her plan needed; all that was left was for her to manipulate him and keep him within her grasp.

Finished with her introspective thoughts, Daphne looked up at her friend and replied to his question," I'm sure. I'm positive that he won't turn down what I have to offer."

"Yeah Zabini. Daphne will definitely get her boy toy…or is it that you want him instead," Tracey teased, then giggled as Blaise just turned his head and sipped his Butterbeer.

"Enough Trace. What was Mr. Cunningham doing when you found him?" she asked curiously while looking up at her best friend.

She shrugged her shoulders and answered," Nothing much really; he was in the library with that same ravenclaw girl, Su Li I think, with a bunch of books around them. I couldn't read any of the titles, but it didn't seem homework related." She finished as she played with a strand of hair.

"Quite the Ravenclaw isn't he?" Blaise said openly.

"Knowledge is power, as you know Blaise; and it could be potentially useful. But is he looking for a specific piece of knowledge or knowledge overall?" Daphne asked, mostly to herself.

"Well, he is a muggleborn. Maybe he's interested in magic overall. And given how good he is at it, he wants to know more." Tracey said nonchalantly.

"We will have to wait and see" Blaise said, putting down the empty bottle and watched as it disappeared and a filled one taking its place," Got to love house elf service"

It was mostly a quiet wait, which did not seem to last long before they all heard three firm knocks on the door. Daphne took a calming breath as she brought up her mental shields and controlled her facial expression to that of her mask, The Slytherin Ice Queen. With that done and Blaise vacated out of the seat to stand on her right while Tracey continued to sit where she was, she said in an elegant voice," Enter."

With that command uttered, she saw the door open, and Mr. Cunningham enter, closing the door behind him. She noticed his bright hazel eyes scan the room, taking everything in before addressing them," Heiress Greengrass, thank you for granting me the pleasure of such an invitation. Mr. Zabini, Ms. Tracey." He nodded to the others when he had addressed them.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Cunningham. Please have a seat." She watched as his eyes looked upon Blaise before taking the free armchair. She then continued," Would you like something to eat or a drink perhaps?"

"I'm quite alright at the moment, and while I'm beginning to acquire the taste for it, pumpkin juice is not my drink of choice at the moment" He answered without showing any expression on his face. It was a tell tale sign of developed occlumency shields. It intrigued her how talented he was to also be a natural occlumens on top of being a legilimens.

"How about a Butterbeer then, Daphne here can't help herself around the stuff" Tracey said from her arm of her chair. While she loved her to death, she could strangle her at the moment for her given him something so personal; couldn't she see she was in character!

"Oh, then I wouldn't mind some then; a drink that has gained such high approval from Ms. Greengrass, must be delicious" He replied. As the bottle appeared beside him, she watched for any tell tale sign of awe she would expect from a muggleborn; she saw none. "As I expected, delicious. Now, while I enjoy the present company, I'm certain you had a reason for calling me down here?"

"I have a proposition of sorts for you Mr. Cunningham," She saw him raise his eyebrow slightly; she had his attention," I'm not sure if you are aware, but muggleborns such as yourself are held in low regard and are often times discriminated against in our society. It will become more prominent in the future when you are looking for employment or attempting to start your own ventures in this society. However, certain muggleborns have managed to succeed and have even gone on to creating their own houses, with the sponsorship of pureblood families. For instance, Tracey's family started out the same two centuries ago under my House; and is now a noble house. I've seen your potential over the past few months, and I would consider it waste to let it rot. So I called you here, offering you vassalage under the House of Greengrass; which is currently within my power to do so on the behalf of my family."

She watch him as he stare at her not showing an indication of thinking on her proposal, she felt no probe, but had her barriers on fully and was alert for any such attempt. He answered her after that brief pause," While it is a very generous offer; one in which I would gain both the protection and aid from an Ancient and Noble House; it bids the question of what you have to gain out of this Ms. Greengrass. Vassalage for such an unknown and in such a short period of time is quite the huge jump, wouldn't you agree?"

He was digging for information, she had realized. She would give him some, nothing of importance," But you aren't an unknown to me; not entirely Mr. Cunningham. You're heir to a growing empire in the muggle world, magically powerful and talented in Transfiguration. I can help you with all that and more as you progress into our world."

"So you've done your homework on me; then you would know I have no need for money, as I already have a considerable and growing amount; I have no need for protection, as I'm such both Mr. Zabini and the Troll incident has informed you of, and if I haven't developed my own connections by time I leave Hogwarts, I have no problem with returning to the muggle world and use my talents there. So, with all that on the table, we have a clear picture of the situation. While you and your House gains a servant with considerable wealth, talent, and potential…I really gain nothing out of this offer of Vassalage, Ms. Greengrass, so why would I take it?" He finished.

The entire time as he cut through her plan piece by piece, he had stared directly at her and spoke so calmly and factually it made her offer sound like the plan made by a toddler. She did not like being belittled, and it didn't show except for the curling of her toes within her shoes. She needed him damn it! and she had nothing to offer from the vassalage that he didn't already have. But then it came to her…

"With my offer you gain knowledge. The Greengrass library has a wide selection of books no longer available to the general public and manuscripts that you would not find here at Hogwarts, which boasts to have the largest library in Britain." She stated, feeling confident that she could use his desire for knowledge against him.

She watched as he gave her a half smile, it screamed condescension to her, but she saw no emotion behind the gesture." While I enjoy a good book as much as the next person, Ms. Greengrass, I wouldn't necessarily go into servitude for one, especially when I'm sure the Li family can offer the same at a less detrimental cost."

With that…she had nothing; nothing that she was willingly to offer to him anyway. She was about to speak when he beat her to it," How about if I placed a counter offer on the table instead" he said, leaning back slightly, bring his right foot up to have it rest on his left knee. She realized what he was doing; it was a statement to them that she no longer was in command of the discussion; he was.

"Which is" she said neutrally.

"A temporary alliance of sorts" he stated, when she raised an eyebrow, he continued," I say temporary so that it can be unofficial and not have magic come into play with this agreement. I offer you, Ms. Greengrass, not your House, protection and aid for the duration of this alliance, and as a concession for this, the knowledge that you've offered; on a two week loan of course."

She sat there for a while, thinking about what he just said. It was not what she wanted; with this, he owed her nothing and she could not dictate what he did and didn't do. However, it opened up another avenue for her; the formation of a bond. A bond that in time she could use to persuade him and her father to see things her way, and she could work on finding a backup candidate if things were no longer in her favor. But given how he had turned the tables on her, she felt justified in her choice of making him hers in the future; he would be an excellent match. Coming to her decision she spoke," I can agree to that, however I'd like to make an amendment to have my sister, Astoria, included in the protection gained from such alliance."

He paused, then nodded and got up and spoke as he headed to the door." Very well then Ms. Greengrass, I shall take my leave. Hopefully I will see more of you." As he said that, he closed the door behind him.

"That went well…right?" Tracey asked uncertain.

As he collapsed into the vacated seat, Blaise spoke," In the way we had initially intended, no; he cut the wind out of our sails at the get go, then placed us in a corner when he realized that Daphne needed him more than he needed her. Slytherin through and through."

"I should have considered that he would've just left the world as a whole. I just assumed he'd be like the other muggleborns and choose ours. Let's not forget his wealth; he could just buy his way through the red tape." Daphne said seething; she should have seen all of this before.

"Don't beat yourself up Daph; at least you got an alliance out of it" Tracey said encouragingly.

"Yes, but at a price that was virtually free for him. Threats: while she may have the older Slytherins try to hit on her, she's already protected by her family name, and those that are stupid enough to try, she could probably handle herself. Aid: in what? Homework? It was vague and could be anything; while that could work in her favor, she has no use for him at this time. So all she gains from him is a connection, while he can ask for as much knowledge as he wants, and if Daphne doesn't deliver, will have her back at stage one, when he dissolves the alliance...actually, I doubt she'd be able to even try again if that happens." Blaise explained to Tracey.

"While it is true…that I was out maneuvered; I still have the means to make my long term goal a reality." Daphne replied, visibly deflating in her arm chair.

Spells were flying rapidly around the now christened 'Dueling room'. The two individuals were sweating profusely due to the amount of steam that was currently in the room due to their last clash of spell and ability.

"Ignis solis" Su incanted as she strafed to the right and continued started casting silently," Reducto; Ictus;" as the bright pale blue and then white bolts of lights flew to her target, she casted vocally," Bombarda; Ignis lanceam" she watched the thin transparent bolt and the large fire spear zoom across the room and remained stationary to catch her breath after the strain that last spell chain had caused her; her breathing was visible to her from the biting cold that was present in the room when William released his magic into the air to aid his manipulation of it.

As the medium sized ball of fire came closer to William it started to diminish in size as he used his magic to make the water vapor from the recent steam coalesced along its path. With it now small enough, he saw the two spells that it had blocked from view, and side stepped them. As he moved, he heard Su incanting more spells; he went on the defensive. "Avis trochilidae oppungo" he incanted silently; a large flock of small Hummingbirds blitzed across the room, managing to intercept the spells before they had reached half way to their target. While the fire spear was making short work of the hummingbirds; when the 'exploding curse' hit one, the resulting force had blasted it off course and destroyed many of the birds, while the few remaining continued onto Su Li undisturbed and started pecking at her in different places before she could react.

As she prepared to incant the spell that would dispel the conjuration; she felt her mental defenses being attacked with pinpoint accuracy in locations that had been attacked before during the current duel. Fighting the growing cold, birds flying in places there weren't meant to be birds, and the mental assault that had to be driven back, was making it hard for her to concentrate on her various defenses. Seeing a large black coil of chain heading her way, she ducked under it and casted, "Protego" out loud to block the bolt of red that was heading her way and also to avoid giving William a way through when she drop her focus on her occlumency. However, she saw out the corner of her eye, a large creature strike at her wand arm, and began coiling its large body around her torso; as her hand had dropped due to the sudden change in weight. As she was completely secured by the creature, which she now observed was a large snake; seeing William approaching, wand still aimed at her, she took a moment to be pleased at his caution. He had once had the assumption that because he had captured her, he had won; she was quick to educate him in how Slytherin she could be when given the chance.

When he reached her, she asked him," When did you conjure the snake?"

"I didn't; I transfigured the chain you ducked as it passed your head. All I had to do was distract you while I gave it the command to strike at your hand." He pointed his wand at her forehead," Do you yield, or will I be finding out what was on your mind last night when you laid in bed." She blushed at that; he had walked in on both Penny and her when they were discussing her recent entry into puberty and what it entailed. Instead of getting rid of him, Penny had decided to take upon herself and educate him also. It was very embarrassing to hear how she clinically explained masturbation to them and how it was done.

"I yield" she replied softly, with a furious blush on her face.

William chuckled as he dispelled the snake and started to heal her injuries. The past month had been good to him in its entirety. After his successful negotiation with Greengrass, he had told Su Li of his connection with Hermione. While he didn't go into details, such as about his House, she was aware of the relations between them and had been urging him to tell her in her own quiet, yet persistent way. While he did want to, he had plans and goals that had to be accomplished before he told her; also he wanted to wait until her mind was well protected. In regards to Hermione, she had started to join them frequently during their stay in the library, and he was 'learning' about her past as she grew up in the muggle world, along with her likes and dislikes; while he told her, and by extension Su, of his time growing up, he told an edited version. With Hermione now closer to him, it freed Sashet to gather information for him, though the snake seemed to grow attached to her, and could often be found in her shadow. He hadn't seen Potter much after the time he came with Hermione, and his win against his house in quidditch; say what you will about 'Gryffindor's Golden Boy' as they were now calling him within his house, from what Hermione said, besides the hiccup with his broom, he was a spectacular flyer. The other noteworthy things that happened were his mastery of a healing spell, which allowed both him and Su to actually use more dangerous spells against each other; and the creation of his plan to lay the foundation in gaining his house seat back.

It may have taken time. But he had gathered bits and pieces on how the DMLE carried out investigations from his friendship with Susan who, ever the helpful friend, would ask her aunt, the head of the organization, those vague and harmless questions when she didn't know herself, to understand how they would act; learned how wards functioned and their different types, which was aided greatly by the books he got from Ms. Greengrass; and his 'idle' conversation on runes with Penny and her depiction of the runes he had question her about over the weeks since his friendship with her, to learn how what he needed was properly carved, and finally, researching his target.

From what he had gained during his browsing of his mind, he would be easy to manipulate in the future and was essentially a non-threat. The only problem he had with his plan was that…he was hesitant. He had killed before, but it was always to protect. He had killed to protect Nymera; He had killed to protect those that were employed to him, and most recently, he had killed in the protection of his sister. But what he was planning…was premeditated murder.

"You're troubled" he heard a small concerned voice say to him. He looked down at Su Li, those dark eyes seemed to be seeing through him. It had first unnerved him how she was able to perceive what he thought despite his occlumency by just looking in his eyes, but as he saw that she did not use this weakness against him, instead helped him; his trust in her grew, so he answered her," Would you take vengeance on someone who hurt your family in the past? How far would you go to make sure they could not be hurt again?"

"Yes." She said softly, but with such conviction, she might as well as shouted it," And to the end of the earth and the heavens above. After all, Family sticks together…no matter what"

"No matter what" he nodded sagely. He extended his had to help her up," Come, it's getting late, and I have a letter to write before I turn in." As they walked out the room and to their common rooms, William walked down the dark corridors of Hogwarts, he started to revise his plan, and formulate his letter to Crow.

'After all' he thought as he gripped the House ring that was chained around his neck; the constant weight reminding him of his true goal, 'It was Lord Draco Malfoy who launched the first blow that caused the destruction of my House and took its seat; It shall be a Lord Draco Malfoy who will give that seat back and announce to the wizarding world, 'The Rise of House Dagworth'.

A/N: And there you have it. I wasn't entirely happy with it, but please review and let me know what you thought about it, and how i can improve.

-I wanted to wait, but i decided to use this time to lay the foundation for Daphne, who I had as a potential love interest for William, and Su Li. There'll be one other girl, who i highly doubt i could capture her character properly, but want as a potential interest. she won't be seen till second year though.

-I plan on making on poll when i introduce her, for you all to decide who William will be with.

-For those who are wondering about Harry? i'm using the first year to build William, since not much really happened till the school was closing, so expect more of him as the story progresses.

-The Youtuber's name is Kingdante. As far as i've seen, he does minecraft and football vids, so give him a try: channel/UCW-7YW0vuh3e6hMZIXu50_Q