'I can't believe how much he's pushing us – it's still a month away!'

Katie pulled off her jersey. 'Well, you can't blame him really – there's no way Snape's not gonna mess with us now that he's the referee for the match. Only chance we have is to finish it quickly, before he gives them enough of a lead for the snitch not to matter.'

'That doesn't mean I enjoy getting up so early to literally fly through hoops.' He rubbed his forehead.

'Oh, come on, you loved testing out your new broom right up until you smacked a ring. Bloody hilarious too.'

'Easy for you to say.'

She chuckled. 'Pomfrey will have something if it's bad. Later!' Slinging the bag on her back, she strolled out, leaving Harry alone. He continued wiping off the remnants of mud from the broom, adding a bit of polish once it was done. While magic could clean clothing, he hadn't been taught it yet and so went into the changing room. The parchment he kept close to his heart unfolded and he ran a finger over those five faces from his past. "Lily Evans," "James Potter," "Peter Pettigrew," "Sirius Black," but there was no label above the last. Harry had looked, but there was no mention of him in the books detailing that night his parents were murdered nor in the books that also had sections on their life. For Harry, it was like he hadn't existed or had been erased from the past, but not from the mirror.

Walking back from training, he trudged down a corridor lined with photos of the previous students of Hogwarts. He had seen them before, being on the quickest route from transfiguration to the Great Hall, but hadn't really paid attention. With his thoughts on that unknown man, something clicked. He tried to remember the year his parents graduated, but all he could was that it was the seventies. Scanning through them, he locked onto his mother's auburn hair, finding those emerald eyes as well as an arm around her waist belonging to his father. On his father's other side, the three of them stood: Sirius, the unknown man and Peter. There weren't any names here, but he thought that there must be lists somewhere that held them. Finally, he had a lead and he knew that the man existed.

Straight to the library and he found a tome of graduates easily enough with help from Madam Pince. Flipping through to seventy-eight, he found the Gryffindors from that year. Under the boys, the three he knew were there along with two others. Another useful bit of information was that Minerva McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor back then as well and that gave him someone he could hopefully get an answer from.

Luckily for him, she was in her classroom, grading homework. 'Come in,' she said after his knock. 'Ah, Mr Potter, what can I do for you? Have you found something interesting in your father's book?'

He shook his head. 'I was hoping you could tell me the third person my dad was friends with at school. I already know Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew.'

'His name is Remus Lupin.' She hesitated. 'They grew apart after school and, by the time you were born, he had moved abroad. Since then, no one has had contact with him. I'm guessing you wanted to meet him to learn a bit more about your father?' Harry nodded and she relaxed, leaning back in her chair. 'Well, I'm sure I don't know even a quarter of what they got up, but would you like to hear some of what I do?'

'Not right now, but maybe some other time?'

'Morning Hedwig,' Susan said, handing over a piece of bacon. The owl took it graciously, offering her leg. 'Now, let's see what Mr Potter has for us today.'

'Hey Su; Hermione, Neville and I are going to study for Flitwick's charms test after breakfast if you want to join us – we'll be in the library. Harry.'

'You know, he's sent you an awful lot of owls since Christmas.'

Susan turned, scowling. 'I'm lucky he'd even talk to me after what you did.'

'But I-'

'Ladies, please, not that again,' an older boy said.

Embarrassed, they replied, 'Yes Cedric.'

'Thanks,' he added before going back to his conversation.

'I wonder if your invite has anything to do with yesterday?'

She finished attaching the note, 'See you there,' to Hedwig. 'What do you mean "yesterday"?'

'Valentine's Day.'

After a snort, Susan replied, 'It's a bit of studying and Hermione and Neville will be there too. Besides, I'd like it if you didn't stick your nose into my business – don't think I haven't noticed you read my letters,' she switched to sterner tone, 'without my permission.'

'You didn't used to mind.'

'I didn't have to worry about losing my secrets and, before you say anything else, I want a nice breakfast, so don't.'

Flustered, Hannah stood up. 'You know what? I don't care anymore! I'm sick and tired of being blamed for something I didn't do! From now on, just don't even look at me.'

She stormed off, leaving a shocked Hufflepuff table. Susan eventually recovered enough to push aside her plate and quietly leave, heading to the library. It was only her at first, but the trio of Gryffindors shortly joined.

'Hey guys,' she dejectedly said, managing a faux smile.

They smiled back, though Hermione was edging away slightly with Neville before pushing Harry forwards. Taking the unsubtle hint, he sat down beside Susan while the other pair took to a nearby table, dragging out some books.

'To think people told me Gryffindors have no tact,' she sarcastically said. 'Have those recorders come in handy?'

'Did you want to talk about it?'

'Talk about what?' He raised an eyebrow and she eventually let out a sigh. 'Hannah again. She's still saying she didn't tell anyone. If she just admitted it, then I'd get over it, but now I'm beginning to wonder if I was wrong. The problem is, if only me and you knew and I told Hannah and you didn't tell anyone, how'd that Skeeter woman find out?'

Thinking it over, he jotted down his thoughts. 'Both Hagrid and your aunt were there, so she could have got it from them. Just because no one recognised me when I went there, doesn't mean they didn't realise later. Someone could've overheardyou two talking about it or even take it from one of our minds.'

'If they had seen us, they would have said something ages ago, wouldn't they?'

'Probably. Dunno about your aunt, but I doubt Skeeter would've talked to Hagrid unless she had something to go on or another story to check up on.'

'Aunt Amelia hates her. As head of the DMLE, she has to deal with reporters and Skeeter is her worst. I told Hannah by the lake early December, so I would've seen anyone trying to listen in. If she stole a memory, then she'll be in trouble with the aurors and probably get a few years in Azkaban prison.'

He fell into thought for a minute. 'Maybe we need to be more like the Gryffindor I told you about.'

Susan was confused at first, but she remembered their second conversation. 'I don't think she'd answer us if we asked her.'

He tapped his nose. 'That's why we're going to mix in a bit of Slytherin. We'll pretend Hannah sent the letter and tell her there's another story, but this time she wants double the payment as last time. If it was Hannah, we should get a reply telling us to piss off for asking for more money. If it wasn't Hannah, then it'll probably be her asking for more details and being a bit confused about the last payment.'

'Mr Potter, I am worried about how you learnt to be so sneaky. However, I think I can let it slide.' He reciprocated her grin and started on a draft for the letter.

After dinner and a look over his father's old book, Harry and Hermione had been returning to Gryffindor tower.

'Well, well, look what the kneazle dragged in,' drawled Malfoy as he stepped out of an niche, followed by Crabbe and Goyle from nearby ones.

Harry fidgeted with his pocket before withdrawing his small notebook. He quickly wrote on it and angled it to Hermione. The first was a short message to her. 'Please read out what I write for Malfoy. If it comes to it, run and get a teacher.'

'He wants to know what you want as we just wants to go to our common room.'

'I see you've finally figured out mudbloods are only good for doing what you tell them to.'

Hermione visibly tensed at the slight, Harry himself refraining from acting rashly. Instead, he started focusing on taking into account the area. Unlike most, this corridor had a long rug on it and a lack of paintings. Like most, it had several small alcoves with suits of armour standing, gripping various distinctively muggle weapons. The walls were of the typical smooth rock and no one else was there apart from the five of them.

'He has asked me, his good friend, to read out what he writes since you hate muggle items and his notebook is a muggle notebook. He has also asked me to ask you to apologise for using an offensive word that is against the school rules to use.'

Malfoy spat on the ground. 'I would rather die than apologise to the likes of you.'

'He wants to confirm that you, Draco Malfoy, are refusing to apologise for using an offensive word, breaking Hogwarts rules.'

'So what if I am? Gonna tattle on me again?'

'He points out that you didn't answer his question.'

'Fine. Yes, I called Granger a mudblood and if you tell a teacher I'll tell them you're lying since you can't prove that I did.'

'He thanks you for answering his question and asks if we are finished here.'

Malfoy sneered at the pair, beckoning Crabbe and Goyle behind to his side. 'We are far from finished here. It just so occurred to me that we're alone in a quiet part of the castle. Not only that, but I learnt a new spell today and I do know how much you both enjoy learning, so I considerately thought you may want to see it.'

'He wants to remind you that spells should not be cast in the corridors. Also, he only wishes to learn new spells from capable adults or older students.'

'Oh? Are you sure? It's a great one that gives you a little cut. If I were to repeatedly cast it on your knees, it would look like your tripped over and got a little graze.'

'He has asked why you want to do this.'

Malfoy's smirk changed to an expression of glee. 'Why, to make your broken noses all the more believable when you turn up in the hospital wing after a,' he paused, switching to the most threatening tone he could manage, 'trip.'

Beside him, Harry felt Hermione shaking slightly as she instinctively leaned closer to him. 'He, Harry Potter, has asked whether or not you will injure both him and Hermione Granger. Also, he asks why you will and how you will avoid the consequences of the attack.'

'Yes, yes, I fully intend to hurt you both. The why is that I need to remind you both where you belong, under us Purebloods. The how is that no one will believe you since I'm currently in a personal tutoring session with Professor Snape and I can't be in two places at once now, can I?'

There was a tentative silence and Harry thought fast. He was vaguely aware that Malfoy seemed to be waiting for him to make some move of recognition first or something equally arrogant.

'Harry Potter would now like to state for the record that he will be making a daring escape. His main aim will be to see that Hermione Granger comes to no harm. To do this, he is requesting that Hermione Granger runs while Draco Malfoy takes a few moments to realise what is happening, giving Harry Potter time to create a distraction and hopefully let both of them escape safely.'

Separate from the rest of the text, 'Run!'

She turned on her heel, setting off at a fast pace and even going as far as to drop her heavy book-bag on the floor. Malfoy took a bit to start working, but he did, withdrawing his wand and aiming it at the shrinking figure.

Harry had other ideas though and focused on a tiny fraction of the rug in front of Malfoy before casting the levitation spell. It wasn't much of a pull, but it put Malfoy off balance and a second jerk sent him reeling backwards.

His two goons made up for intellectual slowness with their reflexes, each grabbing one of Malfoy's arms to prevent him falling. Harry had whipped his head around, relieved as he watched Hermione turn right at the junction. His body turned as well and he started running, turning his attention to the only help he could get by toppling a few suits on his way back.

Going left, he made sure that his pursuers knew which way he went before going on and waiting at the nearest corner. As he hoped, they had their sights set on him, so Hermione would be safe. He thought back to the few teacher's offices he knew and vaguely recalled seeing a nearby one belonging to Professor Vector.

'Potter!' a snarled shout sounded some way behind him. He took no heed and continued to where he thought her office was, having to slow slightly to read the various random phrases that constituted room names.

However, this pace had the unwanted effect of having the trio catchup with him. What made the situation worse was the sudden emergence of a group of Hufflepuff first years when he heard Malfoy shout, 'Diffindo!'

The unsuspecting Hufflepuffs cried in fear, Harry swiftly swivelling, the wide, turquoise beam speeding towards him. His mind screamed, 'Protect them!' Reluctantly, his body listened and he spread his arms wide, his wand dropping to the floor, lowering himself slightly in line with the curse. He braced himself, feeling the light sharply turn into a thin blade, cutting a groove across his width.

Barely aware, he dropped to the floor, his muscles in spasm under the sudden pain. The world phased in and out as he blinked back into it, realising he was probably bleeding heavily. It took him a bit longer to realise people were talking.

'Leave him alone, Malfoy!' Susan shouted. He focused his eyes and spotted her standing defensively in front of him, like he had in front of her moments prior. There were a couple beside her, but he didn't know who, as well as footsteps, suggesting a fourth was getting a teacher.

'Step aside Bones, this doesn't concern you,' he replied, though his voice was a bit shaky after the reality of the situation settled in.

'Harry is my friend, so it does concern me.'

Even after the at least weekly, normally three time a week, study sessions they had together, he didn't think she had thought of him like that. That she was willing to stand up to someone who could cast a harmful curse only made him feel better about it. All of this, he thought, while he could easily be bleeding to death. If he had been in a state to, Harry would have laughed as he realised the absurdity of his thoughts.

'Fine, if you won't listen to reason, maybe you will listen to pain. Diffindo!'

It jarred Harry out of his thinking. He wasn't sure why, but his fingertips grabbed the end of his wand. A quick flick angled it towards the backs of the girls. His first thought was to try and levitate them, but he knew he couldn't manage more than a book. He wished that they would be okay, but all he could do was watch them. The last thing he noted before slipping into unconsciousness was that they were shaking with fear, but didn't falter as the curse came. The last thing he saw before slipping unconsciousness was a bright, golden light.

The room was dark when he opened his eyes. It wasn't the first time he had blacked out after some kind of trauma, but it was the first time he didn't wake up in intense pain afterwards. He quickly recognised he was in the infirmary, though it was unclear if there was anyone around. Given he could think clearly, he assumed that there were potions waiting for him when he woke up. The gentle light he could see creeping over the top of his curtain made him think Pomfrey was waiting for him.

He was in his jeans and shirt from earlier, so he assumed that he hadn't been out for a day and most likely only an hour or two. Moving his arms, there was a bit of pain, but it was easily bearable for him. Checking his pocket, he was pleased to find the omnocular and wizarding audio recorder unbroken. He took a deep breath in and hastily went over the situation, thinking through the best ways to make sure Malfoy didn't get away with this.

The first problem he identified was that Dumbledore would most likely be involved. He still had more than a few reservations about the headmaster from their last meeting and he wasn't at all sure how the old man would react to this.

The second problem was that Malfoy definitely had some protection from Snape. Even if he thought Snape may not entirely hate him now, he doubted Snape would make this easy for him, most likely by pushing the blame around, though he was hoping the recording would make this hard for him to do.

The third problem was that Hermione was now alone. As much faith as he had in her, he doubted she would've been able to get out of that encounter unscathed, because she gave into her fear. It was clear to him that, if he hadn't added that last "run," then she would still be standing there now.

Now, he only wished he could do something about these problems. On cue, a gentle tapping sounded. He couldn't help but grin, opening the window behind the bed for Hedwig. She dropped onto his stomach, taking a moment to stare at him before pecking his nose.

He pulled out his notebook. 'Sorry girl, but I was stopping some people getting hurt and got hurt myself. I'll try not to next time, okay?'

At first he thought she was going to get another nip in, but she bobbed her head and moved back, closer to his hands. He stroked her back then turned back to problem solving, writing out a letter.

'I need Hermione to get this. She should be in her dorm now, but if you can't get to her tonight, then tomorrow at breakfast. Got that?' Hedwig bobbed her head again. 'Good. Have I told you you're the best owl in the world recently?'

He chuckled at the pose she took on. All set, she took off back through the window and Harry made sure to close it before pressing the button Pomfrey had introduced to him last time as he prepared to get the potions over with, mind whirring.

'Ahem.'

There were five people around him. Pomfrey was waving her wand over him, murmuring about needing to plump up the scrawny boy. Dumbledore calmly sat at his side, that grandfatherly smile in place. Snape was standing at his side with his usual scowl. McGonagall was next, though she looked more concerned than anything. Last was Pomona Sprout, the head of Hufflepuff, who looked out of place in her seeming adoration.

'Harry, we-' Dumbledore paused as Harry raised his hand.

'Mr Potter, please, sir.'

'Very well, Mr Potter, we apologise for waking you up early, but everyone is agreed that the sooner this minor conflict is resolved, the better.'

Pomfrey paused to glare at the headmaster. 'I think you'll find I was very much opposed to waking him up.'

'I also think putting three good students in the infirmary doesn't count as a "minor conflict".' Snape added.

'Now, now, we don't yet have the full picture, so don't be hasty in your judgements. Ha- Mr Potter, would you mind telling us what happened, from your point of view, last night?'

Harry picked up his notebook from the bedside table and wrote a quick note for Pomfrey. She nodded. 'Mr Potter has asked me to read out what he writes to make this easier.'

'Are you sure that is required, Mr Potter? After all, Poppy no doubt has other work she must attend to.'

'I can spare fifteen minutes of my day, Albus, never you mind.'

He inclined his head slightly, meeting Harry's gaze. 'I will ask you to start at the beginning then. Could you tell us what you were doing in that particular corridor at that time?'

'He and Hermione were returning to the common room after studying in the library. Madam Pince can vouch for them.'

'To the best of your ability, could you repeat the conversation between yourself and Mr Malfoy?'

'He asks if you are familiar with how ministry personal record short memos.'

Dumbledore was taken by surprise by the question, but nodded. 'They use a basic audio playback device that is based on muggle technology, though adapted to offer superior quality and duration. What importance does that have though?'

Harry couldn't help but smirk as he removed it from the table where it had gone unnoticed. 'He has requested permission to play the recording.'

Dumbledore merely nodded again and Harry set it off. He was relieved when, after the second curse, it was Malfoy and his goons who screamed, not the girls. It was hard to tell, but he thought he heard Sprout shouting in the background, followed by a few minutes of footsteps and then Pomfrey's questions. He stopped it there and looked up, trying to disguise his glee at the shocked expressions all around.

'He has asked if you agree with the rules Mr Malfoy broke.'

'Indeed, I will ensure Mr Malfoy apologises for his use of detestable language. However, I fear that we shall have to disagree with the second.'

'Albus!' McGonagall hissed.

He raised his hands, requesting silence. 'Children make threats all the time without following through.'

Pomfrey objected this time. 'If using a severing curse on someone isn't "following through," then what is?'

'As is evident from the recording, much time lapsed between. We do know that Mr Potter is able to cast silently, something which would not be evident on such evidence. Mr Malfoy is claiming self-defence in this whole issue, insisting that Mr Potter cast the first spell and he merely retaliated as he currently knows no defensive spells.'

'He says he used a levitation spell to pull the carpet, tripping Mr Malfoy. This gave him and Hermione enough time to get away. He is also willing to accept his punishment if, and only if, Mr Malfoy is punished for intimidation of himself, Miss Granger and the Hufflepuff girls, casting offensive spells at himself and the girls without due cause and for injuring himself.'

'I'm afraid Mr Potter you are in no position to negotiate on this issue.'

'He says that then he will be sending a copy of the recording to the Ministry of Magic as well as the Board of Governors along with a formal complaint and a request for transfer to a different school. He also says that he hopes his teachers don't take it personally, but he feels that he would be unable to learn to the best of his ability if he has to worry about the safety of himself and his friends.'

'I feel you are letting your anger cloud your judgement, Mr Potter. If you would calm down, you would see the position I am in does not allow me to punish a student for what cannot be proved.'

'He is asking what evidence, other than what he said, Mr Malfoy has to support him. He would also like to point out that there have been several clashes between him and Mr Malfoy before and he has never started any and has ended up with injuries after some while Mr Malfoy has not. He adds that he is calm and that maybe you should put yourself in his position and see if you would be willing to accept your own decision after being attacked multiple times with the attacker getting no punishments for what they did.'

'Come now, Mr Potter, surely you are making mountains out of molehills. There are no rules in place for intimidation nor that state the nature of the spell cast in corridors alters the resulting punishment. As such, I am giving you one months detention with Mr Filch and Mr Malfoy three months under Professor Snape.'

'He says that it is not acceptable. He says that you are in no position to negotiate in this issue. He also asks Professor McGonagall if, as Deputy Headmistress or as a head of House, there would be a way for her to give the appropriate punishments.'

McGonagall was still in a state of shock, but recovered as everyone turned to her. 'In the case of a majority of the heads of House disagreeing with the headmaster's, or headmistress', decision, a senior member of staff may be given the responsibility so long as they are not personally involved in the matter.'

'He asks that Professor Flitwick joins us so that the vote may be cast.'

A flick of her wand and a silver cat emerged. McGonagall whispered to it and it shot off through the wall.

Snape caught up with himself. 'Potter, what sort of arrogance makes you think that you can talk to us all like this?'

Rather than have Pomfrey read it out, he handed it to Snape. 'The arrogance that makes Draco Malfoy think he can insult, scare and attack students while breaking any rules he wants without consequences.'

Harry was preparing for reply, but Snape seemed to lose himself in the words. It was a tense silence in the few minutes it took Flitwick to arrive. 'What's going on?' he asked.

'We are having a vote to determine if the headmaster's decision as to the punishments of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter are acceptable. Do bare with us while we inform you of what has transpired.'

Flitwick looked curious. 'Yes, yes, do go on.'

'There is no need,' Snape barely whispered. 'I vote for Mr Potter's request. Pomona, Minerva?' It took them a moment, but they both agreed. 'I nominate Madam Pomfrey. Does anyone oppose?' he said as quietly as before. Both shook their heads. 'So mote it be. Headmaster Dumbledore shall be relieved of his responsibility for passing judgement and in his place we put Madam Pomfrey, who holds no relation nor responsibility unique to one party. As such, his presence is no longer required for this meeting and if no other relevant business need be discussed, he is requested to leave. With the voting over, the presence of Professor Flitwick is similarly no longer required and so he is requested to leave.'

His words took moments to settle. Flitwick nodded before leaving. Dumbledore took longer to realise and Harry was wondering if he, perhaps, had not heard, given his old age and the gentle tone Snape had used. However, the headmaster did stand and depart after Snape asked if he had anything further to discuss.

'Poppy, due to your position making you unfamiliar with the precedent for punishments, may I suggest spending some time in the records room before coming to a decision?'

She nodded. 'I'll inform you of my decision at lunch.'

'Very well. I will return at noon, is this an acceptable time for you as well, Minerva and Pomona?' They nodded. 'I call this meeting to an end until then.' With that, he strode out the enclosure.

The other two heads of House shortly followed. 'If you require assistance, the button will still get me. The potions should keep you full until dinner and your cut should be fine if you don't strain it. As long as nothing goes awry, I'll release you after lunch.'

Now alone, all he could do was try and push away the headache. Usually he could barely brush his teeth after waking up and being forced to switch into quick-thinking mode tore him apart.

'Harry...'

He smiled at the familiar face. 'Morning Hermione. Enjoy the entertainment?'

'How can you be joking? Harry, you disrespected the headmaster, argued with him, blackmailed him and he was only trying to help.'

His smile slipped. He was expecting this from Hermione, but he really wished not now. 'When you were growing up and something bad happened, what did you do?'

She frowned at the question. 'I told my parents or teacher or an adult.'

'I couldn't. If I had a problem, I had to solve it. My aunt and uncle wouldn't help, my teachers pretended to believe me then called me a liar. It was either I did something or nothing happened.'

He paused, waiting to judge her reaction. To her, it was like she was reading a language she didn't know, because what he said was so alien to her.

'Malfoy is my problem. I was fine until he threatened you, but that's the end of it. The moment he said he would hurt you, he made sure that there was no way I would let him get away with it and I'll be damned if that stupid headmaster is gonna stop me.'

'Harry...'

He pulled the top of his gown to his waist. 'Look Hermione, look at what Malfoy did to me, what he wanted to do to you, what he nearly did to Susan and her friends. You heard him, Dumbledore wanted him to get away with it!'

She avoided it at first, but he kept at it until she looked. Her eyes swept across the thin band from a bit above the elbow on one arm to a bit below the elbow on the other. What was worse was that she knew this was after it had been healed; she could see the blood on his torn shirt discarded on the floor.

'My friends are the most important thing in the world to me and I won't let Malfoy think he can get away with hurting any of them. Even Albus Bloody Dumbledore can get lost if he gets in the way.'

'Harry... What happened to you? You shouldn't be like this.'

'I had the only thing in my life I cared about taken away once before and I won't let it happen again. I know when to lose and when I need to win.' A tear rolled down his cheek.

'Please, tell me. I... I want to understand.'

He shook his head. 'I can't, not now.' A deep breath helped calm him and he wiped away the tears in the corner of his eyes. 'You should go, before you miss breakfast. Make sure you hide the second recorder and stay with Neville, Lavendar and Parvati or Susan and her friends.'

She nodded. 'I'll see you after lunch, Harry.' He smiled; her face remained sunken.

Author Notes

I'll keep this short, given the chapter is already a bit long. I did plan to slot the Quidditch in at the end, but I underestimated how chatty people were and opted to split it into two chapters and move some other stuff forwards to fill the next. This chapter pushes onwards from the last couple and, combined with the next couple, should set the foundations.

On a less story note, I do read and appreciate all reviews. As far as questions go though, I would prefer to answer them via pm's and I will answer just about any question as long as it uses decent grammar, spelling and courtesy.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more.