Draco Malfoy sat in a forgotten closet deep in the dungeons of Hogwarts school. Before him sat a small cauldron filled with a deep crimson concoction that bubbled lazily. Draco busied himself grinding up scorpion stingers to be added when the potion finally reached a full boil.

Draco checked to see how the stingers were progressing, thinking over his plan to break up Potter and Greengrass and place himself as the object of Daphne's affections. While it was true he could simply use a Love Potion, Draco detested the idea of purchasing or brewing a new batch to keep the girl in line. No, this was going to be much simpler, and her feelings for him would be genuine. The best part would be that he would be able to watch as Potter got his heart ripped out.

The potion that was the key to his plan was nearly ready, and by the end of the Quidditch match the next day, it would be ready, and he would be able to set his plan into motion. All he needed was a drop of Potter's blood to key the potion to the Gryffindor Golden boy.

Getting that would be child's play. Gryffindor would win the match, of that Draco had no illusions. It was a curse to be so gifted at the sport, but be burdened with a team with bumbling sycophants, Draco had often thought. It was no wonder his team could never win. They had the best brooms, and an infallible Seeker, but the rest of the team lack even the most basic of talent.

"If only I was captain." Draco whispered to himself. "Slytherin would recapture its glory in no time."

The potion began to get hotter and boil faster. Draco double check the instructions he'd been given and slowly sprinkled the now powdered scorpion stingers in. The potion thinned a bit and started to glisten in the low candlelight. Draco reduced the heat of his fire, stirring it slowly to make sure it was well mixed.

He kept thinking about how easy it would be to instigate a fight with the Gryffindor Golden Boy. Simply playing the poor sport, he could hurl insults at his enemy until Potter's rage peaked, and he attacked. Surely a jab or two about being an orphan would get the job done. Draco was not looking forward that part of the plan, but knew it to be necessary. He had to get Potter close so he could use the gift he'd been sent by his father. A simple slash across Potter's cheek would be all he would need, and he'd have plenty of blood for the potion.

The best part would be that Potter would likely get detention for attacking Malfoy.

Draco could not stop himself from chuckling at the image of Snape dragging Potter to the dungeons for some horrible and humiliating punishment.

The next part of his grand plan would require serious cunning and immense patience, more than Draco felt he possessed, and yet, he knew the rewards would be immeasurable in the end. All he had to do was be there as a friend to Daphne as her world fell apart. He would be the friendly shoulder to cry on. The unjudging ear that would listen to her worries, and her fears. And then, he would console her when things finally fell apart, Draco would swoop in like a mythical knight in shining armor, defending Daphne Greengrass' honor, and she would realize who her heart belonged to. He would finally be free of Pansy and her inane babbling and sub-par sexual abilities, and he would get to see Potter crumble at his machinations. He would feed on Potter's despair like the sweetest nectar of the gods.

"I am really looking forward to tomorrow's match." He smiled wickedly.

The first Quidditch match of the season never failed to amp up the school with anticipation. Anytime Gryffindor faced Slytherin, the excitement level always seem to grow exponentially. Today's match was no different.

Harry went to breakfast along with his team, who all looked incredibly pumped to get out on the pitch and start off their season with a bang. Cormac McClaggen, Gryffindor's new Keeper, seemed in higher spirits than the rest of the team, and Harry nearly spit out his orange juice when Fred mentioned Cormac must have used a Cheering Charm on himself.

The last few practices had seen the team finally gel as a unit, though problems with Cormac still seemed to surface from time to time. It was more than apparent to the rest of the team that McClaggen thought of himself as an amazing player, and strategist, which had led to more than a handful of arguments, and one or two hexes during practices. However, he had finally calmed down a bit in his exuberance, and as a result the Gryffindor team was now a well put together machine, waiting to dominate the rest of the competition.

On top of that, Harry knew that there was going to be a scout at the game. Viktor Krum had confirmed that he and his head coach would be joining Dumbledore for that day's game, and was looking forward to congratulating Harry upon his victory, and maybe catching up with his friend.

The fact that a scout from the Bulgarian national team was going to be in attendance had somehow managed to make its way through the Hogwarts rumor mill, and Harry was positive that it had been Ron who had let it slip. Fortunately for Harry, Angelina Johnson was his captain, and she was not about to let Harry screw up a shot at a big professional contract. It was why she had taken him aside right before breakfast and made sure he knew how important it was.

"Harry, you are to forget everything. There is no scout, no crowd, no nothing. I don't even want you thinking about how hot your little girlfriend is at all. In fact, I want you to imagine Snape in his Speedos."

"Ugh! Why would you do that to me?" Harry asked, horrified at the mental picture the dark skinned girl had just given him.

"Because I want you to focus on finding that Snitch, and keeping it from Malfoy at all costs! We're going to be unstoppable this season, and I want to prove a point to the other teams. Nothing exists except that Snitch and Malfoy. You keep it away from him, is that clear?"

Harry gave a mock salute, which earned him a punch in the arm, before he was allowed to eat.

Angelina was more than serious about keeping her team focused on the coming competition. As soon as the Great Hall began filling with students, Angelina ordered her team to rise from the table, finished eating or not, and marched them down to the pitch to check conditions.

Harry felt a pang of anger at his team captain, as he hadn't been allowed to see Daphne at all. She likely had been on her way to breakfast just as he was being forcibly marched outside. He knew he'd see her after the game, but he had to admit he would have appreciated a good luck kiss, or something.

The sky was a cool steel grey with very little wind. It was cool, but not too cold. Angelina seemed to be very pleased with the weather.

"With the clouds, it should be much easy to spot something gold flittering about." She said to Harry. "Without wind, it'll make tossing the Quaffle much easier, as well as flying in general."

At their captain's urging, the team headed up to the locker rooms to change. Not long afterwards, the Gryffindor team could hear the rumble of people filling the stands, readying themselves for what promised to be a match for the ages.

"Alright." Angelina said firmly, standing before her team. "This is our season. We have a great team, and we've worked very hard to learn to communicate, and work together to be one of the best teams Gryffindor's ever had.

"We know Slytherin's tactics, and we know how sneaky, and dirty, they like to play. Keep your eyes open, and watch your teammates. Alright, let's do it."

Harry followed the rest of his team as they headed to the pitch. The roar from the crowd was deafening. The cheering was so powerful that Harry could feel it in his chest. Harry could not help himself from looking towards the Gryffindor stands to see if he could spot his friends.

Madam Hooch stepped onto the field and gave her normal speech about wanting a clean game. At her whistle, Harry mounted his broom, and followed his team into the air. Madam Hooch kicked open the chest containing the balls, bending down to pick up the quaffle. The two Bludgeors took to the air, followed by the tiny golden Snitch. Madam Hooch tossed the Quaffle into the air, and the game commenced.

Harry rose high in the air, scanning the field for the tiny golden ball. He began circling the field when he noticed Draco speeding towards the field. Harry looked hard, but saw no sign of the Snitch. At that moment, Draco must have realized Harry wasn't buying the ruse, and shot up in the air.

Katie Bell had possession of the Quaffle at the moment and was racing down the pitch toward the Slytherin goal posts. Harry saw the new Slytherin beaters, Crabbe and Goyle, doing their best to unseat her by smacking one of the Bludgeors at her. Katie, however, was far too good a flyer for them to hit. Katie tossed the quaffle to Alicia Spinnet, who soared underneath her teammate. Alicia shot off and up to the left goal post, feigning a shot, before shooting up and firing the Quaffle through the center hoop for the team's first goal.

The crowd roared as Alicia turned her broom back down the pitch. Harry pumped his fist, and continued scanning for any sign of the Snitch. He felt, more than saw, that Draco was shadowing him. Harry thought it might be a good time for a Wronski Feint, but felt it might be too soon, as Draco was likely expecting the move.

Cormac was proving to be a very able Keeper. He was able to anticipate the opposing teams chasers. Attempt after attempt was made to score against the lions, but their new Keeper refused to give up any points.

Harry cheered his team on when he saw Draco diving after something. Looking hard, Harry saw that the blonde boy had indeed seen the Snitch, though it was much closer to Harry. Harry turned his broom and sped off like a bullet from a gun. He was above Draco almost right away, when a Bludgeor nearly collided with the front of his broom. Harry dropped down, crashing into Draco's head. The two boys went tumbling towards the ground.

Draco threw his hands out, trying to push Harry away from him. Harry managed to separate himself from his adversary and pulled his broom up, and began soaring away. He glanced back and saw that Draco had managed to pull out of his fall, as well.

"Watch where you're going, Potter!" Draco shouted.

"Alright, Harry?" Fred asked, coming alongside his teammate.

"Fine, just got a little ferret problem." Harry nodded towards Draco, who was flying steadily behind him, not even bother to look for the Snitch.

"Need a hand?" Fred asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Maybe. How good's your aim?" Harry grinned, shooting straight up as if he'd just seen the Snitch. Draco followed, predictably, and Harry made sure to look as if he was actually reaching for the tiny golden ball. Harry snapped his broom around, making sure to keep Draco right on his tail. Harry aimed his broom back towards the earth, leaning forward, zigzagging, mimicking the Snitch that was not in front of him.

He knew his plan had worked when he heard the distinctive snap crunch. Pulling his broom up, and turning, he just caught Malfoy landing in a heap on the ground, his broom smashed thanks to Fred's Bludgeor. There was a huge reaction from the crowd, and Harry was sure he and Fred would be getting more than a few back slaps later that night.

Draco landed hard on the ground, his broom stick handle broken by the Bludgeor. The Slytherin Prince was not about to let this offense go without retribution. He decided he needed to alter his plan.

He was incredibly thankful that he hadn't been too high up when he'd been hit. Shakily, he got to his feet and waved to Crabbe, who was only just passing above him. Draco confiscated his "friend's" broom and kicked off hard. He slipped his hand into his robe, and fit the tiny razor to his finger. All he had to do now was to get close to Potter.

Harry was circling high above once again in search of the tiny golden ball that would end the game. He hadn't seen Draco take to the air again, and was confident that the Slytherin team was down their most important man. Without a Seeker to catch the Snitch, a Gryffindor victory was nearly guaranteed. Harry finally spotted the faintest flicker of gold just below the Slytherin center goal post, and lunged forward, low to the ground, keeping his sharp eyes on the zipping ball.

Then, something blocked his view, and Harry nearly stopped in astonishment.

Draco was back. He was leaning forward on his broom heading towards the tiny golden ball, a look of utter contempt on his face, as he turned to smile at Harry. Harry shook his head and urged his superior broom onward. Soon, the two rivals were neck and neck.

Draco bumped Harry hard, trying to knock him off his broom. Harry of course bumped his rival back. Draco gave a good hard shove, which nearly toppled Harry, but the Gryffindor was able to right himself, and made to return the shove, when he felt something slice his cheek.

Harry looked at Draco, who was smiling malevolently. Harry tried to see what the ferret had used, but there was nothing. Harry shoved Draco hard, but the Slytherin pulled his broom away, which nearly made Harry fall. Harry found himself riding his broom upside down, clinging tightly to the handle.

Draco took advantage of Harry's predicament and lunged for the Snitch. His fingers were nearly touching the tiny golden ball when Draco felt himself being flipped end over end. Harry had managed to right himself and gotten back in the rack. Harry pushed his Firebolt harder than he'd ever done before, and it had not failed him. Coming up like a missile under Malfoy, Harry slammed himself into the tail of Malfoy's broom, spinning the Slytherin Seeker like a pinwheel.

The Snitch shot off into the sky, with Harry close behind, and Draco now trailing ever so slightly. Harry didn't spare a glance at the git, and began reaching for the speeding golden ball. Harry felt Draco's hand gripping his leg, and Harry tried to kick his leg. He reached out his hand, stretching his fingers, willing his broom to go just a little faster.

His fingertips grazed the smooth golden surface. Harry grimaced as he leaned just a bit further on his broom, trying to pull the little speeding ball into his hands until finally, his fingers clasped around the Snitch, it's tiny golden wings beating against the ends of his hands.

The air exploded with cheers as Harry pulled up his broom to stop himself. High above the pitch, Harry held his fist triumphantly over his head, the Golden Snitch still struggling in his fist.

Harry headed back to the pitch where his team was waiting for him. He was barely on the ground again when Katie Bell hugged him, shouting with excitement. George clapped him on the back as Alicia Spinnett engulfed Harry and Katie, shouting about Harry's brilliance.

Suddenly, Harry was forcibly turned around and found himself staring into the murderous face of Draco Malfoy.

"You owe me a new broom, Potter."

"How do you figure that?" Harry asked.

"I demand that you replace what you destroyed, Potter. You're a cheat, and everybody knows it."

"And what about you? What did you use to cut my face?" Harry pointed at his cheek where the blood had dried on the long thin gash, thanks to the wind in Harry's face during the last few minutes of the game.

"I didn't do that to you." Draco said smugly, thanking Merlin for giving him the foresight to Disillusion the ring mounted razor.

"I suppose a bug cut my face why we were up there?" Harry said angrily.

"Potter, I really don't care about your skin problems." Draco snarled. "I want you to be a man and admit that you cheated."

"I'm no cheat, you son of a…" Harry was shouting as he made to grab Draco. He was suddenly on his tail, having been hit by a spell. Harry turned to see several people approaching, Umbridge leading the charge.

"I knew it." She shouted disapprovingly. "I knew I should not have allowed the Gryffindor team to reform. Never have I seen such reprehensible behavior."

"What are you talking about?" Angelina Johnson shouted angrily at the much shorter woman. "Draco started it."

"Did he?" Umbridge looked disbelievingly. "Not from where I was sitting. The Bludgeor hit by Mister Weasley could have killed the poor boy. And Mister Potter pushing and shoving Mister Malfoy so high in the air was a blatant disregard for safety. I'm afraid action must be taken."

"Draco cut me!" Harry shouted.

"I did not!" Draco shouted back, struggling to hide his glee. "I was doing everything I could not to be knocked off my broom again!"

"I see your lying problem has not been cured." Umbridge said, looking coldly at Harry. "I think another two weeks detention with me should help. As for your behavior here today. Well, I think it would be best if both you and Mr. Weasley were not allowed on the field again. Yes, a lifetime ban."

"ARE YOU MAD?" Angelina shouted.

"Perhaps you should remember who you are addressing, Miss Johnson, or I might have to remind you as well." Umbridge said coldly.

"What is going on here?" McGonagall asked as she finally reached them all. She could tell that she was not going to like what she heard.

"Is this the kind of behavior you encourage, Minerva? Because I should not like to have to review your teaching policies again. You are already on probation as it is." Umbridge glared at the Transfiguration teacher. "Fighting, disrespect, questionable moral fortitude. Never in all my life have I been so appalled."

"She just gave Fred and Harry lifetime bans!" Angelina said bitterly, hoping her Head of House could fix this.

"Lifetime bans?" McGonagall looked confused. "For what?"

"Were you not watching this game? Mister Potter's deplorable methods for winning were inexcusable. Mister Malfoy could have been killed. And Mister Weasley's use of the Bludgeor to break the poor boy's broom. I think he should replace it with a comparable broom, as well as his ban."

"I'll do no such thing!" Fred shouted. His twin was now holding him back to keep him from making matters worse.

"Dolores, exactly how many Quidditch games have you ever seen? I saw nothing that violated the rules. As for Mister Malfoy's broom, it is well known that brooms can get destroyed during the game. No one got hurt, and this was the cleanest game I've ever seen between these two teams."

"The cleanest?" Umbridge's eyes looked as if they might pop out of her skull. "That is simply intolerable. I knew it all along, and yet I let you convince me to reinstate this team. No. As of this moment, the Gryffindor team is disbanded, and will not be allowed to continue this year."

"You can't do that!" Katie Bell shrieked.

"That's completely unfair!" Alicia Spinnet screamed.

"My decision is final. Mister Potter, I expect you in my office Monday night at seven." Umbridge glared at the astonished Gryffindors before heading back up to the castle.

"Professor?" Angelina Johnson looked pleadingly at her Head of House.

"Not to worry." She said heavily. "I will not allow this to stand. I will speak to the Headmaster. I am sure we will have the team reinstated by the end of the day. Go on back to your Common Room. You all played incredibly today, do try and enjoy the victory."

Professor McGonagall looked at each of them in turn before patting Harry on the shoulder and bustling off to the castle.

"You heard her." Angelina said, trying to sound encouraging. "Everyone hit the showers."

Harry followed the rest of the team towards the locker rooms, but did not go inside as his friends were waiting for him along with two other people. One of whom, Harry was very glad to see again.

"That vas an amazing game, Harry." Viktor Krum said in his heavy Bulgarian accent. Harry shook his friend's hand, and tried his best to smile. "This is my coach, Ivan Karras." Viktor introduced the incredibly tall man next to him. Coach Karras had a short military-style haircut, and piercing blue eyes. He was quite lean, but also powerful looking. He held out his hand and shook Harry's hand with a small smile.

"A very impressive display. I have, of course, heard your name from other team coaches." Karras smiled. He had the very distinct Bulgarian accent, though it was not as pronounced as Viktor's.

"You have?" Harry looked surprised. He glanced over at Neville and Ron, who looked just as bewildered, though he also noted that Daphne was unsurprised by this. In fact, she looked to be hiding a smile.

"It is common practice for teams to send scouts to every game to see the up and coming talent, though it is uncommon for us to speak to players while they are still attending school. Only a handful of players are ever recruited before they finish school, like Viktor, here."

"Wow. I had no idea." Harry said. He saw Ron looking a bit jealous out the corner of his eye, while the rest of his friends looked on excitedly. Daphne in particular looked as if it was taking everything she had to keep from jumping on him then and there.

"I will be interested in seeing your next game to see more of your talent." Karras smiled appreciatively.

"That could be a problem." Harry's earlier excitement that he'd been scouted for Professional Quidditch evaporating. "I was just given a lifetime ban."

"For what?" Hermione shouted angrily.

"Endangering Malfoy's life." Harry said, using his fingers to make quote marks in the air.

"That little bastard." Daphne stamped her foot.

"The team got disbanded, as well." Harry said heavily. "Umbridge is convinced that we played a very dirty game. It's like she'd never seen a match before, or she was wearing blinders."

"Interesting. Who exactly put this ban on you?" Karras looked puzzled.

"Professor Umbridge. She works for the Ministry, and she's got it in for me." Harry said simply.

"I see." Karras turned to look at Krum, who looked upset. "Your Ministry seems very intent on reassuring the public at large that everything is well. It makes any rational person wonder what they are hiding, and why they are trying so hard to hide it."

"How do you know what's going on?" Ron asked, looking perplexed.

"Do you think England is the only country with a newspaper?" Karras raised an eyebrow. "Or a wireless? It is not only wise to know what is going on in your homeland, but other countries as well. You never know when something could affect your way of life, good or bad."

"Harry, why haven't you spoken out?" Viktor wondered. "From what I witnessed last year, your country is quite loyal to you. Have you not given any interviews? If you told them all…"

"The Ministry is in control of the papers." Hermione said simply. "Anything Harry said would never be printed. I'm also willing to bet he'd not be allowed on the wireless."

"Perhaps you should consider speaking to foreign press. It is not just in England in which your name is known, Mister Potter." Karras smiled. "Foreign opinion could help turn things here."

Harry looked to Daphne and Hermione, who were both smiling emphatically at the coach's suggestion.

"You know, I think you're right." Harry said simply. His right hand tingled where he knew he'd be forced to maim himself at Umbridge's detention. "People need to know what exactly is happening around here before it's too late. They need to know exactly who's lying and why."

"Excellent." Karras smiled, offering his hand. "I know several very good reporters whom I will suggest to meet with you. I will be in contact. And one more thing. A ban is only effective in the country it was issued in."

Harry's face lit up in a genuine smile at the coach's comment and he thanked the elder man and Viktor again for coming to see him. Viktor promised he would write soon, and Hermione and Neville escorted the visitor to the gates to Hogsmeade, while Ron, Tracey, and Astoria all headed back to the castle, sparing waves to Harry.

Daphne hugged her boyfriend tightly, kissing him warmly, before pulling back, and looking at the scabbed cut on his face.

"What happened?" She asked, touching the cut gingerly, not wishing to hurt her boyfriend further.

"Draco cut me. Or maybe he just scratched me with his girly fingernails. It's no big deal." Harry shrugged.

"I'm extremely proud of you, Harry. You handled yourself well, and you're going to make a difference to a lot of people."

"We're not talking about Quidditch, are we?" Harry smiled, taking his girlfriend by the waist and heading for the locker rooms.

"No. I'm talking about you talking to the press and getting the story out there. I've been trying to think of a way for you to do that since we first met about the Defense club, which we need to start soon."

"I know, but I just got detention again for two weeks. Umbridge is convinced I was lying about Draco cutting me. I wish I knew what her ultimate plan was. It's almost like she wants to set me up for something. Or I could just be paranoid."

"A little paranoia isn't such a bad thing, Harry." Daphne smiled. "We'll deal with this together. I'm behind you, and so are your friends. Now, why don't you get showered and changed, and you can escort you're amazingly brilliant and sexy girlfriend to get dinner."

Harry gave Daphne a last kiss and went to clean up. He was anxious to spend time alone with Daphne tonight, as the entire day had been completely mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting.

Draco hadn't even bothered to shower. He had rushed back to the castle and slipped into the dungeons right after Umbridge had disbanded the Gryffindor team. He entered the forgotten class room, where his potion was waiting for it's final ingredient.

Draco negated the Disillusionment charm and found that the tiny blade was glistening with Potter's blood. The charm to keep the blood fresh had worked just as he'd been told it would.

Tapping it lightly, three drops of Potter's blood fell into the slowly bubbling crimson liquid. In the blink of an eye, the potion became crystal clear, and Draco grinned maniacally.

He took several crystal vials out of a leather satchel that had been resting on a nearby table and began filling each one until all of the potion was gone. He capped each vial with a golden spray top. All he then needed was to spray a bit on Daphne's clothing, or her pillow, so that she would breathe it in, and then, he had only to wait.

Things were about to get very interesting around Hogwarts.