Daphne awoke very early on Saturday morning. She had hardly slept during the night as her mind refused to stop imagining horrific scenes of Harry rejecting her apology for everything that had happened. In her heart she knew that she was not to blame for her behavior, but she still felt trepidation at having to apologize. The fact of the matter was that she still knew very little about Harry, and she wasn't sure if he would forgive her.

She realized that getting anymore sleep was going to be impossible, and got up to make herself presentable. Her plan was to grab Harry before he could enter the Great Hall and explain what had happened, and why she'd been acting so abrasively. If he still refused to forgive her, Daphne was not above begging.

She showered, dressed, and spent a little extra time on her hair and make up, doing her best to look as irresistible to Harry as she could manage. She then started heading up to wait for her destiny. As she was leaving her dorm, Daphne swore she heard Tracey whisper good luck.

She reached the empty Entrance Hall, and found a place where she could easily see Harry when he came down to breakfast. She had no idea how long she would have to wait, and wished she could hurry time along so that she could fix everything with Harry.

She was not as confident as Tracey or Astoria had been the previous evening about things working out. In fact, she would not have been surprised if Harry refused to even listen to her. She'd been so cold towards him. Knowing that it wasn't her fault did not seem to help the situation at all.

She was lost in her thoughts when she saw something that gave her pause. Professor Dumbledore coming in out of the cold. He was wearing a heavy traveling cloak, and looked rather tired. Daphne thought it strange that the Headmaster should be awake so early, and outside, on such a cold morning. Yet, from all the stories and rumors she'd heard of the man, Daphne was actually surprised she found the man's behavior so strange.

"It is most unusual to see any student awake and about this early on a Saturday morning, Miss Greengrass. Is everything alright?" He asked kindly as he got close to her.

"I'm waiting for Harry. I need to fix things between us. That stuff that Draco used on me…"

"Ah, yes. Miss Parkinson made it abundantly clear that Mr. Malfoy was behind it all, though he refuses to tell me where he procured the potion. Professor Snape believes it to be a very rare recipe. Nevertheless, Mr. Malfoy had been suitably punished for his actions."

"May I ask…" Daphne began.

"He will be receiving detentions with Professor McGonagall for the rest of the year. He has also been removed from the Quidditch team, and has been stripped of his Prefect status, as has Miss Parkinson."

"That's better than I thought would happen." Daphne said. She blushed furiously when she realized she had said it aloud. "Who are the prefects going to be now?" She said quickly, changing subjects.

"Professor Snape will be making the announcement later today. If I may offer some advice, regarding Mister Potter. Honesty, Miss Greengrass. Mister Potter can forgive much, so long as you remain forthright with him."

Daphne looked questioningly at the Headmaster, who simply smiled as he made his way into the Great Hall. Daphne knew that the Headmaster was trying to be helpful, but something about his advice seem to trigger some kind of warning bell.

The fact was, she'd almost always been honest with Harry. Sure, there was the fact that she had helped Hermione more or less trick him into teaching the Defense club, which was finally going to have it's first meeting this week. And yes, there was that one other omission regarding the contract that they had made everyone sign, but other than those two instances, she'd been very straight with Harry about everything, so why would the Headmaster urge her to be honest?

Little by little, the student body of Hogwarts began to awaken and trickle into the Great Hall to feast on sausages, bacon, eggs, fruit, or whatever else the house elves had prepared. Many students eyed her as they entered the Great Hall, most of them being girls, who Daphne was sure were waiting for their chance to steal Harry away from her. The worst was from Cho Chang, who looked ready to strangle the Slytherin girl as she passed.

The smells wafting out of the Great Hall made her stomach ache with longing, but Daphne remained rooted to her spot, awaiting the appearance of her estranged boyfriend. She didn't believe she could eat a single bite, even though her stomach was obviously telling her the opposite.

Finally, after nearly three hours of waiting, she saw him. Harry was with Ron, and the two looked to be discussing what Daphne guessed was likely Quidditch related. Daphne couldn't help a small smile as the two boys descended the stairs. Though Harry had not admitted it to her, she knew that he missed Ron. There was a bond between them that had suffered heavily because of Ron's paranoia. Watching them now, it looked as if everything was in the past, though she knew that looks were deceiving. Harry had said that the two may never be as close as they once were, and that if not for his growing friendship with Ron, Harry would have been truly heartbroken over it.

As the two boys stepped off the staircase, Daphne pounced, grabbing Harry by the arm and dragging him away from Ron and the Great Hall. She led the raven haired boy down a corridor and found an empty classroom, shutting the door behind after she forcibly pushed Harry through.

The look on his face broke her heart. He looked so hurt, and dejected, and Daphne felt herself beginning to shake with anger at Draco for everything he'd caused. She could still feel the effects of the potion in her system, but they were far weaker than they'd been the day before. For that, she was endlessly thankful. She hoped in just a few more days, she'd feel normal again.

"Thought about it, have you? Ready to toss me aside?" Harry asked, pain evident in his eyes.

"Don't think you're going to get rid of me, Harry." Daphne said, feeling her eyes beginning to sting. "I know you've been wondering what's been going on with me, and I have to tell you that I wasn't even sure. One day I woke up, and the thought of you made me feel strangely irritated. Like someone had thrown a switch in my brain. To make matters worse, I was fighting against myself, because my heart wanted nothing more than to be with you all the time. Last night, I found out exactly what was happening with me, or rather to me."

Harry's pained expression began to melt into one of curious interest.

"I was being drugged, for lack of a better word. By Draco."

"WHAT?" Harry's curiosity was burned away by his intense anger. He started for the door when Daphne grabbed him.

"Please, just wait. We can deal with him later. Right now, you and I have to fix this. Harry, I was so awful to you."

Harry turned to look at her. He felt horrible when he saw tears brimming in her dark brown eyes.

"Why didn't you try to tell me how you were feeling?" He asked.

"Because it would have made things worse. Gods, Harry, I was so miserable. I wanted to be with you, to have you hold me and kiss me, and be like a normal couple, like we had been, but just the sight of you made me so angry and bitter. I know I should have been suspicious when Draco started trying to be like my best friend, but I was so wrapped up in trying to figure out what was wrong with us."

"And there was nothing wrong, was there?" Harry asked, feeling concerned.

"No. You've been better than perfect. Most guys would just want to spend all our time in a broom cupboard trying to get into my knickers, but not you. You actually want to spend time with me and have conversations, and share with me. With you it isn't just physical, it's deeper, and it's something I cherish more than anything, and it's something I don't ever want to give up. Harry, I love you."

Her words made him feel strange. She loved him. She really loved him. His heart beat faster at her revelation, and he felt lightheaded. Could that be what he had been feeling all this time? Whenever they were together, and he felt like he could conquer any challenge. Or how he felt complete though he had no idea he'd been missing something in his life? Was that why these past two weeks had been so damned painful for him? Because he loved her, and was so afraid of losing her?

"I…I don't know what to say." Harry stammered as he stared into her tearful eyes. She stepped closer to him, taking both his hands in hers. Harry felt her trembling, and wanted to comfort her.

"You don't need to say anything until you're ready to." She said, her voice low. "To be honest, I only really puzzled it all out myself last night, and I had Tracey and Astoria helping me. By the way, I think letting Tori learn football was a good idea. She kicked Draco in the shin, and I don't think he'll be walking right for a while."

"That's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to him." Harry snarled, feeling his anger rising again.

"No, we'll do it together." Daphne said firmly. "He did this to both of us. Beating him to a pulp won't get us justice."

"Well, neither will detention with Snape." Harry frowned.

"He's not doing detention with Snape. He's doing it with McGonagall. And, he's been removed from the Quidditch team and he's no longer a Prefect." Daphne smiled softly.

"How do you know all this?"

"I have my ways." She grinned. "I saw Professor Dumbledore this morning. I'll tell you everything later. Right now. I just…I really want to…"

She wasn't able to finish her thought. Harry bent down and captured her lips with his own. Daphne melted into his embrace, and two weeks of frustration and confusion seem to vanish as they reconnected. The kiss was one of the most intense Daphne could remember. Even their first kiss paled ever so slightly in comparison. Daphne wondered later on if it was because she understood what he meant to her now. She loved him with all her heart. And she knew, by the way he held her and kissed her, that even though he'd not said the words, Harry Potter loved her in return.

A short while later, Harry and Daphne were heading into the Great Hall, arm in arm, when they were met by Draco and his group of thugs. Daphne noticed that Pansy was with them, though she looked beaten. Her head was hung low, and she was standing behind all of the boys.

"Well, well. I see no matter how I try to help, you're just far to attracted to trash, Greengrass." Draco sneered.

"Just what exactly were you trying to accomplish, Malfoy?" Harry growled angrily. Daphne tightened her grip on his arm to keep him from attacking his rival.

"I couldn't live with myself if I didn't attempt to make Greengrass see that you're beneath her, Potter. Face it, you're dangerous to be around. People get hurt because of you, and you know it. I mean, for Merlin's sake, Diggory died because of you."

"You rotten little…" Harry lunged, but Daphne pulled him back.

"No, Harry. He's just trying to goad you. The truth is, he thought the only way to get me in his bed was to use a potion on me. It wouldn't have worked, even if I hadn't found out what he was doing."

"And why is that, Greengrass?"

"Come on Draco, everyone in Slytherin knows about your problem. Your performance problem…"

Harry's eyes went wide as he realized what Daphne was hinting at. Draco's eyes went to slits and his face reddened. It got worse as Crabbe, Goyle and Nott all snickered. Pansy went white as a sheet, and kept her eyes on the floor. Daphne simply stood before the blonde defiantly.

"You little whore!" Draco hissed, his wand suddenly in his hand. "I'll make you pay for that insult."

"I don't think so, Malfoy." Harry said, his wand already pointed directly between Draco's eyes. "Just give me a reason, you bigoted little ponce."

"Are you threatening me, Potter?" Draco's face was stony, his eyes cold slits. "Are you daring to challenge me?"

"Draco, there would be no challenge. I'm giving you only one warning. If I even think you're looking at me or my friends wrong, I'll put you in a world of hurt."

"Empty threats, Potter. You haven't got the guts to back it up."

"Try me."

" DIFFINDO!" Draco called out. Harry had been waiting for it, knowing that Draco was just waiting for the right moment. Harry easily slid out of the way before Draco had finished taking in a breath to cast the spell.

"Expelliarmus."

Harry tried to grip his wand as it sailed out of his hand right into the pudgy toad like paws of Dolores Umbridge.

"I see I got here just in time." She looked quite distraught. "I fear if I had been a moment later…well, thank goodness I came when I did. Mister Potter, I'm afraid your behavior is inexcusable. Detention will not be enough this time. I'm afraid you will have to start packing."

"WHAT?" Harry and Daphne shouted.

"I will not allow such violent behavior stand." Umbridge smiled.

"But he attack Harry first!" Daphne shouted.

"Miss Greengrass is correct, Professor." Dumbledore said plaintively as he appeared at Harry's side. "I do believe Harry was not only defending himself against Mister Malfoy's attack, but Miss Greengrass as well."

"Professor Dumbledore, forgive me, but you were not here, and did not see…"

"Oh but I was, Professor. In fact, I was just about to intervene. It seems my reflexes are not what they once were. Again, I thank you for stepping in. Mister Malfoy, we will need to add to your detentions, I believe, and I think fifty points from Slytherin. Now, as there is nothing more to discuss, I believe Mister Potter and Miss Greengrass have yet to have breakfast. Off you go then."

Harry held out his hand to take back his wand, and noticed how reluctant Umbridge was to give it back to him. Finally she slapped it in his hand rather forcefully, and Harry turned his back and escorted Daphne into the Great Hall. Draco and his friends all left as well, leaving the Headmaster and the High Inquisitor.

"I have the right to overturn punishments, Albus."

"Yes, you and the Minister are working quite diligently to push me out of my position. However, you have not yet managed, and in your haste, you have overlooked quite a few details, including the need to present a case to the school governors before expelling a student. You may consider that in your next educational decree."

Umbridge was left seething as Dumbledore stepped by her, heading to his private quarters.

It was very late that evening when Severus Snape knocked on the door to the Headmaster's office. He entered the office after he had been bade to enter. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his stone basin pensieve sitting upon the desk in front of him.

"I take it your trip was successful?" Snape said, taking a seat across from the Headmaster.

"Indeed. It proved quite fruitful. Though I am regretful. The little creature hung to life so desperately, as if she knew I would be coming to see her one day." Dumbledore said sadly.

"So, have you finally completed your puzzle, or is this just another piece?" Snape asked, motioning to the pensieve.

"Another piece, I am afraid, but a very important one. It has shown me two items I believe that Lord Voldemort used, thought I still have no idea where he has hidden them."

"The boy is getting stronger. It seems that he finally understands. So long as he practices in between our lessons, I feel he should be ready by the end of the year."

"That is too long to wait." Dumbledore shook his head.

"Why not keep him at headquarters during the summer. Then you can teach him without interruption. I'm sure the mutt would have no objections." Snape smiled at his own joke. Dumbledore simply glared at the potions master.

"Severus, It is my greatest hope that one day you will give up this petty grudge. It has been Nearly twenty five years. As for your suggestion, you know why Harry must return to his relatives."

"Ah yes, the blood wards." Snape snickered. "The same wards that became all but useless when the Dark Lord took the boy's blood. The same wards that have been steadily weakening over the last ten years because the key element has been missing "

Dumbledore's face soured at Snape's words. As much as he hated it, the headmaster knew his potions professor was correct. Had Petunia Dursley cared for Harry as much as she cared for her own son, things may have been very different. Yet, Dumbledore still held hope that the wards he placed so much faith in would keep Harry safe for just a bit longer. He had few other options left to him.

"Professor Umbridge is trying to press her power." Dumbledore said, changing topics. "This morning she tried to have Harry expelled. This can not be allowed. I will need you and Minerva to look after him, and protect him. If she manages to succeed, we shall have far more problems."

"You still expect to be sacked?"

"I think it is only a matter of time. Cornelius is becoming more and more desperate in his conviction. As I understand it, he has been having some difficulties with some of our foreign dignitaries. They all believe he is trying to hard to cover something up, and are becoming rather suspicious."

"Rather stupid of Fudge."

"We are in agreement. Had he but accepted the truth, we might have been able to acquire assistance, or even found sanctuary for those hit hardest by the coming conflict. Now, we will be forced o face this alone."

Dumbledore sat back in his seat, staring into the swirling silvery substance in the stone basin before him. He had collected so many pieces of the puzzle in the last ten years, and still he felt no closer to putting it all together. His suspicions had been confirmed by Harry himself three years ago, when the twelve year old presented a destroyed diary, ad told the tale of what he had faced deep under Hogwarts.

He still had a few more people to track down, and it was his greatest hope that he would finally get all the answers he sought, and be able to track down and destroy every single one of the Dark Lord's Horcruxes, and ready young Harry Potter for the eventual confrontation.

"Neither can live, while the other survives." He thought to himself.

"Not that I'm complaining," Harry smiled as Daphne pressed her mouth against his in yet another fiery kiss that Harry could feel in the tips of his toes. "But I have forgiven you, you don't need to try and apologize anymore."

"I know." Daphne grinned as she captured her boyfriend's lips again. "I'm not apologizing anymore."

"What exactly are you doing then?"

"Making up for lost time. I have two weeks of snogging owed to me." She giggled as she kissed him again.

"Harry?"

"Please tell me that isn't your mirror." Daphne sighed, her lips barely brushing Harry's

"Harry?"

Harry sighed, and Daphne extracted herself from Harry's embrace so he could get to his mirror, where Sirius' face was waiting.

"Where are you? Why's it so dark?" Sirius asked, though Harry guessed his godfather already knew.

"Can I help you, Sirius?" Harry said, not bothering to hide his ire.

"Is that the lovely Miss Greengrass with you? It has been far too long, my dear." Sirius grinned.

"Hello again, Sirius." Daphne smiled politely, though she felt much the same as Harry at the moment.

"Am I interrupting something? Perhaps a …"

"What do you want, you mutt?" Harry demanded.

"Testy. Well then, right to the point. I got word that you nearly got expelled."

"Umbridge caught me and Draco fighting. I didn't even cast a spell, though Draco got one off. She completely ignored him, and went right after me."

"It's true. Draco threatened me, and Harry stepped in. He only had his wand in his hand." Daphne said. She looked very sour.

"Look, Harry, I know you don't want to hear this, especially after everything else, but you need to keep your head down. That woman is trying to get more power. Soon, she'll be able to override Dumbledore's decisions, and anyone who opposes her will find themselves in serious trouble. Have you started you defense club yet?"

"This week will be our first meeting." Harry said, his tone becoming excited.

"And you've got someplace to meet that you won't be discovered?"

"Oh yeah. Dobby helped us find it. It's wicked."

"Good. Be careful Harry. Contact me if you need anything, and I'll see to it you get what you need. How are your lessons with Snape going?" Sirius's countenance grew a bit darker.

"I think I've finally grasped the concept. I haven't had a single nightmare since our last lesson." Harry proclaimed proudly.

"Just remember what I told you. The better you get, the harder Snape's going to push you. It'll weaken you for a bit, but you'll get stronger for it. Listen to him, as much as I hate to admit it, there is no one better to teach you."

"I will. Have you found out why it's so important I learn all this?"

"I've tried to ask Dumbledore, but he just keeps saying it's important, but he won't say why. I have a feeling he'll tell you when he thinks you're ready. Have you heard from Viktor yet?"

"I got a letter earlier this week. He says it's all arranged. Fleur also got hold of a few people, and Hermione says she's got someone here in England who will write a story." Harry said. Daphne looked at him oddly. She couldn't help the guilt that crept up inside her, as she'd forgotten that Harry was arranging to tell his story to some reporters. She wanted to be there at his side to support him and was thankful that she had not missed the opportunity because of Draco's meddling.

"Good. Let me know when it happens. In the meantime, keep your head down. The last thing you need is to be tossed into Azkaban. Goodnight, Harry, Daphne."

"Good night Sirius." Harry smiled while Daphne merely waved. Harry returned the mirror to his pocket and turned to face Daphne, who looked very depressed.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I know it wasn't my fault, but I can't help feeling bad for everything. I want to be there for you when you talk to those reporters. If I had missed that because of…"

"Daphne. It's over, and you haven't missed a thing. What's important is that you found out what was happening on before something happened that we couldn't fix. Malfoy's the one to blame here, not you. It won't do anybody any good if we dwell on what might have happened."

"I know. And I swear I'm going to get that little bastard. He's going to pay for everything." Daphne said melting into Harry's embrace.

"I think we should just unleash Astoria on him."

"Harry, That's too cruel, even for Malfoy." Daphne shook her head, images of her little sister tormenting the Slytherin Prince in ways far too disturbing to utter aloud.