The rest of the Christmas holiday was near agony for Harry.

First, and possibly the toughest on Harry was how Mrs. Weasley seemed colder to him. Ever since Christmas, when Harry had argued with the Weasley matriarch over his girlfriend, the woman no longer fussed over him, or forced him to eat until he felt as if he might burst. She barely spoke to him any more, and when she did, her tone was stiff, and callous.

The other Weasley female was just as unwelcoming as her mother. Harry had known for years that Ginny Weasley had a crush on him, and maybe, in some other world, he might have fancied her. When Ginny was herself, she could be quite fun. But Harry's heart belonged to another, and as the days wore on, Harry irritation grew, and he began to care less and less about the Weasley women's opinion.

"I just don't know why they hate her." Harry said, blocking a sword strike from Sirius in the basement. "They don't even know her. Ginny's never even talked to her, and they go to the same school for Merlin's sake."

"Don't keep your feet together, Harry." Sirius advised as he brought his sword up in a low arc. Harry swung his own blade down to block his godfather's strike. Sirius had begun teaching Harry some fencing and sword dueling techniques ever since Christmas. The sword that he had given to Harry was given to Sirius by his great Grandfather when Sirius was fourteen. Sirius had been very interested in sword fighting, and his father had supplied a tutor to train Sirius from the time he was seven. It was, as Sirius said, the only nice thing his father had ever done for him.

"Harry, they both care for you, and they want you to be happy. Eventually they'll accept that they can't change it, and they'll come around. Ginny will find someone and she'll grow up, and get over her crush, and you might even become great friends. As for Molly, well, she's had a picture in her head, and your Daphne doesn't fit into it. But she's a mother, and a very good one. She only wants her children to be happy, and that includes you. Once she gets a chance to see how happy you are with Daphne, she'll come round. You didn't hear her arguing with Ron and the twins about it the other night."

"Ron was arguing with her about it?" Harry asked incredulously, nearly getting his arm hacked off by Sirius.

"Focus Harry!" Sirius said with a smile. "Yeah, He seem to think his mother was going to far, and she needed to apologize to you for how she's acted."

Harry took a few steps back, and Sirius lowered his sword.

"Things have been so strained between Ron and I this year." Harry shook his head sadly.

"He's never stopped being your friend, Harry. His role has just evolved. You're growing up, and experiencing life. Sometimes people we thought would be with us forever…aren't. That doesn't mean they no longer care. You both need to understand, and not blame yourselves or each other. What matters is that he's there when you need him, and you for him."

Harry consider his godfather's words and nodded his understanding.

"Come on, lazy. We've got a good two hours before the Weasleys come back with Arthur. Let's see if I've managed to teach you anything."

Harry was counting the days down until they returned to school. He was unsure if he would be riding the train with the rest of his friends, or if other arrangements were being made. He had made it clear that he wished to go back just as any other student would, but it seemed as if there were a few worries about safety.

In the end, however, Harry got his wish, and rose early on the last day of vacation. Harry was not surprised by the chaos that happened whenever Weasleys and traveling mixed. Harry, having packed his things early simply sat in the kitchen with Sirius eating toast and watching the scenes unfold, all while doing their best to keep their faces impassive.

"You remembered the sword?" Sirius asked looking at Harry's bag on the floor.

"You saw me put it in the pocket after you shrank it." Harry rolled his eyes.

"And you'll practice?"

"As much as I can. I wish you could come by and help teach this stuff. I think it'll be fun for everyone to learn methods of defense that don't rely on magic." Harry sighed.

"You'll do fine." Sirius smiled, patting Harry's shoulder. "You've got those books, and I've given you a firm foundation. But don't neglect the magic side. Your best weapons are your knowledge, and being unpredictable. Never forget that."

Harry nodded. "When do you think Dumbledore will start teaching me?"

Sirius bowed his head and sighed. "Soon I hope. No one's heard from him since Christmas. He's a good man, Harry, never forget that. But he is a man and we all make mistakes. Being as smart as he is, his mistakes will likely be much bigger. Be patient with him, and when he does start sharing…Really listen to what he's got to say."

Harry agreed. Mrs. Weasley popped her head in the door and looked at the two of them.

"Are you ready Harry?" She averted her eyes, and Harry was filled with a strange sense of Déjà vu. It was very similar to how his Aunt Petunia would talk to him. Harry had enough. He didn't want to go back to school with things so strained between himself and Mrs. Weasley.

"Mrs. Weasley, I'm sorry for everything. I know that you just want what's best for me."

Mrs. Weasley looked taken aback, and Harry pressed on. "You always been so good to me, and I betrayed your trust by disappearing like that."

"Well, thank you, Harry." She said, a bit warmer than she'd spoken to him since Christmas. "It means a great deal to me that you apologized."

Harry nodded. "That doesn't mean I was wrong in what I said. Only in how I said it. It is my life, and I'm the one who has to live it. I need to choose what I feel what's right for me. If I can't look in the mirror and like who I see looking back…" Harry let the rest hang, and Mrs. Weasley stared at him for a long time, before finally nodding.

"I suppose your right, Harry dear. It is your life, and you need to be happy. I'm sorry if I was to smothering."

"Never apologize for being a good mother." Harry smiled, and at these words, Mrs. Weasley began sniffling and wiping her eyes. "We should get going." She said dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. She bustled out of the kitchen, and Harry bent to retrieve his bag.

"Good show, kid. I'm proud of you." Sirius smiled. Harry gave his godfather a tight hug.

"Thanks for the advice, and everything else."

"Mirror call me tonight, let me know you're fine, yeah?"

"You got it."

"I was beginning to think you weren't going to be on the train." Daphne smiled brightly as Harry gathered her in his arms. She had been standing in the doorway of the compartment she, Tracey, Neville and Hermione had taken, watching as people boarded the train, watching for her boyfriend.

Harry and the Weasleys all boarded just as the last whistle sounded. Harry greeted Daphne with a soft lingering kiss that Daphne swore she could feel in her toes.

"Yeah, I don't think these redheads can be early for anything. I wonder if it's a curse or something." Harry smiled softly when he broke the kiss. He stared deeply into Daphne's eyes, who was biting her bottom lip as she stared back.

"Hey!" Ron said indignantly, though he was smiling, slipping past the young couple.

"Seriously, is it too difficult for you to pack everything the night before, and be prepared?" Harry chuckled.

"What, and break tradition?"

Everyone laughed as they all settled into their seats. They all shared their stories from the holiday. Hermione and Neville's was by far the most interesting and entertaining, as the couple had managed to split their time between Neville's Gran's and Hermione's parents.

"I still can't believe I went skiing." Neville said.

"I can't believe how good you were at it." Hermione smiled proudly. "You should have seen him. I've never enjoyed it as much as my parents, but I could not stop with Neville there. He was so amazing."

"What's skiing?" Ron asked, which lead to a long discussion about the sport, which only befuddled the redhead further. The topics turned to gifts, and a round of thank yous ensued between the friends. The topic then came round to the interesting discussion that the Greengrass' had on the night Harry had visited.

"Dad's convinced that if Dumbledore would only come out and tell the world that Voldemort is alive, it would end this whole thing." Daphne finished her tale.

"I don't understand why he doesn't." Tracey commented. "Dumbledore still has loads more sway with the public, even with all these attacks in the papers."

"He's got to have a reason for it." Hermione added.

"It's one of the many things I plan to ask him." Harry said. "We had words when I got home that night, and none of them were really pleasant."

Harry then recounted the story from his point of view. His friends all sat with jaws unhinged as he recalled how he'd spoken to arguably one of the most respected and influential wizards of all time.

"I can't believe you said that." Hermione whispered. "And to Dumbledore."

"He was right to do so." Daphne said firmly. "If he wants to keep Harry safe, then he should tell him everything. It isn't enough to keep him hidden, or whatever. He's got to keep him informed as well."

"Knowing is half the battle." Tracey nodded. Everyone turned to look at her weirdly.

"Sorry…saw it on a muggle cartoon once." Tracey shrugged.

"So, Ron's mum doesn't like me?" Daphne asked, looking a bit forlorn. She heard Harry talk about the Weasley Matriarch, and knew that he cared deeply for her, almost like his own mother, though he'd never said it outright. Just like with Hagrid, Mrs. Weasley's opinion mattered to her a bit.

"I don't think she doesn't like you, she's never met you. That said, I think you threw a wrench into her grand plan."

"What plan?" Hermione asked looking confused. "Mrs. Weasley isn't planning anything."

"Actually, Hermione." Ron said forlornly. "You might as well call it a plan. She had it in her head that Harry and Ginny would end up together. It was kind of her dream, and so long as Harry and Daphne are together…"

"But she wouldn't do anything to break them up, would she?" Hermione asked, looking very concerned.

"NO!" Ron said affronted. "I don't think she would ever try and meddle, but Harry, I'd get used to her off hand comments. She makes them about Bill's hair all the time, or about how Charlie needs to find a good woman and stop playing around with Dragons."

"So what do we have planned for the DA?" Neville asked, changing the subject.

"Patronuses and hand to hand combat." Harry smiled.

"Hand to hand?" Hermione looked appalled. "Kind of barbaric, don't you think?"

"Nope." Harry smiled. "Death Eaters rely on magic to do everything. If we know how to fight dirty, it'll throw them off, and maybe give people enough of an advantage to protect their families, and even get away before something really bad happens. The Room provided us with weapons, so we're going to learn how to use them. Sirius taught me some basic sword fighting, and he gave me my own sword."

"No way!" Neville said, leaning forward. I've always wanted a sword. My Gran thinks I'd cut off my own hand or something."

Daphne leaned against Harry as the train rumbled north. She felt elated to be with him, the way she had dreamt about before the holiday. After the food trolley came by the conversation broke up, and each of the teens settled in their seats. Hermione opened a book, and leaned into Neville's embrace, while Tracey also took out a book to read. Ron disappeared from the cabin, saying he was going to catch up with some other Gryffindors.

Daphne could not keep her eyes open as she leaned against Harry. Whether it was the motion of the train, the warmth of her boyfriend's embrace, or the simply exquisite sensation of Harry running his fingers through her hair, she could not say exactly what was making her so drowsy. All she knew for sure was that she was actually living a fantasy, and she really liked it.

As she snuggled a bit closer to her boyfriend, who sighed contentedly at her movements, Daphne could not help but wonder what the rest of the year would have in store for them all. As she closed her eyes, she held tightly to a hope that things were going to change for the better.

The next month passed in a blur of homework and DA meetings. Harry and his friends spent nearly every evening in the library working on homework, which got harder and harder as the year went on.

Harry also was still working hard on his Occlumency lessons with Snape, which had become even more brutish. Harry knew he must be improving, as Snape, it seemed, could no longer criticize Harry on his mental barriers, or his focus.

Before Harry knew it, February had come. Valentine's day was to be on a Hogsmeade weekend, and couples were making plans for the holiday. Harry and Daphne were no different. However, unlike other couples were planning romantic walks and intimate encounters. Harry and Daphne had something else in mind. They had been making their plans ever since the return from the Christmas holiday when Harry received a letter from Viktor Krum asking when the next Hogsmeade weekend was.

Fleur Delacour had also written asking about the date of the next Hogsmeade weekend., and Hermione had been writing to someone she said was important to their cause for weeks on end.

The morning of Valentines day dawned clear, and Harry was up early. He'd been talking to Sirius about what he was preparing to do for weeks now. Sirius had assured Harry that it was a very wise thing to do, but it hadn't alleviated Harry's growing nerves.

He was the first one in the common room that morning, and Harry sat in front of the fire, trying to warm the strange chill that had gripped him sometime during the night.

"Good morning, Harry."

Harry turned to see Neville, who looked his usual cheery self.

"Big day today, huh?" Neville said as he sat next to his friend. Harry merely shrugged indifferently.

"I can't imagine what you must be feeling, but we'll be there with you, mate. Me and Hermione, and Ron. And I doubt that wild hippogriffs could stop Daphne from being there."

"I appreciate it, Nev." Harry said staring into the embers of the fire. "I just …I've tried my best to forget that night. Sometimes I still see Cedric in my nightmares. I've avoided telling anyone about what happened that night because it's so…"

"Horrible?"

"Too be honest, I don't think there are words to truly describe how bad that night was." Harry said, finally looking up at Neville, who looked a bit pale. "I'm not sure if I even want you guys there with me."

"Harry…I know that I'm new to your circle, but I think it's time you know what kind of friend I am. I know I'm not the smartest, or the bravest, but I am loyal. I stand by the people I care about, no matter what. So, I'm going with you into Hogsmeade, and I'm going to stand right behind you as you tell your story. And when it's all done, I'm taking you straight over to Honeydukes for a mess of sweets to ease your mind."

Harry chuckled a bit and thanked Neville. Harry was amazed that he was so lucky to have Neville for a friend. The two had become much closer over the last few months. Harry was very happy for Hermione who had become so close to Neville. Neither of them talked about their relationship, but Harry could easily see how happy they were together. Neville had proven in a very short period of time that he was a true friend.

"Good morning."

Both boys turned to see Hermione coming down the stairs. She was dressed in faded jeans and a dark green jumper, her coat and gloves in her hand. She had tied her mane of bushy hair into a loose ponytail, and was smiling brightly as she leaned in and kissed Neville.

"Are you alright, Harry, you look a bit pale." Hermione said when she looked at him.

"He's feeling a bit nervous." Neville said easily.

"Ah, I see." Hermione nodded. "You won't be alone, we're all be there for you."

"I know." Harry said, forcing himself to smile.

"Come on, let's get breakfast." Neville smiled, standing up.

"What about Ron? Shouldn't we wait for him?" Hermione asked looking up towards the boy's dormitories.

"Hermione, it's Saturday. Do you honestly think he's awake at eight in the morning?" Harry asked with a wry look. Hermione looked hopeful for the merest fraction of a second before heaving a sigh and shaking her head.

"Alright, let's go." Hermione frowned.

The Great Hall was as empty as Harry had expected it to be. The new trio picked a spot about halfway up the table and sat down. Harry felt that he was hungry, but his nervousness over what awaited him that afternoon prevented him from taking too much.

Neville and Hermione kept up a steady stream of conversation, trying to keep Harry's focus away from his memories. It seem to be working, though Hermione could tell Harry was only half listening.

"Good Morning, Love." Daphne smiled brightly as she took a seat next to her boyfriend, kissing him lightly. Harry noticed she looked very attractive in her tight jeans and black sweater. Her dark hair was done in a simple plait. She had applied light makeup, not that Harry felt she needed it, but he couldn't help stare at her pink lips as she pulled away. "Are you okay? You look sick."

"Nerves." Harry said simply.

"He's having second thoughts." Hermione explained.

"Oh, Harry." Daphne sighed, taking his hand in hers. "It'll be okay. You might even find it therapeutic. You've held onto these memories for far too long, and that's not good. I promise that you'll feel better hen it's done, and if not…well then, I'll do everything in my power to make you feel better."

Daphne gave a small grin and kissed him softly, tugging on his bottom lip playfully. Harry had to smile at Daphne's encouragement. He guessed that she felt that she owed him for helping her with her patronus charm. Daphne was one of the few who hadn't managed to produce anything during the first lesson. In fact, Astoria had been the first to get anything bigger than a light vapor to appear. Only Luna Lovegood had managed a full corporeal patronus that night, much h to everyone's surprise.

At the end of the on, Daphne was terribly upset about her failings, and had asked Harry if they could spend a bit more time at it. Harry, not stupid enough to pass up time alone with his girlfriend had eagerly agreed.

Three hours Daphne had struggled with the charm. She had used a dozen memories, none of which seemed sufficient enough to power the charm, and her frustration grew, making it more difficult to perform the patronus.

Daphne finally asked Harry what memory he used when he cast, hoping she might get an idea of how Harry was able to do it.

"I don't use a memory, that's just how it's taught. I use a feeling. I try and feel the love my parents have for me. It's strange, but when I first started casting, I used the memory of the first time I ever saw what they looked like. I found the Mirror of Erised, and I saw them standing with me in its reflection."

"So it's not really the memory, but the feelings associated with the memory?" Daphne asked.

"I'm sure there's more to it than that, but basically, yeah. You have to let the power of the joy fill you, warm your every nerve ending."

"Huh." Daphne said thoughtfully, thinking about Harry's words for a few moments. Harry watched her puzzling out the problem when Daphne suddenly grabbed him and kissed him so deeply, his toes curled inside his shoes.

"Expecto Patronum!" She shouted once she broke the kiss, and her eyes bulged when at last, a bright silver light shot out of her wand. Daphne shouted triumphantly, and Harry embraced her tightly as she thanked him again and again with her lips.

"Is Tracey coming with us to the village? Hermione asked Daphne, breaking Harry out of his reminiscence

"Actually, no. She got asked out by Marcus Belby, and since she hasn't been out with anyone all year, she agreed. She's kind of excited." Daphne chuckled. "She was still trying on outfits when I left her."

"Oy, there you lot are." Ron said as he joined his friends. "Harry, I know I said I would come today, but, uh…well…"

"What is it?" Hermione asked. Ron looked very nervous, and he kept looking towards the entrance of the Great Hall.

"Did you get detention?" Daphne asked, and Ron shook his head.

"No, actually, I got asked out."

Hermione's fork dropped with a clatter, and Neville choked on his juice."

"Who?" Harry, Daphne, Neville, and Hermione asked almost at once.

"Lavender. She asked me just now. I…What should I do?"

"GO WITH HER!" Neville shouted. His face reddened when he saw many heads turn to stare at him.

"I had no idea she liked you." Hermione said. "She's never mentioned it, and she talks a lot."

"Ron, mate, I think Neville's right. You should go with her today. Don't worry, I'll be fine, and you deserve a bit of fun, you know?"

"Are you sure? I mean, I can …" Ron looked happy, but still quite torn. "I've already let you down a bunch, and I've been trying to…"

"Ron, It's all in the past. You'll let me down if you don't go with her. And don't make the same mistakes you made with Padma last year."

Ron's face got a bit red, but he nodded all the same. He stood up and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "I want to hear about it later, alright?"

"You got it." Harry smiled. Ron gave a nod to everyone and then left them, presumably to join with Lavender Brown.

"Ron and Lavender?" Hermione asked, staring after her friend.

"They have been talking a lot more lately." Harry shrugged.

"I thought she went for more good looking guys." Daphne said. "Not that Ron's a slouch, but he's not what she usually hangs off of."

"She's going to hurt him. She doesn't stay with anyone for very long." Hermione said. "She keeps going back to Seamus."

"But he's happy right now, and let's admit it, we haven't been that great to him." Harry said.

"It's been a very bad year for all of us." Hermione agreed.

"I don't know." Neville smiled, wrapping an arm around Hermione. "There've been a few upsides."

Hermione smiled, her cheeks turning pink as she leaned into Neville's embrace.

"I agree, Mister Longbottom." Daphne grinned, taking Harry's hand. "There have been a few bright spots to the year."

Harry felt himself warming to Daphne's smile, and kissed her hand gently.

"Alright, enough of this gooey mush." Hermione grinned. "I say we head down to the carriages."

It was a very crisp sunny late winter day as the two couples made their way along the street, stopping into a few shops, simply killing time before the appointment. Harry's friends did their best to keep his spirits up.

At ten minutes to noon, the four youngsters headed for the Three Broomsticks.

"Hello." Luna Lovegood smiled as she reached the door at the same time as Hermione.

"Hello, Luna. How are you?"

"Very well thank you. I was just coming to find you. My father will be arriving in a bit, he had another appointment."

"That's great. Shall we head inside?" Hermione smiled, opening the door. Harry was the last to enter, being dragged inside by Daphne, who kept eyeing him worriedly.

Hermione excused herself for a moment, and the others started looking for a table. The pub was very busy, and Harry saw Ron and Lavender in a booth sharing lunch. Ron looked as if he was having a good time, though Harry swore he could feel the heat from Ron's ears all the way across the pub.

"This way." Hermione said pulling Neville's arm. Daphne led Harry after them, with Luna tagging along. They went up a flight of steps and into a large sitting room where a two men and three women were awaiting them.

"Harry, How good to see you again." Viktor Krum said, grasping Harry's hand firmly. He gave Neville a similar greeting, and embraced both Hermione and Daphne in turn.

"Allow me to introduce Marko Nankov, of the Mystic, the Bulgarian national news."

"A great pleasure to meet you."

Nankov looked like a reporter from some old movie, with horn rimmed glasses similar to Percy Weasley's. He wore crimson robes over a very muggle looking business suit. His hair was quite short and had once been deep brown, though it was no turning quite gray.

"Arry."

Fleur Delacour looked as beautiful as ever. Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders like a waterfall, and her smile was brilliant. She kissed Harry on each cheek in greeting before stepping back to greet the others with friendly handshakes.

"I would very much like to introduce you to Madam Clarice Leveque, of La Gaceta Magica."

"Bon Jour." The woman was quite tall, though she had nothing on Hagrid. She was quite willowy, and moved with the grace of a dancer.

"What is she doing here?" Harry asked angrily when he recognized one of the women. Though she looked very care worn, there was no mistaking Rita Skeeter.

"I've been wondering the very same thing." Rita smirked, looking past Harry to Hermione, who simply glared back.

"We thought it would be a good idea to get someone who could report your story here in the country. Someone who would jump at the chance to write a very scintillating story regarding you and the Ministry." Hermione said, her eyes boring holes into Rita, who looked taken aback.

"You want me to write a story about young Harry? Isn't that why we had our…disagreement?"

"Yes it is. But this time, you'll be writing with his permission, and I guarantee this story will make people remember Rita Skeeter forever." Hermione said boldly as she took a seat.

"Well, thanks to you, even if the story is as great as you claim, I no longer work for the Prophet. They wouldn't print it anyway, in case you haven't been keeping track, they aren't that friendly to Harry these days.

"Don't worry, we've taken care of that." Hermione grinned. At that moment, a very harried looking man walked in.

"So sorry, but I was following a lead on the famed Crumple Horned Snorkack. It's been seen in these parts, and I just have to get a photo."

"Was it a good lead, father?" Luna asked, her eyes lighting up.

"I am afraid not. Just another loony trying to get the prize money."

Xenophilius Lovegood was quite simply absolutely mad looking. One look and it was more than clear where Luna got her strange sense of fashion, not to mention her far away dreamlike stare.

'The Quibbler? You want me to write for the Quibbler? No one reads that rag!" Rita shouted indignantly.

"I'll have you know our readership has gone up tenfold in the last year, thank you very much!" Xenophilius said proudly. Luna nodded firmly as if that put the matter to rest.

"It's this, or walk away from the story that will make your entire career." Hermione smiled. Harry was concerned that Hermione was overselling it a bit. Rita on the other hand seemed to believe that Hermione wasn't bluffing and sat down again.

Once everyone was settled in, and food had been brought up, Harry began his tale, starting with his name coming out of the Goblet of Fire and going through all the events of the precious year, sparing no detail when he came to the night of the Final task. He explained how a Death Eater posed as Mad-Eye Moody, and all but fixed the tournament in Harry's favor so that he would be the one to arrive in the Graveyard that night.

Harry nearly lost his control when he told them of Cedric, and the ritual. He named all of the Death Eaters that arrived after Voldemort rose out of the cauldron, whole once again.

Everyone in the room stared at him as he went into vivid detail over the duel he fought against the darkest wizard in history, and at seeing the spirits. Fr lack of better words, of his mother and father, and of Cedric's request to return his body to his parents.

The tale didn't end there, as the reporters asked many questions, and Harry filled in all the answers he could. Harry remembered to them how Fudge had had Barty Crouch Jr. Kissed by Dementors before he could be questioned, and of the argument Dumbledore had with Fudge right after. He told of the two Dementors that had shown up in Privet Drive, and the trial by a full court, headed up by Cornelius Fudge himself.

He went on to explain in great detail about the detentions he suffered at the hands of Dolores Umbridge and even allowed his hand to be photographed by the Bulgarian reporter.

"Harry, dear. But I think I heard you wrong. Did you really say that Peter Pettigrew was the one who had performed the ritual?" Rita asked, her eyes hungry for details.\

"Yes. He's alive, and Sirius Black is innocent of all he was charged with. He's no more a death Eater than I am." Harry said bitterly.

"How do you know Sirius Black?" The Bulgarian reporter asked. Harry looked at Hermione who nodded her head, and he took a deep breath.

"He's my godfather." Harry admitted.

"Minister Fudge has wasted a lot of time and energy trying to cover up your story." The French reporter said. "Why do you think that is?"

"Fear. I don't know if either of your country's ever dealt with Voldemort when he was powerful before, but here…" Harry said, looking to his friends. "He did immensely horrid things, and people are dealing with loss from that first war. But not only that, He thinks Dumbledore wants his job. He's afraid of losing his power." Harry said sounding much more confident than he felt.

Harry glanced around the room and saw his friends all looking miserable. Both Fleur and Viktor wore masks of grim regret. Hermione appeared as if she'd just been thrown into the icy depths of the black lake. She was shivering horribly as she rubbed at her arms to warm herself.

Neville looked quite horrified, and at the same time, immensely furious. Harry had never seen Neville so angry, he was usually so easy going. The Neville that stood next to the fire at that moment filled Harry with intimidation. He swore he could see waves of energy pulsing off of his new friend.

Daphne, on the other hand looked terribly saddened by Harry's story. She stared at him through glistening eyes, and it was clear that she was trying hard to remain strong for him.

"Is there anymore, Mister Potter?"

Harry looked up and saw the three reporters and the Quibbler's editor looking at him anxiously.

"No. That's all." Harry said. As he spoke, he felt as if some great weight was taken from him. He looked at Daphne, remembering what she had said about this being good for him. Like some kind of cleansing. He gave her hand a squeeze and she nodded to him, giving him a watery smile.

"Vell then. Thank you for sharing this with us today." Nankov said, coming to Harry first and shaking his hand. "It has bee most enlightening."

"Oui, it most certainly has." Leveque smiled demurely. She too shook Harry's hand.

"It truly pains me to admit this, but it would seem you were correct, Miss Granger. This story may shake the very foundations of our government." Rita smiled. As she clasped her handbag shut. "Xeno, I shall be seeing you tomorrow when I have finished writing the article."

"I shall be waiting." Xenophilius bowed. "Though, it may have to wait if I am able to finally get those pictures of the Snorkack."

Harry looked to Hermione who shrugged bemusedly.

"I need to get back to London." Fleur said, rising from her seat. "Arry, please let me know if I can help in any way. It was so very good to see you again. All of you."

"Harry, I am very sorry for the part I played." Viktor said, grasping Harry's hand.

"There's nothing to apologize for, Viktor." Harry said. "You were Imperiused, and you're not to blame."

"But I feel I am."

"Well, you more than made up for it today. Thank you."

Viktor gave a grim smile, but nodded.

"We should really start heading back. It's getting late." Hermione said, glancing at her watch. There was another round of farewells, and Harry and his friends, including Luna left the Three Broomsticks. As Promised, Neville made them all stop by Honeydukes, where Neville bought a large bag of sweets, which he then immediately handed to Harry.

"It's all I can do right now." He shrugged. He paused and then shot his hand into the bag, retrieving a licorice wand.

"Sorry, It's one of my few weaknesses."

Harry laughed, and opened the bag offering it to his friends, who all found something to their liking, seeing as Neville had apparently bought one of everything. They then began the journey back up to the castle.

The entire way, they kept quite quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Today had been very taxing on them all, and Harry could not help wonder what the fall out of his revelations were going to be.