"Did you talk to him?" Lavender asked as Ron met her in the common room for breakfast. Ron gave a smile and a nod as he kissed his girlfriend good morning. Even after nearly two months of dating, Ron still wondered how he ended up with one of the most sought after girls in the whole of Hogwarts. He never would have guessed on the first day he began work in his brother's shop when she walked in to take a look around that they would become a couple.

"Yeah. We talked after practice about his neglecting Susan and all that. He listened but I don't know if he'll do anything about it right away." Ron said as he took Lavender's hand and began to lead her to breakfast. "Did you talk to Hermione like you said you would?"

Lavender nodded and sighed.

"I don't think it went well. She got really mad." Lavender looked upset. "No one likes to hear things like that, and I know that she thinks everything is great because she has no reason to think otherwise. But I'm telling you, if she doesn't get her nose out of those books, he's going to break her heart, Ron."

"I believe you." Ron said, giving her hand a squeeze. "But it isn't our place to interfere."

"Harry told you that, didn't he." Lavender smirked.

"He's right. Come on, would you want anyone sticking their noses in our business? No matter how much they mean well, we have to figure things out between us." Ron glanced at her with a slight grin.

"I know. I just... We've kind of become friends, and I don't want to see her get hurt." Lavender said, hugging Ron's arm as they walked.

"Well, what did you say?" Ron asked.

"I just told her that I'd noticed Zach had a bit of a wandering eye and asked when they were last together alone. She got real defensive and told me to mind my own business. I tried to explain that I was worried for her. She made it abundantly clear that she didn't want to talk about it with me, so I backed off."

"Hermione's a pretty private person." Ron shrugged as they entered the Great Hall. "She's nearly as bad as Harry."

Lavender smiled at her boyfriend and they sat together. Lavender chose some fruit and yogurt and toast, while Ron went for eggs and bacon. Lavender noticed that Ron also took an apple, which made her smile. They began to eat silently for a bit before Lavender turned to Ron.

"The Hogsmeade weekend is next week. I was thinking about what we might do." She smiled.

"What did you have in mind?" Ron asked interestedly.

"Well, since we only have two Hogsmeade weekends before Christmas, I thought that you and the boys could do some shopping and I could lead the girls. You know, Hannah, Susan, Hermione, Parvati. Then we could all meet for lunch. And then, you and I could go off somewhere and make up for all the time we've been forced to do homework."

Ron could only stare at Lavender as she grinned. She gently reached up and closed his mouth before dabbed at the corners of his mouth with her napkin.

"Sweetie, you're drooling, and it's really unbecoming." She chuckled.

"Sorry, but I just… My mind went somewhere glorious."

"I'm sure that it did." Lavender smiled. "Good morning Neville!"

Ron shook his head and turned to greet his dorm mate. "Hey Nev!"

"Hey guys." Neville smiled. "Ron, why are you drooling?"

Ron quickly wiped at his mouth while his girlfriend laughed and Neville grinned.

"Oh, you're all so funny." Ron rolled his eyes.

"Good morning everyone." Hannah smiled as she sat next to Neville with Susan in tow.

"Where's Harry?" Susan asked as she took her seat. She was glancing everywhere for her boyfriend.

"He was up kind of late finishing essays. I think he might have finished them all last night." Ron said.

"He didn't come in until after two in the morning." Neville said.

"What's he playing at?" Susan asked looking upset. "He's already barely staying awake in classes and he's…"

"He's what?"

Everyone turned as Harry and Hermione took seats. Susan accepted Harry's good morning kiss before she continued her thoughts.

"You're going to crack if you keep on the way you are." Susan said. "I'm getting really worried about you."

"I know." Harry smiled softly. "I've been thinking about that. What would you say if I gave up Quidditch?"

"WHAT!"

Harry flinched as all of his friends shouted their shock.

"Are you taking the mickey?" Ron asked.

"Are you out of your mind?" Lavender asked stunned.

"You love Quidditch, why would you give it up?" Hermione queried.

Harry simply held Susan's eyes as she processed what he'd said. Her face kept contorting with her emotions, but confusion seemed to reign all of her facial expressions. Harry really thought it was cute the way she seemed to be imitating a fish.

"I think everyone's asking what I'm thinking." the redhead said finally.

"The DA's really important. So is my training. I can't very well quit going to classes. That leaves Quidditch. Yeah, I love it, but I love flying more. I can go up on a broom anytime, especially if you were agreeable to go with me." Harry explained.

"I can't believe you'd even consider giving up Quidditch." Susan said, clearly confused.

"There are more important things in my life right now than a game." Harry smiled, kissing Susan once again.

"Harry, are you sure you want to do that?" Ron asked.

"You said it last night, Ron. I'm spread to thin, and it's affecting my personal life. If you hadn't pointed it out to me, things could have been so bad that they'd be irreparable. I don't want to lose what I've got. So… I want to do this."

"But Harry… " Ron tried.

"Ron." Lavender said softly.

"It's only a game, Ron." Hermione said. "I'm proud of you Harry for making this decision. It takes a lot to give up something like that."

"I'll be happy to get all my work done and a good night's sleep." Harry smiled before leaning into Susan and whispering, "Not to mention being able to spend time alone with you."

Susan shivered at his words and a broad smile appeared on her face. Harry began to eat his breakfast and Susan could not stop smiling at her boyfriend.

"Looks like you'll be able to stop reading those trashy novels and live the fantasy." Hannah smirked as Susan blushed a deep scarlet.

Severus Snape's mind was working harder than it had since he was a student many years ago. He had been unable to convince the Headmaster of the danger that was now likely sitting in the Great Hall surrounded by the mindless followers he'd manipulated to his way of thinking over the last five years.

Snape knew just how truly dangerous Young Draco Malfoy could be. He'd known long before the boy had attempted to sterilize the Brown girl. He'd known because he'd had a hand in creating the monster that was hiding in human flesh. And now, Snape was unable to reach his godson and turn him away from the path the boy had chosen.

Snape winced as he remembered holding the infant Draco and the honor he felt when Lucius asked him to be the boy's godfather. Lucius, who had took Snape under his wing while they had been in Hogwarts. Lucius who had brought Snape to the Dark Lord and helped him become one of the chosen.

Lucius who was partially to blame for all the misery in Severus' life. Only partially because Snape knew it was he who was responsible for driving Lily into Potter's arms. It was Snape who had alienated the only true friend he'd ever known.

Snape winced again as he thought of how things were moving, and the paths open before him. The order was in a very precarious situation at the moment, and Snape himself was balanced on the edge of a knife. If he chose to continue to play his role as the good spy, then he would have to allow Draco to remain unchecked. While Snape despised all the children within the castle walls, he also didn't wish to see any of them suffer. Not even Potter.

On the other hand, if he were to step in and end Draco's reign of terror before he had a chance to do permanent damage, then he risked revealing that he was not loyal to the Dark Lord, and then it would be Snape who was the top of the Dark Lord's list.

Dumbledore wished to try and reach Draco, to prevent the Malfoy boy from becoming truly dark. But Snape knew that it was useless. He had known before the boy had entered Hogwarts. He'd helped raise the boy. He'd been witness to the special lessons, and the brain washing by the boy's father.

Draco was a Death Eater long before he took the mark. Snape would bet he was the most faithful of all Death Eaters. His belief in Pure Blood Purity was stronger than any other because it had been spook fed to him since he could understand language.

Until now, Snape had always tolerated Draco's behavior because he thought like Dumbledore did. That maybe Draco could be brought to understand what he was doing was wrong. Now, after the summer and what Snape had witnessed in classes. He knew that Draco was far more dangerous than he'd originally believed.

Dumbledore wished for Snape to reach out to the boy, to try and make him understand just what service to the Dark Lord truly meant. But Snape knew it was pointless, because he could tell that Draco meant to use the Dark Lord for his own gains. Draco's was not a stupid child any longer. He knew that the Dark Lord's promises were as empty as his black heart. But Draco was smart, and likely the boy was already planning for his future.

He would accomplish his mission somehow, and Snape knew better than anyone that losing Dumbledore would all but win the war for Voldemort and the Death Eaters. So far, Draco had not made any attempts. Snape had no idea on just what it was the Draco was planning, but he did know that the boy would have more than one option.

The problem that Snape had here was whether or not Draco would be better off inside the school or outside. Inside he was a threat, but one that could at least be monitored. Outside, he would be unchecked. A dragon off it's chain. And since the boy had no finesse, or discipline, Snape was sure Draco would be dead within the year. As much as Snape despised the boy at the moment, he was still Draco's godfather, and he had a duty to the boy.

Snape knew Draco had no interest in being "saved". He was hell bent on proving that everything he believed in was the right way. So it left Snape with only two choices. Allow him to finish his mission, and meet his fate, or try prevent Draco from fulfilling his destiny.

But how to do it? How to stop that little troll from killing Dumbledore or hurting anyone else. He was going to need help. Someone who would not hold back for some stupid ideology. Someone who, despite having a difference of opinion, would do what was right for the good of everyone, instead of trying to save one pathetic soul who had no interest in being saved.

Professor Snape didn't want to do it, but he needed an ally and there was no better person in the entirety of Hogwarts than Professor McGonagall.

"So, who's taking over as captain?" Susan asked Harry as they walked to the library after dinner that evening.

"Katie. She was really shocked, but not as much as Professor McGonagall." Harry smiled.

"I'll bet."

"She understood after I explained it all, but she was also kind of distracted. I don't think it's really registered with her yet. I'm sure she's going to be mad once it sinks in. But it's done, and I'm happy."

"Until the first game you're sitting out." Susan smirked.

"Maybe." Harry shrugged. "I guess that'll be the test. Like I said, I prefer just flying. No game to focus on. No worrying about catching the Snitch. Just me, my broom and the wind."

"You know, you almost made that sound romantic." Susan chuckled.

"Let's skip studying tonight." Harry smiled.

"Harry. Come on, be serious."

"I am being serious." Harry grinned, taking Susan by the hand and leading her through the castle and outside.

"Where are we going?" Susan asked, laughing as Harry kept leading her down stairs and finally out onto the grounds. Harry pulled his wand from his robes and summoned his broom.

"What are we doing?" Susan asked through her laughter.

"I'm sweeping you off your feet." Harry smirked.

"Oh ha ha." Susan responded, giving Harry a playful shove.

Harry's broom flew towards them and Harry grasped it out of the air, mounting it and holding his hand out to his girlfriend, who was still smiling but looking a bit stunned.

"You're serious." She asked, and Harry smiled.

"You said it sounded romantic." Harry replied.

"I said the way you talked about it was ALMOST romantic." Susan folded her arms across her chest, though she was beginning to move closer to Harry, who quickly wrapped her in his arm and drew her close.

"No dives. I promise." Harry smiled.

"Alright." Susan said, rolling her eyes and climbed onto the broom behind Harry, wrapping arms around Harry's waist.

Susan gasped a bit as she felt her feet leave the ground. Harry chuckled as Susan grasped him a little tighter. Harry turned his broom towards the pitch and steadily took them higher.

"Ok, Harry. I think this is high enough." Susan said, trying to sound calm.

"Susan, trust me. You're going to love this." Harry said, taking the broom ever higher.

Susan gave the smallest squeak as Harry turned the broom back towards Hogwarts.

"See, I told you." Harry said pointing to the castle.

Susan gasped in awe as she saw the castle, with it's many windows lit up. Though it was dark out, the merest hint on sunlight could be seen behind the mountains, making them look like embers in a fire.

"Ok, you were right. This is pretty romantic. I would kiss you if I could reach your lips. So, I'll just settle for your earlobe."

Harry sighed when Susan's lips tugged at his earlobe, and Susan laughed at the way he squirmed.

"Maybe I should gets back down to earth before I lose my focus and we crash." Harry suggested.

"Ok, but can we do a dive?"

"I thought you didn't want to do a dive." Harry smirked.

"You said you wouldn't. I never said anything. Come on Harry, show me why you're the best." Susan grinned as she wrapped herself around him even tighter.

Harry smirked and without a word sent his broom into the steepest, fastest dive he'd ever done. Susan shrieked in his ear, deafening him as he leaned himself as far forward as he could with Susan practically on top of him. The ground rushed up to meet them and Susa's screams grew impossibly loud as Harry pulled them out of the dive at the last possible second and bringing his broom to a halt in front of the castle courtyard.

Laughing Harry and Susan got off the broom and Susan threw her hands around Harry's neck and kissed him deeply. Harry pulled her closer and deepened their kissing. At once he felt the strange tingling in his scar that always accompanied kissing Susan. He was so used to it now that it didn't even register now.

"We should probably go inside now." Susan said when she finally broke the kiss. "Before people come looking."

"Just when I was really starting to enjoy this." Harry smirked.

"I never said we had to stop. But I'm cold and they're going to be shutting the doors soon. Come on lover boy. I bet we can find a nice quiet, warm spot to get cozy in and continue our conversation." Susan said, leading him back into the castle giving him a sultry look over her shoulder as they walked.

The silly grin on Harry's face made her laugh, causing Harry to grab her up by the waist and spin her as he tickled her sides.

"I just can't believe what you're telling me Severus. It doesn't make any sense, and then again…" Professor McGonagall said as she stared at the Defense teacher who had just spent the last hour telling her everything.

Snape had thought long and hard about it all, and he had decided that in order to win McGonagall's allegiance, he would need to gain her trust. It had been more than a little painful, but as McGonagall had been a teacher while Snape had been in school, so she had been aware of the beginnings.

What she hadn't been aware of was how Snape had become involved with the Death eaters in the first place. He had revealed to her his full involvement in the Potters murders. That had been the most difficult thing he'd ever done in his life.

McGonagall had listened without interruption, and Snape could see on her face all the things she had wanted to say. Like she wanted to pass judgment on him. But she remained silent while he continued his tale.

Snape told her everything. What was strange was that when he began, he couldn't seem to stop himself. He had ended up revealing far more than he had intended to. But eventually he had gotten to the true reason for this visit, and he told his colleague of Draco's induction into the Death eater ranks and his mission.

"Do you truly think he's capable of such an act?" McGonagall asked.

"I told you already that I took part in his formative training. I also know Lucius spared no expense in regards to tutors. Draco is much more cunning than his father. He's spent the last five years building allegiances. Nearly all of Slytherin house is behind him. There are a few exceptions. Miss Greengrass and Miss Davis are the most obvious."

"I have noted that those two tend to keep to themselves." McGonagall nodded.

"Dumbledore wishes to make Draco see the error of his ways, but I know that Draco wants to prove himself. He believes with all his heart that he's as ruthless and merciless as the Dark Lord himself. He has no interest in turning to the light."

"That boy has always been a problem, but you always protected him. Why the change now?" McGonagall asked.

"I had hope like Dumbledore that once Draco came to Hogwarts that he would see that his upbringing had been filled with lies. The Muggleborns could be as good or better than purebloods. Granger certainly proves that."

"Then why are you so cruel to her?" McGonagall asked icily.

"I have a reputation to uphold. Back to the topic…" Snape gave a menacing glance. "By the second year I knew that it was a lost cause. So I only hoped to prevent him from becoming to dangerous. But I have failed in that as well. Now he won't even listen to me. You know as well as I do that if he succeeds our whole war will be over, and the Dark Lord will win."

"You really believe Draco could kill Albus?" McGonagall asked.

"I know it. Dumbledore is so focused on whatever it is he's doing that he isn't taking this seriously. I told you that Draco was more cunning than his father. I have no doubt he will accomplish what he's set out to do. Unless we find a way to stop him that guarantees he will not pose a threat to anyone any more."

"What are you saying?" McGonagall asked.

"I would suggest Azkaban, if I could believe he would not be freed in a matter of weeks."

"Another breakout?" McGonagall asked and Snape nodded.

"It's always on the table if the Dark Lord's forces become too thin." Snape sighed. "No, it may need to be more permanent."

"Surely, you're not suggesting… The kiss?" McGonagall gasped.

Snape merely held the Transfiguration professor's eyes for a long silent moment.

"He's a student. Regardless of what he may or may not be capable of, he's still a child." McGonagall tried, but she knew Snape was right. As much as it hurt her to admit, Draco Malfoy was one of the worst students to ever pass through the castle.

"I am well aware that you share similar views on the students as our headmaster, but I also know that you are much more practical when it comes to the safety of your charges. I am telling you, Draco Malfoy is dangerous to all of us. He needs to be dealt with as soon as possible."

Professor McGonagall sighed and stared at Snape for a very long time, weighing everything she had heard tonight. That Dumbledore believed everyone could be truly good was not a surprise, but that he would allow such a potentially dangerous element in the school. Had the headmaster become so blinded by his ideals that even he refused to address such a threat. Professor knew Draco Malfoy was a bully, or at the least a ringleader for trouble. But was he truly capable of what Snape proclaimed? Could the boy truly kill? More importantly, could she take that risk?

"What do you think we should do?"