A/N

1,000 reviews! I can't believe it.

Thank you so much for your ideas and your constructive criticism over the last 7 months.

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A Prank with Consequences

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Hogwarts Grounds – 5th of May – Friday, Late Afternoon

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"I'm standing in the West at the outset."

Distracted by Luna's dreamy voice, Harry nearly missed the Stunner Neville sent his way. In the last moment he was able to dodge the attack.

"Long at the start, I'm shrinking with time."

With a lazy move of her arm Hermione used one of the many nasty curses she had learned from the Durmstrang Curriculum to force Cedric into a crouch, protecting his eyes with a shield.

"Accompany you your whole life."

"Shit!" Only a hasty drop to the ground saved Harry from the bludger. With far too much glee Daphne had tried to hit him. Perhaps his apology hadn't been accepted as well as he had hoped.

"Language, Harry."

Roxanne's voice crossed the grass field, without the Pinegrew lady looking up from her book. The friends had started to train Harry in earnest after their return from their Easter break. Neville used mostly Stunners and Disarming Spells, while the girls showed their interest in a broad variety of Curses, Jinxes and Hexes. Or in Daphne's case a broad arsenal of bludgers, baseballs and other thrown articles. Once she even showed up with a bow and some blunt arrows. "Only to make it a bit more interesting for you, darling," she had grinned before she showed her deadly accuracy again.

"And only at night I have my peace."

This afternoon they had invited Cedric to take part – not for the first time. And he had readily accepted. The friendship between both boys had improved much since the second task and again after Neville entered House Hufflepuff. The invitation was Harry's way to show everybody that in his eyes Cedric was still the real Champion of Hogwarts. But it was his idea too to train the boy, because he still feared some kind of trap. There had to be a reason that someone entered him into the tournament, there simply had to be. And this could easily prove dangerous for the other Champions too.

Hermione had tried to invite Fleur too, but Madam Maxime had denied the invitation. "We don't need this," she had answered in a barely polite way. Hermione had only sighed and wished Fleur luck.

In the beginning Roxanne had been part of the training too and Harry still shuddered, thinking about her spells, attacks mostly targeted at his mind and senses. To hear invisible drums the whole time could be more than a bit distracting and her light Confundus Spells had more than once ended a fight prematurely. He had put away his bracelet for those sessions, still unsure of whether he would be allowed to wear it in the tournament.

But to his disappointment Roxanne now only accompanied them as a security measure. Headmaster Karkaroff had complained about a teacher helping him and the other jurors had to agree. Not that anybody doubted how much Karkaroff was helping Krum with his training himself. Damned hypocrite!

"Harry? I'm still waiting for your answer."

Luna's voice was a bit cantankerous even. Harry was impressed. The small Ravenclaw usually spend the training time to shot an endless stream of riddles at him, mixed with questions about the strengths and weakness of all kind of magical creatures and plants. For a moment he was distracted and allowed Neville's tripping jinx to hit him. Groaning Harry went down.

"Harry?"

Luna knew no compassion.

"I have no idea," Harry answered while he dispelled the jinx, dodged another bludger, and struggled to pull himself together.

"Shadow," Cedric answered correctly. "It's the shadow."

Luna blew him a kiss. "Correct!" They had started to behave like this somewhere last week. Harry assumed that it was only a kind of play, but with Luna you never knew. Colin hadn't become her boyfriend as expected and Harry had no idea if there was anyone else for the cute girl. He hoped there was. Luna deserved a bit of happiness.

"How has been your potions afternoon, Hermione?" Roxanne suddenly asked, getting an angry growl in response.

"Draco being a git again?" Neville sniggered.

"If you don't stop grinning this instant, Mister Longbottom, I'll ask Professor Snape to invite you too."

"No need," Neville smiled softly. "And he simply loves his cauldrons too much to follow your idea."

Hermione huffed. "Draco may behave better now with Astoria around, but alone he is still an irritating piece of work. And, as feared, Professor Snape ordered us to sit together." She groaned. "At least Professor Snape is behaving better now. Certainly he still isn't nice, but today he was fair. I even reaped fifteen points for Gryffindor."

Harry nodded impressed. A month ago Snape would have rather shot himself in the foot than offering points to a Gryffindor. Despite her complains Hermione seemed to like these additional lessons. She learned about new potions there and Snape used the time to speak in-depth about the details of different potion components. Hermione had started to annoy him with requests about explaining more in the regular lessons, too, but until now Snape had been unconvinced. "The dunderheads wouldn't understand."

Perhaps he hadn't changed too much, Harry grinned.

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On the way to Hogsmeade – 6th of May – Saturday Midmorning

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"Thank you, Professor."

Severus glanced in her direction.

"Thank you for the opportunity, I mean."

Severus only nodded. As expected the girl had proven to be an adequate assistant. He remembered her quite well from her NEWT class. Penelope Clearwater had always been one of the best and – perhaps of even more importance to him – she had been very consistent and reliable in her performance. There weren't many moments of genius, but never had she been distracted or careless either. She only would have to work on her demeanour. She certainly was too soft. Yes, the students adored her. But especially in the first lessons of a new year a potion teacher had to drill fear into his students' heads.

"Simply avoid blowing up my classroom. That would show your gratitude in the best possible way."

Penelope offered him a small smile. "I'll try. By the way: I've spoken with Miss Granger about your point. You know: Frighten the students to avoid mishaps. She told me about measures in Muggle Labs. I liked the ideas with the protected tables and transparent protective screens between students. Perhaps we should use something similar. And we could try to explain the dangers. Perhaps show some pictures about possible results if the components are handled carelessly."

Severus huffed. The ideas weren't new to him. Granger had spoken of it with him too. Apparently now she tried another approach. He saw the logic in those measures, but his stubbornness was still fighting them.

"I was surprised to notice the change in Miss Granger," Penelope continued. "I remembered her to be more like Percy: Too much book-knowledge, far too few ideas of her own."

"Yes, she changed," Severus agreed. "Her friends had a positive influence on her."

"Oh," Penelope's smile deepened. "Speaking well about Potter, Professor? I'm shocked."

Severus huffed again. "Three years she had been friends with Potter without any change. Now she has been around a Slytherin for a few months and slowly starts to show real intelligence. No, statistics oppose your idea of Potter being the culprit for this improvement."

"Yes, Miss Greengrass and Miss Granger are an efficient team, especially regarding their charm potion inventions. Perhaps we should integrate some of them into our curriculum."

"Yes, exactly what I need," Severus sneered: "Another batch of students knowing how to bottle long term hair colouring."

Penelope shrugged: "You have to admit it had been a real inventive idea. And you'll see more of it anyway. George Weasley told me, that the twins got a recipe book from both girls for their coming of age a month ago."

"Wonderful, really wonderful!"

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"I double-checked the list this morning," Penelope explained. She had been responsible to take inventory of the potion components in preparation of their purchase at Hogsmeade today. "And I noticed you crossed out the crushed Basilisk bones. We'll need the powder for the altered NEWT curriculum next year, don't you think so?"

"Yes, we do. But Mister Potter offered to put apart some parts of the Basilisk that he wants to sell for me. There should be enough bones for many NEWT classes to come."

"That's very generous of him." She looked thoughtful, remembering her own experience with said Basilisk, her time as a statue until the Mandrake had been ready. She had listened very intensely to Neville's little speech at the meeting, the one about buying Mandrake weeks or even months earlier.

Severus glanced at her and nodded. Did she know that a small part of the selling price was intended to go into her own purse? Probably not, he decided. Potter mentioned it when they spoke about the cadaver, but otherwise he apparently wanted to stay silent about it.

"Oh, wonderful!" Penelope's cursed.

Looking up Severus could only agree. Percy Weasley had just left one of the shops and was looking around. It would be polite to greet him. Not that Severus had any interest or intention of being polite, especially not towards such a pompous git.

"Hello Penelope."

Wonderful, Severus groaned. He stepped aside to allow the 'friends' some privacy. He smirked as he noticed how Penelope rolled her eyes.

"Hello Percy, how nice to see you." Her voice told Severus how 'delighted' she was, but the boy seemed unable to understand the tone. Or he simply didn't mind.

"Congratulations on your new position."

Penelope smirked. She remembered quite well an afternoon two years ago. Percy had just spoken to Professor McGonagall and been furious because the strict teacher had denied his request to write a reference letter. "I'm sorry, Mister Weasley, but despite your broad knowledge and diligence, you lack some critical traits that would be essential to become a good teacher. Perhaps you could choose another path for the next years and try again later."

She wanted you to grow up first. Not that the past years had helped in any way.

"Thank you. It's nice to have a place where my work and abilities are appreciated." Inwardly she was still furious. He could have helped her to get a better position. At least he could have helped her with that stupid sexist ass who had been her superior, still living in the last century, believing that a woman shouldn't work. He had felt threatened by her and made it quite clear from the start that it would be a cold day in hell before he'd promote her. But Percy had been unwilling to assist her. He feared too much about his own position. Alright: Perhaps she could have been more supportive the weeks before that incident, when he praised his own very important work about some cauldron regulations.

Percy nodded slightly. "Perhaps I'll get a new position too in a few weeks. Miss Umbridge offered me a position as her assistant in the Magical Creature Regulation Department. I think I could do much good there."

Penelope frowned. She belonged to the growing group of persons who wished Umbitch a serious case of pneumonic plague. To have Percy the rule-follower being her assistant could only worsen the situation. And why should the old crook offer him this position? And why now? Perhaps it had something to do with the whole Weasley/Flitwick situation.

"Ah, I see. She wants to have an ear close to your father."

"What? No, she hires me because she appreciates my abilities."

"Dream on, Puce. What abilities?" Percy glared at her, but Severus apparently thought the nickname to be amusing. "It's obvious she only needs a spy. And it's no wonder she chose you. You never knew loyalty, be it towards friends or family. Don't assume that I've forgotten how often you ratted out your own brothers as a prefect. And now you want to spy on your own father? You're disgusting. Now be gone, I've more important things to do."

Sneering one last time, Penelope turned around and followed Severus, leaving behind a fuming, very important young man.

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Gringotts – 6th of May – Saturday, Late Morning

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"Please follow me."

The young Goblin led Harry and Daphne through the Hall towards Wyvernclaw's office. The young couple was alone at the moment. They would meet Neville at their second station of this little excursion, and Hermione had stayed at Hogsmeade. She wanted to spend the day with Fleur, trying to cheer the French witch a bit. Harry didn't know what was going on exactly, but apparently Fleur had been a bit depressed between her Headmistress not allowing her to train with Harry, Charlie staying in Romania, Molly's rejection of the relationship and the domestic bliss at Delacour Manor still on the short side after the second task disaster.

Harry sympathized with Fleur and her mother. That her father had agreed to use his younger daughter as Fleur's hostage was nothing what he would have expected from a loving, caring father. Hopefully Mrs. Delacour would get her way in the future, especially next year with Gabrielle at Hogwarts.

"Ah, Mister Potter, Miss Greengrass, I'm happy to see you."

For a moment Harry stopped and stared flabbergasted at the accountant of the Pinegrew wealth. Grumpy Wyvernclaw seemed to be markedly cheerful today. A young Goblin stood at his side – a female Goblin, Harry wondered.

"Allow me to make introductions," he continued after the young Goblin left and the door was closed. "This is Coppertooth, my new assistant."

Harry bowed slightly. This was unusual. There weren't many female Goblins working as accountants. And to be Wyvernclaw's assistant – in her young age as far as he estimated – she had to be really good.

"My aunt Ironsides…"

Harry's eyes widened shortly. This information was new to him. He should speak with Agatha about it.

"Choose her to be my new assistant. If you agree, she'll be responsible for the day-to-day work of the Lily Evans Foundation and your own vaults. She's also managing the Granger vault and the one for the new library advisory firm of Mister Lupin. I assure you, that Coppertooth is completely trustworthy and well-educated."

"I'm certain that someone chosen by Mistress Ironsides will prove to be faultless in her performance. I accept."

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"So, if I understand you correctly," Coppertooth looked up from her notes. She had been scribbling furiously, reminding Harry very much of Hermione working on her last assignment. "You want Gringotts to send a group of workers to Hogwarts, disassemble a sixty foot Basilisk, carry the parts away and organize the selling."

"That's the idea," Harry nodded. "A few parts are to be put aside for Professor Snape, as memorabilia or for later use, but 90% should be sold." He offered two parchments to her: "I'm able to sell the Basilisk because of my right of conquering as the slayer of the beast. But to avoid any trouble and paperwork I arranged these letters from Headmaster Flitwick and Mrs. Amelia Bones. They agree with the sell."

Coppertooth examined the letters and nodded after a few minutes.

"Naturally there will be a handling fee, but according to the wishes of Mistress Ironsides we'll be moderate about that. The sell will need some time. If you agree, we'll give you a first payment of 20,000 Galleons after the first visit to the mentioned chamber and cash up after the sell. That should be at the end of the year. We'll need this time to avoid flooding the market with Basilisk parts."

"I trust your experience in the matter."

"Do you want the money to go into your school trust vault?"

"No," Harry shook his head. "That's a bit more complicated. My godmother Lady Pinegrew opened a new vault in the name of Hogwarts last week, as far as I know."

"Yes, it is meant to be used for gathering new funds. The earnings from the Hogwarts' potion selling will be put in that vault as will the money that Gringotts intends to donate."

"The largest amount of money from the Basilisk shall be put therein too," Harry ordered. "Parts of the money distribute in this way, please" he gave her another parchment "and use the first payment to pay for this."

Coppertooth read the list carefully: "Pay the fees for the last three or four years at Hogwarts of Mister Colin Creevey, Mister Justin Fitch-Fenley, Miss Hermione Granger, Mister Ron Weasley and Miss Ginny Weasley. Pay 500 Galleons to Mister Argus Filch. Pay 1,000 Galleons each to Mister Rubeus Hagrid and Miss Penelope Clearwater."

"These persons are the students and teachers that suffered from the Basilisk two years ago." Harry had chosen this way to repay them, because he had qualms about putting too much money into Ron's hands. This way he would have enough money to buy a few nice things and paying for his time at Hogwarts would be an option to help Arthur too. The proud man would otherwise certainly decline any offer of money. And this way there would be no way for Molly to force her daughter to leave the school after her OWLs. Ginny was a bright and talented witch. She deserved to exploit her full potential.

"I understand." Coppertooth recalculated: "With the changed fees that will be valid next year these donations amount to 16,000 Galleons."

Daphne leaned towards Harry and whispered something. He nodded. "Please add an allowance for the five active students of 200 Galleons each and put the remaining 3,000 Galleons into a trust fund. Mister Arthur Weasley – and only he, not his wife – is allowed to extract up to half of the money to pay expenses for his daughter. Miss Weasley gets access after her NEWTs."

"It shall be done."

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"I hope the sell will be as lucrative as Coppertooth expects it," Harry sighed. The visit at Gringotts had been successful but exhausting. Coppertooth and Wyvernclaw expected another 70-80,000 Galleons that would go into the safes of Hogwarts, money direly needed to pay for the additional subjects and teachers. But it would be worth it. And they hoped that many parents would – after watching the change and the difference – be willing to donate money too.

They had spent another thirty minutes to control how the measures to get the stolen money back had fared so far, paying particular attention to the items stolen from Potter Manor. Harry sighed. They would still need months, perhaps even another year, to clear all cases. But they progressed at least.

As a last point he had ordered Coppertooth to buy a case of Mandrake, Dittany and other rare healing herbs and send it to Madam Pomfrey. "She'll need it after the third task if Hermione is right." Daphne had only smiled silently. With Madam Pomfrey possessing these herbs, Harry would be safer too.

"But enough about money," Harry smiled suddenly. "Let's go to St. Mungo's now."

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St. Mungo's – Early Afternoon

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"And you really want to take the test in Ancient Runes, Harry?" Neville wondered. He was rubbing his hands in a nervous manner, walking back and forth in the waiting room. It was obvious that he wasn't really interested in the conversation; that he was only struggling to distract his mind. However Harry had no qualms about that. He was willing to speak about anything, if it was helping his mate's nerves.

"Daphne thought it would be a good idea to take the test in four weeks," he responded. "So I'm able to see where I'm standing in that subject. And I prove that it was right to allow me to change my subjects. That it wasn't something senseless, only allowed because of my reputation."

"You'll do fine," Daphne commented. She was sitting on a chair to his left and leaning against his shoulder, one of her books about the healing arts in her hands. With a cute gesture she put her long hair behind her left ear, like offering her ear to Harry. He knew she liked him to kiss it, but that had to wait. It certainly would embarrass Neville quite a bit otherwise. "You'll perhaps never have the marks of Hermione because you're unwilling to learn more 'school-wise', but you'll get an E, I'm sure. You already surpassed me in the subject."

"You exaggerate," Harry contradicted her half-heartedly. But perhaps, he thought, Daphne was right. Their teacher believed Harry to be a prodigy in Runes and Daphne, despite having more experience and certainly not being bad at it, had never liked the subject in the same way as Charms or, surprisingly, Care of magical Creatures. "By the way: Aunt Petunia sent greetings and wanted to thank you for your Arithmancy notes from last year." Harry was still flabbergasted every time he pondered about his Aunt and her enthusiasm for this difficult subject.

Daphne only smiled. She had been eager to strengthen the ties between Harry and his last blood relatives. And somehow, she knew, Petunia had at least to accept magic, before friendship could blossom between her and her nephew. If a way of helping her was to give her an understanding of Arithmancy, she would certainly not stand in Petunia's way.

"I always wondered why you aren't better at Arithmancy yourself," Harry surprised her with his comment. They rarely spoke about it, because Harry hadn't chosen it himself. So he had apparently asked Hermione. "I thought it's about breaking down spells into its components and reworking it to change its effects. And isn't that what you're doing all the time?"

"In a way, yes," Daphne agreed. "But I'm not doing this like a scientist. For me a spell is not just a formula, nothing to change some variables to get a different result. It's more like feeling the spell and begging it to allow me an alteration. For you – and most others – a spell is like a sphere: Absolute round and perfect. But for me it resembles an icosahedron: Nearly round but with many peaks and edges. I'm able to pull at every peak and push against every edge. And every pull or push changes the spell's result somehow. It's like living nature."

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"I leave you alone with your parents, Neville. I'll be next door, should you need anything." With a last smile towards Neville the old nurse left. She had seen Neville visit his parents for more than a decade now. In a few years she would retire, but the picture of the nice boy sitting patiently by his parents' side would never leave her mind, she was certain.

Neville nodded weakly, but didn't take the seat at his mother's side as usual. He was always spending more time with her. Perhaps it was a bit unfair, but his relation with her had been deeper before the 'incident' and somehow he cared more for her even today. Perhaps it was simply a result of her stronger reactions to his visits. While his father showed absolutely no sign of sensing his son, Alice Longbottom sometimes turned to Neville and more than once offered him a coloured chewing gum paper or similar silly things. He had collected them over the years in a small box at home, the gifts presenting his most precious belongings.

"Are they always like that?" Daphne asked softly. She went to Frank's side and slowly caressed his slightly matted hair. He showed no reaction, not even the tiniest motion of his eyes. But there was pain clearly visible in them, more than enough to nearly push Daphne away after a single glance.

"Yes," Neville nodded weakly. "Do you really think…" He was uncertain about this visit now, uncertain because he feared to hear that there was no hope. Perhaps it would have been better to stay away and hold onto that hope.

"I only want to get a first impression of their condition, Neville. I can't really say what will be possible. But I hope I'll be better able to know what I have to learn in the next months, what questions to ask my teachers." She patted his hand: "Have faith."

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Contrary to her husband Alice Longbottom had shown tiny signs of a reaction. Her eyes moved a bit and seemed to focus for a short moment. She sighed and relaxed, when Neville started to brush her hair. He was occupying the place at her head, while Daphne was sitting at her side, grasping Alice's hand and silently watching her. The hand was tense and despite her son's presence the older witch showed clear signs of fear and pain on her face. Her eyes were flickering now and Daphne expected her to somehow relive the moments of the attack years ago.

Oh God, please don't let me mess this up, Daphne prayed silently. She didn't feel nearly as sure as she tried to communicate to Neveille about the outcome. But he needed this reassurance, she knew. Someone put his hands on her shoulders and gently massaged them. Daphne relaxed again and shortly leaned back against Harry's chest. Again he had sensed that she needed him now.

Daphne felt his presence at the edges of her mind. Harry used the link to soothe her nerves and Daphne appreciated this dearly. Putting down wall after wall she let him in, allowed him deeper into her mind, his presence calming her more with every step he took.

{"I don't want to intrude."}

{"Stay, Harry. I trust you.} Daphne sensed his nod and continued to allow him into her mind and heart. There were pictures of her friends and family, pictures of happy moments and painful events. Harry sensed the strong emotions Daphne had towards her family: How she trusted her mother, the adoration towards her Grandma, but especially her love for Astoria. He always assumed that her sisterly love was a very deep one, especially after the boggart incident. But only now he could feel this intensity. Harry only hoped that her little sister would never betray this love.

And then there were pictures of her friends: Kind Neville, cute Luna, incredible bright Hermione and vulnerable Ginny. For a moment Harry was surprised to realize how protective Daphne felt for the girl and how deep-rooted her hatred and rage was towards Molly, Dumbledore and Ron to play with the girl's feelings. And there he saw himself: Tall, with broad shoulders and a six-pack, like a figure from a Coke commercial. This is how she's seeing me? He wondered. But hastily he pushed such thoughts aside. This would only embarrass her and there would be another time to speak about this.

Slowly the pictures disappeared and Harry saw something like currents of energy. He knew that these were how his mind interpreted the magic in Daphne. While Hermione and Neville had never allowed him very deep into their minds, he knew that their 'currents' had a different appearance. Neville was a broad, deep stream, the waters of his magic still working at the edges of the riverbed to broaden it. Hermione was similar to a network of channels with new branches opening every day. But Daphne reminded him of the veins in a leaf, very wispy but surprisingly strong if you tried to rip them apart.

A small sigh was the only sign of Daphne resolution to enter Alice's mind at last. Harry followed her slowly, always a few steps behind not to hinder or distract her. Without her I wouldn't be able to enter Alice's mind, he realized. The walls are too strong and she is in no way willing to speak with us. But Daphne hadn't any problems to find and use the tiny cracks in that wall, like the roots of a plant searching for sunlight.

The difference between Daphne's mind and Alice's was terrifying. The 'colour' changed from a soft glowing blue to an angry, slightly pulsing red. For a moment he thought to hear a kind of wind, but then he realized that it was the reverberation of a scream. It was very difficult to find a way through this mindscape. Walls were everywhere, sometimes erupting from the ground right in front of them. The ground itself had the composition of quicksand and Harry had to follow Daphne step by step in her footprints. How can she find her way in this? Harry wondered. I don't see any differences.

Movement… Harry whirled around and saw a shadow disappear behind a wall. There… he whirled around again but still was too late to have more than a fleeting impression of it. This went on for some minutes. Daphne softly called for Alice, while she tried to invade the depth of her mind. It got hotter, the ground even more difficult. Harry felt something new: Rage.

Suddenly the shadow reappeared and jumped forward, something in his hand. Now at last Harry got a clear look and was stunned. It wasn't anything alike Alice, but instead a young woman with frizzled, blond hair and a mad expression of pure rage. The hands were long and slender. But it was the whip in her hand that frightened Harry the most. A snake-like motion and the whip hit Daphne across the face. She yelled, stumbled, went down on her knee.

The woman raised her hand for a second strike. But this time Harry was able to defend his girlfriend. Daphne, not looking at him but instead watching something in the shadows to her right, felt how Harry stopped the next hit with his arm. The pain was incredible. How could Daphne endure something like this hitting her face?

{"We have to leave."}

Daphne shook her head and still stared at the shadow. "Alice, come to me."

After the third stroke Harry was able to summon something like a shield. It wasn't a very elaborate one, more like the first handiwork of some northern Barbarian. But it did its work. Each stroke cut deeper into the 'wood' of his shield and more than once the whip bypassed it and hit his legs or body. But at least he was mostly able to shield Daphne. A few times she got hit too, but she still was only focused on that shadow. Something was in there, Harry felt, something small and frightened.

"No, I can't."

Harry was shocked to hear a new timid voice, too shocked to move his shield in time. The whip passed him completely and coiled itself round Daphne's neck. She gasped. Whatever had been in the shadow, now it fled completely.

{"We have to leave."} Harry repeated more urgent, while he grabbed for the whip to pull it away.

Gasping for breath Daphne nodded weakly and grabbed his hand. Daphne didn't want to leave, but she couldn't go on now, was too ill-prepared to be of any help for the small girl that was left of Alice Longbottom. She whirled around and moments later they were away, out of Alice's mind again, leaving her alone again with her mad tormentor.

"We'll return, Alice. I promise."

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"Daphne, Harry," Neville's concerned voice roused him from his slumber. Daphne was lying on the ground at Harry's side, Neville bent-forward trying to wake her. "I'll fetch a Healer."

"No, wait," Harry stopped him. He tried to sit up, regretting it instantly. Never before had he felt such a headache. "Give her some time."

"But shouldn't I…"

"No, we can't involve a healer. Roxanne would learn about it and never allow Daphne to return."

"But if it's dangerous…"

"Neville," Harry smiled. "Would that stop you from helping?"

Neville thought for a moment before he shook his head.

"Then why do you think Daphne would feel differently?"

Suddenly Daphne groaned slightly and started to move. As she started to get up, Harry held her down: "Relax."

The small motion had already been enough to show her the wisdom of this command. Slowly she turned her head and smiled in Neville's direction: "She was there, Neville. She is frightened and alone, but she's still there. We'll help her, I promise."

And Neville believed her.

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Hogwarts – Hospital Wing – 7th of May

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It was a depressing sight: Ron lying in one of her sickbeds, with nobody to visit him, no gifts, nothing to distract him from the pain and especially the itching. Poppy sighed and shook her head. According to the tales of Minerva and Severus, Ron Weasley more than deserved what happened to him. He had only been a Slytherin for two weeks, but already lost 140 points, most of them because of insults towards Miss Granger or starting brawls. How he expected to gain friends among the Slytherins with this kind of behaviour, she couldn't imagine.

Three times he had been in detention with Professor Pinegrew's house-elf, but instead of learning to behave, he only stepped up his stupid behaviour. His latest glorious idea had been to play a 'prank' on the Greengrass sisters, causing slight burns on Astoria's hands. Daphne and Draco had been furious. While Daphne cured her sister – Astoria hadn't even to visit the Hospital Wing afterwards – Draco for once forgot his well-bred education and simply kicked him into the groin. A few more kicks and a few broken ribs had been the reason for a two-day stay at the Hospital Wing. The resulting detention Draco only commented with "it was worth it".

"No scratching," Poppy ordered Ron Weasley and with a frustrated groan he stopped to scratch his itching bottom. Poppy turned away to hide the smile, that she was unable to suppress anymore. Exactly two hours Ron Weasley had been away from her care, after she released him with his ribs healed again. Don't mess with the Greengrass-sisters, had been the message. And if you mess with them, better don't hurt Astoria.

The itching jinx 'someone' put on his bottom, was a marvellous piece of spell work. Neither Poppy nor Filius had been able to lift it. The very finely branched magic resisted every spell and potion so far, and Poppy expected that Mister Weasley would be unable to sit for another three days at least. Certainly it was a far more effective punishment than a bit of beating.

Well done, Daphne, well done.

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Pinegrew Manor – 8th of May – Monday, Midmorning

.

Sleeping as they were in the picture, the painted James and Lily still looked as she remembered them. How could I ever forget how much I love her? Petunia wondered. After several weeks in a magical home she felt much more used to it, less threatened but even more jealous. It will be better to be away from here, she decided. Better to not be reminded of something I'll never have.

Ana Hernandez had examined her and Dudley a week ago. To Petunia's surprise she found a faint magical core in both of them. Technically, it seemed, they weren't Muggles but Squibs. So there had been another wizard in the Evans family generations ago. We'll never get to know who it had been, Petunia sighed. Dudley had been exalted to hear that there was a chance he could learn how to fly a broom. Ana had spent some hours with him, explaining some exercises from a book about increasing and steadying a magical core. If Petunia remembered correctly, Daphne had wanted to use that book too.

.

"Our caretaker is a miserable man and I assume the reason to be the fact that he is a squib. Seeing us students every day and knowing that he'll never be able to cast a single spell, must be an awful experience."

"But you can't be certain that the increase will be noteworthy," Ana stopped her enthusiasm. "Perhaps the change won't be enough and even after months of exercising he'll still be like today."

"That's possible, but I want to try at least. Everybody deserves a bit of happiness. Perhaps this book will allow him to increase his core enough to give him this happiness."

"But he'll hate you, if you have no success with this plan. His disappointment will be great."

"I know, but I'm willing to dare it."

.

Dudley had spent one hour every day with the exercises from the book. More would be too exhausting and could be counter-productive, Ana had explained. Petunia wasn't part of the training yet. She was not comfortable enough with magic to do that. Perhaps she'll try later.

"Farewell, Lily." She whispered. "I hope you'll awaken soon. I miss you and Harry misses you even more." Roxanne had explained that it was only a question of time now. The amount of given memories should be enough to awaken the picture.

Someone entered the room and Petunia felt her son stepping at her side. He had really grown up over the last month. It had been a surprise to learn about how he had defended her and enforced magical healing against Vernon's wishes. Another change had been how she called him. Somehow it felt wrong to use his nickname – Diddykins – in this house. And obviously he liked it to be 'Dudley', the young man. Petunia sighed. Vernon had shown his true colours on that day four weeks ago. And his reaction afterwards had only been worse. Apparently he saw magic like a kind of disease that had infected his wife and son. He didn't want Petunia to return and even with Dudley he had his reservations.

Don't fret! Petunia growled. We won't embarrass you anymore. She had extracted her inheritance from their account and offered a separation to her husband. It had been a tad hurtful how easily Vernon accepted it. No pain of parting on his side, Petunia sighed, after fifteen years of marriage. But still she could see her marriage as a complete failure. She had Dudley now and was grateful for him.

Agatha Pinegrew had offered them residence in a small cottage not far away from Pinegrew Manor. She would live among Muggles but would still be able to see Harry and his new family. Her inheritance should be enough for a while and Petunia was thinking about continuing her studies again next fall. She even had started a correspondence with Hogwarts Arithmancy professor Septima Vektor and to her surprise she really liked the clear and stringent way of her reasoning. Slowly the dust and mustiness in her mind, collected in years of being Vernon's wife, started to disappear and her old self reappeared.

"I've thanked Roxanne and Agatha, Mum. I'm ready to go now." Seeing her thoughtful expression, Dudley hugged his mother. "Everything will fall into place, Mum."

Petunia offered him a small smile. "Yes, Dudley, everything will be better from now on."

.

Hogwarts – Charm Teacher's dorm – 14th of May – Sunday, Early Morning

.

The clinking of glasses and plates was the first thing Roxanne noticed, shuffling of feet without shoes, whispers, and the voice of Astoria in the adjacent sitting room. Then there were smells: Coffee, bred, and flowers?

Roxanne was confused. This wasn't her birthday. But obviously Astoria and – according to the whispering voices – Daphne and Harry were preparing some kind of breakfast for her. What was the reason? Had they done something, some silly prank gone wrong? No, not all three. And Daphne would prevent Harry from getting caught anyway. A small smile played around her lips. Perhaps it was wrong to like this 'virtue' in her daughter: The ability to help her boyfriend with pranks in a way that he never was caught in doing so. But she loved this silly side nonetheless. It was a side Harry had carved out of Daphne over the last few months.

"All ready?" Astoria asked. Apparently the others agreed. Hastily Roxanne closed her eyes again when three pairs of feet neared the door. They stopped. Daphne giggled. Roxanne felt her heart warming up hearing this girly sound from her formerly far too reserved daughter.

Suddenly all three started to recite something. A few times one of them stumbled, only to fetch up again and continue with the others. They recited the text with much emotion but without any sense of rhythm.

"Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,
Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,
Mom's love will stay with us forever
and touch our lives in precious ways...
The values you've taught,
the care you've given,
and the wonderful love you've shown,
have enriched my life
in more ways than I can count.
I Love you Mom!"

After the first two lines Roxanne dared to open her eyes. Slowly the words began to sink in. Mother's Day, she realized. Hermione spoke about it a few days ago – some silly Muggle celebration. Valiantly she tried not to grimace as they continued. Oh god, she groaned inwardly. Finally they stopped, their faces showing how relieved they were to have survived this ordeal.

"That was…" Roxanne pondered for a moment. Should I lie in such a moment? Wouldn't it be nicer? But then she realized that a compliment now would mean a repetition next year. Scary. "… horrible."

To her surprise all three teenagers broadly grinned. "You should have heard our 'Mother is the best' song," Astoria grinned.

"Oh no, please don't" Roxanne groaned. Her expression quickly changed into a smile when Daphne put her slippers in front of the bed and Harry offered her dressing gown like a gentleman.

"Thank you, kind sir." Roxanne bowed her head slightly.

"You're welcome, Ma'am." Harry offered his arm and led her into the neighbouring room. A table was waiting there with all kind of breakfast dishes, several vases with her favourite flowers and a few presents under a large box of the best chocolates from Belgium.

"Happy Mother's Day, Mum."

.

Hogwarts – 6th year Boy dorm – 18th of May – Thursday, Late Afternoon

.

"You really want to do this?" Lee Jordan stared at the twins like seeing a pair of utter morons. "I mean: We're speaking about Moody. You remember: Ex-Auror, scary, constant vigilante trigger-happy Moody."

"Yes," Fred grinned like it was the best idea since the invention of Canary Cream.

"It will be a gas," George agreed.

"And we have Kitty's allowance."

"She wants it," George said with a wink.

Kitty – that was Professor Minerva McGonagall and the twins hadn't forgotten their conversation months ago. The time had been too troubled since then, but it was a chance they didn't want to miss.

"She asked you in February," Lee remarked. "Now the year is nearly over. He'll be gone for good in a month."

"See," Fred agreed. "We have to act fast."

"Do you want to miss such an opportunity?"

"To prank a teacher…" Fred asked.

"… with the allowance of the Deputy Headmistress."

"I don't know. Certainly she didn't have this in mind."

Fred stared at his friend like he was mad. "What do you think she expected us to do?"

"Perhaps," George offered "nicely ask him to give us his flask."

"Yes, that would be a hit. Professor Moody, there are rumours about a drug addiction of yours."

"Would you be so kind and let us have a look into the contents of your hip bottle?"

The twins roared with laughter and Lee shook his head in a defeated manner.

"Now, mate…"

"… are you willing to help us?"

.

"You bastard, I'll kick your ass."

Fred's angry voice thundered through the corridors of Hogwarts. Professor Moody had just left the DADA classroom and was answering some questions of a third year Ravenclaw. Looking up he watched the corridor. Fast steps neared around the corner and someone in the robe of a Gryffindor appeared. A slightly terrified Lee Jordan yelped: "I can explain…" Full speed he ran towards security, towards Professor Moody, who just gripped his wand, ready to react.

"Explain, I give you explain," an equally furious Fred Weasley came in sight with a concerned George and a frantic Angelina Johnson close behind. "It's a misunderstanding, Fred," she tried to stop her boyfriend.

Still running Fred suddenly threw something towards his friend. Moody reacted instantly and raised his wand to deflect the 'missile'. At least he intended to do that. A warning cry of Angelina caused Lee Jordan to jump forward. Unfortunately he slipped and bumped into the professor, trying to slow his fall by grabbing his arm. A second later the missile – some kind of small ball – hit, not its original target but Moody straight onto the chest. The ball broke into a dozen splinters and soaked his robe with its fluid content. All came to a slithering halt, looking at Moody with shocked faces telling: 'we're in deep trouble'.

Angelina's eyes widened. "Professor," she pointed towards his chest, where small flames erupted. Hastily Lee and the blond Ravenclaw girl tried to put the flames out, achieving only to annoy the irritated professor still more.

"Stop it," he yelled and shoved them away, when two streams of water – thanks to two Aguamenti spells – hit him, put out the flames and soaked him.

Four abashed teenagers stared at Moody.

"Err…" a bewildered Fred was unable to say anything. "That wasn't meant to happen."

"Ouch!" He yelled, when his brother slapped his head. "I told you we have to test that yet. Happy, you moron?"

"We're so sorry, Professor," Angelina apologized, stepping between Fred and Lee to prevent any further outbreak of violence. "These two idiots…" she pointed towards Fred and Lee "had to act like some rutting trolls."

Fred at least looked ashamed, while Lee uttered haughtily: "It's not my fault that Fred is unable to share. Admit it, Fred: Angelina is too much of a woman for you alone." Fred lunged forward, only stopped by George's arms. Lee jumped back and hid behind the scary professor, watching Fred through Moody's crook of the arm.

Nobody really watched the blond Ravenclaw and Lee only smiled for a split second when he felt the bottle put back into his hands. Making a fuss about being brave – now that Fred slowly calmed down – Lee rounded Moody, patting his arm. "Thank you, professor, without you being here – I don't know what would have happened. Sometimes my temper is getting the better of me."

"One hundred points from Gryffindor," Moody's voice had no humour in it. "And detention for both of you for one week. And Mister Weasley…" Fred looked up "… you'll pay for this robe."

"Certainly, sir" he nodded glaring at the still smirking Lee.

.

"We did it, we really did it."

George grinned happily. Lee was breathing heavily. "I still can't believe it. That was so…"

"Crazy?" Angelina helped. "Stupid?"

"You have to admit, honey: We're really genius," Fred hugged his girlfriend.

Angelina shook her head defeated. "But remember this, genius: If you ever behave like that for real, I kick you into the groin that you'll never again need a girlfriend. Understood… honey?"

"Understood," agreed a suddenly very pale Fred.

.

"Polyjuice," Snape explained with a flabbergasted expression. He had been quite willing to help Minerva with the examination of the fluid the Weasleys had – with Luna's help – stolen from Moody. But the result wasn't what they had expected. No drug, but simple Polyjuice Potion.

"Why should he… it's not the real Moody." Minerva paled. Hastily she sent her Patronus to call Headmaster Flitwick, while Severus did the same to call Roxanne Pinegrew. A few minutes later all four teachers stormed into Professor Moody's dorm, wands at the ready. But nobody was there. Open trunks and empty drawers told them what they had to know.

The false Moody was on the run.

.

His master wouldn't be happy, oh no sir. For a moment he thought about running away, but that wasn't a real option. And luckily he had thought about every option, even this one. He had contingency plans.

When he saw the Weasleys with Minerva and that young potion teacher walking towards the dungeons, he realized that something was very wrong. A quick examination of his hip bottle told him, that someone had messed with it. It was only a question of time before they came running for him. He had to leave and quickly. He would brave the rage of his master. But beforehand he had a visit to make.

.

A/N

About the Basilisk: I know that's an old idea, but – in my opinion – still not a bad one. Harry needed money for Hogwarts and wanted to help the Weasleys. This was the simplest way. I often saw larger sums being paid for the Basilisk, but I think 100,000 Galleons (more than 2 million Dollars) is more than enough.

About the prank: Sorry, I'm not a Fred Weasley. This was the best plan I was able to devise. With someone like Moody I assumed it had to be something drastic to distract him long enough, not only to nick the bottle but fill a part of its content into another bottle and return his.

FrozenSpectre: Most criticism in the reviews has been directed at the first chapters of the story. I intend to rewrite them in the next weeks (after finishing this part of the story). It won't be a complete change, only a number of alterations and explanations.