Chapter 8

The finding of Slytherin's private room was big news not only in the school but all of England. Photo's had been taken before everything was taken out and a few choice scholars were allowed to enter. Salazar's portrait told them the truth and they were shocked as we were. Many were having a hard time believing what he said but it would take time to change the false history.

Flitwick had gotten fast approval for the rooms use. With Salazar's input a new floor plan was drawn up. His private chamber would become the office and class room for the students. The path that lead from the entrance would be raised and made into the platform. Stands would be on the either side separated by water which would flow in from the lake now. The nest would be come an area for the competitors once it was expanded on with a small infirmary for during tournaments. Classes would not start until next fall as a teacher was needed but it looked we could get some students in next semester for more of a club like format.

As for me everything for once seemed great. I was doing well in all my classes. Snape could not even find reasons to fail my potions. Animagus training was getting better and I was down to two minutes to turn and could now stay in form for two hours. McGonagall even would transform with me and we would run around the grounds. I even managed to grow a bit since starting. We had contacted Newt Scamander who was busy right now but said we could meet over the holidays.

My friends were a different story. Ron was getting more angry that I was spending time with Daphne. Even though I did fly or play chess with him it apparently wasn't enough. Again I tired to invited him as we also would do our homework but he refused. Hermione didn't come to every study session now, which included Wednesdays just for homework. Instead she devoted her time to helping the house-elves. One night at dinner it came up.

"Hermione they like working," Ron said as we went down to breakfast.

"It is slavery they don't get paid Ron,"

"They need our magic to survive," I said before taking a bit of my food.

"What?"

"I tried to explain but you never let me finish," I said "Basically to use their magic they must bond with a wizard, a family, or a property with lots of residual magic. The ones tied to the Potter family would have either left in a few years if I did not return or died as they never bonded with me. They were living of the residual magic of the property when I came back but eventually that runs out. Hogwarts has plenty of residual magic which is why so many can live here without bonding to the headmasters."

"But we did that to them right? Some spell to bind them?"

"No it is just how there species developed according to Pinky," I explained "before they bound to us they stayed in magical forests but when those started becoming few and far between they had to do something. So they chose to survive by binding with wizards and how they repay that kindness is working."

"But they are treated like slaves," she said "Look at Dobby or how easy it was for Crouch to release his elf according to Ron,"

"Not all of them," I said "Yes some people don't respect them and abuse the power but not everyone. I don't agree with what Crouch did but it was within his right as she did disobey and it might not have been a first time. Dobby had particularly bad masters and was a legacy bond which is why he felt no connection to the Malfoy as he did not chose them."

"Legacy bond?"

"Its when a family force any elf born to one of theirs to serve them," I said "Elves reach maturate the same age we do. I currently have three elflings the oldest is sixteen and the youngest is twelve born shortly after I was. The oldest will chose next year if he wants to stay or leave."

"So Dobby wasn't given a choice then," Hermione said

"No," I said as I grabbed my cup. "Why don't you go to the kitchens and talk with the elves before making assumptions they are unhappy."

"I think that's a wonderful idea," she said "Now when are you gonna ask Daphne?"

"What!" I said spitting out my juice.

"This weekend is the first Hogsmead trip," she said "She mentioned courting starts third year but I am sure you can manage,"

"Why would he want to ask that snake?" Ron asked "She is cold and is Malfoy's intended. Don't know why you keep studying with her."

"She has helped me a lot Ron and if you went with us then you would know she is not like the rumors," and that was the truth. Daphne was great and once you got to know her she was very kind. I would not want to be on her bad side though. The cold demeanor she showed to the world was to guard her from the dangers of the pit as it was a snake eat snake kinda world there. Now with the truth of Salazar getting out it was getting worse. With me though she was open and relaxed.

"Still a snake," he said "Finding out the truth of Slytherin is not changing it,"

"Come on there is something there Harry and if seems it could be deeper then friendship," Hermione said.

"I haven't been looking for more Hermione," I said "Its been nice having a semi normal year."

"And dating would end that?" she said "Dating is part of the way things are it would be normal. Even if you don't date date in the end going to Hogsmead won't be that bad."

"But its the first time we can all hang out!" Ron said.

"We did last year," I said.

"Yea but always with you under the cloak," he said.

"There will be plenty of time to hang out," Hermione said "So what do you think Harry?"

I bit my lip thinking it over. I wouldn't say it but I though Daphne was amazing both inside and out. She was smart and beautiful and it did not seem to matter who I was. She would help me with my homework and debate with me not just agreeing with everything I said. All in all I had developed a crush but different then what I had last year on Cho maybe cause I actually talk to Daphne.

"See he does not want to," Ron said "No way he would be attracted to a snake,"

"I never said that," I said to Ron before turning to Hermione. "I will think about it but don't push me,"

"Fine," she said. It was then off to my study session with McGonagall. I focused as best as I could but it seemed she had even knew I was off. So with that we ended early and I went to my dorm. To think I decide I would work on the map. With the chamber and room now know Remus and Sirius had shown me how to add things. I went to my trunk though to find my firebolt missing.

"Neville," I said seeing how he was the only one here. "Did someone get in my trunk?"

"Ron said you gave him permission to use whatever," he said looking up from a book Moody had given him.

"How long as he been doing that?" I asked

"Start of last year," he said then his face dropped in realization. "You didn't did you?"

"No I haven't. What the hell has he been using?"

"Your broom mostly," he said "This year quiet a bit as he has been going out with Dean and Seamus flying. Also that cloak of yours and that parchment,"

"Bastard!" I said before pointing my wand at the map "I solemnly swear I am up to no good,"

"Wow what is that?" Neville asked.

"It map my dad and his friends made," I said looking at him. "Good they are at the pitch."

"What are you going to do?"

"Get my broom back," I said then looked to Stheno. "Can I give you a job?"

"Of course master?"

"Would you be able to guard my trunk from being opened and things stolen?"

"Very much so," she said. "Anyone that tires to enter will get a nasty bite. I did similar for Master Salazar,"

"Please then," she then slithered of my and on to my trunk creating a raised snake under the Potter crest and he tail wrapped on the latch.

"Wicked," Neville said.

"See you in a bit," I said leaving my dorm I stormed out. The map read that they were still at the pitch but weren't moving as fast at the moment meaning they weren't flying. When I made it down though Ron was playing keeper well Seamus and Dean took took shots.

"WEASLEY GET YOU ASS OFF MY BROOM!" I yelled causing them all to turn. Dean flew down first with Seamus not far behind.

"What wrong Harry?" Dean asked "We just playing like we do every Thursday,"

"Yea mate you have been busy no reason to take it out on Ron,"

"The problem is he has never had permission to use my broom or get into my trunk,"

"Your brain is addled from all that work mate," Ron said finally landing. "You said I could at the world cup,"

"No I did not," I said taking my broom. "Not only that using my family heirlooms. What the fuck is that about,"

"Don't know what you mean mate," he said nervously.

"My cloak and the map," I said "Stop lying I know Neville wouldn't lie. What else have you taken form my trunk?"

"Hanging with that snake has made you paranoid," he said.

"Keep thinking that," I said. "Stay out of my stuff. I will be talking with McGonagall in the morning,"

"Whoa thats a little much," Seamus said

"No it is not Seamus," Dean said. "All of us muggle-borns were warned not to mess with heirlooms and that broom cost more then a years tuition here. Ron is in the wrong and it needs to be dealt with,"

"But he returned them,"

"And if he would have damaged them what then," I said "I have been fixing the map so he could have messed up my charms and ruined it. My cloak is as old as grandfather at least and this broom was a gift. My mind is made up and I bet he would rather deal with McGonagall then the twins,"

With that I was off back to my dorm. I knew I would have to inspect everything tomorrow but would leave it to McGonagall. Placing the broom back in the trunk Stheno sealed it and I got into bed sealing the curtains.

"Sirius Black," I called to the mirror. It was taking awhile but Remus and him were going to Bulgaria to meet the wolves so they could have left. When he did appear he had swollen lips and was out of breath. "Did I interrupt something?"

"No no don't worry pup," he said fixing his shirt collar. "Whats wrong?"

"Ron," I said then went on to tell him, and Remus who appeared, what had happened. Neither were really impressed.

"Your doing the right thing cub," Remus said "Ron should not be taking your things."

"I told you my opinion of the boy," Sirius said.

"I know," I said "He was my first friend though,"

"Those friends don't always stay," Remus said "We got lucky to a point but not everyone does. Your mother is a good example."

"Mom lost a friend?"

"Early in fifth year," he said "Not going to believe it but Snape and your mother were friends before Hogwarts. They stayed friends but then he did something unforgivable."

"What did he do?"

"I have told you we were kinda bullies," Sirius said "Mind you to a point Snape gave it right back at us or baited us."

"I warned you," Remus said.

"I know," Sirius said "Anyway early fifth year we were bullying Snape. It was already known that he was hanging with Death Eaters at this point. Your mother though tried to defend him as she did."

"What did he do?"

"Said he did not need defending by a mudblood," Remus said "Pissed your father off even more. There friendship ended and by the end of the year your mother realized we weren't all bad. After another year of growing up they started dating eventually leading to you,"

"Wow," I said "Hard to believe mom and Snape were friends ever."

"It is," Sirius said "either way don't always make it. This just might be one of those. So what else is up pup?"

"Well I was going to ask you well…,"

"What pup?"

"How do…..," I said mumbling the last bit.

"How what cub could not hear you?" Remus said

"How do you ask someone on a date!" I blurted out before getting all red. I grabbed my pillow and tired to hid.

"Look at that our pup is all embarrassed," Sirius said with a bark like laugh.

"Sirius this is serious matter for him," Remus said with a smile.

"So pup why do you ask?"

"Well I kinda have a crush and we have talked a bit but Hermione pointed out that maybe I should try to go on a date and said it was something a normal teen would do," I said. "I found out earlier that it was normal third year to start that for the pure-bloods and…,"

"Oh cub," Remus said. "You like this one huh?"

"Well its not like I haven't noticed girls," I said "and I can tell which ones are interested in me but they are giggly and seem to want the Boy-Who-Lived rather then the real me."

"That is important," Sirius said. "I could see it last year and I am sure Remus noticed as well."

"A few more then others," Remus said with a shrug.

"So what do I do?"

"Well what does she like?" Sirius asked

"Well we have mostly studied but she does like quidditch," I said "she also wants to be a healer or potion mistress from what I found."

"Well why not a meal in Hogsmead and then a fly together," Remus said

"There is a little place in Hogsmead, what was it the place?"

"The Cave, little hole in the wall down 3rd street in Hogesmead. Serves great food bit fancy at dinner time but perfect for a first lunch date," Remus said "Actually its where you father purposed,"

"Really?"

"Yea seventh year we were allowed in Hogsmead whenever and stay until eleven," Sirius said "McGonagall even helped get your mother their without her knowing why."

"I will floo over before we leave tomorrow and make sure they are still open," Remus said "I can call you tomorrow to confirm it. Less likely you will be disturbed by you classmates there,"

"You guys are amazing,"

"Now I am guessing this girl is a pure-blood?" Sirius said

"Yes it is Daphne," I said knowing where he was going.

"Alright," he said "You should get some sleep pup. Big day tomorrow,"

"Love you guys," I said

"Love you too," they both said and we ended the call.

*Time Skip*

I got up and dressed before Ron even woke. I wanted to avoid him at all costs. When I made it down to the hall I found that McGonagall was already down. So I went to her now well I had the chance.

"Professor," I said

"Surprised to see you this early," she said "What can I do for you?"

"I would like to report my roommate for breaking into my trunk and taking my things," I said "The items were returned each time but they are valuable and I had not given my permission for them to be used."

"This is serious Mr. Potter," she said. "May I ask what items and who?"

"My broom was just yesterday and he has been using every Thursday well I was in lessons," I said "There was also two items of my fathers."

"So heirlooms," she said rubbing her temples. "Now who?"

"Ron," I said and she was taken aback.

"How long has this been going on and how did you find out?"

"Yesterday when I left your room I got back to mine with the idea I was going to work with one of the family items," I said "I noticed my broom was missing. I asked Neville as he was the only one in the room. He said Ron had it and had been using for awhile. He also said Ron had taken the other two items at various times. I went down to the pitch and found him using it. Dean and Seamus were under the impression I had given him permission over the summer. So it has been going on for awhile this year but I have had one of the items since last year and another since Christmas first year. I haven't done a full inventory of my trunk yet but I used Stheno to lock it now."

"Very well," she said standing "Let us go now,"

"Yes ma'am," I said and followed her out. Gryffindor tower was more alive now and those in the common room were shocked to see McGonagall. They knew that if she was here now it wasn't good. We entered my dorm to find Ron just waking.

"Mate why is McGonagall here," Ron said rubbing his sleep covered eyes.

"Mr. Weasley this is serious," she said sternly. "Get dressed and to my office now."

"Whatever," he said grabbing his clothes and headed to the bathroom.

"Go through the trunk," she said.

"Stheno can you open,"

"Of course," she said and she moved allowing it to open. I took everything out inspecting for any damage. I finally got to my coin purse. I never kept to much on me as I could send Dobby for more now but still.

"I am missing four galleons, sixteen sickles, and eighteen knuts," I said.

"And you are sure you did not use it on the train or owl order anything since arriving?" she asked.

"I brought exactly fifty pounds made up of various coins," I said "The amount he took equals fifteen pounds and I haven't spent anything. I had a packed meal for the train this year."

"Very well," she said "and the heirlooms I must see,"

"This was my fathers cloak," I said showing her the cloak.

"That does not make it and heirlo…," she didn't finish as I warped it around me. "Things are starting to make sense. The other,"

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," I said pointing at the map. I had to laugh at her reaction and only wished I had called Remus and Sirius.

"Those bloody….," she said stopping herself. "This is how they managed it,"

"Yes ma'am," I said "Your not going to confiscate it are you?"

"No I won't you aren't the twins or your father," she said "I now must handle Mr. Weasley. Those items he took are worth more then I can imagine and not just sentimental. Now I believe you have to eat then off to class,"

"Yes ma'am," I said and made my way down again. I managed to leave before Ron came to eat. When he made it to history late he looked pissed. I managed to avoid him there and in charms. I even skipped lunch going to the lake instead. I did not get so lucky after potions though he cornered me.

"What the hell man," he said catching up with me.

"What Ron," I said

"You fucking got me detention three days a week for the next two months," he said "She also is writing mum,"

"Maybe you should not have stolen from me," I said and tried to walk away but he grabbed my shoulder turning me around.

"This is how you treat me after I stood by you," he said. "I didn't care you could speak to snakes. I didn't make fun of you for passing out and defended you even."

"And you think that using my things and stealing my money was something you could do because of that," I said "That is not how friends work Ron."

"Seems the fame has finally gotten to your head,"

"Thats all you fucking cared about," I said. "You had a famous friend. Get it through your thick skull. I HATE BEING FAMOUS. I would rather have my parents then have the fame I get because they died and I lived. You have a family that cares for you and I was stuck in a hell hole. Be grateful you have that loving family. Consider this friendship over,"

I then walked away not caring at a large amount of students were watching. Ron yelled but I didn't listen just headed to the library. I pulled out my potions book and started on my homework. I was so zoned I did not hear the door.

"Was hoping you were here," I looked up to see Daphne. "The whole hall was talking about yours and Rons fight."

"Lovely," I said

"I am sorry about that," she said "You two were close,"

"It has been strained since this summer," I said closing the book. "I ran from my aunts house and found a better place and some people that actually care for me. He wrote once and then left it to his mother who tried to get me to come to their place. I changed a lot learning the truth about my family and past but he could not handle it."

"Did he seriously steal from you?" she asked sitting.

"I have been having private lessons with McGonagall every Tuesday and Thursday," I explained "Apparently every Thursday he has been using my broom to play with Dean and Seamus. I had something on my mind yesterday so McGonagall released me early and Neville told me he had it and he had been using two other things that belonged to my dad. This morning I checked everything else and found I was missing fifteen pounds worth of money. He might have stolen some in previous years but not sure."

"Wow," she said "I knew he was a jerk but to steal things,"

"Knew he was a jerk?"

"You know he kept people away from you right," she said and I gave her a look. "Yea I remember some of the Hufflepuffs our first year wanted to get to know you and even some Slytherin. Tracy even did but was pushed away by him. Said you didn't need filthy snakes as friends. Even some Gryffindor's I believe Neville did to. I sat with him on the first ride he was saying he wanted to know you since your mother was his godmother,"

"He never told me that," I said

"Yea," she said "No with the private lessons with McGonagall. You seem great in transfiguration why do you need lessons?"

"I am but…," I said thinking "can you keep a secret? Hermione doesn't even know she thinks I am getting etiquette lessons."

"Of course," she said.

"Watch" I then allowed myself the time to shift. Instead of me I was now Annwn. Daphne stepped back stunned at the change but came forward and started petting my fur.

"Amazing," she said as I shifted back.

"I did it over the summer," I said "I am down to two minutes to transform and can stay in my form two hours now. I am even starting to get some of the benefits in my human form."

"Like?"

"My hearing is getting better and my teacher who has been helping me says my sense of smell will also since I am a canine. It will always be better as a wolf though,"

"What kind of wolf was that?"

"A sidhe wolf," I said and she looked confused "its an extinct species of magical wolf native to Britain. It pretty rare to be a magical beast apparently I am only the third. I also still have a lot more growing to do."

"Fascinating," she said we then got into studying. We were pretty much done what we originally agreed on so we helped with other subjects. She was great with potions so would help me and I was better at defense and transfiguration. By the end of the time together we I had my potions essay pretty much done.

"I think that's enough for tonight," she said "It is Hogsmead tomorrow after all. Do you wanna meet Sunday to finish?"

"Yea," I said as she got up "Hold on I was wondering…,"

"Yes Harrison,"

"Well do you have a date for Hogsmead?"

"No I don't," she said "Is this you asking?"

"It is," I said "Would you like to go on a date tomorrow?"

"I would," she said with a smile. "What should I be prepared for?"

"A nice meal and walk around the shops," I said "maybe a fly together if you wish when we get back,"

"Sounds wonderful," she said "Meet you are the carriages at ten,"

"Sounds perfect," I said as she left.

*Time Skip*

The next morning I was up and ready to go. Remus had called me the night before to say the Cave was still good. Of course Sirius wanted to know everything that night so he expected a call. After a quick meal I showered and got dressed.

I didn't want to over dress but I wanted to show her I was not the same kid as years before. So I found my nicest jeans and a button up shirt. I tried to fix the hair but nothing would work on it. After strapping on my holster to my belt and thigh I was of to meet my date.

"Damn Harrkins you look fine," Fred said.

"Someone cleaned up nice," George said "Got a date?"

"I do actually,"

"Oh your little Harrkins is growing up Fred,"

"I must say he is," Fred said back "Should we make sure…,"

"Don't even," I said knowing that they would follow. "I want this to go good guys and I don't need you following me all day,"

"Alright alright," they both said

"We did want to ask you about Ron," George said " He seemed put out yesterday and apparently isn't allowed to Hogsmead until January."

"He decided that whats mine is his without asking," I said seeing the gears turn I stopped them. "McGonagall is handling it. Even wrote to your mother."

"Very well," they said as we made it outside. There I found Daphne waiting by a carriage. She wore leggings with a black mid thigh skirt and a green blouse. She had yet to see me so I turned to the twins.

"Can either of you perform Orchideous?" I asked.

"He is serious," Fred said and with a wave a bouquet of roses appeared. "Here you go fine friend,"

"Thank you," I said and went to my date. "For you,"

"Roses," she said with a smile. "That's sweet,"

"Your welcome," I said "Not gonna lie had Fred conjure them as I have not gotten that one down,"

"Its still sweet," she said. I then helped her into the carriage and set off. It wasn't a long ride down to the village but was nice. We then made our way threw the shops as there was some supplies that we both needed. Sirius's birthday was also Thursday so I wanted to get hims something. It was nice being able to actually buy things and look without hiding under the cloak.

There were also whispers as we walked though. I the Golden Boy of Gryffindor had taken the Slytherin Ice Queen to Hogsmead. Between the fight with Ron and this it would be all that would be talk about even after the arrival of the other schools tomorrow. I could see some girls were utterly crushed and Slytherin's out right confused why Daphne would have her arm looped to mine. For the most part we ignored it. As we grew hungry after our shopping I headed to The Cave.

It was really in an obscure part of the village. We entered to see a few others here but none students. A hostess greeted us with a smile.

"You must be the couple Remus said would be coming," she said

"Yes," I said a little confused.

"Follow me," she said and we did to be sat at a nice corner booth in the back. It was a little more private which was nice. She then handed us menu's.

"Who is Remus?"

"Professor Lupin," I said. "I asked him a good place to take you and he suggested here. I thought he only checked to see if it was still open but,"

"That is nice of him," she said "I was sad to here he was not returning. He was the best teacher we had."

"I agree," I said "He was one of the ones to tutor me this summer,"

"So you are close with him," she said as a waiter came and took our drink orders.

"Yes he was friends with my parents," I said "After they died he was not allowed to see me due to his condition,"

"Ridiculous they are normal people," she said "They have an illness that's all,"

"Apparently it is not thought like that way everywhere," I said "He actually just left for Bulgaria. Well at the world cup we met a man named Ivan. He was the bodyguard for the minister and was born one. It seems they are accepted there as members of the community and have there own subculture. They don't spread the virus without consent though so either you are born one or you want to be bitten. They have taken people in though from places that don't accept them."

"How is that not taught here,"

"Because of the prejudice," I said "Remus says there are packs but none in the open. Also with people like Greyback out there attacking cause they want to won't change peoples view."

"You live an interesting life,"

"You don't know the half of it," I said and she laughed. We then ordered our food, chicken alfredo for me and mushroom risotto of her. "Why don't we ask each other get to know questions?"

"Why not," she said "What is your favorite color?"

"Green. Did you bring a pet to school?"

"I have a calico American short-haired named Tuffy," she said "Cute when she wants to be but hates my roommates. Have you though about what you want after school?"

"A bit," I said "I was think auror but also playing quidditch wouldn't be to bad."

"I am surprised their wasn't scouts after you already," she said.

"Oh I think I know why," I said thinking of Dumbledore. "But if I do quidditch I want something to fall on so maybe get my mastery in Defense or Transfiguration. What about you?"

"Well I would like to be a healer but most pure husbands would not approve,"

"Well they can shove off," I said "You should be able to do that. We are not back in the 1700's a women can have a family and career. My mother managed,"

"She did," she said surprised. "All the books make her out to be the perfect house wife,"

"She had a mastery in charms and worked on new ones at home," I said "Remus said she was going to get one in potions as well."

Through out the date we asked each other questions. Things about home, which I tried to be honest with, to our teams for quidditch. There was no talk of school and the conversation never seemed dull. Eventually we headed back and dropped our things off well I grabbed my broom. We got on together and enjoyed a relaxing ride.

"I had a great time today," she said as I walked her back towards her common room. "Maybe we can have another date," I said.

"But when Harrison," she said "There isn't another Hogsmead trip until end of November due to the schools arriving tomorrow,"

"Why not a date exploring the castle then next weekend," I said. "There are still tunnels near the chamber that have not been explored. There are also the other founders chambers we could search for."

"That does sound interesting," she said "I think that is a lovely plan. Next Saturday then,"

"Next Saturday it is,"

So I am still around and still working everyone. Issue is I have so many idea's for stories so I bounce around a lot. If you have followed my writing for a while you will not this often.

I do hope everyone is staying safe during the covid situation. Now you might think this means you will get more chapters from me, as I have noticed a few more updates recently on stories I read, but nope. My schedule has not changed as I am essential worker. I also need to be motivated for a particular story though to post. Sadly chapter 10 has not been going so well since I lost it hence my delay on this posting. Either way I wanted to get something up for you and if you do read my other stories I am going to try and work on Naru and at least one of my Merlin's as well.

So in this chapter you see me say that four galleons, sixteen sickles, and eighteen knuts is equal to £15. I use a converter I found online I know at some point that JK said that a galleon equals 5 dollars but it think it was 5 USD not British Pound and if I set the converter to USD it does equal just under 5. I though have see things were it is almost 5 British Pounds and like 7.50 USD due to the conversion rate from pounds to USD. I will continue to use the converter just cause it is easier to use.