AN: The next few chapters will focus on an even smaller cast of characters than before. Please do keep in mind that the intended length for each book of this fiction is around 150k words. Therefore, these characters do not 'highjack' the story or anything like that in the bigger picture. For those of you specifically worried about the plot, don't worry; it'll pick up pace and become clearer soon enough.

-YakAge

Pivot

Getting safely onto the train had been laughably easy. Still deep in thought about how to best go about the upcoming dance, he casually traced his wand three times along the hinges of the door of the compartment he had just entered and nodded in satisfaction. Needless to say, he had enjoyed formal training, so the obligatory part of the occasion didn't worry him, but Tracey's warning had been ominous...

Inviting Rose was a small bet with some risk involved, but the opportunity had just been too tempting. It would be difficult for her to play three faces: teacher, companion, pure-blood witch with interest in politics. There was a very real chance that he might be able to uncover more about her past, though he would have to be subtle about it. He would gladly have taken her without the added bonus of her sharing some fascinating piece of magic, but now he was just ecstatic. The only real chance this could blow up in his face would be if she was some kind of international criminal or something. Haha – good joke, right? – Right? Sadly, the longer he pursued that disturbing line of thought, the more plausible it seemed. Come on, you're losing your grip on reality, Black! Just because she is an otherworldly beauty of mysterious background with unholy powers and a sadistic streak does not mean she is up to no good! Right? – Please agree with yourself already! Trying to drive the doubts from his mind, he forced his brain on to different matters, idly wondering who else would attend the ball.

No matter, he would know sooner or later. If there was to be someone to pay special attention to in attendance, his grandfather would be sure to tell him. Softly shaking his head, he turned around...

And found two wands pointed directly at his face.

Oh for the love of...This is getting ridiculous! How can I stumble from one mess into the next, every day? Guess the compartment wasn't empty after all.

Lifting his hands in a plain gesture of surrender, he eyed the people standing by the window. They, in turn, were observing him with miens of fear and shock.

Well, they don't seem to be able to get ahold of the situation, so I may as well take the lead.

'Do you mind if I sit down? You can still hex me once I've made myself comfortable, I am sure.'

In one fluid motion, Harry smartly sat down and started to make a slow grab for his bag.

'Stop! I tell you, I'm serious here; stop right now, Black!' That one sounded quite frightened.

'Do you really think I have my wand in my bag? If that were the case, Madame Pomfrey would have had to sent my ashes back to the family long ago.' Harry responded calmly.

He picked up a book he had (not entirely legally) copied from the restricted section and began to read with a clear air of disinterest. The charm would wear off in a few days, and he really wanted to get through them all. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the girl shrug in a helpless manner.

'Why shouldn't we get back at you for John, while we have you here, Black? He is still in St. Mungo's and Professor Sprout hass told us the healers were unsure if he'd recover before the next term! How can you be such a nutcase, hexing people left and right just because of their parentage!'

Harry gave them a stern look, trying to intimidate them while actually thinking fast. John...John-who? Oh yeah, there had been those two second years that had tried to be really smart with me.

The result truly had been more of an accident though, as the Hufflepuff had most unluckily been hit by both Harry's volleys of spells and those of his mate. He's a Muggle-born? How can I be bothered to learn the family history of each and every of my would-be assailants...?

Harry crossed his legs and tried to imitate Rose's condescending glare of pure confidence. 'And why do you think you would fare any better?' He raised an eyebrow.

The other two exchanged nervous glances. 'I don't like this, Justin! He's creepy! Maybe we should just switch compartments.'

'Don't be daft, Leanne! We have our wands drawn, and he's holding a book!'

'Yeah – but why's he so confidently holding a book when we're holding him at wand-point? Something's off! I'm outta this.' She lowered her wand and sat down as far away from him as possible.

Haha, one down, one to go.

Finch-Fletchley seemed rather reluctant to make a lone stand against Harry and, after nervously licking his lips a few times, sat down next to his friend. Harry could hear fierce muttering, but he tried to ignore it, mostly because he was itching to have a go at this Patronus charm, yet it'd probably be wise to wait until he was home...sadly. Why was the emotional component such a driving force for this particular spell? It looked like this might turn into a project of a few weeks.

He heard someone clearing his throat.

'Can I be of assistance, Mr Finch-Fletchley?'

'Where are you skulking about when you don't attend Defence?' the Hufflepuff demanded.

'The library.'

'Why don't you come to History of Magic?' questioned Finch-Fletchley, diving into the act as the worst hobby-constable in the history of semi-professional interrogations.

'I prefer the company of books to that of boasting old men.'

That didn't seem to sit well with the girl. 'How can you say that? That man's a hero! Look how many Dark Wizards he's captured...'

'I am truly thankful. He is a paragon of goodness and an exemplar to us all.' He raised another sarcastic eyebrow. 'Happy now?'

'You're just so mean because he busted your family! Serves them right if you a...'

Suddenly, Harry was struggling to keep himself from slapping the silly girl.

'And you are an expert on the matter, I presume? If you really wish to have the opportunity to enjoy "Christmas", I suggest you keep these views to yourself while in my company...'

The boy looked outraged. 'You can't threaten her like that!'

Harry set his book aside for the first time since sitting down and growled, 'Watch me!'

The girl shuddered and kept her mouth shut. The boy seemed a bit braver.

'Why do you defend them like that anyway? You didn't have to side with those Darkers. Why in the blazes would you choose them?'

'Which girl do you fancy, Mr Finch-Fletchley? How do you feel about Leanne?' Both of them blushed, but Harry continued, unabashed.

'Oh! I am ever so sorry to embarrass. I thought we were opening a friendly chat among schoolmates to divulge our innermost feelings. Sorry to have misread that.'

The others held their tongues. Harry thought this would do, so he turned his gaze once more to that marvel of spellcraft...

'Did you really kill Nott?' the girl asked in a wispy voice.

'You know what? This may just be the first time anyone has actually asked me that. I think it curious that the Prophet and others are so sure of the whole affair, but I am very certain they have their sources of good repute. How could people like our marvellous Professor Prewett make mistakes, after all?'

The girl looked puzzled. 'What does Professor Prewett have to do with that?'

Merlin, they're hopeless.

'I misspoke. Please forgive my uneducated views on such trivial matters as my own innocence.'

He was getting riled much too quickly and knew it to be shameful that he couldn't keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but how could people be so ignorant and clueless?

~BLHD~

The rest of the ride passed in near silence if one were to discount the occasional prefect trying to force his way through the door. His unsettled companions shared looks of disbelief between the door and him, obviously wondering if they would eventually be allowed to leave.

Once the train came to a halt, Harry walked over and simply opened the door by hand. Both of the others were staring at him, mouths wide open. Harry shrugged. 'Why would I bar anyone inside from leaving? Seriously...'

Stepping into the buzzing mass of bodies that was King's Cross gave him a strange sense of déjà vu. Only three months before had he been so anxious to start his life at Hogwarts, yet now it was just all so messed up. Sure, the last weeks had not been bad per se, but that was only because he was getting used to the ongoing attacks on his person. It was kind of sad, really. Harry was very uneasy about the fact that he probably would at least have been in St. Mungo's already if not for his extensive training before school and his other advantages. He felt oddly disconnected from the person that had entered this train on the first of September, and didn't think that a good thing.

'How are you, Harry?' Thankfully there was something to serve as a constant link to better times. An anchor, even a lifeline. He suppressed his instinct to rush to his grandfather, but thought an open smile was forgivable.

'Not too bad, Grandfather. But I am very glad to be back for now.'

Arcturus nodded and indicated a secluded part of the station. 'We should hurry along, Harry. There is undesirable company about, and we should talk in a more hospitable environment.'

Harry followed his grandfather to a remote spot still inside the barrier. 'Take hold of my arm, Harry. We will be travelling home directly.'

Harry really didn't like apparating, but there was no way around it because Arcturus seemed to have some kind of schedule. Sighing, he grabbed the sleeve of his grandfather.

Distortion and deformation. The feeling that his body was being drawn through some zone of negative pressure. A constant impression of extreme strain and painful darkness, polluted with eerie sounds. The feeling of being watched. Different shades of darkness. It seemed to go on and on, and Harry briefly speculated something had gone wrong and looked around, forcing his eyes open.

...which was a mistake.

Suddenly, everything was aflame and immense heat engulfed his body, threatening to swallow him whole. He started screaming in terror as thousands of mountain-high walls of blinding colours pressed against him from all directions. Great eruptions of deadly green fire tore up his field of vision, forcing him to shut his eyes. Harry felt death coming from all angles and tried to fight back, but the suction drew him mercilessly forward, ever forward into the barrage of his doom. He let out a piercing shriek of agony as he collided with the first of what looked like innumerable barriers. Time seemed to slow down in an effort to prolong his torture, as wall after wall crashed into his body, every single one threatening to shatter his very core. After the fifth he had lost his voice. After the tenth he felt his limbs grow stiff from spasming. After the twenty-third his senses grew clouded, until finally–he had long stopped counting–he thankfully sank into the welcome depths of oblivion.

~BLHD~

Harry woke with a start. He was lying on a bed. Someone's bed. His entire body felt like it had been pressed through a meat chopper. He tried to raise his head, but white-hot pain rushed up his nerves and Harry, wincing and cursing, let himself fall back again. Carefully closing his eyes, he remembered what at the time had seemed like a very earnest attempt to destroy his sanity–yet again.

'Master Harry is awake! Minnie will be back at once, Master Harry! Oh, everyone has been so very worried...'

He heard the shrill voice of one of their elves fill the room and immediately relaxed as best he could. If he was somewhere under their supervision, he wouldn't need to worry for now. But even these small and feeble thoughts seemed to be too much for now, and soon he couldn't muster the willpower to pay attention any more. Waiting for the pain to recede, he sighed and let his thoughts fly away...

~BLHD~

Birds were tweeting outside the room, and he felt the welcome warmth of stray rays of light on his face when he next woke up. This time, he didn't attempt to open his eyes. 'Water...' he meekly called to the room around him. He felt parched. Someone pressed a glass in his left hand and helped him drink.

'Thank you...' Harry wondered why he sounded so very weak. Still, he didn't wish to pass out again, even if he really needed to know where he was. Slowly, he opened his eyes to the blinding brightness of the room. After blinking a dozen times, he started making out the familiar faces of Cranky, Minnie and Arcturus. They all looked worried and relieved in equal measure.

'What happened?' He was having difficulty remembering a lot about what happened after he'd left the train. It seemed all so indistinct right now...

'That's what I intended to ask you, Harry. How are you? Do you want to rest, or do you rather wish to talk?' Arcturus sounded stricken.

'Talk...' He had enough experience with recovering from painful injuries by now to be sure that he wouldn't be able to sleep for some time again.

'If you are sure, Harry. Cranky, bring us a potion to clear his mind a bit, but nothing strong enough to interfere with those that ease his pain.'

He heard the very faint sounds of elven apparition and a few seconds later was given a small vial to drink. He leaned back again, but after a few minutes the haze on his mind seemed to lift a bit.

'Well, Harry, I am very glad that you are awake again, but I will not conceal from you that you had us in a state of panic. We apparated from King's Cross to our mansion in Wales, but when we arrived, you were just barely hanging on. You have been here dozens of times before, so I do not think it could have been any enchantment impeding you, but it was, undoubtedly, a very grave situation...'

'The wards...' Harry tried to instil some semblance of order into the events that had unfolded after he had gotten off the train. 'How late is it?' There was so much to do...

'You slept for thirty hours, Harry, but I do not think that of real importance right now. What do you mean, "the wards"? How could the wards react to a Black?'

Arcturus looked confused and concerned for his grandson.

'One second, Grandfather...' With painful exertion, he forced himself to sit up. 'Minnie, please draft a letter for me. A formal invitation to the ball for a Miss Aenor E. Rose, currently residing at Hogwarts.' Allowing his aggravatingly slow thoughts to unfurl themselves for a bit, he added, 'And please include my sincerest apologies for the delay. Use the parchment for official matters of House Black and bring it to me once you are finished, so I can sign and seal it.'

The small elf nodded eagerly, all the while shooting him compassionate glances of concern. Arcturus seemed thoughtful, so Harry began to explain.

'I promised her an official invitation yesterday, or the day before that...the last day of lessons, whenever that was. But what I want to discuss is best spoken of in private, anyway...'

But then he had an even better idea. 'My wand...'

Cranky slowly offered him the piece of wood that lay on his bedside table. 'And a small flask...'

Arcturus seemed to have caught on and immediately conjured a small crystal flask. Harry pressed the tip of his wand to his temple and concentrated on his first attack as he had entered Hogwarts, the strange impressions he'd gotten in his first charms lesson and the other events where his Occlumency had broken down and forced him to be washed away by the ancient magics of the castle. He also added a brief excerpt of the conversation he had had with Daphne in the old storeroom. Concentrating hard, he forced the memories to replicate and brought the copy as a silvery strand towards the glass.

Even this small ordeal had left him feeling completely drained, so he once more shut his eyes.

'I have omitted the actual incident in question, but you will be able to string it together. Please destroy the memory once you are finished with it, Grandfather.'

Arcturus looked apprehensive, but also determined, his eyes boring into Harry's own, so Harry braved a very small smile that must have looked quite forced.

'If you think this is necessary, I will have a look at once. Cranky will take care of your needs, but please consider resting as much as possible for now. You still have more than a few days before the ball and should make good use of them. We can talk later, once you feel better, Harry.'

Arcturus grabbed his shoulder and gave it a friendly squeeze. 'I am glad you are back for now, Harry. Please rest and let me take care of the invitation.'

Harry could not help but feel quite relieved and, for the first time in more than three months, allowed his body to relax.

As he slowly slid down, he heard some softly murmured words of his grandfather. 'Rest, Harry! Let me take care of everything.' It had been another of those days. Slowly the weight of his eyelids overwhelmed his remaining strength, and he fell back into the comforting embrace of darkness.

~BLHD~

'What are those voices in the dark, Uncle?' A young and eager voice.

'Something you need not fear.' An older, kind voice.

'Sometimes they talk to me, or whisper things. It's gibberish, but today I had that strange feeling I could understand one of them.'

'What did it tell you?' the second voice answered calmly but with an air of interest.

'Nothing, Uncle. It asked me about something.'

'Of what did it wish to learn, young man?'

'Life...'

~BLHD~

Harry awoke with a jolt. He felt sweaty, and quickly looked out of the window to his right. It was obviously night time. He carefully tried to sit up and discovered that he felt quite good to his surprise and relief. Harry's eyes scanned the room, but found it empty. Recalling at least most of the conversation he had had with his grandfather, he ascertained that he was indeed at their second mansion in the country. He had stayed here often enough. Sometimes, his grandfather liked to enjoy a stay out of the city, and this estate had luxuries their rather small abode in London did not offer. Well – 'small' was a matter of perspective.

He got up. Striding across his room, he found his trunk sitting beside a handsome armoire. A small note lay thereon.

'Cranky has restocked the trunk with forbidden tomes of family origin, Master Harry.'

Harry sniggered as the note crumpled and vanished in his hand as soon as he'd read it. A second later, Cranky popped into being.

'Cranky is glad to be able to tell young Master Harry from his blanket again. How is Master Harry feeling?'

'Fine, Cranky, but drained. In fact, I was just on my way to plunder the kitchens.'

'There will be no need for Master Harry to act the vagabond,' the elf said reprovingly. 'Cranky will have Kreacher cook something up. Maybe Master Harry would like to make himself presentable first? Cranky will arrange an attire that may suffice for the occasion.'

Harry looked down at the old elf in curiosity. 'Do we have guests, Cranky?'

The servant of House Black chuckled darkly. 'Oh – yes. Please hurry, Master Harry. I will have Kreacher serve your meal in twenty minutes.'

Fifteen minutes later, Harry made his way downstairs, wearing formal dress robes of midnight green. The cold shower had gone a long way towards bringing him back from the dead, and he felt ready to tackle whatever the rest of the day might throw at him. He lovingly caressed the ancient handrail. Buildings and desks truly only ripen as they age...

'Cranky has prepared Master Harry's repast in the small study, next to the smoking room. Please follow Cranky, sir.'

Harry raised a dubious eyebrow. 'A meal in the study, Cranky?'

'Well, Cranky has been curious about that himself, Master Harry,' the ancient creature answered indignantly. 'But Master Arcturus has been trying to accommodate our guest. Old Master Phineas would have flogged his grandson if he ever knew. The old master was safeguarding the Black family books most close-fistedly.'

'Sounds like a smart man, Phineas Niggelus Black.'

'Cranky thinks Master Harry and Master Phineas would have made most excellent company. Though Cranky fears that both Masters may have gone a long way in emptying the coffers of this noble house in an attempt to obtain all tomes of forgotten and powerful magics gold can buy.'

'You say that like it's a bad thing, Cranky.' Harry's eyes shone with enthusiasm. 'I can't wait to empty some of our vaults at Gringotts. Just how many rare books do you think I could buy with all that gold...?'

Cranky looked stunned and waggled a finger in scolding. 'Master Harry should not joke about these matters. Master Harry cannot be allowed ruin this family over his obsession with knowledge.'

Harry just gave a hearty laugh. 'Don't worry, Cranky. I was just joking–mostly. But perhaps depleting a small country of magical tomes, at least? As my coming of age present?'

The elf appeared placated enough. 'If Master Harry behaves...perhaps.' He knocked on a door in front of him.

'Come in, come in!' Arcturus' voice sounded genial. He must have been drinking.

Cranky slowly pushed the big door open. Inside were Arcturus, Kreacher...and Professor Rose.

'Harry! Do come in and join us. You do know Miss Rose, of course, so we can put introductions aside.' Harry's eyebrows were both nearing his hairline, but he took a seat nevertheless.

Professor Rose was wearing a very elegant dress of a silvery white material and a truly impressive amulet of black diamonds that shone in alluring contrast to her eerily fair skin. He eyed it in disbelief, all the while softly shaking his head.

'Do you find the periapt to your liking, Mr Black? I do have matching accessories. We should try to coordinate our wardrobe for the ball, while we're on the subject.'

Harry sat down and put the delicate tray Kreacher had given him onto his knees. 'You have truly put my mind at ease, Professor. It is good to know that Hogwarts pays their junior instructors well enough to allow them luxury befitting royalty.'

She flashed him a challenging smile. 'I am not entirely sure why I should listen to you on this matter, my prince. I have only just been told that this so happens to be only your second largest mansion in Britain, because the other one is apparently so pompous that even other pure-bloods may feel either threatened or insecure about it.'

Arcturus gave a small chuckle. 'I see the ball will be a very entertaining affair, but please remain civil for now. How are you, Harry?'

'Thank you for asking, Grandfather,' Harry replied. 'But I do feel quite healthy now. In fact, I can hardly await looting the libraries. I have not been here for quite some time, after all...'

'Multiple libraries? And you go on about some small trinket of mine, Mr Black?' Rose quipped.

'A "small trinket" of impossible worth, Professor. From what I know, all remarkable black diamonds are accounted for, yet here you are with your "trinket" whose centrepiece flaunts at least 500 carats. And let's not talk about how Muggles do not even know how to process the material correctly.'

'You are suspiciously well-informed, Mr Black. I didn't know you were so girly as to be interested in jewellery.' She grinned in that innocent way again.

'Ah – Miss Rose, but that would be because during one of his wilier and youthful phases Harry had a profound interest in such things. In the end, he settled for cuff-links, I seem to remember.' Arcturus truly relished in the harmless banter.

'Yeah–well I do appreciate their understated glint. Most people do not even recognise them for what they are, anyway...' Harry blushed a bit. It's not that he really was interested in that stuff any more, but he had thought them fitting and a bit of a joke, considering his family.

'Don't worry, Mr Black. But I've never been able to wear them to a ball yet because my dates could never keep up, until now, it seems. Black diamonds, it is. Any propositions concerning colours?'

'That would be the lady's decision, I believe, Professor.' It's not that he was trying to be accommodating; he could probably easily match whatever she suggested. Maybe his wardrobe was a little excessive...

'How very gracious of you, Mr Black. We shall settle for a light fabric of midnight blue with minimal accentuations of light emerald for you, then. Formal stiff collar and cuffs, no crests or insignias, winter-styled dress robes reminiscent of the style that was popular in the 20s.'

Harry's simple nod seemed to annoy Professor Rose somewhat. 'Well, I do prefer traditional clothing and subdued colours, Professor,' he tried to justify his response. 'Grandfather, I have offered that either you or I shall help introduce Professor Rose to some people of fine repute. I hope you find yourself agreeable?'

Arcturus swirled the brandy in his glass and deeply inhaled the aroma before taking a small sip. He looked at Rose with interest. 'I hesitate to even ask what you have done to earn this form of eagerness. My grandson is not exactly fond of socialising, and you may consider it a great personal show of favour towards yourself that he has agreed to do this, no less ask me to help him, Miss Rose. I will, of course, most certainly comply. I really could not refuse a request by my own grandson, but please do not treat this arrangement in an unworthy manner, Miss Rose.'

'Do not worry, sir. I am very grateful for the opportunity and shall not tax your benevolent efforts,' Rose returned magnanimously.

Arcturus nodded. 'It's been a very long day for me, so if you would excuse this old man? Harry, Miss Rose is a guest of the house for a while, so you need not concern yourself with extreme measures of hospitality. I have called a few other house-elves to the mansion, as the next days may get quite busy, and one of them will be of service to your delightful companion. Have a good night, Harry.'

'Miss Rose?' His grandfather turned towards their guest, and his expression tightened slightly. 'You should probably be aware that the ancient wards around this home of ours treat attacks of privacy, mind, soul, body, property and respect as acts of war against the Black bloodline. I think the last person foolish enough to exploit our hospitality still serves as a basic lesson in anatomy on display in the small vault next to the wine-cellar. Please enjoy your stay.'

Spotting a slight hint of concern appear on Rose's face for the shortest of moments, Harry couldn't keep a grin from his face.

'There's no need to worry, sir. In fact, young Master Black has been one of my favourite students since I began teaching at Hogwarts, and I've gone to some lengths to make his stay worthwhile.' Harry tried his best to turn his snort into an honest cough. He liked to think he succeeded. Rose continued, unabashed, after all. 'As much as I am in your care, the safety of your grandson shall be very much ensured, here and at Hogwarts.'

'I would appreciate that, Miss Rose, especially as I will be away for business a few days. Do find some rest, once you finish your talk. Have a good night.'

They quietly listened to Arcturus' steps fading away in the distance. Shoving the tableware aside, Harry shot the beauty opposite him a dark look.

'Professor, may I ask what the hell you are doing here?' He had truly not expected this. He'd planned for some quiet days of peaceful studying in the library. Exactly how holidays should be. Not being constantly on guard, because a woman of nerve-wrecking loveliness was strutting around his home.

'Oh please, Mr Black! We are all friends here, are we not?' Her smile was benign.

'Of course, Aenor. So you are to stay here for two weeks, just to be friendly?' Harry remarked sarcastically.

She didn't even bat an eyelid. 'Well, I told you; we need to acclimatise you! I doubt you'll loosen up in just a few hours of my company, will you? You need exposure, young man.'

'Don't make it sound like some act of taming! Please, this is no easy matter for me, in case you cannot tell...' Harry shifted nervously in his chair. He had known there would be consequences to her finding out, but this situation had absolutely not occurred to him.

'I presumed as much. Since you decided to abandon the distance of etiquette first, you will not consider me presumptuous if I call you Harry, will you?'

Harry just sighed and shrank into his chair.

'Did you just sigh, Harry? I've also never heard you laugh as loudly as you did before you entered this room. I shudder in excitement for how fantastical my stay at this mansion already promises to be.' She was smirking as she filled her own brandy balloon.

'I am a regular human being, you know?' Harry reminded her, somewhat indignantly. 'I can hardly walk around school sighing all the time, but I would like to abandon some of the pretences while at home, at least...'

'Oh, don't mind me. I was just observing that it clashes somewhat horribly with the aloof image you've built for yourself at school. The cool, unapproachable, distant and filthy rich scion of a very old family. Literally no friends, no interests besides his studies and, let's not forget, somewhat unpopular.'

'If only I were as unapproachable as you would have me believe...I could've spent a great deal more nights in my own bed,' Harry murmured.

She, however, looked thoughtful. 'I've wondered about that. Obviously, I will not pry, but why do you put up with that anyway?'

Harry tried to fight his face from giving anything away. 'I just don't think it would be a good idea to show my hand so early. Also, I do not really wish to worsen the public standing of my family. Cursing everything that moves would hardly do my reputation any good. Not that much of my "reputation" remains by now, of course.'

'Do you honestly think those are just constant random attacks, Harry? You should make an effort to uncover who instigates half of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff to rough you up. If you don't wish to shock them into relenting, find their ringleader,' she dismissively waved a hand, 'and get it over with!' Harry got the distinct impression that she didn't mean for him to scare his opponent into surrendering. She hadn't even added a slight pause, and nothing in her expression gave any hint that she had misgivings about such rather radical actions. Harry suppressed a shudder.

'Granted – I think I may be forced to do something in the end. I was prepared to put up with it for a while, but I know it is slowly getting to me. And I really need to resolve this before next year...'

'Why?' She inclined her head questioningly.

'Some friends of mine will be joining us at Hogwarts next year. You may meet them at the ball if you want to have a look. They are, eh, most protective and refreshingly ruthless.'

She grinned. 'More so than Greengrass? I really think she would've done well in Gryffindor, but for the sake of keeping the rest of the lions alive, it was probably better for the school to make her a Slytherin.'

'Daphne is bold, daring and relentless, but she's always very…forthright with her intentions. Thus, most people who incur her wrath give in and avoid any serious repercussions. Those others I spoke of, on the other hand, do prefer more traditional Slytherin methods; if they truly thought you an obstacle, they would befriend you and stab you in the back first chance they got, never wasting time with warnings. They are great friends but truly terrifying opponents to have.'

'I can imagine.' She smirked. 'As long as you can be sure they're on your side, at least.'

'Oh, there is absolutely no doubt, do not worry.' Harry answered the unspoken question calmly.

She shot him an interested look, but Harry had been helpful enough, he felt. For now.

'Is this why you're truly here, then? To get information about the House of Black?'

'No,' she answered immediately. 'Not that I'm not interested, Harry, but I think I stand to profit more by siding with your grandfather. I'm also rather curious about you, in case you hadn't noticed. I've hardly ever given private lessons, and many who have had the chance gave up sooner or later.'

'I wonder why?' he muttered darkly. 'It's not that I'm not thankful, but was that brutal attack really necessary that first lesson?'

'Not at all.' She carelessly waved a hand again. 'But I myself had felt several people trying to have a go at my mind, and it wasn't completely unthinkable that one of those was you. I will never refrain from specific courses of action if I think them the most beneficial. Sooner or later, you may encounter someone with comparable powers, and it is in your interest to get at least some experience before you have to fight the real deal.' Deep in thought, she swirled the amber liquid again.

'Whatever. I should warn you that my grandfather was quite serious. If you try to have a look at the magics he or I work when we did not expressly invite you to observe, you will die a most agonising death and your preserved body will join the others in the dungeons. Cranky will probably even put you on a pedestal, as you definitely would be one of the finer exhibits.'

'Why, thank you, Harry. That must've been the most morbid compliment I've received in all my life. No matter. I stand to profit in any case, so don't worry.'

'You do. But if we continue to be useful to one another, I may have no qualms revealing some things to you down the road. That is always the baseline. You probably know how these things work. There is a road to be travelled, and no shortcuts exist in matters of trust and allegiances.'

'Oh–don't fuss so much, Harry. You really sound like a geezer at times. But let's put that aside for now. Do you think your grandfather would object if you showed me around a bit?'

Harry glanced at her, confused. 'Why would he?'

'Well, it is a pretty grand building. I am sure there are some rooms better not shown to guests, are there not?'

'Don't worry. You will immediately know once you try to enter a room you should not see. Let's start with the dungeons! You can have a look at our collection of previous visitors.'

He gave her a mischievous smile. Rose's face was completely blank for a second, but then she laughed in her unrestrained and contagious manner that Harry had come to know already. 'Your family's sense of humour is really wicked, Harry.'