Chapter Fifteen – Taking Stock

Bright sunshine shone down on Hogwarts, warming the heads of the students who streamed out of the castle like little ants, eager to enjoy the beautiful weather of the beginning of summer and, above all, the end of the long, exhausting exam period, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The courtyard was buzzing with activity, the air a sea of humming voices and falling tension. A sweet smell hit Harry's nose and he saw Fred and George juggling butterbeer bottles in a corner of the courtyard, spilling more and more, their red hair already soaking wet, much to the amusement of the cheering crowd around them. Other students were dangling their legs off the walls or standing together laughing, just happy with themselves and the world.

Harry was content too, even though the exams had not challenged him in the slightest. It was almost a pity when you thought about it, but there were worse fates in life. Hermione's, for example, if her own words were to be believed, which Harry certainly did not.

"For the last time, Hermione," he said, his voice half laughing, half annoyed. "You're going to pass the exam, no matter what, even if you missed an application of Natural Transformation in question 37c. I almost didn't think of them all either."

Hermione shook her head vigorously. "But it's not just that. I also made a mistake in the practical part. My bowl was still a little green and the pattern looked more like birch leaves than oak leaves."

"Blimey, Hermione!" said Ron. "I even had twigs sticking out. Don't worry about it. You'll probably still get the best grades of the year."

"I'm not so sure..." Hermione said as another person approached them.

It was a girl with raven hair as dark as the shadows of twilight and mischievous, sparkling amber eyes. At the sight of the girl, a smile spread across Harry's face, mirrored in the girl's.

With a few quick steps, Daphne was with them and immediately linked arms with Harry. Ever since their bond had formed four months ago, he had felt feelings spilling over from her to him from time to time, and at this moment, he felt a tremendous self-satisfaction emanating from her, as if they were both sitting in a hot bath, splashing water over each other. But it probably wouldn't have taken their bond at all, because her self-satisfaction was written all over Daphne's face.

"So how did it go for you?" asked Daphne, letting her gaze sweep over all three of them for a moment before focusing solely on Harry. "Did McGonagall make you cover the whole classroom in moss and flowers too?"

Harry began to grin. "That, and she also wanted me to use the sun's rays to speed up the growth of the flowers."

"Funny. In my case, she wanted me to use it to light a bonfire."

Hermione looked at them, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Harry turned to her and explained, "Professor McGonagall had some extra tasks for us. She said that before. She said she wanted to challenge us more."

"And then she makes you light a bonfire?" asked Ron, turning to Daphne. "Wouldn't a simple Incendio have been enough for that?"

It was Hermione who replied. "But that wouldn't have been a transformation," she said in a strangely flat voice.

"Right," Daphne said. "And Professor McGonagall does not really care about the result of the spell either, that she has a bonfire or a nice flower garden in her classroom afterwards, because an Incendio or a Growth Charm would have done that, that's true. No, it is about getting there. The control you need to have over yourself, your magic and your environment to be able to do these transformations, because that's the basis for even more advanced spells. Professor McGonagall is truly a wise woman and a powerful witch."

"This is very impressive indeed. I congratulate you both," Hermione said with a smile, although Harry thought it was a little forced. Daphne frowned briefly but didn't reply.

"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said. He knew it wasn't going to be easy for his first girl friend in the wizarding world to pay them that compliment, so he gave her a gentle smile, which she eventually returned.

They continued their walk across the castle courtyard. Their steps took them under an archway with a breathtaking view of the Scottish mountains, but Harry's eyes were drawn to something else. Filch had appeared in front of them, but the caretaker paid no attention to them. He walked past them, a bowl of cat treats in hand, muttering to himself.

"Mrs Norris, here, I even have your favourite flavour, candied rat. Please come out, Mrs Norris. Please come back to me."

It had been like this ever since Filch had awoken from his petrification a month ago, along with Colin and Nearly Headless Nick. For a month he had searched for his cat, who had disappeared from the face of the earth.

Harry's eyes fell on the ring on his finger. For a month it had been pitch black.

Daphne's grip on his arm tightened and Harry felt a pang of pride. But he was careful not to indulge that feeling too much, for pity and sympathy flitted across Hermione and Ron's faces at the same time.

"Poor man," Hermione said more quietly. "Mrs Norris was all he had. He must be very lonely."

"I never thought I'd feel sorry for Filch..." Ron said.

Harry just nodded slightly, as if agreeing with his friends. For a moment there was an awkward silence, as if none of them knew what to say next. Unfortunately, that was usually how it was when the four of them were together, but all in all, the relationship between Hermione, Ron, and Daphne had improved enormously since the events of February. Harry, of course, knew that he was the glue that held this fragile group together. The others had never said it, but they too had to see it that way.

Finally, it was Hermione who broke the silence. "So what do we do now?"

"We could go to Hagrid," Ron said, "he's invited us over for biscuits and tea."

"Harry and I can't," Daphne said immediately.

Harry added, "Right. We're about to have our last detention with Dumbledore."

It was part of the punishment their teachers had agreed upon after the events at the Dueling Club. The aim had been for them to work with Dumbledore to tame the unbridled magic within them, which, as Dumbledore had explained to them at the time, had been ignited like a blazing fire by their repeated use of blood magic in pursuit of their Animagus form. Harry liked that analogy, at least more than the one Dumbledore had used another time, of an open wound that needed to be tended and bandaged. Harry couldn't quite put his finger on why, but somehow blazing flames were a more appealing image than oozing pus.

However, detention with Dumbledore over the past few months had mainly consisted of talking to their headmaster about everything from the history of magic to magical theories to philosophical questions. The most recent topic had been Dumbledore's battle against Voldemort trapped in the mirror, which Harry found incredibly exciting. And it wasn't as if they hadn't learnt anything from their conversations with Dumbledore, quite the opposite in fact, even though they hadn't told him the truth. Quite the opposite.

"Just today, and then you'll have done it?" asked Ron.

Daphne nodded. "Yes, then we will be free again."

"Then we'll see you for dinner later?" said Hermione.

"Sure," said Harry. "See you then."

With that, Harry and Daphne said goodbye to the other two and went back into the castle to head for Dumbledore's office. They only got as far as the first floor, however, when Daphne suddenly pulled him behind a thick pillar.

"What's –" Harry started, but Daphne pressed a finger to his lips. She nodded in the direction they had gone, and the next moment Harry heard footsteps approaching their position, accompanied by familiar voices. He smiled at his best friend. Daphne really did have good hearing, and of course she never missed an opportunity to learn something useful.

They both pricked up their ears as they hid behind the pillar in the shadows.

"...disobeyed once too often," Draco Malfoy's voice rang out. "My father had no choice but to dispose of him."

A girl's voice began to laugh shrilly. It was Pansy Parkinson, Malfoy's fiancée. "He deserved it, the stupid thing, even his name was so stupid. Dobby."

"You're right, my dear. What an idiotic name. But now it's Dobby Farewell!"

The two laughed ugly before Pansy asked, "So what are you going to do now?"

"My father has already ordered a new one. It's due to be delivered tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't stink as much. Have I told you how..."

The voices of the two Slytherins faded away and were soon no longer heard. Harry and Daphne came out of hiding. Daphne's face was grim, and Harry doubted that his looked any friendlier, in fact it was probably much grimmer. Thoughts raced through his mind.

They spent the rest of the way to Dumbledore's office in silence, except for the password to the gargoyle that hid the secret entrance. Finally, standing before the plain wooden door that had become so familiar, Harry knocked.

"Come in," their headmaster's voice rang out.

Harry and Daphne entered. Dumbledore sat behind his claw-footed desk, smiling kindly at them. Fawkes' place on the golden stand beside the desk was empty this time. Perhaps the Phoenix was out there somewhere, stretching his wings, Harry thought, and who could blame him? He, too, would like nothing more than to take to the skies and leave this terrible world behind.

His mood must have shown on his face, for Dumbledore asked, "What happened?"

"We overheard two of our classmates," Harry said as he and Daphne took their seats in front of the desk. "We now know which family Dobby was working for."

"The Malfoys," Daphne added, disgust in her voice as if it were a dirty word. In a way, it was, at least to both of them.

"Ah," Dumbledore said. "That explains a lot, actually. May I ask how you found out?"

They told him about the conversation between Draco and Pansy that they had overheard a few minutes ago. Meanwhile, deep wrinkles were creasing Dumbledore's already old and tired looking face.

"So Malfoy must be behind Ginny getting the diary. And the Chamber of Secrets being opened," Harry concluded.

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "That is very likely, yes. Draco's father was probably one of Voldemort's most important and powerful lieutenants."

"Scratch that probably," Daphne said. "I know he was."

"Knowing it and being able to prove it are two different things, I am afraid, Daphne. Lucius Malfoy has already been tried and acquitted on all counts. And unfortunately, he and his followers are still powerful and have the ear of the Minister."

"So there's nothing we can do?" said Harry. "He just gets away with it?"

It was obvious that Dumbledore himself did not like the words that followed, but his voice was as calm as ever. "I will keep an eye on him to make sure he does not try to harm this school and its students again. But we cannot risk startling him with sudden actions, not now when we are so close to bringing about Voldemort's end. By destroying the diary, you have weakened Voldemort. It is because of you that I have been able to gain the upper hand in my mental battle with him. Last night, I managed to locate and destroy another of his soul vessels. And I believe there is a good chance that another will soon follow. But until we have destroyed them all and banished Voldemort from this world once and for all, we must be extremely careful."

Harry gritted his teeth. He hated it. He hated it so much. And finally it burst out. "It's not fair. It's just not fair. How can they just kill Dobby like that? That's what they did to him, isn't it?" The silence from Dumbledore and Daphne was confirmation enough for him. "How could they just do that? Dobby was trying to help us, to warn us, damn it! He didn't deserve this. No one deserves this. I can't, no, I won't accept this!"

He felt Daphne's hand on his. His best friend was looking him straight in the face. Clearly, Harry could see his own reflection in her golden eyes. And for a moment there was a green glow in them, an ever so familiar green glow. They knew from observing their surroundings that only they could see that fleeting glimmer in each other's eyes, no one else. And they hadn't told anyone about it, not even Madam Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore, who had informed them of their bond. They both wanted it that way. These moments were theirs alone.

"You would be hard pressed to find a more oppressed race in Britain than the house elves," Daphne said. "Despite their numbers, their magic, and their countless services to the land. Yet the powerful spit in their faces and treat them like the dirt under their boots. To the old wizarding families, they are nothing more than slaves to be disposed of at will."

"And if one rebels, they kill them. And then they just order a new one? How can the Ministry allow that?"

"There are laws that –" Dumbledore began, but Daphne cut him off.

"That nobody cares about, certainly not the powerful and the rich. What is the penalty if, if someone is caught killing their house-elf? Fifty galleons? And for buying from an illegal breeding facility? Not even thirty, is it? The likes of the Malfoys would laugh at that, wouldn't they?"

"But then we've got to do something, haven't we?" said Harry. "We can't let this happen!"

"What are you going to do?" laughed Daphne mirthlessly. "You think we can change the world just like that?" Harry's hard look gave her pause. "You are serious?"

Harry met her gaze. "Maybe we can't right now, but I don't want to grow old in a world that allows such injustices."

Daphne beamed at him.

"What?" he asked.

"I was just thinking how glad I am to have met you in the library that day, Harry," Daphne said, still beaming. "You make me a better person."

"Those are noble goals you have," Dumbledore chimed in again, a smile on his face himself, though weaker and ... Harry wondered how to describe it ... more ... somehow more melancholy. "What does this mean to you?"

"We have to get stronger," Harry said.

Daphne nodded determinedly. "We must gain the strength to achieve our goals."

"Is that why you continue to practise blood magic, even though you have now achieved your Animagus transformation?" Dumbledore pointed to the rings on their fingers. "It has not escaped my notice that they have grown darker."

Neither Harry nor Daphne blinked. In a calm voice, Daphne said, " Blood-red are the thoughts of the powerful, so it's only fitting." This time it was Harry who squeezed her hand.

Dumbledore sighed, "Harry, Daphne... both of you..." He paused and sighed again. It was strange for Harry to see Dumbledore, this famous, great wizard, struggling with his words. "Suffering... and pain are always the prerequisites for deep insight and a deep heart. But must you inflict it on yourself? That is not a path I wish for anyone. That I do not wish for you."

"There is nothing free in this world," Harry said, his voice as calm as Daphne's before. "There is always a price to pay. And if that is what it takes to achieve our goals ... then so be it."

Daphne nodded and squeezed his hand.

Dumbledore sank into his chair. "Harry and Daphne, I must admit defeat. I have to admit that I no longer know how to deal with you two. You are not yet thirteen, and you have already achieved more than most wizards do in a lifetime. Your goals are as mighty as the mightiest mountains, and the road to get there is as arduous as walking over burning coals. You two truly leave me speechless."

"But for that you still have a lot to say, Professor," Daphne said with a smile.

This elicited a chuckle from Dumbledore. "I suppose that is true. And I would like to say a few more words as well. It has been a great honour to get to know both of you over the past few months. If I may say so, I hope you have learned something as well. Beyond the ordinary passage of time, you are no longer the children I had to give our joint detention to before Christmas." Dumbledore leaned forward and looked at them as no adult had ever looked at them before. Instinctively, Harry squared his shoulders and Daphne lifted her chin proudly as well. "I will be following your further progress closely."

"Please also continue to keep us informed of your progress in the fight against Voldemort. And if you need any assistance" – Harry looked at Daphne, who nodded at him with a smile on her lips – "if you need help with anything along the way, we'll be happy to help."

"An honourable offer, Harry, but I hope I will not have to take you up on it. Your time to shine will come, but until then, let the old stars like me give their last light..."

Dumbledore's words still echoed in Harry's mind as he and Daphne later walked past the gargoyle and back into the castle corridor. They walked until they were sure they could not be overheard, either by clairvoyant paintings, ghosts, or students. Only then did Harry allow himself to stop and take a deep breath.

"Wow," he said quietly.

"Wow," Daphne agreed.

They exchanged a look. Daphne brushed her black hair out of her face and Harry ran his hand through his hair as well. Then he spoke his thoughts. "I never know exactly where we stand with Dumbledore. What exactly he thinks of us."

"I think he likes you. He eats out of the palm of your hand."

"So you think we can refrain from strengthening our Occlumency shields in his presence?" said Harry, not entirely seriously.

Daphne smiled wryly at him. "It could be a lot worse, but we have to be careful around him, lest he find out what we are doing."

"And what we've done. He can think what he likes, but I don't regret what we did to Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle."

"And what we've done," Daphne agreed. "Well then, let's go to the seventh floor. The evening is still young."

"So no dinner in the Great Hall?" asked Harry.

"We can eat in the kitchen later. But first I want to practice."

"As diligent as ever, Sir Daphne."

"You know me, Sir Harry."

Grinning, the two made their way to their secret retreat, another thing they had all to themselves.

"We must learn to draw more strength from the pain. And to do that, we have to amplify the pain," Daphne said when they had reached the Room of Requirement. Today it had taken the form of a high room, lit only by a faint light coming from above. The ceiling and walls were in shadow. It was the place Daphne wished for when they wanted to concentrate on their magical studies without being distracted by anything. Harry had always found the place a little creepy, but it undoubtedly served its purpose.

Daphne reached into her bag and pulled out a stunned white bunny. With a quick wave of her wand, the bunny regained consciousness and hopped up and down in front of them, clearly confused as to how it had suddenly arrived here from a lush green meadow.

"Just imagine it's Mrs Norris again."

"That was different," Harry said quietly.

"I know you can do it, Harry." Daphne squeezed his hand. She smiled at him. Confidence spilled over from her to him. Confidence that his strength could achieve anything, like waves that in time could wash away even the mightiest shores.

The image suited his friend well, Harry thought. Was that how she saw herself, or were those his own thoughts about her? Did it even matter? This bond between them was really confusing at times. Or maybe he was just thinking too much. It was probably the latter.

Daphne still smiled at him. She squeezed his hand gently.

Harry took a deep breath. His hand trembled almost imperceptibly. It was true, he had done it before. At the time, it had seemed the easiest and the fairest thing in the world. So why not do it again?

His words from earlier in Dumbledore's office came back to him. He could not accept that the world would remain as it was forever. But nothing was free in this world. There was always a price to pay, and if that was what it took to achieve their goals... then he had no choice. It was cruel, yes, but it would be even crueler not to reach for that power.

Harry took one last deep breath and pointed his wand at the hopping bunny.

"Crucio."

"Thank you, Aurora. Let's get on with the second years, then. Minerva?"

Albus looked over at his deputy and old friend. Together with the other Hogwarts teachers, they were sitting at a large round table, and had been for over an hour. It was the end of another school year, and so it was traditional for them to get together and talk about their students. Who was showing what talent, who was in danger of falling behind, and who could perhaps be encouraged more to awaken dormant potential. The seventh- to third-year students were already through, and the second- and first-year students were still to come. Albus had to admit that the second years were by far the ones he was most interested in. A teacher like him shouldn't have favourites, but he was only human.

Minerva began to speak. "At the top, last year's picture has been confirmed. Mr Potter and Miss Greengrass are by far the most gifted and accomplished students in their year. I would go so far as to say that they are the most gifted and accomplished students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. As you know, I am not prone to exaggeration, so I hope my words are clear enough. In their practical exams they have far exceeded all expectations."

"Is your classroom still a second Garden of Eden?" asked Pomona with a laugh. "I've already considered teaching my next first years there."

A chuckle went round the table and Minerva said with a smile, "It took two days, but everything is back to normal now. I'm afraid you'll have to make do with your greenhouses for now, Pomona. But it shows once again that Mr Potter is well on his way to becoming a very powerful wizard. And Miss Greengrass is no less. I can only say again, the achievements of both of them are truly remarkable. In class, they always master a new spell on the first try, without any effort at all, or so it seems. Filius and I even offered them extra lessons to challenge them more than is possible in normal lessons, but they refused. They said they could learn better on their own. And to be honest, I believe them. Such dictates and instructions might actually limit them."

Minerva's words only confirmed Albus' feelings. The two of them reminded him so much of himself... and of Gellert.

Albus closed his eyes as the familiar pain returned, one that had not faded even after all these decades.

It was uncanny how much of himself he recognised in Harry and Daphne. Their passion, their ambition, their vision. Their willingness to go above and beyond for what they believed was right. Their dissatisfaction with the state of the world and their burning desire not to accept it.

His only hope was that they would not repeat his past mistakes. That had been one of the reasons he had summoned them to detention over the past few months. Perhaps it was the true duty of the old to be both a guiding star and a cautionary tale for the young, even if they did not know it.

But, said a small voice in Albus' head, perhaps it was far too presumptuous to think such a thing. The two of them had already shown a maturity and greatness far beyond what he had been capable of at their age, even if they had acted very childishly and impulsively in December. But the young had the right and the privilege to make their own mistakes and learn from them. Who was he to forbid them? He could not fight all their battles for them.

Albus sighed inwardly. They were the same thoughts as every day, and as every day, they led nowhere. All he could do was try to make the most of the time he had left in this world, hoping to leave it better than he found it. If he could defeat Tom once and for all, he would be a big step closer to that goal. Again, something for which he had to be deeply grateful to both of them.

All these thoughts had taken no more than a second or two. Albus opened his eyes again and nodded to his deputy. "Thank you for your insightful words, Minerva. Do you happen to know what electives they have chosen for next year?"

"Of course. They have chosen Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes. So you can look forward to it, Bathsheda, Septima."

The two witches actually nodded in delight, while Sybill and Charity looked a little disappointed. But Albus could understand Harry and Daphne's decision. Harry had grown up among Muggles, so surely he could use his time more usefully than with Muggle Studies. And Divination... well, there had been a reason why Albus had almost dropped it from the curriculum a few years ago. And from what he had learned about Daphne, he could not imagine that she would find the thought of a pre-drawn future exciting. Quite the opposite, in fact.

"I am sure Hagrid will be pleased too," Albus said. "What can you tell us about the rest of the year?"

Minerva adjusted her glasses and glanced at the notes on the table in front of her. "Other very good performances, as last year, were made by Miss Granger, Mr Goldstein, Miss Padma Patil, and Miss Davis, in that order. Most of the other students were in the good to satisfactory range overall, with the expected normal variations and differences in aptitude and discipline. In this respect, there are no particular conspicuities in comparison with other years. Unfortunately, Mr Longbottom, who I hope is beginning to gain confidence, as well as Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle, have fallen behind a little. However, they have all passed their exams, so I don't see any urgent need for action. But I think we should write to their parents or guardians and inform them that more effort will be needed in the future."

"I agree. Please discuss it further with Severus and the others," Albus said. "Filius, do you wish to continue?"

The Professor of Charms straightened in his chair. "Minerva has already said so much about Mr Potter and Miss Greengrass that it seems almost redundant for me to repeat what she has said. I know they both had a rather nasty confrontation with some of their classmates before Christmas, but from a purely academic point of view, they are by far the best in their year at Charms. It almost makes my heart bleed that they didn't come to my house, because they would have been in good hands there, no doubt about it."

Albus glanced at Minerva and Severus to see their reactions. But while Minerva smiled contentedly, Severus looked as if he had caught gnome pox. Albus stifled a sigh. So Severus had the archetypal Slytherin in his house, but he just couldn't jump over his shadow and treat the friend of James Potter's son without prejudice.

"I look forward to following their academic careers," Filius continued. "But enough about them, we still have other students. Miss Granger and Miss Patil, the one from my house, were able to confirm their good performance from last year; in particular, their essays are always very sound and demonstrate a high work ethic. I was pleasantly surprised by Miss Davis and Mr Weasley this year. It's not that they were bad before, but I think they're taking more time to study now and it's having a positive effect. Mr Longbottom and Miss Bones have also improved, but I think Pomona will have something to say about them in a moment, so I'll continue with the students who need to try harder. These are mainly Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle, as well as Miss Parkinson, who seems to find herself more interesting than my class. Unfortunately, she also tends to distract those sitting next to her."

"Can't you teach your students a little more discipline, Severus?" asked Minerva pointedly.

Severus snorted contemptuously. "I will, as soon as you teach yours not to be homicidal maniacs."

Albus raised his hand. "Enough," he said quietly. He no longer had the energy for his teacher's childish bickering. Instead he looked at Pomona. "Can you please continue? What did Filius mean when he spoke of Mr Longbottom and Miss Bones?"

"Gladly," said the Herbology teacher. "You could say I've taken them both under my wing a bit this year. Mr Longbottom showed great talent in Herbology last year, so this year I offered him the job of looking after the fanged orchids in Greenhouse Seven, which are in need of care. I also wanted to give him a sense of achievement, as the boy is far too shy and hides his light under a bushel, if you ask me. But he gets much more from his parents than he realises." She sighed, "I've tried to talk to him about them too, but he's quite defensive about it. Miss Bones is much more open when you talk to her about her parents. I took her for tea on the anniversary of their deaths last year and again this year. She still finds it hard to accept that the people who killed her parents are still alive. It's a burden I wouldn't wish on anyone, least of all a child, for both Mr Longbottom and Miss Bones. I think they are also under a great deal of pressure from the expectations of their guardians. I'm afraid neither Madam Longbottom nor Madam Bones understand the damage they're doing to the children, even if they mean well."

Several of the teachers at the table nodded sadly at Pomona's words, including Albus. Unfortunately, this was a recurring problem the teachers had to deal with. Or rather, they had to watch as teachers. Because no matter how hard you tried to support, guide, and help your students to realise and use their potential during the time they were entrusted to you, in the end it was always the families who exerted the greatest influence on their children, for better or for worse.

"Anyway, I asked Miss Bones if she would like to help Mr Longbottom with the greenhouse work," Pomona continued. "And she agreed. Since then, the two of them have been there almost every day. Sometimes I have to remind them to go back to their common rooms before curfew, they get so engrossed in their work and their conversations. It's really nice to see them together like this."

"Thank you for your efforts," Minerva said, speaking from Albus' heart.

"Of course. That's what we became teachers for, isn't it? And I just hope they can have some positive experiences. They deserve it." Pomona cleared her throat briefly, then continued. "Well, I don't have much to say about the rest of the year. Very good grades from Miss Granger, Mr Weasley and Mr Potter from Gryffindor, Miss Abbott from Hufflepuff, Miss Li and Mr Goldstein from Ravenclaw and Miss Davis, Miss Greengrass and Mr Nott from Slytherin. The rest with mostly passable to good performances. On the verge of failing, however, were Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle, who will need to improve greatly next year."

"I think I see a pattern," Minerva said, so quietly that only Albus could hear her. But he didn't reply, though he was inclined to agree with her assessment, and instead turned to their Defence teacher.

"What can you tell us about your students, Gilderoy?"

Gilderoy, who had been admiring himself in a small pocket mirror, straightened up and gave them all a bright smile. "With pleasure, Albus, with pleasure. I must say, I don't know where to begin. The students I have had the pleasure and honour – yes, I am serious, the honour – of teaching this year have impressed me beyond measure. I have considered it a privilege to be able to share with them at least a little of my vast knowledge and experience of how to survive in the face of mortal –"

"Get to the point," Minerva said, annoyed.

Gilderoy gave her another of those beaming smiles that have probably charmed many a witch. But it no longer fell on fertile ground with Minerva – or anyone else present – after any semblance of glamour had been lost in the space of a year.

"Of course," Gilderoy said. "I was just trying to set the scene. But to cut a long story short – I'm a big fan of short stories myself – I think the students, on the whole, took the material quite well. The girls were perhaps a little more industrious than the boys, at least that's what the final marks suggest. I must particularly praise Miss Granger, who got full marks! Truly remarkable! Close behind are Miss Brown, Miss Abbott, Miss Parvati Patil, and Miss Bulstrode. I dare say they all have great futures ahead of them. But alas" – Gilderoy made a sad face – "alas, with so much light, there are also some shadows. I'm afraid I can't join in the praise for Mr Potter and Miss Greengrass, much as I'd like to. But their performance in the final exams was woefully inadequate. I feel they didn't even try. Maybe all the praise went to their heads a bit, who knows. All I know is –"

"All I know is that this is not an opinion shared by any serious teacher," Minerva interrupted.

It was at this point that Albus decided to intervene. None of this was making any sense any more.

"Minerva, please do not be unfair," he said. His deputy looked at him in disbelief and opened her mouth, but Albus continued. "It has been an extraordinary honour for Hogwarts to host such a great and famous wizard as Gilderoy this year. And I am deeply grateful to you, Gilderoy, for the sacrifice you have made for us. For a sacrifice it has been, no doubt. If we are honest with each other, we must admit that our modest school is far too small and cramped for a great mind like yours. Your home is the whole world. In fact, I was going to announce it at the end of our meeting..." Albus paused artfully before continuing calmly, trying hard not to grin across both cheeks. He hadn't had this much fun in years. "The International Confederation of Wizards approached me because they were looking for a new Grand Instructor in the fight against Dark and Darkest Magic. It was with a heavy heart that I assured them I would let Gilderoy go for the good of the entire wizarding world."

An incredulous silence had fallen over the table, and rightly so. For there had been no such offer from the ICW, and Albus was already preparing to use all his contacts to make it happen. But it was a sacrifice he was willing to make, for the good of Hogwarts.

"This... is overwhelming, though not surprising, news," Gilderoy said finally. "In such a case, of course, I have no choice but to –"

"Of course. It is hard to find a man as dutiful as you," Albus interrupted him again before he could launch into another of his rambling speeches.

"Then who will take up Gilderoy's difficult legacy?" asked Minerva.

"I already have someone in mind," Albus said. "He will probably need some persuading, but I think we have a very good case for his return."

He could tell that his deputy wanted to know more later, but so Minerva nodded curtly.

Albus turned to the next in line. "Severus?"

"Many shadows, little light," the Potions Master said. "Most of the students in this year lack both the discipline and the patience and conscientiousness to prove themselves in the art of Potions Brewing over the long term, especially some students who think they're better than the others, which is compounded by the fact that they've never really had to face the consequences of their actions."

It was obvious who Severus was referring to, but the other teachers were too exhausted by now and just wanted to get the meeting over with as quickly as possible, so no one protested.

"Good performances from Mr Malfoy, Mr Nott, Mr Zabini, Miss Parkinson, and Miss Davis. Miss Bulstrode, with an acceptable performance. The rest not worth mentioning. Disappointing were Weasley, Longbottom, Potter, and Greengrass."

"Thank you, Severus," Albus said, turning to Aurora, "and finally, as always, Astronomy. Who did the stars smile down on this year?"

A normal life, as a small part of the big picture. Isn't that enough for you?

"No, it's not."

You want more?

"Yes."

How much more?

"Until there's nothing left."

And what role does Harry play in these plans?

"He'll want the same."

Is that your head talking or your heart?

Daphne gave her reflection a secretive smile. "We shall see."

A shrill voice snapped Daphne out of her thoughts of the future. "Talking to yourself again, Greengrass? How sweet."

Daphne clicked her tongue and got up from her dressing table. She turned and looked into the mockingly contorted face of her roommate Millicent. At times like this, Daphne thought, she looked like a dachshund. A stupid, brainless dachshund, itching to be put in a sack and dumped at the bottom of the Black Lake.

And stupid dogs always came in packs.

"Don't be so mean to her," Pansy said, giving Daphne a fake smile. "She's got it hard enough as it is. It must be painful to know that not even her own family wants her. And because no one wants her, she has to stay here for the summer while everyone else enjoys their holidays."

Millicent and Tracey, the third of her roommates, giggled at these words. It was the last day of term and unlike her roommates, Daphne would not be going home, at least not to her parents' house. And unlike her roommates, she wasn't standing next to packed trunks.

It had been a while since the girls had made fun of her like that, no wonder, after all, half the school had seen her reprimand yappy dogs before. But Daphne had to admit, with a heavy heart, that despite the obvious meanness of Pansy and the other girls, there was still a good distance between them and the vileness of a Malfoy and his cronies. She would not be so unfair as to lump them together, and besides, it just wasn't worth the trouble. Half a year detention with Dumbledore was enough for her.

And so Daphne didn't pull out her wand, but replied, "Perhaps you should enjoy your holidays a little less, Parkinson, judging by your grades. Then again, maybe you don't need good grades to later spread your legs for that pathetic wizard you have the misfortune to call your fiancé."

Pansy's head turned red. "My Draco is a thousand times better than, than..."

"Yes? Than who?"

"Than your filthy half-blood friend! But scum and scum like to mix, I suppose. He's an orphan just like you, so maybe you're a good match after all. Two little unloved orphans that nobody wants."

Daphne made a dismissive gesture with her hand. "Is that really the best you could come up with? Are you really trying to mock me for this? That I've rid myself of the most miserable people in the world who ever stood in the way of my progress? That I get to spend the summer in one of the most awe-inspiring magical places with one of the greatest repositories of magical knowledge in this country? With the most charming and sincere friend imaginable? That while you lounge around for two months, we will continue to learn every day so that the gap between our magical abilities and yours will only grow? Is that what you are telling me?"

Daphne glanced over the three girls, first at Pansy, who looked at her hatefully, then at Millicent, who looked as if she was going to leap at her at any moment and tear her apart like the loyal dog she was, and finally at Tracey, who, as usual, kept to the background.

"I can't think of anything better than staying here for the summer," Daphne concluded. Still looking at Tracey, she dared her to agree. But Tracey remained silent. Obviously she wasn't ready yet. What a shame.

"She's not worth it," Millicent finally said to Pansy, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go. Draco and Theodore are probably waiting for us."

Pansy gave Daphne one last hateful look, which Daphne returned wholeheartedly, before turning and heading for the door. "You're right. Her future is as dark as her hair. Did you ever suspect she dips it in pitch or shoe polish on purpose? That would also explain the stench..."

With that, Pansy disappeared through the door of the dormitory without looking back. Millicent followed her. Tracey was about to leave as well, but Daphne took the opportunity to speak to her.

"Hey, Davis," she said, "I haven't had a chance to ask you this, but how's your Depulso Charm? Have you been able to improve it yet?"

Tracey stopped in the doorway and looked over her shoulder. Her facial muscles were hard, but unlike Pansy or Millicent, Daphne couldn't see any hate in her eyes, but ... Daphne wasn't sure.

"You know, Greengrass, sometimes I'm really jealous of you."

Without explaining what she meant, Tracey turned and followed the others.

The conversation with her roommates never left Daphne's mind, not even when she sat next to Harry in the carriage to Hogsmeade later that morning to see Weasley and Granger off. So she turned to her best friend, who immediately caught her eye.

"What's the matter, Daph?" he said.

"What do you think of the smell of my hair?"

Weasley and Granger's eyes widened at her. "What kind of question is that?" said Granger shrilly.

Daphne paid no attention to either of them, but continued to look at Harry. "Do you think they smell nice?"

Harry's cheeks flushed at her words and Daphne had to pull herself together not to grin broadly. She just loved teasing Harry.

Something of her feelings must have passed from her to him, because in the next moment an amused smile played around Harry's lips. For a brief moment, just a few seconds, a glimmer of gold came into his green eyes. Daphne thought it was beautiful.

"Where did that question suddenly come from?" Harry said. "And you know the answer."

Daphne smiled. Oh yes, she knew the answer. She brushed her hair out of her face and slumped back in her seat, complacency personified. But then, why not? Modesty was for fools and she knew she looked good, certainly in Harry's eyes. That he liked the smell of her hair was an added bonus. But then she also liked the way he smelled and the feeling of running her fingers through his hair...

"You two are really weird sometimes," Weasley muttered.

Daphne clicked her tongue. "Weird, maybe, but also brilliant."

"What do you mean?"

"Harry and I are top of the year for a reason."

"Yes, you two have left me pretty far behind," Granger said with a smile that Daphne thought was rather contrived. And she didn't like the look Granger then gave Harry at all. "You should be very proud of yourself, Harry. You really have come an incredibly impressive way since, like me, you only found out you were a wizard when you turned eleven."

Harry nodded briefly. "Thank you. But the way is far from over."

"But for now, it's summer," Weasley said. "I'm so looking forward to it. And maybe the trip to Egypt will help Ginny get over the events of this school year."

He looked at them, but they didn't respond. Neither Harry nor Daphne had told him exactly what had happened that day in February when they'd saved Ginny, and they weren't going to now. Weasley should not worry too much about it either, Daphne thought. It was in the past and only blocked their view of the future.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing my family again," Granger said. "Speaking of family. Won't it be strange for you not to be with your family, Daphne?"

Daphne shrugged. "I'll be fine."

"Don't you have a little sister? When does she start at Hogwarts?" Granger asked next, as if trying to engage her in conversation. Or was she trying to annoy her? Daphne wasn't sure, and for Harry's sake she had to try to maintain the generally friendly atmosphere that had existed between her and his other friends since February.

"Next year," she said, "Astoria is two years younger than me."

"Oh, you must be looking forward to that then."

"Hmm."

With such petty chitchat they spent the rest of the ride to Hogsmeade, where they were greeted by the sight of the majestic Hogwarts Express glistening in the sunlight. Daphne smiled as she remembered the first time she had boarded the train, two years ago, ready for a new future. All the expectations and hopes she had then had been far exceeded.

That feeling intensified as she locked arms with Harry after saying goodbye to Weasley and Granger and watched the train pull away. They were the only ones left behind.

The two friends looked at each other and Daphne knew that this moment was something precious that she would remember for the rest of her life.

"Ready, Sir Harry?"

"Ready, Sir Daphne?"

They nodded to each other and together they made their way back to Hogwarts.

Their home.