Breakfast that morning was sombre.

Picking at his cereal, Harry looked to the Gryffindor table, seeing the red, puffy eyes on many of his year mates, and Ron Weasley in particular who was sitting with his brothers huddled around him. The oldest, Percy, looked pale and miserable.

Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were missing from the Head Table. Professor Flitwick was crying silently as he ate, whilst Hagrid was sobbing loudly into a gigantic handkerchief. Snape was the most composed, but even he had a carefully blank look on his dour face.

Eventually, the Hogwarts rumour mill bore fruit, and the story of what had occurred the night before became known to them in the next few days. Granger had been in a bathroom on the third floor and had been all day after she had run from Charms class crying because Weasley had insulted her, missing the feast completely. When the feast had been interrupted, and the houses retreated to their dormitories, Weasley had only remembered that she was still there as they were on the seventh floor where the Gryffindor dorms were located. Percy Weasley, the prefect, had gone off to the bathroom alone to try and find the girl.

And he had found her, dead on the bathroom floor, with the troll standing above her, the giant club in its hand dripping with blood.

Percy Weasley had fought the troll, managing to hold it off in time for Snape, who had heard the commotion, to arrive and subdue the creature.

But the damage was already done, and Hogwarts had lost one of its children.

Harry and Daphne spent the day with Hagrid, Daphne leaning on his shoulder and Harry's arm around her. Neither had known the girl, she had just been another student, but they still grieved for the young life that had been lost needlessly, and violently.

Hagrid cried, blaming himself for not searching the castle for wayward students. "I coulda fought it, saved little Hermione." He rumbled mournfully, and the two of them were quick to tell him it wasn't his fault, that he couldn't have known. Even Fang felt the sadness of the room, his head laying in Daphne's lap morosely.

At dinner, the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall had returned, and once the entire student body was gathered, Dumbledore rose slowly to his feet, eyes sorrowful and looking as old and tired as Harry had ever seen him.

"We gather here tonight to mourn the loss of a bright, vibrant young witch." He began in a heavy voice. "Hermione Granger was a model student, helpful and kind to others, and loved nothing more than to learn."

"Her tragic demise rests entirely upon my own shoulders." He told them guiltily. "It is my remit as Headmaster to keep you all safe and happy - and Hermione Granger lost her life due to my failure."

"I apologise to you all, and promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure this will never happen again." He finished, pulling out his wand from his sleeve.

"Now, if you would all join me in remembrance of one of our own," He lifted his wand into the air, the tip shining brightly. "To Miss Hermione Granger."

Harry saw Professor McGonagall staring blankly ahead, numb to the world, as she raised her own wand.

Almost the entire student body followed suit, with the exception of a select few.

Harry and Daphne arrived back in the common room, exhausted from the emotions of the day, to find the atmosphere a lot more cheerful than they would have imagined.

Not all of their housemates were joining in the perfectly happy conversations taking place around the room, but enough to make them both furious.

Malfoy spotted them when they walked in, calling out from where he was holding court with the other first-years. "Isn't it great? One more mudblood gone."

Harry stilled.

Malfoy continued, mouth dropping open theatrically. "Oh, I didn't think Potter! Granger dying must have reminded you of your mother." He said, an expression of forced understanding on his face, that was quickly replaced by a malicious smile. "She was a mudblood too, wasn't she?"

But before Harry could say a word in response, Daphne's left hand shot up.

"Say that again!" Daphne hissed, face furious as her wand pointed directly at the blonde boy.

Malfoy drew his own, as did the rest of the first-years. "And what if I do, Greengrass? Do you think you could take us all on?" He said cockily.

His face dropped when Harry pulled his own wand and leveled it at him. "Try it, Malfoy." He said with narrowed eyes.

The two sides glared at the other, waiting to see if someone would make a move.

Malfoy broke first, dropping his hand and stowing his wand with a hateful look. Harry and Daphne kept theirs pointing towards the group until the rest had taken Malfoy's lead and put away their own. Once they had done so, the two lowered their wands, eyeing the other boy.

"You'll get yours," Malfoy spat angrily. "I'd watch your backs if I were you."

Daphne snorted derisively, turning on her heel to walk away, and Harry followed her, still fuming.

And that was their mistake. Harry saw a pink bolt fly over his shoulder and slam into Daphne's unprotected back. He saw the wide gash as it sliced through her robes, and saw the long, thin, bloody line on her skin as she fell to the ground with a scream of pain.

"I did warn you, Potter." Malfoy's crowing voice sounded from behind him.

Harry turned with a roar of rage, his magic surging with his intentions.

His wand was a blur as he moved, and then Malfoy was slammed back into the wall, chest and face dripping with blood as Harry's own cutting curse slashed into him.

Parkinson screamed, rushing to his side. The rest of the house stared with shocked expressions at Harry, standing furiously over the fallen Daphne.

For a long moment, nobody moved. Around the room, people eyed the boy, considering. They wanted to curse him, to retaliate, but the magic he had just used was swift and violent, they couldn't be assured that they themselves wouldn't be harmed in the attempt.

The tension that had been building ever since they had been sorted into Slytherin boiled over, as Marcus Flint drew his wand and sent a dark curse toward him.

Harry raised a shield, and the curse slammed into it harmlessly. Then, after Flint's opening salvo, others joined in, curses and hexes careening toward the boy from the wands of Montague, Warrington, Pucey and others who felt safe now that numbers were with them. Unnoticed by all, a lone figure fled the common room quickly.

Harry's shield buckled under the strain of multiple spells as he gritted his teeth. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Crabbe and Goyle lumbering towards him, wands forgotten, intending to use their fists to gain revenge for their leader. But they dropped suddenly, still as statues, and Harry looked behind his shoulder at the girl who was standing beside him. Daphne had risen, face contorted in pain and anger, and sent two quick full-body binds at the two boys.

Harry willed as much of his magic into his shield as he could, but as more and more students joined in he began to worry that he couldn't hold it, and Daphne would be harmed.

Then, the common room door opened with a bang, and in strode Snape, his wand held aloft. Gemma Farley stood behind him, red-faced from running from the room to find their Head of House.

"What is the meaning of this?" He said lowly, dangerously, black eyes sweeping around the room, settling for a long moment on the prone, bleeding form of Draco Malfoy, and then toward Harry and Daphne, standing shoulder to shoulder behind Harry's shield.

He stalked over to the two, his face etched in fury and loathing. "Potter!"

He came to a stop in front of them, leaning in close until his face was inches from Harry's own. "I'll see you expelled for this, Potter." He sneered, black eyes glinting malevolently. "How like your father you are."

Harry stared back at him, eyes hard. "He deserved it! He hurt Daphne." He told him angrily.

"After he'd called Granger and Harry's mother mudbloods." Daphne said with a grimace, the pain in her back unbearable now the adrenaline was leaving her, and Harry saw something flash in the dark eyes of Snape.

He turned and walked over to Malfoy, conjuring a stretcher and levitating the boy onto it. With Malfoy hovering before him, he looked at Harry and Daphne and jerked his head toward the door. "Move! To the hospital wing".

Harry and Daphne walked over to the door under the stares of their housemates when Snape spoke again acidly from behind them.

"And then you, Potter, will be accompanying me to the Headmaster's office."

Harry's first visit to the domain of Madam Pomfrey was brief.

The woman had healed Daphne's back quickly as the cut hadn't been deep, though she winced as her skin knitted back together. Malfoy still hadn't awoken as the matron began healing the wide gash running from his left hip to his right temple, blood-replenishing and skin-growth potions whizzing through the air from the potions cupboard towards her.

As soon as Daphne had been confined to a bed, Snape ordered Harry to follow, with Harry only having enough time to give Daphne a short wave goodbye as he was soon hurrying behind the man to the Headmaster's office, where Snape barked the password and led them up the spiraling staircase without a word.

Snape knocked once on the door, opened it, and swept over to the Headmaster's desk immediately. The man himself sat looking tired and apprehensive.

"Headmaster, I want Potter expelled!" He stormed, pointing a finger back at Harry. "This boy almost killed Draco Malfoy and turned the common room into a battlefield!"

Dumbledore sighed, rubbing the crook of his nose. "Please take a seat, Harry."

Harry did so, giving Snape an unimpressed look when the man glared murderously at him.

"Is this true, Harry?" Dumbledore asked him over his glasses, blue eyes staring into Harry's own.

Harry felt a light pressure on his mind, frowning once he felt it, but answered shortly. "The first spell wasn't fired by me, sir."

Snape snorted scathingly. "A likely story, you cannot believe his lies, Headmaster-"

Dumbledore cut him off with a sharp motion of his hand, sighing. "I would have the truth of it." He rose from his desk, walking over to a cabinet. Opening it, Harry saw a stone basin with what looked like runes and precious gems embedded into the stone. Within a strange cloudy liquid swirled around, shimmering.

"Do you know what this is, Harry?" The man asked, and when Harry shook his head he explained. "This is a Pensieve. With it, one can review memories and examine them at leisure."

Harry nodded, understanding what the man wanted. "How do I show my memory in it, sir?"

Snape cut in harshly. "The boy might have tampered with his memories, Headmaster!"

Dumbledore turned to him, eyebrow raised. "Do you believe him capable of such, Severus?" He asked in a voice that suggested that Snape was talking nonsense.

When Snape remained silent, Dumbledore gestured for Harry to join him at the Pensieve. "All you must do, Harry, is think back on the encounter from start to finish. When you do so, I can remove the memory and I may see it for myself."

Harry nodded, thinking back to when Daphne and himself had returned to the common room, and as he did the Headmaster raised his wand to Harry's temple, and silver wisps were pulled seemingly from Harry's mind as Dumbledore guided them into the Pensieve. When he had finished, the man poked into the substance held in the Pensieve, stirring it.

"Severus, if you would be so kind, please inform the parents of Miss Greengrass and Mr. Malfoy that their children have been injured." Dumbledore said without looking at the man.

Snape scowled. "And what of Potter's punishment, Headmaster? As his Head of House-"

Dumbledore cut him off once more, turning to look at him. "And if any punishments are deemed necessary, I will send for you." He said, dismissing him by turning once more to the Pensieve.

Snape made an angry noise in his throat but nodded tightly and turned, cloak billowing behind him as he stalked from the room, slamming the door closed behind him.

Once they were alone, Dumbledore glanced at the boy. "Would you care to join me, Harry?" He offered, and Harry thought about it. On the one hand, he didn't really want to see Daphne get hurt again, but on the other, he was very intrigued to know what it was like to use a Pensieve. In the end, he nodded reluctantly, still not sure either way.

"Splendid. Shall we?" Dumbledore said lightly, grabbing onto Harry's arm, and without warning Harry felt like he was falling, the office around him vanishing in a blur, until he suddenly found himself in the common room and looking into his own face.

Together, they watched the war of words between the two parties, the Headmaster making a disgusted noise and looked outraged when Malfoy insulted both of the deceased, watched as Daphne was cursed by Malfoy, watched as Harry retaliated, and watched as the rest of the house attacked him in turn, and finally, they watched as Snape arrived with Farley, insulting Harry, and bringing the memory to a close.

Once more, Harry felt the sensation of falling but found himself back in the Headmaster's office. The man himself walked back over to his desk, sitting down in his chair heavily. Harry sat opposite him, thinking back on the events he had just witnessed for the second time.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" The man asked kindly.

"Angry, sir." He said sullenly, eyes burning a hole in the desk before him.

"I understand. And how do you feel about the common room witnessing you use non-verbal spells?" Dumbledore prompted.

"I don't care, I don't care that they saw, he hurt Daphne!" Harry said furiously, meeting the Headmaster's gaze. Dumbledore saw the anger there, but also the fear.

"It was worth it, she's worth it." Harry said firmly.

Dumbledore nodded in acceptance. "It has always been your decision, Harry, on what to reveal. If you feel it was the right action to take, then I will agree with your decision."

Harry continued fuming silently until Fawkes flew from his perch and landed on the desk in front of him. The phoenix trilled lowly and leaned his head closer so Harry could stroke him lightly down the back of his head. Within minutes, Harry calmed, and he raised his eyes to look back at the Headmaster who was waiting patiently in his seat.

"What happens now, sir?" He asked tiredly.

"Now, Harry, you may go and see Miss Greengrass. The decision of what your punishment is will be decided after I have had a meeting with Professor Snape. Rest assured, Harry, that you will not be expelled from Hogwarts." Dumbledore told him with a soft smile.

Harry smiled. "In that case, sir...", and leaned in close to Fawkes, whispering quickly.

Dumbledore looked on with intrigue as the phoenix bobbed its head at what Harry was saying, before with a final stroke of his head and goodbye to Fawkes and the Headmaster he departed.

Harry arrived at the hospital wing as Daphne was leaving it, and when she saw him she ran and wrapped her arms around him tightly. They stood there in the corridor just holding each other, until finally, the girl broke away, looking up at him with worry in her blue eyes.

"What's happening, Harry? They're not going to expel you are they?" She asked him with trepidation, clutching his hand tightly.

He shook his head. "No, Dumbledore said that's not going to happen. Come on, let's go back to your room and I'll tell you."

And as they made their way back to the dungeons, neither noticed that their hands were still intertwined.

After he had sent his Patronus off in search of Severus, Albus Dumbledore sat back in his chair as he awaited the arrival of his Potions Master, stroking his beard as he was deep in thought at what he had seen in Harry's memory.

He was impressed with the boy, and though he could not say it outwardly, rather proud of his actions. Whilst Harry had grievously injured young Draco Malfoy, it had been done in righteous anger from an attack on his friend, and when the other Slytherin students retaliated Harry had merely defended himself and his friend, too concerned with the safety of Miss Greengrass to consider dropping his shield and returning fire.

Albus was grateful that Harry's shield had held up under the onslaught, he recognised some of the spells that had been sent his way and knew them to be capable of causing great injury and shuddered when he thought of what Harry might have done if one of them had struck Miss Greengrass.

He remembered another Slytherin boy who had been powerful and potentially dangerous, who would never have wasted a thought on defending another when under attack. He would have laid waste to his enemies and damned anyone who was in the firing line to their fate.

The door to his office opened, and Severus strode in, walking to the desk and coming to a stop before it, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

"Allow me to make a prediction - the boy will get off scot-free?" He said without preamble, scowl deepening. "Typical Potters." He spat scathingly.

"Harry's punishment will be entirely up to you, Severus. You are his Head of House after all." Albus said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers under his chin. "However, before you make your decision, I would like you to view his memory of the altercation. To allow you to make an informed choice, of course."

Albus sat patiently as the man entered the Pensieve, humming a tune to himself, and continued to do so when Severus emerged from the device with a dark look.

"Take a seat, Severus." His employee did so with a huff, straight-backed and scowling.

How like a child he still was.

"As I said, Harry's punishment will be entirely up to you," Albus spoke lightly. Severus' look of utter glee lasted only until Albus continued.

"But be warned - whatever punishment you deem appropriate for Harry will be the same punishment that Draco Malfoy shall receive." Albus said firmly, eyes boring into Severus'.

"The boy should be expelled!" Severus exploded, jumping to his feet angrily.

"Then so too shall Draco Malfoy," Albus responded evenly, looking like he had not a care in the world. "I do think I will delegate the responsibility of informing Lucius to you - it is your decision, after all." He finished, reaching into a drawer and pulling out two documents.

"You cannot be serious, Headmaster!" Snape despaired, throwing up his arms. "Did you not see what the boy did?"

"I did, Severus. I also saw another boy use that disgusting term against not only Lily Potter but Hermione Granger, a girl whose memorial we conducted not ten minutes before." Albus responded strongly, the temperature of the room dropping as he spoke. "I then saw that same boy attack another student when her back was turned and injure her, and if they had been any older could have potentially killed her. I saw that boy learn a valuable lesson that actions have consequences. Tell me, Severus, what did you see?" Albus demanded, voice thick with power.

Severus Snape swallowed, looking away. "The boy is dangerous, Headmaster."

"He has the capacity, Severus, just as we all do, but you will find if you were not so blinded by your hatred of the boy's father that he is very similar to his mother - only those who have wronged him need fear Harry, but he has Lily's heart," Albus said knowingly.

"He is nothing like her! She was-" Severus started, but Albus spoke over him.

"The same woman who Draco Malfoy insulted, or did that go completely over your head?" Albus cut in, shaking his head at the man. "Or, perhaps, you still do not understand the severity of the word." Albus finished, giving him a disappointed look.

A look of fury passed over Severus' face. "And what does that mean, Headmaster?"

"I had thought you had learned your lesson many years ago, but it seems I was mistaken. I see now that you blame only James Potter for the breakdown of your friendship with Lily Evans."

"And it was his fault! If he hadn't embarrassed me, if-"

"Yet it was you who broke her heart, Severus. Do not try and tell me you were blameless. We both know you are not, let us not attempt to lie to one another now."

Albus continued when the other man remained silent. "Now, do you perhaps wish to reconsider your original judgement for young Harry and Mr. Malfoy, or do I need to proceed with the forms of expulsion?"

"They will serve detentions for one week." Severus ground out.

"Very well. You will, of course, supervise Mr. Malfoy's detentions yourself, and perhaps you can spend the time ensuring that the young man learns from his actions tonight." Albus told him, sitting back down in his chair.

"And what of Potter? Am I to supervise the whelp too?"

"I do not believe that to be wise, Severus. Harry's detentions will be served with me."

"So that you may coddle the boy?" Severus scoffed, shaking his head.

"So that I may teach him control, or are you so confident in your own abilities to forestall any further hostility from Mr. Malfoy that you do not believe it necessary for Harry?" Albus countered sternly.

"Very well. Good day, Headmaster." Severus bowed shortly, indignation wrapped around him like a cloak, and swept from the room as quickly as his dignity would allow.

Albus sat back in his chair, frustrated. Fawkes flew from his perch, landing on the desk before him and trilling softly. Albus smiled at his companion stroking his head fondly. "I just do not know what to do with him, old friend." He told the phoenix with a sigh.

He knew that Severus was loyal to him, and dedicated to the eventual downfall of Tom. But perhaps he had been naive to believe that the man had changed from the same man who had joined his master willingly. He knew Severus held deep hatred in his heart for those he believed had wronged him, but those men were all gone now, two dead, one serving a lifetime in Azkaban and the other a recluse.

Severus had sworn a vow to him that he would protect Harry Potter with his own life, and yet seemingly wanted nothing more than to see the boy removed from Hogwarts. He cared not for Harry's general welfare or happiness, only that the boy was alive, and Severus would much prefer that Harry were far away from himself. He wished dearly that the man would not blame the child for the perceived sins of the father, but perhaps that was asking too much of him.

Albus remembered his own experiences as a young man before he had made his own name and how many had simply seen him as the son of Percival Dumbledore and judged him according to their own biases.

Albus believed that his spy would be vitally important in the years to come should Tom rise again, but if it came down to a choice between Harry and Severus, there was really no decision to make. It was Harry upon whose shoulders the fate of the world rested, and Albus would do all he could to help him be victorious. He only hoped that Severus would be there to aid him.

His thoughts turned to the other Professor who had given him cause of concern recently, but for the life of him, he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

Perhaps he needed to have a chat with Quirinus.

Harry had woken early the next day, incredibly nervous about what the day would bring. He only hoped the present he had owl-ordered and the plans he had made would be satisfactory. He'd never had anyone to buy a present for before now.

Today was Daphne's 12th birthday, the first she had spent away from her family, and he wanted the day to be special for her.

When he knocked on her door, he was alarmed when she opened it with red eyes, wiping tears from her eyes as she pulled him inside. "What's wrong, Daph?" He asked, concerned.

"I was just a little upset when I woke up this morning. I miss my family." She told him, walking them over to the bed.

Harry pulled the package from his robes, unshrank it, and handed the gift to her. "Happy Birthday, Daphne." He said shyly, blushing.

Daphne's eyes lit up beautifully. "You remembered!" She said happily, taking her present from him and tearing the blue wrapping paper off to reveal what was within.

She found a crystal ornament in the shape of a Cerberus, each of its red eyes inlaid with-

"Are those rubies?!" She asked, shocked, and when Harry nodded she scolded him. "Harry, this must have cost you a fortune!"

Harry just shrugged, looking away. "I wanted it to be special...you're the first person I've ever bought a present for."

Daphne stared at the gift, placed it gently on the floor at the foot of her bed, and then dived at him.

Harry laughed as she landed on him so that they were both lying on the bed, Daphne's arms wrapped around him tightly. He looked up into her face, but his laughter died when he saw tears in her eyes.

"A-Are you still upset? Did you not like it? I can get you something else." He babbled.

Daphne chuckled at the stricken look on his face. "No, you idiot, I'm happy! These are happy tears, I love my present." She rested her head down on his chest, sighing in contentment as she held him. "Thank you, Harry."

The ornament soon found its home on her bedside table, right next to the picture of Daphne and her family.

At breakfast, Harry had been informed by his sneering Head of House that, starting tonight at seven o'clock, he would be serving a week's detention with the Headmaster.

"I hope Malfoy got worse." Daphne scowled once he had left. Malfoy was notably absent from both the common room and the Slytherin table, and she wondered if he was still in the hospital wing. What a birthday present that would be. Hopefully, he'd have a scar of his own now.

She brightened when four owls landed on the table in front of them, laden with packages and three letters. Gleefully taking the cargo, she began to unwrap the presents and cards from her parents and sister. Astoria had gotten her a book called The Witches Guide to Wooing Your Wizard (Daphne quickly hid this under the table before Harry could see it, vowing revenge on her evil sibling), her Dad had sent a hamper of Honeydukes chocolate (she couldn't wait until third year when they would be able to visit the shop for themselves) along with a signed promise that she could spend 100 Galleons at Flourish & Blotts when she was home for Christmas, and her Mum had sent her some beauty products and a letter that, when Daphne read it, turned out to be a reply to her own from a few days ago.

The letter from her Mum was the second-best gift she had received, Daphne thought to herself happily. Marie Greengrass prided herself on being the best gift buyer in the family, but Harry had beaten her on his very first try.

Harry watched her as she opened her presents, smiling to himself at the joy she displayed. Once breakfast had finished, however, his smile vanished and his stomach bubbled with nervousness.

"Erm...Daph?" He ventured, and when she turned to him, still smiling, he continued. "C-Could you come with me to Hagrid's? I know it's your birthday but..." He asked, trying to gather himself.

Daphne continued to smile as she nodded but was a little confused at his hesitancy. Why would he be nervous about asking her to visit Hagrid?

Regardless, the two departed the Great Hall after Harry had shrunken the presents for her, and were soon walking down the now familiar path to Hagrid's hut, but Daphne was surprised when the man himself was standing outside his hut waiting for them, Fang in tow.

"Daphne! Happy Birthday!" He called as they approached, a wide smile on his large face. "I got yeh present inside, but it'll have ter wait. I was wonderin' if yeh'd both like ter help me with summat?" He asked, wringing his hands and shooting Harry a look.

Daphne nodded her assent, and the two soon found themselves hurrying to catch up with Hagrid's large steps, but Daphne paused when she saw they were entering the Forbidden Forest.

"Hagrid? What's going on?"

"Oh, nothin' bad. Jus' wan' ter check up on summat, is all. Nothin' dangerous." He assured her, and in the end, Daphne just shrugged and continued following along, trusting the man would keep them safe.

It was a little strange how quiet Harry was being, however.

Eventually, they arrived in a clearing, where Hagrid motioned for them to stand back as he continued walking alone until he was twenty feet from them. Bringing two large fingers to his mouth, he whistled loudly before he began to wait, facing the treeline opposite.

Daphne turned to look at the boy beside her. "Harry? What is-"

He cut her off, pointing his finger in the direction she had previously been facing. "Look."

Daphne did, and her mouth dropped open.

Walking into the clearing towards Hagrid were two large, white Unicorns, and behind them, trotting along nervously, was a small, pure gold foal. When they came to a stop, standing closely in front of Hagrid, the man spoke loud enough to the animals for them both to hear.

"Thanks fer comin'." He said, before turning back and pointing at Daphne. "This is the girl I brought ter meet yeh."

Daphne gasped, turning to look at Harry who was watching her with a smile. "Is this your doing?" She asked suspiciously.

Harry just nodded, his smile turning bashful as he ran his hand through his hair. "Err, yeah. I asked Hagrid and he was happy to help, I hope you don't mind?"

Daphne just stared at him, not knowing what to say, but then Hagrid called to her.

"Come on, Daphne, don' be shy, they won' hurt yeh." He beckoned her closer, and Daphne approached slowly, feeling like she was in a daze.

When she got close, the largest unicorn leaned its head forwards, sniffing her. It huffed once, and then the other was sniffing at her too. Reaching her hand up, eyes darting to Hagrid who gave her an encouraging smile, she began stroking the Unicorn on the side of its head. The Unicorn let out a small whinny, which Daphne took as a good sign, and leaned in further so she could reach the side of its neck.

Daphne let out a small, amazed laugh, unable to believe what was happening, but then stumbled slightly when she felt something small and golden collide with her leg. Looking down, she saw that the foal had decided that if its parents thought she was safe, then he wanted attention too. Daphne looked quickly at the two adult Unicorns, who simply watched on without fear as she carefully crouched down and began petting the baby as Hagrid began telling her all about the creatures.

Harry remained where he had been, watching on. Hagrid had warned him that Unicorns tended to prefer females over males, and as he didn't want anything to go wrong he decided to remain put.

He was happy enough just watching her, the radiant smile on her face telling him that his idea had been very much appreciated.

Eventually, after almost an hour, the adult Unicorns began to move away, grunting at their foal when it remained behind, blissful at the attention Daphne was dishing out, but soon the youngster rejoined its parents and the family of three trotted away back into the depths of the forest.

The two of them spent the next few hours with Hagrid back in his hut, laughing along with the man as he told them stories of some of his encounters with the creatures of the forest. He had gifted Daphne a whittled statue of a Unicorn, which Daphne was quick to tell him she adored.

Harry's eyes kept glancing at the clock on the wall, counting down the minutes until three o'clock and the next, and final, stage of his plans.

At two-forty, he made his excuses to Hagrid and almost dragged Daphne from the hut as she happily waved goodbye to the giant man and Fang, rushing off back to the common room.

"What's the rush, Harry?" Daphne asked him as he hurried her through the castle, laughing to herself at the look on his face.

"There's, erm, something I wanted to do, but we need to be in your room." He said, blindly trying to come up with an answer, and Daphne simply accepted it with a bemused smile, though unseen by Harry her cheeks began to redden rapidly.

'Well, well, Mr. Potter, what do you have planned?"Apparently, her own birthday didn't warrant peace from that incessant voice.

Though it did make her intensely curious, she reasoned that she'd find out soon enough.

Walking quickly through the common room, which Daphne idly noticed had many eyes watching them with wariness, they arrived back in Daphne's room, where Harry immediately looked at the clock to see there was one minute to go.

"So...what is it, Harry?" Daphne asked, her voice thick with something she couldn't quite recognise.

Harry led her over to the bed, mentally counting down the seconds.

Once they were sat down, he told her quickly. "Close your eyes."

Daphne felt her heart suddenly start beating like a jackhammer in her chest, but she did as she was told, feeling like her mouth and throat had suddenly lost all moisture.

And through her closed eyelids, she saw a bright light and what sounded like a flame suddenly appearing.

"Open your eyes." Harry's voice told her, and when she did she saw a bright-red, beautiful Phoenix perched on his arm, staring at her through small black eyes, head cocked to the side as it regarded her.

"Daphne, this is Fawkes. Fawkes, this is Daphne, she's the friend I was telling you about." Harry introduced them, and when he did the Phoenix looked from the boy to the girl, before letting out a happy trill.

"You can stroke him, he likes it," Harry told her, and she discovered his words were an understatement as the bird looked like was going to melt as she ran her fingers along his plumage.

She continued her ministrations for a short time before the bird took flight from Harry's arm, landing on the back of the chair at her desk and giving them both another searching look, head moving between them.

Then, he began to sing.

Harry and Daphne sat, entranced, as the Phoenix song spoke to their souls, any worries or tensions evaporating in the sheer joy the beautiful song invoked. Unconsciously, Daphne's hand found Harry's as they listened to Fawkes' gift to them both.

Finally, the song ended and the Phoenix looked at them both once more, and Daphne could have sworn he looked pleased, and then with a last happy trill, he vanished in a flash of flame.

The two sat on Daphne's bed together, hands still clasped, and Daphne's head found itself on Harry's shoulder as she leaned into him, happier than she ever remembered being.

"You know, it's Fawkes' feather that is in my wand," Harry told her as he stroked his thumb on the back of her hand, not really paying much attention to what he was doing.

"Really? I've never thought to ask what your wand is made of." Daphne answered, her hand tingling from where Harry's thumb was rubbing it.

"Yeah, Holly and Phoenix Feather."

"Interesting, mine is Unicorn Hair." She said, and Harry laughed.

"Figures, I made the right choice then." He said, delighted at how well his plan had turned out.

"Your plan was amazing, Harry. This whole day has been amazing, you've been amazing." She told him sincerely, raising her head to meet his eyes.

"Do you want to know what wood my wand is made from?" Daphne said, and when Harry nodded she told him. "Holly."

Harry grinned at her, the lopsided grin that caused her stomach to do backflips. "Maybe our wands came from the same tree?"

"Maybe." She answered with a soft smile, eyes sparkling.

'I hope so'

The two sat staring at each other until Daphne remembered the letter from her mother.

"Oh! Harry, there was something I wanted to ask you." She said, looking deep into his eyes.

"What is it?" He said, cocking his head to one side.

"My Mum sent me a letter this morning. I-It was about Christmas, I told her in my last letter that I was sad that I'd be leaving you." She told him in a rush, staring at her lap. "I told her that I didn't want you to be alone."

Harry was touched but wondered why she was telling him this.

"Harry, she's invited you to come home with me for Christmas. I-if you want, you don't have to, but - I'll miss you." She said bashfully. She looked up at him to see him open-mouthed and staring at her. "Harry, say something?"

"She really said that?" He asked, and Daphne nodded frantically. "You want me there?" He asked again, slowly.

"Of course I do!" She responded forcefully before uncertainty flashed across her face. "Do you not want to?"

"I'd love to," He said with a large smile, and Daphne's eyes shot to his, a surprised smile growing on her face. "I was...worried, about Christmas. I don't know what I'd have done without you for three weeks."

"I can't wait to tell Mum, I think she really wanted you to come, it's made her really happy that we're friends." She told him happily, before she grabbed him in a tight hug.

They remained there for a few minutes until Harry began to stand. "I'm going to go and see Professor McGonagall, make sure she's okay." He said, starting to walk to the door.

Daphne rose, still smiling softly at him. "Of course, I'll just...read the book my sister sent me."

She walked him to the door, and when they got there she hugged him, cheek resting on his chest.

"Thank you so much for today, Harry." She thanked him, beaming into his chest. "I'm so happy you'll be coming home for Christmas with me."

"Me too." He responded happily.

And when they broke apart, Daphne raised herself up onto her toes and kissed him on the cheek, blushing furiously.

He walked out of her room in a daze, making his way to Professor McGonagall's office on autopilot.

His face was bright red and his cheek was tingling when he arrived.

Professor McGonagall looked awful when she finally opened her door after the third time Harry had knocked.

"Mr. Potter?" She asked in a toneless voice, face as blank as it had been the previous night but eyes swimming with grief.

"I just wanted to see how you were Professor." He told her, and after a moment she opened the door wider for him to enter, closing it behind him softly.

The Professor's office was sparsely decorated but had a large fireplace on one wall, and Harry could see that the windows looked down onto the Quidditch pitch. On her desk were stacks of parchment, and to the side of the desk sat a tea set that Harry saw was still steaming.

"Take a seat, Mr. Potter." The woman told him absently, returning to her own.

"How-how are you, Professor?" He asked her uncertainly. Now that he was here, he didn't know if this had really been a good idea, she would hardly want to talk to him about what had happened.

The Professor eyed him for a moment. Then, with a shaking hand, she reached over to the tea set and began trying to make two cups. Harry jumped up to take over for her, and she gave him a thankful nod. Soon, the Professor had her cup of tea in front of her, one sugar as she had told him back at Privet Drive.

Retreating to his seat with his own cup, he sat and watched the woman as she took a sip of her own and looked at him.

"You remembered, Mr. Potter." She said, her voice tired but still holding a hint of pride within.

"Of course, Professor."

Professor McGonagall took another sip of tea. "Miss Granger-" Her voice hitched, and she paused to collect herself. "Miss Granger was the first, and only, student to die under my purview."

"I failed her, Harry. I failed her parents." Harry shook his head frantically at her words, but she held up a shaky hand to stop him from speaking.

"I did. It was I who visited with them over the summer to inform them of their daughter's status as a witch, that she had the right to attend this school. It was I who promised them that I would watch over their daughter and keep her safe where they could not." She told him, voice thick with emotion.

"And now, not four months later, she is gone, and I could not keep my promise. Such a bright girl." She finished, tears forming in her eyes as she stared into the cup of tea clutched tightly in her hands.

"It's not your fault, Professor," Harry said earnestly. "You weren't to know."

The Professor looked up from her teacup at him before her eyes traveled to the window as she looked out to the world.

"Many years ago, Harry, over two centuries past, a muggle-born student was killed by a Manticore during an interschool tournament." She started, eyes distant, and Harry frowned, wondering where she was going with this. "The student in question was the son of a wealthy family, with great power and influence in the muggle world. When they were informed that their child had passed, in their grief and anger the family began to tell everyone they knew of the existence of our world."

"Thus, a law was passed that decreed that if a muggle-born died when attending Hogwarts, the student's families would be Obliviated." She told him, and Harry frowned.

"Do you know what that means, Harry?" She asked, and he shook his head.

"It means that the families of muggle-born students who die whilst attending Hogwarts have their memories modified, or removed." She paused, and Harry was horrified. "It is a heavily regulated spell, Harry. Yesterday, the Headmaster and I had to go to the Ministry and inform them of Miss Granger's death. Then, a team of Obliviators was sent to her home. The Granger family is now under the impression that they never had a daughter. To them, Hermione Granger never even existed." The Professor finished, and the tears were streaking down her face.

"W-what will happen to her...you know," Harry asked lamely, not sure if he wanted to know.

The Professor swallowed heavily. "There is a graveyard in Budleigh Babberton where the remains of those who cannot be returned to their families are interred. Miss Granger will be buried tomorrow, and only three, other than the wizard performing the service, will be present. Myself, the Headmaster, and the Minister of Magic."

Harry couldn't help but think how awful it all was. Not only had the poor girl died, but now her own family wouldn't be able to mourn her, it would be like she never even existed. The only ones who would remember her would be those of the world she died in.

"How have you been, Harry? I heard what happened with your House." The Professor asked, and Harry told her, but then he began to tell her of the day he had spent with Daphne, and eventually, the woman looked a little happier as she saw the joy on his face. She would never have believed it, but Daphne Greengrass had only been good for Harry to know.

Soon, the time for dinner arrived, and the Professor hurried him away, telling him she would be along shortly but wished to make herself more presentable. When Harry went to open the door, he stopped and turned back to her.

"Professor, have you ever had children?" He asked, wondering if he was pushing his luck.

"I have had hundreds over the years, Harry, and I hold them all dear to my heart." She told him, giving him a meaningful look.

"Though some are special, and I hold them closer than others."

That was a bigger chapter than I thought it would be.

There's my first attempt at writing an action scene, I'm not sure how it went really but hey ho.

Some Dumbledore POV for you all, he was the important character I spoke about in chapter 3, so you'll get more of his thoughts as the fic progresses.

The McGonagall scene was one of the most important scenes in the story for me, it's been in my head for about 7 years so hopefully, you enjoyed it.

Daphne's birthday was fun to write but idk, is it too sappy? I just felt like Harry would really go all out because he's happy that he gets to do something so normal that's been denied to him until now. Let me know what you thought either way.

Some reviewers have noted that the distance given to them by the other Slytherins, or outright hostility, is a little strange, and there is a reason for that but I'm not sure if it will be revealed in the story itself or not. I had the idea after reading a few of them to have a chapter entirely dedicated to other characters' POV's (like malfoy, snape, quirrell etc.) but if I don't I'll explain my reasonings for why the Slytherins and other students are acting the way they are. I kind of like most of the story being dedicated to Harry/Daphne's POV, with the occasional POV from the really important characters (some of which haven't appeared yet)

Really hope you all enjoyed this chapter, it was fun to write, next one should be up who knows I just write and post, though I do have to warn you guys that I'm going on holiday on the 17th until the 27th, I might work out a way to be able to post chapters in between but I'm not sure yet.

Enjoy.