A/N: Thanks for sticking with the story so far! The writing is going well, with first drafts up to chapter 34 completed. It takes more work than I thought to get the chapters to a point I'm satisfied to call final, but I'll continue to update as quickly as I can.
For those of you that have raised questions or concerns in reviews, I've replied to them and will try to continue to do so. I think those responses are in your PM inbox, which is on your profile page. Sorry if that's a condescending thing to explain, but I was only a guest on this site for all my years as a reader, so it's all new to me. And speaking of being a guest, I'm unable to respond to guest reviews, but I appreciate them all the same!
Enjoy!
Chapter 13
August 30, 1995
The days leading up to Harry's return to Hogwarts were hectic at best. The Ministry was having a disastrous time trying to minimize the duel, as two Wizengamot members casting curses that carried a life sentence wasn't easy to brush under the rug. Nott remained on the run, but Yaxley hadn't been charged, as Fudge had seen fit to release the man from Ministry custody.
When asked about it by the press, he answered, "Lord Yaxley did not actually cast the Killing Curse. Even after the disgraceful mistreatment he was subjected to, the man retained his dignity and stopped himself from stooping to his competitor's level."
Unfortunately for the backpedaling Minister, too many people witnessed the confrontation, and those that hadn't would have received first-hand accounts from their friends and family.
From what Albus relayed from Snape, the newly-muggle Lord was holed up in one of his family's many properties, recovering and waiting for the other shoe to drop. The Death Eaters were at a bit of a loss, but Severus believed Yaxley would be killed soon. Voldemort couldn't afford the loose end if Fudge lost his office.
The winds were definitely blowing in that direction, and there were near constant protests on the steps of the Ministry. Arthur, leading many of the protests himself, was becoming a popular force for the public, and his election to the Wizengamot was virtually guaranteed.
Bill, not content with his already impressive work, added another layer of protection at the Burrow, further protecting the house now that Arthur was a prominent target. He also took time off from Gringotts to serve as his father's assistant and bodyguard.
Charlie had jumped headfirst into his job with the elves, working closely with Pocky. Harry managed to purchase twelve of the creatures from the Ministry, and they spent the last few days sprucing the village up. They were all assigned a list of families to listen for, but the master list was growing daily. Albus promised to provide Hogwarts elves if they were required, but Harry hoped to supplement the force with the elves of families that would, inevitably, be his future tenants.
The Davies family were actually moving in later today, knowing that they wouldn't escape Voldemort's ire. Harry hoped their choice would convince others to follow their lead, but knew many families were hesitant to believe their lives would soon be upended.
Amelia, now unemployed, was planning to move into a small house in the village as soon as Susan left for Hogwarts, and she had agreed to join Harry's team. After signing the contract, and learning Harry's story from Albus, she approached Harry during his training and shocked the young man by hugging him. "I hope you appreciate the gift you've been given," she said emotionally. Harry, knowing the woman had dealt with loss in her own life, assured her that he did.
Sirius, after spending a lazy Sunday with Harry and Remus, set out to bring the Black family from the brink it teetered upon. He wrote letters to all three of his cousins, though the owl assigned to Bellatrix's letter just blinked at him in confusion. The man had assumed the witch was hidden behind an anti-tracking ward, but made sure to try, not wanting to provoke his deceased Grandfather's anger. Narcissa and Andromeda agreed to meet for lunch the second week of September, but the Black Lord was not looking forward to the appointment.
Harry was exhausted. Trying to keep up with everything required of him, on top of training and finishing his school work, began to feel overwhelming. He was starting to look at his return to Hogwarts as an escape, even though this was the first time he would be upset at leaving home.
Today, he and Remus were in Diagon Alley, as Harry's presence was requested by Gringotts. Daniel was meeting them there to act as a legal advisor, which he was very grateful for. Before the scheduled meeting, Remus suggested an ice cream stop.
As the pair enjoyed their desserts, Remus looked at Harry seriously. He carefully set his spoon down and cleared his throat. Casting a privacy charm before speaking.
"Harry, I need you to do something for me," the man began awkwardly.
"What is it?" Harry asked, worried he'd forgotten something.
"I need you to take a step back. From everything."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you're spread too thin. You have your hands in everyone's pockets trying to make sure everything gets done the way you want. And that's on top of all the personal responsibilities you have. You're going to burn out."
"Remus," Harry replied seriously. "You know how important what we're doing is. We can't afford to let up. We're making good progress."
"We are, and your ideas and dedication are the reason for that. But you're not all-powerful. You can't be everywhere at once."
"I'm not trying to be," he responded defensively. He knew the man had a point, but hearing it wasn't easy.
"Let's walk through what you did yesterday," Remus suggested, producing a small pad of paper and pencil. "You woke up at six am. Training with the team from 6:30 to 7:30. Training with just Charlie and Sirius from 7:30 to 9:00. Training with Ron and Hermione from 9:00 to 11:00.
"You had lunch at 11:30, while finishing your homework, which lasted until 2:00. At 2:30 you were at the village, making sure the elves were okay and quizzing them on their families. You met with Albus, Sirius, and Amelia from 3:30 to 4:30, discussing Wizengamot strategies. At 5:00 you stopped in on Arthur's rally, in support of the man's candidacy.
"You got home at 6:30, had dinner with Sirius and I, and at 7:30 you spent another hour training. You were asleep by 9:30, and woke up at six am this morning."
The man finished reading, and returned the pad and pencil to his pocket.
"My very own stalker," Harry said with a huff. "I'll tell you up front, I'm not interested."
Remus gave him a smile, but his concern was evident.
"Harry, regardless of anything else, you're still a fifteen-year-old kid. This isn't sustainable."
"Well what do you want me to do? Shall I give up training to beat the bastard? Should I fail all my classes? Or should I forget about saving everyone I can? You tell me what I should stop caring about."
"Nothing," Remus said firmly to the frustrated young man. "I'm not asking you to stop caring about anything, Harry. I'm suggesting you trust your team."
"I trust you guys!"
"You trust us with your secrets, but you aren't trusting everyone to do their part. Charlie has the elves under control- you told me so yourself. Arthur has the election in the bag, and Bill is an entirely over-qualified number two. Sirius told you he'd deal with Wizengamot strategy and fill you in at dinner, but you told him you wanted to pull your weight.
"Meanwhile, Amelia and myself are sat twiddling our damn thumbs most of the day, watching you run yourself into the ground!" the man finished, his voice rising in frustration.
The pair realized the ice cream shop, even with a privacy charm, wasn't the best place for this conversation, and cleaned up and stepped into the Alley.
"I'm not saying to stop caring," Remus repeated himself quietly. "I'm saying, figure out what's important, and assign one of your very capable teammates to take care of it. Then trust that they will."
"I hear you," Harry relented slightly. "But I dragged you all into this. What kind of friend would I be if I asked people for their unwavering support, and dropped my problems into their laps as soon as they agreed."
"You'd be a leader. Great leaders understand what their limits are. But great leaders usually aren't also fifteen. True leadership comes with experience and failure. Instead of that, you'll have to take my word for it."
"I assume you have a suggestion?" Harry asked, still unhappy with the conversation.
"Of course I do," Remus said smugly. "We already agreed I'd be the go between when you're back at school. I'll get reports from everyone on what they're doing, and you and I will speak once a week at minimum to keep you up to date. We're starting that today, and I'd like it to continue that way for the foreseeable future."
"That'll just leave you with everything on your plate," Harry said, unwilling for the man to shoulder the burden.
"No it won't. I'm taking my hand out of everything. My entire day will be training, some research, and compiling reports from the others. That's it."
"You'll be my secretary," the young man grinned in realization.
"Your adjutant," Remus corrected, rolling his eyes.
"Call it what you want."
"So you'll do it?"
"A trial run," Harry said after some thought. "I don't like the idea of not helping where it's needed. We'll see how it goes this semester, but if I'm uncomfortable with it, we'll talk over the holidays."
Remus nodded, certain of his own ability to convince the busy young man this was for the best. "Thank you, Harry. I appreciate you hearing me out."
"Of course, Moony," he responded. "I know Sirius was talking out of his ass when he called this a dictatorship, but honestly, I think it could turn into one if I'm not careful. I don't want that."
"You think we would let that happen?"
"When I get to where I need to be, stopping me might be tough."
Remus sent Harry a confused look as they reached the marble entrance to the bank, but chose not to comment as they were nearly late.
—
Arcturus and Harry sat at his kitchen table, his wife Melania clearing the tea they had recently finished. Arcturus waited for her to leave, shooting the woman a smile as she did.
"You are going to be a powerful person, Harry," the man began. "Magically, politically, and socially powerful."
Harry, feeling uncomfortable with the idea, didn't respond.
"With your work ethic, you'll be a better fighter than my grandson by Christmas, and in a class of your own by summer."
"But my magic won't have matured by then," Harry mentioned, remembering his lesson with Charlus on magical power and reserves.
"It won't matter if you're focused, boy. If you work your ass off, like you've been doing here, the power will only gild the lily," the man countered. "You will need to be perfect. The man trying to kill you has perverted his magic. He has become something else entirely and he's better than any I've seen. That's why I believe you've been given this opportunity, as I believe he's offended some higher power by his actions."
Arcturus always had a unique way of looking at things, so he wasn't surprised by the man's opinion on the situation.
"The power will corrupt you," the man continued with certainty. "The world could well be trading one Dark Lord for another."
"No sir," Harry countered fervently, fighting his anger at the thought. "I would never let that happen."
"Is that right? What happens when you have to make a choice to save my grandson; his life, or the lives of five strangers? What happens when you're certain you need to take an action, the welfare of all depending on it, but those around you disagree? What happens when your future wife is murdered in front of you, and you are aware of the entirety of the group that ordered it?"
Harry shook his head frustratedly, knowing the hypotheticals would be impossible to navigate, but refusing the idea he'd become something immoral.
"There will be moments in your life that will change you. And little by little you'll lean on your power. To force through a law. To protect your loved ones. To set change in motion. Soon enough, you'll find yourself using that power as a first resort, not a last. When you begin engaging your power before your brain, the world is in trouble."
"Then I refuse the power," the boy said stubbornly, his voice rising.
"Then you die a teenager," the man spat as loudly, unhappy with the answer.
"So what? I either leave the world to Voldemort, or become him? Those are my options?" Harry allowed his anger to show. "In all your wisdom, you see no possible shade of gray? Maybe you would have acted that way with such power. Maybe most people would. I'll never reach that point."
"Remember that statement for a hundred years, boy. See what your world looks like after that, and then ask yourself if you reached that point."
Harry stood, furious, his chair clattering to the floor. "You're wrong. And I'll prove it to you."
Harry stormed out of the house, anger and worry fighting for dominance in his head. He would not turn into a monster.
The conflicted boy never noticed the self-satisfied smirk on the man's face as he left.
—
Harry and Remus were led into a conference room as soon as they entered the bank. Daniel sat inside already, and stood to shake their hands.
"Any idea what this is about?" Harry asked his friend, as the request from the bank was incredibly vague.
"I'd assume your seizure of the Yaxley vaults, but I could be wrong."
Harry nodded, thinking similarly. They sat and chatted lightly for a moment before the doors banged open behind them. He quickly stood, wanting to show as much respect as possible.
"Lord Potter," a regal looking goblin greeted, walking quickly to the table and sitting across from him. Harry sat afterwards, nodding to the goblin.
"My name is Ragnok," the goblin continued, not looking at the other two men in the room.
"It's a pleasure, Ragnok."
"The bank was pleased," the goblin began without acknowledging the nicety. "That you learned of your status as an adult, and have assumed your rightful seat. It is not our place to have informed you of it, so it would have likely been a few years before we met had you not."
"I was glad to discover it as well," Harry said confusedly, unsure where the fast-talking goblin was going with this.
"I have been in charge of the Potter account for nearly seventy years, and I've worked closely with a few of your ancestors in order to invest your money wisely."
"Thank you, sir. Is there a problem with the account?"
"No, Lord Potter. With the addition of the Yaxley family assets, your account is one of the largest in Gringotts worldwide. Its investments are profitable and set to renew automatically. Though you could likely sue the Yaxley's for their properties as well."
Harry, knowing it would be more trouble than it was worth, shook his head negatively. "Let them keep it."
"Mercy to one's enemies is something I'll never understand," the goblin said with a thoughtful sigh, finally slowing, rubbing his eyes with a hand. Silence filled the room, and Harry chanced a look at Daniel, who shrugged confusedly at the young man.
"Er... Ragnok, sir," he began, before being waved into silence by the goblin.
"My apologies. It has been a long week," he said, sitting forward in his seat, his urgency returning. "Your duel, Lord Potter. I was impressed by what I heard. You seem to fight like one of my kind. Though Yaxley would be dead if you had been."
"The man didn't deserve the respect of a noble death," Harry responded grimly.
"Now that I can understand," the goblin said with a smirk. "The duel had interesting consequences. Knowledge coming to light. I assume that was your intention?"
"Yes, sir. It was the best way to get the word out since the Ministry refuses to acknowledge it."
"Yes," Ragnok mused. "It was well done. And the Goblin Nation thanks you for it. We have been working to secure the premises further, and to ensure Voldemort is denied access regardless of what happens in your world."
"Thank you, Ragnok," Harry responded, not surprised the goblin said the name easily. "I'm working, on my end, towards mitigating the disaster. And I'll be killing him when I can," he finished firmly.
"I believe you will," the goblin replied, impressed by Harry's confidence. "We shall, of course, remain neutral in any coming conflict. Though many of my warriors would relish the chance to fight."
"Excuse me, sir," Daniel interrupted, earning himself an annoyed glare from the goblin. "My apologies, but your warriors?"
"Yes, Lord Greengrass," the goblin replied shortly. "In late June of this year, our seers demanded I be handed control of the Nation. I've since learned why, but I hold that information close."
"Lord Potter," the goblin continued, ignoring Daniel again. "I have a duty to my Nation that I intend to uphold."
"Of course, Ragnok," Harry said, his eyes wide at the realization of who he was speaking to. "Please, sir. Call me Harry."
"Harry," the goblin agreed with a nod. "That duty demands that I protect my Nation above all else. Above protecting your money. Above my own family. I take that duty seriously."
"Of course, sir."
"I know your life changed significantly around the same time mine did, and it felt prudent that we meet."
Harry's eyes widened in surprise at the goblin's knowledge.
"Can I assume your companions know what transpired?" the goblin continued.
"Yes, sir."
"Then I'll admit the reason for my succession was that I was foreseen working closely with you. Our seers are unsure of when, but believe it to be after you've vanquished your foe."
"I look forward to the opportunity."
"Now that I've met you, Harry," Ragnok continued. "I see why you are important. Your will is strong, and I think we can work together well."
"As do I, sir," Harry said, his mind whirling from the speed of the conversation.
"Excellent. Then I shall return to my duties, and you to yours. Shall I call for a goblin to help you with financial matters?"
"Sir, if I may," Harry offered, a thought forming. "If you're foretold to work with me, shouldn't you have a stake in seeing me win?"
Ragnok stared at him for a long moment, before his demeanor changed dramatically. He deflated a bit, and took a few measured breaths.
"Your words have been mentioned and argued over with great zeal," the goblin answered frustratedly. "I won't hesitate to say that I agree, but my power isn't absolute. I am held accountable by a cabinet of respected members, and that cabinet is split on the matter.
"The dissenting members believe we shall only profit once you've finished your war. I disagree, but I don't have the votes to assist you, and I don't see that changing."
Harry took a breath, glad the pace of the encounter had slowed.
"I understand your position, Ragnok. And at this time, I'm unsure how you could help anyway. But our world will be turned on its head soon. Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a year. Your assistance would be a huge help when that comes to pass."
"Do not expect it. I'll continue to argue the matter, but we goblins are legendary for our stubbornness."
"I understand, sir, and I appreciate your honesty," Harry said, slightly disappointed. "How do you suggest we proceed?"
"I've been told you know one of my employees. William Weasley. I've worked with him in the past, and do not hate the man. I suggest we use his advantageous position to act as an intermediary for the two of us."
"That's easy, Ragnok. He's a close friend."
"Then so we shall do. I will pass on any information I feel you need, and I would appreciate being kept apprised of yours."
"I will pass on what I can, sir," Harry countered hesitantly. "But we are determined to keep things close to the vest. As I'm sure you're aware, my family has been betrayed in the past."
"You suggest I would do so?" the goblin asked menacingly, his expression transforming dangerously.
"I mean no disrespect, Ragnok, to you or your Nation," Harry replied diplomatically, though he allowed his magic to build behind his words. "I've asked even my most trusted friends to swear oaths of loyalty to our cause. I would be remiss to not require the same from a new friend."
The goblin was silent for a long awkward moment, and Harry fought the urge to glance at Remus and Daniel, knowing he needed to show strength. Finally, Ragnok made a noise of amusement, the tension in his posture dissipating.
"Very well, Harry," he said easily. "You have my respect, and I will, of course, accept what you are able to share."
Harry, Remus, and Daniel breathed a collective breath, relaxing a bit in their seats.
"Thank you. I'll let Bill know what we need from him when he returns to work," he said, standing and extending a hand.
Ragnok looked surprised by the action, but shook Harry's hand with a firm grip.
"I look forward to working with you, Harry," he said with a toothy grin.
"As do I, Ragnok," Harry responded easily. "Before I let you get back to your business, can I ask if Griphook still works here?"
"My nephew," the goblin admitted. "He has taken over for me as your account manager."
"He was the first goblin I ever met," Harry explained. "A credit to your Nation."
"I'll tell him you remember him. He will be honored."
"The honor was ours, sir."
The three wizards stood, bowing slightly, as the head of the Goblin Nation took a breath, resumed a distracted air, and rushed from the room.
"Why is everything a thing with you?" Remus asked with a chuckle.
"Just lucky I guess."
"I'm glad I was able to be of assistance," Daniel added sarcastically. "Remind me to let you out on your own from now on. You handled that better than I would have."
"Daniel," Harry said with a laugh. "Thank you for coming. Even if you weren't needed, there was a moment I was glad to have another person at my back."
"You're telling me. I was sitting here hoping Dumbledore happened to be in the building," the man replied with a grimace. "Emily wanted me to invite you for tea, by the way."
Harry shot a look at Remus, who shrugged. "I think we're done for the day," he said with a look. "You could use a break from training."
Harry accepted the man's invitation nervously, as he hadn't really socialized in a while.
—
Once clear of the bank, Harry side-along apparated with Daniel, so he could bypass the Greengrass wards, arriving in a beautifully appointed foyer. Not quite as large as the Manor's, but a woman's touch was obvious in the decor.
Daniel gestured him into the connected sitting room, calling for his wife at the same time. The woman joined them after a few seconds, smiling widely.
"Lord Potter," she said with a small curtsy. "It is a pleasure to have you in our home."
"Er… Lady Greengrass," Harry began awkwardly. "I just had a very formal meeting, and my brain hurts. Could I be Harry for the evening, or from now on?"
"Of course, Harry. Call me Emily," the beautiful woman said with a laugh, leaning forward to kiss both cheeks in welcome. "I get so sick of standing on airs all the time. My mother warned me about marrying a Brit…"
"Watch it wife," Daniel grumbled, kissing her lightly in welcome. "Your mother loves me. And I won't let her name be slandered."
"She rarely sees you, Dan. That makes you easy to love."
Harry grinned as Emily turned and left the room. Daniel rubbed the back of his neck in chagrin, a bemused look on his face.
"She got the better of that exchange," he muttered to himself.
Harry laughed, following the man into his kitchen. Emily, busy at the stove, glanced over her shoulder as they entered.
"I'm never sure what to offer when I invite someone for tea," she said openly. "Dinner, a snack, actual tea, I've never figured it out. So I make it all, and play it by ear. What do you think?"
Harry, feeling immediately at ease with the couple, and smelling a delicious aroma from the oven, answered easily. "I'd like whatever's baking, please. It smells incredible."
"Dinner it is," she smiled over her shoulder. Daniel sat at the table, gesturing for Harry to join him, and summoned a bottle of red wine.
"We allow Daphne wine with dinner if you'd like to try it," he offered.
"It's gotta be better than the bourbon," Harry responded before trying to swallow his words, glancing at Emily.
"No argument here, Harry," the woman replied. "Give me a light beer any day. Lord Greengrass over there is the booze snob."
Harry grinned at the snob, as he poured him a glass.
"It's unreal," the man muttered. "The moment she hears 'casual', it's immediately 'pick on Daniel' day."
"We could make every day 'pick on Daniel day'," Harry said with a smirk.
"Now we're talking," Emily cheered, grabbing cutlery from a drawer.
"This is why I act so formal in public," Daniel muttered. "I pretend it's politics, but really it's the abuse I get from my wife."
"If it helps, 'formal Daniel' is intimidating as hell," Harry offered.
"Try telling his daughters that," Emily countered with a smirk as she moved a casserole from the oven to the table. Harry tasted the wine, finding he enjoyed it much more than the whiskey.
"It's from California," Daniel said, watching Harry's expression. "It only comes out for family, as our usual dinner guests are actual wine snobs and look down on any vineyards less than four hundred years old."
"It's good," he noted, slightly embarrassed by how welcome the couple was making him.
After another minute of placing side dishes on the table, Emily sat next to her husband with a smile.
"Are Daphne and Astoria not joining us?" Harry asked, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment.
"I sent them away to be free of your influence, Potter," Daniel answered darkly, though Harry saw the twinkle in his eye.
"They're at the Davis'," Emily said, smacking her husband on the shoulder. "Astoria will be sad she missed you. She's been telling everyone about how you saved her."
Harry flushed, not wanting the attention.
"None of that, Harry," the woman chided gently. "My husband is a powerful wizard, but he was as trapped as the rest of us. If you and Lord Black hadn't come along we would have been in real trouble."
"It was lucky I was there," Harry admitted. "I'll never understand why fully capable witches and wizards would rather run than face a problem."
"I said the same thing fifteen years ago," Emily replied sombrely. "Then I saw what we were up against, and I understood their fear. Our generation has been trained to run. The only other option is unthinkable."
Harry saw her shudder slightly, and Daniel grabbed her hand in support.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't there, so I shouldn't judge."
"No," Daniel countered, squeezing his wife's hand. "My generation should have done much more than we did. Something I'll always regret. We were right to be scared, but that's not an excuse to be walked over. Your dad mentioned it all the time. If people just realized the numbers were on their side, fifty weak stunners would have beaten five Killing Curses."
"Feels like we're in the same scenario now."
"We're not," Emily said with a smile. "We all watched, in person or through another, a young man stand up to someone supposedly stronger than themselves. I think your example will show a lot of people what they're capable of. We'll be quicker to do the same this time around."
Harry flushed with embarrassment, not meeting her gaze.
"Get used to it Harry," Daniel said, chuckling. "You've inspired people. My daughter included."
"Astoria?"
"Daphne," the man corrected. "The night of the attack at Gringotts she asked me to strengthen the wards so she could practice over the summer, and her determination only grew after your duel. She'll be a force to be reckoned with at Hogwarts."
"I'll steer clear," Harry answered with a grin.
"Make sure you do," Daniel answered a bit coldly, his wife swatting him once more.
—
September 1, 1995
The dinner was very enjoyable, and Harry floo-ed home feeling warm from the wine and the welcome. He spent the following day packing his things, saying his goodbyes, and worrying Remus to death about everything he wanted updates on. The man eventually snapped, saying "Harry, I changed your diapers. This is nothing in comparison." The teenager quickly apologized but Remus brushed it off, understanding his position.
The Davies' successfully moved in, and Harry had welcomed them and explained the situation. They readily agreed to sign the contract Remus had drawn up, protecting the village from those that wished it harm. He was impressed by Roger's father Andrew, and his older brother Samuel, though he still thought Roger was a bit stuck up. He asked Remus to feel out Andrew and Samuel, but not to approach them until they could talk at the holidays.
Sirius and Remus went with him to Platform 9 ¾, and all three made it through the goodbye tear-free. Sirius made sure to force a promise from the teenager that he'd cause some mischief when he could.
He found a compartment with the same group he had left the school with, and chatted with Neville, Ginny, and Luna until Ron and Hermione returned from the prefects' meeting. They brought frustrating news when they finally did.
"Really?" He asked in disgust. "Malfoy?"
"And Parkinson," Hermione confirmed with disappointment. "Both of whom looked far too happy about their new positions. You'll need to be careful."
"Somehow, I find myself unconcerned."
"They can assign detentions!"
"That have to be approved by my Head of House," Harry countered. "McGonagall came to my birthday party! She loves me!"
"She left after an hour," Hermione reminded him.
"Damn, should've schmoozed her, huh?"
"Nah mate, she'd have left earlier," Ron offered helpfully, dodging the jelly bean tossed at his head.
"I enjoyed coming to your party, Harry," Luna added seriously. "There were surprisingly few nargles."
"We spray once a month," he replied, having no clue what the girl was talking about. She nodded anyway, happy with the response.
"Who do you reckon the new Defense teacher is?" Neville asked curiously.
Dumbledore had warned Harry about the new professor, and what her presence would mean. Fudge wanted more control over the school, and placing Dolores Umbridge in the vacancy was just the beginning. The team had brainstormed some ideas at how to remove Hogwarts from Ministry control, but it would take time.
Harry had never spoken to the woman, as she was only allowed in the Wizengamot as Fudge's undersecretary and wasn't allowed to speak. Remus told him exactly what kind of person Umbridge was, however, so Harry was less than excited to meet her. He decided he would give her a chance, but would remove himself from her class if necessary.
He liked the tradition of the students always wondering, though, so kept his information to himself.
"Well, in the last three years we've had a fraud, a werewolf, and a Death Eater, so my hopes aren't high."
"Remus was great!" Hermione said automatically, not catching the young man's joking tone.
"So was 'Moody'," Neville countered with a look. "I bet the twins have a pool going."
"I think it's ten to one on a vampire, two to one on a psychotic murderer," Ginny offered immediately.
"I'll get my money in early on the two to one," Harry admitted darkly, to murmured agreement from his friends.
He stood up, needing the loo, making sure to lock the door behind him. He wasn't dropping his guard this year. After finishing in the restroom and exiting, he saw Draco banging on his friends' compartment door, henchmen in tow. Harry watched as a large freckled hand made a rude gesture in the window, closing the curtains afterwards. Draco drew his wand, flushing with anger, and Harry figured he'd step in before the boy managed to hurt himself.
"Something you need, Malfoy?"
The three boys turned in unison, Draco's usual sneer in place.
"Potter," the boy said acidly. "Your compartment door is locked. Prefects need to be able to inspect it."
"Not sure if you were able to see through that clear glass window behind you, but there's actually two prefects inside my compartment. I'm sure they can manage the inspection without your help."
"I'd watch your tone," Draco said dangerously, his wand still in his hand. "Things are different this year."
"Because you're a sheriff now?" Harry asked, with a pointed look at the boy's badge. "Is this town not big enough for the both of us?"
All three Slytherins looked lost, though that could have just been default for Crabbe and Goyle.
"Watch a movie, guys," Harry said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. He felt an approaching magical presence behind him, and quickly turned to make sure he wasn't being trapped.
It was Daphne Greengrass, seemingly heading for the restroom. Harry noticed the curious look on her face as she watched the stand-off, but turned back to Malfoy, not willing to be caught unawares.
"This has nothing to do with school, Potter," Draco continued. "This badge is a joke. The school is a joke. None of it matters anymore, and you know it."
Harry had a massive urge to knock the smirk off the boy's face, but didn't plan to make the first move if it came to violence.
"You're right, for once. Is this where you warn me of my impending doom?"
"No," Draco replied snidely. "But I'm glad you know it's coming. I plan to be there to see it."
Draco turned, apparently wanting the last word, and walked confidently through the carriage. His too-large bookends quickly followed, one last menacing look to Harry as they did.
Harry watched to make sure they left the carriage before relaxing.
"What, no fireworks Potter?"
Harry turned to see Daphne smirking at him, having stopped to watch the confrontation. She had yet to change into her robes, wearing muggle jeans and a white t-shirt, and he was a bit stunned by how attractive she looked. Mentally shaking himself, he returned her smirk.
"It's all about the build up, Greengrass. You gotta get people on the edge of their seats before the grand finale." Harry was proud of how casual his voice sounded.
The beautiful Slytherin seemed to consider his response before nodding. "In that case, I agree with something Draco said for the first time ever. I hope I'm there to see it."
"I'll make sure you are," Harry replied with a grin. He wasn't sure why, but he felt the need to keep the girl talking. "Though I'm not sure who you'd be cheering for."
"It would be rather poor form to heckle my rescuer," she answered, returning the grin.
Harry was nearly rendered speechless by her smile, and shook his head to clear it.
"So you admit to being in my debt," he finally managed, his brain running on auto-pilot.
"I do," Daphne responded seriously, her smile disappearing. "You saved my life that day."
"No," he quickly countered, kicking himself for changing the tone of the conversation. "It was just an unlucky scenario. It was nothing."
"I disagree."
"Well then I call in that debt, and request that you forget it existed."
"Such a gentleman," Daphne said sarcastically, her smirk returning.
"Only sometimes. Though I heard you've been training, so you'll get my best behavior."
"How boring," the girl replied with a roll of her eyes, entering the ladies' room without another word.
Harry felt like he'd just run a marathon, and leaned against the wall for a moment. The conversation left him confused, but with a wide smile on his face. Composing himself as best he could, he headed towards his compartment.
As he reached the door, it was yanked open from inside, Ron's large frame preparing to exit. The two boys both jumped at the sudden closeness, before breaking into matching grins.
"What took so long?" his friend asked, the rest of the group listening curiously.
"Malfoy," Harry said with a casual shrug. "He seems to think I have enemies somewhere, and wanted to warn me."
Ron and Neville scoffed at the lie, Hermione tutting disapprovingly. "You didn't curse him did you?"
"You'd have heard if I did."
"No," she disagreed. "I silenced the door. Ron was turning into a tomato from all the knocking."
Harry grinned at the typical Gryffindor. "I'm surprised you sat on your hands, Weasley."
"More like Hermione did," the boy replied quickly. Harry gave him a look of disgust, as Ron slowly realized what he had said.
The rest of the compartment erupted into laughter, while Hermione joined Ron in a repeat performance of the aforementioned tomato.
A/N: A small tease of the relationship to come. It'll be a few chapters before it really gets going, but I'm happy with how it's written. Btw, I just booked a flight to Orlando in December to see some friends, and we're going to Universal during their holiday stuff! I've been before, but something about Hogwarts and Hogsmeade during Christmas has me feeling like a child again. I'm wayyy too excited, and will probably embarrass my friends, but they're used to it. Thanks for reading!