"Remind me again why I'm doing this?"

Chuckling at the surly attitude of her younger housemate, the currently blond, with blue and pink pigtails, Hufflepuff answered the question with an appropriate amount of enthusiasm.

"Two reasons Potter. One, our house team is playing this game, so if you don't want our housemates to bother you its best to show your support. And two, because I happened to promise to get you something the next time there's a trip into the village."

Smirking as the black-haired Hufflepuff conceded his loss with a grumble, as well as a few choice words that would have earned him several months detention if a professor had been present to overhear then, Tonks found herself frowning in thought as Harry directed her attention back towards the game.

"Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is. With the overgrown bat volunteering to referee the game, it's not like the rest of the school is gonna attribute our win to the skills of our team."

Sighing in annoyance at this sadly true statement, for even if their house finally had a descent seeker this year the fact remained that Hufflepuff's underserved reputation, combined with Snape's well known bias towards the house of the lions, would cause several people to claim that the win rightfully belonged to Gryffindor.

However, since she aspired to prove people wrong about her house, Tonks moved to change the subject before Harry could offer up another pessimistic observation.

"Speaking of skills, rumor has it that you may have to actually put in some effort into your classes if you wanna keep being first in your year."

It was barely noticeable, but since she had taught herself to notice the smallest of changes in a person's disposition, something which would serve her well once she became an Auror, the currently blond-haired metamorphmagus could clearly hear the irritation in Harry's voice as he gave his reply.

"I don't know what your talking about."

Smirking in amusement at this response, Tonks continued to needle him.

"Are you sure? I mean, Hermione was pretty happy when she told me that both Flitwick and McGonagall viewed her work to be equal to yours. And while I like the girl, I am also not blind to the fact that she can get a little…boastful at times."

Catching the slight twitch at the corner of his eye at the mention of his 'academic rival', the older Hufflepuff was about to reassure her less than happy housemate when her attention was forced back towards the game.

"AND HUFFLEPUFF'S NEW SEEKER CEDRIC DIGGORY HAS SEEN THE SNITCH!"

….

Grateful for the distraction provided by Qudditich announcer, for he honestly wasn't sure if he could have handled more of Tonk's teasing without snapping at her, Harry wisely used the time given to him to calm himself down.

In truth, he didn't honestly care about Granger's sudden improvement. For thanks to his lessons back home, he was already far beyond her in terms of magical advancement. Even if he couldn't really showcase it since he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself.

But since his patience was already being tested by being taught by a narcissistic peacock, who had snidely commented on his work as being 'barely passable', not to mention his concerns about Via's family situation, the fact that he wasn't there to back up his parents on the job, and even Hagrid's impending 'fatherhood', he really wasn't in a mood to tolerate Granger's smugness.

Thankfully, the reasons behind her newfound academic prowess caused her to limit her time at the Hufflepuff table.

Which meant that he didn't have to listen to her complain about his 'study techniques', or listen to her naïve ambitions about changing the structure of Magical society.

Sure he actually liked some of her ideas, not that he would ever admit it out loud, but considering too many powerful people liked the status quo, even those that weren't rabid about the whole blood purity thing, Harry knew that she would either be destroyed by the system or be forced to compromise her moral beliefs in order to get something accomplished.

He of course could help her, either by using his status as a miracle orphan or as a member of I.M.P. to help 'remove' certain obstacles. But in all honesty, he didn't see the point.

Life in the human world was only temporary after all. Unless you happened to belong to one of the longer-lived/immortal races.

Which meant that apart from aiding his friends, and perhaps ruining the lives of assholes who would quickly discover the 'reward' for their efforts, Harry was content to leave things in the Wizarding World well enough alone.

Of course he suspected that Hell's ruler had some plans to use him as a means to influence how Magical Britain would develop. And Via's uncle had all but confirmed it when he made a comment about expanding his interests once the 'mortal climate had been changed'.

But since such things were well above his pay grade and ability to influence, at least for the time being, he didn't waste too much time dwelling on it.

Especially since he had other more immediate concerns on his mind.

Chief among them being that he still had no idea on who had tried to kill him during that last Quidditch match.

If he hadn't been raised by a group of assassins and taught by demonic nobles, he probably would have immediately suspected Snape since the man's hatred of him was well known.

However, he was too obvious a suspect.

Which meant that he would have to employ one of the least favorite strategies that had been imparted to him by both Blitzo and Via's mother.

Waiting for his unknown opponent to make the next move.

…

"Are you all right Severus? You're looking a little….well to be frank a little under the weather."

Shooting a small tired glare at the understandable chipper woman, for in his mind he had done nothing to warrant this sudden concern for his well-being, Snape opened his mouth to offer a curt, but nevertheless honest response.

Only to be beaten to it by his irritable Scottish colleague.

"Considering he needlessly added to his responsibilities, it's to be expected."

Though he was annoyed at the interruption, the greasy-haired potions master had been expecting this sort of attitude ever since he had offered his 'services' to referee the weekend's Quidditch game.

Which is why despite his exhaustion, he was more than ready to deliver his own less-than-pleasant comment.

"Rest assured Minerva, I did not particularly enjoy being a substitute for Rolanda. But considering what happened last time, the headmaster thought it prudent that a more…knowledgeable supervisor be on hand. The fact that Pomona's house managed to emerge victorious over your lions has little do with me."

While the head of Gryffindor was professional enough not to directly accuse of him of being biased, the fact remained that her status as an enthusiastic Quidditch fan ensured that she occasionally allowed herself to be more open with her favoritism.

"Funny. Because from where I was sitting, I would have to say that it was due to your 'refereeing' that caused the game to develop as it did."

Having known in advance that this was something that he would be accused of even before he had volunteered to referee the game, Snape nevertheless felt a small smirk spread across his features as his other colleague spoke up in his defense.

Albeit in an indirect manner.

"Are you claiming that my house is undeserving of their victory Minerva? Yes I can admit that Severus was a tad…overzealous in his duties, but my team earned their victory fair and square."

And just like that, the sallow-faced potions master was no longer the target of an angry Scotswoman.

"Fair and square? I sorry Pomona but I don't see it that way. Your team is no doubt talented. But.."

"But what Minerva?! You don't think that it has what it takes to take on your lions?"

"I never said that dear. What I am saying is that my team was unable to play to the best of their abilities due to…"

"Seemed to me that they were playing like they always did. Only difference is that your seeker seems to believe that he should be team captain despite being the youngest on the team."

Having had that same opinion himself, for McLaggen showcased a level of arrogance that managed to surpass even James Potter, Snape decided to tune out the developing argument to focus on the spawn of his hated rival.

There was no doubt that Potter was arrogant, and displayed a similar disrespect for the rules that would have won him the friendship of his father and his crew of miscreants.

Though he had to concede, albeit grudgingly, that perhaps his godson could stand to be a little less…confrontational when he engaged the Hufflepuff Potter in conversation.

But considering the boy's intelligence, even if it had been gained through illicit means of which his mental defenses were clear proof of this, and his lack of interest in getting involved in the brand of chaos that was heavily favored by the Weasley Twins, he didn't go out of his way to antagonize the boy.

Though if presented with an opportunity he would take it.

It was petty of him of course, but since ensuring the boy's survival was a constant source of stress in his life, he would take what small enjoyments he could get.

Cause afterall, it wasn't as if the boy was lacking in figures in which to complain about the unfairness of his life.

Though he honestly didn't see the appeal in selecting Hagrid as a source of comfort.

And speaking of the half-giant, his absences at mealtime were becoming more and more frequent.

Something that was worrying in itself considering his 'pet' was the first line of defense in guarding an artifact that had no business being in a school filled with relatively innocent children.

But considering Potter would undoubtedly raise a fuss at the oaf's continued absence, his concerns were probably unwarranted.

Especially since it seemed to be the cause for the brat's absence from breakfast this morning.

An event that he didn't really care about since his main suspect for the year's 'excitement' was currently shuffling into the Great Hall for his own morning meal.

But considering Potter's absence was noted by both the Malfoy heir and the girl who reminded him of his childhood friend, although Lily was never that abrasive or arrogant as the bushy haired Muggleborn, he suspected that whatever the son of his nemesis was up to would soon be brought to light.

…..

Beaming with pride as he heard the steadily increasing sounds emulating from the fireplace, Hagrid blissfully failed to pick up on the annoyance that was clearly heard in his guest's voice.

"So you're saying that it's still hours away from hatching?"

Nodding his head in happiness as he turned to look at the eleven-year-old Hufflepuff, the half giant couldn't help but chuckle as Harry asked him a question that in all honesty, he should have expected.

"And you couldn't wait to tell me this until AFTER breakfast?"

Having somewhat expected this to be brought up when he noticed the exact time the egg started to move, Hagrid gestured towards his kitchen area.

"Help yourself Harry. Lucky for you last night was a baking nigh…"

Rendered momentarily speechless by how fast the eleven-year-old could move, though considering what he had seen of the boy's appetite he shouldn't be too surprised, the half Giant allowed his guest to consume two or three of his rock cakes before he spoke again.

"As I was saying, according to the books I've been reading, once a dragon's egg starts to move, it will only be a couple of hours before it hatches. Though considering the time of year, and the fact I'm still not quite sure which breed it is, its possible that it's not gonna hatch until later this evening."

Flashing the blank eyed Hufflepuff a look of guilt, for he knew that he had allowed his excitement to get the better of him, Hagrid was both touched and relieved when Harry asked him a question that revealed that he had forgiven him.

"What time should I be here?"

Though he was perhaps just a bit worried about the boy's willingness to break the rules.

"Well…its probably gonna after curfew. But if you want to be here first thing tomorrow morning, my door's always open to you Harry."

He received a nod.

Though he couldn't help but feel that was more in gratitude to the open invitation than acknowledging the fact that he could get in trouble if he was caught out of his dormitory after hours.

However, such thoughts quickly disappeared as his attention was drawn back towards his unborn Dragon friend.

He knew that they were viewed as dangerous creatures. But in his mind that just meant that they were misunderstood.

Aragog was an excellent example of what could happen if an intelligent creature was raised from infancy.

Of course he had to keep him away from other students to help him curb his desire for, as he called, 'soft prey'.

And yes the timing of his 'procurement' could have been better since the school was on the lookout for the 'beast' that was responsible for petrifying Muggleborn students.

It was only thanks to Dumbledore's intervention that ensured Riddle's popularly supported accusation didn't result in his imprisonment. Something that would have surely led to his eight-legged friend's death since he had still been too small to defend himself.

But considering the giant spider's continued friendship was proof that the Ministry was wrong in labeling such creatures as mindless monsters, he was confident that he could accomplish the same feat with a dragon.

Provided of course he got Harry to help him fireproof his house, and place some protective charms on Fang.

For like him, his bark was far worse than his bite.

Though he fully intended to disprove this saying when he caught up with the thing that was actively hunting the forest's unicorn herd.

….

Though she knew that the ability to keep cool under pressure was a highly desirable trait for her future career, at this point in time the only thing Tonks wanted to do was to vent her frustrations with curses of both a magical and verbal nature.

This of course wasn't the first time a relationship had ended because her partner was pushing her to go further than she felt comfortable with.

But it was perhaps the first time her so-called date sought to emotionally manipulate her into giving into his desires.

Previous blocks of course had annoyed the hell out of her by requesting/demanding that she change the portions of her body to meet their fantasies. She had lost count of the number of times she had been confronted with the male fixation on bigger breasts.

But the last asshole, proof that Slytherin did not have a monopoly on slimeballs, actually had the gall to suggest that they're 'first time' should be done while she was in her 'true form'.

She wasn't sure which was worse.

The fact that she had thought that he was different from other boys she had dated.

Or the fact that he had thought that such a pickup line would work on her.

What most people failed to realize was that the changes she made to her appearance was still all her.

Purple or blond hair. Flat chested or buxom. Tall or short. Skinny or fat.

All of it was her.

And she'd be damned if she let anyone tell her different.

Hell, before coming to Hogwarts she was changing her shape all the time. But since the teaching staff was far stricter than her mum when it came to showing 'proper decorum', she rarely got the chance to doing anything that couldn't be accomplished with a simple hair-changing potion or transfiguration spell.

Which was why her closest circle of friends were those who welcomed her without making comments about how she should change.

Sure the Weasley Twins occasionally joked about using her 'talents' to help them enhance their pranking.

Hermione at times allowed her curiosity to get the better of her with all of her questions.

And Harry. Well to be honest Harry didn't really give a crap about appearances one way or the other.

Except perhaps when he was trying to sneak out of the dormitory without anyone noticing.

If she had been in a better mood, she probably would have inquired as to why he was intent on breaking curfew. And perhaps even extend an offer of help to whatever it was he deemed important enough to risk getting caught being out of bed after hours.

As it was, the only thing she wanted to do was take a shower, crawl into bed, and dream of a world where she wouldn't be punished for the more creative punishments she could bestow on the more annoying members of the male species.

….

It's….very cute Hagrid. Congrats."

Though his tone was slightly sarcastic, not that Hagrid would notice since he was busy cooing at the still yolk-covered reptile, his words were nevertheless genuine.

"Have you…thought of giving it a name?"

This question managed to remind the half-giant that there was more than one bipedal creature in his cabin. Which was a good thing since it was becoming pretty obvious that the little dragon was beginning to view his outstretched fingers as something that might be edible.

"I was thinking that I'd name him….Norbert."

Unsure if he should either laugh or sigh at Hagrid's choice, though in all honesty he should have expected it since in their time together he had learned that he had given his pet Cerberus the name Fluffy, Harry decided to ask the most obvious question.

"How do you know it's a boy?"

The answer he got of course revealed not only Hagrid's knowledge when it came to dangerous animals, but also his inability to properly apply it when he was distracted.

"Well…we wont know for sure for a month or so. Unless of course he starts spitting fire within the first week or so, at which case we'll know that he's a girl. But to me, he looks like a Norbert."

Wisely choosing not to comment on that last part, for even if he had developed a well-deserved reputation of being blunt Hagrid was one of the few 'topside' people who he put in the effort to being 'nice' to, Harry allowed his mind to wander as his friend went back to 'playing' with the dragon.

The fact that some stranger just happened to have a rare dragon's egg on him while visiting a pub frequented by a known animal enthusiast was suspicious to the extreme.

Which made him curious as to what Hagrid knew in order to be deemed worthy enough to be bribed with one of his greatest desires.

Of course, he used the term bribe loosely since he knew that the man's moral code was far less flexible than his own.

Meaning that Hagrid would have to be placed in a situation where he inadvertently revealed something he really shouldn't.

And the best way of doing that would be to keep him in a place where it was easy to not only hold his interest but also ply him booze.

Sadly, before he could make a mental list of just who might have both the means to get their hands on a foreign dragon egg, as well as the cash needed to get a man the size of Hagrid drunk, Harry was pulled out of his musings by the no longer cheerful sounding voice of his host.

"Who's that?"

Quickly looking behind him, the Hufflepuff's list just narrowed considerably.

For though it had only been a moment, he had nevertheless caught the slight of pale blonde hair.

…..

Running as quickly as he could, for he knew that the only way he could escape punishment for his act of 'public service' was to get within the presence of a teacher, preferably one that was sympathetic to his cause, Draco couldn't help but grin as he thought back to the night's revelations.

He knew that Potter and that giant oaf were up to something.

But never in his wildest dreams did he think to discover that the pair of them were doing something that would risk Ministry involvement.

Which was why he needed to contact his father as soon as possible.

He often hear his parents talking about how Hogwarts could be improved with the removal of the less 'desirable' elements. And while the presence of a Dragon was probably insufficient enough to force Dumbledore to leave office, it might just be enough to give father additional authority on how the school was run.

Starting with the sacking of that animal-obsessed idiot.

But first he needed to reach the castle befo..

Crashing to the ground as he felt his legs lock together, the blond-haired Slytherin quickly reached for his wand to cast the counter curse.

Only to have his wand kicked out of his hand by one of the 'elements' that he hoped to have removed from the school.

"You surprise me Malfoy. I didn't think inbred Nazis could run that fast."

Shooting Potter a glare, one that was more heated than usual since he had actually done some research into that particular term, Draco responded in the only way he was able to.

"You'll pay for this Pot…GARRHHH!"

Failing to hold in his tears as his nemesis proceeded to stomp down onto his hand, the Malfoy heir felt more than a touch of fear as the first year Hufflepuff commented on his predicament.

"Actually, I don't think I will. You see, I know this little spell that just happens to cause a person to lose their memory. My teacher says that I still need to learn how to tweak it so I only forget the past hour instead of the past year. But since it's obvious your too thick to understand what I've been teaching you for the past year, I doubt that it will make any difference."

Gulping as Potter's wand was now directed between his eyes, Draco could only let out a cry of relief as he heard the unmistakable voice of a professor.

Albeit one that he had never thought to be relieved to hear.

"Potter! What on earth are you doing?!"

Though he smirked at Potter's obvious irritation at being interrupted, he nevertheless felt a sense of comradery with the Hufflepuff as it was revealed that McGonagall had not come alone.

"Obviously they were fighting Professor. Just like I told you they were."

He wasn't sure which was worse.

The fact that he had been at the mercy of a Hufflepuff. Albeit one that shared many similarities to the stories he had heard about his imprisoned aunt.

Or the fact that his untimely rescue had been orchestrated by the currently smug looking Mudblood.

Either way, he would get them for this.

Somehow.

….

ANNNNND this seems like a good place to end the chapter lol

To briefly summarize what has happened

Some more bonding between Harry and Tonks since he sorta needs a more grounded/morally influence in his life than his family back in Hell. Not that her influence has done much to change his personality. But they are fun to write about lol

And then of course there's Harry AND Snape's thoughts in regards to what happened in the previous game. With Snape getting under Minnie's skin cause she blames his refereeing for costing Gryfinddor the game against Hufflepuff, thus getting into a fight with Sprout who supports her own team. Also wasn't 100% sure when Cedric Diggory becomes Hufflepuff Seeker since I cant remember him being mentioned before the 3rd book. But basically wanted to create a situation where Hufflepuff gets some glory, but Gryffindor of course acting like sore losers saying that they could have won without Snape.

Next segment of course addresses something that I have noticed to be rather common in Tonks stories. The fact that she more or less falls in love with the guy who says 'I wanna see your true form'. Considering the whole point of her abilities is to change any part of her appearance by thought/magic alone, it could be said that her true form is whatever the hell she wants it to be. Original idea with the segment was to have her a bit more involved with Harry and Hagrid' dragon issue, but decided to go this route instead for the potential it could have for their relationship.

And of course Malfoy. Finally getting a bit more of a real understanding of what kind of kid Harry is when he doesn't have to worry about consequences. And not to mention the usual angry relief that stems from being rescued at the last minute by someone who represents everything he has been taught to hate about first-generation magic users.

Having Hermione be the one to snitch to McGonagall about Harry and Malfoy's after-hour activities will have interesting repressions later on. Though have yet to settle on what they will be lol

Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Pls review

Til next time.