Chapter 18! Thank you all for being patient now just got to get things rolling. Hope you enjoy and as always do review!

Harry was the first one out of DADA, Daphne hadn't shown up at all and the churning in his gut was becoming more ferocious. The only way he'd stayed in his seat was remembering the conservation that he and Sirius had about people pushing buttons and using the occlumency shields in order to restrain himself as well as the sharp glares Neville kept sending him.

Immediately exiting he wordlessly conjured Prongs and sent him darting down the corridor to find her.

"Harry, its okay just try to remain calm okay. It could be nothing." Theo said as he pulled his bag over his shoulder. "Tracey and I can pop by the library and you and Neville can go and check the infirmary before I meet up for Herbology."

"I just don't get it, what changed between breakfast and now?"

"Could be anything, something to do with her exams or maybe Auditore has pulled her aside for something or maybe even Astoria needed help." Tracey replied instantly.

"Okay okay you're right. Just let me know…?"

"The second after we do, you will." They promised.

"Gonna be weird not having you complain all lesson, Trace." Neville said with a grin to the girl who grinned back.

"I'm just glad I don't have to go through all that torture again. Four years of Herbology was quite enough for me!"

"Come on Harry, we have time if we hurry. Can even ask Pomfrey about those classes if you want?"

Just the other night, Harry had spilled to Neville about his interest in healing and the two had spent a while talking about it and how far his interest extended and Neville had recommended him to ask Madam Pomfrey for some tips, books and even one or two lessons so that he could start to learn more.

"Right, see you guys later."

Reaching the infirmary, the both watched in relieved silence as the silver cat came towards them and slinking around Harry's legs said in Daphne's voice.

"Everything is alright, Professor Auditore is asking me about taking on the role of being a Slytherin Prefect."

"I thought they gave badges out ages ago?" Neville wondered.

Harry shrugged, already feeling the knot loosen though a niggling feeling was still making itself known.

"I can't remember seeing any of them with prefect badges on, you?"

"Maybe Auditore is wanting to get to know her students more. Who do you think the male will be?"

"If its Malfoy, I swear I will make his life hell." Harry responded immediately.

"And I will swear I had eyes on you all day, anyway do you want to ask Pomfrey or wait?"

"Ask now, we're here anyway."

Opening the heavy oak doors, they spotted Madam Pomfrey straight away standing over one of the beds and talking to a young boy who was sitting on the bed. They waited patiently by one of the beds until she was done and had come over with a smile.

"Good morning the two of you, everything alright?"

"Hi Madam Pomfrey, we only have a minute before we have to get to Herbology but I hope to put something to your attention that has been on my mind for a while."

"Yeeees."

"Well last year when I was studying I found myself being more interested in the healing spells and the way of things and then over the summer I was reading all these books and well I was wondering, you know…if its not too much trouble…well if I could…"

"You want to learn more about healing and to do so you wish to take lessons from me and shadow my work." The matron said briskly as she turned away and began to sort through one of the medical cabinets.

"Well yes actually that's exactly it."

"Good I expect you here at 8o'clock tomorrow night for you first hour of teaching. Take these." She said and handed over a few pamphlets. "Flick through them and have a think about which area you're thinking about and then I can have a bit of focus. Also have the beautiful owl of yours bring me your schedule and we can see if I can take up some of your time during your study periods."

"Yes Ma'am. Thank you, Madam Pomfrey, this means a lot."

"Ah pish posh my boy, I'll see you tomorrow. Now get to class before you're late."

With hurried goodbyes and a wave to the kid in the bed the two strode out.

"Well that went well." Neville remarked.

"Shut up."

"I mean the poise and elocution you exhibited."

"Shut it."

"And the way you put the question to the matron, such precision!"

"Drop it."

"You really left no doubt about what you wanted – ouch!"

"Yeah and that's what you get for mocking me." Harry said smugly, putting away his wand as Neville rubbed his thigh from where the stinging hex and hit.

"Is that how you treat you best friend!"

"Meh BEST friend is a bit of an exaggeration."

Neville gaped at him in mock surprise.

"Well in that case I think I should tell your best friend about how much of a chicken you are when talking to the scary nurse." And with that he took off down the hallway. Harry immediately gave chase.

"No Neville, don't you dare! Get back here! Neville you're my BFF!" He yelled dodging past a group of younger years who were looking at him in fear and confusion.

Neville slowed and turned, running backwards.

"Your what?"

"My BFF, best friend forever." Harry said barely getting the words out with an adoring expression on his face before the laughter worked its way out instead. Neville finally stopped and put his hand over his heart with an expression of total sincerity.

"My good sir, I am honoured."

Still laughing the two ended up just catching their class as they headed into the warm and stuffy atmosphere.

Ignoring the glares they were receiving from a few of the Gryffindors and Slytherins they moved over to stand with Tracey and Theo.

"Daph is with Arbitore, apparently she's up for Prefect." Harry whispered, getting out the tough, dragonhide work gloves that was now required in Herbology and slipping them on.

"You need an hour to decide that now? Its not like we have a lot to go on in the snake pit." Tracey said back quietly.

"Maybe its something else but that is what she said." He shot back before receiving a glare from Sprout and focussing on the hollyhock in front of him.

"Right now class, time to roll up your sleeves and get your fingernails dirty. Today we are going to look into he interbreeding of submissive and dominant plants. What characteristics come out from them and how we can judge what will come as a result, this is particularly good for those of you that are looking into healing and/or supplying to potioneers as it will increase or decrease effects etc." Sprout said clearly.

"Awesome!" Harry heard Neville whisper and forced himself to not grin at the delight in his friends voice.

Twenty minutes later and the door opened to reveal the blonde Slytherin that had Harry so distracted.

"I apologise my lateness Professor, my head of house wished to see me. I have a note."

"Thank you, Miss Greengrass. Find a space, get your gloves on and get your classmates to fill you."

"Yes ma'am."

The class resumed its contents and she shot a glare at Hannah who was next to Harry until she moved with a huff.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked quietly.

"I'll you more later but I've been made the prefect!"

"That's awesome, congratulation."

"Thanks." She said with a small smile to him, before she returned her attention back to the plants in front.

Another half an hour later and the four of them were heading to the kitchen as Daphne had flatly refused to tell them the other news until Tracey was also present.

"No, no no I'm not saying anything."

"Oh come on Daphne, you're practically brimming with excitement just give us one clue."

The pureblood heiress sniffed disdainfully in Neville's direction even as her eyes were glimmering with excitement and the arm that was linked with Harry's was practically pulling him along.

"I do not brim, that is far too undignified."

"Daphne, please give me something!"

"Eurgh, such a Gryffindor. Neville, do try to show some decorum or I shall write to your grandmother?"

"Go ahead, she loves me now." Neville said beaming. "She sent me a letter just yesterday asking about my first week back. Nothing on all the lordy heir nonsense, actually asking about me."

Daphne smiled genuinely at him.

"That's great Nev, I'm happy that you two are getting along better. Meanwhile the first letter I got from my mother was asking if Harry and I were being safe."

Harry choked on air while the other two burst out laughing.

"And…erm…what pray tell did you tell her?" Theo asked with such a gleam in his eyes that Harry knew this one was never being let go.

"That before she could say anything too dramatic I learnt everything from her and dad."

"What do you mean?"

"Only that I was remarkably early baby in their marriage." She said with a wicked grin that set off Neville and Theo and cause Harry to gape at his girlfriend. Seeing his expression she softened, leaned in close and whispered.

"I told her not to worry that we absolutely weren't at that stage but if we ever did I knew all the spells. And don't worry she won't tell Dad."

He relaxed and bent down to kiss her lightly.

"Awh come on, now we know you're lying." Neville said with a pout.

Daphne tilted her head dismissively.

"Sounds like a you problem."

"I wonder how my parents would have reacted to my activities."

"With disgust." Neville said dryly and shrugged at the disgruntled look that Theo sent him. "Have you made any move towards Danika? At least she's an untouchable but you haven't even asked her out yet, or made your interest known in any way?"

"I danced with her at the party!"

"Well alert the church priest there's a wedding on the way!"

Daphne and Harry hung back a little as they watched the pair continue to bicker.

"You're sure everything is okay?" He asked quietly.

"Better than okay, its about my summer project and that's all I'm saying." She said back.

"Alright, alright. But seriously how long was the talk to make you prefect?"

"It was actually very interesting. Professor Arbitore didn't feel qualified to make the decision in summer so it was kind of like a muggle interview. A series of questions to determine if I was a suitable role model for the younger years, what my grades were like as well as different ideas I had for helping them. She was suitably impressed and offered me the role."

"And the male? I assume Theo hasn't made the cut?"

"No, Professor Arbitore thought that with the whole death eater dad thing it might be a bit much. Plus as she observed when I asked, he's not exactly what you'd call social. She picked Blaise Zabini, I didn't ask her reason's but she must have been suitably impressed with his track record."

"Malfoy not even a blip?"

"Malfoy not even a blip." She responded with smug satisfaction.

Rising the arm to put around her shoulders he pulled her in tight, feeling the giggle rise through her body.

"Bet that put his nose out of place."

Daphne turned to face him with that same wicked grin.

"Sounds like a him problem."

Unable to resist the smirk on her lips he quickly lowered his head and kissed her quickly, savouring the intake of breath and the small sound of surprise she made.

"If I haven't said it before. I love you."

"Hmmm, I know. Oh before I forget how was Umbitch?"

They had all been interested in how Defence would go and although not entirely realistic on some of their ends (Theo – who was under the notions that every defence teacher had tried to kill Harry so why not just expect it and not be disappointed.) They were all slightly pessimistic about what it would entail.

Harry told her in small detail about what had happened, finishing up the story just as Theo reached up to tickle the pear.

"And so in essence she's a total waste of time."

"Hm, glad our expectations weren't high then."

"Precisely."

They entered the kitchen and Harry was immediately tackled by Dobby.

"Master Just Harry, you are visiting Dobby again."

"Of course! How are you my friend?"

Immediately the tennis ball eyes welled up and the little body quivered.

"Oh friend, Harry considers Doby a friend. Dobby is being good sir, he is enjoying students being back at school."

They headed for the table where Tracey greeted them with a mouthful of chicken and bacon sandwich and talked between themselves for ten minutes. The house-elf was ecstatic to see them again and to listen about their adventures over the holidays.

"So bad bit of old masters old master is gone?"

"Yep, now we just need to figure out where the other bits are."

They had simplified the horcrux hunt for the elf but had easily spoken with him about, it was obvious the elf would rather cut off his own head than put Harry in danger in, but he'd willingly sworn an elf vow to keep it a secret.

"Would your elfsies be able to help?"

"It could be very dangerous, I wouldn't want to put anyone in danger who doesn't need to be." Harry said sharply and Dobbys ears lowered slightly in response before he bravely raised his face again to look Harry in the eye.

"It is elfsies job to protect master."

"Not when there are other people who can do the job better."

"Elfsies can help Harry Potter, we can find things."

"How?" Tracey asked.

"Elfsies are very good finders." Dobby said almost indignantly.

"I mean, these things could literally be anywhere and anything, Dobby." Tracey hastily added.

"We would be using Harry Potters blood to seek them. But charms would make it hard, but not dangerous for elfies, we only find not take." The elf responded. "Older elfsies who know Master Harry's magic could find them quicker if evil master used his magic in them."

They were all quiet for a moment before Daphne spoke up.

"Dobby, I hope you don't mind me saying but your language is much improved since last year."

The elf blushed.

"Having young Misses and Masters talk to Dobb is helping."

"Well it's excellent. Now do you really think Harry's elves could help us?"

"Dobby would bet his favourite socks on it."

Theo huffed a laughter.

"That certain, huh?"

Dobby stared straight back at him. "Dobby likes his socks."

"Well its worth a shot, the Unspeakables could use all the help they can get, I'm sure they'd appreciate it." Tracey said slowly.

"Can you tell us exactly how it works, Dobby this finding the things with my blood?"
The elf looked conflicted.

"Dobby couldn't be sure, let me find Periwinkle!" He announced and scampered off before any of them could say another thing.

"You know I get we're having a serious conversation, but this is really good guacamole." Tracey suddenly said, startling them all out from trying to find the elf. They turned to face her, to find the redhead shoving homemade crisps into the green mush and cramming them into her mouth. She froze as all eyes turned to her.

"What. It is!"

Tension broken, they all returned to their food and waited. About ten minutes later Dobby returned with an elderly elf dressed in a pristine white pillowcase with the Hogwarts crest proudly displayed on it.

"Good evening young lords and ladies, I was told you require my assistance. I am Periwinkle, one of the oldest elves at Hogwarts school. I have been here almost 200 years, how can I help?"

"We want to know about finding objects using blood magic, sir."

"That is ancient sorcery, young wizard. In the olden days family magic ensured a safe a secure connection for each of the individuals. As long as blood was shared between them, magic bound them and could find each other. While over time that connection has eased it is still an option though not one that many families recognise as so much dispute fills peoples lives, the exact notion I cannot recall, you would have to find such a book perhaps n your own families libraries. I am sure nothing like it exits within Hogwarts; it focuses on the bond of blood and how emotions can make it sing."

"Sing?" Tracey said hesitatingly.

"Yes, my dear. Emotions can make your blood do crazy things." The elf said complete with a wink that had the girl giggling. "As far as I know, you can complete a ritual which allows you to track other things that have your blood connection."

"Yes we have used that kind of spell."

"And using the elves who are aware of the magic you carry in your veins they can come closer to the object. It is similar to why elves can apparate through wards while wizards cannot."

"But if its blood magic then surely there's a sacrifice must be made?" Harry asked intently.

The elf inclined his head.

"Yes, but as far as that could be I am afraid I can't help you. At a guess I would say it depends on the power of the object and bond."

"Thank you sir, for all your help." Harry said sincerely and they watched as the elf bowed his head and returned to the hazy bustle of the kitchen.

"I think Remus would know more about blood spells, but I'm pretty sure the Blacks and even our family grimoire would have things to do with it." Neville said, already getting out some parchment and sketching a brief letter.

"Okay wait a second before we get all involved with this news, what about yours?" Harry asked, quickly turning to Daphne who immediately burst into a bright smile.

"So you know my summer project on creating the wards within wands? Well I sent it to Ollivander just because I wanted his opinion and he thinks it's a very interesting idea and wants me to develop it and work together on proving a theory we have!"

There was a brief moment of silence before noise exploded, all of them shouting congratulation or well done and for a few minutes chaos reigned as they all tried to speak over each other and ask/answer questions. Eventually they settled back to normal order with a beaming Daphne between them all who was excitedly waving her hands around as she described the runes that she used as well as how Ollivander had responded and asked her more in depth questions than she was expecting.

"…and because I've been using the Klarwinski method which has rarely reliable but combined with the runes in astrology he wants to continue working with me! That means that I will have to take a larger workload on but he understands this is O.W.L year and says we can speak more in person at Christmas and if I still want to, take workshops with him over summer. Until then he recommends I read up on several wand lore subjects and theories to better familiarise myself."

"That's just so incredible Daphne." Theo said genuinely. "But you're only 16 this year, you sure you want to tackle that kind of thing already?"

"In all honesty that's what I'm worried about, my talk with Professor Arbitore wasn't just about my prefect position but also some advice on this. A yea ago I would have snapped it u immediately and done everything I can. But now I enjoy living life a bit more, having some spare time. I'm not sure I want to put that pressure on, plus although its very exciting right now, come summer I might realise I'm more interested in something else and don't want to let him down."

"Sensible, like Theo said you're only 15 and none of us want you burning out." Tracey remarked. "Maybe you could ask for some more time to think about it? If he's willing to continue to write to you its obvious he's interested in your ideas but even you have to admit that passing the exams kinda has to be more of a priority."

"That's actually very true, I'm surprised at you Trace. I thought you'd be urging me to take it."

Tracey smirked at her friend and reached over to grab a sausage roll.

"Lover boy here has managed to calm you right down, I just don't want the Outstanding level obsessing neurotic to return to our dorm."

"Hey I was never that bad!"

"I'm kidding! But in all honesty I know how hard you're going to work this year anyway plus even though its not your life we all know the pressure Harry is under and I have a feeling you'll take on what you can from that."

Harry glanced at his girlfriend to see her blushing slightly. Tracey reached over and poked her best friend's hand.

"I just don't want you pushing so hard you break, we still have another two years of school, three as we're only starting fifth year and you're already talking about taking on another project. We're teenagers for heaven's sake. We're supposed to be lazy!"

Everyone laughed and Daphne held up her hands with a grin.

"Okay okay, I promise I will think more about the extra work and taking time to myself before I make any decisions."

"Good, now have the boys had time to tell you about Umbitch?"

"Eurgh yes, sounds terrible! I thought she might have put that book on the list as a joke!"

As the conversation continued to revolve around Umbridge and her actions. Neville leant forward and showed Harry a draft of the letter he'd sketched out.

Dear Gran,
I hope you're doing well. Things are going brilliantly here so far with the exception of DADA. The new Professor Umbridge has revealed she has no intention of actually allowing us to use magic in the classroom, its frustrating but don't worry we're working on something.
In other news Dobby has said something about blood magic, we'd like confirmed if and how its possible to trace an object that holds the same blood or family magic. Have you heard of anything like this? I know its vague and if its in the Grimoire I will swear that only I will read it and I'll give the vaguest of details to the others, however Harry is sending a similar letter to Sirius and Remus if that helps your mind.
Thanks again for the cactus, I love it!
Love, Neville.

Harry nodded to not disturb the others and with one more glance over Neville put it back in his bag.

"Hopefully this is another way to take the dickhead down." Harry murmured.

"Dickhead?" Neville responded with a twitch of his lips.

"One of the many things that got yelled around the house this summer, Remus can be very creative with muggle terms when he wants to be. He says its from when he had to work there, Sirius finds it hilarious."

Neville shook his head in amused disbelief.

"What would we do without those two influencing us."

"Certainly not have as many creative terms to fall back on."

"Ah well then suppose we have to use normal ones for the transfiguration homework."

"Don't think McGonagall would appreciate being called certain names, that's for sure."

"Eurgh fine, I shall resist."

With another laugh they tuned back into the conversation and let the bigger worries disappear for a while.