The next morning, Harry sat with his friends at the Hufflepuff table for breakfast. The atmosphere around them was subdued, and the reason was not a secret.

Spread in front of Susan was a copy of the day's edition of the Daily Prophet, and the recent attack had made the front page.

"Sum it up for us all please," he told her. Susan frowned and nodded.

"Basically what they've all been saying. That Cho was flying around on your broom and had a collision. The article doesn't accuse you really but it strongly implies evil intentions and foul play."

"Sensationalism at its peak," Daphne muttered in disgust. "As expected of Skeeter."

"Who?"

"Rita Skeeter," Hannah replied. "She's a reporter working for the Prophet, and she has… a reputation."

"Skeeter digs into a topic, gets what she wants, and writes scandalous articles to capture the attention of gullible people who take the words of the press as gospel," Daphne continued. "Her stories do sometimes have some truth to them, but most of it is fabricated."

Harry frowned.

"I see," he muttered.

"If I may have your attention please…"

The students turned toward the altar at the front where the teachers sat and saw that Dumbledore was standing at the podium with his wand tip glowing and pressing into the side of his neck.

"I apologize for interrupting what I'm sure is a very hearty breakfast but there are a couple of announcements I would like to make," Dumbledore said, prompting hushed whispers to emerge throughout the Great Hall. The old wizard smiled and continued, "In light of the recent unfortunate event, classes shall be suspended for the day. I hope you all will join me in wishing Ms. Weasley, Ms. Lovegood, and Ms. Chang to recover soon."

They had visited the Hospital Wing early in the morning and Cho had still not woken up, which was a bit concerning since she had neither been petrified nor had been struck with any spell. Madam Pomfrey had told them she had injured her head and thus, she was taking a long time to gain consciousness. Although it was not serious right now, it could be if she didn't wake up within the next forty-eight hours or so.

Dumbledore continued, "The aurors will be arriving today to carry out their investigation, so I would implore you all to not impede in their operation and be on your best behavior. That is all."

As expected, the hushed whispers rose in fervor as students all around them chattered excitedly about the aurors that would be arriving at Hogwarts. Not-so-subtle looks were cast at Harry who forced himself not to react, no matter how angry he was feeling at the undeserved scrutiny.

"Psst… Potter!"

He started and glanced behind him to see none other than the buffoon from the previous day and his dumbass friends smirking at him.

"The aurors are coming. If I were you, I'd flee the castle. Won't want a room in Hotel Azkaban, will be?" The brat whisper-shouted, and his words easily carried around in their vicinity. More students turned to stare at him.

Harry's friends bristled at the audacity and Daphne made to leap out, intent on socking the idiot right in his dumb mouth, only to be held back by her best friend who shook her head.

"Let them be. Everything will be clear soon," Tracey intoned with forced calmness as she glared at the older student alongside all her friends.

"Oh no need to look at me like that," Davies continued, smirking. "I'm sure you guys will be pardoned if you told the aurors the truth. That Potter tried to kill Chang, eh? Or are you all also involved?"

"Mind your words, asshole," Harry hissed, his eyes boring into the older boy's. The glare made Davies flinch slightly. His eyes widened and a shiver ran down his spine as he gazed into the hateful orbs of Harry Potter who looked as if he would murder him right then and there in front of the entire Hogwarts populace.

'Go back to your breakfast like a little rabbit,' Harry sneered in his mind, glaring as Davies shakily turned around and resumed his breakfast like a docile pet.

Students around them shrank under Harry's feral glare and got back to their respective breakfasts.

Harry knew this little stunt didn't make their perception of him any better but he honestly could not care what those buffoons thought of him. He schooled his features and turned around. He could see how agitated his friends were and sighed. They were unnecessarily being pulled into all this mess, just because of their association with him.

"Don't you think what I know you're thinking."

Surprised, Harry glanced up at Susan who was glaring at him.

"You're innocent, and we don't care what a moron with an overinflated ego says. We're your friends and that's all you should care about."

Harry looked down at his half-eaten plate and sighed.

"There's something I need to discuss with you all," he said, and the tone demanded their full attention.

"What is it?" Neville asked from beside him, curious.

"Not now," Harry replied, glancing to the side. "In the room after breakfast."

Curious looks were exchanged around him as they nodded and went back to eating.

A few minutes later when they were almost done, they were surprised once again when a piece of parchment appeared in front of Harry out of nowhere. He looked at his friends who stared curiously at the parchment.

"Looks like a message," Susan remarked, staring at the hint of ink that could be seen on the surface.

Harry used his fork to turn it over and his friends scooted closer.

Mr. Potter,

As part of the investigation, you are required to answer the questions from the aurors when they arrive. Please head over to the Entrance Hall after breakfast. Professor Flitwick and I shall be present to coordinate everything.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

"Well," he muttered as he folded up the parchment and put it in his pocket. "Looks like the discussion will have to wait."

"We're coming with you," Daphne said firmly, making him turn toward her. The blonde was resolute and there was no hint of hesitation in her demeanor.

"They need only me," Harry replied.

"For the interrogation, not for the gathering," Susan replied, nodding at Daphne. "We're coming, and that's final."

Harry pursed his lips before he released a deep breath and nodded.

"Alright."

-Break-

Harry and his group filed out of the Great Hall alongside the rest of the students who were all too excited to have a free day to have fun. Most of the students made their way to the corridor, intent on having a relaxing time out on the grounds. The weather was getting colder as winter approached and they wanted to enjoy every bit of autumn before the snow painted the grounds white.

As they walked toward the Entrance Hall, Harry was acutely aware of the eyes of numerous students on him. A few curious souls followed behind them while most were content in simply watching them as they left.

"You'd think they'd have something better to do with their free time," Hannah muttered distastefully.

"Ignore them," Daphne replied in disdain. "You can't expect anything else from sheep like them."

They heard the excited chatters from the throng of students that was following them as they spotted Professors McGonagall and Flitwick standing in the Entrance Hall. The two professors glanced up at the sound and visible frowns crossed their faces at the sight of the crowd.

"The aurors should be arriving shortly. I ask you all to leave the area, please," McGonagall instructed plainly, her Scottish brogue prominent.

The students looked visibly surprised and they began to whisper in even more excitement, much to the irritation of Harry and his friends, not to mention the two professors.

They watched as the crowd thinned out, chatting exuberantly until only Harry and his group remained. McGonagall turned to them and frowned.

"I asked for you, Mr. Potter."

"We'll wait here, Professor," Daphne was quick to interject, earning herself the older witch's firm stare. She did not buck under the pressure though and returned the stare with a firm one of her own.

McGonagall pursed her lips before she closed her eyes and sighed. Nodding curtly, she waved her hand in acceptance, much to the group's combined relief.

"Professor, what can I expect?"

McGonagall turned to Harry and her expression softened. She knew he was innocent in the matter and was subjected to much-undeserved scrutiny and pressure. Alas, her hands were tied in the matter and there was nothing she could do but to let the process carry out.

"The aurors have already been debriefed about the situation and they have confiscated the evidence. They must have carried out their investigation on the broom yesterday, and today, they will interrogate a few parties close to Miss Chang or the incident."

As if on cue, a certain Ravenclaw third-year arrived, with her usual glare plastered on her face. McGonagall glanced at her and grimaced, just as Harry and his friends looked over with pursed lips and sneers.

"It's not long, Potter. You'll get what you deserve," Marietta Edgecombe snarled.

"That's enough, Miss Edgecombe," Flitwick said firmly.

McGonagall pursed her lips and turned back to Harry.

"They will be asking you questions regarding the case, and I don't have to tell you that you need to tell them the truth."

"Naturally," Harry nodded, giving Edgecombe a disdainful glance. "I'm innocent, and I don't have anything to hide."

The girl sneered and turned away, just as a few more girls arrived. Harry recognized them as Cho's friends. They looked around uncomfortably, which was understandable considering the circumstances, and Harry was grateful for the fact that none seemed to glare at him. They were just… anxious to be there.

Meanwhile, out in the courtyard, the atmosphere was abuzz with whispers as a small contingent of aurors entered through the archway and made their way across.

"Well, this still feels the same," a young woman with bright bubblegum pink hair remarked as she looked around, taking in the gathered group of students that surrounded them.

"You graduated only a few months ago, Nymphadora. Of course it would feel the same," a tall and broad-shouldered, dark-skinned man with immaculate robes replied as he strode forward with long, purposeful steps.

The woman's hair slowly turned into a shade of angry red as she gritted out, "Don't call me Nymphadora!"

Her companion merely shook his head.

Within minutes, they had crossed the courtyard and were walking through the corridor that led to the Entrance Hall, where Professors McGonagall and Flitwick waited for them.

"Professors," the dark-skinned man greeted them with a respectful bow of his head.

"Auror Shacklebolt," McGonagall nodded respectfully.

"Wotcher, Professor McGie!" the pink-haired woman enthused.

A wave of surprise coursed through the gathered group of students. They could not believe what this woman had just called Professor McGonagall, and they exchanged wide-eyed glances with each other. The professor, on the other hand, merely pursed her lips.

"Good to see you too, Miss Tonks," McGonagall replied curtly, earning a grin from the woman. "I hope your auror training is progressing nicely."

"You know me, Prof," Tonks grinned. "King's been an absolute blast here. And don't ask me about Moody. Mad, that one."

Harry heard several gasps behind him and he glanced over to see all of his friends staring at the pink-haired woman with their mouths agape.

"What is it?" He could not help but ask.

"She's being trained by Mad-Eye," Neville whispered.

"Mad-Eye?"

"He's a former auror. The best there's ever been," Hannah whispered. "He put dozens of Death Eaters in Azkaban by himself."

"Auntie says Moody is the most strict and the best auror trainer they've ever had. He's famous, Harry," Susan whispered as well. "He doesn't train just anyone. That woman must be something if he agreed to train her."

Harry nodded in understanding. He could understand how it would be considered such a big deal if you were trained by such an accomplished auror. He glanced back at the woman with furrowed brows. If he was getting this correct, she must be a very capable witch who was getting even more capable now that she was trained by this Mad-Eye.

'I wonder why they call him Mad-Eye though.'

"I wish you all the best in your training, Miss Tonks. Auror Shacklebolt, if you and your squad would follow me please," McGonagall gestured for them to follow her, and the students watched as she led the aurors further into the castle.

"Follow me, everyone," Flitwick intoned and began leading them forward.

It took them five minutes, and they found themselves in a less frequented segment of the first floor. McGonagall led the aurors inside one of the abandoned rooms while they all waited.

"How're you holding up?" Susan asked softly, staring at Harry who glanced at her with a small frown.

"Fine," he replied. "Hope it gets over quickly."

"Cooperate with the aurors in there, Harry," she said. "You're innocent and you've nothing to fear."

Harry nodded and glanced away. With a small sigh, Susan leaned back against the wall and shut her eyes.

She might have told him not to worry but her mind was a different beast altogether. She could not help but wonder about the ways in which things could go terribly wrong, and she desperately wished it didn't happen.

She glanced out of the corner of her eyes when one of Chang's friends was called into the room for her interrogation when she caught sight of Edgecombe once again. The girl was, as usual, glaring at Harry with utter loathing, and it gave Susan pause once again. Either she truly believed that Harry was the one behind this attack, which Susan knew he wasn't, or she hated him so much that the truth didn't even matter to her.

She also couldn't help but wonder if Daphne was truly onto something with her hypothesis about the girl. She didn't want to agree with the notion that Edgecombe might be the one to attempt murder, but perhaps it didn't have to be an attempted murder in the first place.

It was all too possible that Edgecombe had done something to frame Harry and it had gone out of control, resulting in this situation, and now she was doing her damnedest to frame Harry.

This situation seemed the most plausible to her, and for some reason, Susan hoped it was true.

They stood against the wall in silence, ignoring the students who would try to take a sneak look at the proceedings occasionally. It was no surprise to the students that an interrogation was taking place in the castle, and even though this part of the castle was usually left ignored, it had seen more traffic in the past few minutes than it might've seen in years.

One by one, Chang's friends went in with anxious faces and came out visibly relieved, until it was Edgecombe's turn. The girl walked forward, glaring at Harry viciously. All his friends glared at her in return, making her sneer. The door slammed violently behind her as she entered, and McGonagall sighed.

"She truly believes you are the culprit," she remarked softly. "While a part of me admires her conviction in staying loyal to her friend and trying to ensure she gets justice, the fact that she is in the wrong makes it so much saddening."

Harry remained silent as he leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

"Or she's overcompensating for something," Daphne was quick to interject, earning the attention of both McGonagall and Flitwick.

"What do you mean, Miss Greengrass?" Flitwick asked, curious.

Daphne glanced at the diminutive Charms master of Hogwarts and replied, "What if she's the one behind the attack and is trying to frame the most obvious person for it to save her hide? After all, as her close friend, she's someone who'd know Harry was loaning his broom out to Chang and who could also sabotage it."

"That is a very serious accusation, Miss Greengrass," McGonagall said, her lips set in a thin line as she stared at the blonde who shrugged.

"Nothing more than what she's doing since the attack," Daphne replied. "The theory doesn't sound so unbelievable once you consider the facts that she's disliked Harry since he arrived at Hogwarts, and she felt betrayed by Chang."

"Betrayed by Miss Chang?"

"Chang changed her dorm some time ago, didn't she?" Daphne continued. "And I've heard the two weren't even speaking to each other for quite a long time."

"Trying to kill someone just because of something so trivial? I hope you excuse us if we find it hard to believe, Miss Greengrass," Flitwick interjected.

"If I may, Professor," Susan intoned politely, giving Daphne a quick glance. The blonde was staring at her with furrowed brows, undoubtedly wondering what she had to say.

"Miss Bones?"

"I don't think Edgecombe really tried to kill Chang. I believe Daphne's theory that she felt betrayed, and I think maybe she wanted to hurt Chang to teach her a lesson, but in a way so that she wasn't blamed. Sabotaging the broom was a perfect plan to get it done. I also think Edgecombe did it, but when she saw things had gotten out of hand, she panicked and started accusing Harry of it every chance she got. She's been desperately trying to convince everyone that Harry was behind that incident. It makes perfect sense. She's trying to divert attention away from herself."

Everyone stared at Susan with varying looks ranging from shock and surprise to contemplation and approval. Susan saw the approving look on Daphne's face and nodded.

Before anyone could say anything in reply to what Susan had just theorized, the door slammed open once again and Edgecombe walked out. She sneered at Harry and his friends who gave her looks of disgust before she walked away without a backward glance.

"Mr. Potter," one of the aurors stepped out and gestured for him to enter.

Harry nodded and pushed himself off the wall. Right as he was about to step forward, he felt them take each of his hands and he glanced to his left and right.

"It'd be alright," Daphne whispered, earning a nod from Susan. Harry smiled thinly as he squeezed their hands and slowly pulled away. His head held high, Harry nodded at McGonagall and Flitwick, smiling when the former squeezed his shoulder in silent support and walked through the door which shut behind him.

-Break-

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the interrogation lasted a little over fifteen minutes and Harry walked out. At once, he was accosted by his friends at the exit.

"What happened?" Susan asked anxiously.

"I'll tell you. Let's go," he replied and turned to McGonagall and Flitwick who nodded. With a nod in parting, Harry started walking toward the Grand Staircase with his friends alongside him.

"How'd it go, Harry?" Daphne asked impatiently, and Harry merely shushed her.

"Let's get to the room first," he replied, much to her chagrin. The blonde acquiesced though and together, they began ascending the stairs. There were the usual whispers and fingers being pointed at them which were promptly ignored.

By the time they reached the fifth floor, there was no one in their vicinity, and relaxed, they made their way to the seventh floor and into the Come and Go Room.

A relaxed setting of couches awaited them and Harry took his place in the chair with Neville sitting at the far end, leaving the wide couch for the girls.

"Alright. Now tell us."

"Nothing much happened, to be honest," Harry replied. "Auror Shacklebolt explained that it was just a standard procedure and that no one was being carted off to Azkaban or anything. Apparently, Edgecombe was accusing me of it the whole time and kept asking them to just be done with it and throw me into that shithole."

"That bitch," Hannah seethed.

"What else?"

"They asked me about the broom and I told them as it was. That I flew on it in the morning in front of many witnesses before giving it to her, and that the next I knew, she had met the accident. Because the broom's magic itself is destroyed, they can't do any inspection so it's not possible to really accuse someone of foul play."

"There's something else though, am I right?" Daphne asked firmly, earning a grimace from Harry.

"I've been told not to leave the country for as long as the investigation goes since it was my broom and as such, I am one of the suspects. It doesn't help that more than one person is directly accusing me."

"I'll kill that bitch Edgecombe," she hissed.

"Let's get one issue sorted before we talk about getting into another mess, okay?" Susan interjected in exasperation, earning a look from the blonde. She ignored her and turned to Harry. "That was to be expected. Still, it's a relief that you are not treated as a guilty party."

"They asked me if I had any suspicions of my own," Harry continued.

"Please tell me you threw Edgecombe to the vultures!" Daphne beseeched.

Harry nodded, making her smirk.

"She's truly the only one I suspect, and even if she's not as vile as you suggested, what Susan said to the professors before that interrogation makes sense. It's entirely possible that things got out of hand and she's doing damage control now," Harry replied.

"What now, then?" Neville asked curiously.

"Nothing much," Harry shrugged. "The investigation will continue and they'll be calling me from time to time in case I'm needed. Since there's no concrete proof to accuse anyone, they can't do much. It's just Edgecombe's word and the fact that it was my broom."

"No one can convict you on those flimsy excuses for evidence," Daphne scoffed. "You'll be fine."

"Thanks for the optimism there," Harry chuckled, earning a smile from the blonde. She frowned when he gave her an uncertain smile and glanced away. To her left, Susan did not miss the little interaction and a frown crossed her face as well.

No matter how much these recent matters might have distracted them, the fact that their previous discussion had taken place was lost on no one. They had all but confessed to their feelings, and so had Harry. He had told them in no uncertain terms that he could not choose between them because he had feelings for both of them and he could not hurt anyone.

It was a conundrum and one that was constantly on all their minds. They knew they needed to resolve this dilemma but they didn't think the time was right to have that discussion.

"Moving on from this business, what did you want to talk about, Harry?" Tracey asked, and Harry's eyes widened.

"Ah right, I did want to discuss something with you all," he nodded. "It's to do with that diary."

Instantly, everyone was on alert and they leaned forward slightly, giving him their undivided attention.

"You wrote in it again?" Daphne asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and disapproval.

Harry nodded, ignoring how she pursed her lips and started explaining.

"I told him that Slytherin's heir had returned to kill the unworthy, and the bastard was literally salivating at the news. Based on what I could gather from the little chat, he believes that he, as in Voldemort from the future, has returned and is behind the attack."

"He's back!?" Susan asked in alarm.

"No," Harry shook his head. "Tom hinted that Voldemort must be possessing someone just like he did with Quirrell last year. At least that's what I could gather from it."

"We already know Lucius Malfoy is somehow connected to this," Daphne mused.

"He's not relevant right now," Harry shook his head. "Tom was very eager this time. This was the first time he let his guard down, even if only a bit. He asked me to do something."

"It can't be anything good," Neville muttered.

"It's a bit confusing, if I'm being honest here," Harry replied. "He asked me to give this diary to Voldemort."

"How?"

"Tom told me to carry the diary around the castle and that I'd feel it when he's near me. Voldemort will also recognize the diary and would want to get his hands on it."

"And you should give it to Voldemort. Am I the only one who sees the red flags here?" Daphne asked in a deadpan voice.

"Don't worry, I'm not a moron," Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm not carrying it around, nor do I plan to."

"Good," Daphne nodded. "Imagine what'd happen if Voldemort sees that you have that diary."

"I hope he has an epilepsy," Hannah muttered, earning a chuckle from her friends.

"Still, what's clear is that Voldemort is back in the castle and he's possessing someone to attack and write creepy messages on the castle walls," Daphne mused thoughtfully. "And if we're to believe Tom, the only way to find out who he is possessing is that diary."

"And the downside is that Voldemort will also feel the diary if he's nearby," Susan completed, making Daphne snap her fingers.

"Correct."

"We could hide that diary in a place where people pass by frequently but then we'd have to constantly monitor it," Tracey mused.

"That's a bad idea. Too risky," Daphne shook her head.

"One of us could carry it around," Hannah suggested.

"You've got a suicide wish, idiot?" Susan hissed.

"You got any better idea?" Hannah retorted.

"Well, no. But that doesn't mean you put your foot in the mouth and speak such nonsense!"

Harry sighed as the girls started bickering once again, and it was only when Daphne released a loud bang out of her wand that they went silent.

"Thank you. I would've gouged out my ears otherwise," the blonde muttered. "Suicidal ideas aside, we do need to do something to flush Voldemort out. If he is really possessing someone again, then it'd be easier to fight him, right?"

Harry stared at Daphne, his mind replaying his previous encounter with Voldemort, and he pursed his lips.

"It might not be equal to fighting him at full strength, but he'd still be more than capable of wiping the floor with us."

"Even after all the training we've gone through?"

"Yes," Harry sighed. "Also, Tom's expecting Draco to carry the diary around the castle, so I don't think we'd be getting much info out of him now."

"Makes sense," Daphne nodded. "Wait a minute…"

She furrowed her brows and stared at the table thoughtfully.

"What if we use Draco himself in this?"

"Go on," Harry nodded, intrigued.

"You're fooling Tom already by acting like Draco. How about it's Draco who carries that diary around?"

"Giving that diary to Malfoy!? That's your idea, Daphne?" Susan asked in surprise.

"And then they wonder why the Puffs are called duffers," Daphne muttered. "I'm only kidding! Don't glare at me like that, you!"

Susan rolled her eyes and waved her hand. Daphne looked around and smirked.

"There's no need to give that diary to anyone. Harry can keep it with him."

"Then how will Malfoy carry that diary around the castle to lure Voldemort out?"

Harry's eyes widened in realization and he stared at Daphne in amazement. The blonde took one look at his face and she flushed at the look he was giving her.

"Looks like someone got it," she said happily. "How'd you like it?"

"Ingenious," Harry replied, visibly impressed. "It'd be time-taking though, and we'll have to make sure he doesn't catch on to it."

"Don't worry, I'm sure a few Slytherins can take care of that little hassle."

Harry shook his head in amusement.

"Alright, you two. Quit talking in riddles and spell it out for us duffers, please," Susan said in exasperation, making Daphne glance at her.

"It's pretty straightforward, my dear duffer," she teased, earning surprised looks from a few. "All we need is a small collection of hair and Harry can turn into Draco Malfoy whenever he wants."

Susan's eyes widened and she stared at Daphne in shock.

"You mean…"

"Exactly," Daphne smirked. "We'll flush out whoever Voldemort is possessing this time using the Polyjuice Potion."

TBC.

Check out the link on my profile for early access and more of my work. Chapters 22, 23, and 24 are already up.

Thanks for reading.