It had been over a month since Slytherin house shunned Harry. Truthfully Harry didn't mind that much. The entire house besides his friends just left him alone and Harry enjoyed that. It had the added benefit of keeping Malfoy away from him as well. Malfoy would make disparaging remarks within ear shot but had not directly said anything to Harry. The only time Harry had any interaction with the other Slytherins was during Quidditch Practice. Snape had told Harry that despite what was going on in the house he still fully expected Harry to play for Slytherin and win as well or else. At practice the rest of the team would ignore him as he went through the drills and plays.

Harry's circle of friends had grown since the shunning as well. Hermione after the incident with the Slytherins had become part of their group. Due to the alliance Charlus had made, Harry was able to befriend both Neville Longbottom and Susan Bones. Harry was surprised how easy he got along with Neville they had a lot in common. Neville quickly became one of his best friends along with Blaise and Tracey. Susan Bones was extremely shy at first but eventually came around. Susan had brought her friend Hannah to the group and her, and Tracey hit off immediately. Daphne spent all her time with the group, but she was frosty to everyone and rarely spoke. The decision to split from Slytherin had not gone over well with her father. He had sent Daphne a rather nasty note according to Tracey telling her how she disrespects the family name and heritage. The group used to try and engage Daphne in conversation but quickly gave up as she threatened to hex the next person who bothered her.

Classes were going well as the group also spent a lot of time in the library studying. With their collective knowledge and skills, they had no problems with their homework. Harry was the best with performing the spells while Hermione was the best in theory. Neville and Hannah by far were the best in Herbology and it was Susan and Blaise who excelled in Potions. Potions for Harry was a sore subject. While Harry knew he was no Prodigy in potions like Susan or Blaise was he still knew his Potions where as good as Herminie and Daphne's. However, Snape always belittled him and gave him barely passing grades. Tracey surprisingly was really good at history of Magic. Apparently, her father was what the muggles call an Historian. He taught Tracey all sorts of History and she loved it.

Today was Halloween and Harry was withdrawn. Ever since learning the truth about his parents Halloween had been a little depressing. People all over London would toast his name on this day but not realizing it was also a reminder of his parents' death. Since Living with Charlus every year he would take Harry to his parent's graves. Harry's friends noticed Harry's mood at breakfast. They all were currently sitting at the Hufflepuff table, a favorite of the gang due to Hufflepuff being more accepting than the other houses.

" Harry, you need to eat." Of course it would be Hermionie who would tell him to eat. Hermione was a good friend, but Harry noticed she had an annoying habit of trying to push things.

" I'm fine Hermione I'm not hungry."

"That's ridiculous Harry, you need to eat.".

"Hermione just drop it I don't want to eat." Hermione looked ready to argue but Blaise grabbed her hand and shook his head. Hermione didn't realize but Blaise knew what this day meant for Harry. The rest of the group let Harry be, all realizing that Harry wasn't himself today.

The post owls came, and Harry was relieved to see Hedwig. Charlus, when he last wrote had informed Harry of being summoned by the ICW and would be out of contact for a bit. Harry quickly untied the letter and gave his bacon to Hedwig.

Dear Harry

First let me start of by saying The ICW has officially granted me the title of Archmage. They tried to offer me a job in operations but I had to decline. It would take too much of my time which at my age is no longer a luxury. Taking up the Potter Wizengamot seat is proving to be more of a hassle then it's worth. Dorea was always the better politician. I can't stand these pompous fools. Everyone spends sessions just arguing with each other and nothing ever gets done.

My hope is with reestablishing the alliance that we might start getting things done. Last thing, I have been in contact with a former friend of your parents named Remus Lupin. I invited him over during Christmas break so you could talk to him, and he could tell you firsthand about your parents. I know when you get this it will be Halloween, and I know what you're going through but just remember you have friends who will be there for you. The best thing you can do for your parents is live your life. So do try to enjoy yourself.

Love Charlus.

"So, Harry, what's the deal with your grandfather and the ICW? Is he going back to work for them?"

"No, they formally recognized him as an Archmage but he turned down the job offer." Blaise whistled and everyone looked impressed. Hermione though looked confused.

"What's an Archmage?" Hermione asked. It was Neville who answered surprising the group.

" An Archmage is a title given to somebody who has achieved Grand Sorcerer in two or more fields." Hermione still looked like she wasn't getting it. Blaise took over.

"Okay, we'll start at the beginning. You know how there are different branches of magic?" Hermionie nodded so Blaise continued.

" So, anybody can perform any of the different branches of magic which makes them a novice. That's what most of the magical population is novices. However, if you feel there is a branch of magic you excel at you could try and become a master. To become a Master, you have to first be an apprentice to a Master in your field of study. When your master feels your ready you can take a Master exam to qualify. If you pass you are granted the title of Master. Professor McGonagall is a Master at Transfiguration, her master was Albus Dumbledore."

Tracey decided to continue the lesson from Blaise.

"Once you're a Master of something and you do something to change your field or do something extremely important to your field you're granted the title of Grand Sorcerer. Dumbledore discovering the 12 uses of Dragon blood along with creating new laws that govern Transfiguration was granted the title Grand Sorcerer in Transfiguration. If you achieve Grand Sorcerer in two or more branches of magic your given the title of Archmage. This is extremely rare. Counting Harry's grandfather there are only 5 other Archmages in the world." Hermione being Hermione had taken notes no doubt to study more on the subject later.

"So, what branches of Magic did your grandfather become a Grand Sorcerer in?"

" Dueling and combat magic. Before the war with Grindelwald my grandfather received his Mastery in Dueling magic. He then was the youngest ever to win the world dueling championship which he won three times in a row something that had never been done before. Earning him Grand Sorcery of Dueling magic. That was why the ICW recruited him. My grandfather's deeds during the war earned him a Mastery in combat magic. This is one of the few instances where mastery was given without a formal master. Many of the witches and Wizards who fought in the war were given the same honors. My Grandfather while working for the ICW after the war created an advanced shield spell that incases you in an iron dome. Earning him the title of Grand Sorcerer in combat magic he unfortunately had his accident before being granted the tilted of Archmage. The ICW is practical but extremely slow to act. It takes them a really long time to decide things. "

Hermione wasn't done with her questions, so she started rapid firing them. Harry couldn't keep up. The group had to calm her down and made her ask one question at a time.

"Aren't Dueling and Combat magic the same thing?"

"Of course not. Just like Flying and Quidditch aren't the same thing. Sure, you use one to do the other, but they are still two different things. Dueling like Quidditch has become a sport. My auntie told me it used to be a branch of magic taught at Hogwarts. Many considered dueling magic an artform. The ICW still recognizes it as a branch of Magic and there are many schools who still teach it. Combat magic also used to be its own branch, but Hogwarts has incorporated it into Defense against the dark arts."

The rest of the day didn't go so well for Harry. In potions Snape for some reason was especially vicious. He berated Harry more than usual and got rid of Harry's potion giving him a zero despite his potion being as good as everyone Elses.

Harry left potions annoyed as he headed to defense against the dark arts. Quirrell who normally was a stuttering fool decided to teach them advanced spells and decided Harry to be the perfect guinea pig. Quirrell seemed to take some sadistic pleasure in performing the curses on Harry. While none of them caused serious harm, Harry was left with welts and bruises. By the time dinner arrived Harry was in a bad mood.

Harry decided to skip dinner altogether and went to the common room. Ever since his confrontation with the Slytherins, Harry worked on his spell casting. He wanted to make sure he wasn't caught unprepared again.

Harry spent some time practicing in his dorm room with different spells. He was interrupted by a growl from his stomach. Harry decided to visit the kitchens having known where it was from Charlus. Harry was walking when he heard a girl scream and a loud roar. Harry was running to the sound without even thinking about it. The sounds led him to the girl's bathroom where Daphne Greengrass was trapped by a large mountain troll. Harry's eyes went wide as the troll's club began to come down towards her.

Daphne had left dinner early. She was too upset to eat. Today was Halloween for most people it meant Samhain or the downfall of Voldemort. But to Daphne it meant a day of pain. Daphne's grandfather Virgil died on Halloween a year before Harry Potter defeated Voldemort. Ever since her father would get completely smashed. Drunk Cyrus was worse than regular Cyrus which was saying a lot. Cyrus was physically abusive when he went on his benders. Daphne was four and performed accidental magic when she saw her mother getting beat up. Cyrus was most displeased and took his anger out on Daphne. Ever since then it had become a tradition.

Gabriella Greengrass did her best to protect her children from Cyrus's wrath but there was little she could do. The marriage contract prevented her from taking any action against her husband. Cyrus had total control, and he knew it. Only Astoria was saved from the abuse as she was Cyrus's favorite. Daphne was worried about her mother. There was no buffer this year with Daphne at school. As Daphne knew Astoria wouldn't do anything to help. Daphne had escaped to the girl's loo so she could let a few tears come out. There was no way she would let the school population see her upset.

A loud bang outside startled Daphne she went to see what the noise was only to stop dead in her tracks. In front of Daphne stood a mountain troll. Daphne screamed she couldn't help it. The troll let out a roar and advanced on her. Daphne found herself trapped in the corner. The troll raised his club and was about to bring it down.

"WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!" the trolls club floated above its head. Daphne looked around to see who saved her and saw Harry Potter. Harry canceled the spell and watched as the club fell down on the Trolls face. The troll staggered and hit the wall to the right of Daphne. Seeing her chance Daphne wasted no time running to Harry.

The troll recovered quicker than Harry thought. Acting on instinct he grabbed Daphne's hand and pulled her out of the bathroom. A second later the trolls fist smashed where Daphne was standing. Harry and Daphne were running down the hall trying to get to a teacher or find a place to escape. The troll, despite its size was fast and was gaining on them in an alarming rate. Harry knew they wouldn't have a shot escaping unless he could slow it down. Harry saw a large suit of armor which carried a rather large sharp sword. A plan formed in Harry's mind.

"Daphne I'm going to slow the troll down you keep running find a teacher." Harry using the same spell as before levitated the sword as high as he could. The troll was almost on top of them a few more steps and Harry would be in striking range for the troll's club. Harry was surprised how much magic it was taking to levitate the sword. When the troll was in position Harry released the spell.

The sharpness of the sword combined with the speed impaled the troll. The Troll roared in pain and began to fall. To late Harry realized the troll was going to fall on him. Harry closed his eyes knowing he was about to be in a world of pain, but it never came. Instead, Harry found himself being violently pulled backwards. The Troll fell and barely missed Harry. Harry looked around and saw that they were on the floor. She had pulled him backwards and the force dropped them both.

"Thanks, Greengrass."

"Now we are even Potter."

Harry sighed they were both breathing hard and survived a difficult situation but here she was still being cordial as ever.

"You know it doesn't have to be this way between us. I know our families haven't gotten a long but that doesn't mean we have to continue it."

Daphne just looked down. Harry thought she wasn't going to answer but was proven wrong.

"It's not that simple Potter. My father would never allow it. I don't have an issue with you personally but I'm afraid this doesn't change anything between us."

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" Harry and Daphne looked up to see the Professors. Professor Snape was there rubbing his leg which looked bloody.
Harry and Daphne told their side of the story to the professors. Dumbledore had a pleased smile on his face that Harry found odd, but McGonagall gave each of them 50 points and Harry quickly forgot about Dumbledore's smile. Despite Daphne claiming nothing changed Harry felt it had and was determined to change things.
Word of Harry killing the troll got around quick. Harry didn't know how as nobody was there but still the whole school knew. Slytherin house was so impressed and happy about the points they ended their shunning. Members of the other houses had eyed Harry warily. His friends told him the other houses were afraid of him.

Since the Troll, Daphne had tried to keep things the same but found herself failing. Tracy always dragged her to the study sessions with Potter's little group. She used to always stay silent but now found herself injecting into the conversation. Daphne also found herself talking with Potter more, they weren't friends, but they were civil towards each other. Why no one would say the Ice Queen (yes, she knew that's what the others called her behind her back) had completely changed. Many would say she had thawed a little bit.

Today was the first Quidditch match of the year Harry wasn't very hungry despite his friends trying to force him to eat. Harry just pushed his food around until Flint told them it was time to go to the pitch. All his friends wished him luck including Daphne, but she claimed she just wanted to see Slytherin win.

Waiting for the game to start was nerve racking. He could hear the crowd getting louder with anticipation. Harry was using his mediation he learned with martial arts to calm himself down, but it was barely working. Finally, the time arrived for the match to start. Flint and Wood tried crushing the others hand during the handshake and then Madame Hooch blew her whistle. Once Harry got in the air the nerves disappeared.

The match was brutal. While the Gryffindors had the better chasers, skill wise, Slytherin had used their size to gain advantage. They consistently got in the way of the flying foxes as Lee Jordan called them. Lee Jordan was entertaining despite his clear biased against Slytherin. The score was 60-30 in favor of Gryffindor. Slytherin was getting desperate and starting using more and more dirty tactics. While admittedly dirty they weren't illegal.

Oliver wood was a great keeper, and Harry knew if he didn't get the snitch soon, they would lose. Harry saw a glint of gold near the opposing goal posts. Harry started to fly over but suddenly his broom jerked. Harry's broom jerked and bucked until Harry fell off. Harry was only holding on with one hand. Fred and George, the Gryffindor beaters tried to grab him, but his broom kept going higher. The Slytherin team didn't even bother with Harry using the distraction to score some goals.

While Harry was hanging on for dear life his friends were scanning the crowd. They knew Harry's broom was being tampered with they were just looking for who. Blaise spotted Quirrell maintaining eye contact with Harry and muttering. At the same time Hermione spotted Snape doing the same. Hermione snuck up to Snape and set his robes on fire. While Blaise was more subtle. He pulled Quirrell's sleeve causing him to look down and break his concentration. Snape put the fire out but glared at Quirrell. As Quirrell left Snape followed.

Harry's broom stopped bucking, and Harry was able to swing back on. He resumed his search for the snitch and once again saw a glint of gold The Gryffindor seeker didn't see anything as Harry shot across the pitch and dove. This brought the attention of the Gryffindor seeker. Harry followed the snitch into a deep dive he was aware of the other seeker on his tail but Harry had position. The snitch broke out of its dive a couple of feet off the ground. Harry was able to pull up in time but his counterpart wasn't as lucky. Carefully Harry stood on his broom and stretched out for the snitch. Harry's fist closed around the fluttering golden ball and Harry hit the ground hard, but it was worth it as he raised his fist in the air. The Slytherin section screamed in couldn't keep the grin off his face. Despite being forced to play Harry knew this was something he enjoyed doing.

After the game Harry's friends told him about Snape and Quirrell's actions. This led to an argument between the group on who they thought was responsible.

"Harry, I'm telling you it was Quirrell trying to kill you I'm sure of it." Blaise kept insisting it was Quirrell despite Hermione, Neville and Susan claiming it was Snape. Harry held up his hand to silence them.

" This wasn't Snape. First of all, if he wanted to kill me, he could do it in a much more subtle way, he is a potions master. Second he was the one who forced me to join the team, no way he would want to hurt Slytherins chances at winning. Dont get me wrong Snape can be a right bastard (Hermione chimed in "Harry Laungage" but Harry ignored her and kept talking) but I've been getting a bad feeling from Quirrell all year. Remember Halloween? Which brings me to my next point, how did a mountain troll get in the castle? Somone had to let a troll in. From what you guys told me he was the one to run in the great hall warning everyone. He must have let the troll in."

"But Harry why would he want to do that? He couldn't have known you would run into the troll." Harry had to admit Hermionie had a point. Harry was just about to concede the point when he remembered Snape's bloody leg and the death glare, he sent at Quirrell.

"He let the troll in as a distraction. Quirrell is after whatever the three headed dog is guarding. Snape suspected him and tried to stop him. Snape stopped Quirrell but got bit in the process."

"Okay but that doesn't explain why he tried to kill you today." Tracy, like Hermione, was right he had no idea why Quirrell was targeting him.

"Were missing information. We all just need to be careful and make sure none of us find ourselves alone with Quirrell."

The next few weeks went by without anything happening. Harry had been watching Quirrell like a hawk, but he was still his same old stuttering self. Charlus was livid with what he saw through the viewing crystal and when Harry told him it was Quirrell who tried to kill him, it took everything he had to stop Charlus from coming to Hogwarts. Harry knew that Charlus will have Loki keeping an eye on him around the clock now.

Harry was also interested in what the three headed dog was guarding. Whatever it was it had to be special. Which also brought Harry to why it was even in a school full of children in the first place. Harry knew Dumbledore was no fool. Which ment Dumbledore purposely put a object of high vaule in the school knowing somone would try to steal it. The question that bugged Harry was why. Harry decided to put the mystery on hold as he had other stuff to focus on.

Slytherins second quidditch match of the year was against Ravenclaw, one of the quickest matches in Hogwarts history. Snape had replaced Madame Hooch as referee no doubt because of what happened last game. Harry looked around the stands and didnt see Quirrell suddenly it made sense why Quirrell tried to kill him last match. Due to what happened last time all the staff would be at the game. Leaving no one inside. Harry was determined to end the game as quick as possible. Sure, enough Harry spotted the snitch in five minutes and easily caught it.

Snape must have been thinking the same as Harry because as soon as the game was over, he rushed into the castle. Harry quickly got changed and went to the third-floor corridor. When Harry arrived, he threw on his invisibility cloak and observed the scene in front of him. Snape had his wand pressed against Quirrell's neck and had him pinned against the wall.

"...you don't want to make an enemy of me Quirrell. Forget your pursuit of the stone. Next time I will let the damn dog eat you."

With that Snape walked away. Quirrell soon followed, muttering to himself about needing to get the stone for his master. Harry learned two things, the first was the object was some sort of stone and the second Quirrell was trying to steal the stone for somebody else.

Harry wasted no time telling his friends what he herd. None of them knew what the stone was but they were concerned with who Quirrell could be working for. Harry just added to the ever-growing list of questions he had.

The Christmas holidays were here, and Harry couldn't wait to go home. While Hogwarts was amazing in its own way Harry really missed Charlus. They had exchanged letters often but it wasn't good enough for Harry. Harry had not mentioned anything about the stone. Charlus had always told him to be careful what he put in writing so Harry decided to wait to ask Charlus about it in person.

Harry and his friends were on the Hogwarts Express and discussing their plans for the holiday.

"I can't wait to see my sisters I've missed them."

"I didn't know you had sisters Blaise. Your one of the few magical families I know that had more than one kid."

"Hermione there are plenty of magical families with more than one kid you just don't see them because you attend Hogwarts."

" What do you mean?" Hermione looked upset she really hated not knowing things. Tracey being the historian of the group decided to fill Hermione in.

"Hogwarts is one of four magical schools in Great Britain. Hogwarts is only available to the rich Hogwarts tuition is really expensive only few can afford it. Your parents do well financially, yes?" (Hermione nodded.)

"Well, you would find other muggleborn students here are in the same boat. They have well to do parents. Everyone who attends Hogwarts has money in some way. Even the Weasleys. Why it is true they struggle financially it's only because they have many kids to pay for. Their father works at the ministry granted he is not high up but he gets a decent salary. It all goes to pay the tuition for thier kids. If they had less kids or sent them to a different school they definitely would not be struggling as much. A lot of families just wanted to produce an heir because they were scared about the war. So in our year and above the population was low. However since Halloween of 91 the magical population has increased. Hogwarts won't see that however the other schools will see an increase in attendance over the next few years."

Everyone was paying attention to Tracey as she spoke. While they knew some of what Tracey was saying they all found themselves learning something new.

"Why wouldn't Hogwarts see an increase. With the war long over wouldn't the elite families want more kids?"

"That's a complicated question Hermione. Many of the wealthy families especially in the Pureblood society they were arranged with Marriage contracts. Contracts usually only say they have to make an heir not multiple heirs. Also, for some reason even couples who got together through love don't seem to have more than one kid. Why haven't your parents had more than one kid?"

" Oh, well they always say they feel complete with having one child."

"I'm sure many couples feel the same way. For some reason or another the elite don't tend to have a lot of kids. But everyday witches and wizards do."

"So, if my parents weren't well off, I wouldn't be in Hogwarts?"

"Unfortunately, Hermione you wouldn't be."

"But that's unfair, you have to go to a lesser-known school because you weren't lucky enough to be born in a rich family?"

" Hermione it's not that different from the muggle word. Don't you have private and public schools? It's the same thing. In our society most of the wealth is owned by the pureblood or the old families. Muggleborns demanded equal rights, and they were starting to get them, but the purebloods rebelled. The result of the last war was kind of a stagnation. Muggleborns do have more rights, but the system is still rigged against them. Nobody wants to rock the boat and start another war."

It was a lot of information for everyone to digest. The topic turned to lighter things, and everyone went back to doing what they were doing. Harry watched as Daphne got more and more tense the closer, they got to kings cross.

Harry and Daphne's relationship while better since Halloween was still very rocky. At best they could be considered civil towardsome another.. Still it didnt stop Harry from worrying about her. He recognized the signs from when he was living with the Dursleys. He knew things were not good for her at home, but Harry also knew unless she was ready to share trying to force her would only cause her to get angry. Tracey also noticed Daphne's mood. Tracey caught Harry's eye, and both knew they were worried about the same thing. Harry vowed to talk to Tracey over the break.

The train arrived at Kings cross and everyone said goodbye. Harry said goodbye to Daphne on the train, but she ignored him. Harry tried to keep an eye out on Daphne but lost her in the crowd. Harry was so busy searching he almost didn't hear a loud clearing of a throat. Harry spun around to see Charlus standing there.

" Harry, I hope you pay better attention to your schoolwork then you do your surroundings."

"Sorry Grandad I was distracted "

"Was it a pretty lass by chance?"

Harry just shook his head used to his Grandads teasing.

"I've missed you Grandad."

"Yeah, I've missed you to kiddo, now let's get out of here I hate crowds"