Chapter 12

Draco sat up violently, panting as both a concerned Crabbe and Goyle jumped back. Draco pulled the covers back, wiping his eyes as he rubbed away sweat and eye crud.

"Sorry-you were...you were screaming. We didn't know what to do!" Crabbe said with duress, "Are- Are you okay?"

Draco laughed in a weak gruff voice, rubbing his hands through his hair as he looked at both, "I...err...tried a new potion yesterday. It has some side effects."

Crabbe and Goyle awkwardly laughed with Draco, as Draco scrambled out of the bed.

"I'll meet you guys for breakfast?" Draco said awkwardly as he glanced quickly up at the clock, noting that he would have no time for breakfast.

They both nodded, exiting the room even though Draco was sure both were still in pajamas. As the door closed shut, Draco ran toward the bathroom, stopping to look at himself in the mirror. He was pale, his skin was still slimey from the sweat, and his hair was a mess. It had been two days since Harry been gone, but it had felt like an eternity ago to Draco.

"Get a hold of yourself," Draco said aloud, slapping himself lightly for good measure before rushing into the shower.

Draco showered quickly and made his way into the common room. Like most Tuesdays, it was pretty empty, most people in-class, the library, or being mischievous somewhere. Draco glanced at his watch before exiting the commons, he needed to hurry. He was swift, walking past several patrols of Aurors as he made his way down corridors. His heart was beating faster and faster as he moved closer and closer to the destination.

Finally, he made it to an empty and dead-end corridor. He looked around him carefully before walking down slowly. As he made it to the end of the corridor, he was met with a dead end. His heart racing as he reached the end, searching in all directions for something.

"Shit," he whispered as he began to walk back

As he made it to the middle of the corridor, a door appeared on the wall to his left. Draco jumped at the sudden appearance of the door but was quickly relieved when he saw the familiar silver handle. Draco felt his heart pound as his hand crawled closer to the handle. He paused right before he could grab it, lowering his hand. Could he go through with this? This was wrong, no matter how it made him feel. Draco began to turn around.

"Hey, You think Dawlish would give me the day off for that?"

The sound of an approaching auror patrol startled Draco as he quickly opened the door and rushed inside. As he entered the room, he could already feel the pressure wash away from him.

Harry sighed as he made it to the door of potions class.

"We'll be right outside when you are ready to leave, Mr. Potter," Sarah said, the auror in charge of his personal detail

"Yeah, thanks," Harry replied as he opened up the door in the midst of Slughorn's lecture. As he made his way to his stool, Slughorn simply nodded at his presence before continuing to teach. Harry took his seat next to Blaise who was intently invested in the lecture.

Harry turned to see Draco, but he was absent.

"Where's Draco?"

Blaise, without looking away from Slughorn, whispered back, "I haven't seen him since you left."

Harry frowned, "What about you...are you alright?"

"Yeah...I believe so. We have a lot to talk about."

"I agree. Let's mee-

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Zabini...is there any reason why I shouldn't take off ten points from Slytherin for talking during my lecture," Slughorn interrupted.

Before Harry could say anything, Blaise replied, "Sir, with no disrespect, I was just explaining to him how to apply the law of Squill Decadence to the ingredients without harvesting plants."

Slughorn scratched his head, "Ugh...well then, uh, keep up the good work!"

Slughorn went back to lecturing as Harry smirked.

"Lets meet in the chamber after this."

Blaise nodded slightly as the lecture finished and they began to start on their potion for the day. As Harry and Blaise worked, there was relatively little talking as Blaise carefully went over his instructions.

"Would you mind grabbing a Wheezel's tongue over by the counter," Blaise said to Harry as he carefully poured in a green like liquid causing the potion to emit a gas like substance from the cauldron.

"Yeah...sure," Harry said as he turned to see Daphne Greengrass at the ingredient bench.

Harry watched her as she was meticulously looking through several ingredients. He hadn't thought much about her since he been gone, but quickly it all came back to him. Daphne was beginning to bring up odd feelings for Harry, feelings he couldn't quite place. As he approached the bench, he quickly picked up an obscure vial.

"I think you're looking for this," Harry said as he handed her a vial of powder, "I had a hard time finding it earlier."

"Thanks," Daphne said as she took the vial, looking over at Harry, "I'm glad...I'm glad you're back,"

Harry smiled as he examined different tongues, "Don't let your sister know, I've been trying to avoid her all morning."

"Do you have to be an arse at every moment?"

Harry simply smiled as he picked up the tongue he was looking at. As he began to turn Daphne grabbed his wrist, causing Harry to turn back around, Daphne quickly pulled her hand back.

"Whenever you get the chance, I-I need to talk to you," Daphne whispered toward him, "Privately."

Harry could see the earnest in her blue eyes and nodded, "Tonight, the common room? We are on duty."

"After duty, like late...really late. "

As he turned back around and began walking toward his bench. However, Harry's mind began to jump all over the place, wondering exactly what they would need to talk about.

"I'm glad you could take a break from your conversations to get back to this potion," Blaise groused as he snatched the tongue from Harry, "Swirl the potion four times clockwise and once clockwise."

Harry gave Blaise a smug smile as he grabbed the giant cauldron spoon. As he swirled, he couldn't help but glance across the bench at Daphne who was intently focused on her potion.

"Mr. Malfoy, It's nice of you to make it to class, ten points from Slytherin for your tardiness," Slughorn announced from the front of the class

Harry turned to look at Draco who shrugged as he found himself next to his partner, Pansy. As Harry finished his last counter-clockwise stir of the thick goop that Harry called their potion, he turned from his bench toward Draco who had instantly begun helping pansy on potion with attention and precision he hadn't seen Draco use before.

"Damn it, Harry," Blaise swore behind him causing Harry to turn to see the cauldron bubbling over, "How many times did you swirl?"

"It's getting on my book!" Harry complained as he rushed to clean up, ignoring Blaise

By the end of the potions lab, Harry and Blaise had a vial of the potion to give to Slughorn.

"This looks good, Harry and Blaise, a bit darker than it should be, but nonetheless really good. Try keeping the heat low and reducing your swirling to what the instruction says. It's an Exceed expectations. However, I expect Outstanding work from you two." Slughorn said as he wrote down grades, waiting for the next students to present their vial.

"How many times did you swirl," Blaise whispered angrily as he put up extra ingredients

"My word, Draco and Pansy, this is perfect! Outstanding, good job!"

Harry stared at Draco who turned to grin arrogantly at both of them. Harry watched as Blaise flashed a look of disdain at Harry as Harry gathered his stuff and left the classroom, at which his two escorts began following him.

"I'm headed toward the Slytherin Dorms, and I have Charms in about an hour," Harry said to his escorts as Harry began moving toward the Dorms followed by Blaise and Draco behind his guards.

As they got back to their room, Harry quickly noticed how dirty the room had gotten since he last been, clothes had been scattered all over the floor, the room smelled foul with a lingering odor that wouldn't leave. Harry watched as Blaise, who had his nose turned up, pull out his wand and waved it over Harry's bed. Harry's bed split open, showcasing a descending staircase.

"Shall we," Blaise said as he descended, quickly followed by Harry and Draco. As Harry entered into the main section of the chamber, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of happiness as he took a deep breath of the old earthy smell that even the best charm couldn't remove.

Harry followed Blaise into the library, where stacks of books lay all over the floor that Harry was careful to step over.

"Damn it, Blaise, can you pick up your books," Draco said, knocking over two stacks of books as he walked in.

Blaise rolled his eyes as he looked over open books in a nearby pile, "Lavender's eyes."

Harry listened closely, "What did you say?"

"That day…Lavender's eyes were foggy," Blaise as he continued to flip over books, "I couldn't get over it, and I did some research."

"That's what you were doing," Draco whispered, his arms crossed.

Blaise picked up a hefty book, pointing at a specific section of the book, "Read this."

Harry took the heavy book, looking at the passage that had begun to unscramble itself from Old English into something readable.

After I slaughtered my challenges, the coven accepted me. The darker rituals I have been taught infuse me with power, a power I did not know was possible. Even more so, they gave me the greatest gift of all, the power of control. It's hard to use, but I can control all people, even normal folk. It's intoxicating, allowing anyone to be my servant. I've begun to experiment with it when I'm not out for the coven. It can't make normal folk have the ability, but it does give them a resolve only reserved for those with our abilities. I've noticed that I can make people even repeat the same power on someone else, however, when I do it, it's hard to tell that something has been done. When my experiments use it, their controlled usually have cloudy eyes and act oddly around their controller...

Harry gave the book to Draco to read as he thought pensively for a second.

"We have the list, but we're still aiming in the dark, " Harry said pensively as he stared between Draco and Blaise, "But if we can find something to point us to a culprit, we can end this."

"Draco, did you find any leads or hear anything from Pansy," Blaise asked

Draco shifted uncomfortably as he placed the book on a nearby stack, "I didn't hear anything useful. Just your typical death eater vitriol. "

"We need to be observant then, it could be anybody, and I'd imagine the signs someone would display around their castor wouldn't be that obvious or we would have seen it by now," Harry theorized.

"What now then Potter, if it turns out our castor is actually being controlled themselves," Draco paused, "Are you going to...kill an innocent person?"

Harry took a deep breathe, "If it's the only option."

"You're talking about KILLING a potentially innoc-

"-I know Draco! I know," Harry snapped back, turning to stare at Draco directly, "But... if there isn't any other option then I will. I'm not letting anyone else get hurt because of me."

Blaise intervened, "We can brainstorm-

"Enough! I'm not taking any more chances. I'm sorry." Harry said bluntly, carefully stating his next words, "No one else gets hurt. "

"You're pathetic," Draco smirked as he spoke over Harry's attempt to talk back, "Listen! If you think this is the right call, then...then I'm with you,"

Draco pushed past the stack of books, to stand closer to both Harry and Blaise, grabbing Harry's shoulder tightly, "We're friends, you don't have to do this alone. Besides what's a goblin without his coins?"

Blaise sighed and nodded emphatically, "The idiot is right, you're not alone."

Harry smiled slightly, grabbing Draco's shoulder and squeezing it tightly, "Thank you...both of you,"

"Plus let's not mention everytime you're alone, you always fail anyway, You need us," Draco said as he let go of Harry's shoulder

"Oh shut up," Harry replied as he pushed Draco's shoulder, making him knock over a pile of books, "Lets go to class."

"I knew I'd found you out here," Hermione said, standing next to Ron who was sitting down, "I wanted to make sure you didn't miss Professor Alric's class like last time."

In the courtyard, there had been a section devoted to all the students who had passed at Hogwarts at one time or another, a garden with each plaque devoted a specific flower that would never die, Lavender's flower, of course, was a beautiful arrangement of lavenders. Ginny Weasley's was an arrangement of bell-heathers.

"If that's your shite way of asking how I'm doing...I'm fine," Ron said begrudgingly, standing up to dust off his trousers, "Blimey, she was annoying...but I liked her a lot."

"I did too."

Ron looked at the plague for a couple of more seconds, before looking back at Hermione, "We should go then? Would hate for you to ruin your perfect attendance on my behalf."

Hermione rolled her eyes, Ron was still an arrogant prick when he wanted to be.

"Also, I don't think I got the chance to thank you and Neville for being there for me this past couple of days...even these past couple of years, so thank you," Ron said, shoving his hands into his pocket as they began walking toward class, "I'm really fine, I just wish Potter could just be put in... Azkaban or something."

Hermione hit Ron on the shoulder, "You don't mean that!"

"Ow! Come on, you're not going to stick up for that arrogant arsehole," Ron said as his cheeks began turning as red as his freckles, " I'm just so tired of it, every year, it's always him. Everything bad that has happened or will happen has something to do with him!"

"You don't know that!" Hermione replied, lowering her voice as a pair of Aurors passed, "It's not his fault."

"I have a dead sibling and a dead girlfriend to prove it," Ron said coldly, "If you want to stick up for that- that - fucking murderer then, by all means, go ahead, but you can sod off too."

Hermione watched as Ron stormed past her, his lanky frame giving him a real advantage in distance. Hermione stood for a second, almost in shock.

"It's a common sentiment, you know."

Daphne gave a half smile at Hermione before she continued walking slowly to which Hermione followed after.

"Yeah...I'm just worried he's going to get himself hurt," Hermione replied, clutching her textbooks tighter, "He's been a bit on the edge these past two days,"

"I think Harry can handle himsel.,"

Hermione nodded in agreement, "You're right, Daphne, but someone will still get hurt. Remember Theodore and Harry?"

Daphne narrowed her eyes slightly at the mention of Theodore.

"Sorry, I didn't think it was-"

"-No...it's fine…"Daphne hesitated, "It's-it's just that it's still a sore spot is all."

Hermione remembered Theodore Nott. She had never personally met Knott, not that she wanted to. She could remember Daphne coming into the hospital wing upset over one of Theodore's outburst. One thing was for sure, she didn't think Theodore was a good person.

"Do you miss him?"

Daphne looked offended, angry even, "I was in love with him... Of course, I miss him, and I would prefer it if we didn't talk about him."

Hermione nodded sympathetically as she opened the classroom door. Hermione took her seat, reviewing her notes from last class as more people trickled in.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Professor Alric said as he stood in the front of the class, "Today, we will wrap up our espionage lessons with a little game I've procured out by the entrance of the forbidden forest, get in your groups, and lets head down."

Some groaned as everyone gathered their stuff and gathered into their groups. She looked at both Harry and Ron, Harry, rather than his usual indifference, seemed a lot more openly introspective than usual while Ron stood arms crossed, his cheeks flushed with red and his eyes coldly glancing toward Harry, before glancing at others.

All three were silent as they headed down to the entrance of the forest. Professor Alric stood with four aurors, not including the ones that were following Harry.

"Great, everyone, each group will be trying to get these rings." Professor Alric paused as each auror held up a ring that was attached to a wearable chain, "That's it. The only thing is that you'll have only ten minutes, as a group to figure out how to achieve it, no dark or verbal spells, and every member must participate. Once you're done, you're free to leave. Oh...and you'll be competing with another group, so you'll have to think on your toes! Any Questions?"

Professor Alric looked at Hermione, who shook her head causing him to smile. Truthfully, she just worried about how she could get her team to operate.

"Great, find an auror, and they will take you somewhere to fulfill your task."

Hermione began walking over to an auror, followed by Draco, who sneered at her.

"Follow me," the auror said as he led them into the forest, to the closest clearing. As they walked, Hermione took notice of Daphne occasionally looking over at Harry, but also that he would occasionally do the same as well. It was interesting, to say the least.

As they got to the clearing, the auror separated both groups into two sides, "I will stand in the middle, here. Once your ten minutes are up, you have to begin...your time starts now."

"Alright, boys, I think we need to find a guide-" Hermione started before being interrupted by Ron, "Are how about we let Harry do everything since he's Merlin's reincarnated."

Ron faced Harry directly, as Harry looked at Ron coldly.

"Ron," Hermione said stepping in front of both, "We need to work together for just ten minutes, okay?"

"Yeah, just so I can end up dead, no thanks," Ron said savagely

"You're blaming the wrong person," Harry replied matching Ron's intensity, "Whatever you need to get off your chest can wait."

Hermione turned and nodded appreciatively at Harry.

"Of course, you're on his side because it's not people that you know that keep getting killed- that keep getting murdered. "

"What's your problem," Harry asked, "You know, more than anyone, that none of this is my fault!"

Ron was furious, as he stepped past her Hermione, "All I know is that it's always about you! All my parents do is keep and protect your secrets when it's my family that gets hurt!"

Hermione turned back, unsure of what to do now. Ron's frame leaned over Harry's menacingly, but Harry stood tall, his unflinching demeanor just as intimidating.

"Guys…" Hermione beckoned earnestly

"If you want apologies then you have it...I'm sorry about your girlfriend and your sister," Harry said his tone unwavering, "But me beating your arse, won't help you. Besides, I have two aurors prepared to stop you before you even could think of getting a spell to me."

"You may begin now!" The auror in the circle yelled

Ron blinked, realizing where he was. Stepping back to look at Hermione for the answer.

"This won't be good," Hermione moaned as she turned toward the clearing

"Just follow me my lead," Harry said turning back to the task at hand, "Both of you sneak to a different corner…"

Harry trailed off as he watched Seamus fly into the air above the auror, the auror hadn't noticed, focusing on Daphne who had entered into the forest, running directly for the auror. Where was Draco? Hermione thought.

"You'll have to do better," The auror announced as he sidestepped Daphne causing Seamus to land on her.

"Now's our chance," Harry said as he began running toward the auror, but before he even got close. Draco launched up from the beneath the ground in a forceful display, head butting the auror, but also grabbing the ring from around the aurors neck.

"Damn it," Harry said, stopping in his tracks.

Draco landed roughly on the ground and was helped up by Seamus and Daphne. Draco smugly looked over at Harry and Hermione as they gathered closer.

"Team Pureblood wins again," Draco said, holding up his ring proudly.

Hermione felt the incredible urge to deck Draco again.

"I used Daphne as a guide, Seamus as a distraction, and the environment as a cover. All of Professor Alric's big points," Draco said smugly as he tossed the ring back to the auror, and sauntered off, "I'll see you, chumps."

Hermione watched Draco wander off, her fist still clenched, her anger now turned toward Ron. She turned to see that he too had wandered off, leaving just Harry who was talking to Daphne. Hermione watched as they both walked off, leaving her with the auror who was still rubbing his chin.

Hermione offered a hand toward the auror who was still sitting on the group. The auror declined, getting up and wiping himself. As she began walking back to the school, she couldn't help but replay the conversation Ron and Harry had. Ron's parent knew something about Harry? At this point, it was starting to feel like a giant pureblood conspiracy with Harry and Dumbledore somehow at the middle. Either way, as she exited the forest, she was going to have to find a way to redeem her grade.

It was late as Harry entered into the common room, only the sound of the dying fire could be heard echoing throughout the cold chamber. As he entered, he quickly covered the chamber with wards and protections as to avoid unnecessary listeners and unexpected interruptions. Daphne sat on the couch, her back turned to him. The feelings of uncertainty, of nervousness, began to rise as he approached and sat in the seat next to her.

As Daphne looked up for a brief moment at Harry, he could discern the same feelings of uncertainty and nervousness in her. It was quiet for a moment, each just taking in the quietness.

"Can I trust you?"

Harry paused slightly, waiting for Daphne to look up at him, and as she did, he nodded firmly, "You can trust me."

Harry was confused by Daphne's frantic demeanor, she was scared, absolutely terrified.

"What do you need to tell me?"

"I need you to promise me that you will protect my sister and I."

"I promise that I will protect Astoria and you," Harry said, his voice low, "You have my word."

Daphne nodded, "I think I may know who's responsible for the killings."

Harry's eyes widened, his tone much lighter, "How? Who?"

Daphne took a deep breathe, "Tracy Davis. I saw her journaling and managed to see a list of names, and that day Astoria gave you the list, it was the same kind of paper that Astoria gave to you both. Even then, I've been watching her, and she only uses that journal out in public."

Tracy Davis. It sounded far-fetched, but it was smart. Harry thought. A Slytherin half-blood that had absolutely no ties to death eaters or even to a friend group, the girl was a loner. It made perfect sense the more Harry thought about it. However, it didn't explain why that scared Daphne so much?

"Part of protecting my sister and I mean that you can't tell anyone that I told you this."

"What do you mean?"

"If it somehow gets out or even gets mentioned that I helped you in any way then it will put my life in danger..my sister's life in danger. I'm serious Harry," Daphne pleaded, grabbing Harry's hand.

Harry could see the true desperation in her haunted eyes, feel her sweaty palms, whatever it was, it truly scared her.

Harry squeezed her hand tightly, "I promise. I won't, but whatever it is that's scaring you, it doesn't scare me."

Daphne smiled lightly as she let go of Harry's hand, "The brave idiot."

"I'm only brave because I know you'll jump in front and save me,"

They both started laughing as they both slowly turned to the dying fire, the embers bright as they both sat. He had never seen Daphne so afraid, what could have brought so much fear, so much panic. He gazed at her, watching her blank face deep in thought. It was apparent, neither would get a lot of sleep tonight, but it didn't mean they had to wallow in their problems.

"I want to show you something," Harry said as he stood up and grabbed his wand.

Daphne looked at him quizzically as Harry waved it over the fireplace, but before she could say anything, the fireplace split open revealing a giant set of stairs. Harry watched her eyes widened as she looked back at Harry.

Harry smirked as he extended his hand toward Daphne, "Just trying to be happy every once in a while."

Daphne grabbed Harry's hand, allowing him to hoist her up off the couch. As he ventured down the stairs, he turned to see Daphne still at the entrance.

"Why-

"-I trust you."

As Harry watched her step down, he couldn't help but shake his overly cautious thoughts that were wondering what the hell he was doing. Even more so, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had been fighting for a while now, that

he wanted to know more about her, not out of a strategic, cautious, or even beneficial desire, nothing in the same vein that he had adopted when he befriended Draco or Blaise. This felt...different.

As the chamber became clear, it's familiar earthy smell and aesthetics choices, Harry felt energized in a way he hadn't in a while. Despite what he was ahead of him, at this moment, he felt alive.

"Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets," Harry said proudly

"Woah," Daphne replied awestruck, "Is that the..."

"The Basilisk?" Harry confirmed as he stared at the floating Basilisk Skeleton, "Yeah,"

As they finally stepped off the stairs and onto the main floor of the chamber, He turned to see Daphne taking it all in, a sense of wonder written on her face. As Harry watched, it felt weird having a new person in a place he considered his sanctuary.

Daphne's awestruck smile began to fade as she looked around, "Is this where…"

Although Daphne wasn't looking at Harry, Harry nodded, "Yeah, this is where she died."

Daphne stood silent for a moment, her head turned up to the basilisk, examining it's every feature. Harry took the time to cast silencer charms over him and Daphne as to not wake or alert his two friends.

"Follow me," Harry said, as he moved down the aisle toward the entrance to the library

As they entered the library, Harry didn't have to turn to feel Daphne's sense of awe and uncertainty. In fact, it was the way he felt right now, bringing a stranger here...someone who he could potentially betray him.

"Did you do all of this," Daphne asked, as they made their way to the center.

Harry stared longingly at each shelf, "Mostly, Blaise helped a lot too."

"Was it third year that you did all of this?"

"Watch your step," Harry said as he stepped over stacks of books, "No, We didn't finish until late fourth year. I just liked that the chambers allowed maneuverability across Hogwarts, and was a great place to train."

Harry and Daphne both sat down in opposing chairs. Harry watched as Daphne seemed to take in every detail, her eyes searching everything as if she would need to recall them.

"Daphne, Why did you tell me about Tracy? If you have so much to lose then why bother telling me?"

Harry watched as Daphne's face went blank, and her attentiveness turned inward, as she slowly and deliberately gave her answer, "You and I have both lost a lot…have seen a lot...If I can stop it- if I can help- then I want to."

He could see it, the torment on her face as she gave her answer.

"I know I didn't mention this earlier, but the more I think about it, the more convicted I feel about it," Daphne said, "I want to be there when you... kill her."

Harry's face hardened, "How do you know I'm going to kill her?"

"It's not a hard guess, especially if it means it'll end the needless deaths."

"Daphne..."

"Before you say no-"Daphne started as Harry shook his head.

"I'm not going to say no," Harry replied firmly, "but It's going to haunt you, it's going to-"

"I know, Harry, I know. I still think about that Gryffindor boy you killed every single day...I still feel it."

"And you still want to be there?"

Daphne nodded, "If I sentenced her, I want to see it through to the end."

"You don't have to be brave."

"This isn't bravery, Harry. I…" Daphne trailed off

Harry watched intently, her blue eyes burning up with the same sort of passion before they turned up, bringing a smile on Daphne's face.

"What?" Harry asked, confused at her sudden mood change

"Every conversation we have ends up bringing up so much turmoil for both of us...A normal conversation would be nice, is all."

Harry laughed dryly, "That would be nice."

"Then lets," Daphne said confidently, "Nothing sad. Just a normal conversation. Everything else can wait."

"Okay," Harry replied hesitantly, realization hitting him. He wanted a normal conversation with Daphne. For the first time in a long time...he was looking forward to a normal conversation.

A/N Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!