Author's note: Finally feel like I broke through a bit of writer's block in the last two weeks, which felt really good. I'm excited to share how the story progresses after the funeral, but there's still a little more we need to sort out. The rest of the holiday break will be more fun, I promise! Huge shout out to the folks who left comments, because y'all really boost my spirits!

GinnyPotter6891 - I really wanted to make Bones into a more real character than I've seen her portrayed elsewhere. She's a wartime leader whose power is overshadowed by Voldemort and was dwarfed by Dumbledore. I didn't want her to be a perfect character, especially as a politician, but to show nuance that someone can be trying to do good despite their flaws.

As for Harry not immediately jumping at her offer, I see Harry being slightly more guarded about being "used" by folks due to closer connection with a godfather who might be wary of such things. Having strong, consistent support makes Harry a little bit wiser, in my eyes, so it's more that he's not diving in without thinking it over well.

I've already written the interview section and have some big Quibbler-related plans that I'm looking forward to sharing. Hope they live up to your hopes! As always, your comments are a huge encouragement. Thanks so much and I hope you're doing well!

duvakim - Glad you enjoy the pacing! A new arc often feels a bit slower than other parts of the story, but I've got some important things to go over here. Thanks for noticing the work I've put in and for dropping a comment!

Chapter 105

A white puff of Sirius' breath in the frigid air disappeared as the sound of the large doors behind them opening drew their attention. Harry didn't recognize the dark-haired girl who emerged from the warmth of the Great Hall as she walked toward them. He kept a hand on his wand as she approached, though her gloved hands remained out to the side in a non-threatening manner.

"Hello, Harry! Sorry if I startled you. It's Daphne. Hope I'm not intruding."

The girl's voice immediately reassured Harry, even though he stayed cautious. She certainly didn't resemble the Slytherin girl, even if her voice matched.

"Hey, Daphne. Didn't recognize you." His mind flashed to Moody's insistence upon checking both Kingsley and Snape on the night of Dumbledore's death. As much as Harry didn't want to become Mad-Eye levels of paranoid, the Auror's growl of "Constant vigilance!" echoed in his head as if he'd written it with a Quill of Echoes. "Would you mind confirming who you are for us?"

The girl nodded gravely, producing her wand in one hand and pointing it out toward the snow. She attempted to cast a patronus unsuccessfully twice before her silvery fox sprang forth. A look of frustration made its way across the girl's face in a way that reminded Harry very much of Daphne when she expected more of herself.

"I'm trying to keep a low profile at the moment since I'm sure there are some members of my house that would consider attending the headmaster's funeral as another strike against me." She brushed dark brown hair away from her face, looking annoyed at its color and the way it fell. "Embarrassing that I didn't get the patronus on my first try, but hopefully that should do the trick."

"Yeah, that definitely works. And for what it's worth, it's a lot harder to concentrate on a happy memory right now, so no judgment," added Harry. He wasn't lying, considering how challenging it had been for him to cast a patronus the last few days. "Daphne, this is my godfather, Sirius Black."

Feeling much more confident about the identity of the disguised Slytherin, Harry gestured to Sirius, who extended a hand of greeting.

"Pleased to meet you," she greeted properly, inclining her head slightly. "Daphne Greengrass."

"Ah, your reputation precedes you!" exclaimed Sirius with much less formality, clearly glad that Harry knew the girl. "You're one of the illustrious members of Advanced Defense with Harry, right? And part of the championship-winning dueling team, as well!"

Whether from Sirius' acknowledgment or the blast of chilly air, Daphne's cheeks tinted slightly pink.

"Well, it is much easier to win a dueling competition when on your godson's team. And speaking of," she turned to Harry. "Could I borrow you for a few minutes before everyone goes their separate ways?"

Though Harry had been looking forward to catching up with Kingsley, the allure of the castle's warmth made going with Daphne an easy choice.

"Sure thing. If you end up finding Kingsley, tell him I said hello, okay?"

"Sounds like a plan. Send Moony to rescue me if I'm not back in an hour. I might be frozen solid by then, at this rate."

Harry felt his fingers begin to tingle as soon as he reentered the warmth of the castle, and his legs ached with stiffness from standing in the cold. He was grateful that Daphne quickly led the way to a sparsely populated corner before sitting down, a nervous look etched on her face. He joined her, rubbing his hands together to warm them as he began to speak.

"What's going on? Is everything alright?"

The Slytherin sighed heavily with a furrowed brow. She looked at Harry with a mixture of concern and frustration.

"The Dark Lord killed the headmaster, broke all his followers out of Azkaban, and is about to wage an all-out war on anyone who stands in their way, which now probably includes me because I was foolish enough to enter a dueling tournament with the newly-minted number one person on his hit list. I don't think that qualifies as everything being alright."

Harry winced at the description before shrugging in agreement. "Yeah, I guess that's a fair summary of how things are going."

"Can I be honest? I'm not sure if you being this calm about it all is comforting or absolutely terrifying."

"Sorry, that's not what I meant," replied Harry quickly. "I was more wondering about how you're doing and if you'd heard from any of the other Slytherins from Defense Club who are in a similar boat."

"I'm not exactly thrilled to be spending my holidays at Hogwarts made up with concealment charms to look like someone else, but my parents agreed that Astoria and I would be safer away from home, at least for now. They don't expect the Dark Lord to barge down the door and demand fealty, but after everything that's happened, I can't blame them for considering the possibility."

Though Harry had stayed at Hogwarts over the holiday break before, it wasn't as though he'd missed out on exciting Christmas festivities with a loving family. Daphne let out a long sigh as her eyes swept across the Great Hall in frustration, even though she kept her face impassive. Her gaze remained across the room as she continued.

"Blaise is out of the country with his mother. I haven't heard anything from Claudia or most of the younger students, but I doubt anyone will reach out unless something goes very wrong. And even then, we might not get word before the next term begins, if they even return at all. It's Theo I'm most worried about."

A look of concern mixed with confusion spread across Harry's face as he wondered what could be going on with the quiet sixth year he'd gotten to know through Defense Club.

"What do you know about Theo's dad?" asked Daphne with a furtive glance at Harry.

"Not much," said Harry with a furrowed brow as he attempted to remember what little he'd heard. "I think I remember someone saying he was a Death Eater. Is that right?"

"Not was. Is. Tiberius is probably in his late seventies and not exactly a powerhouse when it comes to wandwork, but he is one of the Dark Lord's true believers. Theo said that his father was there the night the Dark Lord returned, but he's been in Azkaban ever since the end of our fifth year when he got captured…"

"At the Ministry," supplied Harry with a grimace. His mind raced as the implications became clear. Harry and the other Defense Club leaders had not only thwarted Voldemort's plans in the Ministry of Magic but had been instrumental in the capture of several Death Eaters. For the last few months, Theo's father had been locked away in Azkaban. "I didn't know."

"Because Theo didn't want you to know," continued Daphne, her voice still steady though her countenance fell. "Some with Death Eaters for parents wear that as a badge of honor. For others, it's a deep shame. But for Theo, his father being broken out of Azkaban complicates things.

"With Malfoy Manor nothing more than a pile of ash, Theo is worried that his father will offer up their estate as a base of operations. It's not as grand as Draco's was, but Theo didn't want to risk going home when it was just going to be him and his father. If the Dark Lord and his followers are going to be staying there, there's no way he's safe."

"That makes sense. Where is he now? Does he have any ideas about where to go?" asked Harry, already frowning at the logistics of bringing Theo to spend the holidays at Grimmauld Place.

"He doesn't have many good options. He said that he'd stay with a friend for a few days, but I'd rather not leave things to chance. It would be a lot better to get him somewhere safer and less tenuous…" Daphne didn't seem confident about the beginnings of her idea, but Harry's eager look encouraged her to continue. "My parents got special permission from McGonagall for my sister and me to stay here over the holidays, but my parents aren't Death Eaters. With everything that happened with Draco, I doubt the Headmistress will be keen to extend the invitation to another son of one of the Dark Lord's followers."

Though Daphne's logic for why Theo might not be allowed back in the castle sounded reasonable enough when she laid it out, Harry's concern began to melt away as soon as he heard the idea. He nodded vigorously and stood up, eyes already darting around the room to find McGonagall.

"Let's go talk to her. She has to allow Theo to stay here… And that would at least mean that you'd have another someone to hang out with!"

Spotting the headmistress near the other side of the Great Hall, Harry didn't even wait for Daphne to object as he hurried toward his Head of House. As he approached with Daphne hurrying to catch up, McGonagall was deep in a conversation with a rotund wizard whom Harry didn't know. Though her eyes were still reddened by her earlier tears, she appeared to otherwise have regained control of her emotions.

"Mr. Potter. I see you have acquainted yourself with one of Hogwarts' guests for the holiday break." She gave a knowing nod toward the disguised Daphne before returning her attention to Harry.

"Not Harry Potter!" exclaimed the older wizard, suddenly much more energetic than he'd appeared. "Lily's boy?"

"Yes, Horace. He is one of our sixth years. Mr. Potter, allow me to introduce Professor Slughorn."

Though nearly half a dozen funeral attendees had already awkwardly brought up his parents since the conclusion of the service, Harry instead focused on McGonagall's use of the word "professor." Questions flooded his mind as Harry's offered hand was engulfed by both of Slughorn's. Without allowing himself time to consider the queries, he gave a quick smile at the man.

"Nice to meet you, Professor. What subject will you be teaching?"

"No, no, no!" replied Slughorn affably with a shake of his head. "I'm a former Professor, not current. I've been thoroughly enjoying retirement for several years, and even if your Headmistress keeps asking, I daresay she won't be able to lure me back into the castle."

"Professor Slughorn was the Head of Slytherin and Potions Master while at Hogwarts," offered Daphne. "Fifty years, if I remember what father said correctly."

"Very true, though I wasn't Head of Slytherin the entire time," chortled Slughorn amiably, eyeing Daphne with a wry smile. "And who might your father be? I don't yet know if I should thank him for telling tales about me or offer reproach for not introducing me to such an excellent daughter!"

"No need to scold him, because he has introduced us on several occasions," replied Daphne with a knowing smile. "You don't recognize me because of the glamours, but I'm Daphne Greengrass. They thought it wise to remain at Hogwarts over the break."

"Of course!" exclaimed Slughorn with a wide smile. "Jaron and Elizabeth's daughter! It has been too long since I last saw them. How are they doing?"

"Neutrality has its costs, but both are doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. I thought it best not to cause them further challenges by attending today's service as myself, especially after how my previous term has affected them."

The older man's smile faded at her disclosure. "Excuse an old man for prying, but may I ask what about your term has created trouble for them?"

"It seems I've gotten mixed up with the wrong sort," she explained, gesturing to Harry. "Several notable members of our house, including Claudia Fawley, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and myself, joined up with a group of other students for a Defense Club last year."

"Representing several well-regarded families," noted Slughorn, who was nodding along.

"Harry's the main leader of the group, which presents challenges for those whom the Dark Lord wishes to persuade to support him."

The former professor frowned slightly, as did Professor McGonagall. Harry didn't like being described as the "main leader," but didn't have a chance to set the record straight as Daphne pressed forward.

"I'm certain you can imagine the challenges that led to, especially after Harry asked for one of us to help lead the group this year."

This time, the professor took a sharp breath through his nose, which made an uncomfortable wheeze as he grimaced.

"Yes, I see how that would be challenging, for you and your parents."

"And have you heard anything about the Dueling Tournament Hogwarts held? I don't believe the Prophet wrote anything about it, but you always seem to have your sources…"

"I have heard bits and pieces," acknowledged Slughorn.

"Well, those of us working with Harry performed significantly better than those aligning with the Dark Lord," explained Daphne. "Blaise took the top prize in our year's tournament, while Claudia and I came in second in the doubles competition. And then, there was the Unity Cup."

"A challenge of Albus' own design," added McGonagall quietly. "Four-person teams with one representative from each house meant to foster camaraderie and inter-house cooperation."

Slughorn chuckled quietly to himself. "That sounds like the kind of thing Albus would revel in…"

"Winning the competition alongside Harry Potter may have placed our family under heightened scrutiny." Daphne looked up at the professor almost sheepishly.

"Ah, yes," sighed Slughorn as he shifted uncomfortably. "I see your point."

"Actually, that's why Harry and I rushed over to speak with you, Headmistress," Daphne added, turning to McGonagall.

Though Harry hadn't been sure whether speaking of Theo's predicament in front of Slughorn was safe, Daphne's endorsement of the idea by bringing it up and sharing her identity with the former professor set him somewhat at ease.

"Daphne told me some about Theo's dad and how things might not be safe for him at home. I don't know what it takes to let someone stay at Hogwarts over the holidays, but I wanted to see if that's possible." There was an earnestness in Harry's voice that he hadn't expected of himself. "I know things are out of sorts after…after everything that's happened… But Theo would be safer here in the castle and I know he wouldn't do anything like Malfoy."

Though Harry's attention was focused on McGonagall as she regarded the two students, he noticed from the corner of his eye that Slughorn seemed quite interested in what he was saying. Both adults seemed fully aware of what the implications of Theo staying with his father meant.

"I see," replied the headmistress gravely. "A student wishing to remain at the castle during the holidays usually must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian and their Head of House. If Mr. Nott wishes to return to Hogwarts for the remainder of the break, it will take some work. The Board of Governors is already exerting more control over the school, and there was significant pushback even to allow students like Miss Greengrass to stay at the castle, despite having her parents' permission."

Professor McGonagall elaborated on the Governor's hesitance to allow any changes or exceptions to the rules, especially until a suitable new Head of Slytherin house was found. It had not come as a surprise to Harry that Professor Snape was no longer employed at Hogwarts after his role in the headmaster's abduction and death. Still, he had not fully understood the implications of the potion master's departure.

"Won't Professor Sinistra be our new Head of House?" asked Daphne.

"Aurora would have made an excellent Head of Slytherin," agreed McGonagall, though a profound sadness overtook her as she spoke. "Unfortunately, she submitted her resignation three days ago. Though she did not explain her reasoning in great detail, I suspect the shock of Albus' death and her dismay at the role Severus played in it were contributing factors."

Despite several years of Astronomy classes, Harry didn't know Professor Sinistra well. Still, he easily recognized the hurt on Daphne's face enough to see that this was a mighty blow to her. He imagined it must have felt like when he'd learned that Lupin wouldn't be returning to teach Defense.

"So we don't have any professors from Slytherin?" she asked forlornly.

"Not at the moment," answered the headmistress. "You may rest assured that I am working diligently to rectify that. I sincerely hope to do so before the new term begins."

Despite some interest in who McGonagall might hire, Harry remained focused on his task. As the chances of Theo staying at Hogwarts seemed to dwindle, he decided to try a different tactic.

"If Theo can't stay at the castle, maybe I could talk to Sirius about having him stay with us?" offered Harry, glancing from McGonagall to Daphne. "I know we'd need to sort out some things to make it work, but I could go ask him."

Harry was almost ready to see if Sirius was still hunting for Kingsley when a hand rested on his shoulder.

"Harry, m'boy! In all my years at Hogwarts, I've seen precious few students from outside of Slytherin display such concern for members of my house." A wistful look crossed his face. "Yet I remember your mother being especially empathetic when she served as Head Girl."

Though he wasn't always fond of how strangers often compared him to his parents, Harry felt a warmth in his chest at Slughorn's declaration and smiled at the man genuinely.

"Thanks for saying that, sir. There are a lot of great Slytherins here and I feel lucky to have Daphne and Theo as friends."

Slughorn's eyes bore down on Harry for a few long moments before returning to McGonagall. "Just out of curiosity, how many students are in the upper-level Potions courses?"

"Both are rather small," replied the headmistress. "Severus only accepted students who achieved an O on their OWLs, which kept class sizes under ten apiece."

"Our class is just the seven of us, right?" asked Harry with a look toward Daphne, who nodded in confirmation.

"Both of you managed an O? Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Lily's potions acumen was passed down to you."

The wizard's jovial look was twinged with something Harry couldn't quite identify as the man considered his options. He took a long, slow breath in before turning back toward McGonagall.

"Minerva, these students presented you with a dilemma, but perhaps one that is not insurmountable. I have in mind an option that would be best shared privately. May we adjourn, leaving them with assurances that we will find young Mr. Nott suitable lodgings?"

Harry watched as Slughorn arched his eyebrow, almost daring McGonagall to proceed.

"Certainly, Horace. I'm sure we can sort out a reasonable solution." She turned to regard Harry and Daphne. "Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Please apprise your godfather about the situation, in case our other plans do not materialize."

The headmistress gave the two students a curt nod. Though Harry might have imagined it, he glimpsed a faint smile attempting to break through Professor McGonagall's stern demeanor.