Harry Potter and the Game of Life

by Abadashery

Harry's plan to let Voldemort kill him has backfired as there was no Horcrux in his head. Instead Fate is one grumpy deity and decides that if Harry wants to play games well then she'll give him a game to play. A fresh attempt on the Life is a Game genre! Powerful!Harry. Fling!Harry. Soon to be out of Hiatus!

16. Chapter 16

A/N: And here we are. It has really come together. But despite the desire Harry has for the best summer of his life to continue, despite the ups and downs, all Summers must end. But with their end comes Hogwarts. Choo choo motherfuckers, Harry is gonna storm that castle.

And away we go!

Chapter 16: Fallout Part 4. Settling In and the Final Days of Summer.

Harry dodged the swipe from Astoria once more. She couldn't catch him, he was much too quick and sure on his feet. Harry stuck his tongue out and with a quick step-step, ruffled Astoria's hair again. Astoria growled in frustration, choosing to go with a ranged approach now and throwing the first pillow she could reach at the cheeky boy.

"That'll teach you to tease me!" Harry taunted, as he knocked the pillow out of the air with one of his own. Astoria threw another and it too was blocked. Harry idly doubted that this is what the Hufflepuffs had intended when they gifted the pillows and blankets to him but he couldn't deny the fun he was having.

"Haha!" Harry cheered as yet another pillow was blocked. It was a ploy though and in the moment that he had lost vision of the girl she had ducked behind the couch to sneak around and attack from a new direction. Harry grunted as the pillow smacked his face and he stumbled slightly. He bumped into a potted plant on an end table and it fell to the floor with a crash, breaking. Astoria laughed at her triumph and her assault doubled. Harry dodged and parried, throwing back pillows of his own in an all out war with the young girl. Both of them were laughing when Daphne stepped into the room.

"What in Merlin's name is going on in here? Stop it this instant!" Daphne's cool and commanding voice cut through the boisterous activity and Harry and Astoria both froze. Harry was standing on the couch, having chosen the higher ground to try and break Astoria's defenses from where she had hastily built a pillow fort behind one of the armchairs. Dirt was everywhere from the broken potted plant and not a single pillow was where it had started.

Daphne cocked an eyebrow at Harry and Astoria, sending a 'you know better than this' look that was not misunderstood. "Dolly! Dobby!"

The two Elves popped into the room and gasped at the mess. "I order you NOT to clean this up. Harry and Astoria felt fit to make this mess so they can clean it up, with no magical assistance. Am I understood?"

Daphne was clearly talking to the Elves but the message was directed to Harry and Astoria. Behave yourselves like the Lord and young lady that you are, or face my wrath. Harry gulped. He knew he could override the order. But the sharp look that Daphne was sending him had an almost 'Try your luck, Potter' vibe that he picked up loud and clear. Daphne waited for the Elves to nod their heads at the order when it was clear Harry wasn't going to fight it. Then she walked out of the room. Harry climbed down from the couch and started to put the pillows back in order. Astoria broke out from under her pillow fort and went to help him.

Harry placed a pillow onto the armchair. Did it go there? Maybe.

Everything was silent until Astoria hit Harry over the head with a pillow, saying in a hushed tone "Look what you did, stupid"

"Stupid?" Harry hit her back with a pillow he had been about to put on one of the couch, replying in the same tone "You started it!"

Astoria hit him again, "No I didn't! You did"

"Stop that!" Daphne's voice echoed down the stairs. How had she known?

Astoria and Harry called a truce and started sweeping up the dirt from the potted plant.

***Break***

Cornelius Fudge was a proud man. Not too smart, kind of politically savvy, honestly a bit of a pushover if the bribe was right, but proud. So when the Special Edition of the Daily Prophet made it onto his desk he was rightfully proud. After Harry's Press Conference Cornelius had seen reports of the boy all over the various news outlets. Everyone wanted a piece of the boy. Requests for interviews had been ignored. Attempts to visit the boy's home had been thwarted. Nothing seemed able to bring the boy out into the public's eye. Then the boy went and did this. Challenged a Lord of the Wizengamot, a member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, and won in such a spectacular way.

Cornelius was supposed to be the one, dammit. The one who took young Harry under his wing, confidante and mentor. Instead the boy amazed Wizarding Britain with dazzling skill and selfless chivalry. Who didn't love the story of a young Hero standing up for good? Lord Greengrass had blundered when the man had made such a public spectacle. And on one of Diagon Alley's most crowded days. The boy, the victor, had shown the magical citizens exactly what they wanted out of the Boy-Who-Lived. A Hero of Justice. The Iron Mage. So Cornelius had commissioned Rita Skeeter to put out a Special Edition of the Prophet. The woman's talents for taking what would have been a glorious moment for Harry Potter and tarnishing it were incredible. The pudgy man had thought that that would be enough to draw Harry out, pleading for Cornelius to make it right. But no, it had not.

***Break***

Harry led the girl's out the front door, finally giving them the grand tour. They had seen bits and pieces but Harry wanted them to know where they were living now and what sort of place Potter Manor truly was.. He decided to start outside.

"There's the fountain, the Gryphon is a symbol for House Potter featured on the Coat of Arms. The hedges have some benches throughout, and are holly bushes so they bloom in spring and early summer if you want to walk the gardens at any point. The 14 marble pillars are in homage to the past generations since the Potter family was formed." Astoria took a moment to stick her hand in the fountain water, the sparkling spray surprisingly cold. She rushed back as Harry took them to the left and around the House.

"Over here is the Quidditch Pitch, my personal indulgence. Daphne you've already seen it but I'm not sure how much flying you do Astoria" Harry prompted the younger girl, who looked away for a moment.

"I've never been on a broom honestly…" She lamented the lost opportunities her upbringing and sickness brought onto her. Harry glanced at Daphne who declined to comment but was looking at her sister with a sad look.

"Well, if you're up for it, I'm sure we can find time for a lesson or two. There's also the Flying Class for first years that should let you know whether you enjoy it or not" Harry said casually as he walked.

Astoria gasped and her head whipped around to look at him, "You'd let me fly?" she asked in disbelief.

"Sure, why not?" Harry asked, confused.

"I… I don't know" Astoria responded lamely, and looked down again. Harry hand patted her on the shoulder in understanding and they continued walking. Harry picked up where he left off.

"The shed there has some Nimbus 2001s, but if you're looking to try out flying we can pick up a Cleansweep or an easier model for first-timers when we go to Diagon." Harry ignored Astoria's look of surprise at the idea of Harry buying her a broom, instead bringing them around to the back of the house. Here he stopped and looked over his grounds. Man, he loved this place.

He took a deep breath of the fresh air. It was around 5 PM, so the day was a little later but the air was cooling down nicely and some stubborn summer flowers were throwing their scent into the light wind. "Down the way there is my Forge and Tannery"

At this, both girls were confused. Daphne had noted the presence of the buildings during the party but hadn't gone to observe what they were at any point and Harry hadn't bothered to tell anyone. The statement needed a comment though, and it came from Astoria, "Why do you have a Forge and what is a Tannery?"

Harry chuckled, knowing that his hobbies probably looked strange to most wizards and witches. "I have them both because it's fun, I enjoy them. And a Tannery is used to treat animal hides and turn it into leather."

Astoria looked at him like he was crazy. Forging was fun? Every story book she had read that had a forge usually involved the blacksmith being this big, burly, brute who had crazy strength from the strenuous activity. No book described it as fun. Daphne too, had a look in her eyes. Her mind was on the arms that had wrapped around her earlier. Was blacksmithing what had given Harry such definition in his arms?

Deciding to press on Harry continued walking, "Down there is the dock. Do try to be safe if you go swimming, get Dobby or Dolly to keep an eye out. The boat there is the Jet" The name they had given the boat during the birthday party had stuck and Harry had had it painted onto the side as if the small boat was some sort of fancy vessel, "If you take it out onto the water, just be sure to tie it back up when you're done or get Dobby to help you."

"Over there is my mechanic's shed" Harry looked at the building critically. It was a hideous pink color. Damn it Dobby.

"Why is it pink? And what is a mechnick." Astoria asked as she took in the, admittedly ugly, building.

Harry sighed. He knew why it was pink. Because Dobby decided that having Daphne walk in on him was not enough payback for kicking the Elf out of the kitchen. Harry knew he should have specified the color when he had told Dobby to paint it.

"It's pink because Dobby thinks he's a funny Elf who is BANNED FROM THE KITCHEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE" Harry yelled to the house. There was a faint cry of outrage from inside.

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head and praying for the patience to put up with Dobby sometimes. Astoria giggled at the image.

"Anyways, pink travesty put aside for now. A mechanic is a term for a Muggle who fixes or maintains Muggle machinery" Harry said, using completely foreign words for the two girls.

"Mah-Sheen-ary" Astoria tried out the weird word. "What's that?"

Deciding that the best way to teach them was to show them. He still had a work-in-progress project in there anyways "I'll show you. Come on"

They walked to the shed where Harry pulled a key out of thin air and opened the padlock. The sliding door was pushed, and revealed… a big lump of metal. Or at least that's what it looked like to Daphne and Astoria.

"What the heck is that thing?" Astoria asked as she walked up to it. It was larger than her upper body, suspended by chains, and had a staggering amount of pieces to look at, each one having some unknown and alien purpose.

"That is an engine. It uses petrol to propel vehicles for muggles. I want to tune it up and try out different ways for charms to be applied to it." Harry said, looking at the engine. It had been one of his earlier purchases but he hadn't yet had a chance to do much with it. Maybe next summer.

"It uses a pet troll? How?" Again Astoria's inquisitive nature showed itself. She was learning so much! To think Muggles used Trolls for transportation! How fascinating.

Harry knew if he kept talking about it, admittedly not knowing much himself, the talk could last for hours with Astoria's penchant for questions. Instead he stepped over to the workbench and grabbed 2 books. One was a manual for the engine, showing the construction and how the pieces fit together. The other was a dictionary of sorts that explained some of the terminology of mechanical work. He flipped through the dictionary and found petrol before handing the open book as well as the other book underneath to Astoria who immediately started reading while they walked. Daphne smiled at Harry, understanding at sometimes being unable to keep up with Astoria's curiosity was apparent on the older girl's face.

"You read those, and we can talk more about it later. Let's head inside though. We still need to pick what rooms you 2 want." Harry said as he realized that despite being in the home for over 24 hours the 2 girls had still not actually 'moved in'.

***Break***

"This one! This one!" Astoria cried out. She had run up and down the hallway looking at all the rooms before coming to one at the far end of the house, next to Harry's own Master Bedroom. It was different from the rest, though each room was a little unique in the construction, but this one was immediately her favorite. The windows were large and dominated the walls, giving the room a bright natural lighting. The wall opposite the door was also curved so it afforded a gorgeous view of the lake and quidditch pitch as well as the streams in the distance.

Daphne stepped into the room at her sister's cry and was immediately jealous. Not in a way that would have made the older girl try and stop her sister from having the room but because she had to admit the view was quite nice. Harry nodded, he could see why the girl wanted the room. It didn't stand up to his Master Bedroom but it was larger than most of the other rooms.

"Great. Dolly! Dobby! Let's get Astoria's clothes and things set up in the room. Give the room a good once over, and" Harry turned to the girl who was almost pressing her face into the glass of the windows "What color do you want?"

Astoria turned to Harry. "Color? What do you mean?"

Harry was reminded of the Greengrass manor. Everything had been white. Every single wall. Did that mean that even the rooms upstairs were white? He was confused, but Daphne interjected, "Father always said that color was a distraction. He firmly maintained that the rooms remain white"

What? Harry thought to himself. No paint? No personalization? That certainly fit the image Harry had of the man. He turned to Astoria suddenly understanding. All of his guest bedrooms were white as well, along with all of the rooms the girl had seen so far, having no real need for anything else since they were impersonal and Harry hadn't felt the need yet. But now this room was Astoria's and would therefore be a reflection of the girl but she obviously didn't understand that.

"Come on, I want to show you something" Harry again chose the showing over the teaching route. He stepped out of the room and opened the door to his left, to his own room. Daphne blushed slightly, remembering the sight from that morning. It went unnoticed. Astoria bounded after him, clearly curious.

"Oh wow!" Astoria cry came, and drew Daphne into the Master Bedroom as well.

The room was large, larger even than Astoria's chosen one. It was dimmer, with less windows, but it was painted a warm crimson color with thin gold stripes. Forever the Gryffindor Daphne thought to herself. The bedspread of the large 4 poster bed was a thick comforter that was also red and gold. The carpet was plusher than the carpet in the hallway, and Daphne probably would have wanted to dig her toes into it if she wasn't wearing proper house slippers.

"This is so cool!" Astoria noted the large terrarium where Kijani was basking under a glowing red rune. The terrarium was a 300 gallon tank set into the wall and was filled with shrubbery and branches for the young Boomslang to move around in. Harry had offered for the snake to have free reign of the yard but the Boomslang had enjoyed the comfort given to him by having his own environment away from pesky birds of prey.

"Do you like snakes?" Harry asked as he stepped up to join the girl. There was a slot on the wall where Harry could reach in when he wanted to and he pulled Kijani out, the snake giving only a small protest to Harry at being disturbed from his basking. Harry held the snake up and rubbed him under the chin the way Kijani liked as an apology.

"I don't know, I've never held one," Astoria admitted, looking at the snake warily. Daphne almost protested at Harry's clear intention to hand her sister an extremely venomous snake before reminding herself that Harry could talk to the animals and wouldn't let anything happen to Astoria. His next words reflected that.

"Do you want to hold him? He won't bite. Also he says that you have really pretty hair" Harry softly stroked the snake's scales.

"You can speak to snakes?" Astoria asked, wondering what that was like.

"You didn't know? Yes, I'm a Parseltongue. Kijani here is my familiar" Harry's hands danced through the air as he let Kijani slither through them, the act a practiced dance with the 2.

"Sure, I'll hold him" Astoria said once her courage built up enough to try. Harry helped her hold the now 2 foot snake properly and wrapped the tail lightly around the girl's wrist, taking care both for Astoria's and Kijani's sake.

"Wow…" Astoria breathed as she observed the snake up close. Kijani's scales looked green and black at first glance but there was just a hint of blue around the edges. "You're so pretty"

Kijani preened under the praise, and wiggled slightly making the girl jump a bit. Carefully, Astoria's fingers ran down the snakes spine, feeling the scales. "Wow…" Astoria said once more at how surprisingly soft the scales were.

After a moment, she handed the snake back to Harry who put Kijani back under the Heat rune. The snake curled up almost instantly and resumed the basking that they had interrupted.

"Can you thank him for me?" Astoria asked, a little curious what Parseltongue sounded like.

"You sure? I've been told that Parseltongue can sound a bit… unsettling" Harry warned her. She nodded.

Harry's hissing still made Astoria jump a bit, but it was also very fascinating. "Neat!" she exclaimed.

Harry grinned in response and then gestured around the room, "So this is my room, obviously. I chose red and gold because Gryffindors rule and" Harry made Daphne jump as well by nudging the quiet girl with his foot, "Slytherins drool."

"Slytherin is the better house and you know it," Daphne responded coolly.

"In your dreams." Harry joked before continuing, missing Astoria's smile at the exchange, "Now, you can choose any colors you want for your rooms. Just try to be reasonable or Dobby might paint it something else behind your back"

Both girls this time giggled at the reminder of the pink shed before Astoria finally decided, "Blue… and… purple."

"Blue and purple, huh? I think we can work with that." Harry nodded to Dobby who popped away.

They walked out of the room and Daphne turned left, to the room opposite Astoria's. The room had a bit more lighting, and Daphne cast a critical eye around. She was tempted by the room, as it was close to Astoria's and also, she admitted only to herself, Harry's. East facing like she preferred, but not too many windows. It would do.

"I'll take this one" Daphne stated, walking further into it. The closet was an okay size when Daphne walked into it but she would have preferred bigger. Harry must have noticed her expression because he stepped into the admittedly small room with her.

Daphne's eyes got huge, he was so close! But Harry didn't seem to notice as his wand waved around and the room expanded a few feet.

Charms Skill has increased! It is now 57!

Harry turned to Daphne, only just now realizing they were about a foot apart. He cleared his throat and ignored the faint vanilla of Daphne's perfume. "Is that big enough? You looked like you weren't happy with it"

Daphne used the extra room to take a small step back, and shot a warning look at Astoria who was peeking into the closet with a Chesire cat grin.

"Maybe 3 more feet that way. And another foot this way" Daphne indicated, and Harry's wand waved confidently in the air. Daphne was always impressed with how Harry looked when he cast, like he was absolutely sure what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it. The room expanded once more and with a little more tweaking they got it to where Daphne wanted it.

"Me next!" Astoria grabbed Harry by the hand and pulled the boy into her room, where she only too happily squeezed into her own closet with him. Astoria couldn't let Daphne have all the fun, now could she?

***Break***

Harry led them back downstairs to finish up the tour of the house, showing an excited Astoria the pool. It took both Harry and Daphne a full minute to convince the girl, who didn't even know how to swim, not to jump into the water fully clothed. From there it was Daphne's turn to be interested as they inspected the Loom room, another area of his house that Harry had spent far too little time in in favor of other things. Daphne, who counted cross-stitching as a genuine hobby, was intrigued by the idea of more serious threadwork and promised to herself to come back to the room and some point and inspect it more closely.

Then they went into the basement that Daphne had no idea was even part of the house, and checked out the Dueling Room.

"Oooo" Astoria said as she looked around. The room was maybe 40 feet, with windows alongside the wall. Harry had expanded the room a lot once his Charm Skill allowed for the spell, and had added a small section to the room where a training dummy resided next to a wall of wooden practice swords for Harry to use.

"This place is neat. You practice spells here?" Astoria asked from where she was waving around one of the wooden swords. Daphne plucked the sword from the girl's hands, fearing injury, and Astoria pouted.

"Of course. That wall, there with the targets, is charmed to absorb spells and feed the wards, as long as I don't use anything too powerful." Harry walked around the room, thinking of Madeline who knew that Harry was heading off to boarding school soon. He was going to miss their morning runs during term.

"Can I see?" Astoria asked, curious. She hadn't seen much magic yet in her life, typically only the spells involved in her treatment along with minor stuff her father had done in his daily life.

Harry debated for a moment before shrugging, deciding there was no harm in it. "Sure. You two stand there."

Daphne was interested as well, and joined Astoria in the spot that Harry had directed them to. Harry took a deep breath, wand in hand. He set the targets to move, wowing Astoria once more, before settling into his preferred stance. Then like a pouncing lion Harry burst into movement, deciding to go all out which he hadn't had a chance to since the duel and practically doubling his Dueling Skill. Impedimenta, Expelliarmus, Diffindo, Flipendo, Incendio, Aquamenti, every spell that Harry had in his arsenal, minus the Dark ones, was thrown from Harry's wand with terrifying speed. And the targets glowed gold, as they were charmed to do when the bull's eye was hit. Getting swept up in the moment, thrilled by his own progress, Harry wandlessly summoned one of the wooden swords from the wall, catching it with ease. Harry whipped the sword through the air striking at imagined enemies as he took confident steps down the platform toward the wall, dance-like in his movements and wand still firing spells. Both hands were a blur of independent yet coordinated movement until finally Harry reached the end of the platform where he whisked the wand away with a thought, brought the sword over his head with both hands, and threw it end over end. The sword whistled through the air as Harry hopped off the end of the platform. Despite being a wooden sword he had thrown it with all of his considerable might and watched, satisfied, as it embedded itself in the center of the furthest target.

Harry let out a sigh of satisfaction, grinning to himself at how far he had come, and turned towards the girls. Astoria was open-mouthed staring at Harry. Daphne was more proper than that but still was wide-eyed and impressed. Harry was definitely a force to be reckoned with and it was clear why her father had lost to the young Lord.

"That was bloody wicked!" Astoria laughed.

"Tori! Language!" Daphne chided, but couldn't deny the truth of Astoria's words.

Harry grinned confidently as he walked up to them, not even winded Daphne noted. "Thank you Astoria"

Daphne shot Harry a warning look at indulging improper language and was shocked when the boy stuck his tongue out at her, still high on endorphins from his exertion. Astoria giggled and stepped next to Harry and also stuck her tongue out.

Scoffing at their improper behavior, she walked gracefully from the room nose in the air. Harry and Astoria discretely shared a high five and followed the older girl. They checked out the Potion Lab next, the only other room in the basement besides the wine-cellar neither of which interested the girls much.

***Break***

The trio had eaten a wonderful dinner after the tour, prepared by Harry much to Dobby's chagrin who couldn't even enter the kitchen with Harry's ban order in place. Harry had chosen to go with a roast, with baked potatoes and asparagus and a fresh salad with a raspberry vinaigrette Harry whipped up easily. They had all retired to their rooms which were beginning to show signs of personality from them all, Daphne going with a green and silver combination in homage to Slytherin and to annoy Harry, just a bit.

Now they were once again in the breakfast nook watching Harry goof off in the kitchen. Astoria laughed and Daphne smiled faintly at Harry who was dazzling them by juggling eggs. Badly. Luckily he was doing it over the flat top so would just vanish the shell when he missed one. The sizzling eggs were accompanying toast, bacon, and a heavy helping of cheese. Those sandwiches for Harry and Astoria, the girl having a much bigger appetite than her small frame let on. For Daphne Harry flipped a crepe skillfully, which he then filled with a light coating of cream cheese and blueberries, strawberries, and rolled up. Over the top and at Daphne's nod of permission he did a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Astoria loved Harry's cooking, so different from what she was used to. She had chosen breakfast sandwiches because that was what Dolly always made for her, but Harry's were sooo much better. Sorry Dolly. Balto snacked happily on his breakfast, Harry having made the dog some pancakes with more dog-friendly ingredients.

Today was the day, Astoria thought to herself. They were going to Diagon Alley just after breakfast. Harry and Daphne had chosen the earlier hour in the hopes that the Alley wouldn't be quite so crowded. They all finished up their respective breakfasts and Harry let Balto out into the backyard where he had Dobby working diligently on a doghouse. The pooch was well-trained enough to not run away, and his wards ensured that nothing the dog couldn't handle would make its way onto the grounds. Astoria gave Balto a big kiss on the happy dog's forehead before letting Balto bolt towards the lake. Water! They both watched just long enough to laugh as Balto took a running jump off of the dock and made a loud splash.

***Break***

Astoria looked around in wonder. There was so much to see! So many people! Noises, smells, new and foreign sights. All of it battled to win the girl's attention and it was only Daphne's firm grip of her hand that kept the fascinated girl from running off.

"Where to first? Robes? Wands? Potions materials?" Harry asked as his eyes looked around for danger or other worrisome things. The Alley wasn't packed, but it was busy and it was also his first public appearance since the duel.

"Robes, I should think," Daphne said. It was customary to leave the wand for last and Tori deserved the full observance of the traditional First Year Diagon trip.

Harry nodded and led them through the crowd. Daphne kept close behind with Astoria, so as not to get bumped into or separated. They soon made it to Twilfitt and Tattings and stepped inside. Daphne looked around both quizzically and worriedly, hand on her coin purse. She had thought they were going to Madam Malkin's, and worried at the budget increase.

Harry talked for a moment with Matron Twilfitt and soon Astoria was up on the small stage in front of the mirrors. Harry then walked over to Daphne who had her coin purse out and was counting. The girl had a frustrated look on her face when Harry's hand was gently placed on top of her own.

"Daphne." Was all Harry said, and she looked up slightly angry.

"I don't have enough for this, why aren't we at Madam Malkin's?" Daphne hissed at him, embarrassed at herself.

"You're not paying," Harry said gently.

"What? I always pay for my and Astoria's clothes." Daphne said, confused. Then it hit her who she was with. "Oh…"

Harry nodded at the girl, who had forgotten that Harry was now their Head of House. He was also very clearly not Lord Greengrass, who had made Daphne spend her mother's inheritance her entire young life in an attempt to run the money out and make Daphne even more beholden to the man. It was an unfamiliar feeling, being provided for financially, and the kindness of the gesture warred against Daphne's fierce independence.

"But…" Daphne started to say.

"You're not paying." Harry repeated, "And that's just all there is to it."

Daphne nodded. Then she noticed Harry's hand which was still on Daphne's own and pulled her's away, clearing her throat. If she wasn't going to pay she was going to at least help the girl choose the best cuts. Daphne walked away to join Astoria, hiding her slight blush at her hand's lingering warmth from Harry's contact. Harry shook his head, and walked over as well.

***Break***

With Astoria now outfitted with a few school robes, as well as a few new things the girl had picked out when Harry had let her have free reign in the store, they walked to Flourish and Blott's and the first sign of trouble in the day.

It was as they were breaking through a large cluster of people, that Harry saw them. Oiled, blonde hair. Matching sneers at being surrounded by peasants and filth. Lucius and Draco Malfoy made their disdain for the mundanes around them clear. Harry audibly groaned at the sight of them, but prayed that his new hair would still be unfamiliar enough to let them slip by. But Draco was a Slytherin, and well acquainted with his yearmates, and so did not miss the appearance of Daphne Greengrass.

"Oi! Greengrass! Didn't expect to see you so soon! I thought you'd still be stuck in Potter's bed!" Draco called out, laughing at his own joke. Lucius merely watched, eyes cold, and observed the girl that Draco had drawn attention to. Proper clothes, good posture, pleasing features. Lucius had seen her many times at the yearly galas but Lord Greengrass had declined every marriage contract Lucius has presented the man, Lucius trying to secure the girl for his Draco. Now she was soiled by the Half-Blood Potter. Worthless.

Daphne was well-used to Draco's vulgarities and aimed a disdainful, detached look at the boy, "Heir Malfoy so good to see you well. I had worried that Crabbe and Goyle had ruined you this summer, growing boys and all that"

Harry couldn't help it, he guffawed at the crude yet refined insult which drew the attention of the Malfoys. "Think something's funny do you Potter? I almost didn't recognize you with that red hair. Your little Weasley tag-alongs finally adopt you?" Draco turned his ire to his nemesis, face aflame at the words of the elder Greengrass daughter.

Astoria watched in rapt fascination, having never heard her sister use such language or innuendo before. Who was this pompous hot-head?

"That's Lord Potter to you, Heir Malfoy" Harry said clearly, any humor he had from Daphne's insult of the boy long gone once Draco insulted the Weasleys.

"Oh? Lord Potter? Greengrass has you trained well, I see. My apologies, Lord Potter" Draco dipped into a low, mocking bow to match his tone.

Lucius took the moment to chime in with a greeting, his upbringing making his greeting and accompanying miniscule bow short and crisp but his disdain was still obvious. "Lord Potter, Heir Greengrass."

In the face of Lucius' propriety Harry took a small bow, and Daphne a curtsy. They faced off for a moment, a small crowd gathering around when people caught the name Lord Potter.

"If you'll excuse us," Harry politely said, wanting to avoid a scene, and walked toward the bookstore with Daphne and Astoria.

Draco's desire to have the last word and showboat to a crowd sparked the need to speak up once more. Laughing, the boy mocked, "Leaving so soon, Lord Potter? I was hoping you'd share some of your good fortune with the rest of us, you know, pass her around a bit"

Harry froze at the callous taunt. Pass her around a bit? In a fury, Harry whirled around. Daphne's hand settled on his arm, though, and Daphne shook her head. Draco Malfoy was hardly worth the effort.

Astoria though, had no such qualms, and walked right up to the boy before smacking Draco across the face. Furiously, Astoria pointed a finger at Draco. "You watch your mouth!"

Draco appeared shocked at being assaulted by the tiny girl. His hand held his face where her handprint slowly started showing up with a bright red. Lucius stared down at Astoria, enraged, and he started to reach down at her, punishment clear in his eyes.

Harry, however, showed up behind the girl and placed his hands on Astoria's shoulders. "Watch yourself, Lord Malfoy," he warned.

Lucius withdrew the hand. Silver eyes faced green, and a small battle of wills was fought. Lucius clearly wanted to punish Astoria for her actions, while Harry wanted to punish Draco for his words. The choices Harry was presenting for Lord Malfoy were clear. Either walk away now, or Harry would be fighting a second duel.

Forever one to favor discretion, Lucius placed a hand on Draco's shoulder. "Come, Draco. Our business here is done." and they walked past Harry.

Harry led Astoria over to Daphne, hands still on her shoulders as the girl shook in rage. "I don't like that brat." She said heatedly and Harry chuckled.

"Neither do I," Harry said, letting Daphne once more take charge of Astoria.

The crowd dispersed once they realized that Harry wouldn't be fighting today, and the bookstore quickly restored the girl's positive attitude as she led Daphne all over the store. She had her schoolbooks as well as a few others together in less time than Harry had thought, and Harry stopped chatting with the friendly store owner long enough to pay the man.

Malfoys were long forgotten for the girl as they left the bookstore and Harry and Daphne watched her carefully as the girl ran ahead to check out Quality Quidditch Supplies where the window was featuring, yet again, a Firebolt.

"Are you okay? Malfoy's an ass on a good day." Harry asked Daphne, who smiled at his checking in and nodded.

The sight of the broom reminded Astoria of Harry's offer to teach her, and she turned around to aim puppy-dog eyes at Harry. "Can I get one?"

Harry laughed as he walked up to Astoria with his long strides, "A Firebolt? No. Absolutely not. That's way too advanced for someone who hasn't even flown yet, not to mention expensive. I have 14 Nimbus's and 1 Firebolt and I'll let you guess which cost more. Come on, let's get you a… Cleansweep 6" Harry's arm went around the small girl's shoulders easily and he led Astoria into the store.

Daphne smiled at the wholesome exchange, walking a little faster to catch up with them and entering the store as well. She knew that Harry probably was exaggerating a bit at the price, but she appreciated that while he was willing to provide for them, even springing for nice clothes for Astoria which was a rarity for the young girl who had gotten many of Daphne's hand-me-downs, he wasn't going to be buying them every little thing they asked for. She watched Harry as the boy led Astoria around the store, details about the various models easily flowing forth at Astoria's many questions. They eventually decided on a Cleansweep 4 and a Cleansweep 7. One to learn on, one to grow into. Sturdy models, but not the nicest ones on offer.

With that they exited the broomstore and headed to the Apothecary. Harry went in alone with Astoria, as Daphne didn't want to see the place again. Harry understood and left the girl to sit on the bench outside the store.

It was here that Daphne saw her. Tracey. The girl was walking towards Daphne, headed to the Apothecary alongside her father, Lord Davis. A rush of thoughts went through Daphne's head. It took the girl but a moment to notice Daphne sitting there in front of the Apothecary and Tracey froze. Then in a rush, Tracey made her way over to Daphne.

"Daph!" Tracey cried, relieved to see her friend.

She stopped, just in front of Daphne, at Daphne's words, "Heir Davis."

Tears tickled Tracey's eyes at the polite greeting. "I see that you are in good health. That's great!" Tracey pressed on.

Daphne nodded stiffly, "Thank you. Lord Potter has been most gracious to us in his treatment of Astoria and I thus far."

Tracey nodded at the words, unsure of what to say. Lord Davis finally caught up to his daughter. "Daphne! So great to see you so well." The man started.

The bell above the door of the Apothecary tinkled, announcing the departure of Harry and Astoria. "Those beetle eyes were so gross! We have to use those?" Astoria spoke, clearly continuing a conversation they had been having inside.

Harry's chuckle died in his throat as he pulled up short at the sight of Tracey and Lord Davis. A range of emotions played over his face for a split second before settling into an easy, if slightly empty, grin. "Lord Davis, I see you are still in good health since I last saw you. Heir Davis, a pleasure" Harry bowed slightly.

Tracey's eyes watered as her best friend and ex-boyfriend stood in front of her, Daphne having risen and coming to her sister's side. The hurt was just under the surface for them but they were keeping it together. She would too. "Lord Potter, a pleasure to see you as well." She lied.

Astoria looked up at Tracey with an odd look. The young girl was remembering the trip into the Pensieve, and seeing Tracey walk out on Harry like that. But Tracey was also Astoria's closest thing to a friend besides Daphne, having interacted with the older girl on multiple occasions and even gossiping about Harry not so long ago. Astoria curtsied with Daphne politely, right foot behind her left, knees bent just so, just like Daphne had taught her.

"Astoria, so lovely to see you. You must be so excited for your First Year at Hogwarts. Lord Potter, a pleasure, I hope these 2 hadn't been too much trouble for you" Lord Davis stated, bowing to both the girls, and Harry, at their polite greeting. The father placed a comforting hand on the daughter's shoulder.

"None at all, Lord Davis. We were just on our way to pick up Astoria's wand" Harry replied evenly.

"Oh, such an exciting moment! Well I won't keep you any longer" Lord Davis politely excused them and the two groups started to walk past one another.

They almost made it, until Tracey's hand shot out and grabbed Daphne's, pulling the blonde girl around to face the brunette. Tracey's eyes were still watery but she was able to say, "I'm sorry. To both of you." She looked at Harry.

It was lame, but Tracey couldn't manage much more in the face of their proper manners. Daphne eyed the girl with an even look, before she nodded once but pulled her hand away. Tracey watched as they walked away, the tears starting to fall.

Harry tried his best to fight the urge to turn around, and prevailed. Instead he spoke to Daphne. "You don't have to treat her so. I have no intentions of bringing your friendship to an end."

Daphne regarded the Lord for just a moment as they walked, Astoria looking up at them both, "I know. But I'm not quite ready for that. We'll get our chance to talk at the School, privately" was all Daphne had to say about it.

Harry nodded and looked down in surprise as Astoria held his hand, smiling cheekily "She's stupid for letting you go. I'll be your date for the first Hogsmeade weekend if you'd like, Harry"

Harry laughed at the audacity of Astoria's joke, the laughter breaking the tension. Daphne cracked a smile at her sister's antics. Harry's hand held Astoria's as they walked.

Ollivander's wand shop was as cluttered and eerie as ever. Harry looked around when they walked in, remembering just a couple years ago when he had gotten his faithful companion, "Holly, Eleven Inches, with a Phoenix tail feather core. Nice and supple."

Astoria let out a cry of fright at the slightly raspy voice, Garrick Ollivander having once again successfully snuck up on a new customer. Daphne hadn't flinched, and neither had Harry, both having experienced the eccentricities of the man before.

"And Pine, 10 inches, with Unicorn hair. Rigid, but with a surprising flexibility" This Ollivander aimed at Daphne, Harry noting the interesting combination.

"Good to see your memory is as sharp as ever, Mr. Ollivander" Harry said to the man.

"Quite right. The little details escape me sometimes but I remember every wand I've ever created, as you know Mr. Potter. And this must be the younger Greengrass, hello dear" Ollivander walked through the shelves of his shop, Astoria already trying to swat away the measuring tape that was dancing around her.

And thus began Garrick Ollivander's greatest love in life, of finding the wand that best suited the witch or wizard. He pulled a few boxes off the bottom rack and walked over to the counter. Astoria waved them around for just a moment each, with varying results.

"Hmm" Ollivander chose some from the far racks, top shelf. Maybe something a bit older? A few more boxes were discarded almost immediately after Astoria touched them.

Unpredictable, and challenging, something that Ollivander loved in a customer. Perhaps something with a bit more personality. He went to the back of his shop and came back with only a single box.

"Try this one." Ollivander said, and presented the wand to the girl.

Astoria's fingers gripped the wand and BANG Ollivander was blasted backwards, crashing through a shelf. Harry and Daphne looked on, aghast. Harry moved to help the man but stopped when Ollivander started laughing.

"I think the wand has chosen. That's the one for you, no doubt about it." The old man stood up and dusted himself off as if nothing ever happened. After a wave of his wand it looked like nothing had.

"Dogwood, 12 and a half inches, with Dragon Heart-string. Snappy in its flexibility. A feisty wand, to be sure." Ollivander stepped up to the counter and Harry dropped the 7 Galleons into his hand. "Look out for that one, Mr. Potter, she's going to be a handful"

As they left Harry wondered if Ollivander meant the wand, or Astoria.

***Break***

Cornelius Fudge Apparrated into Diagon. Lucius had said the boy was here, Cornelius just hoped he was in time. He ignored the waves from some of his supporters, searching around. There!

"Mr. Potter! Hello!" Cornelius huffed a bit, having almost jogged over to the trio he saw leaving the wand shop.

"Ah, Minister. Please, there was no need to rush." Harry asked, slipping easily into a jovial mood. "Allow me to introduce the Heiress Greengrass and her younger sister Astoria"

Both the girls curtsied politely at the still slightly out of breath man. Cornelius stood up straight and tipped his hat to them all, "A pleasure, girls, as always. Will I be seeing you both this year at the gala?"

"Oh, you've met before?" Harry cut in, surprised.

"Of course. Though Astoria, here, only once. Daphne has been a frequent attendee of our Christmas balls for years now." Cornelius explained.

"I am not sure what our plans will be this year, Minister. We are still dealing with some personal matters that may affect our attendance this year" Daphne said to the man, not sure of Harry's viewpoint on the social event.

"Of course, of course. How rude of me. Now, tell me Astoria, are you excited for your upcoming first year? I know I was when I first got my wand" Cornelius spoke to Astoria, almost… babying the girl, Harry noticed.

That was what made Harry aware of what the politician was doing. The man was subtly asking how the daughters were taking the results of Harry's new Wardship of them both, and prying for details of how he could best use it. Harry's mood darkened. And Harry couldn't really step in because it would look, oh so subtly, like he was asking for the Minister's help.

Diplomacy Skill has increased! It is now 28!

Sense Intention Skill has increased! It is now 33!

Shrewd, Mr. Fudge, Harry told himself. But 2 could play that game, and like a mask had been pulled onto his face Harry looked as if something had just dawned on him and he cut into the small talk, "Oh! Minister, I've been meaning to ask. Since the term is so close and I've had such a busy summer, I've been unable to attend any Wizengamot meetings. Were you ever able to convene the Wizengamot about the Order of Merlin?"

Harry remembered Arthur's words about Fudge's annoyance about Harry demanding Ron Weasley receive any ward Harry received. Cornelius grimaced for a moment but responded jovially, "Yes, in fact I have! The ceremony for you and Ronald is set to happen this Friday, just before you all set off to Hogwarts. Thanks for reminding me!"

"Donald, you mean." Harry responded with a smile.

Lying Skill has increased! It is now 13!

"Yes, yes Donald sorry. Arthur has so many boys it's hard to keep up sometimes" Cornelius laughed.

"So true. But I must ask, was there something that you needed? You rushed over here so quickly I thought something had arisen. If not, we really must be going." Harry decided to hurry this along.

Etiquette Skill has increased! It is now 35!

Cornelius thumbed his bowler in annoyance at the dismissal. Harry might as well have said 'either come up with another excuse to keep talking or go away'. There wasn't anything Cornelius could come up with that would keep them there any longer so he said his goodbyes, almost stomping on his way back to the Apparition point.

"Well played, Lord Potter, thank you for that" Daphne said, having grown tired of the man almost as soon as he had said hello.

Harry grinned, knowing that he had played Fudge but had slipped nothing by the astute girl. They walked together to the Leaky to use the Floo as the Portkey point was in the same direction as the still stomping Cornelius Fudge.

***Break***

Astoria wanted to throw up, but her close proximity to Harry gave her the strength to hold it in. The young girl had travelled by Floo less times than she had fingers and could honestly say that she hated the method. Portkey's weren't great but they were much better than the dizzying spinning of Floo Travel. Harry had luckily offered to ride with her, when in the Leaky the girl admitted that she didn't have much experience with the method of travel. So the girl had happily accepted Harry's arms around her, until she remembered that the travel made her extremely nauseous.

It came to an end just in time, and once in the sitting room Astoria dashed to the bathroom. Daphne flared out of the fireplace to a confused Harry who was trying to figure out why Astoria had run off. Daphne helpfully supplied the reason, "Floo Travel makes Tori puke. You're lucky you didn't get any on you, I've already learned my lesson."

Harry glared at the girl as she sassily walked by, the picture of elegance, "Well you could have warned me"

Daphne headed upstairs and called back, "But where would the fun be in that, Milord?"

Harry grumbled, he had been played. And who the heck still used Milord? What was she, 60? "What are you, 60?" But Harry wasn't able to get the response out in time before he heard Daphne's door close upstairs.

"Dammit." Harry cursed to himself quietly, he was losing his touch already. Knowing he had lost that round Harry headed over to the bathroom to check on Astoria.

***Break***

Astoria hovered up carefully, the Cleansweep holding her perfectly steady. Slow and steady. Slow and steady.

"Perfect. Now, gently lean forward just a bit. There it goes. The broom will listen to you, as long as you're confident. Are you confident? Okay, lean a bit more. Get a feel for it" Harry coached gently. They were on the Quidditch Pitch. Daphne rested under an umbrella with a book nearby, wanting to watch Astoria's first ride but not wanting a tan in doing so.

Astoria smiled wide as she started going a bit faster. She was flying! On a broom! She made sure to listen to Harry though, who had stressed the importance of safety. Harry was walking right below her, keeping her in a straight line. Once they got about 25 meters Harry spoke again, "Okay, turning. You're going to want to grip as you lean. The grip can affect the speed so you don't want to grip too hard, and then you lean into it. You have plenty of room so turn as wide as you want. Perfect. That's the basics so why don't you try a few things out, I have my wand ready but be careful"

The girl looked absolutely thrilled at her experience, exploring how the broom worked. She didn't go very fast but the movement was so new to her that she felt like it was fast. Balto barked happily and took Harry's spot beneath her, the dog barely keeping up with Astoria as she went a little faster.

"Woohoo!" Astoria yelled, giddy at the new experience. She floated happily for about 10 minutes until she landed, breathless.

"That was awesome!" She ran up to Daphne, who smiled at the girl. Daphne didn't really like brooms but wasn't going to stop Astoria from trying them out. The girl happily took a sip of the lemonade on the small table Daphne had brought out with the umbrella, Dolly having help set it up.

Astoria grimaced as a taste that was not tea assaulted her. "Yuck! What is this stuff, alcohol?"

Daphne couldn't help but laugh at the purely childlike moment Astoria just had. "No, Tori, its lemonade. I like it"

"It's gross." Astoria set it back down. Harry walked up from where he had been in the center of the Pitch running around with Balto for a moment. Harry picked up the drink that Tori had just set down and took a long swallow.

"Will everyone please stop drinking my drink?" Daphne complained. Get your own damn drink, if you're so thirsty, she thought.

"Oh, sorry, I thought it was mine." Harry apologized, out of breath. He set the cup down.

"It is, now." Daphne said, and resumed reading her book.

Shrugging, Harry picked the cup back up and walked away taking another drink. Balto somehow seemed able to match Harry's impressive Stamina, and Harry pet the dog as it ran by him. Astoria walked up next to him, watching a happy Balto chase a butterfly. "So did I do well?"

"A little slow, but it was your first time. Are you thinking about going again?" Harry asked the girl.

"Slow? Fine, can I ride with you since you're apparently so fast?" The girl asked, thinking that the paltry speed she had achieved was normal for the broom. The girl had never seen a Quidditch match before, so didn't know how fast it could be.

Harry grinned. A Firebolt appeared in his hand out of thin air, making Astoria jump. "You have to teach me how you do that."

"Maybe some day. Are you sure you want to ride with me? I go fast." Harry warned the girl.

"I can handle it."Astoria said defiantly.

Nodding, Harry walked over to Daphne. "Astoria and I are going to ride together. Are you okay with that?"

Daphne looked at her sister in surprise. Astoria wanted to ride with Harry? And then it dawned on Daphne that Astoria had no experience with brooms, they had never even owned one before. Remembering many a Quidditch match featuring Harry, Daphne kind of had an idea what Astoria was in for. Daphne greatly appreciated Harry asking her permission first though. "She can do what she likes, just go easy on her." Daphne turned a page in her book.

Astoria paled a bit. Go easy on her? Easy was faster than she had gone? Suddenly the girl wasn't so sure what she had signed up for. But she wasn't a wimp so when Harry mounted the Firebolt and held it steady for her, she climbed on. What she hadn't counted on was how close she was going to be to Harry, who had to wrap his arms around her to reach the broomstick, something that his long arms made pretty easy.

"Hang on tight, just in between my hands. Alright. You ready?" Harry gave her one last chance to change her mind. Astoria gulped but nodded.

Like a bullet Harry brought them up into the air. Astoria lost her breath for a moment at the sudden movement only it didn't stop as Harry climbed higher than she had earlier and took off. Astoria's stomach rose and then fell as they whipped around the Pitch. Finally she was able to catch her breath as she got used to the movement.

"This. Is. Awesome!" Astoria cheered, and Harry laughed behind her. "Does it go any faster?"

"Does it go any faster, she asks. Hang on!" Harry warned the girl and Harry started really showing what a Firebolt could do. Astoria screamed in exuberance and they rode around even higher. Harry took them around the grounds, letting loose for a moment. Astoria reached out with one hand and swiped at the water of the fountain as Harry flew by it. This was crazy!

Harry brought them up high into the air, and floated for a second to let the girl catch her breath. The view was amazing, and Harry's wards prevented anyone from potentially seeing them. "Wow." Astoria looked around in amazement.

"Pretty cool eh?" Harry said as he too looked around.

"Very cool." Astoria agreed.

"You ready to head down?" Astoria nodded, and then screamed as Harry tipped them into a sudden and steep dive. As fast as an arrow, faster yet than they had gone, the pair rocketed down to the ground.

"Woooooooo!" Astoria called out as Harry took them into an easy corkscrew, the world rotating around them. They pulled out of the dive smoothly and Harry touched them down just in front of Daphne. "That was amazing!" Astoria exclaimed.

Daphne eyed them both, a little jealous of Astoria at being able to get to ride like that. Even though Harry was the Gryffindor Seeker, no one at Hogwarts questioned the boy's flying skill. Harry laughed and messed up Astoria's hair. Or fixed it. It was hard to tell after the win had worked its magic. Harry headed over to the broom shed with the Firebolt when he noticed a scuff on the handle. Probably from his Lord's ring Harry thought to himself, but nothing a little buffer won't fix.

As if knowing what Daphne was thinking Astoria said to her sister, "You have got to try that!"

"I've ridden on a broom before," Daphne replied, flipping another page of her book.

"Yeah, but unless you've been keeping secrets you've never ridden a Firebolt. It was so fast!" Astoria plopped down onto the grass under the umbrella, Balto running over when he saw his human.

"I'm quite alright. I've gone plenty fast on the school brooms, and wasn't that good anyways" Daphne took a sip of the new lemonade she had gotten while Harry and Astoria had been in the air. Another page flip. Astoria noted the title to be a Charms themed book.

Astoria turned to look at Harry for a moment as the boy opened the door of the shed. "So ride with Harry! It was awesome, and he's really careful. I bet he'd agree!"

"I would hardly think that Harry wants to take another person into the air today" Daphne replied easily.

Astoria grinned like a cat and turned to her sister, mischief in her eyes, "I'm going to ask him"

"What?" Daphne said only to see Astoria already running off to where Harry was. Ugh. Stupid girl, Daphne thought both at Astoria and to herself once she saw the trap for what it was.

"Harry! Can Daphne take a ride on your broomstick?" Astoria called out to him and Daphne choked on her lemonade. One of Daphne's only regrets in life was letting Astoria read their mother's private collection, the other being reading some of the books herself. Luckily the joke went over Harry's head, or he simply ignored it, Daphne couldn't tell as she walked up from where she had been seated in an attempt to put a stop to this.

"Really?" Harry asked looking up at the older sister quizzically as he buffed the Firebolt.

Daphne had been one of the few who, during his party, had displayed no interest in the pick up games they had played on the Pitch. She just didn't seem the type. "You can ride it if you want, I have no problem with it"

Daphne coughed into her hand, blushing slightly which was hidden by the flushed look that the heat of the day had already given her. Either Harry was entirely clueless or he was playing along with Astoria and Daphne didn't know which option was worse. But Daphne could tell that Astoria thought that her sister wouldn't go through with it, and had just asked to tease her sister a bit. 2 could play that game Astoria. Daphne thought to herself.

"Okay, but I'm not very good." Daphne admitted, and it was the truth. Part of why she didn't like broomsticks was that she had almost no talent for the things.

"Did you want me to ride with you?" Harry offered, just like Daphne thought that he would. Daphne nodded, and Astoria watched her plan fail. Harry put away the buffing rag and oil and smoothly mounted the broom.

***Break***

Riding with Daphne was much different as the older sibling had about 14 centimeters on the younger one. Harry's long arms once again proved up to the task but the two were much closer than Harry had been with Astoria. Luckily having her back to Harry hid Daphne's blush at the closeness as well as the small tongue that Daphne shot at Astoria who looked put out to have failed in her plan to embarrass her sister a bit. Astoria mock glared in return.

"Ready?" Harry asked once they were situated.

"Yes," Daphne replied confidently in defiance of her sister's glare.

It was only as they shot off at incredible speeds that Daphne realized the folly of what she had agreed to, Harry already starting her off faster than he had with Astoria. Daphne's eyes were wide and her body was rigid. The speed was incredible and Harry whipped through the air and across the grounds, always one to enjoy a good flight. But Harry's warm arms were wrapped around Daphne tightly and slowly she relaxed into the flight. She even found herself starting to enjoy the skillful way that Harry maneuvered through the air.

"How are you holding up?" Harry's voice, so close to her ear surprised Daphne "Do you want to go faster?"

"I'm fine!" She called back at him, and she was.

Harry smiled, and maintained their speed, but took them through a few more tricks than he had with Astoria, even going through the Quidditch rings at one point. Finally Harry brought them down to the ground and Daphne was as breathless as Astoria had been. That was thrilling, once you took away the feeling of risk associated with flying. Harry's confidence and skill had gone a long way into making Daphne feel safe even in the air.

With the rush of endorphins, the girls' usually calm demeanor was shattered and Daphne said, "That was awesome!" and actually allowed emotion to show on her face for once. A large smile that she aimed at Harry.

Harry couldn't help but smile back, entranced by how the smile seemed to transform Daphne's already pretty face. It would definitely be a look he tried to bring out of her more often. Astoria broke the moment though, and Harry had to take the jealous younger sister back up into the air. He didn't mind though.

***Break***

Molly Weasley wasn't sure what to make of it, to be honest, staring at the article. She always got the issue a day late, it was a bit more frugal that way and Arthur would let her know if there was exciting news so she didn't need to stay as current as most. The idea of some sort of affair, and at 13 no less, was absurd. But she had noticed the way that Harry had addressed the cool blonde at his birthday party. You didn't get to be a mother of 7 without picking up a few signs along the way. Charles had looked at that pink-haired girl much the same after a Quidditch game that Molly and Arthur had come to watch. Attraction that even the wielder was unaware of. Probably meant nothing, might not turn into anything like it hadn't for Charlie and Tonks, but it leant just a small enough nugget of truth to the words in Rita's that Molly was torn. Despite the red hair though, Harry was not one of her brood even if she happily treated him like one, and she tossed the article knowing that there was nothing she could do for it anyways.

It was as Ron was taking out the rubbish that he saw it. Normally the boy wouldn't bother with the Daily Prophet, but when the main picture clearly showed your best friend you at least gave it a glance. And when it contained the stuff that it did you gave it a hard read. Ron had played it cool around Harry, knowing that jealousy wouldn't do him any favors, but he was a teenage boy now and you didn't see your best friend with an arm around a pretty girl without feeling a twinge of jealousy. Harry was already growing up and dating girls, something that Ron wanted to do but wasn't as confident to try and pull off. And when the article insinuated that Harry was doing a bit more than some snogging Ron was honestly a bit pissed. Now Harry had 3 girls? What sort of guy did that? So with permission from his mother after a smooth lie saying Harry had invited Ron over he decided to find out. Ron tossed the article onto his bed and went down to the Floo.

Fred crept into his younger brother's room along with George, the two troublemakers always looking for an opportunity to prank Ron. So when Ron had called out that he was going to visit Harry, the twins jumped at the chance. They were going to just change a few of the boy's Hogwarts crests on the school robes to a more… flattering color, as well as hide one of every matched sock the boy owned. George was the one who noticed the picture of Harry on the bed, and was curious enough to check it out. After a few lines he nudged Fred and like so many things they read the article together as one. Ickle Harrikins was growing up. Fred and George looked at one another with matching grins, oh they were gonna tease Harry about this one good. They didn't believe a word of the article, of course, but that wouldn't stop them from using it as ammunition. They took the article upstairs to hide it before deciding to go for a fly before term. Wouldn't do for the dynamic duo to show up to school rusty, Oliver would have their heads.

Ginny easily picked the lock of her twin brother's room after noticing the boisterous twins stampede past her door on the landing. It was a skill that she had picked up from breaking into the broom shed for some sneaky late night flights. Satisfied at her successful entry, she looked over the room in interest. Her brothers always had the good stuff, and Ginny would be lying if she said that she didn't have a mischievous side almost as big as Fred and George's. She crept over to their closet, intent on burglarizing a few Wet-Start Fireworks. As she rustled through the messy closet, headed for their secret stash she saw it. Harry Potter. Always interested in something that involved her crush, she pulled the newspaper out of the stash. It was a teary eyed Ginny that would be running from the room past her brothers, newspaper in hand. Ginny had thought that once Tracey and Harry were done she might be able to work up the courage to show the boy that she was more than a shy, timid girl. But Harry had skipped right past that and was now living with 2 girls, one of whom was much prettier, taller, fuller, richer, Ginny stopped listing adjectives about Daphne as her head buried into her pillow and she cried.

***Break***

It was Thursday now, and Harry sat with Daphne in the sitting room with a book in each of their respective hands. Astoria was outside with Balto under the watchful beady eyes of Dolly. The 2 teenagers were content to just relax and read a bit. The noise in the sitting room was quiet and relaxing, only broken by the sound of a page turning. Daphne had chosen another Charms book, as it was her best and favorite subject, while Harry was reading, Daphne squinted just a bit at the title, a book about engines. Weird, but hardly harming to Daphne and she ignored it.

This was the scene that was shattered by the flames of the Floo. Harry was up in a flash with wand in hand and standing in front of Daphne. He was not expecting visitors so was suitably cautious. The wand was lowered when Ron Weasley stepped out of the flames.

"Ron! Mate, you scared me there" Harry laughed easily and walked up to say hello. He paused a moment though at the look in Ron's eyes, aimed at Daphne behind him.

"Harry." Ron said, anger clear in his voice, and Harry sighed, knowing that look, but didn't stop walking forward.

Ron was surprised at the strength of Harry when Harry's arm wrapped around his shoulders in what was normally a friendly hug. Instead of a hug though, Harry wrapped him up in almost a headlock and started dragging the boy out of the room, Ron's head under his arm.

"Oi! Let me go, you prat!" Ron grunted at his friend, trying to dislodge himself. Even a few punches were ignored by Harry's iron grip and easy steps. Harry debated for a moment before deciding on the Study as the best setting for this, the room's silencing wards still as strong as when he had first cast them just a couple days ago. Daphne looked a bit worried at the pair, but didn't quite know what they were doing.

***Break***

"She clearly brainwashed you!" Ron finished his rant to Harry as Harry sat at his desk calmly. The boy had let his frustrations out in the privacy of the Study, detailing what he thought was some sort of conspiracy by the Slytherin girls to get to his fortune.

"Are you done?" Harry said calmly, figuring it was best to let Ron say his piece first. Ron nodded and flopped down onto a chair, finally looking around the room in interest.

"Good. First off, what business is it of yours who I do and do not date? That was rhetorical, Ron" Harry silenced Ron with a spell when the boy tried to interrupt, "I let you say your piece and you'll let me say mine. Secondly, where on earth did you get the idea that I would be capable of having an affair, an affair Ron, at 13. Mate, I've kissed a girl less times than I have fingers. Plus, that duel was crazy and I had no idea it was going to end up this way but despite that this is my home Ron, mine, and I'll have whoever the hell I want in it whenever the bloody hell I please. You don't know Daphne and Astoria, hell I don't even know them, but it was my own bloody stupidity that brought them into my home. Tracey left me, mate, with how this all went down and those girls out there lost their home and their father because of my mistakes, no one else's. I had to take responsibility for that. That's not going to change anytime soon. But if you think for one second, for one bloody second, that I'm doing anything to those girls then you don't know me at all Ron and that's the real tragedy."

Harry let out a sigh of frustration, and lifted the silencing spell. Ron suitably looked like the wind had been taken from his sails.

"You're right, Harry… I'm sorry" Ron said, looking down at his feet and meaning it.

It wasn't enough though, not for Harry. "Mate, you can't just barge into my home and start throwing stuff like that around. You're lucky I brought us in here and not let you blow up outside. A letter, a simple Floo call, hell even asking to speak to me privately. There's certain things you do and don't do, Ron, and throwing around accusations of people sleeping together or conspiring to steal my money is pretty high up on the list of don't do."

Ron at least had the decency to look sheepish, but ever the black mark of his personality his jealousy wasn't quite gone. "But are you?"

"Are I what, Ron?" Harry asked warningly. Surely Ron wouldn't.

"Sleeping together." Ron said callously, yet innocently. As jealous as Ron was of Harry for already doing that with a girl, Ron was honestly a bit curious what that was like.

"Get out." Harry said, venom clear in his voice. Ron looked startled at the change, and didn't move.

"Get out, Ron, before I throw you out." Harry stood up, fury in his eyes.

"It's just a question, mate" Ron said in an attempt to calm his friend.

"It's a bloody rude violation of my privacy! And a slap in my face! GET. OUT." Harry started walking around the desk, and Ron remembered the iron grip that Harry had developed this summer. Ron got to his feet in a hurry.

"Mate, calm down. If it's that big of a deal just say no" Ron tried again at the calming route.

"NO, Ron, we're not bloody sleeping together!" Harry roared at his friend. He was furious, the idea that Ron would think so little of him, of any girl, hitting Harry's proud moral code in every wrong way.

"See? That wasn-"Ron didn't get to finish the thought. Harry's fist smacking his face might have had something to do with it.

Ron fell back at the heavy blow, shocked to feel that his lip had split and his eye hurt like hell. Harry stood over him like a towering giant, fury still in his eyes. Ron scrambled to his feet and looked at the door, how the hell did he open this thing. A wave of Harry's hand opened the door for Ron, and he dashed into the hallway.

"You're bloody mental, mate! You could have just said you weren't sleeping together!" Ron said to his friend, looking back at Harry. "Who punches someone for a question?"

Harry roared once more and followed Ron out into the hallway. Ron saw that his friend was clearly intent on hitting him again, and ran to the sitting room. There, Daphne glared and Astoria looked up at Ron who dashed over to the fireplace, the younger girl having wanted a break from the heat outside and curling up at Daphne's side while the older girl had clearly heard the words Ron had let slip in the hallway. A quick pinch of Floo powder had the green flames burning.

"Your bloody boyfriend is mental" Ron threw at the girl, clearly drawing the wrong conclusion to Harry's rage. Daphne looked at the boy, shocked at the unexpected words but still angry as well. Harry came around the corner in a fury, and Ron dodged the Impedimenta to yell out, "The Burrow!" as he dove into the flames.

Harry glared at the fireplace, arguing the merits of following Ron through the Floo. The audacity of Ron's callousness reminded Harry that as far as the Weasley had come that Summer, he still had the emotional range of a teaspoon.

***Break***

Daphne looked at Harry, concern on her face, while Astoria looked more worried. Harry rarely showed rage in front of Daphne, the only time she could think of was when her father had called Daphne a whore and started the duel. Astoria had never seen it before, only knowing Harry to be carefree, gentle, and caring. It was frightening, even when the rage wasn't pointed at you, as Harry's eyes seemed to almost glow with fire.

"Harry?" Daphne asked softly, knowing what had set the boy off but also putting into her voice a reminder that she was unharmed by the words.

And like a candle in the wind, Daphne's voice broke through Harry's rage and put out that fire. Harry still breathed heavily but he no longer looked like he was about to blow up the fireplace. Harry stomped into the kitchen for a moment to take a breath, away from the two sisters. In. Out. Harry calmed himself and walked back into the room.

Astoria looked at Harry for a moment and then glanced at the fireplace. "What was that about? Who was that?"

Harry glared at the fireplace for a moment, wondering how much he should say to the girl. "That was Ron. Bloody idiot said some rude things."

Astoria looked confused, "He looked like you had punched him. What did he say?"

Damning Astoria's inquisitive nature and incessant need to have the answers Harry pinched the bridge of his nose. There wasn't much to do about it, unless he wanted to fault Astoria for simply being an innocent girl with a lot of questions.

"The idiot, like always, spoke without letting his mind put the words together. He accused Daphne and I of sleeping together" Harry stated, still with a bit of heat in his voice.

Astoria gasped and looked at her sister, who looked shocked at the admission and was blushing a bit at the idea that she would be sleeping with anyone. Harry and Daphne? Sure, the younger girl liked to tease them a bit at their reluctant attraction of one another. But sleeping together? Those were bold words.

In uncharacteristic fashion, Daphne was the one to speak, "That is an absolutely rude thing to imply, A Pureblood should know better"

"Oh, he didn't imply it." Harry said, and he stomped off to his Dueling Room to blow off some steam.

Astoria watched her sister. Daphne was processing the idea of someone, a Pureblood no less, being so clueless as to just come out and ask if 2 people were shagging. Astoria's words matched Daphne's thoughts, "What an idiot"

***Break***

Hermione carefully set the bookmark in to mark her place. The Ancient Runes text that she was reading was fascinating and she was glad that she had picked up the supplemental text during her shopping. She looked around the room to make sure, once again, that she had everything she needed. Nodding to herself, Hermione gently set the book at the top of her trunk and closed the lid. Mr. Weasley was due over shortly to bring her to the Burrow. Her parents were going to a conference for the weekend so Molly had offered to let Hermione stay over and head to King's Cross with them. Hermione's parents had jumped at the kind offer and so here she was.

"Hermione! Mr. Weasley is here! Come down!" Her father, Decklin, called up from the bottom of the stairs. Hermione grabbed the handle of the trunk and carefully guided it from the room. At the top of the stairs she saw her father, thick glasses and curly hair, standing with Mr. Weasley. Mr. Weasley waved his wand at the girl, offer clear, and Hermione nodded.

Mr. Weasley levitated the trunk down the stairs and Hermione followed, "Thank you, Mr. Weasley"

"Not a problem, Hermione. These things can get heavy when you have a fondness for books" Mr. Weasley smiled knowingly. The man had been an avid reader in his own Hogwarts days so understood the struggles.

With the trunk safely on the floor Mr. Weasley shook Mr. Granger's hand firmly. A quick hat tip said goodbye to Mrs. Granger, whose long flowing hair was always such a contrast to Hermione's with how straight it was. Hermione hugged both of her parents, accepting a kiss on the cheek from her mother.

"You behave yourself, and don't give the Weasleys any trouble, okay?" Her mother stated firmly, she was always one who promoted good behaviour and manners especially in someone else's home.

"I won't, Mum, don't worry. Bye Dad!" Hermione called over her shoulder, running to catch up with Mr. Weasley who was pulling the girl's trunk outside. They were going to Side-Along Apparate from the backyard which had a high private fence. Mr. Weasley stared longingly at the lawn mower that Mr. Granger had, trying to divine its purpose. Hermione's hand on his arm made him aware that it was time to go and he spun in place.

***Break***

Hermione didn't like the feeling of Apparation, but she didn't dislike it. It wasn't comfortable but it was fascinating to see the scene around you change so suddenly. Hermione walked into the Burrow while Arthur excused himself to go tinker in his shed.

Hermione was just heading to the stairs after greeting Molly Weasley, when the flash of green flames alerted her to the arrival of Ron. Seeing her friend made her happy for just a moment, until she saw the split lip and the slowly blackening eye. Indeed, the way that Ron almost fell out of the fireplace worried her.

"Ron! What on earth! What happened?" Hermione called out to him and dashed to his side. The lip was bleeding just a bit. Hermione's call out pulled Molly from the kitchen where she had been starting on lunch for the kids.

"Ronald, dear! What happened? I thought you were going to visit Harry" Molly fussed over her boy, using a hand towel to wipe the blood.

"I did! And that mental idiot punched me!" Ron complained, and flinched at his mother's touch against his eye.

Hermione was confused. Harry punched Ron? That certainly didn't sound like Harry, not unless he had a good reason. Her tone was disbelieving, "Why would Harry punch you?"

Ron flinched once more as Molly put a rag against his eye. He sighed in relief though as magic made the rag ice cold and soothing. "I was talking to him about the article"

Molly gasped, she had thrown that piece of rubbish away for a reason. Clearly her boy had gotten hold of it. Hermione though, who did not get the Prophet, only asked "Article?"

"Yeah. He apparently fought some duel, and lives with the 2 Greengrass girls now" Ron said, as blunt as always.

Shocked was only the tip of the iceberg for Hermione, whose quick mind ran through a ton of information. Harry fought a duel, Hermione knew of the concept of a duel but not what it meant in Wizarding society. And now her friend lived with 2 girls? Alone? Odd, but one thing she knew about Harry was that he was pretty much the epitome of chivalry so she didn't think he would be doing anything unscrupulous with the girls. Which mean that for Harry to punch Ron it would mean that Ron said something stupid. Her mind flashed to Ron's own words he had sent at Hermione in 1st year that had sent her to the bathroom crying, and she knew Ron was capable of saying things that could hurt or insult without even really trying. She had her theory now, time to confirm it.

"Did you say something to him that might have upset him?" Hermione asked curiously.

"No! I only asked him about Daphne, and if he was sure that the snake wasn't trying to trick him!" Ron argued. There it was.

"What did you ask him, Ronald?" This time it was Molly who chimed in. She didn't like the idea of Ron being hit, but boys sometimes roughhoused or spoke with their fists. Not that girls were much better, she thought to herself, remembering many times when she had kicked her brothers Gideon and Fabian in her youth for their prankster ways. So very like Fred and George, she thought wistfully.

Ron blushed, and looked away. Here was Hermione, a girl, and his mother both asking him to basically fess up to asking Harry if he had slept with Daphne. What was he supposed to say? So he said, "Nothing"

Hermione's alarm bells rung in her head, Ron had said something stupid or offensive or both. "Ron." She warned him with just his name that she was going to get to the bottom of this whether he liked it or not so he might as well come clean.

"IaskedhimifhewassleepingwithDaphne." Ron said in a rush, deciding to just get it over with. Like a Baid-and his dad would say.

Hermione gasped, able to decipher the words. His mother too looked outraged. "You did what?!" They both yelled at him.

"Honestly, Ronald." Hermione chided him. Molly simply hauled him to his feet by his ear. Why she ought to teach her boy a lesson, thinking that that sweet boy would do something so crude.

"What? It was in the article! And she's sleeping at his house Hermione!" Ron yelled, slightly pained at his mother's firm grip on his ear.

"That's hardly the point! Harry wouldn't do something like that! He's dating Tracey, for one, and he's 13 for Merlin's sake!" Hermione seethed.

Ron had had enough. Being blamed for being the one who got punched, annoyed at his mother for pinching his ear, his lip hurt, his eye hurt. So he lashed out, "Tracey left him! Good riddance too, if he's so violent. You better watch out for him, or what, are you sleeping with him too?"

Slap! Hermione's hand whipped across his face, the same side that Harry had hit. Molly couldn't blame the girl, she wanted to paddle her son for being rude to Hermione like that. Hermione's eyes teared up. Ron never seemed to learn that words can hurt.

Hermione knew that she was stuck, she couldn't go home as her parents were headed to the train station just after Hermione had left. And now she was trapped in a house with a boy that would think so little of her. She wanted to leave.

Harry came across her mind once more and she decided to try that. "Mrs. Weasley thank you for having me over but I don't think I can stay here. Would you mind if I went to Harry's?"

A conflicted look came across the mother's face. She had told Mrs. Granger that Hermione would be staying with them but also understood why Hermione wanted to leave. Deciding that it would probably be best if Hermione wasn't in the house for the firm thrashing that Molly was planning for Ron's backside she said "I think that would be fine dear. There's some Floo powder on the mantle. Just a pinch. You head right back here though if Harry can't take you."

Hermione nodded and dragged her trunk to the fireplace. It was tricky, but she was able to get the trunk into the fireplace with her and with a small pinch of Floo powder thrown down she said "Potter Manor" while maintaining a teary eyed glare at Ron. With the bushy-haired girl gone Molly pulled Ron over her knee by his ear. Teenager or not, no one got away with talking like that in her house.

***Break***

Astoria was the only one in the sitting room at this point, Daphne having gone upstairs to calm herself at that Ron boy's thoughtless words. So when the fireplace flared in front of her she was rightfully scared. Luckily, Balto was there and the dog jumped up to her defense when Astoria let out a cry of fright.

Balto's barking echoed through the house that Hermione had entered. While Hermione didn't fear dogs, with maybe the exception of Fluffy, Balto was a fairly large Husky and his message he was sending was pretty clear. Take one step towards my human, and I'll be showing you these teeth. And behind the dog was a girl that Hermione had never seen who ducked behind a couch. Ron had mentioned 2 girls so this must be Daphne's sister. Hermione was pretty much stuck.

Daphne had heard the cry of fright as well as Balto's barking that was still echoing through the house. Those 2 things meant her sister was in danger so Daphne took the stairs 2 at a time. The girl had been in the process of changing for an afternoon nap so was only in her brassiere and the skirt she hadn't yet removed. That didn't matter to the girl who would always come to Astoria's side if her sister was in trouble.

Harry too, even over the sound of his spellfire, could at least hear Balto's barking. Balto, while an excitable dog, had yet to actually bark at anything and never so loudly or urgently. Taking the stairs in 3 long bounds, he rushed upstairs to find out what was going on.

Daphne got there first, and took in the scene. Hermione, who Daphne knew from school, was in the fireplace. Astoria was crouched behind the couch. Balto was barking loudly. Putting the scene together in her mind Daphne restored order. "Balto! Heel!"

Like a switch, Balto stopped barking. The dog knew better than to ignore Daphne's tone, danger to his human or not. And he understood the command to heel. That didn't mean the dog would move though, and planted his furry butt right where he was.

Hermione was grateful for the girl and took that moment to step out of the deep fireplace. Her eyes were quizzical when she caught sight of Daphne, having previously been focused on Balto. Why was the girl only in a bra and skirt? "Daphne?"

"Daphne?" came Harry's voice as well as he burst out of the door to the basement. He took in the sight of Daphne. Her hair was down, and her make-up was off. Her wide eyes at the appearance of Harry, as she realized the state of her attire, were bright blue. Harry's eyes wandered lower, entranced. Then his mind caught up with the moment and he spun around to hide his embarrassment. His voice was considerably higher when he repeated, "Daphne!"

Hermione, who had wondered for a moment what the state of Daphne's clothes meant about Ron's theory, knew the truth instantly by Harry's reaction. At the absurdity of the scene she started laughing, her tears in her eyes from Ron's earlier words being replaced by tears of laughter at Harry's embarrassment. Daphne covered herself and fled the room, prompting Astoria to start laughing as well.

***Break***

Harry took a moment to compose himself, his back to the room. He could hear who he guessed was Daphne running up the stairs. The sight of the girl in nothing but her undergarments had lit a fire in Harry, and he needed to pull himself together. Now. He also heard Astoria and who he could tell was Hermione from their years of friendship. It was curiosity as to his friend's presence that finally enabled him to turn around.

Once he did, and after hearing the reason as to his friend's sudden appearance, he spoke, "Of course you can stay here, Hermione. You're always welcome over, you know that."

After debating a moment to go upstairs and apologize to Daphne, Harry decided that was probably not the best move right now. He instead realized that he was being rude. "Here, let me get that for you. Hermione, this is Astoria and the little barkbox here is Balto." Harry nudged the dog with his foot who only tried to lick Harry's toes at the gesture.

"Hello," Astoria waved, still laughing a little at Daphne's earlier embarrassment. Even she had never seen Daphne in her brassiere.

Hermione greeted the girl, and followed Harry up the stairs behind her trunk. Harry seemed to have no issue with the weight of it, simply heaving it up and carrying it over his shoulder as he walked up the stairs. "Why don't you just levitate it, Harry?"

"Oh… you're right, but at this point I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear you. La la la" Harry replied, kicking himself for forgetting magic but too stubborn to admit he was stupid.

Hermione and Astoria giggled at the boy's antics, Astoria passing a keen eye onto Harry's arms as the boy was still in his workout gear from being in the Dueling Room.

At the top of the stairs Harry motioned to Hermione, "You probably don't care, but pick any room you like. Astoria and Daphne's rooms are at the end of the hall next to mine."

Hermione thanked him and chose a room at random, she was only there for 2 nights anyways before term started. Harry followed behind her and hefted the trunk over his head and onto the floor like it weighed as much as a pillow.

"You have some serious strength there Harry, I have about 25 books in there" Hermione commented, and not small books either.

At the mention of books Astoria welcomed herself into the room and asked, "Ooo which ones?" Always interested in reading something new.

Harry let the two talk for a moment, Astoria relishing the chance to talk to someone new and especially about books. Hermione was impressed to find that Astoria had read some of the material she had in the trunk, and found her interest in the written word matched in Astoria.

"Are you hungry, Hermione?" Harry asked when there was a free moment, and the girl was suddenly aware that she hadn't eaten since breakfast which was about 5 hours ago now.

"Starving actually." Hermione admitted.

"Perfect. Just ask for Dobby if you need anything else, I'll go whip something together" Harry said.

"Whip something together?" Hermione asked, confused at Harry's almost mothering words but also teasing him for sounding so much like Molly Weasley for a moment.

"Dobby isn't allowed in the kitchen right now. You won't believe what he did" Astoria drew the other girl back into their conversation which let Harry escape. His ears had the faintest hint of pink for realizing he acted like a mother hen sometimes.

***Break***

Lunch was a boisterous affair. Astoria found Hermione frighteningly intelligent and always ready to answer whatever question the younger girl threw at her. Hermione found the tiny girl's presence bubbly and honestly a bit refreshing, always being the only girl in Harry's group of friends. And Astoria always seemed to be ready to tease Harry over the slightest thing, often making Hermione laugh. Together they made fast friends.

Poor Harry was outnumbered by the twin attacks they would shoot at him, Hermione bringing up past stories from their 2 years at Hogwarts. But he took it as the good fun that it was and they enjoyed themselves immensely. Daphne rejoined them after about 30 minutes, having foregone her afternoon nap in favor of composing herself after Harry had seen her in such a state. She made no mention of the incident as she entered, instead letting Dobby place a plate of Harry's fish and chips in front of her. Just because Dobby was banned from the kitchen didn't mean that the Elf couldn't still serve them some food. Harry didn't appreciate the egregious amount of salt that Dobby had snuck onto his fish though.

Astoria, who often ignored such decorum, merely chimed in, "Hey Daph! That's a nice shirt."

And it was, being flowy and well fitted, but Daphne knew that wasn't why the girl had brought it up. She glared at her sister who laughed at her own joke.

"Yes it is" Harry commented, hoping that chiming in would pull away from the joke but Astoria only laughed harder at his attempt at normality. Hermione looked between them all and was holding back a giggle of her own.

"You… shut up, you brat" Daphne tried to come up with something, but failed miserably and Astoria crumpled onto the floor laughing. Daphne couldn't not crack a smile at the girl, but decided to make Astoria squirm by poking her repeatedly in the side with her toe. That was Astoria's biggest ticklish spot and she made feeble attempt to block while still laughing.

Hermione smiled at the exchange, seeing a new side to the normally cool and quiet girl she remembered from school and the birthday party. But her curiosity had been building steadily and she turned to Harry, "So Harry, how did all of this happen? What happened with Tracey? What the heck constitutes a duel in Wizarding society? And how did these 2 come to live with you, no offense of course Daphne"

Daphne nodded, taking none. Harry took his last bite and placed the plates aside. He took a heavy breath and launched into the story, Astoria finally coming up off the floor much to Balto's disappointment who had come up to give his human some kisses.

***Break***

Hermione stared at the ceiling of the dark room, processing everything they had talked about late into the evening. She had any small concern about Harry's new living situation and any questions Hermione had about how it had come to be put to bed, much like she was now, but still the news had been shocking. She thought about the developments her friend's life had taken long into the night until sleep finally claimed her.

It was a different Hermione that woke up in the morning, having come to a few conclusions. The largest being that Harry Potter was different. Physical changes aside, not that Hermione hadn't noticed those as well, it was the personality changes that were becoming more and more apparent. In the span of a summer Harry seemed to have grown up in a lot of ways and changed in a lot of others. It was… different, but if Hermione was honest with herself it wasn't unwelcome. The more things change the more they stay the same, some would say. As different as Harry was to her now he was still Harry in so many ways. It painted her friend in a new light for her. And she found herself intrigued, and not in the way that she would have expected. Hermione wasn't sure what to do about it, but she knew that she would find out. The answers were always there, it was merely the journey to find them and she was well practiced at that.

She stepped into the spacious bathroom, and found out the wonders of the shower within. Harry had told her that today he would be going to the Ministry to accept an Order of Merlin for the Chamber incident, and that it was up to Hermione if she wanted to accompany him. Astoria was staying behind in favor of some bed rest, the girl's treatment from a few days ago starting to fail and the small girl's frailties becoming more apparent. That had been an interesting fact to learn about Harry's new living situation. Not only was he now responsible for 2 girls who had basically nothing except for some clothes, one of them was sick with a Blood Malediction that Hermione likened to chemo treatments and the oh so common cancer that plagued Muggles. Those of Magical Heritage were luckily immune to such things but Hermione had found many similarities between the description that Daphne had shared with them and what her Uncle had gone through a few years back with Leukemia. Astoria would have maybe 3-4 days after weekly treatments feeling fine and then 1-2 days slowly getting weaker until she finally had a day of bedrest hooked up to some equipment and the cycle would start again.

She finished up in the shower and dried her hair, the task always taking quite some time as her hair was very thick. That was why she always woke up very early, even if she stayed up late, and would often find herself exactly in the position she was in now. In a bed, still naked except for the robe wrapped around her and a towel in her hair, and a book in hand.

A soft knock sounded at her door, shocking her, and Harry's voice through the door shocked her more. "Hermione?'

What on earth was he doing up so early? Hermione had heard him pass her door at around 3 AM so she hadn't expected him to be up at 6. In a rush, she cinched the luckily long robe around her midriff tighter and walked up to the door so she could respond in a low voice, "Yes, Harry? What is it?"

"Can I come in? I wanted to talk to you for a bit" Harry's tone let her know that it was serious, so against her usually better judgement she cracked the door just a bit and poked her head around.

"Oh, I had no idea you weren't dressed. I'll come back later" Harry said, but it was the boy's look that prompted Hermione to open the door the rest of the way open and pull him inside. He wasn't crying, but she knew her friend well enough to see that he was struggling with something.

"I'll be just a moment," Hermione said, and she walked off to the bathroom while Harry sat on the bed, elbows on his knees. After just a moment she was dressed in the same pajamas that she had slept in, having no better options and not wanting to get her day clothes wet from her hair.

She sat next to him on the bed, "What's wrong, Harry?"

This was so unlike her friend. Not the brooding part, that she had seen enough of in their 2 years of friendship. It was that he was actually opening up, and coming to her to talk. Something he had never done before.

Harry took a shuddering breath. His emotions raged at him, still a bit raw from the past 4 days of just constant bombardment. After he had come to his room last night Harry had thought for a long while, instead of just using the floating menu above the bed to rest like he usually did. Harry realized that in the entirety of his summer, he had never spent a true moment with his most steadfast friend. It was the bite of loss from past memories mixed with missing the bushy haired girl, who had so often stood by his side, that brought Harry to her door. Hermione's hand rested on his back, gentle in its reassurance.

"Am I doing this right?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Doing what right?" Hermione asked in response.

"This. All of this. Emancipating myself, building a manor, living this almost reckless lifestyle, and then dueling Lord Greengrass. Now I'm saddled with the responsibility of Daphne, and especially Astoria's well-being I… I just don't know what to do. I'm not ready for all of that. Caring for myself, I can do that. But I had no idea Astoria's sickness affected her so. I had no idea." Harry ranted for a moment, and then slowly his tears started to fall. He had no idea what he was going to do. The only side to Astoria he had seen so far had been a bubbly girl so full of life, and now the reality of what the poor girl went through on a weekly basis was revealed to Harry. Daphne had also revealed that most of her ancestors who suffered from the same thing didn't live past 35. So short of a life for a witch or wizard who often had lives over 150 years old. He didn't know what he would do, being responsible for the girl now and dealing with the knowledge of what Astoria went through.

Hermione merely pulled Harry close when his tears started to fall, for once not having the boy fight her at the contact. She had inferred a lot at Harry's life, but never really pried. Hermione had known what it meant when Ron had detailed the living situation of Harry when the Weasley brothers had rescued him from the Dursely's last summer. It was the knowledge of the fact that Harry had went through that, the full scope of which probably hadn't been shared with anyone, but still somehow emerging out the other side as the selfless, brave, chivalrous, and caring boy that she knew him to be that gave Hermione an immense respect of the young Lord. So she pulled him into a warm embrace, letting Harry cry into her chest, as the boy finally opened up to her and let out some of that pain that he carried around all the time.

***Break***

Harry felt much lighter, and lighter still by the moment, as he let himself be held by Hermione. It was a hard thing for him, to realize that he wasn't quite as strong as he portrayed. It was the easy camaraderie that Hermione had provided yesterday, never once blaming him for everything that had happened, that had ignited his emotions and sparked the pang of loss Harry hadn't realized he had had at the lack of his best friends by his side. Especially Hermione. Ron may be the older friend, just barely, but even in his past life it had been Hermione that was his most stable presence in his crazy life. No hardship, no trial, bar a very rare few, had lacked Hermione's steadfast presence. So when his life had gotten just a little bit more complicated yesterday as Astoria's situation had been revealed, it was that presence that he let himself turn to instead of trying to deal with it all alone.

Hermione pulled Harry further onto the bed, as they had been in an awkward position before and it was not comfortable, and Harry moved compliantly. She maneuvered the pillows a bit with a free hand and rested back, letting Harry rest his head onto her. The bushy haired bookworm was honestly a bit surprised at what was happening. Never had Harry shown such emotion with her. But it also warmed her heart, being able, suddenly and surprisingly, to give back a little bit of support for the boy that always seemed to carry the weight of everyone around him.

They stayed like that for a long while, Harry eventually wrapping his arms around her stomach and resting more of his weight onto her. Hermione didn't complain though. She ran her fingers through his shockingly soft hair and let him take as long as he needed.

***Break***

It was a refreshed Harry that stood up in front of the crowd at the Ministry. Indeed he felt lighter than he had in a long long while. Harry shot a smile at Hermione who was behind him on the stage with Daphne, the gratefulness at his friend's unquestioning support clear in his eyes. Hermione smiled back. Harry grinned at Arthur Weasley and most of the Weasley clan that was also behind him, even young Ginny who was a bit teary eyed from the reminder of the Chamber but still standing strong. Ron stood at his side, the tension between the both still a little clear.

They were at the Order of Merlin Award Ceremony. Harry was surprised that Cornelius had actually gone through with it, but here they were. Both Harry and Ron turned their attention to the Minister as the pudgy man finally quieted the crowd.

"Thank you, thank you. And thank you all for coming to this long overdue ceremony. Earlier this summer, Harry Potter shocked us all with his retelling of the events that had plagued the illustrious school of Hogwarts and then again when he vowed upon his magic as to their authenticity. Well clearly, Lord Potter has not lost his magic!" Cornelius reminded the crowd of the duel that Harry had fought, and many in the crowded Atrium cheered, "So we stand here now. When the school of Hogwarts was plagued last term by a string of Petrifications we were all rightfully worried. But 2 young Gryffindors rose to the challenge. With courage dwarfing that of even some decorated Aurors, the pair of young 2nd years delved into the Chamber of Secrets and confronted, amazingly, a very old and by all accounts very large Basilisk. They emerged from this ordeal victorious and it is with great honor that I stand here today to present an Order of Merlin, First Class, as well as an award of Special Services to the School, to both Ronald Bilius Weasley and Lord Harry James Potter!"

The crowd erupted as the duo of a golden medal with a green ribbon and large engraved plaque each were levitated over to Ron and Harry along with a small satchel of money, to contain 1,000 Galleons. Ronald was beaming, in spite of the large black eye he was sporting, as the crowd cheered. The boy, the youngest of the Weasley males, finally had something that his brothers did not. And 1,000 Galleons to boot! For a boy who got 3 Sickles a week as an allowance, it was a fortune. Harry merely smiled and waved at the crowd. He didn't really care for recognition, and hardly needed the money. When he had made his demand to have Ron awarded the same Award it had been to pay his friend back and give him some recognition in the eyes of the public. The plaque for Special Services was a nice touch, Harry admitted, but honestly after the fight yesterday between Ron and Harry the whole thing was a bit soured for him. Harry wasn't going to ruin the moment for Ron though, who looked postively thrilled.

***Break***

"Hurry up!" Harry called up the stairs. He had loaded everything he would even possibly need into his Inventory which now sported a staggering 3600 slots. Harry could not dream of a moment where he would need that many slots but merely enjoyed the freedoms it allowed him. He was dressed in his finest Acromantula Silk robes in preparation for their departure. This was it, Harry thought, the day he would finally be heading to Hogwarts. What an honestly crazy summer. It had so many ups and downs that it felt like it had gone on forever.

"Shut up! Where the hell are my parchment and quills?" Astoria called back. The sound of bangs and thumps resounded from Astoria's rooms.

"Tori! Language!" Both Hermione and Daphne called out from their own rooms, and Harry chuckled. Hermione had started using the nickname for the younger sister yesterday accidentally and it had stuck. Neither older girl stood for improper language, one of only a few similarities the girls shared.

"Dobby! Go help Astoria!" Harry ordered and heard a pop and a cry of fright from the girl upstairs as Dobby must have popped in on her unexpectedly. Chuckling once more Harry headed up the stairs to see where he could be of assistance.

He started with Hermione, a gentle knock on the door granting him access. The girl had apparently brought quite a few things out yesterday to show Astoria, and so was more unpacked than the would have been otherwise. Now she was having trouble locating her Charms textbook.

"What's the book?" Harry asked her, once he realized what was holding her up.

"Charms: A Charming Thesis of Enchanting Arts" Hermione replied, "It's about this big with a blue cover and I cannot find it anywhere!"

Harry did his best to picture the book in his head, and held up his hand. "Accio Book"

From the bathroom of all places the book rattled against the door in a vain attempt to get through. Harry kept up the spell, knowing that to drop Hermione's book would spell his demise. He carefully opened the door and retrieved the book from the other side. Harry handed it to a grateful Hermione who placed it on top of her things and closed her trunk.

"Dolly!" Harry stated firmly and the female Elf popped in to bring the trunk to the entryway.

One down, he headed to the youngest Greengrass's room while Hermione headed downstairs to get herself a plate of the breakfast Harry had prepared. She had been suitably wowed by his cooking prowess the past couple of days and did not want to miss out on what was surely a delicious meal. Harry made it to Astoria's door and knocked.

Astoria, who had received her treatment the day before, was back to her bubbly self once more and showed that energy with how she ripped open the door. "What?" She ordered.

"Whoa, killer. Just here to see if I can help." Harry laughed at the tiny girl, the picture of fiestiness which was honestly adorable in such a tiny package.

Astoria looked relieved at his offer and let him in. Astoria's room was slowly becoming her own. The walls were a pastel purple and light pink, the colors complementary. Her bedspread that Harry had picked out for her was a constellation, Libra, like the girl's birth sign. The bookcase was packed full, many of the books being from Harry's own Library that the girl had picked out for future reading. The desk however looked like it had not been touched.

"Alright, what are you missing?" Harry asked, and stepped over the girl's trunk that she had pulled into the middle of the room.

"I'm missing my corset, my shoes. Honestly I don't even know." Astoria looked around worried, not wanting to leave anything behind. Her equipment was with Harry's things and he was going to be bringing it to Madam Pomfrey when they got to Hogwarts.

"Okay, okay. No worries. Accio Astoria's Shoes" Harry tried the same spell as before. What he wasn't prepared for however was to be assaulted by a blast of footwear from deep within her closet. There must be like 10 pairs, Harry thought to himself as the footwear careened towards him. Quick as a flash he deftly caught each shoe as it came and tossed it to her trunk, Seeker reflexes paying off. Astoria watched in amazement at Harry's quick hands.

Fisticuffs Skill has increased! It is now 3!

Fisticuffs Skill has increased! It is now 4!

Surprised at the skill that the Game associated with catching flying footwear Harry merely noted the exercise for future use as potential training material. He would probably stick with conjured balls or the like, instead of shoes, but figured that that would produce the same result.

"Alright, shoes secure. You probably don't need 10 pairs though, so be sure to put a few away." Harry ruffled Astoria's hair as he was prone to do, earning him a kick to the rear in response, as he walked by and headed to the closet. The kick was ignored, honestly not even costing Harry any Health, and he stepped into the absolute mess that was Astoria's closet.

"I'm not going to find something I don't want to see in here am I?" Harry joked as he sorted through her pile of clothes.

"I don't know, you seemed to like my sister's brassiere just fine the other day" Astoria shot back, sorting her hair out in the mirror by her bed. She laughed when she heard a thump and a grunt from Harry inside her closet, when he had jumped at the reminder and hit his head on a shelf.

"Brat. Not like your tiny chest has anything like that in here" Harry returned fire and dodged the hairbrush that Astoria tried to throw at him, laughing.

He tossed a few more things, and then found the corset. "This one?" He held it out the door.

"You found it!" Astoria cheered and rushed over to grab it. It joined the rest of the clothes in her trunk.

"Anything else? Bear in mind that Dobby can probably bring us anything you find yourself forgetting." Harry reminded the girl.

"That's true. But no, I think that's everything" Astoria closed her trunk.

"Good, there's some breakfast downstairs so go eat. Dolly! Trunk, entryway, you know the drill" Mama Harry once more came to bear, and Astoria skipped off down the hall to get some food.

Daphne was next. Harry scratched his head as he looked at her door. Things had been a bit awkward since he had caught the girl in her underwear, and they had shot many looks at one another since. Harry decided that there wasn't much he could do about it besides move on, he knocked gently on the door.

"Come in," came Daphne's soft voice.

"Oh, I thought you were Astoria" Daphne said as she looked over at Harry. She was gently folding some clothes and packing her trunk neatly. Despite years of having a House Elf there were certain things she liked to do for herself and packing was one of them.

"Sorry, I can leave if you'd like," Harry scratched his head once more, a little nervous.

"No, it's fine you can come in," Daphne replied evenly. She folded a blouse and added it to the trunk.

"Okay. Anything I can do to help?" Harry asked the girl.

"Hmm. You can come fold with me I guess" She eventually decided. Her school supplies were already safely in her trunk where they had been since she first moved into the room.

Harry nodded and walked over to sit next to the girl. She had a surprising amount of clothes, one of the Heiress's few vices, so still had a large pile next to her.

Daphne's room was much neater than Astoria's, being a more fastidious person than her sister. The forest green walls with silver detailing, similar to Harry's own, gave the room a much more mellow energy. She had, at Harry's permission of course, exchanged the furniture which had been plain and white with dark and rich Oak furniture. Harry made it to the bed, which had a simple dark gray bedspread.

Together they sat in companionable silence, Harry once more surprising Daphne with how elegantly he folded the clothes, not knowing that the task had been a common chore for him with the Dursleys with Petunia accepting nothing less than the best. None of that even crossed Harry's mind and he actually found himself enjoying the simple task.

The pile slowly shrank, until "Err… Daphne?" drew her attention to the Lord seated next to her.

Harry was holding what had looked to him at first glance like a small thing of lace. He had picked it up without a thought before realizing what exactly he was holding when he had started to fold it. Daphne's eyes were wide and blush very obvious as she came to the cold realization that Harry Potter was holding her pair of lace panties.

Her hand shot forward in a flash and pulled it out of Harry's hands then threw it into the trunk like it was on fire. Daphne had thought that all of that sort of clothing had been put into the bottom of the trunk otherwise she would have never accepted Harry's help. She remembered when Tracey had convinced the girl to get the pair, the piece unique in her wardrobe and the primary reason that she had forgotten about its existence. Harry's blush matched her own as the boy's imagination got the best of him.

"You will say nothing about this," Daphne said warningly.

"Yep," Harry said, already walking out of the room.

***Break***

They gathered together in the breakfast nook, Daphne joining them after a few more minutes. Harry noted that no sign of her earlier blush was showing. Harry and Daphne kept their composure and ate the meal that Harry had prepared, keeping it light and snacky with some scones and danishes so that they all would have an appetite on the train for when the Sweets Trolley passed their compartments.

Harry took away the dishes as was his norm and sent them to washing, as was his norm, with a spoken spell. He mentally thanked Molly for teaching him some of the woman's tricks and trades of housekeeping she had picked up in her years as a housewife.

Charms Skill has increased! It is now 58!

"Need anything else before we go?" Harry asked the group and they all replied with various nays. He pocketed his wand and checked his robes and attire once more. Daphne reached over without a word and straightened his collar.

"Thanks," Harry said with a smile.

Daphne nodded and Astoria spoke up, "Let's goooo" the girl clearly excited to see the train hurried them along.

"Dobby! Dolly! We're headed out. Keep the house in order, Dobby, I hereby lift your ban from the kitchen and demand you repaint the shed something sensible. Dolly, keep an eye on Balto, like we discussed. I expect him to be house trained and no longer jumping all over the furniture when we return for the holidays." At the mention of her dog, and the reminder that she would be leaving him behind, Astoria rushed over to the pooch and gave him a hug. She was crying softly, wishing that she could bring the dog with her. Balto merely made her giggle by licking away the tears.

Daphne fussed over her sister, brushing off dog hair and fixing her mussed up collar, when the girl rejoined them. She thanked Harry with an appreciative smile when he Vanished the hair away with a silent wave.

"Alright. Dobby, be sure to pop over if something comes up. Try not to burn the house down. Everyone got their trunks?" Harry looked around and they headed off.

"Where's your trunk, Harry?" Astoria asked as they walked to the entryway together. Hermione was drawn back into her book, and was reading it as she walked. The girl's multitasking capabilities never ceased to amaze Harry.

"Right here," Harry patted his chest pocket. Not technically true, the trunk was in his Inventory, but it wasn't technically wrong either.

"That's not fair, why didn't you shrink ours?" Astoria whined, already annoyed at dragging her trunk along.

"Why, tradition of course," Harry laughed and they all gathered into the Portkey spot. He had gotten a One-Way Portkey for a pretty decent price, and the group collectively all placed a hand on the rope.

"King's Cross Station" Harry said the activating phrase, and with a swirl of magic they disappeared from Potter Manor.

*Fin*

A/N: Holy mother of god. 20k words. The largest chapter yet but I had to tie up a bunch of stuff. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Review answers below.

Frankieu: Astoria got a lot of screen time in this one, and the Older Brother/Little Sister relationship that is beginning to form between her and Harry. I hope you enjoyed her and thank you for the review!

Jmartinez8089: Astoria's existence isn't hidden so much as well guarded. She hasn't gotten a lot of public attention and her Malediction is considered impolite to talk about if you're not Daphne, Jackson, or Astoria. That will come up in the future but I hope it helps clear it up a bit for you. Thank you for the review!

Adrian King1: This chapter's for you buddy, honestly. Astoria, my interpretation of her anyways, is based off of a close personal friend of mine who was diagnosed with a terminal illness at a young age. Despite that heavy cloud that friend was just one big ray of sunshine up until the day she passed. I miss her terribly and it feels good to immortalize her just a bit through Astoria. Thank you for the review!

TheGreatBubbaJ: I'll keep thinking of ways to curveball you, just you wait. We get to see some of how protective Harry is of Daphne and Astoria while also how he deals with the attraction he is starting to feel very heavily for Daphne this chapter.

Dragonladysally: Thank you for the review! I'd agree with you if this didn't turn into a 20k word chapter of its own.

Soryuken: Thank you so much for this review! I tried really hard the last few chapters to really make each character feel unique, I just hope I can keep it up. They have a personality now though so I'll be able to make the story flow a little better and quicker in the future.

Dragonhitter: Thank you for the review! I really appreciate your words!

AvidReader2425: Thank you for the review! This was a meaty one so I hope you're enjoying it. Also damn! You are awesome! You took me from 190 reviews past 200 like nothing! Thank you for being my 200th review!

Kairan1979: True, but he worked on the skills that he wanted to work on. His 13 Strength is pretty dang high for his age though so he's honestly kind of a monster strength-wise right now.

Phineas Garcia-Shapiro Flynn: Dobby is the best. I'm using him as comic relief and background logistics right now but I always enjoy any scene I feature him in. Dolly will come into it a bit more but she's still settling into her new role now and dealing with Dobby's eccentric House Elf habits as Head Elf. Really happy to hear that you enjoyed the introspective parts. I had a couple in here but that was just to get some Harry/Hermione interactions rolling and expand a bit on some relationships.