Chapter 12

Harry and Ron had made their way to Ron's bedroom late Christmas night. After Dumbledore and Remus had left, Harry had been subjected to a barrage of questions from the Weasley family regarding his escape and choice of destination. Both Bill and Charlie were very curious how Harry had slipped away completely unnoticed. Fred and George were very proud of their distraction, as it was a product they had been perfecting over two years. They were at last able to introduce the newest Weasley Wizard Wheeze, The Decoy Detonator.

Mrs. Weasley had remained in her bedroom the rest of the evening, which suited Harry fine, as he didn't think he could face her again. He truly respected Mrs. Weasley for all she had done, but Over the past few days, he had seen a different side of her, he'd never experienced before. She seemed truly distraught about Harry's engagement to Daphne, as if she had other plans for him or something. As if he needed anyone else making decisions regarding his life.

Though, Harry'd had been angry at Mrs. Weasley, he still cared for her, and had felt a little bad at how he'd spoken to her. Mr. Weasley assured him, however, that sometimes you had to hurt in order to get you point across, and that Mrs. Weasley had more than likely forgiven him already.

The strangest part of his evening had come when Ginny had placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling sweetly.

"Daphne Greengrass, huh?"

Harry could only shrug. As he looked at Ginny now, he no longer felt any sort of romantic feelings at all. All he saw now was a good friend. Harry wondered if he felt differently now that he'd actually kissed Daphne, or if his feelings for Ginny had simply faded on their own.

"Can I give you a bit of advice, Harry?" Ginny asked. Harry nodded and Ginny looked him square in the eye as she said, "Don't try and be who she thinks you ought to be. Be honest with yourself, and don't let her run your life."

Ginny smiled as she left Harry pondering the meaning of her advice. Daphne never tried to run things. Ok, she had demanded that he get hold of the contract, but he would have done the same if the situation were reversed. Daphne had also been the one to say that they should try getting to know each other, but Harry had been thinking about it anyway. Other than that, Harry and Daphne's budding relationship had been pretty equal. Did Ginny know something Harry had yet to learn?

"I hope they didn't rough you up too badly." Harry said to Ron as they settled into their beds much later. The redhead merely shook it off and grinned.

"Actually, it was a bit cool. I felt like a spy or something."

Harry chuckled at his friend.

"In all honesty, they might not have noticed you were gone at all if it hadn't been for Rufus Scrimgeour."

"The Minister of Magic?" Harry looked confused.

"The one and only. He showed up with Percy about twenty minutes after you'd left." Ron sat up in his bed to look at his friend. "It was weird. Mum cried, thanking Merlin that Percy'd come home, and the Minister asked to speak with you. I think he'd had some other plan, but since he didn't see you anywhere, he just had to lay it out. Dad said that you were busy, but Mum insisted that I fetch you. I kind of got the feeling that Dad knew you were gone, but he never said anything."

"So what happened?" Harry was on the edge of his seat.

"I had to tell mum you weren't here." Ron looked guiltily. "Percy got angry at the Minister, saying that he had told him it was a stupid idea, and that got both Bill and Charlie angry. They started shouting at Percy and Percy shouted back. Then Ginny got angry and tried to punch Percy. Mom began crying, and Dad tried to calm everyone down, but I think it was too late by then. I'm not sure who threw the first handful of potatoes, it might have been me, it's all real fuzzy. But when the dust settled, Percy left wearing most of what should have been diner"

"So that's why we had sandwiches for dinner." Harry fell back onto his own bed, a slight grin on his face as he imagined Percy leaving the Burrow covered in food. "Did the Minister say what he wanted with me?"

"Nope. Just kept trying to calm everyone down and avoid flying food. After they left, well, Mum flooed Dumbledore, and you pretty much know the rest of it. What happened, anyway? You were gone a while, I mean."

"Not much. I met Annabelle Greengrass, Daphne's grandmother. She nice, but I think she might be a little crazy. Anyway, she told us all she knew about the contract. We were set up to keep the bloodline pure. Apparently, my grandfather lied about my mum's blood status to make sure the contract got signed. The Greengrasses didn't know I was a half blood."

"Do you know what was exchanged? I mean, what'd they get out of the deal?"

"A little gold, but Mrs. Greengrass didn't really know for sure. She reckons there might have been some political gain as well. Power in the government or something."

"Hmm. For what it's worth, I'm sorry, mate, really." Ron looked genuinely remorseful over Harry's predicament.

"It's alright. Not much we can do about the past." Harry groaned.

"So, what'd Daphne get you for Christmas?" Ron smiled, trying to change the subject.

Harry smiled lightly as he remembered kissing Daphne before he'd returned to the Burrow. He could still taste her faintly on his lips. Sweet, and soft. The way she had wrapped her arms around his neck and drawn him closer to her. It had been like nothing else he'd ever felt.

"Nothing." He finally said. "She didn't get me anything."

"Too bad." Ron grinned.

"Not really. I didn't get her anything, either." Harry shrugged. He lay back, closing his eyes, and reliving the kiss again. Harry now wondered if there was a future for he and Daphne. He tried to contemplate a life where they could actually love each other. Daphne's grandmother's advice replayed in his mind.

"What the two of you could accomplish together is nothing short of amazing. But you both need to look past the burden of the contract and focus on one another."

Maybe they could find happiness in each other. Harry grinned. He lived in a world filled with magic, anything was possible.

The rest of the holiday passed in a blur of chess games, snowball fights, and homework. Harry had not spoken to Daphne since Christmas, and now, as he, Ron and Ginny were getting ready to board the train back to school, Harry felt more anxious than he ever had before. He was unsure of what would happen when he saw her again. Had their relationship advanced, or was the kiss a one time thing?

He'd been able to think of little else. Every time he closed his eyes, he could swear he felt Daphne's lips brushing against his. This actually had begun to irritate him, as he was so confused by everything he felt now. He had wanted to write to her, to ask her about her feelings now, but he felt stupid every time he pulled out fresh parchment and starting writing. Nothing he wrote made and sense, or it seemed as if he repeated himself, or babbled.

Harry had refused to talk about it with Ron or Ginny. Partly because he was sure they couldn't understand, but also because he feared the inevitable teasing he would be the target of. So, he'd been stuck, impatiently waiting until he could talk to someone who might be able to give him some decent advice without teasing him.

So, as Mrs. Weasley gave her two children tight hugs, Harry was scanning the crowds for any sign of the blonde Slytherin girl he was betrothed to. Harry actually felt a pang of heartache when Mrs. Weasley didn't try to hug him. His relationship with the Weasley matriarch had all but disintegrated since Christmas. Harry had tried a couple of times to apologize, but Mrs. Weasley would always excuse herself before Harry could say he was sorry. Harry had even gone to Mr. Weasley to see if he could help.

"I'm sorry, Harry. But she was truly hurt by your outburst. While I still believe you were right, I can't help you here. Molly had hopes that you and Ginny would one day figure things out, and that you would become a true part of the family. This has hit her really hard."

"Harry!" A voice screamed as two arms went around him, crushing him. and his vision was blurred by a mess of brown frizzy hair.

"Hello, Hermione. How was your holiday?"

"Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley stole Hermione away, hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy for you and Ron."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. Was your holiday good?" Hermione said shakily, as Ron took her hand in his. Harry saw them share a smile before Mrs. Weasley asserted herself again.

"Oh, yes. We had a bit of bother on Christmas, but the rest of the holiday was fine." Mrs. Weasley said, as she eyed Harry. Hermione followed her glance, and frowned.

Harry shook his head, and picked up his bag. "I'll just go find a cabin." he said, mostly to himself.

Harry found a cabin near the back of the train, and shoved his bag in the overhear rack. He sat down heavily and stared out the window. He pushed all thoughts of Molly Weasley out of his mind. He had more important things to think on. The first was how to procure the memory that Professor Slughorn had that was so damned important to Dumbledore.

How would he be able to trick the Potions master into relinquishing a memory that he wouldn't give to Dumbledore? This was a vexing problem. He had no leverage to work with. What he needed was a brilliant idea.

"There you are." Hermione said as she and Ron stepped into Harry's cabin. "What did you do that got Mrs. Weasley so angry?"

"That's kind of a long story." Harry said sheepishly.

"We've got the time, Harry. It's a long trip back to Hogwarts."

"Can we wait on it? Just for a bit?" He asked. "I need your help. I've got to get that memory from Slughorn, and I have no idea how to do it."

"Finally taking Dumbledore's request seriously, huh?" Hermione looked pleased.

"No, actually. We've made a deal." Harry remarked, wiping Hermione's smug smile from her face.

Before Harry could launch into the details, the cabin opened again and Tracey Davis looked in hopefully.

"Um, hi." She smiled. "Do you all mind if…"

"No, of course not." Harry waved Tracey in. "Have you seen Daphne?"

"Yes. She told me to come find you all. She's just saying goodbye to her parents and then she should be along." Tracey smiled as she sat next to Hermione.

"What do you mean you made a deal?" Hermione asked irritably.

"I'll explain it all in a bit." Harry snapped. Tracey looked between the two as if she were afraid they might start throwing curses.

"Just be patient, Hermione." Ron sighed, reaching up to rub her back. "There's a lot you have to hear, and I'm guessing Harry doesn't want to repeat it all."

"Here you are!" Daphne smiled as she finally stepped into the cabin, just as the train began moving. "I knew I should have looked back here first."

Harry felt his body tense as Daphne smiled at him. Her smile was gentle, warm. It was unlike any smile he'd ever seen her wear. It actually reached her eyes, which seem to shine with something he couldn't put into words. Something really good.

Daphne sat down next to Harry, and patted his hand lightly. "Nana sends her regards."

Harry gave a small smile and nodded. "You were right, she was fun. Evil, but fun."

"What happened?" Hermione nearly screamed.

"What's got her knickers in a twist?" Daphne asked, looking oddly at the nearly foaming Hermione, who made a face back at Daphne.

"She waiting for a story." Tracey grinned.

"Alright, now that EVERYONE is here, I'll fill you all in." Harry gave Hermione a significant look, which she obviously ignored. With Ron and Daphne's help, Harry was able to tell them all about what had happened on Christmas. He left out a few minor details, as he didn't want Daphne and Tracey to know too much about his destiny, and to keep him and Daphne from being teased.

"So Slughorn's got this memory, which is the key piece of this puzzle, that is preventing Dumbledore from just telling you everything?" Daphne asked when Harry had finished.

"Basically." Harry nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from hers. "The trouble is I have no clue how to go about getting Slughorn to give me the memory. If he wouldn't give it to Dumbledore, what chance do I have?"

"You need something to bargain with. Something that is going to be too good to pass up. Something that would appeal to his sense of lifestyle." As she spoke, Daphne's smile grew. "Well, the solution has been right in front of you. Or rather under you."

"My bottom?" Harry looked like he might be sick.

"The basilisk!" Daphne slapped his arm. "Let him harvest it. A man like that is used to a certain lifestyle, and he loves his comforts, but it costs a lot of gold to live like that. I'm sure with an offer like that, he'd sell his soul."

"You are brilliant. Of course, he'd be all over it." Harry slapped his forehead, as he grinned at the smiling blonde.

"I don't think you need to buy it from him." Hermione looked a bit offended. "I'm sure if you just asked him to help you…"

"No offense, Hermione, but Slughorn isn't just going to help because he's a teacher." Daphne said softly. "He's a coward, and if he wouldn't give Dumbledore that memory, whatever it is, it's not good."

"Daphne's right." Harry said firmly. "He was hiding out in a muggle house. He tried to make it look like he'd been kidnapped or killed. Whatever is in his head, it's something that has him truly afraid of being found by Death Eaters."

"What about the Draco problem?" Tracey asked. "Are you still worried what he's up to?"

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "But, until I have proof, no one's going to listen to me. Just like normal. He's going to have to really hurt someone before anyone believes me."

"Well, I believe you. So, what if we could get you the proof?" Tracey asked, a sly smirk on her lips.

"I'm not going to ask you two to get involved in this." Harry shook his head.

"Why not?" Ron said, eyes bulging. "Who better to get proof than a couple of people from his own house? Draco wouldn't even suspect them."

"Because it's dangerous. He's dangerous!" Harry argued.

"Harry," Daphne said gently. Harry turned to look at her.

"I know you're trying to protect us, but you can't be around us all the time. While I still have my doubts on if Draco's been marked, if he's doing something that could hurt people, I want it to end. Slytherin house doesn't need any more shame. So whether or not you want me involved, I already am." Daphne tilted her head, keeping her eyes locked with his. She saw so much at that moment reflected in his eyes. A desire to see Draco caught at whatever Harry suspected him of. A need to protect those around him, and something else…something that sent a feeling of warm comfort up her arms and into her chest.

Harry couldn't respond. There was nothing to say now. Harry knew when he looked into her shining brown eyes that he had no hope of dissuading her. She had planted her feet on this, and she was going to do it, no matter what he said or did.

"Well, it's obvious who carries the wand in this relationship." Tracey chuckled. Ron and Hermione both burst into giggles. Daphne looked proud of herself, and Harry could only glare at everyone in the cabin.

"Don't get all sour." Daphne said, reaching up and caressing his cheek softly with the back of her hand.

"Whoa!" Tracey shouted, seeing Daphne touch Harry's face. "Something else happened between you two, didn't it?"

Daphne and Harry looked guiltily at the auburn haired girl, who was pointing an accusing finger at them. Harry tried to shake his head, while Daphne found the floor rather interesting.

"I'm going to find out." Tracey threatened. "It's better if you just tell me now."

Still, Harry and Daphne remained silent, even avoiding looking at each other. Tracey sat back, folding her arms across her chest, looking suspicious.

"Fine, have it your way." She said smugly.

The five teens kept up a lively conversation, sharing tales from their holiday and discussing what the remainder of the school year held in store. Harry noticed that Daphne seemed to touch him more. Little things, like clutching his hand when she had something important to share, or the way she seemed to rub his shoulder when Ron or Hermione would tease him. It was puzzling, but nice at the same time. He wanted desperately to ask her about it, but thought it best if he were to wait for a time when they were alone.

Daphne had been anxiously awaiting to see Harry again. After he had left on Christmas, she had sought out her grandmother to let her know exactly how she had felt about the mistletoe stunt.

Annabelle Greengrass could not stop smiling as Daphne shouted. The old Romanian woman simply stood there until Daphne had nearly exhausted herself, and finally admitted to the reason she had done it.

"Someone had to give you both a little nudge." She had chuckled, as Daphne looked appalled.

Yet, the memory of that kiss had haunted her dreams, as well as her waking hours. It was unlike any kiss she'd ever had, not that she had many to compare it with. It was soft, and so full of emotion.

The way he had held her as they kissed was something out of a fantasy. He was so gentle, and strong all at once.

As wonderful as that moment had been, it was also frightening to her. It had changed their whole dynamic. She had wondered if he would now expect to kiss her, or if he wouldn't want anything to do with her now. He had said nothing as he had left, yet Daphne remembered that he'd been seemingly unable to look away from her.

She had not wanted him to leave. She had wanted to hold onto him for as long as she was able, to feel his arms around her.

After she'd shouted at her grandmother, her mind began telling her all the reasons she should avoid Harry Potter. Everything she had questioned or fear about becoming involved with him asserted itself in her mind, and yet, the moment she stepped onto Platform 9 ¾, the first thing she had done was search for the messy black hair.

As they all spoke in the train compartment, she had kept reaching out for his hand, or nudging him with her shoulder. It was like she needed to touch him, to feel him near her. She had also noted that sometimes he shrank away from her touch. It didn't happen all the time. But it was most notable when she had clutched for his hand. The first time, she had thought she had just surprised him. It wasn't a shock, as she had surprised herself with the action. But the second time, she knew there was something going on.

Daphne remembered Hermione mentioning long ago that there were aspects of Harry's life that he might be embarrassed about. She also thought it had been strange that Harry never talked about his relatives. Daphne realized there was a problem with Harry's home life, and she had a vital need to learn about it. As she watched him stand up and buy Cauldron cakes for all of them, she vowed to herself to really learn all there was about Harry Potter.

She also found herself admiring his backside, until Tracey cleared her throat and gave Daphne a knowing grin. Daphne glared back, trying to communicate that Tracey needed to keep her mouth shut.

"Wow, Daphne, you seem really entranced by Harry's bum. I wonder if it's charmed to memorize girls?"

Ron nearly choked as he started laughing. Harry turned to see Daphne burying her face in her hands. Tracey was giggling behind her hand, while Hermione looked as if she were trying to look offended while keeping her own laughter in check. She failed a moment later as she bent forward holding her sides. Harry could only shake his head, thinking to himself…

Girls…

"So when are you going to tell me you guys kissed?" Tracey asked Daphne as they sat down at the Slytherin table for dinner. They had just returned to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade station. Tracey had been watching Daphne very carefully all the way from London. She was convinced that something major had happened between Harry and her best friend. She had watched as Daphne had taken Harry's hand several times on the train. She hadn't missed the glances or the longing look Daphne had given to the door when Harry had gone to change into his robes.

"What are you talking about?" Daphne asked, looking as if she wished Tracey would just drop the subject.

"You know me better than anyone, Daph. Are you really going to try and lie? I'm not blind. I saw you on the train. I could practically smell the hormones coming from both of you."

"Alright." Daphne hissed. She glared at her friend, who was practically salivating. "You really should consider taking over Rita Skeeter's job when you graduate."

"Stop flattering me." Tracey was bouncing in her seat.

Daphne looked along the table to make sure no one of considerable importance was near them. The with a great sigh she admitted, "Yes, we kissed."

Tracey's eyes popped out and her hands went to her wide open mouth.

"I KNEW IT! When? How? Tell me.." Tracey stammered through her hands.

"Shut up!" Daphne hissed, looking again up and down the table. "It never would have happened if my grandmother hadn't gone and messed with us. She conjured mistletoe as Harry was leaving. And you know my grandmother…"

"So, you two had no choice." Tracey deflated slightly. "Well, how was it?"

Daphne sighed, and her eyes became unfocused. "Amazing." She said lightly. "Then he left, and I didn't see him again until I got on the train. I've been a mess since it happened, and I don't know what to do now."

"Well, it explains a lot."

"What do you mean?" Daphne looked confused.

"You. You and him. You were both stealing looks at each other. Then, whenever you touched him, he'd looked frightened, but ecstatic at the same time. I'm guessing he's been confused about it all, too."

"Now, I don't know what to do. If this were a normal situation, I'd ask you, but then you'd tell me to kiss him again and go from there. But, I don't think that's the answer to this. I don't even know if he liked it."

"Did you?" Tracey asked. Daphne looked up, a bit puzzled.

"The kiss. Did you like it?"

Daphne didn't answer. Instead she looked across the hall to where a certain black haired boy sat, eating and talking with other Gryffindors. Daphne imagined he was talking of nothing more important the Quidditch, or schoolwork, and he looked almost happy. Harry looked up and their eyes locked for a moment, and she felt her stomach tighten and her heart beat harder in her chest.

She wanted him to hold her again, to kiss her as he had under the mistletoe. He gave a ever so slight smile and nodded almost imperceptibly to her. She wanted to wave, or smile, or something, but all she could do was look away. Strands of blonde silken hair fell into her eyes, and she felt her cheeks burn.

"Oh, my god, you have got it so bad." Tracey smiled.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Daphne glowered. She kept her hard stare focused on Tracey for a moment longer until the auburn haired girl shrugged and went back to her food.

Daphne sighed, and looked back to where Harry sat. She watched him a for several moments, smiling as he spoke to his housemates. She had come to respect Harry, maybe even liked him in a friendly manner, but she most certainly did not love him. Sure, Harry was a decent looking guy, and he was polite, and well mannered. Yes, they had shared a lot together already, and she was admittedly growing fond of him. But there was no way that she loved him.

"Then what was it I felt when we kissed?" She asked herself as she bent her head to hide her eyes, which she felt stinging. "Why did I feel so empty when he left, and why was I so anxious to be close to him again? What's happening to me?"

Several tables away, Harry was being interrogated by several Gryffindor boys about the rumors surrounding he and Daphne. It had started the moment he'd sat down. Seamus, Neville, Colin and Dennis Creevey and several others had all but surrounded him and began hammering him with questions.

"How did you get her to thaw out?"

"Have you kissed her?"

"Did you really use a love potion?"

"Seen her in her knickers?"

"Is she the dominant type?"

"Will you perverts just shut up!" Hermione hollered after she had her fill of the boys disgusting questions.

"Wow, Weasley. Does Granger's bossiness stop at the bedroom?"

"Seamus, I'm only going to warn you once, and then I'm going to make you sing soprano." Ron warned, sending a cold look to his dorm mate, which caused the Irishman to look away quickly.

"Harry's love life is none of any of your business, so just leave him alone." Hermione said, eyeing each boy carefully. All of them had the good sense to go back to their dinner.

"Thanks." Harry muttered, looking a bit morose.

"I hate to say it, but you really should get use to it." Ron said a bit sympathetically. "It's going to get worse, you know."

"Yeah. I do." Harry said as he looked up to see Daphne watching him. He gave a slight smile to her, and a moment later, she lowered her eyes, hiding behind a curtain of blonde hair. Hair he longed to run his fingers through, as he held her warm, enticing body close to his.

Harry shook his head, trying to clear the images. It was happening more and more frequently, ever since Christmas. Ever since his lips had touch her soft, sweet lips.

"Well, now that it's out in the open, so to speak, you two don't have to sneak about." Hermione offered. "You can even go to Hogsmeade together on Valentines day." She offered.

"We'll have to wait and see." Harry nodded. "This is only the first night back. It's bound to get worse, and I don't know how she's going to handle all the attention we're bound to get. She's done a good job of keeping herself out of the spotlight so to speak. I don't think she really understands what's going to happen."

"She's going to get a crash course over the next few days." Ron added.

"You two are to worried over this." Hermione waved them off. "Daphne's a very capable witch, and I'm sure she's more prepared than you think. Besides, Harry. You have something more important to worry about. Getting that memory form Slughorn."

Over the next week, it was all Harry thought about. He was constantly watching for the best scenario in which to approach the portly professor. The prime situation presented it self Friday evening just after dinner. Harry saw Professor Slughorn standing up from the head table and begin to make his way out of the Great Hall. Harry immediately stood and was beginning to follow when Hermione called out.

"Harry, are you really going to bribe him?" She asked. "I know Daphne means well, but it seems really underhanded."

Hermione and Harry had this argument several times over the past few days. Hermione's near blind faith in authority figures doing the right thing had kept her from seeing the truth on many occasions. Harry had argued the point, that while Slughorn was in a position of authority, he was human, and therefore victim to the same weaknesses, In Slughorn's case, greed.

"Hermione, we've been over this. Slughorn's weakness is his pocketbook. If I'm going to get him to give me what I need, then I need something he wants, or at least a means to getting what he wants."

"This isn't going to go well." Hermione frowned.

"I don't have time for this." Harry said, a bit irritated. He turned and left Hermione looking angry and hurt. He'd noticed a change in her behavior since they'd returned to the castle. She was becoming a bit overbearing, and bossier than she'd ever been. Harry hadn't wanted to say it to her, but he was beginning to suspect that Hermione might be a bit jealous of Daphne.

For years, Hermione was the only girl in his life. The one he went to for advice, or knowledge, and now Daphne was filling that role more and more. Harry wondered if it was going to become a problem and if he should approach both girls on the matter. Hermione was the closest thing to a sister he'd ever had, and he didn't want to lose her friendship, but Daphne was going to be his wife.

That, and things were changing between him and the blonde haired Slytherin girl. Barely a night went by where he hadn't thought of that one beautiful moment. The kiss. Neither of them had spoken of it, but it weighed heavily on Harry's mind. He dreamed of taking her in his arms and kissing her soundly until they couldn't breathe. But Daphne was always so stand offish. There always seemed to be this barrier between them, as if she was trying to keep him at a distance.

Harry suspected that part of it was due to the rumors that were going around. They had walked together to Transfiguration on Monday, and it had caused an uproar of whistles, catcalls and very rude comments. Daphne had been careful to avoid him the rest of the week. She slipped a note to him through Hermione saying she would be unable to make it to their normal rendezvous, and Harry had felt extremely heartbroken. Harry was concerned that the atmosphere in the Slytherin house had become rather tough for his betrothed, and she was becoming distant because of it.

He hadn't expected anything to happen, but he had been looking forward to seeing her again. He really just wanted to talk to her, like they had before that kiss had changed everything. He missed her perspective, and really could have used her insight with this growing tension between him and Hermione.

Harry shoved that all out of his mind as he approached the Potions class, where Slughorn was cataloging ingredients and humming to himself.

"Professor Slughorn?"

"DAHH!" the walrus like man cried as his hands flew up in the air, quill and parchment flying.

"Harry, m'boy. You shouldn't be sneaking up on people like that. Oh, my dear, I think I pulled something." Slughorn said, heaving great breaths.

"I'm truly sorry, sir, but I really need to talk to you. It's very important."

"Come in, then. What can I do for you?"

"Well, sir, I find my self in a very tricky situation. I'm supposed to ask you for something." Harry watched the man carefully. He had to do this just right, or he'd never get the memory.

"If I can help you, I'll be more than happy to. Ask away, lad." Slughorn puffed out his chest. Harry closed his eyes. This was it. He had to do this right, or he'd never get Dumbledore to bend on training him.

"A memory."

Slughorn's eyes bulged, and he began looking at the door as if to make a quick escape. Harry saw the man begin to shift his weight nervously and his hands begin to shake.

"I knew it. I just knew Dumbledore wouldn't let the matter lie. So, it's you, is it? Well, I can't help you. I don't know anything more. There's nothing I can do to help you, so I think it's best if you…"

"What if we could help each other, sir." Harry cut the man off. Slughorn looked up, a strange mix of fear and curiosity on his round face.

"What are you talking about?"

"What would you say if I could give you access to a very rare animal? One that if harvested right, could bring in loads of galleons? A basilisk, to be precise." Harry said, not daring to take his eyes off the portly professor.

"I…how could you…No…I couldn't…A basilisk, really?"

"Yes, sir. I'd guess around thirty feet or so, maybe bigger." Harry nodded.

"No. I simply can't. Just forget it. I'm not going to fall for some ridiculous trick. A basilisk, really!" Slughorn said firmly, though his face betrayed his position. "you must take me for some kind of fool."

"Professor, please." Harry said gently now. "I wouldn't even bother you over it if I had my way. Whatever it is, it's very important, and I'm sure you have your reasons for not wanting to share it. I respect that."

"No!" Slughorn shook his head. "No, I simply can not help you. As I said, I don't know anymore on the matter." Harry saw that he was digging his heals in firmly. He would have to try another tact.

"How about this…" Harry said standing up. "Think about it. Think about it and come with me right now. We'll go see the Basilisk, and you can see for yourself that I'm not trying to trick you."

Slughorn studied the young man determinedly for several long moments. He puffed up his chest and gave a dangerous look to Harry.

"If this is a trick…"

"I swear to you, sir. This is no trick. Just follow me, and you'll see. We could even get another professor to join us if you'd feel safer."

That had done it. Harry knew that Slughorn would not want to share potential profits with anyone else if it turned out that he could truly harvest a basilisk. Slughorn waved off the suggestion, and he and Harry journeyed together to the girl's loo on the second floor.

"It's in the girls lavatory?" Slughorn asked perplexed.

"Actually, sir, it's under the girl's lavatory. The Chamber of Secrets was hidden well."

"Are you serious? The Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yes, sir. I found it in my second year. It's where I killed the Basilisk."

"It's been down there four years? Just rotting?"

"Yes, sir. I have it on good authority that, even though it's quite emaciated, there's still a fortune to be made off of it." Harry smiled as he approached the sink. Moments later, Harry and Slughorn entered the Chamber of Secrets together.

Slughorn's greedy eyes bulged from their sockets as he gazed upon the great beast. He strode around the giant serpent, mentally calculating what it might be worth. He was saddened that the eyes were gone, but delighted to see nearly all the teeth still intact. Slughorn knew that there would be at least a gallon of venom still in those teeth, and that alone would buy him two houses.

"It's not in very good shape." Slughorn remarked, leaning in to inspect some of the snake's innards. He could see that most of the organs were degraded significantly, but thought he might be able to salvage a bit of it. He saw that the skeleton was still intact and that would bring a nice price.

"It's been down here a long time. I only learned this year that it could be harvested." Harry stood watching the man inspect his potential prize.

"And, you thought I would jump at the chance to get my hands on it, did you?" Slughorn said a bit angrily. He turned back to look apprehensively at Harry, who looked a little too satisfied with himself.

"Why would you give this to me? Why not keep the gold for yourself?" Slughorn asked.

"I don't know that I'll have much use for it, sir. You've read the papers. You know what they're calling me."

"Ah, yes, the 'Chosen One' business." Slughorn nodded, turning back to stare at the lovely galleon mine.

"It's true, sir." Harry hadn't know why he'd said it. But he felt that if he remained honest with the man, shown him that he bore no ill will to the man, maybe he might budge. Harry had already made significant cracks in the armor, but it hadn't been enough.

"Are you serious?" Slughorn had whirled around so fast, that Harry had been afraid the man might topple over. "It isn't just a story to sell papers? There really is a prophecy?"

"It was why my mother was killed." Harry said softly. Slughorn's eyes fell with that revelation.

"What you've kept in your mind could be the key to avenging her death, and saving our world once and for all." Harry said, closing the distance between himself and the rotund Potions master.

"I need your help, sir."

"Harry, m'boy." Slughorn shook his head slowly. "If you could only understand. I never meant to do it. He was a student, with a question. I…He…" Slughorn tried to continue, but turned away.

"It had been my greatest regret. Of course, it wasn't until years after that I realized what I had done. How I had helped him to become what he did. I am deeply ashamed by it all."

"Then it's time to fix that mistake, Professor. Stop running, stop hiding, and fight back. Take back your life." Harry said as he moved around Slughorn so he could look the man in the eyes. "For once in you life, stop riding the coattails of others, and leave your mark on this world."

Slughorn looked up at Harry and his eyes were glistening with determination. "You would have made your mother very proud. Very proud, indeed."

Harry stepped back as the heavyset professor removed a small vial from his coat. He uncorked the vial and removed his wand from his pocket, touching it to his temple. As he pulled the wand way, Harry saw silvery strands hanging off the tip, which Slughorn placed in the little vial, and corked.

"Please, Harry, do not judge me based on what you see."

"Professor, what you did here tonight, that's what you'll be remembered by." Harry smiled confidently at the tearing man before him. Slughorn nodded, and released the vial into Harry's open hand with a deep sigh of sadness.