Disclaimer: All characters and recognizable story elements belong to J. K. Rowling.

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oOoOoOoOo

Another day, another breakfast. This time without ... interesting mail, though.

Well, actually that was not quite true. Of course there were a few more letters for the twin's impending campaign. Oddly enough, the two pranksters were very quiet when he talked with them this morning. Almost … subdued. They kept darting furtive glances towards the teacher's table, or more exactly, towards Snape. It made him wonder what the man had said to them during their detention yesterday. For once, it seemed to have left an impression on those two.

Hermione received a letter as well, which looked to be from Mr. Brandon the lawyer. However, it came to her directly, and so he made a point to not enquiring about it. She would tell him if he needed to know anything it said. He could trust in that … if only because she wouldn't be able to help herself. Whatever it was about, it left her looking very happy. Almost … bouncy. Certainly excited. And since whatever she'd asked the lawyer was very likely connected with Harry's problem with the Prophet, her reaction was rather promising.

But Harry just gave her an indulgent smile and concentrated on his breakfast. She looked disappointed. He simply smiled harder, pointedly not looking at the letter in front of her. She pouted. He ignored it. Some lessons needed reinforcing.

Most of his thoughts this morning were on Snape's letter from yesterday, however. It had been mostly … confirmation. Further apology, as well as agreement to Harry's requests. Which was welcome, of course. And no startling new revelations for once, for which he was thankful. The letter itself had caused him trouble enough yesterday, though he had only himself to blame for that. It also needed no reply at this moment in time. Maybe after their talk. But Snape should know if Harry started something with Malfoy what was going on. If not … well, it was all a kind of test.

And that was the stage they were currently at. Testing the waters. Testing each other. Trying to find out more about the other, while reluctant to give too much away. Only Snape wanted Harry to understand, and possibly forgive him, so the teacher would have to open up to some degree. But since Harry wanted to be understood as well … it was the same, really. Especially as he also wanted to know things only Snape could tell him. So they were in the same boat.

He was also curious about how Snape planned to create a way for them to enact a believable charade of ongoing mutual animosity … while still changing things in reality. He probably should ask the teacher to lay off his friends a bit, though. It would not do for them to become a target instead of Harry … at least no more than they were already. And Neville … the poor guy might do better if he wasn't always such a nervous wreck. Maybe Harry could convince Snape to go a bit easier on him …

While pondering this, he kept an eye on Malfoy at the Slytherin table. Increased activity now indicated his target was about to get up. Time to get this show on the road then. He couldn't help the smirk which crept onto his face at the thought that he'd been asked to start something with Malfoy, and that the guy would have no idea he was being used. And asked by the Slytherin head of house no less. How delicious.

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oOoOoOoOo

Severus had been watching both Evans and Malfoy unobtrusively for a while now. So when the young Slytherin got up from his table, he was instantly on alert, ready to intervene in case Evans made a move. He had to admit the Gryffindor put up a reasonably convincing display of frantically checking his book-bag before springing up and hastening towards the doors of the Great Hall … where he all but collided with Draco.

The result was certainly quite predictable.

And it was entirely in character for a certain strict potions master to get up and descend on what looked like a nascent fight. Purely to break things up, of course, and assign unfair detentions and point-losses to Gryffindors. Just like always.

"... where you're going, Scar-head. You nearly hurt my arm again, you bumbling savage," he heard Draco whine, cradling his 'injured' arm protectively and looking down his nose at Evans.

Who was currently bent over picking up a few books he'd spilled in the near collision. Which also conveniently hid the grin the brat was sporting from his opponent, but it was perfectly visible from the angle Severus was approaching them. By the time he nearly reached the two boys, Evans had straightened up again … and also had his expression back under control. The Gryffindor offered Draco a saccharine sweet smile, which somehow seemed to instantly enrage the blond. Apparently he had encountered the smile before.

"Sorry, Mini-Malfoy," Evans said in soft, honeyed, and to Severus' ears entirely dishonest tones. "I wouldn't dare do anything to aggravate your most honourable war-wound. It was so totally undeserved, too," he added with a sorrowful expression and a sad shake of his head. "I mean, all you did was not listen to the teacher."

"Don't call me that," Draco almost screamed, going red in the face.

Severus thought he should probably intervene right away, but he also wanted to see this played out. Because it promised to be amusing. So he slowed his approach, though he was sure Evans had noticed him. But then the brat would have been watching for him.

"How about Hippogriff-fodder?" Evans suggested in a perfectly friendly tone of voice. "Which you bravely managed to avoid, of course. Quite heroically, too. And you totally didn't carry on like you were dying, either. Your father must be so proud of you. You really bring honour to your family-name," he concluded gravely, nodding sagely.

Whoever had tutored the brat over the summer had done an excellent job. The young Malfoy heir appeared totally at a loss. But then, Evans' words were an unexpectedly masterful display of nasty barbs partly sheeted in almost but not-actually compliments. All delivered in a contradicting concerned and friendly tone of voice.

He wished Draco could manage something like that. Unfortunately, unlike Evans, the blond really was as spoiled and arrogant as Severus had always accused … Potter of being. As well as much too used to being deferred to. Hanging out with his two imbecile book-ends did nothing to foster any sense of subtlety, either. So this rather clever use of conflicting signals had him stumped. He clearly did not know how to retaliate. At least not verbally.

Therefore the young Slytherin resorted to the true and tried: when words fail, hex them. And once he had his wand pointing at Evans, it was time to step in ... fast. Severus also noted with some disapproval that Draco's wand-hand was shaking with rage. And that red was really not the best complexion for the blond.

"Is there a problem, Gentlemen?" he asked in a bored drawl.

Draco turned around fast enough to almost lose his balance, his red face paling at seeing his head of house bear down on them with a cold expression. Because Evans, who was expecting Severus, had not drawn his wand and was simply watching with a mildly curious look. Which meant Draco was currently threatening an unarmed opponent ...

"Have you been provoking Mr. Malfoy again, Evans?" Severus asked the Gryffindor with a sneer.

"I'm sorry, Professor. I did not expect him to get so upset when I praised his bravery in the face of a rampaging Hippogriff," Evans replied in a conciliatory tone of voice. Not a bad move actually. Insulting someone further while apparently apologizing ...

"Is that so? And what of your name-calling?"

"You mean the Mini-Malfoy? But I mean he is, Sir. And he totally looks like it, too," the confounded brat told Severus with an innocent widening of his eyes and a beatific smile.

Those green eyes of Lily's. With that same innocent expression his friend used to wear when caught with her hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Time seemed to stop for a moment.

"Mr. Evans," Severus finally said sternly, getting himself under control with an effort and scowling ferociously to hide his moment of emotional disturbance. "That will be a detention tomorrow after dinner for your insolence!"

"But what about Malfoy?" the brat had the gall to whine. "He pulled his wand on me!"

"And ten points from Gryffindor for daring to question a teacher, Evans. Now get going before I make it more!"

The brat gave him a rebellious look but scampered off quickly, his two friends catching up with him, casting enraged looks back at Severus as they did. Evans turned back as well for a moment … and flashed him the briefest of smiles. Severus almost groaned. He was doomed. Somehow this most annoying Gryffindor seemed to have lost all fear of his teacher. A consequence of being his mother's best friend as well, no doubt, he reflected glumly as he returned his attention to the other guilty party.

Who was smirking gleefully at the prospect of Evans' detention, his good humour restored since his head of house had once again tilted the odds unfairly in the Slytherin's favour. Or so he thought. Fortunately, one could give detention … without giving detention. Officially, that is. Draco's evening was not looking very promising at all … he just did not know it yet.

"Mr. Malfoy? Please come see me tonight after dinner in my office."

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oOoOoOoOo

"Oh, Minerva, there was something curious I noticed in today's paper."

"Yes, Filius?"

"Why does Hogwarts offer a secretarial position all of a sudden?"

"Well, you could say that due to some recent … discoveries, Albus has finally become convinced we really, badly need to reduce the drain on our time that the headmaster's and deputy's position are ..."

"How would a secretary help with that?" Severus asked, resuming his seat beside the two.

"They can take care of all the dumb paperwork," she pointed out with a shrug. "Which seems to be increasing all the time, what with new Ministry regulations this, and the Board demanding information about everything that. Plus this will be a secretary privately hired by Albus, who could use some help with the mail from the Wizengamot and ICW as well."

"In short, you both finally realised you cannot do everything yourself," Severus summarized with obvious sarcasm.

"I realised quite a while ago, thank you, there was simply not much I could do about it. Well, I mostly realised it," she added with a rueful twist to her mouth.

"Miss Weasley?"

"Aye, Severus. Her and Mr. Evans. Unfortunately, you don't know what you have overlooked until it comes to bite you … and a lot of what I did not notice was due to too much work and too little time for some of my obligations."

"And there is no-one you could hand over some of those?"

"Who? Who could take over the deputy who would not be just as burdened as me as a result? And there is currently no other possible candidate for the head of Gryffindor on the staff. The only even remotely suitable graduate of Gryffindor is Remus … who is unfortunately not likely to last more than this year, thanks to the curse."

"Aside from all the other reasons keeping him from it ..." Severus pointed out sardonically.

The witch made a face at him but continued: "Aye. But since Albus has finally caved in to the inevitable, I should hopefully soon be able to rid myself of most of this ridiculous paperwork at least."

"I wish they would not keep blocking the hiring of a few teaching assistants … who could also double as tutors when needed ..." Filius put in with a sad shake of his head. "We spend far too much time with grading papers which could be more fruitfully used otherwise."

Minerva shrugged and folded up her napkin, preparing to rise. "You need not convince me, I would welcome such a thing with open arms. Between the Board and the Ministry, we are so hedged in … both with what we can do, and what we are allowed financially … it is quite depressing at times. And unfortunately, while Albus is a dear, he is simply too overworked and frankly … too set in his ways as a teacher to really notice some of the problems."

Filius Flitwick had a speculative gleam in his eyes as he pushed himself off his chair as well. "Maybe we should follow your example and push harder ..."

The witch smiled at him. "Well, at the moment would seem to be a good time for change. It appears some of the foundations of Albus' believes have been shaken … therefore he may finally be willing to accept some more … unorthodox solutions."

"Ah. Well, I wish you the best of luck with your hiring … and I will get back to you on that suggestion," the head of Ravenclaw said over his shoulder, walking off briskly.

Severus looked after him, his head tilted sideways in contemplation.

"Why do I have the premonition you may just have set off a very Ravenclaw kind of revolution?"

"Oh dear. Well, it will be a thoughtful and introspective revolution then, at least."

"And all the more terrifying and unstoppable for it, Minerva dear."

The witch laughed lightly and gave her colleague a smile that was almost fond. "But you know the worst, Severus? Ultimately it's all due to Mr. Evans changing his name."

"Well, it only takes one small stone to start an avalanche rolling ..."

"Aye. I wonder where this one will stop," she mused. "It even seems to have swept you up, Severus. Not long ago you'd have been up in arms at the mere mention of Mr. Evans' name," she concluded, giving him a thoughtful look.

He sighed and made a rueful face. "Yes, Minerva. But then he was Mr. Potter. I find Mr. Evans to be … more tolerable. And more interesting as well."

"So you gave him detention because you suddenly find his presence desirable?"

"Maybe?" was all he offered, walking away with a smirk on his face.

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oOoOoOoOo

"Come in, Mr. Malfoy, and close the door," Severus told the boy coldly.

Draco looked startled, which turned to apprehensive when he saw his teacher's equally cold expression. Nevertheless the boy complied and came to stand before his teacher's desk, shifting nervously.

"I find myself … disappointed at the behaviour you display, Mr. Malfoy. You continue to fail at most qualities that should be inherent in any Slytherin," he began in scathing tones which Draco clearly had not expected.

"But, Sir ..." Severus' sharply raised hand left the boy open-mouthed.

"Sit. And do not interrupt me," he told his student harshly.

Draco took the chair in front of the desk rather uncertainly. He clamped his mouth shut when Severus gave him a harsh glare.

"You, Mr. Malfoy, sadly lack cunning. You scheme, yes, but your schemes lack finesse. Neither are they usually very successful, are they? I believe I need not point to far too many instances where you aimed to get … Mr. Evans in trouble, only to fall into your own trap. And you may not count those cases where I had to step in to rectify matters for the sake of keeping your father … unaware of your failures."

He gave the little prat another penetrating stare that made him shrink back in his chair. The boy's expression was a cross between bewildered and indignant. But he visibly wilted under Severus' glare.

"Furthermore, you lack subtlety. A Slytherin does not use a Bludger unless every other method fails, Mr. Malfoy. Much better to dangle a Snitch in front of the target and let them seek their own doom. A proper snake also does not preen in the limelight, but works from the shadows … another concept which seems to escape you," he continued, speaking softly while moving up to the boy and circling around behind his chair. Draco clearly had to fight against the impulse to twist around and follow Severus with his eyes.

He finally stopped right behind the boy and spoke into the young wizard's ear with quiet intensity.

"In fact, the only Slytherin attribute you appear to have aplenty is ambition. Which is a fine thing … but only if it is backed by those other qualities. You, by contrast, seem to rely entirely on your father's name, your father's influence and your father's money."

Severus straightened up again and returned to stand in front of the now clearly upset young man. He leaned back against the desk, crossing his arms and staring broodingly at his victim.

"However ... you are still young, Draco. You can learn to do better. To be a proper Slytherin. You can yet learn cunning, and subtlety. To be truly clever and manipulative. You can still acquire finesse and dignity. If ..." he told the boy calmly, his voice now gentle and reassuring.

"If?"

"If you understand this is not something your father can buy for you."

"Oh."

Draco looked taken aback. But there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes as well.

"Oh, indeed, Draco. As long as you believe your father will fix everything for you, that you only need to dangle his name to win any confrontation, you can never become your own person. And you will ultimately fail at being a Slytherin, as well," Severus said, putting what intensity he could marshal into his voice. "Do you want to be remembered solely for being spoiled? Do you wish to stand in your father's shadow forever?"

"But ..."

"Draco, you need to start being clever. To think matters through all the way, and not merely until the first outcome which appears favourable. You also need to start observing those around you. Look to those in our house who are successful and admired. Who are popular and sought after through their own efforts, and not because of their father's name. And much as this might pain you … learn from those who best you," he finished softly, never allowing the boy to break eye-contact. "No matter what house they are from. No matter what their age, or blood-status. In this, the only thing which matters is their minds, and what they do with them."

"In order to be cunning, to be clever, to outwit others, to succeed with your plans and to achieve your ambitions … you need to start using your intelligence, Draco," he continued earnestly. Willing the child to understand. "And learn some good sense, too. I know you are not stupid. You are quite intelligent. Sadly, those hanger-ons of yours do not challenge you in the slightest. You were brought up with a golden spoon … but this has done you no favours, sadly."

"But surely it is better ..."

"To have nothing to challenge you? To always be told your are the best, merely because of your birth? Those who get given everything, never learn to strive. Or to succeed on their own merits. You are spoiled, Draco, and thus your life has always lacked the things capable of developing character and strength."

"Which are?" the boy asked, blinking in bewilderment.

"Hardship. Challenge. Having to succeed by yourself. Everything was always done for you. You never lacked for anything. And sadly this has left you rather … weak. Because you lacked the crucible of challenge to temper yourself in."

Draco just looked at him helplessly.

"I know this is hard to take in. But as long as you persist in thinking it is your due that things work out your way, and that your very birth entitles you to anything … you will fail. You will fall. And the landing may well break you."

"So you are saying I have to … suffer, Sir?"

Severus sighed, resisting the impulse to roll his eyes. "No, Draco. But you need to open your eyes and look reality in the face. And reality is rarely nice, or accommodating. You need to learn to stand on your own feet. You can do that through observation, and emulation, though the best lessons are admittedly usually learned through suffering and pain. However, most of all you need to start now, before it is too late. Before you no longer have your father to shield you, in case you fail."

He finally uncrossed his arms and moved back behind his desk. Taking parchment, quill and ink he set these in front of the boy.

"I want you to think about what it truly means to be a Slytherin. And then consider in which way you do … or do not … embody these qualities. And how you might express them better. As well as who, in our house, should be your role-models. And what about them you should emulate."

He nodded towards the writing-implements on his desk. "You have two hours. And afterwards … we shall discuss your efforts, Draco."

He really hoped it was not too late for the boy already. Too spoiled, too used to getting his way. Too brain-washed, as well. But at least he had brains … it would be up to Severus to coax some original thoughts from it. And maybe incite another kind of rebellion in the younger Malfoy.

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oOoOoOoOo

"Just your luck mate, to run into Malfoy. And the greasy git naturally had to give you detention, too," Ron commiserated, bending down to refill Scabbers' food bowl. "He's probably been waiting to do that."

Harry fought back a laugh. Of course Snape had been waiting to give Harry a detention. But if Ron knew exactly why … he might have a stroke. Unfortunately, Harry had no clue how to slowly reduce Ron's resentment and dislike of the teacher … when said teacher wasn't going to act all that differently towards them. So one day the red-head would be getting quite a shock. It seemed almost inevitable. He turned sideways on his bed, watching absent-mindedly as Scabbers crept out from his latest hiding place to sniff at the bowl before tearing into his feed.

Harry had to admit the old rat really looked under the weather this year. He'd taken to hiding all the time, though fresh food brought him out fast enough. Scruffy, shifty-eyed, altogether unpleasant in appearance … it made him appreciate Hedwig all the more by contrast. Even Crookshanks was way more attractive a pet than Ron's moth-eaten rat. But ... it was Ron's rat. He couldn't really fault his friend for being upset with Hermione over it. No matter how measly a pet the rat was.

"Yeah, well, you know how he is," he replied vaguely.

"Unfair, that's how he is," Ron pointed out indignantly, jumping up on his bed and laying back to glare at the ceiling.

Harry simply shrugged. "Tell me something new," he said dismissively. "Some things never change. Anyway, I have to head back down. Hermione wanted to tell me something."

"I'll come with you," the red-head offered immediately.

"Nah, don't bother, mate. It's just something to do with the lawyer, I think. And the hearing on Friday. You know how she can lecture on that kind of stuff. Bound to be boring."

"If you're sure? I should start on that stupid homework for Divination anyway."

"How's that coming along?"

"She wants us to predict things," Ron explained with a pained look. "Seriously, that woman is totally barmy. Be glad you're out of there. Though I don't envy you the Runes class. Much more work."

"Yeah, well, I quite like it. It's really interesting. And I don't much fancy coming up with predictions for my own death," Harry said with a grin.

His friend rolled over and punched his pillow in frustration. "Don't remind me. Still, gotta do this," he muttered mournfully, grabbing parchment and a quill from his chest of drawers.

"I'll help you when I come back up," Harry promised, getting up and heading for the door.

He descended the stairs slowly, scanning the common room for a certain brown-haired witch. Or someone hiding behind a book. He found both at a small table across the room. As he made his way over to her, he got greetings. And cheerful waves. And people inquiring how things were going. It was such a contrast to last year, when he was the new Dark Lord. Not that he cared much for the attention. But at least it was positive attention. He could live with that one.

"Hermione?"

The witch in question looked up at him when he said her name. Still with that gleefully smile. In fact, she'd been in an excellent mood all day long. Which was especially nice after being given the cold shoulder treatment all through yesterday.

"Harry," she acknowledged softly, shuffling over to make space for him next to her. He obediently took the seat beside her, while she retrieved a couple of books and the lawyer's letter from her book-bag.

"So what did you want to tell me about?"

"Oh, you're going to like this," she answered happily. "Though you'll have to check with Professor Dumbledore. But I can't see him object to it ..."

"Come on, you've been teasing me about it all day long," he told her with a smile.

She sniffed. "Your own fault for not asking," she said a bit testily.

"So I didn't want to pry?"

"Look, I'm sorry I was so … nosy yesterday. But you've turned really secretive this year!"

"I know. And I am sorry for that. It must be frustrating for you. But … I can't help it."

"Can't or won't?" she challenged him.

Harry sighed and gave her a wry smile. "A bit of both, probably. It's just … I will tell you more once I've sorted things out a bit. Everything's going so haywire at the moment, it's impossible at times. Please be patient with me," he finished with an imploring look.

"I'll hold you to that, Harold Evans," she said in a good approximation of McGonagall's stern tones. "Now … I've been looking into laws pertaining to family-honour ..."

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oOoOoOoOo

AN: Sorry for the cliff-hanger. Well, actually not really. Sometimes you just need a good cliffy or two. It will also remain a cliff-hanger until I'm ready to pull this particular rabbit out of the hat. So … soon. (A word trademarked by various computer game companies promising releases/upgrades/information/new patches and similar. Soon, that is.)

Don't be too irritated with Hermione though, I mean, it's not her fault. As she does not actually exist. It's me, the author, who was making her be so nosy! But yes, I completely understand these feelings of irritation with certain characters one can get when reading a story. However, as some pointed out, Harry is growing up faster than his friends. With his background, I just see him as more mature. Let's face it, being protected and sheltered is good in some ways … but can be detrimental in others. And both Hermione and Ron had a very protected and sheltered upbringing compared to Harry. Merely sharing in some exciting, if dangerous, adventures together doesn't level the playing field all that much in this regard.

The problem is that Mrs. Rowling created a trio of friends who have, frankly, vastly different mind-sets and characters. And not actually much in common. To be honest, I don't quite see how they could have become such utterly dedicated friends in the first place, but that's just how it is in canon. Since I do not want to write a bashing story, however, it is instead largely up to Harry to get his friends to grow up more as well. Because he is the one with the head-start. Fortunately, they want to stay his friends, too, which gives him something to work with.

As always, many thanks for all those thoughtful reviews! They are really appreciated. I probably should start answering them individually, though, instead of trying to address them shortly here, especially if I keep getting such excellent detailed ones.

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