Author's Note: Apologies for the delay in uploading and thanks for all the reviews. I know I promised clarifications and answers to common questions, but I'll put that through with the next chapter (the next chapter's all done – just have to review it).

In the meantime, if you have any questions about this AU, feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer as many as I can with the next upload.

Chapter 6

Henry sighed again.

"I'll miss you guys," said he for the umpteenth time. They were in the Hogwarts Express, returning home for summer. It was a tight squeeze, but the compartment had Henry, Harry, Neville, Justin along with a few girls - Hermione, Daphne and Susan. The others were in the adjacent compartment.

"We know," said Daphne, without raising her head from the magazine she was reading. "We knew it when you first told us, and we have known it for the past hundred odd times that you've repeated it."

"I'll miss you most," said Henry forlornly, and Daphne rolled her eyes.

"I'll fix a date and invite you guys to my place," said Neville. "Although," he looked gloomy, "I will have to invite Jamie Potter and Ron Weasley as well."

Everybody scrunched their noses in dismay.

The exams had finished well for Henry and his friends. He personally had scored highest in Transfiguration, Charms, Defence and Potions, with Hermione and Harry competing for second spots in those exams. Neville, not to anyone's surprise, had obtained highest in Herbology, and a healthy mid-eighties average in the rest. Hermione and Susan tied for top marks in History, while Padma obtained highest in Astronomy.

"I'm still annoyed with Dumbledore!" Justin spoke out.

Henry shrugged. He knew the reason for the muggleborn wizard's distress. Hufflepuff and Slytherin had been fighting a close battle for the house cup, and on the leaving day, Hufflepuff was just slightly ahead.

Severus Snape, however, decided to prowl around the Hufflepuff table in the great hall and docked points for ridiculous reasons from Harry Potter, to give Slytherin the lead. But then Dumbledore announced to the hall that the school had been saved by Jamie Potter, Ron Weasley and Ernie MacMillan, who captured a dragon that had wandered into the school and harmlessly conveyed it to a dragon tamer in Romania. As a result, he awarded them a hundred points each to tie them with Slytherin. And then he awarded, as an afterthought, a point to Parvati Patil for letting the teachers know about it.

"Don't dwell on it," said Susan. "It's not as if they can put it on their job applications when they leave Hogwarts. The only real achievement for Gryffindor this year was winning the Quidditch Cup, and that pales next to Harry's special services award and Henry and Hermione's exam results."

Hermione blushed slightly on recalling the events that had led to the award. She suddenly frowned at the luggage. "Both of you have snowy-owls?" she asked curiously. "I always thought it was the same owl that occasionally brought letters for both of you."

"Hedwig's mine," said Harry, picking up the owl cage fondly. Hedwig hooted in response, glad to be the centre of attraction. "She's a much bigger show-off than Genghis Khan."

"You named your owl Genghis Khan?" Hermione turned to Henry in disbelief.

Henry nodded smugly. He turned to Daphne. "Will you be able to come to Neville's place this summer?"

Daphne met his eyes and paused thoughtfully. "I don't know," she admitted. "If it clashes with an invitation from the Malfoys like last time, then I doubt it."

Henry's eyes brightened.

"Oh, dear," muttered Susan. "What's entered that big head of yours now?"

Henry looked at her indignantly. "If the invitations from Malfoy and Neville don't clash," he said cheerfully, "I'll get to see Daphne twice!"

"You'll endure Malfoy just to spend a few hours with Daphne?" asked Justin in disbelief.

"I would endure anything to spend a few hours with Daphne," said Henry firmly.

Daphne glared at him, but the twitching her lips gave away her mirth, and she laughed. "I admit it would be pleasant if you were there, it would make a welcome change from the usual dregs who are invited to Malfoy Manor."

"See!" said Henry triumphantly to Harry. "She loves me too."

"In your dreams," Daphne ended.

" - and they are very sweet, those dreams!" Henry got the last word.

When the train stopped, Henry had barely walked out to the platform when he saw Carina running towards him. "Hey, squirt," Henry greeted her, as she launched into him.

"I missed you, Cousin Henry," she said.

"Me too," said Henry affectionately. "Carina, these are my good friends. Good friends, this is my cousin Carina Black."

"Hello," said Hermione, moving closer to give the girl a quick hug. Harry and Henry exchanged glances - both girls loved their hugs. "I'm Hermione. I've heard so much about you, Carina."

"Really?" she said jubilantly. "Cousin Henry talks about me?"

Henry ruffled her hair before shaking hands with Sirius.

"I heard congratulations are in order," said Sirius. "You have done very well in exams."

Henry brushed it aside. "Well, yes. But Harry here got a special services award." He was gauging Sirius' reaction to his godson.

"Ah, yes," Sirius fumbled. He turned to Harry and gave a rare grin. "Well done." Without another word, he left the children and walked towards the rest of the Potter family.

"That was odd," said Carina, turning from her father to Harry, and then with a shrug, gave him a hug as well.

Henry waited until Harry pried off the excited nine year old. They exchanged glances about Sirius' reaction, and both were aware that Hermione and Daphne had also noted it.

But before anyone could say something about it, Susan had dragged her aunt to her friends.

"Good afternoon, Madam Bones," said Henry, and the others repeated after him.

"Good afternoon, children," said Amelia. She smiled at each one in turn before turning to Hermione. "You must be the brilliant Hermione Granger."

Hermione blushed. Her parents had arrived as well.

Henry left Harry with the Grangers and the Bones when he realized that Daphne was walking morosely towards her family. She seemed slightly upset that she had been left alone by everyone. He ran to her. "Here, let me give you a hand," he said, taking her trunk from her.

Daphne hesitated but accepted his chivalry. "Thanks, Henry." They walked to the Greengrass family. "May I introduce you to my family?"

"Sure," said Henry, slightly confused why she would ask that question, when he realized how politically-driven the Greengrass family were. They would be assessing their daughter's choice of friends based on their family names and blood status.

"Mother, father," Daphne greeted them with a hug each. "Astoria, it's so good to see you again."

Henry smiled at Astoria, who looked like a miniature version of Daphne with lighter-coloured hair.

"Mother, father," Daphne began again. "This is my friend, Henry Black."

"The Black heir," her father exclaimed in surprise. His quiet disapproval at a boy accompanying his daughter vanished and he smiled warmly at Henry. "I am Baron Patrick Greengrass, and this is my lovely wife Sandra."

Henry shook hands with both. They spoke for a short while about Hogwarts before Henry said goodbye to the Greengrass family and walked towards the Potters and Sirius. He saw Harry stand with a closed expression behind the rest of his family, who seemed enthralled by Jamie's account of how he won the house cup for Gryffindor.

The Weasleys were also with them. Henry remembered the small vision in his subconscious and how Ginny had waved at him in farewell. He smiled at the younger version of Ginny standing in front of him. She had been listening to Jamie as well, but her gaze occasionally drifted towards Harry. When his eyes met hers, she blushed and instantly turned back to Jamie Potter.

'Oh god, not the elbows-in-butter-dish thing again,' prayed Henry, as he walked towards Arthur Weasley. "Hello, Mr. Weasley," Henry shook hands with the man.

"Hello, Henry," said Arthur. "How was your first year?"

"It was fantastic," said Henry. "Although we didn't win the house cup or the Quidditch Cup or rescue dragons, we had a fair few adventures ourselves. Didn't we, Harry?" Harry nodded.

"Oh, please," Ron snorted from next to his father. "As if Hufflepuffs could do anything interesting! All you lot do is study and study some more in your common rooms."

"Perhaps you should do a bit more of that, Ronald," Molly sharply interjected her son's rude statement, "and then you might perform better in exams. Don't mind him, Henry dear -" Henry noted her lack of even looking at Harry. "I hope your exams went well?"

"They were good, Mrs. Weasley," Henry said.

"Good!" Lily Potter joined in the conversation. "Professor Flitwick told me that you topped your year, edging ahead of Hermione Granger and Harry." She took that opportunity to turn to her own son with a proud smile before hastily turning aside.

"That's wonderful," said Molly, although it was evident she was less than pleased with the performance of her own son. "Ron, is Hermione the same Miss Granger whom you insulted and Professor McGonagall wrote to me about?"

"Yes, mum," said Ron, quailing under his mother's glare. "It wasn't my fault. She's an insufferable -"

Harry was reaching for his wand but Henry instantly grabbed his hand and shook his head. Only Lily and Arthur noticed the little incident but they chose to ignore it.

"That's enough, Ron!" Molly snapped. "We'll have a chat about your new attitude, young man; after you have finished degnoming the garden by yourself."

"We should be leaving," Lily changed topics. "We'll see you at dinner tomorrow in Grimmauld Place, Sirius, Henry."

Henry spoke out before they could leave, "Harry, will you be coming as well?" Harry hesitated. He usually didn't join his family for their trips to Grimmauld Place. But Henry's question, although directed at Harry, was aimed at Lily; and she seemed to realize it.

"Yes, he will," said Lily, ignoring the sudden startled expressions on Sirius and James' faces. She knew the question was aimed at her and not her son.

Dinner, the next day, was a standard Black-Potter families affair, which meant Remus Lupin was also present. Henry was sitting between Remus and Harry, who looked extremely uncomfortable, as none of the adults included him in the conversation.

"How's Nimbus doing?" asked Henry.

Remus touched his napkin to the corners of his lips before responding. "The share-price levelled shortly after you sold your shares," he said. "But they will launch the new broom next week to synchronise with the new holiday season. It is expected to shoot up. If you cover your short position now, you'll escape with most of your profits intact. I think that would be a wise move."

"I want to stay," said Henry.

"I did some digging. The founder and CEO Devlin Whitehorn has stopped taking an active part in the company's management after releasing Nimbus 2000, his son Michael is handling most of its affairs," said Remus. "That could account for the change in policy."

"But, Mr. Lupin," Henry argued. "If they always took four years before launching a new broom, how can they have completed all the upgrades, testing and safety requirements in one year for this new broom? Something doesn't sound right."

Remus hesitated.

Henry knew he shouldn't play it much further. He needed Remus to implicitly trust his judgment so he could make better and more impressive investments in the future. It was annoying that he couldn't legally do it himself until the age of seventeen, but given his options, a trustworthy man like Remus Lupin was the best middle-man to retain.

"We will see," said Remus in resignation.

"You're investing in Nimbus?" asked Jamie from across the table. Henry felt a sudden flash of annoyance at his former friend. They hadn't spoken much all through the year, and when they had, it was always in a less-than-friendly manner. Perhaps his annoyance showed on his face because Lily cut in swiftly.

"Let's not talk about gold and money over dinner," she said. "Tell me, Henry. How is Hufflepuff house treating you?"

Once again, Henry felt relatively certain that her question was aimed at finding out more about her son's wellbeing than in general curiosity. He briefly considered disappointing her hopes by giving her a curt response when he recalled his trip to his subconscious where Lily was part of those whom he considered family, and he sighed.

"It's good," said Henry. "There're four of us in our dorm - Neville, Harry and me, and a muggleborn boy named Justin Finch-Fletchley."

Remus started. "Finch-Fletchley, did you say? Lord Justice Finch-Fletchley is one of the most prominent law lords of the country and an immensely wealthy man. He is one of my clients. What did you say your friend's name was?"

"Justin," said Henry, once again shocked by how little he knew about people in his previous life.

"Must be his grandson," said Remus.

"Money and riches again, Remus?" Lily said exasperatedly, and Remus wisely shut his mouth.

"Mum," Jamie turned to his mother. "Can I have Ron over for a few days?"

Lily thought for a moment before nodding. "Sure. Henry, do you want to come as well?" She frowned when she saw Jamie's mood dampening at the invitation to Henry.

"I would like that," said Henry, but he noticed Carina's woeful expression. "But I'd first like to spend a few days here with Carina."

Carina grinned at him broadly.

"Carina is welcome to come as well," said Lily. She turned to Gwenog. "How about it, Gwen? I'm taking a month off work and can keep an eye on the children."

"Are you sure it is not a problem, Lily?" asked Gwenog. "I was thinking of going home to Swansea to visit my mother and Carina doesn't like it much there."

"Of course, it would be fine," said Lily. "She can make friends with Molly's daughter."

Henry's eyes widened slightly. The Potters were going to have a full house - Lily, James, Jamie, Harry, Henry, Carina, Ron and Ginny. What was Lily thinking of mixing such a diverse group of children together?

But the holidays were fun. Henry shared Harry's room; while Ron took a spare bed in Jamie's. The two girls took the guest room. The first few days saw a distinct split in the group - Jamie, Ron and Ginny spent all their time playing chess or magical soldiers; while Henry and Harry told Carina stories of Hogwarts, while occasionally doing their homework or other reading and often showing Carina some of the more fun magic when Lily wasn't around. Also, at nights, Henry and Harry would practice their Animagus transformation.

The first time was always the hardest. Once a wizard managed to fully transform himself, every subsequent time became much easier. Henry had only managed to make feathers come out of his shoulders as yet; while Harry was only able to change his left hand into a raven's claws.

But after the first few days, Henry observed Ginny throwing longing looks at them when he and Harry were lying in the sun with a big jug of lemonade and several sandwiches, and laughing at Harry's narration of the love-saga of Henry Black and Daphne Greengrass.

"Hey, Ginny," Henry called out. "Join us."

Ginny hesitatingly sat down and gladly accepted a glass of lemonade that Harry poured for her. "Thanks," she said.

Henry wondered what had happened to drive her away from Jamie and Ron and to the company of 'those no-good cowardly Hufflepuffs'. Later, he would find out that when Lily finally allowed them to go flying, Ron and Jamie refused to let her use their brooms because she was a girl who couldn't fly.

But so began the friendship of Ginny Weasley and Carina Black. Carina was two years younger than Ginny but they both soon discovered they had many things in common. This allowed Henry and Harry to spend more time by themselves, reading in the Potter library.

Henry always knew when Lily came into the library in the invisibility cloak to stay near Harry and observe him talk, laugh, study and do magic. At first, Henry had been worried she would tell them off on discovering that they were doing magic unsupervised. But she hadn't given up her secrecy and by the end of it, Henry had made sure she understood that they were being very responsible in their use of magic.

One such occasion, Henry felt a surge of pity for the woman, who for some reason unknown to him, was forced to hide her obvious affection and love for her son. He decided to let her know the things a mother would normally ask her son.

"What's on your mind?" Harry asked on seeing a deep contemplative look on his friend's face.

"I was thinking of Hogwarts," said Henry, "and Hufflepuff and all our friends. Life's good, isn't it?"

"It is," agreed Harry, and Henry was certain Lily was sighing in relief. "Can I ask you a question?" Henry nodded. "Promise you won't laugh."

"Promise," said Henry.

"Do you think - should I - is it too early - I mean - I want to - that is -"

"To the point, Harry!" Henry interjected.

"I want to ask Hermione to be my girlfriend," Harry blurted out. "But what if she says no? What if it's too early? What if she stops being my friend?"

Henry whistled. He didn't know Harry was already thinking of a relationship with the bushy haired girl. "Isn't it a bit too soon?" asked Henry finally.

"You're one to talk!" Harry said snappishly. "You've asked Daphne literally a hundred times! Every week!"

Henry's eyes glossed, and his eyes and loopy smile showed that he was daydreaming. "Ah, Daphne," he sighed.

Harry slapped his forehead and shook his head in self-pity.

Henry shook himself to clear his thoughts, driving away the image of the dark-haired goddess. He wished he could see Lily's face at their conversation, but he thought she deserved a little bit of light-hearted amusement.

"The thing is," said Henry. "I don't really stand a chance with Daphne. She's got boys from all houses all the way up to fourth year head-over-heels after her. But you have a real shot with Hermione as she likes you, and that's why I'm saying you shouldn't move too fast. Get to know her better."

"You really think I have a good chance with her?" asked Harry eagerly.

"Did you see her face when you conjured that bouquet of orchids for her?" Henry exclaimed.

"Well," Harry blushed. "Thanks for teaching me."

"Do you know what?" Henry suddenly said. "Carina would love it if we gave her some flowers. She's such an adorable little thing."

"She is," Harry agreed. He took out his wand. "Orchideous," he cast the spell, and a bouquet of orchids emerged from his wand and he grabbed it. "Wow, this looks even better than the one I gave Hermione."

"Conjuring improves with practice," said Henry, wishing he could have seen Lily's reaction to her son's magic. "Come on. Let's go."

That evening, Henry received an invitation from the Malfoys for Draco's twelfth birthday. He was the only one who had received it in the household, and that was a source of strife.

"I knew it!" Ron said accusingly. "You're a no-good snake pretending to be a Puff!"

"What are you talking about?" Henry frowned. The whole family was present, including James and Remus.

"That owl that just came! I've seen it before, it's Malfoy's!" Ron said triumphantly as if he had caught him committing a crime.

"It is," said Henry with an 'is-he-for-real' expression on his face. "I have been invited to Malfoy Manor for Draco's birthday this Friday."

"A-ha!" Ron pointed his finger accusingly at Henry. Jamie was also looking suspiciously at Henry.

"Jamie, Ron, sit down and don't bothering Henry," Lily said sternly.

"But, mum," Jamie turned to her. "He's making friends with Death Eaters and -"

"Jamie." James Potter raised his head, and as it was a rarity for James to ever partake in rebuking his favourite son, Jamie was a bit astounded. "Don't make accusations you cannot support with evidence."

"But dad, everybody knows Malfoy bought his way out of Azkaban and -"

"Jamie!" this time James spoke in a sterner voice. "For the last time, do not throw accusations you cannot prove. If you said something like this in public, Lucius Malfoy would be fully within his rights to sue House Potter for defamation of character."

"But it's the truth, Mr. Potter! Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater. Draco is his son… he is evil." Ron felt convinced that his logic held water.

"My father was a Death Eater too. Does that make me evil?" hissed Henry. He really disliked Ron and wondered why he had become such good friends with him in his previous life, and was he himself actually as prejudiced and narrow-minded as the Jamie Potter standing in front of him?

There was silence at his outburst. Even Ron Weasley knew that he was entering dangerous territory. To everybody's surprise, it was actually Ginny who diffused the situation.

"Ron didn't mean that, Henry," Ginny said. Then, she turned to Ron. "Apologize for your rude behaviour, Ron. Or - Or I'll tell mum."

Ron balked and stared at his sister with an incredulous look of betrayal, but she met his gaze levelly. "I apologize," he said finally with utmost reluctance. He sat down and dug furiously into his plate of macaroni and cheese.

Henry smiled at Ginny, who after her momentary display of fearlessness reverted back into a blushing preteen.

Later, he went to the living room and scribbled a reply to the invitation when James and Remus entered the room with glasses of firewhisky in their hands.

"Ronald has an odd way with words, Henry, but there were some rumours about Lucius Malfoy being involved in illicit activities," began James. "Keep that in mind before making a decision."

"I know," said Henry. "Lucius Malfoy is a nasty character. But I am still going." James looked at him curiously. "That's my arrangement with Aunt Gwenog." Both James and Remus looked at him with shock. "I attend a few events in my capacity as the Black heir that also improves her social standing, and in return I am allowed to spend time with Carina."

"What!" James exclaimed. "That's - that's -"

Henry's expression darkened. He knew Gwenog wasn't the friendliest or nicest persons around, but she was an infinitely better parent to her children than James was to Harry. He wondered how he would react if James finished whatever he was about to say. But perhaps the same thoughts crossed James' mind and he rubbed his forehead.

"I suppose this is your private family matter -"

"Yes," said Henry firmly, closing the topic.

Malfoy Manor was a large estate, not quite as large as Longbottom estate, but still significant in size. They had large fields with their own stables with horses. Gwenog had picked Henry from the Potters, and they Apparated to a narrow road outside the wards and he was escorted into the property by Dobby the house-elf.

He was wearing his most formal pureblood robes and had his hair settled down. In short, he knew he looked like a proper little spoilt pureblood princeling, and he fervently hoped Daphne didn't find him repulsive. He was carrying a present for Draco picked by his aunt. It was the Golden Snitch which was used in the finals of the Quidditch World Cup 1986 when England had last won the cup. She had pulled a few favours to retrieve the winning Snitch and get the team to sign it.

"Lady Black and Heir Apparent to House Black, welcome to Malfoy Manor."

Henry felt his aunt lightly push him from behind and he instantly bowed as was the appropriate show of respect. Lucius Malfoy walked towards them and shook hands with Henry before kissing Gwenog on both cheeks.

"I am disappointed by the absence of my wife's cousin yet again," said Lucius, with a hint of sharpness in his voice.

Henry nearly smirked at the expertise with which Lucius Malfoy rebuked his guests without saying a single inappropriate word. He waited a few seconds but Gwenog seemed thrown off by the hostility. "Uncle Sirius sends his regret," Henry spoke when it was clear his aunt wasn't going to respond. "An important matter arose at the Auror Department and he had to leave. He was certain you would show us utmost hospitality despite his absence."

"Ah," said Lucius Malfoy, observing the boy, who managed to smoothly cover the situation, with greater interest. "That is perfectly understandable. Please come inside," he led the guests in, and Henry slightly shivered, as the memory of his imprisonment in Malfoy Manor came into his mind. But it also brought him relief, because the Malfoy family had turned against Voldemort and aided him, and that made him hope that, if not Lucius, then at least Draco could be saved.

"Dobby, show Master Henry to Master Draco's lounge. Gwenog, my dear, come with me. Narcissa and our other friends are sitting by the indoor pool."

Henry nearly groaned on seeing the first few faces of the guests. Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, Marcus Flint, Charles Warrington, Adrian Pucey, Marietta Edgecombe, a girl whose last name was Wilkes. But then he saw the others and his mood lightened.

"Henry!" Susan Bones rushed towards him and gave him a quick hug.

"It's good to see you, Susan," Henry held her for a moment. "Wow, you look stunning." She was wearing a peach-coloured sleeveless formal dress that looked elegant and conservative, which complemented her deep red hair - parted, wavy, and pretty.

Susan laughed. "Thanks. You look awful."

Henry's face fell.

"Just kidding," Susan grabbed his arm. "You look good. Maybe, Daphne might finally consider your offers."

"You think?" Henry asked eagerly, as Susan led him to the others. He waved at Lisa and Padma, but with them were a number of people Henry didn't know. But then one of the girls turned and Henry's jaws dropped. It was Daphne, and her appearance was mesmerizing. She had her dark hair in a cute messy updo that made her already flawless features even more tantalizing. "Hey, Daphne!" Henry greeted with a wide grin.

Daphne rolled her eyes but stepped away from her group and allowed Henry to kiss her on both cheeks. She then turned around. "Let me introduce you to the others. Lord-Heir Henry Black," said Daphne. "You know Lisa, Padma and Astoria. The others do not go to Hogwarts. They are home-schooled."

"I'm Liam Whitehorn," a boy stepped forward. He was eyeing Henry mistrustfully.

Henry's senses at first screamed loudly, 'Competition!' and only then did his name register. "Any relation to Devlin Whitehorn?"

The boy looked smugly at him. "His grandson," he said proudly. "My father has made a kingly contribution of the latest Nimbus 2001s to the House of Malfoy."

Henry nodded. He didn't want to enter into a long and lengthy discussion about Quidditch or brooms.

"Henry's got stock in your company," Susan tried to help them find common ground.

"Actually, I don't. It's the very opposite," Henry corrected her when he saw the superior look on the boy's face. "I went short on your grandfather's company after they launched Nimbus 2000. No hard feelings, but I'd be happy if Nimbus 2001 turns out to be a dud."

Before Liam could respond, Susan cut in, correctly foreseeing a battle of egos. "Oh, I remember that. Our bet, it's still on, right? Aunt Amelia said the company is doing better than ever!"

Henry nodded. He noticed Daphne had raised an eyebrow when she heard him talk about investments.

"Anyway, this is Frederick Cuffe. His father is the editor of the Daily Prophet," said Susan. "Liam and Frederick are home-schooled with the same tutors."

Henry shook hands with another potential rival for Daphne's affection. The boy was looking at Henry calculatingly, and Henry knew he would rather deal with a dozen of Liam Whitehorns than a Frederick Cuffe.

"Yes, here's Rolf Scamander."

Henry turned to his left in surprise. In his memories, he had been good friends with Luna and Rolf; the two of them had taken a keen interest in trying to help his godson Teddy during his troublesome lapses during full moons. Henry knew a bit about him.

"Grandson of the famous Newton Scamander?" enquired Henry, and Rolf nodded brightly. Henry shook hands eagerly. "How's his hunt for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks coming along?"

"Unfortunately, the hunt hit a snag when he retired with my grandma and their pet kneazles," said Rolf, grinning cheekily.

"Oh, shame," said Henry. "I was quite looking forward to the next publication of his hunt."

"I heard a rumour that the editor of the Quibbler has adopted this hunt," said Rolf. "I forget his name."

Henry pretended to think deeply. "Lovegood," he said, and Rolf nodded brightly.

"The Quibbler's not worthy of being used as toilet paper!" Frederick Cuffe haughtily drawled.

"It is a bit eccentric, I agree," said Rolf, "but that remark was entirely uncalled for, Freddy. I, as a matter of fact, do believe in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. There is pensieve evidence of the existence of a magical creature not yet known to wizardkind. This creature has a strange-shaped horn… though I do understand your cynicism due to the odd name given to it."

Henry smiled, thinking how good it would have been if Rolf had come to Hogwarts as well to give company to Luna's lone voice in support of the poor Snorkack. He subtly dropped from their midst and scanned the room to see where Daphne had disappeared. He saw her with Charles Warrington and Draco Malfoy, and she looked slightly agitated. He walked towards them.

"- you have no right to tell me whom to be friends with. Hermione is a very talented witch - Oh, hello Henry." She appeared very relieved at Henry's arrival and instinctively grabbed his hand.

Henry noticed how Charles' eyes followed their joined hands and an expression of hatred flashed on his face.

"Cousin Draco, allow me to present you with a small token of the Black family's best wishes on your birthday," said Henry formally, handing Draco the present.

Draco nodded and was about to hand it to a house-elf when Charles snorted.

"A mere Snitch!" Charles exclaimed in disdain. "Is that all the Noble House of Black can afford?"

"Warrington!"

To Henry's surprise, Draco admonished his friend and senior housemate, but then he realized that Draco's mother also belonged to the Noble House of Black. Draco frowned at Henry.

"It's not an ordinary Snitch," reassured Henry, and Draco in curiosity decided to open it straightaway. Gwenog had to pull in special favours to get it, and even then it cost a significant amount.

The moment he saw the signed names and the year, Draco gasped. He turned to Henry in disbelief, before grinning widely. "From 1982, when England won the semi-finals. This, along with my new broom, is the best gift ever!" Draco declared, and it was clear that he wanted to take his new broom and Snitch and try it out immediately.

In the excitement, Henry put his arm around Daphne and gently moved her away from the group of Slytherins. But to his dismay, they were immediately accosted by Liam and Frederick, and Daphne pried his arm off her and engaged in a conversation with Liam about some mutual friends of theirs.

Hurt by her implicit rejection, Henry soon excused himself from their conversation and went to get himself a glass of punch and took it to a corner. He fully intended to sulk on his own but Susan joined him.

"Has Neville planned anything?" asked Susan.

"Yes, on his birthday," said Henry.

"Sounds fun," said Susan. "I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm not," said Henry, looking morosely where Daphne and Liam were laughing at something Liam had just said. "I might not go."

Susan frowned and followed his vision before chuckling. "Oh, you idiot," scolded Susan. "Tonight is not about friends, loyalty or fun. It's all a massive game."

Henry looked at her in confusion.

Susan pulled him to a quiet corner where they wouldn't be overheard. "Nearly every single person in this room has an agenda they have been instructed by their parents to pursue," said Susan. "Mostly, they're trying to get information that their parents cannot risk talking about publicly for various reasons. Hence, they use their children to pass information to each other. Amongst the half dozen jokes, one or the other person will slip some information. Aunt Amelia told me to let Cuffe know that Hogwarts' next Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is a fraud."

"Gilderoy Lockhart," muttered Henry, as Daphne's shabby treatment of him began to make more sense.

"Yes," said Susan. "But Cuffe told me that the public loved him. That was his way of saying they need more confidential information from the Director's office before they take a stance against the popular writer. When you mentioned the Quibbler, he quickly shot it down, which showed that he was worried my aunt might end the deal with the Prophet and provide the information to the Quibbler."

"What -" Henry demanded. Politics was dirtier than a battlefield. But he stopped when Daphne joined them, looking guiltily at Henry.

"Thanks for helping me out with Warrington," Daphne began. Teasingly, she added, "You're a real knight in shining armour."

But Henry didn't smile, he was still hurt even after Susan's explanation. "I think I'll go and see how Padma is getting along."

Neither he nor Daphne tried to speak to the other that night, and Henry returned to Godric's Hollow in much worse spirits than what he had left. It was late, so he went straight to his room, after a quick 'Goodnight' to Lily. Harry was still up and practicing his Animagus transformation.

"You should ask Hermione as fast as possible," began Henry the moment he entered the room. "Before she gets corrupted into a manipulative bitch by Daphne and the other girls."

Harry opened his mouth but wisely allowed his friend to climb into his bed and go to sleep without any interruptions.