"So we have the fake diary and we only need to find the real one and swap them?" Fred asked for confirmation as he wrapped his left arm around Harry's shoulder. The new generation's inner circle were all in a private compartment on the Hogwarts Express, Harry sat between Fred and George, Hermione opposite him, between Draco and Theo, Daphne and Pansy closest to the windows on either side and despite plenty of room, Blaise and Luna were sat in the middle on the floor in the lotus yoga position with their eyes closed.

"Yes, but I have a feeling it won't be as easy as that sounds." Hermione nodded.

"I can't believe Dumbledore would desecrate a soul bond. They are sacred." Daphne spat in disgust, they all knew how bad the man was, but to go that far, it was incomprehensible. Harry gave George a questioning look when the older boy flinched at the mention of bonds. George just smiled and patted Harry's hand before returning to his newest comic.

"Is she still at Hogwarts? Your Father's soulmate?" Pansy asked softly.

"Yeah, she is. She used to spy on Dumbledore and pass on information to Father, but after she showed up to Sage Hornby's wedding and ruined the entire affair, stalking and terrorizing Olive, and harassing Hagrid, The Ministry stepped in and banished her to Hogwarts permanently." Harry said chuckling at the havoc she had managed to create as a spectral being.

"We have actually met her before." Hermione teased the other girls.

"Who?" Daphne asked curiously.

"She is known to the female Hogwarts population as…" Hermione paused dramatically.

"Moaning Myrtle."

"No way!" The others burst out.

"Who?" Draco asked bemused, sharing a look of confusion with Blaise, Theo and Harry who all shook their heads in response.

"She is a teenage ghost in the second-floor girls' lavatory, always crying and screaming making it impossible for anyone to use it. All girls avoid it if they can" Pansy shuddered.

"Yes, Father was quite amused when I told him. Apparently, she enjoyed making things more difficult for her classmates once she gained her confidence and grew into herself before Dumbledore's meddling." Hermione said, ending with a sneer.

"The Ministry sealed her in Hogwarts unable to see her soulmate, I am not surprised she makes things even harder for the inhabitants," Luna whispered sadly, blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

"But why Hogwarts?" Draco asked.

"Usually when the Ministry has to step in the ghosts are banished to family homes or forced to move on."

"Dumbledore" Harry and Hermione chorused bitterly.

"He didn't want her out there with Father, if she had been, she would've been able to stabilize him," Hermione explained.

"He needed Father to fall into his insanity." Harry spat.

"But why harass Hagrid and pin the blame of her death on him? I get that he took her to Dumbledore but wasn't he just a messenger?" George asked looking up from his comic, speaking for the first time.

"Hagrid is Dumbledore's man. Always has been, always will be." Draco scoffed, sticking his nose up in the air.

"The Gryffindor that brought in the wolf pup that attacked Myrtle? That was Hagrid." Hermione explained patiently.

"He found a litter of Moon-Wolf pups in the forest near his home." Harry continued.

"Moon-Wolves are wolves born from two werewolves, conceived and birthed on the full moon. They can never shift from their wolf form but have human intelligence. A litter consists of between two to ten pups, they can communicate telepathically between themselves and when they breed not only will they only breed with other Moon-Wolves but the new generation pups will be the same." Hermione recited in lecture mode when Pansy, Daphne, Blaise, Fred and George had shared blank and confused looks.

"They are exceedingly rare and aren't taught until fifth year Care of Magical Creatures." Harry soothed a pouting Fred with a chuckle, it wasn't often the older boy didn't know something. Despite the carefree pranking persona of the Weasley twins they were remarkably intelligent.

"Anyway, Hagrid found five pups and took them away from their den and brought them to Hogwarts, hiding them under his bed," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes as Harry hugged Fred to his chest cooing at the sulking dramatic fourth year.

"They managed to escape his room, they were in a new environment, away from their parents and pack. Naturally in their fear they attacked. "Six students were hurt that day including Myrtle," Hermione explained.

"Because no high standing Purebloods were hurt Dumbledore was able to sweep it away with a cleansweep." Draco sneered.

"Hagrid was also the one who dropped me off at the Dursley's on Dumbledore and the Potter's orders. Left me on the doorstep with a letter to be discovered the next morning." Harry whispered.

"He can't be trusted and must be watched," Hermione stated seriously as Fred tightened his hold on Harry in sympathy and comfort.

"We are almost there," Luna spoke as she pulled her uniform from her trunk.

"Here we go," Harry said dryly.

The new term seemed to fly by, fortunately for the students there had been no attacks since Dean Thomas was discovered. Madam Pomfrey was pleased to report that the Mandrakes were becoming moody and secretive, meaning that they were fast leaving childhood.

"The moment their acne clears up, they'll be ready for repotting again," Harry, Hermione and their friends heard her telling Filch kindly one afternoon.

"After that, it won't be long until we're cutting them up and stewing them. You'll have Mrs Norris back in no time."

Unfortunately, that meant two things for The Cambions, the first being with no trail to follow, they were no closer to finding the diary. The second being that Gilderoy Lockhart seemed to think it was because of him and the man had become more insufferable than usual. All four houses were lined up waiting for Professor Lupin to let them in for History of Magic when they heard Gilderoy laughing loudly.

"I don't think there'll be any more trouble, Minerva," he said, tapping his nose knowingly and winking as he walked following the visibly annoyed Transfiguration Professor, oblivious to her growing ire.

"I think the Chamber has been locked for good this time. The culprit must have known it was only a matter of time before I caught him. Rather sensible to stop now, before I came down hard on him." He continued joyfully clueless as the students within hearing distance outright laughed or groaned at his arrogance.

"You know, what the school needs now is a morale booster. Wash away the memories of last term! I won't say any more just now, but I think I know just the thing…" He tapped his nose again and strode off leaving a fuming McGonagall.

"Oh, Merlin's pants save us all." Harry groaned loudly.

"What could that moron possibly have planned." He was greeted with laughter from most of his year mates, the exceptions being those who hated him, Weasley, Potter and Finnegan, and the girls who still worshipped Lockhart, Brown, Gryffindor Patil, Bulstrode, Perks, Turpin and Abbott.

Lockhart's mystery morale booster left even the bravest of students shaken with disbelief when it was finally revealed at breakfast on the 14th of February. Harry's eyes went wide in horror as he took in the monstrosity that lay before them, for a moment he wondered if they had taken a wrong turn. Hermione, followed by Daphne, Blaise, and Luna, had been overtaken by giggles beside him. All the walls in the Great Hall had been covered by obnoxiously large, garishly coloured pink flowers.

"I am going to be sick." Harry moaned as they made their way to the Slytherin table.

"My eyes hurt, I might need glasses after this," Pansy whined as she sat down reaching for the bacon.

"What's in my hair?!" Draco shrieked, his hands flying to protect his head. Laughing, the others tilted their eyes up only to find little purple heart-shaped confetti falling from a pale blue sky.

"That man is a menace." Marcus Flint growled as he stalked down from his spot at the end of the table to talk to them. He nodded his head towards the head table with a sneer of disgust.

"Ou..ouch" Harry spluttered, hot tea scalded his throat as he choked on a mouthful larger than he had intended to take.

"I.. ha have no words." He finally coughed out. Lockhart was standing at the table, his arms open calling for quiet with his trademark smile stretched across his face. He was in pink robes that matched the flowers on the wall, the colour almost blinding, tied around the waist, over the robes, a giant cumberbund in the same purple as the hearts.

"We need to get rid of him." Hermione sneered as she pulled confetti out of her pancakes.

"What do you need us to do?" Adrian asked as he arrived with Graham and Miles, all three sitting down opposite Harry and Marcus.

"We will meet after quidditch practice tonight on the pitch. We can't discuss it here, it's too risky." Harry ordered after sharing a look with Hermione.

"Gather anyone you can who you think will help us," Hermione added.

"I will let the twin terrors know in Potions today," Adrian said quickly as Harry opened his mouth again. Grinning sheepishly he tucked his head down.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart shouted startling the Slytherins from their conversation, apart from his diehard fans, everyone watched the man in trepidation.

"And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all, and it doesn't end here!"

"Forty-six people actually sent that disgrace Valentines card's?" Marcus grumbled in horror. Lockhart clapped his hands in glee and through the doors to the entrance hall marched a dozen surly-looking dwarfs. However, Lockhart had gone one step further and had them all wearing golden wings and carrying harps.

"My friendly, card-carrying cupids!" Lockhart beamed, completely unaware of the looks of horror he was getting from students and colleagues alike.

"They will be roving around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fun doesn't stop here! I'm sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion! And while you're at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I've ever met, the sly old dog!" Harry let out a startled laugh as he looked at his Uncle who was glaring at all of his students as if daring them to ask for a Love Potion.

"I think Uncle Sev will poison the first person to ask." Draco cackled gleefully.

The rest of the day consisted of students diving to hide from the singing valentine dwarves, the Professor getting more and more frustrated having their classes interrupted to deliver both singing messages and large cards. Marcus had hexed two older Gryffindors who had been stupid enough to laugh at him when a dwarf brought him a large pink card. Afterwards, he strutted around with a smirk, while his black eyes glinting full of promises that had others shuddering.

Harry sulked as they left lunch heading to the South Tower for Transfiguration, Hermione and Theo had been sickening all morning. He was happy for his twin but there was only so much he could take when he couldn't walk around openly with his own soulmate. As if sensing her Brother's mood Hermione gave him an understanding look before holding his hand, grounding his magic. They were ignoring everyone around them, heads held high, noses in the air when they were waylaid and pulled into a large alcove.

"What the hell?!" Hermione groused.

"I almost hexed you!" Harry laughed, hitting Fred and George's arms playfully. Theo stepped in with Hermione as Draco, Blaise, Daphne and Pansy automatically stood in front of the entrance blocking them from sight, Luna talking happily with the portrait next to them.

"You will forgive us." The identical beaters chuckled.

"Watch this." Curiously they all poked their heads out to see the Gryffindors approaching them heading to the Charms class.

"Oy, you! 'Enry Potter!" was shouted loudly, everyone moved out the way as a serious and harsh looking dwarf pushed his way through the crowded corridor.

"You didn't?" Harry managed as he laughed.

"Happy Valentine's" Fred declared gleefully, he gave Harry a hug before George and himself disappeared. The Slytherin's quickly left the alcove getting as close as they could, they got to the front row of students just as the dwarf ripped Henry's bag and tackled the boy, sitting on his legs.

"Right," he said gruffly.

"Here is your singing valentine:

His eyes are as brown as a baby mandrakes roots,

His hair is as dark as a blackboard.

I wish he was mine, he's really divine,

The hero who conquered the Dark Lord."

Unfortunately, Perfect Percy Weasley was making his way through everyone trying to disperse the crowd. Harry let himself be led away by Luna as he was laughing so hard he had tears rolling down his cheeks. Henry's look of mortification would forever be ingrained in his memory. Even Weasley and Finnegan had been chuckling at their friend's misfortune.

The sun was setting as Slytherin finished their gruelling training.

"Fuck Flint! I can't feel my arse!" Adrian snapped when the Captain finally called for them to land.

"I think my balls are swollen," Miles complained sourly.

"You two are disgusting." Kalyn scrunched up her nose.

"Merlin, there are 12-year-olds present." Michaela sneered as she swung her bat in their direction. All players had to attend all practices under Flint's demand, 'What's fucking the point having reserves if they are fucking useless' was Marcus' motto. Unfortunately, the girls' defence was wasted as Harry, Draco, Blaise and Theo were all laughing hysterically and had heard much worse over the years.

"We should shower before those willing to help show up for our meeting," Marcus grunted, ignoring his team's complaints.

"Too late." Harry chuckled, eyes wide as a large group were making their way towards them.

"Merlin's saggy balls." Michaela cursed.

"HYPOCRISY!" Adrian and Miles shouted, pointing their fingers in righteousness, only for Michaela to roll her eyes and flip them off.

"Shut it!" Marcus snapped.

"We have everyone we can find that we think will help." Hermione grinned as she waved her hand over the crowd behind her.

"I can't believe you got so many Gryffs to show up." Graham choked as he took in his fellow students. Fred, George, and Lee waved happily from between their uncomfortable classmates, they had managed to drag their entire Gryffindor team minus Henry Potter, plus Prefect Percy Weasley, along. Bell, Spinnet and Johnson wearily approached the Slytherin's and looked to their Captain and Prefect.

"We are only involved if it isn't going too far or illegal," Oliver grunted.

"Or breaking school rules," Percy added pompously.

"If we think you are being too Slytherin and crossing a line we are out." Wood continued ignoring his best friend beyond giving him a fond look. The Slytherin's rolled their eyes, but the prejudice against them was strong, if it was crossing a line it was automatically Slytherin.

"Same here." Hufflepuff's newly appointed Seeker Cedric Diggory spoke up his four friends, all nodded along with him. Harry only recognized Anthony Rickett and Herbert Fleet as they were the Hufflepuff reserve Beater and Keeper, the girl and remaining boy he had seen around Cedric a lot but their names eluded him.

"Yes, yes you have said that already and I have promised three times." Hermione grouched.

"We don't have a problem with being Slytherin." Astoria chuckled from the Ravenclaw group, she was standing with Ginny and Rose, who were both grinning.

They had managed to bring four older Ravenclaws; Chaser Roger Davis, along with Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecomb, all of whom had Mother's on the School Board, and lastly Prefect Penelope Clearwater.

"Robert had Prefect rounds with Gemma but he wants to help depending on your ideas," Penelope spoke with a soft smile, blushing as everyone turned to listen.

"Terry Boot in your year has detention but wants to hear the plans too," Ginny added.

"Alright everyone, listen up!" Harry shouted as he moved to stand on the bleachers that rested pitchside where reserves sat during matches.

"I think we can all agree that Lockhart is useless," Hermione said standing next to her Brother.

"We aren't learning anything from him, we got rid of Boring Binns and now we have Ludicrous Lockhart," Harry smirked as everyone chuckled at the name.

"We have been thinking about it all today and we have two plans to put forth," Hermione smirked.

"The first being, every time he says something in class, question it, keep questioning until he cracks. We will then send all of those memories to the School Board so they can see how useless he is and hear his lies." Hermione explained. Everyone blinked in surprise, it was logical and solid, even the rule-abiding Prefects looked happy with the plan.

"Second part isn't as straight edge and those that aren't comfortable don't have to take part." Harry started.

"But I will be leading a group to play harmless pranks that will target him and hopefully start to prove the stories of his conquests are just that, stories."

"We are in!" Fred yelled pointing to himself, George and Lee.

"What sort of pranks?" Percy asked uneasily as he shot a look at his Brothers, he knew those two well enough to know it go too far.

"Just small things to prove his incompetence," Harry reassured him, although he would like to go all out on the idiot, the more people involved the better and he couldn't risk one of them running to Dumbledore.

"We can charm his portraits to be bald." George grinned happily.

"Sticking hexes to his chairs," Lee added.

"Things that students know counters too, therefore a fully trained Wizard would be embarrassed by not knowing," Fred smirked.

"What if he knows how to undo them?" The girl at Cedric's side asked dubiously.

"Beatrice, come on. The man is an idiot." The boy laughed.

"I know Gabe." She sighed.

"But he might still know counter-hexes we learn in 5th year. He might be an idiot in the real world but he still graduated."

"Then we keep trying, going into higher-level hexes and charms." Adrian piped up.

"Excellent." Miles cackled.

"I won't take part in the pranks." Percy declared earning groans from those who expected it.

"But as the man tried to tell us, last class, that he had cured a werewolf and made us act it out, I will not catch those involved or take points on it." That earned wide-eyed looks from those who had not thought the Prefect had it in him to break the rules.

"On that note," Marcus grunted.

"No Prefect shall take part in the pranks, I have no doubts that we will be expected to find those involved. If we don't know the details it will be easier to convince the Professors that we are at a loss." The rest of the Prefects nodded in agreement.

The group of unlikely allies disbanded as curfew neared, Harry showered the Quidditch sweat and dirt away with high hopes for the following term.