Disclaimer: I own nothing, Harry Potter and the Harry Potter universe belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Apologies for making you all wait so long, but here's the third installment.

Chapter III:

Train Rides and Chit-chats

"Hold on, did you just say that you are betrothed to Daphne Greengrass?!" Ron exclaimed, interrupting Harry's retelling of the previous night.

After Daphne had left him alone, Harry had sat and mulled over what had happened, trying to make heads or tails of the mess he was in now. Eventually he gave up and returned to his dorm, skipping dinner entirely, and set about to writing a letter to Gringotts, hoping they would have more information for him about the bloody contract.

As soon as the sun had dawned, Harry had risen from his bed and after a quick shower had sprinted off to the Owlery. He had given Hedwig a few treats before asking her to deliver the letter to the Bank as quickly as possible. With that out of the way, he quickly made his way to the Hospital Wing, and after greeting Ron and Hermione, set about telling them what had happened.

At Harry's nod of confirmation that he had heard correctly, Ron continued, "You mean Slytherin's Ice Queen, Heiress to House Greengrass, and the most beautiful witch in all of Slytherin, if not the whole school?!"

Harry smirked at the pointed look Hermione was now giving Ron, but chose not to comment on it. "Yes, Ron, that Daphne Greengrass. I wasn't aware there was another attending this school."

Ron rolled his eyes, "There isn't Harry, I'm just surprised, that's all. I mean, there are others who would kill to be betrothed to her. Her father owns what's possibly the biggest potioneering empire in Britain, and one of the biggest in Europe. House Greengrass is one of the wealthiest Pureblood families in Europe, richer than the likes of Malfoy last I heard, but not as wealthy as say the Blacks."

"How do you know so much about Daphne, Ron? She's in Slytherin, I'd expect you to hate her for that and not bother caring about her or her family." Hermione demanded.

Ron threw up his hands in protest, "Don't get me wrong, 'Mione, I don't like her, and not just because she's in Slytherin. While that is part of it, she's still a cold-hearted bitch to most everyone." he sighed, "Anyways, as for how I know all this, all Pureblood families teach their children about the history of their own House as well as about the other Houses that are still around. Just because us Weasley's aren't the wealthiest of families doesn't mean we don't know about the rich ones."

"So what do you know about Daphne's family?" Harry asked before Hermione could say anything. He was desperate to know everything he could about the young woman he was supposedly going to be marrying.

"Well, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass can trace their name back twelve generations, possibly more. They've always been considered a grey, or neutral, House, sometimes bordering on dark." Ron said, ticking off fingers as he spoke, "The current Lord Greengrass has three daughters, two of which are currently attending Hogwarts with us, Daphne in our year, and Astoria, a year behind Gin, and no sons. Quite odd for a Pureblood family to have no sons, but House Greengrass has a history of leaving the Head of Houseship to a daughter.

"Like I said before, they own one of the biggest potioneering empires in Europe, which seems to be the main source of their income, but no one outside of the family knows just how wealthy they are exactly. They never took a side in the last war against You-Know... Voldemort, but dad reckons they won't get that choice this time around, y'know?"

Harry nodded, it made sense for Voldemort to not let people sit on the fence anymore. This time he was in it to win no matter what, and the more he had on his side, the better for him. He wouldn't be making the same mistakes he had made the last time around.

"Hey, you reckon that maybe she's trying to hand you off to You- V-Voldemort?" Ron asked, voicing his thoughts, "Like, maybe trying to get you alone, kidnap you, and drag you before Voldemort in chains or something?"

Hermione shook her head, "Oh come on Ron, you're just saying that because she's a Slytherin."

"Well no, her family's been borderline dark for a long time." he replied with a shrug, "Her being Slytherin is only part of the reason I think that. It would make sense though, if her dad joined V-Voldemort."

"But we don't know if he has, Ron." Hermione stated, "Now, Harry, what else do you know about the contract?"

Harry shrugged as Hermione interrupted his mulling over what Ron had said, "Not much really, 'Mione. I sent off a letter to Gringotts this morning asking for a copy of the contract. Other than that and what I told you before, nothing." he said, "Oh, and it's between House Black and House Greengrass, which must mean Sirius actually managed to name me heir."

Ron nodded, "That would explain why you're only just now hearing about it, because from what my dad has told me, usually Gringotts will inform as soon as your turn eleven." he said, "And I doubt it's a fake contract, Goblin magic can't be mimicked by us Wizards, so a simple test would prove if she was lying or not."

"Wait a moment," Hermione said suddenly, "Something about this doesn't quite add up."

"What are you talking about Hermione? The entire thing doesn't make sense." Ron replied.

"Well yes, I understand that Ronald, but think about it for a second. If Sirius was making Harry his heir, don't you think he would have told Harry about the contract?" Hermione said, "I mean, something as serious as that would be one of the first things you think Sirius would've told Harry, and don't say 'he didn't know about it', because Sirius would've looked for things like that before making Harry his heir."

Silence was the response to Hermione's statement, as she had raised a very good point. Why hadn't Sirius mentioned the contract to Harry after he told Harry that he was going to make him his heir?

"Speaking of Sirius making Harry his heir, how is that possible? I mean, usually with Pureblood families, an heir has to be from the family, with the same blood. Harry's a Potter, and a halfblood to boot, not a Black." Ron asked, confusion evident on his face.

Harry smiled slightly, glad he was able to at least answer that question, "Well, my grandmother on my father's side was Dorea Potter née Black, and I'm guessing that's how Sirius was able to name me his heir, since I have Black blood, through her."

Ron gave a nod of understanding, accepting Harry's answer as good enough for him. Hermione, too, seemed to accept Harry's reasoning for how Sirius was able to make him Heir to House Black and let that subject drop.

"Well, it seems there isn't much more we can do until you hear back from Gringotts, mate." Ron said with a sigh, "I do hope the Goblins can provide you with some answers about this whole bloody mess."

Harry nodded, "Maybe they'll have an explanation as to why Sirius never mentioned the contract to me." he said as he rose to his feet, "Anyways, I'll let you two get some rest. Don't worry though, I'll be back before dinner."

After finishing his goodbyes, Harry departed from the Hospital Wing with one last wave, his mind wandering as he began to mill through the halls of Hogwarts.

~~~FM~~~

"Mister Potter," Snape's quiet voiced drawled as Harry rounded a corner, "it seems the Headmaster is looking for you, and as you deemed yourself above eating breakfast this morning, he has sent me to find you and to tell you to meet him in his office at your earliest convenience."

Harry gave the Potions Professor a curt nod, "Thank you..." there was slight pause before he quickly added, "Professor."

As Harry turned and began to head towards Dumbledore's office, he heard Professor Snape's voice call out from behind him, "Do try to make it to meals next time, Potter."

Harry shook his head and ignored the parting barb from the greasy-haired man, instead choosing to focus on getting to the Headmaster's office without getting lost. After a few minutes of trudging, Harry found himself standing in front of the Gargoyle statue yet again.

As if it had been waiting for him, the moment Harry came to a stop, the Gargoyle leapt out of the way, revealing the staircase that would take Harry to Dumbledore's office. Again, as if waiting for him, the doors at the top of the stairs swung open just before Harry reached them.

Inside, Harry found Dumbledore sitting at his desk as usual, a rather old book in his hands, which he appeared to reading. At Harry's entrance, the aged wizard looked up, a smile appearing on his wizened face, and placed the book down, closing it softly.

"Ah, Harry, I see you received the message I gave Professor Snape to give to you." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling ever so slightly, "It was most unfortunate that I could not inform you in person, alas I fear your friends are more important than a morning meal."

Harry gave the Headmaster a nod as he slowly approached the desk that Dumbledore sat at.

"Please, Harry, have a seat," the Headmaster said, gesturing to one of the chairs across from him, "we have a matter of high importance to discuss, one about you specifically. As I said before, I will tell you everything, and I will do my best to uphold that, Harry."

Harry nodded again as he silently took a seat, waiting to hear what Dumbledore was going to tell him now, and hoping it wasn't anything as life changing as the Prophecy had been.

Once Harry was situated comfortably, Dumbledore began again, a faint smile still present on his face, "Now, Harry, what do you know about marriage contracts?"

A look of understanding dawned on Harry's face as it became apparent as to why the Headmaster had summoned him. With a sigh, Harry replied, "Unfortunately, Headmaster, not a lot. I am aware, however, of the marriage contract that is apparently between me and Daphne Greengrass, a Slytherin in my year."

Dumbledore nodded, "I see. And you already know about the contract, it's existence at the very least. That is good, it means I won't have to break the news to you." He paused to clean his glasses, "Whatever Miss Greengrass told you Harry, she was at least honest about one thing. There is indeed a marriage contract between the two of you. Or at least between an eligible member of House Black and Miss Greengrass."

"Hold on, so this contract doesn't specify me?" Harry asked, catching the last part of what Dumbledore had said.

"Not you specifically, Harry, but rather it gives specific requirements for a suitable candidate of House Black." Dumbledore explained, "You just happen to be the most eligible candidate for the contract. And this is why the contract is currently between you and Miss Greengrass."

"But Headmaster, how can that be? I'm not a Black at all, so how can I fit the requirements given in the contract?"

"Quite simply, Harry, you are a Black. Your thrice-great grandfather was married to a Black, and because of this you have Black blood in you." Dumbledore winced slightly as he continued, "That alone does not make you the most eligible candidate for House Black, but there is something else that does. You see, Harry, before Sirius' untimely death, he had managed to make a few trips into Gringotts. He knew that war was coming, and that people die in wars, and he knew that to be prepared, he should have his affairs set in order. The very first thing Sirius did on his first trip to Gringotts was name an heir. It is a very good thing he did this, as Draco Malfoy would've have been chosen to succeed Sirius as Lord of Black if Sirius had not named another as his heir."

Harry fought back the tears that began to well up in his eyes at the mention of his godfather. His gaze drifted off to stare out the window behind Dumbledore as the Headmaster continued. The mention of Draco Malfoy caused his attention to immediately snap back to Dumbledore and he listened intently to the Headmaster's next words.

"Who did he name as his heir, Professor?" Harry asked in a voice barely above a whisper, already dreading the answer.

"You, Harry. Sirius named you his heir, stating that, among other things, you were to receive his title as Lord of Black." Dumbledore replied quietly, "This is why you are the one the contract has chosen to bind to Miss Greengrass."

"So it's because of Sirius that I am to be married." Harry stated, "Did he know? Is it one last grand joke from the Marauder?"

Dumbledore shook his head, the ghost of a smile on his lips. "No, Sirius did not know about this contract. He couldn't have know about it, because it was not activated until after the events at the Ministry."

Harry stopped suddenly and stared at the Headmaster, not believing the words that he had just heard. "I'm sorry? After the events at the Ministry?" He asked with confusion, "Then how... how is that possible? Wouldn't a Black have to sign it for it to be valid?"

Dumbledore gave Harry a solemn nod, "Well done, Harry. Your are indeed correct, a Black must sign the contract for it to be valid." He replied, "As soon as I heard about the contract, I dug up all the information I could find about it, as I was not able to get a copy of it myself. Incidentally, this contract had already been signed by a Black, but until a few days ago, it had not been signed by a Greengrass."

"So Daphne's father just signed it out of the blue after it was revealed that Voldemort is back?" Harry asked incredulously, "That just doesn't make any sense, unless..."

"Unless what, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, wondering if the boy knew something he didn't know.

"Unless, Professor, the Greengrass's are planning on handing me over to Voldemort." Harry stated flatly.

Dumbledore shook his head, "Thankfully that is not the case here, Harry. I have been in talks with Lord Greengrass about his family joining the Order, so I know as a fact that they are not in league with Voldemort."

Harry looked pensive for a brief moment for he spoke again, "Perhaps he lied to you, Professor?"

Here Dumbledore could not restrain the short chuckle that escaped his lips, "Normally that would be a possibility, however, Lord Greengrass gave me a magical oath that he does not, nor will he, support Voldemort. Because of this, I can say that they will not be handing you over to Voldemort. But it still leaves the question: why did he activate the contract? I have a theory, if you would like to hear it."

Harry nodded, unsure of what else to say at that moment.

"I believe that Lord Greengrass activated the contract in an attempt to either get him in my good graces or to get special protection for his family by having you be betrothed to his daughter." Dumbledore continued, "But until I speak to him more on this matter, I cannot say for certain why he would do this. Rest assured Harry, if there is a way out of this that doesn't involve giving the title of Lord Black to Draco, then I will find it. In the mean time, I suggest you consider getting to know young Miss Greengrass, as you may end up being forced to spend the rest of your life with her."

The reality of the situation finally sunk in to Harry's mind. He was betrothed to Daphne Greengrass, and as Dumbledore said, he may be spending the rest of his life married to her. He decided at that moment that he was going to the research everything he could on magical contracts, betrothal or otherwise, as well as learn whatever he could about magical society. He also decided he would consider Dumbledore's advice to get to know Daphne, but he didn't know if he could forgive her for what she and her father had done to him.

"Thank you, Headmaster, I will keep what you have said in mind." Harry said, rising to his feet. "Was there anything else you needed from me?"

Dumbledore let out a small sigh and shook his head, "Nothing more that I can think of. I will inform you of any changes in the situation, and if I can, I will forward a copy of the contract to you, if you wish."

Harry nodded, "I would appreciate that, Headmaster."

"Very well, you are dismissed Harry." Dumbledore said with a smile, "And you may expect a Gringotts owl soon with a copy of the contract for you to look over."

Harry smiled slightly and turned to leave, but he paused just as his hand touched the doorknob, "Headmaster?" He asked tentatively.

"Yes Harry?"

Harry fidgeted and turned to face the Headmaster again, "I was wondering, sir, if I have to return to the Dursely's for the summer yet again?"

Dumbledore released a sigh, he had forgotten about that fact of life regarding Harry, what with everything else going on those days. He bowed his head for a brief moment before looking Harry in the eye, "Alas, Harry, I am afraid you will have to return to your relatives for at least a week." He said with a tinge of sadness, "But worry not, I will be coming to get you myself after that week is up. From there I assume you will be spending the rest of your summer holiday with the Weasley family, if that is to your liking."

Harry gave a defeated nod, loathing the idea of having to spend even a week with his relatives. "Of course, Headmaster. Thank you."

"No no, thank you, Harry, for being so understanding." Dumbledore replied with a sad smile, "Now have a good evening, Harry."

"You too, Headmaster." Harry said as he turned the door handle and descended down the stairs, closing the door gently behind as he did so.

Dumbledore watched Harry leave, and as the door closed behind him, he removed his glasses with a long sigh. So much had changed over the past week, and he wasn't sure that anyone, himself included, was ready for what was still to come. He grimaced as he put his glasses back on, he had wasted too much time already and there was still so much to do.

With an audible sigh, he stood up and turned to the phoenix that was resting on its perch slightly behind and to the right of his desk. "Fawkes, my old friend, I find myself in need of your services yet again."

~~~FM~~~

Monday morning found Harry shuffling down the corridor of the Hogwarts Express, trying to find the compartment his friends had saved for them. It was turning out to be harder than he had thought, since he was nearing the back and they were no where to be found. With a grunt, he pulled open the door to the last compartment on the car he was currently on. While he had been hoping to find his friends, he was definitely not prepared for who was actually inside the compartment. To his surprise, Harry found himself staring at Daphne, Tracey, Susan Bones, a dark-skinned boy from their year, and a younger version of Daphne, though with darker hair.

"Are you lost, Heir Potter?" the dark-skinned boy asked with a crisp voice dripping with arrogance.

"Blaise!" Susan snapped, sending a glare at the boy now identified as Blaise.

"I meant no offence, Heiress Bones, worry not. I am merely asking Heir Potter if he is lost, as we are not his normal crowd." Blaise replied, a slight sneer present on his face. "Again I say: Are you lost, Heir Potter?"

Harry shook himself, completely confused by what was going on. Why on earth was this Blaise calling him 'Heir Potter'? Nothing made sense to him right now, and it was rather worrisome.

"Potter, snap out of it. Blaise asked you a question." Tracey's voice cut through his thoughts. "Are. You. Lost."

"No, Davis, I am not lost. I was just looking for my friends, that's all." Harry replied finally, finding himself annoyed with her tone.

"Well, unless you think we are hiding them in our trunks, I can assure you, Heir Potter, that they are not here." Blaise said, his sneer increasing, "So if that's all, you run along now. I suspect they're further back in the train, by the way."

"Right, thanks. I'll be going." Harry stated, turning to leave.

He had closed the door to their compartment and was just about to open the door to step through to the next car when he heard his name being called.

"Potter, I'd like a word with you, if you have a moment." Daphne said as she closed the door to her compartment behind her, her voice eerily calm.

Harry released a sigh, but nonetheless gave her a slight nod, "Sure, just let me find a place to drop this and then we can talk." He said with a gesture to his trunk.

"You can store it in my compartment for now, Potter, if that's alright with you." She replied.

"Fine, that will work." Harry stated as he trudged back to the compartment.

He opened the door again, ignoring the looks from other occupants, and placed his trunk on the rack above where Daphne had been sitting. Closing the door behind him, he turned to Daphne, "So where did you want to talk, Greengrass?"

"This way, I know a place." Daphne said, gesturing to the door he had been about to step through before she had spoken.

Harry gave her a nod and followed her out of the car. Once outside, she turned and began to climb up a ladder that obviously led to the roof of the car. Harry eyed here warily as she climbed, unsure exactly what she was planning. When he realised she was looking down at him expectantly, he gave a quick check to make sure his wand was on him before starting the climb.

Once on the roof, he gave a look around, the train was still in Hogsmeade, as it wasn't quite eleven yet. There was a hustler of students still boarding the train on the platform below, but none of them seemed to take notice of the two students standing on the roof of the car.

"So what are we doing up here, Greengrass?" He said, turning to the blonde girl who was now take a seat on the edge of the roof, letting her legs dangle off the side, "And why does no one seem to care that we're up here?"

"They can't see us because of the protective charms, Potter." She stated simply, "As for what we're doing, we are talking. It's one of the few places on this train that actually is private, and no one even thinks to come up here."

"Do you come up here and have 'talks' often, Greengrass?"

"Not usually, no. You're the first I've brought up here, Potter, so you should feel honoured."

With a sigh, Harry took a seat next to Daphne, his wand still at the ready, hidden in his sleeve. "Alright, what's on your mind, Greengrass?"

"For starters, you are, Potter. You're still a damn mystery, and I can't figure you out." came the reply, "I want to understand you, because we're going to be spending a lot of time together."

"Somehow I doubt you brought me up here to get to know me, that's nothing like what I've heard about you, Greengrass." Harry replied with a raised eyebrow, "So what's the real reason?"

"Are you calling me a liar, Potter?" at his nod, she glared at him, "Well I'm telling the truth, I do want to get to know you. But I also wanted to talk to you about the contract."

Harry nodded slowly, "I figured you did. So, what do you have to say?"

"Have you owled Gringotts yet? I'm sure it'd be that simple. To get a copy of the contract, that is." She stated, "And if not, I can owl one to you when I get home. Father would be more than willing to get a copy for you, Potter."

"Don't worry about getting me a copy, I'm already working on it, Greengrass." Harry replied, "I am capable of doing things on my own."

Daphne resisted the urge to scoff or make a snide remark in response to his comment, choosing instead to ignore it and continue the conversation.

"Very well." she said, then let out a sigh before continuing, "Listen, I don't like this arrangement anymore than you do, Potter. So I think it would be in both of our best interests to actually try to be polite with each other. Yes, I know you think this situation is my fault, but I am as much of a victim here as you are."

Harry perked an eyebrow at that last statement but chose not to comment, deciding to see how long she would go before admitting there was more going on then just an old contract appearing. If what Dumbledore had told him was true, then she definitely wasn't as much of a victim as he was, though that didn't necessarily mean she was lying when she said she didn't like it.

"Fine, Greengrass, I'll try to be polite with you." was all he had to say.

"Good, I'm glad to hear you're not as rude as Heir Malfoy would have us believe." Daphne stated, "Now, I think it would be best if you started to learn the customs of high society in the Wizarding World, Heir Potter, as you are as much a part of it as Heir Zabini or myself."

Now that Harry couldn't help but scoff at, "You think I'm going to start treating my friends like they're below me just to make you happy? Or treat Hermione like she's nothing? Not a chance of that, Greengrass."

"Damn it, Potter! I'm not asking you to embrace the pureblood ideals or anything! I'm asking you to act like a man of your position should." Daphne exclaimed in annoyance, "You are the heir to two Noble and Most Ancient Houses! You need to know how to interact with your social peers, superiors, and inferiors. For example, I am the heiress to a Noble and Most Ancient House, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass to be precise, so therefore you would refer to me as Heiress Greengrass, and I likewise would refer to you as Heir Potter."

Harry rolled his eyes at that. She honestly thought he was going to start acting like a pompous arse to everyone because his family and Sirius' family were old and rich? Not bloody likely! Besides, all this Noble and Most Ancient House nonsense made no sense to him, so why should he care if she was the heiress to one?

"Come off it, Greengrass. Arrogance isn't really my think, that's more up Malfoy's alley, and apparently yours too."

"Listen to me, Potter, I'm not trying to make you into some arrogant prick. I am trying to get you to act like everyone expects, hell, wants you to act like." Daphne said with a sigh, "People like Heir Malfoy think you're ignoring our customs because you think yourself above them, and so they take great insult at that. That's why Heir Malfoy dislikes you so much."

"So you're telling me people want me to act like I'm their superior all the time? Really?" Harry asked with scepticism.

"Yes, Potter, that's exactly what I'm telling you. Step outside of Hogwarts and everyone is treated differently. Take the Headmaster for example: In Hogwarts we all call him Headmaster, and that's perfectly fine, in fact we could do that outside of Hogwarts and be fine. But a more proper way to address him outside of school would be as Lord Dumbledore, possibly adding 'of the Noble and Ancient House of Dumbledore' after, or with one of his many titles that he hold outside of Headmaster of Hogwarts." Daphne explained, "Outside of school, all of us that are members of Noble Houses refer to the customs that apply. I would never be caught dead addressing Malfoy as such outside of school, it would always be 'Heir Malfoy' again with the option of adding 'of the Noble House of Malfoy' to the end."

"Wait, why is Dumbledore only a Noble and Ancient House and Malfoy only a Noble House? What's the difference between those and say the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass or whatever?" Harry asked with confusion marring his face.

"It's rather complicated, and I don't think I'm qualified to explain it all to you, Potter." Daphne said with a defeated sigh, "But your friend, Weasley, he should be able to get you some books on nobility in the Wizarding World. In fact he could even help teach you about what you should know as the Heir to two Noble and Most Ancient Houses."

"Ron? Are you serious? Why would he know about that stuff?" Harry asked incredulously.

"All purebloods, and most half-bloods, know the customs, at least if they belong to a Noble or Ancient family." Daphne stated. "Trust me, Weasley will know something, and even if he doesn't know much, he'll be able to help direct you in the right direction. Perhaps even Heir Longbottom could help you, his grandmother is rather strict about customs and whatnot."

Harry nodded slowly, remembering that Ron had mentioned something along those lines the other morning when he had told Hermione and him about the contract. It would make sense then that he also knew some of the customs to go along with knowing about the families.

With a sigh, he looked at his watch, only just noticing that the train had started moving, though he wasn't sure how long ago it had. "Listen, I've got to go find my friends, they're probably worried sick about me." he said slowly, "Anyways, we can talk later or something, perhaps via owl? I have Hedwig so it's not like I'm cut off from the rest of the world over the summer."

Daphne gave him a curt nod after they had both risen to their feet, "Thank you for talking with me, Heir Potter. I look forward to speaking again." she said, "And yes, we can correspond via owl over the holidays, if you'd like. Oh and please do read up on the customs and expectations that come with your positions."

Harry gave her a slight nod as he began to descend the ladder, "I will do so, Gre-" he paused briefly, "Sorry, Heiress Greengrass."

A glimpse of a smile graced Daphne's lips for a brief moment as he addressed by her title, though Harry didn't catch it, as he was busy wondering how they had been unaffected by the moving train. Surely the wind would have had some affect on them, right?

With a shake of his head, he stepped back inside the train, and after quickly grabbing his trunk from Daphne's compartment, he set out down the train to find his friends, hoping they hadn't gone mad looking for him.

~~~FM~~~

Harry found Ron and Hermione in one of the last compartments on the train, along with Neville, Ginny, and Luna. The moment he had entered, everyone stopped whatever they had been doing before his arrival and stared at him. The silence lasted only a brief moment before it was shattered by the loud voice of Ron nearly shouting at him.

"Where the bloody hell have you been?" Ron asked, ignoring Hermione's call of "Ronald, language!"

Harry sighed as he heaved his trunk into the storage rack above the open seat that was presumably for him, deciding not to answer until he had taken his seat.

"Well?" Hermione asked, a hint of impatience in her voice, "Where exactly have you been, Harry? We looked up and down the train for you."

Harry shifted awkwardly as he realised everyone was still staring at him, "I was talking with someone." He answered vaguely, "We had gone to a secluded spot for more privacy, and that's why you couldn't find me."

"Who were you talking with?" Hermione pressed, "That is, if you don't mind me, I mean us, asking..."

"My guess is on Angelina Johnson." Ron said, and at everyone's confused look, he continued, "I mean, she was captain of the quidditch team this past year, and let's be honest, Harry's probably going to get the captaincy next year, yeah? So they were probably discussing quidditch for the next year, the best strategy to win the cup or something, yeah?"

Harry stared at Ron blankly for a few moments before shaking his head, "Ron, what? And no, I don't really mind you asking, Hermione." He said at last, "I was talking with Daphne, it was a follow up of our previous conversation, and it went much better than that one."

Everyone but Hermione and Ron shared looks of shock and confusion at Harry's confession. As for Ron and Hermione, they both raised their eyebrows and shared a knowing glance. They had expected Harry to talk with Daphne on the train, but not quite so soon into the trip, nor in, as Harry put it, 'a secluded spot.'

"I'm glad to hear you two talked again." Hermione said with a smile, "Hopefully things are better between you now."

Harry gave a shrug, "I can't really say things are 'better' now, but we're getting there. I still have a lot of unanswered questions, which will have to wait until I am able to go to Diagon Alley. Dumbledore said he would come get me in a week, and maybe he will take me there."

"Where exactly are you going to be staying, Harry?" Ron asked, "After Dumble's comes to get you, that is."

"He said probably with your family, Ron. My guess is he's already spoken with your mum and dad."

Ron gave a nod of approval, he was hoping that's what the answer was going to be. Things always got interesting at the Burrow when Harry was over, that was for sure.

Ginny seemed to share Ron's approval of the idea of Harry staying with them, though the smile that made it to her face barely managed to creep through the look of confusion that had graced her ever since Harry had said he was talking with Daphne. The only Daphne that Ginny knew was currently attending Hogwarts was Daphne Greengrass, a pureblood, who Ginny thought well deserved the title she had been given: the Ice Queen.

Though she had not had many interactions with Daphne, she had heard many stories, especially from girls in the upper-years. Daphne was said to be a cold and uncaring bitch, who held no love for any but herself. It was said she had a friend in her year, but there was disagreement over whether or not she actually was a friend or not. Tracey, Ginny believed the friend's name to be, Tracey Davis. She knew Tracey even less then she knew Daphne, but she didn't really like either of them, not to mention they were in Slytherin.

With a sigh, she spoke up, wanting an answer to the question that had been bothering her, "Harry, why were you talking to Daphne Greengrass?"

Harry turned to face Ron's sister, realising that he had not told Ginny, Neville, or Luna about his situation. Before he could answer Ginny however, Luna spoke up, "Well it's simple really, Harry would like to get to know the Ice Queen so he can melt her cold cruel heart before she freezes the entire world."

Looks of bewilderment and utter confusion met Luna's statement. No one had been expecting such an answer, no matter the truth of it.

"I- I am not trying to melt her heart, Luna. And I really don't think she can, or will, freeze the entire world." Harry explained after regaining his composure, "I don't even think Dumbledore could freeze the entire world, and he's the most powerful wizard alive."

"There are ways, Harry Potter," Luna replied matter-of-factly, "ways to freeze the entire world. One must simple read books and look hard enough."

"Right," Ginny interrupted before they could sidetrack any longer, "that's grand, and good to know actually, but Harry never answered my question. Why were you talking with Greengrass, alone I might add?"

"It's complicated Ginny, it really is. But I will explain the whole situation to you when I get to your house for the summer." Harry said with a sigh, "I just, I'd rather not talk about it on the train, okay?"

"Fine. But you will tell me."

"Promise. I'll tell all of you." Harry said solemnly.

After that, the conversation in the compartment drifted to less serious matters, with Hermione pressing Luna about books that might hold ancient secrets, and the other four playing various games and talking about the upcoming summer. Every now and then Harry would glance out the window, thinking heavily on the things that Daphne had told him. Clearly there was a lot he did not know, and so he began making plans to learn as much as he could over the summer. He inwardly sighed as he thought about everything he was going to have to do. The time of sitting by idly and doing nothing was over. Sirius did not die for Harry to go into his next battle against Voldemort on his own, and his parents did not sacrifice their lives for his just so he could squander it by doing mediocre in his classes. No, Harry decided then and there that he was going to make them all proud, he was going to defeat Voldemort, and he was going to live. If Daphne Greengrass was going to end up by his side for this, then so be it. He would make do with whatever life threw at him now.

A/N: It's been quite some time since the last update, but I assure you, I am not dead, and neither is this story. The next chapter is already in the works, so hopefully it won't be too long until I finish that.