A/N So this chapter is going to be slightly different from my previous ones. I have written this story mostly from Harry's POV only however in this one I'm going to write from the perspective of a couple different characters who will eventually play a significant part in the story. I'm doing this so that you readers can see some character depth and the changes happening. After this though the story goes back to a Harry-centric first person POV.

I dropped my bag and let out a long sigh as I let myself fall onto the soft sofa. Daphne gave me a piercing look for my dramatics but honestly it had been a long few weeks since Alexa had been born. It hadn't been easy at first, if I had thought things were bad when the school found out Daphne and I had been dating it had been worse when they found out we had a baby. I took Alexa from Daphne's arms so she could readjust her spot on the sofa. I looked down at my daughter and just soaked in her features. She had my green eyes; it had been weird at first to see my own eyes staring back up at me. It was almost as if they were silently judging me.

I'd gotten over it though and now they were just bright green orbs of joy. She had a full head of black hair which was unsurprising since Daphne and I both had dark hair. Daphne had insisted it had come from her though since the eyes were clearly me. After some good natured ribbing I had decided to concede that and avoid any argument. Every time she laughed or smiled the dimples on her face became very prominent and it was admittedly one of those most adorable things I'd ever seen. However I could also be bias in that category I suppose.

Daphne had finished moving and was now leaning against my side with her head laying on my shoulder staring down at Alexa. I wrapped one arm around her while using the other to keep Alexa pinned to my chest. This was a perfect way to unwind. I let myself reflect on the different encounters Daphne and I had had the past few weeks.

***FLASHBACK 1: Day after birth of Alexa***

"Mr. Potter! What do you think you're doing in here?!" I sat bolt upright and was instantly alert with my wand out as I took in the perceived threat.

A very irate Madam Pomfrey was staring at me, and it took me a second to process what she was angry about. "Oh right. Well honestly madam I wasn't going to just leave the hospital wing. My daughter was born last night you know?" Here I made a hand gesture towards Alexa who was currently being picked up by Daphne, who I assume the yelling had woken up to.

"Don't get cheeky with me Mr. Potter. You could have stayed in one of the other beds over here. At least you two are presentable. "I had to fight back a laugh because as she said this Daphne proceeded to start feeding Alexa. "Miss Greengrass if you don't mind I just need to run my wand over you and your daughter. Just some precautionary follow-up scans is all." Daphne nodded for her to go ahead and while she did that I worked on transfiguring my clothes back into their previous state. I also put my robes back on and used a breath freshening spell on myself.

The matron concluded and then looked back at me. "Very well everything seems to be in order. There is a very excited house elf here who I think is meant to guide you to your new maternity suite. I believe his name was Dobby."

I let my hand come up and did a face palm at hearing the name. Dumbledore sure knew how to try and stir a pot. "Alright thank you for letting us know. Here Daphne when Alexa is done feeding I'll hold her so you can get changed." The matron left us and Daphne nodded in acceptance. It was a few more minutes before little Alexa had seemed to have her fill. I extricated her carefully from Daphne as she had managed to use her tiny hands to grab onto the front of Daphne's blouse.

It wasn't long before Daphne had changed and used a few spells to freshen up. She gathered her supplies she had brought into her bag and then we stepped out from behind the curtain.

Thankfully Dobby was the only other person in the room. We both let out a sigh in unison at least not having to deal with the rumor mill so early in the morning.

"Oh Mr. Harry Potter sir! Dobby was not knowing you would be here to! Is this being the great Harry Potter's missus! Oh Dobby is honored to be given the task of escorting such a…"

I cut him off. I couldn't deal with this right now. "Thank you Dobby but just a little less excitement please. Yes this is Daphne and our daughter Alexa. Could you take us to the maternity suites now? "

Daphne gave me an amused smirk and a single elegantly raised eyebrow as if questioning the theatrics from the elf. I mouthed 'later' to her and set off following the bouncing, but thankfully quiet Dobby out of the hospital wing.

As soon as we exited though we found our progress halted by two people standing in the way. I had started to let out a groan but cut it off half way as I realized just who it was standing in our way.

"Damn right you better stop groaning Potter. Daphne may find that sexy, but I sure don't." Tracey's snarky reply met my ears. And standing next to her was Neville with a smirk on his face.

***NEVILLE POV(Night of the birth)***

I kissed Hannah goodnight and waited until she was safely inside her common room before turning and starting the long walk back up to the seventh floor and my own common room. I was tired, but it was more mental exhaustion than physical.

I had had a long talk with Hannah today about some things from not just my past but her own as well. Despite all my new found confidence I still had a hard time talking about certain topics or confronting anyone that wasn't Harry.

Today though I had managed to tell Hannah about my past. It was fairly common knowledge about what had happened to my parents, but most people never brought it up afraid that I couldn't handle it. When truthfully I had wanted to share it with someone for a long time. My Gran, I loved her, but she wasn't exactly the most caring person in the world. And I had thought of talking to Harry, but he just had so much on his plate right now I wasn't sure it would have been fair to dump my emotional problems on him.

So I'd sat and told her how I visited my parents a few times a year. I'd sit with them and just talk and tell them about my years at Hogwarts and what was happening. When I was younger I always pretended they would wake up and be able to tell me they understood everything I had been saying to them. Now as I got older though it was getting harder to see them. I had started going less and less as the reality of their situation was setting in.

I had been fighting an internal battle with myself for a while now about what to do. I knew my Gran would never approve of what I was thinking so I would have to do it myself. I couldn't bear seeing my parents the way they were any longer. I wanted to end it for them and bring them and myself some type of closure. Yet it wasn't a choice I could just make and undo if I decided I was wrong.

Or the fear that I had shared with Hannah. What if I did it, but then miraculously someone found a way to reverse the damage done by the unforgivable. I don't think I could live with myself then.

It wasn't fair that I had so much pressure on me and these huge decisions to make that could and would affect the rest of my life. I was only in my fifth year for merlin's sake. Not for the first time I wondered just how Harry managed to keep everything under control. Sure he had his moments where everything came to the surface, but he was by far more mature than many of the adults I had met.

I'd felt better after sharing my conflict with Hannah. She hadn't said anything choosing to rather just let me talk and get it all out in one shot. When I was done she still hadn't said much, but what she did meant the world to me. She had said that there was no way she could ever understand the situation I was in and wouldn't try to tell me she understood because it would be hollow. Instead she said she would be there to support me in whatever choice I eventually wind up making.

It felt good knowing I had someone to support me through it. The next part of our conversation had been harder to have though. I had to bring up the events from our second and fourth year. It had confused Hannah at first as to why now I was recalling those specific years.

I wasn't sure if Harry had just chosen to overlook it or simply had not realized, but I had. Hannah had been against him in both of those years. In second year she had sided against him choosing to believe he was the heir of Slytherin. Then again in fourth year she chose to believe he entered the tournament just to steal the glory from Cedric.

With the change in Harry's personality I knew he didn't take too kindly to someone who wasn't a loyal friend. After voicing my concern about it to Hannah she had looked pensive. Finally she had sighed and asked what I thought she should do about it.

I told her that I thought it would be best if she brought the topic up first. It would seem more genuine if she told Harry she was sorry for the way she had acted then before he chose to bring it up. Truthfully I didn't know if he ever would, but I also didn't want to wait to find out. It could potentially put me in a position where I would have to choose between the two, and that was not a place I wanted to be. Although if I was completely honest I knew who I would choose if it came down to it.

My thoughts had completely taken over my mind and distracted me on my walk back to the common room. I climbed through the portrait hole and made my way over to one of the sofas by the fireplace. It was still too early for Harry to be back from his detention so I figured I'd get some homework done while I waited for him to come back.

Soon I was completely absorbed in an essay for Potions which I had finally seemed to get a hang of. I finished the entire thing, but figured I would revise it the next day when I wasn't so tired. I cast a tempus and was surprised to find out how late it had gotten and Harry still hadn't come back. I went up and did a quick check in the dorm to see if maybe I had missed him or he had come back early but his bed was empty.

I was worried now. It was unlike Harry to not show up for a night without some type of warning. I decided I should go and ask Professor McGonagall if she knew where he was. He was supposed to have been in detention with her anyway.

When I left the portrait hole I could hear the Fat Lady berating me for being out past curfew, but I didn't care. I quickly made my way down to the office door of my head of house. I knew it was late and she was most likely asleep, but knowing Harry's track record for getting in trouble this might not be able to wait until the morning.

I knocked loudly and hoped that she would be able to hear me from her quarters. I shuffled around nervously outside the door for a few minutes and was preparing to knock again when suddenly the door cracked open.

"Mr. Longbottom, good heavens, it is very late what are you doing out for?"

I spoke in a rush partially because of the nervousness but also because I was embarrassed for waking her up. "I'm sorry ma'am but I just was wondering if you knew where Harry was. He never came back to the dormitory tonight and I was worried something might have happened to him."

A slight widening of her eyes was the only thing I noticed that would give away her worry. "Hold on one second Mr. Longbottom let me check something." The door shut and I was once again left outside shuffling around but now also confused.

The door opened again and I prepared for bad news but was relieved upon hearing her speak. "Not to worry Mr. Longbottom. Harry was called away earlier and is still with Madam Pomfrey. Something to do with Miss. Greengrass I believe. If that was all please hurry back to the tower."

I nodded and tried to remain calm as I thought of what this meant. "That was it. Thank you professor. Have a good night." I turned and practically ran down the hall and up the stairs. I knew I wouldn't be able to get into the hospital wing tonight, but tomorrow morning I would be there first thing. I wanted to meet my godchild after all.

***TRACEY POV (Night of the birth)***

Ever since Daphne had told me the truth about her and Potter it was what consumed most of my thoughts. I hated to admit it to myself because I shouldn't be so concerned about the personal matters of others, but this was my best friend since I was like six.

That was the reason I currently found myself lying in bed with an owl-order magazine dedicated to baby toys for witches and wizards. If I was going to be a godmother I fully intended on being the best bloody godmother ever. I had of course taken precautions and made sure the magazine looked like a witch weekly. No one else would be finding out Daphne's secret from me.

I had initially been mad when I found out Blaise knew before I did, but then I had also been proud of him for keeping a secret he knew could adversely affect my friend. I was strangely even more proud when I learned he did so because he had used it to get a favor from Potter. It was probably the Slytherin pride in me I reasoned.

It was late and honestly I kind of hoped the baby came soon so Daphne could be back in the dormitory. The other girls weren't horrible, but ever since it came out that Daphne and Harry were a thing Pansy had been talking almost nonstop about how she was going to be Draco's girl. As if that was some big prize or something.

Millicent was nice but also slightly tom-boyish and while I may be a perv, I definitely enjoyed the more girly and feminine things in life.

I jumped a little as I heard a very faint popping sound outside of my curtain. At first I thought I might have imagined it when no other sound immediately came, but then I heard the slight rustling of the curtains on Daphne's bed and decided to poke my head out to investigate.

There was a house elf currently using their magic to pack all of Daphne's things into her trunk. Worry set over me as I couldn't think of a reason for her things to be taken away other than something having happened to her.

"Wait. Elf. Where are you taking that stuff?" The elf let out a squeak at being caught and turned to me with fear in its eyes.

"Missy is just being told to come collect this stuff and taking it to new room. Missy is not being allowed to talk about it."

I was possibly even more confused now. "What do you mean new room Missy? I'm Daphne's, the girl whose stuff you're collecting, best friend. Is she okay?"

I was really starting to worry that something had gone wrong and Daphne might actually be sick or having complications now. Missy wrung her hands tightly as if trying to decide whether or not to disobey her order and tell me. "Missy can't be speaking about it. Yous friend is being okay though. The headmaster is just having Missy move her stuff to new room."

I didn't get any more questions out though as Daphne's stuff finished packing and the elf popped away with it.

I let myself go back behind my curtain and sat staring at the edge of my bed in confusion. What had just happened? If Daphne was fine then why was her stuff being moved?

Then it hit me. Unless she was being moved to a room better suited to take care of the baby. And suddenly I found myself with zero traces of tiredness. In fact I doubted I would sleep much at all as I tried to decide on how to best start spoiling my godchild tomorrow.

***BACK TO OUTSIDE HOSPITAL WING***

I watched as Dobby nervously looked back and forth between Daphne, Lexa, and I but would then quickly shoot his eyes towards Neville and Tracey. "Don't worry Dobby. They knew about this so it's not a big deal that they are here now. Although they could have had the courtesy to at least let us get settled in this morning before rushing to find us."

I tried to send a glare at them but I imagined it was made less menacing by the fact that I was currently holding a pink bundle of blankets.

Tracey, in what I was starting to realize was actually classis Tracey fashion, brushed my comment off and moved closer to get a look at Alexa. Neville followed closely behind her and I could swear they were speeding up trying to beat each other to the spot.

"Oh wow her eyes are just like yours Harry. She's adorable guys. What did you name her? And I am assuming it's a her because of the pink blankets and all." Neville rubbed his head sheepishly at the last part.

Daphne spoke up this time. "Her name is Alexa and you two are welcome to ask all the questions you want, but please can we let Dobby take us to the maternity suites? I'd rather not have to start explaining or dealing with rumors after just giving birth less than twelve hours ago."

Dobby took that as his cue and started to walk again at a brisk pace. We avoided as many of the main hallways and staircases as possible, and thankfully we were able to reach sixth floor with no problem.

"Well this is convenient." I mused aloud.

Tracey looked at me and so I elaborated. "There is a secret passage just behind that tapestry over there that connects the sixth floor with a corridor on the seventh not far from the Gryffindor common room. It'll make it easier for me to get back and forth between the two."

"Are you not going to be staying in this new room with Daphne and Alexa then?" Neville asked.

"I doubt I'll be allowed to. Obviously it would make the most sense if that was to happen, but I just can't see Dumbledore giving the go ahead for Daphne and me to live in the same room. Most likely I'll have to stay in the dorm."

Suddenly Dobby stopped in front of a nondescript stone wall. I'd passed this exact place countless times over my years here and I knew for a fact that there had never been a door in the middle of the wall before.

I toned out his excited proclamation of arrival and offered a small thank you. Dobby popped away and left just the five of us in the hall. "Well let's see what this room looks like." And, after passing Alexa to Daphne, I reached forward and opened the door so that the others could file through.

After shutting the door behind myself and casting an array of spells to make sure we'd have some privacy I turned around to get my first look at the room that would now be housing my daughter. I smiled just at the thought. I suppose it was the novelty of being a new parent, but just thinking about Alexa made me smile.

The room itself wasn't huge, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact it was very much just a compressed version of the common room. There was a fireplace located against the far wall with a small fire burning and grate in front of it to block access. Furniture wise there were two book cases with some random tomes on them, but mostly empty shelves, a sofa and an arm chair with a small rocking bassinet much more ornate than the one I had transfigured, and even a moderate sized wooden table with a few chairs.

The floor I noticed was also carpeted instead of only partially covered stone like those in our common room. There was one other door in the room besides the one we had come through.

"Well this isn't so bad. It's actually kind of nice to be honest. There's plenty of room for us in here. Let's take a look at the bedroom, or what I assume is the bedroom, real quick and then we'll sit and let Tracey and Neville fawn over Alexa."

The bedroom was also just a condensed version of our dormitory rooms. A slightly expanded four poster bed, a crib, a vanity, wardrobe, a desk, and what appeared to be a changing station were all the furniture in the room. Daphne passed Alexa to Tracey as she did a quick check of her things to make sure that nothing had been forgotten or damaged. We watched as she nodded to herself before closing her trunk and turning back to face us.

"Well it isn't elaborate or anything but it is practical and that's all we could hope for I think." Daphne spoke up and voiced her thoughts on the suite.

Neville agreed with her assessment. "Yeah I mean you've got your own common area and then this bedroom and what I assume is a bathroom through that door." He gestured in the general direction of a door at the far end of the room by the windows. "Can't really complain about not having to share any of that."

"Yeah anyway let's go sit in the common room and you guys can ask whatever questions you have. "

A strong stench suddenly filled the room as we made to leave and Tracey gagged slightly as she held Alexa a little further away from her. "Someone needs to change her first though I think."

As if the castle itself was listening a fresh diaper and a bottle of powder appeared on what I had correctly guessed was a changing station. I looked at Daphne and shrugged before taking Alexa from Tracey and bringing her over.

I was entirely grateful now for that book and that I hadn't skipped the chapter on changing diapers. I quickly undid the dirty one and with a flick of my wrist had banished it. I carefully used my wand to cast the cleaning charm I had read about. It worked to perfection and I applied some powder to the clean diaper before fitting it in place and fastening it. Alexa smiled up at me as I scooped her up from the table and cradled her in my arms.

I was met with three very distrusting stares when I entered the common room. "You really changed her that fast?" Came Daphne's skeptic voice.

"I'm insulted dear. I have been preparing for this for months. Besides it's not like it is all that complicated a procedure. Would you like to inspect the job I did and make sure it's up to your standards though?"

She ignored my last comment and Neville bit back a laugh. I sat down in the arm chair as the others had settled on the sofa. Daphne got up and moved to sit with me in the chair though. I handed her Alexa, and she passed her off to Neville as she sat down on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her waist and leaned back into the chair. "Well I guess we should start talking about what happens now."

***BLAISE ZABINI POV***

I liked having others think I was just an average. Not just in my magical prowess, but also in my personality. I did my best to never stand out from the crowd of other green and silver clad students in the school. I followed along with what most of Malfoy said or did, and not because I actually believed it or wanted to but rather because I am a survivor.

As I sat in the common room waiting for Tracey to finish her absurdly long morning routine I mused on the fact that so many were blind or choosing to be ignorant of what was coming. Anyone who really wanted to could see that there was something big coming on the horizon.

Harry Potter may not have the open public support for his claims of the dark lord's return, but there were those who chose to believe and keep quiet. Silent preparation so that they could exploit those who were caught unprepared later on. That was exactly what I was doing now. If I was honest I knew I wasn't spectacular with a wand. Sure I could manage most of the spells in class, and I had done some independent study with relatively minor issues, but I lacked the raw magical power. I had accepted this last year and so had been working on ways to compensate for that.

The logical choice I had come up with would be to find a way to gain power within the ministry. That way I could have an impact on all of magical Britain without having to raise my wand. I'd spent most of last year and this past summer reading any book I could find on the government and the political system. I'd spent weeks memorizing different alliances and traditional voting tendencies for families.

I was going to be the head of my house after my seventeenth birthday, but I was displeased to find out that my father, my mother's first husband, hadn't lived long enough or had the foresight to forge alliances to strengthen our position. Thus that duty would fall on me. Before the incident on the train at the end of last year I had been certain that I was going to have to start throwing myself more into the circle of people that were influenced by Draco.

Then though a miracle had happened and Potter had come barging into our compartment leaving me to ponder the strange unknown connection that he apparently had with Daphne. She had reacted in the expected manner when she had seen him, but then had excused herself shortly after. Naturally I saw a potential source of blackmail and followed. Daphne was a friend, but it didn't hurt to have something you could hold over your friends just in case. I had seen her sneak into Potter's compartment and couldn't hear anything thanks to some charms, but was able to get the gist of the conversation from body language.

That moment changed everything for me and I had started to see an alternative to the Malfoy route. It would be unorthodox, but I didn't care. I had heard a saying somewhere once that fortune favored the bold. Certainly I was not bold, that sounded way too Gryffindorish, but I was ambitious and patient.

So I had waited and watched this year. At first I had thought I might have been wrong about Potter and Daphne, but then it had finally started to show. The funny thing about feelings I realized was that once they started to develop, whether subconsciously or consciously, they could be very hard to stop. The two had become closer without realizing it and admittedly they did a very good job of hiding it, but I was looking.

It had also worked to my advantage that Longbottom had stepped up and become the best friend of Potter. Then in an even more surprisingly convenient turn of events Longbottom had wound up with Hannah Abbot. This in itself wasn't very helpful as the Abbots weren't a particularly powerful family, but she was the best friend of Susan Bones whose aunt was currently head of the DMLE and held much political power.

Getting the invitation to Longbottom's for New Years had again been a blessing and I was becoming distrustful of the seemingly endless luck I was having. I'd asked Tracey to escort me more so that I would have a way to start a conversation with Potter than me actually liking her, but it had developed into more after that night. The plan had worked though, and I'd been able to talk however briefly with Potter, Longbottom, Bones, and various other individuals who were in line to have a big position later in their life.

Once we returned from break I had let up on my watching of Daphne and had started focusing more on things I would actually like to address once I was in a position to do so. The downfall of many had been their lack of planning beforehand. I was not going to allow that to happen. I had started with controversial issues because finding a way to fix a big issue that had been heavily debated and argued over for years would certainly get me noticed.

Then when I had stumbled upon those potions Daphne had been taking I started to doubt myself for a second and wonder if I had become so engrossed in what I was doing that I had lost touch with reality. How could I have possibly missed my friend becoming addicted to potions?

However when I had discovered what those potions were I knew then that I had everything I needed. I'd approached Potter and made him swear to pay me back for my silence. I had secured myself not only the backing of House Potter, but now also House Longbottom and potentially Houses Greengrass, Bones, and Abbot. Each one individually would not hold much sway, but together with their backing many other heads of houses could be persuaded to support some changes I would like to see made to the current laws.

It was perfect in theory and I knew there was still a long way to go, but it was better than not being prepared at all. For now though I had to focus on surviving the coming war with my connections in tack

A figure coming down the girls' staircase drew my attention and I was surprised to see Pansy and not Tracey.

"Good morning Pansy, do you know if Tracey is almost done up there?" Tracey typically took a long time, but this was unusual even for her.

Pansy for her part just looked at me confused. "She's not up there Blaise. In fact all of Daphne's stuff has been removed from the dormitory also. I'm not sure where they took it but if Tracey is missing, I think it's safe to assume that something happened to Daphne."

She walked past me and I wasn't surprised by the lack of concern she had shown. Slytherin tended to do that to people. It was taught that it was in our best interest to not get too attached to people. Obviously some didn't take heed and let others get close, but for the most part it was the unwritten rule of the house that you should stay out of your house mates' business unless they asked you to be a part of it.

My mind was racing though because if something had happened to Daphne it could jeopardize everything I had been working for. I could salvage things if that was the case though if I found a way to express my sympathies to Potter and make him think I could empathize with him.

The other option was preferable obviously in that Daphne was fine and had simply given birth. It meant less work on my part and I would just have to offer congratulations at some point. My stomach rumbled and I decided to head to breakfast before I did anymore thinking on this. After all they had managed to hide this for nine months. It was unlikely anything would be revealed until at least tonight at dinner.

***END FLASHBACK 1***

"Harry you still here with me?" Daphne's voice brought me back from my thoughts.

"Yeah sorry love, I was just thinking about that first day and our talk with Neville and Tracey. It's just hard to take everything in still I guess. "Alexa had fallen asleep in Daphne's arms and I freed my wand from my sleeve and used it to gently levitate her into the rocking basinet next to the sofa.

"Thanks for that. I wanted to move her but my hands were full and I didn't want to wake you by moving." Daphne leaned up and kissed my cheek.

"I appreciate that very much. Honestly I could do with a good night's sleep, but we both know that's not going to happen for either of us for a while." We shared a silent laugh at that. It had become somewhat routine for us to switch off during the night when Alexa inevitably woke up crying. Although the past few days had been considerably better and we had been able to get some fuller sleep.

"Yeah well tomorrow night if all goes as we hope then we'll be able to get a full night of sleep and not have to worry because Alexa will be taken care of."

I smiled at that. "Yeah, honestly I still can't believe that Dumbledore agreed to let us not only leave the castle for this Hogsmeade weekend, but also go home. I half expected him to try and force us to stay in the castle forever." I said the last part jokingly but there was an underlying dark tone that I knew Daphne would catch onto.

"I am too. Tell me again how exactly you managed to make him agree to this."

"Well I had the idea when…"

***FLASHBACK 2***

We'd chosen to wait until dinner before actually venturing out into the castle with Alexa. After talking with Tracey and Neville we knew that like our relationship it would be best to announce this on our own terms. We'd kept it secret because we'd been afraid that someone might try to hurt Daphne during the pregnancy but that wasn't the case anymore. And while certainly there was some risk to Alexa we had at least four people looking out for her safety.

Predictably the hall had gone silent when we'd walked in. Then whispers had broken out. Shortly after there had been a few outcries of rage, but Dumbledore had stood up and chose that moment to get the hall back under control. We'd taken seats at the far end of Gryffindor table because it was mostly empty and allowed us plenty of room to set up the basket holding Alexa.

For most of dinner the whispers and looks had continued. We did our best to ignore it, and honestly I thought we did a great job. I could tell even the professors were shocked by this new revelation. About halfway through our meal though something unexpected had happened. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned my head slightly to see a mousy looking first year. I'd seen this particular first year before though and I smiled warmly.

"Hello Alex, I haven't seen you since the alley this summer. How have you settled into Hogwarts?" The boy I had helped this summer had gotten sorted into Hufflepuff and honestly I'd mostly forgotten the encounter until right now.

"I've been doing okay Harry. Thank you again for helping me get my stuff this summer." I noticed him casting a glance at the open seat to my left.

"You can sit down if you want Alex I promise we don't bite."

Alex seemed to relax a little and took the offered seat next to me. His eyes then wandered to the basket holding Alexa. "Whose baby is that?"

I did my best not to laugh as did Daphne. It wasn't so much the question but more just the very child-like innocence with which it was asked. We weren't that much older than Alex now but it certainly felt like it.

"This is my daughter, Alexa. Daphne is her mother."

Alex looked back and forth with a confused expression on his face between Daphne and I. I was also becoming increasingly aware of the silence that had settled in the great hall as everyone tried to listen in.

"You two didn't seem very friendly this summer in the bank though. "

Again I fought back the urge to laugh. "Well this summer Daphne and I were in a fight. But that doesn't mean we didn't care for each other."

Daphne spoke up for the first time. "Sometimes people who care about each other fight Alex. I'm sure your parents probably have arguments every now and then even if you don't realize it. It's our ability to get over it and apologize though that shows how much we care."

Alex nodded his head as he tried to take in the information. "I like the name Alexa, it's almost like Alex. I'm going to go back to my table now though. Is it okay if I write my parents and tell them about her? They ask me every now and then if I see you at school."

I hesitated at the request. "I'd prefer you didn't Alex. I mean it's going to get out sooner or later that I have a daughter and I can't stop you, but some people won't be happy to hear about this."

Alex stood up. "I understand and don't worry I'll wait before telling them then. Bye! It was nice to meet you Miss Daphne."

"What a charming young Puff he was." Daphne commented with a smirk on her face.

"He's well mannered. And just innocent. When did we stop being like that?"

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Were you ever innocent Harry? I think you were getting in trouble since day one here."

Any further conversation down that line had been cut off though when gradually other people started to approach us. Apparently seeing Alex come over and not get cursed had inspired some to brave it. Some took a seat while others were content to just stand and occasionally ask a question or make a comment on a conversation going on.

I found it amusing that quite a few older girls had stopped by to ask Daphne what the birthing process had been like. I chose to let Daphne answer the majority of the questions as I watched the crowd in case someone tried anything. I subtly cast a silencing charm around the basket so that Alexa wouldn't be disturbed by the noise.

Neville made his way over with Hannah at some point and had taken up spots around Alexa to which made me relax a little.

I was surprised at the lack of outrage. Most people were simply curious about how it had happened and how we'd kept it secret.

That is until Ron decided he'd had enough of his dinner being 'interrupted'.

I'd mistook the blaring head of red hair for one of the twins coming over and had therefor been unprepared to be greeted by Ron's face as he plopped into the seat next to me.

"Harry I knew there had to have been a reason for this. This explains everything mate. You should have told me sooner. "

My anger at seeing him turned to confusion. "What are you talking about?"

He gestured with his hand at Daphne and Alexa. "Them mate. I knew she had to have done something to turn you against 'Mione and me. You should have told us though. We could have gone to Dumbledore. I'm sure you can't actually be held responsible for that kid. She obviously found a way to force you to get her pregnant."

Idiot. He was a complete and bloody idiot. Others around had hear what he said and some stepped back waiting for what they probably thought was my inevitable explosion. But someone beat me to it.

"Honestly Ron! That's enough. I may not like this and everything that has happened but I've accepted it. You need to let it go."

Hermione pushed her way through the crowd and tried to pull Ron from his chair. He turned on her with an angry glare though. "Are you kidding me 'Mione? How could you be okay with that snake stealing Harry from us?"

She shook her head furiously. "I'm not okay with it Ron. But it is Harry's life and he can decide who he wants in it. If he says he doesn't need us then we should just accept it. All you're doing now is setting yourself up to get hurt emotionally and physically."

For his part Ron just looked flabbergasted. "I don't believe this. I'm telling you he's only been doing this because of what she did! Tell her Harry." And he looked at me for help.

"Ron. I've told you before. I don't want to be your friend anymore and you need to stop insulting Daphne. I'm done wasting my time and energy on you though."

"Right, fine. I see how it is then. So these past years have meant nothing to you then I guess. My sister almost died! And why was that? Because some maniac wanted to kill you! You've done nothing but put my family in danger since we've met. Maybe this is for the best then."

Ron stormed out of the small crowd who had gathered and towards the doors. Hermione looked at me and mouthed a 'congratulations' before taking off after him.

The rest of the meal had gone smoothly. So had the next few days surprisingly. Obviously the stares and whispers continued. Hell even now they still followed us in the hall. But it wasn't until four days later I had my next real 'altercation'. With Malfoy.

***MALFOY POV***

I sat staring at the blank face of wall across from me. I wasn't even sure how long I'd been in this empty classroom with all its filth. It was beneath someone of my status to sit around and possibly be mistaken for moping or being generally unproductive.

But after this week's earlier revelation I needed some time to get my head straight again. For once I wished I could just have a normal year. All I wanted was to dominate Slytherin house and make sure everyone knew I was the one in charge. If I had to bully mudbloods or half-bloods to do it then so be it. They were just casualties of the process as far as I was concerned.

That was never going to happen though thanks to Potter always having to royally screw everything up. Daphne was supposed to have been my betrothed. But when father had sent an owl this past summer looking to finalize arrangements all he had received in response was a letter stating that the agreement was no longer in place. He had been furious and written back demanding a meeting to discuss it, but no response had come after that.

Truthfully I didn't care. Daphne was beautiful no doubt, but she was much too independent to make anything resembling a suitable wife. I much preferred someone like Pansy. She knew her place in the world and was content to let me be in charge.

To find out she had degraded herself by not only dating but giving birth to the offspring of Potter lowered her even further in my mind. Or that's what I have been trying to convince myself of for the past few days.

"When did this become so complicated? Potter is a half-blood and Daphne may be a pureblood but she has lowered herself to his level. Father would be horrified if he even knew I was unsure of what to do in this situation."

That was the problem though. My father. All of my life he had taught me that we were superior. Not only because we were purebloods, but he taught me that the Malfoy family was superior to even other purebloods. It was all I knew in my life.

I'd had no problems following and listening to everything he said until this past summer. Everything had changed when the dark lord had returned. Father would come home angry or injured often. He took his emotions out not on me though, but my mother. She didn't deserve to be treated the way he had, and on one occasion I voiced my concerns to him. Only once though. An involuntary shiver ran through my body as I recalled my punishment for speaking against him.

The once perfect family I thought I had was unraveling around me and I was desperately trying to stop it. I didn't know how though. I was questioning the beliefs I was taught. Not so much that mudbloods were equals, because I still don't think they are, but more about half-bloods.

I knew of course there were some half-bloods in Slytherin. My own godfather was in fact a half-blood. That didn't stop him from being one of the most distinguished Potion's masters in Britain though. Nor did it mean he was incompetent with a wand. So if what my father had taught me was true, then why pick an inferior wizard to be my godfather. Surely if our family was so superior people would have been clamoring for the role.

This led me to consider Potter's situation though. Any imbecile could see he had improved drastically this year and I had to grudgingly admit he was quickly becoming very powerful. Perhaps the only one who didn't recognize this was that blood-traitor Weasley. He was a lost cause for sure though.

The Potter family in general has always been well known and powerful throughout history. And until James Potter had married that mudblood it had been a pure family as well. It led to a confusing situation now trying to classify the newest member of the family. The daughter, Alexa, had been born to two magical parents who both had magical parents. Theoretically this would make her a new pureblood, first generation.

It'd kept me up these last few nights. I wanted to voice my thoughts to some of the others in our house, but knew it would only be used against me. This, this was something I was going to have to sort out on my own.

I had figured out what I needed to do earlier today and already set it in motion. It was the reason I was in this filthy classroom after all. No one would think to come looking for me here. I heard the sound of the door unlocking and snapped my attention away from the wall. My wand slid gingerly into my hand held loosely prepared to curse the person coming in if it wasn't who I was waiting for.

Potter stepped cautiously into view from the door. His eyes, I noticed, honed in on my wand almost immediately. His was still held in his hand raised partially but not in any immediately threatening manner.

"Would you mind reapplying the charms you just undid Potter? This meeting needs to be kept secret." I watched as he debated for a minute and deciding to speed things along I made a show of putting my wand away. He nodded slightly and then flicked his wand at the door a few times.

"Well what was so damn important you had to request to meet me secretly down here Malfoy? Didn't want someone to overhear whatever insult you have planned about Daphne, Alexa, or I and start using it like their own?" I could hear the mocking in his voice but no real anger.

"No that was not the reason, but if by chance anyone else starts calling you scarhead I'll expect you to report them I can handle it." I'd said it before I could really stop myself. What was I doing? I didn't joke around with Potter.

He snorted. "Well that was weird. This joking almost friendly banter I mean. "

"Indeed. Let us get to the matter at hand though. I am conflicted in regards to you."

"Well sorry to break it to you Malfoy but I don't swing that way, or keep for the other team if you know what I mean." I glared at his cheeky remark.

"I'm being serious here and I would appreciate it if you would to. What I meant is I do not know how I should react to the news of yours and Daphne's child."

I could see I had piqued his interest. "What do you mean Malfoy? Shouldn't it be straight forward for you. There's no one else here and we both know the truth about what happened last year. And the truth about your father. I saw him in the graveyard when Voldemort returned."

I flinched as he used the dark lord's name. "One would think it would be simple yes, but it's not. It's a complicated blood status situation to begin with, but there is also something more about it."

"From where I stand Malfoy it's not complicated. You're on one side of this conflict and I am on the other."

Some part of me knew he was right. But I couldn't stop the traitorous thought from escaping. "But what if I don't want to be like my father?"

For what seemed like an eternity neither of us spoke and he just stared me down.

"What changed? You've always idolized your father. Used him as a threat to get your way. So what could possibly make you not want to be him now Malfoy?"

I shouldn't be telling Potter this. It went against all of the Slytherin ethics. "The way he treats my mother. It's horrible. I don't know if it was like this during the first war, but it is destroying our family. I don't want that to be all I have to look forward to in my life."

"Well Malfoy honestly, I don't know why you are telling me this. It seems like if you really don't want to be like your father then you don't have to. Run away. Convince your mother to go with you if you're so concerned, or hell you could probably go to Dumbledore for protection if you were really that desperate."

"It's not that easy Potter. I can't just walk away from everything I've been taught and grown up knowing. Even if we did leave my father he would shut down our bank accounts, take any means we had of hiding. He would find us and there would be severe repercussions."

Potter shook his head. "Look Malfoy, I can't just tell you what you should do. You're going to have to make that decision for yourself. Honestly, I don't care what you decide. You've treated me and my friends like trash for years. But before I go I do have some advice. Whatever you're going to do, do it sooner rather than later and make sure you are one hundred percent committed to it."

And then he undid the charms on the room and left. I slammed my fist down on the desk I was sitting at in frustration. I knew what he had said was true, but he wasn't living it. He didn't have to worry that whatever choice he made in a situation could destroy his family. And then I stopped. I was wrong about that. He hadn't had a family before, but now he did. Potter and I were in similar situations now both having to make difficult decisions soon in order to protect those we cared about.

I let myself sit in silence for another fifteen minutes or so before deciding to head back to the dungeons. I had a lot to think about and some important decisions to make.

***END MALFOY POV***
After my talk with Malfoy I found myself worrying slightly less about the safety of Alexa. I was still always alert and on edge, but knowing that one of the major threats to her was currently fighting their own internal struggle made me relax.

I didn't know what Malfoy was going to decide, and I had been honest saying I didn't care. If he chose to join Voldemort then so be it and I would treat him how I planned to treat every other death eater. If he chose to switch then I'd do what I could to help him, but I wasn't going to go out of my way to be overly friendly.

One week had passed since Alexa's birth and Daphne and I had started to get a routine going. At first it had been difficult trying to figure out how to take care of Alexa and go to class, but eventually we'd be able to work out our schedules, Neville and Tracey were helping to, so that there was always one of us with her. Some classes we deemed too dangerous to bring her to so that was where Neville and Tracey had come in handy. During care of magical creatures Tracey would take Alexa for us since she had Arithmancy.

The only problem we had come across was Potions since the four of us shared the class. Daphne had said she didn't want to bring Alexa in because of the fumes and risk of exploding potions. I had solved this problem by talking with Professor Snape. I had asked him to allow me to switch Potions periods and sit in with the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws.

He had sneered at me at first, but when I explained my reasoning for it he had become contemplative. He dismissed me without giving an answer, but later that night at dinner Daphne had told me he had said it was acceptable.

Neville had been understandably concerned about losing me as a potion's partner but Tracey and Daphne had both promised to help him when they could. Hannah who had been sitting with us told him he just needed to be confident that he could do it on his own and he'd be fine.

That had been another interesting event. Hannah had apologized to me out of nowhere for the way she had acted in the past. Honestly, I had forgotten or perhaps not even noticed it then. I was always so caught up with whatever drama was unfolding for the year, or something happening between Ron and Hermione that after a while I just assumed everyone was against me.

I'd reassured her that it was in the past and I didn't hold it against her. I'd caught her sharing a look with Neville after that but chose not to comment. I could only assume he had convinced her to do it.

Currently though I was walking to the headmaster's office with Alexa. He had asked to meet with her and me and knowing this would be coming I decided not to put it off. Besides I had a request to make of the old man and I figured if I could get it all out of the way in one trip that would be for the best.

I reached the stone gargoyle and gave it the password I had been provided. It moved out of the way and I took the spiral staircase up. I carefully cradled Alexa with one arm so that I could open the door with the other not bothering to knock, knowing that Dumbledore was well aware I was already here.

The old man smiled jovially at me as I entered. "Harry and young miss Alexa. I am so glad you were able to take the time to meet with me. I can only imagine that you have been very busy this past week getting adjusted. Have you had any problems with your schedule?"

I took the seat across from his desk before answering. "No, no issues headmaster. I had to switch potions lessons, but other than that everything has worked out well. Tracey and Neville have been helping Daphne and me so it's been a smooth transition."

His eyes shined with that twinkle he was so well known for. "Yes I have heard that you made Miss Davis and Mr. Longbottom the godparents to young Alexa here. They are of course excellent choices. Such a wonderful name you have picked out as well. Was it your decision?"

I decided to just go along with the friendly line of questioning for now. "No actually Daphne came up with the name, but when I heard her say it I knew it was perfect."

"Splendid. Tell Miss Greengrass she picked a beautiful name then. I must admit there was no particularly important reason for me calling you here Harry. At least nothing that is urgent. I merely wanted to try and reconcile with you. I fear that after some of our previous meetings there is a feeling of animosity that you have towards me. With Voldemort's return and the ministry choosing to be ignorant to it I wanted to make sure that you know you can still trust me."

Fat chance of that happening. "Headmaster I was angry at you for keeping things from me. I feel that if you are done with that then perhaps we can move past it. You are right that we will need each other in the coming years."

I wasn't dumb. I was going to let Dumbledore think he had a shot at repairing the previous relationship we had so that he would be easier to keep in check for now. Once Daphne had what she needed though it would be open season on him and his reputation.

He smiled brighter than I thought possible at hearing my words. "Wonderful and I do mean it when I say I am sorry Harry. I am an old man and have lived through many tragedies. Sometimes it becomes hard for me to see past the greater good. This will be a new beginning for the two of us though."

For the first time I wondered where that phrase came from. The greater good. I had heard Dumbledore use it frequently before. That was irrelevant right now though. "Sir I do have a favor to ask though. It would go a long way in repairing some of the faith I had in you if you were able to grant this. There is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up and Daphne and I would like to take Alexa out for it, but also we would like to visit Sirius and Daphne's family for the weekend. "

For the first time since our meeting had started Dumbledore frowned. "That is a big request Harry and one I am not so sure I should grant. Have you considered the danger you might be exposing Alexa to out in Hogsmeade? Students behave much better inside these castle walls than they do out of them."

"I've considered it headmaster and honestly we won't be in Hogsmeade long. We were only planning on going there for a few supplies and then using the floo to go to our destinations. Besides I've actually been pleasantly surprised by the reactions of everyone." And that was a true statement.

"Yes I to have to admit to being surprised by how well the majority of staff and faculty have taken this. I daresay the only issue I had was a brief encounter with Madam Umbridge in which I made it quite clear that she should do her best to avoid any comments about your daughter. "

So that's why the toad woman hadn't come right after me. "Well thank you for that headmaster, but we are getting away from the topic at hand. May we be granted the permission to leave the grounds for the weekend?"

"I daresay that if I say no you will most likely find a way to go without my knowledge Harry. So I am more inclined to compromise. You may leave the grounds but I would prefer if you were to not go to Hogsmeade. You may use my office floo to go to your destinations as it will be safer than traveling out into the town."

I went to argue but was cut off. "While you are correct that the student body has been generally accepting, we both know the wizarding press has been printing stories about this latest development and they never seem to paint you favorably. I fear that someone may try and harm you or Alexa because of it."

I knew I was beat on that point. True to form the Daily Prophet had been running with the story almost non-stop since they had gotten wind of it. Each article becoming more and more unbearable. Someday I was going to make that rag pay for all the slop they put out on me.

"Fine, we'll be here first thing on that Saturday morning to use your floo. Thank you for agreeing to this headmaster."

"You're welcome Harry. I should be letting you go though as if I recall you have detention tonight. "

I nodded knowing that my detention with McGonagall was soon. "You're right headmaster and I have to drop Alexa off with Daphne and Tracey before I go there. I'm glad we had this discussion though. Have a good day."

***END FLASHBACK 2***

I finished telling Daphne about my meeting with Dumbledore for what felt like the hundredth time. We decided it was time to get some rest though as we would be having a long day tomorrow. We moved Alexa from her basinet into the crib in the bedroom. Once she was settled we changed and climbed into bed. I hadn't planned on spending as many nights as I had been here, but once I realized how much Alexa could wake up at night I found I wanted to be there. It was only fair that Daphne and I shared the responsibility. It didn't take long before we had closed our eyes and drifted into the dark.

I came tumbling out of the fireplace at Grimmauld place first. Daphne who I had let carry Alexa through stepped elegantly out of the emerald flames and over my sprawled form.

The noise had attracted the attention of those in the house though. Sirius came into the room wand out followed shortly by Mrs. Weasley.

"Oy Pup, what are you doing here? It isn't holiday break or anything."

"Nice to see you too Sirius. Dumbledore gave Daphne and I special permission to go home so that Alexa could spend time with you and Daphne's family." I noticed Mrs. Weasley look uncomfortable when I said Alexa's name but thankfully she just disappeared back around the corner of the entrance.

"Well that was generous of him. But Albus rarely does anything for nothing. What'd you have to give him to acquire such permission?" He eyed me suspiciously.

"Nothing Sirius. He did it because he is trying to get back in my good books, so I let him believe he was."

My godfather let out a rough laugh. "Good job. Well anyway let me hold her. It's been forever since I've held a baby. Hell you were probably the last kid I held Harry."

Daphne smiled and handed Alexa to Sirius. I had to admit he seemed to be a natural with kids though. "So Sirius, would you object, and this is only if Harry doesn't mind, to playing the role of paternal grandfather for Alexa?" I looked at Daphne after she spoke. I had come to think of Sirius as my surrogate father, and told him as much but I wasn't sure if he'd want to have the responsibility for Alexa.

Sirius looked shocked for a minute. "If Harry doesn't mind then yes I would love to, but no calling me Grandpa Sirius. That just makes me sound so old and lame."

"I don't mind Sirius. I'd be honored if you would fill the role."

We stayed in the living room for most of the morning and the early afternoon. At around one-thirty Daphne had started to gather up Alexa's things though. "I'm going to take her over to Potter Manor so my family can have some time with their new granddaughter."

"Alright love, I'll see make sure I get my room set up here so that Alexa can sleep in it to before you get back." I kissed Daphne and Alexa goodbye before they stepped into the fire and disappeared.

"You're not going with her?"

"No. I need to talk to you. In private though so let's go upstairs." My tone was serious and my godfather didn't question me anymore as he led the way upstairs and to his room.

He shut the door and made sure to place some charms on it. "Alright it's safe to talk now."

I sighed not knowing how Sirius would react to what I needed to ask him. "Sirius, I'm not going to sit around and wait for the death eaters to come out in the open and start attacking people."

He looked worried and confused so I elaborated. "I've told Neville my plans but I could use your help as well. I'm going to start gathering the names of people who are associated with Voldemort. Whether they lied to avoid Azkaban last time, are marked members in jail, or were just financial supporters. They are all guilty of helping that monster kill innocent people. So come summer I'm going to be bringing the fight to them. I'll start small at first, but I figure if I can hit some small recruiting hotspots or low ranking members, it might scare those who are on the fence away."

"Harry that is incredibly dangerous. What if you were to get caught or ambushed? Or what if one of the people you target is able to overpower you?"

"I've thought of all of that Sirius, but it's the only way. Besides with your help I can avoid those situations. I was thinking we setup a holding house. And you could create portkeys that lead to it that I can activate. I'll do a snatch and grab style. When they arrive you can stun or incapacitate them how you see fit. We interrogate them for anything useful they might know, and then I'll dispose of them."

I could see Sirius's resistance wavering. "Well you're right that that would be the less dangerous way, but I'm not sure I like the sound of dispose. What exactly do you plan on doing to them after we're done Harry?"

This was the hard part. "Well I'm not going to release them back into society so they can hurt more people. If they were merely a financial supporter I'm going to give them the chance to forfeit all of their monetary assets to a charity I plan on creating. Then I will break their wand and we'll obliviate them so they forget what happened. That takes their usefulness away. The others though…I'm going to kill them Sirius."

"Harry I can't let you just kill people. James and Lily would never forgive me if I let their son become a killer!"

"I've already killed a man before Sirius! My first year at Hogwarts I burned a professor who was possessed by Voldemort until he turned to ash. These people I would be killing. They deserve worse than that, but I don't want to go down the road of torture. That would make me too much like them."

He paused at my revelation. "Harry I didn't know about that. I'm sorry you had to deal with that so young. I just…this is something much different. You will be intentionally taking lives. It's something you can never come back from. Is that how you want Alexa to see you or Daphne?"

"I want them to see me alive Sirius! And this is the only way I can guarantee that will happen. If I kill them before they can get to me or my family. I'm going to do this, you can either choose to help me or not. But if you try and stop me then I don't know if I'll be able to forgive you."

I felt tears from the anger I was feeling stinging at the corner of my eyes and wiped furiously at them. Before I could react Sirius had sat next to me and pulled me into a hug.

"I'm sorry it has to be like this for you Harry. It isn't fair that is something you even have to consider. I am going to be here to help you, but I want you to promise me you will really give this thought. Decide if this is the path you really want to take because it may not be torture, but it is murder and it will damage you in ways that are hard to repair."

I nodded into Sirius shoulder not trusting my own voice for the moment. We stayed like that a little while longer until I regained my composure and was able to talk again.

"We need to go to Gringotts today Sirius."

"I can't go out in public though. And the goblins will make me take off any disguise I am wearing once we cross the threshold of Gringotts."

"Leave that to me Sirius. I can handle the negotiations with the goblins. Before we go though, Kreacher!"

A pop and the old house elf stood before us. "How can Kreacher be serving young master?"

"Kreacher I need you to prepare my room for my daughter. She's only an infant so I'll need a crib and for things to be made safe. Can you do that for me?"

Kreacher's eyes bugged a little but he nodded furiously. "Kreacher will be making sure young master's room is perfect and all set. How soon is young master needing it done?"

"By tonight if possible Kreacher otherwise definitely just the crib."

"Kreacher will be having it done do not worry young master." And then the elf pooped away.

"Alright let's get going Sirius. I have no idea how long this meeting will take and we're going because of a hunch I have."

"Okay give me a second to disguise myself then. Want to fill me in on this hunch then?"

"If I'm right I'll tell you by the end of our trip otherwise no I'm going to hold onto this secret for a little while longer. But if I'm right I'll be needing your help in locating some things most likely."

"Keeping secrets from your own godfather now? I'm not sure I like that."

I ignored him and instead chose to toss the floo powder into the now lit fireplace. I called out the destination and stepped in. I stumbled but managed to not fall on my face as I came out of the fire this time. Sirius followed shortly behind me in his disguise. He had used a charm to dye his hair and change his eye color, but other than that there wasn't much difference. It should pass though and get us to the bank.

We went out the back of the Leaky Cauldron and into the nearly empty alley. The walk to Gringotts was a short one since there was no throng of people. I had kept my hood up to avoid being recognized.

When we approached the doors the guards lowered their weapons forbidding us to pass.

"Lower your hood and you remove your charms. Otherwise you may not enter."

I did as I was told but stopped Sirius. "I am Harry Potter and this man with me is my godfather. I would like to meet with Iron Tooth if he will see me."

The guards eyed me critically, but one yelled out in gobbledygook through the arches of the bank. From inside I heard another similar yell and then nothing. I braced myself hoping this worked and that I wouldn't be forced to fight off the imposing looking goblin guards.

My thoughts were cut off though as I saw a goblin appear at the door. "Mr. Potter, Iron Tooth has agreed to see you and your godfather and has permitted him to keep his glamours on. Please follow me."

The guards rose their weapons and I hurried through the door with Sirius right behind me.

"Good work there kiddo, although I don't know what you were planning if this didn't work."

"Yeah I didn't really have back up so let's just be thankful that it worked out."

We reached Iron Tooth's door and the goblin escort left us. I knocked and waited for the enter to be called out from the other side before going through.

"Honorable Iron Tooth, it is a pleasure to see you and I thank you for taking this time to meet with me and my godfather."

"It is a pleasure Lord Potter, although I have to say a most unexpected meeting. Lord Black you may drop your glamours in my office. Gringotts does not follow ministry law and therefor you are not a wanted man inside these walls."

Sirius nodded and did as he was instructed but remained silent.

"The reason I'm here today is to ask for some assistance Iron Tooth. You see I discovered another one of those items that we both dislike." I watched as the goblin's eyes shone with recognition. "Yes and I was able to destroy it, but recently I noticed something. These items were all possessions of the founders. I was wondering if perhaps you kept records of the still existing items from that era."

Iron Tooth smiled menacingly at me. "Indeed we do Lord Potter. In fact did you know that the items of which you speak are goblin made? So if what you are saying and suggesting is true then a crime has been committed not only against humanity but the goblin nation as well. Desecrating our sacred creations is an offense punishable by death. Just a moment while I use this tome to compile a list."

I watched as he slid his finger through the large book that lay open on his desk and spoke softly in gobbledygook at it. It glowed briefly before stopping and I could see writing on one page. It looked like a very short list.

"I take it the item you spoke of finding was the diadem since it is no longer present on this list?" He looked at me and I nodded for confirmation. "Such a shame that something so valuable could be corrupted by the ego of one man. Well it appears that the only remaining now are the sword of Godric Gryffindor, the ring of Salazar Slytherin, and the cup of Helga Hufflepuff."

"I've personally held the sword before so I know it is not one of the items we seek. As for the other two they very well could be."

Sirius finally spoke. "What is going on here? Why are you looking for the founders heirlooms Harry?"

Iron Tooth chose to explain for me though. "Lord Potter came to us early last summer at our request. We here at Gringotts had noticed an odd presence around him that would set off our alarms. Tell me Lord Black do you know what a horcrux is?"

The pained look on Sirius's face told us all we needed to know. "Yes well it came to our attention that Lord Potter was in fact a horcrux himself, albeit an incomplete one. There was a piece of the soul from the one who calls himself the dark lord stuck inside of him. We aided with the removal process, but then later discovered he had created more than just one. And it appears that in order to do so he placed them inside the heirlooms of the founders."

Sirius was now looking at me in shock. "Harry that's horrible. You were living with him inside of you this whole time? How did you remove it? I don't know much and I've only heard of them in passing, but I thought they were a more permanent bonding."

"Let's just forget that Sirius it doesn't matter how I did it, but that I did do it. And I'm better for it. But now we have to focus on destroying all of them before we can even think about taking him down. This is why I need your help. I need you to help me track these down and get my any traps he may have left to protect them."

Iron Tooth interrupted me at that point. "I believe I may be of some assistance with this as well. Normally the register I have would not show the location of the objects, but instead show that they are currently still undamaged. However when one of those items is stored in a Gringotts vault that doe show up. And it just so happens that the cup of Helga Hufflepuff is here in the bank."

I was shocked. "Wait really? How did he manage to get a horcrux into the bank?"

Iron Tooth looked displeased. "The vault it is in currently belongs to one Miss Bellatrix Lestrange. It is more than likely she bribed whichever goblin escorted her down to make no mention of what she was depositing. If we had known we would have laid claim to it as a piece of goblin history."

Sirius was blinking as he tried to process everything happening. "You're telling me that my psycho cousin is storing a piece of Voldemort's soul in her vault? I knew she was obsessed, but that is creepy even for her."

"Iron Tooth would it be possible for you to have a replica created? Of the cup I mean. I want to destroy it and can do it now if you bring it here, but we will need to leave one in its place in case someone goes to check on it before we have destroyed the rest."

The goblin looked thoughtful. "What you're asking is indeed possible, and makes sense. It would have none of the enchantments or powers of the cup, but it could look exactly the same and be replaced within a few days. I will place the order for it discreetly myself so none shall know. In the meantime I will send Griphook to fetch the cup and bring it to us now."

I nodded and grabbed my bag. Inside I had kept a basilisk fang as a just in case thing. I hadn't intended to need it so soon but I was thankful nonetheless. In a few minutes I would be one step closer to ending this. And now I knew the possible identity of another horcrux, and I would just have to track it down.

Fifteen minutes passed before a knock was heard on Iron Tooth's door. He called out for Griphook to enter. The goblin who had first escorted me to my vault entered holding a large crate.

"Honorable Iron Tooth, this is the item you requested. It had to be placed in this container so that we could move it though. It burned at the touch."

"Thank you Griphook. You are dismissed now." The goblin did not delay in turning and leaving the office. "Well Lord Potter please do what must be done. "

I got up from my seat with the fang firmly grasped in my hand. Sirius's eyes followed me as I walked over to the crate and pulled the top off. I felt the presence in my mind immediately, but it was weaker than the others. This one wasn't nearly as persuasive and so I blocked the voices and plunged the fang into the side of the cup. Black smoke billowed from it and a piercing scream filled the room. There was no incredible magical backlash like from the diadem though and I was grateful for that.

"I stood up leaving the fang embedded in the now mangled scrap of metal. "Well that was much simpler than previous ones. Perhaps this was one of the last one's he made. It didn't feel like there was nearly as much of a presence in this one as the others either."

Iron Tooth agreed with me. "It is a possibility. After all we are not sure of the exact number he has made. This makes five that you have destroyed so far and we know a possible sixth. "

Sirius interrupted again. "I'm sorry if I sound ungrateful, but why are you helping Harry and referring to this as an us and we effort? I thought goblins didn't get involved in wizard affairs?"

Iron Tooth smirked and showed his razor fangs. "Normally you would be correct Lord Black, however this became more than a wizards affair when Lord Voldemort decided to desecrate sacred goblin heirlooms. Lord Potter now temporarily has the backing of the goblin nation in that we will aid in the minor ways we can to help destroy these heirlooms. No more and no less will be done or given by us though. No goblin will die because of the matters of wizards."

Sirius nodded at the explanation. "Thank you for your assistance Iron Tooth. You have been a great help today. See to it that you take reward for your efforts from my vault. I think that concludes everything here today though. I have to return home to see my daughter after all." I smirked at the goblin who grinned back at me.

"Ah yes, congratulations on the birth of your daughter Lord Potter. Tell Miss Greengrass I said so as well. Lord Black you may apparated yourself and Lord Potter out of the bank so as to avoid any incidents. I am affording you this courtesy because we are temporarily allies."

Sirius thanked Iron Tooth and I exchanged farewells with the goblin leader one more time before Sirius grabbed my arm and apparated us back to Grimmauld place.

When we arrived I spared a glance at the clock and noticed it was well past seven already. The meeting had taken a lot longer than I thought, but had also produced unexpected results. I went upstairs and told Sirius I was going to shower and change. I was stopped though when I entered my room and found Daphne waiting there for me already.

"Daphne you're back already? How long have you been here? "

As I got closer I noticed her eyes were puffy, as if she'd been crying. My eyes immediately narrowed.

"I told my father Harry. He pulled me aside today and tried to convince me to just leave Alexa with you and that it wasn't my problem anymore. Can you believe that? He called our daughter a problem. Like she wasn't even a human. So I told him no, and that I loved you and I loved her. He got angry and said a lot of things. I didn't stick around long and just brought Alexa back here. Your elf Kreacher kept us company though."

I was furious. I had to reign in my rage for now though. "I'm so sorry Daphne. He'll come around and regret what he said I promise you that. For now though let me run a bath for us and I'll give you a massage to help you relax. I'll get Sirius to watch Alexa for us."

Twenty minutes later and we had slipped into the tub of warm and bubbly water. Neither of us spoke but I let my hands run up and down Daphne's back as I massaged her like promised. Tonight I was going to be the loving caring father and boyfriend. Tomorrow though I was going to Potter Manor and having a long overdue conversation with Lord Greengrass.