She was at dinner the next day when she finally received the message she had been waiting for.

I'm free! Can't wait to eat anywhere but in my hospital bed.

"What is it with that coin anyway?" Tracey asked. "It's always in your hand and now I catch you smiling at it. I know you love thinking about money but it's not normal behavior."

Daphne had to stop herself from blurting out the truth, realizing the coin was covered under the oath.

"Harry gave it to me," she answered vaguely.

So far so good...definitely not a lie, yet. She quickly provided the fictional backstory she had come up with.

"When he wanted to meet me the first time I asked him what was in it for me. He gave me the galleon as a joke. He said it was a bribe and that there was more where that came from if I gave him a chance. I guess it just reminds me of him."

That was most definitely a lie but it seemed to do the trick as Tracey's expression turned dreamy and she sighed. "I seriously need to get a boyfriend."

Daphne smiled to herself, looking forward to seeing Harry walking through the doors in a few minutes. They wouldn't be able to meet that night but it would be good to see him on his feet again.

"Miss Greengrass," she suddenly heard her head of house sneer behind her. "The headmaster has requested a meeting as soon as you are finished with dinner."

Dumbledore had the worst timing. "Of course," she replied calmly. "I'll be just a few minutes if that is all right?"

With a nod Snape swooped back to the front table.

"What was that about?" Tracey asked.

"Dumbledore being nosy. Turns out when you date Harry Potter you become very interesting to the headmaster. It's fine," she said reassuringly.

"You sound as if you were expecting this to happen," Tracey continued.

"I was," Daphne confirmed. "I got a bit of a taste of it when Harry and I were leaving with my parents. Harry warned me it wouldn't be the last time."

"Tell me you didn't go all 'businessy' on him," Tracey pleaded. It was the term Tracey used when Daphne discussed the training she had received from her parents.

"I definitely went full on businessy and it was brilliant," she said, smiling at the memory.

"You're actually looking forward to this aren't you?" Tracey asked, clearly mortified.

"Just a little," Daphne lied. She was really looking forward to it.

"Absolutely mental," Tracey muttered, shaking her head.

As she prepared to get up she subtly tapped her coin and sent Harry a message.

I've been summoned to the headmaster's office. Wish me luck!

Within minutes they were in front of a massive gargoyle statue. She listened as Snape uttered the password (the name of some muggle candy) and rolled her eyes. It was clear he used silly passwords to take people off guard...to make himself seem harmless. Despite herself she was impressed. The little things sometimes made all the difference. Luckily for Daphne her father had told her all of Dumbledore's tricks.

As she began the trek up the steps she felt the coin in her hand warm and glanced down at the message.

I actually feel sorry for Dumbledore. Go easy on him.

She smiled briefly before gathering herself and entering the office.

"Just a moment, just a moment," Dumbledore said kindly as he finished up writing something.

While she waited she realized Dumbledore's phoenix was there and he (she? it?) was staring at her. They seemed to be appraising her.

After a few seconds the bird gave her a pleasant chirp and she could feel that she had received the bird's approval. Magic really was brilliant.

"My apologies for interrupting your dinner Miss Greengrass," he began pleasantly. "I will try not to keep you long as I believe you have a small inter-house study group that meets on Mondays?"

Okay that was impressive. She wondered how he knew such a thing until remembering the portraits hanging throughout the library.

"It's not a problem sir. Have I done something wrong?" she asked naively. "Is this about Mr. McLaggen?"

She heard Snape muffling a chuckle in her periphery.

"No, no," Dumbledore assured with a smile. "I believe Professor McGonagall's punishment for your...impassioned defense of Harry was sufficient. I trust it won't happen again?"

"Yes sir," she lied. She would do it again in a heartbeat if necessary.

"I'd actually like to discuss the project you've chosen for your seventh year thesis," he stated seriously.

The silence dragged on as the headmaster waited for her to volunteer an explanation. She remained silent, avoiding making eye contact as much as possible. She did not think he would try using passive Legilimency but it never hurt to be cautious. While she waited for the headmaster to continue she chanced a glance at the phoenix. She couldn't be sure but Fawkes seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

Finally Dumbledore broke the self imposed silence. "I'd like to suggest you choose a more appropriate topic for your project," he said calmly, handing her a parchment listing several similar but much more general topics.

She pretended to read through and consider the listing before replying. "While these look interesting I think I'll stick with my original idea," she answered simply.

"Many people have chosen something similar in the past and unfortunately have not found enough information to continue," he said in his most sorrowful tone. "I'd hate to see you waste valuable time that could be used toward something more productive."

"I understand," she replied. "Your concern is appreciated."

It was clear that Dumbledore was expecting her to continue explaining as they sat in silence once again. The phoenix was full on smiling now...she was sure of it.

"You'd be willing to risk such a setback toward the start of your Mastery? Are you sure that's wise?" She had to hand it to him...he genuinely sounded concerned for her future. She was going to enjoy this bit.

"Oh I have no interest in pursuing a Charms Mastery, sir. I'm doing this mostly for Harry's sake."

Daphne thought she detected a twitch of surprise on the headmaster's face before he composed himself. Quickly she saw a small smile of triumph.

"I'm afraid that isn't very fair to Professor Flitwick," he stated with a tone of disapproval. "I'm sure you understand how valuable all of our faculty's time is. Surely you would agree it isn't fair to ask for Professor Flitwick's time and attention if you have no interest in furthering your studies in Charms after Hogwarts?"

"I couldn't agree more, sir," she said trying to look as serious as possible. "That's why I was totally upfront with my motivations with Professor Flitwick. He was more than happy to help. It was quite refreshing."

'Do not smile, Daphne,' she reminded herself. She swore she could feel the phoenix laughing now.

This time she wouldn't let the silence grow...she felt like turning the knife just a bit.

"He feels very much like me. It's disgraceful how little Harry knows about his family or the nature of his mother's sacrifice. I'm sure you would agree Harry deserves to know everything he can."

Daphne could think of only one more argument he could make at this point. He didn't disappoint.

"Of course, of course," he replied reassuringly, "but I'm afraid delving into such information could put Harry's life in jeopardy. The more that is known publicly about the protection his mother provided the more it could be exploited to be used against Harry. I know we both would agree Harry's safety should take priority."

"Absolutely," she replied immediately. "That's why I swore a blood oath not to reveal anything I learn to anyone before I make my presentation at the end of next year and only then if Harry gives his consent."

It was subtle but she could tell the headmaster did not look pleased.

"Are you sure that is wise?" He looked very concerned. "Blood oaths are something not to be taken lightly and carry great risk. Are your parents aware?"

"Yes sir," she answered immediately. "They've offered their full support as well. I would have never made such an agreement without them being aware."

Dumbledore look stunned to silence. Time for the capper.

"Harry and I can't even disclose any of my findings with you until June of next year. It's all for Harry's safety as you rightly put it."

The silence was back and growing as she could tell she had won this round. Eventually she looked at her watch and spoke. "Is there anything else headmaster? I'm afraid I'm going to be late for my study group."

As she went to stand up Dumbledore finally spoke. "There is one other thing Miss Greengrass. It will just take a moment." He was smiling pleasantly again. That wasn't a good sign.

"Professor Snape has informed me that your father's business has recently begun selling basilisk venom as well as other related items," he began, the grandfatherly tone well and truly back.

She had to give him credit...she hadn't expected that. He was good. She told herself to stay calm and wait for the headmaster to continue.

"As I'm sure you are aware such a thing is extremely rare. I believe it has never been available in my lifetime which is quite a long time," he chuckled good naturedly.

He paused again, waiting for her explanation. She crossed her legs and remained silent.

"I was hoping you could share where your father procured such a magnificent find," he finally asked.

She knew Dumbledore had pieced it together...that she and Harry had managed to get the basilisk out of Hogwarts and to her father. She also realized he had no proof and would never admit there was a basilisk in Hogwarts to her, therefore she could pretend to be blissfully ignorant.

"My father was quite excited when the opportunity to procure such a thing fell into his lap but you would have to ask him where it came from. I would never reveal the source even if I knew. If you are interested in making a purchase I'd be happy to put you in contact."

She made a point of looking at her watch once again. "If there is nothing else I really need to get going."

At the headmaster's reluctant nod she quickly stood up to leave. As she headed for the stairs she heard the phoenix give a happy chirp goodbye and she waved. She wasn't sure if she was considered tear-worthy yet but she had made a solid start.

Daphne was very proud of herself. With the exception of her promise not to harm McLaggen again she hadn't lied once. Technically she had entered into a blood oath...the fact that it had nothing to do with her project findings was beside the point. Okay, maybe she had lied a little bit more than once.

She looked forward to sharing the discussion with Harry and quickly pulled out her coin, tapping a message.

It's over. That was kind of fun.

As she pushed the Library doors opened her coin warmed with Harry's reply.

Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.