The return to Hogwarts was rather anticlimactic really. Overall Harry was pretty disappointed that Dumbledore bought their story, and a few well timed tears on Hermione's part had the Headmaster agreeing to Snape's 'reluctant' suggestion of quarters for them in the dungeons. Of course, a pale Harry clinging to the snarky man's hand seemed to shake the Headmaster a bit.

Draco seemed quietly dazed the entire time. When questioned about the boy, Snape reported that Draco had tried to free Harry and Hermione and had wound up imprisoned as well.

The Gryffindors freely embellished their time in the Dark Lord's dungeons. They told of interminable lengths of absolute darkness followed by periods of blinding light. The intervals varied and they had had no idea of how long they were held until Dumbledore told them. They told of the constant noise – metal banging, screaming, and other sounds so that they could not sleep. Then it would go quiet until one of them started to doze which would trigger the deafening sounds again.

Snape reported he had only managed to rescue them by waiting for the Dark Lord and a majority of the Death Eaters to attend a meeting with the Vampire Council in Paris. However the move had exposed him as a supporter of the Light and he would no longer be able to spy for them.

Harry was gratified to see the old man lose his twinkle at least. It had taken the obvious trauma of the Wizarding World's Savior and the loss of his most prized spy, but it had happened. They were excused from attending the feast that night and classes for the week, though Dumbledore did encourage them to eat as many of their meals in the Great Hall as possible – to 're-socialize', as he called it..

After being examined by Madam Pomfrey, whom they left looking puzzled, they headed for the dungeons to see their new quarters.

The House Elves had been given free reign on the new rooms and, by the look of the result, the perceptive little creatures had enjoyed themselves while keeping the student's recent ordeal in mind. The rooms were practically identical, although extremely cozy looking with only the color schemes identifying them. Dracos was unsurprisingly done in shades of green while Hermione's was an interesting fluorescent pink and white. Harry's room however, made even Snape raise a questioning eyebrow – it was done completely in black – from the walls, to the bed linens, to the wood of the bed and dresser.

Harry just shrugged and smiled.

Their rooms had no access from the halls, the only way in was through Severus' sitting room, which had been expanded considerably. The larger room now allowed them all a bit of privacy while still being in proximity to their 'rescuer', or they could congregate on the cushy sofas by the fire.

They decided to forego the feast as Dumbledore suggested; they didn't want to appear too energetic after all.

While Draco and Hermione curled up on the sofa, Snape led Harry to his own predominately gray bedroom which contained the only floo connection in the school besides the Headmasters.

"Wear this at all times," the Potion Master said, handing the Gryffindor a simple silver ring, "it will heat up sharply if you need to return here. Don't procrastinate if I signal you."

"Yes Sir," Harry said with a smile, "Thank you, Sir."

The pale man actually smiled back.

"You do remember the passwords, don't you?" At Harry's nod, Snape handed him the floo powder. "Please refrain from falling out of the fireplace and breaking things with that rock-like appendage you call a head."

With a chuckle and a flash of flames Harry was gone.

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Stumbling out of the floo, as was his habit, Harry was happy to find himself caught by Tom. The taller Wizard steadied him before stepping back and examining the Gryffindor closely.

Harry grinned, "I'm all right Tom."

"Just making sure, Love."

Turning, Tom took his hand and led him from the Travel Room.

"Where's Lucius," Harry asked.

"Waiting for us in our well heated chambers so that you may tell us all about your triumphant return to Hogwarts – naked."

The teen quirked an eyebrow in a very Malfoy-ish manner.

"Naked? Why naked?"

"Because I feel the need for us to lounge about completely starkers."

Harry laughed as they entered the lavishly appointed rooms, only to choke when he saw he truth of Tom's words. Lucius lay on his stomach, his head toward the foot of the bed supported with one hand while the other held a strawberry; his feet were twined together in the air and – he was completely naked.

Tom gave him an annoyed look, "What? Did you think I was kidding? Strip!"

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The next morning, Harry ran pell-mell through Snape Castle half dressed. He practically threw himself into the floo, which meant that upon arriving at Hogwarts; the floo threw him back out, launching the teen into a rather solid coffee table.

Severus appeared at this side instantly, pulling him to his feet and dusting him off.

"Are you all right Harry?" Draco asked. The note of worry in the blonde's voice made Harry smile lopsidedly.

"Yes Draco, thank you. I'm sorry I'm late Severus."

"While I have no idea what Tom and Lucius see in you boy, I'm sure it was they who held you up. Go get cleaned up – we're already late for breakfast and if we're going to cause a stir, we'd best do it properly."

"Yes Sir."

"Draco, Hermione, casual clothes if you will. There is no need for robes if you are not attending class."

Fifteen minutes later Harry pulled himself out of the tub and finally allowed himself to inspect the gift wrapped box on the bathroom counter. The card contained only his name in an elegant script. Hesitantly he removed the ribbon and lid and stared at the tissue paper that hid whatever was inside.

He didn't know why he was being this way. He had never taken any gift he'd received for granted, but for some reason this felt different, more...real maybe. He wasn't sure really.

Finally he pulled the tissue apart and found – clothing. Surprised and a bit bemused he began to dress. He'd never had clothes like these, having never even replaced the Dursley hand-me-downs. Tight black boxer briefs, followed by snug black denims and a form fitting black turtleneck were accented with black leather loafers and belt. There were even matching black socks in the box.

Looking in the mirror Harry was shocked at his appearance, he looked – good! Running his fingers through his damp hair he steeped out of the bathroom with a new feeling of confidence. He had no doubt that Lucius had done this for him, the quality of the clothes and their lack of tags told him that. The fact that the clothes fit him so well told him just how closely the blonde had been paying attention.

Once in the living room he was gratified to see Hermione and Snape's eyes widen while Draco's jaw dropped.

"Wow," Hermione exclaimed.

Draco's mouth snapped shut with an audible click before the blonde grinned and said, "It seems my Father's sense of style suits you Potter."

"Indeed," Snape murmured.

Harry found himself unable to stop blushing.

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The Gryffindor sixth years accepted their return with quick hugs for Hermione and a few pats on the back for Harry. All that was said was, "Glad to have you back mate."

And that was it.

The Gryffindors didn't poke, prod, question or stare and his year mates actually went so far as to form a protective barrier around the trio. And it was still a trio. Draco was adopted by the House of Lions after word of his 'attempt' to rescue Harry and Hermione had spread throughout the school.

They didn't even question the new housing arrangements. The nasty comments about Snape stopped virtually overnight and the snarky man was elevated to hero status, much to his chagrin.

The students seemed to believe that Harry's escape only reaffirmed that he would one day defeat the Dark Lord. The teen was shocked to discover that their capture and subsequent imprisonment and rescue had been widely publicized – accurately in fact. The Wizarding World was now aware of the danger they were in, they could no longer hide from the unpleasant truth.

The teachers, however, watched the three with concern. Snape informed them that the teachers were expecting them to break down, to lash out in some manner.

And so it went, with the students' unquestioning support and the teachers' silent vigil.