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Chapter Text

The few students of Hogwarts already done with their breakfast on their first day of the term were hugging the walls of the main hall as a lone Witch marched down the halls with a cool glare that could give a snow storm a run for its frigid money. The Witches icy blue eyes were set in a determined if not overzealous and threateningly frigid focus. Her 5’4 stature did nothing to beset her regal and some brave soul might have said pompous air about her if they knew for sure that their words wouldn’t reach the Ice-Queen of Slytherin. Silky blonde hair framed her face as it was held in place via a dark green hairband. Her black flats landed with an efficiently quiet fall as her legs carried her to her target, and the cause of for her current dour state.

            Daphne Greengrass was many things. Top of her class regarding most marks in her year. Daughter of one of the most talented Solicitors in the Ministry of Magic. Elder sister to a well-meaning if not living up to her true potential little sister Astoria. And, more than anything Daphne was a focused individual who had goals in life, and those that detracted from those goals were impediments to be removed from her path to success. And, as woe as she was to admit it, her mark for Transfiguration this term was now tied to a delinquent Gryffindor who thought a little too highly of themselves, and he knew that she would say this out loud. Thanks to Professor McGonagall’s rare lapse of judgement in Daphne’s mind; she was now partnered with Harry for the next three years as apparently Hogwarts Board of Regents determined that the new age approach of long term magical educational partnerships was set to ruin what Daphne had thought was a fairly meritocratic system at Hogwarts. A rising tide lifts all boats, or some other new age hogwash.

            Daphne didn’t see how it was fair. Daphne toiled everyday studying, preparing, and applying herself to her schoolwork receiving the highest marks besides that Know-It-All Granger. But at least Granger had gotten Longbottom as a partner (Daphne could admit that both Gryffindor’s were intelligent and studied unlike her partner). Daphne felt her scowl deepen as she ruminated on the absurdity and unfairness of it all. What in the bloody plotting were their Professor’s thinking? Was this supposed to be some form of inter-house olive branch? If so, now it was way too late to stop what had already become four years of inter-house rivalry for their year group.

            Daphne glared at two 7^th Year Hufflepuff Wizards taking up the middle of the hallway as they both shirked to the side, and Daphne continued her march. Daphne was close, she could sense his easy demeanor. Oh, how could she tell where he was at this exact moment? How could she say that he was in a pleasant mood just shooting the shite with his pals, and not worrying about the fact that he’d failed to complete his half of the homework that should have been done over the Summer? Daphne would admit only to herself that as a born Legilimens that for whatever reason that Morgana had a spiteful sense of humor this bloody Wizard was the person with whom she was naturally attuned to.

            Daphne had come to learn from her Father before starting Hogwarts that Legilimency ran strong in her Mums side of the family. To the point that their skills in the darker ages of magic meant that they were married off to wealthier and powerful Pureblood families as actors controlling segments of magical society from the shadows. Before she’d passed her Mum had described the dangers and opportunities that being a natural born Legilimens could provide, and that being attuned to another person was something that even Legilimens found only once in a century. So, Daphne hadn’t officially worried about any the attuning what at the time she found as nonsense. Why worry about such an astronomically small risk?

            Well, another lesson was learned. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the bloody best when the Wizard that she was attuned to… The person in this whole wide world she couldn’t force herself to quite the mental and emotional noise from… The bloody individual currently sitting at the Gryffindor table with that stupid head of messy crop of raven black hair, bright emerald green eyes, and that infamous lightning bolt scar.

            Daphne stood behind Harry Potter with her arms crossed and icy glare on full display. The students around him at the table quieted as Harry looked at them with a confused glance as they were just having a pleasant laugh catching up from over the summer. Harry’s green eyes held confusion for a moment more before he straightened up, closed his eyes, and sighed.

            Daphne spoke with a cold tone, “Potter, can I borrow you for a moment, please?”

            Harry didn’t bother turning around as he replied with a terse tone, “Is it an emergency? Or can it wait…”

            Daphne tapped her foot with an irritation growing in the pit of her stomach, “It cannot wait actually.”

            Daphne felt his rise of enjoyment at her irritation which only brought the kettle, which was her patience one notch higher to a boil.

            Daphne spoke in a lower and more direct tone, “Potter…”

            Harry opened his eyes and released a sigh as he turned to stand, and gave Hermione and Ron a look, ‘I’ll see you later.’. Ron simply glared at Daphne, and she ignored his presence completely. Hermione on the other handheld a small frown as she looked between the two, and Daphne ignored this interaction a little less. Daphne met Harrys gaze, and as icy blue met blazing emerald, she steeled her glance, not allowing herself to lose this battle of dominance.

            Daphne turned on her heel as she stalked away with Harry in tow, his hands in his pocket, and head thrown back in annoyance. Daphne led them to a secluded alcove a level up forms the Great Hall and pulled out her wand. For any other student they would have thrown their arms up in defeat, but Harry simply smirked.

            Harry, “Going to hex me already Greengrass?”

            Daphne didn’t take the bite; she wouldn’t let him goad her into an argument. Daphne casted a privacy charm around them stowing her wand after, “Potter I’m not here to argue.”

            Harry replied with a tilt of his head, “Then couldn’t you have just sent an owl? I distinctly remember you being the one last year that said that we should keep our interactions to a minimum outside of class. How did you say it… oh yeah, ‘I don’t want people to think that I spend time with your kind.’.”

            Daphne inwardly cringed on the inside, “That isn’t what I meant, and you know…”

            Harry cut her off, “I don’t know anything as you’ve already made it clear multiple times. And, before you ask, I actually did get the homework done over the summer, and even had Hermione check it to make that it’s correct, which it is!”

            Daphne shrank a bit, “But, I remember you thinking…”

            Harry now held a shite eating grin, “I knew you were using your Legilimens on me this summer!”

            Daphne scowled, “It wasn’t on purpose as I’ve already made it clear! Besides, you’re lying to yourself now?”

            Harry rolled his eyes, “Okay, it’s not lying. It’s just a deceitful thought technique that a friend taught me that doesn’t go as far as Occlumency, because you said that shutting you off abruptly can lead to horrible migraines for you.”

            Daphne shrank back a bit more now, “You remembered…”

            Harry rolled his eyes now slightly irritated himself, “Of course I remembered Greengrass. I’m not going to be the reason you’re even more of an unsufferable classmate.”

            Daphne scowled once more, “You troll!”

            Harry shrugged, “It takes one to know one.”

            Daphne shook her head as she stepped forward with a finger pointing to his chest, “You are so lucky that unlike you I don’t enjoy getting in trouble, and facing detention or I’d…”

            Harry looked down at her. Merlin he’d grown once more over the summer, and now held two inches above Daphne, “Continue to make an excuse of being mad at me, and driving your point home by touching my chest?”

            Daphne backed away in apparent disgust, or something mirroring it well, “You are such a prat!”

            Harry shrugged, “Well at least I’m in good company then.”

            Daphne was now abhorrently irritated, “Don’t speak to me unless we’re in class!”

            Harry now felt the air had shifted, and held the upper hand, “Gladly, but I’ll remind the crowd that you’re the one who came storming into the Great Hall and initiated this little spat.”

            Daphne glared, and her well-manicured fingers were balled into a fist, “They’re all right about you Potter, you’re nothing but a stuck-up glory hound.”

            Daphne watched as a glimmer of irritation passed over his features before he schooled them physically. But Daphne felt a sense of growing anger at her words, and she didn’t know why it excited her so much.

            Harry replied stepping forward with squared shoulders, “Watch it Greengrass, it’d be a shame for everyone to find out just exactly what you thought about me.”

            Daphne stepped forward not back down at the threat, “Tell anyone and I’ll let them know you’re deep, dark, little secret…”

            They were at a standstill, and neither would back down. Daphne held Harry’s gaze, and she was so angry that she nearly missed the flicker. It was only a hint of smoke in Harry’s mind’s eye, but she saw the ephemeral nature of it, and it’s why ever since their third year she couldn’t completely dislike or distrust Potter. As much as he bluffed the threat there was a sense of empathy that even he rarely acknowledged. For as much bluster and ribbing that Potter gave her… he felt a deep need to honor their pact.

            Daphne’s glare softened just the littlest of bits, and she stepped away. Harry backed down as well as he released a breath, and the two just stayed still for a few more moments before Harry closed his eyes and steadied himself with a calmer tone before opening his eyes and speaking, “I’ll send Hedwig tonight to drop off my part of the assignment, does 7PM work?”

            Daphne crossed her arms as she nodded, “That works.”

            Harry gave her a curt nod as he spoke with an irritated tone, “Are we done then?”

            Daphne replied with a small nod as Harry brushed past her. His shoulder making contact with hers just for the barest of moments.

            Anger.

            Displeasure.

            Thrill.

            Daphne’s breath caught, and she spun to watch Harry’s downcast shoulders, and as he thrust his hands in his pockets retreating down the hallway. Whose emotions were those? Why were they so palpable? What of it? Daphne threw her head back in a huff as she then let her gaze fall to the ground.

            ‘Why in Merlin’s name did it have to be Potter of all people?’

            Later in the Slytherin Common Room

            Daphne sat on the end of a couch before a fireplace as Tracey and Blaise recounted their beach trip during the Summer. Daphne was just finishing up her review for their first day of potions as Tracey’s bright laugh broke her concentration, “Tracey can you please keep it down?”

            Tracey’s brown eyes met Daphne’s cool blue gaze as her best friend replied, “Daphne there’s an entire library to study in, and besides you’ve reread that page on the conversion of grey sapphire feathers so why don’t you join our conversation instead of brooding over Potter?”

            Blaise simply laughed with a snarky countenance, “Merlin Tracey, ouch…”

            Tracey rolled her eyes as Daphne slammed her book shut, “Maybe I will then!”

            Tracey now released a dramatic groan, “Oh come off its Daphne, we know that Potter and you had a row after breakfast today. It’s impossible not to know as Malfoy’s been telling the whole house that you froze Potter’s…”

            Daphne glared, “That platinum blonde Weasel can worry about himself, and besides Potter and I had a few choice words at best.”

            Both Blaise and Tracey had a deadpanned expression as Daphne felt both of their prying and knowing eyes, “Okay… it was a bit more than choice words…”

            Silence…

            Daphne threw her arms up, “Okay find we had a row! But he’s just so insufferably smarmy!”

            Tracey nodded as she put an arm around Daphne, “Oh so smarmy.”

            Daphne nodded as she furrowed her brow, “And, so bloody cocky…”

            Blaise came forward as he put his head on Daphne’s knee, “Oh so cocky…”

            Tracey filled in, “And, so much of a rule breaker it’s almost hot…”

            Daphne nodded absentmindedly as she replied, “So bloody h…”

            Daphne stiffened as the word almost left her pale pink lips, before glaring at her friends and shaking them off, “You two are the worst.”

            They laughed, and Daphne fought the smile from breaking out on her face as Tracey spoke, “Yes, but then that makes the three of us the absolute worst so…”

            Blaise now replied with a normal tone, “You could ask Professor McGonagall for a transfer if he’s that bad of a partner?”

            Daphne sank into the couch, “Blaise don’t you think I would have tried that if I thought it might even have a chance of working? Potters to McGonagall as Malfoy is to Snape. I’d have a better chance of beating Potter in a duel.”

            Tracey replied with a small laugh, “So even you can admit that Potter’s a fine duelist?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “I detest the Wizard, but I can admit his strong points.”

            Blaise nodded, “Like those green eyes you could get lost in…”

            Daphne faux gagged, “Blaise you find Potter attractive?”

            Blaise’s dark glance glittered to Daphne, “I can still appreciate the lion’s outer fur without loving the animal that’s underneath Daphne.”

            Daphne shuddered, “That was one of the most unpleasant things I’ve heard all day Blaise.”

            Blaise laughed sharply, “Maybe if you weren’t such a prude…”

            Tracey spoke now interjecting, “Anyways… my Mum said that Potter was attacked by Death Eater’s at the Quidditch World Cup, and just barely got away.”

            Blaise’s smile faltered as he replied, “Are you serious? Why wasn’t it in the paper?”

            Tracey sat forward with a hushed voice, “I’m 100% serious, and the Ministry didn’t want to cause an outrage or panic… apparently there’s been an uptick of former Death Eater’s in Britain.”

            Daphne remained quiet before replying, “What else does your Mum know?”

            Tracey now had a serious expression, “Well… one of the Auror’s that she does physical therapy for told her that apparently Potter took down three of the Death Eater’s themselves, and one was Goyle’s Pa…”

            Blaise replied with an appreciative nod, “Say what you want about Potter being full of himself or annoying… But, Tranden said last year in the duel club that Potter took on three of the 7^th years in a closed-door duel and wiped the floor with them.”

            Tracey nodded, “I believe it… seems like after 2^nd year he’s been on a completely different level when it comes to DADA.”

            The two continued to talk about the event, and it was only much later when Daphne was lying in bed after having begrudgingly reviewed Potter’s homework and realized that it was indeed correct did, she let her thoughts drift back to the Gryffindor. It did feel like there was a divide between Potter and his fellow students that went beyond just the normal day to day shenanigans that Weasley, Granger, and him got up to. But it was none of Daphne’s business as far as she was concerned. Daphne had three more years left at Hogwarts, and she wasn’t going to spend her precious time worried about Potter.

            Daphne took deep breaths as she allowed herself to fall into a deep sleep.

            In Daphne’s dreamscape.

            There Daphne was alone in the forest. Her pale bare feet carried her through to the meadow. The willow and pine trees interspersed at the flora and fauna bloomed around her. The deeper into the forest she went the cooler the ambient air felt, but the liveliness of the forest remained. Upon reaching the lake’s edge she found herself admiring the soft roll of the waves onto the sandy shore.

            Daphne would finally have time to collect her thoughts, but there he was again. Most would miss him sitting alone so close to the shore. A leg drawn up to his chest as his back was resting against a large bolder. His jeans were rolled up to his calves in a lazy manner, and the bare skin of his legs soaked up the sun’s rays. Clad in a crimson jumper he stared contentedly at the oscillating water. Daphne made her way to him wearing a dark green jumper, and black leggings.

            If he was aware of her presence, he didn’t show it as she came to sit beside him letting her legs splay out in front of her as she pressed her back to the boulder leaving an arm’s length between them as she took in the lake’s view before her. Long reeds were growing on the other edge, and the sun was shown overhead with its warm beams emanating over the serene area.

            Harry spoke with a calm tone, “You should be resting.”

            Daphne turned her head towards him with a blonde eyebrow raised, and a small smirk missing its usual edge, “That’s comical coming from you, don’t you know?”

            Harry shrugged with a small chuckle, “Fair enough, I just can’t get there yet.”

            Daphne nodded, “You never really can, huh?”

            Harry replied with a darker chuckle, “I think that boat sailed when Voldemort marked me for death. Stay ready, and all…”

            Daphne’s smile faltered, “It must be tiring.”

            Harry nodded, “It is, but at least I have this now. Though, I’m sorry again for intruding.”

            Daphne shook her head as she looked out upon the lake, “It’s fine honestly. I know you can’t help it as much as I can’t either. At least we’re not at each other’s throats.”

            Harry nodded, “Would be a spectacle here though.”

            Daphne now laughed, “Oh Machiavelli levels of blood if we’re being honest.”

            Harry now laughed beside her, and Daphne savored the sound, “You do need to get some rest Potter.”

            Harry sighed, “But, here? I can finally be at peace. I don’t have to be on edge… if I go to the other place, I’m…”

            Daphne now looked at him, “You’re safe at Hogwarts Potter.”

            Harry’s gaze fell to his lap, “Am I really though?”

            Daphne waited a moment as she studied his worried features. Potter in the real world always appeared so defiant, and even when he was frustrated, he had an air of consistent bravery. But, right now he was as vulnerable as Daphne knew in the little that she knew about him.

            Daphne, “If anything happens, I’ll know, and I’ll get the Professor’s immediately.”

            Harry now looked at Daphne with a melancholic smile, “I know you would… I wish it was different, out there I mean.”

            Daphne swallowed as she looked away, “I know what you mean, but… this?” She pointed between them, “It’s our subconscious… if we’re lucky we’ll remember bits and pieces, but…”

            Harry nodded, “It’s just a part of us, and if we don’t work through our stuff out there it’s little more than a pipedream?”

            Daphne let her shoulders fall, “Exactly.”

            Harry nodded with a sigh, “Shame… you’re actually quite pleasant when you’re not threatening to freeze my arse off.”

            Daphne smirked as she looked at Harry with a sad smile.

Chapter Text

Daphne couldn’t tell you which was more peculiar. The fact that Harry Potter was studying so diligently in the library and willingly on a Saturday morning with her, or the fact that he hadn’t uttered a sarcastic, snarky, or sardonic quip in her direction since they’d met that morning outside of the Great Hall. Daphne could rationalize that with the intrusion of two other Wizarding Schools onto the grounds of Hogwarts without so much as a warning from any of the staff, or the fact that the Tri-Wizard Tournament was taking place this year after a century’s hiatus that the status-quo of their existence as students was thrown out of retrograde. But Potter being a silent study partner oddly enough was the strangest part of the whole ordeal.

            Harry tapped his quill on his paper as his green eyes scanned the pages of their Transfiguration textbook, and Daphne released yet another sigh as her disdain for the annoying sound was evident if Potter would have just perked his ear up to his study partner’s displeasure. But, no he was in his own world and if you weren’t his textbook at the moment, you’d be second fiddle apparently.

            Daphne lifted her gaze as she gave Harry a look, “Potter if you don’t stop that incessant tapping I will…”

            Harry replied not looking away from the pages before him, “Freeze my arse off, I know.”

            Daphne furrowed her brow, “You didn’t know I was going to say that.”

            Harry nodded with faux agreement, “Of course I didn’t, just as I didn’t know that you’re trying so hard not to ready my mind.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “First, why would I want to read something so drawl? Second, I don’t read minds, I…”

            Harry again cut her off as he rattled off what sounded like a rehearsed answer of a bored teen, “Connect to the synapses of the other person, and sus out the meaning within the cavalcade of neuronic discharges that are multitudinous and difficult to decipher even for the most accomplish of Legilimens.”

            Daphne pursed her lips as she looked away momentarily, “You don’t have to be a smart arse about it.”

            Harry now broke his attention away from his textbook, “Greengrass, did you just compliment my intelligence?”

            Daphne rolled her blue eyes as she replied haughtily, “Only you could find a compliment in being called an arse.”

            Harry shrugged, “What can I say? Gryffindor’s are optimistic by nature.”

            Daphne changed the subject as she could only take so much of Potter’s cheeky charm, “So what did you get for question three?”

            Harry pushed over his rough draft, and Daphne read through it. All in all, it held the fundamentals, and would be a passing grade on its own. But Daphne brought her quill over and began crossing out portions, and or writing notes in the margins. Harry took this down time on his part to look over Greengrass’s form. The summer had been kind to the Witch, though Harry would never admit it to her. Greengrass’s usually pale skin appeared just a smidge kissed by the long summer days. Her platinum blonde hair fell just past her shoulders, and she was wearing a black head band today keeping it in place. Her trim shoulders were more visible as she only sported her white button down, and pleated skirt with a green trim to signify her House. Harry didn’t know why even on the weekend she chose to remain in her school attire, but it was none of his business.

            Harry had to admit that Greengrass was an attractive Witch. With high cheek bones, a straight and narrow nose, and pale pink lips Harry could appreciate that she had a remarkably beautiful face. But Greengrass’s icy blue eyes were both the draw for many to the Witch, and also her greatest asset in fending off both friendly and romantically inclined Witches or Wizard’s. In a single glance she could crush the confidence of anyone approaching her. But Harry had to admit he didn’t get the whole fear aspect of it all. Maybe it stemmed from having faced actual life-threatening sights, but Harry knew it was mainly a false bravado stemming from a self-afflicted desire to close herself off from others.

            But again, this wasn’t Harry’s fault.

            Daphne spoke up with a rarely light tone, “You’re staring Potter.”

            Harry replied with a flat tone, “Well you’re marking up my paper so much I’m afraid that I’m going to have to redo it.”

            Daphne scrunched her nose as she replied with a less than biting tone, “It’s for the better, and you know it.”

            Harry bit back his comment, and woe to admit that Daphne was right. She was the better student academically by far, and Harry had to admit, ‘She gives Hermione a run for her money.’

            Daphne smirked, “Of course I do Potter. When you actually take interest and apply yourself it’s amazing what you can do.”

            Harry frowned, “I didn’t say that out loud.”

            Daphne sat up straight and dropped her quill as she turned to look at Harry with an apologetically shy countenance, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention because I was focused on your paper…”

            Harry released a sigh as he put his hand up, and tried to defuse the satiation, “It’s fine, I mean I can’t believe that I’m about to say this but thank you for going over my paper. I know I’ll get a higher mark.”

            Daphne shook her head no longer focused on the Transfiguration lesson, “It’s quite not alright Potter. It’s an invasion of privacy, and…”

            Harry cut Daphne off with an understanding tone, “Did you do it on purpose?”

            Daphne narrowed her eyebrows, “Of course not!”

            Harry shrugged as he sat back in his chair, “Then it’s not a problem.”

            Daphne leaned forward, “How can you be so nonchalant about someone invading your mind with such blasé?”

            Harry gave Daphne a rueful smile, “At least you apologized.”

            Daphne looked confused for a moment before it appeared in her mind’s eye. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, right. Daphne took a deep breath and calmed her expression.

            Daphne turned away as she collected her papers, “Well try not to think so loudly next time.”

            Harry actually released a real laugh as his eyes went wide in surprise at her comment, “Merlin, really? That’s the takeaway.”

            Daphne now shrugged, “You were basically complimenting me anyways when you let me look over your paper, so…”

            Harry threw his head back as he sighed, and Daphne gave him a side eye as she was gauging if this was going to turn into another argument. But she turned her face to fully take in Harry’s expression and form. He was balancing back in the seat staring at the ceiling with a small smile that held no malice or sarcasm. Daphne was taken aback as she was met with Potter somewhat relaxed around her, and Daphne spoke without thinking, “Why aren’t you dourer at the moment?”

            Harry perked back up to the conversation, and landed the chair on all fours, “Why would I need to be dour at the moment?”

            Daphne replied with a controlled expression, “Because, you’re spending time studying with me on a Saturday instead of out with your pals exploring the grounds or trying to sneak a peek at one of the new French Witches bums.”

            Harry gave Daphne a small frown, “First, I don’t try and sneak a peek at Witches bums.”

            Daphne replied with a small nod, “Fair, the question still remains.”

            Harry now narrowed his gaze with a quizzical tone, “Greengrass has it ever crossed your mind that I might actually not completely hate spending time with you?”

            Daphne swallowed and was at a loss for words. This confession wasn’t something that she was expecting, “I mean… I haven’t given it much thought.”

            Harry now looked away, “Never mind, forget it. I’ll see you…”

            Daphne cut Harry off with a louder voice, “Potter, I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.”

            Harry now was at a loss for words for a moment. He noted that Daphne wasn’t making eye contact, and was now holding her hands on her lap, “Greengrass, let’s just end this with we can cordially study together without going at each other’s throats, and call it a truce?”

            Daphne sighed as she nodded, “I can live with that I suppose.”

            They both stood having collected their things and made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. Harry walked just a step behind Daphne as she spoke with a low tone, “How are you feeling about Quidditch being cancelled?”

            Harry appeared surprised at Daphne’s genuine tone of care, “Oh, well I’m not exactly happy about it. But, with the whole school versus school Quidditch Tournament as long as I’m chosen for even the backup Seeker, I think I’ll survive.”

            Daphne replied with a matter’o fact tone, “Of course you’ll be chosen as the primary Seeker, there’s no one in our school as good as you. Even by the other school’s talent the only one who objectively better than you is Viktor Krum, and he’s also a 7^th year.”

            Harry paused his walking as he looked at Daphne with genuine surprise, but Daphne kept walking, “I’m not going to get into this with you Potter. It’s the objective reality, stroke your ego at another time; I’m hungry.”

            Harry jogged to catch up now with his hands behind his head as he sported a beaming smile, but Daphne refused to look. Wizards could be so easy to please. Daphne gave Harry a curt nod as she made her way to the Slytherin table meeting with Blaise for their planned lunch.

            Blaise looked as though he were ready to burst, but Daphne preempted him, “Don’t even try it. We were just studying, now how was your day?”

            Blaise shook his head, “And, I’m dating Fred and George simultaneously… anyways…”

            Later that Evening in the Slytherin House following the debacle of Harry’s name being chosen as the fourth Champion.

            Daphne was trying to get some studying done in her usual spot in the Common room, but tonight’s shocking turn of events had led to the students currently sharing the space to a tumultuous uproar of the Champions fourth addition. Daphne would say that even though she was surprised given Potter’s track record of bad luck regarding having a simple and ordinary year something like this was bound to happen. But, before this year Daphne had played little mind to his… well live threatening ordeals was more apt than shenanigans, but still it was usually in the periphery for the Witch.

            But, like it or not (which she told herself that she didn’t of course) her academic fate was tied to Potter’s, and this addition of his name bring thrown into the proverbial gauntlet didn’t bode well for her top marks. Daphne was crossing out a word of her notes as the boisterous tone of none other than Malfoy piped up as he regaled Third years with his predictions of Potter’s fate.

            Malfoy with a haughty tone, “Potter won’t make it past the first task let me tell you; he’ll be dead by this time Halloween.”

            Daphne’s executive function took a few seconds to catch up to her body, because she had her wand to Malfoy’s throat faster than anyone could fathom. Daphne’s eyes were narrowed as her icy blue gaze burned a hole in Malfoy’s quivering stance, “W… hat do you think you’re doing Greengrass!? My Father…”

            Daphne pressed the wand closer to Draco’s jugular, “Your Father is nothing but a traitorous cockroach just like his son. Keep Potter’s name out of your mouth, or the last thing you’ll be saying for the rest of the year is help.”

            Draco quivered a bit more as he failed to respond. Daphne heard Tracey’s voice call out to her, “Daphne that’s enough, let’s go.”

            Daphne’s blood was nearly boiling. Her body was so clear in its intentions. Draco had threatened Potter, and so she had threatened Draco. Daphne’s mind finally caught up, as she removed her wand from Draco, and finally noticed the utter silence in the Common Room. Daphne allowed Tracey to grab her hand and drag her to their dorm. Closing the door behind them Tracey turned to look at Daphne with a befuddled expression.

            Tracey, “Daphne, what in the bloody…”

            Daphne ran a hand through her hair as she replied, “I don’t know okay! Malfoy was just being so annoying, and…”

            Tracey dragged Daphne to sit on the edge of her bed, “Daphne you stuck your wand to his throat. Look I get that Malfoy’s a right and proper git, but his Father…”

            Daphne glared, “His Father is nothing but a thug, and I won’t cower as Draco uses his family name to bully others. My parents raised be better than that.”

            Tracey bit her lip, “I’m just trying to say that you need to be careful. You and I both know there’s two sides to this. And, as slimy as Draco is there can be repercussions.”

            Daphne fell to lay on her back as she released a sigh, “I know Tracey, and I didn’t consciously mean to threaten him I just…”

            Tracey nodded, “Look I don’t try and pretend to know how or why you act the way you do given your… gift… but please just be more careful.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she spoke in a monotone voice, “Trust me, I don’t plan on fighting Potter’s battles for him.”

            Tracey nodded as she released a sigh, “It is wild that he’s going to be competing.”

            Daphne looked at Tracey with a raised eyebrow, “Are you worried about him Tracey?”

            Tracey shrugged, “I’m a human being Daphne, and though I don’t know Potter I can still feel bad for him. It’s called empathy.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “I know what empathy Tracey is. You have more than enough to go around for the both of us.”

            Tracey swatted as Daphne’s thigh as she moved away from the bed, “Whatever you say tosser. See you in the morning?”

            Daphne nodded as she replied, “Tracey? Thank you for having my back.”

            Tracey winked, “Always Daphne, goodnight.”

            Daphne nodded with a frown, “Goodnight Tracey.”

            Daphne later that night fast asleep.

            Wandering the Forbidden Forest, Daphne felt a chill run down her spine as the disjointed tree branches rose menacingly into the air. A full moon shown overhead casting the entire forest in an eerie trance of quiet. The winding path that Daphne followed was lit by speckles of floating white mist. Daphne felt exposed here, and as though the forest were staring back at her. That’s when she came upon him sitting before a large tree with a knee drawn to his chest. Harry’s vision looking out at the frozen lake.

            Daphne came to sit beside him still an arm’s length away, “Potter, why are you here?”

            Harry didn’t reply as Daphne noticed the anger and sadness evident in his furrowed brow, “Potter?”

            Harry replied with a dark tone, “Why does it matter? Why does any of it matter; it doesn’t do any good to care anyways.”

            Daphne turned with a worried expression, “What are you talking about?”

            Harry met her gaze, “At least here there are no lies.”

            Daphne shook her head, “I don’t understand… Potter, work with me here.”

            Harry replied with a cool tone, “You wonder why I don’t just let go? Why I’m always on edge? Because the moment I let my guard down… the moment I start to believe things are going to get better it’s all ripped away but some new unspeakable horror.”

            Daphne couldn’t make sense here, but she felt him. Daphne felt Harry’s current mood, and it was terrifyingly lonely and sad. She felt as though she’d been betrayed again by those around her, and by the entire world. Daphne felt as though this was her fate; to suffer for reasons far beyond her comprehension.

            Daphne felt an ounce of the pain that Harry was in, and even that was all consuming.

            Daphne hesitated but reached her hand over to Harry’s to simply hold it. Harry looked between their hands, and then back to Daphne as he spoke with a lost tone, “I don’t want to bring you into all of this. You never asked for any of this.”

            Daphne steeled her gaze as she replied with an icy expression. Not towards Harry, but with a resolve that he felt for him, “Neither did you, but here you are. You’re not alone Potter, remember that.”

            Harry took a breath, and she felt his hand squeeze her as they both looked out over the frozen lake and dark moonlit sky.

Maybe this wasn’t so bad a place after all?

Chapter Text

Harry sat propped up against his infirmary bed with two pillows as he read through this week’s Defense Against the Dark Arts text. Harry had already reviewed the text twice by this time, but Lupin had reminded him over the Summer that preparation is the best course of action if he was to be ready for times like these. The Tournament had come out of left field on the Quidditch pitch of life, and Harry gave himself a few moments to question the fairness of it all. But that’s all the time that he had.

            Harry was up against dragons for the first task, and though he knew the intent of the task it was easier said than done, like the most dangerous tasks that Harry had encountered in his life. But Harry had Hermione, Sirius, and even Fred and George’s brains, wit, and experience to pull together a plan of action. Well, the plan of action was for Harry to summon his Firebolt and outfly a winged beast who’d been doing it for longer. But Harry didn’t have time to learn a whole new repertoire of spells or potions such as the 7^th year. Harry did have something they didn’t know he’d suspected, and that was a tempered approach in a life-or-death situation.

            So, this brings Harry back to why he was currently in the infirmary once again. In practicing a new shielding spell specifically focused on heat based magics or fire while navigating on his firebolt in the Forbidden Forest early this morning he’d overcorrected on a dive and found himself launched a few meters on the ground. It was only a sprain of his left ankle, and Madam Pomfrey though with a shake of her head let him know that his ankle would be set and mended by the morning. But it did mean that Harry was missing this Friday’s classes. Harry’s professors had been notified, but Harry had an itch in the back of his mind that he’d forgotten something important that had been affected by his absence from classes.

            It was the loud swinging of the infirmary doors, and the cold voice that made Harry’s mind finally snap to the present. Of course, he’d forgotten to tell…

            Daphne’s annoyed voice rang through the empty infirmary, “Potter!”

            Harry closed his eyes as he set his book aside. Right, Greengrass… Harry had failed to send an owl to…

            Daphne stalked over to Harry with a perturbed expression, “Would you mind telling me why I had to find out from Professor McGonagall that you weren’t going to be in class today?”

            Harry opened his eyes as he tilted his head to the side, “It honestly slipped my mind. Why? Were you worried about me?”

            Daphne quickly shot back as she crossed her arms, “I wasn’t worried about you. I was just wondering if I was going to have to carry our team for the rest of the term?”

            Harry replied, “Oh don’t worry; passing Transfiguration is definitely at the top of my priorities list.”

            Daphne furrowed her blonde eyebrows, “Potter I get that you have a lot going on with the Tournament, Quidditch, and the Duel team; but your classes are still a priority.”

            Harry now raised an eyebrow, “Keeping tabs on my extracurriculars then Greengrass?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes with a huff, “You’re so full of yourself.”

            Daphne’s blue eyes scanned Harry’s bandaged foot as she motioned to it with a softer countenance, “Are you okay?”

            Harry dropped his snarky spirit as he released a breath, “I’ll be fine in the morning. Just a sprain, and honestly, it’s not the worst injury I’ve ever had. At least I’ve still got my bones.”

            Daphne grimaced as she replied, “It is still amazing they ever let that fraud through. Really three elves stacked on top of each other with a Polyjuice disguised as Merlin would have been more believable now that I look back on it.”

            Harry laughed as he replied, “You’re right, I mean it really should have been leaving us to clean up those bloody pixies.”

            Daphne laughed dryly, “Poor Longbottom being strung up by his ears.”

            Harry released a light breath, “Yeah, Neville and heights never really go together well.”

            Daphne returned to her initial inquiry as how expression became serious once more, “What were you doing that led you to spraining your ankle? As woe as I am to admit it you have better than average dexterity.”

            Daphne glared, “And, don’t comment on the compliment, just answer the question.”

            Harry nodded with pursed lips, “I just overcorrected on my broom is all.”

            Daphne narrowed her eyes, “Doing what exactly?”

            Harry ran a hand through his raven locks as he replied with a low tone, “Just trying to cast the conringo defense charm while diving in the Forbidden Forest against a flaming bullrock…”

            Daphne’s eyebrows shot up as her blue eyes shown a quick mix of surprise, fear, and respect, “Did it work?”

            Harry raised a lopsided grin, “It actually did. That is until I overcorrect since I only had one hand to steer. Launched myself into a tree and landed on my foot the wrong way.”

            Daphne sat the edge of Potter’s bed as she held his gaze her appreciation dropping, and her face now held a strained appearance, “Was there anyone out there with you?”

            Harry shook his head, “No, it was before dawn this morning. I didn’t have much time to practice given how close the Task is, and so…”

            Daphne cut Harry off, “You’re a bloody idiot, you know that right?”

            Harry’s face fell as he replied, “What do you mean?”

            Daphne’s fingers grasped the blanket near his ankle as she scrunched it into a ball absentmindedly, “You were alone in the Forbidden Forest before dawn, and no one knew where you were? Granger had to come up to me after class, and asked if I knew anything!”

            Harry defended himself, “I’m not a Hippogriff egg that needs protecting Greengrass!”

            Daphne glared, “It’s not about protecting you, Potter! It’s about the respect of letting those who care about you know where you are just in case something like this?” Daphne motioned to his ankle, “Doesn’t come out of nowhere.”

            Harry was quickly about to retort, but something about Daphne’s expression stopped him dead in his tracks. Daphne’s icy blue eyes were worried instead of angry, and he noticed that her lips were pulled into a tight frown versus their usual calculated frown.

            Harry sighed, “Greengrass look… This is my life, alright? These are the things I have to do to stay one step ahead. I don’t have the luxury of practicing my spells, magic, or training within a nice and safe classroom. The things that I face…”

            Daphne wouldn’t back down, and Harry finally relented, “Alright! I’ll tell Hermione or someone else where I am when I train! Bloody hell you’re worse than Hermione sometimes.”

            Daphne smirked in a triumph of winning this argument, “Because, I always get what I want.”

            Harry shuddered as a jolt of fear, and something else ran down his spine in the way that Daphne had said always.

            Harry sat back as he noticed that her body language relaxed, and Daphne tilted her head before speaking, “Are you feeling ready for the next task?”

            Harry nodded, “As ready as I’ll ever be. Knowing I don’t have a choice in facing the dragon I’m as prepared as I can be.”

            Daphne nodded with a softer gaze, “Please don’t do anything foolish, okay?”

            Harry couldn’t help but chuckle dryly, “Against a dragon? I’ll try not to showboat.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “You know what I mean Potter. Just… focus on the task, and don’t stick out your neck unless you have to.”

            Harry now nodded with a solemn response, “I never do, and besides I still have way too much I want to do in life for it to end being barbequed by a dragon.”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “Like what?”

            Harry shrugged as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, “Annoy you of course?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she looked away to hide the small smirk on her lips, “You’re insufferable, you know that, Potter?”

            Harry replied with a shrug, “It’s part of being me… what about you Greengrass?”

            Daphne turned her attention back to Harry, and was met with an uncharacteristically interested expression, “How’re you doing overall? I heard from Blaise that things in your House are getting a little testy?”

            Daphne frowned, “I still think it’s so weird that you two are friendly…”

            Harry shrugged, “Benefits of facing on in the dueling club all of these years. Some of us actually get along even given the House rivalry stuff.”

            Daphne nodded, “I’m fine all things considered.”

            Harry replied, “Just fine?”

            Daphne nodded with a sigh, “Astoria’s getting to that age where she’s coming into her own, which is great and all… but our father and her are butting heads, and so I’m having to play referee which can be exhausting I’ll admit.”

            Harry nodded, “She’s a second year, right?”

            Daphne nodded as she now had ghost of a smile on her face, “Right, and she’s brilliant too. So much more potential than I had at that age. But she can be a little too relaxed with her studies… Reminds me of a certain someone?”

            Harry had a sheepish grin, “I think that just means she knows there’s more to all of this than books and cleverness.”

            Daphne gave Potter an appreciative look, “That’s a nice phrase.”

            Harry shook his head, “Hermione’s words, I can’t take credit.”

            Daphne nodded, “Right, well Astoria’s as of late has become a little too chummy with Malfoy’s crowd.”

            Harry now frowned, “That doesn’t sound good.”

            Daphne sighed as she looked away for a brief moment, “No, it isn’t. And I’m not trying to control her life or be the overbearing big sister who polices who she associates with. But Potter as much as I know that telling her no would just make her even more defiant…”

            Harry replied with a lower tone, “All you can do is your best to tell her the truth, and then let her decide. Knowing that she’s your sister she’ll find her way Greengrass.”

            Daphne stared at Harry with a rare and vulnerable expression, “Do you really believe that?”

            Harry nodded with a small smile, “I do, and besides if anyone tries any shady stuff with Astoria you’ll curse them back into the last ice-age.”

            Daphne gave Harry a smirk, “You’re right about that Potter.”

            Daphne’s mind was suddenly invaded with Potter’s thoughts. ‘Why do we always have to fight? She’s so bloody nice to be around when we’re like this. I don’t know what it’s like to have a sibling, but I’d bet that Greengrass is the best kind. Has her hair always been so soft looking? Why couldn’t she have been in any other House?”

            Daphne’s eyes went wide as she looked away, and for the first time that she could remember she was fighting a small tinge of pink on her cheeks. Potter truly did not… well, of course he did because it was his mind, and his jumble of thoughts. But Daphne knew logically that just because a person thought something on the surface level didn’t mean that they believed it.

            Daphne had to change the topic, and she blurted out the first thing that she could think of, “Do you remember when we had our first fight?”

            Harry raised an eyebrow with a curious glance, “Kind of hard to forget, and especially given it was in this very place last year.”

            Daphne nodded with a far-off smirk, “You were so shy at first.”

            Harry rolled his eyes, “Well I wasn’t exactly aware that you were going to be so…”

            Daphne’s gaze shot back to him with a careful Potter as he replied with his words now chosen more carefully, “Energetically defiant…”

            Daphne now laughed, “Okay, that was good.”

            Harry now smiled as he replied, “All that I knew was that you were in pain.”

            Daphne’s smile faltered as she stared at her hands in her lap as her mind drifted back to that moment.

            The end of their Third Year.

            Daphne was laying in the hospital bed convulsing through most of the early evening into the night. Her mind and body had finally reached its breaking point. She’d shut him out for the entire year, and it was as though her body were reacting to the shock of losing half of your spirit. Daphne had collapsed in the Common Room, and Madam Pomfrey had called for a specialist from the Ministry immediately. Even as her Father arrived and tried to get through to her it was as though she was lost in a nightmare for which she couldn’t wake up.

            There was too much pain, despair, and loneliness. It felt as though each waking minute she would lose all that she held dear. She couldn’t fully trust anyone, or even herself because what if it was all some cruel twist of fate that could be just ripped away? She didn’t know who she was, and how could she when she was raised by such vial Muggle’s who stole any connection to her family? The soul freezing touch of the Dementor’s had finally sent her over the edge. She was going to die just as soon as she finally was on the cusp of reclaiming a piece of her past. There he was lying with Dementor’s kiss just about to take hold. It wasn’t fair, none of it was fair.

            But she began to calm in her convulsions in the bed as she found strength, she didn’t know that she possessed somewhere deep inside of her. It wasn’t some grand power, or some defiant afront to death. No, it was a small and simple feeling so easily overlooked. The love of a parent, of a friend, of someone who cared so deeply. No, it wouldn’t end like this; it couldn’t end like this. So, she welled everything into that one moment, and that one thought.

            Daphne had stirred confused and overwhelmed, but a handheld hers as she squeezed it like the tether of an anchor in an abiding storm. Daphne opened her blue eyes, and she was met with an empty chair next to her, but in peering down noticed a hand holding her own…where am I?”

            The young wizard pulled down his cloak with his other hand to reveal a mop of messy raven hair, worried green eyes, and round glasses askew on his face, “Err… the infirmary, but you’re safe.”

            Daphne should have been more worried at the fact that this Wizard was holding her hand, or the only one around. But instead, Daphne had never felt so relieved, and she began to breathe deeply as if her head was finally above water once more.

            Daphne, “What happened?”

            Harry frowned with a shrug, “I don’t really know… all I could pick up when I got here a few moments ago was that you passed out in your Common Room a few hours ago.”

            Daphne nodded as that made sense, but then she tilted her head tiredly, “Why are you here?”

            Harry furrowed his brow as she tried to summon the words, “I… can’t really explain why… I just… it felt like my scar, but different…”

            Harry noted that Daphne simply still appeared confused, “Right… I just felt like you were in pain, and I don’t know how… but you asked for me… yelled really.”

            Daphne was confused at first, but then it registered. Bloody hell, it was Harry Potter. Since arriving at Hogwarts their proximity, and now all of the disjointed emotions, feelings, and memories made sense, “It’s you?”

            Harry now looked confused, “What’s me?”

            Daphne frowned, but not because she was disappointed that Harry Potter was the person that she was attuned with. No, it was the fact that he didn’t have a choice in the matter.

            Daphne tiredly replied, “This might sound completely mental…”

            Harry’s green eyes widened as she reiterated to the best of her current knowledge what all of this meant. And, to Daphne’s surprise the Wizard took everything is stride as he replied once she finished, “Well… this all took a turn.”

            Daphne nodded as she felt herself growing overwhelmed, “Look I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t want any of this!”

            Harry kept a calm voice as he squeezed her hand, “Neither of us did, but here we are.”

            Daphne shot back with a scowl, “How can you be so calm? It’s an invasion of privacy! I’m a freak and…”

            Harry cut her off with a low tone, but not full of anger at her in particular, “You aren’t a freak! Besides you’re talking to the bloke who can speak to snakes, so this isn’t even the strangest form of alternative communication in the room.”

            Daphne released a shaky laugh of surprise, “When you put it that way…”

            Harry now grew serious, “So if you… cut yourself off from me, it’s like…”

            Daphne nodded, “Cutting off a part of your mind or body.”

            Harry nodded and replied with a simple tone as though he had solved the problem, “Then don’t do that?”

            Daphne shook her head, “It’s not that easy…”

            Harry shrugged, “Why not?”

            Daphne huffed, “Because you’re a human being who deserves his privacy? It’s not as though it’s an ordinary two-way street! I can read your thoughts, feel your emotions, and trove through your mind like a book; but I don’t have to let you do the same.”

            Harry nodded, “But, you won’t do that unless it’s an accident, right?”

            Daphne nodded, but replied with strained voice, “I’ll try not to, but how can… how can you be so trusting?”

            Harry now leaned forward with a serious expression, “Because the alternative would mean that you’d have an episode like this. And from what the Doctor said it will only get worse as the years go on. So, if the options are you knowing what I want for breakfast before I do, and you having a bloody stroke and going brain dead it’s a pretty clear solution.”

            Daphne was taken aback. Here Potter was ready to open up his mind, body, and soul all for Daphne’s benefit, and all he got in return was knowing that he wasn’t hurting her.

            Daphne replied, “That’s so unbelievably stupid.”

            Harry shrugged, “Welcome to being a Gryffindor, bravery and all that.”

            Daphne laid back as tears began to form in her eyes, “I can’t let you…”

            Harry nodded as he squeezed her hand once more, “You can, and you will Greengrass. So, please just don’t close yourself off to me again?”

            It was all too much for Daphne. Harry’s intensely kind gaze, the fact that the solution was right here in front of her, and the overwhelming warm thoughts and emotions emanating from Harry.

            Daphne finally relented, “Fine Potter, but I promise to do my best not to interfere with your life.”

            Harry now gave her a toothy grin that made her heart flutter, “Famous last words Greengrass.”

            In the present.

            Daphne now turned back to Harry as she schooled her expression, “I have to go since lunch period is over, but I’ll bring you something by for dinner; you like ham, correct?”

            Harry was surprised, “Err, yeah I do… thank you?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she stood, “I have to drop off your Transfiguration homework anyways, and so don’t get used to it.”

            Harry simply shrugged as he gave her a fleeting smile as she walked away, “I still appreciate it Greengrass!”

            Daphne let a small smile grace her lips as she held her books in her arms. ‘Bloody idiot.’

Chapter Text

Why was Daphne currently waiting in a classroom by herself on a Sunday afternoon instead of enjoying her two hours a week that she meticulously planned for well-deserved rest and relaxation? Why was her foot tapping in annoyance on the stone floor, as she sat against a transfigured sofa versus curled under her comfy blanket in her four-poster bed as she read for leisure? Why in Morgana’s name was her gaze flitting to the classroom door with growing annoyance?

            Oh, it was very simple, really. Harry Potter was late for their study session, and more than that he had once again failed to send a simple owl giving Daphne a warning that he would be late. Was it a day after the first task in the Tournament? Yes. For any other Witch would this have warranted a modicum of understanding, and a teaspoon of patience at Potter’s transgression? Oh, most definitely. But Daphne was a Witch who was a stickler for commitments, and communication. And right now, Potter was failing at both. The classroom door creaked open a few minutes later, and in walked a disheveled looking Potter.

            Daphne went to yell at his tardiness, and possibly would have hexed him if his current form didn’t kill her words in her throat. Harry was clad in a simple crimson shirt that actually fit his lithe and muscular torso. The V-neck revealed his clavicle, and Daphne didn’t know that the sigmoid-shaped long bone could even be so appealing. Potter’s blue jeans fit nicely, and his outfit was completed by a simple pair of black and white converse trainers. His hair stuck to his head more than usual as even at this distance Daphne could tell that he’d rushed from the shower. His disheveled appearance stirred something in Daphne, and she didn’t appreciate it.

            Harry spoke first a little winded, “I’m sorry Greengrass for being late. I was with Pomfrey for most of the morning, and I looked at the planner and…”

            Harry stopped before her as he dropped his bag beside the makeshift couch and plopped down a cushion away from Daphne. Daphne had her arms crossed, and still didn’t respond as Harry continued, “Were you waiting long?”

            Daphne swallowed as she came to her senses, and for whatever reason the beratement that she’d been planning ebbed away, “Around an hour all together.”

            Harry’s grim expression shown, and Daphne couldn’t help Harry’s thoughts from popping to the surface of her own mind. ‘Merlin she’s going to let me have it.’

            Daphne took a steadying breath, “Potter, next time can you please send me an owl that you’re going to be late?”

            Harry nodded vigorously, “I promise that I will.”

            Daphne stuck out her hand as Harry looked between her hand and her gaze before the lightbulb went off, “Oh, right! Here’s my part of the assignment.”

            Daphne nodded, “Well at least you got it done.”

            Harry handed over his part of the assignment, and as Daphne reviewed it her eyes weren’t as icy as usual, and the barbed comment was slightly dulled, “This isn’t half bad Potter.”

            Harry chuckled, “I’m glad I’ve met your high standard, but thank you for the framework; it did most of the work.”

            Daphne nodded as she appreciated the kind words, “Well, once we get done today, we should be complete with the hard part of the term.”

            Harry smiled, “Brilliant, the fact that next year it’s going to be even wilder with assignments is already daunting.”

            Daphne now gave Harry a smirk, “The fact that you don’t miss a blink when facing off with a cave troll, but grimace with schoolwork is fascinating.”

            Harry shook his head, “I’d take a cave troll over Snape any day.”

            Daphne stowed Harry’s assignment away as she rolled her eyes, “You lions are so dramatic.”

            Harry shot a mock glare, “You don’t get smacked by him.”

            Daphne replied with a good two shoe’s tone, “Well if you didn’t go out of your way to break the rules…”

            Harry shrugged as he sank into the couch, “Anyways, how’s your week been?”
            Daphne turned to look at Harry as she replied, “Of course it wasn’t as busy or life threatening as yours. But overall, it was quiet; just spent time with Tracey, Blaise, and Astoria even.”

            Harry nodded as he continued his questions, “How’s Astoria doing?”

            Daphne now had a warm smile on her face, “She’s doing well actually. I had a talk with her a few weeks after we spoke, and… she took it pretty well. So, she’s steering clear of Malfoy and his brood.”

            Harry replied with a smirk, “Brilliant.”

            Daphne continued, “Our Father’s coming to Hogsmeade next weekend, and so we’ll be getting lunch with him.”

            Harry raised an eyebrow, “Does he come to Hogsmeade often?”

            Daphne nodded, “A few times a year for business. Usually just contractual negotiations for the surrounding village businesses.”

            Harry nodded as he raised an eyebrow, “What’s he like? I imagine you, but a bit taller and shorter hair.”

            Daphne shot Harry a careful glance, “Would it be a bad thing if he looked like me?”

            Harry replied with a genuinely nice tone, “Of course not, it might just be strange seeing you with a mustache.”

            Daphne now relaxed as she replied with a laugh, “Fair enough. No, I’d say that Astoria and he are more alike. His name is Erik, and he’s more open than I am. His sense of humor… well let’s just say that you two would get along. But he has a rational sense of self which I think I inherited. Overall, he’s a good parent; though I do have to remind him not to work too hard.”

            Harry had a sheepish expression, “Pot calling the kettle blonde…” he said under his breath as Daphne replied, “What was that?”

            Harry perked up with a louder tone, “Nothing! What’s your Mum like?”

            A pin drop could have been heard in the room as Daphne went silent, and Harry’s eyes went wide as he examined how rigid Daphne had become. Harry sat up as he spoke with a backtracking tone, “Greengrass I didn’t mean to… if you don’t want to talk about her then I completely…

            Daphne replied with a hitch in her tone, and it nearly broke Harry’s heart, “No, it’s fine… We’ve never spoken about our family lives and let alone our parents. Seeing as I already know about your parents and all it’s only fair.”

            Harry sat with a somber expression as Daphne explained the situation regarding her Mum. Daphne spoke quietly as Harry listened intently. The fact that Daphne’s Mum’s name was Clara. The fact that Clara’s bloodline held a retched cure, and how there had yet to be a cure. The fact that Daphne had to watch her Mum waste away and had buried her just shy of the age of eight. Daphne never met his gaze as she stared at her hands that they had clasped on her lap.

            Daphne finished with a soft and melancholic tone, “I feel horrible about it all, but especially knowing that Astoria barely even remembers her.”

            The very fact that Daphne had yet to cry was either a testament to her strength, or a sign to Harry that she still hid these feelings from herself. Harry was about to speak when the strangest thing happened. He heard the words, but Greengrass wasn’t speaking. ‘He must think that I’m so weak…’

            Harry sat forward with furrowed eyebrows, “Greengrass being sad or longing for your parent who’s no longer here doesn’t make you weak, and anyone that tells you otherwise is a prat.”

            Daphne was confused, “I didn’t say…”

            Daphne’s eyes widened, “Did you?”

            Harry nodded trying not to make a big deal out of it, “I think I did…”

            Daphne thought she would be appalled, angry, or agitated at least. But Daphne felt a small weight being lifted on her shoulders as she spoke, “It’s just so hard to bring her up… I feel like it was just yesterday, and…”

            Harry nodded with an understanding expression of sadness, “You’d give anything just to hear their voice, or even just to have a few more seconds with them?”

            Daphne nodded as she released a shaky breath, “Exactly, but I’m sorry for bringing up my issues…”

            Harry now gave Daphne a lopsided grin, “If there’s anyone you can talk about deceased parents with… I’m sort of your Wizard.”

            Daphne now gave Harry a lame smile, “That was so corny Potter.”

            Harry pointed at her face, “But, it made you smile. So, if corny is what it takes to get you back to biting my head off, I’ll take it.”

            Daphne now looked away to fight the smile from growing larger, “Thank you… it’s nice to talk about her even if it makes me sad.”

            Harry nodded as he sat back, “Si… a friend told me once that it’s important to speak about them. It keeps their memory alive, and the fact that we miss them so deeply is one of the beautiful parts of living.”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “You’ve got some smart people around you Potter.”

            Harry shrugged, “I know, it’s why I didn’t get burnt to a crisp yesterday.”

            Daphne perked up as she turned to reach into her bag, “That reminds me!”

            Harry’s green eyes looked at her quizzically before she pulled out what appeared to be a jar of lotion. Daphne handed it to Harry as she spoke, “I’ve been working on this since you told me about the dragons. It’s a soothing gel for burns and has Mandrake and Copper Sprague shavings so it’ll ensure that no infections form.”

            Harry gave Daphne an appreciative smile, “This is brilliant Greengrass, thank you. The stuff that Pomfrey has me using makes my skin break out in hives.”

            Daphne nodded with a frown, “She means well, but given that she has to serve the entire school it doesn’t surprise me that certain minor allergic reactions happen.”

            Harry stowed the gel away, “You want to be a primary healer, right?”

            Daphne nodded, “You remembered…”

            Harry nodded as he replied, “Of course I did, and it makes sense.”

            Daphne now replied with a more vulnerable tone, “How so?”

            Harry shrugged, “You’re attentive, logical, curious, and an open communicator. Your patients will be lucky to have a Healer like you.”

            Daphne nearly squirmed sitting so close to Potter at the moment. Daphne wasn’t used to this sort of compliments from the likes of Potter, and add in his attire and messy hair she was reaching her limit, “Thank you Potter… I mean it.”

            Harry nodded with a grin, “And, besides… I’ll be coming to you for the Hogwarts Transfiguration partner discount once we’re done with school.”

            Daphne now laughed dryly, “As if that could ever be a thing.”

            Harry now nodded with faux seriousness, “Oh it is, I even know the Healer who invented it. She’s sort of a big deal around here.”

            Daphne gave Harry a small glare, but then laughed as she stood, “You’re incorrigible.”

            Harry stood up getting his bag as he replied, “You can’t spell incouragible without courage.”

            Daphne shook her head, “You are so lucky that you’re good at Quidditch, merlin there isn’t even an A in that word.”

            Harry shrugged, “That’s what the autocorrect spell is for.”

            Daphne shook her head once more but didn’t fight the smile on her pale lips. The two teens walked at a comfortable pace as they wound themselves through the halls of Hogwarts. Around them students of other Houses and even schools milled around laughing, talking, and involved in their own worlds.

            Daphne had to admit that this was sort of nice. Daphne peered over to Harry who was regaling her of the upcoming dueling practice that he had in store for the Hogwarts team along with his other co-captain. And Daphne found herself defending her use of her lunch breaks for studying, and she failed again to persuade Potter of the merits therefore of joining her. Daphne also had to admit when they weren’t fighting or at each other’s throats that Potter was an enjoyable Wizard to spend in good company with.

            Daphne was about to continue on a subject when the shrill voice of Pansy Parkinson called in her direction, “So it is true what they say? The Ice-Queen is shacking up with Gryffindor’s Golden Boy, huh?”

            Harry paused as did Daphne, and he looked to her with a small shake of his head, “It’s not worth it Greengrass. Let’s just…”

            Pansy and her two lackeys walked over to them, and stopped a few meters away, “Oh, so your boyfriend has to fight your battles now Daphne?”

            Daphne’s once warmed gaze froze as Harry released a sigh. Daphne turned and looked over Pansy’s over make up raddled face, “Pansy, what an unpleasant surprise as always. What? Did Malfoy already move onto his next conquest?”

            Pansy was visibly scowling now, “You bloody…”

            Harry now stepped in, “Parkinson why don’t you go crawl back into whatever cave you slithered out of?”

            Daphne gave Harry a small smirk at his play on words as his green eyes twinkled with mirth.

            Pansy glared as she replied, “Potter you’re now sinking to this level? She’ll infect you with the same curse that took her wretched…”

            Daphne’s expression froze in a clear white-hot anger, but to her surprise her wrist was battling to raise her wand as she looked down to see Harry’s hand holding her arm down. Daphne looked up to Harry as her magic rose in fury, but Harry simply kept his gaze on Pansy. Harry’s warm fingers didn’t dig into her skin, no it felt as though his own magic was calming hers. Harry’s thumb smoothed over her pulse point, and Daphne returned to her breathing as she came back to the present.

            Harry simply gave Pansy a smirk for a moment before Daphne’s eyes went wide. All of a sudden Pansy and her crew began to sport growing and gnarly pimples that began to ooze. All three Witches screamed as they ran away, and Daphne was perplexed… what in Merlin’s…

            Daphne then caught Harry’s other hand which held an empty purple box with two W’s emboldened on the side, “Potter, what did you?”

            Harry now looked down to her with a mischievously shite eating grin, “You can thank Fred and George for letting me test some prototypes… Let’s just say no amount of face cleanser is going to help them for the next few days.”

            Daphne simply swallowed as she looked down the now empty hallways, “Remind me never to mess with the Twin’s.”

            Harry nodded, “Noted.”

            Daphne still staring down the hallway became acutely aware of Harry’s warm touch still holding her wrist, “Potter, can I have my hand back please?”

            Harry looked down as his eyes went wide in embarrassment, “Oh! S’orry, didn’t even realize.”

            Daphne stowed her wand as she reached over to direct his shoulder to continue to the Great Hall, “It’s alright, and I probably owe you a thank you for stopping me from doing something stupid…”

            Harry shook his head, “No apologies needed. Parkinson crossed a line, and if you weren’t there it probably would have been worse than just some puss.”

            Daphne replied trying to sidestep the small pang in her chest of Potter’s desire to protect her, “I can fight my own fights, you do know that right?”

            Harry shrugged, “Of course I know that, but it’s like you said. You’re not a rule breaker, and besides a little-known Gryffindor secret? Fighting alone is stupid, there’s superiority in the pack.”

            Daphne now smirked, “That is actually quite devious Potter.”

            Harry shrugged, “Bravery doesn’t mean every action is a moral one.”

            Entering the Great Hall Daphne felt a small pang in her stomach as Harry stood beside her as they slowed to stand just outside it, “Well I guess I’ll be seeing you in class tomorrow?”

            Daphne nodded, and a frown graced her lips, “Right, how a good night, Potter.”

            Harry nodded with a grin as he replied, “You too Greengrass.”

            Daphne watched on the way to Tracey and Blaise as Harry joined Hermione, Ron, Neville and the gang. Maybe it was the crest and ebbing of her emotions from discussing her Mum with Harry. Or maybe it was because she’d let the smallest crack open between them mentally. But even though there was only a set of tables between them Daphne felt as though the chasm might be as wide as the Atlantic.

            Daphne was staring long enough for Harry’s green gaze to meet her blue across the Great Hall, and Daphne was taken aback by the happy smile he sent her way.

            Harry, ‘You’re staring.’

            Daphne, ‘I’m not staring!’

            Harry now chuckled to himself as he replied, ‘Don’t worry, I liked our time together today as well.’

            Daphne, “Merlin… don’t make me regret this…’

            Harry, “Oh we’re both so going to regret this, but hey… what’s the worst that could happen?’

            Daphne broke her gaze with Harry as she sighed to herself. They had no idea.

Chapter Text

Daphne and Tracey sat at a booth in the Three Broom Sticks as they caught up over the last week’s goings-ons. Both Witches laughed as they recounted Blaise’s fifth letting down of Wizards and Witches asking him to the Yule Ball. Daphne had to wonder if it was a record within their year of the most turn downs by a Slytherin as of yet.

            Tracey spoke with mirth, “Speak of the heart-breaking bachelor.”

            Blaise arrived with three more butter beers as he sat down in the booth next to Tracey and handed out the sweet drinks.

            Daphne looked over to Blaise, “Thank you.”

            Blaise shrugged, “Don’t mention it; that Bulgarian heart throb over there paid for them.”

            Daphne saw over Blaise’s shoulder a 6^th year Durmstrang student give Blaise a smile, and raise of his glass, “Blaise I don’t know whether to ask you for tips on how you’ve strung along so many Wizards and Witches, or to remind you that eventually you have to choose.”

            Blaise rolled his brown eyes, “Come off its Daphne. We both know that you and I are going to end up going together.”

            Daphne raised a well-manicured blonde eyebrow, “Oh, are we now?”

            Blaise smirked, “Daphne no Wizard worth his common sense will even think of asking you, because you will shoot them down harder than that ice-burg did to whatever that Muggle passenger liner was called.”

            Daphne sighed, “The Titanic?”

            Tracey spoke up with a small giggle, “Title of Daphne’s love life?”

            Blaise snorted over his sip of butter beer, and Daphne glared at Tracey who shrugged with a laugh.

            Blaise, “ANYWAYS, I also have no desire to be some side piece to a Wizard who only wants to take me to a school closet in the middle of the ball.”

            Daphne’s lips formed a small frown, “Fair enough; well then Blaise it shall be an enjoyable evening with a fantastic friend.”

            Blaise raised his glass and clinked it with Daphne’s as he replied, “I look forward to it.”

            Tracey sat back with crossed arms, “Well I’m ecstatic for your platonic set up and all… but is no one going to ask me about my…”

            Blaise gave Tracey a side eye, “You’re going with Weasley, I heard.”

            Daphne’s eyes went wide as she was surprised, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going with Ron Weasley?”

            Tracey sat up with a small grimace, “Bloody hell I’m not going with that Weasley! It’s Fred.”

            Daphne now sat back with an appreciative glance, “Thank goodness… at least Fred is…”

            Tracey and Blaise spoke at the same time with a far-off glance both sharing smiles, “Fit…”

            Daphne sighed, “I was going to say objectively a more mature, and pleasant date than Ron. You can feel the inferiority complex from a wand away.”

            Tracey now gave a softer expression, “Can’t really blame him for being the youngest Wizard in his family. What’s their Bludger batting average as a family? One brother is working his way up in the Ministry, one is a dragon handler, and another a well-respected curse breaker. Not to mention the Twin’s and their popularity around the castle.”

            Daphne now smirked, “I see you’ve been keeping up with the Weasley’s then?”

            Tracey didn’t back down, “Well I just figured since you’re all chummy with Potter now that I might as well as extend an olive branch to the family that we’ll be summering with after Hogwarts.”

            Daphne scowled now, “That is wrong on so many levels. And Potter and I are not chummy…”

            Blaise now spoke with a less biting smirk as he replied, “That’s not how it sounds when he speaks about you during dueling club…”

            Daphne perked up, “Potter… speaks about then?”

            Blaise nodded, “Indeed Harry does, and it came to a surprise to me that he’s said nothing but kind things about you…”

            Daphne looked away for a moment, “Like what?”

            Tracey now went for the jugular, “Daphne… do you fancy Potter?”

            Two things happened all at once, and Daphne was left reeling. First, Blaise now snorted butter beer through his nose as he laughed at Daphne’s sudden jerk of her head back in their direction with a glare that could freeze an ice-cycle. And the fact that as Daphne was readying herself to verbally castrate Tracey a familiar voice for Daphne rang out from nearby.

            Harry appeared in front of the table as if summoned to torment Daphne even more than she already felt as he spoke with an inquisitive and annoyingly nice chuckle, “Is it piss on Harry hour then? I’ve heard the bloke can barely make it a day without looking at his own reflection, because he thinks he’s so handsome.”

            Blaise looked at Potter with a shite eating grin as he then replied, “Harry mate, good to see you. Why don’t you join us? What do you think Daphne? Do you think that Harry is handsome enough to be so vain?”

            Daphne refused to believe that this was happening even as Potter sat next to her now just a foot away and placed his butter beer on the table. Harry turned to Daphne with a smirk as he replied, “What do you think Greengrass?”

            Daphne focused solely on her hand wrapped tightly around her butter beer handle, “I think that you all are a bunch of tossers, and that we should talk about anything else.”

            Tracey was looking between Harry and Daphne with the widest grin that Daphne had ever seen on her best friend’s face as she spoke up, “Harry this is a surprise. What brings you to the Three Boom Stick’s?”

            Harry’s smile now fell as he replied, “I had to break away from Ron and Hermione for a few moments.”

            Blaise now grimaced, “I’m guessing friction because of the Yule Ball?”

            Harry tapped the table, “Bingo, and let’s just say the bloody egg was quieter than their rows.”

            Blaise replied with a nod, “Well you’re to sit with us as long as you’d like. Isn’t that right Daphne?”

            Daphne glared at Blaise and tried to kick his shin but only ended up kicking Harry’s as he lurched to the side, “Oww Greengrass! If you want me to scoot over just say so.”

            Daphne shot Harry an apologetic glance as she replied, “Sorry Potter I wasn’t aiming for you.”

            Blaise now laughed, and Daphne was going to kill the both of them once they got to their secluded walk back to the castle.

            Tracey decided to demonstrate a small act of mercy, “Did you end up figuring out the clue then?”

            Harry nodded with apprehension, “Sort of. I know the next clues are going to be at the lake, and that we’ll have to be underwater for an extended period of time. But I still don’t know what it is that I’ll be searching for.”

            Blaise and Tracey watched the most peculiar event transpired before them.

            Daphne turning to Harry with a raised eyebrow, “What exactly did the egg say?”

            Harry sighed as he turned to her and did his best to remember as he recited the song. Daphne listened intently, and to both Tracey and Blaise’s surprise Daphne tilted her head and called Harry daft. But it wasn’t said with the vitriol that both Slytherins were used to… no, it was said with a warmth that they each didn’t know Daphne was capable of outside of their little friend circle.

            Harry replying completely unphased by Daphne’s remark, “Then what do you think they mean by…”

            Daphne replied with a simple shrug, “They’re going to take someone close to you. I’m betting that the Mer-people are involved since their voices are only understandable within wavelengths in fresh water given the pitch of the voices in the egg.”

            Harry sat back in amazement, “Merlin why didn’t I just come to you in the first place?”

            Daphne now smirked, “Because we both know that you have to beat your head against the wall for awhile when it comes to riddles or puzzles. If this were as simple as fighting the giant squid, you would’ve figured it out weeks ago.”

            Harry now smirked back, “You’re not wrong… Thanks Greengrass.”

            Daphne shook her head, and Tracey and Blaise were officially gosmacked. Daphne simply gave Harry a small smile as she replied with a normal conversational tone, “It’s no problem, Potter, but you need to be focusing on an alternative to the bubble-headed charm. It’s too late to try and perfect it.”

            Harry nodded as he sighed, “I’ve got a few leads on that… Can I run them by you tomorrow at our study session?”

            Daphne nodded as she turned to take a sip of her butter beer, and the two returned back to the table for conversation. Daphne and Harry both raised an eyebrow with curious looks as Tracey and Blaise sat across the table with vacant expressions, “What?” they asked in unison.

            Tracey shook her head, “Nothing…”

            Blaise was dumbfounded but nodded along with Tracey’s. Blaise came to his senses as he spoke, “So Harry, have you found a date to the Yule Ball yet? I’m betting that Witches are beating down your dormitory door to ask you?”

            Daphne didn’t know why Blaise’s question dampened her mood all of the sudden as she replied, “Why does it matter who his date is?”

            Harry replied with a small wince of his eyes in faux hurt, “Ouch…”

            Daphne turned to Harry with a roll of her eyes, “I didn’t mean it that way Potter; don’t be such a priss.”

            Tracey released a shake of her head, “Don’t invalidate Harry’s emotions Daphne.”

            Harry pointed to Tracey, “It’s like this all the time!”

            Daphne now turned her attention to Harry with an icy glare, but she couldn’t miss the see what I put up with look as Blaise replied, “Oh don’t worry Potter, if she’s this cross with you, but doesn’t pull out her wand to freeze your arse off then it means that she cares.”

            Daphne crossed her arms, “You’re insufferable.”

            Harry nodded as Tracey and Blaise laughed, “Blaise to your question I do actually have a date thankfully.”

            Daphne felt her stomach drop in disappointment. Daphne shouldn’t feel disappointment, but her skin felt cold all of a sudden as she sides eyed Potter who now had a dumb smile on his face. Why was his smile dumb? Could it be that the thought of another Witch making him happy was causing Daphne to feel anger boiling up inside of her? No, it was just simply dumb right now.

            Harry replied with a name that somehow sunk Daphne’s mood even faster than before, “I’m actually going with Fleur.”

            Tracey’s eyes went wide in surprise, “The other Champion? Congrats Harry!”

            Harry shrugged, “It’s not as though it’s a big deal.”

            Blaise whistled, “How did you pull off getting her to go with you? I’m not saying that as an attack; it’s just I did not see this pairing coming.”

            Harry shrugged again, “She asked me a few days after the announcement for the ball came out actually…”

            Daphne shook her head with a colder tone, “Well, congrats Potter. You can officially say that you’ve bagged yourself a Veela for your trophy wall.”

            Everyone went silent as Harry turned to Daphne with an angry expression, “What in the bloody hell is that supposed to mean Greengrass?”

            Daphne didn’t look up from her drink as she sneered, “It’s just comical that for someone who claims to detest the spotlight you would choose the one Witch who would put it right back on you.”

            Harry now had a glare on his features as his green eyes burned with frustration, “Greengrass that is such a messed-up thing to say about Fleur in the first place, and secondly she asked me alright?”

            Tracey now sat back with a wince as she replied quietly, “Daphne that wasn’t…”

            Daphne now shot her cold gaze at Tracey, “This doesn’t concern you, Tracey.”

            Blaise now interjected, “Daphne don’t speak to Tracey that way!”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she turned to Potter, “I’m sorry. Good for you Potter, I hope you two have a splendid time at the Yule Ball.”

            Daphne’s tone with so sickeningly sweet and false that Harry nearly growled out his next words which sent a shiver down her spine though she wouldn’t admit it as it was laced with so much contempt, “You know what Greengrass? We will.”

            Harry turned to Tracey and Blaise with a sadder expression, “S’orry for interrupting your morning. I think I’m going to go find Hermione and Ron.”

            Harry scooted out of the booth and Daphne returned to glaring into her drink, “Why don’t you do that Potter. Go ahead and run away to your fellow Gryffindor’s with your tail tucked between your legs as you lot always do.”

            Harry stopped on the spot, and Tracey and Blaise both watched as his shoulders stiffened. Harry turned with anger clearly displayed in his expression, but he said nothing.

            Harry didn’t have to as Daphne could hear it all loud and clear. Harry, ‘You’re such a bloody hypocrite.’

            Daphne clenched her drink handle as she cringed at the words that emanated from Harry’s mind. Harry took a deep breath and marched away. Daphne could feel the contempt, anger, and growing disappointment in Harry’s psyche as his presence shrank further and further away.

            Blaise sat with a shocked expression, and finally broke the silence, “What in the bloody hell was that, Daphne?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she surveyed the damage between the group, “It’s not as though I haven’t heard the both of you say such things about Fleur. Your incessant gossiping about her bewitching the Wizards at our school.”

            Tracey glared, “Daphne there is one thing when it’s a harmless joke, and especially amongst friends. But, to see that in front of Harry when…”

            Daphne released a sigh, “It doesn’t matter anyways. Can we just talk about something else?”

            Blaise shook his head as he grasped Tracey’s hand, “I think we’re going to head back to the castle. Have a great rest of your day Daphne.”

            Daphne was left alone now as she fell back to staring at her drink. It wasn’t Daphne’s fault that everyone around her was so sensitive about everything. What, it was okay to pile of Daphne regarding fancying Potter, and that got a laugh? But Daphne making one crude comment regarding a Witch that she distinctly knew had drawn laughs from both Tracey and Blaise, and she was the bad gal? What a load of Thestrals dung.

            Daphne knew that this all would blow over with Tracey and Blaise. Interpersonal drama was to Slytherin’s what saving the day was for Gryffindor’s. But Daphne reflected on her words to Harry, and there she visibly winced as she replayed the interaction. It wasn’t Harry’s fault that Fleur had asked him to the Yule Ball, and now that he wasn’t here to interfere with Daphne’s objectivity, she could get why Fleur asked Potter above all other Wizard’s. Being another Champion, from a different school, and above all Harry being Harry Potter they might as well as shore up each other’s defenses socially so to speak.

            Plus, Daphne knew by now that Harry would be a proper date if not even more cautious than most to pull any sort of deplorable stunt. Heck even Harry’s dry and sarcastic bordering on self-deprecating humor would break the tension of the night anytime it became too serious. Plus, Potter in dress robes wouldn’t be hard on the eyes, and…

            Daphne’s head shot up with a blush on her porcelain cheeks. Where in Morgana’s name was her common sense going, and why was she giving Potter such positive feedback in her own bloody mind? Daphne needed to get some air and think about anyone or anything else than Potter.

            Daphne sighed as she exited the Three Broom Sticks and was met with a burst of blustery bitter cold. She wrapped her coat tightly around her as she made her way back to the castle alone and lost in thought. Daphne couldn’t tell whether it was her frustrations or Potters, but she groaned as she felt her mood sour. Why couldn’t she have just kept her mouth shut? Why did she always have to bring a dour mood to everyone around her? Why couldn’t she just figure out how to be the nice little Witch everyone she thought wanted her to be?

            If Daphne had taken a step back, she would have felt the thoughts from Harry’s own subconscious, ‘Because, then you wouldn’t be you.’

Chapter Text

Daphne sat with Blaise at a table away from the main dance floor as he laughed at her poor attempt of a retort to his blazing declaration of the benefits of magical concealer as an inflammatory reducer versus a traditional antihistamine.

            Daphne, “Blaise there are so many hurdles you’d have to jump through with the Ministry to even get to the testing of your hypothesis.”

            Blaise now leaned forward, “But, just imagine the money that we would make!”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, but still had a small smile, “It’s not all about money.”

            Blaise now sat back crossing him arms, “Says Ms. Old Pure Blood money.”

            Daphne shot Blaise a mock glare as she changed the subject, “Are you sure you don’t want to dance more? You don’t have to stay here with me in the corner off by ourselves.”

            Blaise gave Daphne a genuine smile, “For the umpteenth time Daphne it’s perfectly fine, and anyways it makes it easier to judge everyone’s outfit choices.”

            Daphne smirked, “You’re such a brat sometimes.”

            Blaise nodded, “And, you love it. By the way I said it back in the Common Room, but you look gorgeous tonight.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes and replied, “I mean Tracey and you nearly poked out my eyes when you were applying the mascara against my will.”

            Blaise sipped his drink spiked with just a bit of fire-whiskey, “Oh come off it. And, besides I distinctly remember you asking us for help getting ready… which don’t take this the wrong way.”

            Daphne narrowed her eyes, “Then just don’t say it…”

            Blaise put his hands up, “As one of your best friends I have to. You’ve been eyeing Potter since we got here, and we still have hours to go before this thing winds down.”

            Daphne glared as she took a sip of her own drink spiked with fire whiskey, “I have not.”

            Blaise sat back with a sigh, “It’s okay if you care about Harry; you know that right?”

            Daphne replied with a terse voice, “I don’t… I don’t… not… care about Potter, but he’s come with someone three years older than him for Merlin’s sake!”

            Blaise crossed his arms, “So? If we were graduated already that age difference wouldn’t even be something to blink at in our world.”

            Daphne sat forward with a glare, “And the way that she has her hands all over him!”

            Blaise raised his eyebrows, “It’s called dancing Daphne? Maybe if you actually looked at Harry, you’d see that he seems to be having a fun time tonight.”

            Daphne lessened her glare as she peered across the table to the dance floor. Harry was dancing and jumping in a circle with Fleur, Hermione, Viktor Krum, Fred, Tracey, Ginny, and Neville. And his smile was as bright as a Lumos spell as he failed to mouth the lyrics to the current Weird Sisters song. Tracey felt her glare soften as she let herself feel his emotions.

            Relief, surprise, and joy.

            Daphne cut her gaze away, and back to Blaise as she shot back, “Then why don’t you go join them Blaise? Seriously, you don’t have to stay with me.”

            Blaise shook his head, “No way Daphne, and besides it looks like they’re taking a break anyways.”

            Tracey was leading Fred to the table as she waved out of breath, “How’re you two doing?”

            Blaise raised a glass, “Oh just getting started. By the way Fred, thanks again for the party favor.”

            Fred chuckled as he winked to the table, “Don’t know what you’re talking about mate, but if you want more you’ll know where to find me.”

            Tracey met Daphne’s gaze with a tilted head, and a muted smile. Tracey turned to Fred with big doe eyes as she put her hand around Fred’s waist, “Fred would you mind taking Blaise on a spin around the floor? I need to visit the loo with Daphne.”        

            Fred gave Tracey a wicked grin, “Gladly.” Fred turned to Blaise reaching out a hand as he looked between the two, and Daphne spoke with a laugh, “Go on Blaise, don’t leave Weasley hanging.”

            Blaise laughed as he took Fred’s hand, “After you Weasley.”

            Fred gave Blaise a mischievous grin, “Hold onto your dress pants Zambini.”

            The two sauntering off left Tracey and Daphne alone as Tracey took a seat next to Daphne, “Why are you sulking over here in the dark?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she put her elbows on the table, and sat forward, “I’m not sulking Tracey, and besides you know that I don’t really… dance…”

            Tracey shrugged, “Most of us don’t, but that’s not stopping us from having a good time! Besides we’re at a real honest to Merlin ball, and everyone looks so nice… including a certain Gryffindor who’s been eyeing you all night.”

            Daphne perked up as she tried to hide her interest, “What’re you talking about?”

            Tracey sat back with a sigh, “Bloody hell it’s like talking to a wall. Daphne… Harry’s been sneaking glances multiple times tonight, and as progressive as the bloke is I’m pretty sure it’s not to stare at Blaise’s tight arse.”

            Daphne cringed as Tracey’s crude phrase, but continued, “Then why doesn’t he come over and say something himself?”

            Tracey now gave Daphne a slightly frustrated tone, “You can fault a person who’s last interaction with you was calling his date basically a…”

            A French accent snuck up on both Witches, “Oh I’m sure it’s nothing that I have no heard before.”

            They both watched with confusion as Fleur joined them at the table and spoke to Tracey, “So this is the one, aye?”

            Tracey nodded to Fleur with a smirk, “The one and only.”

            Daphne stared between the two with suspicion before Fleur spoke, “Daphne it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”

            Daphne nodded curtly feeling both a tinge of embarrassment and disdain for this whole situation, “Pleasure…”

            Fleur eyed Daphne over a few times, and Daphne only now became aware that even sitting she was inches shorter than the sophisticated looking Witch across from her. Not only that, but bloody hell Daphne felt like a troll as she took in Fleur’s natural beauty. She probably wasn’t even wearing make up tonight.

            Fleur spoke with a haughty tone, “It surprises me that you are the Witch that has Harry so enthralled.”

            Daphne fought the small blush from her cheeks, “Potter’s just an acquaintance, and besides maybe it’s just that he has good taste in who he chooses to surround himself with.”

            Fleur’s silver-grey eyes flitted with a challenge, “Or maybe he’s too kind of a Wizard, and has yet to feel the bite of betrayal from those that do not have his best interests at heart?”

            Daphne bristled, “You’ve known Potter for what three months? How do you bloody well know what his best interests are, or even who’s looking out for them?”

            Fleur simply beamed an elegant smile, “Oh trust me young Witch; it’s easy to sus out the fair-weather people in your life when you live a life such as Harry’s.”

            Daphne’s eyes went cold as she gripped her wand under the table, and Tracey knew that look as she interjected, “Lady’s let’s cool down, alright?”

            Fleur shrugged, “I am as cool as how do you say… an ice sickle.”

            Daphne took a beat before stowing her wand, “I’m incredibly chill right now.”

            Tracey looked between the two with a sigh as she was about to continue when they heard a commotion from outside of the Great Hall. Daphne recognized one of the voices yelling as Hermione, and the three Witches looked at each other for a beat before getting up and moving to the corridor. A scene of Shakespearian teen drama unfolded before them.

            At the top of the stairs was Ron clad in what Daphne could only describe as her Nan’s wardrobe massacred to put together whatever excuse for dress robes that Weasley wore. At the bottom was Harry standing behind Hermione with his arm around her as she yelled at Weasley.

            Hermione, “Then you should have just asked me instead of being such a bloody prat!”

            Ron yelled back, “Well maybe you shouldn’t have been such a…”

            The three Witches stuck to the wall as they watched with wide eyes as Harry spoke up. His magic clearly bleeding into the corridor space as Weasley inched back feeling Harry’s disdain, “Ron just cut it for one night! You had multiple chances to ask Hermione to the ball! She doesn’t owe it to you, or anyone else to ask for permission to live her life.”

            Ron’s eyes narrowed as his shoulders fell in defeat, “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

            Harry closed his eyes as he reigned in his fury, “Look just go to bed mate.”

            Ron looked between the two for another moment before letting his head fall as he stalked up the stairs. Hermione sat with Harry on the stairs now as Harry kept his arm around Hermione protectively, and she silently wept into his chest.

            Obviously, it had to be the fire whiskey, or Daphne was a terrible Witch. But, watching Potter defend Granger, and now with his arm around her as he consoled her, was one of the hottest scenes she’d ever seen. Merlin she was messed up tonight.

            The three Witches moved to create a wall in front of Hermione as Harry looked up in surprise, “Err, I’m guessing you all saw that?”

            Daphne spoke with her arms crossed and a careful tone, “Potter I’m pretty sure everyone in the hallway saw it.”

            Harry met Daphne’s gaze for the briefest of moments with a guarded expression that caused her stomach to sink in response as Tracey spoke, “Hermione, are you okay?”

            Hermione sniffed as she straightened herself up and left Harry’s embrace, “I’ll be fine. He’s such a prat sometimes.”
            Fleur spoke with a soft tone, “Boys his age are like that. Give him time and if he doesn’t come around you will find someone better. It’s a big world out there.”

            Hermione chuckled as she took Harry’s handkerchiefs and dabbed at her eyes. Turning to Harry she noticed the mascara marks on his white dress shirt, “Oh Harry…”

            Harry simply looked at Hermione with such a tender smile that Daphne felt as though her chest was on fire with envy, “Merlin Hermione it’s a few stains. Remember the blood on your hoody from that night?”

            Hermione now fought a laugh, “You hit your head so hard…”

            Harry now had Hermione laughing, and the group looked on with a newfound appreciation for Harry. Harry helped Hermione up as he spoke, “Do you want to call it a night? I’ll go with you?”

            Hermione shook her head as she straightened out her dress, “No, I won’t ruin tonight all because of some boy…”

            Tracey shot her hand in the air, “That’s right Granger, screw Wizards! Sorry Harry…”

            Harry shrugged with a lopsided grin, “No, I’m with you. We can be definite wankers most of the time.”

            Fleur caught Daphne’s now burning gaze as she stared at Harry like a snake ready to pounce on its prey before speaking, “Hermione why don’t you let Tracey and I help you freshen up? Then we’ll find Viktor and regroup.”

            Hermione frowned between Fleur and Harry, “I don’t want to impede on your night!”

            Harry shrugged as Fleur and him shared a secretive smile that Daphne did not like, “It’s fine Hermione, we still have a whole night left.”

            Hermione nodded as she followed Tracey. Fleur met Daphne’s gaze with a wicked smirk before stepping forward to Harry and speaking with a low tone, “What you did for Hermione, and the way in which you stood up for her was wonderful ‘Arry.” Fleur’s French accent in full force.

            Harry ran a hand through his hair as he messed up whatever control had gone into keeping it in place, “It was nothing really. Hermione would have done the same for me, and besides it’s what friends do.”

            Fleur simply shook her head, “So humble.”

            It took every ounce of self-control in Daphne not to hex Fleur as she completed her next move. Fleur kissed Harry on the cheek causing him to blush, and then turned around meeting Daphne’s gaze once more with a haughty and triumphant raise of an eyebrow. Daphne glared at the Witch as she walked away, and her mind set on freezing the perky ti…

            Daphne felt a calloused hand on her shoulder as she felt Harry’s warm and calming touch capture her attention as she immediately spun around. When had Potter gotten this close? When had Potter’s emerald eyes been so bloody pretty to stare into? When did Potter decide now of all times to actually try with his appearance? Daphne had to admit that he looked rather dashing in his moder dress robes.

            Harry dropped his hand from Daphne’s shoulder as she steadied her breath, “Can we talk?”

            Daphne nodded as she bit her lip and followed Potter to a secluded alcove not far away. Potter sat on the bench, and Daphne sat beside him a shoulders length away. Daphne’s blue eyes studied the fire burning on a floating torch at the opposite wall as she couldn’t find it in herself to look at Potter yet.

            Harry spoke with a sigh, “Look I know that last two weeks I’ve been distant…”

            Daphne fought her knee jerk reaction to make a sarcastic remark as Harry continued, “It’s just… I hate it when people make fun of others based on things that they didn’t choose to be.”

            Daphne sighed as she turned to meet Harry’s gaze, “Fleur didn’t choose to be part Veela, and even if she did to speak about her like you did…”

            Daphne spoke up with a cool voice, “I crossed a line, Potter.”

            Harry nodded solemnly as he replied, “You did.”

            Daphne took a steadying breath, “Potter… I’ll apologize to Fleur, and you’re right it’s not right for what I chose to call her, and… I’m frustrated because I know better.”

            Harry sat back with a small frown, “We all make mistakes.”

            Daphne shook her head, “Not like that… I stooped to bloody Parkinson’s level attacking another Witch like that… it’s just…”

            Harry raised an eyebrow as Daphne fought to find the right words, and she chided herself for having the fire whiskey tonight in this conversation, “You’re so…”

            Harry sat awaiting her words as Daphne finally continued, “You’re so willing to trust other people that you make yourself a target, and I was worried!”

            Harry seemed surprised, “How do I make myself a target?”

            Daphne sat back with a defeated expression, “It’s not going to make sense, okay? I’ve barely got a handle on it myself.”

            Harry sensed Daphne’s displeasure in the whole conversation, but also knew that he couldn’t very well just let this go without a fight.

            Harry, ‘Then don’t say it out loud.’

            Daphne looked at Potter and sighed as she shut her eyes. Images of Harry being blindsided by Fleur betraying him during the Tournament. Daphne watched helplessly as Harry was ridiculed in front of other students. Fleur using Harry’s status as a steppingstone to greater glory. Harry felt frustration, mistrust, and above all worry.

            Harry’s eyes went wide as he spoke, “Bloody hell, you felt all of that so quickly that day?”

            Daphne opened her eyes with a vulnerable expression, “Of course I did Potter, I do care about you whether or not you believe it.”

            Harry sat back against the stone wall as he gave her a small grin, “I know you do Greengrass, and I care about you too.” Daphne’s chest warmed at his confession, “It’s why I was so distant… I didn’t want to mess things up further.”

            Daphne sat up as she glared at Harry, “You didn’t mess anything up Potter, it was my fault.”

            Harry now gave Daphne a small frown, “Let’s talk before we decide to ice each other out over a slip of the tongue?”

            Daphne nodded with a small grin as she replied, “Deal.”

            Harry gave her a megawatt smile as she felt her heart clench but chose to ignore it. Harry’s green eyes were bloody brilliant as he spoke, “You look really nice by the way. Your dress… I like the green.”

            Daphne looked down to her dress with a smirk, “You can blame Astoria for picking the color…”

            Harry gave her a lopsided smile, “You’re making me come around on the whole green as a brilliant color train.”

            Daphne now gave Harry a genuine smile, “Well you clean up rather well yourself Potter.”

            Harry now looked away as he ran a hand through his now disheveled hair, “Thanks… still don’t know how I feel about dress robes.”

            Daphne stood as she gave Harry a curious glance, “You’re going to have to get used to them Potter. Something’s telling me that you’re going to be wearing them a lot more in your future gala circuits with Fleur.”

            Harry stood but grasped Daphne’s wrist, turning her look at him. His thumb was over her pulse point, and Daphne became abruptly aware of their even gaze as her black heels gave her a few more inches than she was used to. Harry dropped his hands as he had a nervously shy countenance, “Greengrass Fleur’s just a friend… I need you to know that.”

            Daphne pursed her lips, “Sure, whatever you say Potter. It’s none of my…”

            Harry cut her off with a sigh of frustration, “Greengrass we only came together so that we wouldn’t have to deal with someone trying to use either of us.

            Harry, ‘Please believe me.’ Flashed across Daphne’s mind from Harry’s. Daphne took a deep breath as she stepped forward, and her slender fingers came up to untie Potter’s tie. Daphne began to re-tie it correctly, and with her blue eyes fixed on the black ribbon Harry’s own green gaze was wide as he stared at Daphne’s face so close to his own. Her high cheek bones were scattered with hints of green sparkles, and her lips were colored with a light shade of pink lipstick. It was the mascara that drew his gaze the most as Daphne’s ice blue eyes were even more prominent, and Harry felt himself drowning.

            Daphne spoke, and Harry could smell the peppermint from her freshen up spell, and hints of fire whiskey as her tone was lower than he was used to but still pleasant, “I believe you Potter.” Daphne looked at him with a serious gaze, and Harry felt himself swallow hard as suddenly his cheeks were on fire. There was something intimate about Daphne fixing his tie, and once she pulled it gently to form Harry thought she would just step away. But Daphne stayed in his personal space, and she dropped one hand while her left went up to brush the hair away from his scar. Daphne studied the scar, and her thumb traced a gentle almost ghostly touch over the indented flesh. Harry eyes shuttered closed as her cool skin felt extremely pleasant on the usually sensitive scar.

            Daphne spoke with the softest of whispers, “Does it ever hurt?”

            Harry nodded against her touch, “Some days just a dull ache, but somedays… it burns.”

            Daphne frowned as she traced it for a few more moments before Harry opened his eyes. Daphne’s expression was so warm that Harry thought he’d been transported to world in which she looked at him like he was the only person in the world before she replied, “You deserve so much more.”

            Harry was at a loss for words, but as a group of fifth years passed by unaware of the duo Daphne seemed to snap back to reality as she took a step back and caught her breath. Daphne, “We um… we should get back.”

            Harry nodded with a slight tilt of his head, and as he thought things would get awkward Daphne gave him an uncharacteristically devilish smirk, “First, we need some fire whiskey, and second the next dance is mine.”

            Daphne slender hand grasped Harry’s as she pulled him along at a high paced walk, and Harry laughed caught by surprise.

Chapter Text

Daphne felt as though her cheeks were in a state of perpetual flush as her body thrummed with the dull fire of the aptly named fire whiskey. Dancing in a group with Potter, Tracey, Fred, Hermione, and Viktor she bounced along to the Weird Sister’s latest ballad as the rip of the guitar and thrum of the base filled her ears and body with positive vibrations of the musical tones. Tracey grasped Daphne’s shoulders as they looked at each other with bright smiles and then headbanged to the breakdown of the music. Daphne couldn’t miss the audaciously surprised and proud look on Potter’s face as she heard his thoughts.

            Harry, ‘You head bang?’

            Daphne smirked with a slight shrug, ‘Of course I do Potter!’

            Harry’s smile caused Daphne to smile even wider as the group continued to jump and move energetically along with their fellow diverse student body. Daphne’s blue eyes focused on Potter for a moment; his now tousled raven locks were thrown every which way, shed of his jacket his white button-down shirt formed nicely against his lithe torso, and his bloody smile was so dashing to Daphne that she felt herself momentarily let herself slide into dangerous territory.

            Harry’s face turned to her direction as they shared the briefest of gentle, and happy smiles that Daphne felt her chest burn hotter than the fire whiskey she’d now had a few too many sips from. But Daphne wouldn’t turn away at this moment as she narrowed her glance to Harry.

            Daphne, ‘What is it, Potter? Something on my face?”

            Harry, “You just… you look happy.”

            Daphne, “Well, I am.”

            Harry, “Me too.”
            Harry laughed along with Daphne as they realized they must look like completely daft as they shared what to the outside must appear as an inside joke. After another minute the group moved out of the crowd as they caught their breaths and meandered back to their shared table as they all crowded around with Harry and Fred pulling up an extra table.

            Daphne noted that Blaise and Fleur were deep in conversation in French as Harry raised an eyebrow to Daphne, “I didn’t know Blaise was fluent in French?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “Oh did he not tell you yet? Or how he’s spent every other Summer with his Mum’s family in Paris?”

            Blaise gave Daphne a haughty look, “Don’t hate that you’re stuck with only your stuffy British heritage Daphne.”

            Daphne shot back, “I’ll stick with me tea and dreary weather thank you.”

            Fleur now replied with a lighter tone to the Witch, “There is something charming about your white winters.”

            Daphne gave Fleur a truce of a head nod, “Agreed, and I’ll give you that your countryside has its own beauty.”

            Fleur nodded to Daphne as the group heard the lead singer of the Weird Sisters announce that the final song would be playing in a few minutes to close out the evening. The group began to pair up, and Daphne took a swig of her spiked pumpkin juice. All of a sudden, she felt her mood drop a few degrees as she sighed to herself. Daphne wouldn’t admit it out loud, but something about knowing that Potter and Fleur would be out on the dance floor holding each other close, swaying to the gentle melodies, and laugh and sharing inside hushed comments caused her stomach to field as if it were going to lurch to the floor.

            Blaise’s dark eyes caught Daphne’s fallen expression, and he narrowed his gaze before speaking, “Fleur, I know that you came with the very dapper Potter, but would you mind doing me the honor joining me for the last dance?”

            Daphne’s blue eyes now darted to Blaise, then to Fleur, and finally to Harry. Daphne had missed whatever quip Fleur had stated as her gaze was intently studying Potter’s reaction. Harry didn’t seem taken aback at all, and as Fleur and Blaise joined the group heading to the dance floor this left Potter and her alone. Daphne sat back trying to look as nonplused as possible as she kept her hands in her lap and looked around at the couples joining the dance floor.

            Daphne spoke with a small smirk, “Potter, would you look at all of those gushy…”

            But Daphne heard Potter’s chair scrape backwards as he moved to stand beside her. Daphne looked up, and Harry had his hand stuck out in such an awkward and chivalrously over emphasized gesture, “Greengrass, will you join me for a gushy, and totally not cliché last dance?”

            Daphne bit her lip as she smiled and nodded. Daphne stood to her feet and yelped with a laugh as Harry hurried them to the dance floor to stand by their group of friends as the Weird Sister’s began their final soft ballad of rock.

            Daphne for once felt self-conscious as she chided herself for not having paid more attention to the years of bloody ballroom dance lessons that her Father had advised them to take serious in their younger years. But Daphne was taken out of her own mind and transported back to the present as she felt Harry’s firm hands on her waist. Daphne instinctively threw her hands around Harry’s neck as he guided them to a slow and gentle sway.

            Daphne looked at Harry, and she felt her breath hitch as he simply gazed at her with a small and happy smile. Harry, “Something on my face?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, but didn’t shy away from replying, “It’s nice just seeing you so relaxed.”

            Harry nodded, “I could say the same, but I thought about it already…”

            Daphne squeezed the back of Harry’s neck playfully, “Shut it, Potter.”

            Harry now chuckled, “Whatever you say Greengrass.”

            Daphne looked away momentarily as she took a deep breath, and she was met with Potter’s unique scent; evergreen trees, fresh air, and a pleasant and calming scent that she couldn’t place. Daphne was hyper aware of Potter’s hands firmly on her waist, and she felt the skin their grow warm from his touch. And, if Daphne were more informed by her executive function, she would have chided herself from admitting how nice it felt and noticed that she imperceptibly drew closer to Potter as she tightened her hold around his neck.

            Daphne looked back to Harry as she locked eyes with him and spoke with a gentle tone, “You know that I care about you, right Potter?”

            Harry replied to Daphne with a serious expression, “I care about you too Greengrass.”

            Daphne nodded; she didn’t know why once more, but right now at this very moment she needed Potter to know this very basic but crucial fact. Maybe it was the fire whiskey, maybe it was the simple flush of teenage hormones as her limbic system going into overdrive as she was within the arms of the very person she felt so attuned to, or maybe it was simply because Potter such a good person; more than she thought anyone had the right to be… But Daphne needed him to know that she cared about him.

            Daphne rested her head on Potter’s shoulder as she closed her eyes and let herself enjoy this one moment, and for this one moment she would be selfish. Potter’s hold on her waist grew stronger as he responded but rested his cheek against the side of her head. Daphne felt her thoughts and feelings respond to Potter’s.

            Contentment.

            Happiness.

            Peace.

            Daphne’s breathing steadied as they continued to sway as she thought to herself, ‘I wish we could stay like this…’

            Harry, ‘Me too.’

            Daphne smiled to herself as Harry did the same, and Daphne burned this moment into her mind as she felt Potter do the same. And, as the music began to signal the end of the song neither Daphne nor Harry wanted to pull away. It was only the sounds of the other students clapping and whistling for the Weird Sister’s performance did both Harry and Daphne lift their heads to meet each other’s gaze. But Daphne felt this new tension between them that felt both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. As thought, they were on the edge of a precipice neither could name, but also that neither could nor would step away from.

            Harry opened his mouth to speak, and Daphne felt herself just enough closer as her blue eyes were fixated solely between looking into Potter’s eyes and flickering to his pink lips.

            Harry, “Greengrass… I need to…”

            Bloody hell: Tracey’s voice broke the two from their intimate moment as she cut in claiming that there was an after party in the Hufflepuff Common Room. Daphne felt at least some semblance of her guarded nature catch up finally as she extricated herself from Potter’s hands and gave him a weak smile as she backed away.

            Daphne, “I’m… going to go use the loo.”

            Daphne blinked a few times as Harry seemed at a loss for words, and she was right there with him. Because as much as she thought that there would be some form of embarrassment or negative reaction Harry simply ran his hand through his hair as he laughed, “Fair enough.”

            Daphne gave him an appreciative smile as she b-lined to grab Tracey’s hand and the two went with the other Witches to the loo. The rest of the night was sort of a blur for Daphne. Between a few more sips of their drinks, more high energy dancing in the Hufflepuff Common Room, and one unfortunate game of exploding snaps against Fred and George, she found herself finally collapsing into her bed as she realized she’d left the hangover potion in Potter’s cloak pocket for whatever reason.

            Daphne muttered to herself, “It can wait until the morning…”

            The day just after lunch.

            Daphne sat with her head against the Prefect’s bathroom stall wall as she groaned to herself. She’d been her all-late morning as the bathroom to her own dorm was filled with the wailing of Witches themselves dealing with the revenge of too many spiked drinks from the previous night. You would’ve have thought that the Witches and Wizards of Slytherin were returning from a battlefield where everyone had been poisoned with the lack of empty toilet stalls. It had been a gamble, but as such a prestigious student Daphne pulled some strings with a Prefect that owed her a favor as she found herself alone in the bathroom.

            Daphne closed her eyes as she willed her world to stop its nonsensical spinning, but to no avail. After waking up groggily and with a stomach that was in wholesale revolt she rushed to the bathroom. And so here she found herself with her mascara running down her cheeks, clad in a bloody Gryffindor inspired knitted crew neck with a giant HP knitted into the front, and black leggings with her blonde hair strewn about her face.

            Merlin she couldn’t even remember where she’d left her bloody anti-nausea potions. She’d even beg, barter, or steal for a bloody drop of Dittany to abate the nausea inspired sickness that she’d wrought onto herself.

            The door to the bathroom opened, and Daphne groaned. She was about to reach for her wand to hex whoever thought it was a good idea to interrupt her one-on-one retching appointment. But both the most calming and at the same time somehow irritating voice echoed for her.

            Harry walked in, and closed the door behind him placing a ward to keep other students away and spoke, “Greengrass, are you in here?”

            Daphne closed her eyes in a cringe at his loud voice, but replied weakly as she breathed a small sigh of relief that it was Potter of all people, “In here Potter!”

            Daphne grimaced at her own loud voice. Soon Harry had the large stall door open as Daphne opened her eyes, and she glared and winced at Potter, “Don’t you dare bloody well laugh.”

            Harry simply gave Daphne a shake of his head, and a small smile that warmed her chest just a bit, “Wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, seeing as I still have two more tasks left, you’ll be finding me in even worst dire straits.”

            Daphne frowned as she tilted her head, “Don’t joke like that, please?”

            Harry nodded with a lopsided grin, “Just trying to lift the mood. You look like death had one too many a shot.”

            Daphne glared and turned her face away, “You sure know how to make a Witch feel better Potter.”

            Harry dug into his bag as he removed and presented Daphne with three vials of potions, “Even when I bring the elixirs to life?”

            Daphne turned her head as her eyes widened, “Where in the bloody hell did you get a full bottle of Dittany?”

            Harry gave Daphne a shy smile, “I brewed it last month actually after potions.”

            Daphne looked surprised, “How did you do that?”

            Harry nodded, “I just followed the notes that you lent me. They made so much more sense than Snape’s. And Neville and I even tried it out after our first accident at the lake; so, we know it works.”

            Daphne felt her stomach lift at the thought of her notes helping Potter, “Well, I’m glad that you’ve learned something from our study sessions.”

            Harry rolled his eyes, “Come off in Greengrass, your humility is unbecoming of a Slytherin. We both know if I make it through the Tournament that Neville, Hermione, and you get the main credits on my surviving the cut speech.”

            Daphne glared, “When you make it through.”

            Harry nodded with a slight falter in his smile, “Right, when… now, drink up.”

            Daphne nodded as she reached over to, but her stomach thought it best to remind Daphne just once more why she should drink underage. Daphne’s eyes narrowed in disgust as she lurched for the toilet and found her hair forming a bind of sorts from what she grimaced at Potter’s disgusted facial expressions from the sounds of her throwing up last night’s excessive drinks. Daphne coughed a bit, and she groaned once more. But the oddest thing happened as she began to feel better. First, Potter’s hands gently pulled her hair up into a loose ponytail with a deft quickness that she would have been suspicious about if it wasn’t for the gratefulness that she felt in having her vision cleared. Second, Potter’s hand now ran smoothing circles on her back as she felt a warmth spread there. Third, Potter’s now intimately soft voice spoke words of encouragement close to her ear as she winced at what he must think of her right now. But the combination had Daphne feeling loads better even without the potions.

            It took a few moments, but with tears straining her eyes she sat back. Daphne found herself thrust back into Harry’s arms, and seated between his spread legs as she didn’t have the energy to fight him off, and nor did she want to right now. Daphne rested her head on his chest as his chin rested on top of Daphne’s hair. Daphne felt Harry’s arms encircle her as she cozied up in his embrace, and felt the heat emanate from his body.

            Daphne spoke absentmindedly, “I’m disgusting right now Potter.”

            Harry simply shrugged, “I’ve been covered in Devil’s Snare gunk; this is nothing.”

            Daphne choaked out a laugh, “Story for another time?”

            Harry nodded against her head with a far-off grin, “Sure if you remind me.”

            Daphne, “Potter?”

            Harry with a quiet voice, “Hmm?”

            Daphne now had a small smile for the first time all morning, “The potions?”

            Harry’s eyes went wide as he nodded and used his wand to summon them as Harry handed them to Daphne, “Thank you.”

            Daphne uncorked each of the vials and took each swig as though she were taking a shot. A few moments passed, and Daphne sighed as the potions did their work. This feeling of pleasure coupled with having Potter hold her caused Daphne to produce more endorphins and serotonin than she’d remembered.

            Daphne, “Merlin this is nice.”

            Harry simply chuckled into her hair, “I’m not disagreeing, but next time maybe mix in some water?”

            Daphne nodded against Harry with her eyes closed as she brought her hands up to hold Harry’s wrists as he brought his arms to steady her, “I’d say I’m never drinking again, but it’s a long life.”

            Harry nodded as he chuckled, “Probably more reasonable.”

            Daphne now spoke, “How’re you feeling by the way?”

            Harry shrugged, “Oh brilliant other than being a bit tired from the late night. I don’t really partake in all of that.”

            Daphne was surprised, “Really?”

            Harry nodded as he replied with a more serious tone, “Given what has happened to me at Hogwarts a sober mind as Hermione likes to say helps to ensure I don’t accidentally get killed, or worst expelled.”

            Daphne both laughed, and frowned at the thought of Potter’s danger or expulsion, “Though I’m sure she felt the order was correct; I can get the sentiment.”

            Daphne now replied with a quiet voice, “If you die, I’ll be cross, you know that right?”

            Harry now laughed as he nodded against her, “I do Greengrass, and trust me I’m not seeking it out.”

            Daphne rested her cheek against Potter’s chest, “Good, because I’d find a way to bring you back just to yell at you.”

            Harry smiled to himself, “I know you would Greengrass.”

Chapter Text

Daphne stood with her back to the cool stone wall outside of the Gryffindor Common Room one floor down as she rested her tired eyes. Astoria had teased her initially about the dark circles that had formed under Daphne’s usually porcelain skin a few weeks ago, but even her sister now worried about Daphne’s chronic exhaustion throughout the day. Daphne peered down her watch as she noted in two more minutes, he’d be late. Which as of the past month Potter had been on schedule whenever they had set a place and time to meet. Daphne knew that to others who didn’t know her well that she might appear obsessive about being at the right place and right time, but history had shown the young Witch that those who made it a point to be punctual usually had the advantage in life.

            Daphne let her mind wander for a few moments. Why exactly had Daphne had difficulty sleeping the last few weeks? It began with slightly disturbing dreams at first. Almost as though she were watching a dream through a murky pond of another’s. Daphne couldn’t put two and two together until a week ago as she had to wake Potter up stealthily in Potions, and after a few minutes after class of verbal berating she’d finally sussed out that Potter was having nightmares, and to her concern they had been going back all the way to the beginning of the year. Daphne had shaken her head at his confession, and chided Potter with concern over the detriments to his health. Potter had actually appeared a bit confused as he thought that chronic fatigue beset many Witches or Wizards. Potter was surprised that when Daphne told him it’s not a normal thing for Wizard’s or Witches to be beset by such continuous encroachments into their sleep cycles.

            Daphne couldn’t believe Potter was operating with such a disturbed sleep schedule, and when he confessed that he usually operated on only five or six hours of sleep on the average Daphne had nearly pulled Harry into Madam Pomphrey’s and demanded that Potter be taken to St. Mungo’s to be seen by a real expert. So much of Potter’s behavior now made more sense for the Slytherin. Potter’s absent mindedness during their afternoon classes, his at times moody behavior even on a greater razers edge than the average teenager, and his proclivity for prowling the castle at nighttime. Daphne sighed as she also had to give Potter the credit to his positive outlook, and generally kind demeanor because any ordinary person would have been grumpier than Professor Snape in interacting with Professor Trelawny.

            Daphne heard the footsteps of Potter coming her way, and more so felt his presence as she began to calm down. Harry stepped into her field of vision, and Daphne did a once over. Potter’s champions uniform made him appear even more the brave Gryffindor than usual, and more than that Daphne found herself very much liking Potter in the get up. But she put on a small and neutral frown as she spoke once Harry came into earshot.

            Daphne, “You were almost late.”

            Harry shrugged, “Blame Ron, he wanted to put a wager on how quickly I would solve the maze.”

            Daphne crossed her arms with a less than enthused expression, “Funny how now all of a sudden he’s team Potter.”

            Harry frowned, “Can we let that go for now Greengrass? The last thing I need to be worried about is…”

            Daphne nodded with pursed lips, “I’m sorry, and you’re right.”

            Harry titled his gaze with a concerned expression, “Are you alright? You’ve been on the edge the past few days… you froze my pumpkin juice in Transfiguration on accident yesterday when you were glaring out of the window…”

            Daphne furrowed her eyes, “Well, a certain someone’s nightmares have been keeping me up.”

            Harry’s eyes went wide, “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

            Daphne shook her head, “Because, I’ll survive; more importantly we need to talk.”

            Harry nodded, “Of course, what did you want to speak about?”

            Daphne dropped her gaze as she replied with a quiet tone, “This is going to sound mad, but Potter… you shouldn’t compete tonight.”

            Harry raised an eyebrow, “Greengrass I don’t exactly have a choice? And, besides Mad-Eye said…”

            Daphne’s head shot up with a frown, “Sod off with what Mad-Eye said, alright?”

            Harry now looked confused, “Greengrass what has gotten into you?”

            Daphne released a sigh of frustration as she shook her head, “It doesn’t make sense… but, Potter I just have a really bad feeling about tonight, and if you enter that maze… don’t you think it’s eerie how all of these nightmares of yours… these visions began right before this school year?”

            Harry smirked as he shrugged, “Strange things happen to me all the time Greengrass.”

            Daphne narrowed her gaze, “Potter this is serious!”

            Harry replied with a raised tone, “Don’t you think I bloody well know that? But Greengrass I can’t drop out now!”

            Daphne now stepped forward with a raised voice, “Why not? What is the worst that they can do to you?”

            Harry, “I could lose my magic Greengrass!”

            Daphne shook her head as she replied with a slight crack in her voice that led Harry to lower his arms and softened his gaze, “It’s better than you losing your bloody life!”

            Daphne was now standing inches before Harry, and her icy blue eyes were etched with worry. Harry looked to her with confusion, but now a growing sense of warmth at her worry for his well-being, “Greengrass I have no other option. But I’ll be careful I promise. No heroic stunts or gambles, okay?”

            Daphne searched his gaze as she brought her heads to her side in fists as she squeezed them and glared now, “Potter…”

            Harry sighed, “Greengrass, I have to do this.”

            Daphne dropped her head as she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before opening them, and meeting Harry’s gaze.

            Daphne spoke with a low tone laced with venom, “If you bloody dare come away with anything more than a sprained ankle, I will murder you myself, understand?”

            Harry now had a small smile on his face, “I know you will Greengrass, and you’ll be cheering for me then?”

            Daphne nodded slightly, “Stay focused, okay? Don’t let any of your fan Witches or Wizards distract you.”

            Harry now shot Daphne a mischievous smile, “Don’t worry Greengrass, that’s why I have you there to keep me humble.”

            Daphne stepped forward, and her nimble fingers went up to the end of the ties for Harry’s leather cloak. She undid his sloppy tying job, and expertly looped the leather strings. Harry watched with a soft gaze as he took in her face. Daphne’s blue eyes were a storm of emotions, and the bags under her eyes were evident from the nightmare’s tole being exacted on her rest cycle. Daphne wore a simple red and gold crew neck that resembled his Quidditch jersey with a small HP on the shoulder. Daphne also wore a crimson headband, and Harry noticed finally that she had two small strips of sports tape on under eyes in the color of gold. Daphne looked up to Harry as she finished tying his cloak, and she raised an eyebrow, “What is it, Potter?”

            Harry shook his head but held a smile that sent a warmth down her spine, “I’m just thinking how nice you look in Gryffindor colors.”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, but replied with a slightly nervous tone, “It’s not too much?”

            Harry shook his head, “You look great.”

            Daphne now broke her gaze with Harry as she hid the small flush to her cheeks, “Again, don’t let it go to your head.”

            Harry now laughed, but Daphne looked up to see his expression serious once more, “I’ll come back Greengrass.”

            Daphne nodded as she stepped back knowing that Harry had to get down to the pitch for the briefing, “You’d better.”

            Harry began to walk away as he looked over his shoulder and gave Daphne a lopsided grin and a wave. Daphne waved back but couldn’t muster a smile as her nervousness and worry settled back in with Potter’s absence. Daphne closed her eyes, and her hands fell back to her side.

Daphne, ‘He’ll be okay, he has to be.’

After the Champions had entered the maze.

            It all felt like a blur.

            Potter looking back to Daphne’s section of the crowd stand. Smiling with a lopsided grin directly at her, and Daphne responding with a small nod and glare.

            Feeling Potter’s breathing as if it were her own as he traversed the maze. The jolt of adrenaline and cortisol as he met the various challenges and beasts of the maze.

            Then it went wrong so fast.

            The fear of something extremely wrong as Potter dueled another Champion, but this felt real. It felt as though Potter’s breathing had shifted from less of a challenge, and more of a life-or-death pattern.

            The relief of meeting someone he trusted, and the slight pleasure in ending this Tournament.

            And, then nothing. Daphne fell back into her seat much to the worry of Astoria, Tracey, and Blaise. Somehow, she’d felt Potter as though he were right next to her, but now he felt so bloody distant. The immediate whiplash sent her mind reeling as she felt small pangs of fear.

            Then there was so much shock that she felt as though she was strapped to a table and electrocuted.

            Then an unbridled anger as she wanted to murder whoever had done such a thing to cause the previous emotion.

            Then so much pain that Daphne almost blacked out. The shot of a thousand needles through her cells, and the agony of a thousand years of torture seemed to pale in comparison to the pain that she felt. She screamed in her mind as her voice was too hoarse to scream anymore.

            Disgust and anger now flooded her. It was him. Daphne couldn’t say who he was, but Potter knew him personally. So many negative emotions flooded through her, but more than any was defiance.

            She would make it out of this.

            Suddenly she was short of breath as it felt as though an anvil was pressed on her forearms as magic irradiated out of Potter’s wand.

            Fear was pushed aside to confusion.

            Confusion pushed aside to relief.

            Relief was pushed aside to conviction.

            Daphne struggled to sit up as Astoria helped her to her shaky feet. Daphne could feel him like before. Someway and somehow, Potter was back in the maze. No, Daphne’s blue eyes immediately turned to the pitch as she saw his messy raven hair from this distance. But Potter was hunched over something unmoving. Daphne stood fixed to the spot, and it wasn’t until a scream echoed from closer to the pitch did everyone finally feel that something was wrong.

            Potter was in so much pain she couldn’t fathom how he was still conscious. Potter was so brave as Daphne realized that it was Diggory that Potter had brought back. Potter was warning them, but no one would listen.

            As Daphne had thought earlier; it had been a blur. It was only a few moments after Mad-Eye ushering Potter away did she get the sense from said Professor that something was extremely wrong in this scenario. Mad-Eye wasn’t… right, and Daphne didn’t have time to rationalize why. She’d simply ran to Professor Snape, and the moment that the words left her mouth in a breathless scream had he taken off a flurry of black robes calling after their Headmaster.

            Daphne, “Potter’s in danger!”

            Daphne was ushered away along with her fellow students to their Common Rooms, and as she sat in a corner glued to the couch by Astoria’s shaking form beside her with Tracey and Blaise sitting at her feet did, she finally feel that she could release a shaky breath. Daphne could feel that Harry was alive, and she closed her eyes as her mind wandered to their connection.

            Daphne, ‘Please be alright.’ Daphne searched for any sign, and before long the dull thrum of Potter’s magic reciprocated as if responding to ensure her knowing of his wellbeing. Though he was in physical and emotional pain Daphne could feel him still here in the land of the living.

            Daphne’s eyes shot open as she gasped a shaky breath, and Astoria took this simply as a gesture of fright much as the rest of them were filling. Daphne squeezed her sister back as she fought back the teers beginning to mist in her blue eyes. Potter was okay, and that’s all that she needed to know for the time being.

            An hour later

It was a wonder that Daphne had come this far in a year from the prim and proper Ice-Queen of Slytherin who could count on one hand how many times she’d risked detention throughout her tenure at Hogwarts. But Potter must be the worst influence in the world, because Daphne was tiptoeing silently through the hallways of the castle under a disillusionment charm as she snuck by professors and Auror’s on guard for anything out of the ordinary. Daphne couldn’t bloody well sleep as she felt the pangs of pain, fear, and loneliness emanating from Potter. The dull ache of his pain had her stomach tied in a knot of empathetic despair.

Daphne waited for the opportunity to enter the Infirmary and got her chance a few minutes later as the Auror on duty left to patrol her rounds. Daphne snuck in silently as she closed the door behind her, and pinpointed Harry simply by focusing on his emotional pain. Daphne entered the curtains surrounding his hospital bed, and the sight before her brought her blood to a boil, and at the same time chilled her soul with sorrow.

Harry lay curled up on his side with sweat soaking the bed. His body shook with convulsions from the aftermath of whatever curse he’d endured. Daphne’s icy blue eyes saw his hair matted down by the sweat, and his scar had a trickle of blood running down it as the skin around it appeared inflamed. Daphne released a shudder of a breath before her body responded immediately.

Daphne came to lean down as she summoned a rag and cooled it with her wand. Daphne gentle braced Harry’s shoulder with a hand as she moved to bring the rag to Harry’s forehead. Harry’s eyes shot open, and he appeared with the countenance of a trapped animal about to lash out to protect itself. Daphne simply spoke with a soft and low voice, “Harry, it’s okay. You’re safe, it’s just me.”

Harry’s voice croaked as he laid back down, “Daphne? What… what are you doing here?”

Daphne simply replied with a gentle voice, “I needed to see you. It’s just a rag, can I use it to wipe your forehead?”

Harry nodded weakly, and Daphne went to work. Daphne wiped away the sweat from Harry’s forehead, and he leaned into the touch of the cool and damp material. Daphne dabbed lightly at his inflamed scar, and her eyes traced the lightning bolt for just a moment. Whatever had happened to him had caused some sort of reaction to the cursed scar. Daphne put the rag aside and cast a refreshment charm over Harry as the sweat dissipated and Harry sighed in comfort.

Daphne stowed her wand as she spoke again, “Harry, can you move over a bit for me?”

Harry nodded as he inched away to the other side of the twin bed, and Daphne brought her legs up. Daphne reached out an arm, and Harry entered her embrace with a small groan. Daphne brought Harry’s head to her chest as he adjusted and molded into her side. Harry’s arm wrapped around her midsection, and Daphne brought her other arm around to hold onto Harry’s body tightly. Daphne felt Harry’s stiff body relax against her, but felt his minor convulsions shake her as she swallowed her grimace at the pain that Harry was experiencing.

Harry spoke with a low voice as he sounded defeated, “Voldemort… it was a trap. He killed Cedric, and he used my blood… Voldemort’s back.”
            Daphne’s skin recoiled at the monster’s name, and her mind now whirled at the implications wrought via Harry’s words. But Daphne could feel that Harry was on the brink of something dark, and she had to be strong.

Daphne simply ran comforting circles along his skin with her thumb as she pressed her lips to the top of his forehead. Harry’s skin was clammy, but Daphne couldn’t have cared less as her lips warmed from the contact with his skin.

Daphne spoke with a hushed voice, “We’ll get through this, okay? I’m with you Harry.”

Harry squeezed Daphne tightly as he replied, “I don’t…”

Daphne pressed her forehead against the top of his head now, “Get some rest, okay? We’ll figure it all out later. For now, please just try to sleep.”

Harry took in a deep breath as he nodded against her, and Daphne felt his breathing even out after a while before she felt him relax completely as he drifted off. Even in his sleep Harry shook at times, and Daphne simply held him tightly. Daphne had never been so conflicted; she was so livid that they let this happen to a boy as pure and good as Harry, and she was livid with herself for almost losing him when she should have put a stop to this. If she would’ve just pushed him harder the worst that would have happened is that Harry would have been stripped of his magic. As terrible and earth shattering as that might have been for Harry at least he would have been safe. But his life was put into harm’s way once more.

Daphne didn’t know what to do, but what she could do was to hold onto him and never let go. And that is what she promised herself that she would do until she knew that Harry was safe.

Chapter Text

The Hogwarts Express chugged along the Scottish rails with its familiar and rhythmic whistle blaring every few minutes as the large cloak of steam emanated from the front locomotive. Students meandered through its many black and red train cars as they sought out friends to catch up from their Summer break. A mixture of voices, magical creatures, and magic itself emanated throughout the compartments as the livelihoods of the youth were in full effect, and little of the outside worlds creeping turmoil seemed to puncture the bubble of carefree witlessness for the students.

            One 5^th year Slytherin wasn’t so keen on ignoring the growing signs of the darkness though. With blue eyes peeled for the papers all Summer even throughout her families travel to mainland Europe the pit of foreboding in the back of her mind was particularly evident as she boarded the train to Hogwarts along with her Sister. Daphne sat in her compartment with Blaise, Tracey, and Astoria as they all caught up. Daphne’s two best friends and Sister spoke with laughs and haughty tones as they asked inquiring questions and ribbed each other at the embarrassing side of their exploits.

            Daphne absentmindedly ran a hand through her silky blonde hair as she stared out of the compartment window as the passing scenery of rolling green hills signified what was supposed to be a joyous voyage back to Hogwarts. Yet, the specter of anxiety held a weight on Daphne’s shoulders, and she knew exactly why as woe as she was to admit it aloud. After the infirmary with Potter… Harry… they hadn’t said as much as a word of the incident. Between sneaking out early before any of the staff found her missing from her own dorm, and the flurry of the departing schools Daphne hadn’t the time nor the ability to get to Harry (let alone find alone time with the Wizard who had taken up so much of her mental energy this Summer).

            But Daphne had tried and failed to make sense of the emotions that she had gleaned from Harry’s vulnerable form that night. When she finally pieced together that the curse used on the young Wizard was the Cruciatus during the beginning of the Summer her skin had gone cold. The simple thought of Harry alone with those monsters… and worst of all He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named writhing in pain from the unforgivable which was created purely to elicit agonizing pain turned her stomach on its head. Most subjected to the curse suffered horrible secondary and tertiary ramifications ranging from increased susceptibility to depression, and even worst phantom pains mirroring a dulled but still present ache resembling the curses notorious agonizing physical state.

            In addition, the very fact that Harry had watched someone that Daphne knew was becoming a friend for the Wizard, and someone so kind to his fellow Students killed before his very eyes without an ability to act in defense as folly as it might have been soul crushing in and of itself. Harry had been alone to face each of these horrors, and somehow, he still found the ability to fight to return warning them all. Daphne truly didn’t understand how a single person could endure so much horror, and still find a way to try and do good.

            Daphne allowed the growing frustration from not having an inkling as to how Harry was doing to abate as she logically knew that Professor Dumbledore must have kept him under lock and key given the change of events in the world. With He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returned to the world no one was safe, and especially the Wizard who had stopped him the first-time round. But, as rational as Daphne was, it still didn’t sit right with her. Each time she sent a letter to Harry’s address all that she received was a bland Ministry, ‘We apologize that we cannot reach the requested recipient. Please try again later.’ Note in return. And, even more worryingly for Daphne was the strange feeling that she couldn’t reach Harry the other way… each time that Daphne tried to reach out mentally it felt as though there were a hazy film placed over the lens.

            Daphne knew it had to be powerful magic, but it made her feel powerless. In the deep recesses of Daphne’s mind while she slept, she caught glimpses of Harry in the ephemeral whispers of her pscyhe. Just bits; a quick glance of emerald eyes, a quick echo of a laugh, a small sense of warmth from the remembrance of a tough. Every time that she had woken up from these small moments in her dreams she felt as those she was trying to hold onto a rain drop in a rainstorm. They would evaporate as soon as she pieced them together.

            Astoria broke Daphne from her deep thoughts with a careful tone, “I saw Potter in the car over when I went to the loo.”

            Daphne’s head snapped to her sister with wide eyes, “You what?”
            Astoria’s gentle brown eyes shined with mirth, “Potter? He’s in the car over…”

            Daphne nodded quickly as she stood abruptly, “I’ll be back.”

            Astoria gave her Sister an understanding smile, “Please tell him we said hi.”

            Daphne nodded slightly as Tracey and Blaise gave their best supporting smiles. Daphne exited their compartment as she moved towards the other car. Daphne eased around other students as their conversations were dull as Daphne moved closer to the compartment that Harry must have been in. Daphne would simply check in with him, and that would be enough. Daphne was just checking to make sure that he was alive and healthy, and once she confirmed these simple facts she would return to her compartment and act like a normal Witch catching up with her friends. Daphne was not going to unload on Harry every worry that she had compiled over a Summer of being out of the loop for a boy who was simply her friend.

            Daphne soon found that she was breathing deeply as she opened the compartment that she’d heard Hermione’s familiar voice chastising Weasley from, “Harry?”

            Daphne’s blue eyes quickly surveyed the compartment finding only Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Ginny residing in it. The Weasleys stared cautiously at Daphne while Hermione and Neville greeted her with kind expressions.

            Hermione, “Daphne it’s good to see you. I’m afraid Harry stepped out to use the loo a few moments ago, but if you wait, he should be back shortly.”

            Daphne gave Hermione a nod, “Good to see you too Granger, but I’m sorry to interrupt. I was only trying to see if Harry…”

            Ron crossed his arms as he shot Daphne a less than thrilled look, “What do you need from Harry?”

            Hermione furrowed her brow, “Ronald! Daphne and Harry are friends if you had been paying any attention last year, instead of sulking.”

            Ron, “Hey! I apologized, and anyways she’s a bloody Slyth…”

            Daphne now shot Ron a nasty smirk, “I’m surprised you even know my House since all you did last year was stare at my skirt.”

            Ron now sat up flustered, “I did not!”

            Neville laughed in surprise as Hermione glared at Ron. Daphne would have enjoyed Rons discomfort if not for Ginny now sitting up glaring at Daphne, “My brother might be daft, but he’s not that daft to go slumming it with a snake like you.”

            Daphne simply allowed her icy expression to carry the rest of the conversation, “Hate to break it to you Weasley, but you think a little too highly of your brother to think he’d ever have a chance with a Slytherin.”

            Daphne was sure that Blaise and Tracey would have been proud of her retort, and especially because Hermione was now challenged with calming to irate Weasley’s trying to pull out their wands. Daphne met Neville’s gaze who gave her an awkward grin and nod that Daphne returned with a smirk. Daphne closed the compartment door as she made her way back to her car and compartment. Though it had been a bust in finding Harry at the very least Daphne had confirmed that he was alive, which she told herself was enough.

            Daphne was thinking to herself, and oblivious to the world as usual students would part out of her way. But Daphne’s pert nose collided with another student’s chest. And, before she could look up with an icy glare for whatever poor soul decided to challenge her supremacy of the rite of passage in the confined walkway a pair of firm hands steadied her arms and form. Daphne caught a whiff of evergreen, fresh air, and that all too comforting scent from her scattered dreams this Summer. Finally, before she could look up it was the slightly awkward and earnest voice that somehow evoked both comfort and anxiety in the Witch.

            Harry spoke with a lopsided grin, “I heard you’ve been looking for me?”

            Daphne looked up at Harry, and she noticed three things in succession off the bat. First, Harry had grown at least an inch or two over the Summer as now she craned her neck just that bit more to look into his bloody green eyes. Second, Harry was cut his hair as his raven hair now sported shorter hair on the side, and an overgrown side part as whisps of his bangs now stood up on their end. Third, the apparent bags under his eyes stood as a testament to his exhaustion.

            Daphne’s upper arms warmed as she spoke with surprise evident in her voice, “I wasn’t looking for you per say…”

            Harry grinned a bit more, “Oh? Then why did Astoria say that you took off like a… what was it… ‘Bludger hunting for a Seeker’?”

            Daphne now had an icy expression, “I’m going to kill that little brat, and I am not a bloody…”

            Harry dropped his hold of her upper arms and now laughed, “Please don’t hurt her for telling me the truth.”

            Daphne was about to continue her threats regarding her closest relative, but then her features grew confused, “Wait… why were you talking to Astoria?”

            Harry tilted his head with a small grin, “Well I’m not afraid to admit that I was looking for you.”

            Daphne’s eyes softened, “You were?”

            Harry nodded earnestly, “I was… I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

            Daphne took a shallow breath, “Honestly? Better now that I know you’re not dead in a ditch somewhere.”

            Harry released a short snort of a laugh, “Fair enough. What about you? I know that for your safety you probably couldn’t have any outside contact, but the last time that we saw each other…”

            Daphne watched as her words evoked flashes of that night. And Daphne couldn’t stop herself from feeling imprints of Harry’s emotions. Fear, pain, comfort and l…

            Daphne’s breath hitched as Harry replied, “I know, and trust me if I could have sent an owl or anything I would have… I can’t talk about it here.”

            Harry gestured around the hallway, “But, I promise I’ll fill you in once we’re at school.”

            Daphne narrowed her eyes as she pointed into his chest for emphasis, “You’d better.”

            A few students tried to squeeze by them a moment later as Daphne was about to glare at them to wait, but Harry grasped her hand and pulled her into an empty compartment just before the break in the car.

            Daphne spun around as Harry let go of her hand as she watched him take out his wand to cast a quick privacy charm. Daphne raised an eyebrow as Harry took a seat, and she joined him on the same bench.

            Daphne, “I thought you said it could wait until Hogwarts?”

            Harry’s expression fell as Daphne watched his shoulders slump, “I am for most of it. I just need to know if you saw them?”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “You’re going to have to be more specific. I am a perceptive, but we both know I’d prefer it if you said it out loud.”

            Harry sighed as he ran a hand through his shorter hair, “S’orry. What I mean is did you see any of my nightmares?”

            Now it made sense as Harry was asking if she’d seen any of his night terrors in fear of the sights, she made have experienced. Daphne inched closer as she placed her hand on his knee, and gave it a gentle squeeze, “I didn’t, and even if I did you don’t have to worry about me telling anyone.”

            Harrys eyes held apprehension, “It’s just… I don’t want you to look at me different… I know that I’m…”

            Daphne squeezed again as she cut Harry off, “You’re what? You are a good person Harry, and nothing that you dream about will change that.”

            Harry relaxed a bit as he gave her a small grin, “You called me Harry.”

            Daphne sat straight up extracting her hand as she placed it on her lap with clasping her other, “That’s your name, isn’t it? Or did you get it changed over the holiday?”

            Harry’s grin grew wider as Daphne found herself glaring in response, “Okay I used your first name! It’s not a bloody big deal.”

            Daphne found Harry’s genuine grin both causing butterflies in her stomach, and also a slight uptick in her heartbeat as he replied, “It sort of is though.”

            Daphne shook her head, “It isn’t.”

            Harry nodded with a faux serious face, “It is.”

            Daphne was glaring icicles, “It isn’t.”

            Harry put his hands up, “Okay, it isn’t…”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “Thank you!”

            Harry sat back as he rested his head against the headrest of the seat, and Daphne looked out the window as she got her breathing under control.

            Harry spoke with a soft tone that officially sent her over the edge, “I’m glad you found me Daphne.”

            Daphne’s blue gaze snapped to Harry’s as she found herself at a loss for words at his use of her first name now. It sounded… nice coming from Harry’s lips, but Daphne wouldn’t dignify him with the response that he wanted, “We should probably get back to our friends. They might be thinking you’ve taken the longest loo break in the history of the Hogwarts Express.”

            Harry shrugged, “That would be a better outcome than getting the Dementors kiss.”

            Daphne shivered just as she imagined the horrible fate, “It was a bloody awful idea to let those creatures roam around the grounds when if you thought logically about it staffing the castle with Aurors would have sufficed.”

            Harry raised an eyebrow, “Oh you think Dementors were overkill for the Sirius Black?”

            Daphne quickly rolled her eyes, “Come off it Potter. Do you really think that one of your parents’ best friends with no history of involvement with the Death Eaters suddenly became a turn coat?”

            Daphne found Harry’s expression hesitantly joyous, “You truly believe that? That Sirius is innocent?”

            Daphne shrugged with a calm tone, “I mean stranger things have happened in our world, and like it or not the Ministry’s been known to fudge the truth to suit their ends.”

            Daphne found Harry staring intently into her eyes with an intense expression of appreciation that you’d have thought she’d said Quidditch was the greatest past time to ever exist.

            Harry spoke with a low tone, “Thank you for your opinion, Daphne; truly.”

            Daphne tilted her head and spoke with a confused tone, “You’re welcome, I guess? You can be so strange sometimes Harry.”

            Harry smiled even more widely, “You said my name again.”

            Daphne stood with a huff as she grabbed Harry’s shirt sleeve causing him to rise beside her and follow her out of the compartment, “You’re insufferable.”

            Harry simply replied with a slightly joyous and mocking tone, “Harry is unsufferable.”

            Daphne shook her head as they parted ways fighting the smile on her lips the entire way, “Whatever you say!”

            Harry’s laughter trailed from her direction as he turned, but Daphne had to admit that it sounded rather nice.

Chapter Text

Daphne usually had a thick skin compared to the average Witch, but as she sat through this week in Defense Against the Dark Arts even, she was at her wits end with the pink themed toad of a woman known as Professor Umbridge. It was clear that this Ministry plant had no inkling of teaching them anything useful regarding DADA this year, and while Daphne could supplement the meager and honestly insulting lessons not every student was as fortunate or forward-thinking. Merlin given the growing darkness in Great-Wizarding Britain a competent Ministry Official would err of the side of increased risks in students getting hurt with even more advanced defense spells if only to prepare them for the coming trials and tribulations ahead.

            All of this to say Daphne had chosen to tread carefully as the term began with Umbridge. Umbridge was an unknown variable, and it was better to assess and then act if one was to take full advantage of at least knowing the environment in which they operated. But there was a flaw in Daphne’s plan. One that went against her usual nature of careful and thoughtful action. And he was bloody well about to get himself detention for the term if he wasn’t careful. Harry sat near the front of the class today next to Ron, and as Umbridge continued to refute the return of the Dark Lord Harry refused to back down as the rest of the class sat resigned in their seats.

            Even without seeing his expression as she sat two rows behind him Daphne could tell that Harrys stiff shoulders, and defiant posture was rising as the tone of his voice did as well. Daphne schooled her features, but her fingernails dug into her tight clad thighs as Harry’s frustration and rising anger emanated clearly for the Witch so attuned to him now. His agitation and frustration felt like a spark to kindling as where one saw smoke usually the heated and wild part came after.

            Daphne wanted to stand up, march over to Harry, and pull him from the class right there. Daphne wanted to shake his tense shoulders to get him to realize that he was simply playing into the toad’s trap. Daphne wanted to pull out her wand and hex the pink clad trollop herself as her own frustration grew in tandem with Harrys. But Daphne simply sat still as Harry finished his argument invoking the Dark Lords actual name causing Umbridge to scream detention at the furious Gryffindor. The rest of the class was a blur as Harry bolted from the classroom with a legitimate scowl on his face, and even Daphne hesitated in his path as she wasn’t used to a furious Harry.

            Saturday Morning After Breakfast

            Harry sat alone holding his bandaged left hand with his right as his emerald eyes studied the empty Quidditch Pitch before him from the stands. The slight chill of the late September day was marked by the yellowing of the leaves from the deciduous trees over the horizon. This was one of Harrys favorite places in the world to be alone. Between the amount of stairs, it took to reach this high, the lack of interest from the majority of the students in flying for anything but a mild amusement, and the usual beginning of term energy better spent by most catching up or going to Hogsmeade for the first trip of the year.

            But alone is what Harry wanted more than anything these days. Everything seemed to set off his frustration and agitation. So many sleepless nights throughout the Summer mixed with the sometimes-overwhelming guilt of it all. Harry could see Cedric’s face in small flashes. The assured smile before they grabbed the trap of a Portkey. The terrified and yet brave eyes as he faced down Wormtail. The stillness in his expression as he laid dead at the feat of Voldemort. Harry had failed once again, and it weighed on his shoulders as though he had let the world down.

            Harry knew that he should tell someone, but how could he? Everyone else had their own problems, and he wasn’t going to place his burdens on others just because he was feeling sorry for himself. That’s not what Gryffindors do. Bravery meant that he would shoulder the burden so that everyone else could go about their lives with the carefree spirit he so wished he could taste, even if for a moment.

            Harry was drawn from his thoughts as the cool tone and smooth voice of Daphne called to him, “Do you really just sit alone and brood when no one’s around?”

            Harry’s gaze found Daphne quickly approaching him, and to his surprise she wasn’t wearing her usual Hogwarts uniform. Daphne was wearing high wasted black jeans, and a dark grey crewneck that clung to her frame like a second skin. Harry noticed that her usually well-tamed hair was up in a high ponytail, and her bangs framed her forehead. The oddest part of it was for Harry was just how much he appeared to be responding to her muggle attire. Harry had to admit that Daphne looked especially… pretty. And objectively Harry understood that Daphne was attractive, but it had always been in an abstract sort of way. But Harry felt for once a small sense of nervousness as he replied.

            Harry, “It’s not actually brooding if it’s all negative.”

            Daphne took a seat next to him on the Pitch bench as she raised a blonde eyebrow, “Oh, so you’re not ruminating on how unfair your life is?”

            Harry furrowed his brow slightly, “I didn’t say that.”

            Daphne now gave Harry a small smirk, “Well I suppose if anyone in the world deserved to brood it would be you.”

            Harry rolled his eyes, “Thank you for the permission to sulk for a moment.”

            Daphne nodded with a faux innocent expression, “Of course Harry, anything for you.”

            Harry sighed as he closed his eyes and slouched into the seat, “What’re you doing out here anyways? Figured you would have gone with everyone to Hogsmeade?”

            Daphne shrugged, “I don’t need to stock up on any of my supplies, and besides a little Head of my House leaked that the pink troll was going to be monitoring students and dolling out infractions like the trolly lady and candies.”

            Harry now presented an apparent scowl, “She’s a bloody monster.”

            Daphne nodded with a frown, “I don’t disagree, but…”

            Harrys eyes shot to meet Daphne’s as she noted the intense frustration in his countenance, “But?” Harry said.

            Daphne, “But, the other day in class you walked right into her trap.”

            Harry now sat up a bit more, “So you’re blaming me for the bloody lies that she was spewing?”

            Daphne released a controlled breath as she replied in a calm tone, “I’m not blaming you per say, but you have to admit that the way that you went about arguing with her in class…”

            Harry now was outright glaring, “So you expect me to just sit there while she refuses to admit that Voldemort is back? Or that Cedric’s death was just some tragic accident?”

            Daphne shook her head, “Of course not Harry, and especially since you’re the one that survived that horrific night and fought to get back to us, and even warn us.”

            Harrys shoulders fell, “Then what was I supposed to do Daphne?”

            Daphne tilted her head as she lowered her voice, “You need to think through your actions Harry. Each time you rush into action like that you fail to weigh the alternatives. And, with the stakes now even higher; you have to think things through as logically as you can.”

            Harry replied with a slightly agitated tone, “That’s so easy for all of you to say! But you don’t know what it feels like for the entire world to think that you’re a liar! To put you down when you know what you saw, and what you experienced… you don’t know how alone that makes a person feel. How alone I feel.”

            Daphne gave a pause as she studied Harrys body language. His form was pulled so taught Daphne could tell that the stress train had left the station months ago. The bags under his eyes were a light purple, and she could see the beginnings of bloodshot eyes. It was all this mixed with the desolation and demoralized tenure of his voice that made Daphne change her tactics.

            Daphne scooted closer a few inches so that her knee was touching Harrys as she spoke, “You’re right Harry. I don’t know how alone you feel. But I can tell you that you are not alone in this. You have so many people on your side who care for you deeply and want nothing more than to help you. But you have to let them try.”

            Harrys eyes fell as he replied with an exhausted tone, “I don’t want to be a burden to them.”

            Daphne’s heart panged in sympathy for the Wizard before her. Daphne raised her right hand to cup Harrys right cheek as she eased his gaze to hers. Harrys eyes widened in surprise, but Daphne simply held a warm gaze, “You will never be a burden to us Harry, and I can only speak for myself when I say that I can’t imagine how hard all of this must be for you. But I’m here for you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

            Daphne smoothed her thumb over his cheek as she felt her skin warm atop his cool cheek. Harrys eyes searched her own, and she felt him relax into her touch as she continued to share a smile with him. Harry closed his eyes as he swallowed and collected himself, “Thank you Daphne… seriously.”

            Daphne nodded as she dropped her hand, “It’s what friends are for, and besides the moping has to be left to hormonal 3^rd years.”

            This comment awarded Daphne with a chuckle from Harry as he nodded sitting back, “Fair enough… how’re you? How was your Summer?”

            Daphne now gave Harry a small smirk, “Hard 180, but I’ll take it. My Summer… well Astoria, Father, and I went to visit some family friends in Riga and Talon…”

            With this Daphne regaled Harry over her travels over the Summer spending time in Eastern Europe, and then parts of Southern Europe. Harrys questions were honestly curious, and Daphne felt herself enjoying breaking down her perception of the differing magical and muggle communities. Daphne had to stop the smile growing on her lips as the almost childlike wonderment of Harrys questions regarding the different flying techniques of other countries fascinated him like no other.

            Harry sat back with appreciation evident on his features, “Merlin in must be so cool to travel to such different places.”

            Daphne nodded with a small grin, “It is, and I know how lucky we are to be able to do it. Have you never been out of Britain?”

            Harry snorted a dry chuckle, “Hogwarts is the furthest I’ve ever been from Surrey, and I don’t see that changing especially given the circumstances.”

            Daphne frowned as she nodded, “Yeah, I’m guessing the return of the Dark Lord sidelines any beach trips to Spain.”

            Harry rolled his eyes, “Oh that’s what is the most heartbreaking thing of it all! Not being able to sport a speedo on the Mediterranean.”

            Daphne leaned over to push Harry’s shoulder, “First off not every beach demands that you strip down to a speedo, and besides I don’t think the world is ready for Harry Potters pale legs.”

            Harry now had a sly smile, “If I’m pale then you’re ghostly huh?”

            Daphne’s eyes narrowed, “You’ve nearly crossed a line Harry, and if I was any other Witch, I would have walked off very cross from that insult.”

            Harry now laughed as Daphne broke out into a small smile trying not to chuckle at her own faux outrage.

            Harry released a sigh as he looked out over the pitch, “Why can’t everything just be this easy?”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

            Harry paused for a moment as he searched for the right words, “I mean… right now you’ve gone and made me feel better, and you did it without some grand gesture…”

            Daphne tilted her head, “Oh were you expecting me to be flying out here breathlessly in search of the sulking Gryffindor, and to offer my pained expression as a means to make you feel like the most special Wizard in the world?”

            Harry now peered back to Daphne with a sad smile, “Honestly I don’t think I’d trust you flying in any state.”

            Daphne gasped as she clenched her heart, “Low blow Potter, and besides I passed my flying exam first year!... after a few tries.”

They both laughed as Harry replied with a jovial tone, “You did give Neville and Hermione a run for their money on who could stress out the Professors the most during our flying exams.”

            Daphne shrugged, “Not all of us were born part bird like you lot, and besides once we get our license to Apparate flying will be my least preferred method of travel.”

            Harry gave her a quizzical expression, “Do you really hate flying that much?”

            Daphne shrugged, “Hate is a strong word, but no I don’t particularly care for it.”

            Harry nodded slightly, “Fair enough, but there’s different experiences of flying other than a broom you know that right?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes, “Of course I know that, but not all of us get to be partnered with a Hippogriff Harry. Even with adults its extremely rare.”

            Harry gave a surprised face, “I guess that makes sense… Merlin if you could see London and Big Ben on a broom, I think you’d change your mind.”

            Daphne gave Harry an incredulous expression, “You’re joking right?”

            Harry shook his head as Daphne felt a small tension of stress rise in her mind, “I’m going to act as though you’ve just told me that you actively flew a broom in London and let alone berate you over the dozen or so laws that you broke.”

            Harry gave Daphne a mischievous smile, “I was just following orders.”

            Daphne scrunched her nose with a frown, and Harry stopped himself from making an absentminded comment of how it gave Daphne’s usually stoic face a cuter expression. Harry took in a breath as he felt the question creeping at the back of his mind that he'd been ruminating on all Summer given the fact that so much death had been sprung into his life is such a short period of time.

            Harry swallowed before asking Daphne a question out of the blue that made her eyes widen, “Do you think there’s anything after death?”

            Daphne, “What? Do you mean as in an afterlife? Heaven or hell? Purgatory?”

            Harry shrugged with a curious expression, “Maybe, or anything else? I guess more so do you think that we truly go somewhere, or when it’s all said and done that’s it?”

            Daphne released a heavy breath, “Harry I honestly… I don’t know. Part of me wants to believe that there’s somewhere better once we pass on, but even living in a world of magic I truly don’t know at this point.”

            Harry nodded as he replied with a calm tone, “Thank you for being honest.”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “What brought this up?”

            Harry sighed as he looked down to his lap, “The night in the graveyard Voldemort and I… our magic connected somehow as our spells met. And it’s going to sound mental, but I saw them… my parents, Cedric, the man that Voldemort had killed a few months prior…”

            Daphne simply sat silent as she nodded as Harry continued, “Professor Dumbledore said that they were nothing more than echoes of the magic of each person, but they felt… real… do I sound mad?”

            Daphne shook her head vehemently, “Harry of course you don’t sound mad. The very fact that you faced down the Dark Lord, and returned is a testament to whatever kind of magic you were able to conjure to protect you goes beyond whatever we’re learning here at Hogwarts. I only think that whatever you experienced… to dwell on it too much you risk maybe going down a rabbit hole that generally doesn’t lead to good places.”

            Harry nodded with a tired expression, “Exactly the same sentiment that Hermione told me this Summer.”

            Daphne gave Harry a sad smile, “Hermione is the smartest Witch of her age, and so I’d probably listen to her.”

            Harry nodded, “And, to you too.”

            Daphne gave Harry a smirk, “Well now you already should have learned by now that I’m always right.”

            Harry chuckled, and Daphne stood as she motioned for him to join her, “We should get back before our friends come searching for us in some sort of embarrassing fashion.”

            Harry nodded as he stood and followed Daphne to the stairs, “After the incident on the train I think Ron and Ginny might actually try and duel you for my honor.”

            Daphne scoffed, “I would wipe the floor with them.”

            Harry smirked, “Oh really?”

            Daphne nodded, “Oh definitely. I’d simply use you as a human shield while I hit them both in surprise.”

            Harry stopped for a moment on the stairs as Daphne continued descending, “You’re kidding right?”

            Daphne walked further and further out of view as Harry’s eyebrows shot up in a slightly concerned way, “Right?”

            Daphne yelled up, “Hurry up Harry!”

            Harry narrowed his gaze. Daphne was completely and utterly kidding, right?

            Daphne simply held a gentle smile as she laughed to herself. Oh, Harry could be so easy, but at the same time if her little tease made him relax and focus on just being Harry the Hogwarts student then it was a win. Plus having him fear her just the tiniest bit was always a good thing when he held so much power over Daphne that he had yet to realize that he did.

Chapter Text

Daphne and Astoria traded barbed comments as Astoria failed to convince Daphne that going to Hogsmeade with the infamous McLaggen was even remotely a good idea. Daphne knew that for a young Witch interest from an older Witch or Wizard might initially appear flattering from the outside. But Daphne had witnessed the many situations in which the younger Witch or Wizard was taken advantage of in one way or another, and woe as Astoria was to admit it Daphne’s intuition usually turned out to be right. Besides, outside of the apparent rumors of McLaggen’s disrespectful and deceitful motives and actions towards Witches Daphne would die on this hill for the simple reason that Astoria’s safety was one of Daphne’s main priorities in life.

            Daphne rolled her eyes as Astoria crossed her arms and scowled next to her, “You’re being such a stuck up…”

            Daphne schooled her gaze as she side-eyed her sister, “Watch it Astoria, or would you like for me to Owl father later about your use of language?”

            Astoria released a huff, “You are such a goodie two shoes, you know that right?”

            Daphne shrugged, “Better to be a goodie two shoes and look out for you then have you become another notch on that gits belt.”

            Astoria gazed to Tracey across the table for support, but Tracey simply gave the younger Greengrass a shrug as well, “Astoria as hard as it is for me to admit that Ms. Buzzkill is wrong here; I have to agree that McLaggen is a known sleaze, and besides if you’re going to cross the isle and extend an olive branch to the Gryffindors you might as well as aim higher.”

            Astoria frowned, but the humor found her voice at Astoria’s more nuanced explanation of her detestation to Gryffindors least desired bachelor, “Who would you choose then Tracey?”

            Tracey placed her cheek in the palm of her hand as she contemplated, “Oh I don’t know… maybe Fred or George? Tall, intelligent, and mischievous?”

            Astoria nodded in agreement at the Weasley twins’ attractive qualities while Daphne rolled her eyes, “You two are incorrigible.”

            Astoria snorted at Daphne, “Whatever you say. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with befriending a Gryffindor.”

            Daphne now replied with a haughty tone, “Oh I think you and I have very different definitions of befriending there Astoria.”

            Tracey came to Astoria’s rescue, “Not all of us can bag a Wizard like Harry Daphne.”

            Astoria now released a laugh as Daphne’s eyes narrowed, “Tracey!”

            Tracey now smirked as she leaned forward much to Daphne’s dismay, “Oh come off it Daphne. I see how you stare at Harry longingly in class when you think no one’s looking.”

            Daphne replied with a low tone, “I do not!”

            Tracey nodded to Astoria, “You should see them when I catch glimpses of them studying in the library. You’d have thought Harry had found the secret to making your sister laugh.”

            Daphne’s expression was icy, but neither her sister nor best friend appeared to be threatened in the least, “Tracey if you don’t…”

            Astoria now nudged Daphne, “Calm now you priss. We’re just making fun of you, and besides by the time you finally get the nerve to ask Harry out I’ll already be graduating.”

            Daphne glared at both of them, and stole Astoria’s pumpkin juice as she downed the drink. Astoria, “Hey! McLaggen gave that to me!”

            Daphne tilted her head at her sister as she replied with a sickeningly sweet voice, “Had to make sure it wasn’t poisoned little sister.”

            Astoria glared as Daphne gave Tracey a small smirk and nod before heading out to study a bit before the night’s festivities. Tracey, “Don’t forget we’re getting ready right after dinner for Blaise’s soiree.”

            Daphne nodded quickly, “Trust me I remember. I still can’t believe that he got Professor Snape to agree to let him host an All Hallows Eve party in the Common Room.”

            Tracey smirked, “That’s Zambini for you.”

            Daphne walked away as she exited the Great Hall. Her blues eyes quickly scanned the Gryffindor table length as she spotted Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all seated together. Hermione met Daphne’s gaze as both Witches smiled with a respectful nod, and Daphne found her way out to the entrance. Daphne felt a flush of warmth in her chest akin to the small smiles that she held with Harry in passing when it felt as though they were the only two students in the halls of Hogwarts. Daphne paused her walk as she questioned where exactly in the bloody hell such an intimate feeling came from out of the blue? Daphne could rationalize that Harry meant a deal to the young Witch, but of course only in a friendly manner. One could make the argument that she felt a deal more for Harry, but it was only for the fact that at times she allowed her mental walls to lapse she felt more of him than most people feel for even an intimate partner due to their connection.

            At times throughout the day the echoes of his emotions would relay through her psyche as her mirror neurons went into overdrive mimicking and finding a kinship in Harrys own ebb and flow of feelings and emotions throughout the day. When he would be in the middle of a laugh the dopamine would flood her system for just a moment lightening her mood. When his frustration would skyrocket at whatever injustice was being completed in front of him she would feel the bristle of her owns sense of right and wrong. In the twilight moments of the evening when he was awake and alone while all the others rested she felt the longing for just one person to know exactly how alone Harry felt in the entire world.

            But, all of this wasn’t by Daphne’s choosing, and at the end of the day Harry was her friend as plain and simple as that. So why was Daphne peaking from behind a pillar in the courtyard? Why did Daphne feel as though her heart was being held by the frigid hands of jealousy itself as she watched from a distance while Harry spoke and seemingly appeared to be in deep and comfortable conversation with Luna Lovegood of all people? Why did Daphne begin to feel the bubbling of anxiety, fear, and anger in the pit of her stomach as Harry followed Luna out of the Castle grounds?

            And, why in Merlin’s name was Daphne an inch away from following them when finally, her executive function came roaring back to life as she stepped back from the column and noted that her hands felt clammy, and her breathing was erratic? Daphne shook her head as she made her way back to the Slytherin Common Room. She needed to lay down and rest; something was obviously wrong, and she needed to regroup.

            Later in her dorm a little after dinner.

            Daphne’s foot tapped in her black bootie heels as she stood with her back against the dorm wall with her blue eyes trained on Tracey. Tracey who was currently leaning forward with a hand steadying her on her desk as she put the finishing touches onto her eyelashes. Daphne spoke with a sigh, “You said you were ready five minutes ago.”

            Tracey met Daphne’s gaze in the mirror with a guilty smile, “That was before I finally saw you in your vampire costume, and I realized that my mascara was incomplete. I mean your eyes are popping tonight, Daphne!”

            Daphne gave Tracey a small smirk, “Okay, you’ve bought yourself another minute, and besides who are you trying to impress tonight? No Gryffindors made the cut, and so the Weasley twins will be no where near this party tonight remember?”

            Tracey stood up and turned around as she put a hand on her hip, “I’m not trying to impress anyone Daphne. You know that you can get dressed up and look all cute for yourself, right?”

            Daphne rolled her eyes as she gave Tracey a small laugh, “Lets go. We promised Blaise we would help set up, remember?”

            Tracey nodded sheepishly, “Right… I guess we do owe him that much for setting this whole night up.”

            Daphne nodded as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as Tracey stepped into her shoes. Tracey, Daphne, and Blaise had all decided to keep their group costume simple. So here she was dressed in a simple form fitting black dress with a high neckline that went up to her jugular, and much to her chagrin she had to agree with Tracey that the dress did wonders for her lithe curves. Daphne’s make up had been applied by Astoria, and she had to give her little sister credit in her brush strokes and contouring. Daphne blonde eyelashes were shaded darker this evening, and her blue eyes were even more striking than usual. And, to cap it off her usually pale pink lips were clad in black non-smudging magical lipstick. Between Daphne and Tracey, she was actually feeling in the Witchy mood of the evening.

            The nap that she had taken appeared to have warded off whatever in Morgana’s name came over her earlier in the day regarding Harry. Though she still felt a dull ache of something akin to jealousy Daphne felt more in control of her mood and actions. But, deep in the back of her mind her worry for Harry was sending out momentary sparks. Daphne brushed this off as nothing more than her usual connection to the Wizard.

            Tracey grabbed Daphne’s hand as she guided them to the Common Room. After descending the stairs and entering the Common Room Daphne and Tracey were greeted with a spooky and hip overhaul of their usual comfortable hangout space. The walls were draped in black and orange tapestry beset by enchanted stars and clouds floating in a smooth turn of light. There were bubbling cauldrons of smoke and drinks that wafted through the room filling it with fall scents and delicious smells.

            Blaise met the two as they entered the middle of the room with wide eyes, and Blaise spoke with a haughty tone, “Impressed?”

            Daphne nodded slowly as she gave Blaise an appreciative smile, “Blaise I have to admit that what you’ve done… it’s wicked.”

            Tracey nodded in agreement, and Blaise gave both of his best friends a squeeze of their shoulders, “Well Witches we just have a few more items to put in place, and then we are ready to party!”

            After finishing set up.

            An hour had passed since Daphne had arrived, and the party was getting underway. Slytherins, Ravenclaws, and a few Hufflepuffs all meshed together as eerie but timely music played in the background. Demure and intimate conversations took place as students spoke, laughed, and had a somber if not comfortable time. Daphne was in a conversation with Astoria and Blaise as Daphne and Astoria laughed and scoffed at Blaise’s story.

            Astoria, “There is no way that she said that to you.”

            Blaise put a hand up, “On my Grandmum’s grave.”

            Daphne smirked, “You’re a better Wizard than me Blaise. When Parkinson mouthed off to me, I nearly hexed her into the last century.”

            Blaise raised an eyebrow, “Though I’m use to you showing restraint I can say that I’m surprised Parkinson wasn’t on the end of your hex.”

            Astoria narrowed her eyes, “Did you happen to be alone when this event took place Daphne?”

            Daphne schooled her features as she peered to the side, “Harry happened to be there, and he might have convinced me that it wasn’t worth the trouble.”

            Blaise crossed his arms, “Merlin Potter is domesticating you!”

            Astoria released a snort of a laugh into her butter bear, and Daphne’s gaze snapped to glare at Blaise, “Harry is not domesticating me!”

            Astoria spoke now with mirth, “I see you’re using his first name too…”

            Blaise nodded with wide eyes, and a mischievous grin, “Merlin you’ve got it…”

            Daphne inched forward with an icy gaze, “Drop it. Harry’s is simply my friend, and I’m grateful that he talked me down from hexing that troll-up. Friends don’t egg each other on.”

            Blaise and Astoria looked between each other before they both spoke with sickeningly sweet voices, “Whatever you say Daphne.”

            Daphne glared at the both of them before turning and walking away as they laughed in protest calling for her. Daphne went to a nearby cauldron and poured herself a cup of the totally not spiked pumpkin juice. The slight burn of the hint of fire whiskey doing its job as she felt the embarrassment from earlier lose its edge. Daphne couldn’t believe them, feelings for Harry? Well, of course Daphne had feelings for Harry as he was her bloody friend. But, feelings? No, Daphne didn’t have feelings for Harry.

            Harry was just a friend. A friend who was exceedingly humble in every regard of his actions towards others. A friend who took the time to listen to Daphne without judgement, and who took her advice to heart. A friend who just so happened to make her feel like the only Witch in the world whenever they were alone together. Did Daphne sneak an extra glance every now and again in class, the halls, or the Great Hall to possibly catch a glance of Harry looking her way? Did Daphne find herself increasingly looking forward to their study sessions, because being alone with him turned out to be one of the highlights of her week? Did Daphne take extra time to feel out his emotions before she fell asleep at night, because his moods were quickly becoming a factor in informing her own? Daphne would neither confirm nor deny at this very moment. But, he was just a friend.

            As the party went on Daphne found her mood growing darker and darker by the minute. Conversations didn’t seem to hold any interest for the Witch as she looked towards the exit of the Common Room with increasing interests. Tracey finally nudged Daphne’s side as she spoke with a hushed tone, “What’s with you?”

            Daphne, “Hmm?”

            Tracey, “You’ve been eyeing the exit like a Seeker on the Snitch.”

            Daphne turned look at Tracey, “It’s nothing… Do you think that it’s strange that Blaise didn’t invite any Gryffindors?”

            Tracey raised an eyebrow, “Not really? It’s his party, and he wanted it to be tame. You know what happens when you invite them sometimes…”

            Daphne narrowed her eyebrows, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

            Tracey shrugged weakly, “Come on Daphne. There’s nothing wrong with Gryffindors. It’s just sometimes someone says one thing, and then suddenly it becomes this whole big thing… remember the dueling club 2^nd year?”

            Daphne’s expression went cold, “What of it?”

            Tracey tilted her head, “After the entire Harry and Malfoy snake issue…”

            Daphne crossed her arms, “Draco conjured the snake?”

            Tracey nodded, “And, Harry spoke to it in Parseltounge!”

            Daphne spoke with a low tone, “So you’re blaming Harry?”

            Tracey threw her hands up, “No! But, afterwards it was like a cold war between our Houses until the end of the year.”

            Daphne shook her head, “Well, maybe if we spent more time together, we would come to understand each other more!”

            Tracey furrowed her brow, “Daphne you are making zero sense, and if you don’t want to be here then don’t!”

            Daphne nodded curtly, “You’re right, have a great evening Tracey.”

            Daphne stormed out of the party as Astoria walked up to Tracey tapping her arm, “What’s her problem?”

            Tracey had a frown, “I have no bloody idea.”

            Later in an empty classroom.

            Daphne sat on a transfigured couch in a classroom that she’d stumbled into. Her head was spinning even worst than at the end of the night during the Yule Ball. But, Daphne had maybe two drinks of the spiked pumpkin juice tonight, and anyways this felt different than a tipsy induced stomach ache. Daphne’s stomach clenched as her skin felt clammy. Her mind spinning and swirling with intense emotions, and then ceasing to feel anything at all. Daphne lay on her side as she scrunched her eyes closed as she willed the room to cease its spinning.

            There was one thing anchoring her from losing it at the moment, and even that was muddled with a web of conflicting emotions. Longing, desire, and need were met with an inability to reach out as the last of her dignity held the flood gate in check. Daphne’s ears barely registered the quiet creek of the classroom door as tilted her head and opened her eyes to try and see who was intruding on her one Witch devolution into madness. Her mind must have been playing tricks on her because Daphne swore that the door opened and closed, but there was no one in the room with her. To Daphne’s growing confusion suddenly Harry appeared out of thin air a few meters in front of her. Harry was clad in a simple scarlet jumper, blue jeans, and black converse. Harry appeared fuzzy from even this distance, but as he knelt before Daphne his worried expression came into full view.

            Harry looked to Daphne with a concerned countenance as he spoke with a hushed tone, “Daphne what’s wrong?”

            Daphne swallowed dryly as she shook her head, “N… nothings wrong. I’m fine…”

            Harry released a small snort, “Completely fine? Is that why your cheeks are flushed, and you sound like you’ve tanked an entire bottle of fire whiskey?”

            Daphne frowned, “Harry, I am a strong and capable Witch and…”

            Daphne’s eyes widened as she felt the back of Harry’s hand on her forehead as he gauged her temperature. Daphne had to admit that his warm skin felt exceedingly nice against her clammy self, “You’ve definitely got a fever.”

            Daphne frowned, “But, I was feeling alright earlier today?”

            Harry tilted his head, “Are you sure?”

            Daphne, “Why do you ask?”

            Harry now frowned as he sat back and ran a hand through his raven locks, “Well… you’ve felt… off all day.”

            Daphne furrowed her eyebrows, “How would you know that? We haven’t spoken all bloody day!”

            Harry didn’t shrink from Daphne’s momentary eruption, “Because, I felt you?”

            Daphne took a moment for the words to land before her eyes widened in dimming understanding, “Oh…”

            Harry now gave her a gentle expression, “We need to get you to Madam Pomfrey.”

            Daphne released a shaky breath as all of a sudden, an intense feeling of embarrassment and sadness overwhelmed her, “Merlin you must think I’m a freak.”

            Harry shook his head, “Why would you think that?”

            Daphne shut her eyes as she fought the tears straining at her eyes, “Because I’ve gone and flooded you with all of these bloody feelings, and now you want to lock me away!”

            Harry’s expression was now even more concerned, but he couldn’t very well and try and take a rational response given Daphne’s erratic behavior. Harry sat forward as he placed a hand atop Daphne’s resting of her stomach. Daphne felt his hand grasp her own as the warmth of it spread across her skin. Daphne felt Harry grow closer as his reply sounded increasingly close to her ear.

            Harry, “Daphne I’d rather end up in Azkaban right with you then to ever let them put you in the loony-bin.”

            Daphne felt the warmth, honesty, and care from Harry wash over her psyche as she also felt his grip squeeze her own. Daphne turned her head and met Harrys worried gaze, but she felt herself coming back down to a somewhat lucid state, “Harry, what is wrong with me?”      

            Harry shook his head, “I don’t know, but do you trust me?”

            Daphne immediately responded with an exhausted tone, “Yes.”

            Harry nodded with a gentle smile that caused her heart to clench in an ache of longing that she didn’t know that she was capable of. Harry removed his wand from his holder and Daphne watched in amazement as he conjured his Patronus. An iridescent and luminous stag that appeared to be constructed of warmth and emanating the feeling of protection itself stood before them. Harry kept his gaze on her as Daphne felt as though every small warm and happy moment in her life were suddenly taking place all at once.

            Her mum scrunching her nose as she smiled at Daphne and Astoria from behind the kitchen counter.

            Tracey and Blaise laughing in Hogsmeade as the three warmed themselves by a fire drinking butter beer.

            Daphne’s fingers elegantly retying Harry’s tie as she gazed back to him with a gentle smile, and Harry reciprocating with a grin that sent sparks down her spine.

            Daphne missed whatever words Harry had murmured to his stag as it disappeared out of the room. Harry spoke to her with a gentle tone, “Helps on the way Daphne. Just a little bit longer, okay?”

            Daphne nodded as she closed her eyes, “Harry?”

            Harry, “What do you need Daphne?”

            Daphne scrunched her eyes as the room began to spin again, “Can you hold me? Like the morning in the Prefects bathroom?”

            Harry didn’t need any more explanation as he gently and carefully eased Daphne into a sitting position. Harry managed to get Daphne to lean against his torso as he sat against the edge of the couch. Daphne felt Harrys arms around as she rested her head under the crook of his neck as he held her close to him. Daphne took in a shaky breath as Harrys familiar and comforting scent filled her olfactory nerves. Oddly it smelled like the drink she’d stolen from Astoria earlier that day.

            Daphne spoke with a slurred tone, “You smell nice… like Astoria’s pumpkin juice.”

            Harry raised an eyebrow as he peered down to Daphne not completely understanding her meaning, but something he couldn’t quite remember that Hermione had mentioned months prior told him to file it away to tell Pomfrey.

            Harry simply rubbed her shoulder as he waited with a concerned expression, “Whatever you say Daphne.

Chapter Text

The Autumn sun began to set above the hills of Hogwarts casting the grounds and castle in a twilight and somber cascade of shadows. The occasional rustle of reddening leaves and voices of students across the grounds filled the air with a simple calm as everyone turned in for the evening. While others were preparing for their week ahead and getting ready for dinner a Slytherin Witch sat alone in the infirmary propped up into a sitting position against her pillow as she tried to concentrate on the Potions text in her hands.

            Daphne re-read the same page again as her mind still felt foggy in comparison to her usually sharp mental functions. Daphne’s brow was furrowed as the growing frustration grated at her already fried nerves. Everything from Blaise’s party on was a blur for the young Witch. It was almost as though she had been gliding through a dream; just on the edges of consciousness as her body took actions that otherwise she wouldn’t dare. When she had come to in the early afternoon Astoria had been sitting by her side holding her hand with a pained expression, and Tracey and Blaise sat on the end of her bed as they both stared at her as though she were a porcelain doll fractured by an accidental fall.

            After many tears, hugs, and finally Daphne having to be the one to calm them down, she’d learned from Madam Pomfrey who curtly arrived to take her vitals and inform her of the prognosis. Someway and somehow a poorly brewed love potion had made it either into her drink or food that the previous dat. Madam Pomfrey quickly assured Daphne that the affects had been reversed, but the physio-emotional fallout would last for a few days as her body processed out the rest of the chemical cocktail flowing through her body. Madam Pomfrey had also quietly let Daphne know that thanks to her gift she’d been spared the more embarrassing aspects that usually were prescribed to the effects of the love potion. Daphne found this left a sour taste in her mouth, because even if she didn’t outwardly express the usual modus operandi of swooning over whomever the recipient lusted after she could feel in the back of her mind that her behavior had still obviously been jeopardized.

            It took Daphne an inordinate amount of time to cajole her sister and best friends to go on about their day as she reiterated her soon to be clear billing of health. Daphne actually had to resort to a bit of a guilt trip that she needed to rest alone for the evening. After the hugs and one more tearful goodbye from Tracey Daphne found herself alone, and tried to calm herself. Daphne had replayed the previous days’ food and drink that she had ingested to the best of her current ability. Through the process of elimination, she’d come to rule out any of the food or drink at the party as if the sources of sustenance there were spiked more people would have been falling under the ill effects. Outside of her own water bottle from the morning the only other drink that she had ingested had been the pumpkin juice that she’d stolen from Astoria. And that’s when Daphne’s blood went cold.

            That bloody prick McLaggen must have laced the pumpkin juice with his poor attempt at a love potion. If it hadn’t been for Daphne’s weak state as she attempted to stand and march out of the infirmary, she’d have already put that bloody monster down. Daphne had glared and cursed under her breath as her mind went to all of the ways in which she would hurt the 6^th year. Daphne had let herself mentally play out multiple scenarios to blow off the vengeful steam, and released a tepid sigh as she knew that she wouldn’t be able to find proof given that the chalice that she’d drank out of was already cleaned by the House-Elves. But, it’s not as though she could just let it go. McLaggen could have hurt Astoria or worst, and Daphne couldn’t even fathom the pain felt by the other Witches that she surmised he used the same disgusting and illegal move on.

            So, Daphne stayed her hand for the time being and move onto trying to study. Though Madam Pomfrey had insisted that she write a note for Daphne to have until at least Wednesday off Daphne knew that if she had to spend another night in the infirmary she might well lost her mind from the tedious boredom. So, Daphne attempted to re-read the page, and finally closed the book and casting it aside as she released a huff.

            A few moments later the creek of the large wooden doors from the infirmary opened as she listened to the easy footsteps of a new visitor. From where she lay, she didn’t have a great view to the entrance of the room, and so she waited for Pomfrey to screen the new visitor. Daphne’s ears perked up to Pomphrey’s slightly annoyed if also displaying a clear fondness for the Wizard as she allowed him through.

            Daphne felt her shoulders relax just a bit as with each footfall of the Wizard approaching, she gleaned his mood immediately. Anticipation, worry, and excitement. The swirl of these feelings mixed with the pulse of care and warmth from his psyche automatically began to act as a balm to her confused and irritable state.

            Daphne greeted the Wizard with a raspy voice, “Shouldn’t you be at Quidditch practice right now?”

            The laugh that was quickly becoming one of Daphne’s favorites filled her ears as Harry came around the corner. Harry was clad in his Quidditch Jersey and pants, and Daphne looked at him up and down in appreciation. Clearly there had been at least a sprinkle of rain as his hair appeared damp, and his clothes too. Harry’s cheeks were flushed from exertion, and he held an easy smile as he replied, “Called it an early one today, and besides shouldn’t you be resting?”

            Daphne met Harrys gaze her own as she shot back with snark, “What does it look like I’m doing, running a marathon?”

            Harry shot a glance at the Potions text, and Daphne rolled her eyes, “Studying is resting for me I’ll have you know.”

            Harry shrugged, “Whatever floats your boat.”

            Harry dropped into the chair that Astoria had pulled up earlier as he put his bag aside on the ground, “How’re you feeling?”

            Daphne at first was going to attempt to show a strong front, but this was Harry of all people, “Honestly?”

            Harry nodded with a sad smile, “I’d prefer it.”

            Daphne took in a deep breath, “Physically? Pretty bloody lousy. My head feels foggy, I can barely keep down anything that I’ve eaten today, and… my entire body aches.”

            Harry gave her a frown as he waited for her to continue, “Emotionally? I’m pissed, angry… Merlin I’m rageful considering what that prat McLaggen tried to slip to Astoria.”

            Harry raised an eyebrow as he sat forward, “What’re you talking about?”

            Daphne fisted the blanket cover over her legs as she explained to Harry about everything that she knew so far. The faulty love potion, her theory of who did it, and what she wanted to do to get revenge. Daphne met Harry’s gaze and she wasn’t at all surprised by his reaction, but it stunned her nonetheless. Harrys eyes burned with anger as much as she supposed her did earlier, and his fists were balled so tightly that she could see the exposed fingers from his Quidditch gloves clearly growing white from the cut off circulation. Daphne closed her eyes as the torrential growing fury within Harry’s mood stoked her own. And, for a moment she let herself bask in the destructive feelings, but then she took a deep breath as she opened her eyes.

            Daphne tilted her head as she spoke with a quiet voice, “Please don’t do anything brash or idiotic Harry.”

            Harry challenged her, “Are you kidding me? He bloody well already got you this sick, and who knows what would have happened if…”

            Daphne nodded slightly as she swallowed dryly, “I know Harry, believe me I’ve been sitting on this all day. But if you go and instigate something you and I both know it will be a one-way ticket out of Hogwarts. That prat is apart of the Toads inquisitorial squad. So, we have to go about this methodically.”

            Harry searched Daphne’s gaze, “How can you be so calm about this?”

            Daphne shook her head, “I’m not calm. I’m bloody livid, but the long play is usually the smarter option. And, besides I care about you too much as my partner to have you go and muck it up.”

            Daphne paused as her mind caught up to her mouth, and soon she felt a small flush on her cheeks as she studied Harry’s expression. Harry appeared caught off guard by her choice of words, but he simply held a lopsided grin as the tension eased from his features, “Partner, huh?”

            Daphne narrowed her gaze as she replied, “Study partner! You know what I mean… don’t think that…”

            Harry now cut her off as he sat back, “I know what you meant Daphne, and I promise that I won’t do anything brash or stupid.”

            Daphne turned her gaze away as she replied with a raspy tone, “I would hope not.”

            Harry’s chuckle eased her down as she turned her attention back to him, “Madam Pomfrey said that you helped to get me to the infirmary last night?”

            Now Harrys expression turned melancholic, “Yeah, I was able to get my Patronus to her thankfully. I’ve never actually sent a message that way before, but I couldn’t have just left you.”

            Daphne nodded as she gave Harry a small smile, “I’m thankful it was you, Harry. Anyone else might have flipped out, but Madam Pomfrey said that you remembered in my incoherent ramble about the pumpkin juice. From there she was able to run the right test to figure out how to counteract the agents.”

            Harry now nervously ran a hand through his hair causing it to grow even more disheveled as Daphne’s eyes drank in his rosy cheeks and now quiet appearance, “Anyone would have…”

            Daphne, “No Harry. You must take my compliment and thanks. I’m the one who’s sick here.”

            Harry sighed with a lopsided grin, “Astoria said you played the guilt trip card earlier.”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “So you two speak about me now, huh?”

            Harry shrugged, “She’s the one who sent me an Owl, and besides Astoria’s great! I can definitely see the resemblance, but also how she got the humor from your parents.”

            Daphne furrowed her brow, “Oh so I’m not funny now? I’m sorry, but who makes you snort out those embarrassing laughs when we’re studying?”

            Harry now had a shite eating grin, “I didn’t mean it that way. We both know that I appreciate your humor. I just meant where you’re a bit more serious, she’s…”

            Daphne had now a cool countenance and Harry shut his lips as she sighed, “I’m just going to go ahead and stop digging this hole, huh?”

            Daphne nodded with her arms now crossed, “I think that’s probably for the best.”

            Harry and Daphne held their standoff of a gaze for a few more minutes before Harry broke out into a grin, and Daphne reciprocated as Harry spoke, “I’m really glad you’re okay Daphne.”

            Daphne nodded as she felt herself relax in Harrys presence, “I am too, and I’m glad you’re here now, it helps.”

            Harry, “Well if wouldn’t be a year at Hogwarts if one of us wasn’t visiting the other in the infirmary it seems.”

            Daphne nodded, “Maybe next year we’ll both go a full term without having to.”

            Harry shrugged, “Seeing as the next one to be laid up in here is me if we’re going by turn taking? I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

            Daphne frowned as she shook her head, “I don’t want to think about that.”

            Harry gave her a nod as he replied with a quiet tone, “Then what do you want to think about?”

            Daphne’s blue eyes searched Harrys as she thought of any subject to change to, but between her sudden shifts of emotions and the calming presence of Harry she felt herself growing even more tired than before as she yawned. Harry’s expression grew warmer as he spoke, “You should get some rest?”

            Daphne shook her head as she lay back against her pillow, but turned onto her side so that she was still looking at Harry, “I don’t want to. Talk to me a bit more?”

            Harry now chuckled, “Are you always this demanding when you’re sick?”

            Daphne glared, but without the usual edge, “You really have no bedside manner, Harry.”

            Harry shrugged, “That didn’t really come up in Defense 101, but I’ll work on it. Besides being on this side of the bed is something that I’m still getting used to.”

            Daphne nodded as she noticed that Harry’s hand was bandaged, “Did something happen at practice?”

            Harrys eyes followed her gaze as she noticed that he grew more tense, “No, it wasn’t from practice.”

            Daphne waited a beat as she blinked slowly, “Are you going to tell me then, or leave me hanging in suspense?”

            Harry moved his hand to his lap as he shook his head, “I’m here for you Daphne. My stuff can wait until your better.”

            Daphne sighed, “Today or tomorrow Harry we both know you’re going to tell me eventually.”

            Harry hesitated, “Daphne if I tell you… you’re going to be just as livid as I was when you told me about McLaggen. So, promise me you won’t do anything rash?”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “Harry between us I’m obviously the calmer of the two. So I’ll promise not to do anything rash, but you really don’t have to worry.”

            Harry took a deep breath as he removed the bandage from his hand. Daphne’s eyes scanned the jagged and angrily raw scars on his hand that spelled out ‘I will not break rules.’. Daphne’s skin went cold as her tired mind pieced together exactly how Harry had gotten those scars. She read it on his face, felt it in is emotions, and with a clarity that surprised even her heard it from his minds eye without speaking it. Harrys Seeker reflexes are what allowed him to hold on to Daphne’s trashing form quickly and effectively as he held her from behind sitting on the bed.

            Daphne spoke in a low and venomous tone, “Let me go.”

            Harry shook his head as he held her back to his chest, “Daphne you promised.”

            Daphne bit back, “That Pink Toad will pay, Harry let me go!”

            Harry pressed his forehead against the back of Daphne’s head as his voice was now even closer to her ear, “It’s like you said Daphne they’re not worth it. If you do something, getting expelled will be the least of your worries. And, I thought we were partners?”

            Daphne felt the wind cease in her sails of anger and vengeance as Harry’s voice carried the word partner with so but warmth and care that she sagged back into his chest. Daphne brought a hand up instinctively to unfurl Harry’s hand as she looked down to it and traced the scar with her fingers. She felt Harry relaxed behind her as her cool touch tenderly stroked the inflamed flesh. Daphne’s eyes were narrowed as she felt her eyes grow misty.

            Daphne, “You shouldn’t have to go through all of this.”

            Harry simply nodded against the back of her head as she felt his hold of her relax, “No one should, but it is what it is.”

            Daphne closed her eyes as the bit of adrenaline that had been released into her body ebbed away, and the exhaustion set in. Daphne spoke absentmindedly, “Do you ever wish you wouldn’t have discovered magic?”

            Harry didn’t miss a beat, “Not for a second. If I hadn’t learned that I wasn’t a Wizard I never would have met Ron, Hermione, or Hagrid and everyone else. I never would have been able to attend Hogwarts, and as hard as it is to believe even with all that’s happened, I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. Besides, what would you do without me worrying you all the time?”

            Daphne now closed her hand over Harry’s as she moved the back of her head to his shoulder so that she could look up at him. Daphne held a small frown, but Harry found that her eyes were filled with appreciation and warmth, “I honestly couldn’t tell you at this point, and I never want to find out.”

            Harry nodded as he gave her a smile that made her heart skip a beat, “Then let’s not?”

            Daphne searched for words to say, but being this close to Harry she couldn’t muster anything else to say. Daphne was encircled by Harrys strong arms, his warm and enticing gaze, and his familiar scent that all led to Daphne relaxing against him. Daphne closed her eyes as she turned her cheek to rest atop his chest. Harrys strong heartbeat echoing in her ears as she felt his chest rise and fall with each steady breath.

            Daphne listened as she drifted off to sleep, “Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?”

            Daphne nodded weakly against Harry’s chest, “Please.”

            Harry breathed softly as he nodded against Daphne. It was only in the early morning that Daphne stirred away as she felt cold and alone. Opening her bleary eyes, she noticed that she was once again alone in the infirmary bed. She reached over hoping to feel Harry, but all that she felt was his Quidditch jersey. Daphne felt the small pang of the letdown deeply in her mind, but simply fisted Harry’s jersey as she curled around it taking him his familiar scent. Daphne drifted back off to sleep with the image Harrys easy smile in her mind.

Chapter Text

Blaise entered the Slytherin Common Room with a sigh. Add in the fact that he was now involved in assisting two more Witches in getting ready for their midterms he felt as though he was being pulled in a million directions. As he veered towards his usual spot before one of the obsidian fireplaces where he was sure his two best friends were already seated, he expected to find the usual sight. Tracey peering over some Muggle magazine and talking animatedly to Daphne, and Daphne nodding along somehow both listening to Tracey’s pet theories and also correcting her friends notes on their recent Potions assignment. But Blaise’s eyes were greeted with a surprising if a bit disconcerting sight.

            Daphne and Tracey both sat on the couch yes, but Daphne was leaning into Tracey’s one-armed embrace with a downcast expression which was rare for the usually self-assured Witch. Throughout the years Blaise had been privy to many of Daphne’s multitude of emotions, but this? If Blaise didn’t know the difference between distraught and downcast, he’d have pegged the former as Daphne’s current state of being.

            Blaise came to sit beside Daphne as he peered on at the two with a careful countenance, “Can I ask what in the bloody hell has happened to put you in such a mood?”

            Daphne replied with a low tone, “I think I might have rightly screwed up Blaise.”

            Blaise’s eyes now fell serious, “What happened?”

            Daphne took in a deep breath, “The gist is that Astoria apparently has been going behind my back and attending Harry’s after school defense lessons.”

            Blaise nodded with a raised eyebrow, “Well that does warrant a tongue lashing from you, but I don’t see how that would make you look so…”

            Daphne met his gaze with a slightly sad expression and slightly red eyes, “She forgot her bag a few days ago, and when she returned to wherever they’re having the lesson she saw Cho Chang snogging Potter.”

            Blaise sat back as he put his hands on his lap with wide eyes, “Right… that would do it then.”

            Tracey now chimed in with wincing eyes, “Daphne thought it best to confront Harry in the hallway…”

            Daphne looked back to Tracey with a frown, “I didn’t confront him the hallway.”

            Tracey scrunched her nose, “Yelling Potter down the hallway wasn’t exactly subtle now, was it?”

            Daphne shrank back with a grimace, “I can admit that there was probably a more tactful way of getting his attention.”

            Blaise now spoke up with a slightly exacerbated tone, “This still doesn’t completely explain your current woe is me aura?”

            Daphne slightly glared, but continued, “I honestly don’t know what came over me. But when I confronted him about it alone, he just didn’t seem to get it…”

            Blaise now crossed his arms with a slight smirk, “What is it that he’s supposed to get?”

            Daphne’s glare grew, “You know what I mean!”

            Blaise shook his head with an innocent expression, “Whatever do you mean? The way that I see it Potter is a free Wizard who has every right to snog whichever Witch he deems fit as long as she’s consenting.”

            Daphne cast her eyes to her lap as she replied with a weaker tone, “Blaise you know how I feel about him…”

            Blaise shook his head, “Actually I don’t know. You’ve always been so hot and cold with him that I’ve been starting to think you only like the chase rather than…”

            Daphne’s head snapped up as she cut him off, “Harry is more than just some boy to string along!”

            Blaise now sat forward, “Did you tell him this then? Or did you just shoot him an icy glare and stalk away leaving the poor bloke even more confused than he already is?”

            Daphne now raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

            Blaise blinked a few moments before sitting back and crossing his arms, “Bloody hell Daphne, you’re usually the quickest one on the uptake.”

            Blaise took a breath as he replied, “Did it ever occur to you that Chang and Potter might have something or rather someone to bond over? The fact that her now deceased boyfriend, and Potter’s rival/frenemy’s untimely passing might have left the both of them a bit emotionally raw? That the bit of flirting last year might have found the two with a connection that they’re within their rights to explore?”

            Daphne sighed, “I hadn’t exactly thought about that now, had I?”

            Blaise’s gaze softened as he titled his head, “Look Daphne of course I know how you feel about Potter, I mean you’d have to be a blind Wizard not to. But you can’t very well expect him to read your mind if you’re not willing to open up to him. Whatever it’s worth though I’m sorry that it wasn’t you though.”

            Daphne nodded as she took Blaise’s hand with a tight squeeze. Blaise now spoke with a quieter voice, “Why don’t you just Owl him to meet up, and explain where you’re coming from?”

            Tracey grimaced, “We heard from Hermione this morning that Harry and the Weasley’s were whisked away last night on some hush hush type stuff.”

            Blaise shook his head, “Why is it that Potter and his friends always seem to be in the middle of some conspiracy?”

            Daphne replied with a low tone, “I’m beginning to believe they truly are.”

            Later in Daphne’s bed.

            Daphne lay on her back as her blonde hair was cascaded around her head as she released a huff. For the past hour she’d tried to reach out to Harry mentally, and to get at least some sort of idea that he was alright. She’d felt his departure late the previous night. Not only was the instant dulling of their connection evident from his apparent Floo, but it felt as muddled mirroring his sudden disappearance the past Summer. Daphne knew at least in the ballpark of where he currently resided. Daphne could tell that a secrecy charm had been placed on Harry and his friends, and so she didn’t press the subject knowing how fickle those vows could be.

            This didn’t act as a balm though for a Witch who felt as though she’d royally screwed up. Given the internal turmoil following such a spiraling term with the Toad and her goons, the incident a few weeks earlier leaving her with a growing grudge, and overarching the conflicting feelings that hung in the background every time that she entertained the thoughts of Harry it had finally culminated in the valve bursting upon learning of the news from Astoria.

            Logically Daphne agreed with Blaise. Harry was a single Wizard and was within every right to pursue whichever Witch floated his broom. But Harry didn’t exactly inspire Daphne to use her usually solid logic now did he? The idea of bloody Chang wrapping her slim arms around Harrys shoulders, and leaning up to kiss his ever so soft looking lips? It was apparently too much for Daphne to handle. As soon as her mind’s eye crafted the stomach-churning image, she’d seen green in envy, jealousy, and spitefulness. At that moment she had to find Harry, and she had to voice her displeasure. Harry had to know that what he’d done wasn’t okay, because…

            Daphne fisted her blanket as she closed her eyes and willed the bloody tears to cease from falling from the corners of her eyes. Daphne released a choke of a sob as she turned to her side and burrowed her face into the jersey that Harry had lent her from the time in the infirmary. Harry had to know that what he’d done wasn’t okay, because Daphne was the only one who was allowed bloody well kiss Harry Potter. Daphne felt as though there was a pit in her stomach that had suddenly opened up, and she didn’t know how to fill it. It was as though the air had been knocked out of her, and no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t catch her breath.

            Daphne opened her eyes as she took a deep breath and wiped away a stray tear. Blaise was right. What right did she have to berate Harry if he didn’t know how she felt? Daphne released a small sigh as she realized that she didn’t even know fully how she felt. But taking a page out of the Gryffindors playbook she realized that she’d have to be brave herself if she were to have a hope of getting what she wanted.

            And Daphne could admit one thing right now. She wanted Harry.

            The Middle of December in Downtown London

            Daphen sat in a cozy coffee shop that her parents had frequented back in the day when they had their bout of city life post Hogwarts. The aroma of freshly ground coffee, heated tea, and the mix of quiet conversations were just a few aspects of the haunt that Daphne appreciated so much. Daphne saw in a secluded corner with a subdued expression. Clad in black leggings, grey trainers, and an oversized crimson sweater she kept her eyes trained on the entrance of the café.

            Normally Daphne would be enjoying the time on her family estate with her Sister and Father readying for their Christmas festivities or spending time at Tracey or Blaise’s as they let their figurative hair down and just allowing the ease of the Winter break to carry them from their previous term at school. But, if her fifth year had proved anything it’s that this Winter break would hold a different set of extracurricular activities.

            Daphne still didn’t know if she was more nervous that her plan had actually worked out to this point, or that she still didn’t know exactly how this would all play out. Between the abrupt letter that she’d received a few days prior, and the cryptic agreement to meet from the recipient, she couldn’t exactly extricate the tone of the writer.

            Daphne took a sip of her tea as she let the sweet taste of peppermint fill her taste buds as she tried to steady her thoughts. It was simple really; Daphne would explain that she acted out of a place of frustration based upon the culmination of the frustrating term, she would listen intently to his response, and then from there she would simply…

            Bloody hell he was here. Daphne’s blue eyes drank in Harry’s form as he entered the café kicking off snow on the floor mat from the slush that had coated the streets of London. Daphne stood as she waved Harry over, and her eyes surveyed Harrys winter attire. Clad in a dark black jacket, blue jeans, and scuffed up boots he made his way towards her. Daphne could see as well as now sense the tension in his body and mind as he stopped across the table.

            Daphne brought her hands together as she clasped them in front of her. Daphne felt a growing sense of relief at Harrys presence, but too a sense of nervousness at this neutral expression, “It’s really good to see you, Harry.”

            Harry nodded curtly, “Nice to see you as well.”

            Harry motioned for them to sit down, and Daphne obliged as they took their seats. The scrap of Harrys chair was even more audible for whatever reason for the blonde Witch.

            Daphne took a deep breath as she spoke with a strained voice, “So how is your holiday going?”

            Harry nodded slightly, “It’s fine. Yours?”

            Daphne’s expression fell for a brief moment, “Mine has been pleasant enough… Astoria is all in on this muggle gaming contraption, and I’ve spent plenty of time with Blaise and Tracey.”

            Harry simply nodded as he looked behind him to the door with a slightly nervous expression as Daphne raised an eyebrow, “Is everything alright?”

            Harry turned his gaze back to Daphne with a small frown, “It’s fine. So, what did you need exactly?”

            Daphne felt her stomach drop as she looked down to her hands in her lap, “I deserve that… Harry I want to apologize.”

            Harry shook his head, “There’s no need to apologize. You made it pretty clear how you felt. It’s like you said, we’re both our own people who can do as we please, right?”

            Daphne now looked up to Harry with a frown, “I didn’t mean that, and I especially didn’t mean to hurt you.”

            Harry now rolled his eyes, “Well I can’t wait to see what you do when you do mean it.”

            Daphne narrowed her gaze, “That’s unfair…”

            Harry shook his head, “No, it’s actually not. You know what’s unfair? Out of the blue having someone that you thought cared enough about you to ask for your side of the story before completely going mental on you for something that you didn’t even have a say in.”

            Daphne held a frown as she nodded slightly and Harry continued as he broke his gaze and stared at the table for a moment, “I get it, Astoria saw Cho and I kissing. But she only saw the tail end of it. You… none of you were there, alright? She was crying, and just wanted to know more about Cedric… I couldn’t very well just cast her aside, and so after I laid it all out… what happened that night she leaned in and kissed me, alright? But I stepped away after the shock of it all passed because…”

            Daphne held in suspense widened her eyes just a bit more as Harry continued releasing a breath before looking back to her with a cool gaze, “Well it doesn’t really matter now, does it?”

            Daphne could cut the tension with a knife, “Harry it does matter…”

            Harry now replied, “Does it? You think I’m some sort of player then, right?”

            Daphne would almost laugh at how cute it was that Harry would even put himself in such a category, but shook her head, “No Harry. I think you’re a bloke who deserves his privacy, and that you can do whatever you choose to. I also think that I’ve been plenty daft enough, and I truly appreciate your honesty.”

            Harry swallowed with a frustrated expression, “Then what is it you want to say?”

            Daphne took in a deep breath as she spoke clearly, “That I truly am sorry Harry about how I handled the situation, and that you deserve better than me just storming in and laying into you.”

            Harry nodded as Daphne continued, “The last thing that I ever wanted to do was to hurt you Harry, and I can never take that back. I can only promise to try and be better at communication in the future if you’ll let me?”

            Harry searched Daphnes gaze before responding, “I just don’t get what about all of it got you so bent out of shape?”

            Daphne faltered for a moment before taking a deep breath, “I guess I owe you that in the least.”

            Harry sat back with a frown as Daphne tightened her hands together, “Harry have you ever had something that was special… truly special, and for the first time in your life you felt as though there was something that you couldn’t live without that was just for you?”

            Harry took a moment before nodding slowly, “I… I think so. I mean… like magic?”

            Daphne now gave Harry a weary smile, “Precisely. Well, when Astoria told me about Cho kissing you it felt as though that special thing was being ripped away from me, and I panicked.”

            Harry appeared confused, but his expression softened as he searched her gaze, “Harry it felt as though in an instant Cho had stolen you from me. It isn’t fair for me to think that, or even to be telling you that and expecting you to do anything with it. But it’s the truth.”

            Harry now slouched against the seat as he tried to rationalize Daphnes words, “But, I’m just Harry? There’s nothing special about me.”

            Daphne felt her heart ache as she fought the urge to move across the table and knock Harry over with a hug, “Harry you are… such a kind, wonderful, and humble person. You might not see it, but so many others do… I do. And I’m still sorting all of this out myself, but that’s why I lashed out. I felt as though you were being taken away from me.”

            Harry sat for a few moments as Daphne felt as though a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Daphne watched his face sport a flurry of emotions ranging from confusion, frustration, and finally delight as he finally replied with a soft tone, “Why didn’t you just say all of this that day?”

            Daphne now held a small smirk, “I got scared.”

            Harry nodded now with understanding, “Trust me, I get it.”

            Daphne now raised an eyebrow, “Oh really?”
            Harry nodded again with a genuine smile, “Really, I mean if I found out someone had gone and snogged you, I probably would have hexed them back to the Dark Ages.”

            Daphne felt her stomach leap at his confession, “Potter, that’s so unbecoming of a Gryffindor.”

            Harry narrowed his eyes, “You were going to poison Cho, huh?”
            Daphne now released a laugh, “Oh she was going to lose her eyebrows for a week.”

            Harry shook his head, “You’re bloody terrifying sometimes.”

            Daphne now leaned forward with a devilish smile, “You love it.”

            Harry looked away with a lopsided grin as he nodded slightly, and Daphne felt herself swoon just the smidge from his demure attitude.

            Daphne spoke with a low tone, “Do you forgive me?”

            Harry returned her gaze with kind eyes, “Always.”  

            Daphne smiled now as she savored this moment. Daphne wouldn’t say that she didn’t deserve Harry in her life, because she wouldn’t do a disservice to his kindness like that. But she would say that she was eternally grateful for the bloody humble Wizard.

            Daphne now spoke with a lighter tone, “So how long do I have you for exactly?”

            Harry now sported a sheepish grin, “At least a few more hours before Tonks and Remus come busting down the doors.”

            Daphne raised an eyebrow, “Somethings telling me you’ve gone and snuck out then?”

            Harry nodded reached over and taking her tea and stealing a sip as she mock glared at him, “Oh I’m going to officially be chained down to the basement.”

            Daphne frowned, “If I’d have known it would have been such an issue, I would have…”

            Harry cut her off with a smirk of a smile, “Daphne, we both know that you’re worth it.”

            Daphne felt a small flush grow on her pale cheeks as she returned a smile to Harry. Daphne had to admit that for her Harry was worth any amount of trouble, and if he reciprocated the sentiment then it was worth putting herself out on a limb.

Chapter Text

Daphne and Harry walked side by side aimlessly beside a river on the outskirts of East London. The two were lost in conversation catching up from the last few weeks. If Daphne hadn’t come to learn the terror that Harry faced with each growing year firsthand, she’d have called him out for taking the piss. But Daphne could fully believe that the visions that he was having of Voldemort’s actions signified some sort of connection deeper than just a murderous and xenophobic melomaniacs fixation on ending Harry for the simple fact that he’s the one that survived.

            Daphne stopped Harry as she motioned for them to sit on a bench with a cover protecting them from the freshly falling snow. Daphne brushed off the seat along with Harry as they sat against the chilled bench.

            Daphne turned to Harry and spoke with a serious tone, “Harry you have to be careful with these visions…”

            Harry shrugged, “It’s not as though I’m inviting him in, but if I hadn’t seen the attack on Mr. Weasley, he could have been injured even more than he already was.”

            Daphne tilted her head, “I understand that Harry, but He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has decades of Legilimency practice. And, one of the hallmarks of a skillful user is selectively implanting memories in their victims to illicit specific responses.”

            Harry looked down at his shoes as he kicked some snow, “What? Do you think he’s trying to lure me out or something?”

            Daphne released a steady breath, “Isn’t that what happened during the Tournament? We don’t know what he wants specifically, but we both know that at the end of the day his goal is to…”

            Daphne trailed off as she dropped her gaze to her hands folded in her lap as Harry finished her thought, “Kill me?”

            Daphne physically cringed at the words, and the unobstructive truth as Harry continued, “It’s alright.”

            Daphne shook her head as she glared at nothing in particular, “It most definitely is not alright!”

            Harry now turned to stare at her with a slight melancholy, “Daphne?”

            Daphne slowly turned to meet his gaze, and she felt her stomach drop. Harry’s expression was one of sadness, but he held a quiet grin as Daphne felt her throat grow dry, “I didn’t mean to yell… it’s just none of this is alright, and it most certainly isn’t fair for you to have to shoulder…”

            Daphnes words fell again as she felt Harry’s arm come around her shoulder and pulled her into his side. Daphne leaned into Harrys one armed embrace, and placed her hand onto his thigh as she felt his chin atop her head. Daphne closed her eyes as she breathed in his scent and felt the warmth from his body heat relax her just enough for her to get ahold of herself.

            Harry spoke with a serious tone, “I’m not trying to take any unnecessary risks Daphne.”

            Daphne nodded slightly, “I know that, but you just must be foolish enough to try and save everyone. And that’s what he’s going to keep using against you.”

            Harry now released a dark laugh, “You know you’d be a great Dark Lord yourself?”

            Daphne now looked up to Harry with a solemn expression, “If that’s what it took to keep you safe you would you hate me?”

            Harry immediately shook his head, “No, I don’t think I could ever come to hate you. But, let’s not go down that road.”

            Daphne sighed as she rested her head against the crook of his neck, “I’d be a benevolent Dark Lord at least.”

            Harry simply nodded as he strengthened his grasp around her shoulder. Daphnes stared out over the falling snow with a solemn glance at the darkening sky. The world seemed quiet and still for the time being as the snow absorbed the sounds of the usually busy city in the distance. Daphne felt as though for the moment it was just Harry and her alone, and she closed her eyes now simply choosing to focus on the steady thump of Harrys heart against her ear. Daphnes’ breathing slowed as she allowed her mind to wander trying to think of anything lighthearted.

            Harry broke the silence with a small smile, “Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?”

            Daphne opened her eyes as she stared out at the snowy scenery before them, “I do… probably when was just little enough to remember. Astoria was just barely walking, and we were in our den, it’s where we put the tree.”

            Harry nodded slowly, “There’s an old brick fireplace, and my parents would keep it stoked with a charm. It was just so quiet except for their laughter as I opened by Astoria and my presents. I still remember my Mum having to pull Astoria away from the wrapping paper as she tried to tear it to shreds.”

            Harry chuckled as Daphnes heart warmed at the sound, “I just remember my Mum and Dad sharing a glance that I’m only just now realizing what it meant.”

            Daphne sat up still with Harry’s arm around her shoulder, but so that she could stare into his green eyes.

            Harry raised a dark eyebrow, “What did it mean then?”

            Daphne took in Harry’s appearance. His cheeks were flushed from the cold giving them a pinkish hue. His eyes were lively as the green was brilliant display next to the white and grey visage of the city. The corners of his eyes held the smallest wrinkles as he stared at her inquisitively. Daphne raised a hand to brush a bit of snow from his raven locks that had landed from the small bluster a few moments before. Daphne released a small breath as she replied with a gentle smile, “I think it just meant that at that moment there was nowhere they’d have rather been then with each other, and my Sister and I.”

            Harry nodded with a now brilliant smile, “I’m sure that you’re right.”

            The quiet atmosphere only heightened the tension that Daphne felt in this very moment with Harry. He was so kind, attentive, and thoughtful. Daphne tilted her head as her eyes flickered to his pink and slightly chapped lips from the cold before finding his gaze once more.

            Harry tilted his head to the side as he spoke with a rougher tone, “Daphne?”

            Daphne simply quirked a smile as she felt Harry inch imperceptibly closer, “Harry?”

            Harry was about to say something when suddenly a deep dog bark made them both jump. Harry’s gaze shot in the direction to a curiously black and shaggy dog in the distance as he threw his head back with a groan. Daphne now heard Harry release a sigh as she felt him slip away from her with a dejected expression.

            Harry stood as he turned to Daphne quickly, “I’m so bloody sorry, but I’ve been found out.”

            Daphne tried to school her expression, and the overall disappointment that she felt in the moment. Something was definitely about to happen, but Daphne was a big Witch. And the right time would present itself.

            Daphne stood as she spoke with a sigh, “It’s alright, and besides I don’t have to worry about you snogging any other Witches now do I?”

            Harrys eyes went wide before he emphatically shook his head, “Of course not!”

            Daphne stepped forward as she took out a small package from her pocket and slipped it into Harry’s jacket as she then reached up to cup his cheek. Harry raised an eyebrow, but Daphne simply leaned up and kissed Harry on the side of the cheek. Harrys eyes went wide as Daphne lips pressed against his cool skin. Daphnes own cheeks were flushed, and of course she blamed the snow. Daphne felt a spark run from her lips to her chest as she inched back to read Harrys expression. Surprise, happiness, and shock were evident on his handsome face.

            Daphne now stepped back as she crossed her arms behind her back and tilted her head, “Merry early Christmas Harry.”

            Harry felt the world slow down for a moment as he really took in Daphne. Her blonde hair was now windswept. A flush crossed her porcelain cheeks, and her lips held a shy but warming smile. Harry swallowed as he replied with a hoarser voice, “Merry early Christmas Daphne.”

            Harry had taken a moment before the dog in the distance barked again and he threw his head back with annoyance as he yelled, he was on his way. Daphne could only smile and laugh quietly as Harry turned to leave and waved over his shoulder. Once he was out of eyesight Daphne dropped her arms as she looked up towards the sky.

            Harry Potter, what was she going to do with you?

Chapter Text

Daphne stood clapping as the rest of her classmates clapped, hollered, and laughed after the Weasley Twins impressive and definitely unique abdication of their education as they flew away from Hogwarts on brooms. Between their promise pranking McLaggen so well that he had to take the rest of the term off (his head would return to its original size they swore), and now their defiant demonstration in the face of the Toad in Pink had turned out to be an overall pleasant end to the week.

            But, given the state of how the current year had turned out of course there had to be a catch, and said catch came in the immediate aftermath of Harry collapsing to his knees as Daphne felt as though the floor had fallen out from under her in surprise and fear. Daphne couldn’t coherently piece together what was happening to Harry, but as her blue eyes frantically scanned the courtyard, she knew it wasn’t good. Soon Daphnes ice blue gaze found Harry being whisked away by Hermione and Ron and she left Astoria and Blaise standing confused as she rushed after them. Bloody hell the idiot was going to do something daring and dangerous Daphne had thought to herself.

            Daphne finally caught up as her yell to Harry paused him in his step. Harry turned and as Daphne met his gaze, she felt a pang of guilt. Harry appeared conflicted, worried, and agitated. Daphne stopped before him as Hermione and Ron continued onto their Common Room.

            Harry spoke with a curt voice on the edge of not trying to be rude, but obviously not pleased to see Daphne, “Daphne I can’t talk right now I have to…”

            Daphne crossed her arms as she schooled her features, “Do something so unbelievably idiotic in the same of helping someone?”

            Harry appeared taken aback and surprised as Daphne rolled her eyes, “Come off it! Any time the three of you go skulking off from a crowd it’s obviously something. Now are you going to tell me?”

            Harry shook his head, “Voldemort… he has Sirius.”

            Daphne replied with narrowed eyes, “The Dark Lord has your Godfather? Have you confirmed with anyone close to him?”

            Harrys eyes widened in surprise as Daphne shook her head now, “It’s not exactly hard to piece together Harry, and now’s not the time to appreciate my fantastic deduction skills. Have you confirmed that he’s actually in danger?”

            Harry shook his head quickly, “There isn’t time!”

            Daphne now took a step forward as she dropped her arms in an exasperated way, “Harry we talked about this…”

            Harry now glared at Daphne, “Daphne if it were Astoria or your Father you wouldn’t even take a second to decide to go after them if there was a chance that they were in danger, would you?”

            Daphne, “Harry…”

            Harrys gaze now pleaded with her, “Daphne, please there isn’t time… you can’t tell anyone, okay?”

            Daphne felt time slow to a crawl. She would never forget the fear in Harrys eyes, and the need for her to understand where Harry was coming from. Every single fiber of her rational mind told her to simply put Harry in a body binding curse, rush to Dumbledore, and get this all sorted out in the appropriate way. But when it came to Harry when had her rational mind won out? The young teenager before her was right; if the roles were reversed and the wand was in the other hand, she would have rushed out without a moment’s notice if it were her Sister, Father, or…

            Daphne spoke with a careful tone, “Harry… this could be a trap, I need you to know that.”

            Harry nodded with a warmer expression, “Like you’ve said, it’s a possibility and that’s why I’ve gotten help.”

            Daphne stepped forward now only a few inches away from Harry as she looked up and searched his gaze, “If you find out that he isn’t there promise me you will high tail it back here?”

            Harry now broke into a small grin as he nodded, “Of course, and besides you’d drag me back anyways.”

            Daphne couldn’t muster a laugh at his false bravado. She simply searched his gaze for some assurance that he would return safe and sound, and that the worst that would come from all of this was a cheeky ‘I told you so.’. Harry surprised her as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her into a tense hug. Daphne reciprocated as her arms came around his midsection and she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Daphne took in Harry’s warmth and the strength of his embrace as she heard him whisper, “I’ll come back to you.”

            Daphne nodded as she replied with a tight squeeze but didn’t dare to speak else the falter and worry in her voice causing him to doubt himself. As Harry pulled back to leave Daphne felt though a part of her was being stolen by Harry as he stepped back with a solemn expression, “I have to go.”

            Daphne nodded as she finally spoke with a small sense of faux bravery, “I know, be careful.”

            Harry nodded as he broke her gaze with a sorry gaze and hurried off. Daphne was left alone in the corridor as she allowed her head to finally drop as she balled her hands together and willed the tears away from the corners of her eyes. Harry would be okay, this was all going to work out, and soon enough she’d have him back.

Later that Night

What does heartache feel like? It can take various forms of feeling. From simple numbing pain to the visceral feeling as though your heart had been plunged into the depths of Hades itself. As Daphne sat next to the hospital bed in which Harry now lay tossing and turning from what must have felt like an endless nightmare, this is what heartache felt like. Knowing that there was little that she could do from ending his nightmare. Given too much sleeping potion than she’d have wanted for Harry, he was now out of reach until the morning.

            Daphne knew that if she was to be caught out of her dorm after curfew, she would face not only detention for the next year, but also the loss of her barely announced Prefect status beginning the next year. But, the trivialities of detention or the loss of a school perk paled in comparison to the real loss that Harry now faced.

            Daphne had warned him repeatedly over the last few weeks that he needed to think through his actions, and not to rely on the visions that the Dark Lord was feeding him. But, between Harry pulling back from his friends, and his aloofness as the tyranny and that Toad reached its climax Daphne couldn’t very well get through to him now, could she? Yet, could she really have expected any difference from his actions when one of the few links to his parents, and a man who could finally be seen as a Father figure was held captive by the Death Eaters? Even if there had been a chance that it had all been a ruse Daphne knew in her heart that Harry would rush headfirst in.

            Daphne would never blame Harry; not that blame belonged to that Monster and his zealots. Harry was just a young Wizard trying to do what he thought was right. The moment that Harry had witnessed Sirius’s death she knew that something had gone tragically wrong. While sitting in the Common Room with Blaise and Tracey she’d nearly collapsed from feeling the echoes of Harrys sudden grief, anger, and pain at the loss of his Godfather. The visceral tearing of his heart caused Daphne to hyperventilate with empathy for his loss, and she simply cried into Tracey’s arms as she tried to put into words what had happened.

            Daphne quickly rushed through the shadows of the hallways as she felt Harrys return to the castle, and though she was sure Dumbledore saw her in the outskirts of the infirmary and right through her hiding charm he simply walked away with the rest of the staff. When Daphne had met Hermione’s gaze first after dropping her charm the Witches expression said it all. With a shake of the head Daphne simply released a shaky breath.

            After entering Harrys private four postered hospital space the sight sent jolts of fear, anger, and deep sadness throughout her body. It was worse than the previous year. Harry tossed and turned in his sleep as though he were fighting for his life. And by the count of vials of sleeping potion he was knocked out until the morning. So here Daphne sat by his side as she looked on at the Wizard that she adored so dearly.

            Daphnes throat felt dry as she released a shallow breath. What could she do? Daphne closed her eyes as she balled her fists in her lap, and finally just followed her instincts. Daphne stood and climbed into the bed as she reached over to Harrys sleeping form. Daphne pulled Harry into her arms as his head rested on her chest and he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. Daphne felt the dampness of his hair from sweat as he ran a mild fever, and he shivered in her embrace. Daphne smoothed her fingers over his arm, and she began whispering soft murmurs into his hair that he wasn’t alone, and that she wasn’t going to leave him. Harry’s form tensed less and less as he calmed down in Daphnes embrace, and Daphne released a breath as he murmured less in his sleep.

            Once Harry finally entered what was somewhat of a semblance of sleep without fitful nightmares Daphne allowed her eyes to close as she felt a few tears well in her eyes. She had to be strong for him, but none of this was fair. How could one person suffer so much loss in such a short life in comparison to others? How could one person loss of this magnitude, and come through in one piece? How could one person face such adversity and find a way through the darkness without losing themselves?

            Daphne pressed her lips to Harry’s forehead inadvertently kissing his scar as she tightened her hold around his form. No, none of this was fair for Harry, and Daphne didn’t know exactly what she could do to help him, but she promised herself that she would be there for him when he was ready. And that’s all that she could do now.

            A few days later at the end of the term.

            Harry walked with a solemn expression as he made his way through the halls to the room that Daphne and he usually snuck off too so as not to be disturbed by others. His hands in his pockets he ignored the glances of other students as they staired on with curiosity, hesitancy, and for some who had doubted his claims of the Dark Lords return guilt. But Harry at this very moment didn’t have an inkling of care for whether they felt guilty or not. No, the only guilt that Harry felt was twofold.

            The all-consuming guilt that he had led his friends and the Order into danger for nothing more than a well laid trap by Voldemort. And the soul crushing guilt that Sirius was dead because of him. Harry paused before the door leading to the classroom as the flash of Sirius’s smiling face flashed before his mind as felt his stomach clench. Harry tried to get his breathing under control as he reached for the doorknob, but in the back of his mind something stopped his hand from opening the door.

            A simple question crossed his mind. What if he had asked Daphne to come with him? Even given her protests Harry knew deep in his heart that Daphne would have joined him in the vein attempt to save his Godfather even if she knew that ultimately it was just a plot to get to Harry. If anything, Harry could understand better now with that out of all who came to his aid that night that Daphne would have been right by his side. And a part of him voiced that she was safer at a distance. That he only brought danger and ruin to those around him, and Daphne…

            Harry inched back as the classroom door swung open out of nowhere but was lifted off of his feet as he was sucked into the classroom with a summoning charm. Before Harry could get his wand out to counteract that bout of magic he was deposited on his feet, and now his surprise was replaced with apprehensive fear as Daphne marched forward and stopped an inch before him as she glared at him and spoke with a low tone, “So you were just going to leave me waiting out of some sort of self-inflicted savior complex then?”

            Harry’s eyebrows furrowed as he spoke, “What are you talking about? I was right outside of the door, and why in Merlin’s name did you summon me…”

            Daphne glared at him, “Because I heard you Harry, and I can make my own decisions. If I did choose to go with you… there is nothing that would stop me if it meant keeping you from danger. Even you.” Daphne punctuated the last words poking his chest. Daphnes hand fell as her expression now held a melancholy, “How are you, Harry?”

            Harry sucked in a breath. He hadn’t meant to avoid Daphne, but between the self-loathing inflicted via the rumination of his actions and dealing with the emotional and physical fallout from losing Sirus the last few days had felt like nothing but a walking nightmare.

            Harry replied with a monotone voice, “I’m fine.”

            Daphne held Harry’s gaze for a few minutes before replying, “Obviously we both know that you’re lying, but right now isn’t the time to pry.”

            Harry released a long breath, “Then why are we here?”

            If Daphne were anyone else, she would have bristled by his curt comment, but Daphne didn’t need to see inside of Harrys mind to feel the pain, frustration, and regret held in his tense form. Daphne reached her hand to grasp Harrys as she felt his warm skin under her fingertips. Daphne turned to guide Harry to the couch that she had transfigured. Harry followed without any fuss as he simply let Daphne lead him to the couch that she had transfigured. Daphne sat next to Harry as she reached up to his face with both hands as she gently turned his attention to her.

            Daphne, “We’re here Harry so that you can just be without worrying about all that’s going on out there, okay?”

            Harry looked at her with a confused expression, “What do you mean? I can’t just snap my fingers and forget…”

            Daphne stroked the pads of her thumb over his cheeks as Harry leaned into her touch, “I’m not asking you to forget Harry, but for the time being just try and be here with me, okay?”

            Harry couldn’t find words to reply. Had Daphne been reading his mind? No, she was just observant, and besides a few moments of peace… was he even allowed to have that? Harry found his answer as Daphne removed his glasses slowly and placed them on the stand beside the couch. Daphne guided Harry to lay his head on her lap as he brought his legs up onto the couch. Daphne summoned a blanket from her bag as she lay it across his form. Harry laid with his face facing up as he took in Daphnes’ face. Her silky blonde hair was held back via the red headband he had gifted her this Christmas. The contrast with her blue eyes simply drew more admiration for her beauty. Harry knew that Daphne was pretty, and even without his glasses he knew inherently that Daphne was a unique Witch.

            But, here and now after everything, this small moment of intimacy was too much for Harry. Harry could count on his hands and toes how many hugs he had ever received in his life up to this point. And, he could easily tell you that he’d never felt this way before as he turned his face into Daphnes stomach and the tears began to fall from his eyes. Harry tried to steady himself, but it was to no avail. The loss of Sirius, the guilt of the entire failure, and Daphnes kindness open the floodgates for the Wizard.

            Daphne simply let Harry cry in her lap as she ran her fingers through his raven locks. Daphne spoke softly as she simply told Harry that it was okay, and that he was going to be okay. If Harry had looked up at this moment, he would have seen the warmest expression from Daphne. In her eyes Harry was the kind of person who deserved nothing but love and care, and after everything that he felt such a loss was only a hallmark of his strength.

            Harry couldn’t tell you how long he cried for, but once he had run out tears his mind was a bit clearer than when he’d woken up that morning. Daphnes thumb now gently traced his cheek as Harry finally opened his eyes to look up at Daphne. Daphne spoke with a gentle tone as she raised an eyebrow, “Don’t even think about apologizing for getting my skirt wet; that’s what drying charms are for.”

            Harry couldn’t believe he actually cracked a smile and released a chuckle, “Have I told you that I’m glad that out of everyone in the world who can hear my thoughts that it’s you?”

            Daphne felt her cheeks warm, but she held his gaze, “You haven’t… but, that’s oddly one of the sweetest things that a person has ever said to me.”

            Harry sighed, “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

            Daphne nodded, “You the Wizard marked for outright catastrophes, and me as the Witch who gets to fret about you?”

            Harry seemed to have a spark rekindle in his green eyes as he replied with a bit more energy, “When you put it that way it sounds like you stay awake at night worrying about me.”

            Daphne went back to playing with his hair as she looked away, “Well you’re not exactly easy to not worry about now are you?”

            Harry frowned, “Sorry about that.”

            Daphne shrugged as she peered back down at him, “You’re worth it Harry whether you believe it or not.”

            Harry, “I don’t know if I’ll ever believe that, but thank you for thinking so Daphne.”

            Daphne now held a small smile, “I’ll make you believe it someday Harry even if it takes pestering, you for the rest of your life.”

            Harry now raised an eyebrow, “That’s quite a commitment Greengrass.”

            Daphne challenged Harry with a smirk, “We both know that I’m quite good with committing to things once I put my mind to it.”

            Daphne and Harry fell into a comfortable silence as Harry closed his eyes and Daphne continued her ministrations. Daphne stared down at the Wizard resting his head on her lap, and Daphne felt her heart clench in a word that she wasn’t ready to admit to herself, but in the deep recesses of her mind she understood just what exactly was over the precipice with Harry. And, now she knew that she was ready to make the leap.

Chapter Text

Harry couldn’t exactly tell you what sort of head space that he was in as he walked with Luna Lovegood through the gates of Hogwarts with his blood splattered shirt and headache from getting his face kicked in by Malfoy. Anger had tinted the previous year clouded by the loss of Cedric, alienation of his friends thanks to the meddling of Voldemort, and abject loss from the death of Sirius at the hands of the bloody death eater Bellatrix. And, as easy as it would be just to sink back into the miasma of self-doubt and frustration Harrys saving grace above all was the Witch who had ignored him when he’d stepped foot on the Hogwarts Express.

            Harry had passed by Daphne briefly, and instead of a happy wave or even small smirk she’d simply ignored his presence as he walked by with Hermione and Ron. Harry truly couldn’t understand Daphnes emotions at this point in time. Had he done something wrong that he hadn’t known about? Harry had returned all of her letters until they abruptly ceased two weeks before the term started. At first Harry had chalked it up to the change in address since he’d relocated to the Burrow, but Hedwig was too smart an owl to mess up dropping off a letter.

            But, as Harry entered the Great Hall and ignored all of the stares and saw Daphne immediately seated next to Tracey and Blaise as her blue eyes fell on him he finally got an acknowledgment that she knew that he was alive albeit it disbelief and worry now etched on her features at the small frown now held on her pink lips. Harry sat down next to Ginny facing Daphne, and before Harry could relay a smile Ginny had reached over with a napkin to wipe up the dried blood, and once again Daphnes expression neutralized. Harry released a sigh; he really couldn’t understand what her problem was.

            The next day in the Courtyard

Daphne's thoughts swirled as she tried to work through the jealousy and confusion that had been gnawing at her for some time now. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she watched Harry's interactions with other witches. Harry's presence had always commanded attention but seeing him next to Ginny and the caring gesture between them had intensified her complex emotions.

As she sat on the stone bench, Daphne's eyes remained fixed on the Autumn sky, her mind racing. She knew she shouldn't feel this way; after all, she had never truly claimed Harry as her own. They were friends, but lately, she had been feeling more than friendship for him. It was confusing, and she had a hard time acknowledging these feelings to herself, let alone anyone else.

She sighed, recognizing the turmoil within her. It was a battle between her desire to be closer to Harry and her fear of rejection or misunderstanding. Daphne understood that she needed to sort through her feelings and decide how she wanted to move forward, but it was no simple task. She was well aware that her emotions were far from "erratic" but rather a tangled web of longing, insecurity, and the undeniable jealousy she felt whenever she saw Harry with someone else.

Daphne's contemplation was spurned by the Tracey’s impromptu sighting of Harry a few weeks earlier in the Muggle underground. Tracey had been the one to share the piece of information that had been bothering Daphne lately. With a concerned letter she had written Daphne, and said, "Daphne, you won't believe what I saw. It's about Harry." Daphne had read further with a clenching in her heart. "It looked like Harry was talking to a Muggle waitress in a restaurant in the subway, just before he apparated disappeared. They seemed like they were hitting it off an..."

Daphne's heart sank as she processed this information. It was another piece of the puzzle she was trying to solve regarding Harry's actions and feelings. She couldn't help but wonder why Harry, who had always been so dedicated to the wizarding world, would be having a conversation with a Muggle waitress out of nowhere. Did it mean he was moving further away from their world, and was there a deeper meaning to it?

Her emotions were now even more tangled, and a wave of insecurity washed over her. If Harry was connecting with Muggles and embracing their world, what did that mean for her, someone who had always been a part of the wizarding world? She couldn't deny the jealousy and fear that he might be slipping through her fingers.

Speak of the raven-haired devil. Harry approached with a downcast expression as he waved his hand halfheartedly, “M’orning.”

Daphne met his gaze as he stopped a meter before her as Daphne replied with a cold expression, “Good morning, Harry, did you need something?”

Harry now rolled his eyes, “Daphne come on?”

Daphne tilted her head, “It’s a valid question Harry.”

Harry released a sigh, “Look can you just tell me what I did so that I can apologize?”

Daphne now narrowed her eyes, “So you think that you’ve done something wrong?”

Harry now shrugged, “Daphne can we please stop beating around the bush, and can you just tell me what’s wrong?”

Daphne narrowed her gaze, but the small scar on the tip of Harrys nose drew her attention, “What happened before the dinner yesterday? Minus your second year you’re never late.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, “You noticed even back then?”

Daphne demurred as she nodded, “Of course I did, and now please answer my question.”

Harry sat beside her as he shrugged, “Why should I? You didn’t answer mine.”

Daphne leaned forward as she uncrossed her arms and raised her hand to tap the tip of his nose, “You tell me, and then I’ll tell you.”

Harry’s gaze softened as he relented, “You can be so stubborn, you know this?”

Daphnes voice raised in its pitch as she replied with mirth, “This coming from the king of my way or the highway?”

Harry chuckled, “I think Malfoys up to something. We caught him on the outskirts of Diagon Alley a week ago, and so I snuck into their compartment and somehow, he figured out I was there. He put me in a body binding spell and then kicked my nose. Luna found me, and hence me being late.”

Daphne felt her blood boil as she glared not at Harry, but because of him.

Daphne with an icy tone, “I’ll bloody castrate him.”

Harry now had a tired smile on his lips, “Though I agree he deserves it; he’s not worth your trouble Daphne.”

Daphne raised her hand to cup Harry’s cheek as she gazed at him with warmth, “You’re too good of a Wizard Harry.”

Harry shrugged but turned into her touch. Daphne smoothed her thumb over his cheek as she released a shakier breath before dropping her hand, “Tracey saw you a few weeks ago in the underground talking to a pretty Muggle gal.”

Harrys eyes widened, “Was she spying on me?”

Daphne shook her head, “No you would’ve noticed Tracy’s horrible disguise and she’d probably have knocked over a glass or something.”

Harry now relaxed his shoulder as he laughed and Daphne continued with a slight flush on her cheeks, “I was jealous Harry, and I know that’s a lame excuse as to why I didn’t write you back. But the more that I thought that she and you might have been flirting… and, I have no place to even be angry with you in the first place.”

Harry watched without amusement as Daphnes fist curled around the edges of her cloak as she continued obviously uncomfortable admitting all of this, “But…” Daphne took a deep breath and channeled whatever bravery had rubbed off from the bloody chivalrous Wizard beside her as she closed her eyes, relaxed her hands, and opened them gazing into Harrys eyes with resolve, “Harry you are the kindest, loyalist, and bravest human being that I’ve ever met. You’ve helped to make me a better Witch, and I can’t imagine not being by your side…”

Daphne studied Harry’s expression. His green eyes were searching her gaze as she watched his lips turn to a small frown for a moment, but she continued, “What I’m trying to say is that I fancy you, and even if you don’t feel the same way I need you to know that. I will always be your friend, and you will always have my support, but I just wanted you to know that.”

Daphne felt like a weight off her shoulders was lifted, and even as the immediate hesitation and nervousness as to Harry’s response set in at least she’d said her piece. Daphne watched Harry’s response, but his face was impassive as she couldn’t read his thoughts outside of confusion. Daphne nodded to herself slightly as she stood and turned to walk away. It was only fair to give him time to think as she’d just dropped a Bludger on him after being so cool and distant towards the end of the Summer, and on their journey to Hogwarts.

Daphne had just turned around when heard Harry’s voice with a resolve she’d only heard on occasion reserved for the most serious of moments, “So that’s it then? You’re just going to walk away?”

Daphne paused as she turned around and her breath caught in her throat. Harry had the biggest smile plastered on his face as he walked towards her. Daphne was about to reply, but Harrys next action killed the words in her throat. Harrys right hand cupped her cheek as his left found her hip pulling her close to him. Daphnes eyes widened as Harry met her lips with his own, and it felt as though Weasley Fireworks had gone off in her whole body. Daphnes hands fisted Harrys button down as she responded to his kiss with an intensity, she didn’t think that she was capable of. The kiss was soft, innocent, and perfect.

Daphne and Harry pulled back, and it was only now that Daphne had realized that Harry had grown once more over the course of the Summer. Daphne looked up into his green eyes with a flush on her cheeks, and Harry was smiling down at her with a gentle grin. Daphne spoke with a surprisingly calm tone, “So does this mean you see me as more than a friend?”

Harry expression fell flat for a moment before it was replaced with a smirk and twinkling eyes, “Do you really have to ask that?”

Daphne slightly glowered in mock annoyance, “For all I know Weasley, and you could’ve spent the Summer snogging since you were around her for so long.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, “Are you jealous of Ginny too then?”

Daphnes cold expression returned, “I was talking about Ron.”

Harry shivered in discomfort, “Oh… yeah no we stop it at the occasional spooning.”

Daphne now responded with a giggle, and it was only then that she’d realized Harrys arms were still around her middle as hers were around his shoulders. And Daphne was surprised at how natural this felt, and just how bloody good it did to be in Harrys arms.

Daphne lowered her eyebrows, “You’re dodging the question, Potter.”

Harry’s smile was warm as he replied, “Greengrass you are the most cunning, astute, and fierce Witch that I’ve ever met.”

Daphnes smile grew as Harry continued, “I’m grateful for whatever reason we ended up becoming connected, and more than anything you’ve become one of the most important people in my life. You were there for me after Cedric and Sirius…”

Daphne watched a small cloud of emotion flare across Harry’s emotions, but he continued, “I couldn’t imagine my life without you, and seeing as I don’t think there’s a chance, I’m doing the rest of this without you by my side.” Daphne shook her head with a smirk, “I can unequivocally say that I fancy you too.”

Over the moon was a Muggle saying that Daphne couldn’t have truly understood until now. Daphne smiled with half lidded eyes as she pulled Harry closer, “Well now that this is settled Potter…” Daphne kissed Harry softly as she felt him pull her closer if that was possible. Daphne inched back as she released shaky breath. Merlin now she understood why Tracey and Blaise spoke so highly of snogging.

Harry now replied with a breathless voice, “We don’t have to go weeks without telling each other what’s got us on edge?”

Daphne now smirked, “Oh so you’re already coming out with the mature advice Potter?”

Harry squeezed her waist, “If it lets me continue to put my arms around you and kiss you then call me a Wizard wise beyond his years.”

Daphne rolled her eyes, “Oh so cocky Potter.”

Harry retorted with a dry tone, “You’re the one who fancies me.”

Daphne raked her fingers through the back of his head, “Don’t weaponize my feelings for you so soon Potter.”

Harry rested his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes, “Not dreaming of it Greengrass.”

Daphne smiled like a loon as she closed her eyes too. Her mind was a mess of happy emotions as she felt as though she were on Harrys Firebolt flying through the night sky. She breathed in Harry’s scent, and warmed as she felt them transition into a hug. Daphne reveled in the warmth emanating from Harrys body, and the strength of his arms. If only she’d known admitting that she was jealous would have elicited this result she’d have said something years ago.

Daphne stepped back albeit with remorse, “I have to go meet Tracey to go over the Summer homework for Potions…”

Harry nodded with an understanding grin, “I get it, but can I see you after dinner?”

Daphne smirked, “Missing me already Potter?”

Harry shrugged, “I am.”

Daphnes cheeks tinged pink as she nodded, “Good, because as daft as it sounds, I am too.”

The two stood staring at each other for a few more moments before they broke out into a laugh as Harry spoke first, “Seeing as I feel like my chest is going to explode, I think we’re both allowed to be a bit daft right now.”

Daphne nodded as she bit her lip, “I’ll see you later Harry.”

Harry nodded, but stepped forward and dipped his head, kissing Daphne once more. It was quick and chaste, but Daphne melted all the same. When Harry stepped back, he brushed a few stray hairs that had come undone from her head band behind her ear, and the simple smile on Harrys lips and his calloused fingers grazing her skin made Daphne feel as though she were a phoenix about to burst into flames.

Harry, “I’ll see you later Daphne.”

Harry walked away and Daphne finally released her breath that she didn’t realize that she’d been holding. Bloody hell she’d just kissed Harry Potter. Oh, she wasn’t going to hear the end of this from Astoria, Tracey, or Blaise.