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Chapter Text

The sun streamed through the tall, arched windows of the Hogwarts corridor, bathing the ancient stone walls in a soft, golden light. It was one of those rare moments of tranquility in the castle, where the usual hustle and bustle of students was absent, and the only sound was the faint echo of Harry Potter’s footsteps as he made his way to the Owlery. His thoughts were a tangled mess, preoccupied with the daunting task of asking someone to the Yule Ball. Though he had braved a dragon in the Triwizard Tournament, the prospect of inviting a girl to the ball felt even more terrifying. Sirius would probably tease him relentlessly for feeling this way, but Harry was desperate for some guidance, so would send him a letter asking for his advice on the matter.

As he rounded a corner, Harry’s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a blonde Slytherin girl walking toward him. It took him a moment to recognize her as Daphne Greengrass, the enigmatic "Ice Queen" of their year. Her reputation for being cold and distant preceded.

They exchanged polite, almost perfunctory greetings as they passed.

“Greengrass” Harry said with a slight nod.

“Potter” she replied, her voice cool and composed.

Harry was about to continue on his way, the brief encounter already slipping from his mind, when something unusual caught his eye. A piece of toilet paper was trailing behind Daphne’s left shoe, fluttering slightly as she walked. It was such a mundane, almost ridiculous sight that Harry hesitated, unsure of how to bring it up without embarrassing her.

“Greengrass, wait” he called out with voice betraying his nerves despite and attempt to sound casual.

Daphne turned around, her eyebrows arching in mild surprise. When she spoke, her tone was softer than Harry had anticipated. “Yes, Potter?”

There was a glimmer in her eyes that Harry couldn’t quite place, and suddenly, the simple act of pointing out the toilet paper seemed far more daunting. A knot formed in his stomach as he struggled to find the right words.

“I... I wanted to tell you... well, it’s just...” Harry stammered, feeling his face heat up as he realized how awkward his sounded.

Daphne regarded him with curiosity, her expression expectant but patient. When it became clear that Harry was fumbling for words, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you asking me to the Yule Ball, Potter?” Her voice was calm.

Harry’s mind went blank. How had she jumped to that conclusion? Before he could muster a response, Daphne’s lips curved into a small smile—a smile that, though faint, was surprisingly warm and caught him completely off guard.

“I’d like to, Potter” she said, her voice sincere with a hint of unexpected joy.

Harry’s heart skipped a beat. The words she’d spoken hung in the air, and he felt a sudden wave of panic mixed with a strange exhilaration. He hadn’t intended to ask her to the ball, but now that it was out there, Harry couldn’t bring himself to correct the misunderstanding. The thought of disappointing her was unbearable and scary.

“Uh… yeah, we’ll talk later to plan it” he managed to say, still reeling from the shock.

Daphne nodded, clearly pleased with the arrangement, and turned to continue on her way. Harry, trying to regain some semblance of composure, quickly stepped on the trailing piece of toilet paper, pinning it to the floor so it would detach from her shoe without Greengrass noticing.

As Daphne walked away, her blonde hair catching the light, Harry rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things. Just as she reached the corner, he could have sworn she gave a small skip of happiness, but he dismissed it as a trick of the light or a figment of his imagination. Yet, the moment lingered in his mind, refusing to fade.

The reason for his trip to the Owlery—seeking advice from Sirius—slipped away entirely, replaced by thoughts of Daphne Greengrass and the unexpected turn his day had taken. The so-called "Ice Queen" had shown a side of herself that was far more approachable, even warm, and it left Harry with a lingering sense of curiosity.

As he resumed his walk, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Perhaps the Yule Ball wouldn’t be the dreaded event he had imagined. Maybe, just maybe, it would be something far more intriguing, especially with that girl as his date.

Harry couldn’t help feeling nervous, especially after the disastrous dance lesson in class with Professor McGonagall. He was sitting in the Gryffindor common room, trying to focus on his homework while avoiding Hermione's gaze. Today, during the dance lesson, he had to practice with his best friend, and everything was going well until Harry started stepping on Hermione's feet, accident after accident, so much so that she almost had to miss next class because of the pain in her feet. But Hermione insisted on going, so Harry had to carry her on his back, which calmed her anger a bit, but the bookworm still seemed somewhat offended with him and told him they would do better in the next lesson.

As he was finishing his essay, received a note from Daphne Greengrass, delivered to him by Hermione herself. The note asked him to meet her in an empty classroom that very night, and it included both the location and time. Hermione began to pray for the survival of Greengrass's feet, and Ron said nothing. Although Harry had forgiven Ron for not believing him and ignoring during the first part of the tournament, their friendship hadn’t fully recovered yet. Harry had told him that the next time Ron judged like that without talking things over first, he wouldn’t forgive him, and he was so serious that Ron seemed to have really reflected on his actions. He didn’t make any comments about Harry going to the ball with a Slytherin snake, and even elbowed Seamus before he could finish making a joke about it during dinner.

Harry with curiosity and a bit of apprehension, headed to the empty classroom as indicated. When he arrived, hes found Daphne waiting for him with her wand in hand.

"Hello, Potter" Daphne said with a smile. "I heard your performance in professor McGonagall’s dance class was... very interesting" She almost seemed like was holding back a laugh.

Harry frowned, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Well, it wasn’t my best moment" he admitted.

Daphne raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "That’s why I’m here to help you. Come on, we don’t have all night"

Harry hesitated, but the wand in the blonde girl's hand indicated that he didn’t have much choice.

"Alright, Greengrass" he said with a sigh.

Daphne used her wand first to cast some Silencing Charms so that no one could hear what was happening in the room, and then she used a spell to activate a music box that Harry hadn’t noticed, his attention had been entirely on the Slytherin girl. A soft, charming melody filled the room. Harry blushed as Daphne motioned for him to come closer, and then he placed his hand on her waist, staring intently at his own feet.

Daphne lifted his chin with shes wand, forcing him to look into her eyes.

"You have to look at my face, Potter" she commented softly.

"I don’t want to accidentally step on you" Harry murmured, still nervous about how close they were.

Daphne smiled, a small smile that made Harry’s heart race. "Don’t worry. For every time you step on me, I’ll return the favor" she replied, putting away her wand.

The practice began, and true to her word, every time Harry stepped on Daphne, she returned the favor. After a while, Harry could hardly feel his feet, but the smile on Daphne’s face told him he was improving—she was really good at teaching.

"You did better than I expected, Potter" Daphne finally said, stopping and pulling out a small bag. "Here you go. As a reward"

"What’s this?" he asked, looking at the bag with curiosity.

"Cookies. I made them myself" the blonde girl replied, offering him one.

Harry wanted to argue that he wasn’t a dog, but the cookies were truly delicious, and soon forgot his complaint.

"Thanks, Greengrass" he said with his mouth full. "These cookies are amazing"

"I’m glad you like them, Potter. Now, remember, keep your eyes on me when we dance at the Yule Ball" Daphne smiled broadly.

As they fell into a comfortable silence, Harry couldn’t help but think about something that had been on his mind since she accepted his invitation to the ball.

"Greengrass..." Harry began, not exactly sure how to phrase his question. "Why did you accept going to the ball with me?"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised by the question. She crossed her arms, looking at him with a mix of interest and amusement.

"I could ask you the same thing, Potter" Daphne replied with a mischievous smile. "Why did you want to invite me?"

Harry felt his face heat up, remembering with horror the real reason behind the misunderstanding. He swore would take the secret of the toilet paper to the grave, so him had to improvise.

“Well, I…” he stammered, desperately trying to come up with a convincing excuse. “I guess I’ve always been intrigued by you. I mean, you’re different from the other Slytherins, and I didn’t see you wearing one of those ‘Potter Stinks’ badges. And I thought it would be… interesting to spend time with you and get to know each other”

Greengrass watched him in silence for a moment, as if she were assessing the sincerity of his response. Then, a soft smile appeared on her lips.

“Interesting, Potter" she said, leaning in a bit closer to him. “Although, to be honest, I didn’t expect you to invite me. I thought you’d already have company for the ball. So when you did, you surprised me… pleasantly”

Harry blinked, not expecting that confession. “Really?” asked with genuine curiosity.

“Yes, it’s very unusual for a champion not to have a date almost immediately after the ball is announced. We haven’t exchanged many words over the years, but besides that…” she paused, smiling enigmatically. “You turned out to be more interesting than you let on, Potter. And I was intrigued to find out why”

Harry remained silent for a moment, processing her words as a blush began to color his cheeks. He felt oddly flattered, though there was still a small detail nagging at his mind.

“So…” Harry began, wanting to shift the focus a bit. “what made you say yes?”

Daphne looked him straight in the eyes, her expression softening slightly. “As I said, you’re not like everyone says you are, Potter. And I thought… it could be fun. It’s not every day you get an invitation to the ball from none other than Harry Potter. I mean, even if you end up being a bad date, which I sincerely doubt, at least I’ll have a fun story to tell”

Harry chuckled softly, feeling his nervousness ease a bit. “Well, I’m glad you accepted, Greengrass. I think it’s going to be an interesting night”

“Oh, I have no doubt about that” she responded, smiling with that mix of confidence and mystery that seemed to define her.

As they said goodbyes, Harry couldn’t help but think that this practice had been more enjoyable than he’d expected. And now, at least he wouldn’t be stepping on Hermione’s feet—or at least not more than three times, he thought. His best friend wouldn’t have to visit the hospital wing again because of him… probably.

Harry returned to his common room. It was late and most of the students had already gone to bed. The few that remained were finishing up last minute homework or talking quietly by the fire. Hermione, as expected, was sitting in her usual spot with a book, but her attention was more focused on Harry than the pages.

"How did it go?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to gauge his mood.

Harry plopped down into an armchair across from her, running a hand through his messy hair. "It was... good, I think. Different"

"Different how?" Hermione pressed, setting her book aside. She could sense that there was more to the story than Harry was letting on.

Harry hesitated, unsure of how much he wanted to share. "She’s not what I expected, Hermione. She wasn’t mean or anything. She actually helped me with the dancing, and... I don’t know, we talked"

Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You talked? What did you talk about?"

"About the ball, mostly. And she asked why I invited her" Harry paused, recalling Daphne’s enigmatic smile. "I think I might have surprised her by asking"

Hermione leaned back in her chair, studying him thoughtfully. "Maybe she’s not as icy as everyone says. People can be different from what we think, you know"

Harry nodded, his mind replaying their conversation over and over. "Yeah... maybe"

As Hermione returned to her book, Harry’s thoughts wandered back to Daphne, to the way she had looked at him, not with disdain or pity, but with something else entirely—something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He had gone into that empty classroom expecting an awkward. Instead, he had walked away feeling something entirely new and unexpected.

The following week, Harry found himself back in the same empty classroom for another private dance lesson with Daphne. The soft strains of music filled the space, and with each step, Harry felt his movements becoming more fluid, less awkward. He was starting to find a rhythm, and to his surprise, even a bit of enjoyment in the process. Dancing with Daphne had become something he looked forward to—though he’d never admit it aloud.

During a break, as they sat catching their breath, Harry couldn’t shake a question that had been nagging at him all week. He felt a bit foolish for not bringing it up sooner, but now seemed like the right time.

“Aren’t the Slytherins giving you a hard time for going to the ball with someone from Gryffindor?” Harry asked, a note of genuine concern in his voice.

Daphne arched an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Are you worried about me, Potter? How adorable” she teased, her tone light. “But really, it’s not as scandalous as you might think. Slytherins do date outside our house, you know. My best friend Tracey is going with a Ravenclaw, and there are plenty of other inter-house pairs”

Harry nodded but couldn’t quite shake his skepticism. “Maybe, but a Slytherin-Gryffindor pair has to be a first in… what, a hundred years? And it’s not like I’m exactly popular in your house”

Daphne let out a soft, melodious laugh and playfully tapped his arm. “True, you’re not the poster boy for Slytherin approval. But you’re lucky I’m a Greengrass. We’re a noble house; we don’t scare easily, and we know how to show our fangs when necessary. Most in Slytherin are smart enough not to question my choices”

Harry smiled at that, but his concern lingered. “Still, there’s always someone who might try something, right?”

Daphne’s expression grew more serious, her eyes sharp. “Yes, but they know better. Since first year, I’ve made it clear that anyone who tries to cross me ends up in the infirmary. The nickname ‘Ice Queen’ didn’t just appear out of thin air”

Harry couldn’t help but feel a rush of admiration. “You’re really impressive, Greengrass”

Her stern demeanor softened, a spark of pride gleaming in her eyes as she returned his smile. “I do what’s necessary, Potter. Speaking of which, have you given any thought to what you’ll be wearing to the Yule Ball?”

Harry scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling awkward. “Well, to be honest… I don’t have a suit” he admitted, his cheeks reddening slightly.

Daphne’s smile vanished, and she fixed him with an intense, scrutinizing gaze that made Harry have the impression that she wanted to smash his skull... After a moment, however, that calculating look gave way to a sly grin, as if she’d just devised a brilliant plan.

“Perfect” she said with a glint of determination in her eyes. “Then we’ll go shopping together. That way, our outfits can match”

Harry opened his mouth to protest—shopping wasn’t exactly his idea of fun, especially not for clothes—but he quickly realized there was no point in arguing. Daphne’s tone made it clear this wasn’t a suggestion; it was a decision. He sighed, resigned to his fate.

“Alright, Greengrass” he said, knowing full well he had no choice in the matter.

“I’m glad we understand each other.” Daphne’s smile returned, this time warmer, as she reached into her bag and handed him another one of her homemade cookies. “Here, consider this an incentive for your good behavior and quick learning”

Harry took the cookie, unable to suppress a grin. Maybe shopping wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Days later, Harry regretted that thought. Daphne dragged him to a suit shop in Hogsmeade and made him try on different suits for two hours. Each time he stepped out of the fitting room, Daphne would evaluate him with a critical look, and a nod of her head told him everything she thought.

Finally after multiple attempts, they found a suit that Harry genuinely liked. It was elegant, comfortable, and had a distinctive flair. Daphne, with a radiant smile, assured him that it would match perfectly with her dress.

“This is perfect, Potter” she remarked, and the satisfaction in her voice made all the effort worth it.

As they left the shop, Daphne leaned in and kissed Harry on the cheek. “Thanks for coming with me. I knew we’d find something perfect” she said with a smile.

Harry still feeling the warmth of the kiss on his cheek, smiled shyly. “I guess it was less terrible than I thought” responded, making Daphne let out a soft laugh.

“I’m glad to hear that. Now, we’re all set for the ball”

“Since we still have some time before it gets dark… would you like to grab a drink?” Harry asked hopefully, as he still wanted to spend more time with her.

"Actually, a cup of tea sounds delicious right now" Daphne said, and as she approached him, she entwined her arm with his.

Together started walking and were so engrossed in their own world that ignored the curious glances of some of the students nearby and made their way to a small, cozy Hogsmeade coffee shop. Harry led Daphne to a table in a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes of the other students who had also sought refuge in the shop. The table was small, just big enough for two, with a candle flickering softly between them. The dim light accentuated the delicate features of Daphne's face, casting shadows that danced across her pale skin and made her eyes seem even more intense, more mysterious.

While they waited for their order, the conversation flowed surprisingly naturally. They talked about everything, from their favorite subjects at Hogwarts to their future plans.

“You know, I never thought the Ice Queen of Slytherin would have such a cool sense of humor, now that we have more time to talk instead of just practicing” Harry said, smiling.

Daphne let out a soft and playful laugh. “And I never thought the Golden Boy of Gryffindor could be so funny and laid-back. I guess we both had the wrong ideas about each other. Plus, you’re not such a bad dancer, as long as you’re compared to a monkey—but luckily for you, I can do magic”

Harry laughed feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. As they chatted, the conversation turned more personal. Harry talked about how much he valued his friends at Hogwarts. Daphne, in turn, shared some details about how she had learned to maintain a cold facade to protect herself in the competitive environment of Slytherin and how she dealt with those who dared to get too clever with her and her best friend, Tracey, as she had mentioned earlier.

“Sometimes, showing any kind of weakness can be dangerous in Slytherin” Daphne admitted, staring at her cup of tea. “But I’m not as cold as I seem. I just learned to be cautious even before stepping into the common room in first year”

Harry nodded, understanding perfectly the need to protect oneself. “I get it. Sometimes, being the ‘Chosen One’ can be overwhelming. People expect me to always be brave and strong, but I also have my moments of doubt and fear, not to mention that almost everyone thinks I enjoy the fame when I’d throw it off a cliff if I could”

Daphne looked at him with empathy and gave his hand a comforting squeeze. “It’s good to know I’m not alone in that”

Their tea arrived, along with an assortment of sweets—delicate pastries filled with cream, buttery scones with clotted cream and jam, and a plate of chocolate-dipped biscuits. The warmth of the tea seeped into their hands as they sipped, the flavors rich and comforting. The sweets provided a welcome distraction, a momentary pause in their conversation as they savored the treats.

After a while, the sun began to set, and the café was filled with a warm, golden glow. Harry and Daphne finished their tea, feeling like they had learned a lot more about each other in those few hours.

“It’s been a wonderful afternoon” Harry said as they left the café. “Thanks for joining me”

“The pleasure was mine, Harry” Daphne gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we look together at the ball”

Harry smiled, feeling excited about the Yule Ball night. “Me too, Daphne. It’s going to be an unforgettable night”

On a quiet afternoon in the Slytherin girls' dormitory, the soft hum of the enchanted fire provided a soothing background to the otherwise tranquil room. Tracey Davis, ever the curious and mischievous one, approached her best friend, Daphne Greengrass, with a gleam in her eye and a smirk playing on lips. The two had shared countless secrets over the years, but this one had been particularly tantalizing for Tracey.

"Daphne, you have to spill. How on earth did Harry Potter, of all people, ask you to the Yule Ball?" Tracey demanded playfully, plopping herself down on Daphne’s bed. “You promised you’d tell me if I didn’t corner Potter and interrogate him myself—and believe me, I was tempted”

Daphne sighed, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. She settled back against the plush pillows, allowing herself a moment to savor the memory before speaking.

"Alright, alright" she began, her tone light. "It turns out the Golden Boy of Gryffindor is actually... a bit shy" She paused, watching Tracey’s eyebrows shoot up in disbelief. "We ran into each other in the hallway one day. Anyway, he was all nerves—mumbling, stammering, looking like he’d rather face another dragon than talk to me"

Tracey’s eyes widened, a look of sheer incredulity on her face. “Wait, hold on. Harry Potter—the boy who stared down a dragon, who faced You-Know-Who—couldn’t even ask you to the ball without stammering?”

Daphne chuckled, the memory of Harry’s awkwardness bringing a soft warmth to her chest. “Exactly. I couldn’t believe it either. He was so flustered, I almost felt bad for him. So, I helped him out a bit—asked him directly if he was inviting me to the ball. The look on his face was priceless”

Tracey let out a bark of laughter, clearly enjoying the mental image of the famed Harry Potter being reduced to a stuttering mess. “Merlin, that’s too good! The Boy Who Lived, brought low by a girl. I wish I’d been there to see it”

“But I’ll tell you something else, Tracey” Daphne continued, her voice softening as she remembered the way Harry had looked at her—like she was more than just the ‘Ice Queen’ everyone assumed her to be. “He’s really nice. More than I expected. He’s not just this hero everyone makes him out to be; he’s just… a normal boy. Kind, considerate, a bit awkward, but in a good way. It’s easier to talk to him than I thought it would be”

Tracey’s mischievous grin slowly transformed into a more thoughtful expression. She regarded Daphne with a new understanding, seeing beyond the usual mask her friend wore. But then, predictably, the mischief returned, and her eyes sparkled with a fresh idea.

“Daphne” she began, her tone dripping with playful anticipation, “do you think you could... oh, I don’t know, get me a dance with him at the ball? Just one, nothing more. I’d love to see what he’s really like. Pleeeease?”

Daphne narrowed her eyes, fully aware of Tracey’s persistent nature. It wasn’t the first time she’d made such a request, and Daphne knew it wouldn’t be the last. She sighed, pretending to be exasperated, though she couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s excitement.

Daphne sighed, knowing Tracey wouldn’t give up easily. “Alright, Tracey. I promise you a dance with Potter, just one” said finally.

Tracey beamed and hugged her friend. “Thank you, Daphne! I knew I could count on you; you’re the best”

Daphne smiled, though internally she wondered how Harry would react to this request. But she decided not to worry too much; after all, if he had survived a dragon, he could surely handle a dance with Tracey—and maybe with Astoria, too. Daphne felt a bit worried since her sister was the most hyperactive person she knew and would likely jump at the chance to dance with Harry faster than a dragon. It had taken a lot of chocolate to ensure her sister didn’t share any embarrassing childhood stories, but Daphne shrugged. Harry Potter would survive the whirlwind named Astoria… probably.

“Tracey” Daphne added as her friend finally released her from the hug, “just do me a favor and keep Astoria out of this. She’s already got enough energy to rival a dozen first-years, and I’m not sure Potter’s ready for that kind of chaos.”

Tracey laughed, a wicked gleam in her eye. “No promises, Daph. But I’ll try”

The Great Hall of Hogwarts was transformed into a winter wonderland for the Yule Ball, its grandeur heightened by the glow of floating candles, twinkling lights, and snowflakes that danced in the air but never touched the ground. The enchanted ceiling mirrored a starry night sky, and the walls were adorned with garlands of holly and mistletoe. A warm, festive atmosphere filled the room, the anticipation and excitement palpable.

In the entrance hall, Harry stood nervously, smoothing the front of his elegant black suit. He had never worn anything so formal before, and the fit was surprisingly perfect, thanks to Daphne’s insistence on their shopping trip. The suit’s emerald-green tie, contrasting sharply against his crisp white shirt, made his own green eyes stand out even more. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, anxiously waiting for Daphne, his mind racing with a mix of anticipation and nerves.

When she finally appeared at the top of the staircase, Harry’s breath caught in his throat. Daphne Greengrass was a vision in an emerald-green dress that flowed like liquid silk, hugging her graceful figure in all the right places. The dress shimmered under the light, highlighting the delicate curves of her shoulders and the elegant line of her neck. Her blonde hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, with a few loose strands artfully framing her face, drawing attention to her striking blue eyes. There was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself, a natural elegance that made her the center of attention without even trying.

Harry was left speechless. His mind went blank, every word he’d thought of saying evaporating into thin air. All he could do was stare, his mouth slightly open in awe.

Daphne descended the stairs with a graceful ease, her eyes never leaving Harry’s. When she reached him, she gave him a small, knowing smile, clearly pleased with his reaction. “Do you like what you see, Potter?” she asked, her voice carrying a proud yet playful tone.

Harry nodded dumbly, still struggling to find his voice. He managed to close his gaping mouth with a soft snap, his cheeks turning slightly pink as he realized how obvious his admiration was. “You… you look incredible, Daphne” he finally managed to say, his voice sincere and filled with awe.

Her smile widened, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. “I’m glad you think so” she replied, her tone softening slightly as she glanced at his attire. “And I must say, you clean up rather well yourself, Potter. The green suits you”

Feeling a bit more confident now that he had finally spoken, Harry offered his arm, and Daphne took it gracefully. Together, they joined the other champions at the entrance to the Great Hall. Cedric Diggory greeted them with a friendly smile, his arm around the girl who Harry forget her name happily greeted them, who beamed at them with genuine warmth. Fleur Delacour, resplendent in a shimmering silver gown, gave them an approving nod as she stood beside her date. Harry’s eyes widened slightly when he saw Hermione on Viktor Krum’s arm, looking radiant in a periwinkle-blue dress. Hermione caught his eye and smiled, and Harry returned the gesture.

As they made their way into the Great Hall, Harry became acutely aware of the stares directed at him and Daphne. Whispers followed them, curious eyes tracking their every move. It wasn’t just because he was the fourth champion in the Triwizard Tournament—it was also because of the unlikely pairing they made. A Gryffindor and a Slytherin together at the Yule Ball was almost unheard of, and the novelty of it was not lost on the onlookers.

Sensing his growing discomfort, Daphne leaned in slightly, her voice calm and reassuring. “Just focus on me, Harry. Like we practiced” she whispered, her hand giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

Her words were like a balm to his frayed nerves, and he nodded, focusing on her calming presence. As the music began and they took their place on the dance floor, Harry fixed his gaze on Daphne’s eyes, blocking out everything else around them. The world seemed to fade away as they moved in sync, each step and turn more fluid than the last. For a moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room, and Harry’s earlier worries dissolved into the rhythm of the dance.

But then, in a moment of misstep, Daphne’s foot caught on the hem of her dress. She stumbled, and for a split second, it seemed as if she might fall. Harry reacted quickly, catching her by the waist and steadying her before she could hit the floor. They regained their balance, but the spell of the perfect moment was broken. Daphne’s radiant smile faltered, replaced by a strained one as she glanced around, convinced that everyone was watching and laughing at her, she wanted everything to be perfect and just ruined it.

Harry noticed the shift in her demeanor and did his best to cheer her up during dinner. He made light conversation, told a few jokes, and even shared an embarrassing story from his childhood, hoping to coax a genuine smile back to her lips. She responded kindly and seemed to appreciate his efforts, although she still had some tension in her shoulders, at least her eyes looked better.

When the music started up again after dinner, Harry suggested they return to the dance floor, but Daphne hesitated, her earlier confidence shaken. She was tense, reluctant to get back up, and Harry could see the weight of her own expectations pressing down on her. Just as he was about to suggest they take a walk instead, a girl with jet-black hair appeared at their table. It was Tracey Davis, Daphne’s best friend, her expression one of warm concern.

“I promised my best friend a dance with you, Harry” Daphne said, her tone trying to remain light, but there was a hint of reluctance.

But Tracey shook her head, amused. “I’m not here to claim a dance, Daph. I’m here to support you”

Daphne looked like she was about to protest, but Tracey gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve got this, and if you don’t want to dance, that’s okay too. But don’t let one little stumble ruin your night”

Before Harry could respond or offer his own reassurance, an energetic blur of motion suddenly appeared beside him—Astoria Greengrass, Daphne’s younger sister, with enthusiasm practically vibrating off her.

"Hiiiiiii, Harry Potter! I'm Astoria Greengrass!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. "May I have this dance?"

Harry barely had time to realize what was happening when Astoria was already pushing him towards the dance floor, with undeniable excitement. He looked at Daphne, hoping she was feeling better, but she merely nodded her head in understanding, smiling a little more genuinely now, as Tracey thanked Astoria with a nod and Astoria winked at Tracey.

Astoria was a whirlwind of energy, and dancing with her was a completely different experience. While Daphne was graceful and serene, Astoria was wild and spontaneous, spinning them both with an exuberance that took Harry's breath away. Despite her short stature, she led him around the dance floor with surprising strength, never ceasing to laugh. Leaning in conspiratorially, Astoria's eyes danced with mischief.

"You know something Potter. When we were little, Daphne wanted to be a dragon tamer! She had a stuffed dragon she carried everywhere. She even built it a little pillow fort in her room and called it Zeus the Mighty"

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he pictured a young Daphne cuddling a stuffed dragon, her serious demeanor replaced with childlike wonder. The image was endearing and so vastly different from the composed, elegant girl he knew.

"Zeus the Mighty, huh?" he mused, grinning widely. "I never would have guessed. That's... actually adorable"

Astoria nodded enthusiastically, her face alight with excitement. "I know, right? She used to boss me around, making me play the damsel in distress so she and Zeus could come rescue me from imaginary evil wizards. She took it very seriously"

Harry laughed, thoroughly entertained by these revelations. "I have to say, that gives me a whole new perspective on your sister"

He could see Daphne watching them from the table, a slight smile on her lips as she observed her sister’s antics. The sight of Daphne looking more relaxed eased some of the tension in his own chestand, also in Daphne's sides he saw Tracey and surprisingly Hermione talking and giving her words of support. Maybe the night hadn’t gone perfectly, but it was still turning out to be very special.

"Thanks for the dance, Harry. You're a better dancer than I expected" she said cheerfully.

"Thanks, Astoria. You're pretty amazing yourself" he responded with genuine appreciation.

She beamed at the compliment, then leaned in once more, dropping her voice to a mock whisper. "Oh, and good luck when you meet our father. He has a whole interrogation planned for you."

Harry's eyes widened, the color draining slightly from his face. "Wait, what?"

But Astoria was already skipping away, her laughter trailing behind her as she disappeared into the crowd. Harry stood there for a moment, processing the unexpected warning and feeling a new wave of nerves wash over him.

"Trouble with the Greengrass family already?" came a familiar, teasing voice from behind him.

Harry turned to see Hermione approaching, a playful smile on her lips and her eyes shining with amusement. She looked radiant in her periwinkle blue dress, her hair elegantly styled in a way that highlighted her features beautifully.

"Hermione! You look amazing" he said earnestly, momentarily distracted from his worries.

She blushed lightly, her smile widening. "Thank you, Harry. You don't look too bad yourself. Fancy a dance with your best friend?"

He grinned, extending his hand to her with a slight bow. "It would be my pleasure"

“Greengrass really is a miracle worker if you got that good in just a few weeks” commented Hermione.

“It wasn't that bad was it?” asked Harry.

“I telling you the truth or are we still friends?” she said with the beginnings of a smile.

And they both laughed.

As Harry returned to the table, he found Daphne sitting with Tracey, both of them laughing softly. There was a lightness in Daphne's expression now, a stark contrast to the earlier tension that had weighed her down. Whatever Tracey had said seemed to have done wonders—Daphne’s radiant smile was back, and her posture exuded renewed confidence.

Seeing Harry approach, Daphne rose gracefully from her seat, her eyes gleaming with determination. “We still have many dances left and I don't plan to leave the dance floor until a dragon comes personally to take us out.” she said with a playful, yet resolute smile.

“Don't worry Zeus the mighty will protect us” he said with a wink.

“W-where did you hear that?...I'm going to kill Tori tomorrow” Daphne sighed in amusement “Anyway take me to dancing Potter” she commanded with a playful grin.

Harry, feeling a surge of warmth at the change in her, couldn’t help but grin. He stretched out his hand toward her, bowing slightly in exaggerated formality. "Yes, my lady" he said, his green eyes sparkling with humor.

Daphne raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his theatrics, but she played along. She placed her hand in his, and together, they stepped back onto the dance floor. This time, there was no nervousness, no fear of judgment. It was just the two of them, hand in hand, moving as if they had been dancing together for years.

The music swelled around them, and as they began to dance, it was as though the rest of the room faded away. Their earlier missteps were forgotten, and now every movement felt effortless, every step in perfect synchrony. Harry no longer had to think about where to place his feet or whether he was holding Daphne too tightly or not enough. Everything simply clicked into place.

The other couples on the dance floor blurred into the background. To Harry, it was as though they were dancing in a world of their own, surrounded by nothing but the soft glow of the enchanted lights and the lilting melody of the orchestra. Daphne’s hand fit perfectly in his, and with each turn, each graceful sway, he felt more connected to her than ever.

Daphne’s laughter mingled with the music, a soft, melodious sound that only made Harry smile wider. Her blue eyes sparkled as they met his, and for the first time, Harry saw something beyond the Ice Queen persona she was known for. There was warmth there—playfulness, even—and as they moved together, he realized that this night was far more than he’d expected.

"You’ve gotten much better, Potter" Daphne teased lightly as they spun in perfect harmony.

Harry chuckled, glancing down at their feet with mock surprise. "Maybe I just needed the right partner" he replied, his voice low but filled with sincerity.

Daphne’s smile softened at his words, and she held his gaze a moment longer before they effortlessly transitioned into the next step. The music seemed to pulse through them, guiding their movements, and they continued to dance through song after song, neither of them wanting the moment to end.

As they danced, Harry marveled at how natural it felt to be here with Daphne. Despite their differences—Gryffindor and Slytherin, two houses historically at odds—they fit together in a way that made sense in this moment. The world outside the Great Hall, with its rivalries and expectations, felt distant and insignificant.

"I have to admit" Harry murmured as they swayed through another song, "this isn’t how I imagined the Yule Ball would go."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Daphne asked, her tone teasing but her eyes searching his.

"A very good thing" Harry replied, his smile soft but genuine. "I wasn’t expecting this… but I’m glad"

Daphne’s expression softened, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the music swelling around them, binding them together in the magic of the evening. There was no need for words as they continued to dance—everything they needed to say was expressed in the graceful way they moved together, lost in the rhythm.

As the night wore on and the final song approached, the two of them remained at the center of the dance floor, still perfectly in sync. It didn’t matter that their opening dance had been far from perfect; what mattered was that now, in this moment, they had found a rhythm that was entirely their own.

The music slowed, signaling the end of the final dance, but neither of them wanted the night to end. Daphne’s hand tightened slightly around Harry’s, and he responded with a gentle squeeze, silently letting her know that he felt the same.

"Thank you for tonight" Daphne whispered as the last notes of the song faded away, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.

Harry smiled, his heart full. "No, thank you"

They stood there for a moment, still holding hands, the world around them slowly coming back into focus as the other couples began to leave the floor. But for Harry and Daphne, it didn’t matter.

As the final notes of the song faded into the air, Harry and Daphne exchanged a silent understanding. Their glances spoke more than words ever could—an unspoken desire to escape the crowded Great Hall and its lingering stares. With a shared look, they stepped away from the throng of students, slipping out into the cool night air of the Hogwarts gardens.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the ancient stone paths and bathing the gardens in an ethereal light. A gentle breeze stirred the trees, causing the leaves to rustle softly, and the faint scent of blooming flowers filled the air. The night was serene, almost magical, and the quiet intimacy of the gardens made everything feel even more enchanted.

As they walked, their hands brushed occasionally, an unintentional touch that sent a tingle up Harry’s arm each time. Their conversation was light, filled with soft laughter and shared amusement, the easy banter of two people who had shed their earlier nerves. The world outside of this moment felt distant—gone were the pressures of the Triwizard Tournament, the expectations of their houses, and the curious eyes of their peers. It was just the two of them now, strolling side by side in the moonlit garden.

The crunch of gravel under their feet was the only sound, apart from the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance. The quiet beauty of the night felt almost surreal to Daphne. It was hard to believe that not long ago, she had been mortified on the dance floor, convinced her evening had been ruined. Yet, as she walked beside Harry, the warmth of his presence beside her, she couldn’t help but smile. The night had turned out more beautiful than she could have ever imagined, she also made a mental note to thank Tracey and Astoria and maybe Granger tomorrow.

A warmth blossomed in her chest—something unfamiliar but undeniably pleasant. She found herself glancing at Harry from time to time, her thoughts drifting to how he had gone out of his way to make her night special. He had been as kind and considerate as ever. Daphne, who was always calm, collected, and in control, felt something stir within her, something she wasn’t quite ready to name.

As they continued walking, a bold thought began to form in her mind. She wondered what it would be like to kiss Harry. The idea surprised her—she wasn’t the type to act on impulse, to let her emotions get the better of her—but tonight felt different. With the quiet night surrounding them and Harry so close, it felt like the perfect moment to take a chance.

Daphne hesitated, gathering the courage to act on her impulse, but just as she was about to say something, Harry came to an abrupt stop. She turned to face him, her heart suddenly pounding as she noticed the determined look in his eyes. There was no need for words—Harry stepped closer, closing the distance between them in one swift motion.

And then, without hesitation, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was soft but sure, gentle yet full of meaning. Daphne’s eyes widened in surprise, her mind going blank for a moment. The kiss was tender, warm, and utterly unexpected, but it was exactly what she hadn’t known she needed. For the first time in as long as she could remember, Daphne Greengrass found herself speechless.

When Harry finally pulled away, his hand lingering on her cheek, Daphne’s face flushed a deep shade of pink. She stood there, still trying to process what had just happened, her mind a swirl of emotions.

"H-Harry…" she murmured, barely able to get the words out, her usual composure completely shattered.

Harry chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement and something else—something far more affectionate. "You’re adorable when you’re surprised, Daphne" he teased, his voice playful but gentle.

That snapped her out of her daze. Daphne narrowed her eyes, not one to let herself be caught off guard for long. Feeling a surge of determination, she quickly decided that if anyone was going to take control of the situation, it would be her. Without a second thought, she grabbed hold of Harry’s emerald-green tie and tugged him back toward her, closing the gap between them with a kiss that was far more passionate and intense.

This time, Harry’s surprise was brief—he quickly responded, his arms slipping around her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. The world around them disappeared, leaving nothing but the feeling of being wrapped in each other’s warmth. The kiss was electric, filled with all the emotions that had been simmering between them throughout the night, unspoken but undeniable.

The garden, the moonlight, the soft rustle of leaves—it all faded into the background. There was only the two of them, their lips moving together in perfect harmony, every moment of the evening culminating in this one instant of pure, unguarded emotion.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting against each other as they caught their breath. Daphne, still gripping Harry’s tie, looked up at him with a triumphant gleam in her eyes, her earlier hesitation gone.

"Who’s adorable now, Potter?" she asked, her voice still a little breathless but filled with a playful challenge. Her usual calm demeanor had returned, but this time, there was a fire in her eyes—a spark of something more.

Harry grinned, his heart still racing from the intensity of the kiss. He met her gaze with equal confidence, his arms still loosely wrapped around her.

"I think we both are, Greengrass"

Chapter Text

The morning after the Yule Ball, Daphne entered the Great Dining Hall with Tracey at her side, ready to face the barrage of snide comments and sidelong glances she knew would be directed at her from her fellow Slytherin students. After all, she had gone to the ball with none other than Harry Potter. She entered with her chin held high, prepared for whatever verbal barbs her housemates were ready to hurl.

Yet, as she and Tracey approached the Slytherin table and took their seats, Daphne noticed something odd. The table was buzzing with chatter, as usual, but none of it seemed to be about her or Harry. No cutting remarks, no sarcastic jabs about her choice of date. The few glances she caught were either dismissive or entirely focused on something else. She furrowed her brow, her eyes scanning the faces of her housemates, expecting some form of ridicule to come her way.

But then she overheard snippets of conversation.

"—can't believe she tripped right in front of everyone"

"Poor Greengrass. Imagine falling during the opening dance!"

Daphne’s stomach twisted as realization dawned. They weren’t talking about her date—they were talking about her fall. The entire table seemed far more interested in her stumble during the opening dance than the fact that she had gone with Harry Potter. Her initial relief that no one mentioned Harry quickly dissolved, replaced by a simmering anger at the fact that her clumsiness had stolen the spotlight.

She grip tightened around her fork and knuckles white as she stabbed a piece of pancake with more force than necessary.

"Of course that’s all they remember" she muttered under her breath with icy tone.

Tracey, sensing the shift in Daphne’s mood, leaned in, her voice low and laced with amusement. "Daph, you need to relax. You’re about to obliterate that pancake. Besides, don’t you think it’s a bit funny?"

Daphne shot her a look, her icy glare warning Tracey to tread carefully. "Funny? They’re acting like I tripped over my own feet in front of the entire school, and that’s all they care about. Not a word about me going with Potter"

Tracey bit back a laugh. "Well, to be fair, it was a bit dramatic. You did trip during the first dance, and that kind of thing sticks. But come on, it’s better this way, right? They’re too focused on your little stumble to care about Potter. No one’s questioning your ‘loyalty’ to Slytherin or calling you out for crossing house lines. You get to date Potter in peace, at least for now"

Daphne stabbed her pancake again, the action sharp and deliberate. "I’m not sure if I should be relieved or enraged. I wanted to prepare for their taunts, and now all they can talk about is me falling. They should be grateful I’m not turning this table over"

"Hey" Tracey whispered, casting a quick glance around the table. "Remember where we are. Too many witnesses if you want to start a massacre"

Daphne sighed, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She glanced around the table, noting the oblivious chatter among her housemates. "You’re right. Too many witnesses." Her voice was dry and biting as she stabbed another piece of her breakfast. "I suppose I’ll have to find another time to thin the herd"

Tracey snickered, amused by her friend’s barely contained fury. "It’s probably better they think it was just a one-night thing anyway. If they believe you only went with Potter for the night and nothing more, it’ll give you both some breathing room before anyone realizes you’re actually going steady"

Daphne paused at that, her expression softening as she thought it over. Tracey was right—if the rest of the school thought her time with Harry was just a fleeting Yule Ball date, they wouldn’t pay much attention. And that meant she could enjoy her time with Harry without the weight of constant scrutiny and the inevitable backlash from her own house.

A small, calculating smile tugged at her lips. "You’re right. Let them think it was just one night. Better to keep this under the radar for as long as possible. It’ll give me time to enjoy the peace before they start asking questions"

Tracey grinned. "Exactly. Besides, once they do find out, you can deal with them however you see fit"

Daphne smirked, her earlier irritation easing into a calm resolve. "Yes, and by then, it’ll be too late for them to do anything about it"

With her new plan in place, Daphne felt the tension in her shoulders melt away. She picked up her glass of pumpkin juice, raising it slightly as if in toast to her own strategy. Tracey, ever the loyal and amused friend, lifted her glass as well.

"To peace and quiet" Daphne said, her eyes gleaming with quiet determination.

"For now" Tracey added with a wink, and they clinked their cups, sharing a knowing smile.

As they returned to their breakfast, the murmurs of Slytherins continued, oblivious to the fact that Daphne Greengrass was already several steps ahead of them.

Harry sat near the lake, absently watching the gentle ripples of the water as he reflected on the morning's events. It had been a strange start to the day. After Ron's date with Lavender had turned into an endless gossip session with the Patil twins, he had gone for a walk and had stumbled upon the startling revelation that Hagrid was a half-giant. Then Hermione had told him that while Viktor had taken her for a walk they had overheard Snape having a tense conversation with the headmaster of Durmstrang, who seemed frightened of something...or someone. Strange as it all was, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that it all led to something much bigger.

They had finished breakfast in the Gryffindor common room, where they continued talking about these odd developments, but Harry had excused himself after a while, feeling the need for some peace. He had taken to the lake, hoping the calm waters would help settle his thoughts.

As Harry stood, hands in his pockets, engrossed in his thoughts especially about Daphne, then he suddenly heard Astoria's unmistakable, energetic voice from behind him.

"Hey, Harry!" she called, bounding up to him with her usual uncontainable enthusiasm. "Guess what happened at breakfast!"

Harry turned, a smile already tugging at his lips at the sight of the hyperactive Greengrass sister. "Let me guess—Tracey finally convinced Daphne to stop plotting a massacre?"

Astoria giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Close! Actually, you won’t believe it, but no one even cared that Daph went to the Yule Ball with you. They were all too busy talking about her tripping during the first dance. Can you believe that?"

Harry blinked, in obvious surprise. He was sure there would be plenty of rumors about them, but instead, they had completely forgotten about him. “Really?” he asked, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

Astoria shook her head, her hair bouncing with the motion. "Nope! Not a word about you, actually. They’re too focused on her little trip-up to care. Though… she was pretty annoyed about that part"

Harry couldn’t help but chuckle, imagining Daphne’s frustration at her housemates caring more about her stumble than her date. "I bet she was. Still, I’m glad she’s not dealing with any drama because of me"

Astoria grinned. "Tracey told her it’s better this way. They probably think it was just a one-time thing. Good for you two, right?"

Harry nodded, feeling lighter now that he knew Daphne wasn’t facing any serious backlash from her house. "Yeah, definitely better. Thanks for telling me, Astoria"

Astoria smiled and said energetically. “Please call me Tori! My friends call me that”

Just as Harry was about to respond, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Turning, he saw Draco Malfoy and his usual gang—Crabbe and Goyle—sauntering toward them. Malfoy, as always, wore a smug, superior expression, and Harry braced himself for the usual round of insults.

"Well, well, if it isn’t Potter, skulking around the lake like a lost dog," Malfoy drawled, his eyes gleaming with malice. "What’s the matter, Potter? Thinking about how you humiliated yourself at the Yule Ball?"

Before Harry could respond, Astoria stepped forward, her usual exuberance giving way to a surprising calm as she stood between Harry and Malfoy. "Draco" she said sweetly, though there was an underlying edge to her tone, "I don’t appreciate it when you’re rude"

Harry barely managed to stifle a laugh as he watched Malfoy’s entire demeanor change in an instant. The usual sneer on Draco’s face was replaced by a wide-eyed look of surprise, followed quickly by a clumsy attempt at charm. His back straightened, and he gave Astoria what he must have thought was a winning smile.

"Oh, Astoria, I didn’t realize you were here" Malfoy said, his voice suddenly taking on a much more polite tone. "I wasn’t being rude, just having a little fun with Potter, that’s all"

Astoria raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Really? It sounded rude to me"

Malfoy’s face flushed, and he quickly backpedaled, his voice growing more desperate. "Well, I—of course, I didn’t mean anything by it. I would never—"

Harry watched in silent amusement, realizing that Malfoy was far more flustered than usual, and it didn’t take long to figure out why. He remembered how Astoria had danced with him at the ball, and it dawned on him that Malfoy must have been sulking about not getting the same chance. Harry smirked, watching Malfoy stumble through his words, completely ignoring him now that Astoria was there.

Astoria, apparently enjoying this far more than Harry, gave Malfoy an innocent smile, clearly toying with him. "You know, Draco, I don’t think I like it when you’re rude. It’s unbecoming"

Harry nearly burst out laughing, seeing Malfoy squirm under Astoria’s gaze. "Well, I—I wasn’t trying to be rude, really" Malfoy stammered, now visibly sweating.

“I see” Astoria cocked her head to one side, giving Malfoy a smile that could have melted butter. Then, just as Malfoy seemed to be gaining some confidence, Astoria smiled at Harry. “See you later, Harry, I'm off to find my friend Luna to fetch the legendary chocolate!!” she shouted back, her voice glowing, as she waved briskly.

Harry, grinning from ear to ear, nodded. "See you, Tori"

As Harry turned to leave, he heard Malfoy quickly pipe up. "Yeah, see you, Tori" he said, mimicking Harry’s casual tone.

Astoria’s smile immediately vanished, and she turned to Malfoy, her expression suddenly as cold as ice as like a ice queen 2.0. "I don’t remember giving you permission to call me that, Malfoy"

Malfoy paled, his smarmy confidence evaporating as he stammered, "I—uh, I’m sorry, Astoria, I didn’t mean—"

But before he could finish, Astoria gave him a frosty glare that would have made even Daphne proud. "Don’t"

Malfoy gulped, his face drained of all color as he muttered an apology and quickly turned on his heel, scurrying away with Crabbe and Goyle in tow, his tail between his legs.

As soon as he was out of sight, Harry burst out laughing, and Astoria joined him, her infectious giggle filling the air.

"Well" Harry said between chuckles. "I can see why you and Daphne are sisters"

Astoria winked at him, her playful grin back in full force. "What can I say? It runs in the family"

The two of them shared a laugh, and as Harry walked away, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for Astoria’s light-heartedness. She had a way of making everything seem less complicated.

Later that day, after a long class that had left Harry’s mind wandering in a dozen directions, he found himself walking through the corridors of Hogwarts when he spotted Daphne. She was standing a little ways ahead, leaning casually against the stone wall, her expression unreadable. When their eyes met, she gave him a subtle nod and motioned for him to follow her into an empty classroom, her gestures urging him to remain discreet.

Harry, intrigued and a little nervous, glanced around to make sure no one else was watching before following her into the room. As soon as he closed the door behind him, Daphne wasted no time. She crossed the room swiftly, grabbed the front of his robes, and pulled him into a deep, lingering kiss that made his heart race. The unexpectedness of it, the intensity—he could feel every bit of emotion she poured into it.

When she finally released him, Harry was left breathless, his mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened. Daphne, however, seemed perfectly composed, even though her cheeks were flushed.

"To take advantage of everyone thinking this is just a one-night thing" she said with a cool voice and matter-of-fact, though there was a glint of amusement in her eyes, "we should limit our public interactions as a couple"

Harry blinked, still trying to process the kiss, let alone what she had just said. "Couple?" he asked with the word in his throat, a word that made his cheeks light up.

Daphne raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Yes, Potter. Couple" She crossed her arms and regarded him with a playful, almost stern look. "You took me to the ball, comforted me when I tripped like an idiot, and, on top of that, you had the audacity to steal my first kiss" Her tone turned mock-serious, though Harry could see the spark of amusement in her eyes. "Unless, of course, it was just a one-night thing for you?"

"N-no, it wasn’t!" Harry stammered, trying to collect himself. "I mean… I definitely don’t want it to be a one-night thing"

Daphne’s smirk widened as she stepped closer, her presence both commanding and intimate. "Good," she said softly, her voice like silk. Then, with that same playful glint in her eye, she added, "So, Potter, are you going to ask me properly, or should I be the one doing all the work here?"

Harry blushed, realizing he hadn't asked her yet. After their first two kisses they talked and laughed for a while before kissing again several more times. His heart was pounding in his chest as he looked at her, words stuck in his throat. It was a moment he hadn't expected to come so soon. But seeing the mixture of amusement and anticipation in her eyes gave him the courage he needed.

"Daphne….would you… would you like to be my girlfriend?"

There was a moment of silence as Daphne looked at him, her expression unreadable. Then, to his surprise, she let out a small, delighted laugh.

"I was expecting a ring, but that answer will suffice" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry, despite his nerves, couldn’t help but grin. "A ring? I didn’t think Slytherins were fast about that"

Daphne shrugged with a smirk. "We’re full of surprises" She gave him another light kiss on the cheek, her lips brushing against his skin with a softness that sent warmth flooding through him. "But seriously, yes, Harry. I’ll be your girlfriend"

"But remember" she added, her tone returning to that calm, practical edge she so often carried, "we need to keep things low-key. Let them think it was just one night. It'll give us time to enjoy this without everyone getting involved in our business"

Harry nodded, already knowing how complicated things could get if the rest of the school, especially her Slytherin housemates, found out too soon. "Low-key" he agreed, smiling. "Got it"

Daphne gave him a nod of approval, then turned to leave the room. But before she opened the door, she glanced back at him with a smirk. "And, Potter, next time we meet in private, you can feel free to steal another kiss"

Harry’s grin widened as he watched her walk away, the door closing softly behind her. He leaned back against the wall, feeling like he was walking on air. Whatever else the school year had in store for him, this was one secret he was more than happy to keep.

One week after the Yule Ball, Harry found himself in an odd situation. Cedric Diggory had pulled him aside earlier that day, telling him the password to the prefects' bathroom, along with some cryptic advice about "bathing with the egg" At first, Harry assumed Cedric was just trying to be helpful, but the mention of the egg—the very same egg he’d earned during the first task—made him wonder if it was some sort of clue. He couldn’t shake the thought that maybe he had to form some kind of connection with the egg in order to get the next clue for the second task. It sounded ridiculous, but then again, this whole tournament was absurd.

Now, sitting in the library in the next day with Daphne, Hermione, Tracey, and Ron, Harry found himself recounting the conversation with Cedric in the hopes that someone could make more sense of it.

“So, he just gave you the password to the prefects’ bathroom?” Ron asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Yeah, and then he said something about ‘bathing with the egg’ to figure out the clue for the second task” Harry replied, frowning. “Do you think I have to bond with it somehow?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire group burst into laughter. Even Hermione, who normally approached things with more seriousness, couldn't hold back a snort of amusement. Daphne, sitting beside him with a sly smile, shook her head.

"Bond with the egg?" Daphne said, clearly amused. "Harry, it’s an egg, not some magical pet"

"Honestly" Tracey added with a giggle. "I doubt the clue is about ‘forming a relationship’ with it. You’re not supposed to nurture it; you’re supposed to figure out what it’s trying to tell you"

Harry flushed slightly, feeling a bit foolish, but still confused. “Okay, but Cedric seemed serious. He said I need to take the egg into the bath or something”

Hermione, finally composing herself, nodded thoughtfully. “Cedric wouldn’t mislead you. He must know something you don’t. The prefects' bathroom is a good place to think—it's quiet, and no one will disturb you. Maybe you’re supposed to use the water somehow to get the egg to reveal its secret”

Ron, who had been chuckling along with the others, suddenly perked up, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Why not go to Hagrid about this? He knows everything about magical creatures, right? He could give you a hint. Maybe the egg needs some special conditions to work—like how dragons only lay eggs under certain conditions"

Harry’s immediate reaction was to argue. “But Hagrid already helped me with the first task by showing me the dragons. I don’t want to lean on him for every task. And what if it’s too obvious? Someone could think it’s cheating”

Hermione rolled eyes with a smile playing on her lips. "Hagrid would love to help you again, Harry. Besides, he has a way with magical creatures. He might know something useful, even if it’s not directly about the egg”

Daphne, resting her chin in her hand, gave Harry a knowing look. “And it’s not cheating if no one finds out” she said, her voice smooth and practical. “If Diggory’s sharing tips with you, there’s nothing wrong with seeking advice. It's all part of the competition”

Tracey leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “She’s right, you know. As long as you don’t march into the Great Hall announcing it, you’ll be fine. A bit of help never hurt anyone"

Harry sighed, still unsure, but the thought of getting the second task out of the way sooner rather than later was becoming more appealing. Especially when he glanced at Daphne and remembered that the sooner he solved the egg’s riddle, the sooner he could focus on other things—like kissing his girlfriend again.

“You’ve got time before the second task” Hermione said, sensing Harry’s hesitation. “But the sooner you figure it out, the better. No point in stressing over it longer than you have to”

Harry nodded, finally coming to a decision. “Alright, I’ll talk to Hagrid about it. Maybe he’ll have some idea. And you’re right—it’ll feel good to have it sorted out early”

Daphne smirked, leaning in just a little closer to him. “Good choice, Potter. I’d hate for you to be distracted by the egg when there are… other things we could be doing”

Harry stuttering something in response and Ron had to cover his mouth to stifle a laugh, while Hermione and Tracey smiled.

After Hagrid had confirmed that the egg wasn’t a dragon’s and suggested that Harry might want to listen to the sound it made underwater, Harry and Daphne left the hut. The crisp Hogwarts air swirled around them as they walked back toward the castle, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grounds.

"I can’t wait to hear what the egg actually says” Harry comment

Daphne smirked, slipping her hands into the pockets of her robes. "What time are we going?"

Harry blinked, caught off guard. "We? Are we going?"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, as if Harry had just asked whether the sky was blue.

"Of course we are. I want to see the prefects' bathroom myself. Besides" she added, her voice taking on a teasing edge, "I’m curious to find out what the egg says. And…" She trailed off, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "We could spend some time together, you know. Killing three birds with one spell"

Harry’s heart raced, the meaning behind her words sinking in. He could already feel the flush creeping up his neck. He hadn’t exactly imagined Daphne joining him for the egg experiment, but the idea of being alone with her in a private bathroom—albeit one as grand as the prefects'—felt a lot more complicated than he’d anticipated.

"I—I don’t think that’s a good idea…" Harry stammered, trying to muster some logical reason to resist. "I mean, what if someone sees us? Or… I don’t know, it could be—"

Daphne cut him off, her grin widening with clear amusement. "Oh? You don’t want it to be just the two of us, then?" Her tone turned mockingly thoughtful as she counted off potential companions on her fingers. "I could always invite a few more people. Let’s see… Tracey, Astoria, Susan, maybe even Granger? I mean, they’re all pretty girls, don’t you think, boyfriend?"

Harry felt his face heat up, realizing he’d walked straight into her trap. He knew she was just teasing him, but the thought of sneaking into the prefects' bathroom with all those girls made his brain short-circuit. He wasn’t sure which was more dangerous—the mischievous glint in Daphne’s eyes or the idea that she’d actually go through with it just to prove a point.

"Y-yeah, no thanks" Harry muttered, shaking his head quickly. "I think I’ll pass on that. I have a feeling that wasn’t really an offer anyway"

Daphne’s eyes gleamed, the satisfaction of a small victory lighting her face. "Smart choice, Potter. Very smart choice"

He sighed, knowing full well that there was no winning this argument. Daphne had that unique ability to steer things in her favor, and Harry had long since learned that resisting only prolonged the inevitable. "Fine" he relented, his voice tinged with a playful resignation. "It’ll just be the two of us, then. I’ll meet you by the entrance to the Slytherin common room tonight, and we’ll check out the bathroom together"

Daphne smiled sweetly, stepping closer to him with that familiar air of confidence. "I knew we’d understand each other" She leaned in and pressed a feather-light kiss to his cheek, her lips brushing his skin so softly that it sent a pleasant jolt through him. "You’re learning, Potter"

“By the way I didn't know you knew Susan” said Harry.

“My mother and Madam Bones are old friends, so I used to play with Susan when we were kids” replied Daphne.

As they continued their walk back to the castle, the path lined with the flickering orange and gold of the setting sun, Harry’s thoughts drifted between the egg, the second task, and Daphne. The second task was a looming pressure in the back of his mind, but right now, in the quiet of the fading afternoon, it didn’t seem as overwhelming as it usually did.

"Don’t look so worried, Harry" Daphne remarked, glancing over at him with a knowing smirk. "The egg isn’t going to bite you, and neither am I. Well… not unless you want me to"

Harry’s eyes widened at her words, and Daphne burst into laughter at the look on his face. He couldn’t help but laugh too, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really like messing with me, don’t you?"

"Of course" Daphne replied breezily, her voice still laced with amusement. "It’s fun. And you’re so easy to fluster"

"Glad I can be of service" Harry muttered, though the grin tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement.

They reached the entrance to the castle, the towering stone walls casting long shadows across the grounds as the sky deepened into shades of purple and indigo. The looming figure of the castle felt both comforting and imposing, but with Daphne at his side, Harry felt more at ease.

"Tonight, then" Daphne said as they reached the main doors. She gave him one last teasing smile before turning toward the dungeons. "Don’t be late. I wouldn’t want to have to sneak in without you"

Harry rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t stop smiling as she walked away. "Wouldn’t dream of it" he called after her.

As she disappeared into the shadowy corridors that led to the Slytherin common room, Harry turned and headed toward Gryffindor Tower, his thoughts still spinning. Between Cedric’s cryptic advice, Hagrid’s suggestion, and now Daphne’s mischievous plans, tonight was bound to be interesting.

Later that night, Harry slipped quietly out of Gryffindor Tower, his invisibility cloak draped over him as he made his way through the dark, winding corridors of Hogwarts. His heart raced, but not out of fear of getting caught. It was the anticipation of seeing Daphne, of sneaking through the castle with her under the cover of night. He couldn’t deny that the thrill of their secret meetings was part of what made their time together so exciting.

As he reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Daphne was already waiting, her arms crossed and a smirk on her lips. She looked calm, composed, and absolutely ready for whatever came next. Harry had to admire her confidence—it was something that always drew him in, that quiet, unshakable grace she carried. He quickly lifted a corner of the invisibility cloak, motioning for her to join him.

“Ready?” he whispered, his voice low but tinged with excitement.

“Always” Daphne replied, slipping under the cloak beside him. “Lead the way, Potter”

Together, they moved silently through the castle, careful to avoid Filch or any wandering prefects. Harry’s heart thudded in his chest, the thrill of being unseen amplifying everything around him—the faint echoes of their footsteps, the cold air brushing against his skin, and, most of all, the warmth of Daphne’s presence beside him.

When they finally reached the entrance to the prefects’ bathroom, Harry whispered the password Cedric had given him, and the door swung open to reveal a sight that took Harry’s breath away.

The prefects’ bathroom was enormous, a glittering chamber with tall stained-glass windows and an enormous marble bathtub in the center, large enough to be more of a pool than a bath. The room was bathed in a soft, golden light, and the air was warm and filled with the faint scent of jasmine.

“Wow” Harry breathed, his eyes wide as he took in the grandness of it all. He had never seen anything like it.

Daphne smiling as she looked around. “Not bad, right?” she said, clearly enjoying the moment. She began to unbutton her robes, her movements slow and deliberate, and then paused as Harry stared at the room in awe.

"Harry" she called softly, amusement clear in her voice. "Don't turn around"

Harry's face flushed as he realized what she meant. "Right, sorry" he mumbled, quickly turning his back to her. His mind raced, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that his girlfriend was undressing right behind him.

Harry quickly removed his own clothes, leaving only his swimsuit on, and stepped into the water, trying to calm his nerves. From behind him, he could hear Daphne's faint giggle as the sound of her entry into the water echoed through the room.

“Harry” she teased, her voice full of playful affection, ”did you forget about the egg, or did you just want to take a bath?”
Harry's face burned with embarrassment. He looked back and saw Daphne in front of him carrying the egg, her long blonde hair wet. She was wearing a green bikini - naturally - and was looking effortlessly ravishing, her gaze fixed on him with that familiar, mischievous glow.

“Ah, right. The egg” He quickly took it, his face burning. “Sorry, I was distracted”

Daphne gave him an exaggerated look of mock disapproval. "Distracted, huh?" She glanced down at her bikini, then back up at him.

"Always Slytherin, isn’t it? Harry said

Daphne lifted her chin, exaggerating her pride. "I have to represent the house" she said with mock-seriousness, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Harry grinned and moved to join her, still flustered but trying to keep his cool. "It’s curious, you know. The Slytherins live in the dungeons, all the way down there. Must be a bit dreary after seven years"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "Maybe that’s why so many dark wizards come out of Slytherin. Seven years sleeping in the dungeons would turn anyone toward darker thoughts"

Harry laughed at that, feeling some of the tension between them ease. "I actually brought it up because I remembered something from the night of the Yule Ball"

"Oh?" Daphne raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"Yeah" Harry said, a grin forming on his lips. "You walked down the stairs in that amazing dress, and I remember thinking—if Slytherin’s in the dungeons, where did you come from?"

Daphne’s expression shifted, a wicked smile slowly spreading across her face. "You think I’d let the dungeons steal my entrance? Please, Potter." She leaned closer, her voice lowering to a teasing whisper. "To take your breath away, I had to come down the stairs. I simply went upstairs with Tracey and waited until you arrived"

Harry blinked, his face turning red once again. "You—waited upstairs? Just to make a dramatic entrance?"

Daphne smirked, clearly pleased with his reaction. "Of course. I don’t do things halfway, Potter"

Before Harry could respond, she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss, her lips brushing against his in a gesture that was both sweet and teasing. Harry’s heart stuttered, his mind briefly blanking from the sudden rush of warmth.

"Now" she said, pulling back with a playful smile, "why don’t we focus on solving this egg mystery before I distract you any further?"

Harry, grateful for the change of topic, reached for the golden egg and held it over the water. With a deep breath, he submerged it beneath the surface, his heart pounding in anticipation. At first, there was only silence, the soft echo of the water lapping against the sides of the bath. But then, as Harry ducked his head beneath the surface, he heard something—something different.

It wasn’t the awful screeching sound the egg made above water, but instead, a low, haunting melody, like a song. As he listened more closely, the words began to form.

Harry broke the surface, gasping for air, and looked at Daphne, who was watching him with wide, curious eyes.

“Well?” she asked, clearly eager to know what he’d heard.

Harry repeated the riddle back to him, his voice full of excitement. “It's something underwater” he said, breathless with discovery. “The second task will be to retrieve something...something I'll miss, though if the first test was dragons surely the something is a person”

Daphne's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and pride. “They are capable of placing hostages, yes” She stepped back, stretching her arms behind her. “Looks like you're going to have to become a master swimmer, Potter”

“You know” Harry began, his tone more relaxed as he set the egg out of the water and returned ”we've thought enough about tonight's task. ” He leaned back in the water, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and jocularity. “I think we deserve to enjoy the bath now”

Daphne smirked, her eyes narrowing in amusement as she shifted slightly in the water. "Oh? You think so, do you?" Her voice had a teasing lilt, and Harry could already tell that whatever playful game he was starting, Daphne would be ready.

"Yeah" Harry replied, trying to sound as casual and confident as possible. "I mean, it’s not every day we get to sneak into the prefects' bathroom. Might as well make the most of it"

Daphne's smirk deepened, and she glided closer to him, her movements graceful and deliberate. The water rippled around her as she closed the gap between them, her green bikini gleaming in the dim light. "You want to relax, hmm?" she asked, her voice a soft purr. "Just enjoy the moment?"

Harry nodded, his heart beating a little faster as she drew nearer. "Yeah" he replied, trying to sound firm, though his nerves were starting to show. "We’ve earned it"

“Wery well Potter” whispered Daphne in his ear.

The Great Hall was buzzing with the usual morning chatter as Harry sat down for breakfast, the delicious scent of toast and bacon filling the air. His thoughts drifted back to the night before, where he and Daphne had snuck into the prefects' bathroom, sharing the warm bath and even warmer moments between them. He smiled to himself, recalling how effortlessly Daphne had kept him on edge the whole evening, always two steps ahead of his flirty attempts. The bath had been more than just a chance to figure out the egg’s riddle—it had been a chance to relax with his girlfriend, to enjoy a few hours where the weight of the Triwizard Tournament didn't feel quite so heavy.

"Oi, mate, you look like you’re dreaming of something good" Ron’s voice interrupted Harry’s thoughts as he piled his plate with food. Hermione, sitting beside them, rolled her eyes but smiled.

"Probably just happy he’s figured out the egg" Hermione said, her tone teasing. "You’ve got a lot of work ahead, though, Harry. Deciphering the song is one thing, but you’ll need to train for the second task"

"Yeah, yeah" Harry muttered, still smiling. He already knew that training and preparation were ahead of him. His friends had offered to help, and later that day, they’d meet in a secluded corner of the library to plan out their strategy. Hermione would likely bring an armload of books, and Ron would do his best to stay focused—especially with the Slytherin girls joining them, including Daphne. The thought of their unlikely study group made Harry chuckle.

As breakfast continued, the familiar rush of wings signaled the arrival of the morning post. Owls swooped down, dropping letters and packages to their respective recipients. Harry reached for a piece of toast when he noticed one particular owl—a large, majestic bird with gleaming feathers—that stopped right in front of him.

Harry blinked, momentarily stunned by the owl’s impressive appearance. He could practically feel the owl’s regal presence as it stared down at him, a letter clutched in its talons. For a moment, he wasn’t sure what to make of it, but then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement at the Slytherin table.

Astoria sat with her usual boundless energy, her eyes sparkling with barely contained amusement as she watched the owl land in front of Harry. Next to her, Tracey had the same amused look on her face, grinning as though they were in on a joke that only Harry wasn’t aware of. But it was Daphne who caught his attention most. She was sitting with them, her gaze locked onto Harry’s, her lips curled into a flirtatious smile. Her eyes were gleaming with that familiar, knowing look, as if she already knew what was in the letter that had just arrived.

Feeling a bit uneasy but also curious, Harry took the letter from the owl, which immediately spread its wings and flew off. The envelope was heavy, the parchment inside thick and official-looking. As he opened it, he glanced up again at the Slytherin table. Daphne gave him a slight nod, still smiling, while Astoria gave him a cheerful wave as though she knew exactly what was coming next.

Harry unfolded the letter and began to read. His eyes widened as he took in the contents, and his heart skipped a beat.

It was from Cyrus Greengrass. Lord Greengrass. Daphne’s father.

Mr. Potter,

I have heard a great deal about you, both from all sides as well as from my daughters, Daphne and Astoria. Although I am well aware of your role in the Triwizard Tournament and the many rumors surrounding your name, while some might be inclined to form opinions based solely on hearsay, I find it prudent to evaluate people myself. Therefore, I wish to meet with you next weekend to get to know each other in person, It is rare for someone of your stature to cross House Greengrass in such a personal way.

I trust you understand the importance of this invitation and are available for it, I patiently await your response.I look forward to our meeting.

Cyrus Greengrass Lord of House Greengrass

Harry swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. He realized that although the letter called it an “invitation” it was anything but. This wasn’t an offer; this was an order. And there was no mistaking the formal tone of the letter— Lord Greengrass hoped that he would reply confirming his attendance.

Still holding the letter, Harry glanced back up at the Slytherin table. Astoria was practically bouncing in her seat, her amusement only growing as she saw the look on his face. Tracey gave him a mock-sympathetic look, but it was clear she found the situation hilarious. Daphne, however, simply raised an eyebrow at him, her lips curving into a smile that was both affectionate and teasing.

She knew. Of course, she knew.

Harry’s mind raced. He had faced dragons, outwitted dark wizards, Voldemort in many forms, and stood up to the most dangerous threats in the wizarding world, but somehow, meeting Daphne’s father—a noble lord who commanded respect—felt like an entirely different kind of challenge. A challenge he wasn’t sure he was ready for.

"The real challenge" Harry muttered under his breath, staring down at the letter, "isn’t the Triwizard Tournament… it’s keeping up with the Greengrass family"

Chapter Text

The next day, Harry found himself unable to shake the nerves about meeting Daphne’s father. The impending introduction to Lord Greengrass hung over him like a dark cloud, and no amount of reassurance from Hermione, Ron, or even Daphne could quell his anxiety. As he sat by the lake, staring out at the water, his mind ran through every possible scenario, none of them particularly comforting. What would Cyrus Greengrass think of him? What kind of questions would he ask? Would he be sizing Harry up as someone unworthy of his daughter?

Before his thoughts could spiral any further, a burst of energetic footsteps approached him. He turned just in time to see Astoria Greengrass bouncing up to him, her face alight with excitement. Beside her was a girl he hadn’t know, her blonde hair flowing in the light breeze and her large, dreamy eyes surveying the world around them with a kind of ethereal wonder.

"Harry, look who I found!" Astoria chirped, her usual hyperactive energy in full force. She grabbed Luna Lovegood’s arm and tugged her closer, as though she were presenting a grand prize. “She is Luna Lovegood my best friend”

"Hello, Harry Potter" Luna said in her usual serene tone, her eyes wide and curious as she studied him. "I heard you were going to meet Lord Greengrass tomorrow. Sounds daunting, doesn’t it?"

Harry blinked, caught off guard by her directness but unable to stop the small smile that tugged at his lips. "Yeah, you could say that"

Astoria grinned as she plopped down beside him, while Luna stood next to her, looking as though she belonged in another world entirely. "You shouldn’t be too nervous" Astoria said, patting his arm in what she probably thought was a comforting gesture. "My dad’s not that scary. Well, maybe a little"

"Very reassuring" Harry muttered, earning a giggle from Astoria.

But before Harry could continue lamenting his situation, Astoria’s eyes lit up, and she leaned closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Actually, Luna and I have been working on something even more exciting than meeting dad. We’re on the hunt for the Aegis Chocolate"

"The what?" Harry asked, confused, his worry about the meeting momentarily pushed aside.

Luna nodded sagely, her expression turning serious, though her dreamy voice never wavered. "The Aegis Chocolate. It’s a legendary chocolate, said to have a flavor so unique, so divine, that it led entire families to fight over it"

Astoria’s eyes sparkled as she chimed in. "They say that a single bite can make you feel invincible. Like you could take on the world. A lot of the old wizarding families fought tooth and nail to get a piece of it back in the day. Some even think it has magical properties—something beyond just taste"

Harry stared at the two girls, his confusion growing but his interest piqued. "Wait, this is a real thing? Families fought over chocolate?"

"Absolutely!" Astoria replied, her tone firm. "And now, Luna and I are trying to track it down. There are rumors that a piece of it still exists somewhere. Maybe even here at Hogwarts"

Luna’s expression was unreadable, but she nodded along. "I believe it could be hidden somewhere magical, perhaps in a place where the power of flavor and magic intersect"

Harry wasn’t quite sure if they were joking or not, but with Luna involved, anything was possible. "So… you’re telling me you two are on a quest to find legendary chocolate that might make you invincible?"

Astoria and Luna nodded in unison, their expressions deadly serious, though there was a glint of excitement in Astoria’s eyes that Harry found contagious.

"Well" Harry said, laughing lightly despite himself, "I can’t say I’ve ever heard of it, but if I do come across anything bizarre enough to be linked to that, I’ll let you know"

"Thanks, Harry!" Astoria beamed, her smile wide as she bounced to her feet, her energy as boundless as ever. "I knew you’d understand. After all, you always seem to get caught up in the most bizarre situations"

Luna smiled, her gaze drifting off into the distance. "Yes, you do have a talent for finding the unusual, Harry Potter. Perhaps the chocolate will find you instead"

Harry chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. He had to admit, this was a welcome distraction from his current worries. "Well, if I get caught up in any legendary chocolate quests, I’ll let you two know"

"Good!" Astoria declared, clapping her hands together. "Now, we have some clues to follow. Luna’s got some ideas, and I’m sure we’re close!"

With that, the two girls nodded to Harry and started off, their conversation quickly turning into a flurry of theories about where the Aegis Chocolate might be hidden. Luna’s soft, melodic voice contrasted with Astoria’s rapid, excited speech, but somehow, they made the perfect detective duo. Harry watched them go, both intrigued and entertained by their unorthodox quest.

As they disappeared around the corner, Harry couldn’t help but grin. He wasn’t sure how much of the Aegis Chocolate legend was real, but there was something endearing about the way Astoria and Luna approached it with such seriousness.

"Good luck" Harry called after them, though he wasn’t sure they heard him.

The carriage ride to Hogsmeade was quiet, save for the gentle clip-clop of hooves and the faint rustling of leaves in the wind. Harry sat across from Daphne, his fingers absently toying with the stem of a rose he held in his hand. He glanced at her, feeling the weight of the upcoming meeting with Cyrus Greengrass pressing down on him, but somehow, having Daphne beside him eased that pressure just a little.

Daphne, as usual, was calm and composed, but Harry noticed her curious gaze settle on the rose in his hand. She raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips as finally spoke.

"Harry, why are you carrying a rose?" she asked with soft but amused. "It’s not for me, is it?"

Harry blinked, suddenly feeling self-conscious as he realized how silly it might seem. He cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "Uh, no, actually. I read somewhere—probably in a really old book—that it’s a nice gesture in pureblood families to bring a rose to the lord of the family. You know, to show respect… especially when meeting him about his daughter"

For a moment, there was silence, and then Daphne burst into laughter, a sound so light and full of genuine amusement that it made Harry both relieved and embarrassed at the same time.

"That must be from 200 years ago!" she exclaimed between giggles, her eyes sparkling with humor. "Oh, Harry, that’s so sweet of you"

Harry blushed, feeling slightly ridiculous. "I—well, I just thought—"

Daphne leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek, her smile softening as she pulled back. "You’re adorable" she murmured. "And you’re very sweet for thinking of that" She reached out and plucked the rose from his hand, twirling it between her fingers. "But I’ll keep this, thank you"

Harry blinked. "But… it’s for your father"

Daphne smirked, her eyes glinting with that playful mischief he had come to expect. "Don’t worry, love. My father doesn’t need a rose to know you’re serious about this. I’ll just make sure it doesn’t go to waste"

Harry laughed nervously, shaking his head. He was glad she was taking this so lightly—he, on the other hand, felt like he was facing another Triwizard task.

But then, as they continued the ride, Harry’s mind wandered back to the moment they first ended up together. There was something he had never told her, and considering how much he valued honesty with her, he figured now might be the time.

He cleared his throat again, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Daphne, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. About the Yule Ball…"

Daphne looked at him curiously, tilting her head. "Oh? What is it?"

Harry felt his face heating up again as he tried to find the right words. "Well, when I, uh, ‘asked’ you to the ball… I didn’t actually mean to ask you. I was trying to tell you that you had, um, toilet paper stuck to your shoe"

For the first time, Harry saw Daphne’s usually unshakeable composure crack. Her eyes widened slightly, and the faintest hint of pink crept into her cheeks. "Wait… you weren’t actually asking me to the ball?"

Harry nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, I was just trying to save you from some embarrassment, but before I knew it, you thought I was asking you, and… well, I didn’t want to correct you"

Daphne stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. But then, a slow smile spread across her face, and she shook her head, clearly amused. "So, it was me who brought us together, then?" she said, her voice teasing but soft. "I’m the one who made it happen"

Harry blushed deeper, nodding. "Yeah, I guess you did"

Daphne's smile grew wider, and she leaned in again, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "See? It was my magical sense. I’m always in charge, Harry. Even then"

Harry opened his mouth to argue, but before he could get a word out, Daphne cut him off with a smirk.

"Shut up, darling" she said, her voice commanding but filled with affection.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head in defeat. "Yes, honey"

The teasing glint in her eyes softened into something warmer as she settled back against seat, the rose still twirling delicately in her fingers.

Just as the tension in the air eased between them, the carriage came to a slow stop. The familiar sight of Hogsmeade greeted them as the door creaked open.

Daphne stepped out first, casting him a reassuring glance as she extended her hand. "Come on, Potter. It’s just my father. You’ve faced worse, haven’t you?"

Harry took her hand with a smile, though the nerves still churned inside him. "Yeah, but your dad’s scarier than a dragon"

Daphne laughed softly as they stepped out onto the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade together. "Don’t worry" she said, her tone both playful and reassuring. "I’ll be right there with you. And remember, love, I’m always in charge"

Harry and Daphne arrived at the cozy café in Hogsmeade, the same one where they had shared drinks after buying his suit for the Yule Ball. It was a quiet, tucked-away place, perfect for a private meeting, and Harry's stomach flipped as he spotted

Daphne, ever serene, laughed softly and shook her head. “No need. and from what I see dad has put privacy spells on. No one can hear us talking when we sit at the table”

“No one can hear me scream either” Harry thought grimly, swallowing hard. But before he could overthink it any further, they reached the table.

Daphne stepped forward first, smiling as she greeted her father. "Father" she said smoothly, "this is Harry Potter, my boyfriend"

Cyrus Greengrass sitting in a secluded corner. The man’s presence seemed to command the very space around him, with his tall, imposing figure and sharp, calculating eyes. Harry’s nerves spiked.

“Is it too late to ask for my rose back?” murmured Harry as they approached the table, thinking that perhaps the old gesture might help.

Cyrus Greengrass looked up, his gaze briefly flicking to Daphne before settling on Harry. His face was calm, but there was a sharpness in his expression, like he was assessing every detail of Harry's appearance and demeanor. Slowly, he stood and extended his hand.

"Mr. Potter" Cyrus Greengrass said formally, his voice deep and measured. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you"

Harry took his hand and shook it firmly, though he couldn’t help but feel as though Cyrus was somehow scanning his very soul through the handshake. “It’s nice to meet you too, sir”

The older man gave a nod and gestured for them to sit. Harry noticed the faintest trace of amusement in Daphne’s eyes as she slid into her seat, clearly enjoying his discomfort. She wasn’t nervous at all—in fact, she seemed to be taking delight in watching her father’s subtle intimidation tactics.

As they settled in, Cyrus wasted no time with pleasantries. He leaned back, watching Harry with that piercing gaze as though weighing every word before speaking. "I’ve heard quite a bit about you, Potter. Not only from my daughters, but from the rest of the wizarding world as well"

Harry nodded, unsure of how to respond. “I guess… a lot of people have opinions about me”

Cyrus’ lips quirked in the faintest hint of a smile. “Indeed. But I’m more interested in who you are, not what others say. Tell me, how are you finding the Triwizard Tournament so far?”

Harry cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. "It’s challenging, to say the least. Each task has tested us in different ways, but… I think I’m holding my own"

Cyrus nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Good. But the real test is often how we handle pressure and scrutiny from others. You’ve had more than your share of that, haven’t you?”

Harry felt like the interrogation had begun in earnest. Cyrus’ questions were probing, but beneath them, Harry sensed something deeper—an evaluation, as if he was trying to figure out if Harry was the right fit for Daphne.

“Yeah” Harry said carefully. “I’ve been in the public eye for a while. But I try not to let it affect how I act, especially with people I care about”

Cyrus leaned back in his chair, watching him closely for a moment before continuing. "Daphne tells me you’ve had some… interesting experiences with Sirius Black"

Harry tensed at the mention of Sirius but nodded. “Yeah. Last year, I found out the truth about him. He wasn’t responsible for what happened to my parents. He was framed"

Lord Greengrass raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. “And how do you know that?”

Harry explained what he had told Daphne before, about Peter Pettigrew being the real traitor, about how Sirius had been wrongfully imprisoned for years without a trial. He left nothing out, his voice steady as he recounted the events.

Cyrus nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening slightly. “It is true that Black was imprisoned without trial. Something rather unusual, even in such turbulent times. But, as you said, a scapegoat was needed to calm public opinion. and because his cousin was caught it was believed that Sirius Black was also on the dark side, since for what happened to the Longbottom family, those responsible were Black's cousin Bellatrix Lestrange née Black, her husband Rodolphus Lestrange and Bartemius Crouch Jr”

“Crouch?” Harry asked, surprised. “He was thrown in Azkaban too?”

Cyrus nodded, a glint of dark humor in his eyes. “Indeed, his son. Though if you’d like, I can send you a picture of young Crouch Jr. for reference—just in case you ever need to remind Bartemius of his son’s, shall we say, colorful history”

Harry blinked, caught off guard by the joke, but a smile tugged at his lips. “Sure, I’ll keep that in mind”

Lord Greengrass leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on the table. “I have a few political friends, Potter, including Amelia Bones, who might take interest in your story. A trial for Sirius Black would be a difficult process, but if we put enough pressure on the Ministry—and Fudge in particular—we might force his hand. And if it’s revealed that Fudge imprisoned an innocent man who’s also, practically, the current Lord Black, that could be… catastrophic for his reputation”

There was a subtle glint of satisfaction in Cyrus’ eyes as he spoke, and Harry realized that the man enjoyed political maneuvering as much as any pureblood family head. Still, the thought of clearing Sirius’ name filled him with hope, and he was grateful for Lord Cyrus’ offer to help.

“Thank you” Harry said earnestly. “I appreciate that”

Cyrus gave a small nod, but his sharp gaze didn’t soften. "It will not be easy. But I like a challenge"

Things seemed to be going well, and Harry was beginning to feel a bit more comfortable—until Daphne stood up, excusing herself to go to the bathroom. As soon as she was out of sight, Cyrus’ demeanor shifted. He still smiled, but there was a dangerous edge to it now.

“It’s good that you care about my daughter, Potter” Cyrus said smoothly, his tone still formal. “But understand this—I have no problem with the two of you seeing each other. However, if you ever make her cry, I will personally rip the skin from your bones”

Harry’s breath caught in his throat. He opened his mouth to respond, the blood draining from his face, but what came out was almost a reflex. “I… I can make a magical oath if you’d like”

Cyrus tilted his head, the smile on his face deepening slightly. "No need. I trust your word, Harry Potter"

Harry swallowed hard, realizing that this conversation was far more dangerous than any encounter with a dragon had ever been. Lord Greengrass’ threat wasn’t a joke—it was a promise.

Just then, Daphne returned, taking her seat and glancing between her father and Harry, as if sensing the tension in the air. She raised an eyebrow. “Did you threaten to rip his skin off, Father?”

Cyrus smiled innocently. "Perhaps"

Daphne crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "I’m telling Mum"

And for the first time since Harry had met him, Lord Greengrass paled. His face, usually so composed, momentarily lost its color as he seemed to weigh the implications of Daphne’s threat.

"That won’t be necessary" Cyrus said, his voice calm but with an underlying hint of urgency.

Harry stifled a laugh, watching the shift in power. For all of Lord Greengrass’ cold, calculated demeanor, it seemed even he had his limits—and those limits apparently involved Lady Greengrass.

Daphne, satisfied, smiled at Harry and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "See? Nothing to worry about"

Harry, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions, managed a weak smile. "Yeah… nothing at all"

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, in a quiet corner of the library, Astoria and Luna sat huddled over a stack of ancient books, their heads close together in deep discussion. Astoria’s usual energy seemed barely contained as she flipped through pages with enthusiasm, while Luna remained as serene as ever, her dreamy voice floating through the quiet air.

“We’re getting closer, I can feel it!” Astoria said, her eyes wide with excitement as she scanned through yet another book on ancient wizarding artifacts.

Luna, leaning back in her chair, twirled a quill between her fingers and looked up at the ceiling, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere. "I think we should talk to the lake people" said wiht her voice light, almost as if she were talking to herself.

Astoria paused mid-turn of a page and blinked, her brow furrowing. “Lake people? You mean the mermaids?”

Luna nodded, her large blue eyes still gazing into the distance, as if she were seeing something no one else could. "Yes, the mermaids. And perhaps the grindylows, too. The creatures of the lake know things, old things. They might know about the Aegis Chocolate"

Astoria, who had grown used to Luna’s peculiar ways of looking at the world, considered this for a moment. "You’ve… talked to the mermaids before?"

"Many times" Luna said with a soft smile. "They’re quite fun, you know. Not as serious as people think. They like to sing, and sometimes they tell me stories from the bottom of the lake. I’ve been speaking with them for as long as I can remember"

Astoria’s eyes widened, a smile breaking out across her face. “That’s brilliant! If anyone knows about ancient magical chocolate, it would be creatures who live underwater. They’ve probably seen all kinds of things lost in the lake over the years”

Luna gave a dreamy nod, her expression as tranquil as ever. “Yes, the lake holds many secrets”

Astoria’s mind raced with possibilities. “But we’ll need a way to breathe underwater if we’re going to talk to them. We can’t just swim down there and ask for help”

Luna, ever the optimist, didn’t seem the least bit concerned. “I’m sure they would understand if we couldn’t stay very long. But breathing underwater would certainly make things easier”

Astoria’s face lit up with another idea. “I know! I’ll write to my mum. She’s a potions master, and she knows all sorts of rare plants and potions. There’s probably something she can recommend to help us breathe underwater”

She reached into her bag, pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill. Without wasting a second, she began scribbling a letter to her mother, her hand flying across the page.

Luna watched her write with a soft, encouraging smile. “I’m sure your mother will know the perfect thing” she said, her voice warm and calm.

Astoria folded the letter neatly and slipped it into an envelope, sealing it with a quick flick of her wand. “I hope so! Mum’s brilliant at this kind of stuff. And once we can breathe underwater, we’ll be able to ask the mermaids about the Aegis Chocolate!”

Luna nodded, her eyes drifting back to the ceiling. "Yes, I’m sure the lake people will know something. They’ve seen things no one else has. And they might even have tasted the chocolate, if it’s as legendary as we think"

Astoria grinned, her excitement bubbling up again. "This is going to be amazing! We’re going to uncover a chocolate so legendary, entire families fought over it! And we’ll be the ones to bring it back!"

Luna hummed in agreement, her smile soft and distant. “Yes, it will be an adventure”

As they sat there, surrounded by books and their wild ideas, Astoria felt a surge of determination. Between Luna’s strange wisdom and her own boundless energy, they were going to figure this out. The Aegis Chocolate was out there, and they were going to find it.

As the carriage slowed to a stop outside Hogwarts, Harry stepped out first, his mind still reeling from the meeting with Lord Greengrass. He had survived, and surprisingly, it had gone much better than he had feared. Sure, there had been moments of tension, especially when Cyrus subtly threatened to rip his skin off if he ever hurt Daphne, but at least it hadn't ended with him being hexed. As Harry turned to help Daphne down from the carriage, he smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

Daphne, graceful as always, accepted his hand as she stepped down, her usual composure never faltering. Once her feet touched the ground, she leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek, her lips warm against his skin. "That went better than you thought it would, didn’t it?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Harry laughed, the tension from earlier finally melting away. "Yeah, I’d say so. But honestly, your family never ceases to surprise me"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, we’re full of surprises, Potter. And you’ve only met my father so far" She gave him a sly smile. "We still have to introduce you to my mother, but don’t worry—there’s time for that"

The thought of meeting yet another member of the Greengrass family sent a small shiver down Harry’s spine. If Cyrus had been an intimidating figure, he couldn’t even begin to imagine what Lady Greengrass might be like. "Your mum, huh?" Harry said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the hint of apprehension in his voice. "Can’t wait"

Daphne chuckled, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm. "Don’t worry. You survived my father, so I’m sure you’ll survive her. But before we get to that" she added, her tone shifting slightly, "you’ve got bigger things to focus on. The second task, for one"

Harry nodded, grateful for the change in subject. "Yeah, tomorrow we’ll need to start preparing for it. We’ve got to head to the library and figure out which spells are best for underwater conditions"

Daphne smiled, the kind of smile that Harry had come to realize was both reassuring and slightly mischievous. "With my help, Harry, you’ll be invincible. Trust me. And after the research…" Her smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a mix of playfulness and something else. "We’ll begin your training the Greengrass way"

Harry felt a slight chill run down his spine at the way she said that. There was something about the phrase "the Greengrass way" that made him feel both intrigued and a little uneasy. He had seen how strong her father was, how poised and confident Daphne herself always seemed. Even Astoria, with all her bubbly energy, had a certain air of power about her. The idea of training with the Greengrass family might sound like a good thing on the surface, but there was something about the way Daphne was smiling that made Harry second-guess himself.

He swallowed, forcing a smile. "The… Greengrass way?"

Daphne’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Yes. It’s how we’ve trained in my family for generations. I’m going to make sure you’re not only ready for the second task but that you’re more prepared than any other champion"

Harry gave a nervous chuckle, trying to convince himself that his unease was just his imagination. "Well, that sounds… promising"

Daphne stepped closer, her voice dropping to a soft, almost teasing whisper. "Don’t worry, love. You’ll thank me when it’s all over"

Something about the way she said it made Harry feel both reassured and slightly terrified at the same time. He was fairly certain that whatever "the Greengrass way" was, it wasn’t going to be easy. But at the same time, he trusted Daphne—she had helped him through the Yule Ball, after all, and had been by his side ever since. If anyone could help him prepare for the next task, it was her.

Still, her smile as she turned and walked toward the castle made him uneasy. There was something in the way she carried herself, as if she knew something he didn’t. And, frankly, that scared him a little.

"Are you sure I’ll survive this training of yours?" Harry asked, half-joking but unable to completely mask the concern in his voice.

Daphne glanced at him, her smile softening slightly. "Oh, you’ll survive, Potter. And when you do, you’ll be stronger for it" She paused, her hand reaching out to take his, squeezing it gently. "Besides, you’ve faced worse things than a bit of Greengrass family training, haven’t you?"

Harry laughed despite himself, his nervousness fading slightly at the warmth of her touch. "Yeah, I guess you're right"

As they reached the castle doors, Daphne looked at him one last time before they parted ways for the night. "Get some rest tonight, Harry. Tomorrow, we start"

Harry nodded, watching her disappear down the hallway. He couldn’t help but smile as he made his way back to Gryffindor Tower, his thoughts a whirlwind of anticipation and excitement. Whatever Daphne had planned for him, he was ready.

At least, he hoped so.

The next day found Harry in the library, surrounded by a pile of books and scrolls as he and his friends pored over any information they could find on underwater spells and the creatures that inhabited the Great Lake. The Bubble-Head Charm seemed to be the most accessible solution, offering a simple way to breathe underwater, but Hermione was determined to look at all their options.

"This could work" she muttered, flipping through another ancient tome, "but it doesn’t solve the problem of mobility. You might need something faster if you’re down there for a long time"

Tracey, meanwhile, was half-heartedly scanning a book titled "Aquatic Creatures and Where to Avoid Them." “D’you reckon there are merpeople in the lake, or just grindylows? Because grindylows sound worse, if you ask me”

Harry was about to respond when, out of nowhere, a burst of energy appeared in the form of Astoria. She nearly collided with the table, her bright smile and bouncy step making the quiet library seem suddenly alive. Luna followed behind her, as serene as ever, with a dreamy expression that contrasted with Astoria’s boundless energy.

"Hey! What are you all doing?" Astoria asked, her eyes scanning the pile of books excitedly. "Another secret project?"

Before Harry could answer, Daphne leaned over from her side of the table, amused. "We’re researching spells for the second task" she explained, her tone light. "Trying to figure out how Harry’s going to breathe underwater"

Astoria’s eyes lit up at the mention of the task. "Oh! Gillweed!" she exclaimed as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Everyone at the table, except Luna, blinked in confusion.

"Gillweed?" Ron asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. "What’s that?"

Astoria beamed. "It’s a plant that lets you breathe underwater! You eat it, and you grow gills—like a fish. Mum told me about it when I wrote her asking for potions for a project with Luna." She turned to Harry, eyes wide with excitement. "It grows near the Hogwarts grounds! You could find some, and the fresher it is, the better it works!"

Hermione, intrigued, immediately leaned forward, her eyes darting to her notebook as she scribbled furiously. "We’ll need to prepare a spell to keep the Gillweed fresh once we find it. That could be tricky, but I think it’s doable"

“I'll take care of that” Daphne said with a confident smile. “The Greengrass family knows a lot of growing spells; keeping it fresh and pest-free will be no problem”

Ron, glancing between Daphne and Astoria, frowned in confusion. "Hang on. If your family knows all about plants, why didn’t you mention Gillweed before?"

Daphne gave him a dry smile. "Because there are a million magical plants, Weasley. I can’t remember all of them off the top of my head"

"Fair point" Ron muttered, looking slightly sheepish.

Luna, who had been quietly watching the exchange, suddenly perked up, her large eyes drifting over to Harry. "You know, Harry" she said in her usual dreamy tone, "you could also learn Sirenio. It’s the language the lake people speak"

Harry stared at her for a moment, confused. "Sirenio?"

Luna nodded, her expression serious now, though still floating in that otherworldly way she had. "Yes, the mermaids and other creatures in the lake. You’ll need to communicate with them if you want to know more about the lake’s secrets"

Harry chuckled, thinking she was joking, but Daphne, sitting beside him, seemed to actually consider it. "That’s… not a bad idea" she said thoughtfully. "If you can talk to the creatures, it might give you an edge"

Luna reached into her bag and pulled out a small, worn book. She handed it to Harry, and when he glanced at the cover, he saw it was titled "A Beginner’s Guide to Sirenio: Basic Phrases and Vocabulary"

“Take it,” Luna said softly, her eyes twinkling. “I was going to help Tori study it, but I think you need it more now”

Astoria nodded vigorously. "Yeah! We were learning it for our own… um… project, but if it helps you with the task, go ahead! The lake people could be a huge help!"

Harry took the book, flipping through its pages. The language seemed bizarre, full of fluid, flowing symbols that reminded him of waves. He wasn’t sure if he could learn a new language, especially one like this, before the task, but it was something to think about.

"I’ll give it a shot" he said, feeling a little overwhelmed by the new information but also oddly optimistic. "Thanks, Luna"

Tracey, watching the whole exchange with a grin, leaned back in her chair, looking at Harry with amusement. "All you need now, Harry, is a secret training place, and you’ll be ready to take on the world"

Hermione and Ron laughed, both agreeing that Harry’s preparation was coming along more quickly than expected.

“One step at a time” Hermione said with a smile. “We’ve still got time before the second task, but we’re definitely on the right track”

Harry nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. With all the options they had at their disposal—Gillweed, spells, and even the possibility of learning Sirenio—he felt more prepared than ever. And with his friends and Daphne by his side, he knew that whatever the second task threw at him, he’d be ready. Or, at the very least, he wouldn’t be alone in facing it.

As they continued their research, Harry couldn’t help but smile. The second task still loomed ahead, but with each passing moment, he felt more and more like they were getting closer to cracking the mystery of how to succeed—and maybe even impressing a few mermaids along the way.

The next day after classes, Harry led Daphne to the Room of Requirement, his steps a little hesitant. Yesterday, after a chance meeting with Dobby, the house-elf had excitedly told him about the hidden, magical room that could change itself to suit whatever someone needed. It seemed like the perfect place to prepare for the second task, and when Harry mentioned it to Daphne, she had smiled with an unsettling gleam in her eyes and declared it the ideal spot for some "Greengrass style" training.

At first, Harry had been hopeful that Daphne's idea of training wouldn’t be too intense. After all, she’d helped him practice dancing for the Yule Ball, and that had gone fairly smoothly. But when they entered the room and it transformed into a vast training space complete with dummies for spellwork, weights, and even a pool, Harry’s optimism began to falter.

Daphne stepped into the room with an approving smile, glancing around as though the sight of it filled her with delight.

“Perfect” she murmured, tone far too satisfied. She turned to Harry, her eyes gleaming. “Let’s get started”

Harry swallowed, already feeling a sense of impending doom. "I thought we were just going to focus on spells?"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Of course, we’ll work on spells. But magic is only part of it, Harry. You need to be physically ready, too. Endurance, agility, strength—if you’re going to survive underwater for an hour, your body needs to be as prepared as your magic"

Before Harry could protest, Daphne clapped her hands, and a series of dummies lined up, ready for spellwork. She immediately launched into her instruction.

"Alright, let’s start with spell combos. Hit them with Expelliarmus, Stupefy, and then Protego. A two, one, two. Let’s go!" Her voice was sharp, commanding, and suddenly Harry felt like he was back in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but this time with an even stricter teacher.

He tried his best, but his movements were clumsy, his spells only half-effective. Daphne crossed her arms, watching him with narrowed eyes. "Come on, Potter, you can do better than that. A two, one, two! Do you think you'll win with that attitude? she barked, clearly not impressed.

Harry’s heart pounded as he tried again, his body already beginning to ache. His spells hit their mark, but Daphne shook her head, walking over to adjust his stance. "I’m doing this for your own good, you know," she said, her voice softer but still firm. "If you don’t push yourself, you won’t be ready"

Harry gritted his teeth and nodded, casting the spells again. This time, they were stronger, more precise. But just when he thought he was getting the hang of it, Daphne had him move on to physical training. She summoned a set of weights and pointed to the floor.

"Push-ups. Fifty" she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Harry blinked, staring at her in disbelief. "Fifty?"

"Yes" she said with a sweet smile. "And after that, we’ll do some swimming. You need to build your stamina, Harry. You can’t just rely on magic"

With a sigh, Harry dropped to the floor and started the push-ups. His muscles burned, and he barely made it to thirty before his arms felt like jelly. Still, he kept going, if only because he knew Daphne was watching his every move with that keen, critical gaze.

"Come on, one, two, one, two" Daphne chanted as he struggled through the last few push-ups. "You need to work harder, Harry. Do you think you’re going to win the second task with that little determination?"

When the entire training routine was over later, Harry collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. He stared up at the ceiling, wondering if the Greengrass family had descended from Spartans. Maybe Daphne had an ancestor who was King Leonidas—he wouldn’t have been surprised at this point.

Harry gulped down the potion, feeling a surge of strength return to his body almost immediately. He sat up, blinking as his muscles stopped aching quite as much. He was still tired, but the potion worked wonders.

"Now for the swimming" Daphne said, standing up and gesturing to the pool that had appeared in the corner of the room. “It’ll help your muscles relax, but we’re still going to work on your endurance”

Harry groaned inwardly but pushed himself to his feet, following her to the edge of the pool. As they slipped into the water, Daphne’s demeanor softened slightly, though her focus on training remained.

"You did well for your first day" she commented as they floated in the warm water, her tone a little more relaxed now.

Harry let out a deep breath, feeling a flicker of pride despite his exhaustion. "Thanks… I think"

"Don’t get too comfortable" Daphne said with a sly smile. "We’ll be doing this often. One day of training, one day of rest. So your body and magical core can recover in between. And we’ll keep going until the second task comes"

Harry’s heart sank at the thought of repeating the day's torture regularly. "So… this is going to happen again?" he asked, hoping he’d misunderstood.

Daphne’s smile widened, and there was a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Of course. Today was just the warm-up"

Harry paled. If this was the warm-up, he didn’t want to know what the real training would be like.

After they finished swimming, Daphne helped him out of the pool and led him to a small table that had appeared in the corner of the room. A nutritious-looking meal had been laid out, clearly something Daphne had planned ahead of time.

"I made sure to prepare something healthy for you" Daphne said, her tone almost casual as she handed him a plate. "You need to eat properly to keep your energy up"

As Harry sat down to eat, his muscles still aching but feeling slightly better after the swim, he tried to ignore the looming thought that Daphne had said today was only the warm-up. He forced himself to take a bite of the food, knowing he’d need all the strength he could get.

But as he glanced up at Daphne, who was watching him with that same confident, knowing smile, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and dread. She was relentless—but he knew she was doing this to help him, even if it felt like she was going to push him to his limits every single day.

“For surviving the training” Harry muttered to himself, taking another bite of food.

Daphne, overhearing him, chuckled softly. "You’ll thank me later, Potter. Trust me"

Harry wasn't so sure, perhaps training with the dragon would be easier than the Spartan training he was about to undergo.

Chapter Text

Harry had somehow survived Daphne’s brutal training regimen, and to his surprise, he had grown significantly in every way—physically, magically, and even mentally. His body was stronger, him endurance better, and his magic more focused than ever. There were days when he thought he might collapse under the weight of Daphne’s expectations, but he had pushed through. Even Astoria had jumped in to help him at one point, and if he thought Daphne was intense, Astoria was on an entirely different level. Harry was convinced that if Daphne was a Spartan in spirit, Astoria was King Leonidas reincarnated.

“Come on, Potter, again!” Astoria barked with surprising authority, her small stature not diminishing her terrifying presence. “You want to win the Triwizard Tournament, don't you, or are you afraid of a little water?”

Between the two Greengrass sisters, Hermione's rigorous lesson plans, Tracey and Ron's lighthearted but sharp strategic advice with a few examples of tactical chess, plus Luna's moral support and quirky advice, Harry was as prepared as he could be. He had studied strategies for every type of terrain, had learned to adapt to unexpected changes, and had trained himself to keep his mind focused under pressure.Now, only a week into the second task, Harry was in a very different position than he had been before the first. He was confident, more confident than he had ever been. His body felt strong, his mind sharp and his magic ready.

And today, as they sat together by the Black Lake after classes, Daphne looked at him with that proud, serene smile of hers, the one that made his heart beat a little faster.

“You’ve done well, Harry” she said softly, her hand resting on his arm. “You’ve grown stronger. You’ve prepared in every way possible”

Harry smiled at her, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at her words. Daphne rarely praised him this openly, and it meant a lot when she did. He could feel her affection in every word. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Daph” he said, leaning a little closer to her.

She gave him a look that was both soft and mischievous. “I know” she teased, but then her expression softened even more. “But now, with only a week left, you need to rest. No more intense training. You need to be physically relaxed and refreshed for the second task”

Harry blinked, momentarily surprised. After everything they’d been through, he had expected her to keep pushing him right up until the day of the task. But hearing her tell him to rest… it felt like a gift. “You really mean that?”

Daphne nodded, her eyes twinkling. “You’ve earned it. Besides, you won’t be any good to me—or the second task—if you’re completely worn out. You need to be in your best shape, which means rest”

Harry couldn’t help it. A wave of gratitude and affection surged through him, and without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. She responded, her hand brushing lightly against his cheek, and for a moment, the world around them fell away. It was just the two of them, the soft breeze of the lake and the warmth of their connection.

When they pulled apart, Daphne was smiling that playful, knowing smile she often wore when she had the upper hand. “You’re welcome” she murmured, clearly enjoying the reaction she’d gotten from him.

Harry grinned back, but in the back of his mind, there was still something nagging at him. Something he couldn’t quite shake. “There’s still one thing I haven’t figured out, though” he admitted, his voice growing more serious.

Daphne raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“I keep thinking about the second task… and I can’t stop wondering who they’re going to take as my hostage” Harry said, voicing the thought that had been bothering him for days. “I mean, the clue said I’d have to retrieve something valuable—something I’d miss if it were gone. But what if it’s a person?”

Daphne’s expression grew thoughtful, and for a moment, she was silent, considering his words. “It could be” she said finally. “It wouldn’t be unlike the Triwizard Tournament to use something—someone—personal to raise the stakes. It’s part of how they test you. They’ll want to see how you react under pressure when someone important to you is at risk”

Harry nodded, his mind running through the possibilities. Would they take Ron? Hermione? Sirius? DAPHNE? His heart clenched at the thought of anyone close to him being used as part of the task. “But who would they take?”

Daphne’s hand squeezed his gently, grounding him. “You won’t know until the task, but you’ve trained for this, Harry. No matter who they take, you’ll be ready. And besides” she added with a slight smirk, “you’re Harry Potter. You’re used to rescuing people”

Harry chuckled at that, though the worry still lingered in the back of his mind. “I just hope I can get to them in time”

“You will” Daphne said, her tone firm. “You’ve done everything you can to prepare. Now, you need to trust yourself. And remember—if the lake creatures give you any trouble, I’m sure Astoria and Luna will have some tips for you”

Harry laughed at that, the tension in his chest easing just a little. “Yeah, I bet Astoria would love to give me more training. Maybe drag me through the lake herself”

Daphne smiled, shaking her head. “Knowing her, she’d probably enjoy that”

It was late afternoon and the halls of Hogwarts were eerily quiet, the usual bustle of students had disappeared as Daphne made her way towards the Headmaster's office after saying goodbye to Tracey. Towards the Headmaster's office. She had received a summons earlier, and although she wasn't sure what it was about, something inside her told her it was related to the Triwizard Tournament. After all, the second test was tomorrow.

As she entered the headmaster’s office, her cool gaze swept over the room. Immediately, she spotted familiar faces: Hermione Granger, Cho Chang—Cedric Diggory’s girlfriend—and a younger girl who looked strikingly similar to Fleur Delacour. It took Daphne only a moment to piece it together. Four of them. Four champions. Each of them here because they were about to become someone’s hostage.

Daphne felt a smirk tug at her lips. So, I’m Harry’s hostage, am I? The idea sent a thrill through her. What would Harry miss the most? Me, obviously, she thought smugly, already imagining how much she could tease him about this later. Daphne couldn’t wait.

Hermione, standing nearby with a slightly confused expression, looked at Daphne. “I thought I was going to be Harry's hostage” she said, her voice tinged with surprise. “But since you're here, I guess that means I'll be Viktor's” Hermione looked thoughtful, as if the revelation hadn't quite sunk in yet. “We haven't talked much after the ball, though”

Daphne chuckled quietly to herself. It was clear now: each of them was the most important person to their respective champions. She glanced again at the younger Delacour, no doubt Fleur’s sister, and admired the girl’s quiet determination. There was something fierce about her, a stubborn strength that reminded Daphne of her own younger sister, Astoria. Veela or not, this one’s got spirit, Daphne mused.

Professor McGonagall, who had been standing off to the side, cleared her throat, gathering their attention. "As you may have gathered, each of you will play a key role in tomorrow’s task. You will be placed at the bottom of the lake, where your respective champions will need to retrieve you. I assure you, there will be no real danger—Professor Dumbledore and I will cast protective spells, and you’ll remain in stasis until your champion arrives"

Daphne listened carefully, nodding as McGonagall explained the situation. The idea of being in stasis wasn’t particularly comforting, but she trusted Dumbledore and McGonagall to ensure nothing went wrong. Besides, she had complete faith in Harry. He had trained relentlessly, both physically and magically, under her not-so-gentle guidance. If anyone was ready for this task, it was him.

"Of course" McGonagall continued, "you can choose not to participate. If anyone has any objections or concerns, they are free to leave now"

At that moment, Snape, who had been standing in the shadows near the doorway, stepped forward slightly. His cold, calculating eyes focused on Daphne, as though he were waiting for her to speak, to make a decision. "This is not something to take lightly" Snape said, his voice low and measured. "If any of you are uncertain, now is the time to back out"

Daphne met his gaze evenly. She had no intention of backing out. She wouldn’t abandon Harry now, and frankly, the idea of stepping aside and leaving Harry to worry about someone else in her place wasn’t something she was willing to do. She crossed her arms, with a expression resolute, as if daring Snape to say something more.

No one moved. Hermione, Cho, and even the young Delacour girl remained where they were, their determination evident in their eyes. Snape raised an eyebrow but said nothing further. McGonagall, watching them all, gave a small nod of approval.

"Very well, then" McGonagall said. "You will not return to your dormitories tonight. We need to ensure that you are all ready for tomorrow morning"

The room was filled with a quiet tension as the reality of the situation began to sink in. Each of them understood the significance of their role, and though McGonagall had assured them there would be no danger, Daphne couldn’t help but feel a slight thrill of excitement. Tomorrow, Harry would be coming for her. And she had no doubt he would succeed.

Just before they were escorted out, Daphne glanced at the young Delacour again. The girl’s face was set in determination, and Daphne couldn’t help but feel a slight kinship with her. She reminded Daphne of Astoria—young, bright, and full of fire.

As they prepared to leave, Daphne’s thoughts drifted back to Harry. He’s going to be so flustered when he realizes I’m the one he’s rescuing, she thought with amusement. The teasing potential was endless, and she was already planning what she would say to him once the task was over. This was going to be priceless.

I’m definitely teasing him about this, she thought with a wicked grin. He’ll never hear the end of it.

The morning of the second task dawned crisp and cold, the sky a pale blue as the students gathered for breakfast in the Great Hall. Harry sat at the Gryffindor table, pushing his food around his plate more than eating it, his mind elsewhere. There was an unsettling feeling gnawing at him, something he couldn’t quite place. As he glanced over at the Slytherin table, his unease deepened.

Daphne wasn’t there.

Neither did Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

Harry’s stomach twisted with sudden tension, his mind racing. He had expected to see Daphne smirking at him from across the hall, as she often did, her presence a quiet reassurance. But her absence, along with Hermione’s, sent alarm bells ringing in his head. He barely registered Ron trying to make small talk beside him, attempting to distract him from the obvious tension.

Ron, noticing his friend’s distraction, nudged him with his elbow. “Mate, you’re not eating anything. You need your strength”

Harry forced a small smile, though his eyes kept drifting to the empty seats where Daphne and Hermione should have been. “Yeah, just not that hungry” he muttered.

Just as he was about to voice his concerns to Ron, Tracey Davis appeared at the Gryffindor table, her expression unreadable but her eyes sharp. She leaned in, keeping her voice low so no one else could hear. "Harry, I thought you should know… Daphne was called to the Headmaster’s office last night"

That confirmed it. Daphne was going to be his hostage. Harry’s stomach churned at the thought of her being taken underwater, held somewhere beneath the surface of the Black Lake until he could retrieve her.

"Thanks for letting me know" Harry muttered, his voice tense. "So… she’s my hostage, isn’t she?"

Tracey nodded, her face softening slightly. "Yes, and she’s counting on you. But don’t worry. She’ll be fine. I’ll get the Gillweed for you—fresh—and bring it to you right before the task starts"

Harry’s tension eased slightly at that. “Thanks, Tracey. You’ve been a huge help”

Her smile widened, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Don’t get all mushy on me, Potter. Save that for when you rescue Daphne”

Ron clapped Harry on the back, trying to ease the tension in his friend’s shoulders. "You’ve got this, mate. You’ll crush the other champions. No one’s as prepared as you are. Remember all those spells you’ve been working on with Hermione and Daphne? You’re golden"

The clock was ticking down to the start of the second task, and as Harry gathered his thoughts, he knew that he would do whatever it took to bring Daphne back safely. He had trained for this, pushed himself harder than ever, and now all that was left was to execute the plan.

Ron clapped him on the back, jolting Harry out of his thoughts. “You’ve got this, mate. Just remember, they won’t make it easy—but neither will you”

Harry smiled, feeling the weight of his friends’ support behind him. "Thanks, Ron. I’ll give it everything I’ve got"

As the second task began, the chill of the Black Lake’s water seemed to seep into Harry’s bones. Standing at the edge of the lake, his heart pounded as he clutched the Gillweed Tracey had handed him moments earlier. He cast a glance at the other champions—Cedric, Viktor, and Fleur—all looking equally determined. But Harry’s thoughts were focused solely on Daphne, knowing she was waiting somewhere beneath the surface for him to find her.

He glanced down at the slimy plant in his hand and, with a grimace, shoved it into his mouth, chewing quickly before the taste could make him gag. The effects took hold almost immediately. Gills sprouted on either side of his neck, and a strange, tingling sensation spread through his body as his fingers webbed together, his feet transforming to help him glide more efficiently through the water.

With a final look at the other champions, Harry dove into the lake, the cold water closing over him as he plunged beneath the surface.

The world below was dark and murky, but Harry’s eyes quickly adjusted, and he began swimming toward the bottom with powerful strokes. His training with Daphne had prepared him for this; he moved swiftly, knowing how to dodge the various creatures that called the Great Lake home. As he swam deeper, he saw grindylows darting through the water, their sharp little teeth flashing in the gloom. He quickly maneuvered around them, determined not to let them slow him down.

At one point, a merman swam into his path, glaring at him with narrowed eyes. Harry, focused and in no mood for a detour, tried to sound polite by speaking sirenio but failed miserably. His voice came out as a garbled, aggressive rumble through the water. "Get out of my way merman!"

The merman’s eyes widened in shock, and without another word, he turned and fled, tears streaming behind him as he swam away to be comforted by his parents in his aquatic home.

Harry winced, realizing he hadn’t quite mastered the art of underwater diplomacy. But there was no time to dwell on it. He pushed forward, the dark outlines of the lake’s bottom becoming clearer as he neared his destination.

At last, he spotted the hostages. Four figures tethered by magical ropes, floating gently in the water, awaiting rescue. His heart quickened as he swam closer, recognizing the unmistakable blonde hair of his girlfriend, Daphne Greengrass. But just as quickly as relief filled him, so did dread.

Oh no…

Daphne's hair, which she adored and took meticulous care of, floated messily around her, probably ruined by the murky water of the lake since that water and the products Daphne used on her hair weren't very combatable to say the least. Harry couldn't help but imagine the wrath she would unleash on the judges for this; he almost felt sorry for them.

Almost.

Harry reached her, his hand brushing against her soft, yet slightly tangled hair as he carefully untied the magical rope holding her hostage. He took a moment to glance at the other hostages—Hermione, Cho, and the younger girl who had to be Fleur’s sister. Viktor had already arrived, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of him.

Viktor had transformed his upper body into that of a shark, complete with a massive fin and jaws full of sharp teeth. But his legs—still human—kicked awkwardly behind him as he swam. Harry had to bite back a laugh as he wondered why Viktor hadn’t transformed his lower body for better swimming. Then again, Viktor was Bulgarian. Maybe this was how they did things there. Different cultures, Harry mused with a slight shake of his head.

Cedric seemed to be doing fine, moving swiftly toward Cho, but Fleur appeared to be struggling. Harry suddenly remembered something he had read during his research—Veela were creatures of fire, and their natural enemy was water. This task, it seemed, was almost sabotage for the Frenchwoman.

Harry spotted some of the lake’s creatures circling Fleur, their interest piqued by the foreign presence of a Veela. Without hesitation, Harry cast a quick spell to camouflage Fleur’s scent, making her less noticeable to the hostile lake creatures. Fleur, realizing what he had done, gave him a grateful nod before focusing on rescuing her sister.

With Daphne now freed, Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and began the ascent to the surface. His powerful strokes cut through the water, and as they neared the shimmering light above, Harry felt a surge of pride. The weeks of training with Daphne—every brutal spell, every push-up, every second spent strengthening his body—had paid off.

Breaking through the surface of the lake, Harry pulled Daphne into the cold air, taking a deep breath as his gills receded. He hoisted her onto the dock first, and as he climbed out of the water, his legs shaking from the effort, he saw the judges watching them closely.

A few moments later, Cedric surfaced with Cho, and Fleur, despite her earlier struggles, emerged with her sister. Viktor, still part-shark, was the last to surface with Hermione.

As Harry helped Daphne to her feet, she blinked groggily, the effects of the stasis spell wearing off. When she finally met his eyes, her lips curled into a slow, teasing smile despite her obvious disheveled state. “You saved me, Potter” she said, her voice still a little breathless. “Guess I’ll have to thank you later”

Harry chuckled, though his thoughts lingered on her hair. "Yeah… but I’m not sure how you’ll feel about your hair after this"

Daphne frowned, running her fingers through the tangled, wet strands. She sighed, clearly displeased but not entirely surprised. "Oh, they’ll pay for this" she muttered, casting a dark look toward the judges.

Harry couldn’t help but grin. Daphne was fine, and he had completed the task. Despite everything, they had made it through.

As the judges began discussing their scores, Ron and the others rushed over to congratulate him. Astoria, bouncing on her toes with excitement, gave him a wide grin. “I knew you’d do it, Harry! But if you hadn’t, I was ready to dive in there and save you both!”

Harry laughed, the tension from the day finally starting to ease. "Thanks, Tori. Maybe next time I’ll let you handle it"

Luna, standing beside Astoria, gave him a dreamy smile. “You did wonderfully, Harry. I’m sure the lake creatures will tell stories of your daring rescue for years to come”

As Harry glanced at Daphne, who was already plotting revenge for her ruined hair, and at his friends, who had been there every step of the way, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. The second task was over, and they had all survived.

The announcement of the results was met with a hush across the gathered crowd at the edge of the Black Lake. Harry stood nervously beside Daphne, his heart still racing from the excitement and tension of the second task. His eyes flicked toward the judges' panel, waiting to hear how they would rank the champions’ performances.

Madame Maxime was the first to hold up her scorecard for Harry: a solid 9. Dumbledore followed with a twinkling smile and gave Harry a perfect 10. Harry’s heart swelled a little, but he kept his expression composed.

When it was Karkaroff’s turn, however, Harry tensed. The Durmstrang headmaster had been notoriously harsh on any score that wasn’t Viktor Krum’s. Karkaroff hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the scorecards. He glanced up and met Daphne’s gaze—a cold, sharp look that could freeze the Black Lake over. Her blonde hair, now tangled and soaked, seemed to shine with a wrathful energy. Harry almost winced for Karkaroff’s sake. The man’s hand twitched, and after a long, awkward pause, he lifted a card displaying a 7.

Harry blinked in surprise. He had been expecting a low score from Karkaroff, something to sabotage him. But no, it was clear that Karkaroff’s decision had been guided more by fear of Daphne than anything else. The man’s eyes darted nervously toward Daphne again, and Harry saw Karkaroff gulp slightly before averting his gaze.

Well, that explains the 7, Harry thought with a smirk.

The final tally had him in first place. Viktor Krum took second, and Fleur and Cedric tied for third. The cheers from the crowd filled the air, but Harry’s focus was on the sound of Daphne’s soft chuckle beside him. As the cheers died down, Fleur approached him with a grateful smile.

"You 'elped me save Gabrielle" she said, her accent thick but her voice warm. "Merci, 'Arry" Without warning, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Harry, startled, flushed slightly, but before he could say anything, Daphne spoke up, amusement evident in her voice.

“Well” Daphne began, stepping closer to Harry with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “I suppose I owe you a reward for rescuing me too, Potter”

Without any further preamble, she pulled him close and kissed him deeply. The crowd gasped, and Harry’s world tilted for a moment as Daphne’s lips pressed firmly against his. Her kiss wasn’t just a reward—it was a statement, one that left no room for ambiguity about their relationship. When they finally broke apart, Harry was breathless, and Fleur was laughing softly behind her hand, clearly amused by the display.

"Well, 'Arry" Fleur said, still giggling, "it seems you 'ave a very… devoted girlfriend"

Harry, still reeling from the kiss, managed to laugh awkwardly. "Yeah… I guess I do"

Daphne, however, had other things on her mind. Her gaze shifted away from Harry, and she locked eyes with Barty Crouch, who had been watching the scene unfold from the judges’ table. With a dangerous glint in her eyes, she stalked toward him, her damp blonde hair swirling around her.

"Mr. Crouch" she began sweetly—too sweetly, Harry thought—"I just wanted to have a quick word with you about how you allowed my hair to end up like this during your ridiculous task"

Crouch’s eyes widened, and he visibly paled as Daphne stood before him, her voice cool but full of underlying fury. "I do hope you have some recommendations for hair care, because this—" she gestured to her disheveled, wet locks—"is unacceptable"

Harry watched in mild horror and amusement as Crouch stammered an apology, clearly trying to find an escape route. He wasn’t alone in this attempt—Harry noticed that most of the other judges had already discreetly retreated from the scene, likely to avoid the wrath of the blonde Slytherin.

Not wanting to get involved in Daphne’s impending takedown of Crouch, Harry turned to Tracey, who was standing nearby, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"So… now that everyone knows Daphne and I are a couple" Harry said with a wry smile, "do you think we’ll have any issues?"

Tracey grinned, her eyes twinkling with Slytherin pride. "Not at all, Potter. We’ve been introducing the idea that you and Daphne were already together, little by little. So now, the news is more like old news. No one will be able to complain about it. Slytherins play the long game, remember?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, still slightly incredulous. "Really? So no one will care?"

Tracey smirked, her confidence unwavering. “Trust me. You’re dating a Greengrass, most people have already figured that out” She tilted her head to listen to 2 slytherim talk, where Theodore Nott was chatting with Pansy Parkinson. Harry listened just in time to hear Nott awkwardly ask, “So… Potter and Greengrass, huh?”

Pansy shrugged, looking completely unconcerned. “Oh, come on, Theo. How slow are you? They’ve clearly been together for months” Nott blushed, looking embarrassed, and Pansy gave him a condescending pat on the shoulder.

Harry turned back to Tracey, his eyebrows raised. "Wow"

Tracey grinned proudly, her head held high. "We’re not Slytherins for nothing, Harry"

Harry shook his head, feeling both impressed and slightly overwhelmed by how smoothly the Slytherins had managed this. They really do think of everything, he thought with a mix of awe and amusement.

Just then, Daphne returned, looking entirely too pleased with herself after her encounter with Crouch. She slipped her arm around Harry’s waist, her eyes gleaming as she leaned in. "I handled Crouch," she whispered smugly. "I think he’ll think twice before underestimating a Greengrass again."

Harry chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I’m not sure he’ll sleep again, to be honest"

Daphne smirked, clearly satisfied. "Good"

In a quiet corner of the Hogwarts library, Luna Lovegood and Astoria Greengrass sat huddled over a worn piece of parchment, the faint glow of sunlight filtering through the tall windows casting an ethereal light over the ancient script. The two girls, an unusual but surprisingly effective pair, were poring over the results of their latest investigation into the legend of the Aegis Chocolate.

"Well, that certainly explains the difficulty in finding it" Luna said, her dreamy voice floating through the stillness of the library. Her wide eyes scanned the notes she had made from her conversations with the merpeople in the lake, their secrets cryptic but revealing enough to lead them to the next clue. "The cave only appears during the full moon. Quite poetic, really"

Astoria, her usual hyperactive energy tempered by the seriousness of their mission, nodded vigorously. "A cave in the Forbidden Forest, Luna! That’s huge! We’re getting so close. And the fact that the Chocolate Wizard—the creator of Aegis Chocolate—went to such lengths to hide it... I mean, destroying all the recipes and hiding the last bar? That’s dramatic, even for a wizard"

Luna smiled serenely, her fingers brushing lightly over the parchment as she continued reading. "He must have been quite upset by all the fighting over his chocolate. It’s sad, really. All that conflict over something so delicious"

Astoria grinned, clearly excited by their progress. "Well, we’re going to find it! We have to. I mean, a hidden cave that only appears during the full moon? That sounds exactly like the kind of adventure we’ve been waiting for"

Luna tilted her head, her expression thoughtful as she considered the deeper meaning behind their findings. "Yes, but it’s not just about finding the cave. The legend says that only a chocolate lover with a pure heart can discover the last bar of Aegis Chocolate. So, it’s not just about skill—it’s about having the right intentions"

Astoria’s eyes lit up with determination. "Well, if there’s anyone who loves chocolate enough to qualify, it’s us! And I’m pretty sure our hearts are pure" She paused for a moment, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Mostly, anyway"

Daphne Greengrass had always been a figure of quiet authority within Slytherin house. Known for her icy demeanor and sharp wit, she rarely needed to assert herself openly—her reputation alone usually did the work. But after the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, things had taken a darker, more ominous turn. Barty Crouch had been found dead, and although Daphne had absolutely nothing to do with it, the timing of his death and her very public confrontation with him had created a swirl of rumors that she had... helped him along to his demise.

The Slytherins, in their natural state of suspicion and calculating judgment, didn’t say it directly. They never would. But the whispers spread quickly through the house. Some said Daphne had connections no one else knew about, others claimed she could cast curses so powerful they would leave no trace. And, of course, there were the theories that Daphne had manipulated events for Harry's advantage—securing his first place in the task by removing Crouch in a way that only she could manage.

It amused Daphne to no end.

Instead of calming the rumors or dispelling the notion that she had anything to do with Crouch’s death, she let them flow. Each new whisper only served to build her image as the "Ice Queen" of Slytherin, someone to be feared and respected. The more outlandish the rumors became, the more she leaned into the persona. It suited her, after all—Slytherin politics could be vicious, and an air of danger around her only made it easier to navigate the treacherous waters.

Today, as Daphne walked through the castle with Tracey Davis at her side, she could feel the wary glances from the younger Slytherins who crossed their path. It was amusing how quickly the entire house had begun treating her with even more deference than usual. They didn’t know whether to bow to her or flee from her, and it made every hallway encounter a game of subtle intimidation.

"You're loving this, aren't you?" Tracey whispered, her voice laced with amusement as they strolled.

Daphne’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. "Perhaps a little," she replied coolly, her voice smooth as silk. "It’s useful, isn’t it? No one dares question me about dating Harry now"

Tracey chuckled softly, but her eyes gleamed with mischief. "You know, I think they actually believe you’re responsible for Crouch’s death"

Before Daphne could respond, a seventh-year Slytherin boy, Malcolm Daimaku, appeared in front of them, his expression a mix of nerves and self-righteousness. His girlfriend, a dark-haired girl named Talia, was hanging back slightly, her eyes wide with concern.

"Greengrass" Malcolm began, his tone measured but uncertain, "I… I’ve been hearing things. And I think—well, I think it’s time someone questioned your loyalty to Slytherin. You’re dating Potter, and that… it doesn’t sit well with the rest of us"

Daphne raised a single eyebrow, her gaze locking onto Malcolm with a look that could freeze fire. She didn’t say anything, didn’t need to—her silence alone made the boy shift uncomfortably. Tracey’s smirk widened, but she kept quiet, letting the scene unfold.

Before Malcolm could continue his weak attempt at confrontation, his girlfriend, Talia, tugged at his arm with a frantic look. "Don’t do this" she whispered harshly, her voice barely audible. "You don’t want to provoke her. Not after what happened to Crouch. I don’t want you to be the next one, Malcolm!"

Malcolm’s face drained of color instantly, and he swallowed hard. His earlier bravado crumbled in the face of Talia’s fear and the icy glare Daphne continued to hold him with. Realizing exactly who he was talking to, and clearly thinking better of it, Malcolm paled even further.

"I… I apologize, Greengrass" he stammered, his voice shaking slightly. "I didn’t mean to question your… your loyalty. I was just… just concerned"

Daphne tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyes still fixed on him with a predatory calm. "Concerned?" she echoed, her tone deceptively mild. "How considerate of you, Daimaku "

The boy didn’t know how to respond. He nodded quickly, mumbling incoherent apologies before turning on his heel and grabbing his girlfriend’s hand. The two of them practically fled down the corridor, their fear palpable.

Once they were out of sight, Daphne and Tracey exchanged a look. For a moment, neither of them spoke, but the amusement was evident in their eyes.

Then, unable to hold it in any longer, they both burst into quiet laughter, covering their mouths to muffle the sound. Tracey was the first to regain her composure, wiping a tear of laughter from the corner of her eye.

"Oh Merlin" she said between giggles. "I can’t believe he actually thought you’d kill him"

Daphne chuckled softly, her eyes still twinkling with amusement. “I’m starting to enjoy this more than I should. But honestly, the way people react is a bit over the top”

“Oh, come on, Daph” Tracey said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, “you did go all Ice Queen on Crouch right before he was found dead. I mean, if I didn’t know you, I might start to believe the rumors too”

Daphne gave a small shrug, her expression shifting back to her usual composed, icy demeanor. “Let them think what they want. It makes things easier for me. People are less likely to get in my way if they believe I’m capable of… drastic measures”

Tracey straightened up, still smiling. “True. And it’s not like you’ve ever been one to care about what other people think, anyway”

“That’s correct” Daphne replied, her voice calm but firm. “And besides, the rumors won’t last forever. Eventually, people will find something else to talk about. But until then, I’ll enjoy watching them scramble”

The two of them continued down the corridor, their laughter fading but their spirits lifted. The power that came with Daphne’s icy reputation was undeniable, and she wielded it with the same precision as a well-cast spell.

As they passed a group of younger Slytherins, who immediately hushed and moved aside to make way for them, Tracey leaned over to Daphne, grinning mischievously. “Think we should start charging people for lessons on how to terrify others without lifting a wand?”

Daphne smiled. “It’s an art, Tracey. Some things can’t be taught”

Chapter Text

Now that the rumors about Daphne Greengrass had firmly taken root—especially the one about her involvement in Barty Crouch’s death—Harry and Daphne found themselves able to walk hand in hand around Hogwarts without anyone daring to challenge their relationship. If anything, the idea that Daphne might be capable of far darker things than simply dating a Gryffindor seemed to make the other students wary of interfering. For Harry, that meant they could finally enjoy a semblance of a "normal" relationship, at least as far as dating Daphne Greengrass could be considered normal.

They were spending more time together, and Harry quickly realized that Daphne’s version of a normal relationship involved plenty of strategic teasing, witty banter, and, of course, lots of kissing. They would steal moments between classes, lingering in hidden corridors or under the cover of the castle’s quieter corners, where they could be together without interruption.

One lazy afternoon, they found themselves sitting on a bench by the Black Lake, the water glittering under the soft sunlight. It was a rare moment of peace, with the usual chaos of Hogwarts seemingly far away. Daphne had her head resting comfortably on Harry’s shoulder, while Harry gently caressed her hand, tracing small circles along her skin.

The wind was light, carrying the distant sounds of students chatting by the lake's edge, but here on their secluded bench, it felt like they were in their own little world. Harry, feeling relaxed but curious, glanced down at Daphne.

"Hey" he began softly, his voice casual but tinged with curiosity, "I’ve been meaning to ask. How did Astoria and Luna become friends? I mean, they seem like such an odd pair, but it just works"

Daphne, who had been comfortably nestled against his shoulder, chuckled quietly at the question. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with fondness as she thought about her younger sister. "That’s actually a funny story" she said, her voice full of amusement. "It happened last year when Tori started her first year. She was, well, you know how hyperactive she can be" Daphne’s smile grew, and Harry couldn’t help but smile with her, imagining Astoria bouncing around Hogwarts like a tiny ball of energy.

"Yeah, I can picture that" Harry said with a grin. "Tori jumping all over the place, eager to explore everything"

"Exactly" Daphne nodded, clearly amused by the memory. "Tori wanted to get into all the fun games and excitement at Hogwarts. She couldn’t sit still for more than a second. Then one day, she overheard some girls from Ravenclaw laughing and talking about a really ‘fun’ game. And naturally, Tori’s curiosity got the better of her"

Harry’s brow furrowed slightly as he listened, sensing where the story might be heading. "Let me guess" he said, his voice growing more serious. "It wasn’t the kind of fun Astoria was hoping for"

Daphne’s smile faltered for a moment, noticing Harry’s tension. She shifted slightly, turning her face to plant a soft kiss on his cheek, a gentle reassurance. "Don’t worry" she said softly, "this story has a happy ending"

Harry smiled at her, his heart warming at the gesture. He relaxed slightly, letting her continue.

"So" Daphne went on, her voice soft but filled with an undercurrent of pride, "Tori followed the laughter to find out what was going on, only to discover that the game was actually bullying. A group of older Ravenclaw girls—fourth year, I think—were picking on a second-year girl just for being different"

Harry’s jaw clenched slightly. He knew all too well what it felt like to be bullied for being different. Memories of Dudley and his gang, of being shunned by the Dursleys for being "the freak" flashed through his mind. Daphne seemed to sense his thoughts and squeezed his hand gently, offering him another comforting smile.

"Astoria was furious when she found out what they were doing" Daphne said, her voice a mix of amusement and admiration. "She couldn’t stand seeing someone treated like that. So, she made a scene. A huge scene"

Harry’s eyes widened slightly. "What kind of scene?" he asked, now fully intrigued.

Daphne laughed, a genuine, soft sound that filled the quiet space around them. "Let’s just say" she began, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper, "there are still some five-year Ravenclaws who have nightmares about what Astoria did that day"

Harry raised an eyebrow, knowing that Daphne wasn’t exaggerating. Astoria might have been younger and smaller, but she had a fire in her that made her capable of much more than people usually expected.

"In the end" Daphne continued with a satisfied smile, "Tori caused so much chaos that the older girls were terrified of her. They returned all of Luna’s belongings in perfect condition and swore never to go near her again"

Harry’s expression softened as he listened to the story unfold. "So that’s how they became friends" he mused, a touch of admiration in his voice.

"Exactly" Daphne nodded. "Since that day, Luna and Astoria have been inseparable. Tori doesn’t let anyone mess with Luna, and Luna… well, Luna has her own unique way of grounding Astoria’s wild energy. They’re good for each other"

Harry smiled at that. "That’s a great story" he said, leaning back against the bench and pulling Daphne closer to him. "Astoria really stepped up for her, didn’t she?"

Daphne smiled proudly. "She did. I’m proud of her for that. She might be hyperactive and unpredictable, but when it comes down to it, she’ll always do the right thing"

Harry smiled, warmth flooding his chest. "She sounds like a hero" he said softly, imagining how Luna and Astoria must have bonded through that shared experience.

Daphne grinned, leaning back against him. "Not as epic as yours about getting on top of a troll to save Hermione, though"

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "I don’t know about that. Tori causing chaos to save Luna sounds pretty epic to me"

They both laughed, the sound echoing softly over the calm waters of the Black Lake. As they sat there, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s company, Harry couldn’t help but feel like moments like these—quiet, peaceful, and filled with love—were worth all the challenges they had faced.

And perhaps, just like Astoria and Luna’s unlikely friendship, he and Daphne were proof that the most unexpected bonds could be the strongest of all.

In the dim, secluded corner of the Hogwarts library, the air buzzed with quiet anticipation. Astoria, as always, was brimming with energy, unable to sit still as she leaned forward in her seat. Beside her, Luna sat with her usual serene expression, her wide eyes filled with dreamy focus. Across from them sat Susan Bones, a trusted ally in what could only be described as their newest "mission"

Astoria had set up this meeting after she and Luna had discovered the location of the legendary cave where the Aegis Chocolate was supposedly hidden. They had figured out the first part of the puzzle, but they still needed to prepare for the next step: accessing the secretive and elusive dark chocolate market in Hogsmeade. And there was no one better to consult on the matter than Susan Bones.

Astoria wasted no time diving straight into the conversation. "We need to get into the dark chocolate market, Susan" she said, her voice brimming with excitement. "We know it's in Hogsmeade, but we need the password and, well, everything else to make sure we're fully prepared"

Susan, sitting with her arms crossed, gave the two younger girls a long, thoughtful look. She glanced from Astoria’s hyperactive expression to Luna’s dreamy, faraway gaze, as though weighing the risk of giving them the information they sought. After a pause, she let out a soft sigh, her expression softening.

"Astoria, Luna" Susan began, her voice quiet but serious, "I like you both. A lot. Which is why I feel the need to warn you… the dark chocolate market is not a place to be taken lightly. It’s dangerous. There are scammers who will try to sell you cheap, low-quality chocolates at exorbitant prices. And worse, some of the chocolates they sell are cursed"

Astoria’s eyes widened, but instead of fear, they gleamed with even more excitement. "Dangerous? Cursed chocolates? That sounds awesome!" she practically bounced in her seat.

Susan raised an eyebrow at Astoria’s enthusiasm. "Not exactly awesome, Tori. People have gotten seriously sick from some of the stuff sold down there. You need to be really careful who you trust"

Luna, still radiating calm, smiled softly. "We’ll be fine, Susan" she said in her usual airy tone. "The Nargles will look after us. And besides" she added, pulling a small pouch from her bag, "the Weasley twins gave me these stink bombs. Just in case"

Susan couldn’t help but laugh at that, shaking her head. "Leave it to Fred and George to arm you with those" She glanced between the two girls again, clearly resigned to the fact that they were going through with their plan, no matter the risks. "Alright" she said finally, her voice softening with amusement. "Here’s how you get in"

Astoria and Luna leaned forward, hanging on her every word.

"The dark chocolate market is hidden in Hogsmeade, but it’s not in some shady alleyway or basement like you might think" Susan explained. "It’s actually inside a perfectly normal chocolate shop. You’ll have to go to the shopkeeper—the old lady who runs the counter—and tell her the password. Once she knows you’re looking for the ‘real’ market, she’ll pull a lever behind the counter, and a hidden door will open, leading you down to the market below"

Luna's eyes lit up, her dreamy gaze sharpening with interest. "What’s the password?"

Susan smirked slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "‘Kitkat of the sun’ Say that, and she’ll know you’re not just there for regular sweets"

Astoria’s face broke into a wide grin, already imagining the adventure ahead. "Kitkat of the sun. Got it. Thanks, Susan! You’ve just given us exactly what we need"

Luna, her eyes still sparkling, nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Susan. We’ll be sure to watch out for the cursed chocolates"

Susan chuckled softly, though her expression remained serious. "Just be careful. The market might be full of rare, high-quality chocolates, but it’s also full of people who wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of anyone who doesn’t know what they’re doing"

Astoria gave her a quick nod. "We’ll be on our toes! And if anything goes wrong, well, Luna’s got the stink bombs"

"Right," Luna added, holding up the pouch again. "These will sort out any trouble we might run into"

The three girls exchanged amused smiles before Astoria and Luna stood, already brimming with excitement for their next mission.

"Next weekend, we’re going to Hogsmeade," Astoria declared, her voice full of determination. "And we’re getting everything we need from that chocolate market"

Luna nodded serenely, already imagining the treasures they might find in the dark corners of the market. "The next full moon isn’t far off. We’ll need to be ready"

The weekend arrived with clear skies and a crisp breeze that made Hogsmeade look even more inviting than usual. Harry had been looking forward to this for days—a simple, relaxing date with Daphne, something they hadn’t had much of recently between the Triwizard Tournament. But today was different. Today, it was just the two of them, enjoying each other’s company without any chaos or interruptions.

As they walked hand in hand through the streets of Hogsmeade, the early morning sun cast a warm glow over the quaint village. The town was bustling with students and residents, but there was a peacefulness in the air that set the perfect tone for their day together.

They started the morning with breakfast at the Three Broomsticks. Madam Rosmerta greeted them with a bright smile, and they found a cozy booth in the corner, away from prying eyes. Harry ordered a stack of pancakes, and Daphne, ever the sophisticate, ordered tea and a light breakfast of pastries. As they ate, they chatted about everything and nothing—school, the upcoming tasks, and even Astoria’s latest wild adventure.

What do you want to do today?” Harry ask

Daphne leaned back, her gaze softening as she looked at him. “Honestly? I just want to spend time with you. We’ve both been so busy, and I want a day where it’s just us”

Harry felt warmth spread through his chest at her words. This was the first time in a long while that he could truly relax. “Sounds perfect” he said, smiling as he took her hand in his under the table.

After finishing breakfast, they wandered out into the main street of Hogsmeade, the soft breeze making the day even more enjoyable. Harry noticed how different it felt, walking hand in hand with Daphne in public. It wasn’t like before when they had to keep their relationship discreet. Now, with everyone aware that they were together—and, thanks to Daphne’s growing reputation, no one daring to question it—they could be themselves.

As they strolled past the shops, they occasionally ducked into small alleys or corners when no one was looking, stealing quick kisses. The thrill of those secret moments made the day even sweeter. It was rare for them to get time together without interruption, and they made the most of it.

Their first stop after breakfast was Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop, where Daphne wanted to pick up a new quill for her studies. While she browsed the elegant collection of quills, Harry watched her with a fond smile, still amazed at how effortlessly poised she always seemed.

“You’re really picky about quills, aren’t you?” Harry teased lightly, leaning against the counter.

Daphne gave him a playful look. “I like things to be perfect, Potter. Besides, if I’m going to write, I might as well do it with style”

Harry chuckled and wandered through the shop, his fingers brushing along the spines of books and rows of parchment. When Daphne finally settled on a quill—a sleek, silver-tipped one—Harry paid for it without giving her a chance to argue.

“You didn’t have to do that” Daphne said with a small smile as they left the shop.

“I know” Harry replied, his grin mischievous. “But I wanted to”

Daphne shook her head, though her smile lingered. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Isn’t that why you like me?”

“Among other things” she replied, her voice soft as she leaned in and kissed his cheek, earning a faint blush from Harry.

They continued their leisurely walk, popping in and out of various shops as they explored the village. Harry bought some sweets from Honeydukes, slipping a few of Daphne’s favorites into the bag while she pretended not to notice. They wandered through Zonko’s Joke Shop for a laugh, where Harry couldn’t resist buying a few pranks to prank Ron with later.

As they walked through the main street, their hands intertwined, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him. It wasn’t the kind of adrenaline-fueled excitement he was used to from the tournament or fighting off dark wizards—it was quieter, simpler, but every bit as meaningful. Just being with Daphne, laughing with her, sharing these small moments, felt like the most important thing in the world.

At one point, as they passed a small alley, Daphne pulled Harry to the side, glancing around to make sure no one was looking. Then, with a mischievous grin, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a proper kiss—not a quick peck on the cheek, but something deeper and more affectionate. Harry, caught off guard but more than happy to reciprocate, kissed her back, his arms wrapping around her waist.

When they finally broke apart, Daphne’s eyes were shining with amusement. “We should sneak off to empty alleys more often”

Harry laughed, his heart light. “I think we could make that a habit”

They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the quieter parts of Hogsmeade, talking and laughing like any normal couple. It was a rare kind of day, one filled with nothing but warmth and happiness. They found a bench by the outskirts of the village, where the view of the surrounding hills was breathtaking. Daphne rested her head on Harry’s shoulder, and he gently stroked her hair, content just to be with her in the moment.

"Days like this" Daphne murmured, her voice soft, "they remind me that it’s not all about power or status or what everyone expects from us. Sometimes, it’s just about… this. Being together"

Harry smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Yeah. It’s nice not having to worry about anything for a while"

While Harry and Daphne enjoyed their date in a different part of Hogsmeade, Astoria and Luna were on a mission—one that led them to the infamous dark chocolate market.

Following Susan Bones' directions, they had successfully made their way into the market using the password, “Kitkat of the sun” give to the old lady at the front of the seemingly innocent chocolate shop. The hidden lever behind the counter had opened a secret passage leading down into a dimly lit staircase, and as they descended into the underground market, Astoria’s excitement bubbled over.

"Finally, Luna" Astoria whispered, her voice full of anticipation. "We’re here”

Luna, as serene as ever, simply nodded, her wide eyes scanning their surroundings with an ethereal calm. "I can feel the Nargles guiding us" she said in her usual dreamy voice. "We’re on the right path"

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the market stretched out before them in all its chaotic glory. The air was thick with the scent of rich chocolate—dark, sweet, bitter, and every combination in between. Stalls lined the cramped space, each manned by shady figures offering exotic chocolate creations, many of which were far too expensive and, as Susan had warned, not as high-quality as they claimed.

It was clear that this was no ordinary chocolate shop. Here, in the hidden depths of Hogsmeade, deals were struck in whispers, and the finest (and most dangerous) chocolate goods were bought and sold in secrecy.

Astoria and Luna wasted no time. They expertly navigated the stalls, and although many of the sellers tried to swindle them with counterfeit chocolates and flashy gimmicks, they weren’t fooled. Astoria, with her sharp instincts, humiliated several of the scammers with quick wit and cutting remarks, while Luna’s calm demeanor disarmed those who underestimated her.

At one point, a burly man with a greasy apron tried to sell them "ancient enchanted truffles" that were supposedly blessed by chocolate gods. Astoria raised an eyebrow and leaned in close, her voice sweet but dangerous. "I think these are last year’s leftovers," she said, her tone mocking. "And if you try to sell us any more lies, I might just let my friend here introduce you to her stink bombs"

The man, clearly not wanting to deal with the consequences of crossing them, quickly backed off, mumbling apologies under his breath.

Luna, standing serenely by Astoria’s side, gave a soft smile. "That was fun" she said airily, as though they were merely picking out sweets at Honeydukes.

Eventually, after skillfully dodging more charlatans and scammers, they reached their true goal—a tiny stall tucked away in the far corner of the market. Unlike the others, this one was unadorned and unassuming, save for the figure who stood behind it: an old, bitter-looking chocolatier, his eyes sharp beneath his brow. His hands, though gnarled with age, were deftly working on some intricate piece of chocolate.

Astoria was about to approach when Luna stepped forward, her dreamy expression unchanged. "Mr. Wonka" she said softly, her voice carrying through the market noise, "it’s been a long time"

The old chocolatier, Wonka, who had been frowning at the two girls with suspicion, stopped and squinted at Luna. His frown deepened at first, but then recognition sparked in his eyes. "Lovegood" he muttered, his voice gruff but with a note of respect. "You’re Xenophilius’ daughter, aren’t you?"

Luna nodded, her serene smile never faltering. "I am. My father told me stories about you"

Wonka grunted, wiping his hands on a cloth. "He would’ve" he muttered, but there was a fondness in his grumbling. "Saved my life once, that man, though Merlin knows how with all those strange creatures he was always talking about"

Luna simply nodded again, as if she had heard the story many times before. "He spoke highly of you. This is my friend, Astoria Greengrass"

Astoria stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. Wonka gave her a brief nod before turning his attention back to Luna. "So, what are you two doing down here in the dark chocolate market? I don’t think you’re here for a sugar high"

Luna’s smile widened, and she leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "We’re on a mission. A secret one. We need the best equipment you have for something… special"

Wonka’s brow furrowed at that, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He let out a long sigh, shaking his head as though resigning himself to what he knew was coming. "I suppose Xenophilius would’ve sent you to me for something like this. You two aren’t just looking for chocolate, are you?"

Astoria grinned, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. "We’re after something much bigger than that. We’re going after a Legendary Chocolate"

At that, Wonka’s eyes widened just a fraction, but he quickly composed himself. With another resigned sigh, he crouched down behind the stall, rummaging through a large, heavy trunk that looked as though it had seen better days. After a moment, he pulled out two dark, gleaming objects and set them on the counter in front of the girls.

"They’re called Ebony and Ivory" Wonka said, his voice quiet now, almost reverent. "Hardened chocolate daggers—enchanted, of course. Nothing magical, no rune, no charm, no curse can withstand them. These will get you through anything that stands in your way"

Astoria’s eyes went wide, staring at the chocolate daggers as though they were the most beautiful things she had ever seen. "Merlin’s beard" she breathed. "These are amazing"

Luna reached out, her fingers brushing against Ebony, the darker of the two blades. "They’re perfect" she murmured dreamily.

Astoria, picking up Ivory, glanced at Wonka. "How much?" she asked, fully prepared to haggle for what they needed.

But Wonka shook his head. "No charge" he said, his voice gruff but sincere. "Your father saved my life once, Luna. Consider this my repayment"

Luna and Astoria exchanged excited glances, their smiles growing wider. "Thank you, Mr. Wonka" Luna said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Don’t thank me" Wonka grumbled. "Just don’t get yourselves killed chasing after that cursed chocolate"

Astoria grinned and slipped the Ivory dagger into her pocket. "Don’t worry. We’ll be fine"

With that, the two girls left the dark chocolate market, determination burning brightly in their eyes. They now had the tools they needed, and with Ebony and Ivory in hand, nothing could stand in their way.

As they stepped out into the open air of Hogsmeade once more, Luna turned to Astoria, her wide eyes gleaming with excitement. "Next stop: the cave"

Astoria nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "Next stop: the legend of Aegis Chocolate"

The night of the full moon had finally arrived, casting an eerie glow over the Forbidden Forest as Astoria Greengrass and Luna Lovegood made their way through the dense trees. The hyperactive Astoria led the way, her energy palpable even in the moonlit darkness, while Luna followed close behind, her dreamy expression never betraying the quiet determination she felt inside.

Armed with the legendary chocolate daggers, Ebony and Ivory, the girls were prepared for whatever the cave threw at them. They had been waiting for this night for weeks, and now, as they approached the ancient cave hidden deep within the forest, there was a palpable sense of adventure in the air.

The entrance to the cave shimmered into existence under the moon’s light, just as the legend had foretold. Astoria’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Finally" she whispered. "Let’s do this"

Luna nodded, her usual calm demeanor unchanged. "The Nargles are restless tonight" she murmured, her fingers brushing the hilt of Ebony. "We’ll need to be careful"

With a shared look of determination, they entered the cave. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of chocolate, but it was also charged with magical energy. The walls shimmered with runes, and as they ventured deeper, magical wards and traps sprang up to block their path.

But with the enchanted daggers in their hands, no barrier could stop them. Astoria and Luna sliced through the protections with ease, the daggers glowing as they dispelled the ancient magic. The chocolate monsters that lurked in the shadows—creatures made of enchanted cocoa, towering and menacing—were no match for their combined magic. A few well-placed spells, and the monsters melted away, leaving behind pools of sweet-smelling chocolate.

After what felt like hours of navigating the cave’s defenses, they finally reached the heart of the cave—a large, circular room with walls covered in intricate carvings. In the center stood a stone pedestal, and on that pedestal, encased in a shimmering magical barrier, was the last Aegis chocolate bar.

Astoria’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the legendary treasure. "There it is" she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Luna’s eyes widened slightly, though her expression remained calm. "It’s beautiful"

Without hesitation, the two girls moved toward the pedestal. Using Ebony and Ivory, they began breaking through the last of the protections. The magical barrier flickered and weakened under the power of the daggers, and soon, only a thin veil of magic remained between them and the chocolate.

But before they could grab it, a slow, mocking clap echoed through the room.

Astoria and Luna froze, their wands instantly in their hands as they spun around to face the source of the sound. From the shadows of the cave, five hooded figures emerged, their faces obscured by their hoods. The one in the middle, clearly the leader, stepped forward, pulling back his hood to reveal a sharp, angular face and cold, calculating eyes.

"Well done" he said, his voice smooth but dripping with sarcasm. "You’ve done us quite the favor, breaking through all the protections. We couldn’t have done it without you"

Astoria narrowed her eyes, her grip tightening on her wand. "Who the hell are you?"

The man smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "I am the leader of the Chocolate Syndicate" he said, his voice calm but menacing. "We’ve been searching for the Aegis chocolate for a long time, and now, thanks to you, we can finally claim it"

Luna tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "You want to steal the chocolate" she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "That’s very rude"

The man’s smile faltered slightly. "Rude or not, the chocolate belongs to us now. Step aside, and we’ll reward you with some of our other… fine chocolates for your trouble"

Astoria stepped forward, her wand raised. "No deal. We didn’t come all this way to let you steal what’s rightfully ours"

The man’s smile disappeared entirely, replaced by a cold sneer. "I was hoping you’d be reasonable" he said, his voice lowering dangerously. "But if you won’t step aside, you’ll die"

As if on cue, the other four hooded wizards stepped forward, drawing their wands. The tension in the room crackled as the two sides squared off.

Astoria’s eyes blazed with defiance, and she shot a quick look at Luna, who gave her a small nod of understanding. They weren’t going to back down. Not now. Not after coming this far.

"Looks like we’ll have to fight for it" Astoria muttered, her voice filled with excitement.

Luna, her dreamy expression never wavering, slipped Ebony into her belt and raised her wand. "I suppose so," she said softly. "Though it’s a shame. I thought we could all just share some chocolate"

The leader of the Chocolate Syndicate narrowed his eyes. "So be it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you"

Meanwhile at Hogwarts….

"Where is Astoria?" Daphne muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "She disappeared after dinner, and of course, she was with Luna. Those two are always up to something…"

Harry reached over and gently placed a reassuring hand on Daphne’s shoulder. "I’m sure they’re fine" he said, trying to sound as calm as possible. "It’s just Astoria and Luna being… well, Astoria and Luna"

Daphne sighed and turned her head to look at Harry, clearly not convinced. "But they’ve been sneaking around for weeks, and Tori’s been far too excited about something lately. It makes me nervous"

"She probably just found another one of Luna’s wild ideas to latch onto" Harry said with a small smile. "You know how Luna is—everything with her sounds like an adventure"

Tracey who had been lounging nearby, chimed in with a playful grin. "Relax, Daph. It’s not like they’re off fighting the chocolate syndicate or something"

Harry couldn’t help but laugh at that, the idea of Astoria and Luna doing something as ridiculous as taking on a secret chocolate cartel sounding far too absurd. He knew those two were capable of all kinds of chaos, but the chocolate syndicate?

Daphne, however, rolled her eyes at the mention of the fabled chocolate syndicate. "Oh, please. The chocolate syndicate is just a myth to scare children into behaving. They’re not real"

"Right" Tracey agreed, her grin widening. "Just like how house-elves are secret agents for the Ministry”

The battle in the ancient cave was heating up, though not in the way the five hooded wizards had expected. What they thought would be an easy victory—literally like taking candy from a child—was quickly turning into a nightmare. None of the wizards had read The Art of War, and if they had, they might have remembered one crucial lesson: never underestimate your opponent.

Astoria Greengrass, the younger daughter of a noble pureblood family, had been training since she could barely walk. Her hyperactivity was so extreme that her father, Cyrus Greengrass, had begun training her at the age of five in the rigorous and secretive "Greengrass way". Armed with a toy wand back then, Astoria had managed to cast spells with power and precision that should have been impossible. Now, with a real wand in hand and years of training behind her, she was a force of nature—swift, unrelenting, and with no intention of backing down.

On the other side of the battlefield was Luna Lovegood, whose calm, seemingly disjointed fighting style was like a master of drunken boxing. Her dueling was unpredictable, fluid, and appeared almost chaotic, but every move was calculated. Luna had learned to fight like she thought—outside the box. Her eccentricity often fooled people into thinking she wasn’t paying attention, when in fact, she was always two steps ahead.

The five wizards had no idea what they were up against.

The first two wizards, clearly overconfident, tried to take on Astoria and Luna head-on. They moved with a cocky swagger, their wands raised, firing off spells they believed would incapacitate the girls in seconds.

But Astoria’s speed was overwhelming. She dodged the first spell with ease, then fired off a barrage of her own. Her spells came rapidly—Stunning Spells, Disarming Charms, and Blasting Hexes—all with a speed that left the wizards scrambling to defend. They were completely on the back foot, unable to get their bearings as Astoria bombarded them relentlessly.

Luna, on the other hand, was more methodical in her approach. She allowed one of the wizards to take aim at her, dodging his curses in a way that seemed more like she was lazily stepping out of the way rather than actively dueling. Her wand flicked almost absentmindedly, sending minor hexes in his direction, but each hit with pinpoint accuracy. A Stupefy to the shoulder, a Trip Jinx to his feet—before long, the wizard was tangled in his own limbs, his wand slipping from his fingers as Luna’s final Stunning Spell took him out.

Within minutes, two of the wizards were on the ground, knocked out cold.

The other two wizards, now aware of the serious threat they faced, turned their focus to defense. They conjured magical shields and fired back as much as they could, but Astoria, with her years of training, didn’t give them a moment to breathe. Spell after spell bombarded their defenses, cracking and weakening their shields until they were barely holding.

Luna, meanwhile, moved with her usual grace, avoiding every attempt to hit her. With a simple chain spell, she bound the two wizards together, their wands falling from their hands as they were left powerless and stunned.

That left just one—the leader. He had been concentrating all his energy, his wand crackling with dark magic as he summoned something far more dangerous than any normal spell. His eyes narrowed in focus as he raised his wand and, with a booming voice, summoned a massive serpent of pure enchanted chocolate.

This wasn’t just any creature—it was a variant of diabolical fire, but instead of flames, it was a twisting, writhing snake made of molten chocolate, hissing as it lunged toward Astoria and Luna.

Astoria, ever the quick thinker, didn’t flinch. "Luna!" she shouted, her voice sharp as her wand flicked in rapid succession. Together, they fired off powerful freezing spells, their magic working in tandem. Frost began to form around the edges of the chocolate snake, the molten chocolate hardening as the freezing spells took effect.

The snake lunged one last time, but Astoria’s final spell hit it square in the center, shattering it into hundreds of frozen chocolate pieces that scattered across the cave floor. The leader, his face twisted in disbelief, realized too late that he was outmatched.

Before he could react, Astoria’s Stunner hit him square in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground. His wand rolled from his hand as he fell, unconscious like the others.

The cave fell silent.

Astoria lowered her wand, panting slightly from the exertion. She turned to Luna, who was already pocketing her wand with a serene smile on her face, as though nothing particularly unusual had happened.

"Well" Luna said dreamily, "that was rather exciting, wasn’t it?"

Astoria grinned, adrenaline still coursing through her. "I think we just took down the Chocolate Syndicate"

Luna giggled softly. "And they said it was just a myth"

The two girls approached the pedestal, where the last Aegis chocolate bar still sat, untouched by the chaos around them. Astoria carefully reached out and grabbed the bar, lifting it from its resting place.

"Mission accomplished" she said, holding up the Aegis chocolate triumphantly.

Before they left, they turned back to the unconscious wizards. Tied up and thoroughly defeated, they were no longer a threat, but Astoria wasn’t about to leave them there without some insurance.

"Do you think we should leave them here?" Astoria asked, glancing at the motionless figures.

Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "The centaurs are nearby" she said in her usual dreamy tone. "I’m sure they’d be happy to… escort them somewhere safe"

Astoria’s grin widened. "Perfect"

With a flick of her wand, Astoria cast a spell that alerted the nearby centaurs, who had agreed earlier to help with cleanup should they need it. Within moments, the centaurs arrived, their imposing figures entering the cave with a nod of understanding.

"We’ll take them to Hogsmeade" one of the centaurs said, his voice gruff but respectful. "They won’t be causing any more trouble"

"Thank you" Luna said softly, her usual calm radiating even in the aftermath of battle.

With the wizards delivered into the care of the centaurs, Astoria and Luna left the cave, the Aegis chocolate safely in their possession. They had won, and now, the legend of the Aegis chocolate had become their victory.

As they made their way back toward the castle, Luna hummed a soft tune, and Astoria couldn’t help but smile, feeling the thrill of their success.

Astoria and Luna, victorious and still buzzing with excitement from their recent adventure, returned to Hogwarts through a secret passage, their heads held high. The thrill of their victory over the Chocolate Syndicate, and the fact that they now had the legendary Aegis chocolate bar in their possession, made them feel invincible. However, as soon as they emerged from the hidden passage into the castle, they were met with an entirely different challenge: a very worried Daphne Greengrass.

“Astoria Iris Greengrass” Daphne's voice rang out, sharp and filled with concern as she stormed toward her sister. "Where have you been? And why are you covered in dirt? Did you roll in mud again?"

Astoria, her face streaked with dust and her robes stained from the cave, grinned sheepishly at her older sister, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well… not exactly mud" she said, trying to downplay the situation. "But we did manage to get the last bar of Aegis chocolate!"

Daphne crossed her arms, her eyebrow raised in disbelief. "The Aegis chocolate? Really?" She looked skeptical, though her worry was still etched in her features. "And what’s all this about you being in danger? You look like you’ve been in a fight"

Harry, standing beside Daphne, gently placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. "The girls are fine, Daph" he said soothingly. "A bit dirty, but nothing worse than that"

Astoria, always eager to share her adventures, grinned and held out the Aegis chocolate bar for Daphne and Harry to see. "We had to fight the Chocolate Syndicate to get it, but we won!"

Luna, standing quietly by Astoria’s side, nodded dreamily, confirming her friend’s tale. "Yes, we defeated them and claimed the chocolate" she said softly, her voice as calm and serene as ever. "It was quite an adventure"

Daphne, torn between exasperation and relief, sighed heavily. "Astoria… you’re going to give me a heart attack one day, you know that?"

Astoria merely shrugged, still grinning. "But we did it!"

Seeing the bar of chocolate before her, Daphne’s curiosity seemed to outweigh her frustration. "Alright, fine. Let me see this legendary chocolate" she said, her tone softening.

Together, the group made their way to a secluded spot in the castle. Astoria carefully unwrapped the Aegis chocolate bar, revealing its smooth, dark surface. It looked like any ordinary bar of chocolate—nothing about it seemed magical or extraordinary at first glance.

But as Astoria broke off a piece and handed it to Luna, followed by Daphne, Harry, and herself, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. Each of them took a bite.

The moment the chocolate hit their tongues, their eyes widened. Despite its unassuming appearance, the chocolate was incredible. It was smooth, rich, and melted effortlessly in their mouths, leaving behind an almost indescribable flavor. It wasn’t magical, but it didn’t need to be. The Aegis chocolate was, without a doubt, the best chocolate they had ever tasted.

Luna savored her piece with a content smile. "It seems the legendary Aegis chocolate isn’t magical after all" she said thoughtfully, her voice soft and whimsical. "It’s just… delicious"

Everyone laughed, the tension from earlier melting away as quickly as the chocolate itself. There was something almost magical about how such a simple thing as chocolate could bring them together, not through spells or enchantments, but through shared laughter and a sense of accomplishment.

They each took another piece before wrapping the chocolate bar back up, agreeing to save it for another special moment.

The next morning, the Great Hall was filled with its usual lively chatter as students gathered for breakfast. Daphne was sat next to Harry. Astoria was chatting excitedly with Luna at the Ravenclaw table, no doubt retelling their adventure to anyone who would listen.

Harry was reaching for some toast when suddenly Daphne, who had just taken a sip of her tea, froze mid-drink. Her eyes widened as she stared at the front page of the Daily Prophet, which had just arrived with the morning owls. Without warning, she spit her tea back into her cup, sputtering in shock.

"Daphne?" Harry asked, looking concerned as he leaned over to see what had startled her. "What is it?"

Daphne, still wide-eyed, shoved the paper toward Harry, her voice a mixture of disbelief and something close to outrage. "Look at this!"

Harry took the newspaper, his eyes scanning the front page. There, in bold letters, was the headline:

"CHOCOLATE SYNDICATE ARRESTED IN HOGSMEADE!! NOTORIOUS GROUP APPREHENDED BY CENTAURS!!”

Chapter Text

The morning was crisp as Harry, Fleur, Cedric, and Viktor gathered outside Hogwarts, standing before the towering entrance to the hedge maze that would soon be the final test of the Triwizard Tournament. The hedges stretched as far as they could see, dense and impenetrable, forming a labyrinth that twisted and turned into the horizon. The maze, they were told, was filled with obstacles—not just the twisting paths, but creatures and magical traps that would challenge them every step of the way.

Professor McGonagall stood alongside several Ministry officials, giving the champions a brief overview of the third task. "In this maze, you will face creatures selected by the Ministry" she explained "And by our Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid"

At that, both Harry and Cedric exchanged uneasy glances, their smiles fading slightly. They knew Hagrid all too well, and while they adored him, they were also well aware of his particular fondness for magical creatures—especially the ones that most people would consider terrifying.

Harry could practically hear Hagrid’s voice in his head, calling something massive and dangerous “adorable” It wasn’t exactly comforting. A quick glance at Cedric told him that his fellow Hogwarts champion had the same thought. Both of them could easily imagine Hagrid putting a dragon or something equally enormous into the maze, grinning and calling it harmless.

Harry swallowed hard, already feeling the pressure mounting. The maze was vast and unpredictable, and while he had faced dangerous creatures before, the idea of being trapped in a maze filled with who-knew-what was daunting. He glanced over at Fleur, who was listening intently, arms crossed over her chest with usual grace. Beside her, Viktor stood stoically, his expression unreadable as always.

After the briefing, the four champions were given a moment alone to talk before they would return to their respective training. Harry, Fleur, Cedric, and Viktor moved off to the side, away from the officials and the maze entrance, and gathered in a small circle.

"Well” Cedric said, breaking the silence with a wry smile, "I guess we know what we're up against now”

Fleur, standing next to Viktor, gave Harry a curious look. "Zis 'agrid... he 'as strange taste in creatures, non?" Her voice held a note of amusement.

"That’s putting it lightly” Harry replied with a chuckle. "We’ve seen some of the creatures Hagrid thinks are ‘cute.’ Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley”

Fleur smiled elegantly and said "I suppose we all ‘ave our challenges” she said softly. "But we can do zis. We must all prepare for whatever we might face”

Harry nodded, appreciating Fleur’s calm resolve. Since the second task, their relationships had shifted. There was less rivalry and more mutual respect. Harry had grown closer to Cedric and Viktor, having flown a few friendly matches with them to sharpen his broom skills. Even Fleur, who didn’t fly, had shown a newfound respect for Harry after he had helped save her sister in the second task. Fleur’s humor, though dry and elegant, had warmed Harry to her even more, and it felt good to have this camaraderie before the final trial.

"Any tips for the maze?" Harry asked, glancing around at the group. "I mean, there’s got to be something we can do to prepare. It can’t just be about luck”

Viktor, ever the strategist, folded his arms over his chest. "No. Is not luck. Is knowing creatures, knowing what to expect. We train for creatures we know, but maze… maze is tricky”

Cedric nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think we’ll have to sharpen everything—spells for defense, for finding our way through, maybe even for reading the maze itself. It’s not just creatures we’ll face, but traps, I’m sure of it”

"Agreed” Fleur said, her tone thoughtful. "We will need spells for many zings, to counter traps and obstacles. We must be quick, and we must be ready”

Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn’t worried about the creatures as much as he was about getting lost—or worse, getting caught in a trap that he couldn’t escape. They had faced down a dragons, but mazes with invisible dangers were a different story. He just hoped they weren’t about to encounter some of the bizarre creatures Luna occasionally talked about—like Nargles or Wrackspurts. Though, with Luna, he sometimes wondered how much of what she said was real.

"I just hope Hagrid doesn’t toss in anything too... exotic" Harry muttered, half-joking.

Fleur raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly would that be, 'Arry? Something worse than a dragon?"

Harry shrugged with a smile. "Who knows? Maybe one of those creatures Luna talks about—the ones that don’t even exist"

Cedric laughed, and even Viktor’s stoic expression cracked into a small smile. Fleur, however, gave Harry an appraising look and said "We will face whatever is in zere together. I believe we are ready"

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts as they stared at the looming maze before them and though they were competitors, there was now a sense of camaraderie between them that hadn’t existed at the beginning of the tournament.

After a few moments, Cedric broke the silence "Good luck, everyone. No matter what happens in that maze, I hope we all make it out in one piece”

"Luck will not win this" Viktor said, his voice low but determined "But skill… and knowing ourselves will"

Fleur, ever poised, nodded gracefully. "We will see who is ready, but good luck to you all"

Harry, looking at the three of them—Cedric, Fleur, and Viktor—felt a strange sense of pride. He no longer saw them as just rivals. They had all earned their place here, and he was proud to stand among them.

"Good luck to you too" Harry said, his voice quiet but filled with conviction. "We’ll all need it"

The secluded corner of the Hogwarts library buzzed with quiet energy as Harry and his trusted group of friends—the "Potter team" as Tracey had cheekily named them—gathered to prepare for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension, but mostly determination. They knew that this would be Harry's toughest challenge yet, and they were prepared to do whatever it took to help him win.

Around the large wooden table sat Harry, Daphne, Tracey, Hermione, Ron, and the dynamic detective duo of Astoria and Luna. Books were spread out in front of them—everything from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to obscure magical creatures guides and ancient texts on curses and traps. The possibilities of what could be lurking in the maze were endless, and the group was determined to be ready for anything.

Astoria, ever the hyperactive one, was bouncing in her chair, flipping through a large tome with far more enthusiasm than anyone expected for such dry material. "So, I’ve been thinking” she began with voice full of excitement "what if there’s a flying pig in the maze? You know, like the ones in those old fairytales!"

Luna, sitting next to him, nodded dreamily. “It would be a wonderful challenge. Flying pigs can be very difficult to catch, especially if they’ve been enchanted. But I was thinking you could take on something more traditional for a labyrinth, like Theseus’ Minotaur. he's known to guard a labyrinth, you know?”

Hermione looked up from her book with a frown, trying to bring some reality to the situation. “Minotaurs, even if it is Theseus’ Minotaur, are extremely rare. We’re more likely to see creatures like giant spiders, like the ones in the Forbidden Forest. Or maybe a two-headed snake; those are definitely something the Ministry could throw into the mix”

At the mention of giant spiders, Ron paled slightly and glanced at Harry. "Giant spiders? Brilliant. Just what I needed to hear” He shuddered, clearly not keen on reliving his encounter with Aragog and his family.

Tracey, leaning back in her chair, smirked at Ron’s discomfort before offering her own theory. "I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ministry threw in something really dark—like a Dementor. That’d be a proper test of mental strength”

Harry considered the idea for a moment, his face growing serious. "I hope not, but it wouldn’t be surprising. They used Dementors in the past…"

Daphne, who had been quiet up until now, leaned forward, her sharp gaze focused on the list of creatures and potential traps they’d compiled. "We need to be ready for more than just creatures. The Ministry, along with Hagrid, could set up animated creatures—like an enchanted Sphinx to block certain paths. They’re intelligent and can make things difficult with riddles or puzzles”

Astoria grinned at the thought. "A Sphinx would be fun! But I’d rather face something that we can fight, you know?"

Harry chuckled softly, finding himself relaxing into the familiar dynamic of the group. The pressure of the final task loomed large, but surrounded by his friends—his team—he felt more confident. Even the idea of facing whatever bizarre creatures or traps lay ahead didn’t seem as daunting when he knew they had his back.

But as confident as he felt, Harry couldn't ignore the subtle intensity radiating from Daphne and Astoria. Both Greengrass sisters had a Spartan-like approach to training, their family’s infamous methods pushing Harry to his limits time and again. Harry had grown stronger under their guidance, both physically and mentally. He knew the “Greengrass way” of training was brutal, but it had worked. And after surviving Daphne’s relentless regimen and Astoria’s hyperactive encouragement, Harry was starting to feel ready for anything.

Well, almost anything.

"You’ve come far, Harry” Daphne said softly, a small smirk playing on her lips. "But the maze will push you harder than anything you’ve faced so far. We’ll make sure you’re ready”

Harry met her eyes, feeling the intensity of her words but no longer intimidated—at least, not as much as he had been at the beginning of their training. "I know” he said "I’m ready to keep pushing. Whatever’s in that maze, we’ll be prepared”

Daphne’s smirk widened slightly, a glint of approval in her eyes. "Good. Because we’re not letting up anytime soon”

Astoria, ever the ball of energy, nodded vigorously, her enthusiasm infectious. "Right! We’re going to make sure you can take on anything—even if it's a flying pig or a Minotaur! One step at a time, Harry!"

Harry laughed softly, shaking his head. Astoria’s wild imagination never ceased to amaze him, but he had to admit—it was her infectious energy that often kept the mood light, even during the most grueling of training sessions.

Hermione, always the voice of reason, glanced up from her notes. "We’ll need to focus on spells that can disorient or trap magical creatures—Stupefy and Impedimenta for sure, and we should look into protective barriers as well. Depending on what you're up against, we may need to buy some time to strategize”

"Agreed” Daphne said "Defensive and offensive spells, as well as magical creature knowledge. We need to cover all our bases” She gave Harry a sidelong glance. "You’ve gotten used to our training, but the maze will push you further. Remember, it's designed to test more than just your ability to fight—it’ll test your endurance, your strategy, and your ability to think on your feet”

Harry nodded, already feeling the familiar weight of anticipation. "I’ll keep that in mind” and Daphne winked flirtatiously at him.

Time passed and the day had arrived when the families of the Triwizard Tournament champions were invited to Hogwarts to witness the final test of the tournament. The courtyard was buzzing with excitement. Harry, standing near the entrance to the castle, watched as the other champions greeted their families. Fleur, beaming as always, and her younger sister Gabrielle hugged their parents and joined them moments later, speaking in rapid French, full of pride and warmth. Cedric's family was also there: his father, Amos, beaming with pride, while his mother stood by his side with an affectionate smile. Viktor, his face softer than usual, greeted his family with the quiet joy of one who has not seen them for months.

At first, Harry felt a pang of loneliness. He hadn't expected anyone from the Dursleys to come. But just as that thought crossed his mind, he noticed a pair of familiar figures approaching from one side of the courtyard: Cyrus Greengrass, his tall, formidable figure unmistakable, but beside him walked another person. A blonde woman, elegant yet cheerful, much like an older version of Daphne, approached Harry with a wide smile. Her warm, welcoming aura instantly made Harry feel at ease. As she drew nearer, she extended her hand gracefully.

“You must be Harry Potter” the woman said in a bright, affectionate tone. “I am Artemisia Greengrass, Daphne and Astoria's mother. My eldest daughter has told me a lot about you” She smiled at him, her eyes shining with genuine warmth. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Daphne mentions you a lot in her letters, It’s lovely to see that you’ve been such a positive influence on her”

Harry blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her easy, cheerful demeanor. She was nothing like the formal, austere presence he had imagined—if anything, she was the exact opposite of her husband, Cyrus. He could immediately tell that some of Astoria’s hyperactive energy had come from her mother.

"Mrs. Greengrass—uh, it’s nice to meet you too” Harry stammered, shaking her hand. "Daphne talks about you and your family a lot too”

Artemisia’s smile widened and she let out a soft laugh. “Oh, I’m sure she does! She’s very much in love with you, you know. And please, call me Artemisia” She leaned in slightly and lowered her voice to a playful whisper. “I’ll let you in on a little secret: she’s been sending us letters almost every week, updating us on her favorite Gryffindor”

Harry’s face flushed, feeling both embarrassed and flattered and before He could respond, Cyrus Greengrass walked over, his expression noticeably less stern than the last time Harry had seen him. In fact, he seemed almost... friendly? But Harry, ever observant, caught the subtle red tint on Cyrus’ left ear, as if it had been pulled recently, and that only added to his suspicion. Something had changed, and Harry had a strong feeling that it had something to do with the woman standing beside him.

Cyrus cleared his throat, forcing a tight smile. "Potter" he began, his voice far less commanding than it had been during their first meeting. "Good to see you again. I trust everything is going well with... the tournament?" There was an almost forced politeness in his tone.

Harry nodded, doing his best to keep a straight face. "Yes, sir. It’s going well. Preparing for the final task now"

Cyrus opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Artemisia cut in, her cheerful voice overpowering his. "Oh, Harry! I would love for you to come visit us this summer” She smiled brightly, her tone making it clear that this wasn’t just a casual offer. "You’re more than welcome to stay with us—whether it’s just for a day or even longer! We have plenty of room, and it would give us a chance to get to know you better”

Harry blinked in surprise. He hadn’t been expecting such an open invitation, especially not this soon. He glanced at Cyrus, half expecting him to object, but instead, the man just nodded stiffly, his eyes slightly narrowed. Harry could almost see the silent exchange between the couple—Cyrus wanting to protest, but knowing better.

Artemisia’s eyes sparkled, and Harry couldn’t help but think she was enjoying this moment a little too much. She turned to her husband, her smile still sweet but her eyes full of expectation. "Isn’t that right, darling? Harry should visit us over the summer. It would be a wonderful opportunity for him to spend time with Daphne”

Cyrus cleared his throat, obviously suppressing whatever argument he had. His voice was tight as he responded, "Of course. We'd be... happy to have him”

Harry could swear he saw Cyrus glance at Artemisia's hand, as if expecting another ear-tug to follow if he said the wrong thing.

"That sounds... great” Harry said, trying not to laugh. He couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved that Cyrus was being held in check by his wife. It was clear now that Artemisia had more sway over the Greengrass household than Harry had first thought, and it was equally clear that Cyrus knew better than to challenge her openly.

But Artemisia wasn’t done. She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice in a mock whisper. "Don’t let Cyrus intimidate you too much. He’s still adjusting to the idea that our little girl has a boyfriend, but deep down, he’s very proud”

Before the conversation could go any further, Daphne joined them, slipping in beside Harry with a knowing smile. "Are you harassing my boyfriend, Mum?" she asked, though her tone was light and teasing.

Artemisia gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Harass? Me? Never!" She winked at Harry. "I’m just getting to know him. And telling him about our lovely summer plans”

Daphne shot her mother an amused look before turning to Harry. "Well, I guess you’ve met the family now” she said with a smirk, slipping her hand into his. "Sorry about that”

Harry grinned, feeling much more at ease now. "Honestly? I think I survived the worst of it already” he said in a low voice, casting a sidelong glance at Cyrus, who was now awkwardly silent.

Daphne laughed softly and moved closer to him. "You haven't met my mother properly yet, she won't let you go until she knows all about your likes” she whispered in a mischievous voice.

Astoria hugged her mother with the exuberance that only she could muster, as her mother also greeted Luna, while Cyrus stood a little apart, watching his family with a small smile. But then, almost as if sensing an opportunity for privacy, he approached Harry.

“I didn’t get a chance to show it to you before” Cyrus said quietly, pulling an old, yellowing newspaper clipping from his coat pocket. “But here’s the picture of Bartemius Crouch Jr. The man we talked about when we first met”

Harry, feeling a growing pit in his stomach, accepted the clipping and stared down at the photo. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the man in it—his thin, sunken face, the wild eyes. This was him. The man from his dreams, the one he had seen with Voldemort and Pettigrew.

Bartemius Crouch Jr.

It was all starting to make sense. The puzzle pieces he'd been trying to fit together were finally lining up. Crouch Jr. must have been the one to put his name in the Goblet of Fire. But if that was true... where was he now? Was he still at Hogwarts, watching over him?

Harry's hands tightened as he held the clipping, his mind racing. Was Crouch Jr. helping Voldemort with some overly elaborate plan that lasted almost an entire school year and could be ruined by a thousand different factors? Was he still here at Hogwarts under everyone's nose? Would he like a piece of Aegis chocolate? Harry's mind was racing with the possibilities.

Cyrus, still watching Harry, raised an eyebrow. "You’ve gone pale, Potter. Are you alright?"

Harry swallowed hard, trying to compose himself. He couldn’t let Cyrus or anyone else know what he had just realized—not yet. "I’m fine” he said, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about Mr. Crouch’s death. It’s strange how all of this has happened”

Cyrus seemed to study Harry for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn’t press further. "Indeed” he said quietly. "There’s much about Crouch’s death that doesn’t sit right with me, either”

Before he could continue, Astoria, who had bounded over from hugging her mother, threw her arms around her father with all the force of a charging hippogriff. "Daddy!" she cried, causing Cyrus to stumble slightly before catching her in a firm hug, laughing at her enthusiasm.

Daphne, noticing Harry's worried expression, walked over to him and pulled him away from the group to talk alone. She had that piercing look in her eyes that told Harry she already knew something was wrong. "What's going on?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern. "What did you see to make you look so... tense?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, but then knew he could trust her. He pulled her aside, away from the others, and lowered his voice. "Cyrus just showed me a picture of Bartemius Crouch Jr. He's the man I saw in my dreams that I told you about, the one who was with Voldemort and Pettigrew” She looked around to make sure no one was listening. "I think he's the one who put my name in the Goblet of Fire”

Daphne's eyes widened. She was quiet for a few moments, processing the information, her hand instinctively tightening around him. "Are you sure?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sure” Harry said. "And if he's been working with Voldemort, that means he's probably still at Hogwarts to keep an eye on me. If I could just look him up” He paused, his mind flashing back to something that had been in his possession all year: the Marauder's Map, with which he could find his name if he was at Hogwarts.

He looked at Daphne, a sudden realization hitting him. "I have the Marauder's Map” he whispered urgently. "I can check to see if Crouch is still here, right now”

Daphne's eyes narrowed in determination. "Then let's find out”

They quickly made their way to a secluded area of ​​the castle, away from the bustling activity of families arriving for the tournament. Harry pulled the Marauder's Map out of his bag. He tapped the map with his wand and whispered the familiar incantation, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good”

The map immediately came to life, revealing the detailed layout of Hogwarts and the names of everyone currently in the castle. Harry scanned the map frantically, his heart pounding in his chest as his eyes searched for the name Bartemius Crouch Jr.

And there he was in the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office.

Then they noticed another name in the room: Alastor Moody.

Daphne’s eyes widened at the sight of him as well. “Crouch Jr. is with Moody?” she said, her voice filled with disbelief. “But how… if Alastor Moody is a legendary Auror…”

Harry shook his head, feeling cold terror seep through his veins. “I don’t know. But if they’re together, that means something’s wrong. Either Moody is working with him or…” He trailed off, his mind racing with possibilities. “Either Crouch has him under the Imperius Curse, there’s every chance they’re in the same room”

Daphne tightened her grip on his arm. “We need to find out what’s really going on, Harry. This could be more dangerous than we thought”

Harry agreed. “But we can’t rush it. We need a plan”

The arrival of the Weasleys, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black (dog form) filled Harry with a sense of comfort he hadn’t realized he needed. Seeing the large black dog bounding toward him, tail wagging, brought a smile to Harry’s face, despite the tension building inside him. Sirius, in his dog form, nuzzled Harry affectionately, while Remus greeted him with a warm smile, clapping him on the shoulder.

"We’re here for you, Harry” Remus said kindly. "You’ve come so far already. We know you’re going to do great in the last task”

Harry’s smile faltered for a second, his thoughts drifting back to the map, to what he had seen. His gaze flicked down to Sirius, who was sitting by his side, and then back to Remus. The knot of anxiety in his stomach tightened. He needed to tell them.

"Remus” Harry began, his voice low enough that no one else could hear. "I found something... on the Marauder's Map”

Remus' smile faded as he leaned in, concern etched into his features. Sirius, still in his dog form, perked up, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity.

"What did you find, Harry?" Remus asked.

Harry looked around to make sure no one was listening, then quickly explained, "I saw Bartemius Crouch Jr. on the map. He's here at Hogwarts, he's the Death Eater who put my name in the Goblet. And he's... with Moody”

Remus froze for a moment, his eyes widening in disbelief. Sirius let out a low, rumbling growl, clearly understanding the weight of Harry’s words. The two of them shared a look, and in that silent exchange, Harry knew they had come to the same conclusion he had.

"We need to tell Dumbledore immediately” Remus said, his voice tense. "This is serious, Harry. If Crouch Jr. is impersonating Moody or controlling him somehow, It could explain everything about your name in the Goblet”

Sirius barked in agreement, his tail still but his eyes full of urgency, and Harry handed the Marauder’s Map to Remus

Remus nodded, folding the map carefully. "Stay safe, Harry. We’ll find Dumbledore and make sure he knows what’s going on”

With that, Remus and Sirius quickly left, disappearing into the shadows as they hurried off toward the castle, but before Harry could relax, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Potter” growled Alastor Moody, limping toward him with his magical eye whirling in its socket. "Come with me. I need to brief you on a few of the creatures you might encounter in the maze”

Harry’s heart skipped a beat, his mind immediately flashing back to the map. Crouch Jr. was with Moody. Was the man standing in front of him really Moody, or was it Crouch Jr. in disguise? Harry's instincts screamed at him to be careful.

But Harry kept his face neutral, nodding and following Moody, trying to buy time. "Sure, Professor” he said, keeping his voice steady. "Lead the way”

As they walked, Harry glanced back over his shoulder and caught Daphne's eye. She stood a few feet away, her expression full of suspicion. She mouthed the words, Are you okay?

Harry subtly shook his head. He needed her help—there was no way he was going to walk into Moody’s office alone, not without a backup plan. He quickly motioned with his hand for her to go find Hermione.

Daphne, quick and sharp as ever, understood immediately. She agreed, her expression determined. Before Harry could say anything else, she turned and ran off, heading straight for Hermione. Harry knew exactly what she was going to do: she would go to Gryffindor Tower, grab her Invisibility Cloak, and use it to follow him undetected so she could take advantage of the element of surprise. As Harry followed Moody toward his office, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him inside. If Crouch Jr. was hiding there, Harry would need to play it cool until Daphne could get into position with the cloak. For now, he just had to stall.

“So, what kind of creatures should I expect in the maze?” Harry asked when they reached the office, trying to sound casual, even though his heart was pounding in his chest.

Moody leaned forward, his gnarled hand tapping the surface of his desk. "Nasty ones. Skrewts, acromantulas, maybe even some boggarts to mess with your head. You’ve got to be on your guard at all times. And don’t forget—constant vigilance” His magical eye never left Harry, scanning him intently.

Harry sensed something was wrong by the way he was staring at him so intently, and then thanks to his reflexes from his training in "Greengrass way", Harry managed to dodge the Obliviate spell, his reflexes sharper than ever. He moved quickly, dodging the spell as it whizzed past his ear, and quickly grabbed his wand to face Moody.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" Moody snapped, his voice full of controlled fury. "I heard everything. But don't worry, Potter” he sneered, his voice full of malevolence. "I just need to erase the last few hours, and that's it. You'll go back to being the little puppet you've been all year. You'll win that silly cup in this joke tournament, and the Dark Lord will return, as he should”

Harry’s wand was already in his hand, his mind racing. There was no way he was going to let Crouch wipe his memory. His training with Daphne had prepared him for this; he wasn’t going to lose now. Not when the truth was so close.

Without hesitation, Harry charged into the duel, his wand slicing through the air as he unleashed a barrage of spells. Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Impedimenta! Each spell came at Moody, but the man dodged and blocked with practiced ease, his years of combat showing in his fluid movements.

“You think you can beat me, Potter?” he sneered, firing a powerful wind-cutting spell in return. Harry crouched behind a desk, the spell shattering a chair behind him. “I’ve spent years fighting! You’re nothing but a schoolboy!”

Harry gritted his teeth. He couldn't beat him head on, his mind went into overdrive and he saw a chair near the corner of the room. With a quick flick of his wand he sent it flying towards Moody, the man dodged it with ease but Harry wasn't done yet. By the time Moody turned Harry had positioned himself between him and the chair, Harry yelled "Accio, chair!"

The chair crashed into Crouch from behind, knocking him off balance. In that brief moment Harry cast a recognition spell and to see if Crouch Jr was in the room, what he saw chilled his blood. There was someone in the locked chest, it had to be the real Alastor Moody.

Harry's heart was pounding as the truth hit him like a freight train. The real Professor Moody had been trapped in the chest all this time, and Crouch Jr. must have been posing as him for months after he was locked away, his cover being the Death Eater Bartemius Crouch Junior.

“You are Crouch Jr” Harry said, his voice firm despite the chaos around them. “You are the one who put my name in the Goblet of Fire”

Crouch Jr. stood up quickly, his expression distorted with fury. “So what if I am? Enough of this game, Potter” he spat, his voice laced with malice. “If I have to take your corpse to the Dark Lord, so be it!” He raised his wand and began firing a volley of deadly curses, the air crackling with dark energy.

Harry’s training kicked in once more as he deflected and countered spells with precise movements. The room filled with the sound of smashing furniture and the crackle of magic as Crouch’s attacks came faster and harder. Each time Harry blocked a spell, Crouch sent another, more vicious than the last. Harry held his ground, but the relentless attack left little room for counterattack and it became a battle of attrition.

Then, with a quick spin, Harry cast a Protego that deflected one of Crouch's curses straight at the window, shattering it into a hundred pieces. Shards of glass flew through the air, glistening in the dim light of the office. Harry, thinking quickly, enchanted the shards with a quick spell, sending them flying towards the ceiling.

"Lumos Maxima!" Harry shouted, throwing an intense light into the room, reflecting off the glass shards. The room was suddenly filled with blinding lights like a series of flash grenades, forcing the Death Eater to shield his eyes with a growl of frustration.

Seizing the opportunity, Harry with his eyes closed raised his wand pointed at where Crouch Jr. was standing and cast Expelliarmus. The spell hit its mark, and Crouch Jr.'s wand flew from his hand, falling to the floor with a crash.

But before Crouch Jr. could recover, something even more unexpected happened. The door creaked open just enough for someone to enter, unseen. Daphne, moving silently under the invisibility cloak, had finally arrived. She wasted no time: she pulled out her wand and cast Stupefy on Crouch Jr before he noticed her presence. The red beam of light hit him full on and the Death Eater collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Harry blinked in surprise, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline of the duel. Daphne pulled off her cloak, revealing herself with a triumphant smile. “It took me quite a while to get in” her voice light despite the tension. “That door had some nasty wards on it”

Harry exhaled, his body finally relaxing as he looked at the dazed figure of Barty Crouch Jr. “Thank you” he said, giving her a grateful smile. “I don’t know how much longer I could have held him off”

Daphne leaned in close and kissed him on the lips. “Well, you did a good job” Then, with a flick of her wand, she conjured ropes to tie Crouch to a nearby chair, securing him firmly.

As Harry and Daphne stood in Moody’s—Crouch Jr.’s—office, breathing heavily from the battle they had just won, the door burst open, and a group of familiar figures entered. Remus, Sirius (now in human form), Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape hurried in, their faces a mix of surprise and urgency.

Dumbledore’s sharp blue eyes immediately fell on the unconscious figure of Barty Crouch Jr., tied to the chair. His expression was grim, but there was a spark of relief in his gaze as he saw Harry and Daphne unharmed.

"Harry, Miss Greengrass” Dumbledore said with calm authority, stepping forward, "you have done an extraordinary thing here tonight. Thank you both for your bravery”

Sirius, with a broad grin, crossed the room in quick strides and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Well done, Harry! I knew you had it in you” he said, pride evident in his voice. He glanced at Daphne with a nod. "And you, Miss Greengrass—excellent work”

Daphne, usually cool and composed, gave a small smile, nodding in acknowledgment, though her eyes remained focused on Crouch Jr.

Remus, standing beside Sirius, looked at the tied Death Eater and then at Harry. "We came as soon as we could, but it seems you handled this well”

Before more could be said, Dumbledore turned his attention to Crouch Jr. "Now, we must find out the truth”

Snape, who had been lingering in the background, stepped forward, pulling a small vial from his robes. He opened the lid, and the room filled with the sharp scent of Veritaserum.

"Three drops should be enough” Snape said in his low, drawling voice, approaching Crouch Jr. He tilted Crouch’s head back and let three drops of the truth serum fall into his open mouth. Crouch stirred slightly but could not resist, his exhaustion both physical and magical after the duel too much for him to fight against the potent potion.

Dumbledore stood before the bound Death Eater, his expression severe. "We shall begin” he said. His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of intensity that none of them missed.

He turned to Crouch Jr., who was starting to come around, his eyelids fluttering as the Veritaserum took effect.

"Are you Bartemius Crouch Jr.?" Dumbledore asked, his voice echoing through the room.

Crouch’s head lolled slightly, but he nodded, his voice sluggish as he answered, "Yes”

Dumbledore's eyes flickered with confirmation. He continued, "Did you put Harry Potter’s name in the Goblet of Fire?"

"Yes” Crouch Jr answered again.

"Why?" Dumbledore asked more measured now. "Did you do it to help your master return?"

There was a pause, and then, with a sickening smile, Crouch Jr. answered "Yes”

Harry’s heart pounded in his chest. The tension in the room thickened, and everyone was hanging on Crouch’s every word. The weight of what this meant pressed down on Harry’s mind. This was it—the truth he had been waiting for.

Dumbledore’s voice softened slightly, but his eyes were steely. "Is your master at Hogwarts?"

Crouch Jr. laughed, a hollow sound that sent a shiver down Harry’s spine. "No” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching in a twisted grin.

Harry, without thinking, stepped forward, his eyes burning with anger as he recalled his dreams in that strange house. “Is he in his family home?”

Crouch Jr. turned his head slowly towards Harry, and for a brief moment, a flicker of resistance appeared in his eyes. But the truth serum was too strong. “Yes” he replied.

Dumbledore’s face tightened as he processed the information. “Is that Riddle Manor?” he asked in a deep voice.

Crouch Jr. gritted his teeth as if trying to resist, but once again, the truth was torn from his grasp. “Yes”

Dumbledore's eyes flashed with understanding. "And your master... is he in the form of a something like a baby?"

Crouch Jr. nodded slowly, a twisted smile playing on his lips, as though the thought amused him. "Yes. He is weak now... but not for long. Soon, he will return”

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Crouch Jr.'s words hanging heavily in the air. Harry could feel his pulse in his ears as he stared at the man before him. Voldemort was alive, hiding at Riddle Manor, waiting for his chance to return to power.

"This changes everything” Dumbledore murmured, more to himself than to the others. His sharp eyes were already calculating the next steps, but Harry could see the flicker of determination behind them. After a pause, Dumbledore turned back to Crouch Jr. for a few more questions, gathering all the information he could.

It was then that they learned of the final, crucial detail: Crouch Jr. had tampered with the Portkey in the maze—the Triwizard Cup itself. Whoever touched it would be transported straight to the graveyard near Riddle Manor, where Voldemort awaited.

McGonagall gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "We must call the Aurors, Albus” her voice filled with urgency.

But Dumbledore raised a hand, stopping her. "Not yet, Minerva. We must play this carefully”

Before McGonagall could protest, Dumbledore explained, "We need to make sure Voldemort does not become aware that we know his plan. If we act too quickly, he will slip away, and we will lose this opportunity. We must pretend to play along”

McGonagall frowned. "But surely—"

Dumbledore shook his head. "We will erase this conversation from Crouch Jr.'s memory. He will not remember revealing any of this. For now, we must proceed with the tournament as planned, while a small group of us will go to Riddle Manor during the third task and take Voldemort by surprise while he is still vulnerable in his weakened form”

Harry’s eyes widened. "A surprise attack?" he asked. "You’re going to go after Voldemort—now?"

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Yes, Harry. While the third task is being carried out, a select few of us will take the opportunity to confront him and, hopefully, stop him before he regains his full power”

Sirius immediately stepped forward, his voice determined. "I’m going with you”

Remus nodded beside him. "As am I”

Dumbledore gave them both an approving look. "I expected no less” He turned to Snape, who gave a curt nod in agreement, his expression unreadable.

"And I will oversee the tournament and ensure that the students remain safe” McGonagall said firmly. "As well as see to freeing the real Alastor Moody from that chest”

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. But for now, let us erase Barty Crouch Jr.’s memory of this interrogation” He raised his wand, and with a complex series of movements, he cast a spell that left Crouch slumped in the chair, unaware of what he had just revealed.

As the weight of the moment settled over them, Dumbledore turned to Harry. "You must go to the hospital wing and rest, Harry. Madam Pomfrey will take care of you, and you must be prepared for the third task. Leave the rest to us”

Daphne, who had been silent but alert throughout the interrogation, stepped closer to Harry, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I’ll go with you”

Harry nodded, his mind still reeling from everything he had learned, but trusting that Dumbledore and the others would handle the situation.

Omake

“Why didn’t Dumbledore explain the plan exactly?” Harry asked, still a little confused “He left out the important details, like how they were going to carry it out”

Before Daphne could answer, a familiar, dreamy voice suddenly interrupted, and Luna appeared seemingly out of nowhere, skipping past them with a serene smile on her face.

“That’s because the chapter was getting too long” Luna said with a joyful jump. “If Dumbledore explained everything now, we’d never get to the next part!”

Harry blinked, surprised. “Uh… what?”

Before Luna could elaborate, Astoria appeared on the other side, equally lively and full of energy. “Yes! In the next chapter, all the details will be explained” she interjected, grinning from ear to ear. “That’s how things work, Harry. Plot structure and all that so the chapter doesn’t get too long” She began to jump to Luna's rhythm, the two of them practically shining with excitement.

Chapter Text

Finally the moment had arrived where everything would end, the third round of the tournament of the three wizards.

When Harry was at the fence at the entrance to the imposing labyrinth, Daphne pulled him aside, her eyes full of determination. Without a word, she leaned toward him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and placed a long, tender kiss on his lips. It was warm, comforting, and in that moment, Harry felt a surge of confidence wash over him.

“Win or lose, you’re my champion” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Harry’s cheeks flushed, but he managed a grin. “I’ll see you at the finish line”

He gave her hand a final squeeze before turning toward the maze entrance, his heart racing as he took in the rows of towering hedges that twisted and turned out of sight. A few steps away, he noticed the fake Moody watching Viktor with a strange intensity, but Professor McGonagall’s sharp gaze never wavered, and the imposter stayed put, thwarted from whatever plan he’d intended. The fake Moody glanced at Harry, but Harry turned his focus back to the maze, pushing aside the thought of Crouch Jr. and concentrating on the task before him.

Before entering he heard behind him, the voices of his friends sounding in support, he saw Hermione, Tracey, the Weaslyes as well as the Gryffindor quidditch team like Angelina cheering him on as well as many others, Harry caught a glimpse of Daphne, erect, with a calm demeanor that didn't betray her concern. Near her, Astoria was bouncing with excitement, her energy so uncontainable that her mother, Artemisia, had finally resorted to a gentle incantation to calm her down a bit, though even with the spell applied, Astoria still seemed to be vibrating with excitement. Luna, as eccentric as ever, wore a huge lion hat on her head, roaring every few seconds with unmistakable Gryffindor pride.

When the cannon fired, signaling the start, Harry entered the maze first, feeling the adrenaline course through him. He was aware that Viktor, Fleur, and Cedric would follow shortly, but for now, he had a slight head start. Every step he took into the dense shadows of the maze reminded him of how much was at stake—not just the Triwizard Cup, but the mission that Dumbledore and the others had set out to accomplish that night at Riddle Manor.

The maze was a twisted labyrinth of shadows and eerie silence, the walls almost seeming to breathe with anticipation. Harry took a steadying breath, reminding himself of the training he’d gone through. He had the edge, both from his experience with Daphne’s rigorous preparation and the advantage of being the first to enter, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Almost immediately, he encountered his first obstacle—a hedge that shifted and moved on its own, blocking his path and then retreating teasingly. Harry hesitated for a moment, studying the vines curling and uncurling. He raised his wand, focusing on a Diffindo spell, and with a slash of light, the barrier split open, revealing a narrow passage.

The second obstacle loomed out of the shadows—a massive Blast-Ended Skrewt, its thick, armored hide shimmering faintly in the dim light as it blocked his path. The Skrewt hissed, sparks shooting from its rear as it prepared to charge. Harry took a step back, calculating his options. He’d dealt with one of these creatures before in Care of Magical Creatures, but here, the stakes were higher. With a flick of his wand, he cast Impedimenta, slowing the Skrewt’s movements. As it staggered, Harry darted past it, the creature’s frustrated screeches fading as he moved deeper into the maze.

As he pressed forward, the twisted corridors grew darker, each turn more disorienting than the last. The next creature he encountered was a Boggart, lurking in the shadows. It shifted as he approached, contorting into the form of a Dementor, its faceless hood chilling him as it advanced.

Riddikulus! Harry cast, and with a pop, the Dementor turned into a dancing marionette wearing a ridiculous top hat. The Boggart retreated, leaving Harry to continue on, his nerves on edge but his focus unwavering.

Just as he turned another corner, he found himself facing a shimmering, translucent figure—a Sphinx, its majestic form blocking the narrow path ahead. Its eyes glowed with ancient wisdom, and it regarded him with calm scrutiny.

"To pass, you must answer” the Sphinx intoned, its voice like a distant echo. "Fail, and you may never leave this path”

Harry nodded, steadying his breath as he prepared to listen.

The Sphinx tilted its head, reciting the riddle in its haunting, melodic voice:

"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"

Harry frowned, thinking quickly, his mind racing over the words. The answer flickered in his mind, the logic piecing together.

"An echo” he said confidently.

The Sphinx’s eyes softened, and it nodded approvingly. "You may pass”

As it moved aside, Harry gave a small, triumphant smile. Each victory, each obstacle overcome, brought him closer to the cup. He could feel the weight of the task upon him, but with every challenge he faced, his determination only grew stronger. He was in the heart of the maze now, where the paths grew narrower and the air denser with magic. The hedges seemed to close in on him, but Harry knew that he had only one way to go—forward.

While the third test is in its final stage at in the depths of Riddle Manor, the raiding party had executed their mission with remarkable precision. Under the cover of powerful camouflage and anti-noise charms, Sirius, Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore moved through the manor like shadows. They didn’t need to wait long for their first encounter—Peter Pettigrew, caught unaware as he shuffled off to a dim, decrepit bathroom, was met by the gleeful smiles of Sirius and Remus.

“Hello, Peter” Sirius whispered coldly, as Remus raised his wand, and Pettigrew barely had time to open his mouth before he was struck by a silent Stupefy. He crumpled to the ground, limp and paralyzed, then was promptly levitated into the air, where he floated silently, as helpless as the traitor he was.

Just down the hall, Severus Snape’s sharp instincts honed in on the faint hissing of Nagini slithering around a dark corner. With a swift spell, he cast a shrinking charm on her, rendering the serpent as small as a matchstick. He slipped her into a charmed glass sphere, which he then sealed within an urn, ensuring she’d remain hidden and contained. Satisfied, he moved to rejoin the others, his lips curled into a grim smile of satisfaction.

In the main chamber, Dumbledore paused at the horrifying sight of a small, writhing figure: a macabre infant form of Voldemort, writhing in rage. Before the Dark Lord could react, Dumbledore raised his wand and executed an advanced confinement spell that reduced him in size to make him smaller, capturing him in a safe, enchanted vial. Voldemort's red eyes glowed with venomous hatred from within the glass, but his attempts to flee the body failed. Dumbledore's calm eyes glowed with something akin to pity.

“You can't escape so easily” Dumbledore said quietly. “Not while you're bound in that form”

The figure let out a faint hiss. "You cannot kill me, Dumbledore. I am beyond death”

A small, cryptic smile formed on Dumbledore’s face. "Ah, but thanks to today’s events, we can remedy that” he replied softly.

The raiding party regrouped, each carrying their captives in containment jars. Pettigrew floated ahead, still paralyzed and suspended, and Snape glanced at him with disdain.

“I must say” Snape drawled, his tone thick with sarcasm “this is the most useful Pettigrew’s been in years”

They exited the manor and followed a hidden path to the nearby graveyard, their footsteps soundless under the enchantments. The gloomy, overgrown cemetery loomed ahead, the place where Crouch had planned for the cup to transport Harry for a resurrection ritual.

The group went to the area where the transporter was supposed to have been modified to appear there. With a quick signal, they re-checked the jars and containers, confirming that each captive was secure.

Sirius, carrying the floating, stunned Pettigrew by an invisible tether, looked around at the eerie, tomb-lined graveyard with a smirk. “Well, here’s hoping Harry’s the one who pops out of that cup” he muttered, casting an amused glance at Remus. “Otherwise, whoever lands here will be in for one hell of a surprise”

Remus gave him a sidelong glance. "Let’s hope our timing is right then” he replied, though a faint grin crossed his face as well.

Dumbledore raised a hand, his eyes scanning the area for movement, though his expression was as calm as ever. "We should be prepared. Harry’s entry could happen at any moment. And if all goes according to plan, we shall bring a permanent end to this dark era”

Harry’s heart raced as he clutched the Triwizard Cup, still vibrating with the thrill of victory. He had overcome each challenge in the maze, defeated Cedric in an agreed-upon duel with a disarming charm, Cedric had proven to be a formidable opponent. But Harry’s experience and quick thinking, honed through Daphne’s unrelenting training and all the trials he’d faced, had carried him to victory. and now the cup had transported him—not to a graveyard full of dark shadows—but to a very different scene.

He found himself standing in an actual graveyard, surrounded by none other than Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, and Snape. Sirius grinned proudly at Harry, clapping a firm hand on his shoulder. “Well done, Harry. You’ve won the Tournament fair and square”

Harry’s brow furrowed slightly as he took in the strange group and their calm presence among the eerie gravestones. "Thanks… I think” he said, still slightly dazed from the sudden shift. "But what now?”

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled as he stepped forward, inclining his head. "Now, we take the next step” He gestured to the two magical containers—one holding a miniature, writhing Voldemort and the other, an urn imprisoning Nagini. "While Professor Snape and Remus take our guests to my office for safekeeping” Dumbledore explained, “you, Sirius, and I will use the cup again to transport Peter Pettigrew to Hogwarts—to finally reveal him to everyone”

A grin spread across Harry’s face, his heart lightened by the thought of proving Sirius’s innocence after all this time. "So everyone will see the truth?" he asked, glancing at Pettigrew’s stunned, floating form with a grim sense of satisfaction.

“Precisely, my boy” Dumbledore nodded, with a rare, proud smile. Remus and Snape stepped forward, each taking hold of the containers holding Voldemort and Nagini. With a flash of Fawkes’s fire, the two vanished, leaving Harry, Sirius, Dumbledore, and the bound Pettigrew alone with the Triwizard Cup once more.

Dumbledore gestured toward the cup. "Let’s make sure the truth is known, Harry”

As Harry, Sirius, and Dumbledore each placed a hand on the cup, Harry could feel the strange pull of Portkey magic, and with a spinning rush, they were transported from the graveyard back to Hogwarts. When his feet touched solid ground again, he found himself standing at the edge of the maze, directly in front of the massive crowd gathered to watch the conclusion of the Triwizard Tournament.

All around him, Harry saw shocked, confused faces staring back. The sea of students, teachers, journalists, Ministry officials, and international spectators had been expecting to cheer for the champion who emerged with the cup. But instead, they were greeted by a surreal sight: Harry, victorious yet looking fierce with determination, flanked by Dumbledore and Sirius, with a bound Peter Pettigrew floating between them, his rat-like face a mask of panic and horror.

The crowd fell into a stunned silence, eyes wide and mouths agape as they tried to process the unexpected scene. And then, breaking the hush, Harry raised his voice with clear, resounding conviction.

“Peter Pettigrew is alive” he announced, his words cutting through the silence like a blade. “And Sirius Black is innocent!”

A wave of shocked gasps rippled through the spectators, and the crowd erupted into murmurs, students and officials alike glancing between each other in bewilderment. Minister Cornelius Fudge, standing near the front, paled visibly, his face contorting as he looked around, uncertain of what to do under the hundreds of scrutinizing eyes that turned on him.

"Sirius Black—he—Pettigrew?" Fudge stammered, his eyes flickering nervously between the crowd and the captured Pettigrew. "This...this is impossible!"

"It’s very possible” Harry retorted, his voice calm but unyielding. "Pettigrew betrayed my parents, faked his own death, and left Sirius to take the blame”

Amidst the murmurs and pointing fingers, a tall, serene figure approached: Cyrus Greengrass. With a steely gaze directed at Fudge, he turned to the crowd and projected his voice with an air of authority. “Minister Fudge, it is clear that Pettigrew's presence demands an immediate hearing to clear Mr. Black's name. This is not something to delay: there is an innocent man who has been denied justice for far too long, do you think so?”

Cyrus’s words resonated with the crowd, stirring them into nods of agreement and murmurs of approval. Journalists scrambled forward, Quick-Quotes Quills at the ready as they frantically tried to capture every word. The pressure mounted visibly on Fudge, whose eyes darted nervously between the spectators and the bound figure of Pettigrew, who hovered helplessly as Dumbledore made sure he did not escape while also remaining at Sirius' side to protect him from anyone who might arrest him.

Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw the fake Moody being stunned by Mcgonagall from behind and handed over to Amelia Bones and her aurors.

As the media frenzy grew, Harry glanced around the crowd, spotting his friends in the stands. Ron and Hermione were looking at him wide-eyed, Ron was giving him thumbs up while Hermione was holding her hands to her mouth in amazed glee, George and Fred were celebrating very happily only outdone by Astoria and Luna who were jumping up and down in excitement frantically. Near them, Tracey elbowed Daphne and she managed to slip through the crowd just as the thunderous flash of a camera temporarily blinded them.

Daphne didn’t hesitate. She darted forward, her face alight with pride, and cupped Harry’s face, pulling him down into a long, deep kiss, unbothered by the roaring crowd and the clicking cameras around them. When she finally pulled back, Harry’s face was flushed, his breath stolen by her confidence and the warmth of her touch.

When they finally pulled apart, Daphne smiled up at him, her eyes bright with pride. "Congratulations, Potter” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "You did it”

Harry grinned, unable to hide his happiness. "I couldn’t have done it without you” he replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

As they stood together, united amidst the triumphant shouts of their friends and the murmurs of the stunned crowd, Harry felt a peace he hadn’t known in years. The nightmare of Voldemort’s plans had been intercepted, the truth about Sirius was finally out, and he was surrounded by those he cared about most

The world around him seemed to blur as he kissed her again, savoring every second of victory with her by his side. As he pulled back, he thought, “Winning feels good”

The morning after the celebration party, Harry made his way to Dumbledore’s office, his mind still buzzing from the events of the past few days. Between Sirius's exoneration, the capture of Peter Pettigrew as well as that of the fake Moody, and Voldemort's unceremonious containment, the world felt like it had shifted on its axis. But something in Harry told him this wasn’t the end. There was something more that Dumbledore hadn’t yet shared with him.

Upon entering the office, Harry found Dumbledore seated behind his grand desk, peering thoughtfully at the small jar in front of him. Within it, Voldemort’s reduced form writhed and glared, his eyes burning with hatred as he muttered under his breath, though he was too weak to do more than sputter empty threats.

"Good morning, Harry” Dumbledore said warmly, motioning for him to sit. "I’ve been waiting for you. We have much to discuss”

Harry sat down, casting a wary glance at the jar on the desk. "He’s been talking this whole time?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore chuckled lightly. "Quite relentlessly. Though there’s not much he can do beyond shouting empty threats”

Voldemort, hearing this, snarled. "I will destroy you all!" he hissed, his voice barely audible through the glass. "You think you’ve won, Dumbledore? This is nothing but a setback!"

Dumbledore regarded the jar with an air of amusement, as one might look at a petulant child throwing a tantrum. "Now, Tom, we both know you’re not in a position to destroy anything, let alone everything. So, I would advise you to save your energy”

Voldemort’s eyes glinted with malice, but he fell silent, clearly aware of his limitations. Dumbledore turned back to Harry, his expression growing serious.

"Harry, there is something of great importance I need to share with you regarding Tom’s… persistent survival” Dumbledore began, his gaze piercing. "You’ve seen what he has become—how he clings to life despite his weakened state. This is no ordinary survival; it’s something sustained by dark magic. Specifically, through the creation of Horcruxes”

Harry frowned. "Horcruxes?"

"A Horcrux” Dumbledore explained, "is a vessel in which a dark wizard or witch has hidden a fragment of their soul, allowing them to tether themselves to the mortal realm even if their physical body is destroyed. This requires the most heinous of acts—the taking of a life. Tom, in his quest for immortality, created seven Horcruxes, binding his life to this world with a staggering recklessness. It is why he has been so difficult to defeat”

Harry’s heart sank as the magnitude of what Dumbledore was saying began to sink in. "So, even if he’s captured like this, he’s still not… truly defeated?"

"Correct” Dumbledore replied. "However, his current state gives us a unique advantage” He motioned to the Pensieve that sat nearby, its silvery contents swirling. "You see, in his weakened form, Tom is unable to resist a forced extraction of his memories. With a few magical modifications, I can compel the memories from him—memories that will reveal the locations of his Horcruxes and all he has done to keep his soul fragmented”

Dumbledore cast a small, satisfied smile at the jar, where Voldemort glowered, thrashing impotently against the glass walls. "With this knowledge, we can finally bring an end to his dark legacy”

As Harry listened, a strange sense of hope bloomed within him. They had a plan—something more than just survival, something that felt like the true end to the nightmare Voldemort had brought upon the world. But his relief was tempered by a question that had been lingering in his mind ever since he learned about Voldemort’s Horcruxes.

"Is there any way I can help?" Harry asked. "I mean, I’m part of this too. Voldemort… he’s haunted me my whole life”

Dumbledore looked at Harry, his expression softening with understanding. "You have been through much already, Harry” he said gently. "You’ve carried a weight that was never yours to bear. Let the adults shoulder this task. It is our duty, after all, to protect the young rather than send them into battle. I have a responsibility—to ensure you do not face the dangers we older wizards have brought into the world”

Harry opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Voldemort let out a cackle from within his jar.

"Senile old fool!" he spat, his voice tinged with disdain. "You think you know my secrets, but you don’t even know the number of my Horcruxes! There are only six—you’ll never find them all”

Dumbledore’s gaze sharpened, and a slight sigh escaped him. "Ah, Tom” he said with a touch of disappointment, "you underestimate us yet again”

The implications of Voldemort’s words hung in the air. Harry felt a chill as he connected the pieces in Dumbledore’s expression. "Professor” he asked slowly, "does that mean… I’m the seventh?"

Dumbledore gave a small nod, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and resolve. "Yes, Harry. Unintentionally, when Voldemort attacked you as a child, he left a piece of himself within you. It is why you’ve always had a connection to him and his thoughts. Until recently, I feared it meant…"

Harry’s face fell. "That I’d have to die?"

"I thought so" Dumbledore admitted, his voice heavy. "But yesterday, I received a letter from an old friend of mine, Nicolas Flamel, the created of the Philosopher’s Stone.. He has been conducting research into soul magic, and he sent me information that gives us hope—hope that we can safely remove the fragment in your scar without causing you harm. Nicolas told me of a village of shamans, people with rare gifts, who have recently discovered an ancient ritual that can exorcise the fragment"

Harry felt a wave of relief so profound he thought he might faint. "So… there’s a way to get rid of the Horcrux in me without… you know"

Dumbledore wore a broad smile. “Indeed, Harry. Nicholas' letter brought news that lifts the shadows we have lived under, as soon as it is confirmed that all is ready I will take you there to be healed”

Harry nodded, processing it all, his mind swirling with relief and anticipation. The idea of finally being free of the connection to Voldemort, of ending his influence over his mind and soul, was almost overwhelming.

"That’s… that’s incredible” Harry said, unable to stop himself from grinning. "So, what’s the next step?"

“Now” Dumbledore replied with a smile, ”I will arrange to see all of Tom's memories, which will give us the exact locations of each Horcrux. Once I know where they are, I will call in our allies so that we can make sure to destroy them”

Harry glanced at the jar, where Voldemort seethed with rage, his red eyes narrowed with pure venom. Harry felt the chill of Voldemort’s gaze but couldn’t stop himself from grinning.

"This ends soon, Tom” Harry said, his voice steady. "And once it does, you’ll never hurt anyone again”

As the final class of the day ended, students trickled out of the potions dungeon, leaving a soft murmur of chatter and the scent of herbs lingering in the air. Tracey Davis was among the last to leave, her mind preoccupied with the evening’s plans, when she realized she’d left her favorite quill behind. With a sigh, she turned back, slipping into the now-quiet classroom.

Just as she reached for her quill on the edge of the table, a faint thud echoed from behind her. She turned quickly, her eyes falling on a worn book that had fallen from one of the shelves at the back of the classroom. Intrigued, she picked it up, brushing dust from its leather cover. Its pages were filled with tightly scrawled notes in the margins, all written in a neat, looping hand, and the explanations were remarkably clever—far more insightful and practical than those in the standard textbooks.

“What do we have here?” Tracey muttered, skimming over a page.

The title inside read simply, Advanced Potions, but beneath that, in smaller writing, was a strange name: Property of the Half-Blood Prince. A mischievous smile crept onto Tracey’s face, her curiosity piqued by the cryptic author. Clutching the book, she decided this mystery would be perfect for the detective duo. And she knew just where to find them.

Tracey made her way to the library, heading toward the secluded table where she could always count on finding Astoria and Luna. As she arrived, she saw the duo deep in discussion, heads bent over a large, ancient map of Hogwarts with several small, moving dots and magical annotations that appeared to track past magical events on the grounds.

“Ladies” Tracey greeted, sliding into the seat across from them, a grin playing on her lips. “I have a case for the duo of magical detectives”

Astoria, her eyes wide with excitement, looked up at once, while Luna’s dreamy gaze shifted from the map to the mysterious book Tracey held.

“What is it, Trace?” Astoria asked, practically bouncing in her seat.

Tracey held up the book, tapping its cover meaningfully. “I found this in the potions classroom. It’s not just any potions book—it has notes all over it, alternative recipes, secret instructions… and it’s signed by someone calling himself the Half-Blood Prince”

Luna tilted her head, a faint smile dancing on her lips as her gaze turned curious. “The Half-Blood Prince… sounds like a storybook character” she mused, brushing a stray piece of parchment aside. “But it could be someone real. We should investigate”

Astoria’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Yes! The Half-Blood Prince sounds like a title. Like a secret identity. What if he—or she—was a potions prodigy from long ago?”

Tracey opened the book to a particularly complex potion and pointed to the notes. “Whoever wrote this knew their potions better than anyone I’ve read. Look, they have steps here that aren’t in our textbooks—ones that make brewing Wolfsbane ten times easier, and others that improve accuracy in advanced healing potions”

Astoria clasped her hands, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “Then it’s settled! We’ll investigate the Half-Blood Prince and find out who this mysterious potion master really was!”

Luna nodded serenely, already rifling through one of her enormous stacks of books. “We’ll start by cross-referencing unusual titles in the archives. A prince of potions would surely leave a mark”

Tracey leaned back, thoroughly entertained by how quickly the two had embraced the new mystery. “I knew I could count on you two” she said with a grin. “You know, if anyone can solve this, it’s you”

Just then, the library doors opened, and Harry and Daphne walked in, hand in hand, their laughter drawing a few glances as they moved toward the secluded table. They stopped by to greet the trio, and Daphne gave Tracey an amused look. “Another mystery already?” she asked.

Tracey smirked, holding up the book. “You’ll appreciate this one, Daphne. It’s an old potions manual I found, belonging to someone called the Half-Blood Prince. Astoria and Luna have taken it upon themselves to investigate”

Daphne raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Sounds intriguing. A prince, you say?”

At that, she turned to Harry with a teasing look. “Well, I already have my own half-blood prince right here” she said smoothly, gently squeezing her boyfriend's hand

Harry, unprepared for her words, turned bright red. “Uh… your… what?” he stammered, not quite sure how to respond, though a smile tugged at his lips.

Daphne laughed, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips. “You, Harry. My prince”

Harry, still blushing furiously, was too flustered to speak, but he returned her kiss with a sheepish smile. The display didn’t go unnoticed; Tracey, Luna, and Astoria all broke into laughter, their giggles filling the quiet corner of the library.

“Aww, isn’t he adorable when he’s flustered?” Tracey teased, winking at Harry. “Your Highness” she added, bowing playfully.

Astoria jumped in, looking between Harry and Daphne with mock reverence. “Indeed, your Grace” she said, affecting a serious expression. “How very noble of you, Prince Harry”

Harry rolled his eyes, laughing as the girls kept up the act. “Okay, okay, very funny” he said, giving Daphne a warm smile. “I suppose I can live up to the title if I have to”

“Of course you can” Daphne said with a smirk, squeezing his hand. “I’d expect nothing less”

The laughter continued, and even Luna seemed quietly amused as she leaned over the book, still analyzing the cryptic handwriting of the Half-Blood Prince.

“So” Harry asked, curious about the book that had inspired such excitement, “what’s your theory about the Half-Blood Prince? Do you think he was a former Hogwarts student?”

Luna nodded thoughtfully, her large eyes glinting. “Perhaps. But he’s a mystery, like so many people who’ve walked these halls. His potions knowledge is unparalleled, which means he might have been a professor… or maybe just a student who knew more than the rest”

Astoria was already flipping through the book, her eyes sparkling as she scanned the margin notes. “Whoever he was, he was brilliant” she declared, showing Harry and Daphne a section with intricate annotations. “Maybe he even invented some of these spells and potions”

Daphne glanced at Harry, then back to her sister and Luna. “Well, it looks like you two have a full case on your hands”

“Don’t worry, we’ll crack it” Astoria said confidently, giving them a thumbs-up. “With a title like that, the Half-Blood Prince must have left clues behind”

Luna looked up, her expression as dreamy as ever. “And when we find him, maybe we’ll discover even more hidden magic within these pages”

As the detectives delved into the mysteries of the book, Harry leaned closer to Daphne, whispering so only she could hear, “I don’t know what we’d do without those two. They’re like a magical Sherlock and Watson”

Daphne chuckled, glancing back at her sister and Luna with a fond smile. “They are” she whispered back, squeezing Harry’s hand. “And they’ll be able to handle any mystery that comes their way”

Harry laughed, feeling immensely grateful for the little corner of peace and joy they’d found together.

Harry and Daphne sat nestled in the branches of their favorite tree, overlooking the calm, glistening waters of the Great Lake. The sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting a soft, warm glow over them. Daphne sat perched on Harry’s lap, her head leaning against his shoulder while he traced gentle circles over her hands, his fingers entwined with hers. The serene silence around them was perfect—a rare, quiet reprieve from the chaos that so often surrounded their lives.

They had talked about everything, keeping no secrets from each other. Harry had told Daphne everything that Dumbledore had shared with him: the plan to help Amelia Bones by giving her and her trusted allies the memories of Tom Riddle so that they would know exactly who their allies were, thus having the resources to discover hidden Death Eater affiliations in the Ministry and the subtle but powerful pressure they would exert on politicians aligned with the dark would soon come to an end.

Daphne laughed at this, a bright, carefree sound that made Harry’s chest swell with warmth. “You have no idea how happy my father is about that” she said, her smile growing mischievous. “It’s like Christmas every day for him right now—finally getting to hold the entire lot of corrupt officials by their carefully pressed collars. My mother swears to me in her letters that she comes down to breakfast smiling like a madman, just thinking of all the names she will soon have in her back pocket”

Harry couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Cyrus Greengrass treating each day like a holiday celebration, gleefully looking over lists of names. He could practically see the man’s satisfaction. “Well, he deserves it” Harry said with a grin, adjusting his hold around Daphne’s waist. “After all, he’s helping clear out half of the Ministry’s skeletons. And thanks to Dumbledore, maybe next year the only thing I’ll be worrying about is studying… and, of course, playing Quidditch”

Daphne turned her head, her eyes glinting with amusement. “And making your girlfriend happy, I assume?”

Harry chuckled, dropping a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Of course” he murmured, holding her closer. “That’s definitely at the top of my list”

She smiled, leaning her head back to look at him more fully. “Speaking of which” she said, her voice tinged with playfulness, “what’s Gryffindor’s plan for Quidditch next year?”

Harry’s face brightened at the mention of his team. “Angelina’s going to be captain, and she’s been itching for the chance to take Gryffindor to the top one more time before she graduates. And since Quidditch was put on hold for the Triwizard Tournament, we’re even more determined to win the cup this year. No question about it”

Daphne arched a delicate brow, looking amused. “And here I thought Slytherin had it in the bag. Won’t it bother you to beat your girlfriend’s team?”

Harry raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. “And here I thought I was sitting with a dedicated Slytherin. Surely, you won’t be rooting for Gryffindor?”

Daphne laughed, the sound light and filled with warmth. “Oh, I am a dedicated Slytherin” she replied with a mock-serious look. “If Slytherin wins, then of course I’ll be proud for my house. But if Gryffindor wins…” She trailed off, her eyes glinting mischievously as she looked up at him. “Well, I still win. Because it’s my boyfriend’s team”

Harry couldn’t help but smile, his gaze softening as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You really are cunning, you know that?”

She lifted her head with a dramatic sigh, as if enduring a great burden. “I am a proud Slytherin, after all” she replied, giving him a look of feigned superiority.

They both burst into laughter, their joy echoing softly into the quiet of the trees around them. When their laughter finally settled, Daphne turned in his lap to face him fully, her expression shifting to something softer, more serious.

“I love you, Harry” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Harry felt his heart skip, the warmth spreading through him as he met her gaze. “I love you too, Daphne”

She leaned in, and they shared a deep, tender kiss, the world around them fading into a blur. For a long, blissful moment, nothing existed but the two of them in their own private world, suspended in time.

When they finally pulled back, resting their foreheads together, a burst of laughter from down by the lake caught their attention. They both turned to see a familiar, unusual sight: Luna and Astoria, both donning sparkling, shimmery helmets of enchanted bubbles, preparing to wade into the lake with a mixture of purpose and delight.

“Again?” Daphne said with a raised eyebrow, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Harry chuckled, leaning against the tree trunk with a sigh. “They’re at it again” he murmured, watching the two girls splash into the lake with eager excitement.

Astoria was practically bouncing in place as she adjusted her bubble helmet, her eyes alight with energy as she tugged Luna forward. Luna, meanwhile, looked completely at peace, as though going on yet another underwater expedition was as natural as breathing.

“Should we check on them? Make sure they’re not planning to, I don’t know, investigate a kelpie lair or something?” Harry said with a grin.

Daphne smirked, shaking her head in amusement. “Probably. I doubt anything would stop them, but keeping an eye on them sounds wise”

They watched as Luna and Astoria gave each other a thumbs-up, then dove beneath the lake’s surface, their enchanted helmets glowing faintly through the water.

Harry looked at Daphne, his smile widening. “They really are something else, aren’t they?”

Daphne rolled her eyes affectionately. “Astoria’s been like that since she was born. The moment she learned to walk, she was charging headfirst into whatever adventure she could dream up” She leaned back against Harry, letting out a small sigh. “I have to admit, she’s better off with Luna. She keeps Astoria’s adventures… less reckless”

“Or more reckless” Harry said, laughing softly. “Depends on how you look at it”

They shared a knowing smile, and as they continued to watch the glowing lights of Luna and Astoria moving beneath the lake’s surface, Harry couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. He’d found something he never thought he would—peace, love, and family, in the most unexpected places. And as he sat with Daphne in the warm afternoon sun, watching over their friends on yet another harmless adventure, he knew he’d never take any of it for granted.

The final day of school had dawned bright and clear, a day filled with heartfelt goodbyes and promises to keep in touch over the summer. Standing near the carriages that would take everyone down to the Hogwarts Express, Harry hugged his friends goodbye, feeling a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. He lingered a moment longer with Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric, all of whom he had shared unforgettable moments with during the Triwizard Tournament.

“Promise you’ll write, all of you” Harry said with a smile, clapping Viktor on the shoulder before giving Cedric a quick embrace.

Cedric grinned, holding out his hand for a shake that Harry gladly accepted. “Of course, Harry. This year’s been crazy… but I’m glad we got through it together”

Viktor nodded, a rare smile touching his serious face. “I will write too, Harry. And maybe you can come to visit. I think you would like Bulgaria” His voice, though quiet, was filled with genuine warmth, and Harry felt a pang of gratitude for the friends he’d made along the way.

Fleur gave Harry a delicate nod, her blue eyes sparkling. “We will keep in touch, 'Arry” she said, her accent adding a lilting charm to her words. “And perhaps we will ze seeing each other even sooner than you think” she added, casting a funny look toward her little sister Gabrielle, who stood between Astoria and Luna, the trio laughing about something conspiratorial.

Harry’s gaze followed hers, his grin widening at the sight. Gabrielle had seemingly been “adopted” by the dynamic duo of Astoria and Luna, and the three of them were already plotting some mystery or adventure, gesturing animatedly and leaning in close as if to guard their secrets.

Daphne, standing close beside Harry, chuckled. “They’ve become quite the team. I can’t imagine what’s going to happen when Gabrielle joins them. Those three will have half the world wrapped around their fingers by the next Christmas” she said, shaking her head, though the amusement in her voice was unmistakable.

“They’re unpredictable, to say the least” Harry agreed, sharing a laugh with Daphne, Fleur, and Cedric.

Just then, Tracey appeared at Daphne’s side, nudging her with a look of barely-contained excitement. “Go on, Daph” she urged, her eyes darting between Daphne and Harry. “Tell him the surprise already!”

Daphne rolled her eyes fondly, but her smile widened. She turned to Harry, a hint of mirth in her expression. “Well, as you know, Sirius Black, although he is free, has to spend some time with a mind healer to recover and become himself again after so much time in Azkaban and on the run”

Harry nodded, his expression softening as he thought of his godfather. “Yes, he told me in a letter” “He said it wouldn’t be long, but… still”

Daphne put a comforting hand on his arm. “In the meantime, my mother has invited you to spend the summer with us” she said, her voice softening with a hint of warmth. “She and my father would love for you to join us”

Harry blinked, a surge of gratitude and surprise filling him. Without thinking, he pulled her into a hug, feeling the tension of the past year melt away. “That’s amazing, Daphne” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He pulled back, a grin spreading across his face as he looked from Daphne to Tracey, who was smiling proudly.

“But why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked, his voice light with amusement as he looked at Daphne, who wore a mischievous smile.

Daphne gave a small, nonchalant shrug. “I wanted to tell you in person” she replied with a wink, her tone teasing. “I knew it would be more fun to see your reaction that way”

“Always keeping me on my toes” he laughed, pulling her in for another embrace.

Daphne pulled back, her hand still resting on his arm, and her gaze softened as she met his eyes. “Get ready, Potter. You’re in for a Greengrass summer” she said, a playful challenge in her voice. “I hope you’re prepared”

Harry raised an eyebrow, smirking back at her. “Daphne, I’ve survived the Triwizard Tournament, half a dozen duels, and "Greengras way" training sessions. Trust me, I’m ready for anything you throw at me”

Her laugh was bright, and she leaned forward to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “We’ll see about that, Mr. Potter” she murmured, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Just remember, in my house, it’s my rules”

Fleur, overhearing, gave a gentle laugh. “Bonne chance, ‘Arry” she said with a wink. “I think you may need it”

They all shared another round of laughter, and Tracey stepped up to give Harry a quick hug. “You’re in for an interesting summer, that’s for sure” she teased. “Just remember to stay on Daphne’s good side”

“Already noted” Harry replied, feigning a look of mock fear.

Nearby, Astoria and Luna gave him enthusiastic thumbs-ups, clearly delighted by the news. “Don’t forget to keep an eye on Daph!” Astoria called, her voice filled with playful warning. “She’s sneaky!”

Harry laughed and waved back. "“I think I'm going to need you to fill me in on anything I don't notice at the mansion, Tori” he replied with a wink, and the two girls and Gabrielle exchanged nods, their expressions full of mock seriousness.

As the train whistle blew, announcing the last boarding call, Harry turned to his friends and gave each of them a final hug and promised to write to them. When he reached Daphne again, he hugged her a little longer, their smiles reflecting a shared happiness and a quiet promise as they walked hand in hand to ride together into a compartment with their friends. 

Chapter Text

Harry’s summer with the Greengrasses turned out to be the best he had ever known, filled with laughter, a newfound sense of family, and adventures both exciting and tender. The sprawling Greengrass estate became like a second home to him, with its pristine gardens, ancient trees, and cozy rooms that held a warmth he had never quite experienced before. Cyrus Greengrass, ever the vigilant father, insisted that whenever Harry and Daphne were in a room together, the door remained wide open. But that rule didn't stop Daphne from sneaking into Harry's room on quiet nights, and their whispered conversations and stolen kisses as they slept cuddled under the covers became some of Harry's most treasured memories. Artemisia and Astoria knew it, and Cyrus, well, it was better for him to live without knowing it, let alone that Daphne was taking the anticonceptive potion.

Life at Hogwarts after that summer was, for once, peaceful. With Voldemort gone and the Death Eaters in hiding or captured thanks to Tom's memories, the dark faction's political power was weakening more and more, In addition, Sirius ended up telling how he escaped, which caused the security at azkaban to be improved by putting in place runes and anti-animalmagician spells as well as a general overhaul of security by replacing several dementors with more effective methods to keep the dementors in their cells.. Harry found himself living the normal life he had always longed for. He was no longer "The Chosen One", but just another student and, for the first time, he could concentrate on his studies, play Quidditch and enjoy his time with friends... and, of course, his relationship with Daphne. She sat next to him in the common areas, at meals, they went on dates, studied together, her presence constant and comforting, and they found a new rhythm of happiness and simplicity in each other's company. Together, they shared laughter, secrets and dreams for the future.

Of course, no year at Hogwarts was ever truly ordinary, thanks in large part to the antics and mystery sparked by the “Detective Duo”: Astoria Greengrass and Luna Lovegood. The two quickly became legends among the students, venturing into magical mysteries that fascinated everyone. They solved everything from discovering that Snape owned the Prince’s Book to the disappearance of enchanted creatures to a hidden chamber of ancient spells. Gabrielle Delacour, Fleur’s younger sister, joined the duo thanks to magic mirrors where they could speak no matter the distance, and the trio became a force to be reckoned with, bringing a curious sense of adventure to both Hogwarts and Beauxbatons as they uncovered secrets that even the teachers didn’t know about. Their greatest accomplishment? Solving the elusive mystery of the “Golden Unicorn” a case that made them famous throughout the wizarding world—but that’s another story entirely.

In between their adventures, life at Hogwarts continued on. Harry threw himself into his studies, preparing for the career he had dreamed of since his third year. He and Ron joined the Auror training program after graduation, with their sights set on protecting the wizarding world from any future threats. The two best friends approached their training with the same fervor they once reserved for Quidditch, honing their magical skills and strength. They laughed often, but worked hard, driven by the purpose they shared. Meanwhile, Hermione joined the Ministry, dedicated to the rights of magical creatures, fueled by her determination to bring justice and equality to the wizarding world. Her work changed lives, as she took her role seriously, ensuring that house-elves and other magical beings were given the respect and rights they deserved.

As for Daphne, her path took her to St. Mungo’s, where she and Tracey trained to be healers. Daphne’s calm yet fierce personality was perfectly suited for the field. She had a sharp mind and an empathy that her patients responded to immediately, and her presence was a steadying influence on those around her. Tracey, too, brought her bright, witty energy into her training, and the two made a remarkable team, known for their ability to bring comfort and care to the most difficult cases. Watching her grow into her role, Harry couldn’t have been prouder.

And as fate would have it, part of Harry’s winnings from the Triwizard Tournament went to fund the budding entrepreneurial dreams of none other than Fred and George Weasley. With the 1,000 Galleons Harry gifted them, they launched Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a joke shop that quickly became the center of attention in Diagon Alley. The shop’s runaway success brought Fred and George fame and fortune, and they expanded their empire to Hogsmeade in less than a year. Sirius and Remus, always eager to support the twins’ crazy ideas, also invested and became silent partners. His creative input helped shape the store's product line, and Sirius, thrilled with his newfound freedom, would often stop by the shop just to mingle with the customers and swap stories with Fred and George. Sirius would also marry a witch his own age and they had a daughter who became the Black heir, which took the weight off Harry of being the heir to two wizarding houses. Harry was greatly relieved by this as being the future Lord Potter was enough for him.

Harry's life, at last, had everything he'd ever wanted. When he wasn't studying or training, he and Daphne enjoyed quiet walks together, enjoying each other's company. There was no room in Hogwarts that they weren't in. The bond they shared only deepened with time, and their love was the kind of constant, enduring force that Harry had once thought possible only in fairy tales. He felt more at peace than ever, with a future he could finally look forward to.

Meanwhile, the trio of Astoria, Luna and Gabrielle – affectionately known as the “Mystery Sisters” – became something of a legend in their own right. With Hogwarts and Beauxbatons behind them, they turned their talents to the wizarding world, solving cases and uncovering secrets that would otherwise remain hidden, with an office at 221B Baker Street in Wizarding London. Wizards around the world spoke of their intelligence, bravery and charm, and they were often seen in the wizarding newspapers, smiling and waving as they received awards for their extraordinary contributions to wizarding knowledge.

When Harry thought back on all the years at Hogwarts, he realized that this life—one with joy, adventure, and love—was more than he ever could have dreamed. And he knew that, together with Daphne, his friends, and the family he had built, the journey was just beginning. The future felt bright, filled with promise and endless possibility.

One week before his fifth year at Hogwarts, it was while he was having tea with Daphne and Astoria that Dumbledore came to visit Greengrass Manor and approached him with good news. The village of ancient shamans he had told him about, who could perform an exorcism to remove the cursed fragment of Voldemort's soul lodged in Harry's scar, was finally ready to perform the ritual. As eager as Harry was to be rid of the last remnants of Voldemort, he had not expected Dumbledore's next surprise: Sirius and the entire Greengrass family would be accompanying him.

The journey to the secluded village was full of nervous excitement. Daphne’s presence by his side was a steady comfort, and he felt her fingers intertwine with his as they neared the shamans’ village. In addition to supporting Harry, it turned out that the Greengrasses had their own reason for visiting the shamans: Astoria, in her bright yet determined way, revealed to him that she carried a blood curse—a legacy inherited through generations, weakening her and gradually sapping her life. The shamans could help her too, removing the curse that had haunted her family for centuries.

The shaman village was small but rich with powerful magic that seemed to shimmer in the very air. The shamans, adorned with robes woven with symbols Harry didn’t recognize, led both him and Astoria to a ceremonial chamber ringed with candlelight and sacred symbols. The exorcism was intense and, at times, painful. Harry felt as though his very soul was being tugged, torn, and stitched back together as the cursed fragment was pulled from his scar. But he clung to the comforting presence of Dumbledore and Sirius, who stood close by, offering their strength and encouragement. Astoria, undergoing her own ritual, showed a bravery beyond her years, and together they endured.

When it was finally over, Harry lay down on the floor of the chamber, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. His scar no longer hurt, and for the first time he felt truly free, without the shadow of Voldemort's soul, Sirius and Dumbeldore smiling brightly at him as they patted him on the back. Nearby, Astoria had emerged triumphantly, free of the curse that had plagued her since birth. The Greengrass family, with Daphne and her parents hugging Astoria, wept with relief and joy, finally freed from the generational torment that had haunted them.

That night, the village held a celebration with bonfires and enchanting music that seemed to lift everyone's spirits, as the chamales were overjoyed to rid the world of dark magic. The Greengrass family, Sirius, Dumbeldore, and Harry, surrounded by friends and loved ones, danced and laughed under the stars, toasting to a future free of curses or dark legacies. For Harry, it was a profound moment of peace and closure. And as the night wore on, he and Daphne stood together under the night sky holding hands, making silent promises to each other about the future, with a new depth of love and hope in their hearts.

As time passed, Dumbledore continued his relentless search for Voldemort's other Horcruxes thanks to Tom's memories, tracking them down one by one with tireless dedication. With the help of a trusted circle of Order of the Phoenix members, including Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape, now freed from his Dark Mark, Dumbledore finally completed the task, destroying the last fragments of Voldemort's soul. When finished, he ended the Dark Lord's cursed existence once and for all, snuffing out the remains in the vial. With Voldemort gone for good, Dumbledore remained Headmaster of Hogwarts for a few more years of peace, eventually passing the torch to Professor McGonagall, with Severus as her deputy. Free of his past obligations, Severus mellowed over time, his reserved nature tempered by his newfound sense of peace.

At the age of 21, Harry's life blossomed into a mix of adventure, fulfillment, and love. With their careers finally established and their dreams coming true, Harry knew the time was right. On a warm summer evening, as he and Daphne sat on the shore of a quiet lake after a romantic date, he pulled a ring from his pocket, his heart racing. With a simple yet heartfelt proposal, He asked Daphne to be his forever just as he is hers forever. Daphne, overcome with joy, threw herself into his arms, showering him with kisses that took his breath away, her delighted laughter filling the air, both of them giggling between kisses as they rolled on the floor, the ring eventually becoming Daphne Potter's favorite piece of jewelry.

They married the following year, in a ceremony as beautiful as it was simple. It was held in a lush, open garden beneath a wide canopy of trees, with friends and family gathered to celebrate the union of two souls who had fought and loved fiercely together. Astoria, now healthy and full of energy, was Daphne's maid of honor alongside Tracey and Hermione, and Sirius, proud and slightly teary-eyed, was Harry's best man alongside Ron.

The wedding was a celebration of love, friendship, and triumph over darkness. Everyone Harry cared about was there: Ron, the Weasleys, his Quidditch friends, Viktor, Cedric, Fleur, Tracey, Hermione, and others beamed as they watched him say his vows, Remus, McGonall, and even Amelia Bones beamed happily, and Tonks, Astoria, Luna, and Gabrielle cheered as they raised their glasses, and the Weasley twins, ever the pranksters, provided some lighthearted surprises that sent waves of laughter through the crowd. Even Luna and his father, Xenophilius, were present, and Luna gleefully shared odd bits of wisdom throughout the evening, making Daphne laugh at every turn, Artemisia looked amazing, and Cyrus Greengrass may have cried a little with happiness but he would never admit it, men didn't cry according to him.

The newlyweds had bought a large, cozy and beautiful house, nestled in a quiet and peaceful place, with a beautiful garden and a porch overlooking the immense hills in the background. There they built a life full of laughter, friends and fulfilled dreams. They divided their days between work, their friends and the quiet and peaceful moments they spent together, grateful for the happiness they had both found.

Through every sunrise and every quiet evening, every simple meal shared and every whispered promise, Harry and Daphne loved each other more and more, they knew they were free, free to build a future full of love and happiness in their new home.

With the years Harry and Daphne’s lives blossomed with each new addition to their family, their home filled with laughter, energy, chaos, and the endless surprises that only children can bring. Though all of their children carried the Potter surname, they were also unmistakably Greengrass: proud, intelligent, and with a touch of mischief that seemed to be woven into their DNA, a Potter-Greengrass family wherever they went. Their children were a vibrant mix of the best traits from both parents, each unique, adventurous, and undeniably marked by the legacy of their names.

Their firstborn, Lily Artemisia Potter, arrived with her mother’s golden hair and Harry’s vivid emerald eyes. A charming child from the start, Lily was strong-willed and bright, her curiosity insatiable. She had a natural grace and strength that Daphne adored and that Harry could only describe as innate to her Slytherin soul. For indeed, Lily was sorted into Slytherin on her first day at Hogwarts, a moment her mother celebrated with subtle pride. But in true Potter fashion, Lily’s curiosity got the better of her in her first week of school, when she managed to sneak into the Forbidden Forest to ride a unicorn—a feat that astonished even the most adventurous of teachers. The teachers had to send out a search party—they found Lily in her leaf-covered robes, grinning wildly as she delighted everyone who would listen about her ride on a unicorn she had enchanted to let her ride. and they sent an owl to her house to call her parents. The resulting chaos nearly gave Daphne a heart attack, when her parents arrived, especially her mother, scolded her and confiscated her invisibility cloak until Christmas, but Lily took it all in stride, smiling with an irrepressible glint of mischief in her eyes, she didn't regret it one bit.

Two years after Lily's birth, Harry and Daphne welcomed their second child, a boy they named Cyrus James Potter (a name that brought Cyrus Greengrass to tears). With dark, unruly hair like his father's and the same piercing blue eyes as Daphne, Cyrus inherited his father's sense of responsibility, albeit tempered by his own quiet, studious nature. Even at Hogwarts, where he was quickly sorted into Gryffindor and on his first day at Hogwarts, Headmistress McGonagall recited the school rules twice, at the welcoming ceremony while looking at the Gryffindor table as if she were preparing for some stray Potter joke to emerge from her memories about the new generation. However, Cyrus surprised everyone by quickly becoming known for his diligence and intellect. The teachers marveled at his way of studying, and he seemed to have no interest in the sort of escapades that had marked his father's school days. Cyrus kept a low profile, much to the relief of his parents and the slight disappointment of his more mischief-loving older sister, in his fourth year. Many thought that the famous "dormant gene" of Potter had completely left him behind.

Three years after Cyrus was born, the Potter family received an unexpected but delightful surprise: twins. Harry and Daphne found themselves bracing themselves for double trouble when their twin daughters, Rosalie Luna and Violet Astoria, were born. Both girls were blonde, though Rosalie's eyes were green like Harry's, while Violet's were the same deep blue as Daphne's. From the moment they could crawl, the twins were inseparable, operating with a mysterious unity that left their parents in awe and, at times, apprehensive.

The twins were a near-perfect mirror image of the duo they were named after, their aunts: Luna and Astoria. Rosalie had blonde hair and bright green eyes like her father, while Violet sported the same blonde hair but with blue eyes, mirroring her mother's. Much to the mixed delight and mild horror of Harry and Daphne, the twins were sorted into Ravenclaw, but seemed intent on combining the qualities of both their Ravenclaw house and their inherited Marauder spirit. Together, Rosalie and Violet quickly gained a reputation as Hogwarts' new detective-prankster duo. With boundless energy, they threw themselves into unraveling mysteries and setting up elaborate pranks, much to the frustration of the staff, who were left muttering about the old days, when a single troublemaking Potter would do. The teachers soon learned never to turn their backs on the twins, as any moment of distraction was often rewarded with a prank, whether it was an enchanted staircase leading them astray or an "unexpected delivery" of glittery pygmy puffs spilling into the corridors. They knew how to charm their way out of trouble just as skillfully, managing to make even the strictest of teachers laugh with their endearing antics.

They took up residence in the Ravenclaw common room, offering “services” to students who needed help investigating or anyone who had a mystery to solve. From locating lost pets to deciphering strange messages, Rosalie and Violet turned Hogwarts into their personal playground of secrets and adventure. They combined their Aunt Astoria’s boldness and flair for the dramatic with Luna’s quirky, original thinking, creating ingenious solutions to mysteries no one else could crack. Their prank-making skills became legendary in their first year alone. With a quick study of the pranks of their uncles Fred and George and their grandfather Padfoot, they improved on the classic tricks, adding a Ravenclaw twist that made them even harder to trace back to the source. The twins filled Hogwarts with enchanted bubbles that hummed pop tunes, enchanted suits of armor to dance in the halls, and once even enchanted the house-elves to change the entire decor of the Great Hall overnight to a tropical beach theme, complete with sand and enchanted palm trees that provided real coconuts.

Fourth Years After the twins, Harry thought his family was complete, believing that four children would be more than enough to fill their home with joy, chaos, and love. Their house was a whirlwind of activity, with every room filled with laughter, jokes, and the occasional outburst as one sibling outwitted the other. Family meals were loud and lively, with Daphne giving each child a turn to share in the day's events, though Harry often had to keep a straight face as the twins told outlandish stories about their latest mystery in the garden, and Lily and Cyrus recounted their own accomplishments and antics. With Sirius and Remus visiting frequently as well as many other of their friends such as Tracey and Hermione as well as the Greengrass grandparents, the children grew up with stories of the past and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made to create the peace they now enjoyed.

Harry, watching his energetic twins run wild, often remarked that his family was about as big as he could handle. But that didn't stop Daphne. On a quiet afternoon, Daphne looked at Harry with those lovely blue eyes of hers, the same look she had given him in their school days, that knowing glint in her striking blue eyes. "How about one more?" she asked softly, her hand resting gently on his. And just like that, Harry found himself unable to say no to the love of his life. Nine months later, Sebastian Apolo Potter was welcomed into the world. With dark hair as unruly as Harry's, as well as green eyes and a smile that could charm even the hardest of hearts, Sebastian was the spitting image of his father, but he was not a lonely child like Harry had been in his childhood. Sebastian was surrounded by his siblings, and he grew up with the love and warmth of a large, cheerful family. From a young age, Sebastian showed a keen interest in his family's stories, particularly Harry's tales of Hogwarts and the adventures they had all had. Though he had the unmistakable Potter gift for curiosity, Sebastian’s quiet, introspective nature often reminded Harry of himself as a child—only this time, he knew his youngest son would never have to face the same loneliness.

But unlike Harry’s early years, Sebastian never felt alone. He had siblings who adored him, cousins ​​and friends galore, and a home overflowing with laughter and love. Daphne was also fascinated by her youngest son, often holding him in her arms with a tenderness that never faded. The family doted on him, spoiled him with attention, and filled his life with the security and joy Harry had always dreamed of for his children. His siblings took turns holding him, playing with him, and teaching him everything they knew. From his sisters’ mischievous lessons on how to distract others to Cyrus’ calming influence, Sebastian received the best of both worlds—a childhood filled with love, adventure, and guidance.

Their home was filled with laughter, pranks, and love as the years went by. Harry would often catch Daphne smiling as she watched their children, her eyes full of pride and affection. The siblings, though each wonderfully unique, shared an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through their Hogwarts years and beyond. They leaned on Lily’s strength, Cyrus’s wisdom, Rosalie and Violet’s boundless creativity, and Sebastian’s quiet calm, all the while feeling the love and warmth that had become the Potter-Greengrass legacy.

Together, they were more than just a family; they were a story written in laughter, courage, and unbreakable bonds. And Harry and Daphne knew, as they sat side by side watching their children grow, that this life, filled with love and the wild beauty of their extraordinary family, was more than they had ever dared to dream. And though Harry would have likely said their family was now complete, he knew deep down that if Daphne ever looked at him with that certain sparkle in her eyes again and asked for yet another addition, he would say yes in a heartbeat, After all, wizards live for many years, so they could still have more children if they wanted to, or rather, if Daphne wanted to.

Platform 9¾ was bustling with its usual lively chaos as parents hugged their children, owls hooted from their cages, and trunks clattered against the cobbled floor. This year was especially poignant for Harry and Daphne as they brought their children into the station. It would be their eldest daughter Lily’s last year at Hogwarts, and a bittersweet mix of pride and nostalgia filled their hearts. Lily, now a Head Girl, stood tall and proud with her Head Girl badge glinting in the morning sun. She wore it with the same quiet confidence Daphne always had, and with a mischievous glint in her eye always ready to escape the teachers’ gaze to crack a prank or two, and Harry could hardly believe his little girl was about to graduate.

Beside her, Cyrus was nearly vibrating with excitement, his books tucked under his arm as he prepared to begin his fifth year. Despite his reserved nature, he had inherited his father’s love for adventure and his mother’s sharp intellect. And just behind him, Rosalie and Violet—the dynamic, unstoppable twins—were whispering excitedly about their second year, no doubt already plotting some harmless mayhem with Ravenclaw precision.

But Sebastian, Harry and Daphne’s youngest son, stood between his parents, a silent sadness in his eyes. At 8, he was too young to attend Hogwarts, and as his older brothers chatted, the longing in his gaze was palpable. Daphne noticed it immediately, crouching down to his height and wrapping him in a gentle hug, her voice soft and reassuring. “I know you’ll miss them, darling, but we’re going to have a special day at home. How about homemade lasagna?”

Sebastian looked up, his green eyes lighting up. “With extra cheese?”

Daphne chuckled. “As much cheese as you like”

Harry smiled and ruffled Sebastian’s messy dark hair. “And after the lasagna, I’ll tell you that story you’ve been asking about: the one about how your aunts Luna, Tori, and Gabi solved the mystery of the Hound of the Baskervilles”

A grin spread across Sebastian’s face, and he nodded eagerly. “Yes! I want to hear all about it!”

Their older siblings crouched down to hug him, one by one. Lily squeezed his shoulders, her voice soft. “I promise we’ll send you letters, and we’ll use the mirrors to talk, okay? You won’t feel left out for a second”

Cyrus nodded, ruffling Sebastian’s hair. “And maybe we’ll send you something from the Gryffindor common room—keep it a surprise”

The twins were the last to say goodbye, and in classic Rosalie and Violet fashion, they made their promises in unison, grinning as they clasped hands with Sebastian. “We’ll send you maps of all the best hiding spots!” Violet whispered conspiratorially, while Rosalie added, “And maybe a little prank to keep things interesting”

Sebastian laughed, feeling a little lighter, and waved as his siblings made their way onto the train, quickly finding their groups of friends who waved at him in return. The whistle sounded, and with one final wave, the train pulled out of the station, heading for Hogwarts. Harry and Daphne stood hand in hand, watching the train disappear, nostalgia filling their hearts as they thought of their own first journey to Hogwarts so many years ago.

As the platform cleared, they exchanged warm greetings with some old friends who were also there to drop off their own children. Daphne and Harry felt, as they did every year, a deep sense of warmth and camaraderie, a reminder that they were not just sending their children off to school, but to a place full of friends, family and support.

Later at home, the kitchen was soon filled with the comforting aroma of Daphne’s famous lasagna. Sebastian sat at the table, fidgeting and excited as he watched his mother layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese on a plate larger than any he had ever seen.

After everyone had devoured generous portions, Harry sat back and caught Sebastian’s eager gaze as he crossed his arms. “Very well, Sebastian” he began, smiling. “Are you ready for the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles?”

Sebastian nodded enthusiastically, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“Well” Harry began, looking at Daphne, who smiled at the memory, “it all started shortly after your aunts Astoria, Luna, and Gabi graduated. They had become quite the trio as you know, so famous as detectives, in fact, that wizards everywhere asked for their help. One day, they received a mysterious letter…”

Harry described how the letter had been sent from a remote part of the English countryside, detailing strange sightings of a ghostly, menacing hound that was terrorizing the residents of Baskerville Hall. The letter pleaded for the help of the ‘Mystery Sisters’—Astoria, Luna, and Gabrielle—to solve the mystery.

“Luna, of course, was convinced it was the spirit of a mystical creature” Harry said with a chuckle, “while Astoria thought it could be some ancient curse, and Gabrielle was sure it was the work of some prankster ghost. But they all agreed to investigate. So, off they went, traveling to Baskerville Hall with their wands, potions, and Luna’s ever-present Spectrespecs”

Harry went on, detailing how the three detectives began their investigation, meeting with the residents of Baskerville Hall and exploring the grounds. They uncovered strange clues: paw prints as big as dinner plates, scorch marks on the ground, and eerie howling at night that sent chills down their spines.

“It was Gabi who discovered the hidden tunnels beneath Baskerville Hall” Harry continued, watching as Sebastian hung on every word. “She bravely led the group underground, where they found something even stranger—a potion brewing station hidden in the depths”

Daphne chimed in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Turns out, it wasn’t a ghostly hound at all. The hall’s gardener, who’d once been a dark wizard’s apprentice, was brewing an elixir that enchanted normal wolves to look and sound like demonic creatures. He wanted to scare off the residents so he could claim an old family fortune supposedly buried there”

“But Astoria, Luna and Gabrielle weren’t having it” Harry said with a grin. “They disarmed him, then turned the hounds back into harmless wolves, and made sure he was taken to the Aurors”

Sebastian laughed, delighted by the tale. “Did aunt Luna keep one of the wolves?”

Harry smiled. “She did try, but I think the wolves preferred the wild. Your Aunt Luna let them go back to their forest, but I’m sure she visits them whenever she can”

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, eyes shining just like every time he heard one of the adventures of the ‘Mystery Sisters’. “They’re the best detectives in the world!”

Harry and Daphne exchanged a warm glance, and Harry ruffled his son’s hair affectionately. “They certainly are. Just like you’ll be one day, in your own way”

Sebastian beamed, his earlier sadness forgotten. He knew that he would have his own adventures one day—and with family like his, he was bound to make every moment unforgettable.

A few weeks into the school year, the Potter household was bustling with its usual warmth, but Harry and Daphne were called away for a completely different reason that night. While Sebastian was enjoying his time with his Greengrass grandparents, who always loved spending time with their grandchildren, Harry and Daphne were summoned to the Headmistress’s office. The reason? A prank. But not just any prank.

Summoned for yet another prank their Ravenclaw twins, Rosalie and Violet, had pulled. As they climbed the final staircase, Harry couldn’t help but glance at Daphne, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. Although they were determined to act sternly, he knew they both shared an immense pride in their daughters.

When they arrived, Headmistress McGonagall greeted them with her usual formal yet warm demeanor. “Mr. and Mrs. Potter” she began, folding her hands on her desk, her voice a mixture of sternness and amusement. “It seems your daughters have taken it upon themselves to enforce their own version of justice”

The story McGonagall recounted was almost too comical to believe. Three sixth-year Gryffindors had thought it was a brilliant idea to steal whiskers from Kneazles—a magical creature known for its sharp claws and sharp temper—in order to sell them for profit. They had captured a few of the creatures and were attempting the task when Rosalie and Violet, who had just arrived on the scene, decided to intervene.

McGonagall explained that the twins had used the exact same spells that the Gryffindors had been attempting to pull off—only they had aimed them at the culprits. Instead of whiskers, the boys had their own hair yanked out in huge, painful clumps, leaving them looking like they’d been struck by a very angry broomstick.

"Quite a clever bit of spellwork” McGonagall said with a smile, though her stern expression didn’t waver. "However, I must say, their methods leave much to be desired. The three Gryffindors have already been punished, and I’ve spoken to their families about the matter. They will each serve a suspension for their actions”

Harry and Daphne tried to keep straight faces as they exchanged glances, both of them proud despite. "We’ll have a word with them, Headmistress” Daphne replied, her tone both stern and affectionate.

Harry nodded, looking just as proud of the prank as Daphne did. "The Gryffindors learned their lesson, I’m sure. But I’m sure our girls will learn something about the appropriate time for a prank"

McGonagall nodded, her lips twitching upward. "Indeed. But for now, I’ve already spoken with the families of those involved, so I trust you will handle this at home. But” she added with a glint in her eye, "I must admit, I couldn’t help but admire the twins’ creativity. Let’s hope they don’t become too accustomed to this sort of thing, though”

As they left McGonagall’s office, Harry and Daphne exchanged one last glance before heading straight to the Ravenclaw common room, where the twins had undoubtedly been awaiting their parents’ reaction.

Reaching Ravenclaw Tower, they were greeted by the excited squeals of Rosalie and Violet, who flung themselves at their parents, laughing as they hugged them tightly. The twins’ usual charm was in full effect as they looked up with pleading eyes, hopeful for forgiveness, they both jumped to their feet, beaming.

“Mum, Dad! Hiii!” Rosalie and Violet said in unison, Their faces lit up as they greeted their parents. They immediately embraced them, and their impish smiles made it clear they had already considered how to charm their way out of trouble. The usual puppy dog eyes and exaggerated pout followed.

“Are we in trouble?” Violet asked, her big, blue eyes blinking up at Harry with mock innocence.

“We only wanted to protect the Kneazles!” Rosalie chimed in, her green eyes wide, giving her father a look that almost made him forget why they were there.

Harry glanced at Daphne, who gave the girls a playful but stern look. “Girls, you know better than to take things into your own hands” she chided, though her smile softened her words. “If something like this happens again, tell a professor”

But it was Harry who caved first. “Still” he added, his voice just loud enough for them to hear, “I think you did the right thing by protecting those Kneazles” He pulled out a small stash of Honeydukes chocolate, handing it to them, and the twins squealed in delight.

“Dad, you’re the best!” Violet exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.

“And, of course, we owe our wonderful mother for letting us get away with it” Rosalie added, leaning over to hug Daphne.

Before they left, they made a quick stop at the headgirl room to visit Lily, the eldest of them, who had already heard about the incident with her younger sisters. Standing proudly with her Head Girl badge pinned to her robes, Lily welcomed them with a playful smile, her usual composure morphing into a warm grin as she hugged her parents. She knew how to use her influence to keep her sisters in line or join them on their adventures from time to time.

Lily looked at Harry, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So, Dad” she began in a slightly exaggerated and innocent tone, “there’s a new book in the Restricted Section about Advanced Transfiguration. Headmistress McGonagall mentioned that I might be able to approve it for my studies if a parent made one small request…”

Harry trying to hold onto some semblance of authority. But as Lily gave him one of those looks that could melt even the coldest of hearts, he sighed dramatically. "Fine. I’ll get you the book, Lily"

Lily smiled brightly, running over to hug her father, her eyes sparkling with glee. “Thank you, Daddy!”

Daphne watched all of this with an amused glint in her eyes as she watched her husband being completely outmatched by his daughters, one by one. She shook her head fondly, realizing that no matter how hard she tried to help him stand his ground, Harry could never say no to his daughters, especially not when they made those faces.

Daphne comments to Lily, “You really have him dancing on your finger, sweetie”

Lily smiles, “I learned from the best, Mom” Lily hugs her mother.

As they left the bathroom, Daphne said with a soft laugh in her voice. “They really know how to get what they want, don’t they?”

Harry looked at her sheepishly. “I blame you”

She laughed, stepping forward to hug him. “I don’t care. They are ours, after all”

Just then, the twins peeked their heads around the corner. “We love you, Mom and Dad!” Rosalie said with a big smile. “Thanks for not grounding us forever!”

“And we’ll definitely stop pranking each other… after a little more practice” Violet added mischievously, before the two of them disappeared, probably planning their next adventure.

As Harry and Daphne made their way down the winding corridors of Hogwarts to the Gryffindor common room, they were both in high spirits, eager to pay Cyrus a surprise visit. Just as they neared the common room entrance, they spotted him in the distance, his dark hair slightly ruffled and his cheeks tinged pink as he exchanged greetings with a fellow Gryffindor.

The girl in question was Victoire Delacour, the daughter of Fleur and Bill Delacour, who had lovingly taken his wife’s last name. Victoire had inherited her mother’s beauty and poise, with silvery-blonde hair that seemed to shimmer in the castle’s warm lighting and an effortless elegance that drew attention wherever she went. Harry and Daphne slowed their steps, noticing the two of them sharing a quiet, easy exchange. Cyrus looked ready to continue on his way when his gaze drifted downward, and he noticed something unusual.

A small strip of toilet paper was trailing from Victoire’s left shoe, fluttering slightly as she moved. He hesitated, looking almost mortified as he wrestled with whether to tell her, his ears turning slightly red. It was a scene so familiar that Harry and Daphne had to stifle their laughter, sharing a knowing look.

“Victoire, wait!” Cyrus called out, his voice nervous yet determined.

Victoire stopped mid-stride, her light blue eyes turning toward him with a hint of curiosity. “Oui, Potter?” she replied, her French accent smooth as silk.

“I… I wanted to tell you… well, it’s just that…” Cyrus stammered, his words tripping over themselves as he wrestled to get them out, his face now a bright shade of pink.

Victoire regarded him with a calm, almost amused smile as she waited. When it was clear Cyrus was still fumbling with his words, she tilted her head and asked, “Are you asking me out, Cyrus?” Her voice was gentle, but a glint of anticipation sparkled in her eyes.

Cyrus blinked, flustered and frozen, unable to manage a reply as his heart hammered wildly. Before he could think of a response, Victoire’s smile widened, and she took a step closer. “I’d love to” she said, her voice carrying a warmth and sincerity that left him speechless.

Daphne and Harry, still standing in the shadows, exchanged a warm, affectionate glance. They knew exactly what Cyrus was feeling; after all, it had been years, but their own story had begun in much the same way. Daphne gave a little laugh, brushing her fingers over Harry’s hand as she leaned closer. “It all started with a piece of toilet paper, didn’t it?” she whispered, her voice soft with nostalgia. “I remember I couldn’t resist teasing you for it”

Harry chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, but look where that little piece of paper led us” He watched Cyrus and Victoire with a smile. “He doesn’t know it yet, but that’s just the beginning. The real challenge? It’s not asking her out… it’s keeping up with Delacour”

Daphne smiled knowingly, resting her head on his shoulder. “That boy of ours is in for quite the adventure, isn’t he?”

They stood together in the corridor, sharing a moment of pride and love for the life they had built together, the journey that had led them from nervous introductions to being parents watching their own children find love and adventure at Hogwarts. As they turned to head back down the corridor, Harry looked down at Daphne, his eyes soft with affection.

“I love you, Daphne” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

She looked up, her blue eyes shining as she gave him a tender smile. “And I love you, Harry”

They shared a kiss, filled with years of memories and the promise of so much more, before heading back to give their son the space he needed. Harry and Daphne couldn’t help but walk a little closer together, arms intertwined, as they made their way out of the castle. This next chapter for their family felt just as magical as the first, and they couldn’t wait to see where it would take them all.

The story has come to an end but I would like to add some omakes of some discarded ideas

Omake 1 Potter-Toilet-Paper Invitation

It was the week before the annual Yule Ball, and Lily Artemisia Potter was walking down the corridor with her characteristic, confident stride, fully engrossed in reading a letter from her mother. Unbeknownst to her, a piece of toilet paper trailed from her shoe, fluttering along as she walked. The halls were bustling with students discussing plans and dress robes when she was suddenly interrupted by a hesitant voice.

“Er… Lily?”

She looked up, surprised to see Edwart Bones, the son of Susan Bones, standing before her with a slightly pink face. Edwart was known for his easygoing charm, but at that moment, he looked uncharacteristically shy.

“Oh, hey, Edwart!” Lily replied with her usual warm smile, unaware of the toilet paper hitching a ride.

Edwart looked as if he were gathering his courage, then glanced down at her shoe. “I, um… Well, I was wondering…” He stammered, his eyes darting back and forth between her face and her foot.

Lily regarded him with curiosity, her expression expectant but patient. When it became clear that Edwart was fumbling for words, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you asking me to the Yule Ball, Bones?, I’d like to”

the “Potter-Toilet-Paper Invitation” had struck again.

Originally it was going to be Lily but I decided that it would be better if Cyrus went through the “Potter-Toilet-Paper Invitation”

Omake 2 Dumbledore’s Offbeat Comment

"Ah, yes” he began, looking at a crumpled note on his desk. "One last matter, Harry. I’m afraid the pig plan for the slaughterhouse has been canceled”

Harry blinked, utterly confused. “The… pig plan?” he echoed, wondering if he’d misheard.

“Yes, yes” Dumbledore replied with a completely straight face, folding up the note. "But it’s nothing to worry about, Harry. Just a small project” He gave Harry a reassuring wink, then, with a twinkle in his eye, turned and—rather inexplicably—winked directly at an empty part of the office as if he were looking at an unseen audience.

Harry, staring at Dumbledore, felt a chill down his spine. “Professor… who exactly are you winking at?”

“Why, no one at all, Harry. Now, where were we?”

This joke came out in the notes of the previous chapter told by Astoria and Luna, I didn't include it because maybe it would make it seem like the Dumbeldore of the story is dark or something.

Omake 3 The Hostage Switch

It was the morning of the second task, and Harry sat in the Great Hall, casting anxious glances toward the Slytherin table. Daphne was nowhere in sight, and his mind raced with possibilities. Had something happened to her? Could she be his hostage after all? The thought made his heart race, and he pushed his breakfast aside, his appetite replaced by nerves.

Just then, a pair of hands covered his eyes, and a familiar voice whispered in his ear, “Looking for someone?”

Harry turned, relief flooding his face as he saw Daphne grinning playfully. Without thinking, he wrapped her in a hug, sighing in relief. “You nearly scared me half to death! I thought you’d disappeared”

She chuckled, clearly amused by his reaction. ““In fact, I was offered to be your hostage, you know? But…” she said, flipping her hair dramatically, “I was not about to ruin this masterpiece in the Great Lake”

Harry laughed, relaxing for the first time all morning. “I should have known you’d have priorities” he said, squeezing her hand.

“Besides” Daphne added with a playful smirk, “who could resist making your poor best friend be the one kidnapped instead? But don’t worry, Potter” she teased, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, “I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done rescuing Weasley”

Yep, I was originally going to make Daphne not the hostage but I decided to do it and it was really fun.

Omake 4 Lord Chomort Rises

In the graveyard at Riddle Manor, Harry was bound to the statue, frantically tugging at the ropes that held him. Wormtail was halfway through the incantation to resurrect Voldemort, his voice trembling with eagerness, when a glint of something small and square caught Harry’s eye. A single, half-melted piece of Aegis chocolate fell from his pocket, tumbling down… right into the bubbling cauldron.

The potion hissed and sputtered as the chocolate dissolved into the dark liquid, turning it a peculiar shade of rich brown. Wormtail, too absorbed in his chanting to notice, continued the ritual. But when the cauldron erupted with a great plume of chocolate-scented smoke, even he faltered.

And then, rising from the cauldron, came a figure as terrifying as he was… delicious-looking. Voldemort, now resurrected as a literal chocolate man, looked down at his new form, his mouth twisting in horror. His previously pale skin was now a rich, velvety brown, and his fingers glistened like milk chocolate. The Death Eaters nearby stared, too stunned to speak.

“WHAT… IS… THIS?” he hissed, his voice coming out as a dark. But instead of dread, his words inspired an overwhelming urge for dessert.

Harry couldn’t contain his laughter, his fear forgotten as he gasped out, “Lord Chomort!”

Bellatrix, who escaped from Azkaban and standing nearby, looked on in horror, torn between reverence and the sudden craving for a nibble. Voldemort glared at her, realizing his predicament. “You fools! I am dark, yes, but not dark chocolate!”

Harry continued to laugh uncontrollably as Voldemort tried—and failed—to regain his menacing aura. All it took was a little splash of Aegis chocolate to turn the Dark Lord into everyone’s favorite midnight snack.

If one of the original ideas was for Voldemort to be reborn as a chocolate man weakened by Aegis chocolate.

Omake 5 The chocolate-obsessed Death Eater

Months earlier, when Harry first met Daphne’s father, Cyrus Greengrass, he’d been introduced to a world of cunning Slytherin wit and surprisingly amusing tales. One story in particular had stuck with Harry—the tale of a certain chocolate-obsessed Death Eater, Bartemius Crouch Jr., whose love for sweets was rumored to rival even his loyalty to the Dark Lord.

“More than Dark magic, more than the Dark Lord” Cyrus had chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Nothing could tempt him like a bar of the finest chocolate”

Now, months later, that story resurfaced vividly in Harry’s mind as he stood in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, holding a rare piece of Aegis chocolate. He’d been saving it, savoring the anticipation of enjoying the finest chocolate known to wizardkind when a gruff voice cut through his thoughts.

“Potter” came Professor Moody’s low growl, his magical eye fixed on the chocolate in Harry’s hand. He sniffed the air deeply, and his lips twitched. “Hand over that chocolate”

Harry raised an eyebrow, remembering something Cyrus had said about Crouch Jr.’s weakness. “But… Professor” he replied, feigning innocence, “I thought you were diabetic”

Moody’s face twisted in irritation. “That doesn’t matter, Potter! Give it to me now”

Harry’s eyes narrowed, catching the faintest glimmer of desperation in “Moody’s” eyes, and his mind raced. Cyrus’s words echoed in his head, and the pieces clicked into place. Heart pounding, he took a step back, holding the chocolate up. “You’re not Moody” he said slowly. “You’re the chocolate-obsessed Death Eater—Bartemius Crouch Jr”

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, to Harry’s shock, a slow smile crept across Moody’s face, his features twisting in a strange mix of pride and satisfaction. “Well done, Potter” he purred, his voice taking on a menacing, almost delighted tone. “You found me out”

Harry held his ground, clutching the Aegis chocolate tightly, unwilling to give up his prize—or his life—without a fight. “Guess chocolate really does reveal the darkest secrets” he muttered.

Crouch Jr., still disguised as Moody, reached out with a hungry, almost manic glint in his eye. “Now, be a good boy, Potter, and hand over that chocolate. I’ve been waiting for Aegis all year…”

But Harry, recalling Daphne’s training, smirked, pocketing the chocolate and taking a step back. “Catch me if you can” he said, then sprinted out of the room, leaving the desperate Death Eater to give chase, driven by a craving more dangerous than any curse.

The truth is that this was the original idea but then I decided that the power of Aegis chocolate is to have no power, being just a delicious chocolate without powers, a legend inflated by rumors just like the rumors invented about the adventures of the boy who lived.

As mentioned in the story when Harry, Daphne, Astoria y Luna ate it, it is the best chocolate in the world but it does not give any kind of magical power.