Okay, I know I said I probably wouldn't be updating for a while but I got bored and really wanted to go on with the story so, here's the next chapter!

Thanks to kdanford, Silo666, HolyMoses, and Melora for their reviews! I really like hearing, er, reading what people think about my story so review! Lol okay, on with the FanFiction!

Disclaimer: No I do not own Harry Potter, nor will I ever. Duh. It all belongs to the amazingly talented J.K. Rowling who created this awesome world, just so people like you and me can totally manipulate her characters and plot lines.

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The lake was one of Harry's favorite places to come and think. Since the defeat of Voldemort, and the relative abandonment of his friends, he had become a bit more intellectual, having been removed from Ron's laziness and Hermione's off-putting know-it-all attitude that made his intellect feel inferior. He wanted to be able to accomplish thing on his own; things he could be proud of, even if they were only a good grade on an assignment. It was nice to achieve something he actually wanted. It's not like he wanted to kill a basilisk or fight Death Eaters.

Finding 'his' beech tree that was only a couple of feet from the dark green water, Harry settled down underneath it's shade and brought out a muggle sketch book and pencil from his bag. Not having to fight insane Dark Lord gives you a lot of free time. Having pretty much all of your friends pair off leaving you the awkward third wheel gives you even more. During his time alone Harry had started to draw, something that he hadn't done since he was in muggle primary school. He had always been rather good at sketching and enjoyed the activity, not realizing how much he had missed doing it.

Lost in his sketch of the lake, which had the beginnings of Hogwarts off to the side, he didn't notice that the dark blue eyes that had so curiously followed him in the Great Hall had a matching pair of curious feet, which had physically followed him.

She had followed him a few moments after he left; she didn't want her housemates thinking she was having anything to do with Harry Potter. She picked up her pace once she had made it to the lawns, trying to catch up while still being quiet. She saw him sitting underneath the same beech tree he always sat under and studied him closely.

Harry Potter was quite the enigma to her. Had he really done all of those things that the rumors of the years had said. She had never believed them until that day last year when he had unknowingly saved her. She had been forced into an engagement with Theo Nott who was a Death Eater. She knew what horrors would face her if she married him but when the Dark Lord had been defeated and the Death Eaters arrested, she had been released from her contract. She had decided to come back and repeat her seventh year like most of last year's graduates as the curriculum hadn't exactly been up to par.

She wasn't exactly sure of what she was doing. She had never spoken to Harry Potter, save the occasional "Can you pass me that quill?" or "Thanks" when a door was held open. What was she going to say to him? "Thank you from saving me from a hellish future?" what if he refused to speak to her because she was a Slytherin? She decided that it didn't matter, because he looked lonely, and she wanted to get to know him better. She wanted to help.

***(A/N: mwahaha I was going to stop it here but since I'm nice I'll go for a bit more)***

He didn't hear her until she sat down gracefully next to him. Harry looked up, startled at her seemingly sudden appearance.

She had thick long blonde hair that had a slight wave to it. Her hair was a deep gold color that had a reddish tint in the direct sunlight. Her skin was like porcelain, pale and smooth. But her eyes were the most beautiful part about her. They were a deep blue, with black rings around the very edge of the irises that were dotted with flecks of purple. Beautiful eyes in Harry's opinion.

He looked at the pretty witch questioningly, raising one eyebrow. When she didn't say anything, he asked, "Can I help you?"

She smiled and said, "I think I can help you. You look lonely, and I would like a friend."

Her very direct and unexpected answer threw Harry off somewhat but he stopped and considered what she had said. He was lonely, so why not? He did notice the green and silver patch on her robes but decided not to judge her based on her House; she seemed friendly enough. He was pretty sure that she was in his year, but he couldn't place a name. instead, he smiled back at her and replied, "Alright. The name's Harry Potter, Gryffindor seventh year for the first time. Pleasure to meet you." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.

At his antics she smiled even brighter. She firmly grasped his hand, giving it a shake while saying, "Daphne Greengrass, Slytherin seventh year for the second time. Charmed."

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Yay! Another chapter done. I know they're short, but I'll be able to get more of them out this way. So Daph and Harry have finally met! What is going to happen now? Should they keep their friendship secret for a while or just shock everyone by hanging out in public? Review and tell me what you think!!

zoey