Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R.
HP - DG
From Sydney to Hiroshima
If it's possible to fall in love with a city, I fell in love with Sydney at first sight.
The morning we reached Sydney I got up before sunrise and showered and dressed into light slacks and a shirt. After that, I tiptoed into the dark living room. Daphne was still sound asleep, buried deep under her duvet. With as little noise as possible I pulled the curtains to the side to get out onto the veranda, but jumped when a Stinging Hex missed me by barely an inch. I whirled around.
A very sleepy and disgruntled Daphne put her wand back onto the coffee table and swung a pair of shapely legs over the edge of her sofa bed. Her long hair was messed up from sleep and she looked simply adorable in her oversized shirt as she glared at me.
I gave her a sheepish grin. 'Sorry, Daphne. I didn't mean to wake you.'
She harrumphed to that and made her way into the bathroom, while I stepped out onto the veranda and leaned against the railing to wait for the sunrise. I considered myself lucky that Daphne had never joined the D.A., because her aim was rather accurate and the power she'd put behind the spell had been remarkable. I shuddered to think what she'd be capable of with some proper training.
Daphne came out onto the veranda just in time with the sunrise. She wore a pink blouse over tight white jeans and trainers. Her hair was pulled back in a loose pony tail, and as always when we planned to spend a day on land she wore no make up. She looked beautiful and I hardly could take my eyes off her. It was the first time since her mother's death that she wore something colourful, I suddenly realised. The first days after the tragedy she'd only worn black clothes and after that only grey and off white coloured clothes.
'Pink suits you,' I told her and was rewarded with a smile.
She leaned beside me at the railing, her arm and shoulder touching mine. The warm breeze played with the strands of her hair that had escaped from her pony tail, and ever so often she'd raise her free hand and brush the strands back. In a companionable silence we watched as the coastline came closer in the light of the rising sun, though I have to admit that I was more fascinated with Daphne, who had her eyes closed and bathed her face in the sunlight.
The natural harbour of Sydney surely was one of a kind. When the "Princess Isabella" slowly rounded South Head and made her way into the harbour, we discovered that the city stretched out around it. Yet the predominant colour on shore still was green. Headlands jotted out into the bay, forming countless smaller bays. Thousands of sailing boats and motor yachts anchored in the dozens of small bays we passed, and each turn the "Princess Isabella" took opened the view onto another hidden beach or on one of the numerous islands that dotted the harbour.
'Judging by the many sport boats and sailing ships it seems the harbour is a huge playground for the citizens of Sydney and they all chose to live around it to have faster access to the fun,' Daphne laughed, and I agreed.
The "Princess Isabella" anchored at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, which gave us a wonderful view on the Opera House. The unique roof construction shone in the light of the early morning sun like the sails of a fantasy ship. No one was allowed to leave from board until we'd passed the immigration formalities. As passengers of the big suites, Daphne and I once more got preferential treatment and were able to have breakfast while our fellow travellers still waited for their turn. While we had breakfast, we talked about our plans for the day. With the help of the travel agency on board we'd booked two events ahead, but the rest of the day we were free to explore the amazing city.
'I'd like to spend some time on the beach,' Daphne said while she poured herself another cup of tea.
'Why am I not surprised about that?' I snorted. 'But it's all right with me.'
She gave me a blinding smile of thanks, and in a content silence we sipped our tea and waited until we were allowed to leave the ship.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is conveniently located in Circular Quay. 'Wow, it really looks as if we're in the middle of everything,' I remarked as we stepped out of the building. 'Have you already seen from where the ferries depart?'
'I think it's this way,' Daphne replied and took my arm. After a short walk we reached the ferry terminal. It didn't take us long to find the line that'd take us to Taronga Zoo. We boarded the ship, but instead of taking one of the seats, we went to the railing to have a better look at the city.
Slowly, the ship left the wharf. Turning around the headland of the Sydney Opera House it picked up speed, but gave us time enough to admire the unique building. I took a fantastic picture of Daphne, leaning against the railing with the Opera House in the background and her long hair tousled by the wind, that adorns my desk until today.
After the Opera House we passed a small island with a fort on it.
'That's Fort Denison,' Daphne educated me. She'd spent yesterday afternoon reading the travel guide about Sydney, while I had opted for the Qudditch section of the "Daily Prophet" Kingsley had sent me. Admittedly, he sent me the newspaper – if you could call it that – to keep me on track with the developments in magical Britain, but I could stomach only so much nonsense in one day and had indulged in the sports section.
'Show off!' I told her, which earned me a sharp poke of her elbow in the side. I laughed and put my arm around her.
Looking back, we had a breath-taking view on Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Daphne leaned against me. When we neared Taronga Zoo Wharf, she pointed to a bay to our left that cut deeply into the land. 'That's Little Sirius Cove and Great Sirius Cove,' she said quietly. 'I thought we'd take a walk there after our visit to the zoo.'
I'd told her about Sirius and the way I'd lost him on one of these warm, moonlit nights we spent on the veranda, drinking beer and talking about anything that came to our minds. She knew how much I cherished his memory.
'I'd like that,' I smiled and pulled her towards me in a short hug.
At the zoo we were greeted by our private guide. We'd booked a behind-the-scenes tour of the native animals of Australia. By the look on Daphne's face I could tell she was as keen as I to see what awaited us.
The guide first led us to an enclosure that hosted emus. He opened the door and invited us in.
'Wow, we're allowed to get that close to the animals?' Daphne exclaimed.
'Of course, miss, this is a behind-the-scenes tour,' the guide laughed. He gave us small bunches of grass with seeds. 'Take these to lure the birds to you. They are crazy about this stuff!'
Indeed, they were. It didn't take long for the first emu to come closer to Daphne, crane its neck and take a first, tentative peck. If it had been dark, the smile on Daphne's face could have lit the zoo, and I snapped picture after picture.
'Now it's your turn, Harry!' Daphne announced and took the camera from me.
I held a bunch of grass out to the emus in front of me, and soon they crowded around me, fighting for the best spot to get at the yummy treats. I had a blast. That is, until I felt something pecking at my behind. I craned my neck to have a look. An especially adventurous emu pecked at a bunch of grass that was sticking out of the back pocket of my slacks, and in it's enthusiasm to get at the yummy food the bird didn't care where exactly it pecked.
By the giggles that came from Daphne I didn't have to ask who'd put the grass in my back pocket. I glared at her, but of course she was not fazed and kept taking pictures until I removed the grass from my pocket, lest not to be eaten up by the enthusiastic bird.
'Spoilsport!' she pouted.
I narrowed my eyes and made a step toward her.
She laughed and made a strategic retreat behind a group of emus. 'I'm sorry, all right? But gosh, Harry, you should have seen your face!' Another fit of laughter shook her.
'I'm happy that I could provide for your entertainment, Miss Greengrass,' I grumbled, but I wasn't really mad at her. After the ordeals we'd been through we both cherished each bit of fun we could get.
Next on our agenda were the kangaroos.
'You can't visit Australia without saying hello to our unofficial heraldic animal,' our guide grinned when he opened the door to the enclosure. 'These are our bush wallabies. They are even greedier than the emus!' He handed us the treats for the small animals.
He was right. The cute little rascals would do anything for an extra treat, we soon found out. I got my revenge on Daphne when one wallaby stuck its head into the cleavage of her blouse, though I can't imagine what kind of treats the animal expected to find there. Daphne shrieked, and I was howling with laughter, but had the presence of mind to push the release button of my camera exactly that moment.
'You're not going to keep that picture, Potter!' Daphne glared after she'd recovered from her surprise.
'You bet I will!' I returned. 'It's prime blackmail material, after all.'
She narrowed her eyes at me. 'We'll talk about that again, Potter!' The threat in her voice was unmistakeable, and a lesser man than I would probably have quivered in his shoes. But I'd lived with Daphne for seven weeks and knew by now that her bark was worse than her bite. Why my classmates ever were intimidated by the Ice Queen of Slytherin was really beyond me. I laughed and grabbed her hand.
'Should I be afraid?'
'Very!' she replied and poked me in the side.
Still holding hands we followed the guard to the most cherished treasure of the zoo, the platypus.
'This is Annie, our platypus,' he introduced us to the strange animal that looked like a cross between a duck and a mole. 'Annie came to us two years ago from the wild with severe injuries. We're lucky that she survived.'
'You'd think that an animal looking like that is a hoax,' Daphne mused, looking in fascination at the strange creature.
'Funny you'd say that,' our guide replied. 'In fact, that's exactly what European scientists thought when the species was first discovered.' He then regaled us with more facts about the animal. After that, we knew that it used its tail for storage for fat reserves and that its bite was venomous.
'I wonder if that species is somehow related to the Niffler,' Daphne whispered into my ear when our guide locked the door to the platypus enclosure behind him. 'The animal looks so strange, there must be magic involved!'
The tour ended with another highlight, a visit in the koala enclosure. Again, we were allowed to take as many pictures as we liked to.
'You may take him on your arm, miss,' the guide said. He plucked one of the cuddly bundles from the tree where it sat and munched on eucalyptus leaves, and put it into Daphne's arm. The look on her face when he did so was indescribable. Her pink blouse and white jeans were rather grimy after that, but by the beaming expression on her face I could tell that she didn't care.
Our tour ended on the terrace of the restaurant, where we were being offered refreshments. Daphne and I sat side by side at one of the small tables and enjoyed the view over the harbour while savouring a cup of tea and small cakes.
'Mhmm, this one is really good! Have a try, Harry,' Daphne said and held out a spoon with cake. I let her feed me the cake and had to agree that it in fact was good.
Afterwards, we explored the zoo some more. The place offered fantastic views of the harbour and on the Opera House at every turn. Where else in the world can you snap a picture with giraffes and the blue water of the harbour and the Opera House in the background?
After another hour we decided we had enough. We left the zoo and walked along the Foreshore Track until we reached Great Sirius Cove. There we sat down in the warm sand and looked at the many sailing boats that anchored in the small bay. It was a quiet and peaceful place, nothing you'd have expected in a city as big and bustling as Sydney.
'He'd have loved it here,' I finally said, and Daphne took my hand.
'You still miss him,' she stated.
'Of course,' I sighed. 'But it's been two years now, and I'm a big boy and can get on by myself. After all, that's what I've been doing most of my life.'
She looked at me. 'You're not without a friend, Harry. You've got me.'
Our eyes locked. That were almost the same words I had told her on the "Princess Isabella" after she'd said her last good bye to her mother. By the look in her eyes I could tell she remembered that moment as clearly as I did.
'I know,' I replied quietly, and again looked out onto the water, still holding Daphne's hand, but not really seeing anything of the beautiful scenery around us.
I was startled from my silent remembrance by a class of schoolkids who invaded the quiet cove like a flock of especially loud and brassy sparrows. Daphne and I grimaced at each other, then got up to our feet and walked to Taronga Zoo wharf hand in hand.
We took the ferry back to Circular Quay where we made a short stop on board of the "Princess Isabella" so that Daphne could get changed out of her grubby clothes. We'd agreed on a visit to Bondi Beach in the afternoon, so I also took the opportunity to put on my swimming trunks underneath my slacks.
Daphne reappeared not even fifteen minutes later. This time, she wore a loose, light blue summer dress and carried a huge straw bag. Her hair hung open down to the middle of her back.
'For our towels and your novel and my magazines,' she explained as she noticed the question on my face. 'I've put a Featherweight Charm on everything, so it's no bother at all.'
We left the "Princess Isabella" and turned left, in search for a place to have a light lunch and a taxi that took us to Bondi Beach, not necessarily in that order. That way, we happened to hit upon the Royal Botanic Garden.
Daphne's eyes lit up as we entered the garden. 'Oh, that reminds me of Grenian House!' she exclaimed, taking in the view of a pond that was surrounded by colourful flower beds. A lush, green lawn stretched from there down to the waterfront. A couple of black swans glided lazily through the green waters of the pond.
'Your ancestral home?' I asked, and she nodded, the smile still on her face, though her eyes turned sad.
'Yes. The Greengrasses always prided themselves for their beautiful gardens. Nomen est omen, you know. Grenian is an old English word and means a place where green things grow. I think the family originally were farmers. During the medieval ages they became merchants, though. My great-great-grandfather finally founded the shipping company some hundred-and- twenty years ago.'
She gulped, biting back the tears. 'Merlin, I'm so stupid crying about the loss of the house! Screw the house, if only Mum and Dad were still alive!'
I took her hand and guided her to one of the benches that stood around the pond. We sat down and I put my arm around her shoulder, while she leaned against me. As always, she needed some time to find her composure. When I noticed she'd become quieter, I said, 'You'll rebuild Grenian House.'
'Of course,' she agreed. 'Though I can't help wondering what became of the gardens. The house elves always took great care of them, but Dibby and Tipsy died when the house collapsed, due to their magic that was tied to the house. I used to help them weeding the garden whenever I was at home. They hated that, though. "Missy Daffy bes not to do dirty work!" they'd complain, but in the end they'd always let me help them. I loved working in the garden. It was so soothing.'
'I've also done a lot of gardening at my aunt's house,' I said. 'Though it was not voluntarily. She made me do it, to earn my keep. First, working in the garden was a way to get away from them, but I soon found out that I liked it. You're right, it is soothing. I never told her that, though, or she'd given me something else to do, just to spite me.'
'Oh Harry!' she whispered. She turned her head and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek.
We sat silently for a while, until I suggested to move on. Daphne nodded to that, and I stretched out my hand when I stood up and pulled her up. Daphne never bothered to take her hand away while we walked out of the park and called a taxi.
Bondi Beach was big, sunny and crowded. We managed to find a reasonably quiet place and spread our towels on the ground. Daphne slipped out of her dress. Underneath, she wore a lavender coloured bikini. I'd never seen her in a bikini before; during our regular turns in the pool in the morning she always wore a swimsuit. Not that I complained; she looked fantastic in a bikini.
'I'm not planning on going into the water today,' she informed me, reading the look on my face. 'I just want to work on my seamless tan.' With that, she discarded her bikini top, and I almost swallowed my tongue. A look around told me that topless sunbathing was not uncommon on Bondi Beach. In fact, most of the young women were topless. But I'd spent six years at a boarding school where girls were bundled up in thick, bulky robes, another year on the run where opportunities for sunbathing had been scarce and the summer holed up at Grimmauld Place, licking my wounds, so it really wasn't surprising that I felt a trifle flustered.
Daphne lay on her back and had her eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to my confusion. Though, the slight smirk on her face told me that she knew exactly what she'd done to me and had planned it. You could take the girl out of Slytherin, but never Slytherin out of the girl. It was just her poor luck that getting Tom out of my head meant that I was not only more observant, but also able to think quicker and clearer than ever before, and I was not willing to let her pull my leg without retaliation.
I looked around. Everyone in our vicinity was happily occupied with the things people do when they are on the beach. I let my wand slip out of the invisible holster for an inch, directed it at Daphne and thought 'Aguamenti Gelido!'
A small splash of water hit her right on the chest. Daphne shrieked and shot bolt upright. Of course she knew whom to blame for the ice cold surprise, and she glared at me.
I employed my best, innocent little-boy-look, but she didn't buy it. The look she gave me before she lay back on her towel promised that I'd be in for retaliation before the day was over. Oh well! I sniggered to myself and turned to my mystery novel. Gentleman that I was, I never let my eyes stray to her. All right, not more often than once or twice.
Daphne stirred after an hour, just in time with a rather obnoxious growl of my empty stomach.
'I think that's enough for today, or I'll look like a boiled lobster tomorrow,' she announced.
I sniggered at that, which earned me another of her patented Ice-Queen-looks.
'That doesn't work on me anymore, Daphne,' I grinned, and she laughed.
We packed our things and looked for a place to eat. After a delicious slice of pizza I felt ready to explore this amazing city some more.
The waitress at the restaurant had recommended the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, so we decided to give it a try. After the long days on board it felt always good to stretch our legs on land.
The waitress had not exaggerated, the walk was beautiful. It offered breath-taking views on the ocean and the rugged coast at every turn, and Daphne took photo after photo.
Finally, it was time to return to the "Princess Isabell", because we had yet another adventure planned for that evening. Back on board, we showered and dressed in practical clothes and sturdy shoes. After that we met our guide at the foot of Harbour Bridge. We were handed special safety suits and safety gear, and then ascended the majestic bridge. It was easier than I had thought. The ascendance wasn't as steep as it seemed from below. During the way up the tour guide informed us about the history of the bridge and the technical details behind it. He was easily to understand, because we'd all been handed headsets at the beginning of the tour. He also pointed out the landmarks around the harbour and of the skyline of the city, especially the tall Sydney Tower.
As we reached the summit, we were rewarded with an amazing view on the harbour at sunset. In the rays of the sinking sun the Opera House looked as if it was on fire. About more than 130 metres high, the summit afforded a spectacular view on the harbour and the city. Below us, the "Princess Isabella" looked as small as a toy. It was almost like being back on my Firebolt, only without the speed.
Daphne however looked rather uncomfortable. Though each of us was roped up to a safety stranded wire, she clawed her hand into my safety overall while she stood beside me at the summit of the bridge, and her face had a slight green hue.
'Don't look down or you'll get dizzy,' I whispered in her ears. 'Better concentrate on the view into the distance.'
She nodded and gulped, but raised her head and looked around. I put my arm around her shoulder to give her a more stable feeling. She replied to that with a small smile and a quiet 'Thank you, Harry,' and relaxed visibly. However, she looked more than a bit relieved when we finally were back at the foot of the bridge and peeled ourselves out of the safety gear.
I took her hand and gave her an apologetic smile as we ambled towards The Rocks for a late dinner and maybe listening to some life music. 'I'm sorry, Daphne. I didn't know you're afraid of heights, or I'd never suggested that excursion!'
'Don't apologise, Harry! I need to overcome that fear, and climbing the bridge helped,' she replied.
I still was concerned. 'All right, but what's about the balloon ride tomorrow morning? Are you sure you're up to that?'
She turned her head and smiled at me. 'As long as you promise to hold me when I get dizzy, I'll manage, Harry.'
The next morning, we both rose before sunrise. We met in the atrium with the Meehans, and were then transported to the starting point of a hot air balloon. As always in the very early morning, Daphne was still half asleep. I'd found out that she wasn't able to think straight before she had her first cup of tea if she had to get out of bed really early. So, I wasn't surprised when she snuggled against me in the back of the car and closed her eyes.
We had to wait a little until the balloon was filled with hot air. One member of the staff handed us mugs with hot, strong tea, and Daphne eventually woke up while the balloon straightened into the air. We then climbed into the basket. The balloon ascended just in time with the sun.
As we left the earth quickly behind us, Daphne again gulped. But this time she adhered to my advice and looked straight ahead. After a few minutes, she relaxed and began looking around curiously.
We had a peaceful ride above the Macarthur region. Below us, the houses looked like toy blocks. Light mist rose from the river valleys, adding a mysterious feel to the quiet morning. To our right, the Blue Mountains greeted, and on our left the view stretched far out onto the ocean.
Daphne leaned against me. 'Isn't this beautiful?' she murmured.
'Yeah,' I agreed, and put my arm around her shoulder.
That earned us a chuckle and a knowing look from Alvirah Meehan. Daphne and I both blushed, but I saw no reason to pull my arm off Daphne's shoulder, and thankfully Alvirah was soon distracted by her husband.
Much too soon the fun was over. The balloon landed and we helped to pack up the gear. Then we were treated to a picnic breakfast with a glass of champagne to toast to our successful ride. The pilot even awarded us wit a diploma and a photo of us taken during the flight by a camera outside of the balloon.
But the fun of the day was not over yet. We drove back to Sydney. There we entered an electric boat for a private cruise of the Middle Harbour together with the Meehans. We had coolers with beer and coke with us and huge picnic hampers. First we stopped at a secluded beach and went for a swim, followed by a picnic on the beach. Then we explored the harbour some more, but had to return soon since we were supposed to be back on board by four a.m..
Like the day before, Daphne and I took turns in the bathroom to shower off the sand and salt, and met then on the veranda to share the customary champagne and watch the "Princess Isabella" leave the wonderful city of Sydney.
'I liked it here,' Daphne said as the siren saluted a good bye when we passed the Opera House.
'Me too!' I agreed. 'We have to come back here for a longer visit one day.'
'Here's to that,' Daphne replied, and we clinked our glasses.
HP – DG
The next day we were back at sea and our usual routine.
'The Davis are back in England,' Daphne announced when she read her mail that morning.
'Good for them,' I replied, somewhat distracted by a rather difficult investment proposal from the Goblins.
'Matthew has his old job with the Unspeakables back, Matt is looking forward to his first year at Hogwarts and Tracey is considering private tutoring to get her NEWTs.'
The last bit got my attention and I looked up from the letter I was reading.
'Actually, that's something I have also to think about. I dropped out after sixth year and didn't return in September, though Minerva offered it to me.'
Daphne raised an eyebrow. 'Minerva?'
I blushed. 'She asked me to call her by her first name, though it surely feels weird.'
'I can imagine,' Daphne chuckled. 'That's something I also have to think about. With Mum's condition, I never came around to take my NEWTs.'
I smiled at her. 'Maybe we can set up something when we return and ask Davis to join us. It'll be easier to work in a small group.'
'I'd like that,' Daphne smiled back at me. She returned to her letter and groaned.
I raised my head. 'Something wrong?'
She looked at the letter in her hands with a deep frown on her face. 'Cousin Melissa writes their new house has four bedrooms.'
'Write her back you'll enjoy staying in their spare room whenever you visit them.'
Daphne snorted at that. 'That'll go over well!'
Another thought hit me. 'Just give her my regards, as a subtle reminder you're still travelling with me. That'll have her knickers in a twist, but also tell her you're not willing to let her push you around.'
Daphne sniggered. 'I love it when you're all Slytherin, Harry!'
HP – DG
Our visit to Brisbane was nice, but unspectacular. We made a river cruise and then ventured into the city together with the Meehans, where Alvirah hit the shopping malls. Daphne's Slytherin side really showed because she managed to distract Alvirah from the fact that she wasn't buying anything over and over again without Alvirah once noticing that she was being manipulated.
Another day at sea followed. This one brought unpleasant news when I opened the Banishing Box to get our mail. On top of the stack of letters was a note from the Goblins who scanned my mail. List of Howlers, I read. I looked at the note. There were only two names on it.
Ginny Weasley
Molly Weasley
I sighed.
Daphne looked up. 'Bad news?' she asked.
Without a word I handed her the note. She read it and gave it back to me.
'Well, that was to be expected, wasn't it?'
'Yeah,' I replied. I stood up and walked to the window. I'd told Ginny I was over her and had moved on, and it was the truth. But why on earth did it still hurt so much?
Daphne stepped beside me and put a hand on my arm. 'Do you still love her?'
I shook my head. 'I told you, I never loved her. But when I was with the Weasleys, I had for the first time in my life the feeling I belonged to a family. I guess I'm still longing to get that feeling back, but that will never happen, at least not with the Weasleys.'
She pressed my arm lightly. 'You'll have a family of your own one day, Harry.'
'Probably,' I replied and looked at the young woman by my side. For a split second the image of a little girl with blonde hair and green eyes and a boy with messy black hair and blue eyes popped up in my mind, but I shooed it away. It was too soon, she was still grieving for her parents. I had to give her time, at least until we returned to England, and hope that the feelings we had for each other would still be the same if we both were back in the reality of our daily life.
HP – DG
The next day we reached Yorkeys Knob. From here it was only a hop and a skip to the Great Barrier Reef. Daphne's enthusiasm for any sport done in the water had been addictive. By now, I was a passable swimmer, so there was no big discussion how we were going to spend the day.
We were up before dawn. The "Princess Isabella" anchored in the roads, and the Meehans, another young couple that took the trip from Sydney to Hiroshima on their honeymoon, and Daphne and I were picked up by a motor yacht that would bring us to snorkeling spots at the reef.
We were served muffins, tea and coffee in the salon of the yacht while we drove to the first spot. Without a word I pushed a mug of tea into Daphne's direction, who leaned against me, still half asleep.
She took the mug with a thankful smile, but still leaned against me while she sipped the hot beverage.
'Are you also on your honeymoon?' the young woman who'd introduced herself as Iris asked.
Daphne turned beet red. 'No,' she stammered and gave me a helpless look.
'We're classmates and decided to travel together, but we're not involved,' I told the nosy woman.
'What a pity, you make such a cute couple, don't they, honey?'
Honey, whose name wasn't ever mentioned, as far as I recall, nodded to that. Alvirah sniggered. Told you so, was written clearly on her face, while Willy gently poked his wife into the side, giving Daphne and I an apologetic side glance.
Daphne and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. We were saved by a crew member who introduced us to the equipment, flippers and glasses. We also had to wear a wetsuit because of the jellyfish.
Then we reached the first spot. The motor yacht dropped anchor in some distance from the reef, lest to hurt the sensitive corals. We transferred to a zodiac and were brought to a sparkling white sandbank. Under the guidance of another crewmember the adventure began.
Never before in my life I've seen something that colourful and peaceful. It was hard to imagine that tiny creatures were able to build the biggest structures on our planet, and yet they did, in an abundance of forms and colours that left me feel thankful that I was given the opportunity to see that wonder. Millions of fish lived among the corals. I had no idea what species they were, but they seemed to me like sparkling jewels. The dive lasted an hour, but it felt like only fifteen minutes; there was so much to see and to be awed at.
On our way back to the yacht Daphne looked at me and took my hand. There were no words needed; her eyes said it all. I knew she felt as awed and blessed as I did.
Back on board we were served a light lunch of salads and fruits, while we drove to the next spot. Satiated and tired from the first dive, we settled down in deckchairs under an awning until we reached the second spot.
This one was nearer to the open sea, and beside the amazing array of colourful corals our guide pointed out a couple of creatures that lived in the open sea. Again, the end of the dive came much too soon for my liking, but it was time to return to the "Princess Isabella".
It had been an exiting day, and Daphne and I agreed that we were too tired to change and have dinner in one of the restaurants, so we had dinner at sunset on the veranda of our suite.
'A fantastic ending to a wonderful day,' Daphne said and raised her glass to me.
I couldn't agree more.
HP – DG
The next day brought another unwelcomed surprise: a letter from Hermione. The last time I'd heard from her was after she and Ron had returned from Australia, but I had already moved out of the Burrow and holed myself up at Grimmauld Place. She'd implored me to give Ginny and I another chance, lest not to destroy the friendship between Ron and I. I'd written her back that I couldn't see a future with a girl that couldn't bear me touching her, but that I'd understand if she was going to distance herself from me and that I didn't want her to have to chose between Ron and I.
Dear Harry,
Why did you have to hurt Ginny with such a short letter? You can't fool me, you still love her. You two are meant to be with each other; after all, you look like a reincarnation of your parents.
So, come out of you hole at your godfather's house and join us at the Burrow. I think you made a big mistake when you didn't return to Hogwarts with Ginny and I in September. You've been on your own and grieving for nine month now, don't you think it's time to return to the living?
Your friend Hermione
I let out a deep sigh.
'The Weaslette again?' Daphne asked from the corner of the sofa where she had curled up.
I shook my head. 'This time it's Hermione. I don't know whether I should be more upset that she thinks Ginny and I should still be together or that she just assumes I did nothing but brood over last nine months.'
Daphne gave me a long look. A strange little smile played around her lips. 'Harry, you haven't been in contact for almost ten months. During this time you've changed quite a lot from the kid you were at Hogwarts, but she wouldn't know that. You can't blame her for still thinking of you as the Harry you were right after the battle.'
'I don't blame her for not knowing that I've changed,' I clarified. 'I'm just upset that she doesn't think me capable of making any change.' I glared at the letter in my hand, but was distracted by a low chuckle from Daphne.
'Oh Harry, you can't blame her on that. After all, you were pretty resistant to emotional learning during our Hogwarts days, from what I can tell. And from what you told me about your time on the run alone with Hermione, you weren't exactly a ray of sunshine then. Not to mention that you admitted that you were pretty messed up right after the battle. You've broken up any contact with her, so it's only natural she thinks you're still the same. Maybe you should write her and tell her what's going on in your life.'
I glared at her, but she only smiled back sweetly. Damned, I hated it when she was right. Her smile deepened when she realised she'd got through to me. With an audible grumble, I pulled a piece of parchment to me.
Dear Hermione,
You're wrong. I don't love Ginny and I'm not sure if I ever did. Please, stop living in a dream world. I'm not a reincarnation of my father. In fact, after all I've learned about my family during the last months, we couldn't be more different. Your allusion that Ginny and I are just like my parents gives me the creeps, to be honest.
You're also wrong when you think I've spent my time holed up since I left the Burrow. That might have been true for the first weeks, but then I realised that I needed to do something about that. I've been in therapy for six months and trust me, I've left the demons of the past behind me.
Also, there are a lot of things going on in my life you have no idea of. I've finally come into my full inheritage. Dealing with my family holdings and learning everything I need to know to manage them keeps me rather occupied. Besides that I'm trying to find my role in our society.
You're wrong if you think I've spend all my time in Snuffle's house. Actually, I've been travelling since quite some time. During my travels I met someone I think I'd like to spend my life with, but it's still to soon to tell where this relationship will take me.
Please, make Ginny see reason, if you can. I've told her I've moved on, but she doesn't seem to understand it. Oh, and tell her and Mrs Weasley not to send any more Howlers. They aren't forwarded to my Banishing Box, anyway, and the Goblins don't like them at all.
Your friend Harry
I think that was one of the longest letters I ever wrote, and I was rather satisfied with the result when I put it into the Banishing Box and tapped with my wand on the box.
HP – DG
A day spent on land in Alotau brought a welcomed distraction from my overbearing bushy-haired friend. There wasn't much to do there, but Daphne and I had fun exploring the local market and having a drink in one of the bars, and of course go for a swim at the beach. It was our last opportunity to stretch our legs, so to speak, before the "Princess Isabella" would start on a longer journey that would take us to Okinawa. We'd be at sea for five days, and I was really looking forward to long, lazy hours lounging on the sun island, sipping cold drinks and talking with Daphne and learning more about Wizarding culture.
At first, everything was as we'd hoped. The first two days were exactly as lazy and relaxing as we'd planned them, barring the daily letters from my financial advisors, of course.
The Wizarding world forced its way into our blissful little world with a bombshell in form of the "Daily Prophet" the next day. It started harmlessly enough when I opened my Banishing Box to get our mail. Again, I found a list with people who'd sent Howlers to me on top of the pile. Most remarkable, it were all female names. I was puzzled. Why by Merlin's unmentionables did suddenly so many witches deem it necessary to swamp me with Howlers?
Daphne had noticed my confusion. 'Something wrong, Harry?' she asked, and I handed her the list. Reading it, she looked as puzzled as I felt.
We found out what was going on when I opened the letter from Kingsley. The "Daily Prophet" from the previous day fell out and landed on the floor.
Daphne bent down and picked it up. She began to hand it over to me, but stopped midway, staring down on the paper.
"Well, you can say the cat is out of the bag,' she finally said and gave me the paper.
The headline couldn't be overlooked. Neither could the gallery of photos that illustrated the article and showed Daphne and I during our days in Sydney.
Daphne and I shared a look. Then we sat down on the sofa to read the newspaper together.
THE CHOSEN ONE HAS CHOSEN HIS CHOSEN ONE!
the headline screamed.
'How trite can they get? Really!' Daphne giggled, albeit her cheeks pinked a little.
I looked for the author of the article and promptly found the name I had apprehended. Rita Skeeter. 'Who else?' I groaned. 'That woman really is a pain in the arse!'
Though, to call that newest piece of thrash from her a newspaper article was highly exaggerated. It consisted of lots of photos with simple captions. With a deep sigh, I began to read.
This reporter was on a well deserved vacation in Australia and visiting the City of Sydney, when one of these dangerous contraptions the Muggles use to travel over the water caught her eyes. You can imagine my surprise, dear readers, when I discovered that no one else than the Boy-Who-Lived stood on a small balcony, dangerously high above the waterline and only prevented from falling to his death by a low railing. But he was not alone. Leaning scandalously close against him was a young, blonde woman.
That part of the article was illustrated with a photo of Daphne and I as we leaned against the railing of the veranda of our suite the morning the "Princess Isabella" reached Sydney Harbour.
Chosen One and his new love interest!
screamed the caption. Beneath came the next photo of Daphne and I that showed us on the ferry to the zoo. Daphne leaned against me and I had my arm around her shoulder. Then she pointed out something in the distance, and we looked at each other and both smiled.
The happy couple on their way to a day out in Sydney! They couldn't keep their hands off each other!
the caption under this photo read. I shifted in my seat. The room was becoming uncomfortable hot all of a sudden. As much as the article vexed me, by the looks of the both of us on that photo I couldn't blame Skeeter for the conclusions she'd drawn. We did look rather intimate with each other.
I ventured a side glance at Daphne. She looked down on the photo, that odd little smile I'd noticed on her quite often during the last two weeks playing around her lips again.
My eyes moved to the next photos. This time they'd printed two photos of us side by side. The first photo showed me, as I frowned over my shoulder at the adventurous emu that pecked at my behind, while Daphne, obviously shaking with laughter, took photo after photo. The second photo showed us when I got my revenge on Daphne as the wallaby stuck its nose in her blouse.
The lovers having fun with Australia's dangerous animals!
this caption said.
Daphne grinned at me. 'So much for your blackmail material, Harry. I'd say it's pretty worthless, now that it's been printed in the "Daily Prophet".'
I didn't deign that an answer, which had her giggle.
The next photo showed both of us on the terrace of the zoo, as Daphne fed me a spoonful of her cake.
It's heart-warming to see how tender they are with each other!
This time, I didn't dare look at Daphne. I was sure my face had gone a spectacular Weasley red when I read that caption. Hoping it wouldn't get worse, I looked at the next photo.
It showed Daphne and I sitting on the bench in the Royal Botanical Garden. She leaned her head at my shoulder, and I had my arm around her. Thankfully, her face was hidden by her long hair, because I was sure she'd been crying then. Then Daphne raised her head, smiled and kissed me on the cheek.
Taking a rest after a long morning of sightseeing!
Was written underneath that photo. It occurred to me that Skeeter must have followed every of our steps that day in Sydney, and I blanched. Given how backwards the British magical community still was, I didn't dare to imagine how they'd react to a photo of a topless Daphne. My eyes searched for the next photo, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw it showed Daphne and I leaning against the railing of the veranda when the "Princess Isabella" left Sydney. The permanent repetition of the photo had us clinking our glasses over and over again.
The "Daily Prophet" wishes the handsome couple the best for their future!
Beside that the article was rather embarrassing, it could have been worse, I mused, considering Skeeters inherent mean streak.
'She must have lost track of us when we took the taxi to Bondi Beach,' Daphne's voice interrupted my thoughts.
'Yeah, thank Merlin for little blessings,' I agreed. Then I mock-glared at her. 'Though, it would have served you right for the trick you played on me!'
'Why, didn't you like what you saw, Harry?' she purred.
This was one of those questions a guy couldn't answer without getting into trouble, so I only harrumphed and read the conclusion of the article.
We all remember the long line of heartbreaks the Chosen One had to endure since he came back into the magical world. There was his long time love interest, Muggleborn Hermione Granger, who dumped him in favour of the international star seeker Victor Krum. The exotic beauty Miss Parvati Patil, his date for the Yule Ball during the Triwizard Tournament, is reported to have left him during the ball and was seen dancing with other men.
I had a good laugh at that. 'Poor Parvati! I treated her horrible that night. She really can't be blamed that she left me and looked for better company.'
'You were mean to her,' Daphne agreed. 'I remember that Tracey and I actually were glad that you hadn't asked either of us to be your date when we saw how you treated her.'
'I guess I'll have to make it up to her one of these days,' I remarked.
'You'll probably get your chance for that sooner than you think possible,' Daphne replied. 'Didn't Minister Shacklebolt write something about a ball to honour the veterans of the Battle of Hogwarts at the end of the Memorial Week in May?'
I had forgotten about that. Kingsley had been adamant that I had to attend to that ball and wrote me in advance to make sure I'd be free on the intended day and that I'd get myself a date for the ball. Resigning to the inevitable, I'd already written back and confirmed the day and assured him that I had a date. I was sure Daphne wouldn't let me down when I asked her.
'Do you think she'll forgive me if I ask her for a dance then?' I grinned.
'That depends on your skills in the ballroom. Considering the impending Ministry Ball, I'm sure you're happy to hear there's a ball the day after tomorrow and will gladly take me there to hone your skills.' Her Cheshire-cat-grin almost split her face in half.
'I barely can contain my excitement,' I deadpanned and continued reading the article, while Daphne chuckled quietly to herself.
Miss Patil was replaced by the even more exotic beauty Miss Cho Chang, who is rumoured to have exploited the feelings of the lonesome young hero while she was still pining for her lost love Cedric Diggory, who was killed by You-Know-Who at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, as we know now.
After Miss Chang followed Looney Lovegood, who also left the Hero-of-the-Wizarding-World and was seen holding hands with Mr Dennis Thomas, a Gryffindor and close friend of the Chosen One, after the Battle of Hogwarts.
'I hate it when people make fun of Luna,' I growled.
Daphne looked up from the paper. 'You have to admit she is a little peculiar,' she replied.
'Yeah, but that doesn't give people the right to make fun of her and call her Looney Lovegood. She's a wonderful friend and the sweetest and most honest person you can imagine if you get to know her closer. She's also very observant, though she's got a weird way to talk about her observations.'
'I take your word on that,' Daphne replied. 'Maybe you can introduce me to her one day.'
'I will,' I promised.
Though our young hero got pretty close with Miss Fleur Delacour during the Triwizard Tournament, she also left him and married Bill (Bilius) Weasley, oldest son of Arthur Weasley, newly appointed Secretary for Muggle Relations, and his wife Molly, nee Prewitt.
'It's good to see Kingsley finally gave Mr Weasley the promotion he deserved,' I remarked.
Daphne scrunched up her nose, and I stiffened. This was one of those moments when I was reminded that our backgrounds were vastly different and that we didn't agree on all aspects of Kingsley's agenda. 'You don't agree?' I asked, carefully keeping my voice neutral.
She raised her head from the article and looked me in the eyes. 'I don't know,' she began haltingly. 'From what you told me about him, I'm sure he's a very nice man. But I've also heard from my father about his almost childlike obsession with anything Muggle. I'm sorry to say that about a man you hold in high esteem, Harry, but I always valued my father's opinion and I can't help doubting Mr Weasley's professionalism because of that. Also, I'm not sure how the Wizengamot will react to Minister Shacklebolt's creation of that new department in the long run.'
I considered her point of view. Fairness demanded that I had to admit that her doubts of Mr Weasley's professionalism were justified. Heck, even his family made fun of his obsession with plugs. What did I really know about Arthur Weasley's qualifications beside the fact that he was well liked by many non-corrupt Ministry employees and that his wife told me that he'd declined former promotions in order to do a job he loved? The latter could be true or not, I had no means to tell. While my prudent and calculating inner Slytherin told me she had a point, my Gryffindor side took offense at the slight against one of my oldest allies.
She must have realised my conflict, for she put her hand on my arm and said, 'Look, Harry, I promised you to help you to push through Minister Shacklebolt's anti corruption agenda. But I also told you I probably wouldn't agree on everything with you. We have become friends, Harry, but that doesn't mean I'll give up my own opinion. So, let's agree to disagree for the time being. Time will tell who's been right.'
'All right,' I agreed. I took a moment to collect myself and then read the last paragraph.
Last on the list is Miss Virginia Weasley, youngest daughter of Arthur and Molly Weasley. This relationship is reported to have been the longest our young hero ever had, but it was also doomed to fail as the Hero-of-the-Wizarding-World set out to meet his destiny.
For more about the Chosen One and his fight against You-Know-Who see pages 3, 14 and 16.
For more about Hermione Granger see pages 5, 12 and 13.
For more about Parvati Patil see pages 11 an 14.
For more about Looney Lovegood see pages 7 and 9.
For more about Fleur Weasley nee Delacour see pages 6 and 12.
For more about Cho Chang see pages 10 and 27.
For more about Virginia Weasley see pages 4, 9 and 13.
I was just about to fold the paper and put it away safely so that the crew members who cleaned our suite wouldn't find it, when another thought hit me.
'How is it that Skeeter doesn't know you?' I asked. I'd have thought that Daphne, coming from a prominent Pureblood family, was well known by the press.
Daphne smiled and explained another Pureblood tradition to me. 'It's because I have not yet had my debut in Pureblood circles.'
'Your what?' I suppose I looked as clueless as I felt.
'Young witches are kept out of sight until they finish their Hogwarts education or marry, whichever comes sooner. They are presented to the Pureblood society at one of the many debutante balls that take place from September to December, either as a young girl still looking for an eligible husband, or as a young bride. However, since I haven't yet had my debut, I'm unknown to the members of the press. Mum and Dad always took great pains to keep me away from the limelight while I was at school. I should have had my debut last September, after I'd finished school, but of course it never came to that.'
Again, the haunted and lonesome look appeared in her eyes, as always when she thought of her parents.
I put my arm around her shoulder and hugged her.
She gave me an unsteady smile, but then squared her shoulders.
I squeezed her shoulder once more and pulled my arm away. 'So, the balls here on the ship are also an exercise for you?' I asked.
Daphne looked surprised. 'I hadn't thought about that. But when you put it that way, you're probably right.'
I looked at the paper in my hand, and then at the young woman in front of me. 'Look, Daphne, I'm sorry for that article. I hope there won't be any bad repercussions for you because of it.'
She made a dismissive gesture with her hand. 'Don't worry about that! I don't think I'll have to worry much because of the article. Maybe a stray Howler or two from disappointed witches, as soon as they find out my name. It's a good thing that you asked the Goblins to key me into your Banishing Box for the duration of the cruise. I shudder to think the ship will be attacked by a flock of owls, all carrying Howlers.'
She grinned at her last statement, but I blanched. 'So much for the Statute of Secrecy!' Again, I looked at the headline. 'That article is extremely tame for Skeeter. I'm surprised she slandered neither you nor me. Just the contrary, she was pretty supportive of what she thinks is my new relationship.' I blushed at my last words.
Daphne gave me a shrewd side glance. 'Harry, in the current political climate it would be professional suicide for her to try again what she did with you in our fourth year and after that. Also, I've heard a rumour that you have dirt on her.'
She let her last words hang in the air.
'Hermione has,' I grinned. 'Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus in the form of a beetle. Though, I never once noticed a beetle around us during our days in Sydney.'
'She must have kept her distance because she knew you'd recognise her Animagus,' Daphne observed. 'Just look at the photos. They are all taken from some distance, which confirms my assumption.' She put a strand of her hair behind her ear and smiled at me. 'Thanks for telling me about her Animagus form, Harry. Now I know for what I'll have to look out for.'
HP -DG
'I can't believe it that half of the cruise is already over,' I said to Daphne when we met before dinner in the living room in the evening.
'Time flies when you're having fun,' she replied.
The cruise company had invited all passengers who'd booked the world cruise to a barbeque and dance that night. It was going to be a casual affair, and we'd dressed accordingly. Daphne wore an open blouse dyed in different shades of turquoise, blue and emerald over a top with spaghetti straps and white chinois. Her hair was put into a French braid that hung down over one shoulder.
'You look great,' I complimented her, and she pinked a little.
I grabbed her hand and led her out of the suite. The barbecue took place around the pool. Long tables with benches had been put up around the pool, with room enough for a dancefloor and the DJ and his equipment. The tables were decorated with flags from all the countries we visited, and looked rather festive. Stewards with tablets in their hands served cocktails. It was amazing how many of the passengers on board had booked the world cruise. There was quite a crowd assembled around the pool, and they all were ready to party.
Of course, the Meehans were already there, and we took our seats opposite of them.
'I can't believe our cruise is already half over!' Alvirah echoed my words when we sat down.
Immediately, cocktails were placed in front of Daphne and I.
'Unbelievable, isn't it?' Daphne nodded. 'We've seen so much, and there are some incredible destinations yet to come! I'm really looking forward to visit the Seychelles and Mauritius!'
'Of course you'd say that,' I grinned and took some of the peanuts from the bowl in front of me. 'All you need is a beach, the ocean and sunshine and you're happy.'
She bumped her shoulder with mine. 'See? I'm easy to please!' she grinned, and everybody laughed.
'I'm looking forward to seeing Kyoto and Hiroshima,' Willy said in his quiet way. 'What are you looking forward to for the second half of the cruise, Harry?'
'I think Capetown will be cool,' I replied. 'I've heard you can dive with white sharks there!'
Alvirah shuddered at that, and Daphne looked slightly alarmed.
'You're not really planning on something that crazy, Harry, are you?' she asked.
I shrugged my shoulders and grinned.
She regarded me with a look of horror. 'Just for the record, I'm not going with you on such a trip!'
'Aw, Daphne, you're no fun!' I whined, and everybody laughed.
Alvirah raised her cocktail glass. 'Here's to an eventful and safe second half of our cruise!'
We all responded to the toast. Little did Daphne and I know then how eventful the next weeks of the cruise would be for us.
HP – DG
As all horror stories, it started harmless enough.
The next evening, we met in the living room before dinner time, dressed in our finest for the ball. I have to admit my jaw probably hit the floor when Daphne entered the room. She wore a floor-length dress made of ice-blue satin. The bodice hugged her figure like a second skin and was held up by spaghetti straps made of crystal beads. The skirt flared out gracefully from her hips down and was embellished by floral motives made of the same crystal beads as the spaghetti straps. She'd curled her hair slightly and left it open, only held back by silver combs, and she wore no jewels, except for small diamond studs in her ears, and only minimal make up. Her beauty didn't need these embellishments. She was absolutely breath-taking.
"How do I look?' she asked and whirled around in front of me, her long skirt flaring.
'Absolutely gorgeous,' I said, when I finally found my voice again, though it sounded rather hoarse.
Our eyes met, and she turned slightly pink. 'Thank you, Harry!'
I held out my arm to her and we went down to the restaurant for dinner. I swear almost every male head turned around when Daphne passed them. Those who didn't look were either blind or gay.
Dinner was a huge affair, as always on ball nights, and it was already late when we finally entered the theatre that also served as the ballroom. It was the first time we went into the theatre, and I have to admit I was overwhelmed by the opulence of the place.
The band sat in a niche beside the stage, and the stage and a semi-circular parquetted floor in front of it was used as the dancefloor. The rest of the room was laid out with a thick, red and gold carpet. Several levels with lots of small tables and upholstered chairs arranged in rows that faced the stage wrapped around the dancefloor. Each table was meant to seat two or four people. Above us was a gilded balcony with even more tables. Along the side of the room stretched a well-stocked bar, and stewards were already catering to the guests that eventually filled the tables, with champagne obviously being the drink of the evening.
The band started with a Viennese waltz, and I felt very nervous when I led Daphne onto the dancefloor. But my nervousness soon vanished when I looked into her beaming face, and I began to enjoy the feeling of having her in my arms and close to me.
The dance ended much too soon. While Daphne and I slowly walked around the room, Alvirah waved at us from one of the many small tables. We weaved our way through the crowd to meet with our friends.
'Daphne, Harry, I didn't expect to see you here! This must be the first time you're attending one of the balls!' Alvirah exclaimed when we sat down at their table.
Daphne looked uncomfortable, so I said, 'Daphne wasn't really up to it until now.'
'Oh, sorry, how insensitive of me!' Alvirah said and turned red. Daphne had told her about the loss of her parents a few weeks ago. 'I really should learn to think before I talk!' She put her hand on Daphne's arm. 'Though I'm sure your parents will be delighted to see that you enjoy yourself dancing with a handsome young man when they look down on you.'
Daphne blushed at that, but had to smile. We had a glass of champagne with the Meehans, and then we went back to the dancefloor, though this time Daphne danced with Willy and I asked Alvirah to dance with me. Unfortunately, that was the sign for the many elderly ladies we'd met on board to trade me between them as their dancing tool, since most of them were either single or their spouses were too lazy to dance.
Daphne waved merrily at me when the first lady dragged me on the dancefloor. Together with Alvirah she followed every single of my steps. Apparently, both of them had a field day doing so, judging by the way they laughed and stuck their heads together over another glass of champagne.
I'd lost count with how many ladies I danced until Daphne finally showed mercy and claimed me back.
'Do you enjoy yourself, Harry?' she giggled while I led her over the dancefloor in a slow waltz.
'Not until now,' I grumbled. 'I wasn't prepared for playing the dance escort for every single lady on board!'
That had her laugh. 'Poor boy!' she crooned, though her voice suspiciously lacked of any trace of sympathy. 'Get used to it. That's what you're expected to do at the Ministry balls. In order to get the additional votes you want to support Minister Shacklebolt, you need to soften up the inhabitants of the seats, and there's no better way to approach them than through their wives. Most of the old codgers are pretty whipped, you know.'
I snorted at that. 'All right, I bow to your superior knowledge of the political circles, Daphne. But you have to promise to make my task bearable by dancing with me every now and then on these balls!'
She scrunched up her nose as if deep in thought. 'I think I can fit you in between charming the old codgers,' she conceded.
'Gosh, you've got a knack for showing me where my place is, don't you?' I laughed while I whirled her around.
'Don't you forget it, Potter!' she grinned.
I was parched, so we went to the bar after that dance. While I opted for a soda, Daphne had another glass of champagne, which she raised to me with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes and then downed most of it in one gulp.
'How many of these did you have tonight?' I asked, nodding towards the glass in her hand.
She shrugged her shoulders and giggled. 'I don't know. I didn't count. It's deliciously cold and it tastes nice.'
I easily believed her that she'd lost count. It showed by her flushed face, the sparkle in her eyes and the giggles that were constantly bubbling up whenever we talked.
She gave me a teasing smile. 'You should try it, Harry! Might loosen you up a trifle.' She grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the dancefloor. 'Are you finished with your drink? Because for the rest of the night you're mine! I want to dance some more with my handsome date!' The smile she flashed me over her shoulder made me hold my breath. This slightly tipsy, flirtatious Daphne was a new side of her, and I liked it immensely.
For the rest of the evening Daphne refused to leave the dancefloor, except for a quick glass of champagne at the bar. I didn't mind, it was more fun than I ever expected to spend the night dancing with a beautiful girl in my arms.
'I think I've got enough of ballroom dancing,' Daphne announced shortly after midnight.
'Do you want to return to the suite?' I asked.
'Dream on, Potter,' she grinned and grabbed my hand. Laughing, I let her drag me out of the theatre and towards the elevators. Though, I was not surprised when she hit the bottom for deck eight and the dance club.
'Come on, Harry, let's the party begin!' she giggled when we reached the club.
The club was crowded and the air was hot and stuffy and smelled of the many different perfumes of the ladies. It was dark, but the clavilux cast a staccato of lights on the twitching dancers on the packed dancefloor. Daphne lost no time to drag me into the midst of the fray.
Because of the average age of the passengers of the "Princess Isabella", the DJ didn't play the latest music, but a rather danceable mix of the most popular music of the sixties, seventies and eighties. Due to my aunt and uncle's abhorrence of "new-fangled nonsense", I'd grown up with the older pieces, and actually enjoyed myself dancing to the familiar tunes, though admittedly I had much more fun watching Daphne.
She really was a sight worth looking at. I'd already known that she was proficient at ballroom dancing, but watching her lithe body move to the music without the restraints of formal dance movements was something else. I felt uncomfortably hot, and that wasn't due to the crowded room.
I don't know how long we danced like that, until the DJ finally played a rather slow piece. Daphne snuggled up to me and put her arms around my neck. With a contend sigh, she leaned her head against my shoulder. I put my arms around her and held her close. If I'd had my way, the music would've never ended, but of course it had to come to an end much sooner than I liked.
Daphne raised her head and looked me in the eyes. She licked her lips and said, 'I think I've had enough for tonight, Harry.'
I nodded and took her hand. We weaved our way through the crowded club until we reached the door. Outside, the warm air of the tropical night seemed cold, compared to the hot, stuffy club, and Daphne shivered. I put my arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, and felt how her arm slid around my waist as I did so. We spurned the elevator and took the two flights of stairs from deck eight to deck ten.
When we reached our suite, Daphne led me out onto the veranda. No matter how late in the night we returned from the public rooms, it had become a ritual for us to settle down on the veranda and talk for a while. Side by side we stood at the railing and looked out onto the dark ocean, still one arm around each other.
I knew we were on a ship with hundreds of passengers and almost as much crew members. Below our feet was the bridge, which was well manned day and night. But as we stood there, it felt as if there were only Daphne and I on a ship in the middle of the ocean .
I looked down on her blonde locks, the same moment as she raised her head to look at me. Her pink lips shimmered in the dim light, and there was a sparkle deep in her eyes that beckoned me towards her. Before I knew what I was doing I bent down and our lips touched.
I'd kissed girls before, but nothing had prepared me for the experience of kissing Daphne. Until today I can't find the proper words to describe it. Every coherent thought went straight out of my head and my body felt as if it was on fire. All that mattered was the feeling of her soft lips on mine. When she slung her arms around my neck, pulling me as close to her as possible, and deepened the kiss with a soft moan, I felt as if I'd at last found what I'd been looking for without knowing it all my life long.
When we finally parted, Daphne kept her arms around my neck and looked up at me. The light in her eyes almost blinded me. There was tenderness, desire and an overwhelming trust, telling me she was ready to follow me to the abyss and back if I'd asked her. There was also something else in her eyes I couldn't identify, which elated me and made me want to take on the whole world for her, but nevertheless terrified me, and I shivered.
I'd done nothing to deserve her devotion, I reminded myself. I'd happened to be there when she was at her most vulnerable, isolated from her world and in dire need of a friend. That was my only claim to her affection. She'd get over it soon enough when she met other wizards. Not to mention that she'd had a drink too many tonight. Merlin, I was a son of a bitch to exploit her feelings like that!
I raised my hands and gently pulled her arms off me. 'I'm sorry, Daphne. It won't happen again.'
The light vanished as sudden from her eyes as if I'd blown out a candle. 'But, Harry ...!' she began.
I put a finger on her lips. 'You're tipsy, Daphne. Let's sleep over this one night and talk tomorrow, all right?'
She nodded, but didn't look me in the eyes.
I turned around and went in my bedroom. It was way after midnight, but sleep failed to claim me that night.
HP – DG
I must have dozed off at some point. When I woke up the next morning, the bright sunlight pouring through the curtains told me it was already in the middle of the morning. I must have slept without moving much, because my muscles felt stiff and I had a kink in the neck. I listened, but in the living room everything was still quiet, a sure sign that Daphne was still asleep.
I went in the bathroom and took a long shower to loosen up my stiff muscles. After I 'd dressed, I cautiously opened the door to the living room, lest not to wake Daphne.
To my amazement, the room was empty and already put back to order. I hadn't heard the room service coming into our suite and realised I must have slept deeper than I thought. Daphne was on the veranda. She sat cross-legged on the sun island, both of her hands wrapped around a cup of tea and looked onto the see. She was dressed casually in jog pants and a loose t-shirt and obviously lost deep in thought.
I looked at the watch on the wall. The "Princess Isabella" was scheduled to reach Okinawa in an hour. Daphne and I hadn't booked one of the offered tours, but instead decided to explore the city by taxi and on foot. It wasn't like Daphne to venture into public in such casual clothes.
She hadn't noticed me through the huge windows yet. I squared my shoulders, hoping she'd not be too angry at me because I took advantage of her last night, and stepped out onto the veranda.
'Good morning, Daphne,' I greeted, and was proud that my voice betrayed nothing of my inner turmoil.
'Good morning,' she replied quietly, but didn't turn her head around to look at me.
I sat down on one of the deckchairs instead of joining her on the sun island, as I normally would have done. Something in her posture discouraged me from our usual familiarity, and besides that I still had a bad conscience because of last night and didn't want to impose myself on her. For the first time since we stayed together I had to rack my brain to come up with something to talk about. Usually, we'd talk about everything that came to our minds, from Ministry politics to the Quidditch results in the "Daily Prophet", and from important events in our lives to the weather report. We'd also never had problems to be comfortable with each other not talking. But today, nothing felt right.
'Are you ready for our trip to Okinawa?' I finally asked.
She shook her head, still not looking at me. 'I'm not feeling well, Harry. I think I'd better stay on board today. Do you mind going alone?'
I was alarmed. 'Do you need to see the doctor? Shall I take you to the hospital?'
Again, she shook her head, but still avoided looking at me. 'Thank you, Harry. That's sweet of you, but not necessary. I just have a rather mean headache.'
That wasn't surprising, considering the numbers of glasses of champagne she'd had last night, and I relaxed. 'I'll stay with you if you like,' I offered.
For the third time she shook her head. 'Thank you, but if you don't mind, I'd like to have some time of my own today to get back to order. Maybe I'll lay down as soon as you've left.'
I was hurt, but didn't object. We 'd been in close proximity for almost nine weeks. I couldn't deny her some space if she asked for it. 'All right,' I agreed and stood up. 'I'll see if I can still get some breakfast at the Lido cafe before we reach Okinawa. Get well soon, Daphne.'
'Thank you, Harry. Have a nice day!' she replied.
It wasn't until I'd left the suite and was on my way to the elevator that I realised that she hadn't looked at me once.
HP – DG
My day in Okinawa was a far cry from being nice. I hired a taxi with a driver who thankfully spoke English to drive me to the sights, but it was no fun without Daphne, and I was glad when I was back on the "Princess Isabella". A look on my wristwatch told me that it was probably still too soon to return to our suite if I didn't want to disturb Daphne in her sleep, so I went to the sports bar to have a sandwich and watch some sports.
As always on land days, the accommodations on board were sparsely populated. A few patrons sat at the bar, watching a football game of the German Bundesliga. The tables were almost all empty, except for a small table at the side of the room, from where Willy Meehan waved to me.
'Hello Harry! Where is Daphne?' he greeted me as I walked over to him.
'Daphne's not feeling well and told me to go out alone today,' I explained.
Willy chuckled. 'Too much champagne, I guess? Alvirah is still in bed, curing her hangover, though she prefers to call it a migraine!'
We both laughed at that and he invited me to sit down and have a late lunch with him.
As always, hanging around with Willy was relaxing, despite the age difference. He was not one for many words, but whenever he opened his mouth, he showed a sharp mind and a wicked sense of humour. We munched our sandwiches in companionable silence, watching the game on TV and both trying to guess the meaning of the comments of the obviously German patrons at the bar, that got more heated and probably also colourful as the game progressed.
Willy excused himself soon after lunch, and I decided that it was safe to return to the suite. By now, Daphne should have had time enough to sleep off her hangover – uh - headache.
But when I tiptoed into our suite, I found her sleeping on the sofa. She really looked pale, so I took my mystery novel off the sideboard and went out on the veranda, where I made myself comfortable on the sun island.
Daphne didn't stir for another two hours. When she came out, she was still looking that pale that I was seriously concerned. 'Are you sure you don't need a doctor?' I asked and put my book down in my lap.
'Yes, I am! I'm not going to let a Muggle doctor mess with me and stick a needle into me if I can help it!' she snapped at me, sitting down on the desk chair farthest from me and crossing her arms before her chest. She still didn't look at me.
Daphne usually was pretty even tempered and had never snapped at me before. My heart sank in the pit of my stomach. Obviously, she was angry at me that I'd taken advantage of her inebriated state last night. There was only one way out of it. I had to clear the air immediately.
'Look, Daphne, about last night. I'm really sorry ...' But she didn't let me finish my sentence.
'It's all right, Harry. I understand. No need to be sorry, really!' she interrupted me. But she still didn't look at me.
'Well, if you say so ...' My voice trailed off. Something in her demeanour told me that we were far from being all right, but obviously she didn't want to talk about it. That was a first. It was always Daphne who encouraged me to talk about the things that were bugging me. Why she didn't heed to her own advice when she was clearly upset, was beyond me. But I'm the first to admit that I'm pants with girls, so I decided to respect her wish and not to talk about last night.
An uncomfortable silence settled down between us. Daphne still avoided my eyes and instead preferred to glare a hole into the wall of the cruise terminal of Okinawa.
With an inward sigh I picked up my novel and tried to read the next chapter, but the words refused to form themselves into readable sentences before my eyes. At least staring at the pages in front of me helped me avoiding to look at Daphne and to reveal how miserable our suddenly dried up communication made me.
We still sat like that when the butler appeared with champagne and pralines.
Daphne shuddered when I offered her a glass of champagne.
'I've been told in case of a hangover you should start the next day with what you'd had last the evening before,' I remarked and held the glass under her nose.
'Is that a Muggle cure? I'd rather have some hangover potion!' she grumbled, but nevertheless took the glass from me.
There must be something right about the Muggle advice, because some colour returned into her cheeks after a few sips. However, she left the all of the delicious pralines for me, not that I complained, and when it was time for dinner, she declined.
For the second time that day I went out all by myself and didn't like it one bit. When I returned to our suite, Daphne was already asleep, so I took my novel and retreated to my bedroom.
It had been a lousy day.
HP – DG
The next day wasn't any better. Daphne opted out of our morning swim, claiming that she still wasn't feeling well. At breakfast, she was pale and withdrawn and hardly spoke a word.
She went on like that for the rest of the day. I could see that she was miserable, but she still refused to talk to me.
The day after that brought another highlight of the cruise, a trip to Kyoto. I hoped that the famous Japanese gardens would pique Daphne's interest and bring back some of her vivacity, which I sorely missed.
But there was no luck. It was as if the Daphne I knew and had fallen for was gone and had left only an empty shell behind. Though she meanwhile could look at me again, she painfully avoided to touch me. I didn't realise how much I'd relished our closeness until I was deprived of it.
Three more days of misery followed. Daphne declined to accompany me on the tours at Kagoshima and Busan, so I went alone. But if someone had asked me what I saw, I wouldn't have been able to tell.
The evening before we reached Hiroshima she finally talked to me. We'd been for dinner at the main restaurant and returned early to our suite, neither of us in the mood for the evening entertainment.
We entered the living room, and Daphne sat down on the sofa, while I still stood in the doorway, not knowing if I should keep her company or retreat to my bedroom.
'I've written to the Ministry for a Portkey back to London,' she told me quietly.
It felt as if a troll had hit me square in the gut with its club. The air was pressed out of my lungs, and I had difficulties to breathe. 'Why?' I asked when I finally caught some air.
She'd turned to the window and didn't look at me – again. 'Harry, we've had a wonderful time. You've helped me to overcome the loss of my parents. But now it's time for me to move on and stand on my own feet. I can't rely on you forever.'
I wouldn't have minded if she did just that. Suddenly, the thought of taking care of her and making her smile for the rest of my life sounded very appealing. I opened my mouth to tell her just that, but the right words never came out. Instead, I asked, 'When?' My voice sounded as if it didn't belong to me.
'The day after tomorrow, I think,' she replied quietly.
There was nothing more left to say. I went into my bedroom and closed the door behind me. When I sat down on the edge of my bed, I asked myself how on earth my life had gone to hell within a couple of days.
HP – DG
The next day we reached Hiroshima. I wasn't in the mood to join one of the excursions and stayed on board, watching Daphne how she collected her things that had somehow spread themselves across the suite and packed.
We barely spoke a word together that day.
The Portkey arrived through my Banishing Box in the afternoon. It was a broken quill, and I was sorely tempted to throw it over board when I took it out of the box, but Daphne took it out of my hand and stashed it away.
I didn't sleep a wink that night and was up before dawn the next morning.
Daphne was also already awake and dressed when I entered the living room. She sat on the sofa, her head in her hands, but looked up when I entered the room. 'Good morning, Harry. I didn't think you'd be up in time to see me off.' She was unnaturally pale, and there were smudges around her eyes, as if she also didn't sleep last night.
Wouldn't have missed it for the world somehow sounded like the wrong thing to say, so I just shrugged and asked, 'When is the Portkey due?'
The damned thing lay in front of her on the coffee table.
Daphne looked at her watch. 'In three minutes.'
There was still time enough. If I grabbed the quill and made a dash for the veranda, I could throw it over board before it activated ... But no, she wanted this, and I had no right to tell her what she should do or not. 'Where are you staying?' I asked instead. 'Just in case you forgot something and I'll have to send it to you.'
'I've written Tom and booked a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the next two weeks,' she replied. 'I hope I'll have found an apartment after that. I'll let you know where I'll be staying.'
I nodded. Maybe she would, maybe not. I wasn't sure about that anymore. Our relationship had gone in a shamble that fast.
Silence stretched out between us, until Daphne looked at her watch again and then stood up. 'It's time,' she said and grabbed the quill.
My heart raced. This couldn't be true. I was in a nightmare and surely would wake up any moment, and Daphne would stand in the doorframe of my bedroom, ready for our morning swim, and call me a lazybones ...
'Do you have everything?' I asked.
She nodded. 'My trunks are shrunken and in my pocket. Don't worry, Harry, I'll manage. And Harry ...' Her voice trailed off.
'What?'
'Thank you – for everything. In spite of how it started, these last weeks were the best time I ever had,' she said quietly.
I wasn't sure, but I thought I saw a tear rolling down her cheek. The next second, the Portkey glowed blue and she was gone.
Author's notes: I solemny swear I will update. Mischief managed. ;)