Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 12
Ever since they cleared the misunderstanding, Harry and Daphne had been very much closer than ever. They had begun spending so much time together that Tracey who was so used to being with Daphne alone felt lonely as she did not really make friends other than the two of them.
Due to the nature of the Occlumency lessons, Harry and Daphne had to leave Tracey behind. But more often than not, after the lessons, the two had somehow conveniently forgotten about Tracey as she could not be seen in the library. It was during a particular lunch that Tracey came with Blaise Zabini from Merlin knows where together.
"Hey you two! I'm sure you know Blaise here." Tracey introduced him to both Harry and Daphne. They were currently at the great hall consuming their lunch. Both of them gave a nod of acknowledgement at the same time with the same expressions.
Seeing that, Blaise gave a grin to Tracey. "If I didn't know, I would have say both of them look like a couple Tracey."
That earned a bout of laughter from Tracey, a light blush toned down from Daphne and a look of puzzlement from Harry. Apparently, nobody had thought it important enough for Harry to learn of the social implications of what being couple and in a relationship meant. Daphne was all the more supporting his ignorance because she did not want to be make embarrassed until the point she understood her feelings were genuine for Harry, and for Harry to really trust her.
Blaise set next to Harry while Tracey did likewise to Daphne. This was the first afternoon they saw Tracey coming down with someone else. Daphne's guilt for leaving her friend alone turned into happiness from seeing her with Blaise. That meant she could spend more time with Harry.
"So Potter, how did both Tracey and Daphne here earn your trust? If I remembered clearly, you didn't give a second thought to anybody else including me when we first met during lesson."
Harry continued with his meal. He felt no obligation to answer him right away. Daphne looked at him and instead help him answer.
"Blaise, Harry here don't just go around making friends with everybody. It took us three months just for him to open up. Figure the rest out."
He gave a shrug. "Well, it doesn't really matter for now. Just thought I try to extend a hand of friendship."
Just then, Tracey asked, "Can Blaise join in our training sessions?"
That certainly attracted the attention of both Daphne and Harry. Daphne was fine with this arrangement because she had interacted more or less with Blaise before on occasions. She found him to be quite an alright person. But it was hard for Harry to accept him.
"Zabini, what can you contribute?" was the cold biting answer from Harry.
Blaise was not letting this down without a fight. That was what he wanted and what Tracey, his new good friend wanted as well.
"I'm quite good at potions and certain –" he looked around before closing in and whispered to the group "– rather obscure arts like the dark arts seeing my family background."
Daphne was delighted to find another person good in potions. With him in their group, they could certainly exchange notes on that. But Harry was still not convinced yet.
"How does your family background even link to your so called knowledge in that art?"
Blaise gave a grin. "My current step-father is a well-known practitioner of that art. And I believe that even if you are a Potter, being in Slytherin would mean you have no qualms in learning it. Unless I'm basing my assumption wrongly?"
That was enough for Harry. Learning the baby steps of Dark Arts from someone experienced would be good for him. And even if he did not want someone else to be in their training sessions, he was out-voted by the two girls. "You're in."
Tracey gave the group a smile, especially Harry as somehow, he was the unofficial leader of the training group being a 'guy'. "Thanks guys!"
Daphne just gave Tracey an eye-smile. Blaise felt happy as well since he could get to learn more about the enigma known as Harry Potter and at the same time, improve his knowledge in magic.
That was how Harry spent his second part of the first year. Lessons, training sessions about twice per week with the group, Occlumency with Daphne and his own self personal training every morning as well as during his free time.
The current Hogwarts syllabus was moving very slowly. They had only just started learning on Protego for Defence against the Dark Arts.
Transfiguration was still as interesting for Harry since he could not give himself into learning extensively in that particular subject. Although conjuration seems pretty useful, and inanimate to animate transfiguration was a very good technique, those were only taught much later in the years. But as of now, the switching spell was really one of the more useful ones he learned in transfiguration.
As for Charms, they would be finishing the rest of the first year syllabus spells such as the severing charm which he had already learned, the mending charm as well as an animation charm.
Potions, Astronomy, Herbology and Histories of Magic though were not part of his interests seeing no combat value in them. He could always ask Daphne for help in Potions he needed since she was a prodigy in it.
With Blaise joining their training group, they decided on having some lessons on Dark arts first – Harry was the one suggesting that new-comers be giving up some knowledge before getting back. Those lessons were really quite useful to Harry. Although he knew three particular nasty spells, he could barely control them especially the black hole spell. It was too dangerous for him to use it without supervision.
Dark arts was really just a name for emotional-based spells with the intention of harming someone. A normal charm like the levitation spell could kill but it did not require the wants, needs and extreme emotions poured in by the user in order to cast it. They had not tried out any spells yet but would do so once they acquire a target. The classroom they were in had been totally blasted, along with the tables and chairs.
Tracey had also been teaching the group basic healing charms like Episkey which could heal mild injuries like minor cuts, broken noses and split lips. It was better to start small since wounds might be opened if the spells were used incorrectly. Harry had major difficulties with this spell due to the nature of his wand, but eventually, with training, he found the correct amount of magic required for him to compensate the reduced effectiveness for healing.
Other than those two subjects that were shared among the group, Harry and Daphne were more or less helping to find new spells that were useful. Harry had shared the knowledge of blasting curse, Confringo and the Reductor spell, Reducto with the group. He was not surprised that they had precious knowledge seeing their family background. But it never hurt to improve on them.
This training group was created mainly for combat purposes and as such, they would be focusing totally on everything combat-related. The group continued on reducing the time spent in casting each spell, seeing that it could mean life or death. Other than that, they were also training on dodging spells starting with one on one and so on. They used the paint spell in order to not allow anyone to get harmed as a result of being hit.
As for Harry, he continued with his morning sessions alone. His physique had improved by leaps and bounds after at least half a year of consecutive training. The toned body he had would be the dreams of many guys and wants of many girls. But it did not come free.
Other than that, he was able to control up to thirty percent more of his magic after the suppressor was released. The past six months did help in allowing his magical core to expand with the suppressor on it. There might be harmful effects for all he knows. Muscles could not be placed under stress for so long without recovering for a longer period of time, yet this was magic and the knowledge he had in it was lacking.
His magical sensing ability was getting better and better. Using his SONAR or in his case, Magical Navigation and Ranging also known as MANAR, he could differentiate the minor differences between individuals now outside the castle. Although it was still quite hard to use it in Hogwarts due to the thick ambient magic within, he could more or less sense for himself if a non-human was in the vicinity. In a way, the ambient magic was like jamming his senses and he had to really push through his magic and increase the sensitivity between minute differences in the reflected magic in order to even use MANAR in Hogwarts.
Harry did spend much time as well in honing his shadow manipulation. Although he lacked the knowledge of any previous users in history, he made up by following his instincts. He remembered reading a manga on Naruto before. There was a clan in the manga which specialised in using shadow. Thus, he decided to use the manga as a reference point to further his skills.
To his amazement, he could really control shadow in the real world as well. But there were quite a few differences. When he connected his shadow with a living thing, it did not followed his every actions unlike in the manga. Instead, he could feel himself touching the organism. Somehow, the shadow acted like an extension of his limbs and senses.
Once, Harry tried extending his own shadow to a tree. He could feel the roughness of the bark and when he tried plucking off a piece from it, it worked. That effectively concluded the trials.
As for his skills in manipulating fire, Harry realised that his control in it was emotional-fickle. If he became really angry, the fire would grow with it and become super-heated. His fire affinity-based magic was definitely the cause of that occurrence. In a way, he finally found out that it order to really control fire, he must befriend it and treat it as if it's a part of him, just like shadow. Fire was not meant to be controlled. When he grabbed a handful of flame, his hand was coated with his own magic, preventing any burns.
Eventually, he learned how to cast Incendio without any wand. But it was not an easy task seeing that he had to concentrate for about a minute in order for a spark and flame to be created within his hand. In his case, he rubbed his magic together above his hand in order to create friction. Once the magic was superheated, he could will it into a ball of flame. Until he could learn how to really cast it within a second, he would not be using wandless fire in a combat.
The Occlumency lessons with Daphne were going quite smoothly ever since their patching up. Daphne did not ask Harry more questions by giving him a larger breathing space, hoping that he could tell her willingly soon enough. Harry was grateful for what she was doing. Nowadays, his defence system had finally proven to be quite sturdy when Daphne could not really see his memories anymore.
With training, he was getting better at sensing the subtle attacks by any Legilimens. That was coupled with a huge jump in kicking out the invaders from the mind. He was so good at that that he could even reverse the connection through the probe, letting him taste Legilimency for the first time. Daphne was shocked but happy for Harry had finally reached the point she could not teach him any further.
"Thank you for tutoring me in this subject. If you need any help, just ask and I will help." Harry gave her a light smile. He had begun opening up to this girl. It was really a hard thing for him to do, but his heart was telling him to not regret and just take the chance. That last argument they had the precious time really opened up their eyes about what friendship was.
Daphne returned with her smile. "It's fine Harry. I'll gladly do anything for you."
The two of them were walking back to their dormitories after the last lesson they agreed to have. From now on, Harry would have to find someone else who is a master Legilimens in order to further his Occlumency. After all, this art is one of the obscure few that could only be really taught through persons and not individually.
As they entered the common rooms, they were in for a noisy spectacle – Malfoy was making out with Parkinson right on the couch. The sound they made was gross to both Harry and Daphne, so much so that he could not help but use some wandless magic to push Parkinson, who was on Malfoy's lap down from the couch they were sitting. In the process, Malfoy was pulled down as well. That fall effectively ended their shameless act, but peace would not last for long when Malfoy was around.
He immediately stood up, wanting to find the perpetrator but once his eyes landed on Daphne and Harry, his attention was transfixed to them.
"Oh... Greengrass and Potter, the two newest couple in Hogwarts after seeing both of you stuck around each other wherever you go. So Potter, are you jealous that I have a girl to snog while you don't?" He smirked at the two of them. But there was a lack of reaction from the two.
"Malfoy? I think it looks more like two rabid dogs who can't control themselves that they have to do it here. Did father ever taught you what basic courtesy is? Nah I believe not." Harry rebutted swiftly.
There were giggled around the room. Daphne tried hard to control her expression and the only movement from her was the light cough.
"Potter." he growled. "Don't use that as an excuse. If you are jealous of me, just say it. Come and kneel in front of me and beg for my forgiveness and who knows, I might give you Parkinson over here for you to enjoy."
Said girl had a flinch. Daphne pitied her. After Parkinson threw herself into the arms of Malfoy, he treated her like a dispensable tool. He was the typical pure blood male who thinks female were slaves for them. What a truly despicable society this was.
"You're pathetic. Don't use the girl as if she was yours."
Malfoy smirked back. "Parkinson, tell Potter what are you to me."
She had a momentarily look of sadness before it was covered up with a sultry act, snaking her arms around Malfoy's waist from the back. "I'm yours Draco to do whatever you like."
Harry shook his head. His attention was more on Parkinson for really willing to do anything in order to become Malfoy's.
Just then, Daphne decided to just end the conversation. She could not stand the whole thing any longer. It reminded too much of her own plight with her father. "Harry, I will meet you here in about fifteen minutes for dinner?"
Harry gave her a nod before he decided to walk off as well. But before they could leave for their dormitories, Malfoy made a really insensitive remark that made Daphne totally stunned. A few moments later, she ran out of the common room, some tears in her eyes.
"Heh, look at that! I made Greengrass cry! Priceless!" Malfoy arrogantly boasted to those Slytherins who were in the room. It was without a doubt that the rumours would spread.
But what happened next really scared everyone, especially the so called leader for Slytherin. The entire room became heated up. Every single Slytherins started sweating within seconds from the sudden change in temperature. Flame within the torches in the vicinity increased in strength by more than twice it's usual. It was really a scary sight for this was the first time they saw the flame acting on its own.
Malfoy felt something choking him. His hands went to his own throat, trying to get rid of the feeling, although to no avail. Parkinson was beside him, confused as to why Malfoy was strangling himself.
Just then, the portrait to the common room opened. Although the students themselves were still wondering what was wrong with the sudden heat, their attention turned towards the opening of their door, trying to find a reasonable explanation as to who was the one responsible for this. Yet, they saw nobody exiting or entering the room.
Seconds later, everything turned back to normal. The door was still left opened. Those present were left in wonder.
Harry was in rage for what Malfoy said to Daphne. He knew of her whole consternation with her family. But what left his mouth today seriously hurt her and Harry knew something must be done.
This he opened up the door to the common room before enveloping himself in darkness. It was fortunate nobody saw him doing that. After which, Harry followed her all the way into the owlery. Daphne wrote a very brief letter, wanting to find out exactly if what Malfoy said was true or not and sent with Hedwig. Now all she could do was wait for a reply.
When Daphne turned, she saw Harry standing by the door of the owlery. His very presence gave comfort to her as she ran to hug him. Harry placed his arms in return over her shoulders before shadow walking them outside the castle to the place he always go to for meditation.
"It's alright Daphne." Harry consoled her whole rubbing her back. "Don't be so anguished. We won't know the truth until your sister replies."
"But what if she really did ask father for a marriage contract with Malfoy? Even if she hates me, I can't help but feel that if they marry, she will get hurt. I can't bear the thought of it... She's my sister regardless."
"Daphne. Don't think so much alright? We'll get through this together. If your sister really did it out of her own will, we shouldn't interfere with it. But if it was your father who force her into the marriage, then something must be done."
Hearing the logic in his words, Daphne could only resign to waiting for an answer should it ever come. They were sitting down by the lake under the tree. It felt really comfortable and peaceful.
"So, why did you bring me here?"
"This is the place I come to meditate. It's –" Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath "– peaceful and refreshing."
Daphne could understand that. She felt much better after coming here. The greenery was lush and beautiful, and the best part was they were the only ones here. She was curious though how he knew of this place.
"Say, how did you find out this place, Harry?"
Harry gave a chortle, which Daphne could not help but smile at. Those were the few rare genuine laughs she had ever heard from Harry. It made her warm inside her heart and felt really magical to her.
It was then she saw a hand waving in front of her eyes. She blinked before giving him the look that asked 'what are you doing?'
"You were staring at me Daphne. Did you even hear my answer?"
Hearing that, Daphne blushed. "Umm..." She was out of words.
Harry gave her a weird look. "You know, the way you were staring at me gave me some kind of creepy feelings. But that should mean you are alright now. Let's go back and have dinner alright?"
She responded with yet another blush. 'How embarrassing that was!'
"No! I mean am I really that creepy looking to you?" She pouted.
Harry asked back her question. "Are you? What were you thinking then?"
Daphne looked away before whispering to herself, "Your laughter sounded really magical..."
On this evening, fate was playful though and let Harry heard her words.
"Really? Well... I think your smile is beautiful too Daphne. So you should smile more often!"
Daphne eyes widened at the implication of his words. "Do you think I'm beautiful?" she blurted out without thinking before quickly covering her mouth. But the 'damage' was already done.
"Yup! Now come on. If you aren't going for dinner, I'm leaving off myself." Harry stood up and walked off slowly, letting Daphne catch up with him.
Her mind was totally jumbled up from hearing his words. Her heart began pumping really fast. Somehow, those words made her euphoric. Currently though, she did not have the pleasure of time to think through her life as Harry was already heading back to Hogwarts. Realizing that, she stood up and chased after him.
"Wait up!"
"Come and catch me if you can!"
"No! Slow down Harry! If not... If not...!"
"If not what Daphne?" Harry stopped and turned to look at her running towards him. As Daphne finally caught up, she gave him a grin.
"The last one there is a loser!" With that, she continued on her merry way back to Hogwarts, laughing all the way.
"That is... Cheating!" Harry sprinted in order to chase after her.
With his long stride and daily training, Harry caught up with her within moments.
"So, cheater, how are you feeling?" Harry gave her a grin as he jogged beside her.
Daphne was panting and breathing really hard now from all the running. "How... Are... You... Not... Tired?" Just then, she stopped, unable to continue any further.
"Aww... Don't be a slowpoke Daphne! What did you say just now? Last one is a loser?" He laughed again.
Daphne could not help but laugh with him as well. She suddenly felt like she was a child again but this time she was with a friend. It had been quite a while since she had such a carefree feeling. Befriending Harry was really a right choice made. But for now, it was time for using her charm as a girl on him. She fell on the floor, totally exhausted.
"I'm... Dead... Tired..." She puffed out before closing her eyes to feign that she had fainted.
Harry felt something was amiss from the way she was lying on the ground. He had not meant to tire her up so seriously. It would be his fault should sometimes happen to her. He immediately ran up, shaking her shoulders.
"Daphne? Daphne! Please tell me you are alright... Come in... I'm so sorry... I won't do it again." Harry said anxiously.
Just then, there was a smile on Daphne. Harry did not know what she did but moments later, she was on his back as he was still kneeling on the ground.
"Come on Harry! Up and away!"
Harry was still caught in the previous moment. "You are so mean Daphne... I thought something bad happened to you." He placed his hands on her thighs before standing up and walking back to the castle.
Daphne felt a bit bad for playing this prank on him. But now, she knew how much she meant to him. It felt really good to know someone out there in the world cared for your well-being.
"I'm sorry Harry. But it have been years since I last had so much fun!"
Her cheerful words did allow Harry to recover from the shock. "Well, glad to know that."
"And, this is the first time I see you smile and laugh and have fun with me!"
Hearing those words, Harry's mind turned southwards towards his non-existent childhood. This was really the first time in his entire life having fun. He did not know but Daphne had really broken through the cold exterior he placed.
"It is my first time Daphne..."
Daphne frowned from his words. "Oh..." Then she brightened up within the next moment. "But it won't be your last time! We can have much more fun together like today! And maybe someday..."
'We could go out on a date, just two of us, hand in hand.' She smiled at that thought.
A/N: And so, Blaise joined the group in their training sessions. Tracey has a new close friend now that Daphne is spending more time with Harry. This chapter quite illustrates the turning point of Harry's personality into someone who is more carefree now that he finally found a like-minded soul in Daphne.
As always, if you find anything you do not like, give me a review and I will see to it.
