A/N: Ok, this chapter is long, and probably should have been done in two chapters, but I was on a roll. Bit of a warning. things get a little on the steamier side, so you've ben warned. ENJOY!


"You insufferable idiot!" Severus Snape scowled as he pour an third goblet of restorative draught and handed it to the Headmaster he began to drink it. "You could have killed you. Are you really in such a hurry for your next great adventure you stupid old fool? I could have done it."

"It had to be done, and it had to be me." Dumbledore wheezed as he set the now empty goblet down. "I am thankful that you consented to join me. I fear what might have happened had it not been for your quick thinking, and there is still so much to do."

"Oh?" Snape asked mockingly. "Do you have a few other ways in which you're going to attempt to kill yourself?"

"I do not think that now is the time for humor, Severus." Dumbledore sighed, leaning back in his seat and letting his eyes fall closed.

"No it is most certainly not." Snape bellowed. "Just what were you thinking? Can you please explain to me what goes on in that supposedly brilliant mind of yours because tonight, all I saw was lunacy! And for what? We did not accomplish what we set out to do, All we got was some trinket with a love note inside."

Snape's black eyes fell on the silver locket that he and Dumbledore that rested upon the headmaster's desk.

"What we got was a clue as to the real locket's location." Dumbledore said, smiling weakly. "Would you be so kind as to pour me a glass of brandy?"

Snape glowered at the Headmaster, but complied. He observed Dumbledore closely as he set the glass before the old man, who gave another weak smile. He still wasn't sure exactly what the old man had drank, and he hated that he had forced several gobletfuls down the old man's throat, but as Dumbledore had said it had needed to be done. Whatever the potion had been had seemed to affect Dumbledore more on a mental level than a physical one, though Dumbledore had been severely weakened by the concoction.

"I'll want to look at your hand. I feel that tonight's adventure may have sped up the curse."

Dumbledore nodded and Snape bent to examine the withered and blackened hand. He passed his wand over the hand, turning it as if it was made of the most delicate of material and would disintegrate with the smallest of breaths. After several moments he released the elder man's hand and stared hard with barely contained sympathy at his friend.

"You do not have much time left." He said with finality. "At this rate… I do not anticipate that you will see the seventh years graduate. You have months now. Two or three at the most."

"Then I will have to speed things up. But it will have to wait for the moment. We need to figure out this little mystery if we have any hope of proceeding. Tell me what did the note inside say exactly?"

Snape recounted the words written on the folded bit of parchment while Dumbledore took in the words and muddled them over in his head. He then noticed Severus' face contort into one of sudden realization.

"I take it from the look on your face that you know the identity of our thief. Tell me who managed to figure out Lord Voldemort's secret before us." Dumbledore said, his breathing still labored and weak.

"A dead man." Snape said sourly, rising to his feet and going to pour himself a drink. "A Death Eater praised above others and then one day, he was dead at the Dark Lord's hand. I never knew the true reason, and I have never asked."

Dumbledore cocked his head slightly as Snape collected his thoughts.

"Black's younger brother, Regulus Arcturus Black." the Defense teacher said after a silent moment.

"Regulus?" Dumbledore said, almost laughingly. "Regulus, oh my word."

"I heard rumors after he was killed that he defied the Dark Lord." Snape said, finally taking a seat. "I had heard that he was beginning to question the Dark Lord. He was speaking out that he thought we were killing too many wizards, and that if we didn't stop we would eventually become extinct. And then I heard one person say that Regulus had discovered a secret that could have destroyed the Dark Lord, but I never found out what it was."

"I think we know what it is now." Dumbledore said, staring at the fake locket he and Snape had retrieved only an hour ago in that hidden underground chamber near the sea. Dumbledore had been searching for that cave for the better part of a year now and had finally discovered it two weeks ago. He had asked the only person he felt he could trust and who knew Lord Voldemort as well as he did. The only person who knew exactly how to destroy the Dark Lord once and for all.

"The question isn't what Regulus discovered, but where the real Horcrux now rests." Snape pointed out.

"I suspect that it has been right under our noses all this time." Dumbledore smiled again. Snape's eyes widened as he understood.

"Surely not." He glowered.

"We must ask Sirius to search his mother's home for it. I am sure that it was hidden there. Lord Voldemort would never have suspected it, likely believing that Regulus hid it far away, or even in the Black Family vault." Dumbledore reasoned.

"And what of the last two?" Snape asked.

"The snake will have to be dealt with at the final confrontation, the cup on the other hand…" Dumbledore sighed.

"You still have no ideas on the cup's whereabouts?" Snape sulked.

"I have suspicions, but nothing more." Dumbledore sighed, feeling all the exhaustion from their adventure beginning to overtake him.

"So we are now at a standstill?" Snape looked dejected.

"Perhaps, but I feel that it is but a temporary setback. Soon Harry will face Lord Voldemort for the last time, and then our world will know peace." Dumbledore wheezed, making Snape look at him with concern.

"When?" Snape asked angrily. "When will this confrontation happen? The Dark Lord is restless and he's becoming crazed. He's obsessed with killing Potter. The boy has managed to escape and elude him for so long… The Dark Lord is losing his sanity, and he's… changing. It is as you predicted, I think, but so much worse."

"Explain." Dumbledore said, his eyes opening and his exhaustion forgotten now.

"He's… there is no other word for it. He's decaying and I don't think he realizes it, or he'd likely be preparing for a second rebirth. His flesh is waxy and smells of rotted flesh."

"The protections he took into himself when he took Harry's blood are eating him from the inside out." Dumbledore smiled. "Far quicker than I had believed."

"It started after the Ministry." Snape said. "But the physical symptoms are nothing compared to the mental ones. He's much quicker to anger, and is obsessed with the boy's death. I've been told that he's researching the darkest of magic. He will kill the boy, and he will make it as long and as painful as possible."

"Actually, I believe his symptoms started at his rebirth. The events at the Ministry advanced it. It is for this reason we must hurry. When he becomes desperate or realizes his body is failing him, he will try to use a Horcrux to repair himself. He will not wish to use the snake, so we must destroy the others, leaving him with but one option. But, I think that it will not come to that. No, I think he will face Harry for the last time before that."

"How can you be so sure?" Snape asked.

"Because I have set the board myself, Severus. Now I have but to move the pieces. But not until I am sure that all of his Horcruxes are dealt with. I dare not make a move while there is a chance for his return again. Harry, and the rest of our world deserves true peace" Dumbledore smiled. "It is late, and I need much rest."

"You will need more potions tomorrow, and you must rest for at least a week. If anyone sees that you are unwell…" Snape warned.

"I shall do as you ask." Dumbledore nodded.

"Then I shall leave you for tonight." Snape rose from his seat and bowed before leaving the headmaster to rest. As he returned to his own chambers, he thought on what the headmaster had claimed. He was setting the board, and intended the Potter boy to face the Dark Lord one last time. For the first time in his life, Snape began to hope that for once, Potter's luck would see him through to the end. The alternative was far to horrific to imagine.


"She's driving me insane." Harry said as he and Tracey Davis walked through the corridors towards the Library. "Is it really that hard? I know there's got to be something that she wants for her birthday, but she won't even give me a hint."

"After last year, I think she's afraid. She loves that jacket, but she's afraid that you might think she loves you for your money or for what you can buy her. She doesn't want that." Tracey said sympathetically.

"Then tell me something little or something.' Harry said as if it was obvious.

"You know what she really wants from you?" Tracey asked looking at Harry. "She just wants your time. An evening with you without interruption where you two can be close. Maybe what you should think about doing is putting together a romantic evening on her birthday instead of some extravagant gift. And besides, it's your three month anniversary."

"I know." Harry said quickly. "Ok, so a romantic evening. Dinner….uh….something else… I can do that. But I still want to get her something. Something special, you know?"

Tracey nodded her understanding, and then, her twisted little mind began to work, and she recalled a conversation she had had with her best friend about a week ago.

"It's like the god damned Head Boy has nothing better to do than guard the bathroom" Daphne had ranted after her third failed attempt to get herself and her boyfriend in a intimate bath together." He's so infuriating"

"Maybe you should steer clear of there for a while then and find someplace else in which to get up close and personal with Harry." Tracey smiled.

"Where?" Daphne roared as she fell onto her bed in frustration. "Where in this WHOLE school can I be alone with my boyfriend and get closer without fear of being walked in on? I can't even think about taking off my shirt for him because I'm petrified that a teacher will find us. On top of that…. Have you seen my under things? They're so…bleh"

Tracey laughed at this. Daphne simply scowled, but it didn't last very long as her best friend's laughter was contagious.

"Well, you could always ask Harry to get you something less bleh for your birthday."

"Are you mental?" Daphne asked more than a little scandalized at the suggestion. "I could never ask him for anything like that. Oh my gods! I'm panicking just thinking about that."

"Oh come on!" Tracey said sitting up. "You could even sit down with a catalog and he could help you choose something."

"Oh no. No no no no no." Daphne said shaking her head and waving her hands in front of her. "No way."

"What are you afraid of?" Tracey wondered.

"I'm not afraid, I'm embarrassed."

"If you had something slinky, you'd let him see you in it, right?" Tracey asked curiously.

"Well, yeah. Maybe. I think I would." Daphne replied, looking uncomfortable.

"So, think of this as heating the cauldron. You sit with him, pick out something sexy and then he has to wait for it to arrive before he gets a chance to actually see you in it." Tracey explained. Daphne was thinking about it and Tracey wanted to shriek with laughter as Daphne's face turned from her normal creamy complexion to that roughly the color of ripe tomatoes.

"I couldn't." Daphne said shaking her head again.

"Coward!" Tracey accused. "You claim you want to get more intimate with him, and I give you the perfect opportunity, one which doesn't even require s that much privacy or even removing clothing, and you're to much of a coward to try it."

"It's not that I'm a coward." Daphne retorted. "It's that it would be so embarrassing. I mean… I don't even know what I like. I've never shopped for lingerie, how am I supposed to know what would be good and what he would like…"

"He's a boy." Tracey said with exasperation. "If there's even a possibility of seeing more naked flesh, he'll love it."

"I guess." Daphne shrugged. "I don't know. I'll have to think about it. It's so…so…"

"Exciting? Enticing? Sensual? Hot?" Tracey suggested.

"Personal." Daphne scowled.

"Coward." Tracey rolled her eyes.

"Gods you need a boyfriend." Daphne shook her head as she went to her trunk to prepare for bed.

"I KNOW!" Tracey shouted with frustration. "Though I wouldn't need one so bad if you'd get a little dirtier with yours and share the details."

Tracey laughed inwardly before she turned back to Harry.

"Look, I may have a solution. I will find out what she likes, and I will order it, but you can pay for it. When it arrives, I'll make sure that she knows it's from you." She smiled. Harry looked thoughtful and then nodded.

"Alright."

"Good. You just focus on arranging a full night where you two can be alone and uninterrupted, I'll take care of the gift." Tracey grinned widely.


The morning of December first dawned with snow falling lightly over the Hogwarts grounds. The sun was only just peaking out behind the clouds and it was bitterly cold. Yet, in the sixth year girls dorm in Slytherin house, Daphne felt very content and deeply warm underneath her blankets.

She stretched her arms out above her head as she inhaled deeply and stretched herself out like a cat. She could not stop smiling as this morning marked her seventeenth birthday. She was now an adult in the eyes of the law and to Daphne, it meant some serious changes in her life. First and foremost, she was now able to use magic outside of school. That didn't matter right now, as she still had over a year of schooling to finish, but, to her it meant something.

Second, she was no able to leave the school and go to Hogsmeade any weekend she wanted. However, she didn't think she'd go very often, as Harry and her other friends would likely not be able to go. Well, except Hermione.

Not to mention the fact that she could get married and no one could say anything about it. Not that she had such inclinations or aspirations…

Well that wasn't entirely true. Thanks once again to Tracey's big mouth, a seed had been planted in Daphne's mind that had been occupying her mind a bit as of late. The idea was ridiculous but had a certain allure to it. And in all honesty, most girls her age were thinking of that sort of thing after all. Most witches were married by the time they reached twenty one.

Daphne let her eyes close once again as the images from her dream swam behind her eyelids. She knew that it was still too early to be considering such a thing, but just imagining it made her heart beat a bit faster, and the alternative was unacceptable really.

Daphne pushed all of that out of her mind for now. It was her birthday, and there were no classes today. That meant that she could spend the entire day with her friends and her boyfriend.

At the thought of Harry she began to feel anxious anticipation in her stomach. He had been hinting about something special, and Tracey apparently was in on the whole thing as she had been dropping hints all week. Daphne was sure that Harry was intending to romance her. Daphne felt her entire body tingle at the thought.

With a sigh, and a rumble in her belly, Daphne sat up and threw her blankets off, grimacing at the stinging cold. She hopped out of bed, her bare feet slapping on the icy stone floor and quickly gathered her things for a shower.

She didn't linger in the shower too long and fifteen minutes after she'd gotten out of bed was dressed and drying her hair, waiting for Tracey who was only now greeting the day.

"Ugh, I know it's your birthday and all, but do you have to look so damned cheery?" Tracey groaned, fighting her yawn.

"Yes." Daphne smirked. Hurry up, I'm hungry."

"Yeah, yeah." Tracey grumbled as she slid out of bed.

The dormitory door opened, and Astoria popped in and tossed a wrapped gift at her sister. Daphne chuckled as she deftly caught the gift. She loved her sister, especially for the fact that she could be counted on for acting as if Daphne's birthday was nothing special.

"Happy Birthday bitch!" Astoria said flippantly as she left. Daphne didn't even get a chance to give her typical reply and sat on her bed to open the gift while Tracey finished getting ready for breakfast.

The paper came off and Daphne opened the small box, her eyes widening as she beheld the delicate silver bracelet. The chain was almost impossibly thin and was connected to a small circle of silver where a shining emerald rested. As she inspected the gift closer she saw that something was etched into the back of the charm. A rune which Daphne recognized as meaning love.

"Lovely." Tracey said as she returned from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. "Astoria?"

Daphne looked up, looking stunned. She merely nodded, holding it out for Tracey to look at closer. Tracey took the bracelet and admired it before offering to put it on Daphne's arm. Daphne held out her left wrist and Tracey clasped the bracelet, both girls smiling as Daphne held up her arm to admire the gift more.

"Your sister has extremely good taste. I wonder why you don't?"

"Oh ha ha." Daphne rolled her eyes. "As I recall, you were over the moon about that dress I got you last year from France. I believe your exact words were…"

"Yeah, yeah." Tracey said cutting Daphne off. "Shut up."

"Get dressed will you? I'm starving!" Daphne said forcefully.

Tracey made a rude hand gesture, though she was laughing, and went to her trunk to fish out clothes. As she dressed the two girls chatted idly about nothing. When Tracey was finally ready, the two girls stood up and started to head out, when Daphne noticed something peculiar.

"Where's Pansy?"

Tracey stopped to look to their roommate's bed which was quite empty. Millicent was still snoring happily, but Pansy was no where to be seen, and here bed hadn't been slept in.

"I don't know." Tracey shrugged. "Maybe Draco took her back."

"I don't know that's she'd want him back." Daphne said, remembering several conversations where Pansy appeared to have come to her senses and realized Draco had only been using her.

"She probably found some one to scratch her itches." Tracey smiled, looping her arm with Daphne's. "Come on. The owls will be arriving soon, and I want to se what your parents got you this year."

The Great Hall was not full by any means, but a lot of students were already up and about and getting their fill of breakfast. Daphne didn't se Harry or any of her Gryffindor friends yet. She guessed that they were all having a lie in, which irked her a bit as it was her birthday, and they should all be down here to greet her. She then laughed at herself for thinking that. Still, it would have been nice.

Knowing that Harry usually didn't sleep late to often, she decided to just have a seat at the Slytherin table and wait for them to show. Tracey sat next to her and filled a goblet with pumpkin juice. Daphne was happy she didn't begin to eat as it was only five minutes before Neville and Ginny, followed by Hermione and then Harry arrived.

The two Slytherins were out of their seats and joining their friends a moment later. Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Daphne and kissed her softly.

"Happy Birthday." He smiled. Daphne felt herself melt a bit and lean her forehead against his.

"Thank you. Now tell me what you have planned." She demanded in a whisper.

"And ruin the surprise? Harry asked. "Where would be the fun?"

""Well how about my gift?" Daphne asked.

"I don't have it." Harry said, taking Daphne by the hand and leading her to a seat. "In fact, I have no idea what it is. Tracey said you picked it out."

Daphne turned suddenly to Tracey with wide eyed shock. Tracey merely smiled as if everything was peachy.

"You… you didn't. I mean we were just…" She stammered.

"Relax." Tracey said with a carefree wave of her hand. "He has no clue."

Daphne looked to Harry who gave a nod.

"Oh my gods." Daphne said her face burning with embarrassment. "I can't believe you did this to me."

"Oh no." Tracey said, looking dangerously close to smacking her best friend. "Do not put this on me. We talked all about this, and you picked it out. You're going to like it, and you're going to wear it, and then you're going to thank me, and Harry. Though you'll probably thank Harry in a much different manner than me."

"Ok, I think I've heard about enough of that." Hermione smiled, handing Daphne a gift. "If only to make her stop talking before it becomes really gross."

"Thank you." Daphne said grateful for both the gift and stopping Tracey before she embarrassed them all.

"Party pooper." Tracey said, sticking out her tongue. Hermione simply smiled and batted her eyes innocently.

Daphne also got gifts from Neville, Ginny and Ron and Lavender when they arrived a few minutes later. Each gift was just wonderful in Daphne's opinion. The journal Hermione gave her was perfect with it's leather cover and unbreakable locking charm. Neville had gotten her a very nice set of quills and inks. Ginny's gift was some products from the Weasley's Wonder Witch line. Tracey became very interested in those. The rather devilish look on her face made Daphne worry for whomever boy her friend was targeting. Ron and Lavender had gone in together on an array of sweets.

"Thank you all so much." Daphne smiled to each of her friends. They all replied in kind and she kissed Harry on the cheek. "So what are we doing for my birthday?"

Harry smiled and shook his head. Daphne pouted a bit, but he was not revealing anything.

"Oh look." Tracey smiled fiendishly as she pointed to the ceiling. I think the rest of your gifts are here."

Daphne blushed a bit as she saw her family's Owl Calabos swooping towards her as well as two others carrying a elegant looking box, which made Daphne's face heat up even more.

The owls landed in front of her, and Daphne quickly undid the packages. The two brown owls flew away at once, but Calabos stayed, taking a strip of bacon from her hand and then dipping his beak into her goblet for a drink.

Daphne opened the letter attached to her parents gift first and read through it, trying not to cry at her mother's words.

My dearest Daphne,

It is with a heavy heart that I wish you a very happy birthday. I am filled to bursting with emotion on this, the day you have become an adult. From the moment I held you for the very first time and looked into your ocean blue eyes as your little hand gripped my finger, I have never once doubted the wonderful and amazing young woman you would someday become. You and your sister have made your father and I so very proud of you.

My only wish for you is that you continue to know the happiness you now feel. Life is a journey filled with joys and disappointment. Lesson to be learned that shape us for the future. I know that you have already learned some of those and come out stronger for them. I also know that you will continue to fight for what you believe to be right, and for those whom you care deepest for. I would expect no less.

It is now up to you to forge your path my sweet daughter. The world is yours to shape and make better for your own children (whom I do not expect to meet too soon).

With all the love in my heart,

Mum.

Daphne folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket. She would put it inside her new journal later as a reminder of this day for the rest of her life. She then turned her attention to the package her parents had sent and opened it to find two gifts inside. The first was a pair of high heeled boots that made Daphne smile excitedly. It was clear to her that her mother had chosen them, as her father still had trouble accepting that she was growing up, much less that she was in fact a girl.

The second gift was hidden inside of one of the boots and wasn't discovered until she tried to put it on. She fished a small box out of the footwear and after putting the boots on and getting up to see how they looked, earning many compliments and a few whistles from Harry Ron and Neville, turned her attention to the second gift.

She opened the box and found a key with a note attached written in her father's boxy style.

Daphne,

This key belongs to vault 987 at Gringotts. It is your vault. All of your school expenses are taken care of by your mother and I, and it is our deepest hope that you will remain living with us until after you graduate next year. The contents of this vault are meant to help you begin your life after school ends. That does not mean that you should leave it all there to wait for you. I only hope that you don't go too crazy.

All my affection,

Dad

"I have a vault?" Daphne said re-reading the letter and staring at the key.

"Lucky." Tracey said, shoving Daphne into Harry. "I won't get a vault until I get my first paycheck."

"I have a vault." Daphne said, looking to Harry who smiled.

"Look at you, all growed up." He laughed. Hermione laughed and the rest smiled at Daphne's rather childish dance.

"What's the last gift?" Ginny asked.

Daphne stopped cold, and nearly dropped her key into her oatmeal. Her face burned crimson as she looked down at the rather fancy looking white box.

"Can we see it?" Tracey asked, fighting her laughter as Daphne scowled at her.

"Umm… I'm going to take all of these to my room. Can I catch up to you guys in a bit? Maybe we can go outside and enjoy the snow or something." Daphne said grabbing up all her gifts and her shoes, as she was still wearing the boots her parents got her.

"Daph!" Tracey said loudly. "We want to se the gift Harry got you!"

Daphne sprinted as fast as she could in her high heeled boots out of the Great Hall with her best friend calling after her the whole way. Daphne did not stop until she reached the safety of her dorm room where she nearly knocked Pansy Parkinson down.

"Sorry." She said quickly, running to her bed.

"It's alright." Pansy said dejectedly. "I deserved it anyway."

"Where were you this morning?" Daphne asked. Pansy blushed hard and sighed.

"I was getting information, the only way I know how."

Something in Pansy's tone made Daphne stop and stare at the girl who looked so broken.

"What are you talking about?" Daphne asked, feeling she was not going to like the answer.

"Look, it isn't important." Pansy said, trying to avoid more questions.

"Yes it is." Daphne argued. "Pansy, you are better than Draco. You don't need to…"

"Fuck people?" Pansy asked, bitterness dripping in her voice. "Draco was my only shot at a better life, Daphne. Now…. All that's out there for me is a lot of lying on my back."

"No there isn't." Daphne said fiercely. "Not if you don't want that. You can do or be whatever…"

"Spare me the sermon alright!" Pansy shouted angrily. "I don't… I just don't need it, and I don't want your sympathy either. Not all of us can have the perfect boyfriend, or the perfect life."

"My life is far from perfect." Daphne tried to argue.

"It's a damn sight closer to it than mine. I'll talk to you later." Pansy said ending the discussion. Daphne felt irritated and worried for Pansy. They had never been friends, but she hated that Pansy was choosing such an existence simply because Draco had dumped her and was a complete toe rag.

"Did you open it yet?" Tracey asked as she came in, panting and gasping, after having chased her friend down to the dungeons.

"No." Daphne said, still thinking of Pansy.

"Well…. Let's see it!"

Daphne turned to the white box that was exciting her and scaring her. She knew exactly what was in it after Tracey told her that they had picked it out. She remembered the night the two of them looked at the catalog Tracey had, though she was reluctant to tell her how she came about it.

Slowly her trembling fingers undid the string that kept it close and lifted the top of. It was even more breath taking than it had been in that catalog. It was a soft pink, and the material felt as soft and gentle as water.

Slowly Daphne lifted it out but the thin spaghetti straps and held it up.

"Oh wow." Tracey smiled taking it in.

"It's so beautiful." Daphne whispered.

"Sexy." Tracey corrected. "He is going to be eating out of your hand when he sees you in this. You definitely have to take it with you tonight."

"Where are we going?" Daphne turned to ask Tracey who just smiled.

"You're not leaving the castle, but it will feel like it." Tracey grinned. "Try it on! And don't forget those." Tracey said pointing to the other article in the box.

Daphne grinned and snatched it up before rushing into the bathroom to change. It wasn't that she was shy or anything like that. She wanted to get a reaction from her best friend. She stripped down to nothing, not caring where her clothes landed.

She then turned to her birthday presents and slowly and carefully slid on the soft pink knickers. Daphne loved how they felt going up her legs and the way they hugged her hips. She grinned to herself as she now understood why a lot of girls seemed to invest so much gold in their under things.

She then picked up the main part of her gift and slipped it over her head. It felt like a satiny waterfall cascading over her head and down her body. When the material touched her chest she felt a surge course through her, and she fought down a nervous giggle. The baby doll was elegant in it's simplicity, and Daphne just loved how it looked on her and especially how it felt against her skin. The hemline stopped around her mid thigh, and hid the panties nicely.

"Tracey's right." Daphne said softly to herself. "Harry's going to be eating out of my hand."

"What is taking so… OH. My. Gods." Tracey said as she entered the bathroom and got her first glimpse of the new sexier Daphne Greengrass. "You are so lucky I'm not a boy, or I'd be on top of you so fast. Hell, I'm still thinking about it. You look so damned hot!"

"The funny thing is, I don't know that I'd mind it all that much." Daphne said in wonder. "I just feel so… so… I don't know, but I like it. I like it a lot! Do you still have that catalog, because I think I want to get some more."

Tracey threw her head back and laughed. Daphne joined in, unable to keep from running her hands over her body, loving how the material felt against her naked flesh.

"Ok, If you don't take that off, you're going to end up spending the whole day in bed, and I think you might find that a bit more enjoyable if Harry were there too, and he can't get into the dorm. Besides, you don't want to miss what he's got in store for you tonight." Tracey snickered. "Move it!"

"What's he doing?" Daphne pleaded.

"You'll find out in a few hours." Tracey sing songed.


"I wish you'd just tell me what he had planned." Daphne said stepping out of the shower for the second time that day. She had spent the morning and part of the afternoon with her friends, celebrating her birthday. They had wandered the castle laughing and talking, and even ventured outside for what would be known for years as the most violent snowball fight Hogwarts had seen in an age. People from every house and joined in and things got a bit carried away, especially when Hannah Abbot and Ernie MacMillian started banishing snowballs the size of beach balls at people.

At nearly five, Tracey had grabbed Daphne and led her back to the Slytherin Dorms to prepare her for her night. Tracey all but shoved her into the bathroom to shower.

"Make sure you shave your legs!" Tracey ordered.

Confused, and yet excited, Daphne did as she was told, though her curiosity was starting to become more than a bit overwhelming.

"I can't tell you." Tracey said as she laid out make up and turned to her friend and motioned for her to sit in the chair she had conjured. "But I know that' you're going to love it. Now hush while I do your hair."

"You know I am capable of getting myself ready."

"Yes, but this is part of my gift to you." Tracey argued.

"Part of?" Daphne looked up. "Wait, you haven't given me anything…"

"Either you shut up now, Or I will silence you." Tracey glared, pointing her wand at Daphne's mouth. The blonde glared back, but kept her mouth shut. Tracey went to work with a brilliant smile and an hour later put the final touches to Daphne's makeup before she allowed her best friend a peek at herself in a mirror.

"Oh wow." Daphne said as she beheld Tracey's work.

Her honey blonde hair had been styled in a loose princess style. Her normally straight locks had been twirled into a mass of curls and pulled up and then allowed to fall down the side of her face, framing it beautifully. While Daphne always wore light make up, Tracey had made her face up a bit more, highlighting her eyes and especially her lips with a deep crimson gloss.

"Ok. Hair is fantastic, Face is impeccable, now you need the clothes, Follow me madam." Tracey smirked as she beckoned for Daphne to follow. Daphne gasped when she beheld what was laid out on her bed waiting for her.

"Happy Birthday." Tracey said with a wave of her arm towards Daphne's clothing. "My mum always said every lady needs a slinky black dress. So, there you go."

Daphne could only stare in awe at the stunning garment.

"Well, get dressed already." Tracey urged.

The dress was a stretchy sort of skater dress with a high neckline that buttoned on the back of her neck and left her back exposed. The skirt flared out but not too much and fell to above her knees. But the best part in Daphne's opinion was the triangle of mesh under her breasts but just above her navel. It hugged her curves and accentuated her figure amazingly.

"Oh wow." Daphne smiled as she turned to Tracey.

"And now the shoes." Her best friend smiled.

"Shoes too?" Daphne asked flabbergasted.

"Of course." Tracey replied. "You can't get a dress like that without shoes for gods' sake. Here."

Daphne slipped her feet into the strappy high heeled pumps before going back into the bathroom to get a look at the final product. She was taken aback by how she looked. It was such a far cry from how she had looked two years ago before her father had finally allowed her to take on a more grown up look, and even from her normal day to day look.

"Ok, we're just in time." Tracey called. "Come on, I've got to get you moving."

Daphne came back into the dorm with a suspicious look as Tracey hefted a small duffel bag.

"What's in there?"

"Things you might need for tonight. You baby doll for one, in case the mood strikes and you feel like modeling it a bit. Also, a bit of potion, A change of clothes, so you don't have to do the walk of shame, and a few other things." Tracey smiled. "I expect to se that hair messed up when you get back tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Daphne asked looking panic stricken. "Just what does he have planned?"

"Nothing that you need to worry about." Tracey tried to assure her friend. "This is just in case, alright. Now come on."

Tracey took Daphne's hand and led her out of the dorm. Several boys who saw them wolf whistled and made a few comments but Tracey was pulling her out so fast she barely acknowledged them. Daphne had no idea where they were going except that they were heading upstairs.

"Ok." Tracey said when they were in a passage that Daphne could not remember being in before. "I have to blind fold you now."

"What?" Daphne said, taking a step back. "Why?"

"Ok, seriously? Harry's worked really hard on all this and I will not let you spoil it." Tracey said, glaring dangerously at Daphne who finally nodded her acceptance. Tracey wrapped the blind fold carefully around Daphne's head, not wanting to ruin her hair before Harry got to see it.

"Ok, don't move. We'll get going in a few seconds." Tracey said quickly. Daphne heard rustling and she was sure she heard the distinct sound of shoes clacking on the stone. It felt like and eternity before Tracey took her hand and began guiding her again. It was slower now, and Daphne knew that Tracey was trying to be careful and not let her friend fall.

"Are you wearing heels?" Daphne asked, noticing Tracey's walk had changed and she could hear the heels clicking on the stone floor.

"Yes." Tracey replied. "I had to change into something more appropriate."

"Appropriate for what?"

"Shut it Greengrass. We're nearly there."

Daphne had to bit her lip to prevent herself from saying anything further. She could tell Tracey was getting a bit irritated. It felt like they walked in circles, and Daphne was starting to get a bit irritated herself. However, just when she was about to say something, they came to a stop, and Tracey whispered something and let go of her hand.

"Tracey?" Daphne asked, a little frightened.

"You look beautiful."

Daphne shrieked and nearly toppled over but someone had grabbed her wrists and prevented a disaster.

"It's alright, it's me. It's Harry."

"Don't do that to me!" Daphne shouted, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached up to remove the blindfold, but Harry stopped her.

"Not yet." He said. "Only a minute or two more."

"Will you just tell me what in the hell is going on?" Daphne huffed.

"In a minute angel." He said, as he caressed her arm, sending shivers up her spine and making her break out in goose bumps. She allowed herself to be drawn close to him and sighed.

"This is getting to be a bit of a pain in my arse."

"I know, but you're going to love this." He whispered. He took her arm and looped it around his. "Ok, just a few steps."

She allowed him to escort her forward and she felt the air change. It was no longer slightly chilled but warm, almost as if it had gone from the dead of winter to late spring. Also, she could smell the unmistakable aroma of fresh bread.

"Ok, did we just apparate?" She asked. Harry laughed lightly and replied that they had only gone a few steps. He then helped her sit down in a chair, and pushed it in. Tentatively she put her hands out and felt the crisp cotton of a table cloth. Then the blindfold was removed.

It took half a second to adjust to the low light, but she found herself sitting at a medium round table lit by candles, with a basket of fresh bread resting in the middle. Seated next to her on the left hand side was Tracey, beaming like the Cheshire cat, wearing her own black dress, her hair pulled into a hasty ponytail. Hermione was on her left was Hermione, also dress in a skimpy black number and looking almost like a different person. Neville was next deck out in very fine robes with Ginny seated next to him in a black dress. Ron and Lavender were next, both of whom were also dressed to the nines. And then Harry took a seat next to her. He was wearing a very fine suit of black, with and emerald green tie. His hair was not the normal mess it was usually but looked as if it had been styled to look messy. She didn't know how she could tell the difference, but she could.

"Um. Wow." Daphne said breathless. "You guys did all this for me?"

"Harry did." Hermione smiled. "He thought that an elegant dinner and perhaps a bit of dancing were in order.

"There's more later." Harry said in her ear, making her blush a bit.

"He invited us all to dinner and as we all love you, we just couldn't say no." Neville smiled.

"Plus it gave us a chance to get all fancied up." Ginny said with a smile, and reaching over to straighten Neville's tie a bit.

"You guys. Wow. This is…I'm…" Daphne tried.

"It's alright." Harry smiled. He took her glass, which she hadn't noticed, and began filling it with wine.

"Where did you get that?" She asked.

"I had to do a lot of research for tonight." Harry smiled and winked at Tracey who snickered. "A few letters here and there, and a few galleons and presto, Elven Sherry 1867."

"You got Elven Sherry?" Daphne asked looking excited as Harry handed her the glass. She took a sip and her face split into a grin. "How in the world did you…"

"Your mum was quite helpful." Harry chuckled. "We have three bottles of this stuff."

"And it looks like the appetizer is ready." Tracey nodded to a small door which was swinging open now. Two tiny house elves were entering carrying trays with small dishes upon them. One by one the two elves placed the small plates in front of everyone and then quickly disappeared.

"Let me guess," Daphne said beaming. "Mum again?"

"Nope." Harry smirked. "Astoria."

Daphne rolled her eyes and leaned over to kiss her boyfriend softly. "Thank you."

She picked up her fork and took the first bite of her Panzanella, savoring the taste. It was just as wonderful as every time she'd enjoyed it in Italy with her family. The others also began to eat, and Daphne could see that for the most part they all seemed to enjoy the dish. Ron didn't seem to care for it much, but Daphne didn't really care. They began to talk lightly, keeping to not so serious topics as they ate a bit. It was then that Daphne noticed that she could hear music. She asked Harry about it, and he nodded to the wall where a wireless was sitting on a shelf.

"Hermione got it so it played some nice music." Harry said.

"Wait, you said there would be dancing?" Daphne asked looking around the table.

"If you wanted.' Harry smiled. "Your mum said you loved to dance, so…"

"But Who are Tracey and Hermione…"

"Each other." Hermione smiled brightly."

"Hermione's my date for the night." Tracey grinned. "We didn't want to bring just any guys here, and figured we're modern girls and we shouldn't be shackled by society's rules."

"We couldn't find acceptable escorts." Hermione said simply."

My reason was much cooler sounding." Tracey smirked.

"eat you food sweetie." Hermione replied.

Daphne gave Hermione a questioning look and the brunette simply shrugged and smiled softly. A few bells began to ring in Daphne's head, but she left it alone for now.

The group ate their way through two more courses before Harry stood and offered his hand to Daphne who looked up a bit startled.

Would you like to dance before desert?" He smiled. Daphne was up lightning quick and walked with him to an area past the table that wasn't as well lit as the table where he embraced her and they began to dance slowly to the gentle strains from the wireless.

Neville and Ginny followed. Then Hermione and Tracey who were both giggling like crazy and finally, with a lot of coaxing, Ron and Lavender.

"This has been such an amazing… It's like from a dream." Daphne said softly to Harry during the second song. "Thank you."

"Well, you were being a real pain about telling me what you wanted for you birthday. Tracey gave me the idea and helped me put all this together. I wanted to make it as special as I possibly could."

"What else do you have planned?" She asked with a sweet smile. Harry kissed her ever so lovingly.

"Not so much planned as prepared for. You have a few options once we say goodnight to your guests."

"Good night?" Daphne asked.

"After desert." Harry nodded.

"so it'll be just you and me?" Daphne asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"After desert." Harry replied.

"Can we have desert now?" Daphne asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Harry laughed.

Daphne heard a bit more giggling from Hermione and Tracey and she turned to see Tracey dipping Hermione, making the normally serious girl grin and laugh. She watched them interact and again the bells began going off in her head. Surprisingly she wasn't upset or even disgusted at the idea. All that mattered was that her friends were happy in the moment. Besides… there was no evidence that there was anything to be concerned with at all.

"Harry?' Daphne said, turning back to her boy friend.

"Yeah?"

"Have you noticed Tracey and Hermione spending more time together?"

"A bit I suppose. Why?" Harry asked, looking to the two girls spinning each other now.

"Just curious. Oh Desert!"

Desert had appeared on the table and Daphne led her boyfriend back to their seats to find a nice sized piece of tiramisu waiting for her. She wasn't exactly sure how he'd done it all, but Harry had gotten everything perfect. From the food, to the company, to the dancing… everything had been so great. But she knew that things were about to get better.

When desert was finished, Daphne said good night to everyone at the door. As she glanced out she could see the picture of Barnabus the Barmy, and knew that she was in the Room of Requirement.

"How did you get us in here? They've been monitoring this room for weeks." She asked after her friends had all gone. Tracey was the last to leave and had reminded her that Daphne's hair had better be good and messed up when she got back.

"I have a few friends who are Aurors, and they're on duty tonight. I told them what I planned and they let me in." Harry smiled.

Daphne turned around and found that as they'd been saying goodnight, the room had changed. The table was gone and it was a bit smaller. Now it was lit only by a fire, and a sofa had appeared. The music was still there, and Daphne smiled as Harry led her towards the sofa. They didn't sit down, but Harry drew her close for another dance.

"I seem to recall that you were a terrible dancer." Daphne said after a few moments of relishing the experience.

"When have we danced before tonight?" Harry asked, looking puzzled.

"We haven't." Daphne said. "I just remember watching you at the Yule Ball. You looked pathetic."

"Oh." Harry shrugged. "Well, I got Hermione to help me a bit. I really wanted tonight to be special for you."

"You've done amazingly so far. I still can't believe you did all this." Daphne sighed, leaning into her boyfriend. She pulled him into a deep kiss, forcing all of her happiness and desire for him into it. They stopped dancing as the kiss began to take them over. Harry's hands slid up her bare back and Daphne gasped at his touch. Not since that night in the Prefect's bathroom had she felt his hands on any part of her bare body except her hands or her face. Tonight the contact lit a fire in her belly and she suddenly understood everything Tracey had told her about sex and intimacy.

She began pulling him towards the sofa and fell back onto it. Harry lowered her slowly before he came down on top of her.

"How long until we have to leave?" She asked breathlessly between kisses.

"Sometime tomorrow morning." Harry replied. "If we want to stay the room will provide anything we want."

"Anything?" Daphne asked, pulling back from Harry to look into his eyes meaningfully. "Say if we felt grimy and wanted a nice long bath?"

Harry's smile widened as he nodded. "You haven't given up on that idea, huh?"

"Draw me a bath Harry." She whispered, pulling him in for another passionate kiss, her leg slithering up and around him. Harry held her very tightly as he stood up, pulling her with him. Reluctantly she let her leg drop so she could stand up on her own. Harry pulled back, his eyes closed in concentration. Daphne suddenly heard the sound of running water and she could smell vanilla and fruit. She turned and found a door that hadn't been there before. She let go of Harry as he opened her eyes and went to the door.

The room was even better than the Prefects bathroom. The bath wasn't quite as big, but just as deep and it was filling with steaming water and thick foam. She could se two screens where they could undress. Daphne turned back to Harry and squealed in nervous anticipation. She kissed him hard and ran for one of the screens.

As she reached down to undo her shoes, her heart was thundering in her chest. She could not believe that she was actually about to get naked with Harry and let him touch her. She was certain that things wouldn't get out of hand, as Harry was too much of a gentleman. But this was a huge step, and she was feeling a bit faint at the thought of his hands on the more private areas of her body.

She took her time taking off her dress and knickers. Her dress hadn't allowed for a bra, and she waited until she heard him get in the bath.

"Don't peek." She called, looking around the screen at him. He turned around, and with a deep breath to steady herself, Daphne stepped around, her arms held against her breasts to hide them. Slowly she lowered herself into the perfect water and when she was sure the foam was hiding her, she began to relax a bit.

"Ok." She said tentatively and Harry turned around and smiled lovingly at her. Seeing him look at her in that way alleviated a bit of her anxiety and they began to edge closer to each other.

Their hands touched first and Harry began to slowly draw her towards him. Daphne could se his on nervousness reflected in his eyes and it comforted her somehow. Very slowly she allowed herself to be drawn into his arms. The thrill she felt when her bare chest collided with his muscular chest sent shockwaves through her and her nipples immediately stood out and poked him hard. She felt embarrassed by this but thrilled at the same time. Then she felt his own arousal come between them.

They said nothing, but stared at each other, both of their faces reddening. Daphne finally decided that if perhaps they were doing something, they might not be so focused on what was becoming rather mortifying. So she reached up, locked her arms behind his head and kissed him deeply.

Daphne lost all her thoughts as Harry's lips massaged hers and his delicious tongue slipped into her mouth to seek hers. Slowly she allowed her arms to relax and she began to explore his body. She'd felt him through his clothes on occasion, but this was the first time she'd be really touching him. Keeping her eyes closed as they continued to kiss, Daphne let her hands move to his chest. She could feel his muscles. They weren't super pronounced, but just defined. He felt so nice. A naughty idea popped into her head and she figured why the hell not.

Her hands then began to move down and around until they moved over his bum. Harry gave a soft snigger when she gripped each of his cheeks and gave a soft squeeze. He sniggered again and it made her laugh. They pulled apart a bit and Harry looked into her blue eyes with a smile.

"Enjoying yourself?" He asked.

"Just checking out the goods." She replied playfully. It was then that she realized that his hands had not moved from her waist. "You know, you can touch me. It's ok."

"I know. I'm just building up to it." He said, looking anxious. Daphne understood, as she was feeling the same. She reached back and grasped his right hands and began sliding it up and around until it cupped her left breast. She gasped as his hand covered it, and they stared at each other once again in silence. It wasn't embarrassed as it had been. Daphne wasn't sure when the mood had changed, but this was intoxicating.

They began kissing one another again, and Daphne felt that fire in her belly return like Dante's Inferno as Harry's hand began to softly massage her. A few moments later her other breast was covered by his remaining hand and he began to knead them so deliciously slow and soft. Her nipples were like diamonds now and every time his hand ran over them she gasped and moaned.

She didn't know when it happened, or how, but she suddenly realized that she had taken his manhood in her hand. Her eyes shot open in shock and she was thankful that Harry was kissing her neck, working on a spot that was driving her insane, added with the incredible thing he was doing to her chest, Daphne felt as if something was building inside of her, though she wasn't exactly sure what it was. She was sure that she liked it.

She wanted to try and focus on the part of Harry she was holding, but he seemed very intent on her, and she could not get her mind to focus fully. All she was sure of was that it was very tempting to follow her instincts. Holding Harry in her hand and squeezing softly, Daphne was sure that it would be just As Tracey had claimed it would be and that all she would need to do is pull herself up and bit, wrap her legs around his waist and drop down.

"Harry." She panted. "Harry we need to stop." She said releasing him and pulling back a bit.

Harry looked up a bit confused.

"If we don't, I won't be able to stop myself, and I really want to, but I'm just not… I mean I don't think… Oh gods, Harry I really just want you to make love to me right here and now, but I'm… I'm afraid."

"Ok." Harry nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We don't have to…"

"But," Daphne cut him off. "I really don't want to go back to my room tonight. You said that we could stay all night?"

The idea came to her, and Daphne thanked Tracey for being so gods damned thoughtful.

"Yeah." Harry said, eyeing her suspiciously. "What did you have in mind?"

"I thought maybe you could make the room give us someplace to sleep. Together." Daphne said looking nervous again..

"Um, yeah." Harry said and then nodded with a smile. But, we'll need to get out of here." He said.

"That's fine." she said, making her way to her side of the bath. "Um, would you go and get the bag Tracey brought? It's By the main door."

"Sure." Harry said making for his side of the bath.

"Turn around." She said and Harry complied. Daphne pulled herself out of the bath and behind the curtain where several warm fluffy towels waited for her. She quickly wrapped herself in one and announced that it was safe. She heard Harry getting out and quickly peeked around to catch a glimpse.

Her mouth fell open at the first naked boy she'd ever seen. She and Tracey had once found a book with some lurid pictures in it, but this was so much better in her opinion, especially since she knew she had just recently been touching that one part of him that made her mouth water a bit.

She ducked back behind her screen and waited for Harry to return. A few moments later his hand came around the screen, her bag held there.

"Thank you. Give me a moment."

Opening the bag she quickly pulled out the two articles she knew were resting there and slipped them on before placing her dress and shoes inside it. Taking a very deep breath to steady her self, Daphne came around the screen to fine Harry waiting, wearing only his pants.

She had to smile when she saw the look on his face.

"I take it you approve?" She said trying to sound more confident than she felt. Harry's only reply was a slow nod. She felt her nipples harden again and refrianed from looking down at them. This was by far the most aroused she had ever felt, but she knew that she didn't fel ready to go further than they already had. But that didn't mean she couldn't tease him a bit more, and herself it seemed.

They stared at each other for a few moments. She was really enjoying the attention she was getting from her boyfriend, but the room was starting to get a bit chilly and the thought of being held by Harry under soft blankets was proving to be far to enticing.

"Harry?"

He shook his head seeming to get his mind back into gear.

"Right." Harry smirked and took her hand to lead her out of the bathing area. They were back in the first room with the fire and the sofa and Harry shut his eyes once again. Daphne thought that he must be picturing the perfect bedroom. She wasn't wrong as when he opened his eyes, he led her back to where the bath had been. The bath was gone, replaced by a very large comfortable four poster bed. She smiled as she took the lead and headed for their bed.

"You can take those off." She said, nodding to his pants. "But tuck me in first."

Harry laughed and pulled the covers back and Daphne slipped underneath. Harry then removed his trousers and walked to his side of the bed clad in his boxers. He hopped into bed and Daphne turned to her side as Harry's body conformed to hers and his arms wrapped around her.

"Thank you Harry. For everything. Tonight has been so perfect." She said over her shoulder. Harry sat up enough to kiss his girlfriend deeply, her hand coming up to his face and softly caressing his cheek.

"You're welcome angel." He said when they finally broke the kiss.

As she looked into his eyes, she turned herself so that she was on her back looking right into his emerald green eyes.

"You have to beat him Harry." She said very seriously. "You have to beat him and you have to live. Because if you don't I won't want to go on without you. I need you to live because I want you in my life Harry. I… I love you."

She felt tears stinging her eyes as she watched his face. She didn't know the details, but she knew that Harry's life had been anything but easy. As she spoke those words, and looked into his eyes, she knew somehow that this was the first time anyone had ever told him that they loved him. It changed him. She could see it on his face. And it altered her having finally told him how she had felt ever since that night in the Ministry nearly a year before when she realized that she did indeed love him. She would have died for him that night, and she felt even deeper for him now.

"I love you too." Harry said shakily."

She pulled him down to her for a final searing kiss before she snuggled into him and shut her eyes as he wrapped her protectively in his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head.

This had been the absolute perfect birthday. And her hair was good and messy.