The whole ride back to the castle, Daphne ran through everything that happened in Hogsmeade. Harry and Chang breaking up, their walk together to the Three Broomsticks, him offering her his cloak when she was cold, telling her she could wear it until she retrieved her own - and to think, prior to this day, he'd barely acknowledged her outside of Potions! She couldn't wait to tell Elysant.
So excited to return to the dorms, Daphne decided to forego visiting Madam Pomfrey to get her ankle fixed up. She'd tried out Elysant's freezing spell in the carriage, and some of the swelling had gone down. She'd be tender for a few days, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Walking gingerly into the dungeons, Daphne made her way as fast as she could to her dormitory, eager to plan on how best to capitalize on the headway she'd made towards her goal.
When she actually made it to her bedroom, though, she was greeted with a reminder of the cost of that progress, the door scarcely closing before she was slammed bodily into the wooden frame.
"I can't believe I trusted you!" Firm hands gripped her shoulders, shaking her back and forth so violently that the back of her head smacked into the door. "Five years! I've waited on you and Parkinson hand and foot for five years and you just- you just-" Tracey released her, turning away to bury her face in her hands.
The back of her head still smarting quite a bit, Daphne couldn't stop herself from letting out a biting reply. "Not as much fun to have your secrets spilled as it is to snitch on me, is it Davis?" She hadn't forgotten where Pansy had learned of her attempts to befriend Granger.
Her attack landed but the effect wasn't quite what she intended, as, through her sobs, Tracey despondently moaned, "She made me watch you! I had to do what she said, the same way that I carried your books, or let you have that bracelet my mum gave me! I always did what you asked me to, and you didn't even think twice about exposing me!"
"I-" Daphne's burning anger froze over. She hadn't even liked that bracelet, just didn't like how Adrian Pucey had complimented it to Tracey during the Sorting Feast. Her own tears welled up, a cascade of guilt washing over her. "I'm sorry, Tracey. You're right. Even- even to the last, I never treated you like a person. I'm sorry."
Tracey ignored her, pulling open the door and fleeing from their room. Daphne, after digging around in her school trunk for several minutes, located the bracelet she'd taken from Tracey, and set it on the girl's pillow before crawling into her own bed and curling up into a tight ball.
She felt terrible and so very lonely. Everything had been so much easier before; she and Pansy had ruled these dorms together, like queens on high. She'd never had to think about how it might have affected other people. It was all a joke to them, so surely everyone else understood that what they did was just for laughs - or so Daphne had always assumed.
But it wasn't very funny, not anymore. They- they'd tortured Tracey for years, and Daphne had convinced herself that they were doing her a favour in doing so, protecting her from the scorn and ridicule she'd suffer inside Slytherin if word ever got out.
No wonder Harry paid her no attention, despite the effort she'd gone to change her appearance. Why would he? The ugliest part of her couldn't be changed with simple beauty potions and fancy dresses. And in that moment, she felt downright hideous.
For the rest of the afternoon, Daphne lay in bed, her curtains drawn. It just wasn't fair, she thought, cursing the blood malediction that had afflicted the wrong Greengrass sister.
The next day, Weasley found his seat next to Harry during double-potions available once again, He shot her a questioning look, and almost immediately lost five points from Gryffindor for a whispered conversation with Harry when Snape strolled in.
Relegated to a seat in the back row, Daphne tried to focus on taking notes on the Wideye Potion they were learning about, and not let her eyes drift towards where Pansy sat next to Tracey. Her best friend - 'former best friend?' - had not so much as acknowledged her existence since their fight in Hogsmeade, and for all that she had been forced to confront her own actions alongside Pansy, Daphne desperately missed her.
It was much the same for the rest of the week. It felt as though she moved through the school beneath a Disillusionment Charm. Her housemates ignored her, and Daphne had never bothered to form friendships outside of Slytherin. With no one to turn to, she used her free time to write long letters to her sister and leaned on Elysant more than ever. The acidic portrait, though, was a poor substitute for anything remotely resembling a friend.
"Tough week?"
Daphne looked up at Harry's words, but he wasn't looking at her, instead focused on stirring the cauldron, the intent behind his light and airy question so difficult to decipher.
"Yea, I guess so. I- I'm just working through some things with my roommates."
"I'm sure it will work out," he commented, reaching over to grasp a handful of Billywig Stings to drop into the potion, a gout of orange smoke erupting towards the ceiling.
"I'm not so sure," she went on, her voice dropping as Snape approached the brewing station next to theirs. "It feels like we're moving in different directions."
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, seeing him finally turn his head to stare at her, that same curious expression he'd worn in Hogsmeade on his face.
"Potter! Quit gawking at your partner and focus on your work. Five points from Gryffindor."
The moment broken, they went about the rest of their work in silence.
Monday morning arrived and Daphne was determined to refocus on her mission. She had to snap out of this! She'd all but wasted the forward progress she'd made on Valentine's Day in the last week.
Walking into the Great Hall for breakfast, rather than look over the empty spaces that surrounded her like a bubble, she turned her attention to the Gryffindor table. There was an air of excitement surrounding Harry and his friends, one that seemed to infect the other tables. A host of owls came soaring in, surrounding him, legs out to offer letters for him to untie.
'I wonder what's going on' she thought, observing with a strange sort of envy as Weasley and Granger opened up letters, wide smiles on their faces as they showed Harry the contents of his correspondence. Naturally, Daphne was far from the only person curious about the influx of mail. Professor Umbridge confronted him and promptly fled the Great Hall upon learning the reason, which only made her want to know more.
It wasn't long before breakfast was over, and it was time for double-Potions. Seated in the back once more, Daphne watched the other Gryffindors all congratulate Harry, offer handshakes or friendly slaps on the back as they entered. It was like he'd just won the Quidditch Cup for them or something.
Everyone went quiet when Snape arrived, and the door had nearly shut when Draco, out of breath with his normally immaculate hair askew rushed in. He took his seat between Crabbe and Goyle, unrolling a crumpled tabloid on his desk and whispering intently to his hulking hanger-ons.
When class ended, Daphne followed Harry to the Great Hall, more because she had no one else to walk with than out of any crafty strategy. Something had happened - students were stopping him the whole way there, offering handshakes or genuine smiles. She clenched her fists when Chang and her hanger-ons approached, just outside the Great Hall, to thank him for whatever puzzling deed he'd accomplished.
It was only as she entered that Daphne unraveled the mystery. Professor Umbridge's latest Educational Decree, banning the possession of The Quibbler under threat of expulsion made clear exactly what had charged the school's atmosphere to such a degree. As baffling as it felt to think, Daphne needed to get her hands on a copy.
Unfortunately for her, at least, that was easier said than done. With her roommates not talking to her, Daphne approached several older years, casually dropping hints about her curiosity over Umbridge's latest proclamation. She received dismissive comments about The Quibbler's unreliability at best, aggressively suspicious questions over her interest at worst. Whatever this issue contained, it definitely touched a nerve among her housemates.
Trying to get a copy from the other houses, though, proved to be even more challenging. It wasn't as though she'd had negative encounters with the whole student body, but either her reputation preceded her, or the silver and green trim on her robes was enough on its own. There were no visible copies of the tabloid anywhere, but that just meant that everyone was smart enough to disguise their own copies.
Granger had outright laughed in her face when she quietly asked the muggleborn Gryffindor about what was in it, and Harry had just shrugged when she brought up the unusual specificity of the recent Educational Decree during Potions. It was frustrating, being ignored the way she was. Being someone who didn't belong.
It was therefore rather fitting, then, that the solution would come in the form of another outcast. Daphne was walking up the Grand Staircase after dinner, climbing to the top and then waiting for the steps to shift, allowing her to walk back down and restart her circuit. She was determined to fit into at least one of her new dresses, if only for the satisfaction of shutting Elysant's mouth.
"What are you doing?"
Daphne paused, brushing a strand of sweaty hair off her cheek, turning towards the light, innocent voice. "Walking up the stairs."
Lovegood tapped her chin with one finger, looking concerned. "Did you get disoriented and trapped on the moving staircase?"
"No, I-"
"Are you trying to make the Gulping Plimpies nauseous, knowing their aversion to elevation changes?"
"Pardon? What are-"
"Drat. We were having a great debate and I was positive I was right."
Now that she was standing still, the muscles in Daphne's legs were on fire. "Who's we? I haven't seen anyone else."
"Harry was concerned when you were still here after our... " she trailed off, smiling brightly at whatever went unsaid. "He wondered if someone had pranked you, Hermione thought it was some sort of trick, and Ronald thought you must be conducting an inefficient search for the kitchens."
She definitely would have noticed all of them watching. "How did they know I was here?"
"I volunteered to come check, because really, it's getting late and the best way to get an answer is to ask. Besides, I wanted to talk to you."
Even though Daphne felt much more sympathetic towards Lovegood, given her epiphany about her in the Shrieking Shack, there were times the girl really was looney. "What about?"
"Here. I thought you might like to read this," she said, digging through her bag to offer a copy of The Quibbler. "Now, just because I'm giving you this, don't think you can come back for the next edition, understand? You'll have to subscribe just like everyone else. Daddy is running a business, after all."
"How- you-" Daphne was stunned, both at the Ravenclaw's audacity to hand it over so openly, where anyone might be watching, as well as her generosity in providing her with the one thing she'd spent the whole week seeking. Even after years of insults, Lovegood just stood there, dreamy smile on her face, silvery eyes full of warmth. "Thank you," she choked out.
"It's the best-selling issue yet, so much so that Daddy's running a second printing. But I don't think any of those will make it into the school, so I saved you a copy from the promotional batch he sent me."
Daphne nodded, trying to make her swipe at her eyes and quiet sniff seem casual. "I appreciate that… Luna."
The waifish blonde's smile grew wider, and with a happy wave, she swept past Daphne, whooping with joy as she slid down the bannister of a moving section of steps, the floating staircase locking into place just as she reached the end and Luna slid off out of sight two floors down.
Staring after the quirky Fourth Year for a moment, Daphne shrugged to herself and tapped the tabloid with her wand, disguising it as an old issue of Witch Weekly she'd read through with Pansy before the Yule holidays, then hurried back to the dungeons.
Settling her aching body into one of the plush chairs in the Slytherin common room, her jaw dropped as she read through Harry's account of the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, of Cedric's death and the Dark Lord's return, of the Death Eaters that rallied to his call.
This was… it was shocking in its audacity. She couldn't believe that he'd say such things publicly, even in an outlet as widely ridiculed as The Quibbler. Didn't Harry have any sense at all? The Ministry was already tarring and feathering him figuratively, with this they just might do so literally! He really needed to learn how to be more cautious, to-
"Interesting reading, Greengrass?"
"Just something to pass the time," she mumbled as Draco sat down on the sofa across from her, Vince and Greg taking position on either side just behind her.
"Right, like I'm supposed to believe you're reading a two-month-old issue of Witch Weekly."
"I wanted to know what everyone was talking about."
"Well, now you know. Hopefully this means your little infatuation with Potter is at an end."
Was that a hint of menace in his voice? "I- I don't know what you're talking about."
Draco snorted. "Oh please, like you wrecked every friendship you had and all of your social standing just because you're curious. Come off it, Greengrass, everyone knows about you mooning over Scarhead."
Denying it wouldn't do any good, for her standing in Slytherin or her plans with Harry, so she simply remained silent. Draco took her acceptance at face value, leaning forward, voice falling. "Personally, I could care less if you want to sully yourself with mudbloods and blood traitors. But Pansy still cares about you, for Merlin knows what reason. So let me offer you some friendly advice: change is coming. Don't get caught on the wrong side when it arrives."
This didn't sound like his usual blustering. Daphne thought back to the article, about Harry's description of Lucius Malfoy immediately returning to the Dark Lord's side, and had to repress a shiver. 'It's real. It actually happened, he's back and no one is even trying to stop him'. "Okay."
Draco patted her knee, and this time she wasn't able to hold back her shudder. "Good, I'm glad you understand now. Take care, Daphne."
She couldn't sleep that night, tossing and turning in her bed. How does someone come back from the dead like that? Why wasn't the Ministry doing anything about it? The notion that the only people standing against the Dark Lord were a barmy old codger and a fame-hungry teenager seemed mad. She wished she could talk to her parents but Professor Umbridge had closed the Owlery shortly after the article had spread like wildfire through the student body.
Finally giving up on rest as a lost cause, Daphne slipped out of bed, carefully sliding her second trunk out from beneath her four-poster and removing her ancestor's portrait, closing the curtains and casting a Silencing Charm once they were safely ensconced in her bed once more.
"-and somehow, now he's back!"
Elysant was disturbed, though her words showed that the two Greengrasses had very different takeaways from this recent development. "You must act, and quickly!"
"What? I'm just a student, what am I supposed to do?"
"Not about the Dark Lord, you silly child; Potter! If he is truly under threat, you cannot allow him to perish before you have the cure! He is the last Potter! Don't you understand the consequences of his premature death?"
Oh Merlin, she was right! If Harry were to fall to the Dark Lord before giving her his blood, the curse would last in perpetuity. Daphne's plan wasn't just Astoria's last hope; it was the Greengrass family's last hope!
"What can I do? He won't run away. Harry's not- even if we were friends, he wouldn't listen to me. This was hard enough when all I had to do was seduce him; how, by all that's magical, am I going to keep him alive with the Dark Lord back and after him once more?"
Elysant made soothing noises, holding one hand up for her to be quiet. "You misunderstand. I am not suggesting you take up arms at his side. Remember the stipulations to lift the curse: a Potter must fall in love with a Greengrass, and freely offer their blood. This development does not change that goal, only the timeframe with which you have to accomplish it."
"What are you saying?" Daphne asked, even though she already knew.
"You must make Potter love you before the Dark Lord ends his line once and for all."
The next day brought with it a renewed sense of urgency. Daphne watched him carefully when able, immediately following when he and Granger stood after dinner, parting ways with Weasley. 'Good, they were heading to the library again' she figured.
This time, rather than skulk about the stacks nearby in an attempt to eavesdrop, Daphne boldly stepped forward and joined them at their secluded table in the back.
"What do you want, Greengrass? We're busy."
Ignoring her, Daphne sat down at the table, eyes only for Harry. "I read your interview, in The Quibbler. I- I believe you."
Granger's jaw dropped so immediately that Daphne idly wondered whether it would fall off and hit the tabletop, but Harry just cocked his head, that inscrutable look in his eye. "Thank you. I'm glad to hear that."
"That's why you've challenged Professor Umbridge so much? Because you wanted everyone to know what really happened?"
"That, and-" he grinned, "-because she's a miserable toad who has no business teaching at a school."
She took a deep breath. This was it. "If- if I can help…"
"Okay, that's it," Granger said, slamming the book in front of her closed. "What're you on about, Greengrass? I'd have expected you to be happy to hear Voldemort's alive and well."
"Don't say his name!" She hissed, feeling a chill run through her entire being.
"What are you afraid of? Your family-"
"Hermione." Harry cut off her rant just as it was starting. "Leave it be."
"No, go ahead, Granger. What about my family?"
The muggleborn gave a cross look to Harry, and replied, "We asked about the Greengrasses, about the first war. Your father supplied the Death Eaters with potions and medicine. How do we know he's not in league with Voldemort," she scowled as Daphne shivered once more, "even as we speak?"
"My father- he- where did you hear that?"
Both of them wore cagey expressions at her question. "Someone who fought in the war."
"Well, they must not have been on the Ministry's side," Daphne said forcefully, "Or they would have told you that my father supplied the aurors with dragonhide armour! He got a commendation from Minister Bagnold herself!"
"Don't," Granger warned, seeing the way Harry regarded Daphne. "You know what's at stake."
Harry opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. "It's okay," Daphne said. "All I wanted to say was that I believed you, and that I'm sorry you went through that. I'll let you get back to, uh," a quick glance at the book Granger had shut showed they were reading about advanced combat charms, "your homework. Goodnight, Harry, Granger."
Standing and turning around to leave, Daphne paused for only a moment when Harry's soft, "Goodnight… Daphne," reached her ears.
She smiled the whole way back to the dungeons.
A/N: I was mega-impressed that, just ten days after publishing, this story had already shot up to be the 8th most followed HP fic *published this month* (important distinction to note). Wow! Incredible! Thank you all so much for reading!
Story rec: Harry Potter and the Year of Settling In, by KZ55. Full disclosure, I've only read the first chapter (there are 13) but I was mega-impressed at the writing and Harry's characterization. I wanted to read more, but... you know, real life. So head on over and give it a shot, and if you like it, leave a review! It seems criminally overlooked!
Additional rec (though I doubt they need it): Averlovi, a legendary Haphne author, is following this fic and reviewed. How cool is that? Go check out their stories if you're still hankering some Haphne after this update!
Til next time,
Stay safe, healthy, and happy! ~Frickles