Chapter 11
The day following girls' night at Susan and Hannah's home Daphne found herself in the company of her sister on the back porch of Malfoy Manor. Astoria had been grilling her about her new friends, and details from the night of the party.
Astoria was wearing a light colored sundress, and a small Somerset hat to keep the sun off her face. Her V-shaped face was smiling at her sister, and the hereditary blue eyes gleamed with interest in Daphne's recent excitement, "I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact that Slytherins' Pureblood Princess stayed the night at Harry Potter's house."
Daphne rolled her eyes as she sipped at the water that had been brought out to her. Daphne herself was wearing jeans and a black spaghetti strap top. Her blonde hair was down for a change, and she was enjoying making her sister laugh, "I did it mostly for Tracey! The girl was having the time of her life, and matching Harry Potter drink for drink. Of course I wasn't going to make her leave early."
"And you really got to watch the Man-Who-Conquered duel?" She asked in awe.
"I mean it was hardly a duel since he wasn't using a wand, but I watched him and Susan do feats of magic I could only have previously imagined. The rest of his friends were pretty good too, especially Longbottom and Weasley. I wish Hermione had jumped in just so I could say I saw the heroes from the last war have it out." Daphne said with a light laugh.
Astoria shook her head, "So what was he like?"
"Definitely not what I was expecting or what we were told. He was very nice to Tracey, and I. Plus he took the time to have Susan and himself come over and upgrade my wards on my flat. He was kind of flirty too. He suggested having a foursome with Tracey, Susan, and I." Daphne said with a smirk.
Astoria's jaw dropped, "You're having me on!"
"His first toast of the night was that he was hoping to get lucky with all of us." Daphne said for a matter of fact.
The young woman shook her head, "The other girls would never believe it."
"Well don't go spreading it either! He was just playing, and I am just winding you up. He was a perfect gentleman, and we all had a great time."
"You should date him just so we can bring him around Draco and see what happens." Astoria said with an evil glint in her eye.
This made the young healer roll her eyes again, "I am sure they have made their peace now."
"I think it's more like they have avoided each other ever since the end of the war." Astoria explained.
Daphne paused at this, "You mean they have not talked in five years? That can't be right. I remember reading the prophet that Harry testified in court to see that Draco and his mom would be pardoned for their part in the final battle."
"I'm telling you Daph, they never spoke after that day. Draco tells me that they had a run in the evening leading up to the last night of the fighting. Draco had been ordered to capture him, and he took Crabbe and Goyle to try and get the job done. They cornered him in the Room of Requirements, and lost the fight that ensued. Crabbe tried to set the place on fire with the cursed flames, and Potter saved Draco's life. It's why Draco returned the favor a few hours later when he tossed Potter the wand. He didn't want to be in debt to the Chosen One." Astoria explained.
Daphne thought about this for a few moments. The more she learned about Harry Potter the more interested she became. The head of the DMLE was an enigma, and she had always loved complicated puzzles or riddles. She wanted to tell her sister about the Locket of Salazar Slytheirn, but knew if that line was crossed it would never be able to be taken back. Susan had confided that Harry trusted her when he invited her into his home. She wouldn't betray that trust so quickly.
The door opened behind her, and a voice followed, "Darling, are you still doing okay out in the sun?"
Astoria frowned at the question, but nodded her head, "We are fine Draco. Daphne and I were just talking about your favorite person."
The man scoffed loudly as he walked out onto the deck where Daphne could see him. The years had been relatively kind to Draco. His facial hair was visible, but only barely, while his cheeks and face had filled out from the scrawny boy she had grown up with. His hair wasn't nearly as long as it was when they were children, with a short cut being his preference these days, but his appearance was something that always screamed money even after his family lost most of it after the war, "Ah Saint Potter, and his friends. Greengrass I heard that you spent an evening with them last weekend. Was it as awful as we all imagined?"
Daphne gave the man a glare, "It was actually quite pleasant. I was given the opportunity to dine with the Minister of Magic, and Under Secretary Weasley as well. They were both good company, and the food, drinks, and atmosphere was excellent."
"Potter even tried to sleep with her!" Astoria said cheerfully.
"HE DID WHAT?" Draco bellowed.
The glare that was previously on Draco immediately went over to Astoria while she answered, "It was a joking attempt to get myself and some others into his bed. Your wife is just trying to wind you up."
"Others? So he was trying to get more than you into his bed? Who the hell does he think he is? Saint Potter could have anyone in the whole damn country, but he decides to go after my sister?" Draco demanded.
Astoria was grinning the whole time as Daphne placed her hand on her head, but for the first time in the three years her sister had been married to the ponce she felt a small tag of affection for the man, "Draco I am more than capable of defending myself, and determining who I can, should, or shouldn't sleep with. Besides, like I said it was all a joke. Tracey and I both were beyond what was acceptably reasonable as far as intoxication goes, and he did not attempt to take either one of us to his bed. Tracey even admitted if he tried she would've been an easy target."
Draco grumbled something at that, but neither girl quite heard it. Astoria gave her husband a smile as she reached out and squeezed his hand gently, "We are just trying to wind you up dear. Have you had lunch?"
The young man sighed, but kissed his wife on the forehead. Daphne watched the scene with a little jealousy in her. She had never liked the blonde little ferret, but she never doubted his feelings towards her sister, "I have. I was actually coming outside to make sure you had, and to make sure you weren't overdoing it in the sun."
Astoria rolled her eyes, "Draco I am not made of glass, and thank you for checking on us. We will have Slinky make us some lunch here shortly."
The man nodded, giving his wife a short, but affectionate smile before returning inside. Daphne then leaned forward, "How are you doing? Any problems?"
The witch looked down at her hands, "I still get the shakes every now and then. I think that is what really scares him. Last night we were...being physical, and I started shaking pretty badly in my hands and legs. I didn't want to stop what we were doing, but he noticed and took it upon himself to stop. Most days I just live with it, but nothing usually gets me unless I am too active in a day. Even with that it's nothing horrendous. I just get a little shaky."
Neither girl said anything for a few moments, but Daphne finally spoke again, "I haven't given up on a cure. I correspond with people all over the world, and some people have had better luck than others fighting off blood curses. I don't know if we will ever find a cure, but something that will let you live your life."
Astoria sighed, "I just want to be able to give Draco children...that way when I am gone he still has something of me."
"Don't talk like that, Tori. It could be twenty or thirty years before the curse even cripples you. Much longer before it takes your life. With the medical field getting better everyday, and myself working on possible remedies all the time I am supremely confident the day will never come that Draco becomes a widower because of this stupid curse." Daphne said defiantly.
Lady Malfoy gave her sister a weak smile, "You never did give up faith, and I think dad genuinely believed you would be the one to find a cure."
"Well dad was usually right about everything so if you don't want to take my word for it then take his." Daphne said stubbornly.
The two sat in a long silence after that. The blood curse was always a sensitive topic in their family. It had not really started affecting Astoria until after her OWLs. The curse had remained dormant from the time she was born until around the time she turned sixteen. The doctors believed that the overexertion of studying for her big tests, and being exposed to the cruciatus curse triggered the blood curse to ignite. They always knew it was a possibility, and the curse skipped generations on and off for centuries, but when she was diagnosed at birth they were told one way or another the curse would take her life eventually. Daphne however had refused to accept that, and her father told her often that she would be the one to find a way to break the curse. Some children might take pressure from that, but Daphne took it more as a challenge, and a responsibility to her sister's health, and her father's faith.
"So back to work tomorrow?" Astoria asked softly.
"Yes. It was nice having two days off this week. Millie's mom told me that she had already received a couple apprenticeship requests, but we are hoping for a lot more. Our schedules are supposed to be 4 days on 3 days off, and that sounds like heaven compared to what we have been doing."
"You work too hard sis. Retire while you can. We can sit out here everyday gossiping until we are old ladies." Astoria said playfully.
"I'd be suicidal within a week." The older sister returned cheekily.
The two talked quietly about trivial things the rest of the afternoon. Speaking of cousins, aunts, uncles, and other distant families that they may have to interact with in the coming summer for their mother's birthday. When the two parted with hugs, and promises to catch up next weekend Daphne felt the most rested and relaxed than she had in months.
The month of May had flown by. Between preparing Tracey for a NEWT during their working hours, and hanging out with the girls on the weekends things had been going splendidly for Daphne.
Susan, Hannah, and even Hermione had become close friends rather quickly, and even had Cho Chang, and Luna Lovegood join the group once or twice on the weekends. The girls had gone out for dinner, gone to a movie, and even went to a muggle comedy club to just get out into the other world and see different things. Needless to say, Tracey and Daphne were well accepted into the new group, and were happily getting ready for Susan's birthday party at Potter Manor that evening.
Susan had been in a very good mood leading up to the party. Apparently the auror department was beginning to believe that the action with the Death Eaters was finally over. With Harry's final stand the evening he ended up in her hospital wing effectively wiping out what was left of the resistance. She had wondered what Harry thought of that, but she hadn't seen the man since his mysterious arrival in Susan's flat a few weeks prior. She was looking forward to catching up with him, and the others at the party that evening.
Tonight they were told in advance that the dress code was more formal than the anniversary which had been a night more about friends and family than anything else. That was a lot better heads up than they got last time. Hannah even joked that Susan and herself had a bet that they would show up to the last party in something slinky when the red haired witch realized she hadn't told them a dress code. In this case apparently slinky was in fact the dress code for the coming evening. Susan said she was raised a proper Pureblood witch just like the rest of the Slytherins' and liked to get all dressed up and pampered for her birthday, so that's exactly what Daphne did. She was wearing a black small finger length strapped dress that ended shorter than what her mother likely would have approved of. She only went for this outfit after seeing what Susan herself was wearing, and what Tracey had decided on. She figured she would be one of the more modestly dressed young women there so would take what she could.
Daphne and Tracey arrived at Potter Manor that night together much like they had on the Anniversary of the Battle for Hogwarts. This time though they were dressed to the dimes, and knew where they were going when they arrived. The two girls had both brought overnight bags at Susan's request. Apparently once the big party was over the closer knit group would gather upstairs and play drinking games, and have a good time the rest of the evening.
When they made it to the ballroom it was obvious this party would be much more different than the last they had attended here. There were more people for one, and it was obvious that everyone was being more formal in their dresswear. The music was a little classier, and louder, while the food seemed more what Daphne was used to in formal Pureblood settings. They searched the hall for familiar faces, and didn't have to wait long for them to find Harry greeting people as they came in. He gave them both a huge smile, and walked over to them offering a bow, "Ladies you both look incredibly beautiful."
Tracey gave him a quiet giggle, as she went forward and hugged the young man, "Save all that talk for the birthday girl. Where is she anyways?" Daphne had to admit Harry cleaned up very well. At the last party he was simply wearing a flannel and jeans, but tonight he wore a nice sports coat, with a dark green under shirt tucked into dark dress pants. She was so busy looking at the man she missed where he pointed out where Susan was, but Tracey was off like a shot to greet the birthday girl, while Daphne tried to save face and offered him a smile, "You look good Potter. Couple weeks into being the head of the most important Ministerial department, and you haven't broken down yet. Everything been okay?"
He offered the young woman a smile that made her heart flutter a bit, "Things have been good. I am both fortunate and unfortunate to have not needed your services again, but I've been making do. Things have been quiet at work as of late. Just a few minor hiccups that were inside the normal range of lawbreakers so I can't complain. What about you? Saint Mungo's finest treating you okay?"
"Definitely. Tracey and I have been studying for her to take her NEWT next month, and other than that things have been really quiet at work. It's been long quiet hours, which is nice." Daphne offered easily.
"That's great! So what did you get Susan for her birthday?" Harry asked conspiratorially leaning in closer to the girl to talk quieter as if he was worried Susan might suddenly appear and overhear them.
Daphne shrugged, "Nothing crazy. Just some potions I made for her to help with her hair, skin, and stuff like that. Cosmetic stuff that is kind of tricky to make, and disastrous if you get it wrong. It's expensive stuff if you buy it from pros, but at cost it's hardly much. Will save her a fortune though."
Harry gave a fake dramatic sigh, "Women stuff. Glad you girls got that stuff covered. I'd have been clueless."
"Well what did you get her? Being the honorary best male friend I expect it to be something good." Daphne said cheekily.
"Yes Harry what did you get me?" A familiar female voice came from behind.
Susan Bones, in her dark red strapless dress came upon them, and she was a vision of beauty to even Daphne. Her hair was perfectly wavy, and her makeup was done to perfection. Her eyes were gleaming at Harry clearly hoping for information on her gift, but the man just grinned, "Classified I am afraid Captain Bones."
Before she could retort Daphne embraced the girl, "Happy Birthday Susan, you look stunning."
When they separated the girl was still grinning, "Well I should've told you that we were informal tonight you look amazing as well."
This made Daphne blush a little, but only offered, "Well I had to try, or we would've all been looking classless next to you."
Harry rolled his eyes at this, "If you two are done flirting we should all grab a drink."
Susan just winked at her saying, "Don't be jealous Harry. If she comes upstairs with me later you will just have to wait till your own birthday."
Harry immediately protested, "This is still my house!"
"Your elves love me though, and would protect my privacy." Susan said cheekily.
The head of DMLE grumbled at that, but didn't respond as he waved his hand, summoning three glasses of wine. He held them out to each of the two ladies, but Susan laughed, vanishing all three glasses, "It's my birthday and you are going to toast me to the cheap stuff. That's a low blow Potter."
He put a hand over his heart, "First I don't get invited to the bedroom in my own house, and then she insults the alcohol she insisted I provide for the party. You wound me Susan."
The girl crossed her arms at Harry, which made him grin, "But since you are putting on a show I will oblige."
This made Susan burn a little red as she quickly uncrossed her arms making Daphne laugh. Blinky the house elf appeared immediately afterwards with a bottle and a few glasses levitating above filling them generously and passing them around to the three. Harry took the glass out of the air looking at Susan, "Is this more to my ladies liking?"
She inspected the bottle as it was pouring, and nearly purred, "The 69 Harry really, not very subtle."
This just made the man grin even more, "Always have to leave a tease at the end. To Susan Amelia Bones. The finest Head Auror I ever could have asked for."
Daphne raised her glass to the toast, and drank carefully. She learned her lesson from the last party. Go a little slower, and don't be ashamed to turn down a drink or two. She was glad however that she took this first one with them. This was one of the smoothest fire whiskeys she ever had. Even better perhaps than what Harry had started them off with the last go around.
When the drinks were downed Susan stood up on her toes kissing the man on the cheek, "Thanks for that Harry. Now I have more guests to mingle with so don't mind me. Daphne, did you bring an overnight bag?"
The blonde smiled at her friend, "Just as you requested."
Susan patted the girl on the cheek, "That's my girl."
As she walked off Harry shook his head at the girl, "She acts like the Queen of England every year for her bloody birthday. It's pretty amusing."
"A girl has to feel like a Queen every now and then." Daphne said, defending her friend with a grin.
"I am happy to see you two getting along so well. Who knew me almost dying would be so fruitful to our group. I am thankful to have you and Tracey both a part of our little family here." Harry said, offering the woman a smile.
Daphne bumped the man gently, "Well I should really be thanking you guys for accepting Tracey and I both. It's been nice to have a social circle to hang out in again."
"Speaking of Social Circles, look who is walking towards us." Harry said nodding his head at the approacher.
Daphne turned, and saw a large dark colored man approaching them with a large white smile, "Ms. Greengrass a pleasure to see you again. You look beautiful. Is someone actually capturing my Head of the Auror department's attention?"
Daphne looked at Harry who had a light coloring in his cheeks, "Kingsley did you come over here to poke fun at me?"
"Just trying to stir the pot as always Harry. Don't take offense Ms. Greengrass, I just like to give Harry a hard time."
Deciding to play along with the joke she said, "Harry wouldn't know what to do with me if I took too much of his attention. After all, enough time in my presence means hanging out with his old arch enemy, my brother in law, Draco Malfoy."
This made Harry nearly choke on wine, "Merlin I had actually forgotten about that connection. I am going to run away now before it's too late."
This made all three of them laugh, while Kinglsey said, "Don't let one flaw in a good woman take you down, Harry. Not everyone can be perfect after all."
Kingsley winked at the woman, and began trodding off, while Harry was shaking his head. Daphne asked curiously, "What was all that about?"
Harry waved his hand, "That was just Kingsley being his usual nosey self. Don't mind him. Come on, let's catch up with Tracey and get another glass before Susan encourages everyone to drink the house dry."
(A/N) I may have said this before, but in the next chapter...it's going down. Stay tuned, and I will see you all next week!
No big questions to answer this week, so I will leave with the offer to come join me on Discord in the Emerald Library page. I have my own channel on the discord, and chat daily with people about Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other fandoms. If you would like a link feel free to reach out in a direct message or delete the spaces in the link below to join up. Cheers!
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