Leaky Cauldron
"More like stressed since I don't want to deal with it" as soon as Harry said it, Daphne's alcohol-filled system cleared and she stared at him inquisitively. Maybe… just maybe, Potter could help her as she could help him with his problem.
Daphne was very much aware of the fan mail issue in the Auror department. It was a topic that the prosecutor's office occasionally talked about. Most of Potter's fans saw him as a free game considering he was single. Last he had a relationship with the Weaslette and didn't really last that long. Now others were doing everything they can to snag the war hero, youngest Head Auror, and quite the dashing Harry Potter.
If anyone asked Daphne where she got the bravery of dishing out an idea to Potter in her current state, Daphne would answer it was because of the alcohol. She had already drunk at the manor and went to Leaky and took successive firewhisky before she could sit down and observe her surroundings properly.
It's foolproof, as long as we make it convincing, I can make my family lay off my back and as an added bonus help Potter with his. Daphne thought. Boosted by alcohol's confidence and her own need of finding a solution she proposed to Potter. She cast a privacy charm around them before speaking.
"Potter, I may have a solution to our problems" Daphne spoke. She noticed the subtle goosebump in Harry's arms. If it was any indication that he would agree with her plan then it was a good sign.
"I'm listening" he answered as he turned his body to her. Good, he's completely listening to her. She smiled at how good her plan was going. If this works then thank Morgana! Hopefully, they could fool the people around them. Her father's problem would even be solved if they saw it was Potter she was dating.
"Are you good with fooling people?" Daphne asked. She noticed Harry gulping before sitting properly. He towered over her, Daphne was tall, don't get that wrong but Harry Potter towered over her. She repressed a shudder as he cocked his brow at her.
"I fooled the Dark Lord thinking I was dead in the forest, is that proof enough?" Harry asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Morgana. Daphne suddenly prayed. Alcohol was certainly running on her brain.
Daphne smirked and leaned on the counter and eyed Harry. She could see his mouth twitching into a grin. That's a cute attempt. The fact that this person fooled the vilest creature in their generation was proof enough for her to be honest. Besides he'd be the perfect guy for her plan.
"Proof enough" Daphne replied confidently and sat straight putting confidence in her voice.
"Let's have an arrangement then. We appear to date each other and make it seem we are unavailable to "before Daphne could finish, Harry raised one hand to stop her and drank his beer.
"Sorry Greengrass but no" Harry said as he turned his attention to his pint. Daphne sat there flabbergasted at what just happened. She was so confident with her plan that it would work. Daphne inwardly groaned as she went faced the counter playing with her glass.
"Potter it's a full proof plan" Daphne spoke, trying to salvage the conversation. Harry snorted and she glared in his direction.
"Probably, but I don't really fancy that idea and it's not really within me to do that thing" Harry replied as he placed his mug at the counter.
"Sacrifices must be made to solve some problems in life" Daphne retaliated. She noticed Harry's eyes darkened and Daphne had to push her occlumency shields to not give away her emotions.
"Sucks for you Greengrass, I'm past the time of my life where I let people use me" he replied with a dry smile before asking for a glass of firewhisky.
"It's not like I'm simply using you. We are using each other with the arrangement, a mutual benefit" Daphne tried to reason although it was already obvious Harry wouldn't budge with his decision.
"Even worse" he commented as he downed the shot. He shook his head and stand up then wore his coat.
"But-"
"Look, Greengrass, if you're really that desperate about your problem, I'll think about it when I'm sober. Although I'm pretty sure I still won't agree with it, I'll just help you find someone to help" Harry said as he looked at her.
Daphne feeling resigned just nodded and gave thanks to Potter before asking for one more shot before deciding to go back to her apartment and think about her problem for later.
*October 11, 2005 - 12 Grimmauld Place
Harry woke up with a pounding headache on Thursday morning. He groaned as the morning sunlight hit his face. His hand waved to close the small gap on his curtains. Sleep was starting to be chased away by his consciousness and Harry was still not feeling to wake up. Once he realized he wasn't going to get any more sleep, Harry slowly sat up and rubbed his head.
"Kreacher" Harry's hoarse voice called for the house elf. There was a pop on his side which worsened his headache.
"What can Kreacher do to the Half-blood Lord Black" Kreacher grumbled as he gave a small bow. His relationship with Kreacher wasn't the best but it wasn't what it used to be. For one, Kreacher now listened to him despite the grumblings, and second, he wasn't insulting people that much now!
"Hangover potion please," Harry asked. Kreacher snapped his finger and the vial of salvation appeared in Harry's hands. He immediately uncorked the potion and drowned it. The bitter and unsavory taste of liquid covered Harry's mouth, his headache leaving him. The horrible flavor of the potion was worth it.
"Thank you, Kreacher" Harry thanked the elf as he rubbed his eye.
"Master Half-Blood, breakfast be waiting for you downstairs," Kreacher said before bowing and disappearing in a pop.
Harry sat on his bed and remembered the events that happened last night. He remembered the conversation he had with Daphne and snorted. That was weird but he felt pity for Daphne, something bigger must have been at stake for her to reach that level.
He shook his head, he wasn't that desperate to avoid the shit he was going through to go with Daphne's plan. He could help her find someone to go with that plan of hers though.
Yeah, most blokes wouldn't grab the opportunity to have a chance with Greengrass. Harry thought, but there were still other blokes out there who would genuinely help her.
Like Neville. The only problem was that Neville was seeing someone so it was a no. He tried to think of other decent blokes but couldn't think of anyone. Harry just shrugged his shoulder, mentally apologizing to Daphne as he stepped into his bathroom and started his morning ritual.
Ministry of Magic – Auror Office
Harry went to the Ministry at 8:30 a.m. and was greeted by some people as he walked inside. Harry gave them polite greetings and headed straight to the lift and went to the DMLE floor.
He greeted his Aurors with a curt nod before heading straight to his office, outside where the secretary was supposed to sit was filled with papers. Harry levitated the papers and bought them with him in his office.
As his usual start, he cast charms on his door and activated his wards before differentiating his papers. As soon as he was done with the menial task, he would start to dive in and set Auror teams for rotations. Whenever there was a trial happening, Harry would review the documents about the case and the evidence collected. Since there was no scheduled trial for today, Harry was focusing on his paperwork.
He has been working for quite a while now when felt someone nearing his door so he undid some charms before someone entered. Her auburn hair similar to her aunt visible as she came inside with a note.
"What do we have there, Sue?" Harry asked.
"I will always be creeped out how you do that" she shivered as she entered the room. Harry chuckled and shook his head.
Susan Bones. Niece to the late Amelia Bones. Harry's yearmate under Hufflepuff and part of the DA. Now an Auror working under Harry and was one of the best Aurors in their department could offer.
"It's a complaint, remember the Cole case? Yeah, his house was reported to emit some strange smell last night" Susan said as she handed Harry the complaint. Harry read and report and raised his brow. It was interesting considering Cole said that he was living alone in his house which was above his illegal potions business.
"Bring a team with you and check the house and area. Call some backup if something happens. Head to the meeting room for a briefing before heading out" Harry ordered as he wrote on a dispatch form for the mission he needed to issue.
"You got it, Harry" Susan said with a salute before heading out.
Today was going to be a busy day for Harry Potter.
Ministry of Magic – Prosecutors Office
Daphne woke up badly. She had one of the worst hangovers of her life and she was out of hangover potion. Daphne had to come to the Ministry and head to the infirmary to ask for a potion to alleviate the pain in her head.
Since she was up to date on her reports, Daphne decided to look into the contracts given to her by her father. Since she shared an office with 2 other people, Daphne had to cast some privacy and disillusionment charms on her table.
Her burrows furrowed more and more as she read the contracts and names of the men of where it was coming from. None of the men in the contract caught her attention and even a sliver of a chance that Daphne would tolerate them.
Some were her housemates—yearmates, upperclassmen, and underclassmen— and none were decent as Daphne remembered. There were even old, widowed men in the contracts. Although there was one that annoyed Daphne the most, it was currently her workmate who she also shared the office with.
Andrew Pucey.
5 years her senior and worked as a prosecutor at the same time Daphne started her work in the ministry. He had a brother that Daphne knew—Adrian Pucey, 2 years her senior and was also a Slytherin— Daphne had no problem with the younger Pucey, he was not annoying and did not bother Daphne. She was decent with the younger brother, the older brother on the other hand was a different case.
He was annoying, he was loathsome, and he acted like he was Merlin's gift to mankind. Andrew Pucey acted out as if Daphne liked him and she was just in denial.
The number of times Daphne had to stop herself from cursing in front was almost reaching an astronomical number.
As if Morgana felt her annoyance, Andrew Pucey entered the office with a smirk that Daphne would gladly reducto out of place. She could hear him boasting about handling a private case, Daphne muted out the noise and focused on the paper in front of her.
"Hey there Daphne" his grating voice echoed around the small office. Their third officemate— Elizabeth Bower— who was still out somewhere Merlin only knew.
Daphne didn't respond to Pucey and focused on her task at hand. It was better not to give him the attention he so sorely wanted. She could feel him coming near her, her wand immediately sent a stinging hex near his feet.
"Step closer and I won't miss" Daphne glared at him. His arrogant smirk only infuriated her then he decided to add more oil to Daphne's burning hatred for him.
"Tsk, tsk, that's no way to act towards me Daphne," he said sweetly and sat at his chair eyeing her. Daphne felt disgusted by the way he looked at her. She could every flesh in her body squirm with his gaze. She silently prayed for Elizabeth to arrive and save herself from getting reported for hexing a co-worker.
"Don't be so in denial Daphne, this game is starting to tire me" he chuckled.
Oh you're the only one getting tired of your own stupidity
"You should really accept the betrothal contract my family sent to yours. We would be a great match. Unstoppable. Pure" he bragged.
Blood purist git. Daphne greeted her teeth as she took hold of her occlumency. As soon as she calmed herself, she stared at him with the gaze that made her known in Hogwarts— Ice Queen's gaze. She felt a sense of victory as she noticed Pucey flinched.
"Pucey, the contract you sent for me is only good for one thing— to be burned," she said with such coldness in her voice that the room's temperature dropped to a couple of degrees. Pucey gulped but took on his bravado a couple of moments later.
"You continue to say that Daphne, but I know the situation with the Malfoys and your "loose" grip on your position as Heiress Greengrass" Pucey spoke with malice and sadistic fun that Daphne had to fight the urge to gulp and lash out at him.
"If I were you 'Heiress Greengrass'" Pucey said in a mocking voice as if her title was a joke, "I would take this chance to secure my title and inherit the family legacy… Although… when you marry me I would still hold over the Greengrass accounts I will be generous enough to make it seem like you are the one holding it" he continued.
Daphne couldn't stop it, she canceled the disillusionment and privacy charms, quickly hid the other contracts, and left the one from Pucey.
Pucey's eyes widened as he saw the contract but before he could do anything, Daphne quickly cast an Incendio to the paper. She watched with satisfaction as the contract was eaten by the fire and the way Pucey's mouth gaped. As soon as the contract was gone, she faced an enraged-looking Pucey.
"Pucey, remember this. I would rather rot in hell than marry you" Daphne spoke in a cold tone before exiting the office. She was confident to leave the office even if Pucey was there and decided to take revenge on her desk. He can try and the wards Daphne placed on there would punish him— severely.
She headed to the lift and went to the floor where the food hall was. Anywhere was better just away from the office. Daphne looked at her watch and noticed it was 10 a.m. still far from lunch. She would decide where to go once she reached the food hall.
She gave a sigh of relief as she stepped out of the lift and slowly walked towards the food hall. Her mind was running fast on how to solve the problem. If Pucey already heard of it, then there was no wondering that other vultures already heard of it.
"Bloody Malfoy…" Daphne muttered as she walked. Malfoy Sr.'s greedy disposition was making him work faster on spreading the information. She had to find someone fast to quench Malfoy Sr's credibility and for the people to think he was planning line theft. If Daphne acted too late, then her credibility would take the fall. People would call her selfish and hasty for the succession.
She gave a frustrated sigh as she sat at one of the tables. An elf popped at her side and Daphne smiled at her.
"What can Betsy do for Miss Daphy?" the elf asked.
"Some tea would be nice, Betsy. Thank you" Daphne replied. The elf bowed and with a snap of her finger a tea set appeared, and Daphne thanked Betsy before disappearing with a pop.
"We keep on meeting with a problematic face Prosecutor Greengrass" a voice interrupted her solicitude. She raised her head and saw Harry Potter in his Auror robes.
"That we do, Head Auror Potter" Daphne agreed as she sipped on her tea.
"Can I sit?" he asked. Daphne smirked as she looked at him.
"Of course, you can sit, but may you?" Daphne teased. Harry rolled his eyes but sat nonetheless.
"I didn't give you express permission. Head Auror Potter. If we were on a trial that would have been an offense" Daphne said.
"Apologies, Prosecutor but my feet are already killing me so please understand" Harry replied in a serious tone he used in court. Daphne stayed quiet for a while before speaking.
"Overruled" Harry just shook his head and handed an elf his bottle to refill with water.
"So, have you thought about my proposition?" Daphne asked after a while. Harry looked at her for a while before answering.
"Yes, although I do have a question" Harry replied.
"Proceed"
"Other than your family hanging on your back, why do you want to push with this 'arrangement' as you've called it," Harry asked looking at Daphne inquisitively.
Part of Daphne wanted to protest.
How dare he observe her like a test subject?
It was still the early part of the day and Daphne already felt like tearing out her hair and blasting something to oblivion. She continued to stare at Harry while collecting her bearings before answering.
"It's quite personal and I don't feel confident sharing it with you, Potter," Daphne said in an even tone as she drank her tea.
"If you tell me, I might help you in other ways" Harry pushed. Daphne scoffed; she was already at her wit's end with her patience.
"I already offered you a way to help and I respectfully accepted you declining the offer so, no thanks" Daphne replied, her tone now having a bit of a bite.
"Really, Greengrass, I might help in some areas. Find a person that could fit in " Harry was cut off by the cold tone of Daphne's voice.
"Why are you so adamant about helping me, Potter? I already offered you a way to help and you declined. Now drop the subject" she was now annoyed. Potter's insistence was starting to grate her nerves.
"I'm just trying to help, Greengrass, but as you've explicitly said I will drop the subject now" Harry replied in a calming voice and making his hands look like he was dropping something and adding a sound effect as it supposedly dropped to the ground.
Daphne rolled her eyes, her mood getting better at Harry not pushing the subject. Although she could notice his tense shoulder and the way his jaw clenched at times. She calmed down and reminded herself that fighting with Potter was not ideal considering their departments worked together during trials.
"Potter, I'm sorry to break it to you but whoever told you that you were funny is obviously lying," Daphne said.
"Sorry Greengrass but I don't lie to myself, you know?" he replied, causing Daphne to snort.
"Yeah, right" she quipped back and relaxed.
"So, what's with the long face?" he asked and drank from his container. Daphne rolled her eyes and crossed her hands over her chest.
"Office" Daphne simply answered and let her thoughts wander. She and Harry have talked during get-togethers about her 'slight annoyance' with an officemate. Harry didn't comment on it but did listen to her. One time he joked to Daphne that she could just send him a tip and he'd arrange an arrest. Both of them had a good laugh that time.
"Ah" Harry replied lamely. Daphne snorted and the two shared another bit of silence. Daphne noticed Harry looking pensive.
"What happened to you?" she asked. Harry snapped his attention at her and shook his head.
"Nothing, just a case" Harry spoke. Daphne nodded knowing the confidentiality and privacy of their work. Sometimes you just have to disappoint your curiosity… or attain the information using another way.
Daphne hummed and tried to look for signs that would at least point her to a clue. She would start there and then move her way towards nailing what the hidden information really is.
"A big one?" Daphne casually answered as she finished sipping her now cold tea. Harry eyed her before shrugging his shoulder.
"Not really, not small and not big" he answered nonchalantly but Daphne noticed something pass his eye. Daphne nodded without looking at him. Her mind now running through another set of questions to use.
"Is it a new one or something connected to an old one?" she asked again. She eyed him again and saw the sense of familiarity and wonder in his eye.
Almost there.
"Greengrass, that won't work on me, you know?" Harry replied with a smirk. Daphne relished the feeling of being close to victory. She already had a clue where the case connected. The name of her latest trial went straight to her mind.
"Is it about Cole?" Daphne's tone was confident. She looked at Harry and could see the subtle stiffening of his shoulder and the way he tried to hide his hand which he flexed by the dusting of his lap.
"Sorry, Prosecutor Greengrass but it's confidential. You'll probably know it if another trial or meeting is issued to discuss it" Harry replied professionally and stood up. Daphne felt proud as she relaxed on her sit.
Another figure approached them rather quickly. The two immediately recognized approaching them. He wore a black dress shirt with sleeved rolled to his elbow and charcoal trousers. His wavy hair was styled to look clean.
"Theo" Daphne and Harry greeted the man.
Theodore Nott was in the same year with Harry and Daphne. He was sorted into Slytherin House where he met and befriended Daphne. His life was almost ruined when he was put on trial as a suspected Death Eater like his father. Theo got lucky and was proven innocent. He started working for the Ministry and was now rising his rank in the Department of Magical Transportation. Through working in the Ministry, Theo formally met and got to know Hermione Granger — Deputy Head of the Department for the regulation and Control of Magical Creatures— which led to the two starting to date.
That then led to Harry and Daphne knowing each other outside Hogwarts' painted image of them.
"Daph, did you know?" he immediately said in a serious voice. Daphne looked at her friend with no idea what he meant. Theo cocked his brow and subtly looked at her heiress ring. Daphne immediately understood what he meant and gave a breath of frustration.
Lucius bloody Malfoy must be desperate to spread the information as fast as the Hogwarts rumor mill.
"Where did you learn about it?" Daphne asked in an even tone, her attention still on Theo.
Little did she know, Harry was now intently listening to their conversation trying to fish out details. Harry barely read the Prophet, even rarely listening to gossip, so he had no idea what was happening in the social class. Although there was this nagging feeling that it involved Daphne.
"Someone from the grapevine told me" Theo answered cryptically.
Of course, Blaise would know… I have to contact Tracey for damage control.
"Theo, let's talk somewhere private," Daphne said once she noticed Harry still standing beside them. Harry Potter was now obviously curious about what they were talking about.
Theo nodded before looking at Harry.
"Sorry about that Harry" he apologized. Harry shook his head and told him it was alright.
"It's no problem, I was about to head back to my office anyways. Theo, Prosecutor Greengrass" Harry bid his goodbye before walking away.
"How many people do you think to know?" she asked as she led Theo to the lifts to head to her floor and use a vacant meeting room.
"Some Pureblood circles, that's what Blaise knew. Said we could meet if you need any help" Theo mentioned as they went inside the room and Daphne cast privacy and locking charms she knew.
Daphne walked towards a chair and slumped there.
"I'm working on it, my father already told me last night about it. I'll meet Tracey and ask her to help me control the fire" she replied already formulating a plan.
"How's your department by the way? And how's Pucey treating you, I wouldn't be surprised if he knew already" Theo asked.
"Yes, he knows already and was already acting like he was my savior. Morgana give me patience because if you give me strength, may you burn Pucey's soul" Daphne quipped which caused Theo to snort.
Auror Department – Head Auror's Office
Harry went back to his office but was unable to do any work as he contemplated Daphne and Theo's conversation earlier. It sounded so grave. Theo looked concerned for Daphne. Harry was sure whatever Daphne was facing, it was pretty serious.
"What kind of problem is she facing to be desperate enough for a fake dating arrangement?" he asked himself. Was it a betrothal contract she did not want? Was it her family forcing her to marry someone she didn't like? Harry deep in thought did not notice someone approaching his door and only knew when a knock disturbed the silence of the office.
Harry quickly undid the charms and opened the door, Tim walked inside looking nervous.
"Sir, Auror Bones and her team are back from the mission, and Auror didn't look amused," Tim said. Harry stood up and nodded his head towards the door and the two exited the office.
"When did they arrive?" Harry asked as they walked towards the briefing room.
"About 15 minutes sir" Tim answered, Harry, raised his brow at the new recruit asking a silent question.
"I was sent to get you sir and you weren't answering so I thought you were busy standing and stood at the door for a couple of minutes before knocking again," Tim said as he rubbed his neck.
15 minutes? I was distracted for 15 minutes?
Harry snapped out of his thoughts as he went inside the room. The Aurors stood up and gave a curt bow while saying "Head Auror".
"What took you so long?" Susan asked. Harry felt bad but quickly conjured up a reason.
"Some paperwork" He replied, then quickly added, "So, how's the mission?" he asked as he looked at Susan whose demeanor went from annoyed to slight annoyed.
"Nothing was going on around the area, we asked his neighbors, but they said there wasn't anything abnormal around the area. We asked a few people who were surrounding the area, but they were all reluctant. It would be good if we had a warrant to search inside his house. I'd like to request for an extended mission about this but for tonight and espionage at that"
"Did you discover anything else?" Harry asked. One Auror nodded and started to talk.
"Heavy wards surrounded his floor, sir, heavier wards compared to those utilized in the building, there were also signs of activity in the house from the residual magic detected"
"Did you learn what the residual was?"
"Not really sir since the wards made it hard to investigate from the outside we assumed they were for potion's making but could not be sure of it"
Harry cataloged the observations in his mind to use for later. He looked around them and turned his attention back to Susan.
"Ok, give me your reports before you head out for the day and return later for the espionage mission. Understood?' Harry commanded and there was a collective affirmative before people started milling out. Susan remained before talking to Harry as soon as her teams dispersed.
"Something's going on there" Susan commented before slowly walking out with Harry.
"I'll review back Cole's case and see anything suspicious that could help for later. I'll send you the copy of the files later" Harry said, Susan nodded and headed to her own office.
Harry immediately summoned the files on Cole's case, duplicated them, and placed the file's copy in a magical box. He pointed his wand to a ruby stone on top of the box and focused his magic to connect to Susan's own box to deliver the file. After doing so, Harry immediately focused on the files and reviewed the evidence and Cole's testimony from yesterday's trial and prior interrogation.
Harry stretched in his chair after reading the reports from Susan's team about the mission earlier. He felt lightheaded and noticed that he skipped lunch and it was already 4 p.m. nearing 5. Susan's team would come back at 6 and start the mission at 7.
The results weren't making sense. When they investigated and followed Cole, his apartment wasn't heavily warded like today's mission discovered. Add to that, the report about scent was new and wasn't on the files from the prior investigation. The investigation report today was all new and weird.
A distraction perhaps? Harry thought as he grabbed a parchment and quill and wrote a memo to the Investigation Unit for an investigation around the area and to track any strange movements.
Harry rubbed his temple and leaned on his chair. His head was starting to throb and he wouldn't be able to think straight if he forced himself. So, Harry stood up, stretched, and decided to head out and buy some food.
His mind wandered and went back to Daphne's problem. Now that has piqued his interest and he was starting to list possible problems the prosecutor must be facing. Harry headed out of the headquarters when he heard two voices from a deserted corner of the floor.
Prosecutor's Office
After her talk with Theo Daphne reluctantly returned to her office and was thankful Pucey wasn't there, and Bower was in.
"Morning, Greengrass" Elizabeth greeted her without looking at Daphne.
"Morning, Bower" Daphne greeted back before heading to her table and noticing a stack of papers. They were past file cases up for review. Daphne immediately picked up her quill and a spare parchment to start her work.
Daphne's lunch consisted of tea and a sandwich that Bower gave her. Pucey only came in and grabbed some papers which accompanied a sneer in Daphne's direction which she did not care about.
By 4:00 p.m., Daphne was finished with her stack while Bower was reading a book for her 'break'. There was this easy-going attitude of Bower that amazed Daphne and at the same time annoyed her. She was used to finishing her tasks as fast and efficiently as possible while giving her 100% on them. Bower, on the other hand, was 'I can do it but I won't really give my all into it, and even with that attitude she still provided high-quality products.
Although Daphne was still for Bower being her officemate. She wasn't intimidated by Pucey. She doesn't even acknowledge his presence which made the arse annoyed and tended him to avoid the office when Bower was in.
Daphne arranged the papers and stacked them before placing them on a receiving and sending box the Ministry office had for quick transportation of letters. She then sat in her chair to rest for a while.
"Pucey's being an even more right foul git, isn't he?" Bower suddenly said from the other corner before shutting her book.
"Quite an understatement" Daphne sarcastically replied as she looked at Bower who was now going back to reviewing her files.
Elizabeth Bower had this beauty that exuded mystery. She had silk black hair and gleaming black eyes that looked bored all the time. The only time Daphne saw her being very happy and amused was when they were given a raise.
Daphne sat on her chair for a while, her mind drifting off to her problem at hand. Her hand went to her heiress' ring on her finger and caressed it. She felt a mix of determination and fear as she started thinking about how to solve the problem she was facing.
Now that the pureblood circles that Malfoy was part of it knew of her dilemma, she was sure of those vultures trying to take advantage of her.
Those idiots can try but they sure won't succeed.
Then there was the fact that if she acted late, her heirship would say farewell to her, and Daphne's future would crumble down. She hated when her plans would fail her, especially those she has been preparing for years.
Without noticing Daphne fell into a nap. After a couple of minutes, she could feel someone shaking her shoulder gently. She opened her eyes and saw Bower trying to wake her up.
"You should head home, Greengrass," she said before going back to her table and arranging her files. Daphne nodded and started cleaning her things. She cast a few more charms on her table before saying goodbye to Bower and heading out.
There were a couple of people already going home to avoid rush hour. Daphne looked at her watch and notice 5:00 p.m. was just a few minutes away. She walked toward the lifts when a hand grabbed her wrist.
Daphne cursed as it was her wand arm and was dragged to a secluded corner. She took a look at her assailant and saw it was Pucey.
"Let go of me this instant, Pucey!" Daphne said trying to get her hand free from Pucey's grip.
"I think not, Greengrass. You see you insulted my pride earlier and spat on my kind offer to you earlier. Is that how an heiress should act, huh?" Pucey taunted. Daphne gritted her teeth and tried harder to pull her hand away.
"Generous offer?" Daphne scoffed but, in her mind, she was starting to think of a way to save herself and start controlling the situation.
I already started it with Tori, might as well go through with it.
"Yeah, you see that offer of yours was useless and you and Malfoy's threat far more useless thank your sorry of an excuse of a contract. Did you really think my hold on my heirship was loose? Hah! You just don't know shit that's why" Daphne said confidently, she could feel his grip loosening, and just a little bit more she could pull her hand away to flick her wand and hex the arse to her heart's content.
"What are you saying, Greengrass? You said-"Pucey was cut off as Daphne spoke.
"I didn't say anything about what you spouted earlier true, what I said is that I'd rather rot in hell than marry you. Did your poor little head not get that?!" Daphne spatted. She could feel Pucey's temper rising and his grip tightened. Daphne could feel the pain from her wrist as Pucey gripped it.
"Cut the crap Daphne, your out of options. Just accept the betrothal and you get your heirship secured rather than being passed on Malfoy" Pucey said now with confidence.
"As if I'm that desperate, Pucey" Daphne retorted.
"Then I would just force you then" Pucey threatened.
The sadistic look on Pucey made Daphne scared. Her heart started to pace, and her body felt like it was on ice. Her body started to tremble— rage, fear, and desperation— and her body was frozen into place.
Daphne struggled more and was now praying to every god and goddess she could name to save her from this situation.
Her prayers were answered as Pucey let go of her due to a spell aimed at him. Daphne took the opportunity to summon her wand from her holster and hit Pucey's face with the nastiest stinging hex she knew.
Pucey screamed in agony and Daphne threw another hex in his direction. In her rage, Daphne would've inflicted more damage before a body grabbed her from the waist and blocked her view of Pucey.
"It's ok, it's ok Daphne. He's not going to be able to harm you again" a familiar voice whispered to her. Daphne's wand still aimed at where Pucey's body was, then a hand held her elbow and gently lowered it. She looked up and saw those emerald eyes of Harry Potter.
Daphne and Harry looked at each other for a few minutes before Daphne nodded and holstered back her wand. Harry nodded and turned his back on her as he faced Pucey who was now on the ground bound by the ropes. She noticed some people were starting to notice and crowd them.
"What the hell are you doing meddling with our business, Potter?!" Pucey spat struggling to let go of the bounds. Daphne's eyes scanned for his wand but saw it nowhere, she looked at Harry's hand and saw it was there being tightly held.
"What do you think, Pucey?" Harry's voice held so much venom that Daphne was forced to look at his face. Harry's face was stone cold still but his eyes looked like blazing Greek fire hidden behind them.
"You assaulted someone Pucey and what makes it worse is that you almost assaulted Daphne" Harry said as he kneeled on one knee and looked at Pucey in the eye. His face was a mess from the stinging hex and a minor cutting curse from Daphne.
"Why do you care?!" Pucey was now trembling in rage. Harry's eyes darkened and he yanked Pucey's hair and slammed his face on the floor.
Daphne saw that more people were crowding them. She knew that even if Harry sent a curse of hex at Pucey, the Ministry wouldn't mind it. After all, he was the wizarding world's savior and the Ministry's Head Auror.
"Because she's my girlfriend, you intolerable arsehole!" Harry proclaimed in a firm voice that made the color on Pucey's face drain.
The people were now whispering, possibly spreading rumors around. A group of Aurors came in and grabbed Pucey. Harry was giving them instructions and Pucey was levitated by one Auror.
He looked around the people and shook his head before grabbing Daphne's hand and leading her towards the Auror Headquarters.
Daphne was certainly happy that she got out of that situation with Pucey but there was also one thought running on her adrenaline-filled mind at the moment.
What in Morgana's bloody tits just happened?
a/n
hello~
Early update!
First of all, thank you so much for your support to this story! For all the favorites, follows, reviews, and reads I hope all of you get your wishes fulfilled! Like I said, weekly updates during Thursdays or Fridays from where I am. This chapter is beta'd by a friend of mine, Pol. Thank you again Pol! I hope you like this update and let me hear your thoughts, opinions, and suggestion (kindly please) and I'll gladly read them. Thank you again and may you have a great day/evening!
a/n 2
* = It was October 6 changed it to October 11 since it did not coincide with the date from Chapter 1. I apologize for the inconvenience! Chapter 3 will be posted on Thursday (from where I am) so that I can stock more chapters and write early on, hopefully I'll be able to finish the entire story before my classes eat me up. Thank you so much and I hope you have great day/evening!