October 11, 2005 – DMLE Floor
His mind wandered and went back to Daphne's problem. Now that it 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.
Harry disillusioned himself and cast silencing charms on his feet before getting near them. He positioned himself somewhere he can immediately help if this became a problem.
"… Malfoy's threat far more useless than your sorry of an excuse of a contract. Did you really think my hold to my heirship was loose? Hah! You just don't know shit that's why" Daphne's familiar voice made Harry's eyes widen.
Harry's wand immediately slid into his hand and waited for an opportunity to strike. He looked at the man who was holding Daphne's wrist and recognized him. Andrew Pucey, 'the' officemate.
He glared at the man and gripped his wand tighter, his mind whirled and connected the facts he had gathered and gone to a conclusion— Daphne was facing a very serious problem that involved her heirship and Malfoy.
Of course, it's always Malfoy. I should've just let him rot in Azkaban! Harry gritted his teeth.
The two continued talking and his grip on Daphne's wrist was getting loose. Harry waited for Daphne to escape from Pucey before he would jump in and immobilize the git before he could do anything.
"Then I would just force you then" Harry heard Pucey threaten Daphne. His grip tightened and his other hand was reaching to her other wrist while getting his face near hers.
Harry's instincts took over and he immediately sent a stunning spell near Pucey to distract him and give Daphne a chance to escape. As soon as he did so, Daphne did just that and when Harry was already preparing another spell to hit Pucey, Daphne straight up sent a near illegal stinging hex to Pucey's face.
Daphne's movements were erratic she already sent a cutting hex to his face. Harry immediately cast a rope binding spell on Pucey and summoned his wand from him then ran to Daphne to save her from killing the arse and getting herself in serious trouble.
He gently grabbed her waist and forced Daphne to look at him. Her wand was still aimed to where Pucey lay on the ground groaning. Harry stood in between her and Pucey and tried to calm her down.
"It's ok, it's ok Daphne. He's not going to be able to harm you again" Harry noticed how her body stood rigid and her eyes focused on rage rather than him. He carefully reached for her elbow and touched it. Her smooth skin felt cold on his palm. He gently pulled it down and looked at her.
Daphne's eyes seem to notice him, and they stood there in silence. Harry couldn't help but notice the slight shift in her eyes. From a dark shade of blue to slowly softening them. An understanding passed by them— Harry would handle the situation and let him do his job— and Daphne nodded then holstering back her wand. Harry nodded back and turned to face Pucey who was now sporting a red face.
"What the hell are you doing meddling with our business, Potter?!" he raged, and Harry looked at him with disgust.
This pig. He thought as he tightened his hold of the pig's wand. Thankfully the wood used in creating wands was strong because if they were anything lower than its current strength, he was sure that the wand would've snapped by how hard Harry was gripping it.
"What do you think, Pucey?" Harry taunted, his eyes darkening as he stared at the poor excuse of a wizard beneath him.
"You assaulted someone Pucey and what makes it worse is that you almost assaulted Daphne" Harry said as he knelt down to look him in the eye. It was the first Harry called Daphne by her first name but due to the circumstances, he didn't care.
"Why do you care?!" Pucey spatted and Harry couldn't help but grabbed the man's thinning hair and yank his head before slamming it on the floor. His already messed up face got even messier as his nose bled and a tooth flew away.
Before he could stop himself, Harry proclaimed— he knew one thing, he wanted to help Daphne with whatever she was facing. So he would accept her offer.
Dating Daphne Greengrass wouldn't be that bad, would it? Besides, it's only for appearance. An arrangement that would benefit us both. An arrangement that would help her whatever she was facing.
He would probably regret it once he calmed his mind but at least he would be able to help someone.
"Because she's my girlfriend, you intolerable arsehole!" he said and he couldn't help but feel triumphant at the way the color drained from Pucey's face.
Harry noticed Ministry employee's crowding and he couldn't help but inwardly groan.
Now, you've done it, Harry. He thought and was thankful as a group of Aurors came and took hold of Pucey.
"Take him to an interrogation room and clean him up. Make sure he doesn't try anything foolish. Do not start without my signal and wait for further instructions. Go" Harry commanded and his Aurors all replied in affirmative then levitated Pucey's body. He noticed Towler and called for him.
"Sir?" he approached.
"Go get some hot cocoa and some sandwich for me and Prosecutor Greengrass. Deliver it to my office" Harry ordered, Towler nodded and chanced a glance at Daphne.
"Sir, I didn't know you were dating Prosecutor Greengrass. She's so beautiful, congratulations sir" Towler quipped before going. Harry took a breath and shook his head before going to Daphne.
"Hey, you ok?" Harry asked and Daphne absentmindedly nodded. He noticed her wrist was slowly starting to bruise from Pucey's grip. Harry had to control himself from grabbing Pucey and doing even more damage to the pig. He removed those thoughts and gently took hold of her hand then walked with her to the headquarters.
Harry tried his best to act as naturally as he could. Daphne's hands were soft and small, it felt cold to touch. He clenched his jaw and tried to keep the thoughts of what could have happened if he wasn't there.
There were still quite a few Aurors left in the headquarters. Harry could feel their eyes following him and Daphne. Harry wouldn't be surprised if the Prophet and Witch Weekly got hold of the news and printed it for tomorrow's paper.
Merlin, what have I gotten myself into?
Harry opened the door to his office and let Daphne enter first. He looked at his Aurors with a stern look and saw them trying to peek but instantly went back to what they were doing when they met Harry's eye. He sighed before entering his office. Harry summoned a healing balm from his desk and went to Daphne.
"What's that?" Daphne asked, her eyes looking questioningly at Harry.
"For your wrist. I don't know any healing spells and don't want to worsen your wrist, but I have this balm that heals excellently" Harry said and opened the balm and without thinking gently took Daphne's wrist and applied it. Once he was sure her wrist won't bruise anymore, he stood up and placed the balm on his desk before walking back to his position from the door.
There were moments in life where one's decisions are only truly understood when they were left alone facing the consequences of their decision.
This situation was one of them.
As soon as Harry reached his position, he was hit with the sudden realization of what he has done. He called Daphne his girlfriend in front of the Ministry employees and bought her inside his office.
Merlin
He went on to look at Daphne who was observing like a subject in those Muggle comic books he once saw. She sat at a chair in his office looking pensive.
"Uhm… Are you ok?" Harry lamely asked as he stood by his door. He felt awkward, clueless, and most importantly he felt like he was back in Hogwarts. Awkward and clueless combined but make it 10 times worse. He just stood there stiff as a plank trying his best not to avoid his eyes at Daphne's.
Daphne looked at Harry incredulously before letting out a breath and slumping on the chair. She rubbed her face with her palm before looking back at Harry.
"Potter, thank you so much for saving me earlier but what in Morgana's bloody tits was that?!" Daphne was annoyed and now tapping her foot on the floor.
Harry furrowed his brows with Daphne's reaction. He was confused about it and wasn't sure to be offended or what with her outburst.
"Well, what I did was save you Greengrass" Harry answered now crossing her arms over his chest.
"You saying I was your girlfriend! That was the least I expected to happen considering you threw it at my face earlier that you did not want to take part in the arrangement! It threw me off, Potter! I already crossed you out of my plan and now you threw a wrench at it. The least you could do was warn me beforehand!" Daphne ranted and Harry observed as her body relaxed as she let out her words.
Harry was annoyed. He was trying to help and all he got was this. Although he tried to calm himself and thought Daphne had just been in a precarious situation and was probably running on adrenaline. Harry knew how it felt. He was so familiar with it.
"Are you done?" Harry asked and he could see Daphne getting annoyed. She was about to say something when a knock distracted the two of them. Harry undid some charms and saw Towler at the door carrying a tray with 2 cups of hot cocoa and sandwiches.
"Thank you, Towler" Harry thanked Tim and took the tray from him.
"You're welcome, sir. Also, sir, Pucey was demanding for his solicitor at the interrogation room" Towler said.
"Call his department head and solicitor. Tell them that he assaulted Prosecutor Greengrass and I would come in later to fill in what happened" Harry ordered and Towler nodded before going. Harry locked the door and bought the tray to his desk and took the mug of cocoa and sandwich then handed it to Daphne.
Daphne raised her brow at him, but Harry just offered her the mug. After a few moments, Daphne took the mug and sandwich from Harry and gave a small thanks.
"Just so you know, I prefer tea" Daphne commented before sipping on the hot cocoa. Harry simply grunted; he was seriously feeling like he would regret this. Still, he made sure to catalog it in his mind that Daphne Greengrass preferred tea over a cup of hot cocoa.
He chanced a look at her and noticed that she inhaled its scent first before blowing on to it and trying to feel the rim's temperature before sipping a small amount.
Quite meticulous for a cup of cocoa. Harry thought and started sipping from his cup while observing her.
Daphne's eyes slightly widened, and she took a sip again now with a liberal amount before relaxing. Harry just stayed quiet as he sipped his own cup. Daphne stood straight and then looked at him.
"I apologize for lashing out, Potter" Daphne apologized. Harry was shocked but he didn't dare show it. He never thought that Daphne was the type to apologize. Nonetheless, he accepted her apology and replied.
"It's ok, I know you were probably stressed out with all that has happened. I also apologize for not warning you beforehand" Harry assured Daphne and drank his cocoa.
There was another knock on the door and Harry took it as a sign he had to handle Pucey.
"Let's talk about it later, I still have to handle Pucey. Feel free to stay if you want" Harry said and smiled at Daphne. She returned her own small smile before focusing on her cocoa.
That was… cute. Harry thought and realized it was actually a genuine smile from Daphne. He pulled out his wand and added Daphne to the wards in the office before heading out.
Outside, Towler was waiting for him and gave him a respectful nod as they walked together.
"Sir, the department head and solicitor are already waiting for you. Pucey's fussing about his solicitor and talking about reporting you" Towler reported. Harry scoffed as they neared the interrogation room.
"Yeah, we'll see about that" Harry said before opening the door but paused then looked at Towler.
"Tell the others that Prosecutor Greengrass must have an escort if she goes outside the headquarters or if someone wants to talk to her"
Head Auror Office
Daphne finished the remaining cocoa and ate her sandwich inside Harry's office. After finishing them, she placed them back on the tray. Noticing that Harry left his own sandwich and cocoa, she cast a stasis charm on it and went back to sit on the chair.
If there was one thing, people had to know about Daphne Greengrass, it was that she hated when her plans didn't work or if a sudden surprise happened that threw it off. Which caused her to burst at Harry for suddenly pulling that stunt.
"At least, I won't have to worry about people trying to snag my heirship," Daphne said to herself and fondled her heiress ring. She then looked at her wrist which now was only less red than it was before Harry applied the balm.
Daphne hummed and remembered how gentle those callous hands were. She shook her head to rid of the thoughts, now was not the time to think about Harry's hands.
Daphne then went over what she had to do. Do they tell people about their arrangement? How does she explain this to her father? What story would they tell people when they start to pry? And what the two of them should and should not do.
The story would be easy. We met here in the Ministry and got closer because of Theo and Hermione but decided we wanted to keep the relationship private considering we worked under the same department and that we valued our privacy. Yeah, that could work for a story.
It was plausible, it wasn't a lie, and it was a half-truth. Daphne knew there were fewer chances of slipping up when their story was based on truth, although a bit fabricated, it was still part of the truth.
We probably have to let in Theo and Hermione about the arrangement to make sure our stories coincide with each other. Daphne thought as she started a mental list of what to do.
Then Daphne realized, there was no shying away from the idea that The Prophet and Witch Weekly would make a big deal of it and print a story about what happened on the morning paper. She could already hear the headlines.
Man-Who-Conquered Is Now Conquered! Or Harry Potter, Mr. Eligible No. 1, SNAGGED! Or Harry Potter, Wizarding World Savior, and Most Eligible Wizard, Under A Love Potion?!
Daphne chuckled at it. She was already planning on warding her apartment and posts against hate mail from Potter's fans. There was also the fact of constant nagging and asking questions from people. Just the thought of it gave Daphne a headache.
Another thought came to her mind. What would Lucius Malfoy feel? What would he do? Daphne was aware that Lucius Malfoy would do everything in his power to get what he wanted especially when he has set his mind to it.
There were so many things that had to be considered and thought that Daphne felt tired about it already. She glanced at her watch and noticed it was 5:35 in the afternoon. She felt weary and she wanted nothing more than to soak in her bath. There was a knock on the door and Daphne wasn't sure whether to open it or not.
"Prosecutor Greengrass, Mr. Nott is asking for you," A female voice said. Daphne sighed and silently thanked that Theo was still in the Ministry.
Daphne went out and thanked the lady before being led to where Theo waited. As soon as Theo saw her, he immediately stood up and asked her if she was alright.
"I'm fine Theo, don't worry. Harry saved me before Pucey could do any more damage" Daphne assured her friend although saying Harry's name was a weird experience for her. That was the first time she referred to him as Harry, it was always Potter or Head Auror Potter. It rolled differently on her tongue, but she kept it to herself.
She had to act the part of being Harry's girlfriend if she wanted this heist to succeed.
On Theo's part, he didn't show any outward sign of surprise by Daphne calling Harry by his first name. He simply let out a relieved breath before nodding. He looked at the Auror who led Daphne outside and spoke.
"Is there any room we can use to talk privately?" Theo asked. The Auror nodded and told him that they had a small meeting room. The two followed the Auror that led them to a small room with a clear glass window that gave a view of what was inside.
The Auror positioned herself outside the door and opened it for them and they thanked, they were about to close the door when the Auror spoke.
"Prosecutor Greengrass, Head Auror ordered us to escort you when someone wants to talk with you. If it's possible please refrain from putting in locking charms if anything happens, I can easily warn you or come in. If someone wants to use the room, I'll tell them it is in use" the Auror said with a kind smile. Daphne nodded and gave her thanks and told her they wouldn't use any locking charms.
As Daphne closed the door, Theo immediately cast privacy charms around.
"So, Harry's your boyfriend now, huh?" Theo said in a teasing voice. Daphne rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Where'd you hear what happened?" Daphne asked. She already knew that the rumor mill in the Ministry was quite as good at Hogwarts, but she was still amazed that it traveled this fast that even Theo already knew it.
"I heard some people talking about it when I was at Hermione's office. Her reaction was so funny when someone started asking her about your relationship with Harry, you should thank me that I thought of something quickly and answered for them instead" Theo answered with a smirk. Daphne scoffed but was silently grateful for Theo's save.
"Have you told Granger?" Daphne asked again. She was really curious, normally Theo was good at keeping secrets but when his girlfriend asked, he would fold and spill them like a cauldron with a large hole in it.
"Oh, she's full of questions and stared talking about how it happened right in front of our eyes without us noticing and accused me of hiding it from her," Theo said, amusement evident in his eyes, "Then I told her the two of you could explain it to her, tomorrow" Theo continued.
"You owe me that one, she was furious at me," Theo said in a light voice. Daphne simply rolled her eyes playfully with a smile.
Theo's demeanor changed and he stood straight now looking at Daphne. She looked at him with calculating eyes, Daphne already knew what Theo would ask.
"What did Pucey do to you?" He asked in a serious tone. Daphne just shrugged her shoulders; Theo could really act like an older brother when he wanted to.
"Nothing I couldn't handle" Daphne answered calmly. She knew that he already had an idea or probably knew the exaggerated version of the story from where he heard it.
Theo regarded her before looking away. His jaw clenched and he took a few moments before he started to talk.
"I'll kill that arsehole," he said facing the wall. Daphne looked at Theo, their eyes met. Being housemates for 7 years, and friends since they were kids, they already had an idea of how the other operates. Daphne didn't comment on what Theo said but her eyes were explicitly telling him not to do anything stupid. After a curt nod on Theo's part, Daphne spoke.
"So, why did you want to talk to me?" Daphne asked again looking at Theo whose wand was out and waving it to undo the charms.
"I wanted to know if you were fine, and Hermione wanted us to have a double date tomorrow," Theo said, going back to his mood and tone before they entered the room. Daphne was confident he would play the part to help her in this setup.
"Sure, I'll tell Harry about it" Daphne answered. Theo nodded and the two exited the meeting room and met with the Auror who was waiting outside.
"Be careful now, ok?" Theo said giving her a brief hug and said his goodbye. Daphne went back to Harry's office and was surprised as the door opened on its own for her. She stepped inside and sat on the chair she once occupied.
Her mind went back to when she felt fear as Pucey tried to do something to her. The way her body froze at that moment. All her bodily system stopped as his threat registered on her mind. She was reminded back during the battle at Hogwarts.
She was supposed to keep a low profile and help at the side, herding and protecting younger students to hide from Death Eaters and stray spells. She was somehow spotted and got identified by another Death Eater.
"Reducto!" An 18-year-old Daphne Greengrass hollered as she sent another reductor spell to a group of Death Eaters approaching a passage where younger students were sent to reach the hiding place.
Daphne was supposed to go and hide with them per instructions, but she did something so un-Slytherin of her.
She saw another student, about the same age as her younger sister or younger, trip. It looked like her ankle was sprained since she winced as she tried to stand up. Daphne could care less for her; Astoria was already safe, and Daphne had no qualms letting the castle crumble as she ran for safety.
But seeing the girl's panicked face and desperation made Daphne's heart tug.
This was war and despite her family's neutrality, she knew that sooner or later that the Dark Lord would come hovering over them to sign their fidelity to him. The Dark Lord was a selfish git who didn't care about blood purity— he decimated and caused the extinction of some of the oldest magical pure-blooded families out there— he only cared for himself.
Would Daphne really act like him?
So, Daphne ran to the girl despite her friends' frantic call for her. Theo and Blaise followed and covered for her while Tracey helped her grab the girl.
"Please, help me" the girl cried. They could hear spells being incanted and the sound of destruction surrounding them. The boys were making sure they were covered and cast several spells.
Daphne quickly cast a spell for sprained ankles. Having a sister like Astoria made it necessary for her to learn some healing spells.
"Can you walk?" Daphne asked, when the girl nodded, Daphne replied "Good" and they walked towards the passage and made sure the girl was safe inside.
"Follow this passage, they told us it would lead somewhere safe. Go!" Daphne ordered and the girl nodded but gave her a hug and a whispered thanks before she scampered.
"Tracey, you go too. You aren't safe here" Daphne said to her best friend. With Tracey's status as a half-blood, she was sure that if any Death Eater that was from their house would see her there, she would be targeted.
"How about you?! Come on, Daph" Tracey said as she grabbed her friend's arm. Daphne looked at Tracey then nodded.
"Blaise, Theo, come on," she said. As soon as the four ran in the passage and reached the end. Daphne ran back to the castle to look and guide other students to the passage; she looked back and saw Theo was with her.
"What the hell?!" she asked as they exited the passage.
"I can't just let you come here alone Daphne, besides if I see my father here I could finally get my revenge on him," Theo said darkly. Daphne shook her head, it was stupid and suicidal of Theo but she knew her friend wanted nothing more but to return everything his father ever did to him.
"Just don't expect me to save your arse if you get yourself in trouble, Theo," Daphne said as she disillusioned her face and changed the color of her hair and eyes.
"Sure" Theo curtly answered as the two of them walked and guided other students to the passage.
So, there they were, lone Slytherins herding students and hiding them when a group of Death Eaters passed by or cursing them when they got spotted. It was only supposed to be that but then Theo saw his father and every self-restraint and preservation must've left Theo since he screamed a dark curse at his father and started fighting him.
Daphne had to maneuver three 2nd year students to avoid stray spells and get them to the passage.
'As soon as we reach the passage, I'm going out too, the fighting is getting too close for comfort Daphne's thoughts.
They reached the entrance to the passage and Daphne silently thanked the gods that were watching over them. After the last 2nd year entered, someone blew up the entrance, and Daphne was thrown by the blast.
Her adrenaline made her stand up quickly and pull her wand. She cast a reductor spell in the direction where she thought the assailant was. Her legs felt like they were swaying to a mismatch dance and everything around her felt like waves of the savage sea and her ears rung like a banshee screaming at her.
Daphne collected her bearings and saw a group of Death Eaters she sent another reductor spell. Daphne was about to send another curse when her body instantly felt stiff and fell onto the hard floor. Her leg landed on debris and Daphne felt excruciating pain as it hit. She couldn't move or even talk but Daphne wanted nothing more than to scream in pain. Daphne tried to struggle but couldn't, she racked her mind off the counter curse she could use and free herself then she saw a man approaching her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Greengrass Heiress," the man said, and Daphne's eyes widened. It was the bastard, Antonin Dolohov, He licked his lips and Daphne struggled even more as he slowly approached.
"You could be a good bargaining piece to your family did you know that?" he said as he used his nail to caress Daphne's clothed arm. Daphne's mind rattled and stopped.
What was going to happen to her?
Then there was a flash of light, that was the last thing Daphne remembered as he passed out and woke up lying in a small cot with her waiting by her side.
Daphne shivered from the memory. She hugged herself as she placed the memory in the back of her mind and locked it up using occlumency. That was a feeling she never wanted to feel again. It was horrifying, knowing that something bad was about to happen but your body freezes up despite the fact you wanted out.
She shivered and closed her eyes as she tried to ground herself. She raised her occlumency shields and took hold of her emotions. There was time to let go of them and that time was now.
A knock on the door distracted Daphne from her thoughts and a muffled voice was heard.
"Daphne, I'm coming in," Harry's familiar voice said before opening the door. His hair was even more of a mess and his face weary.
"What happened with Pucey?" she asked. Her earlier thoughts were now gone from the forefront of her mind.
"Suspended" Harry's frustrated voice echoed and he conjured a chair to sit on. He rubbed his face with his hands. Daphne raised her brow at him.
"Suspended?" Daphne clarified. Unsure of what more to say.
"Yeah, suspended with pay. Your head said he was a vital part of your office and his solicitor was even looking forward to filing a complaint against me in the ministry, so you have that" Harry answered now massaging his temple.
"Vital?" Daphne scoffed, "The only thing Pucey does there is prance around like a peacock and do nothing" she continued but she wasn't really surprised just disappointed.
"I'm sorry about that, they reasoned that he didn't do anything to you, except for the threat…" Harry trailed on sounding frustrated. Daphne looked at him and was surprised when he looks brightened and looked at her.
"You know, you can file a complaint to the Auror office, and we'll investigate it. I heard the Head Auror was good hearing complaints out" Harry joked, and Daphne scoffed with amusement.
"Yeah, don't worry. My "fake" boyfriend can handle it if his bull can be trusted" Daphne quipped but was now thinking of what an attempted line theft would do to Pucey, and Harry chuckled before looking at her with seriousness in his eyes.
"I heard part of your conversation and I have a tiny bit of an idea of what you're facing but I need to hear it from you to get my facts right," Harry said in a serious voice. Daphne sighed and rubbed her palms together as she prepared herself and started talking to Harry.
"Potter, do you know about the line of succession in a House?" Daphne started and she could see him scrunched up his face and nodding his head. She knew that Harry knew, he was head of two big houses.
"Of course," he answered.
"Do you know the difference between an Heir and an Heiress when it comes to succession?" Daphne asked again making Harry think and grasp the idea.
"They inherit the Estate and the Headship; the only difference is their gender" Harry answered. Daphne shook her head and fondled her heiress ring.
"An Heiress only inherits the Estate and Headship if they're the only possible Heir left or if the House is Matriarchal. When you're part of a Patriarchal house and it only has daughters, it's normally passed on to the eldest and its headship and estate will pass along her child" Daphne explained. She knew she wouldn't be Lady Greengrass, she already accepted it. What she wanted was to take hold of the Greengrass Estate before passing it on to her nephew or her child if she would let herself have one.
"So, what's with Malfoy's threat? What is the ferret trying to do now?" Harry asked. Daphne shook his head amused and thinking whether it was a default on Harry's mind to instantly attach Draco to the name Malfoy.
"I don't know if the ferret knows about it but it's Malfoy senior" She clarified, and Harry nodded waiting for her to continue. So, Daphne continued and retold Harry what her father told her the vultures out there trying to grab their chance being opportunistic to make Daphne marry them.
Ministry Atrium
Harry was walking Daphne to the Ministry floo system after having their talk. His mind was still a buzz from what she told him. He felt bad for not helping Daphne instantly when she offered. Although Harry reasoned he didn't really know it at first. As much as they wanted to talk more about the arrangement it was already late, Harry still had work to do, and Daphne was spent for the day and wanted to rest.
"We'll talk about how we'll execute our arrangement tomorrow. For now, let's just show the world we are dating" Daphne said as she stood up and grabbed her bag.
"How long do we keep it up?" Harry genuinely asked.
"As long as we benefit from it or when one of us finds someone we actually do like" Daphne gave him a smirk and Harry nodded.
Harry thought that might as well take advantage of Daphne's offer and make Andy stop pestering him, it was for the better.
"So, see you tomorrow, Potter" Daphne paid her farewells, but Harry stood up and walked with her to the door.
Daphne raised her brow at Harry, and he raised his own at her wondering what she was thinking.
"I'll walk you to the Atrium," Harry said and asked for Daphne's bag for him to carry. There was an amused smile on Daphne's face as she handed her bag. Harry furrowed his brow wondering what was so amusing.
"You know, for someone who hasn't dated since Hogwarts you sure know what to do" Daphne teased, and Harry rolled his eyes at her.
"Who said I never dated anyone outside Hogwarts?" Harry quipped and before Daphne could ask, he already opened the door and urged her to move. She sent him a glare before going out.
Harry did go out for dates, but they never really went for a second date. If he wasn't as chivalrous as he is, he would've left just minutes after a date started.
He was aware of the stares and murmur about them as they walked, then Daphne called his attention. Harry bent down to hear what she was whispering, and Daphne's breath tickled his neck as she spoke in an airy tone.
"Make sure you walk close to me and hold my hand" She whispered, and Harry shivered inwardly as he nodded and started to tell Daphne she should rest well as he held her hands.
As they reached the Ministry floo, it was not as packed during 5 p.m. rush hour, there were still quite a number of people looking at them though. They went to a floo which was vacant and stopped.
Harry let go of Daphne's hand and handed her bag to her. Daphne then pulled her hand and said something that only the two of them heard.
"Kiss me goodbye" Daphne instructed. Harry glanced around and saw some Ministry employees eyeing him. His heart started beating and he could feel heat up his ears and neck.
I can't just kiss her on the lips! Harry panicked that he didn't see Daphne raising her hand for Harry to kiss.
So, Harry Potter gave a chaste kiss on Daphne's forehead. He pulled away and saw pink hues on her cheeks and nose. Harry gulped and rubbed his neck, he forced a smile on his face as Daphne looked at him.
"Take care and be careful. Have plenty of rest…" he was about to blurt out Prosecutor Greengrass but stopped himself.
Daphne's mouth agape then she closed it and nodded.
"I will. You take care too" she said before heading to the fireplace and throwing her powder and disappearing in the green flames.
He stood there for a while, calming down his racing heart before turning around and walking back to the lifts. Harry's hands were on his pocket, clenching and unclenching. Kissing Daphne goodbye at the floo rambled Harry's head. He was now not sure if he just seriously agreed to help Daphne. How was he supposed to fool people that he was in love with a colleague who was just an acquaintance he occasionally talked to since their best friends were in a relationship?
Acting dead was far easier than this.
a/n
hello~
first of, thank you so much for the reviews, faves, and follows this story has received! I am overwhelmed and really, really grateful with the attention this story is getting! Thank you so much! Back to biz, ss usual this was beta'd by Pol. Uni has just started but its already eating up my time. Worry not though, I'm actually putting time in this. Tell me what you think and I accept constructive criticism (kindly, thank you for the kind words btw!) and I hope you continue to enjoy this story! Thanks and I hope you have a good day/evening!