Bedflower, Muggle London
Daphne stepped out of her floo absentmindedly and sagged on her chair then took a deep breath upon realizing she was holding it in. She wasn't expecting Potter to kiss her on the forehead in front of the Ministry. He was supposed to kiss her hand not her forehead!
"Morgana, help me" Daphne prayed as she tried to calm down her racing heart. She was not expecting such proximity from Potter. Daphne was expecting a respectful kiss on her hand, not a kiss on the forehead. It made Daphne realize that if they were going to make it work, then they had a lot to discuss— things to do and not do, signal when doing something quite romancey things, and a whole lot of bag of worms— that quite frankly Daphne was already tired by thinking of it.
"Well, at least it should serve as a buffer from my problems," Daphne said to herself as she finally calmed herself. Her chair was too comfortable for her to move though, a lot of things happened earlier, and she was now starting to feel burnt out of it. If Daphne could just be there and she would've done it now. Although she knew that it would be a lot of pain to her body, and she would feel dirty if she didn't wash the day's grime.
Daphne was about to close her eyes when an own kept tapping her window. She groaned and then removed her heels before approaching her window. As soon as she did so, the owl dropped a rectangular red letter in front of Daphne and took off before she could offer some treats to them.
Maybe it was the fatigue catching up to her or Daphne was too confident that the rumors would not reach as soon as the same night— it was right on both accounts, but Daphne will never admit it.
She was about to cast some diagnostic charm on it when the letter unraveled and levitated itself turning to Daphne and starting to scream.
"YOU STEALING LITTLE BI-"Daphne didn't even let the howler finish before burning it into flames and vanishing its remnants.
Daphne stood rigid on her spot before turning on her heels and walking towards where the main rune stone of her apartment was. Despite her apartment being situated in Muggle London, the building was still owned by the Greengrass Group, although under a Muggle pseudonym.
Her apartment already had the standard wards protecting her from unwarranted and unwanted situations but wards against howlers and owls were not activated. She pulled her wand and activated them— it wouldn't be powerful considering it wasn't connected to a ley line, but it would do.
"It's already starting," Daphne said as she rubbed her temple. She took a deep breath before sheathing her wand, her thoughts on the mess she just entered herself— Daphne wasn't quite sure if the ups would really compensate for the lows, she was just hoping that it wouldn't be much of a headache for her— and heading towards her bath while muttering.
"I just hope this will not backfire and hit me on the face later on"
October 12, 2005 – Coffee Shop, Muggle London
Harry lined up for a coffee from this little café near the Ministry. It was a long night and so many things happened. Susan and her team of Aurors had an espionage mission at Knockturn overnight and the situation with Daphne.
I don't even know where to begin with. Harry thought as he moved from his line. Just two more people and it was his turn. He wasn't able to sleep, just some naps— considering he stayed at the Ministry and only went back to Grimmauld for a quick bath and change of clothes— then he was rushing to the Ministry to look back at the reports Susan sent. Then, there was the case with Daphne. He was just starting to realize what he had put himself into— the Aurors subtly and straightforwardly asking him about his and Daphne's relationship. Even Susan jumped in as soon as they finished talking about the espionage.
"So, you and Prosecutor Greengrass? Bloody hell, Harry, you got lucky! How did you even get her to date you?!"
Susan sounded incredulous that Harry almost felt insulted but got back to his senses. He badly wanted to tell Susan that "Yeah, I actually didn't bag her. She asked me to appear as if we were dating to save her heirship. You know, the stuff" but Harry fought the urge, and instead he casually answered her.
"Daphne bagged me, actually. Got me levitated and bought me to her home and told me she's my new owner"
Susan burst out laughing and told him he would suit being a stray puppy on the streets and being bought home by a little girl. Susan still pestered him with a proper answer, but Harry had kindly shooed her away from his office to start looking over the reports.
Harry's head furrowed again. His thoughts shifted to the Cole case. Apparently, there some movement inside his home was ongoing though the group stayed till the sun was starting to rise and the activity never ceased. If there were people inside, then they did not move out there.
It wouldn't have been that serious if the threat and reports of terrorist groups lurking around weren't that frequent. Right after the war was done, things went quiet— everyone was focused on rebuilding the wizarding world and making it stand on its feet as soon as possible. Then there were the Death Eater trials and capture. Most of them were now in the new and improved Azkaban while others were still hiding which made any suspicious activities a tip and a chance to catch those remaining rats.
Harry thanked the barista as soon as he got his coffee and started his walk to the Ministry while sipping his coffee. He liked that little shop just around the corner from the Ministry. Harry especially liked how strong their brews were. A good drink to make up for his lack of sleep. There was Pepper-Up potion, sure, but the way coffee hit Harry was just different.
It was 7:40 in the morning and Harry took his time getting to the Ministry. The London morning's noise was like a faraway buzz as Harry mentally listed what he needed to do— Reports, briefings, mission assignment, meetings, Daphne…— Harry saw her familiar ponytailed blonde hair hurrying her steps to the Ministry.
Harry finished his coffee and tried to catch up with Daphne. As soon as his coffee was done, he was already near her and subtly vanished his cup before calling her.
"Prose-," Harry bit off his tongue. He was so used to calling her Prosecutor Greengrass that he forgot they were supposed to be going out with each other.
"Daphne" he called out again and that caught her attention. Harry furrowed his brows noticing her bad mood. She also had bags under her eyes and glared at him before softening her gaze.
He approached her and then his heart started beating fast.
Merlin. What am I supposed to do here?
Harry gulped and tried to approach Daphne calmly. He figured; it would be safe to put his hand on her shoulder. He was well aware of the people looking at them. Thankfully, it was an entrance that only a few users knew, so there wasn't much glance.
"You, ok?" Harry asked. He noticed how tense her shoulders were and the way she always looked around as if checking if she was going to be attacked any time. Then she looked at Harry straight in his eyes. He couldn't but notice how deep blue Daphne's eyes were but had this shadow looming over them. Daphne nodded at him but Harry was sure it was a lie.
"What happened?" his brows now even more furrowed as he waited for Daphne's answer. She was still tense and stiff under his touch.
"Let's talk inside" Daphne simply said and started walking towards the entrance with Harry following her. He immediately offered his hand to carry her bag. Daphne took a quick glance at him before handing her bag. Daphne's bag was light because of the featherweight charms but Harry still wanted to carry it for her.
Truth be told, Harry had no idea how to act around Daphne like a boyfriend so he decided that being a gentleman would do for now. Besides they still haven't discussed at deep the arrangement they had right now.
"Sir! Prosecutor Greengrass, good morning!" The Auror greeted them enthusiastically. Harry gave a respectful nod and entered together with Daphne. They headed to the lifts and Harry immediately closed them to provide them some privacy.
"My office?" Harry asked as he looked at Daphne. At her nod, the lift opened, and they stepped out greeting some employees as they walked towards the Auror Headquarters while going straight to Harry's office.
He opened the door and let Daphne enter first before going in and casting some charms for more privacy. Daphne then slumped onto the chair she sat in just last night and let out a frustrated breath.
"What happened?" Harry asked as he placed Daphne's bag on his table and sat on a chair. Harry was feeling curious about what could have happened that cause this type of reaction from Daphne. Normally, she was well composed and could stand coolly in a pressured situation. So, her acting like this piqued his interest.
Head Auror's Office
It was weird being back in Harry's office as soon as she entered the Ministry and sitting on the same chair she sat in just last night. Though, Daphne was thankful for the respite it provided her. She grounded herself and collected her thoughts as she looked back at what happened at the beginning of her day.
Daphne was really having a bad day. The wards she set up really weren't that strong and 4 howlers got inside. How they got inside was still a question to Daphne. As soon as she woke up, went to her kitchen, and got woken up by the 4 howlers all simultaneously opened and screamed at her.
Don't get her wrong, Daphne was a strong woman. Derogatory words and other insulting terms thrown at her were nothing new for her. She was a lawyer and prosecutor for Merlin's saggy pants. Though, Daphne had limits.
She was groggy, just woke up, and only wanted tea to start her morning. Was that too much to ask? Daphne asked herself as her mood depleted and she could feel her chest constrict. Her wand slid out of her holster and burned those devils who sent letters.
Out of her window lay a parliament of owls waiting for her to get their letters. Daphne seethed and opened her window, careful not to touch anything from it. As soon as the letters and package were put down, Daphne cast a stasis charm on them and shrunk them to fit one magically protected pouch for evidence.
"Time to teach these harlots a lesson" Daphne muttered as she placed the evidence in her bag for later use.
Daphne had to rush and head to the Ministry while looking at her surroundings. She was aware of how some of these fans could get violent and hurl curses around her. Glamour charms covered Daphne's face as she exited her house— which made her feel like she was suffocating, and her muscles contorted in many ways at the same time feeling like a wet clothe covered her face— she only removed them once she was within the Ministry's vicinity.
Harry was waiting for her to speak, and Daphne saw the way his fingers tapped on his leg. Daphne took a breath before speaking.
"Nothing, just me getting harassed," Daphne said in a detached manner that Harry seemed to double take what she said. She internally smirked seeing his face that was taken by surprise.
"Excuse me, you were harassed? By whom?" Harry asked his brows furrowed and Daphne felt her heartbeat just a tiny bit faster than normal. Though she would reason it was because of fatigue and stress.
"Many, just some howlers and cursed objects here and there" she continued to explain.
"Do you have them?" Harry asked and Daphne turned to look at him. His face was like a stone like a face he always used during trials and hearings. Daphne was debating whether to give him the evidence or handle this on her own. She could easily just sue those people and make their lives a living hell. Yet, there was something in Harry that made you comply with his requests. Daphne nodded her head, Harry could make things easier.
Might as well take advantage of the mess we went in.
Daphne summoned her bag and took out the magical pouch containing the packages and letters from earlier and handed it to Harry.
"Those were the letters and packages I got earlier. Your fans seem to be keen on giving me a warm welcome" Daphne sarcastically said. Harry flinched as he performed some detection charms on them.
"I'm sorry you had to go through this" Harry apologized as he returned his wand from his holster. Daphne shook her head at his apology. She was the one keen on being in this arrangement. She had made this bed and she was going to stick through it.
Just until I secure the heirship. Daphne thought.
"No need to apologize, Potter, I'm the one who initially bought upon this arrangement of ours. I'll live the consequences of it" Daphne replied as she looked at Harry. He still looked guilty thought and his shoulders tense.
Harry Potter was really the type of man who blamed himself for the things that happened around him. Daphne remembered those words from Hermione's one hanging out they had.
"Still, I came rushing in and got you in this mess that shouldn't have been" he reasoned out. Harry then straightened his posture and Daphne couldn't help but appreciate his physique. Something was appealing with Harry Potter in his Auror robes, a stubble on his jaw, and eyes that looked like he hasn't slept a wink but still shined with determination.
"Let me make it up with you. I'll handle these and make sure they don't annoy you" Harry's voice was filled with determination and Daphne couldn't do anything else but nod her head.
"Thanks" she mumbled then continued, "Though once you're finished going over it send me the names. I want to do something to them on my own" Daphne stated with her mind filled with how she was going to set an example to those 'witches'.
There was a knock on the door and Daphne took it as a sign for her exit. Harry opened the door with a simple wave of his hand and Daphne paused as a young Auror entered.
He probably wasn't expecting her since his eyes widened when he noticed her inside the room. The young Auror immediately gave a bow to Daphne with a quick greeting.
"Prosecutor Greengrass, good morning!" his hasty greeting was. Then he turned his attention to Harry who was looking amused. Their eyes met and Daphne simply raised her brow at him.
"Sir, the complaints are full of… Uhm… letters for you… and gifts" the young Auror reported whilst stealing glances at Daphne, unsure if he should speak of those with her presence.
Harry groaned reverberated around the room and Daphne couldn't help but snort but quickly covered it with a cough.
"Towler, separate the letters and others with dubious intentions and list out where and who they came from. Report to me afterward" Harry ordered in a tired voice as he massaged his temple.
"Yes sir!" Towler replied with a curt nod then turned at Daphne with red ears and gave her a curt nod too.
"I've heard of rumors but that really bad?" Daphne joked her smirk proudly plastered on her face. It was Harry's turn to rub his face with his hand. Daphne gave a silent chuckle and was about to go but Harry stood up and offered his hand to have her bag. She looked at him questioningly.
"I'll walk you to your office" Harry answered.
"You seem fond of walking me around" Daphne whispered as she gave Harry her bag. He smiled and leaned on to her ear. She forced herself not to flinch at the proximity as his breath tickled her neck.
"If we have to appear dating, shouldn't I look like wanting to always be near you?" he asked and hummed on the last part. Daphne didn't look at him and simply nodded. She could feel her face heating up. Harry's voice was husky and she smelt his perfume that seemed to linger on her nose. Daphne mentally shook away those thoughts as she looked at Harry with an innocent smile.
"Offer your arms, if we must appear to be seriously dating then I should look like wanting to touch you in every opportunity I have," Daphne said, and she could see the way Harry's face reddened. She smiled sweetly as she claimed her own victory. He awkwardly offered his free hand to her and Daphne slipped her hands on them.
Harry did not look buff and big on the outside, but the firmness of his arms caught Daphne in surprise. Although she shouldn't have been considering he was an Auror and did need a strong body to do all those missions.
Still, it was a shock for Daphne. Most men she knew didn't have that firmness. She unconsciously squeezed his bicep.
"Yeah?" Harry asked as they walked past the Aurors who gave them curt nods and greetings.
Daphne bit her lip and shook her head before telling him "Nothing". As soon as they exited the headquarters, Harry casually said.
"Coping a feel, huh?" he teased. Daphne glared at him and squeezed his arms with her nails. Harry slightly winced.
"You were saying?" she sweetly asked, then a group of gossiping Ministry employees. Daphne kept the smile on her face at Harry.
"Nothing, dear," Harry said as he smiled at Daphne although she could notice the slight hesitation and confusion on his face.
Right, we still have to talk about rules and boundaries. Daphne realized and then looked at Harry.
"Let's have some lunch later since we'll have a double date with Theo and Hermione" she commented. Harry was quick to nod and answered in affirmative although it didn't go past Daphne the slight furrow of his brow.
When they reached her department. Harry gave her, her bag, and subtly cast a privacy charm.
"Double date?" he asked confused.
"Yeah, we should tell Theo and Hermione about the arrangement. That way they could help us better with this" Daphne explained adjusting her bag, "We also have to talk about rules and boundaries about the arrangement. We wouldn't want to be caught in surprise when something is thrown on our face like you kissing me on the forehead last night" Daphne continued. Harry's eyes widened and she fought the urge to laugh at his face thinking she almost thought of killing him last night because of it.
"I… Uhm…I" Harry stammered before collecting his breath and continuing, "I'm sorry about that, I wasn't sure where to kiss you and I thought your forehead would be the safest" he explained. Daphne studied him, he looked apologetic enough that Daphne shrugged her shoulder.
"No matter, we have to discuss things to avoid those things and you were supposed to kiss my hand last night" Daphne reasoned, and Harry grimaced again. She was enjoying this.
"Yeah, I understand. I'll get you here for lunch?" Harry asked as he put his hand on his pocket and did not refuse to meet Daphne's eyes.
"Yes, it would be ideal" Daphne replied as she started thinking about how they should do things in the future.
"Ok, got it" Harry replied now looking at her eyes. Daphne nodded and gave him a curt smile before he dispelled the privacy charm surrounding them. As soon as Harry did that, Daphne decided she needed payback for what Harry pulled last night. She softly pulled his wrist and stood on her toes to kiss his cheeks.
"Bye Harry, see you later" she casually said not bothering to look at her fake boyfriend's red face. She smirked to herself knowing they were now even. Even though she was also red on the tip of her ears.
Just then Bower appeared holding a folder as she approached Daphne. Daphne raised her brow and walked slowly to Bower.
"Greengrass, the boss wants to talk to you as soon as possible" Bower said in her normal bored tone. She then gave her attention to Harry who was still standing at the back.
"Head Auror Potter, it seems you and my colleague have graced today's paper. Congratulations on your relationship" she said before nodding at Daphne to follow her.
Daphne was flabbergasted but followed Bower, nonetheless. She gave a quick glance to Harry and saw he was also shocked, face still red. They walked inside and people immediately started murmuring and looking at Daphne. She was having none of it so she glared at them— it didn't make the murmurs stop though it did make them not look at her.
"So, how did it happen? You and Head Auror, I mean" Bower asked quietly. Daphne had to make sure she heard her right. It was unusual for her to hear her normally quiet and 'did not give a thing' officemate asking her about a such personal matter.
"I didn't think you were the type to gossip" Daphne evaded as they neared their department head's office. Bower simply shrugged before answering.
"I like to know the things happening around me" she simply answered. Daphne didn't bother to reply to the conversation as they entered the spacious office of the Prosecutor's Office, Department Head.
Prosecutor's Office - Department Head Office
Olivia Wright, the Ministry Head Prosecutor stood on the neutral ground leading badly to Daphne's opinion. The woman was a good lawyer, she could give her that but there was something inherently wretched about her. Maybe it was because she was cunning enough to reach the position fast or the fact that her ambitious nature would make her do the vilest thing just to achieve what she wanted just to reach her goal.
Daphne respected and at the same time somewhat disliked the woman despite seeing the similarities between them.
"Prosecutor Greengrass" Wright acknowledged her presence without lifting her eyes from the files she was reading.
"Prosecutor Wright" Daphne returned the greeting while remaining standing up.
There was a moment of silence between the two women and only the occasional scratching of Wright's quill was the noise that reverberated in the spacious office. After a while, she neatly placed back the quill in its holder before steepling her fingers and looking at Daphne.
"Tea?" she promptly asked. Daphne elegantly shook her head at the offer. She never trusted tea from other people. She knew it was rude, but she never really trusted Wright. There was also the fact that back in the 5th year, tea laced with serums was given.
"No, thank you, ma'am. I just had tea before coming in" Daphne excused herself and Wright looked at her and lightly shrugged her shoulders silently telling Daphne to suit herself.
"I read from the paper that you and Head Auror Potter were in a relationship. I guess Pucey wasn't spouting nonsense when I was called last night" she opened. Daphne remained quiet. People were really putting their noses in business they weren't supposed to be.
"Pucey sadly has been suspended. So, we're low on understaffed and he was working on a vital case. You know how small our department is, do you? Wright said. Daphne knew they were a small department but calling it understaffed and Pucey doing a vital case? Daphne almost scoffed at what her department head was spouting.
If there was a vital case Pucey was handling, it would be his own misplaced ego.
"Yes, ma'am" Daphne answered. Wright gave her a smile of acknowledgment; it didn't reach her eyes though and yet her eyes held something— she couldn't pinpoint it but there was something in it.
"Great. So, I'll be transferring his cases to you then. I know you can handle them well Prosecutor Greengrass, if anything I know you can make a great job out of it" Wright continued, and Daphne could feel her temper rising at the 'witch' sitting in front of her.
Bitch.
Daphne simply nodded and made sure her face remained neutral. Wright gave her a sweet smile that Daphne so wanted to hex off her face but remained that thought as if was a thought.
"Brilliant! Now I know you must be itching on working onto those cases, after all, you are one of our most efficient prosecutors in the Ministry. Now, before I let you go, I must say I was not expecting you and Head Auror Potter to be a couple, imagine my surprise when Pucey ranted about your boyfriend assaulting him" Wright chuckled as she picked up her quill and twirl it on her fingers.
Daphne wanted to scoff but maintained her neutral demeanor in front of Wright. Who knew that dating Harry Potter was such an issue that even her department head was dipping her finger into their business?
"Well, we wanted to keep it a secret considering Harry's position in our society… but I guess his Gryffindor chivalry got better him considering the stunt that Pucey pulled" Daphne answered succinctly. She observed Wright's reaction remaining on her face as if amused with what Daphne said.
Wright lightly chuckled and shook her head, as if amused with Daphne's explanation.
"Well, good luck with your relationship and give my regards to Head Auror" she commented before going back to her paperwork and signing documents. Daphne took it as a sign for her dismissal. She gracefully spun around and was about to walk when Wright spoke again.
"Oh, and a piece of advice, Greengrass. Be more aware of your environment" she said with a monotone voice and her office once again was occupied with the sound of her quill scratching on parchment.
Daphne gritted her teeth as she exited the office and headed to her own. Her mind reeled at what Wright said to her. Even without using the exact words, Daphne was no fool to not know what Wright meant.
'Make sure this shite doesn't happen again. Be responsible!'
That woman is so infuriating. Daphne thought as she entered the now spacious office. Only two desks were left with one filled with papers and documents that Daphne had to go over and check.
Bower sat at her own desk while reading a book that from what Daphne could see, was a Muggle novel.
"Pucey got transferred to an office of his own" Bower commented as she looked up at Daphne and nodded before going back to her novel.
Daphne gave a frustrated sigh as she massaged her temple. She could already feel the headache from the pile of documents she had to work on. The day was just starting but Daphne was already tired. It felt like Morgana and Merlin had a bet on how long she can last.
There were so many papers she needed to catch up and it would take her days to neatly compile and arrange those papers. She internally groaned as she walked toward her table and tried to organize her thoughts.
Her first priority was sorting the documents by how urgent and important they were. Then once it was done, she would organize each pile according to date and slowly work towards the latest. Despite how easy it sounded, Daphne was sure it was still going to be hell to sort them out, considering these were Pucey's stock.
At least, I have a bigger space and I wouldn't constantly be annoyed by Pucey. Daphne thought as she levitated one stack of papers in front of her.
There was a sound thud as she canceled the levitation and really groaned as soon as she skimmed at the first file. None of these had progressed and were banking on the waiting list.
Dear Morgana.
Prosecutor's Office – 1:23 P.M.
Harry caught his breath as he reached the Prosecutor's office. The Auror Headquarters and Daphne's department were on the same floor, but Harry had been speeding his task to catch lunch but was only flooded with so many letters, assigning Auror teams, looking over the names of "gift senders", sending out warnings, and looking over papers to sign, and looking over meetings that he had on the calendar.
He was now late for about an hour, nearing a half. Harry just hoped Daphne wasn't so pissed at him. He took a deep breath before knocking on the door of their department and waiting for a signal to enter.
The door opened and Harry was greeted by someone from the department. He exchanged pleasantries before asking if Daphne was here.
"Yes sir, I'll call for her," the man said, and Harry thanked him before waiting for Daphne. He had changed from his Auror robes to something more casual. He retained the black dress shirt but unbuttoned the top two buttons. He had his Auror robe glamoured to look like a brown muggle coat.
He didn't have to wait long since Daphne appeared carrying her bag with a neutral look on her face. Harry could notice in the way she gripped her bag that Daphne Greengrass was in a bad mood.
Harry couldn't help but gulp and almost stepped back but fought it. He was debating how to greet Daphne, but his hand was already propped for her to give him her bag. Instead of doing so, Daphne grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him out of the department.
The two walked along the halls of the Ministry of Magic with eyes and murmurs following them. Harry was being dragged by Daphne and he tried to pull his hand and call her attention, but Daphne was steadfast in walking out. Once they were out of the premise, Harry tried to call for her attention again.
"Daph-"but he was cut off by Daphne's cold tone.
"You're late" she simply said while continuing walking and not letting Harry's hand out of her grip.
Harry's patience was thinning, and he had to keep himself from lashing out. Though he put more strength as he pulled Daphne's hand so they could slow down. He was not going to let her drag him around like he was a pet or something.
Daphne stopped and glared at Harry. He stood his ground and raised his brow at her, their hands still holding each other but Daphne was gripping his tightly.
For someone who looks petite, her grip sure does hurt. Harry thought as he already knew his hand was going to be sore later. Then he sighed and relaxed himself thinking it was better to diffuse the situation than worsen it.
"I'm sorry, I was late. There was a lot to do at the Auror Headquarters" Harry apologized and explained hoping it would lessen Daphne's ire. He looked at Daphne who still looked crossed but lessened her grip. Harry felt a bit relieved and offered his other hand to hold Daphne's bag for her. Daphne rolled her eyes at him before handing her bag.
"I know a muggle pub that's located at a corner with few people visiting it, that should provide enough privacy for us to talk," Daphne said glancing at him. The two were now walking beside each other in the street of Muggle London.
From the normal eye, they would look like a good-looking couple heading out for lunch from work who were comfortable with each other's silence. For the two, it was weird walking beside each other with their hands holding each other. It was an awkward feeling for Harry. It was not to say that Daphne's hands were unlikable to hold, it was the contrary really. Her hand was soft and cool against his, a thing he had noticed before now fully sinking in.
It was just that Harry thought he'd be doing this thing with someone who he really liked and liked him back just the same. Though it was something that he didn't dwell on that much.
Muggle London – The Full Duck
They entered a quaint little pub. It looked the same as Leaky but was cleaner and more modern. Despite its name, the pub was awfully empty.
Harry looked around as they approached the bar and looked for something to eat. Daphne looked familiar with the place and didn't bother reading the menu, unlike Harry who was looking at the items. Deciding to go safe, Harry went with fish and chips.
Daphne tapped a bell, and a lanky man entered the bar and greeted them.
"What can I get you, lassie?" The man asked. He looked like he was nearing 40 with a few wisps of white hair on his sides. He had stubble and a tattoo seemed to peek from his shirt.
"Just the usual, 2 fish n' chips with the usual for me and?" Daphne looked at Harry waiting for him to fill in.
"Water would be fine," he said with a curt smile to the barkeep.
"Ok, two fish n' chips with 2 glasses of water and a tea for the lassie" he repeated, and Daphne gave him a nod and short thank you before the two went back to their booth.
As they sat, Harry couldn't help but feel concerned as Daphne massaged her head and looked like the whole problem of the world rested on her shoulder. He was all too familiar with that feeling. Harry wanted to offer something to comfort her but had no idea how to do it, so he shifted in his seat while scratching the tip of his nose.
"So, Uhm, how was work earlier?" Harry tried to ask but grimace as Daphne threw another glare at him.
Wow, I am so good at making conversations.
"Nothing I can't handle. Just more documents" Daphne replied, putting so much venom and emphasis on the last word. Harry figured that she must've been flooded with paperwork. Not really different from him.
They shared an awkward silence. Harry wanted nothing more than for the food to arrive and save him from this tension-filled. For a duck that wasn't full, you'd think the food would arrive sooner.
"I had half the mind to leave you and have lunch with myself, Potter" Daphne spoke suddenly, now sitting straight.
"I was starving and wanted nothing more but to get out of the office and get myself a good lunch" she continued ranting.
Harry himself was also getting annoyed. She wasn't the only one who was starving and wanted to have lunch! Why was he getting the blame now?!
"Oi, I was also starving for your information, Greengrass. I was also busy doing paperwork, meetings, and correspondence" Harry grumbled. Daphne's eyes narrowed and he was sure they were going to have a tirade if the aroma of freshly cooked fish n' chips didn't distract them.
"Here ya go, Lassie and ya' boyfriend! I gotta say lassie, you have a handsome lover there!" The barkeep gave a large guffaw and Harry couldn't help but feel embarrassed and hot on the cheeks.
"Enjoy your meals!" the man said before leaving the two to enjoy the food. Harry gave a sigh of relief before digging in on his meal.
Harry chanced a look at Daphne and noticed she was focusing on her meal. He internally sighed and focused on the meal. It was a delicious fish n' chips, one that made his mouth appreciate it and stomach full.
The two were quiet as they ate their lunch. Relishing on the not-so-full duck's wonderful food. Harry wondered if the other food on the menu tasted as good. He would have to come back here sometime to try them out.
It was too soon for Harry, but they finished their lunch. Daphne set up some privacy wards and some disillusionment with Confundus charm for total protection. Harry added his own set of wards and Daphne looked at him questioningly.
"You don't trust my spell casting, Potter?" Daphne asked in a testing tone. Harry shook his head and reheated his wand to his holster in a swift manner.
"No, I do trust your casting. Just some added protection just to be sure" he defended and waited for Daphne to lessen her glare and start with their discussion. They really needed to talk about things and boundaries about this "relationship" they had.
Who knew running a fake relationship was far more complicated than a real one?
Daphne's demeanor changed from that what she showed at court and trials. Cold, calculating, and all business-like.
"First things first, we must be clear that this is only a fake relationship. Something for show. For me to retain my heirship and shoo away opportunistic vultures after my family seat. For you…?" Daphne looked at him, urging him to fill in the sentence like a teacher to a kid.
Harry wasn't sure what he wanted from this. The only thing on his mind when he effectively went on to Daphne's plan was to help her. He wasn't really thinking about himself at that moment, so he wasn't quite sure what to tell her.
"For me to… Uhm… help you?" Harry answered and Daphne's expression mirrored his— confusion.
"Excuse me, what?" Daphne asked again making sure she was hearing things right.
"I… Last night when I helped you, I wasn't really thinking and just went on straight to help you" Harry confessed, scratching the back of his head, unsure if he should've said that.
There were a few seconds before Daphne was able to speak.
"Why must you be so Gryffindorish?" Daphne grumbled. Harry glared in her direction. Her lack of gratefulness was starting to grate his nerves and he did not like it.
Daphne noticing his face, waved her hand absentmindedly at him like brushing off dust from her shoulders.
"Don't get me wrong, like what I told you, I am thankful for what you did but we had to set in our objectives for this arrangement to see things more clearly and plan accordingly" Daphne supplied.
Harry crossed his arms and thought about what he could do or gain from this arrangement. There wasn't much really. Then he remembered Andy's pestering, mails, and gifts from 'people'— mostly from women—, and the betrothal contracts being shoved into his throat.
"How about this, you help me push away people who have been pestering me and act as a buffer with people sending me betrothal contracts" he suggested as he thought of it deeply. Quite frankly his lot wasn't as heavy and life-changing as Daphne's, but it would be a huge favor if those things were brushed off his back.
"Sure, it can easily be done," Daphne said in a confident manner that reminded Harry of sessions where Daphne was prosecutor, "My betting a lot onto this arrangement of ours, yours is little compared to it so it's the least I could do" she continued with a small smile.
Strained.
"So, what's next?" Harry asked, wanting to know how they would make this arrangement work without him or Daphne being blind to what they needed to do.
"Now that we've set our objectives, we have to talk about boundaries. What we can do and what we can't do" She continued, and Harry nodded, listening intently.
"In public, we must show them that we are absolutely smitten with each other" she opened and both Harry and Daphne silently groaned thinking how they could make that work.
"Holding my hand, my things— as you are already doing—, and… kisses" Daphne looked away and Harry had to turn his eyes downwards.
"Those are allowed, but kisses? We have to have like a signal if we're about to do that. I don't want to be caught off guard if you do something like that again" Daphne reprimanded, and Harry mumbled "Same" as he remembered what she did earlier that morning.
"What do you propose our signal should be?" Daphne asked and Harry looked up to meet her eyes. Harry was thinking of inconspicuous ways they could do that.
"It needs something that doesn't attract attention, something not so weird to make people think we're crazy if we say them to each other" Harry quipped, and Daphne scoffed amusedly at him. He stared at Daphne; he couldn't help but think that maybe her eyes do change hues. Earlier, it was steely blue and now they seem brighter.
"Your eyes are really fascinating" Harry mumbled, and he saw Daphne's eyes widen. He internally panicked and tried to salvage the situation by thinking fast.
"I think that could work as a signal, you know" he followed and cleared his throat. He grabbed his glass of water and drank it feeling his throat getting dry. He refused to look at Daphne and found the table they had fascinating.
Merlin, what the hell?!
"I think that's a good idea" Daphne spoke after a moment of silence. Harry could see from his peripheral that she was nodding as she thought of it. Her brows were scrunched together with her hand holding her chin. It was like her head was heavy with ideas that she had to support it with her hand.
"We can use that as a signal for kissing foreheads. I once re-heard- that it was an endearing way of showing affections" Daphne commented and grabbed her own glass of water to drink from.
Harry was curious if Daphne read those romance novels, he once heard Hermione spouting about before. He simply nodded at Daphne putting it in his mind if she did read those.
"Noted" he replied but then realized something that it was only for the forehead… were they really going to use a lot of these?
"The, Uhm, others?" Harry asked, debating whether to open this topic. He really tried to sound casual about it, he didn't want to sound too eager or too bored. He didn't want Daphne to get the wrong idea.
"Yeah those… we should add in eye contact, so we know where we want to kiss," Daphne said, making her voice sound as professional as ever. If Harry didn't know any better, he would think they were discussing the innocence or guilt of the suspect.
The two thought deeply about what they could do about that. Harry tried to think and at the same time watched his own mouth before he could mumble anything again. That was already embarrassing, and he had no plans to embarrass himself even further.
"… I can't help myself…" Daphne mumbled unsurely then looked at Harry with her face serious. She leaned onto the table and neared her face to him. Harry's eyes widened as Daphne looked at his lips and lightly bit her own lips before looking back at his eyes and whispering,
"I can't help myself" and nearing her face to his. Harry sat like a statue not sure what would happen next. His insides were running at paces and knotting themselves with each other unsure what he should do but Daphne stopped and went back to her sear with a triumphant smirk on her face.
"Are you really easily flustered, Head Auror?" Daphne paused and Harry remembered that he held his breath and let go of it. He glared at her, but she only chuckled before asking him.
"How about that?" she asked, and Harry couldn't help but nod at that. It would be perfect and the next time he would be prepared!
"Kiss on the cheek is when with other friends who do not know this arrangement of ours and on the lips… when we want to make a statement of it. Clear?" Daphne asked.
"Crystal"
"Good"
The two continued talking more about what they needed to do. Harry would only kiss her forehead and hands if accompanying Daphne to her office or anywhere work-related. There was also that Harry must always be a gentleman to her, Daphne said it was a must and that it would make things easier for her.
"Why's that?" he asked.
"I like to be treated as a princess" Daphne teased and winked at him. Harry scoffed amusedly and shook his head as the two continued to talk.
Then there was the event they have to attend, Harry did not like the idea of attending balls and events. He never really bothered attending and when he did, not a minute in and he would already be planning how to get himself out there.
"Can we not just attend?" Harry tried but his complaints fell on deaf ears as Daphne continued.
"Attending these upcoming events will help us make a statement that I am committed so are you so those vultures that keep on preying on us can take it as a metaphorical flip off" Daphne explained.
Harry gave a frustrated sigh as he massaged his temple.
"How many events shall we attend, then?" Harry asked.
"Up until the Annual Ministry Ball? There are 4 events we have to attend together"
"No"
"Potter" Daphne sighed
"Greengrass, no, you know I don't really appear on these events. I hate it and coming to 4 events up until the end of this year is already too much for me" Harry explained. He knew people would crowd him there. Ask him questions about Voldemort and things that have happened during his Hogwarts years. It was exhausting and tested Harry's patience.
"Harry those 4 events are already consolidated and those are quite frankly events we really have to attend" Daphne reasoned.
"Can't we just attend 1 or 2 of those?" Harry pleaded.
"Harry, not many people will attend to some of them. The Ministry Annual Ball will probably be the only big "Big" ball there" Daphne reasoned again, and Harry could already feel the headache building up.
"You know, let's just talk about that later on" Harry tried to negotiate. Daphne looked at him and just nodded while letting out a breath.
"Ok, that's for the better" Daphne commented and leaned on her seat. They had been there for almost 2 hours. Harry wasn't expecting this talk to last this long and that tedious. He was not thinking about the papers in his office and reports piling up.
Being Head Auror wasn't all fun as he thought it would be.
"What now?" Harry asked and Daphne looked at him and groaned. He wondered what she was groaning about they've covered a lot of things already and it even included how they supposedly got together.
4 months prior and I asked Daphne to be my girlfriend at a Muggle restaurant we usually go to and we decided to keep the relationship quiet with only Theo and Hermione knowing about it.
"We're supposed to be dating for like 5 months now and we have no idea about each other. Birthday, favorite color, shoe size, and all that stupid stuff" Daphne threw in so Harry groaned too thinking about another round of discussion.
Muggle London
Daphne was extremely tired. Discussion with Potter was both a walk in the park and at the same time reigning in a thrashing and distressed hippogriff. It was going well till they reached the discussion of balls and events. Daphne was aware of Potter's situation and understood where he was coming from. If she were in his shoes, she would have taken advantage of it and made some valuable connections she could use in the future.
Having noticed it was already 3 p.m. the two decided to walk around Muggle London for a while. She wasn't really thrilled returning to the Ministry working on the piles of paper waiting for her. Harry was beside her, still carrying her bag and holding her other hand.
"By the way, how did you know that pub? You seem to be a regular there" Harry initiated as they walked around.
"I just happen to stumble over it when Leaky was full and I didn't want to cook for myself. It's quite funny how it's never full contrary to its name" the two shared a small chuckle before continuing to walk. She chanced a glance at Harry and noticed he was staring deeply at the road — thinking deeply about something that slightly made Daphne curious. Then Harry spoke again.
"So, just to be sure, your favorite color is green, and your favorite dessert is muffins and cheesecake?" Harry asked. They had a quick basic get-to-know discussion earlier just to prepare each other in case of stupid pestering.
"Yes, and yours is red and as you mentioned earlier you would absolutely devour a whole batch of Treacle Tart if asked," Daphne said and smiled seeing Harry's embarrassed look.
They continued walking in a companionable silence just letting their feet carry them. As they were walking, they passed by a small shop that reminded Daphne of the supposedly "double date" they had with Theo and Hermione.
"We need something to bring later," Daphne said and tugged Harry's hands towards the store.
Harry's brows furrowed as they entered the quaint little shop. There were some wine, pastries, and even cake displayed.
"For the double date" Daphne answered as she let go of Harry's hand to look around more.
"What double date?" Harry asked now sounding even more confused than earlier. Daphne was sure she told Harry about the double date earlier that day and he seemed not to remember it.
Morgana give me patience
a/n
hello~ thank you so much for reading this small story of mine! I really, really appreciated the faves, follows, and reviews you all gave me! It really inspires me to write more because of those! I actually just finished it this day since uni works has been eating up my time and I've been going to school with enough energy to keep myself alive, alert, and awake. Because of that, this chapter is not yet beta'd since my friend has been flooded with works too. Once she goes over this chapter, I'll reupload and put on the improved one. I really want to stick to the weekly schedule so, no beta yet. Tell me what you think in the reviews (continue, the kind delivery guys!) and thank you so much for enjoying this story! I hope you continue to enjoy the story moving forward. Thanks and I hope you have a great day/evening ahead!