Chapter 10

Daphne had been in somewhat of a mood the rest of the week. The last conversation she had with her mother was really grating on her nerves. She knew coming from a family of Slytherin's who had more ambition than perhaps what was healthy that things like this could happen, but for some reason this whole situation really rubbed her the wrong way. Particularly after Harry and Susan had gone out of their way to see that she felt safe in her own home.

It was obvious that Tracey could tell something had upset her bestfriend by the way she was getting terse or short responses at work that week, and by the time Friday had rolled around to her days off she was tempted to call Susan and ask her for a rain check. The only thing that stopped her was that it was really the only thing she had been looking forward to all week, so when Tracey asked her as she was leaving her shift Friday morning if she would be seeing her that night she promised her that she would.

As Daphne was getting ready in her flat she heard the increasingly familiar chime from her fireplace indicating a call was coming through. Feeling her irritation rising thinking her mother was contacting her she pointed her wand at the fireplace, and instead the face of her sister was there, "Hello Daphne, my aren't you looking dressed up. Date tonight?"

Daphne grumbled slightly, but came closer to floo to speak with Astoria, "No just a girls night out with Tracey and some friends."

Astoria raised an eyebrow at this, "Wow my boring sister actually has plans on a Friday night. You were going to be my saving grace for something to do. I am actually shocked. If you are going out with some of the other girls from work do you think they would mind if I joined?"

Daphne bit her lip at this, and wondered immediately if her sister was fishing for information, "I would invite you, but Tracey and I are both kind of new to this group, and it's our first time joining them. If it goes well I'd be happy to bring you another day."

This made the younger woman frown, "Who exactly are you going out with?"

Trying to make it seem like no big deal she immediately said, "Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, maybe Hermione Granger and a few others."

"Wow, it seems like a lot has changed since we spoke last week if you are dining with celebrities like Granger." Astoria said teasingly.

Daphne kept an even face happy for once Tracey wasn't blabbing about their social life, "I am a little surprised Tracey didn't run to tell you. We spent the evening last week at Harry Potter's ancestral home, and had a good time during the anniversary of the Battle. Susan Bones and I struck up a friendship, and we liked the rest of the girls too so we made plans to get drinks tonight."

"Well there's the interesting news of the week. Mother called me just a few days ago suggesting that I check in on you. Did you two get into a row?" Astoria asked carefully.

"A topic for another night. I have to get going soon or I am going to be late." Daphne said effectively dodging the question.

The young woman frowned at her sister's evasiveness, "Well you are off tomorrow too right? Perhaps we can get a late lunch, and you can tell me all about this party, and your first hand accounts of our new Head of the DMLE."

"Call me tomorrow, and let me know where we are going to meet." Daphne said with finality.

"Have a good time Daph, and don't do anything I wouldn't." The girl said with a laugh as she closed the floo connection.

Taking a deep breath Daphne tried to shake off the bad vibes that had been following her for nearly a week, and disapparated to Falmouth.

The wizarding community was fairly small in Falmouth, but Susan swore by a good restaurant / bar in the area, which is where the witches had all agreed to meat. The Lazy Irshman was a charming little restaurant that was built by brick, and seemed to be old, but much more modern than the Leaky Cauldron. The lights on the inside and outside were pretty, and the vibe the place was giving off on a Friday night was calmer than she perhaps expected.

Entering the establishment she was greeted by a host in all black. A rather dainty female who looked to be seventeen at most, "Just one ma'am?"

"I am actually meeting friends. Is the bar open seating?"

The hostess nodded, and when Daphne stepped past her as she immediately saw Tracey, Hannah, and Susan laughing and a small smile came to her face as she crossed over to them, "Getting started without me?"

Susan was wearing jeans, and a red flannel blouse as she pushed out a stool towards her giving her a cheeky grin, "If our Pureblood Princess could show up on time we wouldn't start without her."

Daphne rolled her eyes, "I am hardly even what most would call fashionably late."

Hannah smiled in greeting at the girl, "Hey Daphne, have an okay week?"

"I didn't have aurors scare years off my life in the middle of the night, so it was a lot better than last week." Daphne said, looking at Susan with a light glare.

Susan held her hands up, "Sorry, sorry, next time we will just let the man die. You ask a woman to do her job one time, and she never lets you hear the end of it."

The other two girls laughed at the banter, and Daphne ordered a cocktail from the bar, and then asked, "What about you ladies? Hannah I am afraid I don't even know what you do for a living?"

The blonde girl was drinking a butterbeer, and her long blonde hair was neatly tied up. Daphne had never really spoken with the Hufflepuff witch while they were in school, but she knew the girl's reputation of being kind. In her T-shirt and jeans she looked younger than the rest of them, but knew that wasn't much to judge a girl on when she answered, "My work week is at the Leaky Cauldron. My Uncle Tom used to run the place, but he passed it to me and my cousins after the war. On the weekends I apprentice under Madame Pomfrey though at Hogwarts. When she retires I hope to take her position. That way Neville and I can continue to be close, and still do what we love."

Tracey elbowed the girl lightly, "So we are looking at the next Lady Longbottom then huh?"

Hannah blushed lightly, "Well it's been almost three years so I am hoping for a ring in the somewhat near future. I think he wants to finish his work with Harry before he commits to a future."

Susan was quiet at this, and by the look that flashed across her face Daphne suspected the redhead knew more than she was letting on about that particular topic. The healer suspected Hannah was closer than she realized to why Neville had yet to propose to her, and it made the blonde girl's heart clench a little bit at the thought.

Tracey missed the byplay and comforted the girl, "Well it won't last forever, and I am sure Harry will throw all the non-aurors out of his department as soon as the job is done."

Susan picked it up at this, "You better believe it. You have no idea how much more paperwork we have to do for all these people who don't technically belong in our department anymore."

"How was week one with the new Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement?" Tracey asked with a smile.

Susan grinned, "It was entertaining. There are five auror captains in our department. Theoretically four of the five are equals, and then there is a head Auror. So the chain of command is Harry, then the head auror, then the four other auror captains all defer to those two positions, and the bottom line is to report to Harry. On his first day he canned two of them, and demoted another. He has certainly been stirring the pot, and I check his wards everytime I end up at his place. I keep expecting to find someone trying to break in and have a go at him. It damn near started when he fired Pius Thicknesse."

Daphne's eyes widened immediately recognizing the name, "The former Minister? I didn't realize he was still in the Ministry."

Tracey held up a hand, "Hold that thought, I want to know just how many times a week you end up over at Harry's place."

Susan blushed deeply and Hannah grinned at the girl, "Our Suzie is over there most nights, but she swears that they aren't shagging every night."

"WE AREN'T!" Susan yelled back at the girl making all three burst out into laughter, "Unlike the rest of you we take our work home. The poor man is ready for this all to be over so he can just do the job he's paid to do."

Silence followed for a few seconds until Tracey asked, "So you don't even shag him at all?"

This made the girl grin a bit, "Now I didn't say that."

This made all the girls laugh again, while Hannah shook her head, "You filthy harlot!"

Tracey laughed, "Well someone has to keep the man-who-conquered satisfied. Better watch out Bones or it may be me someday."

Susan lifted her eyebrows, "Fancy having a go at him? I think he might be receptive."

"I'd never go for anything serious with him. Too much action for me. Plus I barely dealt with the reporters the other night at the hospital very well, I don't think I would be a good witch for him. Though don't get me wrong he is gorgeous, and his aura is palpable. Not to mention rich, and incredibly nice, but not beyond a fling for me." Tracey said wistfully.

Daphne rolled her eyes at her best friend, "She nearly melted into him last weekend though so we will see how she holds up on their next encounter."

"What was this about reporters at the hospital?" Hannah asked.

"There were dozens of them the first night Daph came back to work. Healer Bulstrode about had their heads tucked between their legs though when she started cursing the lot of them." Tracey said with a laugh.

Hannah rolled her eyes, "Some people can be real shitty. Hard to believe they would stoop so low as stalking you at a Hospital."

Susan however had quite the look on her face as she followed the conversation, "Healer Bulstrode any relation to Millicent Bulstrode from our Hogwarts class?"

Daphne nodded, "Yes it was her mother. I apprenticed under her right out of Hogwarts."

Susan looked disturbed by this, and Hannah seemed to catch on to why, and a feeling of dread went through Daphne's core. She had a feeling, but she didn't want to know for sure, so she immediately changed the subject, "But anyways I want to hear about Pius Thicknesse."

Susan looked happy at the change of subject, "He's an impotent asshole. Stunningly lazy, and I am glad we are shot of him. He pleaded the whole Imperius Curse nonsense which may have been true, but he was always a sympathizer, and we don't need that in our department right now. He was furious however that Harry demanded his resignation, and said that he would never forget the fact that they fought against each other in the final battle of the war. Runcorn was the other Captain he fired. Another sympathizer."

Tracey then asked, "So Harry was the head auror before all this right? You took his badge so are you the new head auror now?"

Susan gave the table a grin, "That's right. Number two in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I did it ten years faster than Aunt Amelia did."

Hannah chuckled, "You will beat her to the head position a lot faster than that I think too. Give it a few years. Harry will join us at Hogwarts or be the next Minister of Magic, and the spot will be yours for the taking."

Daphne sipped at her drink asking, "Who did Harry replace the three auror Captains with anyways? That's almost your entire leadership staff."

Susan grinned, "Hestia Jones was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, and a fighter at the Battle of Hogwarts. She was his first pick. The other surprised even me when he took Seamus Finnegan. Seamus has some black spots on his resume, but ever since he joined our team he has really straightened up over the last two years. The last spot he gave to a man named Marcus Savage. It was Tonks' friend, and she always spoke highly of him. He is a damn good auror, and as by the books as we can ask for."

"Can't stop talking about me, can you Bones? Am I just never far from your mind?" A thick irish accent came from behind.

Daphne turned in her chair to see Seamus Finnegan coming from the entrance with two people she didn't recognize, and Dean Thomas.. Susan responded back, "Careful Captain Finnegan you are speaking to your Senior Auror."

The grin on the man didn't even fade a little, "My apologies Captain Bones. My lads and I were just out for a drink for the first time to properly celebrate my appointment."

Dean immediately chimed in towards Susan, "Congratulations on Head Auror by the way Sue. You deserve it."

Susan granted the black man a smile while Hannah returned the compliment to other auror captain, "Congratulations to you as well Seamus. Susan was just telling us that Harry selected you to be a Captain. That's a big responsibility on your shoulders."

Seamus puffed out his chest a little bit, "Potter and I had lots of words before he gave me the appointment. He won't be disappointed in his pick." His eyes then wandered over to Daphne, "Oi Greengrass you are looking pretty tonight. Let me buy you a drink."

Susan put a hand on Daphne before she could move, respond, or think, "No chance Seamus. Daphne has a better chance at going home with me than you."

"Now there's a pleasant thought." Seamus said cheekily, and for the first time Daphne realized the man may already be drunk.

Susan turned to the bartender, "Sir a round of firewhiskey for my friend and his three companions. He was just promoted to Auror Captain under Harry Potter himself."

This led to a slight applause around the bar, and Seamus grinned, "Thanks Bones. Now-"

"The drink wasn't completely free, Seamus. There are a lot of pretty witches here tonight, and my girls and I are trying to have a quiet night to chat. Take your drinks and set your aims elsewhere." Susan said coldly.

Seamus didn't seem to be getting the hint, but Dean caught on faster. It was clear that his best friend's boss's welcome was quickly wearing thin, "My apologies Captain Bones. You ladies all have a goodnight. Come on Seamus."

Seamus grinned drunkenly and winked at Daphne as he was guided off towards a booth towards the back of the restaurant. As soon as they left Tracey whistled quietly, "Damn Susan what did Seamus do to piss you off?"

Hanah answered for her, "He has been trying to get with Susan for a long time. Even brings other women around thinking it would make her jealous."

"I can't stand the little twat. What Harry sees in him after all these years, and with all the shit he caused at Hogwarts during our fifth year I really don't understand." Susan said, clearly fuming mad.

Hannah put an arm on her hand, "What do you say we take this back to our place? We have plenty of wine back home for everyone, and I just cleaned up last night when I got home."

Susan sighed, and nodded offering apologetic smiles to the girls, "What do you say girls? Want to come hang out at our place for a bit? I don't want to be culpable for murdering Finnegan tonight."

Tracey asked, "You two live together?"

Hannah grinned, "Oh yeah we have a real nice flat in Diagon Alley. We have shared a place since we were eleven, and didn't fancy the change when we graduated. Besides with our schedules we hardly ever get in each other's ways. It works for us."

Susan said, "Daphne I will sidealong you through the wards so we don't have to walk. Hannah can you do the same for Tracey?"

The girls all agreed on the arrangement and disapparated across England back to London. Arriving at Susan and Hannah's flat was pretty spectacular. First of all the place was huge, and in comparison to Daphne's place a work of art. There were decorations, pictures, and small pieces of art hanging up everywhere. Bookshelves, and furniture sporadically, yet strategically placed around the area to make the place look as nice as possible. Hannah smiled, "Home sweet home. Can I get you girls a glass of wine?"

Tracey and Daphne both accepted while Susan went and took a seat at the table that looked like it could've sat six comfortably. Tracey looked amazed, "This place is so nice! Must've taken you guys years to furnish it completely."

Susan laughed, "Hannah and I will have to get a divorce when we get our own place, because we bought it all together over the years."

Hannah shook her head, "With the salary you will be getting as the Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement I am making you restart when we split."

This made the girls all laugh as the glasses of wine were handed out. Tracey asked, "Where is Harry tonight anyways?"

Susan shrugged, "Probably still at the office if I had to guess. I think he may have had plans with Ron and Hermione tonight, but I'm not sure. I didn't see him when I was leaving, but Hermione told me that's why she was giving tonight a miss."

"Was it weird stepping into the friendship of the Golden Trio?" Tracey asked with a giggle.

Susan shook her head, "Thankfully Neville had already broken down the door for the most part. By the time I stepped into the picture Ron and Hermione were attached at the lips so Harry was ready for some new friends."

"When are they getting married?" Daphne asked politely.

Hannah shrugged, "I think they are like us, they want everything to be over before they start their lives together. Ron needs to get back to his brother's business, and Hermione needs to be sure she is ready to settle down with children, because from what I understand Ron is ready to start having them as soon as the words I do are said."

Tracey chuckled, "Hermione is going to end up the Molly Weasley of our generation if she isn't careful. I think Ron would be thrilled with half a dozen or so kids."

Susan smiled, "Harry would be happy. He looks at those two like family, and he plans to spoil all of their kids. As much as he does his own Godson. They are going to have a full quidditch team!"

"Speaking of Quidditch I heard you and Harry talking about the World Cup the night I came back to work. How are preparations for that going?" Daphne asked.

Susan frowned, "They aren't great. Harry really wanted to postpone the Cup's arrival in England one more year. He told Kingsley that he was confident he would have this little resurgence crushed within another year, but Kingsley was adamant that our economy needed the help. I think the last time it was here is weighing heavily on his mind. However you can't take the Quidditch Player out of him, because anytime we talk he has high hopes for England."

Hannah grinned, "That would be a hell of a spectacle if England got the home field advantage."

"Yes, and the boys in our group are all Quidditch fanatics, so I am certain it will be quite the party. We will probably have to hire outside contractors to help with security for the event if all of us want to attend." Susan said jokingly.

Tracey asked curiously, "Anyone we know making it to the National Team?"

Hannah nodded, "Ginny was in the selection process. Oliver Wood is a shoe in for sure. Gwenog Jones was already named Captain, and I am thinking this could be one of her last years. As far as chasers go I think Alicia Spinnet was considered, but she didn't perform as well as she could have in the playoffs so that may have cost her a spot."

"Three former Gryffindors being on the National Team would've just been unfair. No one else from the other three houses even put up one player." Tracey grumbled sipping her wine.

"There is a reason they were so good. Especially when Oliver was running the team. Cedric was the only one to ever beat them, and the dementors definitely played a part in that match. It's too bad Madame Hooch never agreed to the rematch." Susan said bitterly.

"Did Harry ever consider going pro?" Daphne asked curiously.

Susan frowned at the question, "Honestly I don't know. He has talked to me about how much he loved the game, but never about wanting to play at that level."

"He certainly could have if he wanted to. Some people just don't want to make their hobbies too serious. It ruins it sometimes." Hannah said wisely.

Susan frowned at the comment, but said nothing further as she offered to refill everyone's drink. Some time passed as the girls enjoyed their drinks, and it wasn't long before two new guests arrived.

Harry and Neville came through the Floo Network one after another. They were laughing about something or another when they spotted the four girls who had gone quiet at their arrival. Neville piped up first, "Oh sorry ladies. We thought you lot might still be out having a good time."

Neville walked over to the table and kissed Hannah on the cheek as he greeted each of the women, while Harry just gave everyone apologetic smiles. Susan asked Harry, "I thought you had plans with Hermione and Ron?"

"I did! We took Teddy to a Puddlemere game, but Alexis Murray caught the snitch in the first hour. We had already been to dinner as well, so I took Teddy back to my place for a bit when Neville popped in. Poor bloke was on his own for the evening, and seeking companionship so we played with Teddy before taking him home, and stopped by here to check in on things before we went back to my place." Harry explained easily with a smile.

Hannah looked at the two boys suspiciously, but shrugged after a moment, "Well that was nice of you boys. What are you two going to get up to for the rest of the night?"

The two looked at each other for a moment, before Neville shrugged, "Probably just have a few drinks at Harry's."

Something seemed a little off to Daphne, and by the look that passed between Susan and Hannah they agreed. Hannah offered, "Well if the girls don't mind you two could join us."

Harry responded a little too fast to be believable, "That's really okay ladies. We don't want to intrude."

Daphne however protested. "We would love to have you guys join us."

Tracey nodded offering a smile at Harry. The two men exchanged looks, and with an almost imperceptible shake of Harry's head Neville smiled, "Thanks for the offer, but it's a girls night you ladies enjoy yourselves."

Clearly losing his courage Neville disapparated leaving Harry standing at the table sheepishly, "Well have a good evening ladies."

Susan crossed her arms glaring at the boy before he gave her a cheeky smile and followed suit. The girls all blinked before Tracey asked, "What was that all about?"

Hannah frowned, "I'm not sure."

"Do they usually come and go like that?" Daphne asked curiously.

Susan nodded, "Sure. Neville is half way down the aisle with Hannah, and with Harry being one of our closest friends they are both keyed into the wards to come and go. We are both able to do the same at their flats, but that was odd."

Tracey chimed in with a question, "They must really not have expected to see us, but why stop by then?"

"Harry is pretty paranoid. He pops in and out of places all the time just to check on everybody. He does it for Andromeda and Teddy a few times a day if he can manage it. I am sure that's all it was." Susan said as if she was assuring herself.

The girls wound down from there, and finished their drinks before calling it a night. It had been some of the most relaxing fun Daphne had in a while, and she was already looking forward to the next go around which they had promised to do at least one more time before Susan's Birthday at the end of the month.

(A/N) Lots of foreshadowing in this chapter, and another one is in the books. Thanks for tuning in everyone, and I hope you enjoyed the latest installment.

Not a lot of reviewers from the last chapters so not much to comment on this week, so I will see you all next Wednesday.

Final side note. I am now on discord, so please feel free to join me at the Emerald Library and chat with me on my channel. I will provide the link below, just get rid of the spaces in between, because FanFiction breaks the links. Cheers!

discord. gg/ mnwDgtcbfd

This is at last our first real update that came prepared and approved by my beta JamesMarx! Shout out to him, and hopefully we can play the long game together, and get the rest of my stories up to snuff in time. Cheers!