Chapter 12

The main party had wound down over a few hours of polite fraternizing, dining, and drinking. It was quite a foray of extravagance, which made the following after party all the more hilariously wild.

They were down to about a dozen people, and as soon as the last of the guests who weren't staying left Susan told them they could go change into whatever clothes they brought for the after party. The young woman had promised them anything super casual was fine, so Daphne had changed into just black shorts, and a Slytherin house T-shirt to continue the party upstairs.

Upstairs there was a long table with a pyramid of cups on each side. The rules of Fire Pong were quite simple as they were explained to Daphne. All one had to do was take a small white ball that weighed close to nothing, and toss it into a cup. The opposing team had to drink a single ounce of fire whiskey, and then remove the cup. This was simply done until there were no more cups left on the table making a clear winner.

Daphne had teamed up with Susan, and the two quickly proved to be a tough team to beat. The girls against boys teams proved popular, because the taunting was becoming hilarious. Hannah and Hermione were going against Harry and Neville with the boys about to take a win when Hannah crossed her arms staring at Neville, "You are so sleeping alone tonight if you make this."

The final cup was sitting on the table on the ladies side, while two more were still sitting on the men's side. The game was played without magic so everyone was on a fairly even playing field, while Neville grinned at his girlfriend, "Low blow Abbott. So desperate to win you would attempt to sway me. I thought Hufflepuffs were all about fair play!"

The blonde shrugged, "Hermione is a bad influence."

This made everyone laugh as Hermione shook her head, but Neville closed his eyes, taking the last shot, and making it into the cup with ease. The two witches grumbled, and Hermione took the last drink making the girl sway a little on the spot. Daphne had decided that Hermione was much more intoxicated this go around than she was during the last party, which was a funny site she couldn't wait to tell her sister about.

The final game between Susan/Daphne and Harry/Neville was about to start with bets going around the table from the onlookers. Neville called out, "Oi Greengrass, I think you lied to us about having never played this before."

The girl grinned, "I did say I have never played this version of the game, and that was the truth! Just maybe not the full truth."

Harry and Neville's jaws both fell open as Susan laughed, "Most people play this game with butter beer you nitwits! Just because our group is full of alcohol snobs, and we changed it to make us get drunk faster doesn't mean we invented a whole new game."

This made Harry shake his head, "Slytherin's Neville...always out to play a trick!"

Neville was floating a ball at eye level crossing his arms, "It was a good trick Harry we can respect that. Now we can just crush that unshakable confidence with a smile, and call it a night on this game."

The girls both rolled their eyes while Daphne held out both hands innocently, "We haven't lost yet gentleman. Put your skill where your mouth is, and let's put a wager on it."

The taunt was well received, and Neville along with Harry looked apprehensive when they exchanged looks. Harry asked, "What kind of wager?"

Daphne turned to Susan, "It's your birthday girl. What do you want out of these schmucks?"

Susan put a thoughtful frown on her face, "I can get anything out of Harry anytime, so maybe something humiliating."

Harry surprised Daphne by merely grinning at them, "Don't leave us all in suspense Susie. We aren't scared."

Neville looked warily at his best friend and mumbled, "Speak for yourself mate."

Susans smile matched that of a cat that ate a canary, "For those of you who don't know, one of Harry's least favorite things in the world is singing. Mostly because he is terrible at it. I think a single Karaoke duet between you and Longbottom here would be a great way to end my birthday."

Now even Harry looked a little nervous, and his laugh showed it, "Now Susie let's not be hasty. We do have to all be friends after this."

Daphne however spoke before she could, "It's okay to be scared Harry. We can make the bet a little less humiliating if you're scared."

Neville mumbled, "Oh hell she questioned his bravery."

With the gauntlet thrown it was obvious Harry would not back down by the look on his face that followed her statement, "I will have you know Daphne that my man Neville and I here are THE quintessential Gryffindors, and we would never back down from an honest challenge, but the bet will be matched. If we win then you two girls are going to have to sing a song of our choice!"

Susan's smile didn't break in the slightest, but Daphne's confidence did visibly waver for a split second, "Done."

Ron called out, "Whoever loses this is never going to hear the end of it."

Everyone laughed at that except the four contestants in the contest.

Daphne whispered over to Susan, "I hope you know what you are doing."

The girl chuckled, throwing an arm around the girl's shoulder, "Don't worry if we lose I will spike everyone's drinks so hard including our own that none of us remember what happened."

The game was fairly one sided at first with Harry and Neville coming out on a hot streak clearly displaying the two men did NOT want to have to be the ones embarrassing themselves. No amount of alcohol could possibly make everyone forget what would follow, but the two men had already made a quiet half joking pact to wipe everyone's memory if they lost.

Proving that the two women did not want to go down easily, however, rallied to bring the game to a tie in the final two cups. All four competitors wore serious expressions on their faces as they stared at each other menacingly. Susan called out to Harry as he was preparing for his turn, "No shame in backing out now Harry. Game is all tied up. This could be your last chance."

The man merely shrugged, "You aren't getting me to back down Susan, not when I am about to end this."

Neville leaned over and whispered, "Maybe we should take the out. We will take a good amount of ribbing, but not nearly as much as we would if we lost."

Harry however patted the man on the shoulder with one hand, "Don't lose faith now Neville we've got this."

Harry took his shot across the table and bounced it off the rim of the cup which made the group ring in a loud chorus of boos. Susan's smile had never been bigger as she bounced a ball on the table, "Big mistake Harry."

She tossed hers into one of the two cups easily making everyone cheers, while Neville groaned. Harry however looked unshakably confident as Daphne stepped up to take her shot. The two stared at each other for several seconds until the girl pushed a strand of hair out of her face, and fired the last shot into the final cup. When the ball landed in the cup Harry's smile immediately fell, and he began rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly as everyone cheered.

Neville buried his face in his hands, while the group was shouting songs they wanted to hear the men sing. Harry had already called for an elf to bring him two large glasses of firewhiskey while the two girls embraced laughing maniacally.

Daphne walked over to the man patting his shoulder daintily, "So the man-who-conquered can lose sometimes. Thank Merlin he is as human as the rest of us."

Susan rested her arm on Daphne's shoulder looking at her nails clearly milking their victory, "Oh he is very human, and we are about to see just how great of a singer he is. What do you think Daph? I'm a Barbie Girl? Or Don't Stop Believing?"

This made both men pale, while Daphne just grinned at their discomfort, "They were good sports Sue, I say we take a smidgen of Mercy."

Both men lit up at that, and Daphne followed it up with, "Just a smidgen."

Neville immediately bowed to the woman, "We are not worthy of a Slytherin's mercy! Thank you Daphne."

"Oh you boys are still going to sing, but I want a decent performance, not grumbles because you are so embarrassed at the lyrics." Daphne claimed.

"What did you have in mind oh mighty Pureblood Princess?" Susan asked happily.

Daphne whispered the song into Susan's ear and she immediately laughed. Daphne then turned to the boys, "You have to really put your heart into this one boys or we are going with Susan's original idea of I'm a Barbie Girl, and I will find a pensieve to sell the memory to the highest bidder if you two chicken out."

Ron immediately exclaimed, "Ten thousand galleons right here!"

This made everyone laugh, and knew that the man could likely sell it for much more than that. Harry sighed, "Just tell us what song we are going to sing."

Susan called one of Harry's elves, and told him about the song, but didn't announce it out loud as the elf called out, "Very good madam."

It was a matter of moments before a record player, and a song was playing. The two men downed a nearly full glasses as they both shuddered, and stood to move in front of everyone. Susan tossed them both fake hand microphones making the laughter in the room increase as the men looked incredibly sheepish.

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone.

The old record played, and the two men wised up to sing the song as hilarity ensued. They were egged on by the crowd to get more and more into it, and Susan had to even threaten to change the record once before the two were dancing around the room letting go of all pride. They knew it was a mercy to not have to sing a song about Barbies in front of their closest friends.

It's More Than A Feeling

When I hear that Old song they used to play

I begin dreaming

More than a feeling

As the song finished the two men were pointing at the crowd, and there were tears in the eyes of almost everyone as they had laughed so hard. Susan had gone to embrace both boys' tears streaming down her face as she continued to laugh. They motioned for Daphne to join in on the hug, and she just smiled at the three as she joined in.

Daphne knew she would always look back on the night fondly remembering how little care there was in the world, and the amount of fun they all had together. It was one of the best nights of her young life, and she only wished that she had appreciated the moment more as it was happening, because it would be the last time she laughed like that for a while.

Scene Break

It was a normal Friday night at the end of June when the ladies had all gathered for their usual Ladies Night. The group was smaller than usual with just Hannah, Daphne, Tracey, and Susan among them, but the four friends didn't seem to mind it at all.

The ladies were all hanging around Susan and Hannah's flat having glasses of wine catching up with each other on their respective weeks. Tracey had just taken her NEWT exam, and thought that she had aced it with all of Daphne's help. The group was all planning on a celebration tomorrow to honor all her hard work, but ladies night would not be skipped.

Daphne was thrilled at the aspect of her friend's possible results. Healer Bulstrode had already said she was excited to accept Tracey's application as an apprentice. Daphne had already been told that she may not be a Master of the art herself yet, she was easily ready to take on a trainee. Normally a healer only 3-5 years out of training wouldn't be allowed a trainee, but being as short staffed as they were, and the fact that Daphne was as talented as she is, they were going to make an exception.

Hannah had told them that Leaky Cauldron had been crazy busy the last two weeks since Hogwarts had gotten out, but she was happy to see the place bringing in so much business. Her apprenticeship was going well with Madam Pomfrey as well, and she even told them about a particularly nasty quidditch injury that she had dealt with in the last match between Slytheirn and Ravenclaw.

Susan had explained to everyone that things were going well in the auror department. With the new captains getting settled, and the hierarchy finally getting accepted at every level of the department so things were good. She even told the group that Harry was preparing to officially revoke the deputy auror badges that allowed his special forces auror team to operate. This was a step towards peace that they were all happy to hear about.

Daphne and Susan were conversing about current events, and the upcoming Quidditch World Cup. They were a little over a month away from the highly anticipated event, and the English National Team was hanging in there as contenders, "Wood looks unstoppable, and as much as I hate to admit it the little Weasley looks awesome out there. I think we have a shot."

Susan was very hopeful that the group would all get together and watch the finals together in their own backyard, but Daphne shrugged, "I think it's cool that England is still in it, and that we are big contenders, but I will be happy to go to the game regardless of who is in it."

Susan nodded in acceptance, "I know, but it would be so much more exciting if we get to watch our own country play! With people we know!"

The girls had this conversation basically every week after England's victory. Tracey chimed in, taking a moment away from her conversation with Hannah, "They still have to get through tonight though. The Irish won't be playing softball. I think it's cool that Harry and them are going to that game. I am sure little Teddy is over the moon!"

It was true that Harry had scored a few tickets, and was taking Ron, Hermione, and Teddy to the game tonight in Belfast. That is about as neutral as a territory can be for two teams. It will be home field advantage for both basically.

Hannah sighed, "I wish we all could've gone! They better keep an eye on Teddy too, the girls at the game will be swooning over him in his little National Team Jersey."

It was true that Harry had gotten pretty much everyone in the group Oliver Wood jerseys in support of his former captain, and Teddy had looked absolutely adorable in his.

"Susan! Susan are you there?" A voice called from nearby before anyone could comment on Teddy.

Susan held a hand with a smile, "One second ladies."

Susan walked over to the fireplace, and pointed her wand accepting the call, "Hello Hermione. I wasn't expecting to hear from you for a few more hours?"

The table went quiet at the floo call so Daphne was able to hear the annoyed voice of Hermione Granger, "Will you send Harry our way. We have been waiting on him for over an hour."

Susan frowned, "I haven't seen Harry all evening Hermione. I didn't even see him when I left the office earlier. Have you checked with Amanda?"

"I did, and she said that he was with you." Hermione said, clearly irritated.

All the witches present recognized the name of Harry's Personal Assistant. The girl was a very happy go lucky Hufflepuff that Harry had hired straight out of Hogwarts. She had charmed him all the way through her interview process, and he offered her a job inside a week. The girl was a very hard worker though, and this mistake in communication was certainly an odd occurrence.

Susan however now looked concerned, "That's odd. I saw him a little after lunch as I was walking to my office, but other than that nothing. I certainly did not leave with him. I've been having drinks with the girls. They are all here at my place. Check with Andromeda, maybe he went to pick up Teddy, and got side tracked?"

"That's where I am now. Harry was supposed to take everyone to the game tonight. We were supposed to all meet at Andy's place. Like I said though we have been waiting for an hour." Hermione said now starting to sound worried instead of annoyed.

Susan also looked concerned, but said nothing as Hermione said, "Harry can be a little scatterbrained, but I know how much he was looking forward to this match. I am going to step through if that is okay. Maybe we should go check his place."

Susan nodded her acceptance and stepped back from the fireplace. Before they knew it Hermione Granger was standing in the Living Room with Susan wearing a navy blue dress that had the Union Jack symbol emblazoned on the front lapel. Daphne had rarely ever seen the girl dressed up, and had to admit the Muggleborn girl was quite beautiful. She turned to the girls at the table, "Hello girls. Sorry to crash in on your girls night, but it seems Harry has run off somewhere."

Hannah frowned, "It's unlike Harry to miss any plans he makes with Teddy. Especially when Quidditch is involved"

Hermione nodded, "Yes it is odd, but I am sure he will have an explanation. I sent Ron to check the office, and speak to Amanda in person if she is still there, and I am going to borrow Susan for a few minutes, while we are going to go to his place to see if he is there. I will be right back with her."

Daphne immediately stood up, "Maybe I should go too. In case he is hurt."

Susan and Hermione exchanged looks, but neither protested. Susan finally nodded, "Alright Daphne. Take my arm, we are going to go through some pretty powerful wards.

The former Slytherin nodded, grabbing onto Susan, and the three disapparated.

(A/N) So our Department Head is missing. If you're not detecting foul play then you should be! Welcome back to another chapter of the Survivors. I have really been progressing nicely with the story. I just finished Chapter 23 a few days ago, so I am happy to say while this story is maintaining its popularity we can continue updates every Wednesday! Thanks for all the support from you guys, it's because of the words you leave that keeps me motivated on this story. Cheers to you all, and see you next week!

In response to reviews:

Not saying who, but someone is on the money of where this may be going.

To Averlovi this story will remain HarryXDaphne only. Susan is only an important side character who is stealing the role of Daphne's best friend because the two witches mesh so well, and I love her character soooooo...shes here to stay, but won't be stepping in on the relationship for anything serious.

To Vanille: I agree with you on several points, but Hermione pointing out the cupboard isn't that big of a deal. Harry conquered those demons many years ago, and the Wizarding World at large knew about it at least in movie canon, so she wasn't breaking confidence. Just reminding her friends how far the man had come. Daphne's comment about Tracey was also a joke not a serious comment of her best friend being a slut or something lol. Thanks for the reviews, and I am glad to hear your thoughts, because if you interpreted these things this way that means others might have as well so I can adjust future writing as necessary to not portray my characters as backstabbers or sluts. Cheers!