Chapter 22

She could not even bring herself to cry as she sat on the couch at Harry's apartment. She had been keyed into the wards just a week before, and the man arrived within minutes after Daphne did. The sight he took in made the aurors heart heavy. The young healer that had saved his life months before had her head buried in her hands. Her shoulders were shaking in such a way he could tell the girl was sobbing softly.

Harry approached the girl carefully announcing his arrival, "Daphne? What's going on?"

The young woman shook her head trying to find words to tell the man what happened, but nothing came to her right away. After several long moments of silence Harry took a seat next to Daphne, and wrapped an arm around the girl bringing her tightly to his body, whispering quietly, "I can't help if you don't tell me what happened? Is this about your mom's vote today?"

She immediately shook her head, but managed to choke out, "That was what started it all, but then something else happened."

Harry kept his arm around her comfortingly, "You know you don't have to talk about it. We could just eat ice cream, and let you cry it out."

This made the girl let out a sobbing laugh as she wiped at her eyes gently, "Of all the people in the world that I would want to talk about this with you are one of the few that would understand. I just...I am still coming to terms with what I learned."

Harry patiently sat with her, leaving his arm around the distraught young woman waiting for her to speak, "I should have done more in the War."

This made Harry frown immediately, and after a long silence he commented, "You fought in the final battle when we needed you the most. That is all we could've ever asked for. Anymore and you may not have been here with me today."

Frustrated, the healer separated from the man to look him in the eye, "I should have been with you all from the beginning."

Harry shook his head, putting a soft hand on her cheek, "Daphne we won the war, and we all lost a lot of people along the way. Any additions to the group would have meant more people would have died. We were lucky this many of us survived. Besides it would've been social suicide to befriend us while you were wearing those hideous green robes."

The girl chuckled through the tears again at his words, "As if that ugly Gryffindor red was any better?"

"Don't even try to deny that your color scheme was terrible." The man said with a laugh.

The two fell into another more comfortable silence, and Daphne seemed to at least be able to refrain from sobbing. She stared at the wall that had the newspapers on the wall in Harry's apartment and sighed, "How different life could've been without Voldemort...You could've grown up with parents. Been the greatest Quidditch Player to ever play the game. I could've had my father watch me graduate, and watch me take the position I dreamed of as a little girl. He would've seen me cure the blood curse. We would have been happy."

The young woman stood on her feet now pacing around the apartment as Harry watched her carefully, She seemed content to walk about the place under the watchful eyes of the young man that sought her affection. She wore a contemplative look on her face when she stopped in front of the article that declared Harry the Head of Department Magical Law Enforcement and asked in a whisper, "Do you think we would've met? Became friends?"

She heard him stand, and shortly after she felt his arms go around her waist, and returned her whisper with his own close to her ear, "I believe so. You say I would've been some great Quidditch player well I have to admit I was pretty accident prone in my competition days. I don't doubt I would've found myself in your ward one way or another with my life in your hands."

With those words said he placed a soft kiss on her lower jaw, and she closed her eyes lifting her head exposing her jaw for Harry to pepper soft kisses on her skin, and she fought back the moan that threatened to spill out. She turned to face the man suddenly and grabbed his shirt roughly slamming her lips onto his. She was pushed up against the wall before she could contemplate what would follow the kiss, and when they separated they were both heaving for breath. He shuddered out, "Well I have only wanted to do that for about three months now."

This made the young woman grin slightly, "You definitely should have."

Harry looked like he thought about pursuing the kiss further, but the look in her eyes showed hesitation, and he wasn't sure if that was because her need to get whatever she came for off her chest, or if she wasn't ready for the next step. Regardless he took a small step backwards giving her room with a reassuring smile. She frowned slightly at this, "You know if things hadn't been so horrible with my mother earlier I have no doubt this would've ended...differently."

Of all the things to do the man just winked at her as he strolled back towards the couch, "I'm a patient man. There's no need to rush, and I think whatever is bothering you needs to be-"

"I want to talk about it." She interrupted, and then seemed to realize it was slightly rude she blushed and continued with, "Please."

With her plea she offered her hand, and the two returned to the couch sitting as close as ever, and Daphne took a deep breath, "Do you know how my father died?"

The question seemed to catch Harry off guard, "Yes. Kingsley told me a few days after the Battle of Hogwarts Anniversary. Said your dad was one of few traditionalists he adamantly respected, and that was even more added onto after what happened the night the Ministry fell."

Daphne's eyes widened, and first impression was to get angry, but then she realized they had never truly spoken about her fathers death. They had always been vague, and never went into detail. There was no way he would have known the way she believed her father had died. This choked her up, but she shook her head, "My mother thought it would be best to tell us a different version of the story. She didn't want us to...she didn't want Astoria and I to…"

The tears were back, and Harry once again had his arms wrapped around her, "Shit Daphne I am so sorry. I should've honored your father, and spoke of his bravery."

"This isn't your fault Harry. It's a sensitive topic, and you knew it. I wouldn't have dared to breach the topic with me either. It just makes me so angry. We won the war, but I didn't get to make them pay for what they did to my father. I almost didn't go back to fight. Now I know I should've been fighting these bastards since day 1." Daphne said in anger.

The Potter Lord stared at the girl before him with a sad smile that she didn't understand. He gently pushed back some hair that had fallen in front of her face back behind her ear saying, "Day one of all this shit was a lot longer ago for me than it was for most, and I am happy you weren't forced into experiencing what I did. I am not saying you couldn't have handled it, but I am happy you didn't have to. You had a childhood, and a loving family. Don't ever forsake that, especially not for something like revenge. You did all you could, and you have to believe that. Now the war may be over, but as you can see the fighting isn't. If you want to honor your father, then honor his beliefs, and make sure it wasn't all for nothing"

Daphne shook her head sadly. Harry was right of course. It was silly to wish she had grown up in the war as he had. She wished she had done more in the name of her father during the war, but perhaps more importantly is what they do now, and what they will do going forward to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Now more than ever she understood why Harry decided to pick up an auror badge. The speech Harry made the night he accepted the head of Magical Law Enforcement resonated through her mind, and the affection she felt for the man rose sharply.

"I've decided to take my place as the head of the Greengrass family. I have to do every bit of good I can do in this world that I can." Daphne said passionately.

"You are certainly going to turn some heads if you move towards the progressive faction." Harry said with a warning clear in his voice.

"Then I am going to need some allies to keep me safe." She said back pointedly.

Harry shook his head with a smile, "You could have them, and a very dedicated...protector if you wished for him to stand beside you."

Daphne faked a look of thoughtfulness as she stepped closer to Harry, "A protector you say? Sounds invasive to my privacy."

"He certainly could be, but only as much as you wanted him to be." The young man said cheekily.

"I don't think my boyfriend would approve of anything like that. He is fairly new in my life and I bet he wouldn't like the competition." Daphne said quietly, putting a hand softly on the man's chest.

"Boyfriend?" Harry questioned, "I think I like the sound of that."

With those words being said Harry grabbed the girls chin and lifted her face up placing another soft kiss on her lips.

The remaining days leading up to Harry's birthday came and went as July turned to August. The trial of Tiberius Nott was left in the rearview mirror, and the group celebrated Harry and Neville's birthday like it would be their last. The drinking, the games, and the company were of course among the highlights of the evening, but the real special moment was when Neville got down on one knee for Hannah and asked her to marry him. The whole group was over the moon with the advancement of the duo's relationship. When the hugs were given, and plans began to get made it was easily decided that Harry would be Neville's best man, while Susan would be Hannah's Maid of Honor. It was a night that most of them likely wouldn't remember when it was all said and done, but the group was finally putting the death of their friend Seamus behind them. Even Tracey seemed to be slowly re-emerging from her shell.

In other news the English National Team had successfully secured their spot in the Quidditch World Cup Finals. They would be facing off against the American team that had conquered their way through the bracket. This meant that poor Harry was working nearly double his normal hours to prepare security for the event. As he had already foretold he had made an effort to acquire a dozen tickets for the game, and had invited his whole group, and of course his Godson Teddy to enjoy the game.

With the help of Hermione, Harry had negotiated a very good deal with the ICW to get dozens of hit wizards and aurors to help out with security. In return he would travel abroad and work wandless magic with foreign emissaries instructors to help run basic self defense classes, as well as picking up the tab for all the food, and lodging the visitors would need. Harry had felt he had received the better end of the bargain, but of course knew Susan and himself would be on call at a moment's notice if something were to happen. Needless to say the man had been on cloud 9 since his old Captain had secured England its first chance at a World Cup in over 200 years.

Nearly two weeks of August had passed and the group was busier than they had ever been. In between getting ready for the big Quidditch weekend and Daphne having been sworn into the Wizengamot the group had been working on forming a large political voting block that would only help push the progressive agenda further and further. Of course the political maneuvers didn't come without repercussions. It started with subtle threats in the Wizengamot chambers. Those quickly evolved into death threats via letter. She had shaken all these things off as best she could, but she still felt a little nervous at work being so exposed.

That's where Daphne found herself on Thursday night going into Friday morning. This would be the start of some of her hard earned vacation time, and she was greatly looking forward to the coming weeks. Harry had already planned on taking some time off himself after the World Cup was over, and his plan was to take her and Teddy onto the continent for a little vacation. It was a big step for the duo, but Daphne was anxiously looking forward to the trip, and taking time to get to know little Teddy Lupin better. The young boy who had captured her boyfriend's heart, was golden. Harry had already roared with laughter through Daphne's first proper introduction to the young boy when he asked his godfather if he was dating a veela. After that Teddy had proven to be very attentive and curious in Daphne's life and profession, and the young woman did her best to answer his questions in a way that would make sense to a five year old little boy.

The thoughts of Teddy made her smile as she went through her paperwork. Tracey had been in Healer training for the last several weeks, which left Daphne alone to do her own deskwork, and feel incredibly lonely through the long nights. Of course sometimes they managed to find a fill in, but the hospital was just unable to find competent staff to keep up with the demands, and frustrations continued through an overworked staff.

Daphne was doing a patient check around midnight that evening when she heard the familiar ding of the elevator. Sighing in anticipation of a late night Emergency Room call she strode to the front to see the back of an older woman behind the counter. She was wearing a pair of nice looking robes, and Daphne immediately went to address this woman, "I'm sorry ma'am this area is for authorized healers only."

When the woman turned Daphne immediately wished she had bitten her tongue. The woman standing before her was beyond a passing familiarity to the young healer. The fact that she had never turned up or visited Daphne on night shift after her promotion to shift lead was eyebrow raising indeed, but still she would've held her tongue if she had known it was her former supervisor.

Before Daphne could retract her faux pax the woman gave her a disgruntled greeting that sounded cold and swift, "Lady Greengrass good evening."

Daphne straightened a little, and placed her clipboard down on the counter, while folding her hands in front of her, "Lady Bulstrode. This is a pleasant surprise."

"Yes I do suppose it is." The woman said with the same hint of ice her greeting had as she stepped away from the counter.

Daphne hesitated for only a moment wondering just what the woman may have been doing before saying, "What can I do for you this evening?"

The woman chuckled mirthlessly, "It's not what you can do for me Lady Greengrass it is what I can do for you."

This made Daphne blink hard. She took in the woman's appearance quickly, and realized the older woman was looking much healthier than she had in the last few months. Her hollowed cheeks look fuller, and she no longer looked as frail or sleep deprived as she had previously. This was a well rested lady of the Wizengamot that her father before her had respected and allied with. Cautiously she took the bait offered, "Okay what are you going to do for me then Lady Bulstrode?"

The woman smiled, but there was no joy or kindness in it when she said, "I believe you have plans to attend the Quidditch World Cup this weekend. Is that correct?"

Daphne nodded her head after a few delays of thought, "Yes that's right."

"Don't." The woman said without emotion, "It is a frivolous point you have made over the last few weeks. Both inside the Wizengamot, and out, and people will only get hurt if you continue."

The young healer felt her gut sink at the woman's words, "Point? I am afraid I don't understand Lady Bulstrode. It sounds as if you may be threatening me, but that would be ridiculous."

The woman's eye twitched, "Threatening you girl? No you would know if I was threatening you. I merely mean to discourage the poor company you keep."

Daphne's eyes widened at the insinuation, "I resent that accusation, and I have no idea which poor company you are referring to.

That wasn't exactly true, and the look on the woman's face indicated she knew that, "Oh you do. You are a smart girl Daphne. Don't let the filth you associate with ruin that intelligence. I saw it every day in your training, and I know there is a young woman in there who is every embodiment of a Pureblood Lady. I knew and trusted that young woman once, and I want to see her rise again." The woman said in the same cold voice.

If Daphne couldn't see the woman's eyes clearly she would've thought she was under the imperius curse, "Forgive me Lady Bulstrode, but I have made plans and promises with those dearest to me, and it would be rude to cancel on them at this point, and as for the Pureblood Lady that you once knew she is still here, and rising to the occasion against a society that failed her."

"Failed you? How dare you." The woman said, showing the first real emotion since she arrived stepping forward aggressively.

"Yes Lady Bulstrode failed me. The same society that chose a man to lead them that would butcher her father, a respected man, in the halls of his own work place. Now please dear Lady, if you have no further business here for the evening I ask you to leave me to my work." Daphne said, feeling her body tense with the sudden desire to start flinging spells.

The woman frowned at her words, "So your mother finally told you the truth. I always thought she did you girls a disservice by telling you anything but. Your mother is a good woman though and she did her best to lead your family in the direction of tradition, and ancestral respect."

"I wouldn't know what my ancestors want, because they keep getting murdered off by Pureblood psychopaths." Daphne all but shouted at the woman with a wand now in her hand. She was unsure when she drew it from her coat pockets, but it was sparking an angry red.

The woman took a clear step backwards, clearly realizing she had stepped too far towards the girl who had previously apprenticed under her. As the moments of silence passed the wand in Daphne's hands stopped flaring, and Gretchen stepped forward with a hand up in peace, "Don't go to the Quidditch World Cup tomorrow Daphne. I have honored my daughters memory, and our longstanding alliance by passing on this warning. That is all I can do. Good evening Lady Greengrass."

Daphne stood there in a cold fury watching the woman depart for the evening. She went back to grab her clipboard behind the desk, and take a sip of her drink of tea trying to soothe her nerves. The only thing that could resonate through her mind however was the warning she had received, and whether there could possibly be any validity to the warning the Lady had left.

(A/N) Struggled through this chapter, but from here the excitement will begin to pick up, and I am really looking forward to giving you all the chapters I wrote for the Quidditch World Cup. You can expect the next update on November 3rd, and I want to give a thanks to James Marx for beta approving this chapter. Cheers to you all, and see you next week.

PS. I now have my own discord channel! I will still be on the Emerald Library, because I love the group of writers over there, but I wanted to start my own channel so I could keep better track of it as I expand my fanfiction profile, and my original content. It's called The Hunters Lounge, and you can join up by clearing the spaces out of the link below! I would love to have as many of you join us as possible, and chat with me anytime. Cheers!

discord. gg /RBBZJgBu