Chapter 24

When Daphne opened her eyes a flood of memories nearly drowned her vision. Her first thoughts weren't however of what led her to be in her boyfriend's apartment, but the events that followed the couple going to bed. The arm around her waist, and the presence she felt behind her was all the reminder she needed for just what had happened. She stirred slightly, stretching her legs a bit, but the grip around her waist tightened, "Good morning Daph. Trying to start morning activities?"

The woman blushed, and it must've spread across her body because Harry chuckled lightly, "Good morning Harry."

She turned to face him, and his eyes immediately went down to her chest, and he sighed, "I could definitely get used to waking up to this."

He pulled the young woman close and began kissing around her neck and jaw slipping tantalizingly low making the young woman moan, "How do you still have energy?"

His kisses slipped lower and lower until Daphne was gripping the sheets in anticipation, and she heard his cheeky answer, "I can't seem to get enough of you." A moan of satisfaction seemed to encourage him, and suddenly they were back face to face exchanging gentle kisses.

When they separated Daphne was weighing the advantages of spending a day in bed, but her stomach growling ruined the thought when Harry laughed falling onto his back, "I think we worked up quite an appetite from last night. Want to go get breakfast?"

Daphne pouted at this, "Breakfast in bed isn't an option I guess?"

Harry's eyes wandered her up and down with dramatic purpose, "For me it is, but your stomach is growling, and I can't have you crashing on me during our vacation."

This made the girl blush scarlet red this time with no hopes of hiding it as Harry laughed, throwing the blankets off him, and walking towards his closet for a change of clothes. Daphne laid back taking the room in for the first time. When they entered last night it was pretty dark, and now looking around she observed a few things. Like at Andromeda's home there were pictures of Teddy scattered across the walls in frame. One particular picture caught her eye as it showed Harry and Teddy holding broomsticks either coming down from a fly, or getting ready to go on one. Another picture that caught her eye was of Harry and their whole group of friends making silly poses in what appeared to be Halloween costumes. The next photo was a wedding photo of a beautiful redhead, and a man that could only be Harry's father. The pair were beaming at each other looking like the happiest people to ever live. Daphne roused herself from the bed to get a closer look at the picture, and not for the first time wondered what the world could've been like if they had lived to raise their son.

"Not that I don't appreciate the view, but maybe if you are going to be spending more nights here we can bring a few outfits for you to keep over here." Harry said from across the room.

Shaking her head the girl responded with, "One night in your bed, and you are already trying to get me to move in. That's very flattering dear."

The tone was complete condescension but Harry chuckled through it as Daphne summoned her clothes from the previous night, and dressed herself while freshening up her clothes with a few basic charms. Harry strolled into the living room while she finished readying herself in the bathroom calling out, "If you want to stay any more nights you are of course welcome, but maybe we should hit Diagon Alley to get you a few outfits, or run back by your place to pack a bag."

Daphne looked at herself in the mirror as she processed his words. She knew he was right, and it would be silly to waste money on several new outfits, but was thankful he was willing to spare her peace of mind if it was necessary, "I think we can go back after breakfast."

Harry didn't respond, and she looked over her simple outfit. It wasn't what she would've picked for the morning date after their first time together, but it wasn't some hideous pair of pajamas. She was thankful she had been too lazy to change out of the pair of shorts and black tank top she had been wearing before she had gone to bed the previous night. It helped her self esteem that Harry had done much more with himself. He was wearing a pair of cargo shorts, and a plain looking collared shirt. She was surprised when he opened his front door gesturing for her to follow, and offered a smile to him as she passed him through the door. He took her hand immediately after waving his hand to lock the front door, and guided her out towards a busy street area. It was easy to forget with all the sound repellent charms he had on his flat that he lived in the middle of London not far from the Ministry entrance.

They didn't go far for breakfast, and it was delicious. It was another muggle place, and the crepes she had could've been made in the heart of Paris with the level of quality they were. When the couple strode out of the restaurant hassle free Daphne sighed in content, jokingly asked, "You didn't own that place did you?"

"You're never going to let that go are you?" Harry asked with a laugh.

"It was very romantic! I'm sorry you are just too easy." Daphne teased.

Shaking his head the young man asked, "Where to next?"

Feeling safe with the young man beside her she took a deep exhale saying, "Lets apparate to my flat. Grab a bag, and go see what everyone else is up to today. Do you have anything you need to do today?"

"While the group is gathered tonight I will have to run off for a few hours to greet the foreign delegation. Make sure they get settled in without problems." Harry answered with a grave look on his face.

The look made Daphne smile at the man's equivalent to pouting, and wrapped her hand through his arm as she pulled him towards her and disapparated the duo.

Arriving in her flat made the Slytherin Alumni freeze. Harry had told her nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and he was right. No signs of a struggle or spell fire were anywhere. Her flat wasn't very big either, and she was near certain as her eyes glanced around that not a single thing was out of place. Harry squeezed her arm reassuringly though, and she shook her head as she spurred forward towards her bedroom with the intent to grab her bag, and get out of there as quickly as possible.

She was rummaging through her closet throwing clothes into a duffel bag when she reached out to grab her English National Team jersey for the next day, however her hand jerked back when it touched warm liquid. The scream that escaped her lungs was in such a panic she wasn't even sure how her brain comprehended it so fast when the blood began dripping from her fingers. Harry was at her side in a flash, "Daphne what's wrong?"

She looked at him in horror as she offered her hands towards him, but he merely frowned, "Did you hurt your hand?"

This made her stop. She blinked several times hard, and began to rub her fingers together, confusion etched into her brain. The blood was gone. She stood to her feet and reached for her dress, and checked both sides. No blood.

Daphne whispered, "There was blood Harry I swear. It was on my dress, and then it was on my hands."

This made Harry stare at her with an unreadable look. It was a long passing of time before he said, "Finish packing we are going to look into this. Something isn't right."

Daphne quickly did as she was told, and in a matter of moments her bag was full, and she was walking back towards the door where Harry was watching her intently. With a snap of his fingers and the call of an elf Blinky appeared, "Blinky please take Lady Daphne's bag back to Potter Den. We will be gone until tonight."

Binky didn't speak back, but merely took the bag and apparated out. Harry offered his arm, "Hold on tight we are going pretty far."

Daphne took his arm with a shaking hand, and felt the familiar pressure of being squeezed into a tube. That was the only indication of just how far Harry was taking her this time. Usually his apparitions were silky smooth, but this time she felt the undeniable pressure. When she blinked she was looking up to a building she hadn't been to in five years, "What are we doing here Harry?"

"Visiting a friend." Harry answered with a forced smile.

Leading her towards the bridge that led up to the grounds she felt her heart tighten. Who could Harry be taking her to see in the Summer at Hogwarts? It shouldn't have been a surprise that he walked right through the wards, or that he was able to walk her through without even making her notice, but considering the legendary status of Hogwarts Ward Scheme it still made her mind spin a little. It was possible of course as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement he was given access to cross the wards at any time, but she wasn't sure if that would detract from her boyfriend's infamous reputation.

It didn't take much longer to determine their destination as they walked through the empty halls of Hogwarts. When they entered the Hospital Wing though she was surprised by a familiar face. The woman's blonde hair was in braided pigtails, and a smile lit up her face as she came towards them, "Harry, Daphne, what on Earth are you doing here?"

Harry hugged Hannah as she bound forward, throwing her arms around both her friends who returned the greeting happily, while answering her question, "Something is...happening to Daphne, and I wanted to take her to someone I trusted. My suspicions make me hesitant to take her to Saint Mungos, and of course I wanted absolute privacy in this investigation."

Hannah frowned, "Is this official auror business?"

"Not yet it isn't." Harry answered.

Daphne wasn't quite following Harry's thought process, but she trusted the man so said nothing for the time being. Hannah broke the next question quickly though, "So what can I do for you two?"

Harry turned to Daphne at this, "Daph I don't know if you remember me telling you, but Hannah's family is deeply entrenched in the mind arts. Possibly more than any family other than the Black's in our country's history. Hannah is one of the most powerful legilimens I have ever met, and I want you to tell her what's been happening to you then if you're comfortable with it...let her have a look through your mind."

Daphne wasn't sure who was more surprised Hannah or herself, but she quickly asked, "Do you really think that's necessary?"

Harry sighed running a hand through his head, "There are three options to what is happening. One is that you are crazy, and I don't believe that for a second. The second is that someone is manipulating your mind to see the things you are, but what I really think has happened is...that you were poisoned most likely by someone at Saint Mungos."

At the word poison Hannah's eyes widened, "Poisoned? Daphne do you need to lay down? I need you to tell me exactly what is going on so I can help to the best of my ability."

"Harry, I really don't think this is necessary." Daphne pleaded.

The two stared at each other for a long minute before Hannah cleared her throat, "Daphne we are friends, and I am going to tell you honestly that Harry has some of the best instincts I have ever seen or heard of. I promise I won't be invasive in my probes, and I will listen to your story and do everything in my power to help whatever the problem is. If it's nothing then I will feel better that we all wasted our time here then the alternative of something terrible happening because we did nothing. Does that make sense?"

Daphne stared at the blue eyes of a woman she had called her friend over the last three months, and then they went back to the emerald green eyes of a man she had come to greatly respect, and nodded in defeat. She then began explaining to Hannah the things she had been seeing over the last twenty four hours. Starting with the attacker in her apartment, the man in the shadows, and then the blood on her hands just minutes ago. When she was done Hannah was frowning, "I can see why you are suspicious Harry, and I agree with your analysis. This is either a hallucinogen poison or a tamper of the mind arts."

As she strolled to the back near the potions cabinet she hummed a soft tune and then called out, "The good news is unless we are completely mistaken I will be able to fix either problem here with ease."

She grabbed a clear vial from the cabinet and came back over to the duo taking Daphne's hands, "Now Daphne just relax. I am going to penetrate your mind, and you are going to relax your defenses as much as possible. Any resistance could cause pain from moderate discomfort to lancing pain that could make you comatose. Please do not resist me. If you start to panic I will sense it, and try to pull away, but if you try and throw your shields up while I am in your mind I could really hurt you. Do you understand?"

Daphne nodded her head. Her family was well versed in occlumency, but she knew Hannah had to give her these warnings just in case, "I understand."

Hannah gave her one last smile, and she turned to Harry with a more serious expression, "Madame Pomfrey is out for the day, but still I am sure you understand that we cannot be interrupted."

"Of course Hannah." Harry answered easily.

The woman nodded before looking back at Daphne with a reassuring smile, "Are you ready?"

Daphne held a deep breath before letting it out, "I'm ready."

The woman gave a final smile before Daphne's world went black. When Daphne thought that her family was well versed in occlumency it was immediately clear their understanding was elementary in comparison to the Abbott's and Hannah in particular could do. She now understood her warning more clearly than ever. Had she resisted there was little doubt Hannah could have lanced her mind into pieces with little effort. The thought was humbling as she saw Hannah cycle through her memories at a speed she wouldn't have believed possible. The flash of months passed in a moment, but then she was cycling back through a particular time from just a few nights ago. She felt the emotion of her suspicion when she saw Lady Bulstrode behind the counter, and then she noticed something she hadn't before as Hannah seemed to highlight it in her mind. The woman had been standing over her drink.

Hannah was out of her mind in a flash as they both gasped for breath. Harry didn't look alarmed, but it was clear some time had passed. Much more than she realized while she was watching the young woman work through her memories.

Harry was the first to ask, "Did you find anything?"

The blonde hospital matron stood and began pacing in thought before answering, "There is minor damage done to her mindscape, but I was able to patch it up easily. This wasn't done by a legilimens though, but what I believe to be a poison. Daphne did you catch the memory I was examining?"

It hit her like a wrecking ball. Gretchen Bulstrode had poisoned her. She had done something to the drink she had left on the desk. She shook a little, "I can't believe she would do that. She was my mentor. The woman who trained me to be a healer."

"Politics bring out the worst in people. I am sorry this happened to you." Harry said honestly, "Do you want to pursue charges?"

Hannah offered quietly, "I can be an expert witness if need be."

Daphne shook her head immediately, "I may not yet understand her intentions, but when she came in that night she was trying to warn me about going to the Quidditch World Cup. It's possible she's acting under someone else's bidding."

Harry frowned, "She wanted you to stay away from the World Cup? Why?"

"She just said I would get hurt if I keep appearing in public with the people I have been. At first I thought that she was just trying to separate us, but now it seems like there could be more going on."

This made Harry adopt an expression she hadn't seen since Seamus had died, but he turned to Hannah, "Can you stop the hallucinations?"

"Easily. I have already repaired the minor damage to her mind, and with this vial." Hannah answered the man as she reached into her robe displaying the clear vial from before, "Will heal whatever is left."

Daphne studied the potion before her, "I don't recognize this. The clear color would make me think of veritaserum."

Hannah vetoed that thought quickly, "This is a potion of Madam Pomfrey's invention. It works as a different type of antidote. Its primary ingredients are very young ashwinder eggs, and ripe gurdy roots. The combination causes the colorless effect, and mistletoe berries are the cause of the smell."

The potion was offered to the young healer, and with only a whiff of the potion, and slight hesitation did she down it back, "This will clear up all of the hallucinations?"

"Yes." Hannah agreed, "Though I don't think that potion was meant to cause serious harm. With how little of it in your bloodstream it likely would've only held for another few days at most, and would not have caused any serious injuries."

"Maybe her hope was to put you down for a few days, and keep you out of the game. Everyone reacts differently to poisons." Harry said gently.

"It only makes sense that she could've done it. It would've taken mastery level perfection to slip a poison into my drink without me noticing." Daphne said angrily,

"We will get to the bottom of this, or we will wait and see. I leave it up to you." Harry said gently, placing a hand on hers.

Her first desire was to pursue revenge, but the more she thought about it the more she just wanted to know why. Something a court case wouldn't tell her, "I will question it more when I return from vacation until then we will let it be."

Harry and Hannah seemed to accept this without question. While Harry clapped his hands, "Well Daphne can I leave you with Hannah? It's getting pretty late, and we are planning to meet with our friends soon, but I should go to the office for a bit to check in."

Hannah offered her company immediately, "I am almost done here anyways. I was just doing inventory for Madam Pomfrey. We can run back to my flat, and change before heading out?"

Daphne looked between the two and then forced a smile, "Sure. I will see you in a little bit?"

Harry smiled in confirmation and kissed her forehead, "I am just glad we got this worked out. I will see you later." Turning to Hannah he offered a smile, "Thanks for this Hannah."

She rolled her eyes at the man and waved him off, "Go get your work done so we can get our party started tonight, and get to bed for the early rise tomorrow."

Mock saluting the girl Harry turned, and headed out the door, while Hannah went back to her work with a little pep in her step leaving Daphne alone with the girl for the first time. It wasn't uncomfortable since they spent so much time together in a group, but Daphne was aware it was the first time, and the girl had just been rummaging through her head, "So I didn't need to look through your mind to know that something was different between the two of you."

Feeling her cheeks heat up at the insinuation Daphne coughed a bit, "You know we did."

"Good for you two. I am happy for you both." Hannah said with way too much enthusiasm.

"Are you going to tell Susan?" Daphne asked carefully.

Hannah chuckled in response, "It's not really any of her business, but I am sure she has been expecting it. Besides we have told you a hundred times there's no romantic feelings there anymore. You don't have to worry about that. I am her best friend I would have known!"

"It just feels a little weird sometimes. They are still best friends, and she has kind of turned into one of my best friends, and the dynamic can be strange."

"Only if you let it bother you." Hannah pointed out, "Harry is a once in a lifetime wizard, and I personally think you could wrap him around your little finger. Something no other girl has managed to do in his life. From what Neville tells me he is pretty head over heels for you. Don't let anything in the past get in the way of what could be a very happy future."

"It's a little early to be thinking about the future isn't it?" Daphne asked in surprise.

"Like I said. Once in a lifetime wizard. If you have real feelings for the man I would act on them as soon as you realize it. He could've been a Hufflepuff with his loyalty, and you don't find many men like that." Hannah answered with a laugh.

In swirl she was done and taking off her matron robes, and going down to regular muggle clothes. Smiling happily she offered her arm to Daphne, "Now come along my girl we have a night on the town to have."

Daphne finally returned her smile, and stood to her feet trying to forget about Gretchen Bulstrode and what she had done. Instead she tried to turn her mind to the night ahead, and the man that would be joining them later.

(A/N) Not sure how I felt about this chapter. The idea rummaged around in my head, but I can't feel anything except that it felt rushed. Regardless of that fact the next chapter will bring the Quidditch World Cup, and the one after that is one I have greatly been looking forward to sharing with you all. I will be back with another update on November 28th, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this chapter, and what might come next in the review section. Cheers my friends.

PS. My discord page is coming along quite nicely for the small little community we are building, and if anyone is interested in joining then I would welcome you! We mostly talk Percy Jackson, and mythology, but I also post daily trivia, and as we get closer to Fantastic Beast 3 we will be heavily discussing that. The link will be provided below just delete the spaces out of the URL. Until next time!

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