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Bold = Parseltongue
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November 19, 1994
"Tell me why you randomly had a change of clothes in this tunnel again?" Harry asked with a chuckle, his eyebrows raised when Daphne turned a defiant look towards him.
"With everything you get us involved in, Harry, I figured I would prepare ahead of time should we need them. Obviously, I didn't think we'd use the clothes on an illicit trip to Hogwarts, but I knew we'd eventually come to use them," Daphne threw the satchel with his change of clothes in it so that it hit him square in the chest. "Take off your robe, this shirt and the pants I provided should fit comfortably over the rest of the uniform."
"Plan that too, did you?" Harry asked, allowing his chuckle to transform into quiet laughter as he withdrew a large, Muggle-made shirt.
When he saw that it was just that, Muggle-made, he tossed Daphne a look that spoke of his surprise. Tracey was the one that enjoyed their creations, especially the books they wrote, so the fact that Daphne had come across clothing from that side of the world was nothing short of wondrous.
"Yes, I did. If we're in a hurry, why would I have us strip our clothing?" She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow then, her defiant look still in place.
Fair point, that.
"Fine, you're right," Harry said as he rolled his eyes and finished pulling up the second pair of pants he'd be wearing. "Off to meet your… friends, I think you called them?"
Daphne didn't respond as she initially strolled over to him, her hands raising to play with his collar and straighten it out. Once she did that, she withdrew enough to look him over, nodding to herself a few times before finally deeming him worthy of a response; in other news, Daphne was back to her typical self after the shy attitude she'd been in recently. Merlin, Harry would go absolutely barmy if he held her hand while she was quiet or blushing again.
Quiet, shy, awkward. None of those words fit Daphne very well, not in the slightest. If anything, he was the shy and awkward one while she was bold and aggressive.
"I consider them friends just as I consider you to be my friend, Harry. Without them taking me into their home, I'm sure wherever else I'd be would have me in a far worse state. You could call them my parents if you'd like to, it'd probably be easier especially with me occasionally referring to them as such," Daphne held out a hand then, the darkness of the tunnel partially masking her facial features from him. "Take my hand, please. I know the way and would prefer you not hurt yourself."
Harry smiled, his cheeks heating up at her demand despite the reason given. He still felt so weird holding onto her, it wasn't like the hug she'd give him from time to time or the leaning against one another that they'd do. Holding hands was something couples did, he knew that just like Daphne did.
"Harry. Hand," Daphne said the two words in a demanding tone of voice, her hand visible enough so that he could see it close and reopen.
He rolled his eyes and cursed himself for making a big deal about it, then he grabbed hold of Daphne's hand. As soon as he did that, the pair of them were off and headed towards the end of the tunnel, she told him during the journey that this particular one would leave them a bit dirty in the muddier months. Even with snow outside like there currently was, they'd likely emerge with a bit of dirt on them.
It was nothing a cleaning charm wouldn't fix, but he was still left wondering why they hadn't taken another way instead of pressing against one another in a cramped tunnel.
"Merlin's beard, Daphne," Harry said, coughing as they emerged and stood up. "That place was dusty, filled with cobwebs and smelt like that Troll from our first year. I thought you said you've used it before."
"I said I knew where it led to and that I knew its entrance within Hogwarts, I never explicitly said that I've used it before," Daphne twirled once she finished, her wand in her hand and aimed at herself.
Harry couldn't help it when his eyes roved her figure, not with how beautiful she was. Only last year he'd realised his crush on her and in that same year, he came to the conclusion Daphne was the prettiest witch he'd ever seen. When she came back the next year, taller, prettier and as nice as he remembered, he felt like he was the joke of the universe. The only witch he really liked was the one who he considered his best friend.
"Could you hit me with one too?" Harry asked quickly, his eyes catching how Daphne looked ready to stow her wand away.
She nodded once, doing just as he asked and then she stepped closer to him, her hands raising as they had in the tunnel to fuss over his shirt. "I picked a good top for you, it emphasized the shoulder muscles you've built since last year," Daphne stepped back again, a blush on her cheeks that he easily caught in the light of the sun. "Our conversation regarding a… relationship wasn't properly finished on account of Tracey if you remember correctly. Do you think you'd be interested in resuming said conversation on our way to my adoptive parents?"
"I'd be, uh… yeah, yeah. I'd be interested in talking about it again — you said slowly, I think, right?" Harry wanted to crawl back into the tunnel and die once he was finished speaking. He'd struggled to get out that one sentence, enough so that he stuttered over himself thrice all the while he tried to have Daphne see him as relaxed.
If he didn't sound relaxed to himself, he knew he didn't sound remotely close to said feeling in her opinion.
"I did say slowly. I know it's not very fitting for me, not with my being as violent or aggressive as I tend to be when circumstances call for it, but you'd be the first relationship I've ever had. The same can be said for you too, I know as much considering our friendship since first year," Daphne finished with a lopsided grin at him, her statement seemingly aiding her in relaxing.
He was glad it worked for her too because at least it meant one of them were calm.
"Slowly works for me if you're still interested. I wouldn't want it to ruin anything between us, you're my best friend. I'd rather keep you like that if you feel like Tracey's making you give us a go, you know?" Harry huffed and shook his head, kicking at the snow that surrounded them. "I'm pants at explaining what I mean."
Daphne shook her head. "You're not. I understand what you meant — Tracey wasn't the cause for my asking you about your feelings regarding me either, not entirely. Suffice to say that there's been a level of mutual admiration and interest since the end of our third year together, assuming yours goes back that far."
"It go— yeah, end of third year," Harry agreed, cutting himself off so that he didn't say it was the start of third year; there wasn't any reason to fix something that wasn't broken, especially with how smoothly it seemed to be going.
"Right," Daphne agreed, pulling him gently along with one of her hands as she cast a sideways glance at him. "Does that mean you'd like to go official then? It could be enjoyable since you'd finally be meeting those closest to me alongside yourself."
Harry couldn't find it within himself to say the words, so he nodded. Daphne didn't mind, she smirked at him in her happy, victorious way as the newly made couple rushed their way to a restaurant where reservations were had. It only took half as long as they initially planned for too on account of their running.
The energy they had now that they were together, officially, was very likely the cause. Daphne had probably wanted to work that off before the meeting too, lest anything awkward happened.
"We're here," Daphne said, her breathing a bit more worked up than he'd have thought. "There aren't any warnings I feel like I should give, none that come to mind before you ask. I suppose the obvious ones about affection with me in front of them or so on should count."
What's 'so on' supposed to mean?
"Isn't this place closed?" Harry asked after nodding, the building seeming deserted as he peered through one of the windows and saw scarce signs of activity.
"My family rented it out for the next hour and a half since they prefer privacy rather than being in view of the public. I suppose I should make mention of it now that they're a bit different than you likely imagined," Daphne leaned against the door, idly tapping against her thigh as she went into a quick explanation whilst they waited for the proper time to enter; she said something about being too early was frowned upon or showed an overeagerness that wasn't flattering. "These two that adopted me are distant cousins on my mother's side. I'm unsure of how aware you are regarding either side of my family, so let me state very plainly that neither are comparable to Tracey's family or Millicent's."
"As in they were neutral or more loyal to Voldemort's cause?" Harry asked cautiously, swallowing when one of Daphne's eyebrows arched.
It was a surefire sign that her next words would be either scathing or filled with a rebuke.
"Voldemort did not create 'dark' magic, Harry. One could go as far to say that he actually hindered magic itself, with his followers and himself actively using new spells or older ones for far darker causes than they were initially meant for," Daphne shook her head and exhaled, the action calming. "Do you know of the spell that predated the Killing Curse?"
"That's the one that you use to stop a heart, right?" Harry asked, smiling widely when he saw Daphne nod.
'Yes, that'd be correct — do you remember its initial use?" Daphne's smile gave way to a partial grin with the other half being impatient as she looked towards the door.
Harry reckoned it was about time to meet her family, and so he shook his head rather than waste time. "I know it, I know I do, but I can't remember."
"It was meant for the humane killing of farm animals. Why butcher them, gut them or use other forms of magic when you could simply cease their organs? Is that not the more morally responsible way to harvest animals that you've raised for years?" Daphne made to continue, but she stopped when the door was opened, barely catching herself on the edge of the frame.
"Daphne," Said an older woman, one that looked strangely like her for a distant cousin.
"It's great to see you, Ioelene," Daphne said, her arms outstretched to hug the older woman who then placed a kiss on either of Daphne's cheeks before her eyes sought out Harry. Daphne caught on to that fact too, speaking when the older woman, Ioelene, pulled back from her. "Ioelene, this is Harry Potter, the boy I've spoken to you about dozens of times by now. As of today, we've decided to try our hand at an intimate relationship."
"I see… he's earned himself a promotion in your good graces then. Your parents would likely be very impressed with him as your current partner, I certainly am — tell me, Daphne, did you train him well as I've done with your father, or does he require constant reminders such as your Uncle Dent?" Ioelene shot Harry a wink over Daphne's head, her visage predatory as it returned to Daphne as she waited for a reply.
Daphne, for her part, managed a small blush as she switched between looking at Harry and her motherly figure. "Harry's the epitome of a gentleman. There's none within Hogwarts I could think rival his magical ability or kindhearted nature."
"I suppose that'll do then, so long as he knows what he's gotten himself into by dating you," Ioelene said before stepping aside and motioning for them to enter. "Please, come in and join Andre at the table. We have food already prepared while the mains are ready whenever we'd like them to be."
Harry shot Daphne a bit of a curious look as he followed after her, the latter's hand grabbing hold of the formers as they moved within the large and empty restaurant. Save for a few employees, the woman trailing after them and a rather tall man even whilst seated, they were alone in a place meant for upwards of one-hundred guests.
It was entirely too intimidating for Harry, more so than the Basilisk was. Tracey, as helpful as she could try to be, often mentioned how meetings with a witches parents would go. Her own family was used as an example a myriad of times whenever she had friends over. Nearly every lad amongst her friend group would be run out by her father. He was massive, only slightly shorter and a good bit thinner than Hagrid. Daphne's paternal figure wasn't quite as physically intimidating in that way, but his cold gaze and slightly taller than average height was still setting Harry on edge.
"Andre, our Daphne has finally decided we're worthy enough to meet her Harry," Ioelene said, the teasing tone easily picked upon by Harry.
"Her Harry?" Andre asked, his voice deep as he stood up from his seat to look at the approaching teens. "When did this happen, Daphne? I don't recall you mentioning a romantic relationship with him."
"I didn't. It started today, though I'd officially say a few days ago if it weren't for Tracey blocking us — it's nice to see you both again, by the way. I'm guessing your venture in Belarus went… well?" Daphne's voice trailed off as she spotted a small limp in the man's movement as he closed in on them.
Harry noticed it too, but Andre didn't seem to be in all that much pain. Not based on the lack of any grimace or the like that he gave. Once he got past that and thought about Daphne's words that mentioned a venture in Belarus, his eyes went back to the face of the man who seemed to be only looking at him; Daphne and Ioelene may as well not have been in the room, such was the intensity of the gaze he was receiving.
"Our venture went very well, Daphne. There's no need to worry about us, you should know that by now, sweet girl," Ioelene hugged Daphne from behind, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before she tutted at Andre. "Oh drop the act, Andre. Daphne's wise enough to pick her boyfriends herself, especially if it's been the only boy she's spoken about since she started Hogwarts."
Andre snorted but stopped moving towards the couple in favour of leaning against the nearest table. "I simply wished to gauge the type of man he currently is, especially if Daphne's invited him to this meeting of ours. She's as much a daughter of ours as any we've produced ourselves, that much is true, but the inclusion of those who likely don't see things the way we do can be problematic."
"Harry's learned many spells from me that others would outright decline or show hostility towards me for knowing in the first place, father. We can trust him as much as we can one another," Daphne emphasized her point by grabbing hold of one of Harry's hands tightly, one brow arched as she looked at the man in front of them.
Silence.
That loud silence lingered for nearly half a minute, with Andre uncomfortably looking at Harry and his gaze only occasionally flickering to Daphne. When it finally finished with Andre stepping aside so that they could take up their seats at the table, he spoke, the teen couple moving past him as he did so.
"If you trust him so thoroughly, then so shall the both of us," Andre started, continuing once he took hold of his wife's hand and moved to seat himself across from Harry and Daphne. "Would you like to hear about our Belarus expedition or would you prefer us to dive straight into the reason for our meeting whilst you're still at Hogwarts?"
Daphne glanced at Harry for all of a second before she answered, their conjoined hands staying still under the table. "News of your expedition would be nice, it'd give Harry a sense of what the two of you do. However much detail you use is up to yourselves, but I do believe it'd be beneficial should he know a modicum of your work. We could get into the reason for our meeting afterwards, I don't believe it'll take all that long."
"We have an hour to spend with you before we're back to being occupied with another… venture," Ioelene said, her tone suggesting a hint of sorrow but nothing more.
"As could be expected with most expeditions of ours, the old magical site long since lost in the bogs of Belarus was partially raided. Most of the early treasures were lost, be it from a decade ago by a Russian party or earlier by the Germans, we don't know. That continued for roughly one-third of the ritualistic site, only ceasing when we reached a door that was very heavily warded with magic unknown to us," Andre put one of his large hands on the table, sliding it over until he took hold of Ioelene's. "Ioelene managed to overload the protective runes using a method I've no knowledge of. It worked, as it always does when she joins me in these hunts and as such, we've multiple chests of long lost documents."
"Spells?" Daphne asked, leaning forward with an eagerness and energy that she seldom showed.
Daphne wasn't easily excitable; the Basilisk, Voldemort being in the back of Quill's head… it took those over the top scenarios for her to be remotely energised.
Suppose that's not entirely true with how driven she's been in helping me.
"Dozens of them, though all will require a translation from their current ancient Belarus language. It'll take a few weeks, I'm sure, but you'll have the spells readily available for your reading once you return home," Andre looked over to Harry then, his gaze as cold as it was when Harry first saw him. "Should you be visiting over the summer with Daphne, you'll be permitted access so long as she's with you."
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, dipping his head slightly.
"Such wonderful manners," Ioelene remarked, smiling and winking at Daphne without any regard or care that Harry saw her do so. "Andre, would you quickly explain why we're visiting? I'd like to check the door again, ensure that it's still locked with the privacy magic around us intact. It wouldn't do for any prying ears to catch on to our conversation."
Andre nodded once to his wife, no warm smile or other fond look coming to his face as she moved away from them. "Daphne, Vy ŭpeŭnienyja, što jamu možna daviarać?"
Harry blinked, then he blinked a few more times.
"English, and yes, I'm sure. Harry has faced down Voldemort with me at his side, a Basilisk and Troll too. If he wanted to turn me in for knowing magic the British Ministry considers dark, I'm sure he would've done so over a year ago once he learned that I actively study such magic. Since that time, he's had over a dozen chances to do so with each new spell that I mention more heinious than the last," Daphne raised their joined hands from under the table so that they were resting on the top of the table, as Andre and Ioelene's had been; one perfectly kept blonde eyebrow was raised on her behalf once she did so.
"Harry Potter — your family was very progressive in the past, you understand this?" Andre asked curiously, his fingers tapping on the table in an idle, thoughtless manner as he looked Harry in his eyes.
"I do, sir. Daphne's helped me learn about my magical ancestry while I've strived to help her learn about the Muggles, rude as they are," Harry thought of the Dursleys when he said his final few words, adding them in thanks especially to Dudley as well as the goons he kept for his friends.
"I do wonder what they would think with your learning about magic your family never previously would've associated themselves with. It's a curious thought, I suppose, and one likely best kept for another time," Andre yawned, a fist going to cover his mouth before he placed it back on the table and resumed his speaking. "Our family tends to seek out lost magical sites so that we can rediscover any lost knowledge from small communities that never truly integrated with the ancient cultures that helped form magic; the Roman Empire, Persian Empire, Mongol Empire and Ancient China are all reasons we've the magic that we currently do. As wonderful as they were at indoctrinating and absorbing spells, they failed to collect all of them from every minuscule community. It was an impossible feat from the start, hence our job, but this is the very reason that we study all forms of magic."
"What my father's saying, Harry, is that I study all classifications of magic. You're aware that healing, charms and transfiguration are among my weaknesses while my strengths remain defence or the dark arts themselves. You're finally aware of the why regarding my knowledge as well as the source of my information," Daphne nodded towards Andre's side, where a satchel hung from the side of his seat. "While the Belarusian expedition was too recent for me to gain anything from it, our most recent one from Latvia is currently ready."
Andre nodded, "That it is, Daphne," he said before withdrawing a notebook and sliding it over. "I've taken the liberty of incorporating other spells that should pique your interest within the book too, you'll find them at the end."
"Why exactly were you so hesitant to tell me about all of this if it's just learning new spells that Magical Britain may not like?" Harry asked, piping up for the first time as he looked between Daphne and Andre, the former of which managed a half-smile at him.
"What we're doing isn't entirely legal, even if we do share our findings from time to time. This is more a means of living even if studying all of these old tomes is very beneficial and enjoyable," Andre said, his eyes once more seeking out Daphne for reassurance as he relayed the exact reason Harry had been after.
Harry didn't mind though, not really. He nodded, smiled at Ioelene who ran her hand through his hair as she passed him by and then dug into the food just as the others did once it came from the kitchen. If it were up to him to decide, he thought the whole thing went pretty good.
November 22, 1994
"Our second to last day to study has arrived… how're you feeling, Harry?" Daphne's tone sounded cautious and concerned, her touch a moment later on the back half of his shoulder seemed gentler than was usual for her too.
Normally, especially recently with their newfound relationship, he would have relished in that sign of physical affection as well as the worry within her tone. He loved that she cared about him more than anybody else seemed to. It made him feel safer, more secure and above all else, loved — it didn't matter to him if the love wasn't strong or romanticly inclined, it was enough that she loved him as a friend would.
All of that would make him feel great, perfect even, on any other day. If anything, it made him feel more nervous and worried than he thought was possible. Their relationship was in its earliest days and the bond that he wanted to build with her could be broken within a minuscule amount of time thanks to the literal dragon he had to face.
"Would you like to… no, you'll decline a break, I think," Daphne said, shaking her head as she came around to the front of him. "We're going to train harder, until nightfall. I can see how worried you are and I'll do my best to help you work that energy out so that you don't lose out on your sleep. Tracey should be along shortly too, she's bringing snacks from the kitchen as well as a piece of that surprise I'll be giving to you tomorrow."
"Why tomorrow?" Harry asked, his tone dead-sounding even to his own ears, enough so that it made him wince.
Daphne frowned before she drew close enough to hug him; she did so tightly, her arms feeling as if they were trying to convey her feelings for him more than her words ever did.
"Because I'd like for you to wear it while you beat the dragon," She said directly into his ear, her hot breath sending a tingle down his spine. "My parents, they told you about our ways and the reason they allow me to study the 'dark' side of magic. I know you're not entirely fond of it, but the spells I've taught you as of late could be considered closer to that portion of magic than the lighter side that most would prefer you follow. Stick with our plan, keep the item I have for you on your person and don't do anything reckless… listen for my sake, please."
When he heard her final few words come out in a whisper, barely any strength in them, he thought he'd lost his mind. Daphne never cried, she never showed any form of weakness at all, none.
She was the girl who'd felled a Basilisk. Daphne was the one who had outsmarted and trapped a werewolf that later resulted in Harry defending the pair of them with a Patronus, all while his godfather lay at their feet. The list went on and on, especially with instances of Malfoy trying to intimidate her away from him in a Dudley-like fashion, but she had never broken.
Thus, when her voice wobbled and he felt slight dampness against the side of his face, his resolve came back in full force, possibly even stronger.
"I'll use whatever you teach me," Harry promised as Daphne leaned back whilst maintaining their hug, her eyes blinking rapidly as they fought to maintain contact with his. "I've learned the spells you told me to, same for those combat-oriented ones too. I'm not perfect with them, not like you are, but I know enough thanks to you that I'll be able to beat the dragon. Promise."
Daphne took in a deep breath, maintaining silence before she slowly closed in on him, her lips closing the distance to his own as her eyes fluttered shut, a small bit of water hanging on her eyelashes.
"I'm here!"
Tracey's voice broke the two apart, the moment shattered just like Harry's dreams of having his first kiss.
"Woah, were you two snogging?" Tracey asked as she approached them, her two platters of snacks discarded easily on a nearby table as she came over to prod at the pair of them. "Daphne, why do you seem so sad? Harry, hi, hi, is everything alright — ready to kick some dragon arse, right?"
Harry huffed and shook his head at the oblivious nature of Tracey, but her second portion of the question meant for him made him nod nonetheless. He may have lost his first kiss chance thanks to her, but the talk of kicking dragon arse relit the fire under him that'd begun to dwindle in the last couple of days leading up to the conflict.
"I am," He stated firmly, making Tracey look back at him while Daphne raised her head, the water gone from her face as her emotions slipped back into a strong, calm look with a fond smile making its way to her face.
"You are….?" Tracey asked, the energetic and perpetually hungry girl skipping back over to the snacks she'd only just brought up.
"I'm ready to kick some dragon arse. I'll steal the egg, destroy it, do whatever it takes for me to win," Harry grinned at Daphne and then he caught a loaf of bread with something inside of it from Tracey, winking at her once he did so. "Thanks to both of you, I have all of the spells I could ever need to win. It'll be hard, I think, but I'll win."
"That's the spirit! Now, why don't we eat and then when I leave, you can study some more… unless you're busy snogging some blond- I'm joking, Daphne, jeez," Tracey raised her hands, a biscuit sitting in her mouth.
Harry shook his head as he watched on; Daphne was back to her regular self and Tracey hadn't ever changed. As for him, well, that brief sense of hopelessness was gone. It shouldn't have been present in the first place, but it was gone again.
All of his magical skill may lay in other fields, but he had Daphne. Her parents had accepted him, offered advice as well as a place to stay while she herself had done everything for him; become his girlfriend, spent her entire days aiding him in his studies and casting… there wasn't anything else he could do to better prepare himself than spend time with her.
November 23, 1994
"Sit with me," Daphne said, her voice as demanding as it was when he met her in their first year all those years ago.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked as he stopped his reading and looked over to her, his hand marking where he was in his book.
Daphne shook her head and patted the spot beside her on the couch, a playful yet still vaguely dangerous look flashing across her face. "You deserve to take a break after nearly a whole of reading and practical lessons out by the lake. Even if you don't feel like taking one, it's not smart to press yourself too much the day before your task," Daphne tilted her head, one brow arched and patted the spot beside her again. "Come sit beside me, I'll rub your shoulders for a few seconds — it's a generous offer."
Harry couldn't successfully fight the urge to roll his eyes at that, and so he snickered when he saw Daphne's brow arch higher. She could be more expressive than anybody else he knew with simple, small expressions. It was one of her traits that he enjoyed most, though her primary one that he loved was her raw magical strength.
There wasn't any person he'd rather have beside him in a fight than Daphne.
"This isn't when you give me that surprise you've been working on, is it?" Harry asked with a grin, one that turned puppy-dog innocent when Daphne blinked blankly at him.
"You know that won't always work, right?" She asked plainly, poking at his side once he was close enough and her other hand kept him where he was standing.
"I know you'll eventually stop falling for it, yeah, but eventually isn't today," Harry said with a victorious grin as he finally dropped down beside her on the comfortable, old couch. "You're right too, I guess. I know that's nothing surprising with you being you and all, but yeah, I shouldn't have pushed myself all that hard today. There's no point in being exhausted for tomorrow afternoon."
Daphne pulled him closer, twisting his body so that she could more easily rub at the base of his neck and his shoulders. "As I said, you need to ensure you're well-rested and prepared for tomorrow. We all know how much work you've put towards this task, the books, notes and energy you've expelled is proof enough of that fact, Harry," Daphne exhaled, her breath splashing against the back of his neck and causing a tingle to run down his spine. "We're all very happy with the work you've accomplished and the proficiency you've shown in the spells picked out for you — even Tracey is, despite her lack of self-awareness from time to time."
"Where ar— oh," Harry shimmied in his seat when Daphne hit an especially tense part of his shoulder, their relatively similar height finally working to his advantage as she carefully and firmly worked the tension out of him.
"Tracey and Millicent will be up shortly, the two of them are currently procuring snacks as well as alcohol for this evening. Our classroom here is far enough away from any patrol route that nobody will find us, those privacy charms you're so good with will aid us in keeping this party private too," Daphne turned him around then, their eyes immediately catching one another. "You remember your plan?"
Harry swallowed and nodded. He saw how strong Daphne was acting even if he was filled with a sense of anxiousness. She was always able to maintain a mostly believable front of calmness and preparation, enough so that he hadn't a clue as to how she did it. Her secret, whatever it was, had kept him calm many a time.
"I'll play to my strengths, just like we said. If that means transfiguring and animating dozens of stone animals to attack the dragon so that I can buy myself time, I'll do it," Harry took in a deep, calming breath. "The spells that you taught me, the ones meant to overcome spell resistance and cause pain… I'll use them… I'll use them if I need to."
"They're dragons, Harry. Just because you're pulling punches doesn't mean they will. Whatever you do, don't forget that these seemingly innocent 'tasks' have resulted in dozens of deaths when people don't take serious their opponents or the job given to them. This isn't me trying to worry you, what I'm doing is attempting to show you how truly vital it is that you try your best from the start even if it's uncomfortable," Daphne leaned forward and patted him on the cheek, the touch more affectionate than he'd felt from her before. "Spend the night here, in this room. I'll transfigure a bed for you, ensure you have whatever you need."
"What about Draco? He'll tell Snape, I know he will," Harry said, a hesitant, nervous glance shot at Daphne.
The last thing he needed was any more trouble than he currently found himself in. Here he was already learning different spells and bits of magic that could see him in trouble with Dumbledore, the man who constantly aided in guiding him along. It wasn't only Dumbledore either, a few of the spells were enough that he could outright be fined even if time in Azkaban wasn't likely. As if all of that wasn't enough, he was stuck in a tournament with Voldemort still milling about.
"You're zoning, Harry. Do that for too much longer and Tracey will think we," Daphne stopped abruptly, looked around, leaned in, and resumed. "Snogged… good she isn't nearby. She has a knack for coming in when we mention those types of physical affirmations towards one another. Regardless and pardon my distraction, Harry, you don't need to worry about Malfoy or his loyal dogs."
"What'd you do to them?" Harry asked, his mind flashing across different scenes of Daphne cursing them, hexing them or flat out threatening the blokes that so often tortured him in Slytherin; it may have lessened in large part thanks to the spells she'd taught him early on, but it was still relatively horrible despite it not being Dudley-level.
"I had my relatives speak with Malfoy's father. It wasn't half as troublesome or epic as you would think, not when my family keeps to a similar crowd as his. Lucius, Malfoy's father, didn't see the point in his son bothering you while within Hogwarts if it inconvenienced us. Before you ask, it was infinitely more in-depth than I'm making it sound but that doesn't matter, Malfoy won't cause you any more issues save for the occasional rude remark," Daphne looked over at the door again, her eyes flickering to his once she saw no sign of whatever she was seeking. "Would you mind doing me a favour whilst we wait for our friends to show up?"
Harry nodded immediately. "Yes. Whatever you need."
"I'm glad," Daphne said as she edged closer to him, their knees brushing as her gaze flickered to the door again. "I hope you'll not forget our deal come next year when I need your assistance on healing and charms. I'll be the envy of witches everywhere, dating the tri-wizard tournament victor."
He felt his cheeks heat up at her words and noticed Daphne's held a similar, smaller blush despite her being the one that said those words. Harry made to open his mouth, scoff at her remark maybe, but he was stopped all too suddenly when Daphne's face was in front of his own with not an inch separating them.
"Gently, or I'll curse you," Daphne said, those being the last words he heard before her lips were pressed against his.
Daphne, his friend since first year and girlfriend of half a week, had taken his first kiss. It wasn't at all like Tracey said it would be; no fireworks exploding overhead, intense lustful feelings with groping, soul connection or anything of that sort. Rather than any of that, their first kiss felt… awkward, a bit wet and salty. The last bit he suspected was due to their earlier training and the sweat that still covered the pair of them.
All of that aside, Harry still thought during the kiss that it was his best memory. He didn't have a ton of good ones to start with, but his first kiss being with Daphne, his former best friend and current girlfriend, was absolutely amazing.
"I knew it! Pay up, Bulsprude," Tracey hollered, her voice jarring him and Daphne so much that their teeth clacked together before they pulled apart, the latter reaching for her wand with murderous intent.
"I won't have to pay a corpse," Milly said with a snicker as she masterfully side-stepped a curse that ultimately hit Tracey in the centre of her chest.
Hope it was nothing lethal… immediately lethal. Ruined my kiss, she did.
Tracey yelped and rubbed at where she was hit before shooting a glare over at Daphne. "That was completely uncalled for, Daph! I celebrate you and Harry finally getting together after years of knowing each other and you hit me with a stinging hex that felt absolutely horrible?" Tracey sniffed, tears forming in her eyes as she looked between Daphne and Harry. "You're mean peoples — mean, mean peop—"
Milly huffed and took the remainder of the foodstuffs from Tracey so that she could place them on the table. The larger girl then picked up Tracey and started towards the couple on the couch, speaking as she drew closer to them while Daphne slammed shut the door behind them. "You geniuses forgot to lock the door and congratulations, I guess. We both knew it was eventually going to happen but I don't think Tracey or I thought it would occur this year."
"I'll have to figure out one of these days why mine and Harry's romantic lives are tracked by the pair of you. It's a bit weird, one would think," Daphne said as she reclined against Harry's side, pulling him down with her as she responded to Milly. "Thank you for the belated congratulations too, we've been going out since that last Hogsmeade trip. It was kept quiet since there's somebody among us who isn't entirely gifted at keeping secrets."
Tracey piped up then, her arms folded and a petulant look on her face. "You hit me with a stinging hex because I catch you snogging — in an unlocked room mind you — then you insult my secret-keeping skills?" Tracey huffed and looked away, her nose raised. "I guess I didn't keep that secret since last year about your crush on Harry very well, now did I? If I recall correctly, I even told you how you could pull him into a broom cupboard and use a… jeez, I'm kidding, there's no need to reach for your wand again you great big barmy blonde bird."
Harry laughed alongside Milly then, while Daphne simply stared with a killer look at Tracey. It wasn't entirely uncommon, though the reason never used to be regarding the pair of them as a newly formed couple.
"I believe you had plans for Harry tonight, Daphne? Why don't you get to starting them?" Milly urged with a bit of laughter in her words as she flicked Tracey on the nose when the latter girl stuck out her tongue.
"I suppose I should be the bigger person and start the festivities for the evening," Daphne agreed, arching a brow and reaching towards her side as she'd done earlier when Tracey opened her mouth; very wisely, she closed her mouth and remained silent. "Harry, we've been working with you since first we found out about your unfortunate entrance into the tournament. Together, we've found out information regarding your task, discovered old books with which we can all benefit and grown closer together as a group of friends. You've learned so much since we've started and faster than any of us could have done, so with this final evening before the task, we've decided to celebrate your growth."
"This isn't a 'hey, you're dead tomorrow' party either!" Tracey said, cutting Daphne's speech off with a grin and punch to his arm. "This is more of a… a… shite. Milly, I don't know how to put it into words, can you do it for me? Daphne takes too long and we all know she's just going to snog him later so he doesn't mind."
Harry had been paying careful attention to Daphne's words, especially when she spoke of his growth and the further bonding they've all had in recent time. She was being nice, they all knew she was the strongest of the group, but he had come so far in such a short amount of time thanks to her teaching. Tracey and Milly, the pair of them had aided in espionage too, with the latter doing a better job of forcing information from others on account of her Viking-like personality and appearance.
All of that together was enough to make him feel genuine love for the lot of them; there was a degree of warmth, companionship and genuine affection until Tracey spoke up. That moment of warmth and seriousness was then washed away. Unlike yesterday, however, he didn't have the sense of impending doom. Not since Daphne had spoken to him that evening had he felt those feelings.
I've done everything I possibly could with the best people I could have to help me, He thought to himself, knowing it was the truth. There's nothing I could have done differently and I'm out of time even if there was something I could change — worrying's pointless.
When Harry tuned back in, he had missed what Milly had said but Daphne was just starting up again. "Harry," Daphne said as she gazed directly into his eyes. "We're going to watch you earn first place tomorrow, we're going to aid you with the second task but most of all, we're going to throw thrice as big a celebration tomorrow night. With the remainder of tonight, we'll enjoy the food and drink provided by our kitchen raiders."
Harry very much enjoyed it when Daphne clapped, summoning Dobby all dressed up in a good-looking suit complete with a wink to Harry from the small, perpetually happy house-elf. When he began passing around food and drink, stopping beside Harry to hug him, Harry couldn't think of any better way to spend what could potentially be his final evening.
Daphne would never learn what he thought at that moment in time. Even to Harry, it was a fleeting thought, really. Regardless of the temporary glumness, this particular evening's celebrations would grow to be one of Harry's fondest memories alongside that first kiss of his that very same night.
"Goodnight, Tracey, Millicent," Daphne said as the latter girl aided the former to the door. "Do you need help getting her to the dorms?"
Milly shook her head and used the one arm supporting Tracey to partially pick the smaller girl up. "No. She's light enough that I could carry her if I really needed to. Goodnight to the pair of you too, we'll be seeing you first thing in the morning, before Harry goes down to the pitch."
Harry smiled at that and waved at Milly, he would've done the same to Tracey too if the girl wasn't complete sloshed. "Thanks again for tonight, Milly. Tell Tracey the same for me, will you? You're both wickedly good friends."
"I'll tell her and right back at you, Harry. You're better than ninety-nine per cent of our house, so don't go and do anything stupid tomorrow, alright?" Milly grinned, but her look still held a certain level of seriousness as she made her exit from the room, the drunk Tracey in her arms as the door closed behind her.
"I hope you heard those final words of hers, Harry. Nothing stupid tomorrow, there's absolutely no need for it," Daphne grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly as she pulled him over to a chair and all but pushed him into it, her aggressive nature as readily apparent as was usual of her. "Your gift, the one I promised you, is by your left leg. Do be careful when you pick it up, it's extremely fragile, for the most part. I should also mention this — make sure you're not carrying it anywhere easily visible, I don't believe outside assistance to this degree is allowed."
That made Harry snort as he looked at Daphne. If there was anybody he could trust to twist the rules, cheat or do whatever else it took to ensure their safety, it was her. She'd done just that during their first two years in an especially high degree, as their third was relatively tame in comparison.
Well, as tame as a Dementor-ridden school with a bit of Werewolf mingled in could be. Ah well, it wasn't Voldemort or a Basilisk at the very least.
"I know I've said it a lot, but thank you, Daphne. I don't know where I'd be without you… well, I do, uh, it just wouldn't be anywhere good," Harry rubbed the back of his neck in an awkward, anxiety-relieving way before he smiled and bent over to pick up the item; he did so without waiting to see her physical reaction. The embarrassment it would've caused him would have made him blush for the second, third or whatever number it was that time in that evening.
I won't be drinking next time, makes me even more nervous around her.
"You don't need to thank me. I'd do anything for you, just as you've shown the same level of care," Daphne stood up and came around until she was stood directly in front of Harry, her hands gently raising his head so that he could look into her eyes. "I'll never forget the bravery you showed when we were fighting the Basilisk. You could've died, you nearly did, all so that I could kill it and live. I've known for a longer time than I realised, but my feelings for you are very deep."
There wasn't anything he could reply before she lowered her face in a surprisingly gentle, tender moment. Those soft lips of hers didn't taste like salt this time around and that previous awkwardness was gone, replaced by the most intense feeling of affection he'd ever felt before.
He loved it.
