Chapter 8
On Christmas morning Harry woke up to a pile of presents from his friend. The Dursley seem to have forgotten him all together this year. He got a fresh supply of broom care produces from Ron, which was good his servicing kit was running low. He got a green sweater from Mrs. Weasley as well as some homemade pies, Ron also got a package of goodies to open from his parents. Hermione got him a set of Gobberstones. Hagrid sent his usually package of inedible food. Sirius had sent him a book called Great Seekers and their greatest moves, and Remus Lupin sent him a book called 'How to Survive the O.W.L.'s and still have fun school.' Finally he opened a package from Daisy. It was a picture album. It started with a picture of Harry's parent's when they were at Hogwarts, it moved forward through time until his parents were grown and then into his life. There were even a few pictures of him when he was younger at the Dursley's. It went straight up to yesterday.
'Wow', Harry thought. 'And all I got her was a charm bracelet.'
Actually Harry had gotten both of the girl charm bracelets. Daisy had the four balls used in Quidditch and a broom, Hermione's had little books, a wand, and a tiny P. Both girls were wearing them as they sat in the common room waiting. Hermione was also wearing a pair of earrings then had to have been her gift from Daisy.
"Happy Christmas!" they all said.
"Ready for breakfast?" Ron asked.
When they were down in the Great Hall there was only one table for everyone. It reminded Harry slightly his second year Christmas.
"Good morning." Greeted Professor Dumbledore, as He came over. He gave Daisy a hug and said "Happy Christmas, dear. Thank you for the socks."
"Happy Christmas Uncle," she said as she hugged him back.
When they were all sitting to eat Ron leaned over and asked, "Sock?"
Daisy smiled and winked at Harry. "It's what wanted," she said.
Harry remembered after his first Christmas at Hogwarts Professor Dumbledore had said all that would take to make him happy would be a thick pair of woolen socks. Harry smile at the memory.
It was a very enjoyable day. On the way down to dinner Harry asked Ron what Daisy had given him.
"We're not going to exchange gifts until later." Ron said.
"Alright," Harry checked to make sure the girls were out of earshot. "What did you get her?"
Ron smiled. He pulled a small box out of his pocket. It was a ring box. Ron showed Harry a very dainty ring. It had a silver band that connected to a gold dragon with ruby eyes. "Wow, how did you pay for this?"
"Let's just say my dad didn't get me a gift, and I'll be working for Fred and George when they need help," Ron said.
Dinner was festive. Finally Professor Blanc said loudly across the table, "So Daisy, does your violin work properly?"
Daisy blushed. "It is perfectly in tune, thank you."
Suddenly Allen popped up, violin in hand and said, "You should play then!"
"You two are evil," she laughed.
"Come on, Daze. It's tradition!" said professor Blanc.
She took the instrument form Allen. "It's been a while." she said as she slowly began to run the bow along the strings. At first she played a slow mournful tune. Then she began to speed up. Her song got livelier and livelier until a few people including the headmaster began to dance. They all laughed and began to sing. It was a merry affair.
After dinner Daisy asked Hermione to take her violin up to their room.
"And make sure that it's hidden from snooping brothers," Daisy whispered.
Ron and she went up to the Astronomy tower. They laid down on some of the blankets that were already set up in the tower to star gaze. They were holding hands and just looking at the sky when Ron said "that was really impressive tonight."
"I forgot how much I loved to play" she smiled. "Mom started me playing the violen when I was little. Like five, I think. I moved on and play a bunch of things. I'm awful at any wind instrument. I think guitar is my favorite instrument though."
"Anyway," she said. "Present time! I can't wait any longer."
She pulled out a small box to match the one he pulled out. They switched boxes and when Ron opened his box he couldn't help but laugh. She had gotten him the male version of the same ring. It was a little bigger a little thicker set, but the same ring.
Daisy looked up and smiled at him. They both put their rings on. They began to kiss and lay back down on the blankets. They were both wearing the jumpers Mrs. Weasley had given them.
Before she realized it his hand was on her bear stomach. Then Ron was unhooking her bra.
Daisy kissed Ron while she pulled off his jumper. They broke the kissing just long enough to shed the offending articles.
**********************************
Ron and Daisy spent most of the brake together. Most of the time they would disappear only to reappear hours later. This was fine by Hermione as it gave her a chance to research Vericlearvoicium.
Harry however was left mostly alone. During the day light hours he would set loose a snitch and practice for hours. He had the Wronski Feint down and was now working on a few other moves from the book Sirius had given him. He also spent a lot of time visiting Hagrid. On day near the end of brake Harry was at breakfast with Ron and Daisy when he mentioned his plans to go down to see Hagrid.
"Great will come with you!" Daisy said.
"Yeah," Ron said dryly, "That's just what I want to do."
Harry laughed but Daisy asked about Hermione. "Oh, she's already in the library I think."
"OK," Daisy said. Harry couldn't quite figure out the expression on her face.
They were at Hagrid's for quite awhile. Hagrid enjoyed teasing Ron and Daisy. Harry even joined in a bit. It was fun to watch his friends turn various shade of pink.
"He, he, he. I'm sorry, yer two. I'll leave ya alone," Hagrid said. "So why didn't Hermione come down with yer lot."
"She's, ah, in the library," Harry said not looking at Daisy.
Daisy however noticed. "Hey Hagrid, do you think you could give me a note to get a book out of the Restricted Section. I wanted do some extra research for the O.W.L.'s."
"Sure Daisy. Ah, what book are yer looking to get," Hagrid asked.
"I one on potions. Snape won't give it to me because of his policy of 'no favorites.' And he's gone until after brake anyway. I've been thinking about doing the extra revision for awhile, talking about Hermione studying just made me think of it."
As Daisy spoke Hagrid wrote her the note of permission. Harry and Ron were wondering what Daisy was up to.
"Thanks, Hagrid," she said as he handed her the note. "I'm gonna go straight away. You guys stay and visit," Daisy said turning to Ron and Harry. "I'll see you later." And with that she practically ran out the door.
"Weird girl." Ron smiled. "Cute, but weird."
***********************************
Hermione was sitting in the library alone, when she saw Daisy come in. Hermione watched Daisy go to Madame Pince, the librarian, and then go to a part of the library Hermione couldn't see. After a moment Daisy came over to Hermione's table, clutching a book to her chest.
"Why didn't you come down to Hagrid's?" Daisy asked.
"I was studying," Hermione said.
"You know, I'm getting kinda worried about you," Daisy said as she sat putting her book face down on the table. "You've been, I dunno, distant lately."
Hermione smiled "that's because your always off somewhere with Ron snogging, or something."
"I guess your right. I'll let you get back to work." Daisy got up and walked out of the library but left her book on the table.
Hermione flipped it over. It was a book she recognized from her second year. 'Most Potent Potions' was a highly dangerous book. Hermione notice a piece of paper stick out of the top as though the book had been mark. She opened and began to read.
'Vericlearvoicium is a highly dangerous effective potion for...'
******************************
On the night before classes restarted Harry, Ron, Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room greeting all their friends and talking about what Hermione had found out in the library. 'Moste Potent Potions' had been very useful.
"So tell me about the side effects again," asked Ron.
"Well, mostly it induces visions, but it also can give hallucinations, and after a lot of use paranoia, and paranoid delusions can be a problem," Hermione said sadly.
"What about when taken in group?" Harry asked.
"Like I told you before, Harry, if there is a true seer to guide it then there could be mass hallucinations."
"But what about mass visions?" Harry pressed.
"I suppose it's possible. But it's never happened before. Look," she said pointing to a paragraph. "Right here, 'unknown to have occurred.' And 'considered by some to be possible but unlikely...more likely with a more gifted seer.' But it doesn't matter anyway. Unless you plan to try something, Harry."
"No, it's to dangerous," he said and looked at Ron who seemed to like the idea.
"But if we could be there to help her," Ron pressed.
"I don't think we'd help," Harry said. "And we'd only make her either guilty or mad at us. She won't even tell us about her visions. You really think she wants us showing up in one."
"I guess your right. But, if we could help..." Ron tried again.
"No Ron. We are not doing that," Hermione said firmly.
"Anyway," Harry went on. "What about long term effects? How long does it last?"
"Well, that depends," Hermione answered. "If it's just taken by anyone it's a one time short term effect unless it's abused. But if the person is a seer or even sensitive to visions, it could last much longer. The potion is supposed to help seers get more clarity from their visions so it intensifies them. Add to that the fact that Daisy is a gypsy seer and so naturally stronger than most, she may suffer from the effects of one dose for weeks."
'Great' Harry thought. 'And Wink's been slipping her this stuff for weeks... This cannot be good. But how do I get the others to see how much danger Daisy's in without telling them what I know?'
"What about using it again after an overdose?" Harry tried. "What could that do to her?"
Hermione scanned the book again. "Multiply any residual effects with new uses..." she mumbled.
"That does not sound good," Ron said.
'No,' Harry thought, 'that does not sound good.'
Daisy walked into the common room with Ginny Weasley. They had gotten to be good friends during the first week of brake. Daisy couldn't help thinking of when she was little and would share a room with her sister. It was nice to have a little of that back. And Ginny never pressed or searched for information Daisy didn't want to give.
When the two girls spotted Hermione and the boys in a corner leaning over a book she knew what they were up to.
'Well', she thought, 'at least some of their questions will be answered. Shame I can't just tell them myself. Maybe I shouldn't be in Gryffindor after all.'
"Daze? You aright?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah. Fine. Come on let's go talk to the others," she motioned over towards Hermione, Harry, and Ron.
"No way!" Ginny said. "Do you really think I'm crazy enough to interrupt Hermione studying for the O.W.L.'s?"
Daisy laughed. "Well, I need to study too so I'll see ya later."
"Come on guys!" Daisy said cheerfully. "Whatever your studying can't be that bad!" She flashed them her biggest smile as she sat down.
They all looked up, rather guiltily too she thought. Hermione closed the book and stuffed it in her bag.
"Your right," she said. "No more studying for awhile."
"Great!" Ron said trying to hide the worried look on his face.
"Come on love," Daisy said. "Let's play chess. You'll cheer up after you thoroughly trounce me!"
"Then maybe I should play Harry. You actually might beat me," Ron said as he ducked a playful punch from his best friend in the next chair over.
Ron did play Harry and thoroughly trounced him.
"How do you always do that? " Harry asked.
Ron smiled. "Incredible skill and talent." He stretched and yawned. "It's getting late and we've got class tomorrow."
"Hermione's already gone to bed," Daisy said looking up from whatever book she was reading. "So has everyone else for that matter."
When Harry and Ron looked around the common room was empty. "I guess we should head up too?" Ron asked, yawning again.
"You'd better anyway," Daisy said as she smiled and went over to kiss him.
Giving them some privacy, Harry turned away and picked up the book Daisy had been reading.
After a minute Ron yawned mid-kiss and Daisy laughed. "Ok, you really need sleep. See you in the morning."
Ron sighed as he detached himself from her. "I'm going. You coming Harry?"
Harry looked at them. "I'll be up in a bit."
"Night then." He turned and, stealing one more quick kiss from Daisy, went up the boy's stairs.
"So," Daisy said sitting in a chair across from Harry. "What's on your mind, Potter?"
Harry grimaced. "I'm I that obvious?"
"I Know all. I See all..." Daisy said in a mock Trewlany voice. Then she shrugged. "Besides why would you be avoiding a nice warm fluffy bed if you didn't have something on you mind. Something you can't ask Hermione about the Vericlearvoicium?"
"How did...?"
"Harry, why do you think I got that book out of the library. Oh, do me a favor and remind Hermione she breaking school rules. Taking a restricted book out of the library without permission," Daisy shook her head sadly. "Especially when someone else borrowed the book. You and Ron have had quite an influence on that girl."
"Or," Harry said looking at her meaningfully, "it could be she's just worried about her friend. And she doesn't even remember those visions." Harry gave an involuntary shiver. "Do you really see everything like that?"
Daisy stared absent-mindedly fingering the tear shaped stone around her neck. "No, visions are always different. Sometime I watch, sometimes I'm one of the people. Once I reach a certain level of concentration though, I should have more control. Aunt Ro was suppose to help me with that but..."
"How will you know? When you reach that level, I mean."
"I'm not sure. My grandmother died before she could tell me. She was the only other real Seer in the family, but she taught all her daughters in case any of them had children with the gift. After my overdose my mum tried to help me but she could never handle it. Aunt Ro was always stronger. What's that smirk for?" Daisy asked as she noticed a smile creeping across his face.
"Your losing you accent a bit."
"Good, Guy can't tease me anymore? Now what's wrong?" This time Harry was frowning.
"What is it with you two? I'm mean he told me you know each other, and that your both gypsies, from the same clan I'd gather, but he wouldn't tell me anything specific, not that anyone ever does mind you."
"No wonder you've taken to eavesdropping," she laughed as she dogged a pillow he through at her. After a few minutes of tossing pillows at each other Harry stopped and looked at her.
"He's your other brother, isn't he?" Harry asked.
That wiped the smile off Daisy face. "Belle and Guy Blanc are my mothers children from her first marriage. Belle went off to school and started hanging around a bad crowd. A lot of other gypsy's children. We keep in contact across borders, especially if belonging to the same clan. When Guy got older he went with her. By the time I was eleven they had been into v- clear for a awhile. Someone mentioned what would happen if they had a Seer with them. 'A totally mind-blowing experience.' It was Guy's bright idea to bring me so they could get this new high." Daisy was staring at her hand for awhile and then finally looked up with tears in her eyes. "I was so miserable at school, snobby New England little prisses!" Harry could hardly believe the hatred in her words. "It's not like I was totally clueless. It was an escape for me. Our school terms didn't run the same. It was always different people in the group. I started going a lot without either of my siblings there. I got myself in very deep. Came to the point were my eyes were always glowing and I was doing all my schoolwork through divining, if I was doing my work at all. When I od'ed, Guy blamed himself. We all spent that Christmas together while I was in the hospital. The look on his face when he saw me lying there! He had graduated at the end of that year and so just didn't come home again. I didn't hear from him until the first day of classes here."
"No wonder you we so angry with him," Harry said quietly. "But that still leaves a lot of questions, Daze."
"Yeah, so? I never meant to say that. Feel lucky I told you what I did!" she said. "I'm going to bed!"
"No, wait! I'm sorry I wanted to ask you about the potion's effects. Winky's been slipping it to you for awhile. How bad is it for you? Is there anything we can do to help?"
Daisy took off her glasses. Her eyes were still glowing gold. She sat down in the chair across from Harry and put her hands on the table. She looked at him expectantly and finally took her hands.
"You can be my anchor," she said trying to relax every muscle in her body and concentrate. "I might be able to make sense of a few thing this ways." And with that both there eyes closed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry was standing in the fog her remembered from Christmas Eve. "Daisy? Are you here?" he called starting to panic a little.
She gripped his hands tightly. "Right here." she said softly.
"What are we going to see?" he asked.
"Well there is one vision that's been bothering me."
Soon the fog began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron was walking alone on the Hogwarts grounds. He had to be about 17. He would still grow a lot over the next two years. Then a very pretty girl ran over to him. It was Hermione. When they finally reached each other they held each other and then kissed for a long time.
Harry looked over at Daisy. She had silent tears running down her cheeks. "I didn't want to believe it. I mean I saw it but I just didn't want to believe it."
Harry wasn't quite sure what to say. "Do you know how you broke up?"
Daisy wiped the tears from her face and said "No, and I don't wan to! I'm not going to ruin a perfectly good boyfriend because of something that won't happen for two years."
The future Ron and Hermione began walking hand-in-hand back towards the castle.
"I wonder where we, I mean the older us, are?" Harry said absently.
Daisy almost smiled. "Yes, let's go see who your snogging Mister Potter!"
"What..?" but before he could say anything else the world began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Harry's complete amazement he and Daisy were watching an older Harry snogging in the Quidditch changing rooms.
"How did I know this is what you'd be doing?" Daisy said with a smirk.
"Sod off. Who's the girl?"
"I can't tell. Hmm, who do we know with hair that dark."
"Never mind. Let's just go. This is really weird."
Harry and the mystery girls were starting the do a little more than just kiss.
"I don't know. We might get a pretty good show if we stay."
"DAISY!"
This time as the world faded away it was to the sound of Daisy laughing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At seventeen Harry Potter was tall, dark, and handsome. Almost every girl at Hogwarts would through themselves at him if it wasn't for his girlfriend. It made Harry smile to think how wonderful she was, and what a good kisser she was. He was absolutely crazy about her. Now if only he could tell her he loved her.
Harry was talking about all this with Ron by the lake. The new term had just started and it was still warm out.
"Just tell her how you feel, Harry. You have no idea how much easier that makes things," said Ron, the voice of wisdom.
"You know how she is, if I tell her I love her she'll freak. She doesn't like commitment."
"Harry, she grown a lot over the past two years. Look, I said I wouldn't say anything, but she's already told both Ginny and Hermione she's in love with you. Just tell her."
Harry sighed. "I'm going to meet her now. I'll tell you how it goes later."
"Good luck, mate." Ron said as her continued to walk by the lake. Just before he rounded towards the Quidditch changing rooms Harry looked back to see Hermione headed towards Ron. Harry smile. If those two could work things out so could he.
As he entered the changing rooms she surprised him by appearing out of n where and immediately kissing him. They spent quite some time snogging before he finally decided that he needed to tall her.
He looked into her big brown eyes with those enchanting gold flexes. He pushed some of her dark hair out of her face. She had recently developed a habit of dying her hair. It was almost black right now, only a little lighter then his own. She smiled at him. Her smile could change the world. He took a deep breath.
"Daisy, I love you." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Harry, Harry wake up!" Ron was yelling. "Gees, how long were you up talking to my girlfriend?"
Harry got up not really remembering his dream. But felt very guilty for some reason, when Ron mentioned his girlfriend.
*******************************************
On Christmas morning Harry woke up to a pile of presents from his friend. The Dursley seem to have forgotten him all together this year. He got a fresh supply of broom care produces from Ron, which was good his servicing kit was running low. He got a green sweater from Mrs. Weasley as well as some homemade pies, Ron also got a package of goodies to open from his parents. Hermione got him a set of Gobberstones. Hagrid sent his usually package of inedible food. Sirius had sent him a book called Great Seekers and their greatest moves, and Remus Lupin sent him a book called 'How to Survive the O.W.L.'s and still have fun school.' Finally he opened a package from Daisy. It was a picture album. It started with a picture of Harry's parent's when they were at Hogwarts, it moved forward through time until his parents were grown and then into his life. There were even a few pictures of him when he was younger at the Dursley's. It went straight up to yesterday.
'Wow', Harry thought. 'And all I got her was a charm bracelet.'
Actually Harry had gotten both of the girl charm bracelets. Daisy had the four balls used in Quidditch and a broom, Hermione's had little books, a wand, and a tiny P. Both girls were wearing them as they sat in the common room waiting. Hermione was also wearing a pair of earrings then had to have been her gift from Daisy.
"Happy Christmas!" they all said.
"Ready for breakfast?" Ron asked.
When they were down in the Great Hall there was only one table for everyone. It reminded Harry slightly his second year Christmas.
"Good morning." Greeted Professor Dumbledore, as He came over. He gave Daisy a hug and said "Happy Christmas, dear. Thank you for the socks."
"Happy Christmas Uncle," she said as she hugged him back.
When they were all sitting to eat Ron leaned over and asked, "Sock?"
Daisy smiled and winked at Harry. "It's what wanted," she said.
Harry remembered after his first Christmas at Hogwarts Professor Dumbledore had said all that would take to make him happy would be a thick pair of woolen socks. Harry smile at the memory.
It was a very enjoyable day. On the way down to dinner Harry asked Ron what Daisy had given him.
"We're not going to exchange gifts until later." Ron said.
"Alright," Harry checked to make sure the girls were out of earshot. "What did you get her?"
Ron smiled. He pulled a small box out of his pocket. It was a ring box. Ron showed Harry a very dainty ring. It had a silver band that connected to a gold dragon with ruby eyes. "Wow, how did you pay for this?"
"Let's just say my dad didn't get me a gift, and I'll be working for Fred and George when they need help," Ron said.
Dinner was festive. Finally Professor Blanc said loudly across the table, "So Daisy, does your violin work properly?"
Daisy blushed. "It is perfectly in tune, thank you."
Suddenly Allen popped up, violin in hand and said, "You should play then!"
"You two are evil," she laughed.
"Come on, Daze. It's tradition!" said professor Blanc.
She took the instrument form Allen. "It's been a while." she said as she slowly began to run the bow along the strings. At first she played a slow mournful tune. Then she began to speed up. Her song got livelier and livelier until a few people including the headmaster began to dance. They all laughed and began to sing. It was a merry affair.
After dinner Daisy asked Hermione to take her violin up to their room.
"And make sure that it's hidden from snooping brothers," Daisy whispered.
Ron and she went up to the Astronomy tower. They laid down on some of the blankets that were already set up in the tower to star gaze. They were holding hands and just looking at the sky when Ron said "that was really impressive tonight."
"I forgot how much I loved to play" she smiled. "Mom started me playing the violen when I was little. Like five, I think. I moved on and play a bunch of things. I'm awful at any wind instrument. I think guitar is my favorite instrument though."
"Anyway," she said. "Present time! I can't wait any longer."
She pulled out a small box to match the one he pulled out. They switched boxes and when Ron opened his box he couldn't help but laugh. She had gotten him the male version of the same ring. It was a little bigger a little thicker set, but the same ring.
Daisy looked up and smiled at him. They both put their rings on. They began to kiss and lay back down on the blankets. They were both wearing the jumpers Mrs. Weasley had given them.
Before she realized it his hand was on her bear stomach. Then Ron was unhooking her bra.
Daisy kissed Ron while she pulled off his jumper. They broke the kissing just long enough to shed the offending articles.
**********************************
Ron and Daisy spent most of the brake together. Most of the time they would disappear only to reappear hours later. This was fine by Hermione as it gave her a chance to research Vericlearvoicium.
Harry however was left mostly alone. During the day light hours he would set loose a snitch and practice for hours. He had the Wronski Feint down and was now working on a few other moves from the book Sirius had given him. He also spent a lot of time visiting Hagrid. On day near the end of brake Harry was at breakfast with Ron and Daisy when he mentioned his plans to go down to see Hagrid.
"Great will come with you!" Daisy said.
"Yeah," Ron said dryly, "That's just what I want to do."
Harry laughed but Daisy asked about Hermione. "Oh, she's already in the library I think."
"OK," Daisy said. Harry couldn't quite figure out the expression on her face.
They were at Hagrid's for quite awhile. Hagrid enjoyed teasing Ron and Daisy. Harry even joined in a bit. It was fun to watch his friends turn various shade of pink.
"He, he, he. I'm sorry, yer two. I'll leave ya alone," Hagrid said. "So why didn't Hermione come down with yer lot."
"She's, ah, in the library," Harry said not looking at Daisy.
Daisy however noticed. "Hey Hagrid, do you think you could give me a note to get a book out of the Restricted Section. I wanted do some extra research for the O.W.L.'s."
"Sure Daisy. Ah, what book are yer looking to get," Hagrid asked.
"I one on potions. Snape won't give it to me because of his policy of 'no favorites.' And he's gone until after brake anyway. I've been thinking about doing the extra revision for awhile, talking about Hermione studying just made me think of it."
As Daisy spoke Hagrid wrote her the note of permission. Harry and Ron were wondering what Daisy was up to.
"Thanks, Hagrid," she said as he handed her the note. "I'm gonna go straight away. You guys stay and visit," Daisy said turning to Ron and Harry. "I'll see you later." And with that she practically ran out the door.
"Weird girl." Ron smiled. "Cute, but weird."
***********************************
Hermione was sitting in the library alone, when she saw Daisy come in. Hermione watched Daisy go to Madame Pince, the librarian, and then go to a part of the library Hermione couldn't see. After a moment Daisy came over to Hermione's table, clutching a book to her chest.
"Why didn't you come down to Hagrid's?" Daisy asked.
"I was studying," Hermione said.
"You know, I'm getting kinda worried about you," Daisy said as she sat putting her book face down on the table. "You've been, I dunno, distant lately."
Hermione smiled "that's because your always off somewhere with Ron snogging, or something."
"I guess your right. I'll let you get back to work." Daisy got up and walked out of the library but left her book on the table.
Hermione flipped it over. It was a book she recognized from her second year. 'Most Potent Potions' was a highly dangerous book. Hermione notice a piece of paper stick out of the top as though the book had been mark. She opened and began to read.
'Vericlearvoicium is a highly dangerous effective potion for...'
******************************
On the night before classes restarted Harry, Ron, Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room greeting all their friends and talking about what Hermione had found out in the library. 'Moste Potent Potions' had been very useful.
"So tell me about the side effects again," asked Ron.
"Well, mostly it induces visions, but it also can give hallucinations, and after a lot of use paranoia, and paranoid delusions can be a problem," Hermione said sadly.
"What about when taken in group?" Harry asked.
"Like I told you before, Harry, if there is a true seer to guide it then there could be mass hallucinations."
"But what about mass visions?" Harry pressed.
"I suppose it's possible. But it's never happened before. Look," she said pointing to a paragraph. "Right here, 'unknown to have occurred.' And 'considered by some to be possible but unlikely...more likely with a more gifted seer.' But it doesn't matter anyway. Unless you plan to try something, Harry."
"No, it's to dangerous," he said and looked at Ron who seemed to like the idea.
"But if we could be there to help her," Ron pressed.
"I don't think we'd help," Harry said. "And we'd only make her either guilty or mad at us. She won't even tell us about her visions. You really think she wants us showing up in one."
"I guess your right. But, if we could help..." Ron tried again.
"No Ron. We are not doing that," Hermione said firmly.
"Anyway," Harry went on. "What about long term effects? How long does it last?"
"Well, that depends," Hermione answered. "If it's just taken by anyone it's a one time short term effect unless it's abused. But if the person is a seer or even sensitive to visions, it could last much longer. The potion is supposed to help seers get more clarity from their visions so it intensifies them. Add to that the fact that Daisy is a gypsy seer and so naturally stronger than most, she may suffer from the effects of one dose for weeks."
'Great' Harry thought. 'And Wink's been slipping her this stuff for weeks... This cannot be good. But how do I get the others to see how much danger Daisy's in without telling them what I know?'
"What about using it again after an overdose?" Harry tried. "What could that do to her?"
Hermione scanned the book again. "Multiply any residual effects with new uses..." she mumbled.
"That does not sound good," Ron said.
'No,' Harry thought, 'that does not sound good.'
Daisy walked into the common room with Ginny Weasley. They had gotten to be good friends during the first week of brake. Daisy couldn't help thinking of when she was little and would share a room with her sister. It was nice to have a little of that back. And Ginny never pressed or searched for information Daisy didn't want to give.
When the two girls spotted Hermione and the boys in a corner leaning over a book she knew what they were up to.
'Well', she thought, 'at least some of their questions will be answered. Shame I can't just tell them myself. Maybe I shouldn't be in Gryffindor after all.'
"Daze? You aright?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah. Fine. Come on let's go talk to the others," she motioned over towards Hermione, Harry, and Ron.
"No way!" Ginny said. "Do you really think I'm crazy enough to interrupt Hermione studying for the O.W.L.'s?"
Daisy laughed. "Well, I need to study too so I'll see ya later."
"Come on guys!" Daisy said cheerfully. "Whatever your studying can't be that bad!" She flashed them her biggest smile as she sat down.
They all looked up, rather guiltily too she thought. Hermione closed the book and stuffed it in her bag.
"Your right," she said. "No more studying for awhile."
"Great!" Ron said trying to hide the worried look on his face.
"Come on love," Daisy said. "Let's play chess. You'll cheer up after you thoroughly trounce me!"
"Then maybe I should play Harry. You actually might beat me," Ron said as he ducked a playful punch from his best friend in the next chair over.
Ron did play Harry and thoroughly trounced him.
"How do you always do that? " Harry asked.
Ron smiled. "Incredible skill and talent." He stretched and yawned. "It's getting late and we've got class tomorrow."
"Hermione's already gone to bed," Daisy said looking up from whatever book she was reading. "So has everyone else for that matter."
When Harry and Ron looked around the common room was empty. "I guess we should head up too?" Ron asked, yawning again.
"You'd better anyway," Daisy said as she smiled and went over to kiss him.
Giving them some privacy, Harry turned away and picked up the book Daisy had been reading.
After a minute Ron yawned mid-kiss and Daisy laughed. "Ok, you really need sleep. See you in the morning."
Ron sighed as he detached himself from her. "I'm going. You coming Harry?"
Harry looked at them. "I'll be up in a bit."
"Night then." He turned and, stealing one more quick kiss from Daisy, went up the boy's stairs.
"So," Daisy said sitting in a chair across from Harry. "What's on your mind, Potter?"
Harry grimaced. "I'm I that obvious?"
"I Know all. I See all..." Daisy said in a mock Trewlany voice. Then she shrugged. "Besides why would you be avoiding a nice warm fluffy bed if you didn't have something on you mind. Something you can't ask Hermione about the Vericlearvoicium?"
"How did...?"
"Harry, why do you think I got that book out of the library. Oh, do me a favor and remind Hermione she breaking school rules. Taking a restricted book out of the library without permission," Daisy shook her head sadly. "Especially when someone else borrowed the book. You and Ron have had quite an influence on that girl."
"Or," Harry said looking at her meaningfully, "it could be she's just worried about her friend. And she doesn't even remember those visions." Harry gave an involuntary shiver. "Do you really see everything like that?"
Daisy stared absent-mindedly fingering the tear shaped stone around her neck. "No, visions are always different. Sometime I watch, sometimes I'm one of the people. Once I reach a certain level of concentration though, I should have more control. Aunt Ro was suppose to help me with that but..."
"How will you know? When you reach that level, I mean."
"I'm not sure. My grandmother died before she could tell me. She was the only other real Seer in the family, but she taught all her daughters in case any of them had children with the gift. After my overdose my mum tried to help me but she could never handle it. Aunt Ro was always stronger. What's that smirk for?" Daisy asked as she noticed a smile creeping across his face.
"Your losing you accent a bit."
"Good, Guy can't tease me anymore? Now what's wrong?" This time Harry was frowning.
"What is it with you two? I'm mean he told me you know each other, and that your both gypsies, from the same clan I'd gather, but he wouldn't tell me anything specific, not that anyone ever does mind you."
"No wonder you've taken to eavesdropping," she laughed as she dogged a pillow he through at her. After a few minutes of tossing pillows at each other Harry stopped and looked at her.
"He's your other brother, isn't he?" Harry asked.
That wiped the smile off Daisy face. "Belle and Guy Blanc are my mothers children from her first marriage. Belle went off to school and started hanging around a bad crowd. A lot of other gypsy's children. We keep in contact across borders, especially if belonging to the same clan. When Guy got older he went with her. By the time I was eleven they had been into v- clear for a awhile. Someone mentioned what would happen if they had a Seer with them. 'A totally mind-blowing experience.' It was Guy's bright idea to bring me so they could get this new high." Daisy was staring at her hand for awhile and then finally looked up with tears in her eyes. "I was so miserable at school, snobby New England little prisses!" Harry could hardly believe the hatred in her words. "It's not like I was totally clueless. It was an escape for me. Our school terms didn't run the same. It was always different people in the group. I started going a lot without either of my siblings there. I got myself in very deep. Came to the point were my eyes were always glowing and I was doing all my schoolwork through divining, if I was doing my work at all. When I od'ed, Guy blamed himself. We all spent that Christmas together while I was in the hospital. The look on his face when he saw me lying there! He had graduated at the end of that year and so just didn't come home again. I didn't hear from him until the first day of classes here."
"No wonder you we so angry with him," Harry said quietly. "But that still leaves a lot of questions, Daze."
"Yeah, so? I never meant to say that. Feel lucky I told you what I did!" she said. "I'm going to bed!"
"No, wait! I'm sorry I wanted to ask you about the potion's effects. Winky's been slipping it to you for awhile. How bad is it for you? Is there anything we can do to help?"
Daisy took off her glasses. Her eyes were still glowing gold. She sat down in the chair across from Harry and put her hands on the table. She looked at him expectantly and finally took her hands.
"You can be my anchor," she said trying to relax every muscle in her body and concentrate. "I might be able to make sense of a few thing this ways." And with that both there eyes closed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry was standing in the fog her remembered from Christmas Eve. "Daisy? Are you here?" he called starting to panic a little.
She gripped his hands tightly. "Right here." she said softly.
"What are we going to see?" he asked.
"Well there is one vision that's been bothering me."
Soon the fog began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron was walking alone on the Hogwarts grounds. He had to be about 17. He would still grow a lot over the next two years. Then a very pretty girl ran over to him. It was Hermione. When they finally reached each other they held each other and then kissed for a long time.
Harry looked over at Daisy. She had silent tears running down her cheeks. "I didn't want to believe it. I mean I saw it but I just didn't want to believe it."
Harry wasn't quite sure what to say. "Do you know how you broke up?"
Daisy wiped the tears from her face and said "No, and I don't wan to! I'm not going to ruin a perfectly good boyfriend because of something that won't happen for two years."
The future Ron and Hermione began walking hand-in-hand back towards the castle.
"I wonder where we, I mean the older us, are?" Harry said absently.
Daisy almost smiled. "Yes, let's go see who your snogging Mister Potter!"
"What..?" but before he could say anything else the world began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Harry's complete amazement he and Daisy were watching an older Harry snogging in the Quidditch changing rooms.
"How did I know this is what you'd be doing?" Daisy said with a smirk.
"Sod off. Who's the girl?"
"I can't tell. Hmm, who do we know with hair that dark."
"Never mind. Let's just go. This is really weird."
Harry and the mystery girls were starting the do a little more than just kiss.
"I don't know. We might get a pretty good show if we stay."
"DAISY!"
This time as the world faded away it was to the sound of Daisy laughing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At seventeen Harry Potter was tall, dark, and handsome. Almost every girl at Hogwarts would through themselves at him if it wasn't for his girlfriend. It made Harry smile to think how wonderful she was, and what a good kisser she was. He was absolutely crazy about her. Now if only he could tell her he loved her.
Harry was talking about all this with Ron by the lake. The new term had just started and it was still warm out.
"Just tell her how you feel, Harry. You have no idea how much easier that makes things," said Ron, the voice of wisdom.
"You know how she is, if I tell her I love her she'll freak. She doesn't like commitment."
"Harry, she grown a lot over the past two years. Look, I said I wouldn't say anything, but she's already told both Ginny and Hermione she's in love with you. Just tell her."
Harry sighed. "I'm going to meet her now. I'll tell you how it goes later."
"Good luck, mate." Ron said as her continued to walk by the lake. Just before he rounded towards the Quidditch changing rooms Harry looked back to see Hermione headed towards Ron. Harry smile. If those two could work things out so could he.
As he entered the changing rooms she surprised him by appearing out of n where and immediately kissing him. They spent quite some time snogging before he finally decided that he needed to tall her.
He looked into her big brown eyes with those enchanting gold flexes. He pushed some of her dark hair out of her face. She had recently developed a habit of dying her hair. It was almost black right now, only a little lighter then his own. She smiled at him. Her smile could change the world. He took a deep breath.
"Daisy, I love you." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Harry, Harry wake up!" Ron was yelling. "Gees, how long were you up talking to my girlfriend?"
Harry got up not really remembering his dream. But felt very guilty for some reason, when Ron mentioned his girlfriend.
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