The weeks leading up to Yule passed quickly, people had learnt to leave Harry alone and the Gryffindors hadn't mobbed him again though he could tell Fred and George were planning something as they kept glancing at him through meals. He, Neville and Daphne had spent most of their time either in the library or in the Come and Go Room that they had both been gobsmacked about when he had first shown them, they had spent more of their time trying to figure out the egg while still researching new spells, getting homework done and in Harry's case dancing lessons. He had revealed that he wanted to make sure Daphne had a good night and he didn't think that would happen if he repeatedly stepped on her toe's she had quickly scheduled dancing time in; they'd been able to go onto several long walks and Neville had been gracious enough to give them time alone, they'd grown even more comfortable holding hands in public and Daphne now made sure to give him a hug or to touch his shoulder or arm when she saw him. He had stopped jumping each time she did this but Daphne had caught his eyes as they'd pulled apart and she had noticed the slightly haunted and fearful look in his eyes, she had decided to wait until they were comfortable with each other before initiating conversation about that.
Neville had panicked for a moment before asking if Daphne thought Tracey would go with him, she had enquired at lunch and at her positive nod, Neville had put together a small bouquet of flowers and asked her after dinner that very day. Tonight, however was special, Harry and Sirius had been exchanging letters and tonight he would introduce Daphne to his Godfather. They discovered that the Come and Go Room or the Room of Requirement as it had originally been called by Rowena Ravenclaw (Daphne had drooled at the number of books that appeared) could not only create fires but also Floo Powder, they hadn't tried going through but decided to attempt to floo call. They'd decided it would be better to ask the room for a fireplace rather than risk sneaking her into the Gryffindor common room or one of the professor's offices. Harry had decided to reveal to Neville what had happened the previous year and had been thrilled that the Gryffindor had listened without comment until the end when he stated quite firmly he believed Harry and would it be alright he asked his Grandmother some questions to try and help.
They finished dinner and said goodnight to Neville before making their way up to the 7th floor. The room they entered was a replica of what Harry had first wished for but with a two person sofa and comfy arm chairs huddles around the fire. As the clock struck 8o'clock they both leant towards the fire as the coals and flames twisted and turned until a face was revealed to them.
"Alright, Prongslet?" His Dogfather grinned happily up at him and Harry felt tears prickle at the sight of his Godfather and the care and concern exhibited.
"Alright Padfoot, how are you?"
"Better for seeing you, and thanks for the food and I want to know everything but first the charming lady to your left is?"
"How do you do Mr Black, I'm Daphne Greengrass."
"A pleasure Miss Greengrass, please call me Sirius I must say I'm surprised Prongslet was able to find such a stunner to take care of him."
"It's perfectly mutual and call me Daphne." She answered with a cheeky grin and Sirius liked her immediately and made a mental note to inform Remus of the gorgeous girl that cared for James and Lily's boy.
"That doesn't surprise me and very well. Harry tell me everything I want to know it all." Now the introductions were out the way, it was obvious that although he was happy to see Daphne he was ecstatic to see his Godson causing Daphne to smile and sit back as she watched the two of them catch up on everything from how the Dursleys had treated him over the summer, to how his name had come out and he'd been made a pariah to how Daphne had been there and the mountain of studying and research then finally the dragons. Sirius made all the right comments, listening patiently and rolling his eyes playfully.
"Phew your letters simply did not do your life justice! Firstly thank you Daphne for sticking with him I dread to know what could have happened otherwise. Secondly well done on the dragon that's incredible! Thirdly I am ever so proud of you and I know your parents absolutely would be too in your strength and how you've handled everything."
Harry grabbed Daphne's hand and squeezed hard as his throat closed up and he nodded.
"What about you, what have you been up too?" Harry asked.
"Well as much as I wanted to stay near you I knew it would be a bad idea so over the summer I left for France and am right now in the Black Chateaux in Normandy. I took your advice and saw a therapist and because I never was given a trial, Gringotts is still open to me so I'm doing well in terms of food. I'll be coming back probably April to be nearer for the third task. But best news of all, the French Ministry have agreed to give me a trial!"
"WHAT!? That's fantastic! How? When?" The teen shouted in happiness and amazement.
"I sent an old contact of mine a message, I figured I had nothing to lose and I used one of the house-elves here so it can't be tracked or traced. Anyway, he actually responded positively, said he'd never been sure and if I could send any evidence then he'd see what I could do. Sent the memory of your parents changing the secret keeper and chasing after the rat on that night and now I just need to wait."
"Oh Padfoot that's brilliant! I can't wait!"
"Indeed, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, Daphne do tell me about yourself."
The conversation flowed for another hour as Daphne answered his questions and herself and her family as well as her intentions towards "my innocent Prongslet", something which had both teens blushing madly. Finally as curfew drew nearer the conversation switched back to the tournament.
"Harry, I know you know but please be careful I have a super idea for your 15th birthday and would like for you to see it. Also the screeching sound could be another language; some magical creature languages can be understood occasionally like Cornish pixies, you lower their voices and speeds that they talk at and they're understandable."
"We'll check with Hagrid tomorrow" Harry said decisively glancing at Daphne who nodded.
"Excellent. Now is there anything else you wish to talk to me about, anything at all?"
Harry glanced down at the floor before catching his godfathers eye again who was looking knowingly at him.
"I had a dream at the end of summer, about Voldemort. He was in a house with Wormtail, they murdered a muggle."
"Okaaay, intense. But clearly you're only mentioning this now so you're not too worried?"
"Not really, I mean it was only a dream, right? And Voldemort can't come back, can he?"
Sirius sighed unhappily and thought carefully about his answer.
"Harry there is a lot that us mere mortals don't know about magic, from what you've told me about your first and second year, Voldemort can come back and has. And you should never dismiss a dream just because you're asleep when you have it, they can show and tell a lot."
"So I should be taking this seriously? Voldemort is back?" Harry said feeling himself start to stand before Daphne put a hand on his shoulder and forcefully held him down.
"I'm saying that; if you have anything like that again, then we will need to talk about it, as far as we know this could have happened years ago and you're having a vision now."
"But the man who was murdered, shouldn't we do something?"
"Like what, Harry? As hard as it is people are being murdered every day not just by some psychotic James Bond villain wanna be dark lord!"
Huffing out a breath of laughter, Harry felt lighter as he considered Sirius' words.
"You're right, if anything happens like this again, I'll let you know."
"That's all I ask, you say you've been practicing occlumency, make sure you keep up to date on that and it might help. I'm afraid that's as helpful as I can be. Now as for the Yule Ball have a splendiferous time and take lots of pictures for me. Daphne lovely to meet you, Harry good luck."
"Thanks Sirius, keep safe please."
"Always do, love you prongslet."
"Love you too Pads."
As his Godfather vanished from the flames, Harry sighed deeply and pulled his arm from Daphne's grasp to wrap it around her shoulders as she looped hers around him.
"He seems wonderful."
"Don't tell him that."
"Wouldn't dream of it…Harry why, why haven't you said anything?"
"It was just a dream, to be honest I forgot about it until my name came up and I thought about how crap the year was turning out. And then well I didn't want to put anything else on you."
Daphne eyed him carefully but nodded.
"You know you can come to me with anything right?"
"I know, I just, after them, I'm not used, I didn't think…"
She hugged him again and gave a soft smile.
"I'm sorry I should be more understanding, but I am here."
"I know, thank you." He turned his head and they both froze as they simultaneously realised how closely they were pressed together. For a brief moment there was no movement as their breath mingled until a shadow passed over Harry's face and he pulled away.
"Sorry, I um…sorry. Come on we should get going."
"Yes, not all of us can have an invisibility cloak to shield us from wandering eyes." Daphne said, while she felt a little disappointed and even a teeny bit insecure the reminder that he had introduced her to the most important person in his world boosted her spirits and she returned his shy smile with one of her won as they left the magical room.
Christmas Holidays eventually came about and the tensions rose as boys frantically started asking girls out hoping to get a date for the most looked forward to event. Harry and Daphne acted as they always did and therefore were left mostly unbothered as no one was stupid enough to even contemplate asking either of them. The castle was clearly putting more effort put into the decorations this year, involving large ice sculptures of mermaids and nymphs paying homage to the Beauxbaton students and suits of armour bowing in classic duelling style to the Durmstrang students. The usual twelve Christmas trees sparkled and shone with the fairy lights and the house-elves had clearly been had at work as every surface shone and the warmth of the constantly going fires flooded the usually draughty castle.
A special Hogsmede trip had been planned for the Saturday before the Yule Ball for those needing last minute alterations to dress robes or accessories etc. Luckily for Harry, Sirius had come through for him and had sent a fancy pair of dress robes that the house-elves in the Chalet had done up. The main part was a three-piece suit, a green that matched the scrap of fabric that matched Daphne's dress, a white shirt and green bow tie, he also had a robe of black silk that had the Potter and Black crests on the shoulders. The trip also afforded Harry and Daphne their first official date as they had been free to spend all their time together. Dobby had willingly put together a picnic which they had had on the hill overlooking Hogsmede and the Shrieking Shack which was not as terrifying as it had been now Daphne knew why it was there. They had spent the afternoon talking about themselves and their pasts and Harry had to wrap his arms around a furious Daphne as he explained the Dursleys and their hatred. It had been the most he had spoken to anyone about his past excluding Sirius and it had taken Daphne lots of patience to listen and not speak though fury vibrated through her frame.
"Those vile, awful, animals!" As she stared out over the village from the hill they sat on. Now that she heard the full story, she understood so much more about the boy next to her and she turned to face him with nothing but affection and worry pouring from her.
"Thank you, thank you for telling me."
Harry shrugged and glanced away deciding that the snowy woods were more appealing at this point.
"We've gone through enough and to be honest if we wanted to date; I thought it was best you knew. In case…well…you know."
In case I decide to leave. Daphne filled in the blanks and fought the urge to pull him into her arms again.
"You know Astoria has some very unladylike stories of me, maybe you'll change your mind about me when you hear them."
Harry huffed a laugh as the tension drained from his posture at the warmth in her voice and the fact she didn't ask any questions. Hermione would have peppered him until he would snap.
"I'd love to hear them from you."
And for the next hour or so she had regaled him with comical stories from her past. Hiding from her mothers piano lessons and making the nanny sob with despair at her want of running until it started to get colder and they trooped back to the castle.
The sun was peeking through the dormitory window when Harry opened his eyes and immediately found himself scrambling backwards at the large tennis ball eyes barely a foot from his face.
"Morning Master Harry! Dobby wanted to wish yous a Merry Christmas!"
"Thanks Dobby, here I have something for you too." While they'd been down in Hogsmede Harry had bought 2 pairs of socks in bright orange with a pattern of lots of other socks on them for his little friend.
"Thank you master Harry is the greatest!" And with that he disappeared. Harry grinned and set about opening his other presents. Sirius had gifted him two defence books as well as a pair of Dragon hide boots and a small journal looking book which once he muttered the motto of the marauders suddenly revealed 'A Guide to becoming an Animagus' by Messers Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail. Remus had got him some chocolate and a book of magical languages. Neville's present was a book on defensive plants to use, a small recipe book for desserts (his friends had found he had an incredibly sweet tooth) and Bertie Botts every flavour beans. Daphne's presents left him speechless; the frame was a dark wood with 'Virtus, Fidem, Spe, Amicitia' (courage, faith, hope, friendship) the photo was a magical one that started with Harry wrapping an arm around Daphne's shoulders and she putting one around his waist and then they looked off to the side as Neville joined laughingly putting his own arm around Harry too. He watched the actions take place before placing it carefully on his bedside table vaguely remembering Collin taking it one day. She'd also given him a wand holster, and a leather necklace with a small silver stag charm hanging from it which he immediately put on. He took a moment to feel sad at the lack of Weasley jumper, he had sent Mr and Mrs Weasley a box with some new magical knitting needles designed to make any pattern and some wool that changed colour as well as a book on muggle appliances but had assumed they didn't wish to send him anything until he spotter a small box buried underneath his blankets. It was a small container with several mince pies in it, as he opened it a small piece of parchment fell out and he felt a warm glow in his gut as he read it.
Dear Harry,
Although we don't quite understand what is happening with you and the kids we hope you know that we wish you a very Happy Yule and while our children might be too in their own heads right now we want you to know, we believe you.
Merry Christmas!
Love
Arthur and Molly
"Thanks mate, I love the mini snare and the book!" Neville's voice invaded his thoughts and he jerked his head round to see his friend holding the plant with the seedling of Devils Snare in it. He'd also found a rare copy of 'Amazonian Plant Tribes' and the rituals involved with them.
"You're welcome, thanks for the recipes can't wait to try treacle tart."
They pulled on jumpers and jeans and headed down for breakfast and met Daphne and Tracey just by the door, Harry couldn't help himself and reached for her hand and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you for everything." Her answering squeeze and shy smile sent butterflies dancing through his stomach and they separated heading to their respective table for Christmas breakfast. The four of them spent the morning and some of the afternoon in the room of requirement, talking about anything and everything but decided to head out into the snow after a small lunch. They finished at 5.30 with the girls claiming they need at least two hours to make sure they looked perfect and the boys headed to the kitchen for a quick chat with Dobby and to give a thank you to rest of the house-elves before leaving themselves to tidy up as much as they could.
7.30pm on the dot found Neville and Harry waiting round the corner from the Slytherin common room, despite the nervousness that twisted their guts, they also felt calm knowing that they'd have a good time with people whose company they enjoyed. That didn't stop the jaws from dropping as the soft click of heels caught their attention and they turned to their dates.
Daphne was radiant, blond hair in a curving braid that wound its way into a knot at the back of head leaving a few wisps draped around her face and a single curl that just reached her collar bone. Her dress matched Harry's suit with silver sparkles that clustered at the top of the slim fitting gown and then gradually spread out lower and further apart, two thin straps of silver crossed at the back and around her neck, the necklace hung delicately in the hollow of her throat and one of his Christmas present to her, a simple silver link bracelet encircled her wrist. For Harry you could have asked him what his name was and he's response would have been "whaa…huh?"
"So what do you think?" Her voice was quiet but did the job of shaking him from his trance and he quickly held her hand up to his lips his eyes never leaving hers.
"You look incredible." Her blush was his reward.
"Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself."
"But of course, only the best for you m'lady." Harry said, sticking his nose in the air while buffing his nails on his shoulder.
They grinned happily as the tension broke between them and turned to Neville and Tracey who were smiling at the both of them, Tracey's hand already holding onto to Neville's arm. They looked well, Neville's black robes with red highlights went well with her shimmering knee length black dress with thick red belt and red heels, hair swept up high on her head. The couples made their way to the hall where Harry and Daphne bid them goodbye and followed McGonagall into the small side room that held the champions until they made their entrance. Cedric and Cho Chang nodded at them with small smiles, Cedric in traditional black and white robes while Cho wore silver robes that reflected her Chinese heritage, since the dragon the Hufflepuffs had withdrawn from sniping at Harry each time and Neville revealed over conversations in the Greenhouse that Cedric had seemingly put them all in their place. That he considered Harry a friend and was ashamed at his houses actions as well as his own lack of action, it was that which helped Harry to overcome the hurt that had been caused by the older boy. Fleur turned to give a raised eyebrow but Roger Davies clearly didn't have the brain power to look anywhere other than his silver satin clad date. Victor was looking regal in the bright red shirt and fur lined cape with brown breeches tucked into black boots, his date Harry recognised as Lisa Turpin, a Ravenclaw who had neither helped him or hurt him she had brown hair that was curled and a light blue dress on that had long lace sleeves. McGonagall hurried over to their corner, dressed in her usual green robes but with a Gryffindor-coloured tartan wrap hung over one shoulder.
"Welcome Mr Potter and Miss Greengrass, the ball is starting shortly please line up you will be last to enter after Mr Diggory who will follow behind Miss Delacour who will follow Mr Krum. We shall eat first and then dance to open the ball."
They settled in their place behind the others and Harry puffed out his cheeks in an exaggerated sigh, making Daphne giggle, the doors had opened and they had started to walk in when Harry whispered.
"I'm so glad you agreed to come with me." Daphne's smile lit up the room better than any Veela allure could and many jealous eyes followed them as they walked up to the high table to eat with the judges and heads of schools. As soon as they sat Percy Weasley grabbed the seat next to Harry and opened his mouth to speak when Dumbledore stood, his bright purple robes with gold stars had many girls giggling into their hands.
"Welcome to the 1994 Yule Ball! We shall begin the dancing shortly but first the meal, we have food from France, England and Northern European. Enjoy!" Their plates while glimmering gold remained empty, Harry looked around confused before Daphne nudged his arm.
"Here like this, salmon and prawn salad." After consulting the menu at their sides, Daphne spoke clearly directly to her plate and to Harry's surprise her plate was suddenly filled with leaves, prawns, salmon, avocado, pepper chunks and cherry tomatoes.
"The ministry ball do the same thing, it makes them look better to the foreign ambassadors."
Harry checked the menu and then said clearly.
"Roast beef and potatoes." And gladly dug into the appealing food now on his plate.
"Harry how are you? That's excellent, I'm filling in for Mr Crouch he's been unwell recently and offered me the prestigious opportunity to take his place. He is a brilliant boss, incredibly clever and his work with dignitaries is legendary no wonder they wanted him for this tournament there was really no other man for the role."
"Sorry Percy but I simply cannot agree, Mr Crouch has been anything but helpful to me, he is not good to his staff and in almost all my dealings with him I find him thoroughly irritating. However I will grant you that he is in a high position and its good of him to allocate you this role as you wish to thrive in the Ministry." The cold way that Harry had delivered his insulting yet congratulating comment had Daphne feeling proud and Percy taking a choking breath before turning to Cedric on his left and asking after his father. The couple were left alone for the rest of dinner and when Dumbledore stood Harry gallantly offered his arm to the beauty next to him and the two of them swept onto the dance floor standing across from each other and giving a stiff bow and curtsy before their masks broke as Harry placed his hand on her waist and held her other and their smiles broke through unrestrained.
"Just like we practiced and remember what Padfoot said, have fun!" Daphne's comment had the nerves practically melting away and as the music filled the room with its light caressing notes the couple followed it instinctively, keeping their eyes on each other and dancing beautifully their robes sweeping the floor and the steps perfectly in time. As the music finished Harry spun her in a cheeky twist and dipped her down low (he'd practiced with Neville and they'd had had a hard time keeping a straight face) her laughter was worth it. Other couples soon joined as the Weird Sisters took over the stage and the dancing grew a little wilder with some slow swaying songs spread through the set. Neville and Tracey found them 4 songs in and they agreed to switch partners allowing Tracey and Harry to have a good laugh as they watched the two purebloods elegantly glide across the floor with ice masks in place looking as haughty as a Malfoy. Harry had been slightly surprised to learn that Neville could dance before the boy had said.
"I'm heir of a noble and ancient house, we were invited to most important functions and it was expected of me."
As the four continued to have fun many looked on in amazement. The Gryffindor Golden Boy was showing off skills that any pureblood would have been proud to have as he dismissed many of the other boys and girls that came to ask him or his partner to dance and the Slytherin Ice Queen was showing more emotion that she ever had to anyone, including those who considered her a 'friend' like Pansy Parkinson. As they continued to sway, Harry was happy to hold the blonde close with minimal conversation when she nudged his shoulder and pointed towards the door with her chin.
"Looks like their date, didn't end well."
Looking through the other couples, Harry could just make out Ron and Hermione glaring at each other near the door way. Hermione's hands were moving around quickly and her cheeks were flushed whereas Ron was staring sullenly back with his arms folded. In the end and in a move Harry recognised, Ron stormed off towards Dean and Seamus who were hanging around the punch bowl and he saw Hermione staring after him before she ran out of the hall.
"Do you want to go after her?" Daphne's quiet voice intruded and snapping his head back round he could see the mask sliding back in place as the insecurity started to speak in her mind.
"No, I think she needs time alone first. I'd much rather stay here with the most gorgeous woman in the world thank you very much."
She shoved his shoulder playfully but he was happy to see the cloud of worry lift from her eyes.
"Do you want to take a walk with me?" Harry whispered to Daphne who nodded and he took her hand as they weaved through the couples and made their way into the fairy grotto inspired garden. Lights twinkled all around, and several well placed fountains cast a magical bubbling sound through the rose bushes that had been specially built into a small network of pathways and places to sit. They spotted Hagrid and Maxine holding hands and quickly strode into another part ducking so that Karkaroff and Snape didn't see them, they finally found their way into a small area that only just allowed the music from the hall to seep in. They sat silently, still holding hands as they simply breathed. Harry had thought desperately about what he wanted to say but wincing at the thought of someone seeing them he quickly drew his wand and cast the Muffliato charm and Disillusionment charm. Thinking back to his plan with Neville he also conjured a rose this time the same shade of blue as the sky around them and held it to Daphne.
"Daphne, you've been wonderful to me. You're strong and stayed with me throughout all this. I also enjoyed myself more tonight than I ever thought possible and from your smiles I would like to think you had a good time."
At her furious head nodding which allowed a tear to slip onto her cheek he grasped the Gryffindor courage that had got him through so much.
"Daphne Greengrass, will you be my girlfriend?" He had barely got the sentence out before Daphne had thrown her arms around him and kissed him hard. For less than a second he was off balance and his brain went blank before he quickly responded. Not wanting to push his luck he placed his hands on her waist and held her tightly to him as her arms went around his neck and kept his head to hers. Their kiss multiplied and soon she was sitting sideways on his lap as their lips moved together for a few short seconds before retreating and then fitting back again. Eventually their need to breathe interrupted them though and they sat with their foreheads leaned against each other breathing deeply. Daphne's hair had come free of the knot and sung over her shoulder in its braid though more pieces hung around her face framing the flushed cheeks, red lips and sparkling eyes.
"That's a yes by the way." Her quip broke the heavy atmosphere and they chuckled as they stood to return to the ball. Harry quickly leaned forward and gave her a peck before her hands could create even more havoc in his hair than they already had. As they entered the hall they laughed again as they realised, they'd been outside for close to an hour and only a few of the older couples were left as well as Neville and Tracey who were sitting at one of the smaller tables each nursing a butterbeer but with Tracey's feet resting on Neville's lap her heels abandoned on the floor. However, as the couple neared them Tracey's eyes went wide and she squealed bouncing up from her seat and grabbed Daphne into a hug, Neville settled with a hearty slap on Harry's back. They decided to have one more dance and as Harry held Daphne in his arms as they swayed lightly, her head resting on his shoulder not a worry about the tasks or his old friends in his mind he thought he could get through anything.