A/N: You know, crazy story. Okay so this dog came out of nowhere and all of a sudden ate my computer. Then, it ran away and I had to search the entire city, day and night, for the past month. Finally, I was able to catch up to it and made the dog throw up the computer just last night so I could finally upload-
Yeah no. Some stuff came up in my life and I had to deal with it. Also, I discovered (or should I say, rediscovered) the Naruto and Percy Jackson fandom...so I spent my writing time reading fanfic.
Anyways, finally got around to updating since I thought it would be nice for my birthday. Can't believe I'm going to be turning 19 in an hour lol.
Also, you guys should check out AgentRip-Off story, Your Name. It has a pretty good start and an interesting concept!
Another story I would recommend is Freudentraene story, An Icy Quest. It's honestly such a refreshing take on Haphne, and you'll definitely be spoiled by the immense world building the author has put in!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any works by J.K Rowling.
Chapter 17
The morning after the fight was exhausting. Harry didn't get out of bed until noon. The first thing he saw was Daphne's annoyed face when he opened his eyes.
"Finally! Do you know how long I've been trying?" Daphne snapped. "Honestly, it's noon! Do you intend on sleeping throughout the day?"
"Yes." Harry answered honestly. "I just feel super tired all of a sudden. Actually…I might go back to sleep again…"
Daphne frowned when she saw his eyes flutter. "Is something wrong? You seem more tired than usual. Harry? Harr - Merlin, I think he's passed out again…"
"…huh? No!" Harry jumped up. "I don't…"
Daphne pressed her mouth against his, causing his eyes to widen. When she pulled away, he felt himself wide awake and staring back at her.
"Awake now?" Daphne smirked.
Harry just stared back at her dumbstruck.
"Hellooooo? Earth to Harry." Daphne waved her hand across his face
"…you're beautiful, you know that?" Harry muttered.
Daphne immediately blushed. "W-where'd that come from?"
"I just thought you looked really pretty today," he replied honestly.
"Oh…well…thanks…" Daphne mumbled. A small smile crept upon her lips
Harry finally rose out of bed and gave a long yawn as he stretched. "I feel tired," he said. "And my sides are killing me. Hey Daphne, where's Tori?"
"DIE!"
Harry immediately jumped out of his bed just in time to see Astoria mimic shooting something from her fingertip at a teddy bear on the table.
"Go go away, Mr. Lucci!" Astoria shouted, waving her hand. "My magic will destroy you! I'll save everyone from your evil ways!"
Harry just looked at Daphne in confusion, demanding an explanation from her. She only groaned and threw her head back in annoyance.
"She's been like that all morning ever since she saw what happened last night," Daphne complained. "How did you not wake up with all the noise she was making?"
Astoria stopped whatever she was doing when she saw Harry awake. She ran at him full speed with stars in her eyes. "Papa!" She squealed. "Papa and mama were so cool last night!"
In a split second, she was already in his arms and bombarded him with questions. "Can you teach me magic?" She asked excitedly. "Oooh, can you give me a wand too? Can you also show me that thing you do without a wand?"
Harry glanced over at Daphne to see her scowling.
"Absolutely not!" Daphne snapped. "You're far too young to be doing magic! What if something happened to you, Tori?"
"Then you would protect me, mama, and papa would too! Just like last night!" Astoria retorted.
Harry had to hold back a smile when he saw Daphne try her best to stay mad. Her face contorted between a mixture of anger and a smile.
But he didn't need to hide his own smile. He just allowed Astoria to see just how happy she made him with just those words alone.
Daphne didn't seem to be able to look at Astoria for long. She instead turned her glare over at Harry, causing him to sweat.
"W-what are you looking at me for?" Harry asked nervously.
"You. Will NOT. Bend to her demands!" Daphne growled.
"Excuse me?"
"You spoil her! If I don't say anything, the next thing you'll do is get her a wand and start teaching her magic!"
Harry looked away guiltily. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
"So can you show me how to do magic, papa?" Astoria asked hopefully.
Harry was about to immediately say yes, but quickly held his tongue when he saw Daphne continuing to glare at him.
He was ready to deny Astoria, but when he looked at her pleading face, he couldn't bear to see her pout.
The little girl was just too cute!
"Well…um…" Harry rubbed the back of his head.
"Papaaaaaaa…pleaseeeeeeeee…"
"Harry…" Daphne growled.
There really wasn't any way he would come out of this situation unscathed. But maybe he could at least get something out of it. An idea lit up inside his head.
"Sorry, Tori," Harry apologized, causing the little girl's face to fall. "But I already owe Daphne for agreeing to speak with Penny again."
A smirk crept up on his lips. "I mean…if for some reason that she doesn't follow through, I guess I could consider showing you a bit of magic."
He could already feel another growl coming his way, as Daphne stared daggers right at him. Astoria just looked conflicted, considering she really liked hanging out with Penny.
"I will speak with her," Daphne said through gritted teeth. "You, however, make sure Tori doesn't touch on any magic!"
Harry gave a victorious grin, which quickly fell when Astoria pouted even more.
"You're making me sad, papa." Astoria whined. "I'm going to cry. Papa, see? I'm crying right now."
Astoria pretended to sob, even going as far as rub her eyes and hiccup. Harry, in a panicked state, quickly wrapped his arms around her and tried his best to console the little girl.
"Tori! Um, how about when you're older? I'll show you a few spells? Is that okay?"
"When?" Astoria sniffed.
"How about…5 years later? When you're 13?"
She cried even harder.
"Okay okay! 4 years!"
"Papa! You don't love me anymore!" She wailed.
"3! When you're 10!"
"Wahhhhhh!"
"I'll do some magic for you sometimes! I'll even let you pick what spells I use! How about that? A few times a week!"
The crying immediately stopped and a smile crossed her face. "Okay!" She said happily, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Love you, papa!"
And with that, Astoria was off the bed and back to playing with Mr. Lucci, her teddy bear.
Daphne rolled her eyes and gave Harry a light tap over the head.
"See? This is what I mean." Daphne grumbled. "She sheds a few tears and you cater to whatever she wants. She's going to grow up spoiled!"
"But she was crying! I don't want her to be sad!"
"Oh please! They weren't even real tears. Didn't you even notice how quickly she changed her attitude once you agreed to her demands?"
Harry frowned. Now that he thought about it, all the tears did seem to magically disappear once he agreed to what the little girl wanted. After a few seconds, realization finally crossed his face.
"Oh…did she just-"
"Yeah. You got played this time. And the last time. And that time when-"
"Okay, okay I get it." Harry interrupted. "I'll be more firm next time."
"Sure." Daphne snorted.
"I'm serious! Next time I'll refuse anything she asks of me!"
"Uh huh…" Daphne drawled. "Anyways, you need to get out of bed, Harry. We are absolutely not going to be spending the entire day in this room!"
1 hour later
The Great Hall was bustling with activity. Most of the students seem to have gotten up late since it was the weekend, and everyone was making up for their missed breakfast with lunch.
Harry and Daphne's table manners had improved drastically since they arrived at Hogwarts. A lot of it was thanks to Penelope, who was incredibly stern with how they ate.
Speaking of the older Ravenclaw girl, she was nervously sitting next to Harry while making small glances at Daphne who sat on Harry's other side.
Harry watched expectantly for Daphne to hold up her end of the bargain, but the blonde girl just tried her best to ignore Penelope.
"So Daphne," Harry coughed, interrupting the silence between the two girls. "Didn't you have something you wanted to talk to Penny about?"
"…no."
"What do you mean, no?" Harry exclaimed. "We just had a conversation about this this morning!"
"…"
Stare
"…"
Stare
"…FINE!" Daphne snapped. "After lunch, when we have our practice, we'll discuss it then!"
Penelope's small voice finally came out. "Thank you, Daphne," she said softly.
The only answer from the blonde girl was a grunt, as she went back to eating her food, acting as if nothing happened.
Right when Daphne finished a few minutes later, she marched out of the great hall, causing Harry and Penelope to quickly try to catch up with her by following behind.
"I wish Daphne would be able to forgive Penny." Harry thought, as they were approaching the Room of Requirements. "I want the two of them to settle their differences."
Penelope suddenly placed her palm to her forehead. "I forgot to get Percy," Penelope muttered.
Harry, seeing this as an opportunity to give the two of them space, offered to get Percy. "I'll get him," Harry said.
Penelope looked back. "Are you sure? Gryffindors can be…unwelcoming at times. Especially, you know…you're you."
"Don't worry about it," Harry waved.
As he was about to set off, Penny called to him.
"The password is 'balderdash!'"
An eyebrow was raised from the boy, causing Penelope to blush.
"Don't…" Penelope groaned. "I just…I know things."
Harry snickered slightly at her attempt to hide the obvious fact that she was sneaking in there to visit Percy so often.
"I'll be back soon," he promised. "Just…you and Daphne need to get everything fixed."
"I'll try." Penelope said wryly.
＊＊＊
When Daphne entered the Room do Requirements and turned around, she was surprised to find only Penny behind her.
"Harry went off to get Percy," Penelope said after Daphne gave her a questioning look.
A small scowl emerged from Daphne's face at the mention of Percy.
"Whatever," Daphne said coldly. "Well? Aren't you going to get started?"
The two of them stood in their dueling stances. Each set of eyes peered at one another.
"I guess today I'll start by showing you-"
Before Penelope could finish her sentence, Daphne had already sent out a spell.
"Bombarda!"
Penelope's eyes widened at the girl's aggressive and violent attack. She quickly raised a shield to cover herself, but more spells flew at.
"Reducto! Stupefy! Incarcerous!"
Daphne was all but screaming right now. Usually she kept herself calm and controlled when casting, as it was better, but her anger towards the older girl overwhelmed any rational thoughts.
However, it didn't take long for Penelope to find an opening to send a disarming spell at Daphne, causing her wand to fly out of her hand.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Daphne?" Penelope snapped. "Are you trying to kill me?"
"No. It's probably the other way around," Daphne said sarcastically. "I'm not the one who's going around telling everything to everyone to put us in danger."
Penelope's face flushed red. "What else do you want me to say besides sorry? I know I should've asked you beforehand, but Percy's trustworthy!"
"To you perhaps, Penelope!" Daphne snarled, saying her name mockingly. "For all I know, your boyfriend is going to get Harry, Tori, and me killed! Hell, at some point you'll probably betray all of us when an opportunity suits you as well!"
Penelope looked hurt and taken aback. The girl's words seemed to have cut deep, as she just stood there gaping.
"Is that what you think of me?" Penelope whispered sadly. "Even after everything I've done for you?"
Silence.
After a few seconds, Daphne finally spoke up in a low voice. "I-I think I should go. I don't think we should do this anymore."
"…fine then. It's probably for the best," Penelope muttered sadly.
Daphne turned around and went to the exit. However, she frowned and turned around.
Penelope looked on suspiciously, wondering why Daphne hadn't left yet.
"There's no door."
Matter of fact, there wasn't a door anywhere to be seen in the Room of Requirements.
＊＊＊
Harry made his way to Gryffindor tower. A few Gryffindor eyes were on him, as they were curious why the pariah of the wizarding world was going so near their tower.
He just ignored them like usual, and instead continued onwards. Eventually, a portrait of a fat lady stood in his way, separating him and the Gryffindor dormitory.
"Password?" The portrait suddenly asked. Then, the lady squinted her eyes when she saw who it was. "You're not a Gryffindor. What are you doing here?"
Harry ignored her and just spoke the password. "Balderdash."
"Excuse me young man, I asked you a question!" The portrait exclaimed. However, it didn't stop her from swinging open and Harry walked right in.
When Harry was inside, he was met with everyone staring at him.
"Um…hi." Harry said awkwardly.
No response.
"I'm uh, looking for Percy Weasley. Does anyone know where I can find him?"
He was met again with silence.
Everyone's mouth was agape. Never in a million years would they imagine Harry previously Potter would show up in their dormitory.
A first year girl stammered and pointed down a hallway. "He's…he's…first door to the right…"
Harry nodded hesitantly and followed the directions. When he approached the door, he knocked.
"Who is it?" a voice came from behind the door.
"It's Harry!" The boy shouted. "Penny sent me to get you!"
The door swung open to reveal an annoyed Percy Weasley. "She sent you to get me? Well, come on in, then. Don't just stand there."
Harry awkwardly followed Percy into his room. His room was just like him. It was clean and completely organized, with nothing sticking out in particular. Percy sat down at a desk and began muttering to himself, as he began working on a stack of paperwork.
"Um Percy? We should get going."
"In a few minutes," he muttered. "I have to finish these papers."
Curiosity overwhelmed the awkwardness Harry felt, as he plopped down on the bed next to Percy's desk.
"What are you working on?"
Suddenly, Percy shifted his posture until he held an air of superiority around him.
"It's a paper about the lack of social programs in the wizarding world that I'm working on for the ministry," he explained importantly. "We don't have anything in place when someone needs help. Orphanages, social security, unemployment - everyone is practically on their own unless they come from one of the ancient and noble families."
At the mention of the ancient and noble families, Percy glared at Harry pointedly.
The comment went over the boy's head. He was more surprised that Percy was working on a paper for the ministry.
"The ministry?" He asked. "Why are you even doing it for them?"
"I work there." Percy simply said.
"But…you're a student. How-"
"I work and go to school." Percy shrugged. "I don't think it's something you'd understand."
The statement from Percy caused Harry to frown. It was one of the things that truly annoyed Harry.
Percy Weasley always thought that Harry grew up more comfortable than others. The Potters were famous and well known to be extremely wealthy, more so than most other houses.
He was correct to a certain extent. While Harry never did worry about having enough money, he didn't exactly have a happy childhood. Add to the fact that he learned how to survive with just him and Daphne while taking care of Astoria, his life was far from being as easy as Percy thought.
But alas, he wasn't here to fight. He was here to get Percy. Despite Harry's reservations about the older Gryffindor and his teaching methods, he definitely knew his stuff.
"Housing…care…necessities…banking…" Percy was muttering, as he penned down his thoughts.
Harry looked over his shoulder and skimmed the paper.
"You're missing something," Harry pointed out.
Percy frowned, as he turned around. "What do you mean?"
"Well…" Harry started, deep in thought. "You're only taking into account adults or those who are prepared for the world. And there's a weakness in your orphanage system, as they wouldn't be able to take someone who's been emancipated."
A surprised look crossed Percy's face. He stared back at the boy in front of him, curiosity building up inside.
"What would you propose then…Harry?"
Harry stared back, seeing how Percy said his name for once. Harry gave him a small smirk, determined to show Percy that he wasn't what Percy thought he was.
"I think you should start with the bank. Despite what you believe, I did end up on the streets for a time. And it was Gringotts…"
1 hour Later
"That was very…enlightening, Potter. Perhaps your story might have a stint of truth in it after all."
Harry walked side by side with Percy Weasley. Even more people were looking at them compared to when Harry went by himself.
Why was Percy Weasley walking with Harry Potter?
Harry himself was surprised that Percy decided to walk with him. When he asked the older boy, he only shrugged and said that Harry wasn't so bad. However, he still thought Harry was spoiled.
He didn't normally gawk. But for that comment, Harry made an exception.
Percy had rolled his eyes and told him not to let the comment get to his already big head.
Yeah, Percy Weasley was still probably going to be an ass at times. But at the very least, he was starting to become tolerable.
As they were walking, Harry decided he would use this time to get one of the burning questions he's been having for Percy.
"So how long have you known Penny?" Harry asked as they were walking.
Percy shrugged. "Probably almost my whole life. Ever since we were kids."
"Really? So you were childhood friends?"
Percy had a rare nostalgic smile on his face. "Yes," he said softly. "The very best."
Harry's expression softened, as he watched Percy's face. It wasn't the same guy who would be a complete ass towards him. It was someone who truly cared about the person most important to them.
"You love her, don't you?" Harry asked softly.
"With everything I have." Percy replied. "Perhaps one day you will find that feeling, Potter. Merlin knows, you might even have some humility then."
Percy's tone wasn't like his usual one. Despite what he said, no malice was behind his words, but rather a more light hearted one. Almost as if he was just teasing Harry.
Harry rolled his eyes and smirked. "I already know what you're talking about. It's what I feel everytime I'm with Daphne."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "You must jest, Potter. You're Barely old enough to know what the word means. You're more likely just infatuated with each other!"
"Hey! What we have is real!" Harry argued. "I love her with everything I have! Just as you would with Penny!"
Percy halted in his steps and turned towards Harry.
"Would you die for her?" Percy asked with a dangerous glint in his voice. "Would you give everything for her? Would you dedicate your life, just to make her dreams come true? Just to see her smile?"
His fiery hazel eyes bore into Harry's emerald green.
A challenge. A test. To see if Harry meant what he said.
Harry wasn't going to back down. He stood tall and glared right back.
"I would," Harry said with conviction. "I would do it a thousand times over."
The two of them held their glare, until Percy finally relented and his eyes softened.
Percy just shrugged and continued walking. Harry blinked, as he wondered what the hell had just happened.
"Hey! What was that all-"
"Now would you look at that," Percy interrupted. "We're already here. Come along, my time is valuable. We have things to do."
Harry scowled at Percy's obvious attempt to evade the question. He stared at the wall in front of them, waiting for the room to open up.
Percy started pacing back and forth whilst muttering. The door should've opened any second now, but 10 minutes had already passed.
"Are you sure you're doing it right?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Yes," Percy scowled. "I have done this a hundred times. Something is preventing it from opening."
Harry started to try to get the door to appear as well, and another 10 minutes passed.
And another 10.
And another.
The door wasn't appearing. Penelope and Daphne were stuck inside.
Panic began to set over the two boys.
＊＊＊
The two girls sat across the room from each other. They were trying to be as far away from one another as possible.
Daphne huffed as she glanced at Penelope. That girl actually had the audacity to look miserable? Who was she to do that?"
Time seemed to have passed seamlessly. Daphne didn't know how long they had sat there, waiting for the door to open.
She couldn't take it anymore, and decided to stand up frustratingly. She marched over to Penelope, surprising the girl.
"Get up," Daphne growled. "I'm not going to be sitting in this room with you any second longer. Help me find a way out."
Penelope looked up and glared back at the girl, her eyes slightly wet.
"Or what?" Penelope spat. "You're going to try and kill me?"
"I could say the same!" Daphne snapped. "I trusted you! Even after what happened, I still trusted you!"
"And how have I betrayed your trust?" Penelope shouted. "Tell me! I have done everything for you! I have taught you, guided you, and helped you! What more do you want?"
"I WANTED YOU TO KEEP YOUR DAMN MOUTH CLOSED!"
Penelope glared back at Daphne. "You talk so much about trust," she hissed. "But in turn, you don't trust me, Daphne. Percy has helped you, hasn't he? He taught you what I couldn't, did he not?"
"That's not the point! You should've asked us before you told him everything!"
"Yes I should've! But I didn't! I'm not perfect! I made a mistake and I apologized! And I am sorry, but It's you who's being a child and holding a grudge, Daphne!" Penelope huffed. "Even Harry knew to forgive."
At the mention of Harry, Daphne looked slightly guilty. It was true. After a fierce apology by Penelope to the both of them, Harry had instantly forgiven the girl. It was Daphne who had kept up the grudge.
The two of them held a glare until finally, Daphne slumped down next to Penelope.
The two of them sat in silence until finally Daphne spoke up again.
"Is…is he going to get us killed?" Daphne asked in a small voice.
"No." Penelope said softly. She hesitantly reached her hand over to Daphne's, and gently held it. "You can trust him. I've known him since we were children. Please Daphne, trust in me."
"But he's always acting so mean towards Harry…"
Penelope chuckled softly at that. "He means well. It's just…Percy didn't exactly have an easy childhood. Harry's heritage reminds him of that…"
"But how can you-"
"Trust him so well?" Penelope interrupted gently. "He's saved me, Daphne. My past…he's the one that saved me. He'll never betray me, and in turn, you."
Daphne was quiet. She sat there, taking in all the information.
"I…I'm sorry about how I've been acting." Daphne whispered. "My grandfather…after that I just…my trust…"
She was babbling at this point, her words barely coherent. Daphne was about to run away out of shame, but suddenly a pair of strong arms pulled her into a hug.
"I'm sorry too." Penelope cried quietly. "I didn't mean to betray your trust. I promise I won't ever do it again, Daphne."
Daphne returned the hug. "I won't hurt you like that again, Penny. I was being an idiot. I'm sorry too."
Penelope gave out a tearful laugh, and pulled the girl in even closer. "Wh-wh-what are you apologizing for," she choked. "I'm the one in the wrong. I was the one who betrayed my little sister."
"L-L-Little sister?" Daphne blushed.
Penelope's face turned red as well. "I-I mean…you're like one to me…"
Daphne didn't say anything. Instead, she threw herself even deeper into Penelope, almost crushing her bones with a powerful hug.
A flicker on the wall next to them started to appear, and a door materialized.
The door slammed open with Percy and Harry crashing in. The sight of Penelope and Daphne holding onto each other left the two of them agape.
With a knowing glance between the two of them, they silently moved to one side of the room to let the girls share their moment together.
A/N: Taking a month to write this chapter makes me a bit scared it'll have plot wholes/interrupted continuity. Hopefully nothing too bad.
Alright, I'm going to be honest here. I'm more invested into PJO right now, and I'm extremely tempted to write one. However, I do not want to drop this story, as it would be rude and mean of me to just abandon it after getting this far. So, I will try to get this story finished, but I will warn everyone that my inspiration isn't as it used to be.
But again, no way in hell am I just going to straight up abandon this story after I vowed from the very beginning to finish it.
Thank you everyone for sticking this far with me! We're going to see this story through, no matter what.