The Choices We Make
20th September 1994
Looking rather downcast, Daphne was walking along the corridor leading towards the dungeons containing the Potions classrooms and her Head Of House Professor Slughorn's office, having just endured a rather uncomfortable meeting about a letter sent to the Hogwarts Potions Master by her Stepmother Octavia Greengrass nee Vaisey concerning her younger Sister Astoria.
She was so deep in thought about her conversation with Professor Slughorn, that she almost failed to hear a familiar voice calling out to her from further up the corridor before a figure stepped in front of her, letting her walk into their arms.
"What happened Daph… you look troubled?" said Harry, sounding concerned as he moved her back slightly so she could look up at him.
Feeling relieved at his presence and slightly flushed that he was holding her in his arms, Daphne managed a nervous smile.
Despite what Harry thought, his feelings for Daphne were requited, though Daphne (scared of what her father would do if he found out she saw Harry as more than a friend), was hesitant about being anything more than close friends with Harry.
She knew it was unfair on Harry to be naturally mistrusting around pursuing him romantically but she could not help herself, with a small part of her being scared at the fact that he might abandon her under the pressure of her intimidating Father.
"Daph… are you okay?" said Harry softly.
Daphne was snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at him, her cheeks turning pink as he smiled down at her.
Nodding, Daphne slowly removed herself from his arms.
"Not really… Professor Slughorn just had me in his office… it seems my charming Stepmother has outdone herself in her attempts at making me miserable this time" said Daphne sarcastically.
Fifteen minutes ago…
"You asked to see me Professor?" said Daphne warily as she sat down on one of the plush armchairs in Professor Slughorn's office.
Professor Slughorn, who was in his late-eighties with short balding grey hair, dressed in some of his finest teaching robes, took a seat opposite her in an identical armchair with a folded-up letter clutched in his hand and a concerned look on his face.
"Yes… are you sure I can't get you something to drink, a cup of tea perhaps?" said Professor Slughorn.
Daphne politely declined his request and sat up straight in the chair.
Professor Slughorn sighed and took a deep breath.
"May I ask Miss Greengrass, is there something you want to tell me… issues at home perhaps?" said Professor Slughorn warily as he tried to be delicate about the subject with one of his brightest Fifth Year students.
Daphne stiffened up and sent her Head Of House a small glare.
"What do you want Professor?" said Daphne stiffly.
Professor Slughorn frowned and handed the letter to her.
"I received this letter yesterday… from your Stepmother I believe?" said Professor Slughorn warily, carefully watching his student for any reaction.
When reading the letter, Daphne scoffed as it became clear what her Stepmother had felt the need to write to Professor Slughorn for.
As Daphne had been a member of Professor Slughorn's famous "Slug Club", with members being chosen by the Potion's Master himself, based on who he thought had great potential to be successful one day, which would bring him rewards later in life.
Other members included quite a few of Daphne's year mates, including Emily and Harry to her delight, with Professor Slughorn openly telling Harry that he predicted the Ravenclaw going on to have a successful career when he is older. Like Harry, his sister Evelyn was also a member of the Slug Club, along with her fellow Fourth Years Amanda Black, Hermione Granger and Blaise Zabini, all of whom Professor Slughorn had taken a shining to over the years.
Back on point, her Stepmother had rather bluntly suggested in the letter that Professor Slughorn should invite Astoria to his exclusive club, hinting that Astoria was far more talented than Daphne which made Daphne chuckle.
To Daphne, Astoria was a spoiled brat who had been jealous of her older half-sister ever since Daphne had started at Hogwarts, with the fact that Daphne got better grades and praise from all of her teachers only further increasing Astoria's jealousy.
"Forget about it Professor… my Stepmother and I have always had a difficult relationship" said Daphne flatly, handing the letter back to him.
With a weary look on his face, Professor Slughorn folded up the letter and placed it in his pocket.
"Miss Greengrass… as your Head Of House I am sure you are aware… that while you are at school it is my responsibility to make sure you are properly looked after" said Professor Slughorn, a touch of pity in his voice, having connected the dots of the concerns he had had about Daphne since her First Year.
Daphne nodded.
"I always wondered why you would remain at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays, especially last year when your Sister Astoria went home for Christmas while you remained here… now, I feel like I finally understand most of the story" said Professor Slughorn regretfully.
Daphne merely stood up.
"May I be excused Professor?" said Daphne flatly, wanting a swift end to this conversation.
"Very well… you may go… but remember Miss Greengrass, my door will always be open to you should you wish to talk about anything… just as your friends will always be there to listen should you need them" said Professor Slughorn sincerely.
Daphne nodded her head in appreciation before leaving his office.
Tracing his hand on her arm, Harry took a step closer to her.
"Anything I can do to help… cheer you up perhaps?" said Harry softly.
Daphne smiled but shook her head.
"I'll be fine" said Daphne softly.
Taking the hand on her arm, Daphne gave his hand a light squeeze.
"But… I wouldn't say no to Hogsmeade this weekend, your treat, obviously?" said Daphne, flashing him a cheeky smile.
"My treat" said Harry sincerely.
As Daphne hugged him, Harry leaned into her ear.
"Just as long as you don't drag me around Gladrag's or make me carry your bags" said Harry teasingly.
As they separated, Daphne blew him a kiss before smirking.
"No promises Harry Potter" said Daphne teasingly.
Taking his arm and holding it tightly, Daphne pulled Harry back towards her.
"Come on… you're joining me for lunch" said Daphne teasingly.
"Don't I get a say in this?" said Harry in a mock feeble voice as she started to pull him along the corridor.
Daphne laughed and squeezed his arm.
"No… now come on" said Daphne softly.
24th September 1994
"I doubt dear Octavia made much of an impression on Professor Slughorn" said Daphne amusedly, clinging onto Harry's arm as they walked through the bustling streets of Hogsmeade together.
If one were to look at them right now, they would assume that Harry and Daphne were a couple, given how the two were acting like a couple of schoolchildren in love for the first time.
Yet, the two would insist that they were just friends, even though their friends would often joke that the two should just dive in at the deep end and get together already, much to the embarrassment of Harry and Daphne.
"My offer is still on the table you know… you're always welcome at mine whenever you want" said Harry softly, letting her rest her head leisurely on his shoulder.
Daphne closed her eyes and smiled, squeezing his arm.
"I know… but you worry about me too much" said Daphne softly.
Harry smiled and pressed his head against hers.
"It's because I care about you… we all do" said Harry softly.
Daphne felt her heart warm at his words and she kept her head against his shoulder for several more seconds, only stopping to glare at a small group of Third Years who were sniggering at them.
"So… where to first Princess?" said Harry teasingly.
He chuckled as she gave him an icy stare.
"Don't ever call me that again" said Daphne sternly.
Harry chuckled even more and nervously slid his hand down to her hip, relieved that she made no attempt to remove his hand from her hip.
If anything, it seemed to make her smile more.
"Okay… where to then?" said Harry softly.
"I'm in the mood for some Jelly Slugs… and you're paying" said Daphne with a small smirk.
Harry smirked at her in return.
"And I thought princesses detested slugs" said Harry teasingly, taking joy in teasing her.
This caused Daphne to glare at him again.
"And I said don't call me that… or would you prefer it if I got Andrew to treat me to a day in Hogsmeade instead?" said Daphne teasingly.
Harry smirked.
"But that would upset Tracey… you know she's liked him since last year, I doubt she'd appreciate her best friend going after the bloke she fancies" said Harry teasingly.
Daphne mock pouted.
"You're mean to me" pouted Daphne.
"Am not" said Harry.
Daphne chuckled as he led her towards Honeydukes Sweet Shop.
"Of course, you're not mean to me Silly… if anything you're too kind to me" said Daphne amusedly.
Harry smirked.
"Don't push it… I am paying for your sweets" said Harry with a mock stern voice.
Daphne rolled her eyes as they walked into the shop.
"And everything else given how today is going" mumbled Harry jokingly.
Later that afternoon…
As she and Harry walked up the path leading back up to the castle from Hogsmeade, having thoroughly enjoyed their day together in the magical village.
"You were right… sometimes I do need to take a step back and let you guys look out for my well-being, instead of just bottling it all up and dealing with it my own way" said Daphne softly.
"We care about you Daph… all of us do, as I said… but sometimes you just have to lie back and let us look after you" said Harry softly.
"Lucky me… but I am not a child Harry, I don't need all of you to constantly fuss over me" said Daphne softly.
Harry smiled and pressed a kiss to the side of her head, hoping that she would not hex him for what could be perceived as a step too far.
"You're one of the strongest people I know Daph… for putting up with that shit family of yours and still coming out a strong, kind person" said Harry softly.
Daphne frowned slightly, not liking to hear such words about her family even though she knew they were true.
Harry noticed this and stopped them, turning her to face him.
"I'm sorry… that was uncalled for" said Harry regretfully.
Daphne nodded and took his hand.
"Don't apologise Harry… you're one of my closest friends and you mean a great deal to me, I don't want you to be dishonest with me, ever… including your words about my family" said Daphne softly, toying with his fingers.
She then wrapped him in a hug.
"I had a lovely time today… thank you" said Daphne softly, pressing her head into his shoulder.
Holding her there for several seconds, Harry did not want to let go of her but they eventually let go of each other, continuing their walk back up to the castle, occasionally holding hands as they walked up the path.
28th November 1994
Walking out of her joint Ravenclaw/Slytherin History Of Magic class, Daphne readjusted her book bag on her shoulder before turning to Tracey Davis and Jeanette Farley who joined her in the corridor.
As the three girls were about to start walking down the corridor, with the Christmas Day Yule Ball due to be the likely topic of their discussion, Harry appeared next to them in a flash.
"Hey Daph… can I have a quick word?" said Harry quickly.
Daphne looked at him and slowly nodded as Tracey and Jeanette smirked, the latter nudging Daphne towards Harry.
"We'll leave you two alone for a bit" said Tracey with a wide smirk on her face as she and Jeanette carried on walking down the corridor.
Once they were gone, Harry took a deep breath to steady himself while Daphne looked up at him, a nervous smile adorning her face.
"What did you want to talk to me about Harry?" said Daphne softly.
Harry gulped and slowly took her hand, working hard to keep his eyes on hers.
"Well… I was wondering… wondering if you would like to go to the Yule Ball with me?" said Harry, trying to sound confident though hints of nervousness were creeping into his words.
The Yule Ball, which would take place on Christmas Day night was a tradition of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, with anyone in Fourth Year and above being allowed to attend, while younger students could only attend if they had a date from Fourth Year and above.
Since it was announced last week, the whole school had been a wash of excitement, with most students talking about how excited they were about what was due to be a magical night.
Knowing that there was only one person he wanted to ask to the ball, Harry had spent days building up the courage to ask Daphne, hoping that it was not too late and that Daphne was still available.
After all, Daphne was one of the most popular, if not the most popular girl in their year and Harry knew that he would not be the only boy who thought about asking her.
"Yes… I'll go with you" said Daphne softly.
Harry instantly relaxed at her words.
"Great" said Harry, sounding relieved.
Daphne's smile widened and she placed her hand on his arm.
"Good… now, be a good boy and walk me to our Charms lesson" said Daphne teasingly.
Harry chuckled and let her take his arm.
"Don't push it Princess" said Harry teasingly.
Daphne flushed and glared at him.
"Don't call me that… or I'll hex your bits off before we even get to the ball" said Daphne sternly.
Harry laughed and playfully bumped her as they walked down the corridor.
"By the way… what colour are your dress robes, I want to try and make sure my dress robes match yours" said Harry softly, wanting the ball to be one of the best nights of her life.
Daphne smirked.
"What's my favourite colour?" said Daphne cheekily.
As Harry was about to answer, Daphne silenced him by placing her finger on his lips.
"That's what colour my dress robes are… I trust you can work that out yourself" said Daphne cheekily.
Later that evening…
"So… what did your boyfriend want to talk to you about?" said Tracey as she and Daphne sat down on one of the black leather settees in the Slytherin Common Room.
Cheeks turning pink with embarrassment, Daphne was quick to respond.
"He's not my boyfriend Tracey… Harry's just a friend" said Daphne quickly.
Tracey smirked and leaned back on the settee.
"Fine… have it your way… so… what did the bloke who you want to date so much it hurts ask you?" said Tracey wickedly.
Daphne flushed even more pink.
"He asked me to the ball actually" said Daphne, straightening up and managing to compose herself.
Tracey smirked and leaned toward Daphne.
"And you said yes, I presume?" said Tracey.
"What do you think?" said Daphne coolly.
Tracey playfully punched her arm.
"Of course, you said yes… I bet you would have turned everyone else down just to get your chance with Harry… at least Jeannie and I don't have to resort to our backup plan" said Tracey amusedly.
Hearing the last part of her best friend's words made Daphne glare at Tracey.
"What backup plan was that?" said Daphne icily.
A tone of voice which made Tracey laugh.
"Lock the two of you in a broom cupboard" said Tracey wickedly.
Daphne straightened up.
"To what end?" said Daphne sternly.
"Until the two of you finally stopped dancing around the notion that you don't belong together… because we all know you and Harry are perfect for each other… and he fancies you like mad" said Tracey teasingly.
That last statement only made Daphne blush even more, not even bothering to deny the words that left Tracey's mouth.
"You're exaggerating the whole situation Tracey… yes, Harry likes me… but he's not head over heels in love with me like you're making out" said Daphne flatly.
"Please… don't kid yourself Daph… Harry's had the hots for you since Third Year… remember how he slipped that Honeydukes chocolate into your bag on Valentine's Day that year, all because he was too nervous to walk up to you and say Happy Valentines Day" said Tracey wickedly.
Daphne managed a small smile before throwing one of the cushions on the settee at Tracey.
"You're a horrible tease Tracey… or do you want me to start teasing you about Andrew?" said Daphne amusedly.
Tracey turned a mild shade of pink before shaking her head.
"Don't change the subject" said Tracey.
Daphne stuck her tongue out at Tracey.
"Too late" said Daphne teasingly.
25th December 1994
Waiting outside the Great Hall on the night of the ball, watching as students of all ages from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang walked past her into the Great Hall in droves, Daphne was feeling rather anxious as she waited for Harry, with Emily Dagworth, Tracey and Andrew standing next to her.
Knowing that Harry would be stunned into silence when he saw her, Daphne glanced down at her exquisite dark-green dress robes that resembled a dress one would wear to an expensive gala.
"Someone's nervous" said Tracey in a teasing voice.
As Daphne glared at Tracey, she was shocked to see Andrew ensnare her best friend's waist from behind and press a kiss to her neck, with Tracey tilting her head to the side with a wide smile on her face.
Answering Daphne's unspoken question, Andrew pressed another kiss to Tracey's neck.
"Two weeks yesterday… we decided to keep it quiet until now… of course, keeping you quiet was easier said than done" said Andrew, leaning into Tracey's ear for that last statement.
As Tracey glared at her boyfriend, Daphne turned away from them to see Harry, accompanied by Jamie Morrison and Jeanette Farley, descending the staircase into the foyer where she, Emily, Tracey and Andrew were standing.
"Damn, he looks good" thought Daphne, looking him up and down with approval in her eyes.
Dressed in brand new bottle-green dress robes with his usually messy hair gelled back, Daphne felt her heart beating in her chest, thinking about how good he looked and how much his outfit would complement her own.
Locking eyes with him, Daphne blushed as she could see him looking her up and down, no doubt liking what he saw.
Hearing sniggers behind her from Tracey and Emily as Harry made his way toward her, Daphne quickly turned around and glared at the two girls before turning back to Harry, meeting his eyes.
"Wow… you look amazing" said Harry softly, taking her hand and pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles with his cheeks turning a slight shade of red as he saw how amazing she looked tonight.
"Thanks… you look great too" said Daphne softly, slowly taking his arm so he could lead her into the Great Hall.
Finding a table near the open doors, Harry and Daphne sat down next to each other.
While they were talking with their friends and the dates they had brought with them, Harry slowly took Daphne's hand underneath the table, giving it a squeeze before resting their joined hands on her leg.
Turning to him as her hand was squeezed, Daphne smiled, loving the contact being shared between her and Harry.
Meeting her eyes, Harry was certain that this night was only going to end one way for him and Daphne but the fact that he wanted to make this night memorable for her made him hold back at this moment in time.
After all, surely it would be more romantic to draw the perfect night out rather than just kiss her right then and there.
Aware that everyone else around the circular table (which was decorated with white tablecloths, lined with exquisite cutlery and crockery, far nicer than what was used at normal meal times) were watching them like hawks with teasing looks on their faces, Harry and Daphne turned away from each other to engage their friends in conversation, though they neglected to let go of each other's hands.
Fifteen minutes later…
As Harry and the others stood up to applaud the three Tri-Wizard Champions as they entered the hall with their dates to the sounds of instrumental music, he caught the sight of three familiar faces, each of whom was attending as the date of a respective champion.
First to enter the hall was the long black-haired, 17-year-old Ravenclaw Chaser and Quidditch Captain Roger Davies, with a slightly glossy-eyed look on his face as the 17-year-old, long blonde-haired Quarter Veela, Beauxbatons Champion Fleur Delacour.
Following behind them were the 18-year-old, famous Bulgarian Seeker and Durmstrang Champion Viktor Krum (whose sullen face often made him look like an overgrown bird of prey), with a nervous-looking 15-year-old Hermione Granger hanging onto his arm.
The final couple to enter the hall were the tall, short brown-haired, 17-year-old, Hufflepuff Seeker and Hogwarts Champion Cedric Diggory, with Harry stunned to see his long red-haired sister Evelyn on Cedric's arm, looking both excited and nervous.
Of course, being her older brother, Harry had jokingly asked Evelyn who had asked her to the ball, hinting that he might have to give her date the overprotective, big brother talk, only for Evelyn to keep her mouth firmly shut about her date.
"Imagine giving the overprotective big brother talk to a boy older than you" said Daphne teasingly.
"Don't be mean" said Harry.
Given that he was too far away to notice, Harry did not see the 14-year-old, tall red-haired Ron Weasley subjecting Evelyn to one of the most intense, jealous glares one could muster, a glare which was making his housemate and date Parvati Patil (aged 14) extremely angry and slightly upset.
Half an hour later…
As he and Daphne joined the other students on the large dance floor near the end of the dance floor, near to where a large stage had been set up for the famous Wizarding band known as the Weird Sisters, who would be playing music for the entire ball, Harry took Daphne's hand, pulling her into him and placing his other hand on her waist.
With the two locking eyes with nervous smiles, they slowly started to dance to the music, which was suitable for ballroom dancing right now.
Swallowing his nerves, Harry bravely took a step closer to her, closing the small distance between the two, with their closeness associated with couples who went ballroom dancing.
"You look beautiful Princess, I know you hate it when I call you that… but you certainly look like one tonight" said Harry softly.
Daphne flashed him a smile before leaning up to his ear.
"I don't mind if you occasionally call me that when we're alone… my handsome man" whispered Daphne.
As they locked eyes again, Harry lifted her up before they span around in a small circle.
"Handsome man eh?" said Harry, making absolutely sure that he heard her correctly.
Daphne smirked.
"Maybe" said Daphne teasingly.
Three and a half hours later…
Harry and Daphne were surprised that they managed to stay in there dancing, talking and laughing for three and a half hours, managing to resist the urge to run out of the hall for some private time.
Laughing as they came to a halt near the archway leading into the courtyard, holding each other's hands tightly, Harry squeezed her hands and took a step closer to her.
"I could kiss you right now" said Harry, staring right into her eyes as his heart rate spiked.
Daphne blushed and batted her eyelashes at him.
"Why don't you then?" said Daphne, slowly leaning towards him.
Harry kissed her right then and there, lost to his surroundings as he locked lips with Daphne.
When they finally broke their kiss, the two kept their eyes on each other.
"I've liked you for so long now" said Harry, letting his hands fall down to rest on her hips.
"Me too" said Daphne softly.
Resting her head against his shoulder, Daphne basked in his body warmth and relished the feeling of his hands on her hips.
"I spent days working up the courage to ask you to the ball… and to hear you say yes made me so happy" said Harry softly, slowly turning them in a circle in tune to the faint music emanating from the Great Hall.
Daphne smiled.
"Such a sweetheart" said Daphne softly, tilting her head up to peck his lips, feeling over the moon in this situation.
Over the moon that Harry had finally asked her out.
"But I'm your sweetheart Daphne Ophelia Greengrass… and you love it" said Harry softly, pulling Daphne flush against him.
"Good answer" said Daphne softly.
As she and Harry slowly danced to the faint music coming from the Great Hall, Daphne caught sight of the carriages (which would return the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to their carriage and ship respectively) in the courtyard, with a rather wicked idea popping into her head.
Gripping Harry's hand tightly, Daphne smirked and started to pull him into the courtyard, moving towards one of the carriages, with numerous couples having similar ideas to them as they moved to occupy the carriages themselves.
Climbing up into one of the carriages, Harry and Daphne settled into the leather pew-like seats for an intense make-out session.