Chapter 5

Groundhog Day

Daphne was startled awake the next morning by a couple of friends bouncing on her bed.

'What the hell are you doing?' Daphne said to her two friends who had settled cross-legged on the end of her bed, beaming smiles on their faces.

'Good morning to you too, Miss Lucky,' Tracey said.

'Tell us everything,' Millicent said.

Daphne groaned. 'Nothing happened.'

'Well, that's bullshit,' Tracey replied. 'We saw enough in the Great Hall.'

'Don't worry, we've already put up the Privacy Charms,' Millicent added after she saw Daphne looking around suspiciously. None of them trusted Pansy to not spread any gossip she heard.

'Yeah, so spill. We saw the snogging, we want to know what happened behind the closed doors,' Tracey said with anticipation.

'Ok, well. . . the closet was pretty much just the same as you saw at the end of our dance,' Daphne admitted. She knew they'd never accept the answer but it was the truth.

'Don't mess with us, Daph. We heard Sirius Black was pissed that you were in there with Potter,' Tracey said.

'Oh, he was! But I'm not worried about that.'

'Daphne!' Millicent cried. 'Nobody knows what he is really like, he might come for you if he thinks you fooled around with Potter.'

Daphne let out a small laugh. 'Oh, I don't think he'll come after me. I'm just a silly teenage girl. He just got out of Azkaban, he's not going to do something to get sent back in.'

'Well, be careful, Daphne,' Millicent said with concern.

'Alright, enough of the serious talk. Give us the goods. What was Potter like?' Tracey asked.

'What did you talk about? Did he tell you any of his stories?' Millicent added. She was the one most intrigued by all of his rumored escapades.

'No, he didn't tell me any of his stories. We didn't talk all that much, to be honest,' Daphne answered and she couldn't fight the small blush that appeared.

'Now, that's what I want to hear about. Is he a good kisser? Had to be for you to stay in the closet so long. When did you even get back?' Tracey shot out her comments and questions.

'I don't know when I got back. I just know, you were already out. And yes, he is a good kisser,' her smile wouldn't leave her face.

'Aaaaand. . . what else?' Tracey prompted.

'Nothing else!' Daphne proclaimed.

'Really?' Tracey asked, slightly disappointed. 'You just snogged for hours?'

Daphne shrugged. 'What can I say? Snogging was fun.'

'I wouldn't know,' Millicent said somewhat defeatedly.

'Sorry,' Daphne said before turning her gaze to Tracey, whose blush was already beginning to show. 'You didn't!'

'We did,' Tracey said, her smile growing wider.

'You slut. I knew you were going to put the moves on him.'

'Look who's talking. And for the record I didn't make the first move,' Tracey said, putting her hands up. 'Him seeing Harry must've given him the courage to act himself. And your little pep talk sparked something. He was outgoing, and talkative, and thoughtful, and funny as all get out.'

'Wow, sounds like you have yourself a little boyfriend lined up,' Daphne observed.

'I don't know, Hermione definitely started noticing him towards the end of the night. Your plan might've worked out too well,' Tracey said despondently.

'Aww, I'm sorry Trace. But you never know how things will play out.'

'No, you're right. I just wanted to have fun for one night, and I did. I shouldn't get down over what I don't know will happen in the future.'

'But what about you?' Millicent asked. 'Are you and Potter a thing now?'

'I don't know. We were kinda busy to talk about it—'

'I'll bet, you were busy,' Tracey teased.

'Not that kind of busy,' Daphne replied with an eye roll.

'Hey, I believe you. But just be ready for the gossip, others might not believe you so quickly. Especially, since Potter was involved.'

Daphne groaned. Tracey was absolutely right. People were going to draw their own conclusions and there was probably nothing she could say to sway them. 'Just more stuff to ignore. But I don't think we are anything. It was just a one-night thing, like Tracey said.' And she made herself sound sad about it. Her feelings for Harry had changed, but not that much, there's no way they could have a real relationship right now.

'Well, just like you said, you never know,' Tracey added, putting a hand on Daphne's.

'Yeah, you never know.'

'Well, I'm starving,' Millicent declared. 'Let's go eat.'

It was a few weeks into January and the next Hogsmeade trip was upon them. Daphne hadn't spoken to Harry since the Yule Ball, and instead of scowling subtly at each other, they seemed to have an unspoken agreement to not even look at each other. Tracey and Ron, on the other hand, were constantly glancing at each other. But neither dared start a conversation with the other.

Daphne had withstood a barrage of comments for the first week after the Yule Ball but after that, there wasn't more than a rogue insult here or there. Nothing she couldn't tolerate.

So, Daphne, Tracey, and Millicent were heading to Hogsmeade together. The day was surprisingly pleasant for mid-January.

As they were walking she felt someone take her hand and though her initial reaction was to try to pull her hand away, she heard a somewhat familiar voice whispering in her ear that caused her to relent.

'Don't look now, but Padfoot is watching. So, although I hate you, I think it would be a good idea for me to escort you to Hogsmeade.' It was definitely Harry, and he ended his comment with a light kiss on her cheek.

She turned to look at him with a forced smile. 'You startled me, don't do that,' she said in an overly obnoxious voice. 'I think that is a lovely idea,' she added as she placed a light peck on Harry's cheek. 'I hate you more,' she then whispered into his ear. She also was able to peek over Harry's shoulder to catch a glimpse of the black dog that was slinking through the shadows.

The growl from the black dog reverberated throughout the grounds, causing a minor earthquake.

Tracey and Millicent were whispering and giggling amongst themselves as Harry accompanied the group. 'I guess I'll be spending some time with Harry. I'll catch up with you at the Three Broomsticks later,' Daphne told her friends who went on ahead.

'So, Puddifoot's?' Harry asked with a smirk.

'Where else?' she responded as if there were no other options.

The growling noise only intensified as they approached the tea shop. They looked at each other with uncontrollable smiles, it was the thing they acknowledged they had in common. They found a table and ordered tea and biscuits.

'Have you heard from Sirius much?' Harry asked.

'Like, every day,' Daphne responded with a small laugh. 'Mostly he just blames you though.'

'I know, I hear from him every day, as well. Sometimes twice. So many empty threats. What about your mum?'

'Oh, she just claims to be disappointed. Asking if I would wish my childhood on another. That I'm stupid for not learning from her mistakes.'

'She hits the nail on the head calling you a mistake,' he smirked over his teacup.

'Funny, I tried to ask your mum what she thinks of you but she didn't answer 'cause she would rather die than see you for another second of her life,' she snarked in reply.

'Ha, dead mum jokes are so old, get some new material,' he retorted. 'So, they are convinced we shagged?'

'Yep, them and almost everyone else in the school.'

'Yeah, no kidding. But it's died down like everything else,' Harry commented.

'So yeah, I certainly haven't told my parents otherwise. I have told them you are my boyfriend though,' Daphne said with a bit of trepidation.

'You have?'

'Yeah, I don't want them, my mum mostly, to think I'm a complete slut,' she reasoned.

Harry nodded that he understood. 'I haven't told Sirius anything specific. His letters just get funnier and funnier. His imagination is enough.'

'It sure is.'

They both laughed at their deception.

They spent the rest of their time making snide comments under their breath disguised by pleasant smiles and always having one hand entwined in one of the others.

'So. . . Um. . . Do you think we should snog a little?' Daphne suggested hesitantly. 'Just on the off chance word gets out, of course.'

'Hmm, if I recall correctly, you completely shot down my offer to do this again,' Harry said playfully.

'Well, if Sirius peeks through the window I can't think of anything more convincing. So, I'd be willing to withdraw my objection for today,' she replied, trying to sound thoughtful.

'Oh sure. . . you just can't resist my lips,' Harry teased.

Daphne groaned. 'You are so arrogant,' she said, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

'Only for you, Daphne, dearest.'

'You don't have to call me "dearest" in here. Sirius couldn't hear us even if he was looking through the window.'

'I have to stay in character. I can't just turn it on and off like you, zit face.'

'Prat. I haven't had any breakouts since school started,' Daphne countered.

'Sure, but I know what it would be like if you didn't have that cream.'

'Well, I do have it. So, sod off,' she said with some real venom and a nasty glare.

'Damn, I wish I would've known this was such a touchy topic earlier,' Harry teased, and Daphne scowled at him. 'And you're kinda cute when you're angry. But are you sure you want to do this? You know what people are going to say about you. . . ' he said, and he seemed to have some genuine concern.

'Yeah, I know what they'll say. And I can handle it. It's a small price to pay to piss off my dad,' she said assuredly.

'Ok then, let's make out,' Harry said while scooting his chair around the table.

'Anything to keep from hearing more of your voice,' she quipped.

'Will you shut up already?'

A few minutes into their activity, a loud rumble was heard, the tables trembled, and all the tea sets in the room clattered loudly.

Daphne and Harry looked at the nearby window and saw the big black dog disappear from view. They shared a smile for a brief moment before they both seemed to realize they didn't actually get along.

'Guess we've done what we wanted to do. Now what? I don't actually want to spend the whole day with you,' Daphne said.

'Trust me, neither do I. But luckily you're with the famous Harry Potter,' Harry said with a sly grin as he moved his chair back to the opposite side of the table.

'Oh, Merlin! Can your head get any bigger?'

'I told you, I save it for you, Daffy,' he said with fake sweetness.

She glowered at him. 'You don't get to call me that!' she said through gritted teeth.

'Again, appearances, dear. I know you are nothing short of the devil, don't worry. Do you want to spend some time with your friends or not?'

'Of course, I do.'

'Ok, just sit tight and don't get your knickers in a twist.'

Daphne huffed, but quickly put on a smile as she saw Madam Puddifoot on her way over to see if they needed anything else. Harry paid for his half and was about to proclaim that Daphne needed to pay for herself before she cut him off.

'Angel eyes, I think you miscalculated the total,' Daphne said ever so sweetly. 'He has never been good with math, in fact, we try not to mention how slow he is in the brains department. If you get my meaning.'

'Oh, yes, dear, I won't speak a word of it,' Puddifoot responded quietly.

Harry scowled at Daphne while Puddifoot wasn't looking but quickly had to change his demeanor as she looked back his way expecting full payment.

'Madam Puddifoot, as you know I am rather famous'—Daphne's eyes rolled to the back of her head—'And I think there were some people following us in. Is there a way we can leave discreetly so that we aren't followed?' Harry asked as he put the necessary Galleons on the table.

'Oh, yes dear! Right this way if you are ready,' she said politely.

'We are.'

She led them to a back door that opened to a small alley. From there it was easy to find their way to the main road. But Daphne stopped Harry before he walked out of the alley.

'What was the point of that?' Daphne asked once they were clear of Puddifoot's.

'So, Sirius didn't see us leave. . .' Harry answered.

'And he won't see us as we walk separate ways down the road?'

'Hmm. . . I guess I'll just have to walk you to the Three Broomsticks then,' he said, trying to sound displeased about the prospect.

'I wish you wouldn't but you kinda have to. Just don't talk anymore,' she replied with irritation.

'Ahh, I see. You want time to remember our snogging,' Harry teased.

'I thought I told you to stop talking,' she replied threateningly.

'Oh, I'm sure you did. Doesn't mean I'm going to listen.' He didn't seem to fear her threat.

'So you're just being a brat on purpose.'

'Anything to irritate you, my darling.'

'Oh, you are a nuisance.'

'Alas, all good things must come to an end,' Harry said as they reached the entrance to the Three Broomsticks.

'Hallelujah!' Daphne proclaimed, trying to keep a straight face. 'Well, Harry. . . I don't know how this keeps happening but I had fun with you today.'

'It hurts for me to agree with you but I have to admit, it was more fun than I ever would've guessed.'

'I do still hate you,' Daphne said.

'Nowhere near how much I hate you,' Harry answered. They scowled at each other. 'So, do you think Sirius is watching from somewhere?' Harry asked.

'Are you implying what I think you're implying?' Daphne replied, stepping closer to Harry.

'Everything we've done so far would be wasted if we messed it up now.'

'And we mustn't let that happen.' She said while coquettishly batting her eyelashes.

That was all that needed to be said.

The kiss was short and lacked the action of their moments in Puddifoot's. But there was something different about it—something that felt like meaning—that left her in a daze as they parted. The daze was broken by her not lifting her foot high enough on the first stair and her stumbling up the stairs. She looked back to Harry who had a smirk on his face.

'Watch out for that first step, it's a doozy,' Harry teased.

'Prat,' she muttered as she picked herself up and successfully navigated the final few steps before entering the establishment.

She looked around the crowded pub, searching for any sign of her friends.

'Over here, Daphne!' Daphne looked to the voice. Tracey and Millicent were sitting at the table nearest the window with grins splitting their faces.

'Did you see everything?' Daphne asked despondently as she sat at the table.

'Everything,' Tracey said victoriously.

'Ugh,' Daphne groaned, bringing a hand up to rub her forehead. 'I need a butterbeer.'

Her friends still had their large grins plastered on their faces when she returned.

'Alright, don't tell me he's not your boyfriend now,' Tracey stated.

'I guess. . . we kinda talked about it, but not much. We didn't come to any official conclusions or anything.'

'So, just friends with benefits then?' Millicent said.

'We are not—I don't know what we are.' Denying they were friends probably would cause more questions than she dared answer right now.

'Just don't let him take advantage of his celebrity with you,' Millicent encouraged.

'Oh, I won't!' Daphne stated forcefully.

'So, when's the next date?' Tracey asked.

'We didn't set anything up.'

'That's bullshit! He thinks he can just walk up to you and whisk you away whenever he wants.'

'Tracey, it's not like that. I didn't have to go with him today. I chose to,' Daphne reasoned.

Tracey, and even Millicent, looked skeptical. They weren't entirely buying it, and Tracey's mind was churning.

'What are you thinking Tracey?' Daphne asked.

'I've got a plan. I'm gonna force Potter's hand,' Tracey said with calculated confidence.

'And you're not going to tell me,' Daphne assumed.

'Of course not!'

Daphne spent the rest of their time that afternoon trying to get Tracey to reveal her plan. In the end, all it took was a little patience, and though Daphne didn't approve, once it was put into motion, there was no putting the toothpaste back in the tube. By the time they got back to the school, the news was all over Slytherin House, and before long, it would be all over the school. She couldn't count how many people asked if it was true that Potter was her boyfriend. Eventually, she gave up trying to deny it and began to answer in the affirmative.

She found herself in her room for a moment of peace before she would head off to dinner. As she contemplated the happenings of the day, she decided there was something she must do. She pulled a piece of parchment and wrote a short note she could send off before dinner.

Dear arrogant brat boy,

I don't know why I'm telling you this, I should just let you be caught off guard but I suppose we need to keep our stories straight. So, for your information, my friends took it upon themselves to inform any who would listen that you and I are boyfriend and girlfriend. I tried to correct people but there was no use, we've been seen together too much. So just know, it's already spreading. You better not try to hold my hand or walk me to class, I can barely stand being in your presence once a month.

And I was thinking if we keep up our act until the summer, there's no way Sirius will have us living together, so don't do anything that will force me to break up with you in public. I'm literally dry heaving just thinking about it.

-Daphne

P.S. - I hope you get maimed in the second task.

She walked to the owlery, tied it to a leg of her owl, and instructed him to deliver it to Harry at dinner. She headed to the Great Hall to have dinner herself.

She sat with her friends and ate. Daphne tried to avoid the topic that had been discussed ad nauseam: her. A handful of owls flew in to make evening deliveries and she followed hers as he found Harry. Daphne was startled when a beautiful snowy owl landed in front of her and extended a leg. She gathered herself and untied the note.

'Who is that from?' Tracey asked teasingly.

'I don't know, I haven't opened it yet,' Daphne replied sarcastically.

She opened the note and read.

Dear pimple popper,

You really don't deserve this sort of kindness but I'm above that sort of pettiness. So I'm letting you know that after our day together, my friends—Hermione in particular—won't drop the topic of what we are. She didn't like some of my answers. She decided she would make the decision for me by informing all of Gryffindor that we are a couple. Ron was no help in stopping her, he won't disagree with her for anything right now, which I completely blame you for. Anyway, don't expect me to walk you to class or come eat with you. Having you as my girlfriend (in name only) will at least give me some peace from all these other girls that won't leave me alone. I might sic them on you if you try anything stupid, don't say I didn't warn you.

-Your boyfriend (barf), Harry

'So. . . What does it say?' Tracey asked expectantly.

'It's from my boyfriend and its contents are private,' Daphne replied, trying to look starstruck.

'Oh, you've gotta give us something,' Tracey whined.

'Ok, he's not very elegant. But he is kinda funny.'

'Cute and funny!'

'He is not that cute,' Daphne retorted.

'Oh, that's right, you just like that he is famous,' Tracey teased.

'I do not—' Honestly, there was no use arguing, Tracey was too good at this sort of thing.

'But he acknowledged that he is your boyfriend?' Millicent asked.

'He did.'

'And you are just going to accept that without giving him some sort of response?'

'Sure, why not?'

'Oh, you've got it bad,' Millicent proclaimed.

'I do not! Oh, whatever,' Daphne said with a sigh, causing her friends to laugh at her.

'It's ok, Daph. If you're happy then we're happy,' Tracey said comfortingly.

She looked across the hall and Harry was looking over in her direction. They both shrugged as if they were resigned to their current predicament with no obvious way out. Tracey looked over her shoulder in Harry's direction and he quickly looked away.

'Aww, he's cute. Doesn't want to get caught staring at his girlfriend,' Tracey cooed.

'You are going to be insufferable,' Daphne said.

'Perhaps,' Tracey replied with a smirk.

Daphne knew she was in for lots of teasing.

The lack of interaction over the month and a half actually tempered Tracey's teasing and has her questioning Daphne about how serious she was about having a boyfriend. Daphne could manage that.

And had Tracey not regularly reminded her, she might've forgotten.

The day of the second task had arrived and they were walking out to the stands along with the rest of the school. She saw Sirius at a distance and made eye contact with him. He smiled widely but she kept her smile subtle and discreet. She thought that perhaps, her mum might accompany him, but that didn't appear to be the case.

'Not gonna wish your boyfriend luck before the task?' Tracey asked.

'Oh, no. I wouldn't want to distract him,' Daphne reasoned.

'Yeah, that's been your excuse for a month.'

'What can I say? I can be a very distracting girl.'

'Oh. I'm suuuure,' Tracey said suggestively.

They found their seats in the stands among the murmuring crowd.

After all the contestants had entered the water, Ludo Bagman made another announcement, 'Now that our champions have entered the water, there is something rather important they may or may not be aware of. What they are striving to retrieve is actually the person they would miss the most. . . were they to lose them.'

Gasps were heard throughout the crowd before Bagman continued.

'Yes, the stakes are high. For Miss Delacour that would be Miss Gabrielle Delacour; for Mr Diggory, Miss Cho Chang; for Mr Krum, Miss Hermione Granger; and for Mr Potter, Mr Ron Weasley. May they all be returned safely.'

'So Potter would miss Weasley more than you. How does that make you feel?' Tracey asked.

'We've barely started dating. He's been friends with Weasley for years. It only makes sense.'

'So you're not as distracting as you claim,' Tracey teased.

'I guess not,' Daphne replied, allowing Tracey another small victory.

Watching the task was quite boring. There was no watching of the actual combatants, just the ripples of the water. That was until Fleur came up early and didn't look to be in great shape, physically or emotionally.

The whispers and conjecture of the crowd only intensified. How hard was this task? What sort of obstacles were the combatants facing? Were the hostages' lives truly in peril?

'There's no way they're going to let Fleur's sister die at the bottom of the lake,' Tracey suspected.

'No, I don't think they will either. But if I had a sister and she was down there, I might be freaking out too,' Daphne said.

'Yeah, I guess so.'

The toll rang that indicated the hour was up and no one else had emerged from the lake.

'Now what? Is someone going to go down there and get them?' Tracey asked anxiously.

'I don't know,' Daphne replied.

'Are you ok, Daph?' Millicent asked with concern.

Daphne's face was impassive. She didn't know what she was feeling. She spotted her father and he seemed to be calm, with no need for concern.

'They won't let him die. He's not the only one, they won't let them all die. There's no way,' Tracey said uncertainly and she took Daphne's hand and gave her a consoling squeeze.

Daphne responded with a grateful smile, she was playing the part of concerned girlfriend. And yet, she was far more concerned now than she was during the first task. So, something had changed, whether she admitted it or not.

Diggory came out of the lake with Cho and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Both her friends looked at her questioningly.

'I'm ok. Harry's probably doing something really stupid. . . but in the end, his lucky streak will save him,' Daphne said in jest, trying to sound casual. But inside her heart was pounding.

Again, she snuck a glance at Sirius and he gave no indication there was any cause for concern. How could he seem so calm right now?

The crowd exploded as they saw Krum come out of the water, Hermione right with him, seemingly no worse for the wear.

One more time, Sirius exuded the epitome of calmness.

The moments ticked by. The organizers were conferring with the Heads of each school. Then there were heads, two—no, three of them. The black hair of Harry, the red of Weasley, and the blonde of the Delacour sister, she looked small—small and scared.

Harry had brought up the other hostage. Always looking for more attention, or was it something else? She never would've even considered the latter before, but after having some of her previous perceptions shattered, she was willing to withhold some of her scorn.

The stands were going crazy all around her, but Daphne was looking all over, from Harry, to the organizers, and then to Sirius. In all the tumult no one would notice if the two shared a longer than normal glance.

Sirius smiled at her first. Then Daphne smiled in return and started clapping and celebrating. Sirius' resulting scowl was not hard to see.

Then she felt a sharp elbow in her side from Tracey.

'Looks like Fleur is making a move on your guy,' Tracey stated.

Sure enough, Daphne looked to the water's edge to see Fleur placing a pair of kisses on each of his cheeks.

'You're gonna let her get away with that?' Tracey challenged.

'Hell no!' Daphne proclaimed as she bolted from her seat. She didn't even notice that Fleur had performed the same maneuver on Ron.

Ludo Bagman began making his announcement and that was just enough distraction for the crowd, that nobody alerted Fleur to the missile that was headed in her direction.

Daphne barreled down the stairs and across the grass, never breaking stride and ignoring all chatter around her.

Fleur turned to see her coming at the last moment but it was too late for her to avoid the collision.

Daphne drove her shoulder into Fleur's side as if she were tackling an unaware quarterback, driving her into the shallow water. She felt a crunch as she landed with her full body weight on Fleur's ribs.

Good, maybe you'll think twice about kissing other people's boyfriends next time.

Daphne rolled off and quickly made her way over to Harry, whose eyes were wide and mouth agape. She knelt down in front of him and looked him over, there wasn't much in the way of injury.

'Tell me you have some internal injury I just can't see,' Daphne said hopefully.

'Sorry, other than being cold and wet, I'm feeling great,' Harry replied with a taunting smile.

'Damn.'

'You know Fleur was just thanking me for saving her sister,' he said with a slight chuckle.

'Oh,' Daphne said, slightly abashed. 'I think I might've cracked a rib or two,' she added as they both watched Fleur sit down under Madam Pomfrey's watch.

Harry let out a soft laugh. 'Luckily for you, that'll be nothing for Pomfrey. But you sure have a short fuse,' he stated.

'It's probably too late for me and Fleur to be friends. But no matter, let's talk about your hero complex. You just couldn't help yourself, could you? Had to save the little girl,' she added while indicating the small Delacour sister Harry had saved from the lake.

'I'm not sure the judges are going to see it that way.'

They listened to Bagman announce the results of the task.

'Are you kidding me? They're rewarding you for not following the rules?' Daphne exclaimed. 'You have to be the luckiest person alive.'

'And what would that make you?' Harry asked suggestively, accompanied by a roguish grin.

Daphne raised her eyebrows in comprehension. 'Oh, you mean the enthusiastic girlfriend?'

'I was thinking more that made you the luckiest girlfriend alive.'

She rolled her eyes, but a mischievous smile grew on her face. 'Sirius is watching, I better act like it.'

She drew herself closer to Harry.

Their lips gently pressed together. She could hear some 'whoops' from the crowd, one voice sounded decidedly like Tracey's. She smiled against Harry's lips. But their pleasant interaction was interrupted by a growl that made the ground vibrate beneath them.

'Sirius!' Harry cried. 'Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Daphne Greengrass,' he said with a small grin while getting to his feet and pulling Daphne up with him.

'It's pleasure to meet you Mr Black. Harry has told me so much about you, that you are so much nicer than all those slanderous articles made you out to be.' She stuck out a hand that Sirius shook with begrudging skepticism.

Sirius' face contorted in many different shapes before his forced smile came through. 'It is nice to meet you as well, Miss Greengrass.' Then he lowered his voice, 'You're damn lucky we're in public right now.'

'Yes, hasn't this whole event been so wonderful?' Daphne proclaimed. 'I'm just so happy Harry came out ok, and in first place too!'

Sirius was struggling to keep his fake smile on his face.

'Well, I have been getting lucky a lot lately,' Harry stated with a flirtatious smile at Daphne which she returned.

Color rose in Sirius' ears and a low rumble caused the ground to shake again.

'We better get you checked out by Madam Pomfrey, dear. You might be suffering from some hypothermia. It was very nice to meet you Mr Black,' Daphne said with extra care and politeness.

'Good idea, darling. See you, Sirius,' Harry added as they began to walk away hand in hand.

One last tremor shook the ground as they fled from Sirius' stare.