Chapter 11

The Break-Up

There was no sign of Harry at breakfast the next day. She didn't think much of it, the Hall was only half full. Many were likely taking the free day to have a lie-in. It wasn't until lunchtime, when she noticed Hermione eating, without Harry or Ron anywhere in sight, that she started getting suspicious. Then, when she noticed the lack of Weasley presence entirely, she knew something was up.

She gave her friends the excuse that she needed to ask Hermione something about an Arithmancy assignment and tracked her down after lunch. Just as she'd expected, something had happened that resulted in the removal of the Weasleys and Harry but it hadn't taken place here. There was something in Hermione's tone that told her Harry wasn't exactly ok — physically or otherwise — she couldn't know.

A quick mirror call later, and she confirmed what Hermione had told her. She didn't get many more specifics other than that it was Mr Weasley that was involved in the incident, and with a little time, should be ok. She wasn't all that put out about not being filled in — not after how sordid Harry's last story was. It all but assuredly involved Voldemort, and that meant gruesome details; she could live without those.

And Harry was ok. She surprised herself at how much of a relief that was. That led to her next thought.

Damn. Harry was already gone and wouldn't be on the train. That put a real damper on the trick she had planned. She could still do it but it wouldn't have nearly the same impact. And Harry was so good at adding fuel to the fire, it wouldn't be worth wasting such a good prank without getting the maximum response.

'Did you miss not having your boyfriend on the train ride?' Tracey asked suggestively as they were nearing London.

Daphne rolled her eyes. How many times had they been over this during the past couple of months? 'Stop saying he's my boyfriend. But yeah, I had something I wanted to talk to him about,' she admitted.

'From what I know about you and Harry, there wouldn't be much actual talking going on,' Tracey teased.

'Well then, you don't know all there is to know about me and Harry,' Daphne retorted.

That only threw Tracey into a never-ending spiral of speculation. At least it was entertaining; listening to her hypothesize and invent different aspects of Daphne's theoretical relationship with Harry.

That continued until they arrived at the platform and separated for the holiday. She found her parents quickly and they departed.

'So when are you going to take me to see Harry?' Daphne asked as soon as they arrived home.

'Harry's not in a great mood to be receiving visitors right now,' Sirius replied.

'Then who better to cheer him up,' she suggested.

'What Sirius isn't telling you is that he wants to have all the decorations for Christmas up before he takes us over,' Raquel said.

Daphne pushed out her bottom lip in a pout.

'Exactly. You'll manage for a few days. I'll be back late. It's good to see you in the flesh again, sweetie,' Sirius said as he kissed her on the forehead and popped away.

'He's going through a lot right now, trying to help out the Weasleys and be a good host. I don't think he wants you and Harry on his mind,' Raquel tried to explain.

'Oh, the poor thing,' Daphne said sarcastically. 'I won't be too much of a pill then.'

'Why do I feel like that's not entirely true?' Raquel asked with a laugh, eliciting one from Daphne as well.

Christmas morning arrived and they woke early to open their gifts together.

'Well, should we head over to Grimmauld? I know they have somewhere to be before long,' Sirius suggested.

'That seems awful convenient that they're going to be leaving,' Daphne stated sarcastically as she jumped up and ran to her room to grab the gift she had for Harry.

She smirked at the look of shock on the faces of her parents when they noticed the grand size of the package.

'What did you get him?' Raquel asked.

'You'll just have to wait and see.' Daphne gave a sassy reply. She enjoyed being the one with the surprise.

Sirius Apparted them into the kitchen at Grimmauld. He instructed Daphne to leave her gift there while he led them to where the festivities were taking place. The hallways and rooms were decorated to the hilt and Sirius beamed with pride as they commented on it.

Hermione was the most excited to see her, greeting her with one of her bone-crushing hugs.

Harry was right behind her but his smile was forced. Daphne had started being able to decipher his genuine smile some time ago. She didn't think anything of his hesitance, this was a larger than normal audience they had to perform for — she was more than a little unsure how to act herself. After all, the company was a mixed bag of those who thought they were a serious couple and those who thought them barely a couple at all.

He gave her a small hug and then, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

'Booo!' the twins rang out. 'Let's see some real action!'

'Boys,' Molly scolded.

'Sorry, we don't do free public shows anymore,' Daphne replied playfully. 'We keep that stuff in private now.'

She could sense Harry relax and she noticed it in herself as well; that small bit of levity was needed.

'Ok! Enough of that!' Sirius exclaimed. He waved his wand and many of the small gift-shaped ornaments hanging on the tree floated to the floor and enlarged. 'These are the gifts I got for you all. Dig in.'

All those who were staying at Grimmauld jumped for the presents, passing them around to ensure they got to the intended recipient. While they were busy opening their gifts Sirius called Kreacher.

The elf appeared with a pop, 'Yes, master?' he inquired with disdain.

'There is a large package in the kitchen. Bring it here,' Sirius instructed.

The elf was gone without a word and returned just as quickly, the large present at his feet. The elf's eyes scanned the new visitors and his eyes dilated when they rested upon Daphne.

'Mistress,' Kreacher said with a bow that had him nearly kissing the floor.

'Me?' Daphne gasped.

'I was afraid of this,' Sirius said softly. He scanned the room and seemed content that nobody appeared to notice the elf and his comments. 'This is not Mistress, Kreacher. And you will not address her as such in front of anyone. Is that clear?'

'Yes, master,' Kreacher murmured.

'Now, begone.'

Kreacher popped away.

Daphne was frozen. What had just happened?

'Is that why you were hesitant for us to come here?' Raquel asked.

'One reason, among many,' Sirius replied, a smile hidden under there somewhere.

'Have you looked at any photos of your mother when she was young?' Raquel asked.

'No, not lately, at least. I'm probably scared to see the resemblance,' Sirius admitted. 'I'll have to explain it to you later, but whatever you do, do not go by the portrait near the front door,' he said to Daphne.

By this time the others had finished with all their gifts and were chatting amongst themselves.

'Harry, I have something for you,' Daphne said. And though she didn't say it loud, it seemed to draw everyone's attention.

Wonderful.

Harry's eyebrows rose.

They continued higher when he saw the size of the present she was pointing at. He came over and mouthed 'why' as he got closer.

His surprise went to even another level when he opened the box.

'My Firebolt?' he breathed as he lifted the broom out of the box.

'Actually, it's my Firebolt,' Daphne corrected. 'But you can use it until you're able to get yours back.'

'Oh, that's so sweet,' Hermione cooed.

'There's just one problem. . . I'm banned from Quidditch,' Harry said, disgruntled.

'Yes, that is a bit of an issue but now, you can at least practice on a similar broom and stay in form. That ban won't last forever,' Daphne said encouragingly.

Harry's mood didn't change all that much. She knew the reminder of the Quidditch ban wouldn't excite him but she thought the use of her broom would at least lift his spirits a little.

'Harry, this is an incredibly thoughtful gesture. Regardless of how much you can use it in the near future,' Hermione said scathingly.

'I know. It's great, really. But I don't have anything to give in return,' he replied sheepishly.

'You didn't get—' Hermione started. Even Hermione had got Daphne a little book.

'I was going to go when we left school but so much has been going on and we've basically been trapped here,' Harry lied. At least, Daphne felt it was a lie.

'It's ok, Hermione,' Daphne said. She didn't want either of them to have to explain too much. 'We weren't supposed to get each other anything. But as I was packing to come home, this idea just hit me. It's more of a loan than a gift anyway.'

'Well, thank you,' Harry said politely though he still seemed off. Whatever had happened must've really shook him up.

'Ok, I better get these two back if I'm going to accompany you to St Mungo's,' Sirius declared.

'Alright,' Daphne sighed, feigning disappointment. She was actually ready to go, this balancing act was not easy.

They all waved and said goodbye before Sirius popped them away. He dropped them off and headed back after a few words with Raquel.

'Well, for such a short visit, that was rather interesting,' Raquel noted with a small smirk.

'Yeah, do you think the elf recognized me as Sirius' daughter?'

'That's exactly what I believe.'

'Dad isn't going to want to take me over there very much, is he?' Daphne said in realization.

'Probably not.'

'I better give him a good reason then,' Daphne said mischievously.

'Don't get into too much trouble,' Raquel said with a grin.

Late morning the next day, Daphne returned to her room and sat on her bed. She'd been contemplating some way to set off Sirius, and her new plan was certain to succeed. Well, it was successful in her head; plans came easier than execution these days.

'Kreacher,' she said, unsure if it would actually work. It felt rather silly to just call out a name into the ether and expect some response.

She almost jumped off her bed when the elf popped into the room right in front of her. She had obviously been doubting herself.

'You called, Mistress?'

'Didn't Sirius tell you not to call me Mistress?'

'Only in the presence of others.' Did the elf smirk?

'You aren't very fond of Sirius, are you?' Daphne asked with a chuckle.

'He is a disgrace to the Black family name,' Kreacher spat. 'Now, how may I serve you, Mistress?'

'I was wondering if you could bring Harry here?'

'The half-blood!?'

'Yes, half-blood. Unfortunately, it is the best way to irritate my father.'

'Bringing the half-blood here will cause Master to be angry?'

'More than anything in the world. And I'll have more instructions when you return,' Daphne said in anticipation. This elf was great, though the creepy grin he had on his face was freaking her out a bit.

The elf popped away and returned only a minute later with a flailing Harry Potter.

'What the hell, Kreacher?'

'Shh, quiet Harry. I told him to bring you,' Daphne whispered fiercely. 'Ok, Kreacher, I want you to go out and make yourself known to Sirius. Then, I want you to stall him. Evade his questions. . . give him vague answers. . . use your imagination. Make sure you tell him that you've been instructed to prevent any entrance into this room. Keep him out for just a few minutes, then you can let him in.'

'It would be my pleasure,' Kreacher said with another overly enthusiastic creepy smile that had only gotten bigger as she laid out her plan.

'Daphne, I think I need—' Harry started once Kreacher was gone.

'Shh, after this you won't have to see me until break is over.' This was what they had agreed they both wanted once upon a time, why would that change? 'And I want to hear this,' she said pointing to the door.

'Kreacher!' Sirius' booming voice carried easily into her room. 'What in the blazes are you doing here?'

'I am doing my duty to House Black,' Kreacher responded spitefully.

'I didn't call you. So again, what are you doing here?'

'I already told you. I cannot help your lack of understanding.'

'Ok. . . Smartass.' Sirius paused. 'Who called you here?'

'He's already so mad he can't even think straight,' Daphne whispered.

'Daphne, I—' Harry started again.

'Shh,' she said. 'This is gonna get good.'

'The girl you instructed me not to call Mistress is who called me here, Master,' Kreacher answered with a snarl.

'Daph–ne!' Sirius roared.

Her shoulders bounced as she tried to keep her sniggering quiet.

'And what did she need from you?' Sirius demanded.

'She requested that I retrieve something for her.'

'And did you retrieve this item for her?'

'I performed my duty to the honorable House Black admirably.'

'What did she have you retrieve?'

'Something most despicable, Sir.'

'If you think it's despicable, I'll probably like it,' Sirius said with a laugh.

'Yes, you will be most pleased,' Kreacher agreed.

Daphne had to cover her mouth at this point.

'Did she give you any more instructions?' Sirius asked almost dismissively.

'Yes, she instructed me to prevent any entrance to her room.'

'What?' Sirius responded with curiosity, not anger. . . yet.

'I said—'

'I know what you said, you mongrel. Did she have you bring a person over?' His voice started to quiver as he spoke.

'The one I shall not call Mistress did request I retrieve another individual.'

'Was it Harry?' he growled.

'If Harry is a miserable half-blood, then perhaps it was this Harry you speak of.'

'Harry! Daphne!' Sirius bellowed. His footsteps could be heard tromping toward her room.

'That's our cue,' Daphne stated.

She turned and grabbed Harry's face and brought him to her. His lips were tense at first and it took him a few seconds to relax into the kiss, and even then he never seemed to do much kissing back.

Damn, he really needed to get snogged.

'I am sorry, Master. I am under strict orders to keep you out,' Kreacher proclaimed.

'The hell you are! Her orders don't have more authority than mine.'

'You have given me no orders, Sir. And I will not disobey an order from a member of the noble House of Black.'

Daphne smiled into Harry's lips. Kreacher was unbelievable. Too bad this might be the only time she'd ever get to see him in action against Sirius.

'Kreacher, I forbid you from forbidding me entrance to Daphne's room.'

Daphne didn't hear a response but Sirius' growl made her think Kreacher was still in his way somehow.

'Move!' Sirius ordered. A moment passed. He growled again. 'I didn't say wiggle, I said move. Get out of the way!'

The door finally burst open and Daphne and Harry jumped back from each other. Daphne bit her lip to keep herself from losing all control and Harry seemed to be completely stoic. How could he do that? Downright amazing.

'What are you — How did you — Ahhh!' Sirius rambled. 'Kreacher! Take Harry home — Take Harry back to Grimmauld. And you are forbidden from bringing him back here unless I order it.' He heaved a deep breath and looked back to the teens. 'I hope this was worth it because now you won't be seeing each other again for the duration of the holiday.'

'Oh, it was, Daddy,' Daphne said with a satisfied smile.

'Go, Kreacher,' Sirius ordered.

Kreacher grabbed Harry and left.

'Did you think Kreacher would obey your orders over mine?' he challenged.

'I guess I wasn't thinking,' she replied dreamily.

'Ok, let's go and forget this,' Sirius said.

As Daphne followed him out she thought she could see her mom taking deep, calming breaths as if she'd just been exercising, or laughing. She also refused to meet Daphne's eyes. Yes, she'd enjoyed that nearly as much as Daphne had.

The first week back brought a new development in Daphne's life. She was asked to Hogsmeade by multiple boys. She declined all their petitions but there was one in particular that made her think twice, an older Ravenclaw boy, White.

She would never admit that the reason she said no was because she was waiting for Harry but Tracey sure let her hear it.

'Daphne, did you hear the latest juicy gossip?' Tracey asked provocatively.

'Nah,' Daphne replied dismissively. Sometimes Tracey's definition of juicy was more along the lines of an overcooked steak.

'Roger Davies asked Cho Chang to Hogsmeade for Valentine's Day,' Tracey continued excitedly.

'So,' Daphne replied, uninterested.

'She said no.' Tracey's tone was expecting a response.

She received one. . . from Millicent. 'Really?'

Tracey nodded.

'Do you know why?'

Tracey nodded again.

'Who cares?' Daphne dismissed. Someone turning down Roger Davies was actually newsworthy but she'd already decided she wasn't going to care, so she tried not to.

'She already has a date. . .' Tracey said conspiratorially. She waited for Daphne's head to rise before she answered the implied question, 'Harry.'

'Excuse me,' Daphne said almost confrontationally. That had drawn her attention, though she wouldn't put it past Tracey to be taking the mickey.

'Apparently, they've already kissed,' Tracey said with anticipation, a devilish grin on her face.

'What. did. you. say?' Daphne asked with a cold fury in her voice. Her brain had shut off and she was reacting completely on impulse now.

Tracey's grin grew even wider like she was hoping for this response. 'You heard me,' she said with a challengingly.

Daphne stood and started searching the Hall. She stopped and fixed her gaze when she saw Harry entering with Ron and Hermione.

'You better not be lying,' Daphne said icily.

'I'm not. What are you planning?' Tracey asked.

'I'm just going to talk to him,' Daphne said, much more calmly. That seemed to unnerve her friends.

'Er, aren't you broken up?'

'He's never said as much, and I haven't either,' she kept her tone extremely casual.

'But how many conversations have you even had with him this year?' Tracey asked, almost worried.

'Not enough apparently, and I'm going to remedy that right now,' Daphne stated as she stalked around the table to cut off Harry before he reached his regular spot.

Tracey and Millicent shared a concerned look. 'Told you she wasn't over him. But we better go with her. Things might get rowdy,' Tracey said and they followed but at a safe distance.

Daphne caught Harry by the wrist and pulled him out of the Hall, and into the courtyard. Ron and Hermione fell in line with Tracey and Millicent with questioning looks.

She came to a stop and faced him, her chest heaving, and he with a confused look on his face. She didn't have much of a plan but getting that look off his face became priority number one and she whipped her hand across his cheek causing a loud slap to ring out.

'Damn it, Daphne! What was that for?' Harry cried, bringing a hand to his pinkened skin.

'Ouch,' Ron said with a grimace as he saddled up beside his friend.

'So you're gonna play dumb, huh? Did you really kiss Chang?' she asked fiercely.

'Well, she kinda trapped me under the mistletoe. . . I'd say she kissed me, more than anything,' Harry replied. If there was a hint of contrition, it went right over her head.

'Mistletoe? You mean it happened before the holiday? And you let me—' She let out an irritated growl.

'I wanted to tell you. In fact, I tried. But you are so stubborn, I couldn't get a word in,' Harry retorted, becoming more forceful.

'I'm stubborn? I'll bet you're gonna tell me she asked you to Hogsmeade as well.'

'Kinda, yeah. You know how you girls are, beating around the bush, dropping hints without actually saying anything.'

'That is so rich coming from you. You don't talk to anyone! About anything!'

'I do so,' he countered, though his voice lacked real conviction.

'I hope your kiss with Chang was everything you dreamed about,' Daphne snarled.

Harry paused to glare at Daphne, whatever switch he had was completely flipped now, any hint of apology or contrition gone. 'Oh, it was absolutely magical. Like nothing I've ever experienced before,' he said condescendingly.

'But I thought you said it was—' Ron started in confusion.

'Shut up, Ron,' Harry said threateningly.

'Ahhh! You are the worst!' Daphne cried. 'I hope it was worth it, 'cause I'm done with you.'

'Oh, it was. So much so, that I actually want to do it again with her,' Harry retorted.

'Oooo, you. . .' She was reeling now, words stopped traveling from her brain.

'You know,' Harry started, looking even more calculated than before, 'It'll be so nice to snog a girl because I want to and not because I feel obligated.'

Even Ron cringed as Harry finished his comment. Hermione and Daphne's friends all found the sky very interesting at the moment.

Daphne narrowed her eyes at him. 'You don't know who you are dealing with,' she warned.

'Oh, I have a good idea of what you're capable of. I'm not scared,' he said smugly.

'That was the old Daphne. But I'll tell you now, you're walking in thin ice, Harry,' Daphne said fiercely.

'Your threats don't scare me. I think I'm going to snog her right now.'

'I see.' And with a flick of her hair, she turned to leave. Tracey and Millicent were only a step behind.

'I thought you said you broke up?' She heard Ron ask Harry.

'I thought we did,' Harry replied.

'Women,' Ron said in exasperation.

'I heard that!' Tracey called out.

'Oh, great. Now I'm a dead man too!' Ron declared.

'I thought you broke up,' Harry stated.

'We did,' Ron confirmed. 'I still have the parchment to prove it.'

'So it shouldn't matter what she says,' Harry said.

'You don't know Tracey like I do, mate,' Ron replied with an audible gulp.

'You two are idiots,' Hermione proclaimed.

Tracey and Millicent giggled while Daphne's scowl remained etched on her face, and her growl made the ground tremble as she marched away.

Daphne passed the Great Hall and skipped the corridor to the dungeons.

'Where are you going?' Tracey asked.

Daphne didn't even respond, she just kept on marching. She came to a stop in front of Professor Umbridge's office.

'Daphne, what are you doing? Don't be stupid,' Tracey warned.

Daphne raised her hand to knock but froze, 'Yes, fabricating a story is much less convincing than fabricating evidence. But that would require patience and I'm not sure I have that right now.'

'Daph, why don't you just take some time to think about it first?' Millicent asked.

'Seriously, Daph. You are way overreacting right now. There is nothing good that can come from that woman. You need to calm down, first,' Tracey reasoned.

Daphne let her hand fall as she took a deep breath. 'Ok, you're both right. I'm not thinking clearly.'

'You're thinking with that thing in your chest and not that thing in your head, that's for sure,' Tracey stated.

Daphne furrowed her brows.

'Your heart instead of your brain,' Tracey clarified so Daphne didn't snap at her.

'I don't care about Harry,' Daphne declared.

'Sure you don't.'

'I'll prove it,' Daphne said as she pushed past her friends.

They followed her back to the Great Hall but instead of going to her table, Daphne turned to head towards the Ravenclaws.

'Now, what is she doing?' Millicent asked Tracey.

'Probably something stupid and not thought out,' Tracey answered.

Daphne ignored her friends' comments and stopped behind the first boy she recognized as one she'd turned down over the last week.

'Boot,' she said. She continued before he even completely turned around or acknowledged her, 'That offer for a date still on the table?'

'Oh, hey, Greengrass. Er, yeah, I guess so,' he replied in obvious confusion.

'Great, how does next Saturday sound?'

'Sounds good,' Boot answered with a somewhat arrogant nod and smile.

'See ya then,' she said as she started to make their way back to their own table, her friends right behind her again.

'Hey, Greengrass, wait up,' a voice called from behind her.

She sighed before turning. Couldn't Boot just take the date and not try to make it more? 'What is—' This wasn't Boot.

'So, I couldn't help but overhear. . . and I was wondering if that meant you might reconsider for Hogsmeade. . .' he said.

'Yeah, White, I suppose it does mean that,' she said coyly. She was too angry to be nervous right now.

He waited.

She held out, herself.

'So. . . Greengrass, will you go with me to Hogsmeade?' he asked.

'Thought you'd never ask,' she teased. 'Yes, I look forward to it. And please, call me Daphne.'

'Only if you call me Walt,' he replied with a somewhat shy smile.

She nodded, shot him a smile in return, and left with her giggling friends.

Damn, why couldn't she have run into him first? She could've saved herself a date with Boot.

'Wow, Daphne, no dates to two dates in no time flat,' Tracey stated.

'Yeah, well, no time but the present,' she said, not quite sure exactly what she meant but it sounded good.

Her date with Terry Boot wasn't much more than a walk around the lake and a small picnic. It was thoughtful enough, but that was about the extent of the thoughtfulness.

He liked to talk. . . about himself. And he liked to try to finish her sentences but his guesses were always incorrect. She gave up trying to correct him rather quickly. This, of course, went a long way towards giving him the impression that they had a lot more in common than they actually did.

'I had a great time today, Daphne,' Boot said as they started their return to the castle. 'I think we get along really well.'

Fortunately, they were walking side by side so he didn't see the exaggerated eye roll that she gave in response. It also helped that there was more than a little space between them. She had stuffed her hands in her pockets after she dodged his attempt to hold hers. If he wasn't going to pick up on some of her not-so-subtle hints, she was going to be forced to be more brazen.

'Hmm, it has been a nice day,' she replied noncommittally. The weather had cooperated, so she was only using slight misdirection. It didn't help her cause. Boot didn't seem to notice her tone or the words she spoke.

He stopped and waited for her to face him. They were still a good distance from the castle, just the right amount of privacy for a guy ready to make a move. With no hesitation in his eyes, he closed the distance between them. He certainly didn't try to hide his intentions.

He leaned in. . . she leaned back. At least he didn't continue to the point that she fell over or needed to take a step back.

'I thought things were going well,' he said with scrunched eyebrows and a hint of frustration.

'You did?' she asked with raised her eyebrows.

'You won't let me kiss you?'

She gave him some points for self-confidence but at the same time, some serious deductions for self-awareness, or lack thereof.

'I'm sorry. I just don't kiss on the first date.' That was something she'd heard other girls use as an excuse before, so that should get her off the hook.

'You kissed Potter on the first date,' he stated heatedly.

'You're not Potter,' she said coolly. She was done trying to let the guy down easy.

'So it's like that,' he spat.

'It's not my fault that you thought you were getting snogged just for taking me on a date. I'm just not feeling it, ok!'

'But you and Potter were feeling it after beating the crap out of each other?'

'Yeah, I guess you could say that. If you want to have a go, maybe you can get lucky too,' she said with a wicked grin.

'No, thanks. I like my nose the way it is. Maybe, we should call it a day.'

'Ok, see ya around, Boot,' Daphne said cheerily as she left without giving him a chance to change his mind. And although the date was an overall flop, the ending worked out much better than the trajectory it had started on.