A/N: This was written as a contribution to the Haphne Summer 2021 Collection. The collection can be found here: community/Haphne-Summer-2021-Collection/133850/

The collection was started as a way to celebrate 500 members of the Haphne discord server, which is now closing in on 1200, come join if you want to find more Haphne: discord dot gg/pKSdvJQvhU

Thanks to beta readers: DeadFish37, Dorothea Greengrass, and Letus (and help with the summary).

1st Year

OOOOOOOOO

Ron was perusing a library shelf looking for the book that would help them finish their Potions essay. It was proving more difficult than he had anticipated.

'How's Longbottom doing?' asked a soft voice from behind him.

Ron snapped his head around to see a small girl with light blue eyes and blonde, shoulder-length pigtails. He hadn't realized someone was standing there. 'Er, Longbottom?'

'Yeah, after falling from his broom,' she prompted.

'Oh. That. Yeah, he's alright. Good as new. Why do you ask?'

'I don't know, no reason, I guess. . . Did he get his thing back?'

'Yeah, he did,' Ron replied, but he was wondering why this girl was talking to him.

'That's good. And you didn't fall for Malfoy's prank, did you?'

'Prank?' he asked with suspicion growing ever stronger.

'You know, challenging you guys to a wizard's duel to get you caught out at night,' she explained.

'Oh, er. . .' Ron's eyes suddenly found the cobwebs at the top of the bookshelf very interesting.

'Oh, you did,' she stated matter-of-factly, but there was no judgment in her voice. 'Did you get detention?' she asked almost apologetically.

'No, we didn't get caught, thank Merlin,' Ron replied with a sigh of relief as he recalled the close encounter. Then a look of fear flashed on his face as he realized what he'd just admitted.

As if she could read his mind, she stated, 'Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.'

Ron nodded his gratitude.

'But that was pretty lucky. How about Potter? McGonagall looked ready to tear him limb from limb after flying lessons.'

'No,' he laughed. 'He actually got made Seeker.' This news was already spreading like wildfire so there was no need to hide it.

'Great,' she responded with an annoyed sigh.

'Whatcha got against Harry?' he asked defensively.

'Oh, nothing. But Malfoy already complains about him enough. He's been anticipating your detentions and when he finds out Potter is the new Seeker, ugh, he is going to be so annoying.'

'You don't like Malfoy?' Ron asked with piqued interest.

'Can't stand him,' the girl spat.

A big grin grew on Ron's face. 'You know what? You're alright. I'm Ron Weasley,' he said, extending a hand.

'I'm Daphne Greengrass. I'm glad to have your approval,' she smirked while giving his hand a shake.

'Er, I didn't mean—'

'Don't worry about it,' she said, plucking a book off the shelf in front of them. 'You're alright too.'

'Hey, that's the book I was looking for,' Ron declared.

'Huh, fancy that,' she called over her shoulder, flashing a friendly smile.

Ron returned to his desk in the library.

'No book?' Harry asked.

'Someone else must've got it first,' Ron replied.

Harry shrugged.

OOOOOOOOO

'You're a little small to be making a habit of wrestling trolls,' a familiar soft voice said from behind him.

'Is that the story that's going around?' he asked, barely turning his head from the bookshelf. He didn't even have to guess who it was anymore.

'It's one of them,' she replied with a sense of glee in her voice.

'Well, truth be told, Harry was the one that wrestled with the thing. I just did a simple Levitation Charm.' He didn't feel there was any need to lie to this girl who, through various encounters, was becoming awfully close to being called a friend.

'Didn't look so simple in class,' she smirked.

'Please, I don't need the reminder,' he said, wiping a hand over his face, causing Daphne to let out a little giggle.

'Well, I'm glad you're ok, even if you're stupid for fighting a troll.'

He looked up to face her but she was already gone.

OOOOOOOOO

Daphne entered the Great Hall for dinner with her classmates. She scanned the Gryffindor table as she walked to her place at the table and noticed her red-headed friend missing yet again. His two friends were present, those hospital rumours must be true if he was missing meals.

'I don't think I'm very hungry. I'll see you in the dorm later,' she said to her classmates as she grabbed a roll and headed out of the Hall without waiting for a response.

She entered the hospital wing and it didn't take long to locate Ron. He was the only one occupying a bed at this time and he was devouring his dinner.

'Hey, there,' she said as she sat in a chair next to his bed.

Ron jumped in surprise and replied with a, 'Hey,' and a curious look.

'Did you think your absence would go unnoticed?'

'I guess I didn't think about it,' he replied with a shrug.

'That's ok. What happened to your hand?' she asked, drawing his attention to the bandage on his arm.

'Got bit,' he said offhandedly in between bites.

'By?' she asked while drawing out the word.

'. . . a dog.' he said unconvincingly.

'Oh? And where was this dog?' she asked sceptically.

'Er. . . out by the forest,' Ron said just above a mumble.

'You are such a bad liar,' Daphne declared. 'Really, what bit you? I know there's a rumour about Potter and a dragon but Malfoy's been know to exaggerate—'

Ron started looking at the ceiling with the interest of a Chudley Cannons Quidditch match.

'If you seriously know about, or have been bitten by a dragon, you better tell me,' she demanded.

'And why would I do that?'

'Am I your friend or not?' she said with an implied ultimatum.

'I—I think so,' he said pensively.

'Well. . . '

'Ok, there's a baby dragon. And we have to get it out of here before he gets too big. My brother, Charlie, works at a dragon reserve and he's set up to have the thing transferred there Saturday night. Harry and Hermione are going to be taking care of it but I think Malfoy knows. And I'll bet he's trying to find a way to sabotage it to get Harry in trouble,' Ron explained in a whispered voice.

'We can't have that,' she said thoughtfully. She didn't even bother to question the veracity of his story. 'You think Malfoy knows?'

'Yeah, he got a hold of a letter from my brother that has all the details.'

'Ok, well, if it's just Malfoy, you've got nothing to worry about. I'll take care of it,' Daphne said confidently.

'What are you going to do?' Ron asked worriedly. 'You can't get in trouble!'

'Don't worry about me, Ron. Just give me the details,' she said firmly.

He did.

'Alright, I got this. You just get your hand feeling better, alright?'

'Daphne—'

'Just get some rest, Ron. I gotta run. See you later.' She gently patted his shoulder and took off.

OOOOOOOOO

Saturday night Daphne sat in the shadows of the Slytherin common room waiting for Malfoy to make his move. As the night progressed she struggled to keep her eyes open and on more than one occasion she startled awake after her head did a small bob, her chin bouncing off her chest.

She worried her lip thinking she might've missed his exit but that thought was put to bed when she saw an anxious and excited Malfoy make his way through the common room, constantly checking his surroundings.

Real subtle, Malfoy.

She waited for him to leave before she even moved. Then she made her own way out into the corridor. She waited until she was sure her footsteps wouldn't be heard by Malfoy and started her stealthy trek to McGonagall's office.

She pulled out her prepared note before she turned the final corner. Once in front of the office, she bent down and slid the note underneath the door. Her heart was pounding at the thought of McGonagall opening the door at the moment. She straightened herself, took a calming breath before rapping loudly on the door and bolting away.

She found a nook to hide in while trying to slow her beating heart and steady her breathing.

A small part of her wanted to trail McGonagall so she could hear the complaints that Malfoy would surely express. But she decided getting back to her dorm as soon as possible would be in her best interest.

She made it back unnoticed and slid into bed without causing any of her roommates to stir. A job well done, worthy of being called a Slytherin.

OOOOOOOOO

'You're looking all better. It's like you never got' —Daphne leaned her head in close and lowered her voice to a barely audible whisper— 'bit by a dragon.'

Ron smiled. 'Yeah, good as new. But what did you do?'

'Don't know what you are talking about,' she replied nonchalantly, turning back to the bookshelf.

'You know exactly what I'm talking about!' he hissed. 'They got the dragon away just fine but got caught by Filch after. Malfoy had already been caught by McGonagall, almost like someone tipped her off.'

Daphne couldn't keep the smile from spreading on her face, and Ron noticed even as she refrained from looking his way.

'That's what you did. You sneaky—How did you do it?'

'Still don't know what you are talking about,' she repeated her phrase, her tone unchanged.

'Fine, be like that,' he huffed.

'I will,' she said, very satisfied with herself.

OOOOOOOOO

Again, Daphne had made up an excuse to sneak away from her classmates. It was the week after exams and no one really paid it any mind. With a container of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans in her pocket, she quietly entered the hospital wing and gave a quick look around.

Madam Pomfrey shot her a quizzical look and Daphne pulled out the container. Pomfrey nodded her head and extended her left arm. Daphne followed the gesture and saw a table piled high with an assortment of treats and gifts next to the bed where Potter lay.

She walked over to the table, set down the box and pulled out a small parchment and a quill.

Harry,

I hope you get better soon, and when you wake up these treats will help you feel better. The dark green ones are my favourite (watermelon). Don't eat the light green ones with the dark green dots, give those to your friend Ron, he eats those anyways. No one knows what really happened to you, but there are a lot of stories. I really hope some of them aren't true. Have a great summer, Harry.

D

She folded the note, then placed it under the container and gave Harry one last look before heading to the exit.

'Thank you,' Pomfrey said to her on her way out. 'He will surely appreciate that people thought of him.'

'Do you know what happened to him?' Daphne asked in a whisper.

'Whatever I know, I can't share, dear. But I do believe he will be fine,' she said comfortingly.

'I hope so,' Daphne replied.

'Go on. Have some fun, you're too young to be worrying about these things.'

'Ok, thank you,' Daphne said softly before going out the door.

OOOOOOOOO

2nd Year

OOOOOOOOO

'We didn't bring you up to behave like this. You and Harry could both have died.' Daphne said softly in her most mocking tone.

Ron turned around to see her grinning ear to ear.

'Ha. Ha. Ok—'

'Absolutely disgusted. Your father's facing an inquiry at work and it's entirely your fault,' she continued.

'I'm glad you find the situation humorous,' Ron said sarcastically.

'I do. And brilliant work doing it before school, before there were any House points to be taken away,' Daphne complimented.

'That's what Harry said.'

'He's smarter than he lets on, isn't he?'

'Er, I don't know,' Ron said, slightly confused.

'That's ok,' she said, waving off any follow up comment or question. 'So, do you really have a car that flies?'

'Had,' he frowned. 'It's off in the Forbidden Forest now. I don't reckon I'll ever see it again.'

'That's a crying shame.'

'Yeah—'

'Crying! Just like you will be if you step out of line again,' Daphne said, unable to keep a straight face.

'Must you keep reminding me?' Ron asked with a sigh.

'Just until something better turns up. See you.' One more friendly smile and she was gone.

OOOOOOOOO

'So is it true?' Daphne asked.

'Is what true?'

'Do slugs really taste like chicken?' Her eyes betrayed the smile she was holding in.

'You think you're pretty funny, don't you?' Ron retorted with a small shake of the head.

'I am funny,' she replied with a self-satisfied smile.

'Ugh, not as funny as you think. But, no, they are just slimy. Malfoy's such a git.'

'He is, but you are also too easy to provoke. And having a broken wand isn't great for casting hexes.'

'Tell me about it.'

'I just did.'

Ron opened his mouth but he couldn't come up with a response.

'Told you I'm funny.'

OOOOOOOOO

'Sorry to hear about Granger,' Daphne said consolingly from behind him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Even the soft tone still startled Ron and he snapped his head around. 'Oh. Hi, Daphne. Er, yeah, this is starting to get mental.'

'Starting to?'

'Well, yeah. But with Hermione getting petrified, at least people have stopped thinking it was Harry.'

'Those people are stupid. It never could've been Harry.'

'You didn't believe all those people?' he asked in surprise.

'Of course not. Aren't you always with him?'

'Yeah, pretty much.'

'And the heir of Slytherin? I mean, come on.'

'I'm gonna tell him you never believed the rumours. He'd like to know someone out there believed him.'

'Don't say anything about me,' she said fiercely.

'Why not?'

'Just don't! Ok!'

'Ok,' he replied with apprehension.

'Good. I hope they figure all this stuff out before someone dies.'

'Me too,' Ron said solemnly.

OOOOOOOOO

The Great Hall was abuzz with excitement. Even the least observant of the students could tell a giant weight had been lifted off the collective shoulders of the faculty. The presence of the previously petrified students was a relief to all and the appearance of Dumbledore was an assurance that the terror that had been threatening the school was vanquished.

A cause for a great celebration indeed.

Daphne was listening to Dumbledore's announcements with interest and when he announced 400 points for Harry and Ron her eyes found his.

'400 hundred points?' she mouthed at him.

Ron just shrugged, unable to keep the victorious grin off his face.

She smiled and shook her head in disbelief.

Next, McGonagall announced there were to be no exams.

Everyone cheered.

Then Dumbledore announced that Lockhart wasn't going to return.

Daphne's eye sought out Ron's once more. 'You?' she mouthed again.

Again, he smiled and shrugged.

'Unbelievable,' she mouthed as she was shaking her head, a small smile gracing her face.

OOOOOOOOO

3rd Year

OOOOOOOOO

'Heard you had a run-in with the Dementors, how are you?'

'I'm good.'

'And is Harry ok?' Daphne asked somberly.

'Yeah, he just had a stronger reaction to the Dementors than most.'

'Maybe you guys should've skipped the train this year too.' The corners of her mouth were tugging upwards.

'Still as funny as ever, I see,' Ron said, returning the smile.

'Can't suck the fun out of me.'

'Hopefully, you never have to find out,' he replied seriously.

'Vile things. I can't believe they are letting them stay around here.'

'Yeah, looks like we're in for another fun year.'

'You have a weird concept of fun. I'd prefer to fly on a Hippogriff,' she said, flapping her arms like wings. Then her face turned sour, 'I was so close, my Griff and I were getting along so well, I was sure she was going to let me fly her.'

'No thanks, Harry told me all about it. Said it didn't feel very stable. Don't matter anyway, now that Malfoy ruined the class for us. They won't let us get close to those things anymore,' Ron grumbled.

'Don't get me started,' Daphne spat. 'He walks around the common room as arrogant as ever, but the moment we get outside and a professor sees him, he starts moaning like he is on his deathbed. Makes me want to smack him.'

'Why don't you?' Ron asked.

'I just need him to give me a reason,' she said with evil anticipation.

'Remind me never to get on your bad side,' he replied in mock fear.

'Don't you know it.'

OOOOOOOOO

'So, how afraid of spiders are you?' Daphne asked, again causing Ron to jump.

'How do you always scare me?'

'It's a gift. Though, at this point, it's on you for not anticipating it. So. . . spiders.'

'I'm terrified. Obviously, I mean, the boggart, I almost wet myself.'

'So like, if you knew there was a spider in that bookshelf?' she prompted.

'Burn the whole thing down,' Ron declared. 'And if the whole library goes with it to make sure the thing dies. Well, that's the price we pay.'

Daphne laughed. 'So it's a good thing I didn't drop a spider on your head just now?'

'Yeah, you'd be visiting Madam Pomfrey,' Ron said with a small smile. 'What was your boggart?'

'I—I'd rather not say,' she said, looking down at her feet.

Ron scrunched up his face. 'Ok.'

Daphne kept her eyes down, her feet lightly scuffing the floor.

Ron went back to looking for his book.

'How's Harry holding up?' she asked softly, not raising her eyes from her shoes.

'Whadya mean?' Ron replied casually.

'Sirius Black. . . in the castle, the Dementor thing again. How's he holding up? That's a lot.'

'Oh, I guess he's alright. We are all looking out for him.'

'Ok, good.' Daphne grabbed a book, 'This what you're looking for?'

'Yeah, thanks,' Ron said with a smile, taking the book.

'Stay safe, Ron,' Daphne said, walking away.

Ron sat down at the desk he was sharing with Harry and Hermione.

'Taking up a new hobby, Ron?' Hermione added with a smirk.

Ron looked down and for the first time, read the title of the book Daphne had handed him, Lace, Frills and Thrills, How to decorate your dress! Ron's face went scarlet and he started muttering and cursing Daphne under his breath.

OOOOOOOOO

'I thought I told you to stay safe,' Daphne said accusingly as she stood right next to Ron, pretending to look for a book.

'I am safe.'

'You're lucky, is what you are. Did you ever figure out why he didn't kill you?'

'Not really. Probably because I wasn't Harry.'

'Still doesn't make sense. If he was looking for Harry, just peek in each bed until you find the right person, not throw the hangings back and stand over the wrong person brandishing a knife until he wakes up.'

'I'll give you that, but I don't think Black is acting logically,' Ron conceded.

'Which makes it even more surprising you're still alive,' she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.

Ron draped an arm around her and patted her back awkwardly. 'I'm ok. I'm ok,' he said comfortingly.

'Good thing you scream like a girl,' she said playfully, trying to break the sombre mood.

'Hey!' Ron said in mock offence.

'Might be your best defence,' she added with a smile as she straightened up.

'Hardly,' Ron said, flexing his right arm and pointing at his biceps.

Daphne giggled, rolled her eyes and said, 'Stick with the screaming. But, honestly, be careful,' she added sternly.

'I will. I promise,' Ron replied assuredly.

'And keep Harry safe too,' she said more softly.

'I'll try. He has a knack for finding trouble though.'

'That's why he needs you.'

OOOOOOOOO

'I really hope you can save him.'

'Huh?'

'I think his name is Buckbeak. I hope you can save him, he shouldn't die because Malfoy is an idiot,' Daphne said scornfully.

'We're doing everything we can,' Ron added resolutely.

'Good. That'll be one less thing that git can go on about. How'd you get him with the mud, by the way?'

'Er, I can't really say,' Ron answered rather suspiciously.

'Oh, come on, Ron. I won't say anything,' she pleaded. 'You know that.'

'I really can't,' he added tentatively.

'Fine, be like that,' she said with the smallest hint of resentment.

'Sorry, just not my secret to tell,' Ron reasoned.

'Harry's?' Daphne questioned, her interest slightly piqued.

Ron quickly went back to looking for books.

That was all the answer Daphne needed. 'You're a good friend, Ron. I can't wait to see Harry beat Malfoy next match,' she said with some excitement.

'Really?' Ron asked.

'Yeah, Malfoy makes cheering for Slytherin hard to swallow. And Harry seems so. . .' She paused to select her word, there were so many, 'So. . . nice, he's easy to cheer for.'

Ron detected some change in Daphne's disposition but he couldn't figure it out and she didn't give him much time to think about it.

She quickly added, 'I know the team is planning something. They're always huddled together plotting and laughing. But I have no idea what it is.'

'That's ok. They are preparing for just about everything. But I better get doing more research,' Ron said, indicating the books in his hands.

'Yeah, you better save that Hippogriff, Ron,' Daphne said firmly.

'I'll try.'

OOOOOOOOO

Harry was brooding about his lost opportunity to live with Sirius, Hermione wanted to do some more reading in the library, the last place in the world Ron wanted to be right now. So he went for a walk on the grounds. He made his way up towards the Whomping Willow where he could replay some of the events of last night. Feeling the warm rays of the sun and having some solitude were benefits of being out on the grounds right now.

His moment of peace was broken by someone slamming into his back and wrapping their arms around him.

'Oomph,' he grunted as he stumbled a few steps forward but maintained his footing.

The arms released him and he spun around to see Daphne beaming at him.

'You saved him!'

'Er.' He started thinking about what she meant, but she didn't give him time.

'Buckbeak!' She said excitedly. There was no need for hushed voices out here with no one around.

'Oh, yeah,' he confirmed. 'Well, Harry and Hermione did. I was laid up with a broken leg.'

'Harry saved him?' she asked with interest.

'And Hermione,' Ron replied emphatically.

'Of course, he did,' she continued, ignoring Ron's attempt to clarify. 'How'd you break your leg? You seem fine, couldn't have been too bad.' She said offhandedly as she looked him over.

'Wha—it was bad, very bad,' he cried in exasperation. 'This tree is what broke it.' He pointed to the giant willow.

'Uh, Ron, did you forget what the Whomping Willow did to your car? You should know better than to try and play with the thing.'

'I didn't—'

'I'm so glad Buckbeak is free,' Daphne cut right through Ron's objection. 'Harry is so brave. But now Black is back out there still looking for him,' she said worriedly.

'Yeah, actually, well. . . I think Harry will be fine,' Ron responded, hesitant to reveal too much.

'I hope so,' she said wistfully.

OOOOOOOOO

4th Year

OOOOOOOOO

'I think I have a new favourite professor,' Daphne said as she slid next to Ron pretending to peruse the library shelf.

'Oh yeah? Who's that?'

'Moody.'

'His lessons are pretty interesting,' Ron agreed.

'They are, but that's not why. I'm talking about the ferret incident,' she corrected, adding a knowing smile.

The biggest smile ever grew on Ron's face and as he turned to face Daphne, he closed his eyes.

'What—' she started.

'Shhh,' he held up a finger to quiet her. His eyes still closed and the smile still etched on his face, he kept his finger raised to petition her silence. 'I'm reliving the greatest moment of my life,' he said ever so softly.

'Oh my goodness,' she laughed. 'I'll bet you enjoyed that.'

'I did. I really did,' Ron said with satisfaction. 'I don't know that you comprehend how much I did.'

'Probably not. So, are you sick, or what? Why are you warning people you are ready to spew?' Daphne asked, tapping the badge on his chest.

'Huh?' Then Ron looked down at his chest where Daphne had pointed. 'Oh, no, I'm not sick. That's Hermione's Elves' rights initiative.'

'Elves' rights?' Daphne asked with a questioning smile.

'Yeah, she wants to get them liberated, or something,' Ron replied, adding an eye roll.

'Oh, bless her heart. And she's roped you into it? You don't seem all that enthused about it.'

'Yeah, I'm the bloody treasurer. We didn't have the heart to crush her dream.'

'As you shouldn't. If you are the treasurer, does that mean there is money involved in this movement?' The gears in her head churned, connecting dots into a mental picture.

'Yeah, two sickles gets you a S.P.E.W. badge to help our leaflet campaign,' Ron said with all the enthusiasm of a salesman that gets paid by the hour.

Without a second thought, Daphne fished two sickles out of her pocket and had them in Ron's hand. 'There you go. I don't need a badge though, saves you the production cost.'

'Uh, why are you doing this? You know this is a lost cause, right?' Ron asked incredulously.

'Maybe, but it's a good lost cause,' Daphne replied with a shrug.

'And this is only going to encourage Hermione.'

'That's the point,' Daphne said with a victorious smile.

'Oh! You have an evil streak. And it's not funny! Maybe I'll just keep these,' Ron said as he played with the two sickles in his hand.

'You better not embezzle my sickles, Ron,' Daphne stated emphatically.

'Em—what?' Ron asked.

'It means to steal. Those better get to Hermione. I'll find out if they don't,' Daphne threatened playfully.

Ron smiled at the joke but also had no designs to test her. He returned to his library desk but he saved the news of the secret investor until he was in the common room later that evening.

'Who gave you the donation, Ron?' Hermione asked with excitement after Ron showed her the sickles. 'We need to get them a badge!'

'They said they want to forgo the badge to save on production costs,' Ron replied emotionless.

'Oh, that's very thoughtful of them. Though I would really like the publicity. So who was it?'

'Um, er, I don't know if I'm supposed to say,' Ron said uncertainly.

'Oh! Anonymous donors! I knew this would take off!' Hermione exclaimed in elation.

'Why?' Harry mouthed from behind Hermione, an incredulous look of pain on his face.

Ron just shrugged.

OOOOOOOOO

'Where's Harry?'

'We're kinda not on speaking terms.'

'What do you mean not on speaking terms?' A hint of accusation already entering her voice.

'I mean, we kinda had a row,' Ron said sheepishly.

'What do you even have to fight about? Harry has ended up in the middle of another mess without even trying. You're his best friend, you know better than anyone,' she hissed.

Ron's guilt-stricken face told a story even words wouldn't do justice.

'You didn't believe him? You think he put his own name in the cup?' Accusation was out in full force now, the hint completely gone.

'How else would it have got there?' Ron asked as if there was no other possibility, straightening his posture as he defended himself.

'Are you an idiot?' She took in and let out a deep breath. 'Don't answer that.'

'So, what do I do now?' Ron asked as his shoulders slumped in resignation.

'Oh, I don't know. . . maybe. . . apologize.'

'Ok, but I don't even know how to start.'

'How about, I'm sorry, I was a git, I was a prat, I was a jackass, I was an idiot? Any combination of those would be a good start. I'm sure I can think of more if you need help,' she said sarcastically, head bobbing side to side at the turn of each phrase.

'No, I get the point. You think he will forgive me?' he asked with concern.

'He's your best friend, but if he is everything I think he is, he will,' she replied with a wistful look.

'Merlin, Daphne! You fancy him!' Ron exclaimed, wide-eyed.

'No, I don't!' She tried denying it but her flushed face contradicted her words.

'Yes, you do. Are you a Fangirl? You know, the ones who fawn over his hero status.'

'Nah, it's more his good looks—' her hand slap to cover her mouth wasn't fast enough to stop the words from escaping.

'I knew it!' Ron declared, extending a victorious index finger.

'If you say a word. . .' warning, strong as steel filled her voice.

'You don't want my help?'

'You can't even talk to him right now. I don't think your recommendation is going to pull much weight.'

'Ok, but eventually, he'll listen to me,' Ron reasoned.

'No! It has to happen organically.'

'Er—'

'Just don't, Ron,' she said in a stone-cold voice not to be argued with.

'Girls,' he murmured. He forgot his book as he walked away and rolled his eyes (after his back was turned, of course).

OOOOOOOOO

'It's good to see you and Harry getting along again.'

'Yeah, we're good now,' Ron confirmed.

'All it took was watching him almost get toasted by a dragon for you to apologise,' Daphne deadpanned.

'Er.'

'Did you even apologise?'

'Almost. I mean. . . I started to, but he didn't let me finish.'

'Why doesn't that surprise me?'

Ron couldn't help but roll his eyes at her infatuation. 'If you think so highly of him, why are you wearing one of those badges?' His voice held the slight accusation this time.

'Self-preservation. Same reason I couldn't do anything to Astoria when I saw her proudly wearing one. She adores Malfoy and it makes me sick. But I can't let my allegiance be known publicly. Fortunately, the badges aren't that hard to fix,' Daphne said with a victorious smile.

'Fix?'

She tapped her badge and it flashed, but instead of reading "Potter Stinks," it read, "Potter's Hotter." A satisfied smile played on her face.

Ron smiled and shook his head.

'You ready for me to help? You know he needs a date to the Yule Ball.'

'No! I'm not going to let you mess this up, Ron. It needs to happen organically.'

'I'm sorry, what does that even mean?'

'It means it has to happen naturally.'

'And how do you see that happening? Cause I don't see it,' Ron said sceptically.

'You can't always predict nature. That's what makes it beautiful,' she said in a dreamy sort of tone.

'You're starting to give me a Trelawny vibe,' Ron teased.

'Maybe you should pay more attention in her class.'

'Fat chance,' he scoffed.

OOOOOOOOO

'You're a real prat, you know that?!' Daphne snarled.

'I—what did I do?' Ron asked, scratching his head.

'Do I need to give you a list?'

'I know I messed some things up. But I know I didn't do anything to you.'

'And that's problem number one! You didn't ask me to dance!' Daphne crossed her arms in front of her chest and scowled at him.

'Er, I didn't know I was supposed to do that.'

'Yeah, I should've known better. I didn't think I'd have to spell it out for you, but I underestimated how dense you are.' Her fierce glare stayed fixed on him.

Ron pondered for a moment.

'Oh,' he breathed in comprehension. 'If I asked you to dance. . . then maybe Harry asks you to dance after. . .'

'See, you have a brain in there somewhere.'

'Why didn't you just say that?'

'I already told you, because it needs to happen—'

'If you say origami. . .' Ron trailed off, slight annoyance in his voice.

'It's organically, and yes, that.'

'If that's what you are waiting for, I think you are the dense one.'

'Maybe so, but at least I was a good date,' Daphne countered.

'Oh. Yeah. That. I wasn't very good to Padma, was I?' Ron said guiltily.

'No, you weren't. To Hermione either,' Daphne added, tilting her head slightly to one side.

'You heard about that?' he asked in a soft tone as he scuffed his shoes on the floor, keeping his head down.

'Heard about it? I witnessed it. You weren't exactly discreet.'

'Er, yeah, that wasn't my best moment.'

'I know you were having a bad night, Ron, I mean, those dress robes' —she failed in her attempt to fully repress a snort, and Ron glared at her— 'but you acted like a piece of dragon dung. I know you aren't an entitled arse but you did a good job convincing everyone else you are. She's one of your best friends and you really hurt her.'

'Alright! I get it. It just came out, ok! I wasn't thinking,' he said defensively.

'Not surprising. And you're lucky Hermione's smart and she'll figure it out.'

'Figure what out?'

'Why you acted the way you did.'

'Oh, and why is that, oh wise one?' he asked sarcastically.

'You're not ready to hear it yet,' she replied dismissively.

'If this is another one of your, "it has to happen organically" deals. . .' he said in exasperation.

'It is, and good job, you got the word right this time.'

'You're becoming less and less funny as you get older.'

'No, you're just losing your sense of humour,' she smirked.

Ron stuck his tongue out, and Daphne reciprocated before they walked away, both forgetting the books they were supposed to be looking for.

OOOOOOOOO

'What did you think of Fleur making a move on your man?' Ron asked with mirth.

Daphne jumped. It was the first of their many secret library encounters when he had gotten the jump on her.

'He is not my man!' she growled through gritted teeth, her eyebrows furrowed.

'So you're getting fired up for no reason, then? You're not jealous?' Ron waggled his eyebrows, he was enjoying the teasing almost too much.

'No. And are you implying she made a move on you too?' Daphne responded, head cocked and hands on her hips. Her anger dissipated slightly with Ron's display.

'Maybe she did,' he replied with a blush.

'You wish,' she retorted, adding a small snort. 'But Hermione thought she did.'

'What are you on about?' he asked with a confused look.

Daphne only smirked in response.

Ron's mind was performing its own set of calculations, 'Oh, you're just trying to dodge the question. Don't think I can't see right through you!'

'Yep, you got me. You're so smart and observant, Ron Weasley,' she said dryly.

'Humble too, don't forget humble. But answer the question.'

'What? So you can tease me?' Daphne asked suspiciously.

'I'm going to either way. And my imagination is probably worse than reality,' Ron said as a playful threat.

'Fine. Yes, at first, I wanted to run down there and slap that French' —she paused and took a calming breath before exhaling slowly— 'witch into the Black Lake. But then I saw her make the same move on you and I realized it was just a "thank you," and not something more.'

'Ha! I was right, you are possessive of him,' he said victoriously.

'Shh! Not so loud. I just didn't want to see him get sucked in by her allure.'

'Nah, he's immune or something,' he said with a wave of the hand.

'He is? That's interesting,' she said with a satisfied smile. 'And, that was so noble of him, saving that little girl even when he didn't have to,' she added wistfully.

'Almost lost because of it,' Ron said, unimpressed.

'Isn't that one of his best attributes though. Doing the right thing instead of worrying about winning, or fame and glory.'

'Merlin's saggy wrinkly left—'

'Ron!'

'What? I was going to say earlobe,' he replied with his two hands up in surrender.

'Why must you be so vulgar?' Daphne asked in disgust.

'Not saying I haven't heard Harry say.'

'Pssh,' she hissed disbelievingly. 'I'll believe it when I hear it.'

'You'd have to talk to him first,' Ron smirked.

'Well, I am—what did you call it?—a Fangirl, after all. So I'm just playing the part.'

'And where did you find the Fangirl playbook?' Ron asked sarcastically.

'Just watching your sister.'

'She's not—'

Daphne raised a finger to cut him off.

'Eyes as green as a fresh pickled toad. Did I get that right?'

'Close enough. So, yeah, you're right. But at least she has put herself out there. You're just waiting for something magical to bring you together.'

'The universe has its timing for everything. Who knows, maybe now's the time for you to make your move on Fleur,' Daphne added with a cheeky grin.

'You're just trying to keep her away from Harry,' Ron said suspiciously.

'You're too smart for me,' she smirked.

'You're still not funny.'

OOOOOOOOO

'So. . . do you have a story for me?' Daphne asked in anticipation.

Ron cringed, 'It's not pretty.'

That sobered Daphne's mood. 'I just want to know the truth.'

Ron explained as much as he felt he could share in the little time they had.

'Merlin! That's horrible. I can't even imagine. How's Harry?' she asked in concern.

'About as good as you could expect.'

'And with Fudge, it's only going to get worse before it gets better,' she presumed.

'Yup,' Ron agreed.

'Well, this sucks Morgana's—'

'Daphne! Language,' Ron smirked.

'Ha! You're one to talk.'

'One of us has to keep a cool head.'

'Look at you, growing up right before our eyes.'

'Don't test me,' Ron threatened.

'I won't. Have a good summer, Ron. Take care of Harry for me,' she said with a smile.

'You too—have a good summer. . . I mean. You have a good summer too.'

Daphne covered her mouth to contain her giggle as she waved with her other hand and walked away for the summer.

OOOOOOOOO

5th Year

OOOOOOOOO

'Hey there Mr Prefect,' Daphne said teasingly.

'Watch yourself,' Ron warned.

'You don't scare me. What does, is our new Defence teacher. What are the chances we go from the best Defence teacher to the worst?' Daphne asked rhetorically.

'You know that best teacher was actually a Death Eater,' Ron replied.

'Yeah, well, doesn't change the fact that he taught us loads of good stuff.'

'I guess that's true.'

'And not being the worst Defence teacher isn't even that hard, considering Lockhart.'

'Tell me about it,' Ron replied.

'But hey! You're the new Keeper! That's exciting,' Daphne said in an animated change of subject.

'Yeah, if I can save anything,' Ron said solemnly, remembering his first practice.

'You will, you got the job for a reason. But Angelina was right, you are drifting too much. Find some stationary landmark that you can always reference. At first, you might need to focus on it a lot to stay in one place, but eventually, you'll be able to just keep it in your peripheral vision while you focus on the Quaffle without drifting out of the centre goal.'

'Thanks. I've never had any formal training.'

'I could tell,' Daphne smirked. 'But don't worry about all that. Rely on your instincts. That's your strength. Play to it,' she encouraged.

'Thanks, Daphne.'

'Anytime, Ron.'

OOOOOOOOO

'I've never seen someone so gloomy after winning,' Daphne said to a sulking Ron as she took a seat on the rock down by the lake that he was perched on.

'Yeah, well, they didn't win because of me,' Ron murmured.

'Maybe not today, but they'll need you for other matches. Seriously, Ron, it was your first match ever. You were bound to have some nerves.'

'Nerves? I choked. I couldn't save a thing. And that song. . .'

'You didn't get my warning, did you?'

Ron gave her a confused look.

'Check your pocket.'

Ron reached in his pocket and pulled out a small parchment.

Ron, ignore the singing!

You'll do great!

Ignore the singing!

- D

'Too bad I didn't see this before the match. But I don't know if it would've helped at all,' Ron said despondently.

'I guess we'll never know. I only found out about it this morning. I couldn't exactly approach you at the table and there were too many people around for me to get your attention on the way to the pitch. Sorry,' Daphne explained remorsefully.

'You have nothing to apologize for. It's not like you were singing along. . . were you?' Ron asked playfully, but with just a hint of suspicion.

Daphne took in a sharp breath and left her mouth agape in mock surprise. 'I'm offended you would even suggest such a thing. Of course, I didn't sing along.'

'Thought maybe you'd have to sing along for self-preservation or something like that,' he returned sarcastically, his mood not improving at Daphne's attempt to lighten the mood.

'Damn, you are taking this really hard. You let in a few goals, so what? You know, you were holding your position very well. I think you were just overthinking things once it came time to make a save. Once you learn to tune out distractions, including the ones inside your own head, you'll be fine.'

'Really? I wasn't drifting? I've been working on that in practice. I thought I was doing better,' Ron said with a hint of confidence that had been all but zapped.

'Really. You were quite steady, just had some poor reactions. A little more experience and you'll be good,' Daphne added encouragingly.

'Well, that'd be if I weren't going to quit,' Ron said coolly.

'Quit?' Daphne asked in shock.

'Uhuh, you know, withdraw, step down, resign. Yeah, I'll resign.'

'Don't quit. Have your little pity party out here. Then go try and tell Harry you are quitting. See what he says,' she said knowingly. 'Don't stay out here too long though, you'll catch a cold.'

She slid off the rock making to leave.

'You're not going to stay and try and convince me?'

'Nah, I told you it's cold. And I've given you my opinion. I'm sure Harry will give you his. You have to decide for yourself.'

'Oh, ok,' Ron said somewhat introspectively. 'See ya, Daphne.'

'Bye, Ron,' she said. Then after taking a few steps she looked over her shoulder and called to him, 'I'll be cheering for you against Hufflepuff.' An encouraging smile on her face.

He held her gaze for a moment and bit the inside of his lip to hold back his own smile. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction. But once she turned her head back towards the castle he let himself smile for what might have been the first time all day.

OOOOOOOOO

'Have a good holiday?'

'Yeah, it was good,' Ron said unconvincingly.

'What aren't you saying?' Daphne asked critically.

'Er, well, we spent a lot of time at St Mungo's. My dad had some injuries he was healing from.'

'Ron,' Daphne said sternly. 'What kind of injuries did your dad have that made him have to stay at St Mungo's?'

'Just some cuts and stuff.'

'Ron, I'm not stupid. I know you don't spend a lot of time in St Mungo's for some regular cuts.'

'Alright, whatever cut him was almost for sure involved with You-Know-Who. But he's fine so it's really no big deal.'

'Stop! Ok. It is a big deal. Everybody is following the Ministry's lead, putting their head in the sand because it's comfortable, while others are getting put in St Mungos.'

'Well, you did say things would get worse before they got better,' Ron said cheekily.

'You shouldn't joke about this,' Daphne scolded playfully.

'I've got to or I'll go mental.'

She looked at him with her eyes sparkling and her lips twitching.

'No! You don't get to say it,' Ron said forcefully.

'Hey, I didn't say anything,' Daphne replied with a grin.

'But you thought it,' Ron said accusingly.

'Can't fault me for that. But seriously, Ron, your whole family is going to be right in the thick of things, whether you like it or not,' Daphne commented sincerely.

'I know. We know. We'll be ok,' he reassured her.

'You better,' she demanded, and gave him a quick hug and left.

OOOOOOOOO

'That was quite the article,' Daphne commented.

'Sure was. Seems to be doing its job too,' Ron replied.

'It was some heavy stuff. It's even got a lot of the Slytherins reconsidering things.'

'Wow. That's good they are taking it seriously. Harry wasn't sure how it was going to be taken coming from The Quibbler,' Ron explained.

'That's not unreasonable. But fortunately, people are starting to wake up and it fills in a lot of the holes in the Ministry's story. I'm realizing you left a lot of stuff out when you told me the story,' she teased.

'Well we didn't have the time to go into everything,' Ron explained. 'It took Harry hours to go over it all with Skeeter.

'I suppose you're right,' Daphne said relentingly. 'When did he find the time to do that?'

'Last Hogsmeade trip.'

'That was Valentine's day. Wasn't he out with Cho?' she asked, trying to hide her disappointment.

'Yeah, it started out that way,' Ron started. He explained the story as Harry had told him. He couldn't help but notice how her face brightened at hearing the debacle that was Harry's date. 'You seem a lot more pleased about the outcome than he was.'

'Well, I'm sad he felt embarrassed, but it's kinda cute how clueless he is. It's really quite endearing,' she said, starry-eyed.

'Well, they seem to be getting along again. But I could put in a good word to see if that changes things,' Ron quipped.

'Ron,' Daphne replied threateningly, narrowing her eyes at him.

'You know you are hopeless, don't you?' Ron replied playfully, not succumbing to her threat.

'About as hopeless as you are at making saves,' she deadpanned in reply.

'Oi! Why you gotta bring that up?'

'I thought we were teasing each other,' she said with an innocent smile. 'Have you quit yet?'

'No, Angelina won't let me,' Ron said, disgruntled.

'That's dumb.'

'I know, right? Wait! You think I should quit?'

'Yeah, well, you haven't exactly made a lot of saves,' she answered matter-of-factly.

'That's what I said,' Ron agreed wholeheartedly. 'She pretends like she can't even hear me and just reminds me when the next practice is.'

'I mean you've played two whole games and one with a brand new set of Beaters, if your save percentage isn't fifty per cent by now, it never will be.'

'Huh?' Ron asked, making a face that mixed hurt with confusion.

'I'm being sarcastic, you dolt. Your team was a disaster. You weren't even the most embarrassing part. Most people were watching your Beaters trying to figure out which side of the bat to hold.'

'Hmm.' Ron pondered her words, trying to decipher if there was some sort of compliment hidden in there.

'Honestly, if your Beaters don't get their act together you've got no chance. So you might as well just try to have some fun while you're out there. Cause you're going to be out there!' she stated as fact.

'Yeah, I guess I will be,' Ron said, resigning himself to his fate.

'You will. Bye, Ron,' she said with a smile.

'Bye, Daphne.'

OOOOOOOOO

'I don't think you're authorized to check out that book,' Daphne said in a deepened voice.

Ron turned with a worried look that quickly changed to an amused one once he recognized his friend. 'Oh, it's just you. Won't you get in trouble for talking to me?'

'No. Technically I'm not on patrol right now. And even then, you are best friends with Umbridge's Most Wanted, I'm just trying to get you to spill the beans about your secret army.'

'. . . Er, there's no secret army.'

His delay was enough to arouse suspicion. 'Wait! You really do have a secret group? Why didn't you tell me sooner?'

'I didn't want you to have to lie for me.'

'Well, the whole squad is already convinced Dumbledore has something secret going on.'

'Oh, this has nothing to do with Dumbledore. Except the name, that is.'

'Oh?' she replied with intrigue.

'Yeah,' Ron started with an amused smile. 'We call ourselves Dumbledore's Army.'

Daphne snorted and covered her mouth with a hand to smother her laughter.

'That is seriously amazing. Umbridge is literally going to explode when she finds out. But be careful, she really wants to get rid of Dumbledore and expel Harry but I don't think she'll hesitate to send you away with him when she catches you.'

'So you're saying it's only a matter of time.'

'Now that I know what they're looking for actually exists, I'd say yes. How can I warn you when they're closing in?'

'Hmm. . . Dobby!' Ron declared.

'Keep it down,' she hissed. 'Who's Dobby?'

'The Malfoy's old house elf. He's free but loyal to Harry since he basically freed him.'

'Ok, but will he listen to me if I call him!'

'If we tell him to.'

'And he'll know where to find you?'

'Absolutely.'

'Ok. Be careful.'

'We will, thanks.'

They shared a sincere smile before Ron returned to his library desk.

'I don't know how you can spend so much time looking for a book and still return with the incorrect edition,' Hermione scolded when Ron sat down.

Ron shrugged.

OOOOOOOOO

'Weasley is our King has a different ring to it these days, doesn't it?' Daphne asked cheerfully when they had both slipped away from their O.W.L. studying.

'Yeah, it doesn't quite have the same bite anymore,' Ron agreed. A smile grew on his face as he thought of the lovely memories from his Quidditch match against Ravenclaw.

'You Weasleys have made life hard on the Squad.'

'I'll bet. Have you been hit by any hexes?' he asked as his face took on some concern as he realized she would be a target of those.

'Yeah, a few. But nothing too bad. But remember how Warrington ended up in the hospital wing? Well. . . '

'You?' Ron asked disbelievingly.

'I can neither confirm nor deny, but it's much easier to pass on the blame nowadays,' Daphne replied with a sly smile.

'You are something else,' Ron stated. 'How are you coming along for your O.W.L.'s?'

'Pretty good. You?'

'Hermione is wearing me out,' Ron sighed.

'You can thank her when you get your results,' she suggested.

'Yeah, I guess you're right. Better get back to studying then. Good luck.'

'You too, Ron.'

OOOOOOOOO

6th Year

OOOOOOOOO

Ron was making his way down to the pitch when something hard hit the side of his head. He glanced in the direction he thought it came from but saw nothing so he continued on his path giving his head a little rub.

A couple of steps later another hard object hit him in the head. He rubbed his head again and gave a longer look this time.

In the shadow of a tree, he could see a blonde head peering around the trunk.

Daphne.

'Ron, you coming?' Harry called out after he noticed Ron had stopped walking.

'Er, yeah. Give me a minute, go on ahead, I'll be right down.'

'Alright, don't be late,' Harry instructed before continuing his walk.

'Daphne! What's up?'

'How are you feeling?'

'I was feeling like I was going to puke but now my head hurts. Were those rocks?'

'Uh, yeah,' she answered as if the question was an annoyance. Then quickly moving on, she asked, 'You're not nervous anymore, right?'

'I guess not,' Ron said, still rubbing his head.

Daphne nodded as if her goal had been accomplished.

'You heard Vaisey isn't playing?'

'No,' Ron replied with wide eyes.

'Yeah, took a bludger in practice yesterday and can't go today. Malfoy isn't playing either—'

'No Malfoy?' Ron interrupted with even more surprise.

'Yeah, but that doesn't really concern you,' Daphne said quickly.

'No, but Harry would like to know that.'

'You're probably right. So. . . they're going to chant again,' she said with a worried look. His face mirrored hers. 'Ignore it!' Daphne declared as forcefully as she could without yelling.

'I'll try.' His confidence was already taking a hit just remembering those chants.

'Listen,' she said sternly, grabbing both his shoulders and looking him dead in the eyes, 'Zabini always looks away from where he is going to throw. He will try to draw your attention to one side with his eyes, then throw to the other. Montague plays just like his brother, brutal, he will crash into you if he thinks it'll give his team an advantage, penalty or not. He doesn't have great accuracy but he makes up for it with velocity. He loves to pump fake and get the Keeper to move to one side, making the other goals wide open, don't bite on the pump fakes. Urquhart is captain for a reason, he can throw straight or he can put a heavy arm-side run on it. If it starts to veer to your left, start moving, fast! because if you don't anticipate it, the Quaffle will get away from you. Did you get all that?'

'Er, yeah. Zabini looks away, Montague pump fakes, and Urquhart has arm side run. Got it!' Ron said, blinking rapidly as if that would help him retain the information.

'Good.'

'Thanks, Daphne.'

'You'll do great,' Daphne reassured him, patting his shoulder encouragingly.

'I better get going.'

'One more thing.' She lifted up on her toes and planted a kiss on his cheek. 'Give that to Harry for me.'

'Oi! No!'

OOOOOOOOO

'So, you and Brown, huh?'

'Oh, hey. Yeah, well, it just kinda happened, you know—' Ron's Cheshire grin split his face.

'No! You do not get to say that!' Daphne hissed. 'You have never mentioned her before. And I'll bet you can't even tell me the last time you had a conversation with her, before you started snogging her, that is.'

'Er. What can I say? We just have chemistry. It's all thanks to you though. It never would've happened if I didn't save the game.'

'Your puns are ridiculous,' Daphne said with a roll of the eyes. 'But you realize what this is, right?'

'Magic?' Ron responded with a cheeky grin, causing Daphne to groan.

'No, Ron. She's a Fangirl.'

He was taken aback for a brief moment. But then began nodding his head in approval.

'A Ron Weasley Fangirl,' he said dreamily. 'That doesn't sound so bad.'

Daphne let out an exasperated sigh. 'Merlin, save me. Ok, and how did Hermione react? Or did you even notice?'

'Notice? How could I not? She sent a whole flock of birds to peck my eyes out!' Ron declared in vexation.

Daphne let a snort escape. Then sobered her face before asking, 'Are you sure you didn't deserve it?'

'Deserve it? She was just jealous of the chemistry me and Lav have.'

'Oh, I'm sure that's why,' Daphne said sarcastically, though Ron didn't seem to pick up on it. 'I hope you figure it out someday.'

'There's nothing to figure, me and Lav are meant to be together,' Ron said haughtily.

'Bless your heart, Ron,' she said with a pat on his shoulder as she walked past him.

OOOOOOOOO

'Have a good holiday?'

'Yeah, better than last year, that's for sure,' Ron replied cheerfully. 'I got you something.' He handed her a small box.

'Well, that's not fair. We've never exchanged gifts before, and now you decide to give me something all of a sudden. And make me all guilty for not getting you anything,' she said in a playful tone.

'Just open it,' he countered.

'Fine,' she said as she deftly unwrapped the box. 'Hey, these are—'

'Before you say anything, the rule was that you couldn't bring anything you bought there. Fred and George gave me a couple boxes, so technically, these were never purchased, hence, not illegal.'

'I've always wanted a Skiving Snackbox. Thanks, Ron,' Daphne said with a genuine smile.

'It's nothing. So, do you have any idea what Malfoy is up to?'

'Ah, I see now. You get me a gift so that you can get me to give you some inside info,' Daphne postulated.

'What if I told you the info was for Harry? He's the one obsessed with thinking Malfoy is up to something,' Ron responded.

'Oh. Well, I'd tell you anyway. I can't say for sure what he is up to but something's definitely off with him. He looks different and acts different. It's been nice for the common room but a little unnerving at the same time.'

'But no idea what?' Ron probed.

'Nothing. I've even heard Pansy wonder what is up. I'll let you know if I find anything out.'

'Ok, but be careful. Don't want you to be another Katie,' Ron stated.

'Malfoy did that?' Daphne questioned in surprise.

'Harry sure thinks so.'

'Ok, I'll be careful,' Daphne said solemnly.

OOOOOOOOO

'Poisoned, huh?' Daphne quipped while taking a seat at Ron's bedside.

'Er, yeah, that's what they're telling me.'

'And is it true that Harry saved you while Slughorn, the full-grown wizard, just sat there?' she asked, a familiar starry-eyed expression returning to her face.

'Yeah, that's all true,' Ron said relentingly. 'Why don't you just go snog him already?'

'Ron, I am not that type of girl,' Daphne said in contempt.

'I'm just telling you, you're missing out. Have you ever snogged someone?'

'A lady doesn't kiss and tell,' Daphne said with dignity.

'So, you do have experience,' Ron teased.

Daphne's cheeks went pink but she held her countenance as stoic as possible not giving Ron the satisfaction of a verbal response. 'Too bad you're going to miss the next Quidditch match.'

'Why you gotta be like that?' Ron groaned. 'Can't you even let me have my moment?'

'Sorry, your moments are for Lav Lav. I'm here to keep you grounded, Won Won,' Daphne said with a smirk. Now it was Ron's turn for his face to go red.

'I can't wait till I can actually walk on the ground again. I'm sick of this bed,' he grumbled.

'Yeah, I do hope you get better soon. See ya around,' Daphne said gently before departing.

OOOOOOOOO

'So. . . your sister finally got what she wanted, huh?' Daphne asked without emotion.

'Oh, yeah. I guess so,' Ron replied tentatively. 'Don't be mad at me, I had nothing to do with it.' He raised his hands in surrender. He had anticipated anger so the lack of emotion altogether was not something he could place.

'I have no premonitions that you somehow got them together,' Daphne said with a small smile.

Ron breathed a sigh of relief. 'Ok, good. I didn't want you mad at me.'

'I'm flattered, but I have nothing to be mad at. For all your teasing, I have no claim on him. But how do you feel about it?'

'It's really weird whenever you see your younger sister do that right in front of you—'

'Tell me about it,' Daphne cut in.

'Ha! Yeah, so after I got past that, I realized I wasn't going to change anything so I might as well go with it. I'm gonna be honest Daphne, you're taking this way better than I thought you would,' Ron commented.

'You know I've been on dates, Ron. I'm not just wasting my life away waiting for Harry. If something happens, something happens. And well, in the meantime, Harry could use an escape from all the dark stuff that seems to find him.'

'My sister is not an escape,' Ron said defensively.

'Relax, Ron. I don't mean it like that. I just mean he looks like a hippogriff has been lifted off his shoulders. It's nice to see him not weighed down constantly by everything that's out there.'

'I suppose you're right. He was a right mess after the Malfoy thing.'

'Can I admit to you there's a small part of me that wishes he'd killed Malfoy?' Daphne said with a small cringe.

'Yeah, but then we'd have to visit him in Azkaban,' Ron countered.

'Good point. It's better this way,' she agreed.

'And we still won the Cup!'

'That you did,' Daphne said with a bright smile. 'You played really well, Ron. For a while, I almost thought you were the Captain with the way you were leading your team.'

'Yeah. . . Well. . . You see. . . ' Ron's voice faded.

'Speechless, huh? There's a first time for everything,' she snarked. 'See ya round, champ.' And she left with a wave.

OOOOOOOOO

Daphne raced outside in her nightgown along with many of the other students to see what all the commotion was about. Amongst the crowd, there were whispers of Dumbledore and of course, Potter.

The largest group was congregated at the bottom of the Astronomy Tower so she made her way over and pushed her way through the crowd.

While the majority of people were gaping at the sight of the elderly body lying on the ground, her gaze kept drifting to the boy kneeling by the lifeless Headmaster. She watched him intently as he straightened the Headmasters glasses and tenderly cleaned off a speck of blood from around his mouth. The whispers and murmurings all around were but white noise as her eyes did nothing except flick back and forth between the deceased body and a boy that she hardly knew, and yet, was so fond of.

All she wanted was to go over and hold him, to let him cry on her shoulder, to let him know there were people out there—that he didn't even know—who were on his side. After some initial hesitancy, she gathered the courage and started making her way through the crowd. She didn't care if she overstepped or ruined any chance of him liking her, he needed someone right now.

It took more time than she thought to navigate the tightly packed crowd. She was getting closer to Harry but then, a flash of red hair shot in front of her.

Ginny.

The one that should be there for him right now, not Daphne.

What was she even thinking? He likely would've rejected her comfort even if she had made the attempt.

Daphne solemnly walked aimlessly on the grounds while chaos continued around her.

She settled under a tree and let the Phoenix song serve as a lullaby that allowed her to sleep.

OOOOOOOOO

Daphne found Ron at a familiar place in the library, it was necessarily "their spot" but it was pretty close to it.

She had no words for him today, no smart comment, no intelligent quip.

She closed the distance, making sure Ron noticed her approach. He faced her and she didn't stop until her face was buried in his chest and her arms were wrapped around his chest.

Ron held her while patting her back softly.

'You said it was going to get worse before it got better,' Ron said with as much cheer as he could muster.

'Yeah, but this, this is beyond worse,' she mumbled into his robes.

'I know, it's pretty bad,' he agreed.

'Dumbledore's gone. Malfoy's gone, Snape's gone. What does it all mean?' she asked.

'Er, it means it's probably gonna get worse before it gets better.'

'Worse than this?'

Ron just sighed.

'You've got a funny way of cheering a girl up,' Daphne quipped.

'Sorry.'

'It's ok. It's gonna be ok, right?'

'I hope so. You stay safe, ok?'

He gave her a squeeze and she laughed into his chest.

'What's so funny?' he asked.

'You telling me to stay safe, that's what's funny.'

They smiled at each other.

'See, cheered you up, after all,' Ron proclaimed.

'That you did. Thank you, Ron,' she said, giving him one more tight hug. 'You stay safe now, you hear? Don't make me have to come rescue you!'

'Yes, ma'am,' Ron said with a salute.

'Don't ma'am me!'

'Right. Bye, Daphne.'

'Bye, Ron.'

A/N: Yes, this is going to be Haphne, keep your pants on.