The two of us were bubbling with excitement as we hurried to the secret passageway beneath the one eyed witch. "Are you sure you want to do this Daphne?" Harry asked. I could sense doubt in his voice. To be honest, even I am not sure if I want to do this. My hesitation in answering back causes me to slow down. Sensing this, Harry grabbed my hand and the two of us came to a standstill. This was the first time I was this close to Harry in such an intimate moment. Both of our eyes were solely focused on the others, his emerald green staring into mine as if trying to discover my soul. "We can still back down. It's not too late. I am grateful for you trying to cheer me up, however you do not need to take such a risk. For me, the suggestion itself has been enough."

I shake my head to his comment. "I want to do this Harry." I squeeze his hand in an attempt to explain my feelings to him. "Yes I'm a bit nervous. Honestly, even I do not know where this courage is coming from or how I ended up having such an idea but I am fully committed to this." I reply sincerely. We nod at each other and continue to our destination.

As we made our way through the secret passage, I asked Harry the same question that I did the last time we came here. "You never did tell me how you found out about this passage?" I blame it on myself. We got busy with other things in school and with the arrival of the delegations from other schools, I never had the opportunity to continue our conversations. I guess no time like the present to make small talk.

"I don't remember if I told you this before or not, but there is a portrait of Salazar Slytherin in the chamber of secrets. He told me about all the secret passageways in and out of Hogwarts." He replied nonchalantly, I froze listening to his reply. Did he just say what I think he just said. Is there really a portrait of Salazar Slytherin in the chamber of secrets? If it is so, then that means we could actually have a real conversation with a Hogwarts founder. My mind is getting dizzy just thinking about the various possibilities. To be able to speak with a founder would be a lifetime opportunity. What would one not give for an opportunity like. What all we could learn from the painting. The history of the founding of Hogwarts, the lifestyle of witches and wizards . To learn about the founders and be able to take council from them in time of need. However my thoughts came to a screeching halt when I heard soft giggles which turned to roaring laughter.

I was gobsmacked when I saw Harry literally rolling on the floor laughing. Wait, did he just make fun of me. Did he just lie to me about the founder's portrait. Ugh, I feel so stupid right now. How the hell did I fall for such a stupid and simple joke. I didnt even question a single word he said.

In my anger, more on myself than him, I drew my wand and slashed it downward at Harry while chanting Ducklifors. A yellow light jet of light flew out of my wand and hit Harry strait on his chest. After a burst of yellow light, Harry had turned into a very irate duck. Hah, That's what you get for making fun of me Potter.

The Potter duck quacked and flapped his wings in an irate manner. The angry duck wobbled its way to me and started pecking my calf. Giggling, I picked up the duck so that we could be face to face. "Quack" the Potter duck said, his emerald green eyes easily conveying how angry he was with his current situation. "Make fun of me again Potter, and next time, I'll roast you on an open fire and feed you to the French Abraxans. You understand." I threaten. The Potter duck gave me a pointed stair and nodded. Satisfied, I put him down and canceled the spell. "That was rude and uncalled for." Harry said, though I could sense it was half hearted. As a dignified response I just blew him a rasberry .

"As a gracious loser, I will accept my defeat right now but remember that this is not over." Harry stated. "I was not expecting you to react that way. Well played Greengrass. I tip my hat to you as a second generation Marauder. You have earned my respect." He followed it up with an exaggerated tip of an imaginary hat. To humour him I bow back like a stage performer at the end of her performance. "Why thank you sir." I reply. " I am glad I could impress you with my actions. It is not common for you to pass praises so easily. I will forever cherish this moment and use it to drive my future performances." We hold our positions for maybe 5 seconds before the two of us burst into laughter. Forgetting all the bad experiences from the morning.

As we calm down from our laughter high, I ask Harry to confirm, "so is there a portrait of Slytherin in the Chamber of secrets?"

Giving me a smile, Harry shook his head sideways. " No, the first wizarding sentient portrait was created centuries after the founder's time. If it had existed, then all of the founder's would have their paintings in the Headmaster's quarters or our common rooms. They wouldn't be hidden away in some obscure corner of Hogwarts."

I nodded in agreement. "So how did you find this secret passageway?" I asked again.

"One evening in our second year almost an hour after curfew had started, I saw the Weasley twins sneaking out of the common room. The curious kid that I was, I followed after them to know what they were up to. Honestly, I thought they were going to the kitchen to get something to eat, and I was kind of hungry so I thought I'd grab something too. But to my utter surprise, the two of them head off to the third floor and lead me directly to the secret passage instead of the kitchens. And that's how I found this passageway. I did however not use the passageway till last year to explore where it led."

That was a more believable story than the Slytherin portrait. "And the twins didn't catch you?" I asked. "No, I didn't follow them into the secret passage. I was afraid of getting caught and it was already past curfew. I had to trek back to the common room after all so I left it for another day."

"We should change into something less recognisable I think." I suggested. "We are going to come out at Honeydukes and today is still a normal school day. Do you want me to transfigure your clothes too?"

He gave me an incredulous look before taking out his merlin forsaken moleskine pouch. Obviously he is carrying it with him. Why wouldn't he, that bustard. "Why would I want to transfigure my clothes when I have a spare set with me in case of emergencies like this one." With that he starts stripping his clothes infront of me. "What the hell are you doing?" I shout turning away from him, my face turning a bit red as the heat starts to build up on my face. "Like you said Daphne, I am changing into something less recognisable." He replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

" I know that, don't you have any decency changing right in front of a girl." I counted in a huff. "Oh! Hehe, sorry about that. I hadn't thought about that." He apologised. Sometimes guys can be so insensitive. "Why don't you transfigure your clothes and head towards the Three Broomsticks, i'll be right with you."

"Alright, just wait before I leave." I was thinking of transfiguring my clothes when I had an idea. "Do you have a jumper in your pouch?" He nodded and started digging in his pouch. I was wearing the school skirt and white top under my robes. To keep it simple, I transfigured the green socks that I was wearing to a neutral black, that went along with my shoes. I removed my robe and threw it at Harry who in-turn threw me a white jumper. "I don't have a jumper but I think this hoodie will do just fine." He said, I put it on and it was a little big for my size but not overly big. This hoodie was also very comfortable and warm as the jumper that he gave me when we were in the Black lake. I conjured a mirror to look at myself. The white hoodie and the black skirt went well together. They complimented my blonde hair well.

"You look mesmerising even in such simple clothes." Harry commented. My cheeks start to heat up again. "Thank you," I reply. Feeling a bit nervous, I rushed out of the

Secret passage and into the cellar of the Honeydukes. My heart is pounding as I rest against the wall adjacent to the secret passage and closed my eyes. I have received many compliments in my life but this one felt different. They were such simple words, but I never realised how much I wanted to hear them until I heard it right now. To add to the weirdness, I could feel my cheeks hurting due to the big fat smile that had been plastered on my face for the past 10 minutes. What the hell is happening to me?

"Daphne, Daphne" I hear someone calling my name. I open my eyes to see emerald green ones staring back at me. "You okay?" He asked, worry etched in his voice. I smile back and nod. "Yes, just catching my breath and waiting for you." He smiles back at me and the two of us exit Honeydukes and head towards The Three Broomsticks. There were a few people giving us odd looks on our way, but who wouldn't. Two teenagers walking down the streets so close to Hogwarts, people are gonna wonder if we are skipping school regardless. The two of us ignore the stares and continue to enjoy each other's silent company. My cheeks still hurt because I'm grinning like mad.

"Hey Rosy" Harry greeted the Landlady and barmaid of The Three Broomsticks, as we entered the pub. It was still early in the day and the pub had only a couple of patrons. Madam Rosmerta was cleaning the bar counter while the brooms were sweeping the floor magically. She looked up and gave us a surprised look. "Hey kiddo, what are you doing here so early? I didn' know today was a Hogsmeade weekend."

"It's not" Harry replied. "The two of us are going to Godric's Hollow. We couldn't have breakfast at Hogwarts so I thought i will grab a bit here." She gave Harry a knowing look. "Head upstairs and take the second private booth. Don't want anyone to find out you have snuck out of Hogwarts now do we. I'll bring something for the two of you as soon as I can."

"Thank's Rosy, you are the best." With that the two of us headed upstairs and did as she instructed.

"How do you know Madam Rosmerta?" I asked, again wondering how this person is friendly with so many people. "Nymphadoria is a frequent patron here. She comes here quite frequently to drown herself in alcohol. There have been many times that I have accompanied my mother to pick Nymphadora up. They generally get into a huge fight due to that Rosmerta generally looks after me and feeds me till the two of them calm down."

"But didn't Nyphadoria only graduate recently? How is it that she comes here that frequently" I asked a little confused. "Yah she did, but during her Hogwarts days she would morph herself into an adult body and go out drinking. Generally after a breakup, which if you know her is once every month."

"I think she is a raging alcoholic, the breakups were more excuses for her to drink." Madam Rosemerta chimed in. "But don't tell her I told you that. Anyways, here you go, two bangers and mash with Butterbeer." She placed the staring hot food in front "This one's on the house. Enjoy you two lovebirds." She commented with a wink and made her exit. "Oh shut up" Harry shouted to her retreating figure.

Due to the awkwardness of the situation, we ate our food in silence. We finished our food and drinks in half an hour and made our way out of the pub. We both thanked the matron, who simply smiled back and asked us to visit her during the next Hogsmade visit.

We took a short walk before we apparated together. We appeared in front of a graffitied wall with a ruined house in the background.

"Mom, dad. I'm home" Harry whispered.