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Chapter 5

Judgment Day

July 1990

"Hi, I'm Harry. Harry Potter." The messy black haired boy stuck his hand out, and Draco peered at it for only a beat as he decided it would be rude not to shake. He was after all a guest in this boy's home and was supposed to be on his best behavior for he had the Malfoy name to uphold.

"Draco Malfoy." He said proudly, then stepped aside to allow Daphne to make her own introduction.

It had taken two whole years for their two worlds to collide finally. Of course, both parties intended to meet far sooner, and scattered plans were made with that desire in mind, but it seemed that some higher power had deemed it, so their schedules clashed every single time - except for today.

Or so Daphne had thought because while her friend introduced himself to the Potter heir, she was carefully scanning the small group of people for a certain someone. It was after all her curiosity which had trumped her reluctance that morning and was what had willed her through the floo. Now, she dispiritedly realized that nowhere in Lily Potter's invitation for tea, had it mentioned that Sirius Black would be present. But was it so silly of her to think that since they were his friends and she was his betrothed, it went without saying that the middleman would be there?

Draco cleared his throat, successfully pulling Daphne from her thoughts just as it was her turn.

"Hello, Harry. I'm Daphne Greengrass." Her smile widened when he held out his hand for her as well. "Glad to finally meet you."

"How long has it taken our mum's?" Harry glanced to Draco with a sly smirk as he said it.

Draco returned the expression, pleasantly surprised by Harry's charm. Maybe he could get along with this boy, "Far too much time. I don't even care if they get offended; it's embarrassing."

They laughed together, and Daphne found that the annoyance she'd begrudgingly expected to feel towards the Potter lad, brought on by her godfather's still prejudiced mind, was not there. It made her guard drop a fraction so that she could enjoy herself more.

She gladly shook Harry's hand, "I've heard a great deal about you." Her gaze fell onto Nymphadora Tonks who, ever since Andromeda and Narcissa had become close sisters once more, had taken to visiting Malfoy Manor on occasion. At first, it had been difficult to get used to such a quirky personality, especially for Daphne, who hadn't been in face to face contact with anyone, save the Malfoys, since her family's funeral. However, her and Draco had quickly made friends with the kind-hearted teenager when they realized she also had a streak of trickery.

Harry lead them through Potter Manor and into a cozy parlor room, "Likewise, and all good things."

Draco nodded his agreement, "It's the Hufflepuff in her."

They took a quick glance at the older girl who was saying goodbye to a red-headed lad.

Daphne threatened to guess it was Charlie Weasley by how close they were standing and - oh, they were now kissing. How scandalous, Daphne thought with a small raise of a brow. Were the days when people frowned upon public displays of affection long gone? How did Andromeda have absolutely no bother with Charlie pawing at her daughter? They weren't married. Were they engaged? She had so many questions yet realized she couldn't care less what the answers to any of them were. Affection was so rare among the couple's she had seen that she was glad Dora seemed happy.

"Oh, that's wasn't my only source." Harry eyed a thoughtful Daphne, and his comical expression turned into one of sympathy, "Sirius sends his regards. He wanted to be here, but he's the Head Auror, you know. So he's always super busy."

Daphne's expression lightened marginally, "Thank you for telling me, Harry. I would never hold what -"

Draco interrupted her with a frown, "Surely he could've cleared his schedule for a few hours."

"There was an emergency, that's why my dad isn't here either." Harry's tone wasn't sharp with an offense, like Daphne would have expected it to be after Draco's backhanded insult, but filled with genuine regret that made Draco's resent vanish completely.

"Whatever Mr. Black's reason for not being here today is, it's none of our business." She threw a non-threatening glare towards her friend, and he rolled his eyes.

"Already taking his side, how loyal of you, Daph." Draco drawled quietly and took the seat next to her on the red leather sofa.

Harry watched on in amusement when Daphne's hands clasped and her brows furrowed, "Don't you judge me. You know I have no other choice."

"Say's the girl who kept all his letters." Draco exchanged a chuckled with Harry.

Daphne's cheeks reddened slightly, and she avoided their 'knowing' stares as she took a calming breath. Her voice was successfully void of the exasperation she felt, "They were birthday cards. Which I'm sure Mr. Black's assistant kindly sent anyways and was why I didn't keep them."

Harry's lips pulled up, "Sirius doesn't have an assistant. He's terrible at working with others."

"Don't go giving her hope, now. She'll be up the whole night." Draco implored sarcastically, leaning forward, quickly on the road to becoming thick as thieves with Harry.

Daphne's face turned impassive at her friends continued mocking, and she stood up, fiddling with her lavender dress so she wouldn't be encouraged to do something foolish.

She and Draco teased each other often, it wasn't new, but they only ever did so in private. "Draco, you would do well to remember where we are next time you decide to make up such lies." He had embarrassed her in front of their host; it was uncalled for and it stung. Who was taking who's side now? "Besides, you, more than any soul, know that the betrothal has been the last thing on my mind."

Draco looked struck, as though he hadn't realized what he'd said until that moment. He guiltily ran his hand through his hair, "It'll never happen again. Forgive me, Daphne."

"Always do." She sighed disdainfully. "Now, if you'll excuse me." Walking around the couch, she was happy to be away from the blond haired boy if only for a moment.

Daisy Potter peeked out from behind her mother's chair leg to catch a glimpse of the older girl. Being the five-year-old that she was, Daisy's attention was captured by the pretty sparkling flower pin in the stranger's braided hair.

Daphne spotted the little dark red headed girl and gently waved, "Hello, who might you be?"

"Huh? Oh! This is Daisy," Lily introduced, her incredulous attention having previously been on Narcissa complaining halfheartedly about - her husband, "pay her no attention, Daphne, she's terribly shy with strangers." Lily turned around and rid her daughter from the hiding place by setting Daisy near her feet. The little girl gave a pout and made a move to go back to the safety she'd found away from the guest's view, but Lily held her quick. Funnily enough, Daisy hadn't yet noticed that all eyes were on her.

Daphne smiled sweetly at the cute child. "Your dress is stunning." She knelt, her knees meeting the plush rug, and she tilted her head as she motioned to the moving print, "But whatever are those flying around it?"

Daisy glanced down, and removed her thumb from her mouth, "Motorcycles. Uncle Padfoot got it for me."

Daphne, surely having thought she misheard the name - for what kind of name was that studied the zooming object instead, her lower lip caught between her teeth in confusion. She had no experience with muggle items. Daphne had only observed the other world from a distance and for very short periods. Compared to her little sister, who had been curious about what went on past the wards of Greengrass Manor, Daphne's attention was caught by all the marvelous things waiting to be discovered in their world. Magic was captivating. She didn't know how muggles functioned without it. "What's a motorcycle?"

It was Daisy's turn to study her as though she'd asked if the sky was blue, but then her brows furrowed in what could only be considered contemplative thought for a five-year-old. Her shyness forgotten, "It's kind of a bicycle and a car. - In one."

Daphne knew what those were. Her sister used to complain over the gritty floo system and grumble as to why they couldn't use a car to get around. There was also Astoria's fifth birthday when she had set her sights on a muggle bike. At the time, Daphne had raised her nose to the ink smudged drawing and called it a silly looking invention, not even bothering to ask where Astoria had learned of it.

A pang of sadness went through Daphne at the thought of her little sister. What wouldn't she give to see Astoria happily riding a bike at that very moment? She hid her grief well now given the length of time that had passed and elaborated on Daisy's explanation. "So it's used for transportation."

Daisy nodded, and looking proud of providing Daphne with the information, a secretive smile appeared on her lips, "It can fly, too."

Daphne's brows rose, "Is that so? Like a broom?"

"Faster than a broom. Higher too." Harry butted in from across the room, his eyes gleaming from the first-hand experience.

A spark of interest, laced with disbelief, formed on Draco's face. "I thought the only thing better than a broom was a dragon."

Harry grinned giddy, "Well, nothing can beat a dragon. Have you seen one, Drake?"

"Yes, in Romania. Father took me to the biggest reserve there, and I got to see a Ukrainian Ironbelly and a Romanian Longhorn."

"That's so cool!" Harry glanced eagerly around the room before his eyes landed on a pink haired Dora who, now alone, was writing in a notebook with some glittery muggle contraption, "Dora, did you hear that! Your cuz rode a dragon!"

The older girl stood up and dusted off her knees before coming over to them. Daphne's nose scrunched. The blue jeans Dora usually wore looked terribly uncomfortable, and Daphne glanced down at her delicate dress debating if her friend's style was the newest fashion rage at Hogwarts or just in the muggle world. She hopped it was the latter.

"Woah? Charlie wants to study dragons in Romania. You should've mentioned it when he was here."

Daphne's brow rose when she suspected Draco was about to fabricate what she was sure to be a persuasive lie on expertly riding some dangerous reptile. Usually, she wouldn't have cared, lying was the norm among their circle, but they were supposed to be on their best behavior, and well, she was quite taken with the friendly and amusing new people.

But Draco surprised her by telling the truth, "I just saw them. But the Romanian Longhorn -"

"Mummy said you're Padfoot's finance." Daisy snapped Daphne's flabbergasted attention away.

"Excuse me?" Daphne blinked as she folded her legs beneath her.

Daisy giggled and made room for Dora to sit on the small fluffy rug, "They said you knew, poor thing."

Dora snorted, "Daisy if you listen in on other people's conversations," the little girl turned a deep red, "make sure you listen well, so you don't confuse anyone when you gossip." She shook her head and took it upon herself to clear up the confusion, "She means fiance, not finance. Though -" There was a chuckle.

Daphne smirked and nudged the older girl for her unsaid words. "To answer you, Daisy - yes, I'm Sirius's fiance." It was strange to say both his name and their relation to one another herself, but she did, and Merlin didn't rise from the grave to strike her with a lightning bolt. "So can I guess that Padfoot is your nickname for Mr. Black?" No. She couldn't say it.

"Mr. - oh, Siri! Yeah." Daisy's head bobbed repeatedly.

Dora sighed in mirth once more and leaned forward so that only they would hear her whisper, "I don't know if I'm allowed to tell you this, but we're going to be family one day, so it seems silly to keep it from you. Sirius is an animagus. Padfoot is his counterpart's nickname."

Daphne's eyes widened. Only the most skilled witches and wizards could become animagi for the process was an arduous one. "Impressive. What animal may I ask?"

"Guess," Dora smirked and threatened a glance at her mother who was in a deep conversation over something with her aunt and Lily. The sight was a strange one - the three witches were utterly different from one other, yet here they were, chatting animatedly as if they had been old school friends.

"He's a doggy." Daisy answered eagerly with a small clap and a "woof."

"Circe damn it, Daisy. I meant for Daphne to - you know what, never mind." Her hair flashed a neon orange, and she harrumphed, "Sirius is a dog animagus. Dog's have padded paws - aka, Padfoot. There."

"Damn' is a bad word, Dora. What would mummy and Andy do if they heard that come out of your mouth?" Daisy tried to look threatening.

"Oh my, you are quite the little snake in the making aren't you?" Daphne teased fondly and chuckled when the little girl's face soured.

Dora patted the horrified kid's back, "I think Harry's more a snake than she is. Daisy's all bark and no bite; Harry can and will cut you."

"Especially in Quidditch, I bet. That's when Draco becomes his most conniving self." She smirked, "Glad I don't know how to ride a broom or who knows what evil game strategy he would want my help with."

"What!? You've never -! Why?" Harry upon hearing 'Quidditch,' automatically listened in and was gobsmacked at the information.

Strangers no more, Daisy was showing her true colors and filled the silence by announcing that even she had been on a broom before.

Draco answered Harry before Daphne could even utter a word, "It's no use. I've tried teaching her, but her parents never allowed her near a broom, so she's very accident prone now."

Dora, being older and wiser than the rest of them caught on to the slippery slope they were nearing. Daphne's parents were dead, and it was too soon to joke about their mistakes in casual conversation. Instead, she came up with the perfect escape plan, "How about we girl's go paint our nails?"

Daphne pulled at the end of her braid, her eyes trained curiously on the baby pink varnish on Dora's fingers. The rosy color reminded Daphne of the dainty macaroons she'd eaten on her birthday when the Malfoys had whisked her off to Paris, "I've never - I don't know -" Her gaze swept over to her godmother. "What is it called?"

Daisy giggled and wiggled her baby blue-tipped fingers, "You must be living under a rock, Daph-nee. It's nail polish, duh."

Daphne's folded her arms. She was sure the little girl didn't realize her comment had been on the rude side, but it still nicked at her confidence.

"You'll have to excuse me, but it's a muggle thing, and I did not grow up among them." She almost wanted to declare that she held no interest in painting her nails anyways, but Daisy seemed like a sweet child, and while Draco made quick friends with Harry, Daphne wanted the sister's approval before she became wholly left out.

After all, these people were Sirius's friends and family; Daphne had the full intention of getting along with them. She could even handle a bit of rudeness and not up to par manners as long as they didn't belittle her for things she had no way of knowing.

"It's alright, Daph. My mum grew up just like you, I understand." Dora's hair turned to a shimmering black, and she gave her a wink. "I'm sure auntie won't die of shock."

Daphne's lip pulled up, Dora was always the peacemaker, and she was thankful that she had agreed to be there. But before she asked for Narcissa's permission, she took a moment to build up enough courage to take the rejection she so expected to receive.

"Godmother? May I paint my nails with muggle polish?" Her voice was gentle and syrupy sweet, it usually got Daphne anything she wanted, but she had her doubts and refused to go down alone, "Dora and Daisy asked if I would like to."

Narcissa's sculpted brows shot up over her teacup rim. Silence.

Lily bit the inside of her cheek as she waited for the witch's reply, a distraction on the tip of her tongue in case things went south. Andromeda stood her ground.

The blonde woman placed her drink down and motioned Daphne over to her side. "You don't need to be afraid anymore, my sweet. If something makes you happy, how could I possibly deny you? Go enjoy yourself, Daphne, you're in good hands."

And with that statement proclaimed so publicly among past enemies, hope ensued in all.

oOo

The sun had set and the still orange sky was beginning to darken as nightfall neared. Lily watched as her daughter begged Daphne to stay and smiled to herself. Harry and Draco were already quite the duo as well, and Lily wasn't surprised; children had the innocent tendency to overlook things and live in the moment. If that weren't the case James wouldn't have made friends with Sirius on the Hogwarts Express their first year, and where would they all be now?

"Daphne will be back for Harry's birthday, Daisy." She swiftly intervened as she spotted the first sign of tears in her daughter's brown eyes that resembled her husband's so.

Daisy glanced hopefully up at the taller girl, "Promise you'll come?"

"Promise." Daphne smiled warmly as her fingers liberated the flower pin from her hair. The silver item was the first piece of jewelry she had gifted to Astoria. Unfortunately, it would only gather dust in her collection as it was advertised to be worn by a youth, and she felt it was best to part with it as hoarding the pin for sentimental value would undoubtedly be unhealthy. Of course, her reasoning came to existence because she'd caught the small girl admiring the jewel throughout the day.

Daisy held her breath when Daphne leaned forward and pinned one of her fallen curls back in her braided crown. "There." Her hands clasped in glee, "A daisy for Daisy."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, Daph-nee!" The little girl threw her arms around Daphne's middle, taking her by surprise and causing her to eyes to widen. Hesitantly, the pureblood girl returned the embrace.

Lily smiled at her daughter, "It's very pretty, make sure to take good care of it, Daisy." The little girl nodded seriously. "How about you go show Andy before she leaves?" Daisy squealed and ran off, waving farewell vigorously to her new friend.

Before Daphne could head back to where her godmother and Draco were saying their goodbyes, Lily beckoned her over as she took a seat on the stairs, "Daphne, may I have a quick word?"

"Of course, Mrs. Potter." She climbed the first step to be at an equal height advantage and tucked a loose curl behind her ear.

A funny look passed over her face, "Please, call me Lily."

"Okay -" Daphne's lips twisted, "Lily." She briefly wondered if she was in trouble, but the woman didn't appear miffed, just tired.

"What did you think of today, Daphne?" Lily asked tilting her head, her green eyes kind and curious.

Daphne found herself answering truthfully, "It was lovely. It's the most fun I've had in a long time. You are all so strangely nice. It's an honor that you welcomed me into your home with such openness."

Lily reached for her hand slowly as to make her action known, "It was my pleasure, sweetheart. You're terribly well-mannered, but you also have spunk and sass, which you'll learn are good things to have around us Gryffindors. What I didn't expect was your kindness, so I wanted to assure you that I also like you very much indeed, Daphne."

Daphne beamed from the acceptance, "That means a great deal, thank you."

Lily sighed and squeezed her hand before letting go, "You must be wondering why Sirius wasn't here."

Daphne carefully worded her statement, "Harry told me how busy Mr. Black is with his work." Thankfully, the day hadn't been a flop on the topic of her betrothed like Draco had insisted it would be. It was entirely because, Daphne, from everyone's stories, the funny ones too, had gained an inside scoop on who Sirius Black indeed was. Her impression of the man had already been a favorable one, but upon learning how beloved and adored he was by his family - well, she wouldn't let his absence cloud her view.

Lily's sad smile disappeared as soon as it appeared and her lips thinned, "I'm sorry. - Sirius loves his job very much. He's busy, but he wouldn't have it any other way."

"I understand." Daphne's nose scrunched when she smelt smoke. Glancing around, wondering what was causing it, she did not conclude a thing, and Lily's expression did not indicate that she was disturbed by the suddenly present smell.

Lily gave her a look full of regret, "Are you sure you do, Daphne?"

She swallowed and took a small step back. The only reason Daphne held her tongue and questioned nothing was that she had no other choice. She didn't dare pretend that things could've ended up any better for her. However, she had overheard her godparents talking about how unusual the whole arrangement was, and people tended to avoid things of such nature.

"Ignorance is bliss. That is how it goes, isn't it?"

Daphne bit her lip, apologetic for her tone. "My parents didn't baby me like they did Astoria. I know things." She said in a small voice and an unladylike shrug.

Growing up, she was hardly sheltered from arguing and real-world problems, and at age six, Daphne was so advanced in her studies that her old governess had started introducing Hogwarts material into her exercises. Sadly, and maybe it was because she was a girl, or the air of poise she carried herself with was taken as a snobby way of covering up an untrue indifference, some adults thought she was just a stupid kid.

Affected, Daphne raised her nose and tried to mask the hurt in her tone with iciness, "I am not stupid."

"Of course you're not, Daphne!" Lily gasped, shocked and realized that someone must have said something that had stuck with the girl if Daphne was so adamant to prove her intellect. "You are brilliant and very clever for your age. And if anyone says otherwise, you send them to me, and the gang will sort them out, alright?" Lily's grin was infectious.

Daphne's defensive stance relaxed, and she quietly giggled when Lily ran her pointer finger along her neck to further show her point. "I'll keep that in mind."

She heard Draco shouting for her to hurry up, his behavior was - changed, but Daphne reckoned she wasn't the same person she'd been that morning either. "Please tell Mr. Black that I am thankful for what he's done and that I'll see him when I see him." She tested out the goodbye Dora had paid her earlier and hesitated for a second on whether to shake Lily's hand or to hug her.

She held out her hand politely and warmly said, "Thank you, Lily."

Lily ignored the outstretched arm and hugged the girl tightly instead. Completely aware of the two men in the upstairs library - who would get what was coming to them, Lily couldn't help but pity the girl, "Stay strong, Daphne."

Little Note: Updates will become more spaced out now because college is (sadly) starting back up again and I'll have little time to write. I want to assure everyone that Sirius and Daphne will be meeting soon though.

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think.