A/N: Howdy everyone! Check out the HAPHNE discord #fanart for the illustrations from my wife. As always, thank you to those who review, favorite, follow and PM! See you next week!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Just happy to be here!
Chapter 10
July 6, 1993, appeared on screen. Harry entered the sitting room to find Sirius and Andromeda speaking with a younger woman with vibrant violet eyes and bubble-gum pink spiky hair. The woman was chewing gum, loudly, and blowing bubbles while nodding occasionally. She was the first to notice Harry's presence.
"Wotcher, Harry."
"Uh, hi?"
"Harry," Andromeda smiled and indicated the woman. "This is my daughter, Nymphadora."
"Ugh! It's Dora or Tonks, mum."
"If you say so, Dora," Andromeda smirked.
"What about Nym? Or Nymph?" Sirius cackled which turned into a yelp as Tonks fired a stinging hex at him. "Okay! Okay!"
Tonks ignored Sirius and stepped forward, appraising Harry.
"So, you want to go through the Auror training program?"
Harry nodded.
"He doesn't look like he'd manage the first half hour," Tonks turned to Sirius.
"I'll manage," Harry stated firmly.
Tonks hummed. "I'll need to see what I'm working with."
"Basement," Sirius jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. "That's where the dueling ring is."
"Think you can handle me, Squirt?" Tonks taunted.
Sirius snorted. Harry ground his teeth and tried to not let his frustration show.
"I can hold my own."
"Want to make it interesting? A wager, perhaps?"
"Really, Dora?" Andromeda scolded.
"Ten galleons I thump you in less than a minute," Tonks held out her hand expectantly.
I'm probably being hustled, Harry thought in irritation. But Merlin knows I'm not going to let this woman make a fool out of me. I have to prove myself. So, I'm going to last at least a minute.
"You're on."
"Let's go then," Tonks winked and sauntered downstairs.
Sirius shook his head and chuckled grimly.
"Good luck, pup. You're going to need it."
The four went downstairs to the basement where a pseudo training area and dueling ring were set up. Dummies lined the walls as did an assortment of weapons and dusty tomes. Tonks walked with practiced ease, a predatory gleam in her eyes as she stopped and turned on her heel to face Harry.
"No holding back now, Squirt," Tonks pointed at Harry with her wand. "And no crying when I thump you."
"One minute is all I have to last, right?" Harry questioned.
Tonks smirked. "Mum, can you keep the time? Just holler every fifteen seconds for me."
"Of course, dear."
Harry squared his shoulders and, per dueling protocol, did a half bow. Tonks fingered her wand with a knowing grin.
"And GO!" Sirius called while Harry was still bent over.
"What the hell?!" Harry shouted as he ducked the stunner Tonks sent his way.
He barely had time to get a Protego off as curses smashed into his shield. It shattered almost as soon as it appeared, and Harry had to roll away to prevent himself from being injured. Never had he been more thankful for his lessons with Flitwick, as they were the only reason he wasn't kissing the stone floor.
"Fifteen," Andromeda called.
"Screw this," Harry muttered as he spun away from a jinx he couldn't identify and pulled the hood of his invisibility cloak up.
Sirius doubled over laughing.
"Homenum Revelio," Tonks called then appeared shocked. "How the fuck?"
"Dora! Language!"
"Sorry, mum!"
Tonks yelped as Harry sent a Stupefy at her. Her reflexes were sharp, however, and she batted it away where it collided with the ceiling.
"Sneaky little Squirt!" Tonks giggled. "You're making this fun!"
Harry sent several more spells her way, always moving so the direction appeared random. Tonks easily countered, shielded, or deflected them before whispering a spell of her own.
"Gotcha!"
Harry's eyes nearly jumped out of his sockets as a silent Stupefy rocketed directly at his torso.
"Thirty."
Almost there! Harry thought. And how the bloody hell does she know where I am?
The two exchanged spells until Tonks raised a stone wall between them.
"Forty-five."
"Well, it's been fun, squirt," Tonks teased. "But time for me to collect."
"You wish!" Harry called.
Harry fully expected to catch Tonks off-guard since he had moved while she was behind the wall. When Daphne Greengrass emerged from behind the wall, however, the bonebreaker died on his lips and his eyes went wide as saucers.
"D-Daphne?" Harry stammered, not even registering the Stupefy that put his lights out.
-GU-
He awoke to see a smirking Tonks over him, holding her hand out. He groaned as he allowed her to pull him to his feet. Suddenly, he gasped, turning a full circle.
"Daphne! She was here!"
Sirius was leaning on a nearby training dummy, slapping his thigh with joyful tears running down his face. Andromeda looked at Harry with a touch of sympathy, but her eyes danced with mirth and her mouth slightly quirked upwards. Harry looked at the two in confusion before turning back to where Tonks was only to see Daphne standing there once more.
"Bloody hell!" Harry cried and leapt away.
"Aww, don't be that way, Harry," Daphne pouted before making kissy faces at him.
"H-how?" Harry stuttered.
Daphne's face shifted back to Tonks. The golden blonde hair went bubble-gum pink once more.
"Dora is a Metamorphmagus," Andromeda revealed. "It's a Black family trait that only emerges every few generations. Dora is the first one in almost one hundred years."
"Whoa," Harry exhaled. "That's wicked!"
"You owe me ten galleons," Tonks winked.
"But you cheated!" Harry spluttered.
"I did no such thing!" Tonks said indignantly. "If anything, you cheated using whatever you did to become invisible!"
"Oh, that's just my dad's cloak," Harry shrugged. "It's really handy."
"Then we're even," Tonks sniffed. "I won. You lost."
"Whatever," Harry grumbled, fishing ten galleons out of his pockets and slapping them into her outstretched hand. "How did you know what Daphne looked like? And how did you find out where I was while I was under my cloak?"
"She saw her in some of your memories, Harry," Andromeda shook her head at her daughter. "Really, Dora, hustling a child?"
"They don't pay Auror Trainees, mum!" Tonks protested. "And I used a spell that tracks footprints, Squirt. One of the more useful spells from the Auror program. It allows me to see the residual heat patterns left by your feet. Since your cloak doesn't cover the soles of your shoes, it still shows."
Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder. "I'm proud of you, pup! Use every advantage! That was a stroke of genius using the cloak that way. I honestly thought you had her for a second there."
"I will admit it caught me off guard," Tonks finished counting the coins and pocketed them with a smirk.
"So, you'll teach me?" Harry questioned.
Tonks sighed dramatically. "I suppose…"
"She will," Andromeda stated firmly.
"Aww, take the fun out of it, mum!"
Harry hesitated. "Just… Don't turn into Daphne again."
"And why not?" Tonks grinned lecherously.
"It's not fair."
"All is fair in love and war, Squirt."
Harry shook his head. "I could never hurt Daphne. I won't duel you if you look like her."
Tonks quirked an eyebrow but didn't readily respond. After a minute of silence, she acquiesced.
"Okay, Squirt. I can play by those rules. It's not like we'll be dueling much, anyway. After all, we're doing the fitness portion of the Auror training program."
Harry visibly relaxed. Tonks snorted.
"Careful, Harry, don't get too comfortable," she cautioned. "This program is a literal hell. I give you ten minutes and you'll be crying for Daphne."
"I can handle it," Harry frowned.
"No time like the present," Tonks shrugged and turned to Sirius and her mum. "You two may as well head upstairs and do something productive. I'll send what's left of the Squirt up once I'm done with him."
"Play nice, Dora," Andromeda warned.
"Yes, mum."
"Good luck, kiddo!" Sirius called over his shoulder. "Remember, he needs to be able to do Occlumency lessons with Andi tonight, Nym!"
"Don't call me that!"
Ten minutes later, Harry almost called for Daphne, just like Tonks predicted. It was a combination of pride and sheer willpower that prevented him from doing so. He liked to believe that his usual daily exercise routine was robust, especially since it had been constructed alongside Professor Flitwick. He was wrong. So very, very wrong. Whatever Tonks was putting him through was every bit the hell she promised, and Harry lost his breakfast half an hour in.
Something tells me this is going to be a long summer, Harry thought while on his hands and knees, panting and pouring sweat.
"Get up, Squirt! You're not even close to being done!" Tonks barked.
"Honestly," Harry gasped. "I'd rather face the basilisk again."
"If you can talk, you can work! Get a move on!" Tonks smacked the top of his head, balked, and wiped her now sweat-covered hand on her pants. "That's another ten reps for getting sweat on my hand!"
-GU-
July 20, 1993, flashed on the screen. Harry and Sirius were at Gringotts, speaking with Agnok who appeared to have good news.
"The mail block on Heir Potter has been released," Agnok informed with a toothy smile.
"Excellent!" Sirius exclaimed and clapped his hands.
"There are over one hundred sixty-five thousand combined parcels and packages to deliver," Agnok deadpanned.
"Come again?" Sirius choked.
Agnok repeated the figure.
"That's a lot of mail," Harry breathed in shock.
"We'll need to buy a warehouse," Sirius muttered to himself before looking at Agnok. "I'll talk to Ranlok and have him work with you for a delivery address."
"Very well," Agnok nodded then grinned mischievously. "There is also the matter of the storage fees."
"Of course," Sirius inclined his head knowingly before smiling wickedly, a vindictive glint in his eye. "Please bill those fees to Heir Potter's Magical Guardian, seeing as how he is the reason mail has been undeliverable."
Agnok's eyes shone with mirth. "As you command, Lord Black."
"Sirius, how are we going to sort through that much mail?" Harry questioned as the two made their way to Ranlok's office.
"You won't need to worry about it, pup," Sirius assured. "It'll give me something to do while you're at Hogwarts. I'll forward along anything I think pertinent or of interest to you."
Harry's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thanks, Sirius."
"Not a problem, kiddo." Sirius chuckled. "Not a problem."
-GU-
August 18, 1993, flickered on the screen. Harry was standing outside 12 Grimmauld Place with Tonks and Andromeda. Dobby had monitored the Dursley's house for the Hogwarts owl carrying his school supplies letter and intercepted it. Dora had convinced Moody to assign her to bodyguard duty for Harry, while Sirius had allowed himself to be 'spotted' in France, forcing security to lax in Diagon Alley.
So it was that Harry was going, with Andromeda and Dora, shopping for his school supplies and a whole new wardrobe. The nutrient program had just finished, and Harry had gained eight inches in height and almost three stone in weight. He now stood at 5'4" and had above-average mass.
Just that morning, Sirius had one-arm hugged Harry and gone on and on about how much he looked like James now that he was the proper height and weight. Harry was quite happy with the comparison.
"We'll start with Twilfitt and Tatting's," Andromeda remarked as she eyed Harry.
Harry agreed. His clothes were, well, small.
"Off we go then," Tonks grinned, grabbing Harry's arm and apparating away.
Harry really hated side-along apparation. They arrived in Diagon Alley with a crack! and Harry took a moment to steady his feet and let his stomach settle. Andromeda arrived shortly after and the three made their way to Twilfitt and Tatting's. Hours later, Harry emerged in high-quality acromantula silk robes and feeling much more confident in himself.
Even Tonks found it hard to tease him, as he was quite handsome. Another major change was Harry no longer required glasses. Andromeda had performed some Black family magic to have his vision corrected, and Harry was immensely grateful for it. For the first time in his life, he could see clearly.
A haircut later, and the three were able to enjoy lunch and ice cream before finishing the supplies shopping and preparing to depart. That is, until Harry revealed, to his chagrin, that he needed to get a birthday present for Daphne and wanted their input. A stern glare from Andromeda kept Dora in line, and the two ladies listened to Harry's thoughts and offered a suggestion based on his experiences.
A happy Harry, charm in hand, allowed Tonks to side-along apparate him back to Grimmauld Place before heading upstairs to wrap it. It was a snake charm, consuming its own tail, with small emerald eyes. Harry felt a basilisk charm would hit too close to home. Hedwig left with the gift shortly after, Harry wanting it to arrive early.
-GU-
August 20, 1993, flashed on the screen. Harry and Sirius were discussing some of the recent revelations about Hogwarts and the new DADA teacher for the year. They had just come up from a brutal dueling session. Harry was up to O.W.L level now, but still nowhere near a threat to Sirius. While this frustrated Harry, he had to remember that he was still just a kid, and development would take both time and effort. He would have to keep putting the work in and wait for the results to show.
"Remus will be teaching DADA this year it looks like," Sirius hummed while strumming his fingers on the table.
"That's Moony, right?"
"Correct," Sirius nodded. "I'm not sure if I should be mad at him or happy that he'll be at the school to watch over you."
"What do you mean?"
"We've talked about Remus's furry little problem," Sirius smirked in remembrance, briefly, before it faltered, then he sighed heavily. "It has caused Remus to have a hard life, Harry. Try not to judge him too harshly for never checking in on you. Based on what we've learned about Dumbledore's meddling, I wouldn't be surprised to find out the old goat had told Remus to stay away from you."
"What is Remus like?"
Sirius smiled wistfully. "He's a good man, Harry. Arguably the best of us. He's been dealing with his condition since we were kids. It's what pushed each of us to become an Animagus. James and I were always the primary troublemakers, and Remus was our moral compass and kept us in line, most of the time. He went along more often than he should have and, on rare occasions, was directly responsible for whatever mischief we caused."
He paused in thought.
"You do remember the words to activate the map?"
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Harry held his hand over his heart as if reciting a pledge.
"And the kill phrase?"
"Mischief managed."
"Good."
"Sirius," Harry licked his lips. "What was Peter like?"
"The rat?" Sirius spat out. "I guess we should have seen it coming, considering his spirit animal is a bloody rat." He huffed in agitation, running a hand through his hair. "Peter was always hiding behind one of us. He stuck to our group and was a great scout due to his form. We always thought he was just a shy bloke, a little off at times, and more timid than the rest of us."
He exhaled and closed his eyes.
"Truth is, Peter is a coward. But a smart coward. Peter allies himself with those who have power. In school, that was your dad. James was a brilliant Wizard. Hell, I wasn't too bad myself. Not many can claim they became Animagi before sixteen."
Harry nodded wordlessly.
"When Voldemort came around, Peter flocked to him. The problem was, we never knew or noticed. Maybe it was our unflagging faith in our bond of brotherhood. It's what made Peter the deadliest of all of us…"
Sirius trailed off, lost in thought.
"What? That he flocked to Voldemort?"
Sirius waited until Harry met his gaze. "No, Harry. Peter is a traitor. Betrayal is in his very nature. He's the hidden dagger waiting to be grasped from the cloak and slid across the unsuspecting throat. That's why he's the most dangerous of us all. He is patient and waits for the perfect opportunity to strike."
"But he's Ron's rat, Scabbers, right?" Harry asked. "That's why you escaped Azkaban. Because you saw him in the paper. If he's been that close to me all this time, why not off me?"
"Self-preservation," Sirius responded immediately. "And keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Peter is in the perfect position. He's latched onto a family firmly in Dumbledore's pocket, keeping his ear to the ground for any whisper of Voldemort's return, and he's in prime position to strike at enemy number one the moment he is commanded to. He has everything to gain by being patient. If he strikes early, he loses every advantage he's built up, and more than likely his life. Dumbledore may be a meddlesome old goat, but he is still the only Wizard Voldemort ever feared. Not to mention he's already defeated one Dark Lord in Gellert Grindelwald."
"So why the map?" Harry questioned. "Why not just have me stun the rat the moment I go to bed after the feast?"
"He likely won't be there," Sirius informed. "Don't get me wrong, Harry. If you have a chance to capture him, take it. With my escape going public, Peter will be on high alert. Additionally, there are the dementors to worry about."
"They're what guard Azkaban, yeah?"
"Yes, and they are terrible, terrible, creatures," Sirius shivered. "They feast on pain and negative emotions. Their very presence saps all feelings of joy and happiness from you. All the while, you relive your worst nightmares. They also can administer the kiss, which removes your very soul and leaves your body alive but no more than an empty husk. Frankly, the Ministry should determine how to eradicate the foul creatures."
"And they're going to be at Hogwarts," Harry deadpanned.
"Don't underestimate Dumbledore, Harry," Sirius warned. "Even the Dementors will behave with him present."
"Does this mean I should learn the Patronus?"
"Yes," Sirius grinned mockingly. "Won't be too difficult for you, I'm sure."
"Really?" Harry seemed surprised. He knew the Patronus charm was N.E.W.T level, and most full-grown Wizards and Witches couldn't cast a corporeal Patronus successfully.
"With your core now pretty much at full strength?" Sirius scoffed. "You'll be fine."
Harry waited for the jab.
"And, of course, I'm sure you can conjure some memory of Miss Greengrass to aid you," Sirius teased.
There it is… Harry rolled his eyes, his cheeks coloring.
-GU-
September 1, 1993, flashed on the screen. Harry was seated at the dining table with Andromeda, Sirius and Tonks eating breakfast and reviewing their plans.
"Now remember, pup," Sirius pointed at Harry with his fork; a bit of egg tumbled off the utensil and onto the table. "Give Remus a chance but be wary. He's always been a Dumbledore man, and rightly so after what Albus did for him. Just watch what you say. Once I've spoken with him, we'll get him firmly in our camp. But I can't speak to him until we have the rat."
"And he'll know about the map," Harry agreed.
"Which is your highest priority. Remember, Harry. The map never lies. Find the map, you find Peter. Find Peter, and everything changes for both of us."
"So, no pressure," Harry rolled his eyes.
"Don't forget to practice your Occlumency every night, Harry," Andromeda spoke up. "It is vital to your continued battle with the parasite in your scar."
"Yes, Aunt Andi," Harry had taken to calling her that as he'd gotten close to her.
"And don't forget to keep up your training, Squirt," Tonks chimed in. "If you don't, I'll make it even worse next summer."
Harry flinched. "You got it, Nym." He accepted the stinging hex that followed with a hiss.
"Make sure you spend plenty of time having fun, doing pranks, and wooing your pretty bird," Sirius added.
Harry blinked.
"Confidence is key," Sirius continued, oblivious to Harry's sudden hesitancy. "Women want to know you're comfortable around them and in your own skin. Remember what you've learned about the old ways and you'll knock her socks off."
"We also like sweets, flowers, and cards," Tonks interjected.
"And respect," Andromeda narrowed her eyes at Sirius.
"Uh, right, thanks," Harry flushed and looked at his half-eaten plate.
"I'll be sorting your mail, don't forget," Sirius grinned. "Goblins just finished warding the warehouse I bought, so I'll be able to come and go as I please without worry. If I find anything of note or interest, I'll send it over via Dobby. Who, by the way, you can call at any given time. He is, after all, your elf."
Harry smiled. He'd grown quite fond of Dobby and considered him a true friend.
"If you get cornered by Dumbledore, do not look him in the eyes," Andromeda stated firmly. "A talented Legillimens can easily infiltrate your mind without eye contact, but it requires a more noticeable approach. Giving eye contact is the equivalent of walking them to your front door, unlocking it, and then daring them to open it."
"Got it," Harry felt a cold sweat on the back of his neck.
"And if Dumbledore calls you to his office, make sure you take Minnie with you," Sirius added. "Any meeting with the headmaster, disciplinary or otherwise, should always occur with your head of house present. Minnie's a good woman, Harry, and she'll defend her cubs violently if need be. Yes, she is a dear friend of Dumbledore, but if push came to shove, she'd pick you over him every time."
Harry still couldn't figure out how or why his father and Sirius got away with calling McGonagall, 'Minnie'. He was very confident the stern woman would flay him alive if he attempted such a thing.
"Make sure you take Daphne to Honeydukes," Tonks suggested. "She'll like that place. I don't know a girl who doesn't."
"Dora makes a good point," Andromeda agreed.
"Oh!" Sirius slapped the table. "We never signed your form! Do you have it, pup?"
Harry nodded and pulled it from a pocket in his robes. Sirius snatched it and handed it to Tonks.
"Nym, if you would do the honors?"
"Ugh," Tonks rolled her eyes dramatically as her features morphed briefly into that of Vernon Dursley.
Harry watched as Tonks, now Vernon, signed the form. He was very relieved when Tonks swiftly returned to her bubble-gum pink hair and female figure. Tonks passed the signed form back to him and Harry reverently folded it and returned to his robes.
"Anything else we missed?" Sirius asked aloud, tapping his chin.
Dear Merlin, I hope not, Harry thought.
"Oh!" Sirius exclaimed again and Harry sighed. "Gringotts. Right. Ted is still working on getting your parent's will unsealed, pup. That is another critical task. Sadly, we are trying to exercise discretion, which roughly translates to galleons and under-the-table transactions. It's going to take time, but Ted is on it."
"What about the other complication they mentioned? With the heritage test?"
"No news, other than you likely have additional Lordships. And, for the life of me, I have no idea what those could be."
"Damn, Squirt," Tonks quipped. "Can't settle for two Lordships?"
"Language, Dora!" Andromeda scolded.
Tonks huffed. "Yes, mum."
"Don't forget that we're family, Harry," Sirius reminded. "If you need anything, just send Dobby. We're here for you. Between the three of us-"
"Four," Andromeda corrected.
"Right, four of us," Sirius nodded. "We can answer any question or need you have. Understand?"
Harry blinked several times, his eyes wet. There was a lump in his throat that wouldn't seem to go away. He swallowed several times, too scared to move as he knew he'd start crying. His family looked at him with sympathy and another emotion Harry was still trying to come to terms with: love.
"Y-yeah," Harry croaked.
Family. I have a family now. A real family.
"And in celebration of your return to Hogwarts," Sirius grinned and set a long package on the table.
Harry hesitated.
"No tricks," Sirius promised. "This is meant to cover all the birthdays and Christmas's I missed. And, hopefully, you'll be able to crush your competition this year."
Harry opened the gift and sat thunderstruck. It was a Firebolt. A real Firebolt. He lifted it with trembling hands.
"Make sure you take Miss Greengrass for a spin on that," Sirius pointed. "Merlin knows James ended many a date with Lily with a final flight. Your mum hated flying, but with James she never said no after he convinced her the first time."
"I don't know what to say, Sirius," Harry said, awestruck. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, pup," Sirius gave Harry a genuine smile. "We love you, kiddo."
Harry's vision blurred. He really tried to hold back the flood of emotions. He did. But the dam broke anyway.
An hour later, Harry stood outside the floo with his family surrounding him. Last minute hugs were issued, a couple of hair ruffles, and a teasing remark from his Godfather and cousin. Sirius pulled Harry aside briefly.
"I finally found them," he informed with a whisper, pulling out an old mirror.
"What it is?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"A two-way communication mirror," Sirius grinned. "Your dad and Remus made them. I have one and now you have the other. Just point your wand at it and call my name and we'll be able to talk at any time."
Harry brutally hugged his Godfather who patted him on the back affectionately.
"Time to get going, kiddo," Sirius advised, and Harry pulled away, rubbing at his eyes.
"Thanks, Sirius."
Harry took a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the hearth, throwing it down and calling for King's Cross Station. His last visual was his family smiling and waving at him while calling for him to have a good school year. Harry exited the floo and turned when he heard someone fall behind him. It was Tonks.
"Tonks?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Almost forgot," Tonks hissed and got back to her feet. "I convinced Moody to let me 'escort' you to the Station. Padfoot stuff, you know?"
Harry often forgot his Godfather was at large and considered a mass murderer. Of course, the Ministry would want him escorted to the Express. Harry never could reason out how Dumbledore didn't discover he'd left Privet Drive, and he wasn't inclined to ask. The less he thought about the Dursley's, the happier he was.
"So, our story is simple. I picked you up from 4 Privet Drive. We took the Knight Bus to Leaky Cauldron and flooed to King's Cross. Got it?"
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What about Tom?"
"Eh?" Tonks scrunched her face in confusion.
"The Leaky Cauldron," Harry leaned in close and whispered. "Did you pay off Tom?"
"Shite," Tonks swore, balling her hand into a fist and smacking it into the palm of her other hand. "I'll take care of that as soon as you're on the train. Speaking of which, haul ass, Squirt. I need to close this loose end."
"Language, Nym," Harry chided over his shoulder, pulling his trunk behind him.
He knew the stinging hex was coming. At the last second, he dropped his trunk and spun, wand in hand, and deflected it into the ground. Tonks whistled appreciatively.
"Nice, Squirt. But don't call me that."
"You got it, Dora." Harry grinned and picked up his trunk.
"Prat," Tonks snorted, turned, and promptly tripped, stumbling into the floo where she cursed aloud.
Harry chuckled and entered the Express. He found an empty compartment and levitated his trunk above his seat. Secretly, he hoped to share the compartment with Daphne. He did a last-minute inspection of himself, satisfied he looked every bit the Lord he would eventually be, and took a seat before relaxing and closing his eyes.
Minutes later, the activity outside the Express increased as more students and families arrived. Harry began scanning the crowd for the familiar golden blonde hair he was so fond of. Eventually, he located Daphne. The sight of her caused his heart to skip several beats and his stomach to do flip-flops. Harry knew he had changed and grown quite a bit over the summer. After all, he had been severely stunted. So, it made sense he'd develop once malnutrition was a thing of the past.
Daphne, on the other hand, was beginning to develop quite well. She'd always been gorgeous to Harry. The most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes on. Now, she was entering womanhood and her, ah, assets were reflecting that change. Harry felt stirring in an area that made him reflect, briefly, on his 'talk' with Sirius. Flushing and mortified, Harry attempted to focus on the other, younger, girl standing beside Daphne.
Must be her sister, Harry thought.
She looked like Daphne in facial structure, had the same blue eyes, but had black hair like her father. She also seemed paler and frailer than Daphne. Harry recalled Tracey telling him Daphne's sister had been sick. He'd never discussed it with Daphne, figuring she'd tell him when she was ready. Harry smiled as he saw the small girl bounce on her heels in excitement and dart for the Express, leaving Daphne behind.
Harry chuckled and wondered what house the girl would end up in. Daphne gave parting hugs to her parents and boarded the Express which caused Harry to sit ramrod straight and check his appearance and robes once more. It was time to be Heir Potter-Black, just as Sirius had taught him.
Thank Merlin Sirius gave me those lessons. I really doubted him, but the mangy mutt does know his stuff.
The etiquette lessons, pureblood culture explanations, and old way teachings had been filled with awkwardness, laughter, and no small amount of mockery. Sirius stressed, however, that they were important, and one could only be loose with them so long as they knew the appropriate times to be. Having seen this demonstrated firsthand at Gringotts, Harry latched onto those teachings from his Godfather.
Several students poked their heads into Harry's compartment as they passed but left him alone. Even the first years paid him no mind. Harry frowned, finding this odd. Then a sudden thought struck him.
They don't recognize me. Why would they? I'm no longer the scrawny boy in hand-me-down clothing with barely functional glasses. No, now I have repaired vision, expensive robes, and am taller and fuller than before.
Harry enjoyed the feeling of being incognito without having to rely on his cloak. It was a wild experience, being invisible in plain sight. Student after student continued to walk past, not giving him a second glance. Harry almost burst out laughing when Daphne did the same, her golden blonde hair falling like a waterfall past her shoulders.
Smirking, Harry stood, smoothed his robes, and stepped out of his compartment.
"Excuse me, Heiress Greengrass," Harry called in a confident tone. "I noticed you are looking for a compartment. I would be delighted if you would consider joining me."
Daphne stiffened and turned on her heel, her impassive, cold, expression in perfect form.
Merlin, she is beautiful!
Daphne's sapphire blue eyes widened in shock. Her mouth opened and closed several times wordlessly.
Still gorgeous, even when she's imitating a fish.
Harry swept his arm behind him in the direction of his compartment. Daphne slowly entered with her trunk which Harry promptly levitated next to his own. He turned to see Daphne gawking at him. Harry gave her a lopsided grin, took her hand, and issued a chaste kiss while performing a half-bow.
"A pleasure, as always," he said sincerely before turning to the compartment door, wand in hand, and placed a locking charm, notice-me-not charm, and an additional ward cluster to reinforce the lock.
Should keep out anyone except Remus, Harry thought smugly.
In the great hall, Astoria turned to her sister.
"Damn, Daph!" She exclaimed. "Do you remember this?"
Daphne, mouth agape, shook her head, indicating she did not.
"Pity. He is fit!"
Daphne nodded.
"Like, really fit! I mean, you're literally speechless!" Astoria sighed. "It's really quite romantic."
"What?" Daphne finally found her voice.
"This," Astoria made a shooing motion at the screen with her hand. "He learned our ways just for you."
Daphne wanted to deny it. She wanted to tell Astoria that he learned those things because he was a future Lord of two houses. She knew better. Harry had done it for her. Only her.
And I can't even remember it! Daphne thought bitterly.
On screen, Harry took a seat across from Daphne and leaned back casually, patiently waiting.
"H-H-Harry?!" Daphne squawked.
"Daphne," Harry winked.
He watched as she thoroughly looked him up and down, enjoying every second of it. Usually, he found himself being the one caught staring. To have the tables turned was, well, satisfying.
Thank you, Andi, for those Occlumency lessons! Harry thought.
His body was going into overdrive with Daphne practically leering at him. Only his proficiency with Occlumency kept the blush off his face. Unfortunately, it did nothing for the heat traveling south, so he cleared his throat respectfully.
Daphne squeaked and turned to look out the window while chewing her lower lip and attempting to control her breathing. There was another minute of awkward silence before she appeared to regain control and turned to look at him, a heavy blush staining her cheeks.
"What happened to you?" She questioned softly.
"I had a great summer," Harry grinned, emphasizing the word 'great'. "How was yours?"
-GU-
In the great hall, Astoria started giggling uncontrollably.
"Morgana's tits!" Astoria swore. "You can cut the sexual tension with a knife!"
"Tori!" Daphne smacked her sister atop the head.
"Well, it's true!" Astoria started fanning herself.
Daphne blushed and didn't argue. It was true. Her younger sister leaned in with a taunting grin.
"Don't worry, Daffy. I know he's all yours."
"Tori!"
-GU-
On the screen, Daphne blinked.
"M-mine?" She stammered. "You can't come back looking like, like…" She trailed off and gestured in his direction. "That! Then just tell me your summer was," she air-quoted with her fingers, "great!"
"But it was great," Harry shrugged. "I feel better. Healthier. Stronger." He paused before each word, never breaking eye contact from her sapphire blues.
"What happened to your glasses?" Daphne breathed.
"Don't need them anymore," Harry replied. "Got my eyes fixed."
"O-oh," Daphne's blush spread down her cheeks to her neck. "It, uh, well it looks, um, nice."
"Thank you," Harry inclined his head and gave her a lopsided grin. "You look stunning, as always."
Daphne gawked, finding herself unable to comment.
"You never did answer my question, Daph," Harry remarked.
"Q-question?"
"How was your summer?"
"It, um, was good."
"Anything eventful happen?"
"Not like you, no."
"Looking forward to anything this year?"
A brief flicker of irritation cross Daphne's features. "More like dreading something."
Her sister, I'd imagine.
"Ah, a pity," Harry sighed dramatically. "And here I was looking forward to our Hogsmeade trip."
"No!" Daphne, clearly frazzled, protested. "I didn't mean that! I'm, ah, looking forward to that also!"
"That is quite a relief!" Harry grinned cheekily.
Daphne huffed. "Are you really going to not tell me what happened to you?"
"I was unaware anything happened to me, Daph."
Daphne pinched the end of her nose and started flailing her hand in his direction. "You! Why do you look so, so, different?"
"Well," Harry paused. "I found that I was malnourished from my upbringing. I had that resolved."
"Oh," Daphne said lamely, well-aware of what he was referencing.
"I may have also engaged in some robust training programs," Harry added. "They helped contribute to my…-" he paused and motioned to himself, "physique."
Daphne hummed in agreement, caught herself, blushed heavily, and covered her eyes briefly in embarrassment. Harry found it both endearing and entertaining.
That's right, Daph! Your turn to feel all flustered and hot under the collar! Hah!
And as if hearing his mental challenge, Daphne glowered at him, straightened, and clenched her jaw. Harry could practically hear her saying telepathically, 'I know what you're doing! Two can play this game!'. She stood and stepped over to his side, sitting unnecessarily close to him. Taking his hand, she looked up at him with round puppy dog eyes, batting her eyelashes at him sweetly.
Oh damn, Harry thought. That's just not fair, Daph.
"Have you noticed anything different about me?" She questioned innocently.
I absolutely have! She's developing quite nicely. Sirius wasn't joking when he said Daphne would be a looker.
"Yes," Harry's voice cracked, causing him to blush despite his Occlumency. "You are becoming a gorgeous, mature, woman, Miss Greengrass."
"I find myself quite pleased with that response, Mister Potter," Daphne admitted sultrily.
Harry swallowed, suddenly nervous. He needed a subject change. The game was becoming too dangerous.
"Did, uh, you enjoy your birthday?" Harry asked.
Daphne smiled, seemingly satisfied she'd evened the score. She pulled away slightly but kept ahold of his hand.
"I did."
"I take it you received my gift?"
Harry felt Daphne stiffen and her hand started to pull away. He grasped it tighter, confusion running through him.
"Daph?"
"Oh, um, yes. Yes!" She stumbled. "Very much so. Thank you."
Harry couldn't shake the feeling that Daphne appeared guilty, but he felt her sidle closer to him and place her head on his shoulder, so he let it go.
"I love every gift you get me, Harry," Daphne whispered. "I wish I could wear them."
Harry sat in thought for a moment. "Your father?"
He felt her nod.
"I understand, Daph," Harry assured, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Do you want me to stop getting them?"
Harry felt her grip on his hand tighten, while her other hand grabbed the sleeve of his robe. "No."
There was a brief silence until Daphne spoke once more.
"I give them to my sister." She revealed so quietly Harry had to strain to hear it.
"The gifts?" Harry asked in an understanding tone.
"Yes." Daphne whispered.
"Younger sister?"
Daphne nodded. "She starts this year."
"Is she on the Express with us?" Harry questioned gently.
"Yes," Daphne pulled away to look at Harry. Her eyes were watery, and she spoke in a choked voice. "You don't think less of me, do you Harry?"
"Not at all," Harry smiled reassuringly. "You have a duty to House Greengrass, after all."
Daphne sniffled, swiping at the tears that began to fall. Harry wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer.
"I wish I didn't," Daphne admitted.
"We'll figure it out, Daph," Harry promised. "Together."
She gave him a toothless smile, her lower lip quivering.
"You're too kind, Harry."
-GU-
In the great hall, Astoria turned on the bed to face Daphne who was bawling her eyes out into her pillow. Astoria coughed wetly; her own emotions were in turmoil. Seeing her older sister in shambles hurt her more than she ever thought possible. She grabbed Daphne and pulled her into a hug. Astoria's own tears began to fall as Daphne's body wracked with sobs.
-GU-
On the screen, Harry kept his arm around Daphne as she leaned on him, her head on his chest. Her hair covered her face in a curtain, and Harry ran his fingers through the strands contentedly. The Express had long since started moving toward Hogwarts, and Harry heard the snack trolley coming their way.
"Would you like anything from the Trolley, Daph?" Harry asked gently.
Daphne looked up at him, her eyes were reddened and slightly puffy. She wiped her nose with the sleeve of her robe and nodded.
"Preference?"
"Something chocolate, please," Daphne twiddled her thumbs, not meeting Harry's eyes.
Harry stood and stepped out. He exchanged pleasantries with the Trolley witch and ended up purchasing two of everything, as well as several gillywaters. He returned to find Daphne looking out the window; it was just beginning to rain heavily. Lightning flashed in the distance and the following thunderclap caused her to jump slightly.
"Looks like a big storm," Harry remarked while he set down his purchases. "Chocolate frog?"
Daphne smiled brightly at him and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Harry."
"My pleasure," Harry plopped down beside her and took a bite out of a licorice wand.
"I used to collect these, you know," Daphne told him while chewing on her chocolate frog. She was holding an Albus Dumbledore card. "Never could get Herpo the Foul. Apparently, he was a limited run and wasn't very popular."
"With a name like that I'd expect he wasn't," Harry chuckled. "Do you still have your collection?"
Daphne flushed prettily. "Somewhere. Father didn't think it proper for someone of my status to indulge in such frivolities."
"If I ever find a Herpo the Foul I'll make sure you get it," he promised while holding back the frown that threatened to overtake his expression at Daphne's admission of her father's belief.
She gave him a wan smile and continued eating her chocolate frog. Outside, the storm worsened. Rain lashed against the windows, lightning flashed, illuminating the darkened sky. Thunder echoed in the air, sometimes so loud it shook the seats of their compartment. During those moments, Daphne would jump and cling tightly to Harry, which he didn't mind one iota.
The two continued to munch on candy and exchange small talk when Daphne shivered.
"It's cold," she noted, rubbing her arms.
Harry's breath misted as he exhaled, surprising him. "It is cold! But why?"
The lights in the compartment flickered and the train began slowing.
"H-harry?"
Surely they wouldn't think Sirius is on the train? Harry thought hurriedly, acutely aware of the rapidly dropping temperature as the Express continued to grind to a halt.
He flicked his wand from its holster, a gift from Tonks, into his hand, ignoring the light spasm that started from his shoulder and traveled down to his fingers.
Always happens during heightened emotions, Harry thought in irritation. Damn Cruciatus curse.
A crackling noise caused him to look over his shoulder. The window was slowly icing over.
"Daph," Harry swallowed nervously. "Dementors are about to board."
He heard her breath hitch and felt her hand seek his own. Something crashed into the window, hard, and Daphne screamed. Around them, they could hear similar screams from other compartments. Harry rounded on the window as a flash of lightning illuminated a large, pale, scabby hand with long, ugly, nails which scratched at the icy glass.
Daphne backpedaled into Harry in her attempts to get away, almost bowling him over. Harry kept his balance, however, wrapping his left arm around her protectively. Both shivered as frost began creeping along the walls of the compartment. Their breath came out in great plumes of mist.
"H-har-ry, I- I'm s-sc-scared," Daphne chattered.
He wanted to tell her it was going to be okay and that he'd trained for this and could repel the foul creatures. Instead, all he could do was nod jerkily and keep his wand trained at the door while he attempted to conjure a happy memory so he could summon his Patronus.
Intensified screaming a few compartments down caused a whimper to escape from Daphne. Harry moved her behind him, standing before her protectively. Just as Andromeda taught him, he clamped down on his mental shields and cleared his mind. A calming breath later, he located the memory needed for the charm: Daphne giving him a kiss on the cheek at the beginning of summer.
The happiness filled him, and he waved his wand, confidently crying, "Expecto Patronum!"
An ethereal, silver, stag burst from his wand, stamping its hooves within the compartment. Warmth, happiness, and comfort radiated through the two occupants. Daphne stared at the Patronus, mouth agape, in awe. Harry felt relief flood through him right as the door shuddered. Familiar voices suddenly filled Harry's head and his Patronus flickered.
Please!
"Daph!" Harry gasped as his Patronus flickered again.
He's just a baby!
He clutched his head as his Patronus began to dissolve. A loud creaking sound indicated the compartment door had been wrenched open.
Move, girl!
"NO!" Harry shouted, and his Patronus flared to life once more. There was an unearthly wail and something deathly cold brushed Harry's cheek, causing him to scream in pain.
Avada Kedavra! The words echoed in Harry's mind, spoken by a cruel, evil voice.
Harry knew no more as darkness took him.