Big big thank you to Scarze and Atterrion for beta reading and error-checking this chapter!
Harry and Daphne had been going out for around 2 weeks and all was going well. They had started showing a little more affection towards each other in public, and most of the school now knew of their relationship, with most people just accepting they were a couple and moving on. Whereas others didn't agree and made sure that Harry and Daphne knew that. They were subject to a lot of harsh comments and people saying things that were, quite frankly, out of order.
Harry and Daphne were currently partnered up in potions, as they usually were. Slughorn had asked the class to brew a perfect batch of the drought of living death, something the whole class was having trouble with, all except Harry.
Daphne was confused, Harry wasn't stupid by any account, but he wasn't exactly gifted when it came to class work, he fared more towards practical work.
"How are you brewing that so easily?" Daphne mused, raising an eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not stupid you know." Harry chuckled, keeping his eyes focused on the cauldron.
"I wasn't implying that, but come on, you've never been great at potions, why excel now?" Daphne said, shaking her head.
"Well, I actually like the teacher now so it makes me want to work harder, plus, I have a smart girlfriend now, so I need to seem a bit smarter don't I?" Harry smirked at Daphne, who turned away, cheeks reddening. She still hadn't gotten used to Harry saying things like that, even though it was all a ruse, it did sound real coming from his mouth, which gave her some hope for the future, her plan had changed slightly. This wasn't just to annoy Draco anymore, her main goal was to make this all real, to make Harry hers.
"Aw Harry, I'm flattered, that erm, that means a lot, you don't have to do that for me though." Daphne cooed, she made sure people heard, but she really did mean it.
"Yeah, it's okay." Harry blushed, turning away as he got back to his work, internally screaming, she'd actually seemed genuine when she said that, like she actually had real feelings for him, he couldn't stop smiling.
The lesson carried on as usual, with Harry and Daphne brewing an exceptional batch of the drought potion. As a reward, Harry received a small vial of liquid luck, which he discreetly slipped into his pocket. Daphne couldn't help but notice a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. She wondered what could be causing his enthusiasm and was certain he would share the reason with her in due time.
Harry had sat down for his lunch, facing Ron, who was stuffing his face with chicken, as per usual.
"How's it going with you an' Greengrass then?" Ron asked, mid-bite.
"It's going great, I think I'm going to ask her to go to Hogsmeade with me soon, Ron, I think I really like her." Harry said, whispering the last part so no one heard.
"Well yeah, that's pretty obvious mate. From the second you saw her in the library that night you've fawned over her." Ron chuckled. Harry didn't keep it very well hidden, which was the point of it all.
"That obvious, really?" Harry said, sounding shocked that Ron had figured it out that easily.
"He's not all that dense sometimes." Harry thought to himself as he took a swig of his drink.
"Yeah it is, which I suppose is what you're going for, so well done for that." Ron said, taking a sip of his drink. "Although, you could spend a bit more time with her, at lunch and stuff." Ron said, hoping Harry understood what he meant after gesturing his head towards Hermione.
"Yeah Ron, I think you're right, I'll do that now actually." Harry smiled, picking his plate up, silently wishing Ron well in his pursuits.
"What on earth was that all about?" Hermione looked up from her plate.
"Er- Nothing, here, do you want some of my chicken?" Ron asked as his cheeks grew red.
"Yeah, I'd love some." Hermione giggled, taking a leg of chicken from Ron's plate.
Harry swanned over to the Slytherin table and plonked himself down next to Daphne, this caused a stir as most of the Slytherin just sat there, mouths agape in shock.
"Hey Daph, I thought I'd come and join you for lunch if that's okay?" Harry beamed, Daphne couldn't help but smile at him.
"Yes Harry, of course It's fine." Daphne said, taking a sandwich from his plate, winking as she did.
"Have you had a good day so far then?" Harry initiated small talk, completely ignoring the reactions of everyone else, Ron had filled him with a strange sense of confidence with what he had said. If it was obvious to everyone that he liked her, he might as well start making it more realistic.
"Yeah, I suppose it's been okay, a bit boring, only really had Tracey to talk to." Daphne laughed, earning a hushed 'Hey' from Tracey, who was sitting behind her. The truth was she really liked this more confident side of Harry. It made her feel like she could finally act how she wanted to around him, she had finally realised that he liked her just as much as she liked him, and now the pair were just waiting to see who would crack first, she was going to enjoy this.
Malfoy was seething, seeing the likes of Potter just swan over to his table like it was nothing, first Potter, then who else, this was all getting to his head, he needed to say something.
"Finally figured out you need more than Weasleby and the Mudblood to get ahead in this world and crawled back to me?" Malfoy smirked, feeling high and mighty knowing Harry swallowed his pride and came back.
"No, not you Malfoy, Daphne however, I do need more than anyone, hence the fact they aren't here with me. Why on earth would I need you? You're, well to be honest, abit insufferable." Harry shrugged, knowing he was getting on Malfoy's nerves.
"Oh, you don't need me? Okay, we'll see about that," Malfoy said, jumping up onto the table. "Party in the Slytherin dorms, tonight, everyone BUT Potter is invited!" Malfoy bellowed across the Great Hall, everyone in the hall started to cheer, Malfoy had a smug smile plastered across his face.
"Seriously Malfoy? You're that petty, you really think not inviting me to a party is going to, what? Make me cry in a corner all alone? I'm not six!" Harry laughed as he got up. "I'll see you later Daph, I'm going to help Ron choose an outfit for Malfoy's exclusive party' Harry said, throwing up air quotes.
"Don't take too long, you're going to need to pick an outfit yourself." A wise old voice said, Harry spun round, being met with the grey bushy beard of Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry sir?" Harry questioned, hadn't Malfoy just said he wasn't invited?
"Well, since parties hosted by students are against Hogwarts rules, I'm sorry to say that the party cannot go ahead." Dumbledore smiled, gasps and sighs were heard all around the Great Hall.
"Oh no, sir, it was merely, erm, a gathering, that's all," Malfoy paled, he'd surely get a detention for this.
"I must admit, young Malfoy, maybe a party is a good idea in these trying times, it would do you all well to let loose," Dumbledore chuckled to himself. He marched over to the teacher's table and put his wand to his throat. "In light of these dark days, Hogwarts is happy to announce there will be a mid-year ball this coming Friday!" Dumbledore shouted, earning cheers and screams from the entirety of the Great Hall.
"That went well for you, didn't it Draco?" Harry laughed, this only angered Draco more, his cheeks were red with rage.
"Shut up Potter, it's not even like you're going to look the part so you might as well not go," Malfoy held his chin up, satisfied with his comeback, he knew Harry didn't have many nice clothes so he'd surely look very out of place at the ball.
"Yeah, okay Malfoy. Anyway, Daph, I'm going to head up to my room to do some studying, I'll see you later." Harry said, batting Malfoy's comment off as little more than a childish insult.
"Yeah, I'll see you later Harry, take care." Daphne smiled, standing up to peck Harry on the lips, she could get used to this, whenever she kissed him, she felt like she could conquer the world, as long as he was there, she could do anything.
The week dragged on for Harry, it was finally Friday and everyone had found dates and picked outfits out. Everyone other than Harry, he had been having trouble with both of those issues. He had absolutely nothing to wear and still hadn't plucked up the courage to ask Daphne to the ball. He decided he wasn't going to attend.
Malfoy was right, my clothes aren't exactly posh enough for a ball, and my robes from the Yule Ball are way too small for me now, not to mention the fact that Daphne isn't going to particularly like the publicity of it all.
Harry decided he'd just get some rest, he'd been up until all hours every night this week trying to figure out how he was going to ask Daphne to the ball, now that he wasn't going, he could finally sleep. He heard Ron shout his name for dinner, but he didn't listen, instead he let his eyelids fall and the feeling of sleep overcome him.
Dinner had come and gone and the whole Gryffindor common room was filled with chaos, the boys were trying to see who could drink the most fire whiskey (obviously) and the girls, well, they'd spent all day trying to figure out what to wear and somehow not come up with anything.
Harry was rudely shaken awake by Ron, who smelled faintly of fire whiskey.
"Come on mate, you need to get ready, the balls in an hour!" A very tipsy Ron said, leaning on Harry for support.
"It's not that easy Ron, I don't have anything to wear, all my clothes are all muggled out and not really fit for a ball." Harry said, hushing his voice down, Ron ducked his head and shushed himself. He didn't like talking about his clothing situation and preferred just to wear his school clothes most of the time.
"Oh yeah, forgor about that mate, still, I'm su-re we can figure something out!." Ron stuttered out, drooling on Harry's shoulder, Harry couldn't help but laugh, he'd never really seen anyone drunk, or when they were also violent, it was nice to see Ron so carefree and not stressed.
"Maybe, I'm not sure, I'm probably going to sit this one out." Harry said matter-of-factly, wanting to save himself the trouble.
"Come on Harryyyyy, you'll have fun, maybe you'll even get to snog Daphneeeee," Ron chuckled out.
Harry smiled at this, Ron technically wasn't wrong, he'd put it completely wrong, but maybe this was what he needed, this could be his opportunity to tell Daphne how he really feels, how he wants everything to be real between them. If it goes awry? He can just tell her he was drunk or something. If it goes right however, his life becomes so much better.
"Alright Ron, you've twisted my arm, I'll find a way to come. Now you best be off, I'll catch up with you later. Don't forget your dad's radio!" Harry shouted to Ron as he made his way to the door, quickly spinning on his heel to get his radio. Arthur had made Ron a special radio that was able to broadcast muggle stations and wizarding stations as well, Harry helped Arthur tune into the muggle stations and made sure to set his favourite station on there, just in case he missed muggle music.
"Dobby?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow, he knew Dobby worked in the kitchens now but he didn't know if he could summon him. To Harry's surprise, the small elf appeared in his room with a *pop*
"Harry Potter, how can Dobby be of service to you today?" Dobby asked politely.
"Hello Dobby, can you do me a quick favour? I need you to go into diagon alley and pick me up some nice black and white dress robes. I will give you my money pouch, please leave the galleons on there with a note saying thanks," Harry asked, he wasn't sure if Dobby could do such a task but it was worth an ask.
"Of course, Dobby can get master his dress robes, would you like me to tailor them to your size as well Harry Potter Sir?" Dobby questioned, Harry wore a shocked expression on his face.
He can do that? That makes things easier.
"Yes Dobby, that would be amazing, heres my money, be quick and it would be best not to be seen, wouldn't want any strange questions," Harry smiled, handing Dobby his money pouch.
"I will be right back Master Potter Sir," Dobby grinned, he disapparated with a crack as Harry tended to his bird's nest that he calls hair. He sat down in front of a mirror and decided he wouldn't do much to his hair, he wanted to look good, but not too pretentious, which meant avoiding hair gel. He combed it over and let it rest on the left side of his head.
"I've got to look my best, just in case Daphne is there." Harry thought to himself, he tidied the rest of himself up and popped his glasses back on. He spun round to see Dobby bouncing on his bed.
Harry smiled as he walked over to his bed. "Is that everything Dobby? Did you remember to leave the note?" Harry mused.
"Dobby remembered sir, I even left a small tip for the shopkeeper when she gets back in the morning." Dobby replied, showing Harry the robes he'd picked out.
"They look perfect Dobby, thank you, truly," Harry reached into his money pouch and pulled out 5 Galleons. "Here, keep that for your trouble, and stop calling me sir, we're friends Dobby, just call me Harry." Harry smiled while Dobby looked like he was going to try.
"Dobby has a friend? Oh- Mas- Harry, thank you for giving Dobby a friend." Dobby cried out, hugging Harry.
"It's okay Dobby, now, I've got a ball to attend, you'd better go so they don't notice you're missing from the kitchen." Harry said, fist-bumping Dobby as he apparated away.
"Right, let's do this thing," Harry whispered to himself as he cracked open his vial of Felix Felicis and took a sip. He couldn't let his nerves get in the way, not tonight. He was determined to make this a night for Daphne to remember.
Daphne had been very calm throughout the day, she hadn't planned on going to this stupid ball until Tracey dragged her out of her bed and over to the dressing table.
"Now, if he comes, you're going to want to look your best right?" Tracey said, spinning Daphne around so she was facing the mirror.
"He's not going to come, he hates stuff like this, did you see him at the Yule Ball? He looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there!" Daphne huffed, she didn't like socializing, and she was coming to realise she hated it even more when Harry wasn't around.
"Oh please, I can tell you why he didn't like the Yule Ball because he wasn't going with you!" Tracey laughed, Daphne just shook her head as she let Tracey work her magic, Daphne knew she was easy on the eyes without all this, but she felt like she wanted to do more for Harry, so he really knew what he was in for. She sat there for forty minutes while Tracey tackled her long, platinum hair and popped a noticeable yet not intrusive layer of makeup on her face.
"There we are, a Princess fit for a Prince." Tracey chuckled as she hastily trotted over to her bed to get ready.
"I bloody well hope so, I've not sat in that chair for almost an hour for nothing!" Daphne shouted over her shoulder, giving herself a final onceover before making her way to her trunk and picking out a dress.
"Stuff it, let's go all out shall we?" Daphne whispered to herself as she pulled out a black and white dress that sat just above her knees, she paired this with some small icicle earrings and her favourite ring.
"Damn Daph, you look stunning," Tracey shouted, mouth agape.
"Thank you Trace, you look lovely yourself, now come on, we've got a ball to take over," Daphne smirked, if she was going to this stupid ball, she was going to make it her bitch.
As they walked into the Great Hall, which had been transformed into a vast, regal ballroom, the familiar scent of butterbeer and fire whiskey entered her nostrils. She shook her head, she'd have to deal with drunken, rowdy boys trying to woo her all night.
"Daphne! So glad you could make it! Do you want a drink?" Malfoy said with a grin, Daphne simply glared daggers at him.
"Not from you, no," Daphne snarled, walking away from him. She couldn't stand it when he made moves on her, it made her skin crawl.
"He is such a pig," Tracey said as she watched Draco slide his way over to two other Ravenclaw girls, who did the exact same thing Daphne had just done, but with a little less tact.
"Other than ferret boy, this is pretty fun, right Daph?" Tracey shouted, barely being able to hear herself speak over the music.
"What? Oh yeah, it's alright, just wish he was here, you know?" Daphne frowned, she really wanted Harry here, this could be her opportunity to tell him how she feels, with the backup of alcohol there in case he rejects her, which she thought was very likely. She sat there for a while, running through all the scenarios in her head, feeling the nerves kick in.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Ron came over to talk to her, he was very clearly drunk, far too drunk to hold a steady conversation, but sober enough to say at least a few sentences.
"Ha hic rry is– is o hic n his waAy," Ron said, before passing out on the couch beside Daphne, her eyes widened, he was coming, she couldn't believe it, he was going to be here any second.
"Tracey, what do I do? When he gets here what do I do? Please help me!" Daphne turned to her side to find Tracey was not there, instead, she was up on the dance floor hand in hand with, Neville Longbottom?
"Okay, that's good, I guess, I still need her help though." Daphne chuckled to herself, making her way over to Tracey, letting Ron's head smack the side of the couch.
"Heyyy Daph! This is Neville, he's super cool!" Tracey slurred out, clearly butterbeer didn't agree with her.
"Yes, I know who he is, he's one of Harry's best mates, now, i need your help, he'll be here any second an-" Daphne was cut off, the doors opened, revealing Harry in his slick new dress robes, with a white shirt and a slim fitting blazer that accentuated his muscle definition very well.
Harry scanned the venue, looking past everyone until he found her, clad in a beautiful dress that looked as if it was ripped straight from the heavens, Harry couldn't believe his eyes, he didn't think she could get any prettier, boy was he wrong. His plan however, was working, he'd arrived just in time for his favourite song to come on, creating the device with Arthur did have its perks. As Died In Your Arms by The Cutting Crew played, Harry made his way over to Daphne, throwing back a shot of fire whiskey, ripped straight from Malfoy's hands. his world seemed to stop when he got close to her.
"May I have this dance, Miss Greengrass?" Harry extended his hand. This was it, it was time to show her how he really felt, to use some of that Gryffindor confidence he'd been gifted.
"I thought you'd never ask," Daphne swooned, graciously taking Harry's hand and allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Once they got there, the shock of Harry turning up turned into cheering and wolf whistles at him, he rolled his eyes and started leading.
"Didn't think I'd leave you out to dry did you?" Harry smirked, "You look ravishing by the way," He said as he spun Daphne around.
Daphne was in shock, she couldn't believe how smooth he was, at both dancing and flirting. She let him lead her as they took the dance floor and made it their own.
"Yeah, erm, thanks, you look, well, erm, gorge- I mean handsome, you look handsome Harry," Daphne managed to croak out as the music slowed.
"It means a lot to me this song you know?" Harry said, leaning his forehead against Daphne's. She looked up at him with a look only reserved for him.
"Why?" Daphne asked, The song was good, even if it wasn't to her taste.
"It reminds me of how I felt that night in the library, how easily I fell." Harry lovingly stated.
"Oh really? Er, that's, erm, nice," Daphne whispered, she had no idea how to react to that, was this only to keep up the appearance? No, it couldn't be, no one was around them and they definitely couldn't hear them.
"This is real Daph, if you want me, you've got me." Harry whispered, on the verge of tears, Daphne's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe it, she finally had him. None of it was fake, it was all real! Her thoughts were racing, she was getting overwhelmed, and for once, she loved the feeling.
"This was never fake was it?" Daphne mused, twiddling her thumbs together and biting her lip. Harry lifted her chin up to gaze into her eyes.
"Never," Harry simply stated before crashing his lips onto hers, Daphne happily sighed as their lips intertwined, dancing with each other with a sense of belonging and need. This was the first time Harry had been forward with her, and she loved it. They swayed to the music as they deepened the kiss, never wanting this to end.
Harry regretfully pulled away as he'd forgotten one crucial thing the human body needed. Oxygen, he gasped for breath as he held Daphne close.
"So, do you want to do this? For real this time?" Harry smiled, he knew the answer, he just wanted confirmation.
"Harry, I know what I want, and that's you. So yes, let's do this, for real," Daphne smiled, capturing Harry's lips once again.
Both of them knew that this was real, and the start of their lives together, and they couldn't be happier.
