"No, no, to the right- Sorry, MY right," Daphne instructed, trying to guide Harry through the dance steps. The soft strains of a slow song played in the background, but Harry's clumsy footwork was anything but harmonious.

Daphne winced as Harry stepped on her toes yet again. "Ouch! Harry!" she exclaimed, pulling her foot back.

"I'm so sorry," Harry apologized, his face turning a shade of deep red. "I promise I'm trying."

Daphne sighed, rubbing her sore toes. "I know you are. But maybe we should take a break."

Harry looked crestfallen. "Am I really that bad?"

Daphne bit her lip, trying to find a diplomatic way to answer. Her smirk gave her away, though. "Let's just say you have a... unique style."

Harry groaned, running a hand through his messy hair. With a flick of his wand, he conjured two comfortable chairs and a jug of cold water with two glasses. They both sat down, and Harry poured them each a glass.

"Be honest," Harry said, taking a sip of his water. "On a scale of one to 'hopeless', how bad am I?"

Daphne chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, you're certainly... special in this area. Just not in the way you usually are."

Harry playfully scowled at her, but his eyes were laughing. "I can't be good at everything, can I?"

Daphne leaned over, patting his hand reassuringly. "No, but that's okay. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And besides," she added with a wink, "you have other qualities that more than make up for your two left feet."

"Oh, really?" Harry teased, his green eyes twinkling with mischief. "And what might those other qualities be?"

Daphne's cheeks turned a shade of pink, but she tried to play it cool. "Well, for starters, you're brave, kind, and have a certain... charm about you."

Harry leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Is that so? Well, I've always thought you had a certain allure that's hard to resist."

Daphne's blush deepened, and she was momentarily at a loss for words. "You... you're impossible," she stammered, trying to regain her composure.

Harry chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "Gotcha."

Daphne swatted his arm playfully. "You're such a tease, Potter."

Shifting the topic, Harry asked, "Speaking of the Yule Ball, do you know who the others are going with?"

Daphne thought for a moment. "Well, Lucian asked Fleur, and she said yes. Can you believe it?"

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? Good for him!" He smirked, clearly impressed.

Daphne continued, "Adrian and Cassius are still deciding, I think. But Tracey and Blaise? They're going together."

Harry laughed heartily. "Those two! They've been dancing around each other for ages. They should just admit they like each other."

Daphne giggled in agreement. "I know, right? It's so obvious to everyone but them."

"And what about the others?" Harry inquired.

"Cedric's going with Cho Chang," Daphne shared. "And I've heard rumors that Viktor's considering asking Susan Bones."

Harry nodded, taking in the information. "I spoke to Neville the other day. He's thinking of asking Luna."

Daphne's eyes lit up at the thought. "Oh, they'd be so cute together! Luna's such a sweetheart."

After their brief respite, Daphne stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Alright, Potter, ready for round two?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Harry groaned playfully but got to his feet. "Only if you promise not to laugh too much," he replied, a sheepish grin on his face.

Daphne held out her hand, her fingers slightly trembling, though she hoped Harry wouldn't notice. "No promises," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

As the soft strains of a new song filled the room, Harry hesitantly placed his hand on Daphne's waist, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her dress. Their other hands met, fingers intertwining. Daphne's heart raced, and she could feel the warmth of Harry's palm against hers.

They began to move, Daphne leading the way. Harry tried to follow her steps, but his movements were stiff and unsure. Every so often, he'd step on her toes or stumble slightly, causing both of them to giggle.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled, his cheeks turning a shade of pink. "I told you I was bad at this."

Daphne smiled, her eyes softening. "It's okay. We're just having fun, right?"

Harry looked into her eyes, getting lost in their depth. "Yeah," he whispered, his voice slightly shaky. "Just fun."

They continued to dance, their movements becoming slightly more synchronized as the minutes passed. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble. The tension between them was palpable, an unspoken acknowledgment of the feelings they were both trying to hide.

As the song came to an end, they found themselves standing close, their faces inches apart. Both were breathing heavily, their eyes locked onto each other. The moment lingered, filled with possibility.

But then, Harry, ever the awkward teen, broke the silence. "I, uh, think I'm getting the hang of it," he said, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips.

Daphne laughed, the tension dissipating. "You're getting there," she teased, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

The next song that played was a bit faster, and Daphne's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Ready to pick up the pace?" she asked, her voice dripping with playful challenge.

Harry gulped but nodded, determined to keep up. "Bring it on," he replied with feigned bravado.

Daphne smirked and took the lead, guiding Harry through a series of quick steps and turns. Every time Harry thought he had caught up, she introduced a new move, making him scramble to adjust. At one point, she pulled him into a sudden, daring dip, causing Harry's heart to race for reasons entirely unrelated to the dance.

"Trying to give me a heart attack?" Harry panted, his face flushed, as they resumed their upright positions.

Daphne giggled. "Just keeping you on your toes, Potter."

As the evening wore on, their dance became a playful game of one-upmanship. Daphne would twirl away, only to pull Harry close, their faces inches apart, making him blush furiously. Harry, not to be outdone, would lead Daphne into unexpected spins, enjoying the surprised laughter that bubbled from her lips.

During a particularly slow song, Daphne took the opportunity to get even closer, her head resting on Harry's shoulder. Harry's breath caught in his throat, and he tightened his grip on her hand. The world around them seemed to blur, leaving only the two of them and the soft music playing in the background.

As the song ended, they pulled apart slightly, their eyes meeting. The air between them was thick with unspoken emotions. Harry cleared his throat, searching for words. "I, um, think I'm getting better," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Daphne smiled, her eyes soft. "You are," she agreed. "But there's always room for improvement."

Harry chuckled. "Is that a challenge?"

Daphne's grin widened. "Always."

The music faded, and the two found themselves standing in the center of the room, their breaths slightly uneven from the exertion. Harry looked down, a sheepish grin on his face. "Guess we got carried away," he remarked.

Daphne laughed, a light, melodic sound. "Just a bit. But it was fun."

They took a moment, sitting down to catch their breath. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that only comes with genuine companionship. After a few minutes, Daphne turned to Harry, her brow furrowed in thought. "Have you thought about what you're wearing to the Yule Ball?"

Harry scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. "Not really. I've never been to a ball before. I don't even know where to start."

Daphne's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How about we go shopping together? There's a great shop in Hogsmeade that sells the most exquisite robes."

Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Shopping? Together? How?"

Daphne leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "We could sneak out. Right now."

Harry's eyes widened, but then a mischievous glint appeared. "And if we get caught?"

Daphne smirked, her confidence unwavering. "We won't."

Without waiting for a response, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out the shimmering fabric of his invisibility cloak. "Come here," he beckoned. Daphne moved closer, and as Harry draped the cloak over them, she found herself pressed against his back. The proximity sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks, and she could feel Harry's heart racing against her.

They began their stealthy journey through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts. Every creak of the floorboards or distant murmur of voices made them freeze, but they pressed on, the thrill of the adventure spurring them forward.

As they approached the castle's exit, Daphne whispered, "Almost there," her breath warm against Harry's ear. He nodded, the anticipation building.

The cold wind of December hit them, making them both shiver. Thinking quickly, Harry wandlessly cast a heating charm on them.

The village of Hogsmeade, though familiar to both during the day, took on an entirely different aura at night. The quaint shops and cafes, usually bustling with students on weekends, now stood silent and serene under the moonlit sky. The only sound was the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet as they made their way through the winding streets.

The cold was biting, and even with Harry's heating charm, they could see their breaths forming little clouds in front of them. Daphne pulled her cloak tighter around her, grateful for the warmth the charm provided. "Thanks for that," she murmured, nodding towards the invisible heat source.

Harry grinned, "Anytime. Though I must admit, sneaking out in December might not have been the brightest idea."

Daphne chuckled, "Well, it's an adventure, isn't it?"

Soon, they reached 'Elegance Enchanted', a well-known robe shop in Hogsmeade. Its windows displayed an array of beautiful robes, shimmering and swaying as if by magic. Harry, after ensuring they were no longer recognizable, removed the invisibility cloak and stashed it safely in his pocket.

As they entered, a soft chime announced their presence. The interior was warm and inviting, with robes of various colors and designs hanging neatly on racks. A middle-aged witch with a kind face and spectacles perched on her nose approached them. "Good evening! How may I assist you?"

Daphne stepped forward, "We're looking for robes for the Yule Ball."

The witch's eyes twinkled, "Ah, the Yule Ball! Such a magical event. We have a special collection just for that." She led them to a section of the store where the robes seemed even more exquisite.

As Daphne began browsing, Harry turned to the store owner. "You have a wonderful collection here. Are you by any chance a Muggleborn?"

The witch smiled, "Indeed, I am. How could you tell?"

Harry gestured around, "The blend of styles. It's unique."

The store was a haven of fabrics and colors, with robes of every imaginable hue hanging from the walls and mannequins showcasing the latest trends. The soft glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the space, casting a warm, inviting ambiance. Daphne and Harry wandered through the aisles, their fingers brushing against the soft materials as they searched for the perfect outfits.

Daphne's eyes were drawn to a row of dresses, each more beautiful than the last. She pulled out three - a deep blue that shimmered like the night sky, a bold red that seemed to capture the essence of a roaring Gryffindor fire, and a classic black that promised elegance and mystery. Harry, on the other hand, was more hesitant, glancing uncertainly at the various suits and robes. It was Daphne who picked out a set of suits for him, one to match each of her dress choices.

"I thought you'd want me in traditional robes," Harry remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Daphne smirked, "You'd look dashing in a suit, trust me."

With their selections in hand, they approached the changing rooms. Daphne went in first, leaving Harry to wait. He took a seat, his mind wandering to the upcoming ball and the prospect of seeing Daphne in one of those dresses. When she emerged in the blue dress, Harry's heart skipped a beat. The fabric hugged her figure gracefully, and the color made her eyes pop. She twirled, the dress flowing around her, and Harry found himself momentarily speechless.

"How do I look?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Stunning," Harry managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daphne's laughter filled the air as she disappeared back into the changing room. Harry took the moment to compose himself, but it was short-lived. When she stepped out in the red dress, Harry's knees nearly gave out. The vibrant color contrasted beautifully with her pale skin, making her look both fierce and enchanting.

She raised an eyebrow, "This one?"

Harry swallowed hard, "It's... breathtaking. But it makes my knees weak."

Daphne's cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she quickly retreated to try the final dress. When she emerged in the black dress, Harry felt as though the air had been sucked out of the room. The dress was simple, yet it accentuated her elegance and grace. He struggled to find words, finally settling on, "It's hard to breathe..."

Daphne smiled shyly, "I'll take that as a compliment."

With Daphne's choices made, it was Harry's turn. The blue suit was a hit, though Daphne suggested green might be more his color. The red suit, however, elicited giggles from Daphne, who teased him about looking like a Christmas decoration. But when Harry stepped out in the black suit, Daphne's reaction was unmistakable. Her wide eyes and deep blush said it all.

"So, black it is?" Harry asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Daphne nodded, "Definitely black."

Approaching the counter, the soft chime of a bell announced their presence. The clerk, a middle-aged witch with a kind smile, looked up from her ledger. Her eyes darted between the two, taking in their flushed faces and the outfits they had chosen. "Ah, the black selections," she remarked, her voice lilting with amusement. "A fine choice for a fine couple."

Both Harry and Daphne blushed deeply, but neither corrected her assumption. As they paid for their outfits, the clerk added, "You two make a rather cute couple." The comment only deepened their blushes, but they thanked her and left the store, the cold air of Hogsmeade hitting them once again.

Harry, ever the gentleman, quickly cast another warming charm, enveloping them in a cocoon of warmth. As they began their trek back to Hogwarts, Daphne hesitated, her voice soft as she mumbled, "I wish we had more time together tonight."

Harry looked at her, a question in his eyes. "What would you like to do?"

Daphne's eyes twinkled. "Stargazing?"

Harry chuckled. "In the snow?"

"We have heating charms, don't we?" she retorted playfully.

With a nod of agreement, they ventured a little further from Hogsmeade, finding a secluded spot blanketed in snow. Laying side by side, they looked up at the vast expanse of the night sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds. Harry draped the invisibility cloak over them, its silvery fabric acting as a makeshift blanket. The world around them faded as they lost themselves in the beauty of the cosmos and the warmth of each other's company.

"The moon looks beautiful tonight," Daphne whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

Harry turned to look at her, his green eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Isn't it?"

Time seemed to stand still, and as the night deepened, Daphne's eyelids grew heavy. She snuggled closer to Harry, her head resting on his shoulder, and soon drifted into a peaceful slumber. Harry smiled down at her, his heart swelling with affection. Carefully, he scooped her up in his arms and began the journey back to the castle, his steps light and cautious.

As he approached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, the door suddenly swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Professor Snape. Harry froze, his heart pounding. Snape's piercing eyes narrowed, scanning the dimly lit corridor. For a tense moment, the two locked eyes, but then Snape, with a final suspicious glance, continued on his way.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Harry quickly entered the common room. The emerald and silver hues of the room were bathed in the soft glow of the fireplace. He made his way to the girls' dormitory, gently placing Daphne in her bed. Feeling slightly out of place, he quickly retreated, only to realize he was trapped without the exit password.

Just as panic began to set in, a voice broke the silence. "Potter?" Lucian stood there, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. After a brief exchange and a sarcastic comment, Lucian provided the exit for Harry, who wasted no time in making his escape.

Cloaked in invisibility once more, Harry navigated the corridors of Hogwarts, finally reaching the familiar surroundings of the Gryffindor common room. With a sigh of relief, he climbed into his bed, the events of the night replaying in his mind as he drifted into a deep sleep.

In the dimly lit chamber, the air was thick with tension. The room was cold, the only source of light coming from a single candle that flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls. In the center of the room lay a grotesque, baby-like figure, its skin pale and translucent. This was Lord Voldemort, reduced to a mere shadow of his former self.

Wormtail, a rat-like man with beady eyes and a nervous demeanor, stood nearby, wringing his hands. Every so often, he would cast furtive glances at the weakened Dark Lord, fear evident in his eyes.

After what felt like hours, Voldemort's raspy voice broke the silence. "Wormtail," he hissed, "where is Barty?"

Wormtail jumped, startled by the suddenness of the question. "M-my Lord," he stammered, "he will be here soon. I assure you."

Voldemort's red eyes bore into Wormtail, making him feel even more uncomfortable. "He better be," Voldemort whispered, his voice dripping with menace.

The oppressive silence returned, broken only by the occasional drip of water from the ceiling. Wormtail shifted from foot to foot, trying to dispel the growing anxiety within him.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the unmistakable crack of Apparition. Wormtail's head snapped towards the entrance, relief flooding him. Without waiting for a command, he hurried down the stone steps, eager to bring Barty Crouch Jr. to Voldemort.

Moments later, Wormtail returned, Barty Crouch Jr. in tow. Barty, with his wild eyes and disheveled hair, immediately knelt before Voldemort, bending down to reverently kiss the Dark Lord's feet.

"Master," Barty whispered, his voice filled with devotion.

Voldemort regarded Barty with a hint of satisfaction. "Barty," he rasped, "it has been long since I sent you on your assignment."

Barty nodded, his gaze never leaving Voldemort's face. "Yes, my Lord. But I have gathered much information for you."

Voldemort's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Speak," he commanded.

Barty's eyes darted around the room, the weight of his mission pressing down on him. "My Lord," he began, his voice filled with a mix of pride and trepidation, "I have successfully taken on the guise of Alastor Moody at Hogwarts. As you instructed, I ensured that young Potter was entered into the Triwizard Tournament."

Voldemort's thin lips curled into a semblance of a smile, but it was Barty's next revelation that caught his attention. "There's another matter, my Lord. A new staff member was introduced at Hogwarts, a certain... Blackwood."

Voldemort's eyes narrowed, the name stirring something within him. "Blackwood," he murmured, the name rolling off his tongue like a distant memory. "I've heard that name before, but its significance eludes me."

Barty continued, noting the change in Voldemort's demeanor. "It appears, my Lord, that this Blackwood has taken a special interest in Potter. Under his guidance, the boy has shown a remarkable increase in his magical abilities. He's not only excelling in his classes but is also leading in most of them."

Voldemort's voice dripped with disdain. "Such power is trivial, especially when compared to mine."

Barty hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "During the first task of the tournament, Potter displayed an astonishing level of magic. He managed to chain the dragon using magical chains, fought it mid-air, and then, in a display I've never witnessed before, summoned a dragon made entirely of lightning from the sky to defeat the beast."

For a brief moment, Voldemort's usually impassive face showed a flicker of surprise. "Impressive," he admitted begrudgingly. "But such feats are likely the result of desperate attempts. Even so, it's nowhere near the power I possess."

Barty nodded, swallowing hard. "Of course, my Lord. No one can rival your power."

Voldemort's gaze remained fixed on Barty, assessing him. "Ensure you keep a close watch on this Blackwood and Potter. I want to know of their every move."

Barty bowed deeply. "I must return to Hogwarts, my Lord. Dumbledore would grow suspicious of my prolonged absence."

Voldemort waved his hand dismissively. "Go, but remember, failure is not an option. If you do not complete your mission, the consequences will be... severe."

Barty's face paled, but he nodded, taking his leave. As he disappeared, Voldemort's thoughts lingered on the mysterious Blackwood. Who was this man that had suddenly appeared at Hogwarts, and what role did he play in the grander scheme of things? The Dark Lord was determined to find out.

One thing he was sure of, however, was that he would soon be back soon in full power and that the world would be at his knees.

He was Lord Voldemort after all.

This chapter is short and mostly rushed because my class is starting and im gonna be busy with it as its my final year. But i wanted to get this out just so you guys had a little something to read. Its mostly fulff and haphne but yk, who doesn't enjoy that. Next chapter will be the yule ball so i hope you guys are ready for that. Also im trying a new style of writing, tell me how you like it.

There was a review asking if i had a , i do not. However, if that is something people are interested in, i will start one. Who doesn't like some money and you guys will get chapters early :)

There was another asking why i use "then" instead of "thank" i have no idea. Its probably bc English isn't my mother tongue so please excuse that!

Untill next time!