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 12
October 30, 1993, flashed across the screen. It was morning, and Harry made his way down to the common room to find Astoria sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace. He plopped down beside her and ruffled her hair.
"Good morning, Little Lioness," his smile faltered when he saw the sour expression on Astoria's face. "Everything alright?"
Astoria huffed and folded her arms. "Daphne and I had a spat last night before curfew."
Harry nodded. It seemed the two sisters argued at least once a week. "Want to talk about it?"
Astoria waved him off. "Not really."
Harry noticed Astoria was wearing a very familiar charm bracelet. "That's a really lovely bracelet."
Astoria glanced at her wrist and a small smile played on her face. "Daphne got it for me."
"Nice gift," Harry whistled as Astoria held her wrist out for him to examine.
"She gets me a charm every Christmas and birthday," Astoria stated. "The daphne charm was the first one I received. She said it was so I could remember her by. The heart was so I could remember how much she loved me. The knight bus reminds her of how sometimes she wants to get away from me, but despite those feelings she will always come back and be there for me."
She scrunched up her face. "Not that I really comprehended that one as much, but it was kind of funny and sweet."
"And the snake?" Harry prompted.
Astoria shrugged. "She thought for sure I'd be a Slytherin. Guess that didn't go quite as planned."
"Sounds like your sister really loves you," Harry nudged Astoria playfully.
"Of course she does," Astoria scoffed. "She just needs to stop being an overprotective wet blanket. It's suffocating."
"And you've told her that?"
"Every time," Astoria assured irritably. She took a deep, calming breath and turned to Harry. "Enough about my problems. What about you? You've been rather offput of late."
Harry hesitated to respond. She wasn't wrong. Weeks of inability to locate the Marauder's Map was beginning to wear on him. The additional tension in his dormitory wasn't helping either. Dean and Seamus avoided him entirely but would cast furtive glances his way. Neville had attempted to converse with Harry a few times, but it felt forced and awkward. Ron merely scowled any time Harry was in proximity.
Then there was Peter Pettigrew, who was still roaming the castle as a rat and hadn't been seen in weeks. Ron made sure to bemoan that fact whenever someone who would listen was nearby. Harry was thankful Ron had enough sense to not accuse him of having anything to do with the rat's disappearance.
Moreso than the ongoing quest for the map and dormitory drama, Harry was feeling on edge. Knowing Peter was roaming around and could strike at any moment worried Harry. The desire to catch the rat was becoming overwhelming and Harry had a hard time focusing on other activities like Quidditch.
Ron also contributed with his not-so-subtle assurances of retribution for both his sister's death and Harry's sound trouncing of him at the start of the year. So far, no threats had been realized, but Harry found himself constantly on guard. He'd made Astoria swear to tell him if she had any problems from Ron or heard about Daphne experiencing any harassment.
As if that wasn't stressful enough, Sirius had decided he was putting the recently dubbed 'Mailpocalypse' on hold so he could be closer to the school. His idiot Godfather had arrived in his Animagus form and set up shop in the Shrieking Shack. Harry had vehemently protested this via a mirror-call, but Sirius was adamant that he had to help sniff out Pettigrew.
Nothing, however, had him rattled or feeling more nervous than tomorrow. The first Hogsmeade weekend, where he would officially escort Daphne. Harry felt Astoria poking him in the ribs.
"Earth to Harry," she called. "You there?"
"Huh?" Harry shook his head to clear his mind. It didn't work.
"Eloquent," Astoria quipped. "What's got you so distracted?"
"Hogsmeade," Harry swallowed.
Astoria's eyes lit up with a mixture of joy and mischief. She clapped furiously and squealed. "Oh! It's your date with Daffy!"
Harry blushed heavily. "It's not a date!"
"Puh-lease!" Astoria shooed his protestations away. "Well?"
Harry threw his hands in the air in exasperation. "Well what?"
"What's the plan, Potter?" Astoria leaned forward. "Surely you've thought this out?"
"Uh…" Harry trailed off.
"You don't have a plan?"
"I know we'll go to Honeydukes-?" Harry half-stated, half-asked, weakly.
Astoria scoffed. "I should hope so! That's a base expectation! What else have you got?"
"Er," Harry scratched the back of his head. "I was going to wing it."
Astoria frowned.
"I'm not really much of a planner," Harry winced as Astoria's frown transformed into a glare. "Gryffindor and all."
"I suppose I could help you," Astoria smiled wryly.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
"For a price."
Harry gulped, then sighed. "Okay, what's the price?"
"Admit it's a date."
"What?" Harry choked. "It's not a-"
"Yeah yeah," Astoria cut him off and stood. She turned on her heel to stare down at Harry, who shrunk into the couch away from her. "Now see here, Harry Potter! You're about to escort Heiress Greengrass in an official capacity. That means this is the pureblood equivalent of a date!" She placed her hands on her hips and glowered at him. "So, you're going to march back into your room and put on some nice clothes. Shirk the school outfit. Daphne won't be wearing hers."
Harry nodded and stood, not wanting to argue.
"And bring a jacket!" Astoria called at his retreating form. She shook her head and muttered, "Boys."
Harry came down minutes later wearing nice black slacks, dress shoes, and a forest green button down with a black dragonhide jacket. Andromeda and Tonks had made sure he was properly clothed this year. Astoria whistled as she looked him up and down.
"Nice! That'll get a reaction out of Daffy."
Harry blinked.
Astoria stepped forward and unbuttoned the top button of his collar. "That's better," she hummed. "Now, are you ready for my infinite wisdom regarding my older sister?"
Harry nodded eagerly. Astoria motioned him to lean down, which he did. She tussled his hair, getting it how she thought Daphne would like it, and then gave Harry a quick hug while whispering, "Wing it, have fun, and be yourself." She shoved him playfully toward the portrait entrance.
"Go on! Have fun! And remember, you're going to tell me all about it when you get back!"
Why do I feel like I'm missing something important? Harry thought as he stood at the exit to the Gryffindor tower. No, not important. Something obvious.
He shook his head irritably.
Focus, Potter! You've got a date! No! Escort! Yeah. That's what it is. Escort.
Harry was halfway to the great hall when he noticed something peculiar. Well, a couple of somethings. Firstly, students were staring at him with befuddled expressions. Harry was used to different reactions, like scowls (Ron), sneers (most Slytherins), terror (anyone who bought into the Dark Lord Potter rumor tripe), or his personal favorite, unmitigated loathing (Malfoy and Snape).
Secondly, said students he passed which bequeathed him with said variety of expressions were all dressed in school robes. Not a soul wore anything casual or muggle. Nope. Full school robes. Almost as if…
Oh, that girl is the devil incarnate, Harry thought grimly. She'd give Voldemort a run. I'm serious.
And, as always, he cursed himself for thinking those words as he heard his Godfather's voice echo in his mind, 'No, Harry. I'm Sirius!'
Damnit Sirius! Damnit Astoria! Harry's eyes widened and he dove into a nearby alcove. Shite! Daphne!
Uncaring if any saw, he jerked the hood of his invisibility cloak up and thanked Merlin he was able to prevent Daphne, who was just ahead and rummaging through her bag, from seeing him. He fumed as he stomped his way back to the Gryffindor common room.
I'm going to murder her in her sleep, Harry plotted. I'll smother the demon with a pillow. Daphne will understand once I explain it to her. If I do it right, no one will ever know…
He dropped the hood of his cloak and said the password to the Fat Lady who swung open to admit him. Astoria's cackling echoed in the common room and Harry really tried to hold a scowl. Unfortunately, laughter is contagious, and Harry found himself cracking a grin before he shook his head and joined the girl he saw as the sister he never had on the couch. He laughed with Astoria for several minutes.
Okay, it was a good prank. I'll get her back though.
-GU-
In the great hall, Astoria was doubled over, clutching her stomach, and laughing uproariously. Daphne stared at her in puffy-eyed wonder, a small smile cracking her usual somber expression. Tears of mirth ran down Astoria's cheeks, and before long, laughter began to spread down the tables. Within a minute, almost everyone was laughing heavily, even some of the staff members.
"I'll never forget that!" Astoria choked out between guffaws. "It was the best prank I ever played!"
Daphne found herself actually smiling and giggling slightly. She hated herself for it, feeling she didn't deserve happiness. But seeing Astoria in stitches, along with the rest of the great hall, moved her.
"He was so mad at me!" Astoria shrieked with mirth.
And Daphne felt a harsh laugh bark out of her. Like a dam bursting, laughter began to flood out of her until she was laughing alongside her sister. The laughter was healing, and it removed so much of the despair and pain she had been carrying. She laughed until her ribs hurt, and then she laughed more. For the first time in weeks, tears of joy, not sadness, fell down her cheeks.
Several minutes later, people calmed, although the occasional snort of mirth would burst out. Daphne felt the weight of despair begin to set in once more as the memory which had, oddly enough, paused, started back up. Astoria wiped her eyes, breathing heavily, and shook her head in disbelief.
"That's just like Harry," she mumbled.
"What do you mean?" Daphne questioned confusedly.
"He knows how ugly all of this is," Astoria gestured aimlessly at the room. "That memory served a singular purpose, Daph."
"To make us laugh?" Daphne asked incredulously.
Astoria nodded. "Harry always thinks about others."
Daphne stared at the screen in awe. Was that true? Did he purposely interject a happy, funny, memory to bring brevity to those watching? She watched as Astoria continued to giggle occasionally. Her baby sister looked like she was glowing. Vibrant. Daphne looked down at her own hands which no longer shook with stress, but instead vibrated as the last vestiges of happiness ebbed from her. Even though she felt the guilt creeping in once again, she too felt better, happier.
She found herself extremely grateful to Harry.
-GU-
The screen flashed October 31, 1993. Harry stood in front of a full-length mirror, in his dorm, wearing the same outfit as yesterday, and double-checked his appearance. He also checked his watch for the fiftieth time to ensure it was indeed October 31st. Satisfied, he grabbed his jacket and headed downstairs where Astoria awaited.
"You look good!" She complimented with a smile. "Now, remember what we talked about yesterday."
"Right," Harry checked his watch again.
Astoria rolled her eyes. "It's actually today, Harry. Off with you! Shoo!"
Harry complied and heard Astoria give a final parting demand as he departed.
"Remember, you're going to tell me everything when you get back!"
Harry paused in the hallway outside the Fat Lady portrait and took a few calming breaths.
Remember what Sirius told you. Confidence. Just be confident. You've got this!
The great hall approached far faster than usual, and Harry found himself looking through the sea of students for the golden blonde hair of Daphne. He quickly located her, and his heart skipped a beat. Daphne looked incredible. He found a blush exploding on his face as he realized they were wearing matching outfits.
Daphne was wearing a white blouse, forest green jumper, and a long black skirt with black stockings. She caught his eye and the two weaved through the crowd until they were standing before each other. Daphne examined Harry for a moment before a blush also found its way to her face.
Remembering his manners, Harry cleared his throat and extended his hand.
"Heiress Greengrass," Harry brushed his lips across Daphne's knuckles. "Will you do me the great honor of allowing me to escort you today?"
"I find that quite acceptable, Mister Potter," Daphne replied demurely, curtseying.
Harry grinned and held out his arm which Daphne delicately placed her hand upon. The formalities out of the way, Harry leaned in and whispered, "Nice choice of outfit! You look stunning, as always, Daph."
Daphne snorted but brought her hand to her mouth and passed it off as a gentle cough. "Great minds think alike, it would seem." She eyed him through her long eyelashes. "You look quite dashing yourself, Harry."
Neither noticed students in the crowd pointing and whispering as people realized Harry Potter was taking Daphne Greengrass to Hogsmeade. A pathway cleared to Filch, and Harry and Daphne provided their signed permission forms and started down the path toward the carriages.
"I assume you haven't much of a plan?" Daphne questioned knowingly.
"You talked to Tori, I take it?" Harry chuckled.
Daphne shook her head. "No, but I'm sure there's a story there you'll have to tell."
Harry scoffed. "Oh, there's a story alright. Your sister is the devil."
Daphne giggled and Harry felt a pleasant shiver run through his body at the sound.
"We can explore Hogsmeade together then," Daphne suggested. "I've only been a few times, when my mum took us."
Harry helped Daphne step into an empty carriage and followed her up. He was going to sit across from her, but she jerked him into the seat beside her and grabbed his arm. Harry felt her lean her head on his shoulder and inhaled deeply the scent of strawberries and lemons.
Merlin, I love that smell.
"This is nice," Daphne mumbled happily.
Harry wrapped his arm around Daphne's shoulders and pulled her closer.
"Yes, it is," he smiled.
"Well?" Daphne prompted suddenly.
Harry felt his eye twitch.
What is it with Greengrass girls and that word?
"Well what?"
"What did Tori do that has caused you to label her 'the devil'?"
Harry laughed, startling Daphne, who pulled up from his shoulder and stared at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Let me tell you…" Harry began.
The two exited the carriage laughing as it arrived in Hogsmeade. Harry was glad Astoria's antics could make Daphne laugh.
"Tori always has been a nuisance," Daphne admitted with a smile. "I'd rank that as the best prank she has ever pulled though."
"Thank Merlin for my cloak," Harry sighed in relief.
Daphne reached behind Harry and pinched the cloak between her fingers.
"You wear it everywhere, don't you?"
Harry paused in surprise. "You can see it?"
Daphne quirked an eyebrow. "Yes? I've always been able to see it."
"But…How?" Harry questioned, dumbfounded. "No one else can see it."
"I figured that out," Daphne nodded. "No one has ever commented on it, and you've had it on even in the hospital wing. Although I probably should have been more curious as to why I am able to see it."
"And touch it," Harry added. "I tested it with Ron last year. He couldn't touch the cloak."
"Curious," Daphne tugged at the cloak playfully. "Maybe it likes me."
There's a mystery to unravel, Harry mused. I really wish I had access to the Potter family vault. Maybe there's a manual for this thing tucked away in there.
"Maybe," Harry smirked with a shrug.
"Would you like to explore the shops?" Daphne asked. "We can replenish any supplies we may need."
"That works," Harry grinned. "Lunch at Three Broomsticks?"
"I think Madam Rosmerta will enjoy that," Daphne smiled in remembrance, her cheeks pinkening prettily.
The two explored the various shops until lunch. Both ended up replenishing their quills and inks as well as purchasing some interesting books they found. They agreed to visit Honeydukes after lunch, as it wouldn't do well to go on an empty stomach. Neither knew when, nor noticed until much later, they started holding hands. It felt natural, easy, and comfortable.
They talked about everything and nothing as they walked around, uncaring of those who stopped to stare or point and whisper. Harry found himself wanting this more than anything he'd ever wanted. Being around Daphne was an indescribable feeling to him. It was as if his blood itself called for her. Harry assumed that feeling was the Potter family magic but had no way of validating it outside of insights from Sirius.
The two made their way to Three Broomsticks for lunch and, during a lull in the conversation, Harry posed a question to Daphne.
"We can do this again, right?"
Daphne looked up at him. "Do what?"
Harry squeezed her hand unconsciously, causing both to look down at their joined hands. "This."
Daphne looked into his eyes and Harry found himself lost in her sapphire blues.
"I'd like that," she stated softly, looking up at him while slowly leaning in.
"Me too," Harry whispered as he leaned towards her, his eyes focused on her lips.
Just as their lips were about to meet, they were interrupted by the raucous laughter of a group of seventh years who stumbled out of Three Broomsticks, having hit the butterbeer a little too hard.
Daphne bit her lower lip and pulled away, frustration flashing in her eyes. Harry clamped down on his Occlumency shields, thankful his face was now impassive and not sending a murderous glare at the gits who interrupted what was about to be the only memory he'd ever need to cast his Patronus.
"Hungry?" Harry questioned lamely.
Daphne pushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "Famished."
The two entered the Three Broomsticks and found an unoccupied table in the corner. Harry held out Daphne's seat and made sure she was settled before dropping beside her. They were greeted by Madam Rosmerta who shot them a knowing smile the moment she saw them.
"Welcome back, little lovebirds!"
Harry and Daphne stammered out greetings while sporting furious blushes. It took several stumbling sentences for the two to place their lunch orders which Madam Rosmerta went to fulfill, but not before providing a parting sentence that flustered the two even further.
"It warms my heart to see the two of you so close. Lily would have been ecstatic to know you're dating Aria's daughter, Harry."
Neither wanted to meet the eyes of the other. There was an awkward silence punctuated by the general din of the relatively full establishment. It was, after all, the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year. Harry struggled to gather his courage, even though he was screaming internally to be a Gryffindor. Seeing Daphne looking at the table where her hands rested and twiddling her thumbs, Harry finally found his voice.
"It doesn't have to be a date, Daph," he said gently. "We don't have to label whatever this is."
Daphne looked up, her expression unreadable. Her mouth opened and closed several times without a sound.
"What if I want it to be?" she finally asked timidly.
Harry could hear his own heart beating. He swallowed nervously. "Then that would be brilliant."
Madam Rosmerta chose that moment to appear with fish and chips for the two along with a couple of butterbeers. She gave them a knowing grin and moved to serve her other customers. Harry and Daphne both shared a smile as they began to tuck into their food. The admission that this was, indeed, an official date seemed to relieve the awkwardness.
"What do you want to do when you graduate Hogwarts, Harry?" Daphne questioned after taking a swig of butterbeer.
Harry paused with a chip halfway to his mouth before setting it down. No one had ever asked him what he wanted to do after Hogwarts. Come to think of it, Harry had never given it much thought.
"I've never really thought about it," Harry admitted thoughtfully. "Actually, I'm not even sure of my options."
Daphne hummed and nodded. "Are there any subjects you like?"
"I enjoy Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Charms," Harry responded enthusiastically.
"Are you sure you don't like Potions and DADA?" Daphne teased.
Harry made a sour face. "Kind of hard to enjoy Potions when Snape is teaching."
Daphne scowled at the mention of her head of house.
"As for DADA," Harry continued, "we haven't had a consistent teacher. Also, I see DADA as an offensive application of Charms."
"That's very insightful," Daphne said as she reached across the table to snatch one of Harry's chips, hers having been consumed. He didn't mind and smirked when she automatically reached for another.
"I enjoy Transfiguration too," Harry added. "Any suggestions on what I should pursue?"
"Based on your preferred subjects, it sounds like you may want to aim for being a Curse Breaker."
Harry chewed and swallowed his last piece of fish. "What does a Curse Breaker do?"
"They break curses," Daphne stated cheekily, in the process of eating another chip from Harry's plate. He pulled his plate away from her and she looked up at him with a pout.
"I gathered that," Harry deadpanned. "But what does that mean, exactly?"
Daphne cocked her head to the side. "Curse Breakers remove, counter, or break curses placed on objects or places for a living. My understanding is there can be lots of travel involved if you hired on with Gringotts. They send Curse Breakers around the world."
"That sounds adventurous," Harry smiled and pushed his plate back to Daphne. She unabashedly began snatching the remaining chips. "What about you, Daph?"
"I'd like to be an Enchantress."
"What do they do?"
"Mostly add charms and wards to jewelry," Daphne explained. "Although they also aid Curse Breakers in identifying artifacts found from ancient magical sites since they have a more in-depth knowledge on how certain objects can be enhanced."
"Sounds like we'd make a great team then," Harry grinned.
Daphne smiled shyly at him. "It does, doesn't it?"
"Should we head to Honeydukes?" Harry questioned, seeing Daphne had finished his chips.
Daphne glanced around and nodded. Harry placed a couple of galleons on the table and helped her stand before escorting her outside. They waved goodbye to Madam Rosmerta as they left. Once outside, Daphne grabbed his hand and dragged him off to Honeydukes.
The heady aroma of chocolate filled the air of the store which was littered with every sweet imaginable. Harry learned that Daphne had a healthy appreciation for sugar quills and mentally noted it. The two departed almost half an hour later, both holding fair-sized bags. On the way out, they noted a wanted poster that showed Sirius Black shouting soundlessly at the camera.
Harry felt Daphne's grip on his hand tighten and he looked down to see her strained expression as she examined the wanted poster. She chewed her lower lip for a moment before looking up at him, worry evident in her eyes.
"Does it scare you, Harry?" Daphne asked softly.
"Sirius Black?"
She nodded.
"Not really," Harry shrugged.
Daphne looked alarmed. "You're not worried he'll come after you?"
Harry went to respond but faltered. He'd almost forgotten that he couldn't be aloof or casual about his Godfather. Truthfully, Sirius was about as dangerous to Harry as a ball of cotton. He had to remember, however, that the rest of the Wizarding World considered his Godfather to be a convicted mass-murderer.
"I am worried," Harry assured. "But I don't want other people to see that. I just have to trust that Dumbledore has the proper protections in place to prevent him from getting to me."
Fat chance, considering I had to fight Voldemort my first year and a barking basilisk last year. He cringed. Wasn't much of a fight on either encounter though.
The two paused at a fenced area. A dilapidated shack sat in the distance, which Harry knew to be where Sirius had currently taken up residence. He felt Daphne shiver and lean on him.
"Just promise me you'll be careful, Harry," Daphne whispered, and Harry was touched by the concern he could hear in her tone.
"I promise," he said, feeling it was a promise he could keep this year, considering Sirius was innocent.
An autumn wind blew through Hogsmeade and Harry removed his jacket, cast a warming charm on it, and draped it over Daphne's shoulders. She pulled it closer with a dazzling smile, her sapphire blue eyes sparkling. Harry felt his heart clench painfully as he stared at her.
"I'm so thankful I met you that day in Diagon Alley," Harry told her. "Thank you for being my friend, Daphne. My life was very bleak until you entered it." He hesitated briefly before continuing. "I cherish every smile we secretly share. Every hidden touch in the hallways."
He looked towards the shrieking shack and saw a very familiar large black dog watching them both. A part of Harry wanted to hex his Godfather, but another part of him drew courage from his distant presence. Knowing he was going to get the mickey taken out of him later, Harry pressed on.
"You're a beautiful person, Daph," Harry said softly, the wind carrying his voice to Daphne's ears. "And the most beautiful witch in all of Hogwarts."
He turned to find Daphne staring at him with a blazing intensity in her eyes. The wind caught her hair and blew several strands across her face, which she absently tucked behind her ear with an eager smile. He leaned down as she stood on her tiptoes and, this time, nothing interrupted as their lips met.
Fireworks erupted in Harry's body and his mind shut down as he focused on the sensation of Daphne's lips. They were soft, pliable, and molded perfectly with his. She tasted like strawberries, and Harry inhaled through his nose, taking in the smell of her shampoo as his hands settled on her waist.
He felt her arms snake around his neck as their kiss deepened. Harry was positive his blood actually sang. He wanted more. Instinctively, his tongue darted forward and caressed her bottom lip. That lip she so often chewed when thinking or when she was nervous. A habit of hers that he loved. He felt her lips slightly part, and her tongue met his as he pulled her closer to him. She let out a hum of pleasure which was overshadowed by a sudden, shocking, bark from the large black dog.
Startled, the two jumped and pulled away, both breathing heavily and blushing. The dog stood on the other side of the fence, tail wagging, and tongue lolling as it panted at them happily. Daphne giggled and gently petted the beast while Harry examined his surroundings, praying Sirius had a damn good reason for interrupting what had been rapidly escalating into a full-blown snog.
Sure enough, Harry noticed Draco Malfoy and his cronies come out of a nearby shop. The ponce took one look at Harry, sneered, and stormed away. Harry gave his Godfather an appreciative nod.
That could have been bad if Draco caught us, he thought. We're not in a courtship, so it would reflect poorly on Daphne if she was caught snogging me. Moreso because I'm a half-blood.
He watched as Padfoot gave a happy bark and trotted away. Daphne looked up at him with a pleased smile, her eyes shining. He found himself smiling back at her as he took both her hands in his own.
"That was-" he began.
"Wonderful." She finished.
Harry gave her a lopsided grin. "Can we do it again?"
Daphne raised an eyebrow at him in mock-haughtiness, but her smile gave her away. "I find your suggestion acceptable."
Harry made sure there was no one nearby and whipped off his invisibility cloak, commanding it to become a blanket, and draped it over them.
No interruptions this time, he thought determinedly as Daphne snuggled up to him.
-GU-
The screen faded to black, and Astoria turned to Daphne with a teasing grin. It vanished when she saw the despair on Daphne's face. Her heart immediately went out to her older sister. Daphne's shoulders began to bob as angry tears spilled down her cheeks. Astoria reached out and grabbed Daphne's hand, squeezing it comfortingly.
"I hate that these memories have been taken from me," Daphne sobbed. "Did you see how happy I was, Tori?"
Astoria hesitated to respond, but stammered out, "Y-yeah, Daph."
"And that happiness was taken from me," Daphne hiccupped. "I can tell that I was in love with him just from watching these memories."
Astoria watched as Daphne sobered almost immediately. Sorrow was replaced by uncontained rage. Suddenly, the Ice Queen was back in full force.
"I'm done crying," Daphne growled, clambering out of their bed, and walking authoritatively over to the staff table.
Professor Flitwick's eyes widened as Daphne stood before him, her face set with grim determination.
"Professor," Daphne controlled her anger with great effort. "Will you please revive Draco Malfoy?"
"May I ask why, Miss Greengrass?"
"I need answers, and I have reason to believe Malfoy has them."
"And what," Professor McGonagall inserted herself into the discussion, "are your reasons, Miss Greengrass?"
"Draco gave me a knowing look earlier," Astoria spoke from behind Daphne, having followed her sister out of their shared bed. "When Daphne was explaining to me what she felt about Harry, I noted that her emotions were oddly similar to Malfoy's. I turned to look in his direction and he smiled and winked at me, almost as if he knew why Daphne was upset. Madam Pomfrey agrees that Daphne's emotions have likely been tampered with, along with her memories."
"He was also in the class where Harry's greatest fears were revealed," Daphne choked back a sob as her eyes watered. "In Potions…" She trailed off and swallowed heavily, steeling herself. "I was in a rage and said everything Harry showed in that memory to him."
"That is not enough to prove guilt," Flitwick observed objectively. "At best, you have speculation of intent and confirmation that Draco was in a class along with over a dozen other students, each equally able to reveal the fears displayed in said class."
"Please," Daphne begged, and her voice lost all fight and strength. "I must know. Even if it leads to nothing. I believe Draco at least has an idea of who did this to me."
To her left, Dumbledore and Severus watched impassively, neither choosing to intervene or protest the outcome of the ongoing discussion. Flitwick found this suspicious but said nothing. He shared a look with McGonagall, who gave a slight inclination of her head.
Flitwick sighed. "Very well, Daphne. But you and your sister will leave your wands with Minerva."
"Yes, Professor," Daphne stated with evident relief as she handed over her wand and followed the diminutive Charms Master to the pile of five stunned and bound boys.
A wave of Flitwick's wand, and Draco Malfoy spluttered and struggled against his bonds. Seeing the three standing before him, Malfoy scowled.
"My father-" he began indignantly.
"Is not here, and has no influence over me," Flitwick interrupted curtly. "It would do you well to cooperate with our questioning."
Draco spat derisively at Flitwick's feet before he noticed Daphne standing nearby. "Ah," he gave a mocking smirk. "The stupid bint has finally had enough?"
"What did you do to me, ferret?" Daphne demanded.
Draco cackled evilly, his eyes flashing with malice. "It doesn't matter. You'll be mine when this is all over."
Astoria moved to strike but Daphne held her back firmly. Daphne knelt down next to Malfoy, speaking quietly so only he could hear.
"Draco, do you remember what Potter told you in Potions before he disappeared? Do you remember how he had you glued to the wall with nothing more than the sheer force of his magic?" The words were spoken with a loving, sweet, caress that unnerved the previously confident Malfoy.
"Potter's gone!" Malfoy ensured all his loathing was poured into the enunciation of his arch-rival's name.
"Mhm," Daphne hummed gently. "And you assume he'll never come back? What if he does, Draco? What if he comes tonight?"
Draco paled, his bravado giving way to terror. Daphne reveled in the fear displayed. The foul bigot deserved it.
"Now you understand," Daphne nodded. "Tell me what the fuck you did to me, Draco, and I may have the mercy to put in a good word for you should Potter show his face tonight."
Draco began licking his lips nervously, his eyes darting around the room as if seeking invisible enemies. "All I did was use compulsion charms."
"When?" Daphne demanded.
"I don't-"
"WHEN?!" Daphne screamed, grabbing Malfoy and shaking him.
"Third year! After Christmas break!" Draco admitted.
"And fourth year?" Daphne snarled when Draco nodded. "And this year?" Another nod.
"Who messed with Daphne's memories?" Astoria questioned angrily.
Draco shook his head and laughed heartily.
"You know?" Daphne croaked.
Draco leered at Daphne. "Oh, I know. And I can't tell. Unbreakable vow. So, shove it, Greengrass. Accept the inevitable. You're mine. I will have you, and when I do I'll make you beg-"
A red bolt of light silenced Draco, issued by Flitwick.
"That's enough of that," Flitwick stated with a disgusted expression. "Come Daphne, Astoria. There is nothing more to learn here."
Daphne felt frustration boiling over once more. She clenched and unclenched her hands as she stood before stomping on Draco's face. His nose crunched under her heel, and she felt a small amount of satisfaction run through her as she stormed away.
I'll kill myself before I let Draco Malfoy have me, she thought grimly.
-GU-
On screen, Harry was sitting in the great hall during the Halloween Feast. Usually, he would avoid such a thing, but after his spectacular date with Daphne he was finding it awfully hard to feel mournful. Instead of a lugubrious expression, Harry wore a goofy smile that did not go unnoticed by Astoria.
Harry turned to his friend when she poked him in the ribs.
"I see someone had a good date," Astoria chirped and waggled her eyebrows. "Give me all the juicy details."
"Really?" Harry groaned playfully. "You do understand we would be talking about your sister, yes?"
Astoria shrugged. "I just want to make sure you showed Daffy a good time."
Harry sighed wistfully. "Oh, it was a good time."
"Take her to Honeydukes?"
"Yep."
"Sugar quills?"
"Bought her the entire case."
"Lunch?"
"Three Broomsticks. She ate my chips."
Astoria snorted mid-drink, sending pumpkin juice over her plate.
"How was the first kiss?"
"Incredible." Harry balked when he realized what he said.
Astoria started laughing happily. "Oh, the dirt I have on Daffy!" She rubbed her hands together while chuckling evilly.
Harry felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine.
"You're wicked, you know that?"
Astoria smiled sweetly at him. "Yep."
At the conclusion of the feast, Harry and Astoria followed the rest of the Gryffindors to their common room. There appeared to be a bit of a traffic jam, as students were backing up in the hallway that led to their entrance. Percy Weasley, Head Boy (as he was apt to remind anyone and everyone), muscled his way through before demanding someone send for Dumbledore.
This, of course, had to travel to the back of the group before a few older students were able to break away. Minutes later, McGonagall and Dumbledore arrived and made their way through the crowd. By now, Harry and Astoria knew that something was wrong with the Fat Lady. A sense of foreboding entered his mind.
No, he thought. Peter wouldn't jeopardize his position.
It took about ten minutes for the other paintings and portraits to locate the Fat Lady. When they finally did, Dumbledore was able to get her to reveal that it was Sirius Black who had cut her portrait when she'd refused him access to the common room. Hearing this, Harry swore in his mind and resolved to speak with Sirius as soon as possible. The only reason for Sirius to infiltrate this deep into Hogwarts was because he was in pursuit of the rat.
Harry felt Astoria clutch his arm tightly. He looked down to see fear resonating in her gaze, and her body shook involuntarily. He remembered what she'd told him about her blood curse triggering due to heightened emotion and pulled her in for a hug.
"Don't worry, Little Lioness," he whispered. "It'll be okay."
Astoria didn't look too assured. Harry knelt down to look her in the eyes.
"Tori," he stated firmly. "We're going to be okay. Yeah?"
She nodded, her eyes wet. "How are you not scared?"
Harry decided it would be best to lie. "I'm terrified," he replied. "I'm just decent at hiding it."
"Everyone return to the great hall immediately!" McGonagall ordered.
The masses slowly made their way back to the great hall to find the other houses assembling within. Dumbledore waved his wand and the tables vanished. Sleeping bags appeared along the floor and the floating candles were dimmed to allow the enchanted ceiling to show the clear night sky unimpeded.
The doors to the great hall closed and locked. Professors and Prefects gathered and were sorted into search parties who would scour the castle top to bottom. Harry found this highly amusing and was grateful his continued Occlumency sessions before bed allowed him to control his surface expressions when needed.
Harry found a spot along the wall and settled in. Astoria followed closely and sat next to him. Both were surprised when Daphne approached, her own sleeping bag in hand. She plopped down beside Harry.
"What happened? All I've heard is we're here because of something to do with you Gryffindors."
"The entrance to our common room was compromised," Harry informed. "Sirius Black was said to have been the culprit."
Daphne's eyes widened and she grabbed Harry's hand comfortingly. "Are you okay?"
Harry fought back a blush as he looked at Daphne and remembered how good her lips felt just hours ago.
"Y-yeah," his voice cracked, deepening his blush.
Astoria snickered, causing both Harry and Daphne to glance her way. The little demon child was staring at their joined hands and biting her bottom lip to contain her laughter.
"Daffy has a boyfriend," she sang quietly.
"Don't call me that!" Daphne hissed, blushing furiously.
Harry noted that Daphne didn't deny Astoria's statement. The two sisters were gearing up for a rather epic dispute when the call to sleep came and the floating candles were extinguished, ending the impending chaos before it began. Daphne huffed irritably and burrowed into her sleeping bag. Harry and Astoria did the same, and Harry shivered when he felt the cold from the stone floor seeping through his sleeping bag.
Both Greengrass girls were shivering. Harry could hear Astoria's teeth chattering. He sat up and flicked his wand into his hand. Three warming charms later, and the three sighed contentedly.
"Thank you, Harry," Daphne whispered, pleased.
"Yes, thank you Harry," Astoria sighed comfortably. "This is much better. You'll have to teach me that spell."
Daphne flinched but chose not to comment.
"When you're older," Harry said softly.
Astoria's breathing stabilized as she dozed off, leaving Harry and Daphne facing each other as they lay on their sides. The artificial starlight illuminated the room just enough so Harry could make out Daphne's facial expressions. She smiled toothlessly at him.
"Thank you for being there for Tori," she whispered. "She's putting on a brave face, but I know she's scared."
"She's like the little sister I never had," Harry admitted. "I won't let anything happen to her."
"And me?" Daphne asked, oddly unsure.
"I'll protect you, Daph," Harry promised. "Always."
She smiled at him and reached out with her hand, which Harry gently took with his own. Daphne closed her eyes and fell asleep a few minutes later. Harry watched her as sleep eluded him. He heard the patrols shift, Snape and Percy Weasley tell Dumbledore the castle was clear, and Dumbledore tell them that the students would remain sleeping in the great hall.
Guards were set up to watch over the sleeping students, and the rest of the Professors retired to their personal quarters, including Dumbledore. The Prefects on duty sat near the doors, speaking in hushed tones. Harry heard a stirring nearby and turned from Daphne to see Astoria whimpering in her sleeping bag.
She began tossing and turning, her whimpering increasing. Harry knew she was having night terrors. He'd had plenty himself throughout his childhood. The worst ones, however, had been since he'd come to Hogwarts. They always involved Daphne.
He gently shook Astoria awake. She gasped and sat up suddenly, her body shaking and her shoulders bobbing with quiet sobs. Harry was surprised when she threw herself at him and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around Astoria and rocked her back and forth.
"It's okay," Harry assured. "You're safe."
"I'm scared," Astoria whimpered.
"I'll watch over you while you sleep," Harry promised while putting his back against the wall and sitting up. "I won't let anything happen to you, Little Lioness."
Astoria gave him a watery smile and nodded once while rubbing her eyes. She settled back down but scooted closer to Harry who stretched out his legs. She placed her head in his lap and he ran his hand through her hair, slowly rubbing her head, until she fell into a peaceful sleep.
Harry turned his attention back to Daphne who was watching him with a warm smile, having woken up from Astoria's stirring. She mouthed a silent 'Thank you' to Harry who shrugged nonchalantly. He saw Daphne eyeing her sister and winked at her, patting his other leg.
Daphne appeared to debate how she wanted to proceed. Eventually, she scooted closer to him and propped her pillow against his leg. Harry watched Daphne close her eyes contentedly when he ran his fingers through the hair he loved. Her breathing evened out quickly, and Daphne fell into a deep sleep.
Harry closed his eyes and reflected on his day. All in all, it had been absolutely brilliant. He did owe Sirius a visit to discuss what the hell happened that caused him to charge into Hogwarts. With the Dementors stationed on the grounds and entrances, Harry knew that Padfoot, not Sirius, had breached the castle.
So Padfoot spots the rat and pursues him to Gryffindor tower. Rat sneaks in, somehow, and Padfoot transforms to Sirius. Harry paused his musings for a moment as Astoria murmured something unintelligible. Around a corner, I would assume, as the Fat Lady didn't mention he was an Animagus. Sirius demands entrance into the Gryffindor tower, and the Fat Lady, rather bravely, denies him access. Pressed for time, Sirius attempts to cut his way in, but for some reason retreats. I would assume because of approaching students.
He sighed and determined he would discuss what happened with Sirius tomorrow. Instead, he would focus on the Greengrass girls currently sleeping in his proximity. Harry had to hold back a laugh of disbelief when he realized that both girls were drooling rather heavily.
Daphne's pillow had slipped down a bit and her face was resting on his right leg while she snored lightly. Astoria, on the other hand, was living up to her nickname as she snored loudly. Harry knew that both of his legs would be saturated by the end of the night and shook his head.
It's either a girl thing or a Greengrass thing, Harry thought amusedly. It's not so bad, though.