The Calm After The Storm

Chapter Two - Serendipity in Literacy

Daphne's fingers delicately traced the spines of the novels displayed before her, her brow furrowing with each passing moment of indecision. Her disappointment deepened as her options for fiction dwindled with every passing second. In the wizarding world, knowledge and heroic achievements took precedence over the world of fiction, a fact that she had often lamented. Her friend Tracey had once extolled the virtues of muggle literature, regaling her with tales of a vast realm of novels that explored every facet of human experience. Yet, despite Tracey's enthusiasm, Daphne had hesitated to venture into this uncharted literary territory. It wasn't for lack of curiosity but rather a fear of not understanding, of not grasping the nuances of a world so different from her own.

As she stood among the shelves, contemplating whether to delve into this unfamiliar realm, Daphne couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. She, who prided herself on her intelligence and adaptability, was wary of something as simple as a novel. Would she truly comprehend the stories they wove? Would she appreciate the emotions, the complexities, the beauty that muggle literature offered? These doubts held her back, shackling her to her comfort zone within the realm of wizarding knowledge and history.

Daphne's gaze fixed upon the title of the book before her, a familiar guilty pleasure she couldn't resist. "Evergreen Hearts," it read, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. It was a story she had turned to time and time again, a tale of enchantment and emotion that never failed to captivate her heart.

The narrative unfurled the extraordinary journey of a wizard raised by the reclusive elves, a character plucked from the fringes of society and thrust into the tumultuous world of magic. What made the story truly unforgettable was the enchanting twist of fate when the wizard's path crossed with the daughter of a high warlock.

"Evergreen Hearts" was a poignant saga of romance and sorrow, an exploration of two souls navigating a world that seemed determined to keep them apart. As the characters' hearts entwined, so did their struggles to survive in a society that often rejected those who dared to defy its conventions.

For Daphne, this tale touched a chord deep within her, awakening the romantic dreamer she often kept concealed. She couldn't help but acknowledge that, despite the wizarding world's lingering adherence to questionable traditions and gender roles, there was an innate desire in every witch. They longed for their own version of a charming prince, a figure who would sweep them off their feet and into a world of love and enchantment. It was an aspiration, however unlikely, that resonated with the hearts of many.

Daphne carefully returned the book to its place on the shelf, her fingers brushing over its well-worn spine. There was already a cherished copy of it nestled in her bedside table, a testament to how many times she had sought solace in its pages.

As she moved away from the bookshelves, her fingers deftly adjusted the pale blue headband that elegantly swept her platinum blonde hair away from her striking eyes. The Greengrass family had a tradition of long, flowing locks, and Daphne's hair cascaded gracefully down to the middle of her back, a trait shared by many pureblooded witches.

Her attire exuded a sense of classic elegance, befitting her upbringing. She wore a high-necked blouse of pristine white, a symbol of purity and grace, with a neatly tied bow at her neck, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. This was impeccably paired with a pale blue skirt that gracefully fell to the middle of her calves, offering a glimpse of modesty while maintaining an air of refined style. Completing her look were matching blue heels that added a subtle hint of height and an aura of self-assuredness.

Daphne's attention was wholly absorbed by the novels before her when a soft, unexpected voice caused her to startle. Her gaze snapped away from the books and swiftly sought out the source. To her surprise, it was the last person she had expected to see, standing there with a small, kindly smile on his lips.

"It's a bit of a puzzle, isn't it?" Harry Potter remarked, his voice gentle and warm, making an appearance in her life for the second time in as many days. Like the night before, he was dressed impeccably, clad in a deep satin navy blue waistcoat and matching trousers and a long wool overcoat to protect him from the chill winter air. A crisp, white shirt served as the canvas for a deep red tie, all combining to create an ensemble that exuded both elegance and confidence.

Harry's famously messy hair had undergone a transformation, now cut shorter than she had ever recalled, yet still retaining an artful ruffled appearance. What struck her most was the absence of his glasses, revealing his unique emerald eyes, which seemed to burn with a vibrant intensity, the windows to a soul that had endured more than most could fathom.

"I beg your pardon, but what is?" Daphne replied, her tone carrying a note of curiosity rather than impatience.

"Finding a novel," Harry explained with a warm, friendly demeanor, "I often struggle to settle on one, but when I do, it's hard to describe how it whisks you away to another world. Though wizarding books are not as numerous as I would've hoped." He carefully placed a red leather-bound book back onto the shelf, his fingers grazing the spine briefly.

"I agree," Daphne concurred, turning to face him fully, her hands clutching her bag that rested against her legs. "My mother bought me many books when I was young, and now I find myself struggling to find new material."

The unexpected request that followed surprised her. "Could you recommend anything to me?" Harry inquired, and Daphne's eyes widened in response, taken aback by his request.

"What genre do you like?" she asked, quickly moving past her surprise and slipping into a more conversational tone.

"Fantasy really," Harry began, a contemplative look in his emerald eyes as he considered his own preferences, "I'm not one for hero tales, however."

"So," Daphne replied with a playful smile, her voice tinged with light humor, "I would recommend you stay away from the Harry Potter series. It's about a young wizard who gets into all sorts of trouble but comes out the other side." Her words were accompanied by a soft chuckle, and Harry couldn't help but join in, releasing a short, hearty laugh.

"Duly noted," Harry said with a chuckle, a warm and friendly demeanor shining through. "He does sound like a handful."

With a smile, Daphne continued, "West Farthing over Meadow is a good read. It's about a small town losing its magical protection, exposing them slowly to the Muggles during the witch trials." Her enthusiasm for the book she was recommending was evident in her animated expression and her eagerness to share the story's premise.

"That sounds rather dark," Harry observed, genuine curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he considered her recommendation.

Daphne nodded, acknowledging the story's darker elements. "The premise is, but it's about a town working together for the benefit of itself, ignoring the differences between each other for the survival of all," she added, her voice holding a hint of admiration for the story's themes.

"I'll take a look, thank you," Harry replied with a warm smile, appreciating her book suggestion.

Daphne's turn to inquire came, and she asked, "How about you, anything you would recommend to me?"

Harry's warm and kind gaze remained unwavering as he listened to Daphne's response. She felt a tinge of insecurity creeping in, wondering if Potter would view her lack of knowledge of Muggle books as a sign of pure-blooded arrogance.

"I - I'm afraid I have not," she admitted, trying her best to maintain her composure despite the slight unease.

Harry, however, seemed understanding and eager to share his recommendations. "I would recommend Tolkien's works, the Lord of the Rings is a good start. You'll struggle to find an author who clearly loved his work as much as he did."

Daphne hesitated, not entirely comfortable with the idea of venturing into the Muggle world for books. "I don't often go into the Muggle world, I'm afraid. I wouldn't even know where to look," she confessed, her words tinged with a touch of embarrassment.

Harry's offer, though, caught her by surprise. "You could borrow my copy if you would like?" His generosity and willingness to help her explore something new was evident in his friendly offer. Daphne contemplated Harry's offer, though a voice in her head made her hesitate. She barely knew him, after all.

"I could not impose such a thing," she replied gently, her smile conveying appreciation for his gesture.

Harry, however, seemed a bit flustered by his own suggestion. "I don't see why not, unless of course you don't feel comfortable, which is understandable. This is the longest you and I have spoken before," he admitted, his words carrying a hint of self-consciousness.

Daphne took a moment to steady herself, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter with Harry. He was offering her a book, after all, not proposing marriage. Her eyes met his as she considered his proposition.

"Perhaps we could trade?" she offered, her voice soft but confident. "I have a signed edition of West Farthing, and the author left some extended notes for context. We could swap and return once read?"

Harry's emerald eyes lit up with surprise, and a warm smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Are you sure?" he asked, his tone gentle and reassuring.

"Of course, from one book lover to another," she replied, her smile mirroring his warmth.

"Alright then," he agreed, the friendly offer clearly appreciated. "I would offer to meet with you to exchange, but you are friends with Susan, if I am correct?"

Daphne nodded, her features displaying a mixture of confidence and grace. "I am indeed."

Harry considered this for a moment before making a suggestion. "I could pass the books along to her to swap with you. Would that work for you?"

"That is acceptable," Daphne answered with a gracious nod.

"We are actually meeting tonight for drinks," she continued, her voice tinged with enthusiasm. "I will be sure to bring my copy for her to deliver." Harry's emerald eyes sparkled with appreciation as he regarded Daphne, clearly delighted by their impromptu book exchange.

"Wonderful, I look forward to reading it. I have taken up enough of your time already," Harry said politely, and he inclined his head in a courteous bow. Daphne returned the gesture with a warm smile.

"Likewise, Mr. Potter," she replied, her voice holding a friendly tone. With one last exchange of smiles, Harry made his way further into the bookshop, his navy blue waistcoat and trousers adding a touch of elegance to his appearance. As Daphne stood in the cozy bookshop, the scent of well-aged paper and polished wood shelves enveloped her. The soft illumination from vintage lamps scattered throughout the store created pockets of warmth and shadow. As Potter left, her thoughts were drawn back to the night before, a memory that felt almost surreal in this enchanting setting.

"Potter!" she called gently after him, causing the man to pause in the aisle, his profile bathed in the soft, amber glow of a nearby reading lamp.

"Apologies for last night," she began, her words carrying through the tranquil atmosphere of the bookshop. "I did try to tell Jeremy to leave you in peace."

Harry turned to face her once more, his presence seeming even more magnetic amidst the hushed reverence of the book-filled space. His emerald eyes held a glimmer of understanding, as if he sensed the intricacies of the situation.

"Don't worry about it," he responded, his voice carrying a soothing quality that resonated with the ambiance of the shop. "And for the record, you could do much better than him."

Daphne's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, the soft light highlighting the faint hint of a smile that played upon her lips. With that, Harry turned and continued his exploration of the shelves, blending seamlessly into the tapestry of the bookshop's charm.

As he disappeared among the bookshelves, Daphne let out a slight breath she had been holding throughout their conversation. The encounter had been unexpected and surprisingly pleasant. She couldn't help but wonder if she had just initiated a book club with Harry Potter of all people.

…

The bar, a fusion of British wizarding tradition and modern aesthetics, exuded a unique charm that perfectly captured the essence of its time period. Rich mahogany wood, polished to a glossy finish, adorned the bar counter and the surrounding furniture. The stools were plush and comfortable, with deep red cushions that matched the drapes covering the large windows.

Dimly lit chandeliers, suspended from the ceiling, cast a warm, ambient glow throughout the space, creating an inviting atmosphere. The walls were adorned with vintage magical portraits and photographs from the past, each frozen moment telling a story of the wizarding world's rich history.

Behind the bar, shelves were lined with a vast assortment of wizarding and muggle spirits, from traditional Butterbeer to more exotic elixirs. A bartender with a neatly groomed beard and robes that blended old-world charm with a touch of contemporary style expertly mixed drinks, his wand dancing gracefully as he worked.

Daphne, her attire a blend of classic elegance and contemporary fashion, scanned the bustling room. The bar had grown crowded since her arrival, and finding her friends was no small task. She navigated through the lively crowd, her pale blue skirt swaying gracefully with each step, and her platinum blonde hair catching the warm, golden light from the chandeliers.

Finally, she spotted the small group of friends seated at the end of the bar, their smiles and waves of recognition cutting through the dimly lit ambience. With determined grace, Daphne maneuvered her way through the patrons, acknowledging the curious glances from fellow witches and wizards.

As she reached her friends, a mix of relief and joy washed over her. Susan, Tracey, Hannah, and Lisa welcomed her with open arms, the camaraderie and warmth of their friendship embracing her like an old, comfortable cloak. Together, they formed a tight-knit circle in the heart of the modern yet traditionally charming wizarding bar, ready to enjoy a night of laughter, stories, and shared memories.

Lisa opted for a vintage-inspired look, wearing a knee-length navy blue A-line dress adorned with small white polka dots. The dress featured a boat neckline and short sleeves, giving her a timeless and slightly retro appearance. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and she wore a string of pearls around her neck.

Hannah chose a simple yet chic outfit, donning a knee-length, sleeveless, pale pink dress with a subtle floral pattern. The dress had a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that highlighted her hourglass figure. She paired it with nude ballet flats for comfort and a delicate gold necklace that added a touch of femininity to her look. Her brown hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail.

Tracey, always one to embrace a contemporary style, wore a knee-length, sleeveless, black jumpsuit with a cinched waist and a V-neckline. The jumpsuit was tailored to perfection, giving her a sleek and modern appearance. Her auburn hair was styled in loose waves, and she wore a statement necklace that added a pop of color to her monochromatic outfit.

Susan, with her vibrant red hair, looked radiant in a knee-length, deep red dress with short sleeves and a modest scoop neckline. The dress featured an intricate lace overlay that added an elegant touch. She paired it with black ankle boots that gave her ensemble a hint of edginess. A silver pendant necklace completed her stylish look.

The group of friends collectively exuded confidence and charm, each of them showcasing their unique sense of fashion while maintaining an air of modesty and sophistication.

About time, Daphne!" Lisa greeted her cheerfully as she arrived at the bar. "We were wondering if your date from the other night had gone so well you were still with him."

Daphne laughed softly. "Please, my best friend is far too proper for that!"Tracey playfully poked Lisa in good-natured banter.

"Plus, I also happened to witness how that date ended," Susan chimed in, winking at Daphne, who smiled with a raised eyebrow as she placed her bag on the bar.

Hannah couldn't contain her curiosity. "Oh, do tell, did you get a first kiss?"

Daphne's expression turned scandalized. "Absolutely not."

The anticipation in the group was palpable. "Well, spill it then," Tracey urged excitedly. Daphne chuckled and began recounting her date, sharing every detail right up until the point when her date had walked off to speak to Potter. As she spoke, their group of friends listened intently, hanging on every word and reacting with laughter and gasps at various points in the story.

"Hang on, you were having dinner with Potter last night?" Tracey asked Susan with wide eyes, her curiosity piqued.

"We have dinner often," Susan replied casually, taking a sip of her wine.

"I hope you wrap it up after dinner," Tracey teased with a mischievous giggle.

"Harry and I are not sleeping together!" Susan responded with a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

"But you love him," Lisa chimed in, singing the word 'love' playfully.

"Merlin save me," Susan muttered under her breath, shaking her head in amusement. "No, I don't. I had a crush on him in fifth and sixth year, that's it. Now, can we focus on Daphne's date?" She steered the conversation back to the topic at hand, a hint of exasperation in her voice. The cozy bar buzzed with their laughter and chatter, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth.

"Well, I was hoping you would lead on from there, Susan. I left rapidly once Jeremy went over to your table," Daphne admitted, her tone revealing her eagerness to hear the rest of the story.

Susan grinned mischievously as she began to recount the scene. "Well, I've seen Harry annoyed before, but when he saw that the man had upped and left his date to ask if he would be interested in a meeting with his father, he gave him a right dressing down. Honestly, I thought the guy was going to wet himself," Susan laughed, and her friends couldn't help but join in the laughter, their eyes sparkling with amusement. The tale of Harry Potter's stern reprimand had clearly made an impression on them.

The conversation soon moved on from Daphne's date, and the girls began delving into their daily news. Just as they were engrossed in discussing various topics, Susan gave Daphne a gentle nudge. As Daphne looked to her friend, she noticed a wrapped package sliding towards her.

"Harry dropped these with me earlier, mentioned you liked to read," Susan spoke, a small knowing smile on her lips. Ignoring the implication, Daphne reached for the package and passed Susan her own in return.

"Thank you, Susan. How is your case going with the Death Eaters?" Daphne inquired, shifting the conversation towards Susan's work. Susan's playful expression turned serious quite rapidly at those words.

"We caught a couple of Snatchers last night. In truth, it's why we went out for food, as we got one of the higher-profile ones. It was a pleasure to break his legs, really," Susan replied, her tone grim and determined. Daphne winced inwardly, knowing that her friend was kind and loyal, but she had been raised by her late aunt, who had been a formidable witch. Crossing wands with Susan was ill-advised, to say the least.

"Well, I am glad the wizarding world has people like you out there, Susan," Daphne said with a sincere smile.

"It will get better; they fight back less now. As time has gone on, the Ministry has allowed us to be more... efficient in bringing them down. It helps being partnered with Harry at times; most just drop their wands, not wanting to fight the man who killed the Dark Lord himself," Susan explained. Daphne nodded in understanding. She was concerned for her friend every time she went out to face dangerous wizards.

And then there was Potter; the man she spoke to in the bookshop seemed a far cry from the man that Death Eaters and Snatchers would cower from.

"So, are you going to talk about the books?" Susan asked, her bright red hair catching the dim bar's soft lighting as she leaned forward.

Daphne sipped her wine, her fingers tracing the delicate stem of the glass. "I was browsing for a new book, and Potter was doing the same. We got talking about book recommendations," she explained.

"Ah, I see," Susan nodded, her emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned in a bit closer. "You know, I could be your trusty messenger owl to ensure no rumors take flight."

Daphne couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's suggestion. "Don't be daft; it just made sense for you to be the go-between."

Susan grinned mischievously. "Well, if you ever need a book smuggler, you know where to find me!"

The girls shared a laugh, their voices blending with the cheerful hum of the crowded bar as they enjoyed their evening together.

Hannah thinks Neville is going to propose soon," Susan mentioned, leaning in closer as she spoke. "She thinks it'll be before the Yule party. It would be a perfect place for people to see that they're engaged."

Daphne's smile grew at the thought. Neville and Hannah had wasted no time after the final battle, and it was clear that Longbottom was eager to express how much he cared for the former Hufflepuff.

"They'll make a wonderful couple," Daphne replied. "Neville seems like a good man."

Susan's nose crinkled as she considered her own situation. "I haven't found myself a date for the party yet. The boys from Hogwarts seem to be afraid of me, and the ones who fled Britain during the war just want to gossip about it."

Daphne thought for a moment before making a suggestion. "Why don't you go with Potter?"

Susan's expression turned thoughtful. "Because having dinner is one thing, going to a Ministry ball is another. It's bad enough that a man and woman are partners in the Auror Department without adding fuel to the fire, Daphne."

Daphne nodded in understanding. "But the people who matter will know the truth."

Susan sighed, clearly conflicted. "Harry gets enough media pressure as it is. I intend not to make it worse."

"You're a good friend to him," Daphne observed.

"He's a good man, and I think after everything he did for our world, he deserves someone to stand by him, don't you?" Susan replied. "Plus, I don't think he's going to the ball."

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "That will certainly cause quite a stir!"

"He hates the pomp and luster of it all," Susan remarked.

Daphne nodded in agreement. "I understand that, but won't it be a bad look if the savior of wizarding Britain does not show up to a ball designed to start over?"

Susan considered this before responding, "He might come. I would just be surprised if he did. Maybe you can convince him with your mutual love of books," she added with a chuckle.

Daphne couldn't help but laugh too. "Ah yes, because Potter and I are now kindred spirits."

Susan grinned mischievously. "Stranger things have happened!"

As the evening wore on, the noise level in the bar increased, and more patrons joined in the lively conversations around them. Daphne, Susan, Tracey, Hannah, and Lisa revealed in each other's company, enjoying the sense of normalcy that had returned to their lives after the turmoil of the Second Wizarding War.

With their glasses of wine in hand and laughter in their hearts, they shared anecdotes and plans for the upcoming Yule Festival, a symbol of hope and renewal in a healing wizarding Britain. The night was far from over, and their friendship remained as steadfast as ever, a source of strength and support in a world that had seen its fair share of darkness.

And so, in the midst of laughter and companionship, the group of friends continued their evening, grateful for each other's presence and looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead.

…

End of Chapter

Authors Note -I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts on the current state of Haphne stories and this particular fic. First of all, I'd like to express my gratitude to the 58 of you who have followed this story, and to the 24 who have favorited it. Your support means a lot to me.

Now, here's a little statistic: we've received only two reviews so far. I understand that we all do this for free and that writing a review might seem like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference to authors like myself. Just a minute or two of your time to share your thoughts can help shape the direction of the story and motivate us to keep writing.

I won't set specific review targets because I personally dislike doing that. However, if you want to see more stories, not just from me but from all authors, I encourage you to support us with your feedback. We've recently lost a couple of talented authors, and I don't want to see any more of them go.

As for this story, I plan for it to have around 10 to 12 chapters. I'm writing it primarily for my own enjoyment, but I also value your input. If it seems like there isn't much interest, I may continue writing it for my own benefit, but I hope that won't be the case.

Thank you once again for your support, and I look forward to sharing more of this story with you.