Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
This time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: Plots thicken, boys find out it's not wise to anger their witches and even in the midst of turmoil, there can be romance.
-oOo-
Chapter 8
-oOo-
February 13, 1998
Hogwarts, Scotland
The hall was already abuzz when they walked in. Hermione had gone with Harry to pick up Daphne. Even though the daft moron Fudge had pardoned the little ferret, he had not returned to school yet. Losing an arm, especially your wand arm, would probably do that to someone.
Hermione couldn't bring herself to care. Malfoy had tried to kill one of them and she found herself wishing Harry had killed him, but he had promised Narcissa.
"What's going on?" Tracey asked as they came in. Harry was taking his responsibilities to them rather seriously, which included Daphne's sister, her friends, and Daphne's friends. It was something she was immensely proud of him for.
"No clue, but I think we are about to find out," Daphne replied. Hannah had gotten up to guide them all over to the Hufflepuff table. It was about the only table they sat at most days.
"Oh Merlin, have you heard?" Hannah asked them, dragging her to the table.
"We just got here," Hermione told the excitable blonde. "What has you all in a tizzy?"
Neville handed her a Daily Prophet. Hermione took it and flattened it out. Since Monday her temper had mellowed out. Harry was going to take her for a date this evening. He had something planned for the three of them tomorrow, even though she would need to leave by nine to do her Head Girl duties, and then a date with Daphne Sunday. Harry was being overly sweet about all this. She just hoped the dates would be something away from here because she was already missing sharing a bed with the two of them.
As the paper flattened out, Hermione forgot all about her date, Valentines and the warm bodies she hoped to feel squirming under her this weekend. On the front cover were two headlines that brought her up short. The first one didn't disappoint her. She was actually pleased.
Minister Fudge Reopens Investigation into the Department of Mysteries Fiasco
It was the second article that had her blood start to boil.
"Those ungrateful, wicked, waste of flesh Weasels," she spat.
Weasley and Prewitt Family Seek Revenge Against Harry Potter for the Department of Mystery Fiasco
Harry looked to her. "Do I need to get the shovels again?" Harry joked.
Daphne gave him a smile showing she liked his humour before looking over her shoulder. "What has you riled?"
Hermione hit the paper at the headlines. "Mister and Misses Weasley are suing us! Why didn't Andi or Ted tell us?"
Harry's grin dropped. "Come again?"
Hermione was reading the article. "They are blaming us for Ron. The bloody dick threw me before that curse," Hermione fumed.
Harry closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm sure Ted has this. I don't have any afternoon classes so I can go see him after lunch."
Daphne took her hand. "Hermione and I have potions. Can this wait for tomorrow?"
"The hell we do. We'll all go. I still want to tell Misses Weasley my mind after what she did to you at Christmas," Hermione said in cold fury.
Harry sighed. "I'll talk to Ted and Andi. You aren't going anywhere near the Weasleys right now."
She looked up to glare at Harry. "You can't tell me what to do and not to do."
"I can give you sound advice if I don't want to be making conjugal visits to Azkaban," Harry said rather deadpan. He was one of the few that would challenge her when she was angry like this.
"Bugger, mate, that would put a dampener on the mood," Neville said, earning himself a hit from Hannah, a laugh from Susan, a deathly glare from Hermione, Daphne trying not to snigger and Harry giving Neville a thumbs up behind her back.
Hermione rolled her eyes after a moment. "I promise I won't do anything that will get me sent to Azkaban."
Harry gave her a worried look. "What scares me is that you probably know just how to stretch the law."
Daphne shrugged. "All good Ladies of important houses should."
Harry looked at Daphne concerned now. "I'm not going to get away with anything with you two around, am I?"
"Not if you want me in your bed," Hermione told him.
Harry gave a little grin. "Good thing I have two of you."
"I will be sharing with Hermione, so you piss her off, you piss me off," Daphne stated.
"Oh, bugger," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Neville chuckled. "Sucks to be you."
"Shut it," Harry snapped at his friend.
"You can sleep in the greenhouses," Hannah said.
"Uhm, Hannah, we're supposed to be punishing him if he is bad," Susan said confused.
Hannah shrugged. "I never said there would be any plants in them."
Neville looked horrified. "You wouldn't!"
"Well, let's hope you never give me reason to find out," Hannah said sweetly, giving Neville a peck on his cheek. Neville looked to be second guessing himself on the two girls he chose.
Daphne leaned over to whisper rather loudly to him. Susan was looking towards them. "That is just evil."
Harry nodded. Susan looked ready to agree when Hermione huffed. "I'll just turn his Firebolt into a coat hanger."
Harry pretended to pass out.
-oOo-
Later that afternoon…
Hogsmeade, Scotland
Harry shook himself. The weather outside was an icy rain. He might have to rethink his date with Hermione tonight. Dobby could probably bring something to the Room of Requirements. He would just need to check if anyone else had it tonight. Only a few people from the DA knew how to get in, so it was typically easy to get the room.
Right now, though, he was getting to the Three Broomsticks. Whatever Andi and Erica had done to rile things up at the Ministry this week had Dumbledore leaving the castle most days and the minister running scared if he publicly stated their 'might' have been some missteps in the investigation of the DOM. He wondered how they had managed that? He also wondered if he wanted to know? If his girls were becoming any indication, he was starting to understand that 'woman scorned' thing.
The Three Broomsticks was a little busy on this cruddy day. It looked like many who lived in the town had come in for a hot toddy or similar drink to fortify themselves against the biting Scottish winter.
Walking to the counter, it took him a moment to get Madam Rosmerta's attention.
"Just up the stairs, deary. First door on the right," she told him.
"Thanks," Harry replied as he left her to her customers.
After knocking on the door, Harry walked into a room with more people than he expected. Around an oval table sat Ted, Andi, Grover, Erica and Madam Bones. After stopping short for a moment, he walked in. "I wasn't expecting a party today," Harry said before greeting them all.
When he sat, Ted pushed a pot of tea towards him. "You may want that, if not something stronger."
Harry rose an eyebrow. "I only contacted you about the Weasley lawsuit. What's going on?"
"Many things, Mister Potter-Black," Madam Bones told him.
"You can call be Harry, Madam Bones," Harry reminded her.
"How are Hermione and Daphne doing?" Erica asked.
"Well. Shouldn't they be?" Harry queried.
"I would expect them to be. I just want to make sure you are all getting along," she replied.
Harry gave a little smile. "I think we are all getting along. I have a date with Hermione tonight, Daphne Sunday and we are doing something together tomorrow before Hermione has to do rounds. She agreed to give Corner the night off since we disappeared last weekend."
Erica and Andi gave them a smile. "That's good to hear."
"Now, what is this all about?" Harry asked.
Most looked to Madam Bones. "Mister Potter-Black, after your attempted arrest on Monday, my department has reopened the investigation into the incident in the DOM in June of nineteen-ninety-six. It would appear the goblins will not release most of the vaults or holdings of the Death Eaters or those involved with them until the proper cause of death is declared."
Harry nodded, knowing all this. Andi gave a small shake of the head to tell him to just listen. Grover looked extremely interested.
"I am officially here to give you a summons to appear before the Judiciary Board on Wednesday next week. The deposition may take several hours to days. After that, the Heiress-presumptive Potter, Miss Hermione Granger, is to appear before the board. The main questioning will revolve around the events of that day but is expected to extend into the events of your fifth year and beyond if it pertains to the circumstances of that night," she told him in a very officious tone.
Andi gave him a nod this time. Harry replied, "I will make myself and my betrothed available, Madam Bones. I would appreciate a notice going to Hogwarts or I fear the headmaster may try to use this against me. I will also escort my betrothed."
Andi's brow rose. "Is Dumbledore still giving you issues?"
Harry shrugged. "Whatever you are up to has him out of the castle most days right now."
Grover chuckled. "Dumbledore and Fudge have made the mistake of making my wife quite upset."
Harry gave the man a quizzical look.
Madam Bones cleared her throat, holding out two rolls of parchment. "Now that the official business is over, we can talk about the other issues. Please return a reply to these, Harry."
"I will have Ted do that," Harry told the woman, handing the summons to Ted. "What is this about the Weasleys?"
"Exactly as the paper said this morning. They are claiming damages and culpability in Ronald Weasley's hospitalization over the last year and eight months," Ted said.
"They do realize that I've been paying his hospital bills, right?" Harry questioned, reaching for the documents Ted handed him.
"Not to mention the life debts owed by Ginevra," Andi responded. "How did Hermione take it this morning?"
Harry snorted. "Don't let her within a mile of any of them. She's still niffed at what happened with Ron and Misses Weasley over Christmas."
"What did happen that night in the Department of Mysteries?" Grover queried.
Harry sighed. "I don't really know. I was trying to avoid a few killing curses when I heard her scream. Ron looked horrified. He had been hit with something that had made him a little loopy and Hermione was trying to get him out of that room with the brains," he said.
"You know he threw her before that curse," Andi reminded him.
"I know. I will never second guess Hermione, but he just wasn't like that," Harry said with a frown.
Andi sighed. "You are too loyal, Harry."
"Are you telling me that Ronald Weasley tried to kill Hermione?" Madam Bones questioned.
"I don't know," Harry said in frustration. He ran his hand through his hair. "Everything was just so chaotic. I was trying to shield Luna and fend off Dolohov, Selwyn and another Death Eater. Hermione was trying to herd Ron into that room with the veil. He was hit with something that made him loopy. It was right after Hermione was downed that he banished one of those brain things into Dolohov and then summoned another. Whatever that thing did to him, knocked him out. I did what I could for Hermione before Voldemort showed up. Luna stayed with them, but Ron never woke up again."
He looked to Andi. "I won't ever trust him again, but you know he was my first real friend, Andi, and he wasn't in his right mind."
"Harry, can you give me all your memories of that night? It sounds like there is a lot that Fudge and the Wizengamot hid. He wouldn't let me near the case, and I was recovering in the hospital during most of it," Madam Bones told him.
"I've already given the DMLE a full copy. We all did," Harry told her.
The woman growled. "That incompetent, corrupt bastard. This is something we will talk with Fudge on Monday. His balls will be pinned to the wall by the time I get done with him."
Grover, Ted and him all winced at the conviction in her voice.
"Add it to the list," Andi agreed.
"Harry, are you saying that Voldemort really returned? How did you defeat him?" Erica asked.
He shrugged. "I didn't kill Diggory. The wanker used my blood to make a homunculus. We got into a fight in the Room of Death, that's what's it called right?" he asked towards Madam Bones.
"Yes," she replied, carefully listening to him. She knew some of this when she had helped him clear Sirius name. Harry assumed she knew it all, but Fudge must have kept her from it somehow.
"Voldemort and I got into a duel in the Room of Death after Bellatrix killed my godfather. It was a pretty nasty fight that ended when I was able to banish him into the veil. I don't really remember anything else for almost two weeks after that," he said.
"You spent most of that time in St Mungo's in a magically induced coma. You were in a bad way," Andi said. "That was when I was informed of Sirius will and that he wanted me to care for you."
"I don't know if I can say thank you enough," Harry said to her.
"It has never been a burden," she replied.
"For you," Ted teased. "I've had to drop most of my clients the last few years with the work he throws my way."
"So, you wouldn't be interested in a new client?" Grover asked. "My solicitor is getting close to retirement."
"Family is always accepted," Ted replied.
"What else is going on," Harry asked.
Erica gave a grin. "Well, the Weasley's will have their own issues to deal with soon, not just you."
Harry frowned. "I still like George, Fred and Ginny. They have stuck up for me against the others."
"I have ensured they will not be touched," Andi told him.
"Then what of the others?"
"Fudge and Percival Weasley are about to find out what Azkaban is like," Erica told him. Harry looked at her curiously. "No one threatens my family, or my unborn grandchildren. The man is playing with laws and games he does not understand or have the family name to back up his plays."
Harry nodded. "The laws of the Sacred Twenty-eight. Am I declaring blood feud on anyone?"
Andi and Madam Bones grinned. "Not yet. I think we can ruin them without having to call for duels or other bloodshed. I don't think your image needs people seeing you as a blood thirsty Lord that only wants power," Andi told him.
"I will have his balls on the wall of the DMLE," Madam Bones said with conviction.
"Will you continue to support the boy that almost cost you one of your betroths life?" Grover queried, not looking pleased at the idea.
"Until we know exactly what happened, I will silently pay for his bills. Hermione will get nowhere near him or the other Weasleys. I really think she would try to kill them, Andi," he replied. "Beyond that, I would have to talk with him if he ever comes out of the coma."
"I would not advise to keep paying for his bills while the lawsuit is ongoing," Ted said. "It could show a sign of guilt."
Harry shook his head. "I will keep paying for his bills. It's all coming out of the proceeds from the basilisk that I earmarked for him. He was there to help. I won't give Arthur, Molly or Percy that power over that much gold."
"Again, you are too loyal to those that you shouldn't be," Andi put in.
He glared at Andi. "Maybe, but is that so bad? Your family, the Grangers, Hermione, Daphne, the Greengrasses, the twins, Ginny, the Longbottoms and now the Bones and Abbotts are the only ones that I really care about anymore. Any other good news?"
"Narcissa will be reaching out to you this week. Apparently, the pardon Fudge gave Draco is good. She is no longer the Lady-regent, but may be looking for a boon," Andi told him.
"What type of boon? The Malfoys are not deserving of anything like that," Grover stated.
"What does she want?" Harry asked, ignoring his future father-on-law for the moment.
"To be accepted back into the Blacks and to become your representative until you are ready to take it. She is offering to take half her block with her," Andi said.
Grover's eyes widened.
"Merlin's saggy balls," Madam Bones whispered.
The other two ladies had satisfied grins. "So, she is going to renounce the House of Malfoy?"
"Draco is not happy with you. He knows that his mother and us have worked together for a few years now. He threatened to disown her, so she is willing to cut him off at the knees and take most of his power with her," Andi replied.
"Most of her block is on more of a grey or neutral footing now, so we can work with her easily," Erica said.
"And were you going to tell me about this?" Grover asked.
"I just did," Erica said with a smile.
"Merlin, women!" the man exclaimed.
"And what issue do you have with us?" Madam Bones asked.
Andi gave the man a level look. He shifted in his seat.
Ted leaned over, "I learned a while ago to just go with it."
Harry gave the man a grin. Harry was learning that too.
-oOo-
That evening…
Hogwarts, Scotland
The weather had turned for the worse. By the time Harry had made it back to Hogwarts the ice was starting to build and marble sized hail stones had been pelting him. Even now, the clatter of sleet on the windows had him shivering.
"Are you cold?" Hermione asked.
"It was freezing on the walk to Hogsmeade. Originally, I was going to take you down there, but figure this is better tonight," he said to her. "Besides, I would figure you would be cold."
She was wearing a new dress he hadn't seen before. It was a little red number that covered her shoulders, dipped low enough to hint at her chest, flared at the hips and ended mid-thigh. Harry liked what he saw of her legs down to the high heels she had on tonight. A white shawl was wrapped around her arms and shoulders.
Hermione held onto his arm tight. "I was thinking you could keep me warm."
Harry gave her a goofy grin. "That can be arranged. First, though, I would like dinner."
"Aren't we heading the wrong way then?" she asked as they made it to the seventh floor corridor.
"Perhaps," Harry said mysteriously.
Hermione gave him a smile and kissed his cheek. "I look forward to wherever you will bring me tonight."
They walked by the tapestry. Tonight, the trolls were spinning and falling as the barmy Barnabus was trying to teach them to pirouette. "I think you will like it."
"I hope so. What are we going to eat?" she asked as they turned.
"Something foreign," he said.
Her eyes lit up. "What kind of foreign?"
Harry turned her again. "Something not from Scotland."
She pouted. Hermione almost never did that, but she had taken on this softer side with him since they had started dating. "That doesn't help."
He gave her a cheeky grin back. "It wasn't supposed to. Ah, here we are."
They turned to see a fancy set of glass doors. Her brow rose. "Where are we?"
He moved to the door and opened it. "Some little French place, Mademoiselle," Harry told her. Hermione had a huge smile to see a trellised balcony overlooking Paris with the Eiffel tower not far off. "Your mum mentioned how much you enjoy Paris, so I thought why not take a little trip."
"Who would have ever thought Harry Potter would be so debonaire?" she asked him, pulling him inside the doors, which disappeared once closed.
"Certainly not Harry Potter. He's rather clueless, you know," he joked. It made him happy to hear her laugh.
"Oh, he's clueless, that's for sure."
"Oi!" he complained, moving to the small table set for two. It was a warm night, with the lights showing brightly and the smell of summer on the air. "Good thing he's not such a tosser anymore."
She moved to give him a slightly lingering kiss on his lips. "I'll keep him. For now."
"Good, because he wants to keep you," Harry told her, pushing her seat in as she pulled her dress under her bottom and sat.
She laughed. "Well, that is one less worry," she told him.
When Harry sat in the seat across from her, she took his hands in both hers. "So, are you serving, or do I need to call for a waiter?"
"Dobby," Harry called out.
A small elf came out a door that led inside. "The Great Harry call Dobby? Hello, Miss Hermione."
She smiled at the little guy who was trembling with excitement. Tonight, he only had one hat on his head and a button-down shirt that was left to hang loose. "Hello, Dobby. How have you been?"
"Dobby is doing very well, Miss Hermione. Dobby is now second elf in the kitchens and has plenty of work. I had to negotiate not to get more paying though. Headmaster wanted to increase Dobby's pay by a knut a day for the job, but Dobby told him no. A galleon and ten sickles a month and one day off is enough," Dobby said rather proudly.
Harry held her hands tight. He knew she still wanted to free all the elves, but this was Dobby's thing to handle. After a moment, she smiled again. "You keep up the good work, Dobby."
"If you want, I may be looking to hire a House Elf soon. If you know any that would like the job, we can talk later," Harry said.
Dobby's eyes went wide. Hermione gave him a sharp look. Harry would let her negotiate with the elf. If they were to have their own place soon, and Hermione wanted to still work, they might need another hand around the house. Harry just had to figure out where they were going to live. There was no way he was going to live at Grimmauld Place, or the Lestrange Estate. He would have to have a talk with his girls. Maybe they could finally sell them and find something else?
Dobby started to hop from foot to foot. "Dobby being available at the end of the year. Dobby could be working for the Great Harry!"
"Great, Dobby. Talk to my future Misses Potter. I'm sure she can talk you up to a better compensation package," he said.
The elf stopped hopping, his ears drooping a little while Hermione got a glint to her eyes. Harry felt sorry for the little guy. Before either of them could get going, Harry asked, "Would you mind getting the drinks and the first course?"
Dobby's ears sprang up. "Oh, yes, the Great Harry." With a smile, he snapped his fingers. The fluted champagne glasses instantly filled, while a plate of some bread, cheeses and olives appeared to their left, and a rather nice smelling plate of snails appeared to the right.
Hermione looked at the food, a look of surprise, then her eyes narrowed as Dobby backed away like a stealthy ninja. A good house elf was not seen. "You did that on purpose," she accused.
He took some of the still warm bread and cheese. "Did what?"
She huffed. "You know what." She sniffed. "Is that escargot?"
"Think so. I've never had it before. I asked Dobby if he knew how to make some French food and he said he knew exactly what to make. Apparently, the elves learned a lot the year Beauxbatons was here," he told her.
She shook her head. "I'm keeping an eye on you, Potter."
"Which one," he asked back cheekily. She swatted his arm and he chuckled.
As agreed upon, they wouldn't talk about anything important while on a date. So, they just enjoyed each other, talking about what they wanted to do once they got out of Hogwarts. Daphne. Going on a small honeymoon in April. Daphne. Possible children names, now they were both getting over the shock. Daphne. As the deserts came out, they were just staring into each other's eyes as Harry rubbed her thigh. His hand would start at her knee, before wandering up, under her dress, then pull back just before he would reach her knickers.
Hermione's eyes were looking deeply into his. "Has anyone told you that you have beautiful eyes?" Hermione asked.
"I rather like your chocolate eyes more," he said. Hermione was rubbing her hand up his lower arm.
She gave a lascivious smile. "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have desert while in bed?"
Harry rose an eyebrow. He was liking this other side of her he had been finding the last two months. "With or without clothes?"
She got up, picking up the fruit tart. "Only one way to find out," she told him, kicking her heels off as she went inside the doors to the building. Harry got up as fast as he could, grabbing his own tart. Inside was a cosy bedroom with a wide bed, a love seat, thick carpet and a huge chair that could fit two.
Harry just took that all in a second before focusing on Hermione as she stood before the bed. She had a glistening strawberry covered in glaze in her mouth as her hands reached behind her dress. He watched in awe as she undid the zipper. As she lowered her arms, the dress fell. Harry sucked in a breath at her beauty. She was in only her knickers. "A week is far too long," Hermione told him taking the strawberry out of her mouth.
"Lord, how did I get so lucky?"
She gave him a sly smile. "You haven't gotten lucky yet," she said. His cock strained against his trousers to see her circle her tongue around the strawberry before taking a bite. His eyes didn't leave the strawberry as she dragged the fruit over her chin, down her neck and over her right breast ending at the nipple. "I think I need to be cleaned up."
"Bloody hell," he said, putting his tart on the table next to the couch. She gave a chuckle as he rushed to undo his belt and shed his clothes. She leaned back on the bed, slipping her knickers off.
As fast as he could, he crawled onto the bed, kissing her lips. She tasted just like the strawberry, which he decided was his new favourite taste. She let out a moan as he trailed his lips down her chin, to her neck. He sucked and used his tongue to follow the trail she made. "Harry," she breathed out. A hand made it to his hair as he made it to her nipple. She was moaning deeply as he sucked in her nipple.
"I think I got more on me," she told him in a husky voice. Harry propped himself over her to watch the strawberry trail over her other breast, then down, over her stomach, through her trim curlies, to end up between her legs.
Harry gave a smirk. "I can't take you anywhere. I'm always cleaning up after you."
She chuckled, then took in a sharp breath when he took in her other nipple. The body shaking groan she gave had him grow harder against her leg. He was enjoying the way she squirmed too much to satisfy himself just yet. He trailed his tongue down her stomach. Hermione giggled before settling as he kissed her thigh. He took in a whiff and got her musk mixed with strawberry.
Strawberry musk was his new favourite smell.
The strawberry had been left in her folds. "You got something just here," he said. He had learned some of what he was doing last weekend on Daphne, so wasn't as shy about kissing around the strawberry, or flicking his tongue out just inside her slit.
She shuttered. "Just use your mouth already," she begged after a few minutes of his teasing her around the strawberry. She was shifting and moaning.
Harry had a smirk on his face as he looked up to her. "Impatient?" he queried, flicking his tongue out just above the strawberry.
She groaned, "Harry!"
He pulled the strawberry out, then put his mouth over her slit. His tongue snaked in. It was a glorious taste to have her slightly tangy musk mixing with the strawberry. She cried out, a hand moving to keep his mouth pressed against her.
He worked his tongue and mouth around for a few, Hermione whimpering as he did so. He was getting as worked up as she was before some insane thought came to him. He moved his tongue to the nib at the top of her pussy and said I love you.
The only thing was, it wasn't in English. He had just rattled his tongue and mouth with parseltongue. It was almost instant. Hermione's hand grabbed his hair painfully. She pulled his mouth onto her and her whole body shook and convulsed as she screamed. Harry hadn't seen her have such a release before. Having nothing better to do, he sucked on her sensitive spot then repeated I love you.
He thought she was going to die with how her body tightened. She didn't scream this time, instead had her head back like she was going to pass out with pleasure. Her back was arched. He was starting to get worried when she suddenly started to breathe again and flopped on the bed.
He rose his head. His face was shiny with fluids and his green eyes concerned, as much as he was aroused. Hermione was heaving for breath.
"You okay, luv?" he asked.
"Holy, fecking Merlin's balls!" she said, trying to catch her breath.
He quirked an eyebrow. "That good?"
"Bloody hell, Harry," she said, still not acting like she had a real coherent thought.
He started to get a huge grin on his face. "That good?"
Her chocolate eyes finally met his. Her mouth moved a time or two. Her body was still shaking a little. "Merlin, Harry. You are not telling Daphne you can do that until I can watch. I want to see her come undone the first time you use parselmouth on her."
Harry grinned even larger. "Sure."
She was still heaving. "Give me a few then I'll relieve that basilisk that's been humping my leg."
Harry was really hard at the moment.
-oOo-
February 15, 1998
London, England
The weather had turned to a clear winter sky after three days of snowy, icy, blustery weather. Daphne loved Hogwarts but hated the weather. Until recently, the only good thing to do during the winter was to curl up in a chair before a fireplace and do your homework.
Now, though, she had two especially important people that she enjoyed spending time with.
Yesterday had been a very enjoyable day. Harry had been so sweet to get Tracey to put some roses by her bed in the morning. Hermione had gotten her some sinfully tasting chocolates. For lunch, the three of them had a private lunch in the kitchens. They had a nice snogging session in Hermione's rooms, but not much farther. She had been rather disappointed, but Professor McGonagall had impressed on them to follow the rules. It had been such a better day than lounging before the fire on her own.
Today, Harry was leading her out of the Leaky Cauldron into Muggle London. She had only spent a few hours here and there in the Muggle world with Tracey until last weekend, and both of those had been vastly different experiences.
With Tracey, it had been a few shopping trips or meals with her aunt, who was a squib. Tracey lived like a witch. Her grandmother on her mother's side had been a Muggleborn, but lived like a witch as well. Spending a night and a day at the Grangers had opened her eyes in a totally new way, especially with what electricity could do.
Even so, she felt a little apprehensive as Harry pulled her along, excitement on his face. They were both dressed as Muggles. Jean trousers, a nice shirt and a jacket borrowed from Hermione had her feeling like she might blend in. She also liked how Harry had stared at her arse in the jeans, making her feel rather nice about her body. Of course, Hermione had done the same as Harry when Daphne had caught her looking in the mirror.
"Where are we going?"
"The theatre. There is a matinee in about forty minutes," Harry told her. They walked out of the relatively calm Leaky Cauldron onto a busy street with automobiles, people hustling by and a store with more shoes than she had ever seen.
Daphne pulled up short, her eyes huge to see a pair of knee-high boots and black high heels. Tracey's aunt had taken her and Tracey to a few places, but she had never seen shoes like that. Harry stopped. He looked at her and then the store. "Can I take you there later? Or do you want to miss the theatre?"
"How much is a hundred and fifteen Muggle money?" she asked. She was too much a lady to drool, but she was tempted too.
Harry chuckled. "Last I knew the exchange rate was a sickle and a knut per pound. I would say… maybe six or seven galleons."
Her mouth dropped open a little. "That would be fifteen to twenty galleons or more for boots in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, and there is nothing like that at Gladrags, and Gladrags is the trendiest shop in Hogsmeade."
Harry looked down the street and back to her. "Come on," he said, pulling her towards the door.
"I thought we were going to the theatre?" she asked rather feebly.
"You won't concentrate on the movie the way you are looking at those boots. I'm sure there is a later showing," he told her.
Daphne tried not to squeal. She really did.
Forty minutes later they had left with Harry paying over three-hundred pounds for the boots she had seen in the window, two styles the clerk had called pumps and a rather sexy pair of black high heels that she thought looked wonderful on her. She was wearing her new boots. They were not quite as comfortable as the ones from Diagon Alley, but a few charms would fix that quickly. They were far more fashionable, though.
"Merlin, Tracey is going to be so jealous," Daphne said a little smugly. She now knew how Tracey got some of her stuff. Her best friend's family was not as wealthy as her family, but they all dressed impeccably.
Harry chuckled as he carried the bag. "Glad to help," he cheekily said.
She pulled him down to kiss his cheek. "You said there are other stores like this?"
"Yeah. Maybe you can ask Hermione and Tracey to take you? Just don't spend all my money," he told her.
She had a glint to her eye. "How much do you have?"
"We have more than I will ever know what to do with," he told her.
She cocked her head as they walked down the street. "How much is that?"
Harry looked around to make sure no one was listening. "Well, I combined the Potter and Black vaults and finances. Last I checked, there was over three-million galleons in the vaults, besides our investments, heirlooms and some properties. The investments bring in about three thousand galleons a month."
Her eyes grew wider than when she had seen the shoe shoppe. After a moment she asked, "And how much did we just spend?"
"Less than eighteen galleons," Harry answered.
She had to grab his arm. "We just spent less than eighteen galleons? For those?"
"Yeah. They were on the more expensive side," he responded as though it was nothing.
"That was expensive? How much do things cost here?" she questioned.
"Usually not that much. Most of my trainers are forty quid or less. I like spending a little more on my trousers so they don't fall apart or wear out too early, so that is usually about fifty or sixty," he answered.
She looked him up and down. "I just spent more on shoes than you do on what you are wearing, and that is still less than was I will at Gladrags or Miss Finston's?"
"Sure. Though, I really like this jacket. I think we got it for almost a hundred and fifty," Harry replied. "Though I think Madam Mulkins sells good boots and dress shoes for about five galleons each."
She gave him a big smile. "And I can spend all I want?"
"As long as you leave enough for us to live on," Harry told her with a cheeky grin.
"Merlin, I love you!" She pulled him down for a rather passionate kiss, which earned them a wolf whistle from a passer-by. Harry gave them a two-finger salute as she pulled back, her face rather flush. "I won't really spend that much."
"I figured. Hmmm," he said stopping outside a building with large posters. She could see scenes with titles on them.
Titanic. There was a rather nice-looking guy and woman on the prow of a ship.
The Full Monty. A man was smoking a cigarette on a yellow background and several people standing behind him.
The Fifth Element. A poster that she had no clue what it meant to have some strange things on a field of stars, a round thing that looked like the moon and three faces.
"This place shows films that are just out of the main cinema. I thought I would take you to see a tragic love story, but the next Titanic showing isn't for another two hours now," Harry told her.
"Is this like the tellie you showed me?" she asked, confused about what Harry was talking about.
"Yeah, just on a giant screen and it tells a story for an hour and a half to two hours, usually. Hermione and I saw Titanic over Christmas and I thought you may like it," Harry answered.
"What about that one?" she said, pointing to the strange one.
"The Fifth Element? I don't know what it's about. Looks like a Science Fiction thing."
She really felt confused now. "Science Fiction?"
"Yeah. Spaceships. Aliens. Stuff of what the muggles think the future would be like," Harry answered.
She felt intrigued. She wanted to see the one Harry had suggested too. "When does this one start?"
Harry looked up to a board inside a booth. "In about twenty minutes," he said after looking at his watch.
"How about we see that and then I saw a dress shoppe I would like to look at," she said, batting her eyes.
Harry laughed at her. "Do I get to see you try them on?"
"Perhaps," she said a little coyly.
"We could go to the shoppe, then see the later movie and dinner?" he suggested.
"Oh, can we try more Thai? That was really good last week," she said, taking his hand and already pulling him back towards the dress shoppe she had seen from the shoe shoppe.
He laughed at her enthusiasm. "I can walk, you know."
"Oh, hush," she said. Harry had to pull her up short before she walked out into the road.
"I rather like you the way you are. No need to get flattened," he told her. "Those autos and lorries won't just stop for you. Here, press that button. Then we will wait for the lights to change."
Her eyes were wide in fear this time. She had just about stepped out into the road. A large square automobile trundled past. She had no doubt that would have hurt to get hit by it. She moved to be right against his side. "I think I'll stay right here," she told him.
He wrapped his arm over her shoulder, allowing her to wrap her arms around his waist. "I won't let anything happen to you," he promised, kissing her forehead.
When they made it to the shoppe, she felt recovered enough to instantly perk up to see all the styles. There were dozens, where she was used to maybe four or five. "Can I help you?"
"Yeah, my fiancée was just looking. Do you know what you may like?" he asked towards her.
She let him go to walk over to a cute blue dress that would make just about any other girl jealous. She reached out to the satin material, liking the thin straps and the way it clung to the model.
"I see you have good taste. That is one of our new styles for the spring season. Would you like to try it on?" the clerk offered.
"Can I," she asked towards Harry. She had been joking about how much money she would spend. She had never wanted for anything, but even mother would only let her splurge like this if they were going to a ball, party or other social event.
Harry waved his hand. "Whatever you want today."
She gave him a huge smile. "Please," she said to the clerk.
"Just over here. What size are you? Maybe a six?"
Daphne was confused. "Size?"
"No problem. I have a six right here. The changing rooms are there. Mister fiancé, you can wait here while she tries this on," the clerk said with a wink. Harry chuckled. Daphne was taken with the fact she had so many choices and the store could have a dress already made in her size.
She was shown into the room. After a few minutes, she had slipped into the dress, really enjoying the way it clung to her curves. The only issue was the zipper. "Harry?" she asked.
"Yeah, Daph?"
"Could you come in here for a moment?"
"Am I allowed?"
"Please," she asked him.
Harry slipped into the door. His eyes at once looked her up and down. She enjoyed the thrill to see the lust in his eyes for a moment before he got hold of himself. "Could you help?" she asked, showing the zipper on the side.
"Sure." Harry moved over, taking the dress and pulling the zipper up.
She spun for him. "What do you think?"
"That I'm the luckiest guy in the world," Harry told her. It wasn't just lust in his eyes.
Daphne blushed. She knew she was pretty. Merlin, how many times had she had to fend of Draco or others? There were reasons why she had been dubbed the Ice Queen by a group of seventh year boys her third year when they found out she wasn't someone to just fool around with. This time though, she wanted Harry to think she was pretty. She enjoyed his praise. Not to mention his wandering eyes.
"And why are you the luckiest guy?" she questioned playfully.
"You. You are beautiful. I'll have to take you out somewhere where you can wear that," he told her.
She preened under his joy. "And what about Hermione?"
"Well, that is what makes me the luckiest guy in the world. How many can say they have two gorgeous witches?" he put to her.
To see his green eyes shining with the truth of his words, she took a step towards him. "I would hope only one, the one I call mine," she said.
"Well, yeah," he said, putting his hands on her hips.
She moved in, putting a kiss on his lips. "Should I try on a few more dresses?"
"Whatever you want today. This day is all about you," he told her.
She had a flush go through her to know he meant it. She put her arms around his neck and started to kiss him. His tongue brushed her lips and she went into full on snog. His hands rubbed the sides of her dress while she could feel him getting excited. She was too, as the heat in her core started.
"Can I get you something else to try?" the clerk asked, a hint of a laugh on her voice.
Daphne pulled back, feeling rather flush. "No. This fits just about perfectly," she said.
"I can package it up once you get out. Would you like to try anymore?" the clerk questioned through the door.
"No," Daphne said, hoping more to find a place she could snog Harry without interruption.
Harry helped to undo the zipper and then snuck out. She didn't miss the strain to his jeans. Once they were done, Harry bought her the dress, as well as a silver beaded strapless purse and some hair accessories that the clerk insisted went with the dress.
When they walked out of the store, Harry recommended stopping in a jewellery store. "I've heard a good dress needs some diamonds or something."
"You've already spent too much," she protested, before seeing a white gold diamond bracelet and matching earrings that would go perfect with the dress. He wouldn't let her see how much it cost, but used some plastic card instead of bills this time.
By the time they walked out, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world. She doubted that Draco would have ever treated her out like this without a good reason. Nor would he have done this without expecting some payment. Harry looked to do it just because it brought a smile to her face.
After getting 'junk' food for the movie, she sank into his side as he put her arm around her shoulders. They had decided on Titanic after stopping at another shoppe. She had never seen anything like it, actually crying when Jack died.
By the time they made it back to Hogwarts, she found she could never have envisioned such a day. It was just past eight, so he suggested to take her back to Slytherin house.
"I don't want to leave you," she said as he led her down the stairs.
"Once we get married, we can either join Hermione in the Head Girl rooms or get married quarters for the rest of the year," Harry told her.
She really didn't want to wait that long. Looking around, she did something she never thought she would before. Pulling his hand, she opened the closet door. The closet only had some empty storage shelves.
Harry gave her an amused look. "A broom closet?"
"Oh, hush," she told him, lighting the gas lamp, closing the door then locking it. She didn't wait to grab his shirt and pull him in for a searing kiss. Harry returned it eagerly. When he moved to pin her against the shelves, she turned to press him into it. She felt his arousal as she pressed her body into his.
His hands started to roam. She moaned into his mouth. As much as she enjoyed the thrill it sent through her, this was about Harry at the moment. He had just given her a wonderful day, and she wanted to show how she appreciated him. That, and a week was far too long without him in her.
She struggled with his belt as his hands snaked under her shirt. Daphne felt his fingertips as hot balls of pleasure over her skin. She didn't want to shag him in the closet, but she wasn't averse to doing other things she knew girls did.
She enjoyed Harry kissing her neck as his hands cupped and played with her tits under her bra. Her hands had finally gotten his zipper undone and his pants to his knees. Harry growled into her neck as she took his long member into her hands and started to stroke.
"You, Mister Black," she said, her voice much huskier than she expected it to be. She was rewarded by his mouth sucking on her neck.
"Yes, Miss Greengrass?" he said after a moment.
"You are going to be one lucky guy," she purred to him as he worked his mouth back to hers.
"I already am," he said, before kissing her. She increased the pressure of her hands wrapped around his cock. He moaned into her mouth, making her wet between her legs, as she elongated and quickened her stroking.
"Not yet, you aren't," she said with a wicked smile, dropping to her knees. She didn't hesitate, thinking of how Hermione had just gone down on him that first night, and how they both had done this last weekend. He filled her mouth. Watching his eyes flutter as she started to bob her head had her enjoying that she could give him as much pleasure as he had given her already.
"Merlin, Daph," Harry said as she stroked him as her mouth worked his shaft. He started to grab the shelf he was leaning against. To see his muscles tighten and his knuckles go white as she bobbed her head had her enjoying the power she had over him. The way others had told her how they would use her, she found it thrilling to know she was the one controlling this.
"Bloody… Daph…" he sputtered.
He seemed to be holding back by the way his whole body was stiff. She wanted him to just lose himself for her. She started to move her tongue around. He whimpered and she smiled around his cock, her blue eyes meeting his. They were green orbs of liquid fire that soaked her in. Her knickers grew wetter. He wanted her. A man wanted her for her, not as some trophy.
Trying to take him in as much as she could, he suddenly shuttered. "Fuck," he stuttered.
She suddenly gagged as his dick grew and started to shoot in her mouth. She knew it was coming but hadn't quite expected how forceful he was. She pulled back in surprise, suddenly getting a hot stream on her face before latching onto him again. She felt some of it drip off her chin.
His whole body shuttered as he tried to keep in his groans. She ran her tongue around the tip as her mouth filled. When he stopped, she slowly pulled off his cock. Tracey had said some boys liked to see their seed in the girl's mouth, so she kept it open. She had tried it last weekend, and it still wasn't a bad taste.
He was breathing hard, his hands still gripping the shelf hard enough she thought he would crack it. Once she was sure he had seen what was in her mouth, she closed it and swallowed. His lust filled eyes grew wider. "Bloody hell," he said in disbelief.
She gave him a satisfied smile before reaching up to clean off her face. "That was for a brilliant date," she told him, standing up.
"That was bloody brilliant," he said, pulling her in and kissing her, even though she still had some of his cum on her cheek. When he pulled back, he was still breathing hard. She leaned her forehead against his. "Your turn next time."
"Luckiest man alive," he muttered to her as she wiped the last off her cheek. She would need to clean this shirt later before returning it to Hermione.
"You better believe it," she said.
He laughed. "Next weekend we are all going away from the castle. Soon Hermione is going to start going mental about our NEWTS and I want her relaxed."
Daphne grinned. "I am getting outstandings on all of them. So are you."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied cheekily before kissing her again. Harry's hands started to roam. She wanted him so bad, but not here. She gently took his hands. "Next weekend. I really don't want to shag you in a broom closet. I also want the three of us in a bed again. It gets lonely at night without either of you."
"I'll make the arrangements," he promised.
-oOo-
Next time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: More a slice of life with revelations and drama.