Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
This time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: Revelations, more trio bonding and a Weasel.
-oOo-
February 18, 1998
London, England
Hermione was starting to feel the classes they had missed the last week or so. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't disappointed in why, but she was now a week off her study schedule and this parchment was due tomorrow. Even so, she couldn't quite concentrate on it.
She gave a heavy sigh.
"I'm worried about him too," Daphne said from next to her.
She shook her head. "I'm sorry," Hermione said.
Tracey was on the opposite side of the table with Susan. They were supposed to be working on their runes and potions, but Hermione barely had a quarter of the assignment done.
"We are all worried for him," Susan sympathized with them.
Tracey snorted. "Speak for yourself. When has Potter never come out ahead?"
Hermione huffed. "You have no idea what he has been through or put up with. If Madam Bones and Andi hadn't approved of this, I would think the ministry is out to get him again."
Daphne's hand went over hers. "Tracey doesn't mean anything by it, luv. She just has poor taste when to joke."
Tracey glared at her friend. "I will let you know I know the perfect timing to joke. Just not everyone appreciates my humour."
Daphne snorted. "Yeah, we'll go with that."
A small smile broke her face. "It's still not funny."
"It is a little," Susan said with her own grin.
"See! Perfect timing," Tracey said a little too loudly.
Daphne was trying to hush her. "I will beat you myself if we get thrown out," Daphne hissed.
Susan chuckled as she looked back at her parchment. "I'm sure Harry will be fine," Susan assured them.
Hermione had wanted to go today but had been told she wouldn't be allowed into the session. Harry could go with her when she went for her deposition because he was her betrothed. Wizarding laws and ways were so infuriating at times in how misogynistic they were.
Her worried lessened when he appeared between the stacks about an hour later. It was getting close to dinner now. He was still in his House robes and looked tired. The three other girls looked up to see him. She moved over as he grabbed a chair and put it between her and Daphne.
"Long day?" Daphne asked.
"Very," Harry tiredly replied.
"How did it go?" Hermione questioned.
Harry sat in the chair, leaned back and rubbed his face. "We only made it through fifth year and part of fourth. The Board wants to keep going back as they find out more. Dumbledore was asked to leave when it came out he did nothing to protect us from Umbridge."
Hermione put a hand in his hair. When she started to run it back and then repeat, he let out a contented sigh as he leaned back into the chair, slumping so his neck was resting on the back. Daphne took his hand. "They know about this now?" Daphne queried, tracing the white scars on the back of his hand that said 'I will not tell lies.'.
"Yeah. Madam Bones and Madam Longbottom were livid. I think they are going to be asking some others. I don't think I was the only one, just the only one to have scars," Harry told them.
"What happened?" Tracey enquired.
"Blood quill," Harry told her.
That year had been awful for Harry. She had done everything she could to help heal him, but they couldn't see Madam Pomfrey about it. "The hag should have been left with the centaurs," Hermione deadpanned.
Harry chuckled. "I don't think they even wanted her. I don't know why they didn't kill her."
"Probably the treaties. They are allowed to take witches or wizards for breeding or slaves if they violate the tribes' laws, but to kill one would probably bring the entire ministry down on them," Susan said.
Most of them made a face. "Someone would want to breed with her?" Tracey said disgusted.
Harry made a face. "I waaaas hungry for dinner." His tone made it clear he wasn't anymore.
"I don't think toads and horses mix well," Daphne replied.
"Okay, can we talk about something else?" Hermione requested.
"How did the rest of the hearing go?" Daphne asked.
Harry sighed. "I let them keep me under veritaserum most of the day. I gave them my memories. You should have heard Madam Longbottom to see Neville taking on Bellatrix or most the rest of them when Voldemort was resurrected. They are going to call Neville now. Sorry, Susan. Madam Bones wants to give me two Orders of Merlin, you and the others from the DA that came with us one, and I'm sure once she gets to the basilisk there will be more calls. Can't I just be left alone?"
Hermione sympathized with him. It was obvious the other three didn't. Daphne, still getting to know Harry, looked confused why he wouldn't want an Order of Merlin or three. Tracey was just flummoxed. Again, why wouldn't someone want those awards. Susan was a little in between. She had gotten to know Harry some over the last two years since getting involved in the DA. She knew he wasn't one to want attention or to call any to him, though he had been doing a smashing job of it lately. But, an Order of Merlin was a very prestigious award.
"Neville figured he would be called," Susan assured him.
"Harry, earning an Order of Merlin is not a small thing," Daphne commented.
"Harry doesn't want all the attention. Most have forgotten he's the Boy-Who-Lived after Fudge's cover up of the Department of Mysteries and now he's going to be dragged into the limelight again," Hermione explained to the newest member of their trio.
Harry put his hands to his eyes. "I think I just need some supper and then get some sleep. Veritaserum really takes it out of you," Harry told them.
"What about your revision?" Hermione questioned, not wanting to get behind.
"I think I'll be there the rest of the week. I can catch up this weekend," he told her. "Oh, yeah, I talked with Corner. He'll take all the Head Boy responsibilities while we go to the Greengrasses for the weekend."
"When were you going to tell us this?" Hermione questioned, wanting the time with her two significant others, but needing the library too.
"You know that you have really started a trend now that everyone is finding out about Hogwarts being unable to keep anyone over seventeen here on the weekends," Tracey said with a smile.
"Neville, Hannah and I are going to the Abbott's. We need to complete the betrothals, and I want to share the same bed again," Susan told them.
"I can't wait," Daphne enthused. "Are you going out with Blaise?"
Tracey gave a big smile. "My parents want to meet him. He got the notice that his betrothal was annulled. His mum is none too pleased."
"You don't look disappointed," Susan pointed out.
"I'm not," Tracey replied.
Hermione was watching Harry. "Are you still awake?"
"No," he told her. She gave Daphne a look. They were going to need to get him into bed. Hermione had never heard of veritaserum being used for more than an hour or two. If he had been on it all day, she wasn't sure the side effects.
Daphne got her look. "Right, we are going to go to the kitchen's and get Harry into bed."
The knowing smiles Susan and Tracey gave them had Daphne blush a little. Hermione just gave them a grin. "I didn't say which bed."
"Which ever one has you and Daph," Harry replied before opening his eyes. "Did I just say that out loud?"
"Yep," Tracey said with a huge grin and popping the 'p'.
"Before you spill any other secrets, let's get you out of here," Hermione said.
"So, I shouldn't say how much I enjoy those skirts on you and seeing your legs?" he asked with a cheeky grin.
Daphne stood up to put her stuff in her bag. She leaned over and let her skirt pull up her legs a little. After she finished, she stood tall to straightened out the skirt and shifted to make sure her stockings were still good. Harry's eyes followed her movements. In a rather serious tone, she remarked, "You could mention it more."
Susan and Tracey sniggered while Harry's grin grew. "If you want."
Hermione rolled her eyes at their antics. "Right, you lot, let's get something to eat."
Harry barely made it through dinner and to the couches in the Gryffindor common room, where Daphne joined them for a bit, before he put his head on Daphne's lap. He lasted only a few minutes before his eyes closed as Daphne ran a hand through his messy hair. The common room was empty as almost everyone was in the great hall for dinner.
"Harry really doesn't like his fame, does he?" Daphne enquired.
"He hates it," Hermione told her, moving closer to press into Harry's bottom and pull his legs up over hers. Daphne gave her a questioning look. "Harry hates it. He never knew about how famous he was before he got on the Hogwarts Express first year. Everyone looked up to him as this bigger than life hero for something he only remembers because the dementors have him see visions of Voldemort killing his mother. It only reminds him of losing his family and the almost ten years of horror at his relatives before he came here."
She couldn't keep the anger out of her voice. "I know it's only been a few weeks, but he hasn't told me anything about where he grew up," Daphne said.
Hermione sighed. "If you ask, he will tell you, but Harry will never voluntarily talk about where he grew up. His aunt, uncle and cousin were horrid to him. Even after he got his letter."
Daphne looked down at Harry as he nuzzled his head into her stomach. "So many of us thought he was just being an arrogant prick by ignoring everyone when he first got here. We didn't know he had grown up in the Muggle world, or if he had, then he had been at least taught about the wizards by Dumbledore. He really didn't tell Harry anything, did he?"
"No, he didn't. Listen, Daph, there are things that Harry and I need to tell you, but I think we should wait until we are at your house this weekend," Hermione said.
Daphne nodded, then smiled. "You know that is the first time you have called me Daph?"
Hermione shared her smile. "I guess that goofball really wears off on you after a bit."
"I'm not going to complain," the blonde said before leaning down to kiss Harry's temple.
A small voice in Hermione's head said she should be jealous of another girl so lovingly kissing her man like that. Instead, she got up and kissed Daphne's forehead. "Harry and I won't keep any secrets from you."
Daphne tilted her head up so her lips were close to Hermione's. "Harry is right," Daphne said.
"About what?" Hermione questioned, trying to ignore the way Daphne's breath on her lips aroused her.
"I am the luckiest girl to have you both," Daphne said.
Hermione gave her a pleased smile. "I wouldn't say he is a girl."
Daphne giggle before pecking her. "The goofball really has worn off on you."
The pleasant thrill that went through Hermione had her leaning her lips into Daphne's to share a long, lingering kiss.
-oOo-
February 20, 1998
Rotherham, England
With how tired he was, Harry let Daphne guide his apparition to her family's estate Friday afternoon. It had been three gruelling days of questions, memory review and summaries of his life, all while under heavy use of veritaserum. The Healer that had given him the antidote today had told him to not do much the next few days.
He was happy he was done, but Hermione would be called in on Tuesday. He was not going to let her go alone, as much as she had ranted the last few days that Daphne and her had been kept out of the Judiciary Board due to 'archaic and barbaric' laws.
Now, he was happy that Daphne let him drape himself over her shoulders, his right arm over her shoulders as her hand was in his. He was still surprised she wasn't so formal and stiff with them.
Hermione popped in next to them with Astoria, who wanted to come home for the weekend as well. "Right, dinner and then you are laying down," Hermione ordered looking at him.
"We have to go over the wedding plans. Your parents and Andi are coming over tomorrow," Harry said.
"Luv, you are about ready to drop. I'll get Ginger to take something up to my room for you. Hermione and I can eat with mother and father," Daphne told him.
"Why does he look like he's just about falling asleep on his feet?" Astoria questioned.
"Your magic naturally fights against veritaserum. That is why its regulated and not usually used for long. A few hours would be taxing for anyone," Hermione said.
"And I was under for almost six hours each day," Harry told them.
When they walked into the front doors, two house elves met them. Both were in nicer uniforms with the Greengrass crest on them. "Ginger, can you draw a hot bath? Regi, please bring up a meal for Harry. Hermione and I will be dining with mother and father," she instructed the two elves.
"Yes, missy Daphne. The mistress is in the library," Regi, the male, squeaked before rushing off.
"Ginger has prepared the guest room across the hall per Master Grover's request," the elf said as Astoria walked past them.
"I don't think they will be sleeping alone," Astoria said with a grin.
Harry gave a big yawn. "Sleep sounds good."
They managed to get him up to her room and into the bath before his eyes closed. Daphne sat at the edge of the tub and washed his hair as Hermione got ready for dinner. "You can join me, if you want?" he offered. She could see his body visibly relaxing as she rubbed his scalp.
"I will tomorrow," she promised.
She had a moment to appreciate his body and muscles as he got out a dried himself. She had never acted like a common servant, but she found she didn't mind with Harry as she handed him his shorts. He walked out into her room and sat at a small tea table by a window. She always enjoyed sitting there on rainy days and drinking a hot cup of tea.
"Get ready. I'll take care of him," Hermione told her, kissing her on the forehead.
Daphne got up and took a quick bath of her own before slipping into a nice pair of witch's robes. When she got out, Harry was already spread out on her bed and fast asleep. Hermione was sitting on the edge of the bed and running her hands through his messy hair. "Is Harry going to have to carry you next week? What about the baby?" Daphne asked.
"They won't be able to give me veritaserum for long. It will most likely be a minor compulsion oath to tell the truth, but nothing that will endanger me," Hermione told her putting a hand to her stomach. "Merlin, Daph, I still can't believe we're pregnant."
She gave the brunette a kiss on her head. "Come have dinner with me and then we can check on him before we go to bed."
Hermione looked at Harry a little concerned. "He really hates attention."
"Will you tell me everything?" Daphne asked.
Hermione looked up to her. After a long sigh, she said, "Would your parents mind if we eat here and I can tell you all I can tonight?"
Daphne nodded and called for Ginger.
Hours later, Daphne's head was still spinning from everything Hermione had told her. How could they have had so many adventures in five years? Five years! In five years the two people she was going to marry had had more adventures and death-defying situations than most have in fifty, and most of them right under her nose. They had happened right under the nose of everyone at the school. None of the rumours came close to what had really happened.
As her mind processed everything, she turned over, sleep eluding her.
Her parents had insisted they all sleep in different rooms until the wedding in April. In less than two months it wouldn't matter if they shared a room. It shouldn't matter now, especially that she was pregnant. Her hands covered her stomach as she rolled onto her back.
Unable to sleep, she rolled out of bed. Her feet found the house slippers she wore at night, and she put a thick house coat over her thin nightgown to help ward off the chill of the house. She took her wand, cast a silencing charm on herself, then moved to her door. The hallway was empty.
Silently, she shut the door behind her and moved down the hallway. Harry was two rooms away. When she got to his door, she gently wrapped on it. No sound came from the room. She tried again. A moment later, she heard the latch of the door and it opened. "Daphne?" Harry asked. He sounded tired but was looking around as though expecting trouble. "Are you alright?"
"I couldn't sleep," she told him.
"Come in," he told her, opening the door enough for her to slip in. He caught her waist as she went by, pulling her to him as he quietly shut the door. She wrapped her arms around him, thankful for his warmth and strength. "Are you alright?"
She just held him tight. "I don't want to sleep alone," she told him.
Harry kissed the top of her head. "What about your father?"
"I am your betrothed, eighteen and already carrying your child. I don't care," she said defiantly, never really defying her parents before.
"Just checking," Harry said gently before guiding her towards the bed. She slipped out of her night coat and slippers as he held the blankets open. He was only in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with the Gryffindor seal on it.
She shivered in the chilly air before curling up to his side. He wrapped an arm around her as he settled the duvet and underblanket over them. She put her head onto his chest, enjoying the way it gently rose and fell. The beating of his strong heart thrummed in her ear as he kissed her forehead. "Do you need to talk?" he asked.
"I just want to sleep," she told him.
"Good night, then," he said with a yawn.
She smiled as she listened to his heart and easy breathing. His warm body quickly heated her up…
The next thing she remembered was a hand brushing the hair out of her face and soft lips kissing her forehead. She made some satisfied sound before cuddling into the warm body next to her. "Time to get up, beauty," a girls voice softly said.
"Sleep," she said petulantly.
Harry chuckled. "She came in about one in the morning."
"I had a hard time sleeping too. Time to get up, Daphne. Your parents will be expecting us. We have a day of wedding plans ahead of us," Hermione said.
"Don't want to," Daphne said before throwing her arm over Harry's middle, her leg over his and her other hand finding the one over her shoulder. She didn't want to move.
"I think that is the wrong way," Harry said.
"Shhh. Pillows don't talk," she said to him.
Hermione giggled as much as she ever would. "It's already half nine. You need to get ready, and we have an appointment at eleven."
Daphne groaned. "You can join us," Daphne told Hermione.
Hermione leaned over and kissed her forehead again. "I will tonight. Time to get up."
Daphne groaned again and rolled over. She gave Hermione a baleful look. "I did like you."
Hermione gave her a cheeky grin. "And you still do."
Harry chuckled. "You are sounding more like me."
"I had to learn to be cheeky from someone," Hermione said, then laughed as a pillow was launched at her. Daphne smiled as the brunette pulled her wand and sent the pillow back.
"Oi!" Harry complained. "What are you laughing at?"
"You," she said before squawking as a pillow impacted her face. "I'm pregnant, you know!"
"And the baby is by your stomach, not your face," Harry said, his grinning face coming into view before the pillow did again. She tried to block, laughing as Hermione took up the other pillow on the bed and started to defend her.
It was a grinning trio that made it to the table in the tea room about ten. Her mother was having tea and raised an eyebrow at them. "Do I need to get new pillows?" she questioned.
Daphne blinked until Hermione ran her hand through her hair. "I missed a few feathers when I repaired the pillows."
"I just thought it a new fashion statement," Harry said with a cheeky grin.
"I will get even," Daphne promised.
Harry shrugged and she huffed.
Her mother gave them an indulgent smile as they sat. Ginger, brought them all a plate of breakfast and she happily made herself a strong breakfast tea, still feeling a little tired. Harry still looked a little worn from a few days of veritaserum questioning, but much better than he had last night.
"I am glad to see you getting along so well," her mother said to them. "Now, eat up. I have the planner coming in a short bit and we have much to do today and tomorrow."
"Yes, mother," Daphne said. She still felt a little annoyed with her two companions. Feathers had been everywhere, and she thought she could feel one in her bra poking her in an uncomfortable spot.
-oOo-
February 25, 1998
London, England
Hermione was pleased to be escorted by Harry, but not pleased to leave Daphne behind. Neville, Susan, Hannah and Daphne's friends had agreed to keep an eye on her. That didn't mean that Hermione wasn't uncomfortable with Dumbledore and others there.
Harry led her past the security desk. He may not be on the Wizengamot yet, that didn't mean that he couldn't use the privileges, which meant as an heir to a Wizengamot seat he was allowed to forgo any security check. That same privilege now extended to her and Daphne. Looking at the probity probe being passed over a witch – and into places Hermione didn't want a strange man putting it - she was happy for that privilege, even if she did think it biased.
She pulled her arm around his tighter. She wasn't really nervous, but she wasn't totally sure what would happen. According to the Healers, she could be under veritaserum for an hour at a time with a two hour break between doses without harming the small one inside her. It had been a real concern, but Madam Pomfrey, and more importantly Andi, had agreed.
They didn't say anything as they ascended in the lift with a few other ministry workers inside. The Ministry was weird. Levels one and two where above the atrium. The Atrium was on level three, then level four to ten were below it.
Ted was waiting for them in the main foyer of level two.
"Good morning. How are you today?" Ted asked as she moved to give him a hug.
"Well. Do you think this will last as long as Harry?" she questioned.
"I don't know, but Andi would have my hide if I let you stress yourself. I'll make sure that everything goes well. After Harry's deposition last week, I think this will go quicker as the committee verifies his recollection," Ted said.
"Ted, just so you know, I won't let anything harm Hermione or her pregnancy," Harry told him.
"I won't either, Harry," Ted assured him. "Andi would be more than upset with me if I did."
She looked curiously towards Harry when he put an arm around her shoulders and shifted as though to shield her. Harry was looking over her head. She turned to see Percy glaring at them. "What is he doing here?" Harry asked in a low, angry tone.
"I am sure I don't know," Ted said as Percy walked past them and into the large set of doors that said 'Courtroom 2' on a plaque.
"If he says anything or insults Hermione or Daphne, I'll want his head on a platter," Harry growled.
"No more duelling," she told him. Draco had been necessary. Percy would not be. He was a prat and would get his comeuppance soon. They just needed to get over this stuff about the Ministry battle and then deal with the Weasleys.
When they got out for a long lunch break, she already felt tired. It had been under two hours, but in the that time they had covered everything that happened that night in the DOM. Harry had to object when one of the members had asked to see her scar. Madam Bones had dressed the old man down so thoroughly that he had left the room as fast as he could.
As they were leaving, Percy suddenly rushed into the lift. Harry moved to stand before her. "What do you want, Weasley?"
Percy sneered at him. "Your head on a pike but bankrupting you will have to suffice. You just left Ron there as you traipsed off."
"You have no ground to stand on, Weasley. It was an accident while we were all fighting for our lives. Or do you not believe me that I actually got rid of Voldemort?" Harry asked. His memory clearly showed him duelling with Voldemort and casting the banishing hex after Dumbledore had distracted the wanker.
Percy shuttered. "You may think you are all that, but you are just a small little man, Potter. Without the Malfoy and Black money, you would be nothing."
Hermione had to grab Harry to keep his fist from smashing Percy's face. Percy had a smug look on his face. "What's the matter, Potter? You know you want to hit me. I wish your chit had been killed that night."
"Harry, you know he is looking for you to start something," Hermione told him.
Percy's smug look got worse. "So, the mudblood does have some brains."
Hermione turned on the redhead. Her magic started to flare, but she tamped it down. "I will not rise to your bait. Only small minded ignoramuses would use such tactics. Or are your true feelings finally coming out and you really aren't a Weasley?" she said acidly. Percy looked ready to retort, his own redheaded temper starting to take over.
Harry huffed. "Fine. Expecto Patronum!"
Harry's large stag erupted in the lift just before it came to a rest on the atrium floor. It ran out a second later, charging back up the lift's shaft.
"What was that?" Percy asked looking a little unsure.
"I am getting my solicitor. You have just insulted my betrothed, the future Lady Potter. Since I am also Regent Black, that makes her part of that family and one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. I think I need to call in the Weasley's honour," Harry said in a tone that seemed deadly.
Percy blanched. "You can't do that."
"Watch me," Harry threatened.
Percy rushed out the lift when the golden grate opened.
"Bloody, fucking arsehole," Harry muttered.
She pulled him out. "I'm hungry and then you can go all Regent Black on Percy. We know where he'll be," she told him.
Harry let out a long sigh. "Let's get you fed."
-oOo-
February 26, 1998
Hogwarts, Scotland
-oOo-
Daily Prophet
VOLDEMORT DEFEATED! Again!
Minister Fudge still in denial!
By Rita Skeeter
Your intrepid reporter, Rita Skeeter, has been able to confirm some salacious news that has been covered up for most of the last two years! Ministry officials have confirmed that Minister Fudge has reopened an investigation into the events of two years ago when a group of students broke into the ministry and the unexplained deaths of many prominent citizens that same night. Since then, Minister Fudge and his administration has denied there is a connection between the events. What has the new committee found about this?
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort, was raised from the dead, then died a second time, along with all those marked with his Dark Mark.
This is not what we have been told!
Minister Fudge has denied the rumours and the first committee found that all those that died that fateful night were afflicted by a ritual gone wrong that was unrelated to the break-in at the Ministry. That was a lie! As was the reason for the students to break in and the extent of the battle that took place.
The committee investigating the events of June 26, 1996, has been in closed session for over a week as it susses out the details, but the Daily Prophet can confirm that six students broke in to retrieve a prophesy about Harry Potter. The Boy-Who-Lived was prophesized to defeat Lord Voldemort, and did so on the night of the break in. For the last few years Harry Potter has been pushed to the side and was even vilified, only to be revealed as an even larger hero than previously thought.
Among the revelations was that the cover up…
-o-
Harry groaned as he put the paper down. The hall was alive with noise. Hermione was still buried into her copy of the Daily Prophet. Daphne looked satisfied.
"Have I said how much I admire Andromeda and Narcissa?" Daphne commented.
"A few times now. You know this will mean that I'll be the Boy-Who-Lived again," Harry gripped.
"I'd rather think of you as a man," Daphne said with a little pride. She leaned over to kiss his cheek.
"I do remember when you were that sweet on me," Grover commented as he read his own copy of the paper.
"Are you jealous dear?" Erica queried with a slight smirk on her face.
"No. Just commenting," the man replied jovially.
Daphne kissed his cheek again. "Mother will be nice to him later."
Harry was about to make a cheeky comeback when Ginger entered the room. "Master Harry, this is for Mister Potter-Black," the little elf said. She was holding out an envelope.
"Thank you, Ginger," he said, taking the letter.
"Who's it from?" Hermione questioned.
"Ted. Probably something else about the hearings," Harry replied. Taking out the letter, a frown came over his face. After a moment, he sighed.
"What is it?" Daphne questioned.
"We have a date for the Weasley trial. Draco is also taking his complaint to the ICW court," Harry told them.
"You should have killed him," Daphne stated.
Grover frowned. "I agree."
Harry closed his eyes. "I was trying to satisfy Narcissa's wishes. If he crosses wands with me or threatens you or Hermione, I'll have too."
"I love that you are so noble," Hermione assured him and pat his leg.
"When is the trial?" Grover asked.
"The hearing for the Weasley case is March twenty-eighth. There is a hearing for Malfoy in Prague on April second. Ted thinks the ICW will reject Malfoy's appeal. Hermione, do I have Ted bury the Weasleys or should we go through with the case?" Harry asked.
"Personally, I think you should bury Percy. I don't know about Misses Weasley," she replied.
"Why aren't you just destroying the entire family?" Grover enquired. "I know you can do it with how your allies have convinced Fudge about the hearings."
"Hermione and I are still good friends with Fred and George. As much as I know Ginny and I didn't work out, she's not a bad person. I'm unsure about Mister Weasley. He never said a bad thing about me, but he won't go against his wife. Ron… well that is complicated. I don't know where Bill and Charlie stand, they've never really given me any grief or really talked to me much at all. It's Misses Weasley and Percy that blame me for everything. I can't just bury them without hurting everyone else," Harry explained.
Daphne patted his cheek. "You're too noble to be anything but a Gryffindor."
He chuckled. "That almost sounded like an insult."
She went back to her eggs. "Take it as you want."
-oOo-
Next time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: The Black's grow stronger, things don't go Dumbledore's way and the first dominoes fall at the Ministry.