Chapter 12 - An Odd Partnership
Daphne sat in her room, the envelope Harry had entrusted her with held delicately between her fingers. The weight of Harry's situation at the hospital and the mysterious contents of the letter weighed heavily on her mind. With a deep breath, she carefully tore it open, unfolding the parchment within.
Daphne,
If you're reading this, it means I'm still under medical stasis. I hope you're doing well, and I apologize for burdening you with this request during a difficult time.
There's something important I wanted to share with you, something that means a lot to me. Tomorrow would have been Nymphadora Tonks's birthday. And as you know, I made a promise to myself to always be there for Teddy on his mother's birthday, to honour her memory and to be the best godfather I can be.
Despite Teddy being too young to truly grasp the significance, I want to keep that promise. I know it might seem odd or unnecessary, but it's a promise I made to myself and Tonks. I'm writing to ask if you could spend the day with Teddy, celebrate in some way. Maybe tell him stories about his mum or do something special, anything you think might honour her.
You've been a part of Teddy's life, and I know you understand the sentiment behind this better than most. You've shown such care and commitment to him, and I trust you to help me fulfil this promise.
Thank you for being someone I can rely on, Daphne.
Take care.
Harry
The words were handwritten in a vaguely familiar script but she couldn't really make out why it felt so familiar. Maybe knowing that it was from Harry made look more familiar. Each line of the letter revealed a side of him she hadn't fully comprehended before.
He spoke of Teddy, of Tonks' upcoming birthday, and the promise he had made to himself—the promise to be a good godfather. His words were heartfelt, filled with a sense of duty, love, and determination to fulfil a commitment that held immeasurable importance to him.
As she read on, Daphne's heart swelled with emotions she hadn't anticipated. Here was Harry, amidst his own struggles, thinking about honouring a promise to a child too young to understand the depth of the gesture. The unselfish nature of his commitment touched her deeply.
Tears blurred her vision as she finished the letter. Harry's request for her assistance in celebrating Tonks' birthday with Teddy was both unexpected and profoundly touching. In a moment where Harry's own health hung in uncertainty, he was still prioritizing his promise to be there for Teddy on this important day.
The realization of the depth of Harry's character hit her with an overwhelming force. She knew then that this wasn't just about celebrating Tonks' birthday. It was a testament to the man Harry was—his unwavering loyalty, his immense capacity for love, and his commitment to those he cared about.
Daphne wiped away her tears, her heart filled with a newfound appreciation for Harry. She was determined to honour his request and ensure that Teddy's day would be special, even if the circumstances were unusual.
=/===\=
The following morning, with resolve in her heart, she sought out Hermione at the orphanage, knowing she could use her help in planning something meaningful for Teddy and Tonks. Hermione's dedication to causes and her unwavering support made her the perfect ally for such a task. Plus she knew Tonks better than Daphne did.
"Hermione," Daphne began tentatively, "I need your help with something."
Hermione looked up from her book, her expression attentive. "Of course, Daphne. What do you need?"
Daphne hesitated for a moment, unsure how much she could reveal to Hermione about Harry's situation. But she sensed Hermione's genuine willingness to assist and decided to confide in her partially.
"It's about Tonks' upcoming birthday," she started, carefully choosing her words. "I received a request from Harry to help celebrate it in a special way for Teddy."
Hermione's eyes lit up with interest and a hint of suspicion. Daphne was quick to pick it up. Hermione probably found it weird that Harry would make such a request to her.
"I believe he thought this would be an opportunity for me to fulfil the commitment I made to be a part of the life of Professor Lupin's son." Daphne added.
That seemed to do the trick for Hermione. "That sounds wonderful. What can I do to help?"
Daphne breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Hermione's willingness to pitch in. "I need ideas, Hermione. Something that would make Teddy feel connected to his mother, something Harry had promised to do for him."
Hermione's brows furrowed in thought. "We could gather pictures and stories about Tonks. Create a memory book for Teddy, maybe organize a small gathering with people who knew her well. I could use some of my connections to gather more information and make it truly special."
Daphne's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "That would be perfect, Hermione. Thank you."
As they began to plan, Hermione's resourcefulness and dedication to the task at hand impressed Daphne even more. The two grew closer through their shared efforts to make Tonks' birthday a memorable occasion for Teddy, though Hermione remained unaware of the true reason behind Daphne's urgency to make it special.
In the midst of their planning, Daphne couldn't shake off the overwhelming admiration she felt for Harry. She marvelled at his selflessness and the dedication he showed toward a promise, even amidst his own uncertainties. Harry's unspoken gesture had left an indelible mark on her, reinforcing her belief in the goodness in people.
As the day of Tonks' birthday drew nearer, Daphne found solace in the preparations, knowing that in fulfilling Harry's request, she was playing a small part in honouring a promise that held immense significance for him.
==/===\==
The gathering was arranged at the Tonks' residence. Andromeda had been all in for the idea when it was presented to her by Hermione and Daphne. She was also grateful to Harry for suggesting the idea. For her, the fact that Harry still made an effort despite being away was very touching.
Andromeda also helped them with inviting some Tonks' close friends over. Apart from them, the Weasley's, Neville, Luna and a few of Harry's friends from school were also invited.
When the gathering commenced, Teddy toddled into the room, greeted by a sight that filled his young heart with joy—a room filled with colours, laughter, and a feeling of celebration. Daphne, Hermione and Andromeda, together with their guests welcomed him with wide smiles, ready to make the day special for the young boy.
Throughout the occasion, they celebrated Tonks's memory, sharing stories, laughing, and making new memories with Teddy. Daphne watched the child's face light up as Hermione animatedly recounted tales about his mother, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Teddy might not fully comprehend the significance of the day, but he felt the love and warmth surrounding him.
As they worked together, Hermione noticed a subtle shift in Daphne's demeanour—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Daphne seemed preoccupied, despite her efforts to maintain a cheerful facade for Teddy's sake.
"Daphne," Hermione began, carefully stacking some old photographs into an album, "You seem a bit distant. Is everything alright?"
Daphne glanced up, momentarily surprised by Hermione's astuteness. She smiled faintly, trying to dispel any concerns. "Oh, it's nothing, Hermione. Just reminiscing about school days."
Hermione arched an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "School days, huh? Remember how ridiculous our house rivalries used to be? Gryffindor and Slytherin, always at each other's throats."
Daphne chuckled softly, the memories of petty rivalries feeling distant and insignificant amidst the current situation. "Absolutely absurd, now that I think about it. We were so engrossed in pointless competition."
Their conversation continued, delving into lighter topics—their favorite subjects, the outrageous antics of their classmates, and the nuances of life at Hogwarts. Yet, beneath the surface, Daphne's worry for Harry lingered, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
Just as their reminiscing peaked, Andromeda Tonks approached, her presence exuding a mix of elegance and warmth that immediately drew both girls in.
"Ah, reminiscing about Hogwarts, are we?" Andromeda chimed in, a nostalgic smile gracing her features as she glanced over the scattered photos and memorabilia.
Daphne nodded, a faint smile curving her lips. "Yes. It's fascinating how things change after school, isn't it?"
Andromeda settled herself in a nearby chair, her eyes twinkling with memories. "Oh, indeed. Hogwarts creates a bond that endures through time. But life after school, that's when perspectives begin to shift."
Hermione leaned in, intrigued by Andromeda's insight. "How so?"
Andromeda's gaze drifted to the bustling celebration around them, her voice tinged with reflection. "During our time, the house rivalries often created barriers. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff—each with its unique set of characteristics, but also separated by invisible lines."
Daphne nodded in agreement, recalling the fervour of house pride that often overshadowed potential friendships. "The competition between houses was so consuming. It seemed impossible to bridge those gaps."
Andromeda smiled knowingly. "But life has a way of reshaping perspectives. Once you step out into the real world, those barriers begin to fade. People start interacting beyond their house labels, forming friendships based on who they are rather than where they come from."
Hermione's eyes sparkled with recognition. "That's true. After school, I found myself making friends from different houses. It was liberating to break away from those predetermined cliques."
Andromeda nodded. "Indeed, dear. That's the beauty of growing up. You realize that true connections transcend the constraints of house affiliations. It's about the person behind the label."
The conversation flowed, weaving tales of post-Hogwarts experiences, the forging of unexpected friendships, and the realization that unity surpassed the boundaries that once divided them. Andromeda's anecdotes of her own post-school interactions were insightful, illustrating how individuals grew beyond the confines of house rivalries.
Daphne and Hermione listened intently, finding solace and wisdom in Andromeda's words. As the celebration continued around them, the trio found a common ground, bonding over shared experiences and a newfound understanding of the evolution of relationships beyond the walls of Hogwarts.
Andromeda's guidance resonated deeply with Daphne, stirring reflections about her current predicament with Harry's secret. Despite the weight of the situation, her interaction with Andromeda reinforced the importance of unity and support, regardless of the circumstances.
Their conversation infused the celebration with a sense of enlightenment, sparking introspection and a deeper appreciation for the connections they were forging beyond the boundaries of house affiliations.
As the evening progressed, Ron briefly made an appearance. His arrival reminded Daphne of the responsibility she bore in keeping Harry's secret, the burden weighing heavier with each passing moment.
As the festivities wound down, Daphne found herself unable to maintain the facade any longer. She pulled Hermione aside, the weight of Harry's situation finally surfacing in her voice.
"Hermione," Daphne murmured, her tone filled with urgency, "There's something I need to tell you."
Hermione's curiosity piqued, her brows furrowing in concern. "What is it, Daphne?"
Taking a deep breath, Daphne explained about Harry's true whereabouts, the gravity of his condition, and the promise she had made to keep it a secret.
Hermione's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Harry's at St. Mungo's? Why didn't he tell us?"
"He didn't want anyone to worry," Daphne replied, her voice tinged with a sense of guilt for keeping the secret. "He made me promise not to say anything."
"But he did tell you." Hermione voice brimmed with concern and a hint of hurt.
"Only as a last resort. Plus, for him, telling you must've been harder. You are his best friend after all. He knew how much you would worry if you knew." Daphne replied.
Hermione's mind raced with questions, her inquisitive nature driving her to understand the situation better. Despite the surprise, her focus shifted to finding a way to support Harry in his time of need.
"We need to find a way to help him," Hermione said, determination evident in her voice. "We can't let him face this alone."
Their conversation lingered in the air, a newfound sense of partnership forming between them. Hermione's supportive nature and Daphne's willingness to confide in her signalled the beginning of a friendship built on trust and understanding.