A Quiet Christmas.

Daphne was very interested in Harry Potter, mainly because she could never understand how he changed so much in so little time. He'd gone from an outgoing, kind and caring person to a cold, quiet shell within the space of a half-term break. It happened in the fifth year Christmas holidays, before the break, Daphne remembered Harry being his usual giddy self in the run up to Christmas, decorating the tree with the teachers, helping out the elves with the Christmas dinner and of course, throwing decorations all over the house tables in the Great Hall, something which Daphne had looked forward to every year. Of course, not everybody shared Daphne's excitement as the rest of the Slytherin table would constantly berate Harry for his Christmas antics, yet he still came by every year to do the same thing, with an even bigger smile on his face than he'd had the year prior. That is why she found him so fascinating, because he would never wipe that stupid grin off his face, no matter the situation.

That was until he came back in January the next year. Nobody really knew what happened, there were rumors of course, ranging from Harry killing his muggle relatives, to his godfather Sirius, dying on the job with the DMLE, the list was endless. All Daphne knew was that when she took that first look at him, she couldn't understand what she had seen. Daphne could almost feel the shock that she felt that day, seeing his face, pale and gaunt, as if he hadn't slept in weeks, the shock she felt when he didn't speak to anybody in class, he had just sat there in a daze, mindlessly doing his work.

It was now December, and the school had largely moved on from the happenings earlier this year, merely leaving Harry be, letting him suffer in silence. Daphne hated this, she couldn't stand to see him drag himself around, with only his thoughts to accompany him. Most people just chalked his actions up to just being ignorant and not wanting to talk, even some of his closest friends. Daphne, however, knew better, she knew that they just weren't asking the correct questions.

This was the first year where Harry didn't decorate the castle, nor the tables in the Great Hall, and the whole place felt a little darker without Harry's decorating charm in effect. Daphne had barely even seen him in the run up to the Christmas holidays, even less than she usually saw him, which granted, wasn't very much to begin with. She couldn't help but wonder what he was actually doing for this entire month, other than studying in silence.

'Come on Daph, the train is leaving soon!' Shouted Tracey Davis, Daphne's best friend.

'Oh, yeah, right. On my way!' Daphne replied, she had hesitated, but she didn't know why. As she made her way down the stairs towards Hogsmeade station, she had a horrible feeling, a feeling like she was missing something.

'Woah, Daphne? You okay?' Tracey whispered, just low enough so that only Daphne could hear.

'Yeah, I'm fine, just, I feel like i'm missing something' Daphne wondered, as far as she was aware, she had packed everything.

'It's probably just, I don't know, your toothbrush or something, come on the train is going to leave!' Tracey panted, running for the train.

Daphne's eyes lit up, she knew what was wrong, she just couldn't bring herself to say it outloud just yet. 'That's it! Tracey, if you see my father, please tell him I am staying at Hogwarts for Christmas this year!' She said, grabbing her bags and running back towards the castle.

'She never gets any easier' Tracey mumbled, boarding the train.

'Harry' Daphne thought ignoring the comment from her best friend, that's what has made her come back, she felt as though she couldn't leave him, she couldn't leave anybody else alone. Daphne's mind was racing as she slammed the Great Hall door open, hoping to find a stray professor or, if she was lucky, Harry himself. Unfortunately, Daphne found neither, instead, she just found Mrs. Norris, chasing a mouse. She moved through the castle, checking each empty room until she eventually got to the library.

'Well, if he's anywhere, it's going to be right here,' Daphne whispered to herself, pushing the door open, she tip-toed through the library, making sure to make as little noise as possible. If he was here, she didn't want to scare him away. Daphne peeked her head around each aisle, rolling her eyes in each one as she found nothing; starting to feel. all hope was lost when her ears picked up on something, the sound of rustling pages. Daphne followed the sound, hoping that the source was the person she thought it was. She rounded the corner and there he was, Harry Potter, was rummaging through an advanced potions textbook, making constant notes.

Daphne's mouth went dry when she saw him, she'd only been thinking of finding him, not really sure what to do if she actually managed to. Even though he still looked a little pale, the warm ambient light of the lantern next to him illuminated him with a golden hue of light. She was sure she had never seen anybody look this good, almost making her forget why she was there. After admiring Harry for a little while longer, she decided to clear her throat. What happened next however, was not something she was anticipating.

Harry's shoulders dropped in defeat, seemingly just because he now knew he was in the presence of another human. She saw him turn around slowly, a look of dread in his eye as he did.

'Hi-Erm, Hello Harry, How are you feeling? Are you Okay?' Daphne sighed, this was the first time she'd seen him in any detail in over a year, and while he still had his superficial good looks, it was like the spark in his eyes had just vanished. She felt so incredibly sorry for him, whatever he had gone through must have been awful. As Daphne was admiring him, she could have sworn she saw a stray tear land on his jeans. She couldn't dwell on the thought however, as in the next moment Harry leapt out of his seat and bolted away.

'Oh Harry, you poor thing,' Daphne whispered to herself before setting off towards the Slytherin common room.

Daphne hadn't had a great nights sleep, she tossed and turned all night, she didn't know what to do about the situation with Harry. She knew he clearly needed help, but it seemed to her like he didn't want any help, which she found very odd given how his whole demeanor used to be all abou helping others. She reluctantly rolled out of bed at six thirty in the morning, if she was going to try and get through to him, she needed to find a way for him to come out of his shell. Daphne mulled this thought over while she ate her breakfast, she was looking at the bottle labelled milk on the table. Her eyes widened in shock.

'That's it! I'll write to him!' Daphne exclaimed, startling the ghosts around her, she hastily apologised to them and ran back to her dorm room. She sat down on her bed and drew her parchment and quill from underneath her. Now came the hard part, what would she write? She couldn't exactly go all guns blazing with a declaration of freindship, no, she had to ease him into speaking again, get him comfortable with the thought of socialising again.

After hours of deliberation, Daphne had finally come up with a note she deemed acceptable to send him. It simply read

Dear Harry,

I'm sorry if I startled you earlier, It wasn't my intention. I simply wanted to convey the message that I am here if you need someone to talk to or just to have around as company. I'll be here over the holidays, please write back if you want to meet up.

From, Daphne x

Daphne thought that the letter was simple enough, it conveyed her message well, yet didn't sound too forceful or prying, she hoped that she would hear back from him soon enough and she could get to know him a little bit better, and how she could help him heal.

Daphne pushed the letter underneath the painting of the Fat Lady. She waited all day, every slight noise caused her heart to race, hoping that it was Harry, slipping a reply back under her common room door. Eventually, Daphne decided to retire to her bedroom for the night, he hadn't replied all day, what were the chances he'd reply at night? Daphne slowly made her way up the stairs of her bedroom, she sighed, what if she had messed it all up at the first hurdle? What if he wanted to be left alone and she was all wrong? She was thrust out of her overthinking by a quiet 'whooshing' sound, she reluctantly spun around in the hopes it was a reply. A small note sat on the floor of the common room, addressed with the initials D.G.

Daphne couldn't believe it! He had actually replied, maybe she was getting somewhere! Maybe she could get through to him! She tried to contain her excitement, thinking with her head rather than her heart.

'It could just say leave me alone, I mean, I wouldn't be that shocked,' Daphne muttered to herself, creeping towards the note. She reached a shaky hand down and opening the note quickly

Daphne,

I would firstly like to say I apologise for running off like that, it's just, you're the first person who's actually interacted with me for a few months and I wasn't really sure how to react so I just ran.

Anyway, that's beside the point, I wanted to thank you for your letter, it means a lot knowing that you're here for me, although I'm not sure why. It's been a while since I've had that feeling. I would like to meet up, but I don't think I can face that just yet. Would it be okay if we sent notes back and forth for a couple of days?

Please reply with your answer.

From, Harry x

A smile formed on Daphne's face, she had gotten through to him, now she just needed to make him feel comfortable enough to come and see her in person, with any luck she'd have helped him come to terms with everything by the end of the holidays. She daresay this was going well.

Harry, It's okay, I understand why you went away, I think in your situation I'd have done the same.

We can talk via letters and notes if you don't feel ready to talk face to face yet, just know that you can take as much time as you need, I'll wait for you don't worry.

Take Care Harry.

From, Daphne x

They had gone back and forth with notes to each other over the next couple of days, slowly learning more about each other, starting with small talk, but evolving into long conversations about all sorts of topics.

Daphne couldn't even begin to explain the draw she felt towards Harry, it was like a force that just couldn't be stopped or contained, and if she was honest with herself, she didn't want it to stop. Even without speaking to him properly, she found herself thinking about Harry more and more as the days went on.

Daphne hoped that Harry would feel ready to meet up soon, she felt the tone of his notes was becoming happier and less reserved, occasionally even going as far as to open up to her without prompting, but Daphne could only get so far using parchment and ink. To really help bring back the Harry of years past she needed to meet him in person. She was beginning to write out a letter asking Harry to accompany her for some food in the Great Hall when she heard that all too familiar whooshing sound that she'd come to love. Right underneath her door was a square envelope, as usual, labelled 'D.G'. She ripped the envelope open and revealed what was inside.

Dear Daphne,

I've really enjoyed the letter's we've been sending and knowing that somebody is still there who cares about me has really helped me feel a little less lonely this christmas.

To repay your kindness, I'll accept your offer to meet up. Maybe we could both grab a book from the library and head down to the lake to read together.

I'm not sure if I feel comfortable talking yet, but it would be nice to sit together at least.

Your friend,

Harry x

The next day Daphne found herself standing outside the library feeling more nervous than she had since walking into the great hall for the first time in front of all the older students. After how Harry had run away from her the last time they met in person, she couldn't help but fear the worst, and after all the letters sent between them that would hurt her so much more.

As Harry came around the corner Daphne's anxiety spiked, her fears of him running away again becoming almost unbearable. As Harry looked up and noticed her however, the sad look on his face melted, replaced by the goofy grin he used to have when decorating the Slytherin table.

"Hi Harry, you ready to pick out a book?" Daphne asked him, optimistically. Daphne's heart sank a little when his only response was a nod.

'At least he's here with me and not showing any signs of wanting to bolt.' she thought. 'And that spark in his eyes seems to have come back a little."

They walked into the library in silence, both taking out books they would need to keep ahead of their classes for the next term. Once they arrived by the lake, Daphne conjured a picnic blanket for them to sit on and they both started studying.

Over the next couple of hours, they both worked through the books they'd brought with them, communicating a little in the form of Daphne asking questions and Harry nodding or shaking his head in response, as well as pointing at Daphne if he wanted to ask the question back. These little interactions between them made the pull she felt towards Harry from the letters they'd been exchanging feel inconsequential in comparison, and she soon found herself shuffling closer and closer to him every time she adjusted how she was sat.

As the afternoon turned into the evening, it started to cool down a little, and as much as Daphne wanted to sit there next to Harry forever, she was starting to get a little bit too cold to stay outside by the lake.

"I've really enjoyed studying with you today Harry." She told him. "But I'm starting to get a little cold now so I think we should pick this up again tomorrow okay?" The look of sheer terror that came across Harry's face at the thought of Daphne leaving almost brought a tear to her eye.

He signalled for her to wait, before rapidly waving his wand around, casting warming charms all around their picnic blanket and conjuring a blanket for them to sit under. Daphne took the opportunity to sit right up next to him under the blanket, while kicking herself for not thinking of this herself.

They stayed sat there like that until long after the sun had set, reflecting beautifully across the lake as it dipped below the horizon, both of them reluctantly heading back to their dorms just in time for curfew.

They continued these meetings for another couple of days, each day Daphne hoped Harry would talk to her. She wasn't losing faith though, she couldn't explain it, but she felt like it was only a matter of time before he spoke to her.

The meetings changed every day, one day they were in the library, one day they were in the Great Hall, the only constant was that they were together. Every day they met though, Daphne moved ever so slightly closer to Harry, hoping he wouldn't notice.

They were sat next to each other in the library, Daphne was curled up on one end of the sofa and Harry was on the other end. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the library, it was ice cold and with no real heat source, Daphne found herself shaking.

Daphne noticed Harry's gaze shift over to her, they locked eyes and Harry just rocked his head back, as if to say 'Come over here.' Daphne obliged, scooting up the length of the couch and sitting next to Harry.

Shock entered her body as she found herself being wrapped up by a warm, fuzzy feeling, she thought Harry had conjured up another blanket for her, she was about to say thanks when she turned around and saw that there was no blanket. Instead, the warm fuzzy feeling was produced by none other than Harry and his remarkably strong arms.

Daphne stared at him as he smiled, she decided to just relax and let whatever it is that was happening, happen. She cuddled up next to Harry and continued reading her book, out of the corner of her eye she could see Harry and she noticed that every few minutes he'd stop reading his book and he'd stare at her, not in a creepy way, but in a way that admired her for the person she truly was.

This was the moment that Daphne realised what had been happening all this time, why she found herself drawn closer and closer to Harry, wanting to help him at every turn. She was falling for Harry Potter, and she was falling fast.

Daphne woke up bright and early on Christmas morning, she got herself ready and walked down the stairs to the common room where, to her surprise, there were a few presents. Confusion laid her face as she walked closer to the presents, she couldn't think who they could be from, she didn't speak to her parents all that much so there was probably only one present from them, maybe one from Astoria aswell. That accounted for two presents, which left five more on the floor.

She knelt down and started to open her presents, her parents had gotten her some nice perfume that she was sure was just a re-gift, Astoria had gotten her a set of earrings made of quartz, they shone a bright white when held up to light. Once she'd got the presents from her family out of the way, it was time for her to figure out who these presents came from and what they actually were.

She tried looking at the labels but all they said was 'For a very special girl'. As she tore the presents open she found a number of things she'd wanted this year: A new school bag from Madam Malkins', a brand new set of textbooks because her old ones were getting tattered, a full set of jewellery including earrings and rings, a new dress that she'd looked at a couple of months ago which was black with light blue accents. Her final present meant the most to her though, as it made her realise who had sent her all this, her last present was a large throw blanket, with a note inside that said 'I'll always keep you warm'.

Daphnes heart skipped, it was Harry, he had sent her all of this, she wasn't sure why he did but he had a pretty good guess. She got herself changed as quickly as possible and ran down to the black lake. She went to the spot they had their first meeting and waited, she knew he would be here soon, they had arranged to see each other on Christmas Day, although they hadn't agreed to it this early, Daphne would wait if she had to.

She waited for a few minutes, gazing out over the lake while trying to figure out how to thank Harry, she hadn't even gotten him anything! She cursed herself, she didn't think he would get anything and she didn't want to look odd by getting him anything either. She was taken out of her worrying thoughts by the faint sound of footsteps quite quickly coming towards her.

She whipped her head around to see Harry running towards her, a large smile plastered on his face. He stopped in front of her, panting slightly.

'Did you seriously run all the way down here?' Daphne quizzed, even though he wasn't replying, Daphne had started to understand him in conversation.

'That's beside the point anyway, Harry, why on earth did you buy me all of those things? And how did you know what I wanted?' Daphne asked, she had spoken about things she wanted in their letters but never in depth. Harry just smiled an even brighter smile, Daphne couldn't stop the blush that crept onto her cheek.

She stepped forward and gave him a hug, she wasn't sure how he would react but she risked it all anyway, to her surprise Harry hugged her back, he hugged her like he wasn't ever going to let her go. Daphne's head nestled perfectly within the crook of Harry's neck, like they were always meant to fit together.

The pair swayed in the snow, holding each others tight as they could muster, too afraid to let go, Daphne could feel their hearts beating in unison, matching each others rhythm. Eventually, Harry pulled away, which upset Daphne, until he rested his forehead on hers, looking deep into her eyes. Their lips were almost touching and Daphne had never wanted anything more, just a few inches and that was it, they'd be locked in forever.

'Merry Christmas Daph, I Love You.' Harry whispered before capturing Daphne's lips with his own, Daphne's eyes widened in shock but within seconds she had melted into the kiss, fireworks exploded in her stomach as she finally got what she wanted most, she got Harry. They kissed until the snowfall had become too heavy to bare and even then, they couldn't pull theirselves apart, it took a giant mound of snow falling off a tree directly on Harry's head for them to stop.

As they pulled away time seemed to stop when they gazed into eachothers eyes. Daphne saw that same smile she had fallen for all that time ago make it's way back onto Harry's face.

'Thank you, for everything, you've made me whole again and I can't wait to see what the future holds.' Harry said, inching closer towards Daphne again.

'I love you too Harry.' Daphne said as she rocketed herself forward to kiss Harry again, they spent nearly all of Christmas day within the confines of each others arms and they wouldn't have had it any other way.

A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! I thought I'd make this since the Haphne pairing fits so well at Christmastime! I hope there was enough fluff in there for you all! And I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

I wanted to say a big big thank you to my Beta-Reader and Co-Author BingBong! He started out helping me flesh out the idea that i had and doing some beta reading for me! But he loved the idea so much he decided to help me write it! I want you all to go and show him some love on his FFNet account and his A03! Here are the links!

FFNet: u/15803826/

AO3: /users/BingBong31/profile

Once again! Thank you all very much for reading and I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Day!

Nerdy Fan