A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter! A couple of you mentioned adding omakes showing the nonsense Harry, the twins, and Peeves wrought on Umbridge, and I may later on when the story gets a bit darker. Honestly, I scrapped those bits because it was 'telling' rather than 'showing', and I was thoroughly dissatisfied with them. I can't promise the omakes, as it would need to be new writing, but we'll see. Thanks for all the faves, follows and reviews! We're coming up on 900 favorites, which is wild to me.
Chapter 30
"We need to talk," Harry whispered seriously as the Great Hall finally emptied.
There were a few questioning looks at the comment, and he took a needed calming breath. He was bordering on furious about how Daphne, Sirius, and Daniel reacted to Warrington's curse, but knew anger wouldn't help the conversation.
"More specifically, I'd like to speak to my beautiful girlfriend, her father, and the fleabag," he continued softly.
"I suggest the rest of you return to your regularly scheduled programs," Dumbledore offered with an understanding smile.
Harry received hugs and handshakes from his group before they left for their various homes, and accepted another heartfelt thank you from McGonagall before she made her exit. Albus elected to remain, and the teen was glad for the impartial third party. He took another deep breath, squeezing Daphne's hand in reassurance.
"Guys, I can't begin to tell you how much that obvious display of love means to me, but it was entirely unacceptable."
"Harry…"
"No, Daniel," he interrupted a bit harsher than intended. "Let me finish, please. I can't fault you for it, as I'd happily give my life for any of yours, but I need you to understand what the impact would've been if I didn't block it. I've lived that life for fourteen years. I've met the people that died for me, and even though I understand their actions, it doesn't make it any easier to be the reason they're not here.
"If one of you were gone right now, I'd be shattered. I'd be exactly as useful as if the curse killed me, and you'd be unable to help. That can't happen. I can't have someone sacrifice themselves for me again."
"And what if it was aimed at me?" Daphne asked gently, though her stubborn expression proved she held no remorse.
"I'd have blocked it."
"And if you couldn't? If you weren't so quick with a wall?"
"Then I'd have done the same thing," he admitted. "But that's not reality. Reality is that I am prepared to respond quickly, and anyone jumping in front of a curse meant for me is risking their lives unnecessarily."
"Kiddo," Sirius broke in, looking very much like his name. "That makes complete sense, and looking back that's exactly what we should've known at the time. But you can't understand what the three of us felt at that moment. That flash of green means only one thing, and that it was directed at you stole every thought from my brain besides 'get to Harry'."
"Pads," he began, taking a moment to absorb his godfather's perspective. "I can't imagine what that felt like, and it makes me all the more appreciative of your gut reaction. But even if I wasn't so quick, you dying for me wouldn't have solved anything."
"It would have," Daniel countered firmly. "It would guarantee that the person meant to change our world survives, and that we've played a part in you doing so. It means that I can go on to whatever comes next knowing full well that your Dad will shake my hand in gratitude, and that my daughter has a chance at happiness."
"At the expense of your life," Harry hissed, his frustration getting the better of him. "That's not an acceptable trade."
"I'd make it every time it's offered," Sirius argued, his tone growing to match his godson's. "And the surviving people who love you would help you through the grief. You can preach for hours if you'd like, but I'm jumping in front of that curse every time I feel like I need to."
"Same here," Daniel added.
"To do what!? To add to the constant misery I feel? To send me into a tailspin of regret and depression?"
"I'd rather you sad and alive, than happy and not."
"Damnit, Sirius," Harry's glare would've scalded the man if physical, though its target was unmoved. "This isn't a black and white issue! I'm capable of defending myself, and I'm quicker than all three of you combined. Trust me to do so!"
"We trust you, Harry," Daniel countered gently. "With our lives. But in the moment, your back was turned, and it's hard to remember how capable you are when we see our worst fear being acted out in front of us."
"Your worst fear should be your family being hurt!" he shot back hotly.
"It is," the man breathed softly, pulling Harry up short. "That's exactly what I was terrified of… a member of my family catching a curse to the back. I'll jump in front of a curse for all four of you every minute of the day if I have to."
"Daniel… I'm not… I shouldn't be included in that number."
"Well that's just too damn bad."
"Boys and girls," Albus interrupted gently, giving Harry a moment to regain his bearings. "I think this conversation was probably necessary, but directly after the fact is likely not the best time. Perhaps we can all sleep on the matter and come back to it if necessary. I will repeat Harry's point that he's far more capable than he was given credit for..."
"Thank you," Harry whispered in victory.
"And I'll also repeat," the man countered with a grin. "That all four of us care enough about you to disregard that capability if we have to. It's not up to you to decide how others behave, my boy."
"You could've stopped after how capable I am," he said glumly, though he let his frustration dissipate. "Let's sleep on it. I'm incredibly appreciative of you three, but I hope we don't have a repeat performance."
"Maybe if you quit pissing people off you'd have fewer Killing Curses sent your way," Sirius offered with a grin, moving to hug the young man. "Go fire some spells at Ron, your eyes are still glowing and it's freaking me out."
—
February 3, 1996
Harry felt Daphne snuggle closer into his shoulder, and he cast what must've been his hundredth warming charm of the last few minutes. Angelina had offered the seeker role back to him once he was reinstated as a student, but he declined, not wanting to disrupt the chemistry the new team was building. And judging by how cold it was even when snuggled up under a blanket, he might have made the right decision.
He watched as Ginny circled the pitch while repeatedly breathing into her hands, Cho Chang following miserably behind. It stung a bit to be watching instead of flying, but as Daphne readjusted her two-handed grip on his hand, that sting quickly dissipated. He knew he had too much on his plate already, though he hoped the game against Slytherin wouldn't be the last of his career.
The match was mercifully brief, as Ginny caught the snitch around the hour mark. After storming the pitch, Harry led his group of friends back to the warmth of the castle, Daphne deciding to join the Gryffindors for the post-match celebration.
Life in the castle had quickly returned to the pre-Umbridge norm, and the change in atmosphere was ear-popping in its suddenness. Students were laughing and joking in the corridors once more, the fear of breaking some new decree quickly becoming a distant nightmare. Warrington was delivered to the ICW along with Umbridge and Fudge, and Daphne mentioned that Snape had sat his house down for a surprisingly firm conversation about any future attacks. It was a bizarre juxtaposition of a return to normal and unbelievable tension.
In the bigger picture, the Wizengamot ratified the bill to remove Hogwarts from Ministry control the week prior, and named themselves its final arbiters. The school board minus Malfoy were happy to have Dumbledore reclaim his position, and Harry reluctantly returned the wards to the man. The Wizengamot also agreed to move their sessions to a new building in his village if things at the Ministry continued to dissolve.
Scrimgeour was named Interim Minister, and the man was happy to work with the Wizengamot, though he still came with some concerns. His campaign for the coming election received a massive donation, and Malfoy's position as Head Auror was cemented a few days later. When Amelia met with him in his new office, Scrimgeour explained it away as keeping enemies close. Harry and his team guessed the move would prove a dangerous one, but the man was firm on his position. So far Malfoy's new power hadn't led to any calamity, but Harry knew it was just a matter of time.
He pushed thoughts of the man aside, as Fred and George made their presence in the common room known exuberantly.
"I knew you two couldn't stay away," Hermione said with a smile.
"We figured the party wouldn't be the same without us," Fred countered, dropping a load of drinks and snacks onto a nearby table.
"And besides," George added, setting his own delivery down. "What'll McGonagall do if she finds out? Expel us?"
Harry shook his head at the pair as they began passing butterbeers to anyone they could find. He, Daphne, Hermione, and Neville grabbed seats near one of the fireplaces, and Daphne quickly cuddled up to him again, her face still wind burnt.
"Italy is looking better and better to me," she shivered. "If I get 'lost' and don't come home, leave me to my fate until April."
Their trip was planned for the coming Tuesday, and Harry was excited to spend the time away from his normal worries for a few days. Remus was staying behind to keep things running at the Manor, and Albus was going to travel back and forth from the castle for the trials. He was grateful to the two men for it, as he knew he'd be able to relax a bit knowing they were looking over things while he was gone.
"I can get behind that idea," he replied with a grin, massaging some heat back into the girl's hands. "They have a few small private islands used to grow potion ingredients, but I bet the government would let me take one off their hands for the right price."
"Moody would track you down pretty quick," Neville argued. "And you can't leave me to deal with the Wizengamot alone."
"Fiiine. I'll wait a few years before running away."
"What's she doing here?" a snide voice interrupted from across the room.
Daphne tensed at the question, but Harry squeezed her hands reassuringly. He stood and turned to find Cormac McLaggen sneering at him, his small group of equally obnoxious friends standing nearby.
"What's that, McLaggen?" he asked coldly, giving the teen a chance to rethink his concern.
"I asked why there's a snake in our common room, Potter."
"Where's the rule against it?"
"There doesn't need to be a rule," McLaggen spat in disgust. "Just because she's somehow tricked you into trusting her doesn't mean the rest of us should have to deal with it."
"Her name is Daphne," Harry growled, his magic growing behind his eyes. "And if you're uncomfortable with Daphne being here, I suggest you leave."
"Or what? You'll throw your weight around some more? Is Dumbledore's pet fifth year gonna throw another tantrum?"
"McLaggen," he answered as calmly as he could. "I'm not sure if you're jealous or just stupid, but everything I've done this year has been for the good of the school."
"Oh right," the arrogant teen scoffed. "Setting off alarms in my dorm every night of the week is for the benefit of us all. How silly of me!"
"That was us," George interjected with a dangerous grin, stepping forward in between the pair.
"And it was payback for your years of being an arrogant asshole, you puffed up piece of shit," Fred added, drawing even with his brother.
"Of course it was! Why wouldn't I assume it's the equally attention-seeking Weasleys? Who also don't deserve to be here..."
The quidditch team interrupted the standoff by entering the common room, receiving a much weaker reaction than they deserved. Ron quickly took in the situation and moved to stand next to his brothers, and Daphne used the break in jabs to stand and place a hand on Harry's clenched fist.
"This is silly," she said loud enough for the room to hear. "I'll head back to my common room. You all enjoy your party."
Harry gently grabbed her hand as she moved to the door, but released it as she shook him off. She stopped as she approached Ron, stiffly congratulating him on his performance. She repeated the gesture with a formal smile to the rest of the team, Angelina accepting her plaudits while glaring accusingly at McLaggen.
She left without another word, and Harry was angry enough to curse the older boy. Instead, he followed Daphne, catching her as she exited the portrait hole.
"No, Harry," the girl said coldly without turning. "You go enjoy your party. Ron deserves to have his best friend there."
"Daph," Harry replied, forcing his anger away. "Ron'll understand. I'm not letting you walk around alone."
"I've been walking around alone for five years. This is no different."
"Daph," he repeated more firmly, though the girl didn't stop. "Look at me. Please."
His pleading tone seemed to do the trick as Daphne turned, but Harry was punched in the gut by the expression on her face. Her cold public mask was back at full force, and his heart felt like breaking at the sight. He'd grown used to her new openness, and quickly realized exactly how much he had taken that for granted.
"Go to your party," she said neutrally, her eyes not meeting his. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"No," he countered firmly. "If you don't want me to walk with you, I'll follow behind. If you don't wanna talk to me, I'll sit outside your common room until morning. I'm serious. You're more important to me than some silly party. You're more important to me than anything, and I'm gonna show you exactly how stubborn I can be about it."
Harry watched her mask crumble slightly at his promise, and gently took her hands in his. He placed a kiss on both, and waited for her to look at him. When she finally did, it seemed to break the last of her composure and her eyes filled with tears. He tugged her into a hug before the first could fall, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He felt small sniffles as he held her, but was content to simply be there, knowing that's what she needed.
After a long moment she raised her head a bit, and moved an arm from where it was trapped between them to wipe her face. Harry pulled back slightly to give her space, resting his forehead on hers. She finally met his eyes, and his heart flipped at the sight of her returned openness.
"It's not fair that you know what to say all the time," she sniffed, trying and failing to look frustrated.
"It's not fair how you make me feel, so we're even."
She gave him a watery smile, leaning up to kiss him lightly in response. Harry felt Ginny approaching from behind, but chose to ignore her and kiss his girlfriend again.
"Er… Daphne," Ginny interrupted gently. "You forgot your coat."
"Thanks," she said as they turned. It was still obvious she'd been crying, but her smile brought one to the redhead's face as well.
"You guys okay?"
"We are," Daphne assured her, approaching to take the garment.
"Hermione told me what happened… McLaggen's an idiot. Most of us don't care about that stuff anymore."
"Thanks, Ginny, and congratulations again. You were incredible."
"Just trying to live up to the world's best seeker over there," she countered with a grin. "You guys have fun, I'll tell everyone you said congrats, Harry."
"Thanks," he said gratefully, giving the girl a brief hug. "You were great. I'll catch the tail end of the party, when I feel like I won't immediately throw McLaggen out the window."
"The twins may beat you to it."
Ginny turned and reentered the portrait hole, and Harry grabbed Daphne's coat to carry it for her.
"Shall we?" he asked formally, extending an arm.
Daphne took it, and they began their trek to the dungeons, both intent on taking their time.
"It's going to be a problem," she said after a couple minutes of silence. "You and me. People aren't ever going to like it."
"Fuck 'em."
"No," she laughed in response. "I'm serious. It's something we'll deal with for however long we're together."
"It's been a few months now, and that's the first time anyone besides Malfoy's had a problem with it. It was just one jackass."
"It's every day for me," Daphne argued. "I hear snide comments, or see pointed looks every day. In the common room, in class, at meals… the only Slytherin's that don't care are Astoria, Tracey, and Blaise."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked in concern, stopping and pulling her to face him.
"Because there's nothing you can do about it. None of them have been dumb enough to go too far, and I'll handle it if they do."
"You shouldn't have to, though. I figured it was just Malfoy and crew. McLaggen's the first to have an issue in Gryffindor, and if he speaks up again I'll remove his ability to do so."
"But it's not just him, either. There were four of his friends behind him that clearly agreed, and your fan girls sat in the corner glaring at me. It's not just ones and twos, it's an actual problem."
"Then we'll either fix it or ignore it," Harry countered, his gut clenching at the direction the conversation was turning. "In the last eight months I've changed the world, as arrogant as that sounds. I'll change it again for you. I can't bear the thought of not having you in my life."
"That's not what I'm saying," Daphne soothed, smiling at his passion. "I'm yours, Harold. I just think it's something we're going to have to consider from here on out."
Harry's pulse slowed from its race at her reassurance, and he pulled her to him firmly. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and he buried his face into the crook of hers.
"I swear," he whispered. "You're more terrifying than Voldemort to me."
"I'll choose to take that as a compliment, though bringing him up while you hug me isn't the most romantic of gestures."
Harry smiled at her annoyed tone and released her, pushing her lightly back into the wall behind. He conjured a small blue dahlia as he followed her, plucking it from the air and tucking it behind her ear in one smooth motion. He trailed his hand down to her neck when it was secure and leaned his body into hers.
He pulled her face towards his and kissed her firmly, quickly deepening the kiss with his tongue. Daphne's hands found his hair, and pulled him further into her desperately. Harry's heart pounded at the contact, and he could feel hers matching the speed. The world and its problems melted away, and the pair just soaked up the brief moment of pure happiness.
Harry pulled back after a long minute, but Daphne pulled his head back down to rest against hers. She looked exactly as he felt, eyes closed and taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Harry grinned at the sight, though his own breathing was erratic at best.
"That'll do, Potter," Daphne breathed, finally opening her eyes with a smile. "I'll expect that type of response any time you say something dumb."
"People are gonna start thinking I have a concussion," Harry countered. "Everything that comes out of my mouth will be completely inane from here on out."
Harry felt a familiar presence approach, and reluctantly pulled away. Snape rounded a corner not far from where they stood, though his timing could have been much worse. The man stopped at the sight of them, standing close but not awkwardly so. They must have still appeared obvious, however, as the potions master rolled his eyes.
"I don't want to know," he drawled dryly. "Why aren't you celebrating, Mr. Potter?"
"There was a bit of an issue in the common room, so I'm walking Daphne back to hers."
Snape nodded, and Harry knew the professor would understand more than most.
"I trust you'll handle those issues appropriately."
"The handling will depend on the severity of the issue, sir."
"That sounds like the definition of appropriate to me. I'll leave you to your journey, but I'd like a moment of your time once you deliver Miss Greengrass if you have it to give."
"I'll meet you in your office," Harry nodded agreeably.
"Miss Greengrass, please come to me if things become… untenable within the house. I will do what I can to correct the behavior."
"Thank you, Professor," she replied with a small smile.
Snape turned on his heel and headed back in the direction of his office, and Harry gave him a long headstart before continuing forward holding Daphne's hand.
"It's bizarre seeing the two of you interact so politely."
"I shared a memory of my Mum with him," Harry admitted. "They were close as students, and her words seemed to fix some of the antipathy he felt towards me."
"Would you show me a memory of her sometime?" she asked somewhat shyly. "If you don't want to, I'll completely understand."
"I'd love to," Harry answered with a grin. "I'll show you all of them if you want. Going through that time with you by my side sounds incredible."
Daphne returned his happy smile, and snuggled into his arm as they walked. They passed a few students in the corridors, but most seemed to crave the warmth of their common rooms or the library. They eventually made it to the entrance of her common room, and Harry happily allowed her to pull him into another hug.
"What, fifteen minutes, and a few floors and hallways?" she asked with a smile.
"Huh?"
"Just noting the time and distance it took you to turn me from heartbroken to overwhelmingly happy."
"I'd promise to break that record next time, but I don't plan on letting you feel heartbroken."
"There it is again, you jerk," she countered with a swat to his shoulder. "I make a cute little joke, and you have the perfect response prepped and ready to go."
"The only perfection in my life is you," he replied cheesily, laughing at the roll of her eyes.
"That helps. Now seriously, go talk to Snape, but enjoy the party afterwards. I'll see you at dinner."
"Call for me if you have any problems, Daph. I mean it. I'll bust through the wall if I need to."
"Hey! If I'm not allowed to jump in front of evil curses for you, you don't get to fight my battles either, Potter."
"So not the same!"
"That's the rule as dictated by yourself, Harold. In fact, I believe you even raised your voice at Sirius and my father during that conversation."
"Go fight your battles, you punk," Harry pouted petulantly.
The act was interrupted as she leaned forward to kiss him lightly, and Harry couldn't resist tugging her close one last time.
"We'll figure this mess out," he whispered. "I promise. Either that, or we'll buy that island in Italy and the rest of the world can go to hell."
"I'll hold you to that."
Daphne pulled back and shot him one last smile before disappearing into the common room. Harry knew he'd see her again tonight for training, but his heart still ached at the sight of her walking away.
—
"Come in."
He did so, and was gestured into a seat in front of the desk. Snape sat behind it, piling the essays he was grading to one side.
"I'm glad I ran into you earlier, but I apologize if I interrupted."
"Your timing was better than my godfather's," Harry admitted with a hint of a grin. "I've been meaning to speak to you anyway."
"Albus mentioned that," Snape replied, sighing frustratedly. "I swear to you I wasn't told of any of the attacks so far. The Dark Lord uses me as a potions master and an occasional sounding board. Most plans are normally delegated elsewhere."
"I understand, and I trust you to pass along information when you receive it. I'd say it isn't frustrating, but it is what it is, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize your position."
"We'll have to eventually. This isn't sustainable if I value my life."
"I mentioned the same to Albus not long ago," Harry agreed. "I won't ask you to risk your life, Snape. As soon as your position grows dangerous, get the hell out of there. We'll make do without your help."
"You'll have my help regardless of my position, Harry," he countered firmly, the teen noticing the use of his first name. "I want the man dead as much as anyone. If my cover gets blown, I'll join your team openly."
"I'm glad to hear that, Severus," he replied, slightly uncomfortable using the name in return.
"It'll get easier," the man smirked, noticing his hesitance. "Though we have a few years of mistrust to overcome."
"We do."
"I asked you here to tell you he's planning something. I haven't been brought into the circle yet, but the Dark Lord has intimated that I will be soon. My best guess is a move on the Ministry or Hogwarts, and I'm leaning towards the Ministry."
"Yeah Lucius' influence seems as strong as ever," Harry agreed darkly. "Part of me is impatient for the war to finally break, just so I can kill the asshole without fear of repercussion."
"It won't be as easy as that," Severus countered. "As cowardly and conniving as Malfoy is, he's still a bigger threat than any you've faced so far besides the Dark Lord himself."
"All the more reason to kill him. I won't underestimate him, I promise."
"Good. I've been told you know of the influx of support from the continent?"
"I was told of a group from France. Have there been others?"
"The French were the biggest, and Rosier is still recruiting in the country, but there have been others trickling in as well. Blood-purity is a common issue around the world, and it seems others see the Dark Lord as a catalyst for the change they desire. I'd estimate two hundred new members have joined in the last few months, with more promising to do so. And Fenrir Greyback is currently working on the largest werewolf packs in Europe."
"What would you say the current numbers are?"
"Around five hundred, not including the giants or werewolves, but that number will double by summer. And again, perhaps, by next school year."
"I'm surprised he hasn't made his move yet," Harry mused.
"He's proven more patient than I expected," Snape agreed. "I believe he learned a harsh lesson in '81, and is intent on not repeating the mistake. That's why I believe his first move will be against the Ministry. He wants the prophecy."
Harry tried to meet the man's eyes, but Severus clearly felt guilt at his role in the matter.
"Bygones, Severus," Harry said firmly. "I mean it. You made a mistake, as we all have at some point. The prophecy means nothing to me… I'd kill the bastard just as happily if it didn't exist."
"That doesn't change how miserable that mistake makes me feel."
"She forgave you, too. Rewatch the message if you need to, sir."
"I will," Severus agreed, sighing deeply. "That's all I had for you, Harry. Besides gratitude for removing that ridiculous woman."
"Then I'll see you in class."
"It'll be Defense," Snape countered quickly. "Albus has hired a former teacher to cover potions. I'll be switching positions on Monday, and Robards will go back to whatever it is you had him doing previously."
"You can't be worse than our last teacher, I guess," he answered with a grin.
"I'd appreciate having my new office returned," the man said, returning the look.
"Survive the year then."
"Albus told me you'd say that."
—
Harry reentered his common room to find a much happier atmosphere, and an absence of McLaggen and crew. He made his way over to his friends, grabbing a butterbeer as he did so. He plopped inelegantly into an open chair and opened the drink with a sigh.
"You looked like every American sitcom dad just now," Hermione greeted with a grin.
Harry tucked his hand in his pants and faked a belch, having watched a few episodes of Married With Children with Sirius over the break. His friends chuckled at his performance, but Ginny quickly turned solemn.
"Is Daphne okay?" she asked worriedly.
"She is," Harry smiled in return. "We talked it out, but McLaggen really upset her. Apparently it's more of a problem than I've realized."
"It was always going to be," Neville agreed with a compassionate look. "But you'll figure it out."
"We will. Ron, Ginny, I'm sorry I kinda ruined the mood and wasn't around for the start of the party. You both played brilliantly, and deserved the attention."
"Mate," Ron countered with a grin. "If you hadn't followed her I'd have hit you."
"I'd follow her anywhere," Harry reassured his friend. "But I apologize for the timing nonetheless."
"Apology accepted, then," Ginny answered easily.
"Welcome back, Lord Potter," Fred called excitedly as he plopped onto a nearby couch. "Sorry for the hullabaloo. McLaggen and company are currently rethinking their decisions with some time spent as the worms they are."
Harry followed his friend's outstretched finger, quickly finding a small terrarium filled with dirt on the far window sill.
"You know McGonagall's gonna be pissed you cursed him," he said with a laugh.
"I didn't! It seems as if the group ate some tainted snacks of some sort…"
"And I'm sure she won't assume that was also you two," Hermione snorted.
"By the time she finds out, we'll be safe in our cribs at home," he grinned.
"Where's your better half? Has he already gone back?" Harry asked curiously.
"Nah. He's trying to convince Alicia to go out with him. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and all that. Lee's having more success with Katie, though my actual better half is chaperoning the couples, and sent me away for inappropriate comments."
"That doesn't sound like you!"
"Thank you!"
"Harry," Ron interjected. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Of course," he answered while standing.
He followed his friend to his dorm, feeling a bit worried by Ron's formal tone. He touched Daphne's armband, as he'd grown prone to do when he needed a lift, the suffusion of positive feelings immediately calming him. Ron opened the door and sat on the foot of his bed, Harry sitting on his own.
"I just wanted to check in with you," his friend began. "Me and 'Mione haven't gone through your exact situation, but I remember how weird we felt for a bit after our first hurdle."
"What was the issue?"
"I mentioned that I'd always expected my future wife to be a full-time mother."
"You idiot."
"Trust me, I know," Ron countered with a grimace. "But I didn't mean it that way, I was just trying to tell her what my past self thought relationships looked like. I would never expect that of her, or anyone that didn't want that life for themselves. But Hermione wanted to discuss the issue, and I'm not great at keeping my foot away from my mouth. I stuttered through the whole conversation, and we were weird for three days until I finally wrote what I wanted to say down and read it to her."
"That's smart. I'll do the same if I have trouble putting words to what I'm thinking. You guys are fine now, though?"
"Oh yeah," he shrugged. "That was before we left for break. We're better than ever."
"Have you told her you love her yet?"
"Skating on your pond," he admitted with a smile. "I didn't even mean to, she just looked so damn cute with her rosy cheeks and happy grin that it just slipped out."
"And?"
"She said 'what took you so long?' Probably the single greatest feeling of my life."
"That sounds like her," he said with a laugh. "You guys deserve it, and the lack of bickering might be the greatest feeling of my life."
Ron chucked a pillow at him which he caught with a grin.
"So you and Daphne are okay?"
"We are," Harry replied confidently. "It's an issue that I was blind to and she wasn't, but now that I'm aware, I can help her with it. It wasn't just McLaggen. It was the idiots behind him, the younger girls, and most of Slytherin house that all kind of built up to finally get to her. I swear Daph is one of the strongest people I've ever met, so when something gets under her skin, I know it's an issue."
"I'm so glad you guys got together this year as opposed to last. If Hermione hadn't forced me to reevaluate my priorities, I'd have been just as big of a problem."
"I'd have set you straight, but I'm thankful for your lady love too."
"You know it's gonna be news, right?" Ron asked seriously.
"Damnit, you're right."
"The Prophet is going to be relentless. You need to talk to her about it."
"I'll do it tonight after training."
"I know I give you shit, Harry, but I couldn't be happier for you. It honestly feels like the universe manifested the perfect person for you, and plopped her into your life exactly when you needed her."
"You're telling me, mate. It's been the best possible version of a blindside, and it still doesn't feel real."
"Here either. And the fact that they get along so well? We're lucky blokes."
"I'll make sure you don't forget it, if you return the favor."
"I'm happy to knock you silly whenever you need it," Ron promised with a grin.
—
February 6, 1996
Daphne woke with the excitement that came with imminent travel, and knew she was fortunate to be familiar with the feeling. The past few days had been among the most difficult since she lost her heart so completely, especially the conversation with Harry about press interference, and she couldn't wait to ignore the nonsense for a few days.
Her family's usual trips were to the States or France, and she was looking forward to seeing the historic Italian city for the first time. That Harry would be coming with her was like a cake on top of a cake, and she barely suppressed a squeal of glee at the thought. Her excitement was multiplied when she saw a letter covered with a familiar scrawl on her bedside table.
She snatched the parchment and jumped from her bed, moving to the common room to read it in private. She curled up in her usual spot, breathing deeply to calm her overexcited nerves.
Daph,
I can't sleep. I'd feel annoyed, but my excitement is kinda overriding any other possible emotions. It seems a bit weird to be looking forward to a trial of all things, but Albus promised our time in the courts will be minimal, so I've ignored the weirdness.
He managed to spread out our testimonies. Ron and Hermione will be first on Wednesday, and yours and mine will be on Friday. He said we 'might as well take the weekend', so we'll be there for six days, and I'm gonna find that man the best Italian socks money can buy.
I know things have been harder on you than I expected, and I'll apologize again for not realizing our situations would be so different. But I'm glad you told me, and I'll let you handle things on your end, though I'd rather just burn the country to the ground and run away to Antarctica together.
I had Remus book our group a private block of rooms at a top muggle hotel, but you'll be sharing with Hermione, I hope that's okay. I have a short list of things I'd like to see while we're there, and I'm happy to check things off your list as well, but honestly, the idea of walking with you through the city has me completely wired.
I understand why Astoria doesn't want to come, and agree that she'd probably feel like a ninth wheel or whatever she said, but I spoke to Snape about it anyway. I don't trust Malfoy to not try something while I'm gone, so he and Albus will be paying special attention. Tell her they'll be keeping an eye out, but not to hesitate to ask for help. Blaise and Tracey as well, of course.
I'm not sure why I'm writing you, to be honest. But I was just laying in bed counting sheep, and realized I miss you. I saw you a few hours ago, and I'll have six days with you in another few, but I still miss you. It was this, or go crazy, though I'm not sure I'm not managing both.
By the time you read this, breakfast will be in minutes, but just know that my heart hurts right now because you're just too far away.
Yours, without doubt, regret, or hope for it to end,
Harold- if that is my real name
Daphne couldn't help but laugh at the signature, and folded the letter carefully, intent on adding it to her collection. Her happiness was quickly interrupted, however, when she saw Malfoy enter the room.
"Greengrass," the boy greeted imperiously.
"Malfoy."
"You know this is your last chance, right?"
"Last chance for what?"
"To make sure your family comes out of this unscathed," he answered snootily.
"My family is confident in the side they've chosen," Daphne replied, her hand finding the wand in her pocket.
"Then you're fools. If you testify, my father will make sure you regret it. You're making yourself an even bigger target."
"I appreciate your concern," she answered neutrally, not willing to upset the boy right before she left for the week. "But I'll accept whatever fate has in store for me."
"And will your sister do the same?"
"Don't you dare threaten Astoria." Her neutrality dropped immediately as she glared at the boy..
"I'm not threatening her," Draco said, waving the accusation off. "In fact, I'll guarantee her safety while you're gone. She'd be just as good a match, and she's always been the more reasonable of you two."
"Her decisions are her own," Daphne countered, willing the boy to believe he had a chance if it ensured Astoria's safety.
"Good morning all," Blaise interrupted warily as he entered the room. "Everything okay here?"
"Everything's fine," she answered with a forced smile. "Draco was just wishing me well on my trip."
"I hope your boyfriend doesn't return," the boy countered petulantly.
"Harry's mentioned the same," she countered with a smile. "There's an island he's thinking about buying."
Daphne covered a grin as Draco's eyes flashed with jealousy, and the boy headed back up to his dorm in a huff.
"I didn't expect to see the two of you chatting so amicably," Blaise mused.
"You missed the threatening portion of the conversation by just a few seconds."
"Is he still trying to convince you?"
"Nope. Set his sights on Astoria instead."
"That won't go well for him. I'll keep her close while you're gone."
"Thanks, Blaise," she replied sincerely. "I'll leave her the mirror, and Dumbledore is giving us an emergency portkey. We can be back pretty quick if you call us."
"Hopefully you won't need to. I'd tell you to look up the Zabini's while you're there, but they're all arrogant jerks."
"Apples don't fall far, I guess."
"Leave the country already, would you?"
A/N: A little peek into my thoughts as a writer: I was always confused when authors decided to have Harry no longer play quidditch. It didn't ruin any fics for me, but it was always a bit disappointing. Being on this side of the story, however, gave me a new perspective. Writing quidditch is HARD. Especially if it's going to feel fresh in a massive sea of stories. It makes sense for Harry to remove that from his list of priorities, and it also saves me from toiling over another quidditch match that doesn't add anything other than the enjoyment sport brings.
I do have plans for a story after this one, though. Post-Hogwarts ignoring that god awful epilogue. Preliminary plans have Harry playing professionally, so I'm sure I'll either get used to writing Quidditch, or I'll begin to hate the sport was ever imagined.