CHAPTER 44: RETURN TO DESKS

Harry watched with a mixture of envy and resignation as Ron and Hermione disappeared into the Prefect carriages. The sting of not being chosen as a Prefect still lingered, a wound that refused to heal despite his efforts to ignore it. Part of him burned with resentment, feeling the unfairness of it all, but he couldn't deny that his lack of dedication to his studies had played a significant role in his exclusion. His talent for Quidditch and his penchant for mischief hardly made up for his academic shortcomings.

The summer spent with Sirius had been a revelation for Harry, a time of growth and self-discovery. The Greengrasses and his godfather had shown him a side of magic he had never known, guiding him in ways that Hogwarts never could. Sirius, in particular, had pushed him to his limits with rigorous combat training, a stark departure from the monotony of schoolwork. Andi, on the other hand, had tempered his impulsive nature, ensuring he didn't stray too far into the territory of Mad-Eye Moody. And Fleur's presence had shattered the walls Harry had built around himself, exposing him to a world of new experiences, both magical and mundane.

But as the new term approached, the weight of his OWL year bore down on Harry like a heavy burden. With Voldemort's shadow looming over everything, every moment felt precious, every action scrutinized for its potential impact. Thoughts of Croaker and the mysterious Department of Mysteries haunted him, their secrets like dark clouds on the horizon, threatening to unleash a storm of chaos.

Ginny's voice broke through Harry's reverie, bringing him back to the present. "Come on, Harry," she urged, her tone gentle but insistent. "We need to find a compartment before they're all taken."

Harry nodded, pushing aside his worries for the moment. With Ginny by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they set off down the train corridor, searching for a compartment where they could begin their journey to another year at Hogwarts.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's question, the weight of his trunk no longer an issue thanks to the enchanted necklace around his neck. With a simple gesture, he revealed the golden chain, drawing Ginny's attention to the intricate charm dangling from it.

"This little beauty," he said, tapping the pendant with a grin, "holds everything I need."

Ginny's eyes widened as she examined the charm, clearly impressed by its magical craftsmanship. "That's incredible," she remarked, her voice filled with admiration.

Harry nodded, a sense of pride swelling within him as he explained its functions. "It's a miniature trunk, complete with sliding drawers and compartments. Plus, it's charmed to be lightweight and expandable, perfect for camping or traveling light."

He couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of wizarding ingenuity, wondering aloud why anyone would bother with traditional houses when they had such convenient magical tools at their disposal.

Ginny laughed at his observation, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You've got a point there," she agreed. "Who needs a permanent residence when you can have all this?"

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Harry teased, "Blame Sirius for spoiling me with all these gadgets. But hey, I'm not complaining."

Ginny playfully nudged him in response, her smile widening. "Well, I have to admit, it's pretty impressive."

As they made their way down the train corridor, Harry explained that Hedwig was flying to Hogwarts ahead of them, already accustomed to the journey on her own.

"Let's find a compartment," Ginny suggested, eager to settle in for the journey ahead.

Harry and Ginny strolled down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. As they passed each compartment, Harry couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of fellow students following his every move. It was as if they were trying to decipher some hidden meaning behind his presence, perhaps fueled by the rumors and speculation that often swirled around him.

Lost in his thoughts, Harry almost missed the sound of a compartment door sliding open behind him. His instincts kicked in automatically, and he reached for his wand before realizing the familiar scent of perfume that wafted through the air.

Turning around, Harry relaxed his grip on his wand as he caught sight of Daphne Greengrass standing before him. "Well, well, Miss Greengrass," he said with a grin. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Daphne's expression was a mix of amusement and surprise as she looked at Harry. "Surprised to see me?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly," he replied, his tone light. "Just wasn't expecting your company."

Daphne's smirk only widened at his response, and Harry couldn't help but notice the way her dark hair framed her face, accentuating her features. "Well, if you're looking for a compartment, you're in luck," she said, gesturing behind her. "We have plenty of room."

Harry glanced past Daphne and saw Astoria waving from inside the compartment. He returned the gesture with a nod of acknowledgment before turning his attention back to Daphne.

"Thanks for the offer," he said with a grin, "but I think I'll pass. Don't want to give Malfoy a heart attack before we even reach school."

Daphne laughed, a melodic sound that echoed softly through the corridor. "Fair enough," she conceded, her smirk never leaving her lips. "But the offer still stands if you change your mind."

With a nod of thanks, Harry and Ginny continued on their way, leaving Daphne and Astoria behind. As they walked, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that this year at Hogwarts was going to be anything but ordinary.

Daphne leaned against the door hinges, her gaze fixed on Harry with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. There was something captivating about her, Harry noted, an air of confidence mingled with a hint of mystery. She seemed unaware of the effect she had on others, her focus solely on him as she spoke.

"Harry Potter," she began, her voice tinged with mock annoyance, "are you intentionally trying to incite rumors about Draco? Pansy's right inside, you know. Maybe there's something she should be aware of?"

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at Daphne's playful accusation. Her ongoing theories about a secret attraction between him and Malfoy had become a recurring joke between them. "Trust me, Daphne," he replied with a grin, "if I wanted to start rumors, I'd find a more exciting topic."

Ginny, sensing the tension between Harry and Daphne, stepped in cautiously. "We should probably get going," she said, her voice laced with subtle urgency.

But Daphne wasn't ready to let the conversation end just yet. "Harry, join us," she insisted, a hint of sincerity in her voice. "Astoria would love to spend some time with you. She felt a bit left out at the party."

Harry glanced over Daphne's shoulder and caught a glimpse of Astoria inside the compartment, her expression unreadable. He knew Ginny was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, but he couldn't deny the intrigue of Daphne's offer.

Before he could respond, Ginny intervened firmly, her grip tightening on his elbow. "Harry sits with us," she declared, her eyes giving Daphne a once-over—a silent evaluation that spoke volumes. It was a subtle dance of social dynamics, one that women were particularly adept at navigating.

With a nod of understanding, Harry allowed Ginny to lead him away, leaving Daphne and Astoria behind. As they walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Daphne Greengrass than met the eye, and he was eager to uncover the secrets she held.

Daphne's touch sent a jolt of electricity through Harry's veins as she took his hand, her eyes ablaze with determination as they locked onto Ginny's defiant gaze. The air crackled with tension, and Harry couldn't help but feel like a lone pine tree in the midst of a cougar's territory, waiting for territorial boundaries to be drawn.

"He's got better things to do than entertain the likes of Pansy Parkinson," Ginny retorted, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere like a knife.

Harry braced himself for what felt like an impending storm, silently hoping that his metaphorical bark would be enough to avoid any territorial skirmishes.

Before the tension could escalate further, Pansy's voice sliced through the air from behind them. "Seriously, Greengrass, if you have to spend so much time convincing your fiancé to choose you over a Weas—"

"Shut up, Pansy!" Astoria's voice interrupted sharply, her tone filled with frustration and anger.

"Fiancé?" Ginny's voice wavered with a mix of confusion and bitterness. "Harry, what does she—"

Daphne's eyes flashed with a hint of irritation as she turned to Harry, her expression momentarily unreadable before her lips tightened into a thin line. "Is it too much to ask?" she said, her tone softening slightly. "I know you'd rather spend time with your..." Her gaze flicked towards Ginny, "...friends, but I was hoping to introduce you to the others before we reach Hogwarts and get separated by our House lines."

Harry felt a pang of guilt gnawing at him as he realized the implications of Daphne's words. He hadn't considered the consequences of his actions, the unintended repercussions of his interactions with Daphne and her friends. Swallowing hard, he met Daphne's gaze with a sense of resolve.

"I'm sorry, Daphne," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I'll join you for a while."

Ginny shot him a look of mixed emotions, her eyes betraying a hint of hurt and disappointment. But Harry knew he needed to navigate this delicate situation carefully, to ensure that no lines were crossed and no hearts were broken. With a nod of understanding, he followed Daphne back towards the compartment, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Harry maintained a neutral expression, hiding the internal turmoil swirling within him. With Ron and Hermione off on prefect duties and Ginny likely to join her fourth-year friends on the train, he found himself in a precarious position. The interference of Parkinson threatened to force him into choosing sides, a situation he wanted to avoid at all costs. Yet, he understood the importance of supporting Daphne, especially considering their open association in Slytherin House. Besides, if their engagement was to be taken seriously, navigating her social circle was inevitable.

Taking a deep breath, Harry nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's join you for a bit," he said, his tone firm.

Ginny's eyes darted between Daphne and Harry, a mixture of confusion and concern clouding her expression. The shifting dynamics between them promised more surprises than Harry had anticipated for their journey on the Hogwarts Express.

Turning to Ginny, Harry offered a reassuring smile. "Tell you what," he suggested, "you go on ahead and find your friends. Ron and Hermione will join us in about an hour. I'll have a little chat with Astoria and catch up with you later, alright?"

Ginny hesitated for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Alright, Harry," she replied, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

But before they could move, Pansy Parkinson's voice cut through the air, dripping with disdain as she approached them. "Yes, run along, little Weasley," she sneered, standing behind Daphne. "Potter's got better things to do than associate with your lot."

Daphne shot Pansy a warning glance, clearly disapproving of her friend's behavior. But Pansy wasn't finished yet, her taunts directed at Ginny now. "What? Surely you matter more in his eyes than Weasley?" she goaded.

Ginny's temper flared, her hand instinctively reaching for her wand, but before she could react, Harry's sudden laughter echoed through the corridor, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Come on, Pansy," Harry chuckled, his tone light. "Don't you have something better to do than stir up trouble?"

Pansy's sneer faltered for a moment before she scoffed and turned away, muttering something under her breath as she walked off.

Ginny shot Harry a grateful look, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. With a nod of thanks, she headed off to find her friends, leaving Harry to face the unexpected company of Daphne and Astoria. As he followed them back to their compartment, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that this year at Hogwarts was going to be far more eventful than he had anticipated.

Harry's playful remark drew chuckles from those around them, the tension momentarily diffusing with his humor. Pansy, however, remained visibly irritated, her annoyance evident in the way she clenched her jaw.

"What do you mean?" Pansy snapped, her voice dripping with irritation.

Harry's grin widened, enjoying the opportunity to turn the tables on Pansy. "Oh, come on, Pansy," he replied, his tone dripping with faux innocence. "I just find it amusing that you're lecturing Ginny about who matters more when Malfoy seems more interested in Crabbe and Goyle these days." He raised an exaggerated eyebrow. "Unless, of course, Daphne forgot to mention your upcoming nuptials?"

Pansy's face flushed with anger, but she remained silent, choosing not to dignify Harry's jab with a response.

Turning to Ginny, Harry offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't let her get to you, Ginny," he said softly. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up with you shortly."

Meanwhile, Ginny's frustration was palpable as she clenched her fists, her gaze locked in a silent battle with Daphne. "Fine," she muttered, her voice tight with anger. "I'll go find Romilda. And she's right. It's not like Slytherins are welcome in Gryffindor tower anyway. Let her grasp at whatever scraps she can find."

With that, Ginny turned on her heel and marched off, leaving Harry and Pansy in a tense standoff. Despite the lingering tension, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at the unexpected turn of events. It seemed that this year at Hogwarts was going to be anything but dull.

"Pansy!" Daphne's tone was sharp with rebuke. "That was uncalled for."

Pansy, however, remained unapologetic. "What?" she retorted, her voice defiant. "It's the truth."

Daphne's frustration was palpable as she admonished her friend. "You promised you'd be civil," she reminded Pansy sternly.

Pansy simply shrugged, seemingly unfazed by Daphne's reprimand. With a mockingly sweet smile, she turned to Harry. "Hi, Potter," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Join Greengrass here. I'll go check on darling Draco. Oh, by the way, did you hear? Draco and I are prefects now, so..." She winked. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

With that parting shot, Pansy squeezed past Daphne and left, leaving Harry and Daphne standing awkwardly at the compartment door.

"You know she's a menace, right?" Harry commented dryly, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

Daphne sighed, her expression pained as she folded her arms over her stomach. "I'm really sorry," she said, her voice tinged with remorse. "I know you didn't like it."

Harry's irritation softened slightly at the genuine remorse in Daphne's tone, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. "Didn't stop you from doing it," he retorted, his tone tinged with frustration. He sighed heavily. "Sorry. I just wish it hadn't turned out like this."

Daphne's frown deepened, and Harry could see the hurt in her eyes. "Astoria really wanted to—"

Before she could finish her sentence, the compartment door slid open once again, revealing Astoria standing in the doorway, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Daphne," Harry stressed her name, cutting her off before she could continue. "We both know this isn't about Astoria. Parkinson set you up for this. If you really wanted me to sit with you, you could've just asked me directly, instead of... all this. I know you were looking at me from your window earlier."

Shock and embarrassment flashed across Daphne's face as Harry spoke, her facade crumbling under his scrutiny. "You—uh—"

"I knew that all of that was a facade," Harry continued, his tone gentle but firm. "It's kinda easy to spot, really. I'd have thought you, of all people, to know that I hate being put in a position like that. I'd have gladly joined if you had just asked. After all, we are to be wed."

Daphne's shoulders sagged slightly as she absorbed Harry's words, the weight of her actions settling heavily on her. "Harry," she whispered, her voice tinged with regret. "I know you must be angry."

"No," Harry sighed, shaking his head. "It's fine. I understand. She put you in a position you couldn't get out of, so you had to do this. Move over?"

Daphne blinked in surprise, taken aback by Harry's forgiveness. Slowly, a small smile tugged at her lips as she scooted over, making room for Harry to join them.

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