⨳⨳⨳⨳SUMMER OF 1995 ⨳⨳⨳⨳
⫘⫘⫘TO LOSE TO WIN⫘⫘⫘
The next whole week, Harry was busy going through various gifts he received.
Among his friends, Neville gave him an Obsidian black watch with a golden dial, from Hermione gave him a locket with a lightning charm which had 'Best brother' in graved on it. From Hannah and Tracey, he received assortments of sweets.
Hannah was a sweet girl and now a part of the family as she was Neville's girlfriend while the latter was not that close to him but that was until last night his talk with her
Flashback
After leaving Bella's Room as he reached downstairs he was approached by Tracey and her Mother whom he politely greeted "Tracey, Lady Davies it's a pleasure to meet you" brushing his lips on their knuckle one after another.
"Please Mr. Potter I am Tracey's Mother but I am not Lady Davies," the older woman said before continuing "So please Call me Helen and it's pleasure to meet you too"
"Pleasure is all mine Helen" He answered with a smile.
The older woman smiled saying "No, the pleasure is all mine cause you saved my one reason to live from a fate worse than death, thank you Mr. Potter" her throat choked up saying the last line as she gave a teary-eyed smile saying "You kids keep talking, I need to use powder room" as she left.
The interaction left Harry confused and seeing his expression Tracey simply mumbled "Not Here" in response before dragging him into the gallery as she too was tearing up too just like her mother which made him concerned.
Near the railing, she stopped and took a deep breath as she started to explain "Harry, my father Jacob Davis is married to Lady Violet Davis parents of my Stepbrother Roger Davis, you know the one you scared of at Yule?"
"No Way that git has such a lovely sister," he said sarcastically trying to cut the tension which succeeded as it gained a small chuckle from the girl in front of him.
She nodded saying "Yes I know that is hard to believe" she commented before continuing her explanation "But that wasn't enough for that vile man!" the venom in her voice took Harry by surprise.
"So he had an affair with my mum saying he is a bachelor. Mum believed cause she was muggle born so she didn't know about all this lord and lady stuff. After 6 months of dating, she found out she was pregnant with me so she told Jacob hoping he would propose But he didn't instead he broke her heart by telling her the truth. You see he is lord of a single house as such he couldn't take the multiple wives and also the Davis magic won't allow him to due to a blood curse. After knowing the truth she broke all connections with him and focused on her career as a Herbologist. That was when she met Lady Greengrass and both became good friends. We are only ones for each other in this world, so thank you for saving me cause you also saved my Mum" she ended hugging him.
Hearing all this was too much for green-eyed teen Wizard as he stood in there stumped in his place before he hugged her back saying "Tracey, look, I don't know you very well but if you ever need help in anything just send for me and I will be there so will be every one of friends never think you are alone, Okay?"
She sniffed nodding as she broke the hug with a smile saying "I will go inside, see if mum is okay, you coming?"
"Hmm… oh! No, I want to stay here for some time" with a smile, one she mirrored before leaving.
End of the Flashback
He hoped that he said the right thing to her and according to Daphne and Susan who were watching the whole exchange, he did. Among them, the former gifted him a set of cooking books which he was excited to read and try recipes from but That was just the start of the gifts he received from his family.
While Susan, gifted him a broom cleaning kit along with a collection of muggle novels, she loved and spent most of her free time reading. He asked her once what the books were about he remembered how she simply smiled saying 'I will get you these on your birthday then see for yourself '
Fleur gave him a rune etching set with books on Warding and Ancient runes along with a blank Photo-album with endless charm on it with a note on the front with their photo from last year's reading
'Let's make memories as family Mon Amour, Je' Taime'
It was something that he wanted to start doing as soon as he could.
Dora in her ever mischievous streak gave him a book all about sexual ritual and magic. He was lucky no one saw him opening it or he would have died from embarrassment.
From Rose, he got the books on statecraft and a new training sword. It was sturdier and was closer to the weight of a real sword. But she also gave him an Archery set which was supposed to be part of his new regime.
Bella gifted his collection of the memories of her and his mum. This was one gift that he held dear to his heart and was speechless at the moment he heard what the wooden box held inside. Amelia gave him a Necklace with a protean charm variation on it which he could use to call her if he is ever in danger. It was a simple silver chain with a blood-red gemstone in the pendent.
And Andromeda gave him books on healing magic, Apolline gave him a collection of books to learn different languages and Narcissa gave him a new expensive Quill and ink set. But the best was from Sirius who gifted him Two-way communication which once belong to his Father so he could talk to them when he was at Hogwarts.
It was 4 in the evening when he got out of his bed after his nap after his first archery session with Rose. He was trained to use the long bow but not arrows as it was hard enough to pull the twinge.
Jumping out of the bad he made dashed to the bathroom to get ready for his Double date with Susan and Daphne. It was decided by both of them and he was not going to deny them.
So after getting ready for the day he made his way to the lounge area and took a breath of relief seeing that Susan was not there.
"Looking for Someone?"
He grinned saying "Yeah, I am supposed to pick one of my dates tonight and she is…." he turned only to look at Crimson haired teen witch standing there in a red blouson sun dress which had white floral patterns, taking the sight in he completed saying "….looking beautiful as ever, Sue"
Susan's cheeks gained a little pink hue from his compliment as she smiled before smashing her lips on her. The kiss was short but deep and as she broke she gave him a saucy smile saying "Keep those compliments coming and there will be more of those in your future"
A hazed and flushed from the suddenness of the moment He was frozen with a goofy smile on his face which made Susan chuckle. He registered what she said and nodded not as his brain was still restarting. He took a deep breath saying "Umm… we should hurry, Daph must be waiting" offering his hand.
She took it saying "Lead the way Mister" gesturing to the Floo Hearth. With a smile, they both entered the emerald flames.
Greengrass Mansion
Coming out of green flames on the other side Harry staggered a little before standing perfectly while Susan landed gracefully beside him. He shook his head a little from the ever-constant headache which was always amplified by the travel but thank magic it was only for a moment.
They smiled seeing Daphne standing there in a black full sleeve skin-tight sweater with a tan skirt. It was proper attire for their date and something Harry approved very much. Behind her, they saw elder Greengrass coming but they missed Brunette's bullet that tackled the green-eyed teen beside the redhead, squealing "HARRY!"
With an "Oomph!" he landed on his backside, he looked down only to be surprised to see the ever-shy Astoria now had her hands wrapped around his torso with a pout on her face and her icy blue eyes glaring at him.
"Ooooo someone is in trouble ~~" Susan sang in a low voice as she made her way to her sister's wife who giggled a little while listening to her. Before they both turned to see the scene in front of them.
Harry gave the younger girl a confused look saying "Hey Stori?"
"I want to go on a date too!" the young girl whined making all ladies giggle while Lord Greengrass barked out a peal of laughter while his wife shook her head with a smile on her face.
He patted her head saying in an uncertain voice saying "And you will Stori when you are a little older and have a boyfriend"
"But I want to go out on a date now!" she retorted. Harry gave a look to his fiancee which screamed 'HELP ME!'
Susan looked at her sister's fiancee asking "Okay who is taking this me or you?" she got an answer In form of a nod.
Daphne stepped forward and looking thoughtful she asked "Stori do you know what a date means?"
"Yeah, I know what it means, Daffy! I am a big girl now and I know you are all going out to have fun and I am stuck here at home!" She snapped at her elder sister before huffing and dropping on the plush high back seat.
Daphne's eyes twitched hearing Daffy from her sister which made Harry beside him chuckle but he stopped when she gave him her signature icy glare.
He let a breath he didn't know he holding out in relief hearing Astoria's reasoning, He smiled walking over to her and kneeling in front of her he brought her adorable face up from her chest with a finger under her chin saying "So you want to go out with us?"
His question gained an amused look from Greengrass's Parents while knowing smiles from both of his fiancees
Getting a nod from her he continued "Okay, when we all go shopping for school supplies we will take you and Gabby too, she too wants to see Diagon Alley with us, does that sounds good?" he got an answer in form of a squeal and a hug from the young girl and he hugged her back.
As they broke the hug Evelyn came forward saying "Be careful three of you even in the muggle world there is no saying when you are attacked so have fun but be alert" looking at Harry with worry in her eyes.
"Or as Mad eye would say 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE!'" Cyrus barked imitating the paranoid veteran auror breaking the little tension from his wife's warning.
"We will take our leave then," Harry said making his way to Daphne and Susan. Taking their hand into his as they made their way to the fireplace flooing to Leaky Cauldron.
As they exited the dingy pub on the muggle side. Daphne had her arm hooked in his asking "Okay mister what are your plans for us tonight?" to which Susan nodded.
"Um… I don't know I haven't planned anything specific" he answered sheepish and guilty at both of them.
'Oh he is too adorable' both thought before adorning an evil smirk on their faces. Daphne looked at her fellow witch winking before putting her famous Ice queen mask on and asking "So you planned other dates but didn't plan Our's?" accusingly with an expression of mock hurt.
"Looks like someone is playing Favorites" Susan added in the same tone
The effect was instantaneous as Harry was sputtering apologies and trying to reassure them. They held their laughter for a minute before both witches broke into a fit.
Realizing he has been played Harry simply huffed saying "Not fair, both of you! I didn't plan cause I don't know what you like!" folding his arms with a pout on his face.
Wiping a tear off her face Daphne looked at his face and cooed saying "Aww don't be like that! You know we were just kidding"
To this Susan nodded as she calmed her breath down saying "Yeah and you should have known better before coming on a Date with Venomous snake and Ferocious Badger"
Hearing this he gave the signature Potter grin saying huskily "Well I am a lion who can speak with snakes, the king of your kind couldn't kill me so what makes you so sure my snake?" the statement made the Slytherin teen Blush from head to toe.
He turned to his other date saying "And as for you Ms. Badger you might be Ferocious but you still love the challenge and…" he leaned to her ear saying "…. Excuses to kiss me"
The last line made the girl blush a little before both swatted him lightly on the upper arm saying "Always a Charmer aren't you?" which made him chuckle as he raised his hands in surrender before asking "Okay now where do you want to go?"
At this Susan smiled saying "Let's go to the Summer Carnival, I heard it's really awesome, that's for me what about you?" looking at Daphne.
"Hmmm.. let's go to the Art Gallery it is only a few blocks from here and the summer exhibition is going on. It starts at 7 so we can go to the carnival first then to Gallery and after that, I have a place in mind for our dinner"
"Okay then let's go I am excited to see the carnival it's only 20 minutes of walk from here," she said in excitement taking their hands and dragging them in the direction of their destination.
They arrived at the theme park Harry asked "What should we do first?"
"Let's go on every ride!" Susan announced making her way to the closet which happened to the Roller coaster.
Harry and Daphne made to follow, later slower than the former which was not unseen by him. As they reached Susan was already in the cart and waved them to join. So he moved forward but stumbled back only to look at Daphne who was looking nervous, anxious, and scared.
Concerned he asked "Daph? You okay?" caress her cheek
His touch broke her out of her trance she sheepishly said "I…. I…. I am scared of height" blushing a little.
"Oh!" he said smiling and shaking his head. "It's okay you can sit out rides of you don't comfortable with" added with a shrug
She nodded with a thankful smile saying "Thanks, now go Susan is waiting"
He nodded and entered the ride taking the seat beside Susan who seeing him alone asked "Where is Daphne?"
"She doesn't like Heights" he answered just in time for the ride to start.
It was after 10 minutes of screaming in thrill and joy both came back to Daphne after which, the trio started their spree of rides which lasted for a good half an hour. The last ride was the Ferris wheel which was the second ride Daphne sat out.
As the ride started Susan laid her head on his shoulder both watching the sunset over the London skyline. The serene was interrupted for Harry when he heard a sniff coming from Susan. Looking at her he asked, " Sue are you okay?"
"Yes, it's just…. *sniff* this is the first and last memory I have of my Parents" she answered as she looked up at him saying " It was my first birthday so they wanted it to be special despite the war going on back then. So It was like for an hour that I was out here with them. We just roamed around for a bit and watched the sunset. After we went home barely a minute later the house was attacked" she was sobbing uncontrollably.
Calming down a little she smiled at him saying "I miss them" with a sad smile.
"I miss them too but I know they are watching over us from where ever they are" taking her in a one-arm hug.
She chuckled nodding before looking into his eyes and kissing him deeply pouring all of her emotions into this kiss before breaking it, saying "I love you, Harry"
Smiling he kissed her back reciprocating the feeling and saying "I love you Sue"
As the ride ended they both came to Daphne who was waiting for them with candy floss in her hand. She frowned seeing the tear tracks on the redhead witch's face asking "Susan are you okay?"
The redhead witch smiled nodding saying "Yes now more than ever" looking at Harry before snatching a Candy Floss from the brunette's hand and continuing "and will be even better after eating this"
Her curiosity satisfied Daphne looked at the time only to jump a little saying "Oh God we will be late for the opening of the Exhibition come on let's get going" in one breath as she handed Harry his floss before dragging both her future husband and sister wife out of the amusement park and in the direction of her destination,
Susan who was under the impression she had never been to the gallery before asked the girl leading them "You been here before?"
She nodded saying "Yes my dad is not many fans of the muggles cause of the family loss and tragedy on his side caused by them. My mum on the other hand likes muggle art, painting to be more specific. They didn't want us to be the same as the other pureblood children so we will come for shopping and dinner once or twice a year"
"Do you like paintings too?" this time it was Harry who asked the question
He didn't get an answer as they were navigating the crowd of people in front of the gallery he went stiff some many people.
Sighing in relief that she didn't miss the opening Daphne answered "Yep I think I inherited that from mom while Stori is young to form an opinion of her own"
They entered the Gallery with the crowd which once inside was spread thin as in a vast space giving Harry some room to relax. Susan was not so much of an art person but she appreciated good at art when she saw it.
It was exhilarating for the rest of the trio to watch Daphne gush and marvel at the multiple paintings. Harry didn't understand a word and Susan did but was not too much into it. Still, they both nodded dumbly to everything Daphne was saying.
It was about 9 when the trio was exiting the gallery Daphne turned to him smiling and saying "Thank you"
"For what?" he asked confused as to why she was thanking him out of the blue while Susan simply shook her head.
"For listening to my rambling for about 2 hours and not complaining even once, no boy would have endured that" cupping his cheek as she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
Susan interrupted saying "Hey I was in there too you know where is my kiss?"
"Sorry Bones I don't swing that way and even if I did you understood some of what I was saying" Daphne answered with a smirk
Susan growled "Okay Greengrass no kiss but I want food now!" as a response
"I know I am hungry too, we are going to my favorite place today" she beamed at him as she said.
Smirking a little Harry gave her a deep bow saying "Lead the way your highness!" before making her red in a mixture of blush and public embarrassment with a winking.
Without saying a word and still red Daphne dragged him in the direction of the restaurant and he dragged a laughing Susan with him in the human chain.
After walking 10 minutes they entered a small retro on the road named, MacLarens.
"This place serves the best Shepherd's Pie in the world!" she declared as they took their seat.
Susan shook her tuting and said "Wrong Daphne! Harry makes the best Shepherds pie in the world" the chef in question turned bright red from the compliment but with a smug smile on his face.
She raised an eyebrow asking "Oh really want to Wager?" looking at Green-eyed Wizard while folding her arms under her bust which extenuated it.
Harry noticed it which made him turn redder stammering he answered saying "Wa….ger? what ki…..nd of Wa….ger?" as he looked around desperately trying to control his blush
Hearing him stammer both girls quirked their eyebrows in confusion for a second before realizing the position of Daphne's hands and the effect it was having on their betrothed.
She smirked at Susan who returned the evil smirk asking "Yeah What kind of wager Greengrass?"
Daphne leaned forward on the table which increased the blush on her betrothed's face saying "Here are the wager Bones, I bet I won't like anything you cook better than this, Potter!" in a challenging tone
"Oh and I bet He can Cook better than whatever this place can offer" Susan retorted while Harry couldn't do anything but watch as two of his fiancees started betting on his cooking skills.
Getting his flushing face under a little he added "Everyone back at Black Manor will agree with Sue, Daphe"
"Oh!" she exclaimed saying "It's On Potter I bet you that if you cook a better pie than this place then I will give you one thing you both want. But if you can't you have to tell me everything that you did with my sister's wives on their date" offering her hand
"Ooooo… this changes things, I am on your side Daphne" Susan added with an evil grin on her face
Harry glared at her saying "Traitor!" to which she simply shrugged giving him a flying kiss with a wink.
Without a minute of hesitation, he took her hand and shook it saying "You are on Daph"
"Okay then let's eat now and I will eat your pie tomorrow," Daphne said in a seductive tone that sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine.
Susan leaned to Daphne whispering in her ear "You are going to win right?"
Daphne smirked saying "I hope I lose"
The redhead glared at her for a minute before snorting and shaking her head.
Harry smirked in confidence digging in the food in front of him. Taking a bite he chuckled now knowing he is going to win the bet.
After paying for the meal they left the restro making their way back to Leaky Cauldron hand in hand with her head on his shoulder. As they made their way to the floo inside Susan went the loo and it was getting late for Daphne so she turned to Harry.
Baby Blue met emerald green as she hugged him in and sighed contentment before saying "I will be waiting for your pie tomorrow and…" before whispering in his ear "….I hope I lose the bet cause than we both win" before turning a leaving for home.
As she left Susan returned only to see Harry alone in front of the Floo Hearth. She smiled taking his hand in hers and saying "Ready to Go"
He Nodded and both flooed to the Black Manor.
Next Day Dinner
Everyone knew about the bet between Harry and Daphne. Almost everyone was hoping Daphne wins cause everyone wanted to know what happened on all his date except for the teen herself cause she wanted the promised kiss.
"The moment of truth is here" Harry declared coming to the dinner table with the pie dish in his hand. He then proceeded to serve a piece to everyone and turned to Daphne offering her a fork saying "Will you please do the honor?"
"Of course" she smiled taking the fork and proceeding to bite of the dish cooked by her fiancee. She closed her eyes and when she opened the piece in her plate was gone there were only dry crumbs on her plate.
Looking around in confusion she asked "Where did my portion go?" her question cracked up everyone so bad that they were holding their sides while Harry simply stood beside her smirking which made her eyes go wide as her hand came on her mouth as she gasped saying "Merlin! I ate it all didn't I?"
"Yes you did and that too without realizing it" Susan chimed in wiping a tear from her eyes.
Daphne stood up in front of her fiance with a small amount of hesitation as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt. She moved forward to kiss him with her eyes closed but stopped when she felt him snake his arms around her waist and hug her.
She felt his breath on her ear as he was saying "It's okay Daph you can do it when you are ready and not under the pressure of a bet" before feeling his lips on his cheek.
She hugged him tighter without saying a word cause there was nothing she could say that could express what she felt for him, not yet at least.
Hey, Folks sorry for the late Chapter!
So this is Harry's Date with Daphne & Susan along with some back story of Tracey!
A lighter date with some emotions and a bet with only winners, no losers
If you like it, Review It. Constructive criticism is most welcomed. I am working on the sequel and I have 7 chapters down.
So, ladies and gentlemen, that's the chapter, this is The Summer of 1995 and I am Drakpacer, See you In the Next Chapter!