Part IV

The Unlikely Pear

The Improbable Story of

Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass & Their Happily Ever After

DISCLAIMER or CLAIMER – depending on your point of view:

Daphne Greengrass is only mentioned in one sentence within the whole of the Harry Potter series canon. Virtually all that you know or think you know about her is actually constructed from the imaginations of fanfiction writers. The only known canon facts are:

She is a Slytherin in the same year as Harry.

Her original name per JK Rowling, was going to be Queenie.

She is the eldest of three sisters – the older of the other two is named Astoria, She marries Draco Malfoy and gives Daphne a nephew named Scorpius. The name of the youngest sister is unknown.

And, the final thing we know is that she was called along with Hermione, Anthony Goldstein, and Gregory Goyle to take their Charms Practical Exam in OOTP. Everything else is make-believe.

Therefore, I feel no guilt or remorse in accepting her as a veritable blank slate and doing with her as I feel fit. I promise to be kind.

The Unlikely Pear

The familiar bell on Ollivanders' door tinkled. Harry Potter had been lost and depressed since his break up with Ginny Weasley. Today, he sought to distract himself by having his wand checked over.

His holly and unicorn hair wand no longer felt right. He thought maybe it was never mended properly after it was broken. Or perhaps, he was no longer suited for it after the piece of Voldemort he had carried all of those years had been removed.

As he entered the shop, he saw a slender, willowy girl in a long dress standing at the counter holding a wand. Her blonde hair was as long as Luna's but perfectly straight and smooth. She turned as he approached.

"Hello," she said in a friendly voice as she turned his way.

"Hi," replied Harry. He recognized her from school.

"Harry—uh—Harry Potter," she said, her aqua-blue eyes sparkling brightly above her smile. They gave off a warmth, and openness that he thought unusual for a Slytherin.

"Yes," he responded. "Your Daphne…Greengrass. We were in classes together. You used to sit in the back with Pansy."

"Don't remind me of her," frowned Daphne. "I am so glad to be away from her and her posse."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. She and Draco were impossible—especially after they became prefects."

"I completely understand, but—but what brings you here?" said Harry, trying to shift the conversation. "Are you getting a new wand? That's a great-looking one. What is it?"

"This. This is my regular wand. It's pear, 10". But it's acting up. I am hoping Mr. Ollivander can fix it. He says the unicorn hair is dying. He went into the back to get a new one."

Harry reached out, hoping for a better look at her wand. She hesitated, then offered it to him with a smile. As he took it, she felt a tiny, pleasant tickling sensation.

"That is really nice—much fancier than mine," noted Harry as he returned it to her. Once again, Daphne felt the same tickle. It intrigued her.

"Interesting. I'm having similar troubles with mine," said Harry, reaching to pull out his wand.

Just then, Mr. Ollivander interrupted them as he returned with a glistening hair in his hand. They both turned to him. He took Daphne's wand. As they watched, he removed the old hair and inserted the new one.

"There. Give it a try," he said with his raspy voice.

A warm glow filled the room. Daphne smiled. "It feels wonderful."

"You must use it more often," he said. "You cannot let it get bored."

Daphne thanked Mr. Ollivander and gave him a galleon for the repair. She said goodbye to him and Harry as she left the shop.

"Now, Mr. Potter. What brings you here, my boy?"

"My wand. We don't seem to connect any longer. It feels strange—like the other wands I had to use while it was broken."

Mr. Ollivander took it and began examining it. "It seems to be in perfect condition," he commented. "Maybe it is you that has changed. After all, you went through a lot during the war."

"Oh," replied Harry. "Do you think I need a new wand?"

"That's a distinct possibility. Let's try out a few."

An hour later, he had waved and swished several. He tried different woods, cores, and lengths. Nothing was working. Finally, Mr. Ollivander handed him a golden brown wand with ornate carvings of unicorns and fruit trees. As soon as he touched it the room lit up. He felt it connect with him like an extension of his arm.

"Wondrous," said Mr. Ollivander. "It appears that you are definitely in need of a new wand."

"What is it? It feels great."

"Pear wood with a unicorn hair core, my boy. Eleven and one-quarter inches—slightly springy."

"Isn't that the same wood and core as Daphne's wand?"

"Yes. Are you friends? It would seem that you have a lot in common."

"No. We just know each other from school."

"Ah, yes. But it is still curious."

Harry paid for the new wand and left to continue his wanderings. Just as he was passing Flourish & Blotts, Daphne came walking out carrying a pair of new books.

"Harry. Hi," she said, her smile beaming like the sun.

"Daphne. You must think I'm following you," he chuckled.

"No. Of course not—uh—you're not, are you?" she said with an oddly friendly, almost coy grin.

"No. Just a coincidence."

"Did you get your wand repaired?" she asked, trying to prolong to conversation.

"Yes—er—no. I had to get a new one, actually. My old one and I are not connected any longer."

"I'm sorry. I would hate to give up my wand. But, what did you get? Can I see it?"

Sure," he replied as he pulled it out of its holder. Daphne's eyes opened wide as she saw the golden shaft.

"It's gorgeous," she exclaimed. "What is it?"

"It's pear with a unicorn hair core—11"

"That's incredible. Mine is the same, only 10", she squealed as she pulled hers out for comparison.

"Yes, I remember. It's like we're twins," he quipped a rare smile of recent brightening his face.

"I can just see Pansy's face if she knew this," said Daphne starting to laugh hysterically. She would go crazy. She'd probably try to get Draco's father to get me expelled."

"I could tell you some stuff that would shut her up. You know my friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. They've told me things about her and Draco that—well, let's just say she would do anything to stop them getting out."

"Ohhhh. I would love to hear them."

"Uh—I will think about it," hemmed Harry, trying to use discretion. "Say. Let's go to Fortescue's. I'll buy us some ice cream to celebrate our wands."

"Yes. I'd like that," she replied with a smile.

They started down the alley toward the shop. Daphne walked a little closer to him than he expected. Each time they touched together, a strange shock shot through him. It felt nice.

They walked into the ice cream parlour like old friends. Daphne quickly chose a corner table that required them to sit side-by-side instead of across from each other. Harry ordered a Strawberry sundae with peanut butter topping. Daphne asked for a Toffee Apple sundae with whipped cream and little cinnamon hearts.

They enjoyed their sundaes like a pair of happy, little kids, reminiscing about school, their favorite classes, the professors, and the silly at this point in their lives competition between the houses.

All of a sudden, Daphne scooped up a spoonful of her sundae with some whipped cream and a cinnamon heart on top of it. "Would you like my heart, Harry?" she asked with a giggly smirk that made it hard to tell if she was serious or joking.

Harry hesitated, then reached to help guide the spoon into his mouth. As their fingers touched, he felt a warm surge of energy like when he connected with his new wand, only more subtle.

A moment later, he offered Daphne a taste of his sundae. Once again, as their hands touched, he felt the same connection.

Daphne smiled and took it. She licked her lips and giggled as she enjoyed it. Harry wondered if she felt the same thing as he had.

Later that day, Harry was sitting in his chair reading a book while sipping a cup of tea and eating a piece of fresh treacle tart. However, thoughts of Daphne kept invading his mind like flies buzzing around his head. They made it impossible to concentrate. If he did not know better, and he did, he might have thought she had slipped him a love potion.

The next day, And owl landed on the windowsill of the kitchen. Kreacher took the message from its leg and brought it to Harry. He was surprised to find it was an invitation from Hermione and Ron to a play in London. They said they had two extra tickets, so Harry could bring a friend if he wished.

" I know what they're doing—trying to get me back out there," he thought with a smile. " How could a bloke ever have a better pair of friends than them? I love these guys. "

Harry sat in quiet contemplation for a few moments. Then, grabbed a bit of parchment and his quill. He wrote:

Dear Daphne,

My friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger gave me two tickets to the play 'Anything Goes' at the Royal National Theatre in London. I am wondering if you would care to join us?

Harry

He rolled up the parchment and wrote Daphne Greengrass, Colchester, Essex on it. He attached it to the leg of the owl. A moment later, the bird was winging off on its way. Harry smiled as he wondered "What am I thinking, What have I done?"

A little over two hours later, Daphne's sister Iris, yelled her name from the kitchen. She said, "There is an owl here with a message for you."

Daphne appeared a moment later followed by Astoria. She took the roll of parchment and read it. It caused her to gasp and visibly flutter.

"What is it, Daffy?" said Astoria. "It seems to be interesting—uh—important."

"It's—it's nothing. It's just a note from a friend," came Daphne's unconvincing response.

Nothing?" snipped Astoria as she snatched the paper out of Daphne's hand. "What's this? Hermione Granger. Ron Weasley, a play, from Harry. Bloody hell. Harry Potter is asking you out on a date. I can't wait to tell Draco. He'll go crazy."

"Give that back," snapped Daphne as she grabbed the note out of Astoria's hand. "That is private—and—and I will hex you if you say anything to Draco. I cannot for the life of me understand what you see in him. Besides, I have not said yes."

"Well. You are going to say yes. I can tell," came the ice-cold retort from Astoria.

Iris' eyes grew large as she watched the row between her big sisters. There had been a lot of tension since Astoria started dating Draco. Daphne had disliked him for years. Now, he was dating her sister.

Daphne turned and stomped out of the room. She had secretly fantasized about going on a date with Harry. Now, with her dream within reach, it was becoming embroiled in drama.

Later, a very tired owl landed on the windowsill of the room where Harry was sitting. He recognized it as the one he had sent to Daphne earlier in the day.

He quickly opened the window and took the parchment from the owl. A smile grew across his face as he untied the green ribbon and opened it.

The message read:

Dear Harry,

YES! I would love to go to the play with you. However, we must talk. Please meet me at Fortescue's tomorrow at noon. My treat.

Daphne

Harry did a mental fist-pump as he absorbed Daphne's words. But, why did they need to meet and talk? His mind started to run in circles. The next twelve hours were going to be as painful as the night before a Potions exam by Snape.

At 11:50 am, the brick wall behind The Leaky Cauldron ground and grated open. Harry entered the alley. He looked good. He was wearing a new shirt, pants, and robe. Even his hair was combed.

He walked straight down the alley to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Daphne was waiting inside at the same corner table they had sat at the first time. She was wearing a green dress that contrasted perfectly with her eyes. Her long, blonde hair was tied with a matching green ribbon.

"Hello, Harry," she smiled as she stood up.

"Hi," he replied as he walked up. He sat down and slid in beside her. A girl came over and took their order. Daphne ordered a strawberry malt. Harry asked for a chocolate and raspberry sundae.

"You said we needed to talk," said Harry, hoping there was no trouble, especially something relating to him. "What's up?"

"It's my sister, Astoria. Do you know her?"

"I remember her from school. She was in Slytherin, like you—but—I never really met her," admitted Harry.

"She is dating Draco Malfoy, now. Pansy—well—she is livid. She still thinks Draco belongs to her. My sister thinks it's funny. Anyway, Draco and she are actually getting serious. My parents are ecstatic, of course—The Malfoys after all—well—the prestige. They make us look like paupers."

"I feel sorry for her," mused Harry with a chuckle as the waitress brought them their ice cream.

"That's not nice," replied Daphne, unable to suppress a giggle as she stuck a straw in her malt. "I guess we're both naughty."

"Maybe," said Harry as he scooped up a spoonful of his sundae. "I think we just have good taste and high standards."

Harry's remark caused Daphne to almost choke on her first taste of the malt. Once she regained her composure, they both took a few moments to enjoy their cold treats. "Anyway," said Daphne, finally taking a break, "Astoria saw your note. She is threatening to tell Draco. I told her I would hex her if she did."

"Let her tell him," said Harry, putting down his spoon. "Do you remember I told you I know stuff about Draco and Pansy? If he opens his mouth, I just might remind him of some of it. He'll shut up really fast. He won't want your sister or anyone else to know any of it."

Daphne looked at Harry, her aqua-blue eyes focused on him. "Can you tell me some of it?"

"I shouldn't," he replied.

"Just a little," she said, giving him her best puppy dog eyes. "I promise I won't tell."

"All I can say is they are known to have been doing things that students shouldn't be being doing in a lot of different places where they shouldn't be done at all."

"You can prove that?" asked Daphne. "That's hard to believe."

"Let's just say they aren't very smart. Several portraits and a few ghosts are holding their tongues. But that could change with the bribe of a location upgrade."

"Wow!" said Daphne, having a big draw on her straw. "Have you ever had a strawberry malt?"

"No. I have only had chocolate ones."

"Try mine," said Daphne as she pushed hers over to him. It's the best malt flavor ever."

Harry picked up the glass and tasted the red concoction. Daphne felt a tingle as she watched his lip touch her straw. "You're right," remarked Harry. That's really good. I gonna get one next time.

Daphne took her malt back. She closed her eyes and tried to taste Harry on her straw as she sipped through it.

They concluded their little get-together by confirming the time for the show. Daphne said she would meet Harry and the others at the Understudy Pub next to the theater ninety minutes before showtime.

Two weeks later, Harry walked into the crowded pub. Ron jumped up from a table and waved at him. "You look alright," said Ron as Harry arrived at the table in a modern, dark blue, muggle tuxedo.

"I hope I'm not overdressed," replied Harry as he looked at Ron's blazer and Hermione's long, scarlet and gold dress.

"You look smashing," said Hermione as she gave him an approving scan. "Where's your date—uh—friend?"

"She'll be along. I told her five o'clock."

"Who is—she?" inquired Hermione, trying but failing to hide her curiosity.

"Uh—it's a surprise," said Harry, not ready to spill. He was quietly hoping they would not be upset when they saw her.

Just then, Daphne walked in. She looked stunning in her full-length, silver dress with a green, leafy pattern that hid her lithe form. Her blonde hair was done up on top of her head and held together with a pair of wands or chopsticks. It was too far to tell which.

"Bloody hell," said Ron as he turned to Hermione. "That looks like Daphne Greengrass. You remember her. What's she doing here?"

"You are right, Ron. That is definitely Daphne."

Unnoticed, Harry had stood up and was motioning to her.

"Harry," gasped Hermione as she saw him. "Is she your—your date?"

"Yes," he replied as she wormed her way through to masses of show-goers. "She is a very nice person. I think you will both like her a lot."

"Hi Daphne," said Harry, stumbling into action as she finally arrived at the table. "This is Daphne Greengrass, guys. Daphne, you remember Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger from school. Here—uh—let me help you sit down. This is the menu."

Harry was nearly exhausted from the moment. Hermione and Ron looked at him with a mixture of shock and amusement that temporarily paralyzed them. He could only manage a weak smile.

Finally, a conversation broke out and they ordered. Hermione helped Daphne order a drink. Daphne had never been in a muggle pub. She ordered a Pink Squirrel. Daphne had a Grasshopper. Hermione assured her they were both names and did not contain squirrels or grasshoppers. Daphne smiled but seemed a bit disappointed.

By the time they finished eating, they were all acting like old friends. They learned about the meeting in Ollivanders and their matching wands. Hermione complimented Daphne on her beautiful dress. She was stunned when Daphne said she had made it herself.

As they headed out and were walking into the theater, Hermione leaned over and whispered, 'She is delightful. I like here,' to Ron. Ron responded by saying 'Yeah. She's nothing like I remember her from being around Pansy. I think Harry is lucky they met.'

Hermione watched the others as the play opened. This was Ron, Harry, and Daphne's first muggle play. She was happy everyone seemed to be enjoying it.

When Harry glanced over, Ron and Hermione's arms were entwined. Hermione's free hand was resting on Ron's. Later, when Hermione peeked at Harry and Daphne, two of their arms were linked as one.

After the play, they returned to the pub for a drink and snacks. Considering how packed it was, Hermione smirked as she declared them getting a table miraculous. Harry did not miss her slipping her wand back into her pocket. The group enjoyed some chips with pineapple, mango & Scotch Bonnet hot sauce. Ron and Harry both had Fuller's London Pride drafts. The girls enjoyed a pair of Snake Eyes cocktails. Hermione chuckled when Daphne said she could not find any snake eyes in hers.

From there, Harry and Daphne's relationship progressed smoothly, like a witch or wizard getting acquainted and more and more comfortable with their new wand—moving from verbal, to non-verbal, to instinctive magic. As winter began, Daphne invited Harry to dinner at her family home in Colchester.

Saturday was a cool, early winter day. Harry arrived at the Greengrass house just as the sun was finishing its painting of the clouds and sky. He was greeted at the door by Daphne and her parents. Iris was peeking through the archway across the entry hall.

Daphne's father, Vidar, was tall and blonde with Nordic features. Her mother, Lelia, had black hair and dark eyes. She reminded him of a few of the Durmstrang girls from his fourth year. Iris, who continued to play peekaboo, looked like a younger Daphne.

Both of her parents were very welcoming, as she had promised they would be. Daphne had told him that her parent's lack of enthusiasm for Voldemort and his Death Eaters caused a lot of heartburn between them and the Malfoys, Crabbes, Goyles, and a few others. He wondered about it at the time. However, he started thinking she may have been telling the truth as her parents continued to talk to him.

After a few moments, they suggested that everyone go into the parlour. Daphne took his arm as they started walking. Iris scurried away.

When they entered the parlour, Harry was taken slightly aback to see Draco sitting a the couch with Astoria amidst walls lined with portraits and family memorabilia. They both smiled at him.

"I'm sorry, Harry," whispered Daphne. "I didn't know he was coming."

"It's fine," Harry replied.

When the meal ended, Draco approached Harry. He had a surprisingly friendly expression considering their history. "Hello, Potter," he said in a cordial voice. "Good to see you."

"Thanks," replied Harry. "How have you been?"

"Good. My father is keeping me busy with a few projects. So, how do you know Daphne? I was surprised when I heard the two of you are dating."

"I could say the same. I thought your parents didn't get along with the Greengrass family."

"It is a bit of a problem but we are dealing with it. But what about you and Daphne? How did you meet, again?"

"We met at Ollivanders. We were both there about our wands. It turns out our wands are practically twins. We seem to have a connection. The wands seemed to understand it."

Just then, Daphne and Astoria walked up.

"Are you boys behaving?" asked Astoria.

"Yeah. Yes." Harry and Draco answered.

"Good. Let's go back into the dining room. Dessert is waiting," insisted Daphne.

"Yes," added Astoria as she looked at Draco. "It's your favorite—apple pie."

"We need to watch this pair," said Draco as Harry smiled.

"Definitely," he replied.

Weeks and months passed. The connection stirring their love became stronger and more innate and intuitive. They found themselves finishing each other's sentences with increasing frequency. Their touches and kisses felt like a mixing of their souls.

One evening, while visiting the Greengrass home, Harry was approached by Iris. "Draco is going to ask Astoria to marry him."

"What? Are you certain?" Harry replied. There was a touch of alarm in his voice.

"I know. Draco asked me about her birthday. He wants to do it then. Daphne knows, too."

"When is her birthday?"

"The end of the month, the 26th. She's a little over a year younger than Daphne. Daphne's is the 30th of June—or did you know that?"

"Uh—uh—brilliant—uh—thanks, Iris. That's good to know."

As Iris left the room, Harry's mind began spinning. " Is Iris trying to manipulate me? Did Daphne put her up to it? No. No. There's no way Daphne would do that. Iris, you're a shrewd, cunning little witch. No wonder you're in Slytherin like your sisters ."

Once Harry's mind slowed down, he knew what he needed to do. He needed to man up. He had been putting it off too long. When Daphne entered the room and they sat down, he asked if she would like to go shopping in London on Saturday.

"Yes. Of course. I'm a girl," was Daphne's response. "What's the occasion?"

"No occasion," replied Harry, trying to downplay it as anything more than a fun way to spend a day together. "We can just shop, eat lunch, hang out—you know—maybe go walking in Hyde Park."

"It's a date," said Daphne as she wrapped him up in a hug and their lips met.

When Saturday arrived, Harry dressed smartly for what he hoped would be a joyful day. He apparated to the Greengrass home. Daphne was dressed for London in March weather in a long dress and warm cloak. She took his arm and the next thing they knew, they were on Bond Street.

"My. These are the fancy muggle stores. Are you going to buy me something here," said Daphne with a sweet smile and a flutter of her eyes.

"I don't know. Let's just walk and look in the windows," he replied.

As they walked, she remarked on the Prada boots in the window as being 'devilishly cool'. He took her into Chanel and bought her a bottle of Allure eau de Parfum. Further up the street, he took her arm and walked into a fancy jewelry store he had visited the day before on the recommendation of Hermione.

"Oh. This place is very sparkly," chirped Daphne coyly. "Look at the beautiful earrings and necklaces."

"Yes. They're very nice," remarked Harry as he moved Daphne near the engagement rings with the precision skill of a cruise ship captain docking a ship so smoothly that none of the passengers noticed. "Check out these rings. All the muggle ladies get one of these when they get married. My Aunt Petunia has a nice one."

"Oh yes. Pretty. I think Draco is giving Astoria one that's a family heirloom. Oops! He hasn't actually asked her, yet."

"That's okay. Iris spilled the news."

She's such a little gossip."

What kind of ring do you like? I like these," said Harry, pointing at a white gold solitaire with a 1 1/2-carat diamond.

"I like ones like this," she responded, placing her finger near a large Marquise-cut diamond flanked by smaller, round diamonds.

"Can we have a look at this ring?" Harry asked the clerk who was quietly enjoying watching an event he had seen several times in the past.

"Of course," he replied as he unlocked the case and pulled out the ring Daphne selected. Harry took the ring and removed it from its holder.

' It's really stunning, he said as he perused it. Then, as he looked at Daphne, the fire from the stones visibly sparkled in the pools of her eyes. Even though she appeared outwardly calm, he could feel her trembling, almost threatening to explode from two feet away. Such was the nature of their connection. "Would you like me to put it on your finger?"

"Daphne froze, unable to speak or move at first as Harry took her left hand. "A—a—are you asking me to ma—marry you?" she finally managed to get out.

"Uh—yes. I believe I am."

Tears welled up in Daphne's eyes as she tried to speak. Finally, she blurted out 'YES!' as the dam burst. Daphne's hand was shaking so hard that Harry had to fight to slide the ring partway onto her finger. Then, they embraced, their souls melting into one. When they finally parted, a person from the back presented them with two flutes of champagne.

Harry arranged for a cashier's check to be brought by courier from the bank where Hermione had insisted he open an account a couple of years ago. It arrived while the ring was being properly sized.

When they arrived back at Daphne's home, Iris virtually popped out of the woodwork, as she always tended to do, to greet them. "Where did you go? What did you do?" she asked.

"We went shopping, nosey," replied Iris.

"What did you buy? Did Harry buy you anything?"

"Iris! You're a regular Rita Skeeter. He bought me a bottle of perfume."

Iris looked disappointed as Daphne handed her the bottle. Then, she saw the ring. "MOM! DAD! STORI! Come quick," she screeched as she ran out of the room in search of everyone.

Astoria was the first to arrive followed by her parents.

"Tell them, Daffy. Tell them," squealed Iris, bouncing up and down like she'd been hexed.

Daphne tried to look confused. Finally, fearing Iris would explode, she held out her hand and said "Harry proposed".

Her mom ran over and hugged her. In seconds, they were both crying. Her father walked up and shook his hand. "Welcome to the family," he said. The words hit Harry in a strange way. He suddenly realized he was not just getting married, he was going to become part of a loving family. It was more than he could imagine.

Off to the side, Astoria looked a trifle sad. She was still hoping for Draco to ask her. This was an unexpected event.

The date was set for 15 July—halfway between Harry and Daphne's birthday. It turned out to be a stellar affair, as did Draco and Astoria's three months later. Lucius Malfoy came to Harry during Draco and Astoria's reception.

"Excuse me, Potter—errrr—may I call you Harry?" said Lucius in his customary, dry, aloof way.

"Sure," answered Harry, wondering what Lucius could want.

"I know we've had our differences, many unforgivable, but now that we're going to be family, I am hoping we can put them aside and start over," he said.

"Well—wow—that's a big ask," responded Harry. "But for the sake of all concerned, I will do my best."

"Thank you. That is the most I can hope for. Now, let's just enjoy the party."

Harry and Daphne moved into Number 12 under the care of Kreacher. Harry was training to become an auror. Daphne was working for Madame Malkin as an apprentice cutter, seamstress, and tailor. However, her real ambition was to be a designer and ultimately a shop owner.

Their love was pure, so pure that they looked like a flame from a single candle when they sat close. They could talk about anything and everything, or just sit quietly. Such was their level of comfort.

Just over a year after their wedding, James Vidar entered their lives. They were officially a family. Harry felt like his life had turned upside down. He almost felt like all of the pain, suffering, and tragedies of his past were distant dreams–nightmares that were slipping away like sand falling from between the fingers of his closed hand as time passed. Daphne said she felt similar, even though her earlier life had not been nearly as dramatic.

Before long, James was joined by Lelia Lily and finally Sirius Remus. James had Harry's eyes and hair. He became a Ravenclaw quidditch star. Lelia looked like her mother but had hazel eyes and wavy blonde hair. She was sorted into Slytherin. Sirius had his mother's eyes and hair. When he entered Hogwarts as a Hufflepuff, he was already as tall as his older siblings.

All through their youth, the children were sources of joy, fun, and frivolity. Harry and Daphne gave the children all of the love and support imaginable. Harry was particularly mindful of this because of the life at the Dursleys. Daphne made a point of being demonstrative with her love and affection. Even though she grew up in a loving home, her parents were very reserved in the display of their feelings. She wanted the children to never be in doubt about how Harry and she felt about them. The Potter house was known as the happiest place on Earth to all who visited.

One afternoon, Daphne was busy at her shop called MPFP OAFWG –- Madam Potter's Fashion Palace – Official Apparel for Wizarding's Gentry. Harry and Hermione were in the Ministry cafe for cappuccinos and scones after the monthly meeting between the Minister and the Auror office. Harry asked Hermione "When we were first together, did you ever think of Daphne and me as an unlikely pair?"

"Definitely," replied Hermione. Both Ron and I did. She's a Slytherin and you're a Gryffindor. We were arch-rivals at school. Even after getting to know her at the play, Ron and I talked about it several times. How could the two of you be right for each other? Ron and I fit together like puzzle pieces. Together, we create a pretty picture—at least I think so. The two of you seemed more like soulmates. I found it perplexing for a long time. Finally, I found the answer a few years ago."

"There's an answer?" said Harry as he sat up. He was certain that he was about to hear something profound that had eluded him all of these years. "What is it?"

"It's your wands…" said Hermione as she brushed some scone crumbs off her robe.

"...yes, our wands are twins," said Harry, slightly disappointed as he sipped his cappuccino.

"Yes, they are," asserted Hermione. "But it is more than that. The wood is pear. I read about it. Pear is a powerful wood but it seeks good people who are warm-hearted, generous, and wise. Mr. Ollivander wrote that he knew of no instance of a pear wand being in the possession of a dark wizard. Paired with a unicorn hair core, your wands really out the fact that you really are soulmates."

"Oh," said Harry, taken aback by Hermione's information. "You're saying we were supposed to—were almost fated to be together all along."

"Yes. Something like that," replied Hermione. "All it took was the meeting at Ollivanders to allow you to connect. The wands chose the witch and wizard, and you chose each other."

"Brilliant. You truly are brilliant. I never admitted it, not even to myself, but I think I liked her long before the wand incident. I used to wonder back in class why a pretty girl like her would sit with Pigface—and, and I would always notice her in the corridors but ignored it because she was a Slytherin."

"So, you were at least attracted to her. I wonder if she had similar feelings?"

"I think I will ask her."

That evening, Harry and Daphne were cuddling on their porch swing enjoying the autumn sea air. With Sirius a first year at Hogwarts, they had moved to a cozy house overlooking the Irish Sea. They finally had time for themselves—a luxury that had eluded them for most of the past fifteen years. Just as they were about to adjourn to the upstairs, Harry kissed Daphne on the cheek. "Do you remember the day in Ollivanders when we got our wands?"

"Don't be silly. Of course, I remember," she replied, almost laughing at the notion of him asking such an absurd question. "How could I forget that?"

"Did you think the thing with our wands was strange? Did you think that it made us an unlikely pair? Did you think we had a chance of ending up together, let alone married with children?"

"I had always noticed you in class. I kind of thought you were cute. Even through the years with all of the drama that followed you around like a curse, I sort of liked you. However, after I said something nice about you to Pansy one day, she and Draco made it clear that I should hate you and Gryffindor or that life in Slytherin was not going to be pleasant. From then on, I tried to ignore you."

"Then why did you go to the ice cream shop with me? Weren't you afraid of word getting back to Draco and Pansy?"

"I didn't care any longer. We were out of school. I wanted to live my own life. I didn't care about Astoria dating Draco. It may have even made doing it more appealing."

"Oh. So I was just a tool to get at your sister and Draco," said Harry with a chuckle.

"No, you pillock," she responded as she sat up and swatted him on the shoulder.

"Hey," exclaimed Harry. "Then what made you say yes?"

"Uh—well, I—uh—I didn't want you to think I was barmy." she hemmed.

"You said yes because you didn't want me to think you were barmy," replied Harry, now totally confused.

No. It was when I handed you my wand—and then when you handed it back. I felt something, or at least I think I did…"

"...You felt a little tingle—almost like when you connected with your wand the first few times."

"YES! But how did you know?"

"I felt the same thing. I still do on occasion. But I never said anything so you wouldn't…"

"...You git", she cut in. "You've let me think I was a bit barmy all of these years. I…"

"...Wait a minute," interrupted Harry. "You never said anything, either."

Daphne paused and looked at Harry. She could see herself in his green eyes. Harry smiled at her, the love between them never feeling more perfect.

"Maybe we're both a bit barmy," said Daphne.

"Probably. Let's go upstairs and be barmy together."

*THE END*