The soft moonlight filled the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, illuminating the scarlet curtains that swayed gently with the cold wind coming through a crack in the window. The castle was silent at that hour of the night, but Harry couldn't sleep. He lay on his side, staring at the small chest beside his bed, where something seemed to occupy more space in his mind than the room allowed: Daphne Greengrass's green and silver tie.

It was carefully folded, almost reverently. Harry clearly remembered how she had tied it around his arm as a trophy of her "surrender."

He sighed, turning onto his back on the bed and crossing his arms behind his head. Daphne's face lingered in his mind: her eyes sparkling with mischief, her provocative smile, the laugh that seemed to challenge him, and her golden blonde hair framing her pale face. And that kiss on the cheek... Harry felt his face heat up just thinking about it.

"You're going crazy, Harry," he murmured to himself, squeezing his eyes shut as if he could forcibly drive the thoughts away. After all, it was just a tie. Just a gesture. Nothing more.

[...]

Hogsmeade was especially busy that Saturday morning. Snow covered the narrow streets, and the cheerful chatter of Hogwarts students mingled with the jingling of bells and the crunching of footsteps in the snow. Harry, Ron, and Hermione strolled through the shops, laughing and enjoying the chance to escape the castle's routine.

"Alright, I just need to stop by Scrivenshaft's to pick up some parchment and quills," Hermione said, holding a list in her hands.

"And I want to check out the new Quidditch-themed chocolates at Honeydukes," Ron added, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

When they reached the entrance of the candy store, however, they were greeted by a disheartening scene: the place was packed with students. Hermione rolled her eyes but seemed determined to brave the crowd. Ron, willing to accompany Hermione, shrugged.

"Are you coming, Harry?" Hermione asked, turning to him.

Harry looked at the chaotic crowd inside the store and felt a slight wave of discomfort. The laughter and loud voices echoed down the street, resonating in his head. He shook his head.

"No way, I'll wait out here," he replied, trying to sound casual. "You won't take long, right?"

Hermione gave him a knowing look but didn't insist. "Alright. Don't wander off."

While the two disappeared into the store, Harry leaned against the wall of a neighboring shop, crossing his arms to shield himself from the cold. He watched the activity around him, trying to find something to distract his thoughts. For a moment, he let himself be carried away by the peaceful sound of falling snowflakes and the aroma of sweets wafting from Honeydukes.

Then he saw her.

At a considerable distance, Daphne Greengrass was struggling to balance an impressive pile of bags and packages. She looked annoyed, her blonde hair tied in a messy bun as she unsuccessfully tried to prevent the bags from toppling over with every step.

Harry tilted his head, observing the scene with a mix of curiosity and amusement. He knew he should ignore it, that there was no reason to get involved, but before he could think twice, his feet were already moving.

"Need some help, Greengrass?" he asked when he got close enough, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Daphne, too busy trying to balance the packages, didn't notice his approach until she heard him. She looked up, surprised, and stared at him with suspicion.

"Potter," she began, her voice tinged with that slightly provocative tone that seemed to be her trademark. "I'm perfectly... fine."

At that exact moment, one of the bags slipped from her hands and fell into the snow, scattering small packages across the ground. She sighed, frustrated, as Harry stifled a laugh.

"Yes, I can see that," he said, bending down to pick up the items. "It looks like you've got everything under control."

Daphne shot him a sour look, but something in her blue eyes suggested she wasn't genuinely upset. "I didn't ask for your help," she said, crossing her arms, which only made it harder to hold the remaining bags.

"And I didn't wait for you to ask," Harry replied, still smiling as he gathered the last packages and stacked them again. "Do you always buy out the entire store?"

Daphne arched an eyebrow, her chin slightly raised in a gesture of mild superiority. "Not usually, but my sister is still too young to come to Hogsmeade, so I'm shopping for her too."

"Very thoughtful of you," Harry remarked, nodding slightly with a smile. "And your friends, where are they?"

"Tracey and Blaise are too busy at the moment," she replied, adjusting the bags in her arms with a small sigh. "Dating at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop."

Harry grimaced automatically, his nose wrinkling slightly. "Ugh."

Daphne let out a short laugh, an unexpectedly light sound that seemed to warm the cold around them. "Exactly. But what about you?" she countered, tilting her head slightly. "Why are you alone? Your loyal friends didn't want to hold your hand today?"

Harry laughed, adjusting the bags he was carrying to ease the weight. "Let's just say I'm not a fan of crowded places."

Daphne gave him a sidelong glance, studying him briefly. "I think I understand the feeling."

"Well, then? Need help taking this back to the castle?" Harry asked, trying to sound as genuine as possible.

Daphne hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, lifting the bags slightly. "I'll accept your help, but it doesn't have to be all the way to the castle. There's a delivery service that will handle it for us."

Harry raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Delivery service? In Hogsmeade?"

"Of course," she replied, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "You think all these magical shops make their customers carry everything back to Hogwarts?"

Harry chuckled. "Seems convenient."

"And it is," Daphne responded with a slight nod. "Help me get these to the delivery service, and we're free of this burden."

Harry adjusted the bags he was holding and gestured for Daphne to lead the way. "Deal. So, where is this magical service that apparently everyone but me knows about?"

Daphne smiled as she started walking beside him. "Next to the Owl Post, it's discreet. I guess you were too busy getting into trouble to notice the practical parts of Hogsmeade."

"Or maybe no one told me because they'd rather have me carry everything," Harry retorted, making a small grimace.

Daphne laughed softly, and the sound of it made Harry's stomach unexpectedly flutter. "Well, you learned something new today."

They walked in silence for a few minutes, the sound of their footsteps in the snow filling the chilly air, accompanied by the faint breeze carrying the scent of nearby shops. When they reached a small store with a sign that read "Hogsmeade Express Delivery," Daphne nodded towards it.

"There," she said, pushing the door open and stepping inside, with Harry following close behind. "Just leave the bags on the counter. They'll handle the rest."

Harry complied, carefully placing the bags where indicated. The shop was warm and cozy, and he noticed small house-elves darting about, efficiently organizing the packages. While he finished, Daphne spoke to the clerk, handing over a small slip of parchment and waving her wand to finalize the order.

When she turned back to him, her arms now free, Harry gave her a small smile. "All set. Mission accomplished."

Daphne offered a faint smile, one that disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared. "Well, I suppose you should get back to your friends now."

Harry hesitated, glancing towards the door as if contemplating something. "Yeah... I guess so. And you?"

"I still have a few things to take care of," she replied, adjusting her scarf and briefly avoiding his gaze. "But if you... want to come along..."

Harry blinked, surprised, noticing that Daphne seemed slightly uncomfortable as if already regretting her words. He considered it for a moment, trying to ignore the slight increase in his heartbeat.

"Why not?" Harry said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'm done with what I needed to do. And I don't think Ron and Hermione will be leaving Honeydukes anytime soon."

Daphne studied him for a moment, as if assessing the sincerity of his answer, before relaxing and shrugging. "Alright... fine."

Without another word, she started walking again, Harry falling into step beside her.

The silence between them wasn't exactly comfortable, but it wasn't uncomfortable either. It felt as though they were both testing the boundaries of this unexpected interaction, trying to understand where it might lead.

"So," Harry began, breaking the silence, "what else is on your to-do list?"

"Well..." Daphne paused dramatically, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I was thinking about ice skating. What do you think?"

Harry stopped for a moment, blinking in surprise. "Ice skating?" he repeated, as though wanting to make sure he'd heard her correctly.

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Yes. You know, putting on skates, sliding on ice, trying not to fall flat on your face in front of everyone... It's fun."

Harry caught the challenge in her tone and smiled, crossing his arms. "I've never skated before, but I guess it's worth a try."

Daphne regarded him for a long moment, as if weighing each word he said. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her lips. "Good, then what are we waiting for?"

--

Well, originally the idea was to end up posting several one shots. But I thought, why not try something bigger?

This is my first longer work, I hope you like it