Disclaimer: I, Nox, am not the owner of Harry Potter. All rights goes to it's owner. However, I own a tea spoon. It's cool. I like it.
Jared Beckett: Hey ! So, to answer your question, the fact that it involves Ginny only adds to that. If you read the entire story, Hadrian never entered in contact with any of his past friends, near of far. Whether it is the Weasleys, Hermione, Luna, etc... He could have helped them (like for Luna with the bullying for example), but you will never see them interact. The only one he interacted with is Daphne, and it's not like they talked a lot. He is scared of his past life. That's why he didn't interact with any of them, that's why he sent Harry and went into "not my problem" mode, and that's why he made most of the changes of the cannon story in the shadows. He wants revenge, yes, but he also has his own demons.
Anyway, at least that's how I built my character when I wrote it. If, for people reading it, it's easier to think of it as a "necessary but non logical move to continue the story", then think of it that way. It's not like it will change anything in the end. Thanks for reading up until that point, and for the review. Take care, and have a good day !
blcoachmac: To answer in order to your reviews: Don't worry, young Harry will be trained, and as you are beginning to see if you reached the story up to there, he can handle himself pretty well now. Then, thanks a lot for the support. I truly appreciate it. Those kind of messages really help me :). About the horcrux... Well, I have nothing to add hahaha. Next, for your theory... You have (or will have) your answer in the story, so I won't say anything. But that's a good supposition. Finally, yeah, Hadrian has to go down into the chamber. It really is starting to look like that they can't do anything without him. Maybe now that they'll have to think by themselves, things will change... or not ! We'll see ! Anyway, again thanks for the support, take care and have a wonderful day !
CaskettFan5: You wanted some Haphne ? Well, here it is ! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, as, even though the story doesn't go everywhere as usual, it allows me to developp young Harry a little bit more. Take care, and have a great day !
11/30/1994, 13H21, Potter Manor, England:
Sitting in his armchair, Sirius attentively watched and listened to the lively conversation between Remus and Fortuna, who were seated on the couch opposite to him. His mind wandered, tracing back through the two years since his release from Azkaban, a liberation made possible by the courage and determination of Harry and Hadrian Potter, who saved him just as James Potter had done in his youth.
The sudden appearance of Hadrian Potter, an enigmatic American wizard, had initially filled him with suspicion. Who was he really? Why had James never mentioned him? But over time, as he got to know the young man, Sirius had discovered in him a mirror image of James, without his flaws. Hadrian possessed formidable power, both magical and political, combined with an innate kindness and unwavering determination. He was ready to face any danger to protect his family, a trait he shared with James.
That is why Hadrian's sudden disappearance had struck Sirius so hard. All the current inhabitants of Potter Manor owed him their lives. Without his intervention, Fortuna Moon would have been eliminated by Alexei, and Sirius himself would still be rotting in Azkaban's dungeons. As for Remus, he would have had little chance of surviving on his own, unless Albus Dumbledore had intervened. Otherwise, he likely would have fallen victim to Fenrir Greyback and his werewolf pack.
Though Fortuna and Remus were not as close to Harry as he was, they had nonetheless forged strong bonds with the young wizard. So, in the wake of Hadrian's disappearance, Sirius had taken charge, dividing tasks between his companions. He would assume his responsibilities as Lord Black, hold the Potter seat, all while supporting Harry, while Remus and Fortuna would take his place on the battlefield.
Alongside his family obligations, Sirius maintained regular correspondence with his godson, reminding him that he wasn't alone and could always count on him. Additionally, he worked to minimise the damage within the Wizengamot, a difficult task but one he managed with relative success.
Already, some had begun to call him the "new Arcturus Black," in reference to his illustrious grandfather, the only person in his family whom Sirius had never despised. A feeling seemingly mutual, as Arcturus had never disowned him, even after his youthful escape from the family home.
Whether or not Sirius would one day find himself in the history books alongside his ancestor, he didn't really care. His immediate goal was to protect Harry and build a future where Voldemort's shadow no longer loomed over the wizarding world.
Suddenly, he broke the silence that had settled: "Disappearances at the Ministry are increasing," he informed Remus and Fortuna. "Everyone's being taken, from secretaries to journalists like Rita Skeeter."
"Rita Skeeter?" Remus exclaimed, perplexed. "Strange... That woman could actually be useful to them, given her penchant for scandal and her habit of attacking Harry and Dumbledore without a second thought."
A sigh of helplessness escaped Sirius' lips as he shrugged. "To be frank, I'm quite lost too, Fortuna. Maybe Voldemort decided she wouldn't be of any use to him this time," he suggested, though his face betrayed his lack of conviction.
Fortuna, pensive, twirled her wand between her fingers, her eyes staring into space. "So, you think he's about to resurface?" she asked gravely.
Remus tried to mask his concern. "Hadrian warned us of his imminent return, and Harry has already faced him twice since his reappearance in the magical world. Adding to that the recent events, which only remind us of the months leading up to Voldemort's first rise, it's undeniable that his resurgence is more than likely to happen soon," he explained, carefully weighing his words to avoid sounding defeatist.
Their greatest strength undeniably lay in their new American ally. Without realising it, they had almost become dependent on him. A situation that couldn't last. They had to learn to fend for themselves, as they always had. That's what Hadrian expected of them, and it was what they needed.
"If that's the case, he's probably eliminating traitors within his ranks, or at least those who pretended not to be associated with him," Fortuna analysed, her voice tinged with steel. "Andrews, the guy who handles the bounties, mentioned that some of his colleagues with questionable ideas had gone on 'vacation.' But now that you mention it, Sirius, four months of vacation is starting to seem a bit long…" she added, torn between satisfaction at seeing Death Eaters disappear and frustration at not being able to eliminate them herself.
Remus, his brow furrowed in thought, nodded pensively before sinking back into the couch, mimicked by Fortuna. A heavy silence filled the room, broken only by the crackling of the fire in the fireplace.
"And young Harry, how is he?" Fortuna suddenly asked, her voice soft and affectionate, catching both wizards by surprise. Since they had met her, Fortuna always displayed a certain reserve towards people.
She didn't hide her affection for Hadrian, but even in his presence, she seemed to hold back. As for them, it had taken over a year before she finally considered them friends. And never had she addressed them in such a tender tone.
"From what I've heard, he's being brave and refusing to give in to despair. He continues to believe that Hadrian is alive and that we'll find him. Whether it's his deep conviction or just a way to keep his spirits up, I couldn't say," Remus responded, his voice tinged with sadness.
A sly smile appeared on Sirius's lips. "And, you know, love must be keeping him occupied enough so he doesn't worry too much about us," he added, a touch of mischief in his voice.
"Love?" Remus asked, a warm smile lighting up his face. He moved closer to the couch and sat down as well. "With Daphne Greengrass, I suppose?"
Fortuna nodded. "She's a good girl," she remarked, once again surprising the two men, who couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. It had taken them two years to earn her trust! And now a girl she had met barely a dozen times was placed on a pedestal equal to theirs? No, life really wasn't fair!
Sirius dug into his pocket and pulled out a letter, holding it in front of him. "Harry wrote to me yesterday to give me some news and to ask, I quote: 'How do you apologise to a girl when you've messed up?'" he said with a certain pride, clearly pleased that his godson was asking him for advice on matters of the heart.
After all, he had been quite the heartthrob at Hogwarts, and even today, only his duty to Harry kept him from indulging in the charms of the fairer sex.
Fortuna stared at him, her eyes narrowing slightly before asking, "And what did you reply?"
Sirius burst into laughter and gave her a knowing wink. "I wrote him a long life lesson, explaining in detail what he should do, and based on my own experience, of course!"
Remus took a deep breath, fighting the urge to laugh. If he knew Sirius well, the contents of that letter were probably the complete opposite of what he claimed. But then again, the man standing before him was no longer the impulsive young Gryffindor of the past. Maybe he had changed... For Harry's heart's sake, he sincerely hoped so!
12/01/1994, 23H33, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Harry stood atop the Astronomy Tower, casting his warming charm again and again to avoid freezing. He had made a terrible mistake by hiding crucial information from Daphne. But he couldn't bear the thought that Alexander's death might have been partly caused by his uncle.
Haunted by this dreadful possibility, Harry was torn by a storm of conflicting emotions. If he managed to find his uncle, and the accusations against him turned out to be true, he would face a heartbreaking choice. On one side, the man who had raised him and to whom he owed everything; on the other, the young woman he was deeply in love with and who had saved his life countless times.
The very thought of having to choose between these two dear people terrified him. He knew he wouldn't be able to bring himself to betray either of them, and such a situation would condemn him to lose them both. The prospect of being alone again plunged him into a pit of despair.
As he was lost in his tormented thoughts, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him. Instinctively, he reached for his invisibility cloak, ready to wrap himself in it if Filch, the dreaded caretaker of Hogwarts, caught him. But when he saw a cascade of blonde hair illuminated by the soft moonlight, he quickly stashed his magical garment, though he kept his right hand hidden behind his back.
When she stood before him, as radiant as ever, his heart raced. Under the moonlight, Daphne Greengrass was captivatingly beautiful. Even her cold and distant gaze couldn't hide the fire that burned within her.
"Good evening, Potter. I heard you wanted to talk to me?" she asked in a soft and melodious voice.
Harry, knowing he had to speak quickly before she left, stepped towards her. "I want to offer my most sincere apologies for keeping such crucial information from you," he said, extending a bouquet of immaculate white tulips.
He watched Daphne's blue eyes widen in surprise as he continued, "If I kept the truth from you, it's because the mere thought of that possibility tormented me. I won't lie to you with false excuses. I acted out of self-interest, and I fully take responsibility for that. Please, accept my deepest apologies."
To say Daphne was stunned would be an understatement. She stood frozen in place, unable to believe what she was hearing. Harry Potter, the proud and impetuous Gryffindor, was openly acknowledging his fault and apologising to her with disarming sincerity. For a moment, she was tempted to forgive him on the spot and move on, as the distance that had grown between them over the past two days weighed heavily on her.
"These are white tulips, aren't they?" she murmured, her voice trembling slightly at this thoughtful gesture from the Gryffindor.
In silence, he nodded, patiently waiting for her reaction.
"The flowers of a new beginning, right?" she said, unable to hide the happiness the gift brought her. Harry knew how important flowers were to her—after all, the entire Greengrass family was passionate about botany.
"And of love too," she added to herself, her cheeks tinged with a light pink. Harry, interpreting her embarrassment as a sign she was cold, conjured a stool and a vase where he placed the flowers. Then, he cast the best warming charm he knew on the young witch.
A comfortable silence settled between them before Daphne approached the railing, followed by Harry. They admired the night sky, pointing out the constellations they recognized. This went on for a few moments until the calm enveloped the duo once more.
"I forgive you, Harry," she said at last, easing the boy's heart. "In your place, I probably would've acted the same way."
She turned to him, her gaze locking with his. "Even I, who have no family ties to Hadrian, refuse to believe this accusation," she confided. "But if, by some cruel twist of fate, it turns out to be true... then you won't be able to stop me from seeking vengeance."
Harry stared at her for a moment before nodding gravely. "If that's the case, I won't be able to support you. But I won't stand in your way either. I'm sorry, but that's the most I can promise you," he admitted.
She thought for a moment, her face turned toward the sky, before accepting his proposition. "That's fine with me. In the meantime, let's hope this terrible theory never becomes reality."
The young hero of the wizarding world let his mind wander, scanning the stars as if they held the answers to his questions. No matter how hard he tried to imagine otherwise, one certainty weighed on him: his uncle wasn't ignorant. He was one of the last people to have seen Daphne's father alive. If he hadn't harmed him, he must at least know who was responsible for his death. But why hadn't he revealed anything?
And to make matters worse, just a few months after this tragedy, his uncle had disappeared as well. Something wasn't right. There had to be a conspiracy at play. What if… What if Voldemort had returned sooner? What if his uncle had been mistaken…?
He hoped with all his heart that wasn't the case, aware that he was far from ready to face such a threat.
Suddenly, a weight settled on his shoulder. He looked down and saw Daphne gazing at him with tenderness. "Stop overthinking it," she whispered to him. "Your brain's overheating."
"Come with me," Daphne murmured, taking his hand. Intrigued, Harry let her guide him to the centre of the tower, bathed in the gentle moonlight. Daphne stood before him and invited him to dance with a simple gesture. Without hesitation, he followed her lead.
Without a word, they began to twirl. Harry wrapped his arms around Daphne's waist while she placed her hands on his shoulders. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, as if guided by an invisible force. One step forward, a step to the side, a twirl, a step back… The waltz repeated itself, unceasingly.
The moon, a silent witness to their romantic dance, seemed to envelop them in its magical light. Harry and Daphne were lost in their own world, forgetting the time and reality around them. It was as if they had travelled to another dimension where no one could disturb them.
There was no music to guide their dance, only the whisper of the wind and the song of the birds accompanying them. Yet they continued to dance, as if a gentle melody resonated in their hearts. Their gazes met, filled with infinite tenderness. Once again, Daphne's logic had yielded to her feelings. And for once, she felt no guilt about it.
The waltz lasted an eternity, or at least, it seemed so to them. Their movements weren't perfect, with a few missteps punctuating their dance. But for a pair who had never danced together, and for Harry, who had barely danced at all, it was an achievement.
When they finally stopped, their foreheads touched, their lips only a few centimetres apart. Harry made a superhuman effort not to succumb to the temptation to kiss her. "It's time to return to our dormitories," she said, her cheeks flushed.
Harry nodded, not daring to imagine what he would have done had they not stopped at that moment. Reluctantly, they let go of each other and headed for the exit, Harry lagging slightly behind. He pulled a letter from his pocket and pressed it against his heart.
It was a large sheet, folded many times. Written on it were the words:
Dear Harry,
To answer your question… Apologise, tell the truth about your mistake, and don't try to make excuses. And that's it, problem solved.
Signed, your favourite godfather, Sirius Orion Black.
P.S.: Offer her flowers.
"Thanks for everything, Sirius," he murmured before catching up to the young girl and covering them with the invisibility cloak.
12/24/1994, 22H06, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Harry gazed at himself in the mirror, satisfied with his appearance. His mid-length hair, usually impossible to tame, was now neatly tied back, leaving only a rebellious strand framing his face. Dressed in a black suit with subtle emerald hues that highlighted his green eyes, he exuded an elegant and refined look. Silver and gold chains adorned his collar and the sides of his vest, perfectly matching the rings on his fingers.
With a discreet gesture, he loosened his collar slightly and grabbed his wand to cast a refreshing charm. A pleasant coolness enveloped his face, completing his look. One final glance in the mirror confirmed that he was ready to face the evening ahead.
Leaving the bathroom, he joined Neville in their dormitory. His friend, also dressed in a suit for the occasion, appeared somewhat nervous. "Neville, are you ready?" Harry asked reassuringly.
The Gryffindor shrugged, a gesture betraying his anxiety. "In terms of clothes, I think so. I've checked my outfit at least twenty times," he replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "But mentally, that's a whole other story."
Harry approached him, leaning toward his ear, and whispered, "Neville, remember, it's Hermione. She cares about you. You could show up in any outfit, and she'd just be happy to see you."
A mischievous smile spread across Harry's face as he added, "And don't forget, she turned down a world-famous Quidditch star for you. That means you must hold a pretty important place in her heart."
Neville, perplexed, wasn't sure if he should take that as another reason to worry or as a way to calm himself. He had no idea what Hermione expected from him and was desperate not to make a mistake. He cast a questioning look at his friend.
Sensing his unease, Harry replied, "That's entirely up to you, Neville. Focus on the positive and give her your best."
Placing a reassuring hand on Neville's shoulder, Harry offered him a warm and encouraging look. Touched by his friend's kindness, Neville felt more at ease.
"I know I shouldn't worry," Neville confessed, his voice betraying a hint of apprehension. "But I really have feelings for her. I'd never want to hurt her."
Harry nodded in reassurance. "In that case, just be yourself, and you won't have to worry any further."
As they walked side by side, Harry and Neville chatted about anything and everything, trying to distract themselves from the impending ball. But Neville couldn't help but bring the conversation back to the delicate subject of their relationships with Daphne and Hermione.
"You know, I've been thinking," he said, a little worried. "You should probably be the more anxious one between the two of us." Seeing his friend's questioning look, he continued, "Well, let's just say that most couples formed between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin... haven't exactly ended well," he admitted, with some apprehension.
Harry smiled, touched by Neville's concern for him and Daphne. "Don't worry about us," he reassured him. "Without sounding arrogant, I think, aside from the professors, no one can beat me in a duel. So, with a little luck, we shouldn't have any problems."
Despite their conversation, a question began to form in Harry's mind: what was the true nature of his relationship with Daphne? Were they friends, lovers, or something in between? He knew he needed to talk to her about it tonight, no matter how difficult it might be. After all, he was in constant danger. Every day, he could be attacked, or even killed. And if he had to leave, he'd prefer to go without any regrets.
Finally, they arrived at the doors of the Great Hall. Harry greeted Ron, whose outfit was, to say the least… questionable, and wished him good luck with his date, Lavender Brown. He had heard about Ron's public humiliation after his clumsy proposal to Fleur Delacour. While it was amusing, it had excluded him from the preferences of most of the girls at school. The only one who still seemed to like him was Lavender Brown, a rather… bold Gryffindor, but not unkind. Harry had never really spoken to her, but if she could bring happiness to his former best friend, he sincerely wished them the best.
They continued to make their way through the crowd gathered outside the hall, greeting friends here and there, before finding themselves a bit further away.
"Hey, look who it is," Harry muttered, tapping Neville's shoulder and pointing towards the stairs leading to the Gryffindor Tower.
"Hey, Harry! Are you waiting for Daphne?" Hermione called out as she descended the steps. She looked stunning. Her chestnut hair was slightly smoothed and tied back, with a few strands framing her face. She wore a magnificent blue dress, worthy of a Disney princess, and radiated happiness. Her impeccable makeup perfectly complemented her outfit.
"Yes, she should be here soon. You look beautiful, Hermione," he said with a warm smile before nudging Neville towards her. "It's your turn, mate," he whispered. With a mischievous gesture, he pushed Neville's jaw up, prompting a laugh from Hermione. Then, stepping back, he winked at his two friends and wished them a wonderful evening.
Watching Neville start a conversation with his date, Harry couldn't help but scrutinise his friend's body language, hoping he had complimented the girl properly. Hermione, typically more inclined towards books than social events, was undeniably one of the most beautiful students at Hogwarts. He had no interest in ruining this moment.
Harry stood there, patient, observing couples forming and heading into the Great Hall. Though not as sentimental as Dumbledore, the sight of so much love and joy at Hogwarts brought a smile to his lips. All these young people would, sooner or later, find themselves plunged into the horrors of war. Perhaps in a year, if Voldemort returned. Perhaps in twenty, if another Dark Lord rose abroad. Only time would tell.
But for now, they could enjoy this evening of peace, and that was enough to fill Harry with happiness.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps caught his attention, coming from the Slytherin dormitories. At first, he thought he saw Daphne, but then he recognized Draco Malfoy, who shot him a dark look. Harry knew the Slytherin didn't like him, but such hostility in such a festive context seemed almost absurd. Maybe the guy was just in a bad mood... Who knew?
A few moments passed before he finally saw her, the girl who had captured his heart, walking towards him. And... 'By Merlin's beard, she's gorgeous,' he thought, his mind suddenly going blank.
The candlelight shimmered on her emerald green dress, giving her the appearance of an elven queen. Her blonde hair, usually free and cascading over her shoulders, was elegantly pinned up, exposing her graceful neck. To top it off, she wore a headband adorned with a white tulip and a rose.
A shy smile lit up her face when she saw Harry, and her ocean-blue eyes sparkled with restrained joy, far from their usual coldness. Harry was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions: admiration, adoration, and for one of the first times since returning to Hogwarts, a touch of nervousness.
"Merlin, she makes me more nervous than a Hungarian Horntail," he teased himself internally. Forcing his hand to move, he grabbed his wand from his pocket and cast a quick stinging spell on his leg, snapping himself out of his temporary trance.
"You are... perfect. Absolutely perfect…" Harry murmured when she reached him. He saw her cheeks flush with a soft blush and felt satisfied that his compliment had touched her. "Look who's talking. Harry... you're so handsome you make every other guy at school look like a baboon," she replied with a sly smile. Harry burst out laughing and slipped his arm under hers.
"After you, my lady," he said as they entered the Great Hall, adorned in its finest decorations.
12/25/1994, 00H12, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Daphne set down her fork, feeling satisfied. The house-elves had once again exceeded all her expectations. Tonight's meal was undoubtedly one of the best she had ever tasted.
So far, the evening has been a true success. From the moment they arrived, they had been invited to join the champions to prepare for the opening dance of the ball. That first dance had been one of the most beautiful of the night. It was followed by a series of delicious dishes and more dances.
Even for Daphne, who had been part of the magical world her entire life, this evening was truly exceptional. She was here, in the arms of the boy she loved, momentarily forgetting all her worries. The dances they shared, though sometimes imperfect, had transported her to another world, just like their escape to the top of the Astronomy Tower. They lost themselves in each other's eyes, oblivious to everything else around them. How else could one describe this evening but as "magical"?
Harry had done everything to make sure she had an unforgettable night. She had noticed, from a distance, other couples whose situations were... less enviable. Draco and Pansy were a perfect example, with the latter eventually fleeing, unable to endure Draco's persistent stares at Harry. After all, what girl would want her partner to spend more time looking at someone else than at her?
"Daphne?" Harry's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Do you know why that idiot has been glaring at me all evening like I stole his favourite teddy bear?"
Daphne immediately knew who he was talking about and couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, Malfoy?" she replied mockingly. "He might have asked me to the ball in front of the entire Slytherin house in the common room. I then might have turned him down, and he might have humiliated himself by trying to cast a spell on me that backfired."
Harry burst out laughing, congratulating Daphne on her sharp wit. The Slytherin must have thought that if he attended the ball with her, he would outshine Harry. But sometimes he seemed to forget that, besides Harry, there was another reason no one dared approach Daphne.
"He must have learned his lesson by now. I see why he was giving me those looks. His plan for revenge totally backfired," Harry laughed as the final dance of the evening was announced.
He stood up slowly, stretching his sore muscles, and invited Daphne to join him. "I don't know, Harry, I'm sweaty and too warm. These aren't the best conditions for me to focus on a dance," she admitted, slightly embarrassed.
Without bothering to reply, Harry pulled out his wand and cast a series of spells on her, some of which were familiar to her, before repeating his invitation. "There, good as new! So, one last dance?"
Smiling at the Gryffindor's eagerness, she took his hand and followed him onto the dance floor. Only the professors and the couples who hadn't parted throughout the evening remained. They would be able to enjoy a bit more space without worrying about being stepped on.
As the first notes of the music played, Harry and Daphne began to dance. Their movements were graceful and fluid, showing that their practice together hadn't been in vain. They laughed and whispered to each other, completely forgetting the world around them.
The music was lively, inviting them to waltz. Harry took Daphne in his arms and guided her across the dance floor. Their bodies swayed to the rhythm of the melody, their hands tightly clasped. Harry admired Daphne's beauty—her blonde hair swirling around her face, her blue eyes shining with happiness. Daphne had always been fascinated by Harry, by his presence, his strength, and above all, his kindness. She loved the way he looked at her, with tenderness and admiration. Because of her cold demeanour, few people had ever shown her any kindness, which she could understand. But Harry had been different.
They twirled around the dance floor, their steps perfectly in sync. They were lost in their own bubble, the world around them ceasing to exist. The music seemed to play just for them, enveloping them in its enchanting melody.
The waltz eventually came to an end, and Harry and Daphne found themselves face to face, breathing heavily. Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other, a smile full of promises and hope. In that look, they could see all the feelings they had never dared to express out loud.
Without a word, Harry leaned in and kissed Daphne. The kiss was soft and tender, full of passion and love. This time, the message was clear, and neither of them could turn back. Their lips met in a sensual dance, expressing everything they couldn't say with words.
The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the present moment. The music finally stopped completely, but Harry and Daphne remained in each other's arms, savouring the magical moment.
At the end of their last dance, Harry and Daphne found themselves surrounded by thunderous applause. Many students, including Neville, Hermione, the Weasleys, and even some professors, congratulated them on their performance. Harry spotted Dumbledore discreetly wiping away a tear. Perhaps this evening wasn't so bad after all.
Normally, he would have been embarrassed by such attention. But today, his heart was filled with nothing but pure joy. He turned to Daphne, who gave him a radiant smile. After one last wave to the crowd, he invited the Slytherin to follow him, leaving the Great Hall with a smile fixed on his lips.
They walked in silence to the courtyard fountain. Harry cast a warming charm to dispel the night's chill and invited Daphne to sit beside him.
Sitting side by side, they quietly gazed at the stars. The evening they had just shared had undeniably transformed their relationship—or at least, that was Harry's belief. But he needed confirmation. So, squeezing her hand in his, he broke the peaceful silence that enveloped them.
"Daphne," he began solemnly, "I'm scared. I'm scared of how the world is changing. I'm scared of the war that's coming. I'm scared of losing the people I love. I'm scared of losing you," he confessed with a grimace.
"But," he continued before she could respond to his confession, "if there's one thing I'm certain of today, it's that I love you. I promised you that when we met again, I would be the man you deserve. And honestly, I don't know if I am that man yet. But I'm doing my best, and I promise I'll do everything I can to make you happy."
Standing up and pulling her with him, he took a deep breath and asked, "Will you go out with me?"
Daphne's eyes, already wide from his words, grew even wider as she stood in front of him. She stared at him, her gaze filled with love, before deciding that actions spoke louder than words and kissed him again.
This kiss was softer than the previous one. There was no complex message behind it, no particular urgency. It was simply the answer to a question. "Yes, of course," she whispered, before murmuring, "It's about time, you idiot."
Once again, under the light of the moon, they embraced, savouring each other's presence. Their fates were now intertwined. The countdown had begun, and there was no possible way to turn back the clock unless his uncle intervened, but Harry was counting on him not to do that, wherever he might be.
"I love you, Harry," she said softly, as if admitting it out loud frightened her.
"I love you too, Daphne. We'll make it through. It doesn't matter if we're Slytherin or Gryffindor, if Voldemort or one of his followers threatens us—nothing will stop us. I promise you," he reassured her firmly.
Daphne nodded one last time before resting her head on Harry's chest, feeling at peace.
Maybe… maybe they would have their happy ending after all, contrary to everything she had always imagined...