A/N Hello everyone! So this chapter takes place entirely in the past, during Theo's fourth year, but is very important to the story. Hope you like it.
Chapter 11: Yule Blood
8 Years Ago:
Dear Mr. Marcus Flint
We regret to inform you, that you failed to pass any of your N.E.W.T.'s. After some discussion, it has been decided to offer you the opportunity to return to Hogwarts for an eighth year to retake them.
Special arrangements have been made with the Canons to move your rookie season with the team until next year, should you decide to return. Also, it as been agreed, you will be able to stay on the Slytherin Quidditch Team as a chaser, but the position of Captain will not be your's. Instead, it will go to the team elected member, Adrian Pucey.
You will be expected to follow all school rules and listen to all of the prefects, as well as the Head boy and girl. You will also find enclosed, your list of required items.
Looking forward to seeing you on September 1st.
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
xXXx
Theodore was happy it was finally time to return to Hogwarts, although he was apprehensive. His father had told him all summer, something important to their cause would happen this school year. A cause Theodore wasn't sure he agreed with, blood purity really didn't matter to him. He did, however, consider himself a superior wizard, to most Mud-Bloods. What Pure-Blood wizard raised to believe so, didn't. He just didn't agree with the idea Mud-Bloods didn't belong. Make no mistake, he wasn't about to run out and make friends with all the Mud-Bloods at the school. That would be suicide once his father found out. In his personal opinion however, everyone had a place, a part to play, from Muggles on up. To get rid of one group, would unbalance things. Of course, these were ideas he didn't dare share with his father. Ideas to be honest, he didn't dare share with any of his friends. Any of them, except Daphne and Ernie.
There were Death Eaters at their Manor almost every day. He had met more of them than he had cared too. Every time someone new would stop by Theodore was summoned, so his father could introduce him. As is was he was unable to avoid his father, which was his norm during holidays and summer break. The less his father saw him, the fewer 'lessons' Theodore was taught. This past summer however, he got those 'lessons' daily. He either didn't shake the mans hand strong enough, hadn't answered a question right, was snarky, or some such thing. If there was nothing, then his father would tell him he 'needed to be ready' for whatever, it was that was suppose to happen this year.
After the Quidditch world cup, Theodore figured whatever was going to happen, must have something to do with the Dark Lord. But he didn't dare ask. Since, Theodore would have to come and meet these men anyway, he started to wait outside he father's study to try and overhear whatever he could. All he had been able to understand was, someone's servant would do something at a grave, which involved the chosen one because of a cup. Of all that, the only thing he knew, was it involved Harry Potter. When didn't it? After all the meetings, Theodore knew that Harry Potter was the only person ever to survive the killing curse, but why it mattered to anyone today, he had no idea. Frankly, neither did any of his friends, although Draco liked to act as if he understood perfectly. His refusal to answer anyone's questions however, was all Theodore and Blaise needed to know he didn't know anything.
xXXx
September 1st.
Theodore pushed his bag onto the overhead rack, then turned and picked up Daphne's to place it beside his. She was already seated by the window, while she looked out and waved goodbye to her mother. Theodore leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "I am going to make sure Tori got settled, then I will be right back."
Daphne turned and smiled at Theodore. "Thank you!" She hollered after him.
She loved how Theodore acted like he was already Astoria's older brother. Daphne turned back to the window and noticed mum and daddy had moved their attention to a different window. She figured they must have found Tori. After a few minutes, she felt the seat next to her shift, as someone sat down. She assumed it was Theodore, so didn't mind when the person started to rub her thigh. Except, after a moment he rubbed a little higher than Theodore ever had.
Daphne turned, to see Marcus Flint, in the seat next to her. She quickly pushed his hand off her. "What do you think you're doing Flint?" Daphne asked.
Marcus gave her a devilish smile, "I was just letting you see what it felt like to have a real man touch you. Don't tell me you're still dating that loser, Nott?"
Daphne crossed her arms over her chest. "He is not a loser, and yes, I am still dating him. You're in his seat. Please leave."
Marcus ran his hand through Daphne's hair. "If that's what you want. But when you're tired of that baby, let me know." Flint stood to leave, but not before Theodore had come back into the compartment.
The two boys stood and stared at each other for a few heart beats. Finally, Theodore started to walk past him.
Marcus grabbed his wrist, and tugged him close, so he could whisper in Theodore's ear, "Have you even been man enough to kiss her with your tongue yet, Nott? If you're too scared, I would be happy to do it for you." Flint laughed, while he pushed Theodore against the seats.
Theodore stood up quickly, his fist in a tight ball and turned toward Flint. However, as if Merlin himself didn't want Theodore to fight with Marcus today, Draco and Pansy came in at that moment to sit down. Draco looked at Theodore, noticed the look on his face, and his hands white at the knuckles. Draco turned and saw Marcus's smug smile. Draco pushed Marcus from behind, out of the way, and closed the compartment door.
He put his hand on Theodore's shoulder, "Let it go for now, mate. If he is back, we have to put up with his shit all year. Save it for when it really matters." Theodore looked at Draco, took a deep breath and sat beside Daphne.
She took his hand, "What did he say?"
Theodore shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I shouldn't let it get me." He laid his head on her lap, stretched out on the seat, and let her play with his hair.
xXXx
September 8th.
Dearest Daphne,
Your father has informed me, due to what happened at the Quidditch World Cup, he has formed a political alliance with the Flint Family. Along with this alliance, Flint Sr., would like his eldest heir to formally call on you.
Because of the age difference, I have intervened. Your father likes the match, but has allowed my intervention at this point. However, he has given the boy his blessing to get to you know better.
You should be prepared for Marcus Flint to pay you attention.
My darling, I know you are still rather enamored with young Nott. As your mother, I would much rather see you with Nott.
You find yourself in the same situation, so many Pure-Blood women before you have found themselves. If you don't want your father to promise you to a man you did not choose, you must make sure you do not offend your father or Mr. Flint, while keeping your Theodore happy.
Since I am not there, I can only offer this advice, to smile and be polite to Flint, but do not encourage him, or upset Theodore.
You do not have an easy task ahead of you. I am certain you will find a way to succeed. Best of luck, my darling.
Your loving Mum.
xXXx
October 7th.
Daphne chose to take Divination this year, while Theodore was in Ancient Runes. So, on Tuesday's and Thursday's, they would kiss goodbye after Transfiguration, and go in different directions. They would see each other again at lunch. For the last month, Daphne found Marcus Flint would wait for her by the stairs, that lead up to the Divination tower. He was always kind, however she didn't want to date him. He was eighteen, and she loved Theodore. Still, she couldn't help the blush, which filled her cheeks when Marcus flirted with her. Daphne did her best to heed her mother's warning though, and did what she could to not offend Marcus, but also to not give him a reason to continue. No harm done, as long as Theodore didn't find out.
Today she dropped her bag, and dumped all her books on the floor, when Marcus had come up behind her, and said 'hello beautiful'. Daphne knelt down to pick them all up, and Marcus bent down to help. As he handed her the last book, he reached over and pushed her hair behind her ear. "You know Daphne, I think those earrings are lovely. But you need something other than little silver studs. Something, that will bring out the blue in your eyes."
"I like the earrings I have Marcus, but thank you." Daphne gathered the rest of her things and made her way up to Divination, as quickly as she could.
xXXx
November 13th.
Daphne and Pansy were in the great hall for dinner, the two of them normally got there, before Theodore and Draco on Friday' boys both, took a potions class for future potions masters or healers. They both planned on Potions, for sure to be one of the N.E.W.T. level classes, they would take in a few years. Draco didn't tell anyone, but Theodore, he secretly wanted to be a healer. A job he knew, his father would never support. Theodore thought he might pursue the art of potions master, one day. However, both of them knew as the only son and heir to both of their fathers, their futures were already set. One could dream though.
Today as the girls waited for them to arrive, Marcus Flint sauntered over and sat beside Daphne. He place a small box, wrapped in silver paper with a green ribbon, on the table in front of her. "Open it, Daph." Marcus said with a smile.
"Marcus, I have asked you to please, call me Daphne." Daphne picked up the box to study it. "What is it? And why are you giving me a gift?"
"No reason, just thought you might like them." Marcus smiled brightly at her. "You said, only you're closest friends call you Daph. I think we are getting to that category, don't you?" Marcus pushed her hair behind her ear again.
Daphne pulled away slightly from his hand. She had to admit he had become quite handsome, but his attention had started to make her feel uncomfortable. "Marcus, I told you only those closest to me, call me Daph. That's my sister, my best friend and my boy friend. Please, call me by my full name." She set the box down. "I really shouldn't accept it."
Marcus pouted, "Please, just take the little gift, Daphne. It would mean so much to me."
Daphne looked at Pansy with a 'help me' expression, "It's just a little gift, Daph. Go ahead. What could it hurt." Pansy went back to her dinner.
Daphne sighed and picked up the box. 'Do not offend', Daphne could almost see her mother's words, as she took off the ribbon and tore the paper. She took the lid off the box, to reveal small sapphire earrings. They were in a brilliant, yellow gold flower setting that sparkled brightly. Daphne looked up at Marcus, "I can't accept these Marcus, it's too much."
Marcus reached out and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. "They will bring out the blue in your eyes, as well as the golden in your hair."
Thud!
Marcus and Daphne, looked up to see Theodore beside Marcus after he slammed his book bag on the table. "Get your hands off my girlfriend, Flint!"
Marcus looked at Daphne, "I hope you like them." He threw his leg over the bench, stood up and rose to his full six-foot height. Normally, that would intimidate a fourth year, but at fifteen Theodore was already just shy of six-foot, himself. Marcus gave Theodore at smirk, then looked at Draco who stood behind Theodore. Draco wasn't quite as tall, at fourteen he was only five-foot-four. "What are you looking at Malfoy?" Marcus sneered. He went to push past them, but stopped short, so he could once again whisper only to Theodore, "Used that tongue yet, Nott? Want me to hold her for you; tell you what her breasts feel like?" Flint laughed as he walked. Theodore lunged after him, but Draco had caught his arms and held him back.
"Not yet Theo, the day will come I promise." Draco said through gritted teeth.
xXXx
December 15th.
Marcus hadn't made any attempts over the last few weeks to pursue Daphne. He only smiled at her from across rooms, or winked at her, when they walked past each other in the common room. Daphne had started to feel comfortable around him again. She had not worn the earrings though, in fact, they hadn't even come out of the box. Instead, they had been tossed in the bottom of her trunk. They were pretty. However, it didn't feel right to wear them, since they hadn't come from Theodore.
Daphne jumped up and threw her arms around Theodore's neck. "Yes! Of course I will go to the ball with you." She stood on her tip toes and kissed him. "You really didn't need to ask. I assumed we were going together."
Theodore glared at Flint from over Daphne's shoulder as he held her, while the older boy looked at Daphne's bum. After Flint noticed Theodore's stare, he smirked at him, and went back to the book he was 'reading'. Theodore looked down at Daphne and smiled, "You still deserved a proper invite." Daphne kissed him again, then ran off to find Pansy so the two of them could talk about dresses.
xXXx
December 25th.
Theodore waited in the common room with the rest of the boys from his class. They had been ready for thirty minutes, and the girls still had not come down. Crabbe, who didn't have a date, wore solid black. He sat on one of couches, with a bored expression on his face. Goyle had asked Mille to go with him at the last minute and had taken a lot of grief from the other boys for it. All they saw was a over-weight girl, who had an acne problem. Greg saw someone interesting, who was nice to him. Mille always made him feel smart. Something no one else ever did. Blaise's date was from Beauxbatons. She had informed him, her dress would be silver, so he wore black trousers, and a silk black dress robe. His shirt was stark white as was Theodore's and Draco's, but his vest and tie were silver. Blaise decided he had waited long enough, and left to go find his date. Draco constantly fixed his white tie and smoothed his white vest.
"Draco, didn't Pansy say her dress was also silver?" Theodore asked. He wore black trousers and dress robes same as the others, but his vest and tie were black, since Daphne had told him, her gown was black. He thought it was only proper he compliment her gown.
Draco looked at Theodore and rolled his eyes. "I could care less, what color her dress is Theo, as long as she looks good in it."
"They look better out of the dresses, if you ask me." Flint interjected, as he walked by in his dress robes.
Draco stepped in between Marcus and Theodore, "Well no one asked you, Flint. So go away." Draco turned, when he heard Pansy call his name. "Finally, the girls are ready."
Theodore went over to the stairs and held out his hand for Daphne. Her dress was floor length with a full skirt, which laid nicely over her full petticoat. It was tight on her waist, and fit snuggly across her torso, while it pushed her breasts up, to make them look slightly larger than they were. It had a sweetheart neckline, and small cap sleeves that hung just slightly off her shoulders. Her dress had silver flowers detailing along the bottom. She wore the silver locket Theodore had given her last year for Christmas. It hung low enough to just brushed the top of her cleavage. She had put a picture of Theodore inside the locket, but didn't share it with many people. Her earrings where silver dangling ones, and matched the flower pattern on her dress. She had her hair twisted in a soft loose French twist with a few strands that hung around her face.
Theodore almost forgot to breath when he saw her. He finally swallowed and smiled at her. "You look beautiful, Daphne." He leaned down and gave her a long kiss.
Daphne bounced up and down, she felt like the most beautiful girl in the room, although Pansy insisted out loud, to everyone that Draco and she were the very best looking.
xXXx
The ball was half over and Theodore and Daphne had a great time, so far. All the students had danced and laughed. For once, Draco had even been polite, when Granger had accidently pumped into him on the dance floor and said 'excuse me'. Instead, of some nasty retort, which would have been his norm, he had only sneered at her when he said, 'no problem'.
The Weird Sisters took a short break, and Professor Flitwick had slow music played. Theodore decided it was time for him to give Daphne the ring, which burned a hole in his pocket. He took Daphne's hand and led her out on the dance floor. Half-way though the song, he stopped and gave Daphne a soft kiss. "I love you, Daphne."
Daphne smiled at him, honestly, she hadn't stopped smiling all night. "I love you, Theodore. So much."
He pulled a silver braided chain out of his pocket, the same one he had worn around his neck, since Clair gave it to him. He carefully removed the ring from the chain, then put the chain back in his pocket. "This was my mother's house ring. She was also in Slytherin." He told Daphne as he showed it to her.
"Theo, it's beautiful. I think that is a tradition we have gotten away from, isn't it? Girls getting house rings." She put one hand on his cheek and lifted up on her tip toes kissed him again.
Theodore opened his eyes slowly, after the kiss. "Yeah, I guess it is." Theodore took Daphne's left hand and lovingly put the ring on her ring finger. "Would you wear my mother's ring, until the day I can replace it with a proper diamond?"
Daphne immediately had tears that threatened to fall. She looked at the ring, then up at Theodore, "Yes! Oh, yes!" Daphne threw her arms around Theodore's neck as he lifted her off the ground. Daphne squealed and showered him with kisses.
Pansy and Draco had been on the dance floor nearby and saw the exchange between their friends. Draco smiled at his mate, then turned to see Pansy stand with her arms across her chest, a determined look on her face. "If you're waiting for me to give you a ring Pansy, you'll be waiting a long time." Draco turned to Theodore and sneered at him, "Thanks Theo, you couldn't have done that in private?"
Theodore laughed at Draco, as he still got showered in kisses, "Sorry Draco. Right now, I don't give a damn if Pansy's pissed."
Pansy turned and ran from the ball room. "Oh, great. Now, I have to go find her and make nice." Draco shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked toward the doorway.
Daphne and Theodore didn't notice them leave.
xXXx
Theodore wasn't ready for the evening to end yet, so he avoided the words goodnight. He knew though, as the large grandfather clock in the common room rang two am, goodnight was inevitable. They stood close to the stairs which led down to the boys' dorms. Theodore placed his hands on either side of Daphne's face, leaned down and gave her a small kiss on the lips. He pulled away slowly, then took a deep breath, "Daphne, may I kiss you goodnight?"
Daphne giggled, "You just did, Theo."
He swallowed hard, "No, I mean," Theodore looked at an older couple close by, who kissed. He looked back at Daphne nervously, "I mean 'kiss' you?"
Daphne followed his eyes to the older couple and back. "Oh!" Daphne bit her bottom lip for a second. "Yes. Yes, you may 'kiss' me, Theo."
Theodore smiled at her, why was he suddenly so scared? This was something he had wanted to do for a year now. Theodore brushed his lips tentatively to hers, then pressed a little harder. Unsure of how to do this, he finally parted his lips slightly and sucked lightly on her bottom lip. He pushed his tongue out and only touched her lips. Just as he was about to pull away, Daphne parted her lips and his tongue met hers. This was nothing like Theodore had imagined. He always thought it must feel good, but that didn't describe this at all. It didn't feel good, it felt amazing! As Theodore continued to kiss Daphne this way, their tongues pushing against each other he wondered, why on earth he had waited so long to kiss her this way. 'My Daphne will be respected'. Oh yeah, that's why. But, as Theodore's hands intertwined into Daphne's hair which had fallen out of the French twist during the ball, and his trousers grew tighter, that voice in the back of his head got a little quieter. It was still there though, to make sure he didn't go too far.
Theodore moved his hands down around Daphne's waist to pull her closer to him. She adjusted her feet, so she could get as close to him as she could. When she did, her hip pushed against the bulge in Theodore's trousers, it caused him to moan and grip her waist even tighter. He knew he needed say goodnight, just a few minutes more, then he would. Before he broke the kiss to say goodnight, someone ran into Theodore from behind, which caused him to stumble forward and hit Daphne's head on the wall.
"Daph, are you ok? I am so sorry Baby." Theodore made sure Daphne was alright, then turned around to find Marcus Flint there, as he laughed at them. Theodore pushed Marcus away, "What the hell, Flint?"
Marcus walked back up, and stood toe to toe with Theodore, "Didn't think you would ever have the nerve to finally kiss her like a man, Nott." He looked at Daphne, "Hope he was passable Daph, I would hate to think he turned you off of men."
Theodore pushed Marcus away. "Why do you have to constantly bother us?"
Marcus pushed Theodore, much harder this time and caused Theodore to fall down the steps, that led to the boys' dorms. The stairs were magically charmed, so if someone fell, they became a slide, so you didn't get hurt. However, it also meant you went all the way down. This gave Marcus a few minutes before Theodore could make it back up. Marcus looked over at Daphne, grabbed her around her waist and pulled her to him. "How long are you going to make me wait for you to be free of that loser?"
Daphne looked away, repulsed by his breath. "Marcus, you're drunk. You wouldn't be acting like this otherwise. Please let me go."
Marcus kissed Daphne hard; she tried to stifle the cry of pain. He ripped the locket off Daphne's neck and threw it in the fireplace. "I have a better necklace for you. It matches the earrings." Marcus held up a necklace proudly. Daphne pushed passed him and ran to the fireplace with a couple other girls, who were in the common room, to try to fish her locket out.
Once Theodore got back up the stairs, he ran at Flint, and hit him square on the nose. Blood covered Marcus's shirt as his nose broke. He looked at Theodore, "You will pay for that, Nott." Marcus threw his fist as hard as he could and hit Theodore in the jaw.
Theodore's head turned slightly to the right. He rubbed the area as it turned red and looked back at Flint. "Is that the best you got?"
Marcus's eyes widened slightly. Nott was tougher than he thought. Marcus lunged at him, but Theodore was able to dodge the punch. Flint had nothing on Nott Senior.
Theodore hit Flint again, this time he busted his lip open.
Marcus wiped blood off his lip. "Mark my words, Nott I will have her before you do."
Daphne was too occupied with her locket to hear what Marcus said. Theodore, however, was at his point of no return. That was it, he had held this in all year. In a flash, Theodore had Flint on the ground and was on top of him. Theodore let all his frustration out through his fists, over and over.
He couldn't hear Daphne as she screamed. Once she had her locket safe and sound, she had turned to see Theodore on top of Marcus. "Theo, stop! He's drunk, please stop."
Theodore felt someone pull at his arms and lift him in the air. He struggled against it, and heard someone yelp in pain, but the pull continued. Theodore never took his eyes off Flint and continued to struggle. Theodore yelled "No, I'm not finished yet! He has touched Daphne for the last time!"
Marcus laid on the ground, blood covered his face from his nose and mouth. His right eye was swollen shut from Theodore's assault. Even as Theodore struggled against the people holding him, he still couldn't hear Daphne, as she tried to calm him down.
Marcus's younger brother kicked him in the thigh, "Get up you git. I am not carrying you to the hospital. He didn't break your legs. He broke your nose." Andrew turned to Theodore, who continued to struggle, "Sorry Nott, but as a school prefect, I have to report this, even though Marcus deserved it."
Marcus got to his feet slowly, "Piss off, Andrew."
Marcus advanced to attack Theodore again, but was met by Draco's wand. "Don't try it Flint."
Marcus sneered at Draco and conceded to let his brother lead him from the common room. Theodore watched Marcus leave, then he relaxed enough to see Draco and Blaise were the ones who pulled him off, and still held his arms. Daphne threw her arms around him. "Theo, are you ok?" She looked up at him and started to run her hands through his hair knowing it would calm him down.
As he calmed down, Draco and Blaise let him go. Theodore looked down and noticed the blood on his hands. He started to shake, as he looked back at Daphne, "What have I done? Oh God, what have I done?"
She put a hand on his face, "Don't think about it Theo. It's over."
"Unfortunately, that is not correct Miss Greengrass." Theodore and Daphne looked up, into the unforgiving eyes of Professor Snape. "Would you mind telling me, why Mr. Flint is on his way to the hospital, Mr. Nott?"
Theodore took several deep breaths. "He assaulted my girlfriend and threw her property in the fireplace. I am afraid I over reacted, Professor."
Snape looked at Theodore's face. He then looked down at Daphne, and saw the soot all over her dress and the burns to her hands. "Mr. Zabini, would you please take Miss Greengrass to the hospital to have those burns attended to."
Before Daphne let Blaise lead her out of the common room she turned to Theodore, took his hands in hers, and looked up at him "I love you, Theo."
"I am sorry, I ruined the evening. I love you, too." Theodore leaned down to kiss her cheek, but was interrupted by Snape, "Now, Miss. Greengrass."
Daphne left with Blaise.
Snape walked over to Draco to look at his cheek, "How did this happen, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape indicated the gash on Draco's cheek.
Theodore spoke up before Draco could, "I am afraid that was also me, Professor. It happened when Draco pulled me off Flint." Theodore looked at Draco, "Sorry mate."
Draco, touched the wound he had forgotten he had, "Not to worry Theo, it's nothing. I can heal it on my own just fine." He raised his eyebrows at Theo as if to say, 'but you already knew that.'
Professor Snape turned back to Theodore. "Mr. Nott, please go wait for me in my office."
"Yes professor." Theodore turned and walked toward the common room doors. About five feet away, he waved his hands in front of him, and the doors flew open.
Wordless magic was something most students didn't learn, until their sixth year. Wandless magic, was something most adults still struggled with; Theodore just demonstrated an ability to do both. Snape raised one eyebrow, as he took note. He turned to the rest of the students and ordered them to bed. Snape went to see the headmaster, before he joined Theodore in his office. Theodore got two months of detention for his actions. Flint got two weeks.
Theodore heard the next day at lunch, Pucey kicked Flint off the team for unbecoming behavior. The boys decided justice had been done.
Marcus, tried several times, to tell Daphne how sorry he was, while they were in the hospital. Daphne ignored him.
xXXx
January 2nd. After Dinner
Dearest Daughter,
It has come to my attention, Mr. Nott assaulted Mr. Flint during the Christmas holiday.
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am.
My alliance with the Flint Family is important, as talk of the 'Dark Lord's' possible return grows. Also with that talk, my concern with your relationship with the Nott boy grows.
It is well known which side his father will take, if such an event takes place. As Nott Sr.'s only son, young Nott's place would be at his father's side. I will not have my daughter, on the arm of a possible Death Eater.
I wanted to go ahead and make the betrothal between you and Mr. Flint official, in response to this, but your mother is insistent that you are still too young.
So daughter, I put it in your hands. Be pleasant and charming to the Flint boy, or I will not allow your mother to intervene, any longer.
Dalton Greengrass
xXXx
January 2nd. Late Evening
Daphne sat on her bed and waited for her sister to finish the letter. Astoria handed it back to her and bit her lip. "Daddy's not really going to make you marry Marcus, is he?"
"I hope not, Tori. I want to marry Theo." Daphne folded the letter up. "Do you think I should show this to him?"
"If you mean Theo, yes. He needs to know why you would talk to Marcus again, after what he did." Astoria started to look at her nails, and flopped back on the bed. "I am never getting married; boys are stupid."
Daphne leaned over and kissed her sister on the cheek. "I better go find Theo. You get to bed."
"He just got back to the common room from detention." Tracey said, as she threw her things on her bed.
Daphne smiled at her, "Thank you." Daphne grabbed the letter she received from her mother, earlier that year.
She went down the stairs slowly, so they wouldn't creek. She found Theodore asleep on the couch closest to the fireplace.
Daphne went to him and kissed his cheek. He stirred, then opened his eyes. "Hey, my love." Theodore said, as he stretched his arms over his head.
"I need to talk to you, but if you're too tired, it can wait until morning." Daphne snuggled up beside him on the couch.
Theodore put his arms around her. "No, I am fine. What's up?"
Daphne gave Theodore the letters and let him read them. Theodore folded the letters, when he finished them and handed them back to her. He took his arm from around her and sat forward on the couch, his elbows rested on his knees. "Is this what has been going on all year? Why Flint has been flirting with you and giving you gifts?"
Daphne looked at her hands, she folded and unfolded the letters nervously. "Yes. I was suppose to let him be nice to me."
Theodore ran his fingers through his hair. "It's why he kept saying all those things about you. He was baiting me and I fell for it." Theodore looked at Daphne, "Why didn't you tell me about your mother's letter when you got it?"
"I didn't want to upset you." Daphne reached out to take his hand.
Theodore pulled away and stood up. He walked in front of the fire and shoved his hands in his pockets. "You made a fool of me, Daphne." He turned and faced her, "I thought I was defending your honor, but you have been flirting with him all year, right under my nose."
"That's not true. I didn't want him to be flirting with me. I did what I had to, my mother warned me if I offended him then my father would do exactly as he has threatened. I don't want to marry Flint. I want to marry you, Theo." Daphne put her face in her hands and started to cry.
Theodore groaned and turned back around. He kicked at the fireplace a few times. This situation was something he hadn't been ready for; he didn't know how to handle it. As he stood there and listened to Daphne cry, he realized he wasn't really mad at her, she only did what she thought was best. He turned back around and look at her. She had pulled her legs up on the couch and had wrapped her arms around them, while she continued to cry and he hated it when she cried.
He got on his knees in front of her, "I am sorry, Baby. I am not mad at you, I promise. Your parents put you in a horrible spot. I just wish you had told me."
Daphne looked up at Theodore, "I didn't flirt back Theo, I swear. All I did was try to be nice, like my mum suggested."
"I know, Baby." Theodore reached up to her cheek, and wiped away her tears. "I will not be a Death Eater, Daph, I promise. My place is by your side, not my fathers."
"I know that Theo. My mother knows that. She is on our side." Daphne took Theodore's hand off her cheek and held it to her lips, to kiss it softly. "I promise not to keep things from you again. I love you."
"I love you." Theodore sat down on the couch and let Daphne snuggle back up to him, with her head on his chest. "So what do we do now?"
"I guess I go back to letting him be nice to me, or I risk losing you." Daphne tightened her grip on Theodore's arm.
Theodore rubbed her back, "And I pretend not to see. Just when I think my father's past can't hurt me anymore, fate finds a whole new level of pain." He closed his eyes and thought about how much more his father's past could possible haunt him. He didn't like where the thoughts lead him.
xXXx
February 10th.
Flint had waited every day for Daphne by the tower that led to Divination. He would always be right outside the classroom door when she got out every Tuesday and Thursday. He would corner her in the common room, every Friday and Saturday night, while Theodore did his detentions. He would follow her to the library, and even try to sit beside her, in the great hall at meals. He wouldn't push too much when Theodore was around but would still make his intentions known.
Today, Marcus waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. When he wasn't outside the classroom, she let her guard down, and thought maybe he had something else to do. As she got to the bottom of the steps, Marcus grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a corridor, which wasn't used this time of day. "Daph, I am tired of you playing hard to get. I know, your father has told you, he wants us together."
Daphne put her hands on Marcus's chest and tried to push him away. "I am not playing hard to get Marcus. Please, let me go."
Marcus pushed her up against a wall and pinned her wrists above her head. As he started to kiss her hard and painfully, he was hit by spell a that threw him back, and he hit his butt on the floor hard. Daphne turned to see Ernie Macmillan there with his wand out. He held out his hand for Daphne, "Come on Daphne, let's go."
Ernie stayed with her, until Theodore made it into the great hall for lunch. Theodore sat down beside Daphne and noticed the distressed look on her face. "Are you ok?"
Daphne looked at him but didn't answer him.
"What?" Theodore asked again, then noticed Ernie was seated across from Daphne. He knew Ernie wouldn't be at the Slytherin table unless something had happened. "Tell me what happened." He said to Ernie.
Ernie grabbed a sandwich off one of the trays, "Flint. He dragged her into a corridor and was getting sort of rough. At least, that's what it looked like."
Theodore looked at Daphne, "Did he hurt you? Are you ok?"
She tried to give him a warm smile, "I'm fine, just upset. Ernie showed up and made him stop."
Theodore looked at Ernie. "Thank you, Ernie. I try to get here as quick as I can, but even running, I never make it. The classes are just too far apart."
Ernie set his sandwich down, "Look, I waited for you Theo, because I have a proposition that may help."
"Oh, what's that?" Theodore put his arm around Daphne and let her lay her head on his shoulder.
"Well, we all have Transfiguration together, then Daphne and I have Divination together. How about, I walk with her to the tower and to lunch. Flint knows now that I am not afraid to use my wand when necessary. This way, if he is bothering her, I am there to make him stop." Ernie picked his sandwich back up and waited to see what Theodore and Daphne would say.
"You would really do that for me?" Daphne reached out and took his hand.
"Of course. You and Theo are my friends." Ernie smiled proudly.
"Look for reasons I don't wish to explain, Daphne has to at least be nice to Flint. But that certainly doesn't mean he gets to do what he did today." Theodore thought for a moment. "What do you want in return, Macmillan?" Theodore asked.
"You don't have to explain anything, Theo. Besides, I am a Pure-Blood also, and I am sure I could guess. I don't want anything." Ernie looked down the table at Sally, "Ok, maybe you could introduce me to Sally Perks. And maybe, put in a good word."
"Sally-Ann? The American Pure-Blood snob. Are you sure?" Theodore looked surprised.
Ernie smiled from ear to ear. "Yep, I think she's fascinating!"
Theodore shook his hand, "You got it. This I have to see, a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin. No way that's going to work."
"Why not?" Ernie looked back at Sally and sighed.
For the rest of the year Ernie walked with Daphne. Most of the time Marcus just talked to her, but never laid another hand on her. With the end of the Tri-Wizard cup not going as planned and Cedric Diggory's death, the news of the Slytherin and Hufflepuff fourth years, who had dated since Valentine's Day, was boring news.
Over the next six years, Daphne continued to get letters and gifts from Marcus. With the exception of an overly polite 'Thank you', she never responded.
Not till the day just before their return to London, when her father made her.
A/N Well now you know what Marcus did, and why Daphne dates him.
