Disclaimer: This work contains mature and explicit themes including but not limited to violence, drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation and many more. Please consider your own triggers prior to reading this work. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if you need to.

"Of every gift I've ever received, you were my favorite. I want you to know that. You were my favorite."

December 1996

Winter had taken hold at Hogwarts. The castle remained blanketed in a sheet of white as the snow continued to pour down relentlessly over it. The interior took on its familiar December chill and most students resorted back to their common rooms where they chased the warmth that the large fires and company of their housemates provided them.

Harry Potter, however, walked down the halls of the ancient castle he called his first true home slowly. He had no desire to see either of his two best friends at the moment, as Hermione was still upset with him for using the prince's book, and Ron was angry that he hadn't been invited to Slughorn's Christmas party, which was in one days' time. Harry had tried to explain to his first friend that he didn't want to go to the party, but Ron was being uncharacteristically difficult.

The thought of the party only darkened his mood further. He had planned on asking Hermione to join him, despite the recent awkwardness in their relationship caused by their disagreement, but he had recently discovered she would be going with the reserve Gryffindor Keeper Cormac McLaggen instead, leaving him floundering for a date. His mind chewed on options as he continued to walk, his feet carrying him to an all too familiar spot that had always been just his.

He had discovered it in his first year, a small unassuming alcove with a few armchairs and a fireplace, the walls flanking either side adorned with large windows allowing Harry a view of the swirling snow. The fireplace remained lit and tended always, whether it was by the ambient magic of the castle or the elves, Harry was unsure, but on days like today it was where he could find peace in solitude.

As he arrived, he pulled the armchair closer to the fire in hopes of staving off the cold more quickly and warming himself, while taking in the alcove once more. He loved to visit it during the winter. Garlands of holly and tinsel were strung on the walls and everlasting floating candles glowed bright in all manners of magical colors, blue, green, purple, and red. Mistletoe hung from the ceiling and the light of the afternoon sky was dimmed significantly by the heavy clouds that hung in the air, allowing the flames from the candles and fireplace to color the walls and ceilings with beautiful flickering hues.

He sat heavily and sighed, closing his eyes and allowing the heat to warm him. He could sit here forever he thought to himself. Sit here and forget about Voldemort and Malfoy and his rocky friendships this year. His eyes grew heavier as his mind wandered and just as he was floating in the pleasant place between sleep and wake, he heard footsteps that jolted him back to the present.

As he turned in the chair to see who was approaching him the footsteps stopped. "Who's there?" called out a feminine voice he vaguely recognized.

Harry debated internally for a moment. He didn't have his cloak and whoever it was that had called out obviously hadn't expected him to be there, so it was more likely than not just a random occurrence. It had been silly after all to think this alcove was only known to him; despite the fact he had never seen anyone else here.

"Uh, me? I mean, Harry," he said dumbly, his voice thick after his almost slumber.

"Harry Potter?" The footsteps resumed and honey blonde hair and startling blue eyes came into view.

"Yeah," Harry said looking at her and making to stand. "Greengrass, er Dpahne, sorry. I just needed a place to…" He contemplated his next word, but before he could come up with one her voice cut back in.

"Escape?"

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Just for a bit."

"I understand." Was her simple response. Her blue eyes ran over him, taking in his face and then the rest of him as he was stuck in an awkward half sitting half standing position. He felt a heat rise to his cheeks that was caused by everything but the roaring fire.

"I was just about to head out," he lied. "You can have—"

She waved him off. "Please sit, a little company never hurts, and you look sadder than a niffler who just found out it was hoarding leprechaun gold." She walked towards the second armchair and pulled it up to where his was so they could sit side by side in front of the flames.

Harry debated refusing and heading back to the common room, but sitting in front of a fire next to a pretty girl sounded better than arguing with his friends so he retook his seat and sighed. He heard rather than saw Daphne take her own seat before she drew in a deep breath of contentment.

He hadn't anticipated speaking with her anymore, but after a few minutes the words seemingly pulled themselves out of him of their own accord. "I love this spot," he told her. He felt awkward as he spoke, his face heating once more, but he didn't want to sit in silence any longer.

"I do too," she said softly. There was a pause for a moment and Harry could feel as she turned her gaze on to him, but he kept his face determinedly pointed towards the fire. "When did you find it?"

"First year. After the troll incident. You?"

"Just a couple years ago," she replied. Silence hung in the air for just a moment before her voice cut through it once more. "You know this place can't be found by just anyone?"

"Huh?" His curiosity made him turn towards her and he was immediately met by her gaze, intense and serious. The firelight brightened the blue of her eyes, and they blazed a sparkling cerulean. Her cheeks had pinkened from the fire and her hair shone like spun gold. Harry felt his breath leave his body.

"I tried to bring Tracey here on more than one occasion, but I can't find this room when she's with me. I asked Mitsy — one of the elves — and she told me this alcove shows itself only to those who need to be alone, and it allows them to be alone without feeling alone." Her eyes never left his as she spoke.

Harry contemplated her words, but he didn't doubt them. Magic was wonderous, and amazing, and incredible, and beautiful. He didn't doubt for a second that Hogwarts looked out for him and provided him with a safe place when he needed one.

Daphne nodded, seemingly understanding his expression. "It really is marvelous. That's why I was so shocked you were here, but I guess Hogwarts figured we could be alone together."

"Alone together," he repeated softly, and then after a moment spoke once more. "It is nice to have someone else here."

"I agree," she said with a smile and then her face colored, whether from the fire or a blush Harry couldn't say, but she turned away. Harry followed suit a moment later and they looked at the fire together watching as the flames danced in front of them.

As they sat silently, Harry mulled over her words. 'Alone together.' He had been looking for someone to invite to the blasted Christmas Party and here Daphne was. Maybe Hogwarts was pushing her towards him? Was this a sign or was he overthinking it?

He could hear as Daphne shifted in her seat to look towards him once more. "Knut for your thoughts?" she asked kindly.

Harry steeled his resolve. He was a Gryffindor after all, bravery and courage were his strong suits. He turned towards her and spoke. "I—" His voice immediately cracked, and he coughed quickly, trying not blush and failing miserably.

She smiled at him sweetly, and Harry closed his eyes for a second before opening them once more. "I was thinking about— well I mean." He coughed again, cursing internally. 'Spit it out Potter!' "Do you know about the slug club?"

Daphne's eyes opened in shock, but she nodded. "Slughorn's favorites that he invites to parties? Yes, I'm aware." She replied.

"Well, he's invited me, a few times, actually. I kept putting it off, but I can't any longer." He took another breath and forced himself to stop rambling and get to the point. "He said it's expected we bring a guest and well, I would love to be there with you tomorrow. Alone together."

Daphne smiled then, a stunning smile that put the light of the fire and the candles and even the sun to shame. Harry couldn't stop himself from smiling back.

"How kind of you to ask," she said beaming at him. "I would be delighted to."

Harry's own smile grew until it threatened to split his face in two. "Could I pick you up near the Slytherin entrance hall at half seven?"

Her grin turned mischievous. "And just how would you know where that hall is?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe you'll find out tomorrow."

"Maybe I will. I look forward to it."

Harry did stand then; he feared that if he spent any more time near Daphne Greengrass he might melt into a puddle or forget his name. "I can't wait, thank you."

He began to walk away when her voice called out urgently. "Harry, wait! You forgot something."

He turned around quickly and watched as she strode towards him purposefully. "What is it?"

She walked until she was stood just in front of him and then raised herself up on the tips of her toes, "This," she muttered, pressing her lips to his cheek. Then after another blissful second, she said, "Mistletoe." while pointing up.

Harry looked and saw the plant in question hanging above them. He looked back down at Daphne. She was covered in different shades of color from the lights of the candles that hung in the air. Her cheeks were flushed but her eyes held a mirthful expression, tinted by a shade of nervousness.

He bent his own head down and pressed his own lips to her cheek. "Thank you," he told her. "I would have hated to forget it."

With that he spun on his heel and made his way back down the corridor. He thanked Hogwarts, God, and whoever else he could think of for this chance encounter as he continued to feel the warmth of Daphne Greengrass against his lips and cheek.

"That was…"

"Yeah?" Harry asked nervously. He was hand in hand with his date as they made the long trek back towards the Slytherin common room.

"Not as bad as I thought it would be. I got to meet Erika Rath." Daphne finished with a smile.

"Had me worried for a second there," Harry said with a roll of his eyes, but his shoulders relaxed at her words. "Erika was really cool; she even gave me some advice about maybe going pro in quidditch, but she really seemed to be taken with you. Slughorn too for that matter, and McLaggen as well, the git."

"Be careful." She told him, squeezing his hand and looking towards him, raising her eyebrows, "It almost sounded as if you might be jealous, Harry."

Harry squeezed her hand back, "Of McLaggen flirting with you? A bit maybe," he told her, and her smile told him that was the right thing to say, "But I was also frustrated for Hermione too. She deserved better than that."

"She did." Daphne nodded. "It's nice the way you care for her."

Harry looked at her intently, but Daphne didn't give any indication that there was more to her words than implied. Harry knew that most people assumed there was something going on between him and Hermione, but that wasn't the case. She was his friend, his best friend, but nothing more.

"I care about her; I hate to see others take advantage of her or treat her in ways that she doesn't deserve."

"It's sweet how you two look out for one another. Why didn't you go together?" She tugged at his hand taking him down a corridor he didn't usually use.

"Isn't this way faster?" He gestured vaguely towards the opposite hall where he had been leading her down.

"It is," she said matter of factly. "But are you really that eager for the night to end? We could go that way if you are, but if not, I thought we might take the scenic route."

"No, of course not," Harry said, realizing once more how thick he truly was. "Be patient with me, I'm a slow learner." Daphne hummed her response and continued to lead him through the castle the long way round. "Hermione and I are still in a bit of an argument at the moment." He answered her earlier question.

"Care to share over what?"

"Not really." He gave a long sigh. "Not because I don't want to share with you, mind. Just because I'm sick of talking about it."

"That's perfectly fine, Harry. I was just offering in case you needed to vent." She tugged at his hand, pulling his arm towards her, and rested her head against his shoulder as they walked. "I hope it blows over soon, whatever it is."

"Me too." Harry ran his free hand through his hair. "I hate being at odds with her, but this time around I really don't think it's my fault. I feel bad but— she's just too stubborn to look at it from anyone else's perspective."

"Have you tried looking at it through hers?" Daphne asked, and if it had been anyone else Harry would have gotten defensive, but he knew that Daphne wasn't trying to argue with him.

"I've tried to," he responded honestly. "I think this time she is actually the one in the wrong."

"Then don't feel bad."

Harry laughed despite himself. "If only it were that easy, but it's alright. We'll figure it out eventually. We always do."

"Enough of this depressing talk," Daphne said after a moment, lifting her head from his shoulder to look at his face. "Tell me something that makes you happy."

Harry thought back to everything that had been going on this year. Dumbledore's hand, his lessons with the headmaster, Malfoy and Snape plotting, his arguments with his friends. He ran another hand through his hair and looked at the beautiful blue of her eyes.

"Hogwarts was kind enough to help introduce me to you," he said softly and watched as Daphne colored prettily at his words, her eyes smiling at him. "That was something that made me quite happy."

"Ever the charmer, Potter." Despite her words her lips curled up at the edges softly and the elusive dimple Harry had been coaxing out all evening made an appearance on her left cheek as a smile transformed her face. "Anything besides me?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Flying makes me happy. And the snow. I've always loved the snow."

"I love the snow when I'm inside, under a blanket with a book. Being stuck in it outside is a lot less fun. As for flying I'm not as keen on it as you seem to be."

Harry stopped in his tracks at her words, inspiration taking hold of him. Daphne stopped a moment later and turned towards him curiously. "Did you mean it?" He asked, and at her confused expression continued. "About not wanting the night to end, I mean."

Daphne smiled softly; her eyes warm. "Maybe," she told him cheekily. "Depends on what you had in mind."

"I'd like a chance to convince you otherwise on both counts." She seemed to consider his words and then her eyes widened as the implication finally clicked into place.

"You want to take me flying in the snow Harry? It's freezing outside." Despite her words Harry thought he heard some excitement in her voice. He decided to press.

"You know," He began brashly "there's this lovely thing called magic, and it turns out warming charms are rather simple to cast once you've got the hang of them."

"And you have? Gotten the hang of them that is?"

"Considering it's a second-year charm I'd like to think I've practically mastered them."

She tapped her chin with the hand that wasn't holding his own as though she were thinking about it. "Well in that case I think I could be convinced," she said, and Harry smiled. "But if we get caught, I'm blaming you, it's almost midnight after all. And if your warming charms are subpar, I'll be extremely cross."

Harry laughed. "I think I can manage on both counts, now c'mon." He turned and led her back into another side corridor towards a small side entrance that would let them out near the quidditch shed where his broom was stowed, all the while thinking amusedly about the ridiculous path they were walking through the castle.

They got to the door leading out of the castle and Harry made a grand gesture of casting a warming charm on her before casting one on himself and pushing it open. She sighed. "Your magic feels nice, like a hot drink on a cold day."

Harry blushed at her words. It was one of the most genuine compliments he had ever received. "Come on," he said in lieu of a response. "You're going to love this."

Harry continued to lead her by the hand, pulling out his wand and lighting the tip with a whispered lumos. He chanced a glance at Daphne and his breath hitched. A light snow was falling, and the flakes were sticking to her hair and eyelashes. Her cheeks had shifted from her typical pale complexion to something rosier, and her breath misted in front of her. She looked stunning. Like a princess out of a storybook.

He swallowed at the lump that had formed in his throat and looked back towards the shed where they stored the quidditch supplies. A strong alohamora later he was able to enter and retrieve his firebolt. Leaving it hovering he looked towards her. Her face was a calm mask, but underneath the cracks he could see the beginnings of worry and fear.

He stepped in close to her, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. She burrowed into him and Harry focused his magic through his hands, something he had been practicing with Dumbledore. The wandless warming charm worked itself onto Daphne, and she looked at him surprised.

"Was that nonverbal?" She asked and Harry chuckled.

"It was."

"And wandless too?"

"Maybe."

"You're full of surprises aren't you, Potter."

Harry smiled. "Only good ones I hope."

"So far only good." she agreed.

"You look nervous, we don't have to do this if you don't want to." He gestured vaguely towards the broom.

Harry watched as Daphne's eyes hardened along with her resolve. "I want to. Really."

"We'll do this a little differently then," Harry said disentangling himself from their embrace. "You sit up front."

Daphne worried at her bottom lip but nodded. She walked until she was stood next to the broom and swung a leg over, her skirt flowing around the wooden handle while her hands and thighs, which were clad in gloves and thick leggings respectively, squeezed the broomstick tightly.

Harry swung his own leg over the handle behind her and she immediately pressed her back against his chest, her head falling back into the crook near Harry's shoulder. Harry could smell her shampoo, something citrusy, mandarin maybe, or grapefruit? And her perfume light and floral with hints of vanilla wafting towards him.

The sudden proximity, the sensation of her body pressed against him, and her smell all combined to make him feel more intoxicated than any of the times his housemates had snuck in alcohol after a quidditch match, or that one time Seamus had brought in a bottle of Ogden's finest that he and his year mates had shared.

"You've got me?" She asked, her voice small.

A sudden wave of protectiveness surged through him. "I've got you." He promised.

He leaned forward as his arms reached around hers, and his hands gripped the handle just in front of hers while he let his chin rest softly on her shoulder.

"I promise Daphne, everything will be alright. This is going to be fun." She nodded her agreement but said nothing.

Harry kicked off gently and began at a slow leisurely pace, zig zagging his way through the night sky. As he flew higher Daphne seemed to relax more and more, her grip on the broom loosening and a breathless laugh escaping her lips. The snow had slowed to just a light dusting, and Harry turned towards the ancient castle, allowing the broom to hover in place as they took in the sight in front of them.

He heard her draw in a breath. "It's beautiful," she whispered, and Harry couldn't help but smile into her hair.

"It really is."

The ancient castle was covered in beautiful glowing fairy lights for Christmas, a bright star atop its tallest tower. The soft warm glow of torchlight ebbed and flowed from the windows as the flames flickered in their sconces, and the entire castle and surrounding grounds were covered in an undisturbed layer of white.

Daphne wiggled slightly on the broom so she could turn towards him, her cheeks were a ruby red now, and the snow in her hair and on her eyelashes had melted and then crystallized as they had flown. She was breathless and smiling and angelic, and the moment was so unbelievably perfect that Harry was scared to breathe for fear he might ruin it.

Then she leaned forward, and her lips pressed themselves to his cheek like they had the previous evening. The cold that had begun to bleed through his warming charm dissipated in an instant, and he felt warmth spread through him, a smile overtaking his face.

"Thank you, Harry." She whispered.

"Happy Christmas Daphne."

A/N: Hey all, thank you for reading. I will reiterate here that despite the fluff of this first chapter, this story is going to be dealing with some extremely heavy topics. It's tonally and stylistically different from anything else I've written. Please consider your own triggers before continuing on. If you just want some Christmas fluff, now is the time to walk away. I will continue to add the disclaimer before every chapter, but this will be the last a/n until the end.