Chapter 20: One of Us

The Great Hall was as lively as ever when the group entered for dinner. Harry and Daphne walked slightly ahead of Ron and Hermione, the four of them weaving through the crowd to reach the Gryffindor table. When Harry sat down, Daphne slid in beside him, her arm brushing his. She felt the faintest warmth creep up her neck but ignored it, focusing on the food before her.

The twins appeared not long after, their usual mischievous grins firmly in place. Fred immediately zeroed in on Ron.

"Ronnikins," Fred began, draping an arm over his younger brother's shoulders. "We've been hearing things. Interesting things."

"Scandalous things," George added, sliding into the seat across from Fred.

Ron groaned. "What now?"

Fred ignored the question, instead addressing Harry. "You've been keeping secrets, mate. Sitting with Slytherins, sneaking around the castle—"

"And dragging poor Ronniekins along for the ride!" George interjected.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure Ron can make his own choices."

Fred sighed dramatically. "He could, but he's not exactly known for making good ones."

"Not true!" Ron protested.

"Mostly true," George countered.

Daphne, watching the exchange with a bemused smirk, finally spoke up. "You know, for what it's worth, the older Slytherins are always on edge about you two. They're convinced you'll eventually manage to prank the entire house at once."

Fred and George exchanged looks, grinning. "High praise, that," Fred said.

"Coming from a Slytherin, no less," George added.

"Don't let it go to your heads," Daphne warned lightly. "You'll never hear me say it again."

Their laughter was interrupted by the arrival of Professor McGonagall. She approached the table, her sharp eyes scanning the group with faint amusement.

"Good evening," she said briskly. "Miss Greengrass, I trust your transition to spending time with Gryffindors has been… manageable?"

Daphne met McGonagall's gaze evenly. "It's been… interesting," she replied.

McGonagall's lips twitched as though suppressing a smile. "Good. While your house affiliation remains Slytherin, I must say your presence here has been noted positively. I have seen a significant increase in all of your grades as well. I'm glad to see that Hermione and your study habits are rubbing off on these two." McGonagall sniled warmly at Harry and Ron. "Miss Greengrass in my heart, you're quite the honorary Gryffindor."

Daphne blinked, caught off guard, but quickly recovered. "Thank you, Professor. That's… kind of you to say."

The twins exchanged exaggerated gasps. "An honorary lion?" Fred said.

"Incredible," George added. "And here we thought only Ron was bringing disgrace to Gryffindor."

"Hey!" Ron protested again, but Fred and George ignored him, turning their attention back to Daphne.

"We might just adopt you," Fred teased. "You're far too clever for Slytherin anyway."

"Don't push your luck," Daphne shot back, her smirk returning.

McGonagall shook her head, though her eyes betrayed her amusement. "I trust you'll all behave yourselves. Enjoy your evening. And please try to stay out of trouble, the school year is almost over." She gave Daphne a final approving nod before moving on.

Once she was out of earshot, Ron shifted awkwardly in his seat. "Er—Daphne?"

Daphne looked at him, curious. "Yes, Weasley?"

Ron hesitated, his ears going red. "That was, uh, nice of McGonagall to say. And, well… I think she's right. You've been… not bad, actually. For a Slytherin, I mean."

Hermione groaned, muttering, "Ron!" under her breath, but Daphne merely raised an eyebrow.

"High praise, coming from you," she said dryly, though her tone held a touch of humor.

Ron shrugged sheepishly, stuffing a roll into his mouth to avoid further conversation.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "What he means is, it's nice having you around."

Daphne's expression softened, and she nodded. "I suppose I'll take that. Even if it was phrased horribly."

"Don't expect too much from him," Harry quipped, grinning. "That's the nicest thing he's said all year."

"Oi!" Ron protested, though his grin betrayed him.

The table erupted in quiet laughter, the camaraderie lightening the mood. Even Daphne seemed more at ease, her usual guardedness slipping slightly as she glanced around at the group.