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Chapter 1
Hogwarts Exterior
Harry was still fucked up from the graveyard. Of course, his friends had been there for him, Ron and Hermione both, but it was clearly affecting him, with how much he had started smoking. He'd taken to clearing the smell from his hands and clothes but still was worried he'd get caught by Ron, or even worse, Hermione.
He took a long drag from the cigarette as he sat cross-legged on the ledge overlooking one of the main courtyards of Hogwarts, just people watching. It was late, extremely late, but he just couldn't sleep, and there were a few random couples running around.
He eventually finished the cigarette and stubbed it out. It was partially survivors guilt, but part of it was the way he had tried to talk to Cho, and she had blown him off, before getting angry, blaming Cedric's death on him.
Fuck her. She hadn't been there. She hadn't seen Voldemort be raised from the dead, hadn't watched Cedric's lifeless eyes and- Merlin. He needed a break from this line of thinking. He shook his head.
He quickly slipped back into the Gryffindor common room, the stereotypical scowl on his face, something which had been common place these first few weeks of 5th year.
“Smoking again? Can't sleep?” Came a voice, highly recognizable, and unwanted.
“Yeah, Ron. It's a rough night.” He admitted, waiting for the tongue lashing that he was sure was rapidly approaching. “Don't tell Hermione.”
“Wasn't planning on it. You know how we're best mates, Harry?” He asked, eyes staring at the pale skinned black haired boy. “You remember how despite Dumbledore saying not to, I sent you letters and candy and whatever I could get?”
“Of course I do, Ron. Is this a guilt trip about a pack of Sterlings?” Harry asked, a little annoyed, before Ron's eyes finally came to rest on him.
“No mate. This is me cashing in and giving you some secrets of my own, and asking my best mate in the entire world, for a favour.” Ron said seriously. “I've been hanging out with a couple girls from my chess club. One of them, I have a huge thing for, she's pretty, smart and bloody hilarious. I think she's the one.” He said, and Harry could tell he meant it.
“Good on ya Ron, you deserve-” He was cut off as Ron continued to speak.
“The problem is, is that they're Slytherins. Now, I have it bad for one girl, but the other girl is one of my best friends now too. Love her. Great girl, would move mountains to keep her safe. Her parents were death eaters. Were. Until the graveyard. They were evil. Beat her, used the Cruciatus on her. Had been preparing to sell her off as a concubine to Malfoy. She and her sister both.” Ron's explanation couldn't stop now, but Harry was shocked at the admittance.
“Now this girl, is afraid to be seen with a Gryffindor. The girl I like, let's call her Tracey, knows that her Ron would protect her with his life, shit mate, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and she has me wrapped around her finger.” He grinned happily. “I need a second on my date. Tracey wants to go out on a date that I thankfully have galleons for thanks to a summer job. But she won't leave the dungeons without Daph- her friend. Will you come with us? I'll pay for the date and everything.” Ron practically begged.
“Who is this mysterious girl?” Harry asked, “but obviously. What are best mates for?”
“Daphne Greengrass.” Ron said, and Harry shivered. “Second-prettiest girl in our year. Second to her best friend, Tracey, of course.”
Harry was floored. Daphne Greengrass was- she was an orphan like him? And scared? Oh, Merlin. She was also, in Harry's and every other red-blooded male in Hogwarts opinion, save Ron apparently, the most gorgeous girl to have ever existed.
Daphne was taller, just an inch or two shorter than Harry, her frame long and lithe. She had what he had always heard described as a dancer's physique, small and compact with long limbs. She was elegant, from her button nose to her small lips and perfect smile.
“Gr- Greengrass? Ron, how am I supposed to walk her around Hogsmeade?” Harry sputtered, amazed at this, and for once his brain completely void of thoughts of the graveyard.
“You're not. You and Trace are our guides in London. Figured I'd take us all out to muggle London, and we can get a nice dinner, maybe see a movie like you and Hermione are always going in about.” Ron grinned, “Also, I have it on good authority that Daphne thinks you're fit. She mentioned wanting to talk to you before.”
“The chess master strikes again. Ron, you realize I can pay for me and Daphne, right?” Harry asked, “I have muggle money in my trunk. I got some out before this year.”
“Sick, because I don't know how it works. I only have two hundred pounds.” Ron laughed. “We'll go tomorrow when we get to Hogsmeade.”
“How exactly are we getting there, and when do I pay you back for getting me a date with the fittest bird in Hogwarts?” Harry asked, laughing as he sat down in the chair next to Ron.
“Second fittest.” He responded offhand, “And the Knight Bus of course.”
—
Slytherin Dorms- Daphne and Tracey's Room
Daphne Greengrass was a nervous person since childhood, a product of an abusive upbringing. It was something that she had always tried to hide, from makeup charms to hide bruises, to attempting to act more icy than she actually was. She was a romantic at heart, but life had tried to take the passion of love and adventure from her. It was something she was working to get back every day.
She was forever thankful for her best friend Tracey, who helped to keep her grounded and reminded her of what mattered. The two shared a room, as was common place in Slytherin, it was two to a room. She sat at her vanity, smoking a slender cigarette and applying her muggle makeup, using a beauty charm here or there to keep it in place or accentuate the effect she was going for.
She hummed softly under her breath, she missed her sister and when they'd get ready, blaring music as they sat on opposite sides of the room, staring into mirrors and getting ready. Daphne had finished making sure her manicure and pedicure were still perfect, unsmudged and unmarked. Astoria had been sent to Beauxbatons to go to school with their cousins after the death of their parents, Cyrus and Lydia Greengrass.
Daphne felt a calling for Hogwarts, wanting to stay and finish her education here, so it was that she found herself living in her family manor alone with her house elf. Tracey would sometimes stay, and the family would usually visit on holiday, but it was lonely.
“Tracey, do I look alright?” She asked, showing off the makeup she had decided on for her date today. She couldn't believe her luck. A date with Harry Potter. Her kindred soul. She nearly swooned at the thought, a smile unable to be peeled off of her lips.
“Like a goddess, darling. You're going to knock him off his feet.” Tracey responded, taking the cigarette from Daphne and hitting it a couple of times. “He nearly drops dead any time he looks at you. He'll die with how you look today.” She grinned.
“I hope not.” Daphne laughed, humming as she stood and walked to the bureau, tugging out the bright sundress and matching sandals. It was supposed to be bright and beautiful all day, if a little chilly, not commonplace in England or Scotland for that manner.
“Do you think he'll like me, Trace?” She asked, tugging the dress on and checking the dress out in the mirror. “Or is it a waste?”
“I think he'll be in love by dinner. I give it until the end of the night before you're holding hands and acting cute together. You have a way of breaking down walls, Daph.” Tracey smiled at her nervous friend.
“I hope you're right.” Daphne admitted, taking her cigarette back and finishing it, pushing it out and spraying herself with her perfume. This would be wonderful, that she was sure.
—
Hogwarts- The Great Hall
“Damn, you look incredible, Tracey.” Ron said as his date met him and Harry in the entrance hall. He grinned as she blushed, a red tinge to her sun-kissed cheeks. She was a bit more tan than Daphne, with light brown hair, chestnut. Her eyes were done up, and she had a subtle red lipstick on, one she had borrowed from Daphne.
“Don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Weasley.” She flirted back shamelessly, taking his hand in hers and leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek softly. Ron flushed, and she grinned, pressing a second kiss to his cheek, a little longer this time. “I was worried you'd never ask me out.”
“I finally got a bit of confidence, I suppose.” He mumbled, unable to take his eyes off of her before finally remembering he had to introduce Harry to his date. “Uh, yeah, Harry, this is-”
“Daphne Greengrass.” Daphne finished for him, a smile on her lips as she extended a hand out daintily. Harry was dumbfounded, staring at the girl for the briefest of seconds before taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.
“Harry Potter.” He answered back, finally finding his voice. He could feel the shake in her hand, and the clamminess of it, sure signs of nervousness and ones he knew all too well. Harry decided to be brave and continued to hold her hand, entwining fingers with her as they all began walking.
“Oh, I know who you are, Mr. Potter. Its felt like I've known you since first year.” She smiled before her frown drooped at the flash of irritation on his face.
“Don't believe what the paper's-” He started before being cut off by the girl's words. They walked a few paces behind Ron and Tracey.
“I don't. I mean that I recognize a kindred soul.” She said, giving him a wary smile and a squeeze of the hand that he happily returned. He smiled down at her, eyes running over her from head to toe and nearly drooling, but he was quick about it, not rude.
“I'm sorry for my assumption, Greengrass.” He apologized as they finally reached the carriages. “I'll make sure not to assume anything from now on.”
“It's Daphne, love.” She said, using a pet name for the first time. She felt herself getting a bit more comfortable, for what it was worth.
“Where to first?” Tracey asked as they got into the carriage, bunched together. Her leg slid casually over Ron's, and he blushed at the closeness as she leaned her cheek into his chest.
“London.” Ron answered, “You and Harry are leading us all around. Figured we'd get a bite of lunch and catch a movie, since all the muggles seem to rave about them.” Finally gathering up some courage, a hand rest on her leg that was wrapped over his own.
“An adventure!” Daphne practically yelled, a grin on her lips. “I love it. Best date ever, so far.”
“How are we getting there, Ron?” Tracey asked, looking up at him adoringly. They really were quite the cute couple already. Harry hoped it would become something for his best mate.
“Knight Bus. Harry and I got the whole thing planned out, don't we?” Ron asked, a smirk on his lips.
“Yeah, completely planned out.” Harry grinned and looked at the two sitting across. He tried to casually put his arm around the shoulders of the Slytherin sitting next to him, but it was definitely obvious. Daphne laughed, smiling and scooted closer, heart hammering in her chest at the closeness.
—
London- Near The Leaky Cauldron
Harry led them to an Italian restaurant he had seen near The leaky Cauldron one time, and they all made their way inside. It was fancy, but not overly so. Daphne loved the music, a smile on her lips as she scooted into the booth they sat down in. Harry sat down next to her and finding her own courage, she wrapped an arm through and around his, shivering a little in the false air of the restaurant. “Cold?” He asked, and though she wanted to say no, not wanting to be a bother, he could pick up unspoken words and slid his leather jacket, a present from Sirius, off and slid it around her shoulders.
“Thanks.” She said, smiling at him sweetly. “You look very handsome, Harry.” She said softly, leaning against him again. “School robes don't do you justice, certainly.”
He flushed a bit, “You look stunning, Daph.” He whispered back, not knowing about how close they were being watched by the other two. “What- uh- what are you going to eat?”
“I thought maybe we could pick something and share it. I'm not used to- shit. God, this is so awkward.” She shook a little and he squeezed her hand.
“I'm not going to judge you. I'm not used to eating a lot either.” He admitted, hating her parents for what they had done to this girl. She was incredible. So sweet and, honestly, so gorgeous. He was enthralled, and didn't want to wake up. “I'm glad to have someone to talk to about this stuff.”
“Thanks. You're sweet.” Her voice was dainty, soft and gentle. “What do you like? I'm sure I'd like that.”
“How about chicken Alfredo? Always a good choice. I've had it a couple of times in the great hall last year.” He suggested, voice still low as he shot a glance at Ron and Tracey who were deep in their own conversation.
“Sounds lovely, Harry.” She nodded.
Harry loved the way she said his name, and he pulled her just a little closer to him. “Can I be honest?” He asked her and at her nod of affirmative he took a breath, “You make me feel extremely protective. Like I want to make sure nothing bad happens to you. You're such a sweet person, I honestly can't believe that anyone would ever want to hurt you. It makes me upset that people have, and I wasn't there to stop them.”
“Does that mean you want to be there from now on to make sure they can't?” She teased a little, but there was hope in her eyes. “I wouldn't say no to more time spent with you.”
Harry flushed, “I would love to.”
Daphne smiled, pulling the coat just a little tighter around her. This day was incredible already.
—
London, Imax Movie Theaters
They had finished with lunch and walked to the theater, though letting Tracey decide on a movie had Daphne feeling a little woozy. There were a few too many loud noises as they watched the man crawl through the “Duck-work”. She couldn't help but jump every time a “gun” would go off, or any of the explosions. She supposed that maybe she wasn't that brave after all.
It helped a bit though, that Harry seemed to flinch as much, although it was a bit muted compared to her own. The last time they had both flinched, his hand lightly reached and found her leg and stayed on her thigh, her own arms wrapping around his as she cuddled closer. She let out an exhale at the comfort, a weight added to her and helping to make sure she didn't feel like she was just going to float away at some point.
Her skin flushed slightly at the way he held onto her thigh, she loved the feeling already and only hoped that it wouldn't stop soon. “Harry, this movie is named after you.” She leaned up and whispered into his ear, teasing him a little. “Get it, die hard, like, hard to kill?”
He laughed, trying to keep quiet, “I think it describes me pretty well.” He said with a smirk, unable to stop playfully snickering with Daphne. They traded jokes as a way to ease their collective stress from the loud noises of the movie.
Eventually the jokes turned a little darker as they started trading dead parent jokes back and forth and Harry, honestly was obsessed with the Slytherin girl. She grinned after a particular bad one, “Knock-knock.” “Who's there?” “Not your dad, he's dead.” And Harry laughed, burying his face into her shoulder to absorb some of the noise, though they still got some looks of annoyance. Ron and Tracey were too busy snogging to really pay attention.
“Merlin, you're fucking hilarious, Daphne.” Harry said, eyes shining. “I don't think I've ever laughed so hard.”
“Me neither. Thanks for that. And not getting weird about some dark humour.” She grinned up at him, still wearing his jacket around her shoulders.
“Merlin, no. Everyone tries to beat around the bush about it, like it's still hurting my feelings that my parents are dead. It sucks, but I have some people, ya know?”
“I have Tracey.” She said, with a sad smile. “Astoria is at Beauxbatons and-”
“No, you have me and Ron now too, right?” He asked, tilting his head.
“You're too sweet. I suppose you're right.” She grinned, running her fingers up his forearm and teasing the skin, just doing something with her hands so they were busy. “Christmas hols are gonna suck this year. Not that I've ever had a good one anyway, and-”
“Daphne, I really like you, but even if this doesn't go anywhere, as long as my godfather is okay with it, do you wanna come over for Christmas?” He asked, looking into her eyes, movie forgotten as they still spoke in hushed tones.
“That sounds incredible, but I don't want to be a bother.” She started.
“You're not. We'll be the orphans Christmas club, me, you and my godfather. I'm sure he'll love you.” He said, already positive that Sirius would. Harry was obsessed with the girl, and she'd taken his mind completely off of his problems with all the teasing and jokes they had traded back and forth.
“Potter, it's my turn to be honest with you. This movie has me stressed out, and I'm dying for a cigarette. Are you going to think less of me if I ask you to accompany me outside while I smoke?” She asked, lowering her eyes before looking up at him, giving him the puppy dog eyes.
“Only because I don't have my pack on me, so it would be rude to not offer.” He winked, and she laughed, standing up slowly and quietly to not disturb the snogging couple next to her.
“If you're lucky, we can share one.” She teased, taking his hand and leading him outside to the small smoker's alcove. She put a cigarette to her lips and started to reach for her wand before being met with Harry's lighter.
“I already feel lucky for having this date with you.” He said honestly. “Like, this is the most fun I've had in forever, and who would have thought it would be with the prettiest girl in school.”
“I'd say you've earned half of this cigarette with your sweet words, Harry.” She said, grinning and passing it to him. “Keep it up, and I might have to make sure no other girls try and nab you up for themselves.”
“I'd say the same, but guys are afraid to talk to you.” He winked, “Me included. Bloody terrified right now.”
“Why so scared, Harry?” She teased, cuddling against his arm again. She didn't know why, but she felt so right, just like this.
“Nervous I'm gonna muck it all up.” Harry responded with a nervous laugh. “I've never been on a real date.”
“I'm not ashamed to say that Harry Potter is my first date as well.” Daphne said with a grin, leaning up to kiss his cheek, causing them both to blush happily.
—
Hogsmeade- Carriages
All good things must eventually come to an end, unfortunately, and so it was that the four found their way back to Hogsmeade, perfectly timing it so they'd be on one of the last carriages. Daphne had taken Tracey's advice and laid her legs across Harry's lap, practically seating herself there, and she relished in the comfort of him. He made her feel so safe and carefree, despite the worries of the world.
Tracey had her arm threaded through Ron's and was whispering back and forth with him, occasionally kissing him sweetly, free hand running along his cheek.
“I wish this didn't have to end.” Daphne complained softly, her hand trailing up Harry's chest and causing his heart to beat that much quicker. “This has been incredible. Exactly what was needed.” She toyed with the front of his shirt.
“I can only think of one thing to make it better.” He said, heart beating practically out of his chest as he grabbed hold of whatever bravery he had.
“What's that?” She responded, almost breathless, as she looked up into his eyes.
“This.” A hand gently cradled her chin as he kissed her lips slowly, causing her to sigh happily, her arms resting behind his head, wrists crossed. It was everything she ever wanted as a first kiss, was everything she ever dreamed of. The kiss felt electric, as if she was jolted alive for the first time, feeling genuine affection from another person. It went on for a few seconds before he pulled away slowly, leaning her forehead against his.
“Pssssst. Daphne.” Tracey stage whispered, causing Daphne to snap to reality for a second. “Tongue. Like this.” She leaned up and kissed Ron deeply, her tongue running along his bottom lip and begging entrance to his mouth. He opened his lips, his tongue massaging her own and causing her to sigh softly-
“Not ready for that, Potter.” Daphne teased as she and her date were turned into voyeurs for the time being. “But maybe a few more kisses.”
Harry grinned and kissed her lips again, hand cupping her cheek as she sighed against his lips. Eventually, she grew a little frustrated, and going against what she had just said, her tongue ran along his lips and he opened his own mouth. Her tongue ran along his teeth and he was excited to taste her, especially as she tasted of sterling tobacco, popcorn and the after dinner mints they were given at the restaurant.
She pulled back, resting her forehead against his as she breathed heavily. “Not a word, Tracey.” Harry never thought she looked more beautiful than she did just then, lips swollen and pupils dilated as she breathed, hugging him tightly.
They took their time walking the girls back to their common room. Eventually the couple split up and Harry was leaning against a wall directly next to Daphne. “Daphne, this has been the best day of my life.” He admitted, watching as she toyed with the ends of her hair, eyes staring up into his face. “I'd love to do this again.”
“I'd love that too. Though there is another thing, maybe something you should ask a girl you've had an amazing time with…” she teased, trying to give him a hint.
“Will you go out with me?” He asked, unable to stop himself from smiling at the way she grinned up at him, leaning up to kiss his lips softly.
“Yes please.” She said happily. “This means I get to write Mrs. Daphne Potter all over my things and then pretend that I don't already have our kids names picked out by next week, right?” She teased.
“That's adorable, and I hope it's not too much of a joke about me.” He responded easily, hand on her hip. “Maybe I can see you tomorrow after class?”
“And be potions partners?” She asked hopefully, and he nodded enthusiastically. “And it's not a joke. I've been writing Mrs. Daphne Potter on my things for years, just hoping you'd notice me.”
“Thank Merlin for Ron, I'm finally able to talk to you. Been dying to for years. Or trying to die for it anyway. Die hard and all that, ya know.” She grinned at his joke, leaning up to kiss his lips again, laughing between kisses.