Chapter 14

It had been a very strange evening, to say the least. Harry had finally retrieved the memory from Slughorn, and now Dumbledore was supposed to teach him what he needed to know to defeat Voldemort. But then, Snape had burst into the office. Draco Malfoy had been "outted" thanks to his stupidity in trying to frightened Daphne. This had disrupted some grand scheme in which Harry knew that he was at the center of, yet he had no idea what it was. Dumbledore had then asked Harry to join he and Professor Snape in the Headmaster's office for a meeting Harry was sure was going to be enlightening.

But, after Dumbledore had left him alone in the Infirmary with Daphne, who'd been hurt by Draco, though it hadn't been serious. Harry had felt the same concern and protectiveness as if it had been Ron or Hermione, yet it was stronger somehow. He had sat next to her and she had kissed him. Really kissed him.

The only word that Harry could use to describe it was amazing, and he was sure that did nothing to truly describe it. Daphne's lips were just as sweet as he had remembered , and her body was so warm, and soft next to his. The way she had molded to him was so indescribably wonderful, he had felt as if his heart might stop.

Harry had almost forgotten about meeting with the Headmaster. All he had wanted to do was stay next to Daphne for the rest of the night. He was sure that she had felt the same, as she was so reluctant to let go of him. She had even asked him if he would come back. Harry now just wanted to get this meeting over with and try to get back to her before curfew.

As he approached the door to Dumbledore's office for the second time that evening, the shrill tone of Snape's raised voice shook Harry back to reality. He'd gone and messed up the great scheme, and Harry was sure he was going to be made to pay for it.

"…A fool. A crazy old fool. I agreed to your plan because I could see no alternative, but now…"

"Severus, I have little time left, and the boy will still need help. You yourself told me of what you think Voldemort is planning for the coming days. The world will need you to protect it, and Harry will need you."

"I don't want to be the damned hero, Albus!"

"There is no other choice. Our original plan has been ruined, so we must alter it. Would you prefer the alternative?"

"I'd rather wash my hands of it all. This is no game. My life is very much on the line now!"

"As is mine. And let us not forget the two boys as well. Harry could not have known what he was doing."

"Because you never told him. You keep all the facts to yourself and move people around like pawns on a chess board…"

"ENOUGH!"

Harry actually jumped when he heard Dumbledore shout down the Defense teacher.

"How dare you, Severus. Let us not forget how this all began. You came to me, remember?"

Harry wanted to stay there and let them continue, but knew it was only a matter of time before he was discovered listening in, and he didn't want to incur the wrath of Snape. So, with a heavy sigh, Harry rapt his fist on the door, which opened almost immediately. Harry notice that Dumbledore still looked very tired and was trying very hard to hide his obvious irritation, while Snape looked ready to strike him down any moment.

"At last, we can begin. Harry, perhaps you'll be more comfortable sitting down. We have so much to cover, and I fear we won't get to it all tonight." Dumbledore smiled as he motioned to a chair for Harry to sit in.

Snape began pacing back and forth, and Harry had to focus on Dumbledore for fear of becoming nauseous watching the man sweep back and forth like a pendulum.

"Harry," the old man began with a deep sigh. "I have been trying these past few months to prepare you for something, something I am afraid I will be unable to finish. It is why I have been showing you these memories. I wanted to help you understand what Voldemort has become."

"And what is that, sir?" Harry asked, hoping that they had finally come to it at last.

"He is a coward. A man so fearful of what is inevitable, that he has done unspeakable things to prevent it. Voldemort is afraid of his own mortality. So much so that he attacked a child of barely a year old in order to prevent his own demise."

"But it didn't work." Harry said trying to understand. "At least, it shouldn't have. But he didn't die…I'm really confused here, sir."

"You may have to use small words." Snape scowled.

"Severus, that is enough." Dumbledore's voice was hard. "Harry, do you remember the first time we visited in Professor Slughorn's memory? Do you recall what Tom Riddle asked about?"

"A Horcrux?"

"Very good. I think it's time we learned what it is." Dumbledore said rising from his seat.

Harry gave a little sigh as he, too, stood and went to the Pensive. Dumbledore stopped and looked at Snape, who stood with arms folded, a disgusted look on his face.

"This is something you should see as well. You will need to know all this as well." Dumbledore called out. Snape gave a grunt and came to join them. One at a time, each man stuck his head into the Pensive, and were pulled into the memory of one Horace Slughorn.

Harry observed once again the sight of Slughorn sitting at a table with several boys, one of which was a much younger, more human looking Voldemort. Harry was impatient for the scene to play out so that he could finally get to the heart of the problem, when finally Voldemort asked the question that had made the memory go all fuzzy and strange the last time.

"What is a Horcrux, sir?" Tom riddle asked quite smoothly. Slughorn's face went ashen as he regarded the handsome man before him. The portly professor poured a large glass of brandy and took a large mouthful of the amber liquid, trying calm his nerves.

"My word Tom, wherever did you find a reference to that?" Slughorn said after a few moments.

"In the restricted section. The entry was most vague, and I knew if anyone would know more, it would be you."

"Well, you're right, I do. But why ever would you want to know more about it? It is a most horrible bit of magic. Very dark stuff, m'boy, very dark indeed." Slughorn was now wiping his sweaty forehead. Whatever a Horcrux was, it was making the Potions master quite nervous.

"Truly? What does it do?" Riddle asked, a faint gleam of desire in his eye.

"Well, to be honest, it's a means to protect yourself from death. You see, in order to make a Horcrux, one needs to split their soul. Ripping it in two, and putting one half in an object. If that person were struck down, he couldn't truly die, as part of him would be anchored on this plane, you understand?" Slughorn said shakily. The subject seemed to be troubling him, but Riddle was either oblivious or simply did not care.

"I believe I've got the gist of it. But tell me, sir, can you only make one? Wouldn't it be better to make more? Perhaps seven? It is quite a strong magical number, so would it not make the Horcruxes stronger somehow?"

"Merlin's beard, Tom!" Slughorn cried as he nearly fell into his seat. "Such questions. This really is a horrid topic. To even consider tearing your soul once is unspeakable. Why ever would a person want to do it more than once?"

"Oh, sir." Riddle feigned concern. "We're only speaking in theoretical terms here. I am simply curious on the matter."

"It is possible." Slughorn continued, looking a bit more relaxed. "But I would think a terrible price would be paid for such an act. The soul is not meant to be torn apart."

"How would one even accomplish it?" Riddle asked, his eyes hungry.

"Do you not know? In the most atrocious act possible."

"Murder." Riddle whispered. Harry could not help the shiver that ran down his spine.

"That is enough, I believe." Dumbledore said gently, and once again Harry found himself in the Headmaster's office along with Snape and Dumbledore. Snape's demeanor had changed considerably. He looked as ashen face as Slughorn had in the memory. The greasy haired Defense teacher sat heavily in a nearby seat and cast his black eyes on Dumbledore who was sitting in his own seat.

"He did it, didn't he?" Snape questioned. "That was the reason he didn't die that night he…" Snape said inclining his head towards Harry.

"It's true. I knew the moment that Harry placed this on my desk four yeas ago." Dumbledore said as he placed an ink-stained, water worn book, with a large cut in the cover on his desk.

"The diary was one of those…" Harry said, pointing shakily at the diary.

"Horcruxes? Yes, it was, as was this."

Dumbledore placed a small ring, with a cracked blackened stone on the desk. Snape stood up, his hand going to his mouth.

"That's what caused it. That's what is killing you."

"WHAT?" Harry shouted incredulously.

Dumbledore cast a stern gaze at Snape who looked pitifully shamed.

"You were not supposed to learn of that, yet." He said, holding Snape's eyes a moment longer.

"So now you know why I've been showing you all these memories. There are more I wish for you to see, as I think they are very important, but that can wait for the moment. We have other things that need to be discussed. Our situation has become quite shaky, Harry. One wrong move, and the whole of the wizarding world falls under Voldemort's boot heel. Part of that plan was to save Draco Malfoy. I do not believe he would have accomplished his mission. I had hoped that I could reach him before he went too far down the path of darkness. As it is, we cannot do that now, and I fear it may cause Professor Snape his life."

"Because of the Unbreakable Vow?" Harry asked.

"How the bloody hell do you know of that?" Snape wheeled around to face Harry, his black eyes burning with hatred.

"It is of no importance how Harry knows. The fact that he does saves us time." Dumbledore tried to calm the heated teacher.

"I've told you a thousand times he's an arrogant little sod!"

"Why?" Harry said simply.

Both Dumbledore and Snape turned to regard Harry. Snape was the first to regain his speech.

"What did you say?"

"I asked why? Why do you hate me so much? Ever since my first day, before I had even attempted a potion or magic or anything, you've had this wand planted in your arse about me. Yes, I know that you and my father hated each other. Yes, I know your life was a living hell because of him. But I AM NOT MY FATHER!"

Snape looked ready to explode, but Dumbledore stepped in.

"Severus, before you retort, which I can tell you are itching to do, why not answer the boy? Why not make him understand what it is that has caused you so much anguish and pain through the long years."

Snape set his burning gaze on the Headmaster and grimaced. The two teachers stared each other down for what seemed an age before Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Perhaps another time, then. As it stands, we have other issues to address. Professor Snape promised to protect Mister Malfoy. With Aurors coming, that vow will be broken, and Professor Snape will undoubtedly succumb to the affects of his promise. Harry, it is imperative that this does not happen."

"But wouldn't he be safe in Azkaban?" Harry mused. "No one could hurt him there. The Dementors aren't even guarding it, so…"

"It is not that easy. I'm afraid that Draco Malfoy will have to make an escape before the Aurors arrive. I am sending him to Grimmauld Place."

"WHAT? How can you do that?" Harry snapped. "He's a vile little troll who deserves prison!"

"Who are you to judge?" Snape countered.

"This coming from the most snobbish, judgmental person in all of history."

"Why you snotty little…"

"Enough!" Dumbledore pounded his good hand on his desk. "I am quite sick of this bickering. Until you have explained yourself to Harry, Severus, I forbid you from insulting, or pestering Harry. And you, Harry, you must start to show some respect for a teacher of this school, even if you despise the man."

Harry glared at Snape, who returned the gesture.

"It's like you're both first years fighting over a quill. Draco Malfoy will be safe at Grimmauld Place. He will have Kreacher there to keep him comfortable, but for all intents and purposes, it will be a prison. He will be allowed visits from Professor Snape for the foreseeable future. As you have already told me that the Order may continue using the house, I am exercising that right."

Harry nodded, still burning with anger.

"What about The Dark Lord?" Snape asked.

"He will no doubt believe that Draco lost his nerve and fled. It is not the first time." Dumbledore rose, and went to his phoenix, Fawkes. After a whispered conversation, the bird rose into the air, and in a flash of fire, disappeared.

"Now, then, our focus must be on hunting down and destroying all of Voldemort's Horcruxes. I am reasonably sure I have located another one, though I have been unable to get to it. Perhaps tomorrow evening, Severus, you would accompany on this errand?"

Snape nodded and Harry piped in irritably.

"I want to go."

Dumbledore regarded him for several moments, his eyes darting to Snape, who looked trepidatious of the idea. The old man leaned back in his seat and finally gave a short nod.

"Very well. I believe it might be a good idea if you were to come. Tomorrow evening, meet with Professor Snape and myself in the Great Hall at eight tomorrow evening. Bring your cloak. Now, if you will excuse us, Professor Snape and I still have much to discuss."

Harry nodded and left the two men to their conversation. He had a lot to think about now. He had finally learned how Voldemort was able to cheat death. Harry's mind began to recall all the memories Dumbledore had shown him that had led up to the one he'd seen moments ago. A history of Voldemort, leading to him discovering a way to immortality. He created three of those soul anchors, two of which had been destroyed, and another they were going to get the next night.

Then, something occurred to him. Voldemort had said seven. He had specifically asked Slughorn if seven would be better. Harry stopped dead in his tracks. He knew without having to ask. Voldemort had created seven Horcruxes. The diary and the ring had been destroyed, but there were still five more. Harry wondered if Dumbledore might already know where the others were, and how they might get them.

Harry looked at his watch and his shoulders sagged a bit. It was after curfew, and he wasn't going to be able to visit Daphne until the morning. Harry sighed and made his way to Gryffindor tower where Ron and Hermione would be. He had to tell someone about what he'd learned tonight.

"You didn't tell him." Snape said, sipping from the glass Dumbledore had poured him.

"No. No, it's not yet time." Dumbledore said a bit sadly. "He has much to accomplish before he is told."

"Do you really think he'll do it as you've planned?"

"You underestimate him so much. If you could only get past your own prejudices, you'd see what the rest of your fellow teachers see. Harry is a very brave and selfless person. He will do what is required of him in the end."

"And what of the girl. You honestly think he'll give up everything, including her?"

"I do. Miss Greengrass has not shown any strong feelings for Harry, nor does he seem to have any emotions towards her. They might form a friendship, but I doubt it will be anything more than that. Though I must say, learning that a Betrothal Contract existed between the two was very surprising."

"Fortunately, it didn't interfere with your plans." Snape sneered.

"Severus, I am getting the distinct impression that you are upset with how I've chosen to handle this situation."

"Really?" Snape asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "What give you that impression?"

"Severus, I have tried to think of any way that would allow Harry to live, to lead a normal life. I have spent nearly all of my time in discovering Voldemort's secrets and trying to find a way he may be defeated. You yourself have admitted that Voldemort is an ingenious wizard. Through it all, there remains only one answer, and that is that all of his Horcruxes must be destroyed before Voldemort can be killed. All of his Horcruxes, including Harry Potter."

"You self righteous bastard." Snape scowled. "How can you be so dispassionate? He's a child!"

"Why are you so concerned?" Dumbledore countered angrily. "You hate the boy. You are always harassing him, taunting and patronizing. Do not think I am unaware of how you treated him when I asked you to teach him Occlumency. You used it as a way to take out your personal grudge on James' child. Your hands are no unclean either, Severus."

"Be that as it may, I am not the one preparing the savior of our world for sacrifice!"

"Do you honestly believe it isn't breaking my heart? The boy is like a grandson to me. I would give up everything if I could find a way to eliminate that Horcrux inside of him, to relieve him of the burden."

"A BURDEN HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT!" Severus rose, hurling his glass at the fire, smashing it to shards.

"What good would it do to tell him now?" Dumbledore asked of the Defense teacher. Dumbledore's eyes were dark, and stung with tears. "To tell him that he will never have the family he wishes for. For him to know that no matter what, he is going to die. What do you think that would do? He has to believe he's going to win. It's the only way we can accomplish what needs to be done. Harry must die at the hands of Lord Voldemort, and then, and only after all the Horcruxes are destroyed, you, my friend, you must kill him once and for all."

Snape glared at the old man sitting behind the desk, and he felt himself overcome with a deep sadness. "I promised to protect him, for Lily's sake. It has been the worst punishment imaginable. To see the image of James Potter every time I look at him. I hate him for what he represents, but I hate myself even more for what I did. I'm sorry, Albus, but I can not believe that this is the only way. I will help him find and destroy all the Horcruxes. I will play the part we have set up, but I will not allow that boy to die."

"It is that very reason I have entrusted you with this task, Severus."

"I hope Death takes you soon." Severus grimaced as he left the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore sighed, staring at the closed office door. "I'm afraid it will find me sooner than we are prepared for it to."

Dumbledore raised his cursed hand, staring sadly at it.

"You look troubled." Daphne said to Harry, who was sitting next to her. He'd woken early, even though he'd gone to bed so late. Hermione and Ron had been waiting for him, and He had told them everything that had happened since dinner. Well, almost everything.

Harry nodded.

"Can I help?" Daphne asked as she took his hand, giving it a squeeze.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "I don't know what I can tell you."

"I see." Daphne said, a little disappointed.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to be so secretive. But, I just don't want you hurt anymore."

"Harry, I did what I had to do. I wish I hadn't been so stupid about it, but it worked. Well, almost."

"what do you mean?" Harry asked, thinking he already knew the answer.

"Well, there was this flash of light, and then Draco disappeared. I think someone helped him escape."

"Yeah." Harry said bitterly. "It was Dumbledore."

"What?! Ow." Daphne winced at the pain she'd caused sitting up so quickly.

"I thought Madam Pomfrey healed you." Harry asked with concern.

"She did, but I'm still a bit tender. I'll be fine, but you need to explain to me why Dumbledore helped Malfoy escape."

"To be honest, I don't understand it. He just believes the best of people. Even people who he shouldn't. He doesn't think Malfoy would have finished whatever Voldemort wanted him to do. So he's protecting Malfoy."

Daphne shook her head and looked away from Harry. She was angry. She had risked her safety to expose Malfoy, even though that wasn't how it had started, but now the little rat was being protected by the supposed leader of the light.

"It's wrong." She said softly. "He's wrong. Draco's dangerous. He doesn't know the ponce like I do. He's a bully, and now he thinks he's got power."

"It doesn't stop there." Harry remarked. Daphne turned to see the confusion on Harry's face.

"You've figured a lot of it out on your own, but I've never told you that you were right. I think you should know, you need to be aware of things. I'm afraid to tell you though."

"Why?"

"Because I can't stop thinking about you. I mean your safety. I want you to be safe, and being around me isn't." Harry said sadly, staring at their intertwined hands.

Daphne had almost missed the pained look on Harry's face. He had hidden it quickly, but he was unable to met her eyes now.

"Harry, things are changing between us. I know that. I know that you feel it too. So this keeping secrets thing isn't going to work anymore. I don't want t force you, but as you said, my safety is in jeopardy. I know the You-Know-Who is…."

"Voldemort." Harry said cutting her off.

"What?"

"Say his name."

"I can't. I…"

"It's only a name. What are you afraid of?"

Daphne stared at Harry's determined green eyes, and wondered why she had been afraid of the name. She'd of course heard the stories, and she knew of the fear the name inspired, but she could not remember any reason for her to fear the name personally. Why had she followed so blindly and upheld this silly superstition about the name of a mentally deranged wizard.

"I know why Voldemort is after you. He believes you're this chosen one, or something. I also know he'll come after me just for being with you. But, I'm still here. Sitting right beside you. And I don't feel like I should be anywhere else."

Harry looked into Daphne's stunning brown eyes, and felt the intensity of her words. He felt stronger because of them. He felt her soft, gentle had squeeze his own, and he smiled at her.

"I don't know what this is, or what could happen." Daphne tilted her head as she spoke. "But I like how I feel when I'm with you. I like talking to you, and I like that you actually listen to me. I like being with you, and I really like kissing you." She blushed.

Harry felt himself going red at the same time. "I like that too."

"So since we're going to married one day anyway, why not try and do this. As if there was no contract and we were just two people who might sort of have a thing for each other." She smiled.

"Ok." Harry nodded, smiling brightly now. "I think I'd really like that."

"Good. Now tell me everything, and let's see if we can't figure this out."

Harry nodded and began his story. He began by telling Daphne of the prophecy, and of his fight in the Ministry. Daphne was shocked to learn that the mass murderer Sirius black was not only Harry's Godfather, but also innocent of his crimes. She felt bitter sadness when she heard Harry tell of Sirius' death, all because Dumbledore had not informed Harry of critical information that could have prevented the whole debacle.

Harry then explained all about his lessons this year, which Daphne had already known about, but Harry had gone into far more detail, telling her all about Voldemort's Horcruxes. Daphne felt her skin grow cold when Harry had explained exactly what a Horcrux was and how it was made. Daphne tried to envision the making of one of these soul anchors, and felt nauseous at the idea.

But the tale of his meeting the previous night had really made Daphne sit up, despite the pain she felt in her chest from Draco's foot. She was astonished to learn that Dumbledore and Snape had argued.

But nothing prepared her for the revelation that Harry was going to accompany Snape and Dumbledore in seeking out one of the soul anchors that very evening.

"Wait, you're going with them?" She asked, interrupting Harry.

"Yeah. Why?"

"I'm sorry, but it seems suspicious to me. If Dumbledore has been trying to keep you safe, why let you go into someplace that could be really dangerous. I know that you can handle it, and if he doesn't, than he's becoming senile. But it seems out of character somehow."

"I don't understand." Harry said eyeing her perplexedly.

"Ok, if you had discovered all this on your own, and told him, Dumbledore would brush it off, and allow you and your friends to deal with it, just like the Ministry. But, this time it's like he's preparing you for something larger."

Harry thought about it for a minute before he nodded. "Yeah, I think you're right, but what can I do?"

"You need to go, of course, but don't blindly follow him. Pay attention to everything he says and does. There's something larger going on here, Harry, something he's not telling you."

"Ok. I'll do my best."

"And you must be careful. I want to know everything that happens. Maybe we can figure it all out before something really bad happens."

"You and Hermione need to work together. Between the both of you, I'd be ready to take on Voldemort tomorrow."

Daphne blushed lightly at the compliment.

"Mr. Potter, you'll have to wait outside. I need to examine Miss Greengrass now." Madam Pomfrey said as she bustled over, waving her wand at the privacy screen. Harry stood and smiled at Daphne, who returned the smile. He let go of her hand and went out into the hall to wait. It had been an interesting conversation.

Daphne had made a lot of sense. What if Dumbledore was preparing him for something larger. But what could he possibly be preparing him for, short of fighting Voldemort, which Harry knew he was no where even close to ready for. While he'd been training with Snape and Flitwick, and Harry was reasonably sure he could take on most of Voldemort's Death Eaters, he knew that if he faced Voldemort, he'd be dead within minutes.

Harry remembered when Dumbledore had retrieved him from the Dursleys and had asked him to take private lessons with the Headmaster, and how he'd been so excited to learn from the greatest wizard of the age. Harry then recalled his growing disappointment with what he was learning. Dumbledore never just told him anything. It was always some puzzle for Harry to solve.

"Hey." Daphne's voice brought Harry from his thoughts.

"You're free?"

"Just have to take it easy, but yeah. So, would you like to take me to lunch? I'm starving."

"Are you sure you want to be seen with me in public? You remember what happened last time."

"Yeah, I do. I also know that it's going to be like that no matter what. So I should just get used to it." Daphne smiled, slipping her arm around Harry's.

"All right then. Let's go get something to eat."

"Please be careful Harry." Hermione said as Harry was preparing to met Snape and Dumbledore.

"I will." Harry smiled. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I can't believe all this." Ron shook his head. "I don't like it, you going off without us."

"I know how you feel." Harry nodded. "But I'll be ok. I'm with Dumbledore, and even though he hates me, I seriously doubt Snape would let anything happen to me. If he truly wanted to, he's had ample opportunity."

Ron grimaced, but nodded. He gripped Harry's hand, and gave a significant look to his best friend. Harry returned the unspoken sentiment and hugged Hermione. He heard a small sniffle and released her, and left Gryffindor tower.

As Harry made is way to the Entrance hall to met with the two professors, he was able to reflect on the day he'd had. It was something he never had imagined in all his life. It had been bliss.

He and Daphne had entered the Great hall just as Lunch was beginning. Harry had known exactly what was going to happen as they stepped through the giant oak doors. Every single set of eyes turned and instantly the whispering began.

Harry looked to Daphne, who was looking between the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables. She had never eaten at another table, and she knew that she and Harry would be scrutinized as they ate, and would be unable to talk at all. So, the blonde girl led Harry to his own house table.

Daphne had found the looks of shock on the faces of the Gryffindors quite hilarious. Hermione and Ron welcomed them, and Ron saluted her for attempting to get rid of Draco.

Harry still felt a bit of a thrill as he remembered how Daphne had held his hand under the table all through lunch, and the little looks she had given him. For the first time in all his life, Harry had felt normal. Like a regular teen age boy, enjoying spending time with a girl that he liked.

After lunch, he and Daphne had gone to the Library as Daphne needed to redo her Defense essay that had burned up the night before. Harry helped find the books she needed, and even though the homework was important, Daphne had accomplished very little.

Harry felt himself burn crimson when he thought of how the pair had shared several kisses while looking for books and how Daphne had given up trying to write her essay and the two had taken a walk throughout the castle.

As Harry descended the last staircase, leading to the Entrance Hall where he could se both professors waiting expectantly for him, Daphne's words echoed in his head.

"Wherever it is you're going tonight, please be careful. We've still got so much to do together."

And then she had kissed him. A very long and passionate kiss. It was like the kiss they had shared the night before. A kiss that told them both that something was happening between them, something good.

Harry's smile was huge as he joined the two professors. He would be careful, and he would pay attention to every single detail, and he would come back to Daphne. He needed to. Harry knew now that his feelings for Daphne were becoming stronger. In just a matter of hours, they had become a couple, and it wasn't because of some stupid contract. They had chosen to come together, to be together, to allow themselves to care for each other.

Harry needed to come back to Daphne because he was falling in love.

Daphne was sitting alone in her dorm, watching the clock. She felt a shiver of anxiety when the clock turn eight o one. Harry had gone. He'd gone on some dangerous expedition with the Headmaster to retrieve a Horcrux. A piece of Voldemort's soul.

Daphne still shivered at the thought of the evil wizard, and chastised herself for it.

She had just had the best day in her life, and wanted more than anything to have another. She had stood tall and proud when they had entered the Great Hall together. She had decided that no matter what anyone said, all that truly mattered was what she and Harry thought.

He had been so patient, and kind, and generous. He had gone to the library with her so she could finish her essay. He had no homework to finish, but had been willing to get all the books she needed, and sit quietly while she worked.

Daphne had found the closeness to much a distraction. She'd never had a boyfriend before. Someone she could kiss whenever she wanted, and she had taken full advantage of it. She would send him to find a book, and then follow him. She made sure no one was watching, and then she would grab Harry and snog him until he couldn't se straight. After an hour of this, she had realized she wasn't getting any work done. So she had packed her things and they had spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through the castle, and snogging. Oh there had been a lot of snogging.

Daphne felt her toes curl just thinking about how Harry had held her and ran his fingers through her hair. Even when they said nothing and just stood together she had felt so exhilarated.

He had walked her down to the Dungeons after dinner. He had an hour to get ready for his night, and they had just a few short moments left. She had looked him deep in the eyes when they reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. It was then that she knew that she was falling for him. As much as she had tried not to, as much as she'd denied her feelings, she knew it now. Daphne was beginning to fall for Harry Potter.

"You do what you have to do tonight, and then you come back here. I want to se you at breakfast tomorrow morning, Potter. Wherever it is you're going tonight, please be careful. We've still got so much to do together." She had said.

And then she drew him closer, holding onto him tightly as she poured all of her feelings into that last kiss. She wanted him to remember that moment. She wanted him to think of her before he tried to play the hero.

She wanted him to know, without having to say it, that she, Daphne Greengrass was falling in love with Harry Potter.