The rest of the week passed by relatively quickly and most importantly...quietly. Daphne and Harry's coming out party in the Great Hall seemed to satisfy everyone's curiosity as they moved on to other topics to gossip about. Harry had shared how disappointed Lavender had become with them...repeatedly commenting on how boring they were. She made Harry smile when she countered that "exciting is overrated." Even Tracey had been exceedingly quiet when the three had studied together. Which was very weird.

Her fellow Slytherins' comments had become more cutting but that she could deal with. Amazingly Draco hadn't said a thing to her...limiting his actions to glares and whispered comments to his friends. Mostly though he just looked thoroughly miserable and stared out into space. Astoria was right. Something had changed about him recently and it was starting to unnerve her. She had not yet mentioned Hermione's comment about Draco to Harry because she didn't want to start another argument between the two. She resolved to ask Astoria what she thought was going on.

Seeing Harry walking toward her roused her out of her thoughts. They were set to meet her parents and though he was doing his best to hide it she could tell he was nervous.

"Everything okay Harry?" she asked as they began walking toward the entrance doors.

"What? Oh yeah...just want everything to go okay today."

She mimicked his action from earlier in the week and nudged him on the shoulder. "It's fine Harry...everything is fine. Just talk to them like you talk to me and they will l-...be impressed with you as much as I am."

She had been so focused on Harry's demeanor that she had not realized how nice he looked. Really, really, nice. She had already warned her family not to judge him by the clothes he wore but apparently it wasn't necessary.

"Looking sharp today Harry. Are those new?"

"Really?" he asked, genuinely pleased that she approved. "Winky took my measurements and did some shopping for me. Between her and Madam Malkin I think they did all right. It feels good to look halfway decent."

Daphne thought he looked more than halfway decent before...now though...Harry's voice broke her out of her thoughts.

"I was wondering...there is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up in a couple of weeks. Would you maybe help me pick out some more clothes? I'd like to get some more casual things and I honestly have no clue."

Daphne quickly squelched the part of her that thought Harry was asking her out on a proper date. 'He just needs my help...wants my help.'

"It's fine if you have other plans...I'll just-"

"No," she blurted. "I'd love to help...although I'm sure your taste is fine. Besides, we're dating. Everyone would lose their minds if we didn't go together."

"Great!" he exclaimed, clearly relieved. I promise we won't spend all day picking stuff out...I think that would do my head in. The rest of the day we can do whatever you'd like. My treat."

Despite her best efforts the date sentiment bubbled back up to the surface. As she saw her family come into view she spoke. "There is a cafe just off of the main street I've heard is quite nice. The Three Broomsticks is fine but I'd fancy something quieter and out of the spotlight I think."

"It's a date," he replied, this time with a bit of hope and excitement in his voice.

And then Dumbledore appeared...as if he was waiting for the precise moment Harry felt a bit of enthusiasm so he could squash it. Based on how Harry had been treated she wouldn't put it past him.

"Is there a problem Headmaster?" Harry asked.

"No problem at all Harry. I was wondering if I could have a private word before you met with Miss Greengrass and her parents?"

Internally Daphne was raging. He was going to try and stop them from leaving. Her father and Harry had both warned her this would probably happen but she had naively hoped for better.

"My parents are waiting on us Headmaster. I'm not sure-"

"I assure you I will only take a moment of his time Miss Greengrass. Harry?"

She was set to respond again when Harry jumped in. "It's fine Daphne...it will be just a minute. Please let your parents know I'm sorry for the delay." He then glared at the Headmaster which made her feel somewhat better.

She nodded to Harry and slowly...calmly...made her way to where her parents and sister were standing.

As she greeted her parents her mother smiled demurely and spoke. "I'm proud to see how well you maintain your poise Daphne. One would never know you desperately wanted to punch the man in the nose."

"Among other places," she said, purposely keeping a calm expression on her face. Her father chuckled quietly and Astoria snorted a little less quietly.

As they waited she realized she hadn't had a proper conversation with her sister since their lunch with Harry. She leaned in and began speaking softly.

"I wanted to thank you for the other day. You were right. I was in my head again."

Astoria nodded in acknowledgement and continued to stare straight ahead. "You told him about my condition." It wasn't a question.

Before she could respond Astoria quietly continued.

"I knew it when you tried to talk me out of learning the Patronus...he didn't react at all...like he expected it."

"I'm really sorry. He had been sharing some things about his past and it just slipped out..."

Her sister turned to look at her and smiled. "It's fine...it's actually a relief...and he was brilliant. He didn't baby me or try to talk me out of it...just offered to help. You can tell Tracey if you want."

"Really?" It was difficult to stay calm and hide her surprise.

"She deserves to know. Besides, I know you are going to constantly be telling me to take a break when we learn the Patronus. She's going to get suspicious and if she knows I'll be able to tell you off properly. I'm sure she already suspects something is going on with the way you treat me."

Daphne nodded her thanks and Astoria turned her gaze back to Harry and the Headmaster.

"Tell Harry I was only joking about the pen. I think it's nice."

Silence resumed and Daphne continued to watch the pair. Harry seemed to be getting more agitated while Dumbledore remained insufferably pleasant and placid.

"What would you say Mr. Potter is doing wrong, Daphne?" her father asked.

This was a common occurrence for her father. They would observe other people's conversations and he would comment on who was "winning"...quizzing Daphne on what the other party should be doing. It felt odd...personal...doing it about Harry.

"The Headmaster relies on his reputation and his authority to intimidate and get his way. He purposely stays polite but insistent until he gets what he wants. Harry is trying to convince the Headmaster that he is wrong but Dumbledore doesn't care about that. The calmer he stays the more frustrated Harry is acting and the more likely to give up."

"And what should he do?"

"Stay calm, be polite, and refuse. When Dumbledore insists politely demand him to justify his position with facts. If he refuses or stalls then end the conversation. Don't let him drag it out unless he is providing relevant, compelling information."

"It appears Mr. Potter is in desperate need of help right now," her mother interjected.

"I agree," Daphne replied, grateful that her father was going to step in and help. When he didn't move she turned to look at her parents.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Her mother asked.

Merlin.

As she made her way down the hall Daphne realized she did not have to pretend to be calm. Dumbledore didn't have a leg to stand on and Harry needed her. Time to play some chess.

Despite herself she was impressed with the Headmaster. He showed no trace of surprise when she reached them and grabbed Harry's hand. He actually appeared a bit smug...as if he expected it to happen all along.

She purposely avoided making eye contact with the Headmaster and spoke. "I'm terribly sorry but we really need to go Harry. My parents have plans this evening and want to spend as much time as possible with you before then."

Harry instantly calmed and nodded his head. As they began to walk away Dumbledore's voice floated in. "Without knowing more I'm afraid I must insist that Harry stay within the castle. There are many rooms we can provide in the castle for your visit. I only have Harry's and your safety in mind. I'm sure you would agree it isn't worth the risk."

Harry's grip on her hand tightened and she began rubbing his knuckle with her thumb...willing him to stay calm, stay quiet, and let her handle this.

"My parents are aware, of course, of Harry's situation and have taken every precaution to ensure our security." She purposely left it simple and vague.

The silence dragged on as it was clear Dumbledore was expecting her to become uncomfortable and explain their plans. She remained silent and continued rubbing Harry's hand with her thumb. She risked a sidelong glance and saw that Harry had a small smirk on his face. He seemed to be enjoying himself and had no intention of ruining the moment.

Daphne had finally had enough. "If that is all we should get going."

"I would very much like to hear what your father has put in place."

Her father had trained her too well. This was too easy.

"I'm sure you are aware it would be foolish and irresponsible to outline our specific security measures to anyone...even you. I think I would be disinherited if I was foolish enough to do such a thing and put our family and Harry at risk."

She knew she should end it there...that she had won...but she couldn't help herself. Sometimes you just had to twist the knife a little. Harry was too noble to do it so she would do it for him.

"We shared everything with Harry of course," she lied. "My father thought it terribly unfair and immoral to expect Harry to agree to anything without knowing all the facts."

She waited a beat and turned. "Ready Harry?"

On Harry's nod they began briskly walking away. Dumbledore's silence as they continued to walk was invigorating. She could not wait to tell her father about their conversation. She was still rubbing Harry's hand.

"You can be properly terrifying when you want to be. I'm really glad you're on my side."

"You have no idea," she replied, never changing her expression.