Epilogue

One Year Later

When Daphne had accepted the position of Assistant Matron of Hogwarts she originally believed it would be a rather easy year. The Carrows never survived the destruction of Voldemort's body in the Great Hall and the war was over anyway, so Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would surely be rather uneventful by comparison. While this was very true, it was rather amazing how stupid the students of Hogwarts could be, and how many ways they could get themselves hurt. Dark curses were what Daphne got a great deal of practice on healing the year before, now she was forced to expand her knowledge to cure some of the more creative forms of injury the students would commit onto themselves and their peers.

Her workload was first overfed by those idiots that play Quidditch. As if flying around with blood seeking Bludgers was a good idea. Whoever invented that aspect of the sport should be rounded up and Obliviated before they can employ any more of the moronic ideas floating around in their heads. Though Daphne had to admit, Quidditch was hardly the only place her patients would come from.

The amount of students that managed to poison themselves in Potions was remarkable. There were also those potions that would explode or spill corrosive substances onto students. Daphne couldn't tell if it was just that the new Potions Professor was incompetent, or if she simply didn't stand a chance. Perhaps there was a reason Professor Snape was so strict, she couldn't remember many people getting hurt while brewing when she was a student.

Then again, she thought with a grin, Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan.

Maybe she was wearing rose coloured glasses when regarding her earlier years under the tutelage of the former Potions Professor.

Unfortunately for Snape, despite escaping imprisonment in Azkaban thanks to Harry's testimony, he would never teach at Hogwarts ever again, at least as long as McGonagall was in charge. The trials were still going on to this day. People like Malfoy and Snape were deemed redeemable by some, but not completely, and not all of it has been sorted out as of yet. They are free though, free to live their lives in the wizarding world, though there would always be a dark cloud following them that was symbolised perfectly by the tattoo on their arms. What they deserved, Daphne couldn't say, her forte was not the law. That was more her boyfriend's territory, hers was healing the students of Hogwarts from things like misbrewed potions.

Still, potions she could at least understand – and she could admit that Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures also had the potential to be dangerous subjects – but she definitely couldn't remember so many people getting hurt in Transfiguration. And Charms! And Astronomy! How does someone manage to hurt themselves in Astronomy?!

Well Daphne could tell you how. Apparently one student insulted another student's mother – or perhaps girlfriend, the details were never made clear. The result was a shattered telescope over the head that somehow led to another student being thrown over the railing of the Astronomy Tower. No, there were no deaths, but if Professor Sinistra didn't act so quickly, it could have been alot worse than a handful of broken bones and a mild concussion.

Broken bones were easily repaired though. Other classes caused injuries that were a greater challenge. Or more often, students performing new-to-them magic outside of a supervised classroom. Like the student in front of her now, who seems to have used a combination of Charms and Human Transfiguration in an attempt to get bigger boobs. The result was one of her Bristol Bits became far larger than the other, and the larger one had the appearance of an actual melon.

The inflicted party was rather unapologetic, though was also desperate for help as she could not manage to return them back to normal. It wasn't the first time Daphne's had her as a patient, though the last time she worked on Elizabeth Blackwell the girl had been put under the Cruciatus Curse, and was in much rougher shape. Daphne supposed she should just be grateful those days are over – and she was – but that wouldn't stop her from glaring at the former member of the DA who was still just a stupid hormonal teenager.

'Well I couldn't expect you to understand,' Beth scoffed from her spot sitting on a hospital wing bed. 'I'm sure Potter loves your boobs, they're bloody perfect!'

Daphne glared harder as she blushed and returned the melon back to flesh, then went to work removing the magic at work. It would be easier doing that than reducing the mammaries manually, and she had a feeling Beth would be less than honest when telling her when to stop. Still, there was no reason not to help Beth with her insecurities a little. Part of being a Healer went beyond just restoring the body magically.

'Every shape and size is beautiful,' she said with forced patience. 'You should never be ashamed of your body, Beth.'

'Oi, Daphne, hurry up with Washboard Blackwell and come out here!'

Daphne heaved a sigh, just continuing her work as the red-faced Hufflepuff shouted back at Daphne's little sister through the curtain covering them.

'I WILL MURDER YOU, GREENGRASS! YOU HEAR ME?! NOT EVEN YOUR SISTER WILL BE ABLE TO PUT YOU RIGHT AFTER I –'

She cut off sharply when her tongue was glued to the roof of her mouth. Daphne would rather not go deaf by the shrill screams of Elizabeth Blackwell, thank you very much. Also, no one threatens her family, even if it was something as trivial as house rivalries. Though with the way Astoria was cackling from the other side of the curtain, Daphne could hardly blame the sixth year Hufflepuff.

'The worse you react the more she'll do it,' Daphne said calmly to the seething girl who was currently being deflated in the chest. 'And besides, Astoria has always been jealous of her much bigger big sister.'

Beth smirked at that, but when Daphne unstuck her tongue she opted not to use it, just found herself in a more serious silence, worrying over something or other. Eventually she mumbled something, and Daphne had to ask her to repeat it.

'There's a boy I like but …' Her eyes flicked nervously up to Daphne's then away again. 'I'm not as pretty as … Only girls like you get boys like Potter … If I don't …'

Daphne sighed, but smiled through it. It was tough being a young woman, especially one who spent all her time around boys her own age, sleeping not-at-all far from them. Fancies grow and die or are forced to die when that fancy finds someone else. Occasionally, they flourish. In hopes of achieving that, many young women have come to Daphne, an authority figure who is "young enough" to understand what they were going through. The fact that she was dating the most famous boy in the world might have had something to do with the perception of her expertise. She's spent a great deal of time having heart to hearts with those whose hearts are in need of help.

'Want to know how I got Harry?' Daphne asked. The original job was done, but there was a bit more time to help out with her patient's ailing heart. Though she'd have to make it quick, the train would be leaving soon and she didn't want to be the reason Beth missed it.

The younger girl nodded emphatically, eyes wide as if Daphne was about to share some incredibly well kept secret.

'I showed him that I cared,' Daphne said simply.

Beth was on the edge of the bed, waiting anxiously for the rest, but when nothing came her face scrunched up in confusion. It really wasn't that complicated, and that's what usually confused people. Love was simple. As simple as the people who fall in love. There wasn't a complex way to trick a person into falling in love with you, all you could do is put forth some effort for that person, show them that they're worth putting forth that effort. It doesn't always work out, but that's the nature of love. All you can do is try, take your shot, and hope it hits. A little bluntness usually helped too. Not that Daphne was an expert, she's only ever had one boyfriend.

'Now it's time to leave before you're late,' Daphne said, shooing her out of the curtain. On the other side it was more than just Astoria waiting there. A couple other girls were there too, both of them having just graduated from Hogwarts, one of them smirking mischievously at Daphne.

'For the record,' Ginny Weasley said, 'I'm pretty sure it was the boobs.'

Astoria threw back her head and laughed, pointing at Daphne cruelly all the while. Daphne stuck her tongue out at Ginny and continued to usher Beth out, whose hands were grabbing her own chest with a disappointed frown on her face.

'Perhaps I should use a spell on my own boobs,' Luna mused, pating herself down. 'I'm almost as small as Ginny and Astoria.'

It was Daphne's turn to laugh, the other two girls turning grouchy faces to a Luna who was probably joking – it was always hard to tell with Luna.

'What are you three doing here anyway?' Daphne queried. 'I thought you wanted to take the train home.'

'There's been a change of plans, actually,' Ginny said, smiling. 'Neville said he's having me out to celebrate today. In Hogsmeade.'

'So she's ditching her last ever ride on the Hogwarts Express!' Astoria declared incredulously.

'It's just a train,' Ginny shrugged. 'I'll ride on trains again. Maybe.'

'So since Ginny's ditching Luna, I've agreed to come with her to help you pack,' Astoria added. 'Plus, I do want to see your new place anyway.'

'It's really not much yet. We have a lot of work to do on it still, but we've both been so busy that there hasn't been any time to start.' Despite her protests about her new home, she was genuinely glad that her sister and Luna were coming along. Daphne and Harry were immensely proud of the home they bought together, even if it was a fixer upper. It wasn't even really liveable when they bought it, but Harry says he's done enough for a starting point. Daphne wasn't sure how high his standards were – she hasn't seen it since their purchase a few months earlier – but she didn't really care. She was too excited to start the next chapter of her life to worry over draughty windows and a leaky ceiling. As long as the plumbing was working. She was at least that much of a princess.

'What do you mean we?' Astoria giggled. 'As if you're going to be doing any of it.'

Unfortunately, Astoria wasn't wrong. Daphne has already proven to be less than useless when it comes to home repair. The fantasy she's painted in her mind of her and Harry fixing the house together over a long period of time was lovely and all, but it would remain a fantasy. Her specialty was with fixing humans, not houses.

'Neville and I will come visit sometime too,' Ginny said. 'And we still have to get together to celebrate as a group! You're coming to The Burrow next week, right?'

'Wouldn't miss it,' Daphne smiled.

Ginny spared them each a hug before running off excitedly to see her boyfriend for the first time since easter. The year difference didn't seem a big deal to them at the time, but with Ginny being one year behind Neville, their relationship has been long distance for the most part while she was at Hogwarts.

Daphne's at least been working normal working hours, and was able to travel back to London every night. To be with her boyfriend. The man she's been in love with since he saved her from a madman. The man who loved her just as helplessly.

'You seem very excited to leave,' Luna pointed out, making Daphne shake the dreamy smile off her face, which made Astoria giggle.

'Hang on,' Daphne said, 'I need to say goodbye to Madam Pomfrey first.'

When Daphne started school, Madam Pomfrey was just the School Matron to her, the person she went to if she was the one who had a potion spilt on her, or was injured in any way. Which only happened a couple times. Starting her final year at Hogwarts as a student, the woman became so much more. First, another educator, then a companion, and finally a friend. A friend as good as any Daphne has, though still just as stern when she wants to be – she was still Daphne's teacher, afterall. Though that changed after today.

'I'm off, Poppy,' Daphne said as she entered the back room. 'I just wanted to say –'

When Madam Pomfrey turned to look at her she revealed what a poor job she was doing hiding her tears, complete with a fat lip that she just couldn't help on her face.

'Oh, Poppy,' Daphne laughed, pulling the older woman into a hug. 'I thought you hated emotional goodbyes.'

'Well forgive this old woman for growing attached.' Poppy conjured a tissue from her wand, blowing her nose loudly. 'It'll be lonely here without you, Daphne.'

Daphne felt her own tears welling up in her eyes. Not just for not being able to work with a woman she found to be a friend, but also because, like Ginny and Luna, she was finally leaving Hogwarts for good. It was a special place for her, like it was for so many others who've attended the school. It was the place where they grew up, every single student that attended from beginning to end became an adult at Hogwarts. And when it was over, so was their childhood. This was still true for Daphne the year before, but it was a soft start to the world of adulthood, because she was still at Hogwarts.

Not that Daphne was sad to go now. She couldn't wait to start her next adventure with Harry by her side.

After the emotional goodbye, Daphne, Astoria and Luna took the Floo back to Daphne's parents' home. Normally students wouldn't be allowed this privilege, but Astoria and Luna had a girl on the inside, and Madam Pomfrey wasn't about to deny Daphne a few tagalongs.

The first thing Daphne noticed as soon as she arrived at her (former) home was the lack of procession. She expected her mother to be there at least, probably with a photo album of a younger Daphne who was not anywhere close to leaving the nest.

'Maybe they didn't expect you yet,' Astoria murmured.

Using a spell Harry taught her, she confirmed no one was in the house but her, Astoria and Luna. Then on top of that, her bedroom – which had been a pile of boxes just that morning – was completely cleared out. Not even her bed was there, and that was something they weren't going to move over until her new master bedroom had a new roof over it.

'Harry and your parents must have been busy,' Luna reasoned. 'I'm sure we'll find them all there.'

'Probably,' Daphne said, scratching her head. 'I guess you two missed your train for nothing.'

'Nonsense,' Astoria declared. 'I didn't come because I was excited to help you move boxes, Daphne.'

'True enough,' Daphne laughed. 'Well, shall I go first?'

Daphne took a handful of Floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. The familiar green flames erupted to life, and she stepped into them. The first thing Daphne and Harry had done to their new home was restore the fireplace for Floo travel. Apparition was all well and good, but for anyone who hasn't been there before it was inconvenient to coordinate their arrival. Apparating back and forth to bring guests was highly uncomfortable, and they would need to bring a good amount of people over who were more knowledgeable at repairing a home than Daphne and Harry. A Floo address was all they needed to make the trip. It was also too isolated a location to receive much in the ways of Muggle transportation.

'Licorne Lake!' Daphne intoned.

The green flame flared once more, and the sight of her parents' drawing room beyond it shifted to a different room, then continued changing so rapidly it made her dizzy. But she was used to Floo travel, having utilised it for most of her life. When she arrived at her destination she stepped out smoothly and carefully onto black-marble tile that bordered the fireplace on this side. She blinked at the marble tile, then her eyes tilted slowly higher to the fresh, clean hardwood, then refused to settle in one place as she took in the drawing room she was standing in. It was nice, very nice, but it was sadly not her house. Maybe she mumbled her destination and didn't quite make it to the right place, it happened on occasion.

Seeing there was no point in informing the inhabitants that were nowhere in sight that she invaded their privacy, she looked to the nice lacquered mantlepiece for some Floo powder to correct her mistake. Her eyes landed immediately on a small sculpture centred on the mantle. A small statue of a unicorn and a stag, standing side by side, their necks crossing, looking directly into the others eyes. The stag's eyes were emeralds, the unicorn's eyes aquamarines. Harry had given it to her, saying he really didn't know what to get for her because he's never bought a girlfriend a birthday present before but he thought maybe, hopefully, she might like it. She absolutely loved it. It stayed by her bedside, where – on nights she was not spending with Harry – she would often stare at those emerald eyes until sleep took her.

She started taking in the rest of the details of the room. Beside the statue was a two-picture picture frame, the photograph on the left had a photo of a young man that looked remarkably like Harry and a green-eyed woman with fiery red hair. The second photo was of her own parents. More signs made her eyes widen in disbelief, the comfortable cushioned chair that was in her room until very recently, a bookshelf that only seemed to have books she and Harry owned, a grandfather clock that was left to her by her late grandmother, though Daphne's never had a place to put it.

The Floo flared to life behind her but she was too busy staring around the room in awe to acknowledge the newcomer's presence. She recognized the house now. Definitely. It was hers, but it did not look like this the last time she was here. That window over there was broken and covered with wooden boards, the floor had been wall to wall carpet that could have been white at some point but was black and mildewy the last time she saw it, and any furniture that was in the room belonged in the rubbish pile. Now almost everything in the room looked brand new, with only some of her own heirlooms and personal pieces as an exception. The third person arrived by Floo without Daphne saying a word, but right away Astoria declared, 'What in the name of Merlin's tits?'

At that moment, a tall red-haired man came walking in with a stack of paint cans balancing in his arms, making his way to the carved wooden door that was certainly not dirty and splintered. After managing to get it open without dropping the paint, he began to back through, freezing when he saw the three people standing in the beautiful sitting room.

'Uuuuh,' Ron Weasley said nervously, then raised his voice without breaking eye contact with them. 'Harry!'

'What?' a voice called from further into the house.

'What time is it?'

There was a pregnant pause, then, 'I took off my watch when we started painting. What, is the clock in there not working?'

Ron's eyes flicked to the grandfather clock that had the hour hand pointing at two.

'Oh, it's working,' he said, laughing nervously.

'Out of the way, Ronald. You're blocking the door.'

Ron was pulled backwards out of the front door to reveal Daphne's mother, wearing dirt-covered work-robes that were rolled past her elbows.

'I want to bathe at home before –' She ceased talking when she saw her two daughters and Luna standing in the sitting room. 'Oh biscuits!' she cursed.

'What's wrong?' Hermione Granger's head peaked in from behind Daphne's mother and she pulled her dirt covered wrist up to her face to stare at a bare wrist before squeaking.

Tracey popped in behind Hermione, took one look at Daphne, laughed once, and went back the way she came.

'What's going on here?' Daphne asked in a high-pitched whisper.

'If I were to hazard a guess,' Luna said in a dreamy voice, stepping up beside Daphne and taking in the room, 'I would say everyone lost track of time, but I would also say the surprise is far from ruined, taking your reaction into account.'

Harry came running into the room, apparently having heard Luna speak. Daphne's father was right on his heels, cursing just as badly as his wife had.

'Er, surprise,' Harry said lamely, smiling his lopsided smile. 'Welcome home.'

She couldn't have stopped the tears if she tried. She rushed to him, tackling him to the floor with the force of her hug, but not caring, just sobbing and kissing his face and trying but failing to express her gratitude and love with words, trying to express just how much it meant to her. How much he meant to her.

Daphne had told Elizabeth Blackwell how she had gotten Harry, but she never went into how Harry had gotten her. The answer would have been the same. The exact same. He showed her just how much he cared. And he decided he would show her again.

'I love you, Harry Potter,' she managed eventually, clinging to him with everything she had. 'I love you so, so, so much.'

He tilted her face up to look at him. There was a drop of green paint on his cheek, and his hair looked a little sweaty, and he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

'I love you too, Daphne Greengrass.' His voice was so tender and loving that she couldn't help but kiss him some more, ignoring her father clearing his throat. She was already preparing to kick everyone else out of the house. She still needed a tour, and the bedroom seemed a fantastic place to start.

Unfortunately for Daphne, her family and friends were too busy sharing in her excitement of her new and newly renovated home to take her very unsubtle hints that she and Harry would like to be alone. Harry definitely noticed, watching her with a smouldering look that could have easily led to her stunning every single visitor for a few hours. It was only her amazement at how beautiful her home was that held her back. From top to bottom, it was complete. The bedrooms were cosy and personal, the kitchen was something from a dream, and her bathroom had glorious, glorious plumbing.

Even the exterior was perfect. The long grassy field was what sold her on the once rundown home in the first place, not to mention the pristine blue lake that they had exclusive access to. The property wasn't cheap, not by a long-shot, but if the house that sat there now was for sale, it would have certainly been out of their reach.

Beyond the beautiful landscape, just outside of the cottage, there was a large garden that was apparently put in by Daphne's mum and Hermione, with Harry and Tracey helping out when they were allowed. It was full of useful things that Daphne could use in her upcoming career opportunities.

She was going to be joining a team – not as an apprentice, but as an equal member – at St Mungos that is working on developing magic and methods regarding the more spiritual side of healing. Whether she was invited because of who she is, what she's done, or who she's dating, she'll take advantage of the opportunity to work on something that really fascinates her. Her precious unicorn horn was something she was curious to study more; that it could purify Dark Magic, including something as durable as a Horcrux, made Daphne want to find out what other evil it could conquer. But that would be something she works on in private, and only when she wasn't too distracted by a very distracting Harry Potter. Though the subject of soul magic is certainly something she would be working on with her new colleagues.

After dinner, Daphne's parents left, but the rest of the party stayed. They went out to the yard, where a few very comfortable reclining chairs were set up around a fire pit, Harry lighting the fire with a flick of his wand while Daphne was cuddled into his lap. Ron and Hermione cozied in as well while Astoria, Luna and Tracey sat solo.

'So what made you pick this place?' Astoria asked, gazing up at the star-filled sky. 'It's brilliant, really, but so far out of the way.'

'We like our privacy,' Daphne and Harry said at the exact same time. They laughed together too, then sealed the whole interaction with a kiss.

'I would tell you that I'm going to be here all the time but I don't know I could stand you two for long periods of time.' It was said as a joke, but Tracey still looked a little lonely as she eyed the two couples sullenly.

'I think they're sweet,' Luna commented in her dreamy voice. 'Is there no one you fancy, Tracey?'

Tracey scoffed as if the very idea was laughable. After Stephen Cornfoot, Daphne's best friend stayed true to her word of avoiding all things boy. The only exceptions she made are friends like Harry and Ron, she was even leery of Neville when he joined in with their group. She's heard Daphne's full story of what happened in seventh year, and she didn't like how Neville treated her, and was bitter enough to hold a grudge for it. Daphne felt sad for her friend, that she was hurt so badly that it might affect her the rest of her life. Daphne couldn't imagine how terrible it would feel if Harry broke her heart, but she was glad she never would have to find out.

'There are options out there, you know,' Luna said. 'You might just need to think outside the box a little.'

'What about you, Luna?' Astoria queried. 'Any boy prospects?'

'No, boys don't like me very much,' Luna said easily.

'What?!' Harry and Daphne echoed, then Daphne continued. 'Why do you think that, Luna? You're beautiful! And you're brilliant! Anyone would be lucky to have you!'

Luna shook her head, but she didn't exactly look upset. 'I do believe you're right.' The statement made their group laugh, she sounded completely certain about it. Which was appropriate, since she is right. 'I don't think any boy would be willing to … be seen with me, if that makes sense.'

'That's not true,' Harry protested. 'We did go to Slughorn's Christmas party together, Luna.'

'You are right about that.' She gave Harry a fond smile that might have made Daphne feel protective if it were anyone but Luna. 'You are special like that though, Harry. And besides, you're very taken.'

Harry and Daphne had nothing to say to that. Whether Luna fancied Harry at some point or not, it didn't matter. Daphne wouldn't hold a grudge for any girl who fancied Harry, she found she could relate. As long as they keep their mitts off him or they'll find out what a healer can do if they want to do someone harm.

'You shouldn't give up before you've started, Luna,' Hermione chimed in. 'You just graduated Hogwarts, there's plenty of options out in the real world.'

'I never said I've given up,' Luna claimed. 'There's someone I am interested in, though I admit I don't know if they would ever be interested in me.'

An expectant silence fell, everyone waiting for a name or a story, but Luna didn't say anything more, she just tilted her head to the side and stared directly at Tracey.

'Oooh!' Ron said. 'Wicked. Ow! What was that for?'

Hermione just glared at him for another moment before crossing her arms in a huff. Then thrust her elbow into his ribs once more.

Daphne was too busy being surprised by the obvious declaration to give Ron and Hermione's antics any attention. The more she thought about it though, the more it seemed like perhaps the perfect solution to Tracey's problem – if that interested Tracey at all. She distrusts men, but (and this is just a guess on Daphne's part) she's lonely, and craves companionship.

Whenever Daphne spends time with Tracey lately, Harry's usually there. Was there more to Tracey's comment about not being able to stand being around Daphne and Harry long term than what was obvious? Did it bother her to see another couple being so happy together when she saw no chance of that happening for herself? She put herself out there, bared her heart completely to Stephen Cornfoot, confessed her desires, her fears, her secrets, and with that, Cornfoot sold out her best friend and cousin to save himself.

How could she be so trustful again? Unless, maybe, it was with someone like Luna. The summer before Luna's final year their group was often together, and Luna and Tracey were both frequent attendees to those get togethers. They were definitely friends, but Daphne couldn't say how close they were exactly. Luna would never hurt Tracey though, that was something Daphne firmly believed.

'Where's this coming from?' Tracey was difficult to read, she was pretty stoic about the potential invitation.

Luna shrugged, breaking eye contact and finding her fiddling hands. 'You seem lonely. I think … I can understand.'

There were many things Daphne thought to say in that moment, but much of it was probably unhelpful. As long as Daphne's known her, she's never seen Luna look at all nervous. Detached, flippant, and even confident much of the time, but never nervous. She seemed so different from any other person at times that it was easy to forget she was just a girl like any other. A young woman who didn't have any experience with love and expressing her love to someone who might be worth taking a chance on. At first Daphne took what Luna was saying as just Luna being Luna, able to be blunt without a second thought, but it obviously took a great deal of courage. Not only to put herself out there for someone to judge, but doing it to someone who may not be at all interested in her gender, in who she is.

Tracey's face softened, but it wasn't suddenly some kind of "in love" face, it was more amused, exasperated and maybe a little flattered. She stood up, walked over to Luna, and held out her hand.

'I have no bloody idea what I think of this to be honest.' Luna took her hand shyly, and was hauled to her feet. 'But apparently I've been hanging out with too many stupid Gryffindors lately.'

She leaned in and gave Luna the barest peck on the lips, coming away to watch the blond's skin turn pink. Tracey mulled the experience over for a bit then shrugged and leaned back in, but instead of kissing her, she whispered something in Luna's ear, to which Luna nodded quickly.

'Well I suppose I'm off to try some new experiences.' Tracey aimed a small grin at Daphne as she spoke – she was still holding Luna's hand. 'Don't wait up.'

With a turn and a crack, the pair was gone, Disapparating to some undisclosed location.

Daphne couldn't help but smile. It might not be something that works out, but Tracey was in need of someone to care for her. Someone who could take that hurt she was feeling and heal it in a way Daphne wasn't capable of with magic. She had a feeling Luna was the perfect one for the job.

'I did not see that coming!' Astoria declared.

'It was like something out of a Moving!' Ron added in awe.

'A Moving?' Astoria questioned, her face scrunched.

'It's a Muggle thing,' Ron said proudly. 'Hermione showed me how Muggles go on dates.'

'Ron, it's called a …' Hermione trailed off, letting out a long sigh. 'Nevermind. It's getting late. We should get going too.'

'It is getting rather late,' Daphne agreed, stifling a yawn into Harry's chest. 'Thank you both again for all your help, the house looks absolutely brilliant.'

'Oh, don't worry,' Ron chuckled, 'we'll have you pay us back soon enough.'

'Looking forward to it.' The way Harry hugged her tightly told her he wasn't about to get up to say goodbye. Which was fine by her, she was far too lazy and far too comfortable. 'Stop by soon, you two.'

'I suppose I'll leave you two alone too,' Astoria said after Hermione and Ron Disapparated away. 'Mum would kill me if I got in the way of you making her some grandchildren.'

'What – Astoria!'

Astoria's only response to her sister's outrage was to giggle and run back to the house, where she could take the Floo home.

The silence that was left behind her laughter was only broken by the sound of the crackling fire. An owl in the distance added its voice to the quiet night, but the two owners of the cottage by the lake were too content being comfortable against each other to move an inch. So comfortable that Daphne found her eyes were having trouble staying open, but she didn't want sleep to claim her quite yet. More effective than any caffeine, Daphne tilted her head up, seeking his lips. Instead she found his neck, but found his warm skin to be a suitable substitute for his lips. Judging by the way he shivered, he thought so too.

'I want to show you something,' he said in a quiet voice.

'There's something I want you to show me too.' Her voice was low, suggestive, and it had his hands travelling down her body from her back.

'Definitely,' he said breathily, but then cleared his throat, suddenly sounding a little nervous. 'Something I have to show you first though.'

Something shadowy that Daphne saw from the corner of her eye made her let out a startled yell, but Harry caught it smoothly, and Daphne saw it was his broom.

'Fancy a fly?' Harry asked.

If Daphne was being honest, there were other things she would rather do, but with the way he was grinning at her, she could hardly refuse. She wasn't a bad flyer herself, but she absolutely loved to fly with Harry. He was so comfortable and confident on a broom that it made her relax, even when flying at great heights. Though when he took off, one arm wrapped protectively around her, he kept the broom low. It was a warm night, but even so the wind made her shiver slightly. An instant warmth spread through her as soon as she did, and she knew it was by Harry's magic. Still, she attempted to push herself back into him even closer, and his hold on her became even more firm.

'I don't think you know how happy I am right now,' Daphne said, the slight breeze that stirred with their flight not loud enough to obscure her words.

'For the house?' he asked.

'For you.'

His head bent so he could rub his cheek against hers, and she turned to kiss him. Just a peck at first, but then she wanted more. Her arms wrapped around his neck behind her and held him close. Eventually, he pulled away, but he looked like he had to fight himself to do it.

'Look down,' he said.

Something bright was reflecting off his vibrant green eyes, and when she looked down, she gasped. They were higher now, over the lake, and the reflection of the stars above was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen. They were so high that enough sky was visible for it to surround them, stars on every side and below on the lake. She laughed, her eyes roaming around. Something threatened to burst from her because there's no way anyone could hold as much love as she felt right now. As if his last romantic gestures weren't enough. If he keeps this up neither one of them will get any sleep tonight.

'I –' Harry began, but faltered, clearing his throat when his voice came out a little hoarse. 'I can't tell you with words how much I love you, Daphne.'

She spun on the broom, her eyes already glistening, but needing to tell him the same. Her mouth froze when she saw the small black velvet box he was holding between them.

Harry had to take a deep breath before he continued.

'So – since I can't find the right words to say it properly, I had to find a way to show you.' He took a deep steadying breath, and Daphne wasn't sure she could let him get to the end before she started crying and telling him the one word that was being repeated over and over in her mind. 'Expecto Patronum,' he suddenly intoned, and as if the silver starlight that surrounded them wasn't enough, a bright glow illuminated them even more as his silver stag burst from his wand. 'You're my happiness, Daphne.'

Her own steadying breath was still shaky, but regardless of being unable to echo his statement, she managed to show him too. 'Expecto Patronum.' She didn't need to think of any kind of memory to fuel the spell. Happiness surrounded her. The long-horned unicorn joined the stag, the two patronus charms rubbing their cheeks together as if they were as much in love as their creators. Her form had changed from the hawk it was originally, changed after she fell head over heels in love with Harry Potter. It was her favourite spell.

He smiled, a smile brimming with all the emotions Daphne was feeling too. His hands opened the velvet box, revealing a diamond ring that shone beautifully by the light surrounding them.

'Daphne Greengrass.' His voice trembled, and so did his hands, and she knew she was shaking just as badly. 'Will you marry me?'

'Yes!' She barely let him finish before she shouted it out. 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' Her arms latched around him, needing to touch him, show him, because like him, she found words were nowhere near sufficient to express how she felt.

The startled yelp was distant in her ears, but when he pulled hurriedly away from her kiss, she let out one of her own. Then she was fully screaming, because for some reason they were going down very, very quickly. She clung onto him for dear life, not understanding why they were falling even though the broom was still under them. A glint of something shiny that was not the lake, the sky or the Patronus Charms caught her eye, and she saw Harry's outstretched hand honing in on it. He snagged it from mid-air, as if it were some kind of miniature Snitch, then pulled them out of their dive. Daphne's scream lingered for another second before she realised the danger was over.

'Sorry!' Harry said quickly. 'I – the ring fell and I …'

He trailed off, and Daphne looked down at his hand to see the diamond ring in his palm, still shining in the starlight. Daphne couldn't help herself, she burst out laughing – the panicked look on his face was just too funny.

'I – sorry,' Harry said, flustered from the harrowing dive or – more likely, knowing him – the nerve wracking proposal, 'I just knew I was going to botch it up – and I dropped the ring of all things! I knew I should've just done it on the –'

She shut him up with a kiss, trying to pour all of her overflowing emotions into him. Quickly she found that he was doing the same to her, though she did notice he was keeping a very tight grip of the ring.

'Yes,' Daphne said again when she took a pause in snogging him, 'I will marry you, Harry Potter.'

Almost hurriedly, with a massive smile on his face, he took her hand and slipped the perfectly fitting ring onto her finger, then just stared at it and laughed a giddy laugh. She found herself doing the same, but when he pulled her back into a kiss and began guiding the broom they were still riding to their home, her attention was all on him. Similar to Harry, she found no words that could express how deeply she loved him, how grateful she was to have him, and how happy he made her. But just like him, she could think of a few ways to show him. Then she would show him some more. She would keep showing him for the rest of their lives.

The door suddenly crashed open, waking the couple abruptly as someone stepped inside their bedroom. While Daphne was still half-asleep, Harry was on his feet, aiming his wand at the intruder, only to grumble a curse and bury himself back under the covers.

'Definitely more than I wanted to see of you, Potter,' Tracey said with a teasing smile on her face.

'Then don't barge in so early in the bloody morning,' Harry muttered, pulling Daphne into a cuddle and burying his face in her hair.

'Well, it's past noon actually.' Tracey didn't sound at all sympathetic. 'Late night?'

'Mmm,' Daphne hummed when she felt other parts of Harry waking up.

'Gross. Just wanted to let you know I'm a lesbian now.'

Without another word, she left the room, leaving Harry and Daphne to share surprised looks.

'Wow,' Daphne said. 'Go Luna.'

The End

AN: Feel free to leave any positive or negative feedback, it's all appreciated - like how some people can't stand the 'single quotes' and demand "double quotes". But I like to keep my Harry Potter fanfictions as genuinely British as possible. Speaking of which, if you notice something written that is distinctly UN-British, feel free to call me out on it. I am always trying to improve - Merlin knows there's a great deal of room for improvement.

Check out my other posted works! Except for Harry Potter and the Pool of Time. It's one of the first I've ever written and I can't even read it back myself ^^;;;

Also, if anyone knows a good method of inserting page breaks that won't get eaten up when uploaded, please DM me. Nothing's worse than reading back a story and realising your page breaks have disappeared. (There are probably many worse things than this, but I suppose I live a charmed life)