A/N: A line in bold without quotation marks is something written. Thanks for the follows, favorites and especially reviews. Thanks again to shygui for helping to make this story better and don't forget his story 'A Fateful Walk'.
Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a cunning thing, but very few a generous thing. - Alexander Pope
Harry sighed as the last students left for the train. Tracey had sent a smile their way but Daphne hadn't looked at all. Harry hated that they had to keep their friendship a secret. Their parting with Neville was easy but got a little awkward with Hermione. She did manage to get hugs out of both of them but Ron had been as red as a tomato.
Percy had remained true to his vow and was with them even though he seemed a bit impatient with them. Ginny was a silent, apathetic witness to it all as Percy had insisted on not leaving her alone. Harry really didn't know what was going on with her but he wasn't sure what to do either.
It wasn't going to be time for lunch for a couple of hours yet so they slowly made their way back up to Gryffindor tower. Harry still had one friend left as Ron was right beside him but he'd miss three of them. At least he could still communicate with one of them. He could owl Neville too but it would take time and he wasn't sure it'd be worth it.
Ron tried to talk Harry into playing chess but Harry was struggling with ennui and he just couldn't muster any interest. He sat and watched Ron talking to the twins who decided they would challenge him to a game. They kept trying to do illegal moves that were driving Ron mental. It got noisy enough that Harry trudged up the stairs to return to the dorms to escape it.
Harry entered the empty dormitory room and flopped himself down on his bed. He just didn't feel like doing anything and the castle felt so empty and almost all of his friends were gone. He practically felt abandoned, which was ridiculous. If he had a loving home to go to, he'd be on the train too. He decided he didn't want to start brooding but he didn't know what to do. Ron just wanted to play chess and he knew he'd be even worse at it than usual as he just couldn't concentrate.
He briefly considered trying to contact Daphne but she was probably busy talking with friends or something. He didn't want to bother her just because he didn't know what to do with himself. Then he considered working on his project again. He'd let that slip lately and he really did want to understand what happened when his parents died. Did Sirius Black really betray his best friend? That just seemed so wrong to Harry. He'd never betray any of his friends: Ron, Hermione, Daphne and Neville...
He was digging in his bag for his notes when he noticed a glow. He couldn't help breaking out in a big grin when he saw it was the parchment from Daphne. She wanted to communicate!
He quickly grabbed a book to write on, the parchment and the quill he'd gotten from Daphne. He looked at the parchment to see what she'd written.
Are you doing anything?
No. It's too quiet here and I didn't want to play chess with Ron again. I was about to look for something to do.
We can write to each other if you want.
He was surprised at the speed of her answer. He hoped she hadn't been waiting too long.
Sure! I'd thought about contacting you but didn't want to interrupt anything.
It's just Tracey and I here but I wanted to write to you so I hoped you'd be available.
That's brilliant! Did you want to write about something in particular?
There was a hesitation before she answered.
Not really. Was there something you wanted to talk about?
That was odd. He got the feeling there was something she wanted to write about but she was reluctant to bring it up. He was curious about something so he'd start with that.
I was wondering if your parents taught you anything other than spells before Hogwarts.
I learned a lot about potions and potion ingredients from both my parents but especially my father. As you may recall, that is his business and someday I'll probably take over the family business. There's something else I learned but I'm saving that as a surprise for later.
What was it with his friends and surprises? First Neville and now Daphne. He could be patient, well he could if he had to be.
So how far ahead are you on spells?
I know all of the spells you learn before OWLs. I know some NEWT level spells, mainly charms, jinxes, hexes and curses.
Curses?
He was a little concerned about that. Weren't they dark magic?
And counter-curses. It's for self-defence. As you know from personal experience, there are evil wizards and witches in the world.
He did indeed. He thought for a moment before continuing.
Yes. Are you one of the top students in our year?
I am the top for Slytherin but second overall. A Ravenclaw beat me out but I am trying for the top spot for this year.
That was interesting.
Do you know where Hermione is in the rankings?
She's 9th or 10th, I don't remember for sure.
I thought she'd be higher.
There was another pause but he wasn't worried. The delay could be any number of things.
Some of us have an advantage over her with what we learned beforehand. I'm sure if she keeps up her hard work that she'll do better each year until she's one of the top students. You are third in Gryffindor for your year.
Really? I guess that's not bad.
There was an even longer pause, which began to concern him.
You could do better.
He supposed that was true. He had decided to be a little more proactive in figuring out his life. Taking his studies more seriously wasn't a bad idea.
Are you still there?
Harry blushed, he'd made her wait too long.
Yes, sorry. I was thinking. You are right, I probably should try harder.
Are you afraid of losing Hermione as a friend if you do better than her?
What? Where did that come from? He thought about it for a moment but still didn't see that as an issue.
No. She might even like the challenge. She nags
He paused in consternation, he should have used a different word.
I meant encourages me to do better.
I think you accidently told the truth, Harry.
She drew another smiling face and Harry chuckled ruefully. He hoped that didn't get back to Hermione.
How we do on our OWLs and NEWTs determines what we can do later in life. We have to take that seriously.
She did have a point but Harry wasn't sure if there would be a 'later in life' for him. Voldemort wanted him dead and he had little confidence in stopping him. He couldn't tell that to Daphne though.
OK, I already decided to try to learn more about what is going on around me so doing better in classes too goes along with that.
What are you trying to find out about? Maybe I can help.
He'd planned to talk to her about this sooner or later. Now it looked like this was the time to do that.
I'm starting with what happened to my parents. Everybody seems to know more about my parents and what happened to them than I do. I also can't believe that everyone thinks I was some sort of super-baby who can defeat dark wizards. I was barely over a year old! How can I defeat a dark wizard? I haven't found much on what really happened that night as nobody seems to know. However, I did do a lot of research in the back issues of the Daily Prophet.
He felt better for venting a little but then became concerned when there was another long pause before she responded.
What did you find?
Not as much as I hoped. Some of the things they published I'm not sure I should believe. There's one big mystery to me though and it's about Sirius Black. Do you know about him?
Yes, I know who he is.
He felt a moment of disgruntlement. She had probably known he was the one to betray his parents and never told him. Then he thought about himself having to tell someone that about their parents. OK, maybe he wouldn't rush out to do that either.
I wanted to know how he could do that. Betray his best friend and his own godson (meaning me). I wanted to read about his trial. I found lots about the trial of the Death Eaters who attacked Neville's parents, that was all over the paper. There's not one word about a trial for Sirius Black. I'm not even sure there was one. How could they not have a trial?
I didn't know that. You're right, that is interesting. I love mysteries, do you want my help?
I'd love to have your help. What can you do?
First, I'll ask my father - wait - my mother was in their year, she might know too. My father also has access to all Wizengamot records. He can find information on any trial. I'll get back to you when I find something out.
That's brilliant! Thanks, Daphne!
That's what friends are for.
Harry was still in a happy daze so he didn't respond right away. He was trying to gather his wits to write something when she wrote again.
Can we go back to why you might not try your hardest in classes?
Bugger. He had a feeling something he didn't want to talk about was coming up. She was a friend and a very helpful one at that. He should be able to do this.
That involves my relatives.
How?
There it was, she wasn't going to let this go.
As I told you, I live with my aunt and uncle and they have a son a few months older than me. We went to a Muggle school together. My aunt and uncle didn't like it if I did better than my cousin.
Let me guess, he was lazy or an idiot?
Try both. That set the bar pretty low. I didn't dare try very hard at all.
They can't compare you now so you are free to do your best.
Well, that was true. They never wanted to look at anything from Hogwarts, he could do as well as he wished.
What did they do to you if you did better?
Why did she have to ask that? He groaned in frustration. He decided to be vague.
Being sent to bed without supper. Extra chores.
Is that all?
Was his hand starting to ache? He began to worry.
It wasn't all about doing better than my cousin. They'd get mad about other stuff.
Like what?
No, no, no. She was supposed to drop this! He had to write something though.
Accidental magic
There was a long pause but this time it was a relief. Maybe they could move on to a new topic.
Did they ever hit you?
So much for a new topic being better. Could he not answer? The ache in his hand was so faint he wasn't sure if it was his imagination or maybe just part of himself telling him to answer her. Suddenly, she wrote again.
Please tell me
He couldn't take it anymore. He wrote a response.
Sometimes
There was a long pause and then some frenzied writing. Even Daphne's penmanship didn't survive her rant intact.
If I ever see them I will make them pay! They made us hide and now they attack you! We cannot let this stand!
He quickly started writing back. He couldn't just let her feel that upset.
They aren't worth it. Believe me, I know. They can't do that anymore. I won't let them. Don't worry about it. I can handle it.
He waited for her response. Gradually, much calmer handwriting appeared.
I will drop it for your sake, not theirs. I know you can be strong, I have seen that in you. I am your friend Harry and I will help you any way I can. I promise you this.
His vision became watery. She was making him feel so many different things that he didn't know how to act.
I really appreciate that. More than you can know.
It's not a problem for me Harry. I like to help my friends.
I'm still grateful.
I have to help Tracey with something now. I'll write to you again. Take care, Harry.
You take care of yourself too, Daphne.
Harry wiped his cheeks before Ron or anyone else could come in and see him so emotional. This was so weird. He felt like he'd been put through an emotional wringer yet he somehow felt better. How was that possible?
Tracey and Daphne were alone together in a locked compartment with the shades down as per usual. If someone needed to see them, they could knock. They had stuck together and mainly avoided other people during their time at Hogwarts until the last month and a half. Then Daphne had started her mission with the Gryffindor golden boy.
Tracey was working on her winter break homework as her best friend was still busy corresponding with her boyfriend. Tracey couldn't understand why her friend denied it, it seemed pretty obvious to Tracey. She was pondering the last paragraph she'd written of her essay to decide if she needed to add anything when she heard a sniff from her friend. She absently looked over to see how she was and was startled to see her friend crying!
Daphne didn't cry, it was a point of pride for her but she was a regular hosepipe at that moment. Had that Potter boy dumped her? She didn't care what Daphne said, if he had hurt her friend, Tracey would make him pay.
She wasted a second looking at the blank parchment on Daphne's lap. Of course she didn't see anything and that had been a misspent effort. She wasn't sure a hug was the best idea so she decided to see if her friend was able to talk.
"Daphne? What happened?"
Daphne just shook her head and continued to cry. Tracey couldn't just do nothing.
"Did he hurt you?"
That got her attention as Daphne's head snapped up and turned towards her. She looked entirely unlike her usual stoic self, her eyes and nose were red, her cheeks still had tears rolling down them but her expression looked surprised rather than sad.
"What made you think that?"
"Well..." Tracey really wasn't sure what to say and gestured towards the blank parchment.
Daphne huffed before responding. "He didn't hurt me. I just... he... I can't tell you."
Oh. It was that secrecy thing between them again. This was really leaving Tracey out in the cold and she briefly wondered about talking to Potter to convince him to add her into their little promise thing. Daphne would probably not allow that though as this was rather obviously a House of Greengrass matter and even best friends can't interfere with such issues.
She regarded her friend as she looked back at her and just decided to open her arms and let Daphne decide if she needed a hug. She did. And she returned it with a VERY strong hug of her own. Ouch. Whatever this was, it was pretty serious. The catch is, how do you talk about something she can't talk about? What was a friend to do?
"I know you can't tell me anything but... Did you learn something sad about Harry?"
Her friend merely nodded her head and remained silent.
"I know how good of a friend you can be from personal experience. I know you'll find a way to help him. It's what you do."
That just made Daphne cry again. Tracey suppressed a sigh, this wasn't going to be easy.
Roxanne was waiting for the train with Mrs. Davis. Years ago, they hadn't spent much time in the same circles but became friends when their daughters became such good friends. They had chatted for a bit but were now focussed on where the train was about to appear. It took a while for the train to come to a complete stop and for students to begin to emerge. Her eyes flicked from car to car wondering where Daphne would appear.
She finally spotted her and was about to wave when her hand froze in mid-air. Something was wrong. Daphne was very solemn and she and Tracey had their arms around each other. Daphne had never acted like this before when returning from Hogwarts. Her gaze drifted to Mrs. Davis and she saw her looking at them curiously too.
Their daughters saw them and began approaching them with more speed. They split just before getting there and Roxanne noticed Tracey smiling at her mother although it might not be quite as cheery as normal. Daphne's face was completely stoic and she just stopped in front of her and said simply "Mother".
Her husband had told her vaguely of some concerns about what was happening at Hogwarts and that he was looking into it but this made it obvious that something very serious was going on. However, except for her concerns about Harry Potter, her daughter's letters to her had been normal. Had she missed signs of Daphne being forced to keep secrets from her? Could this involve Harry somehow? She was now very alarmed but knew she'd learn nothing in a public place.
They normally Apparated so their floo could be fully secure from public access. She decided to Apparate immediately and forgo their normal procedure of going to a private corner before leaving. She held out her arm and Daphne immediately took it with a strong grip. They disappeared with a crack.
Her misgivings were only reinforced when Daphne maintained her firm grip as they walked to the gates and entered the grounds around their home. She couldn't wait any longer. "What's wrong?"
"I… I can't tell you."
That was it! She wasn't going to stand for this! She was going to have words with her husband, he should have known not to keep her uninformed about something to do with her own daughter. There would be hell to pay!
They entered the house and she saw Astoria rise with a smile in the front parlour. However, now was not the time for greetings. She gave her a stern stare and an emphatic negative shake of her head and Astoria froze in place with a look of surprise. As they continued past, she knew she'd have to go back and explain things to her. What she'd say was a mystery to her though as she had no idea what was going on.
They proceeded into Daphne's bedroom before Daphne finally released her grip on her mother's arm. "Daphne, the moment your father gets home, you, he and I are going to have a meeting."
Daphne nodded assent and then Roxanne pulled her into a hug that was quickly returned. She muttered, "I love you, Daphne."
She was gratified to get a quick response. "I love you too, Mum."
That told her that Daphne was still upset. She normally called her 'Mother' no matter what. They broke their hug and Daphne stood stiffly as if waiting. Roxanne decided to give her privacy and closed the door behind her.
Harry had given in on a game of chess just to keep the peace. As usual, he wasn't faring very well and most of his pieces were already glaring at him. He suddenly felt the parchment get warm in his pocket. He'd been expecting something after their previous correspondence. He'd kept his quill with him so he took out the parchment to see what she'd written.
Can we add my mother to our promise? It's important! I have to tell her something.
That was unexpected. However, her mother had been a friend of his mother's so he had no real objection. However, before he could respond, she added another line.
Please
He hurried to give his response.
Yes, of course. I have no problem with that. You can tell her whatever you want to.
Thank you! You won't regret this!
He couldn't think of anything to write back to her so he waited to see if she had more to say. He was brought back to his surroundings when Ron impatiently cleared his throat.
Right, it was his move. He'd been debating between two moves so he decided to move his knight. From the look in Ron's eyes, that was a mistake. He should have moved the bishop then. Damn.
Cyrus Greengrass was very glad that it was time to go home. One of his suppliers missed his deadline and he'd not only had to deal with the supplier, he'd also had to deal with some of his customers who were going to be disappointed. Thank the gods that the mandrake wasn't involved in that mess. He certainly didn't need to deal with that git Snape on a day like this on top of everything else.
He stepped through his private floo and into his home and his sigh of relief died in his throat. Both his wife and his eldest daughter were waiting for him. His daughter merely had a serious expression, it was his wife who caused him to stop in his tracks. That was her I'm-going-to-hex-you look.
What had Daphne told her? His eyes flicked to his daughter but her expression gave nothing away. A lot of what they knew about the events at Hogwarts were covered under the agreement between them and the Potter heir. However, Roxanne obviously knew enough now to be angry, no, make that furious. He'd been too proud to ask for a concession regarding confidentiality from the Potter heir when he realized that things were much more out of control than he'd ever imagined. He'd tried to walk the fine line between the promise and what his wife should know. He was now about to pay for his foolishness.
Daphne spoke up, "I got Harry's agreement that we can tell her everything." Roxanne gave her a surprised look.
Cyrus wasn't sure if he should leave as quickly as he could or have a serious talk with his daughter. He wanted to flee because Roxanne was that angry without knowing everything yet. That was very, very bad – for him. On the other hand, Daphne had just referred to the Potter heir by his first name after consistently referring to him as 'Potter' in all of their communications. Was she hiding something from him about their relationship? He was in no position to castigate Daphne though. He'd be very lucky to make it through the rest of this day unhexed.
Daphne sighed as she stared out her window. She was spending most of her time in her bedroom since Astoria was being such a pest. She couldn't really blame her little sister as after the rather explosive meeting last night, she was the only one in the house who didn't know what was going on. She could understand her curiosity but she just couldn't deal with her right now. She had quite enough on her plate to deal with as it was.
At least she had gotten off her reply to Tracey through the banishing box so maybe she'd be calm. She really had to consider talking to Harry about telling Tracey a little about what was going on. It really wasn't fair to her best friend, especially since she was accustomed to Daphne being very open with her. Since the promise, that just wasn't possible anymore. She wouldn't ask for full disclosure and even if she got it, she'd keep some secrets for Harry's sake.
That hadn't been possible last night though. If there was something her mother didn't know, it was just an oversight as she'd spilled everything. Even a few nuggets that she hadn't shared with her father. She had never imagined that her mother could be so angry. Why her mother was so intent on getting Harry's uncle's full name puzzled her, what was up with that? Grilling her for all she knew about how they treated him made sense but the importance of his name puzzled her but luckily Harry had mentioned it. The fact that her mother's anger was due to her concern about Daphne and Harry made her feel good. The fact that her parents had clashed so badly made her feel guilty though. She should have seen this coming and gotten Harry's permission earlier but she hadn't, she'd been so blind.
She hadn't even seen the entire argument between her parents because as soon as she'd acknowledged that she'd shared everything she could think of, her parents continued their 'discussion' in his den after dismissing her. It had been a weird dinner for her as she ate alone, Astoria having already eaten.
Breakfast hadn't been much better as her father was there, which in itself was unusual. He had made sure to talk to both Daphne and her sister but both parents seemed strained. Even the peck of a kiss goodbye between her parents had seemed staged rather than natural. Astoria had been quietly seething when she was dismissed for lessons while her mother talked to Daphne.
Even that talk with her mother had been unusual although in this case it was in a good way. Her mother had never been so open with her and so willing to share her emotions. Most of their talk that morning was about Harry. She started by telling Daphne how pleased she was that her daughter and the son of her dead friend were now friends. Fortunately, she didn't try to insinuate anything more, unlike her friend Tracey.
She was even more passionate about helping Harry than Daphne ever expected. She had a more than willing ally and they agreed to push for Harry never ever going near his relatives ever again. It was the 'how to do that' part that they hadn't been able to nail down. Her mother had assured her that her father would cooperate in the matter. Daphne suspected that there was an 'or else' involved in there somewhere.
At one point, Daphne had been afraid that her mother would rush to Hogwarts just so she could give Harry a hug. That was so embarrassing on so many levels that Daphne was desperate to talk her out of it. Something about that had amused her mother, sometimes parents were so weird.
Neville had come up too and she'd seemed pleased about even the limited contact she had described at the library. She was even happier that he was friends with Harry and seemed to be well. Daphne began to wonder if she had underestimated how close her mother had been to their mothers. She vaguely remembered a visit to the Longbottoms at St. Mungo's. It hadn't gone well in her view, they were strangers to her and they'd had no clue about her and had acted so strangely when they weren't staring aimlessly. It had all been rather depressing and they weren't even family to her. She didn't want to imagine how Neville might feel visiting them.
She sighed once more and thought about contacting Harry yet again. She decided to wait for tonight instead. She had no idea what he might be doing and she might learn something when her father returned that night. He was now aware of their curiosity about a trial for Sirius Black. He might have a chance to find out something and if he did, she'd be very anxious to share that with Harry.
Astoria was biding her time. She knew that her mother wouldn't let her out of her lessons but she hadn't expected her to stonewall her on what was going on. She didn't even consider going to her father, if her mother wouldn't talk for some reason there was no point in going to him. Her sister couldn't hide from her forever though.
When her mother had arrived all concerned with a stony-faced Daphne, she'd feared that something had happened to Daphne. She'd already been warned about what some older boys liked to do to younger girls, especially in Slytherin. However, she'd been able to eliminate that fairly quickly. Although her sister was solemn, she wasn't wounded. Besides, father would have been furious but instead he seemed to be trying to placate their mother.
She hadn't been able to glean much from what little she'd been able to overhear. Her mother seemed to be angry about not being told about something. The other thing was that somehow, Harry Potter was involved. She'd never met him nor really heard about him other than from her mother as she didn't count the books she had, most of them gifted by her sister. She knew his mother and hers had been good friends and that her mother had some concern about the boy. However, she wasn't clear on how he related to what was going on in her family.
Clearly, Harry Potter had not assaulted her sister but he must be somehow to blame for what was going on now. Was there some contract in play between her sister and Potter? If father knew and hadn't told mother then that would explain what was going on. She just needed a little time with her sister to confirm her suspicions.
Suddenly, her patience was rewarded as Daphne was heading from her room to have dinner. She emerged from her hiding spot and went toward her sister who immediately went to her icy façade.
"What did Harry Potter do to you?"
She saw the tightening around her eyes that confirmed her guess. Harry Potter was definitely involved.
"Potter has not caused anything to happen to me. I don't know what you are talking about."
She knew her sister well and how she liked to misdirect without outright lying. Therefore Potter was not the direct cause of her family's difficulties but was still involved.
"We can't allow him to harm the family. We have to unite against threats, you know that."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Astoria."
Astoria watched her sister brush by her and continue on her way. She'd gotten what she needed for now. She would help her sister even if she didn't want her help.
About the only news Daphne had gotten was that Grandma Greengrass was arriving the next day. She liked Grandma Greengrass and there was also the possibility that she could obtain some insight on the past from her. Especially anything new about her deceased grandfather and her father's early life that might help explain her family's position regarding Voldemort. She really didn't like not knowing for certain whether there had ever been any family support for the madman who might soon threaten their world again. She still had a lot to share with Harry so she decided to get on with it.
Harry, are you there?
There was a pause like she expected but it was nearing a minute and she wondered if they'd ever get in contact that evening. She let out a sigh of a relief when she saw familiar handwriting appear in response.
I'm here and glad to hear from you. It's still too quiet around here.
I certainly can't say that about my house. We had a very tense family meeting last night.
Are you in trouble?
No but my father is.
How did that happen?
It's a long story, are you ready?
Yes, tell me all you can.
First, I have to give you some background. The only thing that has been in the news about what is happening is that a Muggleborn had a magical accident and is being treated. That's it. Nothing about a basilisk or the second Muggleborn or the message in the hallway. Nothing. Father couldn't tell mother much about what was going on because of our promise. I was able to tell her everything after you gave me permission and I have never in my life seen my mother so angry. Father actually looked afraid of her and I have never seen him afraid!
We have no idea why the news hasn't gotten out. Think of all the students writing to the parents or even talking to them in the past day. This should be all over the place but it isn't. Father suspects Dumbledore is somehow preventing it.
Wow! I wondered why parents hadn't been more concerned. I think something will happen now. What is your father going to do?
Nothing yet, he's investigating. By the way, he is looking for records on Sirius Black's trial. He doesn't have any news on that yet.
That's OK. I appreciate the fact that someone is trying.
We'll find something for you Harry. It just might take a while. By the way, do you want to hear about a trick I played on my father?
Sure! I always knew you were sneaky.
The word is cunning, Potter. Not 'sneaky'.
Oh! Excuse me, Heiress Greengrass, oh cunning one.
I think I liked you better when you were shy.
Ha ha. Just tell me the story!
Fine. In all my correspondence with father, I never let on that we became friends. I did the big reveal just after I got permission from you and in front of mother. I could tell that father realized I'd kept something from him but there was nothing he could do about it! He had mother to contend with and couldn't say a word! It's not easy to get one over on father so I'm rather proud of myself.
She wasn't even telling him everything. When he later tried to find out if they were more than friends or not, she completely stonewalled him. She'd done it mainly to get away with as much as possible. She wouldn't mention that part to Harry though. That could be embarrassing.
She then realized that he hadn't yet responded. What was taking so long?
Harry? Are you there?
Yes.
What's wrong?
Another pause. What she'd written was gone as he'd read it but now she couldn't go back over it to see if she'd written something that he'd taken the wrong way.
Why did you keep our friendship from him?
Merlin! He must think she was ashamed of him!
I am NOT ashamed of our friendship if that's what you're thinking. It's just that dealing with father can be difficult and sometimes it's best to wait for the proper time to tell him something. That's all. Mother apparently already knew from what I'd written to her. I guess it was kind of obvious.
I guess that's OK then.
Daphne sighed again. His feelings seemed to be hurt and that's the last thing she wanted. She had to open up.
Harry, I really like you and I am not ashamed of our friendship. We can't reveal it to everyone because of the trouble it would cause. That's all. Someday it won't matter anymore and people can just think what they want. I'll still be your friend whether anyone else knows it or not.
I understand.
I wish I could give you a hug.
Me too.
I miss you.
I miss you too.
Daphne was startled when a tear hit her parchment. Here comes the hosepipe again. Maybe that actually might help her for once.
I miss you so much that I'm starting to cry.
Are you OK?
Of course I'm OK. I'm writing to my friend. For years, Tracey was my only friend but now I have you too. I just miss you. We'll be back together soon.
I know and until then we can write to each other every day.
Agreed. Every day. Can I ask another favour? You can say no if you want, I'm not going to pressure you.
What is it?
Can I give Tracey a summary of things we talk about? I won't reveal any of your secrets, I swear. It's just that she's been my only friend and we were very open with each other and now I feel bad about keeping things from her and…. I'm sorry. I'm babbling.
I understand. I can tell my friends whatever I want to share and you can't and that isn't fair to my friend. Yes. Go ahead and tell her whatever you feel you have to. Just, not everything.
You won't regret this, Harry. I swear I will keep your secrets. You're a very good friend.
I think you're a pretty good friend too.
She wished that Harry could see her smile. It was so big that her face was starting to hurt.