Like Fire and Moonlight - Chapter 8: Night Conversations

Harry stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, water droplets slowly sliding down his still-wet hair as he tried, for the hundredth time, to understand exactly what had happened in Hogsmeade. He had had fun – with Slytherins. Something that, until recently, would have been completely unthinkable.

He ran his hands through his hair, trying to fix it, but soon gave up when the stubborn strands fell back over his forehead as if they had a life of their own. He sighed and stepped away from the mirror, grabbing the towel he had left hanging by the sink and quickly drying his face before heading back to the dormitory.

The room was, as always, a complete mess. Pieces of parchment and clothes scattered on the floor, books stacked in improbable places, and the persistent smell of wet socks that seemed to never disappear, no matter how much they tried.

Dean and Seamus had already gone down, their beds unmade and their cloaks tossed over the chairs as if they had rushed out to not miss a second of the party that was already starting in the common room.

Neville was in front of the mirror by the wardrobe, adjusting the collar of his shirt while muttering something to himself, his short, well-cut hair swaying slightly as he moved. Ron, on the other hand, seemed completely lost, his blue eyes quickly moving between the two shirts he held in his hands, his forehead furrowed in an expression of pure indecision.

Harry let out a soft laugh upon seeing him, his shoulders slightly slumping as he moved toward his trunk, his fingers quickly moving to open the lid while he grabbed the black T-shirt he had left folded there since morning.

“You know Hermione probably picked something out for you, right?” Harry said, his lips curling into a half-smile as he pulled the shirt over his head and adjusted the fabric over his shoulders.

Ron huffed, his eyes still fixed on the two shirts he was holding as if deciding between life and death.

“I know that,” he replied, his voice slightly annoyed as he tossed one shirt onto the bed and held the other against his chest, his eyes still moving quickly over the fabric as he tried to imagine how it would look on him. “But I wanted to try something different, you know? Surprise her.”

Harry laughed, his fingers quickly moving to grab the dark jeans he had left folded beside the trunk, his feet quickly slipping into the legs as he pulled the fabric up and fastened the button with a quick motion.

“Just wear what she picked,” he said, his lips still curled into a smile as he adjusted the waistband of his pants. “It’ll save you a headache.”

Ron stared at him for a second before finally letting out a defeated sigh, his shoulders slightly slumping as he tossed the shirt he was holding onto the bed and headed for the wardrobe where Hermione had, obviously, hung something she considered more appropriate for him.

Harry crouched down again, his fingers quickly moving through the clothes piled at the bottom of the trunk as he searched for the leather jacket Sirius had given him. He felt the rough fabric of a winter cloak, his fingers sliding quickly over a pair of Quidditch gloves and a shirt he had completely forgotten existed, but the jacket wasn’t there.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he began tossing the clothes aside, his fingers quickly moving through the fabrics as he tried to remember where he had left the jacket.

“What’s wrong?” Neville asked, his eyes quickly moving to him as he ran his fingers through his hair, his lips curling into a light smile as he watched Harry’s growing frustration.

“I can’t find my jacket,” Harry replied, his eyes moving quickly around the room as he tried to remember where he had left the soft leather Sirius had given him. “I was sure it was here.”

Neville furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to recall something.

“Black? Leather?” he asked, his lips curling slightly into a half-smile as he approached Harry’s trunk, his eyes quickly scanning the clothes scattered on the floor. “Didn’t you leave it with Greengrass?”

Harry stopped abruptly, his eyes widening slightly as the memory finally returned. He had given the jacket to Daphne during their patrol when the rain started falling and she shivered slightly from the cold. He clearly remembered the moment he draped it over her shoulders, her blue eyes quickly moving to his as she hesitated for a second before finally accepting the gesture.

“Oh, damn,” he muttered, his fingers quickly moving to close the trunk as he forced himself to take a deep breath, his eyes quickly scanning the room as he tried to find something to wear in place of the jacket.

He grabbed a long-sleeved shirt he had left draped over the chair by the bed, his fingers quickly moving to pull the fabric over his shoulders as he let out a soft sigh and headed for the door, his footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor as he prepared to head down to the common room.

For some reason he couldn’t explain, the thought that Daphne still had his jacket made him slightly uncomfortable.

But at the same time, he couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on his lips as he descended the stairs, his fingers still adjusting to the fabric of the shirt as he prepared to face the party that, from the number of shouts and laughter echoing down the corridor, was already in full swing.

He just hoped that night would be less confusing than his day in Hogsmeade.

But, honestly, he didn’t have much hope.

~HP~

Hogwarts always managed to surprise him with its Halloween decorations. The Great Hall was transformed – the long tables of the four houses were covered with black tablecloths embroidered with silver threads that seemed to glow with their own light, reflecting the flames of the thousands of floating candles that moved slowly through the air, casting dancing shadows on the faces of the students.

The walls were covered with enchanted cobwebs that moved slightly, as if they were alive, and small enchanted bats flew between the chandeliers, letting out quick, low screeches that blended with the sound of lively conversations echoing throughout the hall. Giant pumpkins floated above the tables, their faces carved into threatening expressions that changed slightly every time someone walked beneath them, their eyes glowing with an orange, mysterious light.

Harry crossed the central aisle to the Gryffindor table, his steps echoing softly against the stone floor as the sweet smell of pumpkin pies and warm mead infiltrated his nostrils, causing his stomach to growl slightly in anticipation.

He sat next to Ginny and Dean, who seemed completely absorbed in a conversation about the new players on the Quidditch team, their eyes moving quickly as the two gestured with their hands, as if drawing invisible strategies in the air.

Neville, on the other hand, was seated a little further down, his eyes fixed on the Hufflepuff table, where Hannah Abbott was throwing quick, shy glances at him, her cheeks flushing slightly every time their gazes met. Harry couldn’t help but smile at the slightly dazed expression on Neville’s face, which seemed about to melt at any moment.

Harry grabbed a glass of pumpkin juice that had magically appeared in front of him, his fingers quickly moving around the silver goblet as he brought the cold liquid to his lips, his eyes scanning the hall as he tried to find Ron and Hermione, who had yet to arrive.

But the moment he took the glass to his mouth, he nearly choked, his eyes widening slightly as a familiar figure passed through the doors of the Great Hall, her steps light and purposeful as her eyes quickly scanned the hall, as if evaluating the place before finally heading toward the Slytherin table.

Daphne Greengrass.

She was wearing a long, dark dress, the fine fabric moving smoothly around her legs as she walked, her blonde hair flowing loosely in soft waves over her shoulders, shining slightly in the light of the candles floating above her head. Her blue eyes were fixed on some distant point, her lips pressed into a thin line as she moved gracefully through the central aisle, her shoulders back and her chin slightly raised in a posture that exuded confidence and coldness.

Harry felt a slight discomfort in his stomach when he noticed that she was still wearing the leather jacket he had given her during the patrol in Hogsmeade. The black leather stood out against the dark fabric of the dress, her shoulders slightly curved as she quickly moved to the Slytherin table, her eyes moving rapidly over the faces watching her with curiosity as she passed.

He quickly averted his gaze, his fingers still lightly gripping the goblet as he felt his heart beat slightly faster in his chest, as if the air around him had suddenly become heavier.

He exhaled slowly, his eyes quickly shifting to the glass he held as he tried to ignore the strange sensation forming in his stomach – an uncomfortable mix of surprise, curiosity, and something he refused to identify.

But, no matter how much he tried to divert his thoughts, he couldn’t help but let his eyes wander back to the Slytherin table, where Daphne was now sitting next to Tracey Davis and Blaise Zabini, the two leaning slightly toward her as they seemed to ask her something, their eyes still quickly moving to the jacket she wore with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

And, for some reason he couldn’t explain, Harry found himself smiling slightly as he watched the scene, his fingers still gripping the silver goblet as the sound of conversations and laughter around him seemed to fade away slightly, as if the world around him had suddenly become less important.

~HP~

It was close to halfway through dinner when Harry noticed a sweet perfume approaching, the sweet and slightly sickening scent infiltrating his nostrils even before he could turn around. He closed his eyes for a brief second, already anticipating what was to come, before finally turning to find Amelia Baxter standing beside him.

She was wearing a dark blue dress that highlighted her dark hair and light eyes, the fabric fitting tightly around the curves of her body, while the neckline revealed more than Harry considered necessary for a school party.

"Hi, Harry," she said, her lips curving into a smile that seemed rehearsed, her eyes quickly moving over his face as she tilted her head to the side, as if trying to assess his mood.

Harry forced a smile, his fingers still gripping the pumpkin juice goblet as he tried to appear more at ease than he actually felt.

"Hi, Amelia," he replied, his eyes quickly moving over the faces of the friends around him, as if hoping someone would rescue him from the situation.

But, to his complete dismay, Ginny and Dean were completely absorbed in a conversation about Quidditch, their eyes rapidly moving between their hands gesturing in the air, while Neville, who would normally be an ally, seemed completely lost in his own world, his eyes fixed on the Hufflepuff table, where Hannah Abbott threw quick, shy glances at him from time to time.

"I didn’t see you in Hogsmeade today," Amelia continued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned a bit closer to him, the sweet perfume intensifying to the point of becoming almost nauseating.

"Sorry," Harry said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes as he leaned back slightly, trying to create some distance between them. "Head Boy responsibilities."

Amelia narrowed her eyes, her lips pressing together slightly as she seemed to consider his answer, her slender fingers moving slowly to adjust a strand of hair falling over her shoulder.

"Oh, of course," she said, her eyes quickly moving to the Slytherin table, where Daphne was chatting animatedly with Tracey and Blaise, the three leaning slightly forward while laughing at something Harry couldn’t hear. "But I thought you’d found time to have some fun... I heard you spent the afternoon with the Slytherins at the Three Broomsticks."

Harry felt his shoulders stiffen slightly, his fingers tightening around the goblet as he tried to maintain the carefree expression he had been working so hard to keep since the conversation started.

"Yeah," he replied, his lips curving slightly as he forced himself to seem calmer than he really felt. "I met up with Greengrass to handle some Prefect business. Her friends showed up afterward."

Amelia blinked slowly, her eyes moving quickly between his as her lips curved into a smile that seemed more forced than natural.

"I never imagined you with Slytherins," she said, her voice coming out slightly lower as her eyes narrowed, as if trying to decipher something she couldn’t fully understand.

Harry shrugged, his shoulders slightly slumping as he tried to seem unconcerned.

"It’s something I have to do now," he said, his voice coming out slightly firmer than expected. "Head Boy responsibilities."

Amelia hesitated for a second, her eyes moving quickly to the Slytherin table again before finally leaning toward him, her lips curving into a smile that seemed slightly provocative as her fingers quickly moved to lightly touch his shoulder.

"Well, I need to get back to my table," she said, her lips curving slightly as she slowly pulled away, her eyes still fixed on his as she began to move away. "But look for me later, okay?"

Harry blinked quickly, his eyes moving slightly to the faces of his friends, who now seemed to have noticed the interaction, their lips curving into amused smiles as they watched Amelia walk away with light, determined steps.

"Sure," he replied, his lips curving slightly as he forced himself to appear unconcerned. "I’ll let you know."

Amelia gave him one last smile before disappearing between the tables, her dark hair swaying gently as she quickly moved to the Ravenclaw table, where her friends were waiting with curious looks and smiles that clearly indicated they had much to discuss about the interaction they had just witnessed.

Harry exhaled slowly, his shoulders slightly slumping as he turned back to the Gryffindor table, his eyes quickly moving to Hermione, who was watching him with an expression that clearly said, “I told you so.”

He rolled his eyes, his fingers quickly reaching for a piece of bread on the table as he tried to ignore the slight discomfort still clinging to his stomach, as if something was about to happen and he couldn’t identify what it was.

Instinctively, Harry’s eyes moved to the Slytherin table, where Daphne was still sitting next to Tracey and Blaise, the three of them laughing at something they clearly found hilarious, their heads leaning slightly forward as their eyes moved quickly between the faces around them.

But before he could look away, Harry noticed that Theodore Nott had approached Daphne, his steps quick and determined as he leaned in to whisper something in her ear, his lips moving rapidly while his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made the hairs on the back of Harry’s neck stand up slightly.

He couldn’t hear what Nott said, but he clearly noticed the slight smile forming on Daphne’s lips, her blue eyes lighting up briefly as she leaned slightly toward him, her hand quickly moving to touch Nott’s arm as she let out a low laugh that seemed to echo in his ears, even from a distance.

Harry felt his fingers tighten more around the goblet he was holding, the knuckles turning white as the discomfort in his stomach intensified, slowly turning into something he refused to admit.

He quickly averted his gaze, his teeth clenching slightly as he tried to ignore the strange feeling of frustration now moving rapidly through his body, like a flame that refused to be extinguished.

~HP~

Harry left the Great Hall without looking back, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor as the sound of conversations and laughter gradually faded, as if he were moving into a completely different world.

The air in the main courtyard was cold and biting, the night wind blowing fiercely as dry leaves piled up in the corners of the columns and the vines swayed gently, casting long, wavering shadows against the walls lit by the torches burning at the ends of the courtyard.

Harry took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill his lungs as he tried to clear the sickly-sweet scent of Amelia from his system, his fingers still nervously tracing the fabric of his shirt as his thoughts moved quickly through his mind, like leaves carried by the wind.

He leaned against one of the stone benches along the corridor, his eyes quickly moving across the shadows cast on the ground as he watched a group of fireflies flying in a disordered manner among the flowers that still resisted the autumn chill, their lights flickering rapidly as they moved back and forth, as if they were in a frantic and desperate dance.

"You're usually the last to leave a party, Potter," a voice said beside him, the soft, slightly provocative tones echoing through the courtyard as Harry felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up slightly.

He turned slowly, his eyes quickly moving to the figure approaching through the shadows, the blonde hair glowing faintly in the torchlight as firm, decisive steps echoed against the cold stone floor.

Daphne Greengrass.

She seemed even more stunning up close than from afar, her loose hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders as the dark dress moved gracefully around her legs, the delicate curves standing out against the fabric while her blue eyes sparkled faintly in the torchlight surrounding them.

Harry forced a smile, his fingers still nervously moving around the fabric of his shirt as he tried to seem calmer than he really felt.

"I needed some fresh air," he replied, his lips curving slightly as he watched her eyes quickly move over his face, as if she were trying to decipher something she couldn’t quite understand. "Things were getting... complicated in there."

Daphne let out a low laugh, her shoulders slightly slumping as she sat next to him on the bench, her eyes quickly moving over the dancing shadows around them as the cold wind blew through her hair, the blonde strands moving like a silk curtain around her.

"Complicated?" she asked, her lips curving into a smile that seemed more amused than provocative as she turned toward him, her blue eyes sparkling faintly as the torchlight reflected off her irises. "You, the great Harry Potter, avoiding a party?"

Harry let out a low laugh, his shoulders slightly slumping as he forced himself to appear more relaxed than he really felt.

"Let’s just say I needed a break from the sweet perfume and the... insistent conversations," he replied, his lips still curved in a smile as his eyes quickly moved over her face, trying to decipher the expressions that flickered across her eyes.

Daphne seemed to hesitate for a second, her eyes moving quickly to the flowers swaying gently in the wind as her fingers slowly moved to adjust the jacket she was still wearing, the black leather standing out against the dark fabric of her dress as her shoulders slightly hunched, as if protecting herself from the intensifying cold around them.

"Ah, sure," she said, her lips curving slightly as she moved to unbutton the jacket, her slender fingers moving quickly over the buttons while her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that made Harry's stomach tighten slightly. "Speaking of which, I think I should return this to you."

She began to take the jacket off her shoulders, her blonde hair moving quickly as her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were deciding whether or not to return it.

Harry raised his hand quickly, his fingers moving slightly in the air as he shook his head, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that surprised him.

"No," he said quickly, his lips curving slightly as he felt his heart beat a little faster in his chest. "You can return it another day. You need it more than I do right now."

Daphne blinked quickly, her eyes moving rapidly over his as her fingers still tightened slightly around the jacket’s collar, her lips curving slightly into a smile that seemed almost shy, but disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

"If you insist," she said, her shoulders relaxing slightly as her fingers quickly moved to adjust the jacket again, her eyes still fixed on his as the two of them shifted slightly to get more comfortable on the bench, their legs almost touching as the cold wind continued to blow around them, carrying dry leaves that quickly moved across the stone floor.

They sat in silence for a few seconds, their eyes quickly moving over the shadows dancing around them as the distant sound of laughter and music from the Great Hall echoed faintly through the courtyard, like a constant reminder of the world they had left behind as they retreated to this small forgotten corner of the castle.

"Did you have fun today?" Daphne asked finally, her voice coming out low and slightly hesitant as her eyes quickly moved to his, as if she were trying to gauge his reaction.

Harry blinked quickly, his lips curving slightly as he remembered the afternoon in Hogsmeade, the quick steps through the decorated streets, the lively conversations in the Three Broomsticks, and the slight discomfort he felt when he saw her smile at Theodore Nott during dinner.

"More than I expected," he finally replied, his lips still curved in a smile as his eyes fixed on hers, as if he were trying to find any sign that she had felt the same. "And you?"

Daphne hesitated for a second, her lips curving slightly into a smile that seemed genuine for the first time since they’d met.

"Yes," she finally replied, her eyes still fixed on his as the two of them shifted slightly on the bench, their shoulders almost touching as the cold wind continued to blow around them. "More than I expected."

They fell silent again, their eyes still locked on each other as the sound of the torches crackling around them blended with the rustling of the leaves quickly moving across the floor, as if the world around them had somehow become suddenly simpler and, at the same time, infinitely more complicated.