Overcoming Differences

The Meetings

**A/N: This goes without saying, J.K. Rowling owns the whole Harry Potter world. I simply own the plot and all of its wonderful twists and turns. Please enjoy the new chapter.**

Daphne stepped out of the portrait about 5 minutes after she was meant to meet Harry. She had been running late because one of the younger students thought it would be funny to blow up the girl's lavatory. So, all the girls had to share time with the boys while theirs was repaired. "Sorry, Harry. A first year blew up the girl's lavatory. We had to take turns with the boys. It was a mess." She said softly, hoping he wasn't too upset.

Harry had felt hate at being in the dungeons as soon as he took his first steps into it. From dealing with the Bloody Baron's hatred for him to a couple of older Slytherin boys who tried to start a fight, it was a mess. The irritation showed on his face as well as in his voice, "Next time don't make me wait any longer than I have to in this Merlin forsaken snake's den," he said his eyes flashing with anger.

Daphne recoiled slightly at the tone of his voice, "What if we just met elsewhere in castle?" she suggested to avoid conflict with him. She didn't want to make him more upset than he already was.

Harry nodded, his irritations seeming to dissolve somewhat. He turned and started off in the direction of the Great Hall.

***

"So, breakfast, then off to Hogsmeade to meet with Daddy?" She asked him as she looked up from her feet. She'd spoken to her father the night before, but he wanted to speak to Harry before he gave a definitive answer.

"That's fine," He replied shortly as he was still irritated and now he felt unsure about how a visit with Daphne's father could go.

She smiled simply. "Thank you Harry. I'm sure he's just being protective of me. Everything will be okay." She said squeezing his hand gently.

He nodded once more and placed his hand on the back of her neck, and pulled her into a rough kiss. He broke the kiss almost as swiftly as he started it. It was a reminder of who remained in control. They walked in to the Great Hall, and she squeezed his hand, then let go to head to the Slytherin table. Harry sat alone at the end of Gryffindor table as usual. He watched her with annoyance etched all over his face.

She sat down and then remembered she didn't have to eat there since it was Saturday. She got up and went straight over to Gryffindor table. "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry. I forgot it was Saturday."

Harry sat in silence through their breakfast and hardly glanced at her. They finished eating and walked straight to the Three Broomsticks, where her father would be waiting for them.

"Harry, I really am sorry I didn't mean to sit at the Slytherin table." Daphne said timidly.

"What have I told you about your words?" he asked in a hushed tone laced with venom.

"They won't work." she said cringing at his tone, her eyes never leaving the ground.

"I am glad you understand." Harry said grabbing her tightly by the arm stopping her in her tracks. "We'll talk about this later, for now let's focus on meeting your father, understand?"

"Of course Harry," she said softly fighting the urge to pull her arm from his grip. Harry nodded once more at her words and released her arm. They turned and continued their walk. When they arrived at the Three Broomsticks, Harry opened the door and allowed Daphne to walk in ahead of him.

Daphne's face lit up with a brilliant smile when she saw her father. It completely hid the distress from her and Harry's argument. "Daddy!" She said excitedly. She hugged him then introduced Harry. "Daddy, this is Harry Potter."

"Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Potter." Mr. Greengrass said as he extended a hand to Harry with a calculated smile on his face.

"Pleasure to meet you." He replied with a confident smile on his face as he shook his hand. He effectively hid his anxiety, after all, he was meeting his girlfriend's father for the first time.

"Come, sit, both of you." He said to them gesturing to the table he'd been sitting at. Daphne slid in and patted the seat next to her.

"So, Daddy, what is it you wanted to meet with us about?" She asked quite bluntly.

"I received your letter a few days ago, and what you wrote in it about Harry's relatives was distressing to say the least. I wanted to inform you that I have no intentions of allowing young Harry to return to his Aunt and Uncle's home. If you are amenable, would you like to join us over the summer? However, I'd like to ask him what his intentions are towards you."

"I'd love too. It's better than being stuck on Privet Drive, anything would be." He replied sheepishly.

"Well then Harry, what do you have to say about your intentions toward my daughter?" He asked.

"She is my girlfriend, I plan to keep it that way for as long as she will have me. But, sir, I assure you that I will not all her to come to harm. As long as I can help it." Harry replied firmly.

"That's good to hear." He said with a smile. "I shall see the two of you at the train station at the start of the summer then." He finished as he looked at his daughter.

"Yes Mister Greengrass." Harry stated simply. The three spoke of what was happening at the school with the tournament. Daphne gushed about how well Harry was doing. After a few hours, Mr. Greengrass bid them goodbye and left.

Daphne smiled at her father as he was leaving, then turned to Harry. She watched as her father exited the pub "Well, Harry. You were nervous for nothing." She chided with a smile and giggle.

"Yeah I guess so." He replied in a very testy tone as he drummed his fingers on the table.

She looked to him. "Are you alright Harry?" She asked curiously.

"Yeah I am fine." he replied as he took Daphne's hand and said, "Let's go somewhere."

She nodded and followed him, allowing him to lead her wherever we wanted to take her. He was so unreadable. She could never tell if he was angry or not and that worried her.

Harry brought Daphne towards a tree on a hill that overlooked the village as the sun hit its peak in the sky. He sat against the trunk of the tree in silence.

Daphne sat peacefully next to him. Her head on his leg. "I love you, Harry. Anything the matter?" She asked him.

"The last trial. Things just don't feel right, I feel like I am going into the lion's den alone." He stated softly.

"I understand, I can't imagine. I'm sorry this happened to you. But I believe you can survive this trial, then it will be over." She said as she looked up at him a sweet smile on her face.

Harry chuckled softly as he looked at her and ran his hand through her blonde hair as he said in a soft tone of voice "Do you know how much I love you?"

She smiled brightly, and looked up at him. "Will you tell me again?" She said with a small giggle.

"I love you Daphne Greengrass." Harry said as he kissed her lips softly.

She kissed him back, whimpering softly into his lips. "I love you too, Harry Potter." She said with an elegant smile.

He held her in his arms as they enjoyed the view of the village. the final trial couldn't be too bad right? How could it?

She leaned her head on his shoulder gently as she closed her eyes and relaxed.