Harry Potter: Another Chance

Disclaimer: 

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 444: Enjoying Life

"They're missing again…" Hermione glanced around the classroom. They had Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins, and it was clear that both Harry and Daphne had skipped class.

This had become a common occurrence over the past two weeks.

"I bet they're doing it in some empty classroom," Lavender commented with a mischievous grin.

"Lav! Don't be so vulgar," Hermione scolded her, cheeks flushing.

"I mean, I wouldn't be surprised, to be honest," Parvati said. "They're a married couple, so it should be normal, right?"

"They're still students and need to attend classes," Hermione insisted, her face turning rosier at the mere implication.

"But are they really married? No one saw the wedding. Maybe it's just an excuse to sneak around together," Parvati suggested.

"You don't need an excuse for that," Hermione retorted, casting a side glance. "You can ask Lavender about that…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lavender snapped, defensive.

"She means we saw you leaving a broom closet with Michael Corner the other day," Parvati said, pointing a finger at her.

"What?! No… I mean…"

"You know he's dating like three other girls, right?" Hermione asked, unimpressed.

"It's not like that! It was just a one-time thing, I swear!" Lavender exclaimed.

"Yeah? Well, I—"

"Excuse me."

The girls jumped in their seats as they heard someone tapping on their table.

Turning their heads, they saw the towering figure of Albus Dumbledore, his expression calm but curious. "Is my class so dull that it cannot hold your attention?"

Hermione's face turned pale. "Not at all! Your class is fascinating, Professor."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Then what topic could possibly divert your focus from it?"

"We were just talking about…" Hermione hesitated, struggling for words.

"Harry and Daphne," Parvati finished for her.

"That's right!" Lavender said quickly, pointing toward the empty desk. "They've been skipping a lot of classes. We were just wondering why." She hoped this would redirect the professor's attention.

"I see…" Dumbledore glanced at the vacant seats. He, of course, knew exactly where they were.

'Today, they mentioned going to Italy…'

Dumbledore himself had provided them with several international Portkeys, allowing them to travel freely. His heart felt heavy as he thought about the immense sacrifice they were preparing to make for the continued existence of the wizarding world.

'I wish it could be me instead…'

"Professor?" Hermione's voice broke his thoughts. She didn't understand why his expression had suddenly turned so somber.

The usual twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes, accompanied by a small smile. "It's nothing, Miss Granger. I will speak to those two about their absences. As for you three, I recommend focusing on the lecture. Next year is your O.W.L. year, and it is arguably the most important examination of your academic career."

"Yes, Professor!" the three girls responded in unison.

"Now… let us continue where we left off." Dumbledore returned to the front of the classroom.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Harry and Daphne appeared at the entrance to Hogsmeade in the late afternoon.

"Finally back hom—wait, Harry, this is not Hogwarts." Daphne frowned. She had expected the Portkey to drop them off closer to the castle.

Harry shrugged. "The return must have been programmed here by default. I doubt whoever made the international Portkey thought it'd be used by school students." Dumbledore got them, but the International Portekys had to be created by authorized personnel at the Ministry.

"Hmm… I suppose it doesn't matter. We can Apparate from here," Daphne said.

"What's the rush? We still have three hours until curfew. Let's have dinner in the village and then head back."

Daphne smiled, warming to the idea. "Alright, we can do that."

As they strolled through the village, Harry asked, "So, what did you think of the Italian magical village?"

He had cast a mild Disguise Charm on them to avoid being recognized, as this was not an approved Hogsmeade weekend for students.

Daphne considered his question. "It was nice. Smaller than Diagon Alley, but the food was amazing."

"I know, right? That three-layer pizza was incredible," Harry said enthusiastically.

Daphne made a complicated expression. "I don't know about that one… they put pineapple in the middle layer."

Harry laughed.

"Where do you want to go next? We could visit Spain. I went there with my mum a couple of years ago. Or maybe…"

Daphne moved closer and took his arm, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Daphne?" Harry glanced at her.

She smiled softly. "I don't care where we go… as long as I'm with you, I know it will be fun."

<><><><><><><><><>

The next two weeks were spent traveling across the globe.

This was, in many ways, their honeymoon. Thanks to Dumbledore's assistance, they avoided any trouble with the school, and Minister Shacklebolt ensured they had no shortage of Portkeys.

No matter where they went, Harry and Daphne were welcomed with open arms and treated like royalty.

During their travels, Daphne made a point of visiting her mentor, Lady Morgana Yafel. She spoke about everything happening in their lives but deliberately left out the soul-binding ritual and the plans she and Harry had made.

Morgana, however, was not easily deceived. She sensed something significant was in the works but chose not to press her protégé.

Time flew by, as it often does when one is happiest. Before they realized it, two more weeks had passed, and the day to perform the ritual had arrived.

After that, they will have no choice but to inform their families about the reality of the situation and what they intend to do.