As the flames cleared Daphne realized immediately she had a new memory for her Patronus. Harry was awake and sitting up in bed. He appeared to be arguing with Hermione who looked thoroughly annoyed.

"Based on her expression I'm assuming Miss Granger is not aware of your plan with Harry?" Dumbledore asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Correct sir."

"Then we should make our way to Harry quickly before she injures him further," he said with a chuckle.

She watched as Harry spotted her and a look of relief came over his face, his annoyance with Hermione forgotten. She did her best not to smile. She was supposed to look confused and scared.

"Once again I am visiting you in the hospital wing Harry," Dumbledore said with a weary smile. "I trust whatever danger has passed Poppy?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, casting an annoyed look Daphne's way. "It appears to be a simple case of magical exhaustion and as usual Mr. Potter does not do anything by half measures."

"We don't know what Harry was up to and he refuses to tell us Headmaster," Hermione supplied, anger dripping from her voice.

"There will be more than enough time to learn what happened Miss Granger. For now I believe the best thing for Harry is rest. Would you agree Poppy?"

"Yes, although if anyone could injure themselves while resting it would be this one," she replied in frustration.

"Quite," he replied, chuckling again. "I think it would be best if you two headed back to Gryffindor for the evening. I'm sure Harry will be released in the morning after a good night's sleep."

"What about Daphne?" Ron asked, pointing in her direction.

"Miss Greengrass became quite upset when I informed her Harry had collapsed. I'd like Madame Pomfrey to examine her before she leaves," he lied. "Also, as his girlfriend I believe she deserves a chance to berate Harry for his actions as well," he said amusedly.

"Good," said Hermione as she stood up and hugged Harry fiercely. "Don't go easy on him, Daphne," she said, the emotion of seeing Harry in hospital again evident.

"Don't worry Hermione. I won't hold back," she replied as angrily as she could muster. She was amazed at how proficient she had become at lying while telling the truth. She had no intention of holding back once she was alone with Harry but anger would not be involved.

"If whatever you were up to didn't finish you off I'm afraid Daphne is going to complete the job mate," Ron stated as he stood up to leave.

"This isn't funny Ronald," Hermione responded as they left, her annoyance now transferred to it's usual target.

As the doors closed from Hermione and Ron's exit Daphne sprinted to Harry and engulfed him in a hug. "I think it worked," he whispered in her ear.

She nodded against his shoulder. "Dumbledore confirmed that the diadem is clean and Snape's mark is gone. Snape is talking to Thicknesse right now about rounding up the other Death Eaters and confirming that he's really dead. He's going to supply the names and testimony so my father won't have to."

"Holy shit we may have really pulled it off," Harry said in amazement. Daphne laughed.

The annoyed clearing of the Matron's throat pulled her out of the moment.

"Since you were part of this ridiculous scheme I need to examine you as well, Miss Greengrass," she muttered as she pulled Daphne away to a nearby bed. She began waving her wand over Daphne as she examined her, muttering under her breath about binding oaths and foolish students.

Daphne watched as the headmaster waved his wand in front of Harry's scar for several seconds before a look of palpable relief and pride crossed his face, all of his normal concern for decorum forgotten. Despite her annoyance at the headmaster's machinations she could see that he cared deeply for Harry.

She watched as the headmaster collapsed in to the chair by Harry's bed and buried his face in his hands. It struck her how different he looked at the moment, looking every bit of his age. An old man reaching the end of a long and torturous journey.

"Merlin's beard your plan actually worked" Madame Pomfrey said in disbelief as they both watched the scene play out in front of them.

"We think so, yeah," she confirmed, not quite believing it herself yet.

"You seem to have a milder case of magical exhaustion," the matron eventually continued, her voice now much softer and overcome with emotion. "Normally I would send you back to your room to rest but I'm guessing you would prefer to stay here with Mr. Potter tonight?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am," she said.

She nodded her head and smiled. "No celebrating or funny business Miss Greengrass," she continued, doing her best to look stern. "There are wards in place that will alert me of any sharing of beds or strenuous activities."

"Uhh, yes ma'am. I promise no funny business, only talking then sleeping. Maybe a kiss and hug good night. Probably more than one kiss but nothing more strenuous."

"Mr. Potter has had a horrible influence on you Miss Greengrass," she said with a warm smile. "Mr. Potter told me you've already eaten but I think a little dessert and butterbeer is in order to build up your strength. Any requests?"

"Treacle Tart," she replied immediately. "It's Harry's favorite."

"Treacle Tart for our heroes," Madame Pomfrey said warmly, all traces of her normal seriousness gone. Unlike Dumbledore the news of Voldemort's possible defeat seemed to have taken ten years off of her appearance.

As the matron walked away Daphne stayed seated, not wanting to interrupt the headmaster and Harry. As she watched the two deep in conversation she realized she and Harry now had all the time in the world. She fought the urge to start shouting.

"Daphne, would you join us?" the headmaster asked after a few minutes. It felt odd hearing him use her first name.

As she took a seat Dumbledore began speaking. "Harry has explained you are both under an oath and that you will not be sharing what you have done with anyone. As curious as I am to learn of your remarkable feat I agree. Your involvement must be kept confidential for now."

"Thank you sir," she said not knowing what else to say.

"I do urge you both to share your story one day when you deem it safe to do so, however. You both deserve recognition and I believe your story will serve as a great source of inspiration and shame for others. I know it has had that effect on me."

"Sir," Harry began.

"No Harry," he interrupted. "I fear you have been remarkably patient with me over the years. Too patient. I applaud you for seeking others for help and trusting in their counsel. It is a lesson I realize I have failed to learn until today." He looked so old. So tired.

He patted her arm as he stood. "As Daphne stated earlier you have done your part and it is my turn to help with the rest. Before I go to the Ministry I was thinking a trip to see your parents would be in order. I wish to convey my appreciation and I am sure they would like an update on what is happening."

"Could they visit us here sir?" Daphne asked. "We could use the excuse that I told them Harry had collapsed and they wanted to check on him. They are due to bring Astoria back today so they would be here at Hogwarts anyway."

"Ah yes, the visit to St. Mungo's...quite convenient timing. I assume all of this happening on the seventh of the month was intentional as well?"

Daphne nodded proudly.

"My compliments to your team Harry. They are quite clever."

"You have no idea. I've just been along for the ride sir," Harry supplied.

"I think that is a very good idea Daphne," Dumbledore continued. "If you think of their location I could scan your mind...with your permission of course."

A voice spoke quietly from behind. "Dobby knows where Greenys live. Dobby can take the headmaster and bring the Greenys back."

"Dobby, how long have you been over there?" Harry asked bemusedly.

"Dobby has been here the whole time. Dobby did not want to interrupt Harry Potter and his friends."

"Are you part of the team as well Dobby?" Dumbledore asked knowingly.

Dobby looked very uncomfortable and seemed to be resisting the urge to pull on his ears. Daphne decided to put him out of his misery.

"Dobby is a big part of the team Headmaster," she said honestly. "He is our friend and he is brilliant."

To Daphne's surprise the elf didn't burst into tears, remaining focused on the task at hand. "Dobby is grateful to help his friends," he said kindly. "Dobby would like to go with the headmaster and tell the Greenys and Winky the good news."

"Winky you say," Dumbledore replied in amusement as he placed his hand on Dobby's shoulder, readying to leave. "The riddle of the basilisk continues to become clearer. Quite a remarkable team indeed."

"I will speak to the Greengrasses and then have Dobby bring them directly here," he continued. Please try to get some rest you two. I will take it from here and make sure you are updated on our progress."

As they disappeared from sight Daphne collapsed on top of Harry, kissing him with abandon. Sod Madam Pomfrey. They were the saviors of the Wizarding World and deserved a few minutes of celebration.

"Daphne," Harry eventually stated between kisses, "we...should...talk about...what happened."

"Fine," she said before kissing him one final time and sliding back into the chair next to Harry's bed, moving it closer so she could maintain as much contact as possible.

She quickly brought him up to speed on everything that had happened. Harry seemed particularly surprised that Snape had asked about his welfare. Finally it was Harry's turn.

"Dumbledore just told me he is dying Daphne. The curse on his hand is spreading and he only has a few months left. He said he didn't want any more secrets between us and needed to talk to me about my cloak and his wand."

"Um...okay," Daphne replied in confusion.

"Yeah...he's going to be telling me more but they are special...part of a set or something," Harry stated, sounding confused. "He said he needed to tell someone he trusted about them before he died," he said somberly. "I guess that's me."

"I want to tell him...not right away but before he dies," Harry said determinedly. "I want to tell him about your idea. How we did it."

"Our idea, Harry" she reminded him before leaning in for another kiss. "We Chosen Ones should embrace all the credit that we are due."

"Thank you," he replied kissing her again before continuing.

"There is something else. Something that happened to me when I was out," Harry said thoughtfully. "I had the weirdest dream...at least I think it was a dream."

"You know those exits they have on muggle motorways? Those places you can get off to use the toilet or rest for a bit?"

Daphne nodded, unsure of where this was heading.

"I dreamed that I was at one of those places and my mum was there too. We sat down on a bench and talked. It felt so real but...not."

He stared in contemplation before continuing. "She said it had worked. She said she was proud of me and wanted to thank you and your family for all of your help."

"That is weird," Daphne said. "Cool but weird."

"I haven't got to the weird part yet," Harry continued.

"She said your theory was right and that my Dad was happy that someone was finally giving him some of the credit. And she wanted me to tell you that Rubber Soul was her favorite whatever that means."

"Merlin," Daphne muttered.

"Weird, right?"