Chapter 18
-oOo-
August 21, 1994
London, England
The house was quiet. As far as Harry knew, it was only Daphne, Hermione, Hannah, Susan and Sirius with four elves in the House, though Harry never saw Teacher. The few times he had met the elf, he was old and looking frail. Harry suspected he was getting close to death, but Amelia wouldn't say.
It was still early, but Harry couldn't sleep. Last night had scared the living daylights out of the girls and had him trying to figure out what else he could have done.
Hannah had gone to sleep with Susan, while Daphne and Hermione had slept in the room next to him. He had a temptation to check in on her. Unsure if that would be appropriate or not.
"Dobby," he softly called. As though sensing Harry's desire to be quiet, the small house elf silently made his way up the stairs. "Yes, the Great Harry, sir?"
Harry was too tired to try to get Dobby to stop today. "Can you keep an eye on Daphne and Hermione? When they wake, see if they need anything and let them know I'll be in the kitchen."
"Dobby will keep an eye on Miss Daphne and Miss Hermione," the green-eyed elf solemnly swore.
With a nod, he headed down to the kitchens. Maybe he would ask for coffee today?
Voices were coming through the door as he approached. He couldn't hear what they were saying. Entering the kitchen, the conversation stopped.
A tired looking Amelia was sitting at the table, a steaming cup in her hands. Sirius was sitting next to her and across from them was Lord Greengrass. "The conquering hero awakens," Sirius grinned, saluting Harry with his cup.
Harry frowned. "I don't feel like a hero."
Lord Greengrass got up and extended his hand. "Whether you do or not, my daughter and others are alive this morning because of you. Thank you," the man said, taking Harry's hand. Harry shook it feeling anything but thankful.
Harry nodded and turned towards Sirius. "You told us you were training us like the Aurors. We were totally outmatched. And why did my Auror guard attack us? And dementors! The Ministry controls the dementors," Harry yelled.
Lord Greengrass was still holding his hand. Amelia looked up with her blood shot eyes. "Harry, take a seat. I understand you are angry and scared, but I think you old enough to talk about this reasonably."
He pursed his lips and Lord Greengrass let his hand go to put a hand on his shoulder as he sat. He glared at Amelia for answers.
She put her cup of dark liquid down. From the smell, he was sure it was coffee, not her usual tea. "First off, you are being looked at as a hero last night. You saved Daphne from those that were attacking you both and a dementor. You saved several others from dementors. All this in clear view of dozens of witnesses, if not almost everyone there. You may think you are not a hero, but many will see you that way."
He crossed his arms in a petulant manner. He didn't want to be looked at as a hero. It was bad enough being the Boy-Who-Lived. "I just did what I had to. Why were we attacked?"
Everyone looked to her. She sighed. "I think it was a message to Anders and I. No one has lain claim to it yet, but many of the Dark Alliance and a few others are very upset and have made several veiled threats. I don't think the Aurors meant to kill you, but if any those spells hit, you both would have been severely hurt."
Harry frowned. "How?"
"My Aurors were imperished. Your guard managed to subdue the other three there before attacking you. They must have been ordered to wait until you were both alone. We don't know who is behind this yet."
"They almost got us!" He wasn't sure if he was more upset because Daphne had been in danger or just the situation. "The bloody thing almost gave Daphne the dementor's kiss!"
"I know, Harry. Calm down for a moment," Sirius tried to soothe him.
"Calm down! Sirius, Daphne was almost kissed! I saw several people on the ground! Are they all alright?" There was a silence. A heavy silence that had the reality sink in. "How many died?"
Amelia closed her eyes for a moment. It was Lord Greengrass that answered. "Amelia was telling us that six are still in St. Mungo's. Several more were injured but fine now. Two were kissed. One of the Aurors is dead."
Harry felt a hard pit form in his stomach. He had replayed what happened over and over again. Could he have saved the others...
"Harry, look at me," Amelia requested. When his eyes met her brown eyes she said very firmly, "You are not to blame and should not blame yourself. What you did last night was nothing short of phenomenal for your age. Your shield held off spells that should have shredded them like paper, even for adult wizards. You gave Daphne the cover she needed to try and knock down one of your attackers. I know you told me you could do a Patronus, but I thought you just meant a simple shield or a rough form. What you did to drive off the dementors, I am not sure any in the Ministry, except my Hit Wizards or some Unspeakables, could have done the same on their own. You saved six others from being kissed. Understand this, you did the best you could in the situation and because of that there are many that survived that may not have. Do not blame yourself for those that were hurt or died. There was nothing else you could have done."
They didn't break eye contact. He tried to parse her words with what he was thinking and the way he had been treated before. Never before had Dumbledore or others tried to confront his fears and regrets like this. He was usually just left to flounder and internalize he could have done better. That always seemed to be the message: He did great. He was a hero, but there was a hint you could do better, and he would have to do it all on his own.
"Harry, I can never thank you enough for what you did," Lord Greengrass said from besides him. "The House of Greengrass owes you a large debt."
"I am sure there will be a few Houses that feel that way," Amelia put in.
Harry shook his head. "No one owes me anything. Who was kissed?"
"Scion and Heiress Westford. They were out further in the gardens and were most likely kissed before the attack started," Amelia told him.
"I don't know them," Harry stated. He had not been able to memorize or read the material on every House that Madam Bulstrode had given them yet.
"The Westfords are a Light Alliance House. They have been with the Progressives and the Dumbledores for generations. Richard and Yvonne were both in their early thirties. Richard's father, Humphrey Westford, is the sitting Lord and there has been some rumors he is getting close to retirement. They leave behind a six-year-old-son, Henry," Lord Greengrass said sadly.
"Yes. The Westfords are good people. Now Humphrey will have to stay until his grandson is old enough," Amelia commented.
Sirius just looked at him. Harry nodded. "Can we do anything for them?"
This brought a smile to Amelia's and Lord Greengrass' face. Sirius was the one to answer, "I think they will be alright, pup. They have a strong alliance around them."
"I still think we should offer them any assistance we can," Harry challenged.
Lord Greengrass nodded. "I think that a good idea. Amelia, would you reach out to them on behalf of House Potter? I think they would receive that better."
Amelia nodded. "I will do that. I hate to say it, but it is a good political move as well."
"Agreed," said Lord Greengrass.
"What is Fudge's and the Ministries reaction?" Sirius queried.
"Fudge is fit to be tied. He is swearing up and down the dementors where not sent by the Ministry, nor where any unaccounted for. He is losing support and is trying to decide what side to support, but I think he is afraid of breaking from Malfoy and others. He can't keep it quiet though. There were four different papers there, including one from France and Spain. He can't hide this," Amelia replied.
"Once I know Daphne is well, I am heading into the Ministry. I am not going to let him bury this or put a spin on it. It was an assassination attempt and I will have it known if the culprits are found I will be looking for blood," Lord Greengrass stated.
"We can't afford any blood feuds right now. You know that has led too and it might rile up the purebloods and start another war," Sirius rebutted.
"You would have me just ignore this?"
"No. I would have you use this. We have legislation coming up to change the laws about murder and attempted murder. We can get support by sympathy," said Amelia. "I could bring in half of the Purebloods in at the first infraction and questioned under veritaserum."
Sirius grinned. "We would use their own actions against them. Can you think of a better joke?"
Lord Greengrass looked to ponder the suggestion.
Harry met Sirius' gaze. "You will teach me like the Aurors," Harry demanded.
His godfather pursed his lips. "No. I will not. You are too young and have school. I will continue the training sessions every other Saturday while you are at Hogwarts and will pick it up again next summer."
Harry frowned.
"Harry, Sirius is right. You did better than can be expected, and we will teach you to defend yourself better, but your responsibility is not to be a fighter right now. If you decide to enter the Aurors AFTER you get your NEWTs, I will help you in any way I can. Until then, Hogwarts and your friends are your primary concern," Amelia ordered.
Harry let out a huff. "And if we are attacked like that again?"
"You do what you need and run," Sirius told him.
He didn't like it. Harry had been lucky and almost useless in a fight his first and second years at Hogwarts. He just barely kept Daphne and himself alive last night, though this time he felt like he had a chance if he could have just found a way to go on the offensive. Next time he would fight back because he could.
All three adults looked at him, seeing the stubborn determination that overcame him.
"Was Charlie Abbot hurt last night? Lord Abbot said he was okay, but Hannah was still really concerned," Harry asked.
"He was clipped by a cutting curse, but is already home. I'll take Hannah home as soon as she is ready," Amelia told him.
The door to the kitchen burst open and Harry twirled around, his wand coming to hand. Daphne was rushing in, her hair bedraggled and in a long night dress. "Father!"
Lord Greengrass stood up and held her tight when she rushed into his arms. "Dobby told me you were here. Is mother and Tori hurt?"
"Everyone is fine, little flower," her father said, holding her tight.
She turned her head and Harry's eyes found hers. She looked at him for a moment, her eyes watery, like they had been when he said goodnight to her last night. It was a few minutes before she calmed and Lord Greengrass sat her next to Harry and took a seat at the end of the table. Daphne's hand slipped into his the second she sat.
"Thank you for last night," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
He just nodded.
"How are your arms feeling," Sirius asked. Harry could see the bruising where the dementor had grabbed her. She rubbed her upper arm with the hand that was not in his.
"Sore. I have that bruise cream you told me to put on this morning. I should go get it," she told them, looking abashed. Harry had the feeling she rushed right down here, especially since she was still in her night clothes.
"Dobby has brought it down, Miss Daphne," Dobby said, holding up the small salve container. "Dobby thought it best to take while Miss Hermione is still sleeping."
"Thank you," she said, taking it.
Her father reached over to look at the bruises. "Are you alright," her father asked concerned.
She nodded. "Harry saved me," she said in a soft voice. "How many others were hurt?"
"Several. We can talk about it later. Why don't you get that salve on and then get something to eat," her father told her.
"Is Charlie alright," she asked.
"Yes. Harry told us how worried Hannah was," Amelia responded.
Daphne slumped, but didn't let go of his hand. It was like she needed to know he was close. Harry admitted he needed to know she was close and safe. It had worried him more than he realized last night. Having her at his side had him breathing a little easier. It also brought to the front that he hadn't slept much.
Daphne yawned and let her father put the cream on her arms. A plate with some rashers, eggs and beans were put before them. Daphne picked at her breakfast while the adults talked more about last night. Harry found out that ten people were hurt. Abbot Hall was cleared out soon after Aurors from the Ministry had arrived. There had also been an incident when three of the dementors had been caught and returned to Azkaban. Apparently they were not part of the nest that guarded the prison, and the prison dementors had attacked the new comers. Harry didn't know that dementors could drain other dementors of whatever made them live. Three dementor husks were found by the human guards just before Amelia had come back this morning.
Harry was just listening when Daphne, who had been slowly leaning into him as she picked at her food, leaned over enough to put her head on his shoulder. He looked over, just being able to see her eyes closed.
Lord Greengrass shifted and he looked at the man, uncertain this was alright. Lord Greengrass inclined his head. "She looks tired. Let her rest for now," the man whispered to him.
Harry nodded, holding her hand tighter. After a few, Harry leaned his head against hers as the adults got back to discussing what happened.
-oOo-
August 23, 1994
Somewhere along the Irish Sea...
Albus was looking at the news papers Severus had been able to gather. He was still feeling weak from their failed attempt to get the Horcrux in the cave. The fake one was on the table, the note for an R.A.B. left where it has been looked over by him and Severus for weeks.
That was not his concern today. His concern was the news of the attack on Abbott Hall.
Harry had been the hero, but the boy should have never been in that situation. Albus had had no control over it and he had almost died. Severus contacts in the Department of Mysteries had been able to confirm the prophecy had been fulfilled. This meant Voldemort could be killed and Albus would be the one to do that. It would allow him to step out of the Shadows and guide Harry to be his replacement.
Yes, that was what he had to do. To see him with Ms. Greengrass and the others were incredibly worrisome. The Greengrasses had opposed many of his goals throughout the years. He did not believe them to be dark anymore, nor where they part of the Light. The Potters had to be part of the Light. He had staked too much on the family for them not to adhere to his plans.
Looking at the papers, he could already see large splinters in the Light Alliance he had spent the better part of the last fifty years building and maintaining.
"You gave Lupin permission to teach the boy how to cast a Patronus?" Severus sneered, looking at the stag prancing around Harry and Ms. Greengrass.
"It was the only way I could ensue Harry could fight them off if one of us were not around. The creatures were drawn to him in an unnatural way," he replied to Severus. Albus understood it had to do with what Harry was more than who he was, but he had to give the boy the proper tools to defend himself this time. Reading how the boy had acted in the duel sounded like he was getting training beyond what he should for his age.
"He is just like his father." It came out with such venom from the dark-hair man.
"He is not. I have told you this many times. James would never have associated himself with the Greengrasses. He looks more like Fleamont Potter with that determined look and stance," Albus mused. The boy looked and was acting more like his grandfather. Whom ever had donated the memory for this picture had been in the right spot.
"Either way, he's outside our control at the moment. Have you found the old Gaunt hovel outside Little Hangleton yet?" Albus asked.
Snape's frown grew. "Last night. Whatever was there is gone now."
Albus heart felt pained as he looked up.
"There was no note. I am unsure if Regulus got to that one as well or if someone else is after them," Severus told the man.
Albus closed his eyes and scrunched them, anger coming over his face. "Bones. You said the DMLE got all my items from my office?"
"It was actually a team of Unspeakables that entered first," Severus reminded him.
"Damn it to Morgana! She is having the Unspeakables track them down first. We must move to find the others quicker," Albus ordered Severus. Albus' plans to come back to the wizarding world a hero depended on it.
The man gave him a concerned look. "Albus, you are in no fit shape to wander right now. Those inferi and that damned potion almost killed you."
Albus waived him off. "It is no bother. The next place I know about is in a forest in Albania. The Grey Lady has told me about her mother's diadem and that she told Tom..."
-oOo-
Later that day...
London, England
Amelia was still fuming. Two of her Aurors had been imperioused. The spells on the list of priori incantatumclearly showed the intent to at least maim, if not kill, both Harry and Daphne. She knew some were not pleased with the change in the Wizengamot and the new alliance, but she had not considered it might have led some to assassination.
Tomorrow was the funeral for the Auror that had been killed.
Harry, Susan and all the children of the Potter-Greengrass alliance had been in lock down for three days now. She was too afraid to assign new Aurors until it had been determined how this happened and who.
Scrimgeour wanted to point the finger at Dumbledore, as did Fudge and his handlers. Malfoy was very vocal about this. Her suspicions were that the blonde ponce and his flunkies had something to do with this.
The frustrating thing was lack of evidence. Outside what they could find at the Abbotts, the only lead they had was that two of the rogue dementors had been caught and after 'talks' with the dementors in Azkaban, it was confirmed they were not from Azkaban. She had feelers out to the ICW and other law enforcement agencies in Russia, Albania, Poland and Turkey. Those were the only other places known to have dementor hives. Russia used them in two prisons, much like the British Ministry of Magic.
The only positive was that after the Westford's were kissed, she finally had the support to call a review on the dementors in Azkaban. She was pushing for their elimination and for the wards and guards to be updated and upgraded. The last thing she wanted was for anyone else to be kissed like that.
Harry had woken up the last two nights screaming. The damned demons had brought up memories of his mother's death. Healer Anne was supposed to call in at Grace Hall some point this afternoon. How he had been able to still react like he had could only be contributed to the occlumency lessons with Andi.
"What!" she yelled irritably when a knock came at her door.
When it opened the smell of a good fish fry and greasy muggle chips assaulted her nose. As much as she had been trained to go days on very little, her stomach growled at the smell of the food.
Looking up, she was surprised to see a plain clothed Croaker. "I come with a peace offering," the man said holding up a carry out bag and two bottles of mead.
She sighed. "I was expecting Scrimgeour," she told the man.
"Well, you get me instead," the man countered, stepping in and closing the door.
"Are you allowed to be anywhere near the ministry not in your cloak," she asked, never having seen him like this.
The grey hair man gave her a large smile. "One of the perks of being a Senior," the man said. "Plus, I was working undercover."
"Thus the fish fry?"
"This is just because I like it and from what I hear you haven't rested or eaten much in the last few days." He swiped his hand at the corner of her desk and the papers all stacked up neatly and made four piles next to her. She rose her brow. "I think you will find all those linked with each other."
She snorted. "How bad is the news?"
The paper bag went onto her desk and he handed her a large portion of fish and chips. She thankfully took it.
"Depends on who you are. By the way, you should mention to Tom at the Leaky that he should add this onto his menu. I have to go to Thamesmead for this," he told her sitting down with his own.
"Algie, I don't have the time for your games today," she told him.
"Eat. Then we will talk. There is nothing you can act on at this moment," the man told her.
With a sigh, she dug in. It was less than twelve minutes later she sat back in her chair, the mead in her hand and looking at the man as he ate. "If you look on the top of the third stack from you, you may find something good to read," the man suggested.
The man liked his games, but he always had a reason, even if she didn't like it. She took up the top sheet, her eyes growing a little bit larger, then a curse when she picked up the second and finally she got up and started pacing her office at the third.
"Where is the louse? Where is Mundungus Fletcher?" she spat.
"We questioned him, paid him our normal fee and he is probably three sheets to the wind by now," Croaker told her. "He did nothing illegal, as much as I would like to see the man arrested myself."
"He imported two crates proven to have the taint of the dementors on them and then gave them to a man in a black cloak and silver mask!" she said in a dangerous tone.
"He arranged for someone to transport them and hand them over. He did not touch or even see the crates. Slippery, unethical, but not illegal. As for the man who gave him the 'finders fee', that is the more interesting point of the story," Croaker put in.
"Algie, two people, heirs to a Wizengamot house, were kissed. My nephew and Heiress Greengrass were almost kissed. Somehow someone broke the enchantments on the Auror badges to prevent the use of anything like the Imperious and almost killed Harry and Daphne. I want everyone involved in this," she spat in her anger.
The man put down the last of his fish fry and looked at her.
"Amelia, perhaps you didn't read that correctly. The man with the mask was wearing one that was known only to be given out to You-Know-Who's inner circle. Last I checked, there was still a jinx on those masked to prevent copy-cats. Also, last I checked, only six of the man's inner circle are still known to be out of Azkaban," Croaker said. "This wasn't some flunky or grunt."
She stopped and took in a deep breath. How stupid could she be! "Do you know who?" she asked after a moment.
"We could not get a clear enough memory. I was able to find the fishmonger that brought the crates. He is a seller to a place that makes an excellent fish fry in Thameshead," the man informed her.
She snapped her head to him before looking at the paper bag he had brought with him. It had the name of the place on it. "He makes fresh deliveries every few mornings in a muggle lorry, some point around seven or eight. I can't find him otherwise and there was something preventing me approaching. Whatever he is using, not even the Unspeakables can find him."
A glint of triumph came to her eye. "You beautiful man! Connie!" she yelled as she stalked to her door. Her secretary was already up and reaching for the door handle when she flung it open. "Get me Scrimgeour and every available Senior Auror to my office within the next ten minutes."
She turned back into the office to find Croaker standing and taking grey robes out of a pocket. "I'll just show myself out," he said with a chuckle. "I always say you should never poke a badger."
"Thank you, Croaker," she said as he pulled his cloak on.
"As always, a pleasure. Oh, and I am sorry about the Westfords. They were good people," he said solemnly. "Your nephew, as you call him, did an excellent job, though. Just so you know, he has become a large curiosity in my department."
She pursed her lips. That was not always a good thing to be on the watchlist of the Unspeakables. "I will protect him, Croaker."
The man chuckled again. "Don't worry, we are not looking to poke any badgers. It is not any wizard though that can hurt a dementor with a Patronus."
She blinked as he moved past her. None of her reports had said anything about that. "Croaker," she called and turned. He was already gone and her secretary looked up at her.
-oOo-
August 25, 1994
Rotherham, England
Stepping into the entry hall of Greencross had him breathing a sigh of relief to see the dark eyed, dark haired girl. He hadn't seen her for four days. Four days that felt like an eternity after what happened over the weekend
Daphne wasn't wearing her mask and looked just as relieved to see him. Not standing on any tradition today, she stepped up to him and hugged him. Harry hugged her back.
Someone behind Daphne cleared their throat and they separated, Daphne taking a step back. Harry was sure his face was as telling as hers. Lord and Lady Greengrass were looking at them while Susan chuckled behind them. Pulling on the training from this summer, Harry took her hand. "It is a pleasure to see you well again, Heiress Greengrass."
He kissed the back of her hand and when he stood, she was still flush. It was unusual for her to be so flustered. "I am pleased you and your family could come today."
Her words caught him off guard for a moment, but then he felt the rightness of her words. Amelia, Susan and Sirius had become his family.
"If you would, dinner won't be ready for another hour. Some tea has been lain out in the parlour and we would like to discuss something with you, Scion Potter and Regent Bones," Lord Greengrass said, indicating they head towards a door off the entry hall.
Daphne seemed to redden even more, but slipped her arm into his. Harry was so focused on Daphne being so flustered with others around, that he missed the looks between the adults. When they sat, Harry was pleased to have her next to him.
Susan and Astoria took chairs that were a little behind Amelia and the Greengrasses. This should have been a red flag that this was a formal conversation, but he was looking at Daphne. Before he could ask if she was okay, Lord Greengrass caught his attention.
"Before Winchester serves any tea, I would like to offer an official thank you from the House of Greengrass to the House of Potter," the man said. Harry looked up. "Scion Potter, you were able to save the life of my daughter. That is a debt of gratitude I can never repay."
Harry felt a little flustered now. It took a time or two for him to say, "Sir, there is no debt. If Daphne hadn't distracted the other Auror, we both would have been hurt."
"Be that as it may, it was your fast reactions that protected her when the first spells flew and your Patronus that prevented the dementor from kissing her. I owe you a debt for that, Scion Potter," the man said earnestly.
"We both do. I cannot thank you enough for saving our Daphne," Lady Greengrass said, a little emotion tinging her voice.
"I... I, uhm, just did what was needed," Harry stammered. Daphne slipped her hand into his, totally distracting him.
"Anders, I think I can speak for Harry in saying he didn't do what he did to garner any favor," Amelia spoke up.
He met Daphne's eyes.
"No, I do not believe he did either. That still does not mean that I don't feel a debt for his actions. Not everyone would have done what he did," Lord Greengrass pressed.
After a moment, Harry felt a little more centered to see the intense look she was giving him. He turned back to the conversation. "Lord Greengrass, the House of Potter does not recognize any debt. It was part of our protection clauses of our Alliance. House Potter will protect House Greengrass, as I know House Greengrass will protect House Potter."
The man closed his eyes for a moment before turning his eyes towards him. They looked similar to Daphne's when trying to hide emotion. "Harry, I recognize our Alliance, but I feel I owe you a personal debt. Illiana and I both feel this way. You saved Daphne. Your actions saved others. If the dementors had been able to gain access to the hall, Astoria and everyone else would have been in danger. You and Amelia were the only two to rush into the fray before others did. Even if you, as Scion Potter, will not acknowledge this debt, I ask you to acknowledge it as my daughter's friend, and friend to our House."
Harry looked at him and then at Amelia when she nodded her head. Daphne squeezed his hand. He looked down at their hands. After a moment, he nodded. "If you feel that way, Lord Greengrass, I will acknowledge your thanks. I don't feel you owe me anything," he finished looking back up at the man.
Amelia had a look of pride on her face.
Lord Greengrass nodded his head. "That is why I owe you a personal debt. None of your actions were done to look for favor. If you like, you can call me Anders. You have earned that right."
His eyes widened a bit. For someone of his age to be granted that right was not a small thing.
"I would prefer you to call me Illiana when we are in present company," Lady Greengrass stated.
Harry nodded.
"Anders, is this all you wanted to discuss?" Amelia asked, indicating the more formal seating arrangement. Daphne let his hand go and sat up more formally. Harry caught the mood this time and copied her, casting a quick questioning glance her way.
Lord Greengrass... Anders, shook his head. "It is not, but I could not in good conscious conduct any other business without that being said. It has been only a few short months that we have known Scion Potter, but in that time he has made an impression on us, and more importantly, our eldest daughter."
Amelia frowned. "No matter what Harry choses, as his Regent and Guardian, I will not use this debt to force you into any unfair negotiations or actions," she stated.
"I would expect nothing less, Amelia. Hear me out before either of you jump to conclusions though," Anders requested. Amelia nodded and he went on, "I have not hidden our views on how we look at wizarding blood. It is a proven fact that power and magical traits pass down family lines. I know the Heads of the alliance have discussed this, and we recognize there must be a change. Keeping magic in only magical blood lines has led to a weakening of our magic."
Harry was confused where this was going. Susan looked surprised.
"Yes, we have discussed this and I thought we were going to wait to talk to all the children about this," Amelia stated.
"Just hear me out," Anders said, holding up his hands in a placating way at the way Amelia seemed to be so stiff. After a moment, he went on, "We had a discussion with both our daughters yesterday. They both know what we have found and what we have been talking about. I don't want to see my bloodline die out, nor do I want to see any magical bloodline that has been around long enough to develop familial traits. I also know we need new blood and that is why our allies have chosen to ally with the Potters and Bones and all yours."
He motioned for Amelia to stay quiet for just a little bit more. "I am going to start advocating at the Equinox meet that those of us that view ourselves as 'pure' to intermingle with others. It is the only way to prevent the eventual death of the oldest bloodlines, and elevate new bloodlines to replace what has been lost. It is no great secret that the Sacred Twenty-eight are in decline. As of right now, only ten have scions or heiresses that are or will be of child bearing age soon."
"Are you suggesting what I think you are?" Amelia asked in a cool tone.
"I am suggesting a Courtship Agreement. Magic must find the best suitable match. I would be a fool to push the issue in any other way if what our research says is true. Daphne and Harry are obviously drawn to each other, and this would give a good path to protect both our Houses, and the line of two of the Twenty-Eight," Anders said.
Harry blinked. "Courtship?" he said, his voice not as steady as he would have liked. Madam Bulstrode had gone over the traditions of Courtship, and the expectations that if the wizard and witch were compatible, it would lead to either a betrothal or marriage. An agreement was a set of guidelines they would follow, and if they crossed the lines of any of the clauses, it would become a betrothal contract, essentially using their magics to bind each other together.
After talking with Sirius, his parents had done this. It was a way to protect his mother. Any harm done to her would have been harm to the House of Potter, allowing duels, blood feuds or payments to be forced, even against the Death Eaters should they be discovered who had attacked. Sirius said that was the real reason Death Eaters disguised themselves, especially when they went after other Purebloods or important magical Houses.
Everyone turned to him.
"Yes. I would ask you to enter a Courtship agreement with Daphne. My proposal is to leave it open for the two of you to decide what you do with it, except if you cross the traditional lines that would require you to marry," Anders stated.
"How open is 'open'? And what do you consider traditional lines?" Amelia asked.
"I would leave it open until they are both sixteen. They are not to date anyone else. If they choose to date any time between now and then, then it is to be a committed relationship. No infidelity. If Daphne chooses to give her virtue to him, they shall become betrothed. No children will be born out of wedlock. I would also like any betrothal to allow for the second born to carry on the Greengrass name. I am prepared to offer a hefty groom price and dowery," Lord Greengrass offered.
Harry's face flushed some. Daphne looked straight ahead.
"Anders, you know that won't be necessary. I won't see Harry taken advantage of. This is not a transaction where I will see either of them sold off," Amelia indicated.
"I am not trying to sell my daughter. This is all their choice, but I would see her protected and offer her future husband incentive to not stray," Anders stated.
"Anders, I don't think Harry is that type of person," Illiana stated.
Harry blinked and looked to Daphne as the adults went back and forth. She was looking at her hands in her lap. After a moment, he reached for her hand for the first time. "Is this what you want?"
She watched his hand and wrapped both hers around his. "Father, can I have a private word with Scion Potter?"
The talk between Amelia and Anders stopped. Susan had a Cheshire grin on her face that Harry was trying to ignore. Astoria was looking thoughtful. It was her mother that answered, "You two can go to the family tearoom. I will call you when dinner is ready if you are not back by then."
All eyes followed them as they walked out of the room. Daphne held his hand the entire way and ordered Winchester out of the room. The elf hurried out. When she shut the door, Harry stood a few feet away and met her gaze. "How are your arms?"
She rubbed the upper part of her right arm. "The bruising is all gone. Thank you again for saving me."
He shrugged. "I wasn't going to let you get kissed." At least not by those creatures, something in him thought.
"I really didn't get a chance to get a good look at your Patronus."
Harry nodded. "Would your parents mind if I cast it here?"
"The wards will mask your wand use."
He took out his wand and a moment later, Prongs was prancing in place for a few seconds before dissipating. "Mr. Lupin and Sirius say it looks just like my father's animagus form."
An eyebrow rose. "Impressive form."
"It's one of the few things that I can say I have from my parents," he replied.
"They would be proud of what you did."
"Thanks."
"Will you teach me how to cast a Patronus?" Daphne requested.
"If you want." He sighed. "Is a Courtship Agreement what you want?"
She didn't answer right away. "If you are asking if I planned any of this, I did not. I also do not agree if father plans to use this to satisfy the debt he feels he owes you."
That hadn't crossed his mind, so much was his trust in her now, but he understood why she would worry about that. Harry shook his head, "That was not what I meant. You know what Madam Bulstrode taught us about this. Is this what you want?"
She took a half-step towards him. "Harry, I have been trained in the ways of our society since I can remember. Courtships, betrothals and marriage contracts are always a concern to any girl of my station. I am old enough to be entered into a Courtship, and once I am sixteen I am eligible for Betrothal Agreements or contracts. Until I am twenty-one, father has the ability to sign me away to anyone he would like. Even after that, he would have to approve of any relationship or marriage, or I risk being a pariah in our circles, or at worst, disowned. I know what Madam Bulstrode trained us in."
He frowned. He had caught that in their lessons. Taking his Gryffindor courage for once with her, he took a half-step towards her. He felt the lump in his throat as he admitted, "Daphne, I like you. I like you more than just a friend," he managed to get out without his voice cracking, which he was sure it was going to with how his insides were dancing.
She gave him that attractive smile that he always liked and his insides started to hop. "I like you too."
A smile came to his face. "Enough that if I asked you into Hogsmeade this year, you would say yes?"
She smirked. "If we were in a Courtship I would have no other choice."
Harry shook his head. If he hadn't been going through his occlumency lessons, he probably wouldn't understand the way he was feeling. "Daphne, that is not what I mean. If we do this, it is because we both want to. I know we don't have to be like boyfriend and girlfriend if we don't want. I am not totally sure if I am ready yet. I like you, though."
She took another step closer. "I will admit that I have thought about just going on a date in the last few months. After talking to Hermione about how muggles do their courtships, I like many things she described. If you would have me in a Courtship, I would do more of what I know you may be accustomed too."
"Is that what you want?" he asked again, this time taking his own step so they were now only six inches apart.
"Is this what you want?" she asked him.
He looked at her for a moment, seeing something in her eyes that brought those funny feelings he had the times she kissed his cheeks. "No one usually asks what I want."
"Well, what do you want?" she asked, a little more confidence in her voice.
He let out a breath. "I don't want any more deals between us," he said firmly. "I will help you with your goals because I want to. As a friend... as a boyfriend."
Her smile was one of the most genuine he had ever seen from her. "Boyfriend... I like the sound of that. No more deals," she agreed. "I will help you become a Lord of the Wizengamot and leader of this alliance, like you asked."
He gave her a wry smirk. "Leader?"
"Leader. With me at your side," she told him.
"And that will help you get your goals?"
She moved a little closer, taking his hand. "Harry, father and mother had a talk with us yesterday. I believe them that magic is not pleased and it is no secret the old Houses are dying. I don't want to see our family magic die. There are things mother and father are starting to teach me that no other family knows. It is secrets that I would like to pass on some day. Father has also given Astoria and I a chance to find someone we want. I never thought I would be told to just follow my heart or magic. Right now, my magic is telling me I want you."
Her eyes closed slightly and her lips parted in a way that sent an electric jolt down him. He felt his magic was pulling him towards her. "What about your heart?" he asked, closing the distance so that their fronts were against each other. He had never been so aware of her before, and only so close when they danced or the few times she had hugged him.
"We have time to see how our hearts feel. Like you said, I am not sure I am ready for a boyfriend, but a Courtship Agreement would give us the time to find out," she told him. "I also really like you."
Harry felt his head being drawn down. He wasn't even aware how his body was reacting, or that his other hand had taken hers. He held both her hands in his. She tilted her head. Their lips brushed each other before he was aware he had dipped his head so low. He pulled back, unsure of what he was doing.
Daphne's eyes were closed, and her mouth pouted a little. "I thought my first kiss would be a little better than that," she said, sounding dissatisfied.
Feeling the invitation, he lowered his head again so their lips were touching. This time they pressed their lips together. It was a chaste kiss, but Harry felt like there were fireworks going off in his body. He felt her body pressing against his. Her hands tightened around his and involuntarily he pulled her closer so that her body press firmly against his. He felt his whole body respond to how close she was. Their lips moved a little before they separated.
A dreamy smile was spread across Daphne's face, her eyes still closed. He liked it. Harry really liked this side of her. The side she only seemed to show him. "Was that better?" he queried.
"I think I need to try that again to decide," she said, opening her eyes just a little. His body decided he was not stiff enough in his pants and he hardened more.
"We could try again," he offered, sounding eager.
"If that is what you want?" she teased him.
They shared many 'practice' pecks, and more a few times when they pressed their lips together longer and moved against each other. It was only a knock on the door that caused them both to jump back. Daphne tried to smooth out her dress. It was a little rumpled from where she had been pressing against him.
He ran his hand through his hair, flush from excitement of what they had just been doing.
The door opened after a few seconds. "Dinner will be on the table in ten minutes," her mother said, stepping into the room. Her eyes didn't miss the goofy smiles on both their faces. "If you need more time to talk, Harry can stay for a little while after."
Daphne tried to even out her face. "Harry and I have come to an agreement. "
Harry met Illianna's eyes. "I would like to ask for a Courtship Agreement between Daphne and myself. I don't want any grooms price or anything like that. I have more than enough money."
Her mother smiled. "We can let Anders and Amelia know when we sit. There are certain traditions that must be kept in these negotiations, though."
Harry shook his head. "Do we need to decide now? I would just like the Courtship Agreement for now."
Daphne tightened her hold on his hand. "Harry, it is tradition. There are items that need to be agreed upon incase we progress beyond that."
He looked to Daphne. "You are sure?"
"Yes."
Harry nodded after a few. "I will trust Amelia and Lord Greengrass to work out the best details."
"I think that best. I can assure you that Anders means only the best for Daphne and you," Lady Greengrass assured him. "Now, go get washed up."
"Yes, mother," Daphne said, giving Harry a pleased look before leaving the room.
Illianna gave him a smile. "I very much agree with this. You know where the bathroom is down here?"
"Yes, Lady Greengrass."
-oOo-
August 26, 1994
Dartmoor, England
After much debate with Amelia, he had won his argument to be at the World Cup. It was the first argument he had had with Amelia. He had yet to be to a professional Quidditch game, even though Daphne had wanted to take him this summer, and he was not about to miss this event. It occurred every three years and it had been thirty-six years since England hosted.
His concession was to Auror guards that just about held his hand until they got to the box. The Greengrasses, Davises, Longbottoms and them were in in the box. The other seven seats had been give to friends of Lord Davis. Harry was just chuffed he was here.
"You made it," a smiling Daphne said, taking his hand as she made sure he was sitting next to her.
"I wouldn't miss it," he replied, the excitement of the stadium throwing any thought of being proper out the window.
Susan had a big smile. "Auntie is still upset with you," she told him. "By the way, you are my favorite cousin."
Daphne eyed him. "What did you do? And Harry is your only cousin, from what I know."
"Harry had a row with Auntie when she told him she had changed her mind this morning," Susan said. He caught Amelia still eyeing him.
"Father almost changed his mind as well. He is worried about what happened last week," she stated.
The mood between the three of them dropped a little.
Neville tapped his shoulder and he greeted them. Tracey was holding his hand and looking happy. Roger was talking with his parents. When Neville saw him looking at their hands, he blushed some. "Tracey and I are in a Courtship Agreement. I heard you and Daphne might be as well?"
"You know they are. I told you earlier," Tracey told him.
Daphne shook her head. "Scion Longbottom appeared to want to be polite."
"Oh, who cares today? England is going to crush Bulgaria," Susan said loudly as the crowd rose in volume. Harry looked to see an official fly out onto the pitch.
"I want to see Victor Krum," Astoria added from besides Tracey.
"You want Viktor Krum," Tracey stated.
Astoria gave a smirk. "I have been told I am too young for that."
Susan and Tracey laughed while Daphne rolled her eyes. "Do you have omnioculars," Daphne enquired.
"Yeah. Amelia insisted we have them, even though she wanted us to get through the crowd and sellers as fast as possible," he told her, holding up the pair he had gotten for twelve galleons. Susan had a new pair as well.
"Welcome all to the World Quidditch Cup..." a man announced from above them and to their right. The announcer was two levels up.
"Is Krum as good as everyone says he is?" Harry asked Daphne as Susan talked with Neville and Tracey for a moment.
"I've seen him once, last summer, when Bulgaria played England. He is better than you," Tracey said significantly.
Harry laughed. "I'm only going into my fourth year. Everyone at this level should be better than me."
"I think you underestimate your abilities," Daphne countered.
They were having to yell over the crowd and stopped their conversation as Ireland flew out onto the field.
By the time the match was done, Harry realized he would be watching this match for months in the omnioculars to understand everything the seekers had done. Krum was beyond amazing.