A/N:
A severely AU. Takes place after the events of OotP. Sirius never died, Voldy never got resurrected. Harry was raised in the Bones household when Amelia claimed Harry as the nearest magical relative. Oh and Daphne was part of the DA.
Two lovers sat under a tree in a muggle park, just finishing their picnic. Harry leaned back and lay on the blanket they were on.
"You'll think they'd approve?" Harry asked nervously as he rested his head on the lap of his girlfriend. Staring into her exquisite blue eyes and dazzling blonde hair, he could just lose himself in this moment.
"Hush," Daphne kissed his forehead then flattened his very unruly black hair. She would never admit it but it was one of the perks of having this Gryffindor as her boyfriend, the untamable hair that she could brush all day. "You worry about it too much. I have told them a lot about us and frankly, my parents couldn't be happier with me dating the Boy-who-lived."
"Boy-who-lived? So that's their excuse?" Harry closed his eyes and sighed.
"Hey now, you know I love you because you're you. I don't give two smidgens of a damn about all that. You are Harry. Just Harry. Just the way I like it." Daphne pecked his lips gently and leaned back on the trunk of the tree.
"Daphne Greengrass, whatever have I done to deserve you?" Harry let out a breath of relief. Daphne looked at him with a smile and all he could do was brush a stray her behind her ear.
"The most beautiful Slytherin, letting me use her lap as a pillow." Harry goofily smiled. "I never really asked but how did you get permission to visit me?" Harry inquired.
"Well, like I said, dating the Hero of Gryffindor has it's perks."
'\'\'\'\'\'\'\'\'/'/'/'/'/'/'/'/'/
" 'Ria, quickly Harry will be here any minute! Give me back my brush!" Daphne yelled from her room in the Greengrass ancestral home. Her voiced carried out in the big mansion because of the intensity of the scream.
"What, you look better with your hair all frizzy. Besides, I doubt Harry will care." Astoria shouted back from down stairs. One could see the small blonde twirling said hair brush between her fingers.
"Gips?" Daphne called out to their house elf.
"What can Gippard do for the young mistress?" A small elf popped in as he bowed down to show respect.
"Could you get my hair brush from Astoria?" Daphne politely asked. "Also could you tell my parents to hurry up?" The elf nodded and popped right out. A second later, you could hear a groan of disappointment from Astoria before the hair brush popped into the room.
"Thank you Gips."
One could also hear the voice of Gippard saying "I lived to serve the House of Greengrass."
'\'\'\'\'\'\'\'/'/'/'/'/'/
"Look at you! All grown up and stealing the hearts of women before you even reach of age." Amelia once over Harry again in his dashing black Tuxedo and patted away a stray crease on his shoulder. The boy that is practically her son grows up and is causing panties to drop down since he won the tournament in his fourth year.
"Auntie please. It's just a dinner. I won't even know if Daphne's parents will approve of me. The real me and not the notion of The-Boy-Who-Lived." Harry gave Amelia a half-hearted smile. Having been raised by said witch since he was a year old, Amelia knew every possible body language and expression her adopted son gave.
"I'll have you know Henry Greengrass is a very compassionate man and especially towards his daughters. Anastasia may give you a cold look but that's just really her testing how you do under pressure. Trust me, I went to school with these people and while they are both Slytherins, they were still popular throughout the school." Amelia reminiscing about her days as a teen. Being in Hufflepuff means you are looked down upon by the Red and Green but she came out on top of it all and achieved a high enough score on her OWLs and NEWTs to give her a sure fire way into the Auror Force.
"What you so worried about?" Susan suddenly popped in behind Harry which caused Harry to let out an unmanly sound.
"Don't ever do that again Susan!" Harry said as he straightened himself out. "One does not sneak up on people." Harry added.
"Yeah and One does not give off a girlish yelp." Susan stuck out her tongue. "You worry about it too much. I met Mr. Greengrass before, seems like a nice person." She said as she took a seat on a vacant chair in the living room.
"Oh? And why wasn't I there?" Harry sarcastically said as he turned around to face the redhead. Since Harry and Susan grew up together, they both were inseparable so whenever one sees Bones, Potter is sure to follow, or vice versa.
"Hmmm, let me think. Oh that's right, you were busy. In the maze." Susan recalled her brief moment when she spoke to the blonde man who resembled Lucius Malfoy but had a shorter hair and his demeanor was much appealing.
"Oh right. Well at least I didn't get lost."
The Grandfather Clock rang at the designated time, which means only one thing.
"You ready hotshot?" Susan playfully threw a pillow at his 'brother' but Harry caught it.
"As always. Well wish me luck." He leaned down to kiss Susan's cheek and proceeded to do the same to his Aunt who had been silent the whole time. She just loved to watch these two so much.
As Harry walked to the Fireplace, he grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and yelled "Greengrass Mansion." Then was engulfed in emerald flames.
"I bet you 5 galleons that he will get caught kissing Daphne." Amelia said as she walked back to her office.
She heard her niece's reply "I bet he won't even get a chance!"
'/'/'/'/'/'/'\'\'\'\'\'
"He's here!" Astoria yelled from the bottom of the stairs as Harry exited the Floo. He met Astoria before and is quite fond of the miniature version of his girlfriend. Astoria wore a very presentable purple dress that showcased modesty but just gave enough skin for the imagination of hormone-high boys.
"Hey Astoria!" He gave her a hug which the girl hugged back.
"You know my sister, she can never be TOO PERFECT!" She screamed the last two words so that Daphne could hear.
"HEY!" Was the only reply.
"Harry Potter! It is a pleasure to meet the man who has stolen my daughter's heart!" A tall man who was well-built approached Harry and extended his hand.
"It is good to finally meet you Sir. Daphne has nothing but good things to say about you." Harry took the extended hand and gave it a firm shake. If someone looked closely, Henry twitched as smile. Little did Harry know that he already passed one of Henry's tests.
"Harry please, call me Henry. Seeing as I'll be striking up a marriage contract before this night is over, it is good practice before you call me uncle!" Henry laughed a loud making his slick blonde hair to bounce. Astoria broke out laughing as well and Harry just smiled, liking the idea of that.
"Father. We talked about this." All heads turned around as Daphne walked down the stairs dressed in a splendid and Elegant green dress. Her hair was in a cradle braid and some of it flowed freely down to her back. Her stunning blue eyes gleamed under the modestly lighted area of the Mansion.
"Beautiful." Harry said under his breath. He was literally spell bound by the beautiful girl in front of him. Astoria had to elbow him to release him out of his trance. Harry got the cue and stepped forward to assist Daphne off the last few steps of the staircase. Not letting go of her hand, he bowed gently and kissed her knuckle. "You look wonderful." Harry complimented out loud.
"Why thank you Harry." She gave him a smile as she blushed.
"It is an honor to be here tonight." Harry said after he accompanied Daphne to his sibling and Father.
"The honor is all ours, come let us hurry. Anastasia will meet us at the venue shortly." Henry said as he pulled out a long piece of rope and gestured the kids to hold on to it. They all nodded and each grabbed onto it.
"3…2..." Henry counted down until they all felt a tug from the navel and pop! They were gone.
/'/'/'/'/'/'\'\'\'\'\'
"1." Henry ended the countdown as they all landed in a ballroom adorned with green and silver all around. Chandeliers hung above their heads and tables were spaced evenly so that there was a dance floor in the middle.
"You didn't tell me about this." Harry whispered to Daphne and she replied with a fake smile
"Whoops, must've slipped my mind." She turned around and walked towards a woman, tall and firm with a gaze that could freeze fire and burn ice. The one and only Anastasia Greengrass walked down the path towards her newly arrived family plus Harry.
"Mother." Daphne curtsied and Anastasia briefly nodded. Astoria, likewise, did the same. She turned her gaze towards Harry and then to her husband. Henry had a wide smile as he patted Harry's shoulder. The tall man overdid it a little because Harry coughed loudly when the man did it.
Harry walked forward to Anastasia and greeted her
"Good evening Lady Greengrass." Harry bowed. Proper etiquette paying off. Anastasia never faltered and simply nodded once again as she extended her hand. "Potter". Harry took the hand and kissed her knuckle, much like what he did with Daphne. After this he straightened himself out and asked the question that's been bugging him.
"Where are we Lady Greengrass?" Harry asked gently viewed the scene of the ballroom.
"You will find out soon enough. I presume he is ready Henry?"
"As ready as he'll ever be!" Henry pumped his fist into the air. Daphne walked towards her father and asked.
"Is he really?"
"He gave a firm handshake." At this, Daphne's mouth hung open. She looked towards her boyfriend who was casually talking with her mother and sister.
"A firm handshake? You expect him to survive tonight, in a feast of snakes, because of a handshake? Dad, seriously,"
"Listen sweetheart, if Harry really wants to prove himself to us, he'll manage. Besides, living with Amelia Bones is no soft feat."
"That's hardly comparable. Aunt Amelia is a Hufflepuff."
"Remember, Slytherins are cunning little bastards. The last place you'd find a snake is among badgers, right?"
"Wait, are you saying-"
"Oh would you look at that. I feel the wards alerting. Looks like people are arriving. I should go and see them in. You should come too, if that's what you want." Henry hugged Daphne and walked back to the entrance.
"This is going to be a long night." Daphne sighed.
'/'/'/'/'/'\'\'\'\'\
"Potter? The fuck is a bloody Gryffindor doing here?" Draco Malfoy said as he entered the ballroom. The hall was already filled with wizards and witches who, presumably, are part of Slytherin. Harry who was casually talking with an old couple of wizards that Daphne introduced him to became quiet. As Malfoy approached Harry, the two old couple bowed their heads and walked away, Harry likewise did the same. Daphne made a move to move forward but Harry put his arm in front of her, blocking her way. Anastasia saw this and watched quietly from the distance. Astoria, who was laughing with some of her friends started to watch the inevitable clash. Henry, who was talking with Lucius caught a glimpse of this and led Lucius away from the commotion, leaving the boys to settle this by themselves.
"Oh, Malfoy." Harry looked towards the ferret boy in dress robes that looked like it belonged to an eighteenth century aristocratic whos-it. Knowing Malfoy, his slimy father had people actually dig up a grave to obtain said robes. "You're like, what, the twelve hundredth person to ask me that? Seriously, you guys ought to pay attention."
"Talk back properly to your seniors Half-blood. A filthy Half-blood like yourself trying to mingle with your superiors. Makes my stomach clench. Leave." Malfoy said the last part with a little too much conviction. Head started to turn but Harry paid them no mind. Daphne's eyes glared at Draco who didn't flinch.
"Well, DRACO." Adding dangerous emphasis on his name and noticeably the Malfoy scion twitched. "As you would know, the people who organized this little event specifically invited me. And last time I checked, the Malfoy house wasn't even invited. So tell me Malfoy, who has more right to be here?" Harry smiled an innocent one which made it a more sinister.
You could see Draco trying to make something coherent while opening and closing his mouth. "As you know, the Malfoy Family has been attending soirées and balls even before you were born-"
"You're no older than me." Harry interrupted Malfoy. "I'm sorry, continue." He gestured for the ferret to continue.
"Before you were born. You know nothing about who has to be here." Malfoy pumped his chest out like the pompous little git he was.
Daphne was about to say something but Harry held her hand.
"Well, actually. I think you forgot who raised me. The Bones family taught me everything they knew. A Potter who is practically a son to the only head of the Bones House. I know every person here, excluding about a handful, like Lord and Lady Cervantes who I was talking to until you interrupted." Harry gestured to an old couple, both looked like the stereotypical old and wise wizard and witch.
"Both transferred out of Hogwarts shortly after their graduation. Both Slytherin. Or how about the Lords Jeremiah and Justinian, twins, both Slytherins from an Ancient House in Sweden." Harry said as he pointed at two men who were flirting with two women. When the twins saw Harry looking at them, they both waved and Harry did too. Malfoy look frustrated, where was this headed?
"Oh have you met Neil Clive. Slytherin of course, from the States. He offered me a rest house in a place called Malibu. Have no idea where that is. But anyway, I ended up buying three properties from him in the last hour you weren't here." Harry pointed to one man in a tuxedo and bowler hat. Harry raised his hand and the man acknowledged him. Malfoy looked surprised.
"You are nothing. You have no money." Malfoy said grinning evil-y. Daphne interjected before Harry could reply.
"Apparently he has more money than you." Daphne smiled at this. Astoria began giggling with her friends and the crowd didn't look surprised, after all they knew how rich the Potter line is. The only ones that didn't were the foreigners.
"Don't look down on me you Slytherin slut! How dare you even look at this man. You betrayed Slytherin when you became involved you bitch." Malfoy spat and Daphne looked offended, which she was. In Malfoy's little brain, he knew that it was in his right to put women where they should be. But she was about ready to smack a bitch, and that bitch's name was Malfoy. Astoria looked scandalized and Anastasia grinned. Harry led him right where he wanted him. Harry, for a split- second, smiled.
"Malfoy, that was uncalled for." Harry said as he held Daphne back.
"I see you don't have the balls to keep your whore in line." Malfoy said with a toney voice. Anastasia almost felt sorry for him.
"Malf-, DRACO" Harry once again emphasized the name. When Daphne calmed down, he continued.
"I guess you puny brain didn't even think about properly greeting the family who threw this ball in the first place before waltzing in here like the ungrateful child you are."
"The fuck is that supposed to mean?" Draco asked looking annoyed.
"What I mean is, you just offended the Heir of Greengrass, in their own ball. And as her chaperone, I have the right to duel you." Harry said as he gave a sideways hug to Daphne who wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Of course, providing you won't chicken out on this one like you did in our first year." Harry said, calling him out. Everyone in the hall had their eyes glued on tonight's entertainment. There were some murmurs in the crowd like "Disgrace" or "coward", and all of them were directed to Malfoy.
"He backed out?"
"No, I heard he didn't even show up?"
"Spineless"
"Pissboy"
"Shut it!" Malfoy roared to the crowed.
"What is going on here?" The voice of Lucius Malfoy came into existence and once again Harry had to mentally facepalm himself. 'they just love these dramatic entries.'
"Father!" Draco's face lit up as he approached his father. "Look, the Potter boy is in a ball for Slytherins. I say we kick him out."
"Kick me out? How old are you Draco? 12?"
"He cannot actually. Our family invited young Harry. So if there is a problem, you should come talk to me." Henry pulled off an amazing intimidating aura without using his magic.
"Henry. Please, I am sure there is a misunderstanding." Lucius raised his hand.
"Harry?" Henry looked over to the by but before he could speak…
"There is no misunderstanding. The Malfoy offended Heiress Greengrass." Someone from the crowed told the Greengrass Head. There were nods of approval coming from almost everyone in attendance.
"I appreciate it, Lady Zabini, But I want to hear it from Harry himself." Henry said as he motioned for Harry to speak.
"Well, Henry, Draco called Daphne, and I quote 'Slytherin Slut' and proceeded to call her colorful things like 'Bitch' and 'Whore'" Murmurs of agreement from the crowd increased Henry's peak.
"My, that is some… creative ways of calling my daughter. But" Henry said as he put his hands behind his back. "As you can see, you offended my daughter in my own ball. By all means, I should duel you for my family's honor," Henry cracked his shoulder. Draco visibly paled.
"Wait, Henry, can't we appease this in some other way." Lucius glared at his son who shrinked in his father's gaze.
"Nope" He simply answered.
"Lord Greengrass, if I may." A person from the crow said.
"Yes, Lord Bulstrode?"
"I believe the Malfoys owe the Potter's a duel. Seeing as I vaguely remember my daughter saying Draco challenged Potter but never showed up. The events of tonight only strengthen this."
"Lord Malfoy?" Henry looked at the older man the Malfoy head looked at Draco who didn't meet his gaze. "Why you… you… do you know how disgraceful that is? Do you even know the consequence you've brought upon yourself?"
"I wouldn't think Potter would know about that."
"That doesn't matter you young fool. You should have shown up at least."
"But Father."
"Shut it. Heir Potter, is there any other way?" Lucius looked pleadingly towards Harry. Henry was surprised that he was completely ignored. He knows better than to interfere between two Heir's rivalry, especially if it's about name.
"Well, if you would relinquish all of the valuables in the Malfoy vault and sign the line of Black to me. I think that is about an equal trade for the Potter name and your son's life."
"My, that is absurd."
"Actually, it is within his right. The Malfoys challenged the Potters, an Ancient and Noble House to a duel. The Potters show up but the Malfoys don't. According to ancient pureblood law, young Draco disgraced not only the Malfoy Line but also made a fool of the Potters. And since they are on the receiving end. They could demand both your life and magic. Heir Potter is being generous to leave you alive and with magic." Anastasia finished her explanation as she walked up to the gathering commotion.
"So which will it be." Harry asked. "You see." He stepped forward to face the two Malfoys. "You have Three options. One, you could emancipate Draco as an Adult and blame him for his wrong doings then disown him, which is worse than death, mind you. Two, you could agree to the terms I put out before, leaving you a penniless crook," Harry raised a third finger "Or three, you could just leave. You have wasted enough of our time. Never return to any balls if a Greengrass or Potter is there because once you leave, you have just been in debt to two Ancient and Noble houses." Harry said as he finished. Lucius looked pale and Draco walked behind his father.
"What makes you think we will go?" Lucius, who mustered up all the brain cells he had left, asked a stupid question.
"Look around you Malfoy. You may think you have connections but in reality, you don't even know half of the people here. People who are richer and more powerful than you can even imagine. All who will side with the Potters and Greengrasses." Lucius looked around and he could see blank stares filled with contempt all around.
"What will it be Lucius?" Anastasia asked.
"I'll do it. I'll duel you Potter." Harry was surprised Draco could even speak.
"The terms?" Daphne was the one who asked.
"Clear the Dueling Debt the Malfoy's have with the Potters. Half of the Malfoy fortune. Should the Potter house lose, we only humbly beg for pardon. Should the Potter house choose to take the life of the Malfoy heir, it is in their authority to do so." Lucius said as he sighed.
"Do you accept?" The hall cleared up to give space for the two Heirs. Harry approached the makeshift arena and so did Malfoy.
"I accept." Draco stated as he turned his back to Harry.
"I accept." Harry answered as he likewise turned around.
With their backs against each other and their wands in play, Anastasia started,
"On the tenth step will you only proceed to duel." Anastasia started to count.
"1" They both moved a step.
"2"
"4…"
"7…"
"9…"
"10"
A/N:
Alright. Story won't be that long. About 5 or 6 chapters. So yeah. Hope you like it.
Next Chapter entitled Varying Degrees