Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, storylines, or objects that you recognize from this story, J.K. Rowling does. I did however, create some of the new characters that will appear in this fanfic.

Author's Note: So, I've decided to take a crack at the Harry Potter/Daphne Greengrass pairing, where there's a marriage contract involved. You know, the usual. As you all know, Daphne's character hasn't really been fully explored in the 7-book series, so this story could… well, it probably will become more AU than other stories. Furthermore, this story will largely center around Harry's sixth year in the book… and quidditch. This first chapter will contain some similar scenes from the book, but that will soon change. Depending on how much you all like this story, I could make a trilogy, the first book starting at Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts, the second book revolving around the Deathly Hallows, and the third book revolving on life after the Deathly Hallows. If I mess up something, please let me know, I always enjoy reading constructive criticism. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this story- and for readers of my other stories, know that I will continue those ones as well.

"Harry! Harry!" Harry Potter rubbed his eyes as he was shaken awake, and was greeted by Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger's smiling faces.

"Uhh, h-hey guys," Harry managed to get out, putting his glasses on his face, before taking a look at his two best friends. "Wuzz- what's going on?"

"We didn't know you were here already!" Ron exclaimed, giving him a sharp blow to the top of the head.

"Ron, don't hit him!" Hermione told Ron off, before sitting on the edge of Harry's bed, her gaze softening. "How was your summer with-"

"The muggles?" Ron finished Hermione's question for her, earning himself a reproachful look. "Did they treat you alright?"

"It was the usual," Harry said, "We didn't really interact much, but in all honesty, it's better that way. How're you guys?"

"I've been great," Ron said, "With Fred and George gone at their joke shop, I've actually been able to walk around my own house without being worried about a prank! You have no idea how good it feels!"

"Alright then," Harry said, inwardly chuckling, "What about you Hermione?"

"Oh, I'm fine," said Hermione, who was scrutinizing Harry, as if she was checking on him after Sirius' death.

"What's the time?" Harry asked, hoping to avoid discussing his godfather's recent death, "Have I missed breakfast?"

"No need to worry about that mate," Ron said, laughing, "Mom's been going on and on about how you've been severely underfed and that you look as skinny as a twig. She'll have you fed, don't you worry about that. So, how have you been doing, you-"

"Let's give Harry some time to change and get ready for the day," Hermione interrupted Ron, "We can ask him these… questions later." Hermione gathered Ron, as Harry silently thanked her for making sure that he didn't have to talk about Sirius' death or meeting Horace Slughorn with Dumbledore.

Harry lay back down on his bed, thinking about everything that had occurred in his busy life ever since Hagrid had decided to come bursting into the scene, talking about how Harry was a wizard. Harry half smiled, and half winced as he thought about his previous five years at Hogwarts.

It was filled with quidditch, ever since his first year, when Draco Malfoy had stolen Neville Longbottom's Remembrall, and Harry had caught it, which ended up with him somehow becoming the seeker for the Gryffindor quidditch team, angering Malfoy. It had been filled with encounters with Voldemort, who was in Quirrell's turban, the Chamber of Secrets, the Triwizard Tournament, and more. The evil wizard had it out for him, and the recent prophecy hadn't helped things out at all. Harry had also faced dementors, which were particularly devastating to him. And perhaps worse of all, Harry had to deal with an evil toad named Umbridge, thank Merlin that she was gone.

There was a knock on Harry's door, and in burst Mrs. Weasley, holding a plateful of food. This greatly rose Harry's spirits, taking his mind off of his many matters. Yes, Harry had definitely been through a lot in his life, but even he wouldn't be able to predict what was about to happen next.

"WHAT?" Daphne Greengrass loudly asked her parents, shocked at the recent news. Her pale blond hair hair seemed to bring out the intensity in her blue-gray eyes, and she looked furious. "A marriage contract? With whom? Why? How? Can I back out?"

Froviar and Lena Greengrass glanced at each other, before looking back at their eldest daughter.

"Daphne dear," Lena started, "You are betrothed, even before you were born. Your grandfather urged us to enter a marriage contract with another highly influential family that would help both families, especially with the Dark Lord on the rise. Our family wished to stay neutral and protected from both wars, but also wanted to continue being a powerful family. This contract somewhat appeared to ensure this back then, but not now. And no, you cannot back out of this contract, I've looked into this myself."

"Mum, what do you mean?" Daphne frantically asked. "Just tell me who I'm betrothed to! It's not Draco Malfoy, is it?"

"Daphne!" Froviar sharply exclaimed. "You know we do not approve of that family and it's connection with the Dark Lord. You have been promised to another boy, and I do not believe that he himself is aware of the contract."

"Why are you telling this to me now?" Daphne asked, curiosity taking over.

"Because we wanted you to enjoy your childhood and spend time with whomever you wanted," Lena said honestly, "But you are now a young lady who deserves to know."

"Daphne," Froviar said, "You are betrothed to the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter."

There was a stunned silence, which lasted for an entire minute, until Daphne ran up to her room. Froviar relaxed and settled back into his chair.

"Well," the current Head of the Greengrass family said, "That went better than I expected."

"She's just shocked now Froviar," Lena said, "I still can't believe we forced this onto her."

"She'll be fine Lena," Froviar said, "She's a strong, beautiful, capable young lady."

Daphne lay down on her bed, wondering what on Earth to do. She couldn't be betrothed to Harry Potter, Gryffindor's Golden Boy. She knew that there was no way to get out of a marriage contract unless one of the people being married passed away, but there must be a loophole. If she wasn't able to find one, then she would have to tell Potter, assuming that he didn't know yet. But before any of that, she would have to tell her best friend- Tracey Davis.

Harry and the others were at King's Cross Station, flanked by two grim-faced, tall Aurors in dark Muggle suits, who had moved from their side at all. They walked through the barrier, something Harry was still secretly fascinated by, and were soon standing on platform nine and three-quarters, where the scarlet Hogwarts Express stood belching steam over the crowd.

"You'd better get straight onto the train, all of you, you've only got a few minutes to go," said Mrs. Weasley, looking at her watch. "Have a lovely term…"

Harry had taken the time to talk to Mr. Weasley about them witnessing Draco Malfoy enter Borgin and Burkes, and him jumping back when Madam Malkin tried to touch his left arm. Mr. Weasley had listened, and told him that the Malfoy manor had already been searched. That didn't ease Harry's worrying though, he was certain that Malfoy was up to something, he just wasn't exactly sure what.

Anyway, Harry jumped onto the train, right before it was about to leave, and hopped into a compartment. Unfortunately, after the recent incident at the Ministry, everybody was staring at him, and he was surrounded by a mob of mesmerized girls. Thankfully, he saw Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood in the next compartment over.

"Neville! Luna!" The two looked up in surprise, and came over to him, greeting him cheerfully.

"Let's find seats," said Harry, and the three of them set off along the train through hordes of silently staring students. At last they found an empty compartment, and Harry hurried inside gratefully.

"They're even staring at us!" said Neville, indicating himself and Luna. "Because we're with you!"

"They're staring at you because you were at the Ministry too," said Harry, as he hoisted his trunk into the luggage rack. "Our little adventure there was all over the Daily Prophet, you must've seen it."

"Yes, I thought Gran would be angry about all the publicity," said Neville, "but she was really pleased. Says I'm starting to live up to my dad at long last. She bought me a new wand, look!"

He pulled it out and showed it to Harry.

"Cherry and unicorn hair," he said proudly. "We think it was one of the last Ollivander ever sold, he vanished next day — oi, come back here, Trevor!"

And he dived under the seat to retrieve his toad as it made one of its frequent bids for freedom.

Suddenly, there was a disturbance outside their compartment door; a group of fourth-year girls was whispering and giggling together on the other side of the glass.

"You ask him!"

"No, you!"

"I'll do it!"

And one of them, a bold-looking girl with large dark eyes, a prominent chin, and long black hair pushed her way through the door.

"Hi, Harry, I'm Romilda, Romilda Vane," she said loudly and confidently. "Why don't you join us in our compartment? You don't have to sit with them," she added in a stage whisper, indicating Neville's bottom, which was sticking out from under the seat again as he groped around for Trevor, and Luna, who was now wearing her free Spectrespecs, which gave her the look of a demented, multicolored owl.

"They're friends of mine," said Harry coldly.

"Oh," said the girl, looking very surprised. "Oh. Okay." And she withdrew, sliding the door closed behind her.

"People expect you to have cooler friends than us," said Luna, once again displaying her knack for embarrassing honesty.

"You are cool," said Harry shortly. "None of them was at the Ministry. They didn't fight with me."

"That's a very nice thing to say," beamed Luna. Then she pushed her Spectrespecs farther up her nose and settled down to read The Quibbler.

"We didn't face him, though," said Neville, emerging from un- der the seat with fluff and dust in his hair and a resigned-looking Trevor in his hand. "You did. You should hear my gran talk about you. 'That Harry Potter's got more backbone than the whole Ministry of Magic put together!' She'd give anything to have you as a grand- son. . . ."

Harry laughed uncomfortably and changed the subject to O.W.L. results as soon as he could. While Neville recited his grades and wondered aloud whether he would be allowed to take a Transfiguration N.E.W.T. with only an "Acceptable," Harry watched him without really listening.

Harry himself had performed expectionally well, receiving strong O.W.L. results, but was disappointed that he only got an "Exceeds Expectations" in potions, as it meant that he couldn't take the Potions N.E.W.T. with Snape only accepting those who received "Outstandings".

The weather beyond the train windows was as patchy as it had been all summer; they passed through stretches of the chilling mist, then out into weak, clear sunlight. It was during one of the clear spells, when the sun was visible almost directly overhead, that Ron and Hermione entered the compartment at last.

"Wish the lunch trolley would hurry up, I'm starving," said Ron longingly, slumping into the seat beside Harry and rubbing his stomach. "Hi, Neville. Hi, Luna. Guess what?" he added, turning to Harry. "Malfoy's not doing prefect duty. He's just sitting in his compartment with the other Slytherins, we saw him when we passed."

Harry sat up straight, interested. It was not like Malfoy to pass up the chance to demonstrate his power as prefect, which he had happily abused all the previous year.

"What did he do when he saw you?"

"The usual," said Ron indifferently, demonstrating a rude hand gesture. "Not like him, though, is it? Well — that is" — he did the hand gesture again — "but why isn't he out there bullying first years?

"Dunno," said Harry, but his mind was racing. Didn't this look as though Malfoy had more important things on his mind than bullying younger students?

But before he could expound on his thoughts, the compartment door slid open again and a breathless third-year girl stepped inside. "I'm supposed to deliver these to Neville Longbottom and Harry P-Potter," she faltered, as her eyes met Harry's and she turned scarlet. She was holding out two scrolls of parchment tied with violet ribbon. Perplexed, Harry and Neville took the scroll addressed to each of them and the girl stumbled back out of the compartment.

"What is it?" Ron demanded, as Harry unrolled his. "An invitation," said Harry, before reading the note out loud. "Harry, I would be delighted if you would join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C. Sincerely, Professor H. E. F. Slughorn."

"Who's Professor Slughorn?" asked Neville, looking perplexedly at his own invitation.

"New teacher," said Harry. "Well, I suppose we'll have to go, won't we?"

When Harry had arrived at Compartment C, he saw that himself and Neville were the last to arrive. Already seated was Blaise Zabini, Cormac McLaggen, Marcus Belby, Ginny Weasley, and Daphne Greengrass, who was slightly unnerving Harry, as she was intently staring at him with her blue-gray eyes, as if she knew something about him that he didn't. Harry shrugged it off and looked at Ginny with a questioning look, wondering why she was there.

The afternoon wore on with anecdotes about illustrious wizards Slughorn had taught, all of whom had been delighted to join what he called the "Slug Club" at Hogwarts. Harry could not wait to leave, but couldn't see how to do so politely. Finally the train emerged from yet another long misty stretch into a red sun- set, and Slughorn looked around, blinking in the twilight. At least Harry had found out that Ginny was seated at the compartment because Slughorn had seen her hex Zacharias Smith, the annoying Hufflepuff.

"Good gracious, it's getting dark already! I didn't notice that they'd lit the lamps! You'd better go and change into your robes, all of you. McLaggen, you must drop by and borrow that book on nogtails. Harry, Blaise — any time you're passing. Same goes for you, miss," he twinkled at Ginny. "Well, off you go, off you go!"

Thanking the lord that he was finally able to go, Harry quickly went off, in pursuit of Blaise, hoping that he would led him directly to Malfoy, when suddenly, he was pulled into another compartment.

Daphne Greengrass was seated at Compartment C, slightly annoyed that she had been called to be here. When Potter walked in, she studied him, noticing that he had grown taller and more muscular over the summer, as if he had received more food than before. She noticed that he had seen her staring, and Daphne decided that she would have to tell Potter about the contract in the empty compartment to the left once the first meeting of the "Slug Club" had ended.

The meeting had gone on, and after what felt like an eternity, the meeting ended, and Daphne quickly went into the compartment, waiting for Harry to walk by. When she saw that messy jet black hair, she immediately pulled him into the room, locking the door behind.

"What the-" Harry began to say, annoyed that someone had interrupted his pursuit of Zabini when he noticed that it was Greengrass who had pulled him into the room. "What's going on? Why did you pull me into this room?"

"Sit down Potter," Daphne said, motioning to the seat on the opposite side of the compartment, "We need to have a talk." Surprising Daphne, Potter simply walked over to the other side and sat down. Malfoy had always told Daphne that Potter was a selfish and insolent brat who never listened to anybody, but that obviously wasn't correct. Then again, Daphne thought to herself, smiling, when was Malfoy correct?"

"Er," Harry said, snapping Daphne back to her senses, "Are you going to tell me why you pulled me into an empty compartment?"

"Potter," Daphne began, deciding that she should say it bluntly, "You and I are betrothed to each other by the means of a marriage contract our grandparents discussed which each other."

Harry looked at Daphne, not making any noise or moving at all, before bursting in laughter. "Oh, that was a good one Greengrass," Harry said, cheerfully, "Who put you to this- Malfoy? You're quite a good actor, I almost actually believed you!"

Now Daphne was furious, she went through all the trouble of researching marriage contracts to find a loophole, and pulled Potter into this compartment, just so he would take this as a joke?

"I...am… not… joking," Daphne said, gritting her teeth in annoyance, "I swear on my magic and my life that I am telling the truth." Harry's mouth dropped open at this, knowing how serious that oath was. He looked around, as if waiting for something bad to happen to Daphne, before realizing that she was telling the truth.

"What the, but why, how, I don't get it," Harry started, jumbling a bunch of questions from his mouth, "What's going on?"

"That's what I was first like," Daphne said, before relaying all the information that her parents had given her, "Here, look at the contract." Daphne handed him a copy, which he looked over, before sitting down in shock.

"How come I never knew about this before?" Harry asked in mild anger.

"I just found out over the summer," Daphne answered, "My parents told me that they wanted me to enjoy my childhood freely."

"I'm going to have to ask Professor Dumbledore about this," Harry told her, "There must be some sort of explanation for all this. And why didn't tell me before?" Harry then went quiet, contemplating many thoughts in his head.

There was an awkward silence, when Daphne decided to shatter it with a question. "May I join you when you meet him? I have a few questions to ask myself."

Harry looked at her for a moment, before nodding his head. "Sure, I'll take you," Harry said, "It looks like we're forcibly stuck in this together. There must be a way out." Daphne nodded her head, slightly hurt at the comment.

"I'll see you then," Daphne said, "I presume you'll ask tonight?"

"I will," Harry responded, "Follow me from the Great Hall."

"Alright then," Daphne said, getting up "Our business is done here." Daphne walked out of the compartment, not aware that Harry was watching her hips sway back and forth, and taking note of how beautiful she was.

"Snap out of it," Harry scolded himself, "Right now is not the time."

The Sorting had just finished, and Albus Dumbledore had gotten to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there.

"Welcome," Dumbledore said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words about this upcoming school year before our dinner is served. As you all know, Lord Voldemort has risen yet again, and that calls for higher security measures."

There were murmurings that broke around the Great Hall, students and teachers alike looking frightened by the news.

"Don't worry though," Dumbledore continued, "Hogwarts has recently updated our security measures, as has many other places. I apologize for having to deliver such… dull news. However, there are some events that you all will be excited by. Just like many previous years, the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will take place, except it will have more meaning than before this year. This year, the Captain of the winning team will also get to be the Captain of our school team."

More murmuring broke around the Great Hall, except this time, there were more excited and confused murmurings. School team? Hogwarts didn't have a school team, they only had house teams. Harry was intrigued by this comment, as he had been made the captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team, and wouldn't mind captaining a school team.

"Yes, school team," Dumbledore said, lightly chuckling, "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be participating in a worldwide quidditch tournament featuring students from schools from all seven continents. Every single student from our school will have several days off from the school year, as we'll all be traveling to watch our team play around the world. For those aspiring quidditch players, scouts from international and professional teams will be there. Our Hogwarts team will consist of 14 players. 7 starters and 7 substitutes. It is my hope that our team performs well in the tournament, as the winning school receives a large unknown reward. Anywho, it is now time for you all to eat!" Dumbledore finished, his eyes twinkling in excitement.

Harry smiled as he saw the first years in awe from all the food that appeared. It was just how he felt when he first arrived at Hogwarts. This year was getting more and more interesting for Harry. He always enjoyed quidditch, even considered it as a future career. Plus, he would love to travel to world, though he would have to be on high alert, as Voldemort is on the loose. Thankfully, the students had Dumbledore.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Dumbledore said, causing the entire student body to look at him, "There have been some changes to the staff. Everybody please welcome Professor Slughorn, our new Potions teacher. Furthermore, Professor Snape has taken over the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"No!" said Harry, so loudly that many heads turned in his direction. He did not care; he was staring up at the staff table, incensed. How could Snape be given the Defense Against the Dark Arts job after all this time? Hadn't it been widely known for years that Dumbledore did not trust him to do it?

"But Harry, you said that Slughorn was going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts!" said Hermione.

"I thought he was!" said Harry, racking his brains to remember when Dumbledore had told him this, but now that he came to think of it, he was unable to recall Dumbledore ever telling him what Slughorn would be teaching.

Snape, who was sitting on Dumbledore's right, did not stand up at the mention of his name; he merely raised a hand in lazy acknowledgment of the applause from the Slytherin table, yet Harry was sure he could detect a look of triumph on the features he loathed so much.

"Well, there's one good thing," he said savagely. "Snape'll be gone by the end of the year."

"What do you mean?" asked Ron.

"That job's jinxed. No one's lasted more than a year...Quirrell actually died doing it. Personally, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for another death..."

"Harry!" said Hermione, shocked and reproachful.

As people started to finish their meal and head up to the common rooms, Ron and Hermione got up, telling Harry that they had to carry out their prefect duties and lead the first years. Harry nodded at them, but not before making eye contact with Greengrass, who had been trying to do the same thing from the Slytherin table. The two both got up from their seats and went to a far hallway, so nobody would see them.

"How was your meal?" Harry asked, trying to make light conversation.

"Good," Daphne responded curtly, "Let's go talk to Professor Dumbledore, we have a lot to discuss with him."

Harry nodded and walked with Daphne side by side, towards Dumbledore's Office. Unbeknownst to both of them, this would not be the last time they would be walking side by side.

Author's Note: And there you go- the first chapter! I hope you all enjoyed, and if you have constructive criticism, let me know! I'm finally free this summer, so I'll try to come out with a new chapter soon enough.