A.N. So you're probably wondering why I'm posting a chapter today, six days early. Well, the answer is actually a little embarrassing. I was trying to find something to read today, but couldn't find anything interesting, so instead I decided to read through some of this story. It was great, but then I found myself feeling sorry for all of you who are still waiting for the next part - so here it is. Don't worry, I'll still be posting another chapter next Tuesday.

By the way, I would love to hear about any story recommendations you guys have (since I'm clearly rather desperate). I should warn you though that I don't read slash or RC-17.

4-4-4

Harry's birthday was the next day and, after having spent his usual hour strengthening his Occlumency, he, Remus and Sirius went for their morning run.

Well, Remus and Harry went for their morning run and Sirius joined them as Padfoot. Despite having been told of Sirius' animagus form earlier in the summer, Harry still found it weird to see his godfather in dog form. Weird and inspiring – becoming an animagus was definitely something he wanted to try sometime.

After their run, they showered, before meeting in the dining room for breakfast. It was Harry's second birthday with Sirius and Remus and he treasured every little tradition that the two men had introduced him to. Including the incredibly lavish breakfast that they had the house elves prepare for him.

As per usual, Sirius and Remus gave Harry one of his gifts while he was eating (accompanied with frustrating hints about presents to come) and Harry couldn't keep the grin off his face when he carefully removed the wrapping paper to find a small book entitled 'Finding Your Animagus'.

"It's the book your dad and I used when we were learning." Sirius explained. "We wrote notes in the margins about our experiences too, which you might find helpful. Your dad's writing is the loopiest, mine is the manliest of course."

"Of course." Harry rolled his eyes as he opened the book to a random page in the middle. He turned a few pages until he found some handwritten notes in loopy handwriting.

'Maybe we could use a sticking charm? NOT Epoximise!'

Harry read the sentence aloud, before turning to Sirius. "What does that mean?"

Sirius laughed. "Oh, that was bloody hilarious. One of the steps to becoming an animagus is holding a mandrake leaf in your mouth for an entire month. We considered doing it during the summer, but didn't want to wait that long. The problem was that we couldn't stop talking for an entire month either – the professors would notice. So James came up with the idea of using a sticking charm to stick the leaf to the bottom of our mouths. Problem was, he decided to use epoximise which actually bonds the two substances together – it worked, but once the month Madame Pomfrey had to cut the leaf out."

Harry grinned. "What did you tell her?"

"That it had been a prank." Sirius shook his head. "I doubt she believed us, but it was better than admitting to the truth. Thankfully, we realised the problem within a minute of him casting spell and I managed to learn from his mistake and used a different charm."

Harry looked back at the book and saw another note, in different handwriting, below his father's. "Suffigo?"

"Yeah, that's the one." Sirius nodded. "Much better idea."

Harry set the book down beside his breakfast plate and gave both men a grateful smile. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, cub." Remus smiled.

"Yeah, what he said." Sirius grinned. "Just promise me two things. One, watch out for McGonagall – if she find out I gave you this book she'll skin me alive."

"Okay." Harry chuckled.

"Secondly," Sirius said. "When you first try the actual transformation make sure that Remus is there. A lot of things can go wrong and you really don't want to end up stuck or anything."

Harry nodded. "Sure. Can I do it with my friends?"

"Of course." Sirius answered. "Whichever friends you like, just make sure that you trust them not to nark."

Harry laughed. "Got it."

"Now," Sirius turned his attention towards the letters beside his plate. "If I'm not mistaken, one of these is from Samuel Greengrass. Should I read it now?"

Harry's stomach squirmed in anticipation. "Yes, please."

"Don't tease him, Padfoot." Remus rebuked him. "What does it say?"

Sirius opened the letter, infuriatingly slowly, and then began to read in silently.

It took every bit of willpower Harry had not to nag his godfather to tell him what it said. Instead, he turned his attention back to his breakfast and used a fried mushroom to mop up some spilt egg yolk.

"Padfoot!" Remus sighed.

Sirius grinned. "You're no fun, Remus, I was waiting to see how long it would take for Harry to break."

Harry frowned in confusion. "Break?"

"You know," Sirius waved his hand in the air. "Give up the stoic act and beg me to read it."

Harry's confusion didn't lessen. "But that would be rude."

Sirius sighed tragically. "I blame Cissy!"

"Just read the bloody letter, Sirius." Remus huffed.

"See, Harry?" Sirius smirked. "That's how you do it. Anyone would think Remus was the one possibly getting betrothed."

"Sirius!" Remus snapped.

"Right," Sirius turned his attention back to the letter. "Sorry. Do you want me to read you the letter? Or give you the gist of it?"

"The gist of it." Harry decided. That way he'd know Lord Greengrass's answer as soon as possible.

"Basically," Sirius started. "He's delighted and honoured that we are willing to discuss the idea of a betrothal and invites us both over for morning tea this morning if we are able."

"This morning?" Harry couldn't help but feel relieved. "That sounds great. I wasn't looking forward to having to pretend that nothing was going on at my party tonight."

"You might still have to do that." Sirius warned him. "I doubt anything will be made official today, even if you do decide to go ahead with the betrothal."

"I know," Harry assured him. "But at least this way I will have spoken to Daphne about it."

"Isn't it strange that he's invited you over so quickly?" Remus asked.

"Not really." Sirius told him. "We're both men of leisure, so it's not as though we have anything better to do."

4-4-4

At exactly ten o'clock that morning, Harry followed Sirius through the floo and into the Greengrass' Floo Room. He had been there before, since Daphne often hosted parties that Harry was invited to, but he took a moment to take in the room anyway.

It was smaller than the Malfoy's Floo Room, but just as tastefully decorated. The wall were painted a pale yellow, the official colour of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, and the curtains and trimmings were a deep brown. It wasn't just the colour scheme that made the room tasteful though, each and every piece of art and furniture looked as though it belonged (unlike the Parkinson home where everything looked as though they were trying to prove that they were rich).

"Merry meet, Sirius." A tall man with brown hair bowed gracefully, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. "It is an honour to have you in my home."

Sirius nodded in acknowledgement. "Merry meet, Samuel. You know my heir of course."

"Of course." Lord Greengrass turned towards Harry. "We met at the Wizengamot last month."

Harry bowed carefully. "Merry meet, Lord Greengrass."

"Merry meet." Lord Greengrass smiled as he nodded, then he turned his attention back to Sirius. "If you would follow me, Adrianna and Daphne are waiting for us on the east lawn."

Harry followed Sirius and Lord Greengrass through the house, noting the different route they were taking. He didn't think he had ever been to the east lawn before. It was impressive to watch Lord Greengrass using magic to open each door before they came to it. He had seen Lord Malfoy do something similar of course, but it reminded Harry that it was something he wanted to learn to do too.

When they reached the east lawn, Harry's eyes widened as he took in the incredible pavilion that was set on the lawn. It looked as though it had been made out of Acromantula webbing, though Harry wasn't sure whether that was even possible.

As they approached the pavilion, Harry saw that there were chairs and table within it. Lady Greengrass and Daphne both were sitting around the table, but they both stood politely as Lord Greengrass and Sirius entered the pavilion.

"Merry meet, my lord." Lady Greengrass and Daphne both curtsied to Sirius, before Daphne turned to Harry and curtsied to him as well.

"Merry meet, Adrianna. Please, call me Sirius." Sirius nodded. "Have you met my heir?"

Lady Greengrass smiled kindly as she turned to Harry. "I have. Merry meet, Mr. Potter."

Harry bowed. "Merry meet, Lady Greengrass. Merry meet, Daphne."

As they each took their places around the table, the Greengrasses on side and Sirius and Harry at the other, Harry took a few seconds to observe Daphne's parents. He had never seen them together before, though from what Daphne had said about them they seemed to have a good marriage.

Lord Greengrass' hair was brown, like Astoria's was, and he definitely was where Daphne got her height from. Lady Greengrass was already shorter than Daphne, but her hair was the same colour blond as her eldest daughter's – slightly darker than Draco and Luna's, but still lighter than Anthony Goldstein's.

As Lady Greengrass began pouring the tea, Harry turned his attention to Daphne. She looked wonderful. Her hair was down, a rare occurrence at Hogwarts, and it hung well below her shoulders. She was wearing a lovely set of robes as well and Harry couldn't help but notice the way that they complimented her figure.

She looked nervous though. Not obviously, Daphne was far too poised for that, but Harry had known her for three years and couldn't help but notice how tight her expression was. Harry caught her eye and tried to give her a comforting smile.

"Daphne tells me that today is your birthday, Mr. Potter." Lady Greengrass voice pulled Harry out of his thoughts.

"Yes, my lady." Harry agreed. "I am fourteen."

"Goodness." Lord Greengrass commented. "One more year and you'll be the Head of the House of Potter. You must be looking forward to that."

Harry inclined his head. "Yes, my lord. Though it is also an intimidating thought. I am very thankful to my godfather and Lord and Lady Malfoy for helping me prepare for the responsibilities that will bring."

"Well, we wish you many happy experiences in this coming year." Lady Greengrass smiled.

"Thank you, my lady." Harry returned her smile.

The adults continued with their small talk for another couple of minutes and Harry had to hold himself back from squirming in impatience. He knew that it would be rude to jump straight to the discussion of betrothal, but he wanted to get into it.

Finally, Sirius turned the conversation away from the Greengrass' son Thomas, who was seven years older than Daphne, and onto the topic that Harry had been waiting for.

"Thank you for your invitation today," Sirius started. "And for your letter earlier this week. It was a great compliment to my House that you would consider such a match."

Lord Greengrass nodded. "As it is an honour to our House that you are here today to discuss it. You know, of course, that Daphne was previously betrothed to Eugene Odgen, who was Lord Odgen's oldest grandson."

"Of course." Sirius agreed. "It is a shame that the boy died so young."

Harry couldn't help but remember Draco's description of Eugene as a bully who Daphne was scared of. Maybe it wasn't such a shame he had died young. At least now Daphne wouldn't have to marry him.

"It was," Lady Greengrass replied softly. "However, I cannot help but be glad that it gives us the opportunity to have this conversation."

Sirius placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry was hoping that he would have an opportunity to discuss the matter privately with your daughter."

Lord and Lady Greengrass exchanged a glance.

"Of course." Lord Greengrass said eventually. "Perhaps they could take a walk around the lawn."

"Thank you, my lord, my lady." Harry stood and bowed to them before walking around the table and offering Daphne his hand.

Daphne hesitated for a moment, before placing her hand in Harry's and standing.

"Do not stray far, Daphne." Lady Greengrass warned her.

"Yes, Mother." Daphne acknowledged, before placing her hand in the crook of Harry's arm and allowing him to lead her out of the tent.

They walked in silence for a while, until Harry felt for sure that they were out of hearing range of the adults.

"Are you alright, Daphne?"

"Of course." Daphne said, her tone still formal. "Thank you for honouring me by considering my father's proposal."

Harry frowned slightly. "You're welcome. You don't need to be so formal with me, you know. We are friends aren't we?"

Daphne glanced up at him so quickly Harry almost missed it. "Of course, Harry."

Harry sighed. "Have you been enjoying your summer so far?"

"Very much so." Daphne returned, her tone still formal. "Thomas was home for a few weeks and it was lovely to see him."

Harry already knew that, she'd told him two weeks beforehand when she had attended a Quidditch game with him and Sirius.

"It was very kind of you to invite Astoria to your dinner party this evening." Daphne continued. "She is very excited."

"She is Draco's betrothed." Harry explained. "And one of my friends. It will be wonderful to have her there."

"I heard that you invited Natasja as well." Daphne said. "You do know that she'll only be a first year this year."

"It will be nice to meet her." Harry answered as they reached the end of the lawn and turned the corner.

"Yes," Daphne agreed. "It will."

They walked in silence for a minute, before Harry sighed. "Daphne, I apologise but I honestly don't know how to ask this without being horridly forward. Do you want to be betrothed to me?"

Daphne stopped walking for a second, before continuing again. "I...I…"

"I like you." Harry told her. "And I've done a lot of thinking about this over the last few days. Part of me wishes that we didn't have to decide this now. That we could wait until we were out of Hogwarts and then decide like my parents did, but that's not going to happen. If I don't say yes, your parents will probably ask someone else. But I don't want to force you into a betrothal you don't want."

Daphne didn't say anything and Harry began to worry that he had offended her. He knew that Cousin Narcissa would probably have been horrified at his forwardness, but he could think of any other way he could have gotten to the issue. Particularly since Daphne hadn't seemed interested in discussing it.

Thankfully though, just as Harry was beginning to form an apology in his mind, Daphne spoke.

"I do want to be betrothed to you." Her voice was very quiet and, despite the fact that she was looking at the ground, Harry could see that she was blushing.

Harry's heart jumped in excitement. "You do?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad." Harry told her with a smile.

They made their way back to the pavilion soon after where Harry announced their decision. The Greengrasses looked absolutely delighted, as did Sirius – though Harry could tell that his smile was a little strained.

After that, came a lot of paperwork. Lord Greengrass had apparently prepared much of the paperwork required and all that was left was the discussion of the terms of their betrothal. Sitting through the discussion, and hearing Sirius and Lord Greengrass discuss things like future children that he and Daphne might have, was a test of Harry's will. But, somehow he managed to get through the entire conversation without blushing.

By the end of the morning tea, that turned into more of a brunch since they didn't leave until just after twelve, all the papers were signed and Harry and Daphne were officially betrothed to be married when they were seventeen.

Harry could hardly believe how fast it had all gone. He'd thought it would take weeks, maybe even months, for the paperwork to be agreed upon and finalised.

They flooed directly from the Greengrass' to Malfoy Manor where they were ten minutes later for lunch. There was no one waiting for them in the Floo Room and when they found the Malfoys in the Dining Room, waiting for them, Cousin Narcissa speared Sirius' with one of the most terrifying looks Harry had ever seen her give anyone, before graciously accepting his apology. Remus, who was sitting uncomfortably beside Lord Malfoy, didn't look particularly impressed by their lateness either.

"I do have a good excuse though." Sirius promised, as he and Harry sat down.

Cousin Narcissa's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh?"

"We were just finalising Harry's betrothal." Sirius explained innocently. "It took a little longer than we thought, but I was sure you would understand the importance of it."

Cousin Narcissa's attention swung to Harry. "Congratulations, Harry."

"Already?" Remus asked in obvious shock. "I thought you were just going over to talk about it."

"You're betrothed?" Draco asked incredulously. "When did that happen?"

"This morning, Draco?" Harry said in amusement. "Weren't you listening?"

"He said you finalised it this morning." Draco argued. "Not that you decided to get betrothed today."

"Fortunately for us, Samuel had already written up most of the paperwork." Sirius explained. "It was left over from her first betrothal. We changed some details, of course, but it wasn't too strenuous."

"Good thing too." Harry grinned at him. "After all, you and Lord Greengrass are men of leisure."

Draco's eyes widened. "You're betrothed to Daphne?"

Cousin Narcissa cleared her throat disapprovingly. "Draconus, dear, please remember your manners."

"Sorry, Mother." Draco didn't look even slightly apologetic. "Do you know what this means, Harry?"

Harry grinned. "We're going to be brothers-in-law!"

4-4-4

Daphne Greengrass had always known that she was pretty. As a young child she had often received compliments from her parents' friends regarding her looks and had flourished in them. Then she had met Eugene Odgen – her betrothed.

Daphne couldn't remember the first time she met Eugene, she presumed that they had probably met when their contract was originally drawn up when she was an infant, but as they got older they had seen each other more frequently as their mothers arranged playdates. Eugene was five years older than her and was not quiet in his discontent to be stuck with her – a fact that embarrassed his mother and horrified hers.

As they got older, Eugene became better had hiding his discontent in front of the adults and instead turned his attention to training her to be the sort of betrothed that he wanted. Despite them both being children, Eugene had demanded that Daphne conduct herself properly at all times. He hadn't liked it when she played games, or showed emotion, or talked and, every time that Daphne broke one of his rules, Eugene would find some way of punishing her. Of course, being young, he had never been able to use his wand during the punishments, but his pinches, tight grips, and cruel words had certainly done their job. He was under the opinion that girls ought to be seen and not heard – particularly girls at pretty as Daphne.

Daphne had been eight when he died and while she had mourned him publically, she hadn't been able to find any kind of sadness that he was gone. The older she got, the more she realised how lucky she had been. She had no doubt that, should Eugene have survived, his pinches would have one day turned into curses and she would have been helpless against him.

Eventually she attended Hogwarts and, unsurprisingly, was sorted into Slytherin. She befriended the other Slytherins in her year and discovered, to her surprise that she actually enjoyed the boys company more than the girls. Not that that was surprising when you considered the other girls who had been sorted into Slytherin.

She hadn't been surprised when her father approached her about a new contract. Sure she had dreamed a little of never marrying, of staying an independent woman and having a career, but she knew her duty to her family. Her father had assured her that they would do everything they could to ensure that her new betrothed was nothing like Eugene, but Daphne wasn't sure what he thought he could do.

Finding out that Harry and Lord Black had agreed to consider the idea of a contract was a surprise. Harry had never indicated that he was interested in a betrothal with anyone, but she couldn't help but be pleased. Harry at least was kind and, in the three years she had known him, he hadn't once cursed someone out of anger – not even Pansy.

The problem was that, the more she thought about the idea of being betrothed to Harry the more sure she became that he would too would demand that she just be a pretty face with no personality. There was no way Daphne wanted to suffer through the displeasure of a second betrothed. So she had come up with a plan.

Maybe if she ensured that she always acted with proper etiquette and didn't presume to speak out of turn, maybe if she was as perfect as she could be and showed that she could just be a pretty face, Harry wouldn't feel the need to punish her as often as Eugene had.