Times
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the other characters, although I wish I did. They are all property of J.K. Rowling and her business associates.
A/N: Sorry to disappoint some of my readers, but as this story has been written before I posted the first chapter, I do not intend to incorporate their suggestions however much I like them. I only proof-read each chapter before posting it and do minor changes. Those who would like more elaboration into feelings and motives or more details about other characters may be disappointed, as this story was never intended to have them. It started as a single-shot, but got too big, so I divided it into bite-sized chapters, to make it easier to post and easier to read. You are invited to check my other stories for more in-depth descriptions.
7. Time to Meet the Parents
Daphne had been quite a pleasant surprise, actually. She joined them in their common room that first evening. They spent the time getting to know her and letting her know them better. She decided to stay overnight, joining them in bed. She proved to be quite enthusiastic there, only stopping short of going the whole way. "I save it for after being officially betrothed," she said, yet she enjoyed taking part in everything else. She only resumed her "Ice Queen" persona when they left their private quarters.
Two weeks later, Harry woke up sandwiched between two warm and soft bodies. He smiled contently as he tried to get out of bed without waking either young woman. He was sure he could not have faced the last two weeks alone. He had attended several funerals each day. Some were of close friends, like Fred, Remus and Tonks; some were of people whom he had known, like Colin Creevey; while others were strangers whom he still felt responsible for, as they were fighting for his cause. Luckily, he had been accompanied by Hermione and Daphne and they both made sure he would not sink into dark moods.
While attending the funerals was terrible, Harry was now facing a task which he dreaded even more – facing Daphne's parents. Daphne had told him enough to somewhat sooth his fears, but now it seemed like facing Voldemort was an easier alternative. At least Hermione will be there as well...
He dressed formally, yet in muggle style, thankful for his wife's insistence on buying him some clothes. Hermione was also wearing a semi-formal dress which he thought was accentuating her beauty, while Daphne dressed casually. Astoria had been informed of the developments but would not join them on this occasion. They used the Floo to reach Greengrass Manor about an hour before lunch.
The Greengrass parents had been aware of the contract for many years, which made Daphne furious and caused her father to explain: "This was done by my father in return for a favor from the Black house, long before you were born. Once we found out we were going to have a girl, we contacted the Potters to make another contract with the intention to give you the choice. We didn't finish negotiations before they were killed and we found nobody else suitable. The Longbottom might have been appropriate but they were also struck by disaster. Then, two years ago, we found out that Harry was named heir of the Black dynasty. We tried to assure his survival ever since, without seeming to waver from our neutral position."
"You knew my parents?"
"We had some business in common and my wife was in the same year at school."
It went on smoothly thereafter. Harry explained his special connection with Hermione as well. The Greengrass parents gave their blessing to the union and offered to tackle all preparations for the wedding.
"We thank you very much, yet we can't set a date yet. I promised Hermione to help her find her parents and restore their memories."
It took them a few more days to get ready for Australia. Daphne insisted on coming along and Hermione insisted on teaching her how to behave in muggle environment. While the Greengrass were not stuck-up purebloods they still did practically everything the magical way. Daphne received a crash-course in being a muggle, yet she didn't complain. She actually enjoyed television, computers and CD music and learned to appreciate refrigerators, microwave ovens and dishwashers. Hermione also made their travel arrangements. As Harry didn't care for magical travel and Daphne was very curious about muggle airplanes, they decided to take a regular flight to Australia.
Both Harry and Daphne were extremely excited before the flight, it being their first ever. Hermione was only bothered by the length of the flight, not being sure she had enough books to occupy her. None needed worry. Harry and Daphne were fascinated by the takeoff, watching everything through the windows, but found it quite boring afterward, seeing just blue sky and white clouds with an occasional glimpse to the ocean below. They were not as bored once Harry found out that the first-class seats that he had insisted upon could recline fully, making them into beds. He spent some time snuggling with Hermione and then with Daphne. Eventually they all fell asleep.
They had no problem finding Hermione's parents, who stayed where Hermione had originally set them, opening a dentist office in which they worked part time, spending most of their time cultivating an organic vegetable garden and a small grove in their backyard. They looked quite happy and Hermione felt reluctant to bring them back to the harsh reality she had experienced in their absence.
Hermione decided to face her parents alone. "Daphne will keep you busy while I'm with my parents and I will inform you as soon as I have anything to tell. Please don't try to watch through my eyes."
"I won't," promised Harry, "but I'm not sure I'll be able to block you from taking glimpses at what would happen here."
Hermione already knew what Daphne plans were and she fully approved. Daphne intended to go the whole way for the first time and wanted to do it with Harry alone.
They were trying to catch their breath after the third climax when Harry sensed his wife. 'Can you both get dressed and come here? My parents are anxious to meet you. Do take a shower first, though.' Harry could feel her smirk at their predicament.
They apparated into the Granger's backyard, as advised, and Hermione made the introductions: "These are Harry Potter, my friend of whom you have heard so much since I went to Hogwarts, and Daphne Greengrass, with whom we became close friends recently."
'You didn't tell them yet?'
'Can't overwhelm them with everything at once. Don't worry, though. I'll tell them quite soon, maybe even today.'
'I'm not really looking forward to see your Dad's reaction when he finds out we are already married.'
'Coward!'
They were invited in. Harry sat on the couch with Hermione at his right and Daphne at his left, holding their hands. Hermione was talking animatedly, telling her parents of their adventures. He noticed that Daphne was also quite interested in hearing everything, as they had not yet told her the full story, only bits and pieces.
"Hermione, I believe you have more than just friendly relationship with Harry. Please tell me," her mother suddenly interrupted the story.
"Wh... what do you mean?"
Her mother rolled her eyes in a very Hermionish fashion. "Harry has been holding your hand for almost two hours now, just as he was holding Daphne's hand, and you all seem content. That is not normal for just friendship. It looks more like a deep love commitment, like the one between engaged or married couples."
Hermione sighed. "Well, Harry and I are together," she admitted, not taking her hand out of Harry's. "And..." her mother prompted, pointing with her chin to Harry's other hand.
Harry could feel Hermione's discomfort. 'Let me tell them,' he volunteered despite the butterflies in his stomach.
'Fine.' She squeezed his hand tighter.
"You see... Hermione and I are soul-bound," he started reluctantly.
"And that means..."
"It means that we are bound by magic tighter than any marriage bond."
Her father intervened. "Let me get it straight. Do you mean that you are practically married?"
Harry was afraid to answer.
"They are," confirmed Daphne. "Soul bonds are fully recognized as marriages by wizarding laws."
"I was really looking forward to giving my daughter away, after scaring the hell out of her future husband," the father grinned. "Do I still have a chance?"
Hermione was hiding a smile. "We can still have a normal non-magical wedding and you can give me away, but I wouldn't appreciate you trying to scare my husband."
Both parents smiled now, but then her mother noted. "If you two are married, then why does your husband hold Daphne's hand the same way he holds yours?"
Harry felt very nervous again, yet Daphne answered. "I'm his fiancée."
There was a moment of silence, yet Hermione's father seemed to be on the verge of exploding.
"Let me explain it my way, please, before you reach erroneous conclusions," Hermione pleaded.
Her parents nodded reluctantly. She started telling them about their visit to Gringotts, emphasizing how rich Harry was, then telling about him heading two ancient houses, before telling about the marriage contract and about their meeting with the Greengrass parents.
It took her parents some time to understand it all. "Are you happy with this arrangement?" they asked their daughter.
"Very much so! I've already asked Daphne to be my maid of honor at our wedding."
Her father looked at Harry with a sympathetic look. "Well, son, I can't envy you. It's difficult enough to be married to one smart and loving woman. You must be very brave or very foolish to even contemplate marrying two."
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