Disclaimer: J. K. Rowling owns all characters and settings; the only thing I claim is the plot.

Special Disclaimer: Valve Corporation owns the Administrator, Miss Pauling and the Team Fortress 2 Universe


A/N: Here's the next chapter, sorry for the delay. It's slightly longer than usual to compensate.

Chapter 8

Tonks muttered something under her breath as she boarded the bus, "Dumbledore and his bloody Order business, I want a peaceful day for once!"

Aboard the Knight bus, Tonks thought about Remus. He had begged off going to the Grangers' for 'private reasons', and Tonks fully intend to pursue those 'reasons'.

July 3rd, Leaky Cauldron

Upon her arrival at the Leaky Cauldron, she discovered she was not alone in her choice to have lunch there. What she saw was not expected at all. The exact two people she was trying to fetch were nonchalantly enjoying butterbeers.


Flashback

Upon exiting Gringotts with their cards in hand, Harry turned to Hermione. "Do you know anything about Daphne?"

Hermione looked deep in thought for a while, then spoke up. "I think she's in Ancient Runes or Arithmancy, but I'm not too sure. The snakes usually keep to themselves in classes. Other than that, I think I've seen her somewhere else, but I can't remember much."

"So essentially, we know nothing about her?" Harry summarized.

"Yes, love," Hermione replied, personally excited that he was able to make logical deductions this time around.

"What do you think I should do?"

"I'm not too sure, although I don't think there is a way out of this," Hermione mused. "Contracts like this are not usually breakable, and I think I can live with sharing you with Daphne."

"I really want to hear what Helen has to say about this. I know she mentioned something about multiple soul mates."

"She's the second one," Helen said nonchalantly. "Do you want to know who the third one is?"

"Well, aren't I between a rock and a hard place," Harry muttered, before speaking up to Hermione. "Helen says that she is the second one, and offered to tell me who the third one is."

"Tell me," Hermione said commandingly. "I want to know who I'll be spending the rest of my life with."

"Helen?" Harry inquired nervously. "Who's the third one? Hermione wants to know."

"And you can't deny her, can you?" Helen taunted. "Very well. Your last soul mate is Fleur Delacour."

"It's Fleur," Harry said softly.

"That wasn't as bad as I thought. I mean, it's better than, say, Parkinson or Bulstrode." Hermione said, smiling brightly. Harry mentally sighed in relief.

"You know you are all going to end up married," Helen smirked. "Right, Harry?"

"There are worse things in life," Harry smiled back, continuing in his mind: "than being married to three beautiful women."

End flashback


"Hello Tonks. Can we help you?" Harry called out.

"Harry, what are you doing here?" Tonks asked, walking over to Harry and Hermione. "You should be back at the Dursleys'! It's far too dangerous for you to venture outside!"

"Are you saying that, or is Dumbledore telling you to say that?" Harry retorted.

Hermione wondered when Harry had grown a backbone, but then decided that she did not care. She loved the new Harry.

"Regardless of whose message it is, it still isn't safe outside." Tonks pressed onwards in her quest to contain Harry. However, Harry was not close to giving way.

"So it is Dumbledore telling you what to do," Harry accused, giving Tonks a once over with his eyes. After seeing no denial, he continued. "This is nothing personal against you, but I'm tired of other people controlling how I live my life. Pass a message to that old bugger for me, will you? Tell him to rearrange these two words into a very common phrase: 'off' and 'bugger'."

"Harry, it's all for the…" Tonks began, but Harry cut her off.

"Greater Good. Yeah, I know." Harry took a sip before continuing. "Does that allow him to ship me off to my relatives each summer? And then arrange a rescue of me, so I would look up to him?"

"Well, that isn't what Dumbledore told me," Tonks said.

"Of course he wouldn't tell you that. He keeps everything to himself," Harry replied. Tonks brightened up slightly at Harry's revelation.

"Fine, but I want a full explanation someday," Tonks demanded, and then set her eyes on Hermione, detecting the ring on her finger. "And who's the lucky man, Hermione?"

"Harry James Potter. He proposed to me this morning," Hermione explained, placing her hand over Harry's.

"That's so nice! You guys finally realized it!" Tonks exclaimed, her happiness taking over, her hair changing color rapidly. "Would you guys happen to know where Lupin went?"

"Um, not really. Right, Hermione?" Harry lied.

"We haven't seen him today. Sorry, Tonks," Hermione added.

Fixing Harry with an inquisitive glare, Tonks turned to leave. "I need to go find that old wolf. Have a nice day, lovebirds!" she teased, as she left the pub.


Hermione was now feeling somewhat euphoric from Harry finally taking charge of his own affairs. She thought that he deserved a reward, although not in public. But, someone is getting lucky tonight!

Harry and Hermione finished their lunches slowly, lost in each other's gaze. They relished simply being two teenagers in love, instead of the Boy-Who-Lived and the smartest witch of her age. Hermione would feed Harry a forkful of vegetables, which made Harry retaliate by delivering a bite of steak to her open mouth. On one of these acts of mutual nourishment, their forks met, as they attempted to nourish each other at the same time. Their eyes found each other, and they became mesmerized in each other's souls. The kiss that followed could only be described as spectacular.

Dan and Emma chose exactly the right moment to arrive at the pub. They were greeted by the sight of their daughter and her boyfriend sharing a passionate embrace. Hermione noticed them first, and quickly pulled away from Harry, flushing a bright red.

"Hi, mum; hi, dad," Hermione acknowledged them, as they recovered together from the public display of affection. She then noticed that her dad was seething with barely-contained anger. "Dad, are you alright?" Hermione asked, concerned.

"Don't mind him. He just can't imagine, much less stand seeing, his daughter kissing her lovely boyfriend," Emma explained.

"Hello, Dan; Emma," Harry said in greeting. "Care to join us for lunch?" he asked politely, trying to divert Dan's attention. However, Hermione was less than discreet.

"Hermione, what is that on your finger?" Dan asked, pointing at Hermione's ring almost accusingly.

"Mum, dad, meet my new fiancé," Hermione introduced. Harry silently wished for Dan to not murder him.

"Congratulations, you guys!" Emma said. "Although, I do admit that it's a bit fast."

"I cannot imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. Although, some things have come up that will prove interesting," Hermione defended.

"But you are only sixteen!" Emma countered.

"Magically, we become of age when we turn seventeen. That happens this year for me and next year for Harry. I don't see how we can't become engaged before then," Hermione said protectively. "And Harry receives his inheritance tomorrow, which legally emancipates him in the view of the wizarding world."

"Alright. Forgive me, dear, I just don't want to become a grandmother too soon," Emma apologized.

"Don't worry mum. We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Hermione reassured Emma, although she added in her mind: "Not that prevents us from doing other things."

Dan walked over to Harry, sat down and put a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, I can tell that you love her, but remember this: If you ever hurt her, I will find you and I will kill you." Dan felt the need to reiterate his point now that his daughter was engaged.

"Yes, sir," Harry gulped, "You'll be third in line, after Hermione and myself."

"That's my boy. Now, you take care of her, you understand? And we wouldn't have any trouble." Dan said calmly.

"Yes, sir," Harry answered again, showing his fear. Hermione glared at her father while maintaining her grip on Harry.

"Now then, what's for lunch?" Emma asked, changing the topic.

Tom the barman seemed to magically appear at her side with a menu, "What would you like ma'am?"

"What this young lady is having, please," Emma replied, gesturing towards Hermione's meal.

Tom made a note, and turned to Dan, "And for you, sir?"

"A large steak and a bottle of the strongest alcohol you have," Dan answered.

"Coming right up," Tom said as he left.

The conversation turned to more mundane matters while the Grangers waited for their food. Dan grilled Harry on how he would support Hermione, the date of his marriage, and the need to maintain his daughter's virtue. Meanwhile, Emma enthusiastically shared details of Dan's proposal with Hermione.

Tom delivered the food promptly, setting down two plates, two glasses, a pitcher of water and a large bottle of Firewhiskey. Dan immediately poured himself a large shot and threw it down in one go. Needless to say, muggle systems did not agree with the effects of Firewhiskey. Dan was reduced to coughing and sputtering as he tried to handle the burning alcohol. This caused him to lose what little intimidation factor he had, at least in his mind. Harry couldn't help mentally chuckling at the sight, but a part of him feared Dan's wrath once he finished his drink.

As they ate, Hermione was facing a dilemma. She didn't know how her parents would react to Harry having multiple wives. Then again, her parents were always reasonably open-minded about things, as long as her dad didn't blow up.

Once they finished their respective lunches, Harry noticed that the Greengrasses were here. Tom ushered him and Hermione into a private room as they excused themselves.


Harry and Hermione entered the room where Daphne and Richard were already seated, along with a person who could have only been Daphne's mother. The Greengrasses quickly stood to welcome them.

"Lord Potter-Black, the Most Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass greets you and your fiancée," Richard Greengrass said.

Caught off guard, Harry quickly returned the greeting, "Lord Greengrass, the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Black greets you, your wife and your daughter."

"Why don't we get down to business, Lord Potter?" Richard suggested.

"That is fine with me, sir. But please call me Harry." Harry responded.

"Let's get down to brass tacks then. Are you familiar with betrothal contracts?" Richard asked.

"Not exactly. I can't say I've had too much experience with them," answered Harry.

"Me neither, although I have read about them," added Hermione.

Richard sighed and opened up a briefcase, "This contract stipulates that you must marry my daughter as the wife of House Black. I assume you have already asked the lady beside you, judging by the ring on her finger?"

"Yes. Hermione has graciously agreed to marry me this morning."

"Well that simplifies things. My daughter has always spoken highly of Hermione." Richard said with a hint of relief.

This grabbed Hermione's attention, "Sir?"

"You share Ancient Runes with her at Hogwarts. Do you not?" Richard asked inquisitively.

"Umm," Hermione struggled to recall her classmates. Her memory wasn't particularly great as the class didn't have Harry in it. "I've heard of her," she said diplomatically. At this, she gave Daphne a once over.

Daphne was quite thin for her age. She had long, slim legs and a small but nearly average chest. She was mostly hidden behind conservative pureblood robes, but an observant person can see hints of what was contained underneath.

"That sounds good," Richard said. "Do you have any major objections to the contract itself?"

"No, Lord Greengrass," replied Harry.

"We accept the situation, and we'll try to make the best of it," explained Hermione. "After all, I can't think of anyone more deserving than Harry." She then ran her hands over his body in a sensual fashion.

"Then I think Daphne would fit right in with you guys." Richard concluded. "Now. Onto the matter of bride price. Would a thousand galleons be reasonable?"

Harry bent slightly to confer with Hermione. They shortly returned to the table. "I am prepared to offer you ten thousand galleons as a starting point. Is that reasonable to you?"

Richard was shocked, but he tried to hide it, "That is acceptable." He responded. This was much higher than his second best offer, a low five hundred galleon offer from the Malfoys. He would have been forced to accept that offer if this contract did not go through.

"Great. I will see that you receive your money by tomorrow," Harry said. He then turned to Daphne. "Miss Greengrass, I know you were given no choice in this, but I will never let you down, and promise that you will be treated equally."

Daphne was surprised at Harry's declaration. She only expected to be treated as a housewife at best and a plaything at worst, even if her betrothed was the Boy-Who-Lived.

"Did you have a date in mind?" Richard asked.

"Not yet. Can we meet again tomorrow?"

"See you then. Same place, same time?"

"Goodbye, Lord Potter."

"Goodbye, Lord Greengrass."


Harry came out of that meeting with a much more profound understanding of his position in life, and another wife. But he wasn't prepared for what would happen when he reappeared in the Leaky Cauldron.

"'Arry!" Fleur shouted from her position at the Granger's table as she rushed at him, delivering a traditional French greeting by kissing him on both cheeks. She lingered slightly before releasing him and switching to Hermione.

"Nice to meet you too Fleur," said Harry. "Where's Bill?"

"Bill couldn't make it today," replied Fleur. "And that's another thing I wanted to talk to you about." She added.

"This day just keeps getting longer and longer, right Harry?" Helen quipped.

"So Fleur, what did you want to discuss?" Hermione asked, her voice betraying her impatience.

"It's complicated." Fleur paused. "It's about Harry." Fleur continued softly and somewhat uncomfortably, "Can we go somewhere private to discuss this?"

Harry stood there awkwardly. Then he shot off a question to Helen, "Umm, what do I do?"

"Does the great Boy-Who-Lived not know how to deal with witches throwing themselves at him?" Helen smirked. "Accept Fleur's offer. It's not like she can help it. It's part of being a Veela."

"What do you mean being a Veela?" Harry inquired.

"Veelas are naturally creatures of love, giving them flawless looks, as you know. Habitually, they try to seek out the best mate, with them initiating love-bonds with their chosen mate if both agree," Helen explained. "Now you see, Mister Potter, it's obvious that you are the chosen mate and, coincidentally, the soul mate of one Fleur Delacour."

Harry was bewildered. "So according to you, I have to marry three women?"

"Of course! I did mention soul mates, didn't I?"

"Oh bloody hell!" Harry exclaimed out loud, attracting the attention of two witches.

"Harry, language!" Hermione chastised while thumping him on the arm.

With a mumbled sorry, Harry led Fleur and Hermione to the back of the pub.


Sitting once again in the same private room that they have occupied earlier, Harry and Hermione were having almost the exact same discussion with Fleur.

"So Fleur, what you are saying is that due to some change in Harry, you are now terminally attracted to him," Hermione summarized. At a slight incline of the beautiful blonde's head, Hermione further explained. "And now that you know Harry was eligible for multiple marriages, you decided to ask."

"By the way, that 'change' was the Horcrux in your head," added Helen.

"Yes, that's essentially the gist of it." Fleur felt mildly defensive. "But I truly love Harry as Harry Potter, not as some famous guy."

"Well, I think we can give this a try," Hermione said. "And I believe that Harry agrees with me. Isn't that right, honey?"

"Yes, dear," replied Harry. He learned from Helen and his own experiences that agreeing with your girlfriend is often the best way to go.

"Excellent. I really want to thank you hearing me out," Fleur said. "Perhaps we can talk more tomorrow, after the official will reading?"

"Of course Fleur," responded Hermione as Fleur stood up to give Harry a firm hug and a chaste kiss on the lips. Hermione surprising did not feel any jealousy from another woman kissing her boyfriend. After several seconds of over analyzing, she decided to forget about the matter. When Fleur finished with Harry, she turned to deliver the same to her. Hermione was lost in the feeling of contentment exhibited by all of them. Helen simply chuckled at them. They weren't soul mates for no reason.

Fleur finally exited the room, after a round of physical affection has been conducted against both Hermione and Harry. Harry sighed in relief. "Please tell me I only have to deal with three women."

"What's wrong with three? Wasn't it every man's dream to have beautiful women all around him?" Helen countered.

Harry wanted to voice his complaint. "Not when they are all so complicated."

"Complicated, yes, but you have to agree that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages." Helen tried to break through to Harry's teenage mind. "Think of the love you share."

"You're right. It does come with several upsides," Harry admitted.


After knocking back a butterbeer apiece, Harry and Hermione emerged to the Leaky Cauldron proper. Awaiting them were two restless Grangers.

"So, Harry, can we go shopping now, or do you have dates with more women?" Emma asked.

Harry blushed to a deep crimson, while Hermione theatrically delivered a kiss on his lips, pulling away before Harry could respond.

Dan had other ideas. He wanted to know why his daughter's boyfriend is having multiple meetings with other highly attractive women while his daughter looks on. "Spill it Hermione, what's going on with those women?"

Hermione pulled away from Harry for a slight second, turning towards her father. "Dad, it's complicated, but…" She paused as she tried to find the right words. Dan interrupted her abruptly.

"Just summarize it! I don't think I can take any more shocks today!"

"The short version is that Harry is, umm, in a relationship with Fleur and Daphne along with me," Hermione explained, and then quickly added seeing the look on her father's face, "I knew about this beforehand. And I fully accept it, because I love Harry."

"I take it that that is not usually the case, even in the magical world?" Emma inquired.

"Well, no, but Potters don't do normal, as his earlier adventures have proven." Hermione answered.

"Wait. You dragged my daughter into, into a HAREM?" Dan shouted.

"Dad, please calm down. I chose this myself," pleaded Hermione. "And this is in no way a harem. We will all be equal."

"And according to some people, love is the 'power he knows not'," Harry contributed.

"Like the time some fat Russian dumbarse thought that offering a sandwich to someone trying to kill you is a good idea," Helen commented. "You are trying to convince your girlfriend's father that a multiperson relationship is a good idea." That safely shut Harry up.

"But, but…" Dan was speechless. His teenage daughter has just publically announced that she was entering into a multi-person relationship and he couldn't do anything about it. "Isn't this, illegal or something?"

"Actually," Hermione entered lecture mode, "Harry must take at least two wives within sixty days, as he will inherit both the House of Potter and the House of Black. Wizarding inheritance laws state that a wife must be obtained for each house, or else the inheritance could be challenged and declared invalid. In addition, Harry is able to marry consorts for either House, should he choose to."

"So what does that have to do with the two women? Did he just drag them from the street or something?" Dan questioned.

"Of course not. Daphne is betrothed to Harry, more specifically the House of Black, because of a contract drawn up around a hundred years ago." Hermione addressed. "Fleur, on the other hand, was bound by her Veela heritage, in her quest to seek the best available mate."

Emma suddenly realized something. "Was Fleur that beautiful lady that had Dan in a stupor as she walked by to meet you guys?"

"Yeah, that sounds like Fleur," Harry admitted. Emma glowered at Dan, clearly indignant at him ogling one of his daughter-in-laws.

"So let me get this straight: Harry here is for some reason or another, engaged to three gorgeous women, one of whom is my daughter?" Dan said, shaking off Emma's mock glare.

"Yes," Harry and Hermione said at the same time, and then laughed at each other for the spontaneous cooperation.

Dan muttered under his breath, "I'm gonna need another of those firewhiskeys," then spoke up, "If you don't mind me asking, how old are these women?"

"Fleur is turning eighteen, I think, and Daphne is our age," Hermione answered.

"Oh bloody hell." Dan decided to express his feelings using a very well-known phrase, attracting the attention of the rest of the pub. "Sorry," he said to the patrons staring at him.

"Mum, what do you think?"

"Honestly, if half of what you write in your letters is true, I can't think of anyone more deserving than Harry." Emma answered. "But I am worried though. Are you planning on becoming intimate with him?"

"Mum!" Hermione resented that. "We haven't discussed this, but we won't do anything until we are married, and I think Harry agrees with me."

"Of course dear," Harry said as he tightened his arm around Hermione's waist slightly.

Meanwhile, Dan was finishing another drink and was on the way of becoming hammered. Emma witnessed that and leaned over to whisper in his ear, "You know, drinking isn't good for you. We still need you to drive us. Besides, I might have a reward for later if you stop…" Dan, hearing Emma's proclamations, immediately put down his glass and grabbed his car keys.

"Let's go, Harrods first?" Dan said commandingly.

"That sounds great dad!" Hermione said as she grabbed Harry by the arm and started dragging him to the door. Harry motioned for her to stop as they neared the counter and quickly paid Tom with his new card.

"It's been a while since I've seen one of these. I just need your signature here, Mister Potter," Tom said as he passed Harry a slip of parchment. Harry signed it with a flourish and was then ushered out by Hermione.

"By the way Harry, we are stopping at Gringotts tomorrow. I want to see some of those books again," Hermione ordered, smiling.

"Yes, dear," Harry answered meekly.

"Kids these days," Dan said while shaking his head.


A/N: Thanks for reading

A/N 2: This has been a particularly hard chapter to write, with major plot development and lack of writing time

A/N 3: My posting schedule got screwed over by several tests and exhausting events, I'll try to get back on time by next week.

A/N 4: Credits to Driftwood1965 for an explanation of Veela bonding.