No one knows right from wrong
No one knows dark from light
Add a layer more of paint;
until the world's set right

Harry felt his heart clench and felt as if bile was rising within him as he looked down at the headline on the Daily Prophet. He scanned the article and he felt as if his chest constrict.

A birthday celebration for a Black family attacked by neo-Nazis suspected to be working for Grindelwald. Seven adult men and women lynched alive at an activity and arcade center meant for children. The parents had booked the venue for their daughter's birthday and invited close family. thought Harry, reading the article. A wave of anger coursing through him. His teeth barred and his hand on the newspaper crumpling it after forming into a fist. The three surviving children lashed by a whip and the 6-year old birthday girl repeatedly raped by what eyewitnesses report were several older men with Nazi tattoos in muggle and wizard clothes. Aurors investigating the scene concluded it was the work of neo-Nazi muggles and wizards working in tandem. The swastika and slur words were burned on the walls of the establishment. Aurors were forced to do a memory wipe to avoid a Muggle panic. To keep the information quiet; the Muggle authorities agreed to have them believe a car crash killed the family, the establishment was promptly closed, and the rape victim was memory wiped and put into foster care without any professional help over the trauma that she suffered . . . all just to keep the Magical world's existence quiet and prevent a mass panic. Two of the reported perpetrators matched the descriptions of Nazis under Grindelwald who had fled into hiding and hadn't been seen in decades before now.

Harry let out an aggravated sigh before getting ready for class. The disturbing details of the news article echoing across the Hogwarts rumor mill for the entire day. A sense of hopelessness overtaking his thoughts.

I hate being a useless bystander to these tragedies . . .

Evening Time

Delphini perked up from her seat in the library. She spotted Harry coming towards her with an unreadable expression on his visage.

"Hello, love!" said Delphini in a cheerful tone, she smiled at him. "How are you doing today? I was just reading my favorite muggle American novel. Is something troubling you?"

"Hello," replied Harry, his shoulders slouched. "In all honesty, a few things have been bothering me. Primarily the news article today. What happened was horrific . . ."

"Have a seat, This isn't easy for me to say . . . and please understand that I don't mean this lightly . . ." said Delphini, gesturing to the chair in front of her. Harry sighed but pulled up the chair and sat upon it. Delphini regarded him with a serious expression. "Horrific events occur, people suffer egregious injustices, innocent people die, and it can feel overwhelming and terrifying; it can deplete one's hope for a better world and our will to do anything because we feel like helpless bystanders to human tragedy. When possible, you should try to focus on what you can do, and sometimes you can't do contribute anything positive to make a situation better. Being rational about a situation instead of allowing emotional pain to overwhelm you can be the best antidote for such inner suffering, it doesn't mean that you don't care or that you wish anyone harm. Being rational about the situation just means you look to what you can do from the standpoint of where you are in a society. Seeking out an effective means to contribute positively can often be the best choice."

"That helped a bit, but not much," said Harry, shaking his head. He held a far off look as he thought over the article's contents. "There's nothing I can do, and the little girl was oblivated just to keep our society a secret. It makes me wonder how often horrific events like this went on."

"It depends on how readily the perpetrators are caught and how much of the evidence is kept preserved in storage," said Delphini, her expression hardening. "Once they have the perpetrator in custody, then they can put them on trial and then prison."

Harry snorted. "And I'm sure it also depends on how deep the pockets are for some of these families or their connections to key Ministry figures."

Delphini's lips curled downward, after some hesitation, she nodded. "Fortunately, that won't be the case with the perpetrators of that heinous crime. They've created a major issue with the Muggle government and two of the perpetrators have been wanted for decades. They won't be able to weasel their way out of life imprisonment for that disgusting atrocity."

The heaviness and stabbing sensation in Harry's chest eased slightly. Delphini felt the tension ease in her body.

"If you wish to help, you could sign the second proposition and work with us to create a taskforce to root out the neo-Nazis," said Delphini, giving Harry a devilish smirk. "That is an option that you can take. It would help prevent any further heinous atrocities all the quicker. What I'm suggesting isn't easy, but it is an option open to you."

Harry scowled and folded his arms. "You're just trying to manipulate me to do what you want. Sorry, but I'm not about to just keel over and be your obedient pawn."

"I never said that you were a pawn," replied Delphini in a clipped tone. How do I make him accept the second proposition? I will get your compliance, Harry. I'll make you see that accepting my proposal is for your own benefit. "And you can think of it as manipulation, but don't pretend that your interests aren't being met from this arrangement. Even now, you don't have to fear any attacks from Death Eaters. Does that not show my commitment to our union?"

"I'm not sure what you're really after, I see no reason to trust this agreement." said Harry, his eyes narrowed. "And complete submission? You really expect me to just accept all of this?"

"Oh, I have full confidence that you'll come to accept the terms," said Delphini, her eyes twinkling as she smirked at him. "You don't have to trust my word for it; Madame Bones, the Goblins, and the Unspeakables all agreed that the contract is ironclad. There are no loopholes for us to exploit. Once you sign it, everyone that we both love and cherish will be protected and we'll avert war. Nobody will have to die, think about what that means. Ron is currently worried about losing family, he won't have to live in fear about losing any family once the document is signed. Many children on both sides won't have to worry about never seeing their parents again, their tensions will be put to rest and they can live happy lives. Hermione let slip during the month I was working to make a new spell with her, that she has seriously considered oblivating her parents and putting them in a different country to keep them safe. She won't have to oblivate her parents memory of her for the sake of their safety. Everybody who matters to us wins."

"You're basically forcing me into a situation where you can justify raping me!" blurted out Harry, his tone venomous. They both paused and stared at each other. Harry frowned and Delphini's eyes flashed but neither spoke a word.

Should I apologize? thought Harry, scowling at her. That's arguably what this ridiculous situation is.

How fucking dare he! thought Delphini, glaring at him. She stilled and thought over what to say. One more remark like that and maybe I will quit putting up all this effort for his sake. Maybe I was wrong about him, after all . . . No, no, relax. This is just the initial pushback. I will get my way. He will submit to me!

"I don't mean to sound . . . harsh," said Harry, he let out a frustrated sigh. "but you're clearly trying to force this situation on me and I don't really know if I can trust the contract, even with all that you've said. I don't know how to feel about it either."

"If you ever imply or call me a rapist again," said Delphini, her tone terse and cold. Her eyes blazing as she gave him a loathsome look. "I'll quit the contract and you can go explain to your loved ones why they suddenly have to fear for their lives again. Understand me?"

Harry still held the scowl but nodded. "I . . . my words were poorly chosen." A pause. "I'm sorry for saying that but . . . my consent in this is basically moot."

"Well, maybe I just don't care about your consent!" snapped Delphini scowling at him. Another awkward pause ensued between them. Delphini sat in silence and leaned back on her chair. "Let's set this conversation aside for the first date, the news article has taken its toll on both of us and I'd rather we not fight out of frustration and helplessness. Is that alright with you?"

Harry shot her a glare, but his facial features soon loosened. He nodded at her and unfolded his arms. Delphini smiled and nodded back. That was such a stupid comment to say, I need to be more prepared and firm on what I want out of this matrimonial relationship. He must learn to accept. I don't want to sound scripted . . . but I have to be more firm and concise with my expectations of him so that he gets my meaning. How to break the awkward tension?

"About your eyes . . ." began Harry. He frowned at her.

Delphini raised a delicate eyebrow. "My eyes? What about them?"

"They turned a deep pink during the Christmas meeting," said Harry, his eyes narrowing. "The only time I've seen anything like that is your father's diary having his eyes turn red because he wanted to kill me."

"Ah, I see," said Delphini, she nodded in understanding. "The eye color change is actually a genetic trait passed down from Salazar Slytherin. It's different for each person. For Salazar, it's reported that his eyes turned red when he was intensely focused on a task. For my father, it use to be when he felt livid or intensely hateful towards something or someone before his physical changes. For me . . . my eyes change to hot pink instead of red because of the mix of my father and mother's eye colors."

"And what do you usually feel when your eye color changes?" questioned Harry, his eyes narrowing.

Delphini gave him an impish smile. "My eye color changes to hot pink when I feel intensely aroused. In that particular case, I was thinking of you and I on our future honeymoon with you giving all of yourself over to me."

Harry's cheeks flushed pink and Delphini's smile widened. Her eyes turning a shade pink and staring at him with precise focus as she smiled. Harry blushed further from the intensity of her eye contact but he didn't avert his gaze. Delphini and Harry both felt their respective heartbeats quicken.

"Want to hear a passage from my favorite American Muggle novel?" asked Delphini quickly. A sinister smile still on her lips.

Harry shrugged. "Sure, what's the name of the book and what's it about?"

"Invisible Man, it was written by a famous Black author named Ralph Ellison. The book is an old US classic and somewhat known as a cultural icon of US history." said Delphini, her eyes shining. "Interesting bit of history, he fell in love with another famous US writer and nearly divorced his wife to be with her, but in the end chose not to out of fear. He was afraid that he would be killed, perhaps even lynched, for pursuing the love of his life - who was a white woman. It's tragic, but he allowed the racial prejudices of his generation to define his life. We often hear about those who break the prejudices of society, perhaps even die for the freedom to act on their beliefs. We hardly ever focus on the stories of how people feel defined by their society, which is what his book is about, or about individuals who suffered for society's expectations and had to live with the consequences without the freedom to move forward for a better life. That was the tragedy of his life. He allowed fear and his self-pity for being a Black man to define his life so he stayed in his loveless, but safe, marriage to his black wife. His white lover, feeling deeply hurt and betrayed after a cacophony of letters arguing about the issue, moved on from the fallout with him. She eventually fell in love with and went on to marry another man - a white man. Regardless of whether she loved that other man or not though, he was clearly the safer choice for her too. It's amazing, and tragic, how people allow themselves to be defined by their societies and sometimes it's without being consciously aware of it."

Harry blinked. She seems to really fancy this novel.

"Er . . . so, the novel?" said Harry.

"Think of this reading as . . . a foretelling of our future," She said. Harry's eyes narrowed as he gazed at her with confusion on his visage. Delphini smiled and raised the book up slightly. Her eyes flicked to him and then back to the page. Harry felt a shiver up his spine and Delphini licked her lips before starting to read. "I almost wet my pants."

Harry's right eye twitched, his eyes widened, and he gaped at her. "What?!"

Delphini continued reading, a devilish smile on her lips. "A sea of faces, some hostile, some amused, ringed around us, and in the center, facing us, stood a magnificent blonde— stark naked."

Harry's jaw felt as if it would drop to the floor. His eyes widened like saucers. "Oh, what the bloody - !"

Delphini ignored his outburst and continued reading. A satisfied expression on her visage.

"There was dead silence. I felt a blast of cold air chill me. I tried to back away, but they were behind me and around me. Some of the boys stood with lowered heads, trembling. I felt a wave of irrational guilt and fear. My teeth chattered, my skin turned to goose flesh, my knees knocked. Yet I was strongly attracted and looked in spite of myself. Had the price of looking been blindness, I would have looked."

Harry's cheeks flushed crimson and he glared at her. Delphini's smile widened.

Her eyes flicked towards him with a hungry expression. Her grey eyes had noticeably changed to the mostly hot pinkish color with a grey hue. She maintained eye contact with his green eyes as she spoke the next passage from the book. Her visage filled with unvarnished lust shown by the hot pink of her eyes as she spoke each word with a satisfied smile.

"The hair was yellow like that of a circus kewpie doll, the face heavily powdered and rouged, as though to form an abstract mask, the eyes hollow and smeared a cool blue, the color of a baboon's butt. I felt a desire to spit upon her as my eyes brushed slowly over her body. Her breasts were firm and round as the domes of East Indian temples, and I stood so close as to see the fine skin texture and beads of pearly perspiration glistening like dew around the pink and erected buds of her nipples. I wanted at one and the same time to run from the room, to sink through the floor, or go to her and cover her from my eyes and the eyes of the others with my body; to feel the soft thighs, to caress her and destroy her, to love her and murder her, to hide from her, and yet to stroke where below the small American flag tattooed upon her belly her thighs formed a capital V. I had a notion that of all in the room she saw only me with her impersonal eyes."

Harry abruptly stood from his seat and glared at her. The angry effect was lost due to his cheeks visibly flushed bright pink. Delphini's smile remained and she leaned back in her seat to position herself more comfortably on her chair.

"I think I've had heard enough for one day," said Harry, his tone attempted to sound terse but faltered. Instead, his tone seemed weak. "I'm leaving. Thanks for sharing, I suppose."

"Are you embarrassed from some light reading?" said Delphini, "Don't be. Why feel embarrassed by your own arousal to images evoked in your mind . . . or by flirtatious actions conducted by a consenting fiancée?"

She promptly put one leg after another onto the table in between them. She had worn a skirt today and Harry's eyes looked upon the table to see her place one bare leg atop the other. Her shoes and socks were left abandoned beneath the library desk. Her feet and legs were bare. Harry could make out the smooth pink skin of the bottom of her feet and he felt his nether regions harden as he gawked at her creamy, alabaster legs.

Harry's face turned beet red and he raised his both hands in the air. "I'm leaving now. Take care."

"Oh, darling~" said Delphini in a sing-song voice. Harry grit his teeth and scowled at her. Delphini's smile didn't waver. "I've scheduled our first date at quite the luxurious Magical restaurant. Please be sure to purchase a new set of dress robes that are appropriate for such formal outings. Be outside the Slytherin House portrait by noon this Saturday."

"Do you really believe this charade of a date will change my mind?" asked Harry, his eyes narrowing. He crossed his arms. "Don't expect me to just kneel and submit to you just because you say so."

Delphini's smile tightened and she paused for a few moments. Her eyes moved to gaze directly at Harry's green eyes. "Oh? We will discuss the matter during our first official date. But as to the matter of my expectations . . . you will come to accept my terms and willfully give your entire being to me. Your place in society is with me and you will give me what I want. There is no ulterior motive when I say that. And consider the following, my love. What Dumbledore wants is for you to drop dead in front of my father, what I want is to be the mother of your children. In what bizarre moral paradigm should I be labeled the evil decision and Dumbledore the good choice? Evidently, sending you off to die is heroic because of self-sacrifice but the moment you might gain the option of a peaceful existence, then you should only view me as harboring nefarious intent so that you can send yourself off to be murdered, is that it? Or, perhaps, you have to label me as evil to make the choice to pursue mass violence seem meaningful?"

Harry frowned. "Well . . . it's hard for me to believe that there isn't foul play at work here. Voldemort's wanted me dead since before I was born."

"It isn't my father choosing this path, he gave me full discretion. I may have had his help, but the decision-making was all my responsibility." said Delphini, her expression firm. "I have faith in you, my love. I have full confidence that you will submit and prove yourself worthy."

Harry bit back a growl, he turned around, and hastily made his way out of the library. Delphini shook her head and sighed before resuming her re-reading of Invisible Man. I'll finish this chapter up quickly and then it's onto the chapter with the philanthropist meeting the incestuous farmer.

Delphini kept reading for approximately forty minutes. She was snapped out of her reading from the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat. Delphini looked up from her book to see Hermione Granger standing a bit away from the table she was occupying.

"Hello Delphini," said Hermione, her cheeks flushed a shade of pink. Her eyebrows knotted. "Er . . . what are you doing?"

Delphini's eyes widened. Oh shit! I still have my feet up on the table!

Delphini quickly moved her feet off the table and firmly planted them on the floor. She looked down and felt a blush creep onto her cheeks. Delphini took a deep breath before turning to face Hermione.

"S-sorry . . . that was embarrassing," said Delphini, shaking her head to herself. She looked Hermione directly in the eyes. "This may sound . . . that is . . . I was . . . I was trying to seduce your best friend."

Hermione's eyes widened and her jaw clenched. "Ron?"

Delphini gaped at her and then scrunched her nose in disgust. "Fuck no! Why the fuck would I ever want him?!"

Hermione froze, she scowled, and opened her mouth to retort but then stopped. Her visage slackened and the expression on her face remained calm. "Right, of course. You obviously meant Harry."

Delphini smiled and nodded. "Yes, obviously. I have no attraction at all to Ron and I don't see the appeal."

Hermione flushed and then sighed. "May I sit down?"

Delphini nodded and Hermione plopped herself across from her. Delphini began putting her shoes and socks back on. She pointed her wand where her feet had been and cast a silent scourgify.

"There, all clean," said Delphini, as she turned her body to face Hermione and moved her seat closer. "So don't go off to Madam Pince about any behavior problems."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Will that even work? I've heard you've been allowed this section of the library for your exclusive use and that you're allowed to cast charms here to keep away any unwanted visitors thanks to the Ministry. They're afraid that you'll be attacked because who your parents are, from what I've heard?"

"Even so, I still need to maintain proper decorum and prove I'm trustworthy to even use the library like every other student," said Delphini, after nodding to Hermione's question. "I'm not terribly worried about attacks. Everyone in the school knows how powerful I am, thanks to the dueling club, so the vast majority should be wary of pissing me off."

Hermione nodded again. Delphini quickly picked up her book and tucked it into her schoolbag.

"Is that book a favorite of yours?" asked Hermione. "Invisible Man, right?"

"One of my favorites, yes," said Delphini, she turned back to Hermione after adjusting her bag to lean on her seat. "I take it that Harry informed you and Ron about what occurred before the Christmas holiday after I made my announcement?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, there was no reason to hide it at that point, was there? Both of us became very vocal with Harry about what had been going on and we practically demanded answers."

Delphini smiled. "You're not afraid?"

"I try not to judge people based upon their family members," said Hermione, the Gryffindor shrugged her shoulders. "To be honest, I'm not sure how to feel about the whole situation. A lot of the information was too much to take in. I had no idea about the Muggle-born Nazi extremists and I feel ashamed of being so ignorant for so long. You clearly care for Harry and you're providing a doorway out of a terrifying three-way war and I have to take that into objective consideration."

"Did he tell you about Dumbledore's plans for him before I made the propositions?" questioned Delphini, raising an eyebrow. Hermione's eyebrows narrowed and she shook her head. Delphini smirked at the look of confusion on Hermione's visage. "He intended to have Harry present himself to my father to be killed as a sacrifice."

Hermione inhaled sharply. "That . . . that's a joke in poor taste."

Delphini shook her head slightly. "It's not a lie. Dumbledore wants Harry to offer himself as a sacrifice to end the war and he's counting on Harry's selfless nature to do it."

"Harry's saving people thing . . ." said Hermione, she frowned. Delphini chuckled at Hermione's description of Harry's selflessness. "Well . . . I'll ask Harry myself and see what he has to say. Sorry, but that's hard for me to believe."

Delphini nodded, her smirk widening. "Please do." Delphini tilted her head. Think of a less stressful topic.

"Hermione, do you have a favorite book?" asked Delphini.

"The Dhammapada," said Hermione, "Although, I'm not really a Buddhist and only a beginner at really understanding the religion. I did enjoy reading it because it helped ease the pain after I grew apart from Christianity. As ashamed as I am to say this, Christianity just isn't an inclusive religion and I didn't realize how negative the basis for the theology was until I considered the implications of a specific quote from the Dhammapada."

"What do you mean?"

"The idea that you should be born guilty and need to reform as a sinner for events that happened before you were born," said Hermione, her eyes moved to the ceiling and a far away expression overtook her visage. "And, the idea of a God centuries ago sacrificing himself to break his own ethical code didn't really make sense to me from any logical standpoint. I read some of the passages . . . and he did advocate violence. He wasn't peaceful by any means. He said that he came to bring a sword. He openly says that mass violence and death would happen by spreading his faith and it's always under the pernicious idea that anyone who doesn't agree that Jesus is God is deceiving themselves, or selfish, or a liar, or evil. So, no matter what ethics a non-Christian follows, they evidently don't deserve respect or should be demeaned as evil. The concept of people keeping beliefs to themselves is just a modern idea that probably grew as a backlash to the intolerant mindset of ancient Christians and even the golden rule is just a teaching that espouses people shouldn't bother each other."

"If you want my view, I don't see how this self-stylized God was anything but an arrogant narcissist," said Delphini, a smile adorning her features. "He claimed everyone needed to believe in him and anyone who disagreed gets sentenced to hell for the crime of independent thought. All other gods are falsehoods made by Satan according to this arrogant narcissist. The most arrogant preaching of all, in my view, was the teaching that the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ."

Hermione gave her a quizzical look. "How so?"

"Because no matter what, you're viewed as deceived or morally repugnant for not accepting Jesus Christ as savior," said Delphini, shaking her head. A look of utter disgust on her visage. "I fail to see how a man who declares himself God and the Son of God was being meek and mild. Declaring oneself a God is the epitome of the hubris that Christians themselves lament so much."

"Yeah, I never realized how rubbish it was until I applied logic to it two years back. You need to worship a man who died before you were ever born so that he takes all of your accountability for your actions away, any time you do wrong then you can pray to him and have your sins taken away so you can keep on hurting others and forgiving yourself over and over with no need to ever change your behavior. It's not a good ethical system at all." said Hermione, she sighed and shook her head. "Reading the Dhammapada helped me realize that. Specifically this one quote; By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers; by oneself evil is left undone, by oneself one is purified. Purity and impurity belong to oneself, no one can purify another. A lot of Europeans like to believe that Christianity and Buddhism are similar and peaceful, but Christianity's ethical foundation is antithetical to Buddhist teachings. Buddhism is about holding accountability for oneself, Christianity preaches that all of your accountability is forgivable so long as you worship an ancient wise man as God. The purpose and meaning of the teachings are in direct contrast. Maybe that's why Buddhism seems more peaceful to me."

"That's not the entire truth, there is apparently a more divine conceptualization of the Buddha filled with ideas similar to sin regarding the theistic slant of Buddhist teachings." said Delphini, Hermione's eyes widened and she made eye contact with Delphini's grey eyes. "Honestly, it's all just crap to me. A way for people to tell themselves how morally good they are while demonizing and criticizing everybody else as evil or stupid. That's all religion has ever brought the majority of the world in my opinion."

"I wouldn't go that far . . ." said Hermione, "but I will admit that the more modernized we become, the less appealing and important religion seems to be. People in the muggle world argue that science and religion are in direct contrast and at odds. That isn't the entire truth; religion seems to be at war with modernity, not just science."

A comfortable silence descended between them. Both young women lost in their own thoughts on the matter of religion.

Hermione spoke up. "What about your parents? What are their feelings about religion? My parents are devout Christians but they're perfectly comfortable with letting me explore my own religious faith, or lack thereof."

"Much like wizards and witches in general, my family celebrate magic and deify ancient wizards and witches like Merlin or the Hogwarts founders." said Delphini shrugging, "it's a lost concept for the Muggle world. But wizards and witches of Europe inherited the concept of deifying the dead from ancient Rome. Eastern wizarding cultures have similar beliefs like with ancient Chinese traditions. Essentially, the dead wizards and witches become recognized as Gods and Goddesses. It's a shame that the tradition contributed to blood supremacy ideals though."

Delphini noted the somber expression on Hermione's visage and used legilimency to slip into her thoughts for a brief moment. Ah, so that's what is bothering her . . .

"So I hear Ron got back together with Lavender," said Delphini, giving Hermione a thin smile. Hermione froze at the change of subject. "and you know the current circumstances between Harry and I. Have you found anyone you would like to date?"

"I don't think I've found anyone that I fancy . . ." said Hermione, her tone devoid of cheer. She sighed. "Actually . . . I was really happy when Ron broke-up with Lavender. More happy than I expected to be, I had hoped that he and I could get together but I feel like I ruined my chances by leaving the Weasleys so early in the Christmas holiday."

"There are plenty of fish in the sea."

"I'm not so sure . . ."

Delphini suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "There are approximately five billion, close to six billion, people in the world as of now. I'm sure there is someone out there for you. In fact, if you recall, plenty of young men at Hogwarts - even in Slytherin - would be willing to date you."

"I'm not sure if anyone here at Hogwarts would actually want to do that. I've been called know-it-all for such a long time and maybe those guys in Slytherin were just being friendly." said Hermione, shrugging. "Also, I'm very doubtful that people raised with a blood purity mentality would agree to go out with me."

"Not everybody in Slytherin is like that," said Delphini, she took out a large book from her schoolbag and placed it upon the table between them. "In fact, I've been looking through possible suitors before choosing Harry, and I think I have just the match for you. Provided you're interested and willing to try out a pureblood courting."

"Courting? You mean for an arranged marriage?" snapped Hermione, her eyes narrowed and she shot Delphini a skeptical look. "I'm not about that. I don't agree with such antiquated ideas."

"It is not the same as in ancient times. Women have a choice now and one of the primary conditions can be finding mutual love like it was for me." said Delphini, she gave Hermione a stern gaze and then gave her a smile. "Think about the positives too. You could be bridging the gap of cultures, purebloods would have a more difficult time dismissing you under their stupid blood purist ideals, and to be frank, you would be the perfect candidate for this type of arrangement. You could help build alliances for your goal of working with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and perhaps even reach your dream of becoming Minister of Magic all the faster."

"That's . . . a lot to consider," said Hermione, she frowned at Delphini. "but . . . if it's like what you mentioned, then I wouldn't be . . . adverse to trying it for fun. Not for any future goals, but rather to see if I can have an enjoyable time. I doubt any of the Slytherins would actually want to date me though."

"Well, we can try to set you up with someone and I think I have the perfect candidate for you," said Delphini, smiling at Hermione. "Regardless of who you choose from this arrangement, if you find yourself fully embracing it, then we can use this in the future to have my family give you full political support and even network into better job opportunities."

"That honestly sounds like corrupt politics to me," said Hermione, shaking her head. She raised her hand in a placating gesture. "I didn't mean to offend you by saying that . . ."

"No offense taken," said Delphini, rolling her eyes. "You can see it as corrupt or you can view it as cultural differences. Networking is a part of just about every job industry, even in the muggle world. The Magical British community has a heavily biased slant for purebloods, but I think we can break that. If it doesn't work out, then at least we can say that we made an honest effort."

Hermione nodded. She sat frozen in her seat. "That sounds . . . acceptable. I'll just see where it goes and if I like it."

Delphini took note of Hermione's stilled posture as the Slytherin took out a folder from her large book. "It's okay to feel nervous, but keep in mind that the prospective candidate will be feeling just as nervous. You don't have to feel like you have to impress them or act like a pureblood to get them to like you. No pressure, it'll just be for fun."

Hermione relaxed her shoulders and smiled at Delphini. "Alright, who is the candidate?"

Delphini handed the folder to Hermione and Hermione opened it. Delphini smirked as she noticed Hermione's eyes widen.

It'll be interesting to see how they act around each other without any House prejudices being a prominent factor.

Saturday
Noon

Delphini finished adjusting her dress and the magic mirror smiled back at her. Delphini nodded in satisfaction of her appearance before heading down the common room stairs. Remember, remain consistent, be direct in what my expectations for our relationship are, and be firm about my priorities. Show him your confidence and be tactful with your words. I can't just give him the silent treatment and expect this to work out on its own. Relationships take work and I will find a way to make him understand that he is mine. I believe that I can do this.

Delphini took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and exited the portrait hole to see Harry waiting outside. A smile adorned her features and her eyes came alight as she looked over the finely crafted dress robes that he wore.

"Hello, you're looking quite ravishing," said Delphini, her cheeks tinged at her own bold statement. Harry blushed but smiled back. Delphini's posture eased. "Ready to go?"

"Hi, and yes," said Harry, he sighed. "Let's get this over with."

Delphini frowned but nodded in response. She took out the portkey, a small pen, from one of her dress pockets. Harry grabbed on to one end and they found themselves jolted through to one of the finest Magical British restaurants, the eccentrically named Pasta Wiz. Harry's eyes widened as he looked around the luxurious establishment with its esoteric drapes, diamond and gold embroidered tables, floating chandeliers, and fine cutlery.

A waiter quickly came up to them and ushered them to their seats. He quickly handed them their menus before leaving.

I can't believe I'm doing this . . .thought Harry, as he took a seat opposite his "date" and tried not to frown. Delphini smiled as she looked directly at his eyes before looking back at the menu that she picked up. Harry grabbed the menu on his side and began skimming the contents.

"Oh, don't be that way, Harry," said Delphini, in a sickly yet melodic voice. Harry couldn't believe such a contradistinction could exist in someone's tone. He looked over to her to see that she had stopped looking at the menu and was staring at him. "Let's just sit and chat."

Harry prepared to respond and then scowled. "Did you just read my thoughts?"

Delphini grinned. "Of course, I did. I need to respond accordingly."

"Get out of my head . . ." hissed Harry, glaring at the blonde opposite of him.

Delphini put the menu down on the table and put her elbows on the table. She interlaced her fingers and rested her chin on them. Her smile never leaving her visage. To Harry, it looked predatory, as if she was playing with her food.

"Or what?" questioned Delphini.

"Pardon?" blurted Harry, scowling. What is she trying to say? Is she going to hurt me or one of my friends?

Delphini was gazing into his eyes, she had no doubt read his surface thoughts. Her smile widened. "What are you going to do to me, if I refuse to stop reading your mind?"

"I'm not going to attack you or try to hurt you," said Harry, frowning. "I'm not like that."

Delphini briefly sneered in amusement before slowly shaking her head as if dismissing the thought. "I know you would never do that, Harry. You would never purposefully hurt anyone; not even someone you consider evil like me unless I did something to warrant it like hurting a friend of yours."

Harry's frown deepened. He stared at Delphini and blinked. What is she playing at?

"I just meant . . ." Harry stopped midsentence. Delphini's eyes seemed to gleam. "that I would . . . leave . . . that's all."

"Leave?" said Delphini, she snorted and seemed to suppress a chuckle. "No, you won't."

"What?" Harry said. His eyes narrowing.

"You won't leave," said Delphini, her voice with a tone of confidence. "Not now, and not ever. You'll never leave me. You're mine. You feel these 'dates' are a charade and that I'm simply stroking my ego, but that's not what I'm doing. I'm giving you the option to be more comfortable around me, I'm giving you adequate breathing room and freedom to accept the fact that you are now my property. You need time to adjust to your new position and believe me, I will get my way, your consent is optional. I want you to accept your new reality at an adequate comfort level so that our time together will make us both happy."

Harry rose up with his fingers clenched and his eyes shooting daggers at her. The menu was forgotten on the table and Harry stood trembling as his face turned a shade puce.

"I could just leave . . ." said Harry, in a measured tone stopping himself from outright yelling at her. "There's nothing you can do to stop me . . . ! Nothing! I can leave . . . I should leave . . . I'm not going to just let you decide what my life will be!"

"Sit down, Harry," said Delphini in a cheerful tone. Harry now recognized the command for what it was. She was ordering him. She thinks of me as some sort of pet!

Begrudgingly, Harry sat down heavily on the chair but kept glaring at her. Delphini chuckled. "A pet? Don't be so crass. I didn't mean that I owned you, my darling. I meant that you're mine and I am yours. You will always be an equal in our matrimonial partnership, but that partnership is happening. You aren't allowed to leave or cheat on me with another woman, but that condition applies to the expectations of all marriages. Of course, I would never cheat on you. I'll be your loyal wife until my dying day. You will have me all to yourself."

"Hard to believe this is an equal partnership, if I can't have any say on the partnership being made," said Harry, What is all this? And what's all this "my love" business? "that's completely hypocritical of you."

"I don't really care about hypocrisy or if I'm insulted for it over and over. The word has no meaning to me. It's just a way of being judged by other people's values that I don't agree with and don't live by." said Delphini, shrugging her shoulders. She took a pitcher of water and poured it into her wine glass with one hand. The other hand still resting beneath her chin in a fist. "I'm just trying to be as fair to you as possible, while still pursuing my self-interests. I want you to be happy with me but I will never accept your departure."

"How are you so certain that I'll just do what you want me to do?" said Harry, he moved his chair closer. Harry took the pitcher and poured it into his own glass. "I could just walk out of here, if I feel enough is enough."

"Of course I am certain, I always get what I want. What I want is you. Ergo, you now belong to me and nothing will ever change that. Engagements, rings, parties, matrimony ceremonies . . . they're just transitory activities. Established protocols meant to convey a message of acceptance for the outside world to acknowledge our union . . ." She said, before sipping her water. Her eyes never wavering from him. Harry felt a light flush in his neck and quickly tried to cool himself with his glass of water. "I won't consider my gambit a success until you ram your hard cock into my pussy and cum deep inside me whilst I scream your name."

Harry spat out the water and coughed violently as he stared aghast at Delphini. Delphini leaned back in her chair and sipped her water in total nonchalance to her crass and flirtatious words. She looked smug at Harry's reaction and moved her free hand to absently tap the wood on the table. The image of him pounding into a naked Delphini in soaked bed sheets came to mind. Delphini's smile widened.

"You see that image in your mind?" said Delphini, Harry choked as he realized that she had seen his thoughts. "That's precisely what I want you to do to me. As I said, you'll have me all to yourself, always. And, I will always have you. All you have to do is submit to me. Doesn't that prospect sound lovely?"

Harry snorted. "And after you're finished getting an Heir from House Potter, you'll just off me and teach the child about what a poor, dumb bloke their father was before moving on to whatever the next step of Voldemort's plan is."

Delphini's posture straightened and she scowled at him. Harry's lips twitched upward and he continued scowling back. Delphini set her cup down and regarded him. "If you submit to my proposal, I will never intentionally harm you. If you accept, I will do my utmost to love, care for, and help you as best I can with my own ability. I would never manipulate or hurt my own child, I may introduce tough love, but I would never harm my child. I'd love my child, as all good parents should. I would never ever conduct abuse of the sort either of us went through. We're both better than that."

"And if your father is just manipulating you so that he can kill me?" asked Harry. His tone was even and measured.

"He's not. He can be cruel and manipulative to others, but he would never do that to me." said Delphini, her tone brooking no room for argument. They stared each other down. "but if he did, if he truly did that, I would fight alongside you. I would fight for you and . . . if nothing else, I would die beside you. I admit, that sounds like a bunch of crap because he's far more powerful than I and I depend on his resources, but if he killed you while I wasn't around and I found out about it later, then I would be willing to join Dumbledore, if my father ever did that. Of course, that's never going to happen, because my father will never do that. That may sound flimsy to you, but believe me when I say that I know him better than you do. Submit to me and he will never harm your loved ones, at the very least, the contract guarantees that."

"I don't think I can ever bring myself to believe that," said Harry, his scowl deepening. Her eyes narrowed further. "He killed my parents, every time I'm near a Dementor I can hear my mother's pleas before he killed her, and he deceived me into trying to get the prophecy and it got my godfather killed. He used my love for my godfather against me. He killed Cedric Diggory, a good friend of mine. He's nothing but a monster who manipulates, hurts, and murders people for a racist agenda."

Delphini's visage seemed to become angrier as Harry spoke. Her nose scrunched, her eyebrows narrowed, her eyes fixed on his face with a red tinge, and her hand on the table was balled in a fist. Harry relaxed in his seat. I am not sorry, every word of it was true.

Delphini made to stand but then sat back down midway. She took several calming breathes and gave him a withering look. "I . . . can give you Pettigrew. The Dark Mark prevents people from calling in life debts but as an heir of Slytherin, having the same blood as my father, I can override the blood magic protections and give him to you on a silver platter. I can send him to the Ministry to be held accountable for his crimes."

Harry set the glass of water on the table and crossed his arms. "I want Bellatrix Lestrange as well."

"No!" snapped Delphini glaring at him. Harry glared right back.

"She killed Sirius!" snarled Harry, moving closer to the table. "He was like a father and brother to me!"

Delphini moved closer to the table too. "She's my mother! I love her dearly and I've had few opportunities to be around her! I'm not about to send my mother to be kissed!"

Harry suppressed the urge to growl and sat straight on his chair. "So what was that about equality for this partnership?"

"I . . . that is . . ." Delphini blinked a few times and leaned back on her chair. She looked like a deer caught in headlights. Harry shook his head. Delphini seemed to be thinking a mile a minute. ". . . giving you Pettigrew could possibly give closure to the Diggory family, don't you think they deserve that?"

"And what about Neville's family?" said Harry, "or my godfather? Let me guess, it's Pettigrew or nothing, right?"

Delphini flinched. Harry shook his head again. He moved his arms onto the armrests. Why am I not surprised?

"I . . . I'm sorry, but . . ." Delphini shook her head. She gave him a pleading look. "I can't do that to my own mother. I can't. I love her too much to ever do such a horrible thing. I just . . . I know that sounds like crap but . . . I can't. I can easily get you Pettigrew, but I don't think I can manage anyone else and . . . I refuse to ever do that to my mother."

Harry scowled. Yeah, of course, I'm the villain for wanting justice for my dead godfather.

"I never said that," replied Delphini quickly, Harry folded his arms. "You have every right to hate my mother and father, but I believe we can still make it work. I want you to be with me. We'll have differences, maybe we'll fight, maybe we'll fight a lot, but I must have you. You're the only one I want."

"Why?" asked Harry.

Silence ensued for several moments. Delphini's features softened until she stared at him with a smirk. Their eyes met. Her heart fluttered and Harry felt his heart skip a beat at her lustful gaze. "I love you."

Harry's eyes widened and his brain tried to process what he was just told. His mouth hung agape. "You . . . what?! Why? What could I have possibly done? Don't you think it's just some random crush? We haven't known each other for long. I . . . I've had a crush that I thought was love until I had a bad break-up with Cho Chang. It's not uncommon."

"Oh no, it's definitely real," said Delphini smirking back at him. She seemed entirely serious. "I am deeply in love with you. I want you so bad . . . I know most people think love is mutual, but unrequited love is still love in my mind. I need you. Nobody else is good enough for me. . I had to prove myself right, though."

She briefly gazed at the window with a wistful expression. Harry remained silent. Delphini turned back to gaze upon him with a dreamy expression. She licked her lips.

"So, I created this situation to in order to prove myself right about my feelings. If you accept and submit to me, then my judgment was correct and we were meant for each other. If you refuse, then I was simply deluding myself." said Delphini, an air of pride on her tone. Harry blinked. "I have complete faith in you . . . in our love. If it hasn't blossomed yet, then it surely will in the future."

That's it! Enough with these games! This is more than I can bloody take! thought Harry, he furiously rose from his seat. His hands clenched and his eyes fixed on a scowl. I'm not going to have my life toyed with like I'm some bloody farm animal! This isn't right or fair to me!

Delphini momentarily froze and seemed hurt by his angry response but then she took another deep breath and smiled. She looked Harry straight in the eyes and gestured to his seat with her right hand. "Sit down, my love. There's no need for this bad temperament. It's getting us nowhere. You are mine, you will submit to me, you and I will grow to love each other, and we're going to have beautiful children together. The bad temper that you're displaying means nothing, you and I both know it. You'll eventually sign the marriage contract. You would never walk out on the proposal. Accept my boundless love for you and let us get to know more about each other."

Harry's body shook on the spot. He stood rooted and felt wave after wave of anger corrode his body as he stared at Delphini's confident smirk. Finally, his body relaxed and he collapsed onto the chair. He rubbed his temples and glared at Delphini's smirking visage. Harry sighed and then spoke. "Why me? Is it the fame? My close relationship with Dumbledore? The history between Voldemort and I? The prophecy? Our spats in school? Just . . . why?"

Delphini's posture seemed to substantially relax and she moved back to intertwining her fingers to prop her chin on the table. A big smile on her beautiful visage, her eyes gleaming. The tension between them was gone and Harry relaxed his body in response to her happy composure. The gleaming in her eyes reminded Harry of Dumbledore's unsettling twinkling eyes. Sitting down meant submitting to her. They both realized that.

"For the same reason why you just sat down," said Delphini, Harry frowned at the smug look on her face. "if you really don't want to marry me and make me the mother of your children, why did you just sit down?"

Harry scowled at her. "Because . . . I care about my friends and those that supported me are like family to me. I love them and accepting this deal will mean they can live happily without worrying about war and losing people like I have."

"Precisely, my love," said Delphini, grinning at him. Harry sighed. "You're the type of person who would march to his own death, if it meant protecting everyone that you loved. I believe Hermione called it a 'saving people thing' to describe the lengths you'll go to protect what you love. You'll fight my father, Lord Slytherin's Basilisk, Dementors, my father's subordinates, and you'll unthinkingly put yourself in danger innumerable times to save all that you love. The less they're involved, even should it put far more danger upon you, the better for the sake of your own goal of protecting them from harm. You don't think twice about it, it's just who you are as a person."

Harry blinked. "So what? Anyone would . . ."

Delphini shook her head. "Most would panic and freeze out of fear. And let's face it, you and I both did a cost-benefit analysis on the proposal. Yes, you would have to sacrifice yourself - in a manner of speaking - for your loved ones. The cost wouldn't be your life though, just your freedom to choose your spouse. As soon as you heard the contract, you may have been furious, but you knew you had to agree to it."

A sparkle gleamed in her eyes. Reminding Harry again of its similarities to Dumbledore's unnerving twinkling.

"I knew you would never back out of the proposal once you heard its contents. You would never put your personal happiness over your loved ones. My father never could understand how love could be a powerful source of strength, but I did and I assume Dumbledore was counting upon your heroism to be the useful instrument necessary for my father's downfall. Snape believed it was blind luck, but he was a fool who overcompensated on his hatred of your father which he pushed upon you to make himself ignore your selfless qualities because they reminded him of someone he loved and lost." said Delphini, "but I'm different from all of them. I understood why. If you rejected my proposal, you would betray who you are, you would betray your own sense of self. It's why I told them to emphasize the peace agreement was ironclad, there is no deceit. Once you submit to me, everyone you love will be safe. You would never refuse my proposal because you would subject everyone you love into danger for your own personal happiness. Hermione would have to brainwash her own parents to protect them, the Weasleys are highly likely to be targets and it is probable that a member or two of their family will be lost even if you won the war, you would be making children into orphans for no good reason because the entire war is now completely avoidable, you would feel a profound sense of guilt and view it as a self-centered act if you walked away from a credible peace negotiation that was mutually favorable, and fact is, even if you think the wizarding world are full of morons, you would never wish death upon any of them, especially if you could help stop it. You are selfless, compassionate, and loving. That's your power; that's the power my father doesn't understand to be anything but a dependency for others to exploit. You would be willing to die for everyone."

"Plenty of people are willing to do that," said Harry, he refrained from rolling his eyes. "you may think I'm unique, but I'm not. All of my friends are just as selfless. So is everyone in the Order. I don't feel like that's really something to celebrate."

"But very few would ever stop their godfather and their uncle in all but blood from killing Pettigrew when you had the chance," said Delphini, Harry froze and his eyes widened. "Not even Neville Longbottom would pass up that opportunity if it was my mother or one of the Lestrange brothers. That act took true compassion. You may have used an unforgivable on my mother, but her plan was to goad you in order to beat you and even then you didn't have enough hatred in you to torture her. Do you realize that very few, if anyone else, would have failed at the torture curse under those conditions, especially considering the personal hate that you must have felt? Perhaps there are more people like you, but they are indeed rare to find and I'm not sure how many of them could be so consistent, as you are."

She moved her face closer. "I love that about you. I love all of that about you. Truly, you are everything I could possibly want. You don't care about my blood status, you don't care about my wealth, you don't see me as a possible trophy to secure a place with my father, you have no fear of either me or my father, you wouldn't ever breach the contract for a personal vendetta against my mother or the other Death Eaters, you find me sexually attractive, and you would never seek to manipulate or use me for purposes that have nothing to do with my self-interests. We're also a lot alike, more than you realize. We would both do everything in our power to get exactly what we want. For you, it's protecting and caring for your loved ones because you are selfless. I feel the same for mine but I do it because I want them to be exactly where I want them, I do everything I can for them because I am selfish. You would put your life goals in jeopardy to protect your loved ones, I would do the same unless the other person was proving to be a complete detriment from ignoring my wishes or denigrating me - no longer showing they care for me. You, on the other hand, would protect them regardless of that. You would never willingly jeopardize their welfare and safety, so I know that you will protect and cherish any children we have together. I know you will never back out, because you would never risk dooming the lives of loved ones for your own personal welfare. That's exactly why I love you and must have you. You have no idea how much your compassion for others means to me, how much I cherish who you are as a person. But once it's set, I will prove under no uncertain terms how much I love you and that you are mine."

Harry gaped and blushed crimson at the inconspicuous lust and passion in Delphini's visage. She's not having me on . . . she means every word.

The waitress finally arrived and took their orders. A silence descended between the two of them that paradoxically felt both strained and comfortable for the pair. Once their food arrived, they ate quietly and finished without a word spoken between them. The cuisine's delicious food being savored by the both of them. They soon ordered dessert and after their desserts were placed upon their tables, Delphini broached a subject.

"These new circumstances aren't entirely a detriment to you," said Delphini, scooping a bit of her ice cream before popping it in her mouth with her metal spoon. Harry raised an eyebrow. Once Delphini finished savoring the ice cream and swallowed, she continued. Grey eyes meeting green. "Before this newfound situation, you never had a choice to the extent that Dumbledore purposefully withheld the information of using you as a human sacrifice, even after you found out there was a prophecy. But now, with our tenuous compromise, you hold all of the power."

"What?" said Harry, gawking at her. His eyes narrowing. "What d'you mean? All you've done guilt me into marrying you by threatening a three-way war."

Delphini's lips twitched before she licked the frosting off her spoon. She licked her lips and smiled at him. "Thanks to the manipulations of daddy and I, Dumbledore's hold on you is temporarily broken. You have a choice between marrying me and bringing peace or denying me and starting a war that will worsen an already terrifying situation to add more innocent bloodshed. Your choice determines who lives and who dies. You may consider that immoral, but Dumbledore made the same choices when he kept the existence of a prophecy from you."

Harry froze. Dumbledore did say that hiding the prophecy caused nameless, faceless people to die on account of keeping the secret from me until the end of fifth year.

"Do you recall what you said to me at the Hogs Head? You mentioned that people were always hurting you throughout your life. You never had a choice and nobody was able to or tried to stop the abuse from your relatives, nobody stopped the negligence and hate against you within Hogwarts, and Dumbledore is always keeping secrets from you." said Delphini, "The pain you suffered was because you were always left in a state of perpetual helplessness. So, I created a scenario in which your actions determine the welfare of others."

Delphini's facial features changed to a serious expression. "It's easy to complain, perhaps even justifiably so, when a person doesn't hold all the power. It's far different when you have to take on the responsibility of power yourself. There is no good and evil, only power and those too weak to seek it."

"Oh, that is rubb-!"

"Because . . ." said Delphini, Harry quieted and scowled at her. Delphini smiled and continued. "Good and evil is determined by those who hold the power. What is empowering to some can often be detrimental to others. Economics and politics are examples of this. Abortion versus the right to life, economic prosperity building a strong middle class for one nation-state while simultaneously depreciating the middle class of another nation-state due to loss of job opportunities, performing euthanasia for an old person requesting an end to the suffering from a terminal illness; regardless of where you stand on these social issues, the opposing side doesn't disagree with you because they view themselves as evil and the side you're part of isn't harboring evil intent. Everyone believes themselves to be acting on good faith or tell themselves that they're mostly good people. Good and evil are absolutist dichotomies that are insufficient and too simplistic as concepts to be of meaningful value on mundane examples that I just listed."

Harry remained silent. Delphini leaned back in her chair to gaze upon his face. "You have a choice, Harry. You now hold the power and your choice will determine the life and death of innumerable people that you'll never meet and won't remember. Regardless of which you choose; you'll be making a judgment call on what you believe to be the necessary choice, and either choice could be called the morally good choice, even if denying my proposal brings more bloodshed to the world. You can continue to side with Dumbledore's Greater Good and fight a guerilla war with three factions or you can submit to me so that the two strongest sides will root out the Nazis together while forging a peaceful, albeit uneasy, coexistence."

"Why do this at all?" questioned Harry, shaking his head. "Why not just stipulate that I had to marry you?"

"Having an illusion of choice, even when there is no meaningful choice beyond self-destruction, can engender feeling a sense of freedom and contentment. Dumbledore knew that and he planned to force that upon you." said Delphini, "So I turned that around, the choice you have is between the normalized state of affairs - the status quo of Us versus Them - or a new foundation motivated by maintaining peace among all of us to root out the true threat of the Nazis. You could argue that it's not really a choice, but that is a judgment based upon who you are as a person. All you have to do is prove to me that you're mine and submit your entire being to me."

Harry sighed and leaned back on his chair. "I will admit . . . I do like you and I enjoy your company. I can't deny that what you've said has merit. Dumbledore probably wants me to sacrifice myself, but why do I always have to be the one controlled? Dumbledore, the Ministry, even your father's motivation to kill me, and now you, everyone is just trying to control me for their own ends. I may like you, but I'm not sure about the domineering personality of yours."

"You're omitting a crucial aspect of that. Yes, people use and abuse each other, but if the relationship is symbiotic instead of parasitic, then why should the relationship be considered wrong?" said Delphini, she raised a delicate eyebrow. Harry frowned. "Do a cost-benefit analysis on each of those relationships; the Ministry wanted you to remain silent about my father's return, and then sought to use you as a propaganda tool while never acknowledging their slander and ridicule of you last year. Dumbledore believes you should accept a death wish, you lose everything by choosing him."

Delphini paused letting her words sink in. Harry's visage had crumpled to a forlorn expression. She took a swipe of her ice cream and popped it into her mouth. She licked her lips and used a napkin to clean her mouth.

"As for me? I've made my intentions clear," said Delphini, smiling suggestively at him. Her eyes held undisguised yearning. "I don't want you for your fame and I am staunchly opposed to your death. I want you to accept the fact that you're mine and submit to me. Those other two groups, the Order and the Ministry, prioritize the stability of Magical Britain above your welfare; if it were requested by my father, they would laud your death as good for everyone. For me, the welfare of our society is secondary to achieving my goals, my primary concern is keeping my loved ones alive and safe. You've already been through too much needless pain, but through my mercy, I've given you a doorway to true salvation. I want you, Harry. I want your future to be bright and happy as the husband I've chosen once I take the mantle of Lady Slytherin to reignite the dynasty."

Harry felt a twitch in his pants and a fluttering in his heart. Despite that, he gave Delphini a look of suspicion. His eyes narrowed and his mouth still frowning at her.

"I'm afraid that doesn't make much sense," said Harry, pointedly vocalizing his distrust. Delphini's eyebrows knotted and she frowned at him. "We've only known each other for a few months. You're just suddenly in love with me? Sorry, darling, but I'm skeptical and I would say rightly so. I want to know exactly what brought you to the conclusion that you're randomly in love with me and just why I should believe you."

Harry's lips twitched upward at being able to rebuff her with sarcasm. Delphini sighed and interlaced her fingers to place her chin on them. She looked him in the eyes. "I suppose your skepticism is warranted. Well, my daddy wanted me to continue the legacy of the Slytherin dynasty as a contingency. Pureblood politics are all about working to further the future of the family House; for noble families like Nott, Malfoy, and Slytherin, that can mean having an arranged marriage. However, it isn't like ye olde times where children didn't have any say on who they would wed, especially not like how it use to be for women. The people set to wed will have several months time to court each other to see whether they're a good fit or not. I knew of these expectations and grew accustomed to what that meant through my Aunt Narcissa's teachings when I was growing up. I feel it's only fair, given how much my Uncle and Aunt have done for me. My parents expect this of me too and I want both of my parents to be proud of me, but they're willing to modulate the family plans for my sake. My only demand was that I have to genuinely come to love the person, my parents expected that I would have to look at international suitors since nobody at Hogwarts could meet my standards . . . except you. After a few of our conversations, I decided that you are the only one worth my time as a potential life partner despite the odds, and I know I'm right. So, I've chosen you and now you're mine, all you have to do is accept my judgment and submit to me."

Harry felt an eye twitch and then he sighed. "I should have spent more time in the library when I was younger or maybe talked more with Neville about Magical society. So much lost opportunity . . ."

Delphini gave him a serene smile. "Everybody has those moments. The best we can do is learn from our mistakes and work to improve what we want to do in life."

Harry nodded. The two of them finished their deserts and after paying for the food, they left the restaurant. Using the portkey assigned to them, the pair were pulled to stand right outside the Slytherin dorms. Harry and Delphini stared at each other in silence for a few moments. Delphini's cheeks tinged pink and Harry looked around awkwardly.

"Harry . . ." said Delphini, her voice breathless. Her cheeks turning redder with each word. "Would you . . . do you think . . .?"

Harry moved forward and tilted his head. They averted bumping heads, both of them closed their eyes and leaned forward. Harry felt the soft taste of her lips upon his and felt her tongue demanding entrance while licking on his lips. Harry relented and opened his mouth. He tasted the ice cream flavor of vanilla and chocolate. Delphini tasted the strawberry desert that Harry had eaten. Their tongues battled each other for dominance and Delphini let out a squeak of enjoyment from giggling as they snogged for the first time. Harry allowed himself to lower his guard and enjoy the sensations.

Finally, they broke apart to catch their breaths. Delphini giggled and Harry couldn't help the stupid grin that was probably on his visage.

"That was awesome," said Delphini, smiling at him. "I think we made a lot of headway and I definitely enjoyed myself on our first official date."

"It was nice," admitted Harry, nodding to her. His cheeks tinged pink as well. "I'm still unsure about this plan of yours and to be frank, I don't know what to believe because this situation feels so surreal, but tonight was nice."

Delphini nodded. "All in due time, I suppose. I'm well aware that you need time to adjust. Goodnight, my darling."

Harry suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and smiled at her. "Goodnight, Delphini."

Delphini said the password within Harry's earshot and stepped through the portrait hole. Harry trekked back to Gryffindor House. The smile still on his lips.

Why did I let myself do that? thought Harry, he sighed and his expression became more somber as he walked in the darkness. He felt a twinge in his heart. Probably because . . . Dumbledore's right, love is a powerful emotion. It's nice to feel loved and it's certainly better than feeling lonely or empty. I never thought I would meet a woman who actively made an effort to spend time with me. I didn't think I could enjoy a date after how disastrous last year's date with Cho went and I guess I was too embarrassed to risk it again until forced into the situation.

Harry spoke the password to the Fat Lady and walked through the Gryffindor portrait hole. His mind solely focused on analyzing his date with Delphini Riddle.