Chapter 14: Nott a Malfoy

The sun started shining through the window in Theo's bedroom, waking him up. He stretched his arms over his head and rolled onto his side, reaching out to pull Daphne closer to him. She moaned a little, then snuggled up to his chest. Theo laid there with her in his arms, wondering just how embarrassed she would be if she found out she was drooling on him. He brushed the hair off her face, and kissed her forehead. Last night they stayed at the after party of her fashion show, until Tracey and Daphne had drank just a little more than they should have. Theo ended the night carrying Daphne to his room, dressing her in her nighty, before putting her to bed. Not exactly the way he had been hoping to end the evening, but at least she was in his arms as the sun rose.

He heard a soft knock on his bedroom door. Theo gently slid out of bed, so he didn't wake her up. He was wearing his solid black pajama bottoms, but never wore a top to bed. Theo grabbed a white, Black Sabbath t-shirt off the chair near his bed, and quickly put it on as he padded his way to the door. Tony was on the other side, with the breakfast tray.

"Let's put breakfast out on the balcony this morning, Tony. Thank you." Theo opened the door the rest of the way, so Tony could quietly take the tray out to the balcony. Theo waved his hands at the balcony doors, so they opened up before Tony got to them, letting him out on the balcony to set up Theo's and Daphne's breakfast.

"I included a hang-over potion for Miss Greengrass, Sir. Good morning." Tony picked up the tray and turned to leave.

Theo patted the man on the back, "Thank you, Tony."

Tony turned back to Theo before leaving, "Sir, you may want to look at the paper, before she wakes."

Theo set the coffeepot down after filling his cup, and picked up the paper. Right there on the front page, was a picture of Theo and Daphne kissing in the interview room! He had been expecting this. But underneath, was a picture of Astoria and Draco. Draco had his arm around Astoria, smiling down at her, while Astoria's hand was on his chest, looking up at Draco affectionately. There was nothing wrong with the picture. In fact it was a nice one of them, they looked good. It was the head line that was ugly.

GREENGRASS SCANDAL!

Pansy had written a wonderfully, horrible article, smearing Lord and Lady Greengrass. Theo sat down with his coffee and read the article telling how scandalous it was that not one, but both Greengrass daughters, were aligning themselves with Death Eater families. Pansy told how, Dalton Greengrass had pulled his daughters from Hogwarts at the beginning of the Dark Lord's rise, taking them to France. His reason was to get them as far from Death Eaters as possible. The move had impacted the Greengrass fortune more the Mr. Greengrass had expected, hardly leaving the family poor, not even close. But his fortune had not grown during the five years his family was off in France, instead it had stayed quite the same as it had been. Mr. Greengrass found it difficult to manage his British companies and holdings, while away in France. Pansy went on to say, it would seem the Greengrass's were trying to align themselves with powerful and rich Pure-blood families, to make up for the lack of growth the last few years.

The article went on to say, 'Lord Greengrass has put his youngest daughter on the arm of the infamous Jr. Death Eater, Draco Malfoy. Malfoy, who had avoided doing time in Azkaban, on the testimony of war hero, Harry Potter, now seems to have found the perfect pure-blood match. Apparently, Lord Malfoy's claim to having changed their thoughts on blood-purity are just lip service.' Theo cringed, Draco would have a hell of time getting Mr. Greengrass's blessing on his engagement now.

Pansy was particularly cruel with what she had to say about Theo though, 'The Greengrass eldest daughter seemed to have had the perfect match with Quidditch star, Marcus Flint. The senior Flint, being a well respected member of the Wizengamot, and the youngest heir, Andrew, a Auror. One would have thought Daphne had the perfect future lined up. That was until the late Death Eater Theodore William Nott Sr.'s son, came back to town and ripped their relationship apart. Doing so, while the starting chaser for the Canons, was out of town. Apparently, he learned to act more like a snake, than the rest of us, who were sorted into Slytherin'.

Theo threw the paper down, disgusted with Pansy. One could understand her trying to tear down Draco, although he thought it was childish. Their breakup, back in their sixth year was bad. Theo could still hear Pansy screaming at Draco, the objects in the common room flying. Pansy threw everything she could get her hands on, as Draco just stood there taking it. Their breakup had been entirely Pansy's fault, and could have been avoided, if she had only spent some time paying attention to what was going on with Draco, instead of paying attention only to Pansy.

He didn't understand Pansy's problem with Daphne. The two had been best friends during school. They had drifted apart when Daphne was forced to move to France, through no fault of either girl. People drift apart when they are no longer together. Theo sat thinking about what impact this was going to have on Daphne. He had only wanted to make sure she shined last night, he was not trying to start a scandal.

"Good morning handsome." Daphne stood in the doorway stretching.

Theo looked up and smiled at her. "There is my sexy Baby. Did you sleep well?"

Daphne walked over and sat on Theo's lap, "I did. I am so sorry about last night. Guess, I was enjoying myself a little too much."

Theo kissed her cheek, "Tony made you some tea, and a hang-over potion."

"Oh, thank Merlin. I love that man." Daphne stood and picked up the small shot size glass of purple liquid, drinking it one gulp.

Theo laughed, "Don't tell him this, but I think I love him, too. Look at that omelet he made you."

Daphne sat down, taking the cover off her tray. "It smells amazing." She picked up the tea pot and poured herself a cup of tea, then started blowing on it, so she could take a sip.

"Tastes even better." Theo's breakfast was already half gone.

Daphne sipped her tea, then took Theo's hand in hers. "I really did have something better planned for last night, other than puking on your shoes. I am sorry for that."

Theo smiled, "It's ok. Somehow, they were sitting outside my door this morning, like nothing ever happened. I think Tony would put a house-elf to shame."

Daphne laughed. "I will make it up to you."

"Oh, when?" Theo slid his fingers up her thigh to end of her satin nighty, and played with the lace trim.

Daphne turned to face him, setting down her fork. She parted her knees slightly, in a way that was hardly ladylike, but made Theo's heart beat quicken. "Do you have time now?"

Theo was on his knees in front of her, between her legs before she finished the sentence. He had his hands on either side of her face, kissing her deeply. Theo slid his hands up her thighs, pushing her nighty up to her lacy panties, while pressing his arousal against her. He rocked slowly back and fourth, making them both moan each time his erection pressed against her swollen mound. Daphne arched her back, pressing herself against him as hard as she could, while Theo kissed her neck and shoulders. He hooked his fingers on the straps of her nighty, pulling them down her shoulders letting them fall, so her breasts were exposed. Theo kissed Daphne again, his tongue exploring every bit of hers.

He pulled away, breathing hard, "Please, tell me you want me."

Daphne wrapped her legs around him, "I want you Theo."

Theo didn't think it was possible, but he was suddenly harder than he had been. He pulled her closer to him, so she was barely sitting on the chair, and took her right breast in his mouth. As Theo sucked hungrily on her nipple, neither of them noticed the large brown, screech owl, land on the railing near them. Not until it made its presence known with a loud screech, making Daphne scream, and cover herself back up.

Theo fell back on his heels, leaning on his chair with his left elbow, holding his right hand to his chest. "Bloody hell! Whose fucking bird is that?"

Daphne pushed her nighty back down, but Theo reached over to try and push it back. He stopped, when Daphne answered his question. "That would be my father's owl, Theo."

His eyes went from Daphne to the discarded paper on the table. "Great." Theo stood up, not bothering to hide his apparent erection. He reached across the table, taking the letter off the bird's foot, handing it the Daphne. "Go owl, get out of here."

Theo kept trying to get the bird to leave, while Daphne read the letter. "Why won't this damn bird leave?"

"I think she is waiting for a response. I have been summoned." Daphne folded up the letter.

"The response is, she busy." Theo told the bird, but she continued to wait. "Oh, fine." Theo went into the bedroom and retrieved a piece of parchment, and a Muggle fountain pen from his writing desk. He handed them to Daphne, then indicated to the bed with his eyes, "Tell your father you're a little busy right now." He raised his eyebrows at her, then started rubbing the inside of her thigh with the back of his hand.

"Theo, one does not keep Dalton Greengrass waiting." Daphne attached the response on the owl's foot and it finally left.

"You have got to be kidding me Daphne." Theo fell into his chair, pulled his legs up, sitting cross legged and started running his fingers through his hair.

Daphne reached out to take his hand, "I am sorry. I have to eat, then go. I will be back as soon as we are finished talking."

Theo pulled his hands away, and went back to his breakfast, "Whatever. I'll just take yet, another cold shower. Alone."

Daphne put her fork down, "Perhaps, I should just leave now." She stood up, but Theo grabbed her wrist.

"Don't go, please. I am sorry, I was being an ass." Theo looked at her, apologetically.

"I know this is frustrating Theo, but I will be back." Daphne moved closer to him, so she could stroke his cheek with her thumb.

Theo took her hand in his. "I guess, I just got a little too excited." He pulled her onto his lap. "I have wanted to make love to you since I was fourteen, Daphne. I have waited this long, I will wait until the end of time, if I have to. I am just getting a little eager."

"Fourteen, wow! Hope I end up being worth the wait." She chuckled softly, then kissed his forehead. "I want to be with you too, Theo. I am sorry things have not gone quite our way."

Theo shook his head, "You have nothing to be sorry, for baby. I was the one who was rude. Perhaps, I was acting like I was fourteen again."

Daphne leaned down and kissed him, "I remember you being very mature at fourteen. Maybe, a little too mature. You have earned the right to be childish, once in awhile."

Daphne got up, and sat back down to eat her breakfast. Theo picked up the paper and handed it to her. "You might want to look this over, I am sure it's what your father wants to discuss." Theo kissed her again, then finished his breakfast.

xXXx

The sun was up at 6:14am that morning and with it, Draco. He had told his mother he would be there bright and early. He planned to get to Malfoy manor as quickly as he could. Hopefully, he would get in, get the ring from his mother, and get out before encountering his father. He kissed a sleeping Astoria on the forehead, left her a note on his pillow telling her he had to work the ten to six shift, and apparated to the manor.

Draco walked into his mother's parlor hoping, she would be there by herself. She always got up with the sun, Father normally slept a little longer. She was sitting in the chaise lounge having some tea.

"Good morning, Mother." Draco leaned down and kissed his mother on the cheek.

Narcissa looked up at him lovingly. "Draco, please sit down. Have some tea."

She poured a cup, not waiting for him to answer. Draco unbuttoned his suitcoat and took a seat in the chair across from her. "Thank you, Mother." Draco took the tea and blew on it, waiting for her to tell him why he was there now, and not later to talk to Father about the ring.

Narcissa pulled a small crystal box, out of the little, silver, silk purse she carried, and held it in her lap. "Son, are you absolutely sure Astoria is the girl you wish to marry? Don't deny that is what you wanted to talk to your father about. I am your mother, and can see it when you look at her."

Draco set the teacup down. "I am. Yes. Absolutely sure."

Narcissa gave Draco a look that told him she needed to hear more.

"I love her mother. She sees me as the man I want to be. The man I hope the rest of the Wizarding world will one day see." Draco started wringing his hands together.

"And children, I assume she is able to provide an heir, even with her illness." Narcissa held the crystal box up, like she was inspecting it.

Draco knew his mother was holding the prize up for him to see, so he would answer her questions. This was a question however, he did not wish to answer. Draco wanted the ring on Astoria's hand and her father's blessing, before he told his parents the Malfoy name would die with him. He ran his hand through his hair, and thought for a moment. He had to answer this just the right way, or that ring would go right back in the safe. He would still marry Astoria, and buy her the most beautiful ring he could find. But she deserved the Malfoy heirloom.

After a few minutes of silence, Draco cleared his throat, "I am not so sure I want kids, Mum." He looked at his left forearm and started to tug on his left sleeve. Draco's sleeves were always long enough to cover his dark mark. Over the years it had faded, and would continue to fade until it was nothing but a scar. But for now you could still see it plainly, even though it wasn't as bright as it had once been.

Narcissa looked at his behavior, and thought for a moment. "Are you afraid of how they may be treated, because of your past?"

"Partly. I am still not welcome in many places, Mum. I am not allowed to set foot in Ollivander's. In fact, many of the shops in Diagon Alley would rather I not come in." Draco took a sip of his tea.

"That will certainly pass with time, Draco. You're not yet engaged, let alone married. By the time a child would need to get a wand, attitudes may have changed." Narcissa set the box on the chaise lounge beside her.

Draco looked at the box, he wanted to just reach across, grab it and run. "What if they don't change, Mother. What if I have a son, and he is hated as much as I am. What kind of life would he have?"

"He would have a father who loves him, and grandparents who adore him." She sipped her tea.

Draco scoffed, "He would most certainly have parents who love him, and a grandmother who loves him, but let's not kid ourselves about a grandfather who does. I am not sure if Father ever loved me, or just the idea of having a son."

"That's your real worry, isn't it? That you will be your father." She leaned over, taking Draco's hand in hers.

Draco gave his mother's hand a squeeze. "Would I be a good father? Am I capable of it?"

"Yes, you will be a good father because you want to be." Narcissa kissed her son's hand and held it tightly. "I know your father and I made mistakes. We could have been better parents. We made questionable choices along the way. I will not apologize for the beliefs I had, but will vow to try and change them. Just as you are growing and changing because of Astoria, I hope to grow and change."

"It has not been an easy road Mother. I am just not sure about children, yet. I am sure about Astoria, she is everything to me. I will do anything for her." Draco pulled his mother's hand up to him and kissed the back affectionately.

Narcissa picked up the box and opened it, looking lovingly at the four caret diamond, set in stunning platinum, with Malfoy engraved on the band. "It's a shame your father didn't like this ring. Not that the one he had made for me is not gorgeous, I just always liked the traditional pure-blood jewelry. We have so few of our traditions left. This new ministry has managed to strip of us of much more, than a little gold from our vaults as payment, for having different views than them." She closed the box, handing it to Draco. "Please, give my love to Astoria, after you put this ring on her hand. I will be proud to have her as a daughter."

Draco took the box from his mother, surprised his reasons about kids worked. Not that the things he told her, were not true. They just weren't the real reason, there would be no heir. He opened it and looked at it himself for a moment, then looked at his mother. Draco noticed a tear on her cheek. He reached out to wipe it away, "Thank you, Mother. I know she will be proud to be your daughter. She loves me very much. I never thought it possible after the things I did, for someone to love me, but she does."

"And why shouldn't she? You're a Malfoy." Lucius was now standing at the doorway to the parlor. "So you came for the ring, without asking your father for it."

Draco quickly closed the box, and shoved it in his pocket. "Would you have given it to me?" Draco looked at his father, trying not to let his fear of the man betray him.

"No. But not, for the reasons you think." Lucius threw the morning paper at Draco. "What the hell is that, Draco?"

Draco looked at the paper, and smiled at the picture of him and Astoria on the front page. Right after the war he had made the front page more times than he would have liked. At the start, the reporters loved to talk about whoever was on trial for the day, and if it was someone unimportant, or there was no trial for the day, they would rehash something about the Malfoys. After his trial, they couldn't seem to stop talking about it for weeks. Once that stopped selling papers, everytime one of them was seen in public, it suddenly became front-page news. Draco couldn't make a move for the first year without seeing whatever he did, in the paper the next day; whether he was buying a book, or being scandalous with some witch at bar.

The picture in today's paper, looked good in comparison to some from the past. In fact, he thought Astoria and he looked very respectable. "It looks to be a picture of me and Astoria, I must say, we look good. Not as good as Theo and Daphne, above us there, but good."

"There was a time when you were younger, you wouldn't dare speak to me that way." Lucius spat through gritted teeth.

Draco looked up from the paper, to his father. "Well I am no longer that little boy, who doesn't think for himself."

"Have you read the article, Draco?" Lucius walked over to the empty chair and took a seat beside his son.

Draco crossed his legs and looked at the time. "No, Father. I am afraid this is the first I have seen of the paper today."

"Well, read it. I'll wait." Lucius poured himself a cup of tea, then gave his wife a dirty look.

Draco quickly read the article. He felt his ears get warm at 'infamous Jr. Death Eater', but this was hardly something new. Something, he wished would go away, but hardly new. "It sounds like Pansy just finding a way to make yet another jab, since I turned her down again."

"Draco, it undermines everything I have been trying to accomplish, to bring our name back to its former glory." Lucius pointed to the paper. "She claims we are not really trying to change our ways, only giving it lip service."

"Is that not what you are doing, Sir? You, yourself told me, the only reason you accepted Astoria was, because she was pure-blood, and of the twenty-eight. I can't chose a women with a pedigree of that nature, and not expect some backlash from the press." Draco laid the paper on the table.

"That backlash, affects your mother and I, not just you. Once again son, you're not thinking of the whole picture, just your little part in it." Lucius snatched the paper off the table, and looked at it again.

Draco shook his head. "Then tell me, what you would like for me to do?"

"Help me return our family to grace." Lucius said it like it was so obvious, and easy.

"I think the woman I choose as a wife, will hardly have much impact on whether or not our family name is restored to its former glory." Draco stood to leave. "I will not go out to find a Muggle-born, or a half-blood just for the sake of finding one, because it would help the family name in the eyes of people, who will never forgive us anyway." Draco buttoned the button on his suitcoat. "You seem to forget Father, I didn't go out in search of a pure-blood woman from the sacred twenty-eight. That is quite literally, what landed in my lap. Since, I thought the chances of me ever, actually finding a woman who could love me were non-existent, I choose to take Astoria as the blessing she is. You, Sir, can either be happy for me or not. Honestly, I don't give a damn."

Draco stepped over to his mother, leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you, Mother, for the ring, and for tea. I will let you know what Astoria's answer is, as soon as I ask her." He nodded to his father, and apparated from the manor to St. Mungo's to start his shift.

xXXx

The sun was still rising in the sky getting closer to mid-day, the time was 10:00 am. The sexy brunette, Arthur Prince had just had breakfast with, sauntered down his walkway. She walked slowly, feeling the small pebbles under her heals, stopping to smell the pink roses lining either side of his walkway. She wondered if his plan was really going to work. Before agreeing, to this private 'off the record' meeting with him this morning, she had done some research on the man. He was wealthy, that was for sure. Perhaps, not as wealthy as her parents were, but good enough. An undisputed pure-blood. In the wizarding world, this simply meant a person couldn't prove beyond a shadow of a doubt their blood lines, but neither could one, disprove it. She had found Mr. Prince had worked for Theodore William Nott Sr., before his incarceration, than took over running the Nott factories as CEO, once the Sr. Nott was in Azkaban. When Nott Sr.'s untimely death occurred, Nott Jr. had relieved him of all his power, effectively dismissing the man from his employ.

Oh, how Pansy hated Theo Nott. Well, that's not being fair. She really had no reason to hate him. All he had really done, was have the nerve to turn her down, after Draco had broken her heart. Theo turned Pansy Parkinson down, claimed he wasn't interested, and considered himself still in a relationship with Daphne. Daphne, even though she had moved to France, and her father wouldn't let the two of them communicate. He was still holding a torch for that quiet, plain, boring, simple minded Daphne Greengrass. Oh well, she had never understood what Daphne had seen in Theodore, anyway. The only reason she even attempted to date him, was because Draco had broken up with her.

She and Draco had been the Prince and Princess of Slytherin house. During their sixth year, Draco had been given an assignment from the Dark Lord. By the middle of the school year however, he told her he was 'too tired to deal with her'. That was Draco's reason for breaking up with her! He was too tired! After, she had tried to cry on the shoulder of the only person who would listen to her, disgusting Millicent, she resolved she could do better anyway. Draco had started the year off as the Prince, but that title was slowly slipping through his fingers, along with possibly his sanity, but that is a story for a different time. If she wanted to maintain being the Pricess, she needed a new Prince. Theo Nott was the next most likely choice, but since he had turned her down flat, she tried Blaise. He wouldn't talk to her.

It was hardly Pansy's fault, that damn Sally-Ann and her Hufflepuff boyfriend had found Blaise and Pansy under the Quidditch stands, the year before. That bitch had not only caught them, but she had taken a picture. Everyone in the school knew, even though Tracey's relationship with Blaise was on again, off again, all the time, Tracey still considered him, her boyfriend. Tracey, at least, expected the four girls in her own dorm room would leave their claws off him, but what she didn't know, wouldn't hurt right? The picture, of course, was used to seal the deal on Tracey being Sally's best friend, leaving Pansy with only Millicent to talk to. At least Sally had only been after Tracey, or Draco would have broken up with her their fifth year, not the next.

Pansy spent the last year and a half of school, frustrated and alone. Well, she had Millie, that is, when Millie wasn't with Greg. She had tried many times, to get Draco to take her back during their final year of school, but he just wouldn't give into her. No matter how sexy her dress, or how much she rubbed up on him or cooed over him. He would always just pick up his things and walk away. Most of the time, finding Theo, with the excuses he needed help on some assignment.

When she received the owl early, very early this morning, requesting a meeting with Prince, she had come only out of curiosity. The man wanted to take Nott Factories down, or at least, make it so Theodore couldn't run the business on his own. His plan had been almost stupidly simple; steal some goods, then offer his services to Nott, thinking the man would jump at the chance. But he had stolen an entire shipment, and nothing had happened. Nott had managed to avoid incriminating himself to the press, and rallied his employees to work the overtime, and get a new shipment out as soon as possible. He had then upped his security, and now delivered all goods via magic, rather than the old way his father had done. It cost more to get the permits, and set up all the shipping portkeys, but Nott said it would make theft again very difficult if not impossible, and he was happy to pay the additional expense, if it made things better for his customers.

When Prince's original plan didn't work, he needed something else. When he saw Pansy's article this morning, smearing Nott and Malfoy, he thought perhaps the two of them could work together on this project of his. He had been able to secure the portkey for the next shipment from the office supply factory in London. This shipment, would be delivering goods to all the schools on wizarding property that supported the Muggle family members of witchs and wizards, who choose to live in the wizarding world with their magical family members. Before the war, it wasn't really done. If you married a Muggle, or were Muggle born, your Muggle family members continued to live in the Muggle world. But now, with the new ministry, they were trying to join everyone together. So Muggle schools were set up for those Muggle children to attend.

This was an idea that was only half excepted by people. Though many had no problems with Muggles, they were afraid of them exposing the magical world to people who didn't except it. Getting the portkey changed to send the supplies, to honestly nowhere, was expensive and had taken time. Prince was not sure if he would have the extra capital to do it again. He really didn't want to dip into his personal vault for this venture. There was more than enough gold in there, but like most pure-bloods, they liked to use their family money for things like this, not their own. He needed this theft, to get things rolling in the right direction for him. He no longer wanted Nott to just hire him back. He wanted the board to vote Nott out of his own factory, placing Prince as CEO. He needed Pansy, to simply write an article that would get the idea into the heads of the readers, leading to the idea, perhaps Nott is every bit the Death Eater his father had been.

Pansy thought his scheme had merit, but needed to find a way to make it work for her. She really didn't care if Theo Nott stayed in charge of the Nott family business or not. She really didn't care if Theo and Daphne got married and had five hundred children. But if she could find a way to prove Nott had Death Eater ideas, and he was either working with or for Malfoy, than perhaps she could finally get back at Draco. It was already obvious, the old friends had reunited through the Greengrass sisters. Now, she just needed to find a way to prove they were closer, than just soon to be possible brother in laws. She had found out Draco had invested with Greg, maybe Theo had also. Plus, the Greengrass sisters, had one of the best pure-blood pedigrees there was. Her article this morning, had certainly already made people start thinking about whether or not, Nott and Malfoy really loved those girls, or just wanted to align themselves with strong pure-bloods. Heck, half the work, for the 'Prince project' she was already calling it, was done. Now she just needed to do a little work on the investments, and what was going on with Flint. Prince had already taken care of the shipment that would go missing in a couple of days, she just needed to wait, then write a piece tying things together.

Pansy hadn't missed the fact, Arthur Prince had stared at her breasts, most of the morning. She had even decided to have fun with it, and gone to the bathroom, unbuttoning two more buttons on her blouse, just to see what he would do. Everytime she leaned forward a little, for sugar or cream in her tea, or to take a bite of her food she would watch his eyes take in the mounds of her breasts as they peeked over the cups of her bra. He would shift in his seat, thinking she hadn't notice the bulge in his pants. Pervert. Still, he wasn't bad looking for a man, who was twice her age. Pansy did love teasing men, especially the ones like Prince, who didn't stand a chance. Than again, he was rich. Perhaps, Prince would suit her in a scheme of her own.

She looked back at the white, brick house, not big enough to call a manor, but not just a house either. What did Muggles call a house like this? Ah well, it hardly mattered. Pansy looked up and pretended not to see Arthur, (she might as well call him by his first name,) looking at her through a window, licking his lips. She took her hair down from the messy bun and gave it a toss, trying to look sexy while doing it. She sighed heavily, as if she was sad he hadn't asked her to stay, then apparated back to Parkinson Estates.

Much to Pansy's delight, Arthur Prince wrote to her that evening, telling her, although he normally did not pursue woman so much younger than he, he was defiantly attracted to her. He mentioned, it seemed she had also been taken with him, or so he hoped, by the little things she had done during their brunch meeting. He confessed he was out of practice with this sort of thing, so it was possible he had misinterpreted the signs. If he had, he would surely just work their plan and never ask again. But if he hadn't, would she like to have dinner with him some time?

Glad her own scheme was working so well, she wrote back accepting his offer saying, 'I had no idea you could tell I found you attractive. I too, do not normally pursue older men, but you seem to have a quality the boys my age are lacking. I would love to spend the evening with a man for once.' She also, let him know her research had already provided information, since it was public, showing Malfoy and Nott, as well as Zabini, had all invested with Goyle, tying them together at least in that aspect. She just needed a little more meat for the story to sell the idea, the former bad boys were up to no good.

Since, it was a story in the gossip section of a newspaper, it didn't need to be factual, just compelling.

xXXx

Sitting at his desk, Dalton Greengrass continued to look at the time. Damn, how long did it take to eat breakfast quickly, and get dressed? Most likely, she was over at Nott's place, and that was the reason for the delay. Dalton Greengrass hated to be kept waiting. He looked at the rolled up parchment on the corner of his desk, and honestly hoped he would not have to use it, but would if need be.

At halfpast nine in the morning, almost an hour, after he had sent his owl to find his daughter, and deliver the message he needed to speak with her, she finally entered his study.

"Good morning, Daddy." Daphne walked straight over to her father, and kissed him on the cheek. Dalton Greengrass grunted, but didn't return the greeting. Daphne sat down on the spacious arm chair he kept by the fireplace, and waited for her father to join her.

Greengrass finished what he was working on, then picked up the morning newspaper, and walked over to his daughter. "Have you seen this?"

Daphne turned her gaze from the fireplace, the fact the fire was roaring, but no heat was coming from it, she always found interesting. Her father was not the only one who liked a constant fire going. Many witches and wizards liked to, since with magic they could make it so no heat was made, just the ambiance of the fire.

"Yes, I read it while having breakfast." She placed her hands in her lap, trying to show every trait of the proper, polite young lady she had been brought up to be. Despite the picture of her kissing a man, who was not technically her boyfriend, splashed all over the front page of the prophet.

Dalton Greengrass threw the paper at Daphne. It struck her in the face, before she reacted to catch it, causing it fall to the floor. Mr. Greengrass was not normally mean to his daughters. Well not physically abusive, anyway. He was every bit the proper pure-blood male, he had been brought up to be. Women, especially his wife and daughters, were excepted to mind him. He was to be respected, whether or not he returned that respect, depended solely on the recipient and his perception of whether they earned it. Most of the time Daphne earned it, Astoria struggled in that area.

No, Dalton Greengrass didn't need to hit his daughters to get them to mind him. Although like any father, he did swat a bottom once in while, if he felt it necessary. He had slapped both girls, when they got older and smart-mouthed him, although not often and always was quick to apologize and punish himself for the action. He didn't need to use magic to get them to do what he wanted. His method of keeping them in line was much simpler than that. He did so through his tone of voice, his precisely chosen words, his looks of disappointment. If none of that worked when growing up, he had simply denied things. What he would deny, would depend on the level of infraction.

Once, when Daphne was nine, she had stayed up past her bedtime to owl back and fourth with Theo. When caught, she was denied use of the bathroom for twelve hours. Thankfully, most of those hours were spent asleep in bed, but by the time the punishment was over, she had nearly wet herself, and was a crying mess from the need to use the bathroom.

Astoria had once gone three days denied of food for stealing sweets before a party began. She would have only been denied food for one day, but Daphne had kept smuggling her small bites of things, because she felt sorry for her. When it was discovered twice, she had been given food, Astoria insisted it was her cunning that had helped her to steal it, gaining her another day, but keeping Daphne out of trouble. The girls were best friends from that point on.

Once it was discovered Astoria carried the family curse, Daphne decided taking care of Tori was somehow, her job. When Daddy would deny Astoria things, Daphne would do whatever she could to make it easier. Don't misunderstand, the girls where never in any danger, he really just made things difficult. They were denied things like a hair brush, something to drink at dinner, time with friends, clean sheets, or a new dress for an upcoming party. Nothing dangerous, but things a well brought up, proper pure-blood lady saw as the end of the world! Denying use of the bathroom, or food was an extreme, for when they really misbehaved.

Daphne had never shared the types of punishment she got with Theo. It would be far to embarrassing to share. Until they started school, Theo had kept his punishments secret from her. Once she knew how he was punished, what her father did to her sister and her, suddenly seemed trivial. Still detrimental for the two of them to go through, but compared to what Theo and Draco went through, honestly trivial. She decided Theo didn't need the burden of knowing she had once gone three days without the use of a hair brush for lipping off. Not when he had gotten nine stitches, and four broken ribs for the same misbehavior. Daphne was almost certain Astoria had never told Draco, either.

Daphne held the paper in her hands, looking at the picture of Theo and her, with Pansy's comment below it, 'No Flint in sight, Bad Boy Nott by her side.' Her father was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, looking at her waiting for a response.

She looked up at her father. "Sorry Daddy, I planned to wait until after I talked to you, to make my relationship change, public. Things were said during the interview, and I am afraid, I allowed them to provoke me into a rash move."

"Damn it, Daphne. I knew I should have come back from Rome early, and gone to that show with you." Lord Greengrass paced in front of his daughter. "When did you rekindle your friendship with the Nott boy?"

Daphne winced at her father's raised voice. "About a month ago, when he returned to England and took over for his late father."

"Yes, I had heard Nott Sr. passed away. I thought he had Arthur Prince handling the Nott Factories." He looked at Daphne, who opened her mouth to answer, "No, don't answer, how could you possibly know, you're just a woman."

"I know, because Theo tells me everything. I am more than just a woman to him." Daphne shocked herself, by her sudden outburst.

Lord Greengrass spun around, and slapped her. "Do not sass me, young lady. I do not care how old you get, I will always be your father."

Tears stung her eyes, more from the surprise, than the pain. He hadn't hit her hard. Daphne figured if he had left a red mark, it would be gone before she got to Nott Manor. She said nothing, but bowed her head out of respect for him.

Dalton Greengrass took a deep breath, then sat on the couch across from his daughter. "You know, our position is difficult. I have no son, no heir, Daphne. Please, tell me you understand that?"

"Of course, I understand it. Do you think Astoria and I didn't also mourn, each time Mother miscarried? Having a son was so important. How many times did you make her go through that Daddy, five?" Daphne let the tears fall now, no longer able to fight them back.

"I do not expect you to understand what having no son means." He rubbed his face with his hands, trying to think of a way to get Daphne to understand the situation. "Listen to me for once, please. Without a male heir, tradition allows me to give the estate and all my holdings to the second born son, of you or your sister. Astoria can not have children. She has entered stage two."

"Oh, god! Why didn't she tell me?" Daphne covered he face and sobbed for a moment. "We were together for hours last night, and she never said a word."

"Well, I am sure I have no idea why she chose to keep this from you. The point is, if Astoria can provide no heirs of her own, the Greengrass legacy falls on your shoulders." Lord Greengrass stood back up, and began pacing again.

"So my second born son, becomes your heir, I understand." Daphne looked up at her father, and tried through her tears to smile at him.

He gave her a hard look, "Daphne, this must be guaranteed. It is why I wanted you to be with Flint. I have already started negotiations with Marcus's father. Marcus understands the situation. Having a younger brother, the Flint line is already secure, since Andrew's wife has given him a son already."

Daphne looked at the ring on her left hand. "What makes you so sure I won't have two sons of my own?"

"There is no guarantee you will. If you only have one and it is with Nott, it will be his heir. What then happens to our family?" Lord Greengrass walked to his desk, and picked up the parchment.

"Than you break with tradition Daddy, and name me your heir." She tried to sound sure.

"Does Marcus mistreat you?" He stood over her, looking down.

Daphne wiped at her tears, "Not really."

"What does, 'not really' mean, Daphne? Does he hit you?"

"No." She sniffed, but the tears were not stopping.

"Does he force himself on you?" He gave her a look that told her he would kill him if he did.

"Of course not, Father." She was shaking in the chair.

"Than how does he mistreat you?" His voice was getting stern. "Please, explain your resistance to the match I am trying to make for you."

Daphne thought carefully about her words. "He is not very affectionate. Never around. He doesn't seem very supportive of my career choice, and he flirts with other girls in front of me."

"You are a pure-blood lady, and should be able to handle those things. Not all men know how to show affection. His job takes him away, and I have never understood your desire to do this career of yours. As for the other thing, I will speak with his father about it." He sat the parchment back down, confident it wouldn't be needed just yet.

"I do not love Marcus. I love Theodore, always have." Daphne stood, and told him with a cracking voice.

He father reached across and grabbed her face roughly, "Listen to me good, I am giving you a chance to go and make the right choice on your own. You have one month to make things right, and do what is best for this family. Marcus has agreed your first born will be my heir. We need this in case there is only one."

Lord Greengrass went back to his desk and sat down. He picked up some papers needing his attention. Without bothering to look back at his daughter, he said, "You may leave."

On legs, which threatened to collapse with each step she took, Daphne left the room. Once she entered the hallway she saw her mother standing at the doorway to her parlor. She waved her daughter over to her. Daphne crossed the hallway, and fell into her mothers embrace. The two Greengrass woman walked out to the garden, and were in the middle of the roses, where they were far enough away from the house (where her mother knew) Lord Greengrass couldn't hear them.

"You can still have your Theodore, Darling. You just need to get him to agree, your second born son can be named, the Greengrass heir. Do you think he will agree?" Her mother tried to wipe the tears away.

"I don't know why he wouldn't." Daphne tried to fix her hair, which had fallen out of place.

"Well, talk to him, and soon. It must be in writing, or your father will move forward with the Flints." She pulled her daughter into a tight hug.

Daphne sobbed to her mother, "I really hate being a pure-blood sometimes Mum."

"I know Darling, I know."

A/N Thank you for staying with me this far. I love how this story is turning out, hope you do also. For those members and guests who have reviewed thank you so much! It means the world to me. Keep them coming!