Chapter Three: Pleasure and Frustration
"Hem Hem. If I could have everyone's attention" Umbridge spoke out over the whispering crowds as the last of the students took their seats
"I'm going to call your name and you will come forward and submit your name to the bowl where you will be paired with a ministry chosen partner" Umbridge smiled down at them, frowning slightly when there wasn't as much resistance as she thought there would be. Infact, she had anticipated capturing many more students than she did
"If you already have a contract, then you may state so at this time and you and your betrothed will be excused" she simpered and Daphne sighed, before turning feeling eyes on her to find Draco smirking at her predatorily
She sent him back a smug smile which seemed to unsettle him for the time being before he turned his attention to the Pink Toad.
"Hannah Abbot" Umbridge read from the list of students while McGonnogal's mouth was pressed into a tight line, Dumbledore's eyes had lost their twinkle as he bowed his head and Professor Sprout had her hand on her mouth in dismay for her student
"Please come forward and place your name in the cup"
"I'm sorry Professor, I already have a betrothal contract with House Longbottom" Hannah said clearly causing Umbridge to colour slightly in surprise, while the Professors looked shocked and Dumbledore narrowed his eyes at the young girl
Umbridge stared at her for a moment before staying "Please present the contract at this time to validate your claim"
"Of course" Hannah said as she stood up and walked towards the front and Daphne smiled slightly as Neville followed her. She saw them exchange a happy smile and assumed they already had feelings for each other anyways
"Longbottom, you are required to take your seat until your name is called" Umbridge said in an effort to gain some control of the situation
"I will stand by my betrothed Professor Umbridge" Neville said strongly "And it is Lord Longbottom to you professor" he said standing so strong that Daphne hardly recognised him
Umbridge stared at the rings he flashed her with her furious mouth opening and shutting to no effect, before gathering her breath and sighing "Very well, Lord Longbottom and his betrothed Miss Abbot may take their seats" she said sourly, looking non to pleased
Daphne smiled as her cousin and his newly betrothed sat down at the Gryffindor Table together and she smirked at the look on the little toads face
She chanced a glance at the head table and found Professor Sprout looking relieved, while Dumbledore had a slight frown on his face, as if he was trying to figure out something. Daphne smiled. She knew it was only a matter of time before he figured it out and was back to his twinkly self.
"Susan Bones" Umbridge called, with barely concealed glee "If you could come place your name in t-
"I too have a contract, Professor" Susan interrupted, smiling at her as Umbridge turned purple. Obviously this was another person they were hoping to gain leverage over
"But but" she sputtered
"The Daughter and Heiress of House Bones wishes to announce it's betrothal with the middle son of House Macmillan" Susan said nodding towards where Ernie had stood and come to take his place beside his fiancé
"Very well" Umbridge said staring at the contract in distaste and Daphne glanced towards Dumbledore to find him twiddling his thumbs in the chair merrily, his eyes back to their twinkling state and she noticed the rest of the staff seemed to notice as well and seemed much more relaxed.
Umbridge was slowly gathering colour she progressed through the next few names, only for them to have contracts at the ready
"Daphne Greengrass" she spat gesturing
Daphne sent one more predatory grin at Malfoy causing him to pale as she stood up
"I also have a contract Professor" Daphne said sweetly and thought she heard Harry chuckle to himself
"Don't be ridiculous girl, you have no contract" Umbride spat, spittle flying as her mouth twisted into an ugly sneer
"Watch your tone when you're talking to the Heiress of House Greengrass Umbridge" came a strong voice and Daphne smiled as a now very familiar voice sliced through the room
"Potter, this does not concern you, sit down and do as you're told" Umbridge spat, apparently having lost a lot of her patience
"You should watch yourself when talking to your betters" Harry sneered back at her "It is Lord Potter-Black to you" he said "And it is perfectly my business since you are taking that tone with my fiancé" Harry finished sending her a withering glare
Umbridge it seemed, had finally had enough
"FIANCE" she screeched "YOU DON'T HAVE A FIANCE POTTER"
"Don't I?" Harry said mildly and Daphne had to occlude to keep her laughter inside
"I believe your were supposed to be registering Daphne and I in the betrothed section Madame Umbridge" Harry spoke firmly and Daphne felt his hand slide around her waist
"Greengrass is mine Potter, get away" exploded Draco as he leapt up from his seat
"Au contraire my cousin" Harry smiled, although Daphne noticed his grip around her waist tighten "Daphne is nobody's, however we have chosen to spend our lives together, so I suggest you get over yourself and have a seat right now before I show you what it means to be a Black.
Daphne smiled as Draco turned a pasty white and promptly sat back down again
"100 points for threatening a fellow student and a prefect no less Mr Potter" Umbridge simpered
"Lord Potter-Black to you Undersecretary Umbridge" Harry said firmly smiling as he glanced at the points glass pointedly and there were murmurs around as Umbridge noticed the emeralds had not been deducted from the Gryffindor Glass.
"I DEMAND YOU STOP THIS AT ONCE. DETENTION FOR TAMPERING WITH HOUSE POINTS" screeched Umbridge and Daphne felt Harry's body shake with a fit of laughter before he regained control over himself
"You will find I am not directly responsible for any trickery Madame Umbridge. As I have explained to you before, Hogwarts doesn't seem to like you, perhaps you should consider being a better Professor towards the students and she might treat you better"
"SHUT UP" screeched Madame Umbridge "SHUT UP YOU INSULATE LITTLE BOY"
"Professor Umbridge, I must insist you take a moment to gather yourself" Professor Dumbledore's voice carried down from the Head Table
Umbridge looked like she was about to throw a tantrum, but relented.
"Fine, fine, since everyone is unentered into the ministry contracts, I believe we shall continue on with breakfast" she said
"Oh, I must be mistaken then" Daphne said lightly and Harry turned to her in surprise "I thought Heir Malfoy was still to be entered, along with Miss Parkinson, Heir Crabbe, Heir Goyle, Heir Nott, Heir Flint…" Daphne went on to list several well known Death Eater names. "Don't you think the Ministry should give them the chance at a successful relationship to better our community Undersecretary?" Daphne asked innocently and Harry felt a surge of pure admiration mixed with something else flow through his chest at her comments
Umbridge turned to stare at Daphne with something similar to fear in her eyes, while Snape looked on with his normal glare, but Harry thought he saw his surly professor's lips twitch in amusement at Umbridge's predicament
"Of course Miss Greengrass" she simpered, her face white as she finished reading the rest of the names and Daphne let out a small noise of pleasure when Draco and Pansy were partnered together, sending a sweet smile his way
"Greengrass your family will pay for this" Malfoy spat as he passed the spot where they'd taken a seat
"If anyone touches someone Daphne loves, I will annul your parents marriage and take all your parents money, do I make myself clear" Harry spoke in a low tone
Draco simply turned white as a ghost and practically ran from the table.