Previously on Defiance…
Harry stood completely shocked at the changes in his would-be-wife. His weeks of training sunk in as he approached the incredibly emotional situation with cold logic. "And what if I cancel the betrothal right now?"
Daphne laughed coldly. "Empty threat, Potter. You are smart, and you are cunning. I know that if you wanted, you could have just done that already. You wouldn't have wiped the floor with Draco and threatened everyone to be respectable to me." She laughed again. "If you really had the mentality to do that, you would have already done that after hearing my intentions. But you won't do that. Because Harry Potter is the good guy. Even when you know what I think of you, you will not break the betrothal because that would leave me in the middle of nowhere, lost and devastated because of you." She laughed again.
"Daphne, what has happened-"
Her fingers came close to the ribbons on her robe. "Are you sure you do not want to use me for some pleasure, Lord Potter-Black?"
Harry did not reply.
"Good night, Harry Potter." She drew close to him. "Enjoy your purgatory." She stepped back, transfigured her robes and walked out of the room.
Harry tapped the runes of the pensieve as the memory was recollected into its original memory strand form, which he collected into a vial, and handed it over. Dumbledore took it and placed it on the shelf with the other vials, but not before marking it with certain cryptic numbers that only he himself would recognize.
"Well…?" Harry demanded.
Albus sighed. "Well, I must confess that I certainly did not see that coming. I understand that Miss Greengrass is undergoing a rough time, and Slytherin House hasn't been an ideal place for her during this interval, especially with you being absent and blocked from all kinds of communication, but I certainly did not expect this level of vitriol in her."
"She wasn't like this before, so I have to say that her reaction and behavior astounds me." Sirius confessed. The trio were in Dumbledore's office, with the pensieve sitting on the Headmaster's desk.
Harry's temples furrowed. "Whatever do you mean?"
"You- I," Sirius paused, "look Harry, I know that despite this level of hatred in her, you think that this is her anger and her bottled resentment towards you showing itself, but trust me, this is not normal."
"She is fifteen." Harry retorted. "Teenagers aren't supposed to make sense in everything they do. At least I don't."
"You don't understand, Harry." Sirius braced himself. "Miss Greengrass-Daphne- she was sulking, and resenting your absence, check. She was devastated, bitter and all alone, check. She was in Slytherin House with the likes of Malfoy all this time, still check. But this, this does not make sense."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
Sirius and Dumbledore looked at each other momentarily before Sirius continued, "When Cyrus was… killed, Daphne's mother went into an emotional shock and thus her maternal family took her away to Sweden, and well, Daphne and Astoria were in Hogwarts, and me being present, their evacuation was unnecessary, even for security reasons." He paused, "I understand that she was resentful and hurt and everything, but remember what I told you previously? She willfully agreed that your training was supremely important and that it was not necessary for you to leave it midway. While she was resenting your absence even then, she had the good head to understand why you were away."
"Then?"
"Christmas holidays, and I took Daphne and Astoria to Black Manor to stay for the holidays, because it was the most secure place they could be. I had Nymphadora stay in with them and also invited Miss Vance, so that they would not remain without any adult supervision." Sirius explained. "And I also hired an elf for-"
"Why would you need an elf? What happened to-"
Sirius looked disgusted with himself. "Harry, Kreacher is dead."
"Daphne?"
Said girl turned towards her visitor and slowly returned, "Yes?"
"Are you okay?" Tracey asked.
"Of course." She said simply.
"I mean- like seriously okay?"
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "What could possibly be wrong with me?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe because your behavior has changed drastically ever since you returned from the Black Manor? Or because I find it extremely odd that you, who used to cry every night for that boy to come back, is now behaving as if he is the bane of your existence."
Daphne's lips curled. "Whatever do you mean?"
Tracey looked indignant. "I mean—I mean something is wrong with you. Given the way in which Malfoy keeps smirking, I think he has potioned you or something. I think you should go and have a check performed by Madam Pomfrey."
"I'm fine, Tracey. Let it go."
"No you are NOT. You barely even talk with me anymore. Your sister is just as hurt as you are, and despite being her elder, you barely acknowledge her anymore, almost as if she and I are no more important in your life."
Daphne sneered. "My father just died, Tracey Davis. I am now the Lady Greengrass and I am working to bring my father's resources and his entire portfolio under control. That requires a lot of time and effort, something a half-blood like you is incapable of understanding."
Tracey blanched at her, shocked at her vitriol.
"You might seem to think that since we have grown up together, you are entitled to many things. However, this is the family issue of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass. Keep your opinions out, since they are neither asked for nor appreciated."
"Very well," Tracey replied, trying very hard to restrain the single tear that was threatening to fall from her left eye. "I will leave you alone, Lady Greengrass. I am sorry for obstructing and wasting your time."
"I hope you do," came the shallow reply.
Tracey ran out of the room.
"Kreacher… is… dead?"
Harry could not believe it. While the little elf was not the epitome of likeability, he had been quite helpful and devoted to Harry, despite being a little demented. Then again, staying in that dilapidated house for a decade with nothing but a mad woman's portrait would do that to anyone.
"How?"
"Mundungus." Sirius sighed. "You remember Mundungus Fletcher?"
"Yes," Harry replied, gritting his teeth.
Sirius looked at Dumbledore for some support and continued, "Well Dung was apparently trying to steal some goblin-silver from the house during the Order meetings. Kreacher caught him, and attacked him. We believe that Dung panicked and cursed him with something that took his life."
Harry looked furious.
"And?"
"Harry, we needed Dung for the Order, as he is an important source of information. We have kept him, but he is not allowed to enter the Black Manor anymore." Dumbledore replied slowly, wincing at the anger that flashed on Harry's face.
"That… that bastard killed Kreacher, and you just let him go?" Harry asked slowly, trying his best to reign over the anger that seemed to wash over him. The fact that Ignotus was having a high time, whispering mad words into his mind and trying to convince him to devastate and kill did not help matters.
"Harry-" Sirius tried.
"Why isn't Dung in Azkaban by now?"
No one dared to reply.
"Why isn't Dung in Azkaban BY NOW?"
"Because there were no grounds of conviction." Dumbledore replied emotionlessly. "Of course, he had tried to steal from the Black manor, but because he was invited in, and had not, ultimately, been able to steal anything, there are no grounds for conviction."
"HE KILLED KREACHER!"
"Who was an elf." Dumbledore replied warily.
"Of course," Harry replied slowly, "Kreacher was an elf. Not a wizard. Not a witch. Isn't that right, Dumbledore?" he hissed in fury.
"Harry-" Sirius tried.
"WHAT?" Harry snapped.
"It was necessary." Sirius replied. "I know and understand how you feel. Yes, Kreacher might have always been an insensitive bastard to me, but I know how much the elf was devoted to you, but trust me, this was a decision we reached after a lot of consideration. Legally, Dung cannot be convicted. However, if I now go and kill him, nothing will be gained except petty vengeance and we will lose our most important ear in Knockturn Alley." He paused, carefully making sure of his godson's reaction, "I have lost too much to petty vengeance, Harry. I lost twelve years of my life with you, and I am not making the same mistake again. If you think I am to blame, go ahead and blame me. I am your culprit." He looked at his godson.
Harry sighed. He did not have to like it but he agreed. Not that he was not simmering on the inside at the level of hypocrisy prevalent in the Ministerial jurisdiction. The Warmage in him wanted to go out there and burn it to ashes, but he restrained the urge. The world did not need another Voldemort.
"So you got yourself a new elf?"
"Yes." Dumbledore nodded slowly, a smile returning to his lips, "a free elf who was available and who almost prostrated when he heard that Harry Potter's godfather needed an elf."
"Huh?" Harry asked, before it shot him. "You mean, Dobby?"
Instantly, there was a pop and there he was- a hyper excited elf hugging his legs madly as he squeaked, "Harry Potter sir, calls for Dobby?"
I will have to make him stop doing that.
"Hello Dobby, how are you?"
"Dobby is fine, Harry Potter sir. When Dobby found out that Harry Potter's dog father," - Sirius snorted here- "required an elf for looking after Harry Potter's missus, Dobby was ready and Dobby agreed to do it."
"Are you getting paid, Dobby?"
The elf nodded religiously. "Master Blackie gives Dobby two galleons and one day off in a month. Master Blackie was being bad by giving Dobby ten galleons and four days off, but Dobby bet him to it. Dobby likes being paid, but Dobby likes work better."
"Err… right."
"Very well, Dobby. You may go." Sirius replied. The elf turned towards him and replied. "The weeds have grown again, Master Blackie. Dobby tries to stop them but the weeds grow back." Dobby bowed and popped away.
Harry narrowed his eyes. "What is this weeds thing?"
Sirius turned towards Harry. "Oh nothing big. You remember how the house was covered with those vines, weeds and doxies all over?"
Harry nodded.
"Well, ever since you took control over the wards, and the House restructured itself, those… weeds were gone for good. But after you left for Hogwarts, some weeds started to regrow on the southern side of the building. Initially I didn't notice but then it grew enough to catch my eye. I tried to burn it off, and ordered Dobby to do it, but apparently, it just grows back."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "And is that normal?"
"Well," Sirius shrugged, "The house sits on some very powerful ley lines. I suppose that being dilapidated for over a decade must have had some kind of adverse reactions on the property, but I will look into it. You don't need to worry about it."
"But... how could this-"
"You hold the wards, Harry, and while you were present, the wards leached a little of your power to eradicate any kind of pests or problems. But since you haven't been there in months, I suppose that the wards haven't been powerful enough to stop the weeds from growing back."
"Are you sure?" Harry offered.
"Yes. I got it covered. I might not be the Lord and Master but I have the blood and the magic. The wards will recognize my authority to some extent." Sirius replied offhandedly.
"Very well."
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "That is all nice and all, but let us not digress. The situation regarding Miss Greengrass remains unsolved."
"I am not breaking the contract without trying." Harry replied adamantly, crossing his arms.
Dumbledore raised his hands. "I am not saying you do, Harry, but think about it. You are supposed to leave for the Guild now, or is your concern for Miss Greengrass making you to reconsider that decision?"
Harry considered it.
"Harry," Sirius exclaimed, "I know that you are a good person and I know that you are holding yourself guilty in this, but understand this, you cannot skip out your Guild training just because Daphne is behaving like this."
"I never said that I ever considered that. I might be a teenager but I understand that certain situations will always be out of my control, this being one. I am asking what we are going to do about her."
"Well," Dumbledore began with a smile, content that Harry was truly making choices like a matured person even under emotional duress, "we can agree that Miss Greengrass cannot be forced to do anything and you cannot leave your training. I say that you go ahead and continue with the Guild. We are here if something happens. Besides, I believe a little time alone will give Miss Greengrass the time to recuperate. I have seen that with time, people tend to reanalyze their own behavior and understand their own mistakes."
"Harry, I understand that you feel responsible for Miss—Daphne," Sirius began, "but given how she is acting, either something is wrong with her," - he raised his hand to prevent Harry from interrupting-"-which I am going to look into, I promise you that. However, that said, if it is just pure vindictiveness on her part that is making her do that, then trust me Harry, you should break the betrothal. After all, they came with the idea to betroth you too. They made the approach, and they strategized everything. You do not always have to be the one to save the day."
Harry sighed. "Very well. Look into it, and keep me notified." He turned to Dumbledore, "Professor, I hope you will keep me notified of the happenings when you meet me on every weekend?"
"Absolutely." Dumbledore promised.
Harry let out a deep sigh. "Any other earth-shattering news that you might have forgotten to share with me?"
Sirius laughed. "No, the rest of it is pretty good. Dumbledore here, finally had the good idea to cut out the entire guard-the-prophecy idea. He says that only you, and you alone could pick it up, and hence no matter what Voldemort may try to do, he will be unsuccessful. That said, I also need to warn you, I am afraid Voldemort might try to compel you to go to the Department of Mysteries and pluck the Prophecy, but under no conditions must you do that."
"What is so important about this Prophecy? I don't believe in it, whatever it might say."
"Harry," Dumbledore replied slowly, "-the thing about prophecies are- they want to come true. This prophecy, it deals with you and Voldemort, and if perchance Voldemort gets his hand on it, the event might set forward certain reactions out of our control. It contains future knowledge, Harry. Understand this as it is very important, he who knows your future, knows your destiny, and thus controls it."
"I don't believe it, Professor. I believe people make their own destiny and Prophecy or not, that bastard is not going to take anything else away from me. I had decided that I would stay neutral in the fight but apparently, Voldemort does not agree with me on the issue. If push comes to shove, I will make sure that my parents' deaths get avenged."
"That's all I ask of you, Harry. Would you be willing to stay for a while or would you-"?
"If it's all the same, professor, I think I should like to be back at the Guild. No offense, Sirius, but I have had rather too many shocks impacted upon my mind. I guess a good measure of normality would be better."
Sirius guffawed. "Only you, Harry, could compare staying at a Master's Guild as being normal."
"Ah, the perks of being me." Harry muttered sarcastically.
Sometime later…
"So, Thor?" Dumbledore replied, "are you ready to dissolve yourself into another… three long months of training?"
"I think that would be four, Professor, since I am quite confident that excluding things like Herbology and Astronomy, I am quite ready for my owls."
"Ah, I always knew that you were resourceful beyond your years. In any event, you can always ask for some private tutoring. I am sure Professor Sinistra and Sprout won't have any problems tutoring you in the subject."
"While we are at it, Professor, I know it's late but could I change my subjects for the OWLS?"
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows.
"I would like to sit in Runes OWL instead of Divination. I am sure that Master Vanko's tutoring is way beyond what might come in NEWTS. Besides, I checked the exam syllabus—they only give us to identify runes from two languages and write about their possible uses."
"I am sure it could be accommodated."
"And I would like to shift trying for my Herbology and Astronomy OWL for the next year. That would give me more time to simply finish my training, and I am sure, you will agree that the faster I finish this, the better."
"My boy, I admit that you are resourceful, but one doesn't just pass his Mastery in months. It requires a solid understanding and tremendous amount of practice to-"
"Weren't you just saying that I am resourceful beyond my years?"
Dumbledore smiled but did not answer.
Making sure he wasn't forgetting anything, he looked towards the icy fortress in front of him. "I suppose this is goodbye. I will see you on the weekend."
"Study hard, Thor."
"I will, professor."