Chapter Three:
Winter months passed slowly as usual at Hogwarts for Harry and his classmates. The biting cold and wind storms were lessened by multiple warming charms and weather resistant wards for the castle. Students tended to retire to their dorms early even on the weekends. This suited Harry Potter just fine.
He entertained his friends with games of exploding snap and wizarding chess on Friday and Saturday nights while he filled his weekend days by hitting the books and pushing himself to learn more skills and increase his magical arsenal. Over the winter season he used the mail service to buy more quills, parchment and notebooks. He used his blank notebooks to jot down all the spells, charms, and potions he knew up to this point in his schooling. For example, Harry reviewed his 1st, 2nd year textbooks and dedicated a few pages to each of his classes on all the Transfiguration spells, Charm spells, Defense spells, potions with their ingrediant list, and Herbology notes. It was tedious, but after using a couple of useful expansion charms on the notebook, he could continue with this until his final year of Hogwarts without having to buy a new notebook.
After all his revising was finished for his current school required textbooks, Harry would spend his Sundays with Daphne in the library each picking up more material to study that was an extension of the material covered in their classes. He showed Daphne is revision notebook and she immediately took to making one of her own. The Hogwarts Library proved useful in many respects, due to its seemingly endless source of material, however, it was sadly disorganized. Yes, each textbook was placed according to subject matter, but they were not ranked or broken down by any means.
Harry and Daphne put together a study schedule where they could maximize their time in the library during their free periods. On occasion, they accepted a couple of their friends into their study sessions, namely Hermione Granger and Tracey Davis. Since they were their closest friends and agreed to keep their secret about their marriage contract. After some longated explanation, Hermione finally seemed to wrap her brilliant mind around the concept. Since she struggled with many Pureblood concepts that were foreign to her, Daphne and Tracey patiently explained about The Sacred 28 and other traditions that their families were expected to follow.
Mondays: Potions and Herbology
Tuesdays: Transfiguration and Defense against the Dark Arts
Wednesdays: Charms, Hexes, Jinxes, and additional spells
Thursdays: Practical magic
Fridays: Choice of material
Saturdays: Homework
Sundays: Homework
It would be hard work, but Harry and Daphne were determined to become the best they could be at Hogwarts, no matter what it takes. Yes, their relationship with each other respective houses may suffer, but with the passing of a couple of months, they both saw improvement in their grades. Even after all the effort Harry put in to each of his classes, his Potions grade still never rose above an A for Acceptable on his essays.
He mentioned his issue with Professor Snape and his grades to Daphne and Tracey one evening and they both realized that this should be handled immediately, but appropriately as well. They too noticed their Head of House held a long standing grudge against Harry. So, they helped him write a professional letter that would go out to Headmaster Dumbledore, Harry's head of house, and Professor Snape.
It wasn't until the next week that a letter came back to him from Professor Snape himself. Nervously, he opened it privately after dinner and the letter read:
Mr. Potter,
I have spoken with the Headmaster and reluctantly agreed to meet with you tomorrow evening
to discuss your concern. Be at my office by 8:00 o'clock sharp. I do not accept tardiness.
Professor Snape
Harry sighed, it sounded like him and it also seemed like cluing the Headmaster in was also a good idea as well. He decided to go back to Gryffindor tower early and get some Transfiguration practice in.
Tuesday evening rolled around slowly but surely, and Harry finished his dinner early so he wouldn't be late for his meeting with Professor Snape. He honestly couldn't fathom what to say to the man. He seemed to hold an unyielding grudge against him since he stepped foot in Hogwarts. Quarter to 8:00 he made his way down to Professor Snape's office in the dungeons.
After a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Snape, Harry Potter headed back to Gryffindor Tower. He agreed to be fair, and if one of his essays needed work he would tell him exactly what needed fixing to improve next time. He also admitted relunctantly that his potion skills were getting better, but his practicals needed a bit of work. If he wanted to, Harry could use the lab under his supervision on Thursday evenings. Pleased with himself Harry got ready for bed.
The week before the first weekend of March, Harry Potter received an official envelope with the Greengrass Family crest on the back. Harry gulped and quickly hid it in his bag before his friends asked too many questions he couldn't rightly give answers to just yet. That evening he opened the letter behind closed curtains.
Dear Mr. Potter,
It has come to my attention that my eldest daughter, Daphne, has discussed a possible marriage contract between you two. I am hesitant about this because I have not met you yet. Daphne has had several proposals from suitors in the past since she turned ten. I have turned them all down for various reasons.
As a father of two daughters, one can forgive my hesitancy. The Greengrass family is a part of the Sacred 28, therefore, we must adhere to the Old Ways. However, I am a modern man and believe that young ladies should always be content with their partners and treated equally in marriage.
I would like us to meet at my manor, which will be opened to the floo network in Professor Snape's office on Saturday morning, March 9th. We will discuss the proposal over breakfast at 9'oclock. I have spoken to him and he has agreed to my request. I look forward to meeting you Mr. Potter.
Sincerely,
Lord Samual Watson Greengrass
Harry Potter let out a long breath. He noted that the letter was pretty formal. Lord Greengrass seemed like a nice man but was still accustomed to the Old Ways Daphne discussed with him earlier this year. Racking his brain, he tried to remember at the beginning of the year, what Hermione mentioned about their trunks were already brought up to the castle after they get off the train. Ah, yes Hogwarts a History! He dove into his messy trunk searching for the book he barely read. On page 11, he found what he needed.
To accommodate the growing population of Hogwarts' students, the school has used House Elves for a variety of reasons. They clean the common rooms, make meals and yearly feasts, and assist faculty with any extraneous needs. House elves have always been treated fairly at Hogwarts. They are interesting creatures and truly enjoy helping witches and wizards. We strongly believe that punishing house elves is wrong. They also have their own living quarters by the kitchens.
Since it was still evening, and Harry had the dorm to himself, so he decided to call a house elf for help. A house elf appeared with a soft pop! "Hello, house elf, what is your name?" Harry asked cautiously looking down at the curious creature in front of him. The house elf widened her eyes even more than they already were, 'this young man is so polite!' she thought. She bowed and answered, "My name is Piper, I work for Hogwarts. How may I assist you?" Piper asked politely. Harry smiled, he liked this young Piper, she seemed eager to please and didn't mind helping him.
"I have a request, that I hope isn't too much. I need a set of formal robes from Madam Malkins but I'm not allowed to leave Hogwarts during the school year." Piper nodded her head excitedly and asked. "If you would like Sir, I can take your measurements now." Harry nodded his approval. Piper snapped her fingers and a measuring tape appeared and started measuring him. It took only a minute.
"I can put the order in tomorrow morning and pick them tomorrow evening, would that be acceptable sir?" Harry smiled and nodded. He fished around for his coin bag and gaver her what he thought would be enough. Piper bowed and popped back to the kitchens. Harry sighed and got ready for bed, it was just as well because he could hear the boys coming up from the common room.
-Intermission-
Harry Potter woke up early with his tempus charm set for 8:15 AM. He quickly headed to the lavatories and went through his morning routine. He already told Ron that he would be busy for most of the day, so no further explanation would be needed. After a thorough shower Harry changed into his new formal robes that Piper helped him buy. They were quite nice, not overly formal like dress robes, but they would do.
After changing, Harry looked at himself in the mirror. The robes were a dark forest green with a light tan outer cloak. "I look ridiculous" Harry exclaimed to himself, the mirror replied, "no dear, you look great!" Harry grunted a reply and headed back to the dorm to get his wand. He then headed down to the common room hoping not to run into anyone, not noticing her, but hearing her voice, Harry turned hesitantly towards Hermione.
"Oh, Harry, you clean up nicely!" Harry groaned at her and replied, "Not now Hermione! I got to catch the floo!" Hermione grinned wickedly and called after him, "Don't forget your formal greeting!" Harry glanced back at her and hurried out of Gryffindor Tower. He walked with purpose down to the dungeons to Professor Snape's office.
Finally, after what seemed like a half hour he arrived at his destination. He nervously gulped, composed himself and knocked on Professor Snape's door. The usual barking answer replied, "Come in!". Harry opened the door and closed it quietly behind him. Professor Snape's office was quite orderly, clean, and simple. He found his Professor behind his desk grading essays. Harry hoped they weren't 2nd years.
Professor Snape finally glared up at him for interrupting his work and flicked his wand to the fire place to activate the floo. Harry thanked him awkwardly and grabbed a small handful of floo powder and called out, "Greengrass Manor!" then stepped into the green flames. After a minute he reached his destination and did his best not to fall flat on his front by doing a short run-stop to catch himself. It seemed to work just fine as he dusted himself off Harry heard a soft giggle from his left.
Harry Potter glanced up and caught a young girl giggling madly at him. Harry offered her a smile and bowed shortly. "Hello Miss. Greengrass, you must be Astoria, am I correct" He asked politely. The girl nodded, curtised back, and offered her hand. Harry closed the gap, kiseed the back of her hand and practiced his formal greeting. "Heir Potter, Miss Greengrass, it is a pleasure to meet you, Daphne talks a lot about you." Astoria smiled warmly and replied. "Thank you, Heir Potter, it is great to meet you as well! I am here to escort you to the sun room. Harry allowed her to lead the way which let him take in the manor a little bit.
So far the Greengrass Manor was quite beautiful, stately, but not excessive or tacky. Astoria called in front of him, "Oh, don't worry, you'll get a tour after breakfast!" After reaching two stately white doors with glass windows, Astoria stopped in front of him and opened the two doors. They entered the Sun Room and Astoria greeted her family with, "May I present to you, Heir Potter, for his meeting with Lord Greengrass". Harry brushed off the notion of how weird it was that she mentioned her father as Lord Greengrass.
Three figures were seated at the round white breakfast table. Harry Potter steeled himself and with his prepared greeting introduced himself once again "Good morning Lord and Lady Greengrass, and Miss. Greengrass, Heir Potter is here for the meeting with Lord Greengrass. I thank you ahead for your lovely hospitality." Harry bowed low in the direction of Lord Greengrass and straightened himself.
Now focusing on the trio in front of him, Lord Greengrass and Lady Greengrass wore matching spring semi-formal robes. Lord Greengrass's family crest was patched on his left shoulder. Lord Greengrass had soft blonde hair while Lady Greengrass had dark brown hair matching her youngest daughter. He was tall, broad shouldered and wore a pleasant expression on his face. Lady Greengrass was slightly shorter, but thin and classy looking, almost like an old Hollywood movie actress.
Lord Greengrass stood up and held out his hand, "Heir Potter, please call me Samual, we are more than happy to share our hospitality with you on this fine spring day." Harry Potter shook his hand firmly and turned to Lady Greengrass who held out her hand, he kissed it just like Astoria's and then stepped back and broke the ice. "What a lovely manor you have! It's quite tasteful." Lady Greengrass nodded and thanked him while offering him a seat.
Lord Greengrass turned to address Daphne and Astoria who were still in the room, "Ladies, it's a beautiful day, why don't you take a walk outside and enjoy the sunshine, hmm? Bring your cloaks for the breeze" Daphne nodded, smiled at Harry reassuredly and grabbed her sister before she could protest further.
Harry sat down across from the Lord and Lady and was asked how he took his tea. Harry replied with just a bit of milk. He waited patiently Samual to begin the meeting. Without further ado, he began, "Heir Potter, as my letter mentioned it has come to my attention that my eldest daughter, Daphne, discussed with you a possible marriage contract with the benefit of uniting our families. She has informed me that you are aware that we are a Neutral and do not take sides in wizarding conflicts. Now, I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind." Harry nodded and let him continue.
Author's Note: Left it at the cliff hanger! Will continue with this scene for the next chapter. I will do my best to update regularly. I am glad you all are enjoying this story as much as I am so far!