Chapter 10

The Christmas Holidays passed in a blur. Harry and Daphne both went home the next day but were both silent on their new-found relationships. It was clear to both parties that they wish to warn their families before it got out to the media, and since they were in absolute privacy last night no one would quite know for a fact where their relationship was.

Of course, the Daily Prophet had printed an article about how Daphne was doing the good work of Britain by enticing him to take up a permanent membership in his home country, which was actually kind of funny due to the fact that Rita Skeeter openly complimented Daphne was for using 'her power as a woman' to get her way. It was cute that Daphne was at her first flustered and even blushed a bit at the insinuation, but they all had a good laugh about it on the train ride home.

When arriving at Platform 9 and ¾, Sirius was waiting on Harry to arrive, and take him for a few days before he returned to the Flamel home to see his parents, "Hey Pup ready to go?"

Harry nodded at the man, and asked Daphne, "Where is your mum? I was going to say hello and introduce myself before we left. I also thought this would be a good time to meet your dad if he is going to be here."

Daphne looked around and found her sister already in the arms of her mother, and smiled, "I think it's just mother who will pick us up today. Dad usually can't get off work, but it is Christmas day... I am not sure."

The trio strolled over to the Greengrass women, and Harry had already bid his friends farewell, and a Merry Christmas for the rest of their holidays. When they reached the matron of the Greengrass family she embraced her oldest daughter tightly asking her how she was doing and how the ball went. Daphne blushed at thoughts of the question and her mother laughed, "That good huh? I can't wait to hear all about it. This must be the famous Harry Potter."

Harry smiled at the woman, "A pleasure Madame Greengrass. Daphne speaks very highly of you."

The women gave a dazzling smile that left no question of where Daphne got her beautiful smile from and said. "Please none of the formalities, my name is Kendra, we can save the rest of that madness for the Wizengamot. Are your plans busy for this holiday season? I know Cyrus and I would love to have you at the house to speak with you and get to know each other better."

Daphne looked surprised at the woman, but Harry wasn't it was very political, and quite a rational decision to bring him around to help improve relations between the family, "I would be honored Kendra thank you for the hospitable invitation."

Laughing lightly, she responded, "Oh Cyrus will just love you. Perfect manners. Come along girls it is time to go see you father. We will see you tomorrow then Harry. I hate to run off so fast, but Cyrus wants to see his girls, and he was unable to leave some of the company he had at the house."

At this Harry hoped that she meant Cyrus' family and not some of his more unsavory business associates. The thought of Daphne being in close quarters with dodgy men made Harry a little twitchy, however there was nothing that could be done at the moment. Harry swooped the girl into a tight hug and whispered, "Merry Christmas Daph, I will see you tomorrow."

She felt his hand slide into her jacket, and her eyes shot up wondering just what he was doing when she felt him withdraw but leave a slight weight in one of her pockets. She hid the surprise well and wished him a merry Christmas.

The trip home for Daphne was quick as they returned by portkey into the living room. Daphne was just about to go to her room, and find out what her new boyfriend had left her, but was stopped by her father entering the room, and Astoria being the daddy's girl that she was ran to embrace the man tightly and happily, which allowed Daphne to see a rare smile come upon the man's face, "It's good to see you my love. Did you have a good term?"

Astoria nodded happily and began rattling off all the things she had done, and all the magic she was performing. After a minute she finally stopped, and Daphne approached her father, and he gave her a tired smile, "You seem to have continued to rock the boat over your last term. Did you find you liked it after the Quidditch World Cup Fiasco?"

Daphne knew her father was trying to make a joke of the whole thing, but it was clear he wanted to know what was going on, "I think we both know I didn't, but some of what the prophet has been saying is true. Harry Potter did ask me to the ball at Hogwarts. He had been dueling with me over the past few weeks, and I was apparently a good training partner, and I learned a lot from him and his Coach Neville Longbottom. One evening he asked me, and I will admit the boy is very good company, so I agreed."

"And how was the ball?" Her mother asked.

"Wonderful. Harry is an immaculate dancer and wowed me at every step of the way. He was also a perfect gentleman which is more than I could have said about most of Slytherin house had I accepted one of their invitations."

Cyrus nodded, but Astoria spoke, "I snuck into the great hall last night, and they were perfect together. I think they were even better than you two?"

Cyrus and Kendra both raised their eyes at this. Not only were they good dancers, but they were experienced together quite extensively after 17 years of marriage, "Interesting."

The Greengrass Lord said looking at his daughter carefully, "What is the state of your current relationship with the boy?"

Daphne thought about telling the truth, but then realized that Harry had not done the traditional Pureblood thing for once, and if he was going to make a good impression of her father, then he would need to ask if he can court her. Thinking of the letter that she was going to need to write she decided to tell a little white lie for the next day or so, "We are still friends. We had a great time last night, but he did not seek to court me after. I am unsure as to why, but I think I will try to find out tomorrow before he leaves."

Cyrus nodded thoughtfully, "I think I would like to meet the boy."

Kendra added helpfully, "He was actually looking for you on the platform. I believe he hoped to meet you today."

Shaking his head slightly, "I had planned to be there until Theodore Nott arrived to have some words with me about last night."

Daphne looked sharply at the man, "What did he say?"

"He spoke disdainfully of your behavior last night towards his son. He understands that while you two are no longer in a marriage contract that he hopes that ties between our houses can still remain civil as the house of Nott and Greengrass have long such been friends. So, I ask you, why were you so rude to the boy, and even allowing your date to draw his wand on him? Surely there was a reason." Cyrus said a little accusingly.

"There was. He asked me to dance, and I refused politely saying that Harry and I needed a minute in private to talk as we were just coming from another situation with Heir Malfoy. That one was not nearly as confrontational, but it had reaching effects, so I wished to speak with him about it. When I refused Theodore grabbed my arm roughly, and Harry got in between us, and then NOTT drew his wand, and Harry was just faster. The way I have seen him train he is lucky he didn't get cursed. At this point Dumbledore came in and tried to disarm both boys, but he could not disarm Harry as he shielded the hex, but Nott lost his wand. That pretty much ended it there, but I didn't want to dance with that pig anyways he is vile and cruel." Daphne said hostilely.

The man sighed and put one of his hands on his temple slowly massaging it, "I asked to see a memory from Theodore Nott Senior, and I told him I would not offer any sort of punishment until I had seen it. If what you say is true then you did nothing wrong, but I still ask you to be careful when antagonizing the boy. They are still a very old family and allied with ours for nearly two centuries. Now what was this about the Malfoy Heir?"

Daphne explained how the boy subtly and tactfully got Harry alone to speak about politics while Pansy and herself went off to freshen up, and do brief girl talk that Daphne would rather have skipped. This made both parents smile knowing somethings would never change, and then listened as Daphne explained that she came back to a slightly heated Harry, and a disturbed looking Draco. The father then asked, "And you have no idea what the boys talked about?"

Swallowing slightly, she said, "I know..."

Kendra and Cyrus both looked at the girl warily, and Astoria seemed to be puzzled, "What is it Daphne?" Her mother asked calmly.

"It seems I had owed the Potter family a life debt. It was Harry who killed Jugson and saved my life at the Quidditch World Cup." Daphne said softly.

The two parents gasped, while Astoria looked in awe, Cyrus spoke, "That's not possible."

Daphne nodded, "It's true. I know it was him, and to be honest I think I have known for weeks, but I couldn't have sworn to it. It was an act of pure self-defense, but he did it to protect me. He says he wasn't positive that it was me he rescued since he never got a good look at me and was gone in pretty much seconds after defeating the Death Eaters with the help of his Godfather Sirius Black it was all a game of chance that they ended up so close to me in the skirmish."

"There is no such thing as chance. Fate maybe, but not chance." Cyrus said quietly.

No one said a word, and then the lord of the house spoke, "Well as per the old ways we owe him a left debt now, and we don't have the money or ability to get you out of this one Daphne. We will have to sign a marriage contract, and if he already has one a consort contract."

Daphne smiled at the man, which was the thing that surprised everyone in the room before she said, "Harry absolved the life debt. We are completely even. I felt the lift on my magic. He said no debt could ever be between us."

Now Cyrus was at a loss for words, "He could have done anything with that life debt. He could have basically made you his slave, but instead he lets you go completely. I don't understand."

Kendra gave her husband a smile, "I think we are seriously underestimating the boy, and possibly even his feelings for our daughter."

Daphne's cheeks colored at this a little but fought off any other reaction with enforced occlumency shields. The man stared at his oldest daughter for a few minutes, before saying, "I need to think on this. I may summon you to my office at some point today to discuss this further, but if not, I would like to speak with you and the boy tomorrow."

Daphne nodded in understanding and told her parents she was going to go put her stuff away, and then come down to open presents, and have dinner with her family. When she made it to her room, she took a deep breath that she hadn't realized she was holding in and reached into her coat pocket to find a small box inside. She quickly looked at the black velvet box and opened it curiously. What she found was a beautiful pair of ear rings that were emerald green. She quickly reached for the note after admiring the fine craftsmanship, "Daphne. I had planned to give these to you on the night of the ball if you agreed to be my girlfriend, and I honestly got a little side tracked by all our conversations. I hope you will wear these and know that while you wear them you are a little safer. Merry Christmas Daph, Harry.

The girl was confused by the message, but then reexamined the jewelry, and quickly realized it was enchanted. She gasped at this and realized the emeralds were even pulsing slightly in the middle of the jewel and knew how ever Harry had done this it was incredible work, and probably incredibly expensive. She smiled easily and knew she had a letter to write to her boyfriend as soon as possible.

Harry had a great Christmas with his Godfather. They had hung out his flat above Diagon Alley and had a quiet day together with the Flamel's joining them for dinner, and fawning over Harry, and wanting to hear all about the dance.

He told Pernelle that he had blown away most of the castle with his dancing skills, and that Daphne was very appreciative of them. He even showed a memory to the group, and they were wowed how well the two worked together, and when asked if they had practiced together Harry admitted they had not, which drew knowing smiles from his parents. They briefly spoke of the Malfoy and Nott incident, and Sirius slightly chastised the boy for giving so much information to the Malfoy Heir, but Harry defended himself by saying that he had at least warned the boy and drawn the line in the sand. It didn't always have to friend or foe after all especially not in politics.

Nicholas had told Harry he would have his Animagus potion ready for him by the time he returned home in two short days, and that Pernelle wanted to give him some things to look over, and even more material to take back with too study, while they were learning that their son was not being academically challenged at all.

Sirius had inquired at the end of the night after the gifts were given, and his parents had left where Daphne and himself stood, and he was honest with his Godfather saying that they had begun courting each other, and that Harry asked her to be his girlfriend. Padfoot celebrated and demanded that they share a few shots of fire whiskey in celebration of his Godson's first real girlfriend. He did an entire extra shot just congratulating him and on how beautiful Daphne was, and that he had clearly inherited all of his Godfather's womanizing genes.

This caused Harry to laugh and enjoy the rest of the evening. It seems it was almost midnight when he went off to bed, and there was a letter and an owl waiting in the open window. Harry was unsure how the window was opened and wondered if Sirius had it charmed to accept post, but regardless he took the offered letter that was addressed to him and opened it, "Harry. Thank you for your thoughtful gift I absolutely love it. I have so many questions about it, but I know they can wait. I would've waited to thank you tomorrow, but I thought I would warn you and also offer you a piece of advice. My father does not yet know we are dating. I thought it would be a better idea if you asked his permission to court me. He doesn't know that I have already consented, but I think it would look better for both of us since he does now wish to meet you tomorrow after all he has heard. You do not have to do this, but I think it could work in your favor if you do. My answer will not change either way, but I know you like to follow the rules with the Pureblood etiquette for the most part and wanted to offer you a chance. Let me know tomorrow one way or another, but once again Merry Christmas, Daphne.

Harry smiled at the girls thinking. He had completely over looked that custom to ask the father for permission to court his daughter and knew that Daphne had once again just made his life a bit easier. Deciding on his course of action he had a smile on his face when he laid down for bed and went to sleep.

The next day Harry and Sirius were already standing inside Greengrass Manor just outside the fireplace having come from the floo network. They had brought wine for the family, as a small gift, and it was an old bottle that had been gathering dust in the Black family winery, and Sirius figured it was probably worth a small fortune, so it would be a good gift.

Arriving they found Kendra and Daphne waiting for the two men, and they smiled at their entrance, "I hope you had a good Christmas Harry."

Kendra said embracing the boy lightly. Harry smiled at the women, "It didn't quite beat Christmas Eve, but it was very pleasant."

This caused the woman to smile knowingly but said nothing further as Daphne and Harry embraced tightly, Harry whispered into her ear, "I will do it."

When they separated, she was smiling, and nonchalantly pulled back her blonde hair so Harry could see she was wearing his present, which made him smile a little brighter.

Kendra spoke softly, "Before we spend the day together Harry, Cyrus would like to have a few words with you."

Harry nodded having been forewarned of this, "Lead the way then. I have been wanting to meet Lord Greengrass for some time now."

The women nodded, and led the group to the man's study, where he was waiting patiently with a newspaper in is hand, "Ah Heir Potter. Welcome to Greengrass Manor."

"Thank you for having me Lord Greengrass. I understand you wished to speak with me?"

"Ah yes, nothing to serious not to worry." The man said easily.

Sirius of course couldn't resist, "That is good, because I am too much for normal conversation. Unless I am needed for this, I think I will take a walk around the grounds I have always loved exploring new places."

Harry glared at his Godfather for trying to leave him alone in this situation, but it seemed planned when Cyrus said, "By all means, Kendra would you please escort Lord Black around and give him a tour."

The woman did not seem to like being dismissed but nodded and offered her arm to the man leaving just Daphne and Harry alone with the head of house, "Now I understand it Harry that you had a life debt between yourself and my daughter is that correct."

"Yes, sir that was the proper past tense insinuation. There was an existing life debt before I absolved it." Harry said calmly.

"May I ask why? You could have asked anything from my family, yet you chose to let it all go. Not very Slytherin of you." The man observed.

"Well it is for those reasons I am not in Slytherin Lord Greengrass I am in Ravenclaw. As to my reasons why, Daphne is my friend. I defended her at the World Cup however not because I knew who she was, but because it was the right thing to do. To answer my good deed and tarnish it with forcing her into something she wouldn't want or bringing a trial to her family was unacceptable. I did a terrible thing that night in defense of your daughter, and perhaps even I feel it is my punishment not to receive anything from that deed. Perhaps you can respect that." Harry said defensively.

The man observed the young man in front of him, and sighed, "I can respect it. You being as young as you are, and knowing that you are capable of such magic, and then doing them are very different. However, I insist if you are ever in need of the house of Greengrass that you ask for the aid. You saved the heir to my family Heir Potter, and it is not something I will forget."

Harry bowed slightly to the man, and then said, "With that thought in mind sir I do have a request."

The man's eyebrows shot up into his hairline it seemed when he asked, "What is the nature of this request?"

"I wish to court your daughter formally. I will not do so without your permission as per the old ways." Harry said.

The man looked between the two and then did something neither expected he laughed, "Oh I was wrong. You would definitely have done well in Slytherin. I have a feeling I see my daughters' hand is in this, but none the less I accept and even approve of this. I think if one day you two decided to draw up a contract it would bring prominence back to the name of Greengrass, and I dare not refuse that chance even if it is slim."

Harry nodded, but spoke truthfully, "Your daughter is quite special to me Lord Greengrass, and I appreciate your permission."

The man gave the young couple a smile, and shook his head, "You two make a good team. Take care of each other, and I am sure there will be little you cannot do. Now enough of the Pureblood traditions. Harry if we are going to be on good terms, I wish you to just call me Cyrus in my own home of course unless we are having company."

"I would like that thank you sir." Harry said taking the man's hand and looking at Daphne who looked relieved as he winked at her.

The rest of the day went smoothly, and all talks of the future were put on hold as they simply enjoyed the day together as friends and family.

(A/N) A short look outside of Hogwarts and at Daphne's family. Sorry for the delay in update it doesn't seem this story is being received very well so I am focusing on closing out the Potter Alliance before I put my focus back into this one! If you are enjoying the story please leave me a review, or a suggestion on what you think could be done to make the story better. Until Next time Cheers!