October 10, 2005 – Court Room 5

"Case Close!" The chef warlock banged his gravel, and everyone stood up. A group of Aurors came to the criminal strapped in a magical chair and took him out of court. People began milling out while others stayed behind to talk.

It was another session involving some crimes that included stealing, public fighting, and some disruptive behavior at Diagon Alley.

"Good job catching that criminal, Head Auror Potter" the DMLE head approached Harry at the Head Auror stand.

Simon Michaels, a stuck-up, and boot-licking person, snaked his way up the Ministry ladder to the head of DMLE. Harry could never comprehend how this man became head. He was a massive downgrade from the former head, Amelia Bones— who led the DMLE with an iron fist and was the epitome of what DMLE stood up for— Michaels on the other hand was a coward who liked to be on people's good page.

Not on Harry's good page.

"Thank you, sir, although I believe you should also compliment our prosecutor on how she handled today's case," Harry said with an even tone as he collected papers on his desk and shrunk them.

Today's latest resident of Azkaban was a man named Richard Cole, an arsehole who was having an illegal potion business selling not approved potions and smuggling some rare ingredients in Knockturn Alley. The sneaky git would've been free if it weren't for the evidence compiled in the Auror office and the prosecutor's office's amazing performance.

"Ah yes, although you did lessen her job, so a job well done again" Michaels laughed as he exited the court.

Bloody git. Harry thought as he started to exit too. From his peripheral view he could see her—Prosecutor Greengrass— he remembered her as a classmate of his from Hogwarts and also had her own nickname— Ice Queen.

Harry never really had any encounters with her except for some charms and herbology lessons. The only interaction they had were a curt nod and short thank you's and excuse me. She was one of the few Slytherin who fought with Hogwarts in the battle too. They only started talking properly when they started working in the Ministry— it was inevitable really, considering their department worked side-by-side and add to that two of their friends were in a relationship with each other which meant some get-togethers.

Her blonde hair was kept in a chiton bun, making her look clean and regal. She wore deep matte red robes that were protocols for the prosecutor in charge of a case. Few people were talking to her, and her face had this practiced smile— not too stiff and not too relaxed.

Harry continued walking till he exited the courtroom. His walk towards his office was only interrupted by some greetings and curt nods. Each new person he saw was observed and cataloged in the back of his mind.

He wouldn't be the youngest Head Auror if he did not know how to observe people.

As soon as he stepped inside his office, Harry immediately cast wards and charms on his door. Moody's voice screaming 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE!' always played in his mind. You wouldn't last long in the line of work if you didn't apply the mantra. He pulled out the stack of papers and unshrunk them before levitating them to cabinets where they belonged.

Harry then pulled out his magenta robes then draped them on his chair before he sat down and leaned his head on the seat's headrest. He took a deep breath before raising his head and started to read the reports that were waiting for him on his table.

He knew that being Head Auror would entail a lot of paperwork but by Merlin, he was not expecting the number of it. He's been in this post since the end of the month last year. Although he was happy he couldn't help but feel he didn't deserve the promotion and was only given the position since he was 'the-vanquisher-of-Voldemort' Harry thought if he asked for the Head of DMLE, they would give it to him.

Thank Godric, Kings isn't like that.

He was busy writing on a report of today's proceedings when he sensed someone coming to his office, Harry immediately undid a few of the charms as soon as he knew who the person was. He waited for him to knock before putting down his quill.

"Sir?" The person asked on the other side of his door.

"Come in" Harry replied as his door opened and revealed the newly recruit, Tim Towler, that somewhat got himself the job of messenger to the other Aurors. He went inside carrying various bags and envelopes.

"Sir, this came for you. They've been crowding the posts sir and burying the complaints and reports to the office" he said apologetically, "Where to put these, sir?" he asked.

Harry massaged his temple with his index and thumb before looking at the Auror who was struggling to hold the things he was carrying.

"Just place them at the corner Towler, thank you," Harry said as Tim nodded at him before placing them in the corner of his office. Harry grimaced at the thud it made as Tim slowly dropped them on the floor. Did the wards they placed didn't work?

"Tim, tell them to strengthen the wards of the post and trace everyone who sent this and send them a warning notice" Harry ordered. Tim gave an affirmative before excusing himself. Harry stood from his chair and pointed his wand at the pile. He cast diagnostic charms that revealed several of these had compulsion charms, love potion, and even a portkey. A few were harmless gifts and some coupons from some stores in Diagon Alley.

"Merlin" Harry muttered and waved his wand to make the 'gifts' with no good intentions disappear. He then collected the gifts and coupons, levitated them, and exited his office to meet the Aurors who were filing paperwork inside their department.

"Attention, please" Harry called to the Aurors, he cast a wandless Sonorus as he called them. He placed the levitated gifts on the table before canceling the charm.

"The people of Wizarding world deemed to thank us with these gifts. All of you grab one and enjoy" Harry said with a smile as Aurors laughed before telling him to thank you's. They were aware of the fan mail that their boss received in their owl post-delivery box and usually gave the harmless ones to them.

Harry waved off their thanks before going back to his office and sorting out his papers. He was advised to get his own secretary, but Harry refused to say he could handle the work. Now he was filing away his own paperwork and signing them.

A small paper airplane dropped onto Harry's table. It was Ministry Memo for mundane announcements and reminders to the departments. Harry opened his read the message.

Ministry Upcoming Event

Annual Ministry New Year Ball

Note: Employees attendance is highly encouraged

Harry had no plans to attend the ball, so he waved his hand and the memo disappeared. He continued with his work till it was time for him to go.

Harry got off at work by 5 p.m. and headed straight to the ministry floo. A lot of people were also heading back home at the timr, it was rush hour. Normally he would visit Hermione before heading out, but he promised Teddy, he would visit him today.

Harry hurriedly walked to a vacant floo but bumped someone on the way. His seeker reflexes immediately caught the smaller frame before she could drop to the floor. He looked at her and discovered it was Greengrass.

"I'm sorry Greengrass, I didn't see you there" Harry apologized as he let go of her once he was sure she wouldn't trip. He looked at her and noticed her chiton was now in a loose low ponytail.

"It's ok, thank you for catching me, Potter," Daphne said as she fixed her bag. Daphne started to sidestep but Harry was quick to say.

"You go first with the floo, it's the least I could do for bumping you," Harry said and used his arms to offer her the floo first. Daphne gave him a small smile before walking to the floo and throwing her own floo powder, whispering her destination.

"Thank you again, Potter" Daphne curtly waved her hand as the green flames enveloped her.

"You're welcome, Greengrass" Harry gave his own wave and small smile before going to the floo and disappearing himself.

Tonk's Household

He landed in the Tonks' house's living room. As soon as he stepped out of the fireplace a small blue rocket collided with him.

"Uncle Harry!" Teddy greeted him, his hair changing from blue, and pink, to black. Harry laughed as held Teddy and carried him.

"Hello there, Harry" Andromeda Tonks greeted him with a hug. Harry hugged her back with one arm.

"Uncle Harry, Uncle Harry! I did some drawings today!" Teddy enthusiastically said as Harry sat on the sofa.

"Really? I bet you improved since last time" Harry replied waiting for Teddy to show him the drawing.

Teddy then proceeded to show him the drawing then the two played for a while before Andy called them for dinner which was hearty and fun.

"Harry, I received some request to meet with Lord Black, there were quite a several betrothal contracts delivered to my office" Andy commented as the two drank tea while Teddy was drinking milk.

Harry grimaced. As soon as he was formally Lord Black, he reinstated the Tonks family to the Black family together with that making Andy his proxy and solicitor. She pretty much received the betrothal contracts from families who wanted to snag Harry.

Most Eligible Wizard! The-Man-Who-Conquered, Lord Harry Potter-Black! An article from Witch Weekly he, unfortunately, saw.

"Just tell them Lord Black doesn't have plans to find the future Lady Black" Harry replied as he sipped his tea.

"Harry, you know that doesn't work especially when they are a stubborn bunch. I know you understand what I mean" Andromeda replied giving him a stern gaze but softened later on.

"Harry, I am worried. Have you closed yourself to ever experiencing love again?" Andy asked and Harry had to fight off the urge to roll his eyes. His love for Teddy was enough, no need for any other. Although if he did answer that, Andromeda would just continue to talk to him about it.

"I know Andy, it's just that, I'm not really looking for anything like that at the moment" Harry replied as he put down his cup.

Andromeda just looked at him before continuing to drink her tea. Harry inwardly thanked whoever was watching him from above that Andy dropped the subject. He checked his watch and noticed it was 8 o'clock. It was time for Teddy to sleep.

"Come on Ted bear, time to sleep" Harry called as he stood up from the chair and approached Teddy. Teddy groaned and looked at Harry with his puppy eyes that Harry could never resist.

"Ok, 30 more minutes"

"Thank you, Harry" Andromeda said as Harry gently closed the door of Teddy's room after tucking him in.

"It's no problem, Andy, it's the least I could do" Harry replied smiling. Andy's smile lessened as she looked at Teddy's room.

"Harry your love should be shared, rather than be kept" she commented absent-mindedly. Harry just smiled and nodded. He does share his love, for her and Teddy, for his family, and for his friends.

"Well, it's getting late. I got to go. Good night, Andy" Harry said and hugged the woman he now sees as his aunt.

"Good night, Harry" she whispered as she hugged him.

Harry exited the house and walked outside the ward line before apparating to Leaky to grab some drinks before returning to Grimmauld Place.

Bedflower, Muggle London

Daphne step out of her apartment and immediately loosened her hair tie to free her hair. It was a busy day today with a lot of paperwork to fill up. Although she was certainly happy about being handed a case to handle outside some petty crimes and was actually challenged with the person they had today.

She wanted nothing more than to take a soak in her humble bathtub, but family dinner was waiting for her. She walked to her bathroom and took a cold shower before looking for a dress to wear.

Normally, Heiresses of the prominent houses in their society never worked and stayed at their manor but luckily Daphne's family let her do whatever she wanted before her father passed on to her the Greengrass family businesses, especially the law firm, so while waiting Daphne opted to work at the ministry as a prosecutor for the experience.

Now dressed in a simple green dress, Daphne floo'd to Greengrass Manor. She gracefully stepped out of the fireplace with no soot. She walked towards the dining hall where her family was already there.

Greengrass Estate

"Daphne how are you dear?" her mother asked as she kissed Daphne's cheeks. She then approached her father and kissed his cheeks. Her father kissed her forehead.

"How was the ministry?" Her father asked as Daphne sat at his right side.

"It was busy as usual; I did get to handle a case involving illegal potions business being done at Knockturn Alley" Daphne intoned in a level voice. Her father gave a hum of approval as they began eating their dinner.

"Have you found a boyfriend, Daph?" Astoria teased beside their mother. Daphne continued eating as if not hearing her sister.

"Just as guessed mother, Daphy still hasn't found a boyfriend!" Astoria told their mother who softly chuckled. Daphne rolled her eyes as she continued eating.

"Draco told me if Daphne needed any help, he would gladly lend a hand-" Astoria was cut off as Daphne spoke.

"Tell that ferret boyfriend of yours to mind his own business, Tori," Daphne said glaring at her sister. Her sister always has the ways to push her buttons until she exploded. Daphne could care less if she was not involved in a romantic relationship. She never dated anyone and was fine with it, why should she change things?

"Dear, Astoria may have a point, you are a young woman in your prime. Have fun and enjoy life" their mother commented in a kind tone although Daphne could hear the silent 'You're almost 30, Daphne' she just continued eating. It was still 5 years away anyway.

"Daph, you're almost 30" Astoria quipped. Daphne was exasperated.

Why must her sister point out the obvious?

"Now, Tori lay off your sister. She has priorities, and so do you" their father interjected. Daphne sent a grateful look to her father before they continued eating.

After the family finished their dinner, they stayed in the sitting room talking and drinking tea. Daphne was calmly drinking her tea when Astoria whispered in her ear.

"Daph, just tell me, do you swing for the other team?" she sounded so serious that Daphne had to look at her incredulously. She stared for a few moments at her sister and inwardly groaned, Tori was serious with her question! She quietly took a breath before looking back at Tori.

"Tori, even if I were, I don't think you should be meddling with my life as I see it. It is my life, little sister so… go away" Daphne glared at her sister on the last word before going back to her tea.

"I'm just concerned, you know. You have always been concerned about my being and I don't know how to return the favor since you are so well put together and the only thing, I can help you is with your love life" Tori whispered as she looked at her tea. Daphne's gaze softened as she looked at her sister. She held her hand and squeezed it before letting go. Astoria looked at her sister with a smile and Daphne smirked.

"Calm down Tori, no need to worry. As you have said, I am well put together" she assured her sister, "You never know I might just be hiding my lover" Daphne amusedly thought as she sipped her tea. She noticed her sister widen her eyes. Morgana! She didn't notice that she said it out loud! It was supposed to be a quiet quip to her sister!

Thankfully her father came the moment before Tori could reply to what she said.

"Excuse us for a moment, ladies. I have to speak with Daphne about a private matter" Her father excused them, and Daphne stood up and followed her father to his study.

The study was bare except for bookshelves that covered the room, her father's table, stiff and uncomfortable chairs, and a small shelf for firewhisky and scotch. On her father's table were a few frames of their family and his parents.

Daphne sat at the uncomfortable chair in front of her father's table. These chairs meant to be uncomfortable to make talks go faster and smoother. Cyrus Greengrass was the type of man who didn't like bullshit and not being straightforward.

"Daphne, I know you enjoy your current independence, and I am very much supportive and proud of the heights you've reached," her father said as he grabbed a bottle of firewhisky and two glasses. Daphne cocked her eyebrow; it must have been a heavy conversation now that her father was making pleasantries. He poured a liberal amount on both glasses before handing Daphne hers.

"I agree with your sentiments, why hurry with romantic relationships? You are my baby and even if you are 30, I will still act as the scary father once you bring home a suitor" He proceeded, Daphne looked at her father waiting for him to get to the point.

"But Daphne, as Greengrass heiress, there are responsibilities we must take into account," Her father said before downing his firewhisky and pouring another shot.

And there it is. Daphne thought as she downed her own and put back her glass on the table. Oh, Daphne was well aware of her responsibilities, and she was sure to fulfill them. Her father did say he would give her until she was 30 before passing on to her some of his responsibilities. So, she was wondering what this conversation was about.

"Father, I assure you I have everything planned out," Daphne said but her father downed another firewhisky before looking at her straight in the eye. Identical blue eyes stared at each other for a moment before her father spoke.

"Malfoy is planning on marrying Tori soon. Once they marry and have a child there is a huge possibility that the Greengrass name and fortune will be handed to Malfoy when he marries Tori and has produced an heir… The succession would skip you in precedence with Malfoy who has provided an heir to the House of Greengrass. You've read the clause and family grimoire, Daphne, I am sure you are aware of it" Her father said before sagging on his chair.

"And not only that, but Malfoy Sr. has also been hanging on my back because of it" he continued as he poured himself another shot and downed it.

Daphne was still now… She has been reared her whole life to take over the House Greengrass and now this… it was going to be ripped away from her hands just because she enjoyed being single?

"I don't want to pressure you Daphne, but I also don't want to hand over our legacy to Malfoy despite the fact that the kid has changed. You are my heir, and you should inherit the legacy our family has built" her father said more softly this time. Daphne composed herself and raised her occlumency shields to control her emotions. There was no use losing grip of her emotions in front of her father.

"I understand Father" she nodded. Her father gave her a small smile before nodding back.

"I'm glad you do, I'm not telling you to get married instantly you can still do your job in the ministry, what I ask of you is to entertain suitors. Who knows you may find one to your liking" her father smiled at her, "This coming Ministry Ball, hopefully, you can attend with a suitor to accompany you and keep Malfoy senior off my back" he continued.

Daphne forced a practiced smile on her face. As soon as her father have permitted her to go, she would go straight to leaky for some more drinks.

"I shall do my best Father," Daphne said wanting for the conversation to be over. Her father nodded and levitated the dreaded envelope Daphne absolutely loathed.

"Here are the copies of the betrothal and courting contracts sent for you. You may want to look into it and find someone you can like" her father said handing her the blasted envelope. Daphne took the envelope and told her father she would look into it.

"Thank you, Daphne," her father said. Knowing it was also his dismissal Daphne immediately stood up and exited her father's study. She hurriedly reached the floo, thankfully not encountering her sister and mother. Daphne was aware that it was rude but Merlin forgive her, she needed some time to think.

Leaky Cauldron

Harry drank his second pint of beer when the fireplace roared, and Daphne emerged from it holding an envelope before heading straight to the bar and ordering a shot of firewhisky and downing it in one go before ordering one again and doing the same thing.

She wore a modest green dress that showed enough curves to know that behind the heavy robes they wore in the Ministry, Daphne Greengrass had a body that could turn her head when she enters a room.

Daphne downed her third glass before relaxing onto her chair and holding her head with her hands. Her long blonde hair cascaded her face and shoulders. Harry noticed she looked beautiful despite her stressed appearance.

"You seem stressed out Greengrass" Harry spoke as he asked Tom 2 pints of beer. Daphne raised her head and turned in Harry's direction, her glare softened as soon as she saw it was him.

"Good evening to you too, Potter" she greeted before thanking Tom for the pint of beer and sipping it. Daphne eyed Harry who had a somber and tired look on his face as he sipped his beer.

"I could say the same to you," she said. Harry let out a chuckle before turning his attention to her. He raised his beer and Daphne did the same.

"Cheers," the two of them said before drinking their beer with a smile. Harry downed his beer and asked for another pint from Tom.

"Good job by the way. You nailed the case earlier; the bastard was so sure he could weasel his way out of the case with his solicitor" Harry commented. Daphne looked at him with a raised brow before giving a small smile.

Still practiced one but is quite relaxed now. Harry thought, she was really beautiful, it was no question why she was ranked as the topmost beautiful girl in Hogwarts (Seamus always made sure they were up-to

"Thank you, Potter. Although your department did provide enough evidence, a job well done to us" Daphne raised her pint and Harry did the same.

"We did a good job, yet you don't look like in a celebratory mood" Harry noted and drank his beer.

The alcohol in Daphne's system must've loosened her tongue since she was engaging in a conversation with Potter. They've exchanged pleasantries in the Ministry but that was it, no deeper conversation.

"Let's just say the family pressure and annoying sister put me into this mood" Daphne replied and sipped her beer. Harry looked at her for a moment and Daphne could notice his look of understanding.

"Yeah, same" Harry absent-mindedly replied as his thoughts went back to his conversation with Andy.

The two shared a comfortable silence as each drank their beer and occasionally called Tom for a refill. Harry was starting to become uncomfortable with the silence as the tension from Daphne thickened, he eyed the folder and was curious about it.

She's a very beautiful woman… It would be a shame if I just let the opportunity slide.

"What's with the envelope? Is it a case?" Harry asked trying to engage her in a conversation. Daphne looked at the offending material with disgust before asking for a glass of firewhisky from Tom. She drowned it and slammed the glass with a thud as she looked at Harry. Her cheeks were dusted with blush and Harry felt his own cheeks heat.

"This," Daphne said as she waved the envelope to emphasize it, "is a list of betrothal and courting contracts my family wants me to check and entertain one," she said with disdain as she drowned another glass of firewhisky.

Harry widened his eye, his own compilation of such documents sitting in his study at Grimmauld Place. He asked for a glass of his own firewhisky and downed them before asking for one more.

"Makes you want to burn them into ashes as the wind carries them away" Harry quipped as he downed another glass. He was supposed to have light drinks for the night but to hell with it.

"Is the most eligible wizard stressed which young maiden to choose from? Daphne teased as she swung her glass at Harry with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a smirk.

Merlin. Harry prayed, she looked so sexy with that look. It may only be because of the firewhisky that she was acting friendly but by the gods, Harry felt lucky.

"More like stressed since I don't want to deal with it" Harry quipped and took a small sip from his glass. Add to the fact that Andy was lowkey pressuring him was another cause of stress, but he didn't say it out loud.

He turned his attention back to her and saw those inquisitive electric blue eyes staring at him. Daphne's stare was so intense that Harry felt like she was examining his soul. He broke eye contact as he felt heat rise up his face. He asked for another pint and drank from it.

"Potter, I may have a solution to our problems" Daphne's voice cleared the fog from Harry's head. He returned his attention to her with interest. She gave this look of confidence like when she was sure she was on to something during trials that would sure to bring the criminal straight to Azkaban.

That's a scary look… but also bloody sexy.

"I'm listening" Harry answered as he turned his body to her. Daphne gave him a genuine smile and for a second Harry thought his heart stopped.

"Are you good with fooling people?" she asked, and Harry couldn't help but gulp at the predatory look she gave.

Merlin, what am I getting myself into?

a/n

hello~

So another Haphne fic since Haphne is life, am I right? (laugh please). Now that my corny ass is out of the way. So yeah this is another Haphne fic, a mutli chap story that follows a timeline! This is more structured than Pott of Grass (my first Haphne fic which is just a collection of drabbles). Hopefully you will give this a chance and love it like how some of you loved PoG. This is beta'd by my wonderful friend 'pol' who helped me fix some issues I missed. I'll to try to update this every Thursday or Friday, like a weekly update. I hope you like the first chapter and I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions (kindly, please). Thank you so much and have good day ahead!