Chapter 3

Daphne

It was only a lifetime of practice at concealing her feelings in polite society that kept the contempt off of Daphne's face. She wasn't sure who was the more pathetic. Weasley for taking back the guy who by all reports had dumped her to "keep her safe" in spite of how idiotic that idea was in light of the Weasley girl immediately joining Longbottom's Martyr Brigade, or Potter for having the gall to be clearly looking to just pickup as if the last year had not just happened.

Either way, as the red headed girl led an embarrassingly enraptured Potter to the front and center, Daphne had to consider her future. She was a Greengrass for Merlin's sake! Her family had been in or around power for centuries, she was not going to be the link that broke the chain.

It was obvious the Shacklebot family would take and hold the top spot. Already the "acting" Minister was ensuring his official election would go smoothly with this display of binding him to Potter. Daphne may be young, but it was patently obvious where the power now lay. Shackelbot would be Minister, but Potter, Longbottom, and the Weasleys would be the power.

The question was how to get access to that power for herself and her family. Obviously the Weasley brat had already locked down the center of the new order, and Granger was clearly finally ready to be open about her relationship with the Weasley from their year. Daphne knew she should know his first name. It was "R" something she was certain. Ryan? No, that didn't sound right. Daphne kicked herself for buying into Malfoy's jokes a little too much all these years.

Longbottom was the next most obvious pathway, but even he wasn't her cousin, which despite Tracey's teasing on occasion, was just too gross for Daphne to consider Longbottom as an option, the Carrows having her whip and learn the Cruciatus curse on the boy this year certainly ruled out any friendly future there.

Daphne began considering other pathways as the Minister began the ceremony with a long boring and uninspired speech about loss, bravery etc. the Weasley's after all were famously far richer in Sons than in finances. Tracey had once joked, " Clearly the old Weasley only knows how to use one kind of Knut…." Daphne ran through the family members she knew of. The Twins were of course still famous, but with one dead and the other in mourning, she felt that seemed at best a difficult path, and wasn't sure she'd even be able to pretend spontaneity enough to hold such capricious interest.

The eldest was already married to the French Triwizard Champion she had heard at the start of the year, so that's a non starter, plus his possible Lycanthropy ruled him out anyway.

She had heard there was a Brother that had something to do with Dragons abroad, but she didn't know anything beyond that. She would have to see if her Father knew if the elder young man would have any usable levers.

That left her with Percy Weasley. She supposed he had actually demonstrated a very un-Weasley way of actually following power that she respected. Yes, she may need to ask Father what the bloke's position in the new government was to be and try to make an approach at him. Tying her family to the Weasley least loved by the rest though didn't seem like an ideal situation though. And as much as she felt his ability to find the powerful side and follow it was one she appreciated, that very trait would make her likely seem not a worthwhile investment.

The Minister was reading off those who had died in the battle, all 50 of them from the victorious side, glossing over all the ancient families brought low for following the Dark Lord. it Pissed Daphne right off to see all three Malfoy's alive and not in chains near her and Tracey at the back. Lucious Malfoy had brought so many great families to the brink with his embrace of the Dark Lord, and Draco had all but ruled Slytherin House for her school years, yet they alone of the old families that followed their path seemed unharmed by their folly. No. NOT Draco. Daphne was resolved that was simply not going to would find any other way to do her duty.

At this point it became clear Tracey had her usual problem with remaining silent for so long, so Daphne subtly pulled her wand from her purse and silently cast some privacy Charms on the two of them.

" I've cast some Charms, so out with whatever you need to say Trace, just try to at least not be obvious about it." Daphne gritted out, barely moving her lips. Privacy Charms were not worth much if it was still obvious you were using them.

" Thank You Daph, If I had to listen to this whole stuffy speech with a straight face I'd never make it," Tracey quickly muttered . " The Weasely's didn't waste any time did they? Maybe I can try seducing Longbottom, he's not MY cousin after all."

Daphne really wanted to grimace, but kept her face as neutral as ever. Though she wasn't certain Tracey wasn't dedicated to getting her to crack one day. Their friendship certainly always kept Daphne on her toes. " I really think we will have to look away from the center. There are too many witches who were in that stupid resistance movement for either of us to really have a chance. I'm thinking Percy myself, not so old to be nauseating, and perhaps the least terrible of that family." Daphne made sure to stake her claim before Tracey thought of it.

" Yeah that makes sense I suppose. At least I'm not under as much pressure as you. I've got some cousins abroad to take up the Tradition from Grandmother, so it's not all on my shoulders to immediately find an heir. I can just look for business and bribery options, the two "b's" that drive the Ministry, after all. The Jokeshop is going to be very important in the future I think," Tracey replied. Daphne was almost brought to the floor by Tracey's actually serious and useful analysis. Naturally it couldn't last.

"The new Minister is really laying it on think though don't you think? Just give Potter his order of Merlins and let the rest of us go already. There are funerals and will readings to go around, and a lot aren't happening here!" Daphne hadn't even thought of that yet.

" I suppose quite a few estates are going to need looking at aren't they? With the Lestranges gone, even if the Malfoy's lose everything they'll still have those holdings to rebuild with. Do you know if any Nott's survived?" Daphne asked.

" I don't know of any, but you know the Nott's are like cockroaches, there are always ore crawling out of the woodwork," Tracey replied.

And then Potter was called up and they had to stand and applaud for an absurdly long time with the rest of the gathered crowd. Daphne's charm was broken and the conversation had to stop again. Potter had been awarded order of Merlin, 1st class, along with Weasley and, Daphne still was surprised by this, Granger. The first muggleborn to ever receive the highest of wizarding honors. Longbottom and a few of his idiots got second class, and Kingsley had given some 3rd class to himself and others of old Dumbledore's allies. But it was Potter who had been called up to speak after the Minister, and Daphne had to respect the man's political instincts to make sure he was so tied with the hero of the day. All the pictures tomorrow would show him standing right there next to Potter.

Potter. Daphne turned her analytical eye on the man of the were already calling him the Boy Who Triumphed now. Despite him being of age for most of a year now. He played the reluctant center of attention well. He always had. He was tall enough, if always looking under fed and terribly dressed, Daphne could not deny that he was handsome to a simply unfair degree. His hair alone she knew witches would do or give an awful lot just to have for their own. He was fit, and his face was well shaped. Even the famous scar seemed almost faded now. But it was those stupid downcast eyes. Those green eyes that were like endless emerald pools. Those eyes that currently looked to be on the edge of tears, yet suddenly were filled with a startling ferocity as Potter seemed to find his words. Daphne admitted, she was so lost in ogling him and thinking of how best to approach Percy Weasely that she only caught some of his big speech, but what she did listen to only solidified her resolve.

" All this suffering, all this pain. All we lost not just today, not just this year, but these past decades." Potter's voice was ringing out clearly and with passion, his eyes settling on Longbottom as he spoke of loss, but always sweeping over the crowd, connecting like a true natural born politician. "We owe it to those who fell, those who are gone to make their sacrifice worth it. We need to come together to help those who need healing, and make sure that those who followed Riddle's ways can never harm us again. But more than that, we owe it to them to truly oppose not just the man, who has already fallen, but his ideology. No more looking down on Muggleborns, no more disrespect for all the amazing magical creatures in our world." Potter locked eyes with Granger here and went on and on about the need for reforms that opposed the agenda of the death eaters.

Daphne wondered if Potter even realized by equating muggleborn rights and creature rights he was effectively making the same argument the Dark Lord had as to their inferiority. The point though, was far from lost on her. Potter was going to be leaning on the ministry hard to stop favoring Pure Bloods, and that was Daphne's worst fear. That any pure-blooded witch or wizard not fully ingratiated with Potter, or Granger's little crusades, would be shut out of the power that had been their right and responsibility since before the discovery of the New World! Daphne needed to get home to father, to see how his businesses were doing. To compare her plan with his information so they could ensure that the Greengrasses would not go the way of the Gaunts, or so many other great old houses. The House of Greengrass would endure this regime, and grow stronger still. It always had before, and Daphne would not fail her history now.

As soon as Potter's speech was over, Daphne, Tracey, and several others who had been towards the back took the eruption of another standing ovation to head for the Hogwarts borders so they could apparate away. Daphne made sure her sister was close enough to come side-along with her, and hugged Tracey one more time. She saw the Malfoys all but sprinting away. As she prepared to leave Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the final time, she allowed herself a brief moment to gaze back on the grand castle, before apparating back to her home.

Daphne took in the grandeur and majesty of Greengrass Manor. This had been the home of Greengrasses since before the Norman invasion. The structure had changed some with the centuries, but the estate itself always felt full of all that history. She was protected here from muggle and wizard alike. The gardens stretched out before her, leading up to the grand entrance. Daphne took in a deep breath and released it out slowly. Her nerves steadied, she began down the garden path to her home. She was safe, she knew, but this would still be the first time she would really face her father since their row. He had written her only once in the last few months, reminding her of her duty to not upset anyone more than absolutely necessary. She had not bothered to reply.

" Merlin Daph! Get out of your head and enjoy the long summer already! Father won't do anything, I've yelled at him dozens of times already, and I'm still standing." Daphne was glad Astoria was with her. Her sister certainly did have more experience with disappointing their parents.

" Stori, I actually care about my duty. That's the key difference here. I'm not really afraid of father, I'm afraid he will confirm I failed." Daphne responded as they walked through the old walkway.

Astoria chuckled at that. "Well if this is really the day Father actually declares you to be a failure, I'm glad I get to witness it"

They had reached the main entrance, and knocked. At once they were greeted by the family house elf, Mimmy. " Missuses Daphne and Astoria! Yous are home early! Mimmy must get your rooms ready at once! Please wait for Mistress and Master Greengrass in the foyer! Mimmy will lets them know you have arrived! Will yous be needing any food or refreshments while yous waits?" The old Elf had all but raised their own Father, and both girls were always glad to be greeted by Mimmy.

"I'll have just a Cupa I think Mimmy, thank you," said Daphne.

" Ooh! Excellent! Mimmy, fetch me some butterbeer and biscuits, I wanna be ready for the show!" Astoria squeaked out. Daphne rolled her eyes as Mimmy hurriedly made with their requests before disappearing with the signature loud crack. Astoria threw herself on the nearby sofa, supping her butterbeer and looking absolutely inappropriately giddy. Daphne herself primly sat on a nearby chair with her tea, relaxing in the calming ritual of proper tea consumption.

Their Mother was the first to burst through the large doors separating the foyer sitting area from the rest of the manor. She hugged both girls at once, nearly spilling their drinks in turn." Oh my little moppets your alright! And home early as well! When we heard about that horrid violence at the school! We were both of us so worried, but here you are, safe and home!" Cyrus Greengrass then walked into the room, and stood tall and proud near the doorway.

" Yes, it is good you are both here, there is much to discuss. I shall receive each of you at once, one at a time, in my study so we may discuss things properly, and then I expect the family to all be ready for a proper homecoming dinner this evening. Astoria, you first." With that,Cyrus turned on his heel and headed straight back out of the room. He had barely looked at Daphne.

" How am I supposed to enjoy Daph finally being in trouble if he sees us separately?" Astoria pouted.

" Hush now Astoria, you should know better than such behavior!" their mother admonished." Now, finish your biscuit and butterb...young lady give that over right now! How many times have I told you not to abuse poor Mimmy like that!" Lady Annabelle Greengrass had noticed the butterbeer in her underaged daughter's hands and was already pulling the offending item and girl off the couch and towards the door. " You can be certain your father will have words about…." Daphne lost track of her mother's lecture as the doors closed behind them, and so did not hear just what specifically their father would be having words about. The drinking, or the misuse of the elf to do so. She smiled, one could always count on astoria to make Daphne feel better about herself.

Several minutes later Daphne had finished her tea, and had even snuck one of the biscuits Astoria had left behind. Mimmy had cleared her cup and dish away, and Daphne felt ready to face her father. So when her mother returned and informed her that Daphne's father was ready for her, she simply stood up with poise, straightened her robes, and purposefully walked into her father's study. She was determined to meet his eye, but await on him for the first word. Her father was seated at his desk, and gestured for her to take a seat in front of him.

" Well my dear",her father began formally, "you are finished with school, and it is time now to look to your future. Our family's future. I am certain you have already recognized how fortunate it was that I prevailed on you not to overly upset those opposed to the Dark Lord, so we shall not say another word on that subject. However, before the Dark Lord fell, I am afraid some of his followers were….insistent that our family do more for the cause. And so I am afraid I must tell you, Daphne, we have a problem."

Daphne was rather upset by how he was just dismissing their row like she was just a child still, but she still knew the expected response. "Excellent," she said, clasping her hands, "we have an opportunity."

Her father smiled slightly. " Well said my dear. The issue is this: one month ago, two representatives of the Dark Lord arrived from the ministry. I of course told them how thrilled I was to see Pure Bloods returning to our rightful place, but they demanded to know why I had not participated in any of the muggleborn round ups or harassment. I told them violence was outside my temperament, but they would not relent. Demanded that I show the Greengrass family was ready to do our part for the cause. The nerve, demanding that of us, one of the very oldest families in Britain. They revealed that they had found a series of very old laws, never technically overturned, which they were going to bring back to further the Pure blood families. Old contract and inheritance laws. Even older marriage laws, Laws from the days before the Saxons even. Of course, as our family has one of the only lineages that trace back that far, my participation was….expected."

" They explained how too many blood traitors were diluting the lines by marrying for love. How there were too many great families that had been allowed to go without an heir. They pointed out our own misfortune with my brothers and cousin's deaths leaving our family without a male Greengrass after myself. You of course are well aware of my thoughts on that matter already, so I shall not relay them to you now."

" But we then arrived at the true purpose, I believe, for their visit. Daphne, you shall have to marry the Malfoy boy, and Astoria as well once she is of age.`` Daphne's outburst was prevented by a stern wave of Lord Greengrass' hand. "I understand the boy is far too on the outs now to help our family, but they had the contract already drawn up. I would wed my eldest daughter to the heir to the Blacks and my youngest to the heir of the Malfoys, and in exchange, the second sons from either marriage would be Greengrass in name. This way the Blacks could be restored, and our own family would benefit from much wealth. It is not ideal, I know, but I believe if anyone can bring this situation around, it will be you, my dear."

As Daphne's father finished speaking, she was simply shocked. Not just that the ancient ways of forced betrothals and polygamy had been brought back, but that the Hogwarts rumor mill clearly had better information than her father's vaunted network of contacts.

"Father, surely I wrote to you about this last year? It was much discussed in the Slytherin dorms, Draco was so upset. I can't wed Draco, because he's not the heir to the Blacks, the contract cannot be valid."

"Explain," her father instructed.

" Sirius Black made Potter his heir in his will, not Draco. It apparently held because he was Potter's godfather, and there was enough black blood in the Potters for the house to recognize the will as valid, skipping either the Malfoys or the Lestranges." Daphne still remembered how angry Draco had been, possibly even more than when he had been made a ferret by Professor Moody, or at the news his father had been imprisoned. He had sworn he would see the black name restored to its proper place, his place.

" Truly? Well I'll be damned, an opportunity instead of a problem indeed." Her father began.

" Not so much father, the Weasley girl, Ginny has already gotten back together with Potter, so he'll never sign a contract with me now." Daphne could see where her father was going, but she'd already lost that opportunity.

" That's the thing my girl, the contract was actually two contracts. Astoria shall still likely have to wed Draco, but the Black one was actually signed. It was an old one from generations ago between the blacks and Greengrasses that had never been fulfilled. We just made some adjustments, and declared our family would now honor the old obligations. I now can assume the Dark Lord planned for Potter's death, and this was supposed to ensure he had the wealth tied to him after Potter's death. But now, that wealth, and the prize of Potter himself can be ours!"

Daphne had never in her life feinted. She considered it an absurd demonstration of outdated weakness. She now truly knew there was a first time for everything.