Harry Potter and the Need for Magical Law Reforms

by Crowlzor

I wrote this partially as a challenge to myself, and simply because I wanted to read it and didn't find any stories like it. a Daphne/Harry fic that strives to keep the characters in line with the books, with NO Weasley bashing, but still took an interest in the what if of unexplored relationships. all with a goal of still arriving at the epilogue.

16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Harry

Harry never thought he'd be eager to return to the Wizengamot chambers, but this had already been a terrible lunch break, and Harry just wanted to pretend not to sleep through the rest of the afternoon. Maybe he should have tried to go with Ron and Hermione to Australia after all. It seems they were actually getting some rest after the last year.

Still, Daphne was definitely starting to really impress Harry. The way she had talked murderous goblins out of killing them astounded him. Then she actually had the cheek to negotiate aggressively over his finances in ways he couldn't even begin to wrap his head around.

So, even more than when he stepped in to Gringotts, Harry was perfectly happy to give Daphne some of his gold. Harry was sure he'd eventually need to actually know the contents of his vaults, his expenses, and so on. For right now however, Harry was just happy he hadn't started a war with the Goblins, without having to cast a single spell.

Once Daphne had her gold, they walked out of the wizarding bank, to be confronted by quite a shocking sight. Hundreds of witches and wizards were surrounding the doors to the bank, wands out. Some were clearly stopping mid cast. Harry's reflexes and nerves barely had time to go haywire, however, before he was surrounded by faces and voices he recognized. It seemed the entirety of the Ministry were suddenly on the streets, ready to attack. One voice in particular caught Harry off guard.

"Blimey Harry, You a'right?" Boomed the unmistakable voice of Hagrid over the crowd. Even Kingsley's mahogany tones were subsumed by the friendly half-giant's comfortingly familiar exclamation.

"Hagrid?" Harry enquired, "What is going on, what are you all doing here."

"Kings said ye' were seen goin in ta Gringotts, right before the doors got sealed. Called for help. 'M pretty sure there's more still comin'."

"This is insane though, there's no need for all this fuss Hagrid."

"Har! No need he says, Harry Potter, Did I or did I not say you'd make a thumpin good wizard? First day I met ya, and If anything I underestimated ya. No need…there's every need Harry. None of us are forgettin any time soon what yeh've done fer us all. Yeh beat him. Yeh beat You-Know-Who. Not as a baby this time, but man ta man you stopped him once and for all infront of everybody. We owe ya a tremendous debt I says, one we'll not pay off in the near future."

"I cannot agree more, Hagrid." Kingsley interjected. "Harry, what you have done, throughout your life, for this entire community, I don't believe we will ever fully be able to repay that debt. I do not believe we even fully realize the full extent of everything you have done for all of us. There will not be a day while I live, let alone while I am minister, that I will not respond if you are in danger, Harry. I feel confident speaking on behalf of all gathered here when I say so."

"I only did what anyone would do, I'm not that important, really." Harry was not feeling very comfortable being surrounded by all these people, hearing these things said about him. It wasn't fair to all those who had sacrificed so much more than him.

"I'm here. We are all here. So many are not. Even before I was born, others gave everything to do the right thing. So many more are gone now. My parents, Dumbledore, Moody, The Longbottoms, Cedric Diggory, Fred Weasley, Lupin, Tonks, her father, too many to count are owed so much more than I am. I would be nothing without everyone else."

"Yer not nothin Harry. Yer parents, Dumbledore, n tha rest, they did wha they did because it was the righ' thing ta do. It was you tho, in tha end, that beat him. None of us did tha', only you. Yeh'd have ta be crazy ta think we wouldn'ta come runnin if yeh were in trouble."

Here, Harry saw several faces in the surrounding crowd start to eye the doors to the bank behind Harry and Daphne with suspicion.

"Well said Hagrid, well said. I am truly grateful you appear to be unharmed Harry. Can you please tell us why the bank was reportedly sealed from entry?" Kingsley asked.

"Uh, yeah, there was a misunderstanding with the goblins. You probably want to get the head of the goblin liaison office to do a better job. They didn't know about Riddle being responsible for recent changes. That, mixed with uh….recent activities I had this week with the bank, they were going to declare war and execute me." Harry knew as soon as he finished speaking he still needed to improve his diplomatic speaking skills. Certainly he was no Daphne, who, by the exasperated sigh from next to him, Harry guessed was thinking along the same lines at that moment.

The surrounding wizards were exploding in fury, wands emerging back from pockets they had just disappeared into. The murmur that had never fully died down was rapidly approaching a full roar of anger and confusion.

"Don't worry though, Daphne here saved the day. You all want to talk about heroes; she just saved both our lives, and prevented an all-out war, all without casting a single spell."

Somewhere from the crowd, Harry heard a voice he assumed must be Daphne's father exclaim.

"Yes, that is my daughter, the pride and heir of the House of Greengrass!" the way he managed to make complimenting Daphne somehow sound self congratulatory set Harry fuming.

He would have spoken up, but Kingsley actually cut him off. Harry didn't hear sonorous being cast, but it was rather chaotic at the moment.

"QUITE! MADAME LONGBOTTOM, IN LIGHT OF THESE DISTRESSING EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS, I MOVE FOR AN IMMEDIATE RECESS UNTIL TOMORROW. MINISTRY WORKERS AND I WILL PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE WHAT OCCURRED HERE AND REPORT TO THE WIZENGAMOT AT THE START OF TOMORROW'S SESSION."

Harry could hear Neville's gran chuckle from somewhere nearby in the hush that settled over the crowd.

"It's a bit unorthodox to call a motion outside the chamber, but I suppose we are technically in session and certainly have a quorum. I'll allow the motion. So don't one of you speak out of turn while we go through proper procedure, or you'll answer to me. Official censure will be only the start of your problems. Is there a second to the motion?"

A chorus of voices all cried, "SECOND!" at once, so Harry could not actually identify any individual voices in the crowd. He chose to simply focus on the comfortable and familiar visage of Hagrid. Towering over all others as usual.

"Let the record show the motion was seconded out of turn by multiple members. As Mr. Diggle's is the only wand I see properly raised as he called out, the second shall be recorded as his. As a procedural motion, and in light of the unusual current circumstances, there shall be no debate on the motion to recess. All opposed, ignite your wand tips red now."

Harry could not see many wands glow red at all, though he still didn't fully grasp how votes were being counted.

"All in favor, ignite your wand tips green now." Madame Longbottom continued the almost ritualistic series Harry was beginning to finally recognize.

Harry made sure to ignite his wand the correct color. He was awash in a light green glow. Poor Hagrid's bearded face looked positively sickly; there was so much green coming from below him.

"The motion carries by clear majority. This session is now in recess!" Neville's Gran declared.

"Right, all those not officials with the ministry, clear the area by order of the minister!"

Harry was surprised to recognize Percy's voice as the crowd quickly dispersed.

"Percy? What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Honestly Harry, You didn't think I'd hear you might be in trouble and stay behind did you? I've enough trouble looking my family in the eye without that. Though would it kill you to just try not to cause such scenes all the time?"

"Hah!' barked an unmistakable laugh from George Weasley, "Ya know it actually might, don't think Harykins has actually tried staying out of trouble since he could talk, bit like you and that stick up your arse. Sure it probably wouldn't kill you to dislodge it, but it's clearly become a crucial part of your rear's ecosystem at this point."

"George, I appreciate you rallying the other shop owners to help, but non ministry personnel does include you." Kingsley cut in.

"Yeah yeah Kings, I gotta go back to inventorying dungbombs anyway, I'll just mark that one named Percy is still unaccounted for."

"Yes brother, well, do make sure you pay the appropriate tax on that misplaced dungbomb." Percy added to George's quickly disappearing back.

"Weak, Perce, but I appreciate the attempt! You'll dislodge that stick one day, I know it!" George called over his shoulder with a grin.

"Now," began Kingsley, "From the start, Harry, what on earth occurred here?"

Harry filled Kingsley in with as much detail as he could manage. He had to ask Daphne for help on a few details he still didn't fully understand. Harry tried very hard to impress upon Kingsley both how important treating the Goblins fairly would be, as well as how crucial Daphne was to the current peaceful resolution.

Harry truly was floored by her. He had not thought it possible to get out of such a violent situation with mere words, yet Daphne had managed with what seemed to be practiced ease. Despite her demuring now, Harry wanted it to be clear that for once, it wasn't him who saved the day, not even a little. Harry got enough hero worship for the things he had actually participated in, he was damned if he was going to take credit now.

"Honestly Kingsley, it's not too far off from the problem with Seamus. How can we stop the Death Eaters from ever happening again if the Wizengamot and Ministry treat the likes of Ireland and the Goblin Nation with disdain, distrust, and worse? We have to be better now, don't you think?"

"I couldn't agree more, Harry. I admit I had never given the difference in status between muggle and magical Ireland much thought, and less still to the practical independence of the Goblins. This is the very core of the reforms I am seeking, and I will do what I can to make sure we honor our fallen loved ones by making our society a better, more just one."

"I think you are a more natural politician than you wish to admit, Minister." Daphne cut in.

"I plead inspiration from Harry here, but I thank you for your compliment Ms. Greengrass. Even if a year ago being called a natural politician would have set my skin well and truly on edge. And I must return the compliment in kind. It sounds like you did quite an important task this day, and I owe you extensive thanks. I know about your situation with Harry, and I wish it was in my power to help you both find a solution."

"It's quite alright Minister Shacklebolt. Harry and I have been doing extensive research of our own, if there is a path forward, we will find it, and if not, we shall make the best of it I suppose."

"What is in my power though is to offer you a job. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is among our most devastated and in need departments after the war. A lot of good witches and wizards have been lost from that department, and far too many others collaborated with or outright joined the Death Eaters. I know your year missed out on your N.E.W.T.s, but please consider asking the new Department head Amos Diggory for consideration for placement in the Goblin Liaison office. I'll owl him my recommendation at once if you wish."

Harry could tell Daphne was shocked by Kingsley being Kingsley. He wasn't sure why she seemed so surprised. Afterall, Harry had been made an Auror without a single N.E.W.T, why shouldn't she be allowed to work with Goblins after averting war single-handedly?

"Hopefully if you take the job Daphne, you can work to ensure the same fairness is offered to the goblins that we are trying to bring to all magical beings after this war, including people forced to marry, you know?" Harry prodded her. It was her choice of course, but maybe this could help her find further distance from her father.

"I'm not sure what to say Minister, I never expected to be offered work, I always assumed I'd simply assist my husband and educate my children, are you sure you want to offer me a job just like that? I didn't fight like you and Harry, I just kept my nose down, even when I knew it was wrong. How can you trust me?"

"Daphne-" Harry tried to reassure her, but Kingsley cut him off.

"You are right, Ms. Greengrass." Harry was shocked to hear Kingsley say.

"Hold on a second Kingsley, that's no fair-" Harry began to protest.

"It is Perfectly fair, Harry." Kingsley interrupted again, firmer this time. " It is true that knowing who to trust is difficult, and her record is far from exemplary. However, We also need to recognize the extraordinary circumstances our entire world has been in for the last several years, and allow for growth where it is reasonable. You convinced me against my better judgment to do so with young Draco Malfoy and his mother, and I took that to heart in promoting Percy" Kingsley nodded to Percy who Harry had nearly forgotten about, taking what looked to be meticulous notes.

" I see no reason that Ms. Greengrass should not be included in that category of people we are aiding as they grow to rectify the mistakes of the past. So I say to you Ms. Greengrass, No, I cannot fully trust you. Not yet. But you have given more than enough reason today to be given a fair chance at proving otherwise, and it seems you have the skill and talent to excel in an area we really need capable people. I choose to trust you will give me no cause to regret this trust, and we shall build from there."

"I haven't even said yes, Minister." Daphne gently reminded Kingsley, still looking half in shock.

"True, but you have not said no either. I do not have many candidates, so you have time to think about the offer. Please consider it though, if the Goblins truly were that close to declaring another rebellion, I don't want to risk lacking in capable contacts with them for too long. They may very well try again, and another war is the last thing any of us need."

"I…I will" Said Daphne.

Kingsley nodded. "I suppose I should head in there and at least begin resuming communication with the goblins. I begin to suspect the true reason Dumbledore rejected this job all his life was further proof of his genius. There simply are not enough hours in the day to do it well. Good day to you Ms. Greengrass, Harry, report to Robbards if you please for the rest of the day. Come on Percy, into the dragon's nest we go."

"Yes, Minister" was all the response the lanky redhead gave, as notes whizzed passed Harry towards the ministry.

Harry turned to Daphne, only to be immediately engulfed in a tight embrace by the shorter woman.

She mumbled something into his chest.

"Come again, didn't quite catch that." Harry prodded.

Daphne pulled her face out of his chest enough to show tears she must have been barely concealing.

"Thank you Harry. I'm sorry, I don't deserve all this, and you shouldn't deal with me blubbering all over you like this."

"Fuck that. Your week's been rather shit, and you should be allowed to be upset about it. I know I'm still pissed at everything, but we just press onward. It got me through this last year, and I can't be certain, but I suspect being married to you will be a sight easier than being hunted by a genocidal maniac."

"I was so afraid, I really thought those goblins were going to kill you, kill us, I don't know how we got out of there alive, honestly. It's dumb luck, not any kind of skill on my part. The minister is making a mistake trusting me."

"Hah, finally someone gets it!" Harry exclaimed.

"Excuse you?" Daphne stepped back with a quizzical look on her face.

"I've been telling anyone who could hear me for years that it's always 80% luck and other people that have gotten me through. It is nice to finally see someone else other than Ron and Hermione come close to actually understanding that."

"As for you doing a job, I'm not sure which I'm more laughably underqualified for. Auror with no true training outside of desperate survival, or puffed shirt politician without a clue how the system even works. Of the two, I've done a lot more of the latter I'm certainly the worst at. At least you have already shown you can do the job you are being asked to do. Kingsley said think about it, it's your call in the end. I guess enjoy your shopping and I'll see you-"

Harry's attempted farewell to Daphne was quite short as the wind was knocked clear out of his lungs by a scarlet topped blur attaching itself to his chest, and then felt the sting of a slap across his cheek and the throbbing soreness as his bisep was punched.

"Harry Potter you absolute git, stop almost dying already!" The thrashing scarlet topped whomping willow returned to embracing Harry as though he was the only thing keeping her from plummeting off a cliff.

"Ginny? What are you doing here? Also can a bloke breathe?"

His answer was apparently a no, as she loosened her grip only to nearly shove her tongue down his throat. Harry temporarily forgot they were on the street of one of the busiest spots in the wizarding world, with Daphne only feet away, and melted into the familiar comforting fire of snogging Ginny Weasley.

Whether minutes, or only seconds passed, Harry was not sure. His hair had never exactly been what one could call neat, but Ginny had seemed on a mission to make it the absolute messiest it had ever been, when Daphne finally dragged Harry back to reality.

"Eh-hem" she pointedly coughed.

"Ms. Weasley, I know we still haven't really talked, and I apologize for my own improper behavior, but I must ask you not to attack and snog my fiance in the middle of Diagon Alley right in front of me, please." She scoffed out at Ginny and Harry.

"Hey, uh, I mean, uh-" was as far as Harry got with his currently addled brain at coming up with an excuse/defense to diffuse the tension before another explosive row like the previous night.

"Save it Greengrass. I just heard Harry was in trouble, might die, I'm not going to stay at home, no matter what you, or my mother have to say on the matter. Your stupid piece of parchment isn't goig to stop me kissing the man I love when he escapes death for the umpteenth time, thank you very much."

Harry really was spinning now. Ginny loved him! She didn't hate him for ditching her last year, for the daphne situation! Harry knew he would face a dozen Hungarian Horntails without a wand to hear Ginny repeat those words for the rest of his life. Which was probably not that much longer the way things were going.

"Ginny, look, I love you too. My thoughts always fill with unrealized dreams involving the two of us everytime I think I really am going to die. You are right, a parchment isn't going to change that love. Daphne doesn't have to be an enemy though. She just saved my life against the goblins. I'm positive I'd be looking like Nearly Headless Nick or worse right now without her. She didn't ask for any of this, and we talked last night. Her dad is almost as bad as Malfoy's, without any crimes we can actually arrest him for. Please, for me, can you try not to row with her?"

"Fine." Ginny grumbled. "I'm not about to just give you up to her though, you are my boyfriend and I'll snog you if I wish."

"You can absolutely snog me any time Ginny, except right now I really need to get back to the ministry and try to do some actual Auror work this week."

"You captured dozens of escaped Death Eaters from what dad told me Harry, you've done plenty. Most aurors don't work non-stop Harry, they called mad-eye mad for a reason, you know?"

"Weasley isn't wrong, you shouldn't overwork yourself Harry."Daphne added, unhelpfully.

"Look, can we really please talk about this later, maybe tonight's dinner could be less catastrophic?"

Then, Harry heard Hagrids booming voice from behind and above him.

"Al'righ' Harry?" Hagrid asked, jovially. "Yeh'd make ol' Alastor proud yeh would. Don't pay these two no mind on tha' account. If more'a tha department had been like Moody, we'd not be in this current situation. If you wouldn't mind too much though, I'd see ya for suppa at the Leaky when yeh're done wif work tonight. Haven't had a proper catch up you'n me."

"You know what Hagrid, I'd like that a lot. I could use your advice on all this craziness. I'll see you at the leaky at 6."

"What about us?"

"What about us?"

Daphne and Ginny seemed to be unsure what was making them more upset, that they were potentially being ignored, or that they'd said the same thing at the same time. Harry was really glad to have the ready-made excuse of work available to extricate himself from this situation. He loved Ginny. Truly and deeply, He knew he loved her. He still didn't want to hurt Daphne though. The bonde had lived a hiddenly difficult life, with so much heaped upon both her psyche and emotions.

Harry didn't want to make her life worse for things outside her control, but neither was he willing to lose Ginny. If the three of them couldn't come to some sort of understanding alone…hopefully Hagrid could help get them to that point. Harry refused to think about the possibility of any other outcome.

Hagrid saved him from answering."Sorry I dunno you very well ma'm, but If yer a friend o'Harry's, I'm glad fer yer company!"

"Great! Sounds like a plan then!" Harry proclaimed quickly. Harry really wanted to just run and do something less frightening than standing between Ginny and Daphne. Maybe something simple, like dueling another dozen Death Eaters. Yeah, that sounded way better to Harry just then.

Before Hagrid, or anyone else could object or say anything else, Harry started jogging in the direction of the Leaky, he'd use floo to get back to the Ministry, silently cursing himself for still not being able to apparate at times like this.

Tumbling out of the fireplace at the ministry would never be a dignified method of travel, regardless of Daphne's cheeky promise, Harry grumbled to himself a few moments later. Picking himself up off the ground and trying very hard to ignore the barely concealed chuckles and whispers from various witches and wizards that had seen Harry's horrendous entrance to the Ministry.

Harry determinedly stared at the flood and his feet until he was safe at his desk in the Auror department. Only to look up and see an absolutely astounding mountain of paperwork waiting for him. Even magically stacked in his inbox, Harry marveled that it didn't collapse. He feared to touch it lest the whole thing do an imitation of the muggle Jenga game Harry had seen Dudley play,poorly, as a child.

Harry decided it must be magic holding the papers together, so perhaps magic was the best way to retrieve the top of the pile to begin working on before it reached the ceiling.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Harry cast, preying his voice didn't collapse the daunting tower of parchment. He was rewarded for his efforts, and the top page fluttered to his desk. The form was positively byzantine, and marked "one of 50" and this was just the first of the reports for the dozens of arrests Harry had technically made at Azkaban.

Still, several hours later, Harry had stacked his outbox as high as his inbox had been when he had arrived. The several hours of work hadn't been quite as mind numbing as Harry had feared when he began. In truth he felt somewhat accomplished looking at the stacked parchment and nearly empty ink well he had completed.

Checking the pocket watch he was still incredibly touched Mrs. Weasley had gifted him last year, Harry saw he had finished just in time to meet Hagrid for supper at the Leaky. As he made to leave, Harry saw the candles that had lit the office blow themselves out, and the parchment Harry had just painstakingly stacked started zooming out in the form of paper airplanes. Harry tried not to despair as he reached the Ministry lift when he noticed dozens more fly straight towards the Auror office.

It was easy enough to spot Hagrid, who had claimed a table by the fire, and looked to be serving tea and biscuits to Daphne and Ginny. They did not appear to be on the verge of hexing each other into oblivion yet, so perhaps there was hope. Harry did note that Hagrid was strategically situated between the two women.

Harry, thinking fast, waved his wand and transfigured the bench next to Hagrid into a sort of loveseat Harry could just fit on. Hermione and Macgonnagal would surely critique his work, but Harry found it served his needs of allowing him to sit with Hagrid in a way as to not clearly be nearer to either Daphne or Ginny.

"Harr!" Hagrid greeted him. " Thanks fer tha', feels much better on me backside now for sure. You have yerself a good day o'workin as an auror then?"

"Yeah actually, Thanks Hagrid. I never thought I'd enjoy paperwork that would make a snape homework assignment seem light, but I suppose it beats Goblin blades on my neck!"

"Argh, Harry, not really a joking matter, is that?" Hagrid replied.

"Nah, If I can't joke at this point, I'll go positively mad." Harry responded.

Hagrid laughed good naturedly at that. "Suppose I can't begrudge ya tha' Harry."

"Have you ordered, yet?" Harry asked.

Daphne clearly decided this was the time to interject herself into the conversation.

"Only this so far, we were going to wait on you to order supper or real drinks, though of course one of our party is still under age."

There it was. The snipping had already begun, and Ginny did not let the comment die unanswered.

"I was of age enough to duel Belatrix Lestrange, but no, you're right Greengrass, I shall stick with tea while you try to drown your shame and cowardice in alcohol!"

"Oi, Ginny, Hang on just a mo' " Hagrid tried to head the brewing fight off. Harry admired him for it, but was beginning to suspect it might be worth it to just let the two duel it out. If only to get the desire out of their systems…

"No, Professor Hagrid, I recognize you and Harry are trying to behave as adults, but we mustn't ignore that the child will do as children do, and throw a tantrum. So Before we spoil a perfectly pleasant meal, I propose we just have it out already." The condescension dripping from Daphne's voice would have made Lucious Malfoy blush.

"Don't I get any say in any of this?" Harry desperately asked.

"NO!" was the response in unison of both women. Harry could feel the eyes of the entire pub turning to them.

Ginny was quick, but Harry was quicker. She had gone for her wand when Daphne had turned to yell at him, but Harry Disarmed her, and snatched her wand out of the air.

"Damnit Ginny, you can't just hex Daphne in the middle of a pub because she is being short with you!"

Ginny's mouth hung open in shock, while Daphne started to smirk.

"Accio wand" Harry cast,summoning Daphne's wand from her pocket. The smirk was well and truly gone now.

"Give me back my wand Potter!" she Demanded.

"No" was all Harry had for a response.

"Maybe you both forgot, but I'm an Auror now. We are going to talk, calmly, through this catastrophe. You may both have your wands back when I trust you won't start throwing curses the moment you do, and not a moment before. I'm going to order us food, and some drinks, please try to compose yourselves when Iget back."

Harry marched right up to Tom the barman, hoping no one could see him shaking ever so slightly.

"Everything alright wif your lady companions there Mr. Potter, sir?" Tom hesitantly asked.

"I'm so sorry Tom, Hagrid and I will try to keep them civilized. Could I order some beef and cabbage stew for the table, a butterbeer, and whatever drinks Hagrid asks for on my tab?"

"Of course Mr. Potter, but you'll be having no tab today, I'd be insulted to charge you I would."

"I appreciate that tom, I really do, but right now I really wish to pay for my companions disturbing your pub, so please, at least this once, let me pay you, I don't know how long we will be here."

"Very well then, I'll have your order ready at once sir. You reckon Hagrid will want his usual barrel of ale?"

"Yeah, probably. Just let me know how much I owe you at the end of the night please tom."

"Right you are then, Mr. Potter, suppose you'd best get back to them."

"I suppose it would be rather un-Gryffindor for me to floo home in your fire then?" Harry snarked.

Tom laughed a barking chortle as Harry grimaced and returned to see both witches glaring at him. Ignoring how uncomfortable he was, Harry pocketed their wands.

"Hary, you sure ya don't want to give them back their wands?" Hagrid cautiously asked.

"No Hagrid, I would very much like to give them back, but I cannot trust it is safe to do so just yet. I am sorry you have to get caught up in this. I really would like to just catch up with you."

Hagrid gave Harry a smile. "Ah, Harry, I sure did miss you as well, but look at ya! An Auror, savior, and having two beautiful witches fightin' over you. Did I not tell ya you'd be a thumpin' good wizard when we met?"

" I beg your pardon, Professor?" Daphne asked, clearly aghast, "We are fighting over Weasley's childish behavior thank you very much!"

"No, we are fighting because you are a slag hiding under posh snobbery!" was Ginny's rebuttal.

"Alright!" Harry declared, fearful they might come to physical blows if something didn't adjust course soon.

"Look, Hagrid, I have a lot to fill you in on, everyone, please eat and let me explain to Hagrid. Then, and only then, we will take it in turns and see if we can't work this thing out between you two. Please, for me." Harry half pleaded, half commanded.

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Excellent, maybe the rest of the evening won't feel like pulling teeth now."

It rather was of course. Harry tried to catch Hagrid up, but every few sentences was interrupted by a rude comment from one or the other of the two witches. Harry just couldn't understand why they had to be so Hostile towards each other.

Then, as Harry finished up his stew while Daphne ordered a third glass of Chardonnay, Hagrid and the girls caught Harry up on what exactly had been going on at Hogwarts last year.

"It was downright awful it was," Hagrid moaned, downing his third tankard of the evening. "Never thought I'd see worse days at Hogwarts than under Umbridge, yet it was a wonder anyone learned anything at all! Besides how to harm one another. We mostly tried ta do our best, but between Snape and the arrows, there was just so little We could do. Tried having some over for tea, but I never want to see that many crying children again. I get you say Snape was with Dumbledore all along harry, but I don't think I can ever truly forgive that shit for what I saw…I shouldn't'a said that. I should not have bad mouthed him when he can't defend hisself."

"No Hagrid, I think you should say it! I know Dumbledore was a great man but, I don't see how anything he asked of Snape could justify last year. Though I suppose it was a real laugh over in Slytherin, huh? Musta partied real well in the common room after whipping us with filtch?" The hatred in Ginny's eyes made it stick finally for Harry.

" Daphne…You didn't…?"

"Yes." Daphne's voice was small. "I participated. One time. I couldn't manage to perform crucio, so I dealt a punishment of 5 lashes to avoid receiving 10 myself for failing. I am not a Gryffindor. I'm not brave, and I was under orders from my father to keep my head low. I didn't seek it out, but I didn't want to suffer either. So yes, I am sorry about any pain the boy went through. I didn't make him back talk Carrow though, that was you who encouraged that sort, Weasley!" Daphne seemed to find some energy in her voice again when accusing Ginny.

"Well excuse me for not just rolling over and hiding from obvious wrongs Greengrass!"

"That's unkind Ginny, Don't mind telling you that." Hagrid interrupted another spat before it could escalate. Harry was so glad His friend was here. "Look, Last year was bad, but that's no reason to be blamin Ms. Greengrass here for tryin to keep herself safe. I saw some of the punishments, Collin could thank her for her soft hand, much as it pains to say such now. What's got you jumping down each other's throats so?"

So, Harry explained as best as he could the entire situation, pausing only to order refills on everyone's drinks.

"Blimey Harry, if I didn't know you, I'd assume you were taking the piss! Shame on the lot of ya then I says!"

That certainly caught Harry by surprise, what had he done?

"The absolute state of ya. Imagine seeing all three of yourselves sufferin and not showing sympathy to each other after everything we've all been through? Ginny, You surely must know Harry loves you at this point, yer jealousy is only hurtin yerself at this point. Ms. Greengrass, antagonizing Ginny is only setting yerself against Harry in a hurtful way, Frankly from what I know of yer family, I'd expect better self control than that. Harry, I know yeh've been through hell'n back, but just cause Hermione's abroad is no reason to have let these two grow such hatred without telling them each what you surely know you need to say."

Harry hated to admit it, but Hagrid was right. He did know what he needed to say, he had just been too lazy or cowardly to do so.

" I'm sorry Ginny, I'm sorry Daphne. Ginny, I love you, you are the woman for me, no matter what. You don't need to make things harder for me and Daphne to protect that truth, and I should do more to make sure you know that. I will do more. Daphne didn't ask for this, Doesn't have any more say than I do. Her father's an arse, but that shouldn't mean she is as well. I don't know what we are going to do, but I could really use your help figuring this out, rather than trying to start a fight every time you see her."

"Daphne, I'm sorry if I've been awkward. You have to admit, it is beyond strange that we never spoke that I can recall, and now we have to get married. I don't know you, you don't know me. I don't want you to be miserable, but I don't want to be miserable either. There has to be a way forward, please."

Harry let the plea linger and waited for their answer. Harry was surprised it was Daphne who responded first.

"None of this is any fair. Sure contracts are rare, but traditionally when used the betrothed are at least encouraged to spend time together before finalization. I didn't take muggle studies, I don't know what you dealt with growing up with them, but I am not a muggle Harry. I don't have many friends, but those I do would never accept me if you were to publicly reject me for a paramour. I wouldn't be allowed to buy from respectable shops, nor visit respectable company. I don't want to make you miserable, but please, return that courtesy."

Ginny cut in then. "That assumes that these sorts are still going to be able to act like they always have. It's almost a new century, a new millennium Greengrass. Even Wizards have to recognize that Change is coming, or did you not take Astronomy?"

"Ginny, please, that's what I'm talking about! Daphne is not Malfoy. She also isn't one of your brothers. Remarks like that come off as needlessly cruel towards her."

"Hate ta say it, but Harry has a point, Ginny. Yeh surely know better than teh be cruel, I'd never thought you capable of such ta be honest." Hagrid added, not unkindly.

"I am trying to work with you, but I really must say Weasley, you do not make it particularly easy."

"That's not better, it's just more subtle Daphne! I just said you aren't Malfoy and you turn to belittling her? Not. Helping." Harry gritted out.

"You two bicker enough, perhaps you should just both marry harry and yeh can be an old married couple fer real….I shouldn't'a said tha'." Hagrid stopped mid sentence at the glares from both witches. Harry was confused.

" Luna said something similar, what are you talking about Hagrid?" Harry asked.

"Er, Maybe yeh should ask the lasses ta try explainin'." Was all Hagrid offered.

Daphne gave a sigh. " Fine, I will try to explain. I do not like the idea, but perhaps it has more merit than I originally gave countenance to. You'll recall we are in this horrible predicament because the Dark Lord intended you to die."

"Yeah, I caught that, Thanks Daphne. Though, could you not call him the Dark Lord, His name was Tom Riddle, and he is dead, I hope this time we can all stop fearing and worshiping the myths he concocted about himself.

"Sorry, Habits aren't exactly ebay to break. I will endeavor to try, however. My point was, Mine was not the only contract signed. My younger sister is also under contract, to Draco Malfoy…which was the intended result of mine."

"Wait," Ginny interrupted, "Your supposed toMarry Draco…with your sister? That's disgusting, was there no depth those monsters wouldn't sink to?"

"I do admit, I struggle to fathom that the law has not been changed in centuries. The practice falling out of favor does not make it explicitly illegal. Wizards and witches are allowed multiple marriages if doing so is essential to continuing bloodlines, and inheritance is made clear. They ended once more of us converted to christianty around the late 18th century. I would hazard a guess they were maintained as legal largely to protect inheritances from some ancient contracts. Possibly Also to help with integration with Indian Magicals as the British empire spread there. At any rate, the law is tricky, but I suppose it could be used as a less than ideal solution."

"A solution? I don't understand." Harry was getting very confused at this point. It really seemed that even without Binns' horrible lectures, Harry may just never have the mind for history.

"I get it, but I know the old law too, Parvati talked about hoping to avoid it compared to the Indian versions of the law once. The purebloods stopped using it, not only because what witch would agree if actually given the choice, but because restrictions were put in place that made it exceptionally difficult to use. For a second marriage, there would have to be at least as many names completely dying out as intended spouses, with clear expectations on what children would inherit what names. I shouldn't qualify, because My family is still alive, mostly." Harry put his hand over Ginnys and stroked her thumb lightly, thinking about Fred.

"And you are under-age, requiring parental consent, but If you could get it, theoretically Harry and I have three names to continue between two of us by contract. Only the Black and Greengrass names are attached to our contacts however, My sister is to give Malfoy exclusively Malfoy heirs, revolting a thought as that is."

"So what, your proposal is to convince my mother, who won't even let Harry and I Kiss in front of her, To let us get married before I turn 17? Brilliant plan Greengrass."

"No, My proposal, I wouldn't think to describe it as a plan at this stage, is that you convince your father that the best way to secure your relationship with Harry in a legal way is to betroth you to Harry. Until Harry and I are wed, He can still legally sign contracts. Not dissimilar to the very dormant contract that has dropped us in this unfortunate situation. Read the contract again, it is actually quite absurdly specific in its requirements. Whatever Black and Greengrass originally wrote it seems to me to have been trying to write a contract they'd never have to honor. Yet the many series of unlikely events that lead to a Black heir that is also an Heir to one or more other Houses, with a Greengrass heir with no valid heir should not have occurred. You should not be the last Potter and Black. I should have at least a cousin to inherit The Greengrass wealth and properties. Yet These last two damnable wars have eliminated so many families so quickly."

"Too right ya are mi. Greengrass!" Hagrid burst in. Harry noticed Hagrid had somehow finished his Beer and started on another already just in the time they had been talking." Far t'many've died! Good Folk that didn't deserve it!"

Harry and the girls ended up spending nearly the rest of the meal consoling Hagrid, until he was audibly snoring in the transfigured armchair he was seated in.

"Yes, well, now that he's been sorted, we really should finish our conversation Harry."

Damn, Harry thought. So close to escape.

"I still don't understand what you are getting at if we could somehow convince my parents to agree to such a mad scheme, which we can't, how does adding more convoluted magical and legal rules help anything?"

Harry had to admit Ginny had a point. He wasn't particularly keen on approaching Molly Weasley to ask her to sign something forcing her only daughter and youngest child to marry him. Merlin's ball beard, she barely accepted Bill and Fluer's wedding, and they were both far older than Harry and Ginny.

"You are missing the clear advantage you will have over mine and Harry's situation, choice. Until Harry and I complete our current contract, there is still flexibility for him to sign more. This time with actual input on the terms and conditions, so long as they don't contradict ours. We are forced to wed in an absurdly short time frame because Our contract requires it. Yours need not include any timeframe for actually wedding Harry. Yours can also include a cancellation clause that ours so tragically and inconveniently lacks. But it would Protect your relationship with Harry after our Wedding, without Harming my reputation irrevocably."

"Is your reputation really the only reason you don't want to just let me and Harry be in love?"

Harry was going to continue allowing the girls to talk uninterrupted as long as they were merely arguing rather than getting violent.

"It is not just my reputation. It is all three of our entire futures! If Harry is married to me, and you have no legal standing, your relationship is illegal. Even if the sexist bastards who wrote our contract only have magical penalties for infidelity that apply to me, there are still legal ones in place. Harry could lose his job, you would be highly unlikely to be hired by any respectable employer, and the potential consequences go on."

She continued, " Adultery scandals can still ruin lives even among those without old contracts making matters worse. I realize at this point you are determined to remake the entire world Harry, but you cannot single handedly change the culture of hundreds, thousands of people. Not without being an even worse kind of dictator than Thickness was this past year. But, even if some may whisper about it, Two contracts would prevent much of those hardships for all of us. It need not change much of how we would likely have acted. I expect Harry and I will fulfill the requirements of the contract, Harry will ensure my comfort and safety, and hopefully love and help raise our children, while devoting most of his time and love to you Weasley. I am able to accept that, as long as we have a small token to use as a shield against disastrous social isolation and exile."

That sounded far too depressing and businesslike to Harry.

"Daphne, Look, it is true I love Ginny, but not you. I don't really know you, haven't had time to. I don't want to lose Ginny. Wha you just described for yourself though, that sounds utterly fucking depressing! I don't care that your nonce of a father set these horrible expectations for you. I don't care that our situation is fucked. I will not Just abandon you to what sounds like wallowing in loneliness and misery."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Harry's right, Greengrass. I won't pretend I am ok with this utter shite your arse of a father dumped on us. You shouldn't be betrothed to my boyfriend. That goes both ways, however. You shouldn't have to be betrothed to someone in love with someone else either. Just look at my brother Percy for the last 3 years if you want to see the results of trying to do things that are expected of you without love. It is misery, and doesn't work. I still don't know how we will ever convince my mother to agree to even an in name only betrothal contract, but if we do, you are a part of our lives. You can't get rid of Harry and I so easily, I think you'll find."

Harry was positively beaming at Ginny for what she said, and no, the extra glass of whiskey he had ordered had nothing to do with it, thank you very much!

"Well I'd say that's progress. I'll use every last shred of credit with your parents Ginny to get a contract written up by the end of the weekend, and the three of us are going to continue to talk, and spend time together, until we figure this thing out. Er, if you agree that is."

Ginny smiled that smile of hers that always set Harry on fire. "She let Percy back into the house, maybe you can actually get her to at least not stop dad or murder us both. If Mum actually agrees, yeah, I'm in. I promise to try to make this thing, if not work, at least not suck."

Daphne smiled as well, and Harry did have to admit when she wasn't trying so hard to appear disaffected and snobbish, it was a pleasant sight. "I too shall try to be a more accommodating partner in this…whatever it will be. I never expected happiness from my marriage, and frankly, do not fully know what to do with the prospect now that you have offered it. I will not hide my thoughts about you, but I shall try to at least not express them cruelly. I will not be my father."

"Well I've got an Idea then. The Weekend is coming up. The Holyhead Harpies are going to be playing against the cannons on Saturday. I've always wanted to watch them crush Ron's team in person, rather than just reading about it in the Prophet on Sunday. Gwenhog Jones is supposed to be a fantastic captain, they even managed to beat Puddlemore last week in an upset. I imagine Wood is still ranting about, from what I've heard from my brothers about him. Harry, I want to buy the two of us tickets to go see them, and then you and Greengrass should go have dinner for a date or something. Sunday We will talk to my parents and get started on planning your wedding, together."

"The idea has merit, Weasley. I will admit to not being especially besotted by Quidditch as a spectator myself, but following the stats of players and predicting champions can be quite stimulating. Harry and I certainly are overdue for a proper first date, which I appreciate your suggestion of. I will not have another luncheon or bank outing turned hostage crisis be labeled a date. If you two can get tickets at the last minute, I shall spend Saturday spending this gold Harry so generously gave me to allow my financial independence from my father, and prepare for our date."

"Uh, that sounds wicked, but should I do anything to plan all this?" Harry asked.

"No, I don't really think you need to do much, Harry. It was the two of us that couldn't bring ourselves to talk without fighting. I think we owe you an entire day of wonderful dates with two gorgeous, badass witches!"

"I see what you did there Ginny, brava." Harry snickered at Ginny's pun.

"I agree, I will procure a reservation, you just come dressed in something not embarrassingly plain, and cover the cost. We discovered today you can certainly afford it. I also might suggest, if you find tickets hard to come by, that they just might become available for the hero Harry Potter."

"I hate doing stuff like that, you know."

"Sure, Harry, but maybe just this once will get some of them to stop begging you to let them give you free stuff,you know?" Ginny offered.

"Or they will just be encouraged. I get your point though. I'll ask. Come to think of it, who do I ask? I've never actually purchased tickets for a professional quidditch match."

" Bill took us when he graduated, before starting with Gringotts. I'll get them if it's alright for me to name drop you and bill you the cost, Harry."

"Yeah, sure. That sounds great!" Was Harry's response.

They finished their drinks, and levitated Hagrid into the Floo so they could put him to bed in his hut. Harry briefly admired how repaired it already looked after the destruction of the battle. THen they sent Ginny home with a kiss from harry. Which may or may not have required a rather loud cough from Daphne to complete as Harry reluctantly removed his hand from underneath Ginny's blouse. When had that gotten there? Harry was quite certain he was drunk, and thought he liked it now that he was experiencing it.

Harry and Daphne returned to Grimmauld Place, and Harry almost immediately fell asleep without even bothering to undress, or get under the covers.

Which had him quite confused when he awoke the next day with a splitting headache under the covers and in his night clothes. Kreacher was placing a glass of some potion almost down his throat.

"Master Harry acting like Master Sirius, OldKreacher knows how to fix. Master must go to work. Must not sleep all day like a shiftless layabout. " The old elf croaked at him.

"Urgh, remind me not to drink again Kreacher. I can't even remember getting in bed last night. This potion tastes terrible too, what is it? Finally poisoning me?"

"Kreaher would never!"

Harry raised an eyebrow at the elf.

"Kreacher would never poison his master…now." Kreacher clarified with a hint of sheepishness. "Potion is from Master Sirius' stock of hangover cure. Kreacher and Mistress Greengrass put Master Harry to bed properly last night, so Kreacher knew Master would need some."

"The stuff must work, because I think I remember asking you not to call me Master anymore, Kreacher."

"Kreacher apologizes, but Master did say Kreacher should do what Kreacher wants, and Kreacher wants to address Master Harry properly."

The sly old elf really did like to get creative in his interpretations still it seemed. Harry decided it was not worth a fight over.

"Just not in front of Hermione ever, please." Harry compromised. Kreacher gave him a grunt Harry chose to interpret as affirmative.

After a quick breakfast, Harry noticed the time, and hurried out the door so he would not be late, only to see Daphne, smartly dressed, waiting for him on the sidewalk. Harry tried not to read anything into her half smile as he thought about the implications of Kreacher saying Daphne had helped put him to bed.

"Sorry if I made a git of myself last night." Harry offered.

"Just don't make it a habit, I might just keep your knickers the next time I remove them."

Daphne took one look at Harry's flabbergasted face and burst into laughter. She had a very melodious laugh, Harry thought, as he tried desperately not to enter the ministry the color of a ripe tomato.

Marrying two women. What had Harry brought upon himself, he wondered.