Chapter 9 – A serious girlfriend
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The Yule ball was arriving with most of the school happy with anticipation. Draco Malfoy however was irate beyond words at being told by Daphne, no! His threats of retaliation were loudly exclaimed; after all she was his property and she would make his father very unhappy if she failed to accompany Draco to the ball. In an even louder voice he let everyone know that this second "No!" was an affront and will be forwarded to his father to ensure Draco's property knew her place. She would attend the Yule ball with him.
/Scene Break/
Professor McGonagall had diverted the champions and their dates to an alcove to await their grand entrance. Meanwhile she was hustling the other student attendees into the Great Hall's so the ball could start on time.
We knew that our attending the ball together would cause Daphne some aggravation within her house and especially with Draco. Daphne was still game in that she felt the shock would be well worth the minor hassles. I told her she could call on Libby and Hedwig if there were any troubles while she was in Slytherin house. With all the teachers around we had not expected troubles to start during the ball.
We finally entered the hall and were introduced by name as the Tri-wizard champions and of course the names of whom we were escorting. We took our seats with the dignitaries. I pointed out Draco scurrying into the ballroom unaccompanied and slithering off to join the nest group of Slytherins off by themselves. As soon as the Grand Meal was finished the band started for the traditional first dance by the champions. That was the point when things started going downhill for a number of people.
As Daphne and I started dancing we also chatted, "I really want to thank you for teaching me how to dance. There are so many things in my life I never got to do or learned, so thank you Daphne."
"Well you definitely learned how to dance and you are certainly attracting quite a bit of attention."
"Are you sure that isn't because we belong to two different houses?"
"No, not really, but if you were a Gryffindor, now that would be a problem."
"You two timing bitch!" was heard over the bands music and across the dance floor.
It definitely sounded like Draco and that shout stopped the ball. Daphne and I turned in that direction as did most of the attendees to see Draco was charging towards the now crowded dance floor.
"What are the odds that he is going to make a scene over us?" Daphne giggled.
I whispered back, "Most likely going to try and start with you. Just stay behind me, he may be stupid enough to use his wand."
"Oh! Are you going to embarrass him again?"
Whether it is because of the fates or the idea that opposites, like magnets, attract each other, Draco was drawn in our direction. Draco however, in his rush, attempted to push Ron Weasley out of his way on his charge to enter the dance floor. Ron became a bit upset and punched Draco in the face knocking Draco to the floor. From his position on the floor, Draco pulled his wand and threw a curse which struck Ron. While many were shocked into inaction Professor Flitwick was not and stunned Draco. The ball did resume and officially ended without further disruptions. I made like a gentleman and escorted Daphne to the Slytherin house common room entrance.
I was unsure what to say or do but the world slowed as Daphne leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. My world seems to stop and then suddenly she disappeared through the wall into the Slytherin house common room. I remain standing there completely dumbfounded for a while before I slowly wandered away completely lost in my thoughts. I think I just received my second or third instructions on girls.
/Scene Break/
The next morning at 10 o'clock we met in our special classroom and I flashed us to her parent's front door. My mind was still confused. Yes her lips were soft and yes I wouldn't mind having a lot more kisses but there was something wrong. No, wrong wasn't right but what was right was the feeling of being drawn to Daphne. After greetings and introductions we sat around the parlor and exchanged the bad news. Daphne told her parents…
"I'm serious, after Ron Weasley hit Draco, Draco then cursed Ron with an extremely dark curse. Weasley is in St. Mungo and Madame Bones has carted off Draco to a holding cell in the Ministry."
Mr. Greengrass added, "Draco's father's was over here again pressuring me sign a betrothal contract and I wouldn't put it past him to start throwing dark curses at me if I don't sign in the near future." Silence filled the room.
Mrs. Greengrass added, "You know the Ministry will just take Lucius's Gallions and swear nothing happened. I have no idea why that little worm of a Malfoy wants Daphne. I know for a fact Pansy Parkinson has a betrothal contract with the little worm."
"I know it's not my place but what would happen if Daphne and I signed a betrothal contract?" I wasn't quite sure why I asked and I was definitely sure I wasn't going to volunteer.
"In theory it would be bad form for Draco or Lucius to try and go against a valid betrothal contract. They may try to get even in some other way or other as that is typical for the Malfoy's. Going against a betrothal contract would have the Wizengamot on his case and he can't afford to lose that kind of power."
"Harry are you trying to marry me?" giggle, giggle. My first thought was the ice queen of Slytherin was giggling, again?
"Well I could think of a few worse fates but if you do a contract that has multiple escape loopholes it would still be a betrothal contract, right?" I couldn't help feeling stupid and hopeful at the same time, after all this was only to help protect Daphne and it was only a suggested way out from under the Malfoys. This wouldn't be a regular serious betrothal contract with the Greengrasses this would be a for show contract.
"It's a great idea but I probably would be murdered in my sleep if I return to Hogwarts. Draco's fathers will bribe Draco free of all the Yule ball charges and the cretin will want revenge. When he finds out we started a betrothal contract I don't believe I'll be safe in Slytherin house."
"Well if your parents don't kill the suitor you could always ask McGonagall for marriage quarters with a guest room. If that doesn't work I have already hired tutors so there is your education and you could always use Wendy's room, Libby would love the extra work either way."
Daphne took me to another room where I got to sit for a while. Daphne apparently applied pressure to her parents and a betrothal contract was signed that evening. I am not necessarily sure what just happened but my name was on the contract.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore was having a fit as he alternated between blasting his little silver trinkets and tossing back his shot glass of fire whiskey. "How dare that brat run off with that slut!" the trinket became dust and his glass became empty. "I'm going to have to call up some of the 'Order' members and that's going to cost quite a few galleons." The next trinket exploded. "That brat can't be stupid enough not to realize he's going to lose his magic if he doesn't show up for the second task." Another shot of fire whiskey is downed. "Fudge is a buffoon! Fudge if you weren't my buffoon on critical matters I would drop you into a bottomless pit with fire crabs. If he asks about that prophecy one more time…" Another trinket exploded.
/Scene Break/
"Harry this is just too funny, did you see them walk right by us with only a quick glance? These glamour charms are just something else."
"Daphne it is not just the glamour charms. We look like 'The Kids' and 'The Kids' have walked these alleys for years. In Diagon alley Wendy and I were just a couple of kids that everyone is used to seeing. In Knockturn alley only the stupid mess with us and only if they want to get hurt. What's funny is they never really paid attention to what we really looked like, we're just 'The Kids'. Not that we're any great mages but Libby packs a big punch and since they can't see her they assume we did the damage."
About then I notice that Daphne seemed to be clinging to me and snuggled into my arm a bit more. This of course caused me to return the favor by putting my arm around her waist as I was having a strong desire to keep her close, but it was only as a friend, right?
As usual the tutors arrived but they found that they had to teach Daphne at Hogwarts levels and me at my more advanced level. One of my tutors, who allowed me to call him Master Kim was oriental, Korean I would guess but he would not give his background. He did start mentioning my faults after a minute on the first day…
"Your brain makes you dumb, your footwork is retarded, sloppy and you fight unbalanced. You need more practice at everything. Being THE greatest in my art I have humbled myself to train you. Such inferior material they pay me to train."
Daphne and I could see that Hogwarts standards had fallen drastically compared to what we were being taught. Daphne participated in some of the self-defense but left things like swords and hand-to-hand combat to me who had to participate in the tournament. Daphne did however insist on being tutored on how to become an animagus so trips to the island were done frequently.
At this point I was becoming a bit frustrated. Daphne and I would sit together in front of the fire with our arms and shoulders touching each other. We had yet to acknowledge any feelings for each other. This boy girl stuff was just frustrating me to no ends what if I asked for a real date and she said no? I mean I only wanted a couple more kisses, right?
/Scene Break/
It was finally the morning of the 24th of February and after an early breakfast I changed into my phoenix form, Daphne and I arrived at Hogwarts in a flash. We walked into the Great Hall and set across from Luna and Ginny.
"Harry were have you been? We thought you were going to miss the task! How are you going to rescue your hostage from the bottom of the lake? Ginny was sounding like Hermione Granger.
"Stupid that is!" Daphne remarked, "You can't see two feet into that stupid lake!"
"Now Daphne, I'm sure with time, these people would come up with something far more stupid. It's only in the middle of February and assuredly the lake will be nice and warm." I was going to chuckle at my own joke but that information was starting to register. What was run around in my brain was several insane thoughts beating my sanity to the very edge of disoperation. Lake? Bottom? Hostage? Febuary?
"About a second more time is all they'll need to come up with something more stupid!" Daphne's replied, But then Professor McGonagall started herding everybody off towards the lake. By the time we arrived I had regained my sane brain functions, well mostly anyway.
As everyone was amassing at the lake Dumbledore started telling me that they've taken something that is important to me and it's at the bottom of the lake. My first reaction was a bit of confusion as the only important thing to me right now was Daphne and Wendy. Daphne was standing right next to me and Dumbledore couldn't be stupid enough to use a vassal without permission.
We had been told the egg was a clue for the next task but I never got past the screeching sound when we opened the stupid egg. That's when I started laughing. My house wasn't talking to me as was most of the school. I was hidden from any owl delivery and I couldn't find a translation spell for the screeching egg. So before arriving at Hogwarts today I knew nothing about a bottom of a lake as I never figured out that stupid clue. I was still laughing as someone fired off a sound like a gunshot; I assumed this started the task. I was wondering if there were any other funny little problems that I had just no idea about.
My laughing was cut short... "Mr. Potter you best move along, the task has started and you have one hour to retrieve your hostage from the bottom of the lake." Dumbledore scolded me as if I was five years old.
"You have got to be insane to think I'm going to go into a lake in the middle of February when I can't swim a stroke." My yelling at Dumbledore caused a hush to fall from everyone within hearing distance.
"Surely you can use a bubble charm to rescue your sister from the bottom of the lake." Dumbledore stated, talking like to a naughty child.
"You bumbling incompetent idiot you've got my vassal at the bottom of the lake? You best get her up here right now least I declare a blood feud between house Slytherin and house Dumbledore!" I was really yelling as I stormed over to one of Fudge's Aurors and demanded that Madam Bones be brought immediately.
"Who the hell do you think you are ordering Ministry personnel around?" Fudge demanded.
I stuck my rings in his face and said, Lord Smythe, Lord Peverell, Lord Slytherin or Lord Potter, just take your pick and get Madam Bones, now!
Madam Bones, who was on the grounds, showed up after Dumbledore had Wendy pulled from the lake. Lord Potter I am Madam Bones, I was told that you requested my presence."
"Yes! I would like to have charges presented at the Wizengamot against Albus Dumbledore for endangering my vassal by using her without my permission. As a minor she was unable to give her permission and as you can see the patch on her sleeve clearly shows she is a vassal of House Slytherin."
Dumbledore interrupted, "Alas Mr. Potter you must be a lord to obtain what you have just requested. Since you failed to participate in this second task you have violated a binding magical contract and have lost your magic. Without magic you cannot be a lord, the charges are mute."
"The task was to rescue and no one has specified how that was to be accomplished. Since she's here and under the time limits…" I pointed my finger on one hand straight into the air in a salute to Dumbledore and pointed a second finger using my other hand and whispered, "convertere ad aures asini".
It wasn't like a large number of students were not still hanging around to see the end of the task. With all my yelling and one finger salute I was surprised the headmaster didn't attempt to turn me into a toad or something. My one finger salute gave me the moment to say the spell before Dumbledore could shake off the idea that a student had just given him the finger. A gale of laughter erupted from the students and even Madam Bones found it difficult not to snicker. Albus Dumbledore suddenly realized he was now wearing a pair of long donkey ears.
"Please stop by my office to make your official charges..." That was far is Madam Bones got before Fudge and Dumbledore dragged her off and started having words between themselves but not before I heard Fudge order Madam Bones to dismiss my tomfoolery request. I grabbed Daphne and Wendy's arms and directed them back toward the castle.
"Well girls now that all the fun has taken place let our fun begin."
Hedwig flamed Daphne and I to the waiting area in front of Madam Bones's office to await her return. Wendy wished to remain at school so she could do some studying that she said she needed to accomplish. Daphne and I thought it was more like her need to be around Justin.
/Scene Break/
About a week later, "Come on Harry take me out to eat or out to a dance club."
"It will have to be a restaurant for now. The goblins and the tutors have been throwing the entire three-year Auror training program in this week's schedule". That's how it seemed as I added a groan to emphasize my aching body.
"You are exaggerating Harry, I've been spending the same amount of time with you in the Gringotts training center."
"Daphne you remember that that they pulled me out for an hour in the morning and again an hour before we were released for the day."
"Yes, I was meaning to ask you about that."
"An hour in the morning was dueling against two opponents. That last hour was sword training against an opponent I swear was the size of Hagrid and the speed of Flitwick. Dancing or the amusement park will have to wait until the weekend."
I was allowed a long hot shower before I had to dress up fancy and we're off to the Dragons Breath restaurant. Over a nice candlelight dinner we discussed some of the training we had during the day and some of our plans for the summer. We strolled back to the flat and were soon sitting in front of the fire on the couch. I was again thinking about this boy girl stuff and how frustrating it was when I turned my head toward Daphne. I found her looking at me and we just sort of drifted lips to lips. That's when my aches and pains and the rest of the world disappeared. When we finally broke apart Daphne said, "about time" and I said, "I agree". We headed off to our separate bedrooms as we had classes in the morning.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile at Hogwarts, Ron Weasley who had been released into Dumbledore's care and returned to Hogwarts was currently screaming in one of Hogwarts many corridors, "You dirty rotten slimy Slytherin why don't you slither back to your snake hole!"
"At least my family can rub two galleons together, your family can't afford a galleon without having to lick somebody's boots."
The bickering rose to a higher level of maturity with, 'confundo'… 'densaugeo'…'expelliarmus'… 'impedimenta'…
The last set of spells to be gotten off were by Professor McGonagall who fired off two 'incarcerous' and dragged the two to the headmaster's office.
In the headmaster's office a heated discussion between Minister Fudge and Albus Dumbledore was in progress…
"Cornelius surely you can see that Harry Potter must spend the majority of his life here at Hogwarts. With all of his notoriety as the boy-who-lived and his immaturity in the last task you must see he needs constant protection and supervision. We can't return him to his relatives as you have them serving time for breaking the Secrecy Statute."
"Dumbledore the legislation you're asking for would be more than being his guardian and the Wizengamot won't look kindly on applying that to an emancipated lord. And then there's the Goblins, no Dumbledore, I can't see anybody going for that idea."
At that moment Professor McGonagall burst into the headmaster's office, "Albus Dumbledore! I am tired of you pandering to these monsters! AND! If you don't do something besides sitting behind your desk and plotting all day I'm going to..."
"Later Dumbledore!" The Minister squeaked and raced through the 'floe'. After all Fudge had once attended Hogwarts and remembered that look on Professor McGonagall's face.
