AN: I'm glad that you all thought it was appropriate that Daphne had a foot-in-mouth moment. She isn't perfect, and I hate the stories where Harry and Daphne get together immediately without any issues. The girl has been a Slytherin for eight years, and they wouldn't have known the truth about all of Harry's exploits. Noble doesn't mean perfect, and Harry and Daphne are going to have several bumps in the road.


It was June eighth when Hermione sat down to write a letter to the Dowager Lady Longbottom requesting that she and her grandson attend tea at Potter Manor the following day. As the Lady of the house it was her duty to write such letters, and also to return like invitations. Although Andromeda had taken up residence in Potter Manor, allowing the family to spend more time together with baby Teddy and to train easier, Hermione was still responsible for these tasks. She thought about the last few days, and the immense change that had overtaken her. Previously she had been Hermione Granger, orphan, and ex-girlfriend of Ron Weasley. Now she was Lady Hermione Potter, sister of the boy-who-lived, the man-who-conquered, her Harry. She had a family again, Andromeda had taken over the role of mother for the teens quite well, and Harry and Teddy were the best brothers a girl could ask for. Hermione had already learned so much from Andromeda, and was fascinated by the world she had just broken into. The most interesting conversation she had had with Andy was that about the noble system in Hogwarts.


"Hermione you are looking puzzled about something," Andromeda remarked, walking into the library to find the brunette curled in a chair staring into the fire.

"I don't understand something about the noble system."

Andromeda laughed gently, "Well that is certainly understandable, you have barely learnt anything about it. But what is troubling you?"

"Hogwarts." Hermione stated simply.

Andromeda nodded. "Yes, Hogwarts is certainly unique. What you have to understand is that by the time the heirs of nobility enter Hogwarts they have already met every one of importance, and have no need to try and impress anyone else they will meet. The children have already formed friendships that will last, and don't need to stand on ceremony with each other. Harry was of course a unique case, having not been raised in the wizarding world. As soon as the children of nobility or other purebloods met him, they immediately tried to impress him, knowing that he would eventually become the Marquess of Potter. He told me that young Malfoy tried to point him in the right direction regarding the friends he would want to make. And young Draco was not wrong. Friendships made in Hogwarts last into the Wizengamot. School time allies are usually Wizengamot allies, although people do change, so that is not always a hard fast rule. The Weasley family, while decent people were not a good choice for Harry to immediately surround himself with. It gave off the message that he didn't care about his noble status, offending the wizarding way of life. It also showed that he had no knowledge of his family, or of his past. Although hard to believe, Draco was sincerely trying to help."

Hermione was shocked for a moment but then Andromeda's words began to make sense. "So what you're saying is that the purebloods don't stand on ceremony since everyone has made friendships already?" Andromeda nodded. "Muggleborns can't be allies at all?"

"Not really. The Wizengamot is a lot like the House of Lords, but there are some elected seats within our body. However, there are not enough elected seats to make up a full majority."

"That is so backwards."

"No it isn't." Andromeda said a little harshly. "The system we use has worked for centuries. There are not a lot of Muggleborns in our society. How many are in your class at Hogwarts?"

"Three," Hermione replied meekly.

"Exactly. You are the tiny minority, and the government has always felt it would be best to be run by the people, for the people, meaning the majority of the people, the purebloods, and halfbloods. If many wizards went into muggle society they would think things backwards, but they would be merely unaccustomed, and uneducated about things in the muggle world. The same way that Muggleborns need to be educated better on the society they are entering. The system of nobility is extremely important to us. Dowager Lady Longbottom will explain in greater detail, but it is how our world functions. The system has basically gone out of use in the muggle world, but we are more accepting of the nobility, recognizing the reason why these people are noble. Many Muggleborns inadvertently offend those of noble birth, leading to issues for the muggleborn later in life."

Hermione nodded, realizing that the cultures of the muggle world and the wizarding world were extremely different, but that neither was right or wrong. "We should do something about better educating Muggleborns who enter our world. But please explain to me how Lord Draco tried to help Harry."

"To understand how Lord Draco was helping you would have to understand the history between the House of Potter and the Weasley family."

"I need to know, what happened between our families?"

"Don't you think that Harry deserves to know as well? I will explain after you speak to Dowager Lady Longbottom."


It was a quarter until four on the ninth when the Floo flared to life. Dowager Lady Longbottom and Neville stepped out of the fireplace. "Welcome to Potter Manor, Duke Longbottom, Dowager Lady Longbottom," Hermione said with a slight curtsey.

The older woman curtsied back in response, Neville bowing from the shoulders. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Hermione. I appreciate the assistance you gave my grandson before he became fully confident in himself."

Hermione smiled at Neville. "It was a pleasure to help the Duke. Although after his impressive showdown during the final battle, I don't think he needs my assistance anymore."

Neville smirked, "I believe that I still need every bit of help Lady Hermione."

Hermione blushed slightly, not knowing how to react. Instead she turned and led them to the study where her brother was waiting for them. She entered the room and curtsied slightly, "Brother, our guests have arrived." Harry stood as the Dowager Lady and Neville made their way into the room. "May I present the Duke of Longbottom, and Dowager Lady Longbottom?" The older lady curtsied once more, and Neville and Harry nodded at one another.

"I'm delighted you both could join us for tea." Everyone sat around the table, and the new elf, Mossy, served tea to everyone. Once she was gone Harry said, "Dowager Lady Longbottom, I'm not sure if you are aware of it, but my parents named you as one of my guardians in their will." The elder woman's eyebrows rose slightly. "My father, the late Marquess of Potter, also requested that you help train me in the ways of politics."

"I had no idea Your Grace. I assure you that had I known I would have fought to have you in my home instead of with the horrible muggles you were forced to live with. My grandson told me some of the stories he heard, and I petitioned the Wizengamot to release your parents will, but they would not do so. I beg your forgiveness that I did not begin training you sooner. Do you have someone training you in the ways of society?"

"Yes, Andromeda Tonks née Black is teaching me."

"An excellent choice, as you are a Black yourself. Has Andromeda told you your family history?"

"No My Lady, she thought it would be best if you explained."

"I would have chosen her to explain, but oh well. I shall have to do it. The House of Potter dates back hundreds of years, the last daughter of the Gryffindor family married the eldest son of the Peverell family, and then the last daughter of the Peverell family married a son of the House of Potter." Harry gaped; he was related to Godric Gryffindor. The confrontation between he and Voldemort began to make more sense. "The House of Potter has a history of being very powerful wizards, producing only male heirs, usually as only children. The power and courage that your family possesses come from your Gryffindor and Peverell ancestors. There were no major scandals in the Potter family until your great-great-grandfather Charlus Potter married Margery Weasley. They had several children together and one day Charlus was off on a mission, he worked as a form of auror, and dark wizards attacked their home. Margery pushed several of her children in front of her, resulting in their deaths. Your great-grandfather, Jameson, was hit by a severe cutting curse, but lived. He was the only one of the four boys to survive. Charlus arrived with enough time to take Jameson to the healer, and from his son he learnt the truth of what happened. Charlus divorced Margery, something not only unheard of in those times, but unusual even in this day as wizarding marriages are for life. Charlus sent Margery back to the Weasley family shamed, and he sought reparation payments for the three children he had lost, and this reduced them to poverty. The Weasleys and the House of Potter were never able to get over the feud. Ginevra Weasley was the first woman born into the Weasley family since Margery, and many regarded her as the one who would take revenge on the House of Potter."

Harry and Hermione were both silent, regarding the elder woman strangely. As they both thought back over their relationships with the Weasley family, it all began to make sense. "Does everyone know the history between the two houses?"

"Yes, well any pureblood would."

"So Lord Draco was trying to help you Harry." Hermione gasped out in surprise. "I mean Your Grace." She corrected herself, looking apprehensively at the elder woman.

"It's alright." Augusta said with a slight smile. "You are new to the world, and in the presence of friends, which I hope you regard my grandson and me as, it is certainly acceptable to refer to your brother by his name. Now what is this about Lord Draco trying to help you?"

"On my first day of Hogwarts Lord Draco saw me standing with Mr. Ron Weasley and told me that he could introduce me to the right sort of wizards. I denied him, and told him that I could distinguish the right ones for myself. Looking back I realize how stupid that was, from my simple training so far."

"I'm glad you realize the mistake, because you are going to have to publicly apologize to Lord Draco. A slight explanation of your past combined with that apology would do the trick. People would see that you had no idea, and once you found out the error you committed, you took responsibility for it." Harry nodded, showing that he understood what he had to do to fix things. "Is there anything else you need to tell me about?"

"Well, I'm involved in a marriage contract."

Neville let out a long breath," That sucks mate. I'm in one too. Do you also have a cow for a fiancé?"

Harry chuckled, and then winced slightly as Hermione smacked him on the arm. "I have to marry Greengrass. Although I'm sincerely hoping to get out of it, she doesn't seem to be the nicest girl."

"There is most likely no way out of the contract." Augusta interrupted, "However, I can take a look at it. You need to learn to get along with the girl, just like Neville does. Besides I'm sure we can arrange something so that you can get to know her better."

"Who do you have to marry Neville?"

"As of right now Lady Pansy Parkinson."

Harry and Hermione both hissed. "That, stupid little pug?" Hermione ground out.

"Unfortunately," Neville said. "But, there is a large probability that the marriage won't happen. The contract states that she must be a virgin before marrying into the House of Longbottom."

Harry chuckled, "Well that's unlikely, especially given the stories between her and Malfoy. But why was she all over him if she was supposed to marry you?"

"Ah, well I wasn't recognized as the official heir when my father was cursed because it seemed I was going to be a squib. So the Parkinson's wanted a better match. Now that I have become the Duke of Longbottom, they have changed their minds."

"I'm sure they did. When did you inherit anyway?"

"This spring. My father had to be ruled out of sanity for sixteen years, and that took a while to go through."

"I'm sorry mate." The two boys shared a look, knowing what it was like to grow up without their parents, and neglected for different reasons. "When are you going to find out if you have to marry her?"

"Hopefully soon. Would you like to pop down to the pub this evening for a pint?"

"Certainly," Harry agreed, nodding.

"Well there is plenty of time until then to teach Your Grace some of the aspects of the Wizengamot. The regular members of the Wizengamot have one vote; this includes lower hereditary seats, and elected seats. The six Noble Houses have two votes each, the four Noble and Ancient Houses have three votes, and the two remaining Noble and Most Ancient Houses have four votes. As the Duke of Black you have four votes, and you have three votes as the Marquess of Potter. There are forty seats in the Wizengamot, including the seats that have seemingly died out, such as the House of Gaunt. So controlling seven votes out of the sixty votes is certainly a large amount of control."


June twenty-third arrived suddenly and without warning. Harry was not looking forward to the evening, as it was Hermione and his first test in the world of Wizarding nobility. Harry was hosting a small dinner party for the Noble and Ancient Houses at Potter Manor with the Longbottom and Greengrass families also attending. Harry was especially not looking forward to speaking to Daphne Greengrass. Dressed in his new navy dress robes, Harry waited for Hermione by the front door where they would greet the guests together. She rushed into the room, wearing an elegant A-line, halter dress in gold. Her hair was twisted into a knot on the top of her head, and light makeup. "You look beautiful." Harry said kissing her hand. Hermione rolled her eyes, and turned towards the door to see the Greengrass family standing there staring at them. "It is my honor to have you in my home, welcome Earl of Greengrass, Countess of Greengrass." Harry said with a slight bow. "It is a, pleasure to see your family again." Harry said, stumbling slightly over the words.

"Thank you for having all of us to your home, you know my elder daughter, Miss Daphne Greengrass, and this is my younger daughter Miss Astoria Greengrass." The two girls curtsied as their father introduced them.

"A pleasure to meet you Miss Astoria." Harry said with a slight bow. "May I introduce Lady Hermione?"

Lord Greengrass bowed at the waist, his wife and youngest daughter following his example, sunk into curtseys. Daphne made no movement, even at her father's urging. She stared at Hermione and then at Harry. "How dare you marry the Mudblood, knowing full well that we are involved in a marriage contract? She is bucktoothed, and nowhere near me in looks."

Hermione drew a quick breath, tears welling in her eyes. Harry reached for her hand, but she withdrew and it and turning slowly, glided from the room. Harry glared at the elder daughter, "Please make yourselves comfortable. You must excuse me for a moment." He said in a tight voice. Turning he followed Hermione's path down the hallway. He could hear the Greengrasses talking, but ignored them, following his sister instead. He came across her in the study, sitting in Neville's embrace. Neville made a face at Harry over Hermione's head, one that promised retribution to whoever had caused her so much pain. "'Mione," he called gently. She picked her head up, and upon seeing her brother ran to him, and threw herself into his embrace. "She was just being spiteful. Don't pay any attention to what she said. It isn't worth it."

Hermione nodded, "I know that Harry, but it's just awful to know that's what people are going to think."

"I introduced you correctly, and people's assumptions will lead them into problems. If they would think about it they would realize that if you were my wife I'd introduce you as Lady Potter." Harry stroked Hermione's hair, calming the girl down. "Now we are going to go out there, and you are going to show everyone what you are made of."

"Who did this?" Neville asked tensely?

"Greengrass." Harry stated.

"Cut them?"

"Certainly."

The two boys nodded at each other. Neville turned to Hermione and bowed, "Lady Hermione I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you out." Hermione blushed fiercely, but curtsied and took Neville's arm. The three of them strode back out into the main entrance, greeting people along their path. They entered the main dining room and Harry picked up a flute of champagne.

"Everyone, I would like to welcome you to Potter Manor for a small party among friends. I'm honored to have you all here, and to be able to spend time with you. Although I was absent from these parties in the past, I am fully integrated into our noble society. ." There was a slight round of applause. "On that note, I have several things to address. I would like to introduce everyone to my new sister, Lady Hermione." Hermione stepped forward, and once next to Harry she curtsied to everyone present. "The new addition to the House of Potter has helped my transition. To the House of Bones, I say that I am sad that we did not become better friends at Hogwarts, but fighting beside Lady Susan, and having the honorable Madam Bones on my side showed me how respectable your family is." Harry and Hermione both bowed slightly at Susan who smiled and bowed back. "To the House of Macmillan, I say that I am glad to have fought beside you in the DA and the Battle for Hogwarts. Lord Macmillan you raised a terrific son, one that I am proud to know." Harry and Hermione bowed once again towards the three Macmillan's and received smiles in return.

"My comments to the House of Malfoy are the most apologetic. To Lord Draco I formally apologize for rejecting your help on our first day of Hogwarts. I had been raised by muggles and had no knowledge of the wizarding world, let alone my noble birth. However, I should not have treated you in that matter, and recognize that moment as the one that made us schoolboy rivals." Harry nodded at Draco, who hesitantly nodded back. Harry knew that he would have to have a further discussion with Draco, and was both nervous and excited for that conversation. "Dowager Lady Black, I am forever grateful for your actions. Without you I doubt that i would be alive. I am glad of your addition to my family." Harry bowed deeply, and Hermione sunk into a deep curtsey, actions reserved for one on the level of the queen. Narcissa smiled at them, holding her elder sister's hand for support. "I would like to thank Mrs. Andromeda Tonks for being like a mother to me, and helping to train me so that I could give this speech properly." Several people chuckled and Harry smiled self-deprecatingly. "I would also like to thank Dowager Lady Longbottom for helping train me for the Wizengamot. To the Duke of Longbottom, you have become a brother to me, and I am thankful for your loyalty and friendship. I hope that everyone has fun tonight, and that we can all work together for a brighter future."

People started mingling, and Harry smirked at Neville, able to see the ire flowing off of the eldest Greengrass daughter. Lady Greengrass appeared to be holding back tears; the younger daughter was staring at Draco Malfoy, while Lord Greengrass was rather red-faced, obviously ready to give his eldest a long lecture. Harry walked over to Narcissa and bowed before taking her arm. "Thank you for the recognition Harry, that was very sweet of you. You have so many of your father's mannerisms."

"You are quite welcome Aunt Cissy. How are you feeling about being in the same room as your ex-husband?"

"Rather triumphant." She replied with a Slytherin smirk. "I am dressed in more expensive fabrics than he would have allowed, everything was show with Lucius. I have a family I love, and who loves me in return. The House of Black is regaining respectability, and I have a beautiful home, where people actually speak to each other."

"I thought you would be angrier when I arrived at the Manor to escort you away from Lucius, demanding you accept only the minimum allowance Sirius had set for you."

"How could I be when almost every dream of mine was coming true? I only wish that I would have married Sirius, I could have kept him out of Azkaban, and I would have raised you as my own son."

Harry smiled, knowing that everything he had been through as a child had ultimately helped him to defeat Voldemort. "Thank you Aunt Cissy. Have you been able to talk to Draco yet?"

"No, I can't decide if he is angry at me, or if he is simply confused. Have you spoken to him?"

"Not yet, do you think it would be wise with Lucius around?"

"Draco has learnt to speak for himself more now. The past two years showed him that his father isn't perfect, and shouldn't be blindly followed. But tell me Harry, what did the Greengrass family do to warrant an invitation, but then cause you to cut them?"

"Their elder daughter called my sister the 'm' word. And asked why I would marry her."

Narcissa shook her head. "You introduced her as Lady Hermione correct?"

"Of course."

"That girl needs to learn when to keep her mouth shut." Harry silently agreed with his aunt. "Now go and speak to Draco! Hermione is being well taken care of by the new Duke of Longbottom."

Harry looked over to Neville and Hermione who seemed to be preparing to open the dancing; he chuckled to himself, hoping that the two people he was closest to could work out a way to be happy. He walked toward Draco Malfoy who was stiffly standing by the drink table. "Malfoy," he said in greeting, inclining his head slightly.

"Potter," Draco responded, but without the malice Harry expected. "I believe it would be best if we talked." Harry led the blond into the study, sitting in a large leather chair by the fire. "We could have been friends at Hogwarts you know."

"Yes, I do. I know that there are many wasted years, but let's be friends now. We can give everyone at Hogwarts a huge shock." The two boys smirked, using their combined troublemaking skills to create a plan.

AN: Please review! Let me know what you thought.