An: I'm so sorry for not updating this! I am a fail... But I am working hard on getting the story done; I promised it would only be a few chapters.


"Well Potter this plan seems to be going quite well. It is easy to see that we are going to hit Hogwarts with something they have never experienced." Harry nodded in agreement chuckling at the plan he and Draco had just concocted. Only an hour being friendly towards each other seemed to erase most of the tense past between them, and Harry found himself admiring Draco's intelligence. Their plan combined both of their skills and Harry knew it would be a prank the likes of which Hogwarts hadn't seen since the graduation of the Marauders.

A sudden knock on the door brought the two men out of their planning. "Come in," Harry invited jovially. The two Greengrass sisters entered the room. They started in upon seeing Draco, but once they saw Harry they stopped, giving Harry a moment to appreciate how extremely different the two girls were. The younger of the two had black hair that was pulled into a knot on the top of her head, tanned skin and a seemingly cheerful disposition. She was wearing a one shoulder, black dress that fell modestly to her knees. The elder sister had her blonde hair in curls framing her face, which beautifully showed off her glowing, cold as ice, blue, eyes. She had porcelain skin and her dress was dark emerald which got lighter near the top, it was short and moderately tight, giving her sex appeal that her sister lacked. Although not wearing an angry expression upon her entrance, her eyes quickly showed her annoyance and embarrassment upon finding Harry.

"I'm sorry Lady Astoria I got caught up talking to Duke Potter. I suppose you want to dance?" Astoria nodded, and then glanced between the two men. "Oh I'm sorry. Duke Potter may I present to you Miss Astoria Greengrass my intended."

Harry bowed to the girl with a smile, taking her hand he said, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Your Grace." She said with a kind smile. "However I am unfortunately going to steal Lord Draco from you. He owes me a few dances."

"Of course," Harry said with a smile. "I have kept him in here for far too long." Draco offered Astoria his arm and the two went to leave the room. "Malfoy," Harry called, causing the man to turn around, "Your mother and I will be expecting you for brunch on Sundays, and you may visit any time that you like." Draco nodded solemnly and promised he would be there.

Harry and Daphne stood staring at one another, unsure of what to do now that they were alone. "Duke Potter…" the girl began, obviously uncomfortable.

"Harry," he corrected. "We are in fact intended for one another." Daphne blushed and glanced away."

"Well, Harry then, I must apologize for my behavior during the times I have seen you."

"Oh? And what has brought upon this change of heart?"

"I feel terribly about it," She said trying desperately to sound earnest. "I realize that I was completely out of line every time that I have seen you, and I deeply apologize. I can only hope you will believe me."

Harry studied her for several minutes before locking eyes with her. After several seconds she looked away. "Daphne," he said softly, "What are the consequences if you do not get back on my good side?"

She blushed and looked away. "That obvious?" Harry simply nodded no amusement on his face. "Astoria is in love with Malfoy. Not that I understand why, but she is. And for some reason the contract between our houses requires the Potters pay my bride price. Without it my father cannot afford the dowry demanded by the Malfoys, meaning my sister would be turned out of her contract. It would be a huge embarrassment for the House of Greengrass, and my sister would lose the love of her life."

Harry nodded, his respect growing for the girl. "You only wish to save your sister then?"

"Yes," she bravely attempted to meet his eyes.

Harry nodded again. "I shall forgive you," Daphne's eyes lit up and she smiled at him, "but only on two separate conditions." Daphne opened her mouth to say something but seemingly thought better of it causing Harry to smirk. "First you apologize to my sister, in private." Daphne nodded, seeing that as the only plausible outcome for what had happened earlier. "Second, you and I talk later, and we get to know each other. This contract is ironclad, the only way out of it is death and I plan on living until an old age. We are going to have to get along."

"And if I agree?"

"Then we go back out there and I make an announcement that we were having a lovers' quarrel and apologize to you profusely, before introducing you to everyone present as my intended. I will be the most attentive date you have ever had." Daphne nodded in agreement, knowing this would suite her father. "But I have to know Daphne, what is your problem with me?"

"You've always had everything Potter. You don't realize how you come off to the rest of the school, you are the teacher's pet, you always got off with everything you did, and everyone was jealous. I suppose that I don't know you well enough to have a problem with you personally but after years of prejudice it's hard to let go. I am simply against being married off. I want to marry someone for love."

Harry smiled at her sadly. "As do I Daphne. I do not want to marry without love and to lead a loveless life; I have done that for almost eighteen years. I think that with time you will realize I am not such a bad man and that you have been told false things about me for years." The two stared at each other for several moments. "So what is your answer Miss Greengrass?"


Hermione spun around the room, feeling at home in Neville's arms. They had danced the first and third sets together but after the last went to take a break as they could dance no more together as simply friends. Neville led her around the room introducing her to many people she did not know. Hermione felt at home in the structured upper society and she knew that the connections she was making would not only help herself but her family as well. Thinking of her family she realized that she had not seen her brother since the dancing begun, a good hour ago. "Your Grace, have you seen my brother lately?"

"I have not." Neville responded with a small smile. "I know that he was talking to the younger of the Malfoys so it is possible he is still there."

"He is not with me, Your Grace," Draco commented from across the pastry laden table.

"Do you have any idea where he might be?" Instead of replying Draco stared over Neville's shoulder, obviously shocked by what he saw. Neville and Hermione quickly spun around to see Harry entering the room with Daphne on his arm. A look of hurt flashed over Hermione's features, as she wondered how her brother could forgive the girl that had so recently called her a Mudblood. "Don't worry," Neville whispered. "Although Harry seems comfortable, you can tell that he isn't. This must be for show or something." Hermione searched her brother's features once more, this time detecting the hidden signs of anxiety. Catching his eye Harry grimaced slightly but when Hermione smiled he winked at her.

Harry swept Daphne into the center of the room, effectively calling the attention of everyone. Harry stood for a second until Hermione joined him. "I'm going to need you on this. I'm sorry." He whispered. Hermione nodded slightly in acceptance. "I'm sorry to cause a distraction once again but I was so caught up earlier in saying everything right that I messed up rather terribly. My sister and I are pleased to welcome the House of Greengrass. Although we have only briefly been acquainted with each other they have already made an impact on our lives. We shall soon be family and I would like to officially introduce Miss Greengrass as my intended." Daphne smiled and curtsied to everyone. There was slight chatter as everyone bowed back to her.

Everyone went back to what they were doing leaving Harry, Daphne, and Hermione in a standoff in the middle of the floor. "I know that you did not just forgive her brother," Hermione said, stressing the final word.

Harry chuckled, "Of course not sister. But we are going to leave this for now. Tonight we will all talk and sort things out. But for now we are going to be nice." Harry glared at the two girls until they both nodded, Daphne giving in first. Harry smiled at them, "Good, now Daphne and I are going to walk around and greet people. I want you and Neville to go speak to Draco. He has some information that may help you." Harry explained at Hermione's questioning look. Hermione nodded and walked away.

"Thank you." Daphne said quietly from his side. Harry gave her a confused look. "You stood up to your sister for me, even though I didn't deserve it."

Harry chuckled darkly, "Not exactly, I mostly told her to wait until later. You will learn a lot about me later, mostly what it's like to sit through a lecture from Hermione." Daphne made a pained face, although not denying that she deserved a lecture from the brunette. "Don't worry," Harry said, squeezing her arm gently, "her lectures aren't that bad." Daphne smiled up at him realizing that Harry truly was the Gryffindor Golden Boy; he was just simply a nice guy underneath everything. Feeling uncomfortable with the golden goddess smiling at him and he walked them over to his aunt. "Aunt Andromeda I would like to introduce you to Lady Daphne."

"How are you Miss Greengrass? You may call me Mrs. Tonks."

"I am doing well this evening."

"Only well darling? I had hoped that on our first night together you would be having an amazing time." Harry said with a stupid grin.

Before Daphne could respond Andromeda began laughing. "Oh Your Grace, you just reminded me so much of your father. He used to grin like that at Lily. It seems you have found the woman to make you smile the same way."

Harry flushed bright red and lost the confidence he had just shown. Daphne giggled slightly, "Oh darling isn't it wonderful to think that we are like your parents." Andromeda laughed at Harry's scared expression, having inferred the true reason he hadn't acknowledged the House of Greengrass at the beginning of the party.

Harry quickly recovered but not before glaring at his aunt. "Well there are plenty more people that I wish to introduce my fabulous Lady Daphne too." He glanced around the room for someone to take her too and spotted his Aunt Cissy standing alone watching the dancing. He made eye contact with her and gave her a hopeful look; she smirked slightly but nodded almost imperceptibly at him, encouraging him to lead Daphne over to her. "Good evening Aunt Cissy, you look extremely beautiful tonight, as always."

"Thank you nephew," she responded, no emotion showing on her pale features. She glanced at Daphne's dress, one eyebrow quirking when she spotted the short hemline. "Oh Miss Greengrass…What a pleasure."

"It is wonderful to see you again Dowager Lady Black. How are you this evening?"

Narcissa ignored the question and glanced at Daphne's dress once again. "Although I admire the dress and the Slytherin colors, don't you think it is a bit short for such an evening?"

Daphne's eyes narrowed slightly but otherwise had no reaction to the older woman's words. "Well I was trying to match Harry's eyes with the green, and thought that he would like to see me in it on our first official evening."

"Oh I do Lady Daphne," Harry said, trying his best to pull off a lovesick expression. "But turn around; let my aunt see my favorite part."

Daphne grimaced slightly and turned. Although the dress was short it had a high neckline in the front; however when Daphne turned around the back of the dress was cutout from her collar to the base of her spine. Harry did not have to pretend to ogle the expanse of skin bared to him; he knew that Daphne was beautiful. "Such an interesting choice my dear." Was all that Narcissa had to say.

Harry coughed to cover up his laugh and excused himself to get punch. He walked over to the table and found Neville and Draco huddled in a conversation. They both glanced up at the approaching person but realizing it was Harry they gestured him into the huddle as well.


Harry repeatedly assured Lord Greengrass that they would simply be talking and that his sister would be there as well. When Greengrass tried to make Astoria stay Harry vehemently refused, stating that the issues where simply between him and Daphne and that Hermione would only be there as she knew several issues he would be bringing up. In the end Harry only got his way when Daphne offered that Dowager Lady Black be there as well. Everyone knew she was a stickler for the rules of society, but because Harry knew she wouldn't mind breaking them for him he agreed to the stipulation. Harry called his aunt who agreed as was hoping to fill in the holes of her knowledge on his past. Harry and Hermione ran up to their bedrooms to change into more comfortable clothes. Harry emerged in a green oxford tucked into navy pants while Hermione came down in simple yellow cotton dress. Narcissa and Daphne had opted out of changing, choosing to add jumpers over their dresses instead, not necessarily a fashion choice but one of necessity in the old, drafty manor.

Harry and Hermione sat together on a sofa, Narcissa opting for an armchair while Daphne perched herself on a chaise lounge. The group sat in silence for several minutes. "Since this is going to be such a personal conversation I want to say from here in that we are going to be informal, as that will keep the conversation moving and on the level we want it to be." Everyone nodded, Narcissa's acquiescence to her nephew surprising Daphne greatly. "I suppose that I should start this story. My parents named Peter Pettigrew their secret keeper during the war but most thought it was Sirius Black, my godfather. The man who betrayed my parents was Pettigrew and he got away, framing my godfather for it. Sirius was sent to Azkaban without trial. Because it was a time of war my parents submitted a will to Gringotts, but Dumbledore submitted a second will, covering my parents' wishes. The goblins honored the second will and I was placed with the Dursley family. Mrs. Dursley was the sister of my mother, at least that is what everyone thought. But my mother had been adopted so there was no reason for me to be there." Harry cut off and grasped Hermione's hand for comfort. "My life with the Dursley family was not easy. Until the Hogwarts letters began arriving, my bedroom was a tiny cupboard under the stairs. Although I did not particularly mind the cupboard as it was my escape. Throughout my time there I was punished with starvation, whips and a hot iron whenever accidental magic occurred." Daphne squeezed her eyes shut and wrapped her arms around herself. She could not believe that she had told him that he had everything and that was why she hated him. She currently hated herself, suddenly remembering the marks on his back when he had yelled at her in Gringotts. "I was never hugged, encouraged or told I was loved. I never had my own clothes or received birthday presents. Because of Dumbledore I spent every summer there, lying in my room hating my life. I often wished that Voldemort had succeeded in killing me, my life was worse with the Dursleys then anything he had done to me." Harry stopped again, and gently placed his head on Hermione's shoulder, nudging her gently to continue the story.

"Harry, you know that you are loved now don't you?" Narcissa asked in a rare show of emotions. Tears welled in her eyes, "Sirius loved you very much, he considered you his own son." Harry nodded gently, without moving from his sister's side.

Hermione smiled at Narcissa and mouthed her thanks. "When Harry and I came to Hogwarts we did not become friends until after Halloween. Even though Ron, Harry, and I were a group, I always felt closer to Harry. Although not comparable I didn't have parents who understood the wizarding world, which meant they weren't very involved. Harry and I quickly bonded over that and grew to be closer then friends. Over the years many people speculated that we would become romantically involved, and we almost did," Daphne's gut clenched uncomfortably. "But Harry and I realized that we were more siblings than anything. When I found out that my parents had been killed in Australia, where I sent them to be safe during the war, Harry was the one that comforted me. He brought me into his family and gave me a new place in life. The day of the battle, seeing him lying in Hagrid's arms, motionless killed me. I didn't know how I would go on without him, and as soon as we learnt he was alive I vowed to do everything in my power to make him happy. Daphne, Harry told me the names you called him and the things you accused him of." The brunette's eyes sparked as she glared at the blonde. Daphne could feel the lecture that Harry had promised coming her way. "I think it is now pretty obvious to you that Harry's home life was not at all fabulous. He was not raised in a pampering environment, and his life has always been far from perfect. The only reason Harry got away with anything at school was because he had just saved everyone from Voldemort. Every year besides third year he battled that evil man. Do you think that he deserved detention for breaking a few school rules to save everyone's lives?"

"Of course not! I just never knew. No one at Hogwarts knows what you did year to year. We just saw you as an annoyance that the teachers preferred. You really need to do a tell all interview Harry, you need to put what you went through out there, I know that a lot of people at Hogwarts would change their opinions of you."

"For most people it's enough that he is the Savior!" Hermione spat.

"I understand that you would feel that way, but wouldn't you rather be known for what truly happened Harry?" Harry thought about it and made a noncommittal gesture. "Either way, I am extremely sorry. You didn't deserve the anger of a person you barely knew when you were listening to your parents will. I wish I could blame it on my upbringing but I can't. I was raised to see through rumors and to detect the truth for myself. My parents never supported Lord Voldemort and taught me not to bow down to anyone, that family was the ruler of my life. They pounded that lesson into me, and when I was sorted into Slytherin I took the 'Your house is like your family' thing a little too seriously. Although I never supported Lord Voldemort or hated Muggleborns I did accept a lot of the 'values' of my house. I'm sorry Hermione for calling you the 'm' word and for freaking out at you in general. I was extremely out of line, and if I had just listened to Harry I would have realized how he was introducing you."

Hermione nodded, "I understand, and I forgive you." She stood and embraced Harry before going up the stairs. Narcissa stood as well embracing Harry before walking out of the room.

"Can we simply start over Daphne? Forget about our behavior and try to be friends?"

Daphne nodded, "I would like that Harry. I want to get to know the man I am going to marry."

Daphne was preparing to leave when Harry grabbed her arm to stop her. "My birthday is July 31, and I want to plan a ball as a celebration for the fall of Voldemort. I was going to do it on another day but the Ministry wants to make me synonymous with the defeat so they want that day. Will you help my sister plan it? I need people I trust so that it doesn't turn into mayhem. I want it to be a celebration ball that happens to fall on my birthday. Can you help me with this?"

"Of course Harry," she said smiling softly.

"But more importantly will you accompany me to Paris the weekend before? I want to take you shopping the muggle way." Daphne stared at Harry, at a loss for words. "If you don't want to shop the muggle way we can certainly go shopping in the wizarding world. And you will go to the ball with me. I mean we shall go together, I mean, Daphne, will you go to the ball with me?"

"Of course Harry," she squealed. "I know that my family is a Noble House but we don't have the same resources you do and I've never been to Paris. But would it just be us going?"

"I was planning on my Aunt accompanying us and you can stay with her, but we will spend most of our time together.