AN: Thank you for keeping up with the story, I'm not sure if you've been looking forward to the Paris visit as much as I have but it's finally here! Sorry it took so long but this was going to be the longest chapter yet so I split it into two, so there will be another update this week. Enjoy and please review!
Harry stood impatiently in the hallway, tapping his foot against the floor. It was already early afternoon on July 24th and they were running late. The international portkey left the Ministry at 1:30 and it was closing in on one. He was standing next to all of his luggage wondering what could possibly be taking his aunt and his intended so long. "Hurry up!" He yelled up the stairs. "We need to get to the Ministry and don't have much time. If you don't have something we will simply buy it!" He received no answer except for the pounding of feet as Daphne ran to the railing.
"Harry, I don't have appropriate luggage to take to the hotel!"
Harry simply laughed, "Daphne remember when I told you not to worry about it? I meant it. We're going to Paris to shop remember?" Daphne smiled, still unsure of how much Harry was planning to spend on this vacation. "Now grab my aunt and come downstairs. We need to say goodbye and get to the Ministry."
Daphne nodded and disappeared, a scant two minutes later the two blonde women descended the stairs and Mipsy appeared next to Harry with their luggage. They quickly said goodbye to Andromeda and Hermione, although Harry took an extra moment with his sister. "Hermione, make sure to keep an open mind tomorrow with Justin. I want to see you happy and I think you can find your happiness with him."
"Thanks Harry," she whispered, hugging him. From behind them the clock struck one, "You need to leave!" She yelled, pushing him away from her.
Harry offered an arm to Narcissa and Daphne before calling, "Winky." The elf appeared with a loud crack. "Please grab the luggage and come to me when I call you from Paris." Harry spun, apparating himself and the two women to the Ministry. The group made their way to the international office. Harry approached the old wizard at the desk. "Hello, checking in for Duke Black, Dowager Lady Black, and Lady Daphne Greengrass."
"Where are you headed Your Grace?" The old man asked hesitantly, not able to stop staring at Harry.
"Paris, France." The old wizard nodded and looked at the documents handed to him. He waved Harry to the side until their portkey left. Harry returned to his companions and they sat together, chatting quietly. Daphne became silent and withdrawn from the conversation causing Harry to worry. "Daph, are you alright?"
The girl drew herself up straighter and glared at Harry. "I am perfectly fine Duke Black and I trust you will find that I am more than capable of handling myself."
Disappointment flashed through Harry's eyes. "I thought we were beyond this Lady Daphne. I thought we had created a friendship but it seems that I was wrong." Harry stalked off to speak to the old wizard at the counter once again.
Guilt hit Daphne quicker than she had expected and she held herself straight for another moment before slumping. She couldn't bear to look at Narcissa, but knew the elder woman wouldn't hold her tongue. "Even though you are determined to not allow that boy to care for you, you should at least be grateful. Do you realize how many men wouldn't take advantage of the freedom your father is allowing him? I'm going to guess just Harry. Not only that but he doesn't treat you as an inferior in our home, and he is spending over 3,000 galleons for our hotel for the next two nights. He wanted you to have the best and we're staying at Hôtel de Crillon." Daphne gasped, recognizing the name of the hotel and its historical significance. "Exactly. So please try to treat him with respect at the very least. He plans to spend a lot of money on you this weekend."
"Bloody hell!" Daphne thought to herself. "Why do I always react so violently around him? I know that I'm nervous, and that I still don't fully trust him, but he has done nothing to me. He has been so kind and gentle that you'd think he wasn't even interested." A look of shock hit her features. "That's it! He treats me as a friend but nothing more." She glanced over at Harry who was flirting with the pretty young witch in charge of portkey arrivals. Jealousy flooded through her. "I fancy Harry-Bloody-Potter and I can't stand that he doesn't fancy me back. I'm pathetic." She glared at the pretty brunette who was now touching Harry's arm. "Well two days in a private suite and shopping for risqué clothing should certainly help my case," she thought, a smirk lighting her features.
Narcissa seemed to guess the thoughts running through the young girls mind. "Good you've noticed as well. He is obviously attracted to you, but he hides his true emotions well. Tomorrow is my spa day, so you will have Harry all to yourself, and he is mostly planning to take you shopping and then to the opera. I know he has looked up many shops, but suggest La Perla and Chantal Thomas." Daphne nodded her approval of the plan.
She excused herself from Narcissa and fixing her hair approached Harry. She knew she looked pretty, in her black, peplum dress that hit right above the knee she was way more attractive than the ministry worker Harry seemed so fascinated by. Daphne approached him and slid her arm through his, smiling up at him when he glanced down at her in surprise. Harry seemed momentarily dazzled by her smile, something that both amused and pleased her. Daphne glanced at the ministry worker who seemed to be doing her best not to glare at Daphne. "Your Grace we should be going, I think they are rounding everyone up for the portkey."
Harry glanced to the old man and seeing the truth in her words nodded. "Of course dear," he replied with a boyish grin. "Thank you for your assistance Miss" he said to the ministry worker, although his eyes never left Daphne's.
As they walked toward the other counter together, arms still linked Daphne finally spoke. "I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier Harry. I'm not used to having someone who I can share my problems with, and I revert back to my Slytherin persona when I start showing fear."
"You know that I'll be here to help you in any way I can Daphne." Harry said sincerely. "Why are you afraid?"
"It's more nervous than anything. I've never done an international portkey before. And as I told you when you first asked me to accompany you, my family doesn't have the resources that your House does. I've never been to Paris and I'm afraid of embarrassing you." Daphne stared at the floor, shifting away from Harry slightly.
He chuckled and brought her close to him in an embrace. "Don't worry about the portkey; we're going to be fine. Besides as you know I didn't grow up with the luxuries of the House of Potter or of Black. For the past few months I've been mostly winging it." She smiled and looked up at him. "You could never embarrass me Daph." He remarked softly, flushing as he looked into her beautiful blue eyes.
Daphne smiled back, smirking lightly at the slight flush visible on his cheek. She stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek lightly. "Thank you Harry. You're much better at this than you think you are." Harry simply smiled at her and the two of them walked in silence to the portkey. Narcissa joined them but was generously silent as the young couple snuck glances at each other. The three of them took hold of the newspaper the ministry worker handed them, jumping slightly when it started to spin they were able to gracefully land on their feet inside of a similar looking building.
"Bonjour! Welcome to Paris," an energetic blonde girl greeted them when they stopped spinning. "Please identify your party."
"Duke Black, Dowager Lady Black, and Lady Daphne Greengrass at your service ma'am." Harry responded, with a slight nod.
"Ah yes, we've been expecting you Your Grace. If each of you would tap your wand on the parchment so we can gather your information you can be on your way." They quickly complied and were lead outside to where a limo was waiting for them.
"Now Lady Daphne, we are going to be doing things the muggle way starting with a limo ride. However if you feel uncomfortable at any time and would prefer to be around wizards, which I completely understand, please let me know. This trip is for you and I want you to enjoy all of it."
Daphne blushed prettily at the comment, "I'm sure I will enjoy whatever Your Grace has planned." Harry smiled at her before handing Narcissa and her into the vehicle. Daphne was pressed against the window as they rode through the streets of Paris. She was eager to see everything and enjoy her trip completely.
"What all do you have planned for tonight my son?" Narcissa questioned.
"We are going to the hotel now where we can get settled in. After that I had planned on dinner and the opera. And since we have the luxury of simply apparating back to the hotel we can quickly change and enjoy the Parisian nightlife of the common man." Narcissa and Daphne nodded their acceptance of their plan and soon the limo pulled to a stop in front of a gorgeous and historic building.
Harry lay in bed, thoughts swirling around his head. Their first night in Paris had been very nice, the show and dinner were excellent but the rest of the night had been positively confusing. After dinner they had popped back to the hotel to change, and Narcissa had decided to stay. This allowed Harry to take Daphne out and wander around the city. They ended up in a club, and Daphne was originally shocked by the provocative dance moves of the muggles. Then she had convinced him to dance and suddenly he had Daphne pressed against him, grinding to the music. At first Harry was nervous, he'd never danced this way before, but he finally let himself go, realizing that no one else in the club was watching them. Harry started to have fun and was brave enough to place a hand lightly on Daphne's hip. Eventually they both were tired of dancing and moved towards the bar, where Harry bought them both a few drinks. The slight buzz set in and both were feeling the alcohol when they returned to the dance floor. Daphne began dancing on Harry more suggestively, completely rubbing against him. They had stumbled back to their hotel not much later, hand in hand as they walked down the street. When they returned to the hotel Daphne kissed his cheek softly, pulling back to gaze into his eyes for a brief moment before going into her room. Harry had stood there in shock for a few moments before returning to his own room.
Harry didn't know how to feel. He was certainly attracted to Daphne, but then he thought you'd have to be a blind man not to be. He was beginning to think of her fondly, but it was more friendly than anything. There was still a lot of tension between the two of them due to their initial interactions. Harry was afraid to let her get too close; he was afraid she would lash out and use it against him. Not to mention that Harry really had no experience with girls. There was only his one failed dating experience with Cho Chang in fifth year and he didn't really count that, as well as his "relationship" with Ginny. Harry couldn't help but feel that he was being cheated. He wasn't given an opportunity to find someone that he truly cared about. He couldn't help but think that the only reason he was developing feelings for Daphne was because of the contract. He resolved to speak to Narcissa in the morning and forced himself to sleep.
Harry entered the seating area in the hotel suite and was pleased to see his aunt sitting there alone, sipping at her tea. He plopped down next to her and she immediately felt that something was wrong. "Harry, what's bothering you this morning? Did you not have fun last night?"
"It was fine. I'm just feeling very confused this morning."
"Is it that you think things are moving too quickly between you and Daphne?"
"Not really. Things aren't really changing between us, not that I want them too. She's very pretty and she will do justice to House of Potter as its Lady,"
"But you don't want her…" Narcissa interrupted slight shock evident on her features. Harry shook his head slowly, a blush working its way onto his face. "At least she is attractive, it could be worse when it comes to the begetting of heirs."
"I am thankful for that, be assured. I cannot imagine having to take someone to bed that I was completely repulsed by."
"What is the problem with Daphne then?"
"I just have no attraction to her. Not on the level of looks or personality. She is vindictive and untrustworthy."
"I'm surprised by you Harry. You have been seemingly getting along with her lately."
"Sure, I have begun to develop friendly feelings towards her. But that is mostly from the fact that our time has so forcibly been spent together. I do not trust her Aunt. She speaks and acts before she thinks, as her actions at my ball and the will reading prove. Those are not qualities that I'm searching for in a mate."
"At least you are becoming friends Harry. Even if it is a forced friendship, you will have that as the base for your marriage."
"While that is true Aunt, is it so wrong for me to desire more in my marriage? I barely know what love is, the hell that Dumbledore placed me in ensured that. I have begun to accept familial love, but I'm not sure that I will ever find romantic love. However, if I do, I know it shall not be with her. Did I not do enough for your people? Has my life not been terrible enough for the past seventeen years that I must be forced into this marriage with a woman I hardly regard as a friend?"
"Oh Harry," Narcissa choked out, tears welling in her eyes as she moved to embrace the young man. Harry stepped back, a slightly crazed look in his eyes. "Harry please, you know that all you deserve is happiness. But you can't stop this. Please try to find happiness with her."
"Did you know that I've only ever been on one true date? And it ended up being a giant disaster by the way. Sure Ginny and I had a relationship but it was more about snogging than anything else and I never truly had feelings for her. All I wanted was the opportunity to survive the war and celebrate by finding a beautiful young woman to make me forget. But I'm being controlled and manipulated again, just as I have been my entire life!"
"Harry please calm down." Narcissa begged, tears freely streaming down her face.
Harry took a few deep breaths. He stared down at his feet, "I'm sorry Aunt Cissy. I know that none of this is your fault. I just can't help but be resentful about it."
Narcissa approached Harry slowly, putting a hand out in front of her so he would know her intentions. When he didn't move away she embraced him, holding him to her bosom as a mother with her young child. "I know dear. It's not fair that fate has dealt you this life. But life isn't fair, and you have to make the best of it." Harry nodded, not moving away. "Take a few minutes and go cleanup for breakfast," she ordered gently. Harry gathered himself and walked back into his bedroom. Without turning around Narcissa said, "So how much did you hear?"
A surprised squeal was her only answer before Daphne reappeared to her left. "All of it. I entered when Harry said he didn't want me. I'm actually rather surprised he didn't notice me there."
"I think he was just distracted. Are you ok with everything he said?" she questioned, surreptitiously raising her wand in case she needed to stun the girl.
Daphne sighed and stared at the floor. "I was foolish to think that he could trust me so quickly due to my previous behavior. It's only been around a month since we've made any true progress towards liking each other. He's just such an amazing person I can't help but to have feelings for him. To treat me so well, when all I grew up expecting was to be the wife of a death eater, it's remarkable. Not to mention his ignoring the rights my father gave him."
"Then why do you treat him so terribly?" Narcissa questioned, disdain clear in her voice. "You acted as if the choice was yours to make, when you knew how much worse it could be."
"I knew nothing about Harry when I appeared in the bank that day. At least as the wife of a death eater my Slytherin mind would have been used and I would have been appreciated for my beauty!"
Narcissa regarded Daphne coldly, making the younger girl remember the Dowager Lady's previous life. "As you know I was that wife, the pretty, Slytherin, trophy wife of a death eater. Do you know why you would have been appreciated for your beauty? You would have been a bargaining tool for the Dark Lord. Occasionally he would desire the wives of his most loyal be sent to pleasure him. I will not even describe the hatred one feels for oneself when this occurs, but I will tell you that I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone."
Daphne shuddered and not for the first time thanked Merlin her life had turned out differently than she had always expected. "I apologize my lady, I spoke without thinking." She winced as Harry's earlier words about her tendency towards that behavior echoed in her mind.
"You need to work on that."
"Yes milady." Came the soft reply.
Narcissa sighed, she did not like the young girl, but Harry had no choice he had to marry her. She couldn't bear to see Harry so upset; his life had been hard enough already so she decided to give Daphne some advice. "I genuinely believe that you can make Harry happy. He isn't the type of man to be attracted to someone he simply doesn't care for, but he recognizes your beauty which means in time he can learn to. He has not had an easy life, and it is hard for him to believe he deserves love or anything good. You must show him that you can stand beside him through the hard times. You must listen when he commands, you must think before you speak, and respect him. I think if you do this, you two can fall in love."
"Isn't there anything he must do?"
"I daresay not, you are half in love with him already." Daphne turned bright red; she had been unaware that her feelings were that obvious. "He doesn't suspect anything so do not trouble yourself. It will be your job to start the relationship between the two of you. Show him that you can be happy together and he will sweep you off your feet in the most romantic way you can think of."
Daphne nodded, she knew that Harry wanted to be in love, to eventually have a big family. As of now she was the only option he had, and it was seemingly her duty to make him happy. The wizarding world hadn't been kind to their savior but she would be damned if he didn't get some sort of payback and enjoyment from part of it. Realizing that Narcissa was done with her morning lecture, Daphne sat down to have breakfast, trying to patiently wait for Harry's return.
The two women began eating in silence. However, being social creatures they soon began speaking about the opera they had seen the night before and some of the sights they still desired to see in Paris. When Harry reentered the room, it was to this picture of familial bliss. It warmed him to see Daphne getting along with his Aunt as it was important to him that his family approves of her, because whether he had chosen her or not she would be his wife. "Good morning Aunt, Daphne," he greeted, kissing each woman on the cheek in turn. He sat and joined them in eating.
"What are your plans for today Harry?" Narcissa questioned, her tone gentle, remembering Harry's earlier outburst.
"I figured that Daphne and I could go shopping today. I have several things I want to pick up, I haven't really had a chance to fill out my wardrobe with things befitting my status and Daphne must have things of equal status."
Narcissa nodded, his plan was definitely a solid one. She smirked glancing towards the blonde. "Have you ever been muggle shopping before Daphne?"
"No, father preferred us to be traditional and had our elves pick up anything we needed from the muggle world." She said, slight scorn evident in her tone.
"Prepare to be slightly overwhelmed today then. Muggle shops are slightly larger than Madame Malkins." She smirked looking towards Harry. "I hope you know what you're in for."
He laughed, and waited for Daphne to finish before standing to take their leave. He took a moment to appreciate how they looked together as they waited for the lift to take them to the cab waiting for them. Daphne was wearing black trousers, a deep plum blouse with sandals and a black satchel with a red scarf tied around the handle. Harry complimented Daphne, wearing a pair of dark narrow jeans, a black jacket over a crisp, white oxford, black loafers and aviators. Harry was glad that they were dressed appropriately for their muggle outing, but more importantly they would blend in. Harry ushered Daphne into a cab and directed the cabbie to a store called Mango.
Walking into the store Daphne was immediately amazed. The entire space was covered with racks of widely differing clothing options. Her mouth dropped when she saw an entire area of the store dedicated to shoes. In the wizarding world shoes had to be hand crafted, took days at a time, and were extremely expensive. She turned to Harry who just chuckled at her. "I'm setting a price limit for you at 500 galleons for this store. Keep in mind that a galleon is about eight of their euros."
"I don't even know where to begin." She admitted awe still evident in her voice.
Harry led her over to a young saleswoman. "Bonjour. C'est possible pour vous de prendre ses mensurations de ma petite amie?"i
"Bien sûr!" Turning to Daphne she asked, "Parlez-vous français?"
"Oui." Daphne answered, following the girl across the store to the fitting room to be measured. After a few moments Daphne returned and the two helped each other pick out clothing. Harry picked out a blazer, several pairs of jeans, a jumper and a few shirts. "Do you wish to try on one of the suits they have Harry?"
"No, I'm taking you to a much nicer store after this I promise."
"I like it here," she said with a small smile. She moved towards the woman's side of the store and began picking up anything that she thought might suit her. After some time she pulled Harry to the fitting area, although he chose not to try anything on, being familiar with muggle sizing. However, he wasn't complaining when Daphne began modeling her choices for him and asking his opinions. He saw how seriously she took his reactions on what she would wear and he greatly appreciated her respect. When she was done she had decided on three jumpers, five dresses, and four skirts, two pairs of trousers, three blouses, one satchel, and two pairs of shoes. Finally he was able to get her out of the shoe area and take her to the register. When the girl was finished ringing through their order the total came to over €1,100. Daphne flushed and was about to say something when Harry simply paid for their order. After they were outside the store her blush was still very evident. "Harry I'm so sorry for going over the limit you set for me. You didn't have to pay for everything; I could have cut things out."
Harry smiled down at her. "It was a combination of both of our things that resulted in the price and you were extremely under budget Daphne so don't worry. Total, our order was under 150 galleons."
Daphne was taken aback by the low price of the clothing they had just purchased. "Either way Harry, I am grateful for the things you have purchased for me, and for everything you've done for me. I fear I've been amiss in portraying my thanks to you and you must take me for an ingrate." Daphne flushed again and cast her eyes down in shame. It was impossible for her not to look upon her earlier behavior as deplorable when Harry had broken down so completely at breakfast and then treated her so well. Her eyes started watering and she resolutely stared at the ground. "I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through. You saved me from a life of terror and slavery and I thank you by treating you poorly. I know that I wasn't your choice for a wife but I promise that I'll strive to make your life a happy one."
Harry sighed, placing his hand under her chin and tilting it so he could meet her eyes. "You heard my conversation with my aunt this morning didn't you?" She nodded, tears leaking out of her eyes as she began to apologize. "It's not your fault. I was screaming rather loudly in a small hotel room." He reasoned with a self-deprecating chuckle. "Last night scared me Daphne. I've never been good at this kind of thing, and I really have no experience with it. But that's no reason to take it out on you. I know you've been trying lately and you've already changed for me. It's not fair to expect you to be perfect. I'm unhappy about being forced into a marriage but this was no more your choice than mine. We will make each other happy. We've had a good time today haven't we?"
"Indeed! I really enjoyed your help picking clothes out; I want to represent you well."
"And I was happy to see that you considered my opinions greatly, even if you didn't always agree with them. I don't want you to be a trophy Daphne, I want a partner. I hope that we can work together on things and always respect each other even when we don't agree. I'm sorry for being such a dragon to be around lately. I've never felt this way about anyone before Daphne, and it scares me. But I think we both deserve better don't we?" She studied his features intently, trying to decide the truth behind his words. She began shaking with silent sobs as she recognized his seriousness. "Will you allow me to truly court you Daphne?" He questioned gently.
AN: Here is the translation from the scene in Paris where they are speaking French. "Hello, is it possible for you to take my girlfriend's measurements?" "Of course! Do you speak French?" "Yes."
