Harry and the Marriage Contract Chapter 2, a harry potter fanfic

I hope you find this story fun to read as I have writing it. J.K. Rowling owns it all and I am just one of millions of fans that find Harry and friends very fun to read and write about.

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Harry looked very mischievously at Hermione and replied, "I think it is time to shake things up at Hogwarts. I think it is about time to see if a Gryffindor and Slytherin can make it as a couple. I am going to wait until the week is done then ask Daphne for a study date. I also think it about time for you 'my big sister' to spread her wings. I saw a couple of Ravenclaws looking you over."

"Honestly Harry!" Hermione replied with the slightest of smiles.

The beginning of term started out quietly even though there of plenty of stares and finger pointing when Harry entered rooms. On first Sunday after the term started Harry decided to take his legendary courage through a new test.

Upon entering the great hall he walked over to the Slytherin table to where Daphne Greengrass sat. "Daphne after breakfast do you a few moments so I can talk to you?"

Daphne gave Harry a long look then replied rather sarcastically, "What is it about Potter?"

"First the name is Harry, second it is sort of personal and I would prefer to discuss it in private." Harry replied feel his anger increase.

Daphne gave him a small smile and replied, "You are too easy. I'm just teasing you. I'd be happy to me with you after breakfast. I'll wait for you outside the great hall."

Harry left to go back to Gryffindor shaking his and laughing. The whole hall was watching Harry talk to Daphne. He almost reached his seat when he heard a snide comment. "Talking to the bloody snakes, you think he would have more loyalty than that." Harry knew the comment cam from Ron but chose to keep it quiet for the moment. Harry sat down across from Hermione and next to Neville. He leaned over and whispered loud enough for all the people sitting around him could hear. "Just because the bloody git can't catch a cold much less a girl, he thinks it his right to rip on someone else."

Everyone around him laughed and looked at Ron. Ron realizing the joke was on him became very angry and stood up to hex Harry. Harry was ready for the and when Ron stood up he found himself dressed pink colored tights with a tutu. The whole hall broke out laughing as Ron ran from the hall.

Hermione looked sternly at Harry then said, "Harry as Head Boy you should be not feeding into his behavior. Next time take away points or give him a detention."

"I know Hermione but he's been saying things all week and I have been trying to ignore it. I'm just tired of his jealousness and bitterness" Harry feeling suddenly deflated.

"I know it hurts to lose someone you considered as a brother, but be the bigger person. If he continues then report him to Professor Spaeth our new head of Gryffindor or Headmistress McGonagall. They'll know why you can't dish out punishment fairly when it concerns him." Hermione said sympathetically.

"Alright I'll try. Right now I have to meet with Daphne. I'll see you in our common room." Harry replied more brightly.

Harry made his way out of the great hall and walked over to Daphne who was talking to a few of her friends. She said goodbye and turned to talk to Harry. They made their way to an empty classroom room where Harry put up some privacy charms.

Daphne was the first to speak as he finished. "So what do you want to talk to me about that couldn't be said in front of the others?" She said in a condescending voice.

Harry took a deep breathe and thought for a moment if he truly wanted this. "Daphne you or your father filled out a betrothal contract for the possibility for us to be married. I was just wondering if you would like to get together to see if that may be a possibility?" Harry answered sound somewhat exasperated.

Daphne's eyes went wide and looked totally shocked. She knew her father sent the contract but figured he would have hundreds of offers and thought she would have no chance. She just forgot about it. She was interrupted in thought when she heard Harry say. "Daphne….Hello Daphne" Harry said smiling.

Daphne blinked and answered, "Huh…why me Harry? I'm sure you have at least a hundred offers."

Harry mumbled, "More like a thousand." He looked at her and replied, "I had some people who are very close to me help go through all the contracts. We blacked out all the names and possible characteristics so we could possibly match me with someone that we feel I could have a lasting relationship with. You are one of four that everyone agreed upon." He stated matter of fact.

"A thousand contracts? Wow, I would be honored to see if this can go any further." Daphne replied now smiling.

"Great, what do you have going on Wednesday? I thought we could have a study date. We could either do it in your common room or mine. It is your choice." Harry said looking at Daphne and smiling.

"Are you sure you want to come to our common room? There are some that still dislike you and may cause problems." Daphne said looking surprised.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Snape, Malfoy and his goons are gone so I really have no issues with anyone else in your house. I just thought it would be a good gesture to help bring Slytherin back in the fold with all the other houses. Beside, no one else is aware, but the sorting hat wanted to put me into Slytherin, but I asked it not to. The reason for this is the first kid I ever met in the magical world was Malfoy. He put down Hagrid when we were getting fitted for school robes, then put down Ron right before we got sorted. So I knew I didn't want to be in any house he was in. When I saw him get sorted into Slytherin I asked not to be put in there and ended up in Gryffindor."

Daphne gave Harry a smile that could melt his heart and said, "Why don't we use your common room for the first date, then we can feel out my housemates."

"Sounds great, let's say 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday then. Do you know where the Heads common room is?" asked Harry. Daphne just nodded her head yes. The two went their separate way.

As the school year progressed Harry and Hermione found themselves reaching out to other houses. They both wanted to make the best out of their 7th year. With Harry seeing Daphne he soon became friends with Tracy Davis and Blaise Zabini. Hermione became friend with a group of Ravenclaws like Katie Ruetten, and Jon Peeters. It seemed Hermione was getting very close to Jon as the year progressed. Harry and Hermione remained friend with people that were in the DA. Luna, Neville, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and other members of the quiddich team. He would meet with the 'Grandma Minerva" on Sunday afternoons for tea to talk. This year was turning out to be the best experience of Harry's 7 years at Hogwarts. Daphne and him would meet several times a week to either study, talk, or take walks on the grounds. They went to the first Hogmeade trip together and found it very enjoyable.

As November approached Harry thought being with Daphne was going quite well until he entered his common room. Harry saw Hermione talking to Minerva. Both had concerned looks on their face that made his heart jump to his throat. "Hi you two, why the long faces?" asked Harry.

"Harry sit down, we have some disturbing news that you better hear about." said Minerva.

Hermione looked a Minerva, then back to Harry and said, "I have something to tell you. Harry there has been many rumors going around about Daphne. Well, I chose to ignore them at first because of the sources they were coming from. Recently, they have been coming from more reliable sources. I asked Minerva to keep her ears open to this also. Well, the reason to bring this to your attention now is the latest one came from Tracy Davis. You know Daphne considers Tracy her best friend. What Daphne has been saying is once you and she are married ½ of your fortune will be hers and that France was a good place to live while spending your fortune. Daphne plans to leave you almost as soon as the marriage is done."

"I have heard many of the same stories as the staff has relayed them to me." Minerva said. "Has Daphne been bringing up the marriage contract lately?" She continued.

Harry looked very surprised and said, "Now that you mention it, she has been hinting that I should sign the contract sooner than later, because we would have time to plan the wedding. I guess she's having a harder time keeping up her act and wants to get to me before this was found out." "Do you know why Tracy came forward with this now?" asked Harry.

"What she told me was that ever since you came to the Slytherin common everyone seems to at least respect you. That's why she was not afraid to bring this to our attention." Hermione replied.

Harry had his head down and ran his hands through his hair. He looked up and spoke, "I really appreciate you coming to me about this. Even though I was not 100% sure of Daphne, the act is very convincing. I will talk to her tomorrow. I won't give the true reason why I'm breaking up with her, just that it won't work out. I'll tell her there's just no spark."

Harry got up and gave the two women a hug and thanks again. He then went to his room. A little while later Hermione came into his room.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Hermione quietly.

"Sure come on in." Harry said not sounding upset at all. "So…1st I have a group of jealous brothers threaten me, then a gold digger looking for a free ride. What will the next be like?" Harry said with a smirk.

"It's already November and I have no idea where to go next. Susan and Padma are still on the list. Do I continue with the list or just wing and play the field. The first girl that let me do more than snog is the winner." He continued.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER!! How could you say something like that. I am very tempted to talk to your grandmother about what you said." Hermione yelled looking at Harry sternly.

"Hermione settle down. You know I'm not like that. This is getting very old and if I want any kind of family or happiness in the future I have to find someone that wants me for me. How is that going to be possible?" Harry asked very downtrodden.

"Why don't you talk to Daphne and let me think about it. You know the list was fairly accurate. You did fit well with both of them, but unusual circumstances prevented you from getting closer to them. The time you did spend with them was fun right?" Hermione asked.

"Your right, I did have fun." Harry said. The next day Harry broke up with Daphne. She surprisingly took it very well and both went their separate ways.

FYI - I'm not sure if this is going to be a Harry/Susan ending, so stayed tuned.