AN: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I'm glad you all liked the last chapter. And for everyone who said that the story has happened really fast, I know it has, it's only been four days! But hopefully you will understand why it is so fast.
Exwindz- Harry and Astoria will probably not become the major pairing, the problem with this is that I don't know much about Astoria, and that she is only 13. I would have to wait a really long time to explore a relationship between her and Harry.
Ricky Leingod- I'm glad that you like the story so far, and that you find it intriguing. I'm also glad that you like the parings, and I will be trying to develop Harry/Astoria more. You have to wait and see what happens to Snape.
Anime Princess- Hermione doesn't understand the ways of the Wizarding Nobility, but don't worry she will learn. I know she was acting like a spoiled brat, but she just found out that the guy she is in love with has to marry two other girls, I'm sure we would all be upset. As for Daphne, the reasons for her attitudes will become clear.
Recap: "Not all of us are man-enough to do what it takes Sirius, and I guess you are an example of that." Harry said laughing as he ran down the hallway. "But come one, I have purchases I need to make. Wives expect jewelry I hear."
Harry got home that night and went straight up to Hermione's room. They hadn't had a chance to talk after they had left Neville's house and that had been several days ago. Knocking on the door he waited for her quiet, "Come in," before entering. He found her sitting on her bed surrounded by books. Her eyes were red from crying.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry asked, crossing the room to sit beside her.
"Everything is just happening so fast! You and I admitted our feelings to each other and then suddenly we were engaged and dealing with the fact that you are betrothed."
"I know Hermione, but I wanted to propose before forced to. I love you and wanted to get engaged on that basis."
"I love you too Harry, and I understand but it doesn't make it any easier. And do you have any idea what it's like dealing with the fact that you are betrothed?"
"Obviously I don't 'Mione, but I can't help it. I know that you weren't raised in this world, but neither was I. The customs are as foreign to me as they are to you. But this is the way things are and I know you can handle it."
"I've been reading up on the proper ways of Pureblood society. And I just don't understand it."
"What don't you understand?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment, and then looking down at her hands said, "All of the rules, especially the society ones. It's as if we've gone back to Victorian times!"
"Essentially we have. But Lady Greengrass promised to help you. And you aren't the smartest witch of our age for nothing. You'll get it darling. My mother managed quite well as Lady Potter."
"That is true. I'm sorry Harry. You've been going through all of this and I haven't been very supportive. It's just stressing me out so much and the thought of spending eight months not being able to talk to you is making it worse."
"You created the terms..." Harry said his shock evident. "You didn't have to make it that long. And you can talk to me there. How about we have tea every other day together?"
"That would be nice Harry. It will be nice to have the distraction. But don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm still reading up about the ways of the Wizarding World."
"Alright, well I have to get things prepared for tomorrow anyway. The Greengrasses will be here at nine in the morning followed by the Longbottom group at ten. Goodnight dear." Harry said, planting a small kiss on her check before leaving the room. He walked to his room to reread the letter from Lady Greengrass. It simply stated when to expect them along with the fact that she thought two of his elves along with two of hers should suffice. "Dobby," Harry called out.
With a loud crack Dobby appeared in from of Harry. "Dobby be pleased to be called in front of the Great Harry Potter sir. What Dobby can do for you?"
"Dobby, would you like to bond to me and serve the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter?"
Tears welled in Dobby's lamp-like eyes, "Dobby would be honored sir."
"As Lord Potter, Head of the House of Potter I bind the elf Dobby to my House to serve. So I mote it, so it be." There was a loud crack and dobby was clothed in a black uniform with the red crest of Potter on the breast. Dobby looked immensely pleased and Harry was glad to help the elf. "Dobby will you please ask Winky if she would like to join the House of Potter? I need another elf."
"Of course Master Potter. Dobby be going right now." With a loud crack Dobby was gone and Harry sat down to read his new defense book. Around ten minutes later two loud cracks were heard and dobby and Winky stood before Harry. "Winky I find myself in need of another elf and wanted to know if you would like to bond to me and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter?"
"But Winky is a bad elf sir. Winky be getting clothes."
"I don't think that you are a bad elf and would be more than happy for you to join me. "
"Then yes sir, Winky wants a family to serve."
"As Lord Potter, Head of the House of Potter I bind the elf Winky to my House to serve. So I mote it, so it be." With another loud crack, Winky was dressed in the uniform of the House of Potter. Both elves looked extremely pleased and could not wait to help Harry in any way possible. He explained the workings of the trunk, and explained how he would need their help. The two elves and Harry worked late into the night, making the trunk perfect for everyone who was coming to stay.
Sirus and Remus sat in the kitchen nursing cups of coffee waiting for all of their guests to arrive. For Sirius, this was a chance to redeem the House of Black in the eyes of the others. That in mind he had taken much time over the past few days to teach Harry the rules of society that he would need to know. Suddenly a thought hit him and he looked up at Remus in horror. "Moony, we didn't invite Hermione's parents because she wants to be able to learn more about the Wizarding World before telling them she is marrying a man who will have two other wives, but it means that she won't have her mother to chaperone her. She will undoubtedly be the only girl without her mother there, but she must have a chaperone."
"Well, we can always ask Minnie when she gets here. She is related to Harry, albeit rather distantly but she would do very well as a chaperone."
"We can ask her as soon as she arrives then."
"Ask me what gentlemen?" Professor McGonagall asked, walking into the kitchen.
"Good morning Minnie," Sirius said, smiling roguishly at his former professor. She simply rolled her eyes, too accustomed to the antics of the Marauders to get upset. "We wanted to know if you will act as Hermione's chaperone during the stay in the trunk? She didn't want her mum to come because of issues with the culture thing, but she still needs a chaperone."
"I would be delighted to be Miss Granger's chaperone. Do you have all of the teenagers' rooms connected to the chaperones?"
"Harry set up everything, but it is a magical trunk so I'm sure we can simply alter the way some things are when we are down there. I have schooled Harry in everything dealing with society so I am sure that he set it up correctly." The three adults sat down to finish eating breakfast and waited for everyone else to arrive.
At around 8:30, Harry came downstairs and entered the kitchen. "Good morning Professor McGonagall, Mr. Lupin, Lord Black. It is nice to see you again Professor."
"Good morning Lord Potter. Now I must inform you that we are rather distantly related but I have always viewed myself as your relative so you may refer to me as Grandmother instead of professor when it is appropriate."
"Then I must insister you call me Mr. Potter or Harry, Grandmother…Minnie," Harry said doing such a great impression his father's smirk that McGonagall could not help but laugh at his antics. Harry sat down to eat breakfast quickly before everyone else arrived. Sirius ran upstairs to find Hermione and fill her in on what had been decided.
A few minutes before nine everyone stood in the living room waiting for the Greengrasses to arrive. Lord Greengrass was the first to appear, and he was quickly followed by the rest of the family. "Mr. Lupin, thank you very much for inviting my family to your home."
"You are quite welcome Lord Greengrass. However, we shall actually be in Potter Manor once we are inside the trunk."
"Ah, Lord Potter, here are our house elves, Tippy and Stone." Lady Greengrass said, indicating the two elves next to her.
"Thank you Lady Greengrass for offering their help. I will have my elves assist them. Dobby, Winky," Harry called. With two loud cracks the elves appeared before him. "Please take Tippy and Stone to the trunk and show them to their masters' rooms. Help them anyway that you can."
"Yes master," the two elves replied. Then with another loud crack all four elves disappeared.
"Shall we all go have a spot of breakfast before the Longbottom clan arrives?" Sirius asked.
"We have already eaten Lord Black. I think that the girls are dying to see the inside of the trunk." Lord Greengrass said, causing his daughters to blush lightly.
"Well I'm afraid that none of us have been allowed to see it. It is Lord Potter's domain and he has arranged everything himself; with the help of the elves."
"Lord Potter, can we please go into the trunk? You don't have to activate the time spells until after the Longbottoms arrive. But I would very much like to see my room." Astoria said, smiling at Harry.
He simply smiled back and was about to reject her when Daphne said, "Please Lord Potter?"
"Certainly ladies. I will escort both of you down and into the trunk. Lord Black, please wait here for the rest of our guests to arrive. Simply shut the trunk when you are inside to start the time charm." When Sirius nodded he offered an arm to each of the Greengrass sisters and led them into the den. Opening the trunk he helped Astoria and Daphne climb inside before following them in. Lord and Lady Greengrass were right behind them. They walked down a grand staircase and found themselves standing in a great hall. "Welcome to the first floor of Potter Manor. The door on the left contains the ballroom, and the door on the right contains a room that I have rearranged for our lessons. If you follow me I will give you the rest of the tour." Harry began to lead the family down the hallway. "On the left is the dueling room, and on the right are the kitchens. This is not exactly how Potter Manor is arranged, but the kitchens were a necessary addition. We can stop here in the dining room."
The room was just beyond the kitchens, but was the first room that was not closed off from the hallway. Instead there was a large archway leading into the room. The walls were painted a deep blue and there was a massive wooden table in the center of the room. Silver dishes were laid out in front of all the seats, and the wooden curio on the wall held the remainder of the china. A giant gold chandelier hung over the table and gave a soft light to the entire room. The table had been expanded to be able to hold twenty people and was quite impressive with its size. Duly impressed the Greengrasses nodded for Harry to continue on.
Walking out of the dining room Harry led them onwards. "The rest of the rooms along the hallway are mostly the bedrooms. The last door on the left leads to a den where everyone can get together and relax. The last door on the right leads to a sort of 'outside' swimming pool. Although it is not really outdoors it gives the feeling of being outside and I figured we would all need that after being in here for a year. Don't worry about accidentally entering someone else's room because all of the common spaces have either open doorways like the dining room, or different doors. The doors leading outside are glass. Now here is your room," he said, opening a door on the left side of the hallway.
They all walked into a room that was reminiscent of the common rooms at Hogwarts. Harry had done the room in Slytherin colors because the entire family had been in that house, but he assured them that it could be redone if they wished. There were two long green couches that faced a roaring fireplace and several squishy green armchairs around the room. There were three doors along the walls of the common room and they led to the bedrooms. Harry informed the family that each bedroom had a private bath, and that the two girls would have to pick a room. The room in the middle had been designated for Lord and Lady Greengrass. Once Daphne and Astoria had decided which room would be theirs, the group went out to relax in the den.
Barely fifteen minutes later they heard Sirius calling out for Harry. "Lord Potter, the Longbottoms have arrived and we all require a tour." Harry ran down to the other end of the Hall and began to show everyone around, stopping at the doors along the way to deposit the families. Hannah Abbot and her mother, Susan Bones and her cousin, Parvati Patil and her mother, Hermione and Professor McGonagall, and Pansy Parkinson and her mother all had rooms similar to the Greengrass family room. Each had a common room and separate bedrooms and bathrooms for the ladies. Sirius, Remus, Harry, and Neville each had their own room and they were located on the right side of the hallway.
Once everyone had settled in they all met up in the den. As soon as Pansy saw Daphne and Astoria she visibly relaxed and went over to sit with them. Lady Parkinson likewise went to sit with Lady Greengrass, Lady Abbot, Mrs. Patil and Susan's cousin Miss Megan Bones. Harry was sitting on a couch with Sirius, Remus, Lord Greengrass and Neville while Hermione, Hannah, Susan and Parvati all sat together.
Professor McGonagall stood in the center of the room and when everyone was seated she said, "I'm sad to see that the houses are separated even in such an instance. But I hope that through your acceptance of your marriages you will be able to show a level of acceptance towards the other houses by the end of this year. I have created a schedule so that we will be able to go through your core class which you will need to pass your O.W.L.s. I am going to pass the schedule around to each of you, and we will begin tomorrow. Topics will be when you all will help each other learn what we cannot teach you such as Herbology, Ancient Runes, Arthimancy, and History. The schedule will be the same everyday with only the class at the beginning changing. Individual training is a time to work on whatever you need to work on. I know that on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays the ladies shall be expected in the Greengrass common room for training, and the gentlemen in the Potter common room for training. The other days may be used to work on whatever class work you are having problems with. You will be expected to help each other, but the professors are all here for you." She then walked over and sat with the other women. Harry grabbed a schedule and quickly read over it.
"Weekdays breakfast shall be served from 8-9, lunch from 12-1, and dinner from 6-7
Monday: Charms 9-12, Lunch, Topics 1-3, individual training 3-5, dinner
Tuesday: Transfiguration
Wednesday: Potions
Thursday: Healing
Friday: Defense"
Deciding that the schedule wasn't overtly terrible Harry turned his attention back to the room as he glanced around looking at the different groups of people. Noticing that the three Slytherins were not really talking but sitting in silence Harry decided he had to do something. "Neville, have you had a chance to talk to Pansy about everything?"
"Yes, we talked about the marriage and everything and she said that she was not exactly thrilled about it, but that it could be worse. Not exactly the most uplifting thing to hear, but in this situation I don't think I can expect much more."
"I think that you and I are really going to have to make the effort to get them involved with everyone else. The other girls won't talk to the Slytherins unless we strongly encourage it."
"I think you are right Harry, we should go over and talk to them."
The two boys got up and made towards the Slytherins. "Lady Parkinson, it is an honor to make your acquaintance," Harry said, bowing to the woman.
She smiled back at him and dropped a slight curtsey. "The honor is mine Lord Potter. Were you as shocked as my daughter and Lord Longbottom when you found out that they were engaged?"
"No ma'am. It is of course a wise move politically. Lord Longbottom and I are engaged to the finest witches at Hogwarts." Harry said, eliciting a smile from the three girls who were waiting to be acknowledged. "Lady Parkinson, with your permission may I formally meet your daughter?"
Startled she stared at Harry for a moment before saying, "Certainly Lord Potter. Lord Potter this is my daughter Miss Parkinson"
Harry bowed in front of Pansy and she curtsied as well. "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Parkinson. With your permission may I walk you around the room?" Pansy sated at him for a moment before nodding her agreement. Once they were out of hearing range of the others Harry said, "I'm sorry if the other girls are making you feel like you don't belong here. I think that they are all becoming accustomed to this as you surely are."
"I'm not so sure Lord Potter. I do not know most of the other girls, but I have never been kind to Miss Granger."
"Am I correct in my assumption that this has something to do with being a Slytherin?" Pansy looked away, but nodded slightly, confirming Harry's suspicions. "It cannot be easy for those of you in neutral families. I am deeply sorry for this, and I wish that there was something I could do. I want us to be able to be friends Miss Parkinson. I know that we have never gotten along at Hogwarts but I attribute that more to Malfoy than anything. You are to marry one of my friends, and I am to marry one of yours. So at least when it is proper I wish for you to call me Harry."
Pansy stared at him for a moment before smiling. "Of course Harry. And you should call me Pansy. When appropriate of course." The two walked the rest of the way around the room in a comfortable silence before he deposited her back on the couch with her friends.
Looking at the Greengrass sisters Harry asked, "Which one of you lovely ladies is first?"
The two girls stared at Harry for several minutes. Finally Astoria said, "My sister is." Daphne blushed lightly and looked down at her hands.
Harry smiled at her gently and said, "Miss Greengrass, will you walk with me?" Daphne stood and took Harry's arm. After walking for several minutes in strained silence Harry couldn't take it anymore. "You are more nervous today than you were previously."
"Yes, I suppose that I've realized all that is at stake. If I say no to you I resign myself to Nott and my sister to Malfoy. If I say yes to you then I resign my sister and I to death in Slytherin. I want to like you and agree to this marriage, but I don't want to go back to that…"
"What did they do to you?"
"I…I can't tell you just yet. I need to get to know you better and learn to trust you before I can tell you all about my past. I need to decide if you can help me."
"I understand. We know almost nothing about each other, but I can promise that I will help you, regardless of your answer. But how about this, go on a date with me tonight?"
"Alright…but what will we do? We cannot leave.'
"Leave that to me. I will come to your common room for you at quarter till six."
Hermione watched Harry deposit Daphne back on the couch and then walk out of the room with Lord Greengrass, Sirius and Remus. She watched as Neville said something to Pansy before following the other men. Hermione turned to the other girls and said, "I really think we should go talk to the Slytherins."
"We have been planning too." Hannah said. "They are to be our sister wives, and we grew up with them as our playmates."
Hermione looked shocked at this revelation and was quiet for several minutes. Then she asked, "And you are all ok with being in a Plural Marriage?"
"Why wouldn't we be?" Susan asked. "I have always known that I would be a lesser wife in a Plural Marriage. I will be Lady Bones upon my marriage."
"You have no problems with sharing a man?"
"That is a silly question. You have to accept the way things are. I want to marry Neville, and to do so I must accept that he will marry other women as well. We are not sharing him. He will be with the others only in private."
Hermione contemplated Susan's words and decided the other girl was right. Standing, she made her way over to the Slytherins and began talking to them. She quickly started to like Astoria, who was a third year and did not have the bitter, more solemn attitude of the older girls. Hermione quickly realized that the other girls were friends, having been trained from a young age what it meant to be an heiress to a Noble and Most Ancient House. She felt out of place as she attempted to get to know the others. She was unsure if she would be able to deal with this lifestyle.
AN: The end of yet another chapter. As I've been writing this I've become more and more unsure if Hermione should stay or if she should go? So please leave me a review giving me your thoughts on this. I have a plan either way, so I can fix it. So review with at least yes, for she stays, or no for she leaves.
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