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A special note goes out to all of you did review. Thank you for your encouragement as it really has kept me going with this fic.

Daphne was lost in thought during the entire train ride. Here she sat next to Harry Potter, who was the ultimate representation of what any young girl could possibly want. He was strikingly cute, with a well-toned athletic frame, thick raven locks and piercing green eyes. He was chivalrous and kind, but he was also terrible when crossed, as Draco Malfoy, Professor Snape and Ronald Weasely found out the hard way. He had a presence that radiated an air of power and authority, yet he never sought to place himself above others. He was brilliant and cunning. The list could go on forever.

Harry Potter was also the most frustrating individual she had ever met. No matter what she did, Daphne could never find a moment to be alone with him. He was always surrounded by people. Neville Longbottom and the Weasely Twins, hung on his every word. Then there were the witches. Daphne felt she had established a good connection with Harry on that day in the Alley, and after that her plan should have been simple, but she had quickly learned that she had competition in the form of Hermione Granger. Daphne was surprised at how familiar the young mudblood was with her Harry. Okay, so he isn't mine…yet. But he WILL be mine, so hence the possessive nature of my thoughts.

Then, there was Susan Bones. She was a quiet ginger witch. She might be beautiful one day, but she was so shy that Daphne had dismissed her, but not counted her completely out of the picture. Never underestimate the competition. Shy and quiet can lead to unknown possibilities.

Susan just followed the group around, participating when prompted, but rarely ever speaking, especially in Harry's presence. Daphne had noticed Susan shooting strange looks at Granger and herself, but she rarely made eye contact long enough for Daphne to get a good read on what these looks could mean.

The Patil Twins were almost transparent in their aims. Padma was quiet and reserved like Susan, but Parvati was the extrovert, so it was not a big shock that Padma was more of a introvert. Parvati or Pav, as Harry referred to her, found almost any excuse to touch Harry. She would constantly shift from being bold to being coy depending on the moment, which of course infuriated Daphne, as she had a difficult time classifying Pav's strategy.

Then it all came down to Harry. Harry was oblivious to the jockeying of position around him. He seemed to flirt with Daphne and Hermione the most, but he sometimes gave the others attention as well. Hermione had practically sewn herself to Harry's side since day one, but after the Halloween Troll and Flying Lesson incident she was never away from him at all, save to visit the loo or shower. The worst part of it was that Harry did not mind the company, so Daphne had been forced to regroup and "befriend" the bushy-haired bookworm. Daphne looked over Harry to notice that the mudblood had a quiet smirk of satisfaction on her face as she cuddled against Harry's side. Oh really? Well…two can play THAT game! Daphne had been content sitting next to Harry, and listening as he instructed the group how to continue the extra training over the Holidays, but when she noticed Granger's position, she decided to up the stakes a bit. When the ten minute announcement went up, Harry exited the compartment to allow the ladies to freshen up. Instead of staying with the group, she exited with him.

Harry raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Oh, Daphne. Are you not going to change?"

Daphne smiled and responded, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder, "I'm a Pureblood, Harry. Remember? We wear robes all the time."

Harry blushed, "Oh, right. Well, I realized just now that I haven't had an opportunity to ask you a few important questions. I'd like to remedy that." Oh? Questions? Would any of them happen to be about being madly in love with me?

Daphne blushed at her last thought and nervously let out a breath before asking, "What may I do for you, Harry?" A kiss perhaps?

Harry ran his fingers through his hair and replied, "I've never had a real Christmas before, so would it be too presumptuous of me to beg an invite from your family to visit some time during the Holidays? I would like to speak with your father about a few things, plus I would love to meet your family and get a chance to see your home, as long as it is acceptable. Can you owl me their answer?"

Daphne was overwhelmed by the prospect of having Harry to herself for even a few moments so her response was a slight giggle before planting a peck on the cheek. She blushed and responded, "Daddy wanted me to invite you, so we would be honored to welcome you to our home."

Harry touched his cheek and grinned, "Thanks, Daph! I can't wait to see your home! Owl me with the time and date and I'll be there!"

Daphne responded, before turning and re-entering the compartment, "Alright! I'll do just that! Thanks for accepting."

Granger looked at her with a raised brow, inquiring about the stupid grin on Daphne's face. Daphne responded by gushing excitingly, "Harry just agreed to a visit during the holidays!"

Hermione seemed to bristle slightly at the news, and her tone took on a forced cheerfulness as she replied, "Oh, that's good. He's actually spending the holidays with my family, since my mum and dad wanted to catch up. They haven't seen him in a few years, and when I wrote them about everything, mum told me to forward him and invite, since he would be stuck in a drafty old castle, alone. Sad really." The last bit was added with a slight smirk, to which Daphne had to choke down her grimace. Argh! She'll be getting alone time with him and all I get is an afternoon and possibly evening meal?

Daphne put on her best mask of indifference as she replied, "Well, I'm glad he will get a chance to celebrate a real holiday. I mean, it's tragic what those awful muggles put him through. I was actually shocked when he told me about his past. I'm thrilled that he approached me about visiting my family though. Our families have traditionally been allies in business and being the Lord Potter I'm certain he wants to speak with daddy about cementing a few arrangements." Let's see if she takes the bait…

Hermione raised a brow in response asking, "Arrangements? Why would he need to meet with your father about cementing arrangements that have apparently been in place for generations?"

Daphne smiled as she explained, "Well, my family is not openly allied with the Potters, but we have had a few trade partnerships under the table. It is not uncommon for Heads of Houses to meet with one another to discuss making a more formal agreement. Those agreements are usually cemented by pledging support through certain social protections. One method is for a lesser house to swear fealty, thus affording it the protection of the more powerful house. My father would not do such a thing lightly as it would also put a target on my younger sister for other darker families to try to pressure Harry through harming my family. The second option is to offer blood protection. This would be achieved through a formal betrothal contract between children of the two Houses. Blood protection would transfer the same level of power used in the wards of one family to the other, making them equally protected from harm. Since Harry is Lord, and has no children, such a betrothal would be negotiated between himself and either my sister or me in the case of our House."

Hermione angered at this statement and looked directly at Daphne, her aura flaring as she spoke, "Daphne, I understand that you have designs on Harry. I mean, I don't blame you for fancying him. I got the feeling that you were jealous of me on the Express back in September, but as time progressed, you seemed to be more amiable to be my friend. I know Harry sees you as a friend as well, so I have not been hostile toward you out of my respect for him. However, I want to make something perfectly clear to you: Harry James Potter is my best friend. We have a connection that you would never understand! He is not ready to date girls as of yet, but when he is, I will be the one he chooses! He is everything to me and I will not allow you or any other witch to try to steal him from me! I mean to marry him one day, so unless you wish to fight me for him, you had best understand that being a close friend is the best you can hope for! He is mine so back off!" Oh, so the claws come out now? Well, well, well….

Daphne felt the energized air swirling around her as she responded, "Well, Granger. Let me explain to you something. That decision is not yours to make. Harry is free to choose whomever he wishes. Until he either begins to court someone or agrees to a betrothal, all is fair! Harry is from the wealthiest and most respected family in Magical Britain, and he will need someone to help him navigate the rough waters of Pureblood society. He is intelligent, so do you honestly believe that he will choose a mu-muggleborn such as yourself, or do you think he might want a true Lady at his side, one with a strong background in society and political savvy? I think you are delusional if you think he would choose you to be his Lady, when I am clearly the better choice!"

Hermione snorted as she answered, "Please! As if I couldn't research the proper protocols and guide him. My family is well-off in the muggle world, Daphne and upper crust societies most likely do not differ so much that I could not navigate the waters just as effectively given a chance to study the nuances. I am, after all, the same Hermione Granger that has the highest marks in our year plus you are forgetting my eidetic memory. Not to mention that as Harry's first and closest friend I am poised in the position to be the first witch whom he will notice. Once he does, do you honestly believe I will not capitalize on the opportunity and after doing so that I would be so utterly dim as to let him turn away? I would sooner die!" Hermione and Daphne were face-to-face each one breathing heavily and clearly prepared to draw her wand at this point.

Just then the door opened and Harry came in his msile faltering as he took stock of the sight before him, "Ladies! What seems to be the issue here? I leave you alone for a few moments and I walk in on some sort of confrontation? 'Mione? What is wrong?"

Hermione responded, "Nothing important, Harry. Daphne and I just got into a heated discussion about the cultural differences between our societies. I'm sorry I let it get out of hand, Daphne."

Daphne felt ashamed of how close she had come to losing her temper with the mudblood, but she was NOT about to let Granger win this game, so she smiled and responded, "Yes, I accept your apology and offer mine in exchange. My mother has been training me in Pureblood society since birth, so I am quite passionate about some of our traditions. When Hermione referred to our society as quaint and archaic, I almost lost my temper, but I understand her perspective better as I am sure she now does mine. What you just witnessed was a result of our stubborn pride clashing. We're fine now, right Hermione?"

As Hermione tried to answer, the train came to a halt as it had reached the platform at King's Cross Station. Harry gave Daphne a quick hug as he responded, "Well good! It wouldn't do to have my two best friends fighting, now would it? I am happy it was all a misunderstanding, Daph!" Merlin, he feels divine!

He then released her and responded, "Well, let's head out, because we have now arrived. 'Mione and I have to get going so owl me, Daph and let me know when I am supposed to visit, alright?"

Daphne smiled before leaning in and kissing him on the cheek and saying, "Sure Harry! I'll be seeing you soon!" The group made their way to the platform and Daphne saw her parents and sister were waiting. She cheerfully greeted her family, "Mother, Father, Astoria these are my housemates, Lord Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Lord Harry, Hermione these are my parents Lord Adrian and Lady Vivian Greengrass and my sister Astoria." Harry formally bowed in acknowledgement, while Hermione stood close by his side. Daphne blushed slightly as her mother spoke, "Ah, Lord Potter it is an honor to finally meet you. I trust your re-entry into our world has been a pleasant experience so far? Daphne has told me so much about you. I hope you agreed to accept our invitation to visit our home during the holiday, because we would be delighted to have you as our guest. You are welcome anytime, Lord Potter."

Harry responded, "Lady Greengrass, it is I who am honored by your husband's and your generous offer, and I would be delighted to accept your hospitality. Perhaps, we could make arrangements to meet on Boxing Day? I am staying with the Granger family as I have yet had the time to secure my properties, having been at Hogwarts and all. This term has been an interesting one to say the least, but I look forward to getting better acquainted with your family, as I count Daphne as one of my closest friends."

In response, Daphne's father produced his wand, to which Daphne noticed that Harry tensed slightly, altering his stance in preparation of a possible defense. This action did not fail to be noticed by her father who quickly responded, "Lord Potter, relax. I mean you nor your friend any harm. I, as Lord Greengrass, greet you and reaffirm all previous obligations and alliances between our Houses and bid you welcome to my confidence. I further grant you access to my home. I shall send an owl to confirm the time of your proposed visit. So mote it be!" There was a brief flash of energy before her father added, "Now that the formalities have been concluded, I insist you call me Adrian and my wife Vivian. It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance again, Lord Potter and I wish you a Happy Christmas. I am afraid we must be going now, so I bid you farewell."

Daphne once again smiled and waved as she followed her family to the apparition point and in moments was once again home. She could not wait for Harry to join her family on Boxing Day!

-oOooOOooOo-

Hermione was still incensed about hers and Daphne's confrontation aboard the train, but as soon as Daphne left with her family, Harry turned to her and smiled. He took her hand and pulled close in an embrace before saying, ""Mione, you do realize that I accepted that invitation because I believe that keeping my family alliances will benefit me in the future? I know that you and Daphne are not exactly friends, but through my friendship with her I will be better able to protect my family. I like Daphne is a good person at heart, and a good friend to have, but she is not you. You are my best friend above all others. You stood by me when it almost cost you your dignity and your safety. You cared about me even when I was not able to stay in contact. That means more to me than you will ever know."

Hermione blushed and her eyes began tearing at Harry's words. She pressed her head against his chest as she hugged him close and answered, "Oh Harry! You are my best friend too. You cared enough to risk your life for me twice. If you hadn't found me on Halloween, I would have been destroyed by that troll! Had you not been quick to act, I would have suffered injury or worse on the Quidditch pitch that morning during our first flying lessons! I shudder to think what your cousin would have done if you hadn't stood up to him that day when we first met. You really are someone special Harry and I feel privileged to be your friend."

Harry smiled and she lost herself in his embrace for a moment reveling in the warmth of his touch and the wonderful smell that she could only associate with him. They broke apart when he mentioned, "'Mione, we should probably get going now. Your parents are waiting on the other side of the platform, and it would be rude of us to keep them waiting much longer."

They made their way back through the barrier at Platform 9 ¾ and entered Muggle London, hand-in-hand.

-oOooOOooOo-

Harry was nervous to say the least as Hermione waved at her parents. Her mother was a strikingly beautiful woman in her early thirties. Her clothing was of good quality and she was well-kempt. Her eyes were the same cinnamon brown as her daughter's though her hair was blonde. She was about the same height as Harry, with a trim figure. She smiled warmly as she approached the young duo as she called out, "Hermione! There you are! Ah, and you must be Harry. Hermione has told me so much about you. We are glad that you accepted our invitation to stay with us this holiday."

Harry responded formally, "Yes, Mrs. Granger. Thank you for inviting me. I had nowhere to stay so it is generous of you to allow me to stay with your family. I must say that you look absolutely smashing. I would have never guessed you were old enough to have a daughter Hermione's age, ma'am."

Hermione's father approached and Harry saw he too was dressed in fine clothing, a charcoal gray suit and sport coat. He was built like a rugby player and had short brown hair and blue eyes. Harry could see the intelligence of Mr. Granger shine from his eyes much as Harry could see the same from Mrs. Granger. Mr. Granger greeted Hermione with a warm smile, "Hello, Princess! It's nice to have you back, and Harry it's nice to meet you as well. I'm Dan and this is my wife Emma. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of Hermione. I understand that there have been a few tense moments, son? Let's go load the car and you can tell me all about your year."

Harry responded, "Well, Mr. Granger, it really has been no trouble at all. Hermione is my best friend and I would never allow anything to harm her. I appreciate you allowing me to spend the holidays with you and your family, sir."

Mrs. Granger smiled and responded, "Oh Harry, you are such a gentleman, but please call us Dan and Emma, please. Using formalities makes me feel old."

They made their way to a black Mercedes four door sedan. Harry had enlarged the trunks before placing them in the boot. Dan and he opened the doors for the ladies and then after making sure Hermione was safely buckled in, Harry closed the door and went around to the other side. He joined her in the backseat and she grinned at him in excitement. They drove for a while until they arrived in a more affluent part of Little Whining than the Dursleys had lived in. Harry passed the time listening to Hermione discuss the wonderful things she had encountered while away at Hogwarts. Her parents occasionally asked Harry for his opinion on certain matters and the conversation made him feel good. He felt like he was a part of a family for a change. They finally pulled up to a private gate and the car approached a rather spacious estate home. It was a two story country manor, with large trees spanning the grounds, their branches bare from the winter season and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground.

A butler met them at the driveway, and took their trunks inside while they made their way to the sitting room. Emma sat as the butler returned with an array of finger sandwiches and sodas for the two children and a glass of white wine for Emma and a brandy for Dan. Dan sat in a comfortable looking recliner chair, while his wife sat on the sofa next to Hermione and Harry. Harry was explaining the rules of Quidditch to him and Hermione was explaining magical theory to her mother. "You see, Dan. The seeker, the position I play, spends the match competing with the opposing seeker for possession of a tiny flying ball that is wickedly fast and nearly impossible to spot and catch. They also have to dodge the opposing team's bludgers. The beaters use small bats, to hit five kilo padded steel balls which are charmed to float. The bludgers are used to strike opposing players and distract them from their objectives. The chasers pass another ball called a quaffle which is much the same as a football. On each end of the pitch there are three hoops in the air which the keeper defends. The chasers attack and defend depending on which team has possession of the quaffle. Everytime a chaser successfully tosses the quaffle through the opposite hoop, they score ten points. When the seeker catches the snitch he or she scores one hundred and fifty points and the game ends automatically. The team with the highest score wins the match, but the game is not over until the snitch has been caught. We haven't actually held a match yet, but I seem to have a knack for catching the snitch rather quickly, so we hope to bring home the Quidditch Cup this year."

Dan listened to Harry's explanation and responded, "So I take it to be a first year and be a started on the House team makes you a rather accomplished flier then?"

Hermione chimed in, "Well, Daddy since Harry is the youngest seeker in over two centuries to play for a House team, I should think so. If you gentleman are finished with your sports talk, mum wanted to know if you would like to order in tonight."

Dan answered with a tender smile, "Of course, Pumpkin, how about we order pizza tonight? I could go for a sausage and mushroom, how about you Harry?"

Harry blushed as his stomach growled loudly as if mentioning food reminded it to complain. He answered, "Sure, 'Mione. I agree. Pizza would be wonderful. Do they have sesame breadsticks as well?"

Hermione grinned as she answered, "Of course they do, silly! Antonio's is the best!"

Emma spoke up, "I'll tell Nigel to give them a ring. Hermione, can you show Harry to the guest room, please? I need to discuss a few arrangements with your father."

Hermione grabbed him by the hand and showed him upstairs. Harry had been noticing Hermione was much more "touchy" since the ride on the train. He also had begun to notice that her touch was making him feel a strange pulse of energy each time. He was suddenly nervous as they made their way to the room he would be staying in. The hall was hardwood with a runner through the center. The walls were decorated with photographs of Hermione and certain paintings of various still art and landscapes. There were shelves that contained a few potted plants, odd brick-a-brack, and various books. At the end of the hall was a wide window that allowed the sunshine to bather the corridor in its light. The walls were a muted sky blue with white trim and the interior doors were a walnut brown. Harry's room was huge! It had a medium desk, a chest-of-drawers and a rather large canopy bed. The walls were a soft cream, and the furnishings were much the same as the hall. There was a large en-suite loo that was marble and tile.

Harry was about to remark on it when Hermione brought him close to her in a huge hug. He felt the world freeze as their eyes met. He was grinning a goofy grin when their lips met in a sweet kiss. It was not some passion-filled snog, but a gentle brushing of their lips. Her lips were soft and tasted sweeter than honey. Unbeknownst to them, a soft glow surrounded them as they softly kissed. Hours, minutes, days passed as they were lost in the moment of the first kiss.

Harry finally broke from his trance and reveled in the afterglow. Hermione broke the silence, "I know we are so very young, Harry, but I can't help it. I feel this deep connection to you. I'm certain that I will be your wife one day and whenever I think about that it just seems so right. We belong together and I hope you feel the same."

Harry grinned sheepishly as he responded, "'Mione, I am only eleven, but I know that somehow you are probably right, I mean you are the brightest witch of our age and all…. I have not known much love or compassion through my life, but I cannot imagine it without you by my side. I would be honored to be your boyfriend, but I feel I must disclose a few things first. Please know that I was not trying to be dishonest with you, I just did not want to worry you with needless details of something which I have no intentions of allowing."

Hermione looked at him nervously, chewing on her bottom lip in anticipation before responding, "Harry, I trust you. Please continue."

Harry sat her on the edge of the ottoman as he took her hand in his and knelt to her level. He began, "While at Gringots I had my parents' will executed and found I was the heir to many Houses, not just one. While reviewing the various funds and paperwork, I found I was contracted in marriage to a few witches. I am currently looking to end them all, but I have yet to receive word from my solicitor. If I am unable to break them, I am responsible for three contracts. I must provide an heir for each House, but I am obligated to marry only if contracted. That would mean four witches including you are tied to my Houses. If I am unable to break these contracts, I will make you Lady Potter one day. I will find a way to provide the heirs to each contract, but I will not marry them."

Hermione was in shock, but quickly recovered as she answered, "Harry, contract marriages are illegal in the British Empire, and I am fairly certain that if we look into the law, the Queen's law still supersedes all others. You are going to be mine and only mine! Who may I ask are these young ladies you found contracts for?"

Harry answered, "Well…They are for the House of Bones, Weasely and…."

Hermione paled at the news but urged him to continue. She put on a fake smile and prompted, "…and?"

Harry mumbled, "Greengrass."

Hermione exploded, "Oh, so that explains it. She was probably having a good laugh at my expense when I spoke of marrying you! You will NOT be honoring that contract, Harry! I will not share you, especially not with HER!"

Merlin! What have I gotten myself into now?