Disclaimer: JKR owns all things Harry Potter…I just swim in her pool : )

AN: I thank all my readers, who make me feel special. Please help me out with

the reviews. It really makes my day.

Without much further ado….

Harry awoke in the morning and met Hermione for morning excercises. The couple worked on some of their advanced spell work, katas and dueling strategies both hand-to-hand and magical. As they finished with the last of their excercises, they got caught up in the rush of hormones and Harry found himself kissing Hermione yet again, their bodies clinging as if neither one could get close enough to the other. Before anything serious could occur, Harry broke away as they both needed to cool down. He immediately focused on his occulmency and meditation techniques to calm his emotions.

Hermione, still huffing and flushed from both the excercises and the intense snogging uttered breathlessly, "Wow. That was-just wow! We should…go back inside…showers and what not."

Harry grinned like a fool, "Er-of course 'Mione…yeah…showers. Since I have to head to Daph's and all."

Hermione immediately tensed before taking a deep breath and exhaling noisily, "Right. I almost forgot. Do you really have to go?"

Harry frowned as he looked into her eyes, "I thought we were moving past all that, 'Mione."

Hermione huffed before answering, "I know. I really am trying, but it is so hard. You must give me some leeway, however. It isn't everyday that a girl finds out her boyfriend may have to marry her rival, and possibly a few others and if she wants to be with him that she has to take it all in stride, you know. I may be mature for my age, but I am only twelve."

Harry responded, "I know that, 'Mione! I truly do wish things could be different, because out of everyone in my life, you are foremost. I hate what this is doing to you and it really is my fault!"

Hermione smacked him on the arm, her irritation showing, "Stop that this instant, Harry James Potter! You never asked for any of this! I'm very sorry I am so much difficulty with accepting it, but I really do love you and if I have to make do with it, then I will! You are worth it! Every last bloody bit of it! No noble self-sacrificing will be tolerated, do you hear me?"

Harry responded playfully with a sarcastic salute, "Yes, Mum!"

Hermione just rolled her eyes and huffed, "Honestly Harry!"

Harry looked at her with a mock-puppy face, "But you look so cute when you get mad!"

She shoved him playfully, "Go get that shower before I show you how 'cute' I can really be, you prat!"

Harry showered, transfigured his dress robes, complete with family crest and ceremonial rapier at his side, before phasing away to Greengrass Manor. He paused outside the wards, and used his psionic abilities to mimic entering via floo.

He was immediately greeted by a tall, older wizard, whom he recognized as Daphne's father, "Ah, Lord Potter! Welcome to Greengrass Manor! We are pleased you accepted our invitation."

Along with Daphne and younger witch with blonde hair and pale blue eyes, a stunning witch with jet black hair and Daphne's ice blue eyes entered the room as Harry took Daphne's father's offered hand and shook it with a firm grasp. "I really appreciate the opportunity to visit your lovely home and am looking forward to what I hope to be the first of many visits. And who might I inquire is this stunning young lady before me? I had no idea that Miss Greengrass had a sibling that was slightly older than her."

Adrian Greengrass chuckled as the witch blushed, "Oh you are good milord! Older sibling? This is the Lady Greengrass, my stunning wife, Vivian. I also have a younger daughter named Astoria, who will begin at Hogwarts at the start of fall term. Of course you know, my Daphne from school."

Harry winked at Daphne before responded, "Of course, milord. How could I ever forget a young witch of such a stunningly gorgeous countenance such as Miss Daphne Greengrass? As we are now introduced, I, of couse, am Lord Harry James Potter. I look forward to my visit, today. I also insist you all call me Harry. I reserve the use of my titles of office for my enemies and those who I do not know how to classify. As your daughter is one of my closest companions, I choose count her family as friends."

Adrian smiled warmly as he responded, "That is wonderful news to my ears, Harry. Please allow me to extend the same sentiments to you. Please call me Adrian, and my wife Vivian. Iam certain you call my daughter Daphne by now, and this her younger sister Astoria, whom we all call Stori. Daphne, princess, would you mind it terribly if your mother, you and your sister could escort Harry about the manor whilst I attend to a few business details?"

Daphne politely grinned, pratically yelling over her shoulder as she excitedly jerked Harry toward the doorway of the study, "Certainly, Father! Let's go, Harry!"

Harry was meanwhile fighting an inner battle. He kept wondering how he could love Hermione so deeply, yet still have certain feelings developing between himself and other witches. He found himself more drawn to Daphne with each passing moment, but his whole world still felt as if it revolved around Hermione. He found himself chasing Daphne about the small garden behind the rear terrace behind the kitchens. He was laughing and so was she, and Astoria kept trying to embarrass the young friends.

Finally, Vivian called Astoria to attend to something or other and the two were left alone. Harry was torn between the excitement of being alone with a young pretty witch and apprehension for the very same reason. He used his occlumency skills to control his emotions and began to relax as Daphne asked him to sit beside her on the stone bench.

He took a seat beside her, mindful of her proximity and the light scent of roses and delicate flowers wafting off of Daphne's alabaster skin. The light breeze lent a stiff bite to the winter air as it ghosted over the glisteing snow. Harry unfastened his coat and secured it about Daphne's shoulders as she carefully leaned into his side and tilted her face to look into his eyes, her ice blue orbs full of a fire of their own, as she sliiped her slender arms around his neck and pulled him into a tender kiss. Harry sat petrified in shock for a brief instant before he backed away in a mild panic, "Daphne, what was THAT? I mean it was rather delightful and all, but I don't think it wise if we were to…"

Daphne blushed before responding, "Harry, I just…well, I mean…I think you may be well aware of how I feel about you, milord. I believe you may have just realized that you have, at least on some level, certain feelings for me as well. I understand that you might feel mildly confused, especially given how obviously strong you feel about Gr-Hermione. Even an idiot can see you two have something none of us can imagine, but for once I wanted to pretend it was me. Please tell me you felt something from that, it could not be one-sided!"

Harry smiled and replied, "Well yeah, Daph. I did feel it, and it does scare me a little, but I'll piece it together and bear it all somehow- not that it was unpleasant or anything, mind you. I like you, Daph, you are beautiful, intelligent and you are downright lethal in a duel. I do have to confess, however that we will have little choice in the matter, seing how when I accepted my inheritance, there was a marriage contract naming you and I as the link between our Houses."

Daphne seemed to freeze in shock, before beaming in reaction to Harry's revelation. Harry was a bit concerned until she finally reacted, launching herself back into his arms, "Oh Harry! We're betrothed? I never imagined such good fortune! I am madly in love with you, and now I will one day be your wife! What a shame for the other witches! I know you fancy Hermione Granger, but she'll just have to stand aside now that we are betrothed! Wait! You knew all about the contract since the beginning of the term and you choose to reveal it to me only now?"

Harry steeled his nerves as he answered, "Well, I don't fancy being forced into anything, so I had the goblins look into the legitimacy of the contracts, while I got to know you better. That way if we couldn't stand each other or something, we could avoid unpleasantness and part on equal terms. I would have still paid the bride price, and agreed to place your House under my protection, either way. It is just a bonus that I happen to think the world of you. As for Hermione, well I asked her to be my girlfriend and she accepted as I love her more than words can express. However, I think I may be having feelings for you as well. You and 'Mione are my best friends, and though I may be contracted to you and in love with her, I find myself caring for you almost as deeply the more I get to know you. I talked it over with 'Mione and she is fine with everything although it took a great deal of arguing on my part. She wasn't about to give me up, but she was loathe to agree at first given the heated nature of the relationship between the two of you."

Daphne kissed him soundly for a good moment before responding, "You have multiple contracts pending? For whom?"

Harry responded, "Well, Susan Bones, Ginny Weasley and you. However, I still am looking for a way to opt out of the other contracts, but no matter what I will not disolve the one with you nor the promise I made to 'Mione. I guess what I am saying is, I, Lord Harry James Potter Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter do hereby officially acknowledge on my life and magic the offer of betrothal to the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, so mote it be!" There was a brief flash of light and the young couple was engulfed in a soft silver glow, which faded away.

Daphne was about to speak again when a Gringott's owl swooped down and landed next to the young couple. Harry deftly extracted the attached note and conjured an owl treat for the owl, before reviewing the note.

Lord Potter,

After further review, we at Gringott's Wizarding Bank have thoroughly reviewed your accounts and holdings and recovered all outstanding debts with interest. However, a matter of some great importance has arisen and Ragnok himslef has insisted that we request an audience immediately. Congatulations on your choice of first wife, and your betrothal to the second. Lady Potter and Miss Greengrass are required to attend. Simply tap your wand on the seal, and the note will act as a portkey to Ragnok's office.

Sincerely,

Griphook Wyrmslayer

Senior Account Manager for the

Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter

Harry showed the note to Daphne, who quickly brought both the note and Harry before her father, who immediately agreed to allowing Daphne to join Harry.

Harry waited patinetly as Daphne changed into her body armor and battle robes, which Harry then transfigured into dress robes, of rich crimson silk, a platinum ruby necklace, with the Potter crest and matching earrings adorning her delicate neckline and ears. Harry then projected himself to Hermione's mind and passed on the message about the owl and the need for 'Mione and her parents to meet him at the Greengrass Manor so they could all portkey to Gringott's. Hermione was thrilled to find out she was deemed Lady Potter, and was surprised when her dress robes, a rich satin blue with saphires in place of the rubies in her jewelery. Hermione also had the most beautiful signet ring on her hand, signifying her place as the Lady Potter.

Both witches were stunning and as they looked one another over, they finally giggled and Hermione whispered, "Truce?"

Daphne just smirked and asked, "Cor, you just had to go and take the grand prize, milady. For the sake of sanity, I believe we have little choice at this time but to call a truce. After all, we have already won, so why should we fight anymore?"

-oo0oo000oo0oo-

Before much else could be said, the party was ushered into a council room adjacent to Chief Director Ragnok's office. There was a long conference table inside and they all were promptly seated. Ragnok entered and everyone rose before he motioned for them to reclaim their seats.

Ragnok pulled on a thick cord and Harry heard a strange chime, obviously signalling servants to the conference room. Bottles of butterbeer and light hors devours appeared in front of each guest. Ragnok began, "Lord Potter, it comes to my attention that there are a few issues left to be addressed when we last parted ways, am I correct? We looked into the black mist issue and found a rather disturbing conclusion- it was a piece of a dark soul! Since it came from the scar, I would have to say that it is probable that the soul fragment belonged to a mutual firend of ours. This led us to the conclusion that this meant that the monster created a number of dark artifacts known as Horcruces or Horcrux. This dark ritual and artifact use the foulest of acts to create a vessel in which one could safeguard his or her soul against death. Our data reports that there are seven total not including the original. We are confidant that we can locate and disarm them before the end of the holidays."

Harry tilted his head in a nod of respect before answering, "Okay. So these horcruses are the reason why Quirrel had a piece of Voldemort sticking out the back of his head? That makes perfect sense. Are these the reason behind this meeting, Ragnok or is there more?"

Ragnok grinned as he chuckled, "Ah, Harry. Always cutting to the chase so to speak. In investigating the accounts, we found several discrepencies, and had to correct them. First, Headmaster Dumbledore had made several withdrawals of rare books and enchanted items, which we had to go through some seriously dangerous lengths to recover. He also had been using your funds to supplement his income and that of a few of his closest allies. We recovered most of the funds, although the monthly stipend your muggle relatives had been receiving for their care of you, offended us deeply, as we are well aware of just how terrible they treated you. We had to garnish the fat muggle's wages to recover the funds, but we are almost caught up. We also uncovered a few other mysteries, which we will address at the moment. It seems as though you have been deceived and manipulated in some of the worst ways."

Harry bit back his anger and used his training to relax his emotions before responding, "And?"

Ragnok pulled another cord and a door opened, revealing the greatest shock Harry had ever received. A middle aged wizard, who looked very much like Harry, and a witch who might be of the same age, but appeared to be no more than a few years older than when she would have graduated from Hogwarts, her delicate features framed by fiery red hair and deep emerald eyes. Harry choked back a startled cry as he exclaimed, "What in the bloody hell? How? Mum…dad…I…."

James and Lily Potter were speechless at first before rushing over, "Oh Merlin! My Harry! James, he's alive!"

Lily scooped up her son in a warm embrace as tears of joy streamed down both of their faces. James soon joined them, his face wet with tears as well.

Lily backed away for moment before shouting, "I am going to bloody murder that goat-fucking bastard! He told us there was a special prophecy that had made you a target for Voldemort, so he had James, myself and Ana, Sirius' wife, portkey to America and hide ourselves away until it was safe. Right as we were ready to leave, he convinced us that it would be safer if we would leave you in his care until Voldemort could be stopped. I had reservations about it, but Dumbledore promised me that you would be safe. Sirius stayed behind for me, as I begged him to help Dumbledore keep Harry safe. Dumbldore came to us a few days after Halloween, telling us about how the entire Order had been targeted that night and Sirius had died defending you from Voldemort and Peter had betrayed us all. Then he told us you had been kidnapped. He told us to remain hidden, as he was uncertain as to whether Voldemort had died or was merely hiding out licking his wounds in some dark hole, biding his time. He then left. We have not seen him since, but we were stuck in America, as we were denied access to international portkeys or even Gringott's until a goblin showed on our doorstep to assess the wards. Poor, Slagtooth was shocked when James met him at the door, wand at the ready. We then contacted Gringott's to find that the Potter Lordship had been claimed by right of magic, over the summer. We, thinking our Harry was long dead, of course contested it, but were informed that unless we wanted to challenge the new Lord in a duel of succession, then there was nothing left to us. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the new Lord Potter was my eleven year old son, Harry James Potter. I wanted to know what sort of sick prank we were being subjected to, but Ragnok informed us it was legitimate, so we planned to meet with you and here we are. And I see you brought some company. I am Lily Marie Evans-Potter, this is my husband James Charles Potter. I realize this must be a shock to you lot, but we are very much alive and in the flesh."

Harry used his claming techniques again before responding, "My apologies, mum, dad, may I introduce to you, Hermione Jane Potter nee Granger, Lady Potter and my first wife." Harry paused as Hermione hugged them both and fresh tears erupted as Lily welcomed her to the House of Potter. Harry continued, "This other stunning witch is none other than Miss Daphne Greengrass, afianced to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter via contract, but is also one of my best friends. We met in Diagon Alley this summer, and then again on the Express. The other adults are their respective parents, Dan and Emma Granger, Then we have Lord and Lady Greengrass, whom I am certain you have made their acquaintance before whilst attending Hogwarts. Everyone, these are indeed my parents, James and Lilly Potter nee Evans."

Everyone was excited and James was utterly in shock as Ragnok's staff opened the door, this time revealing a disheveled and malnourished man, who was dressed in filthy rags of a prisoner of Azkaban. Harry quickly summoned three potions, Mind restorative Severe, Re-Vitalizer, and finally a combination Pepper-Up/Remetabolizer/Hygeine Potion. Once administered, Lord Sirius Black, brother in all but name to James Potter and godfather of Lord Harry James Potter stood before the group, showing very little sign of distress other than his intial shock of seeing two of his best mates alive.

Sirius grinned, "I have to hand it to the goat-fucker, Prongs. He sure outpranked the Marauders, this time, what not? So let's all adjourn to a more relaxed setting and then plot just what kind of revenge that dried-up twinkle-eyed goat fucking bastard deserves for this has been a declaration of war upon the honor of the Marauders, two Most Ancient and Noble Houses.I should say that in and of itself is enough grounds to hex his dangly bits off!"

Lily smacked him upside the head, "Sirius Black! Language! I am certain no one here wants to think about Albus' danglies! But I agree, a change in venue is in order before we go about changing a few things."

And with that, the whole conference chamber was transported somewhere, before Lily turned to Sirius and whispered, "Ana is going to go through the roof, and by the way, you Padfoot are the proud father of an eleven year old girl named Julie Lilabeth Black."

Sirius promptly fainted as lily smirked and dusted her nails against her robe, "Mischief Managed."