Chapter 4: Daphne Greengrass.

Harry had wakened early the next morning as his mind was constantly preoccupied with the news he had received the day prior. He had no choice but to marry someone that he really didn't anything about, well except for the fact of her name Daphne Greengrass, the fact that she was a Slytherin, and that she had a younger sister. Harry couldn't recall a time when he actually spoken to the girl as his mind was trying to recall what the girl looked like.

Frustrated and knowing he'd never get back to sleep Harry grabbed his glasses from the beside table and quietly crept out of bed and made his way out of Ron's room. Carefully he traversed the creaking staircase and made his way into the kitchen for a cup of tea. With his cup of tea and a heavy sigh he retreated to a sofa in the sitting-room as he continued to ponder on his lack of luck. Harry knew that it could have been worse, for instance he could have been betrothed to Pansy. The thought sent a shiver down Harry's spine as he swallowed the last gulp of tea from his cup.

Well at least we have a year in which to get to know each other. Harry thought as he stared off in a world of his own. His friends had been supportive yesterday, but he was somewhat worried about what Ron's reaction would be in the long term. Harry knew that Ron disliked all Slytherins primarily based on the actions of Draco Malfoy and his group of mindless minions. Harry grimaced at the thought of Malfoy, he knew the ponce would use this as another tool to instigate further acts of hostility.

As the sun began to peak over the hills surrounding the Burrow it's golden rays began to flood through the windows casting it's light into Harry's eyes bringing him out of his recent trail of thoughts. Harry knew the others would be waking soon and the grumble of his stomach told him that he was hungry. A creak in the stairs notified him that Mrs. Weasley was most likely on her way down to start preparing breakfast.

"Good morning Harry, dear." Mrs. Weasley greeted as she descended the staircase, her worried gaze traveling over the boy who she considered one of her own. "Rough time sleeping?"

"Good morning Mrs. Weasley," Harry returned quietly while giving a nod of admission. Mrs. Weasley gave him a sympathetic smile and took a seat next to him on the sofa.

"I know you've had a trying childhood Harry. One that has not been full of happy memories," Mrs. Weasley began while giving him a comforting pat on his leg. "I also know you are more than likely very angry about your betrothal but I hope you can take the time to consider the reaction of your betrothed as she too most likely just found out this news, and perhaps you can both eventually find yourselves a new friend in each other if not love. Not many know this but Arthur and I were an arranged marriage. That in itself I hope is enough to prove to you that true love can eventually find it's way into most circumstances. Arthur and I never met until the day of our wedding, and while I was angry at my father when I first learned of it, and Arthur his, now we find ourselves completely in love and dependent on the other."

Harry gave the only mother figure in his life a small smile of appreciation and said, "Thanks Mrs. Weasley. I'll remember that and try not to stay angry long over all this."

Mrs. Weasley chuckled, "Oh Harry I not saying to let go of the anger already. You have every right to be furious right now, I was. You should have seen the me when my father finally decided to inform me that I was to be married. It was the day of the wedding and he had told me that we were going to a formal dinner with some of his influential friends. When we arrived he broke the news." Mrs. Weasley took a small break from her recollection as she chuckled again, "You should have seen my father running all over the place with me hot on his heels throwing stinging hexes at him."

Harry chuckled at this as he pictured a younger Mrs. Weasley chasing her father around while other looked on in shock and disapproval. With a final pat on his leg Mrs. Weasley rose to her feet, "Why don't you go get ready for the day, your Grand-dad will be here after breakfast to take you to Diagon Alley."

Harry gave her a quick nod before he headed upstairs to ge prepared for what he thought would be the hardiest day in his life. As he was showering something Mrs. Weasley had said kept circulating in his thoughts. He wondered how Daphne had reacted when she and her father learned the news. He hoped that she too would refrain from taking her anger out on him and remember that he was in the same boat as she.

After a quick shower and throwing on his best clothes, which didn't amount to anything more than a thin grey t-shirt that was two sizes too big, that had once belonged to Dudley, and a pair of large worn out jeans that were held up to his waist by a worn belt; Harry entered the kitchen to find that the others had awaken and were currently eating breakfast.

Harry took a seat beside Ron who greeted him with a curt nod of his head as his mouth was already overstuffed with eggs and sausages. Hermione gave him a sympathetic smile but refrained from making any comments. Ginny on the other hand avoided his eyes and blatantly ignored his presence. Ginny's actions confused Harry minimally as he was already aware of the crush she held for him. Harry had assumed last year that she had finally gotten pass the crush, but with her current behavior he couldn't be certain.

"Morning Harry," George greeted with a devilish smile.

With a glint of mischief in his eyes Fred stated, "Yes Harry ol'chap good morning, where's the ball-n-chain? Quite rude it is not to introduce your spouse to your friends."

"Quite right you are there brother of mine," George smirked. "It's almost as if he's embarrassed by us."

Catching on to their scam Harry chuckled, "Embarrassed by you lot? Never. But.." He began while motioning towards Ron who was currently shoveling more eggs into his mouth that it had the capacity for, "This mongrel here, absolutely. My fair lady would have the most difficult time stomaching such poor table manners. As she would see it is already bad enough to dine with a group of lowly Gryffindors."

This caused the others to chuckle loudly while Ron glared pointedly at Harry and made a show of swallowing his food before commenting, " Bloody hell mate I'm hungry."

Hermione giggled and gave Ron a comforting pat on his shoulder, "Of course you are dear, when aren't you hungry. Pay Harry no mind."

This caused another round of chuckles from the table and caused Ron to turn red. Hermione immediately followed him in his embarrassment as the twins quickly turned to teasing the couple for their open display of affection.

Dumbledore finally made his appearance as the group had finished breakfast. He walked into the kitchen wearing his plum purple robes with the patterns of crescent moons and stars that twinkled just as brightly as his eyes behind his half-mooned spectacles. "Good morning all."

Harry joined the rest with greeting his Grand-dad, while Mrs. Weasley immediately attempted to lead Dumbledore to an empty seat to feed him. " I am sorry Molly I must decline as I have already eaten at the Castle, and I feel my grandson and I will be having an extremely busy day, we must be off."

Mrs. Weasley merely nodded before stating, "Of course Albus, but I must insist that you join us and your grandson for dinner sometime soon."

Mrs. Weasley emphasized the grandson part with raised eyebrows which Albus immediately took for her opinion that he needed to spend more time with Harry. Albus gave Mrs. Weasley a nod of understanding and made his way to the front door to wait for Harry while he said his good-byes with his friends.

After his good-byes he joined Albus at the front door where the pair made their way to the fireplace each grabbing a pinch of floo powder. Harry stepped inside the green flames and tossed the floo powder at his feet before calling out his destination of the Leaky Cauldron. Upon arriving he clumsily stumbled out and landed in a heap in front of the fireplace. Dumbledore who had exited just seconds later helped the boy to his feet and with a flick of his wand banished the soot from their clothing the twinkle in his eyes shining brightly. They made their way through the inn and into Diagon Alley but not without catching everyone gawking at them.

At first this made Harry uneasy even though he was used to some staring due to his unlucky fame, their stares on this day seemed to reach a new level. He cast a questioning glance up at his grand-dad, who merely stated with an exaggerated wave of his hand and a smirk, "Well it's not everyday one finds out that the infamous boy who lived is the grandson of the infamous Dumbledore. That and then the pair who rarely makes an appearance in Diagon Alley showing up together the day after such news is bound to cause a few looks."

Harry nodded and followed Dumbledore as he began to head towards Gringotts. The pair walked in peaceful silence as each were busy with their own thoughts. Upon reaching the steps of the bank Dumbledore informed, "I just need to obtain some galleons and then we are off making up for all those lost birthdays and Christmases."

Harry looked at Dumbledore in shock, had he really taken him serious about the gifts? "Sir, I was only teasing about all the gifts. I don't expect you to purchase my things. I do have gold my parents left."

"Nonsense my boy. Though you may have been...hmm hows it go...pulling my leg, as the muggles say I was serious when I said that I had some making up to do, and it would please your old grand-dad if you allowed him to do so." Albus said while laying his hand gently upon the boys shoulder. Harry looked at him curiously as he held a quick debate in his head. Finally with a nod the pair continued on.

The pair entered the bank where Albus refilled his money bag full of gold. The pair then left the bank and wandered through the shops where Albus had purchased Harry a complete wizarding wardrobe. As they were leaving the last shop with their purchases shrunken and in their pockets Dumbledore directed Harry to Ollivander's wand shop. Harry looked confused while the Headmaster casually wandered through the shop. Harry busied himself with looking through the random items that Ollivander had stocked on the shelves while Dumbledore and Ollivander had a quiet conversation.

When they left Ollivander's Professor Dumbledore looked at Harry fondly and with a twinkle in his eyes held out his arm for the boy to grasp. "Where to next grand-dad?"

"Well my boy I thought it would be best if we returned to the Burrow and relieved ourselves of our packages and perhaps give you a few minutes to prepare yourself."

With a look of realization dawning on his face Harry grasped the offered arm, the next thing he knew he was standing in front of the Burrow. Harry quickly raced into the home and headed to Ron's room and emptied all of his purchases onto his bed.

"Hey mate, how'd it go?" Ron asked while stretching as he was just waking up from a nap as Harry flopped face first onto his bed while giving off a muffled groan.

Harry not seeing Ron when he first entered the room jumped up in surprise. Ron gave him a quick smirk, which led the pair to laughter. "Well we haven't been to the Greengrasses yet. We've just finished shopping, Dumbledore wanted to drop this stuff off and give me time to change."

"Well good luck." Ron said sympathetically, "Can't believe you have to marry a Slytherin."

"Yeah, me neither." Harry said gloomily as they sat there in silence each occupied with their own thoughts. Harry's concentrating on how his life was about to change, while Ron was occupied with thinking about Quidditch.

After several minutes Harry began to dig through his new purchases and decided to wear a set of black robes, an emerald t-shirt and a pair of black slacks. Harry tried his best to get his unruly hair to comply with his wishes to lay flat, but as usual it refused to be tamed. With a sigh Harry headed back downstairs where he knew Dumbledore was waiting for him.

"Ah, there you are I was just about to send the twins up to get you," Dumbledore said with a smile as Harry descended the stairs.

"Sorry sir," Harry said while looking at his feet.

"Well shall we be off then?" Dumbledore asked.

"I suppose it's best to get it over with, sir." Harry said while looking nervously at his grandfather.

Dumbledore chuckled in return and rested a hand on Harry's shoulder, "It'll be alright my boy you'll see."

Dumbledore led Harry outside to the front of Burrow where the pair apparated. The arrived at the end of a driveway that led to a large manor that was surrounded by a large well kept lawn and lush green shrubbery. Harry looked at the home in wonder as he had never seen a house that magnificent anywhere other than books and occasionally on the telly at the Dursley's. As they made their way up to the front door Dumbledore grasped a silver knocker and gave a few taps.

Moments later the door was opened by a small house elf dressed in a uniform of black with what appeared to be the Greengrass's family crest on the left breast. The elf bowed deeply to the pair and motioned them into the foyer and said in a smooth voice, "Welcome, I shall inform Lord Greengrass of your arrival."

The elf then disappeared with a soft pop. Albus gave Harry's shoulder a comforting squeeze as they waited. The pair did not have long to wait as a tall man with golden blond hair and aristocratic features descended from the grand staircase with a woman with long silky black hair. As the couple made it to the bottom of the staircase, they approached the pair waiting.

The man stepped forward and extended his hand towards Dumbledore, "Headmaster Dumbledore it's great to see you in good health."

Dumbledore gave a smile as he shook the offered hand, "Thank you Lord Greengrass, this summer has been very beneficial to my health as it allows me to introduce to you my grandson, Harry Potter."

"Well the last day has been interesting to say the least," Lord Greengrass chuckled as he extended his hand to Harry, "Mr. Potter it's nice to finally meet you."

Harry nervously but firmly grasped the hand, "Nice to meet you...eh...Lord Greengrass, sir."

"Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Potter allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Alexandria Greengrass." Lord Greengrass stated.

Albus accepted her offered hand and bowed his head. Harry followed his example yet clumsily which elicited a soft chuckle from Lady Greengrass.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Harry, please call me Lexi." Lexi stated with a warm smile.

"Yes ma'am."

" Well shall we head to the dayroom ?" Lord Greengrass stated as he ushered his guests.

Upon reaching the dayroom Lexi called for a house elf to prepare some tea. Harry overcome with nerves sat quietly on a rich brown sofa beside Professor Dumbledore. The Greengrasses noticed the boy's nervousness and directed their questions to Dumbledore. As they talked about the contract Harry listened while trying to measure their feelings towards the marriage contract. He learned that Lord Greengrass was aware of the contract and the chance of it being enacted while Lexi had no prior knowledge yet seemed pleased. Learning this helped ease Harry's nerves a bit as he found himself lost in his thoughts while quietly sipping on his tea.

Harry was brought back to reality when an attractive girl his age entered the room. She had long silky golden blond hair, and warm Caribbean blue eyes which complimented her smooth pale skin. As she entered the room, Harry rose to his feet thinking it was the right thing to do. The others noticing Harry standing stood as well.

"Mr. Potter, Headmaster may I introduce my daughter, Daphne." Lord Greengrass stated formally earning a roll of the eyes from his wife as she made her way to her daughter's side and ushered her the remaining way into the room.

"Daphne, you know Headmaster Dumbledore, and I think you know his grandson Harry." She said softly.

"Nice to see you Professor Dumbledore and it's nice to meet you Harry." Daphne said with a small smile while presenting her hand to Harry. Her parents looked confused when she stated that she was just meeting Harry.

Harry noticed the looks of confusion and stepped forward and accepted her hand and bowed to her, "Nice to meet you as well Daphne."

"Slytherin and Gryffindor students don't exactly interact with each other, house rivalry and all." Harry said with a lopsided smile towards Lord and Lady Greengrass.

"Ah, of course couldn't have that could we?" Lexi stated flashing a smile and a raised eyebrow at the teens. "Daphne why don't you show Harry the gardens while we finished our talk with the Headmaster."

"Of course mum, Harry?" Daphne said softly.

Harry's nerves which had been dissipating returned in full forces as he swallowed loudly and nodded, "Of course."

Harry then allowed Daphne to lead him out to the gardens. The pair walked quietly until the reached a bench and decided to take a seat. They sat in quiet for a few moments each unsure of what to say to the other. Harry took a moment to look at Daphne and found her looking at the clouds with a look of contentment eched upon her face.

"So..." Harry began nervously. "I suppose your parents have told you about the marriage contract?"

Daphne lowered her gaze so that she was looking into Harry's emerald eyes. She gave a soft nod of her head and flashed a nervous smile of her own.

"Well how do you feel about it?" Harry asked quietly.

Daphne considered the question before answering then with a shrug of her shoulders she stated, "Not that it matters what you or I feel about it seeing as we have no other option besides death, but to be honest I was angry at first. Having someone deciding who I am to marry, but then the more I thought about it I realized that it could have been worse. So I guess I am okay with the arrangement as it is now."

Harry looked at her in shock his mouth hanging open. Daphne giggled at his look and said, "What you thought I would rather die because I am in Slytherin and your a Gryffindor?"

Harry shook himself out of his stupor and replied, "Well honestly yes. I can't imagine what your housemates such as Malfoy and Parkinson are going to think."

"Well if I gave a care to what those two thought I wouldn't be known as the Ice Princess would I? Besides that ponce and his cow are a small fraction of Slytherin House." Daphne smiled, " I am just glad the contract wasn't with someone like Crabbe or Goyle."

Harry chuckled this time, "Yeah I suppose that would have been horrid."

"Well what do you think about this arrangement?" Daphne asked while watching Harry curiously.

Harry looked Daphne in the eyes and stated, "To be honest I was angry, I immediately told my grand-dad...um Professor Dumbledore. We then examined the contract and when he informed that it was unbreakable I was extremely nervous as to what you would decide. I mean I thought all of the Slytherins hated me. Then we met for the first time today and you have been incredibly nice and pleasant to talk to so I find myself confused at the moment, but all in all I guess I am okay with the arrangement now. At least they gave us some time to get to know each other before we are expected to fulfill the contract."

"I get your confusion to be honest if you weren't I would have been worried." Daphne agreed, "I think it would be great if we started as friends and hopefully we can exchange owls before we head back to Hogwarts."

"You want me to owl you?" A once again shocked Harry asked.

Daphne lowered her gaze to her knees and said softly, "Well only if you want to. I thought it would be good to get to know each other a little. I am sure that this will be well known before we get back and we'll have to help each other through this."

Harry smiled as he slowly lifted her face so that she was looking at him, "I would very much like to owl you and get to know you Daphne. I keep finding myself surprised by you today. This is not the Ice Princess I have heard about, your a much warmer and kinder person. I am glad that once again rumors are wrong."

"They're not all wrong Harry. I had to be standoffish to prevent unwelcomed advances, but now that's not a problem so I can finally be myself. I find myself shocked by you too, most of what we hear in Slytherin about you is that your an arrogant, big headed teacher's pet." Daphne chuckled then continued, "Well now that it's known that Dumbledore is your grandfather I guess teacher's pet is right."

Harry blushed and replied, "Well that's not me at all that's just rumors passed around by those who don't know the real me."

"Well I hope I get to know the real you, Harry." Daphne said with a warm smile while laying her hand on top of his.

Harry returned her smile and replied, "And I would like to get to know the real you as well."

The pair sat in undisturbed silence for a little while before a phoenix patronus informed them that they were wanted back inside the home. They walked back in the same silence as they had earlier except this time the silence was comfortable. They even shared a smile together when Daphne grasped Harry's hand. That was how they returned, hand in hand, to the dayroom. The others immediately noticed their hands and smiled to themselves.

"Well Harry as I am sure you have enjoyed Ms. Greengrass's company I must apologize as we must be off." Dumbledore said with a bright smile.

Harry nodded in understanding, "Of course grand-dad."

After a quick goodbyes and a promise to send Hedwig, Harry and Albus flooed back to the Burrow. Where they joined Hermione and the Weasley's for dinner. Albus decided to take the opportunity to ask Harry something that he had been wanting to since he revealed that he was his grandfather.

"Harry my boy as we have just about three weeks before the new term starts I have very little to do and was hoping you would find it enjoyable to spend the remaining summer with your old grand-dad?" Dumbledore said as he looked at Harry with a hopeful face.

Everyone at the table looked on in surprise as Harry pondered what he had been asked. "Well sir I would love to spend sometime with you but where would we stay?"

"At Hogwarts of course." Dumbledore chuckled.

"I thought students were not allowed to stay in the castle during the summer sir?" Harry asked.

"While that is true, certain exceptions are made for staff with children, and as I am your guardian and your grandfather that applies to us." Albus smiled.

Harry flashed a large smile of his own and shook his head, "Then yes sir I would like to stay with you."

"Great now that's settled enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends I must return to the castle and make preparations for the arrival of my grandson tomorrow." Albus smiled with the twinkle in his eye brighter than anyone could remember.