11. A Contract
Professor McGonagall kept them as late as she dared, then escorted them back to Gryffindor tower and warded the entry.
"Never mind," Neville tried to console Harry. "There's always next month."
"I sent a patronus to the other girls," Harry admitted. "So they don't venture out on their own."
Daphne stared in awe. "You can cast that?"
"Sirius Black taught him," whispered Neville. "Harry is planning to teach the study group."
"I can't wait!"
"Well, it won't happen tonight," Harry sighed. "Looks like nothing will happen tonight. Might as well go to bed."
But Harry was wrong.
When they came down from the dorms the following morning, they learned there'd been another werewolf attack.
There was a hush all over the Great Hall.
"Ginny Weasley," Lavender Brown told them. "One of ours."
"But what was she doing out?" Hermione inquired.
"She said," explained Lavender," that she was visiting Hagrid because her brother told her Hagrid was hatching a dragon! As if anyone would believe that!"
"Was she alone?" Neville asked anxiously.
"Yes, she wanted to surprise her brothers; at least that's what I heard. The Weasleys are devastated."
"But the entry was warded," protested Daphne.
"Must have gone out before McGonagall sealed the it," Harry decided.
"Lucky she did!" Lavender shuddered. "It kept the rest of us safe."
Aurors were swarming Hogwarts.
"At least they got rid of the dementors," Daphne remarked.
"Too little, too late," declared Harry.
"I think they're sending everyone home, so they can locate the werewolf," Percy Weasley told the Gryffindors.
"Not Tonks?" Harry was astounded.
"Evidently not," said Neville. "Parvati said Tonks was seen in the castle that evening, so…not her."
For once, Harry didn't mind getting sent home, as he wouldn't be returning to the Dursleys.
Neville didn't object either; however, Daphne was glum.
"It's horrid at home," she confided. "I always think Androcles may set up a marriage contract for me, and I dread it!"
"I don't blame her," Neville admitted, as they wheeled their trolleys into King's Cross Station. "That's an ever-present fear for the pureblood girls."
Harry plunged into deep thought.
"Are you certain, Harry?" Sirius was concerned. "You're so young, you may easily change your mind. I'll try to insist on a loophole in the contract, but I'm not sure I can get that past Daphne's guardians."
"I have to do this," Harry said firmly. "She's frightened, Padfoot. I suspect she's been frightened for years, worrying about a contract with somebody awful! I just want to help her."
Sirius nodded slowly. He could see issues arising from this, but he also knew Harry was determined. It remained for him to get the best deal he could.
The sneer on the face of Androcles Greengrass was Malfoyesque, Harry decided. Yet Sirius was unmoved.
"Why should House Greengrass entertain the suit of…a halfblood?"
"Because it would prove to be soooo convenient," Sirius purred.
That stopped them in their tracks.
"I'm not sure we understand you, sir." Portia's voice dripped disdain.
"Well. Certain facts… might emerge. Bound to damage the Greengrass family, and utterly destroy the Parkinsons."
They failed to mask their feelings.
"What facts?" demanded Androcles.
Portia was more subtle. "I think the Parkinsons could withstand any auror investigations."
Sirius' smile broadened. "Perhaps, for now. But if the particular information were to become public?"
"Such as?"
"Such as…who led the Death Eater attack in Brighton? There were rumors it was your father, Portia."
"There was no proof!"
"True. But if…proof might be provided to the ministry? Then what?"
"We need not do this!' Androcles broke in. "Of course Harry, as Head of two Houses, would be an acceptable match for Daphne. Should we consider bride price?"
"And…dowry?" Sirius suggested.
The Greengrasses didn't actually groan, but they looked like they'd been eating lemons.
Harry had never seen Daphne so effervescent.
"Thank you, Harry! Oooh, thank you so much!"
"You don't have to be grateful…." Harry was uncomfortable.
She was suddenly solemn. "I know. But if you only knew…the relief!"
"So, what proof have you against the Parkinsons?" Harry asked his godfather later.
Sirius waved his hand negligently. "None at all. But they don't know that!"
Harry had to laugh.
Auror efforts to find the errant werewolf proved fruitless.
"I can't believe they're calling us back to school!" Neville complained. "With the werewolf still out there!"
"Now they are saying it must have been a random attack," Susan informed them. "Although, they are not releasing Lupin."
Daphne trembled. Knowing Harry, he'd try to spring a trap on the next full moon.
Her fears came true on the date in question.
"All students return to your common rooms," ordered McGonagall. "The doors will be sealed."
"We must avoid that!" Harry had anticipated that happening. "We'll meet at the statue of the hump-backed witch, right now."
They climbed into the tunnel that led to Hogsmeade, Harry in the lead.
Daphne could not stop trembling, and kept her wand out. The six stumbled along in the dim light, ready to jump at shadows.
Finally they reached the trapdoor to Honeyduke's, and discovered it still open.
"Someone came this way," murmured Susan.
"Obviously," Daphne snapped.
"Quiet," hissed Padma.
Harry eased the door open, and they stepped into the street.
Two shadows leapt at them, and Daphne couldn't help it…she screamed aloud.