A/N This chapter contains sexual assault.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews, follows and favs. You guys spoke, so you will get more Anna and Adrian. There is a little of them in this chapter, but there will be more in a later chapter!

I hope to get another chapter out this month. Every time I think life will slow down and give me more time, it doesn't...;)

Chapter 33: Time To Stop Fighting

Dalton Greengrass thought the night had started well. The party guests had all arrived and both his daughters looked brilliant. Dalton couldn't help the smile he wore, beaming with pride for Astoria as Draco and she danced. He was happy he was able to give one of his daughters the man she wanted. Draco really had proven himself to be worthy of Astoria. Greengrass chuckled softly to himself remembering the mess the Malfoy heir was, just shy of two years ago when Astoria announced her intentions to date Draco. Dalton had put his foot down, at least he had tried, insisting Malfoy was not an acceptable match for her. After all Draco was still an out-cast in many places as people within the Wizarding World were still recovering from the brutal war. Greengrass had finally decided to at least get to know the Malfoy heir once Astoria had moved in with Draco, despite him telling her under no circumstances was she to do so.

Now a little over a year later Dalton stood on the side of the dance floor and watched as Draco twirled Astoria around, the two of them unable to take their eyes off each other. His wife was always saying to him, 'You can see how much he loves her.', which always made Dalton cringe, but the truth was, you could see it. You could see it in the way Draco looked at her, the way he held her hand, the way he smiled when she said his name and the interest, he always showed in everything she had to say.

To say Dalton Greengrass was happy for his youngest daughter, was an understatement. The only thing that would make him happier for her would be the news from the doctors in a few days being good. The first set of tests performed to see if the Muggle treatment would work for Astoria had been almost too impressive. The doctors were now doing a second round of tests. Dalton felt slightly bad about not telling his daughter the truth, but he didn't want her hopes up for no reason. The result was he had his hopes up for her. If the second round went as well as the first, he would have very good news to give Astoria. Dalton's smile got bigger as he watched Draco give Astoria a tender kiss before changing partners. Dalton knew Draco would be over the moon to find out he and Astoria could have a baby.

Dalton's mood changed slightly as he watched Draco take Daphne's hand and Astoria move to dance with Marcus. He knew he couldn't make both daughters happy by giving them both the men they wanted. Dalton closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that Fay and Poppy would be successful tonight, finding something, anything he could use against Christopher Flint. If the young investigator and Malfoy's elf came back empty handed, he knew Daphne would be doomed to marry the eldest Flint heir, when her heart remained with Nott. Dalton had considered just saying to hell with it and calling Flint's bluff, by giving Theodore Daphne's hand. But Flint knew too much to be bluffing, leaving him no choice but to leave Daphne in the impossible position she was in.

Greengrass looked around the dance floor and finally found Theodore dancing with a pretty brunette. Nott wasn't paying any attention to the pretty girl in his arms, his eyes were glued on Daphne. Dalton had gotten to know Nott well over the years and could tell Theo was trying desperately to hide his emotions, but the pain was there, written all over his face and it gave Dalton a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Daphne only glanced in Theo's direction once in a while and never for very long, trying to be proper. But the longing to be with Theo was there, Dalton could see it. Yes, Fay needed to succeed tonight.

Dalton watched intently has the song ended and the partners changed again. He let out a sigh of relief when Zabini asked Daphne to dance. Deep down he really would be fine if Daphne danced with Theodore, however he knew how difficult for Daphne it would be. Dalton watched as Astoria took Marcus over to Theodore and his pretty friend for introductions. He defiantly didn't like how interested in Nott's date Marcus seemed to be. Dalton wondered if he should intervene and remind Marcus who he should be looking at like that. Just as he began walking across the dance floor though, Marcus had the pretty brunette in his arms on the dance floor leaving Theodore with Astoria. Dalton became distracted from his mission to remind Marcus of his loyalties because of his new interest in Nott dancing with his youngest daughter.

Dalton moved closer making sure to stay off the dance floor, but he couldn't hear what Astoria and Theo were talking about. He assumed it had to be about Daphne, because when the song ended Astoria left the dance floor, but Theodore went and asked Daphne to dance. Dalton noticed how badly Theodore's hand shook and the look of sympathy on Daphne's face as she took Theo's left hand and helped him steer the shaking right hand around her waist. Dalton didn't notice how all of Theo's friends except Greg left the ballroom. He didn't notice Marcus take the pretty brunette off the dance floor and disappear with her. Dalton didn't notice Astoria and Daphne's friend Tracey standing on the edge of the dance floor watching her and Theo dancing. All Dalton was focused on was Daphne and Nott falling apart on the dance floor.

Veronica walked up and took her husband's hand in hers. "Dalton, don't look so ridged, it's only a dance dear."

"Are you sure?" Dalton looked down at his wife. "I admit V, they look good together."

"They always have, since they were thirteen, they have looked good together. I would say this time though, they look sad." Veronica wrapped her arms around Dalton's waist.

He put his arm around her and held her close to him. "I really shouldn't allow this to continue V, you know that."

Daphne looked over at her parents quickly, then said something to Theo causing him to brush her cheek with back of his hand. Dalton moved to go out on the dance floor, but Veronica tightened her grip on him. "Let them have this, Dalton. You, intervening with only cause a scene."

"Them dancing together has already caused a scene." Dalton indicated to the press scattered around taking pictures of the couple.

Veronica laid her head on Dalton's chest. "The press was bound to find something to print just from Theodore showing up." Veronica looked around the dance floor. "Where did Marcus get off to anyway, and Draco for that matter?" She took a deep breath. "I hope those two aren't off having words again somewhere."

"Well V, if your young investigator is successful tonight, we won't have to worry about Draco and Marcus not getting along for much longer." He gave his wife a squeeze as he watched a tear slide down Theodore's face hoping the press didn't catch it, before Theo had a chance to wipe it away.

Veronica and Dalton watched Daphne dance with Greg and Theodore dance with whom Dalton assumed was Greg's wife. Although he had only seen the Bulstrode daughter once in the last few years. When the song ended and Daphne left the dance floor with Astoria and Tracey following close behind, Dalton couldn't help himself, and also followed. He wanted to know that his eldest daughter was alright.

xXXx

Marcus led Anna from the ballroom, focused only on getting her alone he failed to notice Draco walking closely behind them. Astoria had given Marcus a tour of the Estate House when his brother, parents and he arrived earlier that day. He was certain she had shown him a small parlor just off the ballroom where family members could retreat in order to find quiet from the crowd and pestering press. It would be the perfect place to show Anna what she had been missing while wasting her time with Nott, as long as no other Greengrass or Malfoy family members had already put the room to use. A quick spell to lock the door would keep anyone else out. Twenty minutes or so was all Marcus needed.

Anna seemed a little nervous, but Marcus knew as soon as they were alone, he would be able to put any fears to rest. She was hardly innocent in his opinion, but he liked that she was a tad scared, but trusted him. She would soon be rewarded for that trust.

Marcus took a wrong turn at first, but quickly fixed his error turning them around and heading in the other direction. Draco had to duck into a small alcove behind a suit of armor to not be seen. The smirk on Anna's face told Draco however she had seen him, but luckily Marcus had not. Marcus was far too distracted by Anna's cleavage since she kept playing with the little snitch hanging there keeping him focused on it.

To Marcus's relief the little parlor was unused when they arrived. He ushered Anna in, closed the door and performed a locking spell on the door. He was far too cocky to check to make sure the spell worked, or he would have discovered a spell had already been done to the door earlier in the day making his locking spell useless.

Once alone Marcus pulled Anna into his arms and kissed her hard. Anna had no choice but to put her arms around Marcus's neck to keep from losing her balance from how forcefully he was kissing her. Immediately Anna felt badly for Daphne, knowing that if she failed tonight and Lord Greengrass could not be persuaded to dissolve the marriage contract between his daughter and the brute now kissing her, Daphne would have only treatment like this to look forward to.

Needing to catch her breath, Anna pulled away slightly, but not far enough to anger Marcus just yet. "My you are rip rearing and ready to go aren't you cowboy?"

Marcus smiled at Anna, "Just wait." He winked at her and then attacked her neck, biting and sucking his way down to her collar bone.

Anna closed her eyes and told herself to pretend she was with anyone else. Shocked the first image to enter her mind was Adrian, she opened her eyes wide. 'Where had that come from?' Anna liked Pucey well enough. He was strong, good looking and an impeccable lover. She really hadn't given him much thought outside of the dancing lessons he gave her, the mission tonight and the 'fun' they had in-between. Adrian had gone out of town though seven days ago with his team. Anna had convinced herself his coming to see her the minute he got back to town, was only because the well-built chaser was horny, and for no other reason. During the last six days she had allowed herself to think about him while she was alone, but that was just for personal pleasure, wasn't it? Having seen his face when she closed her eyes just now, she couldn't get him out of her mind. Anna had to bite her lip to keep from moaning Adrian's name as Marcus pulled her breast out of her dress and began sucking on her nipple.

Marcus reached down and pulled Anna's dress up roughly and pulled on her panties, breaking her out of her daydream of Adrian. Instinctively Anna pushed her dress back down suddenly remembering she didn't like the man she was with. Marcus bit her nipple a little harder and pulled her dress back up. Again, Anna pushed it back down.

"What's wrong? I thought you wanted to see what a real British man could offer you." Marcus said in a husky voice Anna was certain he thought was sexy.

She forced herself to remember what her task was and pushed the thoughts of Adrian aside. "Oh, I do cowboy. I was just hoping for a little taste now and more when you could let the ride last a little longer."

Marcus got annoyed and walked the two of them backwards until Anna fell back on the couch. "I don't know how long we have until I am missed in the ballroom love." With that he pulled her dress back up while pinning her arms above her head.

Anna suddenly felt she might be in too deep. Marcus was strong. Stronger than she had given him credit for. Oh, she had been with strong men before. Adrian, Theo and far too many others. But none had ever held her down before. This was new territory. Territory she thought she had prepared herself for, but as the panic of having her arms pinned overtook her, she started to struggle wanting him to let her up.

"Please let go of me." Anna gasped as Marcus began pulling on her panties while grinding his groin against her hip.

Marcus pushed harder on her arms making sure they were pinned tightly above her. "Just let it happen. This is the excitement you have been looking for."

Anna didn't like the feeling of helplessness that was starting to consume her. When Marcus pulled her panties down, she held her legs together as tightly as she could, so all he could reveal was her bum.

Marcus dug his nails into the flesh of her bum, the pain caused her to scream out. "Please stop, you're hurting me!"

"Pain is pleasure love." Marcus breathed in her ear as he ground his hips against her still holding her arms over her head.

"Stop." Anna continued to try and wiggle free but didn't have any luck. "I don't want to do this with you, please stop." Anna said the words as forcefully and loudly as she could.

"What? You little whore!" Marcus let go of her arms and backhanded Anna hard across the face causing her cheek to begin swelling almost instantaneously.

She pulled her panties up and pushed her dress back down while getting herself in an upright position. "Don't touch me again."

Rage filled Marcus's eyes and he punched Anna in the mouth. Blood spirt from her lip and her hand flew up to cover her mouth and cheek just as the door to the parlor was kicked in. Marcus turned quickly while taking several steps away from Anna as his teammate, Adrian Pucey came in the room. The look on Adrian's face made Marcus continue backing up and raise his hands in fear.

xXXx

The thought of Malfoy Manor had always frightened Fay Dunbar. When she was younger, a new student at Hogwarts, the idea of the big Pure-Blood manor homes had been exciting, like castles princes and princesses lived in. As she got to know a few of the students who came from homes like that though, she learned most of them where lonely places, without rooms filled with toys and didn't have wonderment around every corner. The homes were large enough that sometimes one could go entire days or longer without ever seeing another member of their family, at least that was what the Carrow twins had told her. Once she became friends with Theo, he had told her the same thing. Although, he had sought out separation from his father, wanting to be alone whereas the twin's craved attention from their parents, attention their parents never seemed to have time to give them.

During her later years, Malfoy Manor in particular had earned its own horror stories. She had heard many of those stories during her final year at school. No one knew how many of the stories were true and how many were grossly exaggerated, since the only person at the school who could confirm or deny any of the goings on at the Manor preferred to sit by himself and brood. Not that she would have ever approached Draco and asked, but the way he looked most of the time, told everyone it was best to leave the young Death Eater alone.

Lord Malfoy had told Fay the staff would be expecting her, and he had modified the wards, so she would be able to apparate directly to the front door instead of having to wait out by the gate. Fay had been apprehensive while leaving her flat but had ended up standing on the front porch of Malfoy Manor just like Lord Malfoy had told her she would. Well, why wouldn't she? She cursed herself for a second, what did she think would happen, she would apparate here and find herself back in time standing before Voldemort. She shook the silly thoughts then froze once she took in the sheer size of the place. Greengrass Estates was large sure. It had been intimidatingly large when she first arrived there two weeks ago, but Fay was certain you could fit Greengrass Estates along with half of the small village she lived in inside Malfoy Manor and still have room for a pool.

She was still standing there dazed looking up at the third-floor windows when a small voice spoke to her. "Is Miss Fay ready to go?"

Fay looked down and smiled at the little house elf dressed in the same pink dress as before. "I am Poppy whenever you are."

"We should get going then Miss. Master Lucius sent Poppy a message saying the Flints are all at the party, it should be safe." Poppy took Fays hand.

In a snap the pair were standing on the front foyer of Flint Mansion. Fay held her breath waiting for an alarm or worse to happen from them having sent off one of the wards, but after a few heartbeats she relaxed. Poppy had done her part and got them in, now Fay needed to do her part and find the proof Flint claimed he had. Fay continued to hold tightly to the little elf's hand. Somehow feeling her hand in hers made Fay feel safer wondering around a mansion she had never been in before. It wasn't nearly as large as Greengrass Estates, nor nearly as elaborately decorated. But somehow Fay thought the Mansion felt homier. Perhaps that was because she came from a small home herself, and preferred small homes.

Fay gave herself a moment to take in the paintings on the walls. Most of the labels indicated Flint family members. Fay was almost impressed how most of them either played Quidditch or were involved in Magical Law Enforcement in some way. Explained the two current Flint heirs' interest in Quidditch and the Auror department respectively. It would also explain how Christopher Flint knew just how to use whatever he had against Greengrass.

As they walked down the hall Fay finally came to a locked door. "Can you get us in this room Poppy, I think it may be Flint's office."

"Easy Miss." Poppy snapped her fingers and popped them inside the dark room.

Fay lit the tip of her wand and with a snap of Poppy's fingers the light got even brighter. Fay smiled down at the elf. "This is it, his home office. I will start at the desk; you look over by the fireplace for secret hiding places."

Poppy nodded to Fay, and they got to work. Fay sat at the desk and started opening drawer after drawer pulling everything out and going through each piece of paper one at a time to make sure she didn't miss anything. After searching for nearly an hour the pair weren't having any luck, until Poppy discovered a floorboard that had a squeak to it different from the others.

"Miss, perhaps there is something under this board, would you like Poppy to remove it?" Poppy lightly danced on top of the floorboard in question.

Fay looked up from the bookcase she was searching. "Yes, please."

Fay walked over and kneeled down as Poppy removed the floorboard. To their surprise there was a small alcove underneath it where one might hide something. Inside, Fay found a ledger. She pulled it out and sat cross legged on the floor opening it up. Fay's eye got wide when she realized what she had found. This was Corban Yaxley's bank ledger. Inside it outlined every sickle ever deposited into his fake bank account under the name Corey X. Albany. It showed the deposits from Greengrass, that Yaxley had arrogantly labeled, 'Death Eater Blackmail'.

"Poppy this is it. It shows everyone Yaxley blackmailed or got any kind of payoff from during both wars. Greengrass, Flint, Cornfoot even Parkinson a couple times!" Fay inhaled quickly, "Bloody hell, he even got paid off once by Nott Sr., it says 'to not send his son a mission during his seventh year'." Fay looked at Poppy, "We can get Daphne out of her contract with this, and make sure Yaxley never sees the outside of Azkaban."

Fay stood up and reached for the house elf's hand. "Put the floorboard back in place and then take me to Greengrass Estates please. I need to contact Ernie MacMillan and make sure this can be used to get Daphne out of the contract, without implicating any of the people who were blackmailed by Yaxley. They were already victims once; they don't need to be drug through a messy court battle now."

Poppy replaced the floorboard and with a happy smile on her little face she took Fay to Greengrass Estates.

xXXx

"What the hell do you want Pucey?" Marcus tried to keep the fear out his voice and replace it with the normal bulling tone he used when addressing the members of his team.

Adrian sneered at Flint then looked over at Anna. "Are you alright?"

Anna nodded slowly realizing her breast was still exposed. She quickly covered herself, then managed to say, "Yes, I think so."

Turning his attention back to Flint Adrian moved toward him. "The questions is, just what the bloody hell are you doing Flint? Does your fiancé know where you are?"

"That's none of your business Pucey. We are fine, you can leave." Marcus spat through gritted teeth finally regaining his confidence.

Marcus straightened up and lowered his hands to his sides and gave Adrian his best glare waiting for his fellow chaser to leave the room, but Adrian stood his ground. "I said you can leave Pucey, that means now."

"No." Adrian cocked his head to one side and stepped in front of Anna. "I don't think I will."

"Are you really challenging me mate?" Marcus took a step forward his hands on his hips.

Adrian gave a smug smirk and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"This doesn't concern you Pucey, for the last time I am telling you to get out." Marcus grew angrier and took another step closer to his teammate.

"I wouldn't do that Marcus."

Adrian's smirk got larger as Marcus looked over and saw Draco leaning on the door frame his arms crossed on his chest.

"Stay out of this Malfoy." Marcus now looked like a trap dog, trying to decide which of its attackers was the bigger threat.

Draco gave a light laugh. "Oh, I don't intend to get in-between the two of you. Just saying, I wouldn't if I was you. My money's on Pucey." Draco straightened up and held out his hand. "Why don't you come with me Miss. I think Mr. Pucey here can handle this for you."

Anna stood and slowly started walking toward Draco's outstretched hand.

Marcus lunged forward to stop her. "She is not going anywhere Malfoy."

"Yes I am. Coming in here with you was a big mistake." Anna tried to move out of Marcus's reach, but his hand landed on her wrist.

Adrian turned and knocked Marcus's hand off of Anna. "Touch her again Marcus and you will have to deal with me."

"You would take the side of some whore you have never met over your teammate?" Marcus growled at Adrian.

Adrian squared his shoulders. "When my teammate is a sack of shit that mistreats women, yes!"

Marcus was enraged and took a swing at Adrian. Adrian blocked the swing with the forearm of his left arm and threw an uppercut at Marcus hitting him directly in the jaw. Marcus stumbled back his eyes wide. Once he regained his balance his rubbed his chin.

"You son of a bitch!" Marcus yelled then lunged at Adrian hitting him in the gut with his shoulders.

The two of them fell back with Marcus on top of Adrian, but only for a second before Adrian rolled them over so he was the one on top. Sitting up Adrian pulled his fist back ready to hit Marcus but was stopped by the sound of Ron Weasley who had just entered the room with Blaise.

"I would suggest not hitting him Pucey. Right now, I assume, you have only defended yourself and this young lady, what you're about to do, will no longer be defense." Ron stated clearly while walking over to Anna. He gave her a soft grin. "I am Auror Weasley, are you alright?"

"Yes. The other guy got in here just in time." Anna made sure she looked at the floor sheepishly.

As Ron examined Anna's injuries Marcus pushed Adrian off of him and headed for the door. Ron looked over at Marcus, "Flint, you're not going anywhere."

Flint turned quickly, "Why the hell not Weasley?"

Ron faced the Quidditch player. "Well, I need time to question this young lady, but after I get her story along with what the witnesses have already told me, I think you and I are in for a long night."

"Witnesses, what witnesses?" Marcus looked around the room, Draco raised his eyebrows at him, and Blaise waved. Marcus fumed, "What are you two getting at Malfoy? Do you really think this will stop me and Daphne from getting married, we have a contract. It's binding, only my father and her father can break it."

Draco gave Marcus a bright smile. "I think Lord Greengrass will be willing to do just that, after he finds out about this."

"You really have no idea, do you?" Marcus laughed. "This will change nothing, Malfoy. With what my father has on Greengrass, this will be a mere splinter. One which will easily be forgotten."

Draco looked over at Blaise who gave him a 'What is he talking about?' look. Draco shrugged.

Ron walked over to Flint and bound his hands behind his back. "I don't really care about a marriage contract and what not, but the mess you're in right now, is more than a splinter Flint." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent a text, then looked up at Anna. "Miss..."

"Blackwell, Anna Blackwell." Anna answered.

"Miss Blackwell. My wife is on her way in here. She will escort you to my office, so you can press charges. I am assuming you want to." Ron said has he put his phone away.

Anna looked at Draco who nodded yes. "Yes, I do."

"Right. See you soon." Ron grabbed Flint by the elbow and started to lead him from the room stopping by Blaise. "Can you print those pictures and bring them by my office in the morning?'

"You got it." Blaise held up the camera and winked at Marcus.

Adrian laughed. "Well, Lord Greengrass may not see things our way Flint, but I bet the captain will. This looks bad for the whole team; you know how much he dislikes that."

Marcus lunged at Adrian, but Ron held him back. Before Ron lead Marcus out of the room he turned to Draco. "I haven't had the chance to say it yet Malfoy so, congratulations on your engagement."

Draco looked a little taken back, "Uh, thank you Weasley."

Once Ron and Marcus were gone, Adrian rushed to Anna's side and pulled her into his arms. "Please tell me he didn't hurt you very badly."

Anna allowed him to hold her knowing that any moment she might break down and didn't want to in front of these men. "He didn't, your timing was perfect."

Adrian lifted her chin, so she was looking at him. "Good. I hated this plan, Anna. I have never been so worried about anyone before."

"We did it Adrian, and I am fine. Just some superficial injuries that we can heal after the Auror documents them." Anna tried to smile at him, but the pain in her lip had finally taken over causing her to wince.

"I am going with you to Weasley's office and then taking you home." Adrian looked up as Hermione walked in the room.

Giving the group a warm smile, Hermione went straight to Anna and Adrian. "Miss Blackwell, I am Mrs. Weasley. My husband asked that I escort you to his office since you are a guest to London. Do you need to tell anyone or get anything before we go?"

"No, I am ready." Anna pulled away from Adrian but allowed him to take her hand. She smiled knowing the two of them would need to talk, but now was not the time.

xXXx

Daphne stood by the large oak tree outside her father's study. Always one of her favorite places to retreat to, tonight she found it didn't give her much comfort though. She had looked up at the stars for a little while trying to catch her breath after being on the dance floor for almost forty minutes. She knew her friends all just wanted her to be happy, and it was so obvious she was not happy with Marcus. But tonight was about Astoria not her, so she had come outside so she didn't draw attention to herself.

She would eventually have to tell Draco the reasons for her decision to marry Marcus. There was no way he would let it go. She also knew telling Draco would mean Theo would eventually also know the truth, since he was Draco's best mate. Daphne knew she wouldn't be mad at Draco for telling. Theo knowing the truth may ease the heartache. Daphne knew though, knowing the truth would only motivate Theo more to not let her go, trying to find a way to get her out of it. There was no way out of it. So, because Draco would share the information with Theo, she couldn't tell Draco the truth, not just yet. Blaise hadn't really pressed her for information while they danced, he did however make sure to talk nonstop about Theo and the outcome of Arthur Prince's trial. Blaise was certainly proud of his friend. Daphne smiled thinking about it. She was proud of Theo as well. Prince had put him through quite a trial, and Theo had come out of it better than before. Greg hadn't said a word while they danced, he just held her up on the dance floor to keep her from falling down.

Daphne looked at the engraving on the tree, 'TN and DG forever', she inhaled and placed her hand on the engraving, letting her fingers trace the letters. She closed her eyes remembering that day. Theo had pulled a Muggle pocket knife out and engraved it while she kept watch for her father. She had been so excited when he was finished and when he kissed her, she felt more loved and content then she ever had. So sure, they were 'forever', she hadn't even been embarrassed when her father caught them.

As she stood there with her eyes closed Daphne heard the light footsteps coming up behind, but she didn't turn. The person stopped behind her, close enough it only took a second before the familiar scent of Theo's cologne let her know who it was.

Theo reached out and gently traced his fingertips along her shoulder blades. "You had on yellow dress that day, it matched your hair. I remember thinking you were my personal ray of sunshine." Theo laughed lightly at his memory.

Daphne shivered slightly from his touch. She looked up again at the engraving and traced the letters again. "I couldn't wait to graduate and start our lives together."

"We could run away, start our lives together tonight." Theo ran his fingers through the curly wisps of hair that didn't make it up into her hairdo.

Daphne smiled. "We could go to Vegas, get married by Elvis."

"Honeymoon in the Caribbean. Lay on beach all day." Theo took a step closer to her, wanting so badly to pull her in his arms.

"Go to bed early, make love all night." Daphne could feel his breath on her neck and lifted her chin a little. She wanted him to kiss her, no more talking just kiss her, hard.

Theo leaned down taking the cue and kissed her lightly on her neck just below her earlobe. He took a shaky breath then in a hushed voice asked, "Daphne, do you still love me?"

She opened her eyes and turned around looking at him. "More than anything Theo."

"Then what did I do Baby? How did lose you to Flint? Tell me, and I will go to ends of the earth to fix it." Theo ran his thumb across her lips.

Tears ran down Daphne's cheeks as she took his hand in hers and started absentmindedly playing with his fingers. "You have to believe me when I tell you, you didn't do anything wrong Sweetheart. There is nothing for you to fix. It's what my father did."

Theo wiped the tears off her face the best he could with the hand she wasn't holding. "What did he do? Why does it mean you have to marry Flint?"

"You know I can't tell you Theodore." Daphne looked down at their hands unable to look him in the eye.

Theo pulled his hand from hers and placed his hands on either side of her face and gently tilted her head up, so she had to look up at him. "Give me something Baby, please. This is killing me."

She placed her hands on his chest and moved closer to him. "He made mistakes during the wars, trying to keep us safe. Flint is making him pay for those mistakes now. That's all I can tell you." Daphne reached up and ran her fingers through his hair.

Theo's hands instinctively went to her waist, and he closed his eyes and whispered. "I love you, Daphne. I will love you until the day I die. This can't be how our story ends."

"But it is." Daphne lifted up on her toes trying to reach to his lips. "Kiss me one last time Theo. Kiss me goodbye."

His eyes opened slowly and their eyes locked. Theo kept his eyes open so he could see her as he pulled her close to him. Before their lips met, he told her. "This isn't goodbye Daphne, it's just until we can figure this out." Then he pressed his lips to hers lightly at first, then quickly deepened the kiss, no longer able to hold back.

Theo held Daphne tight to him, kissing her deeply, blocking out all the noises around them. He wanted to apparate them away from there. To his room back at his manor, to the beach, to Paris, anywhere as long as they were together.

They were pulled from their embrace only when Daphne's father approached them, clearing his throat, then saying in a stern voice. "I think you have overstayed your welcome, Lord Nott. It's time for you to go."

Theo purposely kissed Daphne slightly harder, before he pulled away resting his forehead to hers and addressing Daphne, not Lord Greengrass. "Come with me Baby."

Daphne bit her bottom lip, but before she could answer her father interrupted again, "Daphne, we have other guests for you to attend to. Please go inside."

Daphne closed her eyes trying to block her father out. She wanted to go with Theo, would have if her father hadn't come out. He always had a way of catching them kissing by this tree.

She started to pull away, but Theo pulled her back to him. "I am not giving up Daph. I am still fighting for us, just like I promised."

Daphne was startled and jumped slightly when her father yelled. "DAPHNE RENE!"

She pulled out of Theo arms and took several steps back remembering the contract and vow she had made to her father and Marcus. "I am sorry Theo."

Daphne turned to leave when Theo reached his right hand out toward her. It was shaking now from the fear of her walking away. "You have to fight with me Baby, this isn't a battle I can win on my own. Please Daph, just take my hand."

She looked at his hand and opened her mouth to say something, but her father yelled again, stopping her. "DAPHNE, NOW!"

Theo shook his head. "Take my hand Baby. I can take us anywhere you want to go; you know I can." Theo fought the tears welling up in his eyes, not wanting her father to see him cry. He whispered. "Please, I love you."

"Lord Nott, you are out of line, and need to leave. I will only ask this one time." Dalton Greengrass tried to control his own temper, hating that he had to separate the two of them.

"I am not leaving without Daphne." Theo took a step toward her, his hand shaking even harder.

Greengrass turned to his daughter, "Do not make me yell again Daphne. You have made your choice; Nott was not it."

Daphne looked at her father, hatred in her eyes. She closed them and turned back to Theo, trying to rid her eyes of the anger she felt for her father before she opened them. "It's time to stop fighting Theodore. There is nothing left to fight for." Daphne wiped the tears off her face and cleared her throat before picking up her skirt and politely curtsying to Theo. "It was good of you come Lord Nott."

"No Daphne don't do that, don't say that. You are worth fighting for. Our love is worth fighting for." Theo took a step toward Daphne his hand still stretched out hoping she would take it.

She shook her head. "No, it's time to stop. Please, please stop." Daphne turned and practically ran back toward the house.

Theo couldn't hold the tears back any longer and they began to fall. "Daphne, please Baby." He called after her, but she didn't turn around. Theo stood there watching her leave until her father spoke to him.

"I am sorry Theodore; I wish things could be different." Lord Greengrass made sure to keep his voice low. He wasn't really angry with the younger man and didn't want Theo thinking he was.

Theo wiped the tears from his face and forced himself not to let any more fall, then turned and looked at Lord Greengrass. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't hate you son." Dalton reached forward and put his hand on Theo's shoulder.

Theo shrugged out from under Greengrass's hand and took a step away from him. "I am not your son." He indicated in the direction the Daphne had run. "You have made sure I never will be."

"This is not about you Theodore." Dalton did his best to keep his voice calm.

Theo looked at Greengrass unable to hide the contempt he felt for man right now. "Then tell me what it is about."

"Not yet Theodore. Sorry, one day I will tell you everything." Greengrass once again placed a hand on Theo's shoulder.

Theo's eyes burned from not blinking so tears wouldn't fall. "By then, it will be too late. You told me once to respect Daphne, I have. Always. I have always been good to her; how can Flint be a better match?"

"He isn't. But as I said before, the reasons why are out of my hands." Greengrass gave Theo's shoulder a squeeze then released him.

Theo shoved his hands in his pockets and began to stalk off back toward the house but turned around for a moment. "If you love your daughter, you won't make her marry Flint, even if you still won't let her be with me." Theo turned and left.

Dalton thought about following Theo. He could tell him everything, then Theo would understand. Dalton wanted nothing more than to give Theo Daphne's hand, but right now it wasn't possible and telling Theodore the truth would only serve to give the boy, hope. Hope right now with nothing to go on, would only cause more problems, more pain. Dalton looked at the engraving on the tree and said his own silent prayer that Fay had indeed been successful.

xXXx

Sally MacMillan found herself in the middle of a group of women she couldn't stand. As always when she and her husband attended a social event, he would be pulled into a conversation with other men from the ministry discussing politics and law. Sally looked at the wives of the other men and pitied them. Boring, plain women in her opinion. The type who talked about their husbands' accomplishments as if they too had accomplished something. It gave Sally a headache. She always wanted to ask them whether or not they had their own lives. After having asked the wife of the head of Ernie's department that very question once, reducing the woman to tears in front of everyone, she learned to keep that snarky question to herself. She loved that she had a job and worked, even if between her family and Ernie's she didn't have too. Sally wouldn't give up her interior design gig with Tracey for anything. It had only taken a few social gatherings with Ernie after graduation for her to learn, most Pure-Blood woman didn't work.

So instead of asking the women about the jobs she knew they didn't have, she endured the idle chatter of the three women beside her. The women gossiped nonstop about this and that. Their favorite topics seemed to be, who was wearing what and who was doing who. Mary was on her left, the woman in the group who always thought neutral tones were the best way to go with makeup, not understanding it washed her out making her look pale. Amanda across from her, the loud one who thought her husband walked on water, and Becky whose husband was so shy that if she didn't talk about him, people would forget the man existed.

Tracey had disappeared once the dancing had started, leaving Sally alone with the wives of her husband's coworkers. Sally looked around for her husband. Where had Ernie gotten off to anyway? She finally spotted him a few feet away still talking to the same men he had been before. That was when she noticed Fay Dunbar standing there, in a sundress far too plain for an event like this. Fay seemed to be trying to get the attention of one of the men in the group Ernie was in, but not having any luck. Sally decided, it was time to leave this group of simple boring women and find some fun.

"Are you going somewhere Sally?" Mary asked as Sally stepped away.

Sally looked at the slightly older woman. "Sorry I see a friend in need. But I must say, wearing no makeup was a brave thing to do Mary. Not everyone could pull it off, but you rock it." Sally walked away, the mouths of the other women open in shock, not sure if Mary was just insulted or complimented.

Sally walked up to Fay. "Fay Dunbar as I live and breathe. What brings you out into society, and without a camera in hand?"

Fay looked at Sally as if she was trying to place her, then her eyes widened as she remembered her old schoolmate. "Sally-Anne Perks. How are you?"

"Good, but it's MacMillan now, of course you know that though." Sally crossed her arms in front of her.

"Yes, I know. I just like your American name better. It suits you." Fay smiled a devilish grin. "Merlin, you look great."

Sally tried to hold the snotty stare she had been giving Fay but broke out in laughter. "So do you Fay. All though, I would have expected you to dress a little better. Hell, even Granger dressed nicer."

Fay sighed heavily. "True, but I wasn't expecting to be able to attend tonight. I was on assignment. I only stopped by because I need Ernie to look at something for me, however I am not having any luck getting his attention."

Sally returned Fay's devilish grin from before. "Oh, leave that to me."

Sally turned and walked over to the group of men her husband was in the middle of and went right up to Ernie's side. She took her husband hand as a hush fell over the group of men as all eyes turned to her. "Sorry men, I must steal my husband away for a little while. Can't be helped, you know, something only he can take care of for me." Sally winked at the group of men and pulled Ernie away.

"Sally, I was in the middle of something, what is going on?" Ernie knew better then to be angry with Sally, as hard as she tried politics was his thing, not hers.

She didn't say a word until she had him drug over to Fay and then looped her arm on his. "Fay needs you to look at something for her. Your little group of politicians wouldn't even acknowledge she was standing there. Very rude Ernie, I may have to punish you later for it."

Ernie raised his eyebrows. "I like your punishments." He gave Sally a quick kiss then looked at Fay. "Fay Dunbar, how are you, and how can I help?"

Fay smiled at the couple. She had always thought they were ungodly cute back in school and they still were. "I found this ledger belonging to Corban Yaxley, I want to know if the information in it can be used by Lord Greengrass to get Daphne out of the marriage contract with Flint but not cause the others in it any undue trouble."

Ernie gave Fay a confused looked. "I have told Theo over and over; Daphne doesn't have to marry Flint. Marriage contracts are no longer legally binding. All Daphne has to do is say no."

"True." Fay nodded her understanding, "But Ernie, Mr. Flint is blackmailing Lord Greengrass with the information in is this ledger. Claiming he will turn it over to the Ministry and accuse Lord Greengrass of being a Death Eater conspirator if Daphne does say no."

Ernie ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, now everything finally makes sense. Let me see what you have there."

Sally handed Ernie the ledger and the three of them sat at a table while Ernie thumbed through it. After a few minutes Ernie looked up at Fay and Sally who hadn't taken their eyes off him. "I think I file a juncture that would allow this to be admitted to the ministry as further evidence which can be used when Yaxley's second appeal goes to trial, but not be used to implicate any of the persons mentioned in it."

"Really, some of the people in there where Death Eaters and some of it is rather damning for those who were not." Fay leaned closer to Ernie and lowered her voice. "I looked at the numbers pertaining to Greengrass, between the two wars he paid the man well over sixty thousand galleons. Flint paid him almost his entire fortune to keep his boys away from Voldemort. All of it going into an account under the name Albany. Corey X. Albany."

Ernie's eyes lit up. "Is the gold still there?"

"I don't know, I don't have a way to access Gringotts accounts." Fay fidgeting with a napkin that had been on the table.

Ernie nodded. "May I keep this?"

"I need it, only to help Lord Greengrass get out from under Flint's blackmail so he can release Daphne from the contract. His wife is the one I am on assignment for. After that, you can do what you want with it." Fay held out her hand for the ledger.

Ernie handed it back to her. "Can you bring it by my office in the morning. I would like to file the juncture as soon as possible and can also file an arrest warrant for Christopher Flint. Blackmail is against the law no matter the reason."

"Is eight a.m. ok, I would like to get to Greengrass by noon." Fay put the ledger away in her purse.

Ernie stood and pulled out his wife's chair. "Eight sounds fine. See you then."

Fay went to leave but paused looking back at Ernie. "Not a word to Theo, I promised Lady Greengrass."

Ernie nodded his understanding.

Fay smiled and looked around the room, part of her wanted to tell Theo anyway, what she had found. Not seeing him anywhere she decided it that was for the best, she would just have to give the information to Lady Greengrass first.

A/N We are starting to get to the end! Only a few chapters left. I really hope you are enjoying the story. It has taken on a life of its own and gone in so many directions I never planned on when I started, and I thought I had good notes! At this point, please let me know if there is something I haven't covered so I make sure it is in my notes and gets addressed. Thank you for reading.