HP Family Magics
By ChupacabraTamer
Still not mine. Thank you JK for letting us play in your sand box. These characters are just too amazing to leave them trapped in the books and movies for all time. Enjoy the ride.
See chapter one for additional disclaimers.
Chapter 9 – Lord Potter arrives
"Do you want a story, sweetheart?" Roxanne whispered.
"No thanks mom, I'm." Daphne yawned deeply, "Too tired. Good night, mom."
The following few weeks were busy for the Greengrass family and Harry. Cyrus and Harry had met several times to work out the details of a betrothal contract. Harry tried his best not to blush when the topics of sex and children came up using his newly acquired occlumency skills to great effect. He wanted this as much as Daphne did.
Harry had a few nightmares but would wake to find Daphne using him as a pillow or vice versa. He had to admit he really enjoyed being her pillow. One time when Harry woke with Daphne as a pillow he opened his mouth the speak as she turned slightly. That put something just between his lips. They both froze for a moment and then pulled away. As Harry tried to apologize Daphne did something he had not expected and kissed him. When he finally committed fully to the kiss she broke it off.
"You know we are expected to get to know each other during this time. That is the intent of the contract. As long as we don't cross certain boundaries we don't have to worry about activating the contract." she said that morning. Then added much softer "There are ways around that too."
This got Harrys complete attention. Not to mention other parts of him had woke up fully as it looked like Daphnes parts had too.
"Ways around that? Please explain my Slytherin princess." Harry jested as he often did which caused Daphne to laugh. A sound Harry could listen to forever he thought to himself.
"So the contract says we can't have sex without enacting the clauses and getting married within eight months. I kind of understand that plus my parents would be alerted if we did, by the terms of the contract." Harry nodded as he remember that particularly embarrassing part of the negotiations with her father. "We can do most anything up to that point." Daphne said waiting for Harry to catch up. His eyes flew open when he realized what she was suggesting.
She continued "We can even try some family magic and our minds will enjoy the rest." She blushed at the suggestion. She had read in one of the family books that this was possible but not many had tried it. Usually your teacher was a parent or close family member. She remembered being grossed out at the idea then. Now, not so much as long as it was with Harry.
"Um. Family magic…" Harry stopped and thought about it. Considering what his magic had done to Daphne and her father when they attacked his mind this idea made sense. Harry looked at Daphne and she was biting her lower lip. Something she would only do around him and he appreciated her willingness to show her vulnerability to him. He smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her.
"How could I object to such a cute face." He said. Although she tried to look annoyed at him she was relieved. "So how do we try this? I'm not sure my tigers or the swamp would be the most romantic places." he followed up with a grin.
"Goof" she said while shoving his shoulder with hers. "How about you come into my mind. I have a place for us all made up." She blushed deeply at this revelation. She was about to show Harry her secret place.
"If you are sure." Harry said. She nodded and looked into his eyes inviting him in. Harry returned her gaze and pushed forward. He rarely entered her mind so this was a new place.
Daphne found him quickly in her mindscape. They were both dressed in their sleep clothes. She reached out and took his hand. As she did his clothes changed to a formal suit and bow tie. Black with a crisp white shirt, complete with shiny black shoes. He was almost dressed like his formal robe at the Yule Ball. Daphne was dressed in a formal gown that Harry thought looked like her dress from the Yule Ball. The emerald green gown drifted off her one shoulder in a grecian goddess style and flowed down her body like a waterfall, emphasizing all of her amazing curves while hiding them at the same time.
'Is this from the Yule Ball?' he thought/asked. She nodded. 'You look amazing in it'
'You noticing now or did you notice then?' she asked. Harry smiled and looked down.
'Then actually. I thought you looked like a vision. I had to take a second look to be sure you were real.' Harry honestly answered. This caused the ice princess to blush even in her mindscape.
She led Harry down a hall that look suspiciously like a Hogwarts hallway and into the great hall decorated for the Yule Ball. Harry marveled at the details she had included. Plus some details he knew were not there. Harry looked at Daphne in surprise and she blushed so much he could see the blush cover her bare shoulder and down her neck and into the little bit of exposed valley between her breasts.
'I have never admitted this to anyone so just go along with it please.' she pleaded with her eyes and her words. Harry looked around and the crowd was silent as the couple walked onto the dance floor.
'You mean the world to me. Thank you for sharing and just let me know what I can do to make this better for you.' Harry honestly said. He really did care deeply for her and if he knew what love really was he would say he was falling in love with her.
'Dance with me' she said and turned into him. Harry took her hand and put his other on her waist and they began as music filled the room. They danced a couple of times around the floor, avoiding the middle of the dance floor. After the first song she pulled Harry into a kiss as they just swayed to the music. Her arms entwined around his neck and his around her waist.
She whispered into his ear. 'Anything that happens in here doesn't count in the real world or to the contract. You can do anything you want.' Her hot breath combined with her words caused goose bumps to travel up and down Harrys arms. Daphne didn't look into Harrys eyes. She just held onto him.
'The same goes for you.' Harry replied. This sent a shiver down her spine both from the words and from feeling his breath against her ear and skin. She nodded that she understood and took a deep breath. As she moved one of her hands down to his chest his hand came up her back to her bare skin. Both gasped at the feeling. It felt so real it took their breath away.
What seemed to Harry to be hours later the two of them stood holding each other in the middle of the empty great hall of Hogwarts.
'That was nice.' she said. Harry nodded not sure he could speak yet.
Daphne looked into Harrys eyes. 'Are you ok with all this?' she waved around, biting her lip nervously.
'Not what I expected but I take it this is something that you enjoy? At least in here.' Harry asked. She nodded. Harry smiled and pulled her in for another kiss.
'Got any other interesting hidden sides of you? Cause I really like this one.' Relief showed on her face as Harry smiled at his lovely Slytherin princess.
'Maybe. If you are nice maybe I will introduce you to the one in my dorm with all my roommates.' Harry groaned. 'You are a little minx aren't you." she giggled as Harry blushed.
'I was the one that suggested it. I know what guys are like. As long as I reap the benefits from you looking' she said and wiggled against the man she was in love with. 'I'm ok with it. I might be known as the ice princess but you want to know a secret?' she asked conspiratorially. Harry nodded.
'Us girls probably think about all of this as much as you guys. We just do it more in our minds than leering at the opposite sex. Oh, and we talk to our girlfriends too and not just the lies that Shamus tells all you guys.' She laughed at Harrys shocked look. 'Yes, we all know that Shamus tells stories that you boys think are real but in truth are not even close. I'll show you sometime.'
Harry just shook his head and next he was back to reality and discovered only be a few minutes later, not the several hours that seemed to pass in her mindscape.
"Wow. That was something. Um. Thank you." Harry said trying to break the ice. Daphne chuckled and leaned into him.
"No need to thank me. I enjoyed it too." As she kissed him they both realized they needed shower and to get the day moving. Separating they each went to their separate showers.
Harry was standing on the platform of nine and three quarters. Harry was thinking back about the last month of summer with a smile. Remembering that first morning together in Daphnes mindscape. They had both shared and become closer as a result. Daphne had mastered the ability to reach into the ground and pull rocks out and identify most of them. She still needed Harrys help to be fully submerged and to swim underground but she was getting better.
The Prophet had reported the signing of the betrothal contract between Harry and Daphne. They had hoped it would be just a foot note in the announcements section. That wasn't to be for the boy-who-lived. It was splashed on the front cover the morning they were to return to Hogwarts. Harry and Daphne decided to provide a united front and arrived at platform nine and three quarters together. Dobby had ensured that Harry was dressed in the finest muggle clothes he could get Harry to purchase. A suit from Harrods was almost out of place but what really set it off was the contrast to Harrys usual attire. Previously he had warn his large cousins hand me downs held up with a much to large old belt.
Today Harry was wearing a crisp new Armani dark navy suit tailored to fit him like a glove. The steel grey shirt with a darker grey tie with a single Windsor knot at his neck. Over that a herring bone black wool over coat and steel grey scarf. Harry would have been welcome into the Queens presence in this outfit. Harry of course had complained quite loudly but the duo of Daphne and Dobby won him over.
Daphne was also in a muggle red velvet sheath dress down to just below her knees that was almost scandalous to the old fashion wizarding populous. This didn't stop Daphne when she fell in love with it as they had walked through Harrods after Harrys suit had been purchased. After she tried it on Harry insisted she get the black trench coat with the matching black fur collar. They had every pair of eyes on them as they walked towards the train.
Harry well remembered the conversation they had when Dobby let him know he needed to dress for the encounter. Harry had argued with the little elf that the clothes Dobby had for him were enough. That was when the little monster had brought out the big guns. Dobby popped away and was back in a minute with Daphne. She looked at the two boys glaring at each other and broke out laughing. This turned their attention to her. Which didn't help her laughing any.
"Ok. I only heard 'master Harry sir is most unreasonable wizard. Mistress needs change his mind' before I was popped here. What's happened to cause this disagreement between my two favorite boys?"
They both started talking over each other. Daphne held up her hands to stop them both. "Harry I will allow you to explain first. I'm sorry Dobby but I promise I will hear you out." At that Dobby bowed to Daphne and glared at Harry. This almost caused Daphne to start laughing again but she managed to hold it in.
"This little monster says that I can't just wear the clothes I have to the train next week. Why that even matters is beyond me." Harry started and Daphne stopped him.
"Show me what you planned on wearing." She asked. Harry pulled out a slightly worn pair of jeans and a button down collared shirt. It was an outfit she had seen him in often. It was acceptable for a day out in London. Not as a statement of their arrival back into the wizarding world.
"Master Harry be Lord Potter not muggle day worker." Dobby said emphatically. "Master Potter says Dobby let him know when make mistake." The little elf turned to his favorite person in the world with a tear in his eye. "Master Potter sir. Dobby know this be mistake. Please" With that the little elf had almost collapsed to the floor weeping.
Harry dropped to his knees and was beside him in a second holding the distraught elf. "Dobby. I'm sorry. I didn't know this meant this much to you. I'm listening now."
"What Dobby is trying to explain is that our arriving on the platform is the first time Lord Potter will be making a public appearance. This is a huge event, and after all the bad press the Prophet has been spewing, the public and press will be looking for any little piece of information they can use to make you look like the nutter the Minister claims you are. What you propose" Daphne pointed to the outfit on the bed. "would make you look like a day laborer on the way to work. Not a Lord heading to an important meeting. You need to be that Lord from the moment we arrive until you go to bed that night. After that you can go back to looking like the day laborer I fell in love with." Daphne smiled at the last bit taking the sting out of it. Truthfully she like the day laborer look on him.
Harry had conceded after press ganging Daphne to go with him and an invisible Dobby to Harrods for a shopping trip. He also insisted that Daphne would be getting an outfit commensurate with being on the arm of a Lord. That part hadn't been too difficult.
Seeing the looks of every witch and wizard on the platform, as they watched the couples every move, Harry had to agree that Dobby had been right to insist. The sea of people parted as they walked across the platform towards the waiting train.
"You and Dobby were right. Thank you." Harry said as he leaned in close and place a gentle kiss on Daphnes cheek. The flashes from the several photographers gathered to witness their arrival was almost blinding. Daphne blushed a little but continued walking them towards the train.
Several reporters tried to get comments and Harry moved off to the side of the platform and waved them over. They all started a barrage of questions, yelling over the top of each other to be heard. Harry waited quietly and observed the crowd in front of them. Eventually they all quieted down realizing that Lord Potter wasn't going to answer questions yelled at him. When they were all quiet Harry started.
"I have a comment and then time for a couple of questions. Thank you all for coming to see us off to Hogwarts for another year of schooling. I appreciate the attention but truly we" Harry stopped and looked at Daphne then back to the crowd "are just looking to get to school and the hallowed halls of learning." Harry pointed to a reporter a couple of rows back that had not yelled at them. "Miss ?" Harry paused.
"Miss Rossum from Witch Weekly, Lord Potter." She replied politely and waited.
"Please." Harry said and nodded.
"Just wondering how you two got together?" She replied. Harry and Daphne smiled.
"Our families knew each other before and after I learned that Daphne and I have played together as infants I asked for an audience with Lord Greengrass. Miss Greengrass was in attendance and we discovered that we had similar interests and spent more time together over the summer. The rest you can guess as the Prophet put it on the front page."
"You said the dark lord is back. What happened?" Someone yelled from directly in front of Harry.
Harry leveled them with a dark stare. "It would seem that some people didn't learn to raise their hands in school." Then looked around to the raised hands. At Daphnes nudge Harry selected a garishly dressed man off the side. "You sir?"
"Zenophillius Lovegood, Lord Potter. I'm the editor of the Quibbler. My daughter Luna goes to Hogwarts and says that you are nothing like what the Prophet says. Did you enter the Triwizard tournament?" Harry smiled realizing how amazing Daphne was once again.
"No sir. I did not. My name was put in with the express intent on killing me. As you can see they failed yet again. I would rather forget that entire farce of a tournament. It's too bad the perpetrator is no longer with us to answer questions. I'm sure the DMLE is disappointed in not having the opportunity to figure out why that all happened."
Rita Skeeter couldn't hold back any longer. "You said the dark lord is back. The minister says you are a lier and attention seeker. What do you say to that?"
"Ah. Rita. Have you reported anything accurately in your life?" Harry said to the chuckles of the crowd. "The minister says a great many things. I have yet to hear a truth from him, you, or the ministries mouth piece the Prophet. Thank you all. We must be going now." With that Harry led Daphne through the crowd refusing to answer any further questions.
This would not do. Rita had been instructed by the Minister himself to make sure she got some dirt on the 'lying little brat' She couldn't do that with witnesses to her quick quote quill. Rita quickly left the crowd behind and headed into the loo. With no one around she changed into her beetle animagus form and caught up with the couple, just barely making it inside as the door to the compartment slammed shut.
Harry collapsed onto the seat followed closely by Daphne.
"How do you stand all that attention?" She asked him.
"It's been a part of my life since I arrived in the magical world. Although, your briefing on how to manage the press was brilliant. I didn't think they would be swarming like that." Harry said.
Daphne looked at Harry again and shook her head. "You are the first of our generation to become a Lord. I was pretty sure there would be some press just not all of them. I even noticed the World Wizard News and what looked like an American in the crowd. I never imagined the news would be that far reaching."
"Me either." Harry closed his eyes as they felt the train started moving on their way to their fifth year at Hogwarts.
The couple relaxed as the train picked up speed and left London behind them. Harry was content to just be with Daphne and relax. The past week had been a whirl wind of preparations and last minute decisions. Harry had to meet with Griphook several times to finalize all the documents needed for the next nine months. Not that he couldn't leave school, now that he was a lord, it would be possible but he was sure Dumbledore would make it difficult. Griphook would inform him, through Dobby, of any detail that required his attention.
There solitude was broken with the door slammed open. Harry snapped to attention and his wand was out before the door had completely opened. There framed by the open door was Ron Weasley, looking furious at the couple. By the time he had started to open his mouth Daphnes wand was pointed at a point half way between his eyes and his toes. This caused the redhead to pause what he was thinking. Although both of the occupants could see the storm brewing as his ears were as red as his hair.
"Before you say anything Just nod if you know we are betrothed." Harry said calmly. The redhead nodded once. "and you have heard smack from your mother about my poor treatment of Dumbledore?" Again he nodded. After dodging Dumbledore and hearing from Sirius about many of the Order being evicted and moving into Grimmauld Place, he was sure Molly had words about him. Sirius on the other hand found it to be the ultimate prank and took great pleasure in saying so every time Molly opened her mouth.
"Before you speak" Harry started but the redhead had reached his limit.
"What do you mean" was as far as Ron got before his eyes glazed over and he fell face first into the compartment. Daphne looked surprised as this happened. Harry realized that Ron had just decided to do something to him and the Pharaohs curse had been activated. Harry nudged Rons shoulder with his toe and received no response.
"Looks like Bill is an excellent curse .. em … maker in this instance." Harry said with a chuckle. Before Harry could do anything Ginny was at the door with her wand out.
"What did you do to him?" was all she got out before she collapsed on top of her brother. The thudding sound of her face hitting the back of her brothers head on the way down made the couple watching cringe. Looking at the downed redheads Harry noticed a trickle of additional red dripping from Ginnys nose down Rons hair.
"Harrykins." the redheaded duo said as their heads arrived on either side of the doorway. "Sorry about that."
"We had intended"
"To stop them before"
"They could do anything"
"stupid." They both looked down at their younger siblings.
"It would seem we are a"
"Smidgen?"
"yes, just a smidgen brother of mine"
"late." they intoned at the same time.
"We shall remove them"
"Post haste."
"Yes. Post haste. Please accept our apologies"
"For these." Fred or George waved towards the downed pair.
"And a congratulations on your betrothal to"
"The delectable Miss Greengrass."
"We do hope you don't consider their" Another wave to the downed pair.
"Actions to be a reflection of the"
"families feelings towards you and yours."
"Yes. Except Percy"
"Yes. Percy the prat"
"The males of the family do support"
"and understand your actions."
"We also appreciate your … restraint"
"Yes, restraint, in your response. Twas"
"within your rights, my Lord."
"Yes, my Lord."
"To have caused our family much difficulties."
"We appreciate it and should you"
"Or you" The other twin waved towards Daphne.
"Require anything. Tis but yours for"
"The asking."
At that both brothers bowed dramatically while waving their arms and backed out of the compartment. Their younger siblings were dragged out behind them, leaving a suspicious red streak on the floor as the door closing silently.
The two looked at each other and at the puzzled look on Daphnes face Harry started laughing. "That is so Fred and George. I really like those two. If you ever need help and I am not around, please see them. I would trust them to keep you safe."
"Many of my house mates would disagree with that statement but I trust your judgement. They seem to not hold it against you. Whatever that was." She pointed to the now empty doorway.
Harry realized he had not explained the Pharaohs curse to Daphne and filled her in on the details. By the end of the description she was holding her sides in laughter. Harry did finally see the humor in the situation and was laughing along with her when the door slammed open again.
The wands were drawn before the door fully opened to a sneering blond and his bookends. Harry drew himself up and gently pushed Daphne behind him.
"Well it would seem that." Malfoy got out before Harry interrupted the blond feret.
"Heir Malfoy." Harry said cutting him off. "Before you complete that statement let me ask if you saw the gaggle of redheads that left our compartment a short time ago?"
"Of course Potter do you think"
"Yes, actually I do. Think that is. Perhaps you should start doing more of it right now. Heir Malfoy." Harrys icy tone stopped Draco short. "I'm sure your father will hear about this. Remind him that as Lord Potter I out rank him in every way possible. Should his heir insult me or my betrothed in any way, through actions and/or words, it would be within my rights to call an honor duel of said heir and/or his head of house. It would be within my right to dictate the time, place, weapons, and concessions of said honor duel."
Harry waited for that to sink in as the ferret used the least effective tool at his disposal, except perhaps, his bookends that is. Harry could see when the gears finally stopped and a decision was reached.
"Lord Potter, The house of Malfoy congratulate you on your betrothal to Heiress Greengrass." Draco spat out, almost cringing at the words like they were burning his lips.
"The Ancient and Noble house of Potter thanks the Ancient House of Malfoy for their congratulations. The house of Potter will remember that the house of Malfoy was the first to congratulate them on their betrothal." With that Malfoy bowed and left the compartment.
Daphne poked Harry in the ribs. "You don't need to protect me from the likes of Malfoy."
"I was just establishing the pecking order so he realizes what I can do if I so choose. He knows now that I will not put up with him or his goons. I will take it to his head of house and remind them what a higher ranking Lord can do." Harry said with enough venom that Daphne almost stepped back. She had never heard that from Harry before.
"I knew you two were rivals but I never thought it was this intense?" Daphne asked.
"After seeing Lucius groveling at Voldermorts feet I have no qualm with putting him or anyone down hard. His father was laughing while Voldemort was using the Cruciatus curse on me. They all thought it was great fun to watch a teen being tortured. I will not show them any mercy given the opportunity.
Harry had his hands clenched so hard his nails were digging into his palms and blood was starting to trickle from both hands. Daphne saw this and took his hands in hers and gently pried them open. Waving her wand and a muttered spell and his palms were healed and the blood was vanished.
"Nothing we can do right now. Calm down and we can plan. I wouldn't mind getting a little pay back on the little ferret myself." Daphne said pushing Harry down into the seat and planting herself on his lap. "Do you think the twins would be willing to help with that?"
Harry laughed. "You are my Slytherin princess. I'll inquire. They may owe me a favor or two." He said cagily. Daphne decided that she didn't want to know why.
It was in this position that Hermione found the couple an hour later. Cautiously opening the door she had looked in and seeing the couple smiling back at her decided to join them.
"Hello Harry and Daphne. I see the paper was correct that you two seemed very happy together. I take it this was a good summer for the both of you?" She asked. Harry and Daphne both nodded.
"It was brilliant. How about yours?" Harry replied.
"Mostly good until I joined the gang at um … Padfoots place." Hermione said. Giving Harry the look that she wanted to say more. Harry nodded to her that it was ok.
"Daphne knows about Padfoot and the Goblins agree that he is innocent. Too bad the current government is too corrupt and leaders to lazy to do anything about it." Harry spat out the last part.
Hermione leaned back with the venom from Harrys statement. "So I take it your feelings towards certain leaders have not gotten any better since we last saw each other?" Hermione asked. Harry laughed.
"Not gotten any better is the understatement of the year. I was almost ready to leave the UK but decided other plans were more important." He said as he pulled Daphne's clasped hand to his lips and applied a gentle kiss to her knuckles, which caused her to smile brightly.
"What's up with Ron and Ginny? The last few weeks they have been grumbling all over the house. I saw Ron swear with your name and then crash to the floor rigid as a board. Mrs. Weasley levitated him out of there quickly and I didn't see hm for a while. Any idea what that was all about?" Hermione asked. Harry was pensive for a moment.
"I'm sorry but I really can't say. If one of Weasleys choose to share with you that is their prerogative. I will be keeping my distance from Ron and Ginny."
"Harry James Potter what did you do?" Hermione asked while jumping to her feet and glaring down at her friend.
"Hermione." Daphne shouted, which caused the bushy haired girl to snap her attention to the blond.
"WHAT! I'm sorry, I mean what." Hermione toned down her volume and words towards Daphne.
"You don't have all the information, and may never have it all. Do you trust your friend to only do what is necessary to protect himself and his friends?" Daphne asked. This caused Hermione to pause and look between the two.
"Do you have all the information?" Hermione ask Daphne.
"Probably not but I have enough to know that Harry was generous, much more than he needed to be, when dealing with an awful situation created by someone he should have been able to trust. Had half of this been dumped on me there would be a trail of bodies behind me and several others that would never be found." Daphne said. This surprised the Gryffindor so much she sat down. She just stared at the blond girl with big eyes.
"You weren't just speaking metaphorically were you?" Hermione asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer. The quick shake of the blonds head was all the answer she needed.
"Hermione, I had to become Lord Potter and clean up almost fifteen years of complete and utter bullshit that should never have happened. If Padfoot had been my magical guardian I wouldn't be in this position. But, that isn't the case and he can't help with his situation. I became a Lord when I was emancipated so I have had to deal with adult crap all summer. I don't need to justify it to anyone and if that is too much for you to accept." Harry pointed to the door. "There is the door. I don't expect you to love all of the choices I made, and will make, but I would hope that you would support me."
The words and gesture was like a slap to Hermione. Harry could see the tears forming and she did look at the door once and than back to him.
"Hermione, I meant it at dinner when I said you were like a sister to me. It would crush me not to have you in my life. That said. I will not be yelled at for something I needed to do to protect myself, my family, or those I love. I may be a Lord but I'm still that skinny kid with the broken glasses that his big sister helped his first day on the train." Harry finished almost at a whisper. Daphne could see how hard it was for him to call out Hermione.
The two looked at each other for a few minutes. Information warring within Hermiones mind from what she heard and seen to what she knew of Harry. She also weighed in the sources of information. The Weasleys, Dumbledore, Snape, other order members and Sirius. Then she heard her parents words in her mind 'You can't know everything about someone else.' and 'We trust you.' They had said that about Harry and they only knew him from what she had told them.
"Harry." her voice cracked a little as she looked into those now hard eyes. "I'm … I'm sorry. I just heard so much but to be fair it wasn't from you. I don't want to lose you as a friend. I'll try." With that she broke down and Harry swapped one witch for a crying witch. Daphne excused herself to go to the loo and left the two friends to reacquaint themselves.
A/N: This was a difficult chapter. A lot has happened and I was trying to move the story along. I enjoy the learning magic scenes but there is a story to get to. So off to Hogwarts and all that will happen within the hallowed halls of learning.
