Chapter 40
-oOo-
July 16, 1996
London, England
Dobby put the silver tray with the matching tea set on the table. Auntie Ami was sitting next to him. Across from them were Anders and Iliana. Harry wiped his hands on his robes. He was in his burgundy house robes today, his House Potter crest prominent on his left breast, the Peverells and Glamorgan's below it. Auntie was in her House Bones robes with the Potter and Granger crest on her left sleeve. The Greengrasses were similar, with Anders having the Greengrass and Clearwell crests.
"Thank you, Dobby," Auntie said when he was done pouring the tea. As his regent, she was supposed to open the conversation. "When you are ready, I have an important matter to discuss."
"It would appear so if you asked us to attend a formal meeting, Amelia," Anders said, looking relaxed.
Auntie smiled. "Well, this is a formal matter, but I would like us to treat this more as a family affair."
Iliana rose an eyebrow towards Harry. "Has Harry decided what he would like to do with the courtship agreement?"
Auntie looked to him. He took in a deep breath. "I have, Lady Greengrass. Lord Greengrass, I would like to talk to you about a betrothal with Daphne. I know the terms in the courtship agreement, but I would like to modify them."
Anders brow rose. "Really? What type of modification would you like? Does this have to do with some of the family magics that you and Daphne have been talking about?"
"It does, sir," Harry said, being rather more formal than he would be with his future in-laws. There was a certain fear in that thought, but Daphne and him were starting to talk about forever with each other. Fifteen was probably too young, but he was less than fifteen days away from sixteen, and the current agreement ran out on Daphne's seventeenth birthday in December.
Anders sat back in the chair. "I assume this conversation will be kept in the strictest confidentially between House Potter and House Greengrass?"
"As Regent Potter, I will hold to my oaths," Amelia said.
"House Potter agrees," Harry replied.
Iliana had a faint smile on her face. "What has you and Daphne so worked up about this plan of yours? I have not been able to certify your claims of being a descendant of the House of Aurelius. You can probably understand why Anders and I would be concerned with this, given the fact you know that my husband's line goes back to Le Fey herself."
Auntie just about spat her tea. Harry had not told her, knowing it was a secret of the Greengrasses, and apparently Lady Zabini had not told her either.
"Are you alright, Amelia?" Anders asked, looking a little amused.
"Are you saying that between Harry, Neville and Daphne, the descendants of the original Triumvirate are reunited in friendship? Harry, how long have you known?" Auntie Ami demanded.
"Months. Blaise mentioned it. Daphne has confirmed it. Neville has learned more of his history from Croaker and confirms the Longbottoms are," Harry said.
Iliana sucked in a breath, while Anders looked intrigued at his wife. Iliana said, "The blood of Pendragon and Merlin lives in Neville. You are the direct descendant of Merlin and want to marry Daphne? The primary heir to the Le Fay blood. Harry, do you understand what this all means?"
"I am getting a good idea. I am not just talking about marrying Daphne," Harry told them.
Anders regarded him. "What do you want to do?"
He looked to his auntie, who nodded. This was a point she was supposed to lead as his regent. "Harry wants to combine Houses. He is offering to make the primary line the Potter-Greengrasses, having the primary heir take on the title of both houses, with secondary the Peverells, and if they have a third child, the Glamorgans. Given the blood lines of all three, they would be considered part of the peerage and could bring about the reintroduction of two extinct houses and the elevation of the Greengrasses to the rightful spot they should," Auntie said.
Iliana was still clearly thinking about what it meant between Neville, Daphne and him, while Anders had sat forward, a glean in his eyes. "Harry, you understand that if you combine Houses, that is a permanent bond between our bloods that will always bind the primary heir to both lines?"
"I do, Lord Greengrass. I have reasons though," Harry said.
"The new wizarding settlements and warding," Iliana said. She had been a Ravenclaw. Her mind was making connections that had her mind whirling. Anders looked to her. "Daphne told me about Harry's plan, but it is not that hard to just setup new settlements, most wizards don't want to live in settlements though. Why would you want to?"
"The Muggle technology is getting close to being able to detect some of the magic we use. They have cameras that are being posted everywhere. The Unspeakables have approached me to get at some of my family magic to protect wizards from breaking the Statute of Secrecy. I believe it won't be an if, but a when. If safe havens could be established where we could be who we are, as well as integrate Muggle technologies, then we could be safe and better hidden when the Statute fails," Harry told them.
"I still don't understand what this has to do with your proposal, as much as I want to see your old Houses revised," Anders said to him.
Harry took in a deep breath again. "Family magic, sir. Camelot still exists, and I have been able to discover some of the secrets behind the Mists of Avalon. I think your family has the parts I am missing. Or it could be in the scrolls and texts that I can't translate yet. I am starting to learn Latin and how to read Old Futhark, which is very different than what we learn in Ancient Runes. I don't know if I am asking too much of you. I am going to establish a guild for warding and rune weaving."
At this, Ander's eyes went wider. "You are going to go against the goblins?"
"If I have too, but what I can offer is far superior to the goblins, but only if I can figure out the secrets of my family magic, and yours," Harry told him.
"With the family blood of the Triumvirate joined in this way, we could all become the most powerful families again. This is what Daphne was talking about," Iliana stated, as though coming to some profound understanding.
"I don't want the power. I only want to protect people and make sure that when the Statute falls, we all have a place to go," Harry told her.
"Merlin," Anders said. "Amelia, you know all about this?"
"I didn't know about your lineage, but myself and Sirius have been helping him plan and getting him the tutors he needs," she replied.
They were all silent for a few. When Anders spoke, he was more business-like. "Amelia, the original contract we drew up needs to be renegotiated."
"Harry is willing to offer fair compensation for any magic you are willing to share on this subject, up to and including equal knowledge for equal knowledge, as long as it stays in the family. When the guild is established, some family magic will be shared with fully bonded members, but only that which is needed to meet Harry's goals. He is also willing to setup a bride price of four million galleons, with no groom price, as well as an equal sharing of all profits from the guild based on how much knowledge from each family is used. In exchange, Daphne will not take any oaths of fealty or other bonding. This will be a marriage under the old hand-fasting traditions. They will be recognized as equals before the Wizengamot and society. That is non-negotiable," his auntie said.
Anders looked a little stunned. "Four million..." he whispered.
Iliana smiled. "Anders, I would like to add my own conditions." When her husband nodded, she said, "Astoria is to be granted protections under the joined Houses. Any Greengrass family magic is to still be available to her."
Harry nodded. "Family will always be protected, and I would never restrict her anything that is hers," Harry replied. "I would also allow her the Potter and Peverell magics, if she wants."
"I agree with my wife. Harry, I can't help but feel the Greengrasses will get the better of this deal. While I am not opposed to it, why offer this and not negotiate harder?" Anders asked.
"Because I am asking you to open up all your family magic to me. I understand how precious that is," Harry replied.
"But that would mean you also open all your family magic the same way," Iliana said, a hint of eagerness in her voice.
Harry knew the Ravenclaw in her probably yearned to get at knowledge like that.
"I mean it when I want our houses to be combined. I love Daphne. I want to protect her and our future family. I don't see a way to achieve that without the knowledge of both families," Harry said.
Anders nodded. "Four million is too much. I know Daphne will look at that as though you are buying her," Anders said.
Harry knew the man was right. "Anders, you can do with that money as you want. Set up a vault for Daphne, or your grandchildren. Spend it on other business ventures. Put some away for Astoria for when she gets married. Auntie and I have talked about it. The standard is to offer between one to three percent of the grooms holdings. This would be a one-point-five percent offer. For Daphne, I would give up more if you want."
Anders eyes bulged. His mouth moved for a moment. Iliana shook her head. "We knew you were wealthy, but not that wealthy."
Anders closed his eyes for a moment. "That is a fair offer," he agreed. "To get this right, you are really asking for our families to combine so you can get at our family magic?"
Harry took on a hard face. "I am asking to marry Daphne because I love her. I can do without anything else and will willingly accept the original terms or find another way if I have too."
Iliana put a hand on Anders' arm. "Anders, Harry isn't trying to use Daphne to get to us."
"Harry is not trying to take advantage of you, Anders. He is sincere in his offer," Auntie Ami said. "If you really feel he is, then we will be willing to wait for a counteroffer, otherwise, Harry will take the option to use the original betrothal."
Anders looked to Harry. "You want all our knowledge in exchange for Daphne and your knowledge?"
"I love Daphne. The combining of our magics has no impact of that. I would like our families to share with each other, but it is not necessary for me to marry your daughter someday," Harry told him.
Anders pondered that for a few. With a slow nod to his head, he said, "I will agree to most of the terms. Four million is too much. I know my daughter. She will think you are buying her, no matter how you feel for each other. I would settle on the more traditional two-hundred thousand for the union of such prestigious Houses. As for our magics, if you are willing to accept the Greengrass name as your own and will establish a guild in opposition to the goblins, I am willing to accept that."
"So, we would agree to Scion Potters proposal and draft a resolution for the formation of the House of Potter-Greengrass?" auntie put forward.
"I would like to see the contract before we go to the Goblins, but in essence, yes," Anders said.
Harry let out a breath. He had been very unsure about this, especially with the combining of their magics. He was really coming to love the family magics he was learning and would be willing to share it once he had more family.
Iliana got up and hugged him. "It will be a pleasure to call you our son."
"When would you like this formalized," Anders asked auntie.
"Harry wants to ask Daphne at the cotillion next month. That was a point we missed. Daphne has to agree before the betrothal is active," Auntie said.
"That is not how this works," Anders stated.
"Done," Iliana said, giving her husband a sharp look.
-oOo-
July 27, 1996
North Stanley, England
Daphne looked up at the tall wooden Muggle contraption. Susan and Harry were very excited to go on, talking animatedly about their first time two years ago. As the goblin like machine stormed by, loud and shaking the wooden structure, she felt a little apprehensive.
Harry turned towards her. "Tori, where did Eric go?"
Daphne turned to her sister, who was looking at the roller coaster a lot more interestedly than she felt. "He'll meet us on the other side," her sister told them.
Harry smirked. "I knew he would chicken out."
"He did not chicken out," Astoria said, her face reddening.
"Well, he isn't here," Susan added.
"You owe me a tenner," Harry said to Susan.
"I said he would make it to the front," she complained.
"I said he would disappear before we even got half-way," Harry retorted.
"You bet on my boyfriend running?" Astoria was a little indignant.
"Yepppp," Harry said with a huge smile, popping his 'p'.
Daphne giggled. "Even I am still in line," she teased her sister.
"Eric has never been out in the Muggle world. How can you think he would trust this?" She moved her hand to indicate the wooden contraption. The train pulled in over their head and they moved up in line onto the ramp.
"I've never done this and I trust it," Daphne replied.
"It's not like people fall out of it often," Harry said.
.Astoria's face lost some colour. "People fall out?"
Susan hit his arm before she could. "They do not fall out!"
Harry laughed. "Oh, is that why we wear those belts and have the bar?"
"You prat." Astoria glared at him.
"Did you mention that to Eric," Daphne asked her intended.
"I told him that no one has fallen out before," Harry said a little sheepishly.
"You cheated," Susan accused.
Astoria stomped her foot. "YOU DID WHAT!"
Harry laughed at her sister. "I didn't lie."
Daphne shook her head. "Incorrigible."
"You are apologizing to Eric and will get him here now," Astoria demanded.
Harry shrugged. "After the ride. We are almost to the front."
Susan shook her head. "What did Astoria ever do to you?"
The smirk he shared with Daphne had Daphne smiling. "I can think of a few things," Daphne said, looking to Astoria.
Astoria's eyes widened. "You promised you would be nice to him!"
"I promised I would watch over you. The boy annoys me some," Harry told her.
Astoria huffed. "Why? He's always been nice to you."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "Tori, I think he is more after your title."
Daphne frowned. "Why would you say that?"
Harry shrugged. "Tell you later."
"No, you need to tell me now," Astoria stated.
Harry shook his head. "Nope. The line is moving again."
All three girls gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean Eric wants my titles?"
Harry ran his hand through his messy black hair, a sure sign he was hiding something. Daphne caught his eye and could tell he didn't want to talk about it. She turned to Astoria. "Tori, you know that Harry wouldn't do something to be mean."
"Are you sure," Astoria said in a scathing tone.
"Yes. And if he did, I think he would have more than enough reason to after some of your comments to us. I still remember the milk incident," she said significantly to her sister.
Susan perked up. "What milk incident? You never told me about that."
Harry got a smirk, able to laugh about it now. "Oh, I just gave Astoria a shower."
"That was so disgusting," Tori said, cringing her nose. Daphne looked over as the roller coaster sped by. She was nervous, but this conversation was keeping her distracted. Also, Harry and Susan seemed to really enjoy this ride and they were here for Susan's, Neville's and Harry's birthday.
"It was your own fault," Daphne told her.
"What did she do?"
"Implied that Daphne and I were going to be married at thirteen," Harry said casually.
"You did not!" Susan exclaimed.
Astoria's face brightened. "I just said someday..."
"I think you implied I would be Earless Potter rather soon," Daphne said, enjoying turning the tables on Astoria.
Her sister looked rather flustered now. "I was only twelve."
"And you realize that it will be a demotion if you marry Higgs? Unless you approve for him to take over the title of Clearwell?" Daphne pressed.
Astoria blinked. "I'm not betrothed or anything!"
"You could be," Harry added.
Susan laughed as they moved up again. "I've never seen you're face so red, Tori."
Astoria spluttered some. "I... you... prats!" she huffed again, stomping her foot.
"Pretty much," Harry agreed, getting a laugh from both Susan and Daphne as Astoria's outrage.
When they finally got to the front, Astoria sat in the seat before them with Susan. Susan was just about bouncing to be going on the roller coaster again. Astoria looked a little apprehensive but was catching onto Susan's enthusiasm.
Daphne, though, was having to fight down the urge to run. Something about this scared her. She wasn't a fan of the carts in Gringotts, and this looked even less safe. Harry put a hand over hers after the bar was pulled to their laps. "Do you trust me?"
"Without question," she replied, unsure why he would asked then.
"Then I promise you will be safe, and this is fun," Harry told her.
She nodded, the fear welling up in her as the cart left the station. On the first hill, where her stomach felt like it was dropping out of her, she screamed. When it pulled back up, she realized it was like diving on her broom.
On the second hill, she screamed again, but instead of terror, it was out of reflex.
When they banked and went down the third and into a series of short hills and valleys, she started to laugh.
By the time they pulled back into the station, all four of them had been throwing their hands into the air and enjoying the ride. She laughed as they got off. Astoria looked very pleased. "Eric has to go on this," she told them, rushing down to the exit.
Susan laughed. "Are you going to be nice to him?"
"Nope," Harry replied.
"Why?"
Harry looked around. "His father sent a query about the Greengrass titles. Auntie got a copy since we are in a courtship. He wanted to know if all the titles were available with Astoria since you would be inheriting mine," Harry told them.
Susan took in a hissing breath while Daphne's eyes narrowed. "The little snake did what?"
"I don't know if Eric knows or not, but your father and auntie are not pleased," Harry told her.
"Why wasn't I told?" Daphne enquired.
"We just got the notice yesterday. I didn't see you until this morning," Harry told her.
"But father should have mentioned it," she said. Then Daphne stopped and pulled him short as they went to go join Astoria and Eric. Hermione, Blaise, Tracey and Neville were coming towards them as well. Susan stopped to look at them. "Harry? Why would you be notified? We are only in a courtship and I know we haven't crossed any of the clauses that would push us into a betrothal."
"BLAISE! You must try this," Harry called out, taking off towards their friend.
"Harry! Harry! Harry Potter! Get back here," Daphne called after him. Susan falling in besides him. "Harry!"
He had already run away to join the others. Daphne stalked off after him. Susan looked to her. "Daph, what's going on?"
"That is what I want to know," she told her redheaded friend as she caught up to her intended that seemed to want to talk about anything but what they just had.
-oOo-
August 10, 1996
Godric's Hollow, England
Harry stood before the mirror in the rooms the escorts were getting prepared in. It was going to be his formal introduction to society, along with the largest class in years. Neville, Blaise, Theo, Michael Corner, and Ron were all getting ready with him. There would be four others, but they had elected to wait for the Ministry Ball in December.
Across the hall, he knew that Daphne, Tracey, Hermione, Millie, Pansy, Susan, Hannah, Parvati, Padma and Lavender Brown were getting ready. The other eligible girls would be presented in December.
Thinking of Daphne, Harry wiped his hands on his pants. They were incredibly sweaty, and he was so nervous. He knew that most people in the muggle world would be waiting years before he was going to do what he was about too tonight, but he was not about to let Daphne go and knew they had until her birthday to do this.
Neville came up to him and elbowed him. "What has you so nervous?" his cousin and one of his best friends asked.
Harry took in a deep breath, trying to centre his occlumency. After a moment, he took the small black box out of his pocket and held it for Neville to take.
"No bloody way," Neville said softly.
Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "I'm going to ask her after the first few dances."
Neville looked a little confused. "You aren't just going to have a betrothal signed? I thought you already had the agreement?"
"Auntie Amelia and I had negotiations. I want Daphne to say yes, not just have her father sign her away," Harry told him.
"Why now? Don't you still have a few more years?"
Harry let out a breath. "Neville, we never really told anyone, but we have to make the decision before Daphne turns seventeen in December. I won't let anyone else get her."
Neville nodded before opening the box. He let out a low whistle. "You had this commissioned by the goblins?"
"I had them reset the stones and the Potter crest. It was my grandmother's."
Neville looked at the ring. "Harry, the crest next to it is the Greengrass crest. Betrothal rings like this usually means two houses are joining with each other."
"Pretty much," Harry agrees, wiping his palms again.
The door opened and Harry smiled to see Sirius walk in. "How you doing, pup?"
"Great," Harry said, knowing his nervousness came out some.
"Did you know about this, Lord Black?" Neville asked, showing the ring to Sirius.
Sirius smiled. "I tried to convince him to put the Black crest on it too, but he still is refusing to be my heir."
Harry shook his head. "You have someone now. I'm not going to be scion to the Blacks as well."
"But you will be scion to the Greengrasses," Neville pointed out.
Harry shrugged. "Daphne and her father want to see the name go on. It's the least I can do."
Sirius laughed. "So modest. This will make you the largest single voting bloc in the Wizengamot."
"Only when Lord Greengrass retires, and he assures me he intends to stay for a long time," Harry shot back.
A man stuck his head into the room. "Five minutes," the wizard told them before closing the door. Sirius stepped before Harry, making sure his dress robes were straight and his lapel up. He took out a small box from his pocket. "If you want, Uncle Charlus gave me these cufflinks the year I was presented. He said all Potters wore a pair. I wish I had the ones your father wore, but I don't know where they went."
Harry felt his eyes sting a little before straightening up. "Can you put them on?"
Sirius helped to take off the ones he had found in his vaults to put the other ones on. "Thank you," Harry said, going to shake Sirius hand, and instead found himself in a hug.
"Least I can do for my godson," Sirius said, sounding like he was trying to keep his emotions in check. Stepping back after a pat on the back, Sirius looked to Neville.
"Neville, your collar is a little off," Sirius said, moving to adjust Neville's clothes. "I wish your parents could see you. They would be proud of the man you are becoming. They would be proud of both of you."
Neville nodded before taking Sirius into a hug. The two of them embraced for a moment. "Thank you, Sirius."
"Least I can do for the family," Sirius told them, his voice sounding a little thick.
"You two ready for this?" a redhead asked coming up to them, pulling at the cuffs of his shirt under the robes. Seeing Ronald Weasley when they arrived tonight had not been what Harry or Neville expected. With his family now having two seats on the Wizengamot, his family was starting to pay tribute to the old way since all of them could be potential heirs to the Weasley or Prewitt seats, with Bill sitting the Weasley and Percy soon to sit the Prewitt seat in about a year. Ron was a good acquaintance now, but they would never be the friends they once were.
"No," Harry said as Neville said, "Yes."
The two chuckled as Sirius quipped, "No one is ever ready for society, but society doesn't care."
The door opened again. "Please ensure you are ready. As I call your name, please present yourself to escort your debutante," the stuffy wizard announced.
Harry took in a deep breath, took the box back from Neville and stood tall. Sirius fixed his collar one more time before saying, "Suppose I should be ready too."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"Well, I can't have a Lady Black without presenting her," Sirius said with a smirk. With Erica being a squib, she was technically legal to take on the Black titles.
"You are not upstaging this for Daphne," Harry replied.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Sirius retorted.
"Who is Sirius talking about?" Ron said behind them.
"Scion Thatcher to escort Heiress Granger."
As Blaise walked by, Harry gave Blaise a nod. He had been getting ready with Theo.
"Benjamin Wiltshire to escort Hannah Abbot," the wizard at the door called out.
The order was from least significant house to the highest, meaning that Harry, Neville and Sirius would be the last. Theo would escort Millicent, since her intended had already been presented two years ago. Ron escorted Lavender. Susan was escorted by her new beau, Terence Rogers. Anthony Goldstein was escort to Parvati Patil, while Kevin Entwhistle escorted her sister Padma. There were a few others that Harry knew their faces from Hogwarts, but none he cared for until the man called out, "Lord Sirius Black to escort Erica Figg."
"I'll have to make sure she makes a proper man of you," Harry teased.
"Cheeky bint," Sirius smirked before walking out the door.
"Do I look alright?" Neville asked one last time.
"You look fine, Nev. Just enjoy being with Tracey tonight," Harry told him.
"You too," Neville said just after his name was called.
"Scion Potter-Greengrass to escort Heiress Potter-Greengrass," the man said, stumbling over the name just a little.
Harry did a double take. "What? It's just Scion Potter," Harry said, knowing the betrothal was not supposed to be finalized until Daphne said yes.
"It is listed as Scion Potter-Greengrass on the sheet," the man said.
"Oh, bloody hell," he muttered. Knowing there was nothing to do about it at the moment, Harry straightened his back and walked into the hall. All the escorts and debutantes were lined up in the hall and to the stairs. He found his breath catching to see Daphne waiting for him. She was in the traditional white dress that reminded him of eighteen-nineties high society. Her hair had been put up into a fancy bun, highlighting her longer neck. He traced the edge of the dress that showed off most of her elegant shoulders and cut to show just the hint of the bosom that had caught his attention more than once lately.
She gave him an appreciative smile before taking on her mask. Harry shared the smile with her when he caught her eyes before trying to wash the emotion off his face. Walking over to her, he extended an arm to her. "You look beautiful," he complimented.
"Why thank you, Scion Potter-Greengrass," she said, a hint of 'you are in trouble' on her voice. He had a feeling she had just figured out why he had been notified of Higgs father's intentions.
Bloody fuck! "Can we talk about this later?"
"The Heiress Potter-Greengrass is definitely going to have a talk with the Scion Potter-Greengrass," she told him. He swallowed.
"This isn't the way I wanted you to find out," he said out of the side of his mouth as they lined up.
"And how did you want me too?" Daphne asked. She seemed between annoyed and pleased.
"Quiet down, please. As we practiced, you are to go down the stairs. You will be announced as you reach the bottom, then proceed to the ballroom. The first dance will start soon after," the stuffy man told them as he walked towards the front of the line.
"I have a plan," Harry told her.
"Was I to be involved in it?" she questioned at just above a whisper. Tracey was looking over her shoulder, giving Daphne and him a look. 'Potter-Greengrass?', Tracey mouthed.
"Please let me explain," Harry whispered back.
"Three dances. Then we are talking," Daphne told him in no uncertain terms.
"Yes, luv," he said, hoping it would distract her. Her eyes narrowed as though knowing what he was doing.
The line started to move. By the time they were the last one, Daphne had relaxed and was the perfect society witch she was expected to be at her age. Harry stood tall, not showing any of the turmoil he was feeling, uncertain who had done this, but having a good idea that it had probably been Anders. The man was very pleased with this union, especially once Harry had agreed to take the responsibility of Scion before they were married, giving him access to all the Greengrass libraries before then. Essentially, they would only be able to break the betrothal if one of them cheated on the other or died. Harry knew it was harsh but had no intention of doing either.
When they got to the bottom of the stairs, both projecting the poise expected of them, they didn't miss the gasped or murmuring when they were presented as, "The Scion and Heiress of the Alliance of Potter-Greengrass, betrothed under a House union."
Daphne flashed him a look. Harry kept his cool.
He led her out to the floor, where they waited for everyone to join them. He caught sight of his auntie, who did not look pleased at Anders, who seemed to be squirming under his wife's glare. Susan caught his eye, giving him a questioning look, while Hermione looked a little shocked. Neville was holding Tracey's hand over his arm as his girl glared at Harry.
When the band struck a chord, Harry moved to put his left hand on Daphne's hip and took her hand in his right. "You do look beautiful," he told her. Daphne let a small smile grace her face again. Once the music started, they started the waltz that would be the opening dance. Compared to the first time she had tried to teach him, Harry led her around, not stepping on her delicate looking high heels, and seeing the joy in her eyes, even if she was annoyed with him right now.
When the dance stopped, Daphne took a step back while Harry took her gloved hand to his mouth. "It doesn't have to be just three dances," Harry told her.
She rose her eye. "Tradition says I am to dance with my escort twice, and I would like a dance with my father before we talk."
Harry bowed over her hand. "Will you let me do what I had planned before you go off on me? This was a shock to me too."
He stood and she moved in, ready to start. Daphne's eyes investigated his. For the first time, he felt her probe him. It surprised Harry at first, not knowing she was learning Legilimency. He let his walls down enough to let her feel his emotions. After a few seconds, the band started and Harry pulled her into the dance, raising his walls again.
He wasn't sure what to make of her face when he kissed her knuckles again. Daphne still looked a mixed of emotions in her eyes. "Should I escort you to your father?"
"That would be the proper thing."
Harry navigated them through the crowd, finding Anders, Iliana, auntie and the Abbotts. "I hear congratulations is in order," Lord Abbott said.
Daphne went to her father. For the first time, Harry felt the butterflies become hard rocks. Daphne didn't even look at him. "We shall see."
Harry had a sinking feeling. Looking to Iliana, she gave him a sympathetic look. "Like you, Daphne would have preferred this announced in a different way."
"I wanted Daphne to say yes before anything. The betrothal isn't even legal yet," Harry said to her. Auntie moved in. Harry had insisted that Daphne add her signature. He wouldn't have her feel as though she had been sold off, knowing that was one of her fears that she was working hard to avoid. Harry really loved her, and she loved him, but this might put a wedge between them that even her father had said he was avoiding. On the other hand, Anders was a traditionalist at heart.
"Anders has already put in the paperwork to name you the secondary heir, and Astoria the tertiary," Auntie Ami said. "I only received the paperwork this afternoon while you were with Neville.'
It took all his willpower to not rub his hand through his hair when he was supposed to be acting the perfect scion tonight. "I swear, if Daphne says no tonight because of this, the House of Potter will have a major issue with the House of Greengrass. This was not the deal." Harry was upset and turned.
"Harry," Iliana called out after him.
"Let him go. He needs to cool off," Auntie said.
"I thought it had been settled," Lord Abbott put in.
"George, I think everyone did..." Harry heard Lady Abbott as he moved through the crowd.
Making his way outside, he passed the balcony and walked down the steps into the back garden. Not wanting to get too far away, he sat on the first bench he came too.
Unsure how long he had sat out there, he looked up when he heard the soft steps of someone he knew well. Daphne was standing a few feet away. "My father told me about the betrothal negotiations. Were you going to tell me or ask?"
"Daph, I was going to ask you tonight. Your father wasn't supposed to announce this until after you said yes," he told her, standing up.
Daphne had dropped her mask, the same warring emotions on her face as had been all night. "What do you mean you were going to ask me?"
Harry let out a fast breath through his nose. "We both know how a normal betrothal works. We both know how much you don't want to be sold to your husband and to be equal to your future husband. I want that," he assured her.
Daphne took a step forward. "When you asked me to be your intended, we agreed upon no deals and to help each other. Since then, you have promised that I would be your equal."
"That is a promise I intend to keep," Harry assured her, taking a step closer. He reached out and she put her hands into his.
"Then why did you keep me out of the negotiations?" she asked, sounding a little hurt.
"I was trying to be the scion and the future Lord you want me to be. The betrothal contract lets you do whatever you want Daph. I swear. I asked for a hand fasting. You will have full control of anything you want. When we have children, they will be of both our houses. I offered your father the standard bride price, and he shot me down because of how much it was, saying you would think I was buying you," Harry told her. "Most of all, I wanted to propose to you, and I couldn't properly without the contract agreed upon."
This time, Daphne looked a little surprised. "My father turned down a bride price because it was too high? How much did you offer?"
Harry tried to not let his embarrassment show. "One and a half percent of my holdings."
Daphne now showed confusion. "That couldn't have been that much," she said.
"Daph, it was four million galleons," Harry told her.
Her eyes widened. "It was what?" she asked quietly.
"Your father is still asking for two-hundred thousand. I would give him anything he wanted. The money doesn't matter as much as you," Harry told her.
Daphne's hands squeezed his. "Harry, how much are you worth?"
"Over three hundred and fifty million," he told her. If Daphne was to be his wife, then he would not hide anything from her.
She swooned, Harry having to steady her. "Bloody hell," she said. "The Greengrasses are worth a little over twenty-five million, and we are rich. You really offered four million for me?"
"Your father and mother thought you would think I was buying you. I don't want that. I just want you, Daph." Harry pulled her forward and kissed her forehead. "Forever."
The green marble of Daphne's dark-brown eyes shown in the lights from Abbott Hall. "Forever?"
"Always and forever," Harry told her. She pulled him this time and he bent over to meet her as she met her lips to his. They shared a soft, tender kiss.
"You keep me out a major negotiation or anything like that again, and we'll have words, Harry Potter," she told him in no uncertain terms.
"I promise," he said, pecking her again. Letting go of her hand, he reached into his pocket, pulling out the box. He sank to one knee and Daphne put a hand to her mouth. "I promise you will always stand my equal. I won't make any more major decisions without your council. I love you, Daphne Greengrass, and hope you will accept my promises."
He had to let go of her other hand to open the box to present the betrothal ring to her. "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes took on a watery sheen. "Isn't the contract already signed?" she whispered.
"Not until you say yes and put your signature on it," Harry told her.
"Merlin! Yes!" she exclaimed, bending down to hug him. Harry wrapped his arms around her. Their lips met and he fell over backwards. Daphne gave a little scream as she landed on him. Harry started to laugh, and Daphne joined him.
"Are you Mr. and Mrs. Potter yet!" Astoria yelled from the railing.
"Astoria!" Iliana said a little loudly.
A few laughed and then clapped as Harry helped Daphne up. "I'm really going to kill her one of these days," Daphne grumbled to him.
"I'll hold her down," Harry assured Daphne. "Before we go up." Harry took her hand. "Will you accept my ring?"
"Yes," she said, a broad smile on her face. Harry took it out and put it on the finger she held for him. It went just before her heiress ring. Pulling it up to her face, she let out a long breath.
"Both of our crests are on here," she said.
Harry gave her a lopsided smile. "By saying yes, we will be the Potter-Greengrasses. I meant it that our children will be of both Houses and that is why your father is registering me as scion."
Daphne's already shiny eyes were now molten. Harry felt his magic reaching for her and found he wished there was a closet or room to drag her into. Daphne launched herself at him again, her mouth and tongue attacking his. More clapping, cheering and catcalls came to them.
When they finally walked back up to the waiting crowd, Tracey had her arms around Daphne before she had fully stepped onto the paving stones. Hermione soon had him engulfed, then was quickly followed by Susan and then Astoria.
"I always wanted a big brother," Astoria whispered into his ear.
"I'll have to get used to my annoying little sister," he said back, earning a giggle from Astoria and a tighter hug.
Tracey was gushing over the ring, which soon found all the other girls doing the same. Neville came over, shaking his hand. "Congratulations and good luck," Neville said a little cheekily.
Harry laughed. "I may need it."
Neville gave a cheeky smile. "I don't know, she's better behaved than my intended."
"It's going to be little sad that she and the twins won't be able to go at it anymore," Harry replied.
"Yeah, won't miss that," Neville said, before he was shaking hands with Blaise, Theo and then Ron.
"Congratulations," Ron said.
"Thanks," Harry said back.
They stood there a little awkwardly. Yes, they had been friendly. Yes, they had shared study groups over the last two years. No, they weren't really friends anymore.
"Listen, I get why you changed now. I was a prat. I apologized to Hermione now and want Daphne to know I'm sorry too. Daphne is a good person and I really wish you both luck." Ron shook his hand again and started to move away. There was something very different about Ron now.
"Ron," Harry said, stopping him. "The Weasley's are part of our Alliance. I want to extend an invitation to you and your family for an official betrothal party next weekend. I would like it if you came."
Ron stared at him a little stupidly for a moment, then gave Harry a smile before standing tall and giving Harry a deep bow. "The House of Weasley will gladly accept the invitation and I will let my parents know."
Harry returned the quarter bow of his station. "The House of Potter will look forward to it."
With another smile, Ron took off towards his date for the night. Lavender had been waiting with others to see the commotion around Harry and Daphne. He knew they would need to greet and take all the other congratulations that came with this night. A prospect he was not looking forward too. When Daphne slipped her arm around his, Harry smiled, knowing he could face anything with her by his side.