It was just as Grace had described it. An odd thrill running through his veins during each conversation as those he would speak with carried on as if nothing were amiss, as if he wasn't just wearing his over cloak and nothing else. Some, it seemed had a sneaking suspicion something was off, but either weren't confident enough to bring it up or couldn't quite figure out what exactly 'it' was.
Harry was having fun, more fun than he likely had experienced at one of these parties since being dragged to them, which meant he should have expected someone to interrupt it.
"I see you are wearing my gift."
Her knew her voice, and it sent his heart racing even faster as he turned to see the heiress. "I'm surprised you aren't still conversing with your cousin."
"Do not fret my love, she is of no consequence."
He crossed his arms to feel just a bit more in control of the situation than he was. "Oh? You know if memory serves, I have gone on a date with her… and your sister now. It sure is nice knowing I have options."
Harry had hoped the remark would dissuade whatever it was between them from going any further, perhaps to force the girl to realize the truth and give up. Instead, he saw a sly smile form on her face. "I know the truth beloved, even if you are too young and warm-hearted to see it as well." It was then her gaze swept his form, her smile broadening.
Now he was the one who was off balance as it were, and struggled to regain some sort of composure. Still, he had an odd suspicion she wasn't as fooled as the other adults. "And what is that?"
With a slight nod she indicated a more private corner of the room, and while he was reluctant to go anywhere with the girl he figured a bit of privacy for their conversation couldn't hurt, especially if they were talking about her 'future' with him.
They turned in unison and made their way in the direction while continuing their talk. "Simple, none of those are viable options, even if you wished them to be. Delphini will never marry, despite what Bellatrix may hint at, it simply is not in the Black family tradition to do so. My own sister, while your age, is not an heiress and thus can never provide for you the life you deserve. It is the same with the youngest Weasley or several other Slytherins including your friend Granger. Without connections or influence in the Magical World you will be forced to find a job and work to make ends meet. Your sisters will be the heiresses, despite what your parents may claim, which leaves you with little."
The boy-who-lived rolled his eyes, "Oh no, how terrible, finding a job ."
But her smile never so much as flickered, "After these first three years wouldn't you rather have an easy life? A life where you can relax and not worry about supporting yourself and possible children? Wouldn't you rather be able to breathe easy knowing things are taken care of? I know how much you enjoyed the other girls… even my sister. Do you think I would deny you such pleasures in life, as so many others would?"
Before he could think of a response they reached the far wall and with a pivot and twist she had him backed against it while she stood close enough for him to feel her breath.
"I am the only suitable match for you. We are both Slytherin, and thus understand each other, our extended families are close enough to be cordial but not enough to be related. You have good relations with my sister as do your own siblings. I am very well off financially even without my own career, which I assure you I will take very seriously. I am talented, well read, and intelligent."
"Don't forget modest" he huffed out, but the girl either didn't hear him or opted not to give a direct response.
Instead, her gaze focused in on him. "I think we have more in common than you claim." she continued listing what she considered to be the 'obvious qualities' they had in common. "We are close in age, and while many others may see you as a trophy to be won and then put on display I do not . I am fully willing to encourage your hobbies, even if they lead to a career, so long as we can come to an understanding and agreement about our futures together. Plus, your parents will see us as a good match, both financially and politically. It ties them closer to my uncle's family, which is something your own father will wholeheartedly endorse."
"My parents," he snapped, because it was one thing to mention his sisters inheriting more than him, fine whatever, he didn't care even if it was true, but he drew the line at the thought of being treated as a bargaining chip, "love and respect me and my opinions. They would not marry me off to someone just to make money or improve the family name."
Again, there was no flinch nor smirk of victory in her features, just a continued smile. Then, she reached out and caressed the 'outfit' he was wearing, "Perhaps not, but in that case, you are their 'baby boy'. They might not be able to choose a wife for you, but it doesn't mean they can't make their disapproval very known. Do you truly believe either would settle for letting a woman take advantage of your skills and talents and force you to take care of her? They want what is best, and I am the best."
He was losing an argument he didn't even want to be in. "Not the best at dueling though, and if I do end up going professional, I'm going to be on the road a lot."
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