Chapter 17
-oOo-
August 8, 1994
London, England
This morning Amelia was sitting with an unusual visitor with an unusual request.
"How can I help you today? Headmistress," she asked the elderly woman with green robes.
"Dispense with the pleasantries, Amelia. Have you heard?" the older woman asked.
"Have I heard what, Minerva?" she queried of her old Transfiguration professor.
"This," the woman said, pushing a small stack of parchments onto her desk. Amelia looked at them and picked up the top paper. Minerva went on. "Albus, Crouch, and Bagman came up with some cock-a-mania idea to revive the Triwizard Tournament. I thought I put paid to this back in May when I rejected their request to use Hogwarts to host the tournament. Apparently, Albus's signature is still valid, Fudge is pushing this to distract from the recent news about Crouch, and I am now expecting guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang – starting from October the twenty-ninth, and the school grounds will host three events. Bagman said plans to break ground on the stadium are to begin next week."
Amelia frowned as she read the contract that had been on the top of the pile. "What does this have to do with me?"
Minerva huffed. "I want Aurors and whatever your department can give me to ensure all the students, staff and visitors remain safe. I don't trust Bagman, and with Crouch and Albus gone, the Polish and French Ministry are pushing requests I don't like. They are importing dragons for the first event, Amelia. I have no clue what they are going to do with them, but there is an order for four dragons and a dozen other class IV or V creatures and plants, including a sphinx and a leithifold."
"Dear Merlin," Amelia said. "Have they all lost their marbles?"
"I cannot tell you the issues I have had trying to clean up the mess Albus has left. If I ever get my hands on the man, I will wring his neck myself. Poppy is staying in retirement. Luckily Andromeda Tonks has agreed to stay on as our Nurse. I was just able to convince Horace Slughorn to come back for a five-year contract, but I can't find any competent Defence, Muggle Studies, or History professors. You don't have anyone at the Academy that would want to take a contract?" Minerva told her.
Amelia sat back, putting the paper down. "You were informed that a cursed object was removed from Hogwarts that had affected several professor posts?"
Minerva let out an annoyed breath through her nose. "Yes. Something that Albus had left in the school for more than twenty years, from what I was told."
Amelia nodded. "Can you give me until the end of the week? I have a few Aurors that have been flagged for either transfer to the Academy or are looking to retire soon. If they want to consider this for more than a year, are you willing to talk with them?"
The woman sagged a little. "If I could get someone to commit to three years that would allow me to rebuild that class the way it should be."
Amelia nodded. "I will put my feelers out. Now, the Triwizard Tournament, do you have any other information on it?"
"That is all I could find so far in the mounds of paperwork left for me," she said irritated.
"Can I keep this and go through it? I see a meeting with Bagman and our new Head of International Cooperation occurring very shortly here."
"That is a copy. I want to wring all three of their necks. Albus's most of all," the woman just about hissed in her anger.
Amelia's lips pursed. "We are looking for the old fool. Have the wards at Hogwarts been evaluated yet?"
"Yes. Once the goblins are done with that beast in the Chamber of Secrets the whole castle and grounds will be going into lockdown. Only those in the ward books and registered to attend will be allowed in the castle unhindered. All visitors have to come up the drive and will find it rather unpleasant to deviate from the path," Minerva told her. "I won't have anyone sneaking out or into the grounds again either."
"Why didn't Albus do that?" Amelia questioned.
"I don't know, but the wards have been able to do that for centuries. I asked the goblins to review everything after seeing that basilisk. Many of the wards had been disabled, circumvented or weakened, even before Albus took over. It will still be a few weeks of recharge before they are all at full strength again, but it should be ready for the first of September." Minerva looked a little worried.
"Good. Let me review all this, talk with Ludo and St. Pierre, and then we can meet again Friday to decide what type of security you want and what I can provide," she informed the Headmistress.
"Thank you, Amelia. Do you have any leads I might look for a Muggle Studies or History of Magic Professor?"
"What happened to Burbage and that ghost?"
"Binns left for the 'great beyond' and Burbage quit when the Department of Education required her to pass the current ICW accreditations. Apparently, she had not kept up with modern changes and she couldn't properly identify or explain anything beyond about 1910."
"Yes, I have been getting as much of an education as Susan in modern Muggle lifestyles and technology this summer," she commented. After thinking about it for a few moments, she asked, "have you considered a squib or Muggle-born for Muggle Studies? Someone who has lived in the Muggle world within the last five years?"
The woman pursed her lips. "I have, but I am unsure if the Governors would approve that."
Amelia snorted. "I have a few links to the Governors. If you have a competent prospect, let me know."
Minerva looked at her for a moment. "Are these Governors new friends in your change in positions?"
"Alliance. Yes, there are three Governors."
"Are you looking for other members?" Minerva asked after a few moments.
Amelia raised an eyebrow. The McGonagall's, and her maiden House of Ross, were known to be solidly on the Progressives and in the Light Alliance. "Are you enquiring?"
Minerva lips pursed more. "My niece has been following the Prophet. She is very much in favor of some of the new laws you and Lord Greengrass are backing. I have considered passing on the seat of the House of Ross for years. I think she is someone you may want to talk with."
"I can take that into consideration. Would you and your niece be willing to meet with Lord Greengrass and I?" Amelia proposed.
"My niece would. I have been too long in the position I am in, and cannot upset those I still rely on to get done what I need. I will talk with Roberta and let you know if she wants to take the seat," Minerva told her.
Amelia nodded. "I look forward to hearing from you."
Getting up, Minerva nodded. "The sooner you can get me answers on this mess and a possible Professor, the better."
"As I said, by Friday. Let me see you out." She stood, taking the stack of papers. She was going to go straight to St. Pierre's office and then go see her Solicitors to look over the paperwork.
-oOo-
August 17, 1994
London, England
Amelia was a little nervous. Walking around and running around the neighborhood of Grace Hall, which was in a relatively affluential suburb of London, was not as large of an issue. It was never very crowded or busy. Over the summer they had done a few outings to some of the local businesses and a library. Amelia still felt humbled at the sheer size and volume of the library the Grangers had taken them to. She had never seen so many books in one place before.
Today she was nervous because they were in the centre of London. It was busy. There were people everywhere and the enclosed shopping area they had been brought to had more stores than Diagon Alley. Jane was standing next to her.
"The kids are having fun," the woman told her.
Those raised fully in the Magical World looked around in wonder and huddled around the three that were obviously more comfortable. Susan and Hannah were wearing jeans and blouses similar to Hermione. They looked to fit in, at least in how they were dressed.
The Greengrass girls and Tracey had skirts and blouses that spoke of wealth, and were more plain than the Muggle clothes the others were wearing. Daphne was holding Harry's arm as they talked with Hermione to decide where to go first.
Ernie was talking with Blaise and Neville, both boys looking nervous, but their eyes being drawn to the girls. She hadn't missed how that had happened all summer. Her niece and others casting the same furtive, or more obvious glances.
"Is this a good thing to do? There are so many people here," she said, afraid of the exposure and the way someone could hide in the crowd. She made out the eight Aurors with them. They were all Muggleborn and fitted in nicely. She only knew who they were by their faces.
"You asked Dan and I to give them a 'Muggle' experience. This is one of the most Muggle teenage things to do," Jane told her.
Dan snorted. "Giving a group of teenage girls two-hundred quid and then letting them loose in a mall doesn't get more 'Muggle'. They will learn a lot."
Seeming to have decided what they were going to do, the mass of teens moved down the walkway towards a large store that spanned the two levels of the mall.
"Let's go follow them. Hermione may need some help to ensure they understand how much money they have," Jane said.
Amelia looked around nervously. She had no idea places like this even existed. If they ever needed to 'disappear', she was starting to really understand how someone could in this world. "Did we give them enough?"
Dan chuckled. "I am not carrying all the bags they will get."
Jane took her husband's hand. "Not even if I get anything? Some of my lingerie could use replacing."
Amelia smiled at the lust in the man's eyes.
"You play dirty," the man muttered. The woman gave a satisfied smile. She would need to invite the Granger's over more, or go visit them. They were good people.
-oOo-
August 20, 1994
Godric's Hollow, England
Daphne stood in the atrium of the Abbott's manor. Nearly a hundred families and other dignitaries were here tonight, making the atrium and the open parlours full of people as they waited to be let into the Ballroom. Like the other girls that were under sixteen, she was in a pale pink dress that was reminiscent of 1890's London: the top was cinched just below her chest and straight the rest of the way down. She liked the needle-point flowers that were sewn into the top. Her hair was mostly down with some of it pulled back into a high loop and a pearl comb holding it up.
Astoria was much the same. Her sister looked extremely happy to finally be allowed to attend this event.
All the girls their age were much the same, mostly just the top of the dresses and hair style different from each other, but all in a closely matching pale pink shade and no flashy colours anywhere else. Tonight was supposed to be about those being presented to society, and Daphne and Astoria were not. They were like a lady-in-waiting, having to await their own turn until they were old enough.
Two years.
Daphne would be going through this in two years. Once presented, she would be old enough to be betrothed, engaged or married. Most waited until they were out of Hogwarts, but there were times that did not happen.
She knew her responsibility would be as her father directed until she was twenty-one. Until then, it was his prerogative if she were to be 'given' to someone or not. After twenty-one, he need only approve of her match if she wished to remain part of the family.
All those raised as a pureblood or in the old ways knew this.
Her parents had never indicated if she would have a choice or not until recently. She was determined to have her own choice. She was nervous, and knew she was too young, but part of her was already hoping Harry may be that choice. The fact that her parents were encouraging her to spend time with Harry gave her more hope.
She was scanning the crowd when Astoria nudged her. Her sister was being on her best behaviour tonight, instead of trying to tease her. "He's over there," Astoria indicated.
Harry was brushing some soot off himself before Madam Bones ran her wand over him, Hermione and Susan. Her breath caught to see him stand up tall, the green of his eyes apparent even across the room. He was on the taller side for the boys around their age, with a strong chin, nowhere as small as he had been eight months ago and not afraid to have his very pale and thin lightening scar show. One could easily miss it if they were just scanning over him quickly. She only wished he could tame his hair... though there was a certain 'untamed' quality she didn't want tamed.
"Breathe, dear daughter. It would not do to pass out before he gets to you," her mother said in a soft voice and Daphne forced air into her lungs.
Why was she being so silly? She was Daphne Greengrass. Heiress to the House of Greengrass. She could act just as regally and cool as all those around her and as she had been trained to do... that was until his eyes finally found her and she thought she might fall, given how wobbly her legs seemed to suddenly become. He gave her a smile before schooling his face into the mask they were all supposed to wear.
Merlin! She thought to herself.
The thoughts of using him to get what she wanted had turned to thoughts of mutually helping each other. Suddenly she found she didn't care for any deal they made, just as long as his eyes kept looking at her.
"Evening, Lord and Lady Greengrass," said Harry as he bowed to her parents.
"Heiress Clearwell." She watched Harry take Astoria's hand and kiss it. She would never have guessed Harry Potter, the quintessential Gryffindor, could be so proper. She felt her heart against her rib cage as he took her hand. "Heiress Greengrass, it is nice to see you."
He kissed her hand and she curtsied, thankful for years of training. "Scion Potter, it is a pleasure to see you tonight."
Harry didn't let go of her hand after he kissed it, instead turning to her father. "Lord Greengrass, do I have permission to escort your daughter, Heiress Greengrass, tonight?"
Her father nodded his head in approval. "It would be a great honour for the House of Greengrass to accept your offer, Scion Potter."
"The House of Potter accepts the honour."
He still hadn't let her hand go as he turned back to her. Breathe, she kept having to repeat to herself. She felt so silly, but he looked really good tonight.
"Very well done, Scion Potter. I will have to inform Madam Bulstrode that her lessons have made their mark on you."
Harry nodded. "Thank you, Lady Greengrass."
Susan and Hermione were behind him. Susan stepped up first, looking very pretty in the same style dress, though it was apparent she had developed more in the chest so far. Daphne hoped she would be that developed at some point. Hermione was more athletic, but similar body shape to her own. Either girl would be a catch.
"May I present Heiress Bones? And Miss Granger? I have been asked to ensure their propriety tonight," he told them.
Daphne nodded to Susan and Hermione. This was a traditional thing for a brother or cousin to do that, meaning that only he or Madam Bones could approve others to dance with them if either invoked such.
"It is very nice to see you, Heiress Bones. Miss Granger. You both look very lovely tonight," Lord Greengrass said.
"Thank you, Lord Greengrass. It is a pleasure to see you and your family tonight," Susan said with a curtsy.
"It is a pleasure, Lord Greengrass. Lady Greengrass, you look beautiful with that hair piece," Hermione said, giving a lesser curtsy. Being protected by the House of Potter gave her a high level of honorary status.
Amelia was there. "You can train them," she said good naturedly, which caught a small chuckle out of the Greengrass patriarch and a shake of the head from Lady Greengrass. "Evening, Anders. Illiana. Astoria you look lovely tonight. Daphne, beautiful as always."
"Auntie," Susan said, sounding a little offended. Hermione just brushed it off.
"Thank you, Madam Bones," Daphne said. Harry hadn't really taken his eyes off her for longer than he needed to.
"You do look pretty," Harry commented. She tried to stamp down this stupid heat that suddenly rushed through her. It was one thing to feel this when they were alone or among friends. It was something totally different to do it in such a large crowd.
"Thank you. You clean up well yourself."
He chuckled before trying to even out his own face. "I try."
She giggled.
I just giggled! Merlin save me! Daphne chastised herself.
The goofy grin that came on his face suddenly made it worth it. She relaxed as he extended his arm and she slipped her own around it.
"Have you seen Hannah or Tracey yet?" Susan asked, stepping over to them. "Or Ernie?"
"Tracey is by that door. She is talking with Neville," Astoria said, moving her head to indicate the Davises and Longbottoms. "I have not seen Hannah yet. There is still about twenty minutes before the Presentation of the Debutantes begins."
"Hermione was afraid she wouldn't make it," Susan said, looking around for Hannah.
"Why not?"
"My parents wanted to drive me over so they could see me before we left. There was a traffic jam and we showed up an hour late," Hermione told them.
A month and a half ago, Daphne would have been clueless what that meant. Instead, she still was confused, but at least somewhat comprehended what Hermione said. Tori asked her question. "You can be stuck in that many cars it takes an extra hour?"
"Apparently," Susan sounded as disbelieving.
"On the M1?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded. He had heard Uncle Vernon complaining at times about that.
"I'm glad to see you made it. Are you nervous?" Daphne enquired.
Hermione gave her an uncertain face. "Is it obvious?"
"Not really," Harry replied.
"Harry made it, so you should do better," Susan said in a teasing tone.
"Hey," he said from next to her. "I'll let you know I have worked hard to not embarrass anyone," he retorted.
Daphne patted his arm in a patronizing way. "You will do."
He laughed and then tried to calm down when her father and Madam Bones cast a look their way. "What if I am the one to embarrass you here?" Harry said worriedly.
"You aren't," she assured him, smirking at the way he eyed her. "Susan, do you have anyone lined up for the night?"
"Not really. If Ernie comes, I'll dance with him," she told them. "His father did send a request for a few dances."
"I am hoping Thomas will ask me," Astoria said looking towards the stairs at a boy that looked about her age.
Daphne giggled again. "You are only twelve and you already have someone picked out?"
"And how is that different than you and Potter here?" her sister retorted.
Susan giggled this time.
"I've been telling Harry that," Hermione put in, but she was starting to look more worried.
"We are just friends," Harry said next to her. The slight colour on his face betrayed his words. She felt a fluttering in her. His words were too rushed and heated. Did he like her more than just friends?
"Right," Susan said disbelievingly. "Hermione, just take a few breaths. You will do fine. We are not being presented tonight and this is more practice than anything else. No one will judge you here."
Hermione nodded, not looking certain.
"We are moving over to the others. Come," Lord Greengrass announced, leading his wife on his arm and Amelia next to them as they moved towards Tracey and Neville. The Bulstrodes, Lord Black and Zabinis joined them. As others did, Harry leaned over, "Amelia said we would be standing with our allies. How many do we have?"
She gave a surreptitious glance. More than twenty families were standing around them. Outside the eight she knew in their immediate circle, she had not realized the others. They all had children younger or older than them. She gave a look to her mother who just nodded, as though she knew what her question was.
"I think the other allies and Houses that have always supported our family or yours are standing with us," she whispered back to him. All of them had seats on the Wizengamot. If she was recognizing them all correctly, then almost thirty votes were represented here. That was a significant amount.
"Many are looking towards us," Tracey whispered over her shoulder. Neville and her were before them.
"Auntie, where is Ernie?" Susan asked.
"Mr. Macmillan sent me an owl saying that they had a family emergency and might not make it," Lord Abbott told her.
Susan and everyone looked concerned. "Is everyone alright? His grandmother has been sick lately."
"I don't know, Susan," the man responded. "If you would, I would leave Hannah with you while I do start this event."
"Of course," Amelia replied.
The movement around the hall was slowing down. Several other groups like theirs could be seen, but by far, the group around Harry and her had the most children and adults. She held Harry's arm a little tighter as she saw a few other girls looking towards him.
Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecombe and the Patil twins were all here. They were all looking towards their group, and she felt they were eyeing Harry. Not that Blaise or Neville were not great catches, but Harry was the most handsome and his green eyes stuck out anywhere. He was also the one that had the highest titles and wealth. Something she didn't want to care about. Not now she knew him.
Harry didn't seem to notice as he looked around, his curiosity getting the better of him as the event started. Four girls and one boy were presented tonight. It was half of what it had been last year.
Victoria Wallace, a cousin to Hannah and in Ravenclaw, was the first to descend the grand staircase. She was a stunning girl with the honey-blonde hair and brown eyes of her cousin. As a debutante, she was in a white dress and moved with a practiced elegance. Peter Brown, a boy from Gryffindor that had graduated last year, was leading her down. He was the only Scion to be eligible this year.
She was followed by Betsey Dewer. She was a plain looking girl with brown hair. Her name and being Heiress to the Dewers would find her a good match. Then there was Tabitha Wintergreen, the granddaughter of Lord Wintergreen. She was a slight thing with dark hair. Clarissa Fields was a full figure girl with a pleasantly round face and light hair. Her smile was rather attractive. The dowry her grandfather was offering to have someone take her name or take her on in a line-continuation contract had many heads turning towards the girl. Finally, there was Rosalind Ross, a great niece to Professor McGonagall. Rosalind was a Beauxbatons student, so Daphne didn't know her, but the family resemblance to her great-aunt was uncanny. Professor McGonagall must have been a beauty when she was young.
In two years she would be walking down those stairs in a white dress, instead of these silly pale pink ones. There would be at least twelve of them, if not more. As she watched them come down, most of them with brothers, cousins or non-recognized houses as escort, she realized that she wanted Harry to escort her down those stairs.
It was a desire that she would see come true one way or another. It was a change in her plans, one that felt like it fit more than anything else. A pairing between the Potters and Greengrasses would make a very powerful match on the Wizengamot. As much as she liked that idea, the idea of just having her arm in Harry's was better, tempering her ambitions. As long as it was Harry besides her, she could compromise on the other desires. Is it really a compromise? a voice inside her asked.
As Rosalind Ross entered the ball room, they all followed. As was tradition, the debutants and their escorts led the dance. All the future prospects moved to the front to stand around the edge of the floor.
Outside of their group, she recognized Chang, Edgecombe, the Patils, Brown, Corner, Tamworth, Reynolds and Weeks. In total, eleven girls and seven boys to be presented within the next few years, and she knew a few more were out there. If Hermione decided to join them, they would be the largest group in years when they were all presented.
Harry shuffled a little as the debutantes danced. "Harry, you will be fine," she whispered to him, knowing he was nervous about what came next, when the future-perspectives went out onto the floor. Susan and Hannah were trying to bolster Hermione.
"You two looked flawless at your party," Tracey complimented from the other side of her.
Lady Davis leaned in. "Be respectful," she chastised them. Harry stiffened up and she hoped he would loosen up once they went there. A stiff dance partner didn't do anyone any good. Neville looked about as nervous as Harry.
When the dance ended, they all applauded the dancers. "Would you mind if I let Scion Potter have this first dance with you," her father asked. It was tradition for the fathers and mothers to dance the next dance, and then hand off the girls to their next partner. That was if they were unescorted. She looked up at her father. "I shared the first dance with you last year. I think it fair I do the same with your sister."
She understood. "Unless you would like to dance with Madam bones, would Scion Potter mind?" her father asked him. Daphne, turning to him, gave a small quirk to the side of her mouth.
"It would be my pleasure," Harry said, taking her hand.
"Heiress Bones, if you would like, I promise I am a good dancer," Lord Davis said from behind them. Sirius did the same with Hermione. The band was giving a warning by playing a few cords on their string instruments.
Harry looked back. Madam Bones looked at them and made a small shooing sign. She gave a grateful smile back to the older woman before letting Harry lead her out to the floor. "Please don't let me mess this up," Harry muttered as he pulled her into his arms.
She looked up into his eyes. "I have faith you can do this," she whispered to him.
He met her eyes. After a moment, he nodded and his face took on a look of concentration like he was trying to catch a snitch. She had seen that look on the Quidditch pitch and always found it fascinating. To be standing in his arms, feeling the strength that was building in his body and to have his intense emerald orbs on her, it was something entirely different.
The music started and he gently pulled her, leading her around the floor like he should. Since his birthday, he had been far more confident in how he stepped through the dances they had trained him in. He was confident and good enough that she found herself just going along with him, not trying to fix or adjust what he was doing. It was marvelous and over way too soon as he pulled back, lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it.
Like the night of his birthday, all she wanted to do was kiss his cheek again. It was an urge she just barely controlled as she remembered to curtsey. "Would the Heiress Greengrass care to grace me with another?"
It may be more a standard response they had been learning in their etiquette lessons, but it was no less effective tonight as his eyes drew her in. "It would be my pleasure, Scion Potter."
He kissed her hand again and they stood there for a moment before the band indicated it was time to line up.
It was two dances later when they finally left the dance floor. He left to go talk with Madam Bones and Sirius for a moment while she stepped up to her parents, a smile on her face. Her mother gave her a smile back. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"
"It has been very enjoyable," she replied as demurely as she could. She couldn't hide the smile.
Her mother chuckled as her father held out his hand. "Do I get the honour of having a dance with my daughter?"
"Of course, father," she said happily, taking his hand. She did a quick scan for Harry and saw him talking with Hermione, Hannah, Susan and the Abbotts, before he took Hermione's hand. She realized she would have to watch them if she could. She had no clue how well Hermione was doing.
There was a small break from the band, so when her father led her out to the floor, she put her hands over each other before her as they waited.
"I take it Scion Potter has been a gentleman?"
"Yes, father. He has been the proper gentleman," she told him.
He nodded. "I see the lessons you and your mother have given him are paying off."
"Yes. He has been a good dance partner." She smiled.
He gave a rare smile in public. "Good. He has impressed me so far, especially growing up outside of our world."
"He does slip at times," she replied.
"He does, but he is trying, and I see he has the potential to be more like his grandfather," he told her.
"You knew Lord Potter?"
"Not well, but I am old enough to remember the Potters. His grandfather and grandmother were properly raised and were sought after in most social circles. Harry has that same potential," he remarked.
"Was his father like that?" she asked, never having her father tell her this before.
He let out a light laugh. "No. James and Lord Black didn't care for all this tradition, much to the chagrin at times of their allies. Maybe if the war didn't happen, things might have been different. Maybe they would have grown out of their childish ways. That is not what I am trying to get at though."
She looked up at him, taking her father's hand as the band came back and struck a few cords again. "What are you trying to say?"
"If I was to broach the subject with Madam Bones, would Scion Potter be averse to a Courtship Agreement?" he put to her. "It is one of the possible clauses of the Alliance if you both would like. Madam Bones was very adamant though that it be yours and Scion Potter's decision."
She stiffened, her breath shallow and her heart feeling as though it stopped. "An Agreement?"
He nodded. "I would prefer a contract, but Amelia does not want to bind you both unless you wish it, and she thinks you too young for that decision. I must demure to her at this time. Scion Potter is still of an Elder House, so I cannot push it."
The music started and she let her father lead the dance as her mind processed this. She was surprised, but too Slytherin to not try to understand and use this. Well, not use it. She would not use Harry. Even she knew that would be a sure way to scare him away. Having a Courtship Agreement had always been a possibility. It left things open between them, but let others know that they were serious. More importantly it provided a protection between the two of them from the Blood Purists and Conservatives. It made her his intended. To encroach on a courtship or betrothal agreement or contract could have strict consequences on whomever tried. It would allow her to call on Harry and their alliance if she needed by breaking down the walls that surrounded Slytherin politics.
Would Harry consider this, though?
Most importantly, it would mean she could drop her guard around him more. Harry seemed to like it when she was more herself, and she had to admit she liked it too. A Courtship agreement would let other girls know to leave him alone. That might be the biggest benefit.
She was still thinking as the dance ended. Her father gave her a raised brow when she didn't curtsy. Realizing she hadn't, she quickly corrected her faux pas. "I need to talk to Harry," she told him.
He nodded. "This may be best if handled in the near term, if you both are interested."
"Why?" she asked him, allowing him to lead her from the floor.
"It just is."
Her instincts were screaming at her that there was something bigger going on. The way her parents had laxed their control on Astoria and her this summer had not raised suspicions because she thought it was just her parents trying to ensure the new alliance was strong. Was there a larger issue? Or plan? She knew her ambitions and plans didn't really stem from her mother. Father could have been a Slytherin.
"I saw Scion Potter head out to the gardens," he told her.
She nodded and set off towards the doors that opened onto the back gardens.
It didn't take her long to find him. He was leaning against a railing, talking with Neville and Blaise. She approached and lightly cleared her throat. All three of them turned and stood tall. Tonight was a night they were all supposed to show off their training, so when they all bowed to her, Harry getting the appropriate quarter bow, while Blaise was the lowest of the three, she returned the appropriate curtsy.
"Heiress Greengrass, would you care to join us?" Harry asked.
She stood tall and looked at him before sweeping her eyes to the other two. "Would you mind if I asked for a private word with Scion Potter?"
"Of course," Neville said. Daphne much more enjoyed their 'normal' days they had shared this summer, compared to this formal affair.
"I supposed I can trust you with Heiress Greengrass," said Blaise towards Harry. She thought she heard a small warning in his voice. "If you need a hand with this cur, just call."
Harry just shook his head. "Berk," Harry muttered, eliciting a laugh from Blaise, who bowed again and made his way towards the doors. Neville just shook his head before commenting, "You may call on any of us, Heiress Greengrass."
Harry gave his cousin a glare and she tried to stifle a giggle. When he left, Harry looked at her. "I assume you trust me?"
"Without any reserves," she remarked before stepping up to him and standing just a few feet apart. "You have been doing very well tonight."
He rubbed the back of his neck. That was one of the quirks that Madam Bulstrode had not broken him of yet. She wasn't sure she wanted that. Harry replied, "I don't want to disappoint you or anyone. How should I thank your mother for all the dancing lessons?"
She felt the fluttering's in her intensify. All night she had felt her insides squirming. "It is traditional to present a tutor that has taught you well or means something to you with a small gift."
He nodded. "Anything you recommend?"
"It is best it comes from you, though mother is rather partial to small figurines, especially from Thompson Pewter Works in Diagon Alley."
"I will see if I can go. Amelia says I can't go anywhere for the rest of the summer without her or Sirius and my guards." He motioned to the two Aurors not far away. He looked a little abashed as he then asked, "And how do I say thanks to you?"
She gave a very attractive smile. "You can ask me to dance at least one more time tonight."
Harry smiled back. The way it lit up his face had her leaning towards him. He gave her a small bow. "If that is what you want, would you do me the honour?"
"I would like that very much when we go back in," she responded.
It was nice and cool out. Cool enough that she shivered a little. Harry looked at her, his face growing serious. "Are you cold?"
"It is a little chill out," she told him.
His face grew into a frown as he looked around. His eyes grew wide and she just barely registered that something may be wrong before he was suddenly moving. Even in all their training this summer, she had never seen him move so fast. "Har..." she got out before he jumped at her. She registered a blue and nasty looking purple spell just over Harry's shoulder as he tackled her to the ground. She let out a scream and he man-handled her over himself as another spell or two flew over them. Before she understood what was going on, his wand was up, he was rolling into a crouch and two more spells hit against a hastily cast, "Protego!"
His shield collapsed the second the next spell hit. There were screams around them and she felt a bone-chilling cold enter into her bones. As shocked she was, she found herself hiking up her skirt and grabbing her wand from the leg holster. Her parents always insisted Tori and her have their wands on themselves at all times. Harry put up another shield as the two Aurors that were supposed to be guarding them were launching spells, some of them very nasty looking, at Harry.
There were other people doing the same and spell fire was starting to pass back and forth.
"Protego!" Harry cried out again, almost too late, as his shield collapsed again. There was a flash and a solid gong as the spell impacted the shield. They had no idea their training would be used like this.
She got up. Harry was protecting them. It was time for her to help. "Stupefy! Stupefy!" she started to cast as fast as she could around Harry. One of the Aurors blocked her spell before a shield came up, reflecting or absorbing her spells.
"Harry! Daphne!" someone yelled. She didn't turn away as the Auror she had been casting at started to alternate between attack and defence. He was much more skilled than either of them. Harry was doing all he could to keep the spells from hitting them. She redoubled her efforts, but it was not enough.
Harry's shield broke again and she thought they would both be hit before one of the Aurors crumpled to the ground after being hit with an orange spell she didn't recognize. People were still screaming around them. She caught Madam Bones stepping over a body as her determined face cast a deathly glare on the man that was now backing up and dueling the woman.
Harry turned to her, "Daphne, down," he yelled at her.
The chill that had been racking her bones suddenly intensified and she screamed as she felt a cold, clammy hand grab her arm. It was a vice like grip and she was turned as she felt like all the happiness in the world had been sucked out of her. With terror in her eyes she was looking at a dementor as it's other hand grabbed her other arm. She wanted to scream, but nothing came out of her mouth.
"Expecto Patronum!"
The night suddenly filled with a spectral blue light. Even with the dementor holding her, she suddenly had a feeling of warmth and happiness flood back into her.
The dementor let her go, looking to flee. She dropped to the ground, not realizing she had been picked up. A giant spectral stag charged past her as the dementor tried to flee. It snagged the dementor and then tossed it like a paper bag. The cloaked figure landed on the ground and let out a Merlin-be-awful scream as the stag ran over it towards another of the foul beasts.
She watched as it charged two more, who were going after three people. There was a body on the ground between them and the other dementors.
Within moments, the night was quiet except for a few sobs. Madam Bones ran to their side. "Is there anymore," she demanded.
"I only saw the five dementors," Harry told her, the stag prancing over to them. She looked behind herself. Harry was standing over her, scanning around, his wand out.
"You can cast a patronus?" she asked, not really comprehending anything else at the moment.
"Take this. It is a portkey back to Grace Manor. Take Daphne and tell Minsy to lock the place down," Amelia ordered.
"What about...?"
"Harry, we will take care of everyone else. Susan is already there with Hannah and Hermione. Go," she said pushing a length of rope into his hands.
"But..."
"Harry, take Daphne and go!"
Harry nodded after a second and the blue ethereal stag dissipated. Harry handed her a length of the rope. "Grab it," he instructed. She took it and a second later she was being pulled away with the familiar feel of a hook behind her navel.
-oOo-
A few seconds later...
London, England
They dropped into the atrium of Grace Hall. Harry collapsing as his feet hit the floor. He tried to grab Daphne and managed to get himself between her and the floor. "Omph," he let out as she fell on him.
"Merlin! Harry! Daphne!" Hermione cried out.
A very frightened looking Hermione rushed to them.
"Check Daphne. She was touched by a dementor," Harry ordered, helping her up. Daphne looked shocked and let herself be put into a sitting position. Hermione brushed her hands over Daphne.
"Daphne, are you alright?" Hermione said in a panic.
Harry looked around. Hannah was standing about twenty feet away, her hands to her mouth and shaking a little. Susan looked as shocked, having come up behind Hermione to kneel on the floor with them. Daphne gave a lazy shake to her head. "Harry cast a patronus. It was a big stag. He chased them away," she whispered.
Hermione stopped. Harry looked back at Daphne. He saw red spots on her upper arms where she had been grabbed. It looked like they would bruise later. Her dress had dirt stains on her knees and elsewhere. "Is she alright? Daphne, are you alright?" Harry asked concerned.
Daphne turned to him, Susan's and Hermione's hand in Daphne's now as she looked equally surprised at Harry. "You saved us," she said, her eyes looking watery. Suddenly she scrambled onto her knees and threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him for dear life. Harry wrapped an arm around her, surprised at the reaction.
"What happened?" Susan asked.
"My guard attacked us," Harry told them. Daphne started to cry into his shoulder. He didn't know what to do except pull her in closer. She pressed herself into him. "Then there were dementors. One tried to kiss Daphne."
Susan's hands went to her mouth and Hannah let out a squeak. Hermione had a set jaw. Susan looked petrified. Daphne hugged him tighter. It was like when Hermione gave one of her hugs.
Harry moved, pulling Daphne to his side and casting a shield between them at the crack that had come from before the fireplace. Sirius was standing there, his own wand coming up. "Have you locked down the house yet?"
"No," Harry said, still processing what had happened.
"Call Minsy and have the place locked down," Sirius ordered as he looked around. "How many of you are here?"
"Susan, Hannah, Hermione, Daphne and myself," he answered.
Sirius nodded. "Call Minsy."
"The Great Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby came running out, followed by Minsy.
"Minsy, full lockdown," Harry ordered.
The elf stopped and snapped her fingers, her eyes closing for a few seconds. "It is done, Master Harry."
"Harry, is Auntie okay? She ran out after you after giving us a portkey," Susan asked.
"Your Aunt is fine. She is organizing the new Aurors that are there and trying to confirm everyone is alright," Sirius said. "Dobby, we need chocolate and maybe something hot. Are any of you injured?"
"I'm fine," Harry answered. Daphne was still crying into his chest.
"Hannah?"
"Charlie ran after Madam Bones. Is he alright?" Hannah asked. "What about mother and father?"
Sirius let out a breath. "I don't know. I came right here when Amelia told me she sent you all here. Daphne? Susan? Hermione? Were you hurt?"
"Daphne was touched by a dementor. She has some good marks on her arms," Susan responded.
His godfather came over to them and knelt down. "Daphne, do you mind if I just run my wand over you?"
She shook her head.
Minsy crept closer. "Miss Susan, what can Minsy do?"
"Where is Tipsy? One of you should let Auntie know we are alright," Susan said, seeming to get control of herself. She let out a stuttering breath before standing up. "Hannah?"
Hannah had tears running down her cheeks. "Susie? Charlie ran out the doors."
They all understood. Susan moved to her friend and hugged Hannah.
Harry kept his eyes on Sirius. After a moment he sighed and sat on the floor next to them. "She's okay. Have one of your elves get some bruise cream for her arms."
Daphne sniffled, still holding Harry like her life depended on it. He finally felt safe enough to wrap his other arm around her. "Dobby is having chocolate, some pasties, hot chocolate and tea in the family parlour," his elf said.
"Thank you, Dobby. We'll be up in a moment," Harry told him.
"Are you alright, pup?"
Harry met Sirius eyes. There was concern, worry and caring in the man's grey eyes. "Why?" Harry put to him.
Sirius frowned. "If I had to guess, I would think some are unhappy with Lord Greengrass and Madam Bones for your alliance at what is going on in the Wizengamot."
Daphne sniffed, seeming to get hold of herself. "Father said a few big deals with the Malfoys, Parkinsons and Notts have been interrupted with our alliance."
"So they would try to kill Daphne and Harry over this?" Hermione questioned, still sounding all worked up.
"Even before the Death Eaters, it was tradition to deal with your enemies in a way that would break them or make them go along with you. Those that followed You-Know-Who just brought those tactics out into the open. I just don't want to think that is what this is until Amelia has had time to look into this," Sirius told them. "All we need is a new Blood Feud."
"Come on. You all need chocolate and we can talk about this more, if you want."
Sirius stood and held out his hand to help Hermione up. Harry didn't drop his arms as Daphne pulled away, her hand wiping at her face. Harry pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. It was something Amelia had insisted he have on him.
"Thank you," Daphne told him.
Hermione put a hand on Daphne's shoulder. "You want to go clean up first?"
"You should all have some chocolate, especially Daphne and Harry, before you go off anywhere. You are all staying here until we get word," Sirius ordered.
"But Charlie? That is my home," Hannah complained.
"I will get a message to your parents, Hannah. Just go have some chocolate and something warm to drink," Sirius encouraged.
Harry stood up, Daphne not letting his arm go. She held his tight. Hermione gave an almost longing look. "Come here, Hermione," he told her. She moved in to hug him. Daphne hugged her as well. It was a long few minutes before they separated. "Come on," Harry told them, moving towards the parlour.
"Don't leave me," Daphne whispered.
"Never," Harry assured her.
Sirius made sure they were all in the lounge. Hannah was leaning against Susan. They were both nibbling on some chocolate. Hermione was curled up in a chair, sipping at some hot chocolate. Daphne was holding his hand like her life depended on it, and leaning against him. He was forcing her to eat the larger chocolate bar Dobby had put out.
"I hope everyone else is alright," Hermione said after a few.
"I'm sure they are," Harry tried to assure them all.
"Auntie will make sure everyone is alright," Susan told them.
Daphne shuddered. Before he could say anything, an ethereal sheep dog burst into the room. "Hannah, we are all safe. Stay at Grace Hall for the night. Mum or I will come to get you in the morning," Lord Abbott's voice came out of the Patronus. "Let everyone else know that everyone in the Alliance is also well."
"Oh, thank Merlin," Hannah said before allowing Susan to wrap her up again.
Daphne took in a stuttering breath before putting her head on Harry's shoulder.