Chapter Forty Five - Daphne's Proposal

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

Chapter Forty Five - Daphne's Proposal

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―==(oIo)==―

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While Harry knew Hermione always liked to be at least five minutes early to each class so she could properly set herself up for the lesson about to be imparted upon them, Harry actually wanted to be right on time. He didn't want to give others the chance to approach him and 'be stupid' before the Professor arrived to teach the class.

However, he was relieved to discover the new Transfigurations Professor also preferred to arrive about five minutes before the beginning of the class.

With the new Professor already there and waiting for them, he was saved from being approached. As no one, yet, had any real idea as to the man's general attitude, no one wanted to 'test' him just yet; as kids are wont to do.

Harry thought he looked pleasant enough. He was standing before his desk, leaning back with his bum perched on the edge of it with his arms and ankles crossed; smiling.

Hermione immediately dragged Harry to the front row of the class. And Harry was happy to see Neville, Susan and Hannah sitting in the second from front row. The front row before them was empty, so that's where Hermione led him.

Not wanting to gain the Professor's ire in their first class on their first day, Harry only acknowledged Neville and the two girls with a slight head nod and smile to all three and said, "Neville, Susan, Hannah. I look forward to speaking with you during morning tea."

All three smiled back and greeted them both.

As soon as they sat, both teens pulled out their texts and stationery, ready; and were joined by Justin Finch-Fletchley a minute later. The boy sat next to Hermione on the other side and quietly greeted them.

As soon as he sat, he quickly pulled out his own text and writing equipment, before then immediately writing a short note. He asked Hermione to pass it to Harry moments later.

Curious and knowing the class had not started yet, Harry quickly checked the note.

~ # ~

Lord Potter,

I seek audience with you at a time of your convenience for a few moments to discuss a matter of importance to us both.

Please respond when you can.

Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley

The Viscount Lonsdale

~ # ~

With surprised shock, Harry was stunned for a moment before he leaned to look around Hermione and saw the boy was watching him. Softly, he said, "Please speak with me for a few moments immediately after the end of this class, Lord Finch-Fletchley."

Finch-Fletchley gave a nod back and replied, "That is agreeable Lord Potter." And sat back again.

Hermione stared at Finch-Fletchley in her own shock for a moment before she turned to look at Harry in confusion.

Harry gave her a quick head shake and softly said, "After class."

As Hermione gave a nod back, he immediately sat back and turned to look at the three behind. He could see they were just as surprised and just as curious as he.

When he turned back to look at the Professor, the man was looking at him a little curiously of his own, but didn't say a word. He didn't even move, other to turn his head to look back towards the door and occasionally glance down at the wristwatch he was wearing and was visible peeking out from under the cuff of the left sleeve of his robe.

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―==(oIo)==―

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Harry thought the class was brilliant. By her reaction as they were packing their things up, so did Hermione. He'd been so involved in what the man was teaching he didn't even realise the time was getting-on, until the sound of the ringing of the bell signalling the end of the class period was heard.

Packing up and knowing Finch-Fletchley wanted a quick word, he indicated Hermione to stay seated. She did. So did Finch-Fletchley.

Once those nearest them headed for the doors, Harry looked to Finch-Fletchley and quietly said, "I owe you two apologies, Lord Finch-Fletchley."

"And I owe you a major one, Lord Potter," he replied. "But, please, me first?"

Harry gave him a nod.

With a similar nod, Finch-Fletchley said, "I am completely aware I treated you appallingly on the evening of Flophart's one and only duelling class, Lord Potter. I reacted instead of thinking of what had occurred. In hindsight, it is easy to recognise you had called that blasted snake back from me. My instant near-terror blinded me to that.

"I apologise unreservedly for the slight against you."

"Thank you, Lord Finch-Fletchley. I accept your apology without quibble," replied Harry. "For myself, I apologise for the very public slur I directed towards you regarding your... intellect... on the day of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It was behaviour most unseemly on my part. Irrespective of your prior behaviour I should not have done that.

"Secondly, I was operating under the false impression you were not titled. While there are some within the wizarding world who will refuse to recognise you hold such title, I am not of that mind. I shall be immediately endeavouring to discuss with other members of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance how the Alliance may aid you. And I shall, from this moment forth, pay you the respect for which you are entitled.

"I apologise unreservedly for both slights against you."

Finch-Fletchley smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter. I unreservedly accept."

Each smiled back at the other.

Harry gave a nod and then indicated Hermione. "I also introduce to you the Lady Presumptive of my House, Lady Presumptive Hermione Jean Granger, magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Lord Sirius Orion Black the Third; and betrothed of, myself, the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."

Reflexively, Hermione held her right hand out and Finch-Fletchley raised it to his lips and lightly kissed her on the back of her knuckles while smirking back. "Charmed, my Lady."

"As am I, Lord Finch-Fletchley," she softly replied with a light blush.

"Uh-hmm!" came the throat clear from the front of the class. Professor Biffingwater was sitting at the desk and smirking at the three of them. "Don't you three think you should be heading for the Great Hall?"

Harry smiled back and began to rise, "Thank you for the reminder, Professor."

As the three headed out the door, Biffingwater sat back and pondered on what he'd just seen and heard. He'd been warned about the hereditary title issues in magical Britain. But, seeing it in action for the first time, demonstrated for him he had much to learn of the system. Born and raised in MaCUSA, he'd not had to deal with it in the past.

He thought, 'I shall approach the Headmistress, Lady Marchbanks, about it at lunch and see if she has any books on it she could recommend.'

He had no idea she'd authored many of them.

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―==(oIo)==―

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As the three stepped out the door, with Harry pulling it shut behind them, it was to find Neville, Susan and Hannah waiting for them. Finch-Fletchley gave an almost self-deprecating bow to the three of them before he said, "Ladies, Longbottom." And turned and walked off.

Once he was more than far enough away to be considered well out of earshot, Neville turned to Harry and asked, "What was that all about?"

"It seems I underestimated him," he replied. "Finch-Fletchley holds the title of Viscount in the muggle world. That means, Finch-Fletchley is rightfully titled, in his own right, as Lord Finch-Fletchley. His father or grandfather is also probably titled either an Earl or Marquess at least."

"Merlin!" breathed Susan.

"Yup," said Harry. "Finch-Fletchley is a member of the British peerage."

Hannah offered, "We didn't know that."

It was easy to tell she meant her and Susan.

Hermione said, "He might not have been comfortable telling anyone. Or, it could have been a security decision, on his part, for no one here to know."

Harry thought about it and said, "We, five, know of it now. Unless Finch-Fletchley makes a big deal of it after this, we keep quiet about it; except for informing Daphne and Tracey and the Alliance, as a whole.

"As for what he wanted to talk to me about, he wanted to apologise for his behaviour towards me. I had the impression he wasn't 'asked' to, either. I accepted and also apologised to him for my public behaviour towards him, which he accepted."

"We should discuss this further after classes," suggested Hannah. "We need to get to morning tea."

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―==(oIo)==―

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As the five walked together into the Great Hall they separated with Susan and Hannah heading for their table as they headed for their own. Harry immediately began to build himself a decent-sized meal, as the effects of the appetite enhancing potion was still having some effect on his body.

However, yet again, they were interrupted. Johnson tried, yet again, to convince Harry to rejoin the Quidditch team.

Finally, he'd had enough with her. Standing up and staring at her, he firmly asked, "Miss Johnson, do you believe me to be a liar?"

Surprised, she replied, "Err... no?"

When he cocked his eyebrow that showed he thought, 'Really?', she corrected herself, "I-I mean; no, Lord Potter."

"Then, pray tell, why are you continuing to approach me to practically demand I rejoin the Lions?" he asked right back. "I told you, I will not. That you continue to try to get me to do otherwise tells me you do think I'm a liar."

She blushed and mumbled, "Sorry." And retreated again.

Dropping back into his seat with a sigh, he mumbled, "Daft morons."

As Neville snickered in amusement, a major departure from the 'Neville' of old, Hermione softly said to him, "I'm starting to see what you mean about always being under pressure from everyone else to be who they want you to be and someone you're really not."

Harry, with his mouth full, just nodded back. He was still showing an expression of annoyed frustration, though.

When it appeared Neville had eaten his fill, Harry asked him, "Now that you've eaten, can you do what you tried to start this morning and catch us up?

"Of course," said Neville, wiping the edges of his mouth with a napkin. "As you suspected would happen, I've been approached by over a dozen people, all demanding to know where you are... were. As you suggested, I gave the same answer, each and every time..."

They didn't have long, so Neville only gave a quick overview of what had happened over the past day and a half. He left a lot out and didn't even mention about the Betrothal Agreement or Concubine Bond Agreements that were currently being negotiated.

He'd save those for when they had a chance to be private. Otherwise, there was too much of a risk of being overheard.

As they needed to walk quite the distance from the Great Hall to the greenhouses, they had to leave morning tea a couple of minutes early. And Harry was unsurprised to see, almost as soon as they rose and began to make their way out, they were again joined by Susan and Hannah.

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―==(oIo)==―

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With Professor Sprout still being the Professor of Herbology, the five were not concerned about what they would expect of the class.

As they'd walked to the greenhouses, Neville asked if he could share a bench with Susan and Hannah and told the other two he would explain later.

"Sure, Neville," said Hermione.

"No problem," added Harry.

He never saw the knowing smiles the two other teens gave each other.

Knowing they'd rather choose their 'bench' partners, Harry and Hermione hung back until some of the benches started to fill up. Then Hermione indicated one with two Hufflepuff girls sitting at it and turned a hopeful expression on him.

"Works for me," he shrugged.

Walking over, both sat opposite the two girls in yellow trim.

"Hi!" Hermione brightly greeted them.

Both, though surprised 'Lord Potter and his betrothed' chose to sit opposite, softly returned, "Hello."

"I'm Harry," said Harry, offering his hand in a handshake to each. Followed by Hermione immediately doing the same.

"Megan," said one, with the other answering, "Lilith."

"I don't believe we've ever shared a workspace before," Harry smiled to them. "So, it's nice to meet you both."

Both girls tentatively smiled back as Megan said, "Same here."

As they pulled their Herbology texts and stationery out of their bookbags, Harry glanced over to Neville and the girls. He saw that Finch-Fletchley had chosen to sit with them.

'Smart boy,' he thought. 'He obviously knows all three are part of the Alliance and is making use of the opportunity to mix with them.'

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

More than two hours after Dumbledore suffered his heart attack while being interrogated under Veritaserum, the old man was beginning to recover.

The first sign of that was his beginning to move in his bed.

The auror stationed to watch him immediately sent a Patronus message to 'The Boss', Madam Amelia Bones.

As Dumbledore more and more came around Bones, flanked by Moody and Robards, entered the ward from the secure entry.

Less than five minutes after he showed signs of waking, Dumbledore's eyes snapped open and he gave a gasp of shock; before then trying to rise. He couldn't, due to the restraints which held him to the bed.

A medi-witch immediately hustled in from her secured medi-witches' station and approached the bed. "Do not try to move, Mister Dumbledore. You are secured to a bed in the DMLE-secured wing of Saint Mungo's."

As the old man appeared confused for a few moments he eventually croaked, "Wa-ter?"

"Just a moment," she replied, turning to the bedside table and pouring him a mug of water into a thick ceramic tankard. Turning back she dropped a straw into it and held it for him as he took a few long sips.

A few seconds later, she pulled it away and said, "Not too much. Too much, too quick, and you'll just vomit it all up again."

Putting the tankard back on the bedside table, she quickly cast a few diagnostic charms over him before a look of satisfaction passed over her face. The old man was now clearly watching her. And had also already seen that Bones and three of her aurors were also in the room with them, watching him.

His expression showed he was annoyed with that.

Once the medi-witch was satisfied, she pulled away and said to Bones, "He's all yours. However, you're to spend no more than five minutes talking with him. After that, I order he be allowed to rest again."

Bones gave a single nod back and said, "Noted. Thank you." And the medi-witch returned to her office.

Looking to the young auror who had been tasked with watching him, she ordered, "Go join the medi-witch in her office until I call you back out again."

"Yes, Ma'am," replied the auror, standing and walking out.

Once the auror followed the medi-witch out through the door, pulling it shut behind him, Bones turned her attention back to the old man.

"Amelia―" he began, before she even had a chance.

"Prisoner Dumbledore," she returned.

Seeing the man give a slight wince, she continued, "You gave us quite a scare, there, Dumbledore. I've never before seen someone struggle so hard under Veritaserum they give themselves a heart attack. Consider me impressed."

"Thank you for your care," he sarcastically said.

"Oh, I don't care if you die while under Veritaserum, Mister Dumbledore," she returned. "I just care that you die before I get the answers to my questions."

Again, Dumbledore gave a small wince. "There is no need to be cruel, Am― Madam Bones. You need to learn to forgive."

"You have no right to ask for forgiveness unless you first come clean with your sins," she shot back. "Since you will not willingly come clean, you have not earned forgiveness. As such, no forgiveness will be given."

Dumbledore, with his eyes closed again, frowned.

"When you are well enough we will continue, Dumbledore," she continued. "While you are recovering from your cardiac arrest, I have Potions Masters developing versions of Veritaserum custom-designed with you in mind.

"Rest up. Get better. Then we start again."

Without waiting for a response she headed for the secure medi-witches' station to alert them she and her two Master Aurors were leaving again. And for the young auror to return to his post to watch him.

Once they'd gone, Dumbledore sighed.

He knew he had a heart condition. Pomfrey had told him about it and that he needed to take better care of himself - before he obliviated her of the knowledge. But, he did not know just how painful a heart attack was like until he'd experienced it for himself.

Still, he had hoped it would lead to the Bones woman abandoning her using Veritaserum on him. He had hoped she would 'try' to force him to give an oath, instead. As no one knew his real name and he knew how to give the flash of light that signalled an oath being given and accepted, he had hoped to trick her into it.

That she was having a custom made version of Veritaserum designed with him in mind, was not something he had considered.

As a Master Alchemist, he should have. He'd then even begun to think of how to go about it.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After a relaxing class, where both teens were able to get the two 'Puffettes to open up and tell them a bit about themselves when Sprout wasn't closely monitoring them, they met back up with the other three and headed back to the castle. This time, though, Finch-Fletchley joined them in their walk.

As soon as they were clear of the greenhouse and sufficiently apart from other students they could quietly talk without being overheard, Neville said, "Harry, when in public, please don't refer to Lord Finch-Fletchley's title. As you suspected, he's trying to keep it quiet."

Harry turned to the other boy and said, "As you wish, Mister Finch-Fletchley."

The boy gave a relieved smile back and said, "Justin, please."

"Justin, it is," said Harry. "And you may call me Harry."

Hermione immediately piped up and simply said, "Hermione."

"Thank you," said the other boy. "Thank you, both."

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―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After entering the Great Hall and splitting into two groups of three, Harry, Hermione and Neville went to their now usual seats on the benches up near the head end of the table and set to work making their lunches.

However, Harry had only just managed to load his plate with what he wanted when, yet again, Angelina Johnson approached.

"Lord Potter," she tried.

"Go... away," he said, before then choosing to ignore her.

"No, I can't do that," she said. "I really must impress upon you―"

Slamming his cutlery onto the table each side of his plate Harry jumped to his feet, glared at her and snarled, "If you so much as even hint at what you want to talk to me about is relating to the Gryffindor Quidditch team I will hex you into next week!"

Johnson, for all her dark skin, blanched; or at least her dark skin paled somewhat.

"Each time I have tried to eat my meal in peace, or hold a conversation with my peer, Heir Longbottom, you have chosen that time to interrupt it," he continued to snarl. "Are you under some sort of compulsion charm, or something, to utterly piss me off?"

"N-no," she practically squeaked

Harry peripherally heard someone hurrying up from the head table and was about to speak again when the voice, Professor Babbling, firmly said, "Miss Johnson!"

When both turned to her, she, still glaring for herself at Johnson, firmly said, "Return to your seat, at once. That's twenty points against Gryffindor for your nagging and you've earned yourself a week's detention with Professor Burbage in the detention classroom. Now, leave... Lord Potter... alone!"

Johnson stood staring at her in shock for a long moment before she burst into tears, spun about and ran from the room.

Harry saw both Spinnet and Bell jump up and run after her. From the look Spinnet flicked his way, shame, it appeared the two had been pressuring the girl to keep approaching him.

Before Harry got a chance to sit again, Babbage said to him, "And five points from Gryffindor for raising your voice in the Great Hall, Lord Potter."

Harry just stared back with a firm and closed expression for a moment, before he gave a firm, single nod and sat again.

He managed to eat his meal, that time, without it being further interrupted. However, when he'd finished and noticed Hermione had also, he asked her, "Mind taking a walk with me down near the lake?"

"Not at all," she immediately replied.

As both wiped their mouths and rose, Harry quietly said to Neville, "Hermione and I are going for a walk so I can burn off some of my anger."

"Sounds like a good idea," said the other boy. "The rest of us will be waiting for you in the entrance hall for when you get back. I have something important to tell you both and really cannot wait too long."

From where he was sitting down with Thomas and Finnegan and watching Harry practically storm past with Hermione in tow back to the main doors, Ron Weasley gave a disappointed sigh and thought, 'Why can't people leave him alone to calm down, so I can see him to apologise?

'If I don't get it done, soon, I'm going to spending half the summer at Aunt Muriel's again.'

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―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Though still quite cold out, Harry and Hermione took their walk down to the lake and the now somewhat decimated large rock on its shore.

Indicating it, Hermione said, "Remember when you lost your temper less than two months ago and did that?"

"Yeah," he sighed. "I'm surprised someone didn't repair it once we returned inside."

She smiled and said, "The aurors said to leave it as a reminder not to annoy Lord Potter."

He gave an amused grunt and wryly returned, "It seems that lesson has already been forgotten."

She offered, "I think Johnson was getting pushed into it by Spinnet and Bell."

"That was my thought, too," he replied.

As they continued to walk for a while more, by then down near the Whomping Willow, Hermione said, "I think you may need to back off on Angie."

He nodded and replied, "I do. However, as I said, she was 'pushing' me too hard. I have made my decision and I do not like people trying to force me to change it.

"If anyone wants to discuss something with me... when I'm not otherwise busy... then I will discuss the reasons for my decision. However, Angie was being damned rude coming over each time I was eating to interrupt my meal. That is considered a great insult in this world, Hermione. It basically states, 'What I have to talk to you about is more important than your need to eat'.

"What she should have done, in all three situations, is written a note and passed it to me. That's precisely what Finch-Fletchley did and he's a muggleborn. Angie's not."

Hermione nodded. "Thank you for explaining that, Harry."

Harry smiled back and drew her in for a proper kiss.

When they finally drew apart again, both blushing, he said, "We need to go back to the castle. Neville told me the others will be waiting for us in the entrance hall.

She nodded.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Walking in through the main doors, they immediately spotted the other five waiting for them. Harry hadn't had a chance to see Daphne and Tracey since their return, except by seeing them and giving them a small wave each at each of the three breaks.

Neville gestured for them to follow him and he led them all into the antechamber. As soon as all seven of them were within, Harry threw a Colloportus on the door and added a privacy charm for good measure.

Once done he gave a sigh of relief and turned to the others.

"Just think," said Neville, "It's only the first day, not even halfway done yet."

Harry gave him a wry look and sarcastically returned, "Thanks."

It only had the other boy grin even wider.

As Harry gave a snort of amusement, Hermione was busy catching up with the other girls.

Neville gave a firm nod and braced himself up a bit. "Before we get too carried away," he said, looking to Harry and Hermione. "Harry... Hermione... Alliance Secret."

That had both teens look back.

The other boy gave a small smirk, cast a glance towards the two 'Puffs and said, "My father is currently in negotiations with Mister Abbott about a Betrothal Agreement between Hannah and me; and also in negotiations with Madam Bones about a Concubine Bond Agreement between Susan and me."

Both already knew, of course, but both feigned surprise so the boy did not know Marchbanks had already told them. It would lead to questions they couldn't yet answer.

As Hermione let out a very girlish squee sound and practically threw herself into a hug with both girls, Harry grinned at Neville as he walked over and said, "Congratulations, my brother." And shook the boy's hand as he placed his other hand on the other boy's shoulder.

"Thanks," blushed Neville.

"I hope you know and understand how lucky you are."

Neville almost shyly nodded back.

Releasing the other boy's hand he then walked over to the two girls. Hermione had already backed off a little, so he just stepped past and dragged both girls in for his own hug. "Congratulations, you two."

"Thank you," both replied with a blush.

Directing her question to Hermione, Daphne said, "I thought muggles were against concubinage."

Hermione smiled back and said, "Not just against it, it's illegal. But, as Harry explained to me while he was staying at my place, this isn't the muggle world, is it? I have to treat it like a foreign country that has significantly different laws, but where everyone speaks with a British accent."

Daphne was immediately relieved. What she needed to do might not be immediately discounted, after all.

Once the congratulations were out of the way, she called, "Lord Potter, Lady Presumptive Hermione, I have a matter of what my father considers of great importance for me to speak with you about."

"Oh-kay," said Harry. "Would you like us three to go somewhere to discuss it?"

She shook her head and replied, "No; but, thank you. I do not mind our peers from within the alliance being aware of this."

"Very well," said Harry. "How may I assist the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass?"

She hesitated a moment before she seemed to reach an internal decision and said, "I would like and ask of you to consider the idea of you, Harry, and my Lord negotiating a Concubine Bond Agreement between you and myself."

Hermione gave a little gasp.

He looked to her and she seemed almost in awe of the situation. He'd guessed right, again. And she was surprised, this time. She shouldn't have been, considering the warning they'd received from Marchbanks.

Harry turned back to Daphne, who appeared quite worried, and said, "Hermione and I are in the Lords' Quarters. It's private and will afford us a place we can talk, without interruption. Do you know where it is?"

"No, I'm sorry," she replied.

"No need to be. It's on the fifth floor, directly above the Transfiguration corridor. Actually, it's almost directly above the Transfiguration classroom. In that corridor there is only one ornate door. It's also about as wide as one of the doors into the Great Hall, but normal height. When you walk down that corridor you'll easily find it.

"Hermione and I have a class for next period, but not one for the last period. We have Astronomy with the Hufflepuffs late tonight.

"Do you have a class for sixth period?"

"Yes, actually," she replied. "Transfiguration."

He gave a nod back and said, "We have Potions together next; but, once you finish Transfiguration, how about you come up and talk with us? If you have trouble finding it, I'll have arranged for my personal elf, Dobby, to come if you call him. He can then show you the way."

"Thank you," she said, with a relieved sound.

"Actually..." he said, looking around, "How about you all come up and see it for yourselves, after classes?" Turning back to Daphne he said, "That is, of course, if it's alright with you?"

She gave a pleased nod back.

Checking her watch, Hermione said, "We need to go. Some of us need to get all the way up to the fifth floor to collect our books and potions equipment for this next class."

Checking his own watch, Harry realised she wasn't exaggerating. "Damn; she's right."

As soon as he removed the privacy charm and the Colloportus on the door he opened it for the others.

As Daphne was about to pass, he softly said to her, "Don't worry too much about the decision. Hermione won't be as against this as you may fear."

She paused for a moment to look at him before she almost visibly sagged in relief. She gave a tiny little nod and kept going.

Instead of going all the way up to the fifth floor, as soon as they reached the first floor, Harry grabbed Hermione and dragged her into one of the abandoned classrooms there.

"Harry!" she quietly squealed, almost pleading. "We'll be late!"

"No, we won't," he firmly replied.

With the door almost closed completely he firmly called, "Dobby!"

The little elf appeared only a moment later.

Offering him his satchel, he said, could you replace what's not needed of the contents for what we need for Potions?"

"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf. A quick finger snap and both he and their satchels disappeared.

"Oh, Harry," sighed Hermione.

A moment later Dobby was back and holding out both satchels.

Taking both, Harry said, "Thanks, buddy!"

As Dobby popped away again he then handed his over to Hermione with a smirk. "We won't be late, now."

The look he got in return was the one she now reserved for him when she was feeling as if he just 'rightfully' made her feel stupid.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Walking into the Potions corridor the two could see there were already quite a few people there. And that Susan and Hannah weren't two of them. However, Neville was one of them.

As they approached Neville pulled away from the 'pack' and approached them. With a grin he quietly asked, "House elf?"

Surprised the boy had also figured it out, Harry chuckled and replied, "Of course."

"Did you call yours to switch out contents, too?" asked Hermione.

"No," he replied. "I have wizarding space in mine. I was already carrying everything I needed when we met in the antechamber."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Another class with a new Professor teaching, Potions was significantly different than it was taught by Snape. The windows had been enlarged and allowed in more light. There was some sort of fume extraction ward in operation, as the air remained crystal clear and clean all the time. And everything appeared scrubbed clean.

Unsurprising to Harry, but clearly surprising to everyone else, they did not brew a potion that day. Instead, they were given a period length lecture, complete with copious notes, on the importance of safety in the potions lab.

The new Professor, Potions Mistress Doris Grimfield, was an Australian. Her accent was quite different and took them all a little while to get used to it. But, once they did, she was easily understandable. It was good that she did not have the 'Aussie' habit of speaking overly quickly or 'crushing' syllables together into one.

While they'd been waiting outside the lab for the Professor to come and open the door, Ron Weasley had tentatively approached them.

Harry was immediately wary, but relaxed when he realised the redhead was actually both a little scared and uncomfortable.

"Lord Potter," he began.

"Yes?" asked Harry.

"I've... I need to know when you have time to hear me out," he stuttered.

Harry thought about it for a few moments before he said, "Tomorrow afternoon after classes. I'll come up to the Gryffindor common room and we can meet up then. Is that suitable?"

"Not... this afternoon?" the boy asked.

Harry firmly shook his head and replied, "Sorry; no. I have a prior engagement until dinner. And, as you know, we have Astronomy late tonight and we need to rest up for it."

The boy gave a sad nod and went to walk away when Harry called after him. "Mister Weasley."

When Ron turned back, curious, Harry said, "After Potions, if you're willing to accept advice, you should immediately go to the Infirmary and have Healer Robinson check you over for mind-altering potions. During the break, as I'd written to the twins about, Hermione was discovered to be under one such."

Ron looked a little surprised but, after a small hesitation, gave a nod. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," said Harry.

When it didn't look like Harry wanted to say anything further to him, Ron turned away and returned to where he had been talking with Thomas and Finnegan.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After the class completed, Harry and Hermione were quickly packed and left the room. However, Harry held Hermione back, just outside the door.

When the two Slytherin girls came out, he indicated for them to join him and Hermione out of the way of traffic.

When they did, clearly curious, he smiled and said, "Hermione and I are going back to our quarters now. I look forward to seeing you both in a little over an hour."

"Me too," said Hermione.

Both nodded and Tracey replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger."

"Ah?!" said Harry. "No one's listening. It's Harry and Hermione for you two, remember?"

Both nodded and smiled back.

Harry just gave a firm nod and indicated they should head off.

As soon as they did Neville said, "She's worried."

"Understandable," said Harry. "As you know, it's a very, very big thing we're going to be talking about."

"Are you sure you want the rest of us there?" asked the boy, concerned.

Harry smiled back and replied, "This is not the negotiating phase, Nev. This is just her finding out how open both Hermione and I are to the concept."

Neville hesitated for a moment before he asked, "Do you mind if your god-brother and fellow Alliance named partner Heir knows what your thoughts are on this?"

Harry directly smiled at him and said, "Nice, Nev." Looking back at the retreating backs of the girls, he said, "I have been anticipating an approach by Lord Greengrass for quite some time. I'm somewhat aware of the difficulties he is experiencing with pressure from the... traditional... Houses. As such, there is not much I will not do to aid an allianced House. A Concubine Bond Agreement is well within my ability to effect.

"Does that somewhat answer you query?"

Neville smiled and replied, "It does."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

On returning to their apartment, Harry suggested they both change into wizarding casual.

"Why?" asked Hermione. "I've not seen anyone do that before. And, aren't we expected to be wearing uniform to dinner?"

"Nope," he replied. "The only time we're required to attend dinner wearing uniform is when it's a feast. And, I suggest the change of clothes as we'll be discussing Alliance and House matters, this afternoon; not dealing with school matters."

"Oh," she replied. "Well, alright then." And went off to get changed.

After smiling at her back for a moment, Harry put deed to word and went and got changed, himself.

When they both met up in the common room again - 'Living room,' he thought. 'It's not a dorm.' - Hermione curled up on one of the sofas and said, "I think we need to discuss this, Harry."

Harry was happy to do so, and was sitting alongside her a moment later.

When it looked like the girl did not know where to begin, Harry started. "You're worried what your parents might say if I go ahead with this, aren't you."

Surprised, she looked to him and nodded.

"I did tell you your father and I had already discussed this and he supported it," he said. "He might have been a little reluctant, but he knows I'd do it to protect the... bonded. He now trusts me not to do the wrong thing."

Calmer, she replied, "Yes; I had forgotten. Or, I'd just been so shocked to hear that, I thought I might have dreamed it."

"Nope," he replied.

"And what did you mean by 'the wrong thing'?" she asked.

Seeing her sly smirk, however, meant he knew she knew what he meant. It didn't stop him from blushing though, which made her smirk widen into a grin.

"You know very well, Miss Granger," he mock sniffed.

She just snickered back.

Wanting to get serious again, he gave it a few seconds before he refortified himself and looked at her. His expression had her stop her snickers and also look serious.

"Now for the serious question, Hermione," he said. "Are you going to be alright with this?"

She sighed and thought a moment before she replied, "So long as all we're talking about is doing this for her personal protection... and for the House of Greengrass... and so long as what we're talking about is just the Agreement so she'll have that protection... I'll be, as you put it, alright with this."

He nodded and said, "You don't want it to be so that I'll have to have sex with her."

She blushed and replied, "Yes."

Firmly he said, "I assure you, Hermione, no matter what Lord Greengrass's, or Daphne's, intent is for such an Agreement... I'll be making damned sure the same escape clauses as in our Betrothal Agreement will be included in this one."

With a sigh of relief, she said, "Thank you."

Then fearing she'd said something wrong she was quick to add, "That doesn't mean I don't want you to have a concubine, Harry. It's just that... I'm still not completely comfortable with the idea; alright?"

"Completely understandable," he said. "Neither am I, truth be told."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After they decided they'd discussed it enough between them until they'd heard what Daphne had to say, they turned their attention to their homework.

"Harry?" she asked.

"Mmm?"

"Could you ask the Potter elves to make a start on bringing some of the books from Pottermore to here for us?" she carefully begged.

Surprised, he replied, "Of course. Dobby!"

When the little elf popped in, Harry carefully gave it instructions as to which books in general he wanted brought to the office in the apartment from Pottermore: Astronomy, Charms, DADA, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy.

Dobby said he'd get right on it and let him know when it was done and popped away again.

Ten minutes later he was back and said the bookshelves in the office were now full.

Hermione almost jumped to her feet and ran into the room. A moment later, Harry heard her shout of joy and snorted in amusement.

By the time they heard the final class bell, both teens were well into completing their homework assignments for the day and Dobby had prepared wholesome snacks.

"Master Harry be entertaining guests," said Dobby. "Dobby be preparing snackies!"

"I was going to do that, Dobs," he sighed.

When Dobby crossed his arms and glared back, he groaned in annoyance while Hermione laughed. "Fiiiiine!"

After the bell went, both knew they had time to pack up what they were working on into a tidy pair of piles.

Looking about as he rose, Harry gave a nod of satisfaction at the presentation of the room.

Looking to Hermione, he said, "Back in a couple of minutes."

She smiled and said, "I'll go and alert Dobby to the imminent arrival of our guests.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Harry only had to stand outside the door that separated the Lords' Quarters from the castle proper for about two minutes before he saw both Slytherin girls approach. As soon as they saw him they were relieved.

As they calmly approached, Harry called, "Dobby."

When the elf popped in, he said, "Are you able to open the door to my and Hermione's apartment?"

"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby.

"Good," he breathed in relief. "Would you mind, then, escorting these two ladies in?"

"Dobby can do," replied the elf.

Once the two reached him, while also giving Dobby curious glances, Harry said, "Ladies, I have to wait for our other three guests. And expect them to be about twenty minutes, at least. Would you like to wait with me, or would you allow Dobby to escort you in?"

After a quick glance at one another between them, Daphne looked back and said, "We'll go in."

"As you wish," he nodded. And gave Dobby a gesture to go.

"Miss-tresses?" said Dobby, "Please follow Dobby."

He trotted over to the main door, elf finger-snapped it open on his approach and walked in. Both girls followed.

Harry didn't know whether Neville would come on his own, or drop down to the Badgers' Cete and escort the two 'Puff ladies up. He'd be disappointed with him if the boy didn't choose the latter.

"Lord Potter?" called an auror, who had just dropped a Notice-me-Not and now had the watch.

Harry turned to look. "Yes, auror?" he asked.

"How many more guests are you expecting?" asked the auror.

"Three," he replied. "Heir Longbottom, Heiress Bones and Miss Abbott. I expect Heir Longbottom will be escorting the other two when he comes. I'll be disappointed if he is not."

The auror gave a nod and said, "I'm capable of casting a messenger Patronus. If you'd prefer to wait inside, when they arrive I'll send one to you to let you know to come out to get them."

Surprised at the offer, Harry said, "Thank you; that's very kind of you. I accept."

With a smile back, the auror nodded towards the door. "You'd best see to your guests who've already arrived, then."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After a last look down the corridor, Harry re-entered the hallway before going to the door of the apartment and entering. As he stepped in, he noticed Hermione was taking the girls on a short 'tour' of the apartment.

Coming out of the kitchen, she was surprised to see him. "Where are the others?"

He smiled and replied, "The on-duty auror outside will send me a messenger Patronus when they get here, so I can go back outside and bring them in."

Hermione gave a snort of amusement and said, "Clever. It sounds like this one is not a daft moron."

Harry grinned back and, as he walked over to the 'sofa' area, looked to the girls and gestured to the seats. "Please be welcome to be seated."

As he expected, Daphne and Tracey sat together on one double sofa, leaving the identical one facing it to Harry and Hermione.

As soon as they sat, Dobby popped in with a tea set complete with crockery, teaspoons and a tray of little biscuits. For now, everyone ignored it.

Looking to Daphne and noticing how nervous she was, Harry asked, "Now, Daphne―"

When she looked back with a measure of intensity, he said, "Before we begin to talk about a Concubine Bond Agreement, I need you to answer a couple of questions for me."

She nodded. "I shall endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability, Lord Potter."

He smiled at her formality.

"Firstly, I need to know, is this something you want? Not your father... not your House... you."

Clearly a little surprised, she hesitated a long moment before she replied, "Not... really. However, if I do not do this, there will soon come a time my father will... have no choice, but to accept an offer from another."

Harry nodded and said, "I thought so. And, thank you for being honest."

He thought what to do next before he said, "So, you are willing to enter, or be entered, into such an arrangement because it offers you protection?"

"Yes," she firmly replied. "Plus, it protects my family."

"What about your sister?" he asked, curious.

"Other arrangements are being made for her."

"Fair enough," he nodded. "How far are you willing to go with such an arrangement? I mean, what if the agreement becomes a contract? It would mean you and I―" And gestured.

She blushed and replied, "I'm aware."

"It would mean you would be stuck with me," he said.

She looked at him in surprise for a moment before she gave a small snort of amusement. "I do not think that would be a hardship... Harry."

Tracey gave her own snort of amusement. And he was surprised Hermione made a similar non-verbal exclamation.

That had actually surprised Harry. When he looked to Hermione in what must have been confusion, she said, "Harry, you're no longer that scrawny, under-fed boy. You're now quite attractive."

That had him blush and look down for a long few moments.

Getting his blush under control he looked back up and between the three. He could see the truth of that remark in their faces.

"Hmm," he muttered.

Looking back to Daphne he said, "Here's my thoughts. Hermione says I have a 'saving people thing'. I cannot disagree. When I see someone in trouble I have the strong urge to help. And, I have a tendency not to ignore that urge.

"I'm aware of the difficulties your father is currently under regarding having only two daughters for heirs. And the pressure he would be under from those who see that situation as an opportunity to get their hands on the Greengrass estates.

"Because of that, I have already discussed with Hermione and her parents what I saw as the likelihood of your father approaching me, as an allied House, with the intent to request a Concubine Bond Agreement.

"At first, as you would likely expect, they were against it; as, I'm sure you'd also understand, was Hermione.

"However, once I discussed my views on the matter and why I would consider it, they found themselves in agreement. So, you have no need to fear Hermione and her family would be completely against this right from the start."

That had Daphne look to Hermione with gratitude. And that look was what satisfied him that she wanted this; and wasn't being pressured into it by her father.

"I won't go into the specific details for obvious reasons, but Hermione and my Betrothal Agreement has escape clauses that make it so either of us only need to say a certain phrase for the agreement to be voided in it's entirety, without penalty. Of course, it also has conditions that, if they're met, those escape clauses become void and the agreement becomes the contract. I do not think you lack the wherewithal to figure out what sort of conditions I'm talking about.

"If it is still your desire for your father and my legal representative to negotiate a Concubine Bond Agreement, it is a non-negotiable condition that similar escape clauses of the same ease will be included for both of us. If your father cannot accept such, there is no point the two even meeting. If, however, he can, then I believe I can enter such an arrangement."

It was a long few seconds before Daphne, who was looking at Harry in wide-eyed hope, suddenly seemed to collapse into herself, dropped her head almost onto her knees and broke down into deep heart-wrenching sobs.

Surprised at her reaction, Harry didn't know what to do. When Tracey slid over closer to her friend and wrapped her arms around her, Harry turned to look at Hermione in no small level of confusion.

"It's alright, Harry," she whispered. "Go wait outside for a while. Us girls are going to talk." Then she rose, went across and sat on the sofa on the other side of Daphne from Tracey, before moving in close.

When Harry hadn't moved, truly unsure of what to do, Hermione looked at him, glanced to the main door and flicked her chin at it before turning to help comfort Daphne.

He quietly rose and walked out. He decided he'd go and wait for Neville and the other two girls, after all. He had no idea how to otherwise help the girl, but it seemed Tracey and Hermione did. He left them to it.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ