Dumbledore entered the next Wizengamot meeting; he took his seat
as chief warlock. Other noticeable people were there, Greengrass,
Longbottom, Bones, the minister of magic, and a few others.
"I call this meeting into session" Dumbledore spoke "before the
meeting starts is there anything that needs to be brought to
attention?"
"Chief Warlock" Augusta Longbottom raised her hand
"Yes Lady Longbottom?"
"Thank you chief Warlock" Augusta Longbottom stood up "I have a
young lord who had asked for my assistance, he's here today and
would like to make a statement"
The doors opened, and in walked Harry Potter, looking every bit the
young lord. He wore expensive looking robes with red trimmings, his
posture demanded respect and the only thing he hadn't managed to
do was tame his hair.
"Mr Potter" Dumbledore spoke "what are you doing here? You
should be at school"
"It has come to my attention that I needed to be here" Harry replied
"you see my mother and father are in a coma and I need to fulfil my
duty as they cannot. I would like to assign a proxy for the Potter
family"
"Mr Potter" Dumbledore spoke in his signature grandfatherly voice "I
appreciate your concerns but there is really no need for this..."
"I disagree" Harry interrupted "because it turns out that you've been
using the Potter votes without the consent of me or my parents" The
crowd began whispering
"Hadrian" Dumbledore tried to quickly salvage the situation "I have
been permitted to use them by you parents"
"Verbally?" Harry asked
"Yes" Dumbledore nodded
"Well I'm sorry sir but that's not enough for me, I'd like written proof"
"Is my word not enough?" Dumbledore plastered a hurt look on his
face, obviously going for some sympathy
"I don't know you well enough to completely trust your word" Harry
responded and the whispering grew, they couldn't believe how the
young boy was talking and he was doing it to Albus Dumbledore of
all people "I would also like to assign a proxy to the Peverell family,
which is another family that I'm head of and another family whose
votes you have been using"
Dumbledore paled, how did Harry know about the Peverell family?
He couldn't believe this, the Potter and Peverell votes were
important, he couldn't just lose them. But it turns out that Harry was
not done.
"It's also come to my attention that you've been voting on behalf of
the Black family, I would like to assign a proxy for that family as well"
"Mr Potter" Dumbledore replied
"Heir Potter" Harry interrupted "I am Heir Potter"
"Heir Potter" Dumbledore amended "you cannot assign a proxy for
the Black family"
"I think you'll find I can" Harry said in a confident voice "you see the
current lord Black is Sirius Black" Dumbledore paled even more, how
did Harry know about Sirius? "and he is currently unable to perform
his duties as he is locked in Azkaban, sad, I know. But, the good
news is that I'm his godson. And I think you'll find I've been named
his heir, so I am well within my right to assign a proxy for the family"
"Heir Potter" Dumbledore said, he couldn't let Harry take all three, he
needed them "I'm afraid I cannot allow you to assign proxies based
on claims"
"That's good" Harry smiled as he pulled out three documents "in my
hands I have official confirmation from Gringotts and it proves that I
am the heir to all three families"
One member came up and took the documents, and handed it to
Dumbledore who read through them. He hated the fact that the
documents were real and Harry was indeed the heir, his best course
of action was to go along with it. It'd be bad if he objected too much,
perhaps he could get lucky and be able to sway the proxies.
"Very well Heir Potter" Dumbledore spoke "who are your proxies?"
"For the Potter and Peverell family" Harry spoke "I would like to
assign Lady Longbottom as the proxy" Dumbledore internally swore,
Lady Longbottom was a tough woman and he knew better than to try
and manipulate her.
"Very well, Lady Longbottom, do you accept?" Dumbledore asked
"I do" Augusta nodded
"Very well, you are now the assigned Proxy for the Potter and
Peverell family" Dumbledore replied
"For the Black family" Harry continued "I would like to assign
Andromeda Tonks"
Dumbledore mentally groaned, Andromeda was another person out
of his control and he knew he wouldn't be able to convince her that
he knew best. Before anything could be said, the doors opened a
second time and Andromeda walked in, looking like the perfect pureblooded woman.
"Very well" Dumbledore sighed "Andromeda Tonks, do you accept?"
"Yes, I accept" Andromeda nodded
"Andromeda Tonks, you are now the assigned proxy for the Black
family"
"Thank you chief warlock" Andromeda replied
"With your permission sir, I would like to leave now as I have classes
to attend" Harry said
"Yes, I'm sure you do" Dumbledore said dryly "very well, you may
leave"
"Thank you" Harry bowed, he then turned and left with such speed
and grace that would put many purebloods to shame.
Harry had just arrived back at school and got changed back into his
normal school clothes, he thought that he made some good choices
when assigning his proxies. The Longbottoms and Potters were
allies for centuries and Lady Longbottom was a fierce woman who
many knew better than to mess with. Her daughter-in-law was also
his little brother's godmother and her son was friends with Harry's
father and his little brothers godfather. Admittedly he had someone
else in mind but he had refused, either way it was a good choice.
He also liked his choice of Andromeda for the Black family, for one
she was his godmother and as his godfather was in prison, she was
good enough to fit the role. She was a kind but fierce woman, and
having the kicked out woman in charge of the seat would be a nice
way to stick it to the Black family.
"Harry!" An angry voice caught his attention as he was walking down
the hallway, he saw Daphne Greengrass storming toward him
"Hi Daphne, what's up?" He said politely, but Daphne didn't answer,
she grabbed him by the arm and started pulling him away.
Harry could have stopped her easily but this seemed like one of the
situations when you weren't supposed to do that. Harry took the time
analyse her face, it was as pretty as usual but it was also pretty red.
He noticed that her eyes were also a bit misty, indicating that she
had been crying, Harry was wondering what on earth would make
Daphne cry when they stopped by the lake.
"Alright Harry" Daphne spoke now that nobody could hear them "did
you know?"
"Could you be more specific on what I'm supposed to know?" Harry
spoke softly
"About the contract!" Daphne snapped
"What contract?!" Harry stepped back in surprise
"The marriage contract!"
"I told you all I know about the contract! What am I supposed to
know?!"
"You're contracted to me!" She screamed, and Harry found himself
unable to respond. In fact he imagined that he looked kind of like a
gaping fish at the moment.
"Wait a sec" Harry managed to close his mouth "you're saying that
the girl in the contract, is you?"
"Yes!" Daphne replied, unaware of the tears that were dripping down
her face "MY father sent me a letter and told me about it! You're
contracted to me!"
"Daph, I swear I didn't know!" Harry said honestly "I would've told
you if I did"
"Fine, you didn't know but I bet you're pleased now!" She said angrily
"This must be great for you! Forcing me into a contract! You've been
flirting with me nonstop and now you get your bloody wish! I'm going
to marry you now! I'm going to be a stupid housewife that you can
use to show off to your friends! I can't believe this! I..."
"Daphne!" Harry shouted, stopping the girl in her tracks "Take a
breath, yeah." Daphne glared at him but did so, a few seconds later
she realised that the tears were on her face and wiped her eyes.
"Do you have anything to say?" She asked, still wiping her eyes
"Yes" Harry took a breath "first of all, I really didn't know. And yes I've
been flirting with you but I was really just having some fun, and you
seemed to like it so I kept it up. Now I'd like to remind you of
something, I can cancel the contract once I'm fourteen"
"Why would you?!" Daphne interrupted
"Because I don't want to force you into this!" Harry snapped "Is that
really so hard to believe?! I'm not Malfoy! I didn't do this on purpose!
Yes I like you but I wouldn't force you into a relationship with me!"
Daphne had unconsciously taken a step back, she thought that she
saw something flicker in his eyes for a moment. A silence fell over
the two, neither willing to break it, but eventually they one had to
give.
"I'm sorry" Daphne said after a few minutes of silence "I shouldn't
have exploded on you"
"It's alright" Harry sighed "you were emotional, I understand."
"Thank you"
"Really it's alright, but like I said Daphne, I won't force you into this. It
makes you uncomfortable so I will cancel the contract as soon as I'm
capable of doing so, but for the record, I would've never forced you
into being a housewife."
"Really?" She asked with a little bit of disbelief in her voice
"Yeah, if we were married and you wanted to work then I'd let you,
well, when I say 'I would let you' what I really meant is 'I wouldn't
complain if you did'. I would never force you into being someone who
you don't want to be"
"Thank you" She said appreciatively
"It's really no problem, now, we have a free period now but by my
estimation our next lesson is in ten minutes. So, should we walk
back up?"
"Yes" Daphne said softly
"Okay, then let's go Daph" Harry replied, he was then startled when
Daphne charged at him and hugged him "Daph?"
Daphne hugged him tightly, Harry couldn't help but tense a little, he
placed his arms around Daphne, hoping she didn't notice. Daphne
rested her head on his shoulder, Harry placed his on top of hers, he
wasn't very experienced in hugging but he felt that this wasn't so
bad. Of course that might just be because it was Daphne but he
wasn't sure, although he'd definitely break Dumbledore's nose if that
old man had tried to hug him.
Harry had waited patiently for Daphne, he couldn't help but admit
that he liked the hug. Soon Daphne let go, she gave him a small
smile and he gave her one as well. Another surprise for Harry came
when she placed her hand in his, she looked a bit embarrassed so
Harry decided not to say anything.
The two walked back up to the castle, and to their lessons with
Daphne's right hand in Harry's left. As they made their way down to
the dungeons they were stopped at one staircase by Draco Malfoy
who was walking up the staircase towards them, attracting the
attention of the students that were at the bottom. Including Adrian
Potter and his friends.
"Greengrass!" He shouted "Why are you holding Potter's hand?!
You're supposed to be betrothed to me, why is that so hard to
understand you stupid..."
Draco was cut off by Harry's right hook to his face, Draco fell
backwards and rolled down the stairs. He landed at the bottom, with
a bloody nose, and all the students were looking at Harry in shock.
"Harry, you didn't need to do that" Daphne whispered
"He insulted you" Harry whispered back "I 'wanted' to do that. But if it
makes you feel better, I'll let you deal with him next time"
"Thank you Harry" Daphne smiled
"Not a problem" Harry smiled right back and the two walked down
the stairs, Crabbe and Goyle were helping Malfoy up.
"What is going on here?!" Snape chose that moment to the enter the
halls
"Draco fell sir" Harry answered as he wiped the blood off of his
hands on the back of his trousers where they wouldn't be seen.
"No he didn't!" Hermione Granger spoke up "He's lying, Harry
punched him and he fell down the stairs"
"Well technically we both said he fell so I'm not really a liar" Harry
replied "but before you make accusations, let's ask Draco. Draco, did
I punch you?"
Harry smirked at Draco who realised what had happened, Harry was
allowed one free punch and he had chosen moment to use it. Under
the terms of the duel Draco couldn't tell on him, and Draco hated that
fact. He was tempted to do it anyway, the duel be damned, but then
that would ruin his reputation even further.
Daphne was also impressed by Harry, not just for his punch but also
for his timing and chosen area to use it. Firstly it caused Malfoy more
pain as he fell down the stairs, but it was also in front of a lot of
students which gave Harry a reputation in front of them. Malfoy
couldn't complain unless he wanted to ruin his own reputation
amongst Slytherin house, and when Malfoy doesn't complain the
Gryffindor's will lose points for being 'liars' while also increasing
Harry's reputation even more.
"No" Malfoy coughed "he didn't punch me"
"See" Harry gestured to Malfoy
"Twenty points from Gryffindor for lying" Snape said to Granger
before turning back on Malfoy "Mr Goyle and Crabbe, take Mr Malfoy
to the hospital wing"
The two gorilla children nodded and took Malfoy away, Malfoy was
glaring at Harry the whole time until he was out of sight. Snape saw
Harry and Daphne holding hand but decided not to say anything
about it.
"Enter" Snape ordered as he made his way into the classroom.
The entire class entered, and everyone took their seats, Tracy Davis
paired with Neville again and Harry paired with Daphne once more,
not that any of them were complaining. Professor Snape gave them
their instructions and they set off to work, but before they did Harry
discreetly got his wand out and vanished away the blood from his
trousers and hand before he put his wand back in his holster.
As they were working Adrian Potter glanced at his brother, when he
saw Snape look away, greasy old bat. He couldn't believe his brother
punched Malfoy in the face, not that he had a problem with it, he was
actually quite jealous of the fact to be honest and it would've been
perfect if Gryffindor hadn't lost points for it.
Hermione Granger was furious, not only did Harry Potter punch a
fellow student and cause him to fall down some stairs, he also lied
about it to a teacher! And got her in trouble to boot! She really
couldn't stand him, he would always do better than her in class and
she didn't know how. She was the smartest person in her year, there
was no way he would be able to do better than her. He was probably
cheating, yes, that would be the only logical explanation.
Daphne worked well with Harry, they were both competent and had a
good rhythm when they worked together. Daphne felt a bit bad for
shouting at Harry earlier but like he said, she was emotional. In fact
she was bit disappointed in herself for not using her logical side and
charging straight at him like a Gryffindor.
Daphne noticed him tense when she hugged him and she didn't
know what to make of that, he did hug her back and he seemed to
really like it so she wasn't sure why he felt uncomfortable at first.
Perhaps he didn't have much experience with hugging, now that
Daphne thought about it, Harry was always the one to initiate contact
and it was always quick and light.
She decided that she wouldn't think about it too much now, she was
a Slytherin and would definitely find out eventually, but she'd wait for
him to tell her when he was ready.
Soon the lesson ended, Harry quickly made his way to Snape after
the class was dismissed.
"Excuse me sir" Harry said politely "I just wanted to confirm if you'll
be able to accompany me tomorrow to St Mungo's."
"Worry not Mr Potter, meet me at eight in my office and I will take
you there" Snape replied
"Yes sir, thank you" Harry nodded, he then turned and walked away
"Mr Potter" Snape called once Harry was halfway across the room,
Harry stopped and looked at the potions master "have you truly not
known where your parents were all these years?"
"No sir" Harry shook his head "well, I always thought they were alive
and I believed they were alive but I didn't have confirmation until
shortly after I started Hogwarts. I had talked with Blaise Zabini and
the conversation came up and he mentioned it"
"Hmm" Snape said with a thoughtful expression "very well, I shall
see you tomorrow"
"Yes sir, thank you sir" Harry replied and left the potions room and a
very depressed potions master.
"What's up Harry?" Tracy asked, she and Daphne had waited for him
outside
"Nothing much, just talked with Professor Snape about if he'd still be
able to take me to see my parents tomorrow" Harry replied. "I have
to meet him in his office tomorrow at eight"
"Eight?!" Tracy said horrified "the only reason anyone should go
anywhere before nine is if they need to go and eat breakfast!"
"Let's go" Daphne shook her head in amusement and the trio walked
to their next lesson, Daphne had out her hand in Harry's again but
this time she put her left hand in his right
"Oh" Tracy raised a suggestive eyebrow "holding hands with Mr
Potter are we?"
"Shut it Tracy" Daphne replied "I'm only stopping him from punching
someone again"
"Would this be a bad time to point out that I'm ambidextrous?" Harry
asked
"Are you?" Daphne asked
"Yeah" Harry nodded "I favour my right because right handed people
are more common but I can use my left when I want"
"Well in that case" Tracy wrapped her hands around his arms
"What are you doing?" Daphne narrowed her eyes
"Well, you want to stop him from punching people" Tracy smiled at
Daphne "I thought I'd help"
"Fine" Daphne let go of Harry's hands and wrapped her hands
around his arms in the same way that Tracy did.
"Oh, copying me are we" Tracy grinned
"No, I've just decided that this was a better way to keep him
restrained" Daphne replied.
The two argued until they eventually got to their next class, the class
and Professor Flitwick were a bit surprised to see an amused Harry
enter with a girl on each arm. The three took their seats and the
lesson started.
Adrian Potter was having mixed thoughts about his brother, his
brother had punched Malfoy and gotten away with it while also
entering class with a girl on each arm. But on the other hand the girls
and him were Slytherin's and Harry was stupidly refusing to obey the
headmaster.
Hermione Granger huffed at the behaviour the three were showing, it
wasn't enough that Harry and that Greengrass girl always had to do
better at her in class but they also had to act so inappropriately. In
her eyes Harry was an arrogant boy who probably cheated his way
through class, Hermione thought that he was probably trying to
attract attention because he was jealous of his brother.
Luckily for Daphne, Draco was still in the hospital wing, but now she
had a new annoyance in the form of her best friend. Who had
suddenly decided to start hanging on to Harry, Daphne knew that
Tracy was doing it to annoy her and despite that knowledge, it still
annoyed her.
Harry reflected on what had happened so far, and ran it through his
head. At the end of the day he had basically given the headmaster
the finger and appointed his own proxies, he had found out he was
betrothed to Daphne, he had done great in classes as usual and
annoyed Granger by doing so, he punched Malfoy down the stairs
and installed a little fear in the other students and even though he
knew Tracy's reasons he now had two girls fighting over him.
All in all, not a bad day