章 401: hpml341-350
Chapter 341
Malfoy dropped the remainder of his robes and moved behind her. Daphne screwed her
eyes shut and tried to force her breathing to slow down and get back under control. She
was Daphne Greengrass and she would not break! Harry was coming. She just had to hold
on a little longer. Rescue was coming. Just a little –
The door to the room exploded inward. Pieces of wood from the hinges and the lock flew
off to either side while the door itself soared through the air landing nearly in the middle
of the classroom. Riding it down was Harry Potter, looking like the Angel of Death himself.
Messy black hair completely disheveled, glowing wand in one hand, glowing runic tattoo in
the other, glowing rune stones emblazoned in twin arcs across his chest from his
bandoliers, eyes wide and bright, robes billowing out behind him in an unseen wind and
his face set in an expression promising pain and vengeance.
He was the most beautiful thing Daphne had ever seen. It almost made her fragile control
shatter seeing him here.
Harry had barely touched ground when spells lashed out from his hands. Daphne could
barely follow his movements he was going so quickly. Crabbe was blasted into the wall
with a wave of force from Harry's hand while his wand shot out a sparking blue spell that
Daphne recognized as a bone-breaker. She didn't see who it hit but a grunt of pain told her
it hit home. Harry was already rolling and casting from a rune stone held up in each hand.
An instant later, Pansy was frozen to the wall completely encased in ice with just a small
section around her mouth and nose exposed to the air. Something shot out from Harry's
other hand at the same time, but Daphne couldn't see what it was. The high-pitched
scream from Malfoy sent a shot of ruthless pleasure down her spine and she decided
identifying what Harry had done wasn't important – only that it had hit the would-be
rapist. Harry finished his roll and shot another bone-breaker from his wand felling Goyle
with a hit on his tailbone.
The entire 'battle' from the time the door had exploded to the time all opponents were
down had taken barely five seconds.
Daphne heard Harry grunt and a second later a flash of silver crossed her vision and the
table jumped slightly. Her bonds went completely slack and she saw him drop the Sword of
Gryffindor as he moved forward and swept her off the table, draping a robe around her
body and pulling her into his arms. She leaned her head against his chest and let him
embrace her. She didn't know quite how long they stayed crouched on the floor, but it was
barely enough time for her to regain a measure of her composure before more people
burst into the room. She raised her head slightly and was momentarily distracted by the
wet spot on Harry's shirt front right where she had been resting. Had she been crying?
Scowling and shunting her confusion to the side, Daphne twisted slightly and gasped
slightly at seeing Filch at the head of the pack of personnel. McGonagall was almost right
behind him followed by Neville, Hermione, several more of Daphne's friends and a
thoroughly winded Flitwick.
Everyone froze at seeing the scene in the room. Daphne turned her eyes to the side and
her mouth fell open in shock at seeing Malfoy. He was pinned to wall by a spike through
his right thigh and one through his left shoulder. The little piss stain was whimpering and
holding a hand to the spike in his shoulder. He was also still very naked. Daphne reveled in
the karmic justice in front of her for a moment, but started to scowl as it didn't seem to be
quite enough. She wrapped Harry's conjured sheet around herself tighter and pushed back
from him enough that she could stand. Well, enough that she could try to stand. The
fucking bastards had apparently kept her tied long enough that her legs had gone numb.
Thankfully Harry caught her before she wobbled too much and he looped an arm around
her waist for support.
Daphne squeezed Harry's arm in thanks and returned her malevolent stare to Malfoy.
Before she could say anything though McGonagall spoke. "Miss Greengrass? Are you…are
you alright?"
"Do I look alright, Headmistress?" Daphne asked turning her glare on the professor. She
knew that they were supposed to ask those types of questions but really! She was
wrapped in a sheet, could barely stand, her ears and head were still bleeding and she was
still practically hyperventilating – did she look remotely alright?! "I was just molested by
some of the biggest pigs in the school! Harry may have arrived and interrupted them prior
to any actual...before they managed to...before they could complete their intent but let's
please not forget that I was just tied to a table naked with four leering men and one
leering woman standing over me. My injuries to pride and mentality aside, things are
mostly superficial. As long as you discount my ruined ears, my repeatedly smashed head
and that I can't seem to stand on my own!" Daphne's voice had been steadily rising
throughout and she knew she was ranting, but couldn't be bothered to care much. Harry
squeezed her to him tighter and she forced herself to take a large breath and simply return
to glaring at Malfoy.
"We should get you to Madame Pomfrey, Miss Greengrass," Flitwick said his own
breathing having returned to normal as he walked forward. Harry's grip tightened on her
and Daphne turned to him in confusion. Harry's eyes were flashing as he looked at the
approaching Flitwick and one of his tattoos started to dimly shimmer. She didn't have a
chance to speak before Hermione had swept forward from the group, hurried past Flitwick,
grabbed Harry's chin in her hand and gently moved his head so that he was staring into her
eyes. After a few moments Daphne felt the tension in her new boyfriend loosen
considerably and he took a shaky breath.
"Thanks, Mione," he murmured just barely loud enough for the two girls to hear. "I'm good
now."
Filch scowled and looked up from the prone body of Nott and jerked his head towards
McGonagall. "Headmistress what about these others? They seem rather bad off."
"Should just let them bleed out," Su Li muttered. Daphne couldn't tell whether the
comment had been intentionally loud enough to carry or if she just didn't care. Either way,
Daphne wholeheartedly agreed with the girl. Neville and Padma were also nodding their
concurrence.
McGonagall however, sadly did not share their ruthlessness. Her face contorted into a
grimace of disgust and she flicked her wand tying up the three on the floor. "Filius, please
assist Argus in removing these…students to the infirmary. Then contact the Aurors; this will
not go unpunished. I will see to Mr. Malfoy personally. Mr. Potter, is there a special way to
unfreeze, Ms. Parkinson?"
"No," Harry said shaking his head. "It's just ice. You melt it or chip it off. Should probably
do it soon though. She's going to be freezing in there. Sorry about grabbing you, Mr. Filch. I
was…kinda in a hurry," he mumbled running a hand through his hair. Filch narrowed his
eyes, but nodded slowly as he took in Daphne still held tightly against Harry's chest.
A pained whimper alerted the occupants to McGonagall getting Malfoy off the wall and
hovering ahead of her. "Filius, please extricate Ms. Parkinson before heading out with the
others."
"One moment, Professor," Daphne said angling herself and Harry so that she was standing
in front of Malfoy. "If I may?" she asked. McGonagall seemed to struggle with an internal
battle before turning with Flitwick and Filch as all three moved to intensely study Pansy
and begin chipping off the ice. Malfoy remained hovering in midair though he now had a
sheet tied around him in a perverse foil to her own 'attire'.
Daphne's eyes narrowed and her lips curled into a snarl. This inbreed had…Daphne's voice
came out low and laced with venom. "I did warn you that you were marking yourself by
touching me. Harry, may I borrow your wand? I don't know where they put mine." He
nodded and passed it over. Daphne felt the holly wood warm in her hand. It wasn't quite
as good a match as her own, but it was better than she had expected and would do well
for the task at hand. "Allow me to show you just why my nickname is Ice Queen you
fucking bastard." She took aim at Malfoy's nether regions and shot off the spell that her
mother had taught her before she'd ever left the house. The hovering boy uttered a high
pitched warble causing Daphne to smile in triumph and lean back into Harry.
"Headmistress, if you're done with Pansy, I'd appreciate an escort to the hospital wing."
McGonagall turned and nodded, waving her wand to get Malfoy floating out into the
corridor. "Of course, Miss Greengrass. I'm sure the others can handle things here. Come
along."
**Mature Content Ends Here**
Marcus Greengrass scowled and crumpled the letter in his hands. Those uncivilized
buffoons had tried to despoil his daughter! His Heir! They had nearly ruined everything for
him!
If Daphne were to be sullied like that her bride price would drop precipitously. She would
be used goods. Dirtied. Unworthy. He'd never be able to marry her into a respectable
family that'd allow him to keep his line and name intact. He cursed having a daughter for
an heir yet again. This would never be a problem with a boy. He'd never have to think
about contingencies for having a son that was raped. That it had barely been averted was
practically immaterial.
Time was up. He'd given Daphne years to cement her alliance with Harry Potter and heard
nothing but stalling words and misdirection from her. This incident was just the final nail in
the coffin. It was time to secure the Greengrass family.
Aligning with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would be a foolish avenue to take. Even if
Daphne's assaulters hadn't been in that crowd, he'd never particularly liked the man or his
methods. Marcus' actions and allegiances over the past few years more or less prevented
him from even approaching anyone from the Dark Lord's camp. However, he couldn't go to
anyone from the Light contingent either. Those fools would take his business holdings and
squander them 'for the greater good'. So who was left? There were precious few Gray
personnel these days and those numbers dwindled with every day that the Dark Lord
'recruited'.
Hmm, perhaps the Zabini's? Victoria was not highborn but she was certainly crafty. To
leave seven dead husbands behind she'd have to be. Marcus doubted she'd be against
Blaise taking the name Greengrass. Black Widows were never too attached to names. It
would ensure the boy had means and a decent family name without having to rely on his
mother or her…method of employment.
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Chapter 342
"Wotcher, hon. Wotcher, Remus," Tonks said as she dropped into the only cushion not
covered with papers. Remus lifted his hand in acknowledgement while Fleur briefly looked
up and smiled before turning back to her papers.
"Bonjour, mon amour," Fleur said before scribbling a notation on a photograph and
nodding happily. "Did you have success?"
Tonks shook her head and let out a sigh of frustration. "Nada, zip, zilch. The elf dropped off
the map completely. I couldn't even find out which family Hokey went to after the Ministry
trial. Dumbledore found her, this shouldn't be that hard."
"It's likely a dead end anyway," Remus said flipping a page one of the old newspapers in
front of him. "We already know that Riddle framed her for the poisoning. It is very unlikely
that the poor creature knew of any further details."
Tonks grimaced. "It probably doesn't even matter since she's almost definitely dead by
now unfortunately. If Dobby was remotely capable of stealth I might ask him to pop
around and check but…yeah you're probably right. How about you guys? You fare any
better?"
Fleur picked up a photograph with a large red circle on the bottom corner and held it out
grinning largely. "I believe so. We zink zat zis could be one of the cave systems zat Riddle
may have used to hide a Horcrux in near ze orphanage. We cross-checked several maps of
ze shoreline as well as any potential magically significant sections of ze coast."
"There are about four or five caves that we think he might have used," Remus said
frowning. "I think we're going to have to check each one individually as it seems unlikely
we can narrow the list down any further."
Tonks perked up and looked over the few photos smiling. "Excellent. Hopefully we'll get
lucky this time. Fleur, you want to go check if Sirius can get free on Saturday to go
spelunking with us?"
Fleur nodded emphatically. "I zink zat is for ze best. You never know how many of ze
locations will be trapped as ze Shack was. Sirius would be useful in a fight."
Remus smiled at the two girls. "And getting to see Harry and Hermione has absolutely
nothing to do with going to see Padfoot in person of course."
"Of course," both girls responded with matching grins. Remus just rolled his eyes.
"One moment," Fleur said raising her hand and pointing to her ear. "Hello, Hermione. No,
'arry has not spoken with me yet. Nym, has 'arry spoken with you recently?"
Tonks shook her head. "Nothing since telling us yesterday about Daphne. He hasn't already
gotten into trouble has he?"
Fleur shrugged and turned her attention back to Hermione. "He hasn't reached her yet
eizer. Okay. Okay." Fleur's eyes darkened and she scowled. "Daphne is alright? How bad?
Zat…zat does not sound promising. What did zey try to do? Please tell me it was not what I
am zinking…Ces fils de chiens galeux! Ils devraient être castrés et jetés dans le plus sombre
et plus profond des cachots sur le continent!" Tonks' hands clenched at Fleur's tone and
she felt her throat close up as feathers rippled down her partner's arms before
disappearing again. "Apologies. I said they should be castrated and imprisoned in the
worst place imaginable."
Tonks could keep quiet any longer. "Did they kill her?" she asked softly.
Fleur gasped and looked up hurriedly shaking her head. "Non, no, she was assaulted, but
help arrived in time. She is recovering. Hermione, what is being done to ze animals? Zat is
good but I still say…oh, well at least zat is something. We will be over shortly anyway so we
will stop in and see how she is in person. Zank you letting us know Hermione." Fleur
frowned again and Tonks felt her hair shift several colors at the concern that flashed across
the Veela's face. "Zat is…not good. We are closing in on a potential hiding place so
hopefully he will have one to experiment on shortly. We should begin exploring other
options beyond ze rune. If he cannot get it working we will have to be prepared for drastic
action. I agree. Take care, Hermione. We shall see you soon."
As soon as she tapped her Comm Stone Tonks was sitting up and staring at Fleur. "Short
version?"
"Draco Malfoy and several ozers molested and assaulted Daphne. Harry dealt with zem,
but not before zey had several minutes alone with her. Daphne is putting forth a good
show, but she is not unaffected and eizer Harry or Tracey are staying wiz her at all times."
Fleur's mouth spread into a predatory grin. "Ze attackers are being expelled and zere
wands will be snapped wizin ze hour. Draco can no longer father any children zanks to a
family spell delivered by Daphne at ze end. Aurors are involved."
"Thank Merlin," Tonks breathed out relieved and sank back into the cushions as she forced
her hair back into a deep blue. "Okay, we definitely will be stopping by the Hospital Wing
then. What was Hermione saying about our boyfriend?"
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Chapter 343
Fleur grimaced and turned to look at Remus who took the hint and excused himself to grab
a drink. "He is…not well. During his rush to get to Daphne 'arry apparently allowed many
of his bonds around ze Horcrux to slacken. They have been strengthened again, but
Hermione is…worried. He nearly attacked Flitwick after ze assault was stopped. She is
convinced zat he is downplaying his continuing difficulties again."
Tonks' hair shifted to black and she grimaced. "Shite. We can't wait til Saturday to search
for this thing. Let's ask Sirius if he can leave tomorrow."
"Agreed," Fleur said nodding. "Is it bad zat I almost hope we get attacked? It would be nice
to take out some anger and frustration on acceptable targets."
Tonks laughed mirthlessly. "I find myself with similar feelings, hon. Hey, Moony, you get
your drink yet!"
Remus walked back in sipping some tea. "It takes some time to get these things perfect,
you know. So are we moving up the timetable?"
"We'll try for tomorrow if Sirius can get away," Tonks said nodding. She paused before
continuing and frowned grabbing a lock of hair. Scowling she shook it and changed the
black into a bright yellow. "Stupid hair," she muttered. "Tomorrow work for you, wolfie?"
"There isn't a Wizengamot meeting so yes. I'll just have to Floo Narcissa and move our tea
date until Thursday, but that shouldn't be a problem."
Fleur's eyes widened. "Tea date wiz Narcissa Malfoy?"
"Narcissa Black," Remus corrected gently. "She actually isn't all that bad. Her views aren't
quite modern, but she's far more flexible than you'd think."
Tonks snorted. "Flexible huh? Personal experience there, wolfie?"
Remus flushed. "That would hardly be appropriate considering she just divorced a few
months ago."
"And how long before that was the last time she had sex with dear old ex-Uncle Lucy?"
His silence was all the answer the girls needed.
Daphne's eyebrows rose as her mother, Cassandra Greengrass, walked into the Hospital
Wing. Walked was a bit of an understatement as the woman was moving quickly enough
that she was just a hair below inappropriate running. Daphne wasn't about to complain. It
was also a good indication that her father wasn't coming at this time. Not that that really
surprised her at all.
"Would you like me to leave so you two have some privacy?" Hermione asked softly
leaning over the bed. "I can always go back to the library and make double-check my latest
project…"
Harry sitting nearby started mumbling in his sleep. "Don't eat the pie, the pie is for Dobby.
He wants to hit Dumbles with it…" Both girls ignored him.
Daphne shook her head. "It's fine. You can stay, Hermione."
Cassandra quickly brushed past Madame Pomfrey and sat down next to her daughter.
"Daphne, my sweet, sweet little girl…" Cassandra reached out and grabbed Daphne's hand
prompting an embarrassed blush to spread over her cheeks.
"Mother. You really didn't have to – "
"Of course I did!" Cassandra scowled. "Though your father seems far more interested in
your continued marriageability. He's been locked behind closed doors for most of the past
day making Floo calls and ensuring your options remain open."
Hermione frowned and wrote a short note on a nearby notebook. Daphne shrugged.
"Would you have expected anything different? I certainly did not."
"He was a good man once…But enough about that, is there anything you need my dear? Is
there anything that I could do to assist?"
"You could get them tossed into Azkaban," Hermione muttered.
Daphne chuckled. "I don't suppose there is any chance of that happening, Mother? It
would be nice, but seeing who they back I doubt they'd be in there very long anyway."
Cassandra shook her head with a pained expression. "Draco Malfoy was a bit smarter than
I would have given him credit for. He and the others are all blaming the entire incident on
Nott. It's ingenious really. His mother passed years ago and with his father having died at
the end of last term there is no one to protect him or advocate on his behalf. I imagine
Theodore will likely meet an unfortunate accident along the way to his Azkaban cell in
order to ensure that he can't implicate or accuse the Malfoy boy any further."
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Chapter 344
"So Draco gets off with no repercussions?" Daphne asked narrowing her eyes and lowering
her tone to dangerous levels.
"I wouldn't say that," Cassandra said smiling and chuckling. "McGonagall is planning to
snap all five of their wands in a few hours at the gates to the castle so you can go witness
that first hand. In addition, I have spoken with Andromeda Tonks and Narcissa Black.
Lucius has claimed that with Draco's expulsion and snapped wand the boy should be
considered a Squib and as such cannot be held accountable in a Wizarding court for his
participation in the assault."
Hermione snarled and got out a notepad hurriedly scribbling. "Yet another law that we will
have to change. Loophole after loophole for these privileged cretins. They think they are so
smart…wait until I get a chance to write the new versions…"
Cassandra lifted her eyebrows at Hermione's mutterings. Daphne patted her friend's hand
nodding along before she turned back to her mother. "How are they punishing Nott then?
Shouldn't he fall under the same twisted loophole? And I assume that you three are using
Lucius' attempt against him concerning Draco?"
"With Nott they are claiming that his punishment was already decided prior to his wand
being snapped and if that is not grey enough, they are claiming that as he attacked a
Pureblood Heiress he should still fall under our laws. Their arguments are circular and
would never pass through an uncorrupted system. Lucius on the other hand…Yes, we are
using his own reasoning to attack," Cassandra confirmed. "Draco will be stripped of his
Heir status and forced to live in the Muggle world. I give him a few months perhaps before
he annoys the wrong person and gets himself killed in a back alley somewhere."
"That's assuming he manages to feed himself and make enough money to survive that
long," Daphne said smirking. "He would have been stripped of his Heir status anyway."
Cassandra blinked, momentarily confused before laughing. "Oh, you got him with the Ice
Crusher then?"
"Yes. Little Draco will never be able to sire offspring and he should be singing soprano
forevermore."
Hermione cocked her head to the side as she looked curiously at Daphne. "So that's what
you meant…did you freeze them off or simply crush them as the spell implies?"
"Freeze," Cassandra said. "It's a family spell my grandmother invented to deal with unruly
men. There are different levels it can be used at from simple deterrent to, well, that."
"Actually, Mother, I would like to teach it to several classmates and friends. Considering
the times…" Daphne trailed off.
"Of course dear. Just ensure that you trust those you teach."
Daphne nodded. "What of the others?"
Cassandra shrugged. "About the same as Draco unfortunately. There is some good news
though. Fudge has spent too much capital with allowing this oversight in justice to occur.
The Black sisters and I are gathering our votes and leaning on the Prophet. By this time
next week, Fudge will have been sacked, resigned or facing a lynch mob."
"Well that's something at least. It's not ideal, but I suppose I can take comfort in Malfoy
living his worst fears for now," Daphne said sighing. "I admit, I'm surprised that Narcissa
Black is accepting this."
"She was unhappy about it, but agreed that it was better than many of the initial options
presented. Narcissa was also…very unhappy about the depths to which Draco had sunk. I
don't think she had quite realized just how like his father he truly was. I feel bad for the
poor woman and thank Merlin that you and Astoria have never had those issues."
Cassandra gently squeezed her daughter's hand. "I'm sorry I can't do more at the moment.
Perhaps you and your friends will be able to prevent these types of things in the future. I
am becoming more and more confronted with the flaws in our current system. Perhaps it
truly is time for a change." She leaned back and smiled over towards Harry's sleeping form.
"Now, tell me a bit about your savior. Is the young man still simply a friend or has more
developed?"
Daphne blushed again. "You used to have more tact, Mother. We are officially dating. I was
going to tell Father whenever he bothered to show up here."
Hermione chewed the end of her quill frowning. "Daphne, perhaps you should write a
letter and ask your mother to let him know as well…"
Cassandra waved it off. "I'll inform him. If he's up to something though it won't make much
difference. Marcus no longer believes that Daphne is legitimate concerning Harry Potter
and without a ring on her finger nothing is likely to convince him otherwise." Hermione's
frown deepened though Daphne just sighed.
"I did play that card far too often so it's my own fault. I won't make such a mistake in the
future," Daphne commented wearily.
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Chapter 345
"And what of Tracey? I expected to see her here," Cassandra asked.
Hermione answered before Daphne could. "Tracey and Harry have been switching off.
She's showering at the moment and will be bringing up food with Luna when she comes
back."
Daphne rolled her eyes but couldn't fully suppress the heat spreading over her cheeks and
the warmth in her chest at her partners' attentions. "I told them it was unnecessary –
especially seeing as I leave here this afternoon – but they insisted."
"They would not be very good companions if they hadn't." Cassandra smiled and chuckled
lowly. "You are very lucky my dear. Now, about this study schedule for the O.W.L.s I've
heard about…"
Blaise scowled as he crumpled the letter from his mother. "Good match my arse. 'You'll
have a decent name, Blaise. You'll have a business empire, Blaise. You'll have a pretty wife
your age, Blaise.' Go screw your next husband, mum!" Blaise contemplated setting the
letter on fire out of spite but decided to hold off – for a few minutes at least.
Daphne would probably want to read it herself before he incinerated it.
Still scowling Blaise started stalking down the halls of castle. "Now where would she be?
Hospital Wing maybe? No, she should have been released a little while ago. Slytherin
Common Room? No, she'd probably avoid that until Malfoy's gang is officially destroyed.
Maybe the Gryffindor Common Room…hopefully not, I don't know where that one is.
Maybe…" Blaise glanced out a window he passed and stopped midstride. Chuckling he
turned on his heel and headed for the doors out of the castle. "Of course, she'd want to
watch."
Blaise joined a few other students streaming out of the doors of the castle and filing down
to the Main Gate. The assembly wasn't supposed to start for another few minutes, but it
seemed like quite a lot of his schoolmates wanted to be early. Wanted to get a good view
was more likely. Malfoy's squad hadn't just restricted itself to Harry Potter after all and
there quite a few who would be cheering as the idiots' wands were snapped.
He tried to slot into a section of the crowd near Daphne, but didn't even make it within
five feet of the girl. She was surrounded by Potter's group. They weren't visibly acting as
bodyguards despite it being clear to an observant eye that they considered themselves as
such. Longbottom was covering the rear with Bones and Abbott on either side of him. The
Patils with Brown and Li were stationed on the left edge while the right side was covered
by the Weasley twins, Weaslette and the Quidditch Trio. Potter, Granger, Tracey and
Lovegood were in the center with Daphne. Blaise decided discretion was the better part of
valor. He could wait until afterwards.
McGonagall stepped up to the gates after several more minutes and raised her wand to her
throat casting a sonorus spell. "Good afternoon students. Thank you for all arriving
promptly. I realize this is highly unorthodox however things at Hogwarts will be changing
drastically this year. There has been a disturbing lack of action on the staff's part to curb
bullying and inappropriate practices in the past. That trend ends now. Every one of you
carries a deadly weapon at nearly all times and your actions have consequences. Personal
responsibility and morals are essential. The five students you see before you recently
assaulted a fellow classmate with intent to perform heinous acts. This behavior is
unacceptable!" McGonagall turned to glare at Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson and Nott.
All five were magically frozen just in front of the gates with two Aurors behind Nott.
She quickly turned back to the main crowd and continued her speech. "Expulsions are
typically handled in private however due to the current political state of the country as
well as the lack of visible punishment in prior years an exception has been made. Watch
well students. I expect each of you to behave as gentlemen and gentlewomen. I expect a
level of respect for each other as well as common decency. Attacks on others will no longer
receive a slap on the wrist. You will be held accountable."
Turning back to Malfoy's gang McGonagall strode forward to Draco first. "Draco Malfoy,
you are in violation of the code of conduct at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
You are forevermore expelled from this institution. May God have mercy on your soul and
Merlin have mercy upon your magic." Without any further preamble the Headmistress
took out his wand and snapped it, incinerating the pieces afterwards. Blaise smirked at the
look of shock and loss on Malfoy's face. Served the pompous arse right.
The same scene repeated down the line. The only difference was in Parkinson who burst
into tears as her wand's pieces went up in flames. For a moment Blaise felt sorry for the
pug. Then he remembered that she was standing by while four guys were about to rape his
friend and all commiseration fled. As the last wand was snapped, the five were sent out of
the gates. Nott was immediately apparated away by the attending Aurors while the other
four followed a robed individual down towards the path to Hogsmeade. If Blaise hadn't
have known better he'd have said they were just being taken back to Voldemort's camp
and given new wands. Thankfully he had his own sources and he knew that Cassandra
Greengrass had made some calls. They would disappear into the Muggle world before the
Death Eaters even thought to retrieve them.
Good riddance.
The assembly broke up and Blaise started searching for his target again. Most of the
formation around Daphne stayed intact which was annoying. Blaise heaved a sigh and
squared his shoulders. Oh well, he'd never had a problem with Potter before so he
shouldn't be worried about approaching them. There was just something in the Golden
Boy's eyes that promised pain that sent shivers down his spine. Blaise had seen it reflected
in his mother's eyes enough that he'd always recognize it.
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Chapter 346
"Excuse me," he said as he walked closer. The ranks subtly moved inward, Daphne and
Tracey both placed a hand on those close to them waving him in. "Thanks, Daphne, I need
to speak with you for a few moments. Alone would be preferable."
Daphne frowned and nodded. She headed off towards the large tree near the lake with
most of her friends hanging behind out of listening range. Blaise followed quickly after her.
"What's this about?" she asked forgoing most of her usual subtlety and tact.
Blaise leaned down and picked up a few nice flat rocks to try skipping stones. He tossed
the first one and held out the letter from his mother in his other hand. "You should read
this."
Daphne frowned and took the parchment. She scanned the contents and scowled. He
skipped a few more rocks as she reread it and proceeded to crumple the paper. Blaise
chuckled. "I did the same thing about an hour ago. You want the honor of incinerating that
thing?" Daphne didn't even bother nodding, she just took out her wand and the letter
ignited. "So, no offense, Daph, you're pretty and all, but I'm not particularly interested in
marrying a lesbian."
"I'm bisexual actually," Daphne said still glaring at the ashes. "And I'm already dating
Tracey and Harry. Well, I was until this. Dammit! He just couldn't leave well enough alone!
I'll find a way out of this."
"I'll try researching some options too," Blaise said nodding. "I have a girlfriend myself.
She's going to be pissed if I break things off because my mum's a bitch who can't keep her
greedy little paws out of my business."
Daphne turned to look at him with a calculating gaze. "Make certain your mother doesn't
find out that you're searching for ways out because of the girl or she may disappear."
"Nah, mum likes poisons not disappearances. I already taught Sally-Anne detection spells
and the like. But thanks for the sentiment."
"Let me know if you find anything before I do," Daphne said turning to go. "Thank you for
bringing this to my attention."
Blaise tossed out his final rock and nodded. "Sure thing. Good luck to us both." Blaise
leaned against the tree behind him and watched her walk back to the group. "Damn,
Wizarding politics."
Harry walked around the cupboard under the stairs poking at rotting sections of the boards
up against the wall and frowning. "This wasn't here last time. I should ask Shiva to come
back in and take a look." He scowled and punched the wall flinching back afterward at the
pain in his hand. "Stupid Horcrux. Stupid Voldemort. Stupid Dursleys. Stupid runes. Stupid
impulsiveness. Stupid, stupid, stupid!" He punched the wall again and turned around. He'd
already shifted his memories to a different section of his mindscape and he proceeded to
wall off the entire segment of his mind again.
He'd been an idiot to think that positive thoughts had worked to hold back the thing earlier.
Whatever damage he'd done with the Soul Cage had been healed and the soul shard was
pushing back out again. Harry had shattered quite a lot of the restraints when he'd
dropped all his inhibitions in the rush to get to Daphne the other day. He still didn't know if
the urge to kill Malfoy and his goons had come from him or the soul shard – or which
option was more disturbing for that matter.
Many of the protections Harry had initially placed were rebuilt and he'd added even more.
It didn't matter. This was a losing battle in the long run and all he was doing was stalling.
He hadn't wanted to admit it – not even to himself. Unfortunately, this was becoming a
huge problem. If the Soul Cage didn't work soon, he'd ask Su to get that potions recipe. If
this stupid thing kept fighting, it was going to start affecting every aspect of his life soon
enough.
Dropping out of his mindscape Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. The Common Room
was mostly empty. Hermione was reading a book on the couch while Luna was playing
with Coco in the corner. The twins were looking over business expenses and comparing
locations for their shop while Ginny offered her opinions. Angelina and Alicia had already
ranked their choices for the two which brought a slight smile to Harry's face. Life went on
despite the turmoil roiling around him.
Harry took out his sketches for the Soul Cage and the base design shifting to the couch
next to Hermione. Holding the pages in front of himself he tried to layer them to be able to
see both sheets at once and started slightly turning them.
"Trying for a different way of seeing things like Luna?" Hermione asked marking her page.
"Yeah. I'm missing something. I think maybe I broke the targeting section when I started
modifying the power rune."
Hermione quirked her mouth and reached out to tap a segment of the scheme that had
just overlapped. "Was this in the original? A containment cluster here might wall off the
two different souls wouldn't it?"
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Chapter 347
Harry blinked and moved the papers apart then layered them again. "Hermione you're a
genius!" Harry exclaimed. He dropped the papers and pulled his partner into a deep kiss.
As they broke apart Hermione murmured, breathless, "Thanks. It's not a guarantee though,
Harry."
"Guarantee, no," Harry agreed pulling out a new piece of paper and starting to modify his
design. "But, I think it'll work. If I connect this cluster with that and shift this one over a bit
to this link then the containment cluster will work synergistically with the targeting
cluster!"
Hermione laid a hand on his wrist and gently turned his eyes to meet hers with the other.
"Harry…you're not about to test this immediately are you?"
"I won't," he said quietly. "I promise. I'll wait until Tonks and Fleur come back with a test
subject so that we can conduct a safe test. And if they take too long then I'll make sure that
everyone else is nearby when I try it out."
Hermione smiled and leaned in to kiss him again. "Thank you, Harry. We'll get that thing
out of you soon enough."
Hermione waved Harry into the Room of Requirement rolling her eyes at her boyfriend. It
was incredibly cute and oddly sexy to see him walking down the corridors with parchment
in front of his face, making notes and corrections. He'd been at it for over an hour and
she'd barely been able to get him to stand and start walking when Daphne had called to
meet up. Hermione was acting as his eyes as they walked along making sure he didn't run
into the walls or trip over the stairs. As they finally reached the Room she gently took the
papers from him and pushed him towards the couch. "You can finish afterwards, love."
"I'm basically done…" Harry muttered exasperated. He sat down on the couch and
Hermione joined him with a chuckle. It was so nice to see him in a good mood again.
Things had been so chaotic for so long that such an event was far too rare an occurrence
these days.
The door to the Room opened again and Daphne walked in with Tracey right behind. The
blonde gently pushed Tracey to sit down next to Hermione who gave the other Slytherin a
querying look. Tracey just shrugged in response.
"Thanks for coming," Daphne said. "I apologize in advance for this. Earlier Blaise gave me
some information about plans that my father has made." Daphne scowled and Hermione
frowned, fingering her bag. Damn; sometimes she hated being right. It was a good thing
she'd finished the corrections Snapfist had recommended earlier. "He's initiated contract
negotiations with Victoria Zabini, Blaise's mother. I'm to be his bride before the month is
out. As such I think it is only fair that we end…this," she said softly gesturing to the three
sitting students with a pained expression, "before things get too far along."
Harry frowned and leaned forward. "Wait, are you saying you're breaking up with us two
days after starting to date us? Because your dad is being a bastard?"
"That's…not really how I would have put it…" Daphne said fumbling.
Tracey glared. "I'm with Harry on this one, Daph. That's what it's coming across like. I think
we all deserve a bit more credit than that."
Daphne frowned and started pacing. "You don't understand. This is my problem. This is my
family. I have to handle this before I can justify bringing any of you in the firing line. My
father is difficult enough when he feels threatened, but with the addition of Victoria Zabini?
It's madness! I can't keep dating any of you while betrothed to Blaise! She'll kill you to
secure his inheritance! She's killed seven husbands!"
"And the Slytherin Slayers have killed a basilisk, several Dementors, survived a chimera,
fought off trained Aurors without a scratch and went toe-to-toe with Voldemort – multiple
times," Harry said ticking off items on his fingers. "We've stood up to an entire school
House, faced off with Dumbledore and killed Death Eaters. Hell, Daph, I have a piece of a
freaking Dark Lord in my skull and Tracey was possessed by the bastard for almost a year! I
think we can deal with a pissed off Black Widow!"
"But…it's not fair to you," Daphne said frozen in place and looking between them in
complete confusion. "If I can't find which contract he is using and search for the loopholes
none of it matters. I'd be locked into it and we could never have anything real. I won't kill
Blaise, he's a good guy – in spite of his mother. It's not fair to you…I have to deal with this
before I can commit…"
Harry rubbed his scar and groaned in frustration. Tracey just glared at Daphne. "When has
anything been remotely 'fair' for the past few years for any of us, Daphne?"
"I…I just…but…" Daphne collapsed into the couch facing them and covered her face with
her hands. "I just want to do what's best for you all!"
"What's best for us is staying with you and helping you through the mire of Pureblood
politics," Hermione said gently. "Daphne, would I be correct in saying that whatever
contract your father and Ms. Zabini try to use would be precluded by an earlier one and
rendered null and void?"
"Of course, but I don't have any previous contracts to fall back on! Father was always one
for keeping his options open and he was willing to let me have my own say until recently,"
Daphne exclaimed. Hermione could hear the strain in her voice recognizing the other girl
was close to breaking down completely. Harry moved to say something and Hermione
quickly shook her head to keep him quiet. Tracey almost jumped in before Hermione also
quieted her.
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Chapter 348
"Daphne," Hermione said reaching into her bag. "I started drafting this after the attack. It's
why I spent so long in the library the last two days. Initially I was working based on a
worst-case scenario in which your father acted something like this. After your mother's
visit I grew more convinced it might be necessary. I've triple checked it to ensure that it is
accurate, legal and follows all guidelines. I contacted Snapfist just before dinner to run the
wording by him and he agreed that the contract is sound."
Hermione held out a document inked on official looking parchment towards Daphne who
had dropped her hands from her face and simply stared at Hermione mouth hanging open.
Harry and Tracey were locked into similar expressions of shock. "Mione," Harry said slowly
and carefully. "Mione, did you draft a betrothal contract?"
"I did."
"How the bloody hell do you know how to draft a betrothal contract?" Harry asked
completely incredulous.
"Well," Hermione said blushing, "I took notes from the contract you had with Ginny. There
were some books in the library with examples of typical contracts as well as advice on how
to adjust several terms. I consulted with some of my Muggle books to close a few
loopholes that seem to be endemic to the Wizarding world as well as to add other clauses
to allow either of you to break the contract at any point in time up to the time you say
your vows." Hermione shrugged. "It wasn't really that difficult. All it involved was a lot of
double-checking and attention to detail."
"Merlin be damned, the woman's a genius…" Tracey muttered.
Harry rubbed his forehead and groaned. "Mione, a little warning next time would be nice."
"Well I wasn't expecting to have to pull it out the same day I finished it," she replied
slightly annoyed. "I was planning on bringing it up over the weekend so we all had time to
get the week's homework out of the way before turning to potentially dramatic topics. The
excitement of this year is starting rather early."
Daphne gently reached forward and plucked the contract from her friend's fingers. "Every
time I think I've hit the limit on the amazing things surrounding Harry something else pops
up. Give me a moment to read this."
Tracey whistled and leaned back into the cushions. "I think there's going to be a copy of
your face next to 'crazy-prepared' in the dictionary, Hermione."
"Is that a real word?" Hermione asked.
"If not, it should be."
Harry raised a hand and waved it around a bit. "For those less skilled in legalese can I ask a
question? This is basically a less restrictive version of the thing with Ginny that Daphne or I
can cancel anytime for any reason right? And it keeps her from being forced to marry
Blaise?"
"Correct," Hermione said nodding.
"And why doesn't her father have to sign it as her Magical Guardian?" Harry asked.
"Because it's written using a Young Lovers contract base…" Daphne said astonished. "I
never thought of modifying that section like this. This is brilliant. The way this is worded all
we'd need is McGonagall to sign off as 'a person in a position of authority acknowledging
the mental state, health and comprehension of the undersigned'."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "Actually I checked. 'Position of authority' is not limited to
the Headmistress but is also covered by any faculty member. You could just ask Shiva or
Lily to sign it if you're uncomfortable with asking Professor McGonagall."
"This even specifies 'Consort to House Black' and states that at least one child should carry
the Greengrass name…Merlin, Hermione you really do think of everything!" Daphne
exclaimed.
"Not everything," Hermione protested weakly. "I messed up with Shiva's name origins and
I certainly make my fair share of mistakes."
Harry snorted in amusement. "Not when it counts." He held up his revised Soul Cage
design and pointed to the contract with his other hand. "Cases like 20 and 21. So what do
you think, Daph? Still want to break up or do you want to commit?"
Daphne froze and slowly looked up to meet Harry's eyes. "You would be okay with this? As
you said, we've been dating for barely two days, Harry…"
"And as Fleur kept telling me over the summer we've apparently been dancing around
each other for years. I think she's biased, but I'll admit she has a bit of a point." Harry
shrugged and leaned back into the couch. "If it can be cancelled at any point without a fuss
then who cares about a piece of paper? The thing with Ginny was horrible because I had
no control. Here I do. If things don't work out between us we tear it up and search for
other partners. By then you'll probably be old enough that you wouldn't need its
protection anyway."
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Chapter 349
Tracey nodded agreement. "I'm with him. It's a good idea, Daph. As long as it doesn't
specify exclusivity…" She trailed off and looked to Hermione who merely started laughing
lightly and shook her head at the absurdity of that question considering her current
relationship configuration. Tracey chuckled and turned back to Daphne. "Yeah, I'm all for
it."
Daphne took another look at the paper in front of her, shook her head and laughed. She
reached over and pulled a quill from her pack, signing it with a flourish. "In for a knut, in
for a galleon!"
Fleur and Tonks apparated into Hogsmeade and made their way up the path to Hogwarts.
Fleur smiled at seeing the castle coming into view. "It really is magnifique isn't it?"
Tonks quirked an eyebrow at Fleur. "Unlike Mione I get like two out of every 100 words you
say in French, hon. If you're saying the castle is beautiful then I agree completely."
Fleur rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at Tonks. "It means 'magnificent'. Zis word is
not complicated. It sounds nearly the same in English."
"Sure, sure, whatever you say," Tonks teased, pushing open the gate and holding it for her
partner. "After you."
"Why zank you." Fleur waved hello to Hagrid who was tying up some bundles of herbs in
his garden and moved forward to hold the Entrance Hall doors for Tonks. "Now, after you,
Nym."
Tonks chuckled and moved in. "Don't mind if I do. Hmm, Daphne's probably out of the
infirmary already…Easy way or hard?"
Fleur frowned in thought for a moment. "Easy. We still need to find Sirius before it gets too
late."
"True. Comm on, contact Hermione. Hey, sweetie, you wouldn't happen to know where
Daphne is would you? Fleur and I just – oh. Well that makes things easier. We're on our
way up." Tonks disconnected and shrugged at Fleur. "Apparently both girls, Tracey and
Harry are up in the Room of Requirement. Mentioned having to talk to us about something
anyway."
Fleur raised her eyebrows. "Too bad 'arry is still shy otherwise I might've dared hope for
something naughty."
Tonks laughed. "Just because we know it's not that doesn't mean we can't tease him with
it!"
Fleur rolled her eyes and they continued to the Room in relative quiet only passing a few
students out and about. Tonks opened the door for them and Fleur watched in amusement
as she strolled in with a wide smile and arms thrust wide. "Alright, peeps, clothes back on!
Delicate eyes on the premises!"
"Delicate eyes?" Harry asked amused. "You two are the most perverted people I know.
Well…okay maybe Luna would take that title, but still, my point is solid."
Fleur laughed. "Poor, poor, 'arry surrounded by deviants. Hello, Hermione, Tracey. Daphne,
we heard of ze assault. Is zere anyzing zat we might be able to do?"
Daphne's mouth hung open slightly before she shook her head and laughed. "I've been
friends with you people for years. You'd think I'd stop expecting Slytherin behavior from
you all. I'm better, Fleur, Tonks. Thank you for asking. Harry and Tracey have been wonders
and Hermione has helped as well. I won't lie and say I'm fine, but there's nothing I would
ask for at the moment." She paused and grimaced. "Actually, I take that back. I humbly
request that neither of you throttle me in the next few minutes."
"Why would we throttle you? Were you guys actually doing the naughty? You know it's
cool if you were." Tonks said falling into a chair.
Harry subtly placed Hermione between him and the newcomers. Fleur raised her eyebrows
at that but held her tongue for him to speak. "Err, I kinda just got engaged to Daphne…"
Any response Fleur had fled from her mind at that. Tonks wasn't quite as lost for words.
"Run that by me again, Wonder Boy?" she said her voice completely strained and her hair
a blur.
"Honestly, one would think you try to explain things in the worst way possible," Hermione
huffed lightly smacking the back of his head. "Girls, Daphne's father is being a right bastard
and forcing a marriage between her and Blaise Zabini. No one wants this beyond her father
and Blaise's mother. I had a betrothal contract drafted just in case this happened. Either of
them can cancel it at any time they wish but this prevents Daphne from being forced into a
marriage she can't escape. We deeply apologize for not informing either of you prior to
signing, but we are very worried about timing as our copy needs to be legitimate prior to
whatever Marcus and Victoria are drafting. There's no telling how long it will take them to
finalize terms, but we expect it to be quite soon knowing both of their personalities." She
paused and shrugged. "Also, it's written so that Daphne is a Consort and not a Wife."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Chapter 350
Fleur let out a breath. "We really must teach 'arry a better way to summarize events."
Tonks nodded emphatically. "Definitely. Shiva and Lily okayed this?"
"Ugh, I was going to go and tell them, but then you two arrived," Harry mumbled.
Fleur shook her head and ruffled Harry's hair. "Make certain you do 'arry. While it may be
easily voided, it is still somezing zey should know immediately."
"Well, yeah. This like just happened less than five minutes ago, love," Harry said with a
sigh.
Hermione held up a hand. "Plus it was mostly my idea."
"Oh well in that case," Tonks said moving flicking her wand and sending a mild stinging hex
at Hermione who yelped and jumped in surprise. "Daphne…" Tonks paused and, shifting
her hair to pink, saluted the Slytherin, "welcome to the family."
About an hour later Harry was standing outside Shiva's quarters gathering up the courage
to knock. He ignored the twinges of pain and worry seeping out from his scar and raised
his hand to rap on the door. Going to Shiva first was smart. She'd known him a bit longer
than Lily and probably wouldn't get as annoyed as his birth mother over him signing the
betrothal contract without telling them first. Though on the other hand Shiva had been
there for the first contract so maybe she'd end up being more annoyed…
The door opened and Harry's internal debate was cut short as he saw Lily sitting on the
couch and laughing at something Shiva had just said. "Hey, kid, I was wondering how long
it'd take you to come talk to me," Shiva smirked holding the door open and waving him in.
Harry suppressed his groan and walked over to the couch. Well at least he'd get to kill two
birds with a single stone this time. "Err, you knew that I was going to want to talk?"
Lily smiled and patted his knee. "One of your best friends was just attacked, Harry. Of
course we figured you'd want to talk. How is she?"
"Oh. Right. Daphne." He hadn't had a chance to see either of his mothers about Daphne's
assault yet. He'd been too busy in the past two days to get down to them. "Um, she's okay.
Not good, but okay. I think she's focusing more on her anger and such to avoid thinking
about it, but Daphne does that a lot so I think she'll be alright. The assembly earlier helped
a lot. You could really see her relax afterwards. Tracey is going to stay with her in the Room
of Requirement tonight though since she didn't want to head back to the Slytherin rooms
for another day or two just in case Draco arranged anything with some of the people left
behind."
Lily grimaced. "I hate that things have gotten this bad. What about you, how are you,
Harry?"
"Okay." Both women raised their eyebrows at him and simply waited. Harry groaned and
flopped back against the cushions. "Fine, I'm not okay. The stupid Horcrux is acting up and
it's keeping me on edge. Something made it a lot worse when I ran to help Daphne and it
hasn't settled down. The corruption is spreading. Not a lot, but the walls of my cupboard
are starting to rot which can't be good." Harry's eyes cracked open enough to see Lily's
flash of fury at the mention of his old bedroom but she didn't mention it just yet.
Shiva moved over and ruffled his hair before sitting down. "And yet you have a plan
otherwise you'd be completely freaking out instead of just frustrated." Lily turned to her
friend in surprise as Harry chuckled.
"You know me too me, Shiva," Harry murmured. "Hermione gave me an idea on what
might be missing from the Soul Cage. If the changes don't fix it then I really have no idea
what else would. Tonks and Fleur stopped by and let us know they were going after
another Horcrux in a day or two. I'll wait to see if they get lucky so we can test the rune
stone. If it doesn't work then I think I'll just ask for Su Li's potion and roll the dice."
Lily frowned. She crossed her arms over her chest and studied him carefully. "If you truly
think it's better than living with the soul shard I understand, Harry. Get the recipe from her
and I'll see if I can change a few things to make it safer. I was always good with potions."
"Sure, mum." Harry rubbed his scar and sighed. "That's not why I'm here though. Daphne's
father decided that her assault was too close of a call. He's trying to get her to marry Blaise
by the end of the month."
"Some father he is," Shiva muttered scowling. "Let me guess where this is going, kid:
you're giving her an out?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair giving her an awkward grin. "Actually, it was Hermione's
idea but…yeah." He held out the contract to both women. "It's a betrothal contract for
Daphne to become Consort to House Black. Mione wrote it herself and ran it by Snapfist.
It's similar to Ginny's, but can be broken whenever either of us want. Her father doesn't
need to sign it because of some weird base contract that Hermione used. Went way over
my head. Long story short, any teacher here can sign it and it will be a legal document."
Lily silently read the contract while Shiva turned to Harry with a deep frown. "I'm not sure
I like this, kid…we had a lot of trouble with the last contract you were in…"
"I know, mum. I just…this is something I'm choosing. Not something that was forced onto
me. Marcus has Daphne scared enough that she tried to break up with me and Tracey both.
Blaise isn't too happy about it either. Signing this thing only helps us all. And…" he
shrugged and gave a sheepish grin, "I really do like her."
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