Chapter 5

The first Hogsmeade visit came in late October, and Harry was quite anxious to get to the village. He'd written to Remus Lupin weeks ago regarding his predicament with Daphne, and Remus had sent a reply promising to come to talk with Harry face to face. Harry was hopeful that Remus might be able to provide answers into the mystery regarding the Betrothal Contract.

Harry gave thought on the prospect of inviting Daphne Greengrass along, as she would have many questions herself. Yet, Harry decided against it, feeling that this conversation should be private as it was dealing with his parents. He was still very wary of the abrasive blonde girl and didn't want to give the Slytherins any more fuel for torment.

As it was, Harry and Daphne had been avoiding each other over the past month. Harry had not once tried to talk to the pretty blonde, as he felt a sense of finality every time he glanced the pretty blonde. Daphne, in response, had turned her nose up at him every time she caught his eye.

Harry felt his world was crumbling all around him as it was. He felt an intense pang of sad disappointment every time he glimpsed Ginny's fiery red hair. It was unfair that he had only recently begun to get to know Ron's sister, and even more so that she'd begun blossoming into an amazingly attractive woman. Harry hated more than anything that he'd not been given a choice. Along with the cursed prophecy hanging over his head, Harry was feeling like he had no choices left to make in his life at all, like he was fate's plaything.

So Harry had done all he could to distract himself. Firstly, he buried himself in studies. He had begun researching spells, hexes and curses that might aid him. He was beginning to suspect he wasn't going to learn battle techniques from Dumbledore, as the headmaster seemed intent on showing Harry the biography of the Dark Lord. So Harry, usually accompanied by Hermione could be found buried in spell books all over the castle, or practicing new spells in an empty classroom.

The other thing that kept Harry busy was the formation of a new Quidditch team. He had held tryouts the week before the Hogsmeade weekend, and had hated the entire process. Firstly, there had been an abundant number of first years, and people, mostly giggling girls, from other houses who had come down just to get Harry to notice them.

Once he'd gotten everyone who wasn't truly interested in trying out for the team off the pitch, he had been able to finally set about try outs. Even when he thought about it now, Harry was astonished that there were Hufflepuffs and even a few Ravenclaws out there to try out.

The first portion of tryouts was dedicated to the chasers. Katie Bell made the team easily. She was fast and she also had loads of experience. Ginny also made the team. Harry didn't want to include her as he knew he'd be seeing a lot of her, but he couldn't deny her speed and finesse in the air. She could actually out fly Katie. The Chaser squad was round out by Demelza Robins, a fourth year who showed great skill handling the quaffle and amazingly quick thinking.

For the beaters, Harry chose two very excellent fifth year in Jimmy Peakes, a third year, and Ritchie Coote, a fourth year. The two didn't quite have the flare of Fred and George, but the work extremely well together. Finally there was only the Keeper position left. Harry was surprised to see that there were five people outside of Ron who wanted the spot.

Harry watched as the candidates tried to show off their skills, and felt a wave of embarrassment as four of the perspective Keepers showed off their obvious lack of skill. In the end it came down to Ron, and a large, handsome looking seventh year that Harry had met at Slughorn's get together on the train. Cormac McClaggen. Both McClaggen and Ron were tied, and Harry needed to put them through their paces again.

Harry took a moment to speak to Ron before commencing the second tryout.

"Ron, I know you are the best for this team. I know that you are an excellent Keeper. Your problem is nerves. You need to believe you can do this. No one in this entire school knows this game or loves it more than you. I want you to think of the championship game from last year. I want you to remember how you kicked arse and helped us to win. I want you to play like that today, otherwise, I'm going to be stuck with Mclaggen, and I don't think I'd be able to ever forgive you for that. Got it?"

Harry swore he saw Ron's eyes grow fiery as the red head stalked down to the goal posts. Harry had his new chasers trying every trick they could think of to get a goal on the potential keepers. He instructed them to not hold back any more. He needed to know who the best of the two truly was. Harry gave a ten shot limit for each keeper to prove their worth to him.

Cormac went first. He blocked all but one shot out of ten, missing only against Ginny, who was the smallest and fastest of the chasers. Cormac kept a wry smile on his face as he swaggered across the field to stand next to Harry, confident that Harry would choose him based on his performance and the fact they were "Old Sluggie's favorites".

Ron got on his broom and flew up to cover the rings. Harry could see that Ron was psyching himself up. The red head sat on his broom, shoulders back, eyes focused on the circling Chasers. Harry gave a long look at Ron and gave a slight nudge of his head towards Cormac who was standing next to him, arms crossed, over confident smile on his handsome face. Harry swore he saw Ron nod in understanding.

It was a thing to see. Ron blocked everything. Even when Ginny tried to trick him by diving down to the ground and then shooting upward throwing the quaffle at the last minute. Ron kicked it down with ferocity. Ron used his entire body and his broom to block everything. He even almost fell off his broom at one point to block another of Ginny's shots.

Harry couldn't help but smile when it was over. Cormac had been unable to argue with Harry's decision, and even begrudgingly shook Ron's hand in congratulations, though Harry could have sworn he heard Cormac cursing as he walked away.

"Thanks Harry." Ron had said on the way to the locker room, smiling like a fool. "You really got me fired up to do my best."

"Ron, I've seen you play at the Burrow, and you're unstoppable. You need to get into a mindset that it's for fun. Forget the crowds, and just concentrate on the game and you'll be unbeatable."

"You really believe that?" Ron asked surprised.

"You just proved it. How can you play like you just did and not believe it yourself?. And it isn't just Quidditch." Harry said nodding towards Hermione who was walking back to the castle a little ways away. She waved to them and Ron waved back hesitantly.

"I think it's time you talk to her." Harry said.

"I don't know if I'm ready." Ron admitted as they continued on to the lockers.

"You've been working very hard on your class work, and you two haven't argued all month. She's noticed. She watches you all the time now. The worst thing that can happen is that she doesn't share your feelings. But isn't it unfair to not tell her?"

"I guess so. I just don't know what I'd do if she rejected me." Ron shrugged.

"She'd never reject you. She'll always be your friend. If she doesn't share your feelings, I think Lavender Brown would happily take her place." Harry smiled just as Lavender and Parvati passed by, watching the two boys and giggling.

Both boys had noticed Lavender's growing flirtatious nature with the redhead boy. It had been a source of much conversation between the two boys, as neither knew what the proper course of action was. Even Seamus, who was well known for his exploits with the female populace of the castle had tried to advise Ron on the situation. However, neither Ron nor Harry thought that just grabbing the voluptuous blond Gryffindor and dragging her into a broom closet was the best option.

The week passed slowly after that. He'd had another meeting with Dumbledore where he'd seen when Dumbledore himself had gone to speak with an eleven year old Tom Riddle at an orphanage where the future Dark Lord had grown up. It was in those memories where he'd learned that Riddle had been a very cruel child, especially to other children.

Harry had noticed during the memory that Riddle had perked up when it was revealed that he was different. He seemed quite pleased to learn he was a wizard, that there was a reason behind all the strange thing he was able to do.

Harry had also learned that Riddle had been a very independent child. He had refused an escort to go to Diagon alley to get his school things. Harry also noticed during the memory that Young Tom Riddle held a certain contempt for his name. When Dumbledore had mentioned Tom the Bar owner at the Leaky Cauldron, young Riddle seemed to darken. When the memory had ended, Dumbledore pointed this moment out in particular.

"Even then, Voldemort hated anything that made him seem ordinary or suggested he might not be unique in anyway, even his name was a common one, and it deeply disturbed him." The headmaster had said.

Harry had relayed all he'd learned with Hermione and Ron that night. Hermione reasoned that Dumbledore was showing the growth of cruelty that was Voldemort. They all seemed to ponder Voldemort's excitement at being different, unique.

"But that would change when he came to Hogwarts and he would find he wasn't really different." Hermione said. "He'd be exactly like every other first year."

"That might actually explain a lot." Harry thought. "But we know that he did everything he could to stand out, didn't he? He was head boy, after all. He won that award for special services to the school."

"But he framed Hagrid for that." Ron pointed out.

"But only Hagrid and Riddle knew that. And no one would believe Hagrid." Harry responded. "No one had any idea what he really was. And I don't think anyone truly found out. He changed his name, and I doubt anyone would put Tom Riddle and Voldemort together."

That gave them all much to think about.

All of that had been shoved to the back of his mind on the dawn of the first Hogsmeade visit. Answers were short coming. He was going to meet Remus Lupin at noon in the Three Broomsticks and Harry had so many questions plaguing him. He would be going alone, as he had asked Ron and Hermione to allow him to do this on his own. They had agreed, knowing their friend would tell them everything later. Harry thought his two friends might actually have THE talk, if Ron could only work up his nerve.

Harry pushed the thought of Ron and Hermione together as his mind wandered to thoughts of Ginny. She arrived at breakfast in a pair of form fitting jeans and a jumper that hugged her nicely. She was walking hand in hand with Dean Thomas, both smiling sweetly.

Harry shoved his plate away as they passed and sat his head on his folded arms.

"I'm so sorry Harry." Hermione said sadly. Harry ignored her. He'd been becoming more and more depressed over his situation with every passing day.

"Harry, have you even tried talking to Daphne?" Hermione asked.

"No." Harry said coldly.

"Don't you think you should? I mean, it's not like you're alone in this." Hermione said, her eyes focused on someone at the Slytherin table. Harry turned and saw Daphne sitting with her friend, Tracey. She was dressed for her own trip into the village, and though he was loathe to admit it, Harry thought she was rather pretty. Harry harrumphed and turned back to Hermione.

"You're being really stubborn, and rather mean. I'm sure she had other plans for her love life as well. What's been done is completely unfair, but the two of you should at least make an effort. What if you're missing something great?" Hermione tried.

"Hermione, I really don't want to hear this."

"I'm sorry that you don't want to hear it, but you need to." Hermione said crossly. She looked at her friend intently. "No one is denying that you've been dealt an horrible hand in your life, but this time you could make it into something quite special if you'd just stop being so stubborn and close minded."

"And what if you're wrong?" Harry asked harshly.

"Then you're still just as unhappy as you are now, and nothing changes." Hermione pointed out. "The point is, you have to try Harry. She's not going to come to you, and you're both stuck with each other."

With that, Hermione got up from the table and left. Ron stared at Harry as if he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. After several moments he got up and left Harry alone.

Harry watched Ron go, assuming he and Hermione were going down to the carriages. Harry turned to look at Dean and Ginny who were smiling and talking quietly to one another. Harry thought it might help if they weren't so damn happy together.

He then turned to see Daphne Greengrass looking somewhat morosely back at him. Perhaps Hermione was right. After all, she was stuck in this whole stupid situation as well. Maybe he would talk to her. First, he wanted to know more about the contract.

So Harry got up and headed down to the carriages that would take him to Hogsmeade, where hopefully there were some answers.

At noon, Harry met Remus, who was waiting just inside the tavern. Remus paid for a private room and the two sat down have a long conversation.

"You're letter was intriguing, Harry. I must confess I was a bit surprised to learn your are betrothed." Remus said concerned.

"You didn't know?" Harry asked surprised. "When you said you wanted to meet, I was prepared to yell at you for not telling me about it."

"Back up a bit. I never said I didn't know. Here's the thing, Harry. I knew there had been discussion while your mother was pregnant with you. I knew that your grandfather was in negotiations with Archebald Greengrass, but I did not know the extent of it. Your father mentioned that they were being pressured about the possibility of a marriage contract. After you were born, I never heard any more about it. I just assumed that the negotiations had fallen through.'

"How did my mother feel about it?"

"Your mother had many friends while in school, Aurora Summerset was one of her closest. Aurora married Cyrus Greengrass a year after they graduated Hogwarts. Your parents married soon after. I imagine your mother was very unhappy about the contract, but seeing as it was with the child of one of her greatest friends… I wish I could tell you something for sure here, Harry."

"What about my father?" Harry asked bitterly.

"As I recall, he was very angry. He felt you should be free to make your own choices. He was already dealing with the threat of Voldemort, and this was before the prophecy, mind you. Your grandfather was a good man, but he was also very stubborn, like your father, and you as well. During the last months, I remember your father wouldn't speak to his father. Then a letter arrived that made him change his mind, but your grandfather had been killed by Death Eaters, searching for you." Remus said sadly.

"Do you know what the letter said?"

"I don't. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Tell me, have you and Miss Greengrass spoken at all?"

"Not really. She's different. I don't know how to explain it. She's abrasive and cold." Harry said, an odd look in his eye.

"And yet, you find yourself fascinated?" Remus said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Aurora Greengrass was an exceptionally attractive woman. It stands to reason that her daughter might be just as beautiful, and it would be natural for a sixteen year old boy to be entranced by an attractive young lady."

"But she's so angry, and blunt, and just so…so…" Harry tried to articulate.

"Harry, have you considered the possibility that she is just as upset over the situation as you. I can't imagine any one who would like their life mapped out for them, with no input of their own."

"But I'm not responsible for it. Why take it out on me?" Harry protested.

"Perhaps because you are the only one she can take it out on. I doubt her parents would appreciate her to venting her true feelings over the matter. You are very lucky that you found out so early. Most of the time, two people trapped in a betrothal contract do not find out until just before they are wed. When it was common practice, there were a lot of bad marriages. It was not unheard of for a spouse to murder the other in order to be free. They would always end up in Azkaban of course, but sometimes they preferred that."

"Oh that just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside." Harry sank in his seat.

Harry shuddered as he tried to imagine any marriage that would be worse than the ever present influence of the Dementors. Harry sank visibly at last, and he turned his heart broken eyes to his father's only remaining friend.

"I like someone else, Remus. I only just started noticing her, and now I don't even get to have a chance."

"I'm sorry Harry, but perhaps this isn't bad. Sometimes, arranged marriage turned out better than a fairytale. Spend some time with your betrothed, get to know her. You may find that she's all you wanted and more. Love doesn't just happen, Harry, it takes time and effort."

"You're starting to sound like Hermione." Harry grimaced.

"She is a very smart person, and a woman as well. You'd do well to listen to her. She does have unique insight into Miss Greengrass' perspective." Remus smiled. "Was there anything else you wanted to talk about? I heard you had some trouble on the train."

Harry perked up and began to share all he theorized regarding Draco Malfoy. He related how he and Ron and Hermione had followed Malfoy into Knockturn alley and overheard the conversation with Mr. Borgin. Remus listened carefully to everything, but his face showed much disbelief.

"Harry, you and Malfoy have been rivals since your first day at school. Do you think it is possible that you are over reacting a bit?"

Harry felt his anger rise. He took a deep breath to calm himself and then looked at his former teacher in the eye as he spoke very carefully.

"Yes. I admit it is very possible. It's highly likely. However, you should be asking yourself this, Remus, how many times have I had a suspicion similar to this that proved to be somewhat true?"

Remus sat back in his chair. He'd not expected that. It was true that Harry was often correct. His record alone showed that, and it also showed how he'd not told anyone before and how things had gotten out of hand. Remus had to admit, they boy was learning from his mistakes and trying to get help this time.

"I'm begging you, Remus. Someone has got to do something, investigate this as a real threat. I know it's ridiculous to think that Voldemort would mark Draco, but at the same time, who would suspect a sixth year student? Who?"

"All right. I will get with Tonks and we will look into it. I can not promise anything will come of it."

"I'm only asking for you to trust me on this." Harry smiled finally, satisfied that he'd gotten through to someone at last.

They spent some more time talking. Remus enjoyed hearing about Harry's visit with Slughorn while Dumbledore had been seeking o recruit the potions master bask to teach. He also encouraged Harry to listen to Snape and try his very best in Defense class.

"I know you hate the man, and perhaps your ire is justified, however the man has an astounding knowledge on the subject. You'd do well to listen to him in class."

Harry promised he would and he promised emus that he would think on the Daphne situation more openly.

Daphne walked with Tracey through the streets of Hogsmeade. It was chilly, but not terribly cold for such an overcast day. A bit of time away from the castle pursuing one of her greatest loves, shopping was just the thing she needed. It had been an exhausting few weeks since she'd last spoken with Harry Potter.

She had taken Tracey's advice and sent a letter to her Grandmother, hoping the elder woman might be able to give some explanation on the problem of the contract, but she had yet to receive a reply.

This added to the growing feeling of impeding doom she felt in the pit of her stomach whenever she saw the raven haired boy. She tried to put on a mask of indifference, but Tracey continually hounded her about speaking to the boy. It was becoming most vexing.

But Tracey had promised not to mention the Boy-Who-Lived that weekend so they could have some fun. The two girls had spent most of their morning perusing the shops in the little village, getting new quills and eyeing dresses in the clothing shops. Now they were hungry and decided to get a bite in the Three Broomsticks.

As they entered, Daphne spotted Harry Potter following a disheveled man she thought she recognized up to the private rooms. She found herself a bit curious, but tried to brush it off as none of her business. Still, as she and Tracey made their way through their lunch, she found herself gazing at the stair case for any sign of the raven haired boy to whom she was promised.

When the had finished their lunch and paid, they began gathering their things to leave when Harry emerged alone. Daphne couldn't figure out why, but she felt a need to speak to the boy.

"Tracey, I'll catch up to you, ok?"

Tracey looked wary until she spotted Potter and a knowing smile appeared.

"No problem. Go easy on the poor boy." She grinned.

"Oh, shut up." Daphne hissed as she left her friend to get close to the boy.

"Potter." She said by way of greeting. "I think it's time we had a conversation."

Harry turned to see the blonde Slytherin girl. Her eyes were piercing, but she didn't appear to be angry or upset. In fact, compared to all the other times he'd been with her, she seemed as if she was trying to be pleasant.

"I guess we should at that." Harry admitted grudgingly.

"Care for a walk?" She asked, not waiting for an answer. Harry followed her out of the tavern and into the chilly street. They walked silently for a bit, Daphne leading the way. Harry was beginning to wonder if he were being led into some kind of trap when they took the path heading back towards the castle. When they were just a little way along, Daphne turned off and went slightly into the woods, Harry following on her heels.

Once they were just inside of the tree line, Daphne spun on her heel to face the suspicious looking boy.

"Don't worry Potter, I'm not going to hurt you."

"It's not just you I'm worried about. Is there anyone else here waiting for us?" Harry asked eyeing the dark forest behind Daphne.

"Paranoid much?" Daphne asked, raising a eyebrow.

"Wouldn't you be?" He asked, still not looking at her.

"I guess I see your point. But right now, you're safe. I swear it."

Harry finally looked at her. She looked at him for a long moment before finally heaving a great sigh.

"The way I see it, we're stuck with each other. Though I'm loathe to admit it, it could have been far worse."

"Thank you, I think." Harry said flatly.

"At this point, we have only one option and that is to begin getting to know one another. After all, we're going to be married, and I think it would be beneficial to know something about each other. So I propose that we choose a night of the week to get together in private so we can ask questions. Someplace away from prying eyes were we can not be interrupted or found out. I think the last thing either of us want is for this to get out to the public."

Harry thought about Daphne's proposal, scrutinizing it. He couldn't find any flaw in her logic, especially the part about their situation getting out. He nodded slowly. He stared at her for several moments, trying to decide how best to proceed. He didn't want to appear weak in front of her. The last thing he needed was to show any kind of vulnerability that she could expose later on.

"All right." Harry finally said. "That seems agreeable. You choose the night, but I get to choose the place."

Daphne hesitated for a moment, but finally said, "Agreed. Let's say Wednesday evening at seven."

"That should be fine. Go to the seventh floor corridor in front of the painting of Barnubus the barmy. I'll meet you there."

They both nodded at one another and then, strangely enough, neither moved. There was an awkward silence as they simply stared at each other. Finally Harry gave a sort of wave and backed away, peering behind Daphne. Daphne simply felt a bit of relief that nothing had happened. Once Harry was out of her sight, she began making her way back up to the castle.

She had done it. She had made her first meeting with Potter. She had a lot to do now. She would have to come up with a way to discern the truth in his answers. She knew Harry to be somewhat private, and it was doubtful that he would just offer up information. Not only that, but they needed a way to trust one another.

Daphne had always had trouble in trusting people in general. Five years in Slytherin had made her very wary of people, as every one seemed to have their own agendas. Not that Daphne was completely innocent of manipulation and deviousness. But it seemed as though most of those in the house came from families that had impressed the importance of strong allegiances, and how best to forge them. Even some first years seemed wise beyond their years in the art of manipulation.

Daphne's situation called for a more direct action. Something that would show Potter that she was different. She knew he would never trust her outright. Nor was she just going to put her faith in him right away with out some evidence that he was worth it.

The more she thought of it, the more difficult the situation seemed to become. This was going to take some serious thought. Perhaps even a conversation with someone else. Someone who knew Potter and might be able to enlighten her in ways to put the boy's mind at ease.

Daphne felt her shoulders sag at the one person she knew could help. Daphne was going to have to speak to Hermione Granger.