A/N: Explicit scene at the end.
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On the night of January first, Potter Manor was bereft of many of its guests as they were away for the Ministry Ball.
Cyrus and Anna attended in black and silver. The Abbotts were wearing black and blue. Madame Bones was wearing a conservative but grand red dress, it hugged her body and accented her mature curves. Susan wore a more tame piece that hugged her torso, it accented her bust just enough to be appropriate and flared at her knees.
Dowager Longbottom wore a dark red dress. It was simple but elegant. Dressed in a similar color, Countess Zabini's sun-kissed skin was accented by the maroon of her striking dress. It was more of a controversial piece than others, but that was just who she was.
Neville and Blaise were dressed in matching colors to their mother and grandmother.
Most of the high class that were in attendance were dressed to the nines, including the Lord and Lady Malfoy. They were clad in threads of the finest quality and robes that would only be worn for this single night.
Their son, Draco was dressed much like his parents. His suit was crisp and new. Where Lucius and Narcissa were clad in black, white, and gray, Draco wore solid black for the night.
He was escorting Pancy Parkinson for the night, much to his dismay.
Harry and Daphne put the entire room to shame. Harry was dressed in a turn-of-the-century three-piece. The dark scarlet and black of his coat and vest were matched with his Lordship rings.
His hair held a windswept charm. His emerald eyes were sharp and held power. His mere presence demanded one's attention. Daphne, on his arm, seemed to multiply the demand.
She was dressed in a Gothic-style dress. It was compromised of a deep black and brighter red, but the color was muted by the flowers threaded from black on the bodice and cuff sleeves of her dress.
Her long hair was swept up in layered French braids coiled into an elegant bun. Her face was framed by two snaking waves.
Attention was brought to her long neck by the choker she wore. It was a Christmas gift from Harry that belonged to Dorea Potter, given to her by Angelina Potter, who was the mother of Charlus and Augusta.
It was a black crochet piece that had small chains hanging from it. The large ruby rested on the dip of her collarbone.
The necklace was a traditional jewel that was worn at least once by every Lady Potter for six generations before the late Lily.
The portrait of Dorea Potter nee Black informed her that each Lady added slight changes to pass on. She added the chain that framed the ruby and hung an inch lower. As such, Daphne embedded small emeralds into the outside chains and hung a teardrop sapphire from said hanging chain.
It matched her new engagement ring which was placed on her left ring finger. The ring itself was also a Potter heirloom. It started as a simple goblin silver band worn by Iolanthe Potter nee Peverell. Now, the ring held a diamond cut sapphire framed by rubies and emeralds alternating in small, layered petals around the gem.
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The Atrium seemed to pause as they entered. Every eye was on them.
Harry led them towards Cryus and Anna, who were standing with Countess Zabini.
"Lord and Lady Greengrass, Countess Zabini," Harry addressed them with a polite bow of his head. Daphne shared a small curtsey with her mother.
"Lord and Lady Potter," Cyrus returned evenly before his face grinned. "I wasn't aware my daughter to grow even more beautiful, and yet you both stand in front of me now."
"Yes, she makes me feel as if I need to check my makeup," Serena agreed.
"Do not doubt your own beauty, Countess," Daphne smiled, her face holding a soft flush as her dark red lips smiled lightly.
Anna shook her head lightly, "It's not just her who feels like that, dear. You both have stopped the entire ball and stole their attention just by entering."
Harry's chest swelled slightly as he smiled at his mother-in-law.
"Yes, that was certainly a display," the voice of Lucius Malfoy sounded from beside them.
He approached evenly, Narcissa on his arm and Draco following closely with Pansy.
"Lord Malfoy," Harry said dryly before his eyes fell on Narcissa. "You are beautiful, this evening, Cousin Narcissa."
"Thank you, milord," She offered a curtsey, "However, your bride has put me to shame."
"I thank you for the compliments," Daphne smiled, "but you insult the great House of Black by saying such."
Narcissa's lips twitched slightly, "I am a Malfoy, milady."
"Through marriage, but a Black even after Death." Daphne returned, earning a slight smile from the older witch.
"Of course, you're right, Lady Potter," Lucius cut back in.
"You truly did marry above your station, Lord Malfoy," Harry slighted him.
"What makes you say such?" Lord Malfoy held back a sneer, "When we wed the Malfoy name held good standing and still does today."
Harry sighed and looked at Narcissa and Draco before speaking, "Your marriage wasn't blessed by Lord Arcturus. Your father played a waiting game with Cyrus and it seems he lost."
"What do you mean, Lord Potter?" Draco cut in before his father could.
"What I mean is," Harry nodded at Narcissa lightly, "Only one voice of denial was needed for Uncle Arcturus to break the marriage contract between your parents, Cousin Draco."
Narcissa seemed startled and thoughtful at this, Draco simply nodded, but Lucius sneered at the thought.
"The House of Black will send for those with our blood in due course. It is time to rebuild." Harry said simply before turning away, "Come, dear, let's find and greet my cousins."
With that Harry and Daphne turned and walked away. Those who were within earshot of the conversation were shocked at how easily the young Lord and Lady seemed to brush off the Malfoy family.
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As the night wore on, Harry and Daphne shared many waltzes and traditional dances. Their bodies and magic hummed in contentment as they did.
As the song ended, they were approached by Cyrus and Anna. "Do you mind if I share a dance with my daughter, Lord Potter?" He asked.
With a glance at her, Harry offered Daphne's hand to the man, "Of course not, Lord Greengrass."
As they stepped away to dance, Harry offered his hand to Anna, "Would you like a dance, Lady Greengrass?"
"Thank you, Lord Potter," She smiled at him as a new song began.
As they spun around the room, Harry noticed that Neville and Hannah were sharing a dance, as were Blaise and Susan. He noticed they were closer than needed and that his cousin had a small blush and smile on her face.
"You've given us many worries but also securities," Anna spoke lightly as they danced.
"That's understandable, as I've been at the center of a war my whole life," Harry spun her lightly.
The witch seemed to laugh, "But you've also broken through the frozen walls and returned my daughter to us. I've never seen her smile as she does with you since she was a girl."
Harry shook his head slightly, "I did nothing but fall in love with your daughter, although Magic did give us a push."
Just a little bit away, Cyrus and Daphne were having a similar talk.
"You're happy," He told her warmly.
"Should I not be?" She questioned lightly.
"Most forced into a contract, as you have been, wouldn't be." He told her. "However, you've made the best of it and have raised the standing of our name."
Daphne shook her head lightly, "I've only done what I needed and ended up falling in love along the way."
"Yes, but you're my daughter again," he agreed with her. "You don't hide behind that mask anymore and you smile again."
"You always called me a princess," She laughed softly, "Harry has turned me into a queen."
"He loves me as I do him, and respects my aspirations. Some of our goals are shared and we strive to assist the other through it all."
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After the ball ended and they returned to Potter Manor, Blaise and Neville knocked on the door to Harry's rooms.
They knew that they only had a small window to see the damage of what Daphne did to him and jumped on the chance.
Opening the door, Harry was caught with his shirt and vest open. "What can I do for you two?" He asked them as he let them into the rooms, his hands quickly fixing his shirt.
Daphne's dress was draped over a small couch in their private sitting room as they entered, but she wasn't to be seen.
"You can show us just how badly you come out of it with that girl of yours," Blaise said bluntly.
Harry gave them a hard stare before huffing, "Fine."
He shrugged off his vest and took his shirt off. As he did, they were given a clear view of the dark bruises and bites on his neck and upper torso. His ribs and arms were covered in thin red lines, they were cuts.
As he turned to lay his clothing on the couch with the dress, they were exposed to the white scars on his back. Their attention was on the ten, angry, cuts that started from his shoulder blades and ran down to just before his belt line.
As he turned back to them, Neville noticed something. "Is that lipstick?" He pointed out the dark red smears covering Harry's chest and collarbone.
"Yes," he said honestly, "it's fresh from just a few minutes ago."
The boys applauded him lightly and Neville whistled lowly. "You are freaks."
Shaking his head, Harry sighed. "Is that all you needed? My wife is currently waiting in a bath."
"Don't let us keep you," Blaise chuckled.
With that, they saw themselves out of the rooms quickly and Harry rolled his eyes as he stripped off his slacks. He entered their private bath before removing his final article of clothing and grabbing a towel.
"What took you?" Daphne asked as she watched him from the bath.
"Neville and Blaise stopped by for some boy talk. Since you showed them all they wanted to see what I looked like." Harry told her as he slid into the water behind her.
She hummed lowly as she positioned herself on his lap, facing him. Her breasts pressed against his chest as she pushed him to lean back.
"Did they see that I at least kiss you better?" She asked in a low whisper, her voice holding a playful hint to it.
"They did." He said roughly before pressing a sound kiss to her mouth. His hands settled on her waist and pulled her closer to him.
Daphne moaned into his mouth as their lips moved together. Her body reacted as his tongue tasted hers, his hand sliding down and squeezing her rear.
She could feel his attraction for her as her hand slid into his hair, gripping it as she kissed him harder. She bucked her hips against him, a louder moan being drawn from her as he pressed against her.
She quickly grew intoxicated by his scent and taste and after a few movements of her hips let out a gasp as he filled her.
His nails caused a pleasant sharpness against her lower globe as she lowered herself onto him. Her hips met his slowly as she rocked on him slowly.
A growl tore through his chest as his teeth caught her lip. He kissed her harder as he took hold a firm hold of her rear with both hands and began to guide her movements.
A growl took hold in her own throat as she felt his mind and magic brush hers. It nearly made her lose herself as she threw her head back, a primal sound leaving her. His mouth was quick to latch onto her exposed throat, attacking the sensitive skin as he reached deep within her.
Daphne lifted off him, her hips digging against his. Her breasts bounced with each rise of her hips as she moved against him faster.
"Harry!" She called out as she held his shoulders for stability.
His answering growl and firm hold on her breast only made her take him harder.
"Daph," He said roughly as he lifted under. She moaned out as he pushed her back, taking the lead from her.
Her hair fanned out in the water behind her as his movements grew stronger. His mouth wrapped around the peak of her breast as he stroked himself against her spot, pulling a cry from her.
They continued for nearly an hour in the bath. The water had grown cold when Harry lifted them from the water. Their towels were forgotten as he took her against the wall. Her nails dug sharply into his shoulders as did so.
Her mouth attacked his as he carried her to bed, his attraction still within her and rocking with each step. They spent themselves ten more times over the course of four hours before falling asleep in midmorning.
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It was nearly ten o'clock as Anna walked into the sitting room, "Has anyone heard from Daphne and Harry? They're normally up by now."
Blaise and Neville shared a look and a small laugh.
"What do you know?" Susan asked the two from behind her tea.
"We don't know much," Blaise said as they shrugged. Neville cut in, "Other than that Daphne was waiting for him to join her in a bath last night."
Hermione came into the room at that moment, "And just how would you know that?"
"Because Harry showed us just what Daphne does to him." Blaise said casually, "For a snake she certainly has claws."
"So I won't see both of my daughters until they have to return to Hogwarts," Anna said with a straight face.
"What about our daughters?" Cyrus asked as he came up behind her.
Anna smiled and shook her head lightly, "Only that our oldest seems to have inherited your stamina, dear."
His face soured as he groused, "Thank you for unwanted thoughts, my love."