A/N: I reuploaded this since the previous one was cut.

Chapter Four: Advice and Breakdowns

Harry was lying on his bed thinking about his problem - getting Hermione to fall in love with him. Of course, with the main problem comes other hindrances so listed them. Look at me making a list? I'm pulling a Hermione once again.

He grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill and started to write.

Main Problem: How to make Hermione fall in love with me

Other Problems:

The DAMNED Betrothal Contracts

The punks who are crazy about Hermione

Hermione thinks I think of her as a sister

I'm crap at Romance.

I'm not good with girls.

With those in mind, he decided to address each problem by looking for a person who he thinks are experts on the subject. Okay, let's see. For the damned contracts, I need a pureblood. Someone who knowd about these things. And then it him, he had the perfect person to ask. So he grabbed another parchment and started writing.

Dear Andromeda,

How are you and Teddy? I promise I'll visit more often once school's out. Anyway, I have a problem. I reckon you'd be the best person to ask about this. What do you know about betrothal contracts? How do you make them? What are usually stated there? If someone has a lot of options how does one know which to pick?

Before I get carried away, let me give you a background first.

I'm in love with Hermione Granger. She doesn't know it yet but I plan to tell her of course. First problem: she thinks I think of her as a sister. Second problem: There are so many blokes who are offering her with betrothal contracts.

So… what's a bloke to do? Do you think I should offer a betrothal contract as well to prevent her from accepting someone else?

I really appreciate any advice and help.

Give Teddy a kiss for me.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

P.S. hope you can keep this a secret.

Harry read the letter and smiled. Okay! That's one problem off the list. Now let's see… my problem with the punks who are crazy about Hermione. Who do I ask about that? Hmmm…

Dear Bill,

I need your help. I reckon you're the best guy to ask help from about this since I'm sure you've had the same problem.

Fleur has Veela blood and I'm sure you had to fight other blokes for her attention especially those lecherous ones. So, how do you control your anger when punks like those ogle Fleur?

The questions may seem weird to you so I'll give you a background.

I'm in love with Hermione Granger.

Problem is with her being the smartest witch of the generation and her being voted by all blokes in Hogwarts as this year's sexiest witch, I don't know what to do. I literally burst into flames (my hand was on fire) when I read the vulgar comments some blokes wrote about Hermione in a list that's called The Top 10 Sexiest Witches in Hogwarts for 1998 (Official Results). I hate how they look at her and I know I can't do anything about it.

Another problem, Hermione gets a lot of betrothal offers from various blokes.

What should I do, Bill? Any advice?

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I would appreciate any advice.

Say hi to Fleur for me!

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

P.S. please keep this a secret. Okay, you can tell Fleur. But only her. Thanks!

Satisfied with his letter for Bill, he then thought of whom to ask about getting thought of as a romantic figure. How do I make Hermione think of me as a potential boyfriend? Hmmm… I need someone who's smooth with girls. Someone really cool.

Dear George,

Hi mate! I need your advice on girls. This is serious so no pranks please.

Okay here it goes.

I'm in love with Hermione Granger.

Problem is:

she thinks I think of her as a sister

Lots of blokes fancy her. Heck all blokes at Hogwarts voted her as the sexiest witch for this year

Hermione is the smartest witch of the generation

She has a lot of betrothal offers and I mean a lot

I'm an idiot when it comes to girls

I have no clue about romance

I need your help mate. You can laugh all you want but I really need help.

Your desperate marauder,

Harry Potter

P.S. don't tell anyone.

He grabbed all three letters and headed for the owlery to send them off. Hopefully, he'd be getting advice as early as tomorrow and he could have concrete plans on wooing the smartest witch of the generation, sexiest witch in Hogwarts, brains of the Golden Trio, his goddess - Hermione Jean Granger. Feeling optimistic after the letters were off, he was whistling a happy tune as he made his way back to the head's dorm. His optimism quickly changed into worry when he saw Hermione in their common room crying her heart out.

"Hermione? What's wrong? Are you alright?", he said as he approached her.

She was squatting on the floor surrounded by what he guessed were betrothal contracts. Her cheeks were puffy from crying and her eyes were so full of sadness it was breaking his heart.

"I got a letter from my dad. My mom's getting worse…", she started to explain but she started sobbing again so Harry grabbed her into his arms and just embraced her as he shared her pain.

"Why didn't you tell me anything?", he asked gently.

"I found out that my mother was sick a month after the term started. She has cancer, Leukemia. Apparently it's getting worse. I don't know what to do… I… We're running out of money...I don't -", she could no longer speak as the tears started to fall.

"Hermione, I'm here for you. Whatever you need. I could help out with money if -", he offerer but she cut him off.

"Thanks Harry but I can't accept any money from you. This is my fault after all.", she said as she hugged him tighter.

"How is it your fault?", he asked.

"My parents were always financial comfortable. But then when I obliviated them, I triggered their suppressed carefree natures and well, they spent a lot of money in Australia. Now, we're having problems with the money needed for mom's treatment."

"Hermione, you obliviated your parents to help me. So this is my fault. Let me help you please.", Harry begged.

"No Harry. You can't burden yourself with this. I already have the perfect solution anyway.", she said as she wiped her tears away.

"And what solution is that?", Harry asked despite already knowing the answer. That's what the betrothal contracts are for. Hermione is selling herself to the highest bidder to help save her mother.

"I'm getting married Harry.", Hermione said in a determined tone.

"What? To whom? When? Why?", he said in a despondent tone. It can't be! She couldn't have made a decision to accept a betrothal, can she?

"I don't know to whom yet Harry. But I will marry one of these to help save my mom. I'll do anything for her.", she said in a determined voice as she grabbed a pile of the betrothal contracts.

"So you have to make a decision then?", he asked and she just nodded.

"Help me sort this out Harry. I've already stacked the reject pile. I've also sorted out the potentials pile, and then these are the ones I haven't read yet.", she said as she gestured which pile is which. Leave it to Hermione to still be organized and rational about all this.

"So what's the reject pile? Why are they there?", he asked. Maybe I can an idea on what not to do so that if I make her a betrothal offer I won't be classed a reject.

"Those in the reject pile are either of the following: (1) men who are at least 10 years older than me, (2) men who are at five years younger than me, (3) men who want to have other wives or keep concubines, (4) men who demand to have more than five children, (5) men who demand that I'm not allowed to have a career.", she explained.

"Damn Hermione! Those are really bad.", he said.

"Tell me about it.", she snorted.

"Okay. So, if I may ask, what's your ideal betrothal agreement then?", he inquired.

"Well if I may say so it would be… (1) the bloke must not be ten years older than me or five years younger, (2) I'm allowed to have a career, (3) no demands about the number of children, (4) I'm going to be the only wife, (5) a guarantee that physical intimacy with me should be respected not demanded, (6) a guarantee that I'm allowed to make my own decisions and would be treated like an equal. Those things are for certain.", she said.

"What if I offer you a betrothal contract?", he asked.

"Common Harry, I'm like a sister to you remember? Besides, this is just your saving-people-thing shining through again.", she said with a smile. Harry just looked at her and sighed.

"You should probably get some sleep Hermione. You need to rest. I'll help you sort this out in the morning.", he coaxed her to stand up as he grabbed the contracts and handed them to her.

"Thank you Harry. For just being here.", she kissed him on the cheek and said good night.

"I'll always be here for you Hermione. Good night.", he told her and watched her walk up to her room. I love you Hermione and I'll be damned if I let you sacrifice your happiness and freedom because of those contracts.

Harry was woken up early by the sound of tapping on the windows. He immediately let the owl in excited to read the letter. He gave the owl some water and some treats then untied the letter. It was from Bill.

Dear Harry,

Fleur says she's always known that you and Hermione belong together. Anyway, thank you for the trust you showed us by confiding your dilemma to me.

My first advice is if you want to create a betrothal contract I can help you set one up via Gringotts. Since the goblins are still a bit mad about the break-in when you stole the horcrux, I'll mediate for you.

Second, I know how hard it is to control your anger when other guys ogle at your girl. It still gets me mad when men look at Fleur as if she's a piece of meat. But then she assures me that she's all mine and they can all look but they can't touch. Which brings me to my next point, you'll never feel comfortable with the punks unless you've finally made your claim. So, claim her as soon as you can Harry. Hermione Granger is a great catch after all.

As for the like a sister problem, I guess you have to make a grand gesture. Words will not be enough to convince Hermione. You need to show her that you are in love with her. Do it as soon as you can though.

Fleur says flowers, poetry, and chocolates won't work for Hermione. She thinks that if you tell Hermione you love her she won't believe it since you've been friends for so long. She told me go caveman on her if you must. That way, Hermione won't be able to resist.

I do hope this helps Harry. If you want help with the betrothal contract send me a letter via owl.

Good luck,

Bill

Great! Now I know someone who can help me set up a betrothal contract. Harry thought and he quickly hid the letter in his drawer. Another owl came tapping on his window so he opened it and the owl extended a leg for him to take a note from. This time the note was from Andromeda.

Dear Harry,

Since it's a Sunday tell the Headmistress you have to visit Teddy since he's sick. This is just an excuse for us to talk about betrothal contracts. It's time you know about them as the Lord Black.

Hope you can come before lunch since we have a lot to talk about.

Love,

Andy and Teddy

Harry had a brilliant smile on his face. He's going to see Teddy and today and Andy has offered her help as well. Thinks are finally brightening up for him. Another owl came and he knew this one was from George.

Dear Harrykins,

I'm so happy you're all grown up and in love. Time flies so fast. You were just an ickle firstie fighting a troll to save ickle Hermy and now, you finally realized you're in love with the gorgeous brunette know-it-all.

Harry, you spent seven years with Hermione and your moves seriously stink. You're stuck in the friend zone mate. Trust me, it's not a good place to be in. Girls would never snog blokes in the friend zone. So GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!

You fought a troll for Hermione, killed the basilisk who petrified her, rode a Hippogriff with her, spent a lot of time with her in the TriWiz yet didn't get to ask her to be your date for the Yule Ball, taught defense to the DA since she urged you, comforted her when she's making eyes at ickle Ronniekins snogging Lav-Lav, you spent a lot of months in a tent alone with her. Mate! You're such an idiot. For all the things you've done for her and with her, you've never even kissed her once. Or asked her out to Hogsmeade or anything. Of course, she'll think of you as a brother.

Here's what you got to do. This is serious. Tie her up in a tower and force her to marry you. Kidnap her if you wish or whatever. Trust me telling Hermione you love her won't work. You got to do something crazy and catch her off guard. Remember mate you have to outsmart the brightest witch of the generation. So use your innate caveman instincts for Merlin's sake and get your woman.

If you want bushy haired green eyed know-it-all sprogs in your future, get your act together and claim your damned woman, Potter. After all the things you've done for and with Hermione, there's no other bloke who deserves her mate. It's your job however to make her know that she can't be anyone else's. Claim her as yours once and for all before she gets away.

Your brother in outsmarting THE Hermione Granger,

George Weasley

Harry bursts into laughter after reading George's letter. It was hilarious but it did make a lot of sense. With the input from Bill and George and the promise of a chat with Andromeda, he's certain that he would succeed in this. After all, it isn't just his happiness with Hermione that's on the line. He's doing this to make sure she's free to live her life away from the constraints of those damned contracts using her for selfish reasons.

He quickly got ready for the day. He then wrote a quick note to Hermione saying that he has to go to Andromeda's for the entire day since she needs help with Teddy. He posted the note on the door of the bathroom so she wouldn't miss it. After that he went to see the Headmistress and asked for permission to leave the castle with a promise to return in the evening.

He apparated to Andromeda's yard and knocked on the door.

"Harry! You're so early.", Andy told him as she opened the door, pulled him inside and hugged him.

"Sorry, Andy. Just excited I guess.", he said blushing.

"No worries. Join us for breakfast. It's still 8 AM anyway. I guess you haven't eaten yet.", Andy said as they headed for the dining room.

"Hi Teddy!", Harry said as he hugged his godson.

"Hawwee! Where Minnie?", Teddy asked him as the little tyke opened up his arms indicating he wants to be carried.

"Even you is smitten with Hermione, Teddy. Tsk. Tsk.", he said with a laugh.

"Minnie! Pweetty!", Teddy said turning his hair and eyes to the same colors as Hermione's.

"Yes Teddy. Hermione is very pretty. But she's my Hermione so, you just have to find your own lady someday.", he explained. Andromeda laughs at their antics.

"Looks like you indeed have a lot of competition for Hermione's heart, Harry. Even Teddy is smitten with her.", Andromeda said chuckling.

"I know. You should see the blokes at Hogwarts.", he said with a sigh.

"That bad?", Andromeda asked with a knowing grin. Harry told her about the list, his flaming hands, how boys acted around Hermione, the Arithmancy session, the things he heard boys say about Hermione, and then the betrothal contracts. He also shared about the reason as to why Hermione needs to make a decision regarding her many offers. He also told her about him writing Bill and George Weasley for advice and gave a summary of what each advice was.

"So let me guess this straight. Hermione is desperate to accept any decent betrothal offer to gain access to funds that will hopefully help save her mother, correct?", Andy asked and he only nodded.

"She also told you the specific details of her ideal betrothal offer am I right?", she asked again and he nodded.

"This is perfect. I know how we can turn this around in your favor and help Hermione in the end.", she said with excitement.

"How?", Harry asked with a look of confusion and anxiety.

"Floo call Bill Weasley right now and tell him to come here as soon as possible."

He did as told and after a short conversation with Bill via floo told Andy that they can expect Bill in five minutes.

"Great! This is exciting!", Andy stated and Harry just stared at her since he doesn't know what's going on.

"Hi Harry, Andy, Teddy!", Bill said as he stepped out of the fireplace.

"Bill, do you have any idea about Harry's financial status? And any idea on his lordship? He's Lord Black right?", Andy asked.

"Well, Harry is one of the most important client in Gringotts since he owns the biggest deposit. Richest wizard in Britain apparently, at least that's what the Goblins say.", Bill explained.

"Richest wizard in Britain? But how? My vault has a lot in it, but I don't think it contains that much for me to be the richest wizard.", Harry said confused.

"Harry, the vault you saw is just your trust vault. You haven't see the Potter family vault yet. Not to mention the Black family vaults.", Bill told him.

"Oh! That makes sense.", Harry said sheepishly.

"So he's the Lord Black then?", Andromeda said clearly excited.

"Actually he's Lord Potter and Lord Black.", Bill confirmed.

"Well, Lord Potter-Black, let's draft you that betrothal agreement that Hermione Granger surely can't resist.", Andy said with a wink.