Chapter 6
Planning For The Future

Author's Note: This chapter begins a few minutes before the last chapter ended. During Remus' PoV, he will refer to Tonks as Dora.


Previously on The Harem War...

"I think it is best if we give Harry some privacy right now," Remus said, "It will give me time to contact some of our allies."

"It will also give us an opportunity for me to talk to you and Tonks as well, Remus," Bill said, "That is, if you don't need me for anything at the moment, Keeper Ragnok."

"I know your reasons for being here go beyond my own presence, William," Ragnok said, "You and Fleur may be excused."

Bill bowed, and he and Fleur stood, as did Remus and Tonks.


July 25th, 1996

Remus led Dora, Bill and Fleur out of the kitchen and back into the sitting room. Remus and Dora each sat down in a chair, while Bill and Fleur sat together on one of the couches.

"Remus," Dora said, "You sounded quite excited about Crestview. What exactly is Crestview?"

"The perfect Headquarters for our Alliance, Dora," Remus said. "Thanks to Sirius' Secret Password Charm, I completely forgot about it until Harry mentioned that word. I better start from the beginning. You know the story of the night Harry and Hermione rescued Sirius from the clutches of the Ministry at Hogwarts a couple years ago, yes? I talked to all three of you about it when I explained how important Hermione Granger is to Harry."

Dora, Bill and Fleur nodded.

"A couple weeks after Sirius fled Hogwarts," Remus said, "He sent a letter to me. He gave me enough proof to assure me that the letter was from him, and asked if I would like to live with him for a while. I accepted immediately, because at the time I was searching for a place to settle down, having lived at hotels, and motels since leaving my job at Hogwarts. His next letter came with a parcel. Inside the parcel, was a Portkey. I took the Portkey and appeared at a location that seemed to literally be in the middle of nowhere. A large manor was built in the middle of acres and acres of fields, farmland and forest. If I remember correctly, there is also a nice lake nearby. I was quite surprised when Sirius walked out of the manor, looking happy as can be. I can picture his happy expression right now. He didn't wear it much when Albus forced him to be stuck inside Grimmauld Place."

Dora, Bill and Fleur nodded with grim looks on their faces. They all knew what Remus knew: Dumbledore had made Sirius live at Grimmauld Place for a reason. So it would mentally affect him, making him weak to the point where he wouldn't be seen as a good guardian for Harry on the chance that he was found innocent.

"He coined the house 'Black Manor'," Remus continued, "Said that it was the perfect spot for him to bring Harry after he was found innocent and gained guardianship of his godson. I have to agree with him. It is perfect."

"Where is zis Black Manor?" Fleur asked.

"I don't even know the precise location of Black Manor," Remus said, "I don't know what country it is in, and the only civilization nearby are neighbors' houses miles away down either side of the road, and a small market village twenty miles going south down the road. All I know is that it is far enough from England to the point where Sirius didn't need to worry about the British Ministry of Magic finding him. Now that I remember the location, I could Apparate there, and I can send Portkeys there. We can all travel there easily."

"And Sirius was able to legally own the manor and the lands?" Bill asked, "He was able to give it to Harry as an inheritance?"

"Sirius said he went to the nearby market village and asked about the manor," Remus said, "This lead him to the village's town hall where he bought the building for – well, he said in wizarding money it was less than one-hundred galleons."

"Wow," Dora said.

"A bargain, definitely, considering that Harry's family Manor in Northampton is worth around G40,000 and it is only a bit bigger than Black Manor," Remus said, "Black Manor is far bigger and more spacious than Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Everyone in our alliance could live their comfortably, plus more, including Harry and his – er – future wives. We could also easily build more houses on the plot around it, so having all the alliance in one house doesn't have to be a permanent fixture."

"We could speak to Ragnok about hiring a Goblin construction crew to assist us building houses," Bill said.

"Goblins can build houses?" Dora asked.

"Very nice houses," Bill said, nodding. "Give them enough Galleons and they'll be pleased to do it."

"Well, I'm sold," Dora said, "If Black Manor is out of the reach of the British Ministry, they're out of the reach of Dumbledore, the Order and... V-Voldemort. We can prepare and train the Alliance for the inevitable battle against our opposition."

"How does Harry feel about that?" Bill asked, "Training and preparing for the inevitable war."

"We – er – haven't talked much about that with him yet," Remus said, sheepishly, "We wanted to wait until we were settled in a new location. It certainly sounds like we're going to have a good amount of teenagers Harry and Hermione's age joining us. There is no way they'll be able to continue their education at Hogwarts, so training can go right along with their education and tutoring."

"Speaking of teenagers," Bill said, "I suppose this a good time to talk about my discussion with Fred and George."

"What are those two up to now?" Dora asked.

"They want to invite three of their friends into the Alliance," Bill said. "You might be familiar with them, Remus, since you taught them. Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell."

"They were the three Chasers on the Gryffindor Quidditch team with Harry and the twins," Remus said. "Miss Bell turns seventeen this year – she's supposed to be a seventh year at Hogwarts this year. The other two finished their education in June. None of the girls would need the permission from their parents."

"Can we trust them?" Dora asked.

"Fred and George assures that we can," Bill said.

"I remember these girls," Remus said, "We can definitely trust them. Harry can probably vouch for therm as well. I assume Fred and George are worried about their safety?"

"Yeah," Bill said, "I think there is some romantic involvement somewhere in there, but I haven't pinpointed it out just yet."

"Tell your brothers my answer is yes," Remus said. "Though we might have to use some tents if our numbers get too much higher. I said Black Manor is large, but if our group becomes too high in number, it won't fit everyone. Then there is other issues to think of, such as food and other supplies. The market is near enough for us to get supplies, but we can't buy them out."

"We might be able to get some help with that from Gringotts too," Bill said.

"First there's the possibility of house construction, now supplies," Dora said, "What makes you so sure about that?"

"Fleur and I were quite sure that Keeper Ragnok was going to deny leaving Gringotts for a personal Will Reading," Bill said, "Especially since there is a Public Will Reading coming up. That was until we mentioned the possibility of Harry Potter being here. Ragnok has been friends with the Potter Family for a long time, as has his forefathers before him. I could almost call them Friends of the Goblin Nation. Trust me, the Goblins will help us if it means helping Harry Potter."

"We'd certainly appreciate their help," Remus said; he felt the familiar vibrations in his robes which meant someone was contacting him on the mirror. "Excuse me. One of our allies has contacted me."

Remus stood and walked out of the sitting room. He removed the mirror from his robes and activated it. Kingsley Shacklebolt's face was inside the mirror.

"Greetings, Kingsley," Remus said, "What can I do for you?"

"I assume you were successful in bringing Harry Potter to your location?" Kingsley asked.

"He is here," Remus said, "Are you still with the Bones?"

"Yes," Kingsley said, "In fact, it is because of the Bones that I contacted you."

"I think I know what you're going to tell me," Remus said, "I assume Amelia received post from Gringotts about a Betrothal Contract between her niece and Harry?"

"Indeed," Kingsley said, "She knows you had planned on bringing in Mr. Potter. She wishes to talk to him face-to-face in the near future."

"Can Amelia and Susan come here tomorrow?" Remus asked, "Dora and the Grangers are going on a shopping trip, and Harry and I will be alone, looking for something to do."

"One moment," Kingsley said, "I can ask Amelia."

Remus nodded, and Kingsley disappeared from the mirror. A minute later, he returned.

"Good news," Kingsley said, "She is free tomorrow. I can escort her and Susan to your flat. What would be a good time?"

"Hermione's parents have an appointment with the travel agency tomorrow at ten-o-clock," Remus said, "then I will imagine they'll be out shopping for a few hours after that. So – how about eleven, and I'll make up something for a brunch for the visit?"

"I look forward to it," Kingsley said.

"Good," Remus said, "Tomorrow I can tell you more about where we're all going when we leave England."

Kingsley raised an eyebrow. "You've found a location then?"

"We have," Remus said, "Thanks to our good friend, the late Sirius Black. We just finished up with the private reading for Sirius' Will, and Harry inherited a house. I've been there before and it is the perfect location."

"I look forward to hearing more about it," Kingsley said, "Remus, there is something else I need to discuss with you. Augusta Longbottom sent me a letter just this morning."

"She wants us to bring Neville along?" Remus asked.

"Not just Neville," Kingsley said. "Mr. Potter isn't the only one who has recently become Betrothed. Neville has three of his own."

"Coincidence," Remus said, "Harry has two others along with Susan."

Kingsley let out a booming laugh. "How did we miss out on being so lucky, old friend?"

Remus only smiled softly. "So I assume these three girls will be coming with Neville?"

"Indeed," Kingsley said, "And maybe their families. There's something else Remus, something that surprised even me. Augusta has another request for us."

"And that is?" Remus asked.

"Frank and Alice," Kingsley said, "She wants us to take them out of the country for their own safety."

Remus' eyes widened. This was getting complicated quite quickly...


Meanwhile, Harry was leaving the kitchen after finishing his meeting with Ragnok, when he was met by Hermione on his way out.

"Are you finished?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, "We can have that discussion if you want."

"One moment," Hermione said, "I need to go find Bill and Fleur."

Harry followed Hermione toward the sitting room.

"Bill?" Hermione asked, "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course, Hermione," Bill said.

"My parents wish to rent out their house and business," Hermione said, "And Remus suggested that Gringotts might be a better option for them than Muggle banks."

"I can certainly help with that," Bill said. "I imagine they're not exactly fans of meeting with Goblins?"

"Definitely not," Hermione said.

"That is why Gringotts employs humans," Bill said, "Lead the way, and I'll talk to them."

Harry and Hermione lead Bill toward the guest room, then into the Grangers' tent. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were sitting in the small kitchen.

"Mum, Dad," Hermione said, "This is Bill Weasley who I told you about. He works at Gringotts. He says he can help you with the house and business."

"Nice to meet you, Bill," Richard said, "Come sit down – thank you for meeting with us."

"No problem at all, Mr. Granger," Bill said, as he sat down at the small kitchen table.

"Harry and I will leave you to it then," Hermione said, "There's something the two of us need to talk about."

Hermione dragged Harry out of the tent, and into his own. They walked over to the small sitting room and sat down in a couple of chairs. Harry wondered how he should begin the conversation. How were you supposed to discuss your future wives with your best friend, who you were also planning to wed?

"Sirius gave me several books from his library at Grimmauld Place," Hermione said, "He knew I spent quite a bit of time in that library that summer. Oh, and he gave me G50,000. I have no idea what to do with that much money, Harry."

Harry smiled, thankful for the small talk before the more serious discussion.

"Well, you can afford some nice formal robes," Harry said.

"I could probably afford Madam Malkin's entire shop," Hermione joked. "And the neighboring buildings."

Harry laughed. "Sirius gave me a bit of gold too. And Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. And he gave me his house-elf."

He then winced when he remembered Hermione's obsession with helping house-elves.

"Uh-huh," Hermione said, "And what will you do with Kreacher?"

"I have half-a-mind to put his head next to his ancestors," Harry muttered.

"Harry James Potter!" Hermione scolded, "You wouldn't dare!"

"Hermione," Harry said, "do you know what he's responsible for? If it hadn't been for him, I would have known Sirius was okay that night. Sirius would be alive!"

"I know that," Hermione said.

"I can't exactly free him, you know," Harry said, "Sirius said freedom would kill him. He'd deserve it though."

"You could send him to Hogwarts," Hermione suggested.

"Into the employ of Dumbledore?" Harry asked, "When Dumbledore finds out I am the Head of the Blacks, he'll probably figure it out that I own Kreacher. Who knows what he'd do with that opportunity?"

"You're probably right," Hermione said. "Well, either you take him with us, or you leave him at Grimmauld Place with Sirius' mother's portrait, where he will continue to grow more hateful under her watch."

Harry sighed. "I'll think about it."

"So," Hermione said, "You have three future wives."

"Four," Harry corrected automatically.

"Are you sure, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"You're asking me?" Harry asked, "Here I was, afraid that you would no longer want to do this, even if it meant losing Emancipation. And now you're asking me if I'm sure?"

Hermione's eyes went misty. "You're contractually obligated to marry Susan, Padma and Daphne."

"Correct," Harry said, "Contractually obligated. My father wanted me to marry one of the Alliance family's daughters, and I gained another one meant for a sibling that tragedy prevented. And I inherited a contract from Sirius. Those weren't my choice."

Hermione snorted. "I wouldn't say that to the girls if I were you."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Look, It is my choice to marry you. You're my best friend, not them. You're the one whom I'd die for, whom I trust completely."

"I'm sure you'll find you'll say the same to them in the future," Hermione said.

Harry sighed. "Maybe. But right now, it is just you."

Hermione sniffled and stood up from her chair. She crossed the short distance then pounced onto his lap and kissed him fully on the mouth. Harry went still for merely a moment, before he wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss. Before he could lose himself in it, however, Hermione backed away. She straddled her legs on either side of his and laid her head against his chest.

"I've been going mental since it was revealed you're betrothed to three girls," Hermione said, "Since it was revealed you could legally marry them all. Our marriage is for theatrics, Harry. How could I compete against three other girls who you're contractually obligated to marry?"

"Our marriage is for theatrics now," Harry said, "Down the road, we may find we don't want it to be for theatrics. I mean – I hardly understand girls now. How am I supposed to deal with three who I barely know? I'll need your help. That is... if you're okay with being one of four wives."

"It'll take some time to get used to," Hermione said. "I grew up with the idea that I would marry a young man and that would be it. I never dreamed that young man would have other wives. I know it isn't your choice. I know that. All I am saying is it will take some time to get used to. And you're right. We could find this will be permanent. I mean – at the moment, I can't see anyone else in my life who would be a better husband."

"Ron?" Harry suggested; he winced when Hermione playfully smacked him. "Ow."

"No, not Ron," Hermione said, "Even if our fears about him betraying us – you - from the start were unfounded, I'm not sure our friendship could survive. He can get easily jealous. He wouldn't be a good third wheel to our relationship. Especially if he fancies me."

"Oh, I know he fancies you," Harry said, "The way he acted around you when it came to Viktor Krum?"

"You noticed that too, huh?" Hermione said, "Maybe you aren't oblivious about these things."

"Thank you," Harry said, grinning.

"Since Ron likely fancies me, it would be much worse," Hermione said, "He would probably wonder why I chose to marry you for Emancipation over him."

"You chose me?" Harry asked, "I thought we were simply agreeing to Remus' plan."

"I chose you," Hermione said, "I certainly wouldn't be kissing you if I didn't. Nor would I be okay with marrying you. Which I am."

"So... what are we?" Harry asked, "What is this? I know we're best friends, but how many best friends kiss?"

"Are you wondering if I'm your girlfriend?" Hermione asked; Harry shrugged. "I think you're supposed to ask me before that happens."

Harry might have been oblivious and thick when it came to romance, but he got the hint.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" he asked.

"Well, it is probably a good idea since we're getting married," Hermione joked; she giggled when he rolled his eyes, "Yes, Harry, I'll be your girlfriend."

"Brilliant," Harry said, grinning.

Hermione laughed and kissed him again. Harry returned the kiss. Harry privately decided that he loved kissing Hermione – his girlfriend. That was an odd thought, and something he would have to get used to. Which would be easier. Definitely easier than thinking of her as his fiancee or wife, or one of four wives. That would take time getting used to.

Quite unfortunately, Hermione backed away all too soon and relaxed on his lap, laying her back against his chest, and her head under his chin. She had somehow been able to tame her hair, so at least he didn't have a wild mop in his face. He hoped certain parts of his body wouldn't react to how close she was to him. He decided to continue the conversation, hoping to distract himself.

"Now I need to ask a tough question," he said, "And I am sorry if it ruins the mood. How do you feel about – er – my other fiancees?"

Hermione sighed and shrugged against him. "Well, I'm already friendly with Susan and Padma. Daphne's okay, I guess – she never treated me like Malfoy or Parkinson did. How does it feel to know that you'll be married to four girls?"

"I consider it lucky to be married to one!" Harry joked; he chuckled when Hermione rolled her eyes. "Seriously – well – you know how I feel about family. I never had a loving family, so it is something I do desire and want for life. I've had countless dreams of having a loving family. When I discovered my part in the prophecy – and even before that when Voldemort returned to a full body – I... well, I wondered at times if I would live long enough to – you know – get married, have a family."

Half-way through his little speech, Hermione had turned her head and looked at him. Now she was staring at him, and her eyes were slightly misty.

"And now I've upset you," Harry said, "I'm sorry."

"Ever since a marriage between us came into the picture of things," Hermione said, "You've been saying that you're doing this for me. To make sure I survive the war. Now it is my turn. I will do everything I can to make sure those dreams comes true."

Harry smiled softly, and Hermione pecked him on the lips. He kissed her back, but before it could linger, they heard someone clearing their throat. Hermione gasped and jumped off of Harry's lap. Harry's cheeks felt as if they were on fire. He turned and saw that Tonks was standing there, with a grin on her face.

"We weren't – I mean – we were just -" Harry stammered.

"Relax, Harry," Tonks said, "I'm not coming into scold you two lovebirds. I am happy for the both of you. Anyway, Bill is finished meeting with your parents and he, Fleur and Ragnok are about to leave. I thought you might want to say goodbye to them."

Harry and Hermione shared a smile as they followed Tonks out of the tent. They made their way to the sitting room, where Remus, Bill, Fleur, Ragnok and Hermione's parents were gathered.

"Now that you're all here, I will finish with my business," Ragnok said. "To those of you who received gifts from Sirius Black's Will, you can expect owls from Gringotts to bring those gifts in the next couple of days. Miss Granger, Remus informs me that you will be in Diagon Alley tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione said.

"Because part of your inheritance is a large monetary gift," Ragnok said, "It is not wise for a large amount of money to be sent through post. So if you could visit tomorrow, we can take care of the transfer between the Black Vault and your own personal Vault."

"I look forward to it," Hermione said.

"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Because I know that, in your case, security is important, it may be nigh-on impossible for any in-bank business. You do have two new Vaults at Gringotts that I expect you would like to explore in the future. As the official Head of the Potter Family, the main Potter Family Vault is open to you now. As is the Black Family Vault. If you wish, I may be able to bring you to Gringotts myself before you leave England. I promise your security would be very important to us."

"I'll take some time to think about it," Harry said, "I will contact you if I decide to accept your generous invitation. It depends on how busy I am. I reckon I will be very busy between now and the time we leave."

"Understandable," Ragnok said. "Once again, I remind those of you listed in Sirius Black's Will, if you wish to attend the Public Reading, there will be no new information. If you do not wish to attend, your part of the Will can be omitted from the Reading."

"We have no plans to attend," Remus said, "But if that changes, I will certainly contact you before the Reading."

"Very well," Ragnok repeated. "I believe I am finished with our business. It was an honor to meet with you all today. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."

He bowed, then vanished a moment later.

"He certainly knows how to make an exit," Richard chortled. "I may not be a big fan of Goblins, but he is much more polite than the Goblins we met in the past. Mr. Weasley, thank you for assisting us with our business. You saved us a lot of time."

"My pleasure, sir," Bill said, "I will contact you before you and your wife leave for Australia to update you. Fleur and I will be in touch with everyone over the next few days, I expect, as we all prepare to leave England."

Bill and Fleur gave farewells to everyone (Fleur kissing Harry's cheeks once again, much to Hermione's chagrin), then Apparated away.

"How about some lunch?" Tonks suggested.

"Sounds good," Remus said, "Harry? Can I talk to you alone for a moment?"

"Sure," Harry said.

Tonks led Hermione and her parents toward the kitchen, leaving Harry and Remus in the sitting room.

"While you were finishing your meeting with Ragnok," Remus said, "Kingsley Shacklebolt contacted me through the communication mirrors. Madam Bones received the notice from Gringotts about her niece's Betrothal Contract with you."

"Did she?" Harry muttered, "I assume they wish to meet with me?"

"Indeed," Remus said, "How does tomorrow sound?"

"Tomorrow?" Harry asked.

"I thought it would be a good idea to meet with them while Hermione's parents are not present," Remus said, with a smile.

"Probably a good idea," Harry said. "Hermione didn't say it, but I think she doesn't want her parents to find out about these Betrothals."

"I foresaw that," Remus said. "So I scheduled a meeting to take place while Dora, Hermione and her parents will be out. Kingsley will be escorting Amelia and Susan here at eleven. I thought we could make a brunch out of it."

"I – er – look forward to it," Harry said.

"Don't worry, Harry," Remus said, "I'll be here to help you. I am sure Amelia is rather confused about how her niece is betrothed to you. I will be able to explain it to her."

"That makes me feel a bit better," Harry said. "Speaking of Betrothal Contracts, I suppose I should write to Padma's and Daphne's parents after lunch. I expect they'll want to meet with me soon as well."

"Maybe it would be best if I pen the letters," Remus said, "I've been thinking a lot about this since the Contracts were revealed, and I think we can assume Padma and Daphne will be coming with you to Crestview. I need to talk to their parents about it."

"Brilliant," Harry said, "That takes a load of weight off my shoulders."

Remus chuckled. As Harry followed him toward the kitchen, his thoughts lingered on the Betrothal Contracts. With his meeting tomorrow with Amelia and Susan, and planned meetings with Padma's and Daphne's parents, the Betrothals were becoming a much bigger reality.

He just hoped he was ready for it.


Chapter finished.

A few of my reviewers commented me about a possible Harry/Luna ship. If you paid attention to the relationship portion of the introduction, then you'll find the Luna will be with Neville. I ship them. A lot of people ship Harry and Luna, adding Hermione sometimes for a threesome. But not me.

Besides, how the Betrothal Contracts originally played out in my storyline, it wouldn't have worked. James, Lily and Harry were in hiding when Luna was born, so James could not have been able to meet with her parents for a contract writing, if he wanted to. This gave way for Augusta Longbottom to work her magic, so to speak.

Next chapter: While Hermione, her parents, and Tonks go shopping – which won't be seen in the chapter – Harry and Remus have brunch with Amelia, Susan and Kingsley and discuss the Betrothal Contract. Then Harry and Susan have a chat.