Chapter 21: "If you marry him…"

November 24th, 1993

It was a rather ordinary day in late November that Harry received a package from Gringotts. Harry supposed it had some of the plans for his building project included, but strangely there was a cover letter that told him to open the package while he was alone. That was odd, but he supposed that there might be some reference to Sirius in the package, so he decided to open it back in his room at the first opportunity. By chance Hermione wasn't there when he got back to his room.

He opened up the package, as Crookshanks leapt on the desk in front of him. Harry absently stroked the large ginger cat. There was a small letter from Brokgut, as well as a document that looked like some sort of magical contract. from Daphne's descriptions it appeared to be a copy rather than an original. Harry decided to read the letter first.

Mr. Potter,

This document was delivered to Gringotts yesterday from the Ministry of Magic, as is required by our treaty mandating that wizarding authorities keep accurate and available records as to any potential changes in ownership of any of our vaults. We were instructed that the document had been sealed and that we were not allowed to inform you of this matter. However, looking at the relevant treaty, which has not been used for this exact purpose for over 100 years, we discovered that there is no requirement for Gringotts to abide by this request. We have therefore sent you a copy of this document. This document is extremely troubling. If you were not aware of this document beforehand, we would recommend that you seek immediate legal counsel.

Sincerely,

Brokgut

Account Manager

Gringotts

Harry frowned. That didn't sound promising. Harry pulled out the contract and read the first line.

Under the authority of the Ministry of Magic, this contract binds Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley to be married.

Harry dropped the contract. "What. The. Fuck."

XXXXX

Ginny was sitting in the room she shared with Luna. She'd just finished with classes for the day. Today had been Charms, always a fun class. She wondered if she'd have time to spend with Harry before he went to study with Justin. Despite what everyone had told her, Ginny still felt guilty for what had happened to Justin. And Hermione as well really, but Hermione had supposedly forgiven her. Justin hadn't given any sign of that. She wished he would, so she could join the war council her friends kept talking about. But that was neither here nor there. She was determined to convince Harry to at least give her a chance with him. She knew it was a long shot, and it probably wouldn't work, but ultimately it was less about winning Harry's heart, and more about knowing that he didn't hate her. The truth was that a lot of people had been treating her very oddly since it came out that she had been possessed by Riddle's diary. She wasn't sure she believed that any of them had really forgiven her, but part of her told her she was just being paranoid.

There was a knock on the door. Ginny hadn't been expecting anyone to come by. She opened the door to see Harry Potter.

"Harry!" she said with a smile, "Come in!" As Harry walked in, she noticed a grim expression on his face. He closed the door behind him.

She was alone in her bedroom with Harry Potter, but she suddenly realized something was very, very wrong. This wasn't anything like how she'd pictured this.

"Do you know anything about this?" asked Harry, handing her what looked like a contract.

Ginny frowned and took it. When she read the first line she gasped.

If you marry him, he will never love you.

"No," she almost breathed, "no, No, NO!" Ginny's voice crescendoed to a scream. She flipped to the end of the document, looking at the signature line. It had been signed. By one Molly Weasley and one Albus Dumbledore.

"HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME!" Ginny continued to scream. She collapsed on the floor, tears streaming from her eyes.

She looked at Harry, whose anger had seemed to wane. "I swear, I did not ask for this," she said fervently, "I would never ask for this. I would never, ever force anyone to be with me if they didn't want to."

Harry sat down next to her and put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. "I believe you Ginny," he said, "I'm so sorry you got pulled into this. Whatever this is."

Ginny shook her head. "This is an old-fashioned marriage contract. But how? No one has used them for at least a century. And signed by my mother and Dumbledore? Why? It doesn't make any sense."

"We'll figure it out," said Harry.

"Oh, Harry, how could she do this?" cried Ginny "I wanted to win you on my own! My own or not at all. Now what chance do I have to win you? How could you love someone you're shackled to?"

"We will deal with this, I promise you," said Harry. Ginny pointedly noticed he didn't say she was wrong.

"Daphne," said Ginny suddenly, "We need to take this to Daphne."

Harry nodded, but didn't get up. He continued to hold her. "Ginny, I do still care about you," he said simply, "No matter what your mother has done."

Ginny started to nod, but caught herself as she realized just how close her face was to his. She wanted to kiss him so badly. To do something. And for a moment, it seemed he would let her. But then he pulled back.

"Let's see Daphne," said Harry, determination now showing on his face.

Ginny tamped down her disappointment. She had bigger concerns right now.

XXXXX

Daphne did not take the news well.

"He LIED to me!" screamed Daphne as she threw a pillow across her room.

"Daphne?" asked Harry nervously.

"My father! He said these types of contracts had been banned! That they were no longer possible!" Daphne paced up and down the room, forcing Ginny and Harry to take refuge on one of the beds.

"I agree, these contracts are really bad," said Ginny. "I mean, I'm in one."

Daphne shook her head as if she was trying to clear it. "Sorry, I know you came to me for help. You probably need a law-wizard, but that might be easier said than done. Any law-wizard you would want to associate with would likely be very hesitant to go against Dumbledore. It wouldn't even be against the law to turn you in to him, as he's your guardian."

"Fuck," said Harry.

"Let me read this contract. Maybe there is an obvious loophole or release. I know most contracts could be voided in some way."

Daphne sat down and quickly read the document. It was about 20 pages long, but it only took her about 10 minutes. When she was finished the look on her face was stormy.

"This contract is a fucking monstrosity," she said, "Normally there would be a way to cancel the contract before the eldest person bound to the contract came of age. Those sections aren't here, so they must have been excised. Worse, the contract can be activated once Harry comes of age, so if they activate it on that very day there is a real possibility that Ginny could become a 15-year-old bride."

"Merlin," said Ginny in disbelief.

"The only thing that could void the contract is the virginity clause," said Daphne.

"What?" sputtered Harry, "that's barbaric!"

"If either of you isn't a virgin this contract is void," explained Daphne, "Unfortunately there are penalties for either of you doing this. Like pus-filled boils on your bits style penalties. This includes if you do it with each other mind you, so don't think you can get around it that way."

"So, what you're saying is that this contract is magically binding?" asked Harry.

Daphne pulled out her wand and swept it over the paper. It glowed with a pale blue light.

"Yes," she said angrily.

"Bloody fucking dammit!" roared Ginny.

"You two have to keep this absolutely quiet," said Daphne, "Even if we invalidate this, Molly and Dumbledore can make as many of these contracts as they want to. So, if they find out it's been broken, they can just sign another one."

Harry and Ginny nodded.

"This includes Hermione, Harry," said Daphne, "Hell, especially Hermione. She might be able to help us, but there is a principle of magical contracts known as referred binding. If you ask Hermione for help, she will be bound by the same strictures that you are in regards to the contract, because she is acting on your behalf. If you do end up telling her about this, under no circumstances should you ask her for help. Just send her to me. Referred binding doesn't persist through the first person bound."

Harry wasn't happy about it, but he agreed.

"At some point during the break we will have to meet up and talk to a legal expert," said Daphne.

"What about a goblin lawyer?" asked Harry.

Daphne's eyes widened. "That's brilliant! Most wizards don't trust goblins that much, and those that do usually can't afford a goblin lawyer. But they loathe the Ministry and love frustrating those in power in the wizarding world. That would definitely include the chief warlock of the Wizengamot."

"It looks like we have a plan," said Ginny.

Daphne nodded then sighed. "I am so sorry for both of you. I know you like each other, so this has to be extra difficult for you."

"If worst comes to worst, I'll just accept the penalties and break the virginity clause when I get older," said Ginny.

"Ginny…" started Harry.

"You aren't responsible for what Dumbledore does," said Ginny, "But my mother is family. I won't have you harming yourself for something a member of my family did. I won't allow it!"

"We can discuss this more when we come to it," said Daphne, "right now let's see if there is another loophole that we can find."

XXXXX

November 25th, 1993

The very next day Harry received another letter in the mail at breakfast. This one was from Molly Weasley. Harry shot Ginny a nervous glance, then opened it.

"Well, your mother is inviting me to stay at the Burrow for Christmas," said Harry.

"But my parents already invited you," reminded Hermione.

"Something I told my mum," said Ginny in what sounded like almost a growl, "and which she seems to have ignored."

"Is something wrong?" asked Hermione, "Surely they'll understand if you say that you have prior plans."

"I have a feeling that it won't be that easy," said Harry, "I suspect that Dumbledore is behind this, or at least in on it."

"Why?" asked Hermione.

Harry exhaled slowly. "Just work on your occlumency Hermione," he said.

Hermione nodded, "Fair enough. Dumbledore has already tried to read one of us once."

"I'll go talk to him," said Harry, "I have an idea. Were we all set for meeting on Boxing Day?"

Everyone nodded. "And that other thing the day after," said Daphne.

"Then maybe I can make everyone happy." said Harry.

Harry walked up to the Headmaster, who was again eating breakfast.

"If I might have a word, Headmaster," he said as he held up Molly Weasley's letter.

Dumbledore smiled, "Of course, Harry," he said kindly.

Dumbledore took him to the room with the portraits again.

"This is an invitation to the Burrow for Christmas," said Harry.

"And you wish to ask my permission to go?" asked Dumbledore.

"Well, yes, sort of," said Harry, "But you see, I have already made arrangements to go to the Grangers."

"Oh, that is a difficulty," said Dumbledore, "But didn't you go to the Grangers last year?"

"I did, and I would like to spend Christmas there again," said Harry, "Don't get me wrong, I love the Weasleys, they've been very good to me, but Hermione and her parents are the closest thing I have to a family."

Dumbledore looked troubled.

"Still, I don't want to snub Molly Weasley entirely!" said Harry, "So I thought I would go home with the Grangers, spend Christmas with them, then on Boxing day my friends and I were planning on meeting at Hermione's anyway. I'd just go to the Burrow with Ginny then and spend the New Year at the Burrow."

Dumbledore's face brightened, "That does sound like a good plan, Harry, you have my permission to do so."

Harry clapped happily and went back to his friends.

"I'll spend Christmas with the Grangers and New years with the Weasleys," said Harry, "But before I suggested that compromise, he was definitely trying to push me towards the Weasleys."

Ginny's face went dark. Daphne's remained blank.

"This is weird," said Hermione, "Why would Dumbledore care about this?"

"Why indeed," said Harry. Hermione looked at him sharply. "I know what he's trying to do Hermione, but I have no fucking clue as to why."

"Language, Harry," Hermione said absently.

XXXXX

December 18th, 1993

Harry stepped off of the Hogwarts Express with a mischievous smile on his face. Bryant Greengrass really should have talked to him before he voted on the Dementor bill, and while Harry did understand that he had been thinking of Harry's best interests when he had, Harry was going to make him pay for that, if only in the currency of mild annoyance.

Sure enough when Bryant Greengrass saw him his face was shocked. What Harry hadn't expected was that Amelia Bones would be there was well. Harry considered his options here. A chance to talk to Bones without Fudge being present sounded great, but Platform 9 was a bit public for a conversation where he accused the Minister for Magic of breaking the law.

Bones and Greengrass both converged on Harry.

"What are you doing here Harry?" asked Bryant.

"Spending Christmas with Hermione," said Harry, "Dumbledore gave his permission."

"What on Earth is Albus thinking?" asked Amelia.

"I suggest you ask him," said Harry.

Daphne and Susan Bones had both walked up behind Amelia and Bryant. Susan was about to say something, but Harry just shook his head and she shut her mouth. Both Amelia and Bryant suddenly Disapparated. Philomena Greengrass ran up behind her daughter.

"Where did they go?" she asked.

"Hogsmeade," said Harry.

"We could have explained what happened, Harry," said Susan.

"Yeah, but then Mr. Greengrass wouldn't have to run all the way to Hogwarts and back," said Harry, "He owes me that much for voting for a bill that sicced dementors on the school."

"He'll have to go by the dementors, won't he?" asked Hermione who had just caught up with Harry.

Harry's heart fell, "I didn't think about that," he admitted.

"Well we just had to pass the dementors, so Daddy can too," said Daphne.

Harry nodded.

"Harry, Hermione!" shouted Robert and Helen as they waved them down.

"See you on Boxing Day!" said Harry to Daphne.

XXXXX

Harry dragged his trunk into the Granger home. Hermione had fallen asleep on his shoulder again on the car ride home, which Helen still seemed to think was cute. He deposited his trunk in the guest room, but he was surprised when Helen dragged Hermione into his room moments later.

"There isn't going to be any sneaking around at night from the two of you while Harry is here, is there?" Helen demanded.

"Oh, I haven't needed help from Harry like that for ages," said Hermione, "You, uh, were right, so we stopped doing it."

"We're not going to do anything inappropriate," said Harry.

"Glad to hear it," said Helen, "I'm glad that the two of you listened to me."

Helen made as if to leave, then stopped, a small smile appearing on her face. "That all being said, if you were to fall asleep together somewhere public, by accident…"

"Like in front of the fire?" asked Hermione.

"We will be making a fire one of these days," said Helen as she walked out of the room.

"She likes you," said Hermione.

"Good to know," said Harry.

XXXXX

Daphne was waiting when her father got home. It was quite late.

Bryant didn't seem to notice her at first, then started when he saw her. "You scared me!" he said breathlessly, "You didn't have to wait up," he said.

"You took a while to see Dumbledore," said Daphne.

"I take it you and Susan could have explained this whole mess to us, without necessitating a walk past a horde of dementors?" asked Bryant.

Daphne nodded, "Harry was a little put out about that bill. On a lot of levels."

Bryant grimaced. "He should be, honestly. Teaches me to think I know what's going on, I guess. None of you should ever have been subjected to dementors. And to think they attacked the Quidditch match. Plus, the whole thing with Black being actually innocent..." Bryant shook his head.

"Anyway, I was helping Amelia. She has told all the aurors that she trusts not to tattle to Fudge that Black needs to be brought in alive," said Bryant.

Daphne nodded absently. She had other things on her mind.

"Daddy," said Daphne, "You once told me that marriage contracts were banned. You told me that they were impossible to create anymore."

Bryant's eyes narrowed. "I did, didn't I? Why do I have a feeling that saying that is now going to come back to haunt me?"

"Some people I know, who I will not name, have been forced into a marriage contract," said Daphne angrily.

Bryant sighed sadly. "You have to understand that in many ways the Wizengamot is dedicated to the concept of easy solutions. Even the most bigoted purebloods are, for the most part, opposed to those sorts of contracts. But fixing it doesn't just require us to write a new law. It requires us to modify the magics that sustain magical contracts in Magical Britain. That would require the dedicated work of at least one, probably more, powerful arch witches or wizards with advanced legal degrees. As well as a costly ritual to actually modify the magic. Simply put, it was easier to leave the old laws in place and pretend they didn't exist, writing new laws to supersede them, than to actually change things. This is not a decision that was made in my lifetime, though I daresay it is one that every one of us in the Wizengamot has ignored."

Bryant looked at Daphne, his eyes filled with love, "I would never do that to you. Never."

Daphne nodded. "I know that, though it is nice to hear. But it doesn't help my friends."

"No, it doesn't," said Bryant. "Are they getting legal counsel?"

"I'm going to help them get some the day after Boxing Day," said Daphne, "Obviously I do not require an escort."

Bryant nodded, "I understand. I hope your friends find a way out of it. Would you like me to try to do something in the Wizengamot?"

"Could you do it without alerting everyone that you know about the contract?" asked Daphne, "Would it even work?"

"No," said Bryant, "I see your point. I am so very sorry."

Daphne pursed her lips. "Well, it's a start."

XXXXX

December 26th, 1993

Christmas at the Grangers was a smaller affair than it had been last year. Hermione's family was all out of town, so they'd be doing Christmas with them in a few days when they all got back. As it was, Harry looked forward to spending the whole day with just Hermione and her parents. And he wasn't disappointed. Christmas was a long lazy day for them full of gifts and just enjoying each other's company. Harry and Hermione even managed to successfully pull off falling asleep by the fire together.

Boxing Day was another matter entirely. Daphne, Blaise, Tracey and Ginny all descended on the Granger home. And none of them had ever been in a muggle home before (except Tracey, who had been an infant at the time). The results had been bizarre. All of them had been very impressed by light switches. Blaise had been mystified by television, while Ginny had been convinced that the remote control worked on magic. All in all, the day had gone by quickly, and it was soon time for Harry to leave. Harry went up to the guest room to get his things, only to discover that Hermione had followed him up.

"Have fun at the Weasleys," said Hermione.

"I wish I was staying," said Harry as he hugged her goodbye. Taken by a sudden mood, he kissed her on the lips. A real kiss, not just a peck on the lips.

"Whoa," she said after he finished, "What was that?"

"I just wanted to prove that I really wanted to stay," he said.

"Am I the only girl you've kissed?" asked Hermione.

"I nearly kissed Ginny once, after she had some very bad news," admitted Harry.

"Oh," said Hermione, something dangerous entering her tone.

"I just felt sorry for her," said Harry, "she's had a rough time. I wish… I just wish her mother hadn't tried to force things like this."

Hermione nodded unhappily, "Me too."

Harry grabbed his trunk and began to drag it downstairs. Hedwig squawked anxiously.

"Yeah, girl, I know," said Harry sadly.

XXXXX

"It's so good to see you Harry!" said Molly Weasley. Harry smiled as best as he could. It wasn't hard to hide his reluctance while he was dragging his heavy trunk around.

"You'll be in with Ron," said Molly, "I mean we could put you in Bill and Charlie's old room I suppose…"

"Anywhere is fine Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. Harry wasn't all that enthusiastic about sharing a room with Ron again, but he realized that having his own room might attract a different kind of attention.

As Harry lugged his trunk up the stairs, the twins ran by with a wave. Ron also came down, but he stopped and helped Harry get his trunk up the stairs to Ron's attic. Once they got there Ron turned to Harry.

"Sorry Mum kind of blindsided you with that invitation mate," said Ron, "Ginny and I told her you probably already had plans, but Mum wouldn't hear it."

"Yeah, well I kind of expected something of the sort," said Harry.

"Listen, I know I can be a bit slow on the uptake, but even I can see that she's trying to play matchmaker with you and Ginny," said Ron seriously, "I'm not saying… I mean I don't really know if that's even a thing that is in play."

"I think it's a little premature for me to be dating someone, and it's definitely premature for Ginny," said Harry, "I'm not entirely sure what your mum is up to be perfectly honest."

"Me and Percy feel the same way," said Ron, "The twins, well, it's hard to get them to take anything seriously, but I think they think you and Ginny are cute together."

"We probably are," said Harry, "Listen I like Ginny, but there are a lot of other factors involved there."

"I know, and this isn't a stay away from my sister speech," said Ron, "Just… don't hurt her, please."

"I have been incredibly honest with Ginny about all of this," said Harry, "And I promise I won't lead her on with false hopes. Whatever we end up with, I will always let her know exactly how I feel so that she doesn't get the wrong idea."

Ron smiled. "Good Potter, cause if you do hurt her…" Ron trailed off with a wicked grin on his face.

XXXXX

Hermione sat quietly in her room, moping. She wished she knew why Harry had gone along with this plan to go to the Weasleys, but she knew she had to trust him. She had to admit, the fact that he had almost kissed Ginny was a little unsettling, but she also knew that Ginny was still going through a lot. She very well might require that level of attention and affection. Again, Hermione trusted Harry, but she had to admit that this made her feel uneasy.

Her mother walked in with a worried look on her face. "Everything all right sweetheart?"

Hermione shook her head. "I… I think something might be going on with Harry and Ginny," she said.

Helen smiled at Hermione, "Yes, it is possible," she admitted, "I wouldn't be too worried though."

"Why not?" asked Hermione.

"Because at this age, romantic relationships aren't really romantic relationships," said Helen, "listen, I know that you have a lot of feelings right now. And your insecurities about losing people aren't helping. Everything you feel is so strong, because, well, you're feeling it for the first time. But you don't have the maturity to form that sort of connection, a real romantic connection. That experience only comes from… well experience."

"But if I love him…" started Hermione.

"Oh Hermione," said Helen with a strange smile, "You want to be carried away by your emotions. And that can be wonderful. But here's the thing, emotions are only part of it. It wasn't my emotions that told me your father was the one. One day, I sat next to him, and we worked together to plan how we would make our careers work together. It was a long and difficult conversation. But at the end of it, I knew he was the one, because he wanted to work out the annoying details of everyday life so that we could be together. That's what true love is."

Hermione shook her head. She didn't understand. "Surely my emotions matter," she insisted.

"Of course, they do!" said Helen, "Just don't think that the fact that Harry is interested in other people is bad for you. We all care about lots of people. And maybe, just maybe, at your age you shouldn't be trying to lock things up in a box. At your age do you know what I was doing?"

Hermione shook her head.

Helen laughed, "When I was fourteen, I went on four different dates. All of them were disasters. But I remained friends with all of those boys. I went on to date three people other than your father seriously. Each of those relationships was a failure, but each failure taught me something. Because at your age, a date isn't about love, it's about learning how to have a relationship. I'm not saying that you need to see other people. I'm just saying that at your age being possessive is just going to hurt you."

"So, you think something is going on?" asked Hermione.

Helen sighed. "I really did think you were ready to hear what I just said," she said sadly, "Try to remember what I am saying before you do anything you might regret."

Hermione shook her head. She didn't understand. All she could get from this was that her mother felt that there might indeed be something going on between Harry and Ginny.

December 27th, 1993

Convincing the Weasleys to let Ginny go to Diagon Alley alone with Harry was more difficult than he thought it would be. After all, Harry had lived there alone for weeks. Molly however was very overprotective, and very insistent. Eventually after a brief huddle, Ginny and Harry decided that they would sound out Percy. They trapped him in his room.

"Percy, would you accompany us to Diagon so mum will let us go without her?" asked Ginny sweetly.

"Why don't you want mum to know?" asked Percy.

"If you come with us and agree to keep it a secret, we'll tell you," said Harry.

"It'll make you think less of Mum though," said Ginny sadly.

Percy pondered this for a moment. "Is this one of those opportunities you've mentioned to me Harry?"

"It would be a favor," said Harry, "though I suppose it would make up for trying to stop me from rescuing Ginny."

Percy nodded, "All right then," he said.

With Percy agreeing to go along Molly finally relented.

"What was with her?" asked Harry, "It was like she was worried about something."

"I think she's worried we'll get a bit too fresh with each other," said Ginny, "that contract does have some nasty penalties."

"I think we're a little young for that," said Harry.

"Mum's opinion is probably that there is no such thing as too young for that," said Ginny, "I think she's projecting her own wild youth on us."

"Molly Weasley's wild youth?" asked Harry sceptically.

"Harry," said Ginny in a tone that indicated Harry was trying her patience, "I am her seventh child. Seventh. In the matter of sex, my mother is an expert."

Harry had no response to that.

XXXXX

Harry noted Percy's surprise when Daphne showed up.

"I thought we'd be meeting Hermione," said Percy sheepishly.

"It's what I would rather be doing," said Harry.

"If you weren't so fucked," said Ginny.

"Ginny!" said Percy scandalized.

"Part of the problem is that I can't fuck," quipped Harry.

"Nice one," said Daphne deadpanned.

They soon went into Gringotts. Brokgut was there and immediately ushered them into the offices. Percy looked rather confused.

"Why are we at Gringotts?" he asked.

"We're consulting a lawyer," said Daphne.

"Oh," said Percy, "Are you trying to get Harry and Ginny emancipated or something?"

"Now there's an idea," said Harry.

"I'm afraid that not even a magical court will emancipate a boy as young as you are Mr. Potter," said an unfamiliar voice. An extremely old goblin walked into the room.

"This is Nokbog, one of our best lawyers," said Brokgut, "He is actually old enough that he worked on marriage contracts such as the one you are involved in."

"What!?" shouted Percy.

"Mum and Dumbledore put me and Harry into a marriage contract," said Ginny, "We're seeing what we can do about it."

Nokbog took out a copy of the contract and laid it on the table in the office, then sat down. Harry and the rest followed suit.

"Well this is a very archaic form of the contract, though the language was updated a bit, which has left us some wiggle room, but on the whole this contract is rather disturbing," said Nokbog, "Particularly disturbing was the removal of all ways to invalidate the contract."

"I knew it, I knew someone had cut those parts out of it," said Daphne.

"Indeed, if this contract had been drawn up 300 years ago, it would not be valid, as there were at the time many requirements for such contracts," expanded Nokbog, "Unfortunately, as that body of law has largely been dismantled, the creator of this document was not prevented from removing the pertinent sections."

"Wonderful," said Daphne, "So because they dismantled all the laws about marriage contracts, we have even less protection now. Just wonderful."

Nokbog nodded. "The contract isn't ironclad however," said the goblin.

"Oh?" asked Harry.

"The provisions against divorce that would normally be in such a document were in one of the excised passages," explained Nokbog, "There is no provision that would prevent you from marrying and then immediately divorcing."

Harry and Ginny both breathed a sigh of relief.

"You'd have to consummate the marriage first however," said Nokbog, "Marriage contracts cannot be invalidated by annulments."

"Oh," said Ginny, sounding very unsure, "I don't really want to be forced into that."

"Understandable," said Nokbog, "There is another option then. The language in the virginity clause was originally designed to invalidate the contract without incurring penalties if one party or another were raped."

"I don't think that's an option!" said Percy rather firmly.

"Of course not," agreed Nokbog, "But the language of that passage was updated extensively. But not well. It is now rather vague. If someone not party to the contract were to engage in sexual intercourse with one of you without you explicitly giving them positive permission, the contract could be broken safely. Now that would have to be rather carefully staged…"

"Uuuugh…" said Ginny unhappily, "This feels really weird and wrong."

"Yeah, I agree," said Harry, "We shouldn't have to be dealing with something like this!"

Nokbog bowed his head apologetically. "I am sorry I have been so matter-of-fact. Of course, this must be very upsetting for the both of you. You will need another person to make the arrangements for you, and that person can't be the one who...helps you."

"I think I've already volunteered to be the go-between," said Daphne.

"Good, you seem to understand the legalities quite well," said Nokbog. "I will leave you to discuss matters." The ancient goblin rose and left the room. Brokgut followed him.

"This is why I asked you to not tell Hermione about this," said Daphne, "I was worried it would come to this."

"Wait, you don't think that Hermione…" started Harry.

"We don't have to do this tomorrow Harry," said Daphne, "We have until you turn 17. I think by then Hermione will be, uh, more than interested in helping you."

Harry blushed. Ginny nodded sadly.

"I can't believe mum did this," said Percy.

"You will keep our secret, won't you Percy?" asked Ginny.

Percy nodded. "Of course, Ginny, I never imagined it would be this bad."

"Oh shit," said Daphne, "Does he know Occlumency?"

"A bit," said Percy, "It's a talent that is often recommended for those entering the Ministry, though that is seldom taken seriously by the recruiters."

Harry nodded. "Mind if I test you?"

"How can you without breaking the law?" asked Percy.

"I have a talent for legilimency," said Harry, "I can do it without casting a spell."

Percy was surprised. "That's a rare gift," he said, "I guess it won't hurt for you to try."

Harry took Percy's wrist and looked him in the eye. Percy's Occlumency did shield his mind relatively well. Eventually he pushed through the wall.

Into a rather embarrassing memory of Percy alone in the prefect's baths with Penelope Clearwater.

"Oops," said Harry, "guess I broke through."

"If you could forget you saw that Harry..." said Percy with a bit of a blush.

"What did you see Harry?" asked Ginny excitedly.

"I forget," he said, letting go of Percy's wrist, "your shields are acceptable."

"But you broke through," objected Percy.

"He always breaks through," said Daphne.

"It was a lot less fun using wandless legilimency on you than it was on Hermione," said Harry.

"That's just because you like staring into Hermione's eyes," said Daphne.

Harry wasn't about to object to that.

As they left the room, Brokgut stopped Harry. "I just wanted to tell you that your godfather's will be activated when the Wizengamot passed that law. His holdings are now safely under the control of Gringotts. And you have access. So, you would have full financial freedom, should you need such a thing."

"Thank you Brokgut," said Harry, "make sure he has access. It is his money,"

"We will Harry," said the goblin.

XXXXX

Later that night Harry had a revelation. Ron was a snorer. Which for Harry was a problem. Hermione snored a very little bit, but it was so much quieter than Ron that he thought there might be something wrong with the boy. So, Harry made his way down to the living room and plopped himself down in front of the fire with a blanket. It reminded him of Christmas day when he and Hermione had fallen asleep in front of the fire.

Suddenly he felt someone sit down next to him. It was Ginny, she was wearing thick flannel pajamas.

"You love her, don't you?" she asked.

"Yes, I mean… I don't know if I'm in love with her, but she's basically my family," said Harry, "I guess I'd say that I really, really want to be in love with her."

"That's fair," said Ginny, "You're young enough that it's easy to be confused."

"I was surprised earlier," said Harry, "I thought that you had memories of Tom, well you know. Doing things. Intimate things. You were a lot more upset about things than I thought you'd be."

Ginny shivered. Harry instinctively threw his blanket over her.

"Tom's memories aren't the sort of thing that would give me comfort about that," said Ginny. "He did have sex, but each of his partners was a purely physical thing, other than one girl he was trying to manipulate. Everything about it was calculated and controlling, and it's from a male perspective. I don't see how any woman could have enjoyed what he did to them."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" Harry started to apologize.

"No need," said Ginny, "It was a good question. The truth is that until I actually experience it, I'm going to be a bit nervous."

"That's fine, good even," said Harry.

"Yeah," said Ginny, "Why did this happen Harry? It isn't fair. Do you think I would have had a chance with you if it hadn't?"

"I know you would have," said Harry as he put his arm around her, "Even as things are, you are very special to me."

Ginny rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish we could sit here all night. Despite what's happened, you make me feel safe. I need to feel safe."

"Well, why don't we?" asked Harry.

"If my mum finds out…" said Ginny.

"If your mum gives us trouble, we'll tell everyone what she has done, and to hell with the consequences," said Harry, "I just can't see your dad having agreed to this."

"Agreed," said Ginny.

Harry rested his head on top of Ginny's. They'd deal with it all tomorrow.

XXXXX

December 28th, 1993

Harry awoke to the sound of Arthur Weasley clearing his throat.

Harry suddenly realized that Ginny was still next to him. "Uh, Mr. Weasley!"

"Ron was snoring I take it?" asked Arthur.

Harry nodded, as Ginny opened her eyes.

"Dad, I can explain…" she started, but Arthur held out his hand to stop her.

"I don't think you did anything, if you had you'd certainly be in Ginny's bedroom instead of down here," he said, "But you should get up Ginny, before your mother sees you."

Ginny hastily stood up.

There was a strange knocking at one of the windows. Ginny ran over to the window and an owl flew through, dropping a long package. Ginny looked at the label. "It's for you Harry," she said.

There really was only one thing it could be. Harry opened the package. It was a broom. But not just any broom.

"That's a Firebolt!" said Ginny in sheer awe. "A professional Quidditch broom."

Harry shook his head. He should have guessed that the moment that Sirius had money he'd do something impractical like this. Still it made him smile. His godfather was still out there.

Author's Note: And there is the second big twist of the story. The big problem is, of course, that Harry and Hermione's living situation is now actually potentially dangerous to Harry. And it adds another mystery to what is going on in Slytherin.

As I said before, this isn't my favorite plot device. I think the idea that marriage contracts would be acceptable in the magical world, at least in Britain, a little dubious. So I made it completely unacceptable, but Harry and Ginny are stuck with it anyway. For the moment at least.

Brian1970, I read your comment on Bryant. I think part of your problem is that you are viewing Bryant like a politician, when what he really is, is a Roman patrician. His political, professional, and personal life are all bound together. And his personal philosophy is that his family's success is possible because of pureblood supremacy. Bryant's only concern is the power and status of his family and some of his friends. This is why his defense of his actions rings so hollow, because it is solely based on self-interest rather than any overriding philosophy. He tries to pretend otherwise to Daphne because Daphne finds that line of thought morally repugnant. If Daphne didn't owe Harry a life debt, Bryant wouldn't be helping Harry at all.

Bryant's only redeeming features are that he does care about his daughters, he refuses to support Voldemort (or violence of any sort really), and I guess he's not actively trying to make things worse for Muggleborns. But he doesn't care enough to help Muggleborns, just like he never cared enough to ban marriage contracts.