AN: 1. English isn´t my mother tongue, so please expect some mistakes.
2. This is my first story ever, so please leave comments. I appreciate fair comments.
3. I don´t own Harry Potter or anything in the Wizarding World. I merely play in its sandpit.
Chapter III
Minerva McGonagall was currently lounging in the drawing room of Potter Manor. The last time, she´d been here was over ten years in the past. Then she´d regularly visited her old friend Dorea Potter. That had stopped, after James and Lily died. Why? She wasn´t sure.
Minerva´s musings were interrupted by said Dorea. ''Minerva, once again: it is nice, to see you after such a long time.''
The two of them had been friends, ever since their first year at Hogwarts. They´d met on the Hogwarts Express and had become fast friends. Even though Minerva was sorted into Gryffindor and Dorea, like her whole family, into Slytherin, they never once lost their friendship. After James was born, Minerva had been one of the first to visit. And although she would never admit it to anybody, James had been like a son to her. She´d been devastated, when Albus told her of James and Lily´s death.
''Well, it´s good to see you, too. I only now had to ask myself, why we stopped visiting.'', the Transfiguration mistress replied. ''I have to admit, that I was surprised, to receive your owl.''
''That is partly my fault, I imagine. With all the chaos and the fresh wounds, James´ and Lily´s murder had caused, I didn´t come around, to write to you until about a year later. I never received a reply, though.'', Dorea explained.
''Are you sure?'', Minerva asked, taken aback. ''I clearly remember attending the funeral, after you were back home, and talking to you there. Then, Albus told me, it would be unwise, to bother you while the loss was so fresh.'' She paused thoughtfully. ''I remember, telling him, that I didn´t agree and that it was my decision. Then… Then I remember being convinced, it only would make you miserable, if you´d see me.''
Minerva gasped. ''You don´t think…? No he wouldn´t… Would he?'', she asked uncertain.
''It adds up.'', Dorea replied. ''Dumbledore must have intercepted your owls for the next year or two.''
''Why would he do that? He learned his lesson. He said, he did, what he thought was best and regretted it.''
Dorea snorted. ''You don´t really believe that, do you?'', she paused. ''Albus Dumbledore has taken an interest in either my grandson, my family or both. Why else would he move heaven and earth, to force Harry, to attend Hogwarts?''
''If that is true, then who knows, what he intends to do, when young Hadrian is at the castle.''
''That´s why Harry needs all the help, he can get.''
''I´ll do, what I can. I will be there for your grandson.'', Minerva McGonagall swore and Dorea nodded solemnly.
After a few moments of silence, Minerva spoke up again. ''Please tell me about Hadrian. I´m eager to meet him.'', she had a glee in her eyes, that hadn´t been there before.
''Oh, you´ll like him. He´s extremely gifted in nearly every magical branche, but the most, he loves Transfiguration.''
[++++++++++]
While the two old friends were discussing him, Harry and his grandfather strolled through Diagon Alley., each with an ice cream cone from Fortescue´s in hand. They both wore glamour charms, as none of both wanted, to be recognized. Harry hadn´t been publicly seen in nearly ten years and Charlus didn´t want, to give him away with his presence.
Harry´s school supplies were in his pocket. He´d shrunken them down immediately, not wanting to carry large bags. They figured, it would be conspicuous, if they would not get him a wand from Ollivander´s. Nobody needed to know, that Harry used a wand, since he was seven. Mr. Ollivader had sold him a wand out of holly and phoenix feather and had made some rather odd comments about the pairing. Not that they minded, Harry would mostly use his custom made wand, even though, it was good, to have a backup. Just in case. So Harry a not-noticeable holster on his arm. He would enchant it, to be able, to select, which wand would come forth. Carrying two wands was not quite legal, but he didn´t care. The advantages were worth it.
Their last stop had been Eeylops Owl Emporium, where they had bought an owl, as Harry could use one, while at Hogwarts. The beautiful snowy owl, Harry had named Hedwig, was currently on her way, to deliver a box of chocolate and a short note to his little sister Liz. They didn´t want, to bring the poor thing to their meeting at Gringotts.
Arriving at the stairs to the goblin bank, they finished their treats.
''Remember: the Potters always had a good relationship to the goblins. Be respectful, don´t dawdle and I´m sure, we´ll all be good friends.'' Charlus smirked.
Pushing open the old oaken doors to the wizarding bank, Lord and Heir Potter entered the building. In there it was much cooler, than outside, so Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He´d been sweating like after a three-hour quidditch game.
While he was wiping his brow, his grandfather approached one of the tellers. ''Greetings, teller. I have an appointment with my account manager Grimbold. Could you have us led to his office?''
After the goblin´s standard frown was replaced by a more neutral look, he replied. ''Certainly. Follow young Bargnak here, please.'' As on cue, a much younger-looking goblin stepped around the counter and walked towards a set of doors, which led to a long corridor. The three of them passed a few doors and finally stopped in front of one. Bargnak knocked and opened the door, so that Harry and Charlus could step through. The door closed behind them.
''Ah, Lord Potter! It´s good, you are here.'', they were greeted by Grimbold, the Potter account manager. ''And who´s the young man with you? Is it by chance your Heir?'', the old goblin continued.
''Grimbold, it´s good, to see you too.'', Charlus replied. ''Yes, it is. Please meet Hadrian, the future Lord Potter. Harry, this is Grimbold. He´s been our account manager for the last 80 years, I believe.''
''78, Charlus. All thanks to your father. But let´s not dwell on the past. Time is money, after all.''
The two Potters sat and the old goblin continued. ''It is a lucky coincidence, you brought your heir today, Charlus, as it is Hadrian, we need to discuss.''
Lord Potter´s eyes widened and Harry spoke up for the first time. ''Me? But I have yet to start dealing with finances and such. I don´t believe I already had to do with anyone outside my family.''
''I assure you, this matter has nothing to do with finances. At least not directly. Furthermore, you are right: nobody has been approaching Gringotts because of you in the last ten years or so. Not since your grandfather opened your trust vault.'', Grimbold told them, turning to Harry.
After he received no respond, the goblin spoke again. ''You turned eleven recently, I believe?''
Harry nodded confused, but his grandfather´s face darkened, beginning to understand.
''Well, it´s a happy occasion, I think.'', their account manager grinned apologetically. ''Turns out, there is a betrothal contract, you are regarded by. It was drawn up, before your birth and is iron-clad.''
As Harry was in stupor, Charlus blinked rapidly for a few seconds. ''That can´t be. James and Lily would never do that.'', Lord Potter mumbled. ''Iron clad, you say?''
''Yes, there´s nothing, we can do.'', Grimbold confirmed. ''But you don´t understand. Neither James, nor Lily Potter did create this contract. It´s over 300 years old, you see.''
''300 years? Why does it concern Harry?'', Lord Potter asked.
''I understand, it doesn´t concern your heir specifically, as it is a rather, er…, uncommon contract. It is supposed to prevent the Potter line from extinction.'', the goblin explained. ''With your wife being too old, to bear more children, if I am allowed to be bold, and the ideas of divorce and polygamy being frowned upon, 300 years ago, two of the criterias, for the contract to be activated are given in your situation.'' After a rather dramatic pause, he continued. ''So, since your son´s unfortunate passing, there is only one potential person left, to continue the line.'', both looked at Harry. ''With that, the last criteria is fulfilled and the contract activated shortly after Hadrian´s recent birthday. I was informed the day after.''
Charlus snorted. ''I always thought, all the Potters had a good sense of humour. Seems, I was wrong.''
After composing himself, Harry spoke up, ignoring his grandfather. ''Well, who is it, I am betrothed to?'', he asked, holding his breath.
Grimbold cleared his throat. ''When I said, it was an uncommon contract, I not only meant, its preconditions. The second party has yet to be determined. You see, it gives you the pleasure, to find someone by yourself. The contract states, that it has to be completed, means signed by the second party, not later, than your 12th birthday. The marriage has to take place not after your 18th birthday and the first child has to be born not after the bride´s 22nd''
''Joy…'', Harry and Charlus mumbled simultaneously.
''Oh and one last thing, before you start your search: It has to be a pureblood witch, not more than one year younger or older, than Hadrian.'', Grimbold said. ''I think, the late Lord William Potter didn´t approve halfbloods or muggleborns in his lineage.''
[++++++++++]
''He said what?!'', Daphne exclaimed.
The heiress of House Greengrass was sitting in her father´s study. She was a very pretty girl, which would grow into a beautiful woman, beautiful as her mother was. Daphne had long, honey-coloured, wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. Those eyes were currently staring at Lord Greengrass in utter disbelief.
Lucius Malfoy. Oh how she hated the Malfoys. They had been stressing her father for over a year now. Lucius and his brat of a son wanted something from them. Both.
It was bad enough, that she had to bear Draco´s presence during the balls, pureblood families would hold over the year. He constantly would woo her. First she thought, it only was because his father told him to, but she wasn´t entirely sure anymore. Draco gave her the creeps and he only was eleven.
The Malfoy heir wanted, to trap her in a betrothal contract. His father wanted the same, for a different reason, though. The Greengrass women were known for her beauty ever since and Draco wanted his trophy wife. She shuddered at the imagination, how this marriage would be. It didn´t help the case, that her mother was a gorgeous woman, too. One more reason for Draco.
Lucius wanted her to marry his son, because he was very interested in one of the Greengrass businesses. They owned various companies, that produced potions and had a hand in trading ingredients. Lord Malfoy wanted, to expand in those branches.
Cyrus Greengrass had managed, to hold Lucius at bay, by telling him, she´d already be betrothed. It had worked for about six months. Now, though, they had a problem.
''He said, he wants to see your contract and implied, if we are lying or they don´t get, what they want, they´d have to use other ways, rather than asking nicely.'', her father replied, looking uncomfortable.
''Let me get this straight.'', she said, rubbing her temples. ''Lucius basically told you, to give them your daughter as a better slave, together with a main part of our business, or he will use his influence over Fudge, to make your life hell. Politically and economically. Am I close?'' She knew, she was. Daphne was very intelligent, she´d been learning from her father, since she was eight years old. Already had she plans for her life after school, goals, she wanted to achieve. Being a trophy wife at best and a slave to her husband at worst, didn´t quite count to them.
''Pretty much, yes.'', Cyrus confirmed. ''I might be able, to keep him waiting for one term or two. We´d have to be able, to present a contract, not newer, than last year.'', he mused.'' And we´d need political and financial backing.''
''So it´s more or less impossible, to escape it.'', she concluded.
''Right you are.''
''Well. Fuck.'', she breathed, her head in her hands.
A small, desperate smile tugged on her father´s lips. ''Yes. Fuck.''
[++++++++++]
When stepping through the floo, into their home, Lord and Heir Potter were greeted, by hearty laughter.
''Seems, at least someone has fun.'', Charlus said grumpily.
They were approached by Willy, who took the purchases and went, to store them. Harry summoned Polly, who set up a porch for Hedwig, to be able to sleep comfortably, after she´d return. With that done, he entered the drawing room, to greet Dorea and her friend. Charlus had quickly escaped, not interested in girl talk, how he put it.
''Oh! Hello Harry dear. Please meet my good friend Minerva McGonagall. She´s the Transfiguration Mistress at Hogwarts and one of the most capable witches in Great Britain.'' Turning to her friend, she continued. ''Minerva, meet my grandson Harry.''
''Hello, Ma´am. It´s nice, to meet you.'', Harry greeted with a smile.
''Hush. Nothing of that Ma´am business. You can call me Minerva outside of classes. Had fate played differently, you might would call me a honorary grandmother. I was your father´s godmother, you have to know.''
His eyes lit up, intrigued. ''Then please call me Harry. Hadrian is only for people I don´t like.'', He smirked. ''If you one day find time, to share a story or two about my parents at school over a cup of tea, I´d be very happy, to attend.'', he added eagerly.
Minerva laughed. ''That we certainly can arrange.'', the Deputy Headmistress replied. ''Now, your grandmother tells me, you are a prodigy in Transfiguration?''
''Well, I enjoy it very much. That helps with learning.'', Harry told her.
Minerva raised an amused eyebrow. ''If I were tired of this nice loveseat, I´m currently sitting in, would you be able to turn it into an armchair for me?, she asked, standing after she finished speaking.
He didn´t reply, but flicked his ebony wand in his hand an waved it without saying a word.
McGonagall´s eyes widened briefly, before she nodded. ''It seems, your grandmother was right. That´s a fourth year spell, done silently. You don't learn that until sixth year. I´m very impressed.'', she paused, to take a closer look. ''And those details, the small carvings. Excellent work, Harry.''
He blushed at the praise. ''Thank you, Minerva.''
''Well, we´ll have to let you do some independent studying plus your regular learning. Especially, if your grandmother is right and you are as gifted in the other branches, as she claims you to be.''
Harry smiled, eager, to learn and become better. ''I´d like that very much, thank you.''
''You know, normally I´d let you skip the first two years, but after what I learned today, I´m sure, Albus would never allow it. We´ll have to keep appearances normal and keep your independent studying under the Headmaster´s radar. I might be able, to secure the help of one or two colleagues.'', she mused aloud, nodding.
Harry was now grinning from ear to ear.
''We might even be able, to let you do your OWLs and NEWTs early, if we manage, to keep Albus from interfering, but let´s wait, what the future holds.'', she concluded.
The Potter Heir at first didn´t quite know, what to say. He didn´t expect help from anyone outside the family.
''Thank you, Minerva. I´ll try hard, to become the best, I can become. I appreciate your help.''
[++++++++++]
Later, at dinner, after she´d told her husband about Minerva and the help she´d promised, Dorea wanted to find out about the men´s day.
''So, how did your visit to Diagon Alley go?'', she asked between a forkful of rice and a sip of pinot grigio. Tobby had outdone himself with the meal. They had beef with rice and fresh cep in cream sauce. Dorea and Charlus had wine of their wine yard in Sicily. Lord Potter had made sure, to always have some of it in stock at Potter Manor. Harry simply went with water. He detested pumpkin juice.
''Well.'', Charlus began. ''We got all the required supplies and got some additional stuff.'' He chewed on a piece of meat. ''What else? Oh, Harry now has a second wand. We didn´t want anyone to know, he already has one, so we got him another at Ollivander´s. You already saw lovely Hedwig.'', he continued, frowning lightly. ''Right. And we had a cone of ice each.'', Lord Potter grinned, as his wife rolled her eyes.
She looked at her grandson, worried. After a moment, she said: ''Just don´t get caught with two wands. We don't need more problems.'' Harry grinned, but nodded nonetheless.
''How was your meeting at Gringotts? What did they want?. Dorea asked her husband.
Charlus accidentally bit his tongue and grimaced.
''Well?'', she pressed.
He took his time with chewing and swallowing. After a sip of wine, he began, looking increasingly uncomfortable.
''You see, there is this contract.'', he began.
It was about fifteen minutes later, that the thestrals were startled by a yell from Dorea. Harry could not recall, hearing his grandmother swear before.
[++++++++++]
Tracey Davis was speechless, what didn´t happen often. She´d only now finished listening to her best friend´s tale, about how, said friend´s life was about to turn into hell.
In most things, she was the exact opposite of the Greengrass Heiress. Tracey was brunette, with dark-brown eyes and shoulder-long, straight hair. She had a loose tongue dirty humour and never failed, to shoot some inappropriate comments.
She and Daphne were huddled on her bed, like it was their habit, when discussing something. They had been best friends ever since they were only toddlers. This time, Daphne was desperate. Never had Tracey seen her as beside herself, as she was right now.
''Well.'', she began, trying, to improve the mood. ''At least you won´t have to deal with annoying suitors and limitless wooing, like I will have to.''
''Oh how very funny.'', came the sarcastic reply. ''If your future was on stake, you wouldn´t laugh. You know very well, that I had plans and didn´t want to be paraded around like some trophy.'', Daphne sniffed. ''And now, that´s the best outcome there is. To be a puppet, only good enough, to impress some idiots and pop out children.'' By now, she was crying. ''And…and I don´t even want to think of the other possible outcomes.``, Daphne added between her sobs.
Tracey was taken aback. Normally, there was nothing, that could shake her friend. Daphne always was in control of her feelings, approaching problems in a sober way.
She hugged her friend tightly. ''Shhhh.'', Tracey soothed. ''Where is my friend, with whom everything seems possible, hmm?''
After some time, the sobs had died down. ''Your father will find a way out of this mess. We will find a way.'', she promised.
[++++++++++]
Later that summer, Draco Malfoy found himself watching his father´s peacocks. He adored those creatures, as he thought them majestic and proud. Much like himself. While he watched one of them courting another, he thought of his future bride. His father had assured him, it only was a matter of time, before he as good as owned the Greengrass girl. Oh, how the other purebloods would envy him, as he´d have one of the most beautiful girls in Wizarding Britain. She´d come with money and power. And even, if she´d be unruly, he´d get her pregnant and could spend his time with any other woman, much like his father did. He was a Malfoy, after all.
Yes, they were bluffing and would never be able, to produce the contract , the insisted, they had. Sooner or later, the Greengrasses would have to obey. His father had promised and Draco always got, what he wanted.
Yes, one day or another. After his first year at Hogwarts, at the latest, Daphne Greengrass would be his. Life was good for the Malfoy Heir.
[++++++++++]
It was September 1st, shortly after 10 am. Harry stood on Platform nine and three quarters at King´s Cross Station. He´d wanted to arrive early, to avoid as many people, as possible. With him where his grandparents and his honorary grandfather Arcturus.
They currently were waiting for the Blacks and Susan to arrive. Harry got increasingly nervous, as couldn't wait, to lock himself in a compartment and secure his peace.
''Remember.'', Arcturus said, looking serious. ''If the old goat tries something or even speaks to you of something else, than matters concerning school, you instantly write to myself and your grandfather Charlus. We´ll kick his wrinkled ass.''
Harry had to grin, as had Charlus, who nodded. Dorea only rolled her eyes, like it was her habit, when dealing with her brothers choice of words. This time, though, she had to agree.
Before anything else could be said, one of the floos roared to life and one after one, Sirius, Susan, Liz and Amelia stepped through. Edgar, again, was being watched by his great-grandmother.
''Harry!'', Liz screamed. ''Do you have to go?'', she asked, after throwing herself in his arms. ''I will miss you soooo much.''
He chuckled. ''I know, princess. I will miss you, too.'' As Harry received a sad smile, he continued. ''I will write every few days, I promise. And you will have, to tell me all the news from your home, as your father will be too lazy.'', he smirked.
''Hey!'', Sirius exclaimed. ''Not fair. To keep those looks, you need a lot beauty sleep.''
''Then, you might try without from now on.'', Harry said under his breath, dodging a swat to the back of his head.
After rather emotional goodbyes Harry and Susan boarded the train. Although not before a big hug, Dorea received from her grandson, that put a smile on her face, which didn´t leave the whole day.
On the train, Harry and Susan quickly parted, as Susan wanted, to wait for Hannah Abbott and Harry claimed a compartment. Inside, he locked the door with a high power locking spell and charmed it, to be see through from his side, but not from the other. Being able, to observe was important, after all.
Satisfied, he sat next to the window and started to read a book about Battle Transfiguration, Minerva had recommended.