AN: Well, here's another chapter! I had a lot of fun writing this one and I can only hope that you also have fun reading this. This one involves a lot of dialogue and goes into more detail about Harry's plans involving Molly and Ginny. The two certainly won't be happy in the upcoming chapters.
"I'm not familiar with all the wizarding laws," Harry began about a week later, chewing on his bottom lip in thought. "But I assume there is some sort of punishment for drugging someone with a love potion?" He asked, his mind racing with all sorts of ideas.
"That depends on the person charging them. Most cases involve suing or dishonoring the person convicted. There have been instances where they were sent to Azkaban for the crime." Severus watched as Harry chewed on his bottom lip, letting his gaze linger. "Family names can also play a factor,"
"I figured. It's an easy way to get into their vaults," Harry admitted, humming. "Or even their seats, for that matter. Politics would also play an important role." He was still lost in thought, unsure of what to do.
"Do you have something in mind so far?" Severus asked, knowing that the younger was struggling.
"I know that Azkaban is out of the question. As much as I hate her, I wouldn't wish that place on anyone." Harry informed, taking a breath. "It's a hard situation, honestly. My best bet would be to disgrace her. They don't have enough money for me to sue them, or even fine them. Even then, I don't want to completely shame their family. Fred and George are still Weasleys and I don't want to risk them being affected by this,"
"That's not the only thing bothering you," Severus pointed out, knowing the younger wizard well enough to sense there was something else going on.
"If I do end up filing something, I want Arthur to know in advance. I feel bad for him." Harry admitted, sighing. "He's a great wizard in a horrible situation. It's not his fault that his wife is an overbearing winch. His name already has a bad reputation and I don't want to make it worse,"
"You must have something else in mind, then," Severus stated. If anything, Harry always had ideas and plans running through his head-even if they could become complicated. As expected, the Gryffindor nodded.
"I suppose I do, but it's gonna require a visit to the ministry," At Severus' expression, Harry continued. "If I try to send a letter, Molly will open it. Sure, I can place all the privacy charms I know on it, but I still don't want to risk it. Besides, I don't think Arthur would believe it without further evidence. Something of this caliber requires a face-to-face meeting,"
"What are you hoping to gain from the meeting? There must be something else," He saw the spark in Harry's eyes, which meant he was up to something. Harry hummed, licking his lips.
"Do you remember what I was planning on doing with Grimmauld place?" Taken aback by the question, the potions' master nodded.
"As I recall, you mentioned taking it back around Yule?" Harry nodded, smirking.
"As I said, Arthur is a great man. He's not going to like what I'm about to tell him soon, which leads to disowning," Severus felt his lips turn upwards as the younger kept speaking. "Which also leads to Molly being kicked out the Burrow-and since Arthur isn't too keen on the Order these days, it means that Dumbledore will have nowhere to go, besides his brother's inn,"
"Thus, limiting his options further," Severus surmises, a proud smirk quickly forming. Harry nods at that, thinking.
"That'll depend if Arthur decides to disown Ginny and divorce Molly-he might allow her to stay in the house since she doesn't have much else to go. It's not like she works or has a stable source of income that isn't from him,"
"A fair point," Severus agreed, thinking back to Arthur's character. He was a Gryffindor with many Hufflepuff characteristics, which would either help their cause or put a small obstacle in their way. "When do you plan on telling him?"
"I don't know," Harry sheepishly mumbled, chuckling. "I'm worried that if I tell him to soon, it'll give her time to easily re-locate somewhere, but I don't want to leave Arthur to deal with her for too long. There's no telling what she's also been doing to him." He needed to make a decision, and quick. This was about more than simply bringing Dumbledore down now. "I'll probably do early Sunday morning. I don't want him to be around Molly any longer than he has to."
Thankfully, Severus had taught him a useful stasis spell that would enable him to use his food as evidence against Ginny. The last thing he had was the inheritance test-which showed the despicable marriage contract that Molly and Dumbledore had created.
"Do you think Gringotts would still have the original copy of the marriage contract? I know that it's null and void now, but I'm not sure how they file or store their documents."
"They should still have it," Severus informed, crossing out something in red pen. "Goblins are clever creatures and often keep hold of incriminating evidence unless told to destroy it." Harry considered the new information and nodded.
"Make sense to me," He agreed. Despite being close to some of the Goblins, he didn't know everything about their practices. "If I can get a hold of the original contract and look for myself what it would have entailed, I can also show Arthur." He paused for a moment, biting his lips. Hearing the pause, Snape looked up and rose an eyebrow.
"Yes?" It seemed to snap him out of his thoughts and Harry shook his head.
"Sorry. I was just hit with the thought of Arthur under the influence of a long-term love potion. I don't know if he is, but I wouldn't put it past her to dose him with it. I can try to convince him to get a scan done, just in case," Harry added but paused again. "It gives me a new idea for a spell, actually," He muttered mostly to himself, quickly jolting something down on a piece of paper in his journal.
"What do you have in mind?" Severus was intrigued as he watched the younger wizard start jotting down more things.
"A spell that can indicate if someone is under the influence of Amortentia specifically," Harry replied softly, tapping his pencil against his paper. "Not everyone is lucky enough to have protective lordship rings." He mumbled with a frown. "This way it gives everyone a fighting chance," Truthfully, he was disgusted at love potions. He was able to convince the twins to stop selling them at their stores, which he was thankful for. "Or maybe a spell to protect people from most potions-the ones that limit your free will at least," Again, Harry started jotting more things down, some of which started to take an interesting form.
"Are you writing in parselscript?" Severus inquired as strange letters soon appeared on the paper. He had seen it a few times around the Dark Lord, but there was something in the way Harry wrote it that immediately caught his attention.
"I find that it helps me when I'm creating a new spell. I start the spell off with Parselmagic first sometimes, then translate it into either Latin or Greek," Severus wasn't too surprised at that, seeing as how most of the Gryffindors spell were either Latin or Ancient Greek.
"When did you discover your Parselmagic?" Harry smiled at the question and hummed.
"Honestly, it's hard to say. I had no idea I was a Parselmouth until my second year. Before I came to Hogwarts, I would occasionally talk to the snakes in Petunia's garden when I was doing chores. I had no idea that I was slipping from English to Parseltongue." He shrugged. "It happens with magic sometimes," He tried to explain. "Sometimes I would slip into the language without even realizing it. Hermione and the twins were the ones who brought it to my attention in my fourth year during the Tri-Wizard tournament."
"I see," Severus hummed, filing that information away. "It took the Dark Lord years to perfect his Paselmagic. He would be impressed that you've managed to do it so quickly," Harry flushed at the covert praise, biting his lips.
"It's not much. I like to think I got practice thanks to my relatives. I might've been called a freak for talking to snakes when I was a kid, but it was someone to talk to at least," He missed the twitch of Snape's features at the mention of the word freak but carried on. "I just had a lot of experience from a young age, which I didn't realize until later."
"It's still quite impressive." Severus complimented, going back to crossing the parchment in red ink. "You're a talented wizard, already years beyond your peers," Harry felt his heart flutter at the words, face burning at the compliment.
"When it comes to spell-creation, I learned from the best," Harry mumbled. Since Snape was looking down at the parchment, it hid the slight flush that had formed. "Most of my confidence is thanks to you, Severus. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had the courage to show my abilities." It was true that he had learned all sorts of things and had a lot of power, but Severus was the one to break him from that shell. It might not have been him directly, but the book had still given him a boost in confidence.
"I'm glad my book helped you." Severus' voice was soft as he spoke, a hint of a prideful smirk on his face. "If only Mister Fletchley could use that book to improve his potion marks," Severus said sardonically, earning a laugh from Harry.
"I think he needs more help than that, Severus. Merlin, that was so embarrassing last week," Harry shook his head, feeling slightly bad for Justin, who was avoiding him and Hermione like the plague. That was not the way the Hufflepuff wanted to confess to him, but that was how it happened. Painfully awkward. "He's still embarrassed by the whole thing. Won't even come up to me or Hermione."
"Perhaps he's waiting on you," Severus suggested, earning a confused look from the Gryffindor.
"Waiting for me? Why would he be waiting on-" Realization hit him, and Harry groaned, nearly hiding his face into his notebook. "He's waiting on me to either return his feelings or reject him," Harry breathed out, causing Severus to snort.
"I'm surprised it took you so long to realize," Harry shrugged.
"I hate saying it like this, but Justin doesn't fall into the group of important people in my life. I care about him of course, but he's not as important to me like you or Hermione and the twins," Harry rambled on, focusing back on his journal full of spell creation notes and not realizing his confession.
Severus had sucked in a silent breath at the admission, his dark gaze lingering on the younger wizard for a moment.
"There are very few people who fall into that category, but you've also managed to land into that group," Severus mumbled, his voice deep and rich, sending shivers down Harry's spine. The Gryffindor flushed darkly as he realized what Severus had said, his heart skipping a beat.
That night, Harry couldn't stop smiling.
When Sunday finally rolled around, Harry woke up around five and immediately made his way outside with his broom. It always helped him clear his head, and now was no different as he began to soar through the air, doing an occasional loop that would have made Hermione scold him for if she had been watching. The air was becoming crisper as each day passed, the cold wind biting his nose as he flew around.
He eventually stopped after about an hour and a half, hovering in the air as he watched the sunrise over Hogwarts, the light chasing away the darkness. Sighing, he got off his broom and made his way to the common room, knowing it was about time to do what needed to be done.
By the time he returned, Hermione was already awake and perched on a chair with her nose in a new book. Harry smiled at the sight as he cleared his throat.
"Harry! Good morning," Hermione tore her attention away from the book, placing it on the desk beside her. "I knew you were going to be getting up early, but I had no idea you meant that early," She teased her friend, earning a small chuckle from him.
"I figured I should get some flying in before I go to Gringotts. You know how it helps me," Hermione nodded in agreement, knowing what he was referring to.
"You'll inform me of any issues, right?" She questioned, worry evident in her eyes. Harry smiled more at that and nodded.
"Of course I will," He promised, not telling her that Severus had requested the same from him the previous night. "I doubt I'll experience too many problems, but it's something I can't put off any longer." He spoke earnestly, resolute as he spoke. Gathering his cloak and placing the evidence he needed into a bag, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze before he left.
As soon as he walked off the grounds of Hogwarts, he apparated outside of Gringotts and sighed, walking in quickly.
Griphook had been waiting on Harry to arrive and soon flashed him a toothy smile, his hands clasped together.
"Good morning, Mister Potter. I already have the file you requested. Would you like to read it here, or would you prefer to take it with you?" Harry paused and thought about it.
"I'll take it with me if it's not too much trouble."
"As you wish," The Goblin snapped his fingers and a folder soon levitated over to Harry, who graciously accepted it. "Will there be anything else you require?"
"No, not today," Harry smiled kindly at him, eyes lighting up. "Oh! Before I forget," He reached into his bag and handed over two golden pins. "A wedding present for your son and his partner. It keeps slipping my mind," Griphook shakily took the offering and swallowed hard. Humans rarely bothered to thank them for their work, let alone give them any sort of gift.
"Thank you, Mister Potter. My family will forever know your kindness," Griphook bowed as Harry walked away.
"I see why the elves care for Harry Potter now," Rekin spoke up, having watched the entire scene. "He is truly a kind human,"
"Yes. One of the few." Griphook nodded in agreement as the Goblins watched in awe as Harry left.
"Mr. Weasley? You have a visitor." Looking up from his stack of paperwork, Arthur flashed her a bright smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Nikols. Please, send them in." Expecting to see someone from a lower level or even his wife, he was in for a shock when Harry came forth.
"Harry!" Arthur exclaimed, immediately getting up and pulling the younger wizard into a crushing hug. "I've been worried sick about you, son. Where on Earth have you been?" Feeling guilty about keeping Arthur in the dark, he pulled away to take a seat.
"Is it okay if we talk, sir? I have a lot I need to discuss with you, and it's not going to be pleasant." Becoming alarmed, the elder Weasley nodded and took a seat at his desk.
"Harry? What's happened?" Grimacing, Harry ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply as he tried to think of a way to start.
"Too much," He joked bitterly. "The main reason why I'm here is to warn you."
"Warn me? Is this something to do with Voldemort?" Harry nearly laughed and shook his head.
"If only. That would be easier to deal with," Paling at that, the redhead leveled Harry with a look. "How do you feel about marriage contracts, sir?" Confused, Arthur made a face.
"Those things are disgusting. I've no idea why some of these purebloods still insist on using them to ensure blood purity. It completely takes away the free will of a witch and wizard."
"Then we're on the same page. Imagine my surprise when I found out your wife and the headmaster created one between me and Ginny," The silence was deafening as Arthur's jaw went slack, a disbelieving expression on his face.
"I beg your pardon?"
"That was my reaction, too. I was at Gringotts claiming my lordships when I was convinced to do an inheritance test. Then low and behold, it mentioned that I was in a contract that I had no idea about." He gets out the paper, which was carefully spelled to make sure Arthur only read the parts he wanted him too, not the bit about being a Horcrux. The man slowly took the paper, his hands shaking as he read it over.
"This…this has to be a joke," He breathed out, looking like he was going to be sick.
"I just went to Gringotts today to get the official copy of the contract, if you'd like to read that. I haven't even read it myself, but I figured it was something we could both do." Arthur watched in dismay as Harry pulled out a folder from his bag, which had the words Potter Marriage Contract written on the top.
"Oh, Merlin!" He covered his mouth as Harry opened the folder and began to read from a passage.
"On the day of November fifteenth, 1981, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Molly Weasley agree to forge a marriage contract between Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley. Albus Dumbledore steps in as "acting" magical guardian for Harry Potter since none of his other guardians are able to at this time.
The two are to be wed when Ginevra Weasley turns seventeen, and with that will get a share in Harry Potter's vaults. She will also be able to claim half of his seats in Wizengamot;" Harry stopped there, thinking Arthur got the picture. "Should I continue?"
"No! No, that's…that's enough," He choked out, one hand gripping his desk so hard that his hand was shaking. "I can't believe my wife would do such a thing! This is disgusting," Arthur looked to be in pain as he said those words, his eyes bright with anguished tears.
Harry gently touched the shaking hand. "I'm sorry, Mr. Weasley-"
"Oh, Harry," Arthur gave him a sad look. "You have nothing to apologize for, son. I'm the one who needs to apologize to you, for what my wife has done. You were always like a son to me, my boy. I'm so….so disgusted at what she was trying to do." Harry looked down and shook his head.
"There's more, Mr. Weasley," Harry said softly, hating the way Arthur looked down.
"Go on. I need to know now," He forced out, covering his eyes.
"I hate telling you this, but I think your daughters in on it." Arthur froze, face paling even more. "She's been dosing my food with love potions, but thankfully my lordships ring and necklace protect me against potions."
"Oh, Gaia!" Arthur stood up and started to pace, the pent-up emotions coming to surface. "This is…this is downright disgusting! It isn't like you're already dealing with freedom issues from the Order," Arthur snapped. "But now you have to deal with these two trying to strip away the rest of your control," He sat back down, at a loss. "By Merlin, I'm so sorry, Harry."
"It's alright, sir. I've been through much worse, but it did hurt when I found out. I always saw her as a mother growing up, but then she did this. Part of the reason I'm here is to make sure you're also free."
"Free? Why wouldn't I be free, lad?" Harry gave him a sympathetic look.
"Arthur, she tried to force me into a marriage contract with her child she had just given birth to at the time. What's stopping her from dosing you with love potions too?" Choking, the elder Weasley stared at him with wide eyes.
"You surely don't think-"
"Arthur," Harry used the man's first name again, his voice holding no arguments. "You've now seen what she's capable of. Do you want to risk it?"
"No…I don't suppose I do," He whispered, his voice breaking slightly. "I've no money for a healer to scan me, though."
"It's okay. I can do it. I've developed a spell to show when someone is under the influence of a love potion. Is it alright if I use it on you?" Nodding shakily, Arthur slowly got up.
"Explain how the spell works before you do it," He instructed.
"A light will appear from my wand and enter your chest. If it returns the same color, you're fine. If it returns darker than before, you've been administered a love potion. The darker the color, the more often you've been dosed." Making a face, Arthur took a steadying breath.
"I'm ready," He whispered. Harry tapped Arthur's chest with his wand.
"Fictis," Harry breathed, watching as a bright light disappeared into Arthur's chest. A few moments later, it came out, pitch black and cold. "Oh, Arthur…"Harry whispered, eyes full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry,"
Arthur Weasley felt numb as he gazed upon the dark ball, watching as it slowly faded away. Along with it went his love for Molly Weasley.
Later that day as Molly Weasley was baking in the kitchen, she felt a strange magic swarm around her as she suddenly found herself being teleported away from her home. Not long after, an owl delivered two letters. She opened the plain-looking one first.
Dear Molly, I am ashamed to have ever called you my wife. I had thought better of you than you ever deserved. It pains me to do this, but as things were recently brought into the light, I find that I must do so.
First off, why did you never tell me that you force our daughter into a marriage contract with Harry Potter? We agreed when we unitized that we would never force our children into those disgusting things.
Second, did you know that the Ministry provided a full scan today, to those who can't afford to get a yearly checkup? Do you know what they found?
Over two decades worth of love potions.
As you are the mother of my children, I will not be pressing charges on you. However, our marriage is over. I will also be disowning Ginny, seeing as she is trying to follow in your footsteps regarding forced love potions.
However, as you are now aware, you will not be able to get back to the burrow anytime soon. Your belongings will soon apparate to you, but you are no longer welcome into my home.
As if on cue, two expandable suitcases appeared to her, both full of her belongings, and Ginny's.
You will be able to use your family vault if you struggle with income, but I have placed a few Galleons to help you get started.
Goodbye,
Arthur Weasley.
Molly was seeing red as he tore open the next one.
Dear Molly Prewett, you are hereby removed from all Weasley family vaults. Your marriage with Arthur Weasley is hereby terminated.
Have a good day.
-Grufgon, Head Goblin of Gringotts.
Molly Weasley screamed before promptly fainting.
If fate could laugh, she wouldn't be able to stop.
Severus was surprised when there was knocking on his door. He opened it, surprised to see Harry standing there, looking a little lost.
"Potter? What is it?" He moved away from the door, allowing the younger to come in. The distant look in his eyes made his stomach churn in worry. Harry smiled sadly, sitting down in his usual spot as he looked at his hands.
"I wish there was more I could do for Arthur. His whole life is turned upside down now…" Harry whispered, chewing on his bottom lip. "I can't explain the pain I saw on his face," He mumbled mostly to himself, unaware that Severus had sat beside him. "The spell worked perfectly, but…fuck.." He screwed his eyes tightly, shaking his head. "It was so black, Severus. There wasn't an ounce of color left,"
Unsure on how to comfort the younger, Severus let his instincts take over as he let his hand fall into the mop of dark hair, carding through it soothingly. Harry hummed softly and leaned into the touch, relaxing.
"It hurt seeing him in so much pain. This was someone who he's been with for over twenty years and to find out it was all a lie.." He bit his lips hard, leaning against Snape's shoulder. "I don't understand how she was able to live with herself," Snape froze at the movement, pausing as he began to stroke his hair more.
"Nor do I. I knew she was a horrible woman, but I was unaware of how low she stooped." Harry sighed and nodded in agreement, Severus' presence relaxing him more.
"Uh, thank you, by the way," Harry whispered. "For this, I mean. I really needed it." He admitted.
"Of course," Severus whispered, voice soft and tinted with strong emotion.
As you can see, our two favorite boys are getting closer ;)
R&R, please!