A/N: Okay everyone this chapter is mostly about Ginny and Nicholas. A few of you have been confused thinking at the end of chapter 4 that Harry discovered that Ginny was another mate. That will not happen. And for clarification Hermione will be the only mate Harry has. Also I saw the new movie in IMAX last night. I enjoyed it.
Chapter 5 A Courtship Begins
It took Nicholas a week to work up the nerve to speak with his Lord and cousin about his mate. He had made his request formally, thru Christopher, and had asked his parents to be there as well. He only wanted to explain this once. He had spent the week learning everything that he could about his mate and her family that his Lord and cousin knew. She was known by the name of Ginny. The youngest in the family and the only girl. He figured that she had to have a temper what with the red hair. She had intelligence and daring and had the knack of seeing someone for who they really were. Not what other people saw them as. She would definitely make life interesting. She would be protected and treasured was by her parents and older brothers. He knew that none of them would give their blessing if they thought he wasn't good enough. That is why he was asking to speak to his Lord.
Nicholas entered the Lord's chambers and was pleased to see his parents already there.
"Nicholas what is the meaning of this" demanded his mother. His father frowned at her.
"My Lord, Lady, Father, Mother", he said while acknowledging each with a formal bow. "I have requested this meeting to inform you that I have found my mate and wish to start a formal courtship." Both of his parents showed the reactions that he thought they would. His father looked pleased and his mother looked reserved. His cousin and his mate both seemed pleased as well.
"Who is it" asked his father.
"She is the youngest and only daughter to Arthur and Molly Weasley."
Faces of surprise looked back at him. "They are an old and well respected family. You have chosen well" said Andrew. "But why a formal courtship?"
"Ginny still has two years left at Hogwarts. I thought that she would probably wish to finish her education. It would also give us time to get to know one another."
"Congratulations Nicholas. Ginny is a wonderful girl" said Harry
Hermione however understood more than Harry in realizing why Nicholas had asked for this meeting. "You want Harry to be your spokesperson to the Weasley's?"
"Yes my Lady."
"Call us by our names Nicholas, we are family. Now what's this spokesperson thing" asked Harry.
"Nicholas is asking you, as head of the family, to negotiate permission for Nicholas to court and later bond with Ginny. Probably because you know her and the family." Nicholas nodded at Hermione's assessment.
"I understand that part but what I don't understand is why he can't do it himself."
"Because a formal courtship, in the past, was used to make alliances. This would ally the Weasley's with the Potter Clan giving them that protection especially now with Voldemort returning."
"Oh."
Nicholas looked at him so hopefully that Harry knew he couldn't say no, even if he had wanted to. "I understand that in today's society that things are more relaxed, but you know how strong the pull to your mate is. If I were to face Ginny right now, I wouldn't have the willpower to resist the bond. I have waited a very long time for her. I wound probably frighten her."
Harry understood that if nothing else. He was very grateful to have found Hermione quickly and that she had accepted almost as quickly. This made him wonder if she had had feelings for him before that.
Harry sighed. "Of course, I'll speak to the Weasley's for you Nicholas."
Hermione knew that Harry would. "I'll go along, if that's alright?" Harry nodded. "Is there any specific things you want in the contract?"
"I want her to finish school. I want her to either stay here for vacations or that I am allowed to visit her at home during that time so that we can get to know one another. Also that with our bonding, that part of the contract will be null and void. If she accepts she can not change her mind later. I couldn't live if she did that. Also I will not turn her even if she requests me too. I will make an unbreakable vow if necessary."
"That sound's reasonable to me. But I'll warn you now. Ginny has a temper and a mean Bat-Bogey hex."
"The fire in her hair and soul tells me of her temper. I thank you for the knowledge about the hex. I will read up on it."
"I'll set a meeting with the Weasley's before term begins."
"Thank you cousin." Nicholas replied. He and his parents left the room. He knew that his mother was angry with his choice, it not being her choice. In one of the many seating areas of the castle Nicholas stopped to have it out with his mother.
"I know that you have been waiting for a long time for your mate son and I am glad that you finally have found her." Andrew was very pleased and happy. It wasn't everyday that his mate's plans blew up in her face.
"I won't have it" spat Victoria. "You will not bond with a common witch from a poor family."
"You do not have a say in the matter Mother."
"I believe that Claire is a better suited person for you Nicholas. This witch that you think is your mate will never understand your position in this family. Claire is more refined, with proper breeding and family. She would make an excellent Lady." Both men's eyes narrowed at the veiled threat to their current Lady.
"Mother I made a vow that I would only bond with my mate and no one else. Claire maybe everything you say that she is but she doesn't hold a candle to what Ginny does to me. You only want Claire as your daughter-in-law so that you can control her; that will not happen. If you try that with my Ginny you are in for a few surprises."
Andrew watched in amusement as Nicholas walked away. He turned to his mate, letting her see the anger he felt for her. "You interfere with this Victoria and you will regret it. He has made his choice. Accept it."
"But it's the wrong one."
"Only for you and your scheming. Do not cross us on this, you won't like the consequences."
Harry had Christopher send a missive to the Weasley's, asking for a formal meeting. He purposely left out the formal courtship part in case they misunderstood about who was doing the courting. Hermione had a list and had prepared Harry for this so that he wouldn't become flustered. Mrs. Weasley had promptly agreed to the meeting. Setting it for Sunday after dinner, inviting him to join them. Harry returned owled declining the invitation and accepting the meeting time.
At eight o'clock on Sunday evening Harry, Hermione, and Christopher flooed into the Burrow's drawing room. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley greeted them warmly, offering tea and refreshments. Harry was wearing his glamour and a new set of dress robes that Hermione had picked out, with the Potter family crest stitched onto it. Hermione looked lovely in her sapphire blue ones, also with the Potter family crest. Harry was having a hard time keeping his hands to himself.
"So Harry what's this all about" asked Mr. Weasley.
"I have come at the request of my cousin to request your agreement in his formal courtship of your daughter Ginny."
Both looked surprised. "Is this your muggle cousin Harry" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"No, actually he's my second cousin from the Potter side."
"I didn't realize that you had any other family alive."
"Neither did I until I turned seventeen and went through my inheritance."
"A magical inheritance" asked Mr. Weasley sounding interested.
"Yes, I found that I am part vampire and part dark veela."
"And your cousin?"
"Is a vampire." Harry could tell that they were shocked.
Mrs. Weasley however was not going to let Harry get away if she could help it. "Harry, dear, are you sure that it's you 'cousin' that wants Ginny and not you?" She sounded so hopeful that Harry really hated bursting her bubble.
"Mrs. Weasley, I have already found my mate and have bonded with her. Ginny is definitely Nicholas' mate"
Now they really were surprised. "Who is she?"
"I'm his mate" state Hermione. This was even more of a shock for them. Harry handed them a photograph of Nicholas. Arthur found himself staring at a fine looking 'young' man who seemed to be noble, brave, and wouldn't allow anything to happen to his little girl. Such an alliance, for this is something known about formal courtships and would be beneficial to his family, was very rarely done in today's society. He understood that this man meant business.
"Molly I think that Ginny needs to be here."
"Arthur, I don't thinkā¦."
"Molly please" he interrupted.
When Molly left the room Mr. Weasley had to ask. "What sort of changes did you have?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before charming the door locked and dropping his glamour. "It would be in the best interest for our side if this was kept quiet Mr. Weasley. I can accomplish more if this is a secret."
"I understand. Do you have fangs or wings as well?"
Harry blushed "They come out when I'm extremely emotional."
Mr. Weasley understood the blush and left that part alone but there was one thing that he was dying to ask. "What do you know about the Deatheaters that are being turned into squibs?"
Harry squirmed a bit. "My great uncle found an incantation that allows a vampire to drain the magic of an evil person and convert it into blood for their system, without draining real blood. I didn't want to kill them if I didn't have to."
"What about Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix LeStrange?"
"They are no longer any threat." Mr. Weasley understood and accepted that. Harry replaced his glamour and undid the locking charm just in time for Mrs. Weasley's return with Ginny, who looked really happy to see Harry.
"Ginny, Harry has come as the head of his family to extend an offer of formal courtship to you from his cousin Nicholas.'
Ginny's eyes widened. She had thought that Harry was here to talk to her about them. She understood what a formal courtship entailed. She thought that Harry was just trying to give her an option.
"Harry you don't have to do this. It's you that I want and would love to marry."
"Ginny I can't marry or bond with you. I'm already bonded. Nicholas is a fine man and would be a wonderful mate for you. He saw you in Diagon Alley and knew instantly that you were the one for him."
The look of disbelief was in her eyes. Her father handed her the photograph so that she could see for herself. She shook her head no. "I don't want him. I want you. I'll wait for you forever if I have to."
"Then that's what you will be doing. I have already found and bonded with my mate. I need no other to satisfy me. Nicholas is a good man and will love, honor, protect, and remain faithful to you for the rest of your life."
Ginny took another look at the photo. She could see some family traits that the two men shared. Could she learn to love this stranger?
"Harry's cousin is a vampire Ginny."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "A vampire? Are you one too?"
"Part of me is but you won't have to worry about it. Nicholas has said that he will not turn you, even if you asked him to. Understand this Ginny, if you accept you have to bond with him. You can't back out after the contract is signed. He's willing to allow you to finish Hogwarts, but would like you to either stay at the castle during your vacations or allow him here so that you might get to know one another. If you stay at the castle your family is more than welcome to stay as well and you all would be under my protection."
Ginny finally understood that Harry was no longer available to her or anyone else. He had changed. "Who is your mate then" she asked.
A hesitation from both Harry and Hermione had her curious. "Hermione is" he said quietly, waiting for the explosion.
"HERMIONE? How could you do this to me? You're my best friend!" yelled Ginny.
"It's not like we went behind your back or anything. I had no idea that Harry is what he is until he told me. Not til after I had gotten hurt on his birthday. He gave me the choice to accept or not and if I hadn't been in love with him since fourth year I never would have accepted. I'm not that stupid to throw something like that away" a blushing Hermione answered. Harry had a stupid grin on his face as if something made sense now.
Ginny looked at the photo again. Could she do this? She knew that what Harry had said was true. This man would cherish, protect, and be faithful to her, Could she do the same?
Ginny looked at her parents. Her father looked hopeful but would accept any decision that she made. While her mother looked worried about the reason for her decision. Taking a deep breath she said "I accept."
