Chapter 3: An Unexpected Expectation

The day after the reading of Sirius's will Harry and the Weasleys were in the kitchen of the Burrow solemnly eating a lunch of sandwiches prepared by Mrs. Weasley. All were consumed in their own thoughts as they each considered what Sirius had left them. Harry still in a conflicted sort of daze as he reflected not only on Sirius's will but also the fact that Dumbledore was he grandfather. Harry was sad that Sirius was dead, but also excited about the news of an actual family. He knew that he and Albus would be able to be a family, and he was content knowing that he for once had actual blood related family that didn't flinch when he walked into a room.

As they sat there quietly consuming their lunches they were interrupted by an owl pecking on the window. Harry being closest to the window rose from his seat and opened the window for the owl to enter. The owl did a quick sweep around the room and deposited a thick envelope on top of Harry's plate of half consumed sandwich before perching itself on his shoulder. Harry regarding the owl curiously as he returned to his seat and grasped the envelope which he found contained an official seal from Gringotts. Harry offered the owl some of the crust to his sandwich which was accepted with a satisfied hoot. Once the owl finished it's treat it set off on its way.

Curiously Harry ripped the envelope open and withdrew several pieces of parchment. The first was a short message from Gringotts.

Mr. Potter,

Shortly after completing the reading of the will of Sirius Black, it was brought to my attention that the reading enacted a portion of your parents will. Enclosed is to contents which are to be released at this time.

Yours respectfully

Ranjoks

Without commenting Harry placed the message from Ranjoks onto the table and began reading another piece of parchment. The others eyed him expectantly yet did not interrupt him while waiting for some sign which signaled if the news was good or bad.

Harry,

Well son if you are reading this, then most likely several things have happened. Your mother and I are most likely no longer around and your godfather Sirius Black must have joined us in our adventure after life. I hope you know how much your mother and I love you son. We tried for years before we were finally blessed by merlin and you came into our lives. No matter how our end came about never think we would change the way our lives were lived. I hope you don't have your mother's temper, and wether or not you do, I am sure it will be tested once you read the next part of this letter.

Harry, I have just learned this next bit of news the day after my parents passed. Your mother and I discussed this and decided that if we were around we would tell you ourselves on your 16th birthday. Well I hope that you are at least that age now as it would have given you some time with Sirius, but either way... Well it appeared that my father, your grandpa Charles Potter and Lord Henry Greengrass were great friends. Together the pair had made an agreement to marry their first borns. The marriage contract would not have effected you except that I was my fathers only child and Jacob Greengrass was the only child born to Lord Greengrass and since the both being males the contract was then delayed for a generation.

That being said it is now your obligation on behalf of the Potter line to fulfill this contract, and as I know Jacob Greengrass does have a daughter your age, the contract will be fulfilled with or without your concent. I know this will probably angry about this but I have looked through the contract, it's airtight son. With that being said we hoped to have given you at least a year to get to know your future wife. If she and her father are as unaware of this as I was they too will be receiving notification as you are.

Well I have to end this here as your mother is calling, it appears that it requires an army to bath you. Just know that your mother and I love you very much and I am sure that you are becoming or have become a man in which we would be tremendously proud of, as we are proud of you already.

Love

James Potter

"Bloody hell," Harry muttered as he finished the letter, while wiping a tear from his face he looked at the faces of those in the room with him. With a heavy sigh he buried his face into his hands and said softly, "Mr. Weasley I think we need to summons Grand-dad."

Several hours later Harry and the Weasleys were joined by Dumbledore and Remus. Harry had informed his Grand-dad of the letter from Gringotts and his father. Immediately afterwards the pair began to comb their way through the contract themselves. With a sigh Harry rose from his chair and stretched while rubbing the his eyes behind his glasses in attempt to get rid of the irritation from staring at the contract for so long.

"Well Harry my boy," Dumbledore began while preparing them a cup of tea with a flick of his wand. "It appears as if your father was correct. The only way out of this obligation would be if one or the other dies."

"Well I guess there's always that," Harry said with a smirk. Dumbledore chuckled softly as he regarded his grandson.

"Well next course of action would be to meet with the Greengrass'. First may I suggest a trip to Diagon Alley?"

"What do we need from Diagon Alley Grand-dad?"

"Not we Harry, you. I assume that the clothes you've been wearing are not to your liking?" Dumbledore stated smoothly. "That is unless they are..."

"No sir," Harry said softly while going red in the cheeks, "The Dursleys never... Well they said... Dudley's clothes would suffice."

The twinkle that was normally present in Dumbledore's eyes was there but dimmed a little as he tossed around what Harry said, "Be that as it may, we'll rectify that in the morning. I will send an owl to Lord Greengrass upon my return to Hogwarts and inform him that we'll be stopping by tomorrow, sometime after lunch I would think."

Harry gave Dumbledore and nod of his head but did not comment as he followed him to the fireplace. Dumbledore regarded Harry while placing a hand upon his shoulder, "Well Harry I must return to the school."

"Of course sir," Harry stated, "G'night Grand-dad."

"Good night Harry," Dumbledore returned and after a comforting squeeze of the should disappeared into the fireplace.

As his grandfather took his leave Harry retreated to the room he was currently sharing with Ron. Upon entering the room Harry found Ron, Hermione and Ginny already there. Ron and Ginny were playing a game of chess while Hermione was once again reading Hogwarts; A History. Harry noticed that they all turned their attention on him once he entered, Hermione and Ron looking at their friend and gave small smiles of sympathy.

"Well it's solid as a rock," Harry informed. Each friend offered a comment of support, which was he returned with a small smile.

"So a Slytherin huh?" Ron grimaced, and doing so earned a swift swat to the back of his head from Hermione and Ginny.

"It'll be okay Harry. As far as I know Daphne is in our year and has a younger sister, Astoria. She's never been a part of Malfoy's group of bigots. Which makes sense as her best friend Tracy Davis is a halfblood," Hermione offered with a comforting hug.

The group remained quiet for several long minutes, eventually Harry ended that when he began chuckling to himself. Ginny raised her brow at him and asked, "What's so funny Harry?"

"Nothing really, I was just thinking of Malfoy's face when he learns I am betrothed to a Slytherin. That and then the thought of meeting my "In-laws" tomorrow. It's great being Harry Potter right?" Harry stated and finished the last bit with a heavy sign as he stared out the window with a frown.

"You'll be just fine Harry," Hermione said.

Ron gave him a quick pat on the back, "Yea Harry just as long she and her parents don't intend on using you as potions ingredients you'll do great. I mean your Harry bloody Potter for merlin's sake."