An Existing Loophole – Chapter 6 (Unexpected Stop)
Even though Harry could recall saying aloud that he needed to find Graham. He couldn't believe he said it where Theo and Blaise had heard him. Now they would surely know that he had spoken to the Slytherin. Perhaps that would be a good thing, he wasn't sure.
But he didn't know where he would find the older Slytherin. He wasn't a Slytherin to start with, so if he was in their Common Room, he was out of luck.
But then he recalled that it was close to dinner. How long had he been in that library? It hadn't felt like long… Hours perhaps?
So, he went against one of the things he said that he wouldn't do. He went to the Great Hall where no doubt all the houses would be. No wonder the library had been so empty…
But the sound of the Great Hall went from chattering to silence.
Harry could feel the looks of everyone in that hall and he hated it. But he didn't look over to the other three tables. He didn't want to see the glares aimed at him. He didn't want to lose his nerve. So, he kept his focus on the Slytherin table.
He didn't know most of the Slytherins there, only the ones from his year. Theo, Blaise, and Draco weren't there at that moment. He knew where those three were. But he saw Vincent, Gregory, Pansy, Daphne, Millicent, and Tracey. There were a few people on the Quidditch team that he briefly knew as well. Higgs, Pucey, and finally Montague.
Harry closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.
"Mont—" Harry started to say before correcting himself. "Graham…"
A pair of brown eyes turned to look at him and Harry had to take in a breath.
A questioning look came across his face, "Potter?"
"I—I need to talk to you," Harry stuttered out.
Graham gave a brief nod, "alright." He took that moment to stand to his feet.
Harry bit his lip; his heart was pounding in his chest. He was going to do this… He really was going to do this…
Though after Harry and Graham left the Great Hall, Graham took the lead.
"Why are we heading towards the dungeons?" Harry questioned, feeling slightly uneasy.
Graham turned his head, "I would imagine you want this conversation in private. If not, I can turn around and we can speak about this in the Great Hall."
Harry glared at him.
"Thought as much."
Harry restrained the urge to curse him but stayed silent.
Graham opened a door to an abandoned classroom, gesturing for him to go instead.
Harry had to take a quick breath in before walking in. There he saw a piece of parchment hanging over the side of one of the desks.
The door slammed shut and Harry quickly turned, his wand out.
"You wanted to talk, so talk," Graham crossed his arms.
"I—" Harry stuttered.
"Ahh… So, you have reconsidered my offer, have you?" The Slytherin smirked at him.
Harry gritted his teeth and found his voice finally, "yes, I did."
"And, what of your decision?"
Harry glared at him, "I'll sign your damn contract! Only if you help me!"
"Don't you know that Slytherins don't give out their word lightly?" Graham asked. "Ahh… so you don't. That is interesting to know. And yet you are friends with both Blaise and Theo."
"Are you here to give me a hard time or have me sign the damn parchment!?" Harry growled.
"All in due time. Come on, Potter. That's no way to be nice about this. After all, you were the one that sought my help. Did you not?"
"I—"
"You wanted out the tournament, did you not?" Graham pressed. "This is your ticket to get out. Surely, you don't think all Slytherins are bad? I am not after to make your life miserable."
"Aren't you?!" Harry snapped.
"Actually, I am not. Some Slytherins would on the other hand would love the thought of seeing how far they can push precious Harry Potter."
"And you aren't?" Harry countered.
"So, hard to believe that I may want to help you?" Graham grinned at him.
"Yes, it is," Harry huffed. "Slytherins don't do anything because they want to."
"Here is a deal. I will tell you after I make a Floo Call and you accompany me to Gringotts," Graham offered.
"Gringotts? What for?" Harry wanted to know.
"Can't very well make a contract official any other way," Graham grinned at him.
Harry bit his lip before nodding.
"Not going to fight me?"
Harry sighed, "no."
Graham nodded, "I'll be back in a few minutes. I need to make a Floo Call."
In the moments that Graham was gone, Harry was curious on what the parchment was on the table. He only had a moment to read 'Betrothal Contract' before someone grabbed it out of his hands.
"You are a nosy one," Graham noted as he rolled up the parchment.
Harry lightly blushed.
"That will be a good look on you later."
Harry's blush only got darker.
It took him a moment to say something, "and why don't I get to read that? It's about me."
"I'm going to like you," Graham grinned at him. "And you will. I wanted to make sure there would be someone to break everything down for you."
"And how do you know that I won't understand it?" Harry asked.
Graham raised an eyebrow at him, "the fact that you had to fight and run when I asked tells me all I need to know."
"And how does that tell you anything?" Harry glared at him.
"Once at Gringotts, you'll find out."
"That doesn't tell me anything!" Harry growled.
"Of course not. That would make life easier for you. You agreed, did you not?" Graham questioned him.
"Okay… Do it your way. But I want to know after!" Harry demanded.
"Demanding, are we?" Graham walked in front of him. He traced a finger through his hair.
Harry's breath stilled as he froze. He was unsure what to do.
"Just follow my lead," Graham whispered in his hear before backing up.
Harry silently cursed in his head; he was so sure that… What…? He wasn't sure on what to think. That he was going to be kissed and had even been hopeful about it.
Harry hadn't been sure on how they were going to get to Gringotts, but he wasn't expecting for them to walk out the front door.
"Isn't this a bit obvious?" Harry asked once they made it past the Hogwarts gates.
"That is the last thing they will be expecting and with everyone at dinner. There will be nobody to notice Harry Potter's disappearance," Graham commented.
"Everyone saw me in the Great Hall and you leaving with me?" Harry pointed out.
"You've been hanging out with Slytherins for the past month," Graham pointed out.
Harry gave a nod at that.
That was when Graham extended a hand towards him.
"What?" Harry was confused.
"Take it and you'll see…" Graham grinned at him.
Harry frowned but did what he said. He placed his smaller hand into Graham's bigger one. It felt a warmth rush though him.
That was when he felt sucked through something as his feet left the ground. And he would have crashed to the ground if he hadn't felt arms around him. That was when he noticed where he was.
"Diagon Alley?!"
"I did say we were going to Gringotts," Graham laughed at him.
Harry rolled his eyes before waving his hand out, as if saying, go on. He followed with heavy steps behind Graham.
"That was a portkey, right? Because if felt like one," Harry commented as the went up the steps of the Wizarding bank.
"One of the few," Graham admitted.
Harry huffed, he supposed that was probably all the answer he would get.
As he walked, he saw the countertops were the same. Even the desk at the far end was. It was the high desk. Yet everything felt different.
Graham cleared his throat, "I have an appointment with Master Goblin, Zrikzurk."
The goblin at the high desk looked down, "very well."
They waited a brief moment before the goblin got down from the desk.
"If you will follow me," he ordered.
Harry followed after Graham's lead, unsure of what else to do. The series of hallways were confusing and near impossible to keep track of where they were going. But maybe that was the purpose of them.
When they got to where they were going, there were three people waiting there for them.
One of them had to be the Master Goblin that Graham had mentioned. The other two were witches. They must have been from a higher and Slytherin family by the elegance of their robes.
One of the witches had long dark hair that cascaded down her back, while the other had short dark brown hair that curled around her ears.
"Master Goblin, Zrikzurk, I appreciate the swiftness of this appointment," Graham greeted.
"Heir Montague," the goblin greeted.
"Heir Potter, I would like to introduce you to Lady Zabini and Nott," Graham commented.
Harry's jaw dropped, they had to be Theo and Blaise's mother.
"Is that why you used the Floo?" Harry asked.
Graham gave a slight nod, "you trust Theo and Blaise and who better to help you understand the nature of this contract."
Harry's mouth went dry, he had not expected that.
That was when the parchment was placed on the desk and it rolled.
Betrothal Contract between Heir Harry James Potter and Heir Graham Cian Montague.
"I didn't know your middle name was Cian," Harry looked back at Graham.
The Slytherin made a small laugh, "out of everything listed, that is the one thing you noticed?"
"Uhh—"
"You didn't read the rest… did you?"
Harry blushed in embarrassment.
His eyes glanced more over the contract, the clauses that were listed there.
Betrothed is to be under the protection of the Ancient House of Montague.
Betrothed and consort is to produce one heir from union.
Betrothed will be provided clothing, food, and other necessities that the consort deems needed.
Betrothed will be housed under the Protection of their consort.
Betrothed will take on the noble name of the Consort upon the Handfasting in the rites of a Traditional Wizarding Marriage.
Betrothed will take the name of the Consort.
Secrets of the family that is shared between the betrothed pair will not be revealed to others and stipulated that if breeched, the contract will be nullified, and the marriage ended in the favor of the wronged party.
Betrothed shall not raise their wand towards their Consort and same applies towards the Consort to their Betrothed.
Both Betrothed and Consort will practice fidelity towards one another. No disloyalty shall be permitted.
Betrothed and Consort shall not raise a hand against another unless in defense.
Virtue shall be kept true between Betrothed and Consort.
Heir from the union of Betrothed and Consort shall attend Hogwarts upon their eleventh birthday.
The list of clauses kept going on, some going into political stances and jobs. Stating that as Betrothed, that he could partake in Wizengamot once reached the age of maturity and have a suitable occupation?
"Is there a way to break some of this down and understand it better?" Harry asked. "And why is my aunt and uncle's names are on here?"
"That would be my doing, Heir Potter," One of the witches came forward, it was Lady Zabini.
"My son, Blaise, has informed me a bit of your… dislike for your family. I did some investigating of my own. This way, you will be under the protection of Graham and his family. That means, no returning to your family because you will have a new family. You will eventually be known as Harry Montague, no longer associated to that part of your life. And since you were still under the age of maturity, it was a simple matter of Heir Graham of contacting his solicitor and arranging everything."
"Then, I'll do it!" Harry said immediately. Not giving pause to think there were more clauses on the Betrothal Contract. His mind overwhelmed with the thought he would never have to go back to the Dursleys. He would never have to see his aunt, uncle, or cousin ever again. Though he wasn't surprised that his relatives would love a reason to finally get rid of them. The feeling was mutual.
"Wait a moment, so you can understand the rest," Lady Zabini replied with a grin.
"Uhh… right…" Harry mumbled.
"The heir one is an obvious one and believe it would be your request for your child to attend Hogwarts as well?" She asked.
Harry nodded, "I appreciate that." It wasn't something he probably would have thought of.
"What other clauses don't you get?" She asked.
"The clothing and food one, is that typical in a betrothal?" Harry asked, urging himself not to tear up. He didn't want to believe that Graham knew about what Dursleys did… But he had to ask.
"Not always," Lady Zabini admitted. "It is usually implied that the betrothed will be taken care of by the other party. I agreed that it should be said given that you look like skin and bones."
"I—" Harry stuttered. What was he supposed to say to that!?
"That comes with the next clause. Any secrets that you share cannot be shared freely with others without your express consent. You will find that there are several that value your input Heir Potter," she smiled at him.
"And the name?" Harry asked.
"You are to take the name of Montague upon the rites of a Handfasting. You may keep Potter or Potter and Black if you so wish—"
Harry shook his head, "no! I want to take his!"
Both Lady Zabini and Nott and Graham raised their eyebrows in surprise at that.
But Harry didn't let that deter him. To him, the name, Potter was a curse. The only thing that really tied him to the name was his parents, parents he didn't even know. And it wasn't like he was getting rid of the name forever. He would still have it, its just… he wouldn't be called by it.
"I have my reasons," was all he said.
Lady Zabini nodded, "as you wish. Though the next one I think explains itself. If you were to be harmed, you are allowed to protect yourself."
"The disloyalty?" Harry questioned.
"To not betray your consort, it means that you will be on their side and not be against them in battle with one another," she replied.
"Okay… what about the virtue?" Harry asked.
"It is to say that you will not lie with another that is not your consort or spouse," she answered for him.
"So, no cheating," Harry bit his lip.
She nodded, "And the employment ones allow you to pick an occupation of your choosing as long as it does not threaten your life."
Harry nodded, "those are… fair. More than I was thinking they would be."
"As I said before still remains true," Graham commented.
"Can I have a quill?" Harry asked.
The goblin, Zrikzurk passed him once, though it looked odd from the traditional quills he used at Hogwarts.
"This is called a Blood Quill; they are used to sign official documents. It makes it much more binding," Lady Nott finally spoke up.
Harry touched the quill with trembling fingers, almost like it was going to bite him. He looked down at the bottom of the parchment where his name would go. He noticed Graham's signature was already there. His aunt and uncle's signatures would be right below his.
With a shaking hand, he crudely signed his name.
There was a slight irritation on the top of his hand. It started to carve his own name before vanishing.
"It will feel odd for a few days," Lady Nott comforted him.
"What's next?" Harry asked, his voice small.
A ring was handed towards from, from Graham.
"What's this?" Harry asked.
"A consort ring as my betrothed," Graham commented as he held out a silver ring.
Harry slowly held out his hand as Graham slid it onto his finger. It was silver with a single stone; it was an emerald.
"And next?" Harry questioned.
"Hogwarts," Graham replied before turning towards the two witches. "Much appreciated, Lady Nott and Zabini."
"Give my son my best," Lady Nott commented.
"Give Blaise my best as well," Lady Zabini smiled.
The trip back to Hogwarts was thankfully a short one and Harry still felt confused. He knew that he had just signed a Betrothal Contract with a Slytherin, Graham Montague. He wasn't sure on how he felt about that.
He had basically signed off that he agreed to marry him. But there wasn't much he could change about that now. He would make this work; he knew he could. It would be worth it all if that meant where he didn't have to go back to Privet Drive with the Dursleys.
He still had those books on male pregnancy. Ever since Blaise and Theo found out. He supposed he could even send a letter to Blaise's or even Theo's mum if he had too many questions.
That was when he noticed they were heading in the same direction as last time. To the same abandoned classroom that Graham guided him to before going to Gringotts.
"Isn't there some type of Potion or ritual thing?" Harry questioned.
Graham, who had been at the far end of the room, looked back, surprised.
"How did you know about that?"
"Read about it," Harry shrugged.
"Did it say what kind of Potion or Ritual?" He questioned.
Harry shook his head.
"Figured as much. I already brewed the Potion—"
"Already!? How did you know I would agree?" Harry was shocked.
Graham shrugged, walking back towards him. "I had a feeling. Afterall, it is not every day that a Gryffindor asks for my hand."
Harry scowled at him as the Slytherin smirked.
"And if I actually had said no?" Harry questioned.
"But you didn't," Graham pointed out.
"Would you just humor me! If I didn't?" Harry growled.
"I would have tossed it. After a few weeks to a month, the potion is useless as the ingredients would be spoiled," Graham revealed.
"Ohhh..."
"Wizards can get pregnant on their own. Usually, their own magic can stabilize the womb. But the potion will help with stabilizing it and helps prevent the risk of a miscarriage."
"I could lose it?" Harry said, feeling scared, a hand moving to his stomach.
"The risk is lower with the potion but there is always a risk of miscarriages with male pregnancies. Same with witches, though their risks are a bit lower," Graham answered for him. "You sure you want to do this?"
"Bit late to ask that now, don't you think?" Harry snapped.
Graham grinned at him before handing him the vial in his hands.
"Why was it kept here?" Harry asked.
"I have nosy dormmates, didn't want them finding it accidently," Graham shrugged.
Harry grasped a hand around the vial, making sure not to drop it. Uncorking it before throwing it back and swallowing. There was a chilling sensation as the liquid went down his throat.
"Okay, what now?" Harry mumbled.
"Now..." Graham had a devilish smirk on his lips, "I get to show you the meaning of pleasure. One that will have you begging for more."
"Wha—, " Harry went bright red, "now?!" He squeaked, his entire body flushing.
"Unless, you rather I wait until you competed in the first task?" Graham raised an eyebrow at him.
Harry opened his mouth to argue before closing it. The Slytherin did have a point. Not that he would admit that to him.
"I thought as much."
"Does it really take that long?" Harry asked.
"If you want the spell to be accurate. As you won't be able to tell in the first week. And if you're fertile, you will be able to tell very soon," Graham grinned at him.
"Don't say it like that!" Harry whined.
"It is your body, not mine," Graham laughed.
Harry grumbled underneath his breath. That's when he realized something.
"Wait... you don't mean more than once!?" The red on his face still hadn't left, it anything, it got brighter.
Graham grinned at him, "you didn't really think that you would get pregnant from only one time, did you?"
"I—" Harry stuttered. "it's not like I really thought about it!" He tried to defend himself.
"You would be really lucky if you did on the first time, but it is quite rare," Graham told him.
"We're not going to do it here?!" Harry felt scandalized.
"Unless you prefer that I ravish you against a wall or on a desk," Graham leered at him.
"I—I mean—" Harry tried to say, but it wasn't like words were cooperating with him. The worst part of it, he could picture it in his head, and he could feel something stirring further south.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't want to damage your Gryffindor delicacies," the older Slytherin teased.