...

Corban watched Harrison with an uncertain look. He didn't know how the child would react to what he had to ask. The child's temper was legendary and things had been good between them. So good that he didn't want to put Harrison back on the defensive.

Harrison was currently reading a book on basic runes. He was going through the third year material on runes. Questions were usually written on parchment to ask him later. Currently there were four sheets of parchment in front of Harrison.

Putting aside his thoughts he questioned causing Harrison to startle in surprise, "Harrison my I speak to you for a moment?"

Green eyes looked up at him for a moment before nodding. This was all the invitation Corban needed to sit across from his ward. He placed the papers of possible betrothal contacts in front of him.

Curiosity filled the green eyes as he asked, "What are those?"

Corban answered with a gentle easy going voice, "Before I tell you, Harrison know that you don't have to make a decision right now. It's just something to consider given that you are a Lord and many Heirs have gone through this at a young age."

Harrison asked mildly annoyed, "What's this about Corban?"

Sighing internally he turned them around to face Harrison as he explained, "These are possible betrothal matches of those currently available in the United Kingdom."

"An arranged marriage?" The kid sounded hurt by the mere suggestion of it.

Corban soothed, "Not quite. A lot of the contracts are simply holders in case you don't find someone better. You would be allowed to send mail to each as well as appropriate gifts. There is a set time frame for all betrothal contracts and if you decide they aren't for you, you don't have to marry them. If the terms are broken by either party intentionally Mother Magic will curse the offending party. It will appear on the contracts as well."

Harrison hummed as he listened. Slowly he reached out and took the pile of potentials. Silently he flipped through the pages more than once his nose crinkled in disgust at the thought of someone.

Before he could get too far Corban asked, "Is there a way I can narrow them down for you? What are your preferences? Older? Same age? You should know that same sex marriages are accepted in the Wizarding World as well. There are potions, rituals and the occasional natural bearer that allows wizards to conceive a child."

Those green eyes came back up to stare at him hard. For a moment he thought he had overstepped his bounds. If he did then he would apologize. It was not his intention to make the child angry with him. Then they returned to staring unseeingly at the parchments.

Finally he answered, "Males. Girls my age are too conceited. They focus on gossip and are too bossy for my tastes. For age I'd want older than me but younger than forty."

Corban waved his wand and cast a silent spell that brought all the potential betrothals that didn't meet his criteria to him. Then he waited as Harrison began to go through them. Almost immediately they began to form in three piles. If he had to guess it was possible yes, maybes, and nos. There were far more nos than any of the others.

Unfortunately for Harrison the pool of eligible men in the British isles that were purebloods were few. Particularly those meeting his criteria. There was one though. One that Corban hoped against hope that Harrison wouldn't immediately reject.

When he found it Corban knew instantly. His bright green eyes became cold his shoulders tightened. The way his hands tightened on the papers showed just how angry he was.

"He's alive?" Came the soft angry question.

Corban answered cautiously, "Barty? Yes he is alive. Lucius was able to get him out before he was kissed by dementors. It was a near thing but he was successful."

To his horror tears began to fill the green eyes and began to splotch the papers. Corban instantly felt like an ass. He shouldn't have put Barty's offer in there. At least he should have talked to Harrison about it first.

Harrison cried, "I thought I killed him. It has been killing me on the inside thinking I had killed him."

Corban's horror rose. He didn't realize that Harrison was carrying guilt. He knew about it towards the Diggory boy that was understandable. To have it towards Barty didn't make sense to him.

Corban tried to soothe, "It's okay, Harrison. You have every right to be angry and hurt. I should have talked to you about this beforehand."

"No," denied Harrison wiping at his eyes, "I didn't even realize the weight I was carrying. Everything has been happening so fast. It's difficult to tell what would have set it off if this wasn't the trigger. Can I have time to consider everything?"

Corban answered softly and gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Of course you can. If you have any questions don't hesitate to come talk to me."

"Thank you, Corban."