A/N:I already said this on my other story but I got the flu. Apparently I met with people who saw other people who carry DISEASES? Unbelievable. Starting to feel better but very annoying cough/sore throat still.

To annoy you today... (lol) I said on tumblr to find the horse silhouette in the fic poster... it's been driving people up the walls but I promise it's there!

Not much to say, I know you all want to find out what the agreement is (may want to reread as this continues immediately after) and there is much to come in upcoming chapters!

March will be really busy for me so know that updates will slow down. I'll do my best but I can't make any promises.

Of course shout out to beta reader megonagall410 for checking my flu-y writing.

Bill cleared his throat. "I have carefully considered the risks of King Henry's proposal. I say, let's get Harpia back!"

Her brothers all excitedly cheered and talked amongst themselves, already dreaming of getting their old life back.

"I understand this is my fight as rightful Heir so if you do not want to join, if you want to play it safe... It's okay, I won't love you less." He stared down each of them but none of them made an objection. His eyes landed on Ginny last. "I suppose you are game for a battle?"

She balled her fists. "I want to kill that hag."

Harry grinned at her from his position beside Bill. She beamed back at him. This was going to work out.

"You're all game?" Bill asked.

All her brothers nodded, without a doubt.

"We need to get our Kingdom back. We're ready, Bill," Charlie said.

Bill gave a nod. "Good. As for your marriage," he started. He met eyes with her.

If he said no, she was ready to argue, she had reasons ready, ideas. If they were getting Harpia, she wanted to marry Harry.

"I have no objections on the matter. Politically it is a great match. Ginny, if that's what you want to do, you have my full approval." He smiled at her.

Her eyes flew to Harry and he smiled brightly at her. She resisted the urge to go up to him and kiss him. Her heart skipped a beat, nervous flutters in her stomach. She was going to marry Harry. She beamed at them, her eyes locking with him. "Trust me, I want to."

Harry turned to her brothers again. "There is much to do before we take Harpia," he spoke. "We will announce the engagement in a week. We'll spin some story about Princess Ginevra and I that does not involve her Knighting activities."

She grinned, that would be best.

"Then we have about three weeks of preparations, training, getting the troops together... Then a week-long wedding."

"Can't we shorten that? I've seen people get married in a day," Ron asked.

Bill shook his head. "Not for Royalty. There can absolutely not be any dispute about the legitimacy of the marriage."

Harry nodded to confirm what Bill just said. "And then we have one week honeymoon and another week of preparations to align the last things. And then we go to Harpia."

Harry told them their rooms were ready for them to get settled. Ginny wanted to stay and talk to him but her brothers pulled her along. She threw another glance and his eyes seemed to say 'We'll talk later' and so she followed them.

Her brothers fought over who was getting what room even though they were pretty much the same but she had already claimed her own room. She checked if anyone was looking and walked in to change into a dress instead.

While the Princes, and future brothers-in-law, got settled, Harry made his way to Peter to announce his plans. He knocked and waited for Peter to reply. He stepped inside and looked at his advisor.

"Harry, how are you today?" Peter said from his desk.

"I am fine. I've got something to tell you," Harry started. He sat down on the other side of the desk.

Peter put down his quill. "Yes?"

"You remember those folks Alastor has been retrieving for me?"

Peter nodded.

"Actually they are Royalty and they are from Harpia. I am planning to help them get back Harpia and..." He paused. "And I am marrying the Princess of Harpia."

Peter's eyebrows shot up as high as they could go. "Let me get this straight. You want to start a war and marry all of a sudden?"

Harry nodded. "Yes."

"Putting the war aside for a moment, how are you marrying someone none of us has met?" Peter asked, his brows furrowing.

Harry tried to come up with something, remembering his promise to Ginny not to tell Peter about her being Knight Gwyn as well. He shrugged. "What can I say? Love at first sight."

"Do you think that is wise?" Peter tried.

"Aren't you all eager for me to get married?" Harry retorted. He had not expected much pushback from Peter.

"I never was one of those people," Peter defended himself. "I am just worried you're rushing into it."

"I understand you are concerned for me personally. But as my advisor, I just need you to arrange things."

Peter looked a bit taken aback by his statement. He recomposed himself. "Right. I will do that, of course. What about Harpia?"

Harry explained how they were planning to prepare and attack Harpia. Peter listened intently.

"Obviously Alastor will manage the strategy but you need to make sure there is food, we need to gather our army. You have a wedding to arrange... and a party at the end of this week to announce the engagement," he said.

Peter was noting down everything Harry said. He was used to organising parties, but this would be a grand endeavour.

"I will write to Sirius and Remus to invite them and ask for some of their men as well," Harry said.

Peter looked up. "Well, I am their long-time friend, I am happy to contact them myself."

"I know but this is not a friendly favour, this is from King to King, and I would rather handle that myself," Harry said. "I am sure they will be glad to see you."

"Of course, Harry," Peter said with a smile. He looked down at his notes. "Well, looks like I have plenty to organise."

"The party takes priority first; we need to properly announce that and then we can really focus on the battle and the wedding. It will be great."

"Unless you die for someone else's cause," Peter said.

"As opposed to dying for my own cause?" he asked. "I understand the risk, it is the right thing to do."

"Very well, very well."

Harry stood up. "I am sure we will talk soon for details."

"I will make a list and come to you," Peter assured him.

Harry walked out of Peter's office and closed the door. He paused for a moment. For the first time he had the tiniest worry Ginny's accusations may be true. He just couldn't fathom Peter betraying him like that.

When he arrived in the dining hall, all the brothers were dressed up nicely and chattering animatedly. Among them he could see Ginny. She caught his eye and escaped the group. Once again she looked absolutely gorgeous in her dress.

She stepped to him and curtsied. "My King."

His mouth ran dry. "My Princess."

She stepped a little closer. "More cleavage. Nice, huh?" she said playfully.

He looked away from her. "Very nice, I am sure." He shook his head, carefully meeting her eye. "Are you trying to make me look in front of your brothers?"

She took him by the arm and turned both of them away.

He looked down and then up to her eyes. She was grinning. He cleared his throat. "I swear to the Gods, you are trying to have me killed." He shook his head and they turned back around. He could hear a little giggle escape her throat.

"We are supposed to be courting," Ginny defended herself.

"I don't think that's what they had in mind," Harry replied. He looked at her and smiled.

Bill walked up to them. "So do you have a backstory yet for this?" He pointed between the two of them.

"Well, I told my advisor it was love at first sight, so I guess we are going with that," Harry replied.

Bill frowned. "Do you think that's believable?"

"Hey!" Ginny said.

Bill cocked his head. "I am sure you don't want people just to marry you just for your good looks, don't you? I know, I have the same problem." He ran his fingers through his hair with flair to emphasize his point.

Ginny chuckled. "I suppose you're right. I think it will do as an explanation though. Many people are quite charmed with the King on their first meeting."

"Don't exaggerate," Harry told her, blushing.

"I don't. First time I met you, I was speechless." She grinned at him, far too happy with her joke.

He nodded. "I see what you did there."

A few more people entered.

"Let me introduce you to our frequent visitors," Harry said. Ginny had surely met some of them, but they hadn't met her and this way all her brothers could meet them too.

"Henry, nice to see you," Kingsley greeted. "That's a lot of redheads."

William stepped forward. "Prince William of Harpia, nice to meet you."

"So nice to meet you but — uhm. I thought your family was murdered," Kingsley said, clearly confused.

"I thought so too but when I found out they weren't, I just knew I had to bring them here," Harry said.

Kingsley's eyes landed on Ginny as though she looked familiar and Harry wondered if he recognised her from the Ball, but he did not say anything.

"This is Princess Ginevra," Harry introduced her. "This is Lord Kingsley, he is on the Council." He felt a bit dumb to say so, Ginny saw him nearly daily, but at least for William, it was a good introduction.

Harry leaned towards her as they served the main course. "Your face reads murder."

She put on a smile. "I am sorry, I am not used to people seeing my face all the time and I need to make sure none of them are trying to kill you."

Harry chuckled. "I'll poke you the next time you look like you're about to kill someone."

She shot him a fond look before she turned back to her plate.

"You're going to sell the love-at-first-sight story so well if you keep looking at each other like that," Bill whispered into her ear.

"Oh, hush," she responded. "We're not that bad."

"Nauseatingly so."

"Aren't you happy for me?" she said.

Bill stayed silent for a second. "Honestly, I am adjusting to this whole situation still."

"Me too," she admitted. "I am usually over there trying to figure out who is trying to kill the King today."

He frowned. "When do you eat?"

"Well, no one can find out who I am," she said in a whisper. "I would go into the kitchen after. Dear Lucretia gave me a cloak that hides my face and I'd eat there."

"Sometimes I forget what a lonely life you've led," Bill said softly.

"Harry has made it better," she said, catching his soft smile as he listened in. "Best few months in a long time."

Bill leaned forward, catching Harry's eye. "Have you managed to tell us apart yet, Henry?"

"Please, if you're going to be family, you better be calling me Harry," he replied.

"Bill," her brother replied.

Harry nodded. "I know you and Ginny of course. Ron is over there." He pointed at the other side of the table. "Next to him must be Charlie and then that's Percy. That leaves Fred and George but I will be honest I can't tell them apart yet."

Bill grinned. "I would have been surprised if you did."

"How do I tell them apart?" Harry asked.

Ginny turned towards him. "It's difficult and even we mess up. And they enjoy messing with people's heads. Sometimes you just shout and see who answers... George!"

Two heads turned and they spoke in unison. "Yes?"

"That was very helpful, thank you," Harry replied with a grimace.

"Fred's on the left currently," Ginny clarified.

"I am pretty sure mum and dad switched them accidentally as babies a few times so they may be the wrong way around anyway," Bill commented.

"Actually, we decided ourselves when we were about four who was who," Fred said as he listened into their conversation.

Ginny smiled. "Yes, that sounds about right."

"That actually makes me feel better," Harry said.

"George is a little more easy-going," Bill commented. "I don't know if that helps?"

Harry shrugged. "Perhaps."

Harry was a little surprised to find his Knight fall into step with him as he made his way to his bedroom. He had not expected her there now but he walked to his room in silence.

He walked in and she did too. He closed the door as she pulled her helmet off. Before he had a chance to say anything, she jumped into his arms. He caught her as her legs wrapped around his waist. She kissed him eagerly.

"One of these days you are going to accidentally stab me," Harry commented with a smile, eyeing her dagger and sword. He had somehow successfully dodged both as he caught her.

"I'm sorry, I was excited," Ginny said with a smile as she untangled her legs.

He carefully put her down on the floor, keeping his arms around her waist. "I could see that." He kissed her again. "Me too."

"We are getting married, I can't believe it," Ginny said eagerly.

"I must have done something right in my previous life for this to happen," he said.

He kissed her, his fingers carding through her hair as he kissed her deeply. He could feel her hands ball into fists as they grabbed onto his shirt to keep him close. There were very little obstacles left for them to get married. If all went well, they'd be getting married in a month.

Harry pulled her to the couch, and she insisted on getting them wine. She poured the goblets and handed one to him.

"So you got out of your dress by yourself this time?" Harry said as he pointed at her armour.

She looked down at it. "... Yes." She sat down beside him. "I learned from last time."

"Of course you could ask one of your brothers if you got stuck," Harry said before taking a sip from his wine before placing it on the table. "Or staff even. They know you're here now."

She nodded. "Sure, but it's nicer if it's you," she spoke softly, her eyes locked with his.

He swallowed. "Don't tease me like that."

She chuckled and kissed him softly. She leaned away and looked at him from under her eyelashes. "I just can't wait to be married to you."

His hand landed on her waist to keep her in place as he kissed her again. "I love you." He moved to her jaw and then down to her neck, placing kisses everywhere.

She moved her head, making space for him to keep going, her hands coming into his hair. He licked her neck, moving her hair out of the way until he provoked a moan. He placed a kiss on her cheek and then stopped.

She opened her eyes, looking incredibly disappointed. He smiled smugly at her.

"Is that revenge for teasing you?" she asked, her fingers softening against his scalp now.

"Yes."

Ginny nodded. "I see." She let go of him and sat on the far end of the couch. She took up her goblet again and drank from it before meeting his eye again, her eyes sparkling.

"I sincerely apologise, my future wife," he said. "Come back here." He patted the spot beside him.

She scooted back over and snuggled against his side. He placed a soft kiss against her forehead.

"Your siblings seem like a great bunch. I hope they'll warm up to me," Harry said.

She smiled softly. "I am sure they will. It's so wonderful to have them all here."

"You're absolutely sure you don't want to go home with them? After we announce our engagement, there is no going back," Harry asked.

"What I said to Bill earlier about you making these months here so wonderful, I meant that." She put her goblet down and took both his hands in hers. "In the last decade or so, I have spent more time with you than with all my brothers combined. It is not an easy choice. I love my brothers, but I love you too. I understand what I am choosing. Not marrying you would be torture, or rather watching you marry someone else would be. I know what I want. I want my family back where they belong, safe and happy, and I want you."

Harry squeezed her hands. "I wouldn't want you to regret marrying me."

"If I regret marrying you, it wouldn't be for that, I promise," she said with a smile.

He chuckled. "Alright, then."

She kissed him softly. "It's going to work out," she said.

She settled against him again. He loved how she got more comfortable with him every day. He looked forward to how much better it would get when they were married.

"Can I know what you discussed with Bill?" she asked carefully.

"Sure." He nodded. "I expected him to want to talk politics, treaties and the likes, I was prepared for that."

"He didn't?" she asked in surprise.

"Nope, he just asked me about you," he replied honestly.

She frowned as she looked at him.

"He said he knew what I could do... I suppose he wanted to see if I was honest about you," he thought out loud.

"Oh. I guess that makes sense," she replied. "If you were honest about me, you'd be honest about Harpia. I guess you said nice things then."

Harry smiled. "Of course I did." He smiled. "I actually told him he shouldn't underestimate you, and that seemed to amuse him."

"I think he was just poking around for a genuine reaction, that must have been it," she responded.

A silence fell and Ginny took up her goblet again.

Harry didn't like admitting when he was wrong, and maybe he wasn't... but he wanted to tell Ginny. He found it easy to admit things to her. "You know when I went to talk to Peter today... it was the first time that I doubted him. Now I worry you may be right. He didn't seem at all excited about the marriage." He looked down. "Of course I understand his concern about marrying someone he thinks I've just met but ... it felt like there was more to it."

"The more Royals there are, the more difficult it gets to eradicate them, that would make sense," Ginny said. "Just keep your eyes open around him and we'll see. If it's true, he'll slip up sometime, I am sure."

Her words comforted her somewhat. Harry shook his head. "I am still hoping it isn't true but ... I have to look the truth in the eyes."

"If it's the case, it's better to find out sooner than later." She downed her wine. Her hand came to his cheek. "We'll figure out who it is, Peter or not." She put her goblet down. "I have to go to my Princess room and sleep."

Harry sighed, he didn't like that she was so far away.

"You set it up that way, Harry. I don't like it either." She stood up and walked to the door.

Harry followed her. She turned to him.

"I know I did. It has to be believable but ... I like it better when you're here," he told her.

She nodded. "Just a few more weeks and then I'll be in your arms every night." She smiled so brightly that he forgot to breathe for a moment.

He smiled widely at that. He took her into his arms now. "Good night." He kissed her softly.

"Good night, King of mine."

Harry had just sat down at his desk when Alastor came in.

"Ah, I wanted to talk to you," Harry said.

Alastor cut right to the chase. "Obviously I already had an inkling who you were retrieving," Alastor said, sitting himself down on the chair.

"Of course. I assumed you would," Harry said.

"I did not retrieve the Princess," Alastor continued, asking a question without asking a question.

Harry nodded and spoke carefully. "I was hoping you would agree to say you did."

Alastor's one eye focused on him sternly, silence lingering for a bit. "Of course."

"Good. Because I intend to marry her and then I need you to... help me win Harpia back for her family," Harry said carefully. He saw something resembling amusement flit across his Head Guard's face.

"Reinstating their throne..." Alastor said with a nod.

"Precisely."

Alastor gave an approving nod. "It's a noble thing to do, I wouldn't expect anything less from you. It would be my honour to lead the army."

Harry smiled. "I am glad to hear."

"So, getting married then?" Alastor asked with curiosity.

"Yes. I know it seems a little sudden," Harry told him, remembering Peter's reaction.

"We've seen her around, haven't we? And I believe she went by Lady Luna for a bit." Alastor leaned back in his chair as he comfortably revealed what he had picked up on.

Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Well... yes."

"Don't look like that, half the staff saw how you looked at her. It's not hard to connect the dots. And definitely not for someone like me," Alastor said.

"Yes. Then you understand I want to marry her," he replied.

Alastor nodded. "Yes. She'll make a good Queen, I am sure."

"We will have the wedding first and then go to Harpia so we have some preparation time, gather the army ..." Harry trailed off. He was sure Alastor got the idea.

"Sure."

"I also would like you to ask to train me and the Princes personally so we are all prepared," Harry added. He knew he would need additional training to fight a Battle. It was a little different from fighting an army.

"Yes, it would be much preferred if you stayed alive," Alastor agreed.

"No need to train the Princess," Harry added jokingly.

Alastor smiled. "She surely doesn't need it."