A/N As always, I do not own anything and am only playing in this wonderful Sandbox.

I am very happy to see the positive responses, views, follows, and favorites. Thank you to everyone who has done so already and those that do so after. Going to answer a couple of questions.

KnightSage: Thanks, I appreciate it. I try to do something new or at least something I haven't seen before, I hope this fits the mark as there are so many HP fanfics out there.

SLYNNR: I haven't exactly chosen what to do with Luna yet. I am stuck with Neville being a combination of Neville, Susan, Luna, and Hannah. I don't want to load too many up, but I wanted to try my hand at a multi Story. I like Susan, and that will resolve itself later. As for Luna though, I am really leaning towards an OC pairing with her. Hope you enjoy it though.

Hyppothestrowl: Hope I got the name right firstly. Second, I do get where you are coming from and I am not trying to destroy the flow, however, sometimes I forgot to add something in a previous chapter that is now relevant, or I want to tell a certain part from an overall perspective. I do appreciate your views and honestly, I don't want to use too many flashbacks, but these first few chapters are basic world and character building and setting up the scene. Thanks for reading and constructive criticism.

That's all the room I have for answers this time, however, if you have a question or point to make in your review, I will try to answer.

Chapter 4

Gringotts. The name sort of rolled off of the tongue, while at the same time was completely foreign. If you asked Ms. Erica Louis, she would tell you it sounded almost like a name from the stories of Crime families, Mafia's, or organized crime, namely due to her having read the Godfather series. When she saw all the goblins, and hadn't that been a surprise to see, wearing suits, well, she quite incorrectly made the connection. Not that she said anything. No, she and the children had read about goblins, and even seen some pictures in the books, but reading and actually seeing were in fact two different things.

They were currently sitting in the office of the Potter Account manager, Grabfang. He had taken over the accounts a couple years ago, due to his predecessor passing away with no children. After the initial blood verification, as the goblins said 'Blood doesn't lie', and then introductions, Harry and Hermione listened as he went on with the overview. "Now, do keep in mind Heir Potter, until you are considered of age, either by reaching the age of 17, early emancipation, though no younger than the age of 14, or marriage, again no sooner than the age of 14, that most of this is not actually important to you beyond being an overview. You could, theoretically, be emancipated right now, and you would still only have access to your trust vault. However, as the Heir and underage head of your house, we do have a few things we can do." Grabfang stopped for a moment. He seemed to do that and peer at Harry to ensure he understood. He was patient, for a goblin that was.

"I also realize that this is a lot to take in, and I did receive a briefing on this meeting from a contact in the Ministry on what to expect. Contrary to popular belief, we do communicate and do so regularly. Historically, this has led to fewer misunderstandings, and a greater flow of economy." Ms. Louis had the basic understanding that making money was the only reason they actually bothered listening, though it could be something else. "Here, Heir Potter, is the information on your trust vault, though I would suggest you not carry more than a handful of galleons at a time. Instead, simply pay for things with your Heirs ring. It's similar to what the muggles call a Debit Card, I believe it is called. Now onto other business." Harry and Hermione had also been taking some notes on a notebook and pad they had brought, though luckily, Hermione had asked before they started. It would have been a small faux pas, but still.

"I am led to understand you are worried about potential betrothal contracts, which ones might be active, and which ones you would have to worry about, along with considering making one between you and the young lady by your side. Am I correct?" "Yes sir… Um… Account Manager Grabfang." The goblin gave a smile, toothless, but a smile nonetheless. "Either or is fine, young man. You are, at the very least, trying. More than can be said for others." They all sat back a bit as Grabfang said something in a different language into what looked like a squiggle on the desk. Must be a communication rune. Harry simply thought to himself. "Normally" started Grabfang, "A betrothal contract must be signed by the magical guardian of the children in question, at least in a case like this. However, due to the irregularities surrounding these events, and with a Message from Madam Bones, signed by the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, a work around has been found. In essence, you two will sign a modified version, that will then be accepted by the ministry, and signed by the appropriate personnel verifying it. There are a few rules and laws that are, in essence, being taken to a rather odd viewing, but rules were meant to be bent in times of need."

"While we wait for the rest of the paperwork to be filled out, with the appropriate outs and cancellations, something I assume you two will want?" Both children nodded, "Good, well, I took the liberty to verify if there were any other contracts for you. The good news is that your grandfather closed out most of them to protect his offspring. However, there were a few he couldn't for one reason or another. There is the Potter-Bones alliance, though that can also fall to one Neville Longbottom. As such, all interested parties have until September 1st, 1996 to come to a conclusion and decision. So you have time there." A sigh escaped all in the room minus Grabfang. "The next is a protection contract. In essence, if the House of Greengrass has no sons by the time the eldest daughter would reach the age of 21, then a line continuation contract shall be magically created to tie her to the eldest son of the House of Potter, with the normal ranges of age. In this case, as you are near the same age, the difference being a few months, this contract applies. It would also apply in reverse, in case you were interested. It also takes into account that the connection between the two can be no closer than that of 7th cousins, or in other terms, 7 generations. From what I understand, that last marriage between your two houses would have been 400 years ago." That made Harry grimace.

Deciding to ask a question, he raised his hand, he still wasn't sure how to address or get the goblins attention, but he figured it was appropriate. Grabfang noticed and smiled softly. These two children were very respectful. Granted, it wasn't goblin culture respectful, but nonetheless he accepted it for what it was. Something many of his kind refused to do. Then again, look at how we are treated by most wizards and witches. "So me and Daphne?" He asked, and receiving a nod, he continued. "We don't really have a choice?" "No Heir Potter. As the current Lady Greengrass is incapable of having anymore children. I believe it has something to do with a rather difficult pregnancy and subsequent birth of the younger daughter." Harry nodded. It didn't make complete sense to him, but basically he took it as the Greengrasses wouldn't be having any more children. Sighing sat back and nodded. "There is one more contract, and it is between the House of Patil and the House of Potter. The house of Patil owes the house of Potter a rather large honor debt from the last war, and it was felt that a contract was the appropriate answer. However, it is stated as a contract for the house of Potter to revitalize the house of Peverall. A house that was married into the house of Potter and has been thought extinct since then. From what I understand, and it will be between you and the Lord Patil, it could apply to either of his twin daughters who will be in the same age group as you, or it could be both."

The meeting went on from there, and no other real surprises were found. Though a few meetings were set up to meet the girls. In the end, a contract was signed for Harry and Hermione, and at the end of the day, both simply cuddled to each other and relaxed. They were still happy, and still going under the idea that they could try to be friends with these girls. Harry however, was still slightly upset. He was happy with just Hermione, though he didn't understand any romantic sense of it, he did feel that it was a bit too much, and what little they had learned about marriage meant a boy and a girl. Maybe the magical world is just different. Doesn't mean bad, just different.

Lord Cyrus Greengrass received a letter a few days after this event. He verified with his own account manager, managing to get a copy as well, and read through the whole thing. Telling his wife and daughter had been…. Difficult. Elena, his wife, was not happy. Even when it was pointed out that not only did he not know of it, but it was signed centuries before he was even born. It still took her days to calm down. The press had been going on and on about Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and the Muggle lady, Ms. Erica Louis. The stories, even taken with more than a grain of salt, did not paint a pretty picture. The description given of the attackers, and that Severus Snape had led the attack of 'like minded terrorists' to kill said children, had roused a whole new anti-death eater movement.

Oh he had agreed wholeheartedly that something needed to be done. He, and his family, had never had anything to do with all that years ago. But apparently, at least to some, being a pureblood was enough reason to cast stones, at least figuratively. It was only recently that his wife had calmed down enough for him to talk to her, and then, it was only so he could contact the DMLE to see if extra security could be provided at Diagon Alley. His worry was his family, as any Greengrass head was worried about. Family first was how he was raised, and it was how he had raised his daughters.

Daphne's response though to the news had been to simply shut down. She had a knack for being able to close off her emotions to others, to the point her sister called it her Ice Queen persona. He honestly suspected it was a form of occlumency, and in all fairness, it was an advanced technique of it. However, he had no idea how she learned it, as normally that type of control took decades to get to. The problem though, was that she had maintained it for quite a few days, and on the final day, last night as it was, she had finally cracked and started crying. He cursed himself as he held his daughter in his arms. However, it was this morning she had asked to speak to him after lunch. Which was why he was in his office now, as Daphne sat across from him.

"Father, I apologize for…" holding up his hand quickly, "No Daphne. You have nothing to apologize for. I truly did not know, however, I wish….. I just do not know what to do about this." She nodded. "What do we actually know about him?" And there was no question who 'he' was that she nearly spat out with venom. Sighing, he spoke of what he knew to be fact, information gathered from Amelia Bones herself as it pertained to his family and children. It was a gray area in the law, but he was not above using such things if he needed to.

"From what I have gathered from Madam Bones, he and this muggle born girl, Hermione Granger, have been quite sheltered for the past few years. They have had no interaction with others, and the knowledge that they have been imparted with, at least as far as it comes to traditions, etiquette, and decorum, among other things, is not only 300 years old, but from the point of a German Lord. Add in that this is also what he has had to learn about his place in society and so forth, and well…. I am told that when they arrived at where they live now, they did not even know magic existed. That it was only a couple of years ago that they were told by a portrait, and did not know that he was the Heir Potter." Taking a breath and waiting a moment to see if she had any questions so far, he continued, "I did however receive a letter from him that, although obviously written by a child, does have some mannerisms and writing style that he was at least trying to be cordial. However, it boils down to him apologizing for what has happened. That he is, in essence, scared of what we and others will expect, has no clue what marriage is really supposed to mean beyond, in his words, being with your best friend, and that he hopes that you are willing to be a friend."

Daphne took all that in and internally smiled a bit. She couldn't truly understand, but she could try at least. "Very well, father. I assume there will either be a get together of some kind? Or will my meeting with my future husband be on the train?" That made Cyrus Greengrass smile a bit. At least she would be willing to try. And hopefully the young lad wouldn't make her mad.

Daniel Patil was a son of the Patil family. He would never be its head, as he was the 4th son of the 3rd son of the current lord. However, when James and Lily had saved him and his wife's lives back in 1981, right before they went into hiding, he knew he had to report it to his family's head. The Patils were a large family, with most being in India, though some had houses, and therefore connections, both political and economical, in several countries. His Grandfather had appointed him as the ambassador to England nearly two decades ago, and he had been blessed with three sons and two daughters. His little girls were definitely the youngest, and from his second wife. It was also why he had no problem with a betrothal for his daughters, or the idea of multiple wives. It was uncommon in Britain and other parts of the world, but India still followed the old ways and class system. He was royalty, though far enough down the line that more than 40 people would need to die before he could inherit, and he honestly didn't want it. However, he, like all of his brothers, had at least two wives. He loved them both and considered himself blessed.

He had also raised his girls with the knowledge that they would one day wed Harry Potter. He had also informed them that one would take the name of Peverell, while the other would take the name of Peverell-Patil. An equal in almost all things, but one who could then legally tie the Potter family to the royal family of magical India, or in this case, a minor branch family. It was convoluted, and frankly made his head swim at times, but they had accepted it growing up.

When the truth came out though, he was enraged. It was only his father talking him down that India had not declared any type of embargo or even military action against Magical Britain. Not that the ICW would have let it get that far, but there were still ways around it. As he had told James when the contract was signed, Harry was considered a member of their royal family. He had also known the boy would have multiple wives and had hoped to help impart wisdom and knowledge for such things to him as he grew up. When the former Minister Bagnold had sealed the Potter's wills, he had protested, but the pureblood faction had wanted things to get back to normal as quickly as possible, and so he had been ignored. He would not be ignored now.

He marched into the minister's office, his two guards at his side. He did not wait to be announced, he did not wait for some to open the door. He slammed them open with a wave of his wand and marched up to the opulent looking desk. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" a high shrill voice came from the otherside. Seeing the woman who resembled the experiments from a century ago, Something to have looked into, though I could have sworn those toads were all wiped out, he thought to himself. He looked at her and then back to Fudge. "Do you wish for war with Magical India and its Royal Family, Fudge." The toad was spluttering and gaining a rather interesting shade of purple. Her neck seemed to swell and her eyes appeared to go beady as she was summarily ignored. Yes, definitely need that checked out.

Fudge, for his part, had known this was coming. Croaker had dropped him a message about the ramifications and likely outcomes. Shaking his head, he could understand the initial response of Delores, but he knew if he didn't intervene, things would go from bad to worse. "Delores, please step away. I have things to discuss with Ambassador Patil." She spluttered, but took the hint. They waited for her to leave and the door to shut before they started to talk again.

"Ambassador…" Was all he got out. "We were promised that he would be raised in a loving home, aware of his future place in society, and the likely chance of multiple wives and what it would mean. We were promised he was in no danger, and that all safety precautions had been taken. We were promised that correspondence would be given. We … Where…. Lied…. To!" Fudge just took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. He really wished he could find Bagnold, wherever she disappeared to. This was just the latest mess he had inherited. "Ambassador Patil. I am well aware of all you have said, and frankly, I am as disgusted by the outcome as you are. You were not the only ones lied to. Before you start pointing out to me that I am the Minister, I am pointing out to YOU that I am reliant on the information that my department heads give to ME. The paperwork was filed, within regulations, with the supposed idea that it was to limit the amount of people who could harm Mr. Potter. Obviously, it was wrong, or strongly misleading, depending on the light."

Sitting back down and motioning for Patil to do the same, he eyed him. "I keep my friends close, and my enemies closer, Ambassador Patil. Though an interesting question. Did you know, the DoM is the only department whose budget is not set? They are funded by the Ministry of course, but further funded by the Crown and the ICW. Did you know they in no way report to any of the above three about how many people work for them, what they do, the training they do, and so forth? And, from what little I do know, the amount of auror trainees that are not hired to the Auror department, whether they pass or fail, have been quoted as saying they have found gainful employment afterwards has risen through the roof? Interesting, wouldn't you say?"

Daniel Patil nodded, it was interesting though to him. And he had a good idea what it meant. However, "I don't see what that means to me." "It means, Ambassador, that Bagnold, Crouch Sr., and Dumbledore pulled a fast one, but some people were able to prepare anyway. For what, I have no idea, nor do I want to know. Bagnold has disappeared, Crouch is barely hanging on to his current post by a hair, and frankly, he's good at it and there is no one who could replace him. Sadly, it's the same reason I still have Deloris. She's remarkably good at her job and helps to keep this office running. Anyways, Dumbledore is gone to the wind now, and as he is working for the Defense against the Dark League, he can't be touched. A side rule that was put in decades ago by the ICW." A drink was passed and both took a swig of the liquor.

"To answer your questions though, ambassador. You weren't the only one lied to. The whole country was. I am aware of the numerous matches he will have, and frankly, I wish him luck. I can barely deal with one." A smirk played across his lips. However, soon it was replaced by that of a more serious look, "I will do what I can to get you time in Hogwarts to come and visit, just as I will need to do with a few other houses, such as Greengrass, Bones, and Longbottom. I would suggest though, that you come in 10 days time to the reading of the Potter's will. I expect there will be quite a commotion." Daniel only looked at him for a moment, then sighed and stood up. As he made his way to the door, Fudge gave him some parting words, "I play the imbecile infront of most others, as it works to my advantage. However, I was a Slytherin, and I understood how to play the game."

Lucious Malfoy sat in his study trying desperately how to stop things from spiraling out of control. He had worked to ensure that the Potters' will wouldn't be opened, having bribed Bagnold to seal it. He had heard Black rant in Azkaban, while he was there for a short week before he was pardoned due to claiming the imperius about how the will would free him once it was read. He was also quite sure that his wife, Narcissa, would run to Black to have his marriage annulled. That would destroy him. However, he could protect himself from that. It would take time, and he could simply claim he never knew. The annulment would go through, and it would hurt him and his standing, but he did have a backup plan.

His son Draco would assuredly follow his mother to the house of Black, just as he always followed what she said. A cruel smile crossed his face though. If he was going to be hurt, then he could easily hurt others for a modicum of revenge. A quick letter off to his account manager at Gringotts to have his vault emptied, giving 10% to the goblin if he could get it done in a day, and have it sent to him in an expanded and lightened trunk, and he would leave Britain. France would be a good place to go, he had family there that would welcome him, especially if he offered them a decent amount of money. A new, younger, and more docile wife could easily be found. As for Draco, well, it was better if he had no son. "Dreary, come here." A house elf popped into existence in the office. "Dreary, I want you to wait till Draco is asleep and then feed him this potion. Before you ask, you useless pile of bones, it will not kill him. Immediately after you feed it to him, without waking him or anyone else, and telling no one else in any way shape or form, you will go here" He pointed to a specific part on a map, "And stand still until I call you again."

Dreary nodded and only went to complete her tasks due to the fear she had. She had seen the punishments that had been heaped on Dobby, however she knew the only reason he was alive is he was Lady Malfoys elf. Lord Malfoy could and would kill her if she disobeyed him. It didn't take long for her to slip the potion into young Malfoys stomach through an elvish switching spell, and to then pop out. The last thing she ever saw as she popped into existence was the gaping maw of some beast.

Back in his office later that night, Lucius was preparing certain documents he felt he should take with him. Narcissa would not bother him, and Draco was asleep. If everything went according to plans, he would be gone in the morning before anyone woke up. "Yes, better to leave now and rebuild somewhere else with fewer eyes. Only a fool stays on a sinking ship, and I am no fool."

Charity Burbage was ecstatic. She was now the ritual mistress of the school, a position that had not existed for a few centuries. She had been given two lists pertaining to Potter and Granger, one short and one long term of rituals they wished to perform, and the reasoning why. She found no fault, and assumed, correctly, that someone had been advising them. As she looked at it more, she determined that this would be an excellent outline for several students, though a few changes for the vast majority would be a better option. "Hmmm, perhaps I should see about bringing in some help. It is a rather large number of students." As she sat down for the night, she pondered who she could bring in and what her budget could afford.

Harry had received replies to his letters and sat in the living room of the Manor with Hermione. They weren't amazing answers but they weren't exactly negatives either. No one could really set up a time to meet before September 1st, but they had agreed that it would be a good idea to try to be friends first. The letter from the Patils explained their position with their daughters and had sent a book along that was common in the upper echelons of Magical India. Hermione had, with his permission, devoured the book, and was now reading it a second time. "Some of this stuff is rather chauvinistic in nature, but then again, as it stands you will have at least four wives. Five if Susan pushes that direction. It actually has a lot of helpful tips though, like making sure to set time aside each day and week for each wife, ensuring you do special things for them, getting a planner to remember special dates and other such things. I know we are still young, but, well, you may want to read this."

After she finished, Harry looked up. She was right, of course, but it still scared him more than a bit. Seeing the look on his face, she smiled, leaned over, and gave him a very tight hug. "It's ok Harry. We will work through this together. If we work together, there is nothing we can not overcome." He relaxed a bit. "I know Hermione, it's just. Oh… I don't know, it's just a lot is all." She nodded. "Let's go to bed. School starts in a couple of weeks, and your parents' wills will be read in a little over a week. We should work a bit more on our wandless, and focus heavily on Occlumency. From what the Prophet has said, the entire curriculum at Hogwarts is being drastically updated, which is good. But it will also be at a higher pace and speed than anyone has done there in a long time. Honestly, they should break people into groups based on learning speed, as opposed to houses, but that's just me thinking that. The teachers and I'm sure they have a solution."

It wasn't long before they were both in bed, cuddled up, and sleeping. Tomorrow will come soon enough.

Albus Dumbledore was leading his group of people. They were all loyal to him, and more importantly, to the Greater Good. They had a list of targets across the globe to gather. It would take time and effort, but they were sure of their course. Albus did feel as if he was forgetting something, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Then again, at his age, he knew the mind could slip occasionally. It must be the change in schedules and living conditions. They gathered together and apparated out to the last location of their first target. A rather troublesome Necromancer who was terrorizing the surrounding villages in Africa. Yes, it is good to be back in the game once again.

A man with glasses, a boy that was beaten, flowers, and more flashed through the mind of the stone in the heart of Nurmengard. The stone had no idea why it focused so much on these images, almost like what it would assume human memories were, but different somehow. Shaking its proverbial head, he went back to work. The old master that had helped build her was talking to the greasy haired one. The greasy toy was wanting information on how to escape. The old master just smiled and laughed. He was still by far the strongest there, but both of their hearts were dark. She could see that herself. Deciding it was time to seperate them, she went about business as usual. I can't spend too much time on these toys, but the new ones are so fun. It was time to cull a few of the more depleted toys anyways. How to do so, how to do so… All to protect… protect who?... Odd, perhaps I will remember after I have removed some of these toys from the playing field.

In another part of the fortress, an older woman who once went by the name of Millicent Bagnold, Minister for Magic of Magical Britain, found herself hanging from a wall as a stone spear had suddenly jutted out and impaled her through the chest. It had then raised her and tilted her to let the blood drain out slowly. Bagnold's last conscious thoughts were wishing she had listened to Dumbledore and done what he had said. He had sent her here, and she knew she would now die here. All because I went against his Greater Good.

Chapter End

Closing Notes.

No, Draco is not dead. I have seen something similar to this bit before, but never in this way. As such, I am going to have a little fun with Draco without any real bashing. Lucius is out of the picture for now, but I didn't just want him gone.

Yes, Fudge is not an idiot here. I wanted someone smart for this story, so I OOC'd him, like I am many characters.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope to see you next time at the next chapter of The Manor in the Woods Chapter 5.