Chapter 6: A New BeginningKing's

Cross Station

As they stepped off the Hogwarts Express, Harry and Hermione lingered just before the magical barrier separating Platform 9 from the Muggle world. The summer loomed ahead of them, but unlike every year before, there was a sense of anticipation and secrecy between them.

Harry hugged Hermione, holding on just a moment longer than usual, feeling the comfort she always brought him. "This is it," he muttered.

"Yeah," Hermione whispered back. She pulled away, giving him a reassuring smile before turning toward her parents. Harry watched as she approached them and began explaining their plan—how this summer, for the first time, Harry wouldn't be stuck with the Dursleys.

Meanwhile, Harry approached his uncle Vernon, whose expression immediately soured upon seeing him. "About time," Vernon grumbled. "Come on, boy."

Harry forced a smile. "Hello, Uncle Vernon. I hope you've been well."

Vernon merely huffed in response. He glared at Harry, obviously irritated by the forced interaction. Harry's nose wrinkled at the familiar foul stench of his uncle—like stale tobacco and sweat. "Just get in the car."

But Harry stood his ground, speaking calmly. "I take it you don't want me over for the summer?"

Vernon's eyes narrowed. "You know damn well we don't, boy. But we have no choice, do we?"

Harry nodded towards a man in the crowd wearing Muggle clothes—an Auror, keeping a discreet watch. "They're watching us. If you don't want me with you, there's a way out."

Vernon scowled. "What're you on about?"

"Take me to a fast-food place. I've got a friend waiting there who can take me off your hands. Then you won't have to deal with me at all this summer."

Vernon's small eyes flickered with hope. "Really? And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Harry replied coolly. "You just get to pretend I don't exist."

Vernon didn't hesitate after that. He marched ahead to his car, muttering under his breath, and Harry followed, already thinking of Hermione and her parents waiting for him at the destination.

The car ride to the fast-food place was as tense as Harry expected, though his mind was elsewhere—on the Grangers. When they finally arrived, Vernon parked with an aggressive lurch. Hermione and her parents were already waiting near their car.

Vernon grumbled, eyeing Mr. Granger with contempt. "Oi, you! Help me get the boy's trunk out."

Mr. Granger approached with a polite smile, unfazed by Vernon's tone. Together, they loaded Harry's trunk into the Granger family car.

With the task done, Vernon turned to Harry with one last venomous sneer. "Good riddance, freak."

Harry bit his tongue, trying not to let the insult get to him. He simply nodded. "Thanks for the ride," he muttered, watching as his uncle stalked back to the car and drove off without so much as a backward glance.

Once Vernon was gone, Harry let out a sigh of relief. He turned to Hermione's parents, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "Thank you so much for letting me stay," he said earnestly. "I have some money at Gringotts; I can pay for my stay—"

"Oh, nonsense, Harry," Mrs. Granger interrupted kindly. "We wouldn't dream of taking your money. You're practically family."

Mr. Granger nodded in agreement, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Besides, we could use an extra hand around the house."

Harry smiled gratefully. Before they could leave, he hesitated. "Do you think we could stop by Gringotts before we do anything else? I need to take care of some things."

"Of course," Hermione replied quickly, and her parents agreed without question.

Gringotts

The towering marble pillars of Gringotts loomed over them as they entered the wizarding bank. The goblins were as brisk and businesslike as ever, but Harry could feel their sharp eyes lingering on him longer than usual.

After a brief conversation with one of the goblins at the desk, Harry was led to a private office where his account manager, Ragnok, awaited. The goblin looked up as they entered, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Potter," Ragnok greeted him, his tone formal. "It's been a long time. I was beginning to wonder if you had forgotten about your accounts."

Harry blinked, confused. "Forgotten? I didn't even know I had accounts here... or that I was supposed to be handling anything."

Ragnok raised a sharp eyebrow. "We sent multiple owls to you over the years. I assumed you had chosen not to respond."

Realization dawned on Harry, a cold knot forming in his stomach. Someone had kept this from him—kept him in the dark about his own inheritance. "I never received any owls. Someone must have been intercepting them."

Ragnok's eyes flickered with understanding. "I see. That would explain the... delays." He rifled through a stack of parchments before producing a thick envelope, which he handed to Harry. "This is your parents' will. I assume you've never seen it?"

Harry took the envelope, his heart pounding. "No... I haven't."

Ragnok nodded solemnly. "The will was clear about a number of things, Mr. Potter. Your parents left you everything—considerable wealth, properties, and their personal possessions. But there was one other thing."

Harry swallowed, bracing himself as Ragnok continued.

"You were never meant to go to the Dursleys."

The words hit Harry like a punch to the gut. He felt Hermione's hand slip into his, grounding him as the goblin continued.

"Your parents specifically stated that you should be raised by those who cared for you, but due to certain wizarding laws regarding guardianship, the will was not executable because you were a minor. The will's executioner was appointed to ensure your safety until you came of age."

Harry frowned. "Who's the executioner?"

Ragnok's lips thinned. "Albus Dumbledore."

Harry's mind reeled. Dumbledore had been the one responsible for sending him to the Dursleys, despite his parents' wishes. Anger surged within him, but Ragnok continued before he could speak.

"The will also states the value of your estate. And as the heir to both the Potter and Peverell families, you have certain responsibilities. Including... marriage."

Mr. Granger cleared his throat, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived. "Is that normal for wizards?"

Ragnok glanced at the Granger parents. "For the ancient and noble families, yes. To restore certain bloodlines, such as the Peverells, multiple marriages may be required."

Harry's pulse quickened, panic rising in his chest. "Multiple... marriages?"

Before the panic could fully take hold, Hermione squeezed his hand, her presence immediately calming him. "Breathe, Harry," she whispered softly. "We'll figure it out."

Harry's racing thoughts slowed as he focused on Hermione, and he nodded, taking a deep breath.

Ragnok, observing the exchange, cleared his throat and moved the conversation along. "For now, I will arrange for the necessary funds. The rest of your inheritance can be discussed at a later date when you're ready."

Diagon Alley

After leaving Gringotts, Harry, Hermione, and her parents spent the next few hours wandering through the bustling shops of Diagon Alley. The summer sun was warm, and the streets were alive with wizards and witches preparing for the holidays.

Their first stop was Madam Malkin's, where Harry and Hermione were fitted for new clothes. But it was at Flourish and Blotts where Hermione's enthusiasm truly took over.

"Come on, Harry!" Hermione urged, dragging him toward a towering shelf filled with rare spellbooks. "There's so much here! We have to check out the new Arithmancy section!"

Harry chuckled, letting himself be pulled along as Hermione led the way, pointing out books that piqued her interest. They wandered through the aisles, Hermione excitedly talking about everything from magical theory to history. She seemed to know exactly where to go, and Harry found himself caught up in her energy.

Eventually, they found themselves near the back of the store, surrounded by towering stacks of books. Hermione turned to Harry, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Isn't this amazing? I could spend all day here."

Harry smiled, watching her with quiet admiration. "Yeah, it is. But I'm more amazed by how much you know about all this."

Hermione blushed, looking away. "I just like to be prepared."

As they left the shop, bags full of books and supplies, Harry couldn't help but feel lighter. It had been a long, exhausting day, but being with Hermione and her parents made everything seem a little less overwhelming.

Granger's Car

The ride back to the Grangers' house was peaceful. The late afternoon sun filtered through the car windows, casting a warm glow over the interior. Harry sat in the backseat next to Hermione, their bags of newly bought books and supplies tucked under their feet.

For the first time in days, Harry felt a sense of calm wash over him. The storm of revelations—from his parents' will to the weight of multiple inheritances—was still swirling in his mind, but Hermione's presence made it all bearable. She had been his anchor through everything.

Before he knew it, the gentle rhythm of the car and the soothing hum of the road had lulled both Harry and Hermione into a quiet sleep. Their heads tilted toward each other, eventually resting together, and at some point, their hands found one another, fingers intertwining naturally.

From the front seat, Mrs. Granger glanced in the rearview mirror, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She nudged her husband gently, nodding toward the two sleeping teens.

Mr. Granger smiled as well, his voice low. "They've been through a lot, haven't they?"

"More than any kids their age should," Mrs. Granger replied quietly. Her gaze lingered on her daughter and Harry, their heads leaning together, so peaceful in their shared exhaustion.

"They're good for each other," Mr. Granger added, his tone thoughtful. "It's clear they bring each other some kind of... balance."

"Yes," Mrs. Granger agreed softly, "they really do."

The drive continued in comfortable silence, the weight of the day's events left behind in Diagon Alley. For now, there was only the quiet serenity of the road ahead and the deepening bond between Harry and Hermione as they unconsciously held onto each other, both literally and figuratively, as they headed toward the future.

The Rookery

Luna Lovegood stood at the edge of the fields, her mismatched trunk levitating gently behind her, held by a simple charm. The sky was painted in the soft hues of sunset, the air warm with the promise of summer. As she approached the Rookery, its crooked silhouette came into view—a place that had always felt more like a fairytale than a home. But to Luna, it was both.

She stepped inside to the familiar scent of herbs and parchment. Her father, Xenophilius, looked up from his work. His face lit up at the sight of her, his usual eccentricity softened by the warmth of a parent seeing their child return after a long time away.

"Ah, Luna, home at last!" he exclaimed, rushing over to embrace her. "Did you have any new discoveries on your journey?"

Luna gave him a serene smile, her eyes distant, as if they still held onto something that had yet to fully reveal itself. "Not new creatures, Daddy. But I did see a vision."

Xenophilius paused, his tone shifting from light curiosity to one of quiet seriousness. "A vision? From beyond?"

Luna nodded, her voice soft but sure. "I saw something at school. A glimpse of what's to come."

Her father's eyes filled with concern and anticipation. "And what did you see? Will you be alright?"

Luna looked out the window, watching the fading light of the sun. Her voice was gentle, a quiet certainty in her words. "Yes. I will be happy."

Xenophilius exhaled, relieved, though still slightly unsure of what her vision entailed. But he trusted his daughter more than anything. Her insight was beyond what others could comprehend, and whatever lay ahead, he knew she would face it with grace.

"I'm glad to hear that, Luna," he said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Luna gave him a soft nod. "We will."

As the summer evening settled in, the father and daughter shared a quiet dinner, the unspoken weight of Luna's vision hanging between them, but neither feeling the need to delve into its details just yet. There would be time. And Luna knew, in her heart, that whatever came next was part of a much larger plan.

Greengrass Estate

Daphne and Astoria Greengrass walked silently through the grand entrance of the Greengrass estate, their shoes tapping against the polished marble floor as they made their way through the hallways they knew so well. The sprawling mansion was a picture of pureblood elegance, every detail reflecting the weight of tradition and the power of their family name.

But today, there was a heaviness in the air that went beyond the usual formality. They had just returned from Hogwarts, but there was no sense of summer relief in the air, only a pressing reminder of what awaited them.

In their father's study, Lord Greengrass sat behind his desk, his hands clasped together, eyes sharp as he watched his daughters enter. Their mother stood by the window, her back to the room, though the tension in her posture made it clear she was struggling with what was about to be said.

"Sit," Lord Greengrass instructed, his voice low but firm. Daphne and Astoria exchanged a glance before doing as they were told.

The silence hung thick in the room for a moment before their father spoke again. "You both know why you're here."

Daphne's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Astoria fidgeted slightly, her hands clasping nervously in her lap.

Lord Greengrass continued, his tone measured and matter-of-fact. "The contract that binds our family to the Malfoys is set. Daphne, you are to become Lady Black through the continuation of the Black line. Astoria, you will be Lady Greengrass, continuing our family's name. This is your duty, and it is not negotiable."

The words fell like a hammer, even though they had known this was coming for years. The weight of it all felt heavier now that it was being spoken aloud. Daphne kept her expression carefully neutral, but Astoria's face betrayed a flicker of fear.

Their father pressed on, as though unaware—or perhaps uncaring—of their internal turmoil. "This contract was what kept me from Azkaban at the end of the war. The Malfoys hold our future, and you will do nothing to jeopardize that arrangement. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Father," they replied in unison, their voices as hollow as they felt.

Lady Greengrass turned then, her eyes filled with a quiet resignation, a sadness that she had carried for as long as her daughters could remember. She said nothing, but the sorrow in her gaze spoke volumes.

Lord Greengrass leaned forward slightly. "Good. Remember your place and your duty. The Malfoys are not to be crossed."

Daphne and Astoria stood, the weight of their futures hanging over them like an executioner's axe. As they left the study, the air felt thick with the unspoken truth: their lives were no longer their own.

That night, after the household had gone quiet, Astoria slipped into Daphne's room, her small frame barely visible in the dim light. She hesitated at the door before whispering, "Daphne?"

Daphne, lying in bed, glanced over. She knew what her sister needed before Astoria even asked. "Come in."

Astoria climbed into the bed beside her, curling up against her older sister. For a long moment, neither of them said anything, the silence filled with all the things they couldn't speak aloud during the day.

"I hate them," Astoria finally whispered, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I hate the Malfoys."

Daphne exhaled slowly, wrapping an arm around her sister. "I do too."

Astoria's grip on her tightened. "I don't want to marry him. I don't want any of this."

Daphne closed her eyes, the weight of responsibility crushing down on her. "We don't have a choice, Astoria. All we can do is endure. Maybe, someday, we can spare our children from this fate."

Astoria's breath hitched, and for a moment, she buried her face in Daphne's shoulder, as though trying to hide from the harsh reality of their future. "But what if we can't?"

Daphne didn't have an answer. All she could offer was comfort in the form of her presence. "I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Astoria nodded, her hold on her sister never loosening. Eventually, despite the unease that filled them both, they fell into a restless sleep, bound together by more than just blood—by a shared future neither of them wanted, but neither of them could escape.

AN: Thank you guys for reading. Hang with me the first full moon is just two chapters away. Here is some responses to some reviews:

To Ora1168: I'm definitely not the biggest fan of Ron. But yeah Luna will be a good member of the Potter pack.

To decadenceofmysoul: He absolutely will eat his words.

To : It could have been a good moment but I have a fun one planned.

To Ravenclaw Midnight Blue: I will attribute the fact that Madam Pomphrey didn't notice the bite is that Harry was just under observation for exposure to Dementors. All I have planned out are some of the big major events. everything else is fair game. I do like your idea with Lupin but it will be later at least after the first full moon. You will just have to see what happens with both Luna and Daphne. Also I have your story on my reading list when I get some spare time.