beta'd by GinRyuu

XX

Harry was nervous. He'd been writing back and forth with Mr. Parkinson, or Lord Parkinson as he was called, and had written several letters to Pansy but never sent any. How could he explain all this in a letter? But today he was going to see her for the first time since the battle.

Ginny had helped him dress. So he now stood in front of Gringotts in a formal looking robe of royal blue; Ginny had said it complimented his skin tone and eyes. He clenched his fists a couple times to avoid pacing awkwardly when he saw Pansy and a man he assumed to be her father.

Pansy had on a tea length sleeveless robe with an elbow length under gown both in shades of green. Her hair was in the same bob she had worn all throughout school. But she had grown into her looks, with a neutral face she could almost pass for beautiful. He wasn't too attached to what she looked like, but he had to admit having a nice looking face was a bonus.

Her father had a stern countenance, looking like a bulldog with many folds and creases across his face with short black hair, thinning at the temples and shot through with silver. He wore a mixture of robes and a navy pinstripe suit, looking more modern than most wizards Harry had seen.

They reached the bank and Harry shook hands with Lord Parkinson.

"Lord Potter-Black, good to finally meet you. I've gone ahead and reserved a private room at the Winter Warlock. If you haven't had their food before, you're in for a treat."

Harry nodded and turned to follow the Parkinsons, falling into step with Pansy. Lord Parkinson led them to a cottage style restaurant on a side alley of Diagon that looked more high-end. Harry tried to remember anything he could about manners and fine dining, not that it was something he had much knowledge of in general.

He did remember to pull out Pansy's chair for her and she looked astonished but happy.

When they were settled and had ordered their food, Lord Parkinson put up a privacy charm and leaned forward.

"Lord Potter-Black, as you know the contract stipulates that you marry my daughter, however we would like to add some conditions. You are free to offer counter additions."

Harry nodded and cleared his throat. "That sounds reasonable, Lord Parkinson."

The older man nodded. "First, I insist that Pansy be given the option of first Right of Refusal as Proxy to all named Houses you may inherit while maintaining her right to ascend as House Parkinson's Proxy."

Harry blinked and nodded. He wasn't too keen on politics at the moment.

"Second, while House Black has supremacy on traditions, we insist that any children are named in accordance with Parkinson traditions in addition to any Black names."

"And what are the Parkinson traditions, sir?"

"A plant based name. Your mother's family might have had a similar naming tradition."

"I think we can agree on that. I would like to honor the Blacks so maybe a plant name for a middle name? I have to put House Black first due to supremacy."

Lord Parkinson agreed to that and noted it down on parchment.

"Finally, I would like you to undergo tutoring lessons, at your leisure of course, but so that our houses are represented properly. Simple things you may not have been taught by muggles, if that rumor is true; things like etiquette and political maneuvering."

Harry blinked and thought about it and had to admit knowing those things would make a huge difference in his life now. He agreed. Lord Parkinson smiled a shark's grin at him.

"Now after we eat, we'll need to stop into Gringotts to have the changes notarized, but perhaps we could arrange a time for you and Pansy to spend some time together. Perhaps an afternoon in Diagon? Or at our property? One of the prewritten codicils of the contract determines that chaperones must be used. We should also discuss how long of an engagement there will be."

"Well, for the engagement…I'm planning to self study for NEWTS this year so perhaps after ministry testing?"

"That's great! Pansy is self-studying as well. Perhaps you could arrange to study together."

"Lord Parkinson, I have one condition of my own. My godson Teddy, his parents died in the war, and stated in their wishes that I raise him as my own. Now, he's currently with his grandmother, Andromeda Tonks, formerly Black, but I intend to have him with me as soon as my housing situation resolves; the Black residence is not safe for an infant currently. But is that going to be a problem?"

Lord Parkinson looked at him shrewdly. "And this boy is your heir?"

Harry ran a hand through his messy hair, "Teddy is Heir Black until and if he decides he would rather not be involved in politics. In the case that it's too much for him, my second son would inherit. But I strongly believe in giving children the freedom to choose their futures."

Pansy spoke up for the first time. "Potter, I also believe our children should be raised differently. And I'm happy to have this boy as our son, but I would like to meet him soon."

The raven haired man blinked and smiled at her. "Thank you Pansy."

He looked over at her father. "Is that everything we need to iron out?"

Lord Parkinson looked over his notes. "I had nothing further. If that's all you wanted, how about we proceed to Gringotts?"

They nodded and stood from the table, Lord Parkinson pressing his lordship ring into an indent on the table to mark that they should charge his account. And with that, they headed back to the bank.