Harry sat there looking at Sirius waiting for him to start laughing at him. Praying this was all a big joke, but when it didn't come he jumped up and started screaming.
"ARE YOU CRAZY? I HAVE TO MARRY DAPHNE GREENGRASS AND AGAINST HER WILL NO LESS NEVERMIND THE FACT THAT I'M A WEREWOLF. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?" Harry finished, panting.
"Pup trust me if there was a way out of it I would have done it but unfortunately the contract passes to you due to the inability to continue the line nevermind the fact I'm gay. I understand your reasons against it but this is the way it is. Remus and I are planning with Gringotts to have a meeting with the Greengrasses to get everything squared away and inform them that Draco is not the heir to House Black. I want you to be there with us, Harry." said Sirius.
"What would happen then?" Harry asked, cautiously.
"Well I figured we could have the goblins look everything over to see if you being a werewolf negates the contract for starters, if not then we definitely need to tell Daphne and her parents what they are signing up for. We would also discuss the terms of the contract when you'd be married, how soon you would have children after marriage and how many will one be for House Greengrass as they have no male heirs, all of it." Remus explained.
"We are also going to show them my memories of the meeting with Pettigrew so they know I'm innocent of those crimes and see if Castor can help get my name cleared." Sirius told them.
"Can we just broach on the absolutely barbaric concept of a marriage contract in the first place? They haven't been used in the Muggle world for centuries." said Hermione, appallingly.
"Yes Hermione we understand your stance on them they aren't big in the Wizarding World much anymore but they are used kind of like prenups in the modern world they set a list of rules and guidelines to follow for the marriage and if those rules are broken then the contract is considered void and the marriage is over." Sirius explained. "Also they are really only done in Pure-Blood families like the Blacks, the Greengrasses, the Lestranges, the Bones, the Long bottoms, the Potters. Though you don't have any made to you Harry, Lily would have crucified James if he even considered it."
"But he has to marry Daphne Greengrass, she's the bloody Ice Queen of the Snakes. She's likely to kill him or better just out him being a werewolf to the whole school." Ron said, angrily.
"Ronald I happen to know that Daphne isn't like Malfoy and his groupies. She and I have worked together in Runes a few times." Hermione said, glaring at Ron.
"Ok Sirius I trust you and Remus if this is the way it has to be then we will do it plus it has the chance to give you your freedom. I just don't know how Daphne is gonna take this we met at the World cup officially. I met her and Susan Bones when I stopped Malfoy from doing something disgusting to them. Now do either of you know anything about these schools coming at the end of the month?" asked Harry.
"I can guess that it will be Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Durmstrang is in the far north and they are known for being lax on their study of the dark arts. Beauxbatons will probably be the easiest for you Harry due to the school being located in France and they have far better laws in regards to Half-Breeds. I suppose the Veela Colony helps with that, though I would say be careful if one happens to be in the school." Remus told Harry.
"Oh, Harry, before I forget I got these out when we went to Gringotts. They will help us stay in contact better." Sirius said, handing Harry a desk mirror.
"What are they?" Hermione asked.
"James and I made them. They are two way mirrors. You just say my name and we'll be able to talk to each other." He explained.
"That's brilliant." Harry shouted.
With the promise to keep in touch, the three friends bid the adults farewell and left to grab a carriage back to Hogwarts. Harry's head was swimming, he couldn't believe something like this was real. For all intents and purposes he was engaged to be married to a girl he was just starting to get to know and wasn't even sure if he liked her that way, nevermind all the other complications in his life. The whole carriage ride back Harry was quiet, trapped in his own head. Ron was digging around in his Honeydukes bag looking for a specific sweet. Hermione was going over her plan of going to the library and researching marriage contracts to try and find a loophole for Harry to use. The next few days passed by with much of the same attitude. Hermione's search had found a few things that might be helpful in the negotiations, but without knowing the specifics of the contract nothing could be done now. Harry heard back from Sirius that they got a little lucky and got permission from everyone to have the Gringotts meeting on October 22nd which was a Saturday so he wouldn't have classes the problem was it was the Saturday after a full moon so he was going to have a ton of stuff to make up for the missed days. Worst of all he would be missing a Potions class which meant Snape would make sure he failed that day. Harry tried his best to avoid Daphne before the meeting, if it was up to him with the news he'd avoid her forever.
The October full moon came and went with no real issue; they remembered enough food and Harry escaped without any new cuts. The day was finally here, the day he'd been dreading, the meeting at Gringotts. He woke up feeling more nervous than his first quidditch game. He got dressed in his Hogwarts slacks, shirt, vest and tie, as they were his nicest clothes at the moment other than his dress robes which he had asked Sirius if he should wear. He said good-bye to Ron and Hermione and made his way to Professor McGonagall's office.
"Ah good morning Mr. Potter, are you ready for your trip to Diagon Alley?" asked the stern looking Transfiguration mistress.
"As ready as I can be Professor." he replied.
"Now you are familiar with floo travel, yes?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes ma'am I'm just not too great at the landings. It's like that with all magical travel I always end up on my face." said Harry, looking embarrassed.
"Well it all takes practice. I'm sure you'll get there now I'm told you are to meet Remus in the Leaky Cauldron and you'll be gone for several hours on family business. Stay safe Mr. Potter and be careful with the goblins." Professor McGonagall said.
Harry nodded and went to the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and very clearly said "DIAGON ALLEY." and disappeared in a flash of green flames.
As predicted Harry came flying out of the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron rolling until he smacked the floor.
"Every time I end up arse over tea kettle." Harry groaned as he stood up wiping the soot off.
"Yup if there was ever a question of whose son you were that solved it. When James was your age he could never land the floo either." said Remus, trying to hold back his laughter. "Padfoot will be meeting us there and we have two hours to go over the contract ourselves and prepare for the Greengrasses."
"Ok so you and Sirius spend that time looking over the contract to find a way out of it for me while I prep my sorry you get saddled to a wolf speech also more shower less cologne I can still smell you." Harry said, chuckling at the end.
"Oh I'll get you back for that one pup. Just remember we are meeting your potential wife in about two hours." Remus quipped.
"Right about that embarrass me on a different day today is going to be hard enough and if I know anything Padfoot has embarrassment covered today." groaned Harry.
"Oh don't worry Harry Padfoot promised to be on his best behavior, especially with him still being a wanted criminal and all." he replied.
Nodding Harry and Remus began to walk to Gringotts bank.
The two walked into Gringotts bank straight to the head teller who sat on a podium in the center of the room.
"Greetings Master teller, we are here for an appointment with the Black family account manager. Could you please tell him we've arrived." Lupin asked in as polite a manner as possible.
"I will alert him at once." the goblin answered, almost annoyed.
It was about five minutes before the goblin instructed them where to go. Harry followed close to Remus while they went down the hall to the right door. When they came up to the room they saw a plaque labeled BLACK FAMILY ACCOUNT MANAGER ERKUS. They knocked on the door and waited for a response. They heard a very gruff voice behind the door shout. "Come in quickly and close the door behind you."
They went inside and saw Erkus and Sirius sitting at a very large desk looking over some papers.
"Ah Harry and Remus finally decided to join us I see." said Erkus. "Now I understand we have quite a few things to discuss today, one being the betrothal contract between House Black and House Greengrass. I understand the Greengrasses will be here in an hours time for that particular topic for now we need to discuss Sirius and how he will be introduced."
"What about a traditional Marauders style prank?" Harry asked.
"Oh? Do explain young Harry." Erkus replied.
"Well what if we set the meeting in a different room and have a single chair in the room and have Remus sitting in the chair with Sirius in his animagus form." explained Harry. "Then when the Greengrasses come in he can say something along the lines of before I introduce myself I must ask that you hear what I have to say before you react, then reveal that you are you and the current Lord Black is right here and Sirius transforms."
Sirius broke out laughing. "I love it. Perfect plan pup."
"It does sound like it would be a good laugh." Remus replied.
"Well I can certainly arrange for that, might I also recommend a hooded cloak for mystique." Erkus added.
"Oh yea keep Remus all dark and mysterious. Make them think it's someone to fear then reveal fun loving Sirius Black." Harry replied.
"Well now that we have that sorted we need to discuss clearing your name Lord Black." Erkus said. "As promised we did look into the matter and we have run into a few complications with the Ministry of Magic. We know you never received a trial, we know you were arrested stay a few hours in a DMLE holding cell before being transported to Azkaban prison."
"So we need to officially get me a trial?" Sirius asked.
"Yes but it has to be brought up in the Wizengamot, which goblins have no presence in. So it's a good thing we have this meeting with the Greengrasses. I should inform you that while the Blacks have always been very Pure-Blood strong it was the Greengrasses who wrote the contract. What this means is that Heir Potter's condition does not void it; he is still the eligible candidate. Most of the other things can be discussed at the meeting." Erkus explained.
Erkus showed them to the room where they could await the Greengrasses and with a borrowed cloak from the goblins Remus and Sirius were set for the great prank. It was fifteen minutes later that the Greengrasses walked into the room to see a hooded figure petting a large black dog.
"Welcome Lord Greengrass, thank you for attending this meeting." Remus said, in a cold monotone voice.
"My Lord Black we thank you for seeing us but why the deception? You usually aren't one for such theatrics Lucius." Lord Greengrass spoke.
Sirius barked in what was clearly a laugh but made the Greengrasses nervous.
"Ah so the pompuce lout is still saying his son is the heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Well let me tell you that is not the case, in fact it is one of the things we will be discussing today." Remus replied his tone verging on anger to further fluster his company.
"I'm afraid you have me at a loss. I was under the impression Draco Malfoy was to become Lord Malfoy-Black on the day he turned 17 because the Blacks have no male heir left to claim the title and Draco is a Black through his mother."
"Lord Greengrass I can assure you there is still a Black left to claim the title of Lord and produce his own heir and you can meet him on the grounds that you listen first then we can answer your questions." Remus said.
"Meet him, does this mean you are not Lord Black?" Castor asked.
Remus stood up and removed his hood with a bright smile on his face. "No I am not Lord Black just very good friend of his but I need your word, you will listen first."
"I will hear what you have to say before passing judgment." He replied.
"Ok Sirius, time for the grand reveal." said Remus, as he patted Sirius on the head and Sirius transformed.
"Good afternoon Lord Castor Greengrass I am Lord Sirius Orion Black Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black." Sirius said when he was human extending a hand for Castor.
"Sirius Black Mass-Murder and the only man to ever escape Azkaban prison is Lord Black I don't believe it. What's more I don't believe Remus Lupin is standing by his side after what he did to Lily and James Potter." Castor said, his voice waving between rage and calm.
"Now Castor think about what that could mean if I am with Sirius again and he is Lord Black. What could possibly be the reason?" asked Remus, trying to put the thought in Lord Greengrasses head.
"He didn't do it?" asked Castor with a look of total shock.
"No it was Pettigrew the whole time we have memories for you to see to prove that but first I think further introductions are in order." replied Sirius. "You know Remus, we know each other, your wife looks familiar but Azkaban has made memories a little dodgy."
"Yes of course forgive me dear Sirius, Remus this is my wife Lady Persephone Greengrass nee Jones, my eldest daughter Daphne Isobel Greengrass and our youngest couldn't get away from Hogwarts she is under the weather but Astoria was looking forward to this meeting." Castor said as he pointed everyone out.
"My my Castor Persephone Jones never took this scoundrel to be your type. Miss Greengrass it is lovely to meet you. I have actually heard many good things about you from my heir who should be joining us in just a moment." Sirius said as he took both womens hands and kissed the back lightly.
"Yes and who is this mysterious heir as I know you have no children and I doubt you meant yourself." Castor asked, sneering at Sirius.
"Well allow me to introduce to you my heir, though his resemblance is off in fact you might even say he looks like another man. He is known throughout our world as the Boy-Who-Lived. He is the one the only Harry Potter, also known as Harry Potter-Black." Sirius shouted as Harry and Erkus walked into the room. Harry looked absolutely mortified.
"Did you have to do it like that Sirius?" asked Harry.
"Yes pup I did. I get my kicks where I can." he replied.
"Wait, how is Harry your heir?" asked Castor.
"Harry is my sworn godson." said Sirius.
"Wait I'm going to marry Harry Potter?" Daphne started laughing as the realization set in.
"It gets worse if you want more to laugh about." said Harry mixed between anger and depression.
"Oh! Harry no that's not what I meant at all I have spent the better part of this month thinking I was going to be engaged and have to marry Malfoy. You are so much of an upgrade that honestly I'm a little over the moon." Daphne explained.
"Well there are some things we need to discuss about Harry and the future you two are to have together." Sirius explained.
"Oh like what? That he's a werewolf because I'm ok with that. I assume it was Professor Lupin who turned him." Daphne spoke up.
Everyone looked completely shocked.
"How did you know that?" Harry asked.
"Well to tell you the truth you suck at lying and hiding things not to mention I'm one of the top students in our year under Hermione and tied with Susan. Susan and I figured it out when you came in September with your injury. Plus we have been watching you noticing your diet changes and reactions to things. Like I said, you suck at hiding things." she explained.
"Well his biggest worry is over with. He's been twitchy about the whole thing since the beginning of this whole thing that just takes a minor weight off his shoulders."Sirius said.
"Well shall we discuss the other parameters of the contract?" Castor asked.
"Yes now I'm guessing the biggest things we want to figure out is when they will marry, how many heirs, and lineage correct?"Sirius broke it down.
Castor Nodded.
"Well I think we can all agree that they can wait until after Hogwarts before getting married and then an heir would need to be produced a year later two?" asked Sirius.
"After Hogwarts definitely, two years after for an heir and being that this is the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black and there are only two the first born can a Black but the second male we would like to be a Greengrass if Astoria doesn't agree to the continuation clause of her contract." said Castor.
"I think that is all agreeable and I'm willing to double the bride price. I know that's not the standard practice but I'm hoping to use it as a bribe." Sirius replied.
"You want my help in clearing your name." Castor stated.
"And once that's done I'm working to repeal some of the werewolf legislation for these two dunderheads." said Sirius wrapping an arm around both Remus and Harry.
"Ok we can work on that let's get everything signed and get these two back to Hogwarts as I understand it it's a big week for them." he replied.
Twenty minutes later saw Harry and Daphne officially betrothed, both promising to find ways to make things work in Hogwarts. They flooed back to their separate head of house offices and headed to find their friends and tell them what happened.
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Ok guys here's the next chapter I'm so happy to see the follows and likes as always let me know what you think.