Monday, June 24th, 1994
"Sirius, Remus, I have a question for you," Harry said, "Why would my mother agree to the Betrothal Contracts in the first place?"
Harry, Tonks, Sirius, Remus and the three Grangers were currently seated around the table in the kitchen-dining room. Emma had prepared a sort of deli sandwich buffet for everyone.
"Well," Sirius said, "I suppose we should start with a bit of back-story first. Your parents started dating on Halloween of our seventh year. Lily had finally accepted a date with James for the Hogsmeade trip on that day. Three weeks later, Lily's parents were killed in a car crash. It was a mere accident. Nothing sinister, or heinous, definitely not caused by anyone from the wizarding world. Lily was completely torn up about it, of course. James' parents invited her to Potter Manor for the following Christmas holiday. Charlus and Dorea absolutely loved your mother, and she had a pretty good relationship with them. She referred to them several times as her surrogate parents. I kind of felt the same way, myself. That is just how good of people your grandparents were."
He cleared his throat and sighed. "Your grandmother passed away about two months before you were born. And your grandfather... almost exactly a year later. Both natural causes, as far as we can tell. They were getting on in age anyway. Didn't have James until they were fairly up there in age. Both passed away in their sleep. Lily cried as much for them at their funerals as she did for her own parents. James... well, your grandfather raised him up in the ways of politics, but your father was a rebellious sort."
"Probably obvious," Remus said, grinning, "Given the whole Marauder thing."
"Your father just wasn't into the whole political thing," Sirius said, "Sure, he grew up knowing several of the Great Alliance members, several of them were his age or around his age. But he simply didn't want to be a part of the Wizengamot... hell, he said several times he didn't think he could be a good Head of the Potter House. Then Charlus passed away."
"James made several changes in his personality over his lifetime," Remus said, "The first major one was when he realized Lily did not like how he behaved. He matured the summer before our seventh year, changed in ways I still marvel at. After Hogwarts, James was all about wanting to fight in the war. Joined the Auror Corps nearly straight out of Hogwarts – during the war, Cadets were in the Corps for merely a year, sometimes less, before they went to the Department. When we Marauders, and Lily, were invited into the Order of the Phoenix, most of us accepted right away. James didn't want Lily to be a part of it, but your mother always won arguments with him. But James did everything to get her to work behind the scenes. She was excellent at brewing Potions and Healing, so he convinced Dumbledore to assign her those roles. She was rarely out in battle."
"She only ever once confronted Voldemort before that Halloween in 1981," Sirius said, "Ironic the one other time she did face him, she was also protecting you, in a way."
"What?" Harry asked.
"She was pregnant with you," Sirius said, "Just a couple months at the time. Didn't know it then. She broke her ankle during the battle, and James whisked her off to St. Mungo's, thinking she was worse than she really was. The Healer told her she was pregnant. James was beside himself, both happy Lily was pregnant and angry that she risked her life and their baby's life."
"That was another change in him," Remus said, "When he found out he would become a father. He fought harder in the war, he became determined that you would not grow up in a war. Then when Charlus died, he changed again. His views on politics changed. Not only did he want himself and his family to survive, he wanted his own father's legacy to survive. He had been considering Betrothal Contracts before your grandfather died, but your mother did not like the idea."
"To answer your initial question, Harry," Sirius said, "It was your grandfather's death that changed both your parents. Lily only agreed to the Betrothal Contracts when she realized James was doing it for the Great Alliance in his own father's name. It was in dedication of your grandfather. She didn't want his legacy to die out."
"Now that my memories are back of your parents," Emma said, "I do remember them talking a lot about your grandparents – on both sides. Lily talked a lot about her parents when she was explaining how they reacted to her being a Muggleborn witch. I remember thinking that she talked about James' parents with the same love and emotion she had when talking about her own. I suppose we never did ask her why she supported the Contracts. We always assumed it was just to support her husband's wishes. But... now that I hear it from Sirius and Remus, I can see how she would do it because of James' father."
"Thanks," Harry said, "I initially thought as you did, Emma. That she was just supporting Dad's wishes. But now I feel a bit better."
"Well," Emma said, "We were going to wait to discuss this until later... but since Sirius has been through this personally, he might have bit of insight. So, how about we talk about that Betrothal Contract between the two of you, Hermione, Harry. How do you feel about it, Hermione? Your father and I want you to make your own choice."
"I know that," Hermione said, "And the truth is, Daddy, Mum, Betrothal Contract or not, I can't see me marrying anybody else. I mean that very much. Making the Betrothal Contract official would only make it that much more official that Harry and I will marry in a few years. I may be only fourteen, going on fifteen, but I know what I want."
"I believe you, sweetheart," Emma said, "and I am sure your father does too."
He nodded, though obviously a bit grudgingly, as he obviously wished this kind of conversation could be put off for a while.
"Harry?" Emma asked.
"Ever since Hermione and I became friends," Harry said, then laughed, "I guess I should say, ever since we became friends again – no one else has been there for me more than Hermione. Even if there was no Betrothal Contract, even if I wasn't required to marry three other girls, Hermione would be the one for me. Nobody comes close to the friendship I have with her. As far as I am concerned, and if she still wants me – which I guess she will – I will marry her in a few years. The Betrothal Contract is only a piece of parchment, a written agreement. I'd sign it now. I doubt it will be breached."
Hermione smiled, a tinge of blush on her cheeks.
"What do you think, Sirius?" Emma asked, "You're the only other one here who has been in a Betrothal Contract."
"I was fifteen the day my parents sat me down and told me I was in a Betrothal Contract," Sirius said. "I didn't have a very good opinion of my parents. I thought they were going to pair me up with someone who was ugly as sin. Hell, I wouldn't have been surprised if they wanted me to marry one of my cousins, just because that is how upside-down most of my family and much of the pureblood world is. I was absolutely shocked when they told me I was in a Contract with Amelia Bones. Her family is part of the Light Alliance, the Blacks were devoted to the Dark Alliance. Apparently it had to do with some promise long ago, it definitely was not up to my parents. Even though it wasn't my choice in the first place, and I was rebellious against anything my parents wanted me to do, I heartily accepted my role in this contract."
"Mostly because you thought Amelia was attractive," Remus said, grinning.
"And she still is!" Sirius said, grinning. "When I was fifteen, I had a history the prior two years of taking a girl on a date to Hogsmeade, or snogging a girl in a broom closet, then forgetting about them the day after. Here I was, all but engaged to one of the finest girls in Hogwarts. Was I in love? Hell no, not at first. I was more concerned with how well she'd – ahem – you get the picture."
Tonks snickered, Hermione rolled her eyes, Harry could only grin at his godfather's antics.
"You say I have the insight with this," Sirius said, "That is an overstatement. Maybe I know how to put together a Contract just because my father wanted me to know. But Harry is still a year, almost two years younger than I was when my parents told me about my contract. And he is a hell of a lot more mature than I was. Hermione probably even more so."
Harry huffed playfully. Hermione lightly punched him in the shoulder.
"Most of the time," Sirius said, grinning, which made her parents laugh, and Hermione scowl, "I wouldn't be worried, Daniel, Emma, about their choices even at their age. This isn't about a fling that is going to go away. They're in it for the long run. They know what they want. I can see that for myself."
Harry and Hermione both smiled. Emma and Dan glanced at each other and seemed to be having a silent discussion only parents are capable of. Dan sighed a moment later and looked at his daughter.
"Well, alright," Dan said, "Later today, we'll go to Gringotts and talk to the Goblin in charge of the contract – whatever his name is."
"Ragnok," Harry said. "A good idea. I know you two and my parents told him to keep this from Hermione and I. But I just want to make sure he's not holding anything else from me. I trust him enough, but I've dealt with a traitorous Goblin before."
"We could go after lunch," Sirius said, "Therefore, Remus or I could Apparate you to the Leaky Cauldron and Tonks could bring you back. Remus and I are going to back to Diagon Alley anyway."
"Sounds good," Dan said, "I'd like to get it done and over with."
After lunch, Harry and Hermione were making their way back to their bedrooms, intent on changing into something a bit more formal when meeting with a Goblin, when a thought crossed Harry's mind.
"Oh, bloody hell," Harry muttered.
"Language, love," Hermione said, "What's wrong?"
"How could I have forgotten?" Harry asked, "I haven't checked up on whether or not I still have my Parseltongue ability."
"Well, we've been rather busy, Harry," Hermione said. "You just forgot about it. You can check up on it now."
Harry nodded. He and Hermione went into his bedroom, and he opened his school trunk. He dug through it until he found one of Salazar Slytherin's journals. He inhaled, then exhaled and opened up the book to the first page. Immediately he got his answer. He could still read the Parselscript.
"I still have it, Hermione," Harry muttered, "It wasn't something Voldemort gave to me. It was in my genes."
"Probably a very dormant ability in one of your bloodlines," Hermione said, "Possibly Black, through your grandmother. Harry? Are you okay with still having it?"
"Dumbledore told me I can speak it because Voldemort could speak it," Harry said, "Just one more of the bastard's lies. I suppose I am okay with it. At least I have my strategy for the First Task."
"It is a useful ability, Harry," Hermione said, "Don't let it get you down, just cause society looks down upon it."
"And if I give it to one of my children?" Harry asked, "Our children?"
Hermione went slightly pink at the mention of their children. "We'll love them just the same, and we'll encourage them to be happy having a talent like that. Maybe they'll have a career as a dragon trainer. They'd be a popular one as someone who could speak to dragons. Or they can translate books like those journals into English."
"Only you would think about publishing books at a time like this," Harry said, grinning.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't dwell on it, Harry. Now, get changed. We need to meet with Keeper Ragnok."
Harry nodded and put the book away. Hermione had left the room by the time he retrieved his change of clothes. He took her advice and decided not to think about it right now. He had other important things to worry about. Like finalizing a fourth Betrothal Contract.
Meanwhile, in Ottery St. Catchpole, at the Weasley residence known as the Burrow, Ginny Weasley and her father were cleaning up the kitchen after a lunchtime meal with what remained of their family. Bill and Charlie had come home the previous day, and while their homecoming had lightened the mood a little around the house, it couldn't make them forget that the Matriarch of the House was currently a prisoner of Azkaban.
Ginny was washing dishes by hand – something her mother always wanted her to do because it let her appreciate how simple things were with magic – when her father exclaimed. She turned around and saw him standing at the counter across the kitchen, reading a piece of parchment. Ginny realized it was her letter from Gringotts.
"Ginny, this letter is addressed to you," he said, "When did you receive this?"
"A little while before – before Mum was arrested," Ginny said. "She put it over there after she read it and said that you, her and I needed to talk about it together. Then you came home, and everything happened, and I suppose I just forgot about it."
"William?" Arthur said, "Are you in the house?"
"Coming, Dad," Bill said, as he made his way into the kitchen. "What is wrong?"
"Is this one-hundred percent real?" Arthur asked, as he handed the letter to Bill.
Bill took the letter and read through it quickly. He looked at Ginny.
"This came in a Gringotts envelope?" he asked.
"Yes," Ginny said, "Directly to my room. Most post usually comes here to the kitchen."
"Keeper Ragnok wanted it to be for your eyes only first," Bill said; then he looked at his father, "It is real. Keeper Ragnok's signature and I can detect his magic on this letter as verification. Two million Galleons?"
"Harry Potter gave it to me," Ginny said, "Because I was one of the victims of the Chamber of Secrets incident. He gave two million to all the victims, even to his girlfriend – he could have given her more, but I don't think he did. The money came from the Basilisk harvest."
"Keeper Ragnok wants Ginny's money in a personal account of her own," Bill said, looking back at his father. "He's probably waiting for a response, has been since he wrote this. Not a good idea to keep him waiting. I can pen it and then you could sign it Dad, and Ginny should too. When should I request a meeting? If you have to work tomorrow, I could bring her in myself. All the letter would need is your permission."
"I've been given a week off of work for personal time, paid leave," Arthur said, "I meant to tell you that. We can go tomorrow. Noon, I suppose. Put off the letter for just a few more minutes. And get everyone in here. I'm calling a family meeting. Should have done it during lunch, but I wanted a peaceful meal. This could get a little hectic."
Bill nodded and retreated from the kitchen.
"A family meeting?" Ginny asked, "Are you going to tell them about my money?"
"No, that is your decision alone, sweetheart," Arthur said, "I have a couple other things in mind."
Ginny nodded and sat down at her usual place at the table. Soon, Arthur and all of his children were seated at the table again.
"I am calling a Weasley family meeting," Arthur said, as he looked at each and every one of his children in turn, "Unfortunately, our family is not whole at the moment, but we are going to do our best to hold together. As with every family meeting, there is to be no raised voices, no heated discussion. Are we all in agreement."
Nods and verbal agreements were heard around the table.
"As we all know," Arthur continued, "Sirius Black was found innocent of his crimes on Saturday. Most of that information was in the Daily Prophet. A few pieces of information has not been published yet. Part of the reason is because it has to do with us. The Ministry has been gracious enough to have a grace period so we could prepare."
"Prepare for what, Father?" Percy asked, "What does our family have to do with Sirius Black?"
"Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge personally wrote me a letter yesterday," Arthur said, "Percy, do you remember when you found your pet rat many years ago?"
"Yes," Percy said, "I was... what... five, maybe? It was on the edge of the wards. I wanted a pet to take care of, so I brought it home. Five year old me called it Scabbers, not exactly the gracious of names. Of course you know I gave it to Ronald when you bought me Hermes."
"And it was the very same rat?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, Father," Percy said.
Arthur looked at Ron, and so did Ginny. She noticed that her brother had very wide eyes. He apparently knew where this discussion was going.
"Do you know what happened to Scabbers, Ron?" Arthur asked.
"Um... yeah," Ron said, in a small voice.
"Please tell us the whole story of the last time you saw Scabbers," Arthur said.
So Ginny and her family listened as Ron began to tell the story. How Scabbers had been missing for weeks, and how Hagrid had found him and gave him to Ron. Then the story got worse... and far more frightening. Fred and George looked as if they thought it was one of the greatest stories ever. Bill and Charlie looked somewhere between amazed and bewildered. Ginny, herself, was shocked at the story. But it was Percy who surprised Ginny. He looked as if he was about to cry.
"Thank you, Ron," Arthur said, "Minister Fudge, in his letter, told me basically the same story. It was the story Harry Potter and Hermione Granger gave during their witness testimonies at Sirius Black's trial. Percy, son, are you alright?"
"It is my fault," Percy said, "And for that I apologize. I should have come to you and Mother years ago, Father. I knew rats only lived up to six years. I read that in the 'rat and mouse care' booklet you gave me Father. By the seventh year, I thought it was just a long life. Then more years came, and the rat continued to live. I thought I was lucky to have such a brilliant pet. If I had informed you about its abnormal life, you might have thought something was wrong with it. I thought I'd lose my rat. I should have given him to you and told you about it."
"It is okay, son," Arthur said, "It is in the past, and you are at no fault."
"This Pettigrew criminal could have gone to Azkaban if things went different," Percy said, "Black could have been free. I will write a personal apology to Sirius Black and the Ministry and let them know I am sorry."
"I'm sure they'd appreciate that," Arthur said. "There was something else Minister Fudge wrote in his letter. Something good for all of us. Minister Fudge has personally invited all of us, as his guests, to join in him the Minister's Box at the final of the Quidditch World Cup."
Several cheers were heard around the table. Arthur let it go on for nearly a minute before he quieted them down.
"We'll get more information about it in August," Arthur said, "Now, for the other reason behind this meeting. Yesterday, when Bill and Charlie arrived, I told you about Ron's illness. I did not tell you everything. It turns out Ron was poisoned. In fact, he's been poisoned – in a way – since before he even started Hogwarts for his first year."
Ginny glanced at her youngest brother and found him glancing at the table.
"Who poisoned him?" Fred asked.
"One of the Slytherins?" George asked, "We'll hex him. Nobody messes with our brother."
"Except for us!" Fred and George said.
"Madam Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Arthur said, "believes she knows who the culprit is. She... she believes it is Professor Dumbledore."
Ginny's eyes widened, and her reaction was shared by most around the table.
"Headmaster Dumbledore?" Percy asked, "Impossible! Why would he do that?"
"I can't go into specifics right now, son," Arthur said, "And I forbid Ron to tell it too. Madam Bones does not want it getting out. Professor Dumbledore has Ministerial pardon for a full year. Until then he cannot be charged with poisoning Ron. Unfortunately this brings a big problem our way. Madam Bones is afraid Dumbledore will continue to target Ron."
"It has something to do with Harry and Hermione," Ginny said, "Doesn't it? Ron was friends with them."
"Partially, yes," Arthur said, "You are correct. He was trying to use Ron to hurt Harry and Hermione. I don't know all the details. Madam Bones has come up with a solution. Unfortunately, it isn't something that everyone here will like, and it only affects the youngest four here at the table, but mostly it affects Ron. Madam Bones believes Ron should leave Hogwarts."
Ginny, Fred and George all gasped. Ron's expression was unreadable.
"She would personally enroll him in a different school herself," Arthur said.
"Where?" Charlie asked, "Ron doesn't speak French, so he isn't going to go far at Beauxbatons. And you would never put him in Durmstrang."
"Brighton Academy," Arthur said.
Bill whistled. "The prep school for the Auror Corp. That is an excellent school. If Ron wanted to be an Auror, he'd only need one year in Auror Corp after the academy instead of three."
"Isn't Brighton Academy a military school?" Percy asked.
"Yes, it is," Arthur said, "They jog and exercise every morning and evening before meals and classes. And their classes are smaller. So each student gets far more personal dedication to their schoolwork then you would at Hogwarts."
"I'd seriously think about it, Ron," Bill said, "It would not only be a good school, you would already have a career right out of school. A good career. Auror Cadet one year, Auror the next."
"Hogwarts is my school though," Ron said, "I'm a Gryffindor. And I could be on the Quidditch team."
"I'm sure Brighton Academy has Quidditch teams," Bill said.
"Ron, you've been complaining about your schoolwork since you went to Hogwarts," Ginny said.
"Yeah, if it wasn't the troll or Dementors out to get you, it'd be homework," Fred said.
"Or the Slytherins," George said, "Or the rest of the school. It was you and not us who were getting laughed at for that last week. Because of your illness."
"Boys," Arthur reprimanded, "I am sure Ron doesn't need reminded of that. The reason I'm not just sitting down with Ron and discussing this, is because I want to talk about it with you, Fred, George, Ginny. If Dumbledore is truly targeting Ron, and he left, then the Headmaster might turn to you."
"Never!" Fred said.
"We'll watch out for each other," George said.
"Yeah," Ginny said, "We're well-warned now."
"I have to agree with them, Dad," Bill said, "Dumbledore likely knows we're onto him. We could simply write letters to them every week. I could easily enchant the letters so they're only able to be opened by Weasleys. We'll have a keyword in every letter. If the next letter doesn't have that keyword, something is wrong. I say that, but I still support Ron going to Brighton. He's already susceptible. No offense, Ron."
"Is that what you wanted to ask us?" Ginny asked, "whether we wanted to go to Brighton, or stay at Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Arthur said.
"Hogwarts," Fred and George said.
"I'm this close," George said, "From getting a date with Angelina Johnson. I'm not going to mess that up!"
"Yeah, and she'd totally hate you if we left her to finding two new Beaters," Fred said, "she'll obviously be Captain."
"I'm not leaving Hogwarts, Dad," Ginny said, "I'll be fine."
"This isn't because of romance for you too, is it, Ginny?" Bill asked, grinning.
"None of your business," Ginny said, sticking out her tongue.
"She has a boyfriend," Fred said.
"I do not!" Ginny said, blushing, then muttered, "Not yet."
Arthur looked amused. "I will allow you to return unless I get wind Albus is up to something concerning my children. Then you're out. Ron, you don't need to give me a decision yet. Enrollment deadline is August 1st. You have until the twenty-eighth of July to make your decision. A little over a month. I believe we can conclude this meeting if there are no other issues?"
Nobody spoke up. Arthur looked at Ginny, and she knew he wanted to know if she wanted to tell the family about her new fortune. She shook her head.
"Alright," Arthur said, "We'll get through this together, boys, Ginny. We always have been able to survive. Mum will be home before you know it. Ginny, Bill, remain here please. Everyone else can go."
Ginny and Bill waited with their father until the kitchen emptied out.
"Please pen that letter, Bill," Arthur said, "For a meeting at noon tomorrow. We don't want to hold it off for a day more. We've both dealt with grouchy Goblins."
Bill grimaced and left the kitchen. Arthur turned to Ginny.
"Two million Galleons is a lot of money, Ginny," Arthur said.
"You're not going to tell me to decline it, are you?" Ginny asked, "That it is charity."
"Merlin, no," Arthur said, "To be honest, that is your mother's words. She simply doesn't want to make it known to her children or anyone else that we worry about money. Accepting money would be the easiest way to show that."
"Your kids know you worry about money, Daddy," Ginny said, "It isn't a secret."
"I know that, and so does your mother," Arthur said.
"I'm giving five-hundred thousand Galleons to the Family Vault, Daddy," Ginny said, "One-and-a-half million is enough for me and my future family. But that won't come for several years. I want to help my family now. No more second hand books and clothes."
Arthur smiled. "Thank you, Ginny. It will truly help this family over the next few years."
"You're welcome," Ginny said.
Meanwhile, Harry, Tonks and the three Grangers were making their way through Diagon Alley toward Gringotts. They had just said goodbye to Sirius and Remus, who promised they would be back at the Granger house the following day when the Ward Builders came by.
They made their way into Gringotts and Harry led them over to Ragnok.
"Greetings, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "Do you have time for a meeting with Hermione, my colleagues and I?"
Ragnok looked at Harry's 'colleagues' and his eyebrows raised as he saw the adult Grangers.
"Of course, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Follow me."
Ragnok lead the group into the same meeting room Harry and Hermione had been in during their previous two visits. Soon, they were all seated at the table.
"It has been a long time, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Ragnok said.
"It certainly has, Keeper Ragnok," Dan said.
Ragnok cleared his throat, a guttural sound. "This is most unexpected. Over the past three years, I have watched you enter the hallowed halls of this bank, and never did you look at me with any sense of recognition. I had a theory that something was wrong, but I couldn't be sure. It had been nearly ten years. I had thought you just had forgotten me."
"Given that we have such an important Contract under your protection," Dan said, "I find that a tad unbelievable, no offense meant."
"Keeper Ragnok," Hermione said, "Did you know who I was when I met you a few weeks ago?"
"You were present with your parents as a toddler," Ragnok said, "Along with Lord Potter, who was little more than an infant, and his parents."
"And you didn't think to mention that?" Harry asked.
"You are upset, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "I can understand that. You should know that your parents made -"
"- made you promise to keep the Contract concerning me and Hermione a secret until they or Hermione's parents said otherwise," Harry cut in. "What they did not count on was that Dan and Emma would have their memories modified. Something we would not have known if it wasn't for Xenophilius Lovegood."
"Your father and his father before him, and so on and so forth," Ragnok said, "Have been in the trust of myself and my names before me for a very long time. I could not easily break the trust of any of those I served."
"Including me?" Harry asked.
"There were conflicting situations," Ragnok said.
"Enough," Harry said, "I don't need to hear this. I don't want to fight with you, or blame you for anything. You've been a lot of help to me, Keeper Ragnok. These past few days have been pretty testing for me and those with me here. You're not the one that needs to be blamed for all of this. I just want to see the Contract I should have seen when I took my Inheritance Test."
"I still need your permission, Mr. Granger," Ragnok said.
"You have it," Dan said, obviously trying his hardest to keep calm.
Ragnok snapped his finger and a piece of parchment appeared in front of Harry. He picked it up and read through it.
Official Betrothal Contract
Groom: Harry James Potter
DOB: 31 July 1980
Parents: James and Lily Potter
Bride: Hermione Jean Granger
DOB: 19 September 1979
Parents: Daniel and Emma Granger
Additional Information:
Wedding Date Deadline: None
Line Continuance: No
Offered Title to Bride: Lady Potter – Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter
Required # of Children: None
Other Requirements: Daniel, Emma and Hermione Granger to be named Official members of the House of Potter
Signed:
James Potter
Lily Potter
Daniel Granger
Emma Granger
Witness:
Gringotts Official Witness: Ragnok The Sixth, Potter Family Vault Keeper
"No other human witnesses were necessary?" Harry asked, as he gave the Contract to Hermione to read.
"Not required for a Betrothal," Ragnok said. "It assures privacy between the two families if desired."
"Aside from handing me the title of Lady Potter," Hermione said, "It seems pretty open. There isn't even a deadline for a wedding date."
"The Betrothal was decided from the start to be explicitly open for the two of you," Dan said.
"James did his best to make sure this was official in the eyes of the Ministry," Ragnok said, "Even down to the decision of making you and your family, Miss Granger, members of the House of Potter from the minute they signed the Contract. That is rare in itself. It usually doesn't happen until the bride is officially married into the family."
"Dad really was simply trying to protect your family," Harry said, "The Betrothal is just simply so the Ministry wouldn't be able to oppose it."
"Correct," Ragnok said. "You could have your wedding at the age of 90 and it would still follow the rules of the Contract, as long as you never gave up the role of Lady Potter to someone else. The possibility of offspring at that age is likely impossible, but due to the contract, that does not matter. It would still be a fulfilled Contract."
"It truly is our choice," Harry said, "Well, Hermione and I discussed this with her parents. We want the Contract to be official. Where Hermione and I are officially Betrothed."
Ragnok snapped his fingers and a Blood Quill appeared.
"Simply sign the parchment and it will be official," Ragnok said, "As you are Emancipated, you need no parent or guardian signature, Lord Potter. But Hermione and her parents need to sign, or in Mr. and Mrs. Granger's case, sign again.."
Harry, Hermione, Dan and Emma proceeded to sign in the space at the bottom of the Contract. When the last signature was placed, the Contract shone a golden color.
"Lord Potter, Miss Granger," Ragnok said, "The pair of you are now officially Betrothed. The only requirement to fulfill the Contract is that Miss Granger be coined Lady Potter on the day of your wedding. Once that happens, the Contract penned many years ago will be fulfilled."
"I know it was described many years ago," Dan said, "But what does it mean to be a member of House Potter?"
"Well, let's see," Ragnok said, "I believe there is a large family tree, a tapestry, located in Potter Manor. Yourself, your wife, and your daughter would be on that tapestry. None of your ancestors before you, only you. Once Hermione is married to Lord Potter, their lines would connect on the Tapestry, and the families would officially merge. Any Potter Family enchantments set on your residence would be completely legal in the eyes of the Ministry. In addition, all Potter properties recognize you as family members and can pass through any Potter Family enchantments.
"If Miss Granger were to buy any shares in businesses, or the business itself, it would be a part of the House of Potter. If you were to attend social events in the wizarding world, you would represent House Potter. Miss Granger is currently wearing on her breast the crest of the House of Potter, because she is a Vassal of the House of Potter. The two of you would have something like it on your outfits."
"Then there is the more serious parts. If you were to commit a crime in the wizarding world, the House of Potter could legally stand behind you and defend you with a choice of their own solicitor. If you were attacked or – forbid the thought – murdered – the House of Potter could legally duel your attacker for satisfaction, in defense of you. The attacker could not back down until the duel is won on either side."
"Hopefully that never happens," Dan muttered.
"Agreed," Ragnok said.
"You speak of Potter Family enchantments," Harry said, "How would I learn of these?"
"The Potter Family Grimoire," Ragnok said. "It is not in your Family Vault. I can only assume it is at Potter Manor. I would look for a safe of some kind when you visit. I am sure it is there."
"Thanks," Harry said, "I believe we're done here. I'd like to go down to my Family Vault before we leave."
"Who shall accompany you?" Ragnok asked.
"No thanks," Dan said, "I remember James mentioning you have to get past a dragon to get to your Vault. Count me out."
Hermione giggled. "Tonks, would you please remain with my parents while Harry and I go down to the Vault?"
"We'll meet you at Fortescue's," Tonks said, "I am sure Florean has some sugar-free ice cream."
Dan and Emma looked thrilled at that thought.