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Chapter Text

They were going to be leaving in a few days for the summer holiday. Harry had expected to get his usual lecture about remaining at the Dursleys. He wasn't going to but he knew Dumbledore expected him too. Harry wasn't expecting this development. Harry was still staring at Dumbledore. He was trying to think about what the man was trying to do now. He knew Dumbledore had some crazy scheme he was going to pull. "You want to know my Patronus?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Harry watched Dumbledore play with his beard as he sucked on a lemon drop. Harry lost count of the number of times he wished Dumbledore would choke on one of the lemon drops. He also lost count of the number of times he wished he could strangle Dumbledore with his own beard.

"Voldemort was able to get a ritual returned. Every student who is seventeen on the first of September will have to be married. All single wizards and witches will also have to participate. It's an old ritual that involves using the Patronus Charm. The ones with the male and female of a species will have to marry or bond. The one with the male will be listed as the husband, the female will be listed as the wife."

Harry arched his brows. He immediately thought of Ron and Hermione, they certainly wouldn't be getting married. He knew Ginny wasn't his match and let out a mental sigh of relief. He also knew Dumbledore was going to be surprised by their Patronus. If Dumbledore really thought this was going to work out as he hoped, he better start working on his youngest future Order members Patronus. "I see. When is the ceremony?"

"Hogwarts will be in session on the 31st of August with the ceremony on the 1st. I really need to know your Patronus as we need to make sure you are protected."

"No. I won't be revealing it." Harry knew the real reason. Dumbledore could force a person to have their Patronus changed. Harry had read about how a magically strong wizard like Dumbledore could influence and force a change of weaker wizard with enough exposure to the weaker one as they cast the spell. Harry had kept his hidden for the last few years and he wasn't going to expose it now. Harry let out a mental laugh as he thought about his friends' Patronus.

"Harry, you must be protected."

"I will be." Harry had heard about marrying Ginny. The Weasley family, Hermione, and most of the Order wanted it to happen. How they would be just like his parents. How James had married a red-head. How James and Lily was the perfect couple. He heard from Sirius how much Ginny reminded him of Lily. Harry had wanted to be sick as he hoped his mother wasn't like Ginny. He did acknowledge that Sirius had been confusing him and his father so Harry hoped he had confused Ginny with his mother. He knew there was one reason no one ever mentioned. They wanted access to Harry's money. Dumbledore needed funds for the war. Ginny was also talking about how it would be nice not to be so poor while her brother would mention fame and Harry. Hermione was all about using his money to promote her views and what she wanted.

"Harry, this is important. Voldemort had this passed for a reason."

Dumbledore used Voldemort to get his way as well as the greater good line when people objected to his ideas. Dumbledore always seemed to forget that Harry had a connection to Voldemort when he wanted Harry to do something. If Voldemort really got this law passed, Voldemort's happiness would have leaked through the link. Contrary to what Snape and Dumbledore believed, Harry had tried. He also researched Horcruxes. Since he was the only living Horcrux and the Horcrux was in his brain, he came to the conclusion there really wasn't a way for him to completely block Voldemort. "No. I'm not going to reveal it."

"My boy, you could be in danger."

Danger from you and your Order. He had one year left to finish Hogwarts. He already started working on his escape route for when he was done with Hogwarts. Dumbledore didn't know that Harry had retaken his OWLs and taken OWLs for courses that Hogwarts didn't have. He was already accepted at the Italian University of Magical Beings. "I will be at Hogwarts. I will be fine. After all, isn't it the safest place?" Harry tuned out Dumbledore after that.

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Harry resisted rolling his eyes as Hermione was lecturing the whole common room about the Patronus Charm. Ron had opened his mouth and announced the marriage ritual when they returned. This was after Hermione had given Harry a lecture on not obeying Dumbledore and revealing his Patronus.

"It's the most famous and famously difficult defensive charm. The aim is to produce a silvery-white guardian or protector which takes the form of an animal. The exact form of the Patronus will not be apparent until the spell has been successfully cast. One of the most powerful defensive charms known to wizardkind, the Patronus can also be used as a messenger between wizards. As a pure, protective magical concentration of happiness and hope. It's the recollection of a single talisman memory is essential in its creation. It is the only spell effective against Dementors. The majority of witches and wizards are unable to produce Patronuses and to do so is generally considered a mark of superior magical ability."

"So we all have to do this?" Mitchell, a fifth-year, looked a bit confused.

"Oh, no. Some witches and wizards may manage an uncorporeal Patronus which resembles a mass or wisp of silvery vapour or smoke. In some cases, a witch or wizard may choose to produce an incorporeal Patronus deliberately if he or she wishes to disguise the form it generally takes. Professor Lupin, for instance, is afraid that his corporeal Patronus gives too much away so he didn't allow his to fully develop. The incorporeal Patronus is not a true Patronus and while it will give limited protection it cannot provide the defensive power of the corporeal Patronus which has the form and substance of an animal."

"Who?" One of the first years looked around. They hadn't heard of Lupin.

"He was here during our third year. He taught DADA." Ron had a bit of smugness about it. "He's Harry's adopted godfather."

Harry didn't even speak. He just shrugged his shoulders and ignored everyone as Hermione started speaking again and would have overridden anything he might have attempted to say. He had wondered when he started to allow them to speak for him. He had tried to remember when it started but he really couldn't remember a time when they didn't.

"The Patronus Charm is one of the most ancient of charms and appears in many accounts of early magic. In spite of a long association with those fighting for lofty or noble causes. Those able to produce corporeal Patronuses were often elected to high office within the Wizengamot and Ministry of Magic. Thankfully, that policy is not true any longer."

Harry wondered where Hermione got that idea.

"Also, it is a great way to tell if someone is dark. They can't produce one." Ron knowingly added. "Dumbledore even said so."

Hermione lowered the book she had been reading from. "It's Headmaster Dumbledore, Ron. How many times must I tell you that you need to respect the Headmaster." Hermione returned to the book not seeing most of the room were rolling their eyes. "No reliable system for predicting the form of an individual’s Patronus has ever been found. Although the great eighteenth-century researcher of Charms, Professor Catullus Spangle, set forth certain principles that are widely accepted as true. The Patronus, asserted Spangle, represents that which is hidden, unknown but necessary within the personality. For it is evident that a human confronted with inhuman evil, such as the Dementor, must draw upon resources he or she may never have needed and the Patronus is the awakened secret self that lies dormant until needed but which must now be brought to light."

"What book?" Parvati Patil asked.

Harry looked at her. She stared at him with a smirk. Harry winked. He knew it was Padma.

Hermione looked at her stack of books but didn't see the title she was looking for. "In the footnotes here it says Charms of Defence and Deterrence."

"Thank you." Parvati wrote the title down.

Harry tuned out the rest of Hermione's reading out loud. He knew she picked that book for a reason. He also knew what they believed about dark wizards was false. While there was widespread and in some cases, justified, belief that a wizard who was not pure of heart could not produce a successful Patronus many of questionable morals did so. Harry shuddered a bit as he remembered Umbridge produced a cat Patronus to protect herself from the Dementors. What Hermione and Dumbledore never realized is that many who work with dark creatures become desensitized to the effects of the Dark creatures with whom they may ally themselves and simply regard the Patronus Charm as an unnecessary spell to have in their arsenal. Harry wouldn't have had him as well as most of those at Hogwarts if he hadn't been for his third year.

Harry also knew that the form of a Patronus may change during the course of a witch or wizard’s life. Instances have been known of the form of the Patronus transforming due to bereavement, falling in love, or profound shifts in a person’s character. Nymphadora Tonks’s Patronus changed from a jackrabbit to a wolf when she fell in love with Remus Lupin. Some witches and wizards may be unable to produce a Patronus at all until they have undergone some kind of psychic shock. Harry had a feeling Dumbledore was going to be working hard over the summer holiday to make sure he got the people he wanted to be joined in marriage had the correct pairing.

"Harry." Hermione punched him. "Are you listening? I was talking about the different animals the charm could take. The book says it is usual but not inevitable, for a Patronus to take the form of an animal commonly found in the caster’s native country. Given their long affinity with humans it is perhaps unsurprising that among the most common Patronuses, although it must be remembered that any corporeal Patronus is highly unusual, are dogs, cats, and horses. However, every Patronus is as unique as its creator and even identical twins have been known to produce very different Patronuses. Mine is a grey cat. What is yours' Harry?"

"I'm not telling."

"You know it's a horse just like mine." Ginny put her hand on Harry's leg.

Harry removed her hand. "I'm not saying."

Hermione ignored him. "It's not a big deal. It's not like everyone will be spreading it around and everyone will know when we return and the ritual occurs."

"I'm not saying."

"Fine." Hermione huffed.

"Can a Patronus be a dragon? I would love for mine to be a dragon." Dennis announced.

"Extinct Patronuses are very rare but not unknown." Hermione looked down at the book. "It says that strangely, given their long connection with wizardkind, owl Patronuses are unusual. Most uncommon of all possible Patronuses are magical creatures such as dragons, Thestrals, and phoenixes. Never forget, though, that one of the most famous Patronuses of all time was a lowly mouse. It belonged to a legendary young wizard called Illyius, who used it to hold off an attack from an army of Dementors single-handedly. While a rare and magical Patronus undoubtedly reflects an unusual personality, it does not follow that it is more powerful or will enjoy greater success at defending its caster."

"A mouse?" Ron started laughing. "I thought Pettigrew's was bad with him being a rat."

Harry got up. "I'm heading to the library. I want to get started on my summer holiday assignments." He didn't give them a chance to respond.

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"Potter, my office, now."

Harry wasn't surprised to hear Snape's voice. He wasn't sure what was wrong but he followed Snape to his office. Snape sat down behind his desk. "The headmaster has informed me you refused to provide him with your Patronus."

"Yes, sir." Harry hadn't sat down.

Snape leaned back in his chair as if assessing him. Harry wasn't sure what was occurring but he arched a brow.

"I also learned something interesting that the Headmaster doesn't seem to be aware of." Snape gave an evil smirk. "Someone retook their OWLs and it wasn't just for those in Hogwarts."

"I see." Harry wasn't sure where this was going. They stared at each other for several seconds. Snape pulled out his wand and Harry felt privacy wards. "Privacy wards."

"Yes. What I'm about to say won't be leaving this room." Snape opened his top desk drawer. "I'm aware that the Headmaster informed you that the Dark Lord was behind this marriage ritual and what it means." Harry didn't scoff but his face must have shown something. "Potter, I'm not sure what exactly happened but I did notice the changes over the last few years." He laid a scroll down. "I'm also aware of what your Patronus is because of our sessions."

"I'm aware." Harry had remembered when during their remedial potions lessons Snape broke into his mind and saw his Patronus.

Snape pulled out his wand. "Expecto Patronum." Harry knew his face showed his shock. "I believe we have something to discuss."

"I'll say." Harry looked at the school. "Is he aware of this?"

"No. I'm sure he will attempt to create a contract for us when he learns. I know you are legally an adult and can sign a marriage contract." Snape pointed to a chair. "Sit."

Harry sat down. "I'm not sure how you know this but I know you are correct."

Snape handed him the scroll. "It's a basic marriage agreement. Including is the dating schedule during the engagement."

Harry opened the scroll. He read a bit and saw some of the clauses and rules. He looked at Snape's desk, grabbed a quill, and started changing things. Snape didn't look happy as he wrote but he ignored him. He handed the scroll back to Snape. Harry watched Snape read his corrections. They did it back and forth until they had what they both wanted.

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Harry left Hogwarts. He met his family at the station. No one spoke as Uncle Vernon drove. Vernon stopped at Acton Old Town Hall. Harry got out but before he moved away, the window was rolled down. "Be here on the 31st at 8 AM. I won't wait a minute beyond that."

"I'm aware." Harry had already given the man half of the money for the ride. Harry headed to the closest bus station. Neville and Lady Longbottom were waiting for him.

Chapter Text

Neville and Harry were sitting in Neville's room. Luna had just left. They were talking about what was going to happen when they returned the next day to Hogwarts. "Nervous?"

Harry looked at Neville. "A bit. Dumbledore is going to freak out. He doesn't know that Severus and I have been dating and following the rules regarding courtships by pure-bloods."

Neville smiled. "Ginny has been asking Luna where she has been going every day. She wanted to come today but Luna told her we were going to spend the day planting flowers. Luna went on about flowers and plants until Ginny went back home."

Harry liked Luna. She was surprisingly insightful and always go her way while making a person believe it was their idea. "Do you think Dumbledore will accept you and Luna getting married?"

"Yes, my grandmother already wrote up the marriage contract. She is going to officially file it tomorrow after she takes me to the train. She said she will apparate you to meet your uncle about ten minutes before 8. She wants to stay and make sure he picks you up." Neville had already finished his courtship but it just a simple one that required Lady Longbottom to be their chaperone during their dates.

Harry had enjoyed spending his summer with Neville and his grandmother. Lady Longbottom taught him a lot about pure-bloods rituals especially the rituals for courting Severus. There were some really complex rituals and some very simple ones. All of them had weird ideas and Severus had specified one specific ritual. Lady Longbottom had provided the books on the ritual and Neville had helped him find the right piece of wood.

_____________Flashback_________________

"He wants that ritual?" Neville looked at the stack of books that Harry was reading.

"Yes and regular dates too." Harry was the one who actually wanted the real dates. He wanted Severus to get to know him and not confuse him with his father and the Marauders. On the first night after they left Hogwarts, Harry had written out a dating outline for Severus to review. It had felt weird calling Snape Severus but he did it. He sent the outline to Severus who mailed it back three days later with the changes he wanted. They spent the next week working on the outline before they each agreed on it.

Next came the selections of rituals. Harry researched a few different ones and submitted them all to Severus for him to review. Severus selected The Welsh Love Spoon. Harry had spent a few days researching the ritual. Harry learned that when the Welsh said spooning they didn't mean cuddling. The love spoons started as early as the 17th century. The Welsh exchanged intricately hand-carved wooden spoons as a sign of romantic intentions. Young men spent hours meticulously crafting their spoons to offer the most magnificent utensil imaginable. If the girl or in this case a guy, accepted, then the courtship was one.

Harry would need to spend hours carving wooden spoons with ornate designs and symbolic messages. A spoon with an anchor carving would mean the giver was ready to settle down. A vine would mean their love was growing. The spoon itself represented a desire to provide for a romantic partner. Harry had taken something from each date and added a small design into the spoon. It was a slow process and he was thankful for magic because otherwise, he would have never been able to get the spoon done.

A young man would let his love interest know his intentions by giving a meaningful spoon. The spoons were ornamental and considered much too special to use. Popular young ladies or men would often display rows of beautifully crafted spoons on their walls to boast of their romantic conquests. He hoped Severus didn't have any spoons and he would only have to craft one.

Today, the Welsh daters exchanged lovespoons to commemorate an engagement, anniversary, birthday, baptism, or another special event for the couple. There had been a revival of the custom over the last 40 or so years. Many people today make lovespoons on a commercial basis for customers to utilize for the commemoration of special events in their lives or in the lives of their loved ones. Harry knew he could have had obtained a commercial one but he didn't want to do that. He wanted to make a special one. Yes, they were to be married because of the ritual about Patronus but it didn't mean they couldn't have a meaningful relationship.

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"Neville, I'm going to need your help to find the correct piece of wood."

Harry had been trying to find what type of wood to use and couldn't find the right one. He had read about a variety of ones that would fit but only if the three could be merged. He had his first date with Severus the previous night. He had taken Severus out to a nice quiet outdoor restaurant. They really didn't speak for almost thirty minutes before Harry sighed. Harry didn't want to do the small talk route so he proposed a question game. It worked. They spent the next few dates doing the game. They didn't talk about anything in-depth until their seventh date when the questions turned personal.

Severus had asked about his relatives. Harry froze when Severus asked the question. Severus never took his eye off of Harry before asking if the images he saw when he was training Harry in Occlumency. Harry still didn't answer. Severus leaned back in his chair and just looked at Harry. "I see. I can relate. However, here isn't the time or place to discuss such issues."

Harry had agreed. They didn't discuss their pasts until last week and only because they wanted to have things covered if Dumbledore stated asking questions about their relationship and attempted to drag anyone in to question them to prevent the marriage by using the Ministry. Severus wasn't happy to learn the truth of the matter regarding Harry's home life and agreed he wouldn't provide Dumbledore with Harry's current location.

Neville was looking through the list of trees that Hary had. "You know, there is a spell that can merge saplings into one tree then some instant grow and your tree will be ready in a few days."

"You are amazing. Let's pick the trees." Harry took a lot of time but he found the ones that he thought were perfect. He selected three he believed would be perfect. He showed Neville the list of trees he selected.

Neville looked at the three trees. He didn't say anything to Harry about his selection as he had seen his grandmother giving Harry the book on what the different trees meant. Harry had chosen three very good woods. He selected Cherry, Maple, and Juniper. After watching Harry and reading about the different rituals he had decided he was going to make a Lovespoon for his and Luna's wedding.

Cherry teaches the lesson of clearing the pain of the heart and relating to others in a compassionate manner. Neville thought that fit Harry and Severus. They needed to clear their paths of pain to the heart and while Harry was compassionate in some ways, Severus needed those lessons.

Maple also fit the two of them as it was somewhat rebellious and tough. It holds the qualities of creation, communication, binding, revolution, rebirth, healing, beauty, art, and abundance. Full of imagination and originality. Maple is a traveler's wood. Those who are always on the move and changing will feel right at home with this type of energy. It enhances intellectual pursuits and learning. Harry and Severus were somewhat rebellious and tough.

It was the last wood that Neville knew was going to main wood as it one that fit the two of them now and one that was for their future. Juniper Heart Wood which is simply the heartwood of the juniper tree holds powers of protection, strength, healing, health, peace, and love. Juniper is connected to good health and banishing anything injurious to health. Juniper is associated with Jupiter and the element of fire. Juniper is a symbol of longevity. In the language of flowers, Juniper symbolizes perfect loveliness. In Ireland, the Juniper is called Iubhar Creige which means Yew of the rocks. The fine-grained, pinkish red to brownish red heartwood that is fragrant, very light and very durable, even in contact with soil.

Once Harry had the woods he needed, Neville showed him how to do the grafting of the three saplings. They soaked it overnight in the solution of instant-grow. The new wood had to remain in the greenhouse to dry out and bond after the instant-grow. So the project had taken a week for the tree to be ready for Harry to start carving out the spoon. Thankfully, the ritual books had several different spells. Harry had used the week to practice his carving.

______________________________________________End Flashback_______________________

"You know Weasley and Granger are going to be major pains about the whole mess."

"Yes, I know." Harry wasn't looking forward to his last year at Hogwarts. He had hoped that he could have kept everything hidden for the year and get out of the country before Dumbledore discovered that Harry wasn't as stupid or ignorant as he thought Harry was. He wasn't sure if Dumbledore knew he retook his OWLs or not. Harry had used what Umbridge did as a way of retaking the exams. He wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been for Neville.

Neville had become friends with Harry during their fourth year when again, Weasley had dumped him as a friend. They kept things quiet about their friendship after Granger commented to Neville about how Harry would dump him as soon as Weasley forgave him. When Harry asked why she would think that, Neville explained how Weasley basically made sure no one else would be Harry's friend. They weren't too worried as no one really noticed that Harry was still friends with Neville, Dean, or Seamus.

Weasley and Granger were usually off working on their relationship and Ginny was off with some date hoping to make Harry jealous. Harry never noticed she was gone and she would get upset when she would mention what a great time she had during her date. Harry always smiled, said great, and would watch as she stormed off. He wasn't aware she wanted him to date her until Granger and Weasley started hinting around and when the hints didn't work, flat out telling Harry to ask Ginny out.

They heard a knock on Neville's bedroom door before it was opened by Lady Longbottom. "Don't stay up too late, we have to make sure to have Harry on time to meet his uncle."

"We won't Gram."

"We promise to be ready to leave on time, Lady Longbottom." Harry smiled at her. This was the second summer he had spent with the family and he was really grateful for all that Lady Longbottom had done for him. Harry even had the rest of Vernon's money. He didn't want to take a chance that Vernon would do something stupid like report him to Dumbledore. Vernon was all about the money.

"Excellent." Lady Longbottom closed the door and headed to her own bedroom suite.

Neville looked at the clock. It was almost ten at night. "We should head to bed soon. I will set the alarm for six."

"Yes, we wouldn't want to miss Vernon. He would most likely come early, expect me to be there, leave, and then demanded the funds for arriving there."

"Figures." Neville knew the truth about Harry's relatives. He appreciated his grandmother all the more even if the woman scared him in the earlier years of his life.

Chapter Text

Lady Longbottom glared at Vernon as he was yelling at Harry about good for nothing freaks. Harry just ignored him as he bid Neville and Luna goodbye. Vernon held out his hand for the funds from Harry. Lady Longbottom put the notes into the man's hand. "I do hope we never have the pleasure of meeting again." Lady Longbottom waited until Harry was in the car and Vernon started to drive away before she cast her spell.

"Gram, what did you do?"

"Why, Neville, nothing that you wouldn't have done." Lady Longbottom winked at Luna.

"Don't worry, Harry is safe. The money won't turn into bird poop until after Harry is safe on the train." Luna had added her own little spell to Vernon while no one was looking. Vernon would be feeling all the pain he gave Harry over the years for the next few years.

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Harry saw Granger, Weasley, and his sister waiting by the clock for him. He stopped and waited for a big group of people heading to the platform. He joined them until he got to platform 9 3/4. The group was heading toward platform 10. Harry went through the barrier and joined Neville and Luna who were standing with Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and the Patil twins.

"I see you were able to avoid them." Dean was staring at the barrier to make sure the annoyances didn't step through.

"Yes. They were waiting for me by the clock. I didn't see Mrs. Weasley but she was around, I'm sure."

"She was. I saw her heading to the ladies room. I only arrived here about five minutes ago." Lavender had been traveling all summer. "We just arrived home this morning. I was able to visit all the different magical bookstore, so we will have a lot of materials to review."

"Us too. We went home to India and visited different stores. I had to buy a bigger trunk for my library." Parvati pulled out a shrunken trunk. The trunk was finished in Ravenclaw colors.

"We found some that only Harry can read. I have them in my trunk." Padma held up her own shrunken trunk. It was finished in Gryffindor colors.

"You two are worse than George and Fred. Has anyone realized you two have switched houses?" Harry thought they belonged in Ravenclaw but wanted different houses just to enjoy confusing people.

"What? I got it wrong again?" Seamus pulled Dean to stand by Padma. "Stand by your girlfriend so I won't get them confused."

"I thought I was." Dean looked at Padma, who just smiled brightly.

"Don't worry, I would have stopped you before you tried to kiss me." Parvati watched Dean's face turn red causing a few laughs.

"We better get on the train. I want us to find a compartment and not have to worry about the annoyances joining us." Lavender wanted to actually take a nap. She had a feeling she wasn't the only one either.

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The group found a compartment and settled in. "Harry, did you find out why you aren't the captain of the team or even a prefect any longer? I heard Weasley bragging in Diagon Alley."

"Yes, Granger wrote to me with a letter enclosed by Dumbledore. They didn't want me to be overtired since I'm marrying Ginny, school work, and training."

Everyone started laughing. "Ginny?" Seamus wiped a tear from his eyes. "Wasn't she dating Michael Smith?"

"Yes as well as a few others." The girls added.

"Well, we won't be winning the house cup this year." Dean glanced at Neville. "You know Weasley is going to be puffed up with his own importance."

"He will as well as believing he will be Harry's brother-in-law. Tomorrow, we do the ceremony. I'm a bit nervous. I'm not sure who I will be getting." Parvati looked at her twin. "Neither of us are." The train ride passed quickly as the group discussed the different possibilities and even had a few wagers going on the results.

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Harry was ready to strangle Granger as she kept on lecturing him throughout the whole meal on what he needed to get done. How he was going to have to prepare for proposing to Ginny. "We even got your mother's engagement ring out."

Harry slowly lifted his head and those who truly knew Harry recognized the signs of his anger. "You what?"

"Yes, we got the ring out of your vault." Granger slapped her hand over her mouth as she realized what she said.

"Let me get this correct. You went into my family vault, removed my mother's ring, and you have it?" Harry could see Weasley and his sister shift uncomfortably in their seats. Since there wasn't any yelling and only those close to where Harry and the annoyances were sitting could hear what was going on. However, the silence around them grew when Harry was talking.

Granger swallowed. "Yes. You need the ring and you couldn't get it."

"Who, Granger, gave you, Weasley, and his sister permission to enter into any of my vaults?" Harry didn't miss the flinch from Weasley and his sister.

"The Headmaster said we should remove it." Granger heard her admittance spread from student to student. All of them shocked.

"What else have you removed or taken? Do not lie to me because if I find out after this, I will make sure to press charges to the fullest extent of the law."

"What is the big deal? It's going to be Ginny's anyways. The same with the funds. It's not like you would want us to do without." Weasley stuffed food into his mouth.

"Granger!" Harry's word was filled with power. The students all felt the magic as it caressed their skin.

"Books, money, and the ring." Guilt swept through Granger. She knew what she had done was wrong but there were just so many books.

"For how long?" Granger didn't answer right away. "GRANGER!"

"Since before we started here. You have been paying the tuition for Ron and his sister as well as their supplies. I have been using your books and reading the family grimoire. Ginny and Ron have taken some jewelry and other things out. Mrs. Weasley picked out some clothes for herself as well as some china and silverware. Dumbledore has been using your funds to pay the expenses for the Old Crowd." Granger tried to stop speaking but the truth kept pouring out of her as everyone was now listening. "The ritual is one that Dumbledore pushed through the Wizenagamot session as a way to keep you tied to him. He was afraid that since you are legally an adult and have been since our fourth year that any marriage contract would be voided and might be judged by magic. I was the one who found the ritual. I suggested it to him as I knew you couldn't back out of it and you would face Voldemort. Once you die, we will be famous."

Gasps were heard around the room. Harry turned his eyes up to the Head Table. Dumbledore pulled out his wand to do a memory charm but Harry was quicker and summoned the wand to him. It went flying straight into Harry's hand and everyone watched as a golden color engulfed Harry. Harry's magic welcomed the merge of powers and everyone watched as Harry screamed out in pain as the blocks and binds broke on him. A rainbow of colors was shooting out of Harry. When it was finished, Harry was still standing, causing some surprise. He was taller but only by a few centimeters. His shoulders were also a bit broader and he wasn't wearing his glasses. "Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall, may I ask that you join me as I go and visit Gringotts?"

"Harry, you just can't leave. We need to discuss this." Dumbledore was smiling. "It is only a slight misunderstanding."

Harry didn't even respond but turned and headed out of the Great Hall. Severus watched Harry leave and was thankful Harry wasn't upset with him. Dumbledore was going to regret playing his games with Harry. "Minerva?"

"I'll join you at the apparition spot. I have a few words for Albus. Filius, could you please make sure all the students return to their houses once they are finished eating." McGonagall hadn't taken her eyes off of Dumbledore.

"Certainly."

"Albus, let's take a walk to your office." McGonagall walked down to the annoying trio. "You three will follow us." She broke up the mini fight the three had been having with her arrival.

Once they were out of the Great Hall, Dumbledore tried to calm McGonagall down. "Minerva, I assure you it's a slight misunderstanding."

"No, it isn't. The three of you better develop a course of action on repaying the funds you owe. It will include your tuition, supplies, and anything else you might have used Harry's funds for. You will gather up all of the Potter family items and you will deliver them to me tomorrow morning. If you don't have them with you, you will write out what is missing. I will be getting a complete listing from Gringotts. I would recommend you start now." McGonagall's lips pressed together.

"It will be fine, do what she says." Dumbledore waited until he was alone with McGonagall. "Minerva, it will be Ginny's after tomorrow. There is no reason to worry."

"Albus, of all the things you have done over the decades, what makes you believe that stealing from Harry will be fine? You do not know if he will marry Ginny. Even if they do, it's still his money, his families items. You will get in touch with Arthur and get all of the items returned. I will work on making sure Harry doesn't press charges, even though he should." McGonagall arched a brow when Dumbledore went to speak. "No, Albus, there is no reason or excuse good enough for what you have done." McGonagall walked out of the front doors of Hogwarts muttering in Gaelic.

_________________________________________________________________________________

What Severus and Harry were doing while waiting for McGonagall.

"Harry?" Severus wasn't surprised to find Harry waiting for him on the steps of Hogwarts.

"How much did you hear?" Harry was thankful that Severus had taught him how to calm down his thoughts and anger over the summer holiday in the hopes of getting Harry to become better at the mind arts.

"All of it. I had been watching Weasley when I saw you lift your head up. I cast a quick listening charm on Granger and heard it all." Severus didn't want to get too close to Harry and give their game away.

"He is going to pay for this. They all are. I should have gone to Gringotts over the summer but I didn't want to take a chance that Dumbledore would discover the truth." Harry had Severus get his school supplies.

Severus had actually gotten more than what was on the school list and wondered why Harry's list was so small. When he asked Harry about the short list of school supplies, Harry was confused. Harry informed him all of his lists were. Harry went to his trunk and pulled out the previous years' letters and lists. Severus took one look at the lists and groaned. He started to write out a list of books that Harry would need. Lady Longbottom had been present at the time. She took the list Severus wrote out and proceeded to Diagon Alley to get the books. Severus had been a regular visitor at Longbottom Manor under the guise of improving Longbottom's potion brewing skills. He was doing that as well as Harry's. "I wish I had encouraged the idea. I had no idea Dumbledore would ever do something like that."

"I'm afraid, I didn't either." McGonagall joined them on the steps. "Let's find out how bad this is."

Harry bit back a groan as Voldemort's laughter filled his head. "I knew the old goat wasn't so pure." Harry forced Voldemort out of his head. Voldemort only gained access because of Harry's strong emotions just like when Harry could invade Voldemorts.

Chapter Text

Voldemort couldn't stop laughing. Harry inhaled and screamed at the laughter in his head. *Knock it off. I need to be able to hear what they are saying to me.*

*Relax, Severus and Minnie will make sure it is all returned. However, if you give me the address of the muggles I can handle them for you.*

*I'm not going to give you that information.* Harry felt a migraine coming on. "How about my parents' possessions?"

"We will make sure it is all returned. We keep an inventory of all items withdrawn by anyone not related to the account holder." Sharpshooter pulled out a thick book. "This is the inventory of the Potter family vault combined with the other titles you hold." He flipped through the pages. "We have a few houses that are also listed as being used by others, do you want to evict those people also?"

"What? Who?" Harry's calm left him completely heard the news.

Sharpshooter didn't look at Harry. "We have two muggle addresses. One is #4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging in Surrey, England. The second is #6 Wisteria Walk, Little Whinging in Surrey, England. Three different houses in the magical world besides the regular family holdings which are all occupied but the cottage in Godric's Hollow which is leased to the Ministry as a tourist spot."

Harry's temper exploded as Voldemort started to laugh even harder when he learned the information. Severus forced a calming draught down Harry's throat as Minerva began to give orders getting everything returned. Voldemort slammed down the connection. Harry groaned at the slamming of Voldemort's shields. "I want it all returned, I want them all evicted, and I will take my titles, today. If the muggles want to buy the homes they will be given the option but the offer is only good for two days. If my relatives are abusive toward anyone, remove the offer, and evict them." Harry was hoping it would save them from Voldemort. He expected his uncle would have a fit and be forced to be evicted today which might save them. "You-Know-Who will go after my relatives." Harry felt a bit better about warning the goblins, Severus, and McGonagall about Voldemort.

"We will warn them." Sharpshooter was filling out paperwork as he spoke. "Most of the items will be returned today. How long do you wish to give those who owe you money?"

Harry growled he flashed back to Granger's confession. "Two weeks tops. The sooner the better. Charge interest for each month they have borrowed from me."

"Our usual rate plus .5%. We will charge for the lack of rent on all of the homes."

"What? My relatives haven't been paying rent?"

Voldemort was back inside his head with some nasty comments about muggles. *Go away.*

*Stop allowing your emotions to get the better of you. This kind of stuff is just delightful.*

Harry could hear the manic glee in Voldemort's voice as Voldemort flashed images of his fat uncle and cousin. Harry focused on his shields and slammed them down on Voldemort hard, hoping he gave the man a headache. Severus' lessons had worked well until he lost control of his emotions today. "What do I need to sign?"

Severus gave Harry a curious glance and realized what happened. "It's all set. There is no need to sign anything since it was all done illegally and if it ever gets brought to the attention of the Ministry, we have memories and witnesses."

"It won't erase Albus' attempts at guilt and trying to get you to fix things the way he wants." McGonagall wasn't sure what to do about Dumbledore. "If You-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named wasn't around, I would encourage you to press charges but I'm a bit fearful of what he would do if Dumbledore were arrested."

"I could care less if he was arrested right now. However, yes, He would take great pleasure in Dumbledore's arrest." Harry looked at Severus. Voldemort was a big concern for them since Severus and Harry would have to marry because of Dumbledore's law. "Keep me informed by sending updates to either Professor Snape or McGonagall."

"Certainly. I will send an envoy of goblins to the muggle world after I escort you out of Gringotts." Sharpshooter rose and escorted them out of Gringotts.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Harry headed up to the Gryffindor common room when they returned as Severus and McGonagall needed to speak. Harry was hoping that Granger and the two Weasleys weren't in the common room. Tomorrow was the ceremony and after Granger's outburst today, Harry was expecting a lot of questions and he wasn't disappointed. Most of the questions were regarding Granger's spilling of the truth. Once everyone was bored and moved onto a different topic, Harry and his friends disappeared and headed to the ROR.

Harry was finally able to relax. "It's been a long day."

"It will even longer tomorrow. Dumbledore is going to make a huge celebration of tomorrow's marriage market." Lavender sighed. "I hope I don't get stuck with someone I can't stand."

"I believe most of us are hoping that. Not all of us are as lucky as Harry and Neville."

"I am set too." Dean grinned. "Luna might have an idea of who you will be matched up with if you ask her."

"She knows." Neville laughed. "It's not going to go the way Dumbledore wants is all she has told me so don't ask her as I think she won't tell you. She is looking forward to tomorrow."

Harry knew how much fun Luna would have. She liked to see people like Dumbledore have his plans ruined while watching the joy on others' faces. "We need to set up a schedule for training. One for us and a separate one for if we have Granger and the Weasleys who want to attend. I was thinking for the classes if each week one of us taught the different spells from wherever they got the books from."

"It would give each of us time to master the spells before teaching them without overloading one or two people." Neville liked the idea. "It would also enable all of us to keep up with our studies."

"Yes. Severus has agreed to help train us and provide assistance with potions outside of the classroom. He can't do it in a classroom due to the Death Eaters who might be around."

"He helped me a lot over the summer. My grandmother is going to claim she hired a tutor to explain my improvement." Neville wasn't afraid of Severus any longer but he also knew he would have a role to play just like Harry. "We might have some adjustments to make after the ceremony."

"Harry, are you still going to side with Dumbledore? I know you won't be siding with Voldemort."

"I won't side with either of them. I was thinking of creating a third side. We won't be able to meet tomorrow night after the ceremony since we have no idea how long it will last but I am willing to bet Dumbledore will want to make a show and have me go last. He is hoping I will marry Ginny Weasley."

The group laughed. "We have no classes tomorrow and the ceremony doesn't start until seven. How about we have a picnic by Black Lake. If we invite all of those who we know aren't with either of the two rulers of each faction, we might recruit more." Lavender suggested.

"Let's craft a list." Seamus looked at Padma, well, he hoped. "Padma?"

"Yes, it's me. I wanted to be in the dorm room when Granger returned. My sister really can't stand her and has a harder time getting information out of her."

"Parvati gets into debates with Granger. Granger gets annoyed and storms off." Lavender always encouraged the debates to get Granger away from their dorm so they could have some peace.

"Granger is going to want to run the second group for training. We should have a list of spells for her to research." Dean looked at Neville and Harry. "We will need to find something to keep the two Weasleys busy too."

"I'm not worried about Ginny, she will have a boyfriend if she doesn't have one already. Weasley is going to be an issue unless we have something for him to do. Quidditch might be an option. He is now the Quidditch captain and if we complain about how bad the team is, he will want to increase the practice times."

"We won't win no matter what he does. He will let the power go to his head and won't care about the team as long as he or his sister looks good." Dean dramatically fell back onto the pile of pillows behind him.

"It will shut him up regarding Harry's fame. If I hear about how someday he will be famous because of Harry, I think I will be sick." Seamus pulled Dean back into a sitting position. "It might be a good idea to schedule our training sessions at the same time as the Quidditch practices."

"It would be easy to arrange. I'm sure we can get Severus to assist us in the schedule. We will just have the Slytherin team practice at those times. It will provide cover for Severus disappearances as well." Harry had missed his friends over the summer. Harry leaned forward a bit. "What have you learned over the summer? The latest rumors. What did you learn in the common room while I was at Gringotts."

"What did you learn at Gringotts?" The group countered.

Harry provided them with basic details. "Dumbledore isn't going to be happy with me and I'm sure I will hear about it tomorrow."

"We are sure you will get it from all of them tomorrow." The group felt bad for the situation that Harry would have to face tomorrow but they also knew it was another step away from Dumbledore or Voldemort controlling their world, from them destroying their world.

"Tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day." Neville summed it up. "Luna did promise we would like the results but not everyone else."

Harry laughed. "Give your future wife a kiss on the cheek for me."

Chapter Text

Harry and Neville arrived in the Great Hall and wondered what was going on. The hall looked exactly as it did for every single meal. "He is planning on making a show." Some students were already sitting at their house tables. Some students passed them as they looked around the hall.

"Yes, and I have a feeling it involves the Ministry. There are a few extra chairs at the Head Table." Neville frowned a bit. "There are also Chrysanthemums and Calla Lily which are the worst flowers to have for a ceremony. People are going to start sneezing and the lilies are poisonous." Neville hoped no one touched the Lillies.

"Wedding flowers?" Harry wondered what else Dumbledore was planning on doing. Dumbledore was going to make it into a show. There was no way Dumbledore wasn't going to make this ceremony into a show.

"They can be and he favors them. Professor Sprout has been complaining about him being down in the greenhouses." Neville looked around. "What do you think he is going to do?"

"He is going to turn this into a three-ring circus." Harry hated what Dumbledore was going to do. Dumbledore always wanted the spotlight on them.

"You are going to be the main attraction."

"Yes." Harry had the Welsh Love Spoon on him too. He had been carrying it with him in his expandable pouch to protect it and to keep the annoying trio from discovering it if they broke into his trunk.

Neville looked at his friend. "We have you covered."

Harry looked at Neville. "What did you do?" Neville didn't answer as he headed for his normal seat. "Neville????" Harry sat down in his normal seat. He could see some of the staff were in their normal seats. Severus was already sitting in his normal seat. The man looked like his normal self but Harry could tell he wasn't a happy camper.

"We aren't telling." Dean took his seat. "It is our surprise."

"Well, it better counter whatever Dumbledore has planned. Severus is mad." Harry quietly warned his friends as Granger, Weasley, and Weaslette joined them. The three of them seemed very happy, too happy.

Luna quietly spoke to Neville who made an eep sound as she spoke. Neville looked at the three. Once Luna was done, Neville leaned a bit forward. "Guys, he is planning on marriage ceremonies for us all."

"It explains the extra chairs and the Ministry being here." Harry wanted to curse Dumbledore six ways to Sunday. It also explained why Weaslette looked so smug all day. He was thankful that Severus and Harry had spent the time to get to know each other or this would have been the worst start to a marriage. Harry looked over his shoulder to a dreamy Luna. She was staring at him, winked, and turned around. "She knows something."

"She always does." Neville's back was to his future wife and he felt her lean into him for a second.

Dumbledore entered the Great Hall with some Ministry personnel that Harry didn't recognize as well as Lucius Malfoy. He should have known Malfoy was going to be present. Harry looked at Draco. Draco had his Slytherin mask in place but after spending time with Severus, he recognized that Draco was planning something. Parkinson looked happy but it was the same smugness that Weaslette was wearing. Harry grinned at Draco, Draco arched a brow but gave a quick smile in return. Harry had gotten to know Draco a bit over the summer as did several of his friends. "I don't think we are the only ones who made plans."

Dumbledore didn't introduce anyone for the meal and it was a normal meal. It was during dessert that Dumbledore stood up. He shot a firecracker into the air. "Now, it is time for the Patronus Charm Marriage Ritual." Dumbledore waved his wand and the Great Hall was full of flowers and tacky hearts as well as vases filled with heart-shaped candy. "We have two priests here for bonding or marriage ceremony with Lord Malfoy here to sign as a witness in addition to myself."

Lucius rose. "We are not requiring anyone to get married." Lucius returned to his seat.

Harry and Neville hid their smiles. They knew that Dumbledore worded it so that everyone would believe there would have to get married tonight. "Yes, it is only if you wish to be bonded or married. We will be calling people by houses up here. We will start with Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and then Gryffindor. When your name is called, you will be required to step forth and cast the Patronus Charm. If you can not cast the Patronus Charm, please state so and state if you have a marriage contract or not. If you do not have a marriage contract or the ability to cast a Patronus, you will be matched up with someone who also doesn't at the end of the ceremony as required by the law. Professor McGonagall will read the names."

McGonagall rose. She produced a large scroll. "Susan Bones."

Susan Bones rose and walked to the front of the Head Table. Harry wasn't surprised to see Susan produce a Patronus of a white owl. "Who has the matching Patronus?"

A Ravenclaw by the name of Michael Corner stood up, walked to stand next to Susan. He squeezed her hand as he produced a white owl. They had been dating for two years. The list continued and Harry watched Dumbledore. The man was confused as some cast Patronus. He looked at Neville who gave him an innocent look. Harry pretended to cough to cover his smile as he realized what Dean and Neville had arranged. Anyone in the DA was protected as well as anyone who might be ones against Voldie and Dumbledore. "It's not your surprise." Dean wiggled his eyebrows.

Harry was a bit surprised when Michael Corner produced a gift of Mini Floral Smudge Sticks Wands. "For my future bride."

"Thank you, Michael. I love them." Susan laid the gift on the Head Table. She reached into her robe pocket. She pulled out a wrapped gift. "For my future husband."

Michael opened his package and found a Herbologist Crafting Box. Michael wanted to craft natural remedies from herbs for healing to sell to St. Mungos and potion stores. "Thank you, Susan. I love it."

Harry wasn't surprised by the display. Susan and Michael had been going on for two years and Madam Bones had already arranged for a marriage contract for the pair before Dumbledore's latest scheme came about. It wasn't until most of Hufflepuff was finished that Harry realized what his friends were doing. Harry loved it as he realized what his friends were doing. They were following different rituals and gift-giving to keep Dumbledore from being surprised about Harry and Severus' gift. There had been a few who had marriage contracts which Dumbledore had set those people off to the side claiming they still might have people who might have Patronus to match them, ignoring what was already a valid contract.

When Padma Patil was summoned up for her turn, everyone in Gryffindor smiled at their friend as Padma cast her ferret. Dean Thomas stood up and walked the front and cast his ferret. Dean presented Padma with a traditional Saree as well as an engagement ring. Padma presented Dean with matching Achkan. McGonagall moved onward down the list. Dumbledore had tried to stop the exchange of gifts to move the process forward but each couple exchanged their gifts. They watched Draco get matched up with Astoria Greengrass. Pansy Parkinson produced a marriage contract with Theodore Nott as did Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass. "Neville Longbottom."

Neville rose and walked to Head Table and cast his Patronus and a blue rabbit sprung out. Harry wasn't surprised when Luna walked up and produced a matching red rabbit. Neville presented Luna with muggle flying lessons while Luna presented Neville with greenhouse plans. "Hermione Granger." McGonagall called the next name.

Granger walked up to the Head Table and produced her otter Patronus. Weasley stood up and walked up to the Head Table and produced his own otter Patronus. Everyone waited to see what the two would exchange but they just moved back to their seats. Harry was getting a bit nervous as the numbers of Gryffindors decreased until it was only him. "Harry Potter."

Harry walked up to the front. He wondered what Dumbledore was going to do when he didn't match up with Weaslette. Harry pulled out his wand. "Expecto Patronum." A huge silver dragon appeared next to Harry.

Everyone looked at Weaslette who had already risen but was frozen looking at the dragon. She looked at Dumbledore, confusion on her face. "Expecto Patronum." Everyone's eyes turned to the front of Great Hall and saw a black dragon sitting next to Severus. Harry pulled out his expandable pouch and retrieved the Welsh Love Spoon. The spoon showed the different symbols that Harry had carved into the spoon for each of their dates. The symbols were linked by small chains. The top of the spoon was diamond-shaped with a Celtic knot connecting it to the chains. Each chain connection had a Celtic knot. The spoon ended with a horseshoe. Severus looked shocked when Harry presented it to him but recovered quickly. Severus just touched it as he looked down at the symbols.

"The marriage contracts are valid." Lucius rose. "I will sign off on them and all of the new couples. If anyone wishes to bond, please see either of the ritual masters present."

Harry and Severus walked over to Lucius. They allowed everyone to go ahead of them so they could have a chance to speak to Lucius before Dumbledore summoned them up to his office. Harry could see Ginny Weasley was already talking to Dumbledore. "We will be called up to his office and grilled but I do believe your friends handled the situation rather well."

"Do you think Lucius could assist?"

"Lucius would love to assist." Severus had already hinted to his friend about needing his assistance due to Dumbledore's interference.

"I think we might have a few things we need to discuss with Lucius based on what just happened."

"I happen to agree." Severus was a bit surprised at the support Harry had in Hogwarts and the lack of support that Dumbledore had. Lucius was his best friend and he knew the man didn't trust the Dark Lord and wanted to protect his family. Perhaps a third side, a side that would get rid of the two crazies who wanted to be in charge.

"I like what you are thinking."

Severus wasn't surprised that Harry knew what he was thinking. Harry was a true hidden snake.

Chapter Text

"Potter, I must say I am surprised." Lucius had waited until only Harry and Severus were left before casting a privacy spell. "Severus, I do believe we have a hidden snake in the house of the lions."

"We don't have much time and I would love to meet with you later and discuss certain issues but I expect Dumbledore is going to call us up to his office because I just ruined his whole plan for me marrying Ginny Weasley." Harry shuddered at the idea. "I am sure Severus can provide details later regarding what we have learned but I want to know is there any way he can prevent this ceremony from being respected or honored?"

"I can think of a few different ways. However, there is a bit of a difference since you are legally an adult. As an adult, he can't force any marriage. He might attempt to use Severus' teaching contract or even claim there can't be a relationship between a student and teacher. The charter does allow for such a relationship provided you find someone else to grade and mark your potion assignments. I would suggest hiring an outside independent contractor for that aspect. Next, he might even attempt to claim that he is your magical guardian and he can't sign off any contract with Severus. As Lord Potter and I do believe Lord Black, you have the power to void any marriage contract he submits. Severus, you might have him attempt to fire you. He can't as your contract is with Hogwarts, not him. The Board is the only way you can be fired."

"Lucius, the ritual itself, can't be broken once it's started. Does the casting of the Patronus end it or does the bonding/wedding?" Severus was aware that Dumbledore would do more than attempt to fire him. "Dumbledore might attempt to get me sent to Azkaban."

Lucius thought for several seconds. "I read and reviewed the ceremony this summer. Draco didn't want to take a chance with Pansy. After several negotiations, I made it clear to Parkinson that his daughter would not be marrying my son and he better find a solution. She can't cast the charm which is why they used a contract. In reviewing the ceremony, it does state that it ends with the bonding. It is why he had some priests here. He had hinted at a big surprise wedding." Lucius looked at Severus. "Our big concern is the Dark Lord. He won't be happy. He won't be happy who Draco is matched with either."

"Don't worry about him. I gave him enough stuff to make him happy yesterday. I expect if you word it correctly, things like Severus using what Dumbledore did to help convert me, he will buy it."

Lucius looked at Harry and glanced at Severus. "Trust us, Lucius, he will believe it and buy it. It will also enable you to meet with us later. He will expect reports but given what we have planned, it will be easy to create them."

Lucius looked at them, weighing his options. "I do believe Potter, you just made this trip a very fortunate and beneficial trip for me. If you are doing what I believe you are going to attempt to do, I am in. I am also aware of several more who would be willing to join."

"We are, Lucius. We shouldn't take too long or he will wonder what we are discussing. I can see him already trying to break free and come speak to us." Severus was wondering why Dumbledore thought any of his ideal matches would work. All the students who were part of the DA got their desired partner. He wasn't sure about Granger and Weasley. They were not a match at all. He could see Granger not conforming to what Molly would expect in a daughter in law as well as not being a good pure-blood wife. There were several in Slytherin he knew were arranged marriages. Dumbledore had been a bit surprised when Draco produced a Patronus as well as several others. "He is going to grill me on why anyone in Slytherin would know how to cast a Patronus."

"Yes, him and his all Slytherins are evil." Harry huffed. "I am so sick of that attitude."

Lucius gave Harry a real smile. "I am surprised and look forward to discussing the future with you. Dumbledore appears to have broken free and is heading over here."

"I swear I can't wait until we can get rid of that clown." Harry didn't mean for Severus and Lucius to hear but by their covering their laughter, they heard him.

Lucius removed the privacy spell. "As I was saying, there is no rush to bond or get married. It can be done any time during the year or so. It just needs to be completed by the time Potter turns twenty."

"Do we need to create a marriage contract regarding our titles, land, vaults?" Harry wasn't above pretending they were discussing legal issues.

"You can. It would prevent any problems if one of you passed without having an heir or you weren't bonded or married as of yet. A marriage contract isn't required but it can help prevent any misunderstandings later in the relationship including last names used or given to any children."

"I am sure that Harry isn't in a rush to the altar." Dumbledore joined their conversation. "I am sure we can work out the details."

"Actually, Harry already engaged a solicitor, I was just giving him some legal advice." Lucius was trying to ignore the tacky way Dumbledore was dressed. He was going to make sure that Harry was protected now. He pulled out his business card. "Here. Please feel free to write."

Harry took the card and read the law firm's name across the top before pocketing it. Lucius Malfoy was going to be his solicitor. "I appreciate it, Lord Malfoy. I am certain there are many aspects of everything my family left as well as what I need to do for the future I am unaware of."

"Now, Harry, let's not worry about that aspect right now. You are still a student. I am sure we can discuss what is to happen in the future." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. "Severus, I am sure can join us in my office for a discussion."

Harry and Severus were very aware it wasn't a request. It was an order. Lucius arched a brow. "I am sure any future plans being discussed will include his solicitor. It would be a shame if it did happen since it would be his solicitor would be able to file an injunction against any legal paperwork until Potter and Severus provided they were clean of outside influences and did sign any paperwork." Harry almost jumped up and down with joy. He had a way to block Dumbledore from speaking to him regarding his life. "The only communication between Potter and you is restricted to Hogwarts' requirements only or just everyday conversation that might be encountered in the halls or classrooms."

Dumbledore's face reflected his anger for a brief second before a fake smile appeared. "I am sure we can discuss the situation without any solicitors involved. It's all a slight misunderstanding. I didn't have time to speak with Harry yesterday or today but I'm sure we can handle the situation reasonably."

Harry was about to lose his temper as he thought of all the things that Dumbledore had done to him just recently nevermind all his life. *Temper, temper, don't let the old goat get to you. Just tell him you have things managed. He won't like it but it will shut him up. Relax, I haven't been spying until the old goat started speaking and your anger started to rise. I must say I am impressed at the different ways you want him to die. I will have to use some of them. Inform Lucius, I wish to see him tonight.*

*Get out of my head and I'm not your messenger service. However, I will this once.* Harry mentally growled at Voldemort. "I have things managed, thank you, Headmaster." Harry wanted to kill Dumbledore and Voldemort in the most embarrassing way possible for each of them. He really needed to work on keeping his shields together when he got angry.

"My boy, we must discuss your bonding situation. Surely you must see how this is dangerous." Dumbledore had his serious face showing combined with his caring grandfather's face that just screamed how it must be discussed. It was the face he usually tried to guilt Harry into doing something.

Voldemort started laughing, hard. Harry could feel the man's enjoyment as he also felt him shift through the memory of the night. He laughed even harder when he saw Severus' Patronus and slammed the door as Voldemort tried to go through all the memory of the night. *Keep out!* "Headmaster, there is nothing to discuss. Our Patronus match."

"We must discuss this situation. If Tom learns of this-"

"He is aware and thinks it's funny. Lucius, he wants to see you tonight." Harry glared. "He thinks this whole ceremony was funny. He was laughing so hard, I could feel his enjoyment." He turned and faced Severus. "He broke through just a minute ago but I was able to kick him out after he saw the matching Patronus." Harry could see Severus and Lucius understood what he was saying. He enjoyed seeing the look of anger on Dumbledore's face that Lucius was now aware of Voldemort breaking into his mind.

"We will have to work on controlling your emotions a bit more." Severus felt relieved. If the Dark Lord was aware of the Patronus ceremony and thought it was funny, he wasn't in any danger especially if Lucius could spin it as a way to convert Harry.

"This is why it must be discussed. Severus can't be your professor if you are to bond with him." Dumbledore thought it was a perfect solution. "He might even have to leave Hogwarts since he will be bonded to a student."

"Albus, I have already informed them of their rights and what the ceremony means. Harry has agreed to hire an independent professorial to correct and monitor his potions assignments and work. Severus will not be his instructor." Lucius was going to enjoy providing the Dark Lord with all these juicy details as a way to show Harry wasn't Dumbledore's tool and that Severus was already influencing him.

"I see. I will want to interview this person as well as see their contract." Dumbledore began to think who could he get in place to instruct Harry in potions. Slughorn might be willing to teach Harry, especially if he was just Harry. The man would love the honor. He wondered how soon he could get the man back at Hogwarts.

"No." Lucius took great pleasure in denying the man. "It is between Harry and the Board. We will provide him with the names which I am sure Severus will be able to determine who would be better at potions. The contract will be between the Board and Potter."

"I was going to speak to Gringotts. I learned yesterday that they have a rather intensive list of tutors that I can hire and will be hiring." Harry was going to start to learn all the stuff that Dumbledore had denied him access to by placing him with his relatives. "I already engaged several for some classes."

"Yes, Minerva and I reviewed the list with Harry yesterday. Minerva was very insightful regarding the classes she felt Harry would need." Severus hoped the man caught what he was attempting to tell him. He wasn't sure if Dumbledore would catch the message of back off or everything will make the paper. He was sure some of it was already being spread around as gossip because of the parents of the students who wrote home last night.

"Albus, I told you everything was arranged already. Leave Harry alone." Minerva appeared at Dumbledore's right side. "Potter has plenty of room in his schedule for the tutors he hired and we can certainly make sure to have one for his potion work too. Potter, it is almost curfew. The students have already left the Great Hall including those who bonded."

"Yes, it is rather late. I wasn't expecting the ceremony to take as long as it did. How many bonded or got married?" Lucius saw Fudge was already gone. The only people left in the Great Hall were some staff members and a few students.

"Just four. The rest are waiting until they are finished with Hogwarts." Minerva didn't add that they were also waiting to see if Dumbledore was going to be removed.

"I am going to head to bed. Goodnight all." Harry was exhausted and he was willing to bet that Granger, Weasley, and Ginny would be waiting for him in the common room and figured he might as well get that fight over with. "I am sure I will receive a warm welcome in Gryffindor."

"Granger and Weasley won't be in the common room. They got married and are in one of the guest rooms for the night. They will be moving to their own rooms tomorrow." Minerva gave a quick glare at Dumbledore. She had a feeling those two were a forced match by the meddlesome old fool.

Harry was surprised as well as Severus and Lucius. Harry didn't think Granger would do something like that unless. He turned and stared at Dumbledore. "You didn't."

"What?" Minerva was a bit surprised.

Severus closed his eyes. Harry explained what just happened. "Granger and Weasley getting married means gifts. Gifts for newlyweds, traditionally in both worlds as would be expected. Many will most likely gift them with money since they are in school and just starting out. However, Granger also has a trust fund, her birthday is on the 19th. She will be 18. Once she is over 18 and married, she would able to use her trust fund. In our world, without a marriage contract, Weasley is in charge of the money. Weasley can and will use that money to pay for everything they owe me as well as the Headmaster and Granger. Am I correct, Lord Malfoy?"

"Yes, especially since the Weasley family is a pure-blood family and it would be expected to follow the pure-blood ways which they do follow." Lucius had wondered why Dumbledore wanted to have wedding ceremonies tonight. He had believed it was only for Potter. He wasn't aware that Granger had a trust fund or he might have arranged to have solicitors present for anyone wishing to marry.

"Albus, you didn't?" Minerva looked shocked.

"I wasn't going to stand in the way of true love. Love is a special kind of magic. Magic that should be encouraged and allowed to blossom. Young love is especially sweet." Dumbledore smiled.

Minerva started to curse in Gaelic. "I ought to--" She looked ready to curse him with her wand. "I will go and speak to the pair. She will have a wedding contract to protect herself and she won't be using her trust fund to pay off everyone's debt." Minerva stormed away.

"I think that is my cue to say good night, again." Harry didn't give anyone time to respond before he walked away. He felt bad as it looked like Severus wasn't going to escape as easily.

Chapter Text

Harry hadn't seen Granger all day but Weasley was storming around Hogwarts. No one wanted to ask him what was wrong but Harry had a feeling that last night did not go the way Weasley wanted, especially since Minvera wasn't present in the morning but was there for lunch and disappeared slightly before the last class of the day. Granger appeared in the common room after dinner. She did not look happy. "Harry, may I speak to you, privately?"

Harry wasn't sure what was going on but stood up. "How about over in the corner? I can put up some privacy wards."

"It would be good."

Granger followed Harry to the corner. Harry could see several of his friends were wondering what was happening. Once they were seated on the two chairs in the corner, Harry added some parselwards to protect them. "You don't look so good."

"I know, I was up all night and most of the day today. Harry, Professor McGonagall came to see me last night because of what you told her. I want to thank you. I wasn't aware of that aspect of the law regarding pure-bloods and not having a marriage contract. She also took me to Gringotts. I want to apologize for everything that happened in the last six years." Granger reached into her huge purse and pulled out a small scroll. "It doesn't excuse everything I did or said but I was under a lot of compulsions, including agreeing to marry Ron. We can't get a divorce because it was a ritual but thanks to you and Professor McGonagall, I will be able to keep my money, go forward with my education, and even live separately from him and his mother."

Harry read the scroll from Gringotts showing the compulsions on Granger. "Hermione, you know you can't trust Dumbledore. I am not saying, I agree with Voldie but this war they want, it's a battle over egos."

"I am aware of that now. I just don't know what to do. I thought I could trust him. He is our headmaster." Granger started to cry.

Harry wasn't sure what to do. He summoned some tissues and handed the box to Granger. He never had to deal with a crying girl before or anyone who cried before. "Hermione, what else did you learn? This isn't just about the compulsions."

Granger sniffled for a bit before looking up. "It wasn't so much learning about the compulsions, but Harry, what I have done. My parents would be so ashamed of me. I believed everything was for the greater good, the lies, the stealing, even removing your family's grimoire. Harry, Professor McGonagall explained how important a grimoire is in a family. The Headmaster and Mrs. Weasley were the ones who wanted it. They tried to copy it but the grimoire is protected. It was about money and getting their hands on everything in the Potter Vaults." Granger looked down at her hands. "I don't think they are aware of your other titles. I never told them."

Harry barely heard the last part. "Dumbledore isn't aware of everything?"

Granger shook her head. "No, he believes you or Draco might be Lord Black one day but he is assuming it's Draco but hoping he can get the title to you as well as the titles from when you defeated Voldie. He hasn't been able to confirm if you received any titles from Voldie or not. He knows you didn't take an Inheritance Test when you went to Gringotts. He has a goblin spy in there that reports to him."

Harry leaned back in his chair. He was Lord Potter and Black. He didn't take an Inheritance Test but based on this conversation he was going to visit Gringotts again. "Hermione, let me ask you a question. It might be one we need to research."

Granger looked up at Harry and her eyes were full of hope. "What?"

"If I got Voldie's titles, does that mean I would be lord over him and him my heir or how does that work since he wasn't technically dead but at the same time was?"

Granger thought for a few minutes. "In researching the different rules and aspects of the titles, I did discover a few interesting things. The Headmaster wanted to know about exceptions and which laws applied to all titles as well as if there was a division of exceptions based on ages of the titles, or how the Sacred 28 had exceptions included in the group or was it by charter. He also wanted to find out about the titles regarding Hogwarts."

Harry was very interested in hearing what Granger learned. The information could help him against Dumbledore and Voldemort. He wasn't sure how old the Potter or Black title was and never heard of the Sacred 28 before. He had been researching so many other aspects of the laws, he didn't think about his own titles and what they could do. Harry watched as Granger blew her nose and used another tissue to wipe her eyes. She was getting into her lecture mode. A mode she was very comfortable in.

"It can be confusing but basically, the four titles related to Hogwarts, are at the top of the power structure with just Merlin and Morganna's lines being over them. Next comes the Sacred 28. The Potters and Black are included in the Sacred 28 as well as the Malfoy and Weasley family lines. The Weasleys, however, lost the title and their seats have been vacated until such a time they can buy their way back into the Sacred 28."

Harry's eyes went big. "No!"

"Yes, as well as paying off everyone's debt to you." Granger was furious about the idea. "It is also why they wanted Ginny to marry you. The Headmaster could have formed a power base if I believe what I think is important about the titles and Voldie is true."

Harry felt shocked. *Will you stop interrupting my evenings with your shock and dismay over whatever the latest ploy of that idiot at Hogwarts has done. Honestly, I can't even have a decent meal.*

*Perhaps if you didn't kill and murder people you could. Now go away.*

*Pfft. As if I need to kill and murder people. Lucius is here, let's just say he had some interesting secrets in his mind.*

Harry closed his eyes. *Is he still alive?*

*Yes, his wife is taking care of him. I was going to write to you but this is easier. We need to talk.* Voldemort was suddenly sitting in a room with Harry inside Harry's mind. *Take a seat after you tell your friend to go away.*

Harry opened his eyes. "Hermione, could you find out more information for me? I will need everything you have." Severus did teach him to mask his emotions and he mastered it for the most part. He was still working on the anger aspect.

"Certainly, Harry. I can do it right now. I have all of the books and my notes." Granger stood up. "I am very sorry, Harry. I know there is no excuse for what I did, but I am sorry."

"You're forgiven, Hermione. I appreciate your honesty. I just need a few moments to gather my thoughts or as Severus says, clearing my mind." Harry wanted to kick Voldemort out but he had a feeling this was going to be important.

"Oh, certainly. I understand." Granger walked toward her dorm.

*Good, now that she is gone, we have a few things to discuss.* Voldemort looked like a normal human. Harry was trying not to stare at the man's nose and eyes. *It's called glamour for a reason, Potter. It makes people fear me and at the same time, gives me a way to walk around without anyone being aware of who I am.*

*Impressed.* Harry was. He didn't think of doing something like it and wished he did. He hated his fame. *What did you do to Lucius?*

*Nothing too severe, he was punished for efforts in assisting you until he pointed out an interesting fact. A fact I was overlooking because of Dumbledore. He mentioned that if you weren't for Dumbledore, marrying Severus, and hired him as your solicitor as well as a certain diary in your second year, you might be willing to listen to what I have to say.*

Harry chewed on the inside of his cheek for several seconds. He wasn't for killing muggles or muggle-born but perhaps getting rid of one and then the other would be a better policy. Fighting a three-sided war was going to be hard unless he played both sides against each other. *Interesting. What do you have to say to me that would or could convince me to join your side?*

Voldemort wore a feral smile. *Why Potter, you do surprise me. I believe getting rid of Dumbledore would move to my top priority as well as getting classes and rituals returned that he has banned.*

Harry allowed Voldemort to feel a sense of agreement as he did agree with the man regarding Dumbledore, classes, and rituals. *There has to be more than to that than you are stating. What do you plan to do about muggles and the muggle-born?* Harry saw the hatred fill the eyes of Voldemort as well as the distaste he had for them appear on his face.

*I want our worlds kept apart. I am not going to do what Grindlewald attempted to do. I am aware of how many muggles there are as well as their advanced technology that we should learn more about and start to use to protect us against them.*

Harry found himself agreeing with that statement too. *The prophecy?*

*It null and void. I discovered something interesting about you and our connection. Something that Dumbledore is aware of and that's why he desires your death after you married the witch of his choosing. You threw a kink in his plans by following the ritual I wanted him to push through. The fool pushed it through knowing I wanted it done too.*

Harry thought it was strange that Voldemort mentioned the diary earlier and now a connection that nullified the prophecy. He remembered the stupid sessions regarding Voldemort last year. His eyes went big. *It's me. I am a Holocrux or rather my scar.*

Voldemort looked impressed. *Yes, and that is why you will have protection starting tomorrow. I already made the arrangements. Severus will be getting his instructions later tonight and Lucius will be at Hogwarts tomorrow. He is your new tutor in several areas as well as your new bodyguard. We will meet this Saturday at Gingrotts for you to get a full Inheritance Test and work on some type of peace agreement between the two of us.*

Harry didn't want a peace agreement. He wanted Voldemort gone. He was aware he wasn't or wouldn't be able to kill the man if he was his Horcrux. He needed to speak to Severus and Lucius and get a plan in place before Saturday. *Fine, I look forward to seeing Lucius tomorrow.* Voldemort just disappeared. Harry didn't move for several seconds. He cast tempus and since it wasn't even seven yet, he headed down to see Severus and inform him what just happened. He hoped there was a way out of this new mess.

Chapter Text

Severus granted Harry entrance into his quarters and Harry wasn't surprised to see Lucius swallowing a potion for whatever he had endured from his visit with Old Moldy Shorts. "We have to talk but I believe we need to find a way to protect our minds, especially mine from having this forthcoming conversation being discovered by Moldy Shorts."

Lucius tried not to laugh but he did. "I do believe Potter that I have never heard him called that before."

"It is one of Harry's minor terms for him considering how colorful Harry can get after our Lord enters Harry's mind." Severus summoned some tea. "Perhaps a simple wand oath?"

"I was thinking just using our word or is a wand oath better?" Harry added oaths to the list of his growing pile of research. He was aware that wizards had a variety of ways to keep things secret but there were also a lot of loopholes to those oaths and protective spells. Pettigrew was a prime example of a loophole. Harry squashed his anger at the little rodent. Pettigrew would get his one day.

"Potter, a wand oath is a bit more secure and less able to get around than a simple word oath. Our Lord or Dumbledore would be able to find ways around a simple word oath using a truth serum or even breaking into our minds and searching." Lucius wanted to keep his mind intact. He didn't need his Lord or Dumbledore deciding he was the key to defeating the Dark Lord or Potter.

"Might as well call me Harry if we are going to do this." Harry sighed as he sat down. He had been standing by the fireplace. "What is a wand oath? I have heard Weasley use the term but he never explained."

"It is our wands that will be the secret keeper between us. We create the oath using our wands and anything we wish to discuss the subject or add to the discussion, we simply place our wands together using a specific word. When we have finished our discussion, we use our wands with the specific word to end the discussion." Severus summoned a book. "This book provides the basic types of oaths the magical world uses." The book was slim, about a hundred pages. The cover was a deep burnt orange with no title on it. "It is the basics but it will provide a starting point for future reference."

"No one would be able to discover the information without having our wands together and knowing the specific word. If they had just one of our wands and the word, it wouldn't work." Lucius made a mental list of books he would be sending Potter regarding the areas that Dumbledore never covered. "I send you some books for you to read but I will glamour the covers and spell them so only you can read them."

"Thank you. Let's do the wand oath." The three wizards pulled out their wands. "I was thinking of a muggle term for us to use to prevent anyone from learning about this."

"Excellent idea, one that wouldn't be used in the magical world and if we used it, easy to cover by explaining it is a muggle term." Severus was a bit impressed. Yes, he learned Harry wasn't anything like his father but Harry could still surprise him at times. "Perhaps car?"

"Kar?" Lucius was a bit confused. He had no idea what a car was.

"Car." Harry smiled. "It is a muggle means of transport and they come in a variety of styles so we could pretend to be discussing modes of transportation as well as a variety of cars."

"Car." Lucius got nods of acceptance of his pronunciation. "It would be a good one to use. Simple too."

"Hold the tip of your wand to ours, Harry." Severus and Lucius put their tips together and Harry's wand joined theirs. "I, Severus Sebastian Snape, use my wand as the protector of our secrets, the password is car."

"I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, use my wand as the protector of our secrets, the password is car."

"I, Harry James Potter, use my wand as the protector of our secrets, the password is car." Harry watched the magic weave between the three wands. There wasn't anything colorful, just a bit of mist. "Interesting."

"Yes, now share what you wish to share so that Dumbledore won't find a reason to give you a detention with him." Severus believed that Dumbledore would do whatever he could to regain control over Harry and he had a feeling it would involve compulsions and potions.

Harry quickly explained what Granger had provided as well Voldemort and his own discovery of himself being a Horcrux, Voldemort's awareness of it, and his desire to have Lucius become his bodyguard and tutor. "We have to get you to Gringotts and have a full Inheritance Test as well as a magical one. If Lucius becomes your tutor, Dumbledore will want me or someone to attend the lessons. I am not sure how the Dark Lord expects Lucius to play the bodyguard."

"I am not sure either. Dumbledore won't permit me to remain at Hogwarts even for lessons." Lucius didn't want to be cursed again. "I do agree about the testing. We have to get it done before Harry meets with our Lord. We need to find a way to protect Harry without having him see the full test results. If our Lord discovers that Harry might be able to remove him from magical lines, we will have bigger issues. He will want to reclaim those lines as well as any other lines Harry might have claim over."

"I agree and I believe that is why he wants a full Inheritance Test with him present. He must be aware that Dumbledore wanted Harry married to a Weasley for a reason and he might have researched it already and is looking for confirmation." Severus was aware of how smart the Dark Lord was even if the man was insane.

"I would explain why he was willing to permit you to marry Harry. He is hoping that you will be able to control Harry. He would control you." Lucius looked at the pair. "I expect Harry is the one in charge based on the dragons and his power. As I am aware, Severus, that your Patronus was a doe."

Severus didn't like this area of conversation but it was needed. "Yes, which we will also need to cover up if we are to protect Harry from the pair of nut cases."

"Would the goblins be willing to help us cover up things? We have several days to work on getting everything in place." Harry was aware that the goblins didn't interfere with the wizarding world. "We know they can't stand Dumbledore or Moldy Shorts."

"True, they might. The problem is getting you there without anyone revealing you going. The Order patrols Diagon Alley." Lucius had seen the Order members pretending to shop or even hide under glamours and invisibility cloaks. "Unless..."

"We go late at night or early in the morning before the stores are opened or the workers heading to their jobs." Severus looked at Harry. "Your map would enable you to get down here without being seen as well as your cloak. Would anyone cover for you in your dorm? We don't need Weasley to discover you are missing."

"Yes, everyone would. It would be easy to slip out after midnight. Weasley sleeps like the dead and if everyone put pressure on him regarding the Quidditch team, he would have an extended practice so he would go to bed earlier. He doesn't care for exercising so when he does do it, it knocks him out. He snores also, so we know when he is asleep."

"Isn't he in separate quarters?" Severus thought Minerva mentioned it.

"No, he moved back in after the last class. Granger too. She was pissed about the whole marriage deal and refuses to sleep with him so their marriage is still unconsummated. I wouldn't be surprised if Granger wasn't already researching ways to have the bond dissolved despite the marriage contract." Harry frowned. "Can she break it if it is never consummated?"

"I am not sure. It is not something I have researched. Lucius?"

Lucius was reviewing the different marriage laws in his head. "I am not sure. It has never been a situation that has been raised before. The bonding ceremony was a simple bonding based on the agreement of both parties entering the bonding with the understanding that there is no divorce. A marriage contract provides different ways out of a marriage if they are agreed upon at the signing. A bond, there is no signed agreement. I do hope she does find a way to break the bond as it was based on deceit. Also, no one deserves to be married to Ronald Weasley. The boy is a pig."

"I agree. Do not ever watch him eat." Harry had learned to put a protective shield over his plate to keep Weasley's food from landing on his plate when the boy spoke with his mouth full. "I am also expecting his sister to try a few different things since she spent the day staring at him and it was the creepy staring with her eyes full of anger and jealousy."

"I believe Dumbledore will provide her with some help in that area with potions and compulsions which is another reason why we should get a full Inheritance Test done. Lordship rings do provide a lot of protection and I have a feeling you will need as much as you get." Severus began to add some protective potions to his brewing list. He would start them tonight. "I will brew some protective portions but you also need to check everything you eat or drink. See if that crazy elf of yours will be willing to be the only one to prepare your food and drink. Have him scan your bed, your clothes, books, and trunk three times a day from compulsions, spells, and anything harmful."

"I will." Harry was going to see if Dobby would be willing to be bound to him. He had a feeling the crazy elf was just waiting to be asked. Harry would make sure the elf got some money and socks. Socks reminded him of Dumbledore telling him how he saw himself in the Mirror of Erised with socks. He should have realized then well before then that the old fart was up to something. His relatives taught him that lesson when he was very young. "The magical test, does it reveal broken compulsions and spells?"

"Yes, it will list everything from binds to even simple tracking charms if they were placed on your person." Lucius wondered what Dumbledore was hiding, what his Lord was hoping to discover, and what they would discover. "Tomorrow night?"

"Why not tonight? I can return after midnight." Harry looked at Lucius. "No, tomorrow night, you need to recover from Moldy Short's curse happy attitude."

"I also want to start brewing some protective potions and if I start soon, I can have some ready in the morning for us to take. Lucius, I will have an elf deliver some to you since if you are going to be here, I expect Dumbledore will attempt something."

"I agree. I will have to figure out how to get it done."

"Neville's gram will be able to help. She is aware of the situation and is on my side. Dumbledore won't be able to claim she is dark. Dumbledore will wonder what you are attempting to do and we can't reveal that you were ordered but if we use my school years, my vault situation, and the ritual, it might sway the rest."

"I agree. I will speak to Lady Longbottom tomorrow. I wasn't aware she is on your side."

"Our side." Harry smiled. "I better head back or one of the Weasleys will whine about me not making curfew."

"Agreed. I also want to start the potions before I have to patrol tonight."

Lucius stood up, picked up his wand as did Severus and Harry. "Car." The three wanted the mist form before putting their wands away. Harry headed back to the Gryffindor tower. He was going to speak to Luna tomorrow and see if she could provide some insight into what Voldemort wanted.

Chapter Text

Back in Gryffindor:

Harry entered the common room. It was a bit too quiet. Gryffindors were never quiet so that sent alarm bells off in his head. He went up the stairs and everyone was sitting around the common room but no one was speaking. Some had books opened while pretending to read and others were staring out windows or anywhere but at the two youngest Weasleys who were having a conversation under a privacy spell. Harry wasn't sure what was going on but he had his wand ready just in case.

"Oh, there he is, Mr. Big Shot. Thanks for ruining my marriage." Weasley glared. He stood up from the couch he had been sitting on. His face was almost as red as his hair. His fists were clenched. Harry wasn't surprised. He did kill the idiots' plans for getting away with stealing.

"Ours too. How could you want to bond with the git?" Weaslette whined next to her brother. She was dressed in a short skirt that wasn't acceptable to be worn by the school code of conduct. She had her face done up and her hair was down.

Harry looked around the common room. "How long?"

"Since dinner." Almost everyone answered. The annoyance of having the two youngest Weasleys in their house was wearing very thin. It was becoming a who could curse the two first contest.

Harry groaned. "First, Weasley, you entered into your marriage by lying and deception. You were using her to pay for your stealing from me. Hermione didn't deserve to be treated like the solution to your problems. You took advantage of her lack of knowledge and kept her from knowing which is deception in case you failed to notice."

"Thank you, Harry." Granger was standing at the entrance to the girls' dorm. "He refuses to accept that I will not pay his or his families' bills." Granger had endured the day of Weasley's comments and nasty attitude. "I won't even mention his demanding me to amend our contract since he is my husband and I have to obey him despite what it says in our contract."

"It's not right. First, you steal from Harry then you want to steal from Hermione. Not right, little brother." The twins shook their heads as they placed an arm around Hermione. "She deserves better and we are going to make sure you treat her better."

Weasley went to open his mouth. "Shut it, Ron. Second, I was never interested in you, Ginny. I have gone out of my way to make sure you understand that I would never be interested. You have had enough boyfriends so I thought you understood it." He never cared who she dated despite the looks she would send him. She would even try to flirt with him while she was sitting with her newest toy.

"Harry, that isn't true. You know I love you." She tossed her hair back and tried to look seductive. It failed.

Harry looked utterly mind-boggled. "Here is a hint, we will never be James and Lily Potter version 2. I shudder at the idea of being with a red-headed as I only think of my mother and I am sure any mind-healer would inform you of how wrong that is. You still believe I am the same person you read about in those stupid books about me and those adventures I never did. Honestly, an eight-year-old fighting a dragon. I didn't even want to fight one when I was fourteen." He wasn't about to rehash his years as a student at Hogwarts. He wondered, perhaps using a life debt might get rid of the twits? He would mention it to Lucius tomorrow.

"Harry, Harry, you know it's not true." Weaslette moved closer to Harry and ran her hand down his arm as she leaned into him. "You know you love me. My family has taken you in and already treats you like a son. We could make it so you have a family with us."

Harry looked at the twins. "Is she for real? By the way, what are you two doing here? Not that I don't mind the visit. I love seeing you." He buried his fury at Weaslette as he removed her from his person. He didn't want another visit from Voldemort.

"We decided-" Fred started the sentence as normal.

"-to visit-"

"-our favorite-"

"-little brother." They finished together.

"I also wrote and asked them to come." Hermione smiled. "I figure they might be able to help me get through to those two." She pointed at the two youngest. "They don't want to listen to anything anyone has been telling them. Ginny believes she can still marry you even if you bond with Professor Snape." Granger earned a glare from her husband and his sister.

"Traitor," Weasley growled. His eyes promising she would pay later for the remark.

"I can. It's legal especially since he will need to produce an heir." Ginny wore a smug smile on her face until Harry started laughing. "What? Why are you laughing?"

"I wouldn't marry you if you were the last woman on the planet." Harry dodged as Weasley ran at him. Weasley crashed into the wall and couldn't move. Harry saw Seamus with his wand out. "Ginny, I have never nor will I ever be interested in you. You are not going to be Lady Potter ever."

"Yes, I will. Dumbledore has already signed the marriage contract." Ginny threw a smug smile over her shoulder as she walked away. No one spoke as she almost pushed Granger out of the way to enter the girls' dorms.

"Dean, Seamus." Harry didn't have to say anything beyond their names before they had Weasley hit with a sleep spell and levitated him to his bed. "Hermione, did you learn anything?"

"Yes." Granger smiled. "Any marriage contract that Professor Dumbledore wrote up is illegal. You can get it voided by just asking for judgment."

"Wait until the ceremony to do it. It will make a huge impact." George walked over to the couch, pulling Granger with him. "Fred, I believe we can make sure our dear younger siblings remain ignorant of our decision."

"Yes, we can." Fred pulled out an expandable pouch. He handed three boxes to George. "Granger, Patel, and Brown, take a box each. Inside the box is some sleep draughts to knock our sister out each night as I believe the marriage is in a few days."

"It is. She was bragging about it earlier." Lavender Brown took one of the boxes. "Ron?"

"We will deal with him." Seamus looked at Dean who nodded his agreement.

"Great. I have to go to Gringotts tomorrow night. It would be great if they were asleep by nine. Hermione, do you have the information I need?" Harry sat down at one of the tables.

"I do. Padma and Parvati helped me with some of the more unknown laws regarding the Sacred 28 earlier today. I believe we have everything covered." Hermione ran up to her room and returned in a few seconds. "Here. If you look, the twins are correct, if you do it in front of more people, the less chance of them escaping punishment or hiding it. Padma pointed out that because the Weasleys aren't a member of the Sacred 28 but are attempting to claim a marriage contract with one of the Sacred 28, it will ruin the Weasley name." Granger looked at the twins. "It is another reason why I wanted them here tonight. I found something interesting and well, I figure it would lessen the claim on the Weasley family name."

"Oh, what did you discover, little sister?" The twins hoped it help their situation.

Granger looked at the girls in the common room. "Us girls have been busy over the last few days. We included Hermione last night." A third-year spoke up.

"Yes, we have. I am sure many didn't notice our disappearance since the girls aren't normally on any Quidditch team or anything." A sixth year grinned. "Ginny is the only one who gets that kind of unnecessary attention."

"Agreed." The girls laughed.

"Yes, what we researched was the Weasley family." Lavender reached under her seat cushion. She pulled out an expandable pouch, removed a thick file, several scrolls, and a book. She stood up, walked to the table Harry was sitting at. "We found out why the Headmaster has been so focused on those two."

"Oh, do tell." The twins joined everyone at the table. Lavender opened the folder and started to pull out birth records. "They aren't Weasleys. They are Dumbledores. Molly and Ableforth Dumbledore is the father of Ronald. However, the interesting thing is, it wasn't willing. The star next to Ableforth's name indicates he was under compulsion or potion." She pointed to the book. "The book wasn't clear about how to determine which it was because the star doesn't provide anything beyond the fact that there was personality issue indicating a compulsion spell or a potion."

"It does explain why the rest of us are tall and skinny and they are a bit more of the pudgy side." The twins looked at the birth certificate.

"Magical or registered?" Fred asked.

"I have both and each of them has the same indication. Now, there is one on file at the Ministry with Arthur Weasley being listed as the father but it has a hashtag next to his name." Lavender pulled out a copy of the filed birth certificate. "The book indicated a hashtag means its an adoption. If there was a potion vial, it would mean a blood adoption."

"Is it the same for Ginny?" George looked at his twin. They would be speaking to their father.

"No, well, yes, but the father is different. The father of Ginny is the Headmaster." After the males make the usual sounds of disgust, Lavender pulled out the copies of Ginny's birth certificates. "I made copies for you to take with you to show your father. Also, Harry, I have a set for you too. I figured you would need them later when you go after the old fool."

"Excellent. Thank you." Harry looked around the room. "I am assuming the usual protection is in place?"

"Always." Neville grinned. "We also set it up so that any time we use a certain code word, it will record anything if either Weasley is in the house with another code word to keep everything protected. If we are using the privacy aspect of the spell, anyone listening in will hear the usual Gryffindor display of behavior."

"Oh, we have some sneaky lions, Forge."

"We do, Gred, we do." George wiped his eye, removing a fake tear. "I am so proud of them."

"Me, too, Forge." Fred grinned at everyone. "Now, Harry when do you want us to inform our brothers and father?"

"The sooner the better. Warn them about the ceremony but get your father checked before informing him of anything. I would see if Bill might be able to get everyone checked at Gringotts before the bonding ceremony. Your father will be able to disown them in public." Harry's grin matched the evil grin the twins were sporting on their faces. "May I have another set of this information? I want to send it to my solicitor. I believe he will need to review it before the ceremony and tomorrow's visit. I will write to him tonight but I need to borrow an owl-"

"You can use mine again. Hedwig took a fake letter to Lupin earlier so that Dumbledore won't suspect." Neville smiled. "Gram also responded to my letter. She mentioned getting you an Inheritance Test."

"I am tomorrow night. She can meet me there if she desires. I will have my solicitor send her the information she needs. Hermione, perhaps you could speak to McGonagall about the issues those two idiots are creating?"

"I already arranged a meeting for tomorrow with her."

"Great. Anything else?" No one spoke. "Good, Neville, clear the spell and act like Gryffindors."

Chapter Text

Harry wasn't surprised by how organized the Gryffindors were. Weasley and his sister were handled so he would be able to go to Gringotts without alerting Dumbledore. Granger and the girls provided everything he needed regarding the history of the two youngest Weasleys. The twins were talking to their brothers and father tonight as Molly was going to be assisting Dumbledore at Grimmauld Place. Harry shuddered at the idea of what assistance she might be providing. Remus wasn't going to be present and he warned his adopted god-father he might need to sterilize the house. Remus didn't ask any questions after he realized what Harry was warning him about. Remus looked a bit sick at the idea.

Remus was going to be meeting with the three Aurors who were Order members. Severus and Lucius made sure that Remus had the information for him to share with the three Aurors. Minerva was going to be the backup person for answering questions if they required more confirmation. Harry suggested mentioning to Mad-Eye why did Dumbledore permit Barty Crouch, Jr. to remain at Hogwarts while Mad-Eye was in a trunk for almost a year. Harry didn't have any idea when Mad-Eye had been kidnapped but he figured it had to be ten months.

Tonks following Kingsley and Mad-Eye. She also had a crush on Remus. Tonks was more open to hearing the truth. Kingsley was the one Harry wasn't sure about but Remus figured that Kingsley was more by the book and joined Dumbledore for the simple reason of preventing Voldemort from taking control. Harry was hoping they could prevent Voldemort from taking control as well as getting Dumbledore out of power as well.

Harry was a bit nervous as he walked under his cloak to Severus' quarters. Dumbledore was still attempting to get Harry into his office but so far his friends had been able to prevent any messages from reaching him. He was sure Severus hadn't been so lucky and wondered what Dumbledore might have tried. Harry was hoping Lady Longbottom would meet them at Gringotts tonight. Dumbledore wouldn't be able to claim anything illegal occurred with her at his side. He was also wondering who the spy inside Gringotts was.

Harry quietly knocked on Severus' office door. The man's office hours would be ending soon. He was hoping they would be able to get to Severus' quarters before Dumbledore arrived. However, he was disappointed as Severus' office door opened and Dumbledore was sitting in front of Severus' desk. Harry removed the cloak as he entered the room. He saw Severus give a slight shake of his head. Harry was very aware that Severus didn't set up this meeting but had a feeling Dumbledore was going to act as if Severus did. "Ah, my boy, I was hoping to speak to you after speaking to Severus."

"Oh?" Harry wanted to curse the old fool. He wondered if many people just gave up trying to change the old coot's mind since the man never appeared to accept anyone else's opinion but his own.

Dumbledore's eyes started twinkling believing he had an opportunity to get Harry back under his control. "Yes, I am very concerned about this bonding and your acceptance of it. You are aware of the dangers you were in. Severus is in equal danger despite Tom thinking this is funny. We know it won't last long and you certainly can not trust Lucius as your lawyer."

Harry frowned a bit. What was the point of this discussion beyond the obvious. Dumbledore wanted something. It had to be marrying Weaslette. "I am not worried about it. I also am not hiring Lucius Malfoy for my lawyer. He merely suggested a firm that I heard good thing about. I should have checked everything after the tournament."

"I am sure I can handle everything for you as I have been doing. You have a lot to worry about and train for the future. I am sure Ginny won't want to wait forever for your to marry her." Dumbledore stood up. "I will make the arrangements, of course. Molly is already making the robes." Dumbledore scrambled out of the room before Harry could object.

Harry watched him go. He closed the door behind Dumbledore. "Are you sure we can't slip him some type of mental health potion?"

"I was wondering myself. Lucius and Lady Longbottom are going to meet us there. Dumbledore believes we are heading out to the forest for detention. I informed him I wasn't happy with bonding with you and that the wooden spoon was something you removed from your relative's house."

"He bought it?" Harry wondered about the old fool.

"It appears so as he was informing me that he would start setting up the wedding as to cover the bad press our non-bonding would generate." Severus had put up with Dumbledore rambling on and on about Harry, the prophecy, and the Dark Lord. Dumbledore had not been impressed by the bonding celebration he had planned. He had to spend hours working on fixing the news reports, the Ministry, and calming down Molly and Ginny Weasley. "I had to listen to him moan and groan about Molly and Ginny."

"Sorry but better you than me. I would have cursed him as I was close to doing it as he was speaking. The idea of me marrying Ginny was enough to make me sick."

"I completely understand as I felt the same way at the idea." Severus stood up. "We better head out as I am sure he will be watching to see us walk to the forest and have Hagrid watch us too."

"Let's get this over with." Harry was thinking that Poppy should check the old fool for drugs.

Gringotts:

Lady Longbottom and Lucius were waiting for them at the front doors. Lady Longbottom's vulture hat was bouncing up and down. "Let me guess, Dumbledore."

Lady Longbottom almost snarled. "Yes, he had the nerve to stop by and claim that Luna and Neville shouldn't be bonded and how the dark was worth fighting against. How important it was to be united."

"He stopped by the Ministry today." Lucius had found Dumbledore in Fudge's office. "He was lecturing Cornelius on the importance of keeping up Harry's image. How the Ministry needed to make sure that Harry Potter wasn't tainted by the dark. How it was vital to keep your image intact. Cornelius almost signed whatever was in front of him except for Madam Bones reminding Cornelius you were an adult and could sue the Ministry if he signed."

"Susan mentioned a few things to her aunt for me." Harry grinned.

"I am not even going to ask how you managed to do it. Amelia is famous for being equal. We should head in. I already spoke to my account manager and they are working on discovering who is working for Dumbledore and the goblins have agreed to keep this meeting limited to just those who are necessary." Lucius indicated for them to go inside.

Harry headed up the stairs and stopped at the door. "I have a feeling this will be very interesting and not in a good way."

"Harry James Potter, the master of the understatement." Severus smirked as he walked by Harry.

Meanwhile:

Dumbledore was sitting in his office. Molly and Ginny entered his office. "Well?"

"It is all set. I spoke to Harry. Ginny and Harry will be married this weekend. I spoke to Severus and Harry warning them of the dangers they faced. It was very easy to get them to agree." He wasn't going to mention that they didn't agree as he didn't give them enough time to speak. He also didn't technically get them to agree but he wasn't worried. Severus would obey or he would go to Azkaban. Harry would obey or he would make sure to have Vernon teach Harry to obey him.

"Good, I told him I would be marrying him." Ginny smiled sweetly at her mother.

"Bonding to a Death Eater should be banned. Every Death Eater should be thrown into Azkaban. James and Lily would be shocked at their son's behavior."

"Molly, Severus has been a great help and as long as he continues to do so, he will be important." Dumbledore popped a lemon drop into his mouth. "Everythign will work out. I am already working on fixing the mess between Hermione and Ron. However, there isn't much I can do until your son apologizes to Hermione and works on making her think he has changed. I expect you to work on that."

"I have been. We need the funds to pay back the money we owe. Arthur hasn't been very happy. I haven't spoken to him in a few days as he has been working overtime to get the extra money."

"Excellent. If he is busy, he won't be able to prevent the wedding." Dumbledore wasn't to worried about Arthur. Molly had complete control over their household. "Now, Ginny, you need to work on getting your brother under control and make sure those in Gryffindor remain loyal to the light. Harry will fulfill his role and we will need those supporters for afterward."

Chapter Text

Harry, Severus, Lucius, Lady Longbottom, and Bill Weasley stared at Harry's results. "How?" Harry was puzzled. He thought his mother was a muggle-born.

"We were unsure but figured you were asking for the testing late at night for a reason. We began to research your family tree and discovered many interesting things." Ironclaw pulled a few scrolls closer to him. Ironclaw was the head account manager at Gringotts and had taken over the Potter accounts when they discovered several of their minor account managers were being bribed by Dumbledore. Bill Weasley mentioned it after the twins had informed their brother of the situation at Hogwarts.

"I see." Harry wondered what the scrolls revealed as he watched Ironclaw unroll the first one.

"This scroll shows the Potter family tree." Ironclaw pointed to Harry's name at the bottom and ran his finger up the tree. "As you can see, the family changed their names a few times. They were once the Peverells and before that, they were a mix of Gryffindor and Slytherin including the sons and daughters of the founders. The lines intermix a few different times but several generations apart."

"It explains my parseltongue skills. It's not a trait from Voldie?" Harry had hoped it wasn't but Dumbledore was the one to suggest it was.

"It isn't. The skill can't be transferred via any magical means. Slytherin, himself, attempted several different ways. If you notice-" Ironclaw pointed to a line on the Peverell section as well as the Slytherin section "Voldie is from a minor line. He comes from the third son of Slytherin whereas your family line comes from the first son. On the Peverell side, he comes from the first son and you from the second son."

Ironclaw rolled the scroll up. He unfurled another scroll. It was the Black family tree. "As you saw, James' line also had the Black family line in it. In their tree, Harry is connected a few different ways. One is from his father and another is from Sirius Black. Sirius Black did a blood adoption before his parents removed him from the family tree." Ironclaw pointed to where Sirius' name should have been and Harry's name was in the space below it. "You became Lord Black."

"It explains the Slytherin, Gryffindor, Peverell, Potter, and Black titles but the rest?" Lucius looked at Harry's test.

"It also explains why Dumbledore wants control over him," Bill muttered but everyone heard him in the quiet office as they pondered the results.

Ironclaw grinned. "Yes, but this is where Dumbledore made a mistake. Lily Potter never did an inheritance test. Most muggle-borns don't. We had to pull the family trees of each of the remaining titles and followed the trail as it were. We pulled her muggle birth record. She was adopted. Her original name was Alena Helena Scrathclyyde Prince. She was the daughter of Lord Prince's younger cousin twice removed who was married to Mary Mac Alpin. Prince of Strathclyde and Lady Mary Strathclyde nee Mac Alpin died in an accident and many believed their daughter did as well. If you follow the line backward, Lily Potter was related to the Prince, Snowbell, Slytherin, Mac Alpin, and the princess of Strathclyde. The Prince family got its name from the line when Professor Snape's grandfather took the name Prince since he was the great-grandson of the Prince of Strathclyde when he became of age."

"Harry could remove magic from anyone? I mean there isn't a family name not below the Peverells, Slytherins, Gryffindors, and Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff line is dead." Ironclaw announced at the shocked faces. "He can take control of the Wizenagamot with the Prince of Strathclyde and Mac Alpin titles alone since those two titles are directly related to Merlin and Morganna. Their family lines come from the Prince of Strathclyde and Mac Alpin lines." Ironclaw unfurled another scroll. He showed them on the family tree the names Myrddin Wyllt (Merlin) and Morganna Le Fay.

"Dumbledore isn't aware of this?" Harry finally asked.

"No, if he was, I am sure he would have discovered a way to use those seats. He would have assigned them as a block and he would have complete control over the magical world."

Harry groaned. He didn't want that type of power. It would paint a huge target on his back. "I am not going to be like some ruler or something?"

Ironclaw smiled which scared everyone. "No, because Merlin and Morganna saw the issue and worked out a way to prevent any one person from becoming a king or rule of the magical world. They recognized that magic needed to be balanced. We need a Light and Dark Lord but not self-proclaimed ones as we have now. The Sacred Twentyeight was designed to prevent that from happening. Each of the families mentioned in the unofficial book belongs to a branch related to the founders but yet were far enough apart that for example, the Malfoy and Longbottom families do not fall under the Peverell family lines. At the end of the last war, if Dumbledore had been aware of the situation with his power and reputation, he could have used your titles to remove families using the families charters under the Slytherin, Gryffindor, and Ravenclaw titles. lt currently wouldn't work because the magical world isn't under a time of war. Dumbledore would have been able to award those on his side some of the family titles of the losing side to the winning side if they were closely related under the founders' charters. The charters tried to prevent the lines from dying out during a time of conflict and a very short period after the conflict ended."

"So I don't have that kind of power, thank Merlin. How could this help us with Dumbledore and Voldie? Voldie wants me to get an inheritance test with him present. How can we prevent him from gaining this knowledge? Could I remove him from any of the lines and have him become a squib or barely magical?" Harry was thinking about the material the Gryffindor's girls provided. "What about the marriage contract that Dumbledore wants to use for me to marry his daughter? Could I pass judgment on it?"

Ironclaw rolled the scrolls up and began to pull batches of parchment paper forward. "Bill was able to provide us with those questions so we were able to pull as much information as we could locate in the charters for the titles you control. Yes, you could disown Voldie using his given name and I am not sure how much magic would remain. You could also ask for Lady Magic to pass her judgment on his actions which I believe might even kill him. However, based on the information from this test, we need to deal with the Horcrux that is in you as well as any others that might exist. We would require some time to research this aspect so I would suggest doing nothing as of yet. As for the inheritance test he wishes to have carried out in front of him, I believe we will be able to assist in that aspect. It would require us to use this test and remove certain information and during your next time, we just change a few words and ingredients in the bowl to have the ink reappear as we desire."

"Lucius and Lady Longbottom, which titles do you think we should have him see? He is aware of the parseltongue so maybe making me heir Slytherin?" Harry didn't want to alert Dumbledore or Voldie that he was aware of the type of power he had or that he was planning on removing them for power.

"I believe Potter, Black, and heir Slytherin would be best. He would be aware of Sirius' relationship with you and would expect it since Draco isn't heir Black." Lucius remembered the fit Draco had when he learned he wasn't heir Black at the age of seven.

"He would feel secure in that you do not have any power over him. If he requires one of me, I know only the Prince family would show up so he would believe I would be in charge since I do have a title and am older."

Lady Longbottom reviewed the test. "Yes, if he saw the founders' titles, he would want to control you as Dumbledore does. His obsession with remaining alive would cause him to want to kill you if he believed he could become Lord Peverell. The Potter and Black seats would be best as Lucius suggested. Heir Slytherin, I do question as I believe he was rumored to be heir Slytherin."

"He believes he became Lord Slytherin after he killed his grandfather, Mortin Gaunt. He might have a muggle title as I believe his father was a muggle with a title. I am not sure of the title but the last name was Riddle." Severus learned that information from Dumbledore. "Dumbledore has a lot of memories from those he questioned about the Dark Lord and his past. Most of the deeds he claims the Dark Lord had committed he doesn't have any evidence to show that the Dark Lord did those deeds."

"True, he is always telling me tales but I wonder about them as most of the tales are a lot like the ones he believes about me. He ignores so much of what is the truth for his version of the truth. I don't know how many times I have tried to tell him about my home life and his comment was he was aware I would not arrive as healthy or happy as he hoped but I did arrive alive. I always wondered what he would have done if I have been sorted into Slytherin. He arranged for Hagrid to pick me up for my school supplies, made sure the Weasleys were on the other side of the platform with Mrs. Weasley asking where the platform was while commenting on muggles, and Ron lied to be about the empty seats on the train in which he spent most of the time bad mouthing those in Slytherin. Hagrid did the same thing while gushing about how great Dumbledore was."

"I will research the Riddle family as well as the Gaunt family before you arrive with him."

"Oh, I should mention he was the one who broke into the bank during my first year. He was after the stone that was in vau.t 713 which Hagrid had removed when he brought me to the bank. Dumbledore kept it at Hogwarts and we were able to get to it and prevent Voldie from stealing it. I can provide the memory if you wish."

Ironclaw was furious for a second. "How much for the memory?"

"Free. If you deal with him and these Horcruxes instead of me, I will give you every memory I have of him including his resurrection. I do have some information about banking in the muggle world that would help the magical one if you are interested."

"Deal." Ironclaw summoned a memory vial. "If you would please provide us with every memory of your interactions with him."

"Would you mind if Professor Snape removed them?"

Bill was looking at Harry a bit strange as he thought about the information he just learned. He was going to have to inform his father about the events at Hogwarts and what happened at the platform. "I do not mind." Ironclaw began the paperwork required for the memories. Once he had the vial, he started to work on the financing deal with Harry. Lucius and Ironclaw worked out the contract with Lady Longbottom, Severus, and Bill signing as witnesses.

"We need to get back to Hogwarts. I do not want Dumbledore to wonder where we have been if the wards alert him to our return. He will suspect something if we are too late."

The group agreed to meet again after Voldie joined Harry on his testing.