Chapter Text
Harry Potter had never expected to discover that his future had been decided before he was even born.
It happened during the summer before his fourth year at Hogwarts.
A dusty envelope arrived at Number Four, Privet Drive, bearing the seal of the ancient House of Potter. Curious and slightly suspicious, Harry opened it and found several legal documents inside.
The first page made his stomach drop.
Marriage Contract
By mutual agreement between the Potter and Malfoy families, heirs Harry James Potter and Draco Lucius Malfoy are to be joined in magical matrimony upon reaching adulthood.
Harry read the paragraph three times.
Then a fourth.
"What?"
According to the documents, the contract had been arranged years ago by his grandparents and Draco's grandparents. It was magically binding, recognized by old wizarding laws, and impossible to break without severe magical consequences.
Harry was horrified.
Draco Malfoy?
The same Draco who had spent years insulting his friends, mocking Muggle-borns, and generally making Hogwarts miserable?
There had to be some mistake.
Unfortunately, there wasn't.
Harry Potter stared at the parchment on Sirius's desk as though it might burst into flames if he glared hard enough.
Unfortunately, it remained completely intact.
"This is ridiculous," Harry said for what felt like the hundredth time.
Across from him, Sirius Black leaned back in his chair and rubbed a hand over his face. "I know."
"No, I don't think you do know." Harry pointed at the parchment. "It says I'm engaged."
"Technically, not yet."
Harry narrowed his eyes.
Sirius sighed. "Fine. Practically engaged."
The words did not make Harry feel any better.
The contract was old. Very old. It had been signed years before Harry was born. His grandparents and the Malfoy grandparents had arranged a future marriage between their families.
A marriage that now involved Harry.
Harry dropped into a chair.
"Your parents never mentioned this. They probably didn't know," Sirius said. "Or if they did, they never intended to enforce it."
That sounded more like James and Lily Potter.
Harry's parents had always believed people should make their own choices.
Which was exactly why this whole situation felt so wrong.
"What happens if I refuse?"
Sirius grimaced.
Harry didn't like that expression.
"The contract is magically binding," Sirius admitted.
Harry groaned and buried his face in his hands.
Of all the people in the world.
Why Draco Malfoy?
Draco was arrogant, spoiled, rude, and seemed to think the universe revolved around him.
Every conversation with him turned into an argument.
Every argument somehow became a competition.
Harry couldn't imagine being forced to marry him.
"I hate this."
"I know."
"I really hate this."
"I gathered that."
Harry looked up.
"Why can't I decide who I date?"
"You should be able to."
"Why can't I decide who I marry?"
"You should be able to."
Harry slumped lower in his chair.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Then Sirius leaned forward.
"Listen, Harry. Whatever happens, we'll figure it out. I'm not going to let anyone force you into something without exploring every possible option."
That helped.
A little.
Still, Harry felt trapped.
He was only fifteen.
He wasn't thinking about marriage.
He wasn't even sure he wanted to date anyone yet.
The idea that someone else had made that decision before he was born made him furious.
A knock sounded at the front door.
Sirius frowned.
"I'm not expecting anyone."
A few minutes later, Kreacher appeared in the doorway.
"The Malfoys are here."
Harry nearly fell out of his chair.
"What?"
Sirius muttered something that probably wasn't suitable for polite company.
"The Malfoys wish to discuss the contract."
Harry stood immediately.
"I'm leaving."
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am."
"No."
Harry glared at him.
Sirius glared right back.
Unfortunately, Sirius was much better at it.
A moment later, the door opened.
Lucius Malfoy entered first, elegant and composed as always.
Narcissa followed.
And behind them—
Draco.
Their eyes met.
For a second, Harry expected Draco to look just as horrified as he felt.
Instead, Draco looked almost... pleased.
Harry blinked.
Surely not.
Draco's lips curved into a small smile.
Harry immediately knew two things.
First, Draco was definitely pleased.
Second, this situation had somehow become even worse.
"Potter," Draco greeted.
"Malfoy."
Draco's smile widened.
Harry wanted to throw something at him.
The adults moved toward the sitting area, beginning a discussion about legal clauses, magical obligations, and family agreements.
Harry barely listened.
He was too busy staring suspiciously at Draco.
Eventually Draco noticed.
"What?"
Harry folded his arms.
"Why are you smiling?"
Draco looked genuinely confused.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Harry stared.
Draco stared back.
Then realization hit.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
"What?"
"You actually like this."
A faint blush appeared on Draco's face.
It was the last thing Harry expected.
"So what if I do?" Draco said defensively.
Harry was speechless.
Draco Malfoy.
Happy about an arranged marriage.
To Harry.
Nothing about this day made sense anymore.
"You are completely mental," Harry informed him.
Draco rolled his eyes.
"And you're overreacting."
"Overreacting?"
"Yes."
"I'm being told who I'm supposed to marry!"
Draco shrugged.
"It could be worse."
Harry opened and closed his mouth.
He couldn't even begin to explain how wrong that statement was.
The worst part was that Draco genuinely seemed to mean it.
Harry stood.
"I need air."
Before anyone could stop him, he headed for the door.
Behind him he heard Sirius calling his name.
Harry ignored him.
The cool evening air hit his face as he stepped outside.
He took a deep breath.
Then another.
Somewhere inside the house, adults were discussing a future Harry wasn't sure he wanted.
A future that had been decided long before he was born.
And inside that future stood Draco Malfoy.
Waiting.
Harry looked up at the darkening sky.
There had to be a way out of this.
There simply had to be.