Arrangements
Lord Ares Greengrass was the unofficial leader of the Grey side in the Wizengamond. Many wanted him on their side. Voldemord himself had approached him years ago. So had Dumbledore, although the "Light" Lord wasn't happy with Ares decision to stay Neutral. For Dumbledore wanted to have the Greys on his side. Lord Greengrass wasn't the one to care about Light or Dark. What he wanted was simple, a future and safety for his family. Something that neither the Dark nor the Light could guarantee.
He is not the most trusting person, so when he received a letter from Lord Potter asking for a meeting, he was intrigued. Lord Potter was strictly Light in Ares's books. Although he went to school with James and if you've asked him back then, he would have told you that James was Grey.
What could be the reason for James to contact him? Merlin, he really hopped it wasn't another one of Albus's manipulations. He was getting sick of the old mans meddling.
"What's got you into so deep thought my love?" Asked his wife. She was holding their daughter Daphne. Ares adored his little girl and has happy to inform that she was a total daddy's girl. "Estella dear. I've just received a letter from one of our old year mates. He requests an audience." Estella narrowed her eyes. "And who would that old year mate be?".
"James Potter". She scoffed. "I can't believe Dumbledore would step so low to get you. To use James!". Ares agreed with his wife. Something was fishy. "I'm not sure darling. James's letter was different. I don't think that Dumbledore is behind this meeting.
Besides, it's just a meeting with an old friend. I hardly believe that James would try to convince me to side with Dumbledore. And I'm sure as hell he won't be convincing me to side with the Dark. Believe me my love, if James Potter tries to make me follow Voldemort, I'm shipping him to St Mungo's faster than him catching the snitch."
Estella agreed with her husband. "Dear, did the letter said if he was coming alone?". Ares shook his head "Actually no. His wife Lily would be with him, along with Sirius Lupin-Black, Remus Lupin-Black and of course his son Heir Hadrian Potter. Along with one more by the name of Vica." Estella narrowed her eyes.
"And who would this Vica person be?"
"That I do not know. He simply listed that, someone by the name of Vica would accompany them and asked to keep an open mind."
She hummed "I don't like this Ares. He's hiding something. And I don't like it."
"I agree darling. But we would never know unless he visits. Perhaps he is still the same James. I'll deal with this don't worry my love."
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The Potters stepped through the fireplace, in Greengrass Manor. Ares and Estella were there to greet them.
"Welcome to the Greengrass Manor. It's so good to see you again James, Lily, Sirius and Remus. Welcome. And of course heir Potter."
James smiled at his old friend. "Thank you for accepting us Ares. It is so good to see you again. Estella, you look as beautiful as ever and I believe this young Lady is Daphne?" He bowed to the girl, making her giggle "My Lady".
Estella hugged Lily and cooed at Harry. "Welcome dear. Oh you're such a handsome little gentleman." Harry blushed and smiled "Thank you ma'am. You are very beautiful." And that was it. Estella was in love. "Oh darling thank you!"
Ares cleared his throat "Well. I believe you wanted to meet for a reason. So why don't we walk to my office? Linky will take care of the children". A pop sounded and a Female house elf appeared. She was wearing a white dress with an apron and the Greengrass House Crest on her left breast pocket. "Linky will take care of young mistress Daphne and new young master Hadrian." She squeaked in a high pitch voice.
Both Harry and Daphne, were excited to spend some time together. Daphne wanted to play "House". Harry never heard of that game before, so he agreed. Turns out they played husband and wife. Harry really thought that Daphne was very pretty.
Daphne thought Harry was handsome. She was having so much fun playing with a new friend. Even if he was a boy.
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The four parents and friends were in Ares's Office. A house elf had brought tea and some biscuits and cucumber sandwiches.
"So. Lord Potter, what is the reason of your visit?". James put down his tea and cleared his throat. "Lord Greengrass. I recently discovered some new information. They are life changing. But, before I say anything else, I want to be clear with you. I am not here in Dumbledore's orders. We are here in our own free will and in no way, are here to pursuade you to change sides. On the contrary, we are here to announce our desire to go Neutral."
The Greengrasess were shocked. Ares blinked a few times. "What changed your mind? If I remember correctly, you are one of Albus's greatest supporters. So what brought this on?".
James looked at his wife and nodded. Lily took a deep breath.
&Vica, you can come out now.&
Ares stiffed. Merlin's beard Lily Potter is a Parselmouth!!! How???
Vica slithered out from Lily's sleeve and looked up at the Greengrasses. "How in Merlin's name is that even possible? How can you speak Parseltongue??"
"Well Ares turns out, I'm a descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself. Trust me you're not more shocked than I was, when I found out. And yes I am a Parselmouth and so is my son and husband. That is one of the reasons we want to change sides. But most importantly, I want to protect my son." Ares got up from his desk and went towards the cupboard on the library. He pulled out a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky. He poured himself a glass and drowned it in seconds, then he poured another one and sat back.
"Alright then. I'm listening...."
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Harry and Daphne were sitting on the carpet. Harry was telling her about his Grandpa and Vica. Daphne's eyes where wide and full of wonder. She was looking at the grandson of Salazar Slytherin himself!
"So. You can speak to snakes? And they understand you?"
"Yes. They also speak to me! Grandpa Sal says its because we are family. Mama, Dada, Padfoot and Moony can do it to!"
"Really?"
"Yes!"
After that, they played with some blocks. Conversation forgotten. Both of them were very happy to have a new best friend.
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By the end of Lily's explanation, Ares had drowned the entire bottle of Firewhisky and half of his 300 year old, imported bottle of whiskey from Italy. Sirius, Remus and James had also added their own parts into the explanation.
"Merlin! That man is disgusting! How dare he! Hadrian is the sweetest little boy I've ever met. To even think of doing something so foul! Dumbledore has gone senile!!!" Estella was furious! And James agreed with her 100%. "Of course you would want to change sides after that! Merlin James I can't think any sane person would still support that goat after that!". Said Ares.
"I told you my friend. Would you help us?" Asked James. Ares was his only hope, if he said no that meant they would be on their own. " I am not only going to help you change sides! But I'll make something better, something bigger. I'm going to make your family part of my family James!"
Sirius was shocked. Since he is a member of an old pureblood family, he knew exactly what Ares meant. "Wait, you don't mean...."
James and Lily's eyes widen, by the implication. No, he doesn't mean.
"Ares, my friend. What are you talking about?"
" Simple my friend. I'm proposing a marriage contract between My Daphne and your Harry." Estella was shocked about what her husband just said.
"Ares darling. They're two! Maybe you are rushing into this? They are way to young! What if when they grow up, they don't like each other? We can't force them into this!"
"I agree with Estella. I don't want to insult you Lord Greengrass, but I'm not comfortable with the idea, that my son will be on a marriage contract. Even tho your Daphne is a wonderful little girl. But as Estella said they are way to young for something so permanent."
Remus was looking at them wide eyed. "You want to put my cub in a marriage contract??". Sirius put his hand on his husband's and squeezed it "Let him talk Moony. Maybe he can explain.". Ares blinked at them.
"Who said it's permanent? No. I mean it as a precaution. Listen. Let's just say that Harry and Daphne are in a marriage contract. That automatically gives you a place in the Neutral Section. I am not saying they have to honor the contract when they become 17. We can write it in a way that gives them a choice, to break it any moment they want. And like you I know my daughter is way to young for something like this and I want to see her happy.
Listen. Lords Malfoy and Not had already approached me with a marriage contract for Daphne and one of their sons. And I'll be Minister of Magic before I even think of accepting. Now if Daphne gets a contract with your son, not only it will protect your family, but it would protect my daughter too. These two might be cunning, but at least they respect marriage contracts." Estella was shaking with rage.
Lily, James Remus and Sirius were dumbfounded. That changes everything. And they don't have to fulfill the contract. Yet all of them would be protected. Malfoy and Nott are people you don't want to mess with. But so are the Potters and Greengrasses. Maybe that contract is a good idea after all. James is not that cruel to let that little girl suffer with those Death Eaters. And Ares is a long friend of his, of course he would help his daughter.
"Very well my friend. Let's make a contract." Ares smiled and opened his arms. "Welcome to the family my dear friend."
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"Mother says that when I'm eleven I'll go to Hogwarts." Said Daphne, while she was playing with exploding snap.
"Mama says the same to me. And Aunt Alice says Neville will come too. And Aunt Molly says Ron would also be there. Luna and Ginny are still little and mama says they'll come later."
"We would still be friends right?" Daphne asked looking at her new friend.
"Of course! We are best friends, aren't we?" Harry asked smiling. Daphne smiled. " Of course I'm your best friend!"she said sniffing. Harry laughed, he really liked Daphne. Maybe he could ask mama and Dada to play with Daphne again.
Little while later their parents and uncles returned. "Harry, Daphne. Are you guys having fun?" Asked Estella. Both kids nodded, with big smiles on their faces. Ares and James visibly relaxed. At least they like spending time together.
"Mother. Can Harry come over again tomorrow?" Daphne pleaded with her mother, who raised a brow looking at her daughter. She smirked and looked at her husband. "Oh I don't know honey. Why don't you ask Daddy?" Ares gulped, it was a known fact that he couldn't say no to Daphne. And unfortunately for him, his daughter knew.
Daphne gave her best puppy face to her father, making her lip tremble and widening her eyes. " Daddy. Can Harry come over again tomorrow? Pleaaseee. Pretty please Daddy?!"
"Oh she's good." James whispered at his best friends, who nodded. "You've seen nothing yet" answered Estella, that could clearly see her husbands will crumble. "It gets better?" Asked Sirius and Estella nodded.
Ares signed "Of course he can baby girl. If you promise to play safe." Daphne shrieked and hugged him " Thank you Daddy, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." She then run to Harry and hugged him jumping up and down.
Sirius was laughing "Oh Merlin she's a genius! Oh I need her to teach me that! Merlin Ares, she has you wrapped around her little finger!" Ares humfed and Remus shook his head. "Padfoot no. She's not teaching you that. Besides, you practically invented the puppy dog eyes. You are a dog! And do I need to remind you that:
1) It doesn't work on me and
2) You already taught Harry!".
Both kids were excited, to be with each other again and completely oblivious to the conversation happening behind them. Ares looked at his wife and friends and raised his brow, smirking. James laughed and slapped him on the back.
"Alright Ares, you win this time. But remember, If we become family that means you'll have me Remus and Sirius in your house everyday." He said smiling. Sirius and Remus smirked evily at him and Remus waved his fingers.That made Ares pale. "Honey. Is it to late to cancel the contract?".
Estella and Lily laughed. Clearly Ares never thought about it, when he offered the contract. Life with The Potters and The Marauders is bound to be hectic. Maybe it's time to stock on a few Calming Draughts....
They'll probably gonna need them.