The Betrothal

“When you say the worst…what do you mean?” Harry questions.

“I couldn’t tell you Harry. I was a teacher not a student.” Remus shrugs.

Harry turns to the twins.

“Sorry Harry, we aren’t considered a part of the purebloods even if we are technically. We don’t get to hear all the gossip.” The twins admit.

“Oh I know! We should ask Nevile when we’re on the train. He’s a pureblood, he should know.” Hermione suggests.

“Great, now I just have to wait a few more days to learn exactly what everyone thinks of me.” Harry groans.

#####

Marvolo’s POV

Marvolo sits in the living room with Narcissa, Severus and young Draco as his company. They are waiting for Lucius to return to the manner after he got called away for a sudden Wizengamot meeting. Marvolo isn’t partaking in the polite and friendly conversation happening between Draco and Severus over what potions they’ll be learning next in school. And he isn’t joining Narcissa in the arts of embroidery not matter how many times she tells him that he has the hands and temperament for it.

No Instead he’s sat thinking about Harry Potter. It’s not the first time his mind has been consumed by the thought of the teenager. But previously his thoughts had been over taken with the best ways to lure the boy out and kill him. Now, his thoughts are far more complex. Far more sane, he is far more sane. And he had better be with how expensive the ingredients for the potion Severus made him were.

It had taken barely a second after Harry had fled from the cemetery for Marvolo to realise just how damaged his brain and body were. It was as if when Harry was present his mind was clouded and the moment the boy was gone he was able to think again. It had confused him greatly and as a result he’d called for Severus the moment school was done for the year.

He’d set Severus on finding a way for him to get his mind and body back. Severus had created a potion to clear his mind and heal his body which needed to be made on the new moon, symbolising rebirth. The moment he’d woken the next day after a night filled with screaming as his body and mind mended itself, he’d realised his mistakes. Creating one horcrux was a stupid, arrogant and childish decision, making so many more afterwards…complete and utter idiocy.

As a result he’d rounded up as many of his horcruxes as he could. He’d personally retrieved the Gaunt family ring from the shack, whilst he’d sent for Regulus, his perfectly hidden away spy, to bring him the Slytherin locket. Narcissa had accessed her sisters bank vault and gotten the cup of Helga Hufflepuff and Severus had the diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw.

Marvolo had been furious to learn that his diary had been destroyed. It was the first horcrux he’d made and therefore the largest part of him. Lucius had apologised profusely for his fuck up and it was only because of Marvolo’s new sanity that he’d allowed him to keep his life. Once he’d rounded up all of his horcruxes he’d made a decision to keep the small piece of his soul within Nagini, she was his familiar and most trusted companion. As long as she lives, so will he.

He’d done a ritual to rejoin his souls to himself and once completed he’d felt more whole than he had since he was a child. But as a result all of his past actions had taken on a horrifying hue and all of his future actions had to change. So he’d changed them, created new plans and worked on getting himself back into the world. Regulus and Barty were currently travelling around the world, creating the perfect cover story for him.

But all of the planning that he was doing left him with one massive problem. Harry Potter. He’d tried to kill the boy as a babe, did kill his parents. His actions horrifying especially as his original aim was to help and heal the wixen world, not kill off hundreds of wixen society. Magical children were rare, rarer now after the war, and should be treasured. And he’d tried to kill one.

As a result he was no longer sure what to do about the boy. He was prophesied to be his doom and yet he was also magically bound, betrothed to one of his own. Granted from what he’d heard from Draco there wouldn’t be much love lost, but it’s the principle of it. Marvolo doesn’t want anymore wixen blood on his hands unless he can help it and Harry’s would be. Thankfully the thoughts circling around his head cease when Lucius comes strolling into the room.

“How was the Wizengamot meeting Lucius? Anything of importance or just the Minister throwing his weight around again?” Marvolo inquires.

Lucius pauses as he moves to sit down on the seat, finally he allows himself to sit in the chair. Marvolo watches Lucius watch them. The pause has the other three looking over as well. Narcissa puts her embroidery down and rests her hand on Lucius’ forearm. That seems to break Lucius out of his silent panic because he proceeds to sit back in a more relaxed manner.

“A bit of both actually.” Lucius starts. “Severus, you told us about Potter’s case of underage magic.”

“Are you telling me that the Minister decided to call a Wizengamot session over that boy blatantly breaking the rules?” Severus asks.

Marvolo finds it hard to decipher the mans tone. It sounds like a mix of incredulous and something he can’t put his finger on. Severus’ blank face does not help him discern what the man is feeling either. Marvolo is finding it harder and harder to trust Severus as it’s clear that the man is hiding something.

“Yes. That is exactly what I’m telling you. And I learnt quite a bit from it.” Lucius continues.

“Oh? Do tell Lucius.” Marvolo instructs.

“First, came the unexpected surprise of the boy wearing wixen clothing. I’ve seen him previously and he’s always wearing muggle grab. Granted the wixen clothing he was wearing were several seasons old but he managed to pull them off and look like an actual member of our society. Then he entered with a lawyer. Not just any lawyer either. Miss Aurora Vane. She’s an excellent lawyer, does amazing research and always knows just how to spin things to get her clients acquitted.” Lucius states.

“And from my understanding, very expensive. Harry should only have access to his school funds which is not enough for a lawyer of her caliber. So how’s he paying for her?” Severus inquires.

“I shall get to it. In a moment but first I have a question. Were you aware that his name, his full name is Hadrian James Potter?” Lucius questions.

“No, all of his files at Hogwarts say Harry Potter, though I suppose it does make a certain amount of sense, he is part of the sacred twenty-eight.” Severus says calmly.

“Wouldn’t that mean that all of his schooling is invalid?” Draco asks.

“As long as his tests, this year and when he takes his NEWT’s, say his proper name then he should be fine.” Narcissa answers before asking, “Why aren’t you surprised about his name?”

“You forget mother, that his full name is written out on our betrothal contract…Did…Did Harry not know his own name?” Draco queries.

“Not according to what he told Dumbledore, no, but we’ll get to that.” Lucius give his son a look. “Miss Vane called out the Minister on making the case a Wizengamot trial and then it was revealed that Hadrian is in fact emancipated.”

“How?” Marvolo leans forwards in intrigue.

How on Earth did Harry…no, Hadrian, manage to get the Ministry to sign off on that?

“It would appear that your plan to give yourself a body again had some side effects, my lord. Hadrian was a contestant in the Triwizard tournament, something that has rules in place stating only those 17 and up can participate. When his name came out of the goblet and the Ministry did not disqualify him, he was considered of age by lady Magick herself. Or at least that’s what I believe to have happened considering the goblins themselves got involved.” Lucius explains.

“But that would make him Lord Potter, wouldn’t it?” Draco inquires.

That may have some serious consequences for Marvolo. If Hadrian were to attempt to stop him now, he’ll have access to more options. Money can buy a great many things and the Potters were known to be very rich. Maybe he was too hasty in absorbing most of his horcruxes. Then again Marvolo has access to the Slytherin accounts now and not just his followers accounts. The Slytherin accounts make the Potter’s ones look empty by comparison.

“It does. Then the Minister tried to state that Lord Potter had broken worse laws as a result. But Miss Vane explained that the muggle with which Lord Potter used magic around was in fact a member of the family that raised him and therefore already knew about magic.” Lucius stops and waits, his gaze settled on Severus.

“No.” Severus states, “No, I was told that Harry was raised surrounded by magic. By long lost family members of the Potters. He couldn’t have been…the only muggles that could have taken him in was Petunia and her husband! That couldn’t…” Severus is getting louder as he goes on, confusing Marvolo greatly.

“Severus.” Marvolo says making the man stop and look over, it causes Marvolo to see the panic in the mans eyes. “Explain.”

His tone is cold, steely. The amount of fear that Severus is showing for a boy he supposedly despises is…uncharacteristic.

“Dumbledore himself assured everyone after the Potter’s had died that Harry had been placed with a magical family. A distant relative that could teach him magic and spoil him rotten.” Severus states.

“According to Miss Vane, the Minister knew that Hadrian was placed with his muggle relatives.” Lucius informs.

“I guess that would explain some of his behaviors if he was raised by Petunia and her pig of a husband.” Severus hums and says no more.

But Marvolo can tell that theres more questions and thoughts brewing in the mans mind. But he lets it go…for now. He will be questioning Severus about all of this soon.

“Wait, so…he was raised by muggles.” Draco stutters, “did…did he even know about the wixen world? About our custom's?”

The ‘about me’ is silent but obvious.

“Of course he did.” Severus answers. “He must of, Dumbledore wouldn’t have allowed him to come into the world unprepared.”

“But you yourself complained about the boys lack of knowledge, Severus.” Narcissa reminds.

“No I complained, as you so helpfully put it, at his apparent lack of care for his studies.” Severus corrects. “Which makes sense if he was raised by the Dursley’s, horrid people, always thought they were better than anyone else.”

Marvolo wants to prod at that, wants to push more information out of Severus. But he decides to stay quiet, the man just unconsciously gave him the name of Hadrian’s guardians and therefore where he’s residing. That information could become helpful at a later date if Marvolo truly ends up needing Lord Potter dead.

“What happened next Lucius?” Marvolo inquires.

“The Minister asked why Hadrian would cast the Patronus charm but Miss Vane sidestepped that question with ease. She then asked if she could question the Wizengamot.” Lucius informs with a small smile tugging at his lips.

Marvolo watches as he shares a look with his wife. Narcissa’s eyes take on a mischievous glint.

“Oh, and how did that go?” Narcissa asks.

“Tremendously well for her, the implications however are highly worrying.” Lucius admits. “She pointed out to the Wizengamot that the trace was removed when Lord Potter was considered an adult and that therefore the trial should have never come to be in the first place.”

“I’m liking this woman more and more.” Marvolo admits.

“My parents like her too.” Draco mutter quietly with an eye roll.

Marvolo just about hears him and finally the little looks between the husband and wife duo make sense to him. Miss Vane is their third. He new they had one, he left the manner to stay with the Nott’s whenever they were going to come over. He just didn’t know who it was and honestly hadn’t cared.

“Well, it’s what happened after the trial that I believe is far more interesting than what happened during.” Lucius informs.

“Please, do tell.” Marvolo prompts.

“Miss Vane went off to speak with Madam Bones and set up a meeting, meanwhile the doors to the room were unlocked and Dumbledore came rushing in. The moment Lord Potter spotted the old fool his entire demeanor changed. He went from calm and confident to nervous yet happy.” Lucius explains.

“Hiding his true feelings or finally feeling safe enough to reveal his true feelings?” Marvolo asks.

“Uncertain but I’m leaning towards the first considering the fact that Hadrian didn’t quite manage to hid his flinch when Dumbledore called him ‘boy’.” Lucius states.

Marvolo looks towards Severus. They both know that Dumbledore likes to press down on open wounds. It’s a small thing and it doesn’t necessarily mean what Marvolo is thinking, but Dumbledore has already proven that he’ll ignore child abuse. It could be nothing but the implication of something can’t be ignored. Severus himself is looking a tad concerned too, but more like he’s trying to not think of what that could mean. The man seems to have a massive blind spot when it comes to Hadrian, far too focused on what the boy’s father did to him than the boy himself.

“Oh Severus, does the name snuffles mean anything to you?” Lucius questions.

“Yes. It’s the name Potter, the elder and his cohort used when speaking of Sirius’ animagus form. Why?” Severus inquires.

“Because Dumbledore attempted to scold Hadrian on signing a contract for a lawyer on only Miss Granger’s say so. But Hadrian corrected the old fool. Said snuffles read through it.” Lucius says.

“Which means Harry has been moved to where Sirius is staying.” Severus scowls.

“You were unaware of this change?” Marvolo asks.

“Dumbledore has kept me at arms length since you retained your body my lord.” Severus explains. “But there is a meeting later this evening, I’ll try to find information then. But I will be asked about what I have learnt here.”

“I’ll give you something generic but important to say to man before you leave.” Marvolo promises before turning back to Lucius, “What next?”

“Then Madam Bones and Miss Vane came over. Madam Bones almost called Hadrian Lord Potter before stopping herself, she then called him Hadrian. Dumbledore looked panicked, which seemed to heighten when Hadrian jovially informed the man that, that was in fact his full first name.” Lucius gives Marvolo a clear look.

“Which sent the Wizengamot into a frenzy because Dumbledore as his magical guardian should have known and taught him that.” Marvolo nods.

“Yes, but what made them actually become irate was when Miss Vane questioned why Dumbledore would need to be part of the meeting with Madam Bones, seeing as he is only Hadrian’s headmaster and not his magical guardian.” Lucius states.

“But he is Hadrian’s magical guardian. The whole of the wixen world knows that.” Narcissa says.

“Yes which is why everyone was shocked when Dumbledore agreed with Miss Vane that he wasn’t.” Lucius looks at all of them pointedly.

“So either he’s been lying all this time about being Potter’s Magical guardian or he’s lying to Potter about it.” Draco realises.

“Which one is the old fool trying to play?” Marvolo inquires.

“Both it would seem, because the moment Hadrian left the room he was assuring the Wizengamot that he had been holding and using the Potter seats legally. But people kept pointing out his own words and soon the old man left at quite the speed.” Lucius smirks.

“The old fool is getting senile with age it would seem.” Marvolo says.

“And his constant pushing that you’re alive is just making it worse.” Narcissa adds.

“Actually it’s just making it worse for Potter.” Draco says and all heads turn to him, “none of the newspaper articles say anything about Dumbledore. They’re all saying that it’s Potter that’s claiming you’re alive. But not one can actually quote his words, they’re just claiming things with no proof or evidence and everyone seems to be eating it up.”

“This is why I like you Draco, you pick up on the details.” Marvolo informs.

“Thank you my lord.” Draco smiles before he starts to think.

Marvolo watches as his face changes and he opens his mouth only to close it again.

“Ask, Draco.” Lucius prompts.

“Now that Harry can afford lawyers do you think he’ll sue the Daily Prophet?” Draco inquires.

“Possibly and if he’s smart he’ll also sue the woman that wrote those books.” Narcissa states.

“Doing so, however would put Dumbledore in the hot seat.” Lucius points out.

“I see no problem with that.” Draco says.

“But there could be a problem for Hadrian.” Marvolo points out. “All of his documents say Harry Potter, likely including his admission to Hogwarts, if he came out claiming anything he could get kicked out of school.”

“Like the boy even cares for school.” Severus snorts.

“The boy, is now a Lord.” Lucius reminds. “He could easily get into any other school and as he’s emancipated, he could easily move out of the country. The Ministry for all they’ve currently turned on the boy, could never let that happen. He is after all an icon here.”

“Good point Lucius. The Ministry would be devastated if he took himself and his wealth away. Possibly back to India, I hear the Potter’s origin family is still doing quite well. They may welcome him.” Marvolo nods.

“What would that mean about the betrothal?” Draco asks quietly.

“It would mean having to negotiate where you lived throughout the year.” Narcissa informs as she pats Draco on the hand.

“Is there anything else we must know about what happened today Lucius?” Marvolo questions.

“After the trial and his meeting with Madam Bones, I asked Lord Potter if his Patronus was corporeal and what shape it took if it was.” Lucius informs.

“And was it?” Marvolo inquires.

The patronus charm is one of the more difficult spells to cast, needing a memory of pure happiness to make it work. As a result many don’t believe that his death eaters and himself could cast the spell. And whilst that is true for a few of his death eaters, Marvolo found just the right memory to make it work. Though now he’s far more sane he may need to find a new memory, after all torture doesn’t hold the same joy it once did.

“Yes and it took the form of a stag.” Lucius answers.

So the teenager is quite magically strong, with the right training he could become an issue for him. From what he’s heard though, Hadrian has received no training.

“Like father like son.” Severus grumbles.

That has Marvolo thinking. The reason he’s having such a hard time determining what he’s going to do about Potter is because despite everything, he actually knows very little about the boy. Most he’s heard has been second hand information from sources that aren’t impartial. Severus is too caught up in his past, Lucius is too focused on the betrothal contract and apparent slights to his son that, from what he’s hearing, may have been completely unintentional.

Draco isn’t without his own biases but; Marvolo sends the boy a look, he’s at least somewhat open minded.

“Draco…you’re still struggling with the Patronus charm, aren’t you?” Marvolo inquires.

“Yes…” Draco answers, looking unhappy with himself.

“How do you feel about asking Hadrian to tutor you?” Marvolo questions.

“He’ll be insufferable if I ask.” Draco sighs.

“Then don’t ask. None of your friends know how to cast the spell either, correct?” Draco nods. “Have one of them inquire if Hadrian would be willing to start a study group. It’s an exam year, you could preface it as an opportunity to help each other.” Marvolo suggests.

“And what would you get out of it my lord?” Narcissa asks, never scared to face him down with simple polite questions that would have gotten her crucio’d if he had been less sane.

“I want information, as unbiased as possible, about the boy.” Marvolo answers.

“Are you going to kill him? Harry that is, are you going to kill him?” Draco questions.

Marvolo watches from the corner of his eye as Lucius tenses and Severus’ lips purse.

“I do not know, Draco.” Marvolo admits.

“Don’t get emotionally attached then.” Draco nods.

And Marvolo has to stifle his smile because it’s clear as day that Draco is already emotionally attached. Has been for years if his friends teasing means anything. The boy hides it well, Marvolo can admit that, hides it behind derision and anger. But all it does is make the hurt from Potter’s actions clear.

A popping noise brings all their attention to the house elf that’s just arrived. Marvolo does not like the way the Malfoy’s treat their elves. It reminds him a tad too much about his youth.

“Remmy tells Master, Mistress, Little Master, Master’s Master and potions Master that lunch is ready and served.” The house elf, Remmy informs.

Narcissa, Lucius and Severus stand and head towards the doors. Marvolo slowly gets up as well but he’s lagging slightly behind. As a result he hears young Draco thank the elf and tell it that it did a good job. Marvolo couldn’t be happier that his plans have changed so much, he can only think about what he would have made the young boy into had he still been insane.

#####

Remus’ POV

Remus didn’t think that under the span of a week his whole life and world view could crash down around him. He wishes he could say it started small, small enough that he didn’t notice it happening. But all the signs and information were quite large. It was like standing on train tracks and watching it come barreling towards him.

It was the many locks on the door that has a doggy door set into it, that started it. Followed by the bucket in Harry’s room. How could he not immediately figure out that Harry wasn’t being treated and raised kindly? Next it was Harry’s anger that was rather justifiable in retrospect. His anger at them, his friends and Dumbledore.

Then he learnt of Dumbledore’s lies himself and Remus had felt just as angry, which only got worse once he learnt of Molly Weasley putting mind altering potions in Harry’s food. Maybe if the potions had been of a healing nature, considering Harry was favouring one side of his body over the other, in a clear display of pain. Remus may have forgiven her for that but he still would have had a conversation about sneaking potions into others food.

But mind altering potions? No, absolutely not. There was nothing on this earth that could make Remus forgive the woman for that.

During the time before Harry’s trial, Sirius and himself were both looking for ways to get Harry away from the Dursley’s. It would be difficult, finding a family or person that they could trust to look after Harry. Then Dumbledore had come back from the trial enraged. Granted he hid it well but it was in the way he’d paced as he told everyone a doctored story on what happened.

The way he’d claimed to have been locked out of the trial, or the lie Harry and his ‘phony’ lawyer had come up with. Remus had been curious to hear Harry’s explanation because there was no way he was believing anything that came out of Dumbledore’s mouth ever again. His pup didn’t trust the man and therefore he wouldn’t either. Pack sticks together.

Harry’s explanation on how he got emancipated was eye opening and joyous. His pup would no longer need to stay with the Dursley’s. He was emancipated, as long as he lived in the wixen world he’d be considered an adult and old enough to choose were he’d live. It was perfect, now all Remus had to do was find a place for the three of them to live safely. Because there was no way they would be staying permanently in this house. Not with all of Sirius’ old ghosts living here too.

But none of that can be focused on right now, instead Remus is focused on the people at the meeting. None of the children are present including the twin and Harry, despite all three being considered adults now. Remus stayed standing in the corner of the room as everyone welcomed each other and smiled at the sight of their friends and old battle partners. Remus is waiting for someone, someone he hasn’t truly spoken too in years despite the time they briefly worked together.

Remus understands why Severus is so angry with him, he did almost kill him because his best friend was an idiot who couldn’t see when enough was enough. And then the next day when Remus had been told of what happened he didn’t choose Severus’ side like he should have. He’d been scared and just as stupid, he’d worried what life would be like for himself if he’d condemned Sirius for his actions and lost all of his friends, if he’d chosen a Slytherin over a Gryffindor. And as a result he’d lost the first boy he’d ever fallen in love with.

But now is not the time to think of the past, now is the time to think of the present because a lot has changed in the last year or months. Remus truly isn’t sure when the change happened but before the summer holidays Harry had been as starstruck about Dumbledore as the rest of them had been. And now he hates the man with a passion and is slowly but surely opening others eyes to the mans lies too. Remus wants to know what changed but mostly he wants to know that Harry will be safe at school.

Because for all the knowledge that Hogwarts is the safest place in England, Remus knew that Dumbledore as headmaster, could easily make Harry’s life difficult. More difficult than it apparently has already been, considering the grumblings he’s heard from Hermione on the teachers failings.

Soon enough Severus arrives, robe billowing behind him as he makes his way into the room and towards the corner he’s designated as his. Remus wishes he could speak with him now but soon enough Dumbledore calls the meeting to start.

“As I’m sure some of you have heard, Harry’s trial happened today and he has been found innocent.” Dumbledore starts.

Little cheers echo around the room and Remus catches Severus rolling his eyes like being here physically pains him.

“I heard you were locked out of the trial room.” Moody states, “How’d he beat the charges?”

“He hired Miss Vane.” Tonks sneers.

“Ah, she certainly knows how to make our work harder for us. Nice woman, I like her.” Moody nods.

“She was a Slytherin.” Tonks huffs.

“And so was your mother,” Sirius points out.

Severus raises an eyebrow at Sirius defending a Slytherin but forces a scowl when he catches Remus looking at him.

“Yes yes, now let’s move on…”Dumbledore states.

The meeting continues on and on, most discussions being spoken in circles as people bickered and argued their points. Some wished to just storm the Malfoy, Nott and Crouch manners to take out Voldemort. Others argued that a more subtle approach was needed. At certain points Dumbledore would jump in to calm thing down slightly but Remus also noticed the way the man just watched the chaos and even stoked it sometimes.

At some point Dumbledore asked for a update from Severus himself on Voldemort and his plans. It was interesting what Severus told them. He’d healed the man from his snake-like visage. Voldemort once again looked like a man and not a monster. Remus couldn’t help but wonder if Severus had also healed his mind and made him act less like a monster too. Dumbledore seemed annoyed at Severus’ briefing, suggesting that next time Severus should tell him something new.

The fact that Dumbledore already knew of this change but didn’t tell any of them was infuriating, how would they manage to kill the monster masquerading as a man if they didn’t know what he looked like?

Dumbledore had at a point in the meeting brought up recruitment again and had asked Remus to go to the werewolf packs and try to get some new recruits there. Remus had denied the man. That’s what he had been doing when James and Lily were killed, when the war stopped. No one had reached out to him until weeks later and by that time Sirius was imprisoned and Harry was gone. He’d completely lost his pack and his family. Remus knew it likely wouldn’t happen again but he was not risking it.

Finally the meeting wrapped up and people started conversing as Dumbledore himself left to deal with school business before it opened back up again for the students. With everyone around him distracted, Remus made his way over to Severus. He could tell the man knew he was walking over with the way his already tense frame became even tenser. Remus hated that this is what they had become. He missed the times they were closer.

“What do you want Lupin?” Severus asks, clearly annoyed at is very presence by the way he’s refusing to even turn his head slightly to look at him.

“Can we talk for a moment? Privately.” Remus pleads and tries not to fidget.

Severus’ head snaps towards him as he gives Remus a sharp look.

“Fine.” The wizard agrees like the very word pains him.

Remus nods and quickly casts a muffliato charm around them so no one else can hear what they talk about. He does not need his words being relayed to Dumbledore.

“It’s about Harry.” Remus admits.